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1999 Sep 01 publicity release: "The size and scope of the Y2K crisis is still unknown. What is known is that it has the potential to be a major national disaster. We can hope for the best, but we must not rule out preparation for the worst... None of the 'experts' can tell for sure because mankind has never faced a global technical problem. There is simply no precedent." Senator Robert Bennett of Utah, Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Y2K. From the introduction to the forthcoming book "Year 2000 Survival Checklists and Workbook, A Y2K Millennium Bug Resource Guide," ISBN: 0-89540-417-6,ISBN: 0-89540-417-6, recently published by Sun Books / Sun Publishing Company, PO Box 5588, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87502-5588. Many people are still unaware of the problems, which could result when computers try to read the year 2000. In the early days of computers (1950’s and 1960’s) people writing programs would routinely abbreviate the year date to the last two digits in order to conserve scarce hard drive space. None of these programmers ever seemed to have seriously thought that their programs would still be in use at the turn of the century. However, many programs for old so called "main frame" computers are still in use. Consequently, when the date rolls over from 12/31/99 to January 1st of the year 2000, these computers will either think its January 1st. of 1900 and begin spewing out bad data or else think that "00" means "end of program" and turn themselves off. In either case, the results could spell disaster for mankind. While the problem can be fixed by reprogramming the date code, there are far too many lines of code (hundreds of billions) in far too many computers to fix even all of the most critical programs in time. In addition, there is the enormous problem of "embedded chips." These are tiny silicon wafers or "chips" with computer programs "hard wired" (permanently imprinted) on them. There are literally billions of these chips in all sorts of machinery all over the world. While only a relatively small percentage of these embedded chips are "date sensitive," the problem is that they cannot be reprogrammed, they must be replaced. Some of them (under the sea on oil pumping equipment, or in space on satellites) cannot be easily reached. In addition, for the most part, nobody knows which ones are date sensitive and where they are! Furthermore, many of the companies which made these date sensitive chips are no longer in business, so replacements are not available. Considering all of this, it does not take a rocket scientist to see that we are going to have some major problems beginning 2000 Jan 01. In fact, because of "forward date reading" some computer programs have already begun to experience problems. The "Year 2000 Survival Checklists and Workbook" is not directed at the disbeliveers. It was written specifically for those people who already realize that there will be interruptions of services ranging from (optimistically) "minor" to (more likely) "major." The book is aimed at the average person who cannot afford to set up a "survival camp in the wilderness" and who will have to, most likely, "tough it out" at home. Topics covered range from electricity, water, and food, to personal finances, health and hygiene, waste disposal, etc. Readers are given tools and information to help them draft a "personal preparedness plan" for themselves and their family. Neighborhood preparedness is also strongly encouraged. A workbook section guides the reader step by step thru calculating what supplies they will need to stock up on and what actions they will need to take for personal preparedness. The book ends with a bibliography as well as a resource guide with lists of sources for various important items necessary for surviving what has been described by some as "the greatest crisis to face humanity in all of history." Copies may be ordered from your local bookseller or direct from the publisher by calling 505-471-5177, Visa and MasterCard accepted. Fax: 505-473-4458, e-mail: sunpub@trail.com, Web Site: http://www.sunbooks.com/ (ISBN: 0-89540-417-6). FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact: Skip Whitson at The Sun Companies 505-471-5177. Table of contents Year 2000 Survival Checklists and Workbook–A Y2K Millennium Bug Resource Guide (Last Modified: 1999Sep01) Part I Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: A Little Bit of Background Chapter 3: So What? Chapter 4: Preparedness (or, The Rest of the Book) Chapter 5: Water, Food and Shelter Chapter 6: Personal and Family Business Chapter 7: Conclusion Part II: The Workbook Part III: Resource Guide If you like this book and find it of value please spread the word about it!!! Cost is $35.00 plus shipping and handling of $5.50. Quantity Discounts! Quantity discounts available for groups, stores, churches, and other organizations: 2 to 4 copies: $28.00 each plus $5.50 shipping for the first book and $2.00 for each additional. 5 to 14 copies: $21.00 each plus shipping and handling costs of $5.50 for the first book and $2.00 for each additional. 15 to 24 copies: $19.25 each plus shipping and handling costs of $5.50 for the first book and $2.00 for each additional. 25 or more copies: $17.50 each plus shipping and handling costs of $5.50 for the first book and $2.00 for each additional). Visa and MasterCard accepted (don't forget to include expiration date!). Send your order to: P.O. BOX 5588 For additional information or comments send E-Mail to:
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PHONE: 505-471-5177; FAX: 505-473-4458
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