Greg Geiling is going to be managing a Blackstone super hedge fund!

Ain't that exciting?! / No, I don't know who Greg is. It doesn't really matter who he is. He's probably just another square. 'Mikey, Mr Geiling is a senior managing director of Blackstone, and the head of BAAM's special situations investing group.' BAAM?! What the fuck is BAAM, man? 'Beats me, son. But since joining Blackstone, Mr Geiling has been involved in sourcing and evaluating direct investment opportunities for the hedge fund solutions group. He is also involved in hedge fund manager evaluation, selection, and monitoring.' Anything else, Voice? 'He has a bullshit in finance?' A what in finance?! 'Er, some B.S. in finance.' That's a degree, man.

Yeah, this super hedge fund. Some guys have all the luck. I mean, it doesn't really matter who's managing it, not if it's as super as they say. / So, what makes it so super, even if it doesn't have a name yet? 'It hasn't even been launched yet.' Okay, what will make it so super? 'I don't know.' See if you can dig this, Voice: Greg is going to steal all the best ideas of other hedge fund managers. 'Oh, brilliant, Mikey! Standing on the shoulders of giants, eh?' Exactly. 'Seeing what these giants are getting up to, and then ripping the poor bastards off.' More or less. I think the giants are going to be compensated though. 'How? A few dollars in their pocket?' Well, I've heard that Greg is going to steal all their trading ideas, make a bloody fortune, and then treat the giants to a night out somewhere. The restaurant of their choice. 'That's nice.' I think so.

_________________________

I've been reading Donnie Brasco's book about his time undercover in the Mafia. I mean, Joseph Pistone, the FBI agent. / I've read it before. I read it years ago before the film was made. It's a brilliant book. And it's just amazing how much gangsters have in common with bankers and hedgies. 'Yeah?' Oh yeah, Voice. They're only useful if they can kick money upstairs to the boss, or they get whacked. They're always thinking of the next scam. They're very aggressive. 'Gangsters have a code of honour though, don't they, Mikey?' Well, I suppose ...

[No. 122] Insider trading, outsider trading

It's so confusing, ain't it?

And it's hard to tell who's inside and who's outside, and everyone's guilty ... of something[1], and it's none of my business what these traders get up to, and yet ...[1], and it's hard to tell who's inside and who's outside, and everyone's guilty ... of something[2], and what did Lear say?[1], and it's none of my business what these traders get up to, and yet ...[2], and I wouldn't point the finger at anyone[1], and what did Lear say?[2], and I'm just glad I can spend eternity a-ROUND here, away from the evils of the world[1], and I wouldn't point the finger at anyone[2], and I'm burying my head in the CLEAR BLUE SKY, ah, fresh air![1], and I'm just glad I can spend eternity a-ROUND here, away from the evils of the world[2], and the best way to avoid pain ... is to keep away from everything that causes pain[1], and I'm burying my head in the CLEAR BLUE SKY, ah, fresh air![2], and I'll be looking for a way out of here, eventually - beyond eternity?[1], and the best way to avoid pain ... is to keep away from everything that causes pain[2], and BELIEVE ME: when you're DIZZY, everything is the same[1], and I'll be looking for a way out of here, eventually - beyond eternity?[2], and inside or outside - who cares?![1], and BELIEVE ME: when you're DIZZY, everything is the same[2], and if you've got problems, I'm sure it's just how you feel, your desires, so stay away from the Tottenham Court Road[1], and inside or outside - who cares?![2], and God knows what God thinks[1], and if you've got problems, I'm sure it's just how you feel, your desires, so stay away from the Tottenham Court Road[2], and did that DEAD SHARK ever get to believe in death?[1], and God knows what God thinks[2], and strangely I can't ... I can't ... I can't ... find any more words to hold on to[1], and did that DEAD SHARK ever get to believe in death?[2], and ... I can't ... I can't ... I can't ...[1], and strangely I can't ... I can't ... I can't ... find any more words to hold on to[2], and it's hard to tell who's inside and who's outside, and everyone's guilty ... of something[3], and ... I can't ... I can't ... I can't ...[2], and it's none of my business what these traders get up to, and yet ...[3], and what did Lear say?[3], and I wouldn't point the finger at anyone[3], and I'm just glad I can spend eternity a-ROUND here, away from the evils of the world[3], and I'm burying my head in the CLEAR BLUE SKY, ah, fresh air![3], and the best way to avoid pain ... is to keep away from everything that causes pain[3], and I'll be looking for a way out of here, eventually - beyond eternity?[3], and BELIEVE ME: when you're DIZZY, everything is the same[3], and inside or outside - who cares?![3], and if you've got problems, I'm sure it's just how you feel, your desires, so stay away from the Tottenham Court Road[3], and God knows what God thinks[3], and did that DEAD SHARK ever get to believe in death?[3], and strangely I can't ... I can't ... I can't ... find any more words to hold on to[3], and ... I can't ... I can't ... I can't ...[3], and

