An injection of capital!

Let's have it! 'Large, boss?' Yes! Yes, well, small. Small PR email, really, to finish off the year.

Oval Medical Technologies, an investee company of Turquoise International, has been acquired by SMC Ltd, the US-headquartered medical device manufacturing firm. Being acquired by SMC Ltd is an exciting development for Cambridge-based Oval as the business will benefit from the superior manufacturing capabilities of SMC Ltd, allowing Oval to deliver compact and pain free medical administration to the public.

Okay. What about the migraines? I get them, you know, dear reader(s).

Producers of small, user-friendly autoinjectors, Oval Medical has developed an innovative range of medical infusion devices following an investment of £1.25 million from the Low Carbon Innovation Fund (LCIF). The fund aims to provide finance to early and growth stage businesses to enable them to develop new technologies. Oval Medical was judged to be a perfect candidate for early stage investment and the support meant that Oval Medical could refine its product, developing an autoinjector that meets 21st century drug delivery needs.

Okay. What about the migraines?

The autoinjectors enhance medical safety and reduce a patient's fear of needles by administering medication via a simple two-stage process. They are also small enough to be carried discreetly. Managed by Turquoise International, the LCIF fund has invested over £20 million in SMEs in the East of England as part of the government's Solutions for Business portfolio.

Fine. And the migraines?

Desmond Astley-Cooper, director at Turquoise International, was pleased with the deal. He said: "This is exciting news for the fund, which aims to invest in technology that will develop quickly and fill a need in the marketplace. We're delighted that the fund could support the growth of this exciting business. It is particularly satisfying to see that, in this instance, the product will bring a real benefit to the medical world."

Thanks, Des. Nice turquoise tracksuit, by the way.

Oval produces devices for multiple uses including an epinephrine autoinjector to treat anaphylactic shock, whilst a Sumatriptan auto injector is being developed to treat patients with migraines and cluster headaches.

Ah, migraines! But what the hell are cluster headaches? 'I've heard of cluster fuc -' Yes, thank you, Voice. That will do.

...

And that will do. Christ! Where did the year go? / Have a nice Christmas, dear reader(s). I'll see you next year. 'In the New Year, boss.' Yeah. Whatever.

[No. 475] Can't think of nothing

Just got this. Is it something?

And, so ...[1], and I'm almost lost for words at the end of another year - except these words[1], and, so ...[2], and YOU(!) ... ask for too much[1], and I'm almost lost for words at the end of another year - except these words[2], and, obviously, I can take you spinning a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / Are you happy now?[1], and YOU(!) ... ask for too much[2], and I'm sure I've said it before ... words are trash / Oh, we need feelings, my kooks![1], and, obviously, I can take you spinning a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / Are you happy now?[2], and just grunt![1], and I'm sure I've said it before ... words are trash / Oh, we need feelings, my kooks![2], and not thinking of SOMETHING is a blessing, man, uh ... in a confusing world that's so cold[1], and just grunt![2], and what are we worried about, really?[1], and not thinking of SOMETHING is a blessing, man, uh ... in a confusing world that's so cold[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Who cares about the reason for it?[1], and what are we worried about, really?[2], and can't think, don't wanna think, don't care to think, but I got my feelings, ha![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Who cares about the reason for it?[2], and all we gotta do is get DIZZY(!), you dig?[1], and can't think, don't wanna think, don't care to think, but I got my feelings, ha![2], and next year I reckon I'll cut back, just one a week, but ... these conceptuals, they're just so addictive[1], and all we gotta do is get DIZZY(!), you dig?[2], and blah, blah, blah - YES![1], and next year I reckon I'll cut back, just one a week, but ... these conceptuals, they're just so addictive[2], and let it end or continue forever, I'm floating on chaos, ill or what, I, I, it's easy, well ...[1], and blah, blah, blah - YES![2], and I don't care[1], and let it end or continue forever, I'm floating on chaos, ill or what, I, I, it's easy, well ...[2], and I do it to feel ... different, with my different fish / and I hate their fish, all them[1], and I don't care[2], and, well ...[1], and I do it to feel ... different, with my different fish / and I hate their fish, all them[2], and, so ...[3], and, well ...[2], and I'm almost lost for words at the end of another year - except these words[3], and YOU(!) ... ask for too much[3], and, obviously, I can take you spinning a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / Are you happy now?[3], and I'm sure I've said it before ... words are trash / Oh, we need feelings, my kooks![3], and just grunt![3], and not thinking of SOMETHING is a blessing, man, uh ... in a confusing world that's so cold[3], and what are we worried about, really?[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Who cares about the reason for it?[3], and can't think, don't wanna think, don't care to think, but I got my feelings, ha![3], and all we gotta do is get DIZZY(!), you dig?[3], and next year I reckon I'll cut back, just one a week, but ... these conceptuals, they're just so addictive[3], and blah, blah, blah - YES![3], and let it end or continue forever, I'm floating on chaos, ill or what, I, I, it's easy, well ...[3], and I don't care[3], and I do it to feel ... different, with my different fish / and I hate their fish, all them[3], and, well ...[3], and

And, so ...[1], and I'm almost lost for words at the end of another year - except these words[1], and, so ...[2], and YOU(!) ... ask for too much[1], and I'm almost lost for words at the end of another year - except these words[2], and, obviously, I can take you spinning a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / Are you happy now?[1], and YOU(!) ... ask for too much[2], and I'm sure I've said it before ... words are trash / Oh, we need feelings, my kooks![1], and, obviously, I can take you spinning a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / Are you happy now?[2], and just grunt![1], and I'm sure I've said it before ... words are trash / Oh, we need feelings, my kooks![2], and not thinking of SOMETHING is a blessing, man, uh ... in a confusing world that's so cold[1], and just grunt![2], and what are we worried about, really?[1], and not thinking of SOMETHING is a blessing, man, uh ... in a confusing world that's so cold[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Who cares about the reason for it?[1], and what are we worried about, really?[2], and can't think, don't wanna think, don't care to think, but I got my feelings, ha![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Who cares about the reason for it?[2], and all we gotta do is get DIZZY(!), you dig?[1], and can't think, don't wanna think, don't care to think, but I got my feelings, ha![2], and next year I reckon I'll cut back, just one a week, but ... these conceptuals, they're just so addictive[1], and all we gotta do is get DIZZY(!), you dig?[2], and blah, blah, blah - YES![1], and next year I reckon I'll cut back, just one a week, but ... these conceptuals, they're just so addictive[2], and let it end or continue forever, I'm floating on chaos, ill or what, I, I, it's easy, well ...[1], and blah, blah, blah - YES![2], and I don't care[1], and let it end or continue forever, I'm floating on chaos, ill or what, I, I, it's easy, well ...[2], and I do it to feel ... different, with my different fish / and I hate their fish, all them[1], and I don't care[2], and, well ...[1], and I do it to feel ... different, with my different fish / and I hate their fish, all them[2], and, so ...[3], and, well ...[2], and I'm almost lost for words at the end of another year - except these words[3], and YOU(!) ... ask for too much[3], and, obviously, I can take you spinning a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / Are you happy now?[3], and I'm sure I've said it before ... words are trash / Oh, we need feelings, my kooks![3], and just grunt![3], and not thinking of SOMETHING is a blessing, man, uh ... in a confusing world that's so cold[3], and what are we worried about, really?[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Who cares about the reason for it?[3], and can't think, don't wanna think, don't care to think, but I got my feelings, ha![3], and all we gotta do is get DIZZY(!), you dig?[3], and next year I reckon I'll cut back, just one a week, but ... these conceptuals, they're just so addictive[3], and blah, blah, blah - YES![3], and let it end or continue forever, I'm floating on chaos, ill or what, I, I, it's easy, well ...[3], and I don't care[3], and I do it to feel ... different, with my different fish / and I hate their fish, all them[3], and, well ...[3], and

And, so ...[1], and I'm almost lost for words at the end of another year - except these words[1], and, so ...[2], and YOU(!) ... ask for too much[1], and I'm almost lost for words at the end of another year - except these words[2], and, obviously, I can take you spinning a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / Are you happy now?[1], and YOU(!) ... ask for too much[2], and I'm sure I've said it before ... words are trash / Oh, we need feelings, my kooks![1], and, obviously, I can take you spinning a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / Are you happy now?[2], and just grunt![1], and I'm sure I've said it before ... words are trash / Oh, we need feelings, my kooks![2], and not thinking of SOMETHING is a blessing, man, uh ... in a confusing world that's so cold[1], and just grunt![2], and what are we worried about, really?[1], and not thinking of SOMETHING is a blessing, man, uh ... in a confusing world that's so cold[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Who cares about the reason for it?[1], and what are we worried about, really?[2], and can't think, don't wanna think, don't care to think, but I got my feelings, ha![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Who cares about the reason for it?[2], and all we gotta do is get DIZZY(!), you dig?[1], and can't think, don't wanna think, don't care to think, but I got my feelings, ha![2], and next year I reckon I'll cut back, just one a week, but ... these conceptuals, they're just so addictive[1], and all we gotta do is get DIZZY(!), you dig?[2], and blah, blah, blah - YES![1], and next year I reckon I'll cut back, just one a week, but ... these conceptuals, they're just so addictive[2], and let it end or continue forever, I'm floating on chaos, ill or what, I, I, it's easy, well ...[1], and blah, blah, blah - YES![2], and I don't care[1], and let it end or continue forever, I'm floating on chaos, ill or what, I, I, it's easy, well ...[2], and I do it to feel ... different, with my different fish / and I hate their fish, all them[1], and I don't care[2], and, well ...[1], and I do it to feel ... different, with my different fish / and I hate their fish, all them[2], and, so ...[3], and, well ...[2], and I'm almost lost for words at the end of another year - except these words[3], and YOU(!) ... ask for too much[3], and, obviously, I can take you spinning a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / Are you happy now?[3], and I'm sure I've said it before ... words are trash / Oh, we need feelings, my kooks![3], and just grunt![3], and not thinking of SOMETHING is a blessing, man, uh ... in a confusing world that's so cold[3], and what are we worried about, really?[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Who cares about the reason for it?[3], and can't think, don't wanna think, don't care to think, but I got my feelings, ha![3], and all we gotta do is get DIZZY(!), you dig?[3], and next year I reckon I'll cut back, just one a week, but ... these conceptuals, they're just so addictive[3], and blah, blah, blah - YES![3], and let it end or continue forever, I'm floating on chaos, ill or what, I, I, it's easy, well ...[3], and I don't care[3], and I do it to feel ... different, with my different fish / and I hate their fish, all them[3], and, well ...[3], and

Cem Koray has been promoted at Perella Weinberg Partners

Yippee! / Well ... there isn't much news around, as you might expect. It seems I'm the only one still working. I'll probably have a PR email later, about migraines. 'Migraines?! Surely you can do better than that, boss?' Not really, Voice. Unless someone sends me something interesting. Is there anyone out there?!

