[No. 980] High consciousness is a curse

Low minds and shitshows.

And, uh, uh[1], and it's all too much - !!![1], and, uh, uh[2], and, well ...[1], and it's all too much - !!![2], and I see more than I want to see, Christ! ... and as a result ... know more than I want to know[1], and, well ...[2], and I can't look away[1], and I see more than I want to see, Christ! ... and as a result ... know more than I want to know[2], and peering into a low mind isn't my idea of fun ... but I have no choice ... they are everywhere![1], and I can't look away[2], and idiots are fascinating[1], and peering into a low mind isn't my idea of fun ... but I have no choice ... they are everywhere![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and even here ... their thoughts and opinions reach me[1], and idiots are fascinating[2], and it's all noise to me[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and even here ... their thoughts and opinions reach me[2], and they say, they say ... ah, we must, we must ... do something or other ... but I just look at them[1], and it's all noise to me[2], and I almost can't believe ...[1], and they say, they say ... ah, we must, we must ... do something or other ... but I just look at them[2], and it's horror[1], and I almost can't believe ...[2], and modern life has weakened them ... made them like babies[1], and it's horror[2], and ... Have they no wisdom???[1], and modern life has weakened them ... made them like babies[2], and a-ROUND ... here I am! ... and let me forget, please, cosmos! ... but I can't ... I'm cursed - !!![1], and ... Have they no wisdom???[2], and that killer ...[1], and a-ROUND ... here I am! ... and let me forget, please, cosmos! ... but I can't ... I'm cur sed - !!![2], and they have no insight into his character ...[1], and that killer ...[2], and they are so low[1], and they have no insight into his character ...[2], and a frozen face - surely that's a clue?[1], and they are so low[2], and he does not value the things they value and so will not behave in a way they can understand[1], and a frozen face - surely that's a clue?[2], and I must pull away ...[1], and he does not value the things they value and so will not behave in a way they can understand[2], and he hates humiliation more than death[1], and I must pull away ...[2], and, ah ... fuck it![1], and he hates humiliation more than death[2], and I must focus now ... NOW - !!! ... on myself, my interests ... and, or, or, or ... go insane![1], and, ah ... fuck it![2], and I want melodies![1], and I must focus now ... NOW - !!! ... on myself, my interests ... and, or, or, or ... go insane![2], and maybe the sea ... yes, the sea![1], and I want melodies![2], and the dolphins talk to each other ... but what do they say?[1], and maybe the sea ... yes, the sea![2], and the rock can't speak, obviously[1], and the dolphins talk to each other ... but what do they say?[2], and, actually ... silence is great![1], and the rock can't speak, obviously[2], and this will seem so absurd ... ha, ha, ha! ... I'll be honest though ... dolphins and rocks are my kind of people[1], and, actually ... silence is great![2], and I make no apology[1], and this will seem so absurd ... ha, ha, ha! ... I'll be honest though ... dolphins and rocks are my kind of people[2], and what do you want from me??? ... Oh, clowns, I'll never be in your circus[1], and I make no apology[2], and you're on your own[1], and what do you want from me??? ... Oh, clowns, I'll never be in your circus[2], and, uh, uh[3], and you're on your own[2], and it's all too much - !!![3], and, well ...[3], and I see more than I want to see, Christ! ... and as a result ... know more than I want to know[3], and I can't look away[3], and peering into a low mind isn't my idea of fun ... but I have no choice ... they are everywhere![3], and idiots are fascinating[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and even here ... their thoughts and opinions reach me[3], and it's all noise to me[3], and they say, they say ... ah, we must, we must ... do something or other ... but I just look at them[3], and I almost can't believe ...[3], and it's horror[3], and modern life has weakened them ... made them like babies[3], and ... Have they no wisdom???[3], and a-ROUND ... here I am! ... and let me forget, please, cosmos! ... but I can't ... I'm c  u  r  s  e  d - !!![3], and that killer ...[3], and they have no insight into his character ...[3], and they are so low[3], and a frozen face - surely that's a clue?[3], and he does not value the things they value and so will not behave in a way they can understand[3], and I must pull away ...[3], and he hates humiliation more than death[3], and, ah ... fuck it![3], and I must focus now ... NOW - !!! ... on myself, my interests ... and, or, or, or ... go insane![3], and I want melodies![3], and maybe the sea ... yes, the sea![3], and the dolphins talk to each other ... but what do they say?[3], and the rock can't speak, obviously[3], and, actually ... silence is great![3], and this will seem so absurd ... ha, ha, ha! ... I'll be honest though ... dolphins and rocks are my kind of people[3], and I make no apology[3], and what do you want from me??? ... Oh, clowns, I'll never be in your circus[3], and you're on your own[3], and

