Stuff

Yeah, yeah. Just stuff. Thursday afternoon stuff. Mostly music stuff. Last post of the week, like. I'm tired. Knackered, actually.

I should sleep more. But I don't like sleeping.

I've been having dreams lately inspired by all the hypnosis I've been doing. That's proof that it's going into my subconscious. 'Result!' Yes.

Oh, following on from what I wrote in the last post ... it's really important that I write the greatest songs ever. And not just for a career. No! To prove to people that I'm in touch with the cosmos.

Songs beyond human limits!

Think of Beethoven and Mozart. They were moving in the right direction. However, symphonies can be too long and boring.

Now, I'm listening to the first movement of Beethoven's Fifth.

[I haven't got any Mozart on my media player.]

Now, I'm listening to the first three minutes of the second movement of Beethoven's Seventh. Only three minutes of it!

Do you understand?

Also, it's like applying for a new position. When Beethoven and Mozart died, do you think the cosmos just dumped their souls on to a scrapheap? Or were they given a promotion?

They're out there somewhere ... RIGHT NOW - !!!

I'm absolutely convinced of that.

Also, the world is full of dirt. Isn't it nice to show a dirty world what is possible, if you really push yourself?

Of course it's nice! We should all be setting an example.

Words can be important, too. Like Nothing words, or ... Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow ... words, words, words, you dig?

If the words are grand enough. Got to be grand. Put them with the music. It can be something special. Like, uh ... Imagine.

Or Nothing.

Now, I'm listening to Beethoven's Ninth. All of it! / Karajan, [1977]. The very best! A great shaman!

I can't be bothered to judge Karajan. He has probably already been judged by some cosmic force.

I can't imagine why someone with such spiritual power would join the Nazi Party in, uh ... 1933. I mean, 1933. It was a bit early. Do you know what I mean? Talk about dodgy!

'It would be dodgy in any year, Mikey.' Yes, Voice. / Should we be pleased that it wasn't 1920?

Never mind. Artists are strange. People are strange.

And the world is a sewer.

...

Well, I hope you have a nice weekend, dear reader(s).

Refinitiv: Lipper European fund industry review - Q3 2020

Okay, okay. What's this? 'Ha!'

Oh, it's the quarterly European fund industry report from the Lipper team at Refinitiv!

'Yippee!'

Calm down, Voice.

'I just get so excited, boss.'

I know, I know.

Anyway ...

The European fund industry has enjoyed estimated net inflows in 2020 year to date.

The overall fund flows for mutual funds and ETFs in Europe amounted to estimated net inflows of €297.1 bn for the first nine months of 2020.

Money market funds (+€211.3 bn) were the best-selling individual asset type overall for 2020 year to date.

Equity Global (+€62.8 bn) was the best-selling sector among long-term funds for the first nine months of 2020.

Careless Whisper.

BlackRock, with net sales of €68.3 bn, was the best-selling fund promoter overall for the first nine month of 2020, ahead of JPMorgan (+€56.9 bn) and Goldman Sachs (+€23.3 bn).

The European fund market increased by 3 funds over the course of the first nine month of 2020.

Okay, okay. And, uh ... our Detlef has got nothing to say about it. Nothing at all. Which is a real shame. 'What?!' I can't explain it, man. I think - 'Let me look at that email.' Okay. 'Liar! You rotten liar - !!!'

Ha, ha, ha! I had you going, Voice.

Come on, Detlef!

Detlef Glow, Lipper Head of EMEA Research at Refinitiv, comments: "The Thing hit the European fund industry with declining markets and estimated net outflows of €125.9 bn in the first quarter of 2020. This trend reversed over the course of the second quarter as central banks and governments around the globe started quantitative easing programs and economic relief packages to cushion the economic drawdowns caused by the spread of The Thing and the lockdowns of economies around the globe.

"The measures taken led to a rebound of the equity markets accompanied by falling interest rates. The return to somewhat normal market circumstances led investors to buy back into mutual funds and ETFs. As a result, the European fund industry enjoyed inflows over the course of the second and third quarters, with overall flows adding up to €297.1 bn for 2020 so far. Taking all of this into account, 2020 was - despite the inflows - a tough period for the European fund industry."

Thanks, mate.

ENDS

...

Anything else? Music? Yeah, why not?! There's no harm in it, kook(s). You only live once.

Anyway ...

I've told you that all twelve songs on my "album" are potential singles. Well, now I've ranked them according to how likely they are to become big hits ...

Stella

This World Don't Mean a Thing

And Rain Came Down

Good Times

Love Me

Malibu

Nothing

What's This Life We Live?

I'm Right Inside

Lucky You

Round The Bend

I Want Everything

So ...

Oh, I still have those three tunes without lyrics, but I've got no enthusiasm for finishing them at the moment. [Two of the three will slot in just behind And Rain Came Down - with the right words, like.]

My next goal is to write two more songs like Stella. You know, songs that I can keep behind glass in case of emergency. Do you know?

It will be difficult ...

SICK DESPERATION helps, of course.

I've been thinking of that George Michael song, Outside. It was a "revenge" song, and Michael obviously knew that it wouldn't work unless it was one of the best songs of his career. So, uh ... he wrote one of the best songs of his career, you dig? Most writers don't push themselves like that.

Do you dig?

Laters!

[No. 849] The Voice

Who else would employ him?

