Hey!

What happened? Remember all the feelings of dread and doom just a week or two ago about the August 11th and 13th? What happened? The world is still here.

Remember all the predictions? The astrologer who said that in her 30 years the "signs" were never so ominously negative as they are now, for the Aug. 13th "Day of Doooooooooommmmmmm!!!!!!".

What about all the "something wicked this way comes...." stuff?

What about the AZTEC calendar? Remember that? What happened, you doomer "sheeple"? Yes, that's what you are, DOOMER SHEEPLE! GULLIBLE FOOLS! If not, tell me why not! Try your best, you doomer SHEEPLE!

Practically every forum regular chimed in earlier this month, saying "they sensed it too!! It must be true!! Oh, my God! I haven't finished preping yet! No, it can't be! Still more rice and beans to buy! BWAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHA! FOOLS!

All you gulible people got taken in AGAIN by simply having all your fears reflected back at you, causing your paranoia and fear to feed upon itself, growing bigger as you fed it reading all your self reinforcing post causing all you to sink deeper and deeper into your negative fears you feed here because the REAL WORLD is not so reinforcing to your prefered outcome scanarios. Grow up! How old are you? Are you still so easily taken in and duped at your age?

So, what do all you have to say for yourselves? Why were you all duped AGAIN. And SO EASILY!!! BWAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! FOOLS!!

This IS on topic! It relates to sensible, rational interpretation of events, "predictions", ect. I know! You're all broke from buying preps, so you come here because you don't have money for the 1-900 psychic hotlines --- BWAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!! FOOLS!!!

BWAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! FOOLS!!!! FOOLS!!!! FOOLS!!!!

When will you realize that when you EXPECT to see the world end, you PRECEIVE the negative, ignore the positive, and INTERPRET events NEGATIVELY because you WANT TO BE RIGHT!!! I learned this stuff in sociology class! I suggest YOU ALL LEARN IT TOO!! That way, you might have some "assets" next year that is not in the form of buggy rice and beans, ammo you don't need, and other "Stuff" you will feel like a FOOL selling next summer in your yard sales. Imagine the smirks and grins you will have to bear, feeling like a FOOL, knowing that your customers KNOW you were DUPED into falling for all the doom and gloom predictions surounding Y2K. Heck, all your friends, neighbors, and even complete strangers will laugh at you, making jokes about you when they drive off, having bought your "preps" for chump change for their next camping trip -- or just as a "millinium madness" suvineeeer! BWAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHA! You will feel so DUMB!!!!!

AGAIN, THIS IS ON TOPIC!! IT'S ABOUT LEARNING TO FILTER, DISCERN AND OVERCOME YOUR PREDISPOSED BIASES!!! Now what have you got to say for yourselves? Anyone going to "confess" you were "duped", or just withdrawl further into isolation, so as to avoid anything that would show you have been a gulible, easily fooled dupe of this milinium silliness. CONFESS! CONFESS! It's good for the soul!

BWAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAH! CONFESS, FOOLS, CONFESS!!!! BWAAAAAHAHAHA

-- HaHaHaHaHa (Laughing@you.all), August 14, 1999

Answers

aw come on, how do you really feel ?

-- really (none@given.net), August 14, 1999.

Well my pool game was way off. Is that what you mean? I did get a great deal on some canned salmon though. The day wasn't a total disaster

-- Brian (imager@home.com), August 14, 1999.

Dear Laughing Boy,

Hey...aren't you that alien Jack-The-Ripper entity from that episode of Star Trek?

-- William in Dallas (bcheek@onramp.net), August 14, 1999.

Whatever he/she is smokin, I want some of it.

-- RichardNoggin (RichardNoggin@hockeymail.com), August 14, 1999.

He who experiences exhiliration in response to the seeming failure of another & then exhibits said emotion for all to witness is no doubt one who lives in isolation, self-imposed or due to society's imposition of pariah-hood, it matters not the cause.

You are to be pitied, sir.

-- Humanimal Trainer (exterminate@once.moderator), August 14, 1999.

