Thursday 26 February 2015

Stevie Cohen made $1.3 billion in 2014!

That's all right, ain't it? I mean, some people, like me, would be happy to earn that much, in say, five years. I think Stevie's done brilliantly to make it in one year.

...

Oh, I'm exhausted. That's enough finance. End of the week and all that. Pub tomorrow, unless I get one of my migraines.

Music news? Madonna fell off the stage last night at the Brits, didn't she? Oh, it's a real shame. Unfortunately, as you get older, you know ... these things happen. I wonder if there's a care home for old pop stars. (There should be. I know old actors go to such places.) But who's going to tell her?

Ed Sheeran won best album. Well, well ... I think he's a good guitar player. I'll say that for him. And a good performer. I'm not crazy about his music though.

My music?! All right. I'll see what I can do this Sunday. I'm not making any promises. It all depends, man ... the mood I'm in, yeah? And I won't want to record if there are a few good films on, like last Sunday. Er ... Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, War Games, and Top Gun. You can't beat that shit.

Well, laters, dear reader(s). Have a nice weekend.

[No. 296] Maybe Jeff Urwin and his sort are utterly unreal

Who knows?

And it's always three o'clock in the morning in my soul a-ROUND here time is NOTHING(!)[1], and, or, er, uh ... somewhere in the world![1], and it's always three o'clock in the morning in my soul a-ROUND here time is NOTHING(!)[2], and ... why should I care?[1], and, or, er, uh ... somewhere in the world![2], and guys like Jeff Urwin don't bother me when I'm at my best in the glorious light of day[1], and ... why should I care?[2], and a-ROUND we go, we don't feel the pain ... oh, lost in dreams, and lost ... in meaningless language[1], and guys like Jeff Urwin don't bother me when I'm at my best in the glorious light of day[2], and God gives us light / and the devil gives us ...[1], and a-ROUND we go, we don't feel the pain ... oh, lost in dreams, and lost ... in meaningless language[2], and one banker, one hedgie ... all the same ... millions of souls, will they ever learn?[1], and God gives us light / and the devil gives us ...[2], and I don't wanna be no fucking guru teacher, you dig?[1], and one banker, one hedgie ... all the same ... millions of souls, will they ever learn?[2], and I know I shouldn't cry bitter tears worrying about this shit ... not when my Telecaster is waiting for me![1], and I don't wanna be no fucking guru teacher, you dig?[2], and you've got to be fierce in the head like Miles Davis to get through the BAD TIMES people create for you[1], and I know I shouldn't cry bitter tears worrying about this shit ... not when my Telecaster is waiting for me![2], and REALITY is what YOU(!) make it / How DIZZY(!) are you, my friend(s)?[1], and you've got to be fierce in the head like Miles Davis to get through the BAD TIMES people create for you[2], and ... oh boy, I know my words are real[1], and REALITY is what YOU(!) make it / How DIZZY(!) are you, my friend(s)?[2], and are YOU(!) ... looking for the easy answers to your absurd and hellish questions?[1], and ... oh boy, I know my words are real[2], and ... / I AM NUMBER ONE!!! / looking after myself ...[1], and are YOU(!) ... looking for the easy answers to your absurd and hellish questions?[2], and I know ... I'll be FREE(!)[1], and ... / I AM NUMBER ONE!!! / looking after myself ...[2], and it's always three o'clock in the morning in my soul a-ROUND here time is NOTHING(!)[3], and I know ... I'll be FREE(!)[2], and, or, er, uh ... somewhere in the world![3], and ... why should I care?[3], and guys like Jeff Urwin don't bother me when I'm at my best in the glorious light of day[3], and a-ROUND we go, we don't feel the pain ... oh, lost in dreams, and lost ... in meaningless language[3], and God gives us light / and the devil gives us ...[3], and one banker, one hedgie ... all the same ... millions of souls, will they ever learn?[3], and I don't wanna be no fucking guru teacher, you dig?[3], and I know I shouldn't cry bitter tears worrying about this shit ... not when my Telecaster is waiting for me![3], and you've got to be fierce in the head like Miles Davis to get through the BAD TIMES people create for you[3], and REALITY is what YOU(!) make it / How DIZZY(!) are you, my friend(s)?[3], and ... oh boy, I know my words are real[3], and are YOU(!) ... looking for the easy answers to your absurd and hellish questions?[3], and ... / I AM NUMBER ONE!!! / looking after myself ...[3], and I know ... I'll be FREE(!)[3], and

And it's always three o'clock in the morning in my soul a-ROUND here time is NOTHING(!)[1], and, or, er, uh ... somewhere in the world![1], and it's always three o'clock in the morning in my soul a-ROUND here time is NOTHING(!)[2], and ... why should I care?[1], and, or, er, uh ... somewhere in the world![2], and guys like Jeff Urwin don't bother me when I'm at my best in the glorious light of day[1], and ... why should I care?[2], and a-ROUND we go, we don't feel the pain ... oh, lost in dreams, and lost ... in meaningless language[1], and guys like Jeff Urwin don't bother me when I'm at my best in the glorious light of day[2], and God gives us light / and the devil gives us ...[1], and a-ROUND we go, we don't feel the pain ... oh, lost in dreams, and lost ... in meaningless language[2], and one banker, one hedgie ... all the same ... millions of souls, will they ever learn?[1], and God gives us light / and the devil gives us ...[2], and I don't wanna be no fucking guru teacher, you dig?[1], and one banker, one hedgie ... all the same ... millions of souls, will they ever learn?[2], and I know I shouldn't cry bitter tears worrying about this shit ... not when my Telecaster is waiting for me![1], and I don't wanna be no fucking guru teacher, you dig?[2], and you've got to be fierce in the head like Miles Davis to get through the BAD TIMES people create for you[1], and I know I shouldn't cry bitter tears worrying about this shit ... not when my Telecaster is waiting for me![2], and REALITY is what YOU(!) make it / How DIZZY(!) are you, my friend(s)?[1], and you've got to be fierce in the head like Miles Davis to get through the BAD TIMES people create for you[2], and ... oh boy, I know my words are real[1], and REALITY is what YOU(!) make it / How DIZZY(!) are you, my friend(s)?[2], and are YOU(!) ... looking for the easy answers to your absurd and hellish questions?[1], and ... oh boy, I know my words are real[2], and ... / I AM NUMBER ONE!!! / looking after myself ...[1], and are YOU(!) ... looking for the easy answers to your absurd and hellish questions?[2], and I know ... I'll be FREE(!)[1], and ... / I AM NUMBER ONE!!! / looking after myself ...[2], and it's always three o'clock in the morning in my soul a-ROUND here time is NOTHING(!)[3], and I know ... I'll be FREE(!)[2], and, or, er, uh ... somewhere in the world![3], and ... why should I care?[3], and guys like Jeff Urwin don't bother me when I'm at my best in the glorious light of day[3], and a-ROUND we go, we don't feel the pain ... oh, lost in dreams, and lost ... in meaningless language[3], and God gives us light / and the devil gives us ...[3], and one banker, one hedgie ... all the same ... millions of souls, will they ever learn?[3], and I don't wanna be no fucking guru teacher, you dig?[3], and I know I shouldn't cry bitter tears worrying about this shit ... not when my Telecaster is waiting for me![3], and you've got to be fierce in the head like Miles Davis to get through the BAD TIMES people create for you[3], and REALITY is what YOU(!) make it / How DIZZY(!) are you, my friend(s)?[3], and ... oh boy, I know my words are real[3], and are YOU(!) ... looking for the easy answers to your absurd and hellish questions?[3], and ... / I AM NUMBER ONE!!! / looking after myself ...[3], and I know ... I'll be FREE(!)[3], and

And it's always three o'clock in the morning in my soul a-ROUND here time is NOTHING(!)[1], and, or, er, uh ... somewhere in the world![1], and it's always three o'clock in the morning in my soul a-ROUND here time is NOTHING(!)[2], and ... why should I care?[1], and, or, er, uh ... somewhere in the world![2], and guys like Jeff Urwin don't bother me when I'm at my best in the glorious light of day[1], and ... why should I care?[2], and a-ROUND we go, we don't feel the pain ... oh, lost in dreams, and lost ... in meaningless language[1], and guys like Jeff Urwin don't bother me when I'm at my best in the glorious light of day[2], and God gives us light / and the devil gives us ...[1], and a-ROUND we go, we don't feel the pain ... oh, lost in dreams, and lost ... in meaningless language[2], and one banker, one hedgie ... all the same ... millions of souls, will they ever learn?[1], and God gives us light / and the devil gives us ...[2], and I don't wanna be no fucking guru teacher, you dig?[1], and one banker, one hedgie ... all the same ... millions of souls, will they ever learn?[2], and I know I shouldn't cry bitter tears worrying about this shit ... not when my Telecaster is waiting for me![1], and I don't wanna be no fucking guru teacher, you dig?[2], and you've got to be fierce in the head like Miles Davis to get through the BAD TIMES people create for you[1], and I know I shouldn't cry bitter tears worrying about this shit ... not when my Telecaster is waiting for me![2], and REALITY is what YOU(!) make it / How DIZZY(!) are you, my friend(s)?[1], and you've got to be fierce in the head like Miles Davis to get through the BAD TIMES people create for you[2], and ... oh boy, I know my words are real[1], and REALITY is what YOU(!) make it / How DIZZY(!) are you, my friend(s)?[2], and are YOU(!) ... looking for the easy answers to your absurd and hellish questions?[1], and ... oh boy, I know my words are real[2], and ... / I AM NUMBER ONE!!! / looking after myself ...[1], and are YOU(!) ... looking for the easy answers to your absurd and hellish questions?[2], and I know ... I'll be FREE(!)[1], and ... / I AM NUMBER ONE!!! / looking after myself ...[2], and it's always three o'clock in the morning in my soul a-ROUND here time is NOTHING(!)[3], and I know ... I'll be FREE(!)[2], and, or, er, uh ... somewhere in the world![3], and ... why should I care?[3], and guys like Jeff Urwin don't bother me when I'm at my best in the glorious light of day[3], and a-ROUND we go, we don't feel the pain ... oh, lost in dreams, and lost ... in meaningless language[3], and God gives us light / and the devil gives us ...[3], and one banker, one hedgie ... all the same ... millions of souls, will they ever learn?[3], and I don't wanna be no fucking guru teacher, you dig?[3], and I know I shouldn't cry bitter tears worrying about this shit ... not when my Telecaster is waiting for me![3], and you've got to be fierce in the head like Miles Davis to get through the BAD TIMES people create for you[3], and REALITY is what YOU(!) make it / How DIZZY(!) are you, my friend(s)?[3], and ... oh boy, I know my words are real[3], and are YOU(!) ... looking for the easy answers to your absurd and hellish questions?[3], and ... / I AM NUMBER ONE!!! / looking after myself ...[3], and I know ... I'll be FREE(!)[3], and

Jeff Urwin is leaving JPMorgan for Deutsche Bank!