And, yeah, yeah ...[1], and I'll be stuck with The Voice until the end of time ... unless I can spin him off now[1], and, yeah, yeah ...[2], and a-ROUND - !!![1], and I'll be stuck with The Voice until the end of time ... unless I can spin him off now[2], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha! I'm here forever, Mikey!'[1], and a-ROUND - !!![2], and ... he's not going anywhere[1], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha! I'm here forever, Mikey!'[2], and ... 'I'm going where you're going ... uh, where are you going, exactly?'[1], and ... he's not going anywhere[2], and I don't know[1], and ... 'I'm going where you're going ... uh, where are you going, exactly?'[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it's a mystery why ... I'm always here[1], and I don't know[2], and ... 'Together forever!'[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it's a mystery why ... I'm always here[2], and, Christ ... I'll never get rid of him[1], and ... 'Tog ether fore ver!'[2], and it wouldn't be so bad ... if he had ... a little bit of wisdom to pass on / and ... do you know what I mean?[1], and, Christ ... I'll never get rid of him[2], and ... 'Ha!'[1], and it wouldn't be so bad ... if he had ... a little bit of wisdom to pass on / and ... do you know what I mean?[2], and he claims he was born, oh, billions of years ago, BUT(!) ... he hasn't learnt a thing[1], and ... 'Ha!'[2], and ... 'Not one thing, boss!'[1], and he claims he was born, oh, billions of years ago, BUT(!) ... he hasn't learnt a thing[2], and, ha! ... proud of it, too[1], and ... 'Not one thing, boss!'[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... at least he's happy, kook(s)[1], and, ha! ... proud of it, too[2], and ... 'I enjoy existing ... always have'[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... at least he's happy, kook(s)[2], and maybe that's the secret / and, uh, maybe ... there is no secret / and, come on ... tell us, Voice![1], and ... 'I enjoy existing ... always have'[2], and ... 'Life is beautiful!'[1], and maybe that's the secret / and, uh, maybe ... there is no secret / and, come on ... tell us, Voice![2], and, yeah, yeah ... yeah, yeah ... yeah, yeah ... whatever, man[1], and ... 'Life is beautiful!'[2], and, listen! ... I'm sure that life is really amazing ... if you've got no body to maintain[1], and, yeah, yeah ... yeah, yeah ... yeah, yeah ... whatever, man[2], and some voices have all the luck ...[1], and, listen! ... I'm sure that life is really amazing ... if you've got no body to maintain[2], and ... what can I do with him, eh?[1], and some voices have all the luck ...[2], and you're so lucky, Voice![1], and ... what can I do with him, eh?[2], and ... 'I've never paid a bill in my life!'[1], and you're so lucky, Voice![2], and he's got the nerve, the sheer bloody nerve ... to ask me for wages[1], and ... 'I've never paid a bill in my life!'[2], and ... 'I can float anywhere I choose!'[1], and he's got the nerve, the sheer bloody nerve ... to ask me for wages[2], and, well ... float off then, idiot![1], and ... 'I can float anywhere I choose!'[2], and ... 'Bye!'[1], and, well ... float off then, idiot![2], and he'll be back in a moment ... knowing my luck[1], and ... 'Bye!'[2], and a-ROUND again![1], and he'll be back in a moment ... knowing my luck[2], and, yeah, yeah ...[3], and a-ROUND again![2], and I'll be stuck with The Voice until the end of time ... unless I can spin him off now[3], and a-ROUND - !!![3], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha! I'm here forever, Mikey!'[3], and ... he's not going anywhere[3], and ... 'I'm going where you're going ... uh, where are you going, exactly?'[3], and I don't know[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it's a mystery why ... I'm always here[3], and ... 'T  o  g  e  t  h  e  r f  o  r  e  v  e  r!'[3], and, Christ ... I'll never get rid of him[3], and it wouldn't be so bad ... if he had ... a little bit of wisdom to pass on / and ... do you know what I mean?[3], and ... 'Ha!'[3], and he claims he was born, oh, billions of years ago, BUT(!) ... he hasn't learnt a thing[3], and ... 'Not one thing, boss!'[3], and, ha! ... proud of it, too[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... at least he's happy, kook(s)[3], and ... 'I enjoy existing ... always have'[3], and maybe that's the secret / and, uh, maybe ... there is no secret / and, come on ... tell us, Voice![3], and ... 'Life is beautiful!'[3], and, yeah, yeah ... yeah, yeah ... yeah, yeah ... whatever, man[3], and, listen! ... I'm sure that life is really amazing ... if you've got no body to maintain[3], and some voices have all the luck ...[3], and ... what can I do with him, eh?[3], and you're so lucky, Voice![3], and ... 'I've never paid a bill in my life!'[3], and he's got the nerve, the sheer bloody nerve ... to ask me for wages[3], and ... 'I can float anywhere I choose!'[3], and, well ... float off then, idiot![3], and ... 'Bye!'[3], and he'll be back in a moment ... knowing my luck[3], and a-ROUND again![3], and

And, yeah, yeah ...[1], and I'll be stuck with The Voice until the end of time ... unless I can spin him off now[1], and, yeah, yeah ...[2], and a-ROUND - !!![1], and I'll be stuck with The Voice until the end of time ... unless I can spin him off now[2], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha! I'm here forever, Mikey!'[1], and a-ROUND - !!![2], and ... he's not going anywhere[1], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha! I'm here forever, Mikey!'[2], and ... 'I'm going where you're going ... uh, where are you going, exactly?'[1], and ... he's not going anywhere[2], and I don't know[1], and ... 'I'm going where you're going ... uh, where are you going, exactly?'[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it's a mystery why ... I'm always here[1], and I don't know[2], and ... 'Together forever!'[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it's a mystery why ... I'm always here[2], and, Christ ... I'll never get rid of him[1], and ... 'Tog ether fore ver!'[2], and it wouldn't be so bad ... if he had ... a little bit of wisdom to pass on / and ... do you know what I mean?[1], and, Christ ... I'll never get rid of him[2], and ... 'Ha!'[1], and it wouldn't be so bad ... if he had ... a little bit of wisdom to pass on / and ... do you know what I mean?[2], and he claims he was born, oh, billions of years ago, BUT(!) ... he hasn't learnt a thing[1], and ... 'Ha!'[2], and ... 'Not one thing, boss!'[1], and he claims he was born, oh, billions of years ago, BUT(!) ... he hasn't learnt a thing[2], and, ha! ... proud of it, too[1], and ... 'Not one thing, boss!'[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... at least he's happy, kook(s)[1], and, ha! ... proud of it, too[2], and ... 'I enjoy existing ... always have'[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... at least he's happy, kook(s)[2], and maybe that's the secret / and, uh, maybe ... there is no secret / and, come on ... tell us, Voice![1], and ... 'I enjoy existing ... always have'[2], and ... 'Life is beautiful!'[1], and maybe that's the secret / and, uh, maybe ... there is no secret / and, come on ... tell us, Voice![2], and, yeah, yeah ... yeah, yeah ... yeah, yeah ... whatever, man[1], and ... 'Life is beautiful!'[2], and, listen! ... I'm sure that life is really amazing ... if you've got no body to maintain[1], and, yeah, yeah ... yeah, yeah ... yeah, yeah ... whatever, man[2], and some voices have all the luck ...[1], and, listen! ... I'm sure that life is really amazing ... if you've got no body to maintain[2], and ... what can I do with him, eh?[1], and some voices have all the luck ...[2], and you're so lucky, Voice![1], and ... what can I do with him, eh?[2], and ... 'I've never paid a bill in my life!'[1], and you're so lucky, Voice![2], and he's got the nerve, the sheer bloody nerve ... to ask me for wages[1], and ... 'I've never paid a bill in my life!'[2], and ... 'I can float anywhere I choose!'[1], and he's got the nerve, the sheer bloody nerve ... to ask me for wages[2], and, well ... float off then, idiot![1], and ... 'I can float anywhere I choose!'[2], and ... 'Bye!'[1], and, well ... float off then, idiot![2], and he'll be back in a moment ... knowing my luck[1], and ... 'Bye!'[2], and a-ROUND again![1], and he'll be back in a moment ... knowing my luck[2], and, yeah, yeah ...[3], and a-ROUND again![2], and I'll be stuck with The Voice until the end of time ... unless I can spin him off now[3], and a-ROUND - !!![3], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha! I'm here forever, Mikey!'[3], and ... he's not going anywhere[3], and ... 'I'm going where you're going ... uh, where are you going, exactly?'[3], and I don't know[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it's a mystery why ... I'm always here[3], and ... 'T  o  g  e  t  h  e  r f  o  r  e  v  e  r!'[3], and, Christ ... I'll never get rid of him[3], and it wouldn't be so bad ... if he had ... a little bit of wisdom to pass on / and ... do you know what I mean?[3], and ... 'Ha!'[3], and he claims he was born, oh, billions of years ago, BUT(!) ... he hasn't learnt a thing[3], and ... 'Not one thing, boss!'[3], and, ha! ... proud of it, too[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... at least he's happy, kook(s)[3], and ... 'I enjoy existing ... always have'[3], and maybe that's the secret / and, uh, maybe ... there is no secret / and, come on ... tell us, Voice![3], and ... 'Life is beautiful!'[3], and, yeah, yeah ... yeah, yeah ... yeah, yeah ... whatever, man[3], and, listen! ... I'm sure that life is really amazing ... if you've got no body to maintain[3], and some voices have all the luck ...[3], and ... what can I do with him, eh?[3], and you're so lucky, Voice![3], and ... 'I've never paid a bill in my life!'[3], and he's got the nerve, the sheer bloody nerve ... to ask me for wages[3], and ... 'I can float anywhere I choose!'[3], and, well ... float off then, idiot![3], and ... 'Bye!'[3], and he'll be back in a moment ... knowing my luck[3], and a-ROUND again![3], and

