Unlike Dr. Fauci...

... I will ignore the advice of any counsel and refuse to shut the f*ck up. 

Okay. That's my political joke for the day. I've got a few things on my mind before it melts during the new heat advisory/warning that was just issued this morning.

My usual hotel replaced the flooring in the first floor suites. This was a welcome surprise since we all know carpet keeps a room hotter during the summer months. The AC was at a constant 72 degrees but in hindsight I should've lowered it to 69 or 70 at night to match the outdoor temperature at sunrise.

I'll get another chance to do so next week. I've made arrangements to stay in one room if I book a separate reservation for an additional day. That's exactly what I did upon my return home. Next week I have a two night stay instead of one, and one of those evenings is already paid for via accumulated points.

***

My mini vacation turned out to be a working one. I stumbled upon a defense company called Parsons Corp due to their stock (PSN) tumbled by 35% to 40% on Tuesday morning. Ara ara!

I did a little research and it turned out the market was unhappy that it lost a huge defense contract. The company's financials were otherwise sound. I took a flier on their stock before I left for my trip, but only 10% of the total worth of my stock trading account rather than the customary 25%.

I sold the stock this morning for a 5.4% gain. The proceeds nearly pay for the extra night I just booked. 

***

Yesterday Caterpillar's (CAT) tumbled roughly 6% due to one analyst downgraded their stock. I bought the dip since this blue chip company will announce their quarterly earnings next week. I feel it's a good candidate to rebound either short term or long term, so I'm happy to hang onto it for a little while.

I also picked up Pulmonx (LUNG) as both a short term bet and as a curiosity. It's my first "penny" stock but I do see some upside. If you or someone you know has COPD, then you're likely familiar with this company's equipment and products. 

I only invested about 7% of my account into it. If it tanks it's a loss that will offset my recent gains. If it continues to climb, then I hope to make 10% off my investment.

I can't help but wonder if I've stumbled upon a side hustle by doing this stock trading.

***

Finally, here's what I really want to get off my chest. Bolt Man really pissed me off during my mini vacation. I don't like to use the term TDS, but lately he's been lashing out over Orange Foolius. 

He often clashes with Bert over this, and during my trip it was my turn to feel his angst. I won't give the blow by blow account of what was said Tuesday evening but I'll say this: 

• He feels people like me are criminals because we avoid paying taxes. I pay both foreign and domestic taxes and comply with IRS rules regarding foreign investments and tax credits.
• He says I don't need Social Security. I paid into the system every year from age sixteen up until my retirement, and the government has confirmed I'm entitled to my fair share of FDR's legalized Ponzi scheme once I turn 62. 
• He's leaning into socialism. My father highly likely killed Commies in Korea and Vietnam so you already know how I feel about Communism with other people's money.

I ignored all of his texts yesterday and I'll continue to do so until I discuss this at length with Bert. I'm unsure if I'll continue to remain friends with Bolt Man, but one thing our spat confirmed is that I should never consider having him as a future roommate. His intolerance of opposing views is not welcome, especially if I end up buying a home or condo in the near future.

Sorry for this mini rant, but I needed to let this one out so I can move on with my Thursday.