Guess what's in style again? That's right -- shopping. CNN Money reports that retail sales rose 1.3% in April compared to the prior month -- the largest monthly gain in over a year and a promising sign that the U.S. economy is improving after a disappointing first quarter. But people aren't opening their wallets and swiping their credit cards for everything. Right now, beauty products, sporting goods, cars, and eating out at restaurants is the rage. Clothes and electronics, on the other hand, aren't as popular this spring. Investors fear that buyers just aren't excited about new clothing and accessories. Consumers also have a clear preference for shopping online, as evidenced by Amazon, whose stock hit a record high this week above $700 a share. Traditional big box stores like Macy's, whose stock tumbled 18% this week, are in dire straits. Some economists say that people shouldn't read into the bump in sales too much. They say the gains in April sa...

As should I. I'm talking about Sweden. Why would anyone want to move there, you ask? According to CNNMoney, some Swedish firms are trimming the work week from 40 hours to only 30. And the results have been positive: Studies show that such a change has led to increased morale and productivity at said companies. It's apparent that these companies are employee-centric -- they recognize that these individuals' lives are enriched when they're given the opportunity to spend more time with friends and family or enjoy whatever hobbies they may have. The United States should really take note. U.S. employees work an average of approximately 47 hours per week. Is it any wonder so many of us in the states feel so stretched? It would also help if more U.S. firms jumped on the telecommuting bandwagon. If many of us were given the opportunity to work from home, we'd feel far less tired and financially strained. In fact, we'd save heaps of time and gas money. If...