Thursday 30 March 2017

There's crime on the street, and in the suite - apparently

Let's face it, the human race is corrupt. Just look at Brexit. Look at society. Look at the world, my friend(s). 'Boss, what's this suite stuff?' Eh? Oh, just a PR email, about a new book, by Gregg Barak. 'Who?!' Gregg Barak!

Gregg Barak is Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Eastern Michigan University, USA. He is the editor of The Routledge International Handbook of the Crimes of the Powerful, author of Theft of a Nation: Wall Street Looting and Federal Regulatory Colluding, and recipient of the National White Collar Crime Center/White Collar Crime Research Consortium's Outstanding Book Award for 2012.

He's got this book, see. It's called Unchecked Corporate Power. 'Oh. What's it about?' Well, Voice, it's about unchecked corporate power, yeah? 'Oh.' Yeah. As the title suggests. Well, it more than suggests. / Anyway ...

In 2015, Apple Inc. achieved the highest ever market-capital valuation for any U.S. corporation. It is widely considered the most esteemed brand in the world. Several factors have contributed to Apple's success, including the vision of the late Steve Jobs, the execution of Apple engineers, the failure or refusal of Apple to pay its fair share in taxes and the reported exploitation of the workers who manufacture Apple products.

So, what happens to nations that surrender ever-growing economic and political power to the globally super rich and the mammoth multinational corporations they control? And what can be done to resist the criminality and victimization perpetrated by the prevailing global political economy?


Well, not much can be done. BUT(!) ... the cosmos is watching! And some sort of God is watching. And maybe an alien race is watching. So ... oh, I don't know.

Written from the perspective of global sustainability and as an unflinching expose of the crimes of the powerful, Unchecked Corporate Power reveals how legalized authorities and political institutions assigned the duty of protecting citizens from law-breaking and injurious activities have increasingly become enablers and colluders with the very enterprises they are obliged to regulate.

And things will only get worse. The world is moving in one direction, towards destruction. That's it, man. 'Christ!'

Of course, when we die, the world is destroyed for us personally. If you know what I mean. I mean, it's not actually destroyed, but it may as well be. We have no contact any more, you dig? We don't know what our country or society is doing, our family, our friends. When we're gone, they're gone - to us.

So, maybe it's foolish to worry about the destruction of the world. Also, we have to bear in mind that the universe may continue for another five billion years. The human race will be lucky to get another five hundred years, but life will go on - in other places. 'That's not a great consolation, boss.' Ha! We'll be all right, son, on the bloody astral plane.

...

Anything else? No, not really. / This is the last post of the week. And now I must play my guitar. The band on the Titanic played. I must play, too.

Wednesday 29 March 2017

[No. 501] A massive beach with little white crests of waves in the distance

A vision.

And ... my head![1], and, yeah ... I can see it, Voice, and I'm almost there[1], and ... my head![2], and Timberland boots on sand ... / and I don't do sandals - oh, I'm not that type[1], and, yeah ... I can see it, Voice, and I'm almost there[2], and if you don't have a vision ...[1], and Timberland boots on sand ... / and I don't do sandals - oh, I'm not that type[2], and a-ROUND now - !!! / Yes, farther away from hell and closer to heaven[1], and if you don't have a vision ...[2], and some favourite tunes, you dig?[1], and a-ROUND now - !!! / Yes, farther away from hell and closer to heaven[2], and if I ever get there ... 'Oh, you will, Mikey' / Yeah, yeah, I'll come back a BRAND NEW MAN[1], and some favourite tunes, you dig?[2], and, of course, I said that the last time[1], and if I ever get there ... 'Oh, you will, Mikey' / Yeah, yeah, I'll come back a BRAND NEW MAN[2], and let it, let it, let it ... be like the first time, forever![1], and, of course, I said that the last time[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... with real joy because I truly believe[1], and let it, let it, let it ... be like the first time, forever![2], and if I could choose my personal heaven ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... with real joy because I truly believe[2], and a deserted beach is much better than a crowded dirty street any moment of eternity[1], and if I could choose my personal heaven ...[2], and maybe a little rain, I don't care[1], and a deserted beach is much better than a crowded dirty street any moment of eternity[2], and, oh, oh, oh ... definitely a big fuck-off pasty / 'Ha! That goes without saying'[1], and maybe a little rain, I don't care[2], and maybe a mint ice cream, too![1], and, oh, oh, oh ... definitely a big fuck-off pasty / 'Ha! That goes without saying'[2], and I'm going, I'm going, I'm going ... / O cosmos, make it happen for me![1], and maybe a mint ice cream, too![2], and no, no, no![1], and I'm going, I'm going, I'm going ... / O cosmos, make it happen for me![2], and ... 'What about that island, where Jesus stayed with his uncle?' / Christ! That's near Looe, man![1], and no, no, no![2], and a tin miner, apparently, ha![1], and ... 'What about that island, where Jesus stayed with his uncle?' / Christ! That's near Looe, man![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... just making it happen with SOUL POWER[1], and a tin miner, apparently, ha![2], and, yes, yes, YES - !!![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... just making it happen with SOUL POWER[2], and ... my head![3], and, yes, yes, YES - !!![2], and, yeah ... I can see it, Voice, and I'm almost there[3], and Timberland boots on sand ... / and I don't do sandals - oh, I'm not that type[3], and if you don't have a vision ...[3], and a-ROUND now - !!! / Yes, farther away from hell and closer to heaven[3], and some favourite tunes, you dig?[3], and if I ever get there ... 'Oh, you will, Mikey' / Yeah, yeah, I'll come back a BRAND NEW MAN[3], and, of course, I said that the last time[3], and let it, let it, let it ... be like the first time, forever![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... with real joy because I truly believe[3], and if I could choose my personal heaven ...[3], and a deserted beach is much better than a crowded dirty street any moment of eternity[3], and maybe a little rain, I don't care[3], and, oh, oh, oh ... definitely a big fuck-off pasty / 'Ha! That goes without saying'[3], and maybe a mint ice cream, too![3], and I'm going, I'm going, I'm going ... / O cosmos, make it happen for me![3], and no, no, no![3], and ... 'What about that island, where Jesus stayed with his uncle?' / Christ! That's near Looe, man![3], and a tin miner, apparently, ha![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... just making it happen with SOUL POWER[3], and, yes, yes, YES - !!![3], and

And ... my head![1], and, yeah ... I can see it, Voice, and I'm almost there[1], and ... my head![2], and Timberland boots on sand ... / and I don't do sandals - oh, I'm not that type[1], and, yeah ... I can see it, Voice, and I'm almost there[2], and if you don't have a vision ...[1], and Timberland boots on sand ... / and I don't do sandals - oh, I'm not that type[2], and a-ROUND now - !!! / Yes, farther away from hell and closer to heaven[1], and if you don't have a vision ...[2], and some favourite tunes, you dig?[1], and a-ROUND now - !!! / Yes, farther away from hell and closer to heaven[2], and if I ever get there ... 'Oh, you will, Mikey' / Yeah, yeah, I'll come back a BRAND NEW MAN[1], and some favourite tunes, you dig?[2], and, of course, I said that the last time[1], and if I ever get there ... 'Oh, you will, Mikey' / Yeah, yeah, I'll come back a BRAND NEW MAN[2], and let it, let it, let it ... be like the first time, forever![1], and, of course, I said that the last time[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... with real joy because I truly believe[1], and let it, let it, let it ... be like the first time, forever![2], and if I could choose my personal heaven ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... with real joy because I truly believe[2], and a deserted beach is much better than a crowded dirty street any moment of eternity[1], and if I could choose my personal heaven ...[2], and maybe a little rain, I don't care[1], and a deserted beach is much better than a crowded dirty street any moment of eternity[2], and, oh, oh, oh ... definitely a big fuck-off pasty / 'Ha! That goes without saying'[1], and maybe a little rain, I don't care[2], and maybe a mint ice cream, too![1], and, oh, oh, oh ... definitely a big fuck-off pasty / 'Ha! That goes without saying'[2], and I'm going, I'm going, I'm going ... / O cosmos, make it happen for me![1], and maybe a mint ice cream, too![2], and no, no, no![1], and I'm going, I'm going, I'm going ... / O cosmos, make it happen for me![2], and ... 'What about that island, where Jesus stayed with his uncle?' / Christ! That's near Looe, man![1], and no, no, no![2], and a tin miner, apparently, ha![1], and ... 'What about that island, where Jesus stayed with his uncle?' / Christ! That's near Looe, man![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... just making it happen with SOUL POWER[1], and a tin miner, apparently, ha![2], and, yes, yes, YES - !!![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... just making it happen with SOUL POWER[2], and ... my head![3], and, yes, yes, YES - !!![2], and, yeah ... I can see it, Voice, and I'm almost there[3], and Timberland boots on sand ... / and I don't do sandals - oh, I'm not that type[3], and if you don't have a vision ...[3], and a-ROUND now - !!! / Yes, farther away from hell and closer to heaven[3], and some favourite tunes, you dig?[3], and if I ever get there ... 'Oh, you will, Mikey' / Yeah, yeah, I'll come back a BRAND NEW MAN[3], and, of course, I said that the last time[3], and let it, let it, let it ... be like the first time, forever![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... with real joy because I truly believe[3], and if I could choose my personal heaven ...[3], and a deserted beach is much better than a crowded dirty street any moment of eternity[3], and maybe a little rain, I don't care[3], and, oh, oh, oh ... definitely a big fuck-off pasty / 'Ha! That goes without saying'[3], and maybe a mint ice cream, too![3], and I'm going, I'm going, I'm going ... / O cosmos, make it happen for me![3], and no, no, no![3], and ... 'What about that island, where Jesus stayed with his uncle?' / Christ! That's near Looe, man![3], and a tin miner, apparently, ha![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... just making it happen with SOUL POWER[3], and, yes, yes, YES - !!![3], and

And ... my head![1], and, yeah ... I can see it, Voice, and I'm almost there[1], and ... my head![2], and Timberland boots on sand ... / and I don't do sandals - oh, I'm not that type[1], and, yeah ... I can see it, Voice, and I'm almost there[2], and if you don't have a vision ...[1], and Timberland boots on sand ... / and I don't do sandals - oh, I'm not that type[2], and a-ROUND now - !!! / Yes, farther away from hell and closer to heaven[1], and if you don't have a vision ...[2], and some favourite tunes, you dig?[1], and a-ROUND now - !!! / Yes, farther away from hell and closer to heaven[2], and if I ever get there ... 'Oh, you will, Mikey' / Yeah, yeah, I'll come back a BRAND NEW MAN[1], and some favourite tunes, you dig?[2], and, of course, I said that the last time[1], and if I ever get there ... 'Oh, you will, Mikey' / Yeah, yeah, I'll come back a BRAND NEW MAN[2], and let it, let it, let it ... be like the first time, forever![1], and, of course, I said that the last time[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... with real joy because I truly believe[1], and let it, let it, let it ... be like the first time, forever![2], and if I could choose my personal heaven ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... with real joy because I truly believe[2], and a deserted beach is much better than a crowded dirty street any moment of eternity[1], and if I could choose my personal heaven ...[2], and maybe a little rain, I don't care[1], and a deserted beach is much better than a crowded dirty street any moment of eternity[2], and, oh, oh, oh ... definitely a big fuck-off pasty / 'Ha! That goes without saying'[1], and maybe a little rain, I don't care[2], and maybe a mint ice cream, too![1], and, oh, oh, oh ... definitely a big fuck-off pasty / 'Ha! That goes without saying'[2], and I'm going, I'm going, I'm going ... / O cosmos, make it happen for me![1], and maybe a mint ice cream, too![2], and no, no, no![1], and I'm going, I'm going, I'm going ... / O cosmos, make it happen for me![2], and ... 'What about that island, where Jesus stayed with his uncle?' / Christ! That's near Looe, man![1], and no, no, no![2], and a tin miner, apparently, ha![1], and ... 'What about that island, where Jesus stayed with his uncle?' / Christ! That's near Looe, man![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... just making it happen with SOUL POWER[1], and a tin miner, apparently, ha![2], and, yes, yes, YES - !!![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... just making it happen with SOUL POWER[2], and ... my head![3], and, yes, yes, YES - !!![2], and, yeah ... I can see it, Voice, and I'm almost there[3], and Timberland boots on sand ... / and I don't do sandals - oh, I'm not that type[3], and if you don't have a vision ...[3], and a-ROUND now - !!! / Yes, farther away from hell and closer to heaven[3], and some favourite tunes, you dig?[3], and if I ever get there ... 'Oh, you will, Mikey' / Yeah, yeah, I'll come back a BRAND NEW MAN[3], and, of course, I said that the last time[3], and let it, let it, let it ... be like the first time, forever![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... with real joy because I truly believe[3], and if I could choose my personal heaven ...[3], and a deserted beach is much better than a crowded dirty street any moment of eternity[3], and maybe a little rain, I don't care[3], and, oh, oh, oh ... definitely a big fuck-off pasty / 'Ha! That goes without saying'[3], and maybe a mint ice cream, too![3], and I'm going, I'm going, I'm going ... / O cosmos, make it happen for me![3], and no, no, no![3], and ... 'What about that island, where Jesus stayed with his uncle?' / Christ! That's near Looe, man![3], and a tin miner, apparently, ha![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... just making it happen with SOUL POWER[3], and, yes, yes, YES - !!![3], and

Asset management performance analysis

What's this?! ... you may be asking yourself, dear reader(s). Well, there's this report, see. It's been written by a guy called Jay Wolstenholme, who is a senior analyst at Celent. 'Celent, boss? What's Celent?!' Christ!

Celent is a research and advisory firm dedicated to helping financial institutions formulate comprehensive business and technology strategies. Celent publishes reports identifying trends and best practices in financial services technology and conducts consulting engagements for financial institutions looking to use technology to enhance existing business processes or launch new business strategies. With a team of internationally based analysts, Celent is uniquely positioned to offer strategic advice and market insights on a global basis.

You see, Voice? 'Yeah, man. You seem remarkably well-informed. Have you been doing some cheeky research, while I wasn't looking, like?' Ha! No. It's a PR email. 'Oh, I should have guessed.' It's no big deal. / So, anyway -

Performance analysis and attribution is a top of the list requirement for asset managers to demonstrate their value. Performance analysis is not only crucial in the investment process but increasingly critical for solid client communications and marketing in an ultra-competitive institutional client market.

Wow! 'Great!' Yeah. And the thing is, our Jay has answered a few questions with this report of his -

What are the main performance attribution trends in asset management?

What are performance analysis systems trying to solve?

What are the key functional areas for performance attribution systems in asset management?
 

Those questions. 'Very interesting, boss. I suppose there are some findings, maybe even key findings.' Ha! You're on the ball today, man! There are some findings, key findings.

Key findings include:

In today's competitive landscape asset managers must not only have a superior investment strategy and performance track record but also constantly communicate it to existing clients and utilize it in marketing campaigns.

Equity attribution variables continue to expand as asset managers are developing new types of smart beta portfolios that blur the lines between passive and active investment styles. It is important to both asset managers and investors to be able to assess the performance components all detailed factors to ensure that performance Alpha is being achieved through the adjusted weighting of factors versus just luck or chance.

Performance analysis tools have always been part of the investment process but today more sophisticated, quantitative, cross product GIPs compliant tools are available from vendors meeting the new demands of asset managers.


Not bad, eh? 'It's all right, boss. It would be nice though if our Jay actually had a comment to make on the whole thing. Shame.' He does! FFS!

"In today's investment environment, asset owners are gravitating toward asset managers who can quantitatively outline their performance achievements, starting with aggregation, drill down to contribution and attribution detail, visualization graphics, and increasingly mobile and configurable access," commented Wolstenholme.

Happy now? 'Yeah, that's nice.' Well, I'm glad you're happy, Voice. Let's hope the readers are happy, too. 'As if you care, Mikey.' Ha!

...

Anything else? Music? This ain't a music blog, is it? So, no. No music. Deal with it!

Politics? This ain't a politics blog either. However, the prime minister wants us all to unite now. 'Ha!' Yeah. Er ... I'll give that a miss, Theresa, if you don't mind. FFS!

Laters, reader(s).

Tuesday 28 March 2017

The FS Energy Total Return fund

I'm not much in the mood for writing this morning. 'About finance, boss?' About anything, Voice. You see, I had strange dreams in the night that have unsettled me. 'Oh.' Yeah. And I've got a plaster on my finger. 'Oh. Right. Great excuses, boss! FFS!' Give me a break, man. I've been doing this for ten years. How much longer? 'Ah, don't worry, Mikey. You shall be released.' Oh, I hope so.

Anyway. It's a new fund, this, er ... FS Energy Total Return fund. Brought to you by FS Investments out of Philadelphia. And you know what Michael Forman says, don't you, dear reader(s)?

"FS Investments was founded on the principle that all investors deserve better choices. Dissatisfied with the limited options available to the investing public, we set out to create a better solution. We're proud to give every investor access to alternatives and set the industry standard for transparency and best practices." Michael Forman, Chairman & CEO, FS Investments.

So there! That told you! Anything else? Politics? Okay - / 'Can you tell us something about the new fund, boss?' Why? 'Please. We need to know.' Christ! The FS Energy Total Return fund seeks to generate attractive total returns by investing in the equity and debt securities of both public and private energy and energy infrastructure companies. Are you happy now? 'It's not for me, boss. The readers really appreciate this shit.' Oh, I'm sure they do.

Yeah, I'm sure they do. They're probably hanging on my every word. I'm the shaman they can trust, after all. The one who tells it straight. But ... I'm tired. So very tired.

Oh, man! My head! I have a vision of a massive beach with little white crests of waves in the distance. 'Not again!' Yes, again. 'Well, I suppose it's that time of year.' It certainly is.

...

Anything else? Politics? I watched the Question Time Brexit special last night. The arrogance of the Leave mob is unbelievable. Oh, let's just crash out of the EU, and leave the single market and the customs union, and have no trade deal at all. Everything's going to be fine! / But it's up to them, you know? If they want to destroy the country that they claim to love so much, I won't interfere. I'm past caring.

All I want to do is play my guitar, write songs, and fucking sing those songs, you dig? That's all I'm interested in now.

Monday 27 March 2017

[No. 500] There's no waste land here ...

I'm doing just fine, and I ain't even got beyond the THREE yet!

And, oh ... hello![1], and it's so nice of YOU(!) to join me[1], and, oh ... hello![2], and the sun is shining - oh, it's summer! / and this is a beach, with some imagination[1], and it's so nice of YOU(!) to join me[2], and don't be a sad stranger in a happy land, man[1], and the sun is shining - oh, it's summer! / and this is a beach, with some imagination[2], and a-ROUND here ... I think you will find that it's always summer in my mystic soul[1], and don't be a sad stranger in a happy land, man[2], and, uh, all souls are mystic, I suppose / yeah, it goes with the territory[1], and a-ROUND here ... I think you will find that it's always summer in my mystic soul[2], and T.S. Eliot can do one![1], and, uh, all souls are mystic, I suppose / yeah, it goes with the territory[2], and I love spending time with my conscious ness nesses ness, ah! / and there's no escape anyway[1], and T.S. Eliot can do one![2], and feelings are the best though ...[1], and I love spending time with my conscious ness nesses ness, ah! / and there's no escape anyway[2], and if you're not a spinner, there's still time[1], and feelings are the best though ...[2], and the country, and the world ... may be going to pot, but, but, BUT(!) ... I'm all right, Jack![1], and if you're not a spinner, there's still time[2], and the cosmos is on my side, so ... you know?[1], and the country, and the world ... may be going to pot, but, but, BUT(!) ... I'm all right, Jack![2], and I have no complaints ...[1], and the cosmos is on my side, so ... you know?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... yippee! / Yes, who wouldn't want to do this forever?[1], and I have no complaints ...[2], and ... 'I'm tired, Mikey' / Christ! Shut it, you slag![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... yippee! / Yes, who wouldn't want to do this forever?[2], and how are YOU(!) feeling within yourself, like? / and I've seen better conscious ness nesses[1], and ... 'I'm tired, Mikey' / Christ! Shut it, you slag![2], and I'm not sure your soul is open enough ...[1], and how are YOU(!) feeling within yourself, like? / and I've seen better conscious ness nesses[2], and ... but as long as you're happy, son/daughter / and are you ... are you really happy?[1], and I'm not sure your soul is open enough ...[2], and maybe you're running from your own personal waste land / and some take refuge in ideology[1], and ... but as long as you're happy, son/daughter / and are you ... are you really happy?[2], and it's a good sign you're here / so don't despair![1], and maybe you're running from your own personal waste land / and some take refuge in ideology[2], and I can set you free![1], and it's a good sign you're here / so don't despair![2], and, oh ... hello![3], and I can set you free![2], and it's so nice of YOU(!) to join me[3], and the sun is shining - oh, it's summer! / and this is a beach, with some imagination[3], and don't be a sad stranger in a happy land, man[3], and a-ROUND here ... I think you will find that it's always summer in my mystic soul[3], and, uh, all souls are mystic, I suppose / yeah, it goes with the territory[3], and T.S. Eliot can do one![3], and I love spending time with my conscious ness nesses ness, ah! / and there's no escape anyway[3], and feelings are the best though ...[3], and if you're not a spinner, there's still time[3], and the country, and the world ... may be going to pot, but, but, BUT(!) ... I'm all right, Jack![3], and the cosmos is on my side, so ... you know?[3], and I have no complaints ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... yippee! / Yes, who wouldn't want to do this forever?[3], and ... 'I'm tired, Mikey' / Christ! Shut it, you slag![3], and how are YOU(!) feeling within yourself, like? / and I've seen better conscious ness nesses[3], and I'm not sure your soul is open enough ...[3], and ... but as long as you're happy, son/daughter / and are you ... are you really happy?[3], and maybe you're running from your own personal waste land / and some take refuge in ideology[3], and it's a good sign you're here / so don't despair![3], and I can set you free![3], and

And, oh ... hello![1], and it's so nice of YOU(!) to join me[1], and, oh ... hello![2], and the sun is shining - oh, it's summer! / and this is a beach, with some imagination[1], and it's so nice of YOU(!) to join me[2], and don't be a sad stranger in a happy land, man[1], and the sun is shining - oh, it's summer! / and this is a beach, with some imagination[2], and a-ROUND here ... I think you will find that it's always summer in my mystic soul[1], and don't be a sad stranger in a happy land, man[2], and, uh, all souls are mystic, I suppose / yeah, it goes with the territory[1], and a-ROUND here ... I think you will find that it's always summer in my mystic soul[2], and T.S. Eliot can do one![1], and, uh, all souls are mystic, I suppose / yeah, it goes with the territory[2], and I love spending time with my conscious ness nesses ness, ah! / and there's no escape anyway[1], and T.S. Eliot can do one![2], and feelings are the best though ...[1], and I love spending time with my conscious ness nesses ness, ah! / and there's no escape anyway[2], and if you're not a spinner, there's still time[1], and feelings are the best though ...[2], and the country, and the world ... may be going to pot, but, but, BUT(!) ... I'm all right, Jack![1], and if you're not a spinner, there's still time[2], and the cosmos is on my side, so ... you know?[1], and the country, and the world ... may be going to pot, but, but, BUT(!) ... I'm all right, Jack![2], and I have no complaints ...[1], and the cosmos is on my side, so ... you know?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... yippee! / Yes, who wouldn't want to do this forever?[1], and I have no complaints ...[2], and ... 'I'm tired, Mikey' / Christ! Shut it, you slag![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... yippee! / Yes, who wouldn't want to do this forever?[2], and how are YOU(!) feeling within yourself, like? / and I've seen better conscious ness nesses[1], and ... 'I'm tired, Mikey' / Christ! Shut it, you slag![2], and I'm not sure your soul is open enough ...[1], and how are YOU(!) feeling within yourself, like? / and I've seen better conscious ness nesses[2], and ... but as long as you're happy, son/daughter / and are you ... are you really happy?[1], and I'm not sure your soul is open enough ...[2], and maybe you're running from your own personal waste land / and some take refuge in ideology[1], and ... but as long as you're happy, son/daughter / and are you ... are you really happy?[2], and it's a good sign you're here / so don't despair![1], and maybe you're running from your own personal waste land / and some take refuge in ideology[2], and I can set you free![1], and it's a good sign you're here / so don't despair![2], and, oh ... hello![3], and I can set you free![2], and it's so nice of YOU(!) to join me[3], and the sun is shining - oh, it's summer! / and this is a beach, with some imagination[3], and don't be a sad stranger in a happy land, man[3], and a-ROUND here ... I think you will find that it's always summer in my mystic soul[3], and, uh, all souls are mystic, I suppose / yeah, it goes with the territory[3], and T.S. Eliot can do one![3], and I love spending time with my conscious ness nesses ness, ah! / and there's no escape anyway[3], and feelings are the best though ...[3], and if you're not a spinner, there's still time[3], and the country, and the world ... may be going to pot, but, but, BUT(!) ... I'm all right, Jack![3], and the cosmos is on my side, so ... you know?[3], and I have no complaints ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... yippee! / Yes, who wouldn't want to do this forever?[3], and ... 'I'm tired, Mikey' / Christ! Shut it, you slag![3], and how are YOU(!) feeling within yourself, like? / and I've seen better conscious ness nesses[3], and I'm not sure your soul is open enough ...[3], and ... but as long as you're happy, son/daughter / and are you ... are you really happy?[3], and maybe you're running from your own personal waste land / and some take refuge in ideology[3], and it's a good sign you're here / so don't despair![3], and I can set you free![3], and

And, oh ... hello![1], and it's so nice of YOU(!) to join me[1], and, oh ... hello![2], and the sun is shining - oh, it's summer! / and this is a beach, with some imagination[1], and it's so nice of YOU(!) to join me[2], and don't be a sad stranger in a happy land, man[1], and the sun is shining - oh, it's summer! / and this is a beach, with some imagination[2], and a-ROUND here ... I think you will find that it's always summer in my mystic soul[1], and don't be a sad stranger in a happy land, man[2], and, uh, all souls are mystic, I suppose / yeah, it goes with the territory[1], and a-ROUND here ... I think you will find that it's always summer in my mystic soul[2], and T.S. Eliot can do one![1], and, uh, all souls are mystic, I suppose / yeah, it goes with the territory[2], and I love spending time with my conscious ness nesses ness, ah! / and there's no escape anyway[1], and T.S. Eliot can do one![2], and feelings are the best though ...[1], and I love spending time with my conscious ness nesses ness, ah! / and there's no escape anyway[2], and if you're not a spinner, there's still time[1], and feelings are the best though ...[2], and the country, and the world ... may be going to pot, but, but, BUT(!) ... I'm all right, Jack![1], and if you're not a spinner, there's still time[2], and the cosmos is on my side, so ... you know?[1], and the country, and the world ... may be going to pot, but, but, BUT(!) ... I'm all right, Jack![2], and I have no complaints ...[1], and the cosmos is on my side, so ... you know?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... yippee! / Yes, who wouldn't want to do this forever?[1], and I have no complaints ...[2], and ... 'I'm tired, Mikey' / Christ! Shut it, you slag![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... yippee! / Yes, who wouldn't want to do this forever?[2], and how are YOU(!) feeling within yourself, like? / and I've seen better conscious ness nesses[1], and ... 'I'm tired, Mikey' / Christ! Shut it, you slag![2], and I'm not sure your soul is open enough ...[1], and how are YOU(!) feeling within yourself, like? / and I've seen better conscious ness nesses[2], and ... but as long as you're happy, son/daughter / and are you ... are you really happy?[1], and I'm not sure your soul is open enough ...[2], and maybe you're running from your own personal waste land / and some take refuge in ideology[1], and ... but as long as you're happy, son/daughter / and are you ... are you really happy?[2], and it's a good sign you're here / so don't despair![1], and maybe you're running from your own personal waste land / and some take refuge in ideology[2], and I can set you free![1], and it's a good sign you're here / so don't despair![2], and, oh ... hello![3], and I can set you free![2], and it's so nice of YOU(!) to join me[3], and the sun is shining - oh, it's summer! / and this is a beach, with some imagination[3], and don't be a sad stranger in a happy land, man[3], and a-ROUND here ... I think you will find that it's always summer in my mystic soul[3], and, uh, all souls are mystic, I suppose / yeah, it goes with the territory[3], and T.S. Eliot can do one![3], and I love spending time with my conscious ness nesses ness, ah! / and there's no escape anyway[3], and feelings are the best though ...[3], and if you're not a spinner, there's still time[3], and the country, and the world ... may be going to pot, but, but, BUT(!) ... I'm all right, Jack![3], and the cosmos is on my side, so ... you know?[3], and I have no complaints ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... yippee! / Yes, who wouldn't want to do this forever?[3], and ... 'I'm tired, Mikey' / Christ! Shut it, you slag![3], and how are YOU(!) feeling within yourself, like? / and I've seen better conscious ness nesses[3], and I'm not sure your soul is open enough ...[3], and ... but as long as you're happy, son/daughter / and are you ... are you really happy?[3], and maybe you're running from your own personal waste land / and some take refuge in ideology[3], and it's a good sign you're here / so don't despair![3], and I can set you free![3], and

First Sentinel has been admitted to NEX

Or something. I think it's NEX. 'Yes, boss, it is NEX.' Oh. And what is NEX, Voice? 'I have absolutely no idea.' Okay. Okay. I'm sure we'll find out as we work our way through this PR email. Actually, dear reader(s), it's a very short email, but there's a link to the full ... thing. 'Why couldn't they just send it to you, boss?' I don't know. Maybe they're lazy. 'But First Sentinel are paying the PR firm to do the work, man!' I know, I know. / Anyway ...

First Sentinel (NEX: FSEN), the alternative investment company providing growth capital for public and private company investments, is pleased to announce the admission of its entire share capital of 6,359,894 ordinary shares ("Admission") to trading on the NEX Exchange Growth Market ("NEX").

