the Chronicles of John Titor ...

the Chronicles of John Titor ...

February 2001

02.01.2001-08:36

Unfortunately, winners of historical sports betting events are not high on the priority list of people in 2036. As a thought experiment, if I did tell you who the winning horse was and you killed it before the final race, would that make me a liar or would it support my statement that our worldlines are about 2% different? Do you know who won that race 30 years ago?

02.01.2001-11:28

If you could change one thing about your government right now, what would it be?

The United States is still a representative republic in 2036 but it was touch and go for a while. After the war, the U.S. had divided into 5 general areas based on their economic and defensive strengths. Many people blamed the government organization for the war and the last Constitutional Congress was held in 2020 to officially scrap the Constitution and start over. Fortunately, this exercise in anger pointed out how hard it was to come up with anything better. It was decided the document wasn't at fault. As a result, there have been a few small changes to the Constitution and the executive branch but you would easily recognize it. The average citizen is more educated about the Constitution and aware of the rights and responsibilities it gives them. Federal power has been decentralized and the focus of daily politics is in the state senates. Federal law has also been streamlined but much harder to change or make additions to.

The people who sign my paycheck told me why we needed a 5100 and sent me off to get one. I was not in a position to make alternate suggestions. As I recall, isn't the Cray a rather large system? We need something portable. The 5100 isn't required for its reliability, its needed to translate between APL, UNIX and a few obscure IBM mainframe languages.

The fishing is great and you're more than welcome to join us but the "me" here is only three. I'll have to tell him your coming.

02.02.2001-00:00

Yes, I age and my hair and nails grow at normal rates. Please keep in mind that gravity distortion does involve some dilation effects but "jumping" between worldlines are time-like trips, not space-like trips.

The air is about the same although I do smell and taste industrial odors here my parents cannot. The food in the future is grown and raised naturally inside the community structure. This is done primarily for safety reasons. I am amazed at the risks people here are willing to take with processed food. All of the food I eat here is grown and prepared by my family or myself.
Unfortunately, I do not know if we are acquainted on my worldline. Yes, love is a challenge. What's harder is knowing you could go back and correct a mistake but at the cost of the "you" on that worldline.
The questions about the president and space travel are reasonable but now we come to a conflict between physics and ethics. First, the ethics:
I have seen a television program about a man who is able to speak with the dead. When I watch the show, I am more afraid about the possibility that what he is doing is real not weather or not he is doing it. Since I will be leaving this worldline in the coming year, I could easily tell you that the President lives or dies in the next four years. In fact, I could probably find some way to even charge you for it.
When the day comes for my "prediction" to be realized it will either happen or not. If it does happen, then your ability to judge your environment is crippled by your acceptance of me as a "knower of all things" and gifted with the ability to tell the future. If I am wrong, then everything I have said that might possibly have made you think about your world in a different way is suddenly discredited. I do not want either.
Although I do have personal reasons for being here and speaking with you, the most I could hope for is that you recognize the possibility of time travel as a reality. You are able to change your worldline for better or worse just as I am. Although this will make me a far less interesting time traveler, these are the rules I personally try to hold to:

1. I will not disclose any information that will cause someone to personally gain by its knowledge. This means no stock or sports tips.
2. I will not disclose any detailed information that would allow someone to avoid death by probability. This means no earthquake or bomb information.
3. I will not disclose any information that may compromise any future actions by individual people or threaten their family and well-being. I will not disclose names or events associated with individuals.

02.02.2001-10:09

Perhaps it would be better if you just considered me a fraud. I really don't have a problem with that. If that were the case, could we then have discussions that you were comfortable with?

If I knew someone was going to die, and there was a chance I could stop it, I have a moral obligation to do something about it.

I can think of a couple of examples.

If the Egyptians knew the Red Sea was going to drown them, do you think they would have pursued Moses?

If you could go back in time to 1941 and tell the radar operators to take a second look at the radar screen on December 7th, would you? Before you say yes and accept that parade in your honor down Main Street, perhaps you should go forward in time and see if the U.S still had the motivation to make the A-bomb before Hitler did.

02.02.2001-10:53

I fail to understand why my words generate so much conflict. I think it's far better for you to consider what I say as fantasy so there is no question of credibility. How is my credibility going to affect your life? I don't want you to believe me and it doesn't affect me in the least if you did.

I don't know any other way to tell you that I am unaware of what happens in the next week, especially in Hollywood. Just curious, that's a common question, why do you think I would know something about that?

Yes, it's very possible that what I say would spin your future off into a different direction. But since what I say is "bogus" that shouldn't be a problem.

On a philosophical level, the existence of multiple worlds implies a moral balance in the superverse. For every worldline you perform a good action, there is a worldline where you perform a bad action. There are no good and bad people, just good and bad decisions. We can only be responsible for what we do as individuals on the worldline we are on now.

So take heart! Somewhere out there is a worldline where I'm spilling all the beans on Hockey, the stock market and Hollywood and you're all off to Vegas and Wall Street making millions of dollars. I do very much enjoy these conversations and I'm working on the other questions.

02.02.2001-11:41

As far as the war goes, my best advice is to find at least 5 people within 100 miles of you that you trust with your life.

No, I haven't met any other time travelers here and although from my perspective that's highly unlikely, it's not impossible. No, I don't have any additional information concerning crop circles, ETs or UFOs. I find those subjects rather interesting myself and it's one of the reasons I was drawn to this web site.

Can you give us some personal stories of your past?

I was born in 1998 so I do share some childhood memories with all of you. I remember going to Disney World at Christmas and I remember going to the beach in Daytona. When the civil "conflict" started and got worse, people generally decided to either stay in the cities and lose most of their civil rights under the guise of security or leave the cities for more isolated and rural areas. Our home was searched once and the neighbor across the street was arrested for some unknown reason. That convinced my father to leave the city.

From the age of 8 to 12, we lived away from the cities and spent most of our time in a farm community with other families avoiding conflict with the federal police and National Guard. By that time, it was pretty clear that we were not going back to what we had and the division between the "cities" and the "country" was well defined. My father made a living by putting together 12-volt electrical systems and sailing "commodities" up and down the coast of Florida. I spent most of my time helping him.

Outright open fighting was common by then and I joined a shotgun infantry unit in 2011. I served with the "Fighting Diamondbacks" for about 4 years. (Hearing in my right ear isn't as good as I would like it). The civil war ended in 2015 when Russia attacked the U.S. cities (our enemy), China and Europe. As unusual and bad as my childhood might seem, I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Africa is not a pleasant place to be in 2036 although I would characterize it as recovering.

The music you enjoy now is quite popular and available it's just not produced in anywhere near the same amount. There is a revival of "local" and classical music. Many people have learned to play their own. I personally enjoy Big Band, some Classical and interesting lyrical pieces from the 1970s and 1980s.

If time travel is possible, what does that do to the religious? If I exist on many time lines, which one is really me?

This is an excellent question that causes a great deal of controversy. Since every possible outcome, event and possibility is happening and will happen, then all good and all evil balances out in the superverse.

After the reality of multiple worlds sank into our collective thought, the one basic change to all religious dogma is the concept that good and evil does not exist as an organized force in our lives nor can it be used as a useful way to judge what God may think of a situation.

Good and evil are personal experiences that can only guide what we do as individuals and how we relate to others. This outlook also makes it impossible for me to judge any other person or event. We cannot see the entire universe as God sees it therefore we will never be Gods or be capable of judging anything outside of ourselves. My actions can only be judged as good and bad by me and my God.

There is also an area of thought that maintains all of the "yous" out there will make up the "you" that eventually returns to God. In that manner, it is frustrating to know that you are capable of and acting on all of the thoughts and ideas you have regardless of what the "you" here is doing. How good or evil do you think you can be?

There is even an idea (supported in physics apparently but I have a hard time with this one) that there is some sort of communication going on between all of the "yous" that are out there. Some people think that memories, intuition and conscious are actually attempts by one version of "you" to talk to another.

Yes, we still have football and you will easily recognize it in 2036.

I am posting here because I enjoy talking with people without having to hide who I am, it's safe for me and my family and I can gather historical information from you and the web.

Yes, I have superiors. However, from their perspective, I will only have been gone a split second. The only real risk I am taking is spending too long outside my main line and risking a probability error (dying, accident, etc.). Based on the physics of gravity displacement, I can't leave when I ever I want anyway and I do have some leeway into how I conduct my mission.

It is impossible for me to change any worldline that I am not on. Nothing I do here will affect my home. The "60 year flux" is a limitation of my machine, not of physics. Jet planes can't fly into space, my machine is not reliable past a 60 + year destination.

You've been to Cedar Key? You must be aware I don't know any personal information about you. If I was going to guess, I would say it's important to avoid the rattlesnake or you might be "walking" back to shore. You may be happy to know that although the bridge is gone, Cedar Key is still there.

The computer is from 1975, Rochester MN.

Yes, the Pearl Harbor example relates to Y2K. Have you considered that I might already have accidentally screwed up your worldline?

Potential Hazard of being a Time Traveler --- Always putting things off until you can "get back" to doing them.

What's even worse is having the ability to go back and help the "you" there and you won't listen to yourself.

02.05.2001-11:28

Yes, there is a log and my report and debriefing will agree with it. I have no reason to lie about where I am and why I'm here.

There are no crimes against time. However, if I were to go on some sort of a murder spree and I admitted it when I returned, then I would be held responsible for the crime of murder.

I am no more able to affect your worldline than you are. Yes, I could make the changes you suggested but you must remember that there are an infinite number of worldlines out there where I didn't and I don't. In fact, there's even a worldline out there where you're the time traveler and I'm the one writing the question.

I think the war would be good for you and your society. I don't want to stop it.

Nothing I do here will affect any other worldline. "My" original worldline will always be the same and yes I can make changes here that would make this worldline different from mine but so can you.

02.05.2001-14:09

ATTENTION! The following is a secret message for all mindless robot slaves controlled by time travelers. If you are unable to read this, please disregard it. This is an emergency, can someone do me a favor and look up everything they can find on Maxwell's equations, relativity and the formulas for volts and amps. I left all my physics books back in the time machine. Remember, just because I control your mind doesn't mean I think you're an idiot. MESSAGE OVER.

Yes, there are significant advances in computer science. It's interesting how easy it is to be fixated on the "machine" itself without any curiosity about many of the support systems. This is not really big news but if / then is out and if /then /maybe is in.

Yes I am with the "me" on this worldline and he is three now. I find that fact to be rather hard for people to get along with so I don't bring it up directly. This is the second time I have "met myself".

The "machine" is owned by the military. I am part of a unit stationed in Tampa Florida. The real energy is in creating the machine, not operating it. It's interesting you should bring up the divergence percentage. You may find it entertainingly interesting to know that the divergence can be more accurate with more sensitive gravity sensors and clocks. The C206 uses 6 Cesium clocks and an active method of timing the changes in the atom.

02.06.2001-06:35

We time travel to solve problems. A great deal of effort is going into repairing the environment and infrastructure.

