Hi Petra -

I'm not sure where you are going to try to get funding for preparedness programs. I know it can be disappointing if you are going through the scientific community. Its not their job to fund for preparedness, its their job to figure out how the planet works. And then, with that information, others can use it to do such things as design better buildings, warn the people to be prepared, etc.

I know Kerry Sieh believes we can live with earthquakes safely if we are smart about our engineering and remediation - things like not building on a fault and engineering buildings to withstand the shaking. I'm sure he's not alone in his beliefs. The scientists are doing the research to find out how it all works so that we the consumer can learn to live within Mother Nature's set of rules.

As for earthquake prediction, it takes more than a few years. I've been searching and researching since 1996. I've seen some great people like yourself come and go. Its not something that will get solved in a mere 3 years. Its going to take many. Earthquake prediction is considered impossible, yet many still pursue it. It takes time, knowledge and patience and perseverance to do the impossible or to make progress in any direction towards such a goal. For myself I decided the only way to personally work towards the goal is to get smart about it - if I want to work with the scientists, then I must understand what they do. So, I'm back at school - this spring I will have completed all the lower division courses and general education that's required before I can get to the 'meat' of the subject of geology and quakes. I still need to take a few more goodies such as calculus and chemistry and physics before I'm really ready to sink my teeth into any geophysics or structural geology. I've got 3 more years of schooling (or so) before I can ever think I have a basis for now being able to work with the scientists.

I do think that there are 'earth-sensitives' - Your eartones, other's physical symptoms. I have a very good long time friend who suffers symptoms prior to earthquakes that take lives - we just don't know how to locate her symptoms as to location. We just know its on the way once the symptoms start. She gets release when the quake happens (usually within a week). The problem with these methods is that there is only a minute portion of the population that receives these signals. These people have to have a proven track record before you can use their info reliably. It takes a long time to determine the accuracy of such methods to any degree of success. But once proven, they do need a place to go to tell their tale.

I've seen people here with wonderful methods that worked - Impo Faber (died in the last year or 2), Dennis Gentry, Your Eartones, other's eartones, also a few who still post to the earthwaves mail list (and I'm sure I've missed a few). I've also seen you all give up. Its a shame really. Since 1996 there has been progress. I think the most promising is the ULF/ELF, as well as GPS stations installed everywhere.

I'm not sure what Lowell is doing - the group he was working with in conjunction with Don presented some amazing data on predicting quakes. Is it this group that wants money for predicting? If they have a reliable method they have to get funding somehow to feed themselves and their families.

As to your fieldwork - the reports are interesting and I know I've enjoyed reading them. I'm sorry you don't feel acknowledged for your legwork & writings. You should know that it is appreciated.

This board has gone thru many changes and lives of its own. I will stay here and welcome whatever direction it should take. We will surely miss your contribution. I wish you well in whatever endeavor you pursue in life. You will always be welcome here.

Canie