I'm writing this while listening to music

I'm not in the mood for going through all the PR emails, BUT(!) ... I will do one tomorrow for the last post of the week. I promise. I know how much some of you love that stuff.

Me? I can do without it. I'm just writing this now, and I'm listening to music. Maybe I'll put on a YouTube video in the minute.

What am I listening to? It's not dark yet. I can't really put Apollo on. I'm listening to Siren by Roxy Music. It's a nice album for the early evening while the sun is going down. In the first song, Love Is The Drug, our Bryan is speeding off in his car. Yes, going out for a night of fun. I wish I could join him.

But I've got to do this.

My fresh start next week? I'll probably work 5.30am to 9.30pm, Monday to Friday, with no distractions, BUT(!) ... I'll take Saturdays and Sundays off. Only nutcases like our Elon work seven days a week. I know that Bryan wouldn't be caught dead living like Elon. Do you know what I mean?

Fitness? I'm still doing fifty push-ups a day, Monday to Friday. I'm also doing the dumbbell curls five days a week now. Fifty reps a day. I want to speed things up, man. I might swap the sandwiches for Cup a Soups. That could be painful though. I know what our Goggins would say ... "Stay hard!"

Listen to me. [And I hope you're not normal.]

I'm two years older than Steve McQueen when he died. Twelve years older than John Lennon. Twenty-five years older than Jim Morrison. Twenty-eight years older than James Dean. I'm not worried about it. All you need is will. I'm thirty-nine years younger than Picasso.

You can be what you want. You can be thin with muscles. You can be the greatest ever songwriter.

You, you, you ... can be a superstar!

Every day more horrible nonsense falls away from me and is replaced by something lovely.

What are you doing? Have you changed your mind? Kook, you must change your mind(set) before you can do anything new.

Christ.

And here's a pro tip: if you can connect with the cosmos, you will get the power of a million souls. A billion, even! It all depends. A million souls if your average Joe believes it's true. A billion souls if they think it's all bullshit. Great! We're talking a billion souls then, aren't we?

Say ... "Yes, Mikey!" The answer is ... "Yes, Mikey!"

Do you dig?

"Yes, Mikey!"

Thank you.

Three times a kook.

Good night.

Thursday update: I'm not doing a post today. See you next week!

[No. 939] I will forget

All of this.

And, yeah, yeah[1], and I suggest that you do the same[1], and, yeah, yeah[2], and you, you, YOU(!)[1], and I suggest that you do the same[2], and I presume it's you[1], and you, you, YOU(!)[2], and a-ROUND here ... what do you remember about all the dizzy spins from the past?[1], and I presume it's you[2], and they are always with us ...[1], and a-ROUND here ... what do you remember about all the dizzy spins from the past?[2], and after the Kronenbourg I can forget an awful day and look forward to a night of dreams ... la, la, la[1], and they are always with us ...[2], and ... 'Bring it on!'[1], and after the Kronenbourg I can forget an awful day and look forward to a night of dreams ... la, la, la[2], and tunes, please[1], and ... 'Bring it on!'[2], and, uh ...[1], and tunes, please[2], and chips and Jamaican patty is a no-brainer when you want to escape the pain of push-ups and dumbbell curls[1], and, uh ...[2], and only for a short while ...[1], and chips and Jamaican patty is a no-brainer when you want to escape the pain of push-ups and dumbbell curls[2], and when I'm gone in the head I remember sweet nothing and when I'm shivering in your world I want to die[1], and only for a short while ...[2], and ... why don't you leave it?[1], and when I'm gone in the head I remember sweet nothing and when I'm shivering in your world I want to die[2], and I will never join you ... you! ... you can only join me[1], and ... why don't you leave it?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and there's a party in my soul after midnight[1], and I will never join you ... you! ... you can only join me[2], and finance is dead to me[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and there's a party in my soul after midnight[2], and I look at what's going on ... in your world, fool ... and I cannot say what's alive to me ... sad but true[1], and finance is dead to me[2], and, come on! ... can you think of anything?![1], and I look at what's going on ... in your world, fool ... and I cannot say what's alive to me ... sad but true[2], and it's mad but ...[1], and, come on! ... can you think of anything?![2], and it doesn't matter - that's the good news[1], and it's mad but ...[2], and we know, don't we? ... that everything is dust ... just waiting to happen ... gotta give it time[1], and it doesn't matter - that's the good news[2], and only a melody can save me ... I want something pure[1], and we know, don't we? ... that everything is dust ... just waiting to happen ... gotta give it time[2], and the bad news is exactly the same thing ...[1], and only a melody can save me ... I want something pure[2], and those fish should have stayed in the fucking sea! ... but, but, but ... I suppose some of them had grand plans, man[1], and the bad news is exactly the same thing ...[2], and they were so motivated![1], and those fish should have stayed in the fucking sea! ... but, but, but ... I suppose some of them had grand plans, man[2], and we're on the land now ... living with the consequences ... and don't we feel like shit?[1], and they were so motivated![2], and maybe we should laugh at this point[1], and we're on the land now ... living with the consequences ... and don't we feel like shit?[2], and that's life[1], and maybe we should laugh at this point[2], and, yeah, yeah[3], and that's life[2], and I suggest that you do the same[3], and you, you, YOU(!)[3], and I presume it's you[3], and a-ROUND here ... what do you remember about all the dizzy spins from the past?[3], and they are always with us ...[3], and after the Kronenbourg I can forget an awful day and look forward to a night of dreams ... la, la, la[3], and ... 'Bring it on!'[3], and tunes, please[3], and, uh ...[3], and chips and Jamaican patty is a no-brainer when you want to escape the pain of push-ups and dumbbell curls[3], and only for a short while ...[3], and when I'm gone in the head I remember sweet nothing and when I'm shivering in your world I want to die[3], and ... why don't you leave it?[3], and I will never join you ... you! ... you can only join me[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and there's a party in my soul after midnight[3], and finance is dead to me[3], and I look at what's going on ... in your world, fool ... and I cannot say what's alive to me ... sad but true[3], and, come on! ... can you think of anything?![3], and it's mad but ...[3], and it doesn't matter - that's the good news[3], and we know, don't we? ... that everything is dust ... just waiting to happen ... gotta give it time[3], and only a melody can save me ... I want something pure[3], and the bad news is exactly the same thing ...[3], and those fish should have stayed in the fucking sea! ... but, but, but ... I suppose some of them had grand plans, man[3], and they were so motivated![3], and we're on the land now ... living with the consequences ... and don't we feel like shit?[3], and maybe we should laugh at this point[3], and that's life[3], and

