Thursday, 18 December 2008
Paypal, what a shite company they really are
Thursday, 11 December 2008
Grasshopper Folding Electric Bike
Now normally when someone mentions the words 'electric bike' you picture an ugly, colossal grey mess with the design input of a turd. No not Slough, but you get the idea.
So when I saw this on Inhabitat it came as a bit of a shock. Although I imagine I'll have a bigger shock when I find out the price.
Still I'd certainly consider getting one and I'm really not big on bikes. Or indeed exercise.
Wednesday, 10 December 2008
Rod Blagojevich
Ok, so you have 'Blag' in your surname and you look like this.
Has no-one suspected that he might be a bit of a crook? He is in politics after all, which is usually a giveaway no matter what country you're from.
Here in the UK, we work on the same principal regarding politicians - they're all a bit dodgy, the more you hear from them, the more they're lining their pockets. They occasionally get caught, though not often enough sadly, via the fantastic investigative journalists dotted throughout industry stalwarts such as The Sun, The Star and err..... The Oban Times.
Who can forget the legend that is Jonathan Aitken - what a fucking arsehole he was - anyone
know what he's doing now?
Anyway, back to Rod Blagojevich - is this the start of the Republican backlash or is he a proper politician - a 'wrong un' who just can't deal with the power thing so early on?
Thursday, 4 December 2008
Thursday, 27 November 2008
Google.co.uk v Google.com
The table below lists the top 10 search engines in the UK during the same 4 week period. By applying the percentage of UK specific searches to Google UK’s market share and creating a ‘new’ search engine, "Google UK Pages from UK only", it would be the third largest in the UK with a market share of 10.03%, behind "Google UK All The Web" and google.com. This 'new' search engine, consisting of Google searchers only looking at UK pages, would have a market share more than three times that of its nearest non-Google competitor, Yahoo! UK.
Monday, 10 November 2008
MP's call for ban on cheap alcohol promotions
Haven't we travelled far?
Tuesday, 4 November 2008
Trump, Aberdeen and very bad hair
So, Donald. Have you been to Aberdeen before? Of course you have. So you'll know that it's gie windy up there on the sand dunes.
Which begs the question. Is there no-one in your inner circle of friends with enough balls to tell you your hair is fucking ridiculous?
Get it cut. You look like a twat.
Oh hold on, it might not be the hair.
They may take you seriously in the US, but over here, trust me, they will rip you to fucking shreds - I'm already importing Trump wigs from China which I believe maybe the saving grace to the banking system in Scotland. Possibly the whole nation's debt.
You can ride into the capital with me as the great saviour - but not with that *Barnet.
No way.
*Barnet Fair - hair
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
Apple now the third largest handset maker
Jobs now claims that by revenues, Apple is the third largest mobile phone supplier in the world. Nokia (NYSE: NOK), is No. 1 at $12.7 billion; Samsung is No. 2 at $5.98 billion; Apple is No. 3 at $4.6 billion; Sony (NYSE: SNE) Ericsson (NSDQ: ERIC) is No. 4 at $4.2 billion; LG (SEO: 066570), No. 5, at $3.4 billion; Motorola (NYSE: MOT), No. 6, at $3.2 billion and RIM, No. 7, at $2.1 billion. “It’s pretty amazing,” but Jobs cautioned that they were able to sell that many by increasing the number of countries to 51 from 6, and that it’s unclear if they can sustain that pace.
Whether they can sustain it or not it still remains pretty bloody impressive.
Friday, 17 October 2008
Stephen Carter to prepare UK digital action plan
The new minister for communications, technology and broadcasting, Stephen Carter, is to create a wide-ranging "action plan" for the digital media economy that could include legislation to regulate the internet.
Here we go again. Right, get yourself a good team, don't let the luddites at Westminster get involved. They are, with the rare exception, fucking idiots who know jack when it comes to technology and its consumption by the majority.
Also on the agenda are: broadband development, digital radio, investment in content, spectrum, the internet, media literacy and IT skills, public service broadcasting and independent production.
I notice there was no mention of mobile in there, funny that isn't it. No you're right it's not.
