… from the Microsoft-Google hearings.

Ballmer: Kai-Fu had a — a distinct commitment and responsibility on behalf of the company for being the senior executive here in Redmond, with responsibility for godfathering, shepherding all of our R&D activities in China. It’s a structure we also use for India. We have a senior executive with knowledge of India be the R&D godfather for India, encourage work to go there, shepherd, and — and mentor people in the area. Kai-Fu had that broad, important responsibility for China. … ”

Deposing lawyer: “This term, ‘godfather’ — is that an official title within the Microsoft organization?”

Ballmer explained that no, in fact, the correct title was “executive sponsor.”

Shock, horror! From today’s New York Times…

SEATTLE, Sept. 6 (AP) – A former Microsoft executive whose defection to Google set off a legal battle testified on Tuesday that an expletive-filled tirade from the chairman of Microsoft, Bill Gates, was a low point before he decided to leave.