Amundi creates dedicated platform for real and alternative assets, yippee!

Yeah, yippee! Well, well ... / 'What's this, boss?' Take a wild guess, Voice. 'Er ... is it the Thursday morning PR email, back by popular demand?' You got it in one! 'Oh, good. What do I win?' A biscuit. 'But I got no mouth. Only a voice!' Tough!

Amundi is launching a single platform bringing together its capabilities in real and alternative assets (AI) in order to become one of the leading alternative asset managers in Europe. Real estate, private debt, private equity, infrastructure and alternative multi-management are now all part of an integrated business, bringing together 200 investment professionals in origination, structuring and management, responsible for EUR 34bn in assets (as at 30th June 2016). Amundi aims to double its funds under management in real and alternative assets by 2020.

Well, okay. A single platform. It makes sense.

Amundi's track record in alternative assets includes 40 years' experience in real estate, a leading position in credit management and a pioneering approach in infrastructure, where it has partnered with EDF. The new business grouping will help Amundi develop these areas of expertise to serve investors' needs for performance and diversification. With low correlation to traditional assets, AI strategies have an illiquidity premium which is attractive as we face long-term low interest rates and sustained equity volatility. 38% of institutional investors envisage reallocating part of their portfolio to private debt, 44% to infrastructure, and 51% to private equity.

Yeah, that's great.

Amundi is already recognized in these asset classes based on its own expertise and through its partnerships. The company has exclusive access to several large scale European real estate transactions. It also actively contributes to the financing of the real economy through private debt, private equity and infrastructure.

You see? 'Oh dear. Is there much more of this, boss? I mean, who actually reads this stuff?' Ha! We haven't heard from Pedro Antonio Arias yet. 'What?! Who the hell is Pedro Antonio Arias?!'

Pedro Antonio Arias, Amundi's Global Big Head of Real and Alternative Assets, said: "We have been meticulously building our capabilities over recent years by attracting skilled teams from diverse backgrounds. Our aim is to further develop our capabilities based on the EUR 34bn we already manage in this area, and to be a leading European player in real and alternative assets."

'Oh, okay. I suppose Eric Wohleber will be coming out of the woodwork in a minute.' Ha!

Eric Wohleber, Amundi's Big Head of Real & Alternative Assets Sales, added: "Amundi's power, infrastructure and financial strength are all major advantages allowing us to give European and Asian investors transparent, institutional-quality investment solutions in real and alternative assets."

'What about Uncle Tom Cobley?' He wasn't available for comment. 'Shame.' / Oh, about Amundi -

Publicly traded since November 2015, Amundi is the largest European Asset Manager in terms of AUM, with over 1,000 billion euros worldwide. Headquartered in Paris, France, Amundi has six investment hubs located in the world's key financial centres, and offers a combination of research depth and market experience that has earned the confidence of its clients.

'Please, boss, please!' Ah, that's enough. It's the end of the week. Go and have a lie down on the astral plane, Voice. 'Let's finish this post first. Anything else?'

...

Well, well ... / Anything else, dear reader(s)? Music? I'm listening to Radiohead, The Bends ... dedicated to the memory of Bill Hicks, which is a nice touch.

No. Let's put something else on. Something lighter. Gilbert O'Sullivan. 'You're having a laugh!' Oh, I'm not. This is good shit, if you're in the mood for it.

'Your music?' My music? I'm doing some more work on a couple of my new lyrics later. 'Eh? I thought these songs were finished?!' You thought wrong, man. To paraphrase Marco Pierre White, I don't want the listeners to suffer any weakness with the new demo. / I've got to change just two lines in one of the lyrics, but ... with another, I've got to rewrite the whole thing. 'Christ!' It'll be worth it, believe me, Voice, and, uh, pop fans.

[No. 451] So young

I'm so young. But a bit old, really.

And ... so young?[1], and youth is a state of mind / Well, I'm hoping it is ...[1], and ... so young?[2], and we can chase the dragon a-ROUND here ... 'Er, what dragon?' ... I don't know, man[1], and youth is a state of mind / Well, I'm hoping it is ...[2], and it's not one of my lyrics, you dig?[1], and we can chase the dragon a-ROUND here ... 'Er, what dragon?' ... I don't know, man[2], and does it bite?[1], and it's not one of my lyrics, you dig?[2], and if YOU(!) wanna get GONE(!), my kook(s) ... / Ah, you know this is the right place[1], and does it bite?[2], and we got tyger feet![1], and if YOU(!) wanna get GONE(!), my kook(s) ... / Ah, you know this is the right place[2], and, uh, uh, oh ... YOU(!) got nothing to lose but your dull mind / and, so ... what are you scared of? TELL ME!!![1], and we got tyger feet![2], and the tide, the tide![1], and, uh, uh, oh ... YOU(!) got nothing to lose but your dull mind / and, so ... what are you scared of? TELL ME!!![2], and, well, turning back the clock, before zero - if we can spin fast enough, like superman[1], and the tide, the tide![2], and ... 'What, Mikey?! Not Nietzsche's super-duper man, surely?'[1], and, well, turning back the clock, before zero - if we can spin fast enough, like superman[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... with the tide's electric mind, oh yeah![1], and ... 'What, Mikey?! Not Nietzsche's super-duper man, surely?'[2], and it's eternal recurrence![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... with the tide's electric mind, oh yeah![2], and life beyond the THREE ... is waiting for us! / 'While stocks last, ha!' / Don't be an idiot, Voice[1], and it's eternal recurrence![2], and ... Christ![1], and life beyond the THREE ... is waiting for us! / 'While stocks last, ha!' / Don't be an idiot, Voice[2], and there's lots of it, enough for everyone / ah, that's what I believe / it's why I keep going[1], and ... Christ![2], and, so ... spin, baby, spin, please, spin![1], and there's lots of it, enough for everyone / ah, that's what I believe / it's why I keep going[2], and STAY YOUNG!!![1], and, so ... spin, baby, spin, please, spin![2], and you, you, YOU(!) ... oh, what else are you going to do, in your lifetime?[1], and STAY YOUNG!!![2], and it beats managing a fund, man ... / COME ON! JOIN IN![1], and you, you, YOU(!) ... oh, what else are you going to do, in your lifetime?[2], and ... so young?[3], and it beats managing a fund, man ... / COME ON! JOIN IN![2], and youth is a state of mind / Well, I'm hoping it is ...[3], and we can chase the dragon a-ROUND here ... 'Er, what dragon?' ... I don't know, man[3], and it's not one of my lyrics, you dig?[3], and does it bite?[3], and if YOU(!) wanna get GONE(!), my kook(s) ... / Ah, you know this is the right place[3], and we got tyger feet![3], and, uh, uh, oh ... YOU(!) got nothing to lose but your dull mind / and, so ... what are you scared of? TELL ME!!![3], and the tide, the tide![3], and, well, turning back the clock, before zero - if we can spin fast enough, like superman[3], and ... 'What, Mikey?! Not Nietzsche's super-duper man, surely?'[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... with the tide's electric mind, oh yeah![3], and it's eternal recurrence![3], and life beyond the THREE ... is waiting for us! / 'While stocks last, ha!' / Don't be an idiot, Voice[3], and ... Christ![3], and there's lots of it, enough for everyone / ah, that's what I believe / it's why I keep going[3], and, so ... spin, baby, spin, please, spin![3], and STAY YOUNG!!![3], and you, you, YOU(!) ... oh, what else are you going to do, in your lifetime?[3], and it beats managing a fund, man ... / COME ON! JOIN IN![3], and

And ... so young?[1], and youth is a state of mind / Well, I'm hoping it is ...[1], and ... so young?[2], and we can chase the dragon a-ROUND here ... 'Er, what dragon?' ... I don't know, man[1], and youth is a state of mind / Well, I'm hoping it is ...[2], and it's not one of my lyrics, you dig?[1], and we can chase the dragon a-ROUND here ... 'Er, what dragon?' ... I don't know, man[2], and does it bite?[1], and it's not one of my lyrics, you dig?[2], and if YOU(!) wanna get GONE(!), my kook(s) ... / Ah, you know this is the right place[1], and does it bite?[2], and we got tyger feet![1], and if YOU(!) wanna get GONE(!), my kook(s) ... / Ah, you know this is the right place[2], and, uh, uh, oh ... YOU(!) got nothing to lose but your dull mind / and, so ... what are you scared of? TELL ME!!![1], and we got tyger feet![2], and the tide, the tide![1], and, uh, uh, oh ... YOU(!) got nothing to lose but your dull mind / and, so ... what are you scared of? TELL ME!!![2], and, well, turning back the clock, before zero - if we can spin fast enough, like superman[1], and the tide, the tide![2], and ... 'What, Mikey?! Not Nietzsche's super-duper man, surely?'[1], and, well, turning back the clock, before zero - if we can spin fast enough, like superman[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... with the tide's electric mind, oh yeah![1], and ... 'What, Mikey?! Not Nietzsche's super-duper man, surely?'[2], and it's eternal recurrence![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... with the tide's electric mind, oh yeah![2], and life beyond the THREE ... is waiting for us! / 'While stocks last, ha!' / Don't be an idiot, Voice[1], and it's eternal recurrence![2], and ... Christ![1], and life beyond the THREE ... is waiting for us! / 'While stocks last, ha!' / Don't be an idiot, Voice[2], and there's lots of it, enough for everyone / ah, that's what I believe / it's why I keep going[1], and ... Christ![2], and, so ... spin, baby, spin, please, spin![1], and there's lots of it, enough for everyone / ah, that's what I believe / it's why I keep going[2], and STAY YOUNG!!![1], and, so ... spin, baby, spin, please, spin![2], and you, you, YOU(!) ... oh, what else are you going to do, in your lifetime?[1], and STAY YOUNG!!![2], and it beats managing a fund, man ... / COME ON! JOIN IN![1], and you, you, YOU(!) ... oh, what else are you going to do, in your lifetime?[2], and ... so young?[3], and it beats managing a fund, man ... / COME ON! JOIN IN![2], and youth is a state of mind / Well, I'm hoping it is ...[3], and we can chase the dragon a-ROUND here ... 'Er, what dragon?' ... I don't know, man[3], and it's not one of my lyrics, you dig?[3], and does it bite?[3], and if YOU(!) wanna get GONE(!), my kook(s) ... / Ah, you know this is the right place[3], and we got tyger feet![3], and, uh, uh, oh ... YOU(!) got nothing to lose but your dull mind / and, so ... what are you scared of? TELL ME!!![3], and the tide, the tide![3], and, well, turning back the clock, before zero - if we can spin fast enough, like superman[3], and ... 'What, Mikey?! Not Nietzsche's super-duper man, surely?'[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... with the tide's electric mind, oh yeah![3], and it's eternal recurrence![3], and life beyond the THREE ... is waiting for us! / 'While stocks last, ha!' / Don't be an idiot, Voice[3], and ... Christ![3], and there's lots of it, enough for everyone / ah, that's what I believe / it's why I keep going[3], and, so ... spin, baby, spin, please, spin![3], and STAY YOUNG!!![3], and you, you, YOU(!) ... oh, what else are you going to do, in your lifetime?[3], and it beats managing a fund, man ... / COME ON! JOIN IN![3], and

