Art begins the broadcast by welcoming listeners from various regions and introducing the main topic of the show: recent serious earthquakes in the Aleutian Island chain. Art uses his fax machine, which has been very active due to these earthquakes, to bring on Charles Watson, a consulting geologist from Advanced Geologic Exploration. Watson discusses the scope of his firm’s services, which include seismic watch and earthquake information.
Watson describes his fascination with earthquakes, comparing his excitement to that of a kid in a candy shop. He explains the technical details of the Aleutian earthquakes, noting the magnitude of 7.9 as reported by the USGS and Harvard. Watson elaborates on the geography of the Aleutian Islands and their seismic activity, emphasizing the significant quake that occurred the previous night.
The conversation highlights the dynamic geological processes of the Aleutians, where the Pacific Plate is being forced under the North American Plate. Watson provides context on past significant earthquakes in the region, such as the 1957 quake. As they discuss the unusual nature of the current events, Watson gives a detailed account of the affected areas and the brutal conditions of the Aleutian Islands.
Art and Watson continue their discussion on the magnitude of recent earthquakes, noting that some of the largest quakes ever recorded include the 1957 Aleutian quake and the 1960 Chilean quake. They discuss the frequency and magnitude of aftershocks, emphasizing the intensity and volume of seismic activity in the region. Watson mentions the presence of the Adak Naval Station within the rupture zone, speculating on the limited information likely to come from such a secure site.
They delve into the broader patterns of earthquake activity, with Watson providing statistics on the number of significant quakes over recent months. He highlights February and March as particularly active periods and describes the ongoing heightened seismicity. Watson also touches on the challenge of predicting future seismic events, likening the unpredictability to weather forecasting.
Art and Watson explore the potential for more advanced earthquake prediction methods in the future, drawing comparisons to weather forecasting techniques. Watson expresses hope that scientific advancements could lead to more accurate seismic predictions. They briefly discuss the Hayward Fault, noting its high level of seismic activity and the public’s concern about potential future quakes.
Watson discusses the unusual activity on the Hayward Fault, mentioning a significant soil displacement surge detected by creep meters, which measure surface-level movements. This surge, 2000% over normal, caused concern and even fractured a water line. While such movements are typically imperceptible to people, geologists monitor them closely. Watson notes that these changes might indicate increased seismicity as the seismic shadow from the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake fades.
Art tests Watson’s willingness to be at earthquake epicenters of varying magnitudes, with Watson affirming he would for most, but not for a magnitude 9 quake due to safety concerns. They discuss the possibility of predicting earthquakes with precision, comparing it to storm chasing. Watson explains that while some scientists have made successful predictions, he prefers to focus on tracking and archiving seismic data rather than forecasting.
Art encourages listeners to ask Watson questions, and Watson emphasizes his role in maintaining comprehensive earthquake records and providing rapid information through his fax service. They briefly touch on the depth of the recent Aleutian quake, which has had two different estimates.
Watson describes the recent Aleutian earthquake as having a shallow depth of about 6 kilometers according to the USGS, though Harvard estimates it at 24 kilometers. The quake ruptured a 100-mile section, re-rupturing the same area that had quakes in 1986 and 1957. This region of the Aleutians has been very seismically active. They discuss the larger geological context, noting the Pacific Plate’s movement northward, forcing it under the North American Plate, causing significant seismicity.
Art opens a phone line restricted to the Aleutians, hoping to get firsthand reports. A caller from Kodiak Island, Alaska, mentions multiple earthquakes, the largest being a magnitude 6.3, and asks about volcanic activity. Watson hasn’t heard about unusual volcanic activity but notes that quakes can sometimes trigger eruptions.
Watson explains the variability in global seismic activity, mentioning a recent drop in large earthquakes but an increase in microseismic activity in North America. He lists several notable recent quakes and highlights increased seismicity in the upper New England and southeastern Canada regions, emphasizing the complexity and unpredictability of earthquake patterns.
Art reconnects with Watson after a brief technical issue. They continue discussing the recent Aleutian quake, which ruptured a 100-mile section. A caller from the Fox Islands confirms feeling the quake and mentions a tsunami warning that was issued but later canceled. Watson talks about the difficulty in obtaining detailed information from remote areas like the Aleutians and the role of the Alaska Volcanic Observatory in monitoring volcanic activity.