Humanimal trainer,

Talk about "reaction formation" (look it up in a psychology text). You certianly are playing a psych game with yourself, aren't you. Label and atack the messenger by putting a label on them, rather than respond to the content of the message. "It matters not the cause" is right! Forget the message, just shoot the messanger no mater what the message is, if it makes us feel uncomforatable. But first, as a ulogy, lets protect a psychological label on the guy, turing him from someone holding a mirror up to us, into someone who is to be disdained, seen as some kind of psychological inferior, thus safe to "dismiss" as a nut, loser, pariah, shill, or ANYTHING -- PLEASE -- ANYTHING but someone sho should shed some light upon my dark fantasies (hopes?). No! I will NOT come out of my bunker! It's a trick! Please, kind protector moderator, delete this from my sight lest my doom and gloom lighten up a bit. What a sad, pitiful post by a psychologically fragile member of the DOOMER SHEEPLE CULT -- YES CULT! BWAAAAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAH! FOOL! BWAAAAHAHAHAHAHAH

How about thinking about and commenting on the issue of how one percieves, evaluates and separates the wheat from the chaf as far as information, "predictions" and "prophesies" you all use to feed and reinforce your desired fantasies and hopes of doom and gloom? But that would be to threatening to your delicate psyche, wouldn't it?

BWAAAAHAHAHAHAAH FOOLS! CONFESS, FOOLS, CONFESS!!!! BWAAAAAHAH

-- HaHaHaHaHa (Laughing@you.all), August 14, 1999.

Surely in those socialogy classes you learned that civilizations rise and fall--that is the natural order of things. These downfalls 99% of the time are self-imposed wouldn't you say? Too bad that you don't see the big pic my friend--I guess we'll see who laughs last--unfortunately!

-- URanIDIOT (jester@lalaland.com), August 14, 1999.

Chuck,

I can't believe you would let a thread like this place, and yet delete my parody of "A rose is a rose...". This forum has much in common with a horse that can't trot. If you try to make it trot, it will beat you to death. My recommendation is to either tighten the reins to make it walk, or give it the reins and let it run.

-- (cujo@baddog.byte), August 14, 1999.

Again,

And this is the third time, this post IS ON TOPIC!!

It seeks to inspire thought, reflection and comment on bias, preconceptions and selective perception, attention, interpretation and analysis that we all suffer from to some degree. The reason this is so on topic, is because what each person does or doesn't do to "prepare" is a function of their end analysis of what is most likely for Y2K to bring. This end analysis consist of what factors are plugged into the equation, and what weight is given to each factor. What factors chosen and what weight given follows from the things I mentioned in this paragraph's first sentence. Think, you doomer sheeple, think! You don't need your "leaders" permission to think!

Yes, I DO find most of you amusing, but I'm mostly concerned with what dangers you doomer sheeple members of this Y2K CULT might pose next year when you are PISSED OFF over the world not ending, and the jeers -- real, imagined, and exagerated in your own little minds -- that might drive you to go beserk like that nut who shot up the Jewish kids the other day. Would't want to be around when some of you decide it's time to "send a message" that it's time to kill all the pollies, shills, DGI, DWGI, or just "those other sheep" not of this CULT!!

BWAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAH You people are worth a good lagh! Thanks!

-- HaHaHaHaHa (Laughing@you.all), August 14, 1999.

gee laughing--where on earth do you get your free time and energy--too much prozac? see if you can get it cut back. i wonder if you will be one of those who attempts to bully your way into a doomers home next year, or rats on them to the local government to get some food? heat? god, i hope you don't have kids.

-- tt (cuddluppy@yahoo.com), August 14, 1999.

HaHaetc:

I am not sure what your point is. You have attacked the opinions of a group of the people who post on this board. In a rational way, I could agree with your assessment with some of the posters. Although, you missed some of the catagories. Then again, you are dealing with a community of people trying to deal with a possible technological problem. One that they [nor do I] don't understand. From your post you have indicated studies in psychology and sociology. Both soft sciences. No training for techno issues and, in your case, no training for human response. I think that you should be more factual and less confrontational, if you want to make a serious point. I know that this a waste of time.

Best

-- Z1X4Y7 (Z1X4Y7@aol.com), August 14, 1999.

A remember not that long ago briefly going threw a fase in my life in the early stages trying to understand Y2K that sounds quiet similiar to your state of mind. The way I over- come trying to put down others that were threatning my way of life was to ask more questions about Y2K, so I could finely put it to rest. I guess the many levels of denial that one goes threw never really ends.But for what it is worth I will tell you how to eliminate, denial. You have to put as many hours into getting answers as nessesary. It is not a black hole, in time a very disturbing picture starts to unfold. Then the only thing holding you back from preperation is who you are today. Get ready to have another good belly laugh. Late last year I started removing, who I was then, obstacles. I first use my excellent credit and took out large loans. I then sold my profitable business. I sold my wonderful home. Liquidated all into cash that I systematically got out of the bank. I now study Y2K 8 to 10 hrs a day and feel ever stronger that I made all the wright moves. What that did for me was to bring to full Committment. There is no looking back, and as you correctly stated, I want it to happen. Not because Im a nut, but because Im committied. If the polys are wright, next year I will most likely lose my wonderful wife of 30 years, and fade away, who cares. But if I was correct I will survive and I will take out my little black book that is filled with poly stories, yours will be one of them, and I will wonder if you got over your denial.

