On the spur of the moment last evening I took my wife to dinner. Neither of us felt like cooking at home; we wanted a treat. An Italian restaurant that we had frequented before was already filled with Friday evening diners, and we felt stuck. As we sat in the restaurant’s parking lot, we searched online for other local restaurants. Donna’s Cafe.Coffee.Bar^®, which we had not tried before, listed, and it was practically right across the road. We felt a bit adventurous, so we gave it a try.

I had been to Donna’s a few times before for morning coffee, but I had never eaten more than a breakfast roll there. I knew that they served dinner and that friends had said they were regular diners, so we traversed the busy evening traffic and headed over to see for ourselves. Since we arrived without reservations, there were not tables for us in the dining area. Next time, I’ll pop a reservation into OpenTable.

We were seated in the breakfast area with apologies from our hostess and server. Honestly, we felt as if we had our own private dining room. The hostess was attentive to our comfort and offered to allow us to choose a table that would minimize the draft that may come in from the front door. We were so excited to be trying a new restaurant (and be out on a date) that we took the table closest to our server’s station: draft or no draft.

We ordered soups, cornmeal encrusted rainbow trout and seafood linguine. While we were munching on bread (it was so good, we asked for more) and sipping our soups, we relaxed from a busy week and began to feel at home. The staff were quietly attentive and respectful. They began offering formal service, but once they saw that we are relaxed diners, they too relaxed and showed their passion for service. Our hostess and, later, the manager showed their good humor, too.

Our entrees arrived, and we set to work. Half way through our meal, my wife noticed that she had shrimp, rather than salmon in her entree. My wife wasn’t eating seafood linguine, she was eating Sicilian seafood and couscous. Honestly, neither one of us really cared, both of our served meals were excellent. When we mentioned to our server that my wife had been served the wrong entree, Donna’s staff demonstrated the type of service that one would hope that all restaurant staff could show. The server, hostess, and manager apologized, quickly delivered her ordered entree. The staff followed our lead, and when they realized that we weren’t really displeased but found the whole situation rather fun (we were feeling adventurous last night), they relaxed, too. Adventures rarely go as planned, and our evening turned into a fun surprise.

The next time that we dine at Donna’s I’ll make a reservation for the dining area, so that we can experience the restaurant’s gentle formality. But I have a hunch that after sitting at the white cloth tables, we will want to return to the front of the restaurant so that we can again enjoy the informality of sitting in the coffee bar of our new favorite restaurant.

Donna’s Cafe.Coffee.Bar^® has three locations in Maryland. The restaurant’s website is donnas.com.

 

Maybe it was too much cabin pressure, but after a passenger attempted to retrieve overhead luggage and whacked Slater in the head, Slater had enough. He gave the passengers a piece of his mind over the airliner’s PA system, grabbed two beers, popped the emergency slide, and waved goodbye as he slid away to personal freedom.

At least once in life, everyone needs two beers and an escape chute.

 

What is the Cloud?
The cloud is a reference to storing data on a computer that is available through an Internet connection, usually via TCP/IP. An example of cloud computing is Amazon’s S3 service, which offers effectively unlimited storage space to database administrators and website designers.

What are Cloud Backups?
Cloud backups are offsite copies of data that are accessible through an Internet connection, 24/7. Rather than storing data backups onsite, cloud backups are stored in a well monitored, secure data storage center. All data are securely encrypted using security ciphers, such as the ultrasecure AES (Advanced Encryption Standard). Unless the decryption passphrase is known, the data cannot be accessed. Users of cloud backup systems are assured that no one may access the data files, unless the passphrase (or passphrases) are properly authenticated.

Most users are familiar with using onsite backups, such as flash media, CD/DVD discs, or external hard drives. All of these media suffer from a shared risk: local physical security. If your office were burgled or destroyed in a fire, these locally-stored backups would be at as much risk as your primary storage media (workstations and network servers). Since data are your organization’s most valuable resource, and the only resource that is irreplaceable (and uninsurable), you must take extra precautions to ensure your organization will survive in the event your computing equipment were lost.

Because the security and privacy of data is so important, users often have a difficult time selecting a service for offsite backups. The backed up data must not be left open to the public (especially competitors). After reading thousands of pages of related security material and investing a year in testing cloud backup solutions, ITrain uses and recommends two services: BackBlaze and JungleDisk.

Popular Cloud Backup Solutions
Our recommendation comes from careful evaluation of many online backup solutions. BackBlaze and JungleDisk easily became the top solutions for a number of reasons:
1. Ultrasecure data storage
2. Fast, unencumbered upstream and downstream bandwidth
3. No outages
4. Unlimited storage space
5. Simple, automated backup control user interface

Our office network currently stores about 72GB of important data, a combination of small word processing/spreadsheet files and large desktop publishing, audio, and video files. These files are required for daily operations, and must be protected. Hundreds of additional gigabytes of video files are also saved, but these are of secondary importance.

We backup all important files to BackBlaze, which costs $5 per month. We backup all critical word processing and spreadsheet files, about 20GB worth, to JungleDisk which costs $0.15 per gigabyte per month. In addition, all files are duplicated on multiple servers and encrypted external hard disks within the office.

Both BackBlaze and JungleDisk accept our data backups as fast as our upstream bandwidth can send the files (usually 5-8MB per second).

Both services allow us to protect the securing of the data using two passphrases; JungleDisk even double encrypts the files. In both cases, we use passphrases of up to 64 pseudorandom characters (a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numerals, and punctuation marks). Because our files include information about you, our members, we take extra precautions to ensure your information is well protected.

BackBlaze stores the files on its proprietary servers; JungleDisk offers the option of storing the files on Amazon’s S3 service or RackSpace’s servers.

Managing Multiple Copies of Backups
JungleDisk’s backup software is the ultimate in flexibility. We can control how many copies of each backed up file are stored and for how long copies are maintained. BackBlaze automatically retains copies of backed up files for 30 days. In both cases, the most recent copy of each file is retained until manually removed.

Restoring Data
Both JungleDisk and BackBlaze offer a web-based restoration menu. JungleDisk also offers a shared drive interface, so the backup directories appear as a network drive.