Why? Oh, why?! Oh, uh ... WHY?!?! / 'There's no need to get hysterical, boss. It's probably that expenses thing.' What expenses thing?! 'You know, that shit you covered about Michael Spencer and Chris McCoy at JPMorgan. The bank doesn't want anyone enjoying themselves any more.' Oh yeah, I forgot, Voice. If you want to work at JPMorgan now, dear reader(s), the most you can do with clients is watch TV, or listen to music ... and have a nice cup of tea and some biscuits. BUT(!) ... no restaurants and night clubs, and no lap dancing!

So, will Jeff Urwin have a better time of it at Deutsche? Oh, I don't know. I don't really know much about him, to be honest with YOU(!), dear reader(s). I couldn't find his LinkedIn profile, and Bloomberg was bloody useless. 'Prats!' Bloomberg just says he's head of global investment banking at JPMorgan (which isn't the whole story of his life at the bank, I'm sure). And nothing about his background or how much he earns. 'Christ. Amateurs!' And Bloomberg says: This person is connected to 0 board members in 0 different organizations across 2 different industries. 'Ha!' I mean, I mean ... what the fuck does that mean, eh?!

'What is Jeff going to be doing at Deutsche Bank, Mikey?' Well, yeah, he doesn't start until June. They reckon he's going to be co-head of corporate banking and securities and head of corporate finance. 'Who reckons?' Reuters. I don't know if we can trust them. Personally, I don't trust any news organization. Sometimes I wake up at three in the morning and ask myself: Do any of these people actually exist? You know, reader(s), all the bankers, all the hedgies ... are they really real?

Oh, enough of my nightmares, until later. / I'm staying positive, man. You see, I've got a luxury egg sandwich for lunch, and a small blackcurrant cheesecake. It's a rare event that I have both together, so ... I haven't got much to complain about, you dig?

Wednesday 25 February 2015

[No. 295] We all want the cherry on the cake

And we all want the icing!

And we all ... want the CAKE(!!!)!!![1], and some of us get the icing, and some of us get the cherry, and some of us get both the icing and the cherry[1], and we all ... want the CAKE(!!!)!!![2], and if you can pick your own cherries, you're laughing, my friend(s)[1], and some of us get the icing, and some of us get the cherry, and some of us get both the icing and the cherry[2], and how much can YOU(!) eat? / oh, how much is enough, man?![1], and if you can pick your own cherries, you're laughing, my friend(s)[2], and if you can get someone to bake your cake ...[1], and how much can YOU(!) eat? / oh, how much is enough, man?![2], and I've got a feeling we'll get so sick ... so DIZZY ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ...[1], and if you can get someone to bake your cake ...[2], and a cake as big as the moon?! 'YES!' NO![1], and I've got a feeling we'll get so sick ... so DIZZY ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ...[2], and it's stuck on our faces, the mess, not always a good thing ... and the greed, and the hunger, and the pain![1], and a cake as big as the moon?! 'YES!' NO![2], and, well ... FAT and DIZZY, and SWEATING and SICK ... on the floor, and practically killing ourselves![1], and it's stuck on our faces, the mess, not always a good thing ... and the greed, and the hunger, and the pain![2], and I want ...[1], and, well ... FAT and DIZZY, and SWEATING and SICK ... on the floor, and practically killing ourselves![2], and I'll tell YOU(!) the TRUTH(!): I would be happy ... with a nice small piece of plain cake[1], and I want ...[2], and none of us think ...[1], and I'll tell YOU(!) the TRUTH(!): I would be happy ... with a nice small piece of plain cake[2], and where does the cake come from? / Has it been stolen from the workers?[1], and none of us think ...[2], and I hope it doesn't rain ...[1], and where does the cake come from? / Has it been stolen from the workers?[2], and it can be very depressing ... in the cherry orchard / but I have to say, it's better than the cake factory![1], and I hope it doesn't rain ...[2], and the slaves, the peasants? / can they eat it?[1], and it can be very depressing ... in the cherry orchard / but I have to say, it's better than the cake factory![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... we will try to forget[1], and the slaves, the peasants? / can they eat it?[2], and it took so long to make it ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... we will try to forget[2], and if the cake is ROTTEN - ?! / oh, someone will still want it / these are desperate times[1], and it took so long to make it ...[2], and we all ... want the CAKE(!!!)!!![3], and if the cake is ROTTEN - ?! / oh, someone will still want it / these are desperate times[2], and some of us get the icing, and some of us get the cherry, and some of us get both the icing and the cherry[3], and if you can pick your own cherries, you're laughing, my friend(s)[3], and how much can YOU(!) eat? / oh, how much is enough, man?![3], and if you can get someone to bake your cake ...[3], and I've got a feeling we'll get so sick ... so DIZZY ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ...[3], and a cake as big as the moon?! 'YES!' NO![3], and it's stuck on our faces, the mess, not always a good thing ... and the greed, and the hunger, and the pain![3], and, well ... FAT and DIZZY, and SWEATING and SICK ... on the floor, and practically killing ourselves![3], and I want ...[3], and I'll tell YOU(!) the TRUTH(!): I would be happy ... with a nice small piece of plain cake[3], and none of us think ...[3], and where does the cake come from? / Has it been stolen from the workers?[3], and I hope it doesn't rain ...[3], and it can be very depressing ... in the cherry orchard / but I have to say, it's better than the cake factory![3], and the slaves, the peasants? / can they eat it?[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... we will try to forget[3], and it took so long to make it ...[3], and if the cake is ROTTEN - ?! / oh, someone will still want it / these are desperate times[3], and

And we all ... want the CAKE(!!!)!!![1], and some of us get the icing, and some of us get the cherry, and some of us get both the icing and the cherry[1], and we all ... want the CAKE(!!!)!!![2], and if you can pick your own cherries, you're laughing, my friend(s)[1], and some of us get the icing, and some of us get the cherry, and some of us get both the icing and the cherry[2], and how much can YOU(!) eat? / oh, how much is enough, man?![1], and if you can pick your own cherries, you're laughing, my friend(s)[2], and if you can get someone to bake your cake ...[1], and how much can YOU(!) eat? / oh, how much is enough, man?![2], and I've got a feeling we'll get so sick ... so DIZZY ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ...[1], and if you can get someone to bake your cake ...[2], and a cake as big as the moon?! 'YES!' NO![1], and I've got a feeling we'll get so sick ... so DIZZY ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ...[2], and it's stuck on our faces, the mess, not always a good thing ... and the greed, and the hunger, and the pain![1], and a cake as big as the moon?! 'YES!' NO![2], and, well ... FAT and DIZZY, and SWEATING and SICK ... on the floor, and practically killing ourselves![1], and it's stuck on our faces, the mess, not always a good thing ... and the greed, and the hunger, and the pain![2], and I want ...[1], and, well ... FAT and DIZZY, and SWEATING and SICK ... on the floor, and practically killing ourselves![2], and I'll tell YOU(!) the TRUTH(!): I would be happy ... with a nice small piece of plain cake[1], and I want ...[2], and none of us think ...[1], and I'll tell YOU(!) the TRUTH(!): I would be happy ... with a nice small piece of plain cake[2], and where does the cake come from? / Has it been stolen from the workers?[1], and none of us think ...[2], and I hope it doesn't rain ...[1], and where does the cake come from? / Has it been stolen from the workers?[2], and it can be very depressing ... in the cherry orchard / but I have to say, it's better than the cake factory![1], and I hope it doesn't rain ...[2], and the slaves, the peasants? / can they eat it?[1], and it can be very depressing ... in the cherry orchard / but I have to say, it's better than the cake factory![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... we will try to forget[1], and the slaves, the peasants? / can they eat it?[2], and it took so long to make it ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... we will try to forget[2], and if the cake is ROTTEN - ?! / oh, someone will still want it / these are desperate times[1], and it took so long to make it ...[2], and we all ... want the CAKE(!!!)!!![3], and if the cake is ROTTEN - ?! / oh, someone will still want it / these are desperate times[2], and some of us get the icing, and some of us get the cherry, and some of us get both the icing and the cherry[3], and if you can pick your own cherries, you're laughing, my friend(s)[3], and how much can YOU(!) eat? / oh, how much is enough, man?![3], and if you can get someone to bake your cake ...[3], and I've got a feeling we'll get so sick ... so DIZZY ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ...[3], and a cake as big as the moon?! 'YES!' NO![3], and it's stuck on our faces, the mess, not always a good thing ... and the greed, and the hunger, and the pain![3], and, well ... FAT and DIZZY, and SWEATING and SICK ... on the floor, and practically killing ourselves![3], and I want ...[3], and I'll tell YOU(!) the TRUTH(!): I would be happy ... with a nice small piece of plain cake[3], and none of us think ...[3], and where does the cake come from? / Has it been stolen from the workers?[3], and I hope it doesn't rain ...[3], and it can be very depressing ... in the cherry orchard / but I have to say, it's better than the cake factory![3], and the slaves, the peasants? / can they eat it?[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... we will try to forget[3], and it took so long to make it ...[3], and if the cake is ROTTEN - ?! / oh, someone will still want it / these are desperate times[3], and

