Microsoft and Adobe ganging up to topple Apple?

The NYTimes reports that Microsft CEO Steve Ballmer took a trip down to Adobe’s offices and talked with Adobe for an hour on how to disrupt Apple’s ascent.  One of the options on the table was an acquisition by Microsoft of Adobe.

The meeting, which lasted over an hour, covered a number of topics, but one of the main thrusts of the discussion was Apple and its control of the mobile phone market and how the two companies could partner in the battle against Apple. A possible acquisition of Adobe by Microsoft were among the options.

WTF.  I mean Windows Mobile 7 won’t even support Flash.  Silverlight and Flash are enemies.  Seems a little nuts, not to mention the software monopoly stuff.  Specifics below.The NYTimes says:

One person familiar with the discussion said the two companies had talked about the blockade Steven P. Jobs, Apple’s chief executive, had placed on Adobe’s Flash software for its handheld devices and if a partnership by Adobe and Microsoft could fend off Apple, which continues to grow at juggernaut speeds.

Another person with knowledge of past talks between the two companies explained that Microsoft has courted Adobe several years ago with possible acquisition discussions. But the deal never moved past informal talks as Microsoft feared that United States Department of Justice would likely block the deal on antitrust grounds.

Desperate times call for desperate measures?  Think it is a joke?  Adobe’s stock is up 10% on acquisition rumors.