I think there is only one God. I also think that our soul may be a combination of all the collective thoughts and actions of the infinite "yous". If that is true, it becomes very difficult to define death until all worldlines come to an end.

(1) Who wins the (sporting event) for the next 20 years?

I don't know. Even if I did, you could stop the horse(s)anyway and make it untrue.

(2) Who will be elected president for the next 20 years?

Please see number 2.

(3) Will there still be (popular motorcycle) around when you are born?

I was born in 1998.

(4) Please tell me the price of gold for the last 20 years.

I don't understand the importance of this type of information. Please tell me your opinion why this is interesting and worth remembering for 30 years.

(5) Will it still be lawful for me to own handguns?

I thought owning a handgun was legal in the United States? Yes, being familiar with firearms (along with the other responsibilities of the Constitution) becomes an important part of people's lives in thirty years.

(6) Is it possible for you to bump into yourself when you are time traveling?

Yes that is possible and there are no limitations on interacting with them. I find it interesting that there is some sort of collective negativity with the idea of doing that. Could it be that we are not really that comfortable with ourselves and therefore we cannot imagine meeting, liking or helping another one of us on another worldline?

(7) Can I go with you on your journeys through time? Anybody else want to go?

I could probably manage three people with me. However, I would have to dump a great deal of archival material to get you in. I'm not sure you would like 2036 very much.

02.06.2001-08:33

Russia and China have always had a very strange relationship. Even the news I see now indicates that continued weapons deals to allies, border clashes and overpopulation will lead to hostilities. The West will become very unstable which gives China the confidence to "expand". I'm assuming you are all aware that China has millions of male soldiers right now that they know will never be able to find wives. The attack on Europe is in response to a unified European army that masses and moves East from Germany. Also, please be aware that from my viewpoint, Russia attacked my enemy who was in the U.S. cities. Yes, the U.S. did counter attack.

Based on what I know about the 5100 (IBM computer), it has a few very interesting and worthwhile properties that make it worthwhile for a time traveler to recover. Also, please keep in mind that civilization is recovering from a war. Yes, we do have the technology but many of the tools were lost.

As you are probably aware, UNIX will have a timeout error in 2038 and many of the mainframe systems that ran a large part of the infrastructure were based on very old IBM computer code. The 5100 has the ability to easily translate between the old IBM code, APL, BASIC and (with a few tweaks in 1975) UNIX. This may seem insignificant but the fact that the 5100 is portable means I can easily take it back to 2036. I do expect they will create some sort of emulation system to use in multiple locations.

When I arrived, I approached my father and was easily able to prove to him who I was. I am currently with my parents and the "me" who is three. They are very aware of what I am doing, why I am here and when I will be leaving. It may interest you to know that my father still does not truly believe the machine works even after touching and seeing it. Yes, education is still taught in a classroom but the entire focus and system looks nothing like what you have now. Don't worry, you won't miss it.

I still don't buy your story.

I understand your viewpoint and I respect it. However, I am confused by a twist in the way the language is used. Another fellow who posted earlier was a bit upset over what I was saying because he thought I was soon going to ask for money by selling something. Since I don't have anything to sell I am curious why, "I…don't buy your story", is the natural way to say what you did. I am aware that it's off the cuff to say but wouldn't it be better to say I don't believe your story? Why is the other way so common?

02.08.2001-09:40

I would characterize world politics as two boxers who have just gone multiple rounds and they're both pretty beat up. I'm sure someone out there wants to kill us but no one is very organized yet. There is a great deal of fear over rogue groups coming across un-launched missile systems, 55-gallon drums of Anthrax or portable nuclear weapons.

Korea United?

I guess you could say that. Taiwan, Japan and Korea were all "forcefully annexed" before N Day.

I don't remember a great deal about media coverage during the civil conflicts. I would probably characterize it the same way you see coverage of Waco, Ruby Ridge and Elian Gonzalez.

From my viewpoint, yes, this is an alternate timeline. From your viewpoint, no.

I have thought again about how to revel information that would make me more believable but I always come across the following problems:

1. All of you become much less interesting as sheep. I can't talk to you if you're not skeptical.
2. Anything I say could be acted on beforehand and changed anyway.
3. All the really interesting information is months or years away and I'd be gone when it happens.
4. I find it morally wrong to assist someone with anything where they might gain and someone else would lose or die.
5. There's a slim chance your worldline is just different enough my "prediction" won't happen.
6. I simply don't know.

02.08.2001-18:59

For all of you interested in coming back with me to 2036, perhaps we should discuss the trip. Please be aware, the displacement unit moves through time, not space. First, we will be driving the current vehicle (Chevy truck) with the displacement unit in it to Tampa Florida. From there, we will go back to my arrival date on this worldline. Then we will have to drive to Minnesota, sell the current vehicle and get another one that would have been around in 1975.

We will then move the displacement unit (500 lbs or so) into the new vehicle and go back to 1975. Once in 1975, we'll drive back to Tampa and make the final hop to 2036. If you'd like to stay in 1975, you're welcome to do that. It can also get quite hot and stuffy during the trip and you'll be subjected to a 1.5 to 2 G force the entire time. You'll also need some sort of a re-breather system or oxygen supply.

I have found that many misunderstandings and arguments are based on the differences in understanding over a single word. Two different cultures can have a drastic impact on the meaning of words like "proof", "trust" and "credibility". My frustration is in understanding the use of the words. I am trying to follow the logic of all of the comments.

After reading the questions, I want to paint a picture that may help with the general theme of our collective experience in 2036. The war had very profound affects on people and how they relate to each other. As individuals, almost everyone in 2036 is very familiar with death. We all have stories of loved ones that have died from disease, war or acts of inhumanity. Most of us have even taken part in dishing the same thing out to the other side. As a result, we have become far more compassionate to the ones we love but mush less forgiving to those who don't pull their weight. We are more accepting of other's differences in our community because we depend on them to survive. We are also more conservative with our resources and closer to God because for a period, life on Earth was Hell.

The other major difference is in the concept of good and evil. With multiple worlds come multiple decisions and outcomes. For every good act, there is an equal and possible bad act on another worldline. Taken to the extreme, this must mean that in God's eyes, there is no total good and total bad in the superverse. It balances itself out to infinity. I believe we are judged on the decisions we make as individuals and the good/evil I see on my worldline is an illusion that has no worth to God. My reaction to it is what's important to God. Although this may seem rather heartless, it does allow me to see past the evil that people do and acknowledge the core of potential goodness inside them.

2. I am currently based in Tamp Florida in Hillsborough County.

3. Yes I am free but I have obligations as a citizen. Everyone is required to have basic military training and provide a period of time for community service. It is very much like a type of mandatory National Guard service + Peace Corps.

4. Yes civil liberties are more important. You will feel the same after having your house searched a couple of times.

5. We do not live in a racist society but definitely a prejudice one. Everyone carries their own water.

6. Our government looks very much like yours. It is a representative republic.

7. My definition of a patriot is anyone who defends the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

8. Religion has become far less centralized. Extremes tend to bring you closer to God so I would characterize religion and spirituality as a much more of a personal institution.

9. I do not know what happens when we die. However, I don't think it will be easy. There may be some very difficult decisions we have to make when we die that we are totally unprepared for.

10. It's difficult to define the most predominant religion. Christianity has fragmented into many groups and people with different beliefs speak mush more openly with others who have different outlooks and opinions. I would imagine there are large groups of Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims but I have not come across them personally.

11. No, Jesus did not come back. At least not that I'm aware of. If or when Jesus returns, do you think he'll be a lamb or a lion?

12. No mission to Mars but we are working on it. There is a group working on the idea of gravity displacement to get into space but the calculations and error rate are very large obstacles to overcome.

13. We don't know what's on Mars yet.

14. We're not on the moon yet either. A great deal of technical effort is going into cleaning the planet up.

15. I'm not aware of any "mind control" devices being used on you now. However, there are a great many "non lethal" weapon systems in development that turn out to be quite lethal. Sometimes I watch your television programs that show SWAT teams using new non-lethal weapons. They usually start out with, "In the future, the army and police will fight its enemies with new weapons systems…" When they use the word "enemy", they're talking about YOU! You don't really think the Marines are going to jump out of helicopters overseas with sticky goop, pepper spray and seizure lights, do you?

16. I'm not familiar with the term Psionics. I'll look it up and see if we just have another word for it.

17. Yes, Europe is a mess.

18. Yes, I think the New World Order idea tried to establish itself. I would consider them the combination of the old U.S. federal system, Europe, Canada and Australia.

19. When you say "teleportation", I assume you mean public transportation. Yes, we have a basic high-speed system.

20. I don't know if the government created AIDS. I tend to think yes but controlling it escaped them as it mutated. You can't have conspiracy to limit the population with a disease without the cure.

21. Yes, homosexuals are in the army. You tend to look past the individual differences of people when their job is to protect your life.

22. Yes, there are "gay" people in 2036.

23. I am a white male.

24. Yes, there is an entertainment industry. Again, it is very decentralized. The technology to express yourself with video is so readily available that many people do it all by themselves or in small groups. Much of the distribution is over the web. I would compare it theater here.

25. I don't know what you mean by VR?

26. The average lifespan is about 60 but I expect that will improve as we get things cleaned up.

27. Yes, paper money is still widely used.

28. The 21st century has awhile to go but the most significant person in my opinion is the farmer-general who led us to victory.

29. Even for you, Tesla technology can be found in appliances, motors and generators. I would have to say we have come a long way on Tesla's foundation but we don't have electricity rays that cause earthquakes.

30. Getting back to my exact worldline of origin is impossible but it depends on how you define the correct worldline. I can get close enough so neither I nor anyone there would know the difference. It relates to the classic example of cutting a distance in half to reach it. You can always get closer but never there. It also has a lot do with neighboring universes on Penrose diagrams but that requires more math.

31. Yes, we have the death penalty. We also have public punishment.

32. The most common crime is theft.

33. I don't understand what you mean by "race mixing".

34. Cloning is not common. However, altering the sperm and egg cell are common. It is very difficult to have children in 2036 for environmental reasons.

35. It's hard to say what the exact racial make up of the U.S. is. I would say it's probably the same minus 130 million people or so.

36. No, there is no segregation.

37. The education system is very similar to yours but the organization and implementation is controlled on a community and county level. Various communities also specialize in certain disciplines.

38-39. My comments on equal rights and "women's roles" could be quite lengthy and controversial. I wish to discuss that separately. However, women do fight in the military just as the men do but their role on the community level is very conservative.

40. Having children is such a serious issue in 2036 that birth control is almost unheard of. It is very difficult and precious to have and raise children. Again, this is an issue I will be happy to go into later.

41. Yes, there are same sex marriages but it's not very common. Again, people have lived through so much hardship that if what someone else is doing does not affect them or harm the community, it's not a big issue.

42. South America went relatively unharmed. However, there is still a great deal of internal conflict with conventional arms.

43. Yes, people use drugs that alter consciousness but they are not very common.

44. Yes, I know who the Beatles are. Old music and other entertainment is available on the web.

45. There is another Pope but I do not know his name.

I do believe that "you're" UNIX will also have a problem in 2038. I don't think that's a secret but maybe someone should put a 5100 aside for thirty years or so.