Watson explains the relationship between earthquakes and volcanic activity, noting that sometimes one triggers the other. He mentions the Mount St. Helens eruption as a famous example of an earthquake-induced volcanic event. They discuss the “cascade theory,” where one quake can trigger subsequent quakes in a chain reaction, potentially leading to significant geological events. Watson recalls a prominent seismological meeting where the possibility of a massive quake, referred to as the “god awful,” was discussed, highlighting the fear of such an event in seismological circles.
Art asks about the potential impact if a quake similar to the recent Aleutian event occurred in Los Angeles, to which Watson predicts significant devastation and business disruption. They reflect on the recent global seismic activity, noting that while various regions have experienced significant quakes, the west coast of the U.S. has only had minor events, indicating that it might be overdue for a major quake.
Watson discusses the quiet period in seismic activity along the North American west coast, noting that standard plate tectonics suggest constant motion and strain build-up, which eventually needs to be relieved. He mentions areas like Parkfield and San Juan Bautista, known for their active seismic creep. Watson explains how interested individuals can subscribe to his fax and email services to receive earthquake bulletins, and he provides contact information for these services.
Art thanks Watson for his insights and mentions that they will continue to monitor the situation in the Aleutians closely. Watson promises to return for future updates as seismic events unfold. Art then transitions to a segment on the Clinton administration, reading a satirical poem and sharing a humorous note about a fake CIA license plate.
Art engages in a conversation with a caller who identifies as a white supremacist and a Christian. The caller tries to explain their beliefs, but Art challenges their views, especially the contradiction between claiming to follow Christian principles and promoting white supremacy. Art finds the ideology ridiculous and questions how anyone can believe that God has a specific color.
Another caller from Ohio joins in, expressing confusion and disagreement with the white supremacist movement. The discussion shifts to the Turner Diaries, a book often associated with white supremacist ideologies, noting its poor writing and dangerous influence. Art acknowledges the articulate and literate delivery of Dr. Pierce, the author, and emphasizes the chilling effect of such intelligence directed towards harmful ends.
A first-time caller from Big Lake, Alaska, talks about recent fires in the area and praises the federal response, despite typically being anti-government. He highlights the friendliness and effectiveness of the National Guard and other federal personnel in handling the crisis, contrasting it with the disappointing response from the local government.
A caller from Alaska expresses surprise and gratitude for the friendly and effective response of federal personnel during recent fires, despite his previous anti-government stance. He acknowledges needing to rethink his views on taxes and government roles, thanking the Clinton administration for their efforts. Art appreciates the call and highlights that not all government actions are negative, especially in disaster response.
Eric from Nashville calls to describe the devastation he witnessed in Van Buren after a tornado, likening the damage to matchsticks scattered by a vacuum cleaner. They discuss the power of nature and the rarity of tornadoes outside the United States. Art mentions a tape sent by a friend containing spectacular tornado footage.
The next caller, the Reverend from St. Paul, shares how much Art’s show has influenced and motivated him, especially regarding the concept of “the quickening.” The Reverend expresses gratitude for Art’s role in his spiritual growth and desires to follow in Art’s footsteps by educating, motivating, and entertaining others. He suggests that someone like Art should also be on television.
The Reverend from St. Paul shares his plans to start a local cable access show inspired by Art’s topics and advice. Art encourages him to stay true to his original vision and not to be swayed by others’ opinions, emphasizing the importance of dedication to quality and focus.
The show transitions back to the ongoing discussion about recent earthquakes. A caller from Joshua Tree recounts a strong sulfur smell following a past earthquake, speculating that such odors may result from gases released by seismic activity. He mentions a similar occurrence in Los Angeles and asks about the potential connections between earthquakes and sulfur emissions.
The conversation shifts to the topic of recent church burnings, with the caller suggesting that the incidents might not be racially motivated. Art firmly disagrees, stating that the evidence points to racial motivations and noting that none of the arrested suspects have been black, countering the notion that these communities are burning their own churches.
Art continues his conversation about the recent spate of church burnings, expressing his belief that these incidents are racially motivated and not part of a conspiracy. He emphasizes that attacking places of worship is likely to incite anger and resistance, rather than achieving any positive outcome. Art then takes a call from a listener who grew up in the South and suspects his father was a Klan member. The caller shares disturbing memories of racist attitudes and actions within his family and community, which contrast sharply with the Christian values they claimed to uphold.
The caller recalls a significant moment when his father almost threw him out of the house for expressing sympathy for the victims of a church bombing. Art compares this situation to the Unabomber’s family, where a relative had to grapple with the revelation of a loved one’s heinous actions. The caller reflects on the irony of his mother’s Cherokee heritage, which likely included African ancestry, a fact that would have clashed with his father’s racist beliefs.
