My personal invitation

But I'm not going. 'What's this, boss?' My personal invitation to an art gallery, Voice. 'What?! There's supposed to be a lockdown, man!' Yeah, yeah. It's online, idiot! 'Oh. / Why aren't you going then?' I can't be bothered.

I'll do the PR email though ...

Dear Michael​,

Your Personal Invitation:

Banksy, George Condo, Kaws, Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons together for the first time in a virtual exhibition 'XXI'

Special press preview Friday 1 May 2020 at 3pm (GMT)

Sorry, babe, I can't make it. 'He's washing his hair.' Yeah, I'm washing my hair. Sorry.

Ground-breaking digital art investments platform, ARTCELS, in partnership with HOFA Gallery, is launching a new virtual contemporary art exhibition, titled 'XXI' on Monday 4th May at 6pm (GMT).

That's great. But I'm busy.

It will be the first-of-its-kind to feature blue-chip contemporary artists - Banksy, George Condo, Kaws, Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons - together in a virtual art exhibition, and other leading international artists, including Ilhwa Kim, Retna, Daniel Arsham, Anthony James and Joseph Klibansky, in a 3-dimensional, HD virtual show designed to be immersive, interactive and realistic.

I hope everyone has a great time. Seriously.

ENDS

...

Anything else? It's the end of the week, kook(s). Let's discuss music. 'Let's play some tunes, Mikey!' Oh, all right.

Without You. Badfinger. / They wrote it! Bread-and-butter classic, first class.

Bring It On Home To Me. Sam Cooke. / His best song. I wish it was longer, and louder.

Thugz Mansion [7 Remix]. 2Pac. / Ha, ha, ha! I'm not a Biggie fan. I much prefer 2Pac. However, I had a bizarre dream the other week where I was in some sort of thug heaven, and Biggie was talking to me about stuff. 'What stuff?' I can't remember. But that's my dreams, man. Utterly bizarre shit. I could write a book about them.

Blue Chair. Elvis Costello. / Nice song. Maybe he should have made a more commercial recording of it. Like, uh ... Everyday I Write The Book.

So Like Candy. Elvis Costello. / Great song! He wrote it with Paul McCartney. I wonder who did the most work on it ...

Tempted. Squeeze. / Their best song.

That's enough.

...

What else? My songs? I think Stella is my favourite now. [Oh, I keep changing my mind!] It's the sort of great love song that classic two-man teams like Rodgers and Hart or Bacharach and David used to write. BUT(!) ... it's better than any of their songs. 'What about My Funny Valentine ... ?' That song has a pretty melody, Voice, sure. My song has power and grandeur though. 'Yeah?' Yeah. Believe it!

Oh, Yamaha London is selling an ex-showroom A3R for ... only £130 less than the normal price. Which is ridiculous, frankly. If they knocked another hundred off I might be interested. Actually, no! Another two hundred off. I'm not a mug. Do you know what I mean? Christ.

TV? Should I treat myself to some Minder and The Sweeney today? I don't know. 'You've seen them all before, boss.' Ha! I'm just addicted to melancholic moods. That's my trouble.

Elon, save me!

Laters!

Refinitiv: Lipper European fund flows report - March 2020

Oh, yes. From the Lipper team at Refinitiv. Let the good times flow! ... ? Well, not really. Never mind.

Long-term mutual funds posted net outflows for March 2020.
The overall fund flows for mutual funds in Europe in March amounted to estimated net outflows of €253.8 bn.
Commodities funds (+€2.2 bn) were the best-selling individual asset type overall for March.
Equity Global (+€6.7 bn) was once again the best-selling sector among long-term funds for March.
Wild World.
Switzerland (+€3.2 bn) was the fund domicile with the highest net inflows, followed by Belgium (+€1.4 bn) and the Netherlands (+€0.5 bn).
Goldman Sachs was the best-selling fund promoter for March overall, with net sales of €19.3 bn, ahead of BNY Mellon (+€4.8 bn) and Vanguard Group (+€3.2 bn).
The 10 best-selling long-term funds gathered at the share class level amounted to net inflows of €12.0 bn for March.
Amundi CA 09/04/2020 (C) (+€4.0 bn) was the best-selling individual long-term fund for March.

Obviously, our Detlef wants to say a word or two. Come on, son!

Detlef Glow, Lipper Head of EMEA Research at Refinitiv, comments: "European investors switched to a risk-off mode in March due to the global outbreak of The Thing and a possible recession caused by the lockdowns in a high number of countries around the world. As a result, investors faced an increased volatility on the global equity markets.

"Long-term mutual funds posted overall net outflows for the month. Commodity funds (+€2.2 bn) were the only asset type with net inflows for March. Conversely, bond funds (-€134.9 bn) faced the highest outflows overall, bettered by equity funds (-€48.9 bn), mixed-assets funds (-€38.7 bn), alternative UCITS funds (-€27.7 bn), real estate funds (-€1.5 bn), and 'other' funds (-€1.4 bn)."

All right. Thanks.

ENDS

...

Anything else? I went for a walk in the park earlier. I still love the place, even if the vulgarians are trying to ruin it with their commercial plans. 'Satanic plans, more like, boss.' Yes, Voice.

At least there won't be any music festivals in the park this year. Or those absurd outdoor screenings of movies. Christ.

Oh, as I walked past the closed children's playground, I remembered one summer's day in, uh ... 1975, probably ... when I went there with my nan. Then we went to the cafe for tea and fruitcake. / Oh, I went to the park a lot then. But some days just stick in your mind. Do you know what I mean?

Listen! If I'm not going to Cornwall this year, I might get a new guitar. I fancy the Yamaha A3R electro-acoustic. £830. [Maybe cheaper.] I can't really afford it, BUT(!) ... I know that our Elon wouldn't hestitate to buy it - if he were in my position. 'Of course he wouldn't! Think of all that PayPal money that he put straight into electric cars and rockets.' Yeah, he's a nutter, Voice.

I'll tell you, kook(s): it's dangerous listening to that Vance/Musk audiobook unless you're really willing to think and live big.

I mean, on a loop, you dig? It changes your soul, man.

Anyway ...

Laters!

Extinction event in the high street!

Only someone who was really obsessed with parcels would say something like that. 'Who are we talking about, boss?' Ha! Who do you think? Jinksy - !!!

You know, Voice, I heard an interesting story about him. I mean, a lot of our obsessions begin in childhood, don't they? 'Yeah.' Well, Jinksy first got into parcels at a birthday party where all the kids were playing pass the parcel. 'Really?' Apparently, it was very traumatic for him because he was the last one holding the parcel with the last piece of wrapping paper to take off, BUT(!) ... it was an empty box. 'Oh no! Jesus!' It was a cruel trick, Voice. Ever since then, our Jinksy has been searching, searching ... for the ultimate parcel. You see, our Jinksy feels as empty as that very first parcel in his life.

Anyway ...

Shoppers may never return to the High Street after lockdown, warns the home delivery expert ParcelHero, as March ONS retail sales results show e-commerce sales rose 12.5% YOY in the wake of ... The Thing.

Yes, a bit of editing from me.

Today's Office of National Statistics (ONS) retail sales estimates for March have confirmed dire forecasts for the future of the High Street. The UK home delivery specialist ParcelHero predicted on 4 March, three weeks before the lockdown, that The Thing would result in online sales snatching a record amount of the overall retail market. ParcelHero claims this will significantly hasten the ongoing demise of the High Street unless drastic steps are taken by retailers.

And Jinksy says ...

