Geologist's Theories Validated Days Before Death

By Cal Orey

Days before the unconventional American scientist's passing, national news headlines read:
"Some earthquakes on San Andreas fault are triggered by gravitational tug of of sun and moon" -- 
This theory is exactly what Jim Berkland, the "maverick geologist" (who predicted the SF quake that hit near the SAF on October 17, 1989 ) had been saying for decades... He was right, after all. He made a difference. His theories are immortalized.

And he is smiling in the hereafter. 

UPDATE:  After dozens of attempts with the "editors" my words below remain on the website. I can see Jim saying: "Good job!"  He was like a surrogate father to me: a man who loved nature, swimming, dogs, and traveling. I miss him... and will not forget our last conversation. I knew I was losing my dear friend... For more than three decades we bonded through articles and a book I wrote about him. The time was fading as the man's time left on Earth. And I cried.

Jim Berkland

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

James O. "Jim" Berkland was a California [geologist] [1] (July 31, 1930-July 22, 2016) noted for his claims of predicting various earthquakes, including the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake and 1994 Northridge Earthquake [The Man Who Predicts Earthquakes, pages 103-104] and popularizing the concept that some people are earthquake sensitive. He was celebrated in a popular 2006 book as "The Man Who Predicts Earthquakes"; The book includes a chapter that notes: "Many of Berkland's theories--based on tides, moons, disoriented pets, lost cats and dogs, and magnetic field changes--were factors in the great Indian Ocean quake-tsunami disaster on December 26, 2004." [The Man Who Predicts Earthquakes, pages 144-160] but neither his methods nor his predictions have been published in any scientific journal. His results have been disputed, and other scientists have called him a crank^[1] and a clown.^[2]

James O. "Jim" Berkland''' was a fearless, unconventional geologist (85, passed July 22, 2016) who thought outside of the box despite what his conservative peers thought or did. He was noted for his countless "hits" of predicting various earthquakes, including the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake and Northridge earthquake--and not to forget there was a Full Moon on December 26, 2004, the day of the unforgettable Indian Ocean Earthquake-Tsunami. And he popularized the concept that some people--and animals--are earthquake sensitive.

Pets Predict Quakes? 

He was celebrated in a popular 2006 book as "The Man Who Predicts Earthquakes: Jim Berkland, Maverick Geologist: How His Quakes Warnings Can Save Lives", but his peers were often skeptical of the scientist's theories, including lunar cycles, tides, and animals sensing Earth changes before an earthquake.

Days before his death, scientists came forward in a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences  and claimed there is a link to the moon/sun/tides and earthquakes, including the San Andreas Fault Zone. 

One week after his passing, I discovered that Jim was aware of these "new" findings--but the visionary knew it to true for decades. (As his biographer I got it all too well when interviewing his conservative peers and how they ignored his ideas, predictions, and successes). 

Despite the controversy about the "man"'s talents for predicting earthquakes, there is documentation of the geologist's dozens of accurate earthquake predictions ''and'' theories immortalized in numerous national newsapers, and magazine articles (including stories I've penned in national magazines Woman's World, CATS, and Dog World; msnbc.com (now nbc.com) San Jose Mercury News and Tahoe Daily Tribune) and in "The Man Who Predicts Earthquakes: Jim Berkland, Maverick Geologist: How His Quake Warnings Can Save Lives."

Geologist Jim Berkland Died July 22; His Quake Theories Live On

TODAY'S FORECAST: MOSTLY SUNNY, 80% CHANCE OF EARTHQUAKE

By Cal Orey

Days before octogenarian, geologist Jim Berkland passed, scientists made the news. It was said that yes, it's true: There is a link between the moon/tides/animals and earthquakes. This is exactly what the scientist had been trying to get across to his peers for decades. He died knowing he made a difference--and was spot-on. A tribute to the man will be published in my Earth Changes column (Oracle 20-20) in October--in honor of the man who forecasted the Loma Prieta major earthquake that rumbled through the San Francisco Bay Area...