And, yeah, yeah[1], and I suggest that you do the same[1], and, yeah, yeah[2], and you, you, YOU(!)[1], and I suggest that you do the same[2], and I presume it's you[1], and you, you, YOU(!)[2], and a-ROUND here ... what do you remember about all the dizzy spins from the past?[1], and I presume it's you[2], and they are always with us ...[1], and a-ROUND here ... what do you remember about all the dizzy spins from the past?[2], and after the Kronenbourg I can forget an awful day and look forward to a night of dreams ... la, la, la[1], and they are always with us ...[2], and ... 'Bring it on!'[1], and after the Kronenbourg I can forget an awful day and look forward to a night of dreams ... la, la, la[2], and tunes, please[1], and ... 'Bring it on!'[2], and, uh ...[1], and tunes, please[2], and chips and Jamaican patty is a no-brainer when you want to escape the pain of push-ups and dumbbell curls[1], and, uh ...[2], and only for a short while ...[1], and chips and Jamaican patty is a no-brainer when you want to escape the pain of push-ups and dumbbell curls[2], and when I'm gone in the head I remember sweet nothing and when I'm shivering in your world I want to die[1], and only for a short while ...[2], and ... why don't you leave it?[1], and when I'm gone in the head I remember sweet nothing and when I'm shivering in your world I want to die[2], and I will never join you ... you! ... you can only join me[1], and ... why don't you leave it?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and there's a party in my soul after midnight[1], and I will never join you ... you! ... you can only join me[2], and finance is dead to me[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and there's a party in my soul after midnight[2], and I look at what's going on ... in your world, fool ... and I cannot say what's alive to me ... sad but true[1], and finance is dead to me[2], and, come on! ... can you think of anything?![1], and I look at what's going on ... in your world, fool ... and I cannot say what's alive to me ... sad but true[2], and it's mad but ...[1], and, come on! ... can you think of anything?![2], and it doesn't matter - that's the good news[1], and it's mad but ...[2], and we know, don't we? ... that everything is dust ... just waiting to happen ... gotta give it time[1], and it doesn't matter - that's the good news[2], and only a melody can save me ... I want something pure[1], and we know, don't we? ... that everything is dust ... just waiting to happen ... gotta give it time[2], and the bad news is exactly the same thing ...[1], and only a melody can save me ... I want something pure[2], and those fish should have stayed in the fucking sea! ... but, but, but ... I suppose some of them had grand plans, man[1], and the bad news is exactly the same thing ...[2], and they were so motivated![1], and those fish should have stayed in the fucking sea! ... but, but, but ... I suppose some of them had grand plans, man[2], and we're on the land now ... living with the consequences ... and don't we feel like shit?[1], and they were so motivated![2], and maybe we should laugh at this point[1], and we're on the land now ... living with the consequences ... and don't we feel like shit?[2], and that's life[1], and maybe we should laugh at this point[2], and, yeah, yeah[3], and that's life[2], and I suggest that you do the same[3], and you, you, YOU(!)[3], and I presume it's you[3], and a-ROUND here ... what do you remember about all the dizzy spins from the past?[3], and they are always with us ...[3], and after the Kronenbourg I can forget an awful day and look forward to a night of dreams ... la, la, la[3], and ... 'Bring it on!'[3], and tunes, please[3], and, uh ...[3], and chips and Jamaican patty is a no-brainer when you want to escape the pain of push-ups and dumbbell curls[3], and only for a short while ...[3], and when I'm gone in the head I remember sweet nothing and when I'm shivering in your world I want to die[3], and ... why don't you leave it?[3], and I will never join you ... you! ... you can only join me[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and there's a party in my soul after midnight[3], and finance is dead to me[3], and I look at what's going on ... in your world, fool ... and I cannot say what's alive to me ... sad but true[3], and, come on! ... can you think of anything?![3], and it's mad but ...[3], and it doesn't matter - that's the good news[3], and we know, don't we? ... that everything is dust ... just waiting to happen ... gotta give it time[3], and only a melody can save me ... I want something pure[3], and the bad news is exactly the same thing ...[3], and those fish should have stayed in the fucking sea! ... but, but, but ... I suppose some of them had grand plans, man[3], and they were so motivated![3], and we're on the land now ... living with the consequences ... and don't we feel like shit?[3], and maybe we should laugh at this point[3], and that's life[3], and

And, yeah, yeah[1], and I suggest that you do the same[1], and, yeah, yeah[2], and you, you, YOU(!)[1], and I suggest that you do the same[2], and I presume it's you[1], and you, you, YOU(!)[2], and a-ROUND here ... what do you remember about all the dizzy spins from the past?[1], and I presume it's you[2], and they are always with us ...[1], and a-ROUND here ... what do you remember about all the dizzy spins from the past?[2], and after the Kronenbourg I can forget an awful day and look forward to a night of dreams ... la, la, la[1], and they are always with us ...[2], and ... 'Bring it on!'[1], and after the Kronenbourg I can forget an awful day and look forward to a night of dreams ... la, la, la[2], and tunes, please[1], and ... 'Bring it on!'[2], and, uh ...[1], and tunes, please[2], and chips and Jamaican patty is a no-brainer when you want to escape the pain of push-ups and dumbbell curls[1], and, uh ...[2], and only for a short while ...[1], and chips and Jamaican patty is a no-brainer when you want to escape the pain of push-ups and dumbbell curls[2], and when I'm gone in the head I remember sweet nothing and when I'm shivering in your world I want to die[1], and only for a short while ...[2], and ... why don't you leave it?[1], and when I'm gone in the head I remember sweet nothing and when I'm shivering in your world I want to die[2], and I will never join you ... you! ... you can only join me[1], and ... why don't you leave it?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and there's a party in my soul after midnight[1], and I will never join you ... you! ... you can only join me[2], and finance is dead to me[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and there's a party in my soul after midnight[2], and I look at what's going on ... in your world, fool ... and I cannot say what's alive to me ... sad but true[1], and finance is dead to me[2], and, come on! ... can you think of anything?![1], and I look at what's going on ... in your world, fool ... and I cannot say what's alive to me ... sad but true[2], and it's mad but ...[1], and, come on! ... can you think of anything?![2], and it doesn't matter - that's the good news[1], and it's mad but ...[2], and we know, don't we? ... that everything is dust ... just waiting to happen ... gotta give it time[1], and it doesn't matter - that's the good news[2], and only a melody can save me ... I want something pure[1], and we know, don't we? ... that everything is dust ... just waiting to happen ... gotta give it time[2], and the bad news is exactly the same thing ...[1], and only a melody can save me ... I want something pure[2], and those fish should have stayed in the fucking sea! ... but, but, but ... I suppose some of them had grand plans, man[1], and the bad news is exactly the same thing ...[2], and they were so motivated![1], and those fish should have stayed in the fucking sea! ... but, but, but ... I suppose some of them had grand plans, man[2], and we're on the land now ... living with the consequences ... and don't we feel like shit?[1], and they were so motivated![2], and maybe we should laugh at this point[1], and we're on the land now ... living with the consequences ... and don't we feel like shit?[2], and that's life[1], and maybe we should laugh at this point[2], and, yeah, yeah[3], and that's life[2], and I suggest that you do the same[3], and you, you, YOU(!)[3], and I presume it's you[3], and a-ROUND here ... what do you remember about all the dizzy spins from the past?[3], and they are always with us ...[3], and after the Kronenbourg I can forget an awful day and look forward to a night of dreams ... la, la, la[3], and ... 'Bring it on!'[3], and tunes, please[3], and, uh ...[3], and chips and Jamaican patty is a no-brainer when you want to escape the pain of push-ups and dumbbell curls[3], and only for a short while ...[3], and when I'm gone in the head I remember sweet nothing and when I'm shivering in your world I want to die[3], and ... why don't you leave it?[3], and I will never join you ... you! ... you can only join me[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and there's a party in my soul after midnight[3], and finance is dead to me[3], and I look at what's going on ... in your world, fool ... and I cannot say what's alive to me ... sad but true[3], and, come on! ... can you think of anything?![3], and it's mad but ...[3], and it doesn't matter - that's the good news[3], and we know, don't we? ... that everything is dust ... just waiting to happen ... gotta give it time[3], and only a melody can save me ... I want something pure[3], and the bad news is exactly the same thing ...[3], and those fish should have stayed in the fucking sea! ... but, but, but ... I suppose some of them had grand plans, man[3], and they were so motivated![3], and we're on the land now ... living with the consequences ... and don't we feel like shit?[3], and maybe we should laugh at this point[3], and that's life[3], and

Anything else?

Oh! Oh!

'Where's the PR email?' Shut up!

Anything else? Yeah. I have an idea for a new fresh start, inspired by Francis Bacon. It might work. Maybe I'll try it next week. 'What is it, boss?'

Well ... Bacon used to get up early in the morning, paint until midday, and then he would go out around the pubs, clubs and casinos, getting drunk, gambling, and, er ... having homosexual relations, no doubt. 'What?!' Yeah ... I'll leave out the last bit, BUT(!) ... the rest of it sounds good.

