Today was the one year anniversary of the shooting at Trolley Square. I was able to leave some flowers at the site. As I walked through the mall I saw other small groups of people mourning the loss of their family members and friends. I pray for those who experienced such a difficult loss. I hope the Holy Ghost comforts them and brings them closer to their Heavenly Father. It's important to remember that though they were taken before their time, they live on.
--Scott
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Piracy, Lies, and the Shooting
I just looked at my blogging stats for 2007. I wrote fewer blogs last year than any other year. That's sad. Back in 2005 I made a goal to become a regular blogger and it really made a difference. I'm hesitant to make that same goal for this year. We'll see how it plays out.
So here's the actual topic of my first blog of 2008: Piracy. It seems the MPAA likes to create statistics in order to further their cause. In 2005 they stated that 44% of lost sales came from college-aged downloaders. Now they're backtracking and saying the numbers are closer to 15%. Campus IT groups are saying that it's closer to 3%. Hmph. It makes you think. Now whenever the MPAA proclaims a statistic or trend, we'll need someone to double check it. It seems they will lie in order to further their agenda. Ridiculous.
Oh, one other thing. So yesterday I checked my voice mail. The Salt Lake Tribune had called and left a message. They wanted to interview me on how things had changed since the Trolley Square Shooting. The one year anniversary is nearly here. That really upsets me. I cannot pretend to be a spokesman for the event. I didn't lose any loved ones or co-workers. It would be completely inappropriate for me to speak to an audience on that topic. I'll remind you, this is the newspaper that wanted to interview me while the shooting was happening! Tasteless!
So here's the actual topic of my first blog of 2008: Piracy. It seems the MPAA likes to create statistics in order to further their cause. In 2005 they stated that 44% of lost sales came from college-aged downloaders. Now they're backtracking and saying the numbers are closer to 15%. Campus IT groups are saying that it's closer to 3%. Hmph. It makes you think. Now whenever the MPAA proclaims a statistic or trend, we'll need someone to double check it. It seems they will lie in order to further their agenda. Ridiculous.
Oh, one other thing. So yesterday I checked my voice mail. The Salt Lake Tribune had called and left a message. They wanted to interview me on how things had changed since the Trolley Square Shooting. The one year anniversary is nearly here. That really upsets me. I cannot pretend to be a spokesman for the event. I didn't lose any loved ones or co-workers. It would be completely inappropriate for me to speak to an audience on that topic. I'll remind you, this is the newspaper that wanted to interview me while the shooting was happening! Tasteless!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Medical Myths Even Doctors Believe
I've always been fascinated by this kind of thing. We have a lot of ideas that we pass off as fact with nothing to back it up. Some of these I already knew. They are myths, but I think that some of them are still good ideas. Check out the full article here.
Myth: We use only 10 percent of our brains.
It turns out there is no part of the brain we don't use. There are no inactive locations. They myth comes from quacks from the early 1900s trying to push their self-improvement schemes.
Myth: You should drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
I grew up with this myth. My mom is a strong follower of 8 glasses a day. You know, I think that it isn't a bad idea. Our bodies are made of mostly water. This much water can't hurt our operations.
Myth: Fingernails and hair grow after death.
I remember learning this myth back when I was seven years old and walking through a graveyard in Germany. My dad told me about it. I had this awful idea of corpses with really long nails and hair. Gross.
Myth: Shaved hair grows back faster, coarser and darker.
I only found out this was a myth several years ago. I wish it were true! I have very little facial hair. If this myth were true, it would be possible for me to grow a beard if I kept at it. Sadly, there's no truth in it.
Myth: Reading in dim light ruins your eyesight.
I'll quote the article directly: "The researchers found no evidence that reading in dim light causes permanent eye damage. It can cause eye strain and temporarily decreased acuity, which subsides after rest."
Myth: Eating turkey makes you drowsy.
This was a new one for me. Yes, yes, we've all heard that tryptophan makes you sleepy. That is true. But turkey doesn't have any more tryptophan in it than turkey or beef. The drowsiness is caused by the large amount of food you're eating, not a special chemical.
Myth: Mobile phones are dangerous in hospitals.
I've never heard of this myth before. I can see where it would come from however. We aren't allowed to use cell phones in airplanes. (The jury on that is still out. Some studies say it can interfere with flight controls, some say that it can't.) So it makes sense that we'd believe it could hurt sensitive instruments in hospitals. Luckily that isn't true.
