Will Microsoft make green off environmental news?
MSN is going green.
No, I don't mean that it has decided to compost all its Starbucks grounds. And I'm sure it's had recycle bins on more than PCs for a while.
The Microsoft-owned Web site has launched MSN Green, a site for all kinds of environmental news and information. Partners include Conservation International, National Geographic and Grist, an edgy environmental news site.
The initial content is a mixed bag. There was an interesting article on whether extended daylight saving time actually equates to energy savings, but also more iffy concepts, such as a story on how much wood is used for Major League Baseball bats.
Another article, recycled from MSN Health and Fitness, is titled "Are boys an endangered species?" It's overbilled, but an interesting look at how, in a few spots around the world, girl births are outnumbering boy births by 2 to 1.
During her years at CNET News, Ina Fried has changed beats several times, changed genders once, and covered both of the Pirates of Silicon Valley. These days, most of her attention is focused on Microsoft. E-mail Ina. 
By the way, my company is debating whether to go green or periwinkle. We'll be distributing paper ballots printed on old-growth trees, laminated with a crude oil-based plastic so everyone in the country can vote on the issue. (Don't ask me how you're supposed to write on laminate -- maybe you can spray-paint your vote on using the included CFC-laden paint can.)