www.Scratchley.org : blog

So I see (if you’re a cacher) you’re trying to find your way through “Detention”. Let me tell you this - if you are seeing this as a result of trying to find an URL to get you to the next step - it won’t work.

I don’t say that because I don’t think you could hack your way in if you needed to - but I say it because the solution is far simpler than that. Really - all the search strings and URL manipulation in the world won’t get you any closer. Truly - honestly - seriously… I didn’t do anything that my mom couldn’t figure out (no offense mom!).

For those of you who are NOT cachers, and wonder what the HELL I’m talking about - see this Puzzle Geocache. (Please note - it’s a cache released to premium subscribers only - so you may not be able to view the details.)

Really folks - while “/ducky.php” amused me - it’s so in the wrong direction. As was… /detention/GC1EPZV.php//code

Now I know why VP does these nasty puzzlers. It’s fun to watch the hoop jumpin.

EDIT: I hope I didn’t offend anyone by any of that - I just got a little frightened by the amount of unusal URL access to the blog, that my host might just smack me for. The answer is but a click away from the cache page… 1.04% of the time.

Ok - perhaps that is true, but I don’t think I’d look good ‘at’ Plaid. Ok - that’s not true either, but even if I looked good, I think they would need a little more of me than my stunning good looks.

Agency in the know “Plaid” is on tour again - and for those of you who know my career path - you’ll know that I see more marketing and advertising now than I ever have.

Working nearer the top of our marketing organization than the bottom, I’ve become much more interested in the inner workings of marketing, advertising and branding than ever before. As a child of the “Wil Wheaton” tech-geek-nerd-can-you-fix-my-computer generation, the internet now plays heavily in that arena and “Plaid” has taken that to heart - broadcasting a two week tour of the US, visiting technology users, creators and pundits as well as the marketing, advertising, and distribution people that tick along the way.

Day 5 (or was it 6?) of the tour saw a stop to chat with Robert Scoble and they’ve posted a great interview with ‘The Scoble‘ talking about brand, technology, and social media. (Offhand note: I think ‘The Scoble’ is the tech-geek ultra-nerd twin of Philip Seymour Hoffman…)

This interview (link) is a great watch indeed and don’t miss any of the tour as Bill Green (Make the Logo Bigger) and Darryl Ohrt (Brand flakes for breakfast) are seeing and learning amazing things on this roadtrip.

It’s great to see an agency with it’s feet on the ground - outside the cubicle walls - meeting and greeting, but also asking and listening not only to creatives, but creators and consumers of brand and marketing. It’s a great way to find new outlets and opportunities.

Dr. Horrible - NPH!

I won’t spoil it. If you are tech-savvy, and familiar with Neil Patrick Harris or Felicia Day - you’ll probably dig this new web series.

Ok. It’s not THAT new, only 3 days, and it will be gone by end of day on the 20th - but between back episodes of “The Guild” - Dr. Horrible makes me far less stabby, and laugh my arse off. As Ranger-Bob pointed out to me - it’s the Rocky Horror of the Internet Generation.

It’s much more entertaining that Weebl and Bob too.

Thank you Joss Whedon for reminding me of Buffy, and reminding me that silly is wonderful. Can’t wait for Act III, and yes, you can count on my $ for the DVD. Please. No… really….

The series started on the 15th, and is due to disappear as early as the 20th of July. Get it while it’s hot folks!

The Guild (Felicia Day’s OTHER Web Wonder…
Dr. Horrible
Weebl and Bob

Disney’s Lightning McQueen

Originally uploaded by ‘Scratch’

My child has a one track mind. I’m just sad that it’s Nascar.

For the last two weeks - the first words from his mouth in the morning are “CARS” and “MAC” - his favourite movie, and characters from said movie receive all the attention around our place.

I love that my boy is no longer a ‘baby’. He’s a full fledged kid now. He likes what he likes (Beans, Peas, Rice, Fruit of all kinds and Yogurt) and doesn’t like what he doesn’t like (Meat. What the hell is that all about anyway?).

Backyardigans was a great distraction - and he still watches it with a smile, but nothing lights up this child like “CARS” from the venerable old thief of a childs right to choose - Disney.

Ok Disney. Here is my challenge. PLEASE develop a movie about fishing, or fishing and hunting, so that I have a snowballs chance to get my boy into doing things his DAD likes?

(Can’t see the video above? Click here…)

We do love this city. It’s close enough to the mountains for a day trip, close enough to the badlands for a day trip, close enough to the northern boreal for a day trip, and if you don’t want to leave the city - it’s good too!

We can spend the day at the Airshow with Ben watching planes and helicopters (which he LOVES) or visit the zoo where he can name most of the animals (we’re just not sure what language he’s speaking…) or just pop to a park and play.

The River is bountiful, full of riches both natural and piscine. Gotta love this place.

Until winter of course… Consider us out and about… Or - I’ll be at Fifty North my media journal…

Thanks for the Laughs George. I for one will miss you.

For the ‘embed’ challenged - myself included: Please click here and pay your respects.

SA400107.JPG

Originally uploaded by ‘Scratch’

I’m a bad blog maintainer. It’s true. I have great intentions, and lousy followthrough.

So - what’s happened lately?

We’ve been to the coast, and back. Jeep has had an output shaft seal replaced, 2 flats, and is getting a new u-joint tomorrow. I’m busy, Ben says “Please” and “Thank you” frequently, and we wonder - are we the only ones not working on a second baby already?

Dang…. What to do.

Just got news from the Canadian Press  that Rick Hillier - Chief of Canada’s defence staff has stepped down, submitting his resignation.

While it isn’t the end of the Military in Canada, it most certainly is an end to a capable, savvy, and determined military man who has done more to bring Canada’s military into the 21st century than any before him, and likely any to follow.

Thank you General, for your efforts and dedication.  You have, and continue to serve your country faithfully and will always have my respect.

Libby

Originally uploaded by ‘Scratch’

Meet Libby. She’s the newest member of the family. She’s 5 years old and looks pretty good for her age. (Never rode hard - or put away wet.)

On deck? New Shocks / Springs, Trailer Hitch, Tow Hooks, Muffler, and a replacement stereo - cause the factory one blows.