And we all ... want the CAKE(!!!)!!![1], and some of us get the icing, and some of us get the cherry, and some of us get both the icing and the cherry[1], and we all ... want the CAKE(!!!)!!![2], and if you can pick your own cherries, you're laughing, my friend(s)[1], and some of us get the icing, and some of us get the cherry, and some of us get both the icing and the cherry[2], and how much can YOU(!) eat? / oh, how much is enough, man?![1], and if you can pick your own cherries, you're laughing, my friend(s)[2], and if you can get someone to bake your cake ...[1], and how much can YOU(!) eat? / oh, how much is enough, man?![2], and I've got a feeling we'll get so sick ... so DIZZY ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ...[1], and if you can get someone to bake your cake ...[2], and a cake as big as the moon?! 'YES!' NO![1], and I've got a feeling we'll get so sick ... so DIZZY ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ...[2], and it's stuck on our faces, the mess, not always a good thing ... and the greed, and the hunger, and the pain![1], and a cake as big as the moon?! 'YES!' NO![2], and, well ... FAT and DIZZY, and SWEATING and SICK ... on the floor, and practically killing ourselves![1], and it's stuck on our faces, the mess, not always a good thing ... and the greed, and the hunger, and the pain![2], and I want ...[1], and, well ... FAT and DIZZY, and SWEATING and SICK ... on the floor, and practically killing ourselves![2], and I'll tell YOU(!) the TRUTH(!): I would be happy ... with a nice small piece of plain cake[1], and I want ...[2], and none of us think ...[1], and I'll tell YOU(!) the TRUTH(!): I would be happy ... with a nice small piece of plain cake[2], and where does the cake come from? / Has it been stolen from the workers?[1], and none of us think ...[2], and I hope it doesn't rain ...[1], and where does the cake come from? / Has it been stolen from the workers?[2], and it can be very depressing ... in the cherry orchard / but I have to say, it's better than the cake factory![1], and I hope it doesn't rain ...[2], and the slaves, the peasants? / can they eat it?[1], and it can be very depressing ... in the cherry orchard / but I have to say, it's better than the cake factory![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... we will try to forget[1], and the slaves, the peasants? / can they eat it?[2], and it took so long to make it ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... we will try to forget[2], and if the cake is ROTTEN - ?! / oh, someone will still want it / these are desperate times[1], and it took so long to make it ...[2], and we all ... want the CAKE(!!!)!!![3], and if the cake is ROTTEN - ?! / oh, someone will still want it / these are desperate times[2], and some of us get the icing, and some of us get the cherry, and some of us get both the icing and the cherry[3], and if you can pick your own cherries, you're laughing, my friend(s)[3], and how much can YOU(!) eat? / oh, how much is enough, man?![3], and if you can get someone to bake your cake ...[3], and I've got a feeling we'll get so sick ... so DIZZY ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ...[3], and a cake as big as the moon?! 'YES!' NO![3], and it's stuck on our faces, the mess, not always a good thing ... and the greed, and the hunger, and the pain![3], and, well ... FAT and DIZZY, and SWEATING and SICK ... on the floor, and practically killing ourselves![3], and I want ...[3], and I'll tell YOU(!) the TRUTH(!): I would be happy ... with a nice small piece of plain cake[3], and none of us think ...[3], and where does the cake come from? / Has it been stolen from the workers?[3], and I hope it doesn't rain ...[3], and it can be very depressing ... in the cherry orchard / but I have to say, it's better than the cake factory![3], and the slaves, the peasants? / can they eat it?[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... we will try to forget[3], and it took so long to make it ...[3], and if the cake is ROTTEN - ?! / oh, someone will still want it / these are desperate times[3], and

FCA fines Aviva Investors £17.6 million for cherry picking!

Oh, it was always going to happen! I warned them, but they wouldn't listen. Apparently, the Aviva Investors boys and girls were wandering lazily through a cherry orchard picking cherries. Yes, it's a lovely thing to do, if you've got the time. But the fools should have been back in the office concentrating on their funds and their clients.

Euan Munro, chief executive of Aviva Investors, said in a statement: If a man is imperfectly made, physiologically speaking, if in the vast majority of cases he is coarse and stupid and deeply unhappy? Well, we must stop admiring one another! We must work, nothing more. Yes, we all die. However, perhaps a man has a hundred senses, and when he dies only the five known to us are destroyed and the remaining ninety-five are left alive. The human race progresses, perfecting its powers. Everything that is unattainable now will one day be near at hand and comprehensible, but we must work, we must help with all our strength those who seek to know what fate will bring. Meanwhile at Aviva Investors only a very few of us work. The vast majority of those fund managers whom I know seek for nothing, do nothing, and are at present incapable of hard work. They call themselves intellectuals, but they treat the peasants like animals, they invest only occasionally, they read nothing seriously, they do absolutely nothing, about finance they only talk, about art they understand little. They are all serious, they all have severe faces, they all talk about important things. However, at the same time, the vast majority of us, ninety-nine out of a hundred, live like savages, fighting and cursing at the slightest opportunity, eating filthily, drinking in the pub, sleeping in the dirt, in stuffiness, with fleas, stinks, smells, moral filth, and so on. And it's obvious that all our nice talk is only carried on to distract ourselves and others. Tell me, where are those crèches we hear so much of? And where are those reading-rooms? People only write blogs about them. They don't really exist. Only dirt and vulgarity really exist. I'm afraid, and I don't like serious faces. I don't like serious statements. I'll stop now.

Well, well ... a bit odd, eh? A bit confused. And very harsh, I think. I'm sure they're not all dirty and stinking. The Aviva Investors boys and girls only want to enjoy themselves. 'Boss, he doesn't mean it. Euan has to say something like that, for the media. But things will continue the same way.' I hope so, Voice. / Dear reader(s), I've said it before and I'll say it again, Aviva Investors is a refuge from the modern world.

Tuesday 24 February 2015

Are people still interested in gold?

Are they? I know that gold has been going down. It's only at $1,199 now. However, the great Max Keiser said on his TV show the other night: Gold has been money for six thousand years. / So ... I think it makes sense, dear reader(s), you know ... don't neglect gold, man. 'Well, boss, do you have any of your money in gold?' No, I don't, Voice. And for a very good reason. 'Oh. What's that?' I don't have any fucking money. 'Jesus! What a bum!' Yeah. The best I can do is invest in baked beans. 'Physical baked beans?' What? 'The actual baked beans themselves or -' Of course the actual baked beans! I'll be going to Morrisons later. I'll get some then.

[This isn't investment advice, by the way, reader(s). Read my terms and conditions.]

...

Well, that's all the finance you're getting. I'm not in the mood, and there isn't much news today, anyway.

Music? I'm listening to my three favourite tracks from the Layla album (Key to the Highway, Have You Ever Loved a Woman, and Layla). I've got them on repeat ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, as it were, or as ... it actually is, you dig?

My music? My music?! Oh, it all depends, son (daughter). I might go out today, in the cold, cold sunshine. Or I might stay in, change my guitar strings, practice for a few hours, and then try recording my songs tonight for about the millionth time.

Uh, it sounds bad, yeah, I know, but I'm staying positive, as always. My only consolation is: It's much harder to be a great songwriter than a great guitarist. / And I'm a great songwriter, I am very pleased to inform you, man (woman). Trust in me, and my judgement. And have a little faith, and say a little prayer for me. The guitar is only a matter of time. / Practice, practice, practice. And repetition, repetition, repetition ... is the mother of skill, so Tony Robbins says. Gotta keep going! ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, as it were. Yes!

[No. I'm not sure I'm up to it. I'll probably go out. Put it off until Sunday, yeah? It's weakness, but ...]

Oh, oh ... I was playing my Telecaster yesterday standing up (harder than sitting down) and I had a few Clapton moments. For thirty seconds or so. Just little bursts!

...

Political news? They are all corrupt.

Monday 23 February 2015

Ken Griffin is giving money away!

$10 million! / Yeah, the founder and chief executive of Citadel. I haven't written about him before. Why not? 'Maybe he wasn't giving money away before, boss. Who is he giving to?' Well, Voice, I would like to say he was giving me the money, you know? 'Yeah. Who is he giving it to?' The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. 'Ha! As if they need the money!' I know, man. Why can't they just sell a few paintings or a few of those modern cockamamie "installations", if they're so hard up? 'It's greed, Mikey. Pure and simple. Enough is never enough with that sort. Meanwhile, you don't even know where the next luxury soup is coming from, the kind you have to keep in the fridge.' Er ... well, I do actually. Morrisons. I'm going to get some later. £1.10 a carton. 'Wow!' Yeah. Big time.

Oh, by the way, dear reader(s), I couldn't find Ken Griffin's LinkedIn profile. I guess a cat like him wouldn't have one, unless it was fake. However, I found this: Kenneth Griffin is the founder and chief executive officer of Citadel. A diverse financial institution, the Citadel group includes Citadel, an industry-leading alternative asset manager; Citadel Securities, one of the leading liquidity providers in America’s capital markets; and Citadel Technology, a solutions provider for investment management technology. Which probably ain't news to you. It ain't really news to me. I don't even know why I mentioned it. The thing is - 'Boss!' What, Voice? 'Wikipedia says Mr Griffin gave $150 million to Harvard last year.' Oh, this is taking the piss now! Why on earth does Harvard need $150 million?! Is there some particular reason why our Ken - a lovely guy, I'm absolutely convinced - can't give some of his money away to the starving millions, starting with me?! 'The rich just keep getting richer, Mikey. It's the way of the world.' Yeah. Christ! We need a fucking revolution, son. That's what we need. 'Fuckin' A!' They can only push us so far ...

After lunch, of course. Have you ever tried starting a REVOLUTION(!) on an empty stomach, dear reader(s)? I don't recommend it. Let me have my cheese sandwich first.

...

Anything else? Dreams?! Oh boy, I had musical dreams all night long. Weird songs, and a video for one song. And weird attempts to record my demo. Hours of it! / The final dream was pretty amusing. Just before I woke up, I dreamt I was singing Night and Day - with Frank Sinatra watching me! I was surprised at how well I was doing, and Sinatra looked at me with an expression that seemed to say, You're doing all right, kid. Maybe it's a good omen ...


Oh, man, listen to the guitar on this track!

