And naturally, all who post as well! Some song lyrics just gave me an idea, "And I don't want the world to see me, 'cause I don't think that they'd understand. When everything's made to be broken, I just want you to know who I am" The question is, who are you? Where will you be making YOUR stand from? I think we'd all be interested and encouraged to know. Please unite and participate (for the first and only time, if need be).I feel it would be a most fitting tribute to Ed. Let's let him know that his magnificent effort HAS NOT BEEN IN VAIN. KANSAS

-- Will continue (farming@home.com), May 31, 1999

Answers

Hello. I lurk here every single day. I have alternated between despair and disbelief, but I find comfort from knowing there are others who feel the same, and I take courage from the practical information which has me trying to prepare to face this in a northern city (in Canada) while looking after two seniors.

I am just going to do the best I can and let go and let God. When I try to talk to people about Y2k they laugh about it in varying degrees of politeness! They say we'll be disappointed in not much happens. I know in my heart and soul I will be so happy if it is just a three-day-snowstorm or bump in the road. To tell the truth I am scared.

Thank you so much Ed for trying to sound this huge alarm bell! God bless you and all of us.

citygirl

-- citygirl (citygirl@idirect.com), May 31, 1999.

sorry all. I left out the request to post your State or Country ONLY. (I was up half the night "kidding", as in goats?)humility is a good thing (500 times)!

-- Will continue (farming@home.com), May 31, 1999.

I'm a long time lurker. I have been aware and preparing for y2k for 1- 1/2year now. I am on the internet every single day (evenings) and this is where I go first. Actually, nowadays, it's about the only place I go (though I do check into Cory's place often to see if there is anything new). This forum has been an incredibly positive and valuable resource for GI's and budding GI's. I was, like everyone else, devastated to see EY drop "off the radar screens" but I'm greatly relieved that this discussion board will continue.

I am fortunate to be a part of a well informed and active Y2k group in my area. We have been meeting every other week for over a year. We've learned about wild edibles with Saturday hikes (and preparation afterwards) in the spring and fall. We have placed gargantuan food orders as a group. We have ordered water filters, lamp oil, inverters and other survival items in bulk. We had a survival foods dish to pass dinner (someone brought woodchuck--pretty good!). The church where we have the meetings is in the process of making very extensive (and expensive) plans to outreach to the surrounding community with food, shelter, and spiritual ministry (spiritual preparation has been one topic of discussion at our meetings, along with generators, wind power, canning, first aid (four week classes) trapping, herbs, gardening and just about everything else (except alternative communications--still need to cover that).

I have made some great new friends through these meetings, and though I don't know the posters on this forum personally, I consider you all my friends too.

Thank you to all

Lurker Bob

-- Bob (Upstate@New York.USA), May 31, 1999.

Long time lurker here. This is the site that got me off my butt to start doing things my great-grandmothers taught me eons ago. I've never posted because I've no special skills to share, have no connections to in-the-know people, and will never be able to type as fast as my brain flies. The most important lesson my father (MIT educated) taught me was if you don't have an intelligent contribution to make, close your mouth and listen so you can learn. That's what I've done here. Many, many thanks especially to the regulars here(Ol Git, Big Dog, Andy, Will continue, Diane, and on and on) for pulling me out of la-la land, and back to a place where my brain functions at a higher level. I never knew there was a power grid much less how it works...or that you could access government info...or there are reputable journalists on the web...or that you could can bacon. I am making my husband crazy will all this great stuff.

-- Leslie (not*long@home*in*KansasCity.com), May 31, 1999.

Bob:

What does woodchuck taste like? Groundhog? :)

-- dinosaur (dinosaur@williams-net.com), May 31, 1999.

I'm mostly a lurker, although I've posted occasionally when I thought I had something useful to contribute. I have learned so much from this forum, and this has enabled me to help others and point them in the direction of preparedness. This site is my 'touchstone' in this journey; I know I am not alone in my thoughts and feelings during this strange time.

And it seems I have good company....I'm in Kansas, too.

-- Wilferd (WilferdW@aol.com), May 31, 1999.

citygirl, Leslie - Either or both of you into mudwrestling?

-- King of Spain (madrid@aol.com), May 31, 1999.

I have been mostly lurking since January of this year, when I finally became a GI. THANK YOU ED for this forum!!!! I have learned so very much from everyone here, from Old Git to Diane Squire and all the others who take the time to look up info and pass it on. I am very relieved that this forum will continue. Although my family and I began our preps late, we are doing what we can now, and I am feeling more at ease today than I was in January. Most of you know the feeling of "where do I begin?!?!" but with prepping a little every day and by using the info on this forum, it's amazing how much can be done in 6 months. God bless you Ed Yourdon! You have no idea what a blessing you have been to me and to countless others!

-- luann (flataufm@hutchtel.net), May 31, 1999.

Bob --- where in upstate NY are you? Email me if you'd like. I'm somewhere in the "between" from Albany to Binghamton.

