July 2019 ~ Money is the way

Wednesday, 31 July 2019

[No. 728] No I

No you neither.

And, uh ...[1], and it's NOTHING(!) personal, but ...[1], and, uh ...[2], and don't get confused, much[1], and it's NOTHING(!) per sonal, but ...[2], and a-ROUND here ... there's a golden opportunity ... to lose everything that others hold dear, ha![1], and don't get confused, much[2], and a mouth, a brain, a heart ...[1], and a-ROUND here ... there's a golden opportunity ... to lose everything that others hold dear, ha![2], and, ah ... bodies[1], and a mou th, a bra in, a he art ...[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and doing what, of any use?[1], and, ah ... b odies[2], and ... Jesus H. - !!![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and doing what, of any use?[2], and all so very useless, yes[1], and ... Jesus H. - !!![2], and thoughts don't belong to anyone anyway / and even feelings have become a bad joke[1], and all so very use less, yes[2], and ... who cares?[1], and thoughts don't belong to anyone anyway / and even feelings have become a bad j oke[2], and ... '...'[1], and ... who cares?[2], and the violence of life without pretty rainbows / and is there a point to it?[1], and ... '...'[2], and ... WHO CARES?![1], and the vio lence of lif e without p retty rainb ows / and is there a point to it?[2], and ... '... !!!'[1], and ... WHO CARES?![2], and ... what?[1], and ... '... !!!'[2], and, Christ! ... everything is already lost ... in the beginning ... in the end[1], and ... what?[2], and beyond the THREE ... ?[1], and, Christ! ... e verything i s alre ady l ost ... in the beginning ... in the end[2], and, no, no, no[1], and beyond the THREE ... ?[2], and the reality of this situation must be dealt with first / and no one actually knows what is ... beyond[1], and, no, no, no[2], and ... 'We need a rainbow!'[1], and the reality of this situation must be dealt with first / and no one actually knows what is ... bey ond[2], and I heard that![1], and ... 'We need a rainbow!'[2], and, yeah, yeah, sure ... sometimes, a rainbow would be easier, and far more predictable[1], and I heard that![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... gotta be broken down, looking for a clue[1], and, yeah, yeah, sure ... sometimes, a rainbow would be easier, and far more predic table[2], and ... who are ... ?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... gotta be bro ken down, l ooking for a c lue[2], and words, words, words ... they don't do anyone any favours / and maybe a basic grunt?[1], and ... who are ... ?[2], and be under no illusion[1], and words, words, words ... they don't do anyone any favours / and maybe a basic grunt?[2], and crawling as much as spinning, foaming at the mouth ... a vision of the future![1], and be under no illusion[2], and ... just animals, man![1], and crawling as much as spinning, f oaming at the mouth ... a vision of the future![2], and, uh ...[3], and ... just ani mals, man![2], and it's NOTHING(!) p e r s o n a l, but ...[3], and don't get confused, much[3], and a-ROUND here ... there's a golden opportunity ... to lose everything that others hold dear, ha![3], and a m o u t h, a b r a i n, a h e a r t ...[3], and, ah ... b o d i e s[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and doing what, of any use?[3], and ... Jesus H. - !!![3], and all so very u s e l e s s, yes[3], and thoughts don't belong to anyone anyway / and even feelings have become a bad j o k e[3], and ... who cares?[3], and ... '...'[3], and the v i o l e n c e of l i f e without p r e t t y r a i n b o w s / and is there a point to it?[3], and ... WHO CARES?![3], and ... '... !!!'[3], and ... what?[3], and, Christ! ... e v e r y t h i n g i s a l r e a d y l o s t ... in the beginning ... in the end[3], and beyond the THREE ... ?[3], and, no, no, no[3], and the reality of this situation must be dealt with first / and no one actually knows what is ... b e y o n d[3], and ... 'We need a rainbow!'[3], and I heard that![3], and, yeah, yeah, sure ... sometimes, a rainbow would be easier, and far more p r e d i c t a b l e[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... gotta be b r o k e n down, l o o k i n g for a c l u e[3], and ... who are ... ?[3], and words, words, words ... they don't do anyone any favours / and maybe a basic grunt?[3], and be under no illusion[3], and crawling as much as spinning, f o a m i n g at the mouth ... a vision of the future![3], and ... just a n i m a l s, man![3], and

And, uh ...[1], and it's NOTHING(!) personal, but ...[1], and, uh ...[2], and don't get confused, much[1], and it's NOTHING(!) per sonal, but ...[2], and a-ROUND here ... there's a golden opportunity ... to lose everything that others hold dear, ha![1], and don't get confused, much[2], and a mouth, a brain, a heart ...[1], and a-ROUND here ... there's a golden opportunity ... to lose everything that others hold dear, ha![2], and, ah ... bodies[1], and a mou th, a bra in, a he art ...[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and doing what, of any use?[1], and, ah ... b odies[2], and ... Jesus H. - !!![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and doing what, of any use?[2], and all so very useless, yes[1], and ... Jesus H. - !!![2], and thoughts don't belong to anyone anyway / and even feelings have become a bad joke[1], and all so very use less, yes[2], and ... who cares?[1], and thoughts don't belong to anyone anyway / and even feelings have become a bad j oke[2], and ... '...'[1], and ... who cares?[2], and the violence of life without pretty rainbows / and is there a point to it?[1], and ... '...'[2], and ... WHO CARES?![1], and the vio lence of lif e without p retty rainb ows / and is there a point to it?[2], and ... '... !!!'[1], and ... WHO CARES?![2], and ... what?[1], and ... '... !!!'[2], and, Christ! ... everything is already lost ... in the beginning ... in the end[1], and ... what?[2], and beyond the THREE ... ?[1], and, Christ! ... e verything i s alre ady l ost ... in the beginning ... in the end[2], and, no, no, no[1], and beyond the THREE ... ?[2], and the reality of this situation must be dealt with first / and no one actually knows what is ... beyond[1], and, no, no, no[2], and ... 'We need a rainbow!'[1], and the reality of this situation must be dealt with first / and no one actually knows what is ... bey ond[2], and I heard that![1], and ... 'We need a rainbow!'[2], and, yeah, yeah, sure ... sometimes, a rainbow would be easier, and far more predictable[1], and I heard that![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... gotta be broken down, looking for a clue[1], and, yeah, yeah, sure ... sometimes, a rainbow would be easier, and far more predic table[2], and ... who are ... ?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... gotta be bro ken down, l ooking for a c lue[2], and words, words, words ... they don't do anyone any favours / and maybe a basic grunt?[1], and ... who are ... ?[2], and be under no illusion[1], and words, words, words ... they don't do anyone any favours / and maybe a basic grunt?[2], and crawling as much as spinning, foaming at the mouth ... a vision of the future![1], and be under no illusion[2], and ... just animals, man![1], and crawling as much as spinning, f oaming at the mouth ... a vision of the future![2], and, uh ...[3], and ... just ani mals, man![2], and it's NOTHING(!) p e r s o n a l, but ...[3], and don't get confused, much[3], and a-ROUND here ... there's a golden opportunity ... to lose everything that others hold dear, ha![3], and a m o u t h, a b r a i n, a h e a r t ...[3], and, ah ... b o d i e s[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and doing what, of any use?[3], and ... Jesus H. - !!![3], and all so very u s e l e s s, yes[3], and thoughts don't belong to anyone anyway / and even feelings have become a bad j o k e[3], and ... who cares?[3], and ... '...'[3], and the v i o l e n c e of l i f e without p r e t t y r a i n b o w s / and is there a point to it?[3], and ... WHO CARES?![3], and ... '... !!!'[3], and ... what?[3], and, Christ! ... e v e r y t h i n g i s a l r e a d y l o s t ... in the beginning ... in the end[3], and beyond the THREE ... ?[3], and, no, no, no[3], and the reality of this situation must be dealt with first / and no one actually knows what is ... b e y o n d[3], and ... 'We need a rainbow!'[3], and I heard that![3], and, yeah, yeah, sure ... sometimes, a rainbow would be easier, and far more p r e d i c t a b l e[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... gotta be b r o k e n down, l o o k i n g for a c l u e[3], and ... who are ... ?[3], and words, words, words ... they don't do anyone any favours / and maybe a basic grunt?[3], and be under no illusion[3], and crawling as much as spinning, f o a m i n g at the mouth ... a vision of the future![3], and ... just a n i m a l s, man![3], and

VC funding

Yeah. America and China. Should I care? Should you care?

