The total number of global billionaires fell by 3.5%
Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos
The e-commerce pioneer declined to estimate how long the recession could last
Critics have chided Bezos for not signing the Giving Pledge
Amazon's revenue typically spikes by 40-60 percent in the holiday quarter compared to the rest of the year
He is the latest internet billionaire to snap up a waterfront property
The helicopter ride by Bezos generated 215 pounds of carbon dioxide
"It's time to make my dream come true", says Richard Branson
Under Bezos' leadership, Amazon has cemented its position as the leading online retailer in large parts of the world
"Feeding America will quickly distribute the funds to their national network of food banks getting food to those families who need it"
Business Insider calculates that Bezos, on average, makes $149,353 a minute