Leavin... On A Jet Plane... Dont Know When Ill Be Back Again...

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

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Midi link... for your listening pleasure...
Leaving on a Jet Plane
http://midistudio.com/Guests/Robert_Dupler/leavingon.mid

March 1st, 2000

Well TBY2Kers its time for me to take wing in the cyber skies and move on to new global adventures in eCommunity... and beyond... plus create changes in my personal life... in addition to shutting down the puter more often. (This has been in the works for awhile).

*Smile*

Feels good to have hot running water... to watch the spring flowers bloom... to amble down tree-lined town streets, rain or shine... to feel grateful that Earth Abides... (sorta) and to anticipate new beginnings (in the best I Ching tradition) over a steaming hot caffe latte at my favorite local coffee house.

In contemplating the Y2K lessons learned over the past year and a half, or pondering the lessons were stilling learning, that we may (or may not) carry with us into the future, a few have personal meaning....

 The middle ground is a sane place to remain in an insanely polarized world...

Never seen anything quite like the inadequately labeled Doomer/Polly Y2K schism that occurred here, within communities and boardrooms across the nation, and decidedly among the newsmedia around the world. (Or not). What an eye-opening experience that was! From the corridors of the White House, to the meeting rooms in town halls, only the compelling topics of Religion and Politics (or Sex) could scatter the polar opposites as effectively.

In 1998, whod of thought a simple computer bug (glitch to be politically correct these days) could have created the biggest remedial price tag in the history of our planet, or that so many people would react the ways they did (or did not)?

Lessons to learn here are not about right or wrong because, near as I can tell, both sides are somewhat right and somewhat wrong, whatever the revisionists/flammers/right wing/left wing try to say. Problems are happening.

Planes do appear to be falling from the sky. Oil prices are skyrocketing. Are they Y2K related? Hard to tell, because its inappropriate to allude to having a Y2K problem... similar to a social anathema, or admitting to having a communicable disease. Additionally, with the looming threat of lawsuits, organizations are well aware that open season begins at the onset of April... 90 days to fix it, the Congressional legislation says.

Personally, now and in the future, I plan to stake my tent somewhere in the middleground, of any issue.

As any Feng Shui practitioner or afficianado knows, you dont build a house on a flat flood plane nor on the top of a wind-tossed, elements-exposed mountain, but partway up the slopes on a secure base, with your back protected, your sides embraced and unobstructed view out front. (And remember your pure water source).

We appear to live in a Yin-Yang world. The balance between poles apart... occurs where opposites attract... at centerpoint. Its simply a wise place to be.

REFERENCE: Y2K And The Erosion Of The Middle Ground
-- Arnie Rimmer (Arnie_Rimmer@usa.net), March 19, 1999
http://www.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000cvv

 When governments openly hire perception management P.R. firms... buy a clue.

Its well to realize when the politicians (et. al.) determine that a potential problem is big enough that the rank and file citizens cant be allowed to think for themselves, their immediate response is to mold public perception, by whatever devious or for their own good means are possible.

I remember when I read the following statement by John Koskinen...

NRC Nuclear Regulatory Commission Briefing On Y2K
Thursday, February 11, 1999
http://www.nrc.gov/NRC/COMMISSION/TRANSCRIPTS/19990211b.html

[snip]

MR. KOSKINEN:

... That brings me to my request of the Commission and the staff and the industry. That is that our other major problem and risk in the United States will be overreaction by the public to the perception of what this problem could look like.

We are concerned that if a few people decide to change their economic behavior, it won't make a lot of difference, if even a reasonable number of people do that, but if 200 million Americans decide to do anything very differently all at one time, the system is not geared up to deal with that, and we could have a self-fulfilling prophesy where we have a major economic problem even though the systems basically are functioning appropriately. ...

[snip -- to end]

It was quite obvious then that TPTB were favoring the economy... and NOT the lives of people. That frankly was my biggest gripe with the dot govs, dot mils and dot coms. At that timing virtually every Senate or House testimony had No One Knows sprinkled as their ending tagline. With such monumental uncertainty, the choice made really puzzled me.

Lessons? Given that people are again faced with an unknowable global threat like that again, as they will be at some future time, it is wise to recall WHO the leaders are looking out for. Hint: Its NOT the little people. Sad, but there it is.

It is only prudent to be prepared to rely on yourselves... your neighbors... your community... if/when push comes to shove... again. (And it will).

Lets just say, whenever Tom Browkaw (NBC), Dan Rather (CBS) or Peter Jennings (ABC) speak on a hot topic, Ill remember to check out the internet and do my own research, rather than allow them to mold my perceptions for me.

Investigative journalism appears to be a dying art form.

That was one of the biggest lessons of Y2K.

*Sigh*

REFERENCE: Check out the Navy's Virtual Community Conversation on 6/15, and a look at who created the .gov Community Conversation series (i.e. The Rendon Group -- PR firm for Koskinens Community Conversations.)
http://www.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=00106v

 When your military begins holding its first ever Urban Warrior exercises in a town near you... ask yourself... WHY?

Before the Y2K experience I knew next-to-nothing about our military, and afterwards its pretty much the same. However, my eyes were certainly popped open by the Naval War College Year 2000 scenarios, and more importantly, by all the Marine Urban Warrior activity. Threads upon threads were devoted to the topic.

Lessons? When youre watching your water and food supply, also watch what your taxpayer paid for military does... not just what they say. (They tend to forget who really writes the payroll checks).

REFERENCE: There are so many links I wouldnt even know where to point you. For the Y2K historians and archivists among us, check out the Military category on TimeBomb 2000. Or, browse here...