Today's figures showed a massive -5.7% decline in the overall amount spent by shoppers compared to February, the steepest drop since the ONS started predicting figures. In contrast, online sales rose to grab 22.3% of all sales. ParcelHero's Head of Consumer Research, David Jinks MILT says: "The Thing will be an extinction level event for the High Street, wiping out many fashion and department store giants, unless brands embrace omnichannel - integrated High Street and online sales - as never before. The value of clothing sales in non-food stores crashed by -35.5% month-on-month, for example. Back in 2016, our report, Death of the High Street, predicted half of the UK's existing High Street businesses would collapse by 2030. With Animal, Oasis, Warehouse, Laura Ashley, BrightHouse, Cath Kidston and Debenhams all entering administration in recent days, we believe The Thing has simply hastened their demise."

Okay, okay. I'm not quoting all of the email. 'Just do the bopus bit, boss.' What?! 'Do the bopus bit.' Is that a new dance? 'No. Look -'

To stand any chance of fighting back, it's vital that remaining town centre stores embrace ideas such as BOPUS - buy online, pick up in store - to tempt footfall back into physical shops. They must also ensure shoppers are rewarded by offering a great experience, with knowledgeable staff and a range of amenities.

Okay, okay. Fair enough.

ENDS

...

Anything else? Right. Is there anything positive for me in the current situation with the music business, like? I think there is. No one can do gigs at the moment. Listen! I don't want to do gigs before getting a recording deal anyway, so ... 'Why not, Mikey?' It don't look good, man. I mean, a guy my age, trying to convince people he's a potential rock star in an almost empty bar or club. No! It's much better to go online with some of the greatest songs ever written, and take my chances that way.

And another thing. All the big stars are coming down to my level now. As I said, they can't do gigs. They're putting videos of themselves online, strumming guitars and singing their songs. But there is no one in the world better than me at the moment. 'Eh?!' Oh, better performers, sure. But it's the songs, man. It's the songs.

You dig?

...

Er ... lockdown? There seems to be loads more people in the street these days, laughing and joking about stuff.

I don't know.

Laters.

[No. 798] My soul is in lockdown

I've oppressed myself.

And, yeah, big time - !!![1], and, yeah, yeah[1], and, yeah, big time - !!![2], and, well ... eternal time, actually[1], and, yeah, yeah[2], and I'm not saying I like it, oh no / and, but, but, BUT(!) ... it is necessary, you dig?[1], and, well ... eternal time, actually[2], and I have ...[1], and I'm not saying I like it, oh no / and, but, but, BUT(!) ... it is necessary, you dig?[2], and such strength![1], and I have ...[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... oh, the cosmos is topping up my consciousness ness - !!![1], and such strength![2], and I have ... such control![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... oh, the cosmos is topping up my consciousness ness - !!![2], and I hope[1], and I have ... such control![2], and my words, words, words ... ? / and I'm trying my best with the words, yes[1], and I hope[2], and, uh ... my feelings ... ?[1], and my words, words, words ... ? / and I'm trying my best with the words, yes[2], and a-ROUND here ... everything is supposed to make non ... sense / and that's the theory, anyway[1], and, uh ... my feelings ... ?[2], and, so ... come on, come on![1], and a-ROUND here ... everything is supposed to make non ... sense / and that's the theory, anyway[2], and a-ROUND here ... just not caring about out there[1], and, so ... come on, come on![2], and faster to oblivion ... ?[1], and a-ROUND here ... just not caring about out there[2], and my body, it breaks like words, yes ... but only my soul is important[1], and faster to oblivion ... ?[2], and a drop for the ocean[1], and my b ody, it br eaks like w ords, yes ... but only my s oul is import ant[2], and that's what I imagine, yes[1], and a drop for the ocean[2], and, but ... I don't know where the ocean is[1], and that's what I imagine, yes[2], and maybe it doesn't exist[1], and, but ... I don't know where the ocean is[2], and those two "losers" ... Jesus and Buddha ... could have been billionaires, man, if they had wanted, really wanted[1], and maybe it doesn't exist[2], and, listen! ... we're only talking about a decision, that's all[1], and those two "losers" ... Jesus and Buddha ... could have been billionaires, man, if they had wanted, really wanted[2], and, yes, yes, YES - !!![1], and, listen! ... we're only talking about a decision, that's all[2], and, oh ... a direction, too[1], and, yes, yes, YES - !!![2], and it doesn't mean anything, all of it, any wretched thing ... / and, so ... why not spin until you're sick?[1], and, oh ... a direction, too[2], and, YOU(!) ... do it now![1], and it doesn't mean anything, all of it, any wretched thing ... / and, so ... why not spin until you're sick?[2], and after sickness, soul sickness, comes ... a better grasp on reality[1], and, YOU(!) ... do it now![2], and, but ... words don't stop[1], and after sickness, soul sickness, comes ... a better grasp on reality[2], and there is always more reality to break[1], and, but ... words don't stop[2], and if you don't get all this ... well, you're not on my level[1], and there is always more r eality to bre ak[2], and there is no end[1], and if you don't get all this ... well, you're not on my level[2], and, yeah, big time - !!![3], and there is no end[2], and, yeah, yeah[3], and, well ... eternal time, actually[3], and I'm not saying I like it, oh no / and, but, but, BUT(!) ... it is necessary, you dig?[3], and I have ...[3], and such strength![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... oh, the cosmos is topping up my consciousness ness - !!![3], and I have ... such control![3], and I hope[3], and my words, words, words ... ? / and I'm trying my best with the words, yes[3], and, uh ... my feelings ... ?[3], and a-ROUND here ... everything is supposed to make non ... sense / and that's the theory, anyway[3], and, so ... come on, come on![3], and a-ROUND here ... just not caring about out there[3], and faster to oblivion ... ?[3], and my b  o  d  y, it b  r  e  a  k  s like w  o  r  d  s, yes ... but only my s  o  u  l is i  m  p  o  r  t  a  n  t[3], and a drop for the ocean[3], and that's what I imagine, yes[3], and, but ... I don't know where the ocean is[3], and maybe it doesn't exist[3], and those two "losers" ... Jesus and Buddha ... could have been billionaires, man, if they had wanted, really wanted[3], and, listen! ... we're only talking about a decision, that's all[3], and, yes, yes, YES - !!![3], and, oh ... a direction, too[3], and it doesn't mean anything, all of it, any wretched thing ... / and, so ... why not spin until you're sick?[3], and, YOU(!) ... do it now![3], and after sickness, soul sickness, comes ... a better grasp on reality[3], and, but ... words don't stop[3], and there is always more r  e  a  l  i  t  y to b  r  e  a  k[3], and if you don't get all this ... well, you're not on my level[3], and there is no end[3], and

