In 1865, Mark Twain was not yet a novelist; just a popular columnist writing sketches for newspapers (a proto-blogger). He was still pretty far behind FrankJ.

After a severe San Francisco earthquake on October 8th of that year, he provided these helpful forecasts in his “Page from A California Almanac.”

(Excerpts)

Oct. 19. — Look out for rain. It would be absurd to look in for it. The general depression of spirits increased.

Oct. 20. — More weather.

Oct. 21. — Same.

. . .

Oct. 23. — Mild, balmy earthquakes.

Oct. 24. — Shaky.

Oct. 25. — Occasional shakes, followed by light showers of bricks and plastering. N.B.– Stand from under!

Oct. 26. — Considerable phenomenal atmospheric foolishness. About this time expect more earthquakes; but do not look for them, on account of the bricks.

. . .

Oct. 29. — Beware!

Oct. 30. — Keep dark!

Oct. 31. — Go slow!

Nov. 1. — Terrific earthquake. This is the great earthquake month. More stars fall and more worlds are slathered around carelessly and destroyed in November than in any other month of the twelve.

Nov. 2. — Spasmodic but exhilarating earthquakes, accompanied by occasional showers of rain and churches and things.

Nov. 3. — Make your will.

Nov. 4. — Sell out.

Nov. 5. — Select your “last words.” Those of John Quincy Adams will do, with the addition of a syllable, thus: “This is the last of earthquakes.”

Nov. 6. — Prepare to shed this mortal coil.

Nov. 7. — Shed!

Nov. 8. — The sun will rise as usual, perhaps; but if he does, he will doubtless be staggered some to find nothing but a large round hole eight thousand miles in diameter in the place where he saw this world serenely spinning the day before.

So look out tomorrow!