News Headlines - 04 February 2014

▽Microsoft Board Names Satya Nadella as CEO

Microsoft Corp. MSFT -0.36% named company veteran Satya Nadella as its next chief executive, a widely expected choice that also returns co-founder Bill Gates to a high-profile role in helping the company confront its challenges.
Mr. Gates, who had been serving as chairman, will become a technology adviser and devote more time to the company, supporting Mr. Nadella in shaping technology and product direction, the company said. John Thompson, who was formerly the lead director, will become chairman.

▽New Microsoft CEO: 9 Facts About Satya Nadella - PolicyMic

Nadella's experience would likely push Microsoft to develop its corporate products if chosen as CEO. His success with cloud computing also suggests a future direction for the company.

▽José Salvador Alvarenga's 13 months at sea backed by fishermen and officials | The Guardian

While castaway José Salvador Alvarenga's claim to have survived more than a year adrift in the Pacific in 22-foot fibreglass boat before washing up on Ebon in the Marshall Islands last week still fails to convince many, accounts from Mexico suggest that at least some of his story adds up.

▽Sochi: snow, skis and scandals | The Guardian

Where exactly is Sochi? Does Britain have a chance of a medal in anything? And are the Winter Olympics about sport, or politics? Here's all you need to know about the imminent snow-fest

▽Rising Cost of Olympics Begs Question: Why Host?

With the Winter Olympics beginning this week, the world’s attention is turning to Sochi. But when the athletes and tourists leave, Russia will have spent more than $50 billion to stage the games. As the costs soar, it is worth noting the benefits and pitfalls of hosting an Olympics.