Hi Don,

With an ounce of common sense, which I believe our scientific community practices daily, frivilous predictions are set aside as they should be. Unfortunately, sometimes those frivilous predictions get a lot of media hype and then our scientists have to go to work and counter those unsubstantiated claims.

We just have to face the facts sometimes that not all people possess common sense and they just love getting attention for claiming big earthquakes are going to strike the planet with no solid background in making those claims.

The good news is that scientists and government workers don't take this information seriously, but they are serious about debunking those who make wild claims. In earthquake prediction we do have checks and balances and its a good thing because there is no reason to worry people unnecessarily.

Petra