I'm always inspired by people who have figured out the whole barter world. For our cover story coming out in this week's issue, I talked to an artist who has bartered a few of her prints for things she needs. For her, it makes environmental sense--and makes sense to me, too.

Lots of swapping and free stuff Web sites are a big deal right now. But take a look at the Craigslist Tucson page under free and barter. The area has some pretty good finds that I imagine you'd have to move on fast. It seems like excellent place to give out stuff, like if you're going through a divorce and want to get rid of your husband's baseball caps or T-shirts.

The barter area, however, is most interesting. It seems that lots of people in our dear city wouldn't mind bartering things like bikes, go-carts and such--for GUNS. So if any of our Libertarian friends out there have some extra guns they want to get rid of, I did indeed see an ad for bikes, a go-cart and an iPhone; the owners want to trade for a handgun or two. Let's make a deal.

All this bartering stuff reminded me of this cool program I remembered from Seattle. Fremont Time is a group that is still around and coordinates the bartering of skills. You're an attorney that can do a divorce, but you need someone to landscape your yard? Well, there might be a landscaper who needs a divorce. No guns involved, just some paperwork and topsoil.

Seems like something we could use here in Saguaro Land.