[No. 132] It had to be you, Mr Misselbrook

Wonderful you.

And Aviva Investors wandered a-ROUND there (not here) and finally found ... YOU(!), Mr Misselbrook, a boss for a while[1], and it had to be you[1], and Aviva Investors wandered a-ROUND there (not here) and finally found ... YOU(!), Mr Misselbrook, a boss for a while[2], and NOW(!) here you are, John, you're only SPINNING a-ROUND all DIZZY, mate[1], and it had to be you[2], and some others might never be cross or try to be BOSS, but you're different, I suppose ... yes, you might last a few months[1], and NOW(!) here you are, John, you're only SPINNING a-ROUND all DIZZY, mate[2], and with all your faults, we love you still - and who else could give us a thrill?[1], and some others might never be cross or try to be BOSS, but you're different, I suppose ... yes, you might last a few months[2], and you're the SOMEBODY, wonderful, yeah, for NOBODY ... else, er ... baby, who makes us ... glad to be sad[1], and with all your faults, we love you still - and who else could give us a thrill?[2], and did it have to be you?[1], and you're the SOMEBODY, wonderful, yeah, for NOBODY ... else, er ... baby, who makes us ... glad to be sad[2], and I love this band, and let's listen to this band a-ROUND here forever, oh, not so short a spin[1], and did it have to be you?[2], and could I ... be blue? ... uh[1], and I love this band, and let's listen to this band a-ROUND here forever, oh, not so short a spin[2], and Aviva Investors wandered a-ROUND there (not here) and finally found ... YOU(!), Mr Misselbrook, a boss for a while[3], and could I ... be blue? ... uh[2], and it had to be you[3], and NOW(!) here you are, John, you're only SPINNING a-ROUND all DIZZY, mate[3], and some others might never be cross or try to be BOSS, but you're different, I suppose ... yes, you might last a few months[3], and with all your faults, we love you still - and who else could give us a thrill?[3], and you're the SOMEBODY, wonderful, yeah, for NOBODY ... else, er ... baby, who makes us ... glad to be sad[3], and did it have to be you?[3], and I love this band, and let's listen to this band a-ROUND here forever, oh, not so short a spin[3], and could I ... be blue? ... uh[3], and

And Aviva Investors wandered a-ROUND there (not here) and finally found ... YOU(!), Mr Misselbrook, a boss for a while[1], and it had to be you[1], and Aviva Investors wandered a-ROUND there (not here) and finally found ... YOU(!), Mr Misselbrook, a boss for a while[2], and NOW(!) here you are, John, you're only SPINNING a-ROUND all DIZZY, mate[1], and it had to be you[2], and some others might never be cross or try to be BOSS, but you're different, I suppose ... yes, you might last a few months[1], and NOW(!) here you are, John, you're only SPINNING a-ROUND all DIZZY, mate[2], and with all your faults, we love you still - and who else could give us a thrill?[1], and some others might never be cross or try to be BOSS, but you're different, I suppose ... yes, you might last a few months[2], and you're the SOMEBODY, wonderful, yeah, for NOBODY ... else, er ... baby, who makes us ... glad to be sad[1], and with all your faults, we love you still - and who else could give us a thrill?[2], and did it have to be you?[1], and you're the SOMEBODY, wonderful, yeah, for NOBODY ... else, er ... baby, who makes us ... glad to be sad[2], and I love this band, and let's listen to this band a-ROUND here forever, oh, not so short a spin[1], and did it have to be you?[2], and could I ... be blue? ... uh[1], and I love this band, and let's listen to this band a-ROUND here forever, oh, not so short a spin[2], and Aviva Investors wandered a-ROUND there (not here) and finally found ... YOU(!), Mr Misselbrook, a boss for a while[3], and could I ... be blue? ... uh[2], and it had to be you[3], and NOW(!) here you are, John, you're only SPINNING a-ROUND all DIZZY, mate[3], and some others might never be cross or try to be BOSS, but you're different, I suppose ... yes, you might last a few months[3], and with all your faults, we love you still - and who else could give us a thrill?[3], and you're the SOMEBODY, wonderful, yeah, for NOBODY ... else, er ... baby, who makes us ... glad to be sad[3], and did it have to be you?[3], and I love this band, and let's listen to this band a-ROUND here forever, oh, not so short a spin[3], and could I ... be blue? ... uh[3], and

And Aviva Investors wandered a-ROUND there (not here) and finally found ... YOU(!), Mr Misselbrook, a boss for a while[1], and it had to be you[1], and Aviva Investors wandered a-ROUND there (not here) and finally found ... YOU(!), Mr Misselbrook, a boss for a while[2], and NOW(!) here you are, John, you're only SPINNING a-ROUND all DIZZY, mate[1], and it had to be you[2], and some others might never be cross or try to be BOSS, but you're different, I suppose ... yes, you might last a few months[1], and NOW(!) here you are, John, you're only SPINNING a-ROUND all DIZZY, mate[2], and with all your faults, we love you still - and who else could give us a thrill?[1], and some others might never be cross or try to be BOSS, but you're different, I suppose ... yes, you might last a few months[2], and you're the SOMEBODY, wonderful, yeah, for NOBODY ... else, er ... baby, who makes us ... glad to be sad[1], and with all your faults, we love you still - and who else could give us a thrill?[2], and did it have to be you?[1], and you're the SOMEBODY, wonderful, yeah, for NOBODY ... else, er ... baby, who makes us ... glad to be sad[2], and I love this band, and let's listen to this band a-ROUND here forever, oh, not so short a spin[1], and did it have to be you?[2], and could I ... be blue? ... uh[1], and I love this band, and let's listen to this band a-ROUND here forever, oh, not so short a spin[2], and Aviva Investors wandered a-ROUND there (not here) and finally found ... YOU(!), Mr Misselbrook, a boss for a while[3], and could I ... be blue? ... uh[2], and it had to be you[3], and NOW(!) here you are, John, you're only SPINNING a-ROUND all DIZZY, mate[3], and some others might never be cross or try to be BOSS, but you're different, I suppose ... yes, you might last a few months[3], and with all your faults, we love you still - and who else could give us a thrill?[3], and you're the SOMEBODY, wonderful, yeah, for NOBODY ... else, er ... baby, who makes us ... glad to be sad[3], and did it have to be you?[3], and I love this band, and let's listen to this band a-ROUND here forever, oh, not so short a spin[3], and could I ... be blue? ... uh[3], and

Aviva Investors has got itself yet another interim chief executive

Dear oh dear, eh? / What the hell is going on at Aviva Investors?! 'I couldn't tell you, Mikey.' It used to have a chief executive, you know. 'Yeah.' His name was Alain Dromer - if you can believe that. But he got fed up and went off somewhere. 'To a better life, no doubt.' Then Paul Abberley took over. 'Ha! What happened to him?' Well, he didn't like it, Voice. It was too much like hard work, apparently. So he's gone back to being head of investments. 'Christ. Who's the chief now, then, man?' Some character by the name of John Misselbrook. 'Oh. Never heard of him.' Neither have I. God knows how long he will last. 'Where did they find this John?' He was some sort of non-executive director on the board, I think. 'Unbelievable! So, what are you going to do about it?' After lunch, I'm going to take Mr Misselbrook for a short spin. 'No. 132? How will that help?' It's all I can think of, son. I don't know nothing else.

...

Yes, I'll get Mr Misselbrook off to a flying start with my conceptual shit. I'm sure No. 132 will be good for morale at Aviva Investors. I haven't got a contract or anything. I'm not getting paid for my shamanic services. It'll be a free one. I'm a humanitarian, after all. These people need my help.

[No. 131] Hurry up, Harry

One of my grandfather's favourite songs. His name was Harry. And he liked going down the pub, too.

