Thursday 28 July 2016

Financial services firms need to embrace new FCA guidelines or face data security risks ...

Yes, it's the Thursday morning PR email, back by popular demand, sent to me by Beau "Shandy" Bass. Let's get on with it -

Organizations within the financial sector using, or considering, the cloud and other third party IT services must ensure they adhere to the new guidelines set out by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and carry out the appropriate security risk assessments. This is according to The Bunker who argues that a failure to do so will result in increased data security risks.

What?! Excuse me. Who on earth is The Bunker?! 'He sounds like a pervert, boss.' He certainly does, Voice. Should we continue? 'Yeah, go on.' Okay.

The FCA recently published new guidance for firms outsourcing to the cloud to clarify what is required of companies and to help firms effectively oversee all aspects of the lifecycle of their outsourcing arrangements. The guidelines usher in an increased support for the cloud. The FCA advocates that there is no reason why cloud services should not be implemented by financial services firms, as long as the appropriate consideration is applied in line with the rules set out. The FCA has urged financial firms to manage the operational risks associated with outsourcing by applying due-diligence with regards to IT providers, before committing to work with them, by agreeing a "data residence policy" with the chosen provider.

Fair enough.

Phil Bindley, CTO at The Bunker, said: "Cloud is here to stay and it is experiencing increasing adoption due to the major benefits it brings. However, the issue of security is one that remains at the forefront of the cloud debate. Putting appropriate guidance in place and acknowledging the potential risks are two integral steps when it comes to ensuring that the security risks associated with the cloud are minimized. Under the new FCA guidelines, financial firms need to take the appropriate steps to mitigate security risks so that their overall security hygiene is acceptable, this will encourage financial institutions to really consider how and where they are storing their data."

Hang on a minute. This Bunker thing is a firm! 'Thank Christ!' Yeah, there's a note to editors at the bottom of the email. 'Is that you?' The editor? Well, it certainly ain't you, man.

The Bunker is a trusted partner for compliant and secure outsourced infrastructure and data storage. With fully owned UK data centres outside the M25 yet within easy reach of London, we provide Managed Hosting, Colocation, and Cloud Infrastructure and Storage to businesses that value the confidentiality, integrity and availability of their applications and data.

'What a relief, boss!' Yes, Voice. I'm glad we're not mixed up in anything of a sordid nature. I want to be in a positive mood at the end of the week.

...

Anything else? Music? I played my guitar yesterday, but I didn't get any new tunes. You can't control this shit. 'Music is wild!' Sunday's tune actually started off in a dream. Then I worked on it a bit. Maybe I should program my mind to have more musical dreams. It's happened a few times. 'But not enough, Mikey!' I could do with it once a week, man. / Two more tunes like the recent two and I could have a demo stronger than most greatest hits packages. I'm not talking Beatles and Stones, just your average act, you dig?

Ah, laters. Have a nice weekend.

Wednesday 27 July 2016

Man Group's assets under management have fallen ... a bit

Well, well ... / Oh dear, but, er ... I don't think it's anything to worry about. 'Is it because Manny is leaving?' No, Voice, he doesn't want to return to Primal Scream. 'What?!' Mani is staying with The Stone Roses. They've just released a couple of singles. They're touring. They may even release a new album, so - 'What the fuck are you talking about?! I mean Manny Roman, the boss of Man Group, who's leaving!' Oh, Manny! You mean Manny Roman? No, it's got nothing to do with his leaving. Christ! It's just one of those things, you know. AUM always goes up and down. 'What are the figures then, boss?' Er ... well, the figures are a bit confusing, actually. I've seen $47 billion and $76 billion. 'One of them has to be right.' One of them might be total AUM. 'Oh. And what's the other?' I don't know. It doesn't matter, man. Just forget about it.

My only concern is that there might be an exodus of financial shamans from GLG now. The Man lot are all computer/robot freaks, but GLG is crammed with shamans - as you know, dear reader(s). 'Manny might poach them. Does Pimco or PIMCO(!!!) have a lot of shamans?' I can't remember. I'll have to look through my archive, Voice ... one day when I'm bored and I've got nothing else to do. 'Ha!' Exactly.

Well, well ... / Anyway, I'm not going to worry about it. There is nothing to worry about, is there? 'It's just the way things go sometimes, I suppose.' Yeah. No big deal. It's finance.

...

Anything else? Not really. Music? I'm going to be playing my guitar for the rest of the day. I'm all pumped up about getting some new tunes, you dig? 'I dig it, baby!' I'm not talking to you, idiot.

...

Oh, where's the summer gone? Seriously. Has anybody seen it? 'We've had our two or three days. Be grateful.'

I think the nights are getting darker earlier now ... 'It'll soon be winter.' Don't depress me, man.

I might have to start listening to Dennis Wilson's Pacific Ocean Blue. 'Always a bad sign.' Yeah.

Let me quote from that review again: "Pacific Ocean Blue is the amusement arcade with the paint peeling, the carnie clown's cracked make-up fading as they pack away their act after another late September weekend of half-full applause and bitter tears. The other side of summer."

It's only July!

Tuesday 26 July 2016

[No. 433] The loop I'm in NOW

As long as I'm happy ...

And this ... is the only loop[1], and I don't wanna hear about no financiers getting new jobs, you dig? / I just wanna get DIZZY(!)!!![1], and this ... is the only loop[2], and here I am, out of it, in it[1], and I don't wanna hear about no financiers getting new jobs, you dig? / I just wanna get DIZZY(!)!!![2], and YOU(!)(s) ... it doesn't matter where you work / Tell me where you are in your head, my friend(s)[1], and here I am, out of it, in it[2], and it's cloudy now, I know[1], and YOU(!)(s) ... it doesn't matter where you work / Tell me where you are in your head, my friend(s)[2], and ... is the pound falling again? / Uh, what do I care?[1], and it's cloudy now, I know[2], and I went away, but I'm back![1], and ... is the pound falling again? / Uh, what do I care?[2], and CLEAR BLUE SKY ain't better than the reality I've got / Wake up, you cold earth wanderers![1], and I went away, but I'm back![2], and there was fog, and pirates[1], and CLEAR BLUE SKY ain't better than the reality I've got / Wake up, you cold earth wanderers![2], and, and, and .. I'm so a-ROUND, baby![1], and there was fog, and pirates[2], and to be happy ... I truly believe that you have to make your own entertainment[1], and, and, and .. I'm so a-ROUND, baby![2], and I don't even need my guitar[1], and to be happy ... I truly believe that you have to make your own entertainment[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Oh, I'm very entertained![1], and I don't even need my guitar[2], and if you're here for the rainbows ... there ain't no fucking rainbows, okay?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Oh, I'm very entertained![2], and how many times do I have to tell you people?! / JESUS H. CHRIST!!![1], and if you're here for the rainbows ... there ain't no fucking rainbows, okay?[2], and, my kooks, come to me NOW![1], and how many times do I have to tell you people?! / JESUS H. CHRIST!!![2], and No. 433 ... more than four years ... beautiful slices of eternity ... / What an achievement![1], and, my kooks, come to me NOW![2], and ... tired yet? / No!!![1], and No. 433 ... more than four years ... beautiful slices of eternity ... / What an achievement![2], and No. 434 ... and No. 435 ... and No. 436 - ?! / Ha! Be patient, please![1], and ... tired yet? / No!!![2], and there is no rush ... we've got all the time in the cosmos / Close your eyes, look inside[1], and No. 434 ... and No. 435 ... and No. 436 - ?! / Ha! Be patient, please![2], and I pity the SQUARES, really[1], and there is no rush ... we've got all the time in the cosmos / Close your eyes, look inside[2], and this ... is the only loop[3], and I pity the SQUARES, really[2], and I don't wanna hear about no financiers getting new jobs, you dig? / I just wanna get DIZZY(!)!!![3], and here I am, out of it, in it[3], and YOU(!)(s) ... it doesn't matter where you work / Tell me where you are in your head, my friend(s)[3], and it's cloudy now, I know[3], and ... is the pound falling again? / Uh, what do I care?[3], and I went away, but I'm back![3], and CLEAR BLUE SKY ain't better than the reality I've got / Wake up, you cold earth wanderers![3], and there was fog, and pirates[3], and, and, and .. I'm so a-ROUND, baby![3], and to be happy ... I truly believe that you have to make your own entertainment[3], and I don't even need my guitar[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Oh, I'm very entertained![3], and if you're here for the rainbows ... there ain't no fucking rainbows, okay?[3], and how many times do I have to tell you people?! / JESUS H. CHRIST!!![3], and, my kooks, come to me NOW![3], and No. 433 ... more than four years ... beautiful slices of eternity ... / What an achievement![3], and ... tired yet? / No!!![3], and No. 434 ... and No. 435 ... and No. 436 - ?! / Ha! Be patient, please![3], and there is no rush ... we've got all the time in the cosmos / Close your eyes, look inside[3], and I pity the SQUARES, really[3], and

