Tonight, the entire world awaits a phenomena that has become more lucrative than Santa Claus. Tonight, the world will know, for a fact, whether or not the notorious Y2K Bug exists.

Over the last few years, a growing panic has precipitated the largest expenditure of funds ever recorded in computer history, for both computer programs and consultants to detect and eliminate possible problems, and for camping and survival supplies, just in case essential services fall victim to the Y2K bug.

Mayor Smith says that he's certain that there will be no problems as the calendar rolls over. "We've taken apart the (City's) systems, checked them out, and put them back together. We've performed numerous tests over the past year, all of which have met or exceeded our expectations for the programming changes."

City Engineer, Claude Fisket, is not quite so optimistic. "Oh, our systems should be okay," he admits, "But we're networked in a few places, and if one of the systems on the network goes down, it could affect ours."

At that point, Fisket explains, there are a number of fail-safe programs that will take City Hall's computers out of the network. "They worked well in our tests. It remains to be seen if they will also work on Dec. 31."

Grocery stores and camping supplies outfitters have reported a brisk business in basic survival gear. One store owner laughingly wonders if Parks Canada is ready for an explosion of campers in the summer of 2000. "With everyone buying survival gear for the New Year, I'll bet a lot of them will decide to brave the elements next summer. After all, if you can survive in the middle of winter, summer should be a snap!"

Regardless of whether or not the Y2K bug exists, the staff and management of The Lloyd City Weekly Examiner wish you and yours all the best for the coming New Year.