2qurios

We Wish You A Memey Christmas!

2007-12-05T10:35:00.001-05:00

The tag read "From Nan" Merry Christmas...

What is your most enduring Christmas memory?
---Probably Christmas Eve at my own Nan's (grandmother's) house. All her kids, grandkids, and eventually great grandkids, would gather at her house to watch her open her presents. I lived in a tiny cove made up mostly of family, so after the gifts were open at nan's house, the men would make their rounds at each house for a glass of Christmas cheer, the women usually delivered last minute presents, and the kids would just play, eat and get excited about Santa.

Do you have a favourite piece of Christmas music?
---Lots. And it changes quite often. Matthew Ryan's "Drummer Boy" is a favourite for sure. I just recently discovered The Blind Boys of Alabama's great version of "Born In Bethlehem" with Mavis Staples. Great tune. Asides from that, I've always loved Auld Lang Syne.

Do you stick to the old family traditions?
----Asides from the above event that I mentioned (which I can't do anymore since I've long since moved away and my grandmother passed away this past year), there aren't many that I can really think of. We do still cook salt fish, brewis and potatoes (it's a Newfoundland thing) on Christmas Eve.
There are also some movies that have become must watches at Christmas. Notably National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and the Muppets Family Christmas.

What makes your mouth water at Christmas time?
---Turkey of course. Also soft cheesies (don't ask me why they remind me of Christmas), mixed nuts, chocolate oranges, coffee with eggnog.

How soon do you put the Christmas tree up and when do you take it down?
---It has varied, but this year we've decided to do it on the 14th. It's the day after my birthday. We decorated everything else on the first, but the tree waits. I like this idea and hope we'll keep these dates as tradition. It's usually down on New Year's Eve.

Now the gift that keeps on giving: I tag Steve, Christina, and Shannon. They are family afterall.

Tip O' The Hat

2007-07-26T20:47:00.000-04:00

Gentle Reader tagged me, so I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone here. My contribution to this meme can be addressed specifically to Steve, the rightful owner of this blog, but all others can follow the advice as well- assuming you don't already---

So here are some helpful tips from a bunch of great bloggers:

-Start Copy-

It’s very simple. When this is passed on to you, copy the whole thing, skim the list and put a * star beside those that you like. (Check out especially the * starred ones.)

Add the next number (1. 2. 3. 4. 5., etc.) and write your own blogging tip for other bloggers. Try to make your tip general.

After that, tag 10 other people. Link love some friends!

1. Look, read, and learn. -http://www.neonscent.com/

2. Be, EXCELLENT to each other. -http://www.bushmackel.com/

3. Don’t let money change ya! *-http://www.therandomforest.info/

4. Always reply to your comments. *****-http://chattiekat.com/

5. Link liberally — it keeps you and your friends afloat in the Sea of Technorati. **-http://chipsquips.com/

6. Don’t give up - persistence is fertile. -http://www.velcro-city.co.uk/

7. Give link credit where credit is due. *-http://www.sfsignal.com/

8. Pictures say a thousand words and can usually add to any post.*-http://scifichick.com/

9. Visit all the bloggers that leave comments for you - it's nice to know who is reading! *-http://stephaniesbooks.blogspot.com/

10. When commenting on others’ blogs, a few kind words go a long way. *–http://shelflifeblog.blogspot.com/

11. Post often! -http://bookmineset.blogspot.com

I tag-
Steve
Christina
Shannon
Barbara
Allison
Dale
Raidergirl
Coley Boley
Bybee
Poodlerat

White Stripes In Iqaluit

2007-07-15T11:36:00.000-04:00

A few people have shown an interest in the White Stripes (currently the most relevant Canadian band) in Iqaluit. While I'm more than a little late, you've finally got details!

Doors opened at 7:00, so we lined up at 6. When we got there, there were about 10 teenagers in front of us, and then more teens quickly lined up behind. We were the oldest people in the first 50 people or so for sure. Debbie and I kept joking that we couldn't wait to see Whitesnake and if they didn't play "Here I Go Again" we were going to be so disappointed. Needless to say, they didn't get it.