And this ... is the only loop[1], and I don't wanna hear about no financiers getting new jobs, you dig? / I just wanna get DIZZY(!)!!![1], and this ... is the only loop[2], and here I am, out of it, in it[1], and I don't wanna hear about no financiers getting new jobs, you dig? / I just wanna get DIZZY(!)!!![2], and YOU(!)(s) ... it doesn't matter where you work / Tell me where you are in your head, my friend(s)[1], and here I am, out of it, in it[2], and it's cloudy now, I know[1], and YOU(!)(s) ... it doesn't matter where you work / Tell me where you are in your head, my friend(s)[2], and ... is the pound falling again? / Uh, what do I care?[1], and it's cloudy now, I know[2], and I went away, but I'm back![1], and ... is the pound falling again? / Uh, what do I care?[2], and CLEAR BLUE SKY ain't better than the reality I've got / Wake up, you cold earth wanderers![1], and I went away, but I'm back![2], and there was fog, and pirates[1], and CLEAR BLUE SKY ain't better than the reality I've got / Wake up, you cold earth wanderers![2], and, and, and .. I'm so a-ROUND, baby![1], and there was fog, and pirates[2], and to be happy ... I truly believe that you have to make your own entertainment[1], and, and, and .. I'm so a-ROUND, baby![2], and I don't even need my guitar[1], and to be happy ... I truly believe that you have to make your own entertainment[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Oh, I'm very entertained![1], and I don't even need my guitar[2], and if you're here for the rainbows ... there ain't no fucking rainbows, okay?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Oh, I'm very entertained![2], and how many times do I have to tell you people?! / JESUS H. CHRIST!!![1], and if you're here for the rainbows ... there ain't no fucking rainbows, okay?[2], and, my kooks, come to me NOW![1], and how many times do I have to tell you people?! / JESUS H. CHRIST!!![2], and No. 433 ... more than four years ... beautiful slices of eternity ... / What an achievement![1], and, my kooks, come to me NOW![2], and ... tired yet? / No!!![1], and No. 433 ... more than four years ... beautiful slices of eternity ... / What an achievement![2], and No. 434 ... and No. 435 ... and No. 436 - ?! / Ha! Be patient, please![1], and ... tired yet? / No!!![2], and there is no rush ... we've got all the time in the cosmos / Close your eyes, look inside[1], and No. 434 ... and No. 435 ... and No. 436 - ?! / Ha! Be patient, please![2], and I pity the SQUARES, really[1], and there is no rush ... we've got all the time in the cosmos / Close your eyes, look inside[2], and this ... is the only loop[3], and I pity the SQUARES, really[2], and I don't wanna hear about no financiers getting new jobs, you dig? / I just wanna get DIZZY(!)!!![3], and here I am, out of it, in it[3], and YOU(!)(s) ... it doesn't matter where you work / Tell me where you are in your head, my friend(s)[3], and it's cloudy now, I know[3], and ... is the pound falling again? / Uh, what do I care?[3], and I went away, but I'm back![3], and CLEAR BLUE SKY ain't better than the reality I've got / Wake up, you cold earth wanderers![3], and there was fog, and pirates[3], and, and, and .. I'm so a-ROUND, baby![3], and to be happy ... I truly believe that you have to make your own entertainment[3], and I don't even need my guitar[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Oh, I'm very entertained![3], and if you're here for the rainbows ... there ain't no fucking rainbows, okay?[3], and how many times do I have to tell you people?! / JESUS H. CHRIST!!![3], and, my kooks, come to me NOW![3], and No. 433 ... more than four years ... beautiful slices of eternity ... / What an achievement![3], and ... tired yet? / No!!![3], and No. 434 ... and No. 435 ... and No. 436 - ?! / Ha! Be patient, please![3], and there is no rush ... we've got all the time in the cosmos / Close your eyes, look inside[3], and I pity the SQUARES, really[3], and

And this ... is the only loop[1], and I don't wanna hear about no financiers getting new jobs, you dig? / I just wanna get DIZZY(!)!!![1], and this ... is the only loop[2], and here I am, out of it, in it[1], and I don't wanna hear about no financiers getting new jobs, you dig? / I just wanna get DIZZY(!)!!![2], and YOU(!)(s) ... it doesn't matter where you work / Tell me where you are in your head, my friend(s)[1], and here I am, out of it, in it[2], and it's cloudy now, I know[1], and YOU(!)(s) ... it doesn't matter where you work / Tell me where you are in your head, my friend(s)[2], and ... is the pound falling again? / Uh, what do I care?[1], and it's cloudy now, I know[2], and I went away, but I'm back![1], and ... is the pound falling again? / Uh, what do I care?[2], and CLEAR BLUE SKY ain't better than the reality I've got / Wake up, you cold earth wanderers![1], and I went away, but I'm back![2], and there was fog, and pirates[1], and CLEAR BLUE SKY ain't better than the reality I've got / Wake up, you cold earth wanderers![2], and, and, and .. I'm so a-ROUND, baby![1], and there was fog, and pirates[2], and to be happy ... I truly believe that you have to make your own entertainment[1], and, and, and .. I'm so a-ROUND, baby![2], and I don't even need my guitar[1], and to be happy ... I truly believe that you have to make your own entertainment[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Oh, I'm very entertained![1], and I don't even need my guitar[2], and if you're here for the rainbows ... there ain't no fucking rainbows, okay?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Oh, I'm very entertained![2], and how many times do I have to tell you people?! / JESUS H. CHRIST!!![1], and if you're here for the rainbows ... there ain't no fucking rainbows, okay?[2], and, my kooks, come to me NOW![1], and how many times do I have to tell you people?! / JESUS H. CHRIST!!![2], and No. 433 ... more than four years ... beautiful slices of eternity ... / What an achievement![1], and, my kooks, come to me NOW![2], and ... tired yet? / No!!![1], and No. 433 ... more than four years ... beautiful slices of eternity ... / What an achievement![2], and No. 434 ... and No. 435 ... and No. 436 - ?! / Ha! Be patient, please![1], and ... tired yet? / No!!![2], and there is no rush ... we've got all the time in the cosmos / Close your eyes, look inside[1], and No. 434 ... and No. 435 ... and No. 436 - ?! / Ha! Be patient, please![2], and I pity the SQUARES, really[1], and there is no rush ... we've got all the time in the cosmos / Close your eyes, look inside[2], and this ... is the only loop[3], and I pity the SQUARES, really[2], and I don't wanna hear about no financiers getting new jobs, you dig? / I just wanna get DIZZY(!)!!![3], and here I am, out of it, in it[3], and YOU(!)(s) ... it doesn't matter where you work / Tell me where you are in your head, my friend(s)[3], and it's cloudy now, I know[3], and ... is the pound falling again? / Uh, what do I care?[3], and I went away, but I'm back![3], and CLEAR BLUE SKY ain't better than the reality I've got / Wake up, you cold earth wanderers![3], and there was fog, and pirates[3], and, and, and .. I'm so a-ROUND, baby![3], and to be happy ... I truly believe that you have to make your own entertainment[3], and I don't even need my guitar[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Oh, I'm very entertained![3], and if you're here for the rainbows ... there ain't no fucking rainbows, okay?[3], and how many times do I have to tell you people?! / JESUS H. CHRIST!!![3], and, my kooks, come to me NOW![3], and No. 433 ... more than four years ... beautiful slices of eternity ... / What an achievement![3], and ... tired yet? / No!!![3], and No. 434 ... and No. 435 ... and No. 436 - ?! / Ha! Be patient, please![3], and there is no rush ... we've got all the time in the cosmos / Close your eyes, look inside[3], and I pity the SQUARES, really[3], and

Manny "Emmanuel" Roman has left Man Group to become the new chief executive of Pimco!!!

What?! When did this happen?! 'A few days ago, boss.' Christ! I'm so out of the loop. One of my oldest friends in finance, and I just get to hear about it now. 'Didn't he phone you to tell you the good news?' No, he didn't, Voice. I had to find out from some goddamn press release.

NEWPORT BEACH, California (July 19, 2016) - PIMCO, a leading global investment management firm, announces that the firm’s Managing Directors have appointed Manny (Emmanuel) Roman as PIMCO's next Chief Executive Officer. PIMCO's current CEO Douglas Hodge will assume a new role as Managing Director and Senior Advisor when Mr. Roman joins PIMCO November 1st.

Ah, last Tuesday. I was away. 'Where were you?' None of your business. 'Oh, let me have a guess - all sarcastic, like.' Shut up!

The announcement of Mr. Roman as PIMCO's CEO is the culmination of a process undertaken by the firm to hire a senior executive who would add leadership and strategic insights combined with a deep appreciation of PIMCO's diversified global businesses, investment process and focus on superior investment performance and client-service. Mr. Roman's appointment has the full support of the firm's leadership including Mr. Hodge, PIMCO's President Jay Jacobs, the firm's Executive Committee and its Managing Directors.

Well, that's all right, I suppose. I wish Manny all the best.

Is there anything else I've missed? 'Probably. The news never sleeps. The news never takes a week off.' Leave me alone, Voice! I'm feeling bad enough as it is.

...

Right. Music update? Oh God. I wrote a new piece of music on Sunday which is as good as my new "best" song (which I still haven't recorded.) I'm thinking now ... I should write two more tunes of a similar nature, get the lyrics, and then replace the songs on my demo with this, er, new stuff. 'Eh?' I would have to work quickly though, which isn't my way. The thing is, these new tunes are melodically on another level to ... the other stuff. 'Stuff?! Stuff?! What stuff, Mikey?! You're confusing everybody!' Ha! I'm confusing myself, son. Jesus H. Christ! There aren't enough hours in the day for all the things I want to do, and need to do. Ah, don't worry about it, reader(s). It's my problem. I'll work it out.

Okay. Music? Other people's music? I mean, what am I listening to? Revolver by The Beatles. Great album, obviously. A few new songs with my raised standards plus the old ones will help me match it - if I want to, of course. 'You keep thinking big, Mikey. That's what you're good at.' Shut up, you idiot! / Raise your standards, reader(s)! Laters.

Monday 25 July 2016

[No. 432] We shouldn't screw a-ROUND with chump change

We should spin with billions!

