Weekly Roundup – Opening Ceremonies Edition

My wife and I watched part of the Olympic opening ceremonies, which I have to say was one of the most impressive displays of human coordination and synchronization I have ever seen. Amid the lights, sounds, and other media, the performers danced, sang, moved, and beat drums in ways I never could have imagined. I was truly impressed.

What did not impress me were the commercial breaks every 5 minutes. I guess when the network has almost 24 hours to edit the show they can create “seemingly natural” commercial breaks at whim. Oh yeah, NBC had to fit in the $1 billion worth of ads they sold for this year’s Olympics. Even though they sold over $1B in ads, they also bid $894 million for the broadcast rights. When you add in the production costs, they should end up spending over $1B. Still, I think they will manage to turn a profit when you factor in additional income streams from the rebroadcast rights.

A mini-vacation. This weekend, my wife drove to Michigan for a family get together. Every year my wife’s meets at a small lake, and this is the first year I will have the chance to go. We’ve been married two years this month (Shhh, I have something special in store ), but last year we went on our honeymoon around the time of the get together.

We had a great time visiting with her family. They have been coming to the same lake for over 45 years, so there is a lot of history. It was fun sitting around the campfire that night and making S’mores and listening to everyone tell stories about past adventures. The campfire was a welcome break as well – we spent the earlier part of the day boating, riding jet skis, playing bocce ball, and eating. It was well worth the 5 hour drive.

Thoughts and prayers. Frugal Dad’s mother was in the hospital and JD’s mother is still in the hospital. I wish Frugal Dad, JD, their mothers, and their families the best during these times.

Articles from my reader:

David writes that It’s not only a salary that can make an employee happy. I agree… I would like to work for a company that supports an afternoon nap hour.
Gibble has tips on how to create your own online store.
Pinyo shares some expert financial tips.
Mrs Micah, celebrated her first Blogiversary. She’s also doing a giveaway, so check it out!
Lynnae has a Big Announcement. She will be working with 10 other women and Wal-Mart on a new Money Saving Community Project. Very cool.
Plonkee does a compare and contrast: UK and US tax burdens.
The Dough Roller has 7 Myths About S&P 500 Index Funds. I bet you don’t know some of these things!
Christian Personal Finance lists 15 ways to make $200 in 2 weeks. I’ll give you a hint: none of the tips include payday loans.
Nickel writes about The State of Financial Education in the U.S..
Frugal Dad says a Another Economic Stimulus Check Could Ultimately Hurt the Economy. I agree.
Ron is full of Wisdom. He says, Don’t Give Up On Your 401k.
Rich Credit Debt Loan has tips on how to use credit cards effectively.
FMF from Free Money Finance – The Purposes of a Cover Letter, Resume, and Interview.
Jonathan from My Money Blog – Finding Local and Affordable Items On My Bucket List.
Lazy Man – Ways Not Having a Job Impacts Our Personal Finances.
Four Pillars writes that Multi-Level Marketing schemes are dreamkillers.
Smithee from Consumerism Commentary wrote Bottled Water? What Was I Thinking?. I use a stainless steel Kleen Kanteen, which I recently purchased. The water tastes better than from a reusable plastic bottle, and I think metal is better for the environment in the long run. Either way you go, reusable plastic or metal, it is surely better than buying a daily bottle of water.