[ISN] Hackers no hassle: Hoff

[InfoSec News]

http://www.theage.com.au/news/people/hackers-no-hassle-hoff/2005/10/18/1129401238164.html

By Jane Holroyd
October 18, 2005

Baywatch star David Hasselhoff, who arrived in Australia this morning, 
says he's flattered by his cult hero status among hackers.

Hackers have defaced websites worldwide - including the Fremantle 
Dockers homepage this year - with images of the the US actor and 
singer. The practice is known as 'Hoffing'.

"I don't really know how the whole thing started but I take no 
offence," he told theage.com.au at Melbourne Airport this morning.

"I think it's a wonderful form of flattery and it's a lot of fun. And 
it's nice to be recognised for doing shows that actually save lives 
and not take lives," Hasselhoff said.

"Knight Rider and Baywatch have always been synonymous with heroes and 
are about love, and about action, and humour, and I think that's what 
the world is about.

"I think people want to smile and be happy and that's what it's all 
about."

A thin-looking Hasselhoff emerged from the airport about 10.45am - 
wearing lime green cord trousers and a matching jumper - with his arm 
around his wife.

Chewing gum while he spoke, he seemed quite relaxed.

When asked by the small group of waiting reporters to name his 
favourite Australian musicians, he replied: "Johnny Farnham and the 
Little River Band.

He was then whisked away by men in suits to a waiting white car.

Hasselhoff will appear on Rove Live tonight and is a guest at the ARIA 
music awards in Sydney on Sunday night.

He is also set to appear on the Australian Idol live verdict show next 
Monday night, but Channel Ten would only say he would chat with the 
contestants.

Hasselhoff is a close friend of Idol judge Mark Holden, who produced a 
number of the star's songs during the 1990s, which skyrocketed up the 
German charts.

- theage.com.au, with Jano Gibson