Myth: We use only 10 percent of our brains.
It turns out there is no part of the brain we don't use. There are no inactive locations. They myth comes from quacks from the early 1900s trying to push their self-improvement schemes.
Myth: You should drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
I grew up with this myth. My mom is a strong follower of 8 glasses a day. You know, I think that it isn't a bad idea. Our bodies are made of mostly water. This much water can't hurt our operations.
Myth: Fingernails and hair grow after death.
I remember learning this myth back when I was seven years old and walking through a graveyard in Germany. My dad told me about it. I had this awful idea of corpses with really long nails and hair. Gross.
Myth: Shaved hair grows back faster, coarser and darker.
I only found out this was a myth several years ago. I wish it were true! I have very little facial hair. If this myth were true, it would be possible for me to grow a beard if I kept at it. Sadly, there's no truth in it.
Myth: Reading in dim light ruins your eyesight.
I'll quote the article directly: "The researchers found no evidence that reading in dim light causes permanent eye damage. It can cause eye strain and temporarily decreased acuity, which subsides after rest."
Myth: Eating turkey makes you drowsy.
This was a new one for me. Yes, yes, we've all heard that tryptophan makes you sleepy. That is true. But turkey doesn't have any more tryptophan in it than turkey or beef. The drowsiness is caused by the large amount of food you're eating, not a special chemical.
Myth: Mobile phones are dangerous in hospitals.
I've never heard of this myth before. I can see where it would come from however. We aren't allowed to use cell phones in airplanes. (The jury on that is still out. Some studies say it can interfere with flight controls, some say that it can't.) So it makes sense that we'd believe it could hurt sensitive instruments in hospitals. Luckily that isn't true.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Trolley Square Bomb Threat
Posted: 9:51 PM- The Salt Lake Police Department responded to a report of a bomb threat at Trolley Square Mall on Thursday evening that resulted in the evacuation of shoppers.
The bomb threat was called in about 7:45 p.m. to Salt Lake City Police dispatch, said police Lt. Lamar Ewell. The call came in on a cell phone and officers were trying to track down the caller last night. Mall management decided to evacuate shoppers after police informed them of the threat. Officers and mall security then searched the mall and its perimeter. Nothing suspicious was found, Ewell said. The search ended around 9:30 p.m.
Yes, I was there. But we got the store shut down quickly and we are all safe.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Christmas!
Eleven more days if you can believe it. Eleven more days till Christmas. And I'm caught in the middle. I'm a Christmas-boy as my mother says. I've always loved the magic that comes with this season. When I was young I did whatever I could to preserve and increase that special feeling. For many years as a pre-teen I made sure that I sang a Christmas song every month all year long. I remembered and tried to preserve every Christmas tradition my family held. We have a lot of traditions! Christmas is a special time of year. I think mankind is its closest to Christ-like. Life seems to speed up, but the desire to help others slows it down just a bit.
Now I'm an adult and I still seek to preserve the magic. However, I also work in retail. At the Sharper Image we have started longer hours. We are open 10am-10pm. I'm normally the one who closes. Customers are relentless during this season. They all want something and if they don't get it, "Christmas is ruined!" My days seem long and the pressure much greater. I love my job. Retail has been the best job I've had yet. There is an excitement in going to work during these next two weeks. You just have to have the stamina to make it all the way through. And that's the part that makes me wish the season would hurry up so that I can slow down.
So I'm caught in the middle.
Now I'm an adult and I still seek to preserve the magic. However, I also work in retail. At the Sharper Image we have started longer hours. We are open 10am-10pm. I'm normally the one who closes. Customers are relentless during this season. They all want something and if they don't get it, "Christmas is ruined!" My days seem long and the pressure much greater. I love my job. Retail has been the best job I've had yet. There is an excitement in going to work during these next two weeks. You just have to have the stamina to make it all the way through. And that's the part that makes me wish the season would hurry up so that I can slow down.
So I'm caught in the middle.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Customers
So I read an article yesterday about a man who tried to open a bank account with a million dollar bill. (The bill -to the left- is counterfeit.) When the teller wouldn't open the account, the man threw a fit. They ended up calling the police. The man was charged with two accounts of forgery (he had tried to use a fake check elsewhere.) and disorderly conduct. I think that if there were a $1,000,000 bill, that's probably what it would look like. Bravo to whoever drew it. He is a good artist.