And it's hard to tell who's inside and who's outside, and everyone's guilty ... of something[1], and it's none of my business what these traders get up to, and yet ...[1], and it's hard to tell who's inside and who's outside, and everyone's guilty ... of something[2], and what did Lear say?[1], and it's none of my business what these traders get up to, and yet ...[2], and I wouldn't point the finger at anyone[1], and what did Lear say?[2], and I'm just glad I can spend eternity a-ROUND here, away from the evils of the world[1], and I wouldn't point the finger at anyone[2], and I'm burying my head in the CLEAR BLUE SKY, ah, fresh air![1], and I'm just glad I can spend eternity a-ROUND here, away from the evils of the world[2], and the best way to avoid pain ... is to keep away from everything that causes pain[1], and I'm burying my head in the CLEAR BLUE SKY, ah, fresh air![2], and I'll be looking for a way out of here, eventually - beyond eternity?[1], and the best way to avoid pain ... is to keep away from everything that causes pain[2], and BELIEVE ME: when you're DIZZY, everything is the same[1], and I'll be looking for a way out of here, eventually - beyond eternity?[2], and inside or outside - who cares?![1], and BELIEVE ME: when you're DIZZY, everything is the same[2], and if you've got problems, I'm sure it's just how you feel, your desires, so stay away from the Tottenham Court Road[1], and inside or outside - who cares?![2], and God knows what God thinks[1], and if you've got problems, I'm sure it's just how you feel, your desires, so stay away from the Tottenham Court Road[2], and did that DEAD SHARK ever get to believe in death?[1], and God knows what God thinks[2], and strangely I can't ... I can't ... I can't ... find any more words to hold on to[1], and did that DEAD SHARK ever get to believe in death?[2], and ... I can't ... I can't ... I can't ...[1], and strangely I can't ... I can't ... I can't ... find any more words to hold on to[2], and it's hard to tell who's inside and who's outside, and everyone's guilty ... of something[3], and ... I can't ... I can't ... I can't ...[2], and it's none of my business what these traders get up to, and yet ...[3], and what did Lear say?[3], and I wouldn't point the finger at anyone[3], and I'm just glad I can spend eternity a-ROUND here, away from the evils of the world[3], and I'm burying my head in the CLEAR BLUE SKY, ah, fresh air![3], and the best way to avoid pain ... is to keep away from everything that causes pain[3], and I'll be looking for a way out of here, eventually - beyond eternity?[3], and BELIEVE ME: when you're DIZZY, everything is the same[3], and inside or outside - who cares?![3], and if you've got problems, I'm sure it's just how you feel, your desires, so stay away from the Tottenham Court Road[3], and God knows what God thinks[3], and did that DEAD SHARK ever get to believe in death?[3], and strangely I can't ... I can't ... I can't ... find any more words to hold on to[3], and ... I can't ... I can't ... I can't ...[3], and

And it's hard to tell who's inside and who's outside, and everyone's guilty ... of something[1], and it's none of my business what these traders get up to, and yet ...[1], and it's hard to tell who's inside and who's outside, and everyone's guilty ... of something[2], and what did Lear say?[1], and it's none of my business what these traders get up to, and yet ...[2], and I wouldn't point the finger at anyone[1], and what did Lear say?[2], and I'm just glad I can spend eternity a-ROUND here, away from the evils of the world[1], and I wouldn't point the finger at anyone[2], and I'm burying my head in the CLEAR BLUE SKY, ah, fresh air![1], and I'm just glad I can spend eternity a-ROUND here, away from the evils of the world[2], and the best way to avoid pain ... is to keep away from everything that causes pain[1], and I'm burying my head in the CLEAR BLUE SKY, ah, fresh air![2], and I'll be looking for a way out of here, eventually - beyond eternity?[1], and the best way to avoid pain ... is to keep away from everything that causes pain[2], and BELIEVE ME: when you're DIZZY, everything is the same[1], and I'll be looking for a way out of here, eventually - beyond eternity?[2], and inside or outside - who cares?![1], and BELIEVE ME: when you're DIZZY, everything is the same[2], and if you've got problems, I'm sure it's just how you feel, your desires, so stay away from the Tottenham Court Road[1], and inside or outside - who cares?![2], and God knows what God thinks[1], and if you've got problems, I'm sure it's just how you feel, your desires, so stay away from the Tottenham Court Road[2], and did that DEAD SHARK ever get to believe in death?[1], and God knows what God thinks[2], and strangely I can't ... I can't ... I can't ... find any more words to hold on to[1], and did that DEAD SHARK ever get to believe in death?[2], and ... I can't ... I can't ... I can't ...[1], and strangely I can't ... I can't ... I can't ... find any more words to hold on to[2], and it's hard to tell who's inside and who's outside, and everyone's guilty ... of something[3], and ... I can't ... I can't ... I can't ...[2], and it's none of my business what these traders get up to, and yet ...[3], and what did Lear say?[3], and I wouldn't point the finger at anyone[3], and I'm just glad I can spend eternity a-ROUND here, away from the evils of the world[3], and I'm burying my head in the CLEAR BLUE SKY, ah, fresh air![3], and the best way to avoid pain ... is to keep away from everything that causes pain[3], and I'll be looking for a way out of here, eventually - beyond eternity?[3], and BELIEVE ME: when you're DIZZY, everything is the same[3], and inside or outside - who cares?![3], and if you've got problems, I'm sure it's just how you feel, your desires, so stay away from the Tottenham Court Road[3], and God knows what God thinks[3], and did that DEAD SHARK ever get to believe in death?[3], and strangely I can't ... I can't ... I can't ... find any more words to hold on to[3], and ... I can't ... I can't ... I can't ...[3], and

Matthew Teeple says he's not guilty of insider trading

But the SEC has charged him. I don't know what to believe or who to believe. Maybe I shouldn't get involved. / I'm listening to The Jesus and Mary Chain at the moment. I'd forgotten how good they are/were. Her Way Of Praying is my favourite song of theirs. If there were any justice in this world they would be as big as Oasis. I suppose they don't have the killer classic songs like Wonderwall, Don't Look Back In Anger, and Live Forever. You only need three.

I still need to finish the lyric for You're Lying. / I don't think it's a mistake to spend so long working on just three songs. (Is it two years now? I don't know.) I reject song ideas all the time, man. If I want to earn a decent living as a songwriter, if I want to stand out, the songs have got to be classics. / I haven't decided if I want to write for myself yet. I might be too old to be a (new) recording artist. And I'm not sure I want the lifestyle, leather trousers, Jack Daniel's. Maybe I'll let music business people talk me into it, if they want to ...

My guitar playing has improved. I recorded My Heart four hundred times at Christmas. Every version was pretty crap. Now, when I play the song, it always sounds better than those recordings. It's the Karate Kid thing. Wax on, wax off.

I've got Her Way Of Praying on repeat. Try and find it on YouTube or something. It's fucking awesome!

[No. 121] Her way of praying

She's crazy to want me.