And, yeah, big time - !!![1], and, yeah, yeah[1], and, yeah, big time - !!![2], and, well ... eternal time, actually[1], and, yeah, yeah[2], and I'm not saying I like it, oh no / and, but, but, BUT(!) ... it is necessary, you dig?[1], and, well ... eternal time, actually[2], and I have ...[1], and I'm not saying I like it, oh no / and, but, but, BUT(!) ... it is necessary, you dig?[2], and such strength![1], and I have ...[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... oh, the cosmos is topping up my consciousness ness - !!![1], and such strength![2], and I have ... such control![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... oh, the cosmos is topping up my consciousness ness - !!![2], and I hope[1], and I have ... such control![2], and my words, words, words ... ? / and I'm trying my best with the words, yes[1], and I hope[2], and, uh ... my feelings ... ?[1], and my words, words, words ... ? / and I'm trying my best with the words, yes[2], and a-ROUND here ... everything is supposed to make non ... sense / and that's the theory, anyway[1], and, uh ... my feelings ... ?[2], and, so ... come on, come on![1], and a-ROUND here ... everything is supposed to make non ... sense / and that's the theory, anyway[2], and a-ROUND here ... just not caring about out there[1], and, so ... come on, come on![2], and faster to oblivion ... ?[1], and a-ROUND here ... just not caring about out there[2], and my body, it breaks like words, yes ... but only my soul is important[1], and faster to oblivion ... ?[2], and a drop for the ocean[1], and my b ody, it br eaks like w ords, yes ... but only my s oul is import ant[2], and that's what I imagine, yes[1], and a drop for the ocean[2], and, but ... I don't know where the ocean is[1], and that's what I imagine, yes[2], and maybe it doesn't exist[1], and, but ... I don't know where the ocean is[2], and those two "losers" ... Jesus and Buddha ... could have been billionaires, man, if they had wanted, really wanted[1], and maybe it doesn't exist[2], and, listen! ... we're only talking about a decision, that's all[1], and those two "losers" ... Jesus and Buddha ... could have been billionaires, man, if they had wanted, really wanted[2], and, yes, yes, YES - !!![1], and, listen! ... we're only talking about a decision, that's all[2], and, oh ... a direction, too[1], and, yes, yes, YES - !!![2], and it doesn't mean anything, all of it, any wretched thing ... / and, so ... why not spin until you're sick?[1], and, oh ... a direction, too[2], and, YOU(!) ... do it now![1], and it doesn't mean anything, all of it, any wretched thing ... / and, so ... why not spin until you're sick?[2], and after sickness, soul sickness, comes ... a better grasp on reality[1], and, YOU(!) ... do it now![2], and, but ... words don't stop[1], and after sickness, soul sickness, comes ... a better grasp on reality[2], and there is always more reality to break[1], and, but ... words don't stop[2], and if you don't get all this ... well, you're not on my level[1], and there is always more r eality to bre ak[2], and there is no end[1], and if you don't get all this ... well, you're not on my level[2], and, yeah, big time - !!![3], and there is no end[2], and, yeah, yeah[3], and, well ... eternal time, actually[3], and I'm not saying I like it, oh no / and, but, but, BUT(!) ... it is necessary, you dig?[3], and I have ...[3], and such strength![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... oh, the cosmos is topping up my consciousness ness - !!![3], and I have ... such control![3], and I hope[3], and my words, words, words ... ? / and I'm trying my best with the words, yes[3], and, uh ... my feelings ... ?[3], and a-ROUND here ... everything is supposed to make non ... sense / and that's the theory, anyway[3], and, so ... come on, come on![3], and a-ROUND here ... just not caring about out there[3], and faster to oblivion ... ?[3], and my b  o  d  y, it b  r  e  a  k  s like w  o  r  d  s, yes ... but only my s  o  u  l is i  m  p  o  r  t  a  n  t[3], and a drop for the ocean[3], and that's what I imagine, yes[3], and, but ... I don't know where the ocean is[3], and maybe it doesn't exist[3], and those two "losers" ... Jesus and Buddha ... could have been billionaires, man, if they had wanted, really wanted[3], and, listen! ... we're only talking about a decision, that's all[3], and, yes, yes, YES - !!![3], and, oh ... a direction, too[3], and it doesn't mean anything, all of it, any wretched thing ... / and, so ... why not spin until you're sick?[3], and, YOU(!) ... do it now![3], and after sickness, soul sickness, comes ... a better grasp on reality[3], and, but ... words don't stop[3], and there is always more r  e  a  l  i  t  y to b  r  e  a  k[3], and if you don't get all this ... well, you're not on my level[3], and there is no end[3], and

And, yeah, big time - !!![1], and, yeah, yeah[1], and, yeah, big time - !!![2], and, well ... eternal time, actually[1], and, yeah, yeah[2], and I'm not saying I like it, oh no / and, but, but, BUT(!) ... it is necessary, you dig?[1], and, well ... eternal time, actually[2], and I have ...[1], and I'm not saying I like it, oh no / and, but, but, BUT(!) ... it is necessary, you dig?[2], and such strength![1], and I have ...[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... oh, the cosmos is topping up my consciousness ness - !!![1], and such strength![2], and I have ... such control![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... oh, the cosmos is topping up my consciousness ness - !!![2], and I hope[1], and I have ... such control![2], and my words, words, words ... ? / and I'm trying my best with the words, yes[1], and I hope[2], and, uh ... my feelings ... ?[1], and my words, words, words ... ? / and I'm trying my best with the words, yes[2], and a-ROUND here ... everything is supposed to make non ... sense / and that's the theory, anyway[1], and, uh ... my feelings ... ?[2], and, so ... come on, come on![1], and a-ROUND here ... everything is supposed to make non ... sense / and that's the theory, anyway[2], and a-ROUND here ... just not caring about out there[1], and, so ... come on, come on![2], and faster to oblivion ... ?[1], and a-ROUND here ... just not caring about out there[2], and my body, it breaks like words, yes ... but only my soul is important[1], and faster to oblivion ... ?[2], and a drop for the ocean[1], and my b ody, it br eaks like w ords, yes ... but only my s oul is import ant[2], and that's what I imagine, yes[1], and a drop for the ocean[2], and, but ... I don't know where the ocean is[1], and that's what I imagine, yes[2], and maybe it doesn't exist[1], and, but ... I don't know where the ocean is[2], and those two "losers" ... Jesus and Buddha ... could have been billionaires, man, if they had wanted, really wanted[1], and maybe it doesn't exist[2], and, listen! ... we're only talking about a decision, that's all[1], and those two "losers" ... Jesus and Buddha ... could have been billionaires, man, if they had wanted, really wanted[2], and, yes, yes, YES - !!![1], and, listen! ... we're only talking about a decision, that's all[2], and, oh ... a direction, too[1], and, yes, yes, YES - !!![2], and it doesn't mean anything, all of it, any wretched thing ... / and, so ... why not spin until you're sick?[1], and, oh ... a direction, too[2], and, YOU(!) ... do it now![1], and it doesn't mean anything, all of it, any wretched thing ... / and, so ... why not spin until you're sick?[2], and after sickness, soul sickness, comes ... a better grasp on reality[1], and, YOU(!) ... do it now![2], and, but ... words don't stop[1], and after sickness, soul sickness, comes ... a better grasp on reality[2], and there is always more reality to break[1], and, but ... words don't stop[2], and if you don't get all this ... well, you're not on my level[1], and there is always more r eality to bre ak[2], and there is no end[1], and if you don't get all this ... well, you're not on my level[2], and, yeah, big time - !!![3], and there is no end[2], and, yeah, yeah[3], and, well ... eternal time, actually[3], and I'm not saying I like it, oh no / and, but, but, BUT(!) ... it is necessary, you dig?[3], and I have ...[3], and such strength![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... oh, the cosmos is topping up my consciousness ness - !!![3], and I have ... such control![3], and I hope[3], and my words, words, words ... ? / and I'm trying my best with the words, yes[3], and, uh ... my feelings ... ?[3], and a-ROUND here ... everything is supposed to make non ... sense / and that's the theory, anyway[3], and, so ... come on, come on![3], and a-ROUND here ... just not caring about out there[3], and faster to oblivion ... ?[3], and my b  o  d  y, it b  r  e  a  k  s like w  o  r  d  s, yes ... but only my s  o  u  l is i  m  p  o  r  t  a  n  t[3], and a drop for the ocean[3], and that's what I imagine, yes[3], and, but ... I don't know where the ocean is[3], and maybe it doesn't exist[3], and those two "losers" ... Jesus and Buddha ... could have been billionaires, man, if they had wanted, really wanted[3], and, listen! ... we're only talking about a decision, that's all[3], and, yes, yes, YES - !!![3], and, oh ... a direction, too[3], and it doesn't mean anything, all of it, any wretched thing ... / and, so ... why not spin until you're sick?[3], and, YOU(!) ... do it now![3], and after sickness, soul sickness, comes ... a better grasp on reality[3], and, but ... words don't stop[3], and there is always more r  e  a  l  i  t  y to b  r  e  a  k[3], and if you don't get all this ... well, you're not on my level[3], and there is no end[3], and

Refinitiv: Lipper European ETF market report - March 2020

Er ...

