Stumped!

Today, one of the local news channels reported that police forces around the country are dealing with an increasing number of incidents involving stolen Christmas trees. CNN's Fortune website also has the story.

President-Elect Obama's picks for his cabinet are proving to be quite discouraging to those who hoped that he would usher in a significantly different era. The nominations of Senator Ken Salazar of Colorado, Mr. Arne Duncan, and Gov. Bill Richardson to head the Departments of Interior, Education, and Commerce, and the nomination of former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk, a longtime free trader, as U.S. trade representative, all raise questions regarding Obama's pledges during the campaign and his intent to fulfill them. Perhaps the selection of Mr. Salazar is the most disturbing, as it suggests that Obama is not serious about taking an aggressive approach to tackling global warming and protecting our natural environment.

It is hoped that these cabinet members act in accordance with the commitments laid out during the campaign.