-- BigDog (BigDog@duffer.com), May 31, 1999.

Hi,folks, lurking here in New Mexico, about 107 miles south of Ed's place. Funny, it was Ed's stuff that got me on the internet to begin with. Some background, I'm a home-builder, carpenter, and 2 years ago I built a giant straw-bale house for a couple and she was just starting to shift into high-gear on y2k preps. She lent me some of Ed's stuff which she had down-loaded and printed and bound in a loose leaf binder. It made me curious enough that I bought a really good new computer on sale at Sears at their "New Year's Sale" and I haven't quit studying up on stuff since. Aside from building I raise a few Morgan horses and I'm breeding 3 mares this year for a small cash crop in late 2000, or early 2001.(wow, that was wierd, the first time I ever typed those dates.) The one thing some of you should understand about Yourdon and his neighborhood is that it's in northern New Mexico,(where the locals call it "the land of man~ana) and Ed has fish to catch, narrow gauge railroads to ride and literally hundreds of mountain trails to follow,(or make his own). I thank all of you on this board, you've helped me along more than you'll ever know.

-- Roger (pecosrog@earthlink.net), May 31, 1999.

I got it on October 18, 1998 when I stumbled across Gary North'site. I can honestly say that I and my family owe our lives to people like Gary North, Ed Yourdon, Paul Milne, Cory Hamasaki, and everyone on this forum who has the courage to speak the truth. I know that, because of you all, I will survive. And I'm going to try and drag as many people as I can over to the other side with me.

I just want to thank all the regulars who post here. The information that you have provided has been invaluable to me, not to mention helping me deal with the psychological aspects of Y2K. I feel less alone.

God bless you all!

-- Jersey girl (preparing@home.com), May 31, 1999.

people like Gary North, Ed Yourdon, Paul Milne, Cory Hamasaki, and everyone on this forum who has the courage to speak the truth.

Try again.

-- loser (loser@loser.loser), June 01, 1999.

Georgia

-- Dian (bdp@accessunited.com), June 01, 1999.

Me:

y2kboard@yahoo.com (1606)

Not a lurker. A 6.5, looking hard at a 6, but not yet. Really trying, but not yet... <:)=

-- Sysman (y2kboard@yahoo.com), June 01, 1999.

I've only been lurking here for about a month. North got me started about 2 years ago. Was a "floating moderator" on his forums for quite a while. North, Ed, Cory, and yes even de Jaeger for a long time, to these we all owe a great debt IMHO.

To quote REO, I'll be "riding the storm out" in the Rocky Mountain Winter here in Wyoming.

Stone Age? I think not. Serious problems? You betcha.

Don, also known in various circles as Jethro

-- Don (dwegner@cheyenneweb.com), June 01, 1999.

I have posted here a few times but mostly I just lurk. I'm from central Maine. I started reading here last year and my life has changed as a result. Even if Y2K is a "bump in the road" (which I doubt) I have a great new country place, a big garden, and a lifestyle that has been simplified.

This Y2K thing has helped me realize the huge dependency most Americans have on the "system". I am now striving to be less dependent on others and more dependent on myself.

The other thing I have learned is how much I like the internet and the people on this forum. It's better than the social groups I have been involved with. I can turn off the computer when I want, I don't have to read conversations I'm not interested in, I can read the things I want to know more about, and my favorite: I can read a spirited exchange of ideas.

Thanks to all the regular posters, you have helped me.

-- monique (me@home.here), June 01, 1999.

I lurk therefore I am...live in Philly, May of 98 a chum advised that y2k was more than a mispelled Gateway 2000 computer. I hit North and the 2 ed y's and just about every link I could find. Every thing I read told me that this is a programming problem that is going to be fixed. As for the doomer v. pollys, the whole thing is about decisions, doomer decided that the fear of a long new year's hangover was worth the sacrifices needed for stockpiling. I do not. But the debate is beter than sports talk radio but not much more intelligent, but I think the pollys are winning if you are keeping score.

Peace & Love

SixerFan

-- Sixerfan (sixerfan@nba.com), June 01, 1999.

Been lurking for some time now. Posted a couple of times. Been working on self-sufficiency for a while now, Y2K has speeded up the pace a bit. Got a farm in upstate NY, with sheep, chickens, ducks, a goat, and very soon 2 beautiful Fjord horses compete with harnesses and assorted horsedrawn equipment. All those animals tends to complicate the preparation plans. I work part time as a software engineer, but was asleep at the wheel about Y2K until a friend educated me first Q 1998. Been researching ever since. Ed Yourdon's writings and this forum have been invaluable resources for information and common sense, even though the flaming garbage can get out of hand here. My husband and I have been trying to do a little neighborhood activism, with local meetings. Interest has dropped off quite a bit, with all the "everything will be fine" media coverage. Still, we are helping a few prepare that otherwise wouldn't. Fill the bucket one drop at a time I guess.....

-- Bingo (ecsloma@spectra.net), June 01, 1999.