When the doors finally opened, we quickly darted to the front and were as close as we could possibly get (and with our ears safely pressed up against the speakers). We waited through the opening act, Lucy Idlout, who started off strong but let's face it, we were only politely waiting for the White Stripes. Anyway, about 30 minutes after she had gotten off and a new stage was set up, Jack and Meg came out...

They tore into Icky Thump, a few others, and then played Jolene. I have a live version of them doing that cover at Red Rocks, and desperately wanted to hear it, so I was more than impressed. They sound amazing live, great sound, a lot of improvising on Jack's part, and a very odd dynamic between the two. It should be said, it's pretty clear that Jack is boss. He was constantly giving her instructions (holding up a finger indicating she needed to do it a little quieter, grabbing her cymbals when he wanted her to stop, and so forth). I thought it was part of the show, and maybe it still was, but when she messed up on the keyboards once, he shot her a NASTY look that seemed a little too real. However, they put the tension to good use and I think he was subtly sucking up after that- "You guys have been real good to Meg- You've made her happy, and that makes me happy." Speaking of Meg, I know she gets a lot of slack for her drumming but she had a couple fantastic moments last night. Plus she sang, "In The Cold, Cold Night" so I was pleased.

Other musical highlights-

From Icky Thump:

-300 M.P.H. Torrential Outpour Blues

- Rag & Bone

- Catch Hell Blues

- Conquest

- Effect & Cause

From Get Behind Me Satan:

- Denial Twist

- Blue Orchid

- Take, Take, Take

(but surprisingly no Doorbell)

From Elephant

- Hypnotize
- Hardest Button To Button

- The Air near My Fingers

- Ball and Biscuit

and of course, Seven Nation Army (this was a part of the encore- I don't think they would have gotten out alive without doing that one)

They also took Fell In Love With a Girl as a request from Debbie; I learned that if I point at a rockstar he'll point right back; up close that red t-shirt is slightly off-colour from his pants (Jack hasn't heard of colour-safe detergent, I guess);rock shows make me feel like I'm 20 again; and I should always accompany my wife after a show. She never goes to a concert without meeting the band. I don't know how she pulls it off. Don't get me wrong, she's not a plaster caster or anything, but she has an uncanny knack of knowing which exit they'll leave from- plus she's not shy about doing the whole autograph & picture thing. Anyway, we waited around after the show for about half an hour, when I decided it was time to go and relieve the babysitter. I knew of course that she'd be meeting them and I wouldn't, and sure enough she showed up half an hour behind me with pictures of her and the White Stripes and an autographed copy of Get Behind Me Satan. When I left initially I thought, I don't need to meet celebrities- it's not like you get a chance for any enlightening conversation- but I have to admit, seeing the pictures made me regret not sticking around. Anyway, I'm glad she got to, and regardless, the show was absolutely incredible. They've probably got a few fans for life.

Oh, and apparently Jack and Meg ate raw caribou with the local elders that day. And at the concert they were wearing polar bear tooth pendants. Enjoy the pics!

Shot, Tagged and Released...

2007-05-15T22:52:00.000-04:00

I've decided to use this blog as my tagged blog. It's not currently being used for anything else, so it's as good a place as any...

Tagging me this time around are Sam and Gentle Reader (who'll both be sorely disappointed that I'm not nearly as interesting as the tabloids seem to suggest).

The idea for this one is:

1: Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves.
2: People who are tagged, write a blog post about their own 8 random things, and post these rules.
3: At the end of your post you need to tag 8 people and include their names.
4: Don't forget to leave them a comment and tell them they're tagged, and to read your blog.

So here goes nothing:

1. Despite being Canadian, I'm not into hockey. I can respect the sport, I've just never been inclined to play or watch any more than the last 10 minutes of a game. When I meet hockey fans, I'll usually break the ice (tee hee) by telling them that I'm a first cousin of Gary Roberts of the Pittsburgh Penguins. They usually ask a lot of questions, I feel silly answering them and wish I hadn't brought it up. He is a nice guy though.

