Back in 2021, during Covid, I purchased an Artem RM-style deployant hoping to pair it with my IWC Big Pilot. But, alas, I couldn't get the fitting just right and the deployant required a tiny flathead screwdriver which I didn't own at the time.

Fast forward ~5 years later I finally found a screwdriver that fits the screw. I had it all along and never thought of using it until now. I actually bought an eyeglass screwdriver kit off Amazon for $4.50 but the flat edge was too thick so it didn't work. Of course, I was 3 days past the return window so now I have an unused, brand new screwdriver kit for whenever someone's eyeglasses' screw comes loose. 

The deployant is actually quite easy to install once the pin screw is screwed in. If makes a secure fit, much better than simply using a spring bar.

Here is the final result, which I quite like. The buckle is quite thin so it doesn't feel bulky. One thing that was surprising to me was that the deployant adds a bit of length so I actually had to size down. I'm now using the last strap hole. Shoutout to Holben's Watch Strap  for selling me the Fluco Alcantara watch strap for $45. You can get a coupon for signing up as a new customer.

I'm not usually a day trader, but I couldn't help myself when Trump and his team informed the public earlier this week that the President is going to make a speech to the American public on Wednesday at 9 pm ET. 

Leading up to the speech, Marco Rubio released the following 2 min video:

His tone made me feel less than 100% confident in the administration's plan, so I decided to follow my gut and place an order to buy two put options on $QQQ at $575. In other words, I'd only make money if $QQQ traded below the strike price of $575; the stock closed April 1 at $584.31, which means it would have to dip 2% before I make any money.

Here's the Trump speech:

This morning, I saw that $QQQ was trading at or just below $585, so I immediately placed a market order to close my position. I pocketed nearly $400. It feels good to make money and even better following my gut. However, as Drunkenmiller has said, it doesn't matter that you're right: You need to be right AND have conviction (by putting up a big position). It's fine to lose (a little bit of) money and be wrong, but not that great if you're right and made only a few bucks. 

Thankfully I sold in time (hey, making money is still making money) as $QQQ has since recovered from this morning's low:

Over a sufficiently long period of time, VTI has always had a positive return. There's something to be said about a buy and hold mentality and the American economy's innovative spirit. If you have the patience, the power of compounding even works in your favor because of the dividends that are paid that generate a return when reinvested. Bet on America.

On the other hand, buying single stocks and holding may not necessarily get you any returns. In this case, I've held Disney for over a decade and actually LOST money. Who would have thought that Disney, known for its parks and movies, could have negative returns after holding for a decade??

I bought this jacket over the summer (absolute steal on eBay), BUT the issue is that the jacket is snug. I can only wear a t-shirt underneath. Also, the cuff is too tight for me to wear a wrist watch, so I leave the cuff unbuttoned. I wasn't sure if this is considered faux pas for a jacket this nice. Did a quick Google Images search, and turn out that most people do leave the cuff button undone. Vindicated!