Global venture capital (VC) investment witnessed a gradual decline in two consecutive months (May and June) in the second quarter (Q2) of 2019, primarily due to a decline in the total number of VC investments in the US and China, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

I'll be honest with you, dear reader(s), I would rather write about music, BUT(!) ... 'This is a finance blog, boss.' Yes, Voice. Sadly.

The US and China collectively accounted for more than 60% of the total investment volume (including investments with disclosed funding value) during Q2 2019. The total number of VC investments in these two markets declined from 1,003 in April to 961 in May and 775 in June 2019.

I just don't know.

On the other hand, few key markets outside these two markets registered an upswing in deal volume, though they failed to completely offset the overall decline. The UK, France and Canada were among the few key countries that continued to witness consistent growth in VC investments during the review period.

The UK?! Ha! That won't last long. / The latest is, a trade deal between the US and the UK will probably be blocked by Congress if an Insane Brexit damages the Good Friday agreement. Various muppets keep saying we don't need the EU because we've got the US. Well, we might not have the US. It's all going to be a disaster, man. Listen! I enjoy fantasy as much as the next fantasist, but this Brexit fantasy will fuck up millions of people.

Anyway, back to the VC stuff -

Aurojyoti Bose, Financial Deals Analyst at GlobalData, says: "With the ongoing US-China trade dispute showing no signs of slowdown, VC investors in these two markets will keep a close watch on the developments. Investment activity is also expected to be influenced by Brexit uncertainty. However, companies in other countries, more specifically in the emerging economies, are expected to be on the radar of VC investors more than ever before."

Oh! You see?! / And -

A total of 1,495 deals (with disclosed deal value) were announced in April 2019, out of which low value deals accounted for 75.5%. It was the only month to record US$1bn+ deal in Q2 2019. The month also had two deals in the range of US$500m-US$1,000m. The US topped with a total of 891 VC funding deals, whereas China held a distant second position with 112 deals in April.

Yeah, yeah. Okay, okay.

...

Uh. Ah! Maybe we should talk about music, kook(s). My music. 'You can do the talking, boss, and they can listen.' That's right, Voice.

I'm only one lyric away from having all the material I need for the Citizen Kane of albums. You can't put six world-beaters on one album, man, and not get that result ... as long as the album is recorded in a competent manner, of course, which it will be. I'll demand a top producer! Maybe Mark Ronson.

The other five songs are bread-and-butter classics. Every song is a potential single. That's got to be a good thing in the age of streaming ... ? Yes! It will be the only studio album in history that sounds like a greatest hits package. / I think Paul McCartney once said that you shouldn't do that. 'Don't listen to him, Mikey!' No! It will be all right because of the different structures, styles, and moods, and the order of the songs. I've written each song ... with all the other songs in mind. You dig? / Anyway, it's the age of streaming, son. Daughter. A lot of people will dip in and out.

Laters!

Tuesday, 30 July 2019

[No. 727] Sleep is the cousin of death

Believe it!

And ... big time - !!![1], and, listen, you, you, YOU(!) ... I ain't got no time for sleeping a-ROUND here[1], and ... big time - !!![2], and, uh, time, big or small ... is running out ... ?[1], and, listen, you, you, YOU(!) ... I ain't got no time for sl eeping a-ROUND here[2], and what will you do with yours?[1], and, uh, time, big or small ... is running out ... ?[2], and ... seriously![1], and what will you do with yours?[2], and come to me, if you want to, baby / and, BUT(!) ... I need to see some real passion, you dig?[1], and ... seriously![2], and, oh, I'm not playing games, no[1], and come to me, if you want to, baby / and, BUT(!) ... I need to see some real pass ion, you dig?[2], and what do you want from life, before death?[1], and, oh, I'm not playing games, no[2], and tell me![1], and what do you want from life, before death?[2], and ... 'Angels are a nightmare, boss'[1], and tell me![2], and look at me! ... I walk, and talk, and spin, don't I?[1], and ... 'Angels are a nightmare, boss'[2], and hardcore, obviously[1], and look at me! ... I w alk, and t alk, and s pin, don't I?[2], and moving inside, all spiritual, like[1], and hardcore, obviously[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... ? / ... and this is as real as it gets, actually, man, yes[1], and moving inside, all spiritual, like[2], and, yes, yes[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... ? / ... and this is as real as it gets, actually, man, yes[2], and here is my life, ah, moments of it - perfectly preserved![1], and, yes, yes[2], and, now ...[1], and here is my life, ah, mom ents of it - perfectly preserved![2], and I'm looking at you / and ... why are you smiling like that?! / and, please ... be serious![1], and, now ...[2], and time is passing, uh, again, Christ![1], and I'm looking at you / and ... why are you smiling like that?! / and, please ... be serious![2], and keep on, keep on, keep on, believing in ... whatever / and don't you ever stop[1], and time is passing, uh, again, Christ![2], and it's nice to have a reason ...[1], and keep on, keep on, keep on, believing in ... whatever / and don't you ever stop[2], and I'm waiting for a miracle, another miracle / and they choose me, you know[1], and it's nice to have a reason ...[2], and it's nice to be awake ... while I'm waiting[1], and I'm waiting for a miracle, another miracle / and they ch oose me, you know[2], and a-ROUND here ... with such intensity now! / and not even a little sleepy, no, no, no[1], and it's nice to be awake ... while I'm waiting[2], and, oi! ... Are your eyes heavy?![1], and a-ROUND here ... with such inten sity now! / and not even a little sleepy, no, no, no[2], and, wake, wake, wake ... WAKE UP - !!![1], and, oi! ... Are your eyes heavy?![2], and ... big time - !!![3], and, wake, wake, wake ... WAKE UP - !!![2], and, listen, you, you, YOU(!) ... I ain't got no time for s l e e p i n g a-ROUND here[3], and, uh, time, big or small ... is running out ... ?[3], and what will you do with yours?[3], and ... seriously![3], and come to me, if you want to, baby / and, BUT(!) ... I need to see some real p a s s i o n, you dig?[3], and, oh, I'm not playing games, no[3], and what do you want from life, before death?[3], and tell me![3], and ... 'Angels are a nightmare, boss'[3], and look at me! ... I w a l k, and t a l k, and s p i n, don't I?[3], and hardcore, obviously[3], and moving inside, all spiritual, like[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... ? / ... and this is as real as it gets, actually, man, yes[3], and, yes, yes[3], and here is my life, ah, m o m e n t s of it - perfectly preserved![3], and, now ...[3], and I'm looking at you / and ... why are you smiling like that?! / and, please ... be serious![3], and time is passing, uh, again, Christ![3], and keep on, keep on, keep on, believing in ... whatever / and don't you ever stop[3], and it's nice to have a reason ...[3], and I'm waiting for a miracle, another miracle / and they c h o o s e me, you know[3], and it's nice to be awake ... while I'm waiting[3], and a-ROUND here ... with such i n t e n s i t y now! / and not even a little sleepy, no, no, no[3], and, oi! ... Are your eyes heavy?![3], and, wake, wake, wake ... WAKE UP - !!![3], and