What if you knew an earthquake was coming? Would you put away your valuable breakables, get together emergency supplies, remember to duck and cover?  Of course you would, because the safety of you and yours come first.

Earthquakes result in millions of dollars in damage each year. In the U.S., earthquakes pose significant risk to 75 million people in 39 states. Earthquakes may not be preventable but they are predictable.  You can learn to familiarize yourself with the warning signs of an earthquake and be prepared before it strikes.

Knowing when an earthquake is coming and properly preparing for it can help prevent serious injuries and save lives.

Even scientists using the most advanced and pricey technology have proven to be no match for Mother Nature. In many cases, the best information out there is off the beaten path--knowledge only recognizable by someone whose passion is prediction.

Enter Jim Berkland.  He is the only American scientist to predict and name a major quake. His forecast of the infamous October 17, 1989 World Series Quake that rumbled through the San Francisco Bay Area was right on the money. He also accurately predicted at least 6 other significant quakes around the world.

Many of Berkland's theories--based on tides, moon cycles, disoriented animals, and magnetic field changes--were factors in the great Indian Ocean quake-tsunami disaster on December 26, 2004. Since scientists admit they aren't able to predict earthquakes, is it really so far-fetched to monitor lost cats and dogs, check a calendar for dates of full and new moons, watch erratic tidal changes?  Berkland doesn't think so. He hopes that someday earthquake warnings will be announced along with the weather and could save countless lives around the world.

The book The Man Who Predicts Earthquakes by Cal Orey provides intuitive insight into this man's passion for predicting quakes and his methods. In this groundbreaking book you will get cutting-edge advice about do-it-yourself quake warnings and earthquake preparedness. This book makes the information Berkland has found through a lifetime of study available to the public. It's an intriguing collection of survivors' testimonials, regionally specific quake information, preparation tips, earthquake cover-ups, and more. The book's publication coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.

Jim Berkland was a maverick geologist who worked many years for the U.S. Geological Survey. He was also the first County Geologist for Santa Clara County in Northern California. He was a popular guest on many network news programs and talk shows on the subject of earthquake prediction. He resided in Glen Ellen, California.

Both geologist Berkland and author Orey have been guests on Coast to Coast AM, KSFO, The Jeff Rense Program, PBS, and will be viewed on National Geographic channel's program "Chasing Earthquakes," as well as countless Barnes and Noble bookstores up and down the West Coast.

A Timeless Book: 

The Man Who Predicts Earthquakes: Jim Berkland, Maverick Geologist--How His Quake Warnings Can Save Lives

By Cal Orey

ISBN 1-59181-036-1

$16.95

SCIENCE/BIOGRAPHY

Distributed by Sentient Publications

300 pages

www.barnesandnoble.com

www.amazon.com 

www.sentientpublications.com 

10 DIY Vinegar Chill Out Home Cures

10 DIY Summertime Home Cures

(Plus Two Must-haves to Chill Out)

By Cal Orey

“Age does not diminish the extreme disappointment of having a scoop of ice cream fall from the cone.”-- Jim Fiebig

I'm feeling the heat of summer and trying to go with the flow of it all... Tomorrow, on July 22, we will be witnessing the Total Solar Eclipse--a powerful Earth event around the globe. And during this New Moon cycle it will intensify home, family, and taking care of you and yours, whether Mother Nature tosses us a curve ball (or not) before, during, or after a superb meal chock-full of fine food.

Tonight, as the Author-Intuitive, I will be a guest on Captain Jack's Paranormal Radio Program. It's my job to dish out the latest recipe for what Earth changes--quakes to big waves--may or may not happen now or in the upcoming months.

It's a task to think fine food when Mother Nature is on a mega mission, of sorts. I get excited and well, cooking up a gourmet meal isn't first and foremost on my To Do list. Still, that doesn't mean olive oil and vinegar doesn't play a role in my life (or yours) during the summer. Let's face it: If you're hit by one of these pesky summer-related ailments, gourmet food will be put on the back burner till you're back to normal.