For immediate release.

Well, uh ... I received this last week. 'Oh dear.' It doesn't matter, Voice. 'Detlef won't be happy, boss.' He doesn't care. Christ.

Yeah, anyway. PR email from Detlef and the gang ...

The promoters of ETFs in Europe faced net outflows of €25.4 bn for March.
The assets under management in the European ETF industry (€719.2 bn) decreased during March due to rough market conditions.
Money market ETFs (+€2.2 bn) posted the highest net inflows in the European ETF industry for March.
The best-selling Lipper global classification for March was Money Market EUR (+€2.0 bn), followed by Equity Europe (+€2.0 bn) and Equity Germany (+€1.3 bn).
Vanguard Group was the best-selling ETF promoter in Europe for March (+€2.0 bn), ahead of Lyxor ETF (+€0.7 bn) and Zuercher Kantonalbank (+€0.4 bn).
The 10 best-selling funds gathered total net inflows of €7.4 bn for March.
The best-selling ETF for March, iShares Core MSCI Europe UCITS ETF EUR (Dist), accounted for net inflows of €1.0 bn.

Okay, okay. Let's hear what our Detlef has got to say ...

Detlef Glow, Lipper Head of EMEA Research at Refinitiv, comments: "The market turmoil caused by The Thing hit the European ETF industry in March 2020 with record outflows. The combination of outflows and the negative performance of underlying markets led to a decrease in assets under management from €839.9 bn as of February 28, 2020, to €719.2 bn at the end of March. The decrease of €120.7 bn for March was driven by the performance of the underlying markets (- €95.3 bn), while the net outflows contributed €25.4 bn to the decrease in assets. Despite the market crisis, it was not surprising equity funds (€465.1 bn) held the majority of assets, followed by bond funds (€219.9 bn), commodity products (€21.5 bn), alternative UCITS products (€5.8 bn), money market funds (€5.2 bn), mixed-assets funds (€1.5 bn), and 'other' funds (€0.2 bn)."

Thanks, Detlef!

ENDS

...

Anything else?

I'm chilly in the sun, which is all right, inside, where there is no breeze.

It comes through the windows, while I'm working, uh, the sun.

And I will find time to play, yes. That's obvious. Everyone needs to play sometime(s). We can't be serious all the time(s).

But even my play is work that I enjoy.

I'm cut off from humanity with work and play, and I have no complaints.

Slightly less than twenty-four years to go. Ha! Then I will rest, I suppose. Like Rod Steiger, I will stare at the sea from my Malibu home ... ?

But I won't be depressed. No!

Actually ...

No, no, no! I won't rest. I'll be like Picasso instead. Listen! You can't stop being who you are. Not if you've spent a whole lifetime building yourself up.

Picasso didn't die until he stopped breathing. And that's so rare.

Music, music, music ...

Is there anything else? At the end of another week? Don't be silly! There's only music in my life.

Goals, goals, goals ...

In my soul. Deep, deep, deep ... in my soul. Yes!

What am I listening to? Er ... nothing yet.

Actually, I might put the Vance/Musk audiobook on. And keep it on. Forever this time, all the time.

...

Okay, okay. This is how I'm classifying the songs on my "album" now -

World-beaters

Nothing
This World Don't Mean a Thing
Malibu
Stella
What's This Life We Live?

Bread-and-butter classics (first class)

And Rain Came Down
Good Times

Bread-and-butter classics (second class)

I'm Right Inside
Love Me
Lucky You
Round The Bend

High-quality album tracks

I Want Everything

...

Right, kook(s)! I ain't got no anxiety at the moment. Why not? I'll tell you why not. Listen! I've set myself two long-term goals. Big goals! And if you want to dodge death and destruction over the next year or two, I suggest you do the same. / You see, I have a theory that the cosmos notices hard-core characters with big goals, and offers protection. Yeah, yeah. It's not scientific, man. But look at our Elon. He's like Robert Duvall in Apocalypse Now. I just know he won't get so much as a scratch in the coming years.

Focus, focus, focus!

But not hocus-pocus. No!

Oh! And the goals, by age seventy-five, are -

NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS.

They always change, anyway.

Don't worry about it.

Who on earth is Leonardo Brummas Carvalho?!

Well, well ...

'He sounds like some painter from hundreds of years ago, boss.' Ha, ha, ha! Why would I be writing about a painter from hundreds of years ago? No, Voice. Unfortunately, Leonardo Brummas Carvalho is a finance guy. 'Oh. Never mind.' Ha! This is a finance blog, son. It's nothing to be sad about.

LONDON, Wednesday 22nd April 2020 - ITI Capital, the global financial services provider for institutional investors and private clients, today announces the appointment of Leonardo Brummas Carvalho as Group Co-CEO and CEO of Wealth Management, having been hand-selected for the position by its Chairman, Oleg Jelezko.

You see? PR email. 'Yes. And he was hand-selected by the great Oleg himself.' I know, I know. Exciting, isn't it?

Leonardo brings over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry to his new position as CEO, having previously acted as CEO and Country Manager for Credit Suisse Panama, and most recently as Head of the Emerging Europe team for Credit Suisse in London.

I wonder if I've written about him before ... 'You've written about everyone before, boss.' Ha! Not everyone. It bloody well feels like it sometimes though.

ITI Capital, which is owned by Da Vinci Capital, a global private equity fund, has hired Carvalho to use his experience in management and financial Services to take the company on its next phase of digital transformation and accelerate its growth.

Da Vinci Capital?! Whatever!

Moving forward, and with the help of its new CEO of Wealth Management, ITI Capital aim to become a global digital financial services provider, further disrupting the financial services industry by offering top-tier trading execution for private clients, transparent advisory and discretionary services aided by cutting edge fintech and artificial intelligence solutions.

Fair enough. But is our Oleg excited? That's the big question of the day.

Oleg Jelezko, Chairman, ITI Capital comments:

"We are excited to welcome Leonardo to the team at ITI Capital, and eager to apply his passion for technology, management and financial experience, to the next era of ITI Capital's success.

"Leonardo will be building a fully integrated digital financial platform to service a range of private clients, and running his team at maximum efficiency, ensuring ITI Capital maintains its reputation for innovation, technology and best in class services.

"Over his 20 years of experience in finance, Leonardo has become a top talent in reshaping and leading teams and growing businesses exponentially."

Fair enough. Speaking for the whole company, like. But wouldn't it be great if our Leonardo was excited too? 'He's probably thrilled, boss, knowing him.' Ha, ha, ha! Thrilled? That would be asking for too much, my little invisible friend. No, I'll be content with "excited".

Come on, Leonardo!

Leonardo Brummas Carvalho, CEO of Wealth Management, ITI Capital comments:

"I am thrilled to head up the wealth management department of ITI Capital, which is showing market resilience despite the widespread disruption caused by The Thing. I will be joining a talented team, and look forward to taking our business to the next level, with ambitious plans to increase our offering, capabilities and market share in the coming months."

Thrilled! Jesus! 'I told you.'

"Given the current climate, we are striving to further disrupt the financial services sector by making significant investments in cutting-edge financial technology. With many businesses and entrepreneurs forced to work remotely, getting access to the latest digital wealth management consultancy and insights online is now a top priority. Therefore, we also have big plans in store to democratize the market, and ensure the general public are offered the same, high-quality financial advisory services as has typically only been offered to high-net worth individuals before now."

