Crazy Times in Every Way

Crazy politics and a crazy market - what a day!  In politics, rhetoric and hype are now being replaced by threats and vandalism directed at various politicians from both parties over the new healthcare law and how votes were cast.  In one way, this isn't necessarily a bad thing, although the media would have us believe otherwise.  Don't get me wrong, I am not advocating people's violent actions, but I very much appreciate the fact that people are getting passionate about our country and its leadership (or lack thereof).  This is a great thing, because in my lifetime I have witnessed little more than pure apathy regarding the wonderful freedoms we enjoy in this country.  So, I don't see it as a bad thing.  Besides, our country was founded on such principles and old habits die hard.  By the way, I think most folks today are very arrogant in the assumption that our founding fathers weren't as intelligent as we are today or were somehow less civilized.  Sorry, but I personally think most modern-day Americans couldn't hold a candle to most of them and certainly wouldn't have the backbone or conviction to die for their beliefs and freedom.  Period.

Sadly, the markets weren't any better today.  The day started off with the bulls firmly in control based on some speculation that the EU and IMF would bail out Greece and a big earnings surprise from Best Buy.  That evaporated in the late afternoon as concerns about sovereign debt in Greece and other European countries crept back to the surface with several media reports.  Oh well.

Personally, I managed to lock in a nice 23% gain on a September $75.00 Netflix long call (option).  Just one -- remember that I am not rich! :)  Every little bit counts though and compounding works well as long as you keep making smart trades and growing the account.  That's my plan anyway...

One of my stocks, Omnova Solutions, Inc, traded on the on the NYSE under the symbol OMN, reported better than expected earnings after the closing bell yesterday.  Its always a good thing when you have invested in a good company and are rewarded nicely for it.  OMN shot up over 12% in morning trading and settled in at the closing bell up 10% for the day.  Not to bad, and this stock currently trades at just over $8/share.  Oh, the company provides polymers, chemicals and surfaces for both commercial and residential applications in America, Asia, and Europe.  If this upside move holds, it wouldn't be a bad time to take a look at OMN for your own portfolio.  Good trading!