And why did Bacon do all of that? Because ... [drum roll] ... LIFE IS MEANINGLESS.

That's why.

YOU(!), you, you ... read the best book about him - The Gilded Gutter Life of Francis Bacon by Daniel Farson.

Also, Farson wrote one of my favourite books when I was a child - Clifton House Mystery. It was a ghost story, and it was also made into a really good TV show.

Obviously, I won't go out and get drunk. And I won't go to a casino. I'll just do nothing. Probably. I don't know.

I'm thinking I could work Monday to Friday, 5.30am to 3.30pm, with no distractions whatsoever. I'll still do a bit of blogging in the evenings on big blogging days, but I'll have the TV on, or a YouTube video, or some music. I'll still strum my guitar, but I'll be relaxing, mostly. Not doing much at all. Unless I want to go out ... around the pubs, clubs, and casinos. Uh. Uh. I just don't know, you know? And it doesn't really matter, does it? Forget I said anything about it, kook(s). That's my advice.

LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT.

Just try and forget. That's what I will be doing later with No. 939.

I WANT TO FORGET.

Remember any of this at your own risk.

LIFE IS MEANINGLESS.

...

Anything else? Music?

Life and Death will be my second best song. It won't be as good as Mighty Soul. That's okay, I suppose.

But we must always do better. Why? Ha, ha, ha! Don't ask me why!

Artists are different. Artists can't be like our Elon. Do you understand? We must let the chaos in before we can make order.

Like Beethoven and Shakespeare or Mozart and Yeats combined I will be writing songs that attract the attention of the cosmos.

Mighty Soul

Life and Death

Nothing

You dig?

And there will be more!

Fragments come to me - gifts! And I turn them into something grand.

Those four guys I've just mentioned ... there's absolutely no way that their souls have been thrown on to a cosmic scrapheap.

But Elon isn't guaranteed anything, I'm afraid.

Think about that.

And think about what you're doing with your life.

Bye.

[No. 938] Sometimes I don't feel like it

Sometimes I don't feel like anything.

And ... oh![1], and here I am again[1], and ... oh![2], and I don't know why ...[1], and here I am again[2], and where are you, you, YOU(!) ... ? / and are you feeling at all? and ... are you that sort? Really?[1], and I don't know why ...[2], and it's the madness of life, yes[1], and where are you, you, YOU(!) ... ? / and are you feeling at all? and ... are you that sort? Really?[2], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[1], and it's the madness of life, yes[2], and I would think all about it ... if I didn't hate thinking with a passion ... oh, just let me exist!!![1], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[2], and, well ...[1], and I would think all about it ... if I didn't hate thinking with a passion ... oh, just let me exist!!![2], and pure consciousness ness ness ... isn't that what we're all yearning for?[1], and, well ...[2], and ... 'Yes!'[1], and pure consciousness ness ness ... isn't that what we're all yearning for?[2], and, sure ... the cosmos gives me what I want ... but, but, BUT(!) ... does it give me what I need?[1], and ... 'Yes!'[2], and ... how about you?[1], and, sure ... the cosmos gives me what I want ... but, but, BUT(!) ... does it give me what I need?[2], and ... 'Me?' / Them, Voice[1], and ... how about you?[2], and, uh ... don't tell me, kook ... that you don't have any thoughts on the matter ... and well done![1], and ... 'Me?' / Them, Voice[2], and I envy you ... seriously[1], and, uh ... don't tell me, kook ... that you don't have any thoughts on the matter ... and well done![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, tell me ... what does spinning change - is it all the same?[1], and I envy you ... seriously[2], and all the time ... ?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, tell me ... what does spinning change - is it all the same?[2], and words keep coming ...[1], and all the time ... ?[2], and, yeah, yeah[1], and words keep coming ...[2], and no surprises, obviously ... but I'm not gone enough, for my liking[1], and, yeah, yeah[2], and, so ...[1], and no surprises, obviously ... but I'm not gone enough, for my liking[2], and this life ... ?[1], and, so ...[2], and, well ... it's a miracle that any songs can come from chaos but they do and I don't understand it[1], and this life ... ?[2], and ... why ... I ... keep ... going ... ... ... ???[1], and, well ... it's a miracle that any songs can come from chaos but they do and I don't understand it[2], and control is a joke, consistency is a joke ... and we can be fixed when ... ? ... I don't even want to imagine[1], and ... why ... I ... keep ... going ... ... ... ???[2], and, but, but, but ... I know[1], and control is a joke, consistency is a joke ... and we can be fixed when ... ? ... I don't even want to imagine[2], and I'm sure ... yes, I'm pretty sure ... that it's not important ... because nothing is important[1], and, but, but, but ... I know[2], and how could ... ah, never mind[1], and I'm sure ... yes, I'm pretty sure ... that it's not important ... because nothing is important[2], and now would be a nice time ... the right time ... for the cosmos to say a few words ...[1], and how could ... ah, never mind[2], and ... 'It's all these words, boss ... make sense where you can ...  ... ... go on!'[1], and now would be a nice time ... the right time ... for the cosmos to say a few words ...[2], and, uh ... I can't ... I can't ... I can't[1], and ... 'It's all these words, boss ... make sense where you can ...  ... ... go on!'[2], and ... 'Oh, you don't want to!'[1], and, uh ... I can't ... I can't ... I can't[2], and ... I CAN'T - !!![1], and ... 'Oh, you don't want to!'[2], and ... oh![3], and ... I CAN'T - !!![2], and here I am again[3], and I don't know why ...[3], and where are you, you, YOU(!) ... ? / and are you feeling at all? and ... are you that sort? Really?[3], and it's the madness of life, yes[3], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[3], and I would think all about it ... if I didn't hate thinking with a passion ... oh, just let me exist!!![3], and, well ...[3], and pure consciousness ness ness ... isn't that what we're all yearning for?[3], and ... 'Yes!'[3], and, sure ... the cosmos gives me what I want ... but, but, BUT(!) ... does it give me what I need?[3], and ... how about you?[3], and ... 'Me?' / Them, Voice[3], and, uh ... don't tell me, kook ... that you don't have any thoughts on the matter ... and well done![3], and I envy you ... seriously[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, tell me ... what does spinning change - is it all the same?[3], and all the time ... ?[3], and words keep coming ...[3], and, yeah, yeah[3], and no surprises, obviously ... but I'm not gone enough, for my liking[3], and, so ...[3], and this life ... ?[3], and, well ... it's a miracle that any songs can come from chaos but they do and I don't understand it[3], and ... why ... I ... keep ... going ... ... ... ???[3], and control is a joke, consistency is a joke ... and we can be fixed when ... ? ... I don't even want to imagine[3], and, but, but, but ... I know[3], and I'm sure ... yes, I'm pretty sure ... that it's not important ... because nothing is important[3], and how could ... ah, never mind[3], and now would be a nice time ... the right time ... for the cosmos to say a few words ...[3], and ... 'It's all these words, boss ... make sense where you can ...  ... ... go on!'[3], and, uh ... I can't ... I can't ... I can't[3], and ... 'Oh, you don't want to!'[3], and ... I CAN'T - !!![3], and

