Mongolian Gold Rush

Today's International Herald Tribune has a fascinating story on the 100,000 Mongolians who have left their jobs to scavenge for gold in the country's old state-run mines. Requisite bizarre cultural globalization tie-in:

Called "ninja" because the green plastic tubs they carry on their backs make them look like cartoon Ninja Turtles, they are part of a gold rush that is rocking Mongolia socially, economically and environmentally.