For large restorations–those that are too large to quickly download, BackBlaze will send the files on DVD or external hard disk, shipped via overnight FedEx.

Dave’s Opinion
I personally recommend both services, BackBlaze and JungleDisk. They offer the same level of data protection; however, they offer different benefits regarding data access and restoration. That is why ITrain uses both services.

BackBlaze is a generous sponsor of ITrain, the International Association of Information Technology Trainers, and is offering the association a complementary annual subscription (even after we offered to pay for the subscription). In addition, through May 30, 2009, you may subscribe to BackBlaze’s backup service at a 10% discount. Whether you subscribe for one month or one year, you may receive a 10% discount on your first order, if you use the BackBlaze hyperlink below and the discount code, ITRAIN.

Please, test the services and post a comment telling us your evaluation.

Call for Comments
What do you think? Leave your comments below.

References
BackBlaze
JungleDisk

 

The earcup cushion on right side of the headphones came lose due to a broken connection. I could not reconnect the cushion, so I stopped by the Bose store at The Mall in Columbia (Maryland) to purchase a replacement cushion.

The sales representative and I recognized one another, as she had sold me my headphones 19 months ago. Even though my headphones are now well past the warranty period, the sales representative offered to solve my problem for free.

Rather than replacing my cushion, she replaced my entire headphone. I could not have been happier. I love my Bose Wave® radio and I still love my noise canceling headphones.

I was treated in a manner that makes me a loyal Bose customer, and I am glad to be a Bose fanboy.

###

I am amending this article after reading Harry’s article on Men with Pens.

Harry received a free upgrade to a software application after offering to buy the upgrade and complimenting the company on the great product. Being nice to a customer service representative creates a useful dynamic: both parties, the customer and the service representative, are able to do good for the other. I think this is why I received such excellent service from Melissa at the Bose store. I was polite to her, and I offered to purchase a replacement earcup cushion. She, in return, was able to help me to feel like an extra special customer by going far beyond my expectations.

Maybe we should all take a lesson from Blanchard and Bowles’s book, Raving Fans.

 

The national chain restaurant was much less than I expected. I ordered a shredded beef burrito, my wife a chicken burrito. Neither was appetizing; they were each barely edible. The mushy, sticky burrito was overstuffed with rice and beans, leaving little room for meat or seasoning.

We ordered a taco salad for one of our daughters, and she was happy with her dinner; however, she had none of her usually positive comments that follow her meals.

I suggest that you pass Qdoba in favor of a locally owned restaurant the next time that you feel like eating a bit of Mexican food.

The restaurant at which we ate was in Ellicott City, Maryland:
9050 Baltimore National Pike
Ellicott City, MD 21042
410-203-0010
410-203-9191 fax

 

My family and I were promptly seated, just before the dinner rush on a Wednesday evening. We accepted a booth between the hostess’s stand and the kitchen, and this may have accounted for the quality of our service.

Our server was prompt and polite. She was efficient without a hint of being brusque: friendly and focused. Our drinks arrived within two minutes, and our food arrived just a few minutes later. I honestly felt as if we were the only patrons in the restaurant.

While we were sipping our drinks, a party of nine entered the restaurant. Chips and salsa were efficiently placed on the large table before the party was seated. The manager choreographed the staff’s efforts so that this large party would be well cared for and would not disrupt our server’s responsibilities toward the other tables.

Our food was well prepared and neatly presented. I am a finicky eater, and I found nothing amiss with my family’s meals.

I recommend On The Border, locations and menu details are available online.

 

I ordered a tuna and bacon melt on sourdough bread. Peggy ordered the crabcake melt on sourdough. Although my tuna sandwich was great, I should have ordered the crabcake; it was out of this world!

The service was quick and seamless. Our server was attentive and polite.

The restaurant, now three week’s old is considering expanding into the space next door, which I think is a great move. We waited 20 minutes for our table on Friday evening, and the restaurant was filled throughout the dinner hours.

I am glad to see that the restaurant has a solid clientele. The word must be getting around town that this is the place to eat…both lunch and dinner.

I hope to see you soon at Soto’s Grill. You will find the restaurant at 8001 Hillsborough Road in Ellicott City 21043 (map). If you would like to call ahead for reservations, the phone number is 443.574.8989.

 

Soto’s Grill opened at the end of May 2007, and I have twice eaten at this upscale, yet relaxed, restaurant. Serving Greek, Italian, and American fare, Soto’s Grill is a respite from the noise and commotion of the national chain restaurants.

I suggest that you order the stromboli. You will have sufficient food for two meals. I have talked with many diners and everyone likes the restaurant and the food. This is a must-see restaurant.

Located at 8001 Hillsborough Road in Ellicott City 21043 (map), the restaurant faces the community recreation park and the woods surrounding old Ellicott City. The restaurant accepts reservations, 443.574.8989

 

I have avoided eating at this restaurant, because my experience tells me that mall restaurants often cater to diners who do not expect proper service, so long as the food is delivered quickly. I was in such a good mood after our religious services, that I wanted to eat with my family, regardless of the restaurant that we selected. I let my guard down, and we ventured into P.F. Chang’s China Bistro.

We were politely greeted and warned of a possible 25-35 minute wait. The greeters were courteous to overestimate the wait, and they seated us within 20 minutes. However, from there, the service stopped.

Our server was surly and abrupt, interrupting my family as we placed our drink and food orders. Her interruptions caused her to misunderstand our preferences, and she failed to accurately deliver our preferred beverages.

She then dropped two wet and dirty empty plates in front of my daughters, well before our meals were to be delivered. I asked that the plates be removed and replaced with clean ones. The server clanked the plates together next to my ear and quite literally huffed off to the kitchen. One of the replacement plates was also soiled, and the server demonstrated her displeasure by asking me if she should stand there while I inspected the new plate.

We left before our food was delivered.

I cannot, in any good conscious make a recommendation about this restaurant other than stay far away from P.F. Chang’s China Bistro.

 

I was on my way to the university, this evening, and I needed to grab a bite. I dropped into the Frisco Grille & Cantina for a sandwich and fries, and I discovered a little bit of south-of-the-border heaven.