San Francisco Says No To Marines' High-Tech Exercise
http://hv.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000PuS

!!!Everything We've Uncovered Is True !! FEMA vs Homeland Command
http://hv.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000S8Y

Military Test Exercises For "Urban Warrior" & National Institute for Urban Search and Rescue Web-site
http://hv.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000ToL

It's only urban warfare training
http://hv.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000VHT

Heads Up San Antonio, Texas (Urban Warriors Coming Your Way This Week)
http://hv.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000VOL

Finally! Kingsville Military "Exercise" Makes It Into The Houston Chronicle
http://hv.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000WiH

Protests In Oakland, California About Scheduled Urban Warrior Exercises
http://hv.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000Xu2

Urban Warrior Exercises In No. California May Face Showdown, or Not
http://hv.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000b9U

 When both the U.S. House and Senate create special task force subcommittees to study ONE issue... pay attention... and learn to read-between-the-lines.

Prior to the Y2K experience, again, I knew next-to-nothing about our congressional machinations (and could frankly care less) yet afterwards its pretty much the same. One observation though... if theres a vested interest ANYWHERE on this planet... it can be found in Washington D.C.

*Sheesh*

Often, they dont appear to know if they are coming or going. Talking out of both sides of the mouth is a political success achievement. (Beware he who speaks with forked tongue?) I knew that... as we all did... but after Y2K... I REALLY KNOW that... now.

Do want to commend the efforts of Senators Bennett and Dodd, and Representative Horn for trying, like the rest of us, to figure out what the heck was going on with the Year 2000 problem and WHO was telling the truth? (Or even knew it intimately for that matter?) Like many, I read hours upon hours worth of CIA, FBI, FEMA, GAO, etc., testimony and researched the myriad background clues and still... there was NO predicting what would happen.

Thankfully... not much. At least... not much thats currently obvious.

Lessons? If something is important enough for both houses to focus on, it behooves the vigilant to observe... with more than a grain of salt... and a hefty magnifying glass.

Have to add, Im more discouraged than ever with the Washington scene. Wonder if Abe Lincoln will ever choose reincarnate there again? Honesty is not to be found among those hollow halls, IMHO. Or if it arrives there... it quickly assimilates into the congressional borg.

That does not bode well for our global future.

REFERENCE: For the wildly curious, check out the Government category. It was an adventure.

 When the dot gov and dot mil spin cycle spins... prepare to be caught up in a ringer, and hung out to dry. Or not.

The first intimation that this bboard was seriously monitored--even manipulated--by more than a few vested interests came with the c4i saga. As a relatively new lead Sysop, after Ed Yourdon handed over the forum reins to me late May 1999 (and I quickly created an ever growing team of Sysops and Moderators [grateful thanks all]), I was stunned to see how fast outsiders slide down the firepoles as one moderator put it.

The Sysops had a birdseye view of all the ISPs that people came in on. There suddenly was an overabundance of dot mil and unusual posters. In fact, I was so puzzled, that I spent two and a half hours on the phone with someone involved in the early creation of the internet, and he ran traces for me on the more puzzling ISPs. The upshot was... Diane... these traces are doing things Ive NEVER seen before... were playing with the big boyz.

I gulped, shared the findings with the Moderator team, and simply observed continuing events.

The next biggy came with what is now known as the Jim Lord Pentagon Papers. We had to devote a whole category to that one! C4i was baby stuff, comparatively speaking, to the FIRESTORM that created.

Without going into excruciating details (its in the TimeBomb archives), basically Jim Lord posted a spreadsheet taken from a pubically accessible dot mil website (originally located at the Port Hueneme base, CA). How do I know that? Because he wasnt the one who originally found it.

One of our regular TBY2K posters did (someone I trust implicitly and who later acknowledged what he did). Our poster was so concerned, by the alarming information contained on that spreadsheet, that if it fell into the wrong hands could spell major trouble for the Navy, so he alerted Koskinens team to its existence, and it was quickly disappeared. However, concurrently, someone within the Navy also floated a copy to Jim Lord and the rest is... his-story.

Lessons? When something embarrassing comes under the dot mil public spotlight... they will move heaven and earth (along with the Pentagon and the White House) to shift public perception on it.

Cant tell you how much dot mil e-mail I suddenly received in my little ole e-mail box. Each with their own story to tell. Frankly, it made my head swim!

Alices looking glass cracked on that one!

Upshot... I will never again take for granted the power of determined spin. And... I am alternately encouraged by the wildcard nature of the global internet to become the final frontier for countering the spin. Or not.

Time, and ECHELON will tell.

REFERENCE: Somebody, in some future time, may puzzle over this head scratcher.

Category:
Military/Pentagon Papers/Hot Topics (New)

Subj: An Open Letter to Jim Lord (Sent By E-Mail From A Navy Dot Mil)
http://hv.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=001H8i

Diane J. Squire - C4I - Jim Lord ???
http://hv.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=001Gi5

In conclusion? (Since I could go on, and on, for 20 pages)...

 What works? People do. When they put aside their differences and focus on their commonalties.

At least... the ones who care about their fellow humans... being.

The most impressive aspect about the whole Y2K story, was the way grassroots activists came together across the country and around the globe, to help out in their home towns and neighborhoods. Since no one knew what would happen, the emergency management people and the activists often came together and got prepared. At least... as much as was possible... given counter intentions and media whitewash.

Lessons? I think people who care more about other people rather than the systems weve created, are humanities last, best hope, to change this crazy convoluted, upside down world, into something we can all.... live with.