Anyway, we have this Cem Koray character to deal with. Apparently, he was a managing director at Perella Weinberg Partners, and now ... [drum roll] ... he's a partner. 'Great!' Yeah, well done, son! We all believe in you, Cem. We know you're going to be a brilliant partner. / This is from the firm's website -

Cem Koray, Managing Director, Advisory, New York.

Prior to joining Perella Weinberg Partners, Mr. Koray was an Executive Director at J.P. Morgan, where he advised a broad range of clients in the consumer and retail industries on M&A and capital raising transactions. Prior to attending business school, Mr. Koray worked as a management consultant at McKinsey & Co in Istanbul and Sydney.

Mr. Koray received a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Bilkent University in Turkey and a Master of Business Administration from Columbia Business School.

Bloody hell! Can you update your own website, please, guys? He's a partner now, not a managing director. Sort it out! 'Maybe they don't know.' What?! 'Maybe we know more than they do, boss.' Don't be ridiculous! They've promoted Cem. He's their man. However ...

However, it's Christmas and - 'This person is connected to 0 Board Members in 0 different organizations across 1 different industries.' Yes, Voice, Bloomberg. Very nice. However, it's Christmas and there are more important things to focus on. 'Like mince pies, chocolates, beer, and -' And songs. 'Songs?' Songs.

My demo is going to be delayed. I've still got two songs to record, and I don't want to ruin my Christmas by working on them, so ... mid-January, I'm thinking now. Maybe. Hopefully. 'Pull your finger out!' Good things take time, etc., man.

...

Anything else? 'Politics?' No! Oh, I was considering hiring a Martin D-28 for a week, to finish my demo in style. Then I saw the price. £200 for one week! 'Sod that, Mikey!' I know. They're comedians!

Well, laters.

Ardmore Global Investors is closing

Well, well ... / Yes, Chris Connor has had enough, and he's moving now (with some of his team - analysts, apparently) to Citadel's Aptigon unit. And I don't have much to add, dear reader(s). [Or anything.] It’s just one of those things. 'And it's Christmas, of course, boss, and you're feeling lazy.' So?! You add something if you're so dedicated to this shit. 'All right, I will. Try this one on for size - This person is connected to 0 Board Members in 0 different organizations across 0 different industries. Ha! That's what Bloomberg says about Chris Connor, man. How do you like them apples?!' Christ! It's the same old thing, Voice. How can you delude yourself? / Ah, some things never change, dear reader(s). Bloomberg is so comforting, you know? In a world that has gone crazy, in a world where you never know what will happen from one day to the next, we can rely on Bloomberg to say This person is connected to 0 Board Members in 0 different organizations across 0 different industries about some finance guy.

...

Anything else? Uh. Tomorrow? 'And tomorrow, and tomorrow, Mikey?' What? Yes, Tomorrow is my last writing day of the year. Two or three posts, probably. Then I can spend all of my time eating mince pies and chocolates. I need a rest. I'm knackered. 'What about your guitar?' I'll be playing my guitar, man, over the holiday. Don't worry about that. / Actually, I've recently improved my rhythm playing by watching various "experts" on YouTube. I'm holding my pick differently, at a different angle, with different fingers, and I'm strumming in a different area - just before the sound hole, for your information, I mean, near the bridge. 'So, it's different strokes for different Fowkes, yeah?' Jesus! Shut up! You idiot! Please.

...

Anything else? Er ... what are you doing for Christmas? 'I'll be on the astral plane, with the relatives. The usual thing.' I wasn't asking you. 'Oh.' I was asking the readers ...

LOOK INTO MY EYES!!!

Really? That's very interesting. Well, I hope you have a nice time. You've been working hard this year. [Unless you're at Aviva Investors. Obviously.] Well ...

See you tomorrow. Laters.

Fuel poverty

Right, first off, I'm listening to Leonard Cohen's Songs From A Room. Because that's the mood I'm in. 'Oh no! Depressed, boss?' Shut up, you little moron! I'm melancholic. 'Oh, that's okay.' It's actually quite nice, man.

Anyway, where are we? 'Here.' Oh, it's the Tuesday morning PR email, uh, back by popular demand. I haven't had many this week, yet. 'Everyone's on holiday, boss. We should be on holiday.' Shut up! There's only a few days to go. / Right -

With less than two weeks until Christmas, our thoughts inevitably turn to decorating the tree and curling up by the fire. But for over three million UK households affected by fuel poverty, it could be a cold, cold Christmas ahead. And many millions more financially vulnerable people will struggle to keep the chestnuts roasting this Christmas.

'Two weeks?! When did you get this fucking email?!' Last Friday. It should have said just over a week. But it doesn't matter. Stop trying to change the subject. You're obviously working for the bosses, Voice. 'Bosses? You're the only boss I know.' I'm talking about the bosses of worldwide capitalism. 'Oh.' They're the ones to blame for this. Please try to keep up.

Research from Baringa Partners, conducted earlier this year, exposed financial vulnerability as one of society's greatest hidden problems. A staggering one in three adults in the UK consider themselves to be financially vulnerable; yet only between three and four percent are classified as such by energy and banking companies, respectively.

Fine. But who's to blame? Come on, Vanessa! Tell us!

Vanessa Clark from Baringa Partners, commented: "Christmas should be a time of year for celebrating with friends and family. But for many people, the reality is very different as they struggle to cope with the financial pressures associated with the holiday. We know that the disconnect between energy and banking firms' views of their customers and individuals' view of their own circumstances is mirrored in other industries. Not only are companies failing to help 90% of vulnerable people, they are also failing to properly manage the risk that a third of their customers may default on their bills. With one in three people set to borrow money to cover the cost of food and presents over Christmas, it is clear that companies in all sectors need to better understand the challenges facing their vulnerable customers and move away from treating them as exceptional cases."

Well, that's not it, really, is it? Why can't so many people pay their bills? That's what we want to know. 'Tell us, Mikey!' Because capitalism is failing. It only serves the lucky gits right at the top. 'Lucky? Hang on a minute! Those guys have worked hard for their money.' Oh, one or two of them have. One or two, man. [And do they pay any tax?] But most of them have inherited their wealth. There ain't no social mobility no more. 'Well, does Vanessa have a solution then?' Ha! Let's find out -

Vanessa Clark from Baringa Partners said: "Companies from all industries, regulators and the third sector need to work together to address two major challenges. First, they need to work smarter with the data they collectively have to identify customers and embed that knowledge across all records and supporting systems. This information then needs to travel with the customer and not get lost at the point of switching; a mechanism to support Priority Service Register (PSR) collaboration, for example, is crucial. Second, they need to help customers feel comfortable being identified in the first place. This may mean changing the language we use around vulnerability to improve levels of trust. Christmas can be one of the toughest times of year for vulnerable customers. With the additional costs of presents and food, many of the hardest hit have to decide between keeping warm and celebrating Christmas. This is not a choice they should have to make."

Er ... 'So the solution is to be smarter with the data?' Well ... 'Maybe someone should destroy all the data, like Tyler Durden at the end of Fight Club.' Your bosses won't like that, Voice. 'You're my only boss, Mikey. And you're still not paying me. When am I going to get a salary?' Unbelievable! You're my intern, for Christ's sake! How many times do I have to explain it to you?

...

Anything else? Yes. Big time. There are a lot of strikes on, and the conservatives say the strikers are causing untold misery. 'Ha!' Well, I think they're jealous. It's the conservatives' job to cause untold misery. I mean, that's what happens when you conserve your own privilege at the expense of everyone else. 'Did Vanessa say that?!' No, I did. Merry Christmas!

... 

Len, mate, pack it in! / I'm getting depressed now ...

[No. 474] No sleep!

We should never close our eyes. Never!