And ... so young?[1], and youth is a state of mind / Well, I'm hoping it is ...[1], and ... so young?[2], and we can chase the dragon a-ROUND here ... 'Er, what dragon?' ... I don't know, man[1], and youth is a state of mind / Well, I'm hoping it is ...[2], and it's not one of my lyrics, you dig?[1], and we can chase the dragon a-ROUND here ... 'Er, what dragon?' ... I don't know, man[2], and does it bite?[1], and it's not one of my lyrics, you dig?[2], and if YOU(!) wanna get GONE(!), my kook(s) ... / Ah, you know this is the right place[1], and does it bite?[2], and we got tyger feet![1], and if YOU(!) wanna get GONE(!), my kook(s) ... / Ah, you know this is the right place[2], and, uh, uh, oh ... YOU(!) got nothing to lose but your dull mind / and, so ... what are you scared of? TELL ME!!![1], and we got tyger feet![2], and the tide, the tide![1], and, uh, uh, oh ... YOU(!) got nothing to lose but your dull mind / and, so ... what are you scared of? TELL ME!!![2], and, well, turning back the clock, before zero - if we can spin fast enough, like superman[1], and the tide, the tide![2], and ... 'What, Mikey?! Not Nietzsche's super-duper man, surely?'[1], and, well, turning back the clock, before zero - if we can spin fast enough, like superman[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... with the tide's electric mind, oh yeah![1], and ... 'What, Mikey?! Not Nietzsche's super-duper man, surely?'[2], and it's eternal recurrence![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... with the tide's electric mind, oh yeah![2], and life beyond the THREE ... is waiting for us! / 'While stocks last, ha!' / Don't be an idiot, Voice[1], and it's eternal recurrence![2], and ... Christ![1], and life beyond the THREE ... is waiting for us! / 'While stocks last, ha!' / Don't be an idiot, Voice[2], and there's lots of it, enough for everyone / ah, that's what I believe / it's why I keep going[1], and ... Christ![2], and, so ... spin, baby, spin, please, spin![1], and there's lots of it, enough for everyone / ah, that's what I believe / it's why I keep going[2], and STAY YOUNG!!![1], and, so ... spin, baby, spin, please, spin![2], and you, you, YOU(!) ... oh, what else are you going to do, in your lifetime?[1], and STAY YOUNG!!![2], and it beats managing a fund, man ... / COME ON! JOIN IN![1], and you, you, YOU(!) ... oh, what else are you going to do, in your lifetime?[2], and ... so young?[3], and it beats managing a fund, man ... / COME ON! JOIN IN![2], and youth is a state of mind / Well, I'm hoping it is ...[3], and we can chase the dragon a-ROUND here ... 'Er, what dragon?' ... I don't know, man[3], and it's not one of my lyrics, you dig?[3], and does it bite?[3], and if YOU(!) wanna get GONE(!), my kook(s) ... / Ah, you know this is the right place[3], and we got tyger feet![3], and, uh, uh, oh ... YOU(!) got nothing to lose but your dull mind / and, so ... what are you scared of? TELL ME!!![3], and the tide, the tide![3], and, well, turning back the clock, before zero - if we can spin fast enough, like superman[3], and ... 'What, Mikey?! Not Nietzsche's super-duper man, surely?'[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... with the tide's electric mind, oh yeah![3], and it's eternal recurrence![3], and life beyond the THREE ... is waiting for us! / 'While stocks last, ha!' / Don't be an idiot, Voice[3], and ... Christ![3], and there's lots of it, enough for everyone / ah, that's what I believe / it's why I keep going[3], and, so ... spin, baby, spin, please, spin![3], and STAY YOUNG!!![3], and you, you, YOU(!) ... oh, what else are you going to do, in your lifetime?[3], and it beats managing a fund, man ... / COME ON! JOIN IN![3], and

Broad Bridge Capital LLP? Tej Johar?

What on earth?! Who on earth?! Et cetera ... well, well. Ha! / Oh, we've got a new hedge fund, man! Or we will have soon. Tej Johar is setting it up. 'Tegjit, boss.' What? 'Tegjit.' What on EARTH(!!!) are you going on about?! 'Tegjit Johar, boss. That's his name.' How do you know? 'I just know.' Shut up, idiot! / Ignore him, dear reader(s). The Voice doesn't actually know anything. If he knew anything, I'd give him a salary. Do you know what I mean? 'Ha!'

Anyway. Yeah, our Tej hasn't launched it yet, I don't think. But he's calling it Broad Bridge Capital LLP. So, it has a name. That's always a good sign with a new hedge fund. And it's going to be all event-driven shit, betting on corporate events such as mergers and acquisitions as well as restructurings. All that kind of thing, you know? 'Sounds okay.' Yeah. As if you would know. 'Eh?' As if you would know what sounds okay, Voice. [He doesn't know.]

Uh, oh ... by the way, our Tej - 'Tegjit.' Our Tej ... used to work at BlueCrest Capital Management. 'Nice.' Yes, very nice. It goes without saying that I wish him all the best, but ... [drum roll] ... it's a tough time for hedge funds at the moment. However, the good news is, Tej has received some capital from a U.S. institution. 'A mental institution?' Ha! You're so funny, Voice. Really.

And that's ALL(!!!) ... the news on this sunny Wednesday morning. Maybe winter has been postponed. We'll have to wait and see.

...

Anything else? Music? I'm listening to the first Suede album, Suede. 'Eh? Suede, Album, Suede - ?!' No, Suede by Suede, idiot! 'Well, why didn't you say so?' Christ!

There are very strong Roxy Music and David Bowie influences on this album, which never did anybody any harm. I had almost forgotten about the album, until I watched the film The World's End recently. 'Explain!' The film uses the song, So Young. 'Oh. Okay.' Yeah.

My music? I've made some "adjustments" to one of my new lyrics. 'You can't leave it alone, Mikey!' Excuse me, Voice. I've got to get this shit right. I don't need to be like Bob Dylan or Leonard Cohen, but I want my lyrics to be ... a cut above the average, as it were. 'Or will be.' Exactly! / John Lennon is a good model for this.

Well ... laters, yeah?

New analysis reveals star performers in global debt league

Emerging markets are doing great, apparently. / Yes, it's the Tuesday morning PR email, back by popular demand. 'Er ... Monday night, boss.' No. Tuesday morning, by the time I've posted it. I do actually know what I'm doing, you know. I have been writing this blog for close to ten years, idiot! 'All right, all right. Keep your hair on. What's this all about, anyway?' Christ!

According to research carried out by Source, one of the largest providers of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) in Europe, of the world's 20 largest economies, the 10 most indebted countries relative to their economic output in 2015, (including governments, non-financial sector corporates and households) were all developed, with Japan (396% of GDP), Netherlands (326%) and France (310%) the highest. South Korea (233%) and China (233%) - at 12th and 13th respectively - had the highest total debt among EMs, although their levels were still below the global average of 240%. On the assumption that debt owed by governments is of a higher quality than that owed by corporates, Indonesia and Mexico are the best placed, with corporate debt amounting to less than 25% of GDP. India (48%), Russia (52%) and Turkey (54%) are not far behind.

'Oh.' Oh, indeed.

Paul Jackson, Head of Research at Source, commented: "The most striking feature of our analysis is the relative 'lack' of debt in emerging economies. Even China, which has been the focus of debt concerns in recent years, was less indebted than the global average in 2015. If investors are worried about debt in China they should really be worried about some other countries, in particular Japan, the Netherlands and France. Based on their debt fundamentals, emerging markets are better placed than most developed markets, which make the yield premiums on their bonds even more attractive. Indeed, debt/GDP ratios in most emerging countries are well below global norms."

And there's more!

A major differentiating factor is the ownership of the debt - that held domestically is less of a threat to an economy than if it is held by foreigners, Source says. Many emerging countries are self-financing and do not have the dangerous cocktail of growing debt financed externally. Among countries with low external debt/GDP ratios, Source would highlight Indonesia (34%) and Russia (39%), as they have also reduced their total debt/GDP ratio since 2000 (by 32% and 3% of GDP, respectively). Traditional "safe-havens" such as Germany (147%) and Switzerland (231%) have high external debt/GDP ratios but also have a lot of external assets (they are serial current account surplus countries) and their net international investment to GDP ratios are 48% and 92% respectively. Russia also has a positive NII/GDP ratio at 26%.

You see, Voice? 'Yeah.' So, that's it. 'Can we have a final word from Paul Jackson? I like him.' Oh, if you insist.

Paul Jackson added: "If we are searching for a so-called safe-haven, our analysis suggests Switzerland may be the best placed traditional candidate given that Germany suffers from its euro area associations. More controversially, Indonesia and Russia appear to have many desirable qualities but we doubt the market will recognize them anytime soon."

