Microsoft's 'Recommended' Security

Here's my latest favorite example of Microsoft 'choice'. I was configuring the Internet Options in Windows Server 2003.

1. Open Internet Options.
2. Choose Security tab.
3. Choose Internet zone.
4. Move slider from High to Medium.

Windows delivers this error message:

"The recommended security level for this zone is "High".

The level that you have chosen is lower than this. Please choose a security level of "High" or higher.

Oh, this made me cackle gleefully!

• This is a "recommended" security setting. But I must accept their recommendation.
• I'm given four choices for security level. But I can only successfully choose one of them.
• I'm told I must choose "'High' or higher". But there is nothing higher than "High".

Thank you, Microsoft. Thank you for showing that billion dollar companies implement stupid workarounds in their

multi-thousand dollar products.

Just finished watching Must Love Dogs. Every once in a while, I'll go for a romantic comedy. I've always like John Cusack. The movie's script is decent, not particularly challenging, (and too much product placement for my taste, but they have to pay their bills), but still fun and watchable. The stand out, understated performance comes from the ever-amazing Stockard Channing, who is even better than Christopher Plummer.

The film had one aspect I especially appreciated. The people were nice to each other. I liked this because people really are, normally, nice to each other. And, I enjoyed seeing a movie that didn't rely on angst for drama. Even the secondary love interest was nice, and in my view was treated a little unfairly by the Diane Lane character. Maybe not. The fact is, I'm a bit of a sap when it comes to movies.

You know, I've never seen Doctor Zhivago.

Hah! I just realized that these are my twelve days of Christmas. Not intentional, but fun nonetheless.

Arrived in Louisville today and found a coffee shop with free wireless near my friend's place. I did some actual programming, and some creative writing.

Had a very nice evening: ate at an Irish pub, drank coffee, played with the cutest dog of recent memory, enjoyed wonderful conversation, and headed home way too late.

The final gift was walking into my apartment and finding that some elves had decorated the potted stick of wood formerly called a tree. I truly felt like Charlie Brown. "That's what Christmas is all about. . . ."

And so, my friends, happy holidays no matter what your beliefs. I look forward to seeing you next year.