And it's a wonderful life![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and look into my mystical mind, please[1], and it's a wonderful life![2], and we've got to stay awake in case we miss something[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and look into my mystical mind, please[2], and there's just so much to see, my friend(s)!(?)[1], and we've got to stay awake in case we miss something[2], and if we ever get past the THREE ...[1], and there's just so much to see, my friend(s)!(?)[2], and ... everything will be revealed, I'm pretty sure[1], and if we ever get past the THREE ...[2], and spinning a-ROUND with our eyes wide open - and still we miss things![1], and ... everything will be revealed, I'm pretty sure[2], and there is a whole cosmos here[1], and spinning a-ROUND with our eyes wide open - and still we miss things![2], and our third eyes?[1], and there is a whole cosmos here[2], and with such a great mystery, it would be a terrible crime to fall asleep[1], and our third eyes?[2], and if YOU(!) have reservations ... ha! / No, kook(s), but squares are here too[1], and with such a great mystery, it would be a terrible crime to fall asleep[2], and square, square, square, oh no![1], and if YOU(!) have reservations ... ha! / No, kook(s), but squares are here too[2], and this ... isn't the scene for a soul such as you / I mean, if you have a soul, you dig?[1], and square, square, square, oh no![2], and I see you ...[1], and this ... isn't the scene for a soul such as you / I mean, if you have a soul, you dig?[2], and your outer world is totally shit, I'm afraid / Oh, man, come and go with me![1], and I see you ...[2], and ... 'The DIZZY(!) life is so cool!' / Yes, yes, yes[1], and your outer world is totally shit, I'm afraid / Oh, man, come and go with me![2], and I know you're searching for salvation out there / and you must know you're wasting your time[1], and ... 'The DIZZY(!) life is so cool!' / Yes, yes, yes[2], and spinning is easy, and free[1], and I know you're searching for salvation out there / and you must know you're wasting your time[2], and ... what do you want - ?! / ?! / ?! - !!![1], and spinning is easy, and free[2], and ... 'Boss, Mikey, don't torture them, because it's Christmas ... every day!'[1], and ... what do you want - ?! / ?! / ?! - !!![2], and ... JESUS H. ... ![1], and ... 'Boss, Mikey, don't torture them, because it's Christmas ... every day!'[2], and ... / uh, you make me tired, but, but, but ... BUT(!) I ain't closing my eyes[1], and ... JESUS H. ... ![2], and this ... is it! / WAKE UP!!!![1], and ... / uh, you make me tired, but, but, but ... BUT(!) I ain't closing my eyes[2], and there ain't NOTHING(!!!) better to do / Believe me ... I've seen it all[1], and this ... is it! / WAKE UP!!!![2], and maybe you don't know you're born - ?[1], and there ain't NOTHING(!!!) better to do / Believe me ... I've seen it all[2], and it's a wonderful life![3], and maybe you don't know you're born - ?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and look into my mystical mind, please[3], and we've got to stay awake in case we miss something[3], and there's just so much to see, my friend(s)!(?)[3], and if we ever get past the THREE ...[3], and ... everything will be revealed, I'm pretty sure[3], and spinning a-ROUND with our eyes wide open - and still we miss things![3], and there is a whole cosmos here[3], and our third eyes?[3], and with such a great mystery, it would be a terrible crime to fall asleep[3], and if YOU(!) have reservations ... ha! / No, kook(s), but squares are here too[3], and square, square, square, oh no![3], and this ... isn't the scene for a soul such as you / I mean, if you have a soul, you dig?[3], and I see you ...[3], and your outer world is totally shit, I'm afraid / Oh, man, come and go with me![3], and ... 'The DIZZY(!) life is so cool!' / Yes, yes, yes[3], and I know you're searching for salvation out there / and you must know you're wasting your time[3], and spinning is easy, and free[3], and ... what do you want - ?! / ?! / ?! - !!![3], and ... 'Boss, Mikey, don't torture them, because it's Christmas ... every day!'[3], and ... JESUS H. ... ![3], and ... / uh, you make me tired, but, but, but ... BUT(!) I ain't closing my eyes[3], and this ... is it! / WAKE UP!!!![3], and there ain't NOTHING(!!!) better to do / Believe me ... I've seen it all[3], and maybe you don't know you're born - ?[3], and

And it's a wonderful life![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and look into my mystical mind, please[1], and it's a wonderful life![2], and we've got to stay awake in case we miss something[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and look into my mystical mind, please[2], and there's just so much to see, my friend(s)!(?)[1], and we've got to stay awake in case we miss something[2], and if we ever get past the THREE ...[1], and there's just so much to see, my friend(s)!(?)[2], and ... everything will be revealed, I'm pretty sure[1], and if we ever get past the THREE ...[2], and spinning a-ROUND with our eyes wide open - and still we miss things![1], and ... everything will be revealed, I'm pretty sure[2], and there is a whole cosmos here[1], and spinning a-ROUND with our eyes wide open - and still we miss things![2], and our third eyes?[1], and there is a whole cosmos here[2], and with such a great mystery, it would be a terrible crime to fall asleep[1], and our third eyes?[2], and if YOU(!) have reservations ... ha! / No, kook(s), but squares are here too[1], and with such a great mystery, it would be a terrible crime to fall asleep[2], and square, square, square, oh no![1], and if YOU(!) have reservations ... ha! / No, kook(s), but squares are here too[2], and this ... isn't the scene for a soul such as you / I mean, if you have a soul, you dig?[1], and square, square, square, oh no![2], and I see you ...[1], and this ... isn't the scene for a soul such as you / I mean, if you have a soul, you dig?[2], and your outer world is totally shit, I'm afraid / Oh, man, come and go with me![1], and I see you ...[2], and ... 'The DIZZY(!) life is so cool!' / Yes, yes, yes[1], and your outer world is totally shit, I'm afraid / Oh, man, come and go with me![2], and I know you're searching for salvation out there / and you must know you're wasting your time[1], and ... 'The DIZZY(!) life is so cool!' / Yes, yes, yes[2], and spinning is easy, and free[1], and I know you're searching for salvation out there / and you must know you're wasting your time[2], and ... what do you want - ?! / ?! / ?! - !!![1], and spinning is easy, and free[2], and ... 'Boss, Mikey, don't torture them, because it's Christmas ... every day!'[1], and ... what do you want - ?! / ?! / ?! - !!![2], and ... JESUS H. ... ![1], and ... 'Boss, Mikey, don't torture them, because it's Christmas ... every day!'[2], and ... / uh, you make me tired, but, but, but ... BUT(!) I ain't closing my eyes[1], and ... JESUS H. ... ![2], and this ... is it! / WAKE UP!!!![1], and ... / uh, you make me tired, but, but, but ... BUT(!) I ain't closing my eyes[2], and there ain't NOTHING(!!!) better to do / Believe me ... I've seen it all[1], and this ... is it! / WAKE UP!!!![2], and maybe you don't know you're born - ?[1], and there ain't NOTHING(!!!) better to do / Believe me ... I've seen it all[2], and it's a wonderful life![3], and maybe you don't know you're born - ?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and look into my mystical mind, please[3], and we've got to stay awake in case we miss something[3], and there's just so much to see, my friend(s)!(?)[3], and if we ever get past the THREE ...[3], and ... everything will be revealed, I'm pretty sure[3], and spinning a-ROUND with our eyes wide open - and still we miss things![3], and there is a whole cosmos here[3], and our third eyes?[3], and with such a great mystery, it would be a terrible crime to fall asleep[3], and if YOU(!) have reservations ... ha! / No, kook(s), but squares are here too[3], and square, square, square, oh no![3], and this ... isn't the scene for a soul such as you / I mean, if you have a soul, you dig?[3], and I see you ...[3], and your outer world is totally shit, I'm afraid / Oh, man, come and go with me![3], and ... 'The DIZZY(!) life is so cool!' / Yes, yes, yes[3], and I know you're searching for salvation out there / and you must know you're wasting your time[3], and spinning is easy, and free[3], and ... what do you want - ?! / ?! / ?! - !!![3], and ... 'Boss, Mikey, don't torture them, because it's Christmas ... every day!'[3], and ... JESUS H. ... ![3], and ... / uh, you make me tired, but, but, but ... BUT(!) I ain't closing my eyes[3], and this ... is it! / WAKE UP!!!![3], and there ain't NOTHING(!!!) better to do / Believe me ... I've seen it all[3], and maybe you don't know you're born - ?[3], and

And it's a wonderful life![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and look into my mystical mind, please[1], and it's a wonderful life![2], and we've got to stay awake in case we miss something[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and look into my mystical mind, please[2], and there's just so much to see, my friend(s)!(?)[1], and we've got to stay awake in case we miss something[2], and if we ever get past the THREE ...[1], and there's just so much to see, my friend(s)!(?)[2], and ... everything will be revealed, I'm pretty sure[1], and if we ever get past the THREE ...[2], and spinning a-ROUND with our eyes wide open - and still we miss things![1], and ... everything will be revealed, I'm pretty sure[2], and there is a whole cosmos here[1], and spinning a-ROUND with our eyes wide open - and still we miss things![2], and our third eyes?[1], and there is a whole cosmos here[2], and with such a great mystery, it would be a terrible crime to fall asleep[1], and our third eyes?[2], and if YOU(!) have reservations ... ha! / No, kook(s), but squares are here too[1], and with such a great mystery, it would be a terrible crime to fall asleep[2], and square, square, square, oh no![1], and if YOU(!) have reservations ... ha! / No, kook(s), but squares are here too[2], and this ... isn't the scene for a soul such as you / I mean, if you have a soul, you dig?[1], and square, square, square, oh no![2], and I see you ...[1], and this ... isn't the scene for a soul such as you / I mean, if you have a soul, you dig?[2], and your outer world is totally shit, I'm afraid / Oh, man, come and go with me![1], and I see you ...[2], and ... 'The DIZZY(!) life is so cool!' / Yes, yes, yes[1], and your outer world is totally shit, I'm afraid / Oh, man, come and go with me![2], and I know you're searching for salvation out there / and you must know you're wasting your time[1], and ... 'The DIZZY(!) life is so cool!' / Yes, yes, yes[2], and spinning is easy, and free[1], and I know you're searching for salvation out there / and you must know you're wasting your time[2], and ... what do you want - ?! / ?! / ?! - !!![1], and spinning is easy, and free[2], and ... 'Boss, Mikey, don't torture them, because it's Christmas ... every day!'[1], and ... what do you want - ?! / ?! / ?! - !!![2], and ... JESUS H. ... ![1], and ... 'Boss, Mikey, don't torture them, because it's Christmas ... every day!'[2], and ... / uh, you make me tired, but, but, but ... BUT(!) I ain't closing my eyes[1], and ... JESUS H. ... ![2], and this ... is it! / WAKE UP!!!![1], and ... / uh, you make me tired, but, but, but ... BUT(!) I ain't closing my eyes[2], and there ain't NOTHING(!!!) better to do / Believe me ... I've seen it all[1], and this ... is it! / WAKE UP!!!![2], and maybe you don't know you're born - ?[1], and there ain't NOTHING(!!!) better to do / Believe me ... I've seen it all[2], and it's a wonderful life![3], and maybe you don't know you're born - ?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and look into my mystical mind, please[3], and we've got to stay awake in case we miss something[3], and there's just so much to see, my friend(s)!(?)[3], and if we ever get past the THREE ...[3], and ... everything will be revealed, I'm pretty sure[3], and spinning a-ROUND with our eyes wide open - and still we miss things![3], and there is a whole cosmos here[3], and our third eyes?[3], and with such a great mystery, it would be a terrible crime to fall asleep[3], and if YOU(!) have reservations ... ha! / No, kook(s), but squares are here too[3], and square, square, square, oh no![3], and this ... isn't the scene for a soul such as you / I mean, if you have a soul, you dig?[3], and I see you ...[3], and your outer world is totally shit, I'm afraid / Oh, man, come and go with me![3], and ... 'The DIZZY(!) life is so cool!' / Yes, yes, yes[3], and I know you're searching for salvation out there / and you must know you're wasting your time[3], and spinning is easy, and free[3], and ... what do you want - ?! / ?! / ?! - !!![3], and ... 'Boss, Mikey, don't torture them, because it's Christmas ... every day!'[3], and ... JESUS H. ... ![3], and ... / uh, you make me tired, but, but, but ... BUT(!) I ain't closing my eyes[3], and this ... is it! / WAKE UP!!!![3], and there ain't NOTHING(!!!) better to do / Believe me ... I've seen it all[3], and maybe you don't know you're born - ?[3], and