Was there a Y2K problem? Definitely.

Would it have been solved in time if people hadnt shouted from the rooftops? Doubtful, IMHO.

And that is where the Y2K story ends. Or not.

Somehow... I think Mother Nature will have the last word.

*Mona Lisa Smile*

And that brings me up to the next phase of as the TBY2K cyber-world turns or...

TimeBomb 2000 (Y2000) Forum... and... Shift Happens...

Basically this personal choice means is that my TBY2K Sysop spurs are reverting back to Ed Yourdon (who rejoined the Sysop team in December after I pleaded with him to aid us with the spam attacks which increased dramatically after he said Sayonara last May).

The rest of the Sysop team support this move... and... well... Eds been On a Jet Plane today... returning to Taos from NYC.

Hell post an update on TimeBomb 2000 Forum changes, likely tomorrow.

(Stay tuned... for the other shoe to drop).

Best wishes to you all, and may you ALL realize your hearts desires.

*Grin*

Au Revoir,

Diane
A Former TBY2K Sysop

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P.S. Working on initiating an online discussion group on sustainability topics. Not quite sure if it will morph, grow or die. Let me know if youre interested.

Youll find me... where the alternatives are.

;-D

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), March 01, 2000

Answers

See also Chucks farewell... (sorta)...

;-D

Musings on the art of transitioning from Faculty to Emeritus Sysop/ moderator

http://hv.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=002cxP

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-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), March 01, 2000.


Can't begin to describe my appreciation for your efforts, Diane. What a long, strange trip it's been. Let us know when/if/where your new discussion group gets going. And save a seat in first class for me.

-- Cash (cash@andcarry.com), March 01, 2000.

Say it ain't so Joe!

-- Porky (Porky@in.cellblockD), March 01, 2000.

G'nite Diane, best wishes, take care.

-- bardou (bardou@baloneyy.xcom), March 01, 2000.

Diane,

Your work as a sysop was extraordinary and filled with exceptional grace. Thank you. Farewell.

Casey

-- Casey DeFranco (caseydefranco@mindspring.com), March 01, 2000.



' Bye Dianne, Thanks '

-- spider (spider0@usa.net), March 01, 2000.

Diane, it has been a pleasure. In my Salish language we have no worrd for goodbye. So let me just say this: May Great Grandfather smile on you this and everyday of the rest of your life. Also may serenity circle on silent wings and catch the whisper of the winds.

-- David Whitelaw (Dande53484@aol.com), March 01, 2000.

I would be interested in your new discussion group. Marcia

-- Marcia Banti (marcia@madnet.net), March 01, 2000.

Is this because LadyLunatic has been threatening you? We ought to get the FBI on that crazy bitch. Are you going to be working under another name from now on?

-- Hawk (flyin@high.again), March 01, 2000.

Diane, I stand Tall, to Salute You.

-- kindness (of@friends.com), March 01, 2000.


Later, gater - can't believe you kept the good work up for so long! See ya elsewhere (I hope)

-- Nom (nom@de.plume), March 01, 2000.

Thanks for a job well done, Diane. You will be missed.

-- Tee (teefleur@yahoo.com), March 01, 2000.

Diane, too late and I couldn't read all of that. Maybe tomorrow..DAMN, please don't leave!!!!!!

Just when you think it is over, it ain't. Can you at least come back and help a little? Take a vacation for a while, but don't just leave forever!

Maybe, you are just tired now. Don't let the bitch win!!!

-- canthappen (n@ysayer.com), March 01, 2000.


Thanks Diane, for a job well done against overwhelming odds. Though I never added much to the debates here, I cringed in shock at the abuse received by the sysops. My sincere appreciation for your gracious all your hard work.

You were a LADY! Check in when time allows.

*sigh*

Tommy

-- Tommy Rogers (Been there@Just a Thought.com), March 01, 2000.


No Hawk.

LL kept me here longer than I wanted to be, although I was hoping to make it until April 1st.

Time to go.

;-D

Ed has "plans."

Diane

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), March 01, 2000.



[Smmmack] -right cheek, [Smmack] -left cheek. Hope your (ad)venture is met with success. Thank you for kindly fixing all my HTML errors.
I would like to hear about your sustainability group, we are currently looking for ~650 bales of Oat straw for a building project.

-- Possible Impact (posim@hotmail.com), March 01, 2000.

Diane Dear One,

Merry Met and Merry Part and Merry Meet Again

Goddess Bless

Laurie

-- Pagan One (laurelayn@yahoo.net), March 01, 2000.


DIANE:

Tnx for all your 'behind the curtain' work. And, yes, am interested in sustainability (with a Tom Friedman slant) topics -- put me on your list.

Bill

-- William J. Schenker, MD (wjs@linkfast.net), March 01, 2000.


sob...choke...sputter....

Come back to Southern California again some day.

-- Dana (A_Non_O_Moose@xxx.com), March 01, 2000.


You people, quit saying 'goodbye'. She is probably tired. Encourage her to stay. She has to stay to finally slay the Dragon.

Good Grief, Diane, at least don't leave until you put LL to rest! Please?

-- canthappen (n@ysayer.com), March 01, 2000.


Thank you Ms.Squire for your faithful work and so many prep insights. You certainly have saved thousands of lives by increasing awareness. Hold on to your rice and beans for a few more months until the Jerusalem Old City ownership and Taiwan China issues are settled peacefully. If not, find a bunker. Sincerely Dr. Don in SC

-- Dr. Don (Dr. Don@aol.com), March 01, 2000.

