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Google Book Settlement Criticized by Amazon and Google Rivals

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Cate Blanchett, an Australian actress, was injured on stage when hit by a prop during a theatre performance in Sydney, Australia. The incident occurred while she was playing the lead role of Blanche DuBois in the play A Streetcar Named Desire. Blanchett, who won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 2005 for her role in The Aviator, was scheduled to return to the stage the next day.

Key Takeaways:

  • Amazon.com Inc. has filed a brief in opposition to Google's 10-month-old settlement with U.S. authors and publishers, arguing that it will stifle competition and allow Google to gouge consumers.
  • The settlement, which is awaiting court approval, would allow Google to add millions more titles to its digital library.
  • Microsoft Corp. and Yahoo Inc., both Google rivals, are expected to join Amazon in opposing the settlement.
  • The Open Book Alliance, a group formed by Amazon, Microsoft, and Yahoo, is rallying opposition to the Google book settlement.
  • Cate Blanchett, the actress, suffered a minor blow to the head when hit by a prop on stage during a performance in Sydney, Australia.
  • The incident occurred while she was playing the role of Blanche DuBois in the play A Streetcar Named Desire.

Statistics:

  • 10 months: The duration of Google's settlement with U.S. authors and publishers.
  • Millions: The estimated number of additional titles that Google will be able to add to its digital library if the settlement is approved.
  • 2: The number of other Google rivals, Microsoft Corp. and Yahoo Inc., that are expected to join Amazon in opposing the settlement.
  • 1: The number of times Cate Blanchett was scheduled to return to the stage after suffering a minor head wound from a prop.
  • 40: The age of Cate Blanchett when she was injured on stage.
  • 36: The age of DJ AM when he was found dead in his apartment with prescription pills in his stomach and one in his throat.

Sources:

  • "Amazon.com files brief opposing Google book deal" (Associated Press)
  • "Actress Cate Blanchett injured on stage" (Associated Press)
  • "DJ AM found dead with prescription pills in stomach" (Associated Press)

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