-- Committied (Snipe@oneshot.com), August 14, 1999.

The couple of post between mine are classic! Notice ABSOLUTELY NO COMMENT ON THE TOPICS I BRING UP, JUST AD HOMINUM ATTACK! Prozac? Sorry, I take no medicines. "Hope you don't have kids"; hell no, and leave 'em in the world with people like you running around? I don't think so! "You sure have a lot of time"; really, just a couple of post on a Saturday, and some try to label me a social pariah, trying to insinuate this e-world is the only one where I find relief from my social "exile" from the real world (plus a hint to please spend my time somewhere else where I might not threaten such delicate psyches).

BWAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHA FOOLS! BWAAAAAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!

Still can't bring yourselves to address the issues I raise can you, you doomer sheeple cultist. How long before more of you post request to delete, instead of thoughtful, and rational (if that's not too much of a stretch for you) responses to the ISSUES, rather that sniveling, whining from your pitifully weak little minds for the moderators to "save you" from any loss of gloom and doom you hold on to as if your life depends on it. No!!! I can't be wrong about TEOTWAIKI! NO !!!!!!!!!!!!! EVERYONE WILL LAUGH AT ME LIKE WHEN I WAS A KID!!! NO!!!!!!! MOMMY, SAVE ME FROM THE BOOGIE MAN WITH THE MIRROR!!

BWAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA FOOLS!!!! BWAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

-- HaHaHaHaHa (Laughing@you.all), August 14, 1999.

Hey HA HA, I do agree with one thing. I am sure some of the doomers are going to snap on or before New Years and take out some pollies or do something bizarre. Some of these people are so tightly wound up and so afraid that I dont know if they can mentally handle another 4 months. Between the militias and white power people who want to force a change and the doomers who are scared sh_tless, something is going to go wrong. It wont be the so called pollies who start the fire.

-- Seen it all (seenitall@doomwatch.com), August 14, 1999.

I, for one, have never predicted any particular disastrous event occurring before January, 2000. I have no interest in astrology, numerology, or other such pseudo-sciences. However, I do believe that we are in for a major disaster next year.

-- Steve Heller (stheller@koyote.com), August 14, 1999.

Hey laughing boy

Just got in from picking beets in my wonderful Y2K garden. Worked on cleaning tomatoes to make homemade ketchup this morning. You know homemade ketchup is simply the best and I never would have thought of making it before I started prepping for Y2K. I need to check the dehydrator that I have loaded with sweet corn that I have discovered, when ground up, makes the best corn meal I have ever eaten. Its well worth the effort. You know if it werent for this Y2K thing I would have never known this simple pleasure.

Speaking of pleasure, we left the rat race and are living rural now. I sleep till 10:00, get up and do what I please. The kids are happier and more free than ever when we were in our urban cage.

You know, this Y2K thing is the best thing that ever happened to us. We are healthier, happier then before we joined the Y2K cult. And if nothing happens in the Spring? So what. I have a six figure contract job waiting for me back in the city. I will have an income AND a life. Go figure.

Now I am sitting by and admiring the beautiful Aladin lamp with the electric converter that I never would have thought to get if I hadnt been infected with the deadly doomer meme. And across the room is our wonderful, I repeat wonderful Jotul woodstove, that I never would of even considered owning if I hadnt been a frequent visitor to this site.

Thank you laughing boy. You have made me think over where I have been, where I am. Sort of makes me me thankful. In honor of you, I will go down right now with a marker and write your name, HaHaHaHaHa on a can of Spam. Ive already got cans of Spam marked in honor of Flint, Decker, Y2K Pro, and a few of the diarrhea mouthed pollys. Come next spring, we will eat that can and think of you.

-- Timothy (Farmer_Timothy@msn.com), August 14, 1999.

And what do you base your dire predictions for major problems next year, Steve? Y2K?? Are you going to actually try to tell us that Y2K problems are supposed to happen in the year 2000????

Sorry, dude, the deadline has already been called -- ask ANY of the pollies. If power outages, food shortages, banking system failures, telecomm failures, municipal water/sewage failures have not happened by now -- EXCEPTING, of course, for those power/telecomm/sewage failures that HAVE happened due to Y2K tests and upgrades, of course -- then this means that Y2K problems will simply NOT happen next year. Again, don't take my word for it, ask any of the pollies. Right, Maria? Right, Flint? Right, Deano? Right, Paul Davis? Right?

