This Week in Review (2/28-3/07)

Lots happening in the Playbook’s life these days. I have four hearings coming up next week, so I’ve been busy preparing for those, a blog I’ve read for several years is hanging it up, and my birthday is tomorrow. As for news about the blog, thanks to Wisebread for including the Playbook in the Top 100+ Personal Finance Blogs. We were way down the list at #179, but I’m just happy to be included. I don’t think that’s a bad place to be at all considering the blog is just beginning our third month (it’ll make its way up the list in due time;)). The Playbook was also included (along with lots and lots of other blogs) in a blog carnival over at The Penny Daily. I’ll be hosting a carnival on this site sometime in April.

The blog I mentioned above that’s hanging it up is called Future Redbirds, a site that covers the minor league affiliates of the St. Louis Cardinals. I’m a big Cards fan (I’m originally from a little town just to the south of StL), and I’ve really enjoyed reading this blog for a long time now. Good luck to Erik and the team at Future Redbirds in whatever they choose to do next.

Here are some of the articles that caught my eye over the course of this past week:

Jim Rogers Buys Land, Starts Farming @ CNBC – Jim Rogers, a famous investor who can often be found touting commodities investments (see his book, Hot Commodities), is making a Malthusian prediction about food shortages. Should we be afraid?

Naclo (NLC): Buffett’s bet on water @ Blogging Stocks – I know, I know, shut up about Warren Buffett already. I can’t help it. When Buffett buys a large stake in a company, it’s something that should be noted. If you can get in at a similar or better price than Buffett did, it’s something to consider (do your own research, of course, and only buy it if you understand the rational behind the investment). Two things jump out at me in the article about Naclo – their free cash flow was $142 million last year, and the comment that they’re a bigger player in water than GE. This very specialized company is a giant in the water filtration industry.

Why Coke Rewards is for Suckers @ Len Penzo -This is a funny, light article about one man’s obsession/addiction to…the Coke Rewards program.

Busting Cashback Tiers with Mint’s $1 Coin Direct Ship Program @ Bargaineering – Jim points out that many cash back programs require you spend a certain amount before they’ll allow you to get your full cash back %. He very astutely points out a way to game the system – buy money on a dollar for dollar basis with free shipping in order to meet your spending minimum, then deposit the $1 coins at your bank. Check it out.

The Index Fund Wins Again @ Get Rich Slowly – Check out this contribution to the Modern Portfolio Theory argument. I think there are some logical reasons why professional managers don’t outperform the market averages. I’ll save them for another post. For now, check out this excellent post.

On a final note, I thought I would post a link to the free redbox movie code. Use the code to get a free movie. I’ve seen this lots of places over the last few weeks, so I’m not sure who to give credit to. Maybe Deal Seeking Mom. Anyway, enjoy your weekend and, as always, thanks for reading.