"Don't open any email with a subject that reads, 'Hi!' It's a virus! In other news..."

This was the entire news report I heard on the radio this morning on the latest virus to make it's way across the Internet.

Don't get me wrong; this Goner virus is apparently a nasty one. It's wrecking hard drives, taking down servers and systems all over the place. According to McAfee it sends itself out not just through Microsoft Outlook, but also through ICQ. Nasty.

But how is that news report going to help?

I understand that radio news is very limited in the amount of time it can devote to each news story, especially on pop radio stations where the listeners tune out any spoken statement more complex than 'Call now and win!'

But this news blurb doesn't provide any answers, just scary news. It doesn't tell you how to rid yourself of the virus, where to go for more information, anything. No details on where it came from, how to avoid getting it, what programs are at risk, or the level of damage it can cause.

I know what to do. I have the right software and background knowledge to come through okay (plus I don't use Outlook, which protects me from 95 per cent of viruses). But what about Joe and Janie Newbie living in Bonner's Ferry, Idaho?

Not good. I wanted to head down to the radio station and give that little news chippie a piece of my mind. Of course, I'm not that kind of person. Heck, I've never even been able to send back a bad order at a restaurant. I'm Suffer-Through-It Guy, who takes his anger and dismay and presses it down into a little ball deep inside.

Lisa, on the other hand, would have been on the phone in a flash, filling that news chippie's ear full of proper news etiquette and journalistic responsibility. Plus she would have made fun of her voice.

But not me. I vent in my own way. Online, where you can all read about it and commiserate. And there is no chance of confrontation.

I know I feel better.

Christmas movie of the day: All I Want For Christmas. One of Lisa's favorites. Two precocious kids trying to get their divorced parents back together in time for Christmas. It's predictable family fun. One neat thing about it is watching a nine-year old Thora Birch in action.

Mom Rating: 1 out of 5. Viruses scare Mom.

Jesus Cheeses

Time Tavelers

Take me home, big fella

A solemn pledge to try to post daily during the month of December, as both a gift to my readers, as well as a thank you for your support.