In the midst of a lecture I gave to the Chemistry Department at LLNL, I had
just turned to a slide, when I heard a rocking sound and noticed the
chandeliers were doing a bump and grind. I knew of course it was an
earthquake, and instead of lying flat on the floor, I along with most of my
audience streamed outdoors, to safety, as it turned out. I heard later that
some people, especially residents of mobile homes, refused to return to their
abodes for a few days.
At home my extensive bookcases tumbled over, spilling their contents
helter-skelter. Ever since, I have fastened them to the walls.

A week or two later, I gave my talk again in the same auditorium. When I
came to the part where chaos had reigned, I took a deep breath. Fortunately,
the earthquake god was appeased, and I completed my talk without
interruption.

Albert J. Rothman
Livermore