When I first entered the foyer, I almost walked out…it’s not much to speak of, visually, but a bartender saw me and pointed out the menu. The cook prepares meals in full view of the carryout counter, so you’ll what’s going into your meal. This setup doesn’t present well, but it’s an informal combo southwestern-sports bar and restaurant; I took the ambience with a grain of salt. Good thing I did.

I ordered the Sante Fe burger with fries. It was prepared quickly and fully-cooked, as I asked. The cook prepared the platter well, and the portion was more than generous. This was a dinner that made me happy.

The bar serves 19 different microbrews, and every week features a different brewery. Weeknights have a happy hour from 2-6, and Thursday-Saturday nights different musicians come into entertain, starting at 9.

The menu includes burritos, tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, nachos, taquitos, fajitas, salads, and burgers. A kid’s menu includes quesadilla and chicken fingers.

The restaurant is located at 8865 Stanford Blvd, off Dobbin Road. The restaurant’s phone number is 410.312.4907, and the website is friscogrille.com.

When you stop in tell ‘em that you heard about the food on SaysDave.com.

 

My youngest daughter and I were running errands, today, and we were looking for a restaurant on the east side of Columbia. We found the Blue Cow Cafe in our Entertainment book, along with a “buy-one-get-one-free” coupon. The coffee shop was so inviting that I’ll return, even without another coupon!

The menu serves a wide selection of grilled and cold sandwiches, but we took our server’s recommendation of the grilled turkey and cold tuna fish sandwiches. Both were ample, and the turkey was out of this world. I describe it, without hesitation, as the best turkey sandwich that I have ever eaten. Garnished with avocado, it was a healthy, filling lunch. I added a bowl of chili that beats mine (and I judge that I make a mean chili).

The decorations include artwork from local artists, most of which is available for purchase. Board games, newspapers, and magazines are available to diners, and a free lending library fills one shelf. I suggest that you bring a book to swap, when you visit.

An old-fashioned ice cream bar sits along one wall, and it appears that the staff can make more than just milkshakes.

This is just the type of restaurant that every community deserves. The owner, Karen Blue, shows her true colors by not only supporting her local Thunder Hill community, but those from far away. Following Hurricane Katrina, Karen’s family invited four survivors to their home, and Karen offered them work in the coffeehouse.

This is a restaurant that we must support.

Blue Cow Cafe
5134 Thunder Hill Rd
Columbia, Maryland 21045
410.772.8999
410.772.1343 fax

Specials
Free limite area delivery with $20 minimum order.
All credit and debit cards accepted
10% teacher discount on Mondays

Additional details
Modern Babies & Children review
Yahoo! Local

 

Regulars open the sidewalks at six o’clock each morning. They gather at the coffee shop to talk about the weather and to complain about the latest real estate developments that bring the mcmansions to block the ocean view from the highway. The town bakery opens at six thirty, but only the vacationers stop there—locals know that the largest cup of coffee can now be had at the new coffee shop, down on the boardwalk.

Routine is the rule of this fledgling beach town. Caught in the adolescence of growth, old and new share the sidewalk. Each summer one new restaurant or store comes in as a replacement for the one that went out of business. Only one, maybe two. Not so much change that the routine is disrupted. Except for the coffee shop. When it arrived three years ago, the town began to awaken a half hour earlier, and the conversation became a half hour longer.

I am not a native, but I am a regular. July and August are my months for beach coffee—one week in each month. I have come in June and in the fall, but my daughters are now well into school, and we can no longer skip whole weeks during the school year, just to beat the summer traffic.

Therefore, for two weeks, in the middle of summer, each year, I join the conversation. Not that it is worth joining for any particular reason other than joining. It is the same every day, routine. That is what I like about it—simple talk, something that I will do nowhere else for the rest of the year.

 

John Stossel’s latest book, Myths, Lies, and Downright Stupidity: Get Out the Shovel–Why Everything You Know is Wrong is a fun, quick read. I learned that the United States spends more on public education than we do on military spending: I am furious that we spend $536 billon each year on elementary and secondary education* and many adults that I meet are poor readers and absolutely horrendous writers. I must incorporate a few hours of basic grammar and composition lecture into each of my university classes, for both undergraduate and graduate students! Give me a break!

This book is a must read for every citizen that desires who seeks to be informed and is willing to have his or her opinions challenged.

*I confirmed this number on the U.S. Department of Education website.

Recommendation: Read Now

Buy this book at Amazon.com

 

Ellicott Mills Brewing Company is an cozy restaurant at near the top of the hill in Ellicott City, Maryland. Beers are brewed on the premises and the process is visible through floor-to-ceiling glass walls, a nice visual touch in the main-floor bar area.

The upstairs dining area is enclosed by brick walls and supported by a solid wooden floor, which combine to create a casual, yet historic, ambiance. I have dined here with my immediate and extended families, at both lunch and dinner; every visit becomes a special visit.

Tonight, Peggy ordered fried fish fillets, and I ordered alligator gumbo, both from the evening’s list of specials. Whew! My alligator stew was out of this world! I could have easily eaten enjoyed another serving, if the first were not so generous. I had two tall glasses of Dunkel, a dark German-style beer, that earned the Ellicott Mills Brewing Company the distinction of having the “Best Beer in Baltimore” in Baltimore Magazine’s 1998 survey.

Our server was prompt and polite. She created a convenient dining experience, without intruding on our private conversation. I look forward to being seated in her section again.

I urge you to visit Ellicott Mills Brewing Company as soon as possible. Tell ‘em that I sent you.

 

I’ve asked No-Frost A/C & Heating to come to the house a few times, in the past few years, and each time their repairmen have been able to quickly repair my home’s air conditioning and heating system.

Today, they repaired a problem that I caused while tinkering with my furnace. The water drain for my Aprilaire humidifer broke and dripped water. The water seeped into the furnace’s micro-screen filter, soaking into the folds of paper. While removing the standing water, I left a piece of paper towel in the air duct, which later was sucked into the blower. This caused a rumbling noise, and I thought I had caused a serious problem, not realizing that I had left a piece of paper behind when I was soaking up the last few puddles of water.

