And I haven't.
I've just been busy. Very busy.
One question. Why did it feel like I was the first person to ever move house? It was like no-one had ever done it before.
"You wanna do what?"
"Move you say?"
"What's that then?"
Perhaps I'd just be happier if I'd just attached some balloons to my worldly possessions. I mean everyone knows that if you stick a balloon on something it means "fun". So, for example if you have a rusty 1988 Vauxhall Astra, the simple addition of balloons transform it into a fun rusty 1988 Vauxhall Astra.
This rule applies many things. A party isn't fun until you attach some balloons. But perhaps there are just some things that even a balloon, with all it's cheery inflated "fun-ness" can't fix. Funerals, for example.
And house moves.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Cheeses Christ?
There's been an ongoing advertising campaign for Philadelphia cheese, based on the conceit that it's "heavenly". So we've had Angels eating the stuff in surrounded by the paraphernalia of your classic version of Heaven - clouds, pearly gates, harps, the usual. So far, so what?
Until the new one.
The angels we've grown to know and love as the campaign has progressed end up in a being questioned by the heavenly police in a their heavenly police station.
And this got me thinking.
Why are there police in heaven when bad people go to hell?
Next time - cheering at Lottery numbers and what ever happened to....?
Until the new one.
The angels we've grown to know and love as the campaign has progressed end up in a being questioned by the heavenly police in a their heavenly police station.
And this got me thinking.
Why are there police in heaven when bad people go to hell?
Next time - cheering at Lottery numbers and what ever happened to....?
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Ahhh Comfort....
Anyway I don't subscribe to all the Sky Channels. I scrubbed the Movies and the Sports a long time ago. The "music" channels (one for another day) and the kids went next, then the news and lifestyle as the "shite" to "good" ratio was too high.
Recently (i.e. last week) I happened to catch one of the more vaunted new channels - one which exploits the age of new media - You Tube, Blogging, Flickr, Social Networking and the rest of the buzz words people who haven't the first notion of what they actually are use in an effort to seem "in touch"
Current TV
As they say on their website
"Current is about what's going on: stories from the real world, told by you. We slice our schedule into short segments that we call "pods" — each just a few minutes long. You'll see profiles of interesting people on the rise, intelligence on trends as they spring up around us, and international news from new perspectives. And much of it comes straight from you"
It somehow reminds me of something I've written in jest recently. So I surfed (no pun) to Channel 193 and what did I see....?
An advertisement for Comfort Fabric Conditioner.
"..new perspectives"?
My hole.
Recently (i.e. last week) I happened to catch one of the more vaunted new channels - one which exploits the age of new media - You Tube, Blogging, Flickr, Social Networking and the rest of the buzz words people who haven't the first notion of what they actually are use in an effort to seem "in touch"
Current TV
As they say on their website
"Current is about what's going on: stories from the real world, told by you. We slice our schedule into short segments that we call "pods" — each just a few minutes long. You'll see profiles of interesting people on the rise, intelligence on trends as they spring up around us, and international news from new perspectives. And much of it comes straight from you"
It somehow reminds me of something I've written in jest recently. So I surfed (no pun) to Channel 193 and what did I see....?
An advertisement for Comfort Fabric Conditioner.
"..new perspectives"?
My hole.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Happy Birthday to Angry Since 1967
Yes it's been a year - okay I know it hasn't but as I won't be anywhere near the internet on the actual day so I thought I'd post it now. It's either that or look out the window at the rain.
Usually with things like this there is a wistful look back over the previous 12 months, followed by a pithy prediction list of things to come.
Fuck that.
I will reflect on a couple of things though. I've only just realised that I have a complete free hand here. I can post whatever aul bollocks I like, there's no-one going "you can't do that" or pointing out my "clumsy sentence construction". The other thing is I think I've lost sight of what I'm doing here and what the point was. Fortunately I don't intend trying too hard to remember. Yes there was a point, but it's not really important anymore.
And so with that in mind.
I watched a BBC thing last night about British costumed dramas. Of course it was turgid aul wank, with a procession of movies set in the themeparked, airbrushed, cosy middle class, sub Jane Austen, ghetto-ed version of past the British film industry has been stuck since - well ever. I wasn't expecting a critical reappraisal so I wasn't too disappointed when the great and the good came out to collectively coo at these movies. The clear implication of the contributions (including one from someone called Daisy Goodwin who was described as a writer and broadcaster (hurrah for you Daisy) was that all they were all great. And who am I to disagree? I'm not a member of the great or the good and I'm certainly not a writer or a broadcaster ( Am I a blogcaster though?) so my opinion counts for nothing, as I ain't on the TV and as I don't write a column in a newspaper.
It's sobering realisation. So my mission statement for the next year is to embrace the fact my opinion counts for three fifths of fuck all.
Usually with things like this there is a wistful look back over the previous 12 months, followed by a pithy prediction list of things to come.
Fuck that.
I will reflect on a couple of things though. I've only just realised that I have a complete free hand here. I can post whatever aul bollocks I like, there's no-one going "you can't do that" or pointing out my "clumsy sentence construction". The other thing is I think I've lost sight of what I'm doing here and what the point was. Fortunately I don't intend trying too hard to remember. Yes there was a point, but it's not really important anymore.
And so with that in mind.
I watched a BBC thing last night about British costumed dramas. Of course it was turgid aul wank, with a procession of movies set in the themeparked, airbrushed, cosy middle class, sub Jane Austen, ghetto-ed version of past the British film industry has been stuck since - well ever. I wasn't expecting a critical reappraisal so I wasn't too disappointed when the great and the good came out to collectively coo at these movies. The clear implication of the contributions (including one from someone called Daisy Goodwin who was described as a writer and broadcaster (hurrah for you Daisy) was that all they were all great. And who am I to disagree? I'm not a member of the great or the good and I'm certainly not a writer or a broadcaster ( Am I a blogcaster though?) so my opinion counts for nothing, as I ain't on the TV and as I don't write a column in a newspaper.
It's sobering realisation. So my mission statement for the next year is to embrace the fact my opinion counts for three fifths of fuck all.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Clarification
The editorial team at Angry Since 1967 made the following statement.
