January 22nd, 2025
Tension, Tuna, and Tech
NEWS
It’s ballz cold. There is snow across the Deep South including but not limited to Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Louisiana, and more!
Not only is the federal government scrapping DEI programs, private companies are too. Meta, McDonald’s, and Walmart have apparently been doing so for months, after the Supreme Court overturned affirmative action in college admissions.
Electric vehicle sales have been dropping since 2024. (Doesn’t seem to have affected Tesla’s stock performance though). We will have to see what happens to sales as the feds start slashing incentives for auto makers to continue building these things.
Netflix Subscriber Surge: Netflix reported a record increase of 19 million subscribers in the last quarter, attributed to its expansion into live sports. This growth led to a 13.1% surge in its stock value.
Middle East Tensions Escalate: Israeli forces have intensified military operations in Jenin, West Bank, resulting in at least 10 Palestinian deaths and over 40 injuries. The offensive continues despite a recent ceasefire in Gaza. Jordan’s foreign minister warns of potential regional instability.
MONEY
The S&P is approaching it’s all time high my dudes.
It briefly touched (ah) 6100 today.
If you bought the dip last month- good for you.
Tech leads the charge-
Netflix, Oracle, and Nvidia were up.
Doesn’t seem like the talks of Tariffs are doing much to stop the market climb. Some “Financial expert” jabrones are suggesting a very volatile year for the market. To me, that’s good news! We can buy LOW!
Some of my latest purchases.
(THIS AIN’T PROF ADVIce!)
• Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO):
• Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth Index ETF (VONG)
• Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF (VOOG):
• Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK):
• Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG):
Tomorrow I might buy some shares of AAPL, as it is down about 13% from its December high.
This information changes rapidly so do your own research.
PODCASTING
Sorry to nerd out out you again (not sorry), but if you’re interested in taking the Series 65 exam to become a “Registered Investment Advisor” - I found the
“Series 65 Exam Podcast” - This thing is loaded with free lessons to keep your mind in the game. This test has a relatively low pass rate- but the reward is worth the work. It would allow you to also operate as an accredited investor if you are registered in your state. For poor people like me- it’s the best way to get naked in the pool.
“Don’t Write That Book!” - with AJ Harper and Mike Michalowiez. For my writer friends out there interested in non-fiction publishing, these two have tons of real world experience and success. I don’t have a specific episode for you because they are all great. Start at the beginning.
BUSINESS
I made my first dollar writing, from a collection of short horror fiction stories I self published on Amazon almost seven years ago. Stupid right? Since then, I’ve been trying to continue that trend upward.
Focus is… not my thing. I start projects and tend not to finish them. I get wide eyed and bushy tailed about new things. Particularly things that don’t make me money. Like this newsletter.
My longest running writing projects have been in the television and screenwriting space. Have I sold a script? AHA! Of course not. But maybe someday. I’ve found that I hate it much less than other forms of writing.
Instead of letting scripts collect dust- I’ve transformed them into Audio-dramatic fiction podcasts as a market test for the topics and shows. Check it out at the PilotSpecs Podcast Channel if you’re interested. No small boy stuff.
THE GOOD STUFF
My wife and I got through season 1, episodes 1-5 of Severance on Apple TV.. Me oh my. I’m pretty sure I’ve already watched this season but totally forgot what happened. Ahead of season 2 coming out- I’m pretty excited to finish this.
It’s a delightful show. It raises some serious questions about work-life balance and personal identity. You’ve probably noticed I don’t talk about my day job here much.
Why would I? Not that it’s not exciting…. I just, there’s better things to do than flying airplanes. *shrugging my shoulders.
What’s for dinner?
Tonight, we’re having seared ahi tuna accompanied by a crunchy Asian salad. Here’s a delightful recipe you might enjoy:
Seared Ahi Tuna with Crunchy Asian Salad
Ingredients:
• For the Tuna:
• 2 ahi tuna steaks
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Sesame seeds (optional)
• For the Salad:
• 2 cups your fav Lettuce.
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Crunchy wonton toppings
• For the Dressing:
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
I like to make sure the Tuna is AT room temperature. That way, when you only sear it for a few minutes on each side, the center won’t be strangely cold. Good luck!
If you are still here, I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to give me a chance at failing to entertain you. If you like it, all I ask is that you GIVE ME YOUR PERSONAL INFO. So I can Spam you - (kidding).
Even if you don’t want e-mails from me- you should subscribe anyway because it helps me reach more beautiful humans like you.
But if you’d like this kind of information delivered to you personally in your inbox at a time that is totally inconvenient for you, but absolutely convenient for me, Subscribe and I’ll make your life a living nightmare.
Always,
-Unprofessional