Well, well ... / Ha! Of course, if everybody paid everybody else back, there wouldn't be any debt. 'How do you work that out, boss?' Think about it, man. Everybody seems to be in debt, yeah? 'Yeah.' Everybody owes everybody else money. So, they just gotta pay all the debts back. Simple! 'I don't understand.' Christ! Imagine that Pete owes £5 to Dave, all right? 'Okay.' And Steve owes £5 to Pete. And Dave owes £5 to Steve. And then Graham owes £2 to Steve. And - 'One question.' What? 'Who are these guys?' They don't exist. I just made them up, as an example. 'Eh? An example of what?!' Oh, listen, never mind. You just stick with your fucking ignorance! The readers know what I'm talking about.

...

Has he gone? He's gone now. Let's have some music. Brian Eno's Apollo.

[No. 450] I'm gonna be just like Jackie Treehorn!

In Malibu, man!

And, yeah, Malibu![1], and I got a real good feeling about it, you dig?[1], and, yeah, Malibu![2], and a big house, and a big sofa ... / Opening right out on to the beach, for all the parties[1], and I got a real good feeling about it, you dig?[2], and it will be quite a pad, completely unspoiled[1], and a big house, and a big sofa ... / Opening right out on to the beach, for all the parties[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, now ... uh, think, man: Make it happen![1], and it will be quite a pad, completely unspoiled[2], and I'm staying positive ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, now ... uh, think, man: Make it happen![2], and ... 'You're dreaming, Mikey!' / and ... YOU(!) ... gotta have a dream, Voice![1], and I'm staying positive ...[2], and I will deal in music publishing, entertainment, political advocacy ...[1], and ... 'You're dreaming, Mikey!' / and ... YOU(!) ... gotta have a dream, Voice![2], and when I'm DIZZY(!) a-ROUND here out of my head ... anything seems possible[1], and I will deal in music publishing, entertainment, political advocacy ...[2], and I need to leave reality behind, any way I can ...[1], and when I'm DIZZY(!) a-ROUND here out of my head ... anything seems possible[2], and Rod Steiger stared at the sea for FIVE YEARS!!! / Yes, a man after my own heart![1], and I need to leave reality behind, any way I can ...[2], and, uh ... he was depressed, but ...[1], and Rod Steiger stared at the sea for FIVE YEARS!!! / Yes, a man after my own heart![2], and, oh, oh, oh ... positivity![1], and, uh ... he was depressed, but ...[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, well ... it's the only way, for NOW(!)[1], and, oh, oh, oh ... positivity![2], and I'm sure the new technology will permit me to do very exciting things in interactive erotic software ... 'Eh?!'[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, well ... it's the only way, for NOW(!)[2], and ... objects?[1], and I'm sure the new technology will permit me to do very exciting things in interactive erotic software ... 'Eh?!'[2], and Malibu? ... oh, I will draw a lot of water in that town, believe me / It's only a matter of time[1], and ... objects?[2], and ... women?[1], and Malibu? ... oh, I will draw a lot of water in that town, believe me / It's only a matter of time[2], and the police chief will look after me, and my money, so ... no goldbrickers, please![1], and ... women?[2], and I feel ... that the cosmos owes me, you dig?[1], and the police chief will look after me, and my money, so ... no goldbrickers, please![2], and all I'm saying is: I want mine[1], and I feel ... that the cosmos owes me, you dig?[2], and, yeah, Malibu![3], and all I'm saying is: I want mine[2], and I got a real good feeling about it, you dig?[3], and a big house, and a big sofa ... / Opening right out on to the beach, for all the parties[3], and it will be quite a pad, completely unspoiled[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, now ... uh, think, man: Make it happen![3], and I'm staying positive ...[3], and ... 'You're dreaming, Mikey!' / and ... YOU(!) ... gotta have a dream, Voice![3], and I will deal in music publishing, entertainment, political advocacy ...[3], and when I'm DIZZY(!) a-ROUND here out of my head ... anything seems possible[3], and I need to leave reality behind, any way I can ...[3], and Rod Steiger stared at the sea for FIVE YEARS!!! / Yes, a man after my own heart![3], and, uh ... he was depressed, but ...[3], and, oh, oh, oh ... positivity![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, well ... it's the only way, for NOW(!)[3], and I'm sure the new technology will permit me to do very exciting things in interactive erotic software ... 'Eh?!'[3], and ... objects?[3], and Malibu? ... oh, I will draw a lot of water in that town, believe me / It's only a matter of time[3], and ... women?[3], and the police chief will look after me, and my money, so ... no goldbrickers, please![3], and I feel ... that the cosmos owes me, you dig?[3], and all I'm saying is: I want mine[3], and

And, yeah, Malibu![1], and I got a real good feeling about it, you dig?[1], and, yeah, Malibu![2], and a big house, and a big sofa ... / Opening right out on to the beach, for all the parties[1], and I got a real good feeling about it, you dig?[2], and it will be quite a pad, completely unspoiled[1], and a big house, and a big sofa ... / Opening right out on to the beach, for all the parties[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, now ... uh, think, man: Make it happen![1], and it will be quite a pad, completely unspoiled[2], and I'm staying positive ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, now ... uh, think, man: Make it happen![2], and ... 'You're dreaming, Mikey!' / and ... YOU(!) ... gotta have a dream, Voice![1], and I'm staying positive ...[2], and I will deal in music publishing, entertainment, political advocacy ...[1], and ... 'You're dreaming, Mikey!' / and ... YOU(!) ... gotta have a dream, Voice![2], and when I'm DIZZY(!) a-ROUND here out of my head ... anything seems possible[1], and I will deal in music publishing, entertainment, political advocacy ...[2], and I need to leave reality behind, any way I can ...[1], and when I'm DIZZY(!) a-ROUND here out of my head ... anything seems possible[2], and Rod Steiger stared at the sea for FIVE YEARS!!! / Yes, a man after my own heart![1], and I need to leave reality behind, any way I can ...[2], and, uh ... he was depressed, but ...[1], and Rod Steiger stared at the sea for FIVE YEARS!!! / Yes, a man after my own heart![2], and, oh, oh, oh ... positivity![1], and, uh ... he was depressed, but ...[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, well ... it's the only way, for NOW(!)[1], and, oh, oh, oh ... positivity![2], and I'm sure the new technology will permit me to do very exciting things in interactive erotic software ... 'Eh?!'[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, well ... it's the only way, for NOW(!)[2], and ... objects?[1], and I'm sure the new technology will permit me to do very exciting things in interactive erotic software ... 'Eh?!'[2], and Malibu? ... oh, I will draw a lot of water in that town, believe me / It's only a matter of time[1], and ... objects?[2], and ... women?[1], and Malibu? ... oh, I will draw a lot of water in that town, believe me / It's only a matter of time[2], and the police chief will look after me, and my money, so ... no goldbrickers, please![1], and ... women?[2], and I feel ... that the cosmos owes me, you dig?[1], and the police chief will look after me, and my money, so ... no goldbrickers, please![2], and all I'm saying is: I want mine[1], and I feel ... that the cosmos owes me, you dig?[2], and, yeah, Malibu![3], and all I'm saying is: I want mine[2], and I got a real good feeling about it, you dig?[3], and a big house, and a big sofa ... / Opening right out on to the beach, for all the parties[3], and it will be quite a pad, completely unspoiled[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, now ... uh, think, man: Make it happen![3], and I'm staying positive ...[3], and ... 'You're dreaming, Mikey!' / and ... YOU(!) ... gotta have a dream, Voice![3], and I will deal in music publishing, entertainment, political advocacy ...[3], and when I'm DIZZY(!) a-ROUND here out of my head ... anything seems possible[3], and I need to leave reality behind, any way I can ...[3], and Rod Steiger stared at the sea for FIVE YEARS!!! / Yes, a man after my own heart![3], and, uh ... he was depressed, but ...[3], and, oh, oh, oh ... positivity![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, well ... it's the only way, for NOW(!)[3], and I'm sure the new technology will permit me to do very exciting things in interactive erotic software ... 'Eh?!'[3], and ... objects?[3], and Malibu? ... oh, I will draw a lot of water in that town, believe me / It's only a matter of time[3], and ... women?[3], and the police chief will look after me, and my money, so ... no goldbrickers, please![3], and I feel ... that the cosmos owes me, you dig?[3], and all I'm saying is: I want mine[3], and

And, yeah, Malibu![1], and I got a real good feeling about it, you dig?[1], and, yeah, Malibu![2], and a big house, and a big sofa ... / Opening right out on to the beach, for all the parties[1], and I got a real good feeling about it, you dig?[2], and it will be quite a pad, completely unspoiled[1], and a big house, and a big sofa ... / Opening right out on to the beach, for all the parties[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, now ... uh, think, man: Make it happen![1], and it will be quite a pad, completely unspoiled[2], and I'm staying positive ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, now ... uh, think, man: Make it happen![2], and ... 'You're dreaming, Mikey!' / and ... YOU(!) ... gotta have a dream, Voice![1], and I'm staying positive ...[2], and I will deal in music publishing, entertainment, political advocacy ...[1], and ... 'You're dreaming, Mikey!' / and ... YOU(!) ... gotta have a dream, Voice![2], and when I'm DIZZY(!) a-ROUND here out of my head ... anything seems possible[1], and I will deal in music publishing, entertainment, political advocacy ...[2], and I need to leave reality behind, any way I can ...[1], and when I'm DIZZY(!) a-ROUND here out of my head ... anything seems possible[2], and Rod Steiger stared at the sea for FIVE YEARS!!! / Yes, a man after my own heart![1], and I need to leave reality behind, any way I can ...[2], and, uh ... he was depressed, but ...[1], and Rod Steiger stared at the sea for FIVE YEARS!!! / Yes, a man after my own heart![2], and, oh, oh, oh ... positivity![1], and, uh ... he was depressed, but ...[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, well ... it's the only way, for NOW(!)[1], and, oh, oh, oh ... positivity![2], and I'm sure the new technology will permit me to do very exciting things in interactive erotic software ... 'Eh?!'[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, well ... it's the only way, for NOW(!)[2], and ... objects?[1], and I'm sure the new technology will permit me to do very exciting things in interactive erotic software ... 'Eh?!'[2], and Malibu? ... oh, I will draw a lot of water in that town, believe me / It's only a matter of time[1], and ... objects?[2], and ... women?[1], and Malibu? ... oh, I will draw a lot of water in that town, believe me / It's only a matter of time[2], and the police chief will look after me, and my money, so ... no goldbrickers, please![1], and ... women?[2], and I feel ... that the cosmos owes me, you dig?[1], and the police chief will look after me, and my money, so ... no goldbrickers, please![2], and all I'm saying is: I want mine[1], and I feel ... that the cosmos owes me, you dig?[2], and, yeah, Malibu![3], and all I'm saying is: I want mine[2], and I got a real good feeling about it, you dig?[3], and a big house, and a big sofa ... / Opening right out on to the beach, for all the parties[3], and it will be quite a pad, completely unspoiled[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, now ... uh, think, man: Make it happen![3], and I'm staying positive ...[3], and ... 'You're dreaming, Mikey!' / and ... YOU(!) ... gotta have a dream, Voice![3], and I will deal in music publishing, entertainment, political advocacy ...[3], and when I'm DIZZY(!) a-ROUND here out of my head ... anything seems possible[3], and I need to leave reality behind, any way I can ...[3], and Rod Steiger stared at the sea for FIVE YEARS!!! / Yes, a man after my own heart![3], and, uh ... he was depressed, but ...[3], and, oh, oh, oh ... positivity![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, well ... it's the only way, for NOW(!)[3], and I'm sure the new technology will permit me to do very exciting things in interactive erotic software ... 'Eh?!'[3], and ... objects?[3], and Malibu? ... oh, I will draw a lot of water in that town, believe me / It's only a matter of time[3], and ... women?[3], and the police chief will look after me, and my money, so ... no goldbrickers, please![3], and I feel ... that the cosmos owes me, you dig?[3], and all I'm saying is: I want mine[3], and