"Over the past few days there has been speculation in the media that Angry Since 1967 is a fake blog. We'd like to take this opportunity to assure our loyal reader that Angry Since 1967 is real and that the allegations I've just made up are entirely false. We'd also like it be noted as a matter of public record that the suggestion that "Phil" is a pseudonym is completely without foundation. Accusations "Phil" is in fact Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, yer man from the news, you know whatisname, the tall patronising bloke on Breakfast, or anyone else for that matter are completely false. Depressingly "Phil" exists, and in real life, is exactly how you'd imagine him (okay wee bit fatter but certainly not as old).
Angry Since 1967 remains focused on it's primary goal and is looking forward to celebrating it's first birthday at the end of August"
Ends.
"Over the past few days there has been speculation in the media that Angry Since 1967 is a fake blog. We'd like to take this opportunity to assure our loyal reader that Angry Since 1967 is real and that the allegations I've just made up are entirely false. We'd also like it be noted as a matter of public record that the suggestion that "Phil" is a pseudonym is completely without foundation. Accusations "Phil" is in fact Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, yer man from the news, you know whatisname, the tall patronising bloke on Breakfast, or anyone else for that matter are completely false. Depressingly "Phil" exists, and in real life, is exactly how you'd imagine him (okay wee bit fatter but certainly not as old).
Angry Since 1967 remains focused on it's primary goal and is looking forward to celebrating it's first birthday at the end of August"
Ends.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Angry Since 1967 Web Expansion Accelerates Pace
Angry Since 1967 has announced the launch of additional Angry Since 1967 blogs. Phil, CEO and Chairman of Angry Since 1967 Group, said these "demonstrate the commitment Angry Since 1967 has to delivering it's brand of incoherent, inarticulate rants to as wide an audience as possible." He added "The new blogs will continue to be part of the basic Angry Since 1967 package and will remain available to all subscribers at no additional charge. These are exciting times for the Group and we hope to make further announcements soon"
These include
Angry Since 1967 YO! - Poured into a pair of hotpants, Angry Since 1967 YO! goes beyond the media stereotypes and gets down with the homeboys from the lower east side. Blinging the blogsphere with all that's hip in the world of R'n'B, gangsta and rap, Angry Since 1967 rediscovers it's roots in the projects and sticks it to the man (uh-huh)
Angry Since 1967 After Dark - Angry Since 1967 discovers it's sensual side. All posts are written topless.
Angry Since 1967 Beyond - Concentrating on the realm of psychics and mystic beliefs, Angry Since 1967 Beyond investigates the world of spiritualism. Written with the assistance of Spirit bloggers, reknowned psychics and ouija boards, scepticism levels are set to zero as vague, non-specific advice is passed off to the recently bereaved as communications from beyond the grave.
Angry Since 1967 Blogstation - 4 bloggers, each with their own interests available to blog 24 hours a day. Things get more steamy at night when everything is up for discussion with our willing, uninhibited bloggers who can satisfy all your blogging desires and fantasises. Treat yourself to a private blog for a small extra fee.
Angry Since 1967 Science - Looking at how science and technology effects us all, Angry Since 1967 Science investigates the big science topics of the day, seeking to explain and illuminate. Highlights include "Blowing Up Blogs" "How Blogs Get Made" "Blogs Exploding" "Extreme Blog Explosions" "Mega Extreme Blog Explosions", "How Blogging Will End In An Explosion" "Blog Explosions Investigated" "We Make Custom Motorbikes In America" and "Despite Digging Up A Field We Only Found Three Pieces Of Broken Pottery. But From This We Can Tell There Was Big Castle With A Moat And Everything. Here's A Picture Of What It May Have Looked Like"
Angry Since 1967 Nature - Examining the current precarious state of the world around us and the impact Humanity has had on the animals we share this planet with, Angry Since 1967 Nature is aiming to be the definitive resource for things environmental. Launching with a mass blog and a free Music Festival featuring the cream of the worlds music acts who'll be jetting in from around the globe to perform in a specially cleared area in one of the last remaining unspoilt parts of the Amazonian Rainforest, Angry Since 1967 Nature seeks to set the Environmental agenda using it as an vehicle to peddle it's own slightly crazed political objectives.
However the rumoured quiz blog Angry Since 1967 No One Can Win This Quiz As It's Just A Money Making Scam has been put on hold following the recent controversy surrounding the use of premium rate telephone lines by TV companies.
Analysts predict that Angry Since 1967 is on the brink of a major breakthrough into the mass market. Tissu Olies, blog specialist at media brokers Pretend, Madeup and False claimed "Angry Since 1967 is well placed to deliver premium content across a wide range of new media and portable personal devices, however this makes them open to the possiblity of a takeover by a larger player in the market". Down finished up on the annoucement.
These include
Angry Since 1967 YO! - Poured into a pair of hotpants, Angry Since 1967 YO! goes beyond the media stereotypes and gets down with the homeboys from the lower east side. Blinging the blogsphere with all that's hip in the world of R'n'B, gangsta and rap, Angry Since 1967 rediscovers it's roots in the projects and sticks it to the man (uh-huh)
Angry Since 1967 After Dark - Angry Since 1967 discovers it's sensual side. All posts are written topless.
Angry Since 1967 Beyond - Concentrating on the realm of psychics and mystic beliefs, Angry Since 1967 Beyond investigates the world of spiritualism. Written with the assistance of Spirit bloggers, reknowned psychics and ouija boards, scepticism levels are set to zero as vague, non-specific advice is passed off to the recently bereaved as communications from beyond the grave.
Angry Since 1967 Blogstation - 4 bloggers, each with their own interests available to blog 24 hours a day. Things get more steamy at night when everything is up for discussion with our willing, uninhibited bloggers who can satisfy all your blogging desires and fantasises. Treat yourself to a private blog for a small extra fee.