During the season of fun in the hot sun (and the Total Solar Eclipse), you may fall victim to some unpleasant but treatable health ailments or even an ER disaster. Olive oil and vinegar are the cure-alls. If it doesn’t specify which type of vinegar to use, go ahead and use your own preference: an apple cider vinegar, a red wine vinegar, or a white vinegar--even herbal vinegars such as rosemary can help you snag a tick on you or your pooch.

Pre-Order everywhere
NEXT MONTH
ARRIVES! 3rd Edition

(Personally, I prefer Bragg's vinegar -- it's in my fridge at all times as well as the pantry. And it's no secret that I love Sciabicia's olive oils from California.) So the bottom line: When I'm stressed out by summer heat and woes I simply chill with fine fun-loving dogs and a killer gourmet ice cream cone. It worked when I was a kid and it works now, too.

· Antibacterial Hand Wash: To avoid getting the flu, especially if you travel, pour 2 parts apple cider vinegar, 1 part antibacterial soap and 1 part extra virgin olive oil in a handy soap dispenser.

· Diaper Rash: Use 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil with 1 teaspoon of water. Shake these two ingredients until you get a pasty emulsion, a sort of cream read to be spread on the irritated area.

· Hot Flashes: Take 1 or 2 tablespoons of olive oil per day. Or, drizzle a tablespoon or 2 on five serving of vegetables daily. (Include asparagus, beans, carrots, corn, dried seaweed, garlic, green pepper, onions, squash, and yams.)

· Insect and Bee Stings: Make yourself more comfortable in a homemade paste from vinegar and cornstarch. Apply it directly to the bumps and blisters.

· Muscle Aches: Warm 1 cup of olive oil in the microwave. Apply it as a massage oil. (If you have a significant other, this can be delightful. But doing it solo can work, too.)

· Poison Ivy and Oak: Try mixing equal parts vinegar and rubbing alcohol and apply to rash. Or mix equal parts buttermilk, vinegar, and salt and apply.

· Sunburn: Apply ice cold apple cider vinegar immediately for fast relief.

· Swimmer’s Ear: To protect against ear infections from swimming pools, a popular folk remedy to try is using a mixture of one part white vinegar to one part rubbing alcohol.

· Toenail Fungus: Distilled vinegar is believed to prevent fungus from growing. Try soaking your toes in a solution of vinegar and water, using 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water, 15 minutes per day.

· Universal Emergency: Purchase a large can of extra virgin olive oil and plastic jug of apple cider vinegar, and store it with your emergency supplies. During Mother’s Nature’s wrath, from tornadoes and hurricanes to fires and earthquakes, it’s good to have a universal cure-all product on hand.

Adapted from The Healing Powers of Vinegar and The Healing Powers of Olive Oil by Cal Orey, published by Kensington.

Healing Powers Series Author Books Alaska B&N Signing

By Cal Orey

I believe in signs. I believe in timing. I believe you are where you're supposed to be. This summer I've been at home in my rustic cabin but traveling via mind through Tea Land. While my long trip is coming to an end come next month something happened yesterday that caught me by surprise, sort of...

Mountains-City (perfect pairing)

While I'd been thinking about traveling somewhere (especially to promote The Healing Powers of Vinegar, 3rd edition) I couldn't decide where to go. I've done Canada many times and I feel Seattle is my second home. The Barnes and Noble in Cleveland invited me to come for a discussion/signing; but once I discovered it was a long trek onward to Toronto, Canada (a place I hitch and hiked to back in my 20s), I passed.

Nearly 1/4 million sold of
past editions

Like Lake Tahoe, but Alaska

Booked tour to see a moose and wildlife

As I continued writing the final parts for my TEA book I figured the Barnes and Noble bookstore who wanted me to come to talk and sign my new book would determine where I'd go. After all, I had saved flight miles (from a missed flight by one minute due to a tight connection for me and a fellow traveler coming from Alaska); and a trip prior to my birthday is something that has become tradition. Alas, Anchorage, Alaska came calling on me. The rest is history.

