Volkswagen Repair: smoke comming out from under the hood on the passenger side, volkswagen beetle, mitsy

Question
I have a 2003 Volkswagen beetle convertible. this morning I was starting the car, and it made a sound and white smoke started coming out from under the hood in the passenger side. What can it be?  I'm afraid of turning the car on.

Answer
Mitsy,
  If the car was well warmed up, white smoke is likely steam from the radiator; the car is overheating.  Yes, you should not run it, otherwise you cause severe engine damage, get it towed to the shop.  
 If it happened immediately upon starting, and it smelled like burning wires, again, stop and get it towed to the shop.  
 If the engine was still cold and didn't smell like burning, then I would open the hood, start it again and try to observe the source.  Be careful and don't get sprayed be a sleeping skunk.

- Rick