And, yeah, yeah ...[1], and I'll be stuck with The Voice until the end of time ... unless I can spin him off now[1], and, yeah, yeah ...[2], and a-ROUND - !!![1], and I'll be stuck with The Voice until the end of time ... unless I can spin him off now[2], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha! I'm here forever, Mikey!'[1], and a-ROUND - !!![2], and ... he's not going anywhere[1], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha! I'm here forever, Mikey!'[2], and ... 'I'm going where you're going ... uh, where are you going, exactly?'[1], and ... he's not going anywhere[2], and I don't know[1], and ... 'I'm going where you're going ... uh, where are you going, exactly?'[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it's a mystery why ... I'm always here[1], and I don't know[2], and ... 'Together forever!'[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it's a mystery why ... I'm always here[2], and, Christ ... I'll never get rid of him[1], and ... 'Tog ether fore ver!'[2], and it wouldn't be so bad ... if he had ... a little bit of wisdom to pass on / and ... do you know what I mean?[1], and, Christ ... I'll never get rid of him[2], and ... 'Ha!'[1], and it wouldn't be so bad ... if he had ... a little bit of wisdom to pass on / and ... do you know what I mean?[2], and he claims he was born, oh, billions of years ago, BUT(!) ... he hasn't learnt a thing[1], and ... 'Ha!'[2], and ... 'Not one thing, boss!'[1], and he claims he was born, oh, billions of years ago, BUT(!) ... he hasn't learnt a thing[2], and, ha! ... proud of it, too[1], and ... 'Not one thing, boss!'[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... at least he's happy, kook(s)[1], and, ha! ... proud of it, too[2], and ... 'I enjoy existing ... always have'[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... at least he's happy, kook(s)[2], and maybe that's the secret / and, uh, maybe ... there is no secret / and, come on ... tell us, Voice![1], and ... 'I enjoy existing ... always have'[2], and ... 'Life is beautiful!'[1], and maybe that's the secret / and, uh, maybe ... there is no secret / and, come on ... tell us, Voice![2], and, yeah, yeah ... yeah, yeah ... yeah, yeah ... whatever, man[1], and ... 'Life is beautiful!'[2], and, listen! ... I'm sure that life is really amazing ... if you've got no body to maintain[1], and, yeah, yeah ... yeah, yeah ... yeah, yeah ... whatever, man[2], and some voices have all the luck ...[1], and, listen! ... I'm sure that life is really amazing ... if you've got no body to maintain[2], and ... what can I do with him, eh?[1], and some voices have all the luck ...[2], and you're so lucky, Voice![1], and ... what can I do with him, eh?[2], and ... 'I've never paid a bill in my life!'[1], and you're so lucky, Voice![2], and he's got the nerve, the sheer bloody nerve ... to ask me for wages[1], and ... 'I've never paid a bill in my life!'[2], and ... 'I can float anywhere I choose!'[1], and he's got the nerve, the sheer bloody nerve ... to ask me for wages[2], and, well ... float off then, idiot![1], and ... 'I can float anywhere I choose!'[2], and ... 'Bye!'[1], and, well ... float off then, idiot![2], and he'll be back in a moment ... knowing my luck[1], and ... 'Bye!'[2], and a-ROUND again![1], and he'll be back in a moment ... knowing my luck[2], and, yeah, yeah ...[3], and a-ROUND again![2], and I'll be stuck with The Voice until the end of time ... unless I can spin him off now[3], and a-ROUND - !!![3], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha! I'm here forever, Mikey!'[3], and ... he's not going anywhere[3], and ... 'I'm going where you're going ... uh, where are you going, exactly?'[3], and I don't know[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it's a mystery why ... I'm always here[3], and ... 'T  o  g  e  t  h  e  r f  o  r  e  v  e  r!'[3], and, Christ ... I'll never get rid of him[3], and it wouldn't be so bad ... if he had ... a little bit of wisdom to pass on / and ... do you know what I mean?[3], and ... 'Ha!'[3], and he claims he was born, oh, billions of years ago, BUT(!) ... he hasn't learnt a thing[3], and ... 'Not one thing, boss!'[3], and, ha! ... proud of it, too[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... at least he's happy, kook(s)[3], and ... 'I enjoy existing ... always have'[3], and maybe that's the secret / and, uh, maybe ... there is no secret / and, come on ... tell us, Voice![3], and ... 'Life is beautiful!'[3], and, yeah, yeah ... yeah, yeah ... yeah, yeah ... whatever, man[3], and, listen! ... I'm sure that life is really amazing ... if you've got no body to maintain[3], and some voices have all the luck ...[3], and ... what can I do with him, eh?[3], and you're so lucky, Voice![3], and ... 'I've never paid a bill in my life!'[3], and he's got the nerve, the sheer bloody nerve ... to ask me for wages[3], and ... 'I can float anywhere I choose!'[3], and, well ... float off then, idiot![3], and ... 'Bye!'[3], and he'll be back in a moment ... knowing my luck[3], and a-ROUND again![3], and

Should I interview The Body ... ?

Well, I don't know. It's tempting. It's certainly tempting.

'What's this, boss?'

It's a PR email, Voice. From Claire. Look - !

Dear Michael​​,

I do hope you are doing well during these unusual times.

I'm writing on behalf of my client Andrianna Christofi who on Friday was revealed to be The Body in ITV's hit game show The Cube, which is now back on our screens with Phillip Schofield! 

She is available to interview now regarding her time on The Cube, working with Phillip Schofield, her string of celebrity exes and how she maintains that enviable physique she is famous for!

With gratitude,

Claire

Okay, okay. I can see what's happening here. 'What?' This Body, this Andrianna, has fallen in love with me, but she's shy, you see. Really shy. 'Yeah.' So, she's got Claire to approach me, pretending she wants an interview. Oh, it's clever.

I get this a lot. Sure, I'm not as good-looking as I was in my twenties, but all the fit birds love my charisma and alpha-male frame these days. 'Ha! I think you've been watching too many of those videos on YouTube.' Shut up, idiot!

Christ. I would rather talk to The Body than The Voice. Do you know what I mean, dear reader(s)?

Anyway ...

British presenter, model and singer Andrianna Christofi has finally removed her mask after 10 years starring as The Body in ITV's hit game show The Cube.

In 2009 Andrianna was selected for her Wonderwoman-like athletic physique and skilled execution of the tasks. However until now her identity has remained a complete mystery as she embodied the iconic role that has been compared to 'The Stig' on Top Gear. 

On being The Body, Andrianna says "My identity was Top Secret for such a long time. I was chosen because I was the only one that could play the games in the audition and actually do what they wanted me to do. You have to have that Alien stroke Robocop type manner about you."

At 5"11 her stature and curves also led to her being the model for the world's first hologram and the body behind superheroines Catwoman, Poison Ivy and Harlequin in the award-winning videogame Batman Arkham Asylum. Her showbiz background also includes singing alongside the Spice Girls, Michael Bolton and Boyzone. 

Now focusing purely on TV presenting - she has previously presented for the Golden Globes, Sky Arts, BBC, ITV, Sony, Nintendo and the Monaco Grand Prix (to name but a few) - Andrianna is ready to make a splash as a presenter and ambassador for women's health and fitness.

You can follow Andrianna's adventures on Instagram here.

Right. Okay. So ... 'Are you going to contact her then, boss?' No. 'Why not? Are you scared?' Don't be silly, Voice.