The repairmen quickly diagnosed the problem, removed the offending paper towel, and put my furnace back into proper condition. While they were here, they repaired the broken water drain and replaced the water filter.

I was embarassed for having made such a simple error, and No-Frost team were polite, and didn’t make any comments.

I heartily recommend No-Frost A/C & Heating. Call Eileen, the office manager, the next time you need repairs in the Ellicott City area. The company’s phone number is 410.461.6422, and its website is no-frost.com.

 

Even though I don’t think of myself as particularly handy, I can make a few repairs by myself; changing a headlight is one of those skills that I trust to myself. Eight months ago, one of the bulbs in my car burned out, just as my wife and I were driving to a semi-monthly meeting with our Marriage Encounter circle of friends. There was no time to find an auto parts store before our meeting, so, for safety’s sake, we drove off in my wife’s van.

During the social time that followed our meeting, I asked if anyone could recommend an auto parts store near our home, in Ellicott City, Maryland. One of our friends, Bruce Hudson, heartily recommended Advance Auto Parts on Route 40, just a couple of miles from our house.

Trusting my friend’s advice, Sunday morning found me driving off to Advance Auto Parts. The young man at the counter helped me pick out a pair Sylvania SilverStar headlight bulbs in the size that my car required. He suggested these bulbs as they were brighter and a new high-tech blue color, promising that they would make night driving easier. Although the bulbs cost three times as much as the OEM set, I trusted his advice; after all, he must be an expert, he works in an auto parts store. Yes, I know there’s a fallacy in my assumption, but I was too enamoured of the cool blue color to see anything other than the bulbs in my car.

Through most of the spring and summer, I drove to my evening classes in cool blue style. Then one evening in August, one of my headlights burned out. Back to Advance Auto Parts I went, again buying another pair of the Sylvania SilverStar bulbs. I installed only one bulb, figuring that it may have had a manufacturing defect, but putting a backup bulb in my glove compartment, just in case. Good thing, I bought a pair, because by the end of the month, I had installed my backup.

Through the fall, I drove in cool blue style, zooming around the backroads of Howard and Montgomery Counties, pretending that my SilverStars could make me see around corners. Not only did I think that I could see farther, but also I was sure that I looked cool in with my blue headlights.

Well, last week, guess what happened. You guessed it. It’s December, four months after installing my second set of SilverStars, and eight months after installing the first set. One of the bulbs burned out.

Off to Advance Auto Parts I went last week. But, rather than listening to the advice of the young man, who probably gets a spif commission on each sale of SilverStar bulbs, I bought a set of OEM bulbs.

Well, my story continues, with a very happy ending. Last evening, one of the headlights in my wife’s van burned out. This morning, I made my fourth trip to Advance Auto Parts, and I was prepared. I rooted through the popcorn can in the kitchen (our family’s depository of credit card receipts and bills that are destined for the shredder). I found all of my receipts for headlight bulbs (we don’t get around to shredding all that often). Off to Advance Auto Parts I went, with all of my receipts in hand.

I bought two OEM bulbs (no more SilverStars for me) for my wife’s van; remember, always replace headlight bulbs in pairs! Then I asked the young man at the counter if he could refund my purchase price for the SilverStars; obviously there was some sort of manufacturing defect, if I had burned out so many bulbs in eight months. The young man wasn’t in a position to authorize my refund, but he quickly got the store manager to come to the counter.

The store manager was pleasant, and he told me that Sylvania did not warranty the SilverStar bulbs that I had bought. He also explained that this model bulb frequently burns out more quickly than the lower-tech OEM bulbs. At this point, I was thinking to myself that I was out almost 80 bucks, when the manager offered to split the difference with me. He refunded my purchase price of one set of bulbs. I think this was both very fair and generous on his part.

I may have had a hassle with Sylvania SilverStar bulbs, but I sure don’t have a hassle with Advance Auto Parts. I’m glad that I took Bruce’s advice. Advance Auto Parts is my only choice for auto parts from now on.

Now, I hope that I never have to change another automotive headlight bulb!

Here’s the address of the store that I recommend:
Advance Auto Parts Inc
9150 Baltimore National Pike
Ellicott City, MD 21042
410.750.0880

 

For example, the numbers 212, 911, 1040, and 1776 appear more frequently because they refer, respectively, to a New York City telephone area code, an emergency services telephone number, the Internal Revenue Service personal tax form, and a year associated with the American Revolution.

The frequency of each number’s entry in search engines reflects not only our culture, but possibly our cognitive preferences, especially for the numbers 1-10, and powers of 10 (i.e. 100;, 1,000; 10,000).

Dave’s Opinion
I’ve long been intrigued by numbers, both as a reflection of my interest in history (ex. 1066, 1776, 1865, 1945) and my desire to amend my poor showing in college calculus. I assume that we all have emotional scars that we seek to heal, and my skill–or lack of–at mathematics is one is one of mine.

This site may pique your interest or it may bore you. Either way, I think you’ll agree that in either case, numbers are intriguing for many.

Call for Comments
What do you think? Leave your comments below.

References
The Secret Life of Numbers

 

Sony’s XCP copy protection program was included on at least different 20 CDs, and automatically installed itself when the CD was inserted into the computer’s drive, without the user’s knowledge or consent. The root kit software has a cloaking feature that hides files on the affected system. Users who attempt to manually remove the software find their CD drives inoperable.

Both the original root kit and Sony’s patch leave users’ computers open to attack from malicious software, including Trojan horse programs that allow the computer to be remotely controlled through the internet.

Dave’s Opinion
Sony BMG Music Entertainment really dropped a hammer on their toes, twice. I’m all for protecting intellectual property and digital media; however, do not expect that a system-wide security tool will do that without causing other problems for users.

This XCP root kit and its patch sound like a product created by committee without any technical expertise.

Call for Comments
What do you think? Leave your comments below.

References
Sony BMG Music Entertainment

 

We arrived at 6:00 P.M., and we were seated a bit after 7:00. Our meals weren’t served until a few minutes before 8:00. I realize that we arrived on a Saturday evening, but the restaurant was largely unoccupied. Some of our party thought that the wait staff could have been short handed, but I thought that there were plenty of servers running with meals and trays. Even if the restaurant were short a hand or two, how could the manager have let that happen on busiest evening of the week?

