Misery Loves Company - Half-Life 2 blocked

Reports suggest that at least some Best Buy, Target, and Wal-Mart stores broke the Half-Life 2 release embargo. Only problem is that the game discs are as good as coasters until the Steam servers authorize your copy. (That's right, you'll need an Internet connection long enough to activate the game, even if you only want to play single player.) Valve announced that it won't authorize a single copy until midnight tonight Pacific time...