The article was written by Eric and Nina Utne. It talks about the attention that surrounds the Y2k computer response to the changing to the year 2000. The authors decide to get a community response and later compile their findings into a 120 page book that they refer to as a practical guide. The moral of the articl seems to be that we should all prepare for this historic event and not be in a state of denial or anger.

My reaction to this article: Many businesses are cashing in on the scare tactics of the Y2k bug. They are selling such items as blankets, dehydrated food, batteries, camping gear and 1000's of other products for those individuals that want to be "Y2k proof". A friend of mine and local business person said that his company has over $500,000 in backorders for powered generators. He attributes these sales to the Y2k concern. I think that it is a good idea to be prepared for certain situations but if I were really smart I would use my energies to buy stock in the powered generator companies. Oh well- as a consolation maybe in a year or two I can find an unused generator for a real good price. I'll keep checking the want ads.

-- Anonymous, June 08, 1999

Answers

Hi Tony, I think you are on to something here! I suspect that we will be able to get generators and other gear at rock bottom prices real soon. But for the moment I hope that my retirement fund has not sold all the stock they own in Honda and Coleman, two of the larger companies making generators. Fortunately, these companies make more than generators! There is a question still present though, do we need to be prepared? Will 1/01/00 be like any other day? Has the hype taken the wrong direction? By the way, what have your students been thinking on this topic? Best Wishes! John

-- Anonymous, June 10, 1999