Friday Financial Follies

The Friday Financial and Health Follies (FFHF) summarize the important (or just fun) financial and health issues of the week.

• Share the humor of the funny
• Make fun of the stupid.
• Highlight and explain new financial and health news-so you don’t miss it!

Millions Without Power

Cil and I spent last weekend at a camp in Lewisburg, West Virginia.  No, not a vacation type camp.  We were there to provide support of  power companies’ effort to get electricity back on in the wilds of W.V… The temporary camp held 600 people, all in a small parking lot outside a bowling alley.

Storm Response Base Camp

Being without power for days at the time is always a pain.  Things we take for granted like air conditioning, food in the freezer, watching the boob tube at night are suddenly not an option.

The power companies take it as a personal affront when their customers are without power and pull out all stops in getting the electrons  going and flowing again.  They hire, beg, and borrow linemen, tree trimmers, and scouts from all over to help.

This is old fashioned back breaking work, putting up new poles and stringing power lines, frequently in the middle of a mountainside.

I saw linemen and women from all over the Eastern Seaboard pitching in to help.  After 12-14  hours in the field, they would drag into the chow line, take a shower in the shower trailer, and then try to get a few hours sleep.  Many sleeping in bunk trailers or their trucks and getting up at the break of day to do it again.

The caterers cooked in a temporary tent kitchen set up in a parking lot feeding 600 hungry  folks 2 hot meals and a box lunch every day-getting by on 4-6 hours of interrupted sleep.  You have to get up early, or not go to bed to cook breakfast for 600 people….

In the past-before my involvement in this business- it never occurred to me what happened when mother nature went wild and the lights went out in Georgia…  When my power has gone off, I just called the power company and waited.

Now I know about the  massive mobilization of dedicated men and women who drive huge trucks sometimes halfway across the country to help get the power back on for your grandmother or grandchild.  Another group of people is required to feed and board them.

Cool stuff indeed!

The next time you see a power company truck convoy on the road,  know they are leaving their homes to go help other people.  Give them a thumbs up and your prayers.

Friday Follies:

Top Ten  Growing Businesses

What do Dollar General, Apple, and Tractor Supply have in common?  They made it into this list of the top ten growing businesses in the USA.   Try to guess the others then go check it out!  I didn’t do so well….

Missing South Park?

If you are a South Park fan and have Direct TV, you may be in withdrawal. A contract dispute has meant the cancellation of numerous Viacom channels on Direct TV including The Comedy Channel, Nickelodeon, and my MTV. (not really in years…)

Retail Soup?

What do you get when you  throw Needless Markup (Dallas based luxury department store)  and that French discount giant  Tarjay  with  couture designers in a barrel and shake it up?  Either high priced garbage or low priced ‘gotta have ‘em’  clothes.  I hope the latter…Ya gotta respect both companies for getting out of their comfort zone and trying something different!

“I hear my Momma calling, ‘gotta go!”

eHarmoney is helping you handle disharmony in your dating life by a new app, called Bad Date Rescue.  Hit the app on your smart phone, and you’ll get a pretend emergency call giving you a ditching excuse.  The problem is, now that everyone has heard of this, even the most emergent real deal calls will be looked on skeptically by your date…”My boss called and we have an emergency meeting!”  “yeah right” he says…

This Weeks Reads:

Donna at Surviving and Thriving shares tips on saving money shopping on Amazon.

Len Penzo is in Hawaii.  So he makes his 90+ year old Aunt Doris write for him while he lays on the beach with an umbrella drink. Fortunately for us, Aunt D. shares the secrets to a long life.  BTW, she named her walker ‘Johnny’.  I’m inspired, I’m going to name my first cane, ‘Abel’.  Len I hope you at least brought her back a Kit Kat bar or something.

Dom at Your Finances Simplified has a video about the big 3.  Wanna know what are the big three? Go watch the damn video!  Where’d you get that red shirt Dom?

Maria at The Money Principle outs banking bozos in the UK.

Podcast

Though I was missing due to my emergency West Virginia trip, the Two Guys and Your Money Podcast went on without me.  Money tools was the interview segment and the roundtable topic was financial scams.  The roundtable may be the biggest scam of all….(just kidding Joe! The rest of the panel are smart well grounded folks-not sure why they need me except for comic relief)  Don’t worry, I’ll be there next week. (you were worried, weren’t you?)