Rothschild's Five Arrows Secondary Opportunities IV - ?!

Oh ... What's that?! ... you're probably wondering, dear reader(s). Well, I don't see why. It's obviously a new fund. 'Tell us more, boss!' Okay, Voice. Rothschild Merchant Banking has raised €451 million for this European secondaries fund.

Rothschild Merchant Banking is the investment arm of the Rothschild & Co Group. It deploys the firm's capital, alongside that of a select set of leading institutional and private investors. With global commitments in excess of €6 billion, Rothschild Merchant Banking manages a series of funds dedicated to corporate and secondary private equity, multi-managers funds as well as senior and junior credits.

'That's about the firm. What about the fund?' Christ!

Five Arrows Secondary Opportunities ("FASO"), the European small and mid-cap secondary business of Rothschild Merchant Banking, is pleased to announce that it has completed the fundraising of Five Arrows Secondary Opportunities IV ("FASO IV" or "the Fund") at €451 million after only a few months of fundraising and above its target size.

You see? A firm inside a firm inside a firm inside a firm inside a firm inside a firm ... 'Like the Russian dolls?' What Russian dolls?! 'Those dolls, man. With the smaller dolls inside, yeah?' Yeah, okay. Whatever. 'Is this a PR email, boss, back by popular demand?' No. No, it isn't. I found this myself, on the internet, on their site, a PDF thing. 'You're so clever.' Tell me about it! / Here's some more -

A significant majority of limited partner commitments originated from existing investors in Five Arrows Secondary Opportunities III ("FASO III"). In addition, the Fund attracted strong interest from new investors comprising top tier institutions and family offices around the globe. FASO's seasoned and cohesive investment team is comprised of 13 professionals and is run by Mireille Klitting, its Fund's Managing Partner. FASO IV will continue to focus on European small and mid-cap secondary transactions. The Fund will seek to maintain its predecessor funds' strong bias towards Secondary Direct transactions, where it purchases portfolios of companies. FASO IV has already completed its first two European Secondary Directs transactions.

Well, I wish them all the best with it. / Actually, I probably will be doing a PR email, very late tonight or early tomorrow. 'And a conceptual.' Yes, one of those, too. Somewhere in between. I've got a lot of work to do! I'm not a waster. 'No one's saying you are, boss.' Good.

...

Anything else? Well, dear reader(s), I can tell you it's a very depressing Monday morning (a bit brighter now, in truth). Summer is definitely over.

She's my best friend. Certainly not your average girl. Yeah, she's my best friend. She understands me when I'm feeling down ...

Music? Oh, I'm listening to Coney Island Baby by Lou Reed. It worries me that a lot of great music stars are forgotten about when they die ... / It's the way of the world, I suppose. People are still talking about David Bowie though. Not Prince so much, I reckon. And who cares about George Bernard Shaw these days? 'I loved his albums, boss!' Don't be ridiculous, Voice!

Er ... 'Music update?' I don't do those any more. I'm fed up with them, man. 'Just one more. Go on.' Oh, all right. I've finished writing my four new songs. 'Yippee!' That means I have seven songs now (not including the ones I've scrapped, like My Heart and Gilly, Gilly). / I just gotta rehearse and record ...

Truffle Capital announces the appointment of Olga Koulechova as ...

Er, hang on ... partner and head of business development. Yeah. Oh, that's all right, ain't it? 'What's this, boss? I thought we were writing about London property.' Ha! You're not writing about anything, son. No, this has just come through. / Yes, dear reader(s), it's the Thursday morning PR email, back by popular demand, and hot from my email inbox. Obviously, they're cutting it a bit fine, Caroline and Wendy at the PR firm, but I like the look of this Olga bird, so we're going with it, okay, reader(s)? Okay, Voice? 'Whatever. I don't care.' Right -

Paris, September 22nd, 2016 - Truffle Capital, a leading European venture capital firm focused on young innovative companies announces the appointment of Olga Koulechova as Partner and Head of Business Development. With an extensive experience in assets management and private equity, Olga Koulechova is taking over the Business Development and will manage institutional fund raising campaigns in Life Sciences and Fintech - Truffle Capital's main areas of expertise.

Brilliant!

Prior to joining Truffle Capital, Olga Koulechova had been Head of Business Development and Partner at Idinvest Partners since 2011. As VP Senior Sales International, Head of Nordics at Edmond de Rothschild Asset Management since 2007, Olga Koulechova had previously participated in the marketing and promotion of the group in the Nordic area. She also held the position of Senior Sales International at Natixis Asset Management from 2005 to 2007 and started her career in assets management as Research Manager at BFT Gestion in 2000. Olga Koulechova holds a Master of Business Administration from the INSEAD, a PhD in Applied Mathematics from Bordeaux University and a Master of Sciences Mathematics from Moscow State University (MSU).

Bloody hell! A real brainbox we've got on our hands here! / But what about Truffle Capital? 'I've never heard of them before, boss.' Ha! I can fix that, man -

Truffle Capital is an independent European venture capital firm founded in 2001 whose assets, as of December 31st, 2015, totalled €730 million under management and advisory, mostly via institutional and retail private equity funds (FCPRs and FCPIs). Truffle Capital specializes in investments in companies developing breakthrough technologies and products in the Information Technology and Life Sciences sectors, in spin-offs and new ventures. The firm is led by a team of three founding partners, Henri Moulard, Dr. Philippe Pouletty and Bernard-Louis Roques, with decades of successful investments and entrepreneurial experience in Europe and the U.S.

Impressive!

...

Well, well ... / That's my good deed for the day. And it's the end of the week! 'Yippee!'

SpringOwl Asset Management is going to launch a new fund!

Yippee! You know SpringOwl, reader(s)? It was founded by Jason Ader and Andrew "Tuco" Wallach three years ago. 'Tuco, what, boss?!' Tuco, Voice. That's Andy's nickname. 'Oh.' Do you know what his saying is? 'No. What?' Get this - Whoever double-crosses me and leaves me alive, he understands nothing about Tuco. Nothing! Then he chuckles a bit. It's brilliant. He scares the shit out of everybody.

This is from his LinkedIn profile ... I am currently the co-founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer of SpringOwl Asset Management. I was the CEO and CIO of Cumberland Associates LLC. After joining Cumberland in 1990, I became a partner in 1994 and became a member of the management committee in 1997. After co-managing the firm for 14 years, I became CEO in 2010 and CIO in 2011. My specialties and areas include: telecommunications, media and entertainment, technology, consumer goods, and distressed debt.

'Great!' Yeah, he sounds like a great guy. 'He certainly does.' Of course, Bloomberg has a different story ... This person is connected to 0 Board Members in 0 different organizations across 0 different industries. 'Ha! Those tossers, boss! What the hell is wrong with Bloomberg?!' I don't know. They enjoy being awkward and unhelpful, I suppose.

Anyway, a new fund. 'Has it got a name?' I'm sure it has. Or it will have. Give them a chance, for Christ's sake! This fund is definitely happening. 'Okay.' It's going to be investing in real estate, financial services, consumer and technology companies. 'Nice.' Well, why not? There's no harm in that stuff. I hope Jason and Andy make a success of it.

...

Anything else? Music? Oh, I'm listening to Daryl Hall and John Oates. 'What?! For your sins?' Shut up! They're criminally underrated, man, probably because they're so mainstream and commercial. However, they have some great songs (and great recordings of those songs). 'Has John Oates shaved that moustache off yet, Mikey? He's not doing himself any favours.' Leave him alone, Voice!

My music? I've made a slight lyrical change to my best song, which has improved it massively. It's like what Tony Robbins says about that one millimetre. 'Eh?!' Don't worry about it, idiot. The people who know will know. That's the important thing. / Well, laters ... 'Today?' Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow ... 'Er, Saturday?' No! Tomorrow, Voice! 'Uh, Thursday.' Yeah, the end of the week. / So I'll say it again. Jesus! Laters.


The last ever music update (7.15pm): I'm serious. There's no point, man. I've reversed those changes to the lyric. I was concerned the chorus was a bit generic. And it is. BUT(!) ... it works, you dig? And if it works, it works. What the fuck am I supposed to do?! 'Mikey, if it ain't broke ...' Yeah, I know, I know. / Oh, and I bought a recording app for my smart phone. Only £2. But it's a waste, really. I mean, it doesn't matter how good it is, if I'm using the crappy microphone on my phone. Never mind.