Our waitress was surly and a bit impolite, noticeably to my wife, the birthday girl. Our server was polite to me, but I may have looked like one of the people likely to pay the check.

Our meals were served well past their serve-by times and our table went largely unattended. None of the fou meals that should have sizzled were even remotely hot. All but one of us received cold french fries, and our drink glasses were often empty.

But worst of all, I again received the greatest insult a restaurant can throw: our check included a 15% gratuity. I was a server in my earlier days, and I know how hard it is to work in the service industry, but please, do not assume that group of well-dressed adults with teenage children will stiff you, when it comes to a gratuity. I leave a gratuity of 30-50%; however, whenever I see the gratuity assumed on the bill, I respect it. It’s the server who suffered in this instance, although she deserved it; her service matched the quality of the food. But had the gratuity not been assumed, I would have left at least 30%.

To the manager:
Demonstrate leadership. Teach the three greeters to welcome guests. Consider offering drinks or snacks in the waiting area, especially when the anticipated wait approaches an hour. These don’t have to be complimentary, we acknowledge that you are responsible to make money for the owner.

Teach the servers to say "Thank you" and "How may I serve you," rather than, "What would you like?"

Most of all, under now circumstances allow a dinner party to wait 45 minutes for their appetizers. No restaurant is so busy that you can’t whip up a few buffalo wings in 10 minutes.

When you have improved the quality of food and service at your restaurant, drop a comment to this article. I’ll come back, but not until then!

 

The Internet Café & Sundries shop is one of the few public hotspots on the island, and the rates are reasonable: $30 for a week’s worth of unlimited wi-fi access, 24 hours a day. There are also a dozen Windows PCs connected to the net, for those who don’t travel with a notebook computer.

The free coffee bar makes this shop a welcome morning stop.

Next year I may have free wi-fi access in our villa, but if not, I’ll be back to the Café for a signal and coffee.

 

The answer to these questions is undoubtably money, costs, in particular; however, the infrastructure and service costs may be covered through advertising, and the company to do it may be our favorite search engine provider: Google.

According to a report in Business 2.0, Google has been building a national network by buying up miles of dark, unused fiber-optic cable and test marketing a wi-fi hotspot in San Francisco’s Union Square shopping district. Feeva (formerly UnwireNow), the contractor providing the San Francisco hotspot is preparing additional free hotspots in California, Florida, New York, and Washington.

According to Feeva, Inc.’s website, the company “provides a software platform that allows businesses and metro areas to provide WiFi access for free or with low user fees. Our solution radically changes the way that WiFi — and even wired — access is delivered to the public or to any specific user group. [The] solution is ideal for any entity or business that wants to provide wireless or wired Internet access to the public or to a specific user group, but doesn’t want to risk a large upfront investment.”

Google has also built partnerships in New York, Atlanta, and Miami with telecommunications providers AboveNet, Cogent Communications, and WilTel. A national broadband wi-fi network could offer Google an unprecedented opportunity to develop a long-term advertising revenue stream, based partially on an ability to locate each wi-fi user and target geographically-specific advertising. Using technology developed by Feeva, Google may be able to serve online ads for stores and services that are next to the wi-fi hotspot user.

Dave’s Opinion
I’d be willing to let Google know where I am, in return for free metropolitan wi-fi access, especially in resort areas, where it’s sometimes difficult for me to find a public hotspot.

When I can find a hotspot, it’s often at a cost of up to $20 a day. I’d rather trade a bit of personal privacy for free wireless service.

Call for Comments
What do you think? Leave your comments below.

References
Google
Feeva
AboveNet
Cogent Communications
WilTel

 

According to the Copyright Office’s website, “[I]t is not entirely clear whether the [preregistration] system will be compatible with web browsers other than Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 5.1 and higher. Filers of preregistration applications will be able to employ these Internet Explorer browsers successfully. Support for Netscape 7.2, Firefox 1.0.3, and Mozilla 1.7.7 is planned but will not be available when preregistration goes into effect. Present users of these browsers may experience problems when filing claims.”

It sounds as if support for other browsers is planned, but won’t immediately be available, but what does this mean?

Dave’s Opinion
I can’t understand why the U.S. Government, as well as commercial e-business developers, doesn’t use open-source development tools that are designed to be browser independent, such as PHP and MySQL? Come on folk, let’s build websites that work well, under as many conditions as possible.

The U.S. Copyright Office is a division of the Library of Congress, a part of the United States Government. Wasn’t it the U.S. Government that sued Microsoft over antitrust issues? It seems as if the government and Microsoft have patched their relationship.

Oh, by the way, if you’d like to submit your comment about the Copyright Office’s plans, you’ll have to do so via snail mail, in sextuplicate.

Call for Comments
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References
Library of Congress Announcement

 

Couches and wing armchairs, arranged in small groups, encourage conversation and relaxation. Bookshelves present a selection of reading materials, including a book swap. I’ve picked up John Barry’s The Great Influenza, but I haven’t decided which of my books I’ll leave in return (they are all so dear!).

Light fare is served from 7:30 A.M. until 4:30 P.M. (6:00 P.M. on Fridays and Saturdays). A good selection of coffee flavors, both high-test and decaf is always on tap.

Private internet kiosks rent for $5.00 per half hour. If you bring your own wireless notebook or PDA, wi-fi access is $5.00 per three-hour session^*. I signed up for a full-week’s wi-fi access for $28.50, so I can access the net 24/7, even from my car or the benches on the building’s front porch. Last week, I relied on dial-up access, and the low-bandwidth was more than annoying while I was teaching online courses.

I’m glad that I wandered into 2Bean yesterday and noticed a small note on the counter indicating that wi-fi access was available…I think that I’ll suggest to the owners that they post an advertising notice in the café’s front window.

*2Bean’s wi-fi is 802.11g, 54Mbps bandwidth

 

Click here for the restaurant’s website.

The restaurant is located right on Route 1 (Ocean Highway), just a bit north of the stateline border with Maryland, it’s only a short drive from the north end of Ocean City, Maryland.