-- King of Spain (madrid@aol.com), August 14, 1999.

Notice ABSOLUTELY NO COMMENT ON THE TOPICS I BRING UP, JUST AD HOMINUM "ATTACK! Prozac? Sorry, I take no medicines. "Hope you don't have kids"; hell no, and leave 'em in the world with people like you running around? I don't think so! "You sure have a lot of time"; really, just a couple of post on a Saturday, and some try to label me a social pariah, trying to insinuate this e-world is the only one where I find relief from my social "exile" from the real world (plus a hint to please spend my time somewhere else where I might not threaten such delicate psyches). "

You didn't respond to my comments. Your response sounds a lot like the numerous recent mass murderers. A lack of contact with reality. If you are serious, you should get help. I know that this won't help but I have your best interests in mind.

Best w

-- Z1X4Y7 (Z1X4Y7@aol.com), August 14, 1999.

I am going to fram this question and place it at the entrance to my front door on 1-1-2000. So when they start to show up I will say this is why I have no place for you and close the door.

-- no spam (Nospam@spam.com), August 14, 1999.

Well, I see at least one of you have a reasonable reply. Timothy, congratulations! Your reply, although still insulting in nature (and of course that's all right around here; after all, wit is fun!), your reply does point out some benefits of preping if Y2K turns out to be a dud. Although I would recommend thinking of things in terms of opportunity cost of missing out on your six figure job (and as a teckie myself, I know how fast some, not all, skill sets change). Also, a good job of turning lemons into lemonaid (Aladin lamp, woodstove, ect.). Agree that good, wholesome nutrition is a benefit.

Just sounds like you've decided to look on the bright sode of your preping decision. I say that's both good and healthy! Hopefully you won't be one of the pissed off doomer sheeple "striking back" at the world that was so rude and inconsiderate as not to end on queue!

Thanks! Maybe yours will be one less bullet heading towards me and the other innocent folk who actually LIKE society! Again, thanks!

One thing, though. I'll have to send my regrets to your little RSVP for the Spam dinner. One, it's not my thing. Second, I wouldn't want to end up in your stew pot! You'll need a much more clever trick and much more attractive bait than a Spam dinner with Y2K Pro, Flint, and Company to get me within shooting range! But good try! Have a nice millinium, whatever it brings!

Just one question. If Y2K turns out to be a dud, do you think your perception of all your prep toys will tarnish when you move back to take up your six figure job, as they sit next to whatever shiny new toys you buy with your "bankable" paychecks?

-- HaHaHaHaHA (Laughing@you.all), August 14, 1999.

Farmer Tim:

Know what you mean. I have finished my ketchup. It is laced with either carib. red or pablo peppers. Haven't eaten the com. stuff in years. Don't think I could return. I have one criticism of your post. It is of a religous nature. Or at least semi-religous. I know that, since e-mail, my spelling ability has gone down hill. But, I believe that Aladin has two ls. If I am wrong, please correct me and I will scratch one l off of my lamp. If you are into lamps, you will understand my comment.

best wish

-- Z1X4Y7 (Z1X4Y7@aol.com), August 14, 1999.

HaHaetc:

Well, I see at least one of you have a reasonable reply.

I see that you don't have grammar check.

Best wishes,

Z

-- Z1X4Y7 (Z1X4Y7@aol.com), August 14, 1999.

HaHA,

I am a doomer, but have to agree with your take on human-founded predictions. IMHO, mortals cannot predict the future, and the gods seem recently silent. Those who claim to predict the future will be as accurate as a stopped-clock, and appear to others to be much less sane.

I also agree that pre-conceived ideas tend to slant one's interpretation of any new information. Today, we are so overloaded with information that we are in danger of being able to formulate and substantiate almost any opinion based upon some subset of the available data. This is a problem for both pollies and doomers.

I too continue my research into the Y2K mystery and seek insight into the future via careful perusal of data. However, my beliefs about the outcome are based less upon the latest data, and more upon my actual experience as an ancient COBOL programmer and with the trench warfare known as the coporate DP project.

I have worked on many projects. Quite a few were late or cancelled, but all were on time until the day/week/month before they were due. I think Y2K will be no different, but the date is immovable. I also know something about economics, and I suspect the fincancial system is under a great deal of stress at the moment. The financial system istself could be shredded by a series of otherwise minor Y2K issues internationally. These thoughts make be a doomer, not the the information currently available.

