Updates

Closed my AMZN long call for a base hit. Leaving my MA short put to work, currently positive. I may let this option expire. Basis is poor to hold for another 2 plus weeks with the margin requirement associated with a $200 stock. We are now post the earnings release and I think the chances of MasterCard getting anywhere close to $195 based on the chart is essentially zero. Unless I can find a better trading thesis for the use of this margin I will leave this position open. I am short the weekly GOOG 480 put. Still long AAPL, with a weekly covered write, long SIVB also with a covered call write though this is the August monthly and long IBM call and long CME call. The IBM call has recently turned green while the CME position languishes.

Barrons had a good interview in this past Saturdays paper with Mark Roberts whoose bias is short. Please bear in mind that everything you read with respect to folks that manage money in any capacity are talking their book. And there is nothing wrong with that as long as you realize that that is part of the equation. I am drawn to folks with a short bias, just very interested in those ideas. I have added Strayer Education to my watch list. Mark has them pegged to decline to $150 from the current $230. I may jump on the coattails of this trade after I put some time and effort into researching them.

Is the Jon Stewart goatee a joke or is it permanent? Hate it.