def make_msg_id():
    """
    Create a semi random message id, by using 12 char random hex string and
    a timestamp.
    @return: string consisting of timestamp, -, random value
    """
    random_string = get_rand_string(12)
    timestamp = time.strftime("%Y%m%d%I%M%S")
    msg_id = timestamp + "-" + random_string
    return msg_id