I think what she's saying is that Ed is going to shut it down. He doesn't want to be responsible when the psychobitch LL tries to sue him for being censored. Damn! The evidence was just starting to show up.

["Shift" Hawk, and wait for Ed--Sysop]

-- Hawk (flyin@high.again), March 01, 2000.


Diane, thank you for everything. If I can be added to the list to be able to visit with everyone later, it would be appreciated. Thanks. Suzy

-- suzy (HAYSandCO@aol.com), March 01, 2000.

Diane, Thanks so much. And thanks for your wonderful, illuminating essay. Best ever to you.

-- Mara (MaraWayne@aol.com), March 01, 2000.

Diane, blessings on your new paths. May Air bless your communication, Fire bless your passion, Water bless your harmonious flow, Earth ground you in these tumultous times, and Spirit be within you and without you.

Many thanks for your grace under fire and intensely hard work here. Let me know about the sustainability list.

-- Firemouse (firemouse@fcmail.com), March 01, 2000.


Good Luck and Better Skill!

-- zog (zzoggy@yahoo.com), March 01, 2000.

If LadyLogic were the reason for Diane's departure, she wouldn't be leaving. Does that make sense? Yes, of course it does! Truly, Diane has had these plans for some time; it's very little to do with LL, except that her date of departure was extended because of LL.

Being a sysop on this board is not easy. Many of us have kept low profiles to keep the noise level down. Diane had a high profile and thus was often vilified--for doing what the majority of forumites wanted. When all is said and done, what is done here is done because it is the wish of the majority. You cannot please all of the people all of the time, but you can please most of them most of the time, and that is what Diane did.

Bon voyage and bon chance, Diane.

-- Old Git (sysop@pooperscooper.carpaltunnel), March 01, 2000.


"I'm a Libyan, on a jet plane....

Don't know if I'll be back again...."

Diane, enjoy your life, world, and family. All my best to you and yours.

Dennis

-- Dennis (djolson@pressenter.com), March 01, 2000.


My dear Mistress Diane,

Dear lady I bid you a fond fare well, with no little sadness at seeing you go. But perhaps the time comes for all of us. Mine, I am hoping, will in turn come also. But while your part of Y2K; being the computer soft ware parts, has most certainly passed over it's "event horizon".

We are only now entering into the "other" Y2K, the embedded systems. The part I understand. So, with a unique sadness at your passing. I shall continue my vigilance, untill they to have crossed over their Rubicon.

But please stay alert to yours; and our collective surroundings. For there is far more trouble coming over the horizon. Than could have been caused by the bug called Y2K.

"As for me..... I shall finish the Game"!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Shakey~~~~~~~~~~~~~

-- Shakey (in_a_bunker@forty.feet), March 01, 2000.


With sadness, Shalom Diane.

-- PA Engineer (PA Engineer@longtimelurker.com), March 01, 2000.

Thanks for all the hard work Diane. You'll be missed.

-- haha (haha@haha.com), March 01, 2000.

Diane, thanks so much for all your hard work and perserverance. I wish you the best in all your future endeavors,

-- formerly known as nobody (formerly@nowhere.zzz), March 01, 2000.

Diane,

You've always been the "glue" that has been holding this place together, and the calm within the storm. It'll never be the same. Will definitely miss you. Happy trails in cyberspace! :-)

-- Hawk (flyin@high.again), March 01, 2000.


Good God, Diane, don't get on a PLANE...haven't you learned ANYTHING from this forum??? ;-) Very best wishes.

-kirsten

-- kritter (kritter@adelphia.net), March 01, 2000.


Bon Voyage dear Diane. You have touched many lives on this board, and only for the better (including our nutsy spammers). May you find the happiness and adventure you seek. It was a pleasure to view your common sense perspectives. Keep in touch and let us know where you land. I wish you only the best (and we know you need the rest).

-- Aunt Bee (SheriffAndy@Mayberry.com), March 01, 2000.

Diane, so sorry you had to deal with some of the dark side of humanity while helping the rest of us find our way through the unsettled days before Y2K arrived. Your untiring efforts to keep this forum up and running are greatly appreciated. Sincerely wish that all your days ahead are filled with light and love. Wishing you every success in your new endeavors.

Best of Luck....

-- Lurkess (Lurkess@Lurking.XNet), March 01, 2000.


Sayonara Diane! Lots of health, wealth & happiness to you. At least stop by once in a while to say hi and let us know how you are doing. Take Care.

-- dory (crtwheel@eburg.com), March 01, 2000.

Delurking...

Diane, you've been amazing, and your farewell is both a remarkably well-written summation of the complex issues, and a bit foreboding.

You have my best wishes for continued success, though I doubt you'll need them. You have demonstrated repeatedly that you are a remarkably talented woman.

Include me on your list, please.

Return to lurking...

-- Steve (hartsman@ticon.net), March 01, 2000.


I'm just too stunned by this sudden news to say anything coherent right now.

Feeling anger rising at the spammer responsible. The psycho shouldn't be left to get her way.

I'd be pleased to delete her on site for hours if needed, and I'm sure many other people would too, leaving the current sysops doing their normal sysops duties if they still wish to stay. This forum is unique on the web, and one lousy lone nut taking it down is beyond what I can handle right now without frothing at the mouth. So I'll shut up.

Not saying goodbye to you just yet Diane, just can't.

-- Chris (@#$%@.pond.com), March 02, 2000.


Diane,

Thanks for you tireless efforts. Good luck to ya!

-TECH32-

-- TECH32 (TECH32@NOMAIL.CON), March 02, 2000.


Thank you for everything, Diane.