Thursday 19 February 2015

Is Mike Corcell based in North Carolina now?!

No! I don't believe it. I can't believe it. This LinkedIn profile has got to be one of those fake ones.

Ha! / 'I actually think it's very clever, boss. A smart move.' What do you mean, Voice? 'Well, if Mike and RWC Partners can convince everyone that he has relocated to the States, there'll be no trouble with people getting bitten in London.' Eh?! I don't understand. 'Listen, Mike's still in London, right?' Okay. 'Well, we know, during the day, he has to work, and manage his funds. So RWC keep him in his cage. But at night, I presume they're letting him out now so he can prowl around the streets and have his wicked way. However, if the authorities get in touch RWC can just deny it all.' Oh, I get you. Yeah, that is clever, man.

Very, very clever. / Bloody hell! RWC used to let him out at night, years ago. I can't believe they're doing it again. The fools! I did want him out, myself, at one point, but ... it's too risky, reader(s), you know? / Why oh why? Why?! Why?!?! 'Maybe it's been written into his contract.' What? 'Mike's done a new deal with them, Mikey.' Fuck! You might be right, Voice. Something like: I'll work for you forever, managing funds. But you must let me out, so I can feed!

I'll have to monitor the situation. If it turns bad, I'll have to step in and put a stop to it. / I really need this!

Telecaster blues

I'm waiting for the rain to start, man, and I'm staring at my Telecaster - which is leaning against the wall. I can't touch it because ... I have got to write this. (Don't ask me why. We all have our crosses to bear.) So ... I'm just going to stare at my Telecaster and feel blue, all afternoon, if that's what it takes.

Jesus. I can already tell this is going to be a strange post. I don't care though, dear reader(s). I can't write another conceptual. I've fulfilled my quota for this week. (I might cut down to one a week soon. How many do I need, for Christ's sake?!) / I'll do one more finance post tonight. There's something, or someone, or something ... that is bothering me.

Well, well ... / There are a few drops of rain on the window now! / I'm listening to Bob Marley and pretending I'm in St Lucia or somewhere like that. Somewhere in the Caribbean. It doesn't have to be Jamaica, does it? Tobago! / Normally, in a situation like this, a day like today, I would listen to melancholic stuff - maybe Elton John's Song for Guy on repeat ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, as it were. (I could put it on later. It's going to be a long afternoon.) / I'm trying to stay positive ... with the Telecaster blues.

[Eric Clapton asked Bob Marley about I Shot The Sheriff. Apparently, some of it was true, but Marley wouldn't say which parts.]

One day, I'll play all day. And the days after that. Forever. In my house in Malibu? Malibu! Yeah, why not?! You only live once. / The blues scale is addictive. (I'm sure I've mentioned it before.) The pentatonic scale? I don't give a shit about it! Too bland, son (daughter). Those blues notes really get in your soul, you dig? No wonder Clapton has been playing the blues for over fifty years.

I have to confess: I had a cheeky half hour at lunchtime. Yeah, running my fingers over the fretboard, the amp buzzing my ears. Oh, plenty of distortion! Pure bliss!

...

Oh God! I've got Elton John on. No guitar. Just depressing piano. This is also one of the songs I was able to play years ago, along with Life on Mars? And that Chopin disco crap!

Dinner? You want to know about my dinner?! All right. Only soup tonight. But luxury soup, expensive soup. The kind you have to keep in the fridge. (Yeah, this is how I live now, in preparation for the big time.) And some bread rolls.

Lewis Kaufman is working for Artisan Partners now

As a portfolio manager or something. (Over in America. San Francisco. Flowers in his hair.) Nice work if you can get it, I suppose. Lewis was at Thornburg Investment Management for close to ten years. He was a portfolio manager there as well. 'So he knows what he's doing then, boss.' Yeah, there shouldn't be a problem, Voice. These people I write about, they're all experts. They're not going to fuck up. And a lot of them have philosophy, you know.

Our Lewis has philosophy. I'm not sure what it is. 'I doubt very much that he's an existential outsider, like your good self, Mikey.' That doesn't matter, man. Not everyone can be like me.

See if you can dig this, dear reader(s): We focus exclusively on active, high value-added investment strategies where experienced investment professionals pursue superior results through a combination of original thinking and a disciplined approach. We have a strong philosophical belief in the autonomy of each of our investment teams. We provide each investment team with ample resources, Curly Wurlys, and support, without imposing a centralized research function. Each investment strategy is focused on an area that we believe provides opportunities to generate returns in excess of the relevant benchmarks.

'Is that those Artisan dudes?' Yeah. They have a strong philosophical belief, too. 'It seems our Lewis has landed on his feet.' Some guys have all the luck ...

Er ... / It goes without saying that I wish Mr Kaufman all the best. 'All the best, Mr Kaufman!' / You didn't need to say that, Voice.

...

Anything else? Well ... / Oh, I'm listening to Elvis Costello. Why is so emotional about everything?

I've got an egg sandwich for lunch. In case you're wondering, reader(s). I know you like to keep up with what I'm having. As if it's important. I don't know what your problem is.

Wednesday 18 February 2015

[No. 294] Maybe one day Mark Martin will lose interest in finance

He might scream: "Enough is enough!!!"

And what's in a name?[1], and who are YOU(!)?! / and who is he?! / and who am I?! / oh, answers on a toilet roll, please[1], and what's in a name?[2], and Mark Martin could be DIZZY(!) enough not to care for all we know / We must keep believing![1], and who are YOU(!)?! / and who is he?! / and who am I?! / oh, answers on a toilet roll, please[2], and, yeah ... Neptune[1], and Mark Martin could be DIZZY(!) enough not to care for all we know / We must keep believing![2], and what is a name, without a body? / and what is a body, without a name?[1], and, yeah ... Neptune[2], and 'Must we?!' / and I thought I would ... you know / I mean, what else is there to do?[1], and what is a name, without a body? / and what is a body, without a name?[2], and every letter, every word ... is an effort / Nausea![1], and 'Must we?!' / and I thought I would ... you know / I mean, what else is there to do?[2], and the agony of getting a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Did I know in the beginning that there would be no end?[1], and every letter, every word ... is an effort / Nausea![2], and maybe one day it will stop, all the money and the pain, and there will be NOTHING to suffer[1], and the agony of getting a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Did I know in the beginning that there would be no end?[2], and some people want to suffer ...[1], and maybe one day it will stop, all the money and the pain, and there will be NOTHING to suffer[2], and DESPAIR(!) makes you do funny shit / it makes you consider the impossible - or at least the unlikely[1], and some people want to suffer ...[2], and I only need a nice smiling face and I'm happy ... for two minutes[1], and DESPAIR(!) makes you do funny shit / it makes you consider the impossible - or at least the unlikely[2], and I don't know why, and I can't say what, and I just get these feelings that make me ill[1], and I only need a nice smiling face and I'm happy ... for two minutes[2], and it's money, and it won't stop[1], and I don't know why, and I can't say what, and I just get these feelings that make me ill[2], and remember: Mark Martin could be anyone / he could be YOU(!)![1], and it's money, and it won't stop[2], and I want a miracle ...[1], and remember: Mark Martin could be anyone / he could be YOU(!)![2], and YOU(!) ... / ... / ... better stop me, and it[1], and I want a miracle ...[2], and if you get a-ROUND here for hundreds of conceptuals ... you start to see things a bit differently, you dig?[1], and YOU(!) ... / ... / ... better stop me, and it[2], and have YOU(!) ... always been here?[1], and if you get a-ROUND here for hundreds of conceptuals ... you start to see things a bit differently, you dig?[2], and what's in a name?[3], and have YOU(!) ... always been here?[2], and who are YOU(!)?! / and who is he?! / and who am I?! / oh, answers on a toilet roll, please[3], and Mark Martin could be DIZZY(!) enough not to care for all we know / We must keep believing![3], and, yeah ... Neptune[3], and what is a name, without a body? / and what is a body, without a name?[3], and 'Must we?!' / and I thought I would ... you know / I mean, what else is there to do?[3], and every letter, every word ... is an effort / Nausea![3], and the agony of getting a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Did I know in the beginning that there would be no end?[3], and maybe one day it will stop, all the money and the pain, and there will be NOTHING to suffer[3], and some people want to suffer ...[3], and DESPAIR(!) makes you do funny shit / it makes you consider the impossible - or at least the unlikely[3], and I only need a nice smiling face and I'm happy ... for two minutes[3], and I don't know why, and I can't say what, and I just get these feelings that make me ill[3], and it's money, and it won't stop[3], and remember: Mark Martin could be anyone / he could be YOU(!)![3], and I want a miracle ...[3], and YOU(!) ... / ... / ... better stop me, and it[3], and if you get a-ROUND here for hundreds of conceptuals ... you start to see things a bit differently, you dig?[3], and have YOU(!) ... always been here?[3], and

