Some idiot down south decided that it worth everyone’s while to create an e-mail bug that would force users of the Microsoft WebTV internet service to tie up 911 phone service in various areas:

Mr. Jeansonne admitted that, in reality, the email attachment contained a hidden computer script that reset the dial-in telephone number in the user’s WebTV box to 9-1-1. Accordingly, the next time the user attempted to log in to WebTV, the computer dialed 9-1-1 instead of the local modem telephone number supplied to the user by WebTV to access its servers in Santa Clara. At least 10 WebTV users reported that the local police either called or visited their residences in response to the unnecessary 9-1-1 calls. An affidavit supporting a search warrant for Jeansonne’s residence in Louisiana also contains a description of his conduct.

Now, why would anyone do this? It’s just stupid!