Carnivals

Yakezie Carnival at Tackling our Debt

Carnival of Retirement at Money Rabbit Info

Carnival of Financial Camaraderie at My University Money

Blog Carnival at Wealth Artisan

Lifestyle Carnival 10th Edition at Lifestyle Carnival

Weekend Ramblings at Young and Thrifty

Crazy week after our trip outlined above.  So this weeks stuff is kinda short. You can thank me later.  Have a great weekend and thanks for reading!

Cil and Dean

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Friday Financial Follies

The Friday Financial and Health Follies (FFHF) summarize the important (or just fun) financial and health issues of the week.

• Share the humor of the funny
• Make fun of the stupid.
• Highlight and explain new financial and health news-so you don’t miss it!

We are headed to western West Virginia, Central Ohio to assist with disaster response in the wake of the recent storms.  They call these straight line

Derecho-The Storm Strikes

windstorms a derecho, which has hurricane level winds, but without the days of warning that hurricanes usually give.  These are rare events fueled by heat and humidity.  Heat and humidity, huh,  we’ve certainly been blessed with plenty this year…

Unfortunately, millions have been without power for nearly a week.  Not too cool, to be understated. We hope to help in any way we can.

Let’s get started with the Follies:

51 Pound Tumor

New Jersey woman survived the removal of a giant tumor.  The removal took 5 hours and required 2 people to lift it free from her abdomen.

Humanoids are Gullible

It’s official. In response to worries over a faux documentary on Animal Planet that seemed to support the notion that mermaids exist.  It required a governmental body normally dealing in tsunamis and the like to officially deny that mermaids exist.

Hurdler Hurls Hurdles

At the University Games, a Chinese hurdler doesn’t miss a hurdle.  Nope, not one. Ya gotta watch this one.

Family Enhancement

A mother and 4 daughters have had 9 operations between them for, you guessed it, breast enhancement.  The youngest daughter, who Mom describes as a rebellious teen, is refusing to follow the trend.

Tweets Reunite Owner with Dog

A jack Russel terrier,  who resides in County Kildare, Ireland, jumped aboard a Dublin bound commuter train.  The friendly pup was found by his  owner 500 retweets later.  Gotta love that social media.

Medical News

 HIV Home Test Kits

OraQuick rapid test for HIV, approved by the FDA for first ever home testing.  Using an oral swab, results are ready in 20-40 minutes.

Calcium and Supplements

As we already knew, calcium is best gotten through your diet.  A new study may prove that, or not.  Confusion?  Only from the media.

Medication Errors

Study finds that half of all heart patients make medication errors after leaving the hospital.  Pharmacist interventions did not decrease the incidence of event causing errors.

Around the Blogosphere

New name for the Podcast: Two Guys and Your Money Podcast #1 at The Free Financial Adviser. Same cast of crazy characters….Having so much fun it shouldn’t be legal…

Len Penzo has the greatest picture of grilled chicken I think I’ve ever seen.  He said it tasted good, too.  Great pic.  He gives us the recipe so we can get a great picture of our own.

Invest it Wisely explains what investing it wisely means to him.  A good, thoughtful post.  Thanks Kevin.

Maria at The Money Principle warned me in the second sentence, but I read the emotionally charged rant anyway.  Go on and read it if you dare.  You’ve been warned.

Krantcents discusses how sports teach success.  I totally agree, and I am not a jock type (Cil).  Sports teach discipline and a host of other skills.

Oddcents is on a serious bent.  How long to keep financial records-necessary and important information.

Just when you think Jai over at Headshots is just a pretty face with a hot bod, you find a mind there as well.  Read all about his SEO marketing strategy and Insanity and making money.  The boy’s got it going on.

Carnivals, Have We Got Carnivals…

Weekend Ramblings-Canada Day Edition at Young and Thrifty

The Carnival of Financial Camaraderie at My University Money

The Life and Business Coach Carnival at Innovative Solutions for Positive Change

Carnival of Christian Family Exchange at Olin’s Blog

Working at Home Blog Carnival at Working at Home on the Internet

Carnival of Road to Financial Independence at One Family’s Blog

Yakezie Carnival at Edward Antrobus

Retirement Blog Carnival at Write and Get Paid

Blog Carnival at Wealth Artisan

Baby Boomers Blog Carnival at Baby Boomer Blog US

Festival of Frugality at Brilliant Finances

Wealth Builder Carnival at Fast Swings

Have a great weekend. Thanks so much for being a reader.  If you ever have nominations for the Friday Follies, please feel free to let us know.  We love the funny, the interesting, the controversial, but please, please, please don’t send us no  “Boring Stories!”

Dean and Cil

{Photo credit: NASA Goddard Photo c.c.}

“Like” me please!