Angry Since 1967 Science - Looking at how science and technology effects us all, Angry Since 1967 Science investigates the big science topics of the day, seeking to explain and illuminate. Highlights include "Blowing Up Blogs" "How Blogs Get Made" "Blogs Exploding" "Extreme Blog Explosions" "Mega Extreme Blog Explosions", "How Blogging Will End In An Explosion" "Blog Explosions Investigated" "We Make Custom Motorbikes In America" and "Despite Digging Up A Field We Only Found Three Pieces Of Broken Pottery. But From This We Can Tell There Was Big Castle With A Moat And Everything. Here's A Picture Of What It May Have Looked Like"
Angry Since 1967 Nature - Examining the current precarious state of the world around us and the impact Humanity has had on the animals we share this planet with, Angry Since 1967 Nature is aiming to be the definitive resource for things environmental. Launching with a mass blog and a free Music Festival featuring the cream of the worlds music acts who'll be jetting in from around the globe to perform in a specially cleared area in one of the last remaining unspoilt parts of the Amazonian Rainforest, Angry Since 1967 Nature seeks to set the Environmental agenda using it as an vehicle to peddle it's own slightly crazed political objectives.
However the rumoured quiz blog Angry Since 1967 No One Can Win This Quiz As It's Just A Money Making Scam has been put on hold following the recent controversy surrounding the use of premium rate telephone lines by TV companies.
Analysts predict that Angry Since 1967 is on the brink of a major breakthrough into the mass market. Tissu Olies, blog specialist at media brokers Pretend, Madeup and False claimed "Angry Since 1967 is well placed to deliver premium content across a wide range of new media and portable personal devices, however this makes them open to the possiblity of a takeover by a larger player in the market". Down finished up on the annoucement.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Angry Since 1967 Expands Web Presence
Press Release
Angry Since 1967 Expands Blog Presence.
Angry Since 1967 is pleased to announce the establishment of a range of new blog sites. Building on the award winning Angry Since 1967 template, these new sites will expand the brand into exciting new fields covering key demographic segments. Each one will retain the unique attitude and edginess that the original Angry Since 1967 has become renowned.
The first of the new Angry Since 1967 sites is Angry Since 1967+1, a time delay blog that runs behind the main Angry Since 1967 site. This will lead to a range of different blogs, developing an online bouquet of sites, focused on different Internet sectors.
Future sites include
Angry Since 1967 Minus 1. A blog which will publish Angry Since 1967 before it’s written
Angry Since 1977 – Edgy real life attitude for people who think lifestyle supplements in the Sunday papers are a key guide to modern living, but with an anarchic punk slant. Never mind the bollocks you’re only thirty, not dead yet TM
iAngry iSince i1987 – a totally radical blog that is in tune with the youth of today. Written in the language of the street, this blog will cover the wicked issues, which matter to young adults. A blog allowing young people set the agenda, treating them as adults without being patronising or condescending.
More Angry Since 1967 – This will have a mix of old favourites from Angry Since 1967 plus posts from other blogs we’ll pass off as our own
Angry Since 1967 US – The same as Angry Since 1967 but using American spellings.
Angry Since 1967 Business – A blog featuring random numbers scrolling along the bottom, top, middle and diagonally across the page.
Angry Since 1967 Last For Breaking News TM – Aimed a people who understand breaking news isn’t necessarily important news.
Angry Since 1967 Celeb – All the news that’s fit to print about people you’ve never heard of, from shows you don’t watch, going to bars and events and shagging other people you’ve never heard of, from other shows you don’t watch.
Angry Since 1967 Music –This will be a music lifestyle blog with features such as “Pimp My Blog”, “Blog Performing Painful Stunts”, “At Home With the Blog” and “The Real Blog”
Angry Since 1967 Hits – An interactive music blog where the reader can ring in to request a certain blog posting to appear. Readers can also put big shouts out to the rest of their posse allowing them to max their Saturday night via the text banner at the side of the blog.
Angry Since 1967 HV1 – This is aimed at the discerning music fan treating then as well-informed, passionate individuals with varied and eclectic tastes. Designed for those who can see through the hype and aimed at the male 30-45 music fan this blog will discuss the impact of artists ranging from Tina Turner to Elton John. Special weekend events will also be a key feature. Several already planned include “The Top 100 Tina Turner Songs”, “Top 100 Elton John Songs” and “HV1 All Time Top 100 Elton John and Tina Turner Songs”
Angry Since 1967 History – Covering the entire scope of human history, this blog seeks to educate and inform. Launch highlights include “Hitler’s Blog”, “Hitler’s Secret Blog”, “Hitler’s Last Blog Uncovered” “Blogging from the Fuhrer Bunker” and “Hitler’s Henchmen – The Blogs”
Angry Since 1967 Direct – A shopping blog. Need a vacuum strong enough to lift bowling balls? Tired of those instant gazebo's which don't deliver? Can’t find a Miracle Blender to suit your needs? Jack La Lane Liquidiser gone faulty? Too lazy to join a gym? Rotisserie worn out? Don't trust Chef Tony? Doggy Steps not living up to expectations? Why take the chance? Buy direct from Angry Since 1967 your guarantee of kwalitie
Notes for Editors
Angry Since 1967 has quickly established itself as a key blog winning the Blog Of The Year Award for Blogs called “Angry Since 1967” from the entirely fictitious Kinda Official Sounding Consumer Organisation 2007. With a loyal following numbering single figures Angry Since 1967 is considered completely irrelevant, existing purely for my amusement and as an outlet to vent my bile in the vain hope it will reduce my blood pressure
Angry Since 1967 Expands Blog Presence.
Angry Since 1967 is pleased to announce the establishment of a range of new blog sites. Building on the award winning Angry Since 1967 template, these new sites will expand the brand into exciting new fields covering key demographic segments. Each one will retain the unique attitude and edginess that the original Angry Since 1967 has become renowned.
The first of the new Angry Since 1967 sites is Angry Since 1967+1, a time delay blog that runs behind the main Angry Since 1967 site. This will lead to a range of different blogs, developing an online bouquet of sites, focused on different Internet sectors.