And, uh, uh[1], and it's all too much - !!![1], and, uh, uh[2], and, well ...[1], and it's all too much - !!![2], and I see more than I want to see, Christ! ... and as a result ... know more than I want to know[1], and, well ...[2], and I can't look away[1], and I see more than I want to see, Christ! ... and as a result ... know more than I want to know[2], and peering into a low mind isn't my idea of fun ... but I have no choice ... they are everywhere![1], and I can't look away[2], and idiots are fascinating[1], and peering into a low mind isn't my idea of fun ... but I have no choice ... they are everywhere![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and even here ... their thoughts and opinions reach me[1], and idiots are fascinating[2], and it's all noise to me[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and even here ... their thoughts and opinions reach me[2], and they say, they say ... ah, we must, we must ... do something or other ... but I just look at them[1], and it's all noise to me[2], and I almost can't believe ...[1], and they say, they say ... ah, we must, we must ... do something or other ... but I just look at them[2], and it's horror[1], and I almost can't believe ...[2], and modern life has weakened them ... made them like babies[1], and it's horror[2], and ... Have they no wisdom???[1], and modern life has weakened them ... made them like babies[2], and a-ROUND ... here I am! ... and let me forget, please, cosmos! ... but I can't ... I'm cursed - !!![1], and ... Have they no wisdom???[2], and that killer ...[1], and a-ROUND ... here I am! ... and let me forget, please, cosmos! ... but I can't ... I'm cur sed - !!![2], and they have no insight into his character ...[1], and that killer ...[2], and they are so low[1], and they have no insight into his character ...[2], and a frozen face - surely that's a clue?[1], and they are so low[2], and he does not value the things they value and so will not behave in a way they can understand[1], and a frozen face - surely that's a clue?[2], and I must pull away ...[1], and he does not value the things they value and so will not behave in a way they can understand[2], and he hates humiliation more than death[1], and I must pull away ...[2], and, ah ... fuck it![1], and he hates humiliation more than death[2], and I must focus now ... NOW - !!! ... on myself, my interests ... and, or, or, or ... go insane![1], and, ah ... fuck it![2], and I want melodies![1], and I must focus now ... NOW - !!! ... on myself, my interests ... and, or, or, or ... go insane![2], and maybe the sea ... yes, the sea![1], and I want melodies![2], and the dolphins talk to each other ... but what do they say?[1], and maybe the sea ... yes, the sea![2], and the rock can't speak, obviously[1], and the dolphins talk to each other ... but what do they say?[2], and, actually ... silence is great![1], and the rock can't speak, obviously[2], and this will seem so absurd ... ha, ha, ha! ... I'll be honest though ... dolphins and rocks are my kind of people[1], and, actually ... silence is great![2], and I make no apology[1], and this will seem so absurd ... ha, ha, ha! ... I'll be honest though ... dolphins and rocks are my kind of people[2], and what do you want from me??? ... Oh, clowns, I'll never be in your circus[1], and I make no apology[2], and you're on your own[1], and what do you want from me??? ... Oh, clowns, I'll never be in your circus[2], and, uh, uh[3], and you're on your own[2], and it's all too much - !!![3], and, well ...[3], and I see more than I want to see, Christ! ... and as a result ... know more than I want to know[3], and I can't look away[3], and peering into a low mind isn't my idea of fun ... but I have no choice ... they are everywhere![3], and idiots are fascinating[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and even here ... their thoughts and opinions reach me[3], and it's all noise to me[3], and they say, they say ... ah, we must, we must ... do something or other ... but I just look at them[3], and I almost can't believe ...[3], and it's horror[3], and modern life has weakened them ... made them like babies[3], and ... Have they no wisdom???[3], and a-ROUND ... here I am! ... and let me forget, please, cosmos! ... but I can't ... I'm c  u  r  s  e  d - !!![3], and that killer ...[3], and they have no insight into his character ...[3], and they are so low[3], and a frozen face - surely that's a clue?[3], and he does not value the things they value and so will not behave in a way they can understand[3], and I must pull away ...[3], and he hates humiliation more than death[3], and, ah ... fuck it![3], and I must focus now ... NOW - !!! ... on myself, my interests ... and, or, or, or ... go insane![3], and I want melodies![3], and maybe the sea ... yes, the sea![3], and the dolphins talk to each other ... but what do they say?[3], and the rock can't speak, obviously[3], and, actually ... silence is great![3], and this will seem so absurd ... ha, ha, ha! ... I'll be honest though ... dolphins and rocks are my kind of people[3], and I make no apology[3], and what do you want from me??? ... Oh, clowns, I'll never be in your circus[3], and you're on your own[3], and