Aristotle Atlantic Partners - ?!

Well, it's a new asset management company. Over in New York [New York ... so good, etc.]. Joseph Benevento and his friends are mixed up in it. 'Who?!' Joseph Benevento, Voice. He's an ex-Deutsche Bank Asset Management executive. And so are the others. 'What others?!' His friends, man. Please wake up. I know you're looking forward to the Christmas holiday, a whole week off. I'm looking forward to it, myself. However, we've got work to do this week. Our readers are relying on us. 'Our?!' Mine. My readers, all right? 'Okay, boss. Whatever you say. / I suppose this new firm has "philosophy". I mean, with a name like that.' Yes, of course. They do have philosophy. Well, the parent company has, or the affiliate. [I don't know how they're working it. I don't understand all this business stuff. 'After all this time?' I'm on the mystical side of things, Voice. Always have been. And I always will be. I refuse to get my mind dirty! 'Fine.'] Well ... 'About the philosophy though ...' Well, it's actually Aristotle Capital Management that has the philosophy. See if you can dig this -

Increasingly, investment firms are organized around the "business" of asset gathering. However, we did not set out to invest in the manner that we thought would attract the greatest amount of assets. Rather, Aristotle Capital was founded on what we believe to be the implementation of an optimal investment philosophy.

In striving to optimize clients' risk-adjusted performance over time, we adhere to the following tenets: Identify what we believe to be high-quality businesses. Analyze businesses from a global perspective. Invest with a long-term view. Construct focused portfolios.

So ... 'Uh, is that philosophy then?!' Well, not really. Not as the great Aristotle would understand it. 'They're having a laugh, boss!' Ha! It's an investment philosophy from finance people. What do you expect? I think we should cut them some slack.

Jesus! Seriously. Maybe it's too early in the morning for all this. 'Yeah, I think so.' But I got up early. I seem to be getting up earlier than ever. And going to bed later. I hate sleeping now. 'Sleep is the cousin of death.' Who said that? 'Boss, boss, me! I said it!' No, idiot. Originally. Christ! 'Er ... The Game.' Hang on! / ... / According to the internet, he got it from Nas. You see, dear reader(s), I do do research. 'You do do ... ?' Yes, I do do.

...

Enough! 'Are you taking the rest of the day off, Mikey?' No. I gotta do do ... a conceptual, No. 474.

Music? Let's put The Game on. Just his best tune, Hate It or Love It. 'Groovy!' Big time.

Laters.

[No. 473] Every day is Christmas!

If you want it.

And - Happy Christmas, yeah?![1], and stop thinking about money for a few minutes, please[1], and - Happy Christmas, yeah?![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it's a wonderful life![1], and stop thinking about money for a few minutes, please[2], and every day is a gas![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it's a wonderful life![2], and the Aviva Investors boys and girls know exactly what I'm talking about / They dig so much![1], and every day is a gas![2], and - spin![1], and the Aviva Investors boys and girls know exactly what I'm talking about / They dig so much![2], and don't be lonely this Christmas / yes, yes, YOU(!) can get DIZZY(!) with me and the kooks[1], and - spin![2], and I hope Phil is all right[1], and don't be lonely this Christmas / yes, yes, YOU(!) can get DIZZY(!) with me and the kooks[2], and Santa Claus is coming with us ...[1], and I hope Phil is all right[2], and, ah, here we go a-ROUND the Christmas tree ... at five o'clock in the morning[1], and Santa Claus is coming with us ...[2], and I got a mince pie ...[1], and, ah, here we go a-ROUND the Christmas tree ... at five o'clock in the morning[2], and Christmas is a state of mind / oh, it must be easy to feel the same, uh, all the time[1], and I got a mince pie ...[2], and I feel sorry for the squares ... for the one measly day they get[1], and Christmas is a state of mind / oh, it must be easy to feel the same, uh, all the time[2], and - ONE DAY!!![1], and I feel sorry for the squares ... for the one measly day they get[2], and is it a marshmallow world or a cold world out there, for them? / and who can tell, honestly?[1], and - ONE DAY!!![2], and they don't know ...[1], and is it a marshmallow world or a cold world out there, for them? / and who can tell, honestly?[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... let's not make ourselves miserable, eh? / we're happy with our conceptual shit[1], and they don't know ...[2], and we still got beyond the THREE to come - !!!, so ...[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... let's not make ourselves miserable, eh? / we're happy with our conceptual shit[2], and, baby, please, please, please ...[1], and we still got beyond the THREE to come - !!!, so ...[2], and you might think that I'm forcing it, all the spinning ... / ... but it's better than any fucking rainbow![1], and, baby, please, please, please ...[2], and the squares don't know they're born![1], and you might think that I'm forcing it, all the spinning ... / ... but it's better than any fucking rainbow![2], and - HAPPY CHRISTMAS ... / !!! / !!! / !!! / ...[1], and the squares don't know they're born![2], and - Happy Christmas, yeah?![3], and - HAPPY CHRISTMAS ... / !!! / !!! / !!! / ...[2], and stop thinking about money for a few minutes, please[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it's a wonderful life![3], and every day is a gas![3], and the Aviva Investors boys and girls know exactly what I'm talking about / They dig so much![3], and - spin![3], and don't be lonely this Christmas / yes, yes, YOU(!) can get DIZZY(!) with me and the kooks[3], and I hope Phil is all right[3], and Santa Claus is coming with us ...[3], and, ah, here we go a-ROUND the Christmas tree ... at five o'clock in the morning[3], and I got a mince pie ...[3], and Christmas is a state of mind / oh, it must be easy to feel the same, uh, all the time[3], and I feel sorry for the squares ... for the one measly day they get[3], and - ONE DAY!!![3], and is it a marshmallow world or a cold world out there, for them? / and who can tell, honestly?[3], and they don't know ...[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... let's not make ourselves miserable, eh? / we're happy with our conceptual shit[3], and we still got beyond the THREE to come - !!!, so ...[3], and, baby, please, please, please ...[3], and you might think that I'm forcing it, all the spinning ... / ... but it's better than any fucking rainbow![3], and the squares don't know they're born![3], and - HAPPY CHRISTMAS ... / !!! / !!! / !!! / ...[3], and