If you see Andy Burnham lurking around - keep him away by hitting him with a paperweight or a small truck - this is the sort of person that jumps about, waves his hands around and then you work out he knows fuck all regarding the subject matter he's meant to be talking about. And I mean nothing, the man's a sieve.
I'm sick of 2nd rate politicians holding this country back while they go on their own personal crusade. We can ill afford to lose anymore ground. Allow the UK to flourish as we have the skills to lead the way in certain fields. Technology is something we're pretty fucking good at. Censorship, we're not so good at so let's not waste time and money.
Stephen, you're going to get hung out to dry by a bunch of self serving wankers. I'll lay money on it.
Wednesday, 15 October 2008
Clash of the Mobiles - Semi Finalists announced!
VS
Friday, 10 October 2008
Tartan Army faces drink crackdown
Scotland's police forces said they are mounting a "major operation" to stop fans getting drunk on the way to this weekend's World Cup qualifier.
What a complete waste of Police time and effort.
I wonder who dreamt this up? Oh it was the Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland (Acpos).
Ch Supt Robin Howe of Strathclyde Police, said: "Members of the Tartan Army have a tremendous reputation around the world for their friendliness and high spirits.
So why are you putting this operation into practise then you patronising twat?
You're going to annoy a lot of people and alienate support for the police force yet again.
The vast majority of people aren't going to get hammered and act like pricks so why don't you focus your attention on those that do and leave the masses to enjoy themselves.
Over reaction, nanny state - poor judgement and poor policing policy.
People can have a drink and not get drunk - educate yourself and your force.
Eco Dome House
Wednesday, 8 October 2008
What's wrong with this post from New Media Age?
http://www.nma.co.uk/Articles/39888/Asda+Direct+non-food+service+finally+launches.html
Let me explain.
The article is around Asda's new non direct service which has recently launched - http://direct.asda.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-ASDA-Site/default/Default-Start
Now, I was reading the article online so one would assume there would be a link through to the site, that isn't me being weird, it's common practice for that link to open in a new window.
One would expect more from NMA as one of the leading trade mags in the digital space. Here's an idea, get your finger out, put the links into your site and stop being so fucking lazy.
Wednesday, 1 October 2008
Tony Hart forced to give up Art
Tony Hart has lost the use of his hands and can no longer use his studio. Generations of us grew up with Tony, waiting weekly to see if our abstract scribbles were given the highest accolade of all and put up in the 'Gallery' section of Tony's programme.
As I was going through my cubist period my work was vastly misunderstood but I bear no grudge, none whatsoever, only loving memories of Tony, the Gallery music, Morph and the scally that was Chaz.
Tony also served as officer in the 1st Gurkha Rifles in World War II.
In light of this and being inspirational to thousands of children over the years, wouldn't it be fair and just to see his contributions to society recognised?
Tuesday, 30 September 2008
Friday, 26 September 2008
Platini..........ferme la bouche!
Hi, this is Michel Platini - he was a great footballer, in that there is no denial. However since sucking corporate cock for the likes of Sepp Blatter and Jack A Walker (who is a crook, he's crooked, he's a wrong 'un, he's a dodgy underhanded scumbag who deserves a lot more than he'll ever get) I digress and apologise. So back to the point, Platini has turned into a monsterous arsehole. Which is a great shame.
His hatred of the UK seeps out of his pores and into his interviews and statements.
I've know idea why, it's not like England will win the World Cup anytime soon - possibly just before the mighty Scotland, but that my friends is still up for debate.
So Monsieur Platini - pray tell why do you hate your Anglo cousins so?
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
Mobile Operators link with the IAB
Now can we please get some decent creativity and planning thrown at this, NOT in isolation please.
There is now an opportunity to integrate mobile seamlessly into major campaigns - the handset penetration is there, the quality of hardware/software is there, the understanding from the consumer is there and the creative talent within the agency world is there.
I await greatness.......
Monday, 22 September 2008
Android launching tomorrow in New York
Android launching tomorrow in New York.
My guess is that it will do well, however the majority of consumers do not buy operating systems, they buy hardware. Now I know that they are linked up with a Taiwanese company HTC b ut it is still essentially software.
If the Apple phone was any good at actually being used as a phone - they did seem to forget about that bit - then the market might not be so wide open. As it stands, it's game on.