And she says she's been talking to Jesus for me, and I don't know what to believe[1], and I've never worn a gold chain[1], and she says she's been talking to Jesus for me, and I don't know what to believe[2], and I don't need ANYONE to talk to GOD for me, or JESUS H. CHRIST(!) for me[1], and I've never worn a gold chain[2], and I've got all that hissing in my ears, man[1], and I don't need ANYONE to talk to GOD for me, or JESUS H. CHRIST(!) for me[2], and there's going to be a RIOT, a-ROUND here, and I haven't got a problem with that[1], and I've got all that hissing in my ears, man[2], and this is my FEEDBACK[1], and there's going to be a RIOT, a-ROUND here, and I haven't got a problem with that[2], and she is waiting for me, praying - oh, it's her way, oh, waiting, with Jesus, and with Mary, yeah(!)[1], and this is my FEEDBACK[2], and I'm crazy[1], and she is waiting for me, praying - oh, it's her way, oh, waiting, with Jesus, and with Mary, yeah(!)[2], and she's CRAZY, for me, for Jesus, for Mary, for God ...[1], and I'm crazy[2], and I can get lost in NOISE alone, and I'm not looking for any salvation here today - forever?[1], and she's CRAZY, for me, for Jesus, for Mary, for God ...[2], and she's chasing after me[1], and I can get lost in NOISE alone, and I'm not looking for any salvation here today - forever?[2], and something's like a SIN(!) scraping skin, and I have no idea what, and I just don't want to know[1], and she's chasing after me[2], and hope in hope ... in the sky?[1], and something's like a SIN(!) scraping skin, and I have no idea what, and I just don't want to know[2], and she says ... Jesus will SAVE ME(!), wow, ha(!), uh, and I don't know ... what I want ... NOW(!)[1], and hope in hope ... in the sky?[2], and I don't need it a-ROUND here[1], and she says ... Jesus will SAVE ME(!), wow, ha(!), uh, and I don't know ... what I want ... NOW(!)[2], and she says she's been talking to Jesus for me, and I don't know what to believe[3], and I don't need it a-ROUND here[2], and I've never worn a gold chain[3], and I don't need ANYONE to talk to GOD for me, or JESUS H. CHRIST(!) for me[3], and I've got all that hissing in my ears, man[3], and there's going to be a RIOT, a-ROUND here, and I haven't got a problem with that[3], and this is my FEEDBACK[3], and she is waiting for me, praying - oh, it's her way, oh, waiting, with Jesus, and with Mary, yeah(!)[3], and I'm crazy[3], and she's CRAZY, for me, for Jesus, for Mary, for God ...[3], and I can get lost in NOISE alone, and I'm not looking for any salvation here today - forever?[3], and she's chasing after me[3], and something's like a SIN(!) scraping skin, and I have no idea what, and I just don't want to know[3], and hope in hope ... in the sky?[3], and she says ... Jesus will SAVE ME(!), wow, ha(!), uh, and I don't know ... what I want ... NOW(!)[3], and I don't need it a-ROUND here[3], and

And she says she's been talking to Jesus for me, and I don't know what to believe[1], and I've never worn a gold chain[1], and she says she's been talking to Jesus for me, and I don't know what to believe[2], and I don't need ANYONE to talk to GOD for me, or JESUS H. CHRIST(!) for me[1], and I've never worn a gold chain[2], and I've got all that hissing in my ears, man[1], and I don't need ANYONE to talk to GOD for me, or JESUS H. CHRIST(!) for me[2], and there's going to be a RIOT, a-ROUND here, and I haven't got a problem with that[1], and I've got all that hissing in my ears, man[2], and this is my FEEDBACK[1], and there's going to be a RIOT, a-ROUND here, and I haven't got a problem with that[2], and she is waiting for me, praying - oh, it's her way, oh, waiting, with Jesus, and with Mary, yeah(!)[1], and this is my FEEDBACK[2], and I'm crazy[1], and she is waiting for me, praying - oh, it's her way, oh, waiting, with Jesus, and with Mary, yeah(!)[2], and she's CRAZY, for me, for Jesus, for Mary, for God ...[1], and I'm crazy[2], and I can get lost in NOISE alone, and I'm not looking for any salvation here today - forever?[1], and she's CRAZY, for me, for Jesus, for Mary, for God ...[2], and she's chasing after me[1], and I can get lost in NOISE alone, and I'm not looking for any salvation here today - forever?[2], and something's like a SIN(!) scraping skin, and I have no idea what, and I just don't want to know[1], and she's chasing after me[2], and hope in hope ... in the sky?[1], and something's like a SIN(!) scraping skin, and I have no idea what, and I just don't want to know[2], and she says ... Jesus will SAVE ME(!), wow, ha(!), uh, and I don't know ... what I want ... NOW(!)[1], and hope in hope ... in the sky?[2], and I don't need it a-ROUND here[1], and she says ... Jesus will SAVE ME(!), wow, ha(!), uh, and I don't know ... what I want ... NOW(!)[2], and she says she's been talking to Jesus for me, and I don't know what to believe[3], and I don't need it a-ROUND here[2], and I've never worn a gold chain[3], and I don't need ANYONE to talk to GOD for me, or JESUS H. CHRIST(!) for me[3], and I've got all that hissing in my ears, man[3], and there's going to be a RIOT, a-ROUND here, and I haven't got a problem with that[3], and this is my FEEDBACK[3], and she is waiting for me, praying - oh, it's her way, oh, waiting, with Jesus, and with Mary, yeah(!)[3], and I'm crazy[3], and she's CRAZY, for me, for Jesus, for Mary, for God ...[3], and I can get lost in NOISE alone, and I'm not looking for any salvation here today - forever?[3], and she's chasing after me[3], and something's like a SIN(!) scraping skin, and I have no idea what, and I just don't want to know[3], and hope in hope ... in the sky?[3], and she says ... Jesus will SAVE ME(!), wow, ha(!), uh, and I don't know ... what I want ... NOW(!)[3], and I don't need it a-ROUND here[3], and