And ... oh![1], and here I am again[1], and ... oh![2], and I don't know why ...[1], and here I am again[2], and where are you, you, YOU(!) ... ? / and are you feeling at all? and ... are you that sort? Really?[1], and I don't know why ...[2], and it's the madness of life, yes[1], and where are you, you, YOU(!) ... ? / and are you feeling at all? and ... are you that sort? Really?[2], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[1], and it's the madness of life, yes[2], and I would think all about it ... if I didn't hate thinking with a passion ... oh, just let me exist!!![1], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[2], and, well ...[1], and I would think all about it ... if I didn't hate thinking with a passion ... oh, just let me exist!!![2], and pure consciousness ness ness ... isn't that what we're all yearning for?[1], and, well ...[2], and ... 'Yes!'[1], and pure consciousness ness ness ... isn't that what we're all yearning for?[2], and, sure ... the cosmos gives me what I want ... but, but, BUT(!) ... does it give me what I need?[1], and ... 'Yes!'[2], and ... how about you?[1], and, sure ... the cosmos gives me what I want ... but, but, BUT(!) ... does it give me what I need?[2], and ... 'Me?' / Them, Voice[1], and ... how about you?[2], and, uh ... don't tell me, kook ... that you don't have any thoughts on the matter ... and well done![1], and ... 'Me?' / Them, Voice[2], and I envy you ... seriously[1], and, uh ... don't tell me, kook ... that you don't have any thoughts on the matter ... and well done![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, tell me ... what does spinning change - is it all the same?[1], and I envy you ... seriously[2], and all the time ... ?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, tell me ... what does spinning change - is it all the same?[2], and words keep coming ...[1], and all the time ... ?[2], and, yeah, yeah[1], and words keep coming ...[2], and no surprises, obviously ... but I'm not gone enough, for my liking[1], and, yeah, yeah[2], and, so ...[1], and no surprises, obviously ... but I'm not gone enough, for my liking[2], and this life ... ?[1], and, so ...[2], and, well ... it's a miracle that any songs can come from chaos but they do and I don't understand it[1], and this life ... ?[2], and ... why ... I ... keep ... going ... ... ... ???[1], and, well ... it's a miracle that any songs can come from chaos but they do and I don't understand it[2], and control is a joke, consistency is a joke ... and we can be fixed when ... ? ... I don't even want to imagine[1], and ... why ... I ... keep ... going ... ... ... ???[2], and, but, but, but ... I know[1], and control is a joke, consistency is a joke ... and we can be fixed when ... ? ... I don't even want to imagine[2], and I'm sure ... yes, I'm pretty sure ... that it's not important ... because nothing is important[1], and, but, but, but ... I know[2], and how could ... ah, never mind[1], and I'm sure ... yes, I'm pretty sure ... that it's not important ... because nothing is important[2], and now would be a nice time ... the right time ... for the cosmos to say a few words ...[1], and how could ... ah, never mind[2], and ... 'It's all these words, boss ... make sense where you can ...  ... ... go on!'[1], and now would be a nice time ... the right time ... for the cosmos to say a few words ...[2], and, uh ... I can't ... I can't ... I can't[1], and ... 'It's all these words, boss ... make sense where you can ...  ... ... go on!'[2], and ... 'Oh, you don't want to!'[1], and, uh ... I can't ... I can't ... I can't[2], and ... I CAN'T - !!![1], and ... 'Oh, you don't want to!'[2], and ... oh![3], and ... I CAN'T - !!![2], and here I am again[3], and I don't know why ...[3], and where are you, you, YOU(!) ... ? / and are you feeling at all? and ... are you that sort? Really?[3], and it's the madness of life, yes[3], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[3], and I would think all about it ... if I didn't hate thinking with a passion ... oh, just let me exist!!![3], and, well ...[3], and pure consciousness ness ness ... isn't that what we're all yearning for?[3], and ... 'Yes!'[3], and, sure ... the cosmos gives me what I want ... but, but, BUT(!) ... does it give me what I need?[3], and ... how about you?[3], and ... 'Me?' / Them, Voice[3], and, uh ... don't tell me, kook ... that you don't have any thoughts on the matter ... and well done![3], and I envy you ... seriously[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, tell me ... what does spinning change - is it all the same?[3], and all the time ... ?[3], and words keep coming ...[3], and, yeah, yeah[3], and no surprises, obviously ... but I'm not gone enough, for my liking[3], and, so ...[3], and this life ... ?[3], and, well ... it's a miracle that any songs can come from chaos but they do and I don't understand it[3], and ... why ... I ... keep ... going ... ... ... ???[3], and control is a joke, consistency is a joke ... and we can be fixed when ... ? ... I don't even want to imagine[3], and, but, but, but ... I know[3], and I'm sure ... yes, I'm pretty sure ... that it's not important ... because nothing is important[3], and how could ... ah, never mind[3], and now would be a nice time ... the right time ... for the cosmos to say a few words ...[3], and ... 'It's all these words, boss ... make sense where you can ...  ... ... go on!'[3], and, uh ... I can't ... I can't ... I can't[3], and ... 'Oh, you don't want to!'[3], and ... I CAN'T - !!![3], and

And ... oh![1], and here I am again[1], and ... oh![2], and I don't know why ...[1], and here I am again[2], and where are you, you, YOU(!) ... ? / and are you feeling at all? and ... are you that sort? Really?[1], and I don't know why ...[2], and it's the madness of life, yes[1], and where are you, you, YOU(!) ... ? / and are you feeling at all? and ... are you that sort? Really?[2], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[1], and it's the madness of life, yes[2], and I would think all about it ... if I didn't hate thinking with a passion ... oh, just let me exist!!![1], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[2], and, well ...[1], and I would think all about it ... if I didn't hate thinking with a passion ... oh, just let me exist!!![2], and pure consciousness ness ness ... isn't that what we're all yearning for?[1], and, well ...[2], and ... 'Yes!'[1], and pure consciousness ness ness ... isn't that what we're all yearning for?[2], and, sure ... the cosmos gives me what I want ... but, but, BUT(!) ... does it give me what I need?[1], and ... 'Yes!'[2], and ... how about you?[1], and, sure ... the cosmos gives me what I want ... but, but, BUT(!) ... does it give me what I need?[2], and ... 'Me?' / Them, Voice[1], and ... how about you?[2], and, uh ... don't tell me, kook ... that you don't have any thoughts on the matter ... and well done![1], and ... 'Me?' / Them, Voice[2], and I envy you ... seriously[1], and, uh ... don't tell me, kook ... that you don't have any thoughts on the matter ... and well done![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, tell me ... what does spinning change - is it all the same?[1], and I envy you ... seriously[2], and all the time ... ?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, tell me ... what does spinning change - is it all the same?[2], and words keep coming ...[1], and all the time ... ?[2], and, yeah, yeah[1], and words keep coming ...[2], and no surprises, obviously ... but I'm not gone enough, for my liking[1], and, yeah, yeah[2], and, so ...[1], and no surprises, obviously ... but I'm not gone enough, for my liking[2], and this life ... ?[1], and, so ...[2], and, well ... it's a miracle that any songs can come from chaos but they do and I don't understand it[1], and this life ... ?[2], and ... why ... I ... keep ... going ... ... ... ???[1], and, well ... it's a miracle that any songs can come from chaos but they do and I don't understand it[2], and control is a joke, consistency is a joke ... and we can be fixed when ... ? ... I don't even want to imagine[1], and ... why ... I ... keep ... going ... ... ... ???[2], and, but, but, but ... I know[1], and control is a joke, consistency is a joke ... and we can be fixed when ... ? ... I don't even want to imagine[2], and I'm sure ... yes, I'm pretty sure ... that it's not important ... because nothing is important[1], and, but, but, but ... I know[2], and how could ... ah, never mind[1], and I'm sure ... yes, I'm pretty sure ... that it's not important ... because nothing is important[2], and now would be a nice time ... the right time ... for the cosmos to say a few words ...[1], and how could ... ah, never mind[2], and ... 'It's all these words, boss ... make sense where you can ...  ... ... go on!'[1], and now would be a nice time ... the right time ... for the cosmos to say a few words ...[2], and, uh ... I can't ... I can't ... I can't[1], and ... 'It's all these words, boss ... make sense where you can ...  ... ... go on!'[2], and ... 'Oh, you don't want to!'[1], and, uh ... I can't ... I can't ... I can't[2], and ... I CAN'T - !!![1], and ... 'Oh, you don't want to!'[2], and ... oh![3], and ... I CAN'T - !!![2], and here I am again[3], and I don't know why ...[3], and where are you, you, YOU(!) ... ? / and are you feeling at all? and ... are you that sort? Really?[3], and it's the madness of life, yes[3], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[3], and I would think all about it ... if I didn't hate thinking with a passion ... oh, just let me exist!!![3], and, well ...[3], and pure consciousness ness ness ... isn't that what we're all yearning for?[3], and ... 'Yes!'[3], and, sure ... the cosmos gives me what I want ... but, but, BUT(!) ... does it give me what I need?[3], and ... how about you?[3], and ... 'Me?' / Them, Voice[3], and, uh ... don't tell me, kook ... that you don't have any thoughts on the matter ... and well done![3], and I envy you ... seriously[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, tell me ... what does spinning change - is it all the same?[3], and all the time ... ?[3], and words keep coming ...[3], and, yeah, yeah[3], and no surprises, obviously ... but I'm not gone enough, for my liking[3], and, so ...[3], and this life ... ?[3], and, well ... it's a miracle that any songs can come from chaos but they do and I don't understand it[3], and ... why ... I ... keep ... going ... ... ... ???[3], and control is a joke, consistency is a joke ... and we can be fixed when ... ? ... I don't even want to imagine[3], and, but, but, but ... I know[3], and I'm sure ... yes, I'm pretty sure ... that it's not important ... because nothing is important[3], and how could ... ah, never mind[3], and now would be a nice time ... the right time ... for the cosmos to say a few words ...[3], and ... 'It's all these words, boss ... make sense where you can ...  ... ... go on!'[3], and, uh ... I can't ... I can't ... I can't[3], and ... 'Oh, you don't want to!'[3], and ... I CAN'T - !!![3], and