Listen! I'm a man of mystery. She knows where I am.

ENDS.

...

Anything else? Music? My music?

Jesus H. - !!!

I can't keep writing about my music, kook(s). Not much changes day to day, you know?

'Your fans are obsessed with you, boss.'

I know, I know.

Imagine what it will be like when I eventually release some music. Total mayhem!

Fowkemania!

Laters!

[No. 848] It's hard to spin

But I must keep going.

And, oh, now it is[1], and, yes, right now it is[1], and, oh, now it is[2], and, you, you, YOU(!)[1], and, yes, right now it is[2], and, please, please, please ... don't ask me why[1], and, you, you, YOU(!)[2], and a-ROUND here ... we can be together with our souls / and that's worth something, isn't it?[1], and, please, please, please ... don't ask me why[2], and I don't know[1], and a-ROUND here ... we can be together with our souls / and that's worth something, isn't it?[2], and anything you do a lot ... can work its way into your dreams ... and don't you find that, man?[1], and I don't know[2], and, uh ... well, well, well[1], and anything you do a lot ... can work its way into your dreams ... and don't you find that, man?[2], and ... I just don't know[1], and, uh ... well, well, well[2], and a-ROUND here ... I want to be too dizzy to care about ... all the things that people care about[1], and ... I just don't know[2], and listen to me![1], and a-ROUND here ... I want to be too dizzy to care about ... all the things that people care about[2], and every fresh start ends in failure ... and maybe it's better ... not to start at all ... and I hope someone understands[1], and listen to me![2], and ... what are the chances?[1], and every fresh start ends in failure ... and maybe it's better ... not to start at all ... and I hope someone understands[2], and I'll tell you ...[1], and ... what are the chances?[2], and to feel better, to be happy ...[1], and I'll tell you ...[2], and I'll tell you now ...[1], and to feel better, to be happy ...[2], and for a little while ...[1], and I'll tell you now ...[2], and there's a packet of Jammie Dodgers with my name on it / and, yes ... I will be having Earl Grey tea[1], and for a little while ...[2], and that's all I can look forward to at the moment[1], and there's a packet of Jamm ie Dod gers with my name on it / and, yes ... I will be having Earl Grey tea[2], and guess what ...[1], and that's all I can look forward to at the moment[2], and it's hard to play the guitar ...[1], and guess what ...[2], and the world is shit[1], and it's hard to play the guitar ...[2], and it's hard to write songs ...[1], and the world is shit[2], and the world is a joke[1], and it's hard to write songs ...[2], and it's hard to sing with enthusiasm ...[1], and the world is a joke[2], and the world is a shit joke[1], and it's hard to sing with enthusiasm ...[2], and are you, you, YOU(!) ... improving things or making them worse?[1], and the world is a shit joke[2], and I wonder about myself ...[1], and are you, you, YOU(!) ... improving things or making them worse?[2], and, yes, yes, yes ...[1], and I wonder about myself ...[2], and I wonder ...[1], and, yes, yes, yes ...[2], and what stops me running around the streets brandishing a hammer?[1], and I wonder ...[2], and I would love to know ...[1], and what stops me running around the streets brandishing a hammer?[2], and, ha, ha, ha! ... why am I so civilized?[1], and I would love to know ...[2], and never, never ... mind[1], and, ha, ha, ha! ... why am I so civilized?[2], and, oh, now it is[3], and never, never ... mind[2], and, yes, right now it is[3], and, you, you, YOU(!)[3], and, please, please, please ... don't ask me why[3], and a-ROUND here ... we can be together with our souls / and that's worth something, isn't it?[3], and I don't know[3], and anything you do a lot ... can work its way into your dreams ... and don't you find that, man?[3], and, uh ... well, well, well[3], and ... I just don't know[3], and a-ROUND here ... I want to be too dizzy to care about ... all the things that people care about[3], and listen to me![3], and every fresh start ends in failure ... and maybe it's better ... not to start at all ... and I hope someone understands[3], and ... what are the chances?[3], and I'll tell you ...[3], and to feel better, to be happy ...[3], and I'll tell you now ...[3], and for a little while ...[3], and there's a packet of J  a  m  m  i  e D  o  d  g  e  r  s with my name on it / and, yes ... I will be having Earl Grey tea[3], and that's all I can look forward to at the moment[3], and guess what ...[3], and it's hard to play the guitar ...[3], and the world is shit[3], and it's hard to write songs ...[3], and the world is a joke[3], and it's hard to sing with enthusiasm ...[3], and the world is a shit joke[3], and are you, you, YOU(!) ... improving things or making them worse?[3], and I wonder about myself ...[3], and, yes, yes, yes ...[3], and I wonder ...[3], and what stops me running around the streets brandishing a hammer?[3], and I would love to know ...[3], and, ha, ha, ha! ... why am I so civilized?[3], and never, never ... mind[3], and

And, oh, now it is[1], and, yes, right now it is[1], and, oh, now it is[2], and, you, you, YOU(!)[1], and, yes, right now it is[2], and, please, please, please ... don't ask me why[1], and, you, you, YOU(!)[2], and a-ROUND here ... we can be together with our souls / and that's worth something, isn't it?[1], and, please, please, please ... don't ask me why[2], and I don't know[1], and a-ROUND here ... we can be together with our souls / and that's worth something, isn't it?[2], and anything you do a lot ... can work its way into your dreams ... and don't you find that, man?[1], and I don't know[2], and, uh ... well, well, well[1], and anything you do a lot ... can work its way into your dreams ... and don't you find that, man?[2], and ... I just don't know[1], and, uh ... well, well, well[2], and a-ROUND here ... I want to be too dizzy to care about ... all the things that people care about[1], and ... I just don't know[2], and listen to me![1], and a-ROUND here ... I want to be too dizzy to care about ... all the things that people care about[2], and every fresh start ends in failure ... and maybe it's better ... not to start at all ... and I hope someone understands[1], and listen to me![2], and ... what are the chances?[1], and every fresh start ends in failure ... and maybe it's better ... not to start at all ... and I hope someone understands[2], and I'll tell you ...[1], and ... what are the chances?[2], and to feel better, to be happy ...[1], and I'll tell you ...[2], and I'll tell you now ...[1], and to feel better, to be happy ...[2], and for a little while ...[1], and I'll tell you now ...[2], and there's a packet of Jammie Dodgers with my name on it / and, yes ... I will be having Earl Grey tea[1], and for a little while ...[2], and that's all I can look forward to at the moment[1], and there's a packet of Jamm ie Dod gers with my name on it / and, yes ... I will be having Earl Grey tea[2], and guess what ...[1], and that's all I can look forward to at the moment[2], and it's hard to play the guitar ...[1], and guess what ...[2], and the world is shit[1], and it's hard to play the guitar ...[2], and it's hard to write songs ...[1], and the world is shit[2], and the world is a joke[1], and it's hard to write songs ...[2], and it's hard to sing with enthusiasm ...[1], and the world is a joke[2], and the world is a shit joke[1], and it's hard to sing with enthusiasm ...[2], and are you, you, YOU(!) ... improving things or making them worse?[1], and the world is a shit joke[2], and I wonder about myself ...[1], and are you, you, YOU(!) ... improving things or making them worse?[2], and, yes, yes, yes ...[1], and I wonder about myself ...[2], and I wonder ...[1], and, yes, yes, yes ...[2], and what stops me running around the streets brandishing a hammer?[1], and I wonder ...[2], and I would love to know ...[1], and what stops me running around the streets brandishing a hammer?[2], and, ha, ha, ha! ... why am I so civilized?[1], and I would love to know ...[2], and never, never ... mind[1], and, ha, ha, ha! ... why am I so civilized?[2], and, oh, now it is[3], and never, never ... mind[2], and, yes, right now it is[3], and, you, you, YOU(!)[3], and, please, please, please ... don't ask me why[3], and a-ROUND here ... we can be together with our souls / and that's worth something, isn't it?[3], and I don't know[3], and anything you do a lot ... can work its way into your dreams ... and don't you find that, man?[3], and, uh ... well, well, well[3], and ... I just don't know[3], and a-ROUND here ... I want to be too dizzy to care about ... all the things that people care about[3], and listen to me![3], and every fresh start ends in failure ... and maybe it's better ... not to start at all ... and I hope someone understands[3], and ... what are the chances?[3], and I'll tell you ...[3], and to feel better, to be happy ...[3], and I'll tell you now ...[3], and for a little while ...[3], and there's a packet of J  a  m  m  i  e D  o  d  g  e  r  s with my name on it / and, yes ... I will be having Earl Grey tea[3], and that's all I can look forward to at the moment[3], and guess what ...[3], and it's hard to play the guitar ...[3], and the world is shit[3], and it's hard to write songs ...[3], and the world is a joke[3], and it's hard to sing with enthusiasm ...[3], and the world is a shit joke[3], and are you, you, YOU(!) ... improving things or making them worse?[3], and I wonder about myself ...[3], and, yes, yes, yes ...[3], and I wonder ...[3], and what stops me running around the streets brandishing a hammer?[3], and I would love to know ...[3], and, ha, ha, ha! ... why am I so civilized?[3], and never, never ... mind[3], and

