First of all - I nominate Lowell to write the Earthquake Almanac. He has a tremendous wealth of information on quakes, as does Don, Petra, Canie and a myriad of other persons posting here. I've read about every post that has been listed in the last three weeks.

I've been an observant reader of this board for at least the last two years. Digging for information here is a little like when my clients dig for information about what will happen in court. I have a reasonable idea, but anything could happen. They want more. Sometimes, I can't give them more than that.

I came back to visit this place because, as long as a month ago, I just had a feeling that something was brewing.

I know that the Calexico quake and aftershocks may fit some normal pattern. But, does the movement of the activity? Further, when you look at the big picture of what is happening in California, I personally find the activity incredible. Though quakes south of the Bay Area are normal, they are happening simultanously with the activity in the Baja/North Shore Region. Looking at the map - the San Andreas Fault connects the dots. There are other factors: the present nearness of the moon (i.e. perigean tide sequence) and centuries of unrelieved stress on the San Andreas.

Is it just me, or does this spell impending major activity?

I'm actually not asking that as an actual question. As I mentioned before, know one could certainly know, and it's even an unfair question for a professional in this arena. On the other hand, maybe it's a little like the definition of pornography . . . I know it when I see it. As a matter of fact, I personally feel so sure that we are going to have a major quake, I've stashed an appreciable amount of cash, quake proofed the house, and we have counseled out young daughter on what exactly to do in the event of this very violent natural disaster. (Somewhere in the back of my head, "Fort Tejon" keeps ringing out its name.)

I personally think that word should go out for people to prepare for something major. Unfortunately, for professionals in this area, a publicly bum prediction is met with undue ridicule (which is equally unfair).

I guess all I can say is that I wish everyone take care and be prepared. You're a good bunch of people and the mission here is quite honorable.

Tony