2/9     I turned on the stove with a new empty stainless pan on it by mistake
        and when I realized that, I erred again by pouring cold water into the
        pan.  Now it has that brownish layer on the surface.  What is the
        chemical composition of this layer and is it harmful?  If not I would
        rather leave it as it is.
        \_ next time put a nice tbone steak on it instead, leave for 2 minutes
           \_ You are kidding me, right?  Heating won't get rid of the oxide.
              \_ wow, could you have misread that any worse?
        \_ It's no big deal.
        \_ If you're really set on getting rid of the brownish layer,
           try Barkeeper's Friend, but follow the directions or you
           might mar the finish.