And ... big time - !!![1], and, listen, you, you, YOU(!) ... I ain't got no time for sleeping a-ROUND here[1], and ... big time - !!![2], and, uh, time, big or small ... is running out ... ?[1], and, listen, you, you, YOU(!) ... I ain't got no time for sl eeping a-ROUND here[2], and what will you do with yours?[1], and, uh, time, big or small ... is running out ... ?[2], and ... seriously![1], and what will you do with yours?[2], and come to me, if you want to, baby / and, BUT(!) ... I need to see some real passion, you dig?[1], and ... seriously![2], and, oh, I'm not playing games, no[1], and come to me, if you want to, baby / and, BUT(!) ... I need to see some real pass ion, you dig?[2], and what do you want from life, before death?[1], and, oh, I'm not playing games, no[2], and tell me![1], and what do you want from life, before death?[2], and ... 'Angels are a nightmare, boss'[1], and tell me![2], and look at me! ... I walk, and talk, and spin, don't I?[1], and ... 'Angels are a nightmare, boss'[2], and hardcore, obviously[1], and look at me! ... I w alk, and t alk, and s pin, don't I?[2], and moving inside, all spiritual, like[1], and hardcore, obviously[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... ? / ... and this is as real as it gets, actually, man, yes[1], and moving inside, all spiritual, like[2], and, yes, yes[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... ? / ... and this is as real as it gets, actually, man, yes[2], and here is my life, ah, moments of it - perfectly preserved![1], and, yes, yes[2], and, now ...[1], and here is my life, ah, mom ents of it - perfectly preserved![2], and I'm looking at you / and ... why are you smiling like that?! / and, please ... be serious![1], and, now ...[2], and time is passing, uh, again, Christ![1], and I'm looking at you / and ... why are you smiling like that?! / and, please ... be serious![2], and keep on, keep on, keep on, believing in ... whatever / and don't you ever stop[1], and time is passing, uh, again, Christ![2], and it's nice to have a reason ...[1], and keep on, keep on, keep on, believing in ... whatever / and don't you ever stop[2], and I'm waiting for a miracle, another miracle / and they choose me, you know[1], and it's nice to have a reason ...[2], and it's nice to be awake ... while I'm waiting[1], and I'm waiting for a miracle, another miracle / and they ch oose me, you know[2], and a-ROUND here ... with such intensity now! / and not even a little sleepy, no, no, no[1], and it's nice to be awake ... while I'm waiting[2], and, oi! ... Are your eyes heavy?![1], and a-ROUND here ... with such inten sity now! / and not even a little sleepy, no, no, no[2], and, wake, wake, wake ... WAKE UP - !!![1], and, oi! ... Are your eyes heavy?![2], and ... big time - !!![3], and, wake, wake, wake ... WAKE UP - !!![2], and, listen, you, you, YOU(!) ... I ain't got no time for s l e e p i n g a-ROUND here[3], and, uh, time, big or small ... is running out ... ?[3], and what will you do with yours?[3], and ... seriously![3], and come to me, if you want to, baby / and, BUT(!) ... I need to see some real p a s s i o n, you dig?[3], and, oh, I'm not playing games, no[3], and what do you want from life, before death?[3], and tell me![3], and ... 'Angels are a nightmare, boss'[3], and look at me! ... I w a l k, and t a l k, and s p i n, don't I?[3], and hardcore, obviously[3], and moving inside, all spiritual, like[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... ? / ... and this is as real as it gets, actually, man, yes[3], and, yes, yes[3], and here is my life, ah, m o m e n t s of it - perfectly preserved![3], and, now ...[3], and I'm looking at you / and ... why are you smiling like that?! / and, please ... be serious![3], and time is passing, uh, again, Christ![3], and keep on, keep on, keep on, believing in ... whatever / and don't you ever stop[3], and it's nice to have a reason ...[3], and I'm waiting for a miracle, another miracle / and they c h o o s e me, you know[3], and it's nice to be awake ... while I'm waiting[3], and a-ROUND here ... with such i n t e n s i t y now! / and not even a little sleepy, no, no, no[3], and, oi! ... Are your eyes heavy?![3], and, wake, wake, wake ... WAKE UP - !!![3], and

Rapid team expansion

Okay, okay. Is there anything better than rapid team expansion? 'Er ...' You're not sure, are you, Voice? 'Not really, boss.' Ha!

Well, Omar Habboush has been added to the team, my friend(s). And who knows who will be next?

London, 29 July 2019: Astarte Capital Partners LLP, an alternatives co-investment platform, has appointed Omar Habboush, CFA, to its business development team as an Associate. Habboush joins recent hires Richard Templer, Finance Director, and Bruno Fumach, Investment Director, in the London office.

I wrote about those two other guys, didn't I? 'Yes, you did. A few weeks ago.' Yes, I remember. / Now, what's the lesson here? 'If other firms sent you PR emails like this, you could write about them, and life would be so much easier, boss.' Exactly, Voice! Exactly! I mean, no offence to Jinksy, like, BUT(!) ... I would rather write about investment firms than parcels. 'Ha!' Do you know what I mean? And I'm not writing about personal stuff no more. Nor music. / Anyway ...

Prior to his appointment at Astarte Capital Partners, Habboush gained seven years of experience at Citigroup in London, where he was part of the Institutional Sales team and worked with UK, European and Middle Eastern pension funds, sovereign wealth funds and central banks. Prior to that Habboush focused on operations, risk, regulation and balance sheet management within Citigroup's Fixed Income Sales team.

Nice.

Habboush is currently reading Finance for a Master's Degree at London Business School. He is a CFA Charter holder and a graduate of the University of Exeter, with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Finance.

Oh, very nice! / Having said that, it's much better to educate yourself, you dig? Don't go to university!

Okay, okay. Right, I think we better hear from Kojak's brother. 'I loved him in Kelly's Heroes - !!!' Oh, yeah. He was good, Voice, wasn't he? A marvellous comic performance.

Dr Stavros Siokos, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Astarte Capital Partners, says: "We are delighted to welcome Omar to his new role at Astarte. The ongoing growth of our team reflects the strength in our pipeline of opportunities and Omar's experience will be valuable as our investor base expands globally. We continue to see excellent potential for deals in the real assets space with our co-invest platform opening more than $2bn worth of value-add opportunities to our partners."

Thank you, Stavros!

ENDS

...

Anything else? Music? 'Ha!' Christ! What did I tell you yesterday, dear reader(s)? Seriously! Are you thick or something? 'Just tell them about the new tune, Mikey.' Okay. But this is the last time. Listen! My new tune is awesome. It's the best yet. And guess what! 'Tell them!' The best bit of it came from another blackout. 'Great!' You see, I only got three hours sleep on Saturday night. Come Sunday, I was dozing off all over the place, and this tune came to me in five or six seconds. It was just a little fragment that I extended and added to a tune I wrote the other week. NOW(!), this is a real revelation to me. Dream tunes are shit, man, because you hardly ever remember them. Well, I don't. However, blackout tunes come in seconds, and then you're awake again with the new tune still in your head. 'Amazing!' So, sleep deprivation is definitely the way forward.

Laters!

Monday, 29 July 2019

Civilization

It's nearly over. The global elite are hanging on. They think fascism is the answer. But it's only a temporary fix.

[Should I be looking for a nice cave? No, not yet.]

I feel sorry for all the people who have been fooled. The problem? No one is educated these days. Unless you can educate yourself, and then think for yourself, you're always going to be the butt of reality's joke. And if you're humiliated, the global elite will expect you to like your humiliation, even love it.

And knowing you ...

Who knows you?

God does. The cosmic power force does. Whatever.

Realistically, we probably have twenty years to go. Which is fine, for me. No need for a cave just yet. I can still be a rock and roll star in that time. For my own entertainment, you understand. Although I won't object to others being entertained.

...

I've got a migraine. The world seems a much more serious place when you're ill. You don't want to smile or laugh. Oh, I'm sure I'll be okay by tonight.

One day, we will get really ill. All of us! But you won't see me in no fucking hospital, man. Like Carlito Brigante, I'll be on a beautiful beach.

I wrote a new tune yesterday. I reckon it will be my sixth world-beater. The lyric might be a bit tricky though.

Six is close to ten. And I won't even stop at ten.

Nothing else makes sense to me.