And she says she's been talking to Jesus for me, and I don't know what to believe[1], and I've never worn a gold chain[1], and she says she's been talking to Jesus for me, and I don't know what to believe[2], and I don't need ANYONE to talk to GOD for me, or JESUS H. CHRIST(!) for me[1], and I've never worn a gold chain[2], and I've got all that hissing in my ears, man[1], and I don't need ANYONE to talk to GOD for me, or JESUS H. CHRIST(!) for me[2], and there's going to be a RIOT, a-ROUND here, and I haven't got a problem with that[1], and I've got all that hissing in my ears, man[2], and this is my FEEDBACK[1], and there's going to be a RIOT, a-ROUND here, and I haven't got a problem with that[2], and she is waiting for me, praying - oh, it's her way, oh, waiting, with Jesus, and with Mary, yeah(!)[1], and this is my FEEDBACK[2], and I'm crazy[1], and she is waiting for me, praying - oh, it's her way, oh, waiting, with Jesus, and with Mary, yeah(!)[2], and she's CRAZY, for me, for Jesus, for Mary, for God ...[1], and I'm crazy[2], and I can get lost in NOISE alone, and I'm not looking for any salvation here today - forever?[1], and she's CRAZY, for me, for Jesus, for Mary, for God ...[2], and she's chasing after me[1], and I can get lost in NOISE alone, and I'm not looking for any salvation here today - forever?[2], and something's like a SIN(!) scraping skin, and I have no idea what, and I just don't want to know[1], and she's chasing after me[2], and hope in hope ... in the sky?[1], and something's like a SIN(!) scraping skin, and I have no idea what, and I just don't want to know[2], and she says ... Jesus will SAVE ME(!), wow, ha(!), uh, and I don't know ... what I want ... NOW(!)[1], and hope in hope ... in the sky?[2], and I don't need it a-ROUND here[1], and she says ... Jesus will SAVE ME(!), wow, ha(!), uh, and I don't know ... what I want ... NOW(!)[2], and she says she's been talking to Jesus for me, and I don't know what to believe[3], and I don't need it a-ROUND here[2], and I've never worn a gold chain[3], and I don't need ANYONE to talk to GOD for me, or JESUS H. CHRIST(!) for me[3], and I've got all that hissing in my ears, man[3], and there's going to be a RIOT, a-ROUND here, and I haven't got a problem with that[3], and this is my FEEDBACK[3], and she is waiting for me, praying - oh, it's her way, oh, waiting, with Jesus, and with Mary, yeah(!)[3], and I'm crazy[3], and she's CRAZY, for me, for Jesus, for Mary, for God ...[3], and I can get lost in NOISE alone, and I'm not looking for any salvation here today - forever?[3], and she's chasing after me[3], and something's like a SIN(!) scraping skin, and I have no idea what, and I just don't want to know[3], and hope in hope ... in the sky?[3], and she says ... Jesus will SAVE ME(!), wow, ha(!), uh, and I don't know ... what I want ... NOW(!)[3], and I don't need it a-ROUND here[3], and

Why has Mike Buhl-Nielsen been promoted at Jupiter?

And who is he, exactly? / No one told me. No one asked for my permission. I guess they think: "Oh, the Master is preoccupied with his music these days. We won't bother him with all this boring financial rubbish." Well, boring rubbish it may be, but when a man I've never heard of gets promoted at a firm which is packed full of financial shamans I want to be involved. / I've been looking at Mr Buhl-Nielsen's LinkedIn profile. There's nothing there! The man barely exists. 'I've found some stuff on him, man.' Lay it on me, Voice. 'Michael joined Jupiter in December 2006 as a European hedge fund analyst, providing analytical and fund management support to Stephen Pearson. But now he's taken over from Stephen, managing the Jupiter Europa fund.' Oh. Anything else? 'He used to work at Centaurus Capital, Credit Suisse, Daiwa Securities, SMBC Europe, and Lehman Brothers.' All at the same time? 'I don't know. I don't think so.' Interesting. Thanks, Voice. 'And he's got a degree in maths.' That's nice.

Well, well, well ... / None of that was mentioned on Mike's LinkedIn profile. I'd be lost without my intern. 'I'm not your intern, Mikey.' Okay, whatever. / So, this Michael is experienced, like Alastair Gunn. It means nothing to me. These guys aren't shamans. They don't have the experience I have. / What's Jupiter playing at? There are so many strangers at the firm, but not my sort of strangers. I mean, they're cold earth wanderers. Some of them have been there for years, keeping a low profile. I only hear of them when they get promoted. I don't like it. / I'll let this one go. Maybe Mike will turn out all right. Maybe they'll train him up. 'But that won't be easy. You've shut down the desert, man.' Yeah. Is it my fault? Are less shamans coming into the game?

I don't give a shit. A year from now I doubt I'll be writing this blog. I won't even be a financial shaman. I've exhausted it. Everyone sensible, like our Tony, is getting out. / The next stage? I'm going to be a rock and roll shaman. 'Like Jim Morrison?!' Yes, just like Jimmy. Leather trousers, Jack Daniel's, the works. It's going to be a blast.

By the way, Stephen Pearson? Top bloke! I love that guy. One of my best friends at Jupiter. / Anyway, lunch. Another conceptual, No. 121.

No finance, just some thoughts in the night ...

This is the way I like it at night, calm, peaceful, listening to Brian Eno's Apollo. / My perforated ear drum is beyond a joke now. Another setback. If you haven't got your health ... forget money, man.