-- GA Russell (ga.russell@usa.net), March 02, 2000.

Diane, I mostly lurked here when you were actively posting but I always enjoyed your posts being backed up with lots of informative links. Thanks so much for all your time and effort. Good luck in your new adventures.

-- Lucy (lifeisgoodhere@webtv.net), March 02, 2000.

As one who lurked and posted under various nom de plume, I extend my gratitude for concealing my online multiple personae. God bless in all your endeavors. And also my heartfelt thanks for all your calm patience during such difficult times from the darkside of the net. Like your namesake, the Huntress Diana of mythological fame, I too trot with my own pair of rescued greyhounds. If we want change, we must be willing to stand up for our convictions. Walk like the lady you are. Peace and Love always, Sally

-- Too many to cite... (onewoman@manyfaces.com), March 02, 2000.

You'll be back...:)

-- INever (inevercheckmy@onebox.com), March 02, 2000.

Fair winds my friend.

*sigh*

-- Carlos (riffraff1@cybertime.net), March 02, 2000.


Response to LeavinE.. On A Jet Plane... Dont Know When Ill Be Back Again...

Diane!

You always made sure the "cookies" were being shared evenly. It's kind of like losing a mother. Will miss the sense of your presence off-screen behind the rancour and catcalls, and the confidence that if things got out of hand you'd step in with a gentle word of reassurance and the DELETE key. So sorry. Bye.

>"<

-- Squirrel Hunter (nuts@upina.cellrelaytower), March 02, 2000.


May the road rise to meet you...

-- Lars (lars@indy.net), March 02, 2000.

Dianne,

As one of the newer folks hereabouts who finally got his jaw off the floor and decided to abandon very cherished anonymity and waded in, my perspective's much the same as so many I've just read, and a little different.

I did my and mine's y2k preps. without benefit of this place, not having successfully found it until very late. As it turns out, much of what I found in flower elsewhere probably started germinating here. The prep.s are in place, and are being reshaped and improved as knowledge and the luxury of a little time has allowed. The myriad of lessons learned, are far from having been all digested. Far, far from it!

I am seeing this place morph into an astounding gathering place for current information from places and on topics that continue to amaze me. Yes, it certainly is addictive! And yes, it certainly can be darn challenging. As this is written, I am just beginning to run down thoughts on just one recent thread; the length of the rest of just that journey I as yet have no idea!

Once before, I thought that this place was gone, and yes, there was a sense of loss. I checked out Ed Yourdon's place, and finally decided to hold on registering as limited time seemed more rewarding here. I never did find anywhere else even remotely comparable to this community.

If tonight or tomorrow is curtains for this place, I'll miss watching for posts and comments from more than a few of you folks, but I'll remember to savor one whale of an experience!

Dianne, I am sure that I join so many others here in bidding you health, long life and happiness, and a memorable journey wherever it all leads! Godspeed!

Ed (who I'd somehow presume will scan this thread), I for one would be willing to fork over for, for example, CD(s) covering these categories, if it comes to that. Yes, it might take me years to wade through it -- what the heck, I might just get cured of Clancy novels!

-- redeye in ohio (not@work.com), March 02, 2000.


Diane,

There are few acts of love greater than changing the dirty diapers and staying up all might with a sick child. Your stint as sysop has matched that kind of devotion. Thank you for all that time, effort and caring. Thanks don't seem like enough.

-- Brian McLaughlin (brianm@ims.com), March 02, 2000.


Just when Diana was about to give a detailed briefing on Sadie Sanity in Scene XXI...

I'm not sure I can go on. One of my muses is departing...

Sung in 3-part harmony: "I hate to see you go". 8^{

-- just a sad and bored (struggling@screenwriter.wannabe), March 02, 2000.


Oh, Diane...

Just briefly scrolled through your "Adios." Haven't read it completely (nor the many more responses that are certain to follow) but allow me to take a moment and wish you the very best of what life has to offer from here on (despite the fact that you already have most of that, because you live in California, while I'm stuck in the Midwest! [grin]).

Very best wishes!

:)

P.S. I know where you are. You know where I am. I presume our paths will cross.

-- FM (vidprof@aol.com), March 02, 2000.


Diane,

You will be very, very missed. I remember when Ed handed you the key to the kingdom...I was afraid of the change...thought the place would never be the same. Yet, it has remained a remarkable and unique cyber-community with you at the helm. You have been responsible for sheltering this wonderfully vibrant, diverse internet tribe through rollover and beyond.

I have felt such profound sadness at the vicious personal assaults upon your being, and I have cheered at your grace under fire and your remarkable resilience. To read that you are leaving now reminds me of why I hate goodbyes...they hurt.

Thank you for your service to this forum, and thank you for the parting gift of your summary essay. Your sleuthing work on the pre-rollover military activities were some of my favorite posts As always, you are a class act, even on your way out the door. May life treat you kindly, Diane.

-- (RUOK@yesiam.com), March 02, 2000.


Diane,

Your job was thankless, your accomplishments priceless and now we are "one less". You will be greatly missed. Please return to lurk at least. Include me in your mailing list please. Wishing you success and happiness in whatever the future "rolls over" your way.

-- Susan (susan@steveheller.com), March 02, 2000.


A rose for you, Diane! I remember when you first came to the forum. You took a lot of ribbing, and I remember smiling at your exuberance. Glad I got to help you with a little HTML and playing with the colors. Remember when we did all the secret messages in white? :- ) You are an incredible woman! Best wishes for your future!

-- Gayla (privacy@please.com), March 02, 2000.