Nice one! Oh -

"We are also very much focused on our social duties to help vulnerable citizens to get access to financial services remotely."

Fair enough.

ENDS

...

Anything else? My music? And Rain Came Down ... ? I've been thinking, man. It's slightly less commercial than I thought. Because the lyric is a little weird, the song has more in common with Losing My Religion than those other songs I mentioned. I mean, a song like Baby Jane is super-commercial because of the music and the words. I'm still happy though.

Goals, goals ... new goals! To do the demo, sure. BUT(!) ... eight more songs as good as my twelve, to give me ... uh ... twenty! Yes. Then I can scrap the three from the 2016 demo. And to improve my guitar playing, of course. Never-ending, that is.

Listen! I might have to go back to the Vance/Musk audiobook. Desperate times and all that, you dig? Jordan owes $100 million or something. Grant is losing everything. David doesn't have a pot to piss in. But our Elon is worth $38 billion. Do you know what I mean?

I could be worth $38 billion today ... if I wasn't such a lovely, soft-hearted guy. 'Ha! Lazy guy, you mean.' Shut up, Voice! I got poetry in my soul.

Oh, oh ... ! The Sweeney ... ? Man, I love seeing the locations they filmed in, all local to me. The other day - in an ancient episode, obviously - Regan and Carter were having a punch-up with some villains/slags on Chiswick Green. Ha!

Laters.

[No. 797] I'm on the beach

In my mind.

And, yes, yes[1], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and ... an astral version? / and ... who knows?![1], and, yes, yes[2], and it's easy if you try[1], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and ... an astral version? / and ... who knows?![2], and the beach is massive, man! / and I can see, and I can see ... oh, little white crests - !!![1], and it's easy if you try[2], and one day ... I'm sure my ghost will wander there, here ...[1], and the beach is massive, man! / and I can see, and I can see ... oh, little white crests - !!![2], and, uh ...[1], and one day ... I'm sure my ghost will wander there, here ...[2], and swooping down, down, down ... aarrrghhhh![1], and, uh ...[2], and ... 'Christ, Mikey! What was that?!'[1], and swooping down, down, down ... aarrrghhhh![2], and ... ha, ha, ha![1], and ... 'Christ, Mikey! What was that?!'[2], and, listen! ... if the seagull wants my mint ice cream ... I'm ready for a fight this time[1], and ... ha, ha, ha![2], and ... 'Jesus H. - !!!'[1], and, listen! ... if the seagull wants my mint ice cream ... I'm ready for a fight this time[2], and calm down, Voice, calm down ... we're in Cornwall / and ... 'Are we?' / and ... well, well, well[1], and ... 'Jesus H. - !!!'[2], and, bloody hell! ... he hasn't even seen the Owlman yet![1], and calm down, Voice, calm down ... we're in Cornwall / and ... 'Are we?' / and ... well, well, well[2], and baleful eyes, staring at us ... ?[1], and, bloody hell! ... he hasn't even seen the Owlman yet![2], and ... 'I don't want to see the Owlman, boss'[1], and baleful eyes, staring at us ... ?[2], and don't worry, Voice ... he's very friendly if you keep him supplied with pasties[1], and ... 'I don't want to see the Owlman, boss'[2], and ... 'Does he like chips?'[1], and don't worry, Voice ... he's very friendly if you keep him supplied with pasties[2], and ... I don't know ... he probably does[1], and ... 'Does he like chips?'[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... let's change the subject / and we don't want to get stuck on the Owlman, do we?[1], and ... I don't know ... he probably does[2], and control, oh, control, please ...[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... let's change the subject / and we don't want to get stuck on the Owlman, do we?[2], and, so ...[1], and control, oh, control, please ...[2], and bright blue sky, yes ...[1], and, so ...[2], and a perfect day ...[1], and bright blue sky, yes ...[2], and the sea, the sea ... the waves, the waves ... and if I go in, right in, away from the cares of the world ... ?[1], and a perfect day ...[2], and ... 'Come back, Mikey!'[1], and the sea, the sea ... the waves, the waves ... and if I go in, right in, away from the cares of the world ... ?[2], and, no, no, no ... I'm not coming back ... no, no, NO![1], and ... 'Come back, Mikey!'[2], and ... 'Hold on! ... I've got you!'[1], and, no, no, no ... I'm not coming back ... no, no, NO![2], and, FFS! ... why did you stop me, Voice? Why?![1], and ... 'Hold on! ... I've got you!'[2], and ... 'You've got to record your songs'[1], and, FFS! ... why did you stop me, Voice? Why?![2], and, yeah, yeah ... whatever[1], and ... 'You've got to record your songs'[2], and, yes, yes[3], and, yeah, yeah ... whatever[2], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and ... an astral version? / and ... who knows?![3], and it's easy if you try[3], and the beach is massive, man! / and I can see, and I can see ... oh, little white crests - !!![3], and one day ... I'm sure my ghost will wander there, here ...[3], and, uh ...[3], and swooping down, down, down ... aarrrghhhh![3], and ... 'Christ, Mikey! What was that?!'[3], and ... ha, ha, ha![3], and, listen! ... if the seagull wants my mint ice cream ... I'm ready for a fight this time[3], and ... 'Jesus H. - !!!'[3], and calm down, Voice, calm down ... we're in Cornwall / and ... 'Are we?' / and ... well, well, well[3], and, bloody hell! ... he hasn't even seen the Owlman yet![3], and baleful eyes, staring at us ... ?[3], and ... 'I don't want to see the Owlman, boss'[3], and don't worry, Voice ... he's very friendly if you keep him supplied with pasties[3], and ... 'Does he like chips?'[3], and ... I don't know ... he probably does[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... let's change the subject / and we don't want to get stuck on the Owlman, do we?[3], and control, oh, control, please ...[3], and, so ...[3], and bright blue sky, yes ...[3], and a perfect day ...[3], and the sea, the sea ... the waves, the waves ... and if I go in, right in, away from the cares of the world ... ?[3], and ... 'Come back, Mikey!'[3], and, no, no, no ... I'm not coming back ... no, no, NO![3], and ... 'Hold on! ... I've got you!'[3], and, FFS! ... why did you stop me, Voice? Why?![3], and ... 'You've got to record your songs'[3], and, yeah, yeah ... whatever[3], and

