We’re back from driving through the middle of France (south to north). While there, we were quite enamored with these speeding limit signs they put up all over their major highways. As you can see by the sign:

everyone’s agreed to drive like a bat out of hell (the equivalent of 130kph is 80mph) unless it’s rainy, in which case we all drive like sedate bats (68mph).

What a great idea! We should get that for Washington. But how would that look? Below, from our notepad, an artist’s rendition for I-405:

Everyone’s agreed to drive at 60mph. But if you’re in the left lane, you drive at 50mph. If there’s bright sun, of course you’ll see traffic is going at 30mph. And if it’s raining or snowing (in which case, the speed limit indicates a controlled slide with the brakes locked), we’re all going at 20mph.

PS: France was wonderful (and the french were very patient with us) but we’re glad to be back. We missed you Seattle, bad drivers and all!

It’s time to fact the fact that the Green Cat is gone for good. To help ease the transition and win your hearts, the new tenants Local Cafe (1514 E Olive Way) have spruced the old digs up and are offering three hours of three dollar happy hour prices. From 3 to 6 pm, stop by for a small plate or two — soups, salads, small pots of cheese — and see if you might have a new favorite spot.

Last night I attended a show (John Waite, he was excellent) at The Premier, a new club located at the corner of 1st Ave & Massachusetts, just south of Safeco Field. This is definitely one of the nicest clubs in Seattle–the space is light and airy with a simple, tasteful decor, terrific acoustics, and a friendly, competent staff. I didn’t try anything on the menu but the bar was excellent, with a full (but not overwhelming) selection of liquors at reasonable (not cheap, but reasonable) prices. While I’ll always love places like The Central and Graceland, it was nice to see a show at a venue a little classier (and cleaner) without being stuffy and overly formal.

I spent the beginning of last night crammed in a room with 99% of Seattle’s under 16 population in complete agony in that it’s-so-hot-I-can’t-breathe sort of way. But then, suddenly, it all melted away the moment Death Cab For Cutie took the stage at The Paramount.

Love them or hate them (“They’re too popular with the hipsters!” “They are amazing and write songs that seem like they were written just for me!” blah blah blah) they were AMAZING. With my ever increasing work schedule and usual 10 pm bedtime (stupid work stealing away my social life, and therefore, anything relevant to post) they managed to keep my attention throughout the entire show and encore – no mean feat. Despite the cries that emo is dead (or was it ever alive?) I can’t help but feel that without them Seattle’s music scene just wouldn’t be the same.

O.K. don’t freak out. the news of the giant net soon to be covering downtown [p-i] is of the wireless internet variety (as opposed to the capturing supervillains or stray dogs sort). Now that we’ve worked that part out, don’t get too excited: the superfast internet that will be filling the city air isn’t target at those of us accustomed to hanging out in cafés with free WiFi.

Instead, it’s something called WiMax that’s currently priced for corporate consumers or individuals willing to spend $600 per month to have high speed internet. Read more about the technology in Wired [#] and be amazed that something from last month’s magazine is showing up in this year’s reality.

Wash. Man Guilty in Serial HIV Assault Case [yahoo!]

Has anyone been following this story? I have a vague recollection of hearing something about it before the trial started but don’t really know many of the details. The trial transcript might be interesting–how does one prove intent to assault in a situation like this?

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The other night a friend and I decided to go out to dinner. After playing a game of “I don’t care” and “What do you want to eat?” we finally decided to take a friend’s tip for this restaurant downtown and try it out. The place is called Alexandria’s (located at 2020 2nd Avenue) and it was pretty fantastic if I do say so myself. Growing up in the south, I am pretty much a snob of so-called “cajun” or “southern” cooking, but Alexadria’s didn’t let me down. The menu ranged from pan seared chicken (super) to gumbo (my friend enjoyed this a great deal with the large amount of seafood given to him) to jambalaya. The prices are in the $25 a plate range, but when you add the food to the incredible ambiance of the restaurant to the stellar service we received, you’ll find yourself wanting to venture into creole territory a little more often.