Thanks for all you hard work making this forum work. I am sorry to see you go. Best wishes wherever you travel. :)

-- Lynn Ratcliffe (mcgrew@ntr.net), March 02, 2000.

Yes, Gayla, I remember Diane's debut, also, and the remarkable way Diane has spoken her mind with grace right from the get-go.

I have not even been here at TB2K lately. Figure it is fate that I "caught" Diane's farewell. And it has forced me to show up again!

Diane, to you I send aloha, love and respect, and put out into the universe the thought that we will all enjoy a happy future - a future of "dancing in harmony" in our not-really-very-separate lives.

Thank you for the immense and inspiring difference you have made in my life.

-- Sara Nealy (keithn@aloha.net), March 02, 2000.


I hate my schedule!

What can I possibly say that hasn't been said already??

This day comes, as I knew it would, though 30 days earlier than expected and a thousand earlier than hoped.

Shield-friend, sword-sister, we disagreed now and then, but we were adults and all of that is as water which has run off a duck's back.

I was aware of how hard an addiction this place (this CYBER-place) is, and so I didn't say a final goodbye to it. I am certain that you will return to this CYBER-place, regardless of its URL-address. I owe Unk a flat of tuna because he actually stayed away a month. I won't make any bets, but I'm pretty sure we'll be seeing you weigh in on stuff in the future, as the neighborhood starts discussing things near and dear to your heart.

May the road rise to meet you ... and all the rest of what has been said ...

Fellow Cyber-warrior, KNOW that my shield and sword are yours for the asking, in cyber- or real space.

KNOW also that the only delay would be in transit time.

Know also that I have only two other bonds higher than this word freely given.

Chuck Rienzo, a Night Driver, AKA Sysop # 3

-- Chuck, a night driver (rienzoo@en.com), March 02, 2000.


Diane,

Thank you, for all that you have done. Please come back again soon. For as you have said, there are many teachers and in my opinion, you are one of them. For all that give, without thought of getting anything in return is a gift. Many blessings to you on you journey.

-- Maggie (song bird@iwon.com), March 02, 2000.


Diane,

You put a chunk of your life into this place. You gave that we might live....the greatest form of love.

IMHO, your view of y2k will be one of THE official and final words about y2k regardless of the polly revisionists. Thanks for sharing. God speed. Be well.

-- BB (peace2u@bellatlantic.net), March 02, 2000.

Diane,

:-)

Fine. You leave just as I get a moment to check back in. Keep in touch and thank you for everything. Latti?

Luv ya,

Mike

=====================================================================

-- Mike Taylor (mtdesign3@aol.com), March 02, 2000.


Diane, I wish you all the very best.

-- DaveW (dwood@southwind.net), March 02, 2000.

Good luck and God bless,

Frank

-- Someone (ChimingIn@twocents.cam), March 02, 2000.


Best wishes Diane. I can tell by your posts that you are a "class act"...it shows through your font.

Thank you for all of your efforts here. You will be missed.

-- Dee (T1Colt556@aol.com), March 02, 2000.


Hello Diane-- I will miss your light touch with words.

For me, your postings were like a stream of clean. cool water flowing through this forum.

I will look for your arrival on a new forum.

Pamela B. Goodrich

-- Pam (jpjgood@penn.com), March 02, 2000.


goodbye, diane, and thanx! i couldn't begin to add to the sentiments already expressed so well.

please include my e-mail in your notice on a sustainability bb.

-- Cowardly Lion (cl0001@hotmail.com), March 02, 2000.


Diane,

Many, many, many thanks, and may you reap the joy that you have sown for many others.

Jerry

-- Jerry B (skeptic76@erols.com), March 02, 2000.


Diane,

God Bless you and good luck with your endeavors! Let me know when you find/set up another site - I'd like to participate there.

-- Deb M. (vmcclell@columbus.rr.com), March 02, 2000.


Diane and Chuck,

Many thanks for your tireless efforts on behalf of this exceptional Forum, much health, happiness and success in your furure endeavors.

Ray

-- Ray (ray@totacc.com), March 02, 2000.


Ms. Diane,

Add my name to your long list of Cyber friends from here in "Wunderland", and to the list for your new url.

It was my pleasure to have been present from the very beginning of your visit here, and although you and I have, on occasion, been at odds, I have always held you in the highest regard at all times.

Your skill as "Information Navigator" alone would have assured you a place at the head of the class. To this you have added so much more, and in so many arenas, that it truly is "Amazable".

You definitely are a class act, Ma'am, and I believe that when the final tally for this forum is made you will stand out head and shoulders above all others as the Standard Bearer for us all.

You will be missed by every one of us here Ms. Diane. Thank you for the time.

Please drop by for a visit as often as you can. You are always welcome here.

Stay well and live long and happy, Ma'am.

S.O.B.

-- sweetolebob (buffgun@hotmail.com), March 02, 2000.


I will miss you so. I wish I had known you personally, for your postings exude character and caring and your personality shines forth.

Be good, sweet maid, and let who can be clever; Do noble things, not dream them all day long; And so make life, and death, and that vast forever, One grand sweet song.

-- Nadine Zint (nadine@hillsboro.net), March 02, 2000.


Take it easy-

-- Johnny (jljtm@bellsouth.net), March 02, 2000.

Diane,

Thanks for all your help and hard work! Best wishes,

-- winter wondering (winterwondring@yahoo.com), March 02, 2000.


This is the first time I have used the "Contribute an answer" button, and I didn't expect to use it to respond to this post. As a deep lurker, whose home page is this forum, I can't thank you (and Chuck) enough for the work you've done for all of us, and hope you know what an integral part of my life you've been, and hopefully will continue to be in your new venture. Please let us know where you land. Thanks most gratefully.

