Last night was a celebratory evening here at casa Van Hoven, and so I ordered take-out from a nearby fancy-schmancy restaurant. I wanted steak, but I wanted something different. I was ready to venture into a new brand of beef, so to speak.

In all my years, I had heard about an interesting dish named Steak Tartare. You've probably all seen or heard of it, and know that it's served raw. But like a bad game of telephone, I had always heard that it's served rare.

So when it arrived, I was naturally curious and really, really skeptical about whether or not it was safe to eat. Bear in mind, my expectation was a well seasoned, perfectly seared 16 oz. steak.

Instead, I got a hunk of meat shaped like a big slice of pineapple and filled with capers and a raw egg. Could there be anything less appetizing? Find out after the jump.

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As if a lifetime power-train warranty (that means engine) wasn't enough, Chrysler at the beginning of this month announced its "Fuel Protection" bonus — meaning buyers of fuel-efficient models can lock in $2.99 per/gal. gasoline for three years. Damn, Gina.

Whether or not the plan is working is yet to be seen, but anyone's best guess is that when the economy is down and gas prices are up, a new vehicle may not be on the consumer's mind. More after the jump.

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Just wondering if any of the kids out there need to ask a question of advice for the greater symposium and see where it takes them. Admissions have dried up lately (for reasons stated ad nauseam here previously) -- feel free to shoot me an AIM message or an e-mail and I'll get it posted ASAP.

Of course, we are trying to avoid questions that can be answered and/or require serious HR & cop intervention.

So we have another entry that you guys can ponder over the dead Friday afternoon at your desks...

"I'm a junior at an agency just outside of a major market. I've been working for about 6 months, and everything is great, aside from the fact that my partner is complete crap.

She's the idea killer. If she doesn't think it's gold, she shits on it, meaning we both end up producing crappy work because her ideas are the only ones she likes.

What do you think is the best way to deal with a partner who just doesn't want to work as a team? Talk to CD? HR? New job??

I've tried talking to her, got the bullshit responses about trying harder and nothing has changed..."

So creatives -- what do you do when you are saddled with an anchor?

So we have a query for the "AD-vice" column -- and it seems like the classically typical thing an agency does -- hopefully you kids can help our intrepid questioner out.

Now away with the show:

"I'm the youngest at my small agency (only 25) and have been a traditional media buyer for all of my short career.

As most of our clients recently stopped buying electronic media in fear of the recession, I no longer have media clients to buy for. Luckily, I was not laid off but instead shifted to create an digital/web marketing dept (with myself as the sole member) mostly b/c I'm young and the only person at my agency with a Facebook page.

While I'm a quick learner and have been teaching myself the basics of web marketing I really really need better resources.

Any recommendations as to where I can find & teach myself about the ins & outs of planning & buying online? Or good blogs that offer insight?

I'm pretty sure I have the basics down, but need more in depth knowledge of how it all works, the best online strategies and anything else that I have not yet realized that I don't know.

I feel guilty selling my "online expertise" to clients when I really have no idea what I'm doing. Can you help?"

So if you can all sign up & then put your suggestions in the comments -- that would be sweet & most helpful to our person in need of your assistance.