Friday, 19 September 2008
Solar Powered Rickshaw for London's streets.
Even the above will no doubt piss me off when I'm in the back of a cab crawling through Soho's narrow and impractical streets. But they beat those shitty bike things, they really piss me off. I know that people make a living out of it but come on, they're not road worthy and the only people I see in them are tourists getting stung with the knock on effect of them slating London.
I'm suprised that idiot Boris hasn't taken a shot at one yet, it can only be a matter of time.
Thursday, 18 September 2008
Lloyds and HBOS
Chief Executive of Lloyds, Eric Daniels.
Next role: Stand up comedian on sell out tour, read the comedy gold below:
Daniels insisted that the deal was not a "rescue" of HBOS and tried to calm fears of 40,000 jobs from the combined work force of more than 130,000.
"There should not be any impression that that this is a shot gun marriage," Daniels said.
The man's comedy genius and that's the sort of trait I look for in a banker.
Wednesday, 17 September 2008
Sony Ericsson Xperia
David Cairns quits - at last some good news.
David Cairns - ex priest who went into politics (if that isn't a recipe for disaster I don't know what is - a power hungry little shit not getting enough clout using the vehicle of the catholic church so he ditches them and heads into mainstream politics behind the coattails of Siobhain Ann McDonagh.
I'd like to point out at this time that she introduced the House of Commons Disqualification (Amendment) Bill in Parliament 1999 to try and get David into politics (okay it didn't work immediately but nevertheless he still managed to squirm his way in)
Siobhain is sacked, David then quits..........and over what - Gordon Brown!
You were both happy to vote yes on many other points - were many lives have been lost, ruined and millions wasted. Didn't hear you jumping up and down then did we?
List of what they voted on......I think I have it here somewhere:
David
Voted strongly against a transparent Parliament. Voted moderately for introducing a smoking ban.
Voted strongly for introducing ID cards.
Voted very strongly for introducing foundation hospitals.
Voted strongly for introducing student top-up fees.
Voted very strongly for Labour's anti-terrorism laws.
Voted very strongly for the Iraq war.
Voted very strongly against an investigation into the Iraq war.
Voted very strongly for replacing Trident. Voted moderately for the hunting ban.
Voted moderately for equal gay rights
---------------------------------------------
Siobhain
Has never voted on a transparent Parliament.
Voted against introducing a smoking ban.
Voted for introducing ID cards.
Voted for introducing foundation hospitals.
Voted for introducing student top-up fees.
Voted for Labour's anti-terrorism laws.
Voted for the Iraq war.
Voted against investigating the Iraq war.
Voted for replacing Trident.
Voted for the hunting ban.
Voted for equal gay rights
----------------------------------------------
All nice and bloody cosy isn't it?!
I haven't got time for this kind of politics - it reeks of back scratching and jostling for position from two very underwhelming politicians - and I use the term politician in its broadest sense.
Let's trust your constituents to vote the pair of you out. David you could always return to the church. I mean, talking shit at the pulpit is no different from what you've been doing for the last 7 years.
Siobhain - you should get a job in the Post Office - you love stamps don't you - or is that only buying them with other people's money?
Friday, 12 September 2008
Senz Umbrellas
Again thanks to PSFK.COM for this.
Weirdly I was thinking about this the other day when I was walking through London without a brolly and low and behold it was pissing down. Again (to think I moved down from Scotland for this weather)
I was looking at the design of a brolly, which had been discarded at the side of the road as it had inverted and a few spokes were missing, and it got me thinking as to why the design hadn't been dramatically changed in ohh........say 100 plus years.
Here we have Senz's take on the 21st century brolly - a fine example and one that I'll definitely be buying.
I'd prefer one with a sensor that prevents the shorter people of this world stabbing me in the eye with theirs........but I'll soldier on with one eye, I suppose that's why I have two.
Friday, 5 September 2008
Canoeist appeals against sentence
The End shuts its doors
Friday, 29 August 2008
Thursday, 21 August 2008
Jacques Rogge v's Usain Bolt
Jacques Rogge has told Usain Bolt to show more respect for opponents after the Jamaican claimed the first sprint double for 24 years.