John

02.09.2001-14:02

Waco, Ruby Ridge and Elian exist in your news archives. Telling you about impending plane crashes or other disasters (provided I could give you exact dates and times) may save lives at one point but cause cascading changes that take others at a later point.

I enjoy the posts because it's very hard to remain safe and have a conversation. I have often seen the classic question, "why don't time travelers revel themselves'? That's easy, if you believe us, you'll drug us into oblivion and put us in a small dark cell while men in white lab coats take a Phillips head screw driver to the magnetic lock on the singularity drive housing.

I will examine the web site you mentioned. I believe the 5100 is unique in its ability to run assembler language on the 360-machine platform and still be portable. I'm not sure if that fact was ever made public so it's the best "proof" I have. I would like to examine the software you mentioned; perhaps I can further justify my side-trip.

Yes, EMP took out a great number of electronic devices. That's one of the reasons why we don't have reliable technology laying around. However, in the opening hours of N Day, the Russians did not launch any high altitude detonations. They knew we would most likely clean up after them so they wanted everyone outside the cities to be able to communicate. Most of the warheads that hit the cities came in threes and exploded close to the ground. The heavy EMP damage was isolated to those areas.

Actually, you will probably be quite impressed with our Internet. It's based on a series of independent, self-powered nodes that are mobile and can be put up anywhere. It looks a great deal like your current cell phone system.

02.10.2001-09:49

Thank you for the information. I will visit the site and I expect I will have some questions.

Yes, there are a great many people who think that Revelations has come to pass. However, the new fear is that Christ has returned, he's not telling us and he's very angry. I am not familiar with the Fatima Prophesies but I am aware of the term. I was not sent here to change anything. Since it would not affect my home anyway, it would be rather pointless. I am here because of my family and the interaction I had with them in 1975. I understand the question about the Antichrist but I must admit I hadn't given it much thought. My initial reaction is to consider how the Antichrist would affect my life if I could identify him/her. If your life became a sort of "Hell" anyway, would it matter if the Antichrist was real?

I became aware of this bulletin board through my various archiving work through the web. We do enjoy "talk programs" but they are distributed over the web. I don't have additional information about UFOs and I find the subject quite interesting myself. I have often wondered if they aren't time travelers with very sophisticated machines. Based on what I know about the nature of time I find this difficult to believe but nothing is impossible.

Yes, handmade items and the skills to make them are quite prevalent and people take a great deal of pride in their work. People with the skills to make clothing, work with leather and wood or cultivate a garden have become quite valuable. Please do not think your questions are unimportant. I enjoy the conversation.

Fiji? I've noticed that when most Americans think about Canada in this time, they think about pine trees, chooks and back-bacon. It may interest you to know that most Canadians in 2036 are some of the most efficient, ruthless and dangerous people I know. God help Quebec.

Within limits, I'm confident my anonymity is secure. The various email and web accounts I have do not have a big sign that says "Time Machine This Way". In order to be at risk I would have to be believed. In my experience, evil may be powerful, but they aren't very bright.

You couldn't even answer one simple question about music?

Unfortunately, your question is rather difficult for me. Any personal experience I might have with your worldline at a specific moment is limited to my viewpoint and age. I can't tell you what music is popular in the next few years because the "me" here is only three years old. In addition, how does someone decide what the most popular music trend is? It would seem rather subjective to me. Thinking about it now I sort of wonder what it would be like to be a teenager now and know the answer to that question. When I was thirteen I used to worry about which shotgun slug would take a door handle off and whether or not I had any dry socks. Current fallout estimates are accurate but a bit exaggerated.

Your example of what people would do based on something I might say is accurate. However, my concern would be the potential actions of a single person, not the masses. In 1963, if I suggested that someone should watch the book depository windows as the President went by, the actions of a single person might have a huge impact on history. You also asked if I've visited my "past" family. That's where I am now.

Once a micro-singularity is produced and placed in a magnetic field, what is the approximate strength of that field. How is the magnetic field produced? What would happen if that field failed?

These are excellent questions that I probably won't answer to your satisfaction but let me make a couple of points first. Although I am familiar with the general manufacture of the unit, I am not a physicist or a scientist. My background is in history and I had the correct profile to accomplish my given task in 1975. I doubt that most jet fighter pilots are aeronautical engineers and I'll bet most of you couldn't give me the formula for horsepower, yet you drive a car every day.

The second point I can illustrate with an interesting story. In the opening phases of WWI, one of the largest problems early fighter pilots had was how to shoot a machine gun through the propeller blades without chopping it to bits. The problem was very straightforward. When the engine was off, the blades took up only a small percentage of the total arch but with the engine on, there was seemingly no way to know when it was safe to shoot through them. This problem lasted for quite a while until a very smart person came up with a very simple solution. By using a small lobed cam on the propeller shaft that controlled a switch on the machine gun, it was possible to stop the gun from firing only when the cam turned off the switch at the point a bullet might hit the blade. It was so simple in fact the other side only caught on to the idea after one of the planes crashed and they were able to take it apart.

My point is; seemingly very complicated problems often have very simple and ingenious solutions using technology that is already available. The distortion unit is not magic and no alien technology was required to make it work. If you could see it, the "smarts" that went into designing it will amaze you more than the technology. Heck, the really interesting technology is in the computer.

The magnetic field does not require the fantastic energies you might imagine. The field is "created" and captures the singularity inside a very large and powerful specially designed particle accelerator. If the magnetic system failed (which has numerous backups including a system that would remove it from this worldline), the singularity would evaporate. Although it is smaller than an electron, it would still be quite undesirable.

Why do you keep telling us about the war? How do you know that will even happen in our worldline? Something may have already changed and it won't happen at all

Yes, you are correct! However, I am not confident things are different enough for you to avoid the conflict. You may also consider the possibility that a world with no war is far less desirable in the long run. In response to your other point, your assumptions about causality are correct but my personal morality still comes into play. I won't deviate from my three rules because of the way I would feel about myself.

The singularities do not create Tipler cylinders they create the same physical environment without all the mass. The same math works for both. There are two singularities. Their mass and spin is altered in order to adjust the size of the ergosphere and cause the event horizons to interact and create the gravity sinusoid. I have a basic home schooling education (k-12) and a bachelor's degree in history.

I will get to the remaining questions soon.

John

02.11.2001-18:43

Greetings everyone! I've missed you all too. As I'm sure (name from forum) can tell you, my email system is made up of quite a few addresses, locations and computers. Some of them work better than others and for a period of time, I have been unable (in my own way) to get to this site.

It appears I've come back at just the right moment. I see you're all asking yourselves questions about who I really am, what I want and why I'm here. Frankly, I really can't blame you but perhaps it's a bit easier now to understand why I not only didn't expect you to believe me and I didn't want you to. As far as my credibility, I thought we had reached some sort of happy medium and we could call each other friend.

I see however that may not be the case and I must admit I'm a bit disappointed. It seems that unless I follow your expectations of what a time traveler should be doing, thinking or feeling than I must be a fraud. Or is it just safer to keep telling yourself that?

I think it was a terrible idea for John to have told us anything about his story.

Where was this sentiment and concern for my safety as I was telling my "story"?

John was always telling us he has nothing to prove. Why come to a time travel forum and talk at all then?

Is it really that hard to believe that plain old human interaction has it's own merits?

Although John is creative, his declarations on quantum theories have already been proven to be wrong.

Which quantum theories are you talking about? Please forgive me but if I missed a question or if there was something else to go into I would have been happy to do so.

02.12.2001-10:54

Why would a time traveler reveal himself? In John's mission, these actions have no purpose.

I still fail to see why this is a problem. If you can think of another way where I can interact with people I would very much like to hear your suggestions. Why isn't the mere act of speaking with other people an end in itself? Personally, I find the unit interesting and I like talking about it. There must be something in your life like that.

John talks about a civil war being started between the Democrats and Republicans. Later, this escalates into WW3 and he mentions that it is a good thing for us.

I don't believe I ever said the war was between Democrats and Republicans. If I am incorrect, please point that out. It doesn't exactly escalate as much as it opens the door for other aggression. Yes, I think the war would be good for society and I would be happy to debate that with you.

John tells us to buy a gun, find 5 friends, and get a bicycle. This conflicts with his comments about killing us all off.

If you could point out how this violates the three guidelines I stated earlier, I would give it considerable thought. Perhaps you are correct and that was a mistake. Again, I don't believe I said I want to kill you. Personally, I think murder is wrong. You seem to be pretty good at that yourself.

John mentions that he has no idea what [" Project Ginger " - which we call the Segway(™) Human Transporter (HT)] is but he mentions media hype and alludes to ["IT" - which we call the Segway(™) Human Transporter (HT)] not amounting to much.

Again, I don't believe I said that either. My point in that conversation was about feeling manipulated by hype. Since they ARE asking you to buy something, I would be very interested in your lengthy and critical postings about ["ITs" - which we call the Segway(™) Human Transporter (HT)] credibility. If you could post that link I would very much like to see it.

John mentions the war was between the cities of America, Russia, China, etc.

Hmm, are you familiar with the Russian partisan movement in WWII?

John says the civil war leads to the world war in 2015. The civil war lasts for ten years?

It's 2004. I apologize for a missed key (very observant - we all need good critics). Perhaps our definition of war is different. I would define it as a conflict where organized groups engage in maneuver and armed conflict. The first U.S. civil war lasted 4 years and the English civil war lasted 6. How long is too long?

John says the mechanical typewriter is a major machine again in the future and the Internet still exists and is widely used.

Actually, what I said was, "…you may be surprised at how many people use typewriters." I don't understand the conflict. What's wrong with typewriters? At least you don't have to plug them in.

Thanks for the patience. I'm getting to the other questions.

02.12.2001-23:51

Have you ever been on any other time traveling missions?

Yes, but they were all training missions. There is a great deal of psychological profiling and testing and one of the training missions involved choosing a time in your life (within two years) where you wish you would have done something different and then going back to convince yourself to do it.

The idea is to become familiar with the possibility of meeting yourself, which can be rather difficult. It is quite odd to look at "yourself" and have a conversation. Since any "you" on another worldline would not be a mirror image, you get a slightly distorted feeling while seeing yourself, let alone the concept of speaking to yourself

Could you post a link to the images of your time machine?

I would be happy to do that.

If you have any pictures of the computer you were supposed to get?

I'm pretty sure there must be something on the web now about the IBM 5100.

I looked up the name 'Titor' and couldn't find any. Is your family not listed in the phone book?

I guess it depends when you look.

Can I contact you through any other means?

I've tried talking online before and found it quite enjoyable but I find the questions and comments come so rapidly it's hard to keep up.

What is the exact date that the war starts? If you can't remember, can you tell us the month?

I remember the exact date. When it comes, it will not be a surprise.

What is the speed of the average computer in the future?

GHz is not a useful measurement. Computers are no longer measured by their speed as much as the number of variables (not calculations) they can handle per second.

Can you time travel whenever you want? How much does it cost? Can you make stops along the way back to 2036?