I too think you are On Topic. Perhaps you could be a bit less gleeful. On the otherhand, a post similar to your's but much more circumspect seemed to attract little interest. Keep reminding us of our folly whenever you get a chance. If you need a two-by-four, please feel free. Just remember the band width problem.

Sincerely,

-- Uhmm.. (jfcp81a@prodigy.com), August 14, 1999.

Dear Z1X4Y7,

You posted as I was fashioning a reply to someone else. I'll reply to you here. My point is, what about the "group feel" about this past August 13th being the day of doom? Remember those threads that so many chimed in on citing as "evidence" feelings that something wicked this way comes, psychic impressions, astrology, ancient Aztec callendars, ect?

************************************************************** My point is that one needs to rationaly, objectively and intelligently think about what they accept and reject as supporting evidence. Human tendency for such things as selective perception, attention, analysis and good old fashioned bias, preconceptions, and closed minded thinking can make those who feed on a constant diet of gloom and doom suceptible to being duped or just fooled into wasting their time, money, energy and maybe even their lives on the latest crack pot prediction of impending doom. *****************************************************************

Wouldn't want the regulars here to go "Hale-Bopping" the next time some commet or other portend of DOOOOOMMMMM is predicted to be bringing "Heaven's Gate" by for those "chosen" ones who are given the gift to know this is their only chance not to suffer the same Doooommmmm as those not "enlightened" by the cult's wisdom!

By the way, I AM a teckie. I also am quite knowledgeable in human response. That's why I'm concerned that people who chose to isolate, join a minority viewpoint and heavily arm themselves think rationally instead of going bezerk or just "Hale-Bopping" when the world doesn't end next year -- or after whatever the next "auspicious" day is. I've seen "warnings" about the GPS rollover just around the corner.

Why you need to label my comments as those sounding like a mass murderers is something I don't get. Please enlighten me. The post you quote above this comment is a reply/analysis of someone's reply to a prior post of mine. Considering that I'm speaking AGAINST violence, and concerned about the "milinium madness" of some turning violent, why on Earth would you seek to label me as a potential murderer? Is this just more of the label, insult, tar and feather then shoot the messenger type response my above post points out as typical on this forumn when the "group think" is presented with facts that do not support TEOTWAWKI. I suspect so. But at least some of your reply was passible. There is hope for you! To most:

BWAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! FOOLS!!!!! BWAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHHAAH

-- HaHaHaHaHa (Laughing@you.all), August 14, 1999.

HaHaHaHa (and I hope I spelled that correctly),

You do bring up some valid points about critical thinking. You can't jump on every bandwagon that rolls by, if you want to retain a shred of credibility, not to mention sanity and spending money.

You do realize though, that little thing you brought up about filtering out what you don't want to hear and letting in only what you want, does work both ways?

There have been a few people getting a little overly excited about all sorts of dates, but remember, the big money is on 1/1/00 and beyond.

So try not to get too carried away with yourself.

-- Bokonon (bok0non@my-Deja.com), August 14, 1999.

HHAHA, I can't blame you for being so gleeful and gloating so happily. I personally have always found a lot of satisfaction in saying "Ha, I told you so!" HeeHee Of course its very bad form to do so, and socially incorrect, but it is so rewarding.

Frankly I never thought the l3th would amount to zip, but don't let that dampen your pleasure. I do think there is a level of fear and paranoia on this forum that beats the hell out of anything I've ever run across before. Actually, once I log off, I hardly ever think of Y2K again until I come back on and read the *real* news which is never reported on the looney tunes media.

Concerning Y2K, I'm much more concerned with nuts, terrorists and criminal opportunists after the rollover than I am about the computer problems. I see every malcontent and crazy in the U. S. jumping on the band wagon. Also, I do fear foreign terrorists--and why not? We've acted like Boss Hog towards the rest of the world for decades while we behave like sanctimonious, know-it-alls.

But I'm glad I've made a few small preps, simply because I fear that with the climate the way it's been, prices are going to rise. Also, it's caused me to simplify my life and that has been nice.

And as far as deleting this post, why do all of you insist on having a post deleted with which you don't agree. Doesn't he have a right to his opinion whether you like it or not. This is the worst forum on the net for crybabies to scream DELETE like banshees, when they have to suffer a little jeering. If you don't like what he says, don't read it.

Frankly, HaHa, I think the roll over, and the period after, is going to be unpleasant, to put it mildly. But if you should be right, and it's nothing, I'll laugh right along with you. If you're wrong, wrong, I'll HAHAHA HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH, and say I TOLD YOU SO!!!. But I will NEVER, EVER ask that you, or anyone else be deleted. I'm not that thin skinned.

