Google, food blogger sued over “herpes” zinger

A popular Malaysian food blogger in search of fish head curry — yes, that dish is exactly what it sounds like — suggests avoiding a certain Kuala Lumpur restaurant.

"It's a tourist trap," wrote blogger Poh Huai Bin. "Avoid it like a bad case of herpes."

That unflattering review has led the restauranteur to sue not only Poh but Google as well, reports Malaysia Star newspaper. Business has slowed since the review defamed the curry shop, the restauranteur claims, and Google is only helping spread the review. He wants $1.2 million in damages.

What's the restaurant called? Since the proprietor enjoys suing people, I've not saying. I suggest you Google it.

Google, of course, is no stranger to frivolous lawsuits. A Utah woman sued for damages last year when Google Maps suggested "walking directions" that led her to a busy highway. She blamed the search engine after being struck by a vehicle.

A little Googling reveals that the blogger has also run afoul of the legal system. A Malaysia Star article from 2008 deems him "Malaysia's first and last drug blogger." Poh told the paper that, after extensively documenting his drug and booze habits online, he was tracked down by police and thrown into prison.

Following the suit's announcement, the blogger's Twitter account was full of supportive messages from fans. To the curry vendor, he offered this sarcastic warning:

"Actually, I have a history of depression, all this stress is getting to me. Sigh. Thoughts of suicide. <- Psychological damages ;)"