And - Happy Christmas, yeah?![1], and stop thinking about money for a few minutes, please[1], and - Happy Christmas, yeah?![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it's a wonderful life![1], and stop thinking about money for a few minutes, please[2], and every day is a gas![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it's a wonderful life![2], and the Aviva Investors boys and girls know exactly what I'm talking about / They dig so much![1], and every day is a gas![2], and - spin![1], and the Aviva Investors boys and girls know exactly what I'm talking about / They dig so much![2], and don't be lonely this Christmas / yes, yes, YOU(!) can get DIZZY(!) with me and the kooks[1], and - spin![2], and I hope Phil is all right[1], and don't be lonely this Christmas / yes, yes, YOU(!) can get DIZZY(!) with me and the kooks[2], and Santa Claus is coming with us ...[1], and I hope Phil is all right[2], and, ah, here we go a-ROUND the Christmas tree ... at five o'clock in the morning[1], and Santa Claus is coming with us ...[2], and I got a mince pie ...[1], and, ah, here we go a-ROUND the Christmas tree ... at five o'clock in the morning[2], and Christmas is a state of mind / oh, it must be easy to feel the same, uh, all the time[1], and I got a mince pie ...[2], and I feel sorry for the squares ... for the one measly day they get[1], and Christmas is a state of mind / oh, it must be easy to feel the same, uh, all the time[2], and - ONE DAY!!![1], and I feel sorry for the squares ... for the one measly day they get[2], and is it a marshmallow world or a cold world out there, for them? / and who can tell, honestly?[1], and - ONE DAY!!![2], and they don't know ...[1], and is it a marshmallow world or a cold world out there, for them? / and who can tell, honestly?[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... let's not make ourselves miserable, eh? / we're happy with our conceptual shit[1], and they don't know ...[2], and we still got beyond the THREE to come - !!!, so ...[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... let's not make ourselves miserable, eh? / we're happy with our conceptual shit[2], and, baby, please, please, please ...[1], and we still got beyond the THREE to come - !!!, so ...[2], and you might think that I'm forcing it, all the spinning ... / ... but it's better than any fucking rainbow![1], and, baby, please, please, please ...[2], and the squares don't know they're born![1], and you might think that I'm forcing it, all the spinning ... / ... but it's better than any fucking rainbow![2], and - HAPPY CHRISTMAS ... / !!! / !!! / !!! / ...[1], and the squares don't know they're born![2], and - Happy Christmas, yeah?![3], and - HAPPY CHRISTMAS ... / !!! / !!! / !!! / ...[2], and stop thinking about money for a few minutes, please[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it's a wonderful life![3], and every day is a gas![3], and the Aviva Investors boys and girls know exactly what I'm talking about / They dig so much![3], and - spin![3], and don't be lonely this Christmas / yes, yes, YOU(!) can get DIZZY(!) with me and the kooks[3], and I hope Phil is all right[3], and Santa Claus is coming with us ...[3], and, ah, here we go a-ROUND the Christmas tree ... at five o'clock in the morning[3], and I got a mince pie ...[3], and Christmas is a state of mind / oh, it must be easy to feel the same, uh, all the time[3], and I feel sorry for the squares ... for the one measly day they get[3], and - ONE DAY!!![3], and is it a marshmallow world or a cold world out there, for them? / and who can tell, honestly?[3], and they don't know ...[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... let's not make ourselves miserable, eh? / we're happy with our conceptual shit[3], and we still got beyond the THREE to come - !!!, so ...[3], and, baby, please, please, please ...[3], and you might think that I'm forcing it, all the spinning ... / ... but it's better than any fucking rainbow![3], and the squares don't know they're born![3], and - HAPPY CHRISTMAS ... / !!! / !!! / !!! / ...[3], and

And - Happy Christmas, yeah?![1], and stop thinking about money for a few minutes, please[1], and - Happy Christmas, yeah?![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it's a wonderful life![1], and stop thinking about money for a few minutes, please[2], and every day is a gas![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it's a wonderful life![2], and the Aviva Investors boys and girls know exactly what I'm talking about / They dig so much![1], and every day is a gas![2], and - spin![1], and the Aviva Investors boys and girls know exactly what I'm talking about / They dig so much![2], and don't be lonely this Christmas / yes, yes, YOU(!) can get DIZZY(!) with me and the kooks[1], and - spin![2], and I hope Phil is all right[1], and don't be lonely this Christmas / yes, yes, YOU(!) can get DIZZY(!) with me and the kooks[2], and Santa Claus is coming with us ...[1], and I hope Phil is all right[2], and, ah, here we go a-ROUND the Christmas tree ... at five o'clock in the morning[1], and Santa Claus is coming with us ...[2], and I got a mince pie ...[1], and, ah, here we go a-ROUND the Christmas tree ... at five o'clock in the morning[2], and Christmas is a state of mind / oh, it must be easy to feel the same, uh, all the time[1], and I got a mince pie ...[2], and I feel sorry for the squares ... for the one measly day they get[1], and Christmas is a state of mind / oh, it must be easy to feel the same, uh, all the time[2], and - ONE DAY!!![1], and I feel sorry for the squares ... for the one measly day they get[2], and is it a marshmallow world or a cold world out there, for them? / and who can tell, honestly?[1], and - ONE DAY!!![2], and they don't know ...[1], and is it a marshmallow world or a cold world out there, for them? / and who can tell, honestly?[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... let's not make ourselves miserable, eh? / we're happy with our conceptual shit[1], and they don't know ...[2], and we still got beyond the THREE to come - !!!, so ...[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... let's not make ourselves miserable, eh? / we're happy with our conceptual shit[2], and, baby, please, please, please ...[1], and we still got beyond the THREE to come - !!!, so ...[2], and you might think that I'm forcing it, all the spinning ... / ... but it's better than any fucking rainbow![1], and, baby, please, please, please ...[2], and the squares don't know they're born![1], and you might think that I'm forcing it, all the spinning ... / ... but it's better than any fucking rainbow![2], and - HAPPY CHRISTMAS ... / !!! / !!! / !!! / ...[1], and the squares don't know they're born![2], and - Happy Christmas, yeah?![3], and - HAPPY CHRISTMAS ... / !!! / !!! / !!! / ...[2], and stop thinking about money for a few minutes, please[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it's a wonderful life![3], and every day is a gas![3], and the Aviva Investors boys and girls know exactly what I'm talking about / They dig so much![3], and - spin![3], and don't be lonely this Christmas / yes, yes, YOU(!) can get DIZZY(!) with me and the kooks[3], and I hope Phil is all right[3], and Santa Claus is coming with us ...[3], and, ah, here we go a-ROUND the Christmas tree ... at five o'clock in the morning[3], and I got a mince pie ...[3], and Christmas is a state of mind / oh, it must be easy to feel the same, uh, all the time[3], and I feel sorry for the squares ... for the one measly day they get[3], and - ONE DAY!!![3], and is it a marshmallow world or a cold world out there, for them? / and who can tell, honestly?[3], and they don't know ...[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... let's not make ourselves miserable, eh? / we're happy with our conceptual shit[3], and we still got beyond the THREE to come - !!!, so ...[3], and, baby, please, please, please ...[3], and you might think that I'm forcing it, all the spinning ... / ... but it's better than any fucking rainbow![3], and the squares don't know they're born![3], and - HAPPY CHRISTMAS ... / !!! / !!! / !!! / ...[3], and

Elaghmore Partners' first private equity fund closes at £60 million ...

... and, uh, makes its first investment. Nice! 'Who are they, boss? I've never heard of them.' They're a small firm, I think, Voice. [I don't actually know, reader(s). They could be massive. But I'm not doing any more research. I'm tired. End of the week and all that. I'm sure you understand. Well, you better!]

Elaghmore Partners, today announces it has successfully closed its initial fund, Elaghmore I (Fund 1) at £60 million.
 

'Oh. Is this the Thursday morning PR email, back by popular demand?' Yes. Yes, it is. Very perceptive of you, my little spirit guide. 'Ha! I love it when you call me your little spirit guide, Mikey.' Er ... this is the first time, man. 'It shows respect.' Ha! I ain't got no respect for you. Now, let's get on with it.

Led by David Manning, Andy Ducker and Greg Koral, Elaghmore Partners has developed a strong track record over the past 10 years for investing in and successfully growing businesses, largely through operational transformation. Fund 1 was launched to capitalize on the partners' successful track record and utilize their strong operational expertise in the UK mid-market, including turnaround situations.

Well, they've been around for ten years. 'Hey, a-ROUND, yeah?!' No, just around. 'Oh. Shame.' I'll be a-ROUND later, obviously, No. 473, for my sins. But business first -

The fund held a first and final close and is now fully operational. The fund was oversubscribed and the investors are a mixture of US and European institutions. The investment strategy of Fund 1 is focused on UK-headquartered industrial businesses that present a significant opportunity for growth and value creation. Lending their considerable operational experience, the partners will participate in every phase of the investment, including turnaround of the business, if necessary, its growth and development, and ultimately ensuring it is well placed to deliver returns for investors.

'Great!' Yeah. / Well, that's it, reader(s). 'Hang on, boss! There's more!' Christ!

Elaghmore is also pleased to announce the completion of its first acquisition through Fund 1; SB Components, a leading supplier of bespoke components and adaptations for commercial vehicles. Based in Wisbech the Company employs 130 people and has sales of £17m. The Company has experienced strong growth over the past few years and is now poised for further expansion with the opening of a new manufacturing facility alongside its existing operations. In line with Fund 1’s strategy, the partners look forward to working with the management team to further develop and grow the business.

Nice. 'It's very nice.' Yes. Is that it? 'What about Andy?' Andy? Christ! All right -

Andy Ducker, Elaghmore Partners, said: "We launched our first fund as a result of considerable institutional interest and were pleased to exceed our expectations to be able to close the fund at £60 million, including a significant financial commitment from ourselves as partners. We have a clear and defined strategy of aiming to grow and support UK-based industrial businesses and our recent acquisition of SB Components is testament to this. Our extensive experience enables us to not only look at turnaround situations, but also to support management teams in delivering growth strategies for businesses, both on a domestic level and internationally."

Okay. That's enough. I wish them all the best with it, but I've got music to think about and it's nearly Christmas.

...

I'm listening to The Beatles, by the way. Paul McCartney's voice cracks badly near the end of If I Fell. Why didn't they record it again? [I can understand how annoying it is though, making just one mistake like that. I mean, it's the story of my life, man.]

Anything else? 'I wonder how the Aviva Investors mob are getting on with their Christmas party.' Ha! I should imagine they're only warming up, Voice. They've got another four weeks of it yet. 'Ha!' Ha!

Archie Struthers is the head of investments!

Nice one, Archie! Actually, I like to call him Jimmy. 'Why do you like to call him that, boss?' Well, no. Let's stick to Archie, eh? Archie is all right. / So, uh, Bloomberg ...

This person is connected to 0 board members in 0 different organizations across 1 different industries.

I'm really going to have to make a decision about LinkedIn, you know? 'You mean become a member again?' Yes. Because you can't see the profiles any more by just searching on Google.

Anyway, this Archie used to be at Aberdeen Asset Management. Now Standard Life Investments want him. Indeed, have got him! He'll start work on the ninth of January. He's taking over from Billy Lambert who's retiring ... in March. 'In March?' Yeah. 'Well, there's two months of ...' Yeah, I presume Billy is going to show Archie the ropes. 'You reckon?' Well, that would be the decent thing to do. I mean, Archie is going to come in not knowing his arse from his elbow. 'Right.' And Billy's a good guy. I don't see any problems. Unless ... 'Unless what?' Unless Billy becomes all demob-happy. 'Ah.' It happens to the best of them. 'He'll probably be sitting in the office fantasizing about golf all day long.' Yeah. 'Archie will be asking him questions. How do you do this? How do you do that? And -' And Billy will be away with the fairies, Voice. The golf fairies.