Flexible intermediate bulk containers

Oh, what's this?! [PR email.] And do we really need them? 'Someone needs them, boss.' Who, Voice? Who?! Who needs them?

Ah, never mind.

LBO France announces the acquisition of a majority stake in Baobag, a leading European player in the distribution of FIBC ("Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers").

Oh, I see. 'It's all starting to make sense, boss.' Yeah.

Paris and Floirac, September 23rd, 2021

LBO France, through its Small Caps Opportunities II fund, has acquired a majority stake in the French company Baobag, alongside BNP Paribas Développement, AfricInvest and the management team - the latter led by Fabrice Saffré, to increase the company's position in its markets.

Développement??? Speak English, for Christ's sake!

Baobag originated from the merger of Sacherie du Midi and Framapack in 2007. The company is a pure distributor of Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers ("FIBC"), commonly known as big bags. The company operates throughout the value chain, including design, sourcing, transportation and storage. Through the development of tenured and exclusive relationships with trusted manufacturing partners around the world and the intricate knowledge of customer requirements across a wide range of end-markets, Baobag has grown into the leading player in the French FIBC market and has successfully penetrated the Moroccan and Spanish markets through organic growth. Since inception, Baobag has exhibited robust growth, outperforming underlying market, and has reached over €50m in revenue.

So, okay, we're dealing with big bags. Why couldn't they say that at the start?

The M&A advisory firm Financière Monceau had been selected by the company's historical shareholders - iXO Private Equity and Bpifrance - to lead the sell-side process, which exclusively targeted investment funds bidding for majority stakes.

LBO France's investment allows for the exit of iXO Private Equity and Bpifrance, who acquired a majority stake in the Company in 2016 to support the managerial transition and to initiate internationalization efforts. Baobag's management team, led by Fabrice Saffré, significantly re-invest in this secondary LBO round, which also includes an investment on behalf of BNP Paribas Développement and AfricInvest. All aforementioned parties are fully aligned on the growth levers that will drive value creation: acceleration of expansion into Africa (which features the strongest market growth prospects), external growth in select European countries and further market share gains on the domestic market. The shared objective is to create a pan-European leader, spearheading the substitution of bulk transport and storage by big bags in Africa.

Okay, okay.

Jean-Marie? Do you want to say something? 'You won't get Jean-Marie to talk.' Let me handle it, Voice, please!

Jean-Marie?

Jean-Marie Leroy, Partner and Head of Small Cap at LBO France, comments, "We are fully convinced of the robustness of Baobag's positioning, evidenced by its leading market position in France, a highly diversified end-market exposure and a tenured customer base. Growth prospects are exciting, namely the acceleration of expansion in Africa, where big bag penetration rates show the most whitespace, and the consolidation of the European market. The track record of Fabrice Saffré and his team at the head of Baobag speaks for itself, and they will have LBO France's full support as they carry out these growth projects."

You see? 'Yeah. Nice one.'

And now we've got Fabrice.

Make it good, Fabrice!

Fabrice Saffré, CEO of Baobag, adds, "After 5 years of international growth, highlighted by the opening of subsidiaries in Morocco and in Spain, it was key for Baobag to be able to rely on high-profile partners in order to further our expansion, especially in Africa, all the while maintaining our independence and core values. In this critical stage of our development, our growth trajectory will be supported by LBO France's expertise, specifically via the input of their team dedicated to operational performance."

Okay, that's all right, I suppose. 'Thanks, Fabrice!' Yeah, thanks, Fabrice.

ENDS

'Not yet, boss!'

About LBO France

As a key player in private equity with €6.3bn of commitments, LBO France is an independent company that has been supporting French and Italian companies in their growth for more than 30 years. Its investment strategy is built on 5 distinct segments managed by dedicated teams: (i) Mid Cap Buyout through the White Knight funds and Small Cap Buyout through the Hexagone/Small Caps Opportunities funds, (ii) Venture Capital through the SISA/Digital Health funds, (iii) Real Estate through the White Stone, Lapillus and NewStone funds, (iv) Debt and (v) Public Equity through the France Développement fund. Historically focused on Institutional and Family Office investors, LBO France has launched a private equity fund accessible to individuals through multi-strategy funds. LBO France is 100% owned by its management and employs nearly 60 professionals.

ENDS

'Boss!'

About AfricInvest and the French-African Funds

Founded in 1994 in Tunisia, the AfricInvest Group is a leader in Private Equity in Africa. With nearly 2 billion euros under management, AfricInvest has to date made more than 170 investments in nearly 30 countries in Africa - and in France - and relies on a team of 90 employees of 19 different nationalities operating from its 10 offices (Abidjan, Algiers, Cairo, Casablanca, Lagos, Nairobi, Paris, Saint Louis, Tunis and Washington).

Launched in January 2017, the French-African Funds are managed by the dedicated Paris team of AfricInvest Europe, the French subsidiary of the AfricInvest Group approved by the AMF. They target minority equity investments between 3 million euros and 6 million euros in French SMEs with a development project in Africa, existing or to be developed, whose turnover ranges from 20 million euros to 300 million euros.

The French-African Funds allow French SMEs to develop rapidly on the African continent, with the support of the entire AfricInvest network. They bring together a round table made up of French public institutions and large private groups, institutional investors and French and African family offices. Since inception, the French-African Funds have invested in 11 French companies.

ENDS

'Not yet!'

Jesus H. - !!!

About iXO Private Equity

Founded in 2003, iXO Private Equity is the leading independent regional private-equity player in France. With assets under management of more than € 750 million, the management company mainly invests in growth capital and transmissions operations. iXO Private Equity invests from € 2 to € 30 million in SMEs based in the Great South of France. Strongly anchored in the heart of these territories, its stable team is made up of 22 people, including 16 investment professionals with complementary skills and experience, among which 4 investment partners dedicated to the different regions covered by iXO Private Equity: Olivier Athanase (Nouvelle Aquitaine), Nicolas Charleux (Provence-Alpes-Côtes d’Azur), Jean-Luc Rivière (Occitanie) and Alexandre Sagon (Auvergne-Rhône Alpes).