No, the unit doesn't belong to me. I can't make stops on the way home as it will throw the gravity measurements off and it would force me to backtrack. Also, I can't just leave and arrive at any place and time I want to. There are physical and technical limits to when and where I can go.

Have you ever been in your own future?

No, I haven't been to the future of my 2036. My profile qualified me for a trip to the past.

I understand your position and appreciate your supportive outlook. However, I have given some very detailed information that could be checked out. Please consider that our frame of reference is quite different and finding subjects to discuss and exchange information about could be a challenge. I'm just not up on music, Hollywood and sports in the year 2001. You could ask me all you want about 1975 but I suspect that's not very impressive.

Actually it does, I have never personally experienced this time as an adult and (name of popular singing star) was not a big topic of conversation when you're hiking through the swamp. Everything I know about your time is from books, magazines and old videotapes that weren't destroyed in the war. If it makes you feel any better, I do struggle with not talking about football.

The animal Kingdom is alive and well. I'm sure it suffered but there fewer people infringing on animal's habitats now. Nuclear war is a very undesirable thing but it is not the end of the world. There are areas and cities we can't enter and the environment did suffer a great deal of damage but we are recovering. Isn't Hiroshima a thriving city today? The major physical affects include skin cancer, infertility, infection, etc. Almost everyone has some sort of physical remnant from the war.

I am aware the concept of the Rapture is related to Christian Prophecy but I am not familiar with the details. Yes, there are people I trust here and I would hate for any harassment or harm to come to them. I am aware of the Mayan Colander but in 2012, it was not something I was able to think about. When the time comes, I'm sure people will find the signs they are looking for that leads them to the end of time.

When I say fear will keep you alive I am talking about the natural instincts and premonitions that we all turn off when it's convenient. The same person who has five dead bolt locks on their door will think nothing about getting into a parking garage elevator with a total stranger. I think the fear of God is the fear of separation from God.

Some of you may wonder what a time traveler does with his day while he's posting on the web. I spend a great deal of time downloading information and storing it for my return. (Popular radio show host name) site is definitely on that list. I'll have to think about who the most remembered people are. Again, my viewpoint is quite skewed.

Who is the major super power in 2036?

It depends on how you define power. If you mean military, the world has developed into an odd balance. There are plenty of nuclear weapons left but if anyone uses them they, will be instantly erased from the planet by everyone else, regardless of the politics. We are very tired of war.

Are the two political parties still Republicans and Democrats?

There are no Republicans or Democrats to speak of. There are now over 10 major political parties.

How many States are there?

The states, as you know them, still exist but their political power has been combined with other states around them. There are now 5 major geopolitical areas in the United States.

Which states are the worst to live in?

When you can't drink the water it's bad everywhere.

Were only cities along the Eastern US hit in the Nuclear War, or all over the country?

Cities and large military areas in the entire country.

Do companies like (popular software and Internet names) still exist?

No.

Does money look different than it does now?

No, money is pretty much the same. Unfortunately, I do not have any money with me because I wouldn't be able to use it here.

When you time travel you can never actually go back to the exact place you left from?

That is correct. In physical terms, I can never get back to the exact worldline I left from.

Was a lot of the US 18-24 age group killed in the war because of a draft?

Yes.

Do you ever get time travelers from later time periods in 2036?

Not that I'm aware of but I can't say it isn't happening.

Are there any other companies that send out time travelers?

I work for the military. GE just makes the unit.

Does the government know there that time travel going on?

In 2036, yes.

Why were you selected to be a time traveler?

I am related to a key figure in the development of the IBM 5100.

How many time travelers are there on your team? How do they choose new ones?

My unit has between 6 and 10. When I left, there were 7 others. Military service, physical fitness, history or technical background and special relationship to target contacts get you in the door.

Which countries are on our side in the war?

Don't have much to add there.

Which country gets the worst in the war?

Again, the entire world is affected. Even if you don't take a direct hit, dying crops and no water can ruin your day.

Why can't you answer questions about natural disasters? No one can change something now that would cause an earthquake or stop one.

I will not share information that would allow someone to avoid death by probability.

I think you're avoiding questions like that. It just supports the fact that you are not who you say you are.

Again, what I think is important doesn't impress anyone and although I could point to various things I've said about other subjects the response is usually ho-hum tell us about music and sports. I suppose I could lie and make something up but what's the point?

You should have at least a basic understanding of physics.

I do but your questions were rather specific. I would love to talk physics and I'll be happy to walk through the operation of the unit.

By exposing yourself here, you've very likely broken several time travel regulations.

No, I haven't.

Don't you put yourself at risk by doing so?

Yes, that's potentially true but what I gain offsets that. Does that statement answer the question of why time travelers do not revel themselves?

You should know a lot more about the machines you're operating.

I do know very much about it. I'm just not willing to share it with everyone.

There are inconsistent in several aspects of your posts.

If you could point out the specific questions I will be happy to address them.

Is the (car company) truck better than the (car company) truck for time travel?

The vehicle must have a strong suspension.

How did you buy your truck? How could you title it if you are only 3 years old at this point? How did you pay for it?

Don't worry. Fortunately, these are things we're taught at time travel school in "how to get around in the sarcastic 20th century". I said I didn't have any money from 2036. I have plenty from here.

Does the truck have to be running when you are traveling through time?

The vehicle must be standing still.

02.13.2001-10:51

I just have one question. Do you recognize the name (name from forum)? I want to know because I fully intend to be a prominent figure within the next 20 years.

No, I can't say that I do. However, since I'm archiving all of this and will submit it with my report, it will eventually end up on our Internet.

If you want to leave a message to yourself in the future, please feel free to do so. I would make it broad enough so your name or some other important word will pop up in routine search engine that "you" might be using in 2036.
Also, be aware that the "you" in my 2036 will be unaware that the "you" here left a message at all.

02.13.2001-11:23

My whole reason for asking the unimportant questions is because they are unimportant.

If it's unimportant to you why would it be important to me?

02.13.2001-13:51

John has been unable to explain time travel. I will explain it here.

I could be wrong but I don't recall being asked to "explain time travel". If you could point that out to me in the posts I would appreciate it.

So it's ritualized combat on the battlefield of differential geometry. It's a shame we couldn't have more constructive dialogue on the subject. Of course, I've left my physics book in the time machine so unless you snuck in a hidden landmine, I found your opening move very straightforward. However, you're too confident I won't be able to offer an explanation that I'm sure other physics fans will appreciate. I wonder if Einstein and Grossmann did it this way or maybe they just listened to each other and tried to build on what they thought would work. Oh well.

Debunk my calculations on time travel. You can't, because you are a fraud!

When I look up debunk, I see: "To expose or ridicule the falseness, sham or exaggerated claims." The reason I cannot debunk your calculations is because they are true. They are not false, based on speculative facts or exaggerated. They are just incomplete. What you really want me to do is finish your explanation or I will be an imposter.

There are, however, certain quantities that do remain constant. These constants are related to four-dimensional quantities known as metric tensors.

Actually, I don't think that's correct. Minkowski space-time (4-D) will not allow you to use Pythagoras' theorem to describe tensors because time needs to be expressed with the opposite sign. (please excuse my change of variable case).

ds^2 = -c^2dt^2 + dx^2 + dy^2 + dz^2

(where ds describes time-like and space-like trips).

The tensor we should be discussing is:

ds^2 = -a^2dt^2 + w^2(df - wdt)^2 + (r^2/ D)dr^2 + r^2dq^2

I hope I got the symbols right but you should be able to recognize this…right? nuts... the a, f, r, Delta and q didn't make the translation in this font.

The US government has its hands in everything from biological tests to secret planes that can fly out of Earth's atmosphere.

Care to share with me how you solved the overheating problem on your space plane?

I will get to and review the questions I missed. I apologize if my answers seemed flippant. There are many posts I want to respond to and I am unable to pay as much attention as I would like.

02.13.2001-13:51

John has been unable to explain time travel. I will explain it here.

I could be wrong but I don't recall being asked to "explain time travel". If you could point that out to me in the posts I would appreciate it.

So it's ritualized combat on the battlefield of differential geometry. It's a shame we couldn't have more constructive dialogue on the subject. Of course, I've left my physics book in the time machine so unless you snuck in a hidden landmine, I found your opening move very straightforward. However, you're too confident I won't be able to offer an explanation that I'm sure other physics fans will appreciate. I wonder if Einstein and Grossmann did it this way or maybe they just listened to each other and tried to build on what they thought would work. Oh well.

Debunk my calculations on time travel. You can't, because you are a fraud!

When I look up debunk, I see: "To expose or ridicule the falseness, sham or exaggerated claims." The reason I cannot debunk your calculations is because they are true. They are not false, based on speculative facts or exaggerated. They are just incomplete. What you really want me to do is finish your explanation or I will be an imposter.

There are, however, certain quantities that do remain constant. These constants are related to four-dimensional quantities known as metric tensors.

Actually, I don't think that's correct. Minkowski space-time (4-D) will not allow you to use Pythagoras' theorem to describe tensors because time needs to be expressed with the opposite sign. (please excuse my change of variable case).

ds^2 = -c^2dt^2 + dx^2 + dy^2 + dz^2

(where ds describes time-like and space-like trips).

The tensor we should be discussing is:

ds^2 = -a^2dt^2 + w^2(df - wdt)^2 + (r^2/ D)dr^2 + r^2dq^2

I hope I got the symbols right but you should be able to recognize this…right? nuts... the a, f, r, Delta and q didn't make the translation in this font.

The US government has its hands in everything from biological tests to secret planes that can fly out of Earth's atmosphere.

Care to share with me how you solved the overheating problem on your space plane?

I will get to and review the questions I missed. I apologize if my answers seemed flippant. There are many posts I want to respond to and I am unable to pay as much attention as I would like.

02.13.2001-23:32

As for John Titor's corrections on space-time manipulation, he has completed it correctly. However, he is still an imposter.

Apparently, I have made the leap from "fraud" to imposter. At least that's a start and I respect my opponent on his polite yet quiet concession on the other thread. I wish to emphasize a point I tired to make earlier. Even though I answered the question correctly, it doesn't really prove one way or another if I'm a time traveler and you should not think otherwise. I might just be really quick at looking up things up on the web.

I suppose we could debate whether or not I'm a fraud all the way up to the point I leave your worldline.

02.14.2001-02:55

Actually, it's sort of a good feeling knowing you're out there keeping me honest.

02.14.2001-07:25

My Motive:

I've been in your time a bit longer than I had expected. My next opportunity to go home comes in the spring. For most of my adult life, I have read about, wondered and debated about this time. I value this opportunity to share experiences. If you absolutely believed I was a time traveler, with no skepticism whatsoever, then we would be unable to communicate. The focus of our attention would then always be on the machine. The experiences, opinions and reasons you do things are just as valid as mine and just as different.

I hope to return home with a better understanding of why you think and believe the way you do. Although I do understand the reasons for asking, I won't gain from any communication with you by spouting physics formulas and pop culture predictions. Please do not assume I am purposely avoiding questions. I am human, I get tired, and I forget things. Please, just remind me if I missed a question and I will get to it.

