September 18-2009:

We Are Living In A Parallel Universe!

Today, more than ever I am thoroughly convinced that this planet, us humans, and this universe is a twin. Yes, we are in a parallel universe. I have had these suspicions for several years now, triggered by several personal experiences such as meeting someone whom I knew I've met, but could not fathom where. Seeing individuals that look exactly like someone I knew personally some place and time before. They even walked, talked, and behaved like the person or individuals I've known before.

I have had dreams that took me to places that looked exactly like this planet, people of different ethnic groups and complexion, that look just like we do on this earth, people that behaved, spoke, acted, sang, danced, made love, had sex, and did bad things exactly like we do on this planet also. I have had dreams, visions (awake and
asleep) where I met individuals that I knew somehow, we went places, did things together, and parted in a manner that baffled me, to the point where as I was about to leave that person's presence or company. I watched as he/she walked away into the sunset, or into the ground literally, and disappeared from sight too.

Then I realized what was happening, I realized that I was on another planet, another place and time, and that I did not truly belong there. At least not at that time.

Then I awoke, and wondered if that individual realized what was happening also, and if that individual had the same experience that I was having with such an encounter too? I also had experiences on another planet that looked like ours, where I was killed, and as the blade or gunshot struck me, I awoke immediately, and realize that I was still alive, and back on earth, as though nothing happened. Then I realized once more, that a parallel existence MUST be a reality for me to be so convinced, and recognizable.

The Prophets, Seers, Shamans, and Spiritual Leaders Of Yore Realized It Too:

Yes, these people realized it to, but was also like me, unable to comprehend what they too were experiencing back then. They tried to explain these things in the light of their own cultural experiences, background, and interpretation, So many points of view were expressed and shared about them. Some said it was an after lfe, Some said it was re-incarnation of souls, until finally the individual would reach Nirvana, or the completion of the soul's journey to enlightenment. Others call it Heaven. And in recent times, with the advent of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and other faiths, this has become the anticipated end of the human journey.

But all of these peoples and religious philosophies subscribed to some after life, or some other existence that us humans are a part of, and could expect to experience if we behave in certain ways, or believe in certain doctrines prescribed by our Elders of yore. All with the intent to mold our minds to work towards making this perception a reality at some future time. Today, it is referred to as The End Time, or The Coming of The Mufti, or the Advent Of The Christ, or The Return Of The Caliph.

Can Anyone Prove That We Are Indeed In A Parallel Universe?

I don't think with our current scientific technologies that would be possible. And I also don't think humans will ever be able to transcend time and space. Because we as physical beings AGE. And to be able to transcend Time And Space, requires preventing the Aging Process From Taking Place Physically. And we are all aware, that all material things are transformed via the aging stages, in it's development processes.

The invisible essence of all things is yet to be fully comprehended by as humans. At least with our limited and sometimes confused perception, of what we call The Human Reality or Experience.

Derryck S. Griffith.

http://mimbari.livejournal.com/

July 31-2009:

GOOGLE & YAHOO-Two Vampires Contemplate Merging Search Engines!

Do you recall some months or years ago, Google and Yahoo sold Internet Monitoring Software to Communist China's government, so that they could SPY on Internet users and Bloggers.

This decision was made by Google and Yahoo to expand, Capitalize and Increase their overseas revenue in China's burgeoning billions of Internet users.

Some months after this deal was made, China arrested several Online Journalists/Bloggers and had them imprisoned, for information that the government did not want the global community to be Privy to.

Currently, Google and Yahoo wants to indulge yet another EVIL transaction with each other, to capitalize once more on Internet users activities.

Let this be known Google and Yahoo, we haven't forgotten what you did to innocent Online Users in China, and who knows how many others elsewhere, from that transaction. And we DESPISE you both for that despicable act to fellow Humans, and Online Users in China.

Organizations like yours make the Creation and Intention of The Internet a FARCE!

Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.

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July 28-2009:

Could The Internet Be Responsible For Cursive Writing Skills Demise?

As a child growing up, I attended Kindergarten school, like so many children were expected to do, to begin their education. Writing in cursive was a MUST at that time, in all schools, regardless of whether they were private or state controlled.

Today, some wonder if the computer generation will not have the ability to write in that manner, because everything is done automatically in TEXT format, and thus far, there are no cursive keys on our key boards to allow for that type of writing.