First of all you're Belgian - let's deal with that. Belgium and indeed the Belgians are not renowned for showing their emotions - some would say that the majority are very boring - not me though, oh no.
Secondly Jacques, what you perceive to be a champion and how the individual perceives himself are not necessarily going to be in line are they? I'm not sure you're in a position to tell Usain how to act in any case. You competed in 3 Olympics yet I couldn't see your medal tally........oh I see it now, it's a big fat zero.
Thirdly, you were partly responsible for taking the games to China. China Jacques, I mean what the fuck were you thinking? How much silver did you get for that by the way? - 30 pieces would sound about right.
Your words are of little relevance and your judgement seems at best, flawed. Stick to the surgery, it's probably best for everyone, at least there you can repair damage.
Monday, 18 August 2008
iPhone
Tuesday, 5 August 2008
Tesco self service
It's all in the title "Self service".
And what do I get for my troubles........exactly. Nothing, apart from aggro when (and it does it pretty much every time) the machine gets stuck and then you wait..........until a cheery ever so helpful Tesco employee comes along to punch in a few keys (exactly what I feel like doing by this point) and we're on our way again.
Oh hold on, you have booze there.....ah well now you'll need to wait again until we check that your not under 18 and adding to the drunken masses that now (and always have done) swarm the country.
So here's the thing, and forgive me if this is a rant but it really fucks me off. And before anyone comments about going to another store - I don't have an option as there isn't another supermarket near me ok, so let me finish.
There is no incentive for me to use Self Service - no club points, not discounts, nothing - just a shitty machine (is it Amstrad I wonder?) that breaks down as soon as you go near it. It doesn't help with what is an already crap experience.
So Tesco, do me a favour or two.
Firstly, improve the self serve checkout - the technology blows like your Value sausages (No I haven't, I just read the content label)
Secondly, give me an incentive to use - let's face facts, I'm saving you a fair whack on staffing etc (you can't be paying a lot for those machines, if you are then you've been done) and since I'm doing the work, I want paid.
You're not a charity and neither am I.
Thursday, 31 July 2008
The BPI are wasting everyone's time.
Let's get a bit of perspective here.
The BPI are wasting everyone's time and Geoff Taylor and his crew can quite frankly just piss off and stop bleating their arses off in the press.
Even now, years after the rise of digitally led services, the BPI are still so far behind the curve it is quite unbelievable. I remember going to a talk they did about 3 years ago and the chap from the BPI (sorry can't remember his name as he was so shit) came out with the classic line of "there is no difference between walking into HMV and stealing a CD and going online and downloading an illegal track"
Honestly.
What a prick.
The BPI (great site by the way, did you make it yourself Geoff?) are running around trying to grab on to any bit of land they can find. You're making yourselves look ridiculous and if anyone thought highly of you before, they certainly don't now.
So please, you can't turn back the clock on technology. ISP's are not the police and the police themselves have better things to be doing than running around hunting down 16 year old music lovers just cause they downloaded a track from somewhere you don't think is appropriate.
If the content was so fucking good, people wouldn't give it away free in the first place. If you want people to blame for the shit you're in - look no further than the music industry's very own front door.
Wednesday, 23 July 2008
Tuesday, 22 July 2008
LGT and the Thieving Bastards from around Europe
Surely no one linked to politics - no I won't believe a word of it.
Please read the FT article as it starts becoming farcical as those who have been caught are now thinking of suing LGT for failing to inform them promptly of the theft which led to their demise.
No shame whatsoever. Not that I expected anything different.
Wednesday, 16 July 2008
Wednesday, 9 July 2008
Monday, 7 July 2008
July 7th 2005. In memory.
Wednesday, 2 July 2008
Keep Making Money In The Downturn: Solution No.1
Oh Sir Alan, please don't go.......ok off you pop.
Alan Sugar to step down from Amstrad. Is Amstrad still actually in business?!
Customer
Hi I'd like to buy some third rate ugly looking electrical goods that might break within days of purchase.
