After the recent Anti-trust hearings, Bill Gates recently compared the software market with the soft drink market. He says Microsoft is struggling to survive but that the beverage giant will be on top forever because the Department of Justice doesnt pick on them. Of course, Bill should be careful not to give Coke any ideas. We might end up with a scenario like the following:



Joe: (walking into McDonalds) Hi, Id like a Big Mac.



Cashier: Okay, heres your Big Mac and heres your Coke. Thatll be $3.99.



Joe: Uh, I dont want a Coke.



Cashier: Sorry, theyre bundled.



Joe: What? Im not paying for a Coke!



Cashier: You dont; the Coke is free.



Joe: But wasnt a Big Mac $2.49 last week?



Cashier: Sure, but this latest Big Mac is far more innovative. Its got integrated Coke!



Joe: I already bought a Snapple across the street… Im not going to drink the Coke.



Cashier: Then you cant have the burger.



Joe: Okay, fine, I will pay the $3.99 and throw the Coke away.



Cashier: Oh, you cant do that. Theyre seamlessly integrated. Totally inseparable.



Joe: How can that be? Theyre two totally separate things!



Cashier: No, watch. (takes Big Mac, dunks it in a tank of Coke) See?



Joe: Why did you just do that?!



Cashier: Its a benefit to the consumer. Otherwise youd end up with two different, inconsistent tastes. This way youre assured of continuous taste across all your foods.



Joe: Aaarrgh!