Bill Gates: Release the Mosquitos!

True story: Bill Gates — yes, that Bill Gates — released a swarm of mosquitos at a technology conference. He did it (or so he claims) to demonstrate how malaria spreads.  Reportedly, he waited a minute or two before he informed his well-heeled audience that these particular blood-suckers weren’t carrying the dread disease.  (Only three died of heart attacks!)

This calls to mind The Simpsons‘ Mr. Burns, who shouts “Release the hounds!” whenever he tires of visitors. Gates’ version is somewhat more subtle, but perhaps as effective — especially to mosquito-phobic people like myself.   (I wonder if anybody sued?  Talk about deep pockets!) (more…)