Hi Michael and All,

Jim Berkland does not sell his earthquake predictions. He has a newsletter which he publishes and he charges a minimal fee for this publication. He not only includes his monthly forecast but other stories that are interesting and poetry of which he is a marvelous poet. His web site was costing him considerably for years and the money came out of his pocket. The publications just help defray that cost a little.

Jim Berkland like many scientists has his own Seismic Windows Theory and some of the time it works and other times it doesn't. But if you look at the positive aspects of what he has done over time, I think we should provide him with a little more support. He has brought earthquake prediction into the realm of public thinking, and along with that safety issues have always been one of his main concerns. So don't throw this scientists work out with the bath water, he's made a very valuable contribution over time.

On the personal side, I've spent some time with him and I can say, if he is your friend, you'll never have a better one. He's kind, has an exhuberating personality, is funny and is a regular church goer. When I've needed prayers, he's asked his congregation to pray for me. God knows the needs have been endless, but he prays for me none-the-less.

I don't mind people talking about his statistical records, but I'd like to ask those who don't know him personally to save sitting in judgment on him. He is a most wonderful person and my friend.

Petra