Glen,

To be politically correct, Happy Holidays to You.

Yes, it does make sense that people know how to act during a tsunami warning and to take the appropriate steps to insure their safety. It is different from earthquake safety; but a preparatory stage as well. And though the probabilities of using a tsunami evacuation route are far less than duck, cover and hold in an earthquake, this message is louder and more distinct. However, there has already been a review of what went wrong the last time and I don't know if those living along the North Coast have been given a re-education on what to do; but they should do it soon and more than once.

You know Glen, the world cannot survive without war. There are no war mediators. Maybe there should be some, but today maybe no one wants one yet? You know what I mean? We aren't there yet. A good example for all of us is when we really feel as though someone were pushing every button we had and we were at the last one, as it were. Then the other person just has to push. As we are common citizens we cannot declare war on that person and their territory. (Their abode). So when you imagine the leaders of countries having their buttons pushed, well, they will declare war and they will attempt to get even. Which is politically said, "we will afford your citizens something better than you, we will give them democracy." Never mind whether they want it or not, by golly they are going to have it and that's the last word.

I had a think on whether the world would have more or less wars if more women were in power some time ago. I decided it probably wouldn't make any difference at all, because it's a human condition, not a gender based condition. I feel fairly certain, I could pick up the red phone for instance and make that all too important phone call. But I wouldn't give them a democracy. I wouldn't give them anything. If I'm going to blow them up, I'm sure as you know what, not going to pay to restore the place. That would be totally out of the question.

Life is so funny sometimes. Totally crazy and off the wall. I can't recall which world leader it was who said this, but maybe it's right, "You are such a silly people." Perhaps we are. I hope in 2006 that all of the troops will come home and have no need to go back out, especially for disaster relief. May there be no major earthquakes, no massive loss of life, no major suffering anywhere in the world and may John V find he can embrace Seattle and love the Emerald City as much or more than LA. May Chris write the paper of a lifetime and be awarded some kind of citation for it. Or just be so darn busy with really good work that he's happy all year long. May Roger too find that no sooner than one program is developed and in use that a request for the next one arrives. For Don, I hope there is an ultimate beer out there that works really good with him and prediction. I hope Canie makes it through another semester and passes in the top of her classes. For me, I want the RCF to deliver something in a truly goodly felt earthquake and I want to be home and awake to understand the process of what happened, but moreso, to know it was going to happen in plenty of time. Maybe Don could be here when it happens too. It's hard to have an earthquake alone. It's like rare champagne, one should always have a good reason to drink it and never, ever alone.

Maybe we should ask everyone to post their greatest desire for 2006. Let it begin with you Glen, what's on your wish list?

Petra