2. I'm 30 years old and since I've been born, I've never had anyone in my family die. Not a grandparent, an uncle, aunt, cousin, no one. Might sound like a morbid thing to throw out there, but it sits in my mind more and more. I wonder if I'll deal with it okay. It will happen someday of course and it scares me a lot. It's starting to feel like we're defeating the law of averages. And I hope this doesn't jinx us all.

3. I've been licked by a wild polar bear. In Churchill, Manitoba my wife and I took a Tundra Buggy tour and we were licked through the mesh floor of an observation deck. (Sorry if some of you are sick of this story!)

4. I'm psyched to see the White Stripes in Iqaluit. It blows me away that they're coming here. I've been a fan for a while, but seeing them in Nunavut just makes the experience all the more cooler (tee hee).

5. I can never remember shampooing in the shower. I suspect that I end up doing it 3 or 5 times just to make sure. Or not at all.

6. I've only been out of the country three times. 1. Jamaica. 2. Hawaii 3. California. I desperately want to see Mutford, England. Until the Internet I had no idea such a place existed. But I hear they have a pretty decent marina and that's why I want to go.

7. I make jokes to mask my pain.

8. Just kidding.

7. My middle name is Kendall.

8. I was once paid to write a children's novel. I wrote three chapters, the contract ended, and I haven't looked at it since. It was about Martin Frobisher and I worked on it while I was still living in St. John's. Iqaluit if you don't know, used to be known as Frobisher Bay. Who knew?

Now the not-so-fun part:

I tag...
1. Steve
2. Shannon
3. Christina

(These are family, and they are not allowed to use Gary. I've already done that. Pbllttt!)

4. Barbara
5. Allison
6. Dale
7. Rebecca
8. Jamie Lee Curtis

Me, Me, Me, Me

2007-03-25T16:51:00.000-04:00

Steve was nice enough to add me as a contributor, and I've been nice enough to let his blog die a slow and agonizing death from lack of postings. Alas, I've been tagged. Allison reached out and made me an offer I almost refused. My own blog is about books, writing, etc so I've tried to avoid overtly personal stuff. But I'll take advantage of my contributor status and post here...

A- Available or Single: Married. That's not an option?!

B- Best Friends: Debbie, a different Debbie, Steve

C- Cake or Pie: Pie. Apple if I have a choice. With a piece of cheddar.

D - Drink of Choice: Non alcoholic - tea and coffee (NOT decaffinated)(Alcoholic - Sleeman's cream ale)

E- Essential Item: laptop

F- Favourite Colour: red, but not to wear

G- Gummi Bears or Worms: I'm not much of a candy guy. Bears I suppose.

H- Hometown: Twillingate, Newfoundland is where I grew up. Iqaluit, Nunavut presently.

I- Indulgence: Book and tea.

J- January or February - February

K- Kids - 2

L- Life is incomplete without: music

M- Marriage Date: July 21, 2001

N- Number of Siblings: One sister, 3 years older

O- Oranges or Apples: Granny Smith apples.

P- Phobias/Fears: Money. I don't like talking about it.

Q- Favourite Quote: Being a book person, it's probably strange that I don't go in for quotes. Though there is a line from Daniel Keyes' "Flowers For Algernon" that has become my motto, "He pushes Charlie over to Gus who catches him by the throat."

R- Reasons to smile: My kids.

S- Season: Summer.

T- Tag 3 People: Steve, Christina, Shannon.

U- Unknown Fact About Me: I've starred in a major Hollywood blockbuster.

V- Vegetable You Hate: Cauliflower. It was never meant to be eaten.

W- Worst Habit: Is forgetfulness a habit?

X- X-rays You've Had: teeth

Y- Your Favourite Foods: Ethiopian food.

Z- Zodiac: Sagitarrius.

Hath mine eyes deceive me?

2006-09-14T00:05:00.000-04:00

So, lately I have been working in the evenings with a home renovations company, and moonlighting during the day as a web developer. On my way home tonight, I passed a gas station showing 82.9. Wow, I thought, that’s wicked. I had to drop a co-worker off at his house before I went to work on the reno, so I decided I would wait until later to fill up. Finally, an empty tank when it was cheaper!