Now onto my own customer story. And I will try to keep this one very very short, as I could rant on it for quite a long time. A fiery red-headed woman in her late 40s came in late last week. She had a counter-top mirror that's stand had broken. So she was going to return it and get a brand new one. Problem: We don't carry that mirror nor have we ever. I was helping her and I told her so. She got in my face and said, "Are you calling me a liar!?" I replied, "No, I just think that you are mistaken." When someone asks if you're calling them a liar, what they're really saying is, "You are a liar." She started getting out of hand. I told her that if she was going to make this difficult, then I wouldn't be able to help her. To make this ugly story shorter, my Assistant Manager ended up helping her. And this is the part that bothers me: She gave her credit towards a new mirror. UGH!
I hate this because it teaches idiots like this woman, that if she's loud enough, she'll get what she wants. I will not condone that kind of behavior. Second, I *always* try to back up my sales associates when they are helping a customer. If one of them tells a customer something, I back them up instead of correcting them in front of the consumer. It builds confidence in their decision making.
Now this woman should not have gotten any credit for two reasons. First, we don't carry that mirror. Second, even if we ever did, she didn't buy a replacement guarantee, which means that she only had 60 days to return it. And I would have remembered that purchase if it were within 60 days. Grrrr.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Narnia News
I was wondering today when we could expect Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. So I looked it up on IMDB. It is currently scheduled to come out in May of 2008. Well, I'm glad. I was afraid I'd have to wait for a whole other year. The first one was so good, it really lifts my hopes for the following movies.While looking at IMDB.com I also see that Warwick Davis is tapped to play Nikabrik, the black, and bad dwarf. You may remember him from Willow, Harry Potter, Star Wars, the original BBC Narnia series, Hitchhiker's Guide, and Labyrinth.
Prince Caspian, played by Ben Barnes was in Stardust (best movie of the summer!). He is also tapped to continue his role in "Journey of the Dawn Treader", scheduled to come out in 2010.
All in all, exciting news!
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
The Truth?
So I just read a short article about when the author believes it is okay to tell a lie. Now being human, I have told some lies. In fact I've made a concerted effort in the last few years to tell fewer lies and for the most part I have succeeded.
So the article gave a list of four times when it is okay to lie.
1. When the truth tears someone down and makes them feel awful about themselves. She says, "Brutal honesty can be used as a toxic weapon." I agree. Sometimes honesty is not the best policy when it can hurt someone's heart.
2. White lies like Santa Claus protect a child's innocence and creativity.
3. In response to favors or queries as to how you are doing. "It's no trouble at all", "I'm doing okay".
4. Complimenting someone past what they deserve. "Your brownies are the best I've ever had."
She offers a little bit of wisdom too: The major difference between a white lie and a hard lie is that a hard lie is said to protect oneself, whereas a little white lie is said to protect someone else.
You know I think that's pretty wise. Sometimes a little lie goes a long way to lubricate the machinery of society. So... what do you think? Do you agree with the four examples? Can you think of others? Or should we do away with lies as best we can?
So the article gave a list of four times when it is okay to lie.
1. When the truth tears someone down and makes them feel awful about themselves. She says, "Brutal honesty can be used as a toxic weapon." I agree. Sometimes honesty is not the best policy when it can hurt someone's heart.
2. White lies like Santa Claus protect a child's innocence and creativity.
3. In response to favors or queries as to how you are doing. "It's no trouble at all", "I'm doing okay".
4. Complimenting someone past what they deserve. "Your brownies are the best I've ever had."
She offers a little bit of wisdom too: The major difference between a white lie and a hard lie is that a hard lie is said to protect oneself, whereas a little white lie is said to protect someone else.
You know I think that's pretty wise. Sometimes a little lie goes a long way to lubricate the machinery of society. So... what do you think? Do you agree with the four examples? Can you think of others? Or should we do away with lies as best we can?
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Friday, October 05, 2007
Star Trek: The (NEW) Motion Picture
Just a quick news update on the upcoming Star Trek movie. The following actors have been tapped to play roles in the new movie.