Future sites include
Angry Since 1967 Minus 1. A blog which will publish Angry Since 1967 before it’s written
Angry Since 1977 – Edgy real life attitude for people who think lifestyle supplements in the Sunday papers are a key guide to modern living, but with an anarchic punk slant. Never mind the bollocks you’re only thirty, not dead yet TM
iAngry iSince i1987 – a totally radical blog that is in tune with the youth of today. Written in the language of the street, this blog will cover the wicked issues, which matter to young adults. A blog allowing young people set the agenda, treating them as adults without being patronising or condescending.
More Angry Since 1967 – This will have a mix of old favourites from Angry Since 1967 plus posts from other blogs we’ll pass off as our own
Angry Since 1967 US – The same as Angry Since 1967 but using American spellings.
Angry Since 1967 Business – A blog featuring random numbers scrolling along the bottom, top, middle and diagonally across the page.
Angry Since 1967 Last For Breaking News TM – Aimed a people who understand breaking news isn’t necessarily important news.
Angry Since 1967 Celeb – All the news that’s fit to print about people you’ve never heard of, from shows you don’t watch, going to bars and events and shagging other people you’ve never heard of, from other shows you don’t watch.
Angry Since 1967 Music –This will be a music lifestyle blog with features such as “Pimp My Blog”, “Blog Performing Painful Stunts”, “At Home With the Blog” and “The Real Blog”
Angry Since 1967 Hits – An interactive music blog where the reader can ring in to request a certain blog posting to appear. Readers can also put big shouts out to the rest of their posse allowing them to max their Saturday night via the text banner at the side of the blog.
Angry Since 1967 HV1 – This is aimed at the discerning music fan treating then as well-informed, passionate individuals with varied and eclectic tastes. Designed for those who can see through the hype and aimed at the male 30-45 music fan this blog will discuss the impact of artists ranging from Tina Turner to Elton John. Special weekend events will also be a key feature. Several already planned include “The Top 100 Tina Turner Songs”, “Top 100 Elton John Songs” and “HV1 All Time Top 100 Elton John and Tina Turner Songs”
Angry Since 1967 History – Covering the entire scope of human history, this blog seeks to educate and inform. Launch highlights include “Hitler’s Blog”, “Hitler’s Secret Blog”, “Hitler’s Last Blog Uncovered” “Blogging from the Fuhrer Bunker” and “Hitler’s Henchmen – The Blogs”
Angry Since 1967 Direct – A shopping blog. Need a vacuum strong enough to lift bowling balls? Tired of those instant gazebo's which don't deliver? Can’t find a Miracle Blender to suit your needs? Jack La Lane Liquidiser gone faulty? Too lazy to join a gym? Rotisserie worn out? Don't trust Chef Tony? Doggy Steps not living up to expectations? Why take the chance? Buy direct from Angry Since 1967 your guarantee of kwalitie
Notes for Editors
Angry Since 1967 has quickly established itself as a key blog winning the Blog Of The Year Award for Blogs called “Angry Since 1967” from the entirely fictitious Kinda Official Sounding Consumer Organisation 2007. With a loyal following numbering single figures Angry Since 1967 is considered completely irrelevant, existing purely for my amusement and as an outlet to vent my bile in the vain hope it will reduce my blood pressure
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Monday, May 28, 2007
I wouldn't mind if it was Nobel, even an Eric would suit me well.
I've decided it's time I won an award. Now obviously I'm never going to win anything for this rubbish, so in time honoured tradition I've simply created a completely new award, and an organisation to present it.So "Kinda Official Sounding Consumer Organisation" asked the Angry Since 1967 editorial team the following question;Of the blogs called "Angry Since 1967" which one is your favourite?
Now I don't want anyone to think that simply because the editorial team consists of me "Angry Since 1967" was a shoe in to win. It took a long time to collect, collate and produce the result.
But I'm delighted to announce that Angry Since 1967 was voted "Blog Of The Year" by Kinda Official Sounding Consumer Organisation. This means I'm able to display their logo on my site.
I feel so validated.
To be honest I'm humbled by this award. I hope that I can live up to it.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Nice song, shame about the video.
Years ago there was a programme on BBC 1 with the Hairy Cornflake himself Dave Lee Travis (christ the 80's were an awful time) which would show pop videos for songs that predated pop videos. So we were er treated to videos for songs like Pilot's "Magic" (featuring a Pilot doing magic tricks. Genius) and so on and so on.
Roll on 20 odd years and now anyone with access to a PC and some video editing software can replicate the idea behind this formidable show and make their own videos for songs that don't have videos. Nowadays this artform (!) forms a significant part of YouTube (clearly the people behind this site weren't from Belfast), taking pride of place beside videos of people falling over, Star Wars parodies and parodies of Star Wars. Never one to miss a passing bandwagon Angry Since 1967 Productions is proud to present two "Videos For Songs Which Don't Have Official Videos(TM)"
The first of these is for the Boards Of Canada track "Peacock Tail". Now the production technique is a closely guarded secret, however the fact that it is shot in "Waving-a-mobile-phone-with-a-video-camera-in-front-of-the-TV-while-Carl-Sagan's-Cosmos-is-playing-then-editing-the-results-in-the-worst-free video-editing-software-I've-ever-seen-A-Vision" may offer some hints as to how it was produced
The second video is for the Boards Of Canada tracks "Bocuma" and "Roygbiv". These tracks have always reminded me of the music used for schools programming in the 1980's. Most of the programmes had title music which fell into one of two broad categories - Radiophonic Workshop or Derek Griffiths. Boards of Canada fall into the "Radiophonic" category. Why there aren't a hundred bands citing Derek Griffiths as a major influence is little short of baffling. In this day of tribute bands isn't there room for a Derek Griffiths one? They could do all the classics "Heads And Tails", "Build Yourself A Word" and of course the seminal "Magic E". Anyway this video is cobbled together from some clips I managed to get from YouTube, and includes the opening titles of top programmes such as "Going To Work", "Near and Far", "Picture Box" and "Near And Far"
Roll on 20 odd years and now anyone with access to a PC and some video editing software can replicate the idea behind this formidable show and make their own videos for songs that don't have videos. Nowadays this artform (!) forms a significant part of YouTube (clearly the people behind this site weren't from Belfast), taking pride of place beside videos of people falling over, Star Wars parodies and parodies of Star Wars. Never one to miss a passing bandwagon Angry Since 1967 Productions is proud to present two "Videos For Songs Which Don't Have Official Videos(TM)"
The first of these is for the Boards Of Canada track "Peacock Tail". Now the production technique is a closely guarded secret, however the fact that it is shot in "Waving-a-mobile-phone-with-a-video-camera-in-front-of-the-TV-while-Carl-Sagan's-Cosmos-is-playing-then-editing-the-results-in-the-worst-free video-editing-software-I've-ever-seen-A-Vision" may offer some hints as to how it was produced
The second video is for the Boards Of Canada tracks "Bocuma" and "Roygbiv". These tracks have always reminded me of the music used for schools programming in the 1980's. Most of the programmes had title music which fell into one of two broad categories - Radiophonic Workshop or Derek Griffiths. Boards of Canada fall into the "Radiophonic" category. Why there aren't a hundred bands citing Derek Griffiths as a major influence is little short of baffling. In this day of tribute bands isn't there room for a Derek Griffiths one? They could do all the classics "Heads And Tails", "Build Yourself A Word" and of course the seminal "Magic E". Anyway this video is cobbled together from some clips I managed to get from YouTube, and includes the opening titles of top programmes such as "Going To Work", "Near and Far", "Picture Box" and "Near And Far"
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Odds and Sods
I haven't updated this in a while so...
