Actually, the whole problem is the gov't's fault, due to a decision in the 50's to manufacture DOD computers that saved memory. I recently read a Vanity Fair article about the people involved in the original decision and a woman (can't remember names) who, while this was being discussed, raised the red flag. The gov't, who pretty much had the computer market locked up until the mid to late 60's, dictated the rules, and companies had to follow.
As a result, the problem propagated itself, and most companies, as they started buying computers, didn't really know or care about a problem that was 25 years distant....so it was exacerbated.
That's why I love AAPL. It's my sole Y2K play. They broke with tradition and recognized issues (and still do) before they were issues.
OT - 1 earthquake, 2 hurricanes (though Agnes wasn't such a bad one where I was living...but the flooding was tremendous) AND (though not really a disaster) 3 major snowstorms that shut down everything. Oh yeah...and the 77 blackout.
The cops are always on the streets up there. Because it's newsworthy, the media has found it useful to publish the #'s. You usually can't go more than 2 blocks without seeing a cop when you get past about 103rd street. And when you combine that with Giuliani's fear of disorder and need to keep an iron hand - it's not a surprise that the cops are making themselves higher profile.
Panic and stampede need a trigger. If you make people think that something like that will happen...there is a higher likelihood they will.
Regardless, I am not getting on a flight, I'm staying home, and I am keeping my propane tanks filled for the grill. I am also buying a small generator (I figure that's good to have anyway), with a battery backup (again - good to have for the PC). I'm not a survivalist...but I am an old Boy Scout. |
