Did you hear that one of our fave DIY resources is changing with the times? I call Home Depot one of our favorites, because they are the fourth largest retailer in the United States, with consistent sales growth over the past two years. Haven't we all shopped there at some point?

Back-to-school spending has gone far beyond the last minute, discount-store rush for pens, pencils and paper that many of us remember as kids. But it often still starts with traditional expenses like clothes, shoes, school supplies and books - and the added latest digital technology.

CEOs contended their corporations are too poor to pay overtime, but on their next quarterly call with shareholders, they'll brag about record profits. In 2013, corporate profits were at their highest level in 85 years. That same year, employee compensation was at its lowest level in 65 years.

Stock market volatility and reports of lost consumer confidence are the latest indicators feeding the anxieties about a global economic slow-down. If you listen to the pundits, you'll hear that 2015 is beginning with a "surprise slump" and a gloomy economic air.

At the holiday times, people of Mustached American descent - real men of brawn, feline hatred, and power tools - are often at a loss for words as to all of this holiday gift giving fuss.

I am usually in the spirit of giving, my heart is usually open, and I believe in peace and good will toward everyone. And strangely, it is the holidays when I start to tighten up.