-- gilda (jess@listbot.com), August 14, 1999.

HaHaetc:

Very simple. You take the extreme views of a few of the people who post here [I'm not one of those] and with a broad brush, paint the whole community. That is not accurate. You should at least learn to be accurate. If not you will become a jounalist.

Best wishes,

-- Z1X4Y7 (Z1X4Y7@aol.com), August 14, 1999.

HaHaetc:

That should have been journalist. But you get the idea. The concept of the ideas of those that committ mass murder is quite simple. They are able to classify large groups of people with diverse opinions under one canopy. A canopy that can be hated. In LA it was Jews. In your case, it is the people that post on this BB. Please explain why this is wrong.

Best wishe

-- Z1X4Y7 (Z1X4Y7@aol.com), August 14, 1999.

HaHaHaHaHa, I dont really mean to be insulting. The net just tends to bring the smart ass out in me.

I still work back in the big city from time to time. I worked about 5 months last year, havent worked quite as much in 99. And you know what, since the cost of living out here (in the sticks) is so cheap, I really didnt feel any need to hustle up any more work.

Heck, a guy from california bought a house in the little town up the road and put the whole purchase price on his gold card. You have no idea how much you are paying for the privilege to live in the city till you live in the sticks for a while. Mull that over next time you are stuck in traffic.

Hopefully you won't be one of the pissed off doomer sheeple "striking back" at the world that was so rude and inconsiderate as not to end on queue! 

HaHaHaHaHa, that is such a strange statement. I suppose someone could snap over the world not ending, but if they are that bad off, they could snap over something else as well. Is that really what the Pollys fear? That crazed preppers are going to spray bullets if the feces doesnt hit the fan? Sort of Polly wanna be a doomer scenario I guess.

There is much common ground between the Pollys and Doomers you know. Both want the best life for themselves and families possible. One thinks what we have now is the road to the best possible life. Some of us that feel that adhering to the status quo is not the best idea in uncertain times, and so have veered off onto a side (rural) road.

Just one question. If Y2K turns out to be a dud, do you think your perception of all your prep toys will tarnish when you move back to take up your six figure job, as they sit next to whatever shiny new toys you buy with your "bankable" paychecks? 

HaHaHaHaHa, those prep toys are only stuff. Back in the city I had a garage full of entirely different stuff. If I need them, Ill be glad I have them. If I dont, so what? This is the first time I spent money on something it turns out I really didnt need? Hardly. I have bought very little prep stuff was not useful no matter what.

You know, my kids got to raise pigs and show them in the local 4-H fair this year. Something we would have tittered at as quaint when we lived urban. Watching my eight year old have the time of her life chasing that 240 LB hog around the ring was worth a couple paychecks. Others can disagree, but for us, its about a whole lot more than lost income. Its about adventures.

Z1X4Y7- Adding peppers to your ketchup? I do have a couple ripe Italians out there in the garden, now that you mention it. Hmmm...

Both wrong Aladdin. Two ds :-)

Id love to chat some more, but we were going to have a big pot of mashed potatoes to go along with the roast cooking in the solar oven. Yum-yum. I better go dig a hill.

Havin loads of fun here

-- Timothy (Farmer_Timothy@msn.com), August 14, 1999.

Timothy:

I will put on my glasses the next time. Thanks. Yes, peppers really make a difference. We like some heat in some and some taste in others. Give it a try. Remember, if you want heat, add the peppers late in the cook-down process.

Best wishes;

Z

-- Z1X4Y7 (Z1X4Y7@aol.com), August 14, 1999.

I would like to make a couple of comments relative to the laugh being had at so many people's expense.

First, relative to astrology. Astrological prediction speaks of energies being in effect at a particular time. The grand crosses that are in the sky at this time have been forming for some time. The times when they are at most potency are probably the 17-18 of August - but like I said they have been building since the end of July. Astrological events of this magnitude would normally indicate a world event - not the end of the world. Certainly if one looks around, they can see major world conditions that are reflective of what is occurring astrologically. A grand cross speaks of oppositions - India, Pakistan - North Korea & everybody - China & Taiwan - whether there will be an event from this as the energies build is still to be seen. The eclipse of the 11th laid a pattern - across England and Europe and into the Balkans and then through Afghanistan and Pakistan and India. The eclipse path is where to look for major negative events.

