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Sun Microsystems is determined to turn its rivalry with Hewlett-Packard into a frat fight.

Sun paid last week for a life-size painted cutout of HP co-founders Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard, one of five portraits of tech titans traveling thousands of miles in a zany, cross-country art project called "Pioneers Hitchhiking in the Valley of Heart's Delight."

An HP VP (sounds like a Segway) commented that it was a "cute stunt" but that paying for the art wouldn't be in line with the company's values.

Apparently, HP's values include getting smacked down like a bitch.

Sun Buys Hewlett and Packard Painting [SF Chronicle]
Photo: Acquiring Hewlett Packard's Legacy [Jonathan Schwartz's blog]