Karl Urban - Romulan enemy
Mike Vogel - "front runner" for James T. Kirk
Paul McGillon - Montgomery Scott
So of the three actors, I only know the last, Paul McGillon. Right now I am watching season three of Stargate Atlantis on DVD. I love that show! It is the best sci-fi I've seen on television since... well, since Voyager was on TV. And if you hated Stargate SG1, I'm in good company. I did too. Atlantis is completely different and much better. McGillon does an excellent job in his role as the doctor too. I really do hope that he will be in the new movie.
Karl Urban - Romulan enemy
Mike Vogel - "front runner" for James T. Kirk
Paul McGillon - Montgomery Scott
So of the three actors, I only know the last, Paul McGillon. Right now I am watching season three of Stargate Atlantis on DVD. I love that show! It is the best sci-fi I've seen on television since... well, since Voyager was on TV. And if you hated Stargate SG1, I'm in good company. I did too. Atlantis is completely different and much better. McGillon does an excellent job in his role as the doctor too. I really do hope that he will be in the new movie.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Friday, September 14, 2007
Cell Phone Bans
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger just signed a bill that will ban cell phone use for sixteen and seventeen year old drivers and older drivers as well. I have to applaud them! For good or bad, California government does not seem afraid of breaking up the status quo.
I am all for the banning of cell phone use by drivers nationwide. A recent study found that cell phone users are as impaired as drunken drivers. The study was performed at our own University of Utah. They found another interesting fact as well. Hands-free phone systems impair drivers as much as having a phone pressed to their ear.
Now California only imposes a $20 fine for the first offense and $50 for each subsequent offense. I'm debating whether that is a stiff enough fine. "Daddy's girl (or boy)" would be able to afford that easily. Poor students wouldn't be able to afford it. If such a ban were imposed for adults, the fine should be much much larger. I looked up a list of cell phone bans and laws worldwide. In Poland the fine can be up to US$1,000! Now that is more like it!
Now California has joined fifteen other states and DC with cell phone bans while driving. I was looking through the list of countries and states with these laws. It looks like many of those fifteen states only have partial bans. Weak! But here in the US we are always loathe to enact laws that prohibit every day occurrences. We have the mentality that 'If I want to do it, it shouldn't be illegal' and to hell with the consequences. It's just my opinion, but other countries have a 'the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few' mentality. A more healthy ideal I believe.
Anyway, if it is ever up for a vote (ha!) I encourage you to vote for a driving cell phone ban.
I am all for the banning of cell phone use by drivers nationwide. A recent study found that cell phone users are as impaired as drunken drivers. The study was performed at our own University of Utah. They found another interesting fact as well. Hands-free phone systems impair drivers as much as having a phone pressed to their ear.
Now California only imposes a $20 fine for the first offense and $50 for each subsequent offense. I'm debating whether that is a stiff enough fine. "Daddy's girl (or boy)" would be able to afford that easily. Poor students wouldn't be able to afford it. If such a ban were imposed for adults, the fine should be much much larger. I looked up a list of cell phone bans and laws worldwide. In Poland the fine can be up to US$1,000! Now that is more like it!
Now California has joined fifteen other states and DC with cell phone bans while driving. I was looking through the list of countries and states with these laws. It looks like many of those fifteen states only have partial bans. Weak! But here in the US we are always loathe to enact laws that prohibit every day occurrences. We have the mentality that 'If I want to do it, it shouldn't be illegal' and to hell with the consequences. It's just my opinion, but other countries have a 'the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few' mentality. A more healthy ideal I believe.
Anyway, if it is ever up for a vote (ha!) I encourage you to vote for a driving cell phone ban.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Sloganize Your Name
Just visit this site: www.thesurrealist.co.uk/slogan.cgi
But you *must* keep the first slogan you get.
Mine is now my blog name!
--Bigredhammer
But you *must* keep the first slogan you get.
Mine is now my blog name!