Voice?

'That's it, man.'

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

...

Anything else? [Unbelievably, they want more, Voice. 'Tell them about your recording at the weekend.' Ha!] I didn't do any recording at the weekend. I wasn't in the mood. I didn't feel like it, you dig?

However, I do feel like a cheeky three or four days in St Ives, but there are various problems with that, so I probably won't go.

I bought The Doors at the Hollywood Bowl for my phone. It was too expensive, but ... never mind, eh? It's different from the DVD version I've got. I get the impression some of the concert was re-recorded for the DVD. Oh, yes. I mean, the live recordings you buy aren't always "live", you know. Sometimes, vocals or instruments may be done again if there are too many mistakes in the concert. / Also, there's an extra song in the phone version. Hello, I Love You. 'I love you, too, Mikey!' That's the name of the song, idiot. 'I know. Ha!' Yeah, yeah.

Laters.

I've got plenty of PR emails!

That's not the problem.

The problem is ... I'm just not in the mood, you dig? 'Leave them till Monday, boss.' Yes, thank you, Voice, I was just going to say that.

I'll leave them till Monday.

Anyway ...

I'm planning my weekend now. 'Tell us!' Okay.

Tomorrow, I'm going to go out for a long walk to Richmond, OR ... maybe I'll go around the shops in central London. I haven't decided yet. I like walking through Hyde Park on the way back. / I'll rehearse my songs for about an hour, too, just to keep things ticking over, like.

On Saturday ... I'm going to rehearse for five hours. 'Five hours?!' Yeah. That will set me up nicely for recording on Sunday night - as long as the neighbours don't ruin everything by having a party. They had a party last Saturday night. / I'll rehearse for an hour and a half on Sunday morning.

A good result will be ... getting usable recordings of Mighty Soul and Stella. 'What about Malibu and Nothing ... ?' I don't want to push my luck, Voice, but ... maybe. If I get time. If there are no mad people screaming in the street. 'Oh.' What are the chances of that?

Is it a good idea to plan though? I quite often get nervous when I plan things out, like I'm going to the dentist or something.

That "rough" recording I have of Mighty Soul is almost usable, and I just did it on the spur of the moment. I didn't even care what position the Zoom Handy was in. Or if my fingernails were cut short. Or what plectrum I was using. Or anything. 'You can be really wild sometimes, boss.' Yeah, I know.

Of course, Steely Dan would put on their white laboratory coats and sterilize the recording studio first. 'Ha! Those guys!'

Laters.

Update

I've changed the order of the songs on my "album" to this -

Mighty Soul

Lucky You

This World Don't Mean a Thing

Round The Bend

Good Times

Stella

What's This Life We Live?

Malibu

I'm Right Inside

Nothing

Life and Death

That's really improved it! / I tell you, flower, there has never been an album like that, so let's hope there is one day.

[No. 937]

Just a number.

And, yes[1], and ... do you understand?[1], and, yes[2], and ... do you?[1], and ... do you understand?[2], and sometimes it makes no sense to give these conceptuals a title[1], and ... do you?[2], and a-ROUND here ... I just don't know[1], and sometimes it makes no sense to give these conceptuals a title[2], and a lot of the time ...[1], and a-ROUND here ... I just don't know[2], and does it even make sense ... to use words ... when you're in one of those moods?[1], and a lot of the time ...[2], and, words, words, words ... uh[1], and does it even make sense ... to use words ... when you're in one of those moods?[2], and ... 'Which moods, Mikey? Tell us!'[1], and, words, words, words ... uh[2], and, uh ... well ... this mood, I suppose ... my little invisible friend[1], and ... 'Which moods, Mikey? Tell us!'[2], and, ha, ha ha ...[1], and, uh ... well ... this mood, I suppose ... my little invisible friend[2], and ... 'Not that one?'[1], and, ha, ha ha ...[2], and ... eh?[1], and ... 'Not that one?'[2], and I get a-ROUND ... and, Christ ... we all get a-ROUND, yes ... but how gone are we, when you really think about it?[1], and ... eh?[2], and ... 'Er ... ... ...'[1], and I get a-ROUND ... and, Christ ... we all get a-ROUND, yes ... but how gone are we, when you really think about it?[2], and, you, you, you ... don't think![1], and ... 'Er ... ... ...'[2], and ... 'I hate thinking, me'[1], and, you, you, you ... don't think![2], and, so ...[1], and ... 'I hate thinking, me'[2], and here we are ... large as life ... making the best of a bad deal ... with tears and laughter[1], and, so ...[2], and, well ...[1], and here we are ... large as life ... making the best of a bad deal ... with tears and laughter[2], and ... what number is this?[1], and, well ...[2], and ... 'Say something deep, something we will all remember'[1], and ... what number is this?[2], and, ha ... do me a favour![1], and ... 'Say something deep, something we will all remember'[2], and listen I just wanna get dizzy out of my head for good this time and never come back let me stay gone please[1], and, ha ... do me a favour![2], and ... please![1], and listen I just wanna get dizzy out of my head for good this time and never come back let me stay gone please[2], and  ... 'You can't be gone, ever ... there are words ... and there is you'[1], and ... please![2], and ... me![1], and  ... 'You can't be gone, ever ... there are words ... and there is you'[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... with a real sense of desperation ... I should imagine[1], and ... me![2], and ... 'You should, yes!'[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... with a real sense of desperation ... I should imagine[2], and, oh, I will ...[1], and ... 'You should, yes!'[2], and there is me, yes ... here is me[1], and, oh, I will ...[2], and what do YOU(!) want?![1], and there is me, yes ... here is me[2], and I dream of a life when this is over ...[1], and what do YOU(!) want?![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ...[1], and I dream of a life when this is over ...[2], and I'm still here - !!![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ...[2], and, yes[3], and I'm still here - !!![2], and ... do you understand?[3], and ... do you?[3], and sometimes it makes no sense to give these conceptuals a title[3], and a-ROUND here ... I just don't know[3], and a lot of the time ...[3], and does it even make sense ... to use words ... when you're in one of those moods?[3], and, words, words, words ... uh[3], and ... 'Which moods, Mikey? Tell us!'[3], and, uh ... well ... this mood, I suppose ... my little invisible friend[3], and, ha, ha ha ...[3], and ... 'Not that one?'[3], and ... eh?[3], and I get a-ROUND ... and, Christ ... we all get a-ROUND, yes ... but how gone are we, when you really think about it?[3], and ... 'Er ... ... ...'[3], and, you, you, you ... don't think![3], and ... 'I hate thinking, me'[3], and, so ...[3], and here we are ... large as life ... making the best of a bad deal ... with tears and laughter[3], and, well ...[3], and ... what number is this?[3], and ... 'Say something deep, something we will all remember'[3], and, ha ... do me a favour![3], and listen I just wanna get dizzy out of my head for good this time and never come back let me stay gone please[3], and ... please![3], and  ... 'You can't be gone, ever ... there are words ... and there is you'[3], and ... me![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... with a real sense of desperation ... I should imagine[3], and ... 'You should, yes!'[3], and, oh, I will ...[3], and there is me, yes ... here is me[3], and what do YOU(!) want?![3], and I dream of a life when this is over ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ...[3], and I'm still here - !!![3], and

