Kosky is tapdancing.

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

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/WPlate/1999-11/30/043l-113099-idx.html

Y2K Mixed Millennium Message--on Purpose By Stephen Barr Washington Post Staff Writer Tuesday, November 30, 1999; Page A27

John A. Koskinen, the president's top adviser on the Year 2000 computer problem, calls it the "mixed message."

The Clinton administration confidently forecasts that the nation will not face major breakdowns because of Y2K, but then urges communities and individuals to prepare for potential electronic disruptions.

The administration's goal is not to send conflicting signals but to cajole the public into preparing for possible interruptions in public services, no matter how unlikely, that might occur as computers start processing the 2000 calendar date on New Year's Day.

"Everybody ought to understand that there are no 100 percent guarantees in Y2K," Koskinen said earlier this month when the White House released its last report on the so-called millennium bug.

"As you know, in Washington, when the snow emergency announcement comes at 10 in the morning, that's when people go to the store. So we have an important message, we think, which is prepare appropriately, but prepare early," Koskinen said.

To encourage "Y2K preparedness," the President's Council on Year 2000 Conversion, which is chaired by Koskinen, recommends:

* Maintain at least a three-day supply of food and water (one gallon per person per day), as you would for any long holiday weekend or forecast of stormy weather.

* Review items that are critical to your family or services required by family members with special needs, such as infants and persons with disabilities.

* Develop a list of phone numbers for hospitals, police and fire departments and neighbors.

* Make sure you have flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio, a first-aid kit and other emergency supplies.

* Keep copies of important records, such as bank and financial statements, medical and prescription drug information, in the weeks before and after Jan. 1. Check receipts for accuracy and compare against statements.

* Withdraw only as much cash as you would for any holiday weekend. Large amounts of cash may invite theft.

* Refill prescription medications when you have a five-to-seven-day supply remaining. If you have Y2K questions about your health care needs, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

* Keep your automobile gas tank above half full, as you would in preparation for a winter storm.

* Check with manufacturers to see if electronic equipment in your home is Y2K-ready, especially personal computers, security systems and programmable thermostats.

* Use the telephone and Internet only as necessary on Jan. 1. Checking dial tones and engaging in long conversations could create delays similar to those on Mother's Day.

* Beware of Y2K scams. Be skeptical if someone tries to sell you a product, service or investment that is "Y2K-safe."

For information about the Year 2000 computer problem, there is a toll-free line at the president's council, 1-888-872-4925, as well as the council's Web site, www.y2k.gov.

-- Deb M. (vmcclell@columbus.rr.com), November 30, 1999

Answers

* Maintain at least a three-day supply of food and water (one gallon per person per day), as you would for any long holiday weekend or forecast of stormy weather.

I have a wife and three kids. I have NEVER kept 15 gallons of water "around the house" for a "long weekend". (Water comes out of the tap, you know.) The idea that this is standard practice for a long weekend is ludicrous.

I can tell you this. I have a lot more than 15 gallons stored right now.

-- Water (in@the.house), November 30, 1999.


I believe Kosky is a lawyer (strike one) doing a public relations job (strike two) working for the Clinton Administration (strike three). Therefore his credibility is already near-zero!

Kosky is not a "top advisor". He's a public relations man whose primary task is to say the "right" things to prevent panic. He wouldn't know a computer if he fell over one!

And Y2K is not a "computer problem". It's a systemic computer software design error.

-- Richard Greene (rgreene2@ford.com), November 30, 1999.


Oh CR@P!! These guys MUST go to school for this stuff. I've seen equivocation before but this stuff is being done by a 600 level instructor!

FEH!

Chuck

-- Chuck, a night driver (rienzoo@en.com), November 30, 1999.


He forgot the one supply you need to really prevent pain from this administration: Vaseline

Hazelnut

-- Hazelnut (Cream@puff.com), November 30, 1999.


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