Who is Daniel Essoo - ?!

Well, well ... / Yeah, he's just ... some guy who has got a new job at JTC Fund Services, that's all. 'Some cat.' What, Voice? 'I said he's some cat, boss.' Yes, he's a guy or a cat. It doesn't really matter. 'What's the difference?' There is no difference, I think you'll find. Sometimes I say "guy", and sometimes I say "cat". Can we move on? 'Okay.' Thank you.

JTC. Have we heard of JTC before? 'No.' Oh. We have now!

We are JTC, an independent, award-winning provider of fund, corporate and fiduciary services to institutional and private clients. Established in 1987, we now have over 500 people (guys or cats, and girls, even dames, broads, whatever) in offices across 18 jurisdictions, with assets under administration totalling over US$70billion. Our independence and shared ownership culture means we all share the same priority: the best interests of our clients.

The best interests of the clients. Nice one! Okay. 'All right.' Okay. What is our Danny doing at this firm?

As a Senior Director based in JTC's London office, Daniel specializes in helping firms investing across Europe with their complex, multi-jurisdictional corporate and fund solutions. He also has strong experience in Emerging Markets Private Equity, with a particular focus on the African continent.

Well, that's all right, ain't it? 'Yes, it's okay.' I hope Danny's successful in his new role. 'How long has he being doing this job, boss?' Not long. Only a short while, in fact.

...

Right. Anything else? Well, it's a nice sunny day today. Probably the first day of spring. So I might go out somewhere. Maybe central London, dear reader(s), for a look around the shops. I might get a DVD or something. 'Er ... shouldn't you be preparing to record your songs, Mikey?' Ha! I am prepared, man. I've been rehearsing the same two songs for ten weeks now. (I mean, not playing anything else at all, you dig?) I can play them in my sleep. Maybe tomorrow night, or maybe Friday, I'll have a go at them. I don't know. I've got to have the right mental attitude in place: confident, but not too excited. And I've got to make sure that motorbike prick ain't around, like Local Hero. 'Ha!' Christ! If I ever catch him ... you know?

[No. 492] I long to be ...

Close to YOU(!) - !!!

And it's the sadness of spinning alone[1], and be here ... with me![1], and it's the sadness of spinning alone[2], and I keep going, hoping for ... exactly the same result / and, yes, I am insane[1], and be here ... with me![2], and, but, but, but ... well, I might make a thousand[1], and I keep going, hoping for ... exactly the same result / and, yes, I am insane[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, yes, here ... with my wicked consciousness ness, ha![1], and, but, but, but ... well, I might make a thousand[2], and walk on by, if you can't spin, idiot(s)![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, yes, here ... with my wicked consciousness ness, ha![2], and a conceptual is a home, of sorts[1], and walk on by, if you can't spin, idiot(s)![2], and, lovely mystic kook ... are YOU(!), are YOU(!), are YOU(!) ... the one, my wonderwall, like?[1], and a conceptual is a home, of sorts[2], and have you got moondust in your hair, eh?[1], and, lovely mystic kook ... are YOU(!), are YOU(!), are YOU(!) ... the one, my wonderwall, like?[2], and do you know the way to Malibu? / Yeah, I'll meet you on the pier[1], and have you got moondust in your hair, eh?[2], and when I get there, I'll do me some talking to the sun ...[1], and do you know the way to Malibu? / Yeah, I'll meet you on the pier[2], and I'll wait for the moon ...[1], and when I get there, I'll do me some talking to the sun ...[2], and money is the way, always was, always will be / Ah, what changes in this EVIL WORLD - ? Nothing![1], and I'll wait for the moon ...[2], and in my dreams ...[1], and money is the way, always was, always will be / Ah, what changes in this EVIL WORLD - ? Nothing![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, my kook ... / ... are you DIZZY(!) yet?[1], and in my dreams ...[2], and there's that look in your eyes ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, my kook ... / ... are you DIZZY(!) yet?[2], and don't talk to me about smiles, or grins / and this is the grin without the cat, man![1], and there's that look in your eyes ...[2], and must I always explain? / and must I always confuse?[1], and don't talk to me about smiles, or grins / and this is the grin without the cat, man![2], and no, no, no ... conceptual cat, just the grin, you dig?[1], and must I always explain? / and must I always confuse?[2], and maybe(???) you shouldn't get too close / and I'm a madman when I'm DIZZY(!)[1], and no, no, no ... conceptual cat, just the grin, you dig?[2], and, uh, do your usual thing, if it makes you happy[1], and maybe(???) you shouldn't get too close / and I'm a madman when I'm DIZZY(!)[2], and you got the money, sure, but I bet you wish you had my mind ...[1], and, uh, do your usual thing, if it makes you happy[2], and what a life![1], and you got the money, sure, but I bet you wish you had my mind ...[2], and it's the sadness of spinning alone[3], and what a life![2], and be here ... with me![3], and I keep going, hoping for ... exactly the same result / and, yes, I am insane[3], and, but, but, but ... well, I might make a thousand[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, yes, here ... with my wicked consciousness ness, ha![3], and walk on by, if you can't spin, idiot(s)![3], and a conceptual is a home, of sorts[3], and, lovely mystic kook ... are YOU(!), are YOU(!), are YOU(!) ... the one, my wonderwall, like?[3], and have you got moondust in your hair, eh?[3], and do you know the way to Malibu? / Yeah, I'll meet you on the pier[3], and when I get there, I'll do me some talking to the sun ...[3], and I'll wait for the moon ...[3], and money is the way, always was, always will be / Ah, what changes in this EVIL WORLD - ? Nothing![3], and in my dreams ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, my kook ... / ... are you DIZZY(!) yet?[3], and there's that look in your eyes ...[3], and don't talk to me about smiles, or grins / and this is the grin without the cat, man![3], and must I always explain? / and must I always confuse?[3], and no, no, no ... conceptual cat, just the grin, you dig?[3], and maybe(???) you shouldn't get too close / and I'm a madman when I'm DIZZY(!)[3], and, uh, do your usual thing, if it makes you happy[3], and you got the money, sure, but I bet you wish you had my mind ...[3], and what a life![3], and

And it's the sadness of spinning alone[1], and be here ... with me![1], and it's the sadness of spinning alone[2], and I keep going, hoping for ... exactly the same result / and, yes, I am insane[1], and be here ... with me![2], and, but, but, but ... well, I might make a thousand[1], and I keep going, hoping for ... exactly the same result / and, yes, I am insane[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, yes, here ... with my wicked consciousness ness, ha![1], and, but, but, but ... well, I might make a thousand[2], and walk on by, if you can't spin, idiot(s)![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, yes, here ... with my wicked consciousness ness, ha![2], and a conceptual is a home, of sorts[1], and walk on by, if you can't spin, idiot(s)![2], and, lovely mystic kook ... are YOU(!), are YOU(!), are YOU(!) ... the one, my wonderwall, like?[1], and a conceptual is a home, of sorts[2], and have you got moondust in your hair, eh?[1], and, lovely mystic kook ... are YOU(!), are YOU(!), are YOU(!) ... the one, my wonderwall, like?[2], and do you know the way to Malibu? / Yeah, I'll meet you on the pier[1], and have you got moondust in your hair, eh?[2], and when I get there, I'll do me some talking to the sun ...[1], and do you know the way to Malibu? / Yeah, I'll meet you on the pier[2], and I'll wait for the moon ...[1], and when I get there, I'll do me some talking to the sun ...[2], and money is the way, always was, always will be / Ah, what changes in this EVIL WORLD - ? Nothing![1], and I'll wait for the moon ...[2], and in my dreams ...[1], and money is the way, always was, always will be / Ah, what changes in this EVIL WORLD - ? Nothing![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, my kook ... / ... are you DIZZY(!) yet?[1], and in my dreams ...[2], and there's that look in your eyes ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, my kook ... / ... are you DIZZY(!) yet?[2], and don't talk to me about smiles, or grins / and this is the grin without the cat, man![1], and there's that look in your eyes ...[2], and must I always explain? / and must I always confuse?[1], and don't talk to me about smiles, or grins / and this is the grin without the cat, man![2], and no, no, no ... conceptual cat, just the grin, you dig?[1], and must I always explain? / and must I always confuse?[2], and maybe(???) you shouldn't get too close / and I'm a madman when I'm DIZZY(!)[1], and no, no, no ... conceptual cat, just the grin, you dig?[2], and, uh, do your usual thing, if it makes you happy[1], and maybe(???) you shouldn't get too close / and I'm a madman when I'm DIZZY(!)[2], and you got the money, sure, but I bet you wish you had my mind ...[1], and, uh, do your usual thing, if it makes you happy[2], and what a life![1], and you got the money, sure, but I bet you wish you had my mind ...[2], and it's the sadness of spinning alone[3], and what a life![2], and be here ... with me![3], and I keep going, hoping for ... exactly the same result / and, yes, I am insane[3], and, but, but, but ... well, I might make a thousand[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, yes, here ... with my wicked consciousness ness, ha![3], and walk on by, if you can't spin, idiot(s)![3], and a conceptual is a home, of sorts[3], and, lovely mystic kook ... are YOU(!), are YOU(!), are YOU(!) ... the one, my wonderwall, like?[3], and have you got moondust in your hair, eh?[3], and do you know the way to Malibu? / Yeah, I'll meet you on the pier[3], and when I get there, I'll do me some talking to the sun ...[3], and I'll wait for the moon ...[3], and money is the way, always was, always will be / Ah, what changes in this EVIL WORLD - ? Nothing![3], and in my dreams ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, my kook ... / ... are you DIZZY(!) yet?[3], and there's that look in your eyes ...[3], and don't talk to me about smiles, or grins / and this is the grin without the cat, man![3], and must I always explain? / and must I always confuse?[3], and no, no, no ... conceptual cat, just the grin, you dig?[3], and maybe(???) you shouldn't get too close / and I'm a madman when I'm DIZZY(!)[3], and, uh, do your usual thing, if it makes you happy[3], and you got the money, sure, but I bet you wish you had my mind ...[3], and what a life![3], and

And it's the sadness of spinning alone[1], and be here ... with me![1], and it's the sadness of spinning alone[2], and I keep going, hoping for ... exactly the same result / and, yes, I am insane[1], and be here ... with me![2], and, but, but, but ... well, I might make a thousand[1], and I keep going, hoping for ... exactly the same result / and, yes, I am insane[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, yes, here ... with my wicked consciousness ness, ha![1], and, but, but, but ... well, I might make a thousand[2], and walk on by, if you can't spin, idiot(s)![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, yes, here ... with my wicked consciousness ness, ha![2], and a conceptual is a home, of sorts[1], and walk on by, if you can't spin, idiot(s)![2], and, lovely mystic kook ... are YOU(!), are YOU(!), are YOU(!) ... the one, my wonderwall, like?[1], and a conceptual is a home, of sorts[2], and have you got moondust in your hair, eh?[1], and, lovely mystic kook ... are YOU(!), are YOU(!), are YOU(!) ... the one, my wonderwall, like?[2], and do you know the way to Malibu? / Yeah, I'll meet you on the pier[1], and have you got moondust in your hair, eh?[2], and when I get there, I'll do me some talking to the sun ...[1], and do you know the way to Malibu? / Yeah, I'll meet you on the pier[2], and I'll wait for the moon ...[1], and when I get there, I'll do me some talking to the sun ...[2], and money is the way, always was, always will be / Ah, what changes in this EVIL WORLD - ? Nothing![1], and I'll wait for the moon ...[2], and in my dreams ...[1], and money is the way, always was, always will be / Ah, what changes in this EVIL WORLD - ? Nothing![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, my kook ... / ... are you DIZZY(!) yet?[1], and in my dreams ...[2], and there's that look in your eyes ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, my kook ... / ... are you DIZZY(!) yet?[2], and don't talk to me about smiles, or grins / and this is the grin without the cat, man![1], and there's that look in your eyes ...[2], and must I always explain? / and must I always confuse?[1], and don't talk to me about smiles, or grins / and this is the grin without the cat, man![2], and no, no, no ... conceptual cat, just the grin, you dig?[1], and must I always explain? / and must I always confuse?[2], and maybe(???) you shouldn't get too close / and I'm a madman when I'm DIZZY(!)[1], and no, no, no ... conceptual cat, just the grin, you dig?[2], and, uh, do your usual thing, if it makes you happy[1], and maybe(???) you shouldn't get too close / and I'm a madman when I'm DIZZY(!)[2], and you got the money, sure, but I bet you wish you had my mind ...[1], and, uh, do your usual thing, if it makes you happy[2], and what a life![1], and you got the money, sure, but I bet you wish you had my mind ...[2], and it's the sadness of spinning alone[3], and what a life![2], and be here ... with me![3], and I keep going, hoping for ... exactly the same result / and, yes, I am insane[3], and, but, but, but ... well, I might make a thousand[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, yes, here ... with my wicked consciousness ness, ha![3], and walk on by, if you can't spin, idiot(s)![3], and a conceptual is a home, of sorts[3], and, lovely mystic kook ... are YOU(!), are YOU(!), are YOU(!) ... the one, my wonderwall, like?[3], and have you got moondust in your hair, eh?[3], and do you know the way to Malibu? / Yeah, I'll meet you on the pier[3], and when I get there, I'll do me some talking to the sun ...[3], and I'll wait for the moon ...[3], and money is the way, always was, always will be / Ah, what changes in this EVIL WORLD - ? Nothing![3], and in my dreams ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, my kook ... / ... are you DIZZY(!) yet?[3], and there's that look in your eyes ...[3], and don't talk to me about smiles, or grins / and this is the grin without the cat, man![3], and must I always explain? / and must I always confuse?[3], and no, no, no ... conceptual cat, just the grin, you dig?[3], and maybe(???) you shouldn't get too close / and I'm a madman when I'm DIZZY(!)[3], and, uh, do your usual thing, if it makes you happy[3], and you got the money, sure, but I bet you wish you had my mind ...[3], and what a life![3], and

Financial digital laggards, something

Monday morning. And I'm doing a PR email. There's no harm in it, I suppose. 'No, boss.' What, Voice?! 'There's no harm in it.' Oh. I thought you were trying to stop me. 'Ha! Carry on, man.' Okay. Okay. Okay. What we got?

Despite the quickening pace of digital innovation, many investment firms are characterized as "digital laggards" having moved slowly to embrace new technologies when compared to their "digital leader" peers.

Okay. Uh. Okay. From State Street.

64% of leaders are applying robust cybersecurity measures to ensure data integrity (22% of laggards).

63% of leaders are aligning front, mid- and back office functions to better service clients (30% laggards).

63% of leaders are fully harnessing data and analytics to improve decision making compared with just 24% of laggards.

63% of leaders have identified future areas of growth and new segments compared with 35% of laggards.

52% are focused on building an integrated, omni-channel approach, compared with just 24% of laggards.

Jesus H. Christ! 'Ha!' I'm sure they're not all lazy people, you know? Maybe, just maybe ... they don't care for technology that much, and they're mystical, spiritual people, like me. 'Yeah.' / And now I'm being asked if I want to speak to Lou Maiuri. 'Oh, I like him!' Shut up, Voice! You don't know him. / Let's do the rest of it.

State Street argues leaders - defined as those using digital technologies to transform their businesses - are excelling in the "three I's of data": integration, integrity and intelligence: integrating internal and external data; drawing new intelligence from it to improve decision-making, agility and client-centricity; and then safeguarding the integrity of this data with the highest levels of cybersecurity.

So? I mean ... whatever.

Despite the quickening pace of digital innovation, many investment firms are characterized as "digital laggards" having moved slowly to embrace new technologies when compared to their "digital leader" peers. The research further reveals -

No, no, no! We don't want no more percentages of laggards, thank you very much. We get the idea, State Street. 'That's the same bit they're repeating.' Yes, but they've got more percentages afterwards. 'Oh.' We don't need them! We don't want them!

Of the investment providers surveyed - a group ranging from universal banks and mutual funds to alternative investment firms and fintech start-ups - almost half (49 percent) say technology is redrawing the marketplace. Eight in ten (81 percent) say digital transformation is important for the future of their organization.

No more! Please! Please! Please!

...

I don't even like writing about technology. However, I didn't have a lot of choice this morning. The only other PR email was about investing in Bitcoin, and it was too much of a hard sell - to tell you the truth.

It's all technology now, man. I'm sick of it. What's happening to the world? Are we any happier than when we were living in caves?

[No. 491] Where the spinner can forget

Forget! 'Forget what?' Exactly!

And ... / Who are you?![1], and it's here that YOU(!) ... can forget / So, forget about the French Foreign Legion![1], and ... / Who are you?![2], and maybe no one cares, anyway ...[1], and it's here that YOU(!) ... can forget / So, forget about the French Foreign Legion![2], and I won't ask you for anything ...[1], and maybe no one cares, anyway ...[2], and this joint is rockin' ... / Man, I'm going a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... and a-ROUND - !!![1], and I won't ask you for anything ...[2], and, baby, stay in, stay in your conscious ness[1], and this joint is rockin' ... / Man, I'm going a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... and a-ROUND - !!![2], and got the blues, ain't we?[1], and, baby, stay in, stay in your conscious ness[2], and we're so lost ... where spinners have no place in a cold world, and, yes, we're spinning not wandering[1], and got the blues, ain't we?[2], and it's warmer here[1], and we're so lost ... where spinners have no place in a cold world, and, yes, we're spinning not wandering[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... we're away from all the shit, oh, how do they live, seriously?[1], and it's warmer here[2], and it's all feelings with us, not hellish thoughts[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... we're away from all the shit, oh, how do they live, seriously?[2], and DIZZY(!) now ... better already?[1], and it's all feelings with us, not hellish thoughts[2], and, us, we, living free, uh, not dying trapped, FFS![1], and DIZZY(!) now ... better already?[2], and beyond the THREE ... I'm sure we won't even know if we get there if it's anywhere, you dig?[1], and, us, we, living free, uh, not dying trapped, FFS![2], and ... where am I?[1], and beyond the THREE ... I'm sure we won't even know if we get there if it's anywhere, you dig?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, man! - if it makes you sick, you ain't doing it right, right?[1], and ... where am I?[2], and ... RIGHT - !!![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, man! - if it makes you sick, you ain't doing it right, right?[2], and be under no illusion(s), my friend(s): there's a long way to go[1], and ... RIGHT - !!![2], and we're going, you're coming, no kook will be left behind, we're heading for a kind of salvation[1], and be under no illusion(s), my friend(s): there's a long way to go[2], and kind of ... is the best offer you'll get[1], and we're going, you're coming, no kook will be left behind, we're heading for a kind of salvation[2], and - 'Ha!'[1], and kind of ... is the best offer you'll get[2], and ... / What do you really want? / Oh, brother/sister, I got what you really need!!![1], and - 'Ha!'[2], and, so ... any many more for the road?[1], and ... / What do you really want? / Oh, brother/sister, I got what you really need!!![2], and ... / Who are you?![3], and, so ... any many more for the road?[2], and it's here that YOU(!) ... can forget / So, forget about the French Foreign Legion![3], and maybe no one cares, anyway ...[3], and I won't ask you for anything ...[3], and this joint is rockin' ... / Man, I'm going a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... and a-ROUND - !!![3], and, baby, stay in, stay in your conscious ness[3], and got the blues, ain't we?[3], and we're so lost ... where spinners have no place in a cold world, and, yes, we're spinning not wandering[3], and it's warmer here[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... we're away from all the shit, oh, how do they live, seriously?[3], and it's all feelings with us, not hellish thoughts[3], and DIZZY(!) now ... better already?[3], and, us, we, living free, uh, not dying trapped, FFS![3], and beyond the THREE ... I'm sure we won't even know if we get there if it's anywhere, you dig?[3], and ... where am I?[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, man! - if it makes you sick, you ain't doing it right, right?[3], and ... RIGHT - !!![3], and be under no illusion(s), my friend(s): there's a long way to go[3], and we're going, you're coming, no kook will be left behind, we're heading for a kind of salvation[3], and kind of ... is the best offer you'll get[3], and - 'Ha!'[3], and ... / What do you really want? / Oh, brother/sister, I got what you really need!!![3], and, so ... any many more for the road?[3], and

And ... / Who are you?![1], and it's here that YOU(!) ... can forget / So, forget about the French Foreign Legion![1], and ... / Who are you?![2], and maybe no one cares, anyway ...[1], and it's here that YOU(!) ... can forget / So, forget about the French Foreign Legion![2], and I won't ask you for anything ...[1], and maybe no one cares, anyway ...[2], and this joint is rockin' ... / Man, I'm going a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... and a-ROUND - !!![1], and I won't ask you for anything ...[2], and, baby, stay in, stay in your conscious ness[1], and this joint is rockin' ... / Man, I'm going a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... and a-ROUND - !!![2], and got the blues, ain't we?[1], and, baby, stay in, stay in your conscious ness[2], and we're so lost ... where spinners have no place in a cold world, and, yes, we're spinning not wandering[1], and got the blues, ain't we?[2], and it's warmer here[1], and we're so lost ... where spinners have no place in a cold world, and, yes, we're spinning not wandering[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... we're away from all the shit, oh, how do they live, seriously?[1], and it's warmer here[2], and it's all feelings with us, not hellish thoughts[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... we're away from all the shit, oh, how do they live, seriously?[2], and DIZZY(!) now ... better already?[1], and it's all feelings with us, not hellish thoughts[2], and, us, we, living free, uh, not dying trapped, FFS![1], and DIZZY(!) now ... better already?[2], and beyond the THREE ... I'm sure we won't even know if we get there if it's anywhere, you dig?[1], and, us, we, living free, uh, not dying trapped, FFS![2], and ... where am I?[1], and beyond the THREE ... I'm sure we won't even know if we get there if it's anywhere, you dig?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, man! - if it makes you sick, you ain't doing it right, right?[1], and ... where am I?[2], and ... RIGHT - !!![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, man! - if it makes you sick, you ain't doing it right, right?[2], and be under no illusion(s), my friend(s): there's a long way to go[1], and ... RIGHT - !!![2], and we're going, you're coming, no kook will be left behind, we're heading for a kind of salvation[1], and be under no illusion(s), my friend(s): there's a long way to go[2], and kind of ... is the best offer you'll get[1], and we're going, you're coming, no kook will be left behind, we're heading for a kind of salvation[2], and - 'Ha!'[1], and kind of ... is the best offer you'll get[2], and ... / What do you really want? / Oh, brother/sister, I got what you really need!!![1], and - 'Ha!'[2], and, so ... any many more for the road?[1], and ... / What do you really want? / Oh, brother/sister, I got what you really need!!![2], and ... / Who are you?![3], and, so ... any many more for the road?[2], and it's here that YOU(!) ... can forget / So, forget about the French Foreign Legion![3], and maybe no one cares, anyway ...[3], and I won't ask you for anything ...[3], and this joint is rockin' ... / Man, I'm going a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... and a-ROUND - !!![3], and, baby, stay in, stay in your conscious ness[3], and got the blues, ain't we?[3], and we're so lost ... where spinners have no place in a cold world, and, yes, we're spinning not wandering[3], and it's warmer here[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... we're away from all the shit, oh, how do they live, seriously?[3], and it's all feelings with us, not hellish thoughts[3], and DIZZY(!) now ... better already?[3], and, us, we, living free, uh, not dying trapped, FFS![3], and beyond the THREE ... I'm sure we won't even know if we get there if it's anywhere, you dig?[3], and ... where am I?[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, man! - if it makes you sick, you ain't doing it right, right?[3], and ... RIGHT - !!![3], and be under no illusion(s), my friend(s): there's a long way to go[3], and we're going, you're coming, no kook will be left behind, we're heading for a kind of salvation[3], and kind of ... is the best offer you'll get[3], and - 'Ha!'[3], and ... / What do you really want? / Oh, brother/sister, I got what you really need!!![3], and, so ... any many more for the road?[3], and

And ... / Who are you?![1], and it's here that YOU(!) ... can forget / So, forget about the French Foreign Legion![1], and ... / Who are you?![2], and maybe no one cares, anyway ...[1], and it's here that YOU(!) ... can forget / So, forget about the French Foreign Legion![2], and I won't ask you for anything ...[1], and maybe no one cares, anyway ...[2], and this joint is rockin' ... / Man, I'm going a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... and a-ROUND - !!![1], and I won't ask you for anything ...[2], and, baby, stay in, stay in your conscious ness[1], and this joint is rockin' ... / Man, I'm going a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... and a-ROUND - !!![2], and got the blues, ain't we?[1], and, baby, stay in, stay in your conscious ness[2], and we're so lost ... where spinners have no place in a cold world, and, yes, we're spinning not wandering[1], and got the blues, ain't we?[2], and it's warmer here[1], and we're so lost ... where spinners have no place in a cold world, and, yes, we're spinning not wandering[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... we're away from all the shit, oh, how do they live, seriously?[1], and it's warmer here[2], and it's all feelings with us, not hellish thoughts[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... we're away from all the shit, oh, how do they live, seriously?[2], and DIZZY(!) now ... better already?[1], and it's all feelings with us, not hellish thoughts[2], and, us, we, living free, uh, not dying trapped, FFS![1], and DIZZY(!) now ... better already?[2], and beyond the THREE ... I'm sure we won't even know if we get there if it's anywhere, you dig?[1], and, us, we, living free, uh, not dying trapped, FFS![2], and ... where am I?[1], and beyond the THREE ... I'm sure we won't even know if we get there if it's anywhere, you dig?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, man! - if it makes you sick, you ain't doing it right, right?[1], and ... where am I?[2], and ... RIGHT - !!![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, man! - if it makes you sick, you ain't doing it right, right?[2], and be under no illusion(s), my friend(s): there's a long way to go[1], and ... RIGHT - !!![2], and we're going, you're coming, no kook will be left behind, we're heading for a kind of salvation[1], and be under no illusion(s), my friend(s): there's a long way to go[2], and kind of ... is the best offer you'll get[1], and we're going, you're coming, no kook will be left behind, we're heading for a kind of salvation[2], and - 'Ha!'[1], and kind of ... is the best offer you'll get[2], and ... / What do you really want? / Oh, brother/sister, I got what you really need!!![1], and - 'Ha!'[2], and, so ... any many more for the road?[1], and ... / What do you really want? / Oh, brother/sister, I got what you really need!!![2], and ... / Who are you?![3], and, so ... any many more for the road?[2], and it's here that YOU(!) ... can forget / So, forget about the French Foreign Legion![3], and maybe no one cares, anyway ...[3], and I won't ask you for anything ...[3], and this joint is rockin' ... / Man, I'm going a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... and a-ROUND - !!![3], and, baby, stay in, stay in your conscious ness[3], and got the blues, ain't we?[3], and we're so lost ... where spinners have no place in a cold world, and, yes, we're spinning not wandering[3], and it's warmer here[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... we're away from all the shit, oh, how do they live, seriously?[3], and it's all feelings with us, not hellish thoughts[3], and DIZZY(!) now ... better already?[3], and, us, we, living free, uh, not dying trapped, FFS![3], and beyond the THREE ... I'm sure we won't even know if we get there if it's anywhere, you dig?[3], and ... where am I?[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, man! - if it makes you sick, you ain't doing it right, right?[3], and ... RIGHT - !!![3], and be under no illusion(s), my friend(s): there's a long way to go[3], and we're going, you're coming, no kook will be left behind, we're heading for a kind of salvation[3], and kind of ... is the best offer you'll get[3], and - 'Ha!'[3], and ... / What do you really want? / Oh, brother/sister, I got what you really need!!![3], and, so ... any many more for the road?[3], and

Turning the tide ... 2017 global hedge fund industry outlook and trends

Right. Andrea at Barclays has sent me a PR email. It's confusing though. 'Why is it confusing, boss?' Wait and see, Voice.

Yes, it's all very confusing, dear reader(s). There's a video, which I don't fancy watching, really. 'Oh.' Yeah. And there's this PDF thing ... 'Okay.' I've tried to copy and paste a bit of it, but it's come out all funny. I can't use it. 'Try, boss.' The readers won't be able to make any sense out of it. 'Just try, man.' All right. I'll try it, FFS!

In this study, the Capital Solutions Strategic Consulting team considers the status of the hedge fund industry, particularly with respect to recent performance in historical context, and the implications for the industry going forward. This paper projects industry flows and investor allocation preferences across HF sub-strategies and a variety of products and offerings. The report is based on input from ~350 investors with almost $1 trillion of HF allocations.

'Well, that's okay.' That's not it, Voice. That's from the email. Just hang on a minute. Here it is -

Twelve months ago uh ... as we sat down to write our 2016 Outlook publication the mood was dour the hedge fund HF!!! industry Industry was struggling in the midst of what would become one of the worst drawdowns since the turn of the century behind only the 2008 "Global Financial Crisis" - !!! while a number of prominent institutional investors had announced their plans to exit HFs entirely and the nancial press was awash awash I tell you! with articles criticizing HF performance and fees against this backdrop we anticipated a bleak year ahead and predicted that the industry would see net outowls of $30bn in fact we ultimately underestimated the severity of the impact as 2016 saw $70bn in net redemptionsongs from HFs marking the fth consecutive quarter of outowls even as we focused on the struggle for HF managers and investors the asset management industry as a whole was and still is progressing through its evolutionary process as owls are redistributed out of active and into passive aggressive products and players across the ZX spectrum must reconsider their business model and value proposition all the while regulation and technology are forcing evolution as well yet in spite of all that the HF industry has endured over the last 18 months we nd ourselves writing this year's Outlook with a renewed optimism to start we undertook a more nuanced and objectives-based approach to contextualizing and evaluating underlying HF returns in the post-crisis period and we found that this most fulsome praise of performance revealed a less dramatic deterioration than popular perception would suggest further while HFs have underperformed recently relative to the remarkable and unprecedented run of the equity and bond markets our research conrms that they nonetheless have an important role to play in complementing and balancing investors' portfolios most notably we also fou ...

You see? 'You've done something to that.' I haven't! Look at those little box things. That wasn't me. The whole thing is a disaster, but I'm not to blame. It's like something that Lucky would think. / Ah, let's move on!

...

Move on to? Nothing in particular. I'll be doing a conceptual later, the last post of the week.

I feel like watching Easy Rider tonight. / I might get a motorbike and take off to Cornwall. Never come back ...

WMA MiFID II conference 2017

Right. The thing is, I've only received ONE(!!!) PR email in the last three days, and it's a reminder for a conference that I've already had two or three times.

Tuesday 28th February 2017, 9:00-15:40

Now that the FCA has published the results of their fourth consultation on MiFID II, attention turns squarely towards implementation.

Please let us know if you would like to join the Wealth Management Association as they gather industry experts, practitioners and regulatory advisers for a day of insights at their MiFID II Conference.

Key issues will include Transaction Reporting, Product Governance, Best Execution and Costs & Charges.

Venue: St. Paul, 200 Aldersgate, London EC1A 4HD

If you would like to secure your place, please do reply to this email. You can find an agenda here.

Places are limited and admission is strictly to those on the press list, so please RSVP to this email if you would like to attend.

Melissa, love, I would love to attend, but I'm busy then. I'm sorry, but - 'Boss! Stop making excuses. You don't want to go to this conference, do you?' Well, not really. I mean, I've got nothing against it. I'm sure everyone will have a lovely time, but it's not for me, you know? 'It's not your cup of tea, boss.' No.

Oh, I feel bad now. I feel like I'm letting everyone down. Ian Cornwall will be there, and Mark Sherwin, and David Bryden, and Giulia Lupato, and Simon Appleton, and Zach Johnson, and Andy Thompson, and Mike Williams, and - 'Who are these people?' I have absolutely no idea, Voice. 'I thought they might be your friends.' Ha! No. 'They could be, if you turned up.' No. I'm not going.

Maybe in the next life, reader(s), you dig?

...

Okay. Anything else? Music? Well, I walked around central London yesterday and saw a few buskers who were really brilliant at playing guitar. I mean, they had ability far beyond Noel Gallagher, and Kurt Cobain, and Bob Dylan, and John Lennon, and Elvis Costello, and Bob Marley, and Ray Davies, and Neil Young, and Van Morrison, and Paul McCartney, and Keith Richards, and David Bowie, and Bruce Springsteen, and Lou Reed, and - 'Are you going to mention every pop star ever, Mikey?' Christ! The point I'm making, Voice, is ... [drum roll] ... it's a mug's game taking your skills beyond a certain point. 'Oh.' Unless you have endless amounts of time on your hands or something. 'Unless you have a real hard-on for playing the guitar.' Well, yeah. It's much better to concentrate on songwriting. It's songs that matter, man.

Laters.

Michael Sawh has got a job at Parmenion!

Yeah, as a senior investment manager, believe it or not. (Well done, Mickey, son!) 'And Timothy Willis, boss.' What? Oh yeah. Timothy Willis, too. He's also got a job as an investment manager. (Nice one, Timmy!) Parmenion? Have we heard of them before, Voice? 'I don't think so, boss.' Well, let's shine a light on them, then.

Launched in 2007, Parmenion is one of the fastest growing platform providers in the UK. The value of investments under our management now exceeds £2.5bn. More than 1000 Adviser firms have selected us as their partner to deliver their chosen investment proposition to over 30,000 clients. In 2015, Parmenion was recognized as one of the top 50 hottest financial technology companies in Europe. Parmenion is part of Aberdeen Asset Management, one of the top European investment businesses and a global asset manager operating in over 20 countries around the world. Our goal is to make investment simple and accessible to all.

Okay. Don't sound too bad, do they? 'They sound all right, boss.' Of course they do!

...

Anything else? 'Is that it?!' I'm not in the mood. 'You weren't in the mood yesterday either.' How do you know? You were on the astral plane, man. 'Yeah. But I kept an eye on you.' Ha! Well, thanks. But I don't actually need that, Voice. I can cope without you. 'Are there any PR emails?' No. There aren't. I think everyone's on holiday or something. Maybe NO ONE is in the mood for finance. 'Maybe you've discouraged them.' Well, that would be a result. I mean, there are better things that people can be doing with their lives.

Oh, come back tomorrow, reader(s). Maybe there'll be some exciting news. I don't know. Not much seems to be happening. 'Make your own news!' Yeah, I might have to.

Laters.

[No. 490] Fake post?

No! No! No! This conceptual shit is as real as it gets.

And ... such passion![1], and here I am, and so ... where are you, man? SERIOUSLY[1], and ... such passion![2], and, oh, shit, trying to hide ... from me, of all people![1], and here I am, and so ... where are you, man? SERIOUSLY[2], and WHAT DO YOU WANT, exactly? - !!![1], and, oh, shit, trying to hide ... from me, of all people![2], and I ain't got no silly stories for you ... like some novelist prick from the 19th century, you dig?[1], and WHAT DO YOU WANT, exactly? - !!![2], and believe me, baby, when I tell you: I'm living in the future![1], and I ain't got no silly stories for you ... like some novelist prick from the 19th century, you dig?[2], and on my own planet, too ... LIGHT YEARS AWAY!!![1], and believe me, baby, when I tell you: I'm living in the future![2], and I'm pretty resourceful[1], and on my own planet, too ... LIGHT YEARS AWAY!!![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... and, oh, with the right mental attitude, obviously, ha![1], and I'm pretty resourceful[2], and my reality is so real it hurts[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... and, oh, with the right mental attitude, obviously, ha![2], and, uh, a little secret, for you, from me: those creeps with their square fucking news are the fake ones, BELIEVE ME[1], and my reality is so real it hurts[2], and I ain't no tangerine nightmare ...[1], and, uh, a little secret, for you, from me: those creeps with their square fucking news are the fake ones, BELIEVE ME[2], and my skin is like a ghost's skin, HONESTLY[1], and I ain't no tangerine nightmare ...[2], and if only I lived in Malibu ... / ... and, yes, YES, yes, well, well, you gotta have a dream, man[1], and my skin is like a ghost's skin, HONESTLY[2], and on the beach, in the sun, day after day, ah, anything is possible![1], and if only I lived in Malibu ... / ... and, yes, YES, yes, well, well, you gotta have a dream, man[2], and I BELIEVE ... in this ... and this ... and, well, this - you dig?[1], and on the beach, in the sun, day after day, ah, anything is possible![2], and try to dig while ... yeah, yeah, I'm just almost so GONE(!) again ... in my mind/soul, like[1], and I BELIEVE ... in this ... and this ... and, well, this - you dig?[2], and ... SPIN(!) - !!![1], and try to dig while ... yeah, yeah, I'm just almost so GONE(!) again ... in my mind/soul, like[2], and something will never die, I'm absolutely convinced[1], and ... SPIN(!) - !!![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - NOW - !!! / and son, daughter, I want you to believe[1], and something will never die, I'm absolutely convinced[2], and, uh[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - NOW - !!! / and son, daughter, I want you to believe[2], and it's the consciousness nesses ness that are so REAL / and that's what I need you to understand[1], and, uh[2], and, FFS! / I try my best with you lot[1], and it's the consciousness nesses ness that are so REAL / and that's what I need you to understand[2], and ... such passion![3], and, FFS! / I try my best with you lot[2], and here I am, and so ... where are you, man? SERIOUSLY[3], and, oh, shit, trying to hide ... from me, of all people![3], and WHAT DO YOU WANT, exactly? - !!![3], and I ain't got no silly stories for you ... like some novelist prick from the 19th century, you dig?[3], and believe me, baby, when I tell you: I'm living in the future![3], and on my own planet, too ... LIGHT YEARS AWAY!!![3], and I'm pretty resourceful[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... and, oh, with the right mental attitude, obviously, ha![3], and my reality is so real it hurts[3], and, uh, a little secret, for you, from me: those creeps with their square fucking news are the fake ones, BELIEVE ME[3], and I ain't no tangerine nightmare ...[3], and my skin is like a ghost's skin, HONESTLY[3], and if only I lived in Malibu ... / ... and, yes, YES, yes, well, well, you gotta have a dream, man[3], and on the beach, in the sun, day after day, ah, anything is possible![3], and I BELIEVE ... in this ... and this ... and, well, this - you dig?[3], and try to dig while ... yeah, yeah, I'm just almost so GONE(!) again ... in my mind/soul, like[3], and ... SPIN(!) - !!![3], and something will never die, I'm absolutely convinced[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - NOW - !!! / and son, daughter, I want you to believe[3], and, uh[3], and it's the consciousness nesses ness that are so REAL / and that's what I need you to understand[3], and, FFS! / I try my best with you lot[3], and

And ... such passion![1], and here I am, and so ... where are you, man? SERIOUSLY[1], and ... such passion![2], and, oh, shit, trying to hide ... from me, of all people![1], and here I am, and so ... where are you, man? SERIOUSLY[2], and WHAT DO YOU WANT, exactly? - !!![1], and, oh, shit, trying to hide ... from me, of all people![2], and I ain't got no silly stories for you ... like some novelist prick from the 19th century, you dig?[1], and WHAT DO YOU WANT, exactly? - !!![2], and believe me, baby, when I tell you: I'm living in the future![1], and I ain't got no silly stories for you ... like some novelist prick from the 19th century, you dig?[2], and on my own planet, too ... LIGHT YEARS AWAY!!![1], and believe me, baby, when I tell you: I'm living in the future![2], and I'm pretty resourceful[1], and on my own planet, too ... LIGHT YEARS AWAY!!![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... and, oh, with the right mental attitude, obviously, ha![1], and I'm pretty resourceful[2], and my reality is so real it hurts[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... and, oh, with the right mental attitude, obviously, ha![2], and, uh, a little secret, for you, from me: those creeps with their square fucking news are the fake ones, BELIEVE ME[1], and my reality is so real it hurts[2], and I ain't no tangerine nightmare ...[1], and, uh, a little secret, for you, from me: those creeps with their square fucking news are the fake ones, BELIEVE ME[2], and my skin is like a ghost's skin, HONESTLY[1], and I ain't no tangerine nightmare ...[2], and if only I lived in Malibu ... / ... and, yes, YES, yes, well, well, you gotta have a dream, man[1], and my skin is like a ghost's skin, HONESTLY[2], and on the beach, in the sun, day after day, ah, anything is possible![1], and if only I lived in Malibu ... / ... and, yes, YES, yes, well, well, you gotta have a dream, man[2], and I BELIEVE ... in this ... and this ... and, well, this - you dig?[1], and on the beach, in the sun, day after day, ah, anything is possible![2], and try to dig while ... yeah, yeah, I'm just almost so GONE(!) again ... in my mind/soul, like[1], and I BELIEVE ... in this ... and this ... and, well, this - you dig?[2], and ... SPIN(!) - !!![1], and try to dig while ... yeah, yeah, I'm just almost so GONE(!) again ... in my mind/soul, like[2], and something will never die, I'm absolutely convinced[1], and ... SPIN(!) - !!![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - NOW - !!! / and son, daughter, I want you to believe[1], and something will never die, I'm absolutely convinced[2], and, uh[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - NOW - !!! / and son, daughter, I want you to believe[2], and it's the consciousness nesses ness that are so REAL / and that's what I need you to understand[1], and, uh[2], and, FFS! / I try my best with you lot[1], and it's the consciousness nesses ness that are so REAL / and that's what I need you to understand[2], and ... such passion![3], and, FFS! / I try my best with you lot[2], and here I am, and so ... where are you, man? SERIOUSLY[3], and, oh, shit, trying to hide ... from me, of all people![3], and WHAT DO YOU WANT, exactly? - !!![3], and I ain't got no silly stories for you ... like some novelist prick from the 19th century, you dig?[3], and believe me, baby, when I tell you: I'm living in the future![3], and on my own planet, too ... LIGHT YEARS AWAY!!![3], and I'm pretty resourceful[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... and, oh, with the right mental attitude, obviously, ha![3], and my reality is so real it hurts[3], and, uh, a little secret, for you, from me: those creeps with their square fucking news are the fake ones, BELIEVE ME[3], and I ain't no tangerine nightmare ...[3], and my skin is like a ghost's skin, HONESTLY[3], and if only I lived in Malibu ... / ... and, yes, YES, yes, well, well, you gotta have a dream, man[3], and on the beach, in the sun, day after day, ah, anything is possible![3], and I BELIEVE ... in this ... and this ... and, well, this - you dig?[3], and try to dig while ... yeah, yeah, I'm just almost so GONE(!) again ... in my mind/soul, like[3], and ... SPIN(!) - !!![3], and something will never die, I'm absolutely convinced[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - NOW - !!! / and son, daughter, I want you to believe[3], and, uh[3], and it's the consciousness nesses ness that are so REAL / and that's what I need you to understand[3], and, FFS! / I try my best with you lot[3], and

And ... such passion![1], and here I am, and so ... where are you, man? SERIOUSLY[1], and ... such passion![2], and, oh, shit, trying to hide ... from me, of all people![1], and here I am, and so ... where are you, man? SERIOUSLY[2], and WHAT DO YOU WANT, exactly? - !!![1], and, oh, shit, trying to hide ... from me, of all people![2], and I ain't got no silly stories for you ... like some novelist prick from the 19th century, you dig?[1], and WHAT DO YOU WANT, exactly? - !!![2], and believe me, baby, when I tell you: I'm living in the future![1], and I ain't got no silly stories for you ... like some novelist prick from the 19th century, you dig?[2], and on my own planet, too ... LIGHT YEARS AWAY!!![1], and believe me, baby, when I tell you: I'm living in the future![2], and I'm pretty resourceful[1], and on my own planet, too ... LIGHT YEARS AWAY!!![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... and, oh, with the right mental attitude, obviously, ha![1], and I'm pretty resourceful[2], and my reality is so real it hurts[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... and, oh, with the right mental attitude, obviously, ha![2], and, uh, a little secret, for you, from me: those creeps with their square fucking news are the fake ones, BELIEVE ME[1], and my reality is so real it hurts[2], and I ain't no tangerine nightmare ...[1], and, uh, a little secret, for you, from me: those creeps with their square fucking news are the fake ones, BELIEVE ME[2], and my skin is like a ghost's skin, HONESTLY[1], and I ain't no tangerine nightmare ...[2], and if only I lived in Malibu ... / ... and, yes, YES, yes, well, well, you gotta have a dream, man[1], and my skin is like a ghost's skin, HONESTLY[2], and on the beach, in the sun, day after day, ah, anything is possible![1], and if only I lived in Malibu ... / ... and, yes, YES, yes, well, well, you gotta have a dream, man[2], and I BELIEVE ... in this ... and this ... and, well, this - you dig?[1], and on the beach, in the sun, day after day, ah, anything is possible![2], and try to dig while ... yeah, yeah, I'm just almost so GONE(!) again ... in my mind/soul, like[1], and I BELIEVE ... in this ... and this ... and, well, this - you dig?[2], and ... SPIN(!) - !!![1], and try to dig while ... yeah, yeah, I'm just almost so GONE(!) again ... in my mind/soul, like[2], and something will never die, I'm absolutely convinced[1], and ... SPIN(!) - !!![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - NOW - !!! / and son, daughter, I want you to believe[1], and something will never die, I'm absolutely convinced[2], and, uh[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - NOW - !!! / and son, daughter, I want you to believe[2], and it's the consciousness nesses ness that are so REAL / and that's what I need you to understand[1], and, uh[2], and, FFS! / I try my best with you lot[1], and it's the consciousness nesses ness that are so REAL / and that's what I need you to understand[2], and ... such passion![3], and, FFS! / I try my best with you lot[2], and here I am, and so ... where are you, man? SERIOUSLY[3], and, oh, shit, trying to hide ... from me, of all people![3], and WHAT DO YOU WANT, exactly? - !!![3], and I ain't got no silly stories for you ... like some novelist prick from the 19th century, you dig?[3], and believe me, baby, when I tell you: I'm living in the future![3], and on my own planet, too ... LIGHT YEARS AWAY!!![3], and I'm pretty resourceful[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... and, oh, with the right mental attitude, obviously, ha![3], and my reality is so real it hurts[3], and, uh, a little secret, for you, from me: those creeps with their square fucking news are the fake ones, BELIEVE ME[3], and I ain't no tangerine nightmare ...[3], and my skin is like a ghost's skin, HONESTLY[3], and if only I lived in Malibu ... / ... and, yes, YES, yes, well, well, you gotta have a dream, man[3], and on the beach, in the sun, day after day, ah, anything is possible![3], and I BELIEVE ... in this ... and this ... and, well, this - you dig?[3], and try to dig while ... yeah, yeah, I'm just almost so GONE(!) again ... in my mind/soul, like[3], and ... SPIN(!) - !!![3], and something will never die, I'm absolutely convinced[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - NOW - !!! / and son, daughter, I want you to believe[3], and, uh[3], and it's the consciousness nesses ness that are so REAL / and that's what I need you to understand[3], and, FFS! / I try my best with you lot[3], and

Och-Ziff Capital Management redemptions are $13 billion over the last year or so ...

Jesus! That's a lot! / Uh, not ... that I'm too bothered about it or even interested, man. I'm listening to Joy Division at the moment and letting my mind drift, away. I'm honestly and seriously in no mood for writing about finance. But, but, but ... the good news is, I'll be able to work on a conceptual later, No. 490, and they rarely have a financial theme these days. So, that's something to look forward to, ain't it?

Yeah, yeah ... but Och-Ziff Capital has had problems with a bribery investigation and loads of grief with the U.S. Justice Department and the SEC. But, but, but ... founder Daniel Och says the worst is behind the firm now. Oh, let's hope so. Investors are big babies, basically. It doesn't take much to scare them. I'm sure everything will be okay in the long run.

DANCE!!! DANCE!!! DANCE!!! DANCE!!! DANCE!!!

Actually, I think it's interesting to compare Joy Division to Japan. Two bands from the same era. Both avant-garde and artistic. But Joy Division have a massive reputation while Japan are a forgotten band, really. Is Joy Division's music superior? Or is it a matter of that band's realness and seriousness. Japan seem phoney and lightweight and a bit naff by comparison. Maybe it's all about mental attitude. If a boy band in today's pop chart sang: Dance, dance, dance, dance, dance, to the radio ... over and over again, it wouldn't seem too impressive. But that's what Ian Curtis sings in the song Transmission, and it sounds cool and great when he does it. Strange, eh?

...

Well, well ... / No Voice today. Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on your point of view. Christ knows where he is. Probably getting up to no good on the astral plane. What an idiot!

Laters.

Veritas Capital Fund VI has been closed at $3.55 billion

Which is a shame because I had hoped that Veritas Capital would be going for the cool $5 billion. 'They only wanted $3 billion, boss. $3.55 billion is more than enough.' Oh, it's you again, Voice. 'You can't keep a good voice down.' Apparently not.

Veritas Capital?

Veritas Capital is a leading private equity firm that invests in companies that provide critical products and services, primarily technology or technology-enabled solutions, to government and commercial customers worldwide. Our key differentiator is an in-depth knowledge and understanding of government and government influenced markets and customers and the policy and regulatory environment impacting the target industries which have been the sole and exclusive focus of our investment activities since 1998. During this time, we have originated and managed over 70 acquisitions.   

So ... 'Is this firm based in America, boss?' Probably. 'You don't know?!' I didn't check, man. It's too early in the morning. I've only just had my coffee.

Well, obviously ... I wish them all the best with it and everything. It's the sixth fund. 'Will there be a seventh?' I wouldn't be surprised. Once these people start they don't like to stop. Of course, they could just have one big fund with maybe twenty or thirty billion dollars in it, yeah? But ... you have to let people live their own lives. 'Some people, boss, you can't tell them anything.' I know, man.

...

Anything else? Not really. And it's the last post of the week. So ... laters, you dig?

[No. 489] Get free of filth!

The world is so dirty.

And come on, jump in![1], and this, here ... uh, it's such a clean place, honestly[1], and come on, jump in![2], and treat yourself to an eternal spin, my friend(s)[1], and this, here ... uh, it's such a clean place, honestly[2], and it could be finance or politics or personal relationships or any shit, man![1], and treat yourself to an eternal spin, my friend(s)[2], and ... oh, leave your simple mind behind[1], and it could be finance or politics or personal relationships or any shit, man![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - ha! / I bet you feel better already, eh?[1], and ... oh, leave your simple mind behind[2], and have you got a third eye?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - ha! / I bet you feel better already, eh?[2], and I know how it is ... Christ(!), for your sort, yeah? ... believing it's all so goddamn important[1], and have you got a third eye?[2], and you need to take a moment off[1], and I know how it is ... Christ(!), for your sort, yeah? ... believing it's all so goddamn important[2], and I presume you know about the two trillion galaxies in the universe ...[1], and you need to take a moment off[2], and if you feel small, maybe you are small[1], and I presume you know about the two trillion galaxies in the universe ...[2], and there's no one to blame, except maybe God[1], and if you feel small, maybe you are small[2], and don't go looking for answers OUTSIDE(!) your bad self / that would be a tragic mistake[1], and there's no one to blame, except maybe God[2], and deal with eternity, son/daughter[1], and don't go looking for answers OUTSIDE(!) your bad self / that would be a tragic mistake[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - what?! / Don't tell me you're feeling sick![1], and deal with eternity, son/daughter[2], and ... toughen up![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - what?! / Don't tell me you're feeling sick![2], and would you prefer the blood and fire? / Man, I'm afraid those days are long gone[1], and ... toughen up![2], and no one is gonna save you in the COLD WORLD / uh, those slags want your skin and bones[1], and would you prefer the blood and fire? / Man, I'm afraid those days are long gone[2], and ... HIDE YOUR SOUL!!![1], and no one is gonna save you in the COLD WORLD / uh, those slags want your skin and bones[2], and believe none of the promises / and animals will say anything / and humans are so rare ...[1], and ... HIDE YOUR SOUL!!![2], and Mikey says: Relax![1], and believe none of the promises / and animals will say anything / and humans are so rare ...[2], and me, now? Yes, yes, me ... NOW(!) ... I'm happy to be DIZZY(!) Ah, always[1], and Mikey says: Relax![2], and come on, jump in![3], and me, now? Yes, yes, me ... NOW(!) ... I'm happy to be DIZZY(!) Ah, always[2], and this, here ... uh, it's such a clean place, honestly[3], and treat yourself to an eternal spin, my friend(s)[3], and it could be finance or politics or personal relationships or any shit, man![3], and ... oh, leave your simple mind behind[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - ha! / I bet you feel better already, eh?[3], and have you got a third eye?[3], and I know how it is ... Christ(!), for your sort, yeah? ... believing it's all so goddamn important[3], and you need to take a moment off[3], and I presume you know about the two trillion galaxies in the universe ...[3], and if you feel small, maybe you are small[3], and there's no one to blame, except maybe God[3], and don't go looking for answers OUTSIDE(!) your bad self / that would be a tragic mistake[3], and deal with eternity, son/daughter[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - what?! / Don't tell me you're feeling sick![3], and ... toughen up![3], and would you prefer the blood and fire? / Man, I'm afraid those days are long gone[3], and no one is gonna save you in the COLD WORLD / uh, those slags want your skin and bones[3], and ... HIDE YOUR SOUL!!![3], and believe none of the promises / and animals will say anything / and humans are so rare ...[3], and Mikey says: Relax![3], and me, now? Yes, yes, me ... NOW(!) ... I'm happy to be DIZZY(!) Ah, always[3], and

And come on, jump in![1], and this, here ... uh, it's such a clean place, honestly[1], and come on, jump in![2], and treat yourself to an eternal spin, my friend(s)[1], and this, here ... uh, it's such a clean place, honestly[2], and it could be finance or politics or personal relationships or any shit, man![1], and treat yourself to an eternal spin, my friend(s)[2], and ... oh, leave your simple mind behind[1], and it could be finance or politics or personal relationships or any shit, man![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - ha! / I bet you feel better already, eh?[1], and ... oh, leave your simple mind behind[2], and have you got a third eye?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - ha! / I bet you feel better already, eh?[2], and I know how it is ... Christ(!), for your sort, yeah? ... believing it's all so goddamn important[1], and have you got a third eye?[2], and you need to take a moment off[1], and I know how it is ... Christ(!), for your sort, yeah? ... believing it's all so goddamn important[2], and I presume you know about the two trillion galaxies in the universe ...[1], and you need to take a moment off[2], and if you feel small, maybe you are small[1], and I presume you know about the two trillion galaxies in the universe ...[2], and there's no one to blame, except maybe God[1], and if you feel small, maybe you are small[2], and don't go looking for answers OUTSIDE(!) your bad self / that would be a tragic mistake[1], and there's no one to blame, except maybe God[2], and deal with eternity, son/daughter[1], and don't go looking for answers OUTSIDE(!) your bad self / that would be a tragic mistake[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - what?! / Don't tell me you're feeling sick![1], and deal with eternity, son/daughter[2], and ... toughen up![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - what?! / Don't tell me you're feeling sick![2], and would you prefer the blood and fire? / Man, I'm afraid those days are long gone[1], and ... toughen up![2], and no one is gonna save you in the COLD WORLD / uh, those slags want your skin and bones[1], and would you prefer the blood and fire? / Man, I'm afraid those days are long gone[2], and ... HIDE YOUR SOUL!!![1], and no one is gonna save you in the COLD WORLD / uh, those slags want your skin and bones[2], and believe none of the promises / and animals will say anything / and humans are so rare ...[1], and ... HIDE YOUR SOUL!!![2], and Mikey says: Relax![1], and believe none of the promises / and animals will say anything / and humans are so rare ...[2], and me, now? Yes, yes, me ... NOW(!) ... I'm happy to be DIZZY(!) Ah, always[1], and Mikey says: Relax![2], and come on, jump in![3], and me, now? Yes, yes, me ... NOW(!) ... I'm happy to be DIZZY(!) Ah, always[2], and this, here ... uh, it's such a clean place, honestly[3], and treat yourself to an eternal spin, my friend(s)[3], and it could be finance or politics or personal relationships or any shit, man![3], and ... oh, leave your simple mind behind[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - ha! / I bet you feel better already, eh?[3], and have you got a third eye?[3], and I know how it is ... Christ(!), for your sort, yeah? ... believing it's all so goddamn important[3], and you need to take a moment off[3], and I presume you know about the two trillion galaxies in the universe ...[3], and if you feel small, maybe you are small[3], and there's no one to blame, except maybe God[3], and don't go looking for answers OUTSIDE(!) your bad self / that would be a tragic mistake[3], and deal with eternity, son/daughter[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - what?! / Don't tell me you're feeling sick![3], and ... toughen up![3], and would you prefer the blood and fire? / Man, I'm afraid those days are long gone[3], and no one is gonna save you in the COLD WORLD / uh, those slags want your skin and bones[3], and ... HIDE YOUR SOUL!!![3], and believe none of the promises / and animals will say anything / and humans are so rare ...[3], and Mikey says: Relax![3], and me, now? Yes, yes, me ... NOW(!) ... I'm happy to be DIZZY(!) Ah, always[3], and

And come on, jump in![1], and this, here ... uh, it's such a clean place, honestly[1], and come on, jump in![2], and treat yourself to an eternal spin, my friend(s)[1], and this, here ... uh, it's such a clean place, honestly[2], and it could be finance or politics or personal relationships or any shit, man![1], and treat yourself to an eternal spin, my friend(s)[2], and ... oh, leave your simple mind behind[1], and it could be finance or politics or personal relationships or any shit, man![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - ha! / I bet you feel better already, eh?[1], and ... oh, leave your simple mind behind[2], and have you got a third eye?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - ha! / I bet you feel better already, eh?[2], and I know how it is ... Christ(!), for your sort, yeah? ... believing it's all so goddamn important[1], and have you got a third eye?[2], and you need to take a moment off[1], and I know how it is ... Christ(!), for your sort, yeah? ... believing it's all so goddamn important[2], and I presume you know about the two trillion galaxies in the universe ...[1], and you need to take a moment off[2], and if you feel small, maybe you are small[1], and I presume you know about the two trillion galaxies in the universe ...[2], and there's no one to blame, except maybe God[1], and if you feel small, maybe you are small[2], and don't go looking for answers OUTSIDE(!) your bad self / that would be a tragic mistake[1], and there's no one to blame, except maybe God[2], and deal with eternity, son/daughter[1], and don't go looking for answers OUTSIDE(!) your bad self / that would be a tragic mistake[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - what?! / Don't tell me you're feeling sick![1], and deal with eternity, son/daughter[2], and ... toughen up![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - what?! / Don't tell me you're feeling sick![2], and would you prefer the blood and fire? / Man, I'm afraid those days are long gone[1], and ... toughen up![2], and no one is gonna save you in the COLD WORLD / uh, those slags want your skin and bones[1], and would you prefer the blood and fire? / Man, I'm afraid those days are long gone[2], and ... HIDE YOUR SOUL!!![1], and no one is gonna save you in the COLD WORLD / uh, those slags want your skin and bones[2], and believe none of the promises / and animals will say anything / and humans are so rare ...[1], and ... HIDE YOUR SOUL!!![2], and Mikey says: Relax![1], and believe none of the promises / and animals will say anything / and humans are so rare ...[2], and me, now? Yes, yes, me ... NOW(!) ... I'm happy to be DIZZY(!) Ah, always[1], and Mikey says: Relax![2], and come on, jump in![3], and me, now? Yes, yes, me ... NOW(!) ... I'm happy to be DIZZY(!) Ah, always[2], and this, here ... uh, it's such a clean place, honestly[3], and treat yourself to an eternal spin, my friend(s)[3], and it could be finance or politics or personal relationships or any shit, man![3], and ... oh, leave your simple mind behind[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - ha! / I bet you feel better already, eh?[3], and have you got a third eye?[3], and I know how it is ... Christ(!), for your sort, yeah? ... believing it's all so goddamn important[3], and you need to take a moment off[3], and I presume you know about the two trillion galaxies in the universe ...[3], and if you feel small, maybe you are small[3], and there's no one to blame, except maybe God[3], and don't go looking for answers OUTSIDE(!) your bad self / that would be a tragic mistake[3], and deal with eternity, son/daughter[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND - what?! / Don't tell me you're feeling sick![3], and ... toughen up![3], and would you prefer the blood and fire? / Man, I'm afraid those days are long gone[3], and no one is gonna save you in the COLD WORLD / uh, those slags want your skin and bones[3], and ... HIDE YOUR SOUL!!![3], and believe none of the promises / and animals will say anything / and humans are so rare ...[3], and Mikey says: Relax![3], and me, now? Yes, yes, me ... NOW(!) ... I'm happy to be DIZZY(!) Ah, always[3], and

Pamplona Capital Management and Ascent Venture Partners announce $100 million equity investment in Nova Sciences ...

... uh, to pursue acquisitions in the industrial instrumentation market.

All right. I suppose I'm interested, for now. [PR email, reader(s).] 'Ha!' Be quiet, Voice.

Pamplona Capital Management (Pamplona) today[13th, actually] announces that it, along with Ascent Venture Partners (Ascent), has committed $100 million to Nova Sciences Holdings LLC (Nova), a new platform entity formed to pursue acquisitions of metering, monitoring, measurement and control instrumentation businesses in a broad (Broad) spectrum (Spectrum) of industrial sectors.

Okay. Nova?

Nova is led by highly experienced CEO Jim Barbookles and a senior management team that has worked together for fourteen years, during which time they have successfully executed several prior sector consolidations in the industrial instrumentation industry.

'Jim Barbookles?! Wasn't there a song about him, boss?' No. You're thinking of Mr Bojangles. 'Oh, of course. Silly me!' Grow up, Voice!

Jim Barbookles will be Chairman of the Nova board, which will also include Pamplona Partner Justin Perreault and Ascent General Partner Walter Dick.

And what does Mr Barbookles say about all this? 'Oh, I knew a man Barbookles and -' Shut up! Please! [Sorry, Jim, if you're reading. I can't get the staff.]

Jim Barbookles, CEO of Nova, said: "Over the last fourteen years, the Nova team has acquired over 25 companies and has developed a proven track record of acquiring, operating, and strengthening industrial technology brands. The Nova team is looking forward to combining its operational and technical experience with Pamplona and Ascent's financial resources and expertise to acquire and grow strong brands in the industrial technology market."

Fair enough. Right, Justin now. 'Hang on, boss! There's more.' Where? 'Here -'

Mr Barbookles continued: "I dance now at every chance at honky-tonks for drinks and tips. But most of the time I spend behind these county bars, 'cause I drinks a bit."

Okay, Voice, you're sacked. 'No!' I'm serious. 'Oh, come on!' Clear out your desk and go. 'I ain't got a desk.' Just sod off back to the astral plane. 'Christ!' Go on!

FFS! / Right. What does Mr Perreault say?

Justin Perreault, Partner at Pamplona, commented: "Pamplona is excited to partner with an outstanding management team with an extensive and successful history of acquiring and operating businesses in the industrial technology sector. As part of Pamplona's broad interest in industrial technology, we believe we have identified a unique opportunity to back the Nova team in its latest sector consolidation effort. We look forward to assisting Jim and his team in sourcing, evaluating, and funding potential investment opportunities."

Fine. And Walter?

Walter Dick, General Partner at Ascent, said: "Having backed the Nova team in its prior platforms, Ascent is looking forward to participating as an active partner to the Nova team. Through both acquisitions and organic growth, we believe the Nova team has an opportunity to build a global industrial technology business."

Okay. That's enough.

...

Anything else? No, there's nothing else. Not today. Tomorrow there will be two or three more posts, but today? NOTHING!

[Voice!

He's gone.

He'll be back.]

Actually, I've changed my mind. I'll work on No. 489 after lunch and into the evening. / Laters!

Who is Jean Raby?

I'm glad you asked me that. He's the new chief executive of Natixis Global Asset Management. That's who he is. So ... 'Er, Jean, boss?' I think he's French or something. 'Oh, okay.' At least, I hope he's French, you know? 'Yeah.' He used to be a big noise at Goldman Sachs. According to my records, he was once at the mercy of Jack Pickles. 'Oh dear.' But that's an old story. There's nothing to worry about now. / Uh, maybe Bloomberg can tell us a bit more about the guy ...

This person is connected to 27 board members in 3 different organizations across 6 different industries.

Or maybe not. 'Christ! Why do you bother with these arseholes, boss?' It's habit, I suppose, Voice. I think they've done a better job this time though. Normally, we just get -

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

'Ha!' / Anyway ... I don't know if there's much more to say about our Jean. 'He's a finance guy.' Yeah. 'And you've written about thousands of them.' Yeah. For my sins. 'Come on, Mikey! There must be something different about him!' Ha! Like what? 'I don't know. Invent something!' Well, I could go on and on about Jack Pickles, and thought-forms, and dark, demonic nights, but ... 'Yes!' I'm not in the mood. Not now. Not these days. 'You used to love it, man. Think of the old desert days, the blood and fire.' Yeah. 'Jesus H. - ! I reckon you've made a mistake with all this conceptual stuff you're doing. It's not as passionate as the old shamanism.' Shut up! What do you know? Conceptualism is definitely the right thing for me, Voice. For everyone. I watched a brilliant Joan Bakewell interview with Marcel Duchamp on YouTube the other week. It confirmed everything. 'Oh. Okay. Whatever.' Now, let's change the subject.

...

Anything else, dear reader(s)? Well, I changed my Elixir strings last night. I love the sound of fresh guitar strings in the morning. 'They smell of victory, boss.' They don't smell, idiot!

Oh, the best guitar pick for an acoustic? It's got to be the Dunlop 0.46. But they don't last long. 'All you need now, Mikey, is a Martin D-28.' Yeah, when I've got a spare £2,300 lying around.

Music? What am I listening to? Nothing at the moment. The sound of silence. 'Simon and Garfunkel?!' No. The sound of silence. 'What about that motorbike nut outside?' Yeah, he's still there.

Well, well ... / I might go out today. Or I might stay in.

Laters.

[No. 488] Take the island!

I burnt the boats ages ago ...

And ... when?[1], and, oh, NOW(!) ... is the time to take the island![1], and ... when?[2], and I've been standing there, admiring the view, and ... not doing much at all, to be honest with you[1], and, oh, NOW(!) ... is the time to take the island![2], and they won't know what hit them ...[1], and I've been standing there, admiring the view, and ... not doing much at all, to be honest with you[2], and once you've started ... you don't want to stop[1], and they won't know what hit them ...[2], and we're talking a new lifestyle, you dig? / A new way of behaving, thinking, acting ... EVERYTHING!!![1], and once you've started ... you don't want to stop[2], and, well, so ...[1], and we're talking a new lifestyle, you dig? / A new way of behaving, thinking, acting ... EVERYTHING!!![2], and, Christ! ... any moment would be a good moment, this, uh, this, yes, or ... this[1], and, well, so ...[2], and while the iron ...[1], and, Christ! ... any moment would be a good moment, this, uh, this, yes, or ... this[2], and I believe that NOW(!) ... is the time to take action, man! (Eagle eyes optional)[1], and while the iron ...[2], and ... is, well, hot[1], and I believe that NOW(!) ... is the time to take action, man! (Eagle eyes optional)[2], and ... Mikey the Killer - ?! 'Ha!'[1], and ... is, well, hot[2], and stranger things have happened at sea in those fucking high winds[1], and ... Mikey the Killer - ?! 'Ha!'[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, uh, my mind ... until I get the courage[1], and stranger things have happened at sea in those fucking high winds[2], and I can't back down / I ain't got no boats![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, uh, my mind ... until I get the courage[2], and Rimbaud turned himself into a drunken boat but never got anywhere, oh lost a leg![1], and I can't back down / I ain't got no boats![2], and I could pray ...[1], and Rimbaud turned himself into a drunken boat but never got anywhere, oh lost a leg![2], and ... LORD, GIVE ME ONE MORE CHANCE!!![1], and I could pray ...[2], and I'm asking the cosmos, too[1], and ... LORD, GIVE ME ONE MORE CHANCE!!![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... with my wishes on repeat, as it were[1], and I'm asking the cosmos, too[2], and it's called a positive attitude - if you're wondering[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... with my wishes on repeat, as it were[2], and ... ah![1], and it's called a positive attitude - if you're wondering[2], and look at me NOW(!)! 'Wow!' Yeah, I'm a fucking Viking! Seriously! What a beautiful life full of adventure![1], and ... ah![2], and ... NO ONE CAN STOP ME!!![1], and look at me NOW(!)! 'Wow!' Yeah, I'm a fucking Viking! Seriously! What a beautiful life full of adventure![2], and ... when?[3], and ... NO ONE CAN STOP ME!!![2], and, oh, NOW(!) ... is the time to take the island![3], and I've been standing there, admiring the view, and ... not doing much at all, to be honest with you[3], and they won't know what hit them ...[3], and once you've started ... you don't want to stop[3], and we're talking a new lifestyle, you dig? / A new way of behaving, thinking, acting ... EVERYTHING!!![3], and, well, so ...[3], and, Christ! ... any moment would be a good moment, this, uh, this, yes, or ... this[3], and while the iron ...[3], and I believe that NOW(!) ... is the time to take action, man! (Eagle eyes optional)[3], and ... is, well, hot[3], and ... Mikey the Killer - ?! 'Ha!'[3], and stranger things have happened at sea in those fucking high winds[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, uh, my mind ... until I get the courage[3], and I can't back down / I ain't got no boats![3], and Rimbaud turned himself into a drunken boat but never got anywhere, oh lost a leg![3], and I could pray ...[3], and ... LORD, GIVE ME ONE MORE CHANCE!!![3], and I'm asking the cosmos, too[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... with my wishes on repeat, as it were[3], and it's called a positive attitude - if you're wondering[3], and ... ah![3], and look at me NOW(!)! 'Wow!' Yeah, I'm a fucking Viking! Seriously! What a beautiful life full of adventure![3], and ... NO ONE CAN STOP ME!!![3], and

And ... when?[1], and, oh, NOW(!) ... is the time to take the island![1], and ... when?[2], and I've been standing there, admiring the view, and ... not doing much at all, to be honest with you[1], and, oh, NOW(!) ... is the time to take the island![2], and they won't know what hit them ...[1], and I've been standing there, admiring the view, and ... not doing much at all, to be honest with you[2], and once you've started ... you don't want to stop[1], and they won't know what hit them ...[2], and we're talking a new lifestyle, you dig? / A new way of behaving, thinking, acting ... EVERYTHING!!![1], and once you've started ... you don't want to stop[2], and, well, so ...[1], and we're talking a new lifestyle, you dig? / A new way of behaving, thinking, acting ... EVERYTHING!!![2], and, Christ! ... any moment would be a good moment, this, uh, this, yes, or ... this[1], and, well, so ...[2], and while the iron ...[1], and, Christ! ... any moment would be a good moment, this, uh, this, yes, or ... this[2], and I believe that NOW(!) ... is the time to take action, man! (Eagle eyes optional)[1], and while the iron ...[2], and ... is, well, hot[1], and I believe that NOW(!) ... is the time to take action, man! (Eagle eyes optional)[2], and ... Mikey the Killer - ?! 'Ha!'[1], and ... is, well, hot[2], and stranger things have happened at sea in those fucking high winds[1], and ... Mikey the Killer - ?! 'Ha!'[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, uh, my mind ... until I get the courage[1], and stranger things have happened at sea in those fucking high winds[2], and I can't back down / I ain't got no boats![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, uh, my mind ... until I get the courage[2], and Rimbaud turned himself into a drunken boat but never got anywhere, oh lost a leg![1], and I can't back down / I ain't got no boats![2], and I could pray ...[1], and Rimbaud turned himself into a drunken boat but never got anywhere, oh lost a leg![2], and ... LORD, GIVE ME ONE MORE CHANCE!!![1], and I could pray ...[2], and I'm asking the cosmos, too[1], and ... LORD, GIVE ME ONE MORE CHANCE!!![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... with my wishes on repeat, as it were[1], and I'm asking the cosmos, too[2], and it's called a positive attitude - if you're wondering[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... with my wishes on repeat, as it were[2], and ... ah![1], and it's called a positive attitude - if you're wondering[2], and look at me NOW(!)! 'Wow!' Yeah, I'm a fucking Viking! Seriously! What a beautiful life full of adventure![1], and ... ah![2], and ... NO ONE CAN STOP ME!!![1], and look at me NOW(!)! 'Wow!' Yeah, I'm a fucking Viking! Seriously! What a beautiful life full of adventure![2], and ... when?[3], and ... NO ONE CAN STOP ME!!![2], and, oh, NOW(!) ... is the time to take the island![3], and I've been standing there, admiring the view, and ... not doing much at all, to be honest with you[3], and they won't know what hit them ...[3], and once you've started ... you don't want to stop[3], and we're talking a new lifestyle, you dig? / A new way of behaving, thinking, acting ... EVERYTHING!!![3], and, well, so ...[3], and, Christ! ... any moment would be a good moment, this, uh, this, yes, or ... this[3], and while the iron ...[3], and I believe that NOW(!) ... is the time to take action, man! (Eagle eyes optional)[3], and ... is, well, hot[3], and ... Mikey the Killer - ?! 'Ha!'[3], and stranger things have happened at sea in those fucking high winds[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, uh, my mind ... until I get the courage[3], and I can't back down / I ain't got no boats![3], and Rimbaud turned himself into a drunken boat but never got anywhere, oh lost a leg![3], and I could pray ...[3], and ... LORD, GIVE ME ONE MORE CHANCE!!![3], and I'm asking the cosmos, too[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... with my wishes on repeat, as it were[3], and it's called a positive attitude - if you're wondering[3], and ... ah![3], and look at me NOW(!)! 'Wow!' Yeah, I'm a fucking Viking! Seriously! What a beautiful life full of adventure![3], and ... NO ONE CAN STOP ME!!![3], and

And ... when?[1], and, oh, NOW(!) ... is the time to take the island![1], and ... when?[2], and I've been standing there, admiring the view, and ... not doing much at all, to be honest with you[1], and, oh, NOW(!) ... is the time to take the island![2], and they won't know what hit them ...[1], and I've been standing there, admiring the view, and ... not doing much at all, to be honest with you[2], and once you've started ... you don't want to stop[1], and they won't know what hit them ...[2], and we're talking a new lifestyle, you dig? / A new way of behaving, thinking, acting ... EVERYTHING!!![1], and once you've started ... you don't want to stop[2], and, well, so ...[1], and we're talking a new lifestyle, you dig? / A new way of behaving, thinking, acting ... EVERYTHING!!![2], and, Christ! ... any moment would be a good moment, this, uh, this, yes, or ... this[1], and, well, so ...[2], and while the iron ...[1], and, Christ! ... any moment would be a good moment, this, uh, this, yes, or ... this[2], and I believe that NOW(!) ... is the time to take action, man! (Eagle eyes optional)[1], and while the iron ...[2], and ... is, well, hot[1], and I believe that NOW(!) ... is the time to take action, man! (Eagle eyes optional)[2], and ... Mikey the Killer - ?! 'Ha!'[1], and ... is, well, hot[2], and stranger things have happened at sea in those fucking high winds[1], and ... Mikey the Killer - ?! 'Ha!'[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, uh, my mind ... until I get the courage[1], and stranger things have happened at sea in those fucking high winds[2], and I can't back down / I ain't got no boats![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, uh, my mind ... until I get the courage[2], and Rimbaud turned himself into a drunken boat but never got anywhere, oh lost a leg![1], and I can't back down / I ain't got no boats![2], and I could pray ...[1], and Rimbaud turned himself into a drunken boat but never got anywhere, oh lost a leg![2], and ... LORD, GIVE ME ONE MORE CHANCE!!![1], and I could pray ...[2], and I'm asking the cosmos, too[1], and ... LORD, GIVE ME ONE MORE CHANCE!!![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... with my wishes on repeat, as it were[1], and I'm asking the cosmos, too[2], and it's called a positive attitude - if you're wondering[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... with my wishes on repeat, as it were[2], and ... ah![1], and it's called a positive attitude - if you're wondering[2], and look at me NOW(!)! 'Wow!' Yeah, I'm a fucking Viking! Seriously! What a beautiful life full of adventure![1], and ... ah![2], and ... NO ONE CAN STOP ME!!![1], and look at me NOW(!)! 'Wow!' Yeah, I'm a fucking Viking! Seriously! What a beautiful life full of adventure![2], and ... when?[3], and ... NO ONE CAN STOP ME!!![2], and, oh, NOW(!) ... is the time to take the island![3], and I've been standing there, admiring the view, and ... not doing much at all, to be honest with you[3], and they won't know what hit them ...[3], and once you've started ... you don't want to stop[3], and we're talking a new lifestyle, you dig? / A new way of behaving, thinking, acting ... EVERYTHING!!![3], and, well, so ...[3], and, Christ! ... any moment would be a good moment, this, uh, this, yes, or ... this[3], and while the iron ...[3], and I believe that NOW(!) ... is the time to take action, man! (Eagle eyes optional)[3], and ... is, well, hot[3], and ... Mikey the Killer - ?! 'Ha!'[3], and stranger things have happened at sea in those fucking high winds[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, uh, my mind ... until I get the courage[3], and I can't back down / I ain't got no boats![3], and Rimbaud turned himself into a drunken boat but never got anywhere, oh lost a leg![3], and I could pray ...[3], and ... LORD, GIVE ME ONE MORE CHANCE!!![3], and I'm asking the cosmos, too[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... with my wishes on repeat, as it were[3], and it's called a positive attitude - if you're wondering[3], and ... ah![3], and look at me NOW(!)! 'Wow!' Yeah, I'm a fucking Viking! Seriously! What a beautiful life full of adventure![3], and ... NO ONE CAN STOP ME!!![3], and