Hailed as bringing a "more mature management style" on the way in, Rick Belluzzo is described as having "never fully adapted to the Microsoft culture" on the way out. In other words, he never completely adjusted to a life of rape and pillage, retained some nagging remanents of ethics, and a slight discomfort with violating laws.

Belluzzo will not be replaced. Essentially, Steve Balmer has eliminated parental guidence between himself and the kids running the business units.

While The Register was more literal, the Wall Street Journal and the Los Angeles Times correctly interpreted the corporate double-speak and reported the departure as "not entirely voluntary". Corperate presidents are never fired - they "resign to pursue personal interests".

Standard procedures will be followed to make this look more orderly for the stock market - it has been announced that Belluzzo will stay on until September "to assure a smooth transition". Yeah, right - his desk has probably already been cleaned out, his login accounts deactivated and his photo posted at the guard booth.

. . Captain Kidd wouldn't like Emerson?

If I recall correctly, Captain Kidd was another victim of the powers that be, hauled in, tried and hanged on trumped up charges. The government papers he claimed to be operating under turned up in an atorney's desk a few days after the hanging.