The Austin American-Statesman reported, “One of the worst virus-like ‘worms’ to attack the Internet in years is squirming into tens of thousands of computers worldwide, causing machines to crash, Web connections to slow and a slew of other problems.”
PC World has a good roundup on the story, including a timeline.
Here are more than 100 versions of the story from Google News index.
Here’s information on how to remove the worm, from ABC.
The Statesman says among those hit:
-The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration closed all of its offices at noon because computer and telephone networks were slammed by MSBlaster.
– Overseas, BMW and other companies said they were experiencing problems with e-mail and Internet access.
– At Georgia State University in Atlanta, about 100 computers were infected because users didn’t download Microsoft’s patch in advance. Georgia State and other universities and colleges connected to the PeachNet Internet system also experienced slow Internet service Tuesday morning. Georgia State computer security chief Tammy Clark said the attack could have been much more devastating if it had occurred a few weeks from now, when students return from summer break.
“‘If the students were in it could have been very very bad,’ she said. ‘Here, we have over 1,000 students in dorms, and I’d bet 90 percent of them don’t patch their system like they’re supposed to.'”
The virus snarled 3M’s computer, according to this story from the (Minneapolis) Star Tribune (reg. req.).
SF Gate says, “According to the lab, Blaster affects computers that are connected to the Internet and run the Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000 or Windows XP operating systems. Computers not connected to the Internet or computers that are connected but run other operating systems are not affected.
“Security experts say home users with broadband access could be hard hit by the virus, which exploits a previously disclosed flaw in Windows. Blaster is similar to the Slammer worm that struck in January and cost as much as $1 billion in lost productivity, according to published estimates.”
Super Mosquitoes
Colorado has now seen five people die from West Nile. Al’s Morning Meeting reader Tim Wieland, Assistant News Director at KCNC-TV in Denver, writes, “I read your article on the high number of West Nile Virus cases in Colorado. It may be interesting to note that in addition to our weather conditions, the folks at the Health Department believe a ‘super mosquito’ may be to blame. See the link from a recent News4 report. (Bottom of the page watch the video).”
Bats Battle Bugs
One good way to fight mosquitoes is to attract bats. I bet you could go to your look bird feeder store and find somebody who has built a bat box.
Inside the Tow Truck Industry
Here’s a really interesting story from the Houston Chronicle.
Back-to-School Background
I know you are getting ready for the big back-to-school editions and coverage. All of the following data come from the Bureau of the Census.
Cool is Still Cool
I have long thought that it would be a great essay or story to try to track down the origin of the phrase “cool.”
Here is a poll asking kids their favorite words. The printable answers, “Among 20,000 school children questioned for a survey by Penguin books, 17 percent said their favorite word was ‘cool.’
“‘Wicked’ was the next favorite – chosen by 14 percent.
“Other popular slang words include bling-bling, mint, groovy, kerching, and respect.
“Others are doh!, pukka, and phat, fab, lush and brill.”
Instant Messenger Translator
Young people who use instant messaging have a language of their own. Want to learn how to talk in that coded language? Larry Larsen found a translating tool.
We are always looking for your great ideas. Send Al a few sentences and hot links.
Editor’s Note: Al’s Morning Meeting is a compendium of ideas, story excerpts, and other materials from a variety of websites, as well as original concepts and analysis. When the information comes directly from another source, it will be attributed, and a link will be provided, whenever possible.
