Geologist Has a Pet Theory About Earthquakes

After the recent spate of earthquakes, I heard a radio interview with geologist Jim Berkland, who claims he has found a unique predictor of shakers: a sudden increase in lost-pet ads in area newspapers.

Berkland contends that animals sense changes “in our magnetic field that precedes these kinds of disasters” -- and then run away from home.

That’s right: Forget about seismic data. The way to forecast an earthquake is to scan the classifieds.

But what about that stuff about a dog being man’s best friend, his faithful companion? Things get a little rough and the hound skedaddles?

Of course, I could understand if it was a cat.

Barking up the wrong tree? As for Berkland’s pet theory, I keep recalling an interview I conducted with an automotive shop manager years ago after the Imperial Valley town of Brawley was hit by a cluster of quakes, including one measuring 4.7.

The manager pointed to his watchdog, a bull terrier, and said with some contempt: “When the big one came, he didn’t wake up till it hit.”

Orange County spy craft? In Santa Ana, Sharon Bates spotted indications that the Democratic Party was on to any surveillance by Republicans (see photo). I contacted one party official, who said that the building was formerly occupied by a security firm and that when the Democrats’ banner was created, it came up a bit short. That’s their story and they’re sticking to it.

Can’t argue with that: In China, Mark Steinberg chanced upon an understated safety reminder (see photo).

Unclear on the concept: “What next -- Easter egg hunts at Christmas?” wondered G. Wendy Herbert of Laguna Niguel after seeing a July 4 notice (see accompanying).

Turning to Halloween: Si Frumkin of Studio City found what appeared to be a notice directed toward folks not in the costuming industry (see photo).

Wherefore art thou Plungeo? I won’t keep you in suspense any longer. The winner of the Fluidmaster Flush-Off in San Juan Capistrano Wednesday was Corey Rouse of Toluca Lake.

Fluidmaster, a maker of toilet-repair kits, gave Rouse $1,000 for his vocal imitation of a flushing toilet.

In a salute to Shakespeare, Rouse titled his performance: “Plungeo and Swirliet.” The drama began with Swirliet, as Rouse made the sounds of what he called a “troubled flush.” To the rescue came the kachunk-kachunk-kachunk sounds of “Plungeo.” Problem cleared up. Well, it brought a tear to my eye.

miscelLAny: “Fly Ontario” is the new slogan of Ontario International Airport -- I’m referring to Ontario, Calif., not Ontario, Canada. “Fly Ontario” isn’t the catchiest slogan I’ve ever heard, not nearly as colorful, for example, as the phrase uttered by singer Jackson Browne on stage at the L.A. County Fair.

As quoted by Inland Valley Daily Bulletin columnist David Allen, Browne told the crowd: “Ontario is where they reroute you if you’re fogged in at LAX.”

Steve Harvey can be reached at (800) LATIMES, Ext. 77083, by fax at (213)237-4712, by mail at Metro, L.A. Times, 202 W. 1st St., L.A. 90012, and by e-mail at steve.harvey@latimes.com.