Congratulations to Maxwell Someone who was introduced to the viewers of BBC Breakfast on Friday 13th as a "Broadcaster". Now to be honest I have no idea who this is and I wasn't interested enough to hang around to find out.
In case your wondering where the "Our Survey says" thing has vanished to, well the unrelenting predictability was starting to get on my wick. Needless to say the BBC (and others) are still publishing surveys without even the most cursory examination of the data or methodology. Worse no-one (apart from me) seems to capable of treating the results with any scepticism. So in the last week we had a survey (commissioned by a company flogging security solutions to retailers) which claimed customers are reluctant to spend money with companies which have experienced security breaches with their electronic payments. Which is bollocks. Customers are reluctant to spend money with companies who make these security breaches public. I've heard stories about some well known organisations (unsurprisingly not mentioned in this survey) which would curl your hair and empty your bank account at the same time. So all this result demonstrates is "what the eye doesn't see the heart doesn't grieve".
In a similar vein the much vaunted Chip And Pin system has been exposed as not being quite as fullproof as we've been told, with thousands of motorists finding their card details passed to Tamil guerillas. God things have changed. In the old days all you would get with your petrol was some vouchers for either World Cup coins or worse, tumblers. Now it's a free surface to air missile for the Tamils with every 50 litres.
I suppose if you're buying petrol from Esso you could actually be putting a Tiger in a Tank
Congratulations to Maxwell Someone who was introduced to the viewers of BBC Breakfast on Friday 13th as a "Broadcaster". Now to be honest I have no idea who this is and I wasn't interested enough to hang around to find out.
In case your wondering where the "Our Survey says" thing has vanished to, well the unrelenting predictability was starting to get on my wick. Needless to say the BBC (and others) are still publishing surveys without even the most cursory examination of the data or methodology. Worse no-one (apart from me) seems to capable of treating the results with any scepticism. So in the last week we had a survey (commissioned by a company flogging security solutions to retailers) which claimed customers are reluctant to spend money with companies which have experienced security breaches with their electronic payments. Which is bollocks. Customers are reluctant to spend money with companies who make these security breaches public. I've heard stories about some well known organisations (unsurprisingly not mentioned in this survey) which would curl your hair and empty your bank account at the same time. So all this result demonstrates is "what the eye doesn't see the heart doesn't grieve".
In a similar vein the much vaunted Chip And Pin system has been exposed as not being quite as fullproof as we've been told, with thousands of motorists finding their card details passed to Tamil guerillas. God things have changed. In the old days all you would get with your petrol was some vouchers for either World Cup coins or worse, tumblers. Now it's a free surface to air missile for the Tamils with every 50 litres.
I suppose if you're buying petrol from Esso you could actually be putting a Tiger in a Tank
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Broadcast(er) News
I'd just like to be the first to congratulate the following on their attainment of the status of "Broadcaster."
Lowri Turner - She was awarded this by BBC Breakfast News the week before last.
Kate Garraway - the happy event was announced by The National Lottery: The People's Quiz.
A special mention for Newton Emerson. He was introduced on BBC 2's "Hearts And Minds" as a "Commentator". So close. Better luck next time Newton.
Lowri Turner - She was awarded this by BBC Breakfast News the week before last.
Kate Garraway - the happy event was announced by The National Lottery: The People's Quiz.
A special mention for Newton Emerson. He was introduced on BBC 2's "Hearts And Minds" as a "Commentator". So close. Better luck next time Newton.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Er.....
How do you attain the status of a "broadcaster?" For example when Sky News or News 24 review the newspapers they invariably describe the reviewer as a writer and broadcaster. The term "writer" is clear enough but what precisely is the distinction between a "broadcaster" and a "presenter" or "guest"?
Why does the news media insist on reviewing the newspapers anyway - when that is precisely what they don't do. They review the news in the papers - they don't sit there and say "I think the use of white space is sooooo 1993 and what were they thinking? Arial with that picture? Don't these people know what page composition is?"
How precisely is it "a great night for Britain" when an actor / sports person / writer / team / or whatever wins an international award? Does Helen Mirren winning an Oscar really make Britain great? Did Ricky Gervais Emmy win really make the world sit up and say "What a country?"
Why do the media use the term "record breaking" when referring to the number of casualties in Iraqi? It isn't "Record Breakers" with Roy Castle and Norris McWhirter keeping score. Why are they comfortable with reducing human cost of this unjust war to that of a fucking domino toppling competition?
Why does the news media insist on reviewing the newspapers anyway - when that is precisely what they don't do. They review the news in the papers - they don't sit there and say "I think the use of white space is sooooo 1993 and what were they thinking? Arial with that picture? Don't these people know what page composition is?"