Driving home at 11:30 I was stunned to see the price at 78.7. I couldn’t believe it. Could this be happening to me? I had never won anything before, I felt elated. So here I am pumping happily away. Kur-klunk. The pump stops. Fair enough, it happens often enough with my car where the pump stops early. Sensitive tank I suppose. I start pumping again. Kur-klunk. Frig, this is annoying. Kur-klunk. Kur-klunk. Now I’m getting ticked. I only have $30 dollars in and I need to fill my tank to take advantage of this phenomenon. Suddenly gas is spewing out of my tank all over the place. Oh heavenly drops of gold wasted. ARGH. But to my surprise the $35 had actually filled my tank. That hasn’t happened in eons. Like since I was three. Have the Americans won the war? Have they already tapped Iraqi oil lines and started shipping it back here? I dunno. But I certainly filled up. Looked everywhere for containers. Not even a water bottle to fill. But I had an idea! Now I have to figure out how I’m gonna get all the extra gas I pumped out of the trunk and into containers. Hmm…

~2q

Site Trouble

2006-09-11T19:06:00.000-04:00

Well, due to a disgruntled friend, who did not want their voice heard on this blog, the hosted header image for the blog, as well as the radio station, have been deleted. Unfortunately the source image has been lost in a previous computer crash, so you will have to be patient until I create a new one. I will also have to find an alternate web server to host the images on.

Cheers, and sorry the inconvenience.

~2q

The Lost Tapes

2006-08-23T08:23:00.000-04:00

Once upon a different time, a time when hair was abundant, bills were un-heard of and the smell of pizza wafted in the air; there were three boys and a tape recorder. With the tape rolling and the humour flowing, the 2000 Listen n’ Look Marachance 22001 42222 XXU2TOBWX, in other word the alphabet radio station, was born. Though there was only ever one demo tape preserved, many more were taped and re-taped.

Long before there were CD's, and shortly after the advent of the LP, the cassette recorder became the tool of choice for the adlibbed recordings. It first started with a small tape recorder, internal microphone and some bored kids. Jazzy John and Stylin’ Steve were the first DJ's to offer their one a kind and often mis-understood humour to the radio waves. After dancing to the beat of "The War Song," "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) ," and "Shout" they realised that not only did they have the uncanny ability to groove but also a remarkable ability to write their own lyrics to these great hits. The first hit, "Farts," to the tune of "Shout", topped the charts. "Fart, fart let it all out, these are that farts that you can do with out." Everytime the song aired the fans went nuts, often urging them to take their act to the basement. John and Steve had several successful years of recording, often highlighting local talent such as Jeff "Piercing" Piercy and Chad "I wish I could sing" Bridger. It was not uncommon to hear melodious tunes of the electric organ smattered amongst the recordings, often spurring organ standoffs, where each DJ would out play the other with original pieces.

Over the years the broadcasts became less frequent and often included recordings of Magnum P.I. and other television shows. The radio show needed a boost. In '87 new influences sparked a revival and a burst of energy to the radio show with the multi-talented, bushy haired one man act, Mr. Man, known to his friends as Jason. Beneath the squeaky voice, fantastic sense of fashion, and hair products, was a maniac who filled the radio waves with his quick wit and musical talents. He drew from his well of experience as a robot builder and movie producer to create the Mr. Man recording studio right in the living room of his home. The studio produced a countless number of hits. No song rocked the charts more than "Gobb-la, Gobb-la." This was the much acclaimed theme song for a movie about Big Bird riding around town on a bicycle. Unfortunately the star studded movie did not make it to the big screens despite its brilliant script. During the illustrious 2.5 years of the studio, the careers of Mr. Man, Stylin’ Steve and Jazzy John flourished. Unfortunately due to tight budgets and aging technology the same master tape was used for each recording session and many of the historical broadcasts have been lost. Until now...

After nearly 20 years of collecting dust in an attic the final broadcast has been found and revived for your listening pleasure. Be prepared to sit back for an afternoon of side splitting laughter, tear jerking humour, and awe inspiring vocals. Unfortunately, John was not available for this recording, and sitting in was one really annoying "unnamed" kid. He paled in comparison to John's unique delivery of knock knock jokes, and only held back the remaining talent of Jason and Steve. However on that farewell broadcast the dynamic dual did pull it off one of their best shows, and created a masterpiece; one for the archives; one to be remembered forever and enjoyed by all once again. In the famous words of Mr. Man, "And we're back and we're back and we're bad. Ooooh yeah...."