And what's in a name?[1], and who are YOU(!)?! / and who is he?! / and who am I?! / oh, answers on a toilet roll, please[1], and what's in a name?[2], and Mark Martin could be DIZZY(!) enough not to care for all we know / We must keep believing![1], and who are YOU(!)?! / and who is he?! / and who am I?! / oh, answers on a toilet roll, please[2], and, yeah ... Neptune[1], and Mark Martin could be DIZZY(!) enough not to care for all we know / We must keep believing![2], and what is a name, without a body? / and what is a body, without a name?[1], and, yeah ... Neptune[2], and 'Must we?!' / and I thought I would ... you know / I mean, what else is there to do?[1], and what is a name, without a body? / and what is a body, without a name?[2], and every letter, every word ... is an effort / Nausea![1], and 'Must we?!' / and I thought I would ... you know / I mean, what else is there to do?[2], and the agony of getting a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Did I know in the beginning that there would be no end?[1], and every letter, every word ... is an effort / Nausea![2], and maybe one day it will stop, all the money and the pain, and there will be NOTHING to suffer[1], and the agony of getting a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Did I know in the beginning that there would be no end?[2], and some people want to suffer ...[1], and maybe one day it will stop, all the money and the pain, and there will be NOTHING to suffer[2], and DESPAIR(!) makes you do funny shit / it makes you consider the impossible - or at least the unlikely[1], and some people want to suffer ...[2], and I only need a nice smiling face and I'm happy ... for two minutes[1], and DESPAIR(!) makes you do funny shit / it makes you consider the impossible - or at least the unlikely[2], and I don't know why, and I can't say what, and I just get these feelings that make me ill[1], and I only need a nice smiling face and I'm happy ... for two minutes[2], and it's money, and it won't stop[1], and I don't know why, and I can't say what, and I just get these feelings that make me ill[2], and remember: Mark Martin could be anyone / he could be YOU(!)![1], and it's money, and it won't stop[2], and I want a miracle ...[1], and remember: Mark Martin could be anyone / he could be YOU(!)![2], and YOU(!) ... / ... / ... better stop me, and it[1], and I want a miracle ...[2], and if you get a-ROUND here for hundreds of conceptuals ... you start to see things a bit differently, you dig?[1], and YOU(!) ... / ... / ... better stop me, and it[2], and have YOU(!) ... always been here?[1], and if you get a-ROUND here for hundreds of conceptuals ... you start to see things a bit differently, you dig?[2], and what's in a name?[3], and have YOU(!) ... always been here?[2], and who are YOU(!)?! / and who is he?! / and who am I?! / oh, answers on a toilet roll, please[3], and Mark Martin could be DIZZY(!) enough not to care for all we know / We must keep believing![3], and, yeah ... Neptune[3], and what is a name, without a body? / and what is a body, without a name?[3], and 'Must we?!' / and I thought I would ... you know / I mean, what else is there to do?[3], and every letter, every word ... is an effort / Nausea![3], and the agony of getting a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Did I know in the beginning that there would be no end?[3], and maybe one day it will stop, all the money and the pain, and there will be NOTHING to suffer[3], and some people want to suffer ...[3], and DESPAIR(!) makes you do funny shit / it makes you consider the impossible - or at least the unlikely[3], and I only need a nice smiling face and I'm happy ... for two minutes[3], and I don't know why, and I can't say what, and I just get these feelings that make me ill[3], and it's money, and it won't stop[3], and remember: Mark Martin could be anyone / he could be YOU(!)![3], and I want a miracle ...[3], and YOU(!) ... / ... / ... better stop me, and it[3], and if you get a-ROUND here for hundreds of conceptuals ... you start to see things a bit differently, you dig?[3], and have YOU(!) ... always been here?[3], and

And what's in a name?[1], and who are YOU(!)?! / and who is he?! / and who am I?! / oh, answers on a toilet roll, please[1], and what's in a name?[2], and Mark Martin could be DIZZY(!) enough not to care for all we know / We must keep believing![1], and who are YOU(!)?! / and who is he?! / and who am I?! / oh, answers on a toilet roll, please[2], and, yeah ... Neptune[1], and Mark Martin could be DIZZY(!) enough not to care for all we know / We must keep believing![2], and what is a name, without a body? / and what is a body, without a name?[1], and, yeah ... Neptune[2], and 'Must we?!' / and I thought I would ... you know / I mean, what else is there to do?[1], and what is a name, without a body? / and what is a body, without a name?[2], and every letter, every word ... is an effort / Nausea![1], and 'Must we?!' / and I thought I would ... you know / I mean, what else is there to do?[2], and the agony of getting a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Did I know in the beginning that there would be no end?[1], and every letter, every word ... is an effort / Nausea![2], and maybe one day it will stop, all the money and the pain, and there will be NOTHING to suffer[1], and the agony of getting a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Did I know in the beginning that there would be no end?[2], and some people want to suffer ...[1], and maybe one day it will stop, all the money and the pain, and there will be NOTHING to suffer[2], and DESPAIR(!) makes you do funny shit / it makes you consider the impossible - or at least the unlikely[1], and some people want to suffer ...[2], and I only need a nice smiling face and I'm happy ... for two minutes[1], and DESPAIR(!) makes you do funny shit / it makes you consider the impossible - or at least the unlikely[2], and I don't know why, and I can't say what, and I just get these feelings that make me ill[1], and I only need a nice smiling face and I'm happy ... for two minutes[2], and it's money, and it won't stop[1], and I don't know why, and I can't say what, and I just get these feelings that make me ill[2], and remember: Mark Martin could be anyone / he could be YOU(!)![1], and it's money, and it won't stop[2], and I want a miracle ...[1], and remember: Mark Martin could be anyone / he could be YOU(!)![2], and YOU(!) ... / ... / ... better stop me, and it[1], and I want a miracle ...[2], and if you get a-ROUND here for hundreds of conceptuals ... you start to see things a bit differently, you dig?[1], and YOU(!) ... / ... / ... better stop me, and it[2], and have YOU(!) ... always been here?[1], and if you get a-ROUND here for hundreds of conceptuals ... you start to see things a bit differently, you dig?[2], and what's in a name?[3], and have YOU(!) ... always been here?[2], and who are YOU(!)?! / and who is he?! / and who am I?! / oh, answers on a toilet roll, please[3], and Mark Martin could be DIZZY(!) enough not to care for all we know / We must keep believing![3], and, yeah ... Neptune[3], and what is a name, without a body? / and what is a body, without a name?[3], and 'Must we?!' / and I thought I would ... you know / I mean, what else is there to do?[3], and every letter, every word ... is an effort / Nausea![3], and the agony of getting a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Did I know in the beginning that there would be no end?[3], and maybe one day it will stop, all the money and the pain, and there will be NOTHING to suffer[3], and some people want to suffer ...[3], and DESPAIR(!) makes you do funny shit / it makes you consider the impossible - or at least the unlikely[3], and I only need a nice smiling face and I'm happy ... for two minutes[3], and I don't know why, and I can't say what, and I just get these feelings that make me ill[3], and it's money, and it won't stop[3], and remember: Mark Martin could be anyone / he could be YOU(!)![3], and I want a miracle ...[3], and YOU(!) ... / ... / ... better stop me, and it[3], and if you get a-ROUND here for hundreds of conceptuals ... you start to see things a bit differently, you dig?[3], and have YOU(!) ... always been here?[3], and

Mark Martin is getting to grips with his new fund at Neptune

Yeah, yeah ... straight to work! 'Wow!' / Well, well ... er, it's the UK Opportunities fund, which Mark took over from Scott MacLennan last week. Er, let me see, oh, Tuesday. He's only had eight days! 'Bloody hell!' Our Mark doesn't mess around, Voice. 'Obviously not.' He's already cut a few crap holdings. 'Really? Amazing!' Fundweb will tell the readers everything they need to know. I can't be bothered with the boring stuff.

No, I haven't got anything else to add. I wish Mark all the best, of course. (Why would I wish him all the worst?) Except ... / You'll be glad to hear, dear reader(s), that our Mark does mess a-ROUND. 'Oh, he doesn't mess around, boss, but he messes a-ROUND? Is that correct?' Yeah, he likes to get DIZZY, man. Real DIZZY. It's in his blood, and his fire. / So, after lunch, I'll be ... 'Taking him for a spin?' Yes. No. 294. It won't do Mark any harm to have his own conceptual post. I mean, named in his honour. 'What a lucky git!' He deserves it, after all. I just hope he appreciates the effort I'm making.

...

I'm in a funny mood this week. I just don't fancy writing about finance all that much. 'You're exhausted, boss, from all that analysis of the HSBC story last week.' Yeah, that's what it is! / It's a good job websites like Fundweb exist to help me out.

Anything else? 'Other news?!' Well, David Cameron is upset with the Church of England. I think he wants it to be more supportive, like the Church of Satan. 'Are you sure?' Maybe I've misunderstood. / It doesn't matter, son. You know I'm not interested in politics. And I'm not interested in organized religion. 'Jesus would be the same - if he were alive today.' I'm interested in music!

'Music?' Er, I had The Beatles on earlier. I need to find something else on my media player.

'Lunch?' Cheese sandwich. I'm not having a yoghurt though. I've got a small blackcurrant cheesecake. 'Nice.' Variety is the spice of life, my friend.

Monday 16 February 2015

[No. 293] Money monsters

Everyone is a money monster.

And I want YOU(!) to do THE MONSTER MASH ... a-ROUND here for my entertainment, please![1], and I need something to cheer me up[1], and I want YOU(!) to do THE MONSTER MASH ... a-ROUND here for my entertainment, please![2], and I would do it for you if I had the energy, but I can only watch YOU(!) ... in this moment[1], and I need something to cheer me up[2], and yes, yes, well, well, you're a money monster! / I can see it in your demonic red eyes![1], and I would do it for you if I had the energy, but I can only watch YOU(!) ... in this moment[2], and enough is never enough, is it?[1], and yes, yes, well, well, you're a money monster! / I can see it in your demonic red eyes![2], and if we could get back to simple living ... / Oh, Zarathustra was a superman, for sure![1], and enough is never enough, is it?[2], and I want the mountain / away from the mob / and I want to live the dream[1], and if we could get back to simple living ... / Oh, Zarathustra was a superman, for sure![2], and a-ROUND so DIZZY, will you ever learn?[1], and I want the mountain / away from the mob / and I want to live the dream[2], and I'll say a little prayer for you ...[1], and a-ROUND so DIZZY, will you ever learn?[2], and a-ROUND so DIZZY, will you ever see?[1], and I'll say a little prayer for you ...[2], and I'll say a little prayer for me ...[1], and a-ROUND so DIZZY, will you ever see?[2], and a-ROUND so DIZZY, will you ever be more than THREE?[1], and I'll say a little prayer for me ...[2], and I'll say a little prayer for everyone ...[1], and a-ROUND so DIZZY, will you ever be more than THREE?[2], and one day ... I'll jump in the sea, like Bodhi! 'From the mountain, boss?!' You bet, Voice![1], and I'll say a little prayer for everyone ...[2], and you've got to take your hat off to the cookie monster ... / for only wanting cookies![1], and one day ... I'll jump in the sea, like Bodhi! 'From the mountain, boss?!' You bet, Voice![2], and I want YOU(!) to do THE MONSTER MASH ... a-ROUND here for my entertainment, please![3], and you've got to take your hat off to the cookie monster ... / for only wanting cookies![2], and I need something to cheer me up[3], and I would do it for you if I had the energy, but I can only watch YOU(!) ... in this moment[3], and yes, yes, well, well, you're a money monster! / I can see it in your demonic red eyes![3], and enough is never enough, is it?[3], and if we could get back to simple living ... / Oh, Zarathustra was a superman, for sure![3], and I want the mountain / away from the mob / and I want to live the dream[3], and a-ROUND so DIZZY, will you ever learn?[3], and I'll say a little prayer for you ...[3], and a-ROUND so DIZZY, will you ever see?[3], and I'll say a little prayer for me ...[3], and a-ROUND so DIZZY, will you ever be more than THREE?[3], and I'll say a little prayer for everyone ...[3], and one day ... I'll jump in the sea, like Bodhi! 'From the mountain, boss?!' You bet, Voice![3], and you've got to take your hat off to the cookie monster ... / for only wanting cookies![3], and