Incidentally, for those who are not sure what cursive writing is, and may be too lazy to find out. Here is the definition.

CURSIVE writing allows the writer to connect letters together. Instead or writing JOHN, the writer will join each letter together!

I read an article today that claimed some person at the age of twenty six years of age, could not write in cursive. I presume that this person may have had his initial education on some other planet. Because the computer and Internet only came on board in the 1970's. So this medium cannot be blamed for his ignorance.

I hope that cursive writing skills are still being taught in our Kindergarten schools, and encouraged by all teachers and professors in High School and Colleges too.

Because these skills are preferred when writing personal letters, applications to future employers, college exams, essays, and research papers, and is another way to display ones ability to think and write with fluidity and grace!

Derryck S. Griffith.
NYC.
http://mimbari.livejournal.com/

http://computersandinternetblogging.blogspot.com/

July 21-2009:a

Copyright Laws & Current 21St Century Internet Technology!

It is generally understood that the current International Copyright Laws MUST be updated to allow for the Freedom to Access, Share materials of all sorts on the Internet, without the infringement of governments, commercial interests, and imposed Legislation.

The point I am making are the following:

* Any individual male or female, adult or child MUST be allowed access to the Internet.

* Internet access MUST be FREE.

* Internet use must be based on need, affordable provider, variety, Fiber Optic technology, and without Commercial Coercion.

* No Internet user should be denied access to the Internet if he/she downloaded music, or movies from another Internet user.

* No Internet user should be judicially penalized because he/she shared files (music, movies or videos), with friends or contacts on the Internet for FREE.

* And no Internet user should be penalized by any Judge, the State, or Private Enterprise, because he/she downloaded some copyrighted material from another Internet user online, for FREE. To view, or listen to, regardless of who legally owns it.

So long as those Internet users did not personally sell those materials that they accessed freely.

Furthermore:

There seem to be the attitude of some governments and commercial enterprises to suggest, that Internet users MUST comply with their wishes. And this attitude and behavior conflicts with the established understanding, that the Internet was originally created for FREE use by anyone who chose to do so.

Derryck S. Griffith
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.

What Is A National Identity Card?

A Citizen's Identity card is exactly what it purports.

Just like a US Driver's license, it has the name of the person.

* His/Her Date Of Birth.

* Ethnicity.

* And Nationality:

* A Face Picture.

* A Social Security number (if any).

Some countries don't have a National Social Security Plan.

Some do have A National Health Plan that all citizens must subscribe to when employed.

  And is also subsidized by the state.

Mimbari.
NYC.

June 28-2009:

Who Won The Revolt In Iran?

My response to an article posted and copied hereunder:

The state may have accessed the Internet Networking Sites to monitor it's citizenry during the revolt in Iran. That was a fact!

And as such, thousands have been arrested, harassed, imprisoned, and monitored.

But that does not make these protestors efforts any less in-effective.

I say, they were able to impact the system to the point now, where the state have to be prepared for any eventuality in the near future.

Because the people spoke on no uncertain terms, that they had enough of the Dictatorship, and expect to be allowed their Human Rights to Dissent, Freedom Of Expression via the Internet, The Press, the Radio, and on the Streets Peacefully.

And this right was blatantly deprived them. Therefore they will not rest, until victory is achieved!

Mimbari.
NYC.

http://yro.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=09/06/27/0344230

Posted by Soulskill on Saturday June 27, @08:16AM
from the alternative-views dept.
      Hugh Pickens writes

"Over the last couple of weeks, those who believe in the transformative power of technology to battle an oppressive state have pointed to Iran as a test case. However, as Farhad Manjoo writes on Slate, the real conclusion about news now coming out of Iran is that for regimes bent on survival, electronic dissent is easier to suppress than organizing methods of the past.

Using a system installed last year, built in part by Nokia and Siemens, the government routes all digital traffic in the country through a single choke point, using the capabilities of deep packet inspection to monitor every e-mail, tweet, blog post, and possibly even every phone call placed in Iran. 'Compare that with East Germany, in which the Stasi managed to tap, at most, about 100,000 phone lines -- a gargantuan task that required 2,000 full-time technicians to monitor the calls,' writes Manjoo.