Enjoy!

Radio Broadcast

Simultaneous contrast is not just a curious optical phenomenon - it is the very heart of painting.

2006-08-17T09:09:00.000-04:00

So, it has been a while since I last blogged. No, I’m not depressed, nor am I stewing about the Leafs. Yes I do “suck at blogging” crazy christina, however I will give it a shot once again.

Not much has happen since my last post. Some things that do come to mind are, I got hit in the back by the front of a city bus; vacationed in the Thousand Islands on, well ah, on an island; sent the kids to Newfoundland on their own for 3 weeks; drove 18 hours straight to Nova Scotia, 6 hours on the ferry with no sleep, then another 7 hours to Twillingate; followed the GPS and mapping software on a trip plotting us through the US, we were about 3 hours off course; got a speeding ticket in the friendly town of Theftford Mines, Quebec; started to cycle again, mainly to work, well only to work; I no longer consider myself in good shape; Rob Gaus is in better shape than me (that one really hurts); a friend, we’ll call him Gob Raus, decided it would be funny to run into my parked car; while walking through the woods in Newfoundland a stick flicked up and scratched my leg; huge infection in the scratched area that continued to grow for a week to the size of a golf ball; my ankle, calve and knee looked like a log because of the swelling; overcame my fear of clinics with a singing Nigerian doctor (audio to come); came to realization that baby boomer parents should not be allowed to use or come into contact with a computer; and my wife and I bought a house. Besides that, life is normal.

I may touch on some of the sub plots in later posts, but for now I want to show you something; something incredible; something that has inspired me to blog once again. It is an optical illusion. One like no other. If I was a betting man and someone was to entice me into a wager, I would have lost my life savings. So let me ask you this simple question. How much money would you bet that tile A and tile B are the same colour? Go ahead, click on the image. I strongly encourage you to take the image and use photo software to slowly remove all the dark tiles around tile B and watch in amazement as the money drains from your bank account.

I can sorta get the gist of how it works, but do not have the big fancy words to explain it. I am qurios if anyone can explain the scientific reason for my colour blindness. Anyone want to place a wager?

Falling Leaf

2006-04-20T15:07:00.000-04:00

Well another Leaf has fallen. Pat Quinn has been fired from the Mighty Maple Leafs. I am not surprised about his passing but question the decision to keep Ferguson as GM. From what I understand he is a rookie GM and I am not sure what experience he brings to the table. The Toronto Maple Leafs are arguably the largest and most recognized hockey franchise in the world, albeit they are loved by many, hated by most. I think Paul Maurice will be a good fit for the Leafs and transform the team as he has done with the Marley’s and Carolina Hurricanes if he gets the nod from the Leaf gods. As great as Quinn has been for the Leafs, his old style and times as a valued coach are drawing close to an end. I foresee retirement in a few years after helping a team rebuild like New Jersey or Chicago. I do hope to see a purging of Leaf players. Ferguson will need to shut the doors of the Leafs Seniors home and build a solid team for the next season cup run. No more excuses, no more valid taunts from arrogant Sens fans. Stop picking on the Leafs you bunch of bullies. You just wait until next year! I wonder if a Leaf fan has ever said that before....hmmm.

~2q

2006-04-20T09:25:00.000-04:00

So, I lied. I didn’t post anything last night. I though I should spend some time wife my wife and stop playing Civilization. Man, it was a rough 10 minutes. I am trying for a population/land area victory and am pretty close to achieving it. On another note, finally eBay has a free listing day today so I can sell some more of my old porcelain collection. Now I realize that collecting various porcelain figurines, dishware and stoneware etc, may not be the coolest thing I have done but I must say I rather enjoyed finding these little gems in thrift stores. As soon as list my new items I will be sure to post them here for all to see. Up first will be a ‘RARE 1952 MI Hummel 218/0 TMK 2 Birthday Serenade’ figurine. I have a bunch of Wedgwood jasperware pieces, Bunnykins dishes, Alfred Mekin dishes, and a load of records I will be listing in the future. Now I just need to find some other useless items to collect. Oh wait, I almost forgot, that would be my hockey cards. Oh well, I guess everyone needs a vice or three…or more.