And, uh, uh[1], and it's all too much - !!![1], and, uh, uh[2], and, well ...[1], and it's all too much - !!![2], and I see more than I want to see, Christ! ... and as a result ... know more than I want to know[1], and, well ...[2], and I can't look away[1], and I see more than I want to see, Christ! ... and as a result ... know more than I want to know[2], and peering into a low mind isn't my idea of fun ... but I have no choice ... they are everywhere![1], and I can't look away[2], and idiots are fascinating[1], and peering into a low mind isn't my idea of fun ... but I have no choice ... they are everywhere![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and even here ... their thoughts and opinions reach me[1], and idiots are fascinating[2], and it's all noise to me[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and even here ... their thoughts and opinions reach me[2], and they say, they say ... ah, we must, we must ... do something or other ... but I just look at them[1], and it's all noise to me[2], and I almost can't believe ...[1], and they say, they say ... ah, we must, we must ... do something or other ... but I just look at them[2], and it's horror[1], and I almost can't believe ...[2], and modern life has weakened them ... made them like babies[1], and it's horror[2], and ... Have they no wisdom???[1], and modern life has weakened them ... made them like babies[2], and a-ROUND ... here I am! ... and let me forget, please, cosmos! ... but I can't ... I'm cursed - !!![1], and ... Have they no wisdom???[2], and that killer ...[1], and a-ROUND ... here I am! ... and let me forget, please, cosmos! ... but I can't ... I'm cur sed - !!![2], and they have no insight into his character ...[1], and that killer ...[2], and they are so low[1], and they have no insight into his character ...[2], and a frozen face - surely that's a clue?[1], and they are so low[2], and he does not value the things they value and so will not behave in a way they can understand[1], and a frozen face - surely that's a clue?[2], and I must pull away ...[1], and he does not value the things they value and so will not behave in a way they can understand[2], and he hates humiliation more than death[1], and I must pull away ...[2], and, ah ... fuck it![1], and he hates humiliation more than death[2], and I must focus now ... NOW - !!! ... on myself, my interests ... and, or, or, or ... go insane![1], and, ah ... fuck it![2], and I want melodies![1], and I must focus now ... NOW - !!! ... on myself, my interests ... and, or, or, or ... go insane![2], and maybe the sea ... yes, the sea![1], and I want melodies![2], and the dolphins talk to each other ... but what do they say?[1], and maybe the sea ... yes, the sea![2], and the rock can't speak, obviously[1], and the dolphins talk to each other ... but what do they say?[2], and, actually ... silence is great![1], and the rock can't speak, obviously[2], and this will seem so absurd ... ha, ha, ha! ... I'll be honest though ... dolphins and rocks are my kind of people[1], and, actually ... silence is great![2], and I make no apology[1], and this will seem so absurd ... ha, ha, ha! ... I'll be honest though ... dolphins and rocks are my kind of people[2], and what do you want from me??? ... Oh, clowns, I'll never be in your circus[1], and I make no apology[2], and you're on your own[1], and what do you want from me??? ... Oh, clowns, I'll never be in your circus[2], and, uh, uh[3], and you're on your own[2], and it's all too much - !!![3], and, well ...[3], and I see more than I want to see, Christ! ... and as a result ... know more than I want to know[3], and I can't look away[3], and peering into a low mind isn't my idea of fun ... but I have no choice ... they are everywhere![3], and idiots are fascinating[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and even here ... their thoughts and opinions reach me[3], and it's all noise to me[3], and they say, they say ... ah, we must, we must ... do something or other ... but I just look at them[3], and I almost can't believe ...[3], and it's horror[3], and modern life has weakened them ... made them like babies[3], and ... Have they no wisdom???[3], and a-ROUND ... here I am! ... and let me forget, please, cosmos! ... but I can't ... I'm c  u  r  s  e  d - !!![3], and that killer ...[3], and they have no insight into his character ...[3], and they are so low[3], and a frozen face - surely that's a clue?[3], and he does not value the things they value and so will not behave in a way they can understand[3], and I must pull away ...[3], and he hates humiliation more than death[3], and, ah ... fuck it![3], and I must focus now ... NOW - !!! ... on myself, my interests ... and, or, or, or ... go insane![3], and I want melodies![3], and maybe the sea ... yes, the sea![3], and the dolphins talk to each other ... but what do they say?[3], and the rock can't speak, obviously[3], and, actually ... silence is great![3], and this will seem so absurd ... ha, ha, ha! ... I'll be honest though ... dolphins and rocks are my kind of people[3], and I make no apology[3], and what do you want from me??? ... Oh, clowns, I'll never be in your circus[3], and you're on your own[3], and

