AND BY “INROADS,” I MEAN “STUPID ACQUISITIONS”

“I think it’s the right time for Korean Internet companies to make inroads overseas.”

Lee Jae-woong, CEO of Korean Internet firm Daum, on spending $95 million to take Web portal Lycos off Terra Networks’ hands, Asia Times, 3 August 2004

GROWING PAINS

“A very good job would say we might be able to grow a whole Nokia, a whole Siemens, potentially a whole Intel.”

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, deciding how to replace all the cash he’s tossed to shareholders, News.com, 29 July 2004

UNFORTUNATELY, THERE ISN’T MUCH iNK

“There’s an enormous amount of technology in these things.”

Hewlett-Packard executive Pradeep Jotwani, attempting to justify the price of his company’s ink cartridges, San Francisco Chronicle, 26 July 2004

OFF WITH THEIR DEPARTMENT HEADS

“I recently spoke to Intel’s senior managers about our execution.”

Intel CEO Craig Barrett, sharing the tongue-lashing he delivered to managers with the rest of his employees, News.com, 27 July 2004

NEXT, WE’RE GOING TO TRY PUPPY-DOG EYES

“What we are really trying to focus on is what’s going to get our customers — or potential customers — to buy from us.

Gateway CEO Wayne Inouye, on the company’s novel new business plan, News.com, 27 July 2004