Keeping the world up to date with me.
Monday, November 29, 2004
Magnetic wood blocks mobile phone signals
Magnetic wood blocks mobile phone signals - from New Scientist. An interesting way to stop the b***ards in the quiet carriages on trains...
Wednesday, November 24, 2004
Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership
Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership - an interesting website sent to me by Jon.
How good is UK.gov at its own security agenda?
The only sensible review of terrorist security I've heard.
DIY fingerprint idea thwarts ID thieves
DIY fingerprint idea thwarts ID thieves:
The Home Office is touting ID cards as a solution to ID theft in today's Queen's Speech but a Yorkshire man has taken matters into his own hands. Jamie Jameson, a civil servant from Scarborough in North Yorkshire, insists that credit can only be extended in his name on production of a thumbprint.
Jameson hit on the idea of writing to the UK's three main credit reference agencies - Equifax, Experian and Call Credit - and requesting that they put a 'Notice of Correction' on his file stating that a print must be offered with applications for loans or credit cards issued in his name. At the same time he submitted his fingerprint.
This Notice of Correction of the first thing a prospective lender will see when it calls up his records. Normally this facility provides a way for individuals to explain why they have a county court judgement against their name or other qualifications to their credit history. Jameson is using it to do a cheap security check.
Although uncommon in the UK, thumbprints are often used as an audit mechanism for people cashing cheques in US banks. A similar scheme was trialled in Wales. Jameson takes a little ink pad similar to that used in US banks around with him all the time just in case he might need it.
If an application for credit is accepted without a thumbprint - against Jameson's express instructions - then he will not be liable for losses. If a would-be fraudster gives a false print on an application then it makes it easier for them to be traced by the police. "Lenders don’t have to match prints. Using prints juts establishes an audit trail if anything goes wrong," Jameson explained. "It's not so much me proving who I am as preventing someone else being me."
Jameson has been using the idea successfully for over a year. He concedes that the scheme isn't foolproof and that it's possible to fake fingerprints ("nothing’s perfect," as he puts it). As far as Jameson knows he's the only person who's using the technique in the UK. The scheme delays the issuing of credit, which could be a problem with people who apply for multiple accounts but this is a minor inconvenience for Jameson. "This is driven by the individual so there are no data protection issues. It's a real deterrent to ID theft," he told El Reg. ®
The Home Office is touting ID cards as a solution to ID theft in today's Queen's Speech but a Yorkshire man has taken matters into his own hands. Jamie Jameson, a civil servant from Scarborough in North Yorkshire, insists that credit can only be extended in his name on production of a thumbprint.
Jameson hit on the idea of writing to the UK's three main credit reference agencies - Equifax, Experian and Call Credit - and requesting that they put a 'Notice of Correction' on his file stating that a print must be offered with applications for loans or credit cards issued in his name. At the same time he submitted his fingerprint.
This Notice of Correction of the first thing a prospective lender will see when it calls up his records. Normally this facility provides a way for individuals to explain why they have a county court judgement against their name or other qualifications to their credit history. Jameson is using it to do a cheap security check.
Although uncommon in the UK, thumbprints are often used as an audit mechanism for people cashing cheques in US banks. A similar scheme was trialled in Wales. Jameson takes a little ink pad similar to that used in US banks around with him all the time just in case he might need it.
If an application for credit is accepted without a thumbprint - against Jameson's express instructions - then he will not be liable for losses. If a would-be fraudster gives a false print on an application then it makes it easier for them to be traced by the police. "Lenders don’t have to match prints. Using prints juts establishes an audit trail if anything goes wrong," Jameson explained. "It's not so much me proving who I am as preventing someone else being me."
Jameson has been using the idea successfully for over a year. He concedes that the scheme isn't foolproof and that it's possible to fake fingerprints ("nothing’s perfect," as he puts it). As far as Jameson knows he's the only person who's using the technique in the UK. The scheme delays the issuing of credit, which could be a problem with people who apply for multiple accounts but this is a minor inconvenience for Jameson. "This is driven by the individual so there are no data protection issues. It's a real deterrent to ID theft," he told El Reg. ®
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
2 invitations to a wedding I don't want to go to
A great Ebay auction:
I've been invited to the wedding of a mate of mine who I used to know really well until he started going out with the girl he's going to marry. She's a dog. No really. I haven't seen them since I told her she's a dog over two years ago. They've stupidly invited me to their wedding, but I don't want to go. It's an invite to me '+plus 1" and involves the afternoon reception (a sit down meal in a 4 star restaurant) and evening piss up (a bus will carry you there, and drag you to the nearest b&b or trainstation after. Should be a good day out. All in all I reckon there's a good £150 worth of entertainment if you time it right. No one will know you're not me except the groom and he'll be so pissed trying to forget his new wife's a dog he won't notice. The only thing is, because she's such a dog, they might not get married, so I reserve the right to cancel the bidding.
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On 16-Oct-04 at 08:59:59 BST, seller added the following information:
Since listing the tickets I've been contacted by quite a few people who think they're going to the same wedding. As it happens, 3 of you are and want to sell your tickets too. So this auction is now for 5 tickets to the wedding of a mate to a dog that we don't want to go to. Getting five of you into a wedding might be a bit of a gamble, so I'll keep the buy it now price the same, but you're now looking at at least £400 worth of free booze, good food. Even if you have to listen to her dad do karaoke, and watch her mum try to get off with the ushers.
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On 18-Oct-04 at 11:50:06 BST, seller added the following information:
For those who've been asking, I can email photo's of the invite. I didn't want to post them as I thought the pink feather trmming might make it a bit too obvious which wedding I'm talking about. Suffice to say they play a pretty good version of 'livin' la vida loca' when opened.
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On 19-Oct-04 at 15:29:39 BST, seller added the following information:
I'm getting a lot of questions, so thanks to everyone who's expressed an interest. Unfortunately I'm going to have to dissappoint most of you by telling you that the bridesmaids are likely to be dogs too. I know, it's a marital travesty. The bride's best mate works in a chippy in Colchester, and they always used to go boozing in Stoke with her aunt who I seem to remember had a penchant for DKNY tracksuits, Pineapple Bacardi Breezers and cafe creme. Now, on the basis there's a 100% certainty that at least one of them is a bridesmaid, there's not a lot of optimisim I can inject, is there? That and the fact that I've heard that 2 of the ushers are now trying to sell their tickets on loot having had the tip off about her mother.
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On 21-Oct-04 at 13:41:46 BST, seller added the following information:
Blimey - it's all gone a bit Frey Bentos here hasn't it. I only popped out to Petsmart to get the winning bidder a present to take, and I've come back to about a billion questions. Haven't got the time to answer them all but most common ones are: Yes there is a dress code - anything in satin by FILA or UMBRO. Men can substitue ties for big jewellery. Yes the ladies must wear hats - baseball caps or beanies. There's no vegetarian option, although Pedigree Dry may very well be a starter. No, bidding does not include return fare to Brisbane. No, the invite will not get you into the bridal suite. YOU WOULDN'T WANT TO. REALLY. No, I won't marry you. Thanks though. No, I'm not a misogynist, and yes, I do feel guilty... ...but she really really really is a dog. Yes there's much more to this story, but not enough room here. Any publishers out there?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On 21-Oct-04 at 15:17:06 BST, seller added the following information:
eBay have advised me that the current bid may not be genuine. I think 300 grand to go to the wedding of someone you've never met is pretty resonable, but they've advised me to do the pre-approved bidders thing. So sorry kids, but could bidders kindly email me and get pre-approved. Not my idea. promise. good luck.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On 22-Oct-04 at 09:44:25 BST, seller added the following information:
Most of you have hit the nail on the head, you know. I still love the old dog, despite what she did to me. And, thanks to the Colchester Massiv’s “Honk if you’re Twinklydog’s Dog” campaign, she got in touch this morning and we’ve had a good chat. It’s a bit of a gamble, but I’m going to pull the auction, go to Aberdeen and see whether she’ll put a stop to this sham of a wedding and marry me instead. Hope you understand. The cab’s outside, I’ve got to go.
I've been invited to the wedding of a mate of mine who I used to know really well until he started going out with the girl he's going to marry. She's a dog. No really. I haven't seen them since I told her she's a dog over two years ago. They've stupidly invited me to their wedding, but I don't want to go. It's an invite to me '+plus 1" and involves the afternoon reception (a sit down meal in a 4 star restaurant) and evening piss up (a bus will carry you there, and drag you to the nearest b&b or trainstation after. Should be a good day out. All in all I reckon there's a good £150 worth of entertainment if you time it right. No one will know you're not me except the groom and he'll be so pissed trying to forget his new wife's a dog he won't notice. The only thing is, because she's such a dog, they might not get married, so I reserve the right to cancel the bidding.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On 16-Oct-04 at 08:59:59 BST, seller added the following information:
Since listing the tickets I've been contacted by quite a few people who think they're going to the same wedding. As it happens, 3 of you are and want to sell your tickets too. So this auction is now for 5 tickets to the wedding of a mate to a dog that we don't want to go to. Getting five of you into a wedding might be a bit of a gamble, so I'll keep the buy it now price the same, but you're now looking at at least £400 worth of free booze, good food. Even if you have to listen to her dad do karaoke, and watch her mum try to get off with the ushers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On 18-Oct-04 at 11:50:06 BST, seller added the following information:
For those who've been asking, I can email photo's of the invite. I didn't want to post them as I thought the pink feather trmming might make it a bit too obvious which wedding I'm talking about. Suffice to say they play a pretty good version of 'livin' la vida loca' when opened.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On 19-Oct-04 at 15:29:39 BST, seller added the following information:
I'm getting a lot of questions, so thanks to everyone who's expressed an interest. Unfortunately I'm going to have to dissappoint most of you by telling you that the bridesmaids are likely to be dogs too. I know, it's a marital travesty. The bride's best mate works in a chippy in Colchester, and they always used to go boozing in Stoke with her aunt who I seem to remember had a penchant for DKNY tracksuits, Pineapple Bacardi Breezers and cafe creme. Now, on the basis there's a 100% certainty that at least one of them is a bridesmaid, there's not a lot of optimisim I can inject, is there? That and the fact that I've heard that 2 of the ushers are now trying to sell their tickets on loot having had the tip off about her mother.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On 21-Oct-04 at 13:41:46 BST, seller added the following information:
Blimey - it's all gone a bit Frey Bentos here hasn't it. I only popped out to Petsmart to get the winning bidder a present to take, and I've come back to about a billion questions. Haven't got the time to answer them all but most common ones are: Yes there is a dress code - anything in satin by FILA or UMBRO. Men can substitue ties for big jewellery. Yes the ladies must wear hats - baseball caps or beanies. There's no vegetarian option, although Pedigree Dry may very well be a starter. No, bidding does not include return fare to Brisbane. No, the invite will not get you into the bridal suite. YOU WOULDN'T WANT TO. REALLY. No, I won't marry you. Thanks though. No, I'm not a misogynist, and yes, I do feel guilty... ...but she really really really is a dog. Yes there's much more to this story, but not enough room here. Any publishers out there?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On 21-Oct-04 at 15:17:06 BST, seller added the following information:
eBay have advised me that the current bid may not be genuine. I think 300 grand to go to the wedding of someone you've never met is pretty resonable, but they've advised me to do the pre-approved bidders thing. So sorry kids, but could bidders kindly email me and get pre-approved. Not my idea. promise. good luck.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On 22-Oct-04 at 09:44:25 BST, seller added the following information:
Most of you have hit the nail on the head, you know. I still love the old dog, despite what she did to me. And, thanks to the Colchester Massiv’s “Honk if you’re Twinklydog’s Dog” campaign, she got in touch this morning and we’ve had a good chat. It’s a bit of a gamble, but I’m going to pull the auction, go to Aberdeen and see whether she’ll put a stop to this sham of a wedding and marry me instead. Hope you understand. The cab’s outside, I’ve got to go.
The Virgin Mary and the cheese toastie
eBayer punts Virgin Mary in grilled cheese sandwich - from The Register. Great stuff:
Ever had one of those momemts when a crucifix was not enough? When a christingle couldn't cut it? When you wanted to show your faith in a tangible, unequivocally ecumenical way?
Well, the answer is at hand! Prove your piety by purchasing the world's tastiest holy relic, the Virgin Mary in Grilled Cheese, currently at the low low price of $99,999,999.
The seller has provided irrefutable proof of divine provenance:
I made this sandwich 10 years ago, when I took a bite out of it, I saw a face looking up at me, It was Virgin Mary starring back at me, I was in total shock, I would like to point out there is no mold or disingration, The item has not been preserved or anything, It has been keep in a plastic case, not a special one that seals out air or potiental mold or bacteria, it is like a miracle, It has just preserved itself which in itself I consider a miracle, people ask me if I have had blessings since she has been in my home, I do feel I have, I have won $70,000 (total) on different occasions at the casino near by my house,
Clearly the Madonna has decreed that gambling shall no longer be held as sinful as well as exercising divine powers over the forces of corruption, including cheese-eating fungus.
The seller warns against foolish consumption of Our Lady, however:
I would like all bidders to know that this item is not intended for consumption, it is intended for collectable purposes only
All bidders must be pre-approved by the seller, presumably after undergoing a gruelling test of their faith via email.
Copied from The Register. ® Thanks guys, this is really funny!
Ever had one of those momemts when a crucifix was not enough? When a christingle couldn't cut it? When you wanted to show your faith in a tangible, unequivocally ecumenical way?
Well, the answer is at hand! Prove your piety by purchasing the world's tastiest holy relic, the Virgin Mary in Grilled Cheese, currently at the low low price of $99,999,999.
The seller has provided irrefutable proof of divine provenance:
I made this sandwich 10 years ago, when I took a bite out of it, I saw a face looking up at me, It was Virgin Mary starring back at me, I was in total shock, I would like to point out there is no mold or disingration, The item has not been preserved or anything, It has been keep in a plastic case, not a special one that seals out air or potiental mold or bacteria, it is like a miracle, It has just preserved itself which in itself I consider a miracle, people ask me if I have had blessings since she has been in my home, I do feel I have, I have won $70,000 (total) on different occasions at the casino near by my house,
Clearly the Madonna has decreed that gambling shall no longer be held as sinful as well as exercising divine powers over the forces of corruption, including cheese-eating fungus.
The seller warns against foolish consumption of Our Lady, however:
I would like all bidders to know that this item is not intended for consumption, it is intended for collectable purposes only
All bidders must be pre-approved by the seller, presumably after undergoing a gruelling test of their faith via email.
Copied from The Register. ® Thanks guys, this is really funny!
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Halo 2 meets the bow and arrow?
Trigger-happy surfers pop a cap in Bambi's ass. From The Register. Oh my god.
Monday, November 15, 2004
Monday, November 01, 2004
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- No2ID - Stop ID Cards and the Database State
- Cell phone jammer, SH066P Handheld mobile phone bl...
- Magnetic wood blocks mobile phone signals
- Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership
- How good is UK.gov at its own security agenda?
- DIY fingerprint idea thwarts ID thieves
- Gummi bears defeat fingerprint sensors
- 2 invitations to a wedding I don't want to go to
- The Virgin Mary and the cheese toastie
- Halo 2 meets the bow and arrow?
- Tugboat surfing
- WHOIS database search
- Domain Name Basics: An Introduction
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