There is no one like me.

I felt a bit sick, with the migraine, like. I'm past that now.

I'm having pizza tonight, actually. That might cheer me up. Pizza and Anadin Extra. And a Magnum ice cream, too!

...

St Ives or Malibu? Christ! Don't make me choose.

Listen! St Ives, if I'm a songwriter. Malibu, if I'm a rock star. 'You're going to be a rock star, Mikey!' Ha! Well ... so it is written, so it shall be done.

I'm going to buy a massive fuck-off house right on the beach! I'm going to join the global elite! If you can't beat them ...

You dig?

...

By the way, this is my last personal post. And no more music neither. I mean it. Just dull, dull finance from now on. Read it until you love it, kook(s)! Why should I be the only one who suffers?

Obviously, I'll continue with the conceptuals. Maybe they will become more obscure. No one will know what the fuck I'm talking about. 'No one knows now, boss.' Thank you, Voice. That's the nicest thing you've ever said to me.

Okay, okay. I'm going to listen to The Velvet Underground. The three most powerful songs from the first album. The invention of alternative rock!

I'm Waiting For The Man
Venus In Furs
Heroin

Laters.

Thursday, 25 July 2019

Are cryptocurrencies the best investment bet during political upheaval?

No.

...

Well, that's that, uh ... taken care of, dear reader(s). Yes! The last PR email of the week. And this is the last post of the week, I'm glad to say. I can't work in this heat, man! I looked out of the window a minute ago, and the streets were empty. It's like that Charlton Heston film, The Omega Man.

Okay, okay. Anything else?

Let's play some music!

Sunny Afternoon. The Kinks. / Why on earth did Ray Davies stop writing songs like this?! Did he just say to himself: The Sixties are over now ... ?

In the Summertime. Mungo Jerry. / Maybe the ultimate summer song. Awesome!

Summertime. Sam Cooke. / I ain't never ever heard a better version of this great standard.

The Warmth of the Sun. The Beach Boys. / Yeah, but were they expecting it to be this "warm"? Christ!

Here Comes the Sun. The Beatles. / It's already here, mate.

Who Loves the Sun. The Velvet Underground. / Er, not me, Lou. (And Doug, of course.)

Play in the Sunshine. Prince. / Ha! I'll sit this one out, Prince, if you don't mind. I'm knackered.

Hot Thing. Prince. / Whatever.

...

Okay, okay. That's enough music.

Anything else? Politics? Oh, okay, if you insist. Boris reckons it will be the EU's fault if we leave without a deal. Well, it won't be their fault. BUT(!) ... even if it were, so what? When we're starving and dressed in rags, will we comfort ourselves with the "fact" that it was the EU's fault? It doesn't make any sense, man. But I guess NOTHING makes sense now, does it? Just think: only three years ago we were living in a reasonably sensible country.

Anyway, have a nice weekend, kook(s) - if you can. Laters!

Smile - !!!

It's a nice sunny day, dear reader(s), so ... smile! Yes, it's a PR email. So, smile - !!! Smile for me! Me - !!! Ah, smile for everyone!

Okay, okay. Anything else? 'Is that the PR email, boss? Just smile!' No, no, Voice. No. There's more to it than that, unfortunately. 'Are you going to do the rest of it, then?' Well, I suppose I'll have to ...

But first! A little bit of politics, as Ben Elton used to say. Boris Johnson is prime minister now, and his new cabinet is looking very interesting. He seems to have surrounded himself with the worst people in Britain. The dregs of society, as it were. 'Ha!' Yes, this is our new government. What can go wrong?

But I don't care, kook(s). I'm not of this world, thank God!

Okay, okay. The PR email. For my sins, and yours.

Keensight Capital, one of the leading European Growth Buyout firms, has entered into an exclusive agreement to acquire a majority stake in Smile, the European leader in digital and open source. Subject to the completion of the information and consultation process of the employees representative bodies of the Smile group and the approval of the transaction by the French competition authority, Keensight Capital, which has built a strong partnership with Smile over the years having first invested in the company from 2013 to 2017, would replace Eurazeo PME as majority shareholder. Eurazeo PME would also be reinvesting in the company, alongside the management team and the employees.

Oh, by the way ... JB Straubel seems to have left Tesla. 'He's staying on as an adviser, boss.' Really? That remains to be seen. / Anyone who is familiar with the Vance/Musk book will know how important Straubel has been. I find this news a bit disturbing, to put it mildly. However, I've got my own problems to worry about, you dig? Elon isn't going to stop being Elon. I'm me, Michael! I've got to be me. I've got to record my songs. But, uh ... not in this heat, obviously. It's going to be thirty-eight degrees in London today, but only twenty in St Ives and Looe. 'Ha! Get back to Cornwall, boss!' Well ... 'Why did you even come home, man?' Christ! Because I'm a glutton for punishment, that's why. I've got this blog to write. I've got my songs to record. I've got my destiny to fulfil. / Oh! I've been thinking, kook(s). Listen! Most big stars have to spend years building a mythology around themselves, BUT(!) ... I've been doing it for twelve years already with this blog. I'm ready to go, son! Uh, daughter. You dig?

Anyway ...

Founded in 1991, Smile has been a technology pioneer and is now the European market leader in digital based projects on open source technologies. The company combines technical and business expertise in areas ranging from digital technology, E-business and the Internet of Things to embedded systems, IT infrastructures and business apps. Its unique service offering provides businesses with cutting-edge open source solutions designed to release the unexploited innovation potential that lies in all companies.

Fair enough. There's actually a lot of this email, and it's such a hot day, er ... 'Skip straight to the quotes, boss.' Yes, that's what I was thinking of doing. Thank you, Voice.

Okay, Marc. Do your thing!

Marc Palazon, Chairman of Smile's Executive Board, says: "In sync with Keensight Capital and Eurazeo PME's investment philosophy, we think one step ahead. Our ambition is to establish ourselves as the next European digital champion, through both organic growth and bolt-on acquisitions. We are confident that the guidance of two of the best European investment teams coupled with the roll-out of the second part of our Open Arrow strategy would enable us to make open source the main vector for digitalization in Europe."

Nice one, Marc!

Come on, Philippe! Do your thing!

Philippe Crochet, Managing Partner at Keensight Capital, declares: "For our new investment through Keensight V, our recently raised €1 billion fund, we are proud to have the opportunity to partner yet again with Marc Palazon, a highly talented manager with whom we have collaborated from 2013 to 2017, and his highly recognized teams. With its unique open source DNA and its limitless capacities, Smile's growth potential is extraordinary, especially at an international level. We are very excited to keep exploring new opportunities together."

Great! Thank you, Philippe! / And, uh ... Pierre?

Pierre Meignen, Managing Director at Eurazeo PME, states: "We are delighted to renew our support to such a rare and ambitious company. Smile's European footprint as well as its solid positioning testify to its unique growth capacity which continues to impress us daily."

Okay.

ENDS

Laters!

Tuesday, 23 July 2019

[No. 726] Can you fight your destiny?

Knowing my luck ...

