ONE OF the structures shaken by the earthquake that struck Seattle last month
was the Microsoft building. An insider tells us that when the tremor started,
staff remained largely indifferent not only to the vibrations of the earthquake,
but also to the klaxons and flashing lights of the alarm system鈥攗ntil,
that is, they received this message on their computer screens, complete with the
traditional autosignature: “Alarms going off! Please evacuate the building! Have
a Wonderful Day!”
Convinced, at last, that there really was a problem鈥攗ntil it’s virtual,
it’s not real鈥攖hey started to file out of the building.…