Second, the Aztec Day of Destiny. The Aztec Day of Destiny was not purported to be the end of the world. It was proposed to be a decision point. Most of the writings that I had seen on this date indicate that this decision date conditions the time following and leading up to the end of the Mayan calendar which is in 2012.

Third, Nostradamus's prediction. This would appear to have been a failed prediction. It is still not certain - because of the confusion of the calendar in use in his time - whether his seventh month is July or September(Sept = 7).

Fourth, people's dreams did not have a date of August 13 attached to them. Very good people have tried to share their concerns with others and to perhaps positively influence those people and their families to be able to survive during the coming times, whatever those coming times turn out to be.

It is really too bad that "putting down" and ridiculing other people seems to be so much in vogue. People have a way of not forgetting how they have been treated. There may come a time when all of us welcome all of the cooperation and help that we can get.

Peace to you

-- Jean (jmacmanu@bellsouth.net), August 14, 1999.

"But, I believe that Aladin has two ls. If I am wrong, please correct me and I will scratch one l off of my lamp" ~ Z1X4Y7

The correct spelling for the lamp would be Aladdin. :-)

-- Gayla (privacy@please.com), August 14, 1999.

Jean:

You are right. We should show some respect for people's beliefs; even if we don't agree with them. Point taken.

Best wishes,

Z

-- Z1X4Y7 (Z1X4Y7@aol.com), August 14, 1999.

Gayla:

Timothy has already corrected me. We old folks have to wear our glasses more often. It was so long ago that I bought the thing. Well, forgive the old-folks.

Best wishes,

Z

-- Z1X4Y7 (Z1X4Y7@aol.com), August 14, 1999.

This should shut up the laughing person.

 Report: Only 3 States Y2K Ready
 

Saturday, August 14, 1999

  Report: Only 3 States Y2K Ready
  By MARTHA MENDOZA, AP Business Writer
 

Only Iowa, Nebraska and North Dakota have completely tested their computer systems and are ready to face the new year without fear of potentially dangerous Year 2000 glitches, according to a federal report released Saturday.
     The rest of the states have only 139 days to guarantee reliability of their systems that run everything from law enforcement agencies to utilities.
     "No one can predict what might, or might not, happen once the clock ticks past midnight this New Year's Eve," said Rep. Stephen Horn, R-Calif. "The only certainty is that this Jan. 1 deadline cannot be extended."
     The report by the General Accounting Office, the investigative arm of Congress, was released at a congressional subcommittee hearing held in Silicon Valley.
     While all 50 states have some type of plan in place, most said they won't be fully ready until next month and 14 states said their deadline to have all systems tested isn't until October or later.
     "States are facing an extremely busy next few months to get themselves ready," said Joel Willemssen, director of the U.S. Civil Agencies Information Systems. "Important progress has been made, but much work remains to avoid disruption of critical services."
     The Y2K problem involves older computers that recognize only the last two digits of a year and could read the digits "00" as 1900 rather than 2000. In some cases, that confusion could cause computers to malfunction or break down, potentially causing power outages, air transportation delays, delayed tax refunds, failed medical devices and other disruptions.
     While most states lag in preparedness, the Silicon Valley companies that are greatly responsible for the computer chips used in so many systems told the committee they are ready.
     "We feel we have one of the best Y2K programs in our industry," said Hewlett-Packard Co. marketing manager Brad Whitworth.
     Whitworth said HP, the world's second largest computer vendor, has spent three years and $250 million on internal efforts to avoid Y2K problems.
     Intel Corp. government affairs manager Richard Hall said that company's internal review, completed just 10 days ago, showed that 100 percent of its critical applications are Year 2000 capable.
     Hall said Intel's biggest concern is that public power, water, telecommunications and transportation could halt at some of its overseas facilities.
     Intel also has been working with local and state agencies to make sure utilities and other services will be working at its Santa Clara, Calif., headquarters.
     The company has reason to worry, according to the GAO report.
     Although California's periodic earthquakes already test many emergency systems, key computer systems that would be used in catastrophes have not been tested for Y2K problems, said the report.

-- Brian (imager@home.com), August 14, 1999.

Jean- well said. I think that HA Ha Ha is missing the point. Numerous people have been willing to share their fears and concerns. that doesn't mean we all have a belief in a particular prediction or date or what have you. Nor that there is a spaceship following the comet and we all need to put plastic bags over our heads and so on.....

If you are an observent intelligent person, all one needs to do at this point in time is look at what is happening worldwide- and have reason for serious concerns. the issues are many- china-Taiwan, russia, y2k, and so on- the list is endless.