And ... 'Ha!'[1], and I'll be a-ROUND here ... forever![1], and ... 'Ha!'[2], and ... 'Ha, ha!'[1], and I'll be a-ROUND here ... forever![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, well, my soul is exhausted, seriously![1], and ... 'Ha, ha!'[2], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, well, my s oul is exhausted, seriously![2], and The Voice can be very annoying, obviously[1], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[2], and, listen! ... I started this, I invented it, I'm stuck with it ... and, uh, oh ... who can I blame?[1], and The Voice can be very annoying, obviously[2], and I'll blame YOU(!), ha - !!![1], and, listen! ... I started this, I invented it, I'm stuck with it ... and, uh, oh ... who can I blame?[2], and ... 'Me?!'[1], and I'll blame YOU(!), ha - !!![2], and destiny is a hell of a thing ...[1], and ... 'Me?!'[2], and it's not that bad, no ... no, no, no / and the reality of the COLD WORLD is far worse[1], and destiny is a h ell of a thing ...[2], and I'm staying alive, yes![1], and it's not that bad, no ... no, no, no / and the reality of the C OLD W ORLD is far worse[2], and, Christ! ... with, uh ... Johnson and Trump now ... maybe it's a world of fools[1], and I'm st aying al ive, yes![2], and let's be happy to stay here ... ?[1], and, Christ! ... with, uh ... Johnson and Trump now ... maybe it's a wo rld o f f ools[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and the DIZZY(!) life is all there is for kooks ... ?[1], and let's be happy to stay here ... ?[2], and ... 'No, no, no'[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and the DIZZY(!) life is all there is for k ooks ... ?[2], and forget the squares![1], and ... 'No, no, no'[2], and a-ROUND here ... we need to make sense of why oh WHY(!) we're alive[1], and forget the squares![2], and ... 'Yes, yes, yes'[1], and a-ROUND here ... we need to make sense of why oh WHY(!) we're alive[2], and I ... I got the fever![1], and ... 'Yes, yes, yes'[2], and I got it bad![1], and I ... I got the fever![2], and, listen! ... I will record those songs, for myself, like ... oh, not for others[1], and I got it bad![2], and ... 'Yippee!'[1], and, listen! ... I will record those songs, for myself, like ... oh, not for others[2], and a great truth, man: You can always rely on yourself and your own power[1], and ... 'Yippee!'[2], and ... who do I trust? Me![1], and a great truth, man: You can always rely on yourself and your own pow er[2], and oh you can come, too, yes / and that will be perfectly fine with me, you dig?[1], and ... who do I trust? Me![2], and, BUT(!), please ... tell me![1], and oh you can come, too, yes / and that will be perfectly fine with me, you dig?[2], and out there, where it's not safe at all ... I really need to know[1], and, BUT(!), please ... tell me![2], and, tell me! ... How deep is your love?[1], and out there, where it's not safe at all ... I really need to know[2], and ... 'Ha!'[3], and, tell me! ... How d eep is your love?[2], and I'll be a-ROUND here ... forever![3], and ... 'Ha, ha!'[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, well, my s o u l is exhausted, seriously![3], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[3], and The Voice can be very annoying, obviously[3], and, listen! ... I started this, I invented it, I'm stuck with it ... and, uh, oh ... who can I blame?[3], and I'll blame YOU(!), ha - !!![3], and ... 'Me?!'[3], and destiny is a h e l l of a thing ...[3], and it's not that bad, no ... no, no, no / and the reality of the C O L D W O R L D is far worse[3], and I'm s t a y i n g a l i v e, yes![3], and, Christ! ... with, uh ... Johnson and Trump now ... maybe it's a w o r l d o f f o o l s[3], and let's be happy to stay here ... ?[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and the DIZZY(!) life is all there is for k o o k s ... ?[3], and ... 'No, no, no'[3], and forget the squares![3], and a-ROUND here ... we need to make sense of why oh WHY(!) we're alive[3], and ... 'Yes, yes, yes'[3], and I ... I got the fever![3], and I got it bad![3], and, listen! ... I will record those songs, for myself, like ... oh, not for others[3], and ... 'Yippee!'[3], and a great truth, man: You can always rely on yourself and your own p o w e r[3], and ... who do I trust? Me![3], and oh you can come, too, yes / and that will be perfectly fine with me, you dig?[3], and, BUT(!), please ... tell me![3], and out there, where it's not safe at all ... I really need to know[3], and, tell me! ... How d e e p is your love?[3], and

And ... 'Ha!'[1], and I'll be a-ROUND here ... forever![1], and ... 'Ha!'[2], and ... 'Ha, ha!'[1], and I'll be a-ROUND here ... forever![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, well, my soul is exhausted, seriously![1], and ... 'Ha, ha!'[2], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, well, my s oul is exhausted, seriously![2], and The Voice can be very annoying, obviously[1], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[2], and, listen! ... I started this, I invented it, I'm stuck with it ... and, uh, oh ... who can I blame?[1], and The Voice can be very annoying, obviously[2], and I'll blame YOU(!), ha - !!![1], and, listen! ... I started this, I invented it, I'm stuck with it ... and, uh, oh ... who can I blame?[2], and ... 'Me?!'[1], and I'll blame YOU(!), ha - !!![2], and destiny is a hell of a thing ...[1], and ... 'Me?!'[2], and it's not that bad, no ... no, no, no / and the reality of the COLD WORLD is far worse[1], and destiny is a h ell of a thing ...[2], and I'm staying alive, yes![1], and it's not that bad, no ... no, no, no / and the reality of the C OLD W ORLD is far worse[2], and, Christ! ... with, uh ... Johnson and Trump now ... maybe it's a world of fools[1], and I'm st aying al ive, yes![2], and let's be happy to stay here ... ?[1], and, Christ! ... with, uh ... Johnson and Trump now ... maybe it's a wo rld o f f ools[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and the DIZZY(!) life is all there is for kooks ... ?[1], and let's be happy to stay here ... ?[2], and ... 'No, no, no'[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and the DIZZY(!) life is all there is for k ooks ... ?[2], and forget the squares![1], and ... 'No, no, no'[2], and a-ROUND here ... we need to make sense of why oh WHY(!) we're alive[1], and forget the squares![2], and ... 'Yes, yes, yes'[1], and a-ROUND here ... we need to make sense of why oh WHY(!) we're alive[2], and I ... I got the fever![1], and ... 'Yes, yes, yes'[2], and I got it bad![1], and I ... I got the fever![2], and, listen! ... I will record those songs, for myself, like ... oh, not for others[1], and I got it bad![2], and ... 'Yippee!'[1], and, listen! ... I will record those songs, for myself, like ... oh, not for others[2], and a great truth, man: You can always rely on yourself and your own power[1], and ... 'Yippee!'[2], and ... who do I trust? Me![1], and a great truth, man: You can always rely on yourself and your own pow er[2], and oh you can come, too, yes / and that will be perfectly fine with me, you dig?[1], and ... who do I trust? Me![2], and, BUT(!), please ... tell me![1], and oh you can come, too, yes / and that will be perfectly fine with me, you dig?[2], and out there, where it's not safe at all ... I really need to know[1], and, BUT(!), please ... tell me![2], and, tell me! ... How deep is your love?[1], and out there, where it's not safe at all ... I really need to know[2], and ... 'Ha!'[3], and, tell me! ... How d eep is your love?[2], and I'll be a-ROUND here ... forever![3], and ... 'Ha, ha!'[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, well, my s o u l is exhausted, seriously![3], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[3], and The Voice can be very annoying, obviously[3], and, listen! ... I started this, I invented it, I'm stuck with it ... and, uh, oh ... who can I blame?[3], and I'll blame YOU(!), ha - !!![3], and ... 'Me?!'[3], and destiny is a h e l l of a thing ...[3], and it's not that bad, no ... no, no, no / and the reality of the C O L D W O R L D is far worse[3], and I'm s t a y i n g a l i v e, yes![3], and, Christ! ... with, uh ... Johnson and Trump now ... maybe it's a w o r l d o f f o o l s[3], and let's be happy to stay here ... ?[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and the DIZZY(!) life is all there is for k o o k s ... ?[3], and ... 'No, no, no'[3], and forget the squares![3], and a-ROUND here ... we need to make sense of why oh WHY(!) we're alive[3], and ... 'Yes, yes, yes'[3], and I ... I got the fever![3], and I got it bad![3], and, listen! ... I will record those songs, for myself, like ... oh, not for others[3], and ... 'Yippee!'[3], and a great truth, man: You can always rely on yourself and your own p o w e r[3], and ... who do I trust? Me![3], and oh you can come, too, yes / and that will be perfectly fine with me, you dig?[3], and, BUT(!), please ... tell me![3], and out there, where it's not safe at all ... I really need to know[3], and, tell me! ... How d e e p is your love?[3], and

No PR emails, no financial news

Well, well ... / That's just the way it goes, my friend(s). Unless I'm prepared to, uh ... Christ, look for news, like the old days, like. 'Are you prepared to do that, boss? Really?' Ha! In this heat? Do me a favour, son! Uh. Maybe next week, if it cools down a bit.