[No. 449] Fiona's got a cash cushion!

It's all right for some.

And Fiona is laughing all the way to the cushion![1], and they say it's safer than a bank / 'Who says that?!'[1], and Fiona is laughing all the way to the cushion![2], and cash is a great healer[1], and they say it's safer than a bank / 'Who says that?!'[2], and it will soon be £300 million!!![1], and cash is a great healer[2], and I wish I had a cash cushion in my basement / a place to chillax, you know?[1], and it will soon be £300 million!!![2], and when you're meditating the vibes from the cushion enter your mind and your soul[1], and I wish I had a cash cushion in my basement / a place to chillax, you know?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND is ... all I got / but I'm not complaining[1], and when you're meditating the vibes from the cushion enter your mind and your soul[2], and it's certainly more spiritual than a bank[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND is ... all I got / but I'm not complaining[2], and if I had more than two pennies to rub together ... I suppose I could put them in a sock / 'Eh?!'[1], and it's certainly more spiritual than a bank[2], and does she chant?[1], and if I had more than two pennies to rub together ... I suppose I could put them in a sock / 'Eh?!'[2], and tie it around my head, the sock / I don't know / I'm just clutching at straws[1], and does she chant?[2], and the things I think of!!![1], and tie it around my head, the sock / I don't know / I'm just clutching at straws[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND has got to be ... the safe bet[1], and the things I think of!!![2], and who needs money if you're DIZZY(!)? / and kook(s), you know I'm your monolith, right?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND has got to be ... the safe bet[2], and, Jesus H.! ... cash cushion, ha![1], and who needs money if you're DIZZY(!)? / and kook(s), you know I'm your monolith, right?[2], and Fiona's probably thinking that she'll stick with the money / Oh, good luck to you, girl![1], and, Jesus H.! ... cash cushion, ha![2], and you can lead a horse to water ...[1], and Fiona's probably thinking that she'll stick with the money / Oh, good luck to you, girl![2], and one new conceptual, yes, will soon be over, yes, uh ... only to start again, ha![1], and you can lead a horse to water ...[2], and /// are YOU(!) ready for another spin?[1], and one new conceptual, yes, will soon be over, yes, uh ... only to start again, ha![2], and Fiona is laughing all the way to the cushion![3], and /// are YOU(!) ready for another spin?[2], and they say it's safer than a bank / 'Who says that?!'[3], and cash is a great healer[3], and it will soon be £300 million!!![3], and I wish I had a cash cushion in my basement / a place to chillax, you know?[3], and when you're meditating the vibes from the cushion enter your mind and your soul[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND is ... all I got / but I'm not complaining[3], and it's certainly more spiritual than a bank[3], and if I had more than two pennies to rub together ... I suppose I could put them in a sock / 'Eh?!'[3], and does she chant?[3], and tie it around my head, the sock / I don't know / I'm just clutching at straws[3], and the things I think of!!![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND has got to be ... the safe bet[3], and who needs money if you're DIZZY(!)? / and kook(s), you know I'm your monolith, right?[3], and, Jesus H.! ... cash cushion, ha![3], and Fiona's probably thinking that she'll stick with the money / Oh, good luck to you, girl![3], and you can lead a horse to water ...[3], and one new conceptual, yes, will soon be over, yes, uh ... only to start again, ha![3], and /// are YOU(!) ready for another spin?[3], and

And Fiona is laughing all the way to the cushion![1], and they say it's safer than a bank / 'Who says that?!'[1], and Fiona is laughing all the way to the cushion![2], and cash is a great healer[1], and they say it's safer than a bank / 'Who says that?!'[2], and it will soon be £300 million!!![1], and cash is a great healer[2], and I wish I had a cash cushion in my basement / a place to chillax, you know?[1], and it will soon be £300 million!!![2], and when you're meditating the vibes from the cushion enter your mind and your soul[1], and I wish I had a cash cushion in my basement / a place to chillax, you know?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND is ... all I got / but I'm not complaining[1], and when you're meditating the vibes from the cushion enter your mind and your soul[2], and it's certainly more spiritual than a bank[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND is ... all I got / but I'm not complaining[2], and if I had more than two pennies to rub together ... I suppose I could put them in a sock / 'Eh?!'[1], and it's certainly more spiritual than a bank[2], and does she chant?[1], and if I had more than two pennies to rub together ... I suppose I could put them in a sock / 'Eh?!'[2], and tie it around my head, the sock / I don't know / I'm just clutching at straws[1], and does she chant?[2], and the things I think of!!![1], and tie it around my head, the sock / I don't know / I'm just clutching at straws[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND has got to be ... the safe bet[1], and the things I think of!!![2], and who needs money if you're DIZZY(!)? / and kook(s), you know I'm your monolith, right?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND has got to be ... the safe bet[2], and, Jesus H.! ... cash cushion, ha![1], and who needs money if you're DIZZY(!)? / and kook(s), you know I'm your monolith, right?[2], and Fiona's probably thinking that she'll stick with the money / Oh, good luck to you, girl![1], and, Jesus H.! ... cash cushion, ha![2], and you can lead a horse to water ...[1], and Fiona's probably thinking that she'll stick with the money / Oh, good luck to you, girl![2], and one new conceptual, yes, will soon be over, yes, uh ... only to start again, ha![1], and you can lead a horse to water ...[2], and /// are YOU(!) ready for another spin?[1], and one new conceptual, yes, will soon be over, yes, uh ... only to start again, ha![2], and Fiona is laughing all the way to the cushion![3], and /// are YOU(!) ready for another spin?[2], and they say it's safer than a bank / 'Who says that?!'[3], and cash is a great healer[3], and it will soon be £300 million!!![3], and I wish I had a cash cushion in my basement / a place to chillax, you know?[3], and when you're meditating the vibes from the cushion enter your mind and your soul[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND is ... all I got / but I'm not complaining[3], and it's certainly more spiritual than a bank[3], and if I had more than two pennies to rub together ... I suppose I could put them in a sock / 'Eh?!'[3], and does she chant?[3], and tie it around my head, the sock / I don't know / I'm just clutching at straws[3], and the things I think of!!![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND has got to be ... the safe bet[3], and who needs money if you're DIZZY(!)? / and kook(s), you know I'm your monolith, right?[3], and, Jesus H.! ... cash cushion, ha![3], and Fiona's probably thinking that she'll stick with the money / Oh, good luck to you, girl![3], and you can lead a horse to water ...[3], and one new conceptual, yes, will soon be over, yes, uh ... only to start again, ha![3], and /// are YOU(!) ready for another spin?[3], and

And Fiona is laughing all the way to the cushion![1], and they say it's safer than a bank / 'Who says that?!'[1], and Fiona is laughing all the way to the cushion![2], and cash is a great healer[1], and they say it's safer than a bank / 'Who says that?!'[2], and it will soon be £300 million!!![1], and cash is a great healer[2], and I wish I had a cash cushion in my basement / a place to chillax, you know?[1], and it will soon be £300 million!!![2], and when you're meditating the vibes from the cushion enter your mind and your soul[1], and I wish I had a cash cushion in my basement / a place to chillax, you know?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND is ... all I got / but I'm not complaining[1], and when you're meditating the vibes from the cushion enter your mind and your soul[2], and it's certainly more spiritual than a bank[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND is ... all I got / but I'm not complaining[2], and if I had more than two pennies to rub together ... I suppose I could put them in a sock / 'Eh?!'[1], and it's certainly more spiritual than a bank[2], and does she chant?[1], and if I had more than two pennies to rub together ... I suppose I could put them in a sock / 'Eh?!'[2], and tie it around my head, the sock / I don't know / I'm just clutching at straws[1], and does she chant?[2], and the things I think of!!![1], and tie it around my head, the sock / I don't know / I'm just clutching at straws[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND has got to be ... the safe bet[1], and the things I think of!!![2], and who needs money if you're DIZZY(!)? / and kook(s), you know I'm your monolith, right?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND has got to be ... the safe bet[2], and, Jesus H.! ... cash cushion, ha![1], and who needs money if you're DIZZY(!)? / and kook(s), you know I'm your monolith, right?[2], and Fiona's probably thinking that she'll stick with the money / Oh, good luck to you, girl![1], and, Jesus H.! ... cash cushion, ha![2], and you can lead a horse to water ...[1], and Fiona's probably thinking that she'll stick with the money / Oh, good luck to you, girl![2], and one new conceptual, yes, will soon be over, yes, uh ... only to start again, ha![1], and you can lead a horse to water ...[2], and /// are YOU(!) ready for another spin?[1], and one new conceptual, yes, will soon be over, yes, uh ... only to start again, ha![2], and Fiona is laughing all the way to the cushion![3], and /// are YOU(!) ready for another spin?[2], and they say it's safer than a bank / 'Who says that?!'[3], and cash is a great healer[3], and it will soon be £300 million!!![3], and I wish I had a cash cushion in my basement / a place to chillax, you know?[3], and when you're meditating the vibes from the cushion enter your mind and your soul[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND is ... all I got / but I'm not complaining[3], and it's certainly more spiritual than a bank[3], and if I had more than two pennies to rub together ... I suppose I could put them in a sock / 'Eh?!'[3], and does she chant?[3], and tie it around my head, the sock / I don't know / I'm just clutching at straws[3], and the things I think of!!![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND has got to be ... the safe bet[3], and who needs money if you're DIZZY(!)? / and kook(s), you know I'm your monolith, right?[3], and, Jesus H.! ... cash cushion, ha![3], and Fiona's probably thinking that she'll stick with the money / Oh, good luck to you, girl![3], and you can lead a horse to water ...[3], and one new conceptual, yes, will soon be over, yes, uh ... only to start again, ha![3], and /// are YOU(!) ready for another spin?[3], and

The M&G Property Portfolio has a cash cushion!

