This is a stunner.  Shares of Research in Motion - makers of the BlackBerry line of smartphones - rose over 3 percent Thursday on speculation that Microsoft is interested in buying them out.  Now, take this with a grain of salt - the stock market has been nuts lately, and well, rumors are rumors. 

But still, given the heat being generated by Google's reported venture into mobile phone operating systems, it does make sense that Microsoft would be gearing up to defend the smartphone turf they've won with Windows Mobile.  And it is very Microsoft to "gear up" by buying another company out.  But still, it seems like a longshot, Microsoft BlackBerries? 

Keep an eye on those stock and options listings, at any rate ...

Source: Reuters on RIM-Microsoft rumor