They discuss the difficulty of reconciling white supremacist views with Christianity, questioning how such contradictory beliefs can coexist. Art and the caller agree on the absurdity and destructiveness of racial hatred, highlighting the broader issue of wasted time and energy on hatred in America.
Art reiterates that attacking places of worship only incites anger and could potentially lead to a race war, equating it to a patriotic affront like burning a flag. He takes a call from Seattle, where a listener asks about the taxation of churches. Art explains that a previous guest argued for taxing churches on constitutional grounds, although the caller disagrees, believing it infringes on the separation of church and state.
Art clarifies that while he didn’t fully agree with his guest, he recognized a deep-seated resentment in the guest’s arguments. The conversation shifts to “cyber snobbery,” where Art notes the growing rivalry and disdain among users of different internet services. He compares it to amateur radio, where entry-level licenses help bring people into the hobby.
Another caller from California inquires about the Hale-Bopp comet, expressing frustration that it hasn’t been covered extensively outside of Art’s show. Art confirms the comet’s visibility will peak around March of the following year, promising a spectacular display. He humorously addresses concerns about the comet potentially hitting Earth, assuring listeners it won’t.
Art receives a call from Columbus, Ohio, where the caller expresses disbelief at the contradiction of people combining alleged love for God with feelings of racial superiority. They discuss how fear and cowardice often drive such hate groups, like the KKK and skinheads. The caller agrees with Art that these groups are growing and expresses concern over the trend.
After a break, Art and the caller continue discussing the pervasive nature of hate, noting that it’s a learned behavior. The caller wonders why hate seems to be increasing and mentions their fascination with extreme weather, paralleling Art’s interest. They joke about the willingness to be present at major earthquakes and tornadoes, emphasizing the thrill of experiencing such powerful natural events.
Art shifts the conversation to “cyber snobbery,” highlighting the unnecessary rivalry between users of different internet services. He shares a humorous list from an IRC channel mocking AOL users and points out that AOL has been instrumental in bringing many people online who might not have otherwise ventured into cyberspace. Art invites listeners to join him in the AOL chat room, the “grassy knoll,” for further discussion.
A caller from Anchorage, Alaska, mentions the beneficial rain helping firefighters and discusses the experience of feeling earthquakes. He reflects on past seismic events in Japan, emphasizing the awe-inspiring yet unsettling sensation of the ground moving.
Art receives a call from a listener in Anchorage, Alaska, who recounts experiencing several earthquakes in Japan. Despite the fascination, the caller admits they wouldn’t want to be at the epicenter of a major quake. Art agrees that being passionate about something often means wanting to be present for it, even if it’s risky, likening it to chasing tornadoes.
A listener from Whittier, California, questions how white supremacists reconcile their beliefs with the fact that many serial killers are also white, pointing out the absurdity of racial superiority. A caller from Oklahoma City requests a guest who can explain quantum physics in simple terms and shares a personal story of organophosphate poisoning, which led to a near-death experience. During this experience, the caller felt a message indicating that the world is moving faster, aligning with Art’s concept of “the quickening.”
Another caller from San Diego expresses frustration with bigotry, echoing the sentiment that hate seems more visible now. Art discusses technical difficulties with printing emails on AOL, which perplexes him given that other documents print fine. The show takes a light-hearted turn when a caller recounts asking President Clinton about UFOs, receiving a cryptic smile and response, followed by a warning from Art about potential surveillance.
A caller from the East Coast asks Art about the mysterious emergence of the Whitewater and Travelgate papers, wondering if the two incidents are related. Art explains that the two events are not connected and occurred at different times in the Clinton administration. He agrees that the sudden appearance of documents is suspicious and mentions that the FBI should check for fingerprints on the documents to determine their origins.
Another caller from Calabasas discusses the Belmont Stakes and a previous guest on Art’s show, Dr. Peps, who had discussed remote viewing. The caller finds the concept of remote viewing misleading because it is referred to as technology, even though it doesn’t involve actual machines. Art explains that while remote viewing isn’t machine-based technology, it involves trained psychic abilities and had been studied by the government for 20 years with claimed degrees of accuracy.
Art encourages listeners to take claims made on the show with a grain of salt, presenting them as controversial and unusual topics for consideration. He emphasizes that while he personally finds some credibility in what guests like Major Dames say, it’s up to the audience to decide for themselves.
