But I am unsure about the game of chicken. I have a strange feeling that Google is ready to take them on. I wouldn't be surprised of they got aggressive and took the battle directly to Apple, M$, and Oracle. Since they already are in a battle with oracle, we will have to wait and see what is left of oracles patents after all of the reviews. Most of Oracles patent claims have been shot down already. They are still being reviewed, and the court case is starting to drag on. Not sure Apple or M$ would really like to end up being dragged through the courts for years and years. But what I really cannot predict is who will be willing to settle early. All of these companies have A LOT of pride. So I can only imagine a LONG and protracted patent battle to the death. Or maybe its just my sick mind dreaming. - lol

or desperate. I think Google decided it's time to do battle. It's easy to sue the little guys. But when your the size of Google, it becomes MUCH riskier. They can drag Apple, Oracle and M$ on for years in court. This is not what those three want. A lot of FUD is being displayed, trying to show this as desperation. But I think Google got tired of them picking on the manufacturers of the Droid phones. If Google did nothing, the three would drive away all Droid phones. That in turn would cut into Googles revenue. So they must take action. They already work with the patent office for search in patents and prior art. They have a lot of experience in that now. And they may wield some influence there and in politics. Dont underestimate their cunning. If they assemble a good legal team, it should turn out to be quite a battle. Especially if HTC and others band together with Google. Just waiting for the bell, so I can start making the pop corn.

- NO. State Employees get a 401K. There is no pension or healthcare. It has been proven over and over, that contracting in this state costs more.