How precisely is it "a great night for Britain" when an actor / sports person / writer / team / or whatever wins an international award? Does Helen Mirren winning an Oscar really make Britain great? Did Ricky Gervais Emmy win really make the world sit up and say "What a country?"
Why do the media use the term "record breaking" when referring to the number of casualties in Iraqi? It isn't "Record Breakers" with Roy Castle and Norris McWhirter keeping score. Why are they comfortable with reducing human cost of this unjust war to that of a fucking domino toppling competition?
Monday, February 12, 2007
Chip and Pin(ched) +++UPDATE+++
Does this sound familar?
U.K. researchers devise smart-card hack
By Tom Espiner, ZDNet.UK, February 07, 2007
Two Cambridge researchers have created a scenario in which hackers can bypass the latest bank-card security measures.
Saar Drimer and Steven Murdoch, members of the Cambridge University Computer Laboratory, demonstrated last month how they could modify a supposedly tamper-proof chip-and-PIN payment terminal to play Tetris.
They have now extended the hack to demonstrate how they can compromise the system by relaying card information between a genuine card and a fake one.
Chip and PIN, a government-backed initiative introduced last year in England, is a security measure in which a customer must enter a four-digit code when they use a credit or debit card for face-to-face transactions. The measure replaces the magnetic strip with a chip and the use of a four-digit PIN number. The card is placed in a device that authenticates the chip, and then a PIN is entered. Chip and PIN uses the EMV standard for smart cards. Similar but incompatible EMV systems are in use in other countries as well.
The Cambridge researchers argue that the system is not as secure as the banking industry claims.
"Chip and PIN currently does not defend against this attack, despite assertions from the banking community that customers must be liable for frauds in which the PIN was used," the researchers said in an as-yet-unpublished paper.
"When customers pay with a chip and PIN card, they have no choice but to trust the terminal when it displays the amount of the transaction. The terminal, however, could be replaced with a malicious one, without showing any outward traces," the researchers warned in their paper.
Details of the prototype attack were released Monday. In it, Drimer and Murdoch demonstrate how a chip and PIN system could be compromised to steal diamonds.
How the scam works. In the scenario, a customer attempts to pay a restaurant bill. He enters the card details into a terminal that looks real, but has actually been tampered with. It is not connected to a bank, but instead to a laptop in the restaurant.
The terminal is completely under the control of a criminal, who has modified the hardware to relay the card information to an accomplice's laptop, for example in a jewelry shop across town. The accomplice's laptop can receive the information relayed from the legitimate card in the restaurant, and is connected to a modified bank card.
In the prototype system built by Drimer and Murdoch, the chip has been removed from the modified card, and wires to the card run up the sleeve of an attacker and connect to the laptop in a backpack. Such a setup could arouse suspicion, but the researchers believe it is possible to make the card more difficult to detect by using an RFID chip that could communicate wirelessly with the laptop.
The laptop is linked to the other laptop back in the restaurant by a GSM connection. Wi-Fi could potentially be used instead, the researchers said.
The victim places his card into the modified terminal and enters the PIN, and the criminal texts the accomplice at a jeweler's shop to start the heist. The accomplice enters the fake card into the jeweler's terminal. All transactions from the jeweler's terminal are relayed via the fake card, laptops, and fake terminal to the legitimate card.
This links the jeweler's terminal to the victim's bank. As the criminal controls the terminal in the restaurant, they can make it display that the victim will pay $40, when in reality the victim is being charged $4,000 at the jeweler's for a diamond ring.
During this relay attack the criminal doesn't need to hack into any systems or run any decryption because data is simply being relayed from one terminal to another.
The researchers were unwilling to reveal too much of the technology behind the attack because they don't want their methods falling into the wrong hands. But they did say that they used a Field Programmable Gate Array--a semiconductor device containing programmable logic components and programmable interconnects--in the fake card.
Drimer claimed the fraud would be difficult for police to trace, as the victim might only notice once they received a bank statement. They would need to remember where they were when the fraud occurred, as the transaction would show from the jewelry shop, not the restaurant.
"A criminal could have a fast turnaround from this type of attack--most likely it would not be detected," said Drimer.
U.K. researchers devise smart-card hack
By Tom Espiner, ZDNet.UK, February 07, 2007
Two Cambridge researchers have created a scenario in which hackers can bypass the latest bank-card security measures.
Saar Drimer and Steven Murdoch, members of the Cambridge University Computer Laboratory, demonstrated last month how they could modify a supposedly tamper-proof chip-and-PIN payment terminal to play Tetris.
They have now extended the hack to demonstrate how they can compromise the system by relaying card information between a genuine card and a fake one.
Chip and PIN, a government-backed initiative introduced last year in England, is a security measure in which a customer must enter a four-digit code when they use a credit or debit card for face-to-face transactions. The measure replaces the magnetic strip with a chip and the use of a four-digit PIN number. The card is placed in a device that authenticates the chip, and then a PIN is entered. Chip and PIN uses the EMV standard for smart cards. Similar but incompatible EMV systems are in use in other countries as well.
The Cambridge researchers argue that the system is not as secure as the banking industry claims.
"Chip and PIN currently does not defend against this attack, despite assertions from the banking community that customers must be liable for frauds in which the PIN was used," the researchers said in an as-yet-unpublished paper.
"When customers pay with a chip and PIN card, they have no choice but to trust the terminal when it displays the amount of the transaction. The terminal, however, could be replaced with a malicious one, without showing any outward traces," the researchers warned in their paper.
Details of the prototype attack were released Monday. In it, Drimer and Murdoch demonstrate how a chip and PIN system could be compromised to steal diamonds.
How the scam works. In the scenario, a customer attempts to pay a restaurant bill. He enters the card details into a terminal that looks real, but has actually been tampered with. It is not connected to a bank, but instead to a laptop in the restaurant.
The terminal is completely under the control of a criminal, who has modified the hardware to relay the card information to an accomplice's laptop, for example in a jewelry shop across town. The accomplice's laptop can receive the information relayed from the legitimate card in the restaurant, and is connected to a modified bank card.
