Microsoft CEO Bill Gates has become the first man to top the $100 billion mark as a Wall Street stock surge late last week propelled the world's richest man to new heights. According to the Britain's Daily Telegraph, Gates makes over $4.5 million an hour. Should his wealth continue to accumulate at its current 60% annual rate, Gates will hit $1 trillion in 2004. In any event, his current paltry net worth out paces all but the 18 wealthiest nations on earth.
Lately, Gates has begun to disperse his wealth a bit, with donations in the educational and medical arenas. Gates is also funding a large number of extra-Microsoft activities, including a network of almost 300 communications satellites that will surround the planet by the year 2003. This venture is expected to cost Gates over $9 billion