Right. "Admission". It sounds like a Joy Division album. 'Maybe it is.' A release of rare tracks? I doubt it.

Oh, NEX. I had to go to their website for this -

The NEX Exchange Growth Market is our market for earlier stage entrepreneurial companies with an environment specially designed to meet their needs. The admission process is simple and transparent, and the team at NEX Exchange is here to help at every stage.

Well, well ... eh? 'I'm none the wiser, me.' Never mind. I'm sure it means something to someone. Experts and that. / Uh ...

First Sentinel is an alternative investment company, registered with the FCA as a small authorized UK AIFM, which intends to provide growth capital for public and private company investments. First Sentinel intends to invest in a range of debt and equity instruments in target portfolio companies following Admission. The focus will be on investing via unsecured and secured debt instruments, with any such security intended to provide some down-side protection in relation to those investments to which it applies, and equity. First Sentinel intends to price the financial terms of its investments to offer attractive returns to First Sentinel and therefore, indirectly, to its shareholders. Where possible, First Sentinel intends to capture equity upside through warrants, royalty-like instruments and various other performance-related mechanisms in the target portfolio companies.

Well, okay. Er, all about the things it intends to do. 'Has it done anything yet, boss?' I don't know, Voice. 'Oh.' Maybe it's a new firm. There must be people who do know, Voice, but, unfortunately ... I'm not one of them. 'You could so some research.' Yeah, right.

Ah, that's enough. Seriously. Whatever it is, I'm sure it's all going to work out fine. 'Boss! Boss!' What?! 'Don't end it like this, please. Let's finish it with a statement from Brian Stockbridge.' Christ! Who on earth is Brian Stockbridge?! I mean - 'He's the chief executive of First Sentinel.' Oh. Well, okay, if you insist.

Brian Stockbridge, CEO First Sentinel said: "We are very pleased to be joining NEX as we look to implement our progressive investment strategy. The admission to NEX will facilitate access to additional sources of finance for us, whilst enhancing our reputation and ensuring proper corporate governance. The support from investors that recognize the exciting opportunities presented by our investment strategy is encouraging, and we look forward to updating our investors and the market once we begin to implement this strategy and make our initial investments."

Okay. That is enough now.

...

Anything else? Music? This ain't a music blog, son. 'Or daughter.' Or daughter. / Laters.

Thursday 23 March 2017

Article 50 countdown? Oh, investors need to prepare!

Who says? 'Yeah, who says, boss?' Er, not me. Although I would give the same advice. No, it's Nigel Green. 'Nigel Green? You mean the founder and CEO of the Bubbles deVere Group?' That's the guy, Voice. You remember him. 'How could I forget our Nigel?' Well, it wouldn't be easy. / Anyway ...

Investors need to prepare now for three key issues ahead of Britain formally starting divorce proceedings with the EU next Wednesday, affirms the boss of one of the world's largest independent financial advisory organizations.

Yeah, PR email, dear reader(s). So?

The comments from Nigel Green, Bubbles deVere Group's founder and CEO, come as the countdown begins for the UK Prime Minister, Theresa May, to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty on Wednesday 29 March.

Okay. What does our Nigel say, then? 'State.' Yeah, state.

Mr Green states: "By this time next week Britain will have officially started the process of unravelling itself from the European Union. This is one of the most complex negotiations in political history with global consequences, and as with most divorce proceedings, it is unlikely to be completely smooth sailing. As such, investors need to ensure their portfolios are Brexit-proofed."

Fine. But I'm sure he's got more to state than that. 'Boss - !'

He continues: "With the clock ticking on the starting pistol being fired, investors need to prepare now for three key issues. First, be prepared for increased market volatility. Uncertainty creates tidal waves of volatility across financial markets - and the Brexit negotiations represent a huge unknown. Against a backdrop of growing volatility, investors need to ensure that their portfolios are truly diversified. This means investing across geographical regions, sectors and asset classes. Those with a well-diversified portfolio are always best-placed to mitigate risk in times of market turbulence, and best-placed to take advantage of the opportunities. UK assets, are likely to feel the heat. Investors should consider taking precautions against the potentially significant adverse effects of Brexit on UK assets, which they can do by increasing exposure to overseas investments."

Hang on! Overseas investments?! Would that be patriotic? 'No.' Well, never mind.

"Second, be prepared for sterling to experience further swings. The pound fell 10 per cent against the dollar in the week after the referendum to leave the EU. Similarly, it dipped this week when Theresa May confirmed the trigger date of Article 50. Sterling is currently considered cheap, considering the underlying buoyancy of the British economy, now forecast to grow 2 per cent in 2017. This is a buying opportunity for some investors. However, with an enormous question mark hanging over the negotiations, and the creeping inflation, the pound's current low value might not last."

Okay. And third? 'Give him a chance, boss!' I am giving him a chance. I'm just saying - and third? That's all.

"And third, be prepared for the far-reaching impact of higher UK inflation and higher interest rates. This week, inflation hit its highest level in more than three years - and smashed the Bank of England's official target. This has raised expectations that interest rates could be hiked sooner rather than later. This new landscape will present a new set of winners and losers for investors. A good financial adviser will help them select the right investments and, crucially, at the right time."

Right. That's it, then. 'Boss - !' Christ!

Mr Green concludes: "A lot has happened since the EU referendum in June 2016, and today the economy is facing a very different set of issues. The economic landscape will continue to shift significantly during the two-year negotiation period. Investors need to remain aware and agile and ensure their portfolios are Brexit-proofed."

Okay. Our Nigel is basically saying that the UK is doomed, and it's every investor for himself, herself now. So be it!

...

Anything else? Music? No! As you may be aware, dear reader(s), this is a finance blog. I can't talk about music no more. 'Ha!' It wouldn't be right, man.

Have a nice weekend, reader(s)! Laters.

Wednesday 22 March 2017

[No. 499] Tomorrow? It's today, man!

Oh, let us live in the moment, please!

And today[1], and ... it's RIGHT NOW(!!!), you dig?[1], and today[2], and I can't put off what I need ... to live today / every second is precious to me - and you?[1], and ... it's RIGHT NOW(!!!), you dig?[2], and we must spin while the iron is HOT(!)[1], and I can't put off what I need ... to live today / every second is precious to me - and you?[2], and don't make me beg for your belief / and there is a THREE, and we must get beyond it[1], and we must spin while the iron is HOT(!)[2], and pot of gold, shit, no[1], and don't make me beg for your belief / and there is a THREE, and we must get beyond it[2], and I keep moving forward only to get back here / and, oh, I ain't complaining, son, daughter[1], and pot of gold, shit, no[2], and who the fuck would listen anyway?![1], and I keep moving forward only to get back here / and, oh, I ain't complaining, son, daughter[2], and this, this, this - !!![1], and who the fuck would listen anyway?![2], and maybe there are moments in the COLD WORLD ... but they are shit, honestly[1], and this, this, this - !!![2], and it's our moment / oh, do you believe, kook?[1], and maybe there are moments in the COLD WORLD ... but they are shit, honestly[2], and I've been out there and got the T-shirt, ha![1], and it's our moment / oh, do you believe, kook?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND now ... tell me, will it ever come again?[1], and I've been out there and got the T-shirt, ha![2], and yes, yes, yes, surely![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND now ... tell me, will it ever come again?[2], and don't talk to me about tomorrow / tomorrow never comes when you're DIZZY(!) out of your mind[1], and yes, yes, yes, surely![2], and it's just the fucking MOMENT!!![1], and don't talk to me about tomorrow / tomorrow never comes when you're DIZZY(!) out of your mind[2], and let the slaves and idiots get lost in the days ... [1], and it's just the fucking MOMENT!!![2], and, uh ... I'm thinking too much now / Christ, where are my feelings?![1], and let the slaves and idiots get lost in the days ... [2], and consciousness ness is exhausting ...[1], and, uh ... I'm thinking too much now / Christ, where are my feelings?![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... can make me feel the whole cosmos, so ...[1], and consciousness ness is exhausting ...[2], and two trillion galaxies at the last count[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... can make me feel the whole cosmos, so ...[2], and I'm here ... going nowhere, man![1], and two trillion galaxies at the last count[2], and today[3], and I'm here ... going nowhere, man![2], and ... it's RIGHT NOW(!!!), you dig?[3], and I can't put off what I need ... to live today / every second is precious to me - and you?[3], and we must spin while the iron is HOT(!)[3], and don't make me beg for your belief / and there is a THREE, and we must get beyond it[3], and pot of gold, shit, no[3], and I keep moving forward only to get back here / and, oh, I ain't complaining, son, daughter[3], and who the fuck would listen anyway?![3], and this, this, this - !!![3], and maybe there are moments in the COLD WORLD ... but they are shit, honestly[3], and it's our moment / oh, do you believe, kook?[3], and I've been out there and got the T-shirt, ha![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND now ... tell me, will it ever come again?[3], and yes, yes, yes, surely![3], and don't talk to me about tomorrow / tomorrow never comes when you're DIZZY(!) out of your mind[3], and it's just the fucking MOMENT!!![3], and let the slaves and idiots get lost in the days ... [3], and, uh ... I'm thinking too much now / Christ, where are my feelings?![3], and consciousness ness is exhausting ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... can make me feel the whole cosmos, so ...[3], and two trillion galaxies at the last count[3], and I'm here ... going nowhere, man![3], and

And today[1], and ... it's RIGHT NOW(!!!), you dig?[1], and today[2], and I can't put off what I need ... to live today / every second is precious to me - and you?[1], and ... it's RIGHT NOW(!!!), you dig?[2], and we must spin while the iron is HOT(!)[1], and I can't put off what I need ... to live today / every second is precious to me - and you?[2], and don't make me beg for your belief / and there is a THREE, and we must get beyond it[1], and we must spin while the iron is HOT(!)[2], and pot of gold, shit, no[1], and don't make me beg for your belief / and there is a THREE, and we must get beyond it[2], and I keep moving forward only to get back here / and, oh, I ain't complaining, son, daughter[1], and pot of gold, shit, no[2], and who the fuck would listen anyway?![1], and I keep moving forward only to get back here / and, oh, I ain't complaining, son, daughter[2], and this, this, this - !!![1], and who the fuck would listen anyway?![2], and maybe there are moments in the COLD WORLD ... but they are shit, honestly[1], and this, this, this - !!![2], and it's our moment / oh, do you believe, kook?[1], and maybe there are moments in the COLD WORLD ... but they are shit, honestly[2], and I've been out there and got the T-shirt, ha![1], and it's our moment / oh, do you believe, kook?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND now ... tell me, will it ever come again?[1], and I've been out there and got the T-shirt, ha![2], and yes, yes, yes, surely![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND now ... tell me, will it ever come again?[2], and don't talk to me about tomorrow / tomorrow never comes when you're DIZZY(!) out of your mind[1], and yes, yes, yes, surely![2], and it's just the fucking MOMENT!!![1], and don't talk to me about tomorrow / tomorrow never comes when you're DIZZY(!) out of your mind[2], and let the slaves and idiots get lost in the days ... [1], and it's just the fucking MOMENT!!![2], and, uh ... I'm thinking too much now / Christ, where are my feelings?![1], and let the slaves and idiots get lost in the days ... [2], and consciousness ness is exhausting ...[1], and, uh ... I'm thinking too much now / Christ, where are my feelings?![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... can make me feel the whole cosmos, so ...[1], and consciousness ness is exhausting ...[2], and two trillion galaxies at the last count[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... can make me feel the whole cosmos, so ...[2], and I'm here ... going nowhere, man![1], and two trillion galaxies at the last count[2], and today[3], and I'm here ... going nowhere, man![2], and ... it's RIGHT NOW(!!!), you dig?[3], and I can't put off what I need ... to live today / every second is precious to me - and you?[3], and we must spin while the iron is HOT(!)[3], and don't make me beg for your belief / and there is a THREE, and we must get beyond it[3], and pot of gold, shit, no[3], and I keep moving forward only to get back here / and, oh, I ain't complaining, son, daughter[3], and who the fuck would listen anyway?![3], and this, this, this - !!![3], and maybe there are moments in the COLD WORLD ... but they are shit, honestly[3], and it's our moment / oh, do you believe, kook?[3], and I've been out there and got the T-shirt, ha![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND now ... tell me, will it ever come again?[3], and yes, yes, yes, surely![3], and don't talk to me about tomorrow / tomorrow never comes when you're DIZZY(!) out of your mind[3], and it's just the fucking MOMENT!!![3], and let the slaves and idiots get lost in the days ... [3], and, uh ... I'm thinking too much now / Christ, where are my feelings?![3], and consciousness ness is exhausting ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... can make me feel the whole cosmos, so ...[3], and two trillion galaxies at the last count[3], and I'm here ... going nowhere, man![3], and

And today[1], and ... it's RIGHT NOW(!!!), you dig?[1], and today[2], and I can't put off what I need ... to live today / every second is precious to me - and you?[1], and ... it's RIGHT NOW(!!!), you dig?[2], and we must spin while the iron is HOT(!)[1], and I can't put off what I need ... to live today / every second is precious to me - and you?[2], and don't make me beg for your belief / and there is a THREE, and we must get beyond it[1], and we must spin while the iron is HOT(!)[2], and pot of gold, shit, no[1], and don't make me beg for your belief / and there is a THREE, and we must get beyond it[2], and I keep moving forward only to get back here / and, oh, I ain't complaining, son, daughter[1], and pot of gold, shit, no[2], and who the fuck would listen anyway?![1], and I keep moving forward only to get back here / and, oh, I ain't complaining, son, daughter[2], and this, this, this - !!![1], and who the fuck would listen anyway?![2], and maybe there are moments in the COLD WORLD ... but they are shit, honestly[1], and this, this, this - !!![2], and it's our moment / oh, do you believe, kook?[1], and maybe there are moments in the COLD WORLD ... but they are shit, honestly[2], and I've been out there and got the T-shirt, ha![1], and it's our moment / oh, do you believe, kook?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND now ... tell me, will it ever come again?[1], and I've been out there and got the T-shirt, ha![2], and yes, yes, yes, surely![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND now ... tell me, will it ever come again?[2], and don't talk to me about tomorrow / tomorrow never comes when you're DIZZY(!) out of your mind[1], and yes, yes, yes, surely![2], and it's just the fucking MOMENT!!![1], and don't talk to me about tomorrow / tomorrow never comes when you're DIZZY(!) out of your mind[2], and let the slaves and idiots get lost in the days ... [1], and it's just the fucking MOMENT!!![2], and, uh ... I'm thinking too much now / Christ, where are my feelings?![1], and let the slaves and idiots get lost in the days ... [2], and consciousness ness is exhausting ...[1], and, uh ... I'm thinking too much now / Christ, where are my feelings?![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... can make me feel the whole cosmos, so ...[1], and consciousness ness is exhausting ...[2], and two trillion galaxies at the last count[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... can make me feel the whole cosmos, so ...[2], and I'm here ... going nowhere, man![1], and two trillion galaxies at the last count[2], and today[3], and I'm here ... going nowhere, man![2], and ... it's RIGHT NOW(!!!), you dig?[3], and I can't put off what I need ... to live today / every second is precious to me - and you?[3], and we must spin while the iron is HOT(!)[3], and don't make me beg for your belief / and there is a THREE, and we must get beyond it[3], and pot of gold, shit, no[3], and I keep moving forward only to get back here / and, oh, I ain't complaining, son, daughter[3], and who the fuck would listen anyway?![3], and this, this, this - !!![3], and maybe there are moments in the COLD WORLD ... but they are shit, honestly[3], and it's our moment / oh, do you believe, kook?[3], and I've been out there and got the T-shirt, ha![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND now ... tell me, will it ever come again?[3], and yes, yes, yes, surely![3], and don't talk to me about tomorrow / tomorrow never comes when you're DIZZY(!) out of your mind[3], and it's just the fucking MOMENT!!![3], and let the slaves and idiots get lost in the days ... [3], and, uh ... I'm thinking too much now / Christ, where are my feelings?![3], and consciousness ness is exhausting ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... can make me feel the whole cosmos, so ...[3], and two trillion galaxies at the last count[3], and I'm here ... going nowhere, man![3], and

May River Capital has raised $165 million for its first fund

Congratulations are in order, I think. Well, I truly believe. Uh, well done, guys!

Founded in 2012, May River Capital is a Chicago-based private equity investment firm focused on small, high-caliber, industrial growth businesses that have the potential to be transformed into larger, more valuable enterprises. We take pride in our culture of partnership and collaboration - a characteristic that is rooted in a fundamental appreciation for teams and the human element in business.

You see, Voice? Voice? 'Hello, boss.' You see? 'Well, I see that May River Capital was founded in 2012. It's only taken them five years to get their first fund together. FFS!' Don't be like that, man. Good things take time, you know this. I mean, I'm thinking about rewriting the chorus lyric to (one of my two) my best song(s). 'Christ!' What? 'When will it ever end?' Shut up! I'm a perfectionist.

Anyway, yeah, $165 million. They probably could have got more than that. A lot more, but ... / Oh, oh, Voice. 'What?' Guess what they're calling this fund. 'I don't know.' Guess. Go on! 'I really have no idea. I suppose it's something imaginative like, er ... May River Fund I.' Bloody hell! How did you guess that? 'I just got lucky.' I'm impressed, man.

Oh, dear, dear reader(s), they've got philosophy, too. I love a firm with philosophy. It shows a bit of class. Do you know what I mean? Here's theirs -

PHILOSOPHY

It's a simple thought, but one that is fundamental to how we work and collaborate with others. Born out of experience and our upbringing in family-owned industrial companies, we believe that success is the sum total of many small decisions. We put to work every day a back-to-basics approach to building teams and strong business cultures.


Not bad, eh? Not bad at all.

...

That's enough, enough finance. Music? 'Yes!' No, no, no ... film. 'Oh.' I watched Citizen Kane last night, for the first time in years. (I bought the DVD yesterday.) It's such a monumental masterpiece. It really is the greatest film ever. And it's seventy-six years old now! And no other film has been able to get close to it. I'd love to record an album that good. A work that is future-proof, you dig? [However, my focus is on individual songs at the moment.]

Yes, music again. I'll stop writing about music soon BECAUSE(!) ... this is a finance blog, believe it or not. 'Ha!' Yeah. / I might change the chorus lyric, I might not. I've still got a bit of time ...

And small decisions! Like the May River guys said. 'Eh?' That's my philosophy, too, man. Or small inspirations, one after another, which can add up to something magnificent.

Anyway, laters. Tomorrow. 'And tomorrow?' Tomorrow!

Tuesday 21 March 2017

Akeneo raises £10,5 million to improve e-commerce product management

Okay, okay. 'Boss!' What, Voice? 'What's that ten comma five?' Eh? 'In your title, man. Ten comma five.' Oh, that. Uh, that's not my title. It's from the PR email. For some reason they didn't want to put ten point five. 'Well, it takes all sorts, I suppose.' Yeah.

French-American start-up Akeneo has raised £10,5 million from Partech and Alven Capital. Akeneo is the leading provider of open-source product information management (PIM) software, a resource that is becoming increasingly important for companies competing in e-commerce. The capital raised will enable Akeneo to accelerate its development internationally and to strengthen its R&D team.

Right. If you're wondering, dear reader(s), why I'm doing a PR email again, there's two reasons. Firstly, I've looked around, but haven't seen any news I like today. 'Ha!' But secondly, I'm a lazy bastard. These PR people just lay it on a plate. 'Yeah, but they're liars, boss.' What?! Who says?! 'Well, not liars, exactly. But they're just promoting stuff, ain't they?' Oh, like journalists, you mean? 'Well, that's another story. I don't think we have the time to go into whether journalists -' Shut up! This is my blog, you utter idiot! / Anyway ...

Akeneo, founded in France in 2013, has created a collaborative open source platform to optimize product information management. PIM has been likened to customer-relation management (CRM) for products: it brings together detailed, high-quality data about products across sales channels, helping manufacturers and e-commerce companies better manage and market products, improve conversion rates, enhance SEO, and improve productivity. The Akeneo PIM solution also makes it possible to scale and customize e-commerce initiatives far more rapidly.

Okay, okay. I'll tell you, dear reader(s), it's at times like this that I ask myself: "What does Frédéric de Gombert have to say about this affair?" Unfortunately ... 'Boss! Look! -'

"We work with many brands and distributors that are in the process of moving their operations definitively into the e-commerce world," said Akeneo CEO and cofounder Frédéric de Gombert. "Our belief is that there cannot be effective and lasting digital transformation if it does not include product data quality as a core focus."

Well, that is a surprise! Nice one, Voice, for spotting that. I forgive your earlier idiocy. 'Very wise, boss. I mean, you know what I'm like.' Yeah. / Right, just a bit more, then we can talk about music or politics or something.

Akeneo was co-founded by four entrepreneurs with deep backgrounds in e-commerce. The co-founders include three French entrepreneurs: CEO Frédéric de Gombert, engineering lead Nicolas Dupont and CTO Benoit Jacquemont, and one American, Yoav Kutner. Kutner was a co-founder of Magento, one of the leading global e-commerce platforms, which was purchased by Ebay in 2011. Investor Roy Rubin, a former CEO and co-founder of Magento, also joined the Akeneo board in 2016.

Okay.

...

Okay, okay. Anything else? Music? I'm listening to The Stone Roses, various tracks, like. / I think the chances of a classic third album to match the first one are pretty slim now. However, we still have the old stuff, don't we? 'Boss, why didn't you have a word with Ian Brown about it, when you bumped into him in the street?' Ha! I'm too shy, man.

My music? Well ... ah, don't worry about it, reader(s), for Christ's sake! After Easter, all right? I'm having a week off soon, anyway. And you're all finance, so why do you care? Just forget about it. FFS!

Monday 20 March 2017

[No. 498] I'm listening to Beethoven's Ninth Symphony

RIGHT NOW!!!

And here we are, again, Christ![1], and with music, so ...[1], and here we are, again, Christ![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... I feel that the joint is spinning, or ... is it just me?[1], and with music, so ...[2], and, uh ... with classic classical now[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... I feel that the joint is spinning, or ... is it just me?[2], and aren't there any electric guitars? Never mind ...[1], and, uh ... with classic classical now[2], and I can see Napoleon on his horse! / 'That was the other one, Mikey' / Ha! It's all of them, Voice[1], and aren't there any electric guitars? Never mind ...[2], and ... COME ON!!![1], and I can see Napoleon on his horse! / 'That was the other one, Mikey' / Ha! It's all of them, Voice[2], and no, no, no ... don't you roll over Beethoven, my old son - !!! / Even if you ain't got no guitars[1], and ... COME ON!!![2], and it's very long ... a symphony, eh?[1], and no, no, no ... don't you roll over Beethoven, my old son - !!! / Even if you ain't got no guitars[2], and maybe horses, horses, horses ... would have been better[1], and it's very long ... a symphony, eh?[2], and we're stuck with it, I suppose[1], and maybe horses, horses, horses ... would have been better[2], and Beethoven used his music as a crutch, according to Colin Wilson, to reach ... higher states, man![1], and we're stuck with it, I suppose[2], and a-ROUND so timeless ... you dig?[1], and Beethoven used his music as a crutch, according to Colin Wilson, to reach ... higher states, man![2], and doing it deaf? Oh, I could do this blind / The words mean nothing, so ...[1], and a-ROUND so timeless ... you dig?[2], and it makes a nice change from rock and roll[1], and doing it deaf? Oh, I could do this blind / The words mean nothing, so ...[2], and some fat guy has started singing, for the love of Christ![1], and it makes a nice change from rock and roll[2], and I guess that Beethoven wasn't too keen on mortality, just guessing, like[1], and some fat guy has started singing, for the love of Christ![2], and, Voice, get me ... everyone[1], and I guess that Beethoven wasn't too keen on mortality, just guessing, like[2], and ... for this[1], and, Voice, get me ... everyone[2], and running, running, running ... to the lake, and then ... the stars, the whole cosmos![1], and ... for this[2], and you gotta keep going, getting better, creating until you are dead[1], and running, running, running ... to the lake, and then ... the stars, the whole cosmos![2], and I don't even know how much money he had, and I don't care / does it matter?[1], and you gotta keep going, getting better, creating until you are dead[2], and THE END is not final / there is no end[1], and I don't even know how much money he had, and I don't care / does it matter?[2], and here we are, again, Christ![3], and THE END is not final / there is no end[2], and with music, so ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... I feel that the joint is spinning, or ... is it just me?[3], and, uh ... with classic classical now[3], and aren't there any electric guitars? Never mind ...[3], and I can see Napoleon on his horse! / 'That was the other one, Mikey' / Ha! It's all of them, Voice[3], and ... COME ON!!![3], and no, no, no ... don't you roll over Beethoven, my old son - !!! / Even if you ain't got no guitars[3], and it's very long ... a symphony, eh?[3], and maybe horses, horses, horses ... would have been better[3], and we're stuck with it, I suppose[3], and Beethoven used his music as a crutch, according to Colin Wilson, to reach ... higher states, man![3], and a-ROUND so timeless ... you dig?[3], and doing it deaf? Oh, I could do this blind / The words mean nothing, so ...[3], and it makes a nice change from rock and roll[3], and some fat guy has started singing, for the love of Christ![3], and I guess that Beethoven wasn't too keen on mortality, just guessing, like[3], and, Voice, get me ... everyone[3], and ... for this[3], and running, running, running ... to the lake, and then ... the stars, the whole cosmos![3], and you gotta keep going, getting better, creating until you are dead[3], and I don't even know how much money he had, and I don't care / does it matter?[3], and THE END is not final / there is no end[3], and

And here we are, again, Christ![1], and with music, so ...[1], and here we are, again, Christ![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... I feel that the joint is spinning, or ... is it just me?[1], and with music, so ...[2], and, uh ... with classic classical now[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... I feel that the joint is spinning, or ... is it just me?[2], and aren't there any electric guitars? Never mind ...[1], and, uh ... with classic classical now[2], and I can see Napoleon on his horse! / 'That was the other one, Mikey' / Ha! It's all of them, Voice[1], and aren't there any electric guitars? Never mind ...[2], and ... COME ON!!![1], and I can see Napoleon on his horse! / 'That was the other one, Mikey' / Ha! It's all of them, Voice[2], and no, no, no ... don't you roll over Beethoven, my old son - !!! / Even if you ain't got no guitars[1], and ... COME ON!!![2], and it's very long ... a symphony, eh?[1], and no, no, no ... don't you roll over Beethoven, my old son - !!! / Even if you ain't got no guitars[2], and maybe horses, horses, horses ... would have been better[1], and it's very long ... a symphony, eh?[2], and we're stuck with it, I suppose[1], and maybe horses, horses, horses ... would have been better[2], and Beethoven used his music as a crutch, according to Colin Wilson, to reach ... higher states, man![1], and we're stuck with it, I suppose[2], and a-ROUND so timeless ... you dig?[1], and Beethoven used his music as a crutch, according to Colin Wilson, to reach ... higher states, man![2], and doing it deaf? Oh, I could do this blind / The words mean nothing, so ...[1], and a-ROUND so timeless ... you dig?[2], and it makes a nice change from rock and roll[1], and doing it deaf? Oh, I could do this blind / The words mean nothing, so ...[2], and some fat guy has started singing, for the love of Christ![1], and it makes a nice change from rock and roll[2], and I guess that Beethoven wasn't too keen on mortality, just guessing, like[1], and some fat guy has started singing, for the love of Christ![2], and, Voice, get me ... everyone[1], and I guess that Beethoven wasn't too keen on mortality, just guessing, like[2], and ... for this[1], and, Voice, get me ... everyone[2], and running, running, running ... to the lake, and then ... the stars, the whole cosmos![1], and ... for this[2], and you gotta keep going, getting better, creating until you are dead[1], and running, running, running ... to the lake, and then ... the stars, the whole cosmos![2], and I don't even know how much money he had, and I don't care / does it matter?[1], and you gotta keep going, getting better, creating until you are dead[2], and THE END is not final / there is no end[1], and I don't even know how much money he had, and I don't care / does it matter?[2], and here we are, again, Christ![3], and THE END is not final / there is no end[2], and with music, so ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... I feel that the joint is spinning, or ... is it just me?[3], and, uh ... with classic classical now[3], and aren't there any electric guitars? Never mind ...[3], and I can see Napoleon on his horse! / 'That was the other one, Mikey' / Ha! It's all of them, Voice[3], and ... COME ON!!![3], and no, no, no ... don't you roll over Beethoven, my old son - !!! / Even if you ain't got no guitars[3], and it's very long ... a symphony, eh?[3], and maybe horses, horses, horses ... would have been better[3], and we're stuck with it, I suppose[3], and Beethoven used his music as a crutch, according to Colin Wilson, to reach ... higher states, man![3], and a-ROUND so timeless ... you dig?[3], and doing it deaf? Oh, I could do this blind / The words mean nothing, so ...[3], and it makes a nice change from rock and roll[3], and some fat guy has started singing, for the love of Christ![3], and I guess that Beethoven wasn't too keen on mortality, just guessing, like[3], and, Voice, get me ... everyone[3], and ... for this[3], and running, running, running ... to the lake, and then ... the stars, the whole cosmos![3], and you gotta keep going, getting better, creating until you are dead[3], and I don't even know how much money he had, and I don't care / does it matter?[3], and THE END is not final / there is no end[3], and

And here we are, again, Christ![1], and with music, so ...[1], and here we are, again, Christ![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... I feel that the joint is spinning, or ... is it just me?[1], and with music, so ...[2], and, uh ... with classic classical now[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... I feel that the joint is spinning, or ... is it just me?[2], and aren't there any electric guitars? Never mind ...[1], and, uh ... with classic classical now[2], and I can see Napoleon on his horse! / 'That was the other one, Mikey' / Ha! It's all of them, Voice[1], and aren't there any electric guitars? Never mind ...[2], and ... COME ON!!![1], and I can see Napoleon on his horse! / 'That was the other one, Mikey' / Ha! It's all of them, Voice[2], and no, no, no ... don't you roll over Beethoven, my old son - !!! / Even if you ain't got no guitars[1], and ... COME ON!!![2], and it's very long ... a symphony, eh?[1], and no, no, no ... don't you roll over Beethoven, my old son - !!! / Even if you ain't got no guitars[2], and maybe horses, horses, horses ... would have been better[1], and it's very long ... a symphony, eh?[2], and we're stuck with it, I suppose[1], and maybe horses, horses, horses ... would have been better[2], and Beethoven used his music as a crutch, according to Colin Wilson, to reach ... higher states, man![1], and we're stuck with it, I suppose[2], and a-ROUND so timeless ... you dig?[1], and Beethoven used his music as a crutch, according to Colin Wilson, to reach ... higher states, man![2], and doing it deaf? Oh, I could do this blind / The words mean nothing, so ...[1], and a-ROUND so timeless ... you dig?[2], and it makes a nice change from rock and roll[1], and doing it deaf? Oh, I could do this blind / The words mean nothing, so ...[2], and some fat guy has started singing, for the love of Christ![1], and it makes a nice change from rock and roll[2], and I guess that Beethoven wasn't too keen on mortality, just guessing, like[1], and some fat guy has started singing, for the love of Christ![2], and, Voice, get me ... everyone[1], and I guess that Beethoven wasn't too keen on mortality, just guessing, like[2], and ... for this[1], and, Voice, get me ... everyone[2], and running, running, running ... to the lake, and then ... the stars, the whole cosmos![1], and ... for this[2], and you gotta keep going, getting better, creating until you are dead[1], and running, running, running ... to the lake, and then ... the stars, the whole cosmos![2], and I don't even know how much money he had, and I don't care / does it matter?[1], and you gotta keep going, getting better, creating until you are dead[2], and THE END is not final / there is no end[1], and I don't even know how much money he had, and I don't care / does it matter?[2], and here we are, again, Christ![3], and THE END is not final / there is no end[2], and with music, so ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... I feel that the joint is spinning, or ... is it just me?[3], and, uh ... with classic classical now[3], and aren't there any electric guitars? Never mind ...[3], and I can see Napoleon on his horse! / 'That was the other one, Mikey' / Ha! It's all of them, Voice[3], and ... COME ON!!![3], and no, no, no ... don't you roll over Beethoven, my old son - !!! / Even if you ain't got no guitars[3], and it's very long ... a symphony, eh?[3], and maybe horses, horses, horses ... would have been better[3], and we're stuck with it, I suppose[3], and Beethoven used his music as a crutch, according to Colin Wilson, to reach ... higher states, man![3], and a-ROUND so timeless ... you dig?[3], and doing it deaf? Oh, I could do this blind / The words mean nothing, so ...[3], and it makes a nice change from rock and roll[3], and some fat guy has started singing, for the love of Christ![3], and I guess that Beethoven wasn't too keen on mortality, just guessing, like[3], and, Voice, get me ... everyone[3], and ... for this[3], and running, running, running ... to the lake, and then ... the stars, the whole cosmos![3], and you gotta keep going, getting better, creating until you are dead[3], and I don't even know how much money he had, and I don't care / does it matter?[3], and THE END is not final / there is no end[3], and

The 2017 Growth Investor Awards

Yeah, it's, uh ... a PR email from Intelligent Partnership, and it's not embargoed like last time, which is a big relief. Remember the trouble we had? ... Voice? ... 'What?!' Do you remember the trouble we had? 'Yeah. Yeah, I remember.' All right.

Black tie awards dinner to take place Wednesday 8 November at Royal Lancaster Hotel, Lancaster Gate, London.

The Growth Investor Awards were created to recognize innovation and impact in UK investment management.

Last year's awards featured keynote speeches from Iain Wright MP & Lord Karan Bilimoria CBE.


Okay. Black tie. Shit! Do I have a black tie? 'Don't worry about it, boss. You're not invited.' Eh? 'Have you read the email? You're not invited.' What the fuck?! I normally get invited to these things. 'Ha! Well, not this time.' Bastards! What absolute bastards! 'You wouldn't go anyway, boss. Come on, do the rest of the email.' It's nice to be asked though, ain't it? / Well ...

Intelligent Partnership, the UK's leading provider of research, education and insights on alternative investments, has announced its schedule for the 2017 Growth Investor Awards. This year's awards ceremony will be taking place on Wednesday 8 November at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, Lancaster Gate, London.

I'm not sure I can make it, anyway. I'm washing my hair, so, er .... 'Ha!' Lucky, really.

The Growth Investor Awards recognize the role played by the SME investment ecosystem in putting growth capital to work, helping some of the UK's best businesses and brightest talent to thrive. They highlight the importance of venture capital schemes to help them scale, as well as the need to support businesses that are creating jobs, prosperity and optimism all across Britain.

Optimism?! All across Britain?! 'Are they crazy, boss?!' They obviously haven't heard of Brexit, which will destroy Britain. 'Maybe they've been living in a cave.' Never mind.

The Awards are open to both companies and individuals, from those providing investment or helping to source it to those best optimizing growth capital to scale. The 2017 event will feature two new categories: 'Corporate Investor of the Year' and 'Best Angel Syndicate', bringing the total number of awards to 16.

Best angel syndicate? What's that all about? 'They live in a world of their own, these people. You're well out of it. Count your blessings, Mikey.' Oh, I am counting them, Voice, believe me.

Last year's ceremony was attended by over 400 industry professionals and included a scene-setting film about growth capital, with perspectives from a range of founders supported by finalists that have benefited from investment and associated support. The event also featured keynote speeches from Iain Wright, MP for Hartlepool and Chairman of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Select Committee, and Lord Karan Bilimoria CBE, founder of Cobra Beer and founding chairman of the UK India Business Council. Both speeches highlighted the importance of tax-efficient investments as well the need to support SMEs that are generating tax revenue and helping to drive Britain's economic recovery.


Well, I, er ... I didn't attend last year. 'You weren't invited last year.' Yes, Thank you, Voice. I think they're taking the piss now. / Anyway ...

About the Growth Investor Awards.

Recognizing impact beyond investment, the Growth Investor awards highlight the value delivered to investors, businesses and Britain's economy by investment managers, wealth managers, financial advisers, private equity and venture capital companies, angel networks, investment platforms, and entrepreneurs. An independent panel of judges will look for those demonstrating innovation in products and services; impact on investee performance; and how growth capital is deployed.


Okay. That's enough. 'You didn't need to quote that last bit. The readers have got the idea, if they're smart.' Yes, if they're smart. A big IF. 'Ha!'

Well, well ... laters, you dig?

Thursday 16 March 2017

Smith Cove Capital - ?!

All right, all right, all right! The first thing you need to know, dear reader(s), is that Smith Cove Capital is ... a new hedge fund! Over in America. 'Great, boss! When is the last time we had a new hedge fund?' Well, it must be a few weeks now, Voice.

Well, well ... / The second thing you need to know, dear reader(s), is that David Russekoff is the founder of this new hedge fund. 'David Russekoff?' He used to be a big noise at Perry Capital, man. 'Oh. Do you know anything else about him?' Er ... maybe Bloomberg can tell us. 'Oh, shit!' Give them a chance, Voice, for Christ's sake! / Right. Bloomberg -

This person is connected to 0 Board Members in 0 different organizations across 0 different industries.

Oh, shit, uh ... 'Ha!' Well, let's move on, yeah? I do have a bit more information. 'Good!' I can tell you, dear reader(s), that our Dave was the chief investment officer of Perry Capital. So, a big noise, as I said. Er ... oh yeah, Smith Cove began trading earlier this month with less than $100 million of partner capital, but - 'They'll get more than that, boss.' Of course they will, Voice. It's early days yet. 'Will Smith Cove be concentrating on distressed equity and debt securities?' Will Smith?! He ain't got nothing to do with it. 'No. Will, will ... the firm be concentrating on distressed equity and debt securities?' Er, what have you been reading, man? 'I'm just asking a question, boss.' Well, yes, I suppose the firm will be concentrating on distressed equity and debt securities, if it's any of your business. 'Okay.' And they are looking at investing in the energy sector, sovereign debt, and European telecommunications, financial and media companies. 'They?' The They. Bob Carroll, Roger Schmitz, and Victor Consoli ... are all with our Dave in the hedge fund. 'Oh. Nice.' Yes, it's very nice.

Well, well ... obviously, I wish them all the best. It's tough with new hedge funds these days. 'Tell me about it!' No. I haven't got time now. Maybe later.

...

Anything else? Not much, no. It's the end of the week, for me. I need a rest. 'Tired, are you, Mikey?' Yeah. Big time. 'I suppose it's all that spinning a-ROUND you do in the conceptual posts.' Yes, it is. My body, my mind, and my soul are KNACKERED(!!!), man. I'm really going to have to cut down to one conceptual post a week.

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

Wednesday 15 March 2017

[No. 497] Every second ...

... is important.

And here it all counts[1], and the things we do out there, out there! ... ah, don't mean a whole lot, when you think about it ...[1], and here it all counts[2], and, well ...[1], and the things we do out there, out there! ... ah, don't mean a whole lot, when you think about it ...[2], and every second, almost GONE(!) ... heading beyond the THREE, if we ever get ... lucky![1], and, well ...[2], and ... lucky? Ooh![1], and every second, almost GONE(!) ... heading beyond the THREE, if we ever get ... lucky![2], and here we can be as DIZZY(!) as we like, free from the cold world ... Jesus(!!!), out there[1], and ... lucky? Ooh![2], and ... if you can think, of course[1], and here we can be as DIZZY(!) as we like, free from the cold world ... Jesus(!!!), out there[2], and, maybe ...[1], and ... if you can think, of course[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... I ain't got no anxiety, man![1], and, maybe ...[2], and ... maybe those, uh, feelings are better, anyway[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... I ain't got no anxiety, man![2], and one, two ... what do you think?![1], and ... maybe those, uh, feelings are better, anyway[2], and it never stops, it just goes on, and we can't stop, we are disturbed in our souls or something[1], and one, two ... what do you think?![2], and it could be worse, obviously[1], and it never stops, it just goes on, and we can't stop, we are disturbed in our souls or something[2], and we are the kooks, so happy - ?![1], and it could be worse, obviously[2], and mystic kooks have no place in the cold world ... where evil-doers tell their sick news to the gullible[1], and we are the kooks, so happy - ?![2], and we are growing, together![1], and mystic kooks have no place in the cold world ... where evil-doers tell their sick news to the gullible[2], and when YOU(!) wake up ... and until YOU(!) go to sleep ... just this, you understand?[1], and we are growing, together![2], and we have accepted our fate[1], and when YOU(!) wake up ... and until YOU(!) go to sleep ... just this, you understand?[2], and YOU(!) will not be sad / No, no, no[1], and we have accepted our fate[2], and one day, and one day, and one day ... the spinning will make sense to us because ... we are SPECIAL[1], and YOU(!) will not be sad / No, no, no[2], and ... how do you feel ... - ?[1], and one day, and one day, and one day ... the spinning will make sense to us because ... we are SPECIAL[2], and, I believe, a-ROUND here ... we can be perfect / and we must be perfect / and we will be perfect[1], and ... how do you feel ... - ?[2], and this ... is it[1], and, I believe, a-ROUND here ... we can be perfect / and we must be perfect / and we will be perfect[2], and here it all counts[3], and this ... is it[2], and the things we do out there, out there! ... ah, don't mean a whole lot, when you think about it ...[3], and, well ...[3], and every second, almost GONE(!) ... heading beyond the THREE, if we ever get ... lucky![3], and ... lucky? Ooh![3], and here we can be as DIZZY(!) as we like, free from the cold world ... Jesus(!!!), out there[3], and ... if you can think, of course[3], and, maybe ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... I ain't got no anxiety, man![3], and ... maybe those, uh, feelings are better, anyway[3], and one, two ... what do you think?![3], and it never stops, it just goes on, and we can't stop, we are disturbed in our souls or something[3], and it could be worse, obviously[3], and we are the kooks, so happy - ?![3], and mystic kooks have no place in the cold world ... where evil-doers tell their sick news to the gullible[3], and we are growing, together![3], and when YOU(!) wake up ... and until YOU(!) go to sleep ... just this, you understand?[3], and we have accepted our fate[3], and YOU(!) will not be sad / No, no, no[3], and one day, and one day, and one day ... the spinning will make sense to us because ... we are SPECIAL[3], and ... how do you feel ... - ?[3], and, I believe, a-ROUND here ... we can be perfect / and we must be perfect / and we will be perfect[3], and this ... is it[3], and

And here it all counts[1], and the things we do out there, out there! ... ah, don't mean a whole lot, when you think about it ...[1], and here it all counts[2], and, well ...[1], and the things we do out there, out there! ... ah, don't mean a whole lot, when you think about it ...[2], and every second, almost GONE(!) ... heading beyond the THREE, if we ever get ... lucky![1], and, well ...[2], and ... lucky? Ooh![1], and every second, almost GONE(!) ... heading beyond the THREE, if we ever get ... lucky![2], and here we can be as DIZZY(!) as we like, free from the cold world ... Jesus(!!!), out there[1], and ... lucky? Ooh![2], and ... if you can think, of course[1], and here we can be as DIZZY(!) as we like, free from the cold world ... Jesus(!!!), out there[2], and, maybe ...[1], and ... if you can think, of course[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... I ain't got no anxiety, man![1], and, maybe ...[2], and ... maybe those, uh, feelings are better, anyway[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... I ain't got no anxiety, man![2], and one, two ... what do you think?![1], and ... maybe those, uh, feelings are better, anyway[2], and it never stops, it just goes on, and we can't stop, we are disturbed in our souls or something[1], and one, two ... what do you think?![2], and it could be worse, obviously[1], and it never stops, it just goes on, and we can't stop, we are disturbed in our souls or something[2], and we are the kooks, so happy - ?![1], and it could be worse, obviously[2], and mystic kooks have no place in the cold world ... where evil-doers tell their sick news to the gullible[1], and we are the kooks, so happy - ?![2], and we are growing, together![1], and mystic kooks have no place in the cold world ... where evil-doers tell their sick news to the gullible[2], and when YOU(!) wake up ... and until YOU(!) go to sleep ... just this, you understand?[1], and we are growing, together![2], and we have accepted our fate[1], and when YOU(!) wake up ... and until YOU(!) go to sleep ... just this, you understand?[2], and YOU(!) will not be sad / No, no, no[1], and we have accepted our fate[2], and one day, and one day, and one day ... the spinning will make sense to us because ... we are SPECIAL[1], and YOU(!) will not be sad / No, no, no[2], and ... how do you feel ... - ?[1], and one day, and one day, and one day ... the spinning will make sense to us because ... we are SPECIAL[2], and, I believe, a-ROUND here ... we can be perfect / and we must be perfect / and we will be perfect[1], and ... how do you feel ... - ?[2], and this ... is it[1], and, I believe, a-ROUND here ... we can be perfect / and we must be perfect / and we will be perfect[2], and here it all counts[3], and this ... is it[2], and the things we do out there, out there! ... ah, don't mean a whole lot, when you think about it ...[3], and, well ...[3], and every second, almost GONE(!) ... heading beyond the THREE, if we ever get ... lucky![3], and ... lucky? Ooh![3], and here we can be as DIZZY(!) as we like, free from the cold world ... Jesus(!!!), out there[3], and ... if you can think, of course[3], and, maybe ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... I ain't got no anxiety, man![3], and ... maybe those, uh, feelings are better, anyway[3], and one, two ... what do you think?![3], and it never stops, it just goes on, and we can't stop, we are disturbed in our souls or something[3], and it could be worse, obviously[3], and we are the kooks, so happy - ?![3], and mystic kooks have no place in the cold world ... where evil-doers tell their sick news to the gullible[3], and we are growing, together![3], and when YOU(!) wake up ... and until YOU(!) go to sleep ... just this, you understand?[3], and we have accepted our fate[3], and YOU(!) will not be sad / No, no, no[3], and one day, and one day, and one day ... the spinning will make sense to us because ... we are SPECIAL[3], and ... how do you feel ... - ?[3], and, I believe, a-ROUND here ... we can be perfect / and we must be perfect / and we will be perfect[3], and this ... is it[3], and

And here it all counts[1], and the things we do out there, out there! ... ah, don't mean a whole lot, when you think about it ...[1], and here it all counts[2], and, well ...[1], and the things we do out there, out there! ... ah, don't mean a whole lot, when you think about it ...[2], and every second, almost GONE(!) ... heading beyond the THREE, if we ever get ... lucky![1], and, well ...[2], and ... lucky? Ooh![1], and every second, almost GONE(!) ... heading beyond the THREE, if we ever get ... lucky![2], and here we can be as DIZZY(!) as we like, free from the cold world ... Jesus(!!!), out there[1], and ... lucky? Ooh![2], and ... if you can think, of course[1], and here we can be as DIZZY(!) as we like, free from the cold world ... Jesus(!!!), out there[2], and, maybe ...[1], and ... if you can think, of course[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... I ain't got no anxiety, man![1], and, maybe ...[2], and ... maybe those, uh, feelings are better, anyway[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... I ain't got no anxiety, man![2], and one, two ... what do you think?![1], and ... maybe those, uh, feelings are better, anyway[2], and it never stops, it just goes on, and we can't stop, we are disturbed in our souls or something[1], and one, two ... what do you think?![2], and it could be worse, obviously[1], and it never stops, it just goes on, and we can't stop, we are disturbed in our souls or something[2], and we are the kooks, so happy - ?![1], and it could be worse, obviously[2], and mystic kooks have no place in the cold world ... where evil-doers tell their sick news to the gullible[1], and we are the kooks, so happy - ?![2], and we are growing, together![1], and mystic kooks have no place in the cold world ... where evil-doers tell their sick news to the gullible[2], and when YOU(!) wake up ... and until YOU(!) go to sleep ... just this, you understand?[1], and we are growing, together![2], and we have accepted our fate[1], and when YOU(!) wake up ... and until YOU(!) go to sleep ... just this, you understand?[2], and YOU(!) will not be sad / No, no, no[1], and we have accepted our fate[2], and one day, and one day, and one day ... the spinning will make sense to us because ... we are SPECIAL[1], and YOU(!) will not be sad / No, no, no[2], and ... how do you feel ... - ?[1], and one day, and one day, and one day ... the spinning will make sense to us because ... we are SPECIAL[2], and, I believe, a-ROUND here ... we can be perfect / and we must be perfect / and we will be perfect[1], and ... how do you feel ... - ?[2], and this ... is it[1], and, I believe, a-ROUND here ... we can be perfect / and we must be perfect / and we will be perfect[2], and here it all counts[3], and this ... is it[2], and the things we do out there, out there! ... ah, don't mean a whole lot, when you think about it ...[3], and, well ...[3], and every second, almost GONE(!) ... heading beyond the THREE, if we ever get ... lucky![3], and ... lucky? Ooh![3], and here we can be as DIZZY(!) as we like, free from the cold world ... Jesus(!!!), out there[3], and ... if you can think, of course[3], and, maybe ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... I ain't got no anxiety, man![3], and ... maybe those, uh, feelings are better, anyway[3], and one, two ... what do you think?![3], and it never stops, it just goes on, and we can't stop, we are disturbed in our souls or something[3], and it could be worse, obviously[3], and we are the kooks, so happy - ?![3], and mystic kooks have no place in the cold world ... where evil-doers tell their sick news to the gullible[3], and we are growing, together![3], and when YOU(!) wake up ... and until YOU(!) go to sleep ... just this, you understand?[3], and we have accepted our fate[3], and YOU(!) will not be sad / No, no, no[3], and one day, and one day, and one day ... the spinning will make sense to us because ... we are SPECIAL[3], and ... how do you feel ... - ?[3], and, I believe, a-ROUND here ... we can be perfect / and we must be perfect / and we will be perfect[3], and this ... is it[3], and