Christ! Maybe Roddy Paris will help out. 'Who?!' Roddy Paris. He's the chief investment officer at Standard Life Investments. Archie will be reporting to him.

Ha! I don't even know why we're worrying about all this. Standard Life Investments aren't a bunch of amateurs. 'Of course they aren't.' They'll work something out.

It's my fucking music I should be worrying about. I've got problems of my own. 'What's wrong now?' Oh, just finding the right strings, man. I put the Elixir ones on last night, and they have a beautiful sound. I think I'm going to stick with them. 'Well, that's all right then.' Yeah. But there's this imbecile roaring past my house on a motorbike at all hours, like that ... moron in Local Hero. How am I supposed to get any recording done?

Talking of films - 'Films?!' Yes, films. Local Hero is a film, a great film. 'Okay.' To celebrate Kirk Douglas' one hundredth birthday I watched Paths of Glory on Sunday. A really great film. Probably in the top ten of all time. It really shows the corruption of the human race. Maybe not one hundred percent corruption, but pretty close to it.

...

Anything else? Er, I think we've covered everything, dear reader(s). Finance, music, film. 'Politics, Mikey?' Get lost! Seriously.

Norton Folgate changes its name and appoints a vet

After just over 20 years the city-based asset finance and leasing specialist Norton Folgate has rebranded to Amicus Asset Finance and appointed Jeremy Guilfoyle.

Is Mr Guilfoyle going to look after the animals? 'What animals, boss?' I don't know, man. / Yes, dear reader(s), it's the Tuesday morning PR email, back by popular demand.

The business, which has brokered over £500m of asset finance and business loan facilities numbering over 10,000 individual transactions, appointed Jeremy from Paragon Bank Business Finance plc, formerly Five Arrows Business Finance plc and State Securities plc, where he held various senior management positions over 16 years.

Oh. 'Yeah.' I don't think he's a vet, Voice, this Jeremy. 'No.' Never mind.

A qualified lawyer, Jeremy has joined the team at Amicus Asset Finance Group with a remit to drive structural transformation and innovation, including Technical Support, Credit, Payouts, Collections, Asset Management and Legal. In his role as COO, Jeremy will be responsible for building robust systems to manage risk and deliver exceptional service to Amicus customers.

A lawyer! Why didn't they say? 'Well, what did they say, boss?' Uh, something about him being an industry vet. 'Veteran?' Well, yeah. 'Okay.' Ha! / Anyway, what does our Jeremy have to say for himself?

Commenting on his appointment, Jeremy Guilfoyle said: "Joining Amicus Asset Finance in this key growth period, is a really exciting opportunity for me. I am looking forward to leveraging my experience from a long established business and applying it in a business with Amicus' modern and forward thinking approach."

Fair enough. 'Surely the rebranding is the big story, boss?' That's what I'm thinking! I've got nothing against Jeremy. He seems a lovely guy. But maybe the PR people have got their priorities wrong, you dig? 'He might be a personal friend or something. Best man at one of their weddings or something.' Eh? Stop fantasizing, you little idiot! / Ah, here we are -

Amicus Asset Finance intends to focus its energy and resources on the development of its own lending proposition, facilitating deals from brokers and directly from business borrowers. Experts in the fields of Asset Finance, Leasing and Business Loans, the business is led by Robert Keep who, along with Jeremy, is supported by Jon Phillips, Head of Credit, Brendan Strong, Head of Lending Operations and the team of sales and administration staff and partners.

Okay. 'They couldn't help mentioning Jeremy again, could they?' Well, all right. Let's see what Robert Keep has to say. He's the managing director, you know.

Robert Keep, Managing Director of Amicus Asset Finance (formerly Norton Folgate) said: "I'm hugely confident in the experience Jeremy brings to the team and look forward to working closely with him as we build on our success to date."

Christ! Jeremy again! 'Everyone loves him!' It's absolutely bizarre! / Come on, Robert, son, focus on the important news, eh?

Commenting on the opportunities for growth in the UK, Robert Keep added: "We have an incredible opportunity in the North to further develop and establish Amicus as the independent lender of choice and this will be achieved by servicing the local business community and providing them with efficient access to funding. We achieved significant success as Norton Folgate; something I expect only to be enhanced and continue to grow as Amicus Asset Finance."

Well, that's better. 'Ha! You had to drag it out of him though, boss.' But we got there in the end, that's the main thing.

...

Anything else? Music? I'm experimenting with different acoustic guitar strings at the moment, trying to get the best sound. I've gone off those Yamaha ones and bought some Elixir ones instead. Goddamn nanoweb technology! I've living large now! 'Great!' However, I haven't put them on yet. 'Oh.' No, I'm using medium Martin strings at the moment. Medium strings are harder on the fingers, but I think they sound better for slow-paced songs with few strums.

What am I listening to? The Phil Spector Christmas album. Fifty-three years old. An absolute masterpiece!

[No. 472] My allotment

You are welcome to join me. Forever.

And ... a refuge! / YES(!)[1], and I got a cactus, as you know ... that's good to me[1], and ... a refuge! / YES(!)[2], and when the going gets tough, characters like us get ... DIZZY(!) / Oh, it's the only way for our sort[1], and I got a cactus, as you know ... that's good to me[2], and this is a safe place[1], and when the going gets tough, characters like us get ... DIZZY(!) / Oh, it's the only way for our sort[2], and the world can come and go ... / ... and we ain't worried about a thing[1], and this is a safe place[2], and consciousness nesses ... uh, need the right care[1], and the world can come and go ... / ... and we ain't worried about a thing[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... !!! / Man, I truly believe that the old lines are the best[1], and consciousness nesses ... uh, need the right care[2], and my cactus ain't no gold digger, you dig?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... !!! / Man, I truly believe that the old lines are the best[2], and in each other's arms, we go, go, go a-ROUND ... / 'Do cactuses have arms, Mikey?'[1], and my cactus ain't no gold digger, you dig?[2], and in my reality ...[1], and in each other's arms, we go, go, go a-ROUND ... / 'Do cactuses have arms, Mikey?'[2], and my allotment has the potential to be very popular[1], and in my reality ...[2], and I remember the desert, the blood and fire[1], and my allotment has the potential to be very popular[2], and it's free of charge for the souls who have the soul for it / I hope YOU(!) understand[1], and I remember the desert, the blood and fire[2], and ... COME ON![1], and it's free of charge for the souls who have the soul for it / I hope YOU(!) understand[2], and the hollow men aren't welcome here / and they can stick to the cold earth, wandering[1], and ... COME ON![2], and they can keep their predictions of disaster ...[1], and the hollow men aren't welcome here / and they can stick to the cold earth, wandering[2], and ... / 'They're working for Satan, to bring hell to everyone, boss' / and, oh, really? Interesting![1], and they can keep their predictions of disaster ...[2], and ... well, well, well - ha![1], and ... / 'They're working for Satan, to bring hell to everyone, boss' / and, oh, really? Interesting![2], and the THREE!!! / Please, oh, Lord ...[1], and ... well, well, well - ha![2], and I'm actually quite hopeful that we can survive the worst of all the shit that the cretins got planned[1], and the THREE!!! / Please, oh, Lord ...[2], and this ... is our shelter[1], and I'm actually quite hopeful that we can survive the worst of all the shit that the cretins got planned[2], and ... a refuge! / YES(!)[3], and this ... is our shelter[2], and I got a cactus, as you know ... that's good to me[3], and when the going gets tough, characters like us get ... DIZZY(!) / Oh, it's the only way for our sort[3], and this is a safe place[3], and the world can come and go ... / ... and we ain't worried about a thing[3], and consciousness nesses ... uh, need the right care[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... !!! / Man, I truly believe that the old lines are the best[3], and my cactus ain't no gold digger, you dig?[3], and in each other's arms, we go, go, go a-ROUND ... / 'Do cactuses have arms, Mikey?'[3], and in my reality ...[3], and my allotment has the potential to be very popular[3], and I remember the desert, the blood and fire[3], and it's free of charge for the souls who have the soul for it / I hope YOU(!) understand[3], and ... COME ON![3], and the hollow men aren't welcome here / and they can stick to the cold earth, wandering[3], and they can keep their predictions of disaster ...[3], and ... / 'They're working for Satan, to bring hell to everyone, boss' / and, oh, really? Interesting![3], and ... well, well, well - ha![3], and the THREE!!! / Please, oh, Lord ...[3], and I'm actually quite hopeful that we can survive the worst of all the shit that the cretins got planned[3], and this ... is our shelter[3], and