And, yes, yes[1], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and ... an astral version? / and ... who knows?![1], and, yes, yes[2], and it's easy if you try[1], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and ... an astral version? / and ... who knows?![2], and the beach is massive, man! / and I can see, and I can see ... oh, little white crests - !!![1], and it's easy if you try[2], and one day ... I'm sure my ghost will wander there, here ...[1], and the beach is massive, man! / and I can see, and I can see ... oh, little white crests - !!![2], and, uh ...[1], and one day ... I'm sure my ghost will wander there, here ...[2], and swooping down, down, down ... aarrrghhhh![1], and, uh ...[2], and ... 'Christ, Mikey! What was that?!'[1], and swooping down, down, down ... aarrrghhhh![2], and ... ha, ha, ha![1], and ... 'Christ, Mikey! What was that?!'[2], and, listen! ... if the seagull wants my mint ice cream ... I'm ready for a fight this time[1], and ... ha, ha, ha![2], and ... 'Jesus H. - !!!'[1], and, listen! ... if the seagull wants my mint ice cream ... I'm ready for a fight this time[2], and calm down, Voice, calm down ... we're in Cornwall / and ... 'Are we?' / and ... well, well, well[1], and ... 'Jesus H. - !!!'[2], and, bloody hell! ... he hasn't even seen the Owlman yet![1], and calm down, Voice, calm down ... we're in Cornwall / and ... 'Are we?' / and ... well, well, well[2], and baleful eyes, staring at us ... ?[1], and, bloody hell! ... he hasn't even seen the Owlman yet![2], and ... 'I don't want to see the Owlman, boss'[1], and baleful eyes, staring at us ... ?[2], and don't worry, Voice ... he's very friendly if you keep him supplied with pasties[1], and ... 'I don't want to see the Owlman, boss'[2], and ... 'Does he like chips?'[1], and don't worry, Voice ... he's very friendly if you keep him supplied with pasties[2], and ... I don't know ... he probably does[1], and ... 'Does he like chips?'[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... let's change the subject / and we don't want to get stuck on the Owlman, do we?[1], and ... I don't know ... he probably does[2], and control, oh, control, please ...[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... let's change the subject / and we don't want to get stuck on the Owlman, do we?[2], and, so ...[1], and control, oh, control, please ...[2], and bright blue sky, yes ...[1], and, so ...[2], and a perfect day ...[1], and bright blue sky, yes ...[2], and the sea, the sea ... the waves, the waves ... and if I go in, right in, away from the cares of the world ... ?[1], and a perfect day ...[2], and ... 'Come back, Mikey!'[1], and the sea, the sea ... the waves, the waves ... and if I go in, right in, away from the cares of the world ... ?[2], and, no, no, no ... I'm not coming back ... no, no, NO![1], and ... 'Come back, Mikey!'[2], and ... 'Hold on! ... I've got you!'[1], and, no, no, no ... I'm not coming back ... no, no, NO![2], and, FFS! ... why did you stop me, Voice? Why?![1], and ... 'Hold on! ... I've got you!'[2], and ... 'You've got to record your songs'[1], and, FFS! ... why did you stop me, Voice? Why?![2], and, yeah, yeah ... whatever[1], and ... 'You've got to record your songs'[2], and, yes, yes[3], and, yeah, yeah ... whatever[2], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and ... an astral version? / and ... who knows?![3], and it's easy if you try[3], and the beach is massive, man! / and I can see, and I can see ... oh, little white crests - !!![3], and one day ... I'm sure my ghost will wander there, here ...[3], and, uh ...[3], and swooping down, down, down ... aarrrghhhh![3], and ... 'Christ, Mikey! What was that?!'[3], and ... ha, ha, ha![3], and, listen! ... if the seagull wants my mint ice cream ... I'm ready for a fight this time[3], and ... 'Jesus H. - !!!'[3], and calm down, Voice, calm down ... we're in Cornwall / and ... 'Are we?' / and ... well, well, well[3], and, bloody hell! ... he hasn't even seen the Owlman yet![3], and baleful eyes, staring at us ... ?[3], and ... 'I don't want to see the Owlman, boss'[3], and don't worry, Voice ... he's very friendly if you keep him supplied with pasties[3], and ... 'Does he like chips?'[3], and ... I don't know ... he probably does[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... let's change the subject / and we don't want to get stuck on the Owlman, do we?[3], and control, oh, control, please ...[3], and, so ...[3], and bright blue sky, yes ...[3], and a perfect day ...[3], and the sea, the sea ... the waves, the waves ... and if I go in, right in, away from the cares of the world ... ?[3], and ... 'Come back, Mikey!'[3], and, no, no, no ... I'm not coming back ... no, no, NO![3], and ... 'Hold on! ... I've got you!'[3], and, FFS! ... why did you stop me, Voice? Why?![3], and ... 'You've got to record your songs'[3], and, yeah, yeah ... whatever[3], and

And, yes, yes[1], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and ... an astral version? / and ... who knows?![1], and, yes, yes[2], and it's easy if you try[1], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and ... an astral version? / and ... who knows?![2], and the beach is massive, man! / and I can see, and I can see ... oh, little white crests - !!![1], and it's easy if you try[2], and one day ... I'm sure my ghost will wander there, here ...[1], and the beach is massive, man! / and I can see, and I can see ... oh, little white crests - !!![2], and, uh ...[1], and one day ... I'm sure my ghost will wander there, here ...[2], and swooping down, down, down ... aarrrghhhh![1], and, uh ...[2], and ... 'Christ, Mikey! What was that?!'[1], and swooping down, down, down ... aarrrghhhh![2], and ... ha, ha, ha![1], and ... 'Christ, Mikey! What was that?!'[2], and, listen! ... if the seagull wants my mint ice cream ... I'm ready for a fight this time[1], and ... ha, ha, ha![2], and ... 'Jesus H. - !!!'[1], and, listen! ... if the seagull wants my mint ice cream ... I'm ready for a fight this time[2], and calm down, Voice, calm down ... we're in Cornwall / and ... 'Are we?' / and ... well, well, well[1], and ... 'Jesus H. - !!!'[2], and, bloody hell! ... he hasn't even seen the Owlman yet![1], and calm down, Voice, calm down ... we're in Cornwall / and ... 'Are we?' / and ... well, well, well[2], and baleful eyes, staring at us ... ?[1], and, bloody hell! ... he hasn't even seen the Owlman yet![2], and ... 'I don't want to see the Owlman, boss'[1], and baleful eyes, staring at us ... ?[2], and don't worry, Voice ... he's very friendly if you keep him supplied with pasties[1], and ... 'I don't want to see the Owlman, boss'[2], and ... 'Does he like chips?'[1], and don't worry, Voice ... he's very friendly if you keep him supplied with pasties[2], and ... I don't know ... he probably does[1], and ... 'Does he like chips?'[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... let's change the subject / and we don't want to get stuck on the Owlman, do we?[1], and ... I don't know ... he probably does[2], and control, oh, control, please ...[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... let's change the subject / and we don't want to get stuck on the Owlman, do we?[2], and, so ...[1], and control, oh, control, please ...[2], and bright blue sky, yes ...[1], and, so ...[2], and a perfect day ...[1], and bright blue sky, yes ...[2], and the sea, the sea ... the waves, the waves ... and if I go in, right in, away from the cares of the world ... ?[1], and a perfect day ...[2], and ... 'Come back, Mikey!'[1], and the sea, the sea ... the waves, the waves ... and if I go in, right in, away from the cares of the world ... ?[2], and, no, no, no ... I'm not coming back ... no, no, NO![1], and ... 'Come back, Mikey!'[2], and ... 'Hold on! ... I've got you!'[1], and, no, no, no ... I'm not coming back ... no, no, NO![2], and, FFS! ... why did you stop me, Voice? Why?![1], and ... 'Hold on! ... I've got you!'[2], and ... 'You've got to record your songs'[1], and, FFS! ... why did you stop me, Voice? Why?![2], and, yeah, yeah ... whatever[1], and ... 'You've got to record your songs'[2], and, yes, yes[3], and, yeah, yeah ... whatever[2], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and ... an astral version? / and ... who knows?![3], and it's easy if you try[3], and the beach is massive, man! / and I can see, and I can see ... oh, little white crests - !!![3], and one day ... I'm sure my ghost will wander there, here ...[3], and, uh ...[3], and swooping down, down, down ... aarrrghhhh![3], and ... 'Christ, Mikey! What was that?!'[3], and ... ha, ha, ha![3], and, listen! ... if the seagull wants my mint ice cream ... I'm ready for a fight this time[3], and ... 'Jesus H. - !!!'[3], and calm down, Voice, calm down ... we're in Cornwall / and ... 'Are we?' / and ... well, well, well[3], and, bloody hell! ... he hasn't even seen the Owlman yet![3], and baleful eyes, staring at us ... ?[3], and ... 'I don't want to see the Owlman, boss'[3], and don't worry, Voice ... he's very friendly if you keep him supplied with pasties[3], and ... 'Does he like chips?'[3], and ... I don't know ... he probably does[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... let's change the subject / and we don't want to get stuck on the Owlman, do we?[3], and control, oh, control, please ...[3], and, so ...[3], and bright blue sky, yes ...[3], and a perfect day ...[3], and the sea, the sea ... the waves, the waves ... and if I go in, right in, away from the cares of the world ... ?[3], and ... 'Come back, Mikey!'[3], and, no, no, no ... I'm not coming back ... no, no, NO![3], and ... 'Hold on! ... I've got you!'[3], and, FFS! ... why did you stop me, Voice? Why?![3], and ... 'You've got to record your songs'[3], and, yeah, yeah ... whatever[3], and

Liquidity cushions

Yes, PR email. From Scope. And I've written about these things before. Liquidity cushions. 'What are they, boss?' Don't you remember? 'Remind me.' They're cushions filled with liquid, Voice, that, uh ... fund managers keep under their desks, for when they want a kip, like. 'Oh, yes. I remember.'

