The skinny: It’s clear now that Microsoft’s arrogant and self-serving interpretation of Jackson’s December order really ticked off the judge. It also kicked off a public-relations meltdown that got even worse when the Microsoft exec testified that the grand poobah himself, Bill Gates, was involved in the nose-thumbing strategy. The hearing is set to continue later this week, and it’s not inconceivable that Jackson will ultimately levy the $1 million-a-day fine Justice asked for. ““It’s absolutely astounding that a company with the market capitalization of Microsoft is acting like a spoiled brat,’’ says Steven Newborn, an antitrust lawyer in Washington. Whatever happens, Microsoft is learning the hard way that the government isn’t as easy to roll as some of its competitors.