I do have one tip though. If you want me to go over your post in detail put, "Hey John, you're a big Jerk." at the end of the insightful and logical part, not the beginning. In fact, maybe you could just abbreviate it and put a number rating from 1-100 next to it so I know how strong you feel. Something like, HJYABJ (78). It would save space.

The Physics of Time Travel:

ACCELERATION = TIME DIALATION

As pointed out earlier, acceleration will produce time dilation. This can be observed by the "twins paradox". As one twin stays on Earth, the other twin in his accelerating spaceship experiences a slower passing of time. When he returns to Earth, he is noticeably younger than his twin who aged normally in Earth time. This type of "time travel" should have been proven already on this worldline with atomic clock experiments. With sufficient power, this type of time travel will only provide practical displacement in a future direction. This type of time travel is also isolated to a single worldline. You will not meet yourself.

GRAVITY = ACCELERATION

As Einstein pointed out with his STR, the effects of gravity and acceleration are the same. Therefore, you will experience the same time travel effects in the twin paradox by being close to a large gravity source. In the atomic clock experiments mentioned above, the reason there was a difference in time was not because the clock in the plane was moving, it was because the clock in the well was closer to the center of the Earth. Constant speed is not acceleration.
LARGE GRAVITY = STATIC BLACK HOLE

The next step is to find a large gravity source to use in your time machine. Static black holes provide this type of power. As one twin approaches the event horizon or edge of the black hole, the other twin will watch him as he appears to slow down. He will notice his twin's watch run slower until it stops at the event horizon. The twin moving toward the horizon will notice none of this and see his watch running just fine. Although possible, a trip into a static black hole will not take you to another worldline and it's one-way. The force of gravity will crush you.

ROTATING BLACK HOLE = DONUT-SHAPED SINGULARITY

Fortunately, most black holes are not static. They spin. Spinning black holes are often referred to as Kerr black holes. A Kerr black hole has two interesting properties. One, they have two event horizons and two, the singularity is not a point, it looks more like a donut. These odd properties also have a pronounced affect on the black hole's gravity. There are vectors where you can approach the singularity without being crushed by gravity.

DONUT-SHAPED SINGULARITY = PASSAGE INTO ALTERNATE WORLDLINE

Another other more interesting result of passing through a donut singularity is that you travel through time by passing into another universe or worldline. Please see Penrose diagrams for Kerr Black holes or you can examine the calculations of Frank Tipler.

So now the problem becomes where do we find a donut-shaped singularity?

A PONDERING HAWKING = MICROSINGULARITY

Steven Hawking proposed the existence of microsingularities that were created in the big bang. They were probably about the size of a proton and disappeared over the years due to an effect of radiation evaporation. (Yes, black holes do emit energy.)

HIGH ENERGY PHYSICS = ARTIFICIAL MICROSINGULARITY

When I first started posting online a few months ago, I said that major breakthroughs in particle physics were around your corner. Soon, CERN will bring their big machine on line and they will be smashing very fast and high-energy particles together. One of the more odd and potentially dangerous items produced from this increase in energy will be microsingularities a fraction of the size of an electron.

ARTIFICIAL MICROSINGULARITY = LOCALIZED KERR FIELD

Through trial and error, and although they are quite heavy, hot and capable of putting out a great deal of energy (300 - 500 megawatts), it's discovered that these microsingularities can be electrified and captured. It is also interesting to note at this point that electrified singularities also have two event horizons. By spinning these various microsingularities, a localized Kerr field is created.

LOCALIZED KERR FIELD = TIPLER SINUSOID

By using two microsingularities in close proximity to each other, it is possible to create, manipulate and alter the Kerr fields to create a Tipler gravity sinusoid. This field can be adjusted, rotated and moved in order to simulate the movement of mass through a donut-shaped singularity and into an alternate worldline. Thus, safe time travel.

I will continue with the individual posts next. Thank you for your patience.

02.15.2001-12:07

The following are personal rules I try to keep (unless of course they conflict with my secret agenda). I look forward to discussing any discrepancies you may find.

PERSONAL RULES FOR TEMPORAL DISCLOSURE:

1. I will not disclose any information that will cause someone to personally gain by its knowledge.
2. I will not disclose any detailed information that would allow someone to avoid death by probability.
3. I will not disclose any information that may compromise any future actions by individual people or threaten their family and well being.

02.15.2001-17:06

You have said you will not participate in helping anyone avoid 'death by probability'. Yet many things you have said could have caused an individual to do or not do something that will now result dying, or escaping death.

It would help if you could give an example. If you are referring to the conflict and war in your future, I'm not sure I'm specific enough to help any individuals avoid anything. Suggesting there is a war coming is a bit different than saying avoid Washington DC at 3:45 AM on March 12, 2015.

There is no way for you to be sure there is no future world leader reading this and believing you.

Are you sure about that? Besides, I think you can have just as much impact as any "future leader".

I don't believe you when you say you're not trying to prove to us you're a real time traveler.

I submit there is no way for me to prove anything on the Internet; therefore it makes no sense to desire it. What exactly do you think I could do to prove it to anyone? I am confused by your term "the show". Do you feel my only goal here is to entertain?

Again, I am not unable to make you do anything nor would I want that.

I learn a great deal about your culture from the words you write (like right now). What do you think my goals are?

This thread has been all about you developing your story.

I'm not sure I understand this. How would "my story" differ it was "developed"?

I find it hard to believe that a software tweak done to a 1975 machine would be enough to justify a time travel mission.

Ah, something we have in common. Yes, I felt that way too. However, my job was to go and get it and not debate why they wanted it. I am not a computer expert.

A great deal of the computer infrastructure you depend on is based on very old systems and code. One of the reasons I was sent to 1975 was because of the person I met there, not the technology.

There are more effective ways to accomplish what you claim in this regard.

Perhaps you would share them with me. You might be right and I could make your suggestions when I return.

If indeed you support the model of time that all possibilities occur in different universes then I cannot accept you.

I'm not sure I understand what you mean. If you believe in Multiple World Theory, Hawking was not the one who first thought of that. If you do, then I must be real if all possibilities exist. As I recall, Hawking felt that it was possible to build a machine but some sort of vacuum fluctuations would destroy it right before you tried to use it.

You claim that you have no desire to prove your story yet everything you have done has flown in the face of that.

I'm not sure that's true. In fact, I've tried to point out on at least two occasions that anything I do (at the request of someone else) to support my claims can be found someplace else on your worldline right now.

What is more, you will tell us no names, no locations, or any specifics as a result of your supposed ethics. If those were indeed the ethics you were committed to and reasoned with, you would not be here now.

I am curious about this also. Do you think I should not interact with you for your safety or mine?

Time travel may be possible; you would not land on Earth. You would land in a vacuum of space. You have to take into account that the Earth, the solar system and the galaxy are all moving.

Yes, this is a problem. It was solved by taking a "snapshot" of the local gravity around the unit before leaving a worldline and incorporating it into the sinusoid during travel. The short answer is, you "stick" to the earth but this is only a useful explanation to understand it and it's not practical. Since the computer system is using a virtual reference, the calculations become flawed. Thus:

1. Based on the accuracy and timing of the "snapshots" the distortion units are limited to how long they can travel before becoming unstable.
2. We must leave and arrive in areas we have prior or future knowledge of in order to avoid massive objects (buildings, water, etc…)
3. The unit has a fail-safe system during travel that drops out in case of a unit shutdown or radical departure in gravity readings.

02.19.2001-11:03

I believe that faith and good works will get one to God. I believe there is an organized force of evil that works against God's plan for men's souls. It's all part of the plan.

Please don't think me so cynical. I would never insult or degrade someone's religious views. My next questions would be "what about knowledge?" I am a firm believer that faith (and good works) is not enough to get to God. There is a mystery we must solve first.

I vaguely remember you mentioned being religious. How would you answer your own questions?

Yes, I believe in organized evil. It would sure be easier to carry out an "evil" plan if no one beloved you existed. Just curious, can anyone tell me what "Satan" really means?

Had to answer those quickly. I have nothing but open-mindedness for religious conversation and I look forward to more. I'll get to the other questions soon.

Thanks.

02.19.2001-13:14

ARTIFICIAL MICROSINGULARITY = LOCALIZED KERR FIELD Is this a prediction?

If you can take that paragraph and find a way to make a dollar from it than more power to you.

I never said you're an idiot, I said you are aggravating. Which is not really a personal problem.

Point taken. I apologize.

02.19.2001-13:14

ARTIFICIAL MICROSINGULARITY = LOCALIZED KERR FIELD Is this a prediction?

If you can take that paragraph and find a way to make a dollar from it than more power to you.

I never said you're an idiot, I said you are aggravating. Which is not really a personal problem.

Point taken. I apologize.

You only discuss things that you care about. Seems rather one-sided to me.

I was hoping it wouldn't be so confrontational. I don't see how words can harm either one of us.

You must believe that we both have interesting things to say to each other. Isn't that worth it all by itself?

What state do you live in now in 2001?

I am in Florida.

Is John Titor your real name?

Yes, John Titor is a real name.

What is your agenda?

If I tell you, it would just be an agenda, which I'm sure, is much less interesting.

Is this dialogue between people in these posts part of your agenda?

If I had a secret agenda, talking to people would not be part of it.

Does your younger self realize what you are?

Yes, he is aware that I exist but he doesn't know who I am.

Are you married?

No but I did have a chance to convince myself otherwise.

What rank were you in the Army?

It is the equivalent of Major.

Where did you go to basic training?

I wasn't fortunate enough to go to basic. We were fighting a war at the time.

What company were you with, and what year did you graduate?

The organization of the fighting unit I was in fell under the militia. We fought against the organized army.

Do you have any fears?

I fear people who want others to take action based on their own emotions and irrational fears.

What are the rules for interacting with people who aren't from your time; do you make friends easily?

Have common sense and get your job done. Yes, I have friends.

What would the government do to you if they found you?

I'm sure I would end up in one of their nice little padded cells while they poked at my machine with a screwdriver. What do you think they would do?

What would you do if someone investigated you? Aren't you worried that it's only a matter of time before you are found?

I don't worry about that very much. No one believes me anyway. Right?

And you said; "I very much want to discuss our cultures but please help me understand how you won't be able to change something I tell you happened on my worldline."

Suppose I told you the space shuttle would have a problem landing at Kennedy tomorrow because something goes wrong with the runway. If someone with the authority to do so hears that and makes the decision to land at Edwards (than) bingo, your future has changed from my past.

I appreciate you answering these questions for me John, and thank you for calling me your friend.

I'd really like to believe that.

Rest assured, if I went to the authorities and said, "I know a time traveler" I'd get laughed at. The skeptics will always over rule the "believers".

If that were not the case, I would not be posting at all.

The US government, Russian or anyone else would be in the same boat. They would grab and hold any time travelers.

Yes, that's what I think too. The irony is, I'm not sure the machine will really do anything for them and all I can give them is stock quotes and sports news. (Just a little humor.)

