Turf or AstroTurf?

Protesting and rallying are quite the thing to do nowadays. Other than famous dead people, it's about the only thing on TV lately. Despite the many people who will go out and shout about things for free, there seems to a market for people who will protest against things or rally for things for money.

Rob Port, a blogger who has been active protesting things by drinking tea, made the big news this week accusing an environmental group of buying support.

NY Times: Enviro Ad Sparks Debate -- Grass Roots or AstroTurf?

The Future of Health Care

... is North Dakota? Conrad, Pomeroy, MeritCare and the state Blues all enter into discussion of health care co-ops.

NY Times: Alternative Plan as Health Option Muddies Debate

The Great In-Migration

We are being invaded by economic refugees, poor, tired, huddle masses yearning for call center jobs. What's more, the state is going out and recruiting these outsiders, who will no doubt reshape our culture in unknown ways (like refusing to wave at other drivers while driving around in the country or mispronouncing "Sakakawea.")

Washington Post: In N.D., the Road to Economic Recovery

Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch: North Dakota wants you

Science

NPR reports on a program that helps student scientists to study the environment. George Seielstad of UND worked with NASA to create the program and is interviewed for the story.

Among the students' activities is flying around in a DC-8 and collecting data on carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

NPR: Earth Science From the Sky: The Next Generation

Old

Missed this commentary on last spring's floods.

Economy ... Ho, Hum

Getting repetitive now: The Financial Times reports on the state's kick-ass economy.

Warm welcome for businesses as wintry plains lure investors

But the real news is that apparently we are now America's chickpea capital. Who knew? Go eat some hummus.