Hopefully, it's going to be raining the whole day later today, so I can stay in and finish You're Lying. / Seconds, minutes, on the music; and hours, days, weeks, on the lyrics. It's just the way it is, for me. / I've decided: what I'm aiming for is the popular musical appeal of Lennon and McCartney combined with a bit of the word-power of Dylan. / Yeah, I'm an ambitious bastard - but so what? I have this pathological desire to put myself beyond the reach of everyone else. That's how I won those Rubik's Cube competitions. 'Eh?' It's not really talent. (Well, it is.) It's more an insane will. 'Pathological desire, Mikey.' Yeah, same thing, I suppose. / I'm getting back to the way I was, years ago, my lost youth. 'Ah, the apple trees!' Shut it, Voice. / And this blog has helped. It has made me realize just how far I can push myself, creatively. So, blogging hasn't been a complete waste of my time.

Some woman has committed suicide because she couldn't pay the bedroom tax. Who's to blame? Not the woman. / There are too many evil people in power who have no understanding of (or sympathy for) human weakness. / My only consolation is that I know God exists. He will punish the evil-doers. And He will even punish the heartless ones who support the evil-doers with their money, votes, whatever ...

How do I know God exists? Mystical experiences. Let's leave it at that. I'm not trying to convince anyone. I'm not even religious.

I like that Bill Hicks sketch about Jesus. If Jesus were alive today, he wouldn't be a nice, soft guy. He would kick some ass, for sure.

Good night, reader(s). Or good morning. It all depends on when you're reading this. / Laters, anyway.

Jixin Dai has got his Tian Fund Management thing going on in Hong Kong!!!

Nearly. Nearly going on. / Or he could be Dai Jixin. Some people seem confused. (Not me! Or I.) I don't care either way. But there was no need for the exclamation marks. / Anyway, Dai is an interesting character. Actually, half Welsh/half Chinese!!! (Amazing!) There's a large Welsh community in Hong Kong, a bit like Argentina. (You learn something new every day.) This Tian hedge fund thing hasn't launched yet, but it has a name, obviously, which is always a good sign. And it has some staff besides Jixin, so it's not a fantasy fund. Ye Qingjun and Zhang Yongjun are directors. God knows what they'll be doing at the firm, but I'm sure they'll make themselves useful.

There's not much more I can tell you, dear reader(s). I mean, how am I supposed to know what's happening in Hong Kong? It's a million miles away. 'You're the WORLD's foremost financial shaman, Mikey. Get a grip!' Who said you could use capitals, Voice, eh? I'm in charge of formatting/style, man. You're not my intern, you know. 'I thought I was.' Why? 'You don't pay me.' Don't start all that again. I'm not rolling in money. I can't afford to pay you.

You can't get the staff these days. Even if I wanted them, I wouldn't be able to get them. These are austere times. 

_________________________

Music? Well, slow progress. What do you want from me, man? Good things take time. I need more time, okay?

I'm thinking: if my songwriting takes off the way I expect it to, the fame from that activity will spread to this blog. / Ha! It'll be really funny if, one day, Money is the way becomes the biggest financial blog in the world, even when I've stopped writing it.

[No. 120] One phrase can change everything

A special phrase. That's all I want. I'm not asking for the moon. I'm asking for the sun.

And fuck the moon(!!!)[1], and we'll blow up the moon[1], and fuck the moon(!!!)[2], and great phrases can get us beyond the THREE, and they can make us FREE[1], and we'll blow up the moon[2], and ONE LIFE, I'll touch the sun[1], and great phrases can get us beyond the THREE, and they can make us FREE[2], and I've got to keep believing ... that there's something beyond the THREE[1], and ONE LIFE, I'll touch the sun[2], and I like to believe: it beats working for a living[1], and I've got to keep believing ... that there's something beyond the THREE[2], and it's not this phrase, and it can't be this phrase - oh, this phrase is a BIG NOTHING(!)[1], and I like to believe: it beats working for a living[2], and this phrase?[1], and it's not this phrase, and it can't be this phrase - oh, this phrase is a BIG NOTHING(!)[2], and "You're searching for SOMETHING that may be impossible to find" - so?[1], and this phrase?[2], and if I want anyone's opinion or advice ...[1], and "You're searching for SOMETHING that may be impossible to find" - so?[2], and there ain't much time left, you know, not with my songs the way they are[1], and if I want anyone's opinion or advice ...[2], and I may do a Duchamp, and chess? No, music, obviously ...[1], and there ain't much time left, you know, not with my songs the way they are[2], and ... No. 120, yes[1], and I may do a Duchamp, and chess? No, music, obviously ...[2], and No. 121, and No. 122, and No. 123, and No. 124, and No. 125, and No. 126, and ...[1], and ... No. 120, yes[2], and I don't know if I have the will for much more[1], and No. 121, and No. 122, and No. 123, and No. 124, and No. 125, and No. 126, and ...[2], and ... a little more, certainly - while I'm waiting for my ship to come in ...[1], and I don't know if I have the will for much more[2], and one phrase?[1], and ... a little more, certainly - while I'm waiting for my ship to come in ...[2], and fuck the moon(!!!)[3], and one phrase?[2], and we'll blow up the moon[3], and great phrases can get us beyond the THREE, and they can make us FREE[3], and ONE LIFE, I'll touch the sun[3], and I've got to keep believing ... that there's something beyond the THREE[3], and I like to believe: it beats working for a living[3], and it's not this phrase, and it can't be this phrase - oh, this phrase is a BIG NOTHING(!)[3], and this phrase?[3], and "You're searching for SOMETHING that may be impossible to find" - so?[3], and if I want anyone's opinion or advice ...[3], and there ain't much time left, you know, not with my songs the way they are[3], and I may do a Duchamp, and chess? No, music, obviously ...[3], and ... No. 120, yes[3], and No. 121, and No. 122, and No. 123, and No. 124, and No. 125, and No. 126, and ...[3], and I don't know if I have the will for much more[3], and ... a little more, certainly - while I'm waiting for my ship to come in ...[3], and one phrase?[3], and

