Gates first to hit $100 billion

Microsoft CEO Bill Gates has become the first man to top the $100 billionmark as a Wall Street stock surge late last week propelled the world'srichest man to new heights. According to the Britain's Daily Telegraph,Gates makes over $4.5 million an hour. Should his wealth continue toaccumulate at its current 60% annual rate, Gates will hit $1 trillion in2004. In any event, his current paltry net worth out paces all but the 18wealthiest nations on earth.

Lately, Gates has begun to disperse his wealth a bit, with donations in theeducational and medical arenas. Gates is also funding a large number ofextra-Microsoft activities, including a network of almost 300 communicationssatellites that will surround the planet by the year 2003. This venture isexpected to cost Gates over $9 billion