And we're going down the pub, well ...[1], and don't get too excited, Harry, er ... I've already been - so maybe next week, eh?[1], and we're going down the pub, well ...[2], and don't get worried, man! ... one of these days ...[1], and don't get too excited, Harry, er ... I've already been - so maybe next week, eh?[2], and I can't go down the pub today, Harry, but I went yesterday - and that's something to be happy about, ain't it?[1], and don't get worried, man! ... one of these days ...[2], and maybe you were there in spirit[1], and I can't go down the pub today, Harry, but I went yesterday - and that's something to be happy about, ain't it?[2], and DOWN to the pub, Harry, and DOWN to the river - or would you prefer a-ROUND(?!) the corner, the Red Lion?[1], and maybe you were there in spirit[2], and I know you don't want a cup of tea[1], and DOWN to the pub, Harry, and DOWN to the river - or would you prefer a-ROUND(?!) the corner, the Red Lion?[2], and I'm in a whimsical mood, yeah, oh yeah: it makes a nice change from DOOM and GLOOM and seriousness[1], and I know you don't want a cup of tea[2], and I could do with a drink RIGHT NOW[1], and I'm in a whimsical mood, yeah, oh yeah: it makes a nice change from DOOM and GLOOM and seriousness[2], and so ... come on, come on, come on!!! ... in dreams, we're going down the pub[1], and I could do with a drink RIGHT NOW[2], and this ain't the best way to get a-ROUND all thirsty[1], and so ... come on, come on, come on!!! ... in dreams, we're going down the pub[2], and in ... visions(!!!)[1], and this ain't the best way to get a-ROUND all thirsty[2], and we're going down the pub, well ...[3], and in ... visions(!!!)[2], and don't get too excited, Harry, er ... I've already been - so maybe next week, eh?[3], and don't get worried, man! ... one of these days ...[3], and I can't go down the pub today, Harry, but I went yesterday - and that's something to be happy about, ain't it?[3], and maybe you were there in spirit[3], and DOWN to the pub, Harry, and DOWN to the river - or would you prefer a-ROUND(?!) the corner, the Red Lion?[3], and I know you don't want a cup of tea[3], and I'm in a whimsical mood, yeah, oh yeah: it makes a nice change from DOOM and GLOOM and seriousness[3], and I could do with a drink RIGHT NOW[3], and so ... come on, come on, come on!!! ... in dreams, we're going down the pub[3], and this ain't the best way to get a-ROUND all thirsty[3], and in ... visions(!!!)[3], and

And we're going down the pub, well ...[1], and don't get too excited, Harry, er ... I've already been - so maybe next week, eh?[1], and we're going down the pub, well ...[2], and don't get worried, man! ... one of these days ...[1], and don't get too excited, Harry, er ... I've already been - so maybe next week, eh?[2], and I can't go down the pub today, Harry, but I went yesterday - and that's something to be happy about, ain't it?[1], and don't get worried, man! ... one of these days ...[2], and maybe you were there in spirit[1], and I can't go down the pub today, Harry, but I went yesterday - and that's something to be happy about, ain't it?[2], and DOWN to the pub, Harry, and DOWN to the river - or would you prefer a-ROUND(?!) the corner, the Red Lion?[1], and maybe you were there in spirit[2], and I know you don't want a cup of tea[1], and DOWN to the pub, Harry, and DOWN to the river - or would you prefer a-ROUND(?!) the corner, the Red Lion?[2], and I'm in a whimsical mood, yeah, oh yeah: it makes a nice change from DOOM and GLOOM and seriousness[1], and I know you don't want a cup of tea[2], and I could do with a drink RIGHT NOW[1], and I'm in a whimsical mood, yeah, oh yeah: it makes a nice change from DOOM and GLOOM and seriousness[2], and so ... come on, come on, come on!!! ... in dreams, we're going down the pub[1], and I could do with a drink RIGHT NOW[2], and this ain't the best way to get a-ROUND all thirsty[1], and so ... come on, come on, come on!!! ... in dreams, we're going down the pub[2], and in ... visions(!!!)[1], and this ain't the best way to get a-ROUND all thirsty[2], and we're going down the pub, well ...[3], and in ... visions(!!!)[2], and don't get too excited, Harry, er ... I've already been - so maybe next week, eh?[3], and don't get worried, man! ... one of these days ...[3], and I can't go down the pub today, Harry, but I went yesterday - and that's something to be happy about, ain't it?[3], and maybe you were there in spirit[3], and DOWN to the pub, Harry, and DOWN to the river - or would you prefer a-ROUND(?!) the corner, the Red Lion?[3], and I know you don't want a cup of tea[3], and I'm in a whimsical mood, yeah, oh yeah: it makes a nice change from DOOM and GLOOM and seriousness[3], and I could do with a drink RIGHT NOW[3], and so ... come on, come on, come on!!! ... in dreams, we're going down the pub[3], and this ain't the best way to get a-ROUND all thirsty[3], and in ... visions(!!!)[3], and

And we're going down the pub, well ...[1], and don't get too excited, Harry, er ... I've already been - so maybe next week, eh?[1], and we're going down the pub, well ...[2], and don't get worried, man! ... one of these days ...[1], and don't get too excited, Harry, er ... I've already been - so maybe next week, eh?[2], and I can't go down the pub today, Harry, but I went yesterday - and that's something to be happy about, ain't it?[1], and don't get worried, man! ... one of these days ...[2], and maybe you were there in spirit[1], and I can't go down the pub today, Harry, but I went yesterday - and that's something to be happy about, ain't it?[2], and DOWN to the pub, Harry, and DOWN to the river - or would you prefer a-ROUND(?!) the corner, the Red Lion?[1], and maybe you were there in spirit[2], and I know you don't want a cup of tea[1], and DOWN to the pub, Harry, and DOWN to the river - or would you prefer a-ROUND(?!) the corner, the Red Lion?[2], and I'm in a whimsical mood, yeah, oh yeah: it makes a nice change from DOOM and GLOOM and seriousness[1], and I know you don't want a cup of tea[2], and I could do with a drink RIGHT NOW[1], and I'm in a whimsical mood, yeah, oh yeah: it makes a nice change from DOOM and GLOOM and seriousness[2], and so ... come on, come on, come on!!! ... in dreams, we're going down the pub[1], and I could do with a drink RIGHT NOW[2], and this ain't the best way to get a-ROUND all thirsty[1], and so ... come on, come on, come on!!! ... in dreams, we're going down the pub[2], and in ... visions(!!!)[1], and this ain't the best way to get a-ROUND all thirsty[2], and we're going down the pub, well ...[3], and in ... visions(!!!)[2], and don't get too excited, Harry, er ... I've already been - so maybe next week, eh?[3], and don't get worried, man! ... one of these days ...[3], and I can't go down the pub today, Harry, but I went yesterday - and that's something to be happy about, ain't it?[3], and maybe you were there in spirit[3], and DOWN to the pub, Harry, and DOWN to the river - or would you prefer a-ROUND(?!) the corner, the Red Lion?[3], and I know you don't want a cup of tea[3], and I'm in a whimsical mood, yeah, oh yeah: it makes a nice change from DOOM and GLOOM and seriousness[3], and I could do with a drink RIGHT NOW[3], and so ... come on, come on, come on!!! ... in dreams, we're going down the pub[3], and this ain't the best way to get a-ROUND all thirsty[3], and in ... visions(!!!)[3], and

Steve Cohen may be wilfully blind now

Oh, I don't know what's going on. They're desperate the authorities in America, man. Absolutely desperate. They definitely want to nail Stevie for something. 'Really?' Yeah. They're saying he was a blind monkey. 'Eh?' He didn't want to see any evil at SAC Capital Advisors, Voice. 'Was he a deaf monkey too, Mikey?' I have no idea. They're just saying he was blind, at the moment. / Why can't they leave Stevie alone? Why can't they live and let live?

And in other news … ???

I'm just glad I'm apolitical. / I've never liked left-wing politics, but now my eyes have been opened about right-wing politics as well. The simpletons on both sides have a very limited view of humanity. They can't embrace complexity. / I'll never vote again. Politicians are vampires. Voters are natural victims.

Blah blah blah

Blah blah blah banks

Blah blah blah hedge funds

Blah blah blah Goldman Sachs

Blah blah blah Jupiter

On, and on, and on

Oh dear

Blah blah blah

I'm not in the mood

I'm trying my best to satisfy

Blah blah blah

When will it end?

I feel sick

Blah blah blah

God give me strength

Yeah

Blah blah blah

Oh ... yeah

Man

Man Group

Ha!

Uh

Blah blah blah

Christ!

Are you happy now? I'm going to the fucking pub

Book review: The Devil in the Kitchen by Marco Pierre White

In the kitchen, the first three weeks was the toughest period for the new boys. By the end of it they were usually fucked, having lost a stone in weight, gained a dazed expression and cried themselves dry. That was when the shaking started. - Marco Pierre White

Well, not a conventional review. It has got me thinking, that's all, about my situation. The book is inspirational! / I haven't finished it yet - still sixty pages to go - but it is the greatest autobiography I've ever read. (Yes, even better than Bez's Freaky Dancin'.) Marco had some help from a ghost writer. That doesn't matter. You can tell it's his voice speaking.

Not only is the book very funny, but it's an amazing will-to-power story. (I'm listening to Beethoven's seventh symphony, by the way. Beethoven, the only classical composer I can stand because he wasn't a fucking ponce like so many of the others. I like Chopin on the piano though.) For me, the book is about how hard work can get you out of any shit - as long as you're completely obsessed. Also, it's about the importance of knowing when you've achieved your goal and then moving on. By the end of his "kitchen" career, Marco had been given three stars and five red knives and forks by Michelin. There was nothing else he could achieve.

Marco has been very honest in his book. Pretty amazing stuff. He seems to have a code of honour, and he doesn't like anyone - friends, family, or staff - falling below his standards. / When you're a loner you know who you can trust. 'Who?' Yourself.

...

Some great bits:

Now I looked down to my hands and couldn't see the keys. The pain in my chest wasn't easing. Had I swallowed them? Was it possible that I had swallowed my house keys? My sleep-deprived, adrenaline-fuelled, thousand-meal-an-hour, workaholic existence was certainly manifesting itself in strange forms. I couldn't die now, not before I'd won my third Michelin star.

On Prince Charles thinking he was French. / He looked at his assistant as if to say, You've fucking done it this time, boy. You've made me feel like the biggest prick in history. I had my picture taken standing beside a red-faced Prince and then off I went, into the kitchen to cook.

Marius turned up for work one morning saying he had a sore throat. I didn't send him home to bed like a sympathetic, experienced employer might have done. Instead someone or other mentioned that the best cure for Marius was Armagnac and Port, so we filled a brandy glass with the concoction and told him to drink it. Half an hour later, when Marius collapsed unconscious on the kitchen floor, we carried him outside to the freezing cold, dumped him in the courtyard and forgot about him. A snowstorm came and went before someone said in a shocked way, 'Marius.' We rushed out to recover his trembling body. Two hours after complaining of a sore throat, Marius was suffering from alcohol poisoning and the onset of hypothermia.

On the crap decorator of his restaurant. / He had made a mistake. The punch-up that followed was a release, in a way. For months I'd been staring at the chintz thinking, I'd like to meet this bastard and now he was charging towards the end of my clenched fist. Every swipe I delivered - and I delivered a few - was a blow for good taste. The kitchen brigade had to pull me off him. Ask Morfudd if you don't believe me. He staggered out of Harveys, minus a tooth or two and nursing a perforated eardrum. I had partially stripped him, as well. During the scuffle, I ripped an entire sleeve from his suit jacket, and it was left lying on the corridor floor, a casualty of battle. As his friends helped him out of the restaurant, he stepped on to Bellevue Road, looked down at his arm and wailed, 'This is Gucci, for Christ's sake.'


Update (9.20pm): I've been thinking. What if a songwriter were to work like Marco? A hundred hours a week. Twenty or so years. Constantly pushing for perfection. Constantly refining. What would the end result be?

Michael Burry is making a comeback with some Scion nonsense ...

And I've never even heard of him! / If he's such a legend in the hedge fund business you would have thought I'd have heard of him. Oh dear. Maybe he's not as famous as everyone is making out. / Anyway, he used to have a hedge fund called Scion Capital. Now he's got this Scion Asset Management thing. And I wish him all the best, I really do. / He claims to be an outsider. Ha! I think we'll have to take that with a pinch of salt, don't you? 'Yes.' I'm an outsider. The hero of Hesse's Steppenwolf is an outsider. Dostoyevsky's Raskolnikov is an outsider, man. Mr Burry works in finance, for Christ's sake!

...

This is Mike on being an outsider: "No matter what group I'm in or where I am, I've always felt like I'm outside the group, and I've always been analysing the group."

Well, fair enough.

However, this is Colin Wilson on what it really means to be an outsider: 'When the Outsider is in his earliest stages - when he does not know himself or understand why he is "out of harmony" with the rest of humankind - his hatred for men and the world makes him an unbalanced misfit, a man full of spite and envy, neurotic, cowardly, shrinking and wincing. His salvation depends upon the achievement of self-understanding, self-knowledge. It is only when he begins to find himself that he realizes that his hatred is perfectly justified: a healthy reaction to a world of sick half-men.'

Wow, eh?! And that's just in the early stages!!! / And that was me about twenty years ago. I've grown since then. 'How?' Mysticism, and Art. / Mysticism is the way forward, obviously, for all men who find themselves outside normal society and reality. And Art? (With a capital A, of course, because this is serious, man.) Art is a record of the progress you've made. Think of Beethoven. / 'What about the women, Mikey?' I don't know of any female outsiders, Voice. Maybe Joan of Arc. 'I like her!' Oh, there could be a few.

[No. 130] Appealing opportunities for Sebastian Lyon

I will make him see.

And there's a lack of something in his life[1], and what can you do with a crazy kid like Sebastian?[1], and there's a lack of something in his life[2], and I'm fucking angry now[1], and what can you do with a crazy kid like Sebastian?[2], and a-ROUND here EVERYTHING is appealing - only last night we had naked golds thrashing crimson space, man![1], and I'm fucking angry now[2], and this is the real LIFE that so many finance guys are missing out on[1], and a-ROUND here EVERYTHING is appealing - only last night we had naked golds thrashing crimson space, man![2], and it's a lack of dreams, I say[1], and this is the real LIFE that so many finance guys are missing out on[2], and I've got opportunities BEYOND the dreams of Mallarme and Rimbaud, forget ... Lyon[1], and it's a lack of dreams, I say[2], and this is it![1], and I've got opportunities BEYOND the dreams of Mallarme and Rimbaud, forget ... Lyon[2], and I've got opportunities BEYOND the THREE - ?[1], and this is it![2], and Sebastian has never been DIZZY[1], and I've got opportunities BEYOND the THREE - ?[2], and I'm SPINNING a-ROUND, and I'm screaming for BLOOD and FIRE(!)[1], and Sebastian has never been DIZZY[2], and so ... COME ON, Sebastian, let's get WILD(!!!)[1], and I'm SPINNING a-ROUND, and I'm screaming for BLOOD and FIRE(!)[2], and there's a lack of something in his life[3], and so ... COME ON, Sebastian, let's get WILD(!!!)[2], and what can you do with a crazy kid like Sebastian?[3], and I'm fucking angry now[3], and a-ROUND here EVERYTHING is appealing - only last night we had naked golds thrashing crimson space, man![3], and this is the real LIFE that so many finance guys are missing out on[3], and it's a lack of dreams, I say[3], and I've got opportunities BEYOND the dreams of Mallarme and Rimbaud, forget ... Lyon[3], and this is it![3], and I've got opportunities BEYOND the THREE - ?[3], and Sebastian has never been DIZZY[3], and I'm SPINNING a-ROUND, and I'm screaming for BLOOD and FIRE(!)[3], and so ... COME ON, Sebastian, let's get WILD(!!!)[3], and

And there's a lack of something in his life[1], and what can you do with a crazy kid like Sebastian?[1], and there's a lack of something in his life[2], and I'm fucking angry now[1], and what can you do with a crazy kid like Sebastian?[2], and a-ROUND here EVERYTHING is appealing - only last night we had naked golds thrashing crimson space, man![1], and I'm fucking angry now[2], and this is the real LIFE that so many finance guys are missing out on[1], and a-ROUND here EVERYTHING is appealing - only last night we had naked golds thrashing crimson space, man![2], and it's a lack of dreams, I say[1], and this is the real LIFE that so many finance guys are missing out on[2], and I've got opportunities BEYOND the dreams of Mallarme and Rimbaud, forget ... Lyon[1], and it's a lack of dreams, I say[2], and this is it![1], and I've got opportunities BEYOND the dreams of Mallarme and Rimbaud, forget ... Lyon[2], and I've got opportunities BEYOND the THREE - ?[1], and this is it![2], and Sebastian has never been DIZZY[1], and I've got opportunities BEYOND the THREE - ?[2], and I'm SPINNING a-ROUND, and I'm screaming for BLOOD and FIRE(!)[1], and Sebastian has never been DIZZY[2], and so ... COME ON, Sebastian, let's get WILD(!!!)[1], and I'm SPINNING a-ROUND, and I'm screaming for BLOOD and FIRE(!)[2], and there's a lack of something in his life[3], and so ... COME ON, Sebastian, let's get WILD(!!!)[2], and what can you do with a crazy kid like Sebastian?[3], and I'm fucking angry now[3], and a-ROUND here EVERYTHING is appealing - only last night we had naked golds thrashing crimson space, man![3], and this is the real LIFE that so many finance guys are missing out on[3], and it's a lack of dreams, I say[3], and I've got opportunities BEYOND the dreams of Mallarme and Rimbaud, forget ... Lyon[3], and this is it![3], and I've got opportunities BEYOND the THREE - ?[3], and Sebastian has never been DIZZY[3], and I'm SPINNING a-ROUND, and I'm screaming for BLOOD and FIRE(!)[3], and so ... COME ON, Sebastian, let's get WILD(!!!)[3], and

And there's a lack of something in his life[1], and what can you do with a crazy kid like Sebastian?[1], and there's a lack of something in his life[2], and I'm fucking angry now[1], and what can you do with a crazy kid like Sebastian?[2], and a-ROUND here EVERYTHING is appealing - only last night we had naked golds thrashing crimson space, man![1], and I'm fucking angry now[2], and this is the real LIFE that so many finance guys are missing out on[1], and a-ROUND here EVERYTHING is appealing - only last night we had naked golds thrashing crimson space, man![2], and it's a lack of dreams, I say[1], and this is the real LIFE that so many finance guys are missing out on[2], and I've got opportunities BEYOND the dreams of Mallarme and Rimbaud, forget ... Lyon[1], and it's a lack of dreams, I say[2], and this is it![1], and I've got opportunities BEYOND the dreams of Mallarme and Rimbaud, forget ... Lyon[2], and I've got opportunities BEYOND the THREE - ?[1], and this is it![2], and Sebastian has never been DIZZY[1], and I've got opportunities BEYOND the THREE - ?[2], and I'm SPINNING a-ROUND, and I'm screaming for BLOOD and FIRE(!)[1], and Sebastian has never been DIZZY[2], and so ... COME ON, Sebastian, let's get WILD(!!!)[1], and I'm SPINNING a-ROUND, and I'm screaming for BLOOD and FIRE(!)[2], and there's a lack of something in his life[3], and so ... COME ON, Sebastian, let's get WILD(!!!)[2], and what can you do with a crazy kid like Sebastian?[3], and I'm fucking angry now[3], and a-ROUND here EVERYTHING is appealing - only last night we had naked golds thrashing crimson space, man![3], and this is the real LIFE that so many finance guys are missing out on[3], and it's a lack of dreams, I say[3], and I've got opportunities BEYOND the dreams of Mallarme and Rimbaud, forget ... Lyon[3], and this is it![3], and I've got opportunities BEYOND the THREE - ?[3], and Sebastian has never been DIZZY[3], and I'm SPINNING a-ROUND, and I'm screaming for BLOOD and FIRE(!)[3], and so ... COME ON, Sebastian, let's get WILD(!!!)[3], and

Sebastian Lyon? That boy's crazy!

Dear oh dear. / Dear oh dear oh dear, eh? 'Yeah.' / Sebastian Lyon, chief executive of Troy Asset Management, reckons there's a lack of appealing opportunities around. He's talking about cash being king and dry powder and shit. Ha! 'Well, maybe not around, Mikey, but -' There are plenty of appealing opportunities a-ROUND, Voice. 'I was just going to say that.' Sebastian will find out later.

Voice, listen to this: We are not swayed by market fashions and hold to fundamental principles of investment. Our approach is clear and transparent and aims to deliver consistent investment returns while exposing our investors to lower than average volatility. 'Is that true? I didn't think we were into all that, man.' Not us, you idiot, them. Troy. 'My name's not Troy.' You don't have a name, Voice.

After lunch, I'll get Sebastian a-ROUND. I'll show him opportunities. 'I think he means investment opportunities, Mikey.' I don't care what he means. ‘But you just quoted that investment nonsense of his at me. Come on, man, think about it. He's probably not into shamanic transcendence and other realities. You're being unreasonable, boss.' I don't give a shit! These people have got to learn.

[No. 129] Naked golds thrashing crimson space

Let's see what we can do with this.

And we don't care about the price of GOLD - not when it's naked and thrashing CRIMSON space, man![1], and how many golds do we need?[1], and we don't care about the price of GOLD - not when it's naked and thrashing CRIMSON space, man![2], and there are the golds, and they're NAKED, and there is the space, and it's CRIMSON[1], and how many golds do we need?[2], and I want MORE space, and MORE space, and MORE space: I want to eat all the space![1], and there are the golds, and they're NAKED, and there is the space, and it's CRIMSON[2], and Mallarme messed around trying to capture that perfect phrase, BUT he never got a-ROUND, did he?[1], and I want MORE space, and MORE space, and MORE space: I want to eat all the space![2], and here I am, a-ROUND ... I'm here forever[1], and Mallarme messed around trying to capture that perfect phrase, BUT he never got a-ROUND, did he?[2], and are YOU(!) here, my friend(s), here ... forever?[1], and here I am, a-ROUND ... I'm here forever[2], and I hope you're not like one of the dead / writers/readers / so very much alive but quite ... dead[1], and are YOU(!) here, my friend(s), here ... forever?[2], and why did Mallarme bother?[1], and I hope you're not like one of the dead / writers/readers / so very much alive but quite ... dead[2], and sometimes ... it seems like a mug's game[1], and why did Mallarme bother?[2], and to get BEYOND the THREE with words a-ROUND: if there's a chance, we've got to take it[1], and sometimes ... it seems like a mug's game[2], and I'm doing this for my health[1], and to get BEYOND the THREE with words a-ROUND: if there's a chance, we've got to take it[2], and ONE DAY - oh, I'm a dreamer(?)(!) - I'll leave it all behind for weird souls to find[1], and I'm doing this for my health[2], and ... well, yeah[1], and ONE DAY - oh, I'm a dreamer(?)(!) - I'll leave it all behind for weird souls to find[2], and ONE LIFE - ha ... ah, uh - we'll touch the sun together, all of us ... I'm dreaming[1], and ... well, yeah[2], and so ... LOOK(!) at the naked golds!!![1], and ONE LIFE - ha ... ah, uh - we'll touch the sun together, all of us ... I'm dreaming[2], and we don't care about the price of GOLD - not when it's naked and thrashing CRIMSON space, man![3], and so ... LOOK(!) at the naked golds!!![2], and how many golds do we need?[3], and there are the golds, and they're NAKED, and there is the space, and it's CRIMSON[3], and I want MORE space, and MORE space, and MORE space: I want to eat all the space![3], and Mallarme messed around trying to capture that perfect phrase, BUT he never got a-ROUND, did he?[3], and here I am, a-ROUND ... I'm here forever[3], and are YOU(!) here, my friend(s), here ... forever?[3], and I hope you're not like one of the dead / writers/readers / so very much alive but quite ... dead[3], and why did Mallarme bother?[3], and sometimes ... it seems like a mug's game[3], and to get BEYOND the THREE with words a-ROUND: if there's a chance, we've got to take it[3], and I'm doing this for my health[3], and ONE DAY - oh, I'm a dreamer(?)(!) - I'll leave it all behind for weird souls to find[3], and ... well, yeah[3], and ONE LIFE - ha ... ah, uh - we'll touch the sun together, all of us ... I'm dreaming[3], and so ... LOOK(!) at the naked golds!!![3], and

And we don't care about the price of GOLD - not when it's naked and thrashing CRIMSON space, man![1], and how many golds do we need?[1], and we don't care about the price of GOLD - not when it's naked and thrashing CRIMSON space, man![2], and there are the golds, and they're NAKED, and there is the space, and it's CRIMSON[1], and how many golds do we need?[2], and I want MORE space, and MORE space, and MORE space: I want to eat all the space![1], and there are the golds, and they're NAKED, and there is the space, and it's CRIMSON[2], and Mallarme messed around trying to capture that perfect phrase, BUT he never got a-ROUND, did he?[1], and I want MORE space, and MORE space, and MORE space: I want to eat all the space![2], and here I am, a-ROUND ... I'm here forever[1], and Mallarme messed around trying to capture that perfect phrase, BUT he never got a-ROUND, did he?[2], and are YOU(!) here, my friend(s), here ... forever?[1], and here I am, a-ROUND ... I'm here forever[2], and I hope you're not like one of the dead / writers/readers / so very much alive but quite ... dead[1], and are YOU(!) here, my friend(s), here ... forever?[2], and why did Mallarme bother?[1], and I hope you're not like one of the dead / writers/readers / so very much alive but quite ... dead[2], and sometimes ... it seems like a mug's game[1], and why did Mallarme bother?[2], and to get BEYOND the THREE with words a-ROUND: if there's a chance, we've got to take it[1], and sometimes ... it seems like a mug's game[2], and I'm doing this for my health[1], and to get BEYOND the THREE with words a-ROUND: if there's a chance, we've got to take it[2], and ONE DAY - oh, I'm a dreamer(?)(!) - I'll leave it all behind for weird souls to find[1], and I'm doing this for my health[2], and ... well, yeah[1], and ONE DAY - oh, I'm a dreamer(?)(!) - I'll leave it all behind for weird souls to find[2], and ONE LIFE - ha ... ah, uh - we'll touch the sun together, all of us ... I'm dreaming[1], and ... well, yeah[2], and so ... LOOK(!) at the naked golds!!![1], and ONE LIFE - ha ... ah, uh - we'll touch the sun together, all of us ... I'm dreaming[2], and we don't care about the price of GOLD - not when it's naked and thrashing CRIMSON space, man![3], and so ... LOOK(!) at the naked golds!!![2], and how many golds do we need?[3], and there are the golds, and they're NAKED, and there is the space, and it's CRIMSON[3], and I want MORE space, and MORE space, and MORE space: I want to eat all the space![3], and Mallarme messed around trying to capture that perfect phrase, BUT he never got a-ROUND, did he?[3], and here I am, a-ROUND ... I'm here forever[3], and are YOU(!) here, my friend(s), here ... forever?[3], and I hope you're not like one of the dead / writers/readers / so very much alive but quite ... dead[3], and why did Mallarme bother?[3], and sometimes ... it seems like a mug's game[3], and to get BEYOND the THREE with words a-ROUND: if there's a chance, we've got to take it[3], and I'm doing this for my health[3], and ONE DAY - oh, I'm a dreamer(?)(!) - I'll leave it all behind for weird souls to find[3], and ... well, yeah[3], and ONE LIFE - ha ... ah, uh - we'll touch the sun together, all of us ... I'm dreaming[3], and so ... LOOK(!) at the naked golds!!![3], and

And we don't care about the price of GOLD - not when it's naked and thrashing CRIMSON space, man![1], and how many golds do we need?[1], and we don't care about the price of GOLD - not when it's naked and thrashing CRIMSON space, man![2], and there are the golds, and they're NAKED, and there is the space, and it's CRIMSON[1], and how many golds do we need?[2], and I want MORE space, and MORE space, and MORE space: I want to eat all the space![1], and there are the golds, and they're NAKED, and there is the space, and it's CRIMSON[2], and Mallarme messed around trying to capture that perfect phrase, BUT he never got a-ROUND, did he?[1], and I want MORE space, and MORE space, and MORE space: I want to eat all the space![2], and here I am, a-ROUND ... I'm here forever[1], and Mallarme messed around trying to capture that perfect phrase, BUT he never got a-ROUND, did he?[2], and are YOU(!) here, my friend(s), here ... forever?[1], and here I am, a-ROUND ... I'm here forever[2], and I hope you're not like one of the dead / writers/readers / so very much alive but quite ... dead[1], and are YOU(!) here, my friend(s), here ... forever?[2], and why did Mallarme bother?[1], and I hope you're not like one of the dead / writers/readers / so very much alive but quite ... dead[2], and sometimes ... it seems like a mug's game[1], and why did Mallarme bother?[2], and to get BEYOND the THREE with words a-ROUND: if there's a chance, we've got to take it[1], and sometimes ... it seems like a mug's game[2], and I'm doing this for my health[1], and to get BEYOND the THREE with words a-ROUND: if there's a chance, we've got to take it[2], and ONE DAY - oh, I'm a dreamer(?)(!) - I'll leave it all behind for weird souls to find[1], and I'm doing this for my health[2], and ... well, yeah[1], and ONE DAY - oh, I'm a dreamer(?)(!) - I'll leave it all behind for weird souls to find[2], and ONE LIFE - ha ... ah, uh - we'll touch the sun together, all of us ... I'm dreaming[1], and ... well, yeah[2], and so ... LOOK(!) at the naked golds!!![1], and ONE LIFE - ha ... ah, uh - we'll touch the sun together, all of us ... I'm dreaming[2], and we don't care about the price of GOLD - not when it's naked and thrashing CRIMSON space, man![3], and so ... LOOK(!) at the naked golds!!![2], and how many golds do we need?[3], and there are the golds, and they're NAKED, and there is the space, and it's CRIMSON[3], and I want MORE space, and MORE space, and MORE space: I want to eat all the space![3], and Mallarme messed around trying to capture that perfect phrase, BUT he never got a-ROUND, did he?[3], and here I am, a-ROUND ... I'm here forever[3], and are YOU(!) here, my friend(s), here ... forever?[3], and I hope you're not like one of the dead / writers/readers / so very much alive but quite ... dead[3], and why did Mallarme bother?[3], and sometimes ... it seems like a mug's game[3], and to get BEYOND the THREE with words a-ROUND: if there's a chance, we've got to take it[3], and I'm doing this for my health[3], and ONE DAY - oh, I'm a dreamer(?)(!) - I'll leave it all behind for weird souls to find[3], and ... well, yeah[3], and ONE LIFE - ha ... ah, uh - we'll touch the sun together, all of us ... I'm dreaming[3], and so ... LOOK(!) at the naked golds!!![3], and

Liontrust has been getting mad inflows, man!

Mad inflows! 240 percent increase this last year! / Clearly, Liontrust is a specialist fund manager investing money in UK, European and Asian equities and global credit. They focus on managing money in areas where they have expertise so they can aim to deliver outperformance over the long term for their fellow investors. / What wonderful guys, eh?! They certainly deserve their success.

And that's all the news that's fit to rip off. I fear we're entering very boring times. 'Didn't some character get arrested the other day, Mikey?' I don't know, Voice. 'Yeah, Tom Hayes. A former UBS trader. Actually, he was charged.' Great. I've never heard of him. These people get arrested and charged all the time. What's the big deal? There's nothing exciting about it no more. 'Cheer up, Mikey.' / I'll tell you what I'll be doing, after lunch, man. 'What?' I'll be thrashing some crimson space. 'With naked golds?' You bet!

_________________________

It was a lovely day yesterday. Very sunny. I went to the pub, down by the river. Then I went to the park. I lazed around in the sunshine for a bit. I went to the cafe in the park, and I had tea and fruitcake. / By the way, I had some sort of ploughman's sandwich in the pub, and a couple of Kronenbourg lagers.

You can't have enthusiasm for nonsense on days like that ...

Don't worry about me, reader(s). It's like a caterpillar to butterfly situation. Everything's going to work out fine. I only need one lyric, that's all.

Can't get a signal ... taking the day off, anyway

I'll post this when I can. I'm sick of those dongle twats! Why are they charging me for a service they don't provide? Isn't it against the law? Well, I guess only the poor and the powerless have to obey the law in this country.

I might go down to the river. I might have a drink in the pub. I hope it doesn't rain, man.

I'll do all my writing tomorrow, and Friday. / I'm waiting for a book. Devil in the Kitchen by Marco Pierre White. I want to find out how he was able to work one hundred hours a week for twenty years. It's the only way out of this mess.

I still haven't been able to get the lyric finished for You're Lying. Should I try and force it, or wait for inspiration? / I'll be almost ready when it's done. Just a couple of recordings, and a bit of copyright stuff. Then it'll be rock and roll time.

This Jasper Berens seems to be a bit of a character

I mean, a visionary, I suppose. / Jasper Berens is the head of UK retail at JPMorgan Asset Management. 'Is that all it takes to be a character these days, Mikey?' Of course not, Voice. There's a lot more to it, and him. The thing is, I've seen a photograph of Jasper pointing at something. Something that's not shown. 'So?' Well, I think there's a fair chance he's a visionary, like me. 'Oh.' He's laughing as well. 'What's it all about, man?' Voice, let me quote from Mallarme: But near the window open on the north a gold is dying perhaps in the decor of unicorns kicking fire at a nixie. 'Right.' Do you see what I mean? 'Not really, no.' Christ! Why do I bother?! Jasper is pointing at the unicorns kicking fire at that nixie, yeah? And the dying gold. And it could be an hallucination, anyway. 'Where is this photograph?' It's on the Fundweb site. They've interviewed him. He's talking some crap about how he wants JPMorgan Asset Management to be the best. 'That's original!' Yeah, they all say they want to be the best. But it's the photograph, man. Something beyond words, you dig? 'Maybe, Mikey.' I haven't imagined this shit, man. There's more to Jasper than he's letting on. There are other worlds in his head.

_________________________

Why do I bother? I don't know why I bother. / Oh, readers, fund managers, bankers. One day, I'll get a few of them beyond. The conceptual stuff offers the best opportunities. It's a mad passion, certainly. I'll drag them out of the shit of life.

It can't just be words (and their meanings) on a page, or screen. Naked golds thrashing crimson space isn't enough! You need to get a-ROUND in a swirl of sound to truly lose it, or win it - to transcend!

Why on earth has Neil Woodford been awarded a CBE?!

And why has my dear friend Neil accepted it? / Oh dear! I hope he ain't getting big ideas about himself. He'll be wanting us to call him Lord Woodford next. 'Screaming Lord Woodford, Mikey!' Probably, Voice. / Anyway, let's talk about my dreams ...

I've been having weird music dreams lately, man. Five or six. Mostly fragments, but one or two complete songs. The only problem is, I've been forgetting the songs as soon I wake up. It would save me a lot of work if I could remember them. / Last night there was this MASSIVE DRUMMING in my head. So loud that it actually did wake me up, for a bit. And later on, there was this weird song that someone seemed to be singing into my ear. / The best song was a couple of weeks ago. Some bird was driving me in her car. (I have no idea who she was.) And the song playing - with a full band - was out of this world. / All forgotten though, man.

...

I'm listening to Radiohead's Kid A. It’s better than I used to think it was. 'Eh?' I was probably disappointed after OK Computer.

I've been thinking: there have been five great periods in popular music where the artists involved made great developments, wrote great songs, etc. / ...

The Beatles (1963-1969)

Bob Dylan (1963-1966)

David Bowie (1971-1980)

Neil Young (1970-1975)
Prince (1984-1987)

That's in order of importance - according to me, obviously.

...

Lunch? Oh, just a cheese sandwich, you know. I'm not going out with Neil to celebrate ... whatever. I remember the desert. He wasn't so grand then.

Miles Davis now. Kind of Blue.

[No. 128] Let's take Stephen Hester on another journey

In spirit.

And here we are, again[1], and so ... oh, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - let's get DIZZY(!!!)[1], and here we are, again[2], and here I am, uh ...[1], and so ... oh, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - let's get DIZZY(!!!)[2], and don't anyone, no, get me wrong: Stephen isn't here PHYSICALLY, but he's here in SPIRIT - and who could ask for more?[1], and here I am, uh ...[2], and this isn't the end of a journey, my friend(s), it's the beginning of a journey[1], and don't anyone, no, get me wrong: Stephen isn't here PHYSICALLY, but he's here in SPIRIT - and who could ask for more?[2], and he's like one of the family, our family[1], and this isn't the end of a journey, my friend(s), it's the beginning of a journey[2], and ... like a dear UNCLE - ?[1], and he's like one of the family, our family[2], and some prick called Gideon forced HESTER(!) out of his job, but ... we can soothe him, can't we?[1], and ... like a dear UNCLE - ?[2], and a bust bank with a broken culture, it was, and now we have a corrupt government with no brains[1], and some prick called Gideon forced HESTER(!) out of his job, but ... we can soothe him, can't we?[2], and so ... oh, let's not ask vulgar questions about salary and benefits[1], and a bust bank with a broken culture, it was, and now we have a corrupt government with no brains[2], and if YOU(!) look at the commercial world, HESTER says, PEOPLE may or may not like it, well ...[1], and so ... oh, let's not ask vulgar questions about salary and benefits[2], and will UNCLE disappear?[1], and if YOU(!) look at the commercial world, HESTER says, PEOPLE may or may not like it, well ...[2], and will he get beyond the THREE?[1], and will UNCLE disappear?[2], and I'm not sure about his next ... JOURNEY[1], and will he get beyond the THREE?[2], and a year from now?[1], and I'm not sure about his next ... JOURNEY[2], and our Stephen will probably turn up at some hedge fund, making more money than sense[1], and a year from now?[2], and here we are, again[3], and our Stephen will probably turn up at some hedge fund, making more money than sense[2], and so ... oh, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - let's get DIZZY(!!!)[3], and here I am, uh ...[3], and don't anyone, no, get me wrong: Stephen isn't here PHYSICALLY, but he's here in SPIRIT - and who could ask for more?[3], and this isn't the end of a journey, my friend(s), it's the beginning of a journey[3], and he's like one of the family, our family[3], and ... like a dear UNCLE - ?[3], and some prick called Gideon forced HESTER(!) out of his job, but ... we can soothe him, can't we?[3], and a bust bank with a broken culture, it was, and now we have a corrupt government with no brains[3], and so ... oh, let's not ask vulgar questions about salary and benefits[3], and if YOU(!) look at the commercial world, HESTER says, PEOPLE may or may not like it, well ...[3], and will UNCLE disappear?[3], and will he get beyond the THREE?[3], and I'm not sure about his next ... JOURNEY[3], and a year from now?[3], and our Stephen will probably turn up at some hedge fund, making more money than sense[3], and

And here we are, again[1], and so ... oh, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - let's get DIZZY(!!!)[1], and here we are, again[2], and here I am, uh ...[1], and so ... oh, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - let's get DIZZY(!!!)[2], and don't anyone, no, get me wrong: Stephen isn't here PHYSICALLY, but he's here in SPIRIT - and who could ask for more?[1], and here I am, uh ...[2], and this isn't the end of a journey, my friend(s), it's the beginning of a journey[1], and don't anyone, no, get me wrong: Stephen isn't here PHYSICALLY, but he's here in SPIRIT - and who could ask for more?[2], and he's like one of the family, our family[1], and this isn't the end of a journey, my friend(s), it's the beginning of a journey[2], and ... like a dear UNCLE - ?[1], and he's like one of the family, our family[2], and some prick called Gideon forced HESTER(!) out of his job, but ... we can soothe him, can't we?[1], and ... like a dear UNCLE - ?[2], and a bust bank with a broken culture, it was, and now we have a corrupt government with no brains[1], and some prick called Gideon forced HESTER(!) out of his job, but ... we can soothe him, can't we?[2], and so ... oh, let's not ask vulgar questions about salary and benefits[1], and a bust bank with a broken culture, it was, and now we have a corrupt government with no brains[2], and if YOU(!) look at the commercial world, HESTER says, PEOPLE may or may not like it, well ...[1], and so ... oh, let's not ask vulgar questions about salary and benefits[2], and will UNCLE disappear?[1], and if YOU(!) look at the commercial world, HESTER says, PEOPLE may or may not like it, well ...[2], and will he get beyond the THREE?[1], and will UNCLE disappear?[2], and I'm not sure about his next ... JOURNEY[1], and will he get beyond the THREE?[2], and a year from now?[1], and I'm not sure about his next ... JOURNEY[2], and our Stephen will probably turn up at some hedge fund, making more money than sense[1], and a year from now?[2], and here we are, again[3], and our Stephen will probably turn up at some hedge fund, making more money than sense[2], and so ... oh, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - let's get DIZZY(!!!)[3], and here I am, uh ...[3], and don't anyone, no, get me wrong: Stephen isn't here PHYSICALLY, but he's here in SPIRIT - and who could ask for more?[3], and this isn't the end of a journey, my friend(s), it's the beginning of a journey[3], and he's like one of the family, our family[3], and ... like a dear UNCLE - ?[3], and some prick called Gideon forced HESTER(!) out of his job, but ... we can soothe him, can't we?[3], and a bust bank with a broken culture, it was, and now we have a corrupt government with no brains[3], and so ... oh, let's not ask vulgar questions about salary and benefits[3], and if YOU(!) look at the commercial world, HESTER says, PEOPLE may or may not like it, well ...[3], and will UNCLE disappear?[3], and will he get beyond the THREE?[3], and I'm not sure about his next ... JOURNEY[3], and a year from now?[3], and our Stephen will probably turn up at some hedge fund, making more money than sense[3], and

And here we are, again[1], and so ... oh, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - let's get DIZZY(!!!)[1], and here we are, again[2], and here I am, uh ...[1], and so ... oh, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - let's get DIZZY(!!!)[2], and don't anyone, no, get me wrong: Stephen isn't here PHYSICALLY, but he's here in SPIRIT - and who could ask for more?[1], and here I am, uh ...[2], and this isn't the end of a journey, my friend(s), it's the beginning of a journey[1], and don't anyone, no, get me wrong: Stephen isn't here PHYSICALLY, but he's here in SPIRIT - and who could ask for more?[2], and he's like one of the family, our family[1], and this isn't the end of a journey, my friend(s), it's the beginning of a journey[2], and ... like a dear UNCLE - ?[1], and he's like one of the family, our family[2], and some prick called Gideon forced HESTER(!) out of his job, but ... we can soothe him, can't we?[1], and ... like a dear UNCLE - ?[2], and a bust bank with a broken culture, it was, and now we have a corrupt government with no brains[1], and some prick called Gideon forced HESTER(!) out of his job, but ... we can soothe him, can't we?[2], and so ... oh, let's not ask vulgar questions about salary and benefits[1], and a bust bank with a broken culture, it was, and now we have a corrupt government with no brains[2], and if YOU(!) look at the commercial world, HESTER says, PEOPLE may or may not like it, well ...[1], and so ... oh, let's not ask vulgar questions about salary and benefits[2], and will UNCLE disappear?[1], and if YOU(!) look at the commercial world, HESTER says, PEOPLE may or may not like it, well ...[2], and will he get beyond the THREE?[1], and will UNCLE disappear?[2], and I'm not sure about his next ... JOURNEY[1], and will he get beyond the THREE?[2], and a year from now?[1], and I'm not sure about his next ... JOURNEY[2], and our Stephen will probably turn up at some hedge fund, making more money than sense[1], and a year from now?[2], and here we are, again[3], and our Stephen will probably turn up at some hedge fund, making more money than sense[2], and so ... oh, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - let's get DIZZY(!!!)[3], and here I am, uh ...[3], and don't anyone, no, get me wrong: Stephen isn't here PHYSICALLY, but he's here in SPIRIT - and who could ask for more?[3], and this isn't the end of a journey, my friend(s), it's the beginning of a journey[3], and he's like one of the family, our family[3], and ... like a dear UNCLE - ?[3], and some prick called Gideon forced HESTER(!) out of his job, but ... we can soothe him, can't we?[3], and a bust bank with a broken culture, it was, and now we have a corrupt government with no brains[3], and so ... oh, let's not ask vulgar questions about salary and benefits[3], and if YOU(!) look at the commercial world, HESTER says, PEOPLE may or may not like it, well ...[3], and will UNCLE disappear?[3], and will he get beyond the THREE?[3], and I'm not sure about his next ... JOURNEY[3], and a year from now?[3], and our Stephen will probably turn up at some hedge fund, making more money than sense[3], and

Chris Boas doesn't think he can entice me with his Longwood Credit Partners

August, last year, I wrote that he was thinking he could entice me with his hedge fund. I mean, get me to write about him, and it. But things have changed. Mr Boas won't be launching the fund now because of the difficult fundraising environment. (No one wanted to put money into the fund - which is shocking.) Never mind.

Obviously, there is more financial pie in the sky than anyone knows what to do with. Either that, or investors are going off hedge funds and hiding their money in a hole in the ground instead. 'Like that Dom rock in Fandango.' But that was champagne, of course. 'We've just got to work out where they're putting their money, Mikey, and then steal it!' We're not stealing anyone's money, Voice, you vulgar prat! / Chris will be all right, I'm sure.

There's a better life for all of us. / There's a better life for Stephen Hester. 'Really?' You better believe it, baby. I'll be taking him on another journey later. We can't allow him to fester. Yes, he'll be a-ROUND, in spirit. 'No. 128, man?' Well, it wouldn't be No. 129, would it ... man?!

[No. 127] Gimme some truth

All I want is the truth.

And I'm sick and tired of phoneys telling me stuff that ain't TRUE and showing me stuff that ain't REAL[1], and I want the TRUTH[1], and I'm sick and tired of phoneys telling me stuff that ain't TRUE and showing me stuff that ain't REAL[2], and I've had enough of reading things ... just want to get a-ROUND for good and more than THREE[1], and I want the TRUTH[2], and I want a ... TRUTH, just one will do[1], and I've had enough of reading things ... just want to get a-ROUND for good and more than THREE[2], and I've had enough of hearing the VOICES(!) of schizophrenic, egocentric, paranoiac, prima donnas - ‘Eh?’[1], and I want a ... TRUTH, just one will do[2], and I want ... all of the TRUTH, later, much later[1], and I've had enough of hearing the VOICES(!) of schizophrenic, egocentric, paranoiac, prima donnas - ‘Eh?’[2], and I'm sick and tired of seeing ... philistines - oh, the things they feel, they think, but they don't know[1], and I want ... all of the TRUTH, later, much later[2], and I KNOW it all, but you knew that anyway, didn't YOU?[1], and I'm sick and tired of seeing ... philistines - oh, the things they feel, they think, but they don't know[2], and - 'You can't handle the truth!!!'[1], and I KNOW it all, but you knew that anyway, didn't YOU?[2], and how can one ABSURD fucking voice be so terribly wrong?[1], and - 'You can't handle the truth!!!'[2], and I haven't been given a chance[1], and how can one ABSURD fucking voice be so terribly wrong?[2], and I'm asking for PEACE, and, er, TRUTH, and ... time, to get my head sorted out[1], and I haven't been given a chance[2], and let me give ... er, peace a chance, and let me have the POWER because ... I'm one of the people, you know[1], and I'm asking for PEACE, and, er, TRUTH, and ... time, to get my head sorted out[2], and I don't wanna be a TURKEY, hot or cold[1], and let me give ... er, peace a chance, and let me have the POWER because ... I'm one of the people, you know[2], and these are my MIND GAMES a-ROUND here, and I hate the financial news every day, oh boy[1], and I don't wanna be a TURKEY, hot or cold[2], and I'm sick and tired of phoneys telling me stuff that ain't TRUE and showing me stuff that ain't REAL[3], and these are my MIND GAMES a-ROUND here, and I hate the financial news every day, oh boy[2], and I want the TRUTH[3], and I've had enough of reading things ... just want to get a-ROUND for good and more than THREE[3], and I want a ... TRUTH, just one will do[3], and I've had enough of hearing the VOICES(!) of schizophrenic, egocentric, paranoiac, prima donnas - ‘Eh?’[3], and I want ... all of the TRUTH, later, much later[3], and I'm sick and tired of seeing ... philistines - oh, the things they feel, they think, but they don't know[3], and I KNOW it all, but you knew that anyway, didn't YOU?[3], and - 'You can't handle the truth!!!'[3], and how can one ABSURD fucking voice be so terribly wrong?[3], and I haven't been given a chance[3], and I'm asking for PEACE, and, er, TRUTH, and ... time, to get my head sorted out[3], and let me give ... er, peace a chance, and let me have the POWER because ... I'm one of the people, you know[3], and I don't wanna be a TURKEY, hot or cold[3], and these are my MIND GAMES a-ROUND here, and I hate the financial news every day, oh boy[3], and

And I'm sick and tired of phoneys telling me stuff that ain't TRUE and showing me stuff that ain't REAL[1], and I want the TRUTH[1], and I'm sick and tired of phoneys telling me stuff that ain't TRUE and showing me stuff that ain't REAL[2], and I've had enough of reading things ... just want to get a-ROUND for good and more than THREE[1], and I want the TRUTH[2], and I want a ... TRUTH, just one will do[1], and I've had enough of reading things ... just want to get a-ROUND for good and more than THREE[2], and I've had enough of hearing the VOICES(!) of schizophrenic, egocentric, paranoiac, prima donnas - ‘Eh?’[1], and I want a ... TRUTH, just one will do[2], and I want ... all of the TRUTH, later, much later[1], and I've had enough of hearing the VOICES(!) of schizophrenic, egocentric, paranoiac, prima donnas - ‘Eh?’[2], and I'm sick and tired of seeing ... philistines - oh, the things they feel, they think, but they don't know[1], and I want ... all of the TRUTH, later, much later[2], and I KNOW it all, but you knew that anyway, didn't YOU?[1], and I'm sick and tired of seeing ... philistines - oh, the things they feel, they think, but they don't know[2], and - 'You can't handle the truth!!!'[1], and I KNOW it all, but you knew that anyway, didn't YOU?[2], and how can one ABSURD fucking voice be so terribly wrong?[1], and - 'You can't handle the truth!!!'[2], and I haven't been given a chance[1], and how can one ABSURD fucking voice be so terribly wrong?[2], and I'm asking for PEACE, and, er, TRUTH, and ... time, to get my head sorted out[1], and I haven't been given a chance[2], and let me give ... er, peace a chance, and let me have the POWER because ... I'm one of the people, you know[1], and I'm asking for PEACE, and, er, TRUTH, and ... time, to get my head sorted out[2], and I don't wanna be a TURKEY, hot or cold[1], and let me give ... er, peace a chance, and let me have the POWER because ... I'm one of the people, you know[2], and these are my MIND GAMES a-ROUND here, and I hate the financial news every day, oh boy[1], and I don't wanna be a TURKEY, hot or cold[2], and I'm sick and tired of phoneys telling me stuff that ain't TRUE and showing me stuff that ain't REAL[3], and these are my MIND GAMES a-ROUND here, and I hate the financial news every day, oh boy[2], and I want the TRUTH[3], and I've had enough of reading things ... just want to get a-ROUND for good and more than THREE[3], and I want a ... TRUTH, just one will do[3], and I've had enough of hearing the VOICES(!) of schizophrenic, egocentric, paranoiac, prima donnas - ‘Eh?’[3], and I want ... all of the TRUTH, later, much later[3], and I'm sick and tired of seeing ... philistines - oh, the things they feel, they think, but they don't know[3], and I KNOW it all, but you knew that anyway, didn't YOU?[3], and - 'You can't handle the truth!!!'[3], and how can one ABSURD fucking voice be so terribly wrong?[3], and I haven't been given a chance[3], and I'm asking for PEACE, and, er, TRUTH, and ... time, to get my head sorted out[3], and let me give ... er, peace a chance, and let me have the POWER because ... I'm one of the people, you know[3], and I don't wanna be a TURKEY, hot or cold[3], and these are my MIND GAMES a-ROUND here, and I hate the financial news every day, oh boy[3], and

And I'm sick and tired of phoneys telling me stuff that ain't TRUE and showing me stuff that ain't REAL[1], and I want the TRUTH[1], and I'm sick and tired of phoneys telling me stuff that ain't TRUE and showing me stuff that ain't REAL[2], and I've had enough of reading things ... just want to get a-ROUND for good and more than THREE[1], and I want the TRUTH[2], and I want a ... TRUTH, just one will do[1], and I've had enough of reading things ... just want to get a-ROUND for good and more than THREE[2], and I've had enough of hearing the VOICES(!) of schizophrenic, egocentric, paranoiac, prima donnas - ‘Eh?’[1], and I want a ... TRUTH, just one will do[2], and I want ... all of the TRUTH, later, much later[1], and I've had enough of hearing the VOICES(!) of schizophrenic, egocentric, paranoiac, prima donnas - ‘Eh?’[2], and I'm sick and tired of seeing ... philistines - oh, the things they feel, they think, but they don't know[1], and I want ... all of the TRUTH, later, much later[2], and I KNOW it all, but you knew that anyway, didn't YOU?[1], and I'm sick and tired of seeing ... philistines - oh, the things they feel, they think, but they don't know[2], and - 'You can't handle the truth!!!'[1], and I KNOW it all, but you knew that anyway, didn't YOU?[2], and how can one ABSURD fucking voice be so terribly wrong?[1], and - 'You can't handle the truth!!!'[2], and I haven't been given a chance[1], and how can one ABSURD fucking voice be so terribly wrong?[2], and I'm asking for PEACE, and, er, TRUTH, and ... time, to get my head sorted out[1], and I haven't been given a chance[2], and let me give ... er, peace a chance, and let me have the POWER because ... I'm one of the people, you know[1], and I'm asking for PEACE, and, er, TRUTH, and ... time, to get my head sorted out[2], and I don't wanna be a TURKEY, hot or cold[1], and let me give ... er, peace a chance, and let me have the POWER because ... I'm one of the people, you know[2], and these are my MIND GAMES a-ROUND here, and I hate the financial news every day, oh boy[1], and I don't wanna be a TURKEY, hot or cold[2], and I'm sick and tired of phoneys telling me stuff that ain't TRUE and showing me stuff that ain't REAL[3], and these are my MIND GAMES a-ROUND here, and I hate the financial news every day, oh boy[2], and I want the TRUTH[3], and I've had enough of reading things ... just want to get a-ROUND for good and more than THREE[3], and I want a ... TRUTH, just one will do[3], and I've had enough of hearing the VOICES(!) of schizophrenic, egocentric, paranoiac, prima donnas - ‘Eh?’[3], and I want ... all of the TRUTH, later, much later[3], and I'm sick and tired of seeing ... philistines - oh, the things they feel, they think, but they don't know[3], and I KNOW it all, but you knew that anyway, didn't YOU?[3], and - 'You can't handle the truth!!!'[3], and how can one ABSURD fucking voice be so terribly wrong?[3], and I haven't been given a chance[3], and I'm asking for PEACE, and, er, TRUTH, and ... time, to get my head sorted out[3], and let me give ... er, peace a chance, and let me have the POWER because ... I'm one of the people, you know[3], and I don't wanna be a TURKEY, hot or cold[3], and these are my MIND GAMES a-ROUND here, and I hate the financial news every day, oh boy[3], and