And fuck the moon(!!!)[1], and we'll blow up the moon[1], and fuck the moon(!!!)[2], and great phrases can get us beyond the THREE, and they can make us FREE[1], and we'll blow up the moon[2], and ONE LIFE, I'll touch the sun[1], and great phrases can get us beyond the THREE, and they can make us FREE[2], and I've got to keep believing ... that there's something beyond the THREE[1], and ONE LIFE, I'll touch the sun[2], and I like to believe: it beats working for a living[1], and I've got to keep believing ... that there's something beyond the THREE[2], and it's not this phrase, and it can't be this phrase - oh, this phrase is a BIG NOTHING(!)[1], and I like to believe: it beats working for a living[2], and this phrase?[1], and it's not this phrase, and it can't be this phrase - oh, this phrase is a BIG NOTHING(!)[2], and "You're searching for SOMETHING that may be impossible to find" - so?[1], and this phrase?[2], and if I want anyone's opinion or advice ...[1], and "You're searching for SOMETHING that may be impossible to find" - so?[2], and there ain't much time left, you know, not with my songs the way they are[1], and if I want anyone's opinion or advice ...[2], and I may do a Duchamp, and chess? No, music, obviously ...[1], and there ain't much time left, you know, not with my songs the way they are[2], and ... No. 120, yes[1], and I may do a Duchamp, and chess? No, music, obviously ...[2], and No. 121, and No. 122, and No. 123, and No. 124, and No. 125, and No. 126, and ...[1], and ... No. 120, yes[2], and I don't know if I have the will for much more[1], and No. 121, and No. 122, and No. 123, and No. 124, and No. 125, and No. 126, and ...[2], and ... a little more, certainly - while I'm waiting for my ship to come in ...[1], and I don't know if I have the will for much more[2], and one phrase?[1], and ... a little more, certainly - while I'm waiting for my ship to come in ...[2], and fuck the moon(!!!)[3], and one phrase?[2], and we'll blow up the moon[3], and great phrases can get us beyond the THREE, and they can make us FREE[3], and ONE LIFE, I'll touch the sun[3], and I've got to keep believing ... that there's something beyond the THREE[3], and I like to believe: it beats working for a living[3], and it's not this phrase, and it can't be this phrase - oh, this phrase is a BIG NOTHING(!)[3], and this phrase?[3], and "You're searching for SOMETHING that may be impossible to find" - so?[3], and if I want anyone's opinion or advice ...[3], and there ain't much time left, you know, not with my songs the way they are[3], and I may do a Duchamp, and chess? No, music, obviously ...[3], and ... No. 120, yes[3], and No. 121, and No. 122, and No. 123, and No. 124, and No. 125, and No. 126, and ...[3], and I don't know if I have the will for much more[3], and ... a little more, certainly - while I'm waiting for my ship to come in ...[3], and one phrase?[3], and

And fuck the moon(!!!)[1], and we'll blow up the moon[1], and fuck the moon(!!!)[2], and great phrases can get us beyond the THREE, and they can make us FREE[1], and we'll blow up the moon[2], and ONE LIFE, I'll touch the sun[1], and great phrases can get us beyond the THREE, and they can make us FREE[2], and I've got to keep believing ... that there's something beyond the THREE[1], and ONE LIFE, I'll touch the sun[2], and I like to believe: it beats working for a living[1], and I've got to keep believing ... that there's something beyond the THREE[2], and it's not this phrase, and it can't be this phrase - oh, this phrase is a BIG NOTHING(!)[1], and I like to believe: it beats working for a living[2], and this phrase?[1], and it's not this phrase, and it can't be this phrase - oh, this phrase is a BIG NOTHING(!)[2], and "You're searching for SOMETHING that may be impossible to find" - so?[1], and this phrase?[2], and if I want anyone's opinion or advice ...[1], and "You're searching for SOMETHING that may be impossible to find" - so?[2], and there ain't much time left, you know, not with my songs the way they are[1], and if I want anyone's opinion or advice ...[2], and I may do a Duchamp, and chess? No, music, obviously ...[1], and there ain't much time left, you know, not with my songs the way they are[2], and ... No. 120, yes[1], and I may do a Duchamp, and chess? No, music, obviously ...[2], and No. 121, and No. 122, and No. 123, and No. 124, and No. 125, and No. 126, and ...[1], and ... No. 120, yes[2], and I don't know if I have the will for much more[1], and No. 121, and No. 122, and No. 123, and No. 124, and No. 125, and No. 126, and ...[2], and ... a little more, certainly - while I'm waiting for my ship to come in ...[1], and I don't know if I have the will for much more[2], and one phrase?[1], and ... a little more, certainly - while I'm waiting for my ship to come in ...[2], and fuck the moon(!!!)[3], and one phrase?[2], and we'll blow up the moon[3], and great phrases can get us beyond the THREE, and they can make us FREE[3], and ONE LIFE, I'll touch the sun[3], and I've got to keep believing ... that there's something beyond the THREE[3], and I like to believe: it beats working for a living[3], and it's not this phrase, and it can't be this phrase - oh, this phrase is a BIG NOTHING(!)[3], and this phrase?[3], and "You're searching for SOMETHING that may be impossible to find" - so?[3], and if I want anyone's opinion or advice ...[3], and there ain't much time left, you know, not with my songs the way they are[3], and I may do a Duchamp, and chess? No, music, obviously ...[3], and ... No. 120, yes[3], and No. 121, and No. 122, and No. 123, and No. 124, and No. 125, and No. 126, and ...[3], and I don't know if I have the will for much more[3], and ... a little more, certainly - while I'm waiting for my ship to come in ...[3], and one phrase?[3], and

Louise Keeling has got this RWC Global Horizon fund

Well, she will have it, soon, next month. RWC Partners is launching the Global Horizon fund especially for her. That's nice, isn’t it? No one ever launches funds for me. What am I doing wrong? Never mind. / Louise joined RWC from Marathon Asset Management. / It's amazing, really. People are still joining RWC in spite of its trouble with Mike Corcell. 'Mikey, he's in that cage. It's not a problem. As long as they keep feeding him.' Yes, Voice, but what do they feed him on? 'Shit! I haven't thought of that.' Ha! It doesn't bear thinking about, son. / They were letting him out at night. They don't any more. 'Too many complaints from his victims?' His victims weren't in any position to complain, I'm afraid. / 'But you reckon he should be let out permanently, don't you?' I think Mike might be a changed animal. 'Yeah?' He's not going to ... bite anyone now. 'You don't sound too sure, man.' Well ...