Obviously, dear reader(s), I can't record my songs in this heat either, neither. 'That's convenient.' What, Voice? 'Nothing.' You keep your mouth shut. 'I don't have a mouth.' Whatever!

So, uh ... oh! I've noticed I perform my songs better after sleeping for half an hour. A little nap, I mean. When I'm still sleepy, I mean. So, what does this mean? 'Nerves.' Maybe. Yes, maybe I'm too nervous when I'm fully awake.

Jesus H. - !!! Boris Johnson will probably become prime minister today. That's all we need! What a joke, eh?!

Listen! Someone send me a PR email! Please! And not about crypto shit. And not about parcels. Something exciting! 'A new fund, boss?' Yes, I suppose. That would do.

Will this be my last year of blogging? Am I that lucky? 'You've got a lucky face!' Yeah, right.

Maybe I'm nervous about becoming a big star ... ? It's possible. Maybe. I don't know. 'Just be a songwriter, man. Live the quiet life in Cornwall.' That would be nice. I'm not sure how lucky I am though.

I'm probably going to end up like my mentor, Jim Morrison. I mean, if you pick someone like that, he's only going to take you in one direction. The mad bastard!

Can you fight your destiny? That is the question!

...

Cornwall? Looe? What did I do? Er, not a lot, actually, kook(s). I ate pasties. I ate chips. I ate mint ice creams. I drank Kronenbourg. And I dodged seagulls. Oh! And I stared at the sea.

When I got to Polperro - just a few hours one morning - I sat on that bench and listened to Songs From a Room for old times' sake. Well, half of it. The weather was too nice for the whole album. Do you know what I mean? No mist/fog.

...

I feel like listening to Saturday Night Fever, the album, for some reason. Oh, I know why! I had a nice holiday with my grandparents in Selsey, a little while after the album was released. (I had it on my cassette player.) And the weather was really, really hot, like today!

I'll put it on later, after lunch. I'll be working on No. 726.

Laters!

Monday, 22 July 2019

[No. 725] Deeper into paradise

How far can one go?

And, so ... here I am, now[1], and, oh, I was there again, my kook(s), up to my neck in pasties and ... Kronenbourg lager, actually[1], and, so ... here I am, now[2], and, no, no, no ... not, uh, Stella - the pubs didn't have any, man![1], and, oh, I was there again, my kook(s), up to my neck in pasties and ... Kronenbourg lager, actually[2], and, Looe? ... it was great, obviously[1], and, no, no, no ... not, uh, Stella - the pubs didn't have any, man![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I'm here now, yes, for my sins, and I'm not complaining[1], and, Looe? ... it was great, obviously[2], and, well, not much, you dig?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I'm here now, yes, for my sins, and I'm not complaining[2], and, listen! ... the more you go ... the more you want to go, strangely enough[1], and, well, not much, you dig?[2], and, ah, so strange![1], and, listen! ... the more you go ... the more you want to go, strangely enough[2], and, Polperro? ... obviously / and don't forget: I have a nightmare all a-ROUND, where I don't visit the place[1], and, ah, so strange![2], and mint ice creams, too![1], and, Polperro? ... obviously / and don't forget: I have a nightmare all a-ROUND, where I don't visit the place[2], and St Ives is still the best[1], and mint ice creams, too![2], and those seagulls, Christ! / and ... do YOU(!) know what I mean?[1], and St Ives is still the best[2], and I saw the fish - more than one - swimming in the harbour ...[1], and those seagulls, Christ! / and ... do YOU(!) know what I mean?[2], and ... so free![1], and I saw the fish - more than one - swimming in the harbour ...[2], and ... were they different fish? / and you'd have to ask them, really, I suppose[1], and ... so free![2], and I won't speak for fish![1], and ... were they different fish? / and you'd have to ask them, really, I suppose[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... I was a different person, man, and now I'm the same, sadly[1], and I won't speak for fish![2], and the same as I was ...[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... I was a different person, man, and now I'm the same, sadly[2], and with a conceptual ... there can be no changes to your soul, when you're GONE(!) inside, like[1], and the same as I was ...[2], and ... never mind, eh?[1], and with a conceptual ... there can be no changes to your soul, when you're GONE(!) inside, like[2], and you, I, we, we never mind[1], and ... never mind, eh?[2], and, well ...[1], and you, I, we, we never mind[2], and, uh, uh, uh ... back, back, back to Looe![1], and, well ...[2], and by the harbour ... Harbour Moon Inn?[1], and, uh, uh, uh ... back, back, back to Looe![2], and, listen! ... they keep the pint glass in the freezer[1], and by the harbour ... Harbour Moon Inn?[2], and it's a real shame that Stella wasn't with me, BUT(!) ... Kronenbourg is great![1], and, listen! ... they keep the pint glass in the freezer[2], and maybe next time ... ?[1], and it's a real shame that St ella wasn't with me, BUT(!) ... Kro nenbourg is great![2], and, so ... here I am, now[3], and maybe next time ... ?[2], and, oh, I was there again, my kook(s), up to my neck in pasties and ... Kronenbourg lager, actually[3], and, no, no, no ... not, uh, Stella - the pubs didn't have any, man![3], and, Looe? ... it was great, obviously[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I'm here now, yes, for my sins, and I'm not complaining[3], and, well, not much, you dig?[3], and, listen! ... the more you go ... the more you want to go, strangely enough[3], and, ah, so strange![3], and, Polperro? ... obviously / and don't forget: I have a nightmare all a-ROUND, where I don't visit the place[3], and mint ice creams, too![3], and St Ives is still the best[3], and those seagulls, Christ! / and ... do YOU(!) know what I mean?[3], and I saw the fish - more than one - swimming in the harbour ...[3], and ... so free![3], and ... were they different fish? / and you'd have to ask them, really, I suppose[3], and I won't speak for fish![3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... I was a different person, man, and now I'm the same, sadly[3], and the same as I was ...[3], and with a conceptual ... there can be no changes to your soul, when you're GONE(!) inside, like[3], and ... never mind, eh?[3], and you, I, we, we never mind[3], and, well ...[3], and, uh, uh, uh ... back, back, back to Looe![3], and by the harbour ... Harbour Moon Inn?[3], and, listen! ... they keep the pint glass in the freezer[3], and it's a real shame that S t e l l a wasn't with me, BUT(!) ... K r o n e n b o u r g is great![3], and maybe next time ... ?[3], and