The effects of this control have been seen over the past couple days, with only a few harrowing pictures and videos getting through Iran's closed net. For most citizens, posting videos and even tweeting eyewitness accounts remains fraught with peril, and the same tools that activists use can be used by the government to spread disinformation. The government is also using crowdsourcing by posting pictures of protesters and asking citizens for help in identifying the activists. 'If you think about it, that's no surprise,' writes Manjoo. 'Who said that only the good guys get to use the power of the Web to their advantage?'"

http://thethingsthatmatter.blogspot.com/

June 03-2009:

How To Get Information Out Of China!

It has been, and will always be a problem for Bloggers and concerned citizens in China to communicate with the outside world online, if they are continually blocked of prevented from so doing.

So here is my plan to assist those who really want to make a contribution to social justice and free press.

* Find English Speaking Chinese youth, who are politically astute, aware, and concerned about the social political climate in China, to send their Blogs or commentaries to someone here in the USA, or in Europe, that has un-impaired access to the Internet.

* It is also IMPERATIVE that both parties communicate in languages that both could write, and understand fully.

* So when a Blogger or Citizen contact in China, Burma, or any other restricted region wants to relay his or her experiences or observation (in real time), can do so directly to his or her contact in the USA, Europe, etc
via E-mail.

* And the contact on the receiving end will copy and paste same in English, Spanish, French, or any other language that is necessary, and forward it to his or her contacts to spread the word.

VIRAL communication like these could help greatly in enlightening the West about the current human rights situations in the above mentioned societies on a regular basis.

Derryck.
NYC.

June 06-2009:

Surveillance Technology!

What is surveillance technology?

This is a concept that is being used currently around the world. Mostly by private enterprise, to monitor consumer behavior in stores, on the streets, and other areas of interest.

Governments with the help of private technologists have developed, and are constantly developing technology for surveillance of their citizenry.

This is done in China, Burma, India, the UK, The USA, Germany, Russia, the EU, and everywhere around the globe, where it is felt that the people must be monitored. Especially where there are terrorist activities.

However, in light of the current terrorist activities in the political arena, globally, technology for surveillance purposes are constantly being improved and tweaked to provide for specific needs of clients. Be it government or private enterprise.

So the next time you see that commercial bill board in lights, it may be monitoring you as you pass by and stare at it, because of it's lure. And you may never be aware that it is monitoring your interest in it.

This type of technology also infringes upon the commonweal's privacy in public places. Because if the citizenry is constantly being watched every way he or she goes in public. Then who is to stop the state from arresting anyone they feel, if he or she fits a certain profile or behaves according to certain observations on record.

This is very disconcerting for those of us who believe that the any state or private enterprise, that indulges in such activities must be stringently controlled, less we all find ourselves pawns or targets, for the state's covert actions or designs!

Derryck.
New York City

August 18-2006:

Israel & Hesbollah's Fight Analyzed:

Because of Israel's incursion into Gaza. The destruction of the Palestinian infrastructure, like the water supplies, fuel oil, electricity, roads, houses and other social infrastructural buildings, and the killing of several Palestinians, especially children.

Hamas kidnapped the two Israeli soldiers, in retaliation to these offenses. These atrocities have caused Hesbollah (I presume), to take action, thus causing the subsequent military conflict with Israel and Hesbollah.

Today however, Israel has not humbled or defeated Hesbollah. As a matter of fact, Hesbollah is still standing TALL, undefeated, as promised by Israel at the outset.

Because of the tactical frustration that Hesbollah caused the Israeli army in the field of battle, they chose to destroy South Lebanon, leaving a scorched earth, and thousands of innocent civilians, (both adults and children), before the cease fire proposed by The UN.

So who is the MASS Murderer in this conflict?

Derryck S. Griffith
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.
http://my.opera.com/BringBaka/
  http://360.yahoo.com/derryck_sylvester
  http://www.myspace.com/derryck_mimbari

August 16-2006:

Are You a Baby Boomer?

Reflections:

* Yes, I was born on March-05-1950, five years after World War-11. I was never consciously aware of the Korean war/conflict in the 1950's, because I was too young to understand.

* But I was old enough to understand the Vietnam War/conflict in the 1960's, and the social and political contradictions, regarding the rationale behind that conflict.

* I also was aware of the invasion of Grenada by US marines, initiated on President Ronald Reagan's directive.

* I can also recall in 1963 when President John F. Kennedy was in office. Long range missile sites were discovered in Cuba by satellite. And the American administration asked the Fidel Castro government to dismantle those sites, less they pose a threat to the USA.