Well, you learn something new every day, reader(s). A cash cushion, of all things! Ha! 'What on earth is a cash cushion, boss?' What, you don't know? 'No. Tell me. Tell the readers.' A cash cushion is just a cushion stuffed with cash, that's all. Fiona Rowley sits on it. She finds it comforting. 'Who - ?' Shut up, Voice! You're not an owl! Yes, our Fiona finds it very comforting. Especially lately, because the cushion is doubling its size. I think they're aiming for £300 million. 'Boss, who the hell is Fiona Rowley?!' Christ! Don't you know anything, man? She's the fund manager.

Fiona Rowley joined M&G Real Estate as an investment surveyor in 1994 and was appointed deputy fund manager of the M&G Property Portfolio on its launch in 2005. She was appointed fund manager in 2007. Before joining the group, Fiona worked for property service company Knight Frank. She has a first class honours degree in estate management from South Bank University and is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Investment Property Forum.

You see? 'Oh, okay. / It must be a big cushion though. I mean, all that cash.' Yeah, it is a big cushion, Voice. They keep it in the basement. Fiona goes down there on her tea breaks, and in the morning before she starts work. Just to meditate a bit, you know? 'Nice. / What about the others at M&G? Aren't they allowed on the cushion?' Of course they are! But it's by invitation only. Fiona controls access to the cushion. It's a perk of the job, I suppose.

...

Anything else? Not really, no. Summer seems to be over. 'I'm sad about it, Mikey.' I'm not too bothered. Maybe it's for the best. I'll be able to stay in now and spend more time with my guitar. 'What about the Aviva Investors mob?' Well, they'll be moving into the pub soon - if they're not there already. 'Ha!' Yeah, I know. It's a wonderful life, for some.

[No. 448] This shaman

That Voice.

And sing it![1], and this shaman would be happy to spin a-ROUND forever ... with YOU(!)[1], and sing it![2], and that Voice is a bastard[1], and this shaman would be happy to spin a-ROUND forever ... with YOU(!)[2], and this shaman gets DIZZY(!) because he loves it[1], and that Voice is a bastard[2], and that Voice will take you away ... to the old astral plane / 'Uh, what? Me?!'[1], and this shaman gets DIZZY(!) because he loves it[2], and yeah, yeah, yeah![1], and that Voice will take you away ... to the old astral plane / 'Uh, what? Me?!'[2], and this shaman ... oh, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - you dig?[1], and yeah, yeah, yeah![2], and ... whoa![1], and this shaman ... oh, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - you dig?[2], and that Voice ... is still clinging to a reality of blood and fire / 'Uh, what? Me?!'[1], and ... whoa![2], and ... yeah, the desert[1], and that Voice ... is still clinging to a reality of blood and fire / 'Uh, what? Me?!'[2], and this shaman wants you back ... again, and again, and again / and a-ROUND, obviously[1], and ... yeah, the desert[2], and ... sing, NOW![1], and this shaman wants you back ... again, and again, and again / and a-ROUND, obviously[2], and that Voice won't be happy till he's seen you cry / 'Mikey, you're talking shit!'[1], and ... sing, NOW![2], and ... 'Don't listen to him!'[1], and that Voice won't be happy till he's seen you cry / 'Mikey, you're talking shit!'[2], and this shaman will always, always, always ... love you! / Oh, oh, oh, ooh![1], and ... 'Don't listen to him!'[2], and I don't mind the pain ...[1], and this shaman will always, always, always ... love you! / Oh, oh, oh, ooh![2], and that Voice isn't good for YOU(!) / Do you understand? He's a total moron[1], and I don't mind the pain ...[2], and ... 'Oh, that's a bit harsh, boss'[1], and that Voice isn't good for YOU(!) / Do you understand? He's a total moron[2], and this shaman will always, always, always ... get a-ROUND / and you can join in any time at all[1], and ... 'Oh, that's a bit harsh, boss'[2], and that Voice ... don't waste your time on it, uh, him[1], and this shaman will always, always, always ... get a-ROUND / and you can join in any time at all[2], and this shaman, with you ... COME ON, MAN!!! / and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND until our noses bleed[1], and that Voice ... don't waste your time on it, uh, him[2], and that Voice, sadly ... is living in the past, yes ... / Yes, it's true, baby blue[1], and this shaman, with you ... COME ON, MAN!!! / and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND until our noses bleed[2], and this, my friend(s) ... is THE FUTURE[1], and that Voice, sadly ... is living in the past, yes ... / Yes, it's true, baby blue[2], and sing it![3], and this, my friend(s) ... is THE FUTURE[2], and this shaman would be happy to spin a-ROUND forever ... with YOU(!)[3], and that Voice is a bastard[3], and this shaman gets DIZZY(!) because he loves it[3], and that Voice will take you away ... to the old astral plane / 'Uh, what? Me?!'[3], and yeah, yeah, yeah![3], and this shaman ... oh, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - you dig?[3], and ... whoa![3], and that Voice ... is still clinging to a reality of blood and fire / 'Uh, what? Me?!'[3], and ... yeah, the desert[3], and this shaman wants you back ... again, and again, and again / and a-ROUND, obviously[3], and ... sing, NOW![3], and that Voice won't be happy till he's seen you cry / 'Mikey, you're talking shit!'[3], and ... 'Don't listen to him!'[3], and this shaman will always, always, always ... love you! / Oh, oh, oh, ooh![3], and I don't mind the pain ...[3], and that Voice isn't good for YOU(!) / Do you understand? He's a total moron[3], and ... 'Oh, that's a bit harsh, boss'[3], and this shaman will always, always, always ... get a-ROUND / and you can join in any time at all[3], and that Voice ... don't waste your time on it, uh, him[3], and this shaman, with you ... COME ON, MAN!!! / and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND until our noses bleed[3], and that Voice, sadly ... is living in the past, yes ... / Yes, it's true, baby blue[3], and this, my friend(s) ... is THE FUTURE[3], and

And sing it![1], and this shaman would be happy to spin a-ROUND forever ... with YOU(!)[1], and sing it![2], and that Voice is a bastard[1], and this shaman would be happy to spin a-ROUND forever ... with YOU(!)[2], and this shaman gets DIZZY(!) because he loves it[1], and that Voice is a bastard[2], and that Voice will take you away ... to the old astral plane / 'Uh, what? Me?!'[1], and this shaman gets DIZZY(!) because he loves it[2], and yeah, yeah, yeah![1], and that Voice will take you away ... to the old astral plane / 'Uh, what? Me?!'[2], and this shaman ... oh, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - you dig?[1], and yeah, yeah, yeah![2], and ... whoa![1], and this shaman ... oh, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - you dig?[2], and that Voice ... is still clinging to a reality of blood and fire / 'Uh, what? Me?!'[1], and ... whoa![2], and ... yeah, the desert[1], and that Voice ... is still clinging to a reality of blood and fire / 'Uh, what? Me?!'[2], and this shaman wants you back ... again, and again, and again / and a-ROUND, obviously[1], and ... yeah, the desert[2], and ... sing, NOW![1], and this shaman wants you back ... again, and again, and again / and a-ROUND, obviously[2], and that Voice won't be happy till he's seen you cry / 'Mikey, you're talking shit!'[1], and ... sing, NOW![2], and ... 'Don't listen to him!'[1], and that Voice won't be happy till he's seen you cry / 'Mikey, you're talking shit!'[2], and this shaman will always, always, always ... love you! / Oh, oh, oh, ooh![1], and ... 'Don't listen to him!'[2], and I don't mind the pain ...[1], and this shaman will always, always, always ... love you! / Oh, oh, oh, ooh![2], and that Voice isn't good for YOU(!) / Do you understand? He's a total moron[1], and I don't mind the pain ...[2], and ... 'Oh, that's a bit harsh, boss'[1], and that Voice isn't good for YOU(!) / Do you understand? He's a total moron[2], and this shaman will always, always, always ... get a-ROUND / and you can join in any time at all[1], and ... 'Oh, that's a bit harsh, boss'[2], and that Voice ... don't waste your time on it, uh, him[1], and this shaman will always, always, always ... get a-ROUND / and you can join in any time at all[2], and this shaman, with you ... COME ON, MAN!!! / and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND until our noses bleed[1], and that Voice ... don't waste your time on it, uh, him[2], and that Voice, sadly ... is living in the past, yes ... / Yes, it's true, baby blue[1], and this shaman, with you ... COME ON, MAN!!! / and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND until our noses bleed[2], and this, my friend(s) ... is THE FUTURE[1], and that Voice, sadly ... is living in the past, yes ... / Yes, it's true, baby blue[2], and sing it![3], and this, my friend(s) ... is THE FUTURE[2], and this shaman would be happy to spin a-ROUND forever ... with YOU(!)[3], and that Voice is a bastard[3], and this shaman gets DIZZY(!) because he loves it[3], and that Voice will take you away ... to the old astral plane / 'Uh, what? Me?!'[3], and yeah, yeah, yeah![3], and this shaman ... oh, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - you dig?[3], and ... whoa![3], and that Voice ... is still clinging to a reality of blood and fire / 'Uh, what? Me?!'[3], and ... yeah, the desert[3], and this shaman wants you back ... again, and again, and again / and a-ROUND, obviously[3], and ... sing, NOW![3], and that Voice won't be happy till he's seen you cry / 'Mikey, you're talking shit!'[3], and ... 'Don't listen to him!'[3], and this shaman will always, always, always ... love you! / Oh, oh, oh, ooh![3], and I don't mind the pain ...[3], and that Voice isn't good for YOU(!) / Do you understand? He's a total moron[3], and ... 'Oh, that's a bit harsh, boss'[3], and this shaman will always, always, always ... get a-ROUND / and you can join in any time at all[3], and that Voice ... don't waste your time on it, uh, him[3], and this shaman, with you ... COME ON, MAN!!! / and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND until our noses bleed[3], and that Voice, sadly ... is living in the past, yes ... / Yes, it's true, baby blue[3], and this, my friend(s) ... is THE FUTURE[3], and