And, oh, now it is[1], and, yes, right now it is[1], and, oh, now it is[2], and, you, you, YOU(!)[1], and, yes, right now it is[2], and, please, please, please ... don't ask me why[1], and, you, you, YOU(!)[2], and a-ROUND here ... we can be together with our souls / and that's worth something, isn't it?[1], and, please, please, please ... don't ask me why[2], and I don't know[1], and a-ROUND here ... we can be together with our souls / and that's worth something, isn't it?[2], and anything you do a lot ... can work its way into your dreams ... and don't you find that, man?[1], and I don't know[2], and, uh ... well, well, well[1], and anything you do a lot ... can work its way into your dreams ... and don't you find that, man?[2], and ... I just don't know[1], and, uh ... well, well, well[2], and a-ROUND here ... I want to be too dizzy to care about ... all the things that people care about[1], and ... I just don't know[2], and listen to me![1], and a-ROUND here ... I want to be too dizzy to care about ... all the things that people care about[2], and every fresh start ends in failure ... and maybe it's better ... not to start at all ... and I hope someone understands[1], and listen to me![2], and ... what are the chances?[1], and every fresh start ends in failure ... and maybe it's better ... not to start at all ... and I hope someone understands[2], and I'll tell you ...[1], and ... what are the chances?[2], and to feel better, to be happy ...[1], and I'll tell you ...[2], and I'll tell you now ...[1], and to feel better, to be happy ...[2], and for a little while ...[1], and I'll tell you now ...[2], and there's a packet of Jammie Dodgers with my name on it / and, yes ... I will be having Earl Grey tea[1], and for a little while ...[2], and that's all I can look forward to at the moment[1], and there's a packet of Jamm ie Dod gers with my name on it / and, yes ... I will be having Earl Grey tea[2], and guess what ...[1], and that's all I can look forward to at the moment[2], and it's hard to play the guitar ...[1], and guess what ...[2], and the world is shit[1], and it's hard to play the guitar ...[2], and it's hard to write songs ...[1], and the world is shit[2], and the world is a joke[1], and it's hard to write songs ...[2], and it's hard to sing with enthusiasm ...[1], and the world is a joke[2], and the world is a shit joke[1], and it's hard to sing with enthusiasm ...[2], and are you, you, YOU(!) ... improving things or making them worse?[1], and the world is a shit joke[2], and I wonder about myself ...[1], and are you, you, YOU(!) ... improving things or making them worse?[2], and, yes, yes, yes ...[1], and I wonder about myself ...[2], and I wonder ...[1], and, yes, yes, yes ...[2], and what stops me running around the streets brandishing a hammer?[1], and I wonder ...[2], and I would love to know ...[1], and what stops me running around the streets brandishing a hammer?[2], and, ha, ha, ha! ... why am I so civilized?[1], and I would love to know ...[2], and never, never ... mind[1], and, ha, ha, ha! ... why am I so civilized?[2], and, oh, now it is[3], and never, never ... mind[2], and, yes, right now it is[3], and, you, you, YOU(!)[3], and, please, please, please ... don't ask me why[3], and a-ROUND here ... we can be together with our souls / and that's worth something, isn't it?[3], and I don't know[3], and anything you do a lot ... can work its way into your dreams ... and don't you find that, man?[3], and, uh ... well, well, well[3], and ... I just don't know[3], and a-ROUND here ... I want to be too dizzy to care about ... all the things that people care about[3], and listen to me![3], and every fresh start ends in failure ... and maybe it's better ... not to start at all ... and I hope someone understands[3], and ... what are the chances?[3], and I'll tell you ...[3], and to feel better, to be happy ...[3], and I'll tell you now ...[3], and for a little while ...[3], and there's a packet of J  a  m  m  i  e D  o  d  g  e  r  s with my name on it / and, yes ... I will be having Earl Grey tea[3], and that's all I can look forward to at the moment[3], and guess what ...[3], and it's hard to play the guitar ...[3], and the world is shit[3], and it's hard to write songs ...[3], and the world is a joke[3], and it's hard to sing with enthusiasm ...[3], and the world is a shit joke[3], and are you, you, YOU(!) ... improving things or making them worse?[3], and I wonder about myself ...[3], and, yes, yes, yes ...[3], and I wonder ...[3], and what stops me running around the streets brandishing a hammer?[3], and I would love to know ...[3], and, ha, ha, ha! ... why am I so civilized?[3], and never, never ... mind[3], and

Investec launches Online Flexi Saver

Whatever that is. 'It's a new instant access savings account, boss.' Is it? Well, well ... you learn something new every day, don't you? Thank you, Voice. 

Investec has launched a new instant access savings product, the Online Flexi Saver. The Online Flexi Saver offers unlimited deposits and withdrawals, a competitive interest rate and no bonus or introductory rate, so savers have complete transparency over their interest rate. 

The Investec Online Flexi Saver pays 0.55% AER on balances between £5,000 and £250,000. Clients can make as many deposits and withdrawals as they like, whenever they want to, with no fees or penalties. Interest is paid on a monthly basis, and opening an account is quick and easy to do as Investec is using some of the latest technology to provide a slick application process.

Okay, okay. It's a PR email, obviously. And no endorsement from me or, uh ... the Voice, obviously, because we don't know anything about savings accounts. We ain't got no money. Well, I've got a bit. The Voice has nothing at all.  'Ha! Not on the wages you pay me.' What wages? 'Exactly!' Just be glad you've got a job. 

Oh, by the way, Phil says that Linda is available for interview. 'Phil? Linda? Who are these people, boss?' Ha! I have absolutely no idea. They're just voices, really. 'Really?' Yes.

Here's the Linda voice -

Linda Brown, Head of Savings at Investec, says: "We're very excited to be launching a new savings product that offers savers complete transparency, ease of use and flexibility. The Online Flexi Saver account is true to our core savings brand principles of consistently offering highly competitive rates without having to rely on short-term bonuses or apply restrictive terms and conditions to how people manage their savings.

