That scenario would really only apply to people who keep their XBone online, wouldn't it?

You have a strange sense of humor. If it were true, it would be less funny than it would be larcenous.

Water under the water, covering the water?

I agree with you on both these counts, but I especially agree with the people who modded you '+5, Insightful'.

I prefer Soup 'R Crackers. http://youtu.be/h-ElqPW2ZSE

Stay back! I have powers...political powers! - H.J. Simpson

It's a little something called 'class,' you yokel. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a buttocks to tattoo.

My favorite "if we can only get a sliver" anecdote is from the late-90's tech bubble: Supposedly the business plan of BBQ.com was "Americans spend $4 billion a year on grills and grilling supplies. If we can capture just 10% of that..."

(I'm pretty sure I read that in a Po Bronson book/article, so take it with a salt lick.)

Aside from reclaiming legal costs, how about the plaintiff stands to lose the amount of compensatory and punitive damages they seek? That'll bring frivolous lawsuits to a halt with a quickness, and will probably keep amounts sought reasonable in legitimate suits. (Keep the appeals process in place, of course.)

That's precisely the point I was trying to make - I guess I didn't do a very good job of it. :)

Agreed. Repurchasing and boosting the dividend when the stock traded above $700 might have been a good idea; doing so when it's hovering around $400 with a PEG ratio of 47% is a good idea. Buying back your own stock at a discount to what it's worth, while simultaneously returning cash to shareholders and appeasing a huge PITA activist investor? That's smart.

Financing the buyback with debt is a tiny bit worrisome, but Apple's probably just taking advantage of the low interest rates their high credit rating and hoard of cash afford them.

Psssht. Some book I read once said you can't know the velocity and location at the same time. Before you give me any of that "that's only for particles" garbage, cars are made of particles, so just consider that times 2^28.

Not so smart now, am I?

...is whichever one the stripper is holding on to the pole with.

Mine too, except she's complaining about 7.9" vs 4". Also, I don't have a gf any more.

Because at some point the courts will resolve the issue, and the needs that drove the two parties into business together to begin with remain.