2006-04-19T10:53:00.000-04:00

So, I have slacked off over the Easter holidays. My only excuse is Civilization IV. Man it is way too addictive. I keep telling myself, just one more turn, but then there is a whole enemy civilization way to be plundered. But I had to try out the new patch will all of its great and wonderful improvements, none of which have helped my game. However, tonight I will post some new discoveries about the photo and writing contest as well as fill you in on a little hockey adventure we had this past week, well just after I finish a couple more turns on Civ IV. I guess in this case one can be a little 2qurios.

2006-04-11T22:30:00.000-04:00

So, I was digging around in some of my old files and stumbled across an old photo I had found at a Salvation Army Thrift Store in Ottawa. Every time I pull out the picture I seem to find something new and interesting about it. For a still picture there seems to be so much action in the shot, so many things happening behind the scenes. It is almost as if you are watching a movie, and can visualize the reactions of each person. You can make out the stereotypical characters of the group, the alpha male coolio and his close buddies who want to be like him. Then you have the guys on the fringe of the club, who want to be accepted and think it’s hip to be hanging out with these guys. On one end you have the two younger guys (far left and second from right rear) who just aren’t cool enough to be with the inner group but model themselves to be exactly like the center guy, and on the other end you have the realist. He isn’t enamoured by the leader and is more than likely the one who keeps the group grounded, never wanting to stir things up too much. We definitely can’t miss the token nerds. You have the one accepted nerd that must have won the trust of the group by performing some crazy dare or will do just about anything for the group to get attention. Then you have geek who so desperately wants to impress the guys but will always be the butt of all jokes. In the background you can notice the ‘evil man’ behind the puff smoke. There’s something dark and sinister about him that I just can’t place. For some reason he reminds of Reverend Henry Kane in Poltergeist II. And to top it off, in the background there is the fatherly figure keeping watch over the trouble makers.

Why am I sharing this with you? Well, I would like to start a bit of investigative report on the photo. There are so many hidden clues to the story; the beer labels, the time on a guys watch, the pamphlets on the ground, and the “G” on the building in the back and the clothing style. Every couple of days I will post an enlarged image of each person as well as some images from the surrounding area and I would like you to let your creative juices flow, and write profiles for each character and post them on the blog. Once all of the character profiles have been written, I challenge you to write a short story on the photo. Give me your spin on what’s happening. Email me your short story and I’ll post them here for everyone to vote on. The winner, deemed by the 2qurios readers, will be awarded a small prize; a pencil signed by HB, the coveted title of, “2qurios Story Teller Extraordinaire,” and of course two Timbits (click here for contest rules and regulations). I am curious to see what you will conjure up, and maybe even solve the mystery of the photo. I guess you can never be 2qurios.

2006-04-07T12:34:00.000-04:00

So, I was blog hopping last night and found some interesting posts on themuddler.com. You really have to appreciate a techie that is secure enough to have pink as the predominate colour on their blog. I guess when you look at from a hexadecimal point of view it really is only #D1A7A7. But do not judge a blog by its colour The Muddler provides sharp insights, witty humour spattered with sarcasm and a randomness of topics that A.D.D. people like myself appreciate. The Muddler has a riveting horror story of a techie without internet for 6 days. I have often thought what the world would be like without the internet and how I would cope. I can honestly say that I think I would have treated the situation a little differently. Can’t say I would have taken a spinning class or read a ton of books. I really don’t know what I would occupy my detox time with. Board games by myself? Long walks to the fridge to find bread and all the fixings but no clue how to assemble them into something edible? I have no idea what I would do. I think I’m feeling sick and dizzy right now. I need to stop talking about it. I just have to say kudos to The Muddler for valiantly making it through those dark times and coming out on top. My question to the rest of you out there surfing is what would you do with out the wonders of the interweb for a week?

