def _load_questions(self):
        """
        """
        d = defer.Deferred()

        # simulate a delayed result by asking the reactor to fire the
        # Deferred in 2 seconds time with the result x * 3
        reactor.callLater(2, d.callback, 3)

        # is it the first time
        if len(self.questions) == 0:
            # load the questions from database
            logging.info("Loading Trivia questions...")

            load startup questions
            self.questions = self.service.getQuestions()

            # save the array in sharedobject (#46)
            #self.setAttribute("askedQuestions", self.questions)

        log.msg('total questions: %s' % len(self.questions))

        return d