Hi Michael,

I know first hand that some in the earthquake forecasting community guard their own methods with a near-religious zealotry. I'm not talking about the Shans of the world, who have a theory that he thinks works, hold it close to his breast, and sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn't. I'm talking about others in the field itself, like Lowell Whiteside, who is a *wonderful* person, but still keeps his method secret but to only a few. I can understand a scientist wanting to keep his/her methodology private while in testing mode. Through a third party, I was once told the mechanics of his schema, but will not repeat what I was told. Let's just say I'm sure I was given the lay person's account of it, probably something sketchy at best.

I'm not a scientist and it sounds as if you are, so bear with me re: some of my questions. I'm just trying to get a better handle on all of this. I actually love it that so many scientists are on this forum. Helps keep things logical, and I've never felt condescended to, which is nice.

Now, if you watch Schroedinger's Cat taking a nap, does it get as many Zzzzzzzzs?

Cathryn