John, please don't take my comments about being a fraud personally. I only want the honest truth.

I don't. Truth is something we all want. Like opportunity, its something you have to be ready for to recognize it.

John, what would it take to get you to stay after spring and leave during the next opportunity?

My parents are much better at cards than I am. I fear they may not let me leave in such debt. If I had all the time I needed, I would spend much more time downloading and archiving.

I fear that another month or 2 may not be enough time as I would like.

I will continue to answer the posts as long as I can.

In your "world time" have things like "Saquatch" , "Loch Ness monster", and other reported unusualanimals?

We have our swamp monsters too. In fact, I think it's interesting that we all respond to the unknown the same way regardless of our cultural experiences.

Is remote viewing used to gather military intelligence?

I am only aware of it from this worldline. I don't know otherwise.

Are psychics still common?

Yes, psychics exist but I don't have any knowledge of their use by the military.

Is there a police force as we know it? Have any of your leaders been jailed or impeached?

Yes, we have police but they are organized in smaller groups. Yes, we still have political and religious leaders who find it difficult to obey the law. I would submit to you that the law is only as good as the people's willingness to apply it evenly and swiftly.

Will you post more pictures or pages of the manual?

Yes, I am pondering posting more of the manual. I am also considering having my departure videotaped and yes, it will be free. My only concern is how it might affect the "me" on this worldline.

Is there a Global Superpower state?

Being a superpower only makes you a target. There is an uneasy balance in the world now that everyone "probably" has nukes, chems or bios. We don't just bomb people for the hell of it anymore. Military power is based on the number of autonomous fighting men who are actually willing to fight.

I guess you are held accountable for changes that occur in your time period.

You're pretty much correct about your statement but actually, nothing I do here will affect my home. I hold myself accountable for any damage I do.

In my opinion, people "now" take clean water, electricity and their feeling of safety for granted. If they leave the city in search of fresh water they first have to make the realization that fresh water is a problem. It's much easier to demand someone else owes you fresh water than it is to leave the lifestyle that made it bad in the first place.

If I were transposed to the 1920's or 30's, you would have a hard time keeping me off the streets.

I agree with you. The first time I walked into a "superstore" I cried. I'd never seen so much excess in one place at one time.

It is interesting that the photos posted were posted by an "anonymous time traveler".

Those are mine. They were posted by another person who I'm sure is reading this also and would be happy to confirm that.

I see there is a hand control unit with a screen on it. I assume this is the computer interface. What does the display show you?

Yes, that is a remote unit. The unit itself gets hot and "unapproachable" during long travel and you're usually subjected to about 2 G's. It gets a little difficult to move around and the hand held unit sits next to you. The unit displays many things but time in transit, time to destination, VGL variance and unit temperature are the most common during travel.

Also, there are 16 buttons. I have to assume further that these are multifunction keys.

Yes, the menus are screen driven.

02.19.2001-16:01

What weapons did you use to protect yourself? Do you have a weapon now?

I used a shotgun in the war. Yes, I think it's prudent to be prepared for anything.

What is your favorite food?

Oranges, I love them.

Your enemy was in the cities. Was the President in 2005 also on the enemy side? How did you feel personally about the President then?

The President or "leader" in 2005 I believe tried desperately to be the next Lincoln and hold the country together but many of their policies drove a larger wedge into the Bill of Rights. The President in 2009 was interested only in keeping his/her power base.

While you were in the 1970's what did you think of Nixon?

To tell you the truth, I was more fascinated by the different standards Presidents are held to.

Do you plan to do any more time traveling when you return to 2036?

I don't know if I will be chosen for another mission. If I do, most likely, I will fly as an advisor or historical consultant.

Do you have any doubts about this time travel experience and the computer mission that you are on?

Absolutely. I have to believe there is an easier way to do this.

What have you learned the most from the people of this board?

There is a fire of intelligence and expression out there in the people who are criticized for their open-mindedness. I fear it will only be uncovered in the rest of the population through conflict. I was under the impression that most people were sleeping in this period but I suppose that generalization is too broad for any time period.

Where did you learn the use of "Gosub" in computer programs?

Gosub / Return. In one form or another, isn't that a pretty standard function in most computer languages?

Where did you learn to write English? How much time did it take?

I'm not so sure I write perfect English. I do read a great deal more than I see most people doing here.

Was China your enemy?

Not my enemy? I never fought any Chinese but their ability to hit Western cities with missiles made a lot of people unhappy.

Do they have (old computer games) in 2036?

I am aware they are video games but I have not come across them.

Does China have a manned space program between 2001 and 2036?

I believe they are pretty close to putting a man in orbit. It shouldn't surprise you if they do that soon.

Do you have any problems with the number thirteen?

Not personally.

If the worldlines are changed by choices why do we still meet people that coincide with our previous worldline?

Your worldline takes form as the choices unfold. People do not disappear because you must follow the same physical laws that hold you here. (i.e. Information cannot travel faster than light on a worldline.)

In your opinion, would timelines be better represented as an inflated balloon, or a layered Rubix cube?

Balloon in balloon in balloon. A Rubix cube as in the toy, right?

Do you have television in 2036?

Information does arrive on video but cathode ray tubes are out and crystal or plasma is in. Distribution is over the net, not broadcast.

Do you have flashlights in 2036? If so, what type of batteries does it use?

Yes, we have flashlights and we use similar batteries for most things. We do recharge a great deal. Have you ever seen those wind-up radios? They're pretty interesting I think.

How is electricity generated in 2036?

"Most" publicly generated power is through very efficient solar cells. On a local or household level, there is steam, hydro and inversion generation. There is a debate on using a singularity to generate power.

Does the sun look different in 2036?

When you can see it through the high level smoke and haze, not that I'm aware of.

What sort of clothing do you wear in 2036? Is there strong attention paid to what people wear in the group?

Clothing is much more functional. I'm not sure what group you're talking about.

Where were you born?

I was born in Florida.

02.19.2001 19:25

It took you five days to answer those questions. Is that the best you could do?

How many days seem normal?

You said you went to basic training on the other forum which is how you got involved in time travel. Be consistent.

Your question referred to army basic training. My earlier comment referred to be chosen for this mission.

You answered like a politician. You stepped around the truth without actually lying but it's logical enough to keep your story going.

I'm not sure but it sure looks like your trying to say I'm being truthful within your expectations. However, if you're trying to hurt my feelings, comparing me to a politician will do it.

I guess you are held accountable for changes that occur in your time period.

My only concern is how it might affect the "me" on this worldline.

Actually, this is a good question. If the "me" here goes on to have the same type of life and future work that I did, it may not look good on his resume that another "him" has left a videotape behind of his future mission to 1975.

So where do you stand? You're not being very clear and you always give a conflicting point to other questions you've had to answer. Why is it always about you?

If you look at my concern carefully, you can see that it won't affect me at all. It affects him.

John says no one believes him. Is that right? He's in Florida and goes by the name of John Titor. Show him how much you believe him (when you find him).

I'm touched by your concern for my safety.

02.20.2001-05:06

John had a (50/50) chance of telling us the future.

Yes, there was a 50/50 chance of that happening but the odds were easily one out two that it could have gone the other way.

02.20.2001-21:58

Perhaps it goes without saying but I would urge everyone to listen to (popular late night radio show host) show tonight.

02.21.2001-12:01

Thanks for your reply. Can you please clarify some of these points?

It's what I live for although I can't help but feel you're not exactly asking these questions for their own sake.

Describe what you mean by functional. Do you wear light colors, dark colors, loose, tight fitting? What materials are used for the clothing?

Seems a bit obscure to have a discussion about. Do we wear radiation suits? No. Do we use pockets a lot, yes.

How does this smoke and haze allow for solar cells to be efficient?

Do you have any idea how efficient solar cells are today? Sometimes it's sunny and sometimes it rains. Sometimes large dust clouds high in the atmosphere pass overhead. I don't understand the point you want to make. The sun looks the same.

Where did you learn to write and how old were you? How did you learn to type so fast?

I was home schooled and I spend a lot of time typing.

"Gosub / Return. In one form or another, isn't that a pretty standard function in most computer languages? No."

I beg to differ on this point. I may not be a computer programmer but I do know that going away to perform one function and returning to the original function is basic to all software. Perhaps it may be called something else in various languages.

Did you have a historical consultant to help you?

No, fairly easy job.

What do you call these batteries?

Good and bad, same as you.

"Rubix cube a toy? Where'd you get that idea?"

I've seen references to them in various science papers. If I'm mistaken, what are you referring to?

02.21.2001-08:26

I'll look for it, thanks. I have a couple for you (book recommendations). The Nine Nations of North America and/or The Physics of Immortality (anyone recognize this author).

Would you be able to travel by going to the year 2001, flying a plane to a destination, then go to the future from there?

You can only travel in time from a static position (at least with the unit I have). In order to do this, you must have knowledge of the local terrain and building structures. That's one of the basic protocols we do in any time period for possible, future travelers.

If each worldline is separate from the others, then wouldn't the consequences of your actions now have no effect on your original worldline?

Yes, that's correct.

If this is the case, why won't you tell us things that will give us knowledge?

I am not qualified to judge if you deserve it or not and I have no idea if you may be the next (for lack of a better reference) Hitler. However, if I were able to physically help you from a situation because I was there and I knew it was coming, I would help you.

My only guess is that you are not a time traveler, and don't want to make anyone do something stupid.

Yes, I am aware that is the obvious first answer but I would hope my moral and logical arguments at least make a dent in your thinking. If you were a time traveler, would you be comfortable giving out all that information after considering the possible consequences? (Provided you knew it). If I were you, I would be worried about what the next time traveler might do, even by mistake.

How can I leave a message for myself in the future if the things I do in this worldline do not affect any other?

Just post it here. All this information will probably end up on the web in 2036. If you're alive then and you think ahead for some reason to do a search on yourself, you might see it. Of course the "you" there would have no memory of doing it.

Your prediction of (national politics) pending disintegration, beginning in three short years, is impossible.

Have you see the documentary on Waco? Just for argument's sake, what do you think would happen if information were discovered that confirmed the worst accusations made against the law enforcement officers there? Would you hope nothing?

The idea of a farmer general leaving his fields to lead his country's troops to victory is an old one.

Yes, I often think about that when I see pictures of "my" farmer general in Omaha. It's a large bronze depiction holding a shotgun in one hand a copy of the Constitution in the other. He is looking up at the sky in defiance of God after his father was killed.

I guess there are only a few stories and all of them are just re-telling of the same ones in different settings.

Just like life.

02.21.2001-13:29

If you take a look, I am answering every question in order unless I see something quick that I think needs a response.

Thanks.

02.21.2001-16:22

How far from what size city is it the safest to be?

A 10 Kiloton nuclear weapon will vaporize metal for about ½ a mile and have a heat effect for about 3 miles. A 100 Megaton nuclear weapon will vaporize metal to 35 miles and have a heat effect to about 250 miles. I believe the largest nuclear weapon ever built and tested was about 60 megatons.