It is prudent, IMHO, to be prepared for emergencies, disasters and misfortunes. Not to do so- to leave your family unprepared and dependent on the government or others, is unwise. It is only recently in our history that the idea of JIT has permeated not just retailing, but our homes as well. Were our ancestors doomer freaks because they stocked up the larder for winter? Are the Mormons doomer freaks?

I don't regret any preps I have made for y2k- I have bought nothing I will not use anyway. And I always make sure we have ample food, wood and other necessities around. Bad weather, no income, unexpected guests- no problem. will never understand those who need to go out to eat as they have no food in the house.

HaHaHa- truly hope you don't get to eat your words- might be the only thing you get for awhile.......

-- farmer (hillsidefarm@drbs.net), August 14, 1999.

HaHaHaHaHa,

On topic my ass. What does this have to do with computers and Y2K?

This "cult" has 875 man-years of programming experience. What do you know about computers, genius?

Screw you. Grow up and get a life. Moron.

Tick... Tock... <:00=

-- Sysman (y2kboard@yahoo.com), August 14, 1999.

Please delete this thread.

-- BB (peace2u@bellatlantic.net), August 14, 1999.

Chuck:

Please delete this thread.

-- cynic (cynic@skeptic.com), August 14, 1999.

Well chuck,

I believed the thread is topic. We can suffered through threads about supernatural predictions in the spirit of documenting what folks are really concerned about, to show how deeply folks feel about this issue. We should also be able to handle the other end of the spectrum which rightfully notes that such fears can lead to wrong headed, magical thinking. One is part and parcel of the other.

I thought this thread started off well, then poorly, then flew superbly. The last few posts have lacked a certain elegance, though. Could HaHA have lost it; and, unable to formulate a well reasoned response, posted the unfortunate words above in an effort to force a complete deletion? In any case, perhaps you could take the time to salvage this thread. If not, I fear I must also vote for deletion. I just hate to get pushed around by anyone who feels they can kill a thread like that.

Sincerely,

-- Uhmm.. (jfcp81a@prodigy.com), August 15, 1999.

And as far as deleting this post, why do all of you insist on having a post deleted with which you don't agree. Doesn't he have a right to his opinion whether you like it or not. This is the worst forum on the net for crybabies to scream DELETE like banshees, when they have to suffer a little jeering. If you don't like what he says, don't read it.

Gilda,

I quite agree. Save the delete key for forums designed for the toddlers. We're all adults here.

I even feel that way about that totally gratuitous and completely unnecessary post aimed a Gayla. I do, however, hope the poster wakes up tomorrow morning with a boil the size of Manhatten on his/her naughty bits.

-- Bokonon (bok0non@my-Deja.com), August 15, 1999.

Screw the "delete key". Let the post stand. Who here gives a crap about "the astrologer" or the "AZTEC calendar". This is a real problem, believe it or not, not the makings of a prophet or a cult. It's called Y2K, and has to do with what happens to some computer programs when the year hits 00. Ask the government. Ask the fortune 1000.

Get the F out of here with this crap. It's hard enough to keep up with the real issues, I don't need this bullshit.

Have a nice weekend, HaHaHaHaHa. Screw you.

Tick... Tock... <:00=

-- Sysman (y2kboard@yahoo.com), August 15, 1999.

Gayla, nor anyone else, doesn't deserve this idiotic garbage. I find it impossible to see anything she said that would set anyone off like that, but Nuts abound on this forum and others.

But, censorship is for Romper Room, besides many of INVAR's posts are just as nasty, except for fewer caps, and his are never deleted.

-- gilda (jess@listbot.com), August 15, 1999.

Gayla

Mr. F.U. boy is just mad cause a girl spells better than he does. Probably can't get it up for his hand anymore, and feels the need to lash out at someone.

As to the original question, since I did not predict any doom on the 13th I do not feel at all slighted by HAHAHA.

Foolishness abounds on both sides of this issue, no doubt about that.

-- Uncle Deedah (unkeed@yahoo.com), August 15, 1999.

Where's DiEtER when we need him! He'd fix these BuZzARdS hYeNAS!!!

-- Chris (%$^&^@pond.com), August 15, 1999.

Well, folks. Just an indication of the lack of maturity that all of us have been showing. I'm LEAVING the thread along with most of the rest of the ones new over the weekend, as an indicator of what happens when I go off to fulfill obligations, as I will from time to time.

This particular thread, as well as the one from INVAR on the Stitts has shown the collective maturity levels present from ALL sides.

I think ABYSMAL would be an apropriate descriptor.

Chuck

-- Chuck, a night driver (rienzoo@en.com), August 16, 1999.