And, yes[1], and ... do you understand?[1], and, yes[2], and ... do you?[1], and ... do you understand?[2], and sometimes it makes no sense to give these conceptuals a title[1], and ... do you?[2], and a-ROUND here ... I just don't know[1], and sometimes it makes no sense to give these conceptuals a title[2], and a lot of the time ...[1], and a-ROUND here ... I just don't know[2], and does it even make sense ... to use words ... when you're in one of those moods?[1], and a lot of the time ...[2], and, words, words, words ... uh[1], and does it even make sense ... to use words ... when you're in one of those moods?[2], and ... 'Which moods, Mikey? Tell us!'[1], and, words, words, words ... uh[2], and, uh ... well ... this mood, I suppose ... my little invisible friend[1], and ... 'Which moods, Mikey? Tell us!'[2], and, ha, ha ha ...[1], and, uh ... well ... this mood, I suppose ... my little invisible friend[2], and ... 'Not that one?'[1], and, ha, ha ha ...[2], and ... eh?[1], and ... 'Not that one?'[2], and I get a-ROUND ... and, Christ ... we all get a-ROUND, yes ... but how gone are we, when you really think about it?[1], and ... eh?[2], and ... 'Er ... ... ...'[1], and I get a-ROUND ... and, Christ ... we all get a-ROUND, yes ... but how gone are we, when you really think about it?[2], and, you, you, you ... don't think![1], and ... 'Er ... ... ...'[2], and ... 'I hate thinking, me'[1], and, you, you, you ... don't think![2], and, so ...[1], and ... 'I hate thinking, me'[2], and here we are ... large as life ... making the best of a bad deal ... with tears and laughter[1], and, so ...[2], and, well ...[1], and here we are ... large as life ... making the best of a bad deal ... with tears and laughter[2], and ... what number is this?[1], and, well ...[2], and ... 'Say something deep, something we will all remember'[1], and ... what number is this?[2], and, ha ... do me a favour![1], and ... 'Say something deep, something we will all remember'[2], and listen I just wanna get dizzy out of my head for good this time and never come back let me stay gone please[1], and, ha ... do me a favour![2], and ... please![1], and listen I just wanna get dizzy out of my head for good this time and never come back let me stay gone please[2], and  ... 'You can't be gone, ever ... there are words ... and there is you'[1], and ... please![2], and ... me![1], and  ... 'You can't be gone, ever ... there are words ... and there is you'[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... with a real sense of desperation ... I should imagine[1], and ... me![2], and ... 'You should, yes!'[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... with a real sense of desperation ... I should imagine[2], and, oh, I will ...[1], and ... 'You should, yes!'[2], and there is me, yes ... here is me[1], and, oh, I will ...[2], and what do YOU(!) want?![1], and there is me, yes ... here is me[2], and I dream of a life when this is over ...[1], and what do YOU(!) want?![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ...[1], and I dream of a life when this is over ...[2], and I'm still here - !!![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ...[2], and, yes[3], and I'm still here - !!![2], and ... do you understand?[3], and ... do you?[3], and sometimes it makes no sense to give these conceptuals a title[3], and a-ROUND here ... I just don't know[3], and a lot of the time ...[3], and does it even make sense ... to use words ... when you're in one of those moods?[3], and, words, words, words ... uh[3], and ... 'Which moods, Mikey? Tell us!'[3], and, uh ... well ... this mood, I suppose ... my little invisible friend[3], and, ha, ha ha ...[3], and ... 'Not that one?'[3], and ... eh?[3], and I get a-ROUND ... and, Christ ... we all get a-ROUND, yes ... but how gone are we, when you really think about it?[3], and ... 'Er ... ... ...'[3], and, you, you, you ... don't think![3], and ... 'I hate thinking, me'[3], and, so ...[3], and here we are ... large as life ... making the best of a bad deal ... with tears and laughter[3], and, well ...[3], and ... what number is this?[3], and ... 'Say something deep, something we will all remember'[3], and, ha ... do me a favour![3], and listen I just wanna get dizzy out of my head for good this time and never come back let me stay gone please[3], and ... please![3], and  ... 'You can't be gone, ever ... there are words ... and there is you'[3], and ... me![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... with a real sense of desperation ... I should imagine[3], and ... 'You should, yes!'[3], and, oh, I will ...[3], and there is me, yes ... here is me[3], and what do YOU(!) want?![3], and I dream of a life when this is over ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ...[3], and I'm still here - !!![3], and

And, yes[1], and ... do you understand?[1], and, yes[2], and ... do you?[1], and ... do you understand?[2], and sometimes it makes no sense to give these conceptuals a title[1], and ... do you?[2], and a-ROUND here ... I just don't know[1], and sometimes it makes no sense to give these conceptuals a title[2], and a lot of the time ...[1], and a-ROUND here ... I just don't know[2], and does it even make sense ... to use words ... when you're in one of those moods?[1], and a lot of the time ...[2], and, words, words, words ... uh[1], and does it even make sense ... to use words ... when you're in one of those moods?[2], and ... 'Which moods, Mikey? Tell us!'[1], and, words, words, words ... uh[2], and, uh ... well ... this mood, I suppose ... my little invisible friend[1], and ... 'Which moods, Mikey? Tell us!'[2], and, ha, ha ha ...[1], and, uh ... well ... this mood, I suppose ... my little invisible friend[2], and ... 'Not that one?'[1], and, ha, ha ha ...[2], and ... eh?[1], and ... 'Not that one?'[2], and I get a-ROUND ... and, Christ ... we all get a-ROUND, yes ... but how gone are we, when you really think about it?[1], and ... eh?[2], and ... 'Er ... ... ...'[1], and I get a-ROUND ... and, Christ ... we all get a-ROUND, yes ... but how gone are we, when you really think about it?[2], and, you, you, you ... don't think![1], and ... 'Er ... ... ...'[2], and ... 'I hate thinking, me'[1], and, you, you, you ... don't think![2], and, so ...[1], and ... 'I hate thinking, me'[2], and here we are ... large as life ... making the best of a bad deal ... with tears and laughter[1], and, so ...[2], and, well ...[1], and here we are ... large as life ... making the best of a bad deal ... with tears and laughter[2], and ... what number is this?[1], and, well ...[2], and ... 'Say something deep, something we will all remember'[1], and ... what number is this?[2], and, ha ... do me a favour![1], and ... 'Say something deep, something we will all remember'[2], and listen I just wanna get dizzy out of my head for good this time and never come back let me stay gone please[1], and, ha ... do me a favour![2], and ... please![1], and listen I just wanna get dizzy out of my head for good this time and never come back let me stay gone please[2], and  ... 'You can't be gone, ever ... there are words ... and there is you'[1], and ... please![2], and ... me![1], and  ... 'You can't be gone, ever ... there are words ... and there is you'[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... with a real sense of desperation ... I should imagine[1], and ... me![2], and ... 'You should, yes!'[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... with a real sense of desperation ... I should imagine[2], and, oh, I will ...[1], and ... 'You should, yes!'[2], and there is me, yes ... here is me[1], and, oh, I will ...[2], and what do YOU(!) want?![1], and there is me, yes ... here is me[2], and I dream of a life when this is over ...[1], and what do YOU(!) want?![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ...[1], and I dream of a life when this is over ...[2], and I'm still here - !!![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ...[2], and, yes[3], and I'm still here - !!![2], and ... do you understand?[3], and ... do you?[3], and sometimes it makes no sense to give these conceptuals a title[3], and a-ROUND here ... I just don't know[3], and a lot of the time ...[3], and does it even make sense ... to use words ... when you're in one of those moods?[3], and, words, words, words ... uh[3], and ... 'Which moods, Mikey? Tell us!'[3], and, uh ... well ... this mood, I suppose ... my little invisible friend[3], and, ha, ha ha ...[3], and ... 'Not that one?'[3], and ... eh?[3], and I get a-ROUND ... and, Christ ... we all get a-ROUND, yes ... but how gone are we, when you really think about it?[3], and ... 'Er ... ... ...'[3], and, you, you, you ... don't think![3], and ... 'I hate thinking, me'[3], and, so ...[3], and here we are ... large as life ... making the best of a bad deal ... with tears and laughter[3], and, well ...[3], and ... what number is this?[3], and ... 'Say something deep, something we will all remember'[3], and, ha ... do me a favour![3], and listen I just wanna get dizzy out of my head for good this time and never come back let me stay gone please[3], and ... please![3], and  ... 'You can't be gone, ever ... there are words ... and there is you'[3], and ... me![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... with a real sense of desperation ... I should imagine[3], and ... 'You should, yes!'[3], and, oh, I will ...[3], and there is me, yes ... here is me[3], and what do YOU(!) want?![3], and I dream of a life when this is over ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ...[3], and I'm still here - !!![3], and

STAR - !!!