There was a post on his site that was quite interesting and most of us PC users have experienced it in some form or another, the beloved Windows error message. Ever so beautifully scripted with copious amounts of information to help the dumbest of computer user to overcome the problem. With rounds of applause to Apple and their software Boot Camp, Mac users can now experience the famed blue screen of death. I posted a comment on The Muddler in response to an error message he recently had and questioned what Mac users would see. The Muddler has informed me in one of his posts, that, to the chagrin of many Apple users, someone has successfully caused a blue screen on a Mac. I’m sure this didn’t take too much expertise, but none the less a interesting look at what’s to come of the Appledows WinOSX 2006. Well, I guess you can never be 2qurios.

2006-04-05T23:24:00.000-04:00

~Challenge of the day~
Where is 'e? Whoever discovers the Google Earth location of this boat will receive a small fortune; the chance to win two free Timbits!

Hint: It is in Canadian salt waters and additional clues are hidden in the challenge.

Official Rules and Regulations

1. No purchase necessary.

2 To enter: Submit a comment on the 2qurios. website at http://2qurios.blogspot.com. All entries must be received on the last day of each month and must include a valid e-mail address, entrants name, mailing address and complete telephone number, including an area code,and $3.00 to cover shipping and handling fees. Shipping and handling may be waived for poor people. Incomplete entries will not be included in the Prize drawing. You may only enter once. The sponsor, 2qurios, is not responsible for lost, late, misdirected, incomplete or incorrect entries. Entries become the property of 2qurios and will not be returned. 2qurios reserves the right to publicize, through normal media channels, the name and likeness of the winning entrant.

3. Prize details: Two Timbits picked at random. Total value $0.24. No prize substitutions will be allowed by the winner. Any applicable taxes on the Grand Prize will be the sole responsibility of the winner.

4. Awarding of Prizes: Winner will be selected from all eligible entries received. A random drawing will take place a few days after the delivery date. The winning entry will be based on the entrant's name and address only, not the entrant's e-mail address. The winning entry will be notified by Email and through the 2qurios blog. If the winning entrant does not claim the prize within 30 days, a second entry will be drawn for the same two Timbits. This process will continue until a winning entrant claims the prize.

5. Odds. The odds of winning the grand prize depends on the number of qualified entries received.

6. Eligibility: This contest is open to all legal U.S. and Canadian residents, age 18 and older. Employees of 2qurios and their family, friends, and friend of friends, including babysitters, and household members are not eligible. All federal, state and local laws apply. This contest is void where prohibited. 2qurios is not responsible for printing, distribution or production errors and may rescind, cancel or revoke the awarding of prizes based upon any such error without liability and at its sole discretion. By participating in this contest and sweepstakes, entrants waive all rights to and hold harmless 2qurios from any loss, damage or expense arising out of or in connection with the participation in this contest or the acceptance or misuse of any prize.

7. Internet: 2qurios is not responsible for lost connections, miscommunications, failed computer transmissions or technical failures or interrupted or unavailable network, ISP, website, server, internet or other connections, miscommunications, failed computer hardware or software or technical failure, garbled or jumbled transmissions or other errors of any kind, whether human, mechanical or electronic. If for any reason this contest is not capable of running as planned on the internet due to infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures, alien abduction or any other causes beyond the control of the sponsor which corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of this contest, 2qurios reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual who tampers with the entry process, and to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the contest and sweepstakes.

8. 2qurios and its agencies assume no responsibility for any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or transmission communications line failure, theft or destruction or unauthorized access to, or alteration of entries. 2qurios is not responsible for any problems or technical malfunction of telephone network or telephone lines, computer on-line systems, servers, or providers, computer equipment, software, failure of any e-mail or entry to be received by 2qurios on account of technical problems human error or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any web site, or any combination thereof, including any injury or damage to participant's or any other person's materials in this contest.

9. CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE ANY WEB SITE OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE CONTEST IS A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS AND SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, 2QURIOS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES OR OTHER REMEDIES FROM ANY SUCH PERSON (S) RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ATTEMPT TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, INCLUDING YOUR FIRST BORN CHILD.