--Bigredhammer
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Thursday, August 02, 2007
My 100 Question Survey
How old are you? 28
Last time you went on a picnic? Maybe a month ago
Are you attracted to other races? Not really
What's your favorite flower? Indian Paintbrush
Your favorite television show on air? Simpsons
Country you'd like to visit? Italy
Shoe size? 10
Language you'd like to be fluent in? Russian
Cheetos, Dorritos, or Fritos? Cheetos
Eye color? Brown
Been in so much pain you cried? Not that I remember
Had surgery? Nope
Met an Eskimo? Nope
Been in a car accident? No
Had stitches? Yes, when I was four
Dyed your hair? Yes, three times
Last time you went to a zoo/museum? A month
Ever owned a fish? Nope
The last relative you hugged? My mom
Your dream job? A therapist
Would you go skydiving? I don't think so
Would you eat a properly cooked dog? Yes
Ever worn a kimono? Nope
Wished you were shorter? No
Do you have direct deposit? Yes
Like rap music? Rarely
Last time in a gym? Four years ago
Do you follow the 10-second rule? Sometimes lol
Your favorite college course? History of Animation
Last time you visited youtube.com? Before work
Last Disney movie watched? Emperor's New Groove
How many cell phones have you owned? Two
Ever won a money prize? Yes, for my blog
Ever touched an alligator? Not that I can remember
Your favorite vegetable? Broccoli
Without looking, which number key has the # symbol? 6
Did you look? No
Are your grandparents still living? Only one grandpa
Furthest north you've ever been? Sweden
What jewelry are you wearing right now? A CTR ring and a watch
The closest yellow object to you? Simpsons DVD
Do you use a knife or the edge of your fork to cut things? Fork
Your favorite movie? Clue
Do you use chapstick? Yes, but I'm not addicted
Sprite or 7Up? Sprite
Ever crimped your hair? No.
Sandals or flipflops? Sandals
The last store you visited? Sharper Image
Book you are currently reading? Some unknown sci-fi
Do you like rain? Not really
What time is it? 9:51 pm
Ever worked fast food? Yes, Wendy's.
The icon closest to your clock on your start bar? gmail notifier
Is it dusty where you're at? Yes
What is your desktop wallpaper? Lillypads in a pond
Star Trek or Star Wars? Trek!
Do you care for any plants? Yes 4-5
What shampoo are you using? Bath and Bodyworks Coconut Lime Verbena
Will Democrats or Republicans win the Presidential race? Sadly Democrats
Ever been in a natural disaster? Nope
Are you good at lying? Yes
Can you curl your tongue? Yes
Could you be happy as a vegetarian? Never
Do you like sweet pickles? Yes
Do you like maraschino cherries? Yes
Do you like olives? Yes
Do you like black licorice? Never!
Your favorite recipe to make? Lasagna
Do you like to swim? I like to play in the pool
What is in your CD-ROM? Office XP CD
Do you look older, younger, or your age? Younger
Favorite pie? Strawberry
Right or left-handed? Right
Does anybody hate you? I hope not
Do you collect anything? Yes, playing cards.
What do you see out your window? It's dark
When did you wake up this morning? 10:30 am
The last funeral you attended? My cousin Whitney
White, dark, milk, or semi-sweet? Milk
Do you own a digital camera? Nope
Ever visited New York City? Yes
Last time you visited a doctor? Hm, five years ago
Own any suspenders? Nope
Know anyone who is adopted? My sister
Do you like scary movies? Yes I do
Last movie in a theater you watched? Simpsons Movie
Last costume you wore? Murder Mystery: Butler
Ever worked in a garden? Yes, I have one right now
Flag burning? I think it should be allowed
Do you know what a Liger is? Sure do
How often do you shave? Every 3-4 days
Ever been inside a police car? No
Your favorite job ever? Sharper Image
100 degrees or 30 degrees? 100 degrees
Do you own any turtlenecks? Nope, hate them.
Do you own any corduroy? Yes, one pair of pants
Your favorite number? 28
The last thing you were late for? Work
Do you like rhubarb? Love it
Which will be first, a black or a female President? Black
Last time you went on a picnic? Maybe a month ago
Are you attracted to other races? Not really
What's your favorite flower? Indian Paintbrush
Your favorite television show on air? Simpsons
Country you'd like to visit? Italy
Shoe size? 10
Language you'd like to be fluent in? Russian
Cheetos, Dorritos, or Fritos? Cheetos
Eye color? Brown
Been in so much pain you cried? Not that I remember
Had surgery? Nope
Met an Eskimo? Nope
Been in a car accident? No
Had stitches? Yes, when I was four
Dyed your hair? Yes, three times
Last time you went to a zoo/museum? A month
Ever owned a fish? Nope
The last relative you hugged? My mom
Your dream job? A therapist
Would you go skydiving? I don't think so
Would you eat a properly cooked dog? Yes
Ever worn a kimono? Nope
Wished you were shorter? No
Do you have direct deposit? Yes
Like rap music? Rarely
Last time in a gym? Four years ago
Do you follow the 10-second rule? Sometimes lol
Your favorite college course? History of Animation
Last time you visited youtube.com? Before work
Last Disney movie watched? Emperor's New Groove
How many cell phones have you owned? Two
Ever won a money prize? Yes, for my blog
Ever touched an alligator? Not that I can remember
Your favorite vegetable? Broccoli
Without looking, which number key has the # symbol? 6
Did you look? No
Are your grandparents still living? Only one grandpa
Furthest north you've ever been? Sweden
What jewelry are you wearing right now? A CTR ring and a watch
The closest yellow object to you? Simpsons DVD
Do you use a knife or the edge of your fork to cut things? Fork
Your favorite movie? Clue
Do you use chapstick? Yes, but I'm not addicted
Sprite or 7Up? Sprite
Ever crimped your hair? No.