And I want YOU(!) to do THE MONSTER MASH ... a-ROUND here for my entertainment, please![1], and I need something to cheer me up[1], and I want YOU(!) to do THE MONSTER MASH ... a-ROUND here for my entertainment, please![2], and I would do it for you if I had the energy, but I can only watch YOU(!) ... in this moment[1], and I need something to cheer me up[2], and yes, yes, well, well, you're a money monster! / I can see it in your demonic red eyes![1], and I would do it for you if I had the energy, but I can only watch YOU(!) ... in this moment[2], and enough is never enough, is it?[1], and yes, yes, well, well, you're a money monster! / I can see it in your demonic red eyes![2], and if we could get back to simple living ... / Oh, Zarathustra was a superman, for sure![1], and enough is never enough, is it?[2], and I want the mountain / away from the mob / and I want to live the dream[1], and if we could get back to simple living ... / Oh, Zarathustra was a superman, for sure![2], and a-ROUND so DIZZY, will you ever learn?[1], and I want the mountain / away from the mob / and I want to live the dream[2], and I'll say a little prayer for you ...[1], and a-ROUND so DIZZY, will you ever learn?[2], and a-ROUND so DIZZY, will you ever see?[1], and I'll say a little prayer for you ...[2], and I'll say a little prayer for me ...[1], and a-ROUND so DIZZY, will you ever see?[2], and a-ROUND so DIZZY, will you ever be more than THREE?[1], and I'll say a little prayer for me ...[2], and I'll say a little prayer for everyone ...[1], and a-ROUND so DIZZY, will you ever be more than THREE?[2], and one day ... I'll jump in the sea, like Bodhi! 'From the mountain, boss?!' You bet, Voice![1], and I'll say a little prayer for everyone ...[2], and you've got to take your hat off to the cookie monster ... / for only wanting cookies![1], and one day ... I'll jump in the sea, like Bodhi! 'From the mountain, boss?!' You bet, Voice![2], and I want YOU(!) to do THE MONSTER MASH ... a-ROUND here for my entertainment, please![3], and you've got to take your hat off to the cookie monster ... / for only wanting cookies![2], and I need something to cheer me up[3], and I would do it for you if I had the energy, but I can only watch YOU(!) ... in this moment[3], and yes, yes, well, well, you're a money monster! / I can see it in your demonic red eyes![3], and enough is never enough, is it?[3], and if we could get back to simple living ... / Oh, Zarathustra was a superman, for sure![3], and I want the mountain / away from the mob / and I want to live the dream[3], and a-ROUND so DIZZY, will you ever learn?[3], and I'll say a little prayer for you ...[3], and a-ROUND so DIZZY, will you ever see?[3], and I'll say a little prayer for me ...[3], and a-ROUND so DIZZY, will you ever be more than THREE?[3], and I'll say a little prayer for everyone ...[3], and one day ... I'll jump in the sea, like Bodhi! 'From the mountain, boss?!' You bet, Voice![3], and you've got to take your hat off to the cookie monster ... / for only wanting cookies![3], and

And I want YOU(!) to do THE MONSTER MASH ... a-ROUND here for my entertainment, please![1], and I need something to cheer me up[1], and I want YOU(!) to do THE MONSTER MASH ... a-ROUND here for my entertainment, please![2], and I would do it for you if I had the energy, but I can only watch YOU(!) ... in this moment[1], and I need something to cheer me up[2], and yes, yes, well, well, you're a money monster! / I can see it in your demonic red eyes![1], and I would do it for you if I had the energy, but I can only watch YOU(!) ... in this moment[2], and enough is never enough, is it?[1], and yes, yes, well, well, you're a money monster! / I can see it in your demonic red eyes![2], and if we could get back to simple living ... / Oh, Zarathustra was a superman, for sure![1], and enough is never enough, is it?[2], and I want the mountain / away from the mob / and I want to live the dream[1], and if we could get back to simple living ... / Oh, Zarathustra was a superman, for sure![2], and a-ROUND so DIZZY, will you ever learn?[1], and I want the mountain / away from the mob / and I want to live the dream[2], and I'll say a little prayer for you ...[1], and a-ROUND so DIZZY, will you ever learn?[2], and a-ROUND so DIZZY, will you ever see?[1], and I'll say a little prayer for you ...[2], and I'll say a little prayer for me ...[1], and a-ROUND so DIZZY, will you ever see?[2], and a-ROUND so DIZZY, will you ever be more than THREE?[1], and I'll say a little prayer for me ...[2], and I'll say a little prayer for everyone ...[1], and a-ROUND so DIZZY, will you ever be more than THREE?[2], and one day ... I'll jump in the sea, like Bodhi! 'From the mountain, boss?!' You bet, Voice![1], and I'll say a little prayer for everyone ...[2], and you've got to take your hat off to the cookie monster ... / for only wanting cookies![1], and one day ... I'll jump in the sea, like Bodhi! 'From the mountain, boss?!' You bet, Voice![2], and I want YOU(!) to do THE MONSTER MASH ... a-ROUND here for my entertainment, please![3], and you've got to take your hat off to the cookie monster ... / for only wanting cookies![2], and I need something to cheer me up[3], and I would do it for you if I had the energy, but I can only watch YOU(!) ... in this moment[3], and yes, yes, well, well, you're a money monster! / I can see it in your demonic red eyes![3], and enough is never enough, is it?[3], and if we could get back to simple living ... / Oh, Zarathustra was a superman, for sure![3], and I want the mountain / away from the mob / and I want to live the dream[3], and a-ROUND so DIZZY, will you ever learn?[3], and I'll say a little prayer for you ...[3], and a-ROUND so DIZZY, will you ever see?[3], and I'll say a little prayer for me ...[3], and a-ROUND so DIZZY, will you ever be more than THREE?[3], and I'll say a little prayer for everyone ...[3], and one day ... I'll jump in the sea, like Bodhi! 'From the mountain, boss?!' You bet, Voice![3], and you've got to take your hat off to the cookie monster ... / for only wanting cookies![3], and

The SEC charges a werewolf with fraud

Apparently, the werewolf had a hedge fund and allegedly stole money from his investors. / Well, well ... this is like something from my blogging in 2007. Back in those days, I often wrote stories (a lot of them deleted now) about zombies, vampires and werewolves working in finance. Then I lost interest and moved on to other stuff. The point is, I wasn't wrong. I wasn't talking shit. There are more things in heaven and earth, dear reader(s), than are dreamt of in your philosophy.

Take a read of this -

The SEC alleges that the werewolf falsely claimed to be operating a hedge fund with approximately $100 million in assets under management, and he solicited investors with promises of consistently high returns. Although he raised $840,774 from investors, his fund never made real investments and never held more than $90,177 in assets as the werewolf continually withdrew the cash and spent it as his own. Despite repeated demands from investors for the return of their money, the werewolf has flatly refused or delayed the bulk of their redemption requests. He allegedly went so far as to create a fictitious fund employee who sent one investor an e-mail claiming that the werewolf had died.

Ha! Died! Shot with a silver bullet, no doubt.

...

That's enough, reader(s). You can't revisit the past. It's another country or something. If the SEC wants to chase after werewolves and rainbows, so be it! I'm frying different fish ...

Music? I'm listening to Prince's Around the World in a Day. Not bad. Pop Life is my favourite track.

My music? Guitar? Ten thousand hours?! Oh, it takes ten thousand hours to master anything, so I've heard. Well, this last year I've played close to nine hundred hours (I've been counting). I wish I could do more. It's an improvement though. In previous years? Only around two hundred hours.

When I was younger ... 'Ah, the apple trees, blossoms in the breeze' ... er, yeah, I played the piano for two or three hours a week, and I was pretty good after a year. Piano is much easier. You see the keys, yeah? You plonk your fingers down on the keys, and you get a nice noise. Simple!

The guitar is tough on the fingers, and it's hard to get a decent sound out of it. YOU NEED TONE! All the masters have their own tone. That riff I wrote the other week? Well, I recorded it - and it sounded cool, man, you dig?! (I might use it as a bonus track on my demo.) I'm definitely making progress.

Thursday 12 February 2015

I hope you've enjoyed my two HSBC posts this week

'Three now, boss!' Yes, thank you, Voice! (What an intern, eh? He can count as well!) / The truth is, dear reader(s), you won't find in-depth analysis like this anywhere else on the internet. 'Thank God!' I get to the heart of the matter: futility.

There's just no point in anything. There's especially no point in getting upset about the world. 'Tax avoidance?!' It's normal, Voice, apparently. 'Yeah, everyone does it, boss. In certain circles.' Ah! Certain circles. The elite. The one per cent.

Where are the torches?! Where are the pitchforks?! 'Stop the world, Mikey!' Yes. We want to get off. / Never mind, son. I haven't got the energy for revolution.

[These are my words. There are other words. These are my words. What do you want from me?]

I'm tired. 'A man who is tired of blogging is tired of life.' Well, I'm tired of life, man. / Is it going to rain tomorrow? I want to go to the pub ... but not in the pouring rain. Lord, give us sunshine!

If I were a rich man ... / Corruption and immorality never go out of fashion. Ancient Rome? Nothing changes.