And sing it![1], and this shaman would be happy to spin a-ROUND forever ... with YOU(!)[1], and sing it![2], and that Voice is a bastard[1], and this shaman would be happy to spin a-ROUND forever ... with YOU(!)[2], and this shaman gets DIZZY(!) because he loves it[1], and that Voice is a bastard[2], and that Voice will take you away ... to the old astral plane / 'Uh, what? Me?!'[1], and this shaman gets DIZZY(!) because he loves it[2], and yeah, yeah, yeah![1], and that Voice will take you away ... to the old astral plane / 'Uh, what? Me?!'[2], and this shaman ... oh, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - you dig?[1], and yeah, yeah, yeah![2], and ... whoa![1], and this shaman ... oh, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - you dig?[2], and that Voice ... is still clinging to a reality of blood and fire / 'Uh, what? Me?!'[1], and ... whoa![2], and ... yeah, the desert[1], and that Voice ... is still clinging to a reality of blood and fire / 'Uh, what? Me?!'[2], and this shaman wants you back ... again, and again, and again / and a-ROUND, obviously[1], and ... yeah, the desert[2], and ... sing, NOW![1], and this shaman wants you back ... again, and again, and again / and a-ROUND, obviously[2], and that Voice won't be happy till he's seen you cry / 'Mikey, you're talking shit!'[1], and ... sing, NOW![2], and ... 'Don't listen to him!'[1], and that Voice won't be happy till he's seen you cry / 'Mikey, you're talking shit!'[2], and this shaman will always, always, always ... love you! / Oh, oh, oh, ooh![1], and ... 'Don't listen to him!'[2], and I don't mind the pain ...[1], and this shaman will always, always, always ... love you! / Oh, oh, oh, ooh![2], and that Voice isn't good for YOU(!) / Do you understand? He's a total moron[1], and I don't mind the pain ...[2], and ... 'Oh, that's a bit harsh, boss'[1], and that Voice isn't good for YOU(!) / Do you understand? He's a total moron[2], and this shaman will always, always, always ... get a-ROUND / and you can join in any time at all[1], and ... 'Oh, that's a bit harsh, boss'[2], and that Voice ... don't waste your time on it, uh, him[1], and this shaman will always, always, always ... get a-ROUND / and you can join in any time at all[2], and this shaman, with you ... COME ON, MAN!!! / and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND until our noses bleed[1], and that Voice ... don't waste your time on it, uh, him[2], and that Voice, sadly ... is living in the past, yes ... / Yes, it's true, baby blue[1], and this shaman, with you ... COME ON, MAN!!! / and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND until our noses bleed[2], and this, my friend(s) ... is THE FUTURE[1], and that Voice, sadly ... is living in the past, yes ... / Yes, it's true, baby blue[2], and sing it![3], and this, my friend(s) ... is THE FUTURE[2], and this shaman would be happy to spin a-ROUND forever ... with YOU(!)[3], and that Voice is a bastard[3], and this shaman gets DIZZY(!) because he loves it[3], and that Voice will take you away ... to the old astral plane / 'Uh, what? Me?!'[3], and yeah, yeah, yeah![3], and this shaman ... oh, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - you dig?[3], and ... whoa![3], and that Voice ... is still clinging to a reality of blood and fire / 'Uh, what? Me?!'[3], and ... yeah, the desert[3], and this shaman wants you back ... again, and again, and again / and a-ROUND, obviously[3], and ... sing, NOW![3], and that Voice won't be happy till he's seen you cry / 'Mikey, you're talking shit!'[3], and ... 'Don't listen to him!'[3], and this shaman will always, always, always ... love you! / Oh, oh, oh, ooh![3], and I don't mind the pain ...[3], and that Voice isn't good for YOU(!) / Do you understand? He's a total moron[3], and ... 'Oh, that's a bit harsh, boss'[3], and this shaman will always, always, always ... get a-ROUND / and you can join in any time at all[3], and that Voice ... don't waste your time on it, uh, him[3], and this shaman, with you ... COME ON, MAN!!! / and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND until our noses bleed[3], and that Voice, sadly ... is living in the past, yes ... / Yes, it's true, baby blue[3], and this, my friend(s) ... is THE FUTURE[3], and

Ray Dalio is doing a renovation

Ah, that's nice, isn't it? Yeah, I thought the offices at Bridgewater Associates were looking a bit rundown. (Not that I've ever been there - not in my physical body, anyway.) Our Ray is getting the decorators in. And the builders. (Some shit needs to be repaired, obviously.) I hope he's hired good firms to do the work. I wonder what colour the walls will be ... 'Boss, he's sacking people, for Christ's sake!' What? 'Mr Dalio is sacking people. That's the renovation.' Ha! What on earth are you talking about, Voice?! That's not a renovation. 'Yes it is, when Mr Dalio uses the word.' Uh. No, no, no. I don't believe it. I mean, surely ... it would be utterly demonic to use language in that way? 'Well ... that's what he's doing.' Jesus! Well, I'm shocked, man. What about the decorators? What about the builders? 'There will be no decorators, boss. And no builders.' Oh, so he's doing them out of work as well, is he? 'Yeah.' This is a fucking outrage! 'Of course it is. And you must take action now. A curse or something. What's the plan, boss?' I'm going to write to my congressman. Let's see how Ray likes that apple, or them apples. [One or more apples in such a situation, dear reader(s)?] 'Don't be ridiculous!' Well, my MP then. I don't know.

H. (Jesus ... Christ.) / It's just the way the world is going, I suppose. One minute you have a job, the next minute you're being renovated. The only way to fight it ... is to not have a job in the first place. 'Eh?' EVERYBODY OUT! NOW! 'Ha!' Yeah. Let's see how the capitalists cope when all the workers say: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! NO MORE EXPLOITATION!

...

Anything else? Oh, I'm sure there is, if you give me a moment. / Oh, just music, really. I'm listening to The Beatles. Songs like I Don't Want to Spoil the Party and The Night Before and Don't Bother Me and Tell Me Why. 'But they're not really classics, Mikey, are they?' Well, I like them, man. It makes a nice change from listening to the big hits. Leave me alone.

And there's one song I play (and sing) quite a bit on my guitar, This Boy. I haven't got the recording though, for some reason. [Interesting fact: Jimmy Page plays guitar on the instrumental version used in the film A Hard Day's Night.]

Well, well ... / Laters, yeah?

WSBA launches inaugural blockchain for ...

Oh ... Wall Street event in partnership with Lighthouse Partners' The Blockchain Conference. Yes, it's the Thursday night PR email, back by popular demand. Just a quick one, because I've got a life, yeah? 'Not this Blockchain nonsense again, boss!' Excuse me, Voice, this is from Jenny. You remember Jenny? 'Er, Jennifer?' Yes, that's the one.

New York, in, uh, New York, the state of New York (September 14, 2016) - The Wall Street Blockchain Alliance (WSBA), a non-profit 501 (c) (6) Trade Association, in partnership with Lighthouse Partners' The Blockchain Conference announces today the launch of Blockchain for Wall Street on November 29, 2016 at the New York Law School. The event will present insights and perspectives from the association focused on the deployment of distributed ledger technology in the financial markets, looking forward into 2017.

So, er ... 'Sounds fascinating, boss.' Yes, I'm just wondering what Ron Quaranta has got to say about it. 'Oh, not him again!' He's all right, Voice.

Notes Ron Quaranta, Chairman of the WSBA: "We are very much looking forward to our inaugural Blockchain for Wall Street event, and are eagerly anticipating a gathering of WSBA members and industry thought leaders across the entire spectrum of financial markets. Given the deep knowledge of our member base, and the increasing importance of blockchain in financial markets and beyond, I am very confident that this will be an immensely important gathering for all involved."

Well, well ... that wasn't too painful, was it? / But I'll be honest with you, dear reader(s), I don't care what Peter Harris at Lighthouse Partners has got to say. 'Sorry, Pete.' Life is too short. / Right. That's it! Have a nice weekend, everyone! 'Laters!' Shut up!

[No. 447] Oh, get a job in finance!

If you ain't got nothing else to do, like.

And, uh, obviously ...[1], and, Christ! / I'm not saying you should, but ... 'They've already got jobs, boss'[1], and, uh, obviously ...[2], and YOU(!) can get another job somewhere else then, oh, I don't know / and I don't understand the OBSESSION(!), honestly[1], and, Christ! / I'm not saying you should, but ... 'They've already got jobs, boss'[2], and it's a funny old world ...[1], and YOU(!) can get another job somewhere else then, oh, I don't know / and I don't understand the OBSESSION(!), honestly[2], and SAD SOULS are drawn to it / I don't know why / ... and with the universe the size it is?![1], and it's a funny old world ...[2], and they're addicted![1], and SAD SOULS are drawn to it / I don't know why / ... and with the universe the size it is?![2], and, personally, I'd rather get DIZZY(!) as fuck ... but that's just me, you dig?[1], and they're addicted![2], and every banker is like a setting sun ...[1], and, personally, I'd rather get DIZZY(!) as fuck ... but that's just me, you dig?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... / ... here we are, almost beyond the THREE[1], and every banker is like a setting sun ...[2], and you can be a mystic kook, too / ... and maybe you are[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... / ... here we are, almost beyond the THREE[2], and nearly GONE(!) in our heads? / yes, please![1], and you can be a mystic kook, too / ... and maybe you are[2], and ... why, why, why?![1], and nearly GONE(!) in our heads? / yes, please![2], and IT'S A SHAMAN'S JOB(!), man, to focus on the absurdities ... and make them even more absurd[1], and ... why, why, why?![2], and this ... is my obsession/addiction[1], and IT'S A SHAMAN'S JOB(!), man, to focus on the absurdities ... and make them even more absurd[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... / ... oh, here ... where else would I be?[1], and this ... is my obsession/addiction[2], and I do my job well, well ... / Oh, I wouldn't want another[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... / ... oh, here ... where else would I be?[2], and maybe YOU(!) could entice me ... / and maybe you could send me a few grand as a sweetener - ?[1], and I do my job well, well ... / Oh, I wouldn't want another[2], and, er, gizza, gizza, gizza ... ha![1], and maybe YOU(!) could entice me ... / and maybe you could send me a few grand as a sweetener - ?[2], and, uh, obviously ...[3], and, er, gizza, gizza, gizza ... ha![2], and, Christ! / I'm not saying you should, but ... 'They've already got jobs, boss'[3], and YOU(!) can get another job somewhere else then, oh, I don't know / and I don't understand the OBSESSION(!), honestly[3], and it's a funny old world ...[3], and SAD SOULS are drawn to it / I don't know why / ... and with the universe the size it is?![3], and they're addicted![3], and, personally, I'd rather get DIZZY(!) as fuck ... but that's just me, you dig?[3], and every banker is like a setting sun ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... / ... here we are, almost beyond the THREE[3], and you can be a mystic kook, too / ... and maybe you are[3], and nearly GONE(!) in our heads? / yes, please![3], and ... why, why, why?![3], and IT'S A SHAMAN'S JOB(!), man, to focus on the absurdities ... and make them even more absurd[3], and this ... is my obsession/addiction[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... / ... oh, here ... where else would I be?[3], and I do my job well, well ... / Oh, I wouldn't want another[3], and maybe YOU(!) could entice me ... / and maybe you could send me a few grand as a sweetener - ?[3], and, er, gizza, gizza, gizza ... ha![3], and