"For some time now, our clients have been engaging with us digitally as our savings accounts already had the functionality to be managed online. The Online Flexi Saver is an enhancement to our existing offering and improvement to client experience and we're delighted to add it to our suite of products."

Thank you, Linda! I want to believe in your reality. 'She seems real enough.' Well, let's hope she is. Enough, I mean. 'Are you going to interview her?' Be serious, man! I don't know how to interview people. I'll just make a mess of it.

Never mind.

ENDS

...

Anything else? Music? All right. If you insist, kook(s).

I was rehearsing Malibu a lot at the weekend. I'm tempted to put it back on the demo in place of And Rain Came Down, but I probably won't. I need to hold some great stuff in reserve, you dig?

I want more great songs. I don't think I'll ever be satisfied though.

[I watched that Yesterday film again last night. Ha! He stole all his songs from The Beatles.]

I need more time, more energy. The same old story.

If I wasn't writing this blog ...

But I am.

I must obey the cosmos!

Later(s), blog and pop loon(s)!

Proposed changes in regulations

Sounds exciting, don't it?

Ah, never mind. Yeah, it's a PR email. Maybe I should write about music instead. 'Come on, boss! Play the game.' All right, all right.

Proposed changes in regulations for infrastructure investment trusts likely to open alternate source for Indian insurers, says GlobalData.

Right.

The proposal to amend the regulations around the investments in infrastructure investment trusts (InvITs) is expected to open an alternate source of investments for Indian insurers and pension funds, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Yeah, yeah. Can we mention GlobalData again, please?

According to GlobalData's Insurance Database, the total investment income of Indian insurers is expected to decline by -2.7% in 2020 as compared to the 6.2% growth registered in 2019, primarily due to the highly volatile equity markets and uncertain market conditions due to The Thing.

Thanks!

Well, uh ... it's okay to talk about Indian finance for a change. When was the last time we had a post on Indian finance, Voice? 'Jesus! I don't know. Probably not since the days of Ganesh the elephant god.' Oh, I miss him! 'Really?' Yeah. He was a laugh. I always got on well with Ganesh. It was Big Herb I couldn't stand.

It's all water under the bridge now, anyway.

Right. Come on, Anjuli!

Anjuli, Insurance Analyst at GlobalData, comments: "As per the guidelines laid by the Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India (IRDAI), insurers' investments in a single InvIT are presently capped at 5% and limited to listed equity securities. The proposed changes in regulations are expected to increase the cap for insurers and enable them to invest in debt securities issued by InvITs.

"The gradual opening up of the economy and revival in business activity is expected to partially stabilize the investment income for insurers in 2021. By investing insurance and pension funds into debt securities of InvITs, insurers can potentially limit the investment exposure to riskier assets amid highly volatile market conditions."

Oh, okay. Thanks, Anjuli.

ENDS

...

Anything else? Music?

Have U2 got a decent BIG TEN? That's a good question. Let's find out!

One

Beautiful Day

Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses

The Unforgettable Fire

Pride (In The Name Of Love)

With Or Without You

Where The Streets Have No Name

Staring At The Sun

Mysterious Ways

I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For

Yeah, pretty good!

Oh, by the way, I've gone off R.E.M., man. Their BIG TEN - if I could be bothered, like - would be nowhere near Beatles, Oasis, and U2.

I still really like Losing My Religion though. And Electrolite. I wouldn't mind listening to the latter now, but I've got The Sweeney on TV.

Ha! There's a lot of mugs in this episode. 'It's normally slags, boss.' I know. A change is as good as a rest, I suppose.

"Shut it, you slag!"

They don't make characters like Jack Regan no more.

The funny thing is ... we all know that the reality of the real world hasn't changed. It's just that TV executives refuse to show it these days. I think The Inbetweeners was the last TV programme that showed people having realistic conversations.

Well, well ...

Well, later(s), crocodile(s)!

Refinitiv: Lipper European fund flow report - September 2020

Right. What's this?! ... you're probably wondering, dear reader(s). 'Don't be ridiculous, boss! Everyone knows it's the September European fund flow industry report from the Lipper team at Refinitiv.'

I was just trying to get some excitement going. Never mind.

Long-term mutual funds posted net inflows for September 2020.

The overall fund flows for mutual funds in Europe in September amounted to estimated net inflows of €38.0 bn.

Equity funds (+€26.4 bn) were the best-selling individual asset type overall for September.

Equity Global (+€10.4 bn) was once again the best-selling sector among long-term funds for September.

The U.K. (+€12.6 bn) was the fund domicile with the highest net inflows, followed by Ireland (+€10.3 bn) and Luxembourg (+€8.0 bn).

Addicted To Love.

BlackRock was the best-selling fund promoter for September overall, with net sales of €17.1 bn, ahead of Man Investments (+€3.9 bn) and BNP Paribas Asset Management (+€3.0 bn).

The 10 best-selling long-term funds gathered at the share class level net inflows of €6.6 bn for September.

Aviva Investors Global Sovereign Bond Zh GBP (+€0.9 bn) was the best-selling individual long-term fund share class for September.

 

Aviva Investors again, eh? Christ. 'Those Schroders are mugs.' I know, I know. They don't get any of the glory.

Okay, okay. Let's hear from our Detlef ...

 

Detlef Glow, Lipper Head of EMEA Research at Refinitiv, comments: "European investors bought further back into mutual funds and ETFs in September. Even as the global equity markets recovered further in a volatile environment, investors returned to long-term mutual funds because they expected the massive stimulus packages from central banks and governments globally to keep interest rates low and to foster global economic growth despite upcoming uncertainties from a possible second wave of The Thing lockdowns in Europe."

Thanks, Detlef. You're a diamond! 'You're a prince among men, Detlef!' All right, Voice. Calm down.

ENDS

...

Anything else? Music? My music?! Well ...

I've still got the twelve songs for the album.

I'm not still not using any of the old songs - the 2016 demo and all the stuff before that.

I've still got the three new tunes without lyrics. / By the way, I'm changing the title and concept of The Sun Is Getting Higher. It's just a dummy now.

I'm still aiming to become the greatest ever songwriter with only twenty songs. / Ha! It sounds impossible, doesn't it? I don't care, kook(s). Listen! If our Elon can build a city on Mars, I can do this.

So ...

I need five new tunes.

I need eight new lyrics.

I'm going to write them like my life depends on the outcome - which it does.

Is my situation God's blessing or God's curse?

Well, I'll tell you straight ... It's the cosmos I'm dealing with, man. You dig?

Laters!

[No. 847] What was Bodhi attached to?

One thing: the sea.