In the prototype system built by Drimer and Murdoch, the chip has been removed from the modified card, and wires to the card run up the sleeve of an attacker and connect to the laptop in a backpack. Such a setup could arouse suspicion, but the researchers believe it is possible to make the card more difficult to detect by using an RFID chip that could communicate wirelessly with the laptop.
The laptop is linked to the other laptop back in the restaurant by a GSM connection. Wi-Fi could potentially be used instead, the researchers said.
The victim places his card into the modified terminal and enters the PIN, and the criminal texts the accomplice at a jeweler's shop to start the heist. The accomplice enters the fake card into the jeweler's terminal. All transactions from the jeweler's terminal are relayed via the fake card, laptops, and fake terminal to the legitimate card.
This links the jeweler's terminal to the victim's bank. As the criminal controls the terminal in the restaurant, they can make it display that the victim will pay $40, when in reality the victim is being charged $4,000 at the jeweler's for a diamond ring.
During this relay attack the criminal doesn't need to hack into any systems or run any decryption because data is simply being relayed from one terminal to another.
The researchers were unwilling to reveal too much of the technology behind the attack because they don't want their methods falling into the wrong hands. But they did say that they used a Field Programmable Gate Array--a semiconductor device containing programmable logic components and programmable interconnects--in the fake card.
Drimer claimed the fraud would be difficult for police to trace, as the victim might only notice once they received a bank statement. They would need to remember where they were when the fraud occurred, as the transaction would show from the jewelry shop, not the restaurant.
"A criminal could have a fast turnaround from this type of attack--most likely it would not be detected," said Drimer.
Now compare this to what I wrote in here in October
http://angrysince1967.blogspot.com/search?q=chip+and+pinched
I've actually been thinking about this whole chip and pin thing. We've been told by the people who know (they must be experts as I saw one of them being interviewed by Declan Curry on BBC Breakfast) that chip and pin is more secure than the old signature system as it's more difficult to forge. Er? Picture the scene. You're at a restaurant / bar etc and the bill comes. Without thinking they present you with one of those portable chip and pin devices. You happily pop in your number (leaving a tip as well). Do you see the problem? No? How do you know that this device is what it proports to be? Still not concerned? Okay let me put it another way. The smart chip in credit cards is (broadly at least) the same technology used in SIM cards. Did you know you can buy SIM card copiers. And it's not as if they hard things to get. They even sell them in the local supermarket up from my parents house. It doesn't take a massive leap of imagination to see where this is going does it? If SIM cards can be copied them the smart chips in credit cards can be copied as well. All it takes is for someone to disguise this as a portable chip and pin machine and Bob's your uncle, a device which copies the data from your chip, captures the pin number. If they wanted to be really smart they could also incorporate on of those pinhole cameras (like the ones we're always warned about being attached to cash machines) to take a photo of the security number on the back of the signature strip. Of course it will also copy the data on the magnetic strip as well. All it's cost the crooks is a meal, and while your scoffing the cheap sweeties they've given you with the receipt, your bank account is being emptied.
I just like to take this opportunity to say "I told you so". Angry Since 1967 always at least 3 months ahead of the game....
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Our Survey Says....Exactly What We Wanted (14)
You know the form...
Company flogging (supposedly at least) harder to defraud pre-paid credit card for online purchases, claims online fraud now major concern
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6293907.stm
Britons fear being ripped-off online more than gun crime, climate change or even contracting MRSA in hospital, a survey has suggested.
Online fraud worries four out of 10 Britons, according to a survey from 3V, an electronic payments company.
Interesting. Of course this service 3v offers comes at a price. £3.50. Now I know this doesn't sound like much, however you're charged this everytime you top the card up and it's the same amount regardless of how much you top the card up by. If it's the tenner minimum or the maximum amount of £200 it's still £3.50. This means that spending a £10 is going to cost £13.50.
Worse if you have a balance on the card which you'd like converted back to cash they'll charge you £1.75 for the privilege. If you don't use the full balance on the card by it's expiry date, they'll charge you an "account management fee" of £1 per month, every month until either you cash it in or it reaches a balance of £1.75, which they'll take as a "final redemption charge".
I think I'll take my chances. At least with online fraud you don't normally know your being ripped off in advance....
Company flogging (supposedly at least) harder to defraud pre-paid credit card for online purchases, claims online fraud now major concern
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6293907.stm
Britons fear being ripped-off online more than gun crime, climate change or even contracting MRSA in hospital, a survey has suggested.
Online fraud worries four out of 10 Britons, according to a survey from 3V, an electronic payments company.
Interesting. Of course this service 3v offers comes at a price. £3.50. Now I know this doesn't sound like much, however you're charged this everytime you top the card up and it's the same amount regardless of how much you top the card up by. If it's the tenner minimum or the maximum amount of £200 it's still £3.50. This means that spending a £10 is going to cost £13.50.
Worse if you have a balance on the card which you'd like converted back to cash they'll charge you £1.75 for the privilege. If you don't use the full balance on the card by it's expiry date, they'll charge you an "account management fee" of £1 per month, every month until either you cash it in or it reaches a balance of £1.75, which they'll take as a "final redemption charge".
I think I'll take my chances. At least with online fraud you don't normally know your being ripped off in advance....
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
The Gospel According to Saint Jobs
Apple have launched a mobile phone, it has a built in camera. It plays mp3s. It doubles as a PDA. You can surf the internet with it. It runs a version of an operating system, usually only found on desktop computers. Steve Jobs claim that is a "magical new device" which will "revolutionise the industry". Which will come to a shock to the companies already producing virtually indentical products.
But it doesn't matter. This is an Apple product, meaning critical facilties are suspended, awe struck amazement being the only acceptable response.
However it's worth reflecting on the responses this annoucement would have generated if
Panasonic had released the exact same product. People would ask (quite rightly) "what?"
But this is simply symptomatic of a more depressing trend. People evanglising faceless multi-national corporations and the consumer durables they produce. This isn't unique to Apple. There are Playstation devotees, and Xbox disciples, and the rest, versed in the gospels espoused in the latest ad campaign. All happy to shout the doctrine of "mine's better than yours because..." It's religion but without comforting lies of salvation and eternal life. Although I've no doubt a company somewhere is already working on electronic version of eternal life (Life V1.2) and building iHeaven.