And we will spin with billions, we will ...[1], and Goldman Sachs has got billions! / It's what we need to make the DIZZY(!) life even better[1], and we will spin with billions, we will ...[2], and money makes our world get a-ROUND, you dig?[1], and Goldman Sachs has got billions! / It's what we need to make the DIZZY(!) life even better[2], and I'll have another word with my Lloyd / There's no need for him to be so greedy ...[1], and money makes our world get a-ROUND, you dig?[2], and let's have some SERIOUS MONEY[1], and I'll have another word with my Lloyd / There's no need for him to be so greedy ...[2], and I've always said, man: chump change is for chumps / 'Er ... well, obviously, man'[1], and let's have some SERIOUS MONEY[2], and ... yeah, well[1], and I've always said, man: chump change is for chumps / 'Er ... well, obviously, man'[2], and ... "Mikey!!! I like it, man!" / Uh, Lloyd?! / 'It's him, boss!' / Ha! How does he love it ... here - ?[1], and ... yeah, well[2], and ... so many voices[1], and ... "Mikey!!! I like it, man!" / Uh, Lloyd?! / 'It's him, boss!' / Ha! How does he love it ... here - ?[2], and it's conceptual all a-ROUND, if you're confused ... / "I ain't confused, Mikey, and I really love it!"[1], and ... so many voices[2], and well, well, well ... what a surprise![1], and it's conceptual all a-ROUND, if you're confused ... / "I ain't confused, Mikey, and I really love it!"[2], and share the wealth, share the wealth, oh, share the wealth! / Please, please, please / You got so much![1], and well, well, well ... what a surprise![2], and ... "One billion, two billion, three ..." / Did he, did he ... say ... THREE - ?! - ?! - ?![1], and share the wealth, share the wealth, oh, share the wealth! / Please, please, please / You got so much![2], and we're not going beyond today, no, no, no ...[1], and ... "One billion, two billion, three ..." / Did he, did he ... say ... THREE - ?! - ?! - ?![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND,  and a-ROUND ... / Ah, Lloyd, this ... is it, yeah?[1], and we're not going beyond today, no, no, no ...[2], and ... "Yeah, yeah, yeah" / ... / ... / ... / and another financier gets the fever![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND,  and a-ROUND ... / Ah, Lloyd, this ... is it, yeah?[2], and mystic ones ...[1], and ... "Yeah, yeah, yeah" / ... / ... / ... / and another financier gets the fever![2], and spin me gently to sleep ... / ... and take me away on soft white fluffy clouds[1], and mystic ones ...[2], and is that a fucking choir?! / I must be dreaming ...[1], and spin me gently to sleep ... / ... and take me away on soft white fluffy clouds[2], and tunes come to me in dreams now / Oh, I thought you might want to know, kooks[1], and is that a fucking choir?! / I must be dreaming ...[2], and, ah, never mind[1], and tunes come to me in dreams now / Oh, I thought you might want to know, kooks[2], and we will spin with billions, we will ...[3], and, ah, never mind[2], and Goldman Sachs has got billions! / It's what we need to make the DIZZY(!) life even better[3], and money makes our world get a-ROUND, you dig?[3], and I'll have another word with my Lloyd / There's no need for him to be so greedy ...[3], and let's have some SERIOUS MONEY[3], and I've always said, man: chump change is for chumps / 'Er ... well, obviously, man'[3], and ... yeah, well[3], and ... "Mikey!!! I like it, man!" / Uh, Lloyd?! / 'It's him, boss!' / Ha! How does he love it ... here - ?[3], and ... so many voices[3], and it's conceptual all a-ROUND, if you're confused ... / "I ain't confused, Mikey, and I really love it!"[3], and well, well, well ... what a surprise![3], and share the wealth, share the wealth, oh, share the wealth! / Please, please, please / You got so much![3], and ... "One billion, two billion, three ..." / Did he, did he ... say ... THREE - ?! - ?! - ?![3], and we're not going beyond today, no, no, no ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND,  and a-ROUND ... / Ah, Lloyd, this ... is it, yeah?[3], and ... "Yeah, yeah, yeah" / ... / ... / ... / and another financier gets the fever![3], and mystic ones ...[3], and spin me gently to sleep ... / ... and take me away on soft white fluffy clouds[3], and is that a fucking choir?! / I must be dreaming ...[3], and tunes come to me in dreams now / Oh, I thought you might want to know, kooks[3], and, ah, never mind[3], and

And we will spin with billions, we will ...[1], and Goldman Sachs has got billions! / It's what we need to make the DIZZY(!) life even better[1], and we will spin with billions, we will ...[2], and money makes our world get a-ROUND, you dig?[1], and Goldman Sachs has got billions! / It's what we need to make the DIZZY(!) life even better[2], and I'll have another word with my Lloyd / There's no need for him to be so greedy ...[1], and money makes our world get a-ROUND, you dig?[2], and let's have some SERIOUS MONEY[1], and I'll have another word with my Lloyd / There's no need for him to be so greedy ...[2], and I've always said, man: chump change is for chumps / 'Er ... well, obviously, man'[1], and let's have some SERIOUS MONEY[2], and ... yeah, well[1], and I've always said, man: chump change is for chumps / 'Er ... well, obviously, man'[2], and ... "Mikey!!! I like it, man!" / Uh, Lloyd?! / 'It's him, boss!' / Ha! How does he love it ... here - ?[1], and ... yeah, well[2], and ... so many voices[1], and ... "Mikey!!! I like it, man!" / Uh, Lloyd?! / 'It's him, boss!' / Ha! How does he love it ... here - ?[2], and it's conceptual all a-ROUND, if you're confused ... / "I ain't confused, Mikey, and I really love it!"[1], and ... so many voices[2], and well, well, well ... what a surprise![1], and it's conceptual all a-ROUND, if you're confused ... / "I ain't confused, Mikey, and I really love it!"[2], and share the wealth, share the wealth, oh, share the wealth! / Please, please, please / You got so much![1], and well, well, well ... what a surprise![2], and ... "One billion, two billion, three ..." / Did he, did he ... say ... THREE - ?! - ?! - ?![1], and share the wealth, share the wealth, oh, share the wealth! / Please, please, please / You got so much![2], and we're not going beyond today, no, no, no ...[1], and ... "One billion, two billion, three ..." / Did he, did he ... say ... THREE - ?! - ?! - ?![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND,  and a-ROUND ... / Ah, Lloyd, this ... is it, yeah?[1], and we're not going beyond today, no, no, no ...[2], and ... "Yeah, yeah, yeah" / ... / ... / ... / and another financier gets the fever![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND,  and a-ROUND ... / Ah, Lloyd, this ... is it, yeah?[2], and mystic ones ...[1], and ... "Yeah, yeah, yeah" / ... / ... / ... / and another financier gets the fever![2], and spin me gently to sleep ... / ... and take me away on soft white fluffy clouds[1], and mystic ones ...[2], and is that a fucking choir?! / I must be dreaming ...[1], and spin me gently to sleep ... / ... and take me away on soft white fluffy clouds[2], and tunes come to me in dreams now / Oh, I thought you might want to know, kooks[1], and is that a fucking choir?! / I must be dreaming ...[2], and, ah, never mind[1], and tunes come to me in dreams now / Oh, I thought you might want to know, kooks[2], and we will spin with billions, we will ...[3], and, ah, never mind[2], and Goldman Sachs has got billions! / It's what we need to make the DIZZY(!) life even better[3], and money makes our world get a-ROUND, you dig?[3], and I'll have another word with my Lloyd / There's no need for him to be so greedy ...[3], and let's have some SERIOUS MONEY[3], and I've always said, man: chump change is for chumps / 'Er ... well, obviously, man'[3], and ... yeah, well[3], and ... "Mikey!!! I like it, man!" / Uh, Lloyd?! / 'It's him, boss!' / Ha! How does he love it ... here - ?[3], and ... so many voices[3], and it's conceptual all a-ROUND, if you're confused ... / "I ain't confused, Mikey, and I really love it!"[3], and well, well, well ... what a surprise![3], and share the wealth, share the wealth, oh, share the wealth! / Please, please, please / You got so much![3], and ... "One billion, two billion, three ..." / Did he, did he ... say ... THREE - ?! - ?! - ?![3], and we're not going beyond today, no, no, no ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND,  and a-ROUND ... / Ah, Lloyd, this ... is it, yeah?[3], and ... "Yeah, yeah, yeah" / ... / ... / ... / and another financier gets the fever![3], and mystic ones ...[3], and spin me gently to sleep ... / ... and take me away on soft white fluffy clouds[3], and is that a fucking choir?! / I must be dreaming ...[3], and tunes come to me in dreams now / Oh, I thought you might want to know, kooks[3], and, ah, never mind[3], and

And we will spin with billions, we will ...[1], and Goldman Sachs has got billions! / It's what we need to make the DIZZY(!) life even better[1], and we will spin with billions, we will ...[2], and money makes our world get a-ROUND, you dig?[1], and Goldman Sachs has got billions! / It's what we need to make the DIZZY(!) life even better[2], and I'll have another word with my Lloyd / There's no need for him to be so greedy ...[1], and money makes our world get a-ROUND, you dig?[2], and let's have some SERIOUS MONEY[1], and I'll have another word with my Lloyd / There's no need for him to be so greedy ...[2], and I've always said, man: chump change is for chumps / 'Er ... well, obviously, man'[1], and let's have some SERIOUS MONEY[2], and ... yeah, well[1], and I've always said, man: chump change is for chumps / 'Er ... well, obviously, man'[2], and ... "Mikey!!! I like it, man!" / Uh, Lloyd?! / 'It's him, boss!' / Ha! How does he love it ... here - ?[1], and ... yeah, well[2], and ... so many voices[1], and ... "Mikey!!! I like it, man!" / Uh, Lloyd?! / 'It's him, boss!' / Ha! How does he love it ... here - ?[2], and it's conceptual all a-ROUND, if you're confused ... / "I ain't confused, Mikey, and I really love it!"[1], and ... so many voices[2], and well, well, well ... what a surprise![1], and it's conceptual all a-ROUND, if you're confused ... / "I ain't confused, Mikey, and I really love it!"[2], and share the wealth, share the wealth, oh, share the wealth! / Please, please, please / You got so much![1], and well, well, well ... what a surprise![2], and ... "One billion, two billion, three ..." / Did he, did he ... say ... THREE - ?! - ?! - ?![1], and share the wealth, share the wealth, oh, share the wealth! / Please, please, please / You got so much![2], and we're not going beyond today, no, no, no ...[1], and ... "One billion, two billion, three ..." / Did he, did he ... say ... THREE - ?! - ?! - ?![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND,  and a-ROUND ... / Ah, Lloyd, this ... is it, yeah?[1], and we're not going beyond today, no, no, no ...[2], and ... "Yeah, yeah, yeah" / ... / ... / ... / and another financier gets the fever![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND,  and a-ROUND ... / Ah, Lloyd, this ... is it, yeah?[2], and mystic ones ...[1], and ... "Yeah, yeah, yeah" / ... / ... / ... / and another financier gets the fever![2], and spin me gently to sleep ... / ... and take me away on soft white fluffy clouds[1], and mystic ones ...[2], and is that a fucking choir?! / I must be dreaming ...[1], and spin me gently to sleep ... / ... and take me away on soft white fluffy clouds[2], and tunes come to me in dreams now / Oh, I thought you might want to know, kooks[1], and is that a fucking choir?! / I must be dreaming ...[2], and, ah, never mind[1], and tunes come to me in dreams now / Oh, I thought you might want to know, kooks[2], and we will spin with billions, we will ...[3], and, ah, never mind[2], and Goldman Sachs has got billions! / It's what we need to make the DIZZY(!) life even better[3], and money makes our world get a-ROUND, you dig?[3], and I'll have another word with my Lloyd / There's no need for him to be so greedy ...[3], and let's have some SERIOUS MONEY[3], and I've always said, man: chump change is for chumps / 'Er ... well, obviously, man'[3], and ... yeah, well[3], and ... "Mikey!!! I like it, man!" / Uh, Lloyd?! / 'It's him, boss!' / Ha! How does he love it ... here - ?[3], and ... so many voices[3], and it's conceptual all a-ROUND, if you're confused ... / "I ain't confused, Mikey, and I really love it!"[3], and well, well, well ... what a surprise![3], and share the wealth, share the wealth, oh, share the wealth! / Please, please, please / You got so much![3], and ... "One billion, two billion, three ..." / Did he, did he ... say ... THREE - ?! - ?! - ?![3], and we're not going beyond today, no, no, no ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND,  and a-ROUND ... / Ah, Lloyd, this ... is it, yeah?[3], and ... "Yeah, yeah, yeah" / ... / ... / ... / and another financier gets the fever![3], and mystic ones ...[3], and spin me gently to sleep ... / ... and take me away on soft white fluffy clouds[3], and is that a fucking choir?! / I must be dreaming ...[3], and tunes come to me in dreams now / Oh, I thought you might want to know, kooks[3], and, ah, never mind[3], and

West Street Capital Partners - ?!

It's a new Goldman Sachs private equity fund. And they're going to be raising between five and eight billion dollars for it! Yes, you heard me. Billions! That's why I love Goldman. They're so ambitious. They don't screw around with chump change.

Well, I have been speaking to my old friend Lloyd Blankfein. [I phoned him late last night.] This is what was spoken between us: 'Mikey, how ya doing, son? Are you still alive? (I'm all right, Lloyd. How long has it been?) I don't know. Years, man. What you been doing? (Oh, you know. This and that. Shaman business. And a bit of music.) So why are you phoning? (I can't phone an old friend?) Ha! You heard about the fund, right? (Yeah.) You heard we were raising billions and thought maybe some of that could be thrown your way. (Well ...) I understand, Mikey. It's human nature. No one's judging you. (Okay.) It's just that we really need ALL the money, you dig? (All right.) Now maybe if you were to come back and work for me ... maybe something could be arranged. You might find some of that money in your bank account. A few million. (Oh, I don't know, Lloyd.) Work for me. Just like old times. Come on, man. (Yeah, but I'm past all that, Lloyd, really.) Okay. Never mind. (So you're excited about the new fund, yeah?) Fuckin' A, I'm excited! We ain't done nothing like this for years. Since 2007, I think. We even had a whip-round in the office. Is that the expression? Whip-round? (Yeah.) Raised $500 million of our own money, just like that! (Wow!) It's gonna be big, Mikey. (Why doesn't the fund have the Goldman name? I mean, you know, West Street Capital Partners? What the hell is that?) Ah, we don't wanna scare people off. It's safer this way. (I understand.) You still hanging out with that schnook? (What schnook?) Bobby D. (Bob Diamond? I ain't see him in years. I've lost contact with everyone, Lloyd.) Ha! What kind of goddamn financial shaman are you?! (Man, I've been doing my music, you know?) But you're still writing your blog? (This is all going in the blog.) Don't quote me, Mikey. (Give it a rest, Lloyd. You got nothing to fear.) Okay, Mikey. It's been nice talking to you again. I'll see you around. Maybe on the astral plane. (Maybe I'll see you a-ROUND, Lloyd.) What? (I said maybe I'll see you a-ROUND, Lloyd. With capitals. Conceptual stuff.) What?! (Never mind.) Crazy fucking kid ...'

Well, well ... / Lloyd Blankfein, eh? What a guy! He's still at the top of his game. Anyone's game, in fact.

Thursday 14 July 2016

Some sort of Terra Capital update, apparently

Yes, it's the, er ... Thursday morning PR email, back by popular demand. Very early in the morning. 'It's the middle of the bloody night, boss! I want to go to bed.' Shut up, Voice, you idiot! Everyone knows you just float around on the astral plane.

Oh, I want to get it done now, this last post of the week, dear reader(s), then I'm taking a week off, next week. 'It's all right for some.' You can have a week off too. 'I might stay, actually, and do some writing of my own while you're gone.' Ha! I'm not having that.

Well, well ...

Terra Capital Plc, an AIM quoted investment company focussed on investing in value opportunities globally, primarily in frontier markets, announces that the estimated net asset value ('NAV') per share on 30 June 2016 was US$0.939. This represents a decrease in NAV of 0.30% over the prior month.

'I'm getting deja vu, man.' Yeah, I think we had a Terra PR email last year sometime. Never mind. This is an update. There's no harm in an update, is there?

The Fund undertakes its activities in line with its strategy to generate high absolute returns by investing in what the investment manager believes are undervalued companies presenting significant value opportunities. Due to market inefficiencies, the Fund and its investment manager, Terra Partners Asset Management Limited, believe that frontier markets provide many such prospects.

Well, okay ... I mean ...

The NAV per share figure as at 30 June 2016 is unaudited. The last quoted price per share on the London Stock Exchange as of July 12, 2016 is US$0.7900.

Why do I need to know this?! 'It's for your readers, boss.' And why do they need to know it, Voice? 'I don't know.' I'm really not sure about these emails any more, you know? Christ!

...

Ah, the night. Bring on the night. 'It's already here. Are you listening to The Police, Mikey?' Ha! No. I'm listening to Roxy Music's Avalon - a brilliant album to play at night. 'And no doubt you'll be listening to Brian Eno's Apollo soon ...' You bet your ass I will!

Politics? Forget it! British politics is just too comical now. And I don't care what happens. Honestly. I'm not writing about it. / But Brexit won't happen. The people put in charge of it will screw it up. Smart move by the new prime minister. 'Stop!' Uh, yeah, stop.

Music? Is that a space cow? 'Eno?' Yeah.

...

So, er ... I'll see you the week after next, reader(s). Laters.

Wednesday 13 July 2016

Stewart Cowley has joined Neptune Investment Management!

Wow! That's a blast from the past, ain't it? Whatever happened to Stewart Cowley? 'Ha! Nothing happened to him, boss.' No? 'No. You wrote about him years ago. Then you forgot all about him - for reasons best known to yourself. Now you've just remembered him. Simple!' Okay, Voice, I'll take your word for it that it's as simple as that. Of course, dear reader(s), something sinister could have happened ...

However, it's unlikely. I write about so many people, you know? I can't keep track of them all. 'Yeah, whatever happened to your best friend, Lloyd Blankfein?' Er ... he's still the boss of Goldman Sachs, as far as I know. 'How come you don't talk to him no more? I used to love your conversations.' I don't know, man. It's just one of those things. He's busy, I'm busy ...

Anyway, our Stewart, what is he doing at Neptune? 'Is he there yet?' He'll be there soon, I think. He'll be working as a fixed income consultant and helping Neptune to develop its private wealth business. 'Does it have a private wealth business?' No, not yet. Our Stewart is going to help build it. 'That's great!' Well, it'll keep him off the streets. And Robin Geffen is happy. It will all work out fine, I'm sure.

Good luck, Stewart, mate!

...

Uh, right. Anything else? Music? I'm listening to Lennon Legend. / Tony Robbins and Jordan Belfort both say you need models. I reckon John Lennon might be mine, these days. I mean, I've liked all kinds of guys ... Dylan, Bowie, Prince, Cohen, N. Young, Costello, Clapton, V. Morrison, J. Morrison, Cobain, N. Gallagher, Marley, D. Wilson, 2Pac even!!! ... BUT(!) Lennon is the best fit for me, these days. 'Stop saying "these days", Mikey.' Well, it's true. His songs are great but simple. And I like the maturity of his solo years. I don't want to write lyrics like Dylan or Cohen. [What are they trying to prove? Seriously.] I don't want to pretend to be a spaceman like Bowie. I don't want to be a funky guy writhing on the floor like Prince. 'Ha!' Also, Lennon was the one who got me into music in the first place when I was fourteen or so. So, it's perfect!

...

Oh, one question: Where's the bloody summer? Tell me, please. I'm not going to lose my temper, yet. I just want information.

Ah, laters.

Tuesday 12 July 2016

[No. 431] Tao

What does she analyse?

And Tao is here ... like a leaf in the wind[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND she goes ... / ... after me, after the way, with the fire of a great soul[1], and Tao is here ... like a leaf in the wind[2], and ... be calm, children, and follow[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND she goes ... / ... after me, after the way, with the fire of a great soul[2], and doing NOTHING and being NOTHING is the goal / But the vision is ...[1], and ... be calm, children, and follow[2], and ... who cares?! / We must open our minds and see, just see![1], and doing NOTHING and being NOTHING is the goal / But the vision is ...[2], and Tao is empty like the moon / 'Is the moon hollow, O Master?' Ha! Why are you talking like the old voice, Voice?[1], and ... who cares?! / We must open our minds and see, just see![2], and the way is very DIZZY(!) now, and forever[1], and Tao is empty like the moon / 'Is the moon hollow, O Master?' Ha! Why are you talking like the old voice, Voice?[2], and Tao does not speak ... she stares at us in dreams / oh, we cannot know her[1], and the way is very DIZZY(!) now, and forever[2], and a-ROUND is eternal suffering? Maybe[1], and Tao does not speak ... she stares at us in dreams / oh, we cannot know her[2], and to be useful we must not be there ... like the space in a clay pot[1], and a-ROUND is eternal suffering? Maybe[2], and where is Tao NOW(!)?[1], and to be useful we must not be there ... like the space in a clay pot[2], and here ... we are all useful to the way of the cosmos that controls us[1], and where is Tao NOW(!)?[2], and if she goes, she will stay ... / ... our choice, but we do not own her[1], and here ... we are all useful to the way of the cosmos that controls us[2], and I will let this No. 431 drift off only to return![1], and if she goes, she will stay ... / ... our choice, but we do not own her[2], and useless are the cold earth wanderers with their lives full of nonsense[1], and I will let this No. 431 drift off only to return![2], and Tao knows us in our hearts[1], and useless are the cold earth wanderers with their lives full of nonsense[2], and all the voices are a-ROUND / and we are reaching with our fingers the THREE, and ... beyond?[1], and Tao knows us in our hearts[2], and pray now, my kooks, to the mountain or the god or the goddess within you[1], and all the voices are a-ROUND / and we are reaching with our fingers the THREE, and ... beyond?[2], and let's get positive!!![1], and pray now, my kooks, to the mountain or the god or the goddess within you[2], and Tao is here ... like a leaf in the wind[3], and let's get positive!!![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND she goes ... / ... after me, after the way, with the fire of a great soul[3], and ... be calm, children, and follow[3], and doing NOTHING and being NOTHING is the goal / But the vision is ...[3], and ... who cares?! / We must open our minds and see, just see![3], and Tao is empty like the moon / 'Is the moon hollow, O Master?' Ha! Why are you talking like the old voice, Voice?[3], and the way is very DIZZY(!) now, and forever[3], and Tao does not speak ... she stares at us in dreams / oh, we cannot know her[3], and a-ROUND is eternal suffering? Maybe[3], and to be useful we must not be there ... like the space in a clay pot[3], and where is Tao NOW(!)?[3], and here ... we are all useful to the way of the cosmos that controls us[3], and if she goes, she will stay ... / ... our choice, but we do not own her[3], and I will let this No. 431 drift off only to return![3], and useless are the cold earth wanderers with their lives full of nonsense[3], and Tao knows us in our hearts[3], and all the voices are a-ROUND / and we are reaching with our fingers the THREE, and ... beyond?[3], and pray now, my kooks, to the mountain or the god or the goddess within you[3], and let's get positive!!![3], and

And Tao is here ... like a leaf in the wind[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND she goes ... / ... after me, after the way, with the fire of a great soul[1], and Tao is here ... like a leaf in the wind[2], and ... be calm, children, and follow[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND she goes ... / ... after me, after the way, with the fire of a great soul[2], and doing NOTHING and being NOTHING is the goal / But the vision is ...[1], and ... be calm, children, and follow[2], and ... who cares?! / We must open our minds and see, just see![1], and doing NOTHING and being NOTHING is the goal / But the vision is ...[2], and Tao is empty like the moon / 'Is the moon hollow, O Master?' Ha! Why are you talking like the old voice, Voice?[1], and ... who cares?! / We must open our minds and see, just see![2], and the way is very DIZZY(!) now, and forever[1], and Tao is empty like the moon / 'Is the moon hollow, O Master?' Ha! Why are you talking like the old voice, Voice?[2], and Tao does not speak ... she stares at us in dreams / oh, we cannot know her[1], and the way is very DIZZY(!) now, and forever[2], and a-ROUND is eternal suffering? Maybe[1], and Tao does not speak ... she stares at us in dreams / oh, we cannot know her[2], and to be useful we must not be there ... like the space in a clay pot[1], and a-ROUND is eternal suffering? Maybe[2], and where is Tao NOW(!)?[1], and to be useful we must not be there ... like the space in a clay pot[2], and here ... we are all useful to the way of the cosmos that controls us[1], and where is Tao NOW(!)?[2], and if she goes, she will stay ... / ... our choice, but we do not own her[1], and here ... we are all useful to the way of the cosmos that controls us[2], and I will let this No. 431 drift off only to return![1], and if she goes, she will stay ... / ... our choice, but we do not own her[2], and useless are the cold earth wanderers with their lives full of nonsense[1], and I will let this No. 431 drift off only to return![2], and Tao knows us in our hearts[1], and useless are the cold earth wanderers with their lives full of nonsense[2], and all the voices are a-ROUND / and we are reaching with our fingers the THREE, and ... beyond?[1], and Tao knows us in our hearts[2], and pray now, my kooks, to the mountain or the god or the goddess within you[1], and all the voices are a-ROUND / and we are reaching with our fingers the THREE, and ... beyond?[2], and let's get positive!!![1], and pray now, my kooks, to the mountain or the god or the goddess within you[2], and Tao is here ... like a leaf in the wind[3], and let's get positive!!![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND she goes ... / ... after me, after the way, with the fire of a great soul[3], and ... be calm, children, and follow[3], and doing NOTHING and being NOTHING is the goal / But the vision is ...[3], and ... who cares?! / We must open our minds and see, just see![3], and Tao is empty like the moon / 'Is the moon hollow, O Master?' Ha! Why are you talking like the old voice, Voice?[3], and the way is very DIZZY(!) now, and forever[3], and Tao does not speak ... she stares at us in dreams / oh, we cannot know her[3], and a-ROUND is eternal suffering? Maybe[3], and to be useful we must not be there ... like the space in a clay pot[3], and where is Tao NOW(!)?[3], and here ... we are all useful to the way of the cosmos that controls us[3], and if she goes, she will stay ... / ... our choice, but we do not own her[3], and I will let this No. 431 drift off only to return![3], and useless are the cold earth wanderers with their lives full of nonsense[3], and Tao knows us in our hearts[3], and all the voices are a-ROUND / and we are reaching with our fingers the THREE, and ... beyond?[3], and pray now, my kooks, to the mountain or the god or the goddess within you[3], and let's get positive!!![3], and

And Tao is here ... like a leaf in the wind[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND she goes ... / ... after me, after the way, with the fire of a great soul[1], and Tao is here ... like a leaf in the wind[2], and ... be calm, children, and follow[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND she goes ... / ... after me, after the way, with the fire of a great soul[2], and doing NOTHING and being NOTHING is the goal / But the vision is ...[1], and ... be calm, children, and follow[2], and ... who cares?! / We must open our minds and see, just see![1], and doing NOTHING and being NOTHING is the goal / But the vision is ...[2], and Tao is empty like the moon / 'Is the moon hollow, O Master?' Ha! Why are you talking like the old voice, Voice?[1], and ... who cares?! / We must open our minds and see, just see![2], and the way is very DIZZY(!) now, and forever[1], and Tao is empty like the moon / 'Is the moon hollow, O Master?' Ha! Why are you talking like the old voice, Voice?[2], and Tao does not speak ... she stares at us in dreams / oh, we cannot know her[1], and the way is very DIZZY(!) now, and forever[2], and a-ROUND is eternal suffering? Maybe[1], and Tao does not speak ... she stares at us in dreams / oh, we cannot know her[2], and to be useful we must not be there ... like the space in a clay pot[1], and a-ROUND is eternal suffering? Maybe[2], and where is Tao NOW(!)?[1], and to be useful we must not be there ... like the space in a clay pot[2], and here ... we are all useful to the way of the cosmos that controls us[1], and where is Tao NOW(!)?[2], and if she goes, she will stay ... / ... our choice, but we do not own her[1], and here ... we are all useful to the way of the cosmos that controls us[2], and I will let this No. 431 drift off only to return![1], and if she goes, she will stay ... / ... our choice, but we do not own her[2], and useless are the cold earth wanderers with their lives full of nonsense[1], and I will let this No. 431 drift off only to return![2], and Tao knows us in our hearts[1], and useless are the cold earth wanderers with their lives full of nonsense[2], and all the voices are a-ROUND / and we are reaching with our fingers the THREE, and ... beyond?[1], and Tao knows us in our hearts[2], and pray now, my kooks, to the mountain or the god or the goddess within you[1], and all the voices are a-ROUND / and we are reaching with our fingers the THREE, and ... beyond?[2], and let's get positive!!![1], and pray now, my kooks, to the mountain or the god or the goddess within you[2], and Tao is here ... like a leaf in the wind[3], and let's get positive!!![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND she goes ... / ... after me, after the way, with the fire of a great soul[3], and ... be calm, children, and follow[3], and doing NOTHING and being NOTHING is the goal / But the vision is ...[3], and ... who cares?! / We must open our minds and see, just see![3], and Tao is empty like the moon / 'Is the moon hollow, O Master?' Ha! Why are you talking like the old voice, Voice?[3], and the way is very DIZZY(!) now, and forever[3], and Tao does not speak ... she stares at us in dreams / oh, we cannot know her[3], and a-ROUND is eternal suffering? Maybe[3], and to be useful we must not be there ... like the space in a clay pot[3], and where is Tao NOW(!)?[3], and here ... we are all useful to the way of the cosmos that controls us[3], and if she goes, she will stay ... / ... our choice, but we do not own her[3], and I will let this No. 431 drift off only to return![3], and useless are the cold earth wanderers with their lives full of nonsense[3], and Tao knows us in our hearts[3], and all the voices are a-ROUND / and we are reaching with our fingers the THREE, and ... beyond?[3], and pray now, my kooks, to the mountain or the god or the goddess within you[3], and let's get positive!!![3], and

Alberto Gallo has got a new macro credit fund

Yeah, Macro. Yeah, our Alberto ... at Algebris. He's been there a few months. And now he's got this new fund, which will be launching next week. 'Yippee, boss!' Why are you so excited, Voice? 'It's nice to see a new fund launching.' It's a macro fund. 'That's all right.' Yeah, I suppose. I don't know.

This is from the press release -

Algebris Investments (UK) LLP, a leading global asset management firm, is launching a Macro Credit Fund, managed by Head of Macro Strategies and Partner Alberto Gallo. The Fund will start trading on Tuesday, 19 July.

Yeah, as I said, next week.

The Algebris Macro Credit Fund is designed to help investors generate superior risk-adjusted returns in this environment. The Fund will adopt a unique approach to investing in bond and credit markets, combining top-down macro research, bottom-up balance sheet analysis and quantitative risk management. The investment team includes macro analysts Aditya Aney and Tao Pan.

Tao Pan? A cool name. I like the sound of him already. 'It's a she, boss.' What is? 'This Tao.' Well, that's great! I love the sound of her. / Now, what does Alberto explain?

"The asset management industry isn't prepared to live with QE infinity. Most assets sit in benchmark-hugging strategies, offering increasingly less yield vs management fees. The investor reaction is typically to buy riskier products, like high-yield corporate funds. But this also means taking concentrated, undiversified risks," explains Alberto. "We aim to offer a better solution."

That's what he explains ... a better solution! / Well, I wish Alberto and Tao all the best with this new fund. 'Don't forget Aditya.' Who the hell is Aditya?! 'Christ! He's the other guy working on the fund, an analyst like Tao. Did you actually read the press release?' All right, all right, calm down. Jesus!

...

Anything else? I'm on the straight line, dear reader(s). I've got a twenty-five year vision. 'What are you going on about, Mikey?' I've been studying Jordan Belfort's Straight Line system on YouTube. He uses it for sales, but it can be used for absolutely anything, even playing the guitar. And controlling your state! I've been positive for a whole week now. 'Is that a record?' I once managed it for two weeks, a few years ago. 'Oh.' I know I can beat that.

...

Later? No. 431. Laters ...

Monday 11 July 2016

[No. 430] On the straight line?

Hungry like the wolf? Definitely! But I still want to get a-ROUND ... in my spare eternal time, you dig?

And sharp as a tack? You bet![1], and it's a twenty-five year line I'm on, my new plan, straight line to my new vision, but ... I'll still be here, always[1], and sharp as a tack? You bet![2], and, uh ... enthusiastic figure of authority, an expert? - ha, yeah, that's me, Christ![1], and it's a twenty-five year line I'm on, my new plan, straight line to my new vision, but ... I'll still be here, always[2], and ... I'm a closer!!![1], and, uh ... enthusiastic figure of authority, an expert? - ha, yeah, that's me, Christ![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... I'll always love it, always![1], and ... I'm a closer!!![2], and duck or eagle?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... I'll always love it, always![2], and there are two dotted lines - "........." and "........." - above and below / I've got to be so careful[1], and duck or eagle?[2], and I've got the right attitude[1], and there are two dotted lines - "........." and "........." - above and below / I've got to be so careful[2], and I know YOU(!), you waster! / ... yes, I know you want to drag me off to Pluto, but I ain't going, man![1], and I've got the right attitude[2], and have you got problems?[1], and I know YOU(!), you waster! / ... yes, I know you want to drag me off to Pluto, but I ain't going, man![2], and go back to the cold world if you don't want to be a winner, a mystic kook, a true master of the universe[1], and have you got problems?[2], and OPEN(!) your soul!!![1], and go back to the cold world if you don't want to be a winner, a mystic kook, a true master of the universe[2], and I want you to solve your problems by getting DIZZY(!)[1], and OPEN(!) your soul!!![2], and ... BAM!!![1], and I want you to solve your problems by getting DIZZY(!)[2], and maybe the straight line is beyond the THREE / and maybe that is where real life begins ... yeah? Well ...[1], and ... BAM!!![2], and I hope the BAM!!! didn't scare you / but wake up, please[1], and maybe the straight line is beyond the THREE / and maybe that is where real life begins ... yeah? Well ...[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and where am I ... NOW - ?![1], and I hope the BAM!!! didn't scare you / but wake up, please[2], and if you're GONE(!), can you be here - ?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and where am I ... NOW - ?![2], and I must play my guitar until my fingers bleed ... / ah, that's the only hope for me![1], and if you're GONE(!), can you be here - ?[2], and ... high fly but crash out the sky?[1], and I must play my guitar until my fingers bleed ... / ah, that's the only hope for me![2], and sharp as a tack? You bet![3], and ... high fly but crash out the sky?[2], and it's a twenty-five year line I'm on, my new plan, straight line to my new vision, but ... I'll still be here, always[3], and, uh ... enthusiastic figure of authority, an expert? - ha, yeah, that's me, Christ![3], and ... I'm a closer!!![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... I'll always love it, always![3], and duck or eagle?[3], and there are two dotted lines - "........." and "........." - above and below / I've got to be so careful[3], and I've got the right attitude[3], and I know YOU(!), you waster! / ... yes, I know you want to drag me off to Pluto, but I ain't going, man![3], and have you got problems?[3], and go back to the cold world if you don't want to be a winner, a mystic kook, a true master of the universe[3], and OPEN(!) your soul!!![3], and I want you to solve your problems by getting DIZZY(!)[3], and ... BAM!!![3], and maybe the straight line is beyond the THREE / and maybe that is where real life begins ... yeah? Well ...[3], and I hope the BAM!!! didn't scare you / but wake up, please[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and where am I ... NOW - ?![3], and if you're GONE(!), can you be here - ?[3], and I must play my guitar until my fingers bleed ... / ah, that's the only hope for me![3], and ... high fly but crash out the sky?[3], and

And sharp as a tack? You bet![1], and it's a twenty-five year line I'm on, my new plan, straight line to my new vision, but ... I'll still be here, always[1], and sharp as a tack? You bet![2], and, uh ... enthusiastic figure of authority, an expert? - ha, yeah, that's me, Christ![1], and it's a twenty-five year line I'm on, my new plan, straight line to my new vision, but ... I'll still be here, always[2], and ... I'm a closer!!![1], and, uh ... enthusiastic figure of authority, an expert? - ha, yeah, that's me, Christ![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... I'll always love it, always![1], and ... I'm a closer!!![2], and duck or eagle?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... I'll always love it, always![2], and there are two dotted lines - "........." and "........." - above and below / I've got to be so careful[1], and duck or eagle?[2], and I've got the right attitude[1], and there are two dotted lines - "........." and "........." - above and below / I've got to be so careful[2], and I know YOU(!), you waster! / ... yes, I know you want to drag me off to Pluto, but I ain't going, man![1], and I've got the right attitude[2], and have you got problems?[1], and I know YOU(!), you waster! / ... yes, I know you want to drag me off to Pluto, but I ain't going, man![2], and go back to the cold world if you don't want to be a winner, a mystic kook, a true master of the universe[1], and have you got problems?[2], and OPEN(!) your soul!!![1], and go back to the cold world if you don't want to be a winner, a mystic kook, a true master of the universe[2], and I want you to solve your problems by getting DIZZY(!)[1], and OPEN(!) your soul!!![2], and ... BAM!!![1], and I want you to solve your problems by getting DIZZY(!)[2], and maybe the straight line is beyond the THREE / and maybe that is where real life begins ... yeah? Well ...[1], and ... BAM!!![2], and I hope the BAM!!! didn't scare you / but wake up, please[1], and maybe the straight line is beyond the THREE / and maybe that is where real life begins ... yeah? Well ...[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and where am I ... NOW - ?![1], and I hope the BAM!!! didn't scare you / but wake up, please[2], and if you're GONE(!), can you be here - ?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and where am I ... NOW - ?![2], and I must play my guitar until my fingers bleed ... / ah, that's the only hope for me![1], and if you're GONE(!), can you be here - ?[2], and ... high fly but crash out the sky?[1], and I must play my guitar until my fingers bleed ... / ah, that's the only hope for me![2], and sharp as a tack? You bet![3], and ... high fly but crash out the sky?[2], and it's a twenty-five year line I'm on, my new plan, straight line to my new vision, but ... I'll still be here, always[3], and, uh ... enthusiastic figure of authority, an expert? - ha, yeah, that's me, Christ![3], and ... I'm a closer!!![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... I'll always love it, always![3], and duck or eagle?[3], and there are two dotted lines - "........." and "........." - above and below / I've got to be so careful[3], and I've got the right attitude[3], and I know YOU(!), you waster! / ... yes, I know you want to drag me off to Pluto, but I ain't going, man![3], and have you got problems?[3], and go back to the cold world if you don't want to be a winner, a mystic kook, a true master of the universe[3], and OPEN(!) your soul!!![3], and I want you to solve your problems by getting DIZZY(!)[3], and ... BAM!!![3], and maybe the straight line is beyond the THREE / and maybe that is where real life begins ... yeah? Well ...[3], and I hope the BAM!!! didn't scare you / but wake up, please[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and where am I ... NOW - ?![3], and if you're GONE(!), can you be here - ?[3], and I must play my guitar until my fingers bleed ... / ah, that's the only hope for me![3], and ... high fly but crash out the sky?[3], and

And sharp as a tack? You bet![1], and it's a twenty-five year line I'm on, my new plan, straight line to my new vision, but ... I'll still be here, always[1], and sharp as a tack? You bet![2], and, uh ... enthusiastic figure of authority, an expert? - ha, yeah, that's me, Christ![1], and it's a twenty-five year line I'm on, my new plan, straight line to my new vision, but ... I'll still be here, always[2], and ... I'm a closer!!![1], and, uh ... enthusiastic figure of authority, an expert? - ha, yeah, that's me, Christ![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... I'll always love it, always![1], and ... I'm a closer!!![2], and duck or eagle?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... I'll always love it, always![2], and there are two dotted lines - "........." and "........." - above and below / I've got to be so careful[1], and duck or eagle?[2], and I've got the right attitude[1], and there are two dotted lines - "........." and "........." - above and below / I've got to be so careful[2], and I know YOU(!), you waster! / ... yes, I know you want to drag me off to Pluto, but I ain't going, man![1], and I've got the right attitude[2], and have you got problems?[1], and I know YOU(!), you waster! / ... yes, I know you want to drag me off to Pluto, but I ain't going, man![2], and go back to the cold world if you don't want to be a winner, a mystic kook, a true master of the universe[1], and have you got problems?[2], and OPEN(!) your soul!!![1], and go back to the cold world if you don't want to be a winner, a mystic kook, a true master of the universe[2], and I want you to solve your problems by getting DIZZY(!)[1], and OPEN(!) your soul!!![2], and ... BAM!!![1], and I want you to solve your problems by getting DIZZY(!)[2], and maybe the straight line is beyond the THREE / and maybe that is where real life begins ... yeah? Well ...[1], and ... BAM!!![2], and I hope the BAM!!! didn't scare you / but wake up, please[1], and maybe the straight line is beyond the THREE / and maybe that is where real life begins ... yeah? Well ...[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and where am I ... NOW - ?![1], and I hope the BAM!!! didn't scare you / but wake up, please[2], and if you're GONE(!), can you be here - ?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and where am I ... NOW - ?![2], and I must play my guitar until my fingers bleed ... / ah, that's the only hope for me![1], and if you're GONE(!), can you be here - ?[2], and ... high fly but crash out the sky?[1], and I must play my guitar until my fingers bleed ... / ah, that's the only hope for me![2], and sharp as a tack? You bet![3], and ... high fly but crash out the sky?[2], and it's a twenty-five year line I'm on, my new plan, straight line to my new vision, but ... I'll still be here, always[3], and, uh ... enthusiastic figure of authority, an expert? - ha, yeah, that's me, Christ![3], and ... I'm a closer!!![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... I'll always love it, always![3], and duck or eagle?[3], and there are two dotted lines - "........." and "........." - above and below / I've got to be so careful[3], and I've got the right attitude[3], and I know YOU(!), you waster! / ... yes, I know you want to drag me off to Pluto, but I ain't going, man![3], and have you got problems?[3], and go back to the cold world if you don't want to be a winner, a mystic kook, a true master of the universe[3], and OPEN(!) your soul!!![3], and I want you to solve your problems by getting DIZZY(!)[3], and ... BAM!!![3], and maybe the straight line is beyond the THREE / and maybe that is where real life begins ... yeah? Well ...[3], and I hope the BAM!!! didn't scare you / but wake up, please[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and where am I ... NOW - ?![3], and if you're GONE(!), can you be here - ?[3], and I must play my guitar until my fingers bleed ... / ah, that's the only hope for me![3], and ... high fly but crash out the sky?[3], and

UBS has hired former RobecoSAM CEO Michael Baldinger

Well, this is interesting, maybe. 'Michael Badfinger, boss?! Who the hell is Michael Badfinger?!' Christ! Baldinger, you idiot! Can't you read? His name is Michael Baldinger. 'Oh.' He was the CEO of RobecoSAM, whatever that is ...

Founded in 1995, RobecoSAM is an investment specialist focused exclusively on sustainability investing. It offers asset management, indices, impact analysis and investing, engagement, voting, sustainability assessments, and benchmarking services. Asset management capabilities cater to institutional asset owners and financial intermediaries and cover a range of ESG-integrated investments (in public and private equity), featuring a strong track record in resource efficiency themed strategies.

You see, Voice? RobecoSAM. And their website says that he's still the chief executive, so ... I don't know what's going on. Some mistake, obviously. They've got to update their site. 'Maybe he hasn't started at UBS yet.' Well, I think he's got to relocate from Zurich to New York, Voice. That will take a bit of organizing. RobecoSAM must move on though. It's a sad situation, but life goes on!

Anyway, UBS wants a slice of the "sustainability investing" action. 'What is that, exactly, boss?' Er, I'm not too sure. I think it means investing that can be sustained without ... it all going wrong or something, and you end up broke and in the gutter. 'It sounds pretty revolutionary.' Yeah, it's obviously a new thing. Mickey Badfinger is an expert at it, so ... UBS should be all right now. The future is bright!

...

Anything else? Music? What am I listening to? Actually, a Badfinger "Best of" compilation, Timeless ... the musical legacy. Just as a tribute to Mickey, you know? [Good luck, Mr Badfinger, with your new job!] / Without You is a cool song. I'm sure a lot of people don't realize that Badfinger wrote it. 'Eh?!' (Not our Mickey, the band.) Harry Nilsson made it famous, of course. No Matter What is my favourite song of theirs.

Thursday 7 July 2016

Palamon agrees sale of Eneas for an eternal return

I love these guys! / Yes, it's the Thursday morning PR email, back by popular demand.

Palamon Capital Partners ("Palamon" or the "Outfit"), a pan-European growth investor, has agreed the sale of Eneas Group ("Eneas" or the "Company") to Norvestor Equity ("Norvestor") for an undisclosed amount. The sale will bring total proceeds to NOK 750 million (approximately €80 million), representing a 3.3x return on invested capital. The transaction is expected to close in August 2016, subject to regulatory approvals. Full terms of the sale were not disclosed, however, following the transaction the Company will continue to be led by CEO and Founder, Thomas Hakavik.

Er, 3.3. That is eternal. I mean, they've gone beyond the THREE, yeah? 'Is that really what they mean, boss?' I don't know, Voice.

Eneas is the leading independent supplier of corporate energy services to small and medium sized enterprises ("SMEs") in the Nordic region and serves more than 25,000 customers with energy brokerage, energy audit and smart metering services. Palamon acquired a substantial majority stake in Eneas having recognised the growth potential of its highly-scalable energy brokerage business, which intermediates between SMEs and the deeply fragmented Nordic supplier base of almost 300 energy providers. Under Palamon's ownership, Eneas has grown into the largest independent energy broker for SMEs and the clear market leader in Norway and Sweden, representing 1.7 TWh of annual energy consumption. The Company has been able to successfully leverage its scale and sophistication in navigating the Nordic electricity market to offer competitive, convenience-focused products tailored to the needs of its SME customer base.

Well, well ... / Maybe not as exciting as it first seemed. Never mind. I've done my duty. Another PR email!

Franklin Templeton had £2.5 billion of outflows from its European funds

Yeah. When? Uh, the other month. May, I think. It's no big deal. That money will probably flow back at some point BECAUSE(!) ... that's what happens, man. Money goes a-ROUND and a-ROUND and a-ROUND. You've got to trust money. Let your money go free and it will come back to you with love. 'Hippie bullshit.' Shut it, Voice. You should know better than anyone. It's the cosmos.

The cosmos is in control. / Franklin Templeton?

By their very nature, financial markets are unpredictable. So for more than six decades, throughout the financial markets ups and downs, we've stuck to our company's founding principles: hard work, forward thinking, a consistent approach and a focus on actively managing risk as rigorously as we seek rewards for our investors. We take our responsibility to manage the investments of over 24 million account holders very seriously and never lose sight of whose money it is. We believe that has allowed us to become one of the world's largest dedicated investment managers.

Not bad. Not bad at all. No mention of the cosmos, of course. 'Ha!' But not everyone is as knowledgeable as I am. It's wisdom. It's soul power. It's vision. It's a kind of magic. I've got it. Was I born with it? I don't know. I'm sure you can develop it. I can tell you, dear reader(s), that I wasn't always the world's foremost financial shaman. Think about that for a minute. What can you do with your life? What vision do you have for your future?

...

Anything else? Wait a while, my friend(s). A PR email is coming. 'Yippee!' It's not that exciting, Voice.

Wednesday 6 July 2016

I want my pound back!

The pound keeps falling, falling, falling ... / The question, dear reader(s), is when are we going to take control? Let's get our pound back! 'Ha! You can't control it, boss. It's gone. You've just got to live with the new reality. We're all going to be poorer in Great Britain. Businesses will leave. Investment will dry up. Jobs will disappear. Scotland will go. Maybe Northern Ireland. Maybe even Wales. Unless ...'

...

Unless, what, Voice?! COME ON! Tell us, please! We're all ears. 'Unless some politician with balls (man or woman) steps forward and says: Guess what. We're not leaving the European Union. I don't give a toss that "the people" voted to leave in the referendum. The fact is, they were lied to by morons who aren't even here any more. All the main Brexshitters have done a runner. We've got to save the country from ruin. That's the bottom line. You see?' Nice one, Voice. 'And it better happen soon, like this week.' Ha! I think the Tories are going to be spending the next couple of months choosing a new PM.

A new prime minister, for Christ's sake! Will we get a say, in this amazing democracy of ours? 'Don't bet on it, Mikey.' Ah, the whole thing is a mess.

...

Realistically? I fear it may be every man and woman and cat and dog for himself now, herself, itself. We're on the Titanic, my friends. Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage are waving at us from a lifeboat they had stashed away somewhere. What are we going to do?

Me? I'm going to play my guitar. 'Ha! While the country burns! Get a grip, boss!' Well, what else can I do? Tell me!!!

I'm going to play my guitar. I'm going to record my new song, which is my best song. I'm going to write other songs. With a real sense of urgency now. And, and, and ... 'And?' If I'm lucky, I'll get a deal. Maybe I'll end up in Malibu. Maybe America will take me in as an asylum seeker. I don't know! For fuck's sake! I'm just clutching at straws here.

... 

Oh, calm down, Mikey. 'Are you talking to yourself?' Yes. 'Christ!' Calm down, son. Everything will be all right.

Sunlit uplands
Sunlit uplands
Sunlit uplands

Repeat after me!

Sunlit uplands
Sunlit uplands
Sunlit uplands

We're going to be all right! All right?

Tuesday 5 July 2016

[No. 429] I couldn't stay away ...

Yes, I'm back again, with even more words. Jesus H. Christ!

And, uh, uh, uh ...[1], and you might want to say that I'm sick ... / Baby, I'm sick of WORDS!!![1], and, uh, uh, uh ...[2], and don't judge me / What makes you so fucking wonderful?[1], and you might want to say that I'm sick ... / Baby, I'm sick of WORDS!!![2], and an empty consciousness ness oh ness is my dream / but the cosmos keeps feeding me this shit[1], and don't judge me / What makes you so fucking wonderful?[2], and I close my eyes for vision ...[1], and an empty consciousness ness oh ness is my dream / but the cosmos keeps feeding me this shit[2], and you've got to laugh - ? / 'Ha, ha, ha!' / Thank you, Voice ... saved me the trouble[1], and I close my eyes for vision ...[2], and a-ROUND - ? Well ...[1], and you've got to laugh - ? / 'Ha, ha, ha!' / Thank you, Voice ... saved me the trouble[2], and, yes, YES(!), yes, of course![1], and a-ROUND - ? Well ...[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... it helps destroy the words and their meanings[1], and, yes, YES(!), yes, of course![2], and what does this ... mean?![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... it helps destroy the words and their meanings[2], and EVERYONE is so busy these days, don't you find? / all running not crawling to the grave[1], and what does this ... mean?![2], and ... / ... FUCK IT!!! FUCK IT!!! FUCK IT!!![1], and EVERYONE is so busy these days, don't you find? / all running not crawling to the grave[2], and I want feelings - !!! / Well, I got them[1], and ... / ... FUCK IT!!! FUCK IT!!! FUCK IT!!![2], and if YOU(!), you, you ... got any feelings, yourself, like ... why don't you share them, man?[1], and I want feelings - !!! / Well, I got them[2], and I'm spinning DIZZY(!), as per usual[1], and if YOU(!), you, you ... got any feelings, yourself, like ... why don't you share them, man?[2], and a HELL of a lot of people - oh, far too many - have hearts and souls and minds ... made of STONE ... / ... it's true![1], and I'm spinning DIZZY(!), as per usual[2], and, yeah, cold earth wanderers, ha! / William Blake knew ...[1], and a HELL of a lot of people - oh, far too many - have hearts and souls and minds ... made of STONE ... / ... it's true![2], and the bastard COSMOS will carry on without any concern for us / you can be sure of that[1], and, yeah, cold earth wanderers, ha! / William Blake knew ...[2], and ... whatever, you know?[1], and the bastard COSMOS will carry on without any concern for us / you can be sure of that[2], and, uh, uh, uh ...[3], and ... whatever, you know?[2], and you might want to say that I'm sick ... / Baby, I'm sick of WORDS!!![3], and don't judge me / What makes you so fucking wonderful?[3], and an empty consciousness ness oh ness is my dream / but the cosmos keeps feeding me this shit[3], and I close my eyes for vision ...[3], and you've got to laugh - ? / 'Ha, ha, ha!' / Thank you, Voice ... saved me the trouble[3], and a-ROUND - ? Well ...[3], and, yes, YES(!), yes, of course![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... it helps destroy the words and their meanings[3], and what does this ... mean?![3], and EVERYONE is so busy these days, don't you find? / all running not crawling to the grave[3], and ... / ... FUCK IT!!! FUCK IT!!! FUCK IT!!![3], and I want feelings - !!! / Well, I got them[3], and if YOU(!), you, you ... got any feelings, yourself, like ... why don't you share them, man?[3], and I'm spinning DIZZY(!), as per usual[3], and a HELL of a lot of people - oh, far too many - have hearts and souls and minds ... made of STONE ... / ... it's true![3], and, yeah, cold earth wanderers, ha! / William Blake knew ...[3], and the bastard COSMOS will carry on without any concern for us / you can be sure of that[3], and ... whatever, you know?[3], and

And, uh, uh, uh ...[1], and you might want to say that I'm sick ... / Baby, I'm sick of WORDS!!![1], and, uh, uh, uh ...[2], and don't judge me / What makes you so fucking wonderful?[1], and you might want to say that I'm sick ... / Baby, I'm sick of WORDS!!![2], and an empty consciousness ness oh ness is my dream / but the cosmos keeps feeding me this shit[1], and don't judge me / What makes you so fucking wonderful?[2], and I close my eyes for vision ...[1], and an empty consciousness ness oh ness is my dream / but the cosmos keeps feeding me this shit[2], and you've got to laugh - ? / 'Ha, ha, ha!' / Thank you, Voice ... saved me the trouble[1], and I close my eyes for vision ...[2], and a-ROUND - ? Well ...[1], and you've got to laugh - ? / 'Ha, ha, ha!' / Thank you, Voice ... saved me the trouble[2], and, yes, YES(!), yes, of course![1], and a-ROUND - ? Well ...[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... it helps destroy the words and their meanings[1], and, yes, YES(!), yes, of course![2], and what does this ... mean?![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... it helps destroy the words and their meanings[2], and EVERYONE is so busy these days, don't you find? / all running not crawling to the grave[1], and what does this ... mean?![2], and ... / ... FUCK IT!!! FUCK IT!!! FUCK IT!!![1], and EVERYONE is so busy these days, don't you find? / all running not crawling to the grave[2], and I want feelings - !!! / Well, I got them[1], and ... / ... FUCK IT!!! FUCK IT!!! FUCK IT!!![2], and if YOU(!), you, you ... got any feelings, yourself, like ... why don't you share them, man?[1], and I want feelings - !!! / Well, I got them[2], and I'm spinning DIZZY(!), as per usual[1], and if YOU(!), you, you ... got any feelings, yourself, like ... why don't you share them, man?[2], and a HELL of a lot of people - oh, far too many - have hearts and souls and minds ... made of STONE ... / ... it's true![1], and I'm spinning DIZZY(!), as per usual[2], and, yeah, cold earth wanderers, ha! / William Blake knew ...[1], and a HELL of a lot of people - oh, far too many - have hearts and souls and minds ... made of STONE ... / ... it's true![2], and the bastard COSMOS will carry on without any concern for us / you can be sure of that[1], and, yeah, cold earth wanderers, ha! / William Blake knew ...[2], and ... whatever, you know?[1], and the bastard COSMOS will carry on without any concern for us / you can be sure of that[2], and, uh, uh, uh ...[3], and ... whatever, you know?[2], and you might want to say that I'm sick ... / Baby, I'm sick of WORDS!!![3], and don't judge me / What makes you so fucking wonderful?[3], and an empty consciousness ness oh ness is my dream / but the cosmos keeps feeding me this shit[3], and I close my eyes for vision ...[3], and you've got to laugh - ? / 'Ha, ha, ha!' / Thank you, Voice ... saved me the trouble[3], and a-ROUND - ? Well ...[3], and, yes, YES(!), yes, of course![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... it helps destroy the words and their meanings[3], and what does this ... mean?![3], and EVERYONE is so busy these days, don't you find? / all running not crawling to the grave[3], and ... / ... FUCK IT!!! FUCK IT!!! FUCK IT!!![3], and I want feelings - !!! / Well, I got them[3], and if YOU(!), you, you ... got any feelings, yourself, like ... why don't you share them, man?[3], and I'm spinning DIZZY(!), as per usual[3], and a HELL of a lot of people - oh, far too many - have hearts and souls and minds ... made of STONE ... / ... it's true![3], and, yeah, cold earth wanderers, ha! / William Blake knew ...[3], and the bastard COSMOS will carry on without any concern for us / you can be sure of that[3], and ... whatever, you know?[3], and

And, uh, uh, uh ...[1], and you might want to say that I'm sick ... / Baby, I'm sick of WORDS!!![1], and, uh, uh, uh ...[2], and don't judge me / What makes you so fucking wonderful?[1], and you might want to say that I'm sick ... / Baby, I'm sick of WORDS!!![2], and an empty consciousness ness oh ness is my dream / but the cosmos keeps feeding me this shit[1], and don't judge me / What makes you so fucking wonderful?[2], and I close my eyes for vision ...[1], and an empty consciousness ness oh ness is my dream / but the cosmos keeps feeding me this shit[2], and you've got to laugh - ? / 'Ha, ha, ha!' / Thank you, Voice ... saved me the trouble[1], and I close my eyes for vision ...[2], and a-ROUND - ? Well ...[1], and you've got to laugh - ? / 'Ha, ha, ha!' / Thank you, Voice ... saved me the trouble[2], and, yes, YES(!), yes, of course![1], and a-ROUND - ? Well ...[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... it helps destroy the words and their meanings[1], and, yes, YES(!), yes, of course![2], and what does this ... mean?![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... it helps destroy the words and their meanings[2], and EVERYONE is so busy these days, don't you find? / all running not crawling to the grave[1], and what does this ... mean?![2], and ... / ... FUCK IT!!! FUCK IT!!! FUCK IT!!![1], and EVERYONE is so busy these days, don't you find? / all running not crawling to the grave[2], and I want feelings - !!! / Well, I got them[1], and ... / ... FUCK IT!!! FUCK IT!!! FUCK IT!!![2], and if YOU(!), you, you ... got any feelings, yourself, like ... why don't you share them, man?[1], and I want feelings - !!! / Well, I got them[2], and I'm spinning DIZZY(!), as per usual[1], and if YOU(!), you, you ... got any feelings, yourself, like ... why don't you share them, man?[2], and a HELL of a lot of people - oh, far too many - have hearts and souls and minds ... made of STONE ... / ... it's true![1], and I'm spinning DIZZY(!), as per usual[2], and, yeah, cold earth wanderers, ha! / William Blake knew ...[1], and a HELL of a lot of people - oh, far too many - have hearts and souls and minds ... made of STONE ... / ... it's true![2], and the bastard COSMOS will carry on without any concern for us / you can be sure of that[1], and, yeah, cold earth wanderers, ha! / William Blake knew ...[2], and ... whatever, you know?[1], and the bastard COSMOS will carry on without any concern for us / you can be sure of that[2], and, uh, uh, uh ...[3], and ... whatever, you know?[2], and you might want to say that I'm sick ... / Baby, I'm sick of WORDS!!![3], and don't judge me / What makes you so fucking wonderful?[3], and an empty consciousness ness oh ness is my dream / but the cosmos keeps feeding me this shit[3], and I close my eyes for vision ...[3], and you've got to laugh - ? / 'Ha, ha, ha!' / Thank you, Voice ... saved me the trouble[3], and a-ROUND - ? Well ...[3], and, yes, YES(!), yes, of course![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... it helps destroy the words and their meanings[3], and what does this ... mean?![3], and EVERYONE is so busy these days, don't you find? / all running not crawling to the grave[3], and ... / ... FUCK IT!!! FUCK IT!!! FUCK IT!!![3], and I want feelings - !!! / Well, I got them[3], and if YOU(!), you, you ... got any feelings, yourself, like ... why don't you share them, man?[3], and I'm spinning DIZZY(!), as per usual[3], and a HELL of a lot of people - oh, far too many - have hearts and souls and minds ... made of STONE ... / ... it's true![3], and, yeah, cold earth wanderers, ha! / William Blake knew ...[3], and the bastard COSMOS will carry on without any concern for us / you can be sure of that[3], and ... whatever, you know?[3], and