'Tony went to fight in Belfast, Rudi stayed at home to starve, I could make it all worthwhile as a rock -'

No, Voice, no. It's nothing like that, I'm afraid. 'Oh.'

STAR initiative poised for industry transfers accreditation and invites further industry participation.

It's a PR email. 'Yeah. I should have known.'

The STAR initiative, backed by the regulators and the government, is the only cross industry solution bringing together platforms, providers, life companies, service providers and transfer agents/asset managers.

Backed by the regulators and the government. I don't know about the regulators. It just fills me with so much confidence that it's backed by the government, you know? Those geniuses. 'Ha!'

STAR is now poised for industry transfers accreditation and invites further industry participation. The initiative has galvanized the industry to create long-term solutions to improve the customer experience of transferring pensions, savings and investments between companies, by setting and measuring against a good practice framework.

Right.

STAR accreditation is designed to measure, recognize and accredit transfer performance across the industry. There are three STAR accreditation levels, which are based on performance. Bronze, silver and gold are designed to both reward good performance and encourage improved performance. The accreditation thresholds will be set through industry collaboration by the STAR Accreditation Steering Group and monitored by the STAR Steering Group.

Fine.

I'm not doing all of this email. Let's go to the voice. 'Me?' No. 'Oh.' Andy.

Andrew Marker, STAR Steering Group Chair, commenting, says: "I am delighted that after an intense period of work with the industry galvanized to drive forward this solution, we have reached the significant milestone where organizations can submit their management Information (MI) and seek accreditation. Participating organizations can submit their data from early September. It is not too late for organizations to become involved and they should contact us in the first instance if they want to be part of this first wave of accreditation. In a nutshell, the train is leaving the station, but it's not too late to get on board. The STAR initiative is set to become the single, authoritative source of transfer data on how firms are performing - the output of which will be a quarterly industry index and an annual accreditation scheme for participants."

Well, as long as Andy is happy. That's the main thing. 'He's delighted, boss.' Yeah, whatever.

I think we should let Prince have the last word on the matter ...

"Hey, look me over. Tell me, do you like what you see? Hey, I ain't got no money, but, honey, I'm rich on personality. Hey, check it all out. Baby, I know what it's all about. Before the night is through, you will see my point of view - even if I have to scream and shout."

Okay. Thanks for that, Prince.

He actually makes a lot of sense, doesn't he?

ENDS

...

Anything else?

Music? Okay. I reckon when I record my demo, I will only need to do two takes of each song - as long as there are no annoying background noises.

I was recording one song a few weeks ago, and there was a plane taking off in the sky somewhere, ha! ... and it was like that U2 video for Beautiful Day. I can't have that!

David Gray reckons you can hear a car driving by in his Babylon song.

'And The Beatles, Mikey?'

Oh, loads of different sounds.

'What about Steely Dan?'

Cold, clinical perfection, Voice. 'Oh dear.' It's all right.

Laters.

Ascendance Flight Technologies raises 10 million euros funding round

That's all right, ain't it? 'What's this, boss?' Try and guess, Voice. 'A PR email?' Congratulations! 'Yippee! Do I win a Jammie Dodger?' No. No, you don't.

I'm not made of Jammie Dodgers. Besides, I don't eat snacks no more.

Anyway ...

Ascendance Flight Technologies is a Toulouse-based company developing ATEA, a vertical take-off and landing aircraft powered by STERNA, its proprietary hybrid-electric technology stack. It provides the technologies that can empower aircraft manufacturers to reduce the environmental impact of future aircraft generations. Thanks to the unique experience of its former Airbus E-Fan program team who achieved the first electric flight over the Channel, Ascendance Flight Technologies aims to be a leader in designing a new era of sustainable aviation.

Er ... wasn't our Elon supposed to be doing something like this? Never mind. 'How is Elon these days, boss?' I don't know.

Actually, didn't those guys pay a fortune recently to go up in one of his rockets? 'What guys?' Er ... the guys who went up in the rocket. 'I don't know.' Well, I think it cost them a lot more than $500,000, which is supposed to be the future cost of a ticket to Mars. 'Yeah, yeah.'

Anyway ...

Ascendance Flight Technologies has announced it has closed a €10M funding round backed by Habert Dassault Finance, Celeste Management, M Capital, Kima Ventures and IRDI. The round also includes some senior leaders from the industry and international entrepreneurs.

International entrepreneurs? Wow!

Putting the company on the right financial track to certification and commercialization, Ascendance has attracted top tier financial investors. This successful funding round follows the announcement of the high-profile board: former Safran Chairman Jean-Paul Herteman, former Executive Committee member at Renault Jean-Christophe Kugler, and former Head of the Airbus E-Aircraft Program Agnès Plagneux-Bertrand.

Oh. I've never heard of them, ever, but I'm sure they're great guys and a girl. 'Are you sure, boss?' Well ... 'Did they go up in the rocket?' No.

[What's he talking about?]

Anyway ...

With the injection of funds, the company plans to expand its product development capabilities, notably through demonstrators. According to Jean-Christophe Lambert, co-founder and CEO of Ascendance Flight Technologies, "This successful round of funding will allow us to focus on fullscale prototypes and patents in order to accelerate the development and industrialization of our technologies and products. We will also continue to recruit the best talents to shape a team that will impact tomorrow’s clean aviation. So far, we are on schedule in the development of our disruptive hybrid-electric technologies. Recent technological achievements, our endorsement by renowned industrial figures such as our Board members and Robert Lafontan, the signing of a longtime partnership with Capgemini Engineering and successful testing campaigns confirms that the company is on the right track."

Fair enough.

Jean-Christophe took me by surprise there. I wasn't expecting a voice. I like to introduce them a bit, you know? Build up the excitement, as it were. But never mind. 'You should have a Jammie Dodger, to take your mind off it.' What?! I'm feeling okay, Voice. I've got a sandwich for lunch, and a yoghurt. Although I'm wondering if I should switch to Cup a Soups after all.

The start-up, created in 2018, was founded by four former team members of the E-Fan Program, who thanks to this initial and enriching experience in all-battery electric aviation were able to acknowledge at firsthand the limitations of full-battery systems for commercial operations. Confronted with the lack of sustainable solutions in aeronautics, they were convinced electric-hybrid propulsion to be the appropriate response. Their vision became ATEA, a vertical take-off and landing aircraft (VTOL), and STERNA, its proprietary hybrid technology stack.  The first public flights of the aircraft are scheduled for 2024, using the occasion of the Paris Olympics.

Oh, okay.

Anyway ...

Oh, ENDS.

...

Anything else?

Ha! You would love it if there were something else, wouldn't you, kook(s)?

Jesus.

I can't think of anything else.

'Say something motivational!'

Oh, Christ.

Okay, okay. When you've got a long-term goal that is dragging on for years and years, it's easy to become discouraged, BUT(!) ... rather than give up, the best thing to do is to slow down occasionally. There have been times when I haven't played my guitar much, or I've stopped doing that vocal exercise. That's all right, man.

Lately, I've been working quite hard because of two things: My Mighty Soul song, and my new improved voice. I'm on a higher level now. Reaching a higher level will re-motivate you, you dig?

'Nice one, boss! Especially about me.'

I didn't say anything about you.

Laters.