My goal is 1000 Facebook likes before the end of the year. Please hit the “Like” button and help me reach my goal.

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Don’t miss anything here-RSS

Friday Financial Follies

The Friday Financial and Health Follies (FFHF) summarize the important (or just fun) financial and health issues of the week.

• Share the humor of the funny
• Make fun of the stupid.
• Highlight and explain new financial and health news-so you don’t miss it!

We are headed to the beautiful city of Savannah soon to attend the Georgia Municipal Association’s annual convention and training.  As an elected official I’ve learned so much about the proper way to run municipal government.  Open meetings, transparency, balancing budgets-yep, our small city, like you and me, have to balance our budget.  Unlike the feds, we can’t carry a deficit.  Tough, thankless decisions have to be made.

Savannah Harbor

I’ve written many times about the value of spending time with peers in whatever profession you belong.  You’ll be much wiser and a better decision maker  when you  learn best practices from experts and learn from the’ mistakes of others.

I always learn much when at these meetings.  I encourage you to make the investment it requires to be active in whatever association/group/membership in the area of your work and interests.  You will be the better for it!

The Follies

Post It Note Table

That’s right.  A doodlers dream table.  You can’t get into trouble writing Bobby Loves Sally on this desk!

Colorful Water Tower

New York artist used 1,000 pieces of salvaged plexiglass to turn a plain old water tower into a beautiful stained glass marvel.

Business Plan Flawed

Southern ladies arrested after leaving business cards on wind shields in local Home Depot parking lot.  The Foxy Lady Escort Service offering companionship and private escorts construed by local gendarmes as illegal services.

Tough Tax Collecting

Indonesian officials sending tax collectors for 3 weeks of Special Forces training.  Several reasons are cited, seems it can’t hurt the low income in coffers.

Highway Haboob Haikus

Arizona is heightening awareness of the dangers of driving through sand storms also known as haboobs.  The Arizona DOT challenged it’s twitter followers to write a haiku on haboobs for heightened awareness of highway sand storms.

Yes, But Can He tie His Shoes?

Toddler can yo-yo like you won’t believe.  Watch this amazing Youtube video.

Sharp Screen TV

World’s largest TV released by Sharp, measuring in at 90″, and costing a mere $11,000, step right up and watch the amazingly sharp picture.

Awesome Photo

Fighting the conflagration in Colorado, a view from the bowels of a Blackhawk trying to drown the wildfire.

Medical News

Mental Health Improved

Are you depressed, suffering from low energy,  or just have the blahs-make sure you exercise out of doors, especially in wooded areas.   Studies show exercise is 50% more effective at improving mental health if done in a wooded environment.  What about the lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my???

Focusable eyeglasses-cool!

YK Based Eyejusters has developed glasses with an adjusting dial on the frame that lets the wearer adjust the lens until the world is in focus.  The glasses were developed for areas where access to eye doctors is limited.

Drug Resistant TB

Scary video about drug resistant TB in India-Non-treatable with present meds….

Around the Blogosphere

Problem solving is the topic at Krantcents.  A good review of the fundamentals.

Oh, Blue Collar Workman, I am so with you on this.  He says if you don’t have your ‘roofing legs’ you don’t belong on a roof.  Good blog.  Thanks for the DIY stuff.

The Worst of the Free Financial Adviser Edition #13: Top 5 Ways to Teach Young Children About Money.

Maria across the pond at The Money Principle gives us an update on her financial goals with time to go until the finish line.

American Debt Project gives some good advice for car owners to both save money and their budget.

Giveaways

Enter daily to win an ipod at ifrogz ipod a day give away.

Virgin Money is giving away an iPad.  Sign up for their newsletter by July 31st to enter.

Thirty Six Months is hosting a Giveaway for 2 $50 Old Navy Gift Cards until June 24th.

Kylie Ofiu is hosting a Baloue iPad Folio Giveaway until July 12.

Carnivals

Financial Carnival for Young Adults at 20s Finances

Lifestyle Carnival at Lifestyle Carnival

Yakezie Carnival at See Debt Run

The Wealth Builder Carnival at My Wealth Builder

The Life and Business Coach Carnival at Innovative Solutions for Positive Change

The Baby Boomer Blog Carnival at Baby Boomer Blog US

Carnival of Money Pros at Broke Professionals

Carnival of Retirement at Making Sense of Cents

Stock Carnival Ecstasy at Fast Swings

Photo credit: soupstance

“Like” me please!

My goal is 1000 Facebook likes before the end of the year. Please hit the “Like” button and help me reach my goal.

