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May 12, 2006
Headlines from the Future #4
EarthQuest Generates First Property Ownership Lawsuit
Search giant Google's latest service, Google EarthQuest, has developed into a sizable component of the company's overall revenue base, and has now generated the first known lawsuit between physical and virtual property owners.EarthQuest combines the Google Earth 3-D mapping service launched several years ago with Google's recent acquisitions, gaming titles World of Warcraft and The Sims, and online property research firm Zillow.com.
The result is the first full-planet, geographically accurate massively multi-player online game. EarthQuest provides players with the chance to "buy" the rights to digital versions of real property, whereon they can then build virtual homes, buildings, or develop other, creative uses for the space.
The recently filed lawsuit contests two real-world neighbors, John Henkin and Wade Godby, both residents of Coral Gables, Florida. Godby claims that Henkin has artificially reduced his physical home's property value by buying the virtual space corresponding to Godby's yard in EarthQuest and erecting what was described as "a 75-foot digital phallus" on that spot. Henkin claims no wrong-doing as his purchase of that space in EarthQuest was valid within the parameters of the service, and erecting such a structure does not violate game rules.
Apparently, the feud between Henkin and Godby has been long-standing. Those living near the quarreling neighbors recount trashed Halloween and Christmas decorations, yards defaced with lime, and several instances of wireless network disruption emanating from one or the other household. A court date for the suit has not yet been set.
Customs Dogs Sniff out Stolen Office Supplies
Inspired by the MPAA-trained dogs trained to find DVDs in luggage, Staple Depot today announced that it has trained a half-dozen German Shepherds to detect stolen office supplies being smuggled home at night in office-workers' briefcases, bags, and purses. The company is working to lease out these dogs, who will be positioned at the exits of large office buildings.A spokesperson for Staple Depot, the recent office supply mega-chain formed when Staples merged with Office Depot, stated that the company had invested in this effort as "an innovative solution to a growing threat to the health and morality of American business." Said the company representative, "Staple Depot believes that fighting terrorism and crime go hand in hand. After all, terrorists need Wite-Out and binder clips just like the rest of us."
DHS Home Searches Contested by Angry Liberals
The US Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) recently initiated "Terrorist Roundup" program, which includes warrantless searches of selected homes and businesses within the United States, has ruffled the feathers of some citizens and residents.The most recent round of physical property searches was defended by the outgoing DHS Secretary, Michael Chertoff. "Wiretaps have proven to be a useful tool for fighting terrorism here and abroad. Property searches are the next obvious step in rooting out terrorists who are already here in the US where they can do the most harm. Seeking warrants in these cases only reduces our ability to protect Americans."
One property owner, whose house was inspected at 3am yesterday by the FBI, complained, "Ain't we got no rights no more? What happened to the gall-dang Constitution?"
Attorney General Harriet Miers dismissed this criticism: "If you've nothing to hide, like any good American, there's no reason to be concerned about opening your home up to these rather unobtrusive searches." The ACLU has vowed to contest the legality of this program in US federal court.
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Posted by Craig in Society / Politics