And, well, well ...[1], and I'm not even attached to this ... !!![1], and, well, well ...[2], and that's why I spin so easily and so freely ... oh, I don't have a care in the whole of dizzy reality[1], and I'm not even attached to this ... !!![2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... most great souls have: ONE THING[1], and that's why I spin so easily and so freely ... oh, I don't have a care in the whole of dizzy reality[2], and, yes, yes, yes ... it's my music, man[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... most great souls have: ONE THING[2], and the sea made Bodhi feel, really feel ... so alive, while others were sadly living their deaths[1], and, yes, yes, yes ... it's my music, man[2], and imagine him in a cage![1], and the sea made Bodhi feel, really feel ... so alive, while others were sadly living their deaths[2], and ... 'Uh ... he's a fictional character, boss' / and, ha, ha, ha! ... whatever, Voice![1], and imagine him in a cage![2], and I love the sea, myself, oh, in Cornwall ... even though I can't swim and I don't -[1], and ... 'Uh ... he's a fictional character, boss' / and, ha, ha, ha! ... whatever, Voice![2], and ... 'Mikey don't surf!' / and, me?! Surfing?! Ha![1], and I love the sea, myself, oh, in Cornwall ... even though I can't swim and I don't -[2], and I suppose I could try it on the astral plane ... it's safer that way ... unless you get attacked by an astral shark[1], and ... 'Mikey don't surf!' / and, me?! Surfing?! Ha![2], and the point is ...[1], and I suppose I could try it on the astral plane ... it's safer that way ... unless you get attacked by an astral shark[2], and, uh, uh ...[1], and the point is ...[2], and have I lost the point? / and did I have a point?[1], and, uh, uh ...[2], and, and ... listen![1], and have I lost the point? / and did I have a point?[2], and you've got to make an existential commitment to one thing, yes[1], and, and ... listen![2], and ... no thing is sadness[1], and you've got to make an e xistential com mitment to one thing, yes[2], and believe me[1], and ... no thing is sadness[2], and ... too many thing, ah ... is confusion and too much attachment ... to a world that is cold and cruel[1], and believe me[2], and NOW(!) ... listen to me![1], and ... too many thing, ah ... is confusion and too much attachment ... to a world that is cold and cruel[2], and with your one thing ...[1], and NOW(!) ... listen to me![2], and people will float by ... will you notice them? No![1], and with your one thing ...[2], and, so ... come on![1], and people will float by ... will you notice them? No![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ...[1], and, so ... come on![2], and focus![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ...[2], and you, you, YOU(!) are fixed[1], and focus![2], and you are in control of yourself - rejoice![1], and you, you, YOU(!) are fixed[2], and you, you, YOU(!) are saved[1], and you are in control of yourself - rejoice![2], and ... well done![1], and you, you, YOU(!) are saved[2], and, well, well ...[3], and ... well done![2], and I'm not even attached to this ... !!![3], and that's why I spin so easily and so freely ... oh, I don't have a care in the whole of dizzy reality[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... most great souls have: ONE THING[3], and, yes, yes, yes ... it's my music, man[3], and the sea made Bodhi feel, really feel ... so alive, while others were sadly living their deaths[3], and imagine him in a cage![3], and ... 'Uh ... he's a fictional character, boss' / and, ha, ha, ha! ... whatever, Voice![3], and I love the sea, myself, oh, in Cornwall ... even though I can't swim and I don't -[3], and ... 'Mikey don't surf!' / and, me?! Surfing?! Ha![3], and I suppose I could try it on the astral plane ... it's safer that way ... unless you get attacked by an astral shark[3], and the point is ...[3], and, uh, uh ...[3], and have I lost the point? / and did I have a point?[3], and, and ... listen![3], and you've got to make an e  x  i  s  t  e  n  t  i  a  l c  o  m  m  i  t  m  e  n  t to one thing, yes[3], and ... no thing is sadness[3], and believe me[3], and ... too many thing, ah ... is confusion and too much attachment ... to a world that is cold and cruel[3], and NOW(!) ... listen to me![3], and with your one thing ...[3], and people will float by ... will you notice them? No![3], and, so ... come on![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ...[3], and focus![3], and you, you, YOU(!) are fixed[3], and you are in control of yourself - rejoice![3], and you, you, YOU(!) are saved[3], and ... well done![3], and

And, well, well ...[1], and I'm not even attached to this ... !!![1], and, well, well ...[2], and that's why I spin so easily and so freely ... oh, I don't have a care in the whole of dizzy reality[1], and I'm not even attached to this ... !!![2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... most great souls have: ONE THING[1], and that's why I spin so easily and so freely ... oh, I don't have a care in the whole of dizzy reality[2], and, yes, yes, yes ... it's my music, man[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... most great souls have: ONE THING[2], and the sea made Bodhi feel, really feel ... so alive, while others were sadly living their deaths[1], and, yes, yes, yes ... it's my music, man[2], and imagine him in a cage![1], and the sea made Bodhi feel, really feel ... so alive, while others were sadly living their deaths[2], and ... 'Uh ... he's a fictional character, boss' / and, ha, ha, ha! ... whatever, Voice![1], and imagine him in a cage![2], and I love the sea, myself, oh, in Cornwall ... even though I can't swim and I don't -[1], and ... 'Uh ... he's a fictional character, boss' / and, ha, ha, ha! ... whatever, Voice![2], and ... 'Mikey don't surf!' / and, me?! Surfing?! Ha![1], and I love the sea, myself, oh, in Cornwall ... even though I can't swim and I don't -[2], and I suppose I could try it on the astral plane ... it's safer that way ... unless you get attacked by an astral shark[1], and ... 'Mikey don't surf!' / and, me?! Surfing?! Ha![2], and the point is ...[1], and I suppose I could try it on the astral plane ... it's safer that way ... unless you get attacked by an astral shark[2], and, uh, uh ...[1], and the point is ...[2], and have I lost the point? / and did I have a point?[1], and, uh, uh ...[2], and, and ... listen![1], and have I lost the point? / and did I have a point?[2], and you've got to make an existential commitment to one thing, yes[1], and, and ... listen![2], and ... no thing is sadness[1], and you've got to make an e xistential com mitment to one thing, yes[2], and believe me[1], and ... no thing is sadness[2], and ... too many thing, ah ... is confusion and too much attachment ... to a world that is cold and cruel[1], and believe me[2], and NOW(!) ... listen to me![1], and ... too many thing, ah ... is confusion and too much attachment ... to a world that is cold and cruel[2], and with your one thing ...[1], and NOW(!) ... listen to me![2], and people will float by ... will you notice them? No![1], and with your one thing ...[2], and, so ... come on![1], and people will float by ... will you notice them? No![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ...[1], and, so ... come on![2], and focus![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ...[2], and you, you, YOU(!) are fixed[1], and focus![2], and you are in control of yourself - rejoice![1], and you, you, YOU(!) are fixed[2], and you, you, YOU(!) are saved[1], and you are in control of yourself - rejoice![2], and ... well done![1], and you, you, YOU(!) are saved[2], and, well, well ...[3], and ... well done![2], and I'm not even attached to this ... !!![3], and that's why I spin so easily and so freely ... oh, I don't have a care in the whole of dizzy reality[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... most great souls have: ONE THING[3], and, yes, yes, yes ... it's my music, man[3], and the sea made Bodhi feel, really feel ... so alive, while others were sadly living their deaths[3], and imagine him in a cage![3], and ... 'Uh ... he's a fictional character, boss' / and, ha, ha, ha! ... whatever, Voice![3], and I love the sea, myself, oh, in Cornwall ... even though I can't swim and I don't -[3], and ... 'Mikey don't surf!' / and, me?! Surfing?! Ha![3], and I suppose I could try it on the astral plane ... it's safer that way ... unless you get attacked by an astral shark[3], and the point is ...[3], and, uh, uh ...[3], and have I lost the point? / and did I have a point?[3], and, and ... listen![3], and you've got to make an e  x  i  s  t  e  n  t  i  a  l c  o  m  m  i  t  m  e  n  t to one thing, yes[3], and ... no thing is sadness[3], and believe me[3], and ... too many thing, ah ... is confusion and too much attachment ... to a world that is cold and cruel[3], and NOW(!) ... listen to me![3], and with your one thing ...[3], and people will float by ... will you notice them? No![3], and, so ... come on![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ...[3], and focus![3], and you, you, YOU(!) are fixed[3], and you are in control of yourself - rejoice![3], and you, you, YOU(!) are saved[3], and ... well done![3], and