A graduate student from San Diego calls in to report a sighting of a triangular yellow shape hovering over the sand dunes near Gordon’s Well, seen by a reliable source. Art notes that while he is familiar with triangular objects making no noise, the color yellow is new to him.
Art encourages listeners to join the chat room on AOL, then takes a call from a new American citizen who praises the diversity of the United States, emphasizing that this is what makes the nation great. The caller expresses concern that some groups seem intent on starting a race war, a sentiment Art finds troubling but not entirely unbelievable.
The discussion shifts to the Freemen standoff in Montana, with the caller suggesting that the government needs to avoid looking weak like turkeys, the original proposed national bird, rather than the powerful eagle. Art agrees that while patience is essential, the rule of law must prevail, and people can’t avoid legal consequences by hiding behind the patriot movement.
Another caller from Madison, Wisconsin, brings up the Kingdom Identity Movement, explaining that it’s a way of interpreting the Bible that’s part of a subculture within Christianity, present in various sects since the time of Christ. The caller is not a white supremacist but has studied the movement extensively. Art agrees that if the recent church fires are part of a larger trend, it could become a significant issue, describing the situation as a potential tinderbox.
Art reiterates his bewilderment at the idea of Christians believing in white supremacy and discusses how such beliefs could potentially lead to a race war. He takes a call from a listener who works as a board operator for his show and shares his past experience with racist friends who ended up in jail for murder. The caller stresses that true Christianity is about love and that purity has nothing to do with skin color.
A caller from Wisconsin introduces the topic of same-sex marriage and expresses concerns about radical elements within the gay community, specifically mentioning NAMBLA. Art strongly distinguishes between the adult gay movement and groups like NAMBLA, emphasizing that society would never allow those with harmful proclivities toward children to adopt.
Another caller from California shares his belief that the burning of churches is a symptom of societal breakdown, predicting a potential revolution and race war. Art agrees that such actions are deeply upsetting and suggests that individual actions are crucial to prevent catastrophic events, stressing the importance of personal responsibility.
Art continues his discussion about the societal breakdown and the potential for a race war. A caller from Kansas City talks about the Freemen standoff, noting that in a typical situation, the police would only wait for about six hours before taking action, unlike the prolonged Freemen standoff. Art agrees, mentioning that the typical response involves calling in a SWAT team.
The conversation shifts to Art’s opening theme, which is from the soundtrack of the movie “Midnight Express.” A caller also inquires about the possibility of contacting Fox Television to feature certain actors, but Art is unfamiliar with them.
Art promotes a topical aspirin product called La Prima, explaining its effectiveness for pain relief without the need to swallow pills. He shares his personal experience with the product, emphasizing its benefits.
Another caller from Bakersfield discusses the potential taxation of churches, arguing that while churches do charitable work, taxing them might reduce their charitable contributions. Art acknowledges the constitutional basis for taxing churches but doubts it will happen, considering it a potential mess.
Art takes another call, shifting the focus back to earthquakes. A listener from the West of the Rockies shares their experience of being in a significant earthquake, adding to the ongoing conversation about natural disasters.
A caller from Kansas City shares their experience with earthquakes in Concepción, Chile, emphasizing how often the city has been rebuilt due to seismic activity. Art discusses the potential contradictions within white supremacist ideologies, suggesting that if these individuals truly believed in their superiority and closer connection to God, they should be more willing to help those they deem inferior. He questions the reality of the white supremacist movement’s size and whether it has been exaggerated by the press.
Art opens a line specifically for anyone who considers themselves a white supremacist to call in and explain their beliefs. A caller, Steve, from West Bend, calls in and asserts that he believes the white race is superior in many categories, including intelligence, academics, innovation, politics, and spirituality. Art challenges Steve by pointing out that Asians often score higher on intelligence tests than whites, to which Steve responds by questioning the validity of those results, claiming that Asians are more disciplined and study harder.
Art continues the conversation with Steve, the self-proclaimed white supremacist. Steve argues that black people have the same educational opportunities as whites but still score lower on tests like the GRE and LSAT. Art challenges him, pointing out that many of those arrested for church burnings are white, not black. Steve refuses to believe that most church burnings are committed by whites and reiterates his belief in white superiority.
Art then discusses the selective acceptance of intelligence test results and questions if discipline should be considered a measure of superiority. A first-time caller brings up the recent Belmont Stakes and inquiries about a previous guest, Dr. Peps. Art confirms that Dr. Peps will likely be back on the show.