* This warning went un-heeded by Cuba, thus causing America to impose a military embargo, by surrounding the entire island of Cuba with it's warships. Preventing anything from entering or leaving Cuba. Eventually the Cuban government acquiesce to this military posturing by the USA, and dismantled those missile sites.

* In the 1980's American evangelist Jim Jones and his People's Temple Church cult, took over 500 Americans (mostly) elderly Blacks and single parents with children to the hinterland of Guyana. Under the guise of providing a new life for his flock. It was subsequently discovered that the church organizers were into (under cover) drug dealing, and money laundering.

  A Congressman named Ryan somehow was informed that some of his constituents were involved or trapped in this community, and he wanted to investigate. He eventually got killed as he was about to depart from a visit he made to that community at Jonestown, Guyana. This happened on the run away tarmac, as he was about to board the plane for the USA.

* When Egypt's president (Anwar Sadat) was assassinated, I was very aware and saddened by this development. Because he was the only Arab leader who felt that dealing with Israel, and acknowledging Israel as a sovereign state, was a reality that they would eventually have to accept.

* I also recall the 'Dismantling of the Berlin Wall,' at an impromptu people's action. This came after many years of hardships, murdering of fleeing escapees, and border traps, placed on the East German or Soviet Union sector of that wall, to prevent East Berliners from leaving.

* I was also overjoyed when South Africa gained it's freedom from APARTHEID. Mr. Nelson Mandella, the champion for the freeing of it's people, emerged from imprisonment. And eventually became the first Black President of the new South Africa.

* Desert Storm, the war in Afghanistan-2001, & now Iraq-2006.

Today, we are told by the current White House administration, that there is an international war on terrorism. And that preemptive defense is the best way to avoid terrorist threats.

Iran, North Korea, and Syria, was also referred to as "'The Axis Of Evil.''

* Hamas & Hesbollah, indigenous Freedom Fighters (alias Mujadeens) of Palestine and Lebanon, and referred to by some as terrorists, have made themselves heroes, by sacrificing themselves in the struggles for freedom from foreign incursions, occupations, and control.

Personally, I have always wanted to see the USA ever since I was a child in Guyana. I indulged in this dream for many years. And it became a reality in May-1989 when I emigrated here permanently!

I also see myself as an advocate for civil-social-political, and equal rights for those who are dis-enfranchised, dis-regarded, or unable to speak or represent themselves in this regard. This is my chosen vocation presently, and for as long as I think it necessary to do so!

Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.

  http://my.opera.com/BringBaka/
  http://360.yahoo.com/derryck_sylvester
  http://www.myspace.com/derryck_mimbari

Google PC's Hah-Hah-Hah!

Hello!

It is absurd to think that Google will be contemplating producing personal computers, be it laptops or desktops. Google's specialty is browsers (fast and reliable browser technology).

I cannot fathom the absurdity, to even think that Google will allow Microsoft or any other software producer to make them feel inadequate. Because Google has it's own kind of specialty, un-matched by anyone at this time.

And what I think Google should do, ( and I feel is also doing quietly), is ensuring that it's specialty can never be equaled, for it's reliability, resources, data banks, speed, and overall performance.

So let those who have no life, find some other group to speculate about. Because Google has no time to spread rumors, nor make mischief, like kids do at Spring Break!

Om Shanti.
Derryck.
Manhattan.
New York City.

The Only Thing The Working Classes Have To Lose Are Their Chains!

The situation with the New York City Transit Workers demands are of concern to many New Yorkers, especially those who use the subway and buses to and from work each day. But the issues are beyond just getting to work, or getting there on time.

* The issues involve getting a fair day's wage, for a fair day's work.

* Job security, with possible increments in the near future, that will ensure the workers could feed themselves, their families, pay the bills, and still be able to put aside something for retirement, or a rainy day.

Supporting these workers in their plight for a decent wage, with benefits, have always been what all working people strive for historically. And because of this collective need, the forming of Trade Unions/Collective Bargaining Agents was created to assist in this regard.

In this United States Of America, worker's organizations have dwindled in numbers, resources, and the attraction of potential workers, and employers alike. The cultural belief that a person or individual can bargain with his Boss or Employer for a better deal, has been the biggest fallacy ever promoted, by those who resist collective bargaining methods.

