It may be that this is something that we'll have to face with an increasing frequency in the coming decades.

We have not seen any signs of it decreasing. Certainly over the last couple of decades it has been increasing.

I thought I was looking at a building at first: that it was some kind of tent, as high as a country church, made of grey and pink canvas that flapped in the gusts of storm wind, in that orange sky: a lopsided canvas structure aged by weather and ripped by time. And then it turned and I saw its face...

There's a big collision coming.

The case is important because it will define the rules of the game for the coming decades, ... The Microsoft case will define the rules for the new information economy.

We turn around and there stands Aidan, looking like he just won a million dollars. He can't keep his eyes off Ivy.
"Hey, Aidan," I greet. "I'd like you to meet Ivy."
"I am quite pleased to meet your acquaintance." Ivy gently shakes his hand.
Finally getting a grip, Aidan returns the shake, his goofy grin reappearing on his face. "Yeah. I'm Aidan. Good to meet you, too."
"Rylan has told me so much about you."
Aidan rubs his chin, a comically sly glint in his eyes. "Oh really? Did he say how dashing, brilliant, and incredibly handsome I am?"
"No." I shakes, completely unaware it's all a joke. "Rylan said you were loud and that if it was not for him, you'd still be stuck in the third grade."
I snort into my water as Aidan scowls.
"But he also says you're a good brother, a trustworthy friend, and very funny." She breaks off giggling. "And I see what he means. You should see the look on your face!"
Oh, ya mean this?" Aidan puts his hands up and wiggles his fingers as his expression contorts into something even crazier. Ivy continues giggling; even I let out a chuckle feeling my nerves disappear. No more worrying with the whole "meet my friends" situation.