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Ever catch a Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer speech in person? He's the kind of speaker to make you wish you sat at home watching the webcast. It's not just the spittle. It's the feeling he might just reach out and consume you. Turns out, he might. Yesterday, he told the Web 2.0 crowd Microsoft plans to acquire 20 companies a year for the next 5 years. He said Microsoft is willing to spend $50 million to $1 billion on each company to do it. Take note, startup entrepreneurs, unless you're ready to move to Redmond and get assimilated, avoid the front row. You'll stay drier that way, too. (Photo by Aaron Wagner)