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Yahoo execs got a good look at Microsoft's latest plan — Microsoft has proposed acquiring Yahoo's search operations, buying a minority stake in the rest of the business, and selling off Yahoo's Asian assets — and these executives responded "lukewarmly," reports the Wall Street Journal. Need an aside to clarify the motives for each party in this drama? Here goes.

[In stage whisper] Corporate raider Carl Icahn wants Yahoo to sell out to Microsoft, but Microsoft only wants to buy part of the company and Yahoo executives want to outsource search advertising to Google — probably so Yahoo engineers can get a look under the hood at the engine powering the bus that's running the company over. Valleywag wants more egg-throwers. (Photo by dfinnecy)