Is it me or do others find the new Microsoft ads, featuring Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Gates, a bit strange and off topic in terms of trying to promote Microsoft and thwart the Apple Mac/PC campaign? I can only assume it is some kind of new marketing approach/plan to build up to something amazing, otherwise a lot of money and brand credibility has been wasted. You can see the ads in this series here (Youtube link) and let me know what you think. So far, all I can say is that I am glad to be a long term Apple stockholder despite the recent broad weakness in all technology stocks. It is also good to see Seinfeld back on the small screen. Waiting for Cosmo Kramer to make an appearance in the next ad....

Sticking with the entertainment theme (I know a little off topic for this blog, but hey it’s the weekend!) Saturday Night Live (SNL) – a sketch comedy I enjoy watching when awake – is proposing 30 Rock creator and star Tina Fey to play Gov. Sarah Palin. Looking at the picture and from her past work on the show, I think this would be an excellent choice. With all the serious politicking going on, it is nice to get some light relief by watching comedic shows such as SNL, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, The Colbert Report and even Fox news.

Appearances this week

I was featured in two money and finance gatherings over the week. Living Almost Large hosted the Money Hacks Carnival featuring my article on Jobs and Housing - The one two punch and the need to start growing your emergency funds now. Frugal Babe hosted the Festival of Frugality which included the post on tax deductions you might not know about.

Some articles I liked from these financially focused gatherings and my RSS reader (add me to yours) this week include:

- Jennifer from Saving Advice has a things that matter list of ten things that money can’t buy.

- Upside Trader writes about the bail out of Fannie and Freddie and how the stocks are impacted . I wrote a similar piece from a different angle and have felt the pain.

- Money Ning writes about the new unemployment figures how to prepare yourself for the possibility of unemployment. Good reading in times like the present.

- Kevin from No Debt Plan shares about the changes he made to his auto insurance policy. Makes me want to review mine now!

- Calculated Risk has had some great coverage of the GSE's fallout and Lehman breakup if you are interested in this topic. A very well read blog as demonstrated by most posts getting in excess of 100 comments! With some bank or the other going under every week there sure is a lot to write about.

- GBlogger shares a secret about becoming wealthier in 40% Wealthier? Planning and budgeting seems to be the secret. Good advice for most things.

- JD at Get Rich Slowly had a nice profiling post on the The Best Salesman in the World. A must read and an action video clip of the person in review.

- Budgets are Sexy talks about her lottery winnings and what she plans to do with the proceeds.

- Amy of My Daily Dollar has a great series on debt payoff with this installment on the Back to Basics: Replace Bad Habits.

- Gather Little by Little has a very good real life experience based post on Why he used a real estate agent to buy his new place.

- Curt at Penny Jobs is writing a great series of posts on Businesses I’ve Tried and What I’ve Learned. A good read if you have or are thinking of starting your own business. Also check out other great stories from members of the Financial Blog Network.