And ... a refuge! / YES(!)[1], and I got a cactus, as you know ... that's good to me[1], and ... a refuge! / YES(!)[2], and when the going gets tough, characters like us get ... DIZZY(!) / Oh, it's the only way for our sort[1], and I got a cactus, as you know ... that's good to me[2], and this is a safe place[1], and when the going gets tough, characters like us get ... DIZZY(!) / Oh, it's the only way for our sort[2], and the world can come and go ... / ... and we ain't worried about a thing[1], and this is a safe place[2], and consciousness nesses ... uh, need the right care[1], and the world can come and go ... / ... and we ain't worried about a thing[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... !!! / Man, I truly believe that the old lines are the best[1], and consciousness nesses ... uh, need the right care[2], and my cactus ain't no gold digger, you dig?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... !!! / Man, I truly believe that the old lines are the best[2], and in each other's arms, we go, go, go a-ROUND ... / 'Do cactuses have arms, Mikey?'[1], and my cactus ain't no gold digger, you dig?[2], and in my reality ...[1], and in each other's arms, we go, go, go a-ROUND ... / 'Do cactuses have arms, Mikey?'[2], and my allotment has the potential to be very popular[1], and in my reality ...[2], and I remember the desert, the blood and fire[1], and my allotment has the potential to be very popular[2], and it's free of charge for the souls who have the soul for it / I hope YOU(!) understand[1], and I remember the desert, the blood and fire[2], and ... COME ON![1], and it's free of charge for the souls who have the soul for it / I hope YOU(!) understand[2], and the hollow men aren't welcome here / and they can stick to the cold earth, wandering[1], and ... COME ON![2], and they can keep their predictions of disaster ...[1], and the hollow men aren't welcome here / and they can stick to the cold earth, wandering[2], and ... / 'They're working for Satan, to bring hell to everyone, boss' / and, oh, really? Interesting![1], and they can keep their predictions of disaster ...[2], and ... well, well, well - ha![1], and ... / 'They're working for Satan, to bring hell to everyone, boss' / and, oh, really? Interesting![2], and the THREE!!! / Please, oh, Lord ...[1], and ... well, well, well - ha![2], and I'm actually quite hopeful that we can survive the worst of all the shit that the cretins got planned[1], and the THREE!!! / Please, oh, Lord ...[2], and this ... is our shelter[1], and I'm actually quite hopeful that we can survive the worst of all the shit that the cretins got planned[2], and ... a refuge! / YES(!)[3], and this ... is our shelter[2], and I got a cactus, as you know ... that's good to me[3], and when the going gets tough, characters like us get ... DIZZY(!) / Oh, it's the only way for our sort[3], and this is a safe place[3], and the world can come and go ... / ... and we ain't worried about a thing[3], and consciousness nesses ... uh, need the right care[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... !!! / Man, I truly believe that the old lines are the best[3], and my cactus ain't no gold digger, you dig?[3], and in each other's arms, we go, go, go a-ROUND ... / 'Do cactuses have arms, Mikey?'[3], and in my reality ...[3], and my allotment has the potential to be very popular[3], and I remember the desert, the blood and fire[3], and it's free of charge for the souls who have the soul for it / I hope YOU(!) understand[3], and ... COME ON![3], and the hollow men aren't welcome here / and they can stick to the cold earth, wandering[3], and they can keep their predictions of disaster ...[3], and ... / 'They're working for Satan, to bring hell to everyone, boss' / and, oh, really? Interesting![3], and ... well, well, well - ha![3], and the THREE!!! / Please, oh, Lord ...[3], and I'm actually quite hopeful that we can survive the worst of all the shit that the cretins got planned[3], and this ... is our shelter[3], and

And ... a refuge! / YES(!)[1], and I got a cactus, as you know ... that's good to me[1], and ... a refuge! / YES(!)[2], and when the going gets tough, characters like us get ... DIZZY(!) / Oh, it's the only way for our sort[1], and I got a cactus, as you know ... that's good to me[2], and this is a safe place[1], and when the going gets tough, characters like us get ... DIZZY(!) / Oh, it's the only way for our sort[2], and the world can come and go ... / ... and we ain't worried about a thing[1], and this is a safe place[2], and consciousness nesses ... uh, need the right care[1], and the world can come and go ... / ... and we ain't worried about a thing[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... !!! / Man, I truly believe that the old lines are the best[1], and consciousness nesses ... uh, need the right care[2], and my cactus ain't no gold digger, you dig?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... !!! / Man, I truly believe that the old lines are the best[2], and in each other's arms, we go, go, go a-ROUND ... / 'Do cactuses have arms, Mikey?'[1], and my cactus ain't no gold digger, you dig?[2], and in my reality ...[1], and in each other's arms, we go, go, go a-ROUND ... / 'Do cactuses have arms, Mikey?'[2], and my allotment has the potential to be very popular[1], and in my reality ...[2], and I remember the desert, the blood and fire[1], and my allotment has the potential to be very popular[2], and it's free of charge for the souls who have the soul for it / I hope YOU(!) understand[1], and I remember the desert, the blood and fire[2], and ... COME ON![1], and it's free of charge for the souls who have the soul for it / I hope YOU(!) understand[2], and the hollow men aren't welcome here / and they can stick to the cold earth, wandering[1], and ... COME ON![2], and they can keep their predictions of disaster ...[1], and the hollow men aren't welcome here / and they can stick to the cold earth, wandering[2], and ... / 'They're working for Satan, to bring hell to everyone, boss' / and, oh, really? Interesting![1], and they can keep their predictions of disaster ...[2], and ... well, well, well - ha![1], and ... / 'They're working for Satan, to bring hell to everyone, boss' / and, oh, really? Interesting![2], and the THREE!!! / Please, oh, Lord ...[1], and ... well, well, well - ha![2], and I'm actually quite hopeful that we can survive the worst of all the shit that the cretins got planned[1], and the THREE!!! / Please, oh, Lord ...[2], and this ... is our shelter[1], and I'm actually quite hopeful that we can survive the worst of all the shit that the cretins got planned[2], and ... a refuge! / YES(!)[3], and this ... is our shelter[2], and I got a cactus, as you know ... that's good to me[3], and when the going gets tough, characters like us get ... DIZZY(!) / Oh, it's the only way for our sort[3], and this is a safe place[3], and the world can come and go ... / ... and we ain't worried about a thing[3], and consciousness nesses ... uh, need the right care[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... !!! / Man, I truly believe that the old lines are the best[3], and my cactus ain't no gold digger, you dig?[3], and in each other's arms, we go, go, go a-ROUND ... / 'Do cactuses have arms, Mikey?'[3], and in my reality ...[3], and my allotment has the potential to be very popular[3], and I remember the desert, the blood and fire[3], and it's free of charge for the souls who have the soul for it / I hope YOU(!) understand[3], and ... COME ON![3], and the hollow men aren't welcome here / and they can stick to the cold earth, wandering[3], and they can keep their predictions of disaster ...[3], and ... / 'They're working for Satan, to bring hell to everyone, boss' / and, oh, really? Interesting![3], and ... well, well, well - ha![3], and the THREE!!! / Please, oh, Lord ...[3], and I'm actually quite hopeful that we can survive the worst of all the shit that the cretins got planned[3], and this ... is our shelter[3], and

Michelle Scrimgeour has gone to Columbia Threadneedle!

Nice one! Result, as "they" say. Yeah, our Sylvia has got a new job, dear reader(s). She's left M&G Investments to become the chief executive of Europe, Middle East and Africa at Columbia Threadneedle. [Well done, girl!] Our Sylvia has a nice smiling face. I like her. 'Sylvia?! Who's this Sylvia, boss?' Oh, hello, Voice. Welcome to another working week. I'm talking about Michelle Scrimgeour. But her friends call her Sylvia. 'Do they?! Why?' I don't know, man. You'll have to ask them. / Oh, I couldn't get into LinkedIn again. 'Christ! Maybe you should try signing in, boss, yeah?' Ha! I'm not a member. However, Bloomberg was as helpful as ever -

This person is connected to 2 Board Members in 2 different organizations across 6 different industries.

So, uh ... that's what they say about Sylvia. Which isn't too bad, actually. We've known it to be worse, haven't we?

And that's about it really. There's not a lot going on. It will be like this for the next three or four weeks. 'What about PR emails?' I had some in my email folder, Voice, but I deleted them. So I'll have to wait for new ones.

Well, well ... / Politics, anyone? 'Yeah, go on, Mikey. Give it your best shot.' Well, Donald Trump has decided - in his great wisdom - to pick a fight with the CIA. 'Ha!' This can only end one way. But it's his life, you know? He'll learn. / And back home: Theresa May? She's becoming less impressive by the day. And Boris Johnson? Jesus! I don't know what, I mean ... 'How about Jeremy Corbyn?' How about him? Well, someone on the news the other night said that Corbyn had gone into the witness protection programme. 'No one knows what he's doing!' He's probably on his allotment, Voice. 'Ha!' It makes sense, I think. When the whole world is dissolving into chaos, the best thing you can do is to remove yourself from the scene and do something "soothing", you dig? 'Yeah, I suppose.' It must be nice on the allotment, talking to the vegetables, caring for them ... 'All the troubles of the world must just melt away, boss.' Yes, they must do.

...

After lunch, I'll be going on my allotment. 'Have you got one?' No. I mean No. 472. 'No ... I? Eh? What?' No. 472!!! 'Oh, okay.' The one after No. 471. Please keep up, son. / Laters.

[No. 471] Taking back control - ?!

Ha! Dream on!