Built as a replica the Indian River Coast Guard Station, restaurant is open and comfortable. The staff is friendly and polite.

I stronly suggest that you stop by Warren’s Station. If you’re not sure of finding the restaurant, call ahead, (302) 539-7156.

 

Our server, Kate, was friendly and very accomodating. I arrived with a headache, and she turned down the background music and helped me get a few aspirin from a convenience store across the street.

We sat on the second-floor patio dining area, and were able to enjoy not only the evening air but the excitement building in anticipation of a skywalker that was to walk between two hotels. The wind was picking up, and at the last minute the 61-year-old skywalker, Jay Cochrane cancelled his evening tightrope walk, but promised to meet guests at ground level to sign free posters. He accepts donations for his performances, and all proceeds are given to charity. We’re disappointed that we weren’t able to watch the performance…we had front-row seats!

For dinner we ordered chicken fingers, cuban steak kabobs, teriaki chicken, shrimp spring rolls, and cookies & ice cream. Every single item was well prepared, but it was the shared dessert that really topped off the meal. It was Kate who suggested the dessert, and her advice was right on the mark.

Following dessert, a street performer joined us on the patio and entertained us by juggling balls, knives, fruit, and fire. When asked how long he had been performing, he sheepishly admitted that he started only two months earlier. His act is polished and he still retains the enthusiasm that comes with starting a new career.

I honestly can’t remember having a family dinner that was more enjoyable. Please stop by Café Tu Tu Tango, when you visit Niagra Falls, Ontario. You won’t be disappointed!

 

I found Andy’s in Google, specifically local.google.com, and I phoned ahead to see how much my cut would cost. I was pleasantly surprised that it’s only a sawbuck, and there’s no extra charge for a flat top. I thought that, even with a tip, this cut would cost me less than a standard cut a my usual barber.

Andy’s is filled with naval memorabilia; it’s clear that he’s proud of his military service. The shop is neat and clean, and best of all, the service is fast.

Don’t ask Andy to cut your hair on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday afternoons…signs clearly announce that the shop’s closed so he can work on his golf game. But, on the upside, he opens his door bright and early at 7:30 weekdays and 7 o’clock Saturdays.

Go visit Andy, I’ll bet that you’ll get an honest haircut from a traditional, down-to-earth barber.

Tell Andy that Dave sent you!

 

Verizon has no plans to offer DSL-only service to new customers.

Dave’s Opinion
Verizon gives a bit of back talk in the details of the announcement. Current voice/DSL customers may convert to solely DSL service, but only if they don’t select an alternative wireline voice service provider; the customers must switch to cellular or VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service. It seems that if Verizon must lose a portion of its wireline telephone business, it’s going to make sure that a competitor doesn’t pick it up.

I think that all DSL providers will eventually offer DSL-only alternatives, especially to residential consumers.

Call for Comments
What do you think? Leave your comments below.

References
Verizon Communications

 

Take, for instance, Apple iTunes and Napster’s use of a DRM wrapper that prevents music purchased from the online service from being used on a digital music player that is not recognized by the DRM wrapper. Not everyone has an iPod, that works with iTunes, or an iriver H10, that works with Napster. I’d like one of these new devices, but I’ve chosen to make due with my Sony NetMD Walkman. In fact, the Walkman’s removable MiniDisc media make the device easy to upgrade. I can carry a cache of MiniDiscs with me, and I’m able to share my discs with other NetMD users, just as if I were sharing an original CD. As flexible as the NetMD MiniDiscs are, the digital recorder isn’t supported by the new DRM security of these two premier music distribution services. How many other yet-to-be-created services won’t support my device? Before starting the argument that Moore’s Law affects all digital devices, and products quickly become too archaic to support, my MiniDisc player is not the only device that’s running into a wall because of DRM…most digital music players run afoul of DRM wrappers.

Jon Johansen, a Norwegian software coder, recently released PyMusique, an application that let’s honest downloaders sidestep the DRM requirements of Applies iTunes music service. PyMusique logs into the iTunes site, facilitates the purchase of music without the iTunes DRM wrapper. Once the unwrapped music is downloaded, it can be transferred to any digital media player, including a computer.

I recognize that once a song (or a set of hundreds of songs) has been downloaded without the DRM wrapper, it can be illegally distributed, just as if it were ripped directly from a physical CD or downloaded from an unauthorized site, but at least I would be able to listen to the media in a manner that’s convenient for me. I say drop the DRM and trust that I won’t illegally distribute the music I just bought.

The world’s not perfect, and there are many dishonest and unethical people; heck, we take actions that are unethical, to some extent. However, DRM is a set of shackles that excessively restrict reasonable use of commercial music. My wife makes the argument that, in the aggregate, artists are likely to get more playtime if their music were distributed freely. At some point, mass appeal encourages commercial success: just ask the Grateful Dead, who “have long encouraged the purely noncommercial exchange of music taped at our concerts and those of our individual members.”

Audiophiles, encourage the simple distribution of the music (and audiobooks) that you enjoy. Be honest, don’t bootleg or pirate recordings. Music distributors, pay heed to your market niche and customer service: drop DRM wrappers, now.

Call for Comments
What do you think? Leave your comments below.

References
Grateful Dead Statement

 

La Fiesta (two locations: Columbia and Sykesville Maryland) serves up, for my palette, the best Mexican food. Our youngest daughter is at a birthday party sleepover, and my wife and our oldest daughter are attending a concert, this evening. I was left home in care of the family dog, a cocker spaniel that’s great company, so long as I’m either feeding her or letting her sleep her life away. So, since I’m baching it for the evening, I headed out to grab a chimi.

My server spoke little English, and I speak no Spanish, but that didn’t seem to bother us. My meal arrived in less than 10 minutes, and I was left in peace to read Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed by Jared Diamond. I munched chips and salsa and nearly feasted on my chimichanga.

During the 45 minutes that I was in the restaurant, it changed from practically empty to all-tables-full, typical for a Friday evening.

La Fiesta gets two thumbs, way, way up from me. Try one of their convenient locations, the next time your in the mood for real Mexican food.

