Encouraging Words

Ballmer says “No” to a post-Yang Yahoo buyout — Ending speculation that another Microsoft-Yahoo deal may be on the table after the exit of Jerry Yang, Steve Ballmer said at a Wednesday shareholder meeting “Let me be clear. We are done with all acquisition discussions with Yahoo.” His announcement sent Yahoo’s shares into a 20% nosedive, closing at $9.13 at days end. Ballmer did tell shareholders that Microsoft may still be open to a search deal with Yahoo but those slightly encouraging words did not soften the blow of his comments dismissing a possible acquisition. Is this really the death knell for a Microsoft-Yahoo merger? Maybe, maybe not.... [Tags: acquisition discussions, ceo, death knell, decline, encouraging words]

In TV Interview, Iranian Leader Opens a Door — President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad offers vaguely encouraging words for an American audience.... [Tags: american audience, encouraging words, iranian leader, mahmoud ahmadinejad, president mahmoud ahmadinejad]

Yahoo's encouraging words for IM standards — The executive newly in charge of Yahoo's instant messaging work appears open to an IM standard. That could help fix fragmentation problems in the world of online chat.... [Tags: encouraging words, fragmentation, instant messaging, yahoo]