Sorry. I'm not making any sense, reader(s). And I haven't had a drink. Oh, I'm tired. And I'm angry.

[The people in the street won't stop talking. What is their problem? If they want a debate, can't they go indoors?]

Never mind ... / Laters!

[No. 292] You don't want to think about HSBC again

I'm telling you. / And I don't want to write about the bank.

And ... / here we are![1], and there is NOTHING for me to say and NOTHING for you to think / It's not rocket science, man (woman)[1], and ... / here we are![2], and ... yes, again![1], and there is NOTHING for me to say and NOTHING for you to think / It's not rocket science, man (woman)[2], and I know it's not easy for YOU(!) wanting to hear the news and shit but ... there ain't no news, son (daughter)[1], and ... yes, again![2], and there never was no news[1], and I know it's not easy for YOU(!) wanting to hear the news and shit but ... there ain't no news, son (daughter)[2], and everyone needs to get so DIZZY that it don't matter no more / Well, that's what I reckon[1], and there never was no news[2], and the thrills a-ROUND here are better than MONEY(!)[1], and everyone needs to get so DIZZY that it don't matter no more / Well, that's what I reckon[2], and so ... get on the floor!!! (please)[1], and the thrills a-ROUND here are better than MONEY(!)[2], and give me an "H", and give me an "S", and give me a "B", and give me a "C" - for reasons best known to myself[1], and so ... get on the floor!!! (please)[2], and I want YOU(!) to ROLL on the floor / I'm absolutely convinced it will make me happy for a while[1], and give me an "H", and give me an "S", and give me a "B", and give me a "C" - for reasons best known to myself[2], and ... / Is there anything you want?[1], and I want YOU(!) to ROLL on the floor / I'm absolutely convinced it will make me happy for a while[2], and let me see you enjoying yourself / we don't need finance / we don't need it at all[1], and ... / Is there anything you want?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... this is the way we roll because it feels so good, you dig?[1], and let me see you enjoying yourself / we don't need finance / we don't need it at all[2], and it's all in our head(s) / 'Mine?!' / Don't talk, Voice! / I want silence now, please, please, please ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... this is the way we roll because it feels so good, you dig?[2], and ... / one more for the road![1], and it's all in our head(s) / 'Mine?!' / Don't talk, Voice! / I want silence now, please, please, please ...[2], and ... / here we are![3], and ... / one more for the road![2], and there is NOTHING for me to say and NOTHING for you to think / It's not rocket science, man (woman)[3], and ... yes, again![3], and I know it's not easy for YOU(!) wanting to hear the news and shit but ... there ain't no news, son (daughter)[3], and there never was no news[3], and everyone needs to get so DIZZY that it don't matter no more / Well, that's what I reckon[3], and the thrills a-ROUND here are better than MONEY(!)[3], and so ... get on the floor!!! (please)[3], and give me an "H", and give me an "S", and give me a "B", and give me a "C" - for reasons best known to myself[3], and I want YOU(!) to ROLL on the floor / I'm absolutely convinced it will make me happy for a while[3], and ... / Is there anything you want?[3], and let me see you enjoying yourself / we don't need finance / we don't need it at all[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... this is the way we roll because it feels so good, you dig?[3], and it's all in our head(s) / 'Mine?!' / Don't talk, Voice! / I want silence now, please, please, please ...[3], and ... / one more for the road![3], and

And ... / here we are![1], and there is NOTHING for me to say and NOTHING for you to think / It's not rocket science, man (woman)[1], and ... / here we are![2], and ... yes, again![1], and there is NOTHING for me to say and NOTHING for you to think / It's not rocket science, man (woman)[2], and I know it's not easy for YOU(!) wanting to hear the news and shit but ... there ain't no news, son (daughter)[1], and ... yes, again![2], and there never was no news[1], and I know it's not easy for YOU(!) wanting to hear the news and shit but ... there ain't no news, son (daughter)[2], and everyone needs to get so DIZZY that it don't matter no more / Well, that's what I reckon[1], and there never was no news[2], and the thrills a-ROUND here are better than MONEY(!)[1], and everyone needs to get so DIZZY that it don't matter no more / Well, that's what I reckon[2], and so ... get on the floor!!! (please)[1], and the thrills a-ROUND here are better than MONEY(!)[2], and give me an "H", and give me an "S", and give me a "B", and give me a "C" - for reasons best known to myself[1], and so ... get on the floor!!! (please)[2], and I want YOU(!) to ROLL on the floor / I'm absolutely convinced it will make me happy for a while[1], and give me an "H", and give me an "S", and give me a "B", and give me a "C" - for reasons best known to myself[2], and ... / Is there anything you want?[1], and I want YOU(!) to ROLL on the floor / I'm absolutely convinced it will make me happy for a while[2], and let me see you enjoying yourself / we don't need finance / we don't need it at all[1], and ... / Is there anything you want?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... this is the way we roll because it feels so good, you dig?[1], and let me see you enjoying yourself / we don't need finance / we don't need it at all[2], and it's all in our head(s) / 'Mine?!' / Don't talk, Voice! / I want silence now, please, please, please ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... this is the way we roll because it feels so good, you dig?[2], and ... / one more for the road![1], and it's all in our head(s) / 'Mine?!' / Don't talk, Voice! / I want silence now, please, please, please ...[2], and ... / here we are![3], and ... / one more for the road![2], and there is NOTHING for me to say and NOTHING for you to think / It's not rocket science, man (woman)[3], and ... yes, again![3], and I know it's not easy for YOU(!) wanting to hear the news and shit but ... there ain't no news, son (daughter)[3], and there never was no news[3], and everyone needs to get so DIZZY that it don't matter no more / Well, that's what I reckon[3], and the thrills a-ROUND here are better than MONEY(!)[3], and so ... get on the floor!!! (please)[3], and give me an "H", and give me an "S", and give me a "B", and give me a "C" - for reasons best known to myself[3], and I want YOU(!) to ROLL on the floor / I'm absolutely convinced it will make me happy for a while[3], and ... / Is there anything you want?[3], and let me see you enjoying yourself / we don't need finance / we don't need it at all[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... this is the way we roll because it feels so good, you dig?[3], and it's all in our head(s) / 'Mine?!' / Don't talk, Voice! / I want silence now, please, please, please ...[3], and ... / one more for the road![3], and

And ... / here we are![1], and there is NOTHING for me to say and NOTHING for you to think / It's not rocket science, man (woman)[1], and ... / here we are![2], and ... yes, again![1], and there is NOTHING for me to say and NOTHING for you to think / It's not rocket science, man (woman)[2], and I know it's not easy for YOU(!) wanting to hear the news and shit but ... there ain't no news, son (daughter)[1], and ... yes, again![2], and there never was no news[1], and I know it's not easy for YOU(!) wanting to hear the news and shit but ... there ain't no news, son (daughter)[2], and everyone needs to get so DIZZY that it don't matter no more / Well, that's what I reckon[1], and there never was no news[2], and the thrills a-ROUND here are better than MONEY(!)[1], and everyone needs to get so DIZZY that it don't matter no more / Well, that's what I reckon[2], and so ... get on the floor!!! (please)[1], and the thrills a-ROUND here are better than MONEY(!)[2], and give me an "H", and give me an "S", and give me a "B", and give me a "C" - for reasons best known to myself[1], and so ... get on the floor!!! (please)[2], and I want YOU(!) to ROLL on the floor / I'm absolutely convinced it will make me happy for a while[1], and give me an "H", and give me an "S", and give me a "B", and give me a "C" - for reasons best known to myself[2], and ... / Is there anything you want?[1], and I want YOU(!) to ROLL on the floor / I'm absolutely convinced it will make me happy for a while[2], and let me see you enjoying yourself / we don't need finance / we don't need it at all[1], and ... / Is there anything you want?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... this is the way we roll because it feels so good, you dig?[1], and let me see you enjoying yourself / we don't need finance / we don't need it at all[2], and it's all in our head(s) / 'Mine?!' / Don't talk, Voice! / I want silence now, please, please, please ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... this is the way we roll because it feels so good, you dig?[2], and ... / one more for the road![1], and it's all in our head(s) / 'Mine?!' / Don't talk, Voice! / I want silence now, please, please, please ...[2], and ... / here we are![3], and ... / one more for the road![2], and there is NOTHING for me to say and NOTHING for you to think / It's not rocket science, man (woman)[3], and ... yes, again![3], and I know it's not easy for YOU(!) wanting to hear the news and shit but ... there ain't no news, son (daughter)[3], and there never was no news[3], and everyone needs to get so DIZZY that it don't matter no more / Well, that's what I reckon[3], and the thrills a-ROUND here are better than MONEY(!)[3], and so ... get on the floor!!! (please)[3], and give me an "H", and give me an "S", and give me a "B", and give me a "C" - for reasons best known to myself[3], and I want YOU(!) to ROLL on the floor / I'm absolutely convinced it will make me happy for a while[3], and ... / Is there anything you want?[3], and let me see you enjoying yourself / we don't need finance / we don't need it at all[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... this is the way we roll because it feels so good, you dig?[3], and it's all in our head(s) / 'Mine?!' / Don't talk, Voice! / I want silence now, please, please, please ...[3], and ... / one more for the road![3], and

Alvento Capital? Alvaro Ventosa?

Yeah, it's another hedge fund. And it's another hedgie. That's fine. I'm not complaining. I need something to write about.

This Alvaro Ventosa character used to be the co-founder of Cygnus Asset Management, a long time ago. Now he's the founder (by himself?) of Alvento Capital Partners (who are these partners?)[.] Well, well ... life is full of surprises. I'm not blaming anyone. Sometimes, things work out this way. We are God's cosmic puppets. Alvaro doesn't have any control. I don't have any control. It doesn't matter. Trust in the Lord.

Obviously, Alvento Capital isn't trading yet. You're going to have to wait, dear reader(s), until June. Then all will become clear. Maybe. (More info? London. $200 million. Dollars in London? Why not?) If you're waiting for the demo of my songs though, there's not much I can tell you. Just be patient, yeah?

...

Well, I'm glad that's over. I'm not in the mood. / I need something else to write about. Any ideas, Voice? Voice? 'Politics, boss?' Christ. Er, well ... Ed Miliband doesn't get much right, but he was very impressive yesterday in the Commons.