 

Jeffrey Citron, CEO of Vonage Holdings Corp., a leading VoIP provider, called for a letter-writing campaign to Congress to protest network port blocking as a form of censorship. Citron said that the FCC moved within weeks of Vonage’s filing a complaint against Madison River Communications, fining the company $15,000 for, in effect, terminating all voice communications for the affected consumers, including emergency 911 service.

Citron wants to urge Congress to pass legislation to ensure “complete neutrality” of both wire-line and wireless telephone companies, which will ensure VoIP service providers and customers free and unfettered access to any telephone network in the country.

Dave’s Opinion
Madison River Communications should be ashamed of its actions, and its customers should express their resentment at corporate high-handedness by voting with their wallets: walk away, find another telecommunications provider.

Call for Comments
What do you think? Leave your comments below.

 

We have an annual discount card that advertises hundreds of dollars in discounts; however, the fine print is so confusing that we’ll be lucky to recoup the $25 investment we made in the card. The year’s starting to pass, and it’s time that we started to put the discounts to work.

It appeared that we were the second table to be seated; the restaurant had only opened an hour before we arrived, at 12 Noon. My family were seated, and I headed off to wash my hands. The facility was passable, not too dirty, but not at all what I’d expect early on a Sunday, and the paper towel dispenser was just about empty…I pulled out the last six inches of towel.

When I arrived at our table, my wife mentioned that our server had described the Mediterranean stew, something that she thought I would like. When our server returned, she described the stew to me, and it really did sound good. I asked if it would be a sufficient entry or should I order a sandwich, in addition. Our server assured me that the stew would be a “hearty portion.”

Our server was friendly and helpful; she brought us an extra basket of bread, and made sure that we were well attended. The next time we visit on weekend, we’ll be sure to request this server. I’m keeping the server’s name private, but more on that, later.

Our meal arrived, and I was surprised to find the hearty portion of stew was a bowl of rice with a small ladle of stew on top. This is not a portion that I’d consider appropriate for an entree, it was just the right size for an appetizer or side dish.

Fortunately, the women in my family (my wife and our two daughters) came to my aid and shared portions of their meals with me…just as if we were eating at home!

Our server was clearly upset and offered to make amends, when my wife mentioned that the portion size wasn’t as described. As it turns out, today was our server’s first day returning to work after her maternity leave. She gave birth to a handsome son a few months ago, and the boy looks like he’s a joy to be with. It’s too bad that our server is only able to work weekends, now (she stays home with her son during the week)…we’re limited as to when we can come back to her service.

The last tribulation of the visit was an automatic 18% gratuity that was added to our bill. Dear Manager, that’s rude.

I made sure that our server earned the gratuity that I judge she earned, almost
double the automatic gratuity; however, I’m still piqued that a restaurant would automatically add a gratuity to the bill of a four-person family lunch…do they really think that a mom and dad, with daughters in tow, would stiff a server?

So, what’s the bottom line on the Ellicott Mills Brewing Company? It’s got stable fare. Not much changes from one visit to the next. Cigarette smoke from the bar below the restaurant is noticeable in the dining area, the crab cake sandwich fair, and the stew is stingy in its portion, but the hamburgers and other sandwiches are out of this world, the beer selection is eclectic and well managed, and the servers, especially the lovely woman who attended our meal, today, are excellent. And, in my book, that’s the secret to success…great service.

With the service far outweighing the minor disappointments of today’s lunch, the Ellicott Mills Brewing Company earns a big thumbs up from Dave.

 

Customers who purchase a computer from 20 of the industry’s leading manufacturers will have to phone home to Microsoft and announce their intention to use the operating system that came with the computer they just bought.

In keeping with Microsoft’s Worldwide Anti-Piracy Initiative, the company will work “to further combat software piracy, Microsoft is working with partners to change how some Certificates of Authenticity (COAs) are matched during activation, because a significant number of COAs are stolen each year from reputable computer makers and resold as new. This change will help protect consumers from being victimized by pirates and give them confidence that they are receiving what they paid for. It also will help Microsoft’s partners protect their investments in Windows.”

Dave’s Opinion
It’s disheartening that Microsoft has to protect it’s products from theft; sadly, that’s the way it is. The move away from digital activation is a significant hurdle for many users. I know, because I’ve had to call a few times to activate copies of Microsoft software products, usually following hardware upgrades or replacements. The folk at Microsoft’s activation hotline are friendly and helpful, but it’s a cumbersome and time-consuming task to make a phone call during the installation of a new computer.

Call for Comments
What do you think? Leave your comments below.

References
Microsoft to Implement Worldwide Anti-Piracy Initiative

 

I’ve written about my experiences in this and other big box retailers, in the past, in other than glowing compliments. Yesterday, however, was a trip to the twilight zone…it was a pleasure.

Good service is hard to come by, but, somehow, the managers of this store have found the secret elixir. Good job, CompUSA. I’ll be back.

 

This is the fifth or sixth time I’ve eaten at this restaurant over the last sixteen years or so…and with each visit, I’ve noticed that the service has gotten worse.

This morning we waited over 45 minutes to be served, and the food wasn’t prepared as we asked. I requested no cheese on either my bowl of chili, yet it was delivered with a full coating of cheddar. I asked the waitress to confirm that I had requested no cheese, and she offered to replace my meal. After a 10 minute wait, the chili was re-served; however, the cheese was clearly visible on the bowl, although all had been removed from the surface of the chili.

OK, I understand that resaurants need to make a profit and often operate close to the bone; however, at least put the chili in a clean bowl.

My wife just joined me on the porch, and she’s laughing that I must have a lot to say about our experience at TooJays, this afternoon…more than you could ever imagine, but politeness prevents me from telling you all of the truth.

I’ll never return to TooJays. Had I listened to my father’s suggestion, we would have avoided this entire lunchtime fiasco. From now on, when we want a light lunch, I’ll take my family to Boulevard Deli, across the street from the Doubletree Hotel…we’re always served quickly and with a smile when we breakfast there!

 

We practiced landing under the control of the tower folk at Salisbury, and then flew north to Sussex County, a small uncontrolled airport, very near to my family’s summer vacation spot.