Salesperson
Well Sir, you certainly know what you want, don't you! How about this phone/email monstrosity. It's only about the size of your house, actually it fits 4 people quite comfortably. Obviously it will break down within threee months but just look at the finish on that. It's a beauty. In fact I have one of these myself, I shipped it to Spain and now use it as a holiday home.
Customer
That does sound appealing, but can I afford it?
Salesperson
Of course you can Sir, no home can afford to be without tat like this. At under £50 for the product and if you want we can charge you £7000 for the installation including strengthening your floor to accomodate the weight, it's a veritable bargain. I'd love to give you a discount but any less and I'd be doing myself. Shall we say £7500 spondoolies?
Customer
Done!
Salesperson
You certainly have been.
Wednesday, 25 June 2008
Tuesday, 24 June 2008
Crazy Landscape
Tuesday, 10 June 2008
Extendable shoes.....
I remember as a child having the trainers I loved being either given away or thrown out (depending on the wear and tear) Now I know I shouldn't get sentimental about trainers but I was only about 6 and it was quite strange that after seeing this site, those memories were brought back.
Does Adidas have help line - I think I need to have this out with them.
Monday, 9 June 2008
The Crusader
The Crusader - a very funny short film - these guys, Neil Carter and Gerard Monaco should do very well.
If there are any art loving people out there willing to support this kind of work then please get in touch with me and we can discuss.
I for one will be backing their success.
Thursday, 5 June 2008
Ad's......they're easy to make, just watch.
As the sun is shining and we are nearing Cannes - bikini's, dresses, linen suits and ego's being packed in unequal proportions, this little snippet will give you an insight into the trials and tribulations of life as a Director.
Next week I'll be showing you creative and production teams beating on client services for over promising timescales to clients.
Wednesday, 28 May 2008
EURO 2008 - yes Scotland should be there you're right.
Him being Steve McClaren you understand.
So with that in mind, why have the BBC got him going over to Austria and Switzerland as a pundit?
Who the hell came up with that idea? It is, and this is as a Scotsman you understand, unbelievable. Out of all the people you could have asked who could have added great insight, some idiot at the BBC with nil (read zero) understanding or knowledge of football picks the weather man Steve.
Probably the same arse that asked Gary to do the golf.
Can you please own up, don't blame a committee or do any finger pointing and promise to do your job better.
Or you could do what most of your fans want Steve to do.....don't make me spell it out.
Monday, 19 May 2008
Congratulations to Zoe Hough & Miranda Abbs plus Enrique Reija & Borja Alvarez
Zoe Hough and Miranda Abbs from agency Lean Mean Fighting Machine, beat 19 other creative groups from across Europe to win the gold award.The other UK team, Enrique Reija and Borja Alvarez of St Lukes, came in second.
Friday, 9 May 2008
Thursday, 1 May 2008
Bob Greenberg at the D&AD
Thursday, 24 April 2008
Real life first person shooter, This is mobile!
Well it's taken a few years and it beats my game out of the water - but this ladies and gentlemen looks like a "killer app" that the mobile market has been looking for.
How the "non game playing" general public will view this might be an entirely different matter. And no doubt some power crazy poitican trying to save his seat and his meal ticket expense account will shout it down for being violent and a risk to national security (laugh you might, but I may bring you back to this post at a later date)
For all the gamers who know how crap games on phones normally are, this looks like the dogs!
Wednesday, 16 April 2008
Tango Tango Tango
Now, you may scoff, but after trying it I can honestly say, even though it's quite hard to start with, the sense of achievement is pretty bloody amazing. And great for your posture.
And something to impress the girls with.
Yes, I'm still crap at it. And yes I've impressed no-one so far.
It's easier than learning Spanish, let's face facts - land in Buenos Aires in a few months with pretty poor Spanish coupled with a Scottish twang or........... pretty much zero Spanish, but can dance a bit of tango, enough to get a cheeky smile out of the Porteño - preferably the female population.
It's a no-brainer.
Barbaro!!
Friday, 11 April 2008
Sea & Air green energy combination
If we can install undersea turbines then wouldn't it be sensible to make a dual use of the situation and have a wind turbine above?
Just a thought.
1st Class Service
Here's the first email:
Ahhh help...how do I unsubscribe to this. I don't know how I got on this list but over the last 30mins my email box is full!
