UPS- Redmond

Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates is dead. Well, not really, but you would not know that from reading news of his assassination on spurious versions of CNN news and MSNBC news.

Bill Gates, is apparently not laughing and attorneys for both Microsoft and CNN are seeking damages from the firm responsible for the widespread hoax.

"We are not going to take events like this sitting down." Said Microsoft spokesperson, Mauna Polez, "This hoax has already influenced stock values in the past two days trading and is no laughing matter."

CNN and MSNBC news affiliates had no comment on the matter pending imminent legal actions.

The hoax apparently originated on an obscure space science site, Habitablezone.com, where several vehement computer and space advocacy types were debating Gates value to Microsoft stock and hatched a scheme to test their points of view.

The web is filled with rumors of these sites existing as result of a poor taste film promotion, though these accounts are also inaccurate.

The ringleader, a man known simply as 'Robert' who is a master hacker/programmer allegedly designed the sites after Gates refused to endorse his latest venture.

It is unknown at this time how a former executive, Tom Brosz, of the failed space launch company Rotary Rocket Inc. is involved in the hoax.

It may be that he was involved in promoting the hoax and posting it to bulletin boards and chat rooms so as to fuel the hoax.

----

This story was compiled with assistance from United Newswire Service.

Yes this is Bogus too... but at least I have the creativity to come up with unique news organizations ;-)