Flipped through channnels and caught the 3 major networks coverage of Y2k.

CBS focused on gun sales, up 25% vs 1 year ago. Said that manufacturer's were adding fuel to the fire playing on fears. Showed a young woman buying a gun and at least she was planning to go to the range.

ABC talked about increased sales of a number of items: bottled water up 100%, increased battery sales, mention of increased gun sales showing same gun dealer that CBS had (makes you wonder).

NBC talked about terrorist fears and preparation in that area: extra police officers on duty and National Guard units identified for callup if necessary. Mentioned the rumours of possible martial law impostiion.

Each network spent less than 5 minutes on the subject although early in their broadcasts.

My survey this afternoon out and about says that the herd is not stampeding -- the closest thing a saw was a few people at WalMart buying bulk packs of TP. The isolated shortages I saw last week (propane in WalMart, canned meat in one store) have not been restocked.

I'm still expecting some sort of stampede -- maybe it'll wait till New Years Eve. Wouldn't mind being disappointed though.

Mikey2k

-- Mikey2k (mikey2k@he.wont.eat.it), December 27, 1999

Answers

Mikey@k:

Good evening! I've been watching (internet) news for a bit now and I'm also seeing a substantial increase in Y2K "reporting". Mostly quotes from public/industry officials trying to put the herd back to sleep...

Put this in the context of what's actually going on out there across the globe and you start to feel an acute sort of schizophrenia (sp?).

Forget what they say. Watch what they do.

Godspeed Mike.

-- (Kurt.Borzel@gems8.gov.bc.ca), December 27, 1999.

Uh. . .bottled water sales are a HUGE indicator for the government regarding the state of mind of the American populace.

Just passin it on.

:)

-- FM (vidprof@aol.com), December 28, 1999.