As I recall, the popular strategy toady is to strike targets with multiple numbers of smaller warheads. The 100 Kt to 1 Mt are the most popular. I believe there are about 150 - 200 major cities in the US and half as many military targets. Please correct me someone if I am grossly incorrect.

You suggest a bicycle. What about horseback?

Yes, horses are good if you can feed and water them. Also, it's very hard to eat a bicycle.

Should we be stockpiling guns?

The answer to this is NO! You will draw a great deal of negative attention to yourself. I recommend becoming familiar with firearms. This means taking a safety course and learning to shoot and clean many different types. There will be plenty of guns around when you need them.

What kind of people will be the ones least trustworthy?

The people with the most to lose if the world changes, Camel through the eye of a needle?

Is the conflict racial?

Not at all. In fact, I would say it goes a long way toward erasing racial problems.

Does the civil war start in such a way that those willing will have time to remove themselves to safer locations.

Yes. You will be forced to ask yourself how many civil rights you will give up to feel safe.

Will you readily be able to identify the enemy?

They will be the ones arresting and holding people without due process.

Does living near a river take care of water problems?

There is an odd saying that might be appropriate here. Safe is anywhere a hungry person can't walk in three days. Water is important but you must consider that when people need it they will know where to get it. I would not plan on planting myself permanently next to a water source. Yes, distillation dose make water safe but the runoff is highly dangerous. Please remember that distillation is not boiling.

How are the five people within the 100 miles contacted?

The goal is to have a place to go other than your house and to be able to trust someone with your life. Foster those relationships now.

Do communications stay intact during the war?

Main communication systems no, CB, sideband and non-repeating short-wave, yes.

Be mobile. Set aside the things you absolutely would need and can carry on your back. You will not be able to stay anywhere indefinitely even with provisions and firearms.

Will soldiers be asked to kill their countrymen?

I'm not positive but don't they sign a small piece of paper now asking them if they would have a problem with that?

02.21.2001-20:20

In this experiment the traveler only goes 30 seconds into the past. It seems that 30 seconds before his experiment was to begin he saw himself appear in the lab. There would now be two travelers and two time machines. It would appear that its a time loop and an infinite number of duplicates see a duplicate self appear in the lab thirty seconds prior to the start of the trip.

Yes, that's possible.

What is the mass of the duplicate time travelers and where did the mass come from?

The other mass comes from other worldlines. I like to think of it as standing in a room with mirrors on the walls and the apparent "me" in the room next to mine steps into the room from his.

What is the result of the duplicates arriving simultaneously?

Psychological confusion and a few fist fights.

How long will it take for the loop to decay?

The chances of hitting the precise worldline where all the other duplicates are arriving is almost zero. It's possible but increasingly less probable with each arriving duplicate. The divergence decays and the worldline is "less available" for new "yous" to arrive on.

What happens if the experimenter decides not to continue the experiment?

He can always leave the room on his own worldline or put a desk full of books in the position where the time machine is arriving every 30 seconds. That will probably trip the VGL system and stop the time machines from arriving.

Do you remember any poetry after 2001 in your past?

A Soldier's Winter

The day before it wasn't snowing.

The trees are strangers, leering, disapproving in the ash of winter ..my world, my life, my wandering path.

I pray God's eyes may once again gaze upon me and remind me that I am still His child.

I only (think) I remember the first line but the last one I remember. It has quite a few more lines that I don't remember. It is rumored this was written first as a letter by a soldier. After he died it was added to and edited by others. In my opinion, it has become a symbol for the collective guilt my parents' generation feels for what became of the world.

Is there a market for new books in 2036? Are most of the books available old or new?

Yes but there are no large commercial printing and distribution companies. Books and other forms of hard media are distributed on the web and printed or put on other media from local hubs.

As a rough judge of character, have you read J.R.R. Tolkien? Did you enjoy them?

My father read the Hobbit to me as a child. I was always afraid of the dark riders but perhaps I admired them too.

02.22.2001-10:08

I will get to all the questions. I'm trying to comment on them in order. I'm posting the names before all the questions so if you feel I missed something just bring it up again.

I saw something last night that I want everyone's opinion on. Its concerning two television commercials advertising the same cellular phone product. The first commercial I didn't understand right away but the second was obvious.

In the first commercial, a man dressed in cold weather gear appears to be in a snowstorm. He's on a cellular phone saying goodbye to his family as if he was going to die in the storm. We then see he is standing in front of a snow machine at a ski resort area.

In the second commercial, another man dressed in cold weather gear is talking on a cellular phone. We see a young women inviting him to a romantic evening. He seems a bit stunned and excited, hangs up the phone and runs off. We then see he has abandoned an unconscious person he was giving emergency medical treatment to.

What do you think of these commercials?

02.23.2001-11:19

I assume you do a lot of reading. Do you read fiction?

I am a big fan of Conrad, Twain, London and any type of religious apocrypha.

02.23.2001-11:19

I assume you do a lot of reading. Do you read fiction?

I am a big fan of Conrad, Twain, London and any type of religious apocrypha.

What brought you to this website?

When I decided to present or revel myself as a displacement driver I had been watching similar boards for quite a while. I believe the only way to accept what I have to say as being remotely possible requires an open mind able to temporarily suspend major portions of the belief and logic system. In his own strange way, even (forum name who consistently confronts John) falls into this category. I would much rather talk to him than a straight line, give me the equations physicist. I don't gain any insight that way.

And here is another character question. Have you seen George Lucas's Star Wars Trilogy?

Yes I have seen them. I like the first one the best and the "next one", in my opinion, isn't that great either. That's a heck of a battery those light sabers.

What happens to Bill Clinton?

I don't really know.

What happens to Bill Gates?

This I do know but I won't discuss.

02.24.2001-07:05

Why are orphans an issue?

Problems with the environment still have lasting affects on all people, which cause the average life span to (be) lower. In addition, people are more susceptible to accidents. Family life and children are very highly valued and the community takes the responsibility for raising children if their parents die.

What is your biggest environmental issue?

Water. You need it for everything and there is very little left in the world that is positively safe to drink.

Does distillation remove radioactivity from water?

It removes the dust and dirt particles that are radioactive.

Do people still watch TV?

Yes but it isn't broadcast anymore.

Are there women on your travel team?

Not that I'm aware of but I would assume there are women who are either trained or are training for the same type of work. I don't know why there wouldn't be.

What is the status of women in 2036?

I understand the question but I have nothing to relate it to in 2036. The status of women is the same as men. Equality issues disappeared during the war.

Do women hold office?

Yes.

Do women work outside the home?

Women are not expected to stay home and be "barefoot and pregnant" if that's what you mean.

Do women get equal pay?

Yes.

Are women safe on the streets at night?

There is still crime but people do not attack each other the way they do here.

What do women wear for the most part?

Clothing is more functional. Women wear very similar clothing as men when working or training. In our free time or with our family and friends, clothing is much more individualized. Long dresses, knitted sweaters and pants are still quite popular. You'll have to forgive me; I'm not very good at describing women's clothing.

Are the Amish alive and well?

Yes, I believe they are.

What is the birth rate?

I don't know the exact figures but having children is radically lower than it is now. It is the one thing I wish we had that you enjoy here.

Is there an unusual rate of birth defects?

Yes. Mostly stillborn.

You said that your culture was centered around Universities. Weren't they wiped out in the war?

Not all major universities are in large cities.

Do you use cell phones?

Yes, we use a form of cell phone.

Do people eat red meat?

Yes but not as much as you do.

Do people drive cars?

Yes but they are not produced in nearly the same numbers or used the same way.

Are airlines in operation?

Yes but again, not nearly as many.

Do airlines travel internationally?

Yes, but most people don't get really want to go overseas.

Are people pressured into a Christian doctrine?

Not at all.

Do the police make drug busts?

No.

Are there jails? What kind of criminals are in them?

Yes there are jails. Mostly theft, fraud, rape and murder.

What kind of public punishment is there?

Hard labor, community service, banishment (you must move to another community), public execution.

Your justice system sounds like New England during religious persecution and intolerance.

How do you define intolerance? We don't really have the energy or desire to waste time being intolerant. If you produce and help the community than you can do pretty much think and do anything you want within the law.

Are there herbal medicines and alternative life styles?

Yes.

Is there personal freedom?

Yes, the same freedoms you enjoy under the Constitution.

Is there an IRS?

Yes, we pay taxes. Sounds like you don't enjoy keeping track of your personal income taxes. I don't think anyone does.

Is the same type of currency used? Is ours today good in 2010 or 2020?

Yes, we use money. That's a good question. I don't see why you couldn't use your current bills in the future.

Other than time travel how do most people get around the country? Do people travel much?

There is a high-speed train system, horseback, bike, walking. Automobiles are used mostly for sport and some transportation.

Are people suspicious of strangers or are all you people just one big happy family?

There is still conflict and mistrust. Yes, I am suspicious of strangers. I think that's an instinct we are given to help us stay alive.

How do most people die during the war?

In this order: Starvation - Disease - Bullet Wounds - Radiation.

02.24.2001-16:49

Its been pointed out to me that the links to the pictures are all down for some reason.

If anyone has a public site I can post them again, I will be happy to see that they get to you.

02.25.2001-01:36

John, do they have anything to do with the "future" of time travel?

There are numerous people and organizations that contribute to the practical application of physical time travel. I think you would be surprised how much real work is being done right now.

Let's assume you video your departure and your family sends the tape to someone. How would this affect you in the future?

It wouldn't affect me on my home worldline in the least. I would only be concerned how it would affect the "me" here. Of course it may be a large part of my secret agenda and I have no choice but to do it anyway.

I doubt that anyone could determine that you actually time traveled, but it would be a good show.

I wonder what it would have been like to see a plane break the sound barrier before the jet engine was invented?

You said that there will be a big war. Can you at least tell us which cities will be nuked?

No I won't do that. However, I submit to you that when the moment comes it will be absolutely plain as day that you are unsafe in the cities. The millions people that stay will choose to stay. That's what comes as a surprise.

Are we traveling in space in 2036?

Not yet but they are working on it.

Has first contact with an alien race occurred?

Not that I'm aware of.

02.25.2001-07:31

You say your machine has a 60-year limit. Is it possible to go back 60 years and then again another 60 years?

Yes, that is possible but the divergence grows exponentially as you move farther away from your worldline of origin. I could make 50-year jumps to go back and see what the world looked like 2000 years ago but there is a strong chance it would look nothing like what I expect. There are larger distortion units that are more accurate and have a larger window.

Have the people in 2036 proved the "worldline theory?" Is there any information you can share with is that proves it?

The Many Worlds theory seems to wrap up very nicely into current string theory. Unfortunately, we have not solved string theory yet either but (n-10) seems to be the best working model we have in 2036. As you are probably aware, the "big equation" does not need the final solution in order to take advantage of the smaller parts that do work in the real world.

You say you don't want to effect anything by giving information but you could change this worldline just by talking about the war, or anything for that matter.

I don't believe that knowing a possible future makes it happen. You are capable of changing your worldline for the better right now. None of the things I have said will be a surprise. They were set in motion ten, twenty, even thirty years ago. Are you really surprised to find out that Iraq has nukes now or is that just BS to whip everyone up into accepting the next war?