But it doesn't matter. This is an Apple product, meaning critical facilties are suspended, awe struck amazement being the only acceptable response.
However it's worth reflecting on the responses this annoucement would have generated if
Panasonic had released the exact same product. People would ask (quite rightly) "what?"
But this is simply symptomatic of a more depressing trend. People evanglising faceless multi-national corporations and the consumer durables they produce. This isn't unique to Apple. There are Playstation devotees, and Xbox disciples, and the rest, versed in the gospels espoused in the latest ad campaign. All happy to shout the doctrine of "mine's better than yours because..." It's religion but without comforting lies of salvation and eternal life. Although I've no doubt a company somewhere is already working on electronic version of eternal life (Life V1.2) and building iHeaven.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
It's like VHS vs Betamax
It only took a day. About half way down the page you'll notice the following gem
Analysts have warned that the format war, which has been likened to the Betamax-VHS videotape fight in the 1980s, could cause confusion amongst consumers and impact on sales of both technologies.
Predictable isn't the word. Can't they think of a different comparison? It's like Sky versus BSB, it's like 8 Track versus Compact Cassette, it's like the Playstation against the Saturn, it's like the Mac against PCs, it's like Dyson versus Hoover. And, as I've mentioned before, the consumer doesn't seem to be confused by the myriad of competing incompatible video games systems.
Of course there is a much more direct comparison, something the analysts fail to acknowledge. DVD recorders. If their view is to be believed, the consumer can't cope with more than one video format, therefore DVD recorders which are available in any number of incompatible versions should have failed, due to public bewilderment. But it didn't happen. VHS is now all but extinct. And it's not like the public are particularly clued up about consumer electronics. It wouldn't have been the first time someone asked me for a JCB video, or claimed they had a Mississippi TV, or wanted a demo of a Dudley Didical amp, or wondered how much a George Formby Health grill cost, or had difficulty with the notion Scotch videotapes were in fact blank.
Which demonstrates one key thing. The public know what they want, analysts only think they know what the public want.
Analysts have warned that the format war, which has been likened to the Betamax-VHS videotape fight in the 1980s, could cause confusion amongst consumers and impact on sales of both technologies.
Predictable isn't the word. Can't they think of a different comparison? It's like Sky versus BSB, it's like 8 Track versus Compact Cassette, it's like the Playstation against the Saturn, it's like the Mac against PCs, it's like Dyson versus Hoover. And, as I've mentioned before, the consumer doesn't seem to be confused by the myriad of competing incompatible video games systems.
Of course there is a much more direct comparison, something the analysts fail to acknowledge. DVD recorders. If their view is to be believed, the consumer can't cope with more than one video format, therefore DVD recorders which are available in any number of incompatible versions should have failed, due to public bewilderment. But it didn't happen. VHS is now all but extinct. And it's not like the public are particularly clued up about consumer electronics. It wouldn't have been the first time someone asked me for a JCB video, or claimed they had a Mississippi TV, or wanted a demo of a Dudley Didical amp, or wondered how much a George Formby Health grill cost, or had difficulty with the notion Scotch videotapes were in fact blank.
Which demonstrates one key thing. The public know what they want, analysts only think they know what the public want.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Angry Since 1967, Which
will turn out to be a load of old cobblers...
Microsoft Vista will be released. Almost immediately, some company or newsgroup, will announce they've managed to find a security flaw. This will come on top of the news that some hardware / software won't work with it. Expect gasping reports on the BBC equating this to the end of civilisation as we know it, and people on Linux / Apple boards having their first orgasms in delight at this news. Meanwhile Vista goes onto be a huge success.
When the PS3 is released expect the Edge to run spoiler stories possibly with guesstimated pictures of the Xbox 3. (Gawd I hate Edge, they are like that bloody kid at school who would come out with things like "I've seen Indiana Jones 4 and it's brilliant" despite the fact it doesn't (yet) exist.) Also expect the Xbox 360's price to drop, to general indifference. Nevertheless the PS3 will be massively successful, and parents can expect long queues in late November trying to get little Timmy his new Playstation in time for Christmas.
At some point in the year a singer / band with their best years long behind them will release a new album. Expect the words "a stunning return to form" to appear in at least 40% of the reviews (this despite the fact these same reviewers told us the previous release was a "stunning return to form")
Surveys will continue to be produced, proving exactly what they intended.
Any mention of "Blu-ray" and "HD-DVD" will be prefixed with the term "VHS Vs Betamax"
DFS sofas will be available at 50% off, with 3 years interest free credit and nothing to pay in the first year (but only if you are quick, as the sale MUST end at 9:00 PM on Sunday 4th January 2099)
Microsoft Vista will be released. Almost immediately, some company or newsgroup, will announce they've managed to find a security flaw. This will come on top of the news that some hardware / software won't work with it. Expect gasping reports on the BBC equating this to the end of civilisation as we know it, and people on Linux / Apple boards having their first orgasms in delight at this news. Meanwhile Vista goes onto be a huge success.
When the PS3 is released expect the Edge to run spoiler stories possibly with guesstimated pictures of the Xbox 3. (Gawd I hate Edge, they are like that bloody kid at school who would come out with things like "I've seen Indiana Jones 4 and it's brilliant" despite the fact it doesn't (yet) exist.) Also expect the Xbox 360's price to drop, to general indifference. Nevertheless the PS3 will be massively successful, and parents can expect long queues in late November trying to get little Timmy his new Playstation in time for Christmas.
At some point in the year a singer / band with their best years long behind them will release a new album. Expect the words "a stunning return to form" to appear in at least 40% of the reviews (this despite the fact these same reviewers told us the previous release was a "stunning return to form")
Surveys will continue to be produced, proving exactly what they intended.
Any mention of "Blu-ray" and "HD-DVD" will be prefixed with the term "VHS Vs Betamax"
DFS sofas will be available at 50% off, with 3 years interest free credit and nothing to pay in the first year (but only if you are quick, as the sale MUST end at 9:00 PM on Sunday 4th January 2099)
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