The Senate Special Committee has posted some new information.

http://www.senate.gov/~y2k/documents/consumer.html

Saving you a trip. Here goes:

PREPARING FOR Y2K

In the absence of a sure-fire cure to the Year 2000 (Y2K) technology problem, temporary disruptions in some services are a real possibility. But the more you know about the Y2K problem- and the readiness of those on whom you depend for basic goods and services- the more you'll know about what you need to do. The Y2K problem, like many others we face on a daily basis, should be met with logic and common sense. The following suggestions may help you minimize any problems or inconveniences you might experience.

BE AN INFORMED CITIZEN. Ask your utility companies about their Y2K status. Talk with local officials about what the police, fire, and emergency medical services have done to prepare and post their non-911 direct dial emergency numbers. Burglar alarms connected to computer networks at police stations and security companies should be tested. Know the most direct route to the nearest hospital.

BE AN EDUCATED CONSUMER. While many appliances do not rely on date sensitive technology, you should contact manufacturers to verify Y2K compliance. Check with your doctor, pharmacist, broker, grocer and others who provide you with valuable services about what they have done to prepare.

PRUDENCE IN THE PANTRY. You are probably better prepared to handle any Y2K disruptions than you realize. What you should have on hand a flashlight and batteries, warm blankets, a couple of extra cans of food- are items you are apt to have in your home already. If you take medication, consult your doctor if you are concerned about any Y2K related shipping delays.

KEEP TRACK OF YOUR FINANCES. The financial services industry is well-prepared- the bank is still the safest place to keep your money. A few common sense measures on your part will protect you against any unforseen glitches, such as billing errors. Save receipts and obtain paper copies of bank and loan statements and other financial transactions, especially deposit slips. Visit or call yourlocal bank to learn about their Y2K plans. Talk to your employer about steps taken to address Y2K vulnerabilities in the payroll system. Take Y2K readiness into account when making investments. TRAVEL SMART. If you plan to travel, obtain written confirmation of your reservations directly from the provider as well as from your travel agent. Factor Y2K into your travel plans much as you would any other disruption, such as bad weather or overbooking, that would cause you to experience delays. If you are traveling abroad, check with the State Department for Y2K travel alerts.

BEWARE OF SCAMS. Con artists are already actively exploiting people's Y2K fears. Be wary of goods and services touted as Y2K guaranteed. Beware of anyone attempting to sell you unnecessary products such as massive food supplies, water treatment kits or other "Y2K personal preparedness" items. Never give out personal financial information over the phone unless you initiate the call and are sure the person you call is legitimate. Report any attempts to solicit this information to the police.

(There you have it)

:) For More Information Call 1-888-USA-4-Y2K Or See Other Y2K Links

-- FM (vidprof@aol.com), May 24, 1999

Answers

Two years ago, we would have been too ignorant to understand how "two cans" of food could serve any purpose. Now we've been educated to understand that it depends on what the definition of "can" is.

If "can" means a hermetically sealed one metric ton transshipping container full of a variety of food, then you're probably OK with 2 "cans."

-- Puddintame (achillesg@hotmail.com), May 24, 1999.

"A couple of extra cans"?!? Does this mean that I figure out how many cans I will need for my family of six and then add two more (to share with others)?

On the other hand, if all I need are a "couple of extra cans", then I need for all the neighbors within a 10 mile radius to come by my house for their coupla cans 'cause I got too many!

What a laugh! Linda

-- newbiebutnodummy (Linda@home.com), May 24, 1999.

Puddin, Linda,-

you have to realize that this was written by some DC bureaucrat who then stopped at the Deli and picked up dinner on the way home that night. It should actually give you some hope, to realize that the average DC bureaucrat only has two cans of food at home...especially after the 60 Minutes broadcast last night! :-)

Arlin

-- Arlin H. Adams (ahadams@ix.netcom.com), May 24, 1999.

Thanks FM. I agree with Arlin. This is a step in the right direction although I can see how others can disagree.

See more at:

"New Drivel on the Senate Website" http://www.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000rVJ

Mike ===================================================================

-- Michael Taylor (mtdesign3@aol.com), May 24, 1999.

Before you guys start to wonder, the above document tells people to get informed of the problems..... Well go to the "links" at the bottom of the page and check out the Army Y2K sites. They are VERY informitive. Some of the stuff about microsoft is revealing how much of a problem there is with MS software. The army thinks it is a big problem

-- Brian (imager@home.com), May 24, 1999.

YEAH PUDINTAME!!! LOTFLMAO!! One could use it for expanded

hydroponics garden when empty. Great one thanx, I needed that!

-- unspun@lright (mikeymac@uswest.net), May 24, 1999.