Hello, Have been lurking around here since Nov. 1998, work in Sacramento, CA, but live in the foothills. "Discovered" Y2K in the spring of '98 and started reading everything I could get my hands on. I just wanted to thank all the regulars on this forum for their hard work and information. Thank you also to Ed, who has been a beacon of leadership. Good Luck Ed.

-- a.raye (a.raye@gurlmail.com), June 01, 1999.

I have been lurking since Nov. 1998. I have not contributed before. I would like to say that their appears to be an impression in the USA that things are ok in Cnanda and that the government is doing a great job of informing the public. I have not seen it. I have spoken with our local Y2K co-ordinator and been advised that the contingency plan for our community of 110,740 (1998) is that there is no plan. Thanks to all who have raised the consciousness of some of us. Planning for the worst in British Columbia

naughtybunny

-- naughtybunny (neilw@infoserve.net), June 01, 1999.

Wow! First posting and i don't even spell my country right. That's CANADA. Sorry.

-- naughtybunny (neilw@infoserve.net), June 01, 1999.

Naughtybunny,

Oh Canada, Our home & native land. True patriot love, In all thy sons command...

Such a beautiful anthem, eh!

-- Bingo1 (howe9@pop.shentel.net), June 01, 1999.

I will make my stand somewhere in Western PA.

I would prefer and plan to do it in a city, but I have an alternate in the country side.

Thanks to all who have provided so much information to those of us who know so little.

-- nothere nothere (nothere@nothere.com), June 01, 1999.

I've posted before; but I thought I would answer anyway. I've been more of an observer of the different mentalities here than a lurker...I think it's a good idea to have some insight into the different points of view and general mentalities regarging Y2K. I guess I should add this has been for my personal info. and analysis; not for the benefit of my organization or any "list making purposes".

I'm a 36 year old VERY GOOD programmer/analyst. When the new year arrives, I'll be at my desk doing all I can to keep the mission critical mainframe system I'm Lead Tech on up and running. I don't want to reveal the system or the oranization I work for...but I will say this -- if the system here goes down, the worst doom and gloomers out there will be able to say "I told you so". I'll also be the person getting calls from all the places our software runs...and from those who interface with my organization...they know from experience that I can get Production straightened out and back up ASAP.

I figure to be right in the middle of an "LA style riot" if the electric fails in downtown St. Louis -- and could not care less. I may be a throw back to an earlier era's set of values, but THIS MAN will be at his post doing his duty to keep the system he has production responsibility for up and running. I think of the analogy of an electric lineman who goes out in freezing weather to restore electricity after an ice storm knocks it out. They do what they are able to do -- because if they do't -- who else will -- at least anywhere near as well or as fast. I'm very glad they always have -- especially when I was a little kid growing up...thank's guys... To Mr. Yourdon, I would like to offer a heart felt "thank you very much, Sir"...I've always sought out, read, and learned to be VERY GOOD at what I do in part from reading your technical books over my ten year career in data processing. Thank you for adding to my abilities to not only earn a living, but to satisfy my user's needs as well. I always recommend people read Time Bomb 2000 when they ask me about Y2K. I tell them that Ed Yourdon is one of the best and most respected data processing professionals on Earth; his presentation of the issues and factors to consider in one's personal analysis and decision making regarding Y2K is THE best, most on target point of view in the spectrum. To those I care about, I've given a copy of Time Bomb 2000...as well as info. and advice I deem appropriate.

One more thing...for whatever it's worth, I think Mr. Yourdon is doing exactly the right thing. I've found his observations regarding people's reluctance to face reality to mirror my experience. I've also stopped wasting my breath -- and VERY precious time before 01-01-2000 -- trying to inform, warn, and help those who want to "whistle past the graveyard", prefering to believe what they hope and want to happen instead of what reason warns to prudently prepare for.

I'm now just DOING what I need to DO to prepare for my needs, the needs of my "mission critical" system...and the hundreds of millions of people who depend on its continued functioning after 01-01-2000. I've never been one to run from the enemy in the face of battle; never will be. In battle, I fight as hard as I can untill I win or untill I am dead. Haven't lost a fight yet..."over 2000 and still counting".

Best Wishes in all regards,

STLOUISLOUIS

-- Louis (STLOUISLOUIS@YAHOO.COM), June 01, 1999.

I was led to this forum by some good friends.(Thank you Thank you Cascadia friends.) I lurk almost every day. I have learned sooo much here. I am not a Polly or a Doomer. I guess I'm a "Wait and Watcher" and am working on the preparedness. I live on 10 acres on a mountaintop in Oregon, so I have a good start, but lots to do and so little time.

-- Kym (LurkeRN@GotAsprin.com), June 01, 1999.

naughtybunny, how did you get that name? And do you like to mudwrestle?

-- King of Spain (madrid@aol.com), June 01, 1999.

"being King is good" (you Latin-types) would you please straighten up? I hope you've put a "mud pit" into your preps! (grin)

-- Will continue (farming@home.com), June 02, 1999.