Sandals or flipflops? Sandals
The last store you visited? Sharper Image
Book you are currently reading? Some unknown sci-fi
Do you like rain? Not really
What time is it? 9:51 pm
Ever worked fast food? Yes, Wendy's.
The icon closest to your clock on your start bar? gmail notifier
Is it dusty where you're at? Yes
What is your desktop wallpaper? Lillypads in a pond
Star Trek or Star Wars? Trek!
Do you care for any plants? Yes 4-5
What shampoo are you using? Bath and Bodyworks Coconut Lime Verbena
Will Democrats or Republicans win the Presidential race? Sadly Democrats
Ever been in a natural disaster? Nope
Are you good at lying? Yes
Can you curl your tongue? Yes
Could you be happy as a vegetarian? Never
Do you like sweet pickles? Yes
Do you like maraschino cherries? Yes
Do you like olives? Yes
Do you like black licorice? Never!
Your favorite recipe to make? Lasagna
Do you like to swim? I like to play in the pool
What is in your CD-ROM? Office XP CD
Do you look older, younger, or your age? Younger
Favorite pie? Strawberry
Right or left-handed? Right
Does anybody hate you? I hope not
Do you collect anything? Yes, playing cards.
What do you see out your window? It's dark
When did you wake up this morning? 10:30 am
The last funeral you attended? My cousin Whitney
White, dark, milk, or semi-sweet? Milk
Do you own a digital camera? Nope
Ever visited New York City? Yes
Last time you visited a doctor? Hm, five years ago
Own any suspenders? Nope
Know anyone who is adopted? My sister
Do you like scary movies? Yes I do
Last movie in a theater you watched? Simpsons Movie
Last costume you wore? Murder Mystery: Butler
Ever worked in a garden? Yes, I have one right now
Flag burning? I think it should be allowed
Do you know what a Liger is? Sure do
How often do you shave? Every 3-4 days
Ever been inside a police car? No
Your favorite job ever? Sharper Image
100 degrees or 30 degrees? 100 degrees
Do you own any turtlenecks? Nope, hate them.
Do you own any corduroy? Yes, one pair of pants
Your favorite number? 28
The last thing you were late for? Work
Do you like rhubarb? Love it
Which will be first, a black or a female President? Black
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Classical Barbie Girl
It's good to see one my favorite songs made classical. They did an excellent job!
Thursday, July 19, 2007
EU: ISPs don't have to disclose subscriber names
The bad legal news continues for the recording industry.
After yesterday's ruling that the RIAA owes an Oklahoma woman nearly $70,000 in attorneys' fees, the European Union's top court today said that European ISPs are not required to disclose the names of subscribers whose IP addresses have allegedly been linked to illegal activity on file-sharing networks.
In the case at issue, a group of Spanish music producers filed a legal complaint about Spanish ISP Telefonica, which refused turn over IP addresses of apparent Kazaa users. Telefonica maintained that Spanish law required it to turn over these addresses only in criminal cases or matters of national security. The Spanish court overseeing the case asked for an opinion from the European Court of Justice, which essentially backed Telefonica, saying that this information did not need to be turned over in civil cases.
This opinion's not a legally binding ruling, but if the Spanish court accepts the opinion and rules accordingly, this could form the basis for similar decisions throughout the EU. This would mean that recording industry representatives would either have to convince criminal investigators--the police--to go after file-traders (unlikely), or would have to come up with some other technical method (possible) without violating the EU's stringent privacy laws (very difficult).
Meanwhile, in the U.S., the RIAA continues to spend a lot of money to get very little in return.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)