You may have heard that Oracle is attempting to buy Sun Microsystems, which now owns MySQL, the free, open source relational database system that powers a lot of the Internet.
There is significant concern that if Oracle gets control of MySQL that they will gradually decapitate it, since it competes with its own (very expensive) database systems. The European Union is holding hearings next month, and they need input.
Here is the text of an email that I received today from a former member of the core MySQL team who is still very active in MySQL development:
I am contacting you because you have in the past shown interest in MySQL and from that I assume you are interested in the future well-being of MySQL.
Now you have a unique opportunity to make a difference. By signing the petition at http://www.helpmysql.org you can help affect the future of MySQL as an Open Source database.
You can find more information of this on my latest blog post at: http://monty-says.blogspot.com/2009/12/help-keep-internet-free.html
Help us spread the world about this petition! http://www.helpmysql.org is available in 18 languages and every vote is important, independent of from where in the world it comes!
If you know people that are using MySQL, please contact them and ensure they also sign the petition!
Regards,
Monty
Creator of MySQL
PS: If you already have signed the petition or know about it, sorry for reminding you about this! Because of the importance of this issue, I am trying to contact every person that I have ever communicated with regarding MySQL.
Consider taking action if you like having an open source alternative to Oracle and SQL Server. Much as I love and use SQL Server, both Oracle and Microsoft need this kind of competition!
Thanks!
Don
I'm very pleased to announce that Robert Green and I are teaming up to teach an online version of AppDev's ASP.NET 3.5 course in February. After years of teaching various AppDev courses live, it will be interesting to present the material via Microsoft's Live Meeting, to attendees who are all over the place.
All the details and registration information are available on AppDev's onlineILT page, along with information about other upcoming classes. We'll follow pretty much the same format as the live classes, with plenty of time in each chapter for questions.
The only downside I can see is that the class starts at 6:30 AM my time (Fairbanks, Alaska). 
I'll be up for it, but will have a good supply of caffeinated tea on hand!
I hope you can join us!
Don