And YOU(!) ... can't control this, man![1], and all a-ROUND with my DIZZY(!) power ... I can destroy your little mind, little soul, you dig?[1], and YOU(!) ... can't control this, man![2], and the shit you're looking for might not exist ...[1], and all a-ROUND with my DIZZY(!) power ... I can destroy your little mind, little soul, you dig?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND is ... as real as it gets in my life, so ...[1], and the shit you're looking for might not exist ...[2], and Jesus H. ... ain't gonna save you[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND is ... as real as it gets in my life, so ...[2], and the men of the people are the new masters, ha! / Oh, you shouldn't look outside yourself[1], and Jesus H. ... ain't gonna save you[2], and lost souls have a hard-on for ideology, and it's sad and sickening - right or left[1], and the men of the people are the new masters, ha! / Oh, you shouldn't look outside yourself[2], and you're a SLAVE(!!!) ... in the cold world, man, and maybe even worse than that in my world, Christ![1], and lost souls have a hard-on for ideology, and it's sad and sickening - right or left[2], and what are you worth?[1], and you're a SLAVE(!!!) ... in the cold world, man, and maybe even worse than that in my world, Christ![2], and they're gonna sell you, my friend(s) ... YES(!) / So, so, uh ... wake up, please![1], and what are you worth?[2], and I might set you free ... if you can believe enough / I mean, come on, you believe most things[1], and they're gonna sell you, my friend(s) ... YES(!) / So, so, uh ... wake up, please![2], and ... the THREE![1], and I might set you free ... if you can believe enough / I mean, come on, you believe most things[2], and I'm not making any promises / and I got my own troubles, as you know, uh ...[1], and ... the THREE![2], and your life belongs to you, if you make the decision ...[1], and I'm not making any promises / and I got my own troubles, as you know, uh ...[2], and I never promised you a rainbow / but the new masters did / Oh, unicorns, too![1], and your life belongs to you, if you make the decision ...[2], and they have the control, not you[1], and I never promised you a rainbow / but the new masters did / Oh, unicorns, too![2], and a-ROUND to forget all the pain ... may be the best option, the only option ... NOW![1], and they have the control, not you[2], and ... what else is there?[1], and a-ROUND to forget all the pain ... may be the best option, the only option ... NOW![2], and if you're worthless ... I suppose a country can make you feel better - FFS![1], and ... what else is there?[2], and you'll never be saved at this rate![1], and if you're worthless ... I suppose a country can make you feel better - FFS![2], and YOU(!) ... can't control this, man![3], and you'll never be saved at this rate![2], and all a-ROUND with my DIZZY(!) power ... I can destroy your little mind, little soul, you dig?[3], and the shit you're looking for might not exist ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND is ... as real as it gets in my life, so ...[3], and Jesus H. ... ain't gonna save you[3], and the men of the people are the new masters, ha! / Oh, you shouldn't look outside yourself[3], and lost souls have a hard-on for ideology, and it's sad and sickening - right or left[3], and you're a SLAVE(!!!) ... in the cold world, man, and maybe even worse than that in my world, Christ![3], and what are you worth?[3], and they're gonna sell you, my friend(s) ... YES(!) / So, so, uh ... wake up, please![3], and I might set you free ... if you can believe enough / I mean, come on, you believe most things[3], and ... the THREE![3], and I'm not making any promises / and I got my own troubles, as you know, uh ...[3], and your life belongs to you, if you make the decision ...[3], and I never promised you a rainbow / but the new masters did / Oh, unicorns, too![3], and they have the control, not you[3], and a-ROUND to forget all the pain ... may be the best option, the only option ... NOW![3], and ... what else is there?[3], and if you're worthless ... I suppose a country can make you feel better - FFS![3], and you'll never be saved at this rate![3], and

And YOU(!) ... can't control this, man![1], and all a-ROUND with my DIZZY(!) power ... I can destroy your little mind, little soul, you dig?[1], and YOU(!) ... can't control this, man![2], and the shit you're looking for might not exist ...[1], and all a-ROUND with my DIZZY(!) power ... I can destroy your little mind, little soul, you dig?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND is ... as real as it gets in my life, so ...[1], and the shit you're looking for might not exist ...[2], and Jesus H. ... ain't gonna save you[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND is ... as real as it gets in my life, so ...[2], and the men of the people are the new masters, ha! / Oh, you shouldn't look outside yourself[1], and Jesus H. ... ain't gonna save you[2], and lost souls have a hard-on for ideology, and it's sad and sickening - right or left[1], and the men of the people are the new masters, ha! / Oh, you shouldn't look outside yourself[2], and you're a SLAVE(!!!) ... in the cold world, man, and maybe even worse than that in my world, Christ![1], and lost souls have a hard-on for ideology, and it's sad and sickening - right or left[2], and what are you worth?[1], and you're a SLAVE(!!!) ... in the cold world, man, and maybe even worse than that in my world, Christ![2], and they're gonna sell you, my friend(s) ... YES(!) / So, so, uh ... wake up, please![1], and what are you worth?[2], and I might set you free ... if you can believe enough / I mean, come on, you believe most things[1], and they're gonna sell you, my friend(s) ... YES(!) / So, so, uh ... wake up, please![2], and ... the THREE![1], and I might set you free ... if you can believe enough / I mean, come on, you believe most things[2], and I'm not making any promises / and I got my own troubles, as you know, uh ...[1], and ... the THREE![2], and your life belongs to you, if you make the decision ...[1], and I'm not making any promises / and I got my own troubles, as you know, uh ...[2], and I never promised you a rainbow / but the new masters did / Oh, unicorns, too![1], and your life belongs to you, if you make the decision ...[2], and they have the control, not you[1], and I never promised you a rainbow / but the new masters did / Oh, unicorns, too![2], and a-ROUND to forget all the pain ... may be the best option, the only option ... NOW![1], and they have the control, not you[2], and ... what else is there?[1], and a-ROUND to forget all the pain ... may be the best option, the only option ... NOW![2], and if you're worthless ... I suppose a country can make you feel better - FFS![1], and ... what else is there?[2], and you'll never be saved at this rate![1], and if you're worthless ... I suppose a country can make you feel better - FFS![2], and YOU(!) ... can't control this, man![3], and you'll never be saved at this rate![2], and all a-ROUND with my DIZZY(!) power ... I can destroy your little mind, little soul, you dig?[3], and the shit you're looking for might not exist ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND is ... as real as it gets in my life, so ...[3], and Jesus H. ... ain't gonna save you[3], and the men of the people are the new masters, ha! / Oh, you shouldn't look outside yourself[3], and lost souls have a hard-on for ideology, and it's sad and sickening - right or left[3], and you're a SLAVE(!!!) ... in the cold world, man, and maybe even worse than that in my world, Christ![3], and what are you worth?[3], and they're gonna sell you, my friend(s) ... YES(!) / So, so, uh ... wake up, please![3], and I might set you free ... if you can believe enough / I mean, come on, you believe most things[3], and ... the THREE![3], and I'm not making any promises / and I got my own troubles, as you know, uh ...[3], and your life belongs to you, if you make the decision ...[3], and I never promised you a rainbow / but the new masters did / Oh, unicorns, too![3], and they have the control, not you[3], and a-ROUND to forget all the pain ... may be the best option, the only option ... NOW![3], and ... what else is there?[3], and if you're worthless ... I suppose a country can make you feel better - FFS![3], and you'll never be saved at this rate![3], and

And YOU(!) ... can't control this, man![1], and all a-ROUND with my DIZZY(!) power ... I can destroy your little mind, little soul, you dig?[1], and YOU(!) ... can't control this, man![2], and the shit you're looking for might not exist ...[1], and all a-ROUND with my DIZZY(!) power ... I can destroy your little mind, little soul, you dig?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND is ... as real as it gets in my life, so ...[1], and the shit you're looking for might not exist ...[2], and Jesus H. ... ain't gonna save you[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND is ... as real as it gets in my life, so ...[2], and the men of the people are the new masters, ha! / Oh, you shouldn't look outside yourself[1], and Jesus H. ... ain't gonna save you[2], and lost souls have a hard-on for ideology, and it's sad and sickening - right or left[1], and the men of the people are the new masters, ha! / Oh, you shouldn't look outside yourself[2], and you're a SLAVE(!!!) ... in the cold world, man, and maybe even worse than that in my world, Christ![1], and lost souls have a hard-on for ideology, and it's sad and sickening - right or left[2], and what are you worth?[1], and you're a SLAVE(!!!) ... in the cold world, man, and maybe even worse than that in my world, Christ![2], and they're gonna sell you, my friend(s) ... YES(!) / So, so, uh ... wake up, please![1], and what are you worth?[2], and I might set you free ... if you can believe enough / I mean, come on, you believe most things[1], and they're gonna sell you, my friend(s) ... YES(!) / So, so, uh ... wake up, please![2], and ... the THREE![1], and I might set you free ... if you can believe enough / I mean, come on, you believe most things[2], and I'm not making any promises / and I got my own troubles, as you know, uh ...[1], and ... the THREE![2], and your life belongs to you, if you make the decision ...[1], and I'm not making any promises / and I got my own troubles, as you know, uh ...[2], and I never promised you a rainbow / but the new masters did / Oh, unicorns, too![1], and your life belongs to you, if you make the decision ...[2], and they have the control, not you[1], and I never promised you a rainbow / but the new masters did / Oh, unicorns, too![2], and a-ROUND to forget all the pain ... may be the best option, the only option ... NOW![1], and they have the control, not you[2], and ... what else is there?[1], and a-ROUND to forget all the pain ... may be the best option, the only option ... NOW![2], and if you're worthless ... I suppose a country can make you feel better - FFS![1], and ... what else is there?[2], and you'll never be saved at this rate![1], and if you're worthless ... I suppose a country can make you feel better - FFS![2], and YOU(!) ... can't control this, man![3], and you'll never be saved at this rate![2], and all a-ROUND with my DIZZY(!) power ... I can destroy your little mind, little soul, you dig?[3], and the shit you're looking for might not exist ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND is ... as real as it gets in my life, so ...[3], and Jesus H. ... ain't gonna save you[3], and the men of the people are the new masters, ha! / Oh, you shouldn't look outside yourself[3], and lost souls have a hard-on for ideology, and it's sad and sickening - right or left[3], and you're a SLAVE(!!!) ... in the cold world, man, and maybe even worse than that in my world, Christ![3], and what are you worth?[3], and they're gonna sell you, my friend(s) ... YES(!) / So, so, uh ... wake up, please![3], and I might set you free ... if you can believe enough / I mean, come on, you believe most things[3], and ... the THREE![3], and I'm not making any promises / and I got my own troubles, as you know, uh ...[3], and your life belongs to you, if you make the decision ...[3], and I never promised you a rainbow / but the new masters did / Oh, unicorns, too![3], and they have the control, not you[3], and a-ROUND to forget all the pain ... may be the best option, the only option ... NOW![3], and ... what else is there?[3], and if you're worthless ... I suppose a country can make you feel better - FFS![3], and you'll never be saved at this rate![3], and