Financial anxiety hinders millennial job performance

Yeah, like I care, BUT(!) ... Lily has kindly sent me this PR email and I don't want to hurt her feelings by refusing to cover it.

So, here we go ...

Hi Michael​​,

I wanted to get in touch with some new research, which I thought you may be interested in covering.

Well ... okay.

My client, Mintago, surveyed 436 UK millennials (aged between 18 and 34), all of whom are in full-time employment. The data revealed that two thirds (66%) of millennials don't check their pension savings regularly. However, six in ten (60%) said they would engage more with their pension if it was easier to check in on their pots and adjust their contributions; 55% feel their employer should do more to improve engagement with their workplace pension.

Full details are in the press release below, however I also have raw data available, should you want to take a closer look at the findings.

All the best,

Lily

Yeah, yeah. Lily, love, uh ... I don't even have a pension, you dig? You want me to worry about these millennials??? ... who - if they had any sense - wouldn't have stupid corporate careers anyway, and -

'Boss, stop ranting! It's too early on a Monday morning.'

I wasn't ranting, Voice.

Er, let me see ... I'm not doing all of this email. I think I'll go to the voice. 'Me?!' Not you. I mean the voice of Chieu Cao. 'Oh, okay. I thought ...' What did you think? 'I thought you might need my expert opinion for once.' Oh, yeah, sure. Ha!

Anyway ..