And, so ... here I am, now[1], and, oh, I was there again, my kook(s), up to my neck in pasties and ... Kronenbourg lager, actually[1], and, so ... here I am, now[2], and, no, no, no ... not, uh, Stella - the pubs didn't have any, man![1], and, oh, I was there again, my kook(s), up to my neck in pasties and ... Kronenbourg lager, actually[2], and, Looe? ... it was great, obviously[1], and, no, no, no ... not, uh, Stella - the pubs didn't have any, man![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I'm here now, yes, for my sins, and I'm not complaining[1], and, Looe? ... it was great, obviously[2], and, well, not much, you dig?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I'm here now, yes, for my sins, and I'm not complaining[2], and, listen! ... the more you go ... the more you want to go, strangely enough[1], and, well, not much, you dig?[2], and, ah, so strange![1], and, listen! ... the more you go ... the more you want to go, strangely enough[2], and, Polperro? ... obviously / and don't forget: I have a nightmare all a-ROUND, where I don't visit the place[1], and, ah, so strange![2], and mint ice creams, too![1], and, Polperro? ... obviously / and don't forget: I have a nightmare all a-ROUND, where I don't visit the place[2], and St Ives is still the best[1], and mint ice creams, too![2], and those seagulls, Christ! / and ... do YOU(!) know what I mean?[1], and St Ives is still the best[2], and I saw the fish - more than one - swimming in the harbour ...[1], and those seagulls, Christ! / and ... do YOU(!) know what I mean?[2], and ... so free![1], and I saw the fish - more than one - swimming in the harbour ...[2], and ... were they different fish? / and you'd have to ask them, really, I suppose[1], and ... so free![2], and I won't speak for fish![1], and ... were they different fish? / and you'd have to ask them, really, I suppose[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... I was a different person, man, and now I'm the same, sadly[1], and I won't speak for fish![2], and the same as I was ...[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... I was a different person, man, and now I'm the same, sadly[2], and with a conceptual ... there can be no changes to your soul, when you're GONE(!) inside, like[1], and the same as I was ...[2], and ... never mind, eh?[1], and with a conceptual ... there can be no changes to your soul, when you're GONE(!) inside, like[2], and you, I, we, we never mind[1], and ... never mind, eh?[2], and, well ...[1], and you, I, we, we never mind[2], and, uh, uh, uh ... back, back, back to Looe![1], and, well ...[2], and by the harbour ... Harbour Moon Inn?[1], and, uh, uh, uh ... back, back, back to Looe![2], and, listen! ... they keep the pint glass in the freezer[1], and by the harbour ... Harbour Moon Inn?[2], and it's a real shame that Stella wasn't with me, BUT(!) ... Kronenbourg is great![1], and, listen! ... they keep the pint glass in the freezer[2], and maybe next time ... ?[1], and it's a real shame that St ella wasn't with me, BUT(!) ... Kro nenbourg is great![2], and, so ... here I am, now[3], and maybe next time ... ?[2], and, oh, I was there again, my kook(s), up to my neck in pasties and ... Kronenbourg lager, actually[3], and, no, no, no ... not, uh, Stella - the pubs didn't have any, man![3], and, Looe? ... it was great, obviously[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I'm here now, yes, for my sins, and I'm not complaining[3], and, well, not much, you dig?[3], and, listen! ... the more you go ... the more you want to go, strangely enough[3], and, ah, so strange![3], and, Polperro? ... obviously / and don't forget: I have a nightmare all a-ROUND, where I don't visit the place[3], and mint ice creams, too![3], and St Ives is still the best[3], and those seagulls, Christ! / and ... do YOU(!) know what I mean?[3], and I saw the fish - more than one - swimming in the harbour ...[3], and ... so free![3], and ... were they different fish? / and you'd have to ask them, really, I suppose[3], and I won't speak for fish![3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... I was a different person, man, and now I'm the same, sadly[3], and the same as I was ...[3], and with a conceptual ... there can be no changes to your soul, when you're GONE(!) inside, like[3], and ... never mind, eh?[3], and you, I, we, we never mind[3], and, well ...[3], and, uh, uh, uh ... back, back, back to Looe![3], and by the harbour ... Harbour Moon Inn?[3], and, listen! ... they keep the pint glass in the freezer[3], and it's a real shame that S t e l l a wasn't with me, BUT(!) ... K r o n e n b o u r g is great![3], and maybe next time ... ?[3], and

Do you want to tie your bank account to the baked beans in my back room?

Okay, okay. Baked beans. Well, we'll get to that in a while, dear reader(s). But first, this!

Tally Launches New UK Bank Account Tied to Physical Gold Ownership

London, 18 July 2019: Today, Tally is the first banking app to offer individual banking accounts delivering seamless saving and spending in physical gold, at home and abroad. Unlike a traditional bank account, Tally gives consumers full ownership of their money, and being gold means savings are protected from inflation and bank risk, and political and economic uncertainty.

Uh. Some people love their gold, don't they?

When customers make a deposit through the app, they are buying Tally gold at the global wholesale price, which is kept in a secure vault in Switzerland. One Tally is one milligram of physical gold. The value of customers' holdings is accessed through individual Tally banking accounts linked to a contactless Mastercard® debit card. Customers use Tally to spend anywhere that accepts Mastercard®, with no fees. And as Tally holdings are 100% insured, savings are protected in their entirety.

Okay, okay. It's a PR email, obviously. And no endorsement, kook(s), obviously, BECAUSE(!) ... I don't do endorsements, man, and it's all new and confusing, AND(!) ... it's competing with MY IDEA to offer you the chance to tie your bank account to the tins of baked beans I've got stored in my back room. 'Ha!' Listen! Do you really want to tie your account to gold in Switzerland? Think about it. 'Er, I'm thinking about it, boss. I'm not sure I like your baked beans idea.' Why not, Voice? 'It just doesn't sound too secure, you know?' Shut up! You don't even have a bank account, idiot!

Christ! / Right. Let's hear, uh ... from Cameron and Ralph, then. 'Who the hell are Cameron and Ralph?!' Jesus H. - ! They're the founders of Tally, silly. Look - !

Cameron Parry, Co-founder and CEO of Tally, said: "We wanted to offer consumers a stronger form of money, protected from systemic bank risk, 100% insured and designed to hold its value. The solution was a standalone full-reserve monetary platform where the customer's asset is kept outside of the banking system while seamlessly operating with it. And as full-reserve, the customer's savings are not lent out, moved or invested. Full control of their money stays with the customer. This is what Tally delivers."

Yeah, yeah. I've got full control of the baked beans, Cameron, mate. No one can eat them without my permission.

Ralph Hazell, Co-founder and CPO of Tally, commented: "Challenger banks are doing a great job improving the customer experience. But they are still tied to fiat currency, leaving the value of customers' savings exposed to risk and uncertainty, with the value being eroded through inflation. With Tally, we wanted to go further and bring innovation to money itself. Customers now have a choice in how they store and spend their savings for the first time in their own banking account."

Well, okay. Let's just hope that the price of gold doesn't collapse. Baked beans hold their value, man. Actually, visit your local supermarket on a regular basis and watch the price rise. 'Not those own brand value beans, boss.' I'm not talking about that cheap muck! I'm talking about Heinz baked beans! The best! 'Oh, okay.' Yeah. Big time.

...

Anything else? Well, I've had a week off. I can't say I'm glad to be back, really, but ... life goes on, I suppose.

Music? My music? I've been analyzing my five world-beater songs, trying to work out why they're as good as they are. And I've discovered something that they all have in common. Unfortunately, I can't tell you what it is, dear reader(s), because other musicians will read this blog one day, and I've already revealed too much stuff. 'You mean bastard!' Shut up, Voice! / So, I know what to do now with new songs ...

Laters!

Thursday, 11 July 2019

Global green bonds

Eh?! Global green bonds? What are they?! Oh, maybe you know, dear reader(s). 'They're just, uh ... green bonds, boss.' Yes, thank you, Einstein.

Global Green Bonds reached US$86.4 billion in the first half of 2019, a 26.2% increase from a year ago, as number of issues grew 14.9%. In 2018, global green bond issuance soared to a record high, raising $132.3 billion in annual proceeds.

Global ESG Bonds raised US$110.1 billion in the first half of 2019, up 36.5% from the same period last year.

France takes the lead in the green bonds market; China slips to third place and trails behind United States.

HSBC tops Global Green Bonds Book Runner League Tables in the First Half 2019.

Well, well ... / Yes, yes, it's a little PR email from my mate George at Refinitiv. 'Ha! Is there more?' Er ... there was more, Voice, in the attachments, like, BUT(!) ... this is the last post of the week, and then I'm taking a week off, so ... 'Yippee! You deserve a rest, boss. Where are you going?' That's a secret. 'Oh.' I'll write about it when I get back. If I get back. 'Don't be ridiculous! Of course you'll come back. You haven't recorded your songs yet.' Yeah. No. Whatever.

...

Anything else? Well, I'm exhausted, kook(s), I can tell you that. I'm going to relax like a mofo now. And enjoy myself. But I'll be back!

Laters!

Wednesday, 10 July 2019

[No. 724] A place in the sun

Isn't that what we all want?