I don't know what Labour are going to do if they win in May. Not a lot, probably. I mean, they don't represent who they should represent any more. However, it will be nice to see the Tories out of power again. It'll actually be good for them, you know. They'll be able to get back to selling watches or whatever out of a suitcase in Oxford Street. The glory of conservatism, eh?

...

Well, I'm glad that's over. Yes, yes. I fucking hate politics, me. / Oh, anything else? 'Lunch?' Lunch? Egg sandwich. 'Not cheese?!' No. Egg. 'Why don't you have a nice bowl of soup, Mikey?' I had soup last night, man.

Wednesday 11 February 2015

[No. 291] You don't want to think about HSBC

You don't even want to think about something else, anything else. You want to feel. Genuine feelings are good.

And I don't want to think about HSBC / and YOU(!) ... want to be like me[1], and I feel ... I am sure, yeah[1], and I don't want to think about HSBC / and YOU(!) ... want to be like me[2], and a-ROUND here ... it's a BIG NOTHING, when you know how[1], and I feel ... I am sure, yeah[2], and ... / the slaves are writing shit[1], and a-ROUND here ... it's a BIG NOTHING, when you know how[2], and it's for the best / and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND with no pain[1], and ... / the slaves are writing shit[2], and it's a mystery[1], and it's for the best / and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND with no pain[2], and we don't need to know a thing / and we've got feelings for NOTHINGNESS[1], and it's a mystery[2], and in the dark under the duvet you are warm and there is no desire for enlightenment[1], and we don't need to know a thing / and we've got feelings for NOTHINGNESS[2], and I know, yes, I know ... it's bad to even think about something else, anything else[1], and in the dark under the duvet you are warm and there is no desire for enlightenment[2], and I feel ... sick of it? / and I am sick of it / but life goes on, and on, and on ... what can we do?[1], and I know, yes, I know ... it's bad to even think about something else, anything else[2], and one more punch in the gut ...[1], and I feel ... sick of it? / and I am sick of it / but life goes on, and on, and on ... what can we do?[2], and ... / Oh, I want to get away, please, beyond the THREE, let me go, anywhere![1], and one more punch in the gut ...[2], and there's nothing to write ... even if I wanted to write it ... / ... and the slaves don't know it ... because they're so lucky[1], and ... / Oh, I want to get away, please, beyond the THREE, let me go, anywhere![2], and the slaves are so lucky to have no consciousness to speak of[1], and there's nothing to write ... even if I wanted to write it ... / ... and the slaves don't know it ... because they're so lucky[2], and GOD makes our luck in this life ... / ... and we are just the cosmic puppets![1], and the slaves are so lucky to have no consciousness to speak of[2], and ... / What a show! / Fuck it![1], and GOD makes our luck in this life ... / ... and we are just the cosmic puppets![2], and I don't want to think about HSBC / and YOU(!) ... want to be like me[3], and ... / What a show! / Fuck it![2], and I feel ... I am sure, yeah[3], and a-ROUND here ... it's a BIG NOTHING, when you know how[3], and ... / the slaves are writing shit[3], and it's for the best / and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND with no pain[3], and it's a mystery[3], and we don't need to know a thing / and we've got feelings for NOTHINGNESS[3], and in the dark under the duvet you are warm and there is no desire for enlightenment[3], and I know, yes, I know ... it's bad to even think about something else, anything else[3], and I feel ... sick of it? / and I am sick of it / but life goes on, and on, and on ... what can we do?[3], and one more punch in the gut ...[3], and ... / Oh, I want to get away, please, beyond the THREE, let me go, anywhere![3], and there's nothing to write ... even if I wanted to write it ... / ... and the slaves don't know it ... because they're so lucky[3], and the slaves are so lucky to have no consciousness to speak of[3], and GOD makes our luck in this life ... / ... and we are just the cosmic puppets![3], and ... / What a show! / Fuck it![3], and

And I don't want to think about HSBC / and YOU(!) ... want to be like me[1], and I feel ... I am sure, yeah[1], and I don't want to think about HSBC / and YOU(!) ... want to be like me[2], and a-ROUND here ... it's a BIG NOTHING, when you know how[1], and I feel ... I am sure, yeah[2], and ... / the slaves are writing shit[1], and a-ROUND here ... it's a BIG NOTHING, when you know how[2], and it's for the best / and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND with no pain[1], and ... / the slaves are writing shit[2], and it's a mystery[1], and it's for the best / and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND with no pain[2], and we don't need to know a thing / and we've got feelings for NOTHINGNESS[1], and it's a mystery[2], and in the dark under the duvet you are warm and there is no desire for enlightenment[1], and we don't need to know a thing / and we've got feelings for NOTHINGNESS[2], and I know, yes, I know ... it's bad to even think about something else, anything else[1], and in the dark under the duvet you are warm and there is no desire for enlightenment[2], and I feel ... sick of it? / and I am sick of it / but life goes on, and on, and on ... what can we do?[1], and I know, yes, I know ... it's bad to even think about something else, anything else[2], and one more punch in the gut ...[1], and I feel ... sick of it? / and I am sick of it / but life goes on, and on, and on ... what can we do?[2], and ... / Oh, I want to get away, please, beyond the THREE, let me go, anywhere![1], and one more punch in the gut ...[2], and there's nothing to write ... even if I wanted to write it ... / ... and the slaves don't know it ... because they're so lucky[1], and ... / Oh, I want to get away, please, beyond the THREE, let me go, anywhere![2], and the slaves are so lucky to have no consciousness to speak of[1], and there's nothing to write ... even if I wanted to write it ... / ... and the slaves don't know it ... because they're so lucky[2], and GOD makes our luck in this life ... / ... and we are just the cosmic puppets![1], and the slaves are so lucky to have no consciousness to speak of[2], and ... / What a show! / Fuck it![1], and GOD makes our luck in this life ... / ... and we are just the cosmic puppets![2], and I don't want to think about HSBC / and YOU(!) ... want to be like me[3], and ... / What a show! / Fuck it![2], and I feel ... I am sure, yeah[3], and a-ROUND here ... it's a BIG NOTHING, when you know how[3], and ... / the slaves are writing shit[3], and it's for the best / and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND with no pain[3], and it's a mystery[3], and we don't need to know a thing / and we've got feelings for NOTHINGNESS[3], and in the dark under the duvet you are warm and there is no desire for enlightenment[3], and I know, yes, I know ... it's bad to even think about something else, anything else[3], and I feel ... sick of it? / and I am sick of it / but life goes on, and on, and on ... what can we do?[3], and one more punch in the gut ...[3], and ... / Oh, I want to get away, please, beyond the THREE, let me go, anywhere![3], and there's nothing to write ... even if I wanted to write it ... / ... and the slaves don't know it ... because they're so lucky[3], and the slaves are so lucky to have no consciousness to speak of[3], and GOD makes our luck in this life ... / ... and we are just the cosmic puppets![3], and ... / What a show! / Fuck it![3], and

And I don't want to think about HSBC / and YOU(!) ... want to be like me[1], and I feel ... I am sure, yeah[1], and I don't want to think about HSBC / and YOU(!) ... want to be like me[2], and a-ROUND here ... it's a BIG NOTHING, when you know how[1], and I feel ... I am sure, yeah[2], and ... / the slaves are writing shit[1], and a-ROUND here ... it's a BIG NOTHING, when you know how[2], and it's for the best / and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND with no pain[1], and ... / the slaves are writing shit[2], and it's a mystery[1], and it's for the best / and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND with no pain[2], and we don't need to know a thing / and we've got feelings for NOTHINGNESS[1], and it's a mystery[2], and in the dark under the duvet you are warm and there is no desire for enlightenment[1], and we don't need to know a thing / and we've got feelings for NOTHINGNESS[2], and I know, yes, I know ... it's bad to even think about something else, anything else[1], and in the dark under the duvet you are warm and there is no desire for enlightenment[2], and I feel ... sick of it? / and I am sick of it / but life goes on, and on, and on ... what can we do?[1], and I know, yes, I know ... it's bad to even think about something else, anything else[2], and one more punch in the gut ...[1], and I feel ... sick of it? / and I am sick of it / but life goes on, and on, and on ... what can we do?[2], and ... / Oh, I want to get away, please, beyond the THREE, let me go, anywhere![1], and one more punch in the gut ...[2], and there's nothing to write ... even if I wanted to write it ... / ... and the slaves don't know it ... because they're so lucky[1], and ... / Oh, I want to get away, please, beyond the THREE, let me go, anywhere![2], and the slaves are so lucky to have no consciousness to speak of[1], and there's nothing to write ... even if I wanted to write it ... / ... and the slaves don't know it ... because they're so lucky[2], and GOD makes our luck in this life ... / ... and we are just the cosmic puppets![1], and the slaves are so lucky to have no consciousness to speak of[2], and ... / What a show! / Fuck it![1], and GOD makes our luck in this life ... / ... and we are just the cosmic puppets![2], and I don't want to think about HSBC / and YOU(!) ... want to be like me[3], and ... / What a show! / Fuck it![2], and I feel ... I am sure, yeah[3], and a-ROUND here ... it's a BIG NOTHING, when you know how[3], and ... / the slaves are writing shit[3], and it's for the best / and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND with no pain[3], and it's a mystery[3], and we don't need to know a thing / and we've got feelings for NOTHINGNESS[3], and in the dark under the duvet you are warm and there is no desire for enlightenment[3], and I know, yes, I know ... it's bad to even think about something else, anything else[3], and I feel ... sick of it? / and I am sick of it / but life goes on, and on, and on ... what can we do?[3], and one more punch in the gut ...[3], and ... / Oh, I want to get away, please, beyond the THREE, let me go, anywhere![3], and there's nothing to write ... even if I wanted to write it ... / ... and the slaves don't know it ... because they're so lucky[3], and the slaves are so lucky to have no consciousness to speak of[3], and GOD makes our luck in this life ... / ... and we are just the cosmic puppets![3], and ... / What a show! / Fuck it![3], and