Thanks Steve,

I've only ever seen one really good presentation at AGU. Just one. It comes from a background of watching presentations of everything imaginable as well as watching political speeches as well. When a person really believes in what they are saying and they know their material the enthusiasm delivered by the presenter is absolutely phenomenal. I'm like that too. When people meet me I have a rather kinetic energy and people catch it and it's like this bit of magic that happens. Actually, there's no magic it's just that I love to meet people and I'm not standoffish either. I love everybody and I'm really big on the hug too. I'd love to run for political office, except it would take time away from persuading people that earthquakes can be predicted and that earthquake safety is an absolute must. And unfortunately when I see people standing in front of making progress it rather irritates me. And such was the case when John Ebel was in charge of the SSA. He refused to give me a space in the Opinion Letters section as only people who are invited can give their opinions, therefore they are solicited opinions, not necessarily the best opinions. After some discussion he acquiesced and let me have some space in the News section. I'm not sure, but I may be the only non-scientist to be granted space there.

I couldn't say for sure, but I have a feeling by the end of this year another person who only wants to see things that don't work might entertain the idea of asking someone who knows how to make things work have a chit chat with him. It's so much better to shake hands, roll up your sleeves and go to work than to throw up your hands and say it can't be done. I don't have to answer to anyone because I'm not funded, but if one is taking money to accomplish a task, then they have a responsibility to make sure the task is done. It's called accountability and I've discussed that with him already. He's well aware of my position.

The SSA is a good org, but not as large as some because it's to pricey for what you get. And they should move their office before a 5.8 comes along and makes it a pile of rubble. But you know, they don't believe in earthquake safety, so what can I say. Science may be changing, but changing common knowledge sometimes leaves people in places they shouldn't be during earthquakes.

Petra