However, it seems like the table is turning into the workers favor, and more people are seeing the wisdom of collective bargaining via A Representative Worker's Union. We welcome this development, and hope that the trend will continue to grow in volume.

*Let us support the Workers Cause!

*Let us unite in spirit with all those who seek to improve the conditions under which they operate as workers.

* Let us support whatever is decided by the workers representatives of The New York Transit Authority Union.

And most of all, let us show support for Worker's Rights!

Workers International Unite!

Sincerely,
Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator & Advocate.
& Former Shop Steward.
A.T.G.W.U.

December 03-2005:

What Is Evil & What Is Good?

Definitions:
EVIL: Morally objectionable behavior:
GOOD: Moral excellence or admirableness:

Foreword:
For centuries humankind have been battling with the concepts of Good & Evil. Religions have sprung-up, purporting to explain, the origin and realities of the two elements that affects all humankind. Even in this century, humans are still explaining culturally, what is Evil or Good, and what culture or religious theory takes precedence in explaining truthfully, what these elements are, and how they can be controlled.

* The Beginning Of Human Time:

I do not subscribe to the Christian concept of the human Genesis. Nor do I subscribe to Darwin's theory of human evolution. Personally, I see the scientific theories as being more feasible for the following reasons:

* Science is based on a certain Formula: S=M=Q:

1. S-means it must be seen:
2.M-means that is must be measured:
3.Q- means that it must be quantifiable:

Reasons:
A: Religion therefore does not qualify, because it is based on faith:

B: The Darwin theory is unable to connect the presumed Monkey/Ape genes, with human genetics-anatomy-physiognomy, and intelligence.

* The Scientific Theories:

I am not a scientist in any way, shape or form, but I have read scientific theories that tries to explain this universe, using science to explain how it may have evolved.

a.The Black Hole theory is one of them:

b. The Big Bang theory is another:

c. And there is a more recent school of thought that presumes, humans came from some other planet in this universe, as a survival necessity, resulting from some war of extinction on some other planet or solar system.

d. And this other planet, have not been discovered by us humans as yet.

* My View Of Human Evolution:

I believe that the universe as we know it "WAS, IS, & WILL ALWAYS BE A REALITY."

It was never created: Because if it was, then one would have to validate it's creator: And the question goes on perpetually for the validation of that creator's creator, and so on, and so on, to infinity!

I also believe that the universe/cosmic, consists of invisible & visible forces. Call them protons-electrons-molecules, etc. These forces/energy have always been in the invisible or infinite, and with time evolved into matter, of different forms and substance, with time.

I also believe that all invisible energy has no light (as we know or understand it to be). Light to us means, Sun Rays: Electricity: Illumination: Sparks: Meteors: etc. These are all part of the metamorphoses of invisible energy evolving overtime into visible energy. Resulting in Planets-Stars-Suns-Moons, etc.

* When Did This Process Begin?

No one knows when this physical universe/cosmic became visible, because I presume no human form as we understand it were present at that time. And if they were, no records/evidence was ever found to validate this presumption. Suffice it to say that humans came into existence on this planet, at different intervals, and in different regions on this planet, without knowing of each other's separate existence for centuries.

* Intelligence:

The human animal/organism over the centuries have come to the realization of itself, it's existence, and intelligence, gradually, by trial, error, accident, natural phenomena, and survival adaptability. Every generation since the genesis of humans on this planet had to observe, learn, memorize, fight, and manage to stay alive, and to procreate.

With each experience, phenomena, or natural disaster, humans managed to prevail, despite the severe losses they suffered in numbers. They learned how to defend themselves from attacking animals: They learned how to hunt and eventually grow their food: They learned how nature operates to some extent: They also learned how to protect themselves from nature's harmful elements.

Most of the time humans generally, ascribed superstitious beliefs to those things they did not understand, of could not comprehend or explain. Humans created Gods, (visible ones mostly), to appease when they felt the need to. In human and animal sacrifices at different times, and did in almost every region on this planet.

* The Genesis Of Good & Evil:

a. No one knows how the concepts of Good & Evil came about. But Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and all other religions, have their concepts of these elements.

b. How it shapes our beliefs, morality, and even behavior, in every culture known to humankind.

Evil & Good according to the definition at the beginning of this dossier, explains the differences from culture to culture. And because of this difference of perception and acts. Laws, Regulations, attitudes, religious beliefs, and morals, have all been shaped, to facilitate these cultural and religious beliefs, in every culture known to humankind.