And, yes, yes ... of course![1], and a-ROUND here ... I dream of a better life / ... and what about you?[1], and, yes, yes ... of course![2], and maybe we should set the controls ...[1], and a-ROUND here ... I dream of a better life / ... and what about you?[2], and St Ives, Looe, Polperro, Malibu ... ah, you know what? I'm not that fussy, man[1], and maybe we should set the controls ...[2], and paradise is paradise[1], and S t I ves, L ooe, Polp erro, Ma libu ... ah, you know what? I'm not that fussy, man[2], and, er ... night train? I love that stuff! / and ... in an absurd screeching voice, obviously[1], and parad ise is parad ise[2], and in here, or ... out there![1], and, er ... night train? I love that stuff! / and ... in an absurd screeching voice, obviously[2], and unless we can get beyond the THREE ... we'll have to be content with the COLD WORLD[1], and in here, or ... out there![2], and the sun helps - a lot![1], and unless we can get beyond the THREE ... we'll have to be content with the COLD WORLD[2], and with the way the world is today, Christ! ... we need all the help we can get, you dig?[1], and the sun helps - a lot![2], and maybe we don't have much time ... ?[1], and with the way the world is today, Christ! ... we need all the help we can get, you dig?[2], and people, uh ... SMILE(!) ... more when the sun is shining ... ? / ... and is that true, really?[1], and maybe we don't have much time ... ?[2], and, oh ... I don't know![1], and people, uh ... SMILE(!) ... more when the sun is shining ... ? / ... and is that true, really?[2], and, well ... it's just a theory of mine / and I haven't actually done any research into the matter[1], and, oh ... I don't know![2], and to wait for paradise ...[1], and, well ... it's just a theory of mine / and I haven't actually done any research into the matter[2], and to pass the time ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / and it's such a beautiful habit[1], and to wait for paradise ...[2], and, well ... obsession, yes![1], and to pass the time ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / and it's such a beautiful habit[2], and a-ROUND with pleasure[1], and, well ... obsession, yes![2], and what else should I do? / and ... what else should YOU(!) do?[1], and a-ROUND with pleasure[2], and ... 'Ha! Tell them, Mikey!'[1], and what else should I do? / and ... what else should YOU(!) do?[2], and, okay ... here is my advice: get DIZZY(!) / and, listen to me: get DIZZY(!) - now![1], and ... 'Ha! Tell them, Mikey!'[2], and ... 'Listen to him, kooks!'[1], and, okay ... here is my advice: get DIZZY(!) / and, listen to me: get DIZZY(!) - now![2], and ... COME ON - !!![1], and ... 'Listen to him, kooks!'[2], and, yes, yes ... of course![3], and ... COME ON - !!![2], and a-ROUND here ... I dream of a better life / ... and what about you?[3], and maybe we should set the controls ...[3], and S t I v e s, L o o e, P o l p e r r o, M a l i b u ... ah, you know what? I'm not that fussy, man[3], and p a r a d i s e is p a r a d i s e[3], and, er ... night train? I love that stuff! / and ... in an absurd screeching voice, obviously[3], and in here, or ... out there![3], and unless we can get beyond the THREE ... we'll have to be content with the COLD WORLD[3], and the sun helps - a lot![3], and with the way the world is today, Christ! ... we need all the help we can get, you dig?[3], and maybe we don't have much time ... ?[3], and people, uh ... SMILE(!) ... more when the sun is shining ... ? / ... and is that true, really?[3], and, oh ... I don't know![3], and, well ... it's just a theory of mine / and I haven't actually done any research into the matter[3], and to wait for paradise ...[3], and to pass the time ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / and it's such a beautiful habit[3], and, well ... obsession, yes![3], and a-ROUND with pleasure[3], and what else should I do? / and ... what else should YOU(!) do?[3], and ... 'Ha! Tell them, Mikey!'[3], and, okay ... here is my advice: get DIZZY(!) / and, listen to me: get DIZZY(!) - now![3], and ... 'Listen to him, kooks!'[3], and ... COME ON - !!![3], and

And, yes, yes ... of course![1], and a-ROUND here ... I dream of a better life / ... and what about you?[1], and, yes, yes ... of course![2], and maybe we should set the controls ...[1], and a-ROUND here ... I dream of a better life / ... and what about you?[2], and St Ives, Looe, Polperro, Malibu ... ah, you know what? I'm not that fussy, man[1], and maybe we should set the controls ...[2], and paradise is paradise[1], and S t I ves, L ooe, Polp erro, Ma libu ... ah, you know what? I'm not that fussy, man[2], and, er ... night train? I love that stuff! / and ... in an absurd screeching voice, obviously[1], and parad ise is parad ise[2], and in here, or ... out there![1], and, er ... night train? I love that stuff! / and ... in an absurd screeching voice, obviously[2], and unless we can get beyond the THREE ... we'll have to be content with the COLD WORLD[1], and in here, or ... out there![2], and the sun helps - a lot![1], and unless we can get beyond the THREE ... we'll have to be content with the COLD WORLD[2], and with the way the world is today, Christ! ... we need all the help we can get, you dig?[1], and the sun helps - a lot![2], and maybe we don't have much time ... ?[1], and with the way the world is today, Christ! ... we need all the help we can get, you dig?[2], and people, uh ... SMILE(!) ... more when the sun is shining ... ? / ... and is that true, really?[1], and maybe we don't have much time ... ?[2], and, oh ... I don't know![1], and people, uh ... SMILE(!) ... more when the sun is shining ... ? / ... and is that true, really?[2], and, well ... it's just a theory of mine / and I haven't actually done any research into the matter[1], and, oh ... I don't know![2], and to wait for paradise ...[1], and, well ... it's just a theory of mine / and I haven't actually done any research into the matter[2], and to pass the time ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / and it's such a beautiful habit[1], and to wait for paradise ...[2], and, well ... obsession, yes![1], and to pass the time ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / and it's such a beautiful habit[2], and a-ROUND with pleasure[1], and, well ... obsession, yes![2], and what else should I do? / and ... what else should YOU(!) do?[1], and a-ROUND with pleasure[2], and ... 'Ha! Tell them, Mikey!'[1], and what else should I do? / and ... what else should YOU(!) do?[2], and, okay ... here is my advice: get DIZZY(!) / and, listen to me: get DIZZY(!) - now![1], and ... 'Ha! Tell them, Mikey!'[2], and ... 'Listen to him, kooks!'[1], and, okay ... here is my advice: get DIZZY(!) / and, listen to me: get DIZZY(!) - now![2], and ... COME ON - !!![1], and ... 'Listen to him, kooks!'[2], and, yes, yes ... of course![3], and ... COME ON - !!![2], and a-ROUND here ... I dream of a better life / ... and what about you?[3], and maybe we should set the controls ...[3], and S t I v e s, L o o e, P o l p e r r o, M a l i b u ... ah, you know what? I'm not that fussy, man[3], and p a r a d i s e is p a r a d i s e[3], and, er ... night train? I love that stuff! / and ... in an absurd screeching voice, obviously[3], and in here, or ... out there![3], and unless we can get beyond the THREE ... we'll have to be content with the COLD WORLD[3], and the sun helps - a lot![3], and with the way the world is today, Christ! ... we need all the help we can get, you dig?[3], and maybe we don't have much time ... ?[3], and people, uh ... SMILE(!) ... more when the sun is shining ... ? / ... and is that true, really?[3], and, oh ... I don't know![3], and, well ... it's just a theory of mine / and I haven't actually done any research into the matter[3], and to wait for paradise ...[3], and to pass the time ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / and it's such a beautiful habit[3], and, well ... obsession, yes![3], and a-ROUND with pleasure[3], and what else should I do? / and ... what else should YOU(!) do?[3], and ... 'Ha! Tell them, Mikey!'[3], and, okay ... here is my advice: get DIZZY(!) / and, listen to me: get DIZZY(!) - now![3], and ... 'Listen to him, kooks!'[3], and ... COME ON - !!![3], and

Money is the way