02.25.2001-13:00

John Titor, I would love to come along with you for a ride to the future.

I appreciate the offer but I'm not sure you would like the year 2036.

What is the next movement in music?

I appreciate your frustration and quite a few people have asked me questions like this. The expected answer is that I don't want to break my personal code of "time travel ethics". The real answer is, I just don't know. I was not prepared for the year 2001, I was prepared for 1975. I don't suppose it would be very impressive if I told you Disco would be big until 1980.

Am I getting this? You can load up all the people who want to in the back of your Chevy pickup?

Actually, the requests were rhetorical. No one is going back with me.

Thanks. One thing I do find interesting about time travel tech is the expectation that we can pretty much go anywhere at anytime. These systems are quite complicated and they do have limitations. Are you going to be around in 1975?

02.26.2001-09:16

Better then being a fanatic; who believes in people so blindly.

fanatic (n.) A person possessed by an excessive zeal for an uncritical attachment to a cause or position.

Nuclear warfare doesn't seem to be the biggest form of fighting in the future.

Nuclear war will be very effective at destroying an enemy's economy and the people's will to fight.

I doubt nuclear warheads are going to be shot from each end of the globe.

I would caution against that. That's exactly what "they" want you to think while they continue to develop smaller and more accurate MIRV's. Have you ever seen a neutron bomb the size of a basketball?

John, you say one of the hardest things to do in 2036 is find clean water. You also say you only trust food you've grown. Is any of this a result of your experiences with biological warfare?

Yes and no. Yes, biological warfare and accidents do cause a great deal of problems but the lack of a working infrastructure also hinders the continuation of the food manufacturing you depend on now.

Is there any more background information you can give?

Once I leave, I would not want any attention to come to my family here.

I'm guessing the date of your return to the future is April 19th.

That is a day to remember but I was thinking more along the lines of March 21.

The most likely leader of a war movement like the one you describe would most likely be a Farmer.

Throughout history, farmers have often been a target of oppression because they are absolutely necessary to civilization but too busy to defend themselves. If you push a farmer too far, they stop growing food and have nothing to do but hide in the woods and shoot back.

My asking you if the mention of CERN as a prediction was a genuine question and had nothing to do with making money. Is this comment a hint about the future?

Please do not be offended by my "making a buck" remark. I say it with a wink to help other people form their questions. Yes, some very interesting things will be going on at CERN in the near future.

What is interesting are the type of questions being asked, and the apparent hostility that you're being subjected to for no reason.

Yes, I find that interesting too. Sometimes I wonder what people are really angry about and I have come to the conclusion that frustration is better directed at the messenger. But then again, that's history.

I'm sure even in 2036 there is a tendency to tease one's detractors if they make themselves available.

I have no intention of teasing anyone but I do grow tired of the same cycle over and over again. Eventually, the people who do not like me or what I have to say (real or not) will win. I will either leave or grow tired of answering the same questions.

If your most vociferous detractor continually puts on weak attacks; it takes attention away from the really challenging questions.

Again, please do not confuse my inability to answer the same questions over and over with a desire to make someone upset. I gain nothing by angering anyone or making them look foolish.

He knows what "make a buck" and "more power to you", and "off the cuff" mean.

I know my English isn't perfect but I blame my parents for most of the phrases I pick up (wink). It's different sometimes seeing them in print than hearing them. It took me quite a while to shake off "sock it to me baby". "Cool" seems to be the longest lived phrase I've heard so far and "peace" seems to be making a comeback.

What book written 1884 is required reading for all physics students? If he doesn't know this it lends more evidence to the fact that he is not a time traveler.

Well, I'm pretty sure it's not the Principia and it looks more like something to do with Maxwell but to make your point, just about anything can be looked up.

What if John makes a recording of himself and submit that to a voice stress analysis.

I've heard a tack in the shoe works. It throws off the baseline "no stress" readings. Also, if you speak slowly enough, you can beat those programs.

02.26.2001-19:01

Is your sense of "timing" off in new time environments?

No, my timing isn't off. I do however find myself stopping in mid-stride and paying extra attention to my environment when I forget "when" I am. When I was a child, my mother would tell me stories about angels. She told me that angels found it hard to communicate with man because man could remember his past but couldn't see the future. Angels, acting as the eyes and servants of God, had no memory of the past but had infinite knowledge of the future. Although I am no angel, I often thought about that story after I left 2036. Besides that, I do get a lot of colds.

John, you were born about halfway into this cycle. Gen-Xers would be about 40-50 years old in 2036.

In my opinion, the Gen Xr's ended up in two categories. There were the ones who had learned to be independent by breaking away from tradition and societies expectations and the others who had no idea how to take care of themselves and just wanted the trains to run on time. The ones in the first group feel very guilty about "letting" the world go to Hell and the ones in the second group are dead.

02.27.2001-10:15

You say you were in the militia fighting the US Army. I would think civilians would have no chance of successfully fighting the military.

You must realize that why people are fighting is more important that what they are fighting with. The conflict was not about taking and holding ground it was about order and rights. They were betting that people wanted security instead of freedom and they were wrong.

Is it a stalemate with the resistance/militia hiding out until the cities are wiped out allowing them to surface?

The cities were not isolated because of them; they were isolated because of us.

You cite the approximate number of cities and military bases intact before the nuclear attack. Are they all hit?

Nuclear weapons and guidance systems are less than perfect. Most targets receive more than one warhead but some of them were more accurate than others. I would estimate the overall accuracy was around 60 to 70 percent.

Three day's walk from where?

In my experience, a motivated starving person is only capable of walking about three days. The more distance you put between yourself and anyone who is likely to be hungry, the better.

Does anyone stay neutral during the war?

Some try to.

Does anyone lead a normal life during the civil war?

No.

You say the civil war lasts from 2004 to 2008 and then the short big war in 2015. What do the years from 2008 to 2015 look like? How long does WWIII last.

I'm not sure I said that exactly. By 2008, I would say the civil conflict is pretty much at everyone's doorstep. Western instability during the conflict leads to the attack in 2015. WWIII is very short with a longer period of mop up.

You mention Canadians but I don't think you mentioned the impact on that country.

There's not a great deal I know about Canada except to say they were pretty much in the same type of conflict. They did have the Dew Line you know.

You said the position of women is controversial and conservative in 2036. What does that mean?

It certainly isn't disrespectful. I apologize if it sounded that way. It's one of those areas I realize will be difficult to discuss because we may lack similar experiences. In 2036, there is not a desire to "have it all". With factors such as the difficulty in conceiving and the decentralization of production and industry, there is not an unrealistic scramble to have a "career" and a family. Out of necessity and circumstance, family life has become more traditional. However, there are many families where the wife / mother is the main breadwinner and the husband / father remains "home" with the family. The difference is in the method of decision-making. People do not have children (if they are able) unless they can devote the required resources to maintain it.

02.28.2001-01:30

Can you post an answer to my question regarding the "30 second" scenario that I asked about a week or so ago?

If I didn't get to everything, please expand your question.

02.28.2001-06:17

In order to assist in where I am in the questions, I will post the page and person I left off with. It would also help if you could do the same when asking when I will get to yours. Since my time is growing short, I will be unable to answer questions that have already been asked in some form or another and I will make a note when I come across one.

Unfortunately, it has also come to my attention the proposed email system for sending out the pictures is not working out. Apparently, people on the receiving end of the requesting email are starting to have problems with their computers. They suspect it's coming from the "asking" email. Before I leave, I do plan to send out a few more pages of the manual and a video of my departure. I'm sure a method of will be developed to do that.

02.28.2001-10:21

Actually, (name of forum member) is quite quick to catch many possible discrepancies in what I've said over quite a few sites in the last few months. For example:

What type of money system do you have on your worldline?

Its not very different than it is now. Yes, we have money and credit cards. However, like everything else, the monetary system is decentralized. Banking is based mostly around the community structure. There are no multinational banking or computerized economic systems. There are also no income taxes.

Is there an IRS and a need to keep a lot of receipts and paperwork?

Yes, we pay taxes. I had considered going into more detail about the tax system but I didn't have a great deal of time. Currently, I am watching my father go over all his taxes and he doesn't look like he's having a very good time. My comment referred to the collective misery I see around me during this time of year.

02.28.2001-11:45

I do enjoy the questions and I appreciate the interest.

I suppose there is a difference between a thought experiment and the real world. It appears we have our virtual laboratories confused and I'm not sure I understood all the rules to your experiment and then it occurred to me that in your position, this is all just a thought experiment anyway. I will try to be more literal in my explanation.

I'm not positive but I don't see anything that indicates the time traveler would remain in the same spot once he arrives. 30 seconds is almost long enough to get coffee in your thought experiment. If that were true, and they all kept moving, than the experiment could go on for quite a while until the planet filled with time travelers. You also stated, "it would appear" as a time loop. If it only appears that way, than the natural divergence may stop the experiment when three or four time travelers arrive and the others end up on different worldlines.

The problem is, what happens to the duplicates as they simultaneously arrive at virtually the exact same location.

Again, you use the world virtually, which to me means not exactly the same spot. Under the laws of physics, I don't personally know what happens if it were on exactly the same spot but I do know it's possible. Under the operational limits of the distortion unit, as soon as the VGL sensors pick up an unexpected mass in the target worldline, it would shut down and drop off in a worldline where your experiment is not occurring.

Given that their masses will occupy the same space, what prevents a naked singularity from forming?

I see, now they are in the same space. I suppose that's a possibility. If so, than the as soon as the experiment started, a singularity would form under the infinite mass and swallow the planet. Perhaps they tried this on Cygnus?

It's a nice creative answer, but it didn't address the question. The question was is it a loop; will it decay and how long will it take to decay?

Well, I think it's a nice creative question too. Under your example, the "loop" would terminate as soon as the singularity forms and would be constantly fed by all the arriving time travelers.

02.28.2001-24:28

After taking a quick shower and listening to the quiet hum of my archiving hard drives, I decided that (forum member name) and I may have made bad second impressions on each other. I find it ironic because it's people like (same name) that will actually solve those physical issues and make it possible for people like me to go back in time and argue with them. So I hope there are no hard feelings.

It also reminds me of a short story between a bicycle maker in the 1900s and a man who could fly faster than sound.

BICYCLE MAKER: Well Mr. Mach, if your plane can go faster than the speed of sound, how did you solve the compressibility problem that would tear your flimsy craft to pieces?

MR. MACH: First off, the aircraft are much more stable and made of metal instead of wood and fabric. Second, it is possible to pass the sound barrier by designing the wings and body to move the shock wave down the plane as you surpass the speed of sound.

BICYCLE MAKER: Really? Planes made of metal? Well, if your plane can fly faster than sound then why don't you just fly to the moon?

MR. MACH: It doesn't work that way. You need air to make the engine function.

BICYCLE MAKER: I see. Your plane can go faster than sound but needs air to function. That's convenient and it all sounds like a penny-book fantasy to me.

MR. MACH: Perhaps, perhaps not.