Hi Canie,

I have to say I agree with you. There is a tremendous need for information to understand so many fault behaviors, it would be difficult trying to find the right combination for every fault, all over the world. Just looking at Parkfield should give everyone a fairly good understanding of how difficult it is, even with smaller quakes and scientists have plenty of data to work with and so do we via Internet viewing.

I think we have to face the realization that many over decades have predicted earthquakes and some of them with phenomenal success and yet others will claim they can, but never produce a shred of evidence. This is where I think it becomes murky. While I don't really expect someone to give me their secret formula, I do like to see people at least stick to predicting them ahead of time and in the format set out which is acceptable. This at least sorts out the wheat from the chaff.

However, there are other matters which must we address, while we are waiting for these earthquakes. I think after two school disasters this year, some emphasis worldwide should be placed to review school building safety. Of course that includes those in America as well as abroad. Hopefully one which should be given priority attention.

Unfortunately, there seems to be few avenues open at this time to put a real push on earthquake safety awareness. I like to think that not everyone has to run out and buy a kit, but rather become aware of potential problem areas when they move about from place to place in their daily lives. Though I don't like to wish for a plethora of moderate quakes to place a reminder in front of everyone that we do live in earthquake country, unfortunately without those little reminders, they simply forget about it. It's a natural thing, but not a healthy one. Waiting in the wings are earthquake safety efforts which will come about for the anniversary of the 1906 Great San Francisco earthquake. I just hope they are not too late in their efforts.

Thanks for the post.....Petra