Sunday, December 5, 1999
Los Angeles Times

Y2K: Who's Ready, Who's Not

A look at Y2K readiness in the United States and around the world:

UNITED STATES
* BANKS
The Federal Reserve has set up a "special liquidity facility" to give banks loans in case of sudden demand for cash.
* ELECTRICAL GRIDS
No major disruptions are anticipated.
* HEALTH CARE
Many hospitals and doctors' offices have been slow to make their laboratory and diagnostic equipment Y2K compliant, so the health care sector may face some disruptions in the new year, some surveys suggest.
* MILITARY
The Department of Defense doesn't anticipate any major problems. Russian military officials will be at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado. If Russian computer systems report a false nuclear attack, the Russians will be able to confirm that it is false.
* PHONES
Telephone service is expected to continue without interruption. Phone companies are, however, warning customers not to check their dial tone at midnight--if too many phones surge into use at one time, circuits could be tied up even if there are no technical problems.
* PUBLIC SAFETY
Although many 911 emergency response systems are behind with their fixes, the National Emergency Number Assn. expects them to be completed in time.
* SCHOOLS
Schools may encounter problems after the holiday break. Almost 40% of U.S. school districts and colleges have not adequately tested their facilities for the millennium computer bug, officials warned in late October.
* SUPPLIES
Stockpiling is not necessary, most experts say, though some Americans may want to have a little extra money, a full tank of gas and extra food in case local stores hit snags.
* TERRORISM
The FBI warned in November that cults and racist fringe groups could be planning for scattered violence on New Year's Day.

WORLDWIDE
* AIRLINES
Most airlines will be flying, although they are having to significantly reduce flights because Y2K fears are keeping many people from flying that night. Many longer international flights will be carrying extra fuel on New Year's Eve.
* AMERICANS ABROAD
U.S. embassies and consulates around the world are scheduled to check in with State Department officials in the United States at 1 a.m. in their respective time zones, to make sure nothing is wrong. The United States is also creating special stockpiles of food and emergency supplies in various parts of the world in case there are problems.
* CULTS
Israeli authorities are worried about doomsday cults that may attempt acts of mass violence. Officials are particularly worried about incidents at the Dome of the Rock, one of Islam's holiest places. Elsewhere, one alarming apocalyptic cult is Russia's Church of the Final Testament, which is reported to have several thousand followers headquartered on a Siberian mountain. Russian authorities worry that they may commit mass suicide near the traditional Russian New Year's Eve, Jan. 6.
* ELECTRICITY
Power around the world is not expected to suffer any serious disruptions on Jan. 1, partly because there will be less demand. Many industrial plants will be shut down for the rollover, and many utilities in less developed countries are able to switch to manual operations.

POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
* AFRICA
Across the continent, potential problems are likely to be contained since computerization is not widespread outside the capitals. Officials in South Africa say their country is ready.
* CHINA
Weapons and nuclear plants are ready, according to Chinese officials, although some Western analysts warn that the massive country could experience huge disruptions. Because China has only recently cultivated its technology industry, the government could fall back on traditional non-computerized modes of operation.
* EASTERN EUROPE
Former Iron Curtain nations are said to be woefully behind with their preparations, but use of older computer systems is not widespread. The State Department has cautioned Americans against traveling in Russia, Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine.
* INDONESIA
One of the biggest potential trouble spots. Indonesia has not had the resources in the last two years to update aging technology.
* ISRAEL
In addition to the influx of millions of foreigners to the Holy Land, Israeli authorities are worried about doomsday cults.
* ITALY
Italy got a late start on Y2K preparations, but officials now say they are ready. Some isolated power outages are possible. Any major disruptions in Rome would be exacerbated by the tens of thousands of foreign tourists expected for New Year's Eve.
* JAPAN
Japan got off to a late start on Y2K but has done considerable work in recent months, and now officials think the country is ready. As a precaution, all trains will be stopped for a 15-minute period that overlaps midnight of Dec. 31. The government has suggested that residents stockpile at least two days' worth of food.
* PARAGUAY
Analysts say the South American nation is very far behind in fixing the millennium bug, and the country's Y2K coordinator fears significant disruptions in daily life.
* RUSSIA
The CIA warns that Russia, with 11 time zones and dwindling resources, may be at risk of breakdown. Citizens may have trouble with heat and food. Russian officials insist that the country's vital systems will be ready. They are setting its electrical grid to manual control on Dec. 31 to prevent outages. Air traffic control may be switched to manual as well.
* UKRAINE
Many experts warn that the country's fragile infrastructure could sustain heavy Y2K damage, although the government officially denies it.
* VENEZUELA
The public sector is said to be ill prepared for Y2K, and some experts are concerned about electricity brownouts from the state-owned power utility.

RISK RATINGS
Risks according to International Monitoring, a technology group. It says 10% of failures will occur Jan. 1, the rest in the days and weeks after...