Anyway ...

The large liquidity cushions of open-ended real estate funds have been a burden on returns in recent years. With The Thing crisis, however, the more than EUR 20bn in cash has been an anchor of stability.

Er ... a burden? I don't understand that. 'The cushions are too big, boss. They don't fit under the desks.' Ha! Well, they can let some of the liquid out, can't they? What's the problem? Christ! Honestly. Some of these fund managers don't have two brain cells to rub together.

In recent years, managers of open-ended real estate funds found it hard to ensure liquidity ratios didn't rise too high. They succeeded last year. At the end of 2019, the funds' liquidity had a weighted average of around 20%, almost the same as from a year earlier. Even in the weeks dominated by The Thing, asset managers reported no extraordinary outflows of funds, and many even saw a net inflow (as of 15 April 2020).

Ah, yes ... The Thing. I'm glad that PR people are using my expression for it now.

A major reason consists of the two-year minimum holding period and the one-year notice period introduced in 2013 under the German Investment Code. All investors in funds launched since 2013 fall under these regulations. Meanwhile, for almost all of the older funds, including the heavyweights, more than half of investors are now subject to these regulations. (Note: those that invested in open-ended real estate funds before 22 July 2013 can withdraw up to EUR 30,000 in a half year without giving notice.)

Oh, it's all German stuff. That's okay.

Another reason for the stability in fund flows: the unit values of open-ended real estate funds are less volatile than, for example, equity prices. This is due in part to the conservative methods of German property appraisers. Their valuations are based on sustainable levels, which serve to smoothen out market fluctuations in both directions.

Okay.

Outlook: In the first two months of this year, funds that accepted any investor monies continued to have massive cash inflows. In recent weeks, however, inflows have reduced, and Scope expects the slowdown to continue. As most funds have massive cash balances, liquidity problems are unlikely in the short term. Even so, Scope believes fund managers will hold back from investing in new assets for the time being.

Fair enough.

Christ! 'What?' There's a lot of this. 'Ha! You've done enough, boss. Why don't you write about music?' This is a finance blog, man.

...

Anything else? Audiobooks? I'm not listening to them at the moment. I keep switching between them, but that's not good. It will mess your brain up. Maybe I should stop listening to them altogether.

Uh. Music? I'm ready to record my new demo now. However, there's not much point while we're all on lockdown.

With these four songs ...

This World Don't Mean a Thing
Nothing
And Rain Came Down
Stella

... there would be no stopping me. But it's The Thing, man. The evil Thing. Let's hope it goes away, eh?

...

I went for two walks in the park last week. My only exercise so far. I want to go to Richmond. I can't.

Lockdown must be worse for other people. I mean, I stay in a lot in normal times. Blogging and my music, you dig?

I have noticed more noise in the street though. Which suggests people are going out more in London.

If you look at the Sloop Inn St Ives webcam, you will hardly see anyone around. In full sunshine! In St Ives! It's a crime against Nature, man.

I want to walk on my favourite beach ...

[No. 796] Flying high in the friendly sky

Try it!

And that's where I am[1], and having fun as usual ... / ... and you, you, YOU(!) are welcome to join me, obviously[1], and that's where I am[2], and, but ... don't bring me down, no[1], and having fun as usual ... / ... and you, you, YOU(!) are welcome to join me, obviously[2], and, or ... you can try it by yourself, in the privacy of your own soul ... if you're feeling nervous, like[1], and, but ... don't bring me down, no[2], and it's so much ... fun, yes![1], and, or ... you can try it by yourself, in the privacy of your own soul ... if you're feeling nervous, like[2], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and, oh ... I imagine it's anywhere we imagine ... uh, don't you?[1], and it's so much ... fun, yes![2], and, well, well ...[1], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and, oh ... I imagine it's anywhere we imagine ... uh, don't you?[2], and the sun is shining / and ... is it summer yet?[1], and, well, well ...[2], and if you want to have a rest, just find yourself a little white fluffy cloud - that's my advice[1], and the sun is shining / and ... is it summer yet?[2], and where are we, exactly?[1], and if you want to have a rest, just find yourself a little white fluffy cloud - that's my advice[2], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[1], and where are we, exactly?[2], and it's all inside, actually, probably, I guess[1], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[2], and ... 'Nice one!'[1], and it's all inside, actually, probably, I guess[2], and, yeah, yeah ... we can look out of the window and wonder, but I don't know what good it will do us[1], and ... 'Nice one!'[2], and I'll tell you the truth, if you like ...[1], and, yeah, yeah ... we can look out of the window and wonder, but I don't know what good it will do us[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... and up and away![1], and I'll tell you the truth, if you like ...[2], and the truth is ... we don't no need no rainbow, man / and everything is perfect for us, oh, right now, yes[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... and up and away![2], and I feel sorry for the people who don't have this ...[1], and the truth is ... we don't no need no rainbow, man / and everything is perfect for us, oh, right now, yes[2], and you can be a kook or you can be a square, BUT(!) ... you've got to take a side, you dig?[1], and I feel sorry for the people who don't have this ...[2], and, Christ ... it's a no-brainer, really[1], and you can be a kook or you can be a square, BUT(!) ... you've got to take a side, you dig?[2], and it must be so depressing being normal in a grey world ...[1], and, Christ ... it's a no-brainer, really[2], and, listen, kook(s)! ... all the colour belongs to us ... in our dream world ... / and what's not to like?[1], and it must be so depressing being normal in a grey world ...[2], and up there, in here, wherever![1], and, listen, kook(s)! ... all the colour belongs to us ... in our dream world ... / and what's not to like?[2], and that's where I am[3], and up there, in here, wherever![2], and having fun as usual ... / ... and you, you, YOU(!) are welcome to join me, obviously[3], and, but ... don't bring me down, no[3], and, or ... you can try it by yourself, in the privacy of your own soul ... if you're feeling nervous, like[3], and it's so much ... fun, yes![3], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and, oh ... I imagine it's anywhere we imagine ... uh, don't you?[3], and, well, well ...[3], and the sun is shining / and ... is it summer yet?[3], and if you want to have a rest, just find yourself a little white fluffy cloud - that's my advice[3], and where are we, exactly?[3], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[3], and it's all inside, actually, probably, I guess[3], and ... 'Nice one!'[3], and, yeah, yeah ... we can look out of the window and wonder, but I don't know what good it will do us[3], and I'll tell you the truth, if you like ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... and up and away![3], and the truth is ... we don't no need no rainbow, man / and everything is perfect for us, oh, right now, yes[3], and I feel sorry for the people who don't have this ...[3], and you can be a kook or you can be a square, BUT(!) ... you've got to take a side, you dig?[3], and, Christ ... it's a no-brainer, really[3], and it must be so depressing being normal in a grey world ...[3], and, listen, kook(s)! ... all the colour belongs to us ... in our dream world ... / and what's not to like?[3], and up there, in here, wherever![3], and