Steve from Boise calls in to refute the idea of racial superiority, pointing out that animals don’t discriminate based on color and that the Bible teaches equality and love for all people. He struggles to reconcile how people can claim to be both Christian and supremacist.
Another caller from Modesto shares his experiences with tornadoes and earthquakes. He describes the excitement and fear of living through an earthquake in California, noting the helplessness one feels during such an event compared to the possibility of escaping a tornado. They discuss how even supposedly earthquake-resistant structures can fail under certain conditions, emphasizing the unpredictability and destructive power of natural disasters.
Art transitions to discussing Jack Kevorkian and the topic of assisted suicide. A caller from Michigan mentions that Kevorkian now has 29 “matches” in his exhaust pipe, referring to assisted suicides he has facilitated. The caller supports the concept of assisted suicide but disagrees with Kevorkian’s methods, which they believe lack dignity and proper support from the medical community. Art agrees, emphasizing the need for structure, multiple doctors’ concurrence, and safeguards to prevent abuse.
Art expands on his belief that a person should have the right to decide about their own life, especially at the end of life when pain and suffering become overwhelming. He criticizes the excessive spending on life support during the final days of life, arguing that it often drains families financially without providing meaningful benefits to the patient. Art asserts that while Kevorkian’s methods are controversial, they have successfully sparked a necessary debate on the issue.
A caller from Salt Lake City tries to get through to discuss Dr. Pearson and the topic of skinheads, but Art remains focused on the Kevorkian debate, highlighting the importance of having a structured and safeguarded approach to assisted suicide to ensure ethical practices and prevent potential misuse.
A caller from Salt Lake City, Edward, discusses growing up in a family with white supremacist beliefs. His grandfather denied the Holocaust, and his father initially struggled with accepting it. Edward explains how he gradually learned the truth through education. He expresses concern over the resurgence of white supremacist beliefs, noting that the current movement seems more organized and agitated than the disorganized groups of the past. Art agrees, suggesting that today’s racism is different and possibly fueled by new sources of agitation.
Art reads a fax about “cyber snobbery,” where a listener criticizes the disdain some internet users have for AOL users. The listener suggests that a more welcoming attitude would benefit everyone who enjoys cyberspace. Art concurs, acknowledging the need for greater inclusivity.
A first-time caller from Redding inquires humorously about “demon seeds” that supposedly grow meat, asking if cultivating them would make one a farmer or rancher. The conversation shifts to Christian supremacy, with the caller pointing out that Jesus was not an Aryan but Hebrew, making the concept of Christian supremacy contradictory. Art and the caller agree that contemporary racism is hiding behind religion, making it a new and different form of hatred compared to the past.
Art reflects on the divisiveness and hatred seen in cyberspace, drawing parallels to racism and white superiority. He questions why people waste time hating others and emphasizes the importance of enjoying various aspects of cyberspace without animosity. Art suggests that AOL serves a purpose by helping people enter the online world who might otherwise struggle with more complex providers.
A caller from the East Coast comments on the idea that discipline makes people superior, comparing it to Hitler’s regime. The caller, who identifies as Aryan, feels safer in a diverse neighborhood than among his own race, likening society to chickens that pick on one until it dies. They humorously note how much chicken and turkey people consume, suggesting it might influence behavior.
Art invites listeners to discuss the changes in racism, noting that today’s racism is different from the structured segregation of the past. He considers it more insidious and harder to understand.
A caller from St. Louis inquires about Major Ed Dames, with Art confirming that Dames will be on the show Friday night. The caller suggests a roundtable discussion with various experts like Richard Hoagland and Michael Lindemann. Art prefers focusing on remote viewing to give listeners a better understanding of what Dames does.
Another caller from Lubbock mentions two books on LSD and CIA involvement in activist groups, “Acid Dreams” by Martin A. Lee and Bruce Shlain, discussing the CIA’s infiltration of the SDS and Weathermen in the late 60s.
A caller from Lubbock continues discussing the idea that government agencies like the CIA may be involved in stirring up racial tensions to distract from other issues such as social and eugenics programs. Art acknowledges the point but disagrees, stating that while external forces might exacerbate tensions, they cannot create underlying hatreds that aren’t already present.
As the show nears its end, a caller from Blair, Nebraska, named Mike, comments that the phrase “white supremacist Christian” is an oxymoron. Art agrees and signs off, thanking listeners from across America for joining him and concluding the broadcast with his signature “Good night, America.”