Sources: Staff and wire reports, Times files, President's Council on Year 2000 Conversion, Associated Press, International Monitoring

Compiled by JOHN JACKSON/Los Angeles Times [ENDS]

-- John whitley (jwhitley@inforamp.net), December 06, 1999

Answers

I certainly feel much better. Gotta go help Mr. P. with his new Ameritrade account.

-- Squid (Itsdark@down.here), December 06, 1999.

Here we go again! 3 days..it drives me to distraction! Either tell us don't prepare or tell us to prepare a minimum of 2 weeks or more. When everyone agrees that y2k is a big unknown, It is an insult to any thinking person to flatly say 3 days...why not 2 days, or 4 days...nope, the 3 day mantra goes on...

-- citizen (lost@sea.com), December 06, 1999.

That's the biggest problem with all this computer junk. If you snooze for a minute EVERYTHING changes so radically that one can't even recognize the situation any more. When did this moment of clarity come anyway? I'd be interested in entering in my journal, the exact moment that the experts "KNEW" it was going to be a BITR. Man, what was it anyway, a sudden cascading domino effect? All the pieces suddenly fit because of some digital exorcism? Please, don't keep me in suspense any longer. WHAT??

-- spun@lright (mikeymac@uswest.net), December 06, 1999.

John,

There's another thread on the board that quotes you from a Rense interview as saying that Kosky is personally prepared for 3 months. Can you verify that information? Much appreciated.

-- (RUOK@yesiam.com), December 06, 1999.

Sunday, December 5, 1999 Los Angeles Times

Y2K: Who's Ready, Who's Not

A look at Y2K readiness in the United States and around the world:

UNITED STATES * BANKS The Federal Reserve has set up a "special liquidity facility" to give banks loans in case of sudden demand for cash. * ELECTRICAL GRIDS No major disruptions are anticipated. * HEALTH CARE Many hospitals and doctors' offices have been slow to make their laboratory and diagnostic equipment Y2K compliant, so the health care sector may face some disruptions in the new year, some surveys suggest. * MILITARY The Department of Defense doesn't anticipate any major problems. Russian military officials will be at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado. If Russian computer systems report a false nuclear attack, the Russians will be able to confirm that it is false. * PHONES Telephone service is expected to continue without interruption. Phone companies are, however, warning customers not to check their dial tone at midnight--if too many phones surge into use at one time, circuits could be tied up even if there are no technical problems. * PUBLIC SAFETY Although many 911 emergency response systems are behind with their fixes, the National Emergency Number Assn. expects them to be completed in time. * SCHOOLS Schools may encounter problems after the holiday break. Almost 40% of U.S. school districts and colleges have not adequately tested their facilities for the millennium computer bug, officials warned in late October. * SUPPLIES Stockpiling is not necessary, most experts say, though some Americans may want to have a little extra money, a full tank of gas and extra food in case local stores hit snags. * TERRORISM The FBI warned in November that cults and racist fringe groups could be planning for scattered violence on New Year's Day.

WORLDWIDE * AIRLINES Most airlines will be flying, although they are having to significantly reduce flights because Y2K fears are keeping many people from flying that night. Many longer international flights will be carrying extra fuel on New Year's Eve. * AMERICANS ABROAD U.S. embassies and consulates around the world are scheduled to check in with State Department officials in the United States at 1 a.m. in their respective time zones, to make sure nothing is wrong. The United States is also creating special stockpiles of food and emergency supplies in various parts of the world in case there are problems. * CULTS Israeli authorities are worried about doomsday cults that may attempt acts of mass violence. Officials are particularly worried about incidents at the Dome of the Rock, one of Islam's holiest places. Elsewhere, one alarming apocalyptic cult is Russia's Church of the Final Testament, which is reported to have several thousand followers headquartered on a Siberian mountain. Russian authorities worry that they may commit mass suicide near the traditional Russian New Year's Eve, Jan. 6. * ELECTRICITY Power around the world is not expected to suffer any serious disruptions on Jan. 1, partly because there will be less demand. Many industrial plants will be shut down for the rollover, and many utilities in less developed countries are able to switch to manual operations.

POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS * AFRICA Across the continent, potential problems are likely to be contained since computerization is not widespread outside the capitals. Officials in South Africa say their country is ready. * CHINA Weapons and nuclear plants are ready, according to Chinese officials, although some Western analysts warn that the massive country could experience huge disruptions. Because China has only recently cultivated its technology industry, the government could fall back on traditional non-computerized modes of operation. * EASTERN EUROPE Former Iron Curtain nations are said to be woefully behind with their preparations, but use of older computer systems is not widespread. The State Department has cautioned Americans against traveling in Russia, Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine. * INDONESIA One of the biggest potential trouble spots. Indonesia has not had the resources in the last two years to update aging technology. * ISRAEL In addition to the influx of millions of foreigners to the Holy Land, Israeli authorities are worried about doomsday cults. * ITALY Italy got a late start on Y2K preparations, but officials now say they are ready. Some isolated power outages are possible. Any major disruptions in Rome would be exacerbated by the tens of thousands of foreign tourists expected for New Year's Eve. * JAPAN Japan got off to a late start on Y2K but has done considerable work in recent months, and now officials think the country is ready. As a precaution, all trains will be stopped for a 15-minute period that overlaps midnight of Dec. 31. The government has suggested that residents stockpile at least two days' worth of food. * PARAGUAY Analysts say the South American nation is very far behind in fixing the millennium bug, and the country's Y2K coordinator fears significant disruptions in daily life. * RUSSIA The CIA warns that Russia, with 11 time zones and dwindling resources, may be at risk of breakdown. Citizens may have trouble with heat and food. Russian officials insist that the country's vital systems will be ready. They are setting its electrical grid to manual control on Dec. 31 to prevent outages. Air traffic control may be switched to manual as well. * UKRAINE Many experts warn that the country's fragile infrastructure could sustain heavy Y2K damage, although the government officially denies it. * VENEZUELA The public sector is said to be ill prepared for Y2K, and some experts are concerned about electricity brownouts from the state-owned power utility.

RISK RATINGS Risks according to International Monitoring, a technology group. It says 10% of failures will occur Jan. 1, the rest in the days and weeks after...

Sources: Staff and wire reports, Times files, President's Council on Year 2000 Conversion, Associated Press, International Monitoring

Compiled by JOHN JACKSON/Los Angeles Times [ENDS]

Oh ......hold the presses! I just put on a new pair of Y2K foglite glasses. It is all much clearer now. Oh geez! I can read between the l....lines with these babies. OH @!%&, this COULD BE BAD!! Only 10% on Jan 2000, means the other 90% of the problems will come later! 10 + 90 = 100% of problems, so I guess we'll just have to wait to see our fate. If I haven't prep'd for 9 times the problems I see Jan 1 2000, then I guess it's pretty bad for me huh?

Wait, don't I remember something about a HUGE portion of our imported oil coming from Venezuela? Does this mean what I think it does? And won't any oil already in process there, have to make it through the Panama Canal before it gets to me? Is this a cause for concern for me?

What the.... isn't Ukraine the place where they had that radioactive problem a while back? The one that travelled along way, got the Laplanders food and futures in such a mess? Weren't a bunch of human beings killed on a count of that? Have they got any more of those old broken down reactors over there? Will the workers be able to get home to save their families from freezing, if the Gaz Company quits running?

Russia = 11 time zones? Huh, I guess I was under the misguided impression that Russia did not equal the Soviet Union anymore. Should have known all along. Last I heard, the poor folks over in Siberia hadn't received any help from the Motherland for over two years. Guess it takes a long time to get all that wheat we give them across all those time zones.

Oops, sorry to hear about Paraguay, but I don't know if it would be a cause for concern, other than the fact that they are part of our race, the human one that is.

Japan telling it's citizens to STOCKPILE! Now I know we're in deep kim chi! That is tantamount to committing hare kare, for such a foolishly proud people isn't it? Boy, they must really think something big is going to happen to make such a glaring admission.

Well just a quick once over at Israel, Indonesia, China, Eastern Europe, Africa, and...hey what about the rest of the world? Are they all ok? Are they outside the do loop? We don't need any of the raw resources, manufacturing, parts, or anything that might make a BIG difference to our daily lives from them? Whew, I guess I didn't know that. I always thought we were kinda dependant on at least some of them for the medicines, herbs, markets for our stuff, and things as trivial as that. Glad we don't need them, though, since all it takes is a itsy bitsy spring to keep that big 'ol locomotive from moving. Or at least a good spare to repair the broken stuff.

Yep, I'm sure glad you posted this stuff, and most of all I'm glad I've got this new pair of glasses!

Thanks John W.

Sorry John Q.

-- spun@lright (mikeymac@uswest.net), December 06, 1999.

Well maybe some of health care is ok. Just learned yesterday that the majority of medicate recipiants did not get their cards for December. When called they said they hadn't been able to print them. Then when called back another said they were in the mail. Doctors cant verify eligibility and prescriptions cant be filled. Now what did they say about health?

-- Susan Barrett (sue59@bellsouth.net), December 06, 1999.

I wonder how long it takes for someone to STOCKPILE two days worth of food as they are being advised in Japan.

-- y2k dave (xsdaa111@hotmail.com), December 06, 1999.

Hi spun@lright. Remember that Japan - even now - has a tradition of leaders taking personal responsibility, right to the top. If people die due to a Y2K shortage, their politicians can't just shrug and say "So?".

Sigh. If only we were so lucky...

-- Colin MacDonald (roborogerborg@yahoo.com), December 06, 1999.