And, well, well ...[1], and I'm not even attached to this ... !!![1], and, well, well ...[2], and that's why I spin so easily and so freely ... oh, I don't have a care in the whole of dizzy reality[1], and I'm not even attached to this ... !!![2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... most great souls have: ONE THING[1], and that's why I spin so easily and so freely ... oh, I don't have a care in the whole of dizzy reality[2], and, yes, yes, yes ... it's my music, man[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... most great souls have: ONE THING[2], and the sea made Bodhi feel, really feel ... so alive, while others were sadly living their deaths[1], and, yes, yes, yes ... it's my music, man[2], and imagine him in a cage![1], and the sea made Bodhi feel, really feel ... so alive, while others were sadly living their deaths[2], and ... 'Uh ... he's a fictional character, boss' / and, ha, ha, ha! ... whatever, Voice![1], and imagine him in a cage![2], and I love the sea, myself, oh, in Cornwall ... even though I can't swim and I don't -[1], and ... 'Uh ... he's a fictional character, boss' / and, ha, ha, ha! ... whatever, Voice![2], and ... 'Mikey don't surf!' / and, me?! Surfing?! Ha![1], and I love the sea, myself, oh, in Cornwall ... even though I can't swim and I don't -[2], and I suppose I could try it on the astral plane ... it's safer that way ... unless you get attacked by an astral shark[1], and ... 'Mikey don't surf!' / and, me?! Surfing?! Ha![2], and the point is ...[1], and I suppose I could try it on the astral plane ... it's safer that way ... unless you get attacked by an astral shark[2], and, uh, uh ...[1], and the point is ...[2], and have I lost the point? / and did I have a point?[1], and, uh, uh ...[2], and, and ... listen![1], and have I lost the point? / and did I have a point?[2], and you've got to make an existential commitment to one thing, yes[1], and, and ... listen![2], and ... no thing is sadness[1], and you've got to make an e xistential com mitment to one thing, yes[2], and believe me[1], and ... no thing is sadness[2], and ... too many thing, ah ... is confusion and too much attachment ... to a world that is cold and cruel[1], and believe me[2], and NOW(!) ... listen to me![1], and ... too many thing, ah ... is confusion and too much attachment ... to a world that is cold and cruel[2], and with your one thing ...[1], and NOW(!) ... listen to me![2], and people will float by ... will you notice them? No![1], and with your one thing ...[2], and, so ... come on![1], and people will float by ... will you notice them? No![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ...[1], and, so ... come on![2], and focus![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ...[2], and you, you, YOU(!) are fixed[1], and focus![2], and you are in control of yourself - rejoice![1], and you, you, YOU(!) are fixed[2], and you, you, YOU(!) are saved[1], and you are in control of yourself - rejoice![2], and ... well done![1], and you, you, YOU(!) are saved[2], and, well, well ...[3], and ... well done![2], and I'm not even attached to this ... !!![3], and that's why I spin so easily and so freely ... oh, I don't have a care in the whole of dizzy reality[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... most great souls have: ONE THING[3], and, yes, yes, yes ... it's my music, man[3], and the sea made Bodhi feel, really feel ... so alive, while others were sadly living their deaths[3], and imagine him in a cage![3], and ... 'Uh ... he's a fictional character, boss' / and, ha, ha, ha! ... whatever, Voice![3], and I love the sea, myself, oh, in Cornwall ... even though I can't swim and I don't -[3], and ... 'Mikey don't surf!' / and, me?! Surfing?! Ha![3], and I suppose I could try it on the astral plane ... it's safer that way ... unless you get attacked by an astral shark[3], and the point is ...[3], and, uh, uh ...[3], and have I lost the point? / and did I have a point?[3], and, and ... listen![3], and you've got to make an e  x  i  s  t  e  n  t  i  a  l c  o  m  m  i  t  m  e  n  t to one thing, yes[3], and ... no thing is sadness[3], and believe me[3], and ... too many thing, ah ... is confusion and too much attachment ... to a world that is cold and cruel[3], and NOW(!) ... listen to me![3], and with your one thing ...[3], and people will float by ... will you notice them? No![3], and, so ... come on![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ...[3], and focus![3], and you, you, YOU(!) are fixed[3], and you are in control of yourself - rejoice![3], and you, you, YOU(!) are saved[3], and ... well done![3], and

Pimloc secures £1.4 million

Well, it all sounds a bit BIG BROTHER to me, but - 'What does, boss?! Raising £1.4 million? Christ! Be reasonable.' Shut up, you idiot! Have you even read the email? 'No, not yet.' Ha! Ha, ha, ha! Well, I have, my little invisible friend. At least they won't be able to film you. 'What are you talking about?!' This -

London, UK - 19 Oct 2020 - Pimloc, the visual privacy and security company, has closed £1.4M in new financing in a seed funding round led by Amadeus Capital Partners with participation from Speedinvest and existing shareholders.

Founded in 2016, Pimloc specializes in deep learning systems for security video and diverse image collections. Pimloc's technology powers products that enable private businesses and public organizations to protect sensitive or personal visual data, to maintain safe online environments and to manage video security footage.

You see, Voice? 'Ha, ha, ha! They won't be able to film me. I'm invisible.' Yes. That's what I said. Open your ears. 'I ain't got no ears, boss.' You've got astral ears. 'Oh, of course. I've got those.' Well, open them!

I can't get the staff ...

Anyway, let's go straight to the voices ...

Simon Randall, CEO, says, "Video is being captured more often, by more devices and in more locations than ever before. Historically much of this footage has resided with security officers but now other business functions want to extract valuable data from this content. How this data is managed and shared is raising critical legal and ethical questions for data privacy. The protection of personal data needs to be designed into visual security and analytics systems by default to protect individuals from the misuse of face recognition and other technologies."

Right. Let's hear from David Bowie -

"Don't live for last year's capers. Give me steel, give me steel, give me pulses unreal."

Thank you, David. / Now, let's hear from Alex -

Alex van Someren, Managing Partner, Amadeus Capital Partners, comments, "There is a critical need for privacy by design and large-scale solutions, as video grows as a data source for mobility, insurance, commerce and smart cities, while our reliance on video for remote working increases. We are very excited about the potential of Pimloc's products to meet this challenge."

Okay, okay. / David, would you like to respond?

"He'll build a glass asylum, with just a hint of mayhem."

Okay. / And Rick?

Rick Hao, Principal, Speedinvest, adds, "Consumers around the world are rightfully concerned with how enterprises are handling the growing volume of visual data being captured 24/7. We believe Pimloc has developed an industry leading approach to visual security and privacy that will allow businesses and governments to manage the usage of visual data whilst protecting consumers. We are excited to support their vision as they expand into the wider Enterprise and SaaS markets."

Right. / And the final word from David -

"We want you Big Brother."

Okay. Fair enough.

ENDS

...

Anything else?

The Thing?

Yeah, yeah. Let's hope the world gets back to the way it was soon. Let's hope everyone gets a grip. Do you know what I mean?

I don't want a chivato on every corner.

And I want to get my music started. I'm ready now. I'm sick of hanging around, waiting for some action.

And when everything gets back to normal ... I won't get back to ... what was normal, for me. 'What does that mean, Mikey?' Shut up!

Let me speak.

Yeah, yeah. I've had it with my everyday life, man.

I only want a musical life.

That is all.

Later(s), alligator(s)!