This is typical of articles (very few) in Danish newspapers on Y2K (fairly jocular). My translation from today's 'Berlingske Tidende' (major Copenhagen newspaper).

BRIGHT IDEA FOR NEW YEAR'S DAY 2K: Even if everything fails, when technology switches over to the new millennium, patients in the North Zealand Hospital (near Copenhagen) will not be cheated out of their New Year's Menu.

"Headlamps. That's the solution".

Susanne Haaknel Christiansen has the responsibility of delivering New Year meals to the Patents in the North Zealand Hospital, even if the worst - an electricity blackout - should happpen, when digital technology rolls over to Y2K.

There are generators for the Operating Theatres in all the country's hospitals, to cope with any emergency, but not for the kitchens. 50 workers will assemble at 6 o'clock on New Year's morning in 5 kitchens: "We estimate that we'll be providing food for 1000 patients, and it may not be just the ovens which don't work. Since it starts with knowing for sure what we've got in the refrigerators, we had the idea of making headlamps", said Susanne.

But headlamps alone may not be enough. If everything fails, conveyor belts won't operate, elevators will stop ... yes, there will be a "thousand things" that will have to be considered.

"Of course we don't really think that the lights will go out, but it's still wise to be prepared", thinks Susanne. So she and her colleagues have an emergency plan: 1000 packed meals that can be provided, whatever happens - it will just mean more preparation by hand, and a supply of throw-away utensils. And this is the emergency menu, if everything fails -

LUNCH:

Roast beef, French bread, and potato salad

Strawberry mousse

DINNER:

Wild boar pati

Salmon

Cheese and grapes

But what about coffee? Unfortunately, not available, if ...

-- Risteard MacThomais (uachtaran@ireland.com), December 03, 1999

Answers

Thank you for contributing an international perspective. Good luck.

M

-- Mark (mat_dc@hotmail.com), December 03, 1999.

"Wild boar pate"? on the menu for HOSPITAL patients???

Guess the dietitician has a sense of humor about endless "chicken surprise" meals.

-- Linda (lwmb@psln.com), December 03, 1999.

Risteard,
Maybe they should contract our illustrious Mocklamer to build them a few hundred LED headlamps...they will last longer!
Linda: I saw the wild boar pate item and a flag went up with me too!! Wonder what the American equivalent is; hog jowls and chitluns?

-- Jay Urban (Jayho99@aol.com), December 03, 1999.