And here is the reply.
Hi Hayley,
Take a slow, deep breaths and whatever you do, do not panic!
Firstly, in response to your statement "I don't know how I got on this list..."
Well, either
(a) you signed-up to it yourself, or
(b) perhaps you are receiving the email of another colleague who has recently left your company (in my last job I received email sent to four different addresses - it's quite common)
(c) there is a naughty gremlin in the email system
At Chinwag, we take the ability to unsubscribe very seriously.
METHOD ONE
Firstly, look at the end of every email you received from us today and notice there is a link that allows you to unsubscribe.
For example, in all the emails I receive it says:
You are subscribed to uk-netmarketing as: deirdre.molloy @ chinwag.com To unsubscribe, email leave-4734318-3393308N@lists.chinwag.com
If you follow the instruction, and send an email to the unique email address (NOT the one from my email given in the example above!) supplied in the footer of every email you have received from us, you should not receive any further email.
METHOD TWO
You can also unsubscribe via the Chinwag website itself. There are further instructions here on our Lists FAQ:
http://www.chinwag.com/faq#unsubscribe
METHOD THREE
If however you do continue to receive mail after trying both of these, please drop me a line and I will delete you manually.
Hope that helps :-)
Best Regards,
Deirdre Molloy
Editor & Programme Manager - Chinwag
w: http://www.chinwag.com
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b: http://www.chinwag.com/blogpark
t: +44 (0)20 7183 2923
Chinwag - Connecting New Media People
Wednesday, 9 April 2008
Tuesday, 8 April 2008
Bob Greenberg to talk at the D&AD
Years of experience and by all accounts, very engaging and a thoroughly decent bloke . Don't miss the opportunity.
Wednesday, 2 April 2008
Ahh good old Bertie
A lesson to all those blossoming business tycoons/politicians.
Bertie, my hat's off to you man. Now can you have a go at solving peace in the middle East or not?
And yes I have your 'Lucky charms' so stop looking.
Thursday, 27 March 2008
Page turning technology
Why ever not Harry?
Because it's fucking lazy, cheap, nasty and here's the best bit, it's not a magazine therefore you DO NOT HAVE TO TURN THE FUCKING PAGES ONLINE LIKE SOME DEMENTED FUCKING IDIOT!
Honestly, it's like we haven't moved forward in 15 years.
Here, I've a great idea - instead of having a mouse or voice activated software (don't get me started there) I've re invented the quill and ink - well it's a metal/plastic quill but you still have to dip it into virtual ink allowing you to write. It's a bit clunky and it doesn't work very well but let's put it out there along with much much better technology and smile.
What? What? Why are you looking at me like that, it's not like I pushed someone off a cliff!
I then see that NMA has iGizmo as site of the week - admittedly they do slate the page turning technology.......which then begs the question..Why the hell did you make it site of the week!
Exactly how shit where the other sites that they reviewed?
Glitches at Terminal 5
No sorry, that should read I seriously cannot wait to rent my house out and get out of London for the 2012 Olympics.
But well done to all of those down at Terminal 5 who couldn't even organise a few test runs prior to opening to ensure that the paying customer didn't get shafted by your ineptitude.
Especially the management, you must be very proud of your work.
London 2012 please take a very close look at what poor planning results in. I'm not saying that 2012 will be a royal fuck up, nor do I want to say I told you so.
Plan, test, dummy run, account for all possibilities and plan some more.
Don't let it run, see what happens and then fix it later at the expense of everyone else other than yourselves.
Grande Punto...again
Tuesday, 18 March 2008
Mfuse and Sporting Bet
Yet another signal that mobile is finally coming of age and will surely start to reap the rewards that have been expected of it since.....ohh, errr, since I can remember actually.
Congratulations to all down at Mfuse
Now, any chance of a decent tip for the Grand National ?
Monday, 17 March 2008
Grande Punto....but not in green
This might be a tiny thing in the grand scheme of things (no pun intened) but can someone please tell me why on this advert a notice comes up saying "this car is not available in green"
What the bloody hell is that all about?!
Here is the car, but err you can't have it in the colour we are advertising in. And no we're not even sorry about it.
Seriously, I really don't get it.