And that's where I am[1], and having fun as usual ... / ... and you, you, YOU(!) are welcome to join me, obviously[1], and that's where I am[2], and, but ... don't bring me down, no[1], and having fun as usual ... / ... and you, you, YOU(!) are welcome to join me, obviously[2], and, or ... you can try it by yourself, in the privacy of your own soul ... if you're feeling nervous, like[1], and, but ... don't bring me down, no[2], and it's so much ... fun, yes![1], and, or ... you can try it by yourself, in the privacy of your own soul ... if you're feeling nervous, like[2], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and, oh ... I imagine it's anywhere we imagine ... uh, don't you?[1], and it's so much ... fun, yes![2], and, well, well ...[1], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and, oh ... I imagine it's anywhere we imagine ... uh, don't you?[2], and the sun is shining / and ... is it summer yet?[1], and, well, well ...[2], and if you want to have a rest, just find yourself a little white fluffy cloud - that's my advice[1], and the sun is shining / and ... is it summer yet?[2], and where are we, exactly?[1], and if you want to have a rest, just find yourself a little white fluffy cloud - that's my advice[2], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[1], and where are we, exactly?[2], and it's all inside, actually, probably, I guess[1], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[2], and ... 'Nice one!'[1], and it's all inside, actually, probably, I guess[2], and, yeah, yeah ... we can look out of the window and wonder, but I don't know what good it will do us[1], and ... 'Nice one!'[2], and I'll tell you the truth, if you like ...[1], and, yeah, yeah ... we can look out of the window and wonder, but I don't know what good it will do us[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... and up and away![1], and I'll tell you the truth, if you like ...[2], and the truth is ... we don't no need no rainbow, man / and everything is perfect for us, oh, right now, yes[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... and up and away![2], and I feel sorry for the people who don't have this ...[1], and the truth is ... we don't no need no rainbow, man / and everything is perfect for us, oh, right now, yes[2], and you can be a kook or you can be a square, BUT(!) ... you've got to take a side, you dig?[1], and I feel sorry for the people who don't have this ...[2], and, Christ ... it's a no-brainer, really[1], and you can be a kook or you can be a square, BUT(!) ... you've got to take a side, you dig?[2], and it must be so depressing being normal in a grey world ...[1], and, Christ ... it's a no-brainer, really[2], and, listen, kook(s)! ... all the colour belongs to us ... in our dream world ... / and what's not to like?[1], and it must be so depressing being normal in a grey world ...[2], and up there, in here, wherever![1], and, listen, kook(s)! ... all the colour belongs to us ... in our dream world ... / and what's not to like?[2], and that's where I am[3], and up there, in here, wherever![2], and having fun as usual ... / ... and you, you, YOU(!) are welcome to join me, obviously[3], and, but ... don't bring me down, no[3], and, or ... you can try it by yourself, in the privacy of your own soul ... if you're feeling nervous, like[3], and it's so much ... fun, yes![3], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and, oh ... I imagine it's anywhere we imagine ... uh, don't you?[3], and, well, well ...[3], and the sun is shining / and ... is it summer yet?[3], and if you want to have a rest, just find yourself a little white fluffy cloud - that's my advice[3], and where are we, exactly?[3], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[3], and it's all inside, actually, probably, I guess[3], and ... 'Nice one!'[3], and, yeah, yeah ... we can look out of the window and wonder, but I don't know what good it will do us[3], and I'll tell you the truth, if you like ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... and up and away![3], and the truth is ... we don't no need no rainbow, man / and everything is perfect for us, oh, right now, yes[3], and I feel sorry for the people who don't have this ...[3], and you can be a kook or you can be a square, BUT(!) ... you've got to take a side, you dig?[3], and, Christ ... it's a no-brainer, really[3], and it must be so depressing being normal in a grey world ...[3], and, listen, kook(s)! ... all the colour belongs to us ... in our dream world ... / and what's not to like?[3], and up there, in here, wherever![3], and

And that's where I am[1], and having fun as usual ... / ... and you, you, YOU(!) are welcome to join me, obviously[1], and that's where I am[2], and, but ... don't bring me down, no[1], and having fun as usual ... / ... and you, you, YOU(!) are welcome to join me, obviously[2], and, or ... you can try it by yourself, in the privacy of your own soul ... if you're feeling nervous, like[1], and, but ... don't bring me down, no[2], and it's so much ... fun, yes![1], and, or ... you can try it by yourself, in the privacy of your own soul ... if you're feeling nervous, like[2], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and, oh ... I imagine it's anywhere we imagine ... uh, don't you?[1], and it's so much ... fun, yes![2], and, well, well ...[1], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and, oh ... I imagine it's anywhere we imagine ... uh, don't you?[2], and the sun is shining / and ... is it summer yet?[1], and, well, well ...[2], and if you want to have a rest, just find yourself a little white fluffy cloud - that's my advice[1], and the sun is shining / and ... is it summer yet?[2], and where are we, exactly?[1], and if you want to have a rest, just find yourself a little white fluffy cloud - that's my advice[2], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[1], and where are we, exactly?[2], and it's all inside, actually, probably, I guess[1], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[2], and ... 'Nice one!'[1], and it's all inside, actually, probably, I guess[2], and, yeah, yeah ... we can look out of the window and wonder, but I don't know what good it will do us[1], and ... 'Nice one!'[2], and I'll tell you the truth, if you like ...[1], and, yeah, yeah ... we can look out of the window and wonder, but I don't know what good it will do us[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... and up and away![1], and I'll tell you the truth, if you like ...[2], and the truth is ... we don't no need no rainbow, man / and everything is perfect for us, oh, right now, yes[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... and up and away![2], and I feel sorry for the people who don't have this ...[1], and the truth is ... we don't no need no rainbow, man / and everything is perfect for us, oh, right now, yes[2], and you can be a kook or you can be a square, BUT(!) ... you've got to take a side, you dig?[1], and I feel sorry for the people who don't have this ...[2], and, Christ ... it's a no-brainer, really[1], and you can be a kook or you can be a square, BUT(!) ... you've got to take a side, you dig?[2], and it must be so depressing being normal in a grey world ...[1], and, Christ ... it's a no-brainer, really[2], and, listen, kook(s)! ... all the colour belongs to us ... in our dream world ... / and what's not to like?[1], and it must be so depressing being normal in a grey world ...[2], and up there, in here, wherever![1], and, listen, kook(s)! ... all the colour belongs to us ... in our dream world ... / and what's not to like?[2], and that's where I am[3], and up there, in here, wherever![2], and having fun as usual ... / ... and you, you, YOU(!) are welcome to join me, obviously[3], and, but ... don't bring me down, no[3], and, or ... you can try it by yourself, in the privacy of your own soul ... if you're feeling nervous, like[3], and it's so much ... fun, yes![3], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and, oh ... I imagine it's anywhere we imagine ... uh, don't you?[3], and, well, well ...[3], and the sun is shining / and ... is it summer yet?[3], and if you want to have a rest, just find yourself a little white fluffy cloud - that's my advice[3], and where are we, exactly?[3], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[3], and it's all inside, actually, probably, I guess[3], and ... 'Nice one!'[3], and, yeah, yeah ... we can look out of the window and wonder, but I don't know what good it will do us[3], and I'll tell you the truth, if you like ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... and up and away![3], and the truth is ... we don't no need no rainbow, man / and everything is perfect for us, oh, right now, yes[3], and I feel sorry for the people who don't have this ...[3], and you can be a kook or you can be a square, BUT(!) ... you've got to take a side, you dig?[3], and, Christ ... it's a no-brainer, really[3], and it must be so depressing being normal in a grey world ...[3], and, listen, kook(s)! ... all the colour belongs to us ... in our dream world ... / and what's not to like?[3], and up there, in here, wherever![3], and