Airport restaurants are typically good places for lunch, and Jimmy’s Restaurant at the Sussex County Airport was true to form. The service was friendly and the food came out quickly and well prepared, it was one of the best $100 hamburgers I’ve ever eaten. The next time I’m flying or driving near Georgetown, Delaware, I’ll definitely eat at Jimmy’s. I suggest that you do, too.

 

I’m not much for skiing, myself, so I took the family van and toured the local area on Saturday afternoon. I found the greatest bookstore, in a small shopping center, right on Rte 219…just a moment from the ski area. The McHenry Bookstore is brand new, and every book I examined was discounted 10 percent…I’d venture to say that all books were likely discounted.The owner is friendly and very excited about her shop. Coffee’s available, and there are comfy reading chairs. It is a welcome respite for a bibliophile. The next time you’re in the area of Wisp Mountain, call the bookstore for directions, 301.387.9840, and tell ‘em that I sent you…you’ll find the store at 24586 Garrett Hwy (Rte 219).

 

The only repair that wasn’t covered was the routine oil change. I requested the synthetic motor oil, Mobil 1, and it was no problem for the service experts at O’Donnell Honda. I was even charged less than I normally pay at the Mobil service station near my home!

Way to go, O’Donnell. Keep up the good work!

What are you experiences with O’Donnell or other car dealers? Leave your comments below.

 

Before ordering, I asked the server what was inside the chocolate mouse (yes, a square block of chocolate with a chocolate mouse on top). He didn’t know about the dessert, and I had to guide him to the shelf and specific dessert tray … he said, “Mousse.” I said, Not the mousse,” which was a cake on the shelf immediately about the mouse, “the mouse,” I continued.

This conversation went back and forth a few times, but eventually, I settled on the fact that I wasn’t going to find out what was in the mouse, unless I ordered it…

Guess what was inside the mouse! You got it, mousse!

A chocolate mouse mousse; who would have thought?!? What a great dessert idea.

As much fun as my family and I had ordering the mouse mousse, we still waiting almost ten minutes for our order to be taken, and then another 15 minutes after we were finished…until the check arrived. It was a really blatant case of bad service.

It will be a while before we return to the Double T Diner.

BTW, there’s something with the servers at that diner; the last time we ordered Spanish rice, and it looked surprisingly like spinach…go figure!

 

The townsfolk are the most colorful and lovable characters I’ve seen on television, and so far, the show has been appropriate for our multi-generational viewers (although, my research indicates that the character’s behavior gets more steamy in later seasons).

In any regard, we visited Target, Wal-Mart, Best Buy, BJ’s Wholesale Club, and another Wal-Mart, and it’s about the two Wal-Marts that I want to write. At both the Ellicott City and Columbia, Maryland Wal-Marts we received the kindest, most friendly service, even though each store was mobbed with customers and staff busy handling post-holiday merchandise returns.

The sales associate in Columbia chatted for a second about how much she was looking forward to watching the Gilmore Girls episodes, herself, and she remembered that the store normally stocked both the first and second season collections, because she recalled the colors of each set. While the store was out of stock, at the moment, she promised that I could call the store in the morning to see if the collection we wanted had arrived in the early-morning delivery. I then bumped into the video vendor who is responsible for stocking a number of Wal-Marts in the area, and he was able to poke at his cell phone and dig up the store’s customer service number for us.

This is just the kind of customer service that can make me a long-term fan of a store. Way to go, Wal-Mart!

 

Wingman is now a colloquialism meaning the person you invite to join you for a night on the town and to help you meet your dream date. Bachelors naturally go out together…if one meets a girl, then the other hitchhikes home. I assume girls do the same, although I seem to remember they traveled in larger groups, hoping for safety in numbers. Oh, did I say, invite to join you for a night out? I meant to say that wingman is now someone you hire to join you…and not just as an escort, but as someone to introduce you to those who catch your eye. Sounds kinda weird, doesn’t it?

In Boston, a small publishing company, Arriviste Press, has launched a virtual wingman service. Clients can post personal details, and the flight commanders at Arriviste will prepare and post a free personal ad. In Chicago, Rent Mr. Right Now, Inc., run by Wendy Ralph, will, for a fee, pair you up with a wingperson (either wingman or wingwoman, as desired).

As Val Kilmer said to Tom Cruise: "You can be my wingman, anytime."

Call for Comments
What do you think? Leave your comments below.

References
Arriviste Press
Rent Mr. Right Now, Inc.

 

Today, I received a return call from iRobot’s staff. With many apologies, the customer service associate offered to not only replace my failed rapid charger, but also my two batteries. Even though no damage could be proven to the batteries, iRobot’s associate wanted to make sure I continued to enjoy my two Roomba vacuums. I wasn’t never asked for the serial numbers of my products, even when I offered them.

iRobot is a company with a serious customer service program; they know how to keep their customer(s) happy.

Way to go, iRobot!

 

Sales assistance was nonexistent, not just in the garden area, where we sought a both a tree and tree stand, but also in the interior of the store, where we bought a power cord and wool carpet. Usually, this store has excellent customer service, especially the electrical department, which has been run by an associate named David. What happened today?

I’ll be back…I’m hoping that today’s experience was an abberation. In any regard, I’ll keep you apprised of my experience.

 

I was in this morning to send a USPS Priority Mail package to a client and I realized how very much I look forward to my trips to Rob’s store. Each time I drop in I’m greeted warmly by name (not quite like Norm from Cheers), and that’s what I want from a personal services outlet. Way to go, Rob.

 

Nothing fancy, just a few quick clips of the sissors and a buzz of the electric razor. I’m in and out in less than ten minutes. And, I get a quick back massage, to boot! I’ve been all over the county (and even to Baltimore and Anne Arundel counties), and so far, this shop is the best.

Tell ‘em Dave sent you. As if that would earn you much…

 

We first learned of the great attitude of O’Donnell employees two years ago. Without much preparation, we dropped in to test drive the new Honda Accords, never expecting to buy one. During that first stop, we bought both an Accord and Odyssey. Our salesman was, friendly, helpful, and relaxed; we knew that we would be happy with this dealership, and with each service call we’re more convinced. I wish all car dealerships treated us as well as O’Donnell Honda (especially the Toyota dealership with its rude sales manager).