The Year Of The Gun?

That's what MSNBC is calling 2009.  Many states passed laws making it easier for individuals to carry guns.  I don't have any problem with this, since CCW holders tend to be the most law abiding citizens around.

Christmas Trees!

Yesterday I bought my first real Christmas Tree ever. When we moved, we dumped our artificial tree since it was in such bad shape. Decided to get a real one this time. Seems to be a better deal at $34 (at Home Depot) vs a fake tree for $150 or more for a decent one. And even the "decent" ones last for a couple years.

Regarding environmental impact, it is actually less for a natural tree. They are mostly carbon neutral, since they absorb a lot of carbon during their lives. They are also recycle after. On the other side, artificial trees are made from PVC and other plastics, which can be traced back to oil. While neither is especially green, given transport, a real tree seems the way to go.