* Heaven & Earth:

a. Christianity & Islam, and I guess other religions have preached about some place where Evil lives/dwells. And the same for heaven, as a place where Good resides. Their followers are cautioned not to disobey/obey the prescribed Religious doctrines, Fatwahs, Laws, or Catechism, that is used to keep the flock in moral obedience or compliance with these doctrines.

b. Failing to obey them, will result in a destiny after physical death, to a hellish place for eternity. Those that do good, observe the laws or doctrines for goodness, will end up in Heaven, after physical death.

c. There is another place that you go to as a temporary place for cleansing of sins, purported by The Roman Catholics. And that place is Purgatory. According to them, this place is for sinners, who die in Sin, but will be redeemed after Jesus is resurrected some time again in the future.

NOTE: They call this time "The End Time.'

b. And Revelations, in The Christian Bible makes reference to this theory!

* Where Is This Hell & Heaven Located?

This planet Earth (is spherical), and it revolves around the Sun for it's sustenance. It also floats (like all planets do), in an OPEN & Perpetual VOID called Our Solar System or Universe.

a. Thefore, where is the ABOVE or BELOW Position?
b. Where is this Hell or Heaven located?
c. And where is this Purgatory located?

Could anyone explain these contradictions for me please!

Om Shanti.
Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator & Advocate.

Christened in childhood (A Roman Catholic):
Denounced this faith/religion in my adolescence:
Currently considers myself "A Free Thinker."

What Is So Special With Geeks Or Nerds?

Definition of a geek:
A person with an unusual or odd personality!

I have been reading comments from persons who seem to be sympathetic to the so-called GEEK Issues.

And I am compelled to say this!

* What on earth makes anyone feel so unique to be singled out for special mention?

* Only in the USA the expression 'GEEK' takes on this singular concern or interpretation.

In most countries men and women who are inclined to be bookish, technical minded, or very conservative in outlook, are perceived as exceptional individuals. And in most circumstances, the society embraces them as brilliant, or people to be emulated.

So I am puzzled whenever I see comments like 'Geeks unite', or 'Geek power,' or 'Geek Special Interests.' Because in my mind, a true GEEK, or NERD (by & large), does not concern himself/herself too much with the mundane or frivolous.

Om Shanti.
Derryck.

Wilmington- Delaware:

The Delaware Supreme Court has protected the identity of a blogger in the case of Doe v. Cahill, finding that the plaintiffs failed to meet the strict standards required by the First Amendment to unmask an anonymous critic. It dismissed the case Wednesday.

This is the first state supreme court to rule on a "John Doe" subpoena or to address bloggers' rights.

"Bloggers have a strong First Amendment right to speak anonymously," said Kurt Opsahl, EFF staff attorney. "It is critical that plaintiffs' claims face a stringent test before a court unmasks online critics, lest we reduce the vibrant public debates on the Internet to the cautious views of a select few voices."

The defendant in the case posted under the alias Proud Citizen on the "Smyrna/Clayton Issues Blog" (www.newsblog.info/0405). In two messages from September of 2004, Proud Citizen discussed a member of the Smyrna Town Council, Patrick Cahill, referring to Cahill's "character flaws," "mental deterioration," and "failed leadership," and stated that "Gahill [sic] is...paranoid."

Cahill and his wife filed a complaint for defamation, and sought to discover Proud Citizen's identity, which the trial court allowed under a very relaxed standard - merely requiring a claim made in good faith. The Delaware Supreme Court disagreed, noting that substantial harm may come from allowing a plaintiff to compel the disclosure of an anonymous defendant's identity with a weak or trivial claim.

Instead, the Court required a stricter standard: the plaintiff must (1) make reasonable efforts to notify the defendant; and (2) provide facts sufficient to defeat a summary judgment motion (i.e., submit enough evidence to show the Court that the case was strong enough to proceed to trial). The Court held that the plaintiffs had not shown that statements made by Proud Citizen met this test, in large part because they were likely to be seen by the Internet audience as statements of opinion.

EFF, along with Public Citizen, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the American Civil Liberties Union of Delaware, filed a "friend of the court" brief supporting the blogger's right to speak anonymously. You can learn more about EFF's efforts to defend bloggers' rights at www.eff.org/bloggers/

For this release: