* Top read: taking the pulse of the global economy.
* "U.S. scientists monitoring shrinking glaciers in Washington and Alaska reported this week that a major meltdown is under way."
* Britain sees a long stay rebuilding Afghanistan.
* Today's top Sudan headline: "Pants Pants Revolution"
* New evidence of conservative lobbying groups behind recent health care protests.
* How far out there are Michael Moore and Michelle Malkin?
* What should be done about space junk?
* The methane mystery of Mars.
* New Ticket to Ride expansion on the way.