At my employer I was assigned as the Department's Y2K Project Coordinator. Since I used to do computer programming and technical support, I was the "capable" candidate. So, it is part of my job to research all the 3rd parties we deal with, the testing of their software and services for compliance and the testing of all of our own internal hardware/software and machinery. This has been going on since Feb 99. I also wrote our contingency plan and it is pretty scary.

I feel I have to add something to the discussion and welcome opinions/answers. From what I have personally seen both internally and externally... I realize that all the testing we have done and likely all the other companies have done is all simulation. When the real time comes to pass the bottom line is that noone really knows what the results will be. There is every reason to believe that the results could be catastrophic or they could be a bump in the road.

I have reason to believe that no matter how Y2K compliant internal software/hardware is in the nation's companies, if the power grid goes, it doesn't matter, most small and mid-size companies w/out generators won't be able to function. Or, if telecommunications are down, you cannot send files or faxes, ATMS will be DOWN too! (and that is the way business functions today).

In any case, it is better to be safe than sorry. My preparations include having canned and dried food and bottled water on hand and I bought my husband a kerosene heater at a local tag sale several months ago. He likes to use the garage as a workshop and in the winter it gets cold. I told him, use it and if we have no power come January, we can use it for the house. (Believe it or not I only pd $15 for it and it works!). Most people around my area mock the idea of Y2K chaos. We also have a large fireplace that can heat the whole downstairs if necessary as we are stocked up on firewood. I also have been changing banks since my local bank merged with a major US bank (who I will not mention) and this was 6 months ago and they are still not able to coordinate their computer systems. I also plan on taking out a month's worth of cash (which is my entire savings anyway!!!)

I was impressed with Andy's astrology forcast, I too believe the bubble market has to burst, I just don't think anyone knows exactly when. In any case, I would like your opinions on my input that expert or not noone really knows????????????

-- Liz Conti (liz.conti@pharma.com), August 18, 1999

Answers

Now, why couldn't this be the baseline for Y2K awareness????

Actually, I'll answer my own question. It's the part about having a month's worth of cash. That's the most dangerous aspect, in the collective mind of the "Powers That Be." I have a feeling that if it weren't for that particular banking aspect of this whole mess, "they" would have started warning "us" in 1997. Maybe not...

-- pshannon (pshannon@inch.com), August 18, 1999.

The powers that be don't want you taking 'their' cash out of 'your' bank, cuz then they can't track it!

-- Porky (Porky@in.cellblockD), August 18, 1999.

I agree with your assessment Liz. In fact, since no one really knows what's going to happen I feel that this "unknown" would compel intelligent, prudent and insightful people to make preparations. I am in Minnesota. It's going to be cold over the winter and I want to be warm and fed! My mom, on the other hand is in Phoenix and uses her geographic location as an excuse not to worry about anything. My inlaws are in Missouri and they have two years' worth of heating fuel and plenty of food and water. I wish everyone would grasp the "no one knows" concept and make plans accordingly. Don't forget, when pressed, Koskinen also states that no one knows what will happen, when it comes right down to it.

-- Diane (Dir9290343@aol.com), August 18, 1999.

It's amazing how much power the masses or people really have. The whole national and international financial superstructure is run by banks, banks in turn operate from peoples deposits. The banks "use" our money and the shitloads of interest from it to finance just about everything. Y2k or not, if the masses decided to revolt they would not have to fire a shot they would just have to go to the bank and demand(not garunteed) all THEIR money. On a massive scale this would bring everything to a halt/chaos. Oop's, didn't mean to inspire the "tinfoils".

-- CygnusXI (noburnt@toast.net), August 18, 1999.

Porky, they can't track cash! It's your money, there's no law against you taking your money out of their bank. Best thing is not to have a checking or savings account at all. The bank can steal your money just as well as a thief. If and when the runs begin, they can limit the amount you can withdraw. If that isn't stealing your money I don't know what is. It's like they're the parents, your the child and their going to give you an allowance! I won't have sympathy with anyone who let's Papa bank handle their money.

-- Willy (Willy@JMHOIV.com), August 18, 1999.

Right on, Liz. You, too, pshannon.

-- Lane Core Jr. (elcore@sgi.net), August 18, 1999.

Hey Willie! Read the post stupid, it's not cash till you take it out!

-- Porky (Porky@in.cellblockD), August 18, 1999.

If you use the analogy of a big global Y2K snowstorm, Y2K isnt all snow or all rain. Its global slush. (Perfect, extended ice storm conditions).

Some compliant companies will operate alongside troubled competitors and *some* suppliers who are NOT ready. Some will fix-on-failure. Some will fail from their supposed fixs. Some will make it through with flying colors... and actually increase business. Some will merge and consolidate. For some, Y2K will be an opportunity for others their Waterloo.

The ONLY thing that makes sense within such myriad global diversity, it to bundle up, stock up, and be prepared for anything. Flexibility with a capital F will be a useful skill set.

This is the first global impact event the WHOLE planet will share at once and process together over the next year (or so). (Sorta reminds me of the time Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, while *most* the world watched). We will likely learn just how connected and interdependent we all are... what works... and what doesnt. For those who wake up. Or those who dont.

Eyes open... or eyes closed... your choice.

Diane

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), August 18, 1999.

Liz,

My sentiments exactly. I don't prepare for Y2K because I know there will be a problem; I prepare because there's enough of a potential for problems that it makes sense to take some precautions.

I'm sure my trusty-but-rusty, beat-up old truck will make it through one more year. There's some new furniture purchases we were going to make, but have put off. We've minimized new clothing purchases this year. A couple of home improvement projects have been shelved, till next summer. We decided against a vacation and there's some luxury/hobby purchases that will have to wait, not to mention that PentiumII we've both been drooling over. All of that has given us enough cash to make a lot of preparations without going into debt, and none of that has forced us irrevocably into a "survivalist" lifestyle. Call me narrow-minded, but I just can't see the logic or wisdom, in the Polly position.

....and I don't have to believe "the seven seals" are being opened or astrological predictions, in order to feel that way.

-- Bokonon (bok0non@my-Deja.com), August 18, 1999.

(1) Liz - I agree with you. Simulation is helpful to a point, but it does not fully test a system. Extensive parallel testing is often what is necessary. Those companies who left a year for testing are probably in good shape...

(2) It is interesting that there is so much hue and cry against those who are taking reasonable, early precautions.

-- Mad Monk (madmonk@hawaiian.net), August 18, 1999.

Good post, Liz. A couple of pieces of advice:

1) Buy an insert for your fireplace, or better yet, a woodburning stove. What, 80-90%+ of the heat from a fireplace goes right up the chimney?

2) Give no credence whatsoever to astrology. (Proper name: natal horological astrology). I say this as a scientist. It has nothing to tell you, other than as a indication of just how poor thinkers many people are.

www.y2ksafeminnesota.com

-- MinnesotaSmith (y2ksafeminnesota@hotmail.com), August 19, 1999.