One round-trip booked flight, booked hotel, and almost booked cruise and tram to see moose and the wilderness in Seward is in order. I haven't the heart to tell puppy that mommy is going for a few days, nor let kitty know that he'll be on his own with my sibling.  These two are my companions when I write a book--they are by best friends. But it's time again. How does the song go: "I'm leaving on a jet plane, I don't know when I'll be back again..."  But, but, but I need this getaway. Traveling out of your comfort zone, meeting new people, relinquishing control to a plane, another country or state, and going solo is exciting and well it's happening. Yes, I'm doing my happy dance like I did back in the hitchhiking days when I was young.

Tourists at Lake Tahoe: Scene out of film Twister

By Cal Orey

Off Season Bliss

I wasn't going to blog about this hell week on Fourth of July but I'm thinking why the heck not? Welcome. Usually I am a quiet, balanced author-intuitive who writes articles and books. Three days ago, my life changed as I knew it...

As an intuitive, I sensed chaos was on its way. I prepared as I do before forecasting a mega quake swarm (2008 Reno-Tahoe) and the Angora Fire (2007) or thunderstorms (through the summer). I've done Northern California floods and blizzards before the Tahoe drought, and rough air when I choose to fly away to Canada and escape. But this Fourth of the July--is a piece of work.
On the upside, I've lost those three pesky pounds thanks to the Fourth of July Diet. Blame it on the vacationers here at the Lake. My street no longer looks like it once did. It is an Old-Tahoe-style neighborhood but the locals have managed to keep their homes clean and neat. Not so right now. Last night it looked like a scene out of "Twister"--and I was waiting for a flying cow to pay me a visit.

Dogs, young and old, were running loose up and down the street day and night. Cars, cars, cars everywhere. Clothes and towels, chairs, people galore were everywhere. And the noise factor? Hot tubs bubbling, screaming, laughing, sirens...Ugh, I feel sick to my stomach. Sure, I get it. I live in a "tourist town"--get used to it. But you see, the intensity of holiday events never comes inland to the neighborhood as much as it is this year.  Well, we do hear fireworks and concerts but have become desensitized to it. I've learned to stock up on food and water, have a low profile, and wait until the storm is over. This time the storm of unruly pets and their people overflowed into my world. RVs, flood lights (night and day. see "Lakeview Terrace" and how irate neighbors become when there's big balls of sunshine in their bedroom), tacky picnic table umbrellas, one flag, and a car lot is what I see when I peek outside the windows.
So you may be thinking:  "The town needs tourists' money"--but I do not get paid from the tourists. It's locals, like me, who are the bread and butter for the locals who offer services year-round during off-season. Meanwhile, as I sit here working at home (feeling captive, love to swim or walk the dog but I'm intimidated so I will not do either) I am done fighting. It is out of my control. 

As I look at photos of trips I've taken I think: "I didn't trash the city or town or do insensitive things." I do not get drunk, let my dog run loose, scream and party all day and night (however I wish I did at this moment).  So my Aussie chews his bones in between chaos and I try to finish the book that is due in less than two months but I cannot lie. I'm feeling frustrated and unbalanced.  The town has been invaded and tourists to vacation homeowners are acting selfish and insensitive to people who live here. But, but, but...

Will not walk him tonight--
no safe place

... It's eerie out there (almost feeling like Will Smith's character in "I Am Legend" and sense "darkseekers" are out there). Ready to board of all the windows. Besides one local's dog who jumped the fence (I felt so sorry for her--the shepherd's blue eyes met mine--she was scared) and her concerned owner rescued the dog. I feel for these pets and their people. Tonight we get 25 minutes of loud fireworks, after all, it's the time when we celebrate and our sensitive dogs and cats flee. And that's what I should have done. One more thing: My Aussie is barking out in the living room. I am allowing it because it's an insensitive tourist walking by with a wayward off-leash canine and ignoring our town laws.