There are few things I enjoy more than listening to good music (although reading a good book qualifies). This is a simple, straightforward rendition of the Star Spangled Banner by the United States Marine Band. It’s in honor of the 4th of July. I hope you are enjoying the festivities today.

Happy 4th of July!

JibJab and ThePartyParty.com put together this cool rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. Enjoy!

Happy Friday!

This week, in honor of Michael Jackson, I think that instead of something finance related, I’ll offer something more along the lines of entertainment. And there are few entertainers that rank with Michael Jackson in terms of cool and ability to wow a crowd.

I really enjoyed this basic performance of “Billie Jean”. YouTube claims its the first ever public performance of the moonwalk. Classic stuff. My friend texted me yesterday: “All of my childhood idols are dying.” (Her text made me feel old, even though I’m not.)

Maybe he wasn’t one of my idols, but Michael Jackson represents one of my first childhood memories of how enjoyable music can be. I even spent money to buy one of his albums. It was vinyl. It was Bad.

I once found a gig on Craigslist. I’ve used Craigslist to get rid of things. And I know that there are people who swear by it. So I enjoyed this song from Weird Al Yankovic (remember him?), addressing Craigslist. Enjoy.

Happy Friday!

Radio personality Mark Kaye had rapper Flo Rida on his show not to long ago. To welcome him, Kaye put together a rap song, “Floconomy.” It’s an amusing look at how “difficult” it has been during this recession for the wealthy and the famous.

Happy Friday!

Sometimes it can feel like all of the information on finances can be too much. Information overload is when you have access to so much information that you become paralyzed. The video below is a funny look at information overload in a business setting. However, it is possible to experience information overload in nearly any setting. Enjoy the video.

Happy Friday!

Two disclaimers on today’s Friday Fun Video:

1. I don’t actually recommend freecreditreport.com. Instead, I recommend that you use annualcreditreport.com. And then for the other times during the year that you check your credit report, consider buying a triple report. They are usually less than $40 (and around $50 if you want your FICO score thrown in).
2. I enjoy a good trip to the Renaissance Fair as much as the next person. You get to dress up and eat junk food. Plus, I like to look at (and possibly purchase) weaponry.

Happy Friday!

I loved this SNL skit about the banks stress tests. Honestly, the bank stress tests were a bit of a joke, mainly because the government kept changing the analysis in order to placate the big banks.

Happy Friday!

I love this video of turning a dollar bill into a star. If I were a little more talented (and lived a little closer), I’d take a $50 bill, fold it, and then give it to my mom for Mother’s Day. Then I’d take her out to dinner. As it is, I’ve sent her a rather nice bouquet of flowers.

Happy Friday!

I don’t use Geico to fulfill my insurance needs, but I love the commercials. And sometimes they remind that I could be saving money on any number of things.

Happy Friday!