Chieu Cao, CEO of Mintago, says: "Workplace pensions are extremely important - for millions of Britons, they are the primary method of saving for retirement. However, our research shows that employees, particularly younger ones, are struggling to engage with their company's pension schemes.

"An employer should not just auto-enrol staff in a workplace pension and then consider this box to be ticked. Businesses must help employees to better understand their pension scheme, the benefits of saving and make it easier for employees to change their contributions. Improving access to financial information for employees, such as the size of their pension pots and how best to manage them, needs to be prioritised by organizations.

"Doing so will benefit employees by putting their mind at ease and enhancing their overall wellbeing. It will put them in better control of their finances, and it will allow them to plan for their eventual retirement more effectively - something the majority of young people feel is daunting because they don't know where to start. Ultimately, improving pension engagement will help to ease a major cause of stress within the workplace, creating a happier and healthier workforce."

I just ...

Never mind.

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

...

Anything else?

I might watch Point Break tonight.

Bodhi didn't have a pension.

Or I might watch Point Blank.

Walker didn't have a pension.

Do you know what I mean?

Actually, I'm not in the mood for watching films.

I've bought that Elton John audiobook. I've also bought a new book (ebook) about the beginnings of PayPal.

I've got my guitar to play, anyway. And that tune to work on.

And a conceptual to write, of course.

Bye.

Refinitiv Lipper: European fund flow report - January 2022

Okay, okay.

Voice? Where are you, Voice? 'What, boss?' We have a special treat today, from Detlef. 'Oh, what's that, then?' Three paragraphs of analysis from him. 'Three?! Is he feeling talkative or something?' Ha! He must be.

Anyway, let's do this bit first -

Long-term mutual funds (+€43.9 bn) posted net inflows for January 2022.

Money market products (-€56.3 bn) posted net outflows for January 2022.

The overall fund flows for mutual funds and ETFs in Europe in January amounted to estimated net outflows of €12.4 bn.

Equity funds (+€38.6 bn) were the best-selling asset type overall for January 2022.

Equity Global (+€22.2 bn) was once again the best-selling sector among longterm funds.

Switzerland (+€10.5 bn) was the fund domicile with the highest net inflows, followed by Germany (+€7.2 bn) and Belgium (+€2.2 bn).

BlackRock (+€10.0 bn) was the best-selling fund promoter in Europe for January, ahead of Lumyna (+€4.7 bn) and Vanguard (+€3.0 bn).

Er ... edited by me to look the way it used to look. No ugly bullet points! We don't need them! We don't want them!

Anyway. Come on, son! 'Three paragraphs!' Big time!

Detlef Glow, Head of EMEA Research at Refinitiv Lipper, comments: "Despite the deteriorating situation with regard to The Thing and the sluggish market environment, it was not surprising that January 2022 was in general a negative month for the European fund industry.

"That said, the promoters of mutual funds (-€38.0 bn) faced outflows, while the promoters of ETFs (+€25.6 bn) enjoyed inflows. Within this market environment and given the economic uncertainties, it is somewhat surprising that European investors sold money market products, which are normally considered as safe haven investments. As a result, the overall fund flow numbers are heavily impacted by the high outflows from money market products (-€56.3 bn).

"This means that long-term funds enjoyed estimated net inflows of €43.9 bn within this market environment. Nevertheless, it looks like European investors are taking rising interest rates, caused by the increased inflations rates around the globe, into consideration as they sold bond products."

Okay, okay.

Thank you, Detlef.

'Thanks, man!'

ENDS

...

Anything else?

I've noticed that the audiobook of the Elton John autobiography is narrated by Taron Egerton, and people say it's brilliant. Maybe I should buy it ...

My music? I'll have to start work on that new tune fragment soon. I want it to be a part of my BIG THREE within the BIG TEN, you dig?

The problem is ... after reaching a higher level of songwriting, I don't ever want to go back again.

I can't understand those songwriters who wrote some great songs thirty, forty, or even fifty years ago, and now ... Christ knows! Do you know what I mean?

