[No. 766] I'd rather stare into the abyss than stare at a laptop screen ...

But I must keep going!

And, well ...[1], and here I am again, having FUN!!! as usual[1], and, well ...[2], and, so ...[1], and here I am again, having F UN!!! as usual[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and why do I do it to myself?![1], and, so ...[2], and I feel awful - and I think it, too![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and why do I do it to myself?![2], and what do you feel/think ... ?[1], and I feel awful - and I think it, too![2], and sometimes ... this isn't as much FUN!!! as it looks[1], and what do you feel/think ... ?[2], and squares have it worse, I suppose[1], and sometimes ... this isn't as much FU N!!! as it looks[2], and, listen! ... I'm telling YOU(!) ... I'll be lucky to get to No. 1,000 / and, oh ... I'll be lucky to get to No. 767[1], and squares have it worse, I suppose[2], and ... 'Tomorrow ... ?'[1], and, listen! ... I'm telling YOU(!) ... I'll be lucky to get to No. 1,000 / and, oh ... I'll be lucky to get to No. 767[2], and, Christ ... let's focus on RIGHT NOW, Voice - please - !!![1], and ... 'Tomorrow ... ?'[2], and, uh[1], and, Christ ... let's focus on RIGHT NOW, Voice - please - !!![2], and tomorrow, and tomorrow ... oh, I better be better, for my fresh start, like[1], and, uh[2], and I choose to live in hope / and don't ask me why[1], and tomorrow, and tomorrow ... oh, I better be better, for my fresh start, like[2], and maybe this is the only FUN!!![1], and I choose to live in hope / and don't ask me why[2], and like a Beach Boy, uh![1], and maybe this is the only F UN!!![2], and I've been told that life goes on, man, BUT(!) ... there are some sick jokers around[1], and like a Beach Boy, uh![2], and cretins with no clue[1], and I've been told that life goes on, man, BUT(!) ... there are some sick jokers around[2], and ... a-ROUND, yes[1], and cretins with no clue[2], and what are you? / and who are you?[1], and ... a-ROUND, yes[2], and, uh, uh, uh ... I shouldn't be spinning, really, no, no, no[1], and what are you? / and who are you?[2], and ... help![1], and, uh, uh, uh ... I shouldn't be spinning, really, no, no, no[2], and when you're not yourself, yes, it's confusing, yes ... / and ... who are we?[1], and ... help![2], and bring on the night ...[1], and when you're not yourself, yes, it's confusing, yes ... / and ... who are we?[2], and I couldn't stand another hour of daylight ...[1], and bring on the night ...[2], and the future ... ?[1], and I couldn't stand another hour of daylight ...[2], and I won't be getting a-ROUND forever ... will I? / and, and, and ... will I?![1], and the future ... ?[2], and it's grey out, so dull[1], and I won't be getting a-ROUND forever ... will I? / and, and, and ... will I?![2], and there's no sun ...[1], and it's grey out, so dull[2], and a-ROUND here ... what does it matter?[1], and there's no sun ...[2], and there's a bit of drizzle[1], and a-ROUND here ... what does it matter?[2], and, but ... tomorrow is ... another decade, another season[1], and there's a bit of drizzle[2], and let's hope ... for something![1], and, but ... tomorrow is ... another decade, another season[2], and, well ...[3], and let's hope ... for something![2], and here I am again, having F  U  N!!! as usual[3], and, so ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and why do I do it to myself?![3], and I feel awful - and I think it, too![3], and what do you feel/think ... ?[3], and sometimes ... this isn't as much F  U  N!!! as it looks[3], and squares have it worse, I suppose[3], and, listen! ... I'm telling YOU(!) ... I'll be lucky to get to No. 1,000 / and, oh ... I'll be lucky to get to No. 767[3], and ... 'Tomorrow ... ?'[3], and, Christ ... let's focus on RIGHT NOW, Voice - please - !!![3], and, uh[3], and tomorrow, and tomorrow ... oh, I better be better, for my fresh start, like[3], and I choose to live in hope / and don't ask me why[3], and maybe this is the only F  U  N!!![3], and like a Beach Boy, uh![3], and I've been told that life goes on, man, BUT(!) ... there are some sick jokers around[3], and cretins with no clue[3], and ... a-ROUND, yes[3], and what are you? / and who are you?[3], and, uh, uh, uh ... I shouldn't be spinning, really, no, no, no[3], and ... help![3], and when you're not yourself, yes, it's confusing, yes ... / and ... who are we?[3], and bring on the night ...[3], and I couldn't stand another hour of daylight ...[3], and the future ... ?[3], and I won't be getting a-ROUND forever ... will I? / and, and, and ... will I?![3], and it's grey out, so dull[3], and there's no sun ...[3], and a-ROUND here ... what does it matter?[3], and there's a bit of drizzle[3], and, but ... tomorrow is ... another decade, another season[3], and let's hope ... for something![3], and

And, well ...[1], and here I am again, having FUN!!! as usual[1], and, well ...[2], and, so ...[1], and here I am again, having F UN!!! as usual[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and why do I do it to myself?![1], and, so ...[2], and I feel awful - and I think it, too![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and why do I do it to myself?![2], and what do you feel/think ... ?[1], and I feel awful - and I think it, too![2], and sometimes ... this isn't as much FUN!!! as it looks[1], and what do you feel/think ... ?[2], and squares have it worse, I suppose[1], and sometimes ... this isn't as much FU N!!! as it looks[2], and, listen! ... I'm telling YOU(!) ... I'll be lucky to get to No. 1,000 / and, oh ... I'll be lucky to get to No. 767[1], and squares have it worse, I suppose[2], and ... 'Tomorrow ... ?'[1], and, listen! ... I'm telling YOU(!) ... I'll be lucky to get to No. 1,000 / and, oh ... I'll be lucky to get to No. 767[2], and, Christ ... let's focus on RIGHT NOW, Voice - please - !!![1], and ... 'Tomorrow ... ?'[2], and, uh[1], and, Christ ... let's focus on RIGHT NOW, Voice - please - !!![2], and tomorrow, and tomorrow ... oh, I better be better, for my fresh start, like[1], and, uh[2], and I choose to live in hope / and don't ask me why[1], and tomorrow, and tomorrow ... oh, I better be better, for my fresh start, like[2], and maybe this is the only FUN!!![1], and I choose to live in hope / and don't ask me why[2], and like a Beach Boy, uh![1], and maybe this is the only F UN!!![2], and I've been told that life goes on, man, BUT(!) ... there are some sick jokers around[1], and like a Beach Boy, uh![2], and cretins with no clue[1], and I've been told that life goes on, man, BUT(!) ... there are some sick jokers around[2], and ... a-ROUND, yes[1], and cretins with no clue[2], and what are you? / and who are you?[1], and ... a-ROUND, yes[2], and, uh, uh, uh ... I shouldn't be spinning, really, no, no, no[1], and what are you? / and who are you?[2], and ... help![1], and, uh, uh, uh ... I shouldn't be spinning, really, no, no, no[2], and when you're not yourself, yes, it's confusing, yes ... / and ... who are we?[1], and ... help![2], and bring on the night ...[1], and when you're not yourself, yes, it's confusing, yes ... / and ... who are we?[2], and I couldn't stand another hour of daylight ...[1], and bring on the night ...[2], and the future ... ?[1], and I couldn't stand another hour of daylight ...[2], and I won't be getting a-ROUND forever ... will I? / and, and, and ... will I?![1], and the future ... ?[2], and it's grey out, so dull[1], and I won't be getting a-ROUND forever ... will I? / and, and, and ... will I?![2], and there's no sun ...[1], and it's grey out, so dull[2], and a-ROUND here ... what does it matter?[1], and there's no sun ...[2], and there's a bit of drizzle[1], and a-ROUND here ... what does it matter?[2], and, but ... tomorrow is ... another decade, another season[1], and there's a bit of drizzle[2], and let's hope ... for something![1], and, but ... tomorrow is ... another decade, another season[2], and, well ...[3], and let's hope ... for something![2], and here I am again, having F  U  N!!! as usual[3], and, so ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and why do I do it to myself?![3], and I feel awful - and I think it, too![3], and what do you feel/think ... ?[3], and sometimes ... this isn't as much F  U  N!!! as it looks[3], and squares have it worse, I suppose[3], and, listen! ... I'm telling YOU(!) ... I'll be lucky to get to No. 1,000 / and, oh ... I'll be lucky to get to No. 767[3], and ... 'Tomorrow ... ?'[3], and, Christ ... let's focus on RIGHT NOW, Voice - please - !!![3], and, uh[3], and tomorrow, and tomorrow ... oh, I better be better, for my fresh start, like[3], and I choose to live in hope / and don't ask me why[3], and maybe this is the only F  U  N!!![3], and like a Beach Boy, uh![3], and I've been told that life goes on, man, BUT(!) ... there are some sick jokers around[3], and cretins with no clue[3], and ... a-ROUND, yes[3], and what are you? / and who are you?[3], and, uh, uh, uh ... I shouldn't be spinning, really, no, no, no[3], and ... help![3], and when you're not yourself, yes, it's confusing, yes ... / and ... who are we?[3], and bring on the night ...[3], and I couldn't stand another hour of daylight ...[3], and the future ... ?[3], and I won't be getting a-ROUND forever ... will I? / and, and, and ... will I?![3], and it's grey out, so dull[3], and there's no sun ...[3], and a-ROUND here ... what does it matter?[3], and there's a bit of drizzle[3], and, but ... tomorrow is ... another decade, another season[3], and let's hope ... for something![3], and

And, well ...[1], and here I am again, having FUN!!! as usual[1], and, well ...[2], and, so ...[1], and here I am again, having F UN!!! as usual[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and why do I do it to myself?![1], and, so ...[2], and I feel awful - and I think it, too![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and why do I do it to myself?![2], and what do you feel/think ... ?[1], and I feel awful - and I think it, too![2], and sometimes ... this isn't as much FUN!!! as it looks[1], and what do you feel/think ... ?[2], and squares have it worse, I suppose[1], and sometimes ... this isn't as much FU N!!! as it looks[2], and, listen! ... I'm telling YOU(!) ... I'll be lucky to get to No. 1,000 / and, oh ... I'll be lucky to get to No. 767[1], and squares have it worse, I suppose[2], and ... 'Tomorrow ... ?'[1], and, listen! ... I'm telling YOU(!) ... I'll be lucky to get to No. 1,000 / and, oh ... I'll be lucky to get to No. 767[2], and, Christ ... let's focus on RIGHT NOW, Voice - please - !!![1], and ... 'Tomorrow ... ?'[2], and, uh[1], and, Christ ... let's focus on RIGHT NOW, Voice - please - !!![2], and tomorrow, and tomorrow ... oh, I better be better, for my fresh start, like[1], and, uh[2], and I choose to live in hope / and don't ask me why[1], and tomorrow, and tomorrow ... oh, I better be better, for my fresh start, like[2], and maybe this is the only FUN!!![1], and I choose to live in hope / and don't ask me why[2], and like a Beach Boy, uh![1], and maybe this is the only F UN!!![2], and I've been told that life goes on, man, BUT(!) ... there are some sick jokers around[1], and like a Beach Boy, uh![2], and cretins with no clue[1], and I've been told that life goes on, man, BUT(!) ... there are some sick jokers around[2], and ... a-ROUND, yes[1], and cretins with no clue[2], and what are you? / and who are you?[1], and ... a-ROUND, yes[2], and, uh, uh, uh ... I shouldn't be spinning, really, no, no, no[1], and what are you? / and who are you?[2], and ... help![1], and, uh, uh, uh ... I shouldn't be spinning, really, no, no, no[2], and when you're not yourself, yes, it's confusing, yes ... / and ... who are we?[1], and ... help![2], and bring on the night ...[1], and when you're not yourself, yes, it's confusing, yes ... / and ... who are we?[2], and I couldn't stand another hour of daylight ...[1], and bring on the night ...[2], and the future ... ?[1], and I couldn't stand another hour of daylight ...[2], and I won't be getting a-ROUND forever ... will I? / and, and, and ... will I?![1], and the future ... ?[2], and it's grey out, so dull[1], and I won't be getting a-ROUND forever ... will I? / and, and, and ... will I?![2], and there's no sun ...[1], and it's grey out, so dull[2], and a-ROUND here ... what does it matter?[1], and there's no sun ...[2], and there's a bit of drizzle[1], and a-ROUND here ... what does it matter?[2], and, but ... tomorrow is ... another decade, another season[1], and there's a bit of drizzle[2], and let's hope ... for something![1], and, but ... tomorrow is ... another decade, another season[2], and, well ...[3], and let's hope ... for something![2], and here I am again, having F  U  N!!! as usual[3], and, so ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and why do I do it to myself?![3], and I feel awful - and I think it, too![3], and what do you feel/think ... ?[3], and sometimes ... this isn't as much F  U  N!!! as it looks[3], and squares have it worse, I suppose[3], and, listen! ... I'm telling YOU(!) ... I'll be lucky to get to No. 1,000 / and, oh ... I'll be lucky to get to No. 767[3], and ... 'Tomorrow ... ?'[3], and, Christ ... let's focus on RIGHT NOW, Voice - please - !!![3], and, uh[3], and tomorrow, and tomorrow ... oh, I better be better, for my fresh start, like[3], and I choose to live in hope / and don't ask me why[3], and maybe this is the only F  U  N!!![3], and like a Beach Boy, uh![3], and I've been told that life goes on, man, BUT(!) ... there are some sick jokers around[3], and cretins with no clue[3], and ... a-ROUND, yes[3], and what are you? / and who are you?[3], and, uh, uh, uh ... I shouldn't be spinning, really, no, no, no[3], and ... help![3], and when you're not yourself, yes, it's confusing, yes ... / and ... who are we?[3], and bring on the night ...[3], and I couldn't stand another hour of daylight ...[3], and the future ... ?[3], and I won't be getting a-ROUND forever ... will I? / and, and, and ... will I?![3], and it's grey out, so dull[3], and there's no sun ...[3], and a-ROUND here ... what does it matter?[3], and there's a bit of drizzle[3], and, but ... tomorrow is ... another decade, another season[3], and let's hope ... for something![3], and

Dow Jones 2019 private equity performance ranking

Oh, I've had a migraine since yesterday - the first one in ages - so if I make even less sense than unusual, dear reader(s), that's the reason. 'Goggins got back on the log, boss, even when he was vomiting blood.' Yes, Voice. And I'm doing this! Christ. I'm not giving up, son.

Paris, December 23rd, 2019: Thoma Bravo, Clayton, Dubilier & Rice and Genstar Capital Partners have secured the top three spots respectively in the 2019 HEC-DowJones Private Equity Performance Ranking.

Yeah, er ... the 23rd. An old PR email. So what? Everyone is still on holiday. But I'm working. I'm working with my brain split in half. And I'm back on the blog!

HEC Paris Business School and DowJones joined forces in 2009 to publish an annual ranking of PE firms based on their historic performance and expected future competitiveness respectively, aiming to answer the question "Which firms have performed the best for their investors?"

That's a good question, man. I have a better question though: What are the best pills for a headache/migraine? I always take Anadin Extra - out of habit, mainly. I feel a bit sick now. Maybe I should take a rest. 'Ha! You've hardly done anything yet, boss. Get back on the blog!' Okay, okay. I'm back on the blog.

This year's ranking lists the world’s top PE firms in terms of aggregate performance, based on all buyout funds raised between 2006 and 2016.

Nice.

In total, data from 497 PE firms and the 891 funds collectively raised over the ten-year period with an aggregate equity volume of $1.380tr was analyzed by Olivier Gottschalg, Professor of Strategy and Business Policy at HEC Paris Business School.

And does he have anything to say?

The ranking draws on a comprehensive set of data on PE fund performance provided by Preqin and sourced directly from PE firms, and uses a unique methodology to calculate the aggregate performance of each based on difference performance measures for all the funds managed by the firm. The method in use was also able to aggregate performance across vintage years, and considers relative and absolute returns.

Jesus! I said does our Olivier have anything to say?!

Professor Gottschalg says: "The Private Equity industry has attracted increasing investor interest over the last years, yet little is known about the true performance and competitive behaviour of the key PE firms. The HEC Dow Jones PE Rankings shed light on the greatest outperformers to illustrate which strategies are most successful over a full decade."

Thank you! That wasn't so difficult, was it?

Oh, about HEC Paris ...

Specializing in education and research in management sciences, HEC Paris offers a complete and unique range of academic programs for the leaders of tomorrow: the Grande Ecole program, Specialized Masters and MSc, Summer School programs, the MBA, Executive MBA and TRIUM Global Executive MBA programs, the Ph.D. program and a wide range of programs for executives and managers. Founded in 1881 by the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry, HEC Paris has a full-time permanent faculty of 140 professors, 4,500 students and 8,000 managers in executive education programs every year.

And that's the ENDS of that, thank God! 'Have a rest, boss.' No! No, no, no. I must keep working.

...

Anything else? Yes. I need a cheese sandwich. Fortunately, there's a cheese sandwich in the fridge. Maybe I'll feel better after lunch.

Christmas is over!

It's so over. I'm not bothered. Life goes on. I didn't particularly enjoy it, anyway.

Obviously, no finance today. I'm not nuts, dear reader(s). Tomorrow? Er, I've got some PR emails from before Christmas. I'll look at them ... tomorrow, and tomorrow. Because blogging goes on. It doesn't stop. Not yet.

Music? My music? I changed my strings on Saturday, which was a shock to the system. Fresh guitar strings. They're probably too fresh. I'm not recording yet. I've got things on my mind.

I tried playing through my songs yesterday morning, and they sounded really bad. It doesn't matter how much you practice if your emotional state ain't right. I played again in the evening, and they sounded good. I was feeling better, you dig?

I'm only doing this one post today, then two tomorrow, and then two tomorrow, and one, uh ... tomorrow. Probably. If you know what I mean.

[Do you know what I mean?!]

Well, well ... / Fresh start on Wednesday! The ultimate fresh start. The first day of the Twenties! I'm going to be real hardcore from Wednesday, maybe even more hardcore than Goggins. 'Ha! I'll believe it when I see it, boss.' Oh, hello, Voice. Did you have a nice Christmas? 'Yeah.' Okay. Good.

But back to Goggins. He's been doing some social media promotion lately. Playing with his dog, and phoning complete strangers at Christmas. Showing his human side. Christ. Personally, I prefer his inhuman side. But I can't imagine it was his idea, man. Obviously, some PR nutjob has been whispering in his ear, "David, you've got to reach a larger audience. Phone some people. Play with your dog. Halfwits love that shit". No, no, no. NO - !!!

It’s not inhuman, anyway. It's no nonsense, it's hardcore, it's taking no prisoners, but taking souls. It's not giving in to the square world. It's, it's, it's ...

It's uncommon - !!!

...

Anything else? Er ... my music, again? Okay. That "Memphis" dream tune fragment? Well, I have the music for the verses now. But no chorus. I've been struggling a bit. If I can write a massive and melodic chorus, it'll be a world-beater. [The verse music is my best yet.] / It's starting to annoy me that I only have five of those big songs, kook(s), when I really want ten. I need ten, you dig?

...

What ... else? I can't think of anything. That film The Social Network has a really brilliant script.

Okay, okay. Laters!

APG and LCP

??? ... er, some sort of grenade rocket launcher thing and, uh ... well, I know what LCP is. It's a property firm. So ... 'Stop mucking about, boss! / Here we are, reader(s) -'

APG and LCP announce the launch of a joint venture with the acquisition of the Harrington Hall Hotel in South Kensington which is to be the cornerstone asset for a new brand of all-suite lifestyle hotels.

Oh, "lifestyle". That's nice. I hate those hotels that don't have a lifestyle. 'They sicken me, boss.' Yes, Voice.

Today(?) it was announced that APG has partnered with London Central Portfolio (LCP), leading real estate investment advisory in Prime Central London, to acquire the Harrington Hall Hotel in South Kensington. This will be the first in a programme of acquisitions to provide an all-suite, lifestyle hotel brand in the very centre of London catering for the budget-conscious business and leisure traveller.

Well, not today, no. This PR email is a few days old. Never mind. / But what is APG?!

Robert-Jan Foortse, Head of European Property Investments at APG comments: "APG is delighted to be able to further broaden its hospitality investment programme. The Harrington Hall Hotel in South Kensington will act as a cornerstone for a new lifestyle brand of all-suite hotels which will be located in key micro-markets across Prime Central London. This acquisition represents an attractive opportunity to gain access to a high-quality property and add value through refurbishment, innovation and repositioning to meet the needs and aspirations of today's travellers. With our partner, LCP, we intend to create a new type of accommodation for the Prime Central London market which is cutting edge in terms of place-making, whilst also promoting the highest standards in environmental and social responsibility. It is a vision that we share with our operating partner who will be leading the project on our joint behalf."

Oh, okay. Thanks, Bobby-Jan! / Yeah, it's a property investment firm, dear reader(s). That's all right, ain't it?

Oh, look - !!!

APG is the largest pension delivery organization in the Netherlands; its approximately 3,000 employees provide executive consultancy, asset management, pension administration, pension communication and employer services. APG performs these services on behalf of (pension) funds and employers in the sectors of education, government, construction, cleaning and window cleaning, housing associations, energy and utility companies, sheltered employment organizations, and medical specialists. APG manages approximately €529 billion (August 2019) / US$587 billion in pension assets for the pension funds in these sectors. APG works for approximately 21,000 employers, providing the pension for one in five families in the Netherlands (about 4.6 million participants). APG has offices in Amsterdam, Heerlen, Brussels, New York and Hong Kong.

APG is an active investor in the hotel sector. It has invested in the citizenM hotels since inception 11 years ago and has recently increased its investment in a number of leading European hotels through Archer Hotel Capital. APG also has an investment in a Dutch-based company called The Student Hotel, holds private investments in hotels and hotel chains in Brazil and India, as well as investments in various publicly-listed hotel companies around the world. Currently, APG's hotel investments amount to over €2 billion.

They like hotels! 'They like the lifestyle, boss.' Yes. They do. / Okay, okay. Naomi?

Naomi Heaton, Founder and CEO of London Central Portfolio (LCP) comments: "LCP is very excited."

Okay. Thanks, Naomi! 'Is that all she said?!' No. No. But, uh ... you know. 'It's Christmas.' Yeah. And I don't want ... to do any more, really. I'm tired.

...

Anything else? My music? My, uh ... recording? Well, I'm thinking of maybe recording on the next two Sundays. That means I can enjoy Christmas, and my guitar strings should stay fresh during that time. Listen! Now that my singing is cool, man, I'm not too worried about guitar mistakes or noises. [The street is still too noisy though.] Think of Redemption Song. The voice dominates and - 'Me?!' No, not you, idiot! Marley. Bob Marley. His voice. 'Did he have a voice, boss?' Of course he did! 'No, I mean, did he have ... a voice ...?' Oh, I see. I don't know. He was a bit mystical/spiritual.

Anyway, have a nice Christmas, dear reader(s) - !!! I'm taking next week off, obviously. So, I'll see you the week after. 'I need a rest.' Yeah, what are you doing for Christmas, Voice? 'Same as usual. Spending time with my folks on the astral plane.' Are they still dead? 'What do you think?' Well ... 'They're okay with it, honestly.' Great! And, uh ... are you actually, uh ... dead yourself, like, Voice? 'I feel all right, Mikey.' Okay. Okay. Well, that's the main thing, ain't it? 'Yeah.' Nice one, son!

He's happy, kook(s).

Later(s)!

Amit and Carlo

They sound like a musical duo from the Seventies ... ? Ha! Well, you're wrong, actually, dear reader(s). They're finance guys.

Keensight Capital, one of the leading private equity managers dedicated to pan-European Growth Buyout investments, announces the appointment of Amit Karna as Senior Director and Carlo Cartapani as Analyst. Amit brings more than 15 years of finance experience across both the USA and Europe, notably in the Healthcare sector, while Carlo has a strong background in Corporate Finance.

Yeah, PR email. / When are they starting? Right before Christmas? 'I reckon they'll start in the new year, boss.' Yes, probably, Voice.

Oh, oh, oh ... 2020 - !!! It's so exciting, kook(s)! I can't wait. I'm really looking forward to it. 'Why? Because of your music?' Yes, obviously. I will become synonymous with the Twenties like The Beatles with the Sixties. 'Oh, is that likely, boss? Come on!' I'm going to make it happen, son. Listen! I will be the greatest ever songwriter at a time when people can hardly write songs at all. That's my personal guarantee. 'Ha! Well, I'm going to hold you to this, boss. I mean, if you're still finance blogging in 2030 ... I'll have a few words for you, believe me.' Ha, ha, ha! If I'm still finance blogging in 2030, I won't be, uh, blogging, because ... I'll be dead in the sea like Bodhi, man. Seriously!

Christ!

Anyway, let's hear about the guys ...

Prior to joining Keensight Capital, Amit spent 10 years in the Investment Banking Division of Goldman Sachs, first in New York and then in London. As part of the Global Healthcare Group, he handled numerous mid & large-cap transactions, across a range of healthcare sectors, including the sale of Sonion to Novo Holdings, Werfen's sale of Bolton Medical to Terumo, the carve-out of a global consumer healthcare portfolio for GlaxoSmithKline, the sale of Carlyle's stake in Medical Park to Turkven, and the sale of Baxter Healthcare's US injectables business to Hikma.

A US citizen, Amit graduated from Bowdoin College with a BA in Biology, holds an MBA from Columbia University in New York, and is a CFA Charterholder.

Fine. But he better keep his hands off the NHS. Just a friendly warning, like. 'You're not going back to your old shamanic days and ways, are you, boss? You were a demon with that razor.' Yeah, yeah. I'm a changed sha/man, Voice.

Carlo began his career in 2016 in the International Affairs team at Cap Digital, a European business cluster for digital transformation. He then joined Eurvad Finance, a boutique specialized in small & mid-cap transactions, as an M&A Analyst.

From Italy, Carlo graduated from ESSEC Business School and holds a bachelor's degree in Economics and Management from the University of Trento.

A business cluster? It could be worse, I suppose. 'Eh? A cluster what?' Exactly! But it doesn't matter. Carlo is at Keensight now.

Well, good luck, guys! I wish you all the best.

...

Anything else? Music? My music? Well, as I've only got one more post to write before taking a week off, I'm going to rehearse a lot with a view to recording this weekend. BUT(!) ... if it doesn't work out, I'm not going to ruin my Christmas. So, it's this weekend or ... early in January. I'll have to change my strings tomorrow night, which is something I've been looking forward to.

I love the sound of fresh guitar strings in the evening! [Or anytime, really.] They sound of victory!

Laters!

[No. 765] Back on the conceptual!

Will I ever stop?

And, so ...[1], and here I am ... spinning again![1], and, so ...[2], and I'm committed on a level that is totally insane / and I have absolutely no complaints[1], and here I am ... spinning again![2], and ... 'You should be committed, Mikey!' / and ... shut up, you disembodied fool![1], and I'm com mitted on a level that is totally insane / and I have absolutely no complaints[2], and when I'm a-ROUND ... everything makes sense[1], and ... 'You should be committed, Mikey!' / and ... shut up, you disembo died f ool![2], and, ah, to me, anyway[1], and when I'm a-ROUND ... everything makes sense[2], and it's a beautiful life ... being so dizzy ... that you have no idea ... what is going on[1], and, ah, to me, anyway[2], and, uh ... nothing, in truth[1], and it's a beautiful life ... being so diz zy ... that you have no idea ... what is going on[2], and when I'm a-ROUND ... the world's a nicer place ... / and I don't even notice it, no[1], and, uh ... nothing, in truth[2], and I look at those weak souls ...[1], and when I'm a-ROUND ... the world's a nicer place ... / and I don't even notice it, no[2], and, yes, yes, yes[1], and I look at those w eak sou ls ...[2], and, Christ[1], and, yes, yes, yes[2], and it's hard not to judge ... yeah, yeah, yeah, ha, ha, ha![1], and, Christ[2], and listen, kook(s), and learn something![1], and it's hard not to judge ... yeah, yeah, yeah, ha, ha, ha![2], and I've followed Rimbaud's example: I've given everyone a war they can't believe[1], and listen, kook(s), and learn something![2], and still ...[1], and I've followed Rimbaud's example: I've given everyone a wa r they can't believe[2], and, well ... nearly thirteen years, the whole blog, sha ...man and boy / and ... where does the time go?[1], and still ...[2], and ... 'I know!'[1], and, well ... nearly thirteen years, the wh ole blo g, sha ...man and boy / and ... where does the time go?[2], and time is here, all of it! ...[1], and ... 'I know!'[2], and still I spin ... searching, yearning ... / and where oh where is the transcendence?[1], and time is here, all of it! ...[2], and look no further ...[1], and still I spin ... searching, yearning ... / and where oh where is the transcendence?[2], and there is glory and DANGER beyond the THREE ... ? / and I don't know, really[1], and look no further ...[2], and ... 'I'm scared!' / and ... shut it![1], and there is glo ry and DAN GER beyond the THREE ... ? / and I don't know, really[2], and I'll be honest ... I prefer the safety of music / and I know where I am with a nice tune[1], and ... 'I'm scared!' / and ... shut it![2], and, la, la, la ...[1], and I'll be honest ... I prefer the safety of music / and I know where I am with a n ice tun e[2], and ... ... ... you dig?[1], and, la, la, la ...[2], and, so ...[3], and ... ... ... you dig?[2], and here I am ... spinning again![3], and I'm c  o  m  m  i  t  t  e  d on a level that is totally insane / and I have absolutely no complaints[3], and ... 'You should be committed, Mikey!' / and ... shut up, you d  i  s  e  m  b  o  d  i  e  d f  o  o  l![3], and when I'm a-ROUND ... everything makes sense[3], and, ah, to me, anyway[3], and it's a beautiful life ... being so d  i  z  z  y ... that you have no idea ... what is going on[3], and, uh ... nothing, in truth[3], and when I'm a-ROUND ... the world's a nicer place ... / and I don't even notice it, no[3], and I look at those w  e  a  k s  o  u  l  s ...[3], and, yes, yes, yes[3], and, Christ[3], and it's hard not to judge ... yeah, yeah, yeah, ha, ha, ha![3], and listen, kook(s), and learn something![3], and I've followed Rimbaud's example: I've given everyone a w  a  r they can't believe[3], and still ...[3], and, well ... nearly thirteen years, the w  h  o  l  e b  l  o  g, sha ...man and boy / and ... where does the time go?[3], and ... 'I know!'[3], and time is here, all of it! ...[3], and still I spin ... searching, yearning ... / and where oh where is the transcendence?[3], and look no further ...[3], and there is g  l  o  r  y and D  A  N  G  E  R beyond the THREE ... ? / and I don't know, really[3], and ... 'I'm scared!' / and ... shut it![3], and I'll be honest ... I prefer the safety of music / and I know where I am with a n  i  c  e t  u  n  e[3], and, la, la, la ...[3], and ... ... ... you dig?[3], and

And, so ...[1], and here I am ... spinning again![1], and, so ...[2], and I'm committed on a level that is totally insane / and I have absolutely no complaints[1], and here I am ... spinning again![2], and ... 'You should be committed, Mikey!' / and ... shut up, you disembodied fool![1], and I'm com mitted on a level that is totally insane / and I have absolutely no complaints[2], and when I'm a-ROUND ... everything makes sense[1], and ... 'You should be committed, Mikey!' / and ... shut up, you disembo died f ool![2], and, ah, to me, anyway[1], and when I'm a-ROUND ... everything makes sense[2], and it's a beautiful life ... being so dizzy ... that you have no idea ... what is going on[1], and, ah, to me, anyway[2], and, uh ... nothing, in truth[1], and it's a beautiful life ... being so diz zy ... that you have no idea ... what is going on[2], and when I'm a-ROUND ... the world's a nicer place ... / and I don't even notice it, no[1], and, uh ... nothing, in truth[2], and I look at those weak souls ...[1], and when I'm a-ROUND ... the world's a nicer place ... / and I don't even notice it, no[2], and, yes, yes, yes[1], and I look at those w eak sou ls ...[2], and, Christ[1], and, yes, yes, yes[2], and it's hard not to judge ... yeah, yeah, yeah, ha, ha, ha![1], and, Christ[2], and listen, kook(s), and learn something![1], and it's hard not to judge ... yeah, yeah, yeah, ha, ha, ha![2], and I've followed Rimbaud's example: I've given everyone a war they can't believe[1], and listen, kook(s), and learn something![2], and still ...[1], and I've followed Rimbaud's example: I've given everyone a wa r they can't believe[2], and, well ... nearly thirteen years, the whole blog, sha ...man and boy / and ... where does the time go?[1], and still ...[2], and ... 'I know!'[1], and, well ... nearly thirteen years, the wh ole blo g, sha ...man and boy / and ... where does the time go?[2], and time is here, all of it! ...[1], and ... 'I know!'[2], and still I spin ... searching, yearning ... / and where oh where is the transcendence?[1], and time is here, all of it! ...[2], and look no further ...[1], and still I spin ... searching, yearning ... / and where oh where is the transcendence?[2], and there is glory and DANGER beyond the THREE ... ? / and I don't know, really[1], and look no further ...[2], and ... 'I'm scared!' / and ... shut it![1], and there is glo ry and DAN GER beyond the THREE ... ? / and I don't know, really[2], and I'll be honest ... I prefer the safety of music / and I know where I am with a nice tune[1], and ... 'I'm scared!' / and ... shut it![2], and, la, la, la ...[1], and I'll be honest ... I prefer the safety of music / and I know where I am with a n ice tun e[2], and ... ... ... you dig?[1], and, la, la, la ...[2], and, so ...[3], and ... ... ... you dig?[2], and here I am ... spinning again![3], and I'm c  o  m  m  i  t  t  e  d on a level that is totally insane / and I have absolutely no complaints[3], and ... 'You should be committed, Mikey!' / and ... shut up, you d  i  s  e  m  b  o  d  i  e  d f  o  o  l![3], and when I'm a-ROUND ... everything makes sense[3], and, ah, to me, anyway[3], and it's a beautiful life ... being so d  i  z  z  y ... that you have no idea ... what is going on[3], and, uh ... nothing, in truth[3], and when I'm a-ROUND ... the world's a nicer place ... / and I don't even notice it, no[3], and I look at those w  e  a  k s  o  u  l  s ...[3], and, yes, yes, yes[3], and, Christ[3], and it's hard not to judge ... yeah, yeah, yeah, ha, ha, ha![3], and listen, kook(s), and learn something![3], and I've followed Rimbaud's example: I've given everyone a w  a  r they can't believe[3], and still ...[3], and, well ... nearly thirteen years, the w  h  o  l  e b  l  o  g, sha ...man and boy / and ... where does the time go?[3], and ... 'I know!'[3], and time is here, all of it! ...[3], and still I spin ... searching, yearning ... / and where oh where is the transcendence?[3], and look no further ...[3], and there is g  l  o  r  y and D  A  N  G  E  R beyond the THREE ... ? / and I don't know, really[3], and ... 'I'm scared!' / and ... shut it![3], and I'll be honest ... I prefer the safety of music / and I know where I am with a n  i  c  e t  u  n  e[3], and, la, la, la ...[3], and ... ... ... you dig?[3], and

And, so ...[1], and here I am ... spinning again![1], and, so ...[2], and I'm committed on a level that is totally insane / and I have absolutely no complaints[1], and here I am ... spinning again![2], and ... 'You should be committed, Mikey!' / and ... shut up, you disembodied fool![1], and I'm com mitted on a level that is totally insane / and I have absolutely no complaints[2], and when I'm a-ROUND ... everything makes sense[1], and ... 'You should be committed, Mikey!' / and ... shut up, you disembo died f ool![2], and, ah, to me, anyway[1], and when I'm a-ROUND ... everything makes sense[2], and it's a beautiful life ... being so dizzy ... that you have no idea ... what is going on[1], and, ah, to me, anyway[2], and, uh ... nothing, in truth[1], and it's a beautiful life ... being so diz zy ... that you have no idea ... what is going on[2], and when I'm a-ROUND ... the world's a nicer place ... / and I don't even notice it, no[1], and, uh ... nothing, in truth[2], and I look at those weak souls ...[1], and when I'm a-ROUND ... the world's a nicer place ... / and I don't even notice it, no[2], and, yes, yes, yes[1], and I look at those w eak sou ls ...[2], and, Christ[1], and, yes, yes, yes[2], and it's hard not to judge ... yeah, yeah, yeah, ha, ha, ha![1], and, Christ[2], and listen, kook(s), and learn something![1], and it's hard not to judge ... yeah, yeah, yeah, ha, ha, ha![2], and I've followed Rimbaud's example: I've given everyone a war they can't believe[1], and listen, kook(s), and learn something![2], and still ...[1], and I've followed Rimbaud's example: I've given everyone a wa r they can't believe[2], and, well ... nearly thirteen years, the whole blog, sha ...man and boy / and ... where does the time go?[1], and still ...[2], and ... 'I know!'[1], and, well ... nearly thirteen years, the wh ole blo g, sha ...man and boy / and ... where does the time go?[2], and time is here, all of it! ...[1], and ... 'I know!'[2], and still I spin ... searching, yearning ... / and where oh where is the transcendence?[1], and time is here, all of it! ...[2], and look no further ...[1], and still I spin ... searching, yearning ... / and where oh where is the transcendence?[2], and there is glory and DANGER beyond the THREE ... ? / and I don't know, really[1], and look no further ...[2], and ... 'I'm scared!' / and ... shut it![1], and there is glo ry and DAN GER beyond the THREE ... ? / and I don't know, really[2], and I'll be honest ... I prefer the safety of music / and I know where I am with a nice tune[1], and ... 'I'm scared!' / and ... shut it![2], and, la, la, la ...[1], and I'll be honest ... I prefer the safety of music / and I know where I am with a n ice tun e[2], and ... ... ... you dig?[1], and, la, la, la ...[2], and, so ...[3], and ... ... ... you dig?[2], and here I am ... spinning again![3], and I'm c  o  m  m  i  t  t  e  d on a level that is totally insane / and I have absolutely no complaints[3], and ... 'You should be committed, Mikey!' / and ... shut up, you d  i  s  e  m  b  o  d  i  e  d f  o  o  l![3], and when I'm a-ROUND ... everything makes sense[3], and, ah, to me, anyway[3], and it's a beautiful life ... being so d  i  z  z  y ... that you have no idea ... what is going on[3], and, uh ... nothing, in truth[3], and when I'm a-ROUND ... the world's a nicer place ... / and I don't even notice it, no[3], and I look at those w  e  a  k s  o  u  l  s ...[3], and, yes, yes, yes[3], and, Christ[3], and it's hard not to judge ... yeah, yeah, yeah, ha, ha, ha![3], and listen, kook(s), and learn something![3], and I've followed Rimbaud's example: I've given everyone a w  a  r they can't believe[3], and still ...[3], and, well ... nearly thirteen years, the w  h  o  l  e b  l  o  g, sha ...man and boy / and ... where does the time go?[3], and ... 'I know!'[3], and time is here, all of it! ...[3], and still I spin ... searching, yearning ... / and where oh where is the transcendence?[3], and look no further ...[3], and there is g  l  o  r  y and D  A  N  G  E  R beyond the THREE ... ? / and I don't know, really[3], and ... 'I'm scared!' / and ... shut it![3], and I'll be honest ... I prefer the safety of music / and I know where I am with a n  i  c  e t  u  n  e[3], and, la, la, la ...[3], and ... ... ... you dig?[3], and

Oh, are you ordering stuff online for your loved ones at Christmas?

Well, that's your problem, dear reader(s). Do they even deserve anything? Be honest. Come on! 'Don't be like that, Scrooge.' Shut up, Voice!

Okay, okay. Our Jinksy has got some online deadlines for us ...

Amazon - 24th December

Argos - 24th December

ASOS - 23rd December

Boden - 23rd December

The Body Shop - 22nd December

Boohoo - 22nd December

Debenhams - 22nd December

Evans Cycles - 16th December

Firebox - 22nd December

Gap - 21st December

HP - 19th December

John Lewis - 22nd December

Littlewoods - 22nd December

Net-a-Porter - 24th December

Next - 22nd December

Paul Smith - 19th December

The White Company - 21st December

Very - 23rd December

Zara - 23rd December (London area)

Okay, okay. Notice the late date for Amazon. 'Ha!' Yes. You can be sure that Bezos won't be in the warehouse packing things into boxes. No, he'll be at home on Christmas Eve, watching TV and eating mince pies. 'I thought he was a workaholic, boss?' Well, I’m sure he'll still be doing emails and shit.

That's the thing, you see, with these billionaire workaholics. (And I include our Elon in this.) How much of their "hard work" is just emails, and phone calls, and meetings? These guys aren't like Goggins, man. A man like Goggins vomits blood and he still gets back on the log. 'What log?' It's, uh ... a story from his book, Voice. During one of his three Hell Weeks, he was vomiting blood but still refusing to quit. 'But what about the log?' Christ! He was carrying it with his boat crew. 'Oh, okay.' Listen, kook(s)! Goggins trains with broken legs! Goggins runs ten marathons in one weekend! Goggins will never stop! Never! He stays hard!

Right. Let's hear from our Jinksy -

Says ParcelHero's Head of Consumer Research, David Jinks MILT: "While we don't want to encourage last-minute orders, because of the risk of gifts missing Christmas Day, we think it's best to make sure shoppers are fully informed of the cut-off dates for orders to arrive before Christmas. Check your favourite stores and you will find, for example, ASOS' final Standard delivery in time for Christmas is the 19th, but its Express delivery gives shoppers until 23rd, while Boohoo's last date is 18th December for Standard, and 22nd for Next Day."

Uh. I don't understand. I just ... / Can you explain, Jinksy? Please. PLEASE - !!!

David explains: "Many shoppers do like to leave it as late as possible to order online; and it's very tempting to this year in particular, as retailers have had a dire time and are desperate to shift stock. But bargain hunters should not leave it too long as a number of stores' deadlines have already come and gone. This is particularly the case if they specialize in heavier items such as cycles or furniture; for example, Evans Cycles was the 16th. In contrast some other retailers, such as Amazon, Argos and Net-a-Porter, are actually offering Christmas Eve same-day ordering."

Okay. Thanks, Jinksy. You're a diamond!

ENDS

...

Anything else? Music? My music? Oh, I'm feeling pretty positive, son. Uh, daughter. I was listening to a rough recording of a new song earlier. [It's not finished yet. I have the music, and the chorus lyric, but only dummy words for the verses.] My vocals on it are ... nice enough to listen to. I mean, regardless of how great the song may be. So, yeah ... I'm very pleased with my progress, man.

Go, go, go!

Laters!

[No. 764] Your subconscious is your best friend

But you've got to program it.

And ... yes - !!![1], and ... believe me, kook![1], and ... yes - !!![2], and you've got to put good stuff in ... to get good stuff out / and it's not rocket science[1], and ... believe me, kook![2], and ... relax - !!![1], and you've got to put good stuff in ... to get good stuff out / and it's not rocket science[2], and close your eyes a-ROUND here ... / ... and listen to me![1], and ... relax - !!![2], and I want your full attention, man[1], and close your eyes a-ROUND here ... / ... and listen to me![2], and come on ... now - !!![1], and I want your full attention, man[2], and, listen! ... I know you, I know you ... ah, that's what it would say ... if it could talk, like ... but it can talk![1], and come on ... now - !!![2], and, oh ... your subconscious consciousness ness I mean ...[1], and, listen! ... I kn ow y ou, I kn ow yo u ... ah, that's what it would say ... if it could talk, like ... but it can talk![2], and ... is it you?[1], and, oh ... your subconscious consciousness ness I mean ...[2], and you could be a cold robot ...[1], and ... is it you?[2], and, sadly, yes[1], and you could be a cold robot ...[2], and how do you feel ... when you're spinning out of your beautiful little head, my friend?[1], and, sadly, yes[2], and there's no need to think, no, no, no ...[1], and how do you feel ... when you're spinning out of your beautiful little head, my friend?[2], and ... feel?[1], and there's no need to think, no, no, no ...[2], and let me tell you ... you are a cold robot, yes ... when you're in that awful reality with all the squares[1], and ... feel?[2], and they hate you[1], and let me tell you ... you are a cold robot, yes ... when you're in that awful reality with all the squares[2], and let me introduce you to ...[1], and they hate you[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... I love you[1], and let me introduce you to ...[2], and, so ...[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... I love you[2], and, tell me - !!! ... Have YOU(!) ... ever met the deepest part of yourself, uh, one lonely night, like?[1], and, so ...[2], and you can tell me ...[1], and, tell me - !!! ... Have YOU(!) ... ever met the deepest part of yourself, uh, one lonely night, like?[2], and no one will cry ... if you met ... some kind of monster[1], and you can tell me ...[2], and it happens[1], and no one will cry ... if you met ... some kind of monster[2], and no one will laugh ... if you met ... some kind of clown[1], and it happens[2], and it happens a lot, the clown[1], and no one will laugh ... if you met ... some kind of clown[2], and, Christ! ... you need to open up[1], and it happens a lot, the clown[2], and you should put the biggest ideas ... in!, oh, and the grandest plans ... in![1], and, Christ! ... you need to open up[2], and do you even know ... what I'm talking about?[1], and you should put the biggest ideas ... in!, oh, and the grandest plans ... in![2], and God give me strength![1], and do you even know ... what I'm talking about?[2], and ... yes - !!![3], and God give me strength![2], and ... believe me, kook![3], and you've got to put good stuff in ... to get good stuff out / and it's not rocket science[3], and ... relax - !!![3], and close your eyes a-ROUND here ... / ... and listen to me![3], and I want your full attention, man[3], and come on ... now - !!![3], and, listen! ... I k  n  o  w y  o  u, I k  n  o  w y  o  u ... ah, that's what it would say ... if it could talk, like ... but it can talk![3], and, oh ... your subconscious consciousness ness I mean ...[3], and ... is it you?[3], and you could be a cold robot ...[3], and, sadly, yes[3], and how do you feel ... when you're spinning out of your beautiful little head, my friend?[3], and there's no need to think, no, no, no ...[3], and ... feel?[3], and let me tell you ... you are a cold robot, yes ... when you're in that awful reality with all the squares[3], and they hate you[3], and let me introduce you to ...[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... I love you[3], and, so ...[3], and, tell me - !!! ... Have YOU(!) ... ever met the deepest part of yourself, uh, one lonely night, like?[3], and you can tell me ...[3], and no one will cry ... if you met ... some kind of monster[3], and it happens[3], and no one will laugh ... if you met ... some kind of clown[3], and it happens a lot, the clown[3], and, Christ! ... you need to open up[3], and you should put the biggest ideas ... in!, oh, and the grandest plans ... in![3], and do you even know ... what I'm talking about?[3], and God give me strength![3], and

And ... yes - !!![1], and ... believe me, kook![1], and ... yes - !!![2], and you've got to put good stuff in ... to get good stuff out / and it's not rocket science[1], and ... believe me, kook![2], and ... relax - !!![1], and you've got to put good stuff in ... to get good stuff out / and it's not rocket science[2], and close your eyes a-ROUND here ... / ... and listen to me![1], and ... relax - !!![2], and I want your full attention, man[1], and close your eyes a-ROUND here ... / ... and listen to me![2], and come on ... now - !!![1], and I want your full attention, man[2], and, listen! ... I know you, I know you ... ah, that's what it would say ... if it could talk, like ... but it can talk![1], and come on ... now - !!![2], and, oh ... your subconscious consciousness ness I mean ...[1], and, listen! ... I kn ow y ou, I kn ow yo u ... ah, that's what it would say ... if it could talk, like ... but it can talk![2], and ... is it you?[1], and, oh ... your subconscious consciousness ness I mean ...[2], and you could be a cold robot ...[1], and ... is it you?[2], and, sadly, yes[1], and you could be a cold robot ...[2], and how do you feel ... when you're spinning out of your beautiful little head, my friend?[1], and, sadly, yes[2], and there's no need to think, no, no, no ...[1], and how do you feel ... when you're spinning out of your beautiful little head, my friend?[2], and ... feel?[1], and there's no need to think, no, no, no ...[2], and let me tell you ... you are a cold robot, yes ... when you're in that awful reality with all the squares[1], and ... feel?[2], and they hate you[1], and let me tell you ... you are a cold robot, yes ... when you're in that awful reality with all the squares[2], and let me introduce you to ...[1], and they hate you[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... I love you[1], and let me introduce you to ...[2], and, so ...[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... I love you[2], and, tell me - !!! ... Have YOU(!) ... ever met the deepest part of yourself, uh, one lonely night, like?[1], and, so ...[2], and you can tell me ...[1], and, tell me - !!! ... Have YOU(!) ... ever met the deepest part of yourself, uh, one lonely night, like?[2], and no one will cry ... if you met ... some kind of monster[1], and you can tell me ...[2], and it happens[1], and no one will cry ... if you met ... some kind of monster[2], and no one will laugh ... if you met ... some kind of clown[1], and it happens[2], and it happens a lot, the clown[1], and no one will laugh ... if you met ... some kind of clown[2], and, Christ! ... you need to open up[1], and it happens a lot, the clown[2], and you should put the biggest ideas ... in!, oh, and the grandest plans ... in![1], and, Christ! ... you need to open up[2], and do you even know ... what I'm talking about?[1], and you should put the biggest ideas ... in!, oh, and the grandest plans ... in![2], and God give me strength![1], and do you even know ... what I'm talking about?[2], and ... yes - !!![3], and God give me strength![2], and ... believe me, kook![3], and you've got to put good stuff in ... to get good stuff out / and it's not rocket science[3], and ... relax - !!![3], and close your eyes a-ROUND here ... / ... and listen to me![3], and I want your full attention, man[3], and come on ... now - !!![3], and, listen! ... I k  n  o  w y  o  u, I k  n  o  w y  o  u ... ah, that's what it would say ... if it could talk, like ... but it can talk![3], and, oh ... your subconscious consciousness ness I mean ...[3], and ... is it you?[3], and you could be a cold robot ...[3], and, sadly, yes[3], and how do you feel ... when you're spinning out of your beautiful little head, my friend?[3], and there's no need to think, no, no, no ...[3], and ... feel?[3], and let me tell you ... you are a cold robot, yes ... when you're in that awful reality with all the squares[3], and they hate you[3], and let me introduce you to ...[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... I love you[3], and, so ...[3], and, tell me - !!! ... Have YOU(!) ... ever met the deepest part of yourself, uh, one lonely night, like?[3], and you can tell me ...[3], and no one will cry ... if you met ... some kind of monster[3], and it happens[3], and no one will laugh ... if you met ... some kind of clown[3], and it happens a lot, the clown[3], and, Christ! ... you need to open up[3], and you should put the biggest ideas ... in!, oh, and the grandest plans ... in![3], and do you even know ... what I'm talking about?[3], and God give me strength![3], and

And ... yes - !!![1], and ... believe me, kook![1], and ... yes - !!![2], and you've got to put good stuff in ... to get good stuff out / and it's not rocket science[1], and ... believe me, kook![2], and ... relax - !!![1], and you've got to put good stuff in ... to get good stuff out / and it's not rocket science[2], and close your eyes a-ROUND here ... / ... and listen to me![1], and ... relax - !!![2], and I want your full attention, man[1], and close your eyes a-ROUND here ... / ... and listen to me![2], and come on ... now - !!![1], and I want your full attention, man[2], and, listen! ... I know you, I know you ... ah, that's what it would say ... if it could talk, like ... but it can talk![1], and come on ... now - !!![2], and, oh ... your subconscious consciousness ness I mean ...[1], and, listen! ... I kn ow y ou, I kn ow yo u ... ah, that's what it would say ... if it could talk, like ... but it can talk![2], and ... is it you?[1], and, oh ... your subconscious consciousness ness I mean ...[2], and you could be a cold robot ...[1], and ... is it you?[2], and, sadly, yes[1], and you could be a cold robot ...[2], and how do you feel ... when you're spinning out of your beautiful little head, my friend?[1], and, sadly, yes[2], and there's no need to think, no, no, no ...[1], and how do you feel ... when you're spinning out of your beautiful little head, my friend?[2], and ... feel?[1], and there's no need to think, no, no, no ...[2], and let me tell you ... you are a cold robot, yes ... when you're in that awful reality with all the squares[1], and ... feel?[2], and they hate you[1], and let me tell you ... you are a cold robot, yes ... when you're in that awful reality with all the squares[2], and let me introduce you to ...[1], and they hate you[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... I love you[1], and let me introduce you to ...[2], and, so ...[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... I love you[2], and, tell me - !!! ... Have YOU(!) ... ever met the deepest part of yourself, uh, one lonely night, like?[1], and, so ...[2], and you can tell me ...[1], and, tell me - !!! ... Have YOU(!) ... ever met the deepest part of yourself, uh, one lonely night, like?[2], and no one will cry ... if you met ... some kind of monster[1], and you can tell me ...[2], and it happens[1], and no one will cry ... if you met ... some kind of monster[2], and no one will laugh ... if you met ... some kind of clown[1], and it happens[2], and it happens a lot, the clown[1], and no one will laugh ... if you met ... some kind of clown[2], and, Christ! ... you need to open up[1], and it happens a lot, the clown[2], and you should put the biggest ideas ... in!, oh, and the grandest plans ... in![1], and, Christ! ... you need to open up[2], and do you even know ... what I'm talking about?[1], and you should put the biggest ideas ... in!, oh, and the grandest plans ... in![2], and God give me strength![1], and do you even know ... what I'm talking about?[2], and ... yes - !!![3], and God give me strength![2], and ... believe me, kook![3], and you've got to put good stuff in ... to get good stuff out / and it's not rocket science[3], and ... relax - !!![3], and close your eyes a-ROUND here ... / ... and listen to me![3], and I want your full attention, man[3], and come on ... now - !!![3], and, listen! ... I k  n  o  w y  o  u, I k  n  o  w y  o  u ... ah, that's what it would say ... if it could talk, like ... but it can talk![3], and, oh ... your subconscious consciousness ness I mean ...[3], and ... is it you?[3], and you could be a cold robot ...[3], and, sadly, yes[3], and how do you feel ... when you're spinning out of your beautiful little head, my friend?[3], and there's no need to think, no, no, no ...[3], and ... feel?[3], and let me tell you ... you are a cold robot, yes ... when you're in that awful reality with all the squares[3], and they hate you[3], and let me introduce you to ...[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... I love you[3], and, so ...[3], and, tell me - !!! ... Have YOU(!) ... ever met the deepest part of yourself, uh, one lonely night, like?[3], and you can tell me ...[3], and no one will cry ... if you met ... some kind of monster[3], and it happens[3], and no one will laugh ... if you met ... some kind of clown[3], and it happens a lot, the clown[3], and, Christ! ... you need to open up[3], and you should put the biggest ideas ... in!, oh, and the grandest plans ... in![3], and do you even know ... what I'm talking about?[3], and God give me strength![3], and

TNS is strengthening its European network

Well, well ...

Transaction Networks Services (TNS) is strengthening its European network by expanding its Managed Hosting solution, TNSXpress, at four key data centers in London, Slough, Basildon and Frankfurt.

Right. Is that Frankfurt in Germany? 'Of course it is, boss?' Well, is that Slough in Germany? 'Of course it isn't, boss?' Okay. I'm just testing you, Voice. And you've passed. Congratulations! 'Yippee! What have I won?' Another year working with me as my intern. 'Oh.' Not that I'll be here. I'll be a rock star, probably. 'Yeah. Then I can take over the blog.' What will you write about? 'Ha! You and your wonderful new life.' Ha! Uh.

Anyway ...

TNS' Managed Hosting solution utilizes the company's ultra-low latency Layer 1 technology which offers trade executions 10 times faster than traditional Layer 3 architectures. Today's announcement confirms its availability at the Interxion London data center, the ICE European Liquidity Center in Basildon, the Equinix LD4 data center in Slough and the Equinix FR2 data center in Frankfurt.

Today's announcement? Last week, mate. / Okay, okay. It's for traders, dear reader(s). 'What type?' Not that type. 'What type?! I didn't say anything.' It's for financial traders.

Well, er ... if only Scott Feagans were here. 'He could tell us more.' Yes. 'He could explain everything.' Yes. 'It's a real shame he's not here, boss.' Ha, ha, ha!

"TNS is committed to making our innovative solutions available in as many key data centers as possible," says Scott Feagans, Vice President of Technology and Strategy for TNS' Financial Services business. "Adding more colocation facilities to our comprehensive network and incorporating the latest state-of-the-art technology cements our position as the managed service provider with fast, reliable and secure global coverage."

Thanks, Scott! 'You knew he was here, boss, lurking about, didn't you?' Yes. I was teasing you. 'FFS! I'll be happy when I have this blog all to myself.' Yeah, so will I.

Right. Okay. We're nearly finished with this PR email, and, uh ... no endorsement, obviously, BUT(!) ... our Scott wants to add. 'Why, boss?! Why?!' Because what he said before ... wasn't enough. 'Oh.' For some reason.

Anyway ...

"Our solutions are designed to help traders achieve their greatest potential. Accessing exchanges through TNS is much more cost effective than traders procuring their own exchange connection," adds Feagans. "We also deliver a lower total cost of ownership as clients do not need to buy dedicated hardware or data space and can benefit from TNS' cost efficiencies, rack optimized cabling and design."

And, remember ... he's talking about "financial" traders, dear reader(s), if there's any confusion in your minds. They don't have ... problems, desires. 'It's not about the way they feel, boss, is it?' What?! Of course it isn't! Heaven forbid!

ENDS

...

Anything else? Man, I've just got to get through this week, you dig? I'm worn out with all this blogging.

Having said that, I'll probably continue with my music routine and sleeping habits over the Christmas holiday. Except Christmas Day and Boxing Day. I'll relax then with the best of them. 'The best of who?' Er, the people who like relaxing, Voice.

Oh - !!! ... I got another dream tune fragment yesterday. I don't know if I'm going to use it yet. I mean, I scrap most of them, don't I? Strangely though, this one came with a lyric. And not a gibberish dummy lyric neither. No! The words actually made sense. I'm not going to use the lyrical fragment, kook(s), so here it is ... You can go to Memphis like a joker or a king. Now, I thought it was an obvious reference to Elvis Presley. But then I Googled it and found out about Martin Luther King in Memphis, so, uh ... I don't know what to think, man. I really don't. 'Mikey, there's definitely something mystical going on in your life.' Yeah, maybe. I don't know. Crazy!

Anyway, later(s), mysticism fan(s)!

Music, I suppose

It's the last post of the week, kook(s). It's nearly Christmas.

Listen! My acoustic guitar strings are knackered, man. I've had them on for over seven hundred hours. I've been putting off changing them because they're expensive and you only get a decent forty or fifty hours playing time out of them - when you want to record, like. And I don't know when I'll want to record next ... / Uh. Maybe this weekend. Maybe not. I know I said before Christmas, BUT(!) ... I just don't know, you dig? Ah, never mind.

Anyway ... I'll put some tunes on!

Here I Am (Come and Take Me). Al Green. / Yeah. I won't always be here though.

To Turn You On. Roxy Music. / All of Avalon should really only be listened to at night.

It Ain't Me Babe. Bob Dylan.

Have I Told You Lately. Van Morrison.

Cleaning Windows. Van Morrison. / Showing George Formby how it's done.

Red Hill Mining Town. U2. / A great song. Not as well-known as others from The Joshua Tree.

We Are The Dead. David Bowie. / One of those great Bowie songs only fans know about.

Rainy Days and Mondays. Carpenters. / Oh, it's Thursday, but it's raining, so ...

We're Not Gonna Take It. The Who. / Acton's finest. So far, anyway.

That's enough.

...

Anything else, before I go? Well ... I'm tired. ['Tired of blogging, tired of life, ha!'] I want a week off. I will get a week off, after next week. Then ... I'll be back, for another year? I don't know, man. I've burnt off all the bad karma as far as I'm concerned.

I Shall Be Released. The Band. / Just one more, yes!

I shall be released! I truly believe that, kook(s). I've served my time. And Malibu beckons ...

Laters!

Investors go green

And I ain't got a problem with it, dear reader(s). Investors can invest in anything they like. It's their money. Personally, I would be putting my money into Elon's rockets, but ... each to their own, you dig? I mean, I'm not sure planet earth can be saved now. We need to find a new planet to fuck up. Do you know what I mean?

Anyway ...

Renewable energy has become the top investment sector for UK investors with almost a third of investors (30%) regarding it as the sector they would actively put their money into for long term gain.

Oh, gain. / So ... 'What's this, boss?' PR email, Voice. 'Yeah, from who?' Hang on ... GraniteShares, whoever they are. No endorsement, obviously. 'Ha!' Ha! Exactly! I'm not qualified to endorse anything financial. 'But you're the world's foremost financial shaman!' Yes. And that means I'm on the mystical side of things. Dear reader(s), listen! ... I will take a look at your aura or your chakras if you want me to. 'But you don't do that no more!' No. No. Maybe Keith Busby then. 'What is Keith Busby doing these days?' I don't know. He might be dead. 'But that won't stop him!' Of course it won't!

Anyway ...

With U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Gutterres warning that climate change is about to reach a point of no return - and with Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage empty-chaired for Channel 4's recent climate change debate - new research from GraniteShares suggests the green agenda is gripping the UK investor community. Renewable energy is now a top investment choice for investors of all ages; it is equally popular with men (29%) and women (31%) and it also transcends investment philosophy. For example, active traders, those that are simply looking to make an opportune gain, place as much emphasis on renewables as those investors that act with a specific ethical investment philosophy (33% and 36% respectively).

Okay, okay. I suppose gain's all right then. / This email is rather big, man. 'Maybe too big, boss.' That's what I'm thinking, Voice. 'Maybe you should go straight to the voice, boss.' That's what I'm thinking, Voice. Er, the GraniteShares voice, dear reader(s), not him. 'Ha!' / Here it is - !!!

Will Rhind, Founder and CEO at GraniteShares comments: "Despite the context of unprecedented market uncertainty in the UK at the moment, it is positive to see so many investors taking conviction views for the year ahead. The rising popularity of tech brands we expect to continue and the focus on renewable energy reflects concern over one of the biggest issues that the planet faces today."

Coming through loud and clear. 'Lovely!' Yes. / More - !!!

"At a time when it has become statistically harder and harder to actually make money in the markets and outperform, more investors are looking at new sectors and also individual brands when it comes to investment planning. For many sophisticated investors, there is also a serious opportunity to balance the long-term with the short-term. GraniteShares' new platform of short and leveraged single stock daily ETPs, for the first time, enables sophisticated investors to take positions on both rising and falling share prices and to express very focused views, both long and short, on popular UK single stocks through ETPs."

Yeah, yeah. As I say ... no endorsement, and absolutely no investment advice. However, rockets are nice. Maybe you can build your own rocket in your back garden, dear reader(s) ... ? I was going to do that once. 'When, boss?' When I was a kid, with my mates. 'Tell us more!' Well, okay ... we had the bright idea of bolting six or seven metal dustbins together, and filling the bottom dustbin with gunpowder from fireworks. 'Right.' Then we were going to sit in the other dustbins, one for each of us, and then head for the moon. 'But that's bloody crazy!!!' Yeah, we were kids. Don't get upset about it.

Christ.

ENDS - !!!

...

Anything else? Not really, no. I'll be writing another post this afternoon.

Laters!

[No. 763] Get up before you go to bed

If that makes any sense.

And it makes no sense, man![1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... we don't care about sense a-ROUND here, do we?[1], and it makes no sense, man![2], and there's no time to waste, no![1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... we don't care about sense a-ROUND here, do we?[2], and, well ...[1], and there's no time to waste, no![2], and it's a rainy day, actually, yes, yes, yes / and maybe we should rest a bit ... ?[1], and, well ...[2], and I'm listening to Songs From A Room while I'm spinning with this[1], and it's a rainy day, actually, yes, yes, yes / and maybe we should rest a bit ... ?[2], and, uh ... I fell asleep after lunch ... oh, just for fifteen minutes or so - so, so, don't worry![1], and I'm listening to Songs From A Room while I'm spinning with this[2], and ... 'Shame, Mikey!'[1], and, uh ... I fell asleep after lunch ... oh, just for fifteen minutes or so - so, so, don't worry![2], and I'm not letting them down, Voice ... all the hard-working souls of that world, BUT(!) ...[1], and ... 'Shame, Mikey!'[2], and a bunch of mugs, anyway[1], and I'm not letting them down, Voice ... all the hard-working souls of that world, BUT(!) ...[2], and, but, but ...[1], and a bunch of mugs, anyway[2], and ... we have our own world, don't we?[1], and, but, but ...[2], and a-ROUND here ... every day can be Christmas - if we want it![1], and ... we have our own world, don't we?[2], and what do you dream of, most?[1], and a-ROUND here ... every day can be Christmas - if we want it![2], and, listen! ... I'm thinking of Polperro now ... / and was it only five months ago?[1], and what do you dream of, most?[2], and with Cohen singing in my ears ... where else?![1], and, listen! ... I'm thinking of Polperro now ... / and was it only five months ago?[2], and, Christ! ... was it only twenty-nine years ago?![1], and with Cohen singing in my ears ... where else?![2], and ... am I confused? / and, you, you ... YOU(!)?[1], and, Christ! ... was it only twenty-nine years ago?![2], and ... tell me![1], and ... am I confused? / and, you, you ... YOU(!)?[2], and, well, yes ... I get so confused / and holidays all merge into one ... in my mind, my soul[1], and ... tell me![2], and maybe ... I don't get enough sleep ... ha, ha, ha![1], and, well, yes ... I get so confused / and holidays all merge into one ... in my mind, my soul[2], and a-ROUND here ... shall I close my eyes?[1], and maybe ... I don't get enough sleep ... ha, ha, ha![2], and, kook(s) ... I'll tell you the amazing truth: I never want to sleep again![1], and a-ROUND here ... shall I close my eyes?[2], and believe me![1], and, kook(s) ... I'll tell you the amazing truth: I nev er w ant t o sl eep ag ain![2], and fighting the cold world's horrors is a twenty-four hour affair, baby, seven days a week[1], and believe me![2], and you know that's true[1], and fighting the cold world's horrors is a twenty-four hour affair, baby, seven days a week[2], and I'm a-ROUND here ... with my eyes wide open, so why don't you join me, fully awake?[1], and you know that's true[2], and ... come on![1], and I'm a-ROUND here ... with my eyes wide open, so why don't you join me, fully awake?[2], and it makes no sense, man![3], and ... come on![2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... we don't care about sense a-ROUND here, do we?[3], and there's no time to waste, no![3], and, well ...[3], and it's a rainy day, actually, yes, yes, yes / and maybe we should rest a bit ... ?[3], and I'm listening to Songs From A Room while I'm spinning with this[3], and, uh ... I fell asleep after lunch ... oh, just for fifteen minutes or so - so, so, don't worry![3], and ... 'Shame, Mikey!'[3], and I'm not letting them down, Voice ... all the hard-working souls of that world, BUT(!) ...[3], and a bunch of mugs, anyway[3], and, but, but ...[3], and ... we have our own world, don't we?[3], and a-ROUND here ... every day can be Christmas - if we want it![3], and what do you dream of, most?[3], and, listen! ... I'm thinking of Polperro now ... / and was it only five months ago?[3], and with Cohen singing in my ears ... where else?![3], and, Christ! ... was it only twenty-nine years ago?![3], and ... am I confused? / and, you, you ... YOU(!)?[3], and ... tell me![3], and, well, yes ... I get so confused / and holidays all merge into one ... in my mind, my soul[3], and maybe ... I don't get enough sleep ... ha, ha, ha![3], and a-ROUND here ... shall I close my eyes?[3], and, kook(s) ... I'll tell you the amazing truth: I n  e  v  e  r w  a  n  t t  o s  l  e  e  p a  g  a  i  n![3], and believe me![3], and fighting the cold world's horrors is a twenty-four hour affair, baby, seven days a week[3], and you know that's true[3], and I'm a-ROUND here ... with my eyes wide open, so why don't you join me, fully awake?[3], and ... come on![3], and

And it makes no sense, man![1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... we don't care about sense a-ROUND here, do we?[1], and it makes no sense, man![2], and there's no time to waste, no![1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... we don't care about sense a-ROUND here, do we?[2], and, well ...[1], and there's no time to waste, no![2], and it's a rainy day, actually, yes, yes, yes / and maybe we should rest a bit ... ?[1], and, well ...[2], and I'm listening to Songs From A Room while I'm spinning with this[1], and it's a rainy day, actually, yes, yes, yes / and maybe we should rest a bit ... ?[2], and, uh ... I fell asleep after lunch ... oh, just for fifteen minutes or so - so, so, don't worry![1], and I'm listening to Songs From A Room while I'm spinning with this[2], and ... 'Shame, Mikey!'[1], and, uh ... I fell asleep after lunch ... oh, just for fifteen minutes or so - so, so, don't worry![2], and I'm not letting them down, Voice ... all the hard-working souls of that world, BUT(!) ...[1], and ... 'Shame, Mikey!'[2], and a bunch of mugs, anyway[1], and I'm not letting them down, Voice ... all the hard-working souls of that world, BUT(!) ...[2], and, but, but ...[1], and a bunch of mugs, anyway[2], and ... we have our own world, don't we?[1], and, but, but ...[2], and a-ROUND here ... every day can be Christmas - if we want it![1], and ... we have our own world, don't we?[2], and what do you dream of, most?[1], and a-ROUND here ... every day can be Christmas - if we want it![2], and, listen! ... I'm thinking of Polperro now ... / and was it only five months ago?[1], and what do you dream of, most?[2], and with Cohen singing in my ears ... where else?![1], and, listen! ... I'm thinking of Polperro now ... / and was it only five months ago?[2], and, Christ! ... was it only twenty-nine years ago?![1], and with Cohen singing in my ears ... where else?![2], and ... am I confused? / and, you, you ... YOU(!)?[1], and, Christ! ... was it only twenty-nine years ago?![2], and ... tell me![1], and ... am I confused? / and, you, you ... YOU(!)?[2], and, well, yes ... I get so confused / and holidays all merge into one ... in my mind, my soul[1], and ... tell me![2], and maybe ... I don't get enough sleep ... ha, ha, ha![1], and, well, yes ... I get so confused / and holidays all merge into one ... in my mind, my soul[2], and a-ROUND here ... shall I close my eyes?[1], and maybe ... I don't get enough sleep ... ha, ha, ha![2], and, kook(s) ... I'll tell you the amazing truth: I never want to sleep again![1], and a-ROUND here ... shall I close my eyes?[2], and believe me![1], and, kook(s) ... I'll tell you the amazing truth: I nev er w ant t o sl eep ag ain![2], and fighting the cold world's horrors is a twenty-four hour affair, baby, seven days a week[1], and believe me![2], and you know that's true[1], and fighting the cold world's horrors is a twenty-four hour affair, baby, seven days a week[2], and I'm a-ROUND here ... with my eyes wide open, so why don't you join me, fully awake?[1], and you know that's true[2], and ... come on![1], and I'm a-ROUND here ... with my eyes wide open, so why don't you join me, fully awake?[2], and it makes no sense, man![3], and ... come on![2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... we don't care about sense a-ROUND here, do we?[3], and there's no time to waste, no![3], and, well ...[3], and it's a rainy day, actually, yes, yes, yes / and maybe we should rest a bit ... ?[3], and I'm listening to Songs From A Room while I'm spinning with this[3], and, uh ... I fell asleep after lunch ... oh, just for fifteen minutes or so - so, so, don't worry![3], and ... 'Shame, Mikey!'[3], and I'm not letting them down, Voice ... all the hard-working souls of that world, BUT(!) ...[3], and a bunch of mugs, anyway[3], and, but, but ...[3], and ... we have our own world, don't we?[3], and a-ROUND here ... every day can be Christmas - if we want it![3], and what do you dream of, most?[3], and, listen! ... I'm thinking of Polperro now ... / and was it only five months ago?[3], and with Cohen singing in my ears ... where else?![3], and, Christ! ... was it only twenty-nine years ago?![3], and ... am I confused? / and, you, you ... YOU(!)?[3], and ... tell me![3], and, well, yes ... I get so confused / and holidays all merge into one ... in my mind, my soul[3], and maybe ... I don't get enough sleep ... ha, ha, ha![3], and a-ROUND here ... shall I close my eyes?[3], and, kook(s) ... I'll tell you the amazing truth: I n  e  v  e  r w  a  n  t t  o s  l  e  e  p a  g  a  i  n![3], and believe me![3], and fighting the cold world's horrors is a twenty-four hour affair, baby, seven days a week[3], and you know that's true[3], and I'm a-ROUND here ... with my eyes wide open, so why don't you join me, fully awake?[3], and ... come on![3], and

And it makes no sense, man![1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... we don't care about sense a-ROUND here, do we?[1], and it makes no sense, man![2], and there's no time to waste, no![1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... we don't care about sense a-ROUND here, do we?[2], and, well ...[1], and there's no time to waste, no![2], and it's a rainy day, actually, yes, yes, yes / and maybe we should rest a bit ... ?[1], and, well ...[2], and I'm listening to Songs From A Room while I'm spinning with this[1], and it's a rainy day, actually, yes, yes, yes / and maybe we should rest a bit ... ?[2], and, uh ... I fell asleep after lunch ... oh, just for fifteen minutes or so - so, so, don't worry![1], and I'm listening to Songs From A Room while I'm spinning with this[2], and ... 'Shame, Mikey!'[1], and, uh ... I fell asleep after lunch ... oh, just for fifteen minutes or so - so, so, don't worry![2], and I'm not letting them down, Voice ... all the hard-working souls of that world, BUT(!) ...[1], and ... 'Shame, Mikey!'[2], and a bunch of mugs, anyway[1], and I'm not letting them down, Voice ... all the hard-working souls of that world, BUT(!) ...[2], and, but, but ...[1], and a bunch of mugs, anyway[2], and ... we have our own world, don't we?[1], and, but, but ...[2], and a-ROUND here ... every day can be Christmas - if we want it![1], and ... we have our own world, don't we?[2], and what do you dream of, most?[1], and a-ROUND here ... every day can be Christmas - if we want it![2], and, listen! ... I'm thinking of Polperro now ... / and was it only five months ago?[1], and what do you dream of, most?[2], and with Cohen singing in my ears ... where else?![1], and, listen! ... I'm thinking of Polperro now ... / and was it only five months ago?[2], and, Christ! ... was it only twenty-nine years ago?![1], and with Cohen singing in my ears ... where else?![2], and ... am I confused? / and, you, you ... YOU(!)?[1], and, Christ! ... was it only twenty-nine years ago?![2], and ... tell me![1], and ... am I confused? / and, you, you ... YOU(!)?[2], and, well, yes ... I get so confused / and holidays all merge into one ... in my mind, my soul[1], and ... tell me![2], and maybe ... I don't get enough sleep ... ha, ha, ha![1], and, well, yes ... I get so confused / and holidays all merge into one ... in my mind, my soul[2], and a-ROUND here ... shall I close my eyes?[1], and maybe ... I don't get enough sleep ... ha, ha, ha![2], and, kook(s) ... I'll tell you the amazing truth: I never want to sleep again![1], and a-ROUND here ... shall I close my eyes?[2], and believe me![1], and, kook(s) ... I'll tell you the amazing truth: I nev er w ant t o sl eep ag ain![2], and fighting the cold world's horrors is a twenty-four hour affair, baby, seven days a week[1], and believe me![2], and you know that's true[1], and fighting the cold world's horrors is a twenty-four hour affair, baby, seven days a week[2], and I'm a-ROUND here ... with my eyes wide open, so why don't you join me, fully awake?[1], and you know that's true[2], and ... come on![1], and I'm a-ROUND here ... with my eyes wide open, so why don't you join me, fully awake?[2], and it makes no sense, man![3], and ... come on![2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... we don't care about sense a-ROUND here, do we?[3], and there's no time to waste, no![3], and, well ...[3], and it's a rainy day, actually, yes, yes, yes / and maybe we should rest a bit ... ?[3], and I'm listening to Songs From A Room while I'm spinning with this[3], and, uh ... I fell asleep after lunch ... oh, just for fifteen minutes or so - so, so, don't worry![3], and ... 'Shame, Mikey!'[3], and I'm not letting them down, Voice ... all the hard-working souls of that world, BUT(!) ...[3], and a bunch of mugs, anyway[3], and, but, but ...[3], and ... we have our own world, don't we?[3], and a-ROUND here ... every day can be Christmas - if we want it![3], and what do you dream of, most?[3], and, listen! ... I'm thinking of Polperro now ... / and was it only five months ago?[3], and with Cohen singing in my ears ... where else?![3], and, Christ! ... was it only twenty-nine years ago?![3], and ... am I confused? / and, you, you ... YOU(!)?[3], and ... tell me![3], and, well, yes ... I get so confused / and holidays all merge into one ... in my mind, my soul[3], and maybe ... I don't get enough sleep ... ha, ha, ha![3], and a-ROUND here ... shall I close my eyes?[3], and, kook(s) ... I'll tell you the amazing truth: I n  e  v  e  r w  a  n  t t  o s  l  e  e  p a  g  a  i  n![3], and believe me![3], and fighting the cold world's horrors is a twenty-four hour affair, baby, seven days a week[3], and you know that's true[3], and I'm a-ROUND here ... with my eyes wide open, so why don't you join me, fully awake?[3], and ... come on![3], and