Anyway, let's focus on Louise Keeling. She's probably worried: "What have I got myself into?" There's nothing to worry about, Louise. Cheer up, girl. You're not an analyst, are you? You'll be all right. / And I hope everything goes smoothly with your new fund, the launch and that. I'm sure it will. You're into contrarian investments, aren't you? 'Mikey, she's going to be applying the capital cycle philosophy and putting great weight on management incentive structures.' Well, that's fucking marvellous. I mean, that's the sort of thing I like to see.

_________________________

Lunch? I've got a luxury egg sandwich, the best money can buy. Crisps, luxury strawberry yoghurt too, and a can of Pepsi. This is the high life!

I've still got that perforated ear drum. It's a bloody nuisance. It messes with my guitar playing, man.

[No. 119] Will Jeremy Podger be able to get out of this?

I doubt it.

And oh - OUT of THIS!!![1], and Jeremy ain't here in the flesh, but I do believe HE IS ... here in the spirit, and that's more than enough for me[1], and oh - OUT of THIS!!![2], and in the spirit, stuck with insanity, YES(!), it's a result[1], and Jeremy ain't here in the flesh, but I do believe HE IS ... here in the spirit, and that's more than enough for me[2], and I'm a-ROUND with Jeremy, Mr Podger, so DIZZY, with his fund - the Fidelity Global Special Situations fund!!!(!!!)[1], and in the spirit, stuck with insanity, YES(!), it's a result[2], and it's a nice ETERNITY for it[1], and I'm a-ROUND with Jeremy, Mr Podger, so DIZZY, with his fund - the Fidelity Global Special Situations fund!!!(!!!)[2], and Jeremy has a degree from Cambridge University - which is of no use whatsoever a-ROUND here[1], and it's a nice ETERNITY for it[2], and he can't refuse to be a HOSTAGE, I won't allow it[1], and Jeremy has a degree from Cambridge University - which is of no use whatsoever a-ROUND here[2], and I'm praying that after a while Jeremy will be HAPPY to be so DIZZY all a-ROUND[1], and he can't refuse to be a HOSTAGE, I won't allow it[2], and it's going to take some getting used to ... BUT: he has FOREVER ...[1], and I'm praying that after a while Jeremy will be HAPPY to be so DIZZY all a-ROUND[2], and did he bring his toothbrush?[1], and it's going to take some getting used to ... BUT: he has FOREVER ...[2], and Jeremy may perform better than his peer group, but what does that mean a-ROUND here?[1], and did he bring his toothbrush?[2], and NOTHING ... nothing ... NOTHING[1], and Jeremy may perform better than his peer group, but what does that mean a-ROUND here?[2], and Jeremy has got to OPEN his mind, his soul ... I need him to let it all in, or what's the point, eh?[1], and NOTHING ... nothing ... NOTHING[2], and I've got wild, mad spinning cycles for everyone ... to make them better, to set them free, to put them beyond the THREE(!)[1], and Jeremy has got to OPEN his mind, his soul ... I need him to let it all in, or what's the point, eh?[2], and OUT of this? ... NEVER![1], and I've got wild, mad spinning cycles for everyone ... to make them better, to set them free, to put them beyond the THREE(!)[2], and oh - OUT of THIS!!![3], and OUT of this? ... NEVER![2], and Jeremy ain't here in the flesh, but I do believe HE IS ... here in the spirit, and that's more than enough for me[3], and in the spirit, stuck with insanity, YES(!), it's a result[3], and I'm a-ROUND with Jeremy, Mr Podger, so DIZZY, with his fund - the Fidelity Global Special Situations fund!!!(!!!)[3], and it's a nice ETERNITY for it[3], and Jeremy has a degree from Cambridge University - which is of no use whatsoever a-ROUND here[3], and he can't refuse to be a HOSTAGE, I won't allow it[3], and I'm praying that after a while Jeremy will be HAPPY to be so DIZZY all a-ROUND[3], and it's going to take some getting used to ... BUT: he has FOREVER ...[3], and did he bring his toothbrush?[3], and Jeremy may perform better than his peer group, but what does that mean a-ROUND here?[3], and NOTHING ... nothing ... NOTHING[3], and Jeremy has got to OPEN his mind, his soul ... I need him to let it all in, or what's the point, eh?[3], and I've got wild, mad spinning cycles for everyone ... to make them better, to set them free, to put them beyond the THREE(!)[3], and OUT of this? ... NEVER![3], and

And oh - OUT of THIS!!![1], and Jeremy ain't here in the flesh, but I do believe HE IS ... here in the spirit, and that's more than enough for me[1], and oh - OUT of THIS!!![2], and in the spirit, stuck with insanity, YES(!), it's a result[1], and Jeremy ain't here in the flesh, but I do believe HE IS ... here in the spirit, and that's more than enough for me[2], and I'm a-ROUND with Jeremy, Mr Podger, so DIZZY, with his fund - the Fidelity Global Special Situations fund!!!(!!!)[1], and in the spirit, stuck with insanity, YES(!), it's a result[2], and it's a nice ETERNITY for it[1], and I'm a-ROUND with Jeremy, Mr Podger, so DIZZY, with his fund - the Fidelity Global Special Situations fund!!!(!!!)[2], and Jeremy has a degree from Cambridge University - which is of no use whatsoever a-ROUND here[1], and it's a nice ETERNITY for it[2], and he can't refuse to be a HOSTAGE, I won't allow it[1], and Jeremy has a degree from Cambridge University - which is of no use whatsoever a-ROUND here[2], and I'm praying that after a while Jeremy will be HAPPY to be so DIZZY all a-ROUND[1], and he can't refuse to be a HOSTAGE, I won't allow it[2], and it's going to take some getting used to ... BUT: he has FOREVER ...[1], and I'm praying that after a while Jeremy will be HAPPY to be so DIZZY all a-ROUND[2], and did he bring his toothbrush?[1], and it's going to take some getting used to ... BUT: he has FOREVER ...[2], and Jeremy may perform better than his peer group, but what does that mean a-ROUND here?[1], and did he bring his toothbrush?[2], and NOTHING ... nothing ... NOTHING[1], and Jeremy may perform better than his peer group, but what does that mean a-ROUND here?[2], and Jeremy has got to OPEN his mind, his soul ... I need him to let it all in, or what's the point, eh?[1], and NOTHING ... nothing ... NOTHING[2], and I've got wild, mad spinning cycles for everyone ... to make them better, to set them free, to put them beyond the THREE(!)[1], and Jeremy has got to OPEN his mind, his soul ... I need him to let it all in, or what's the point, eh?[2], and OUT of this? ... NEVER![1], and I've got wild, mad spinning cycles for everyone ... to make them better, to set them free, to put them beyond the THREE(!)[2], and oh - OUT of THIS!!![3], and OUT of this? ... NEVER![2], and Jeremy ain't here in the flesh, but I do believe HE IS ... here in the spirit, and that's more than enough for me[3], and in the spirit, stuck with insanity, YES(!), it's a result[3], and I'm a-ROUND with Jeremy, Mr Podger, so DIZZY, with his fund - the Fidelity Global Special Situations fund!!!(!!!)[3], and it's a nice ETERNITY for it[3], and Jeremy has a degree from Cambridge University - which is of no use whatsoever a-ROUND here[3], and he can't refuse to be a HOSTAGE, I won't allow it[3], and I'm praying that after a while Jeremy will be HAPPY to be so DIZZY all a-ROUND[3], and it's going to take some getting used to ... BUT: he has FOREVER ...[3], and did he bring his toothbrush?[3], and Jeremy may perform better than his peer group, but what does that mean a-ROUND here?[3], and NOTHING ... nothing ... NOTHING[3], and Jeremy has got to OPEN his mind, his soul ... I need him to let it all in, or what's the point, eh?[3], and I've got wild, mad spinning cycles for everyone ... to make them better, to set them free, to put them beyond the THREE(!)[3], and OUT of this? ... NEVER![3], and

And oh - OUT of THIS!!![1], and Jeremy ain't here in the flesh, but I do believe HE IS ... here in the spirit, and that's more than enough for me[1], and oh - OUT of THIS!!![2], and in the spirit, stuck with insanity, YES(!), it's a result[1], and Jeremy ain't here in the flesh, but I do believe HE IS ... here in the spirit, and that's more than enough for me[2], and I'm a-ROUND with Jeremy, Mr Podger, so DIZZY, with his fund - the Fidelity Global Special Situations fund!!!(!!!)[1], and in the spirit, stuck with insanity, YES(!), it's a result[2], and it's a nice ETERNITY for it[1], and I'm a-ROUND with Jeremy, Mr Podger, so DIZZY, with his fund - the Fidelity Global Special Situations fund!!!(!!!)[2], and Jeremy has a degree from Cambridge University - which is of no use whatsoever a-ROUND here[1], and it's a nice ETERNITY for it[2], and he can't refuse to be a HOSTAGE, I won't allow it[1], and Jeremy has a degree from Cambridge University - which is of no use whatsoever a-ROUND here[2], and I'm praying that after a while Jeremy will be HAPPY to be so DIZZY all a-ROUND[1], and he can't refuse to be a HOSTAGE, I won't allow it[2], and it's going to take some getting used to ... BUT: he has FOREVER ...[1], and I'm praying that after a while Jeremy will be HAPPY to be so DIZZY all a-ROUND[2], and did he bring his toothbrush?[1], and it's going to take some getting used to ... BUT: he has FOREVER ...[2], and Jeremy may perform better than his peer group, but what does that mean a-ROUND here?[1], and did he bring his toothbrush?[2], and NOTHING ... nothing ... NOTHING[1], and Jeremy may perform better than his peer group, but what does that mean a-ROUND here?[2], and Jeremy has got to OPEN his mind, his soul ... I need him to let it all in, or what's the point, eh?[1], and NOTHING ... nothing ... NOTHING[2], and I've got wild, mad spinning cycles for everyone ... to make them better, to set them free, to put them beyond the THREE(!)[1], and Jeremy has got to OPEN his mind, his soul ... I need him to let it all in, or what's the point, eh?[2], and OUT of this? ... NEVER![1], and I've got wild, mad spinning cycles for everyone ... to make them better, to set them free, to put them beyond the THREE(!)[2], and oh - OUT of THIS!!![3], and OUT of this? ... NEVER![2], and Jeremy ain't here in the flesh, but I do believe HE IS ... here in the spirit, and that's more than enough for me[3], and in the spirit, stuck with insanity, YES(!), it's a result[3], and I'm a-ROUND with Jeremy, Mr Podger, so DIZZY, with his fund - the Fidelity Global Special Situations fund!!!(!!!)[3], and it's a nice ETERNITY for it[3], and Jeremy has a degree from Cambridge University - which is of no use whatsoever a-ROUND here[3], and he can't refuse to be a HOSTAGE, I won't allow it[3], and I'm praying that after a while Jeremy will be HAPPY to be so DIZZY all a-ROUND[3], and it's going to take some getting used to ... BUT: he has FOREVER ...[3], and did he bring his toothbrush?[3], and Jeremy may perform better than his peer group, but what does that mean a-ROUND here?[3], and NOTHING ... nothing ... NOTHING[3], and Jeremy has got to OPEN his mind, his soul ... I need him to let it all in, or what's the point, eh?[3], and I've got wild, mad spinning cycles for everyone ... to make them better, to set them free, to put them beyond the THREE(!)[3], and OUT of this? ... NEVER![3], and