Follow-Twitter-@DrDeanBurke and @cilburke

Like-Facebook

Circle-Google +

Link to me-at Linked In

Friend-Facebook

Don’t miss anything here-RSS

The Friday Financial and Health Follies (FFHF) summarize the important (or just fun) financial and health issues of the week.

• Share the humor of the funny
• Make fun of the stupid.
• Highlight and explain new financial and health news-so you don’t miss it!

Friday Financial Follies

Sure, there’s plenty of financial news that could make one quake in one’s boots, if one did such.

A Soon To Be Illegal Large Coke!

But, have you heard the latest from the New York City Mayor and his Board of Health?  Bypassing the City Council, aka elected officials, the appointed officials that make up the Board of Health have decided to ban sugary drinks greater than 16oz size-and the mayor is all for it.  Why?  Obesity, of course.

Will the Board of Health next begin putting the calorie police at the grocery checkout lane making sure Ben and Jerry’s is not in your cart?

How ’bout those 90 pound underweight folks who need their 20 ounce milkshakes?

We are currently eating 5 fruits and 5 vegetables everyday.  Almost completely given up diet soda’s because I think it’s in my best interest.  Where do you draw the line?

This is the lazy man’s way.  We need to win the argument for why it’s bad to overeat, super-size the fries,  and over-drink sugary beverages rather than outlaw them.

Mind Apps

With 1 in 5 adults victims of mental illness and 60% undiagnosed, could this be the technology to change all that?

Six Year Old Can Spell Long Words

She is the youngest ever participant in National Spelling Bee.  She won the local contest when she spelled vaquero and is competing with kids twice her age.

Happy Cows, More Milk

Farmers are buying into the fact that relaxed, pampered bovines produce more and better quality milk.  Cows are cooled in the summer and rest their weary hooves on waterbeds.

Farm Fresh Bronx Fish

The human residents of this urban apartment  fish farm are suing over the smells, noise and leaks created by the giant tanks.  Farm fresh and Bronx, never thought of it…

Facebook Un-Like

Teen posts pictures of money on Facebook and her former address is robbed hours later by two men looking for the money in the picture.

Medical News

Smoking Genes

Researchers found a link between a certain genetic make up and difficulty with smoking cessation.  Can we find the gene that favors 20 ounce sodas?

Alzheimer’s

Research suggests  a new treatment approach for Alzheimer’s disease. 

Community Research

Patients are uniting online to facilitate research into the rare diseases from which they suffer.

Non-Invasive Heartburn Relief

No incision  reflux fix when the oral antacids quit working.  Don’t look at the gadget that will be put down your throat to effect the procedure-I told you not to look!

Great Reads From the Blogosphere

Maria at The Money Principle gives examples of the serendipitous nature of opportunities that have been used to turn lives from despair to success.

Thad at Thad Thoughts shares an interview with a Texas artist whose passion shines through in his post.  She is a an avid Mac user and a very convincing one as well.

Kay Lynn at Bucksome Boomer has me convinced the daily pass in the Airline Lounge  is worth it for a long lay over.

Have you seen the Avengers?  Buck at BuckInspire will inspire you to add it to your list of summer cinema ‘must see’s.

Disasters and being prepared by stashing some loot in your home is the topic at Len Penzo’s blog.  He gives some suggestions for thief proof spots and asks for ideas.

The latest from the Worst of the Financial Advisor Podcast, episode 10, with a giveaway too! Can you beat that?

Giveaway

Virgin is offering a red carpet cinematic getaway to the LA Film Festival:  flight plus hotel!

Carnivals

Carnival of Road to Financial Independence at One Family’s Blog

The Life and Business Coach Carnival at Innovative Ideas for Positive Change

The Yakezie Carnival at Daily Money Shot

The Finance Carnival for Young Adults at 20s Finances

Lifestyle Carnival at Free Ticket to Japan

The Worst of the Free Financial Adviser Podcasts at Free Financial Adviser

The Carnival of Christian Family Exchange at Olin’s Blog

Carnival of Financial Camaraderie at Financially Digital

The Wealth Builder Carnival at My Wealth Builder

Thanks for reading.  Let me know if you find something you think we should share here in our Follies, all nominations are welcome, but we only share the best here at the Friday Follies, at least we try…

Have a great weekend!

Dean and Cil!

{Photo Credit:

“Like” me please!

My goal is 1000 Facebook likes before the end of the year. Please hit the “Like” button and help me reach my goal.

Follow-Twitter-@DrDeanBurke and @cilburke

Like-Facebook

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Friend-Facebook

Don’t miss anything here-RSS

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