Y2K Survival Guidebook at the supermarket checkout

greenspun.com : LUSENET : TimeBomb 2000 (Y2000) : One Thread

While shopping today I noticed a small Y2K booklet being offered on the racks at the checkout of the local Grand Union supermarket. I purchased a copy, and though that it might be a pertinent item for discussion here.

Titled "Y2K Survival Guidebook", with subtitles of "Complete Action Plans to Protect Your Family" and "Don't Wait, Get Equipped Now", I made the assumption at first glance that it would be following in the footsteps of certain overly-optimistic, government-sponsored reports that are extant. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it offered some fairly practical advice, written from the perspective of authors who feel that there may be systemic difficulties due to the rollover. There are sections on storing water (the possibilty of water supply and treatment systems malfunctioning is mentioned) and food (the statement is made that there is an average three-day supply of food in groceries). Seven-day menu plans are given using foods that require minimal preparation. The possible lack of telephone service is discussed, as well as disruptions to transportation which will, according to the writers, most likely be due to failures in the fuel supply system. There are sections on sprouting grains, home security and personal projects, as well as a report covering several pages on the Y2K preparedness efforts in Sevierville, TN, which city appears from this report to have finished its remediation efforts. A list of some government, commercial and private website URL's (the Cassandra Project among them, but not TB2000) and a look at prophets past and future round out the rest of the booklet. This booklet wasn't a free handout, but had a price of almost four dollars which almost caused me to place it back on the rack. That is a fair amount of money for 65 small pages, even in this day and age. I had not seen it on the rack a week ago when I had last visited the store, so I assume it must be a recent addition. Judging from the style of writing, I would say that the writers are fairly conversant with the subject of Y2K as it appears on the internet, although no credits are given. The book is reasonably balanced, and appears to be a worthwhile introduction to the subject. It is a shame that it wasn't out on the checkout stands this summer when there was more time to be leisurely about the rollover. Given the human tendency to procrastinate, I see the book as being of minimal value, given this late date.

-- PKM (.@...), November 06, 1999

Answers

PKM--

Opposite thing happened on the west coast. Went to Crown Books yesterday, tried to locate Y2k info. Could not find anything, so I asked a clerk. He looked at me and said, "I don't think we have anything on that, you might want to check in the computer section." I did, three books count em 1,2,3. BTW, Crown Books is a BIG bookstore, Barnes&Noble size.

-- karla (karlacalif@aol.com), November 06, 1999.


Look, I'm glad it's out there...there is still plenty that can be done to prepare in the 6 or so weeks left. Look, cash is tight all over...but you can get 6 1/2 lb cans of beans at Costco for $2.99 (can't use dried because we live in the desert and our city won't finish the water system in time). Whenever I go there, I buy at least one, sometimes two. Throw in 4 lb boxes of minute rice for $4. That is 48 lb minute rice and just over 75 lb of baked beansif you spend $20 per week.

The absence of panic is allowing more latecomers to prep. I hope that book encourages some more folks.



-- K. Stevens (kstevens@ It's ALL going away in January.com), November 06, 1999.


Why would they put out something like that , i bet they are trying top profit from Y2K .

After all they have told me that everything is fixed and going to be fine.

MONGO

-- mongo (mongo2@prodigy.net), November 06, 1999.


I've seen lots of Y2K survival guides; I've purchased 3-4, and alos acquired additionals like the Air Force Survival Guide, and lots of back issues of Small farmers Journal and BackWoods Home magazine. I woudl recommend if you're looking for a guide, check out the one offered at www.immunotex.com/prepare-now BECAUSE it seems to take into account some of the psychological issues that a good survivalist or survivor is likely to face if the going gets tough. At least check it out -- the guide is summarized on the website, and frankly sometimes its reassuring to listen to someone just taking unforeseen contingencies serioiusly.

-- SH (squirrel@hunter.com), November 06, 1999.

Yeah and I saw Ed Yourdon's book in media Play the other day with a BIG YELLOW sticker on it. Wanna know what it said?

HALF OFF COVER PRICE ! ! !

In fact is seems that most of the Y2K prep books are discounted now. I guess next January they'll just be using that crap to prop up wobbly tables and cover the floors for puppy "accidents".

-- (F@W.IW), November 06, 1999.



Better in the grocery than the bookstore. Not everyone goes to the bookstore. In re bookstores, Barnes & Noble stopped carrying the Y2K books on the tables during the late summer. There were plenty of books on DOW 36,000, however...

-- Mara (MaraWayne@aol.com), November 06, 1999.

An observation today in Sam's: Rice is still plentiful. 20 pound sacks are less than $5.00, so the price has actually gone down since I started prepping. Is anyone buying them? Dunno. I also noticed a book on prepping that had been discounted.

BTW, this board is really f-ed up lately, posts appearing & disappearing.

-- persistant cookie (in@my.browser), November 06, 1999.


I was in Sam's Club today and at one of the checkouts there was a pallet full of various sized batteries. In front of...sort of attached were supplies of a little foldout from the Red Cross.

beej

-- beej (beej@ppbbs.com), November 06, 1999.


Squirrel thanks for the tip, but I was really just scouting to see if there has been any "increased exposure" of Y2k at this late date.

Zip, Zero, Zilch *********denada

unbelievable

This from International Monitoring prepared for the US Senate Committe on Y2K Oct. 13, 1999

ACTIONS THAT CONGRESS AND OTHERS SHOULD TAKE

DOMESTIC The United States is at risk from a suddent shift in belief. Current public consensus appears to be guarded optimism. The administration's Y2K Czar has put forth an optimistic Y2K message.

WE VIEW THE CZAR'S OPTIMISITC MESSAGE AS POTENTIALLY RECKLESS. At best an overly optimisitc message could lead to dis-regard of Y2K by organizations at risk. At worst it may cause the administration to lose credibility in the face of a minor crisis. A loss of credibility would mean an inability to reduce fear and uncertainty should a large crisis emerge............The current message reflects a lack of leadership in risk prevention and open communication.

try no communication

-- tocostcotocostcotobuyafatpig (karlacalif@aol.com), November 06, 1999.


In my studies I learned that man had the ability to forsee many events that affected his life and/or the comunity life. Those that saw more clearly (Watership Down memory, fifel) were made priests and witch doctors.

Even the American Indian had the ability to see the white man coming as told in the story of the red snake and the white snake long before the white man set foot on the Americas.

Over time mankind got caught up in gadgets and lifestyles. We moved away from the gifts of healing and foresight. We became dependent on government, organizations and folowered the leaders. Now we have lost those basic skills that told us of danger. We have become complacent and lazy. We have even found ways to get out of accepting responsibility for our actions or lack there of.

We gave the power to others to rule our lives affect opinions and set policies. We listen to these others as if they were geroos (cant spell that word). Then we sit back and feel confident that they are right they must be for we elected them or appointed them. It makes us feel good that we dont have the problem or the solution.

Then there are the few who pay attention, seek information and then think for themselves. Oh blessed few!! They prepare and wish it wasn't so. They try and tell others for they truely care. But alas it falls on deaf ears. Some try to prepare for them and come up with some plan that won't put them in danger.

Knowing this doesn't help but it explains why we are the way we are. To these people I say stay steadfast. Don't be discouraged. When all is said and done you will may be our next leaders. Who knows stranger things have happened. All I have is praise for those of you who have been ridiculed and put down. Heads up all we are together and strong.

-- Susan Barrett (sue59@bellsouth.net), November 07, 1999.



Moderation questions? read the FAQ