Weekend Recap: December 1, 2008

You know, the big chair here at TNMS is getting pretty comfy for me. With two weeks of Weekend Updating under my belt, the ass grooves are starting to mold just the way I like them. It’s going to be a shame to give them up next week when someone else takes over the reporting duties for me. So, until then, let’s see what’s happened in the past few days…

• We open up with what is possibly the biggest merger in technology history!!! Unless, of course, it’s not. The London Times reported Sunday that Microsoft was poised to acquire Yahoo for $20 Billion (Yes, that’s “Billion”. With a “B”. Like “B”ill Gates.). Only hours later, Reuters News reported that the news was “total fiction” and cited a “key executive” for their news. The dance between Microsoft and Yahoo has been going on for awhile now; in May of 2007 there was a rumor that Microsoft was planning to purchase Yahoo for as much as $50 Billion. Then again in April of this year there was news of a $47 Billion buyout (see a pattern here?). Now this weekend came the rumor of a $20 Billion offer. Geez, I guess everyone has been hurt buy the slumping economy.
• I am a big movie guy. I probably own 300+ DVDs, and when I’m not sitting home playing on the computer, I’m usually sitting home enjoying a movie. So, I think I already know how this one is going to end. And I don’t think it’s going to be good for anybody.
• Fortune Magazine (via CNN Money) has a really interesting read on Microsoft and their struggles with competing in the online revenue war with Google and Yahoo. Of course, if they’re actually buying Yahoo, that’s one less competitor. Ah, the free market system.
• And finally, because who doesn’t love a good satire of Apple, a note from Engadget regarding last night’s Simpsons episode. Chances are that if you’re not clicking that link by about noon on Tuesday 12/2/08, the video clips will be gone. If that’s the case, head on over to my new favorite website Hulu.com and watch the whole episode free of charge. I really love the web.