I'm not saying it won't ever happen to me. [It won't!!!] But if it does ... I will be filled with self-loathing and living in a state of absolute desperation. 'Unless you don't care about music any more.' Ha! Let's hope that doesn't happen, Voice. FFS!

Listen! I'll be fifty-three soon. My astrologer told me - when I was twenty-five - that I wouldn't start to do my best writing until I reached fifty-four. He was a total Beckett freak, and he was thinking of me doing literature, I suppose, BUT(!) ... it's gonna be music, ain't it?

Hopefully, it will be like a Yeats situation. In his fifties, Yeats went off the fairies, and started thinking big, and kicking ass, and taking names.

Laters.

[No. 979] It's just another number

When will it stop?

And, yeah, yeah[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and does it still make no sense to us?[1], and, yeah, yeah[2], and we all want answers[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and does it still make no sense to us?[2], and ... 'Good luck!'[1], and we all want answers[2], and I won't get any answers from you, spinner(s), and you won't get any answers from me[1], and ... 'Good luck!'[2], and what is the cosmos doing?![1], and I won't get any answers from you, spinner(s), and you won't get any answers from me[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and we spin so hard because the words don't help us at all[1], and what is the cosmos doing?![2], and ... 'Break them!'[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and we spin so hard because the words don't help us at all[2], and, actually, yeah ... the cosmos gave me an answer a while ago[1], and ... 'Break them!'[2], and the cosmos told me: "Mikey, son, becoming a rock star is the only way you're getting out of here"[1], and, actually, yeah ... the cosmos gave me an answer a while ago[2], and, Christ[1], and the cosmos told me: "Mikey, son, becoming a rock star is the only way you're getting out of here"[2], and ... 'What about the others, all the kooks?'[1], and, Christ[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... will a bit of my soul remain? ... spinning, spinning ... forever and ever and ever???[1], and ... 'What about the others, all the kooks?'[2], and the dizzy life is dangerous ... you know?[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... will a bit of my soul remain? ... spinning, spinning ... forever and ever and ever???[2], and ... 'They know'[1], and the dizzy life is dangerous ... you know?[2], and, you, you, YOU(!) ... ??? ... Ha, ha, ha! ... I'm looking after number one, mate[1], and ... 'They know'[2], and ... 'They're stuck in the cosmic jam of consciousness ... or something'[1], and, you, you, YOU(!) ... ??? ... Ha, ha, ha! ... I'm looking after number one, mate[2], and whatever, whatever[1], and ... 'They're stuck in the cosmic jam of consciousness ... or something'[2], and life is tough enough for me without having a whole tribe of kooks to lead to the promised land[1], and whatever, whatever[2], and ... 'You're selfish!!!'[1], and life is tough enough for me without having a whole tribe of kooks to lead to the promised land[2], and shut up, shut up, shut up!!![1], and ... 'You're selfish!!!'[2], and a question: What makes the Voice think he's allowed a-ROUND here ... ? ... Just asking[1], and shut up, shut up, shut up!!![2], and ... 'I go everywhere, man'[1], and a question: What makes the Voice think he's allowed a-ROUND here ... ? ... Just asking[2], and tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow ... I'll have to walk a thousand miles to get away from him, the idiot![1], and ... 'I go everywhere, man'[2], and ... 'Yeah, yeah'[1], and tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow ... I'll have to walk a thousand miles to get away from him, the idiot![2], and, or ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I'm getting away now ... so far away![1], and ... 'Yeah, yeah'[2], and, believe it![1], and, or ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I'm getting away now ... so far away![2], and, yeah, yeah[3], and, believe it![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and does it still make no sense to us?[3], and we all want answers[3], and ... 'Good luck!'[3], and I won't get any answers from you, spinner(s), and you won't get any answers from me[3], and what is the cosmos doing?![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and we spin so hard because the words don't help us at all[3], and ... 'Break them!'[3], and, actually, yeah ... the cosmos gave me an answer a while ago[3], and the cosmos told me: "Mikey, son, becoming a rock star is the only way you're getting out of here"[3], and, Christ[3], and ... 'What about the others, all the kooks?'[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... will a bit of my soul remain? ... spinning, spinning ... forever and ever and ever???[3], and the dizzy life is dangerous ... you know?[3], and ... 'They know'[3], and, you, you, YOU(!) ... ??? ... Ha, ha, ha! ... I'm looking after number one, mate[3], and ... 'They're stuck in the cosmic jam of consciousness ... or something'[3], and whatever, whatever[3], and life is tough enough for me without having a whole tribe of kooks to lead to the promised land[3], and ... 'You're selfish!!!'[3], and shut up, shut up, shut up!!![3], and a question: What makes the Voice think he's allowed a-ROUND here ... ? ... Just asking[3], and ... 'I go everywhere, man'[3], and tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow ... I'll have to walk a thousand miles to get away from him, the idiot![3], and ... 'Yeah, yeah'[3], and, or ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I'm getting away now ... so far away![3], and, believe it![3], and