And, uh, obviously ...[1], and, Christ! / I'm not saying you should, but ... 'They've already got jobs, boss'[1], and, uh, obviously ...[2], and YOU(!) can get another job somewhere else then, oh, I don't know / and I don't understand the OBSESSION(!), honestly[1], and, Christ! / I'm not saying you should, but ... 'They've already got jobs, boss'[2], and it's a funny old world ...[1], and YOU(!) can get another job somewhere else then, oh, I don't know / and I don't understand the OBSESSION(!), honestly[2], and SAD SOULS are drawn to it / I don't know why / ... and with the universe the size it is?![1], and it's a funny old world ...[2], and they're addicted![1], and SAD SOULS are drawn to it / I don't know why / ... and with the universe the size it is?![2], and, personally, I'd rather get DIZZY(!) as fuck ... but that's just me, you dig?[1], and they're addicted![2], and every banker is like a setting sun ...[1], and, personally, I'd rather get DIZZY(!) as fuck ... but that's just me, you dig?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... / ... here we are, almost beyond the THREE[1], and every banker is like a setting sun ...[2], and you can be a mystic kook, too / ... and maybe you are[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... / ... here we are, almost beyond the THREE[2], and nearly GONE(!) in our heads? / yes, please![1], and you can be a mystic kook, too / ... and maybe you are[2], and ... why, why, why?![1], and nearly GONE(!) in our heads? / yes, please![2], and IT'S A SHAMAN'S JOB(!), man, to focus on the absurdities ... and make them even more absurd[1], and ... why, why, why?![2], and this ... is my obsession/addiction[1], and IT'S A SHAMAN'S JOB(!), man, to focus on the absurdities ... and make them even more absurd[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... / ... oh, here ... where else would I be?[1], and this ... is my obsession/addiction[2], and I do my job well, well ... / Oh, I wouldn't want another[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... / ... oh, here ... where else would I be?[2], and maybe YOU(!) could entice me ... / and maybe you could send me a few grand as a sweetener - ?[1], and I do my job well, well ... / Oh, I wouldn't want another[2], and, er, gizza, gizza, gizza ... ha![1], and maybe YOU(!) could entice me ... / and maybe you could send me a few grand as a sweetener - ?[2], and, uh, obviously ...[3], and, er, gizza, gizza, gizza ... ha![2], and, Christ! / I'm not saying you should, but ... 'They've already got jobs, boss'[3], and YOU(!) can get another job somewhere else then, oh, I don't know / and I don't understand the OBSESSION(!), honestly[3], and it's a funny old world ...[3], and SAD SOULS are drawn to it / I don't know why / ... and with the universe the size it is?![3], and they're addicted![3], and, personally, I'd rather get DIZZY(!) as fuck ... but that's just me, you dig?[3], and every banker is like a setting sun ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... / ... here we are, almost beyond the THREE[3], and you can be a mystic kook, too / ... and maybe you are[3], and nearly GONE(!) in our heads? / yes, please![3], and ... why, why, why?![3], and IT'S A SHAMAN'S JOB(!), man, to focus on the absurdities ... and make them even more absurd[3], and this ... is my obsession/addiction[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... / ... oh, here ... where else would I be?[3], and I do my job well, well ... / Oh, I wouldn't want another[3], and maybe YOU(!) could entice me ... / and maybe you could send me a few grand as a sweetener - ?[3], and, er, gizza, gizza, gizza ... ha![3], and

And, uh, obviously ...[1], and, Christ! / I'm not saying you should, but ... 'They've already got jobs, boss'[1], and, uh, obviously ...[2], and YOU(!) can get another job somewhere else then, oh, I don't know / and I don't understand the OBSESSION(!), honestly[1], and, Christ! / I'm not saying you should, but ... 'They've already got jobs, boss'[2], and it's a funny old world ...[1], and YOU(!) can get another job somewhere else then, oh, I don't know / and I don't understand the OBSESSION(!), honestly[2], and SAD SOULS are drawn to it / I don't know why / ... and with the universe the size it is?![1], and it's a funny old world ...[2], and they're addicted![1], and SAD SOULS are drawn to it / I don't know why / ... and with the universe the size it is?![2], and, personally, I'd rather get DIZZY(!) as fuck ... but that's just me, you dig?[1], and they're addicted![2], and every banker is like a setting sun ...[1], and, personally, I'd rather get DIZZY(!) as fuck ... but that's just me, you dig?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... / ... here we are, almost beyond the THREE[1], and every banker is like a setting sun ...[2], and you can be a mystic kook, too / ... and maybe you are[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... / ... here we are, almost beyond the THREE[2], and nearly GONE(!) in our heads? / yes, please![1], and you can be a mystic kook, too / ... and maybe you are[2], and ... why, why, why?![1], and nearly GONE(!) in our heads? / yes, please![2], and IT'S A SHAMAN'S JOB(!), man, to focus on the absurdities ... and make them even more absurd[1], and ... why, why, why?![2], and this ... is my obsession/addiction[1], and IT'S A SHAMAN'S JOB(!), man, to focus on the absurdities ... and make them even more absurd[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... / ... oh, here ... where else would I be?[1], and this ... is my obsession/addiction[2], and I do my job well, well ... / Oh, I wouldn't want another[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... / ... oh, here ... where else would I be?[2], and maybe YOU(!) could entice me ... / and maybe you could send me a few grand as a sweetener - ?[1], and I do my job well, well ... / Oh, I wouldn't want another[2], and, er, gizza, gizza, gizza ... ha![1], and maybe YOU(!) could entice me ... / and maybe you could send me a few grand as a sweetener - ?[2], and, uh, obviously ...[3], and, er, gizza, gizza, gizza ... ha![2], and, Christ! / I'm not saying you should, but ... 'They've already got jobs, boss'[3], and YOU(!) can get another job somewhere else then, oh, I don't know / and I don't understand the OBSESSION(!), honestly[3], and it's a funny old world ...[3], and SAD SOULS are drawn to it / I don't know why / ... and with the universe the size it is?![3], and they're addicted![3], and, personally, I'd rather get DIZZY(!) as fuck ... but that's just me, you dig?[3], and every banker is like a setting sun ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... / ... here we are, almost beyond the THREE[3], and you can be a mystic kook, too / ... and maybe you are[3], and nearly GONE(!) in our heads? / yes, please![3], and ... why, why, why?![3], and IT'S A SHAMAN'S JOB(!), man, to focus on the absurdities ... and make them even more absurd[3], and this ... is my obsession/addiction[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... / ... oh, here ... where else would I be?[3], and I do my job well, well ... / Oh, I wouldn't want another[3], and maybe YOU(!) could entice me ... / and maybe you could send me a few grand as a sweetener - ?[3], and, er, gizza, gizza, gizza ... ha![3], and

Thomas Emmons has got a job at Pegasus Capital Advisors!

Well done, Tommy, son! / Yes, it's always nice when someone gets a job. It's certainly better than lazing around at home, watching crap on the TV. 'Ha! Mr Emmons had a job, boss. He was an executive at Rabobank.' Of course he was, Voice! But now he's a partner at Pegasus or ... er, Pegasus Capital. 'Which one?'

"Pegasus" or "Pegasus Capital" is pleased to announce that Thomas Emmons has joined the company and will focus on mezzanine capital in the renewable energy and clean infrastructure sectors.

Ha! They're not sure themselves! Either one will do. It's just some flying horse stuff, anyway. No one cares. 'I've never actually heard of them, boss.' Oh, I can fix that, man!

Pegasus Capital Advisors, L.P. is a private, alternative asset management firm founded and led by Craig Cogut. Our principal investment theme is providing strategic growth capital to companies within the middle-market focused on global resource scarcity, particularly energy, waste, food, water and health & wellness. Pegasus seeks to create fundamental value through its creative investment structures while leveraging its operational expertise and deep industry knowledge. Since inception in 1996, Flying Horse has invested across five private equity funds and currently manages approximately $1.7 billion in assets. The team is comprised of a diverse and multi-disciplinary group of over fifty talented investment professionals and operating/strategic advisors.

You see? 'Nice. Very nice.’ Calling themselves Pegasus Capital Advisors, too. Three names! 'They're all confused in their little heads!' Oh, don't be horrible, Voice! Let's cut them some slack. They've got more important things to think about, I'm sure.

...

Anyway, Christ! Let's move on, yeah? There must be other things ... I can write about. More interesting stuff. 'Like what, boss? Music in a finance blog?' No, no, no ... well, it all depends on how you look at it. Maybe it's finance in a music blog. Stranger things have happened at sea.

Anyway, uh, as I keep saying, dear reader(s), I'm not doing music updates any more. I can't be bothered. 'However ...' Yes, however, I finished another lyric yesterday. So that's three new songs completed, and I just need one more lyric now for another tune. 'Why are you so inspired these days, Mikey?' Ha! Inspiration is bullshit, son. You just have to do some work, that's all.

Anyway ... / Ah, that's it, for now. There'll be a couple of posts later. So ... 'Laters, blog fans!' Yeah, laters, blog fans!