2006-04-04T23:18:00.000-04:00

So, I lay in my bed awake last night thinking about all the things I could write in my brand new blog. I must have had a dozen or so of amazing articles written in my head on a multitude of topics. I would venture to say it was some of my best writing to date. Unfortunately, the thoughts quickly turned into visions and those visions turned into dreams, and suddenly I was Napoleon conquering Ghandi on the shores of India. I have been dreaming of Civilization IV a lot, and like to plan my next steps in my sleep. Needless to say all my great literary works were lost. I struggled for the better part of the day to come up with some sort of topic to write about. At one point I felt adventuresome and thought I would attempt to write a book report on Dan Brown’s, “The Divinci Code,” however it dawned on me that I haven’t read the book yet and the report may be a little lacking in content. I still would like to strike a critical conversation over books climb to fame. I wonder, should it be classified as fact, fiction or the greatest publicity stunt of the decade? Has anyone read this book yet? Is it worth the read? Are any of the claims in the book worth a closer look? Who created the Gnostic Gospels, of which much of the theories were pulled from, and where were they found? I do intend on reading it soon. I may even possibly get past the first few chapters. Well, I guess you can never be 2qurios.

~Challenge of the day~
Who can tell me what medium was used to create the image above?
Hint: The answer is in the code! - and now in the comment section. No Cheating.

2006-04-03T20:11:00.000-04:00

So, here is my first blog. I must admit I have no idea why I am starting a blog. I really have nothing to say and find writing quite painful. I generally sit at the keyboard for hours, well ok maybe two minutes, trying to pull one of my random thoughts out of my head and onto paper. I rather love the idea of sitting down, gathering my thoughts, and placing them on my blog for the world to see and comment, but I fear the 3 other bloggers (the obligatory family members) who will visit my site will stop to comment only on my grammatical and spelling errors. If you are spelling nut who finds errors on all sorts of written material such as cereal boxes, advertisements, menus and magazines, you can turn this blog into a game. Yeah, that’s it. It will rank up there with Su Dooko and word searches. People will flock to this blog in search of the not so elusive spelling mistake in order to sharpen their QC skills. I may even offer my blogs to high schools or University journalism classes for training purposes. My writings will rank up there with, "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog," and Lorem Ipsum. I will be known as… well ok I’m going too far with this one.

What do I want to achieve with this blog? I have a ton of seemingly random interests. I love discovering new things, new technologies and sciences, how things work. I also like aesthetics things, such as photography, people, animals and shiney bright objects. I get distracted easily and find it hard to stay focussed on any one thing for too long, yet I can loose myself in a game of Civilization IV or just plain starring at my snails in the Gold Fish tank. I typically get fixated on a new hobby or topic frequently only to drop just as quickly once I get bored with it. Some would find that frustrating or pointless however it has given me a breadth of useless information that can only be surpassed my wife. I have collected Hockey cards, of which I recently started again with my oldest son, stamps, records, a cool rock collection now passed on to my boys, antique cameras, anything porcelain with markings on the bottom, and some old Christian books and Bibles. I love electronics and robotics and plan on making my own some day soon, anything computer related, video games, though I do like board games such as Risk, Settlers of Catan and Chess. I have enjoyed biking in the past, however my enlarged gut-n-butt makes it difficult for me to squeeze into my spandex these days. I do like to read but rarely make it past the third chapter. I think of myself as an entrepreneur, however my friends call me an entre-manure. I have tons of ideas floating around in my head for the next big thing, the big break, my cash cow, yet I am poor and will likely stay the same. I think I am a geek but I fancy myself as being a jock. I enjoy playing sports but have always been average.

Average…that pretty much sums it up. I am an average guy, with an average job working the status quo (I don’t know what status quo means but it sounded appropriate). This blog will be exactly that, average. I will attempt to let you into my world, my fantasy. I will write about some of my crazy ideas, parenthood, toys, collecting, how things work or don’t, religion, my ignorance of politics, the clubbing of seals, my love of Newfoundland, and pretty much anything else that peaks my curiosity.

I guess you can never be 2qurios.