And, yeah, yeah[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and does it still make no sense to us?[1], and, yeah, yeah[2], and we all want answers[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and does it still make no sense to us?[2], and ... 'Good luck!'[1], and we all want answers[2], and I won't get any answers from you, spinner(s), and you won't get any answers from me[1], and ... 'Good luck!'[2], and what is the cosmos doing?![1], and I won't get any answers from you, spinner(s), and you won't get any answers from me[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and we spin so hard because the words don't help us at all[1], and what is the cosmos doing?![2], and ... 'Break them!'[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and we spin so hard because the words don't help us at all[2], and, actually, yeah ... the cosmos gave me an answer a while ago[1], and ... 'Break them!'[2], and the cosmos told me: "Mikey, son, becoming a rock star is the only way you're getting out of here"[1], and, actually, yeah ... the cosmos gave me an answer a while ago[2], and, Christ[1], and the cosmos told me: "Mikey, son, becoming a rock star is the only way you're getting out of here"[2], and ... 'What about the others, all the kooks?'[1], and, Christ[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... will a bit of my soul remain? ... spinning, spinning ... forever and ever and ever???[1], and ... 'What about the others, all the kooks?'[2], and the dizzy life is dangerous ... you know?[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... will a bit of my soul remain? ... spinning, spinning ... forever and ever and ever???[2], and ... 'They know'[1], and the dizzy life is dangerous ... you know?[2], and, you, you, YOU(!) ... ??? ... Ha, ha, ha! ... I'm looking after number one, mate[1], and ... 'They know'[2], and ... 'They're stuck in the cosmic jam of consciousness ... or something'[1], and, you, you, YOU(!) ... ??? ... Ha, ha, ha! ... I'm looking after number one, mate[2], and whatever, whatever[1], and ... 'They're stuck in the cosmic jam of consciousness ... or something'[2], and life is tough enough for me without having a whole tribe of kooks to lead to the promised land[1], and whatever, whatever[2], and ... 'You're selfish!!!'[1], and life is tough enough for me without having a whole tribe of kooks to lead to the promised land[2], and shut up, shut up, shut up!!![1], and ... 'You're selfish!!!'[2], and a question: What makes the Voice think he's allowed a-ROUND here ... ? ... Just asking[1], and shut up, shut up, shut up!!![2], and ... 'I go everywhere, man'[1], and a question: What makes the Voice think he's allowed a-ROUND here ... ? ... Just asking[2], and tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow ... I'll have to walk a thousand miles to get away from him, the idiot![1], and ... 'I go everywhere, man'[2], and ... 'Yeah, yeah'[1], and tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow ... I'll have to walk a thousand miles to get away from him, the idiot![2], and, or ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I'm getting away now ... so