Shane Curcuru: Rich is the quintessential mod_rewrite speaker and expert. Be sure to ask him for a pony at the end of the talk - that will definitely be informative.

Sally Khudairi: Thanks, Emmanuel! We like to have fun :-D I've just made reservations at the Business Table for 8PM on Wednesday, 10 April. If you'd like to join us, please let me know as soon as possible, as we only have a limited number of seats available. See you soon!

Sally Khudairi: Whoops! I meant Wednesday *** 9th April *** I'm getting ahead of myself. We're holding a spot for you. Ciao for now, Sally

Sally Khudairi: The 2008/Amsterdam: Foodie Dinner took place this evening at De Kas Restaurant and Nursery -- the lovely, Piet Boon-designed organic eatery located in Frankendael Park http://wikimapia.org/#lat=52.352581&lon=4.931408&z=18&l=0&m=s south of the City Centre. Ten of us piled into taxis, dodged cyclists, walked up the pathway to the glass-and-steel structure, where we saw a conservatory with potted lemon trees, flowers, herbs, salad greens, and a climbing frame offering a glimpse of what would be on our plates that evening. Settling down at the Business Table http://www.restaurantdekas.nl/2seating_facilities.php#, Fitz, Scott, Paul, and I were joined by newlyweds Nóirín and Stephen, Shane, Simon, Christian, as well as the last-minute addition of a rather pleasant Dutch student whose name escapes me (starts with "G", contains a "w", whatisit? Oh dear.) Standard Dutch Service (nice and slow, no rush, no pressure, no cares, no worries) was the order of the day. Plied with booze-n-bread (several house-made loaves served with rich olive oil, and aperitifs of kir royales and "man"-martinis), Scott took on the winelist, whilst we passed platters of starters family-style. The quail was prepared beautifully, as were the roasted white onions with tender spinach, baby radish, and morels. The grilled langoustines seemed disconnected (a seasoning issue, perhaps?), and somewhat odd addition to the starter trio. A couple of wine courses, along with a duo of lamb (roast shoulder and rillettes) served with barley, tzaziki, and kohlrabi, and side salad of anise-infused mushrooms and field greens. Get the picture? Progressive provisions, with a focus on simply-prepared, natural ingredients. Onto dessert tasting of Dutch apple tart, fruit-jelly prunes, and a tiramisu iced creme that was the first item finished off everyone's plates. Coffees and converstation ensued. Back in cabs, drop Fitz off at Walletjes and return to the Mövenpick just before midnigh. Overall meal took more than 3.5 hours. Need sleep. I still want to go to Blue Pepper for innovative Indonesian -- perhaps Friday? Do drop me a note if you'd like to come along. See you in New Orleans!

Sally Khudairi: Shane, I've heard rumours that it *has* been extended. Is this true?

Sally Khudairi: Likewise, Matthias! Let's cheer your new Membership :-)

Sally Khudairi: Taxis are excellent in the city, and immediately available at Schiphol -- I've never had to wait for one. Alternatively, you can hire a chauffeured Mercedes S-class for about €100 each way (a bit less for an E-class). Some of our colleagues do public transportation (as the Amsterdam Central Station is about a mile away). See you soon!

Joe Orton: I once did Harwich->Zebrug (I think) in bad weather. Very unpleasant for an unreasonably long time. Never again. The "luxury" of KLM from Norwich airport, for me ;)

Delia Frees: Oh boy! A new toy and networking tool :) Thought I'd comment on your comment just as a test. Silly... but a good way to learn.

Tony Stubblebine: Everything gets a lot more obvious when the network is launched and full of people. I'm still working to set it up.