Marg

-- gardiner (gardiner@vvm.com), March 02, 2000.


Diane,

I see it is now time for you to find your Greener Pastures as well. Good for you. Please take the time to come back and lurk once in a while, as it can be fun.

Thank you for all the hard work that you gave to this forum, but more of the time that you gave of yourself to everyone here. While everyone thanks you, I really doubt that you realize how much you are appreciated.

As far as your jet, may the wind always be at your rear. Enjoy yourself!

-- (Sheeple@Greener.Pastures), March 02, 2000.


Wishing you the best in all of your projects! I hope that our paths cross on other boards: you lend a touch of class wherever you post.

-- (ladybuckeye_59@yahoo.com), March 02, 2000.

Cudos Diane, from all of those you helped so unselfishly. Your actions speak louder than all the words floating in cyber-space. Good luck and God Speed on your new endeavors! Have a good rest, then get to work!*grin* We'll be lurking for you :)...Hugs*

-- River* (Riverwn@aol.com), March 02, 2000.

Excellent essay Diane. I want to go back and read through some of those links. Feel free to post the other 20 pages...

Pleasle let us know the URL when you get your discussion site going also.

Thanks for all the hard work especially during the spamming. May God's great blessings go with you now!

-- Lyn (LynHettler@hotmail.com), March 02, 2000.


Wow!

You all bring tears to my eyes. Thank you ALL from the bottom of my heart... and the top.

;-D

I'll assist Ed Yourdon with the transition to a new forum, along with the tireless Sysop team. To them and to all the "offical" but silent TBY2K Moderators... a big...

THANK YOU!

Couldn't have done it without you!

Here's wishing all Sysops, Moderator and posters, of any persuasion, and wonderful "new beginning" to your lives and may you to all receive the blessings of your fondest hopes and dreams.

Blessings.

Light, Love and Luminessence,

Diane

'''''''''''''''

FORUM IS MOVING TO NEW HOME ON EZBOARD
-- Ed Yourdon (ed@yourdon.com), March 02, 2000
http://hv.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=002hHU

'''''''''''''''



-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), March 02, 2000.


See you on Ed's new board, Diane! Isn't it refreshing to know that we will be able to finally all meet there and converse without the bizarre interruptions? It will be so much easier for you moderators to do your kind work there on our behalf. This has been the most dramatic and enlightening experience of my 64 years, and I have loved being in the company of so many intelligent, funny, caring, sincere people. And I have appreciated our moderators immensely. So...this is NOT goodbye...it is "see you over there."

-- Elaine Seavey (Gods1sheep@aol.com), March 02, 2000.

Elaine,

I'll just assist Ed with the transition from here to there, but I am "taking off" after that's completed.

Couldn't leave you all at loose ends, without a new home, eh?

;-D

Diane
A TBY2K Sweep



-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), March 02, 2000.


Diane,

I don't know how to adequately express my appreciation for the wonderful job you've done here. Just know that my appreciation runs very deep and that I wish you the best that I possibly can as you embark on your new life.

With love,

-- eve (eve_rebekah@yahoo.com), March 02, 2000.


Diane;

What to say? You have made this a good place.

You even brought a table cloth ;) and covered up some of the blemishes that turn up here from time to time.

May your lattis always be waiting for you!

I hope we cross paths again someday.

-- Helium (HeliumAvid@yahoo.com), March 02, 2000.


Dianne,

Thanks, from a grateful forum resident of a couple of years. Your grace under pressure was something to behold. You have the admiration and gratitude of many more than will post to this thread. You certainly have mine.

See yuh, good luck -- and let me know about that sustainable resources site. A topic dear to my heart.

-- rocky (rknolls@no.spam), March 02, 2000.


May your laugh, your love and your wine be plenty,

thus your happiness will be nothing less.

-- (nemesis@awol.com), March 02, 2000.


Hi Lady!

Not enough greymatter between my ears to adequately convey the proper response to this wonderfully crafted post.

So I'll move to another and IMHO, more important area, the heart, to try and convey something worthy of a reply.

Before your tenure at sysops central began, I'd tried to catch your every, single, post. I found a real person, hard at work, and doing that work well. When the time came for you to take on the repsonsibility of a moderator, I felt for you immediately. I knew then, and know now, that it's - in the words of Cat Stevens, "a wild world." I cringed in the knowing of what was in store for you. I know you've skipped describing some of the more painful moments you've endured. I want you to know I saw, and felt some of them, along with you.

Thanks to God for bringing us all through an anxious time, more thanks for blessing us with you.

Best Regards,

-- Tom McDowell (bullriver@montana.com), March 02, 2000.


Diane, you were the first on this forum to nail the point home to me that y2k could be approached with peaceful moderation rather than panic or fear. Let me sign your yearbook..."To Diane, the lady judged most likely to inspire grace". All the best to you!

-- Brooks (brooksbie@hotmail.com), March 02, 2000.

"Personally, now and in the future, I plan to stake my tent somewhere in the middleground, of any issue."

Do that, and don't move the tent, and in 20-30 years you'll find yourself on the lunatic right-wing fringe.

-- Markus Archus (apxov@mail.com), March 02, 2000.


Thanks for all of the time and effort, Diane.

The title of the thread is appropriate...just don't get on an MD80, my friend...we DO want to see you back again! :-)

-- Tim (pixmo@pixelquest.com), March 02, 2000.


You gave to us much ! I Thank YOU MUCH !!!!!!!!!!! S

-- STEPHEN (IN@box.com/), March 02, 2000.

You are a very nice person and I too, thank you!

We have all been on a very interesting trip together but all things must come to an end.

May the rain fall softly on your fields..

-- rb-tc (trashcan-man@webtv.net), March 02, 2000.


Diane

Thanks for your hard work!! It has been a slice :o)

Of course you will be hearing from me in cyberland, but it is the biggining of the end for this forum.

Life goes on.

-- Brian (imager@home.com), March 02, 2000.


Diane,

Where ever you go, what ever you do, remember to Check Six (look behind you). 'Cause when you look back, I'm sure a bunch of folks on this forum or its decendents will be waiting to greet you with open cyber arms.

Good luck and God bless in your future efforts.

WW

-- Wildweasel (vtmldm@epix.net), March 02, 2000.


Having been mute for the last 14 months, I'm particularly grateful to be able to say thank you now. I think the lenth of this thread will be a tribute to your efforts, and a small indication of how many people have appreciated your efforts and your courage in the line of fire.

I have not contributed, but have benefited greatly, from the debate over the last 14 months. (Tongue is a little sore from being bitten so much.)

Got to the party late, but still wanted to say thanks and sign the going away card. (Lets see, Mark Twain, Samual Clemons, might we see you again casually with a fresh nom de plume?) I think we all hope so.

-- JCC (wolverine_in_nc@hotmail.com), March 02, 2000.


Diane!

What Wildweasel said!! Plus: Here's hoping that you really don't actually go away! Stay! Stay! Ignore that 12 steps crap.....live in denial...stay with us!!

-- jeanne (jeanne@hurry.now), March 02, 2000.


Diane, many thanx from this mostly lurker.

pan

-- panjandrum (panjandrum@samfoote.net), March 02, 2000.


JCC, did you know there were _two_ "Mark Twain"s? Truth.

pan

-- panjandrum (panjandrum@samfoote.net), March 02, 2000.


What made me open up to this forum after being away for over a month? Something in the night air calling me. A feeling? A shift? Nothing by coincidence. Diane, I will miss you dearly. I will miss your inspiration, your wit and your courage. Please put me on your list as a fellow Californian who cares.

Carolyn

-- Carolyn (grace17@pacbell.net), March 03, 2000.


Thank you everybody for your kind thoughts. Still amazed.

Just wanted to say to a few of you encouraging me to post on the new forum with a new name, that's just not something I'd do, even though I am registered as SacredSpaces, and listed as one of Ed's Moderators. That's for this transition time only. I really am moving on and am sure looking forward to a "Sysop duties-free" weekend.

*Oh Joy!* and *Grateful Sigh*

Looks like the Forum transition isn't happening "bump-free" but, thankfully, that's NOT my headache anymore.

*Very Big Grin*

If you do want to join the Sustainable iForum, send me an e-mail. I have one private structure set-up here on Greenspun ready for it, however, was unable to give it much attention, and Im not sure its the best way to go. Also... I NEED an online break!!

During my "sniff the roses" sojourn, I'll be roving the internet looking for just the "right" forum software, enjoying a "time-out," playing, focusing on some Silicon Valley activities in the non-cyber world, and re-creating my consulting business.

We'll see, soon, "what works" for a new eCommunity focused on a positive, and perhaps "alternative" future for our planet. I would welcome people who are really tired of fighting and squabbling and want to pull up a cyber chair, share some digital caffe latte (or herbal tea) fumes, and have cogent discussions about our world and how we can change the apparently destructive path were on.

In closing... really... just want to say I've met so many wonderful, impressive, intelligent, caring "cyber-friends" here, that I'll carry the "great conversations" with me for many years to come.

(Any one remember PNG's Challenger, Thermodynamics and y2k thread? Now there was a brilliant essay!)

Ah! The memories!

Peace be with you, and all your relations.

Diane

(BTW... This e-mail will always work and find me).

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), March 03, 2000.


Following the news when a tornado warning has been issued is not a sign of being gullible -- it's prudence. It's prudence even though most people who receive tornado warnings never get hit by one. For someone to feel 'vindicated' when the tornado did not hit them is disgusting. One does not need to have proof that a hurricane or tornado will hit their house to take a warning seriously and pay closer attention.

Thanks for all your efforts in maintaining a spot on the Net where we could 'watch the news,' Diane. And your own reports were among the best. If only more people on the Net were a class act the way you've been here.

Thank you, Diane.

-- Long-time regular (since@October.1998), March 11, 2000.


Wow. Does this forum last forever or what???

-- dinosaur (dinosaur@williams-net.com), September 20, 2000.

i would like to thank her aswell for the things she did to help people,thank's ruth.

-- ruth o'dowd. (rwd.@.socc.ie), May 14, 2002.

Help people? She didn't help anyone! She did, however, manage to delude people into thinking she had some special knowledge of computers and software and talked them into spending more money on preparing for "the end of the world as we know it". There were people right here on this forum who took their money out of banks, cashed out their retirement funds, and left their spouses because of the garbage that went on here - with Diane's blessings.

But, you already know this because you're Diane posting as "ruth"; right?

-- (This Lady Will Watch Forever+@.....), May 20, 2002.


you caught me, Laura. I'm trying to feel better about my roll in y2k, but *SIGH* I'm not having much success. I was very nasty at the end there, and wish I could go back and change things.

wishy wishes....

big *Sigh*

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), May 21, 2002.


My gut feeling tells me that the two messages before this one were posted by the same person.

-- Just (an@amused.bystander), May 22, 2002.

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