Controversial Microsoft scientist takes a leave

Nathan Myhrvold, the controversial chief technology officer at MicrosoftCorporation, has officially begun a yearlong leave of absence so that he canexplore other interests. While Myhrvold has many detractors at Microsoft, hehas the only support he truly needs: That of CEO Bill Gates.

"Nathan has been an invaluable contributor to Microsoft, the technologyindustry and to me personally over the past 13 years," said Gates. "Frankly,I would rather he continue his work at Microsoft, but I support his decisionto take a much needed break and explore his passion for science. Nathan hasbeen involved in many aspects of product strategy and technologydevelopment, and he was instrumental in convincing the company to establisha research laboratory."

Myhrvold, who among other things will spend some of his time off hunting fordinosaur bones in Montana, says that he has the best job in the world. RickRashid, Microsoft's vice president of research, will assume Myhrvold'sday-to-day responsibilities in his absence