It might be the ultimate recession trick: splitting your own wood instead of paying someone else to do it. But how much work is involved? Wendy Bounds tries out several wood-splitting tools typically used by professionals.

It's a tale of two cities. In Coachella, Calif., foreclosed homes are left to deteriorate and drag down housing prices. But in neighboring Indio, city officials have threatened banks with legal action if foreclosed houses are not maintained. Nicholas Casey reports.