[bets]

...still likely won't know why the fail-safe system didn't work, McGee said.

The fail-safe system included software. I've heard it rumored that a software "problem" could have caused the system to not work as intended. Otherwise, what made the software fail?

[Sacajaweau]

I get the feeling that all the pioneers of this nation are roaring with laughter as they sleep. Most of us wished we had an old fashioned fireplace so we could make a damn pot of coffee and read a book.

As a side tidbit, my son called to wish me well as I went through "computer withdrawal".

[Chancellor Palpatine]

Otherwise, what made the software fail?

It was obviously a Micro$oft product....

[syriacus]

Maybe this is the software they have chosen for non-plant situations... and it probably isn't in effect yet, anyway.National Grid USA Selects PlanView Software

London - 16th May 2003: PlanView, the leader in integrated portfolio, project and resource management and processes web software, has announced that National Grid USA has chosen PlanView's enterprise project management solution. National Grid USA will use PlanView's integrated tools to provide improved processes, more accurate metrics and better decision making within its IT department.

Besides providing electricity distribution and transmission to 3.2 million customers in New York and New England, National Grid USA also has subsidiaries engaged in natural gas distribution, construction and leasing of telecommunications infrastructure, and energy-related consulting. National Grid USA is a subsidiary of National Grid Transco (LSE:NGT), an international energy delivery business with principal activities in the regulated electric and gas industries.

[bimbo]

Otherwise, what made the software fail?

Maybe the recent worm? Since we're all guessing, I’d guess it was the Y2K bug, or the bug-fix that was never tested in operation, and failed yesterday.