Lots of people have e-mailed me this question.

They've been reading the Book of Revelation again and are fretting about the end times. One thing I cannot resolve, though:

If this Y2K problem will plunge our world into a pre-1900s type of existence (no power, no water utilities), how can these bible prophecy scholars resolve the issue of the "mark of the beast" or the implanting of barcodes in our hands or foreheads?

Hmmm. Perhaps that's one way of preventing bank runs: Outlaw cash.

No one may withdraw cash. Simply swipe your barcode if you want to buy stuff. Your employer transfers your salary directly into your bank account.

What a thought.

-- Manuel Viloria (year2000@viloria.com), November 22, 1998