Shake, Rattle & Roll
Shake, Rattle & Roll
40 seconds at 6.8
Earthquakes are always fun. It definitely didn't feel as strong as the big one in Frisco.
Just as all other quakes I've experienced in this area the motion very much felt like a rolling wave, contrary to the San Fran quakes which felt more like pounding or shredding, much more violent.
No real damages, a few books and nicknacks fell off. We did lose power for a couple hours or so.
The cats really got scared and were hiding. They're finally starting to slowly come out.
My grandma called from France while we were taking a shower (under candle light.) She heard about the quake on TV and was worried. I'll call tonight, when the phone lines are no longer saturated.
More reports: Brent and Sheila Simmons, David Brown, Al Hawkins, Eric Soroos, Jim Roepcke.
Nap$ter
CD-RW
My SCSI-based LaCie CD-R Recorder is out of commission. I've been looking around for a Firewire based CD-RW drive. So far, I like LaCie's new 16x10x40. Let me know if you've experienced problem with it or have a better recommendation.
Nap$ter
They've offered to pay the record labels $1 billion over the next five years. Apparently the music industry head honchos don't think it even comes close to cutting it.
It's not about money, no amount will suffice. It's all about control. The industry will never forgive Napster for not consulting them. Napster has committed blasphemy by providing a service people liked and used at large.
Dave is right, give the users what they want damnit.
Go Gnutella, go!
techInterview
I solved the last techInterview problem. The answer is: "Yes." 
Video Rental Weekend
Rock Salt
Rock Salt
Vicki and I went to the Rock Salt Steak House on Lake Union, for dinner, on Valentine's Day.
I had never heard of the place until our favorite radio station started running their ads.
I checked out the menu on their web site, and made reservations a few weeks back.
So far so good.
They called me a few days ago to confirm.
Even better.
Parking
They have a big lot right in front, we didn't have to wait for a good spot.
We're on a roll now.
Steak with a View
We were a little early so they made us wait for a few minutes.
I was anxious to see if our table was about to provide us with the advertised "Steak with a View".
A View to a Roadkill
Good table. At least it would have been if the view didn't suck. We're left staring at a tiny and dark pier, with the freeway in the background.
Bulky Winter Coats
The seats were a little small, so I enquired about a coat check. No such thing.
Menu Shortcut
No regular menu on the table, only this "Valentine Dinner Menu Special" printout.
Hopefully, they also carry their standard menu items…
Nope.
"It would have been nice if they had told me about the special menu when I made my reservation."
No Steak, No View
One would think being a Steak House implies steaks on the menu. Well… apparently not on Valentine's Day. A New York strip and filet mignon is not what I would call a special selection.
Appetizers
I really wanted the sampler from the regular menu, but we had to settle for the Southwestern Egg Roll.
Bebidas
Vicki ordered a margarita, and I, a tomato juice.
Bread and Butter
We finally get our complimentary half loaf of barely warm sourdough bread.
Ever tried to spread iced butter with a big steak knife?
Not so Hot
I have to ask the waiter for Tabasco sauce, he didn't offer.
Dinner is Served
Egg roll tastes good, a little "doughy" as Vicki put it.
Boston clam chowder is the best thing so far.
Why do I keep on having to ask for more bread?
Entrées
Filet with half-aussie lobster tail for me; 12 oz. prime rib with giant prawns for my sweetie.
I asked for rare. I got medium-rare. Why am I not surprised?
Vicki wanted medium-rare. 1/3 of it was, the rest pretty much very well-done. She told the waiter and he offered us free dessert for her trouble.
Dessert Pour Deux
Chocolate Walnut Praline Torte for Two.
The "for two" equates to a couple forks and a regular piece of pie. Good torte though.
First Time. Last Time
$100 later, no steak, no view. The claim of "affordable steaks" right out the window.
Hold the Salt, Please
We'll stick with the Outback, thank you.
And we did… We just had dinner there. <grin>
Valentine's Day
Big
day for the two of us.
Valentine's Day is also our Wedding Anniversary.