Ten Things I Think I Think (and Some Links)

With apologies to Peter King, I’m going to borrow his shtick for this round-up.

1. I think watching fewer than ten seconds of Usain Bolt was every bit as amazing as anything that I’ve seen in the Olympics thus far. That includes two of Phelps medals by the narrowest of margins. To see him slow up after 80% of his race, pump his chest, and still set a world record is amazing – no fancy swimsuit needed.
2. I think that I want to recognize Michael Phelps as the best swimmer ever. Some say he’s the best athlete ever, but I have a hard time bestowing that title on someone that only swims. It’s comparing apples to transmissions, but a lot of Olympic athletes’ sports don’t lend themselves to achieving multiple medals. Walsh/May seem to dominate the sand as much as Mr. Phelps does the water.
3. I think that I’m going to have fun taking care of my friend’s two dogs this week. I bet they are going to enjoy their new home and run around for at least the first three hours – until they realize that it’s nothing very special.
4. I think that Chad Jackson has to show he’s turned a corner later today. And if the Patriots are going to represent the AFC again, the offensive line has to step up as well.
5. I think I’d like to thank my wife for being a designated driver yesterday as we showed my friend the vineyards of Napa…
6. … I think I’ll be biting my tongue when I try to compare how much wine she bought to an equivalent amount of money spent on Two Buck Chuck
7. I think that my friend visiting us had one of the most aggravating 24-hours of travel I can think of. He’s on a 2.5 day trip from NYC and had his flight out here delayed 8 hours. The next day, we pick up my car at the shop, only to find they didn’t leave enough gas to get more than three blocks. After walking a mile to get gas and figure out the gas can mechanism (no easy feat), my car wouldn’t start without getting the battery jumped. He was good-natured about the whole experience, much more good-natured than I would have been.
8. I think that if anyone comes within 50 yards of our home, they are going to have a cantaloupe tossed in their car. We had to bring a dish to an event on Friday and grossly overestimated how much one space one cantaloupe takes when cut up. I’m not sure what we’ll do with another four.
9. I think if you read about a gorilla escape in San Francisco, you shouldn’t worry. I’m going to try to get a hair cut on Tuesday.
10. I think that I’ve done an horrible job announcing Frugal Dad as the newest edition to The Money Writers team. I’ll have to try to make it up to him next week.

Here are some links from The Money Writers:

• Digerati Life posts on make money blogging: top bloggers and how much they earn. The stats are incredible. It will be some time before I earn that much.
• Now is the time to start a landscaping project – deals on perennials and equipment abound. Learn more over at Generation X Finance.
• The Sun’s Financial Diary is creating a virtual all-EFT portfolio? It’s a great way to practice your investment skills.
• Brip Blap writes how your education and lifestyle keep you from changing.
• Money Smart Life writes for great tips on college student savings ““ how to get the most out of student discounts.
• Why cash back mortgages are a bad idea by Million Dollar Journey.
• My Dollar Plan writes back to school savings challenge— a great post to read as schools are getting back in session.
• Frugal Dad gives some tips to the aspiring frugal student.

And here some links from outside of the The Money Writers world.

• Mighty Bargain Hunter presents seven of my favorite ways to save money on driving expenses “” and one I don’t use.
• For the second most deadly sin in the 7 deadly sins of personal finance read Blueprint for Financial Prosperity.
• Consumer Commentary asks can you eliminate $500 of your expenses each month?

Lastly, I’d like to thank all four of these carnivals for including me this week.