Commenters debated Oracle's invocation of force majeure to pause a huge data-center buildout, with some arguing the company might legitimately rely on that clause where government actions or permit reversals made performance impossible (tiffanyh, AnimalMuppet, sam1714). Others pushed back, saying the delays look self-inflicted or predictable - regulators were simply enforcing law and Oracle may have skipped proper approvals (mhurron, chuckadams). Several noted the legal nuance: force majeure depends on contract language, and calls for it stretch credibility when used for business or planning failures (cmiles8, ipython).
Opinion split sharply on whether this reflects corporate rot or normal enterprise dynamics. Many painted Oracle as a predatory, customer‑hostile incumbent trying to dodge spending amid layoffs and heavy debt; commenters cited its BBB- rating and suggested the move could be a cash-preservation tactic ahead of looming lending obligations. Counterpoints stressed that Oracle remains entrenched in enterprise stacks (PeopleSoft, billing, BRM) and that migrating away is costly, so the company still has customers and valuable products. Debate also extended to macro issues: some saw an AI/data-center bubble and overbuilding (bpodgursky, epistasis), while others warned demand for capacity still outstrips supply (echelon, kilroy123).
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New York has filed a lawsuit claiming that Polymarket's prediction markets constitute illegal gambling. The case challenges the legality of using prediction markets for betting purposes under state law. (reuters.com)
Diplomacy is a strategic board game predating Risk and Magic: The Gathering, emphasizing negotiation and betrayal among players. A writer recounts his experience playing the game at a tournament, highlighting the intense alliances and betrayals that define its gameplay. (grantland.com)
California has $8.14 trillion worth of land, which cannot move or leave the state, unlike billionaire wealth. A proposed wealth tax on billionaires is unlikely to succeed because many billionaires can relocate their assets or residency to avoid taxes. (blog.landeconomics.org)
A poll shows New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is the most popular elected official in NYC. Mamdani gained widespread support after recent public appearances and policy initiatives. (nydailynews.com)
AI models like GPT-6 Sol and Opus 5.5 are being used to decode 17th-century letters and trace alchemical knowledge, offering new insights into historical texts. Experts believe collaboration with AI can significantly advance historical research, especially in cryptography, text translation, and connecting niche findings. (resobscura.substack.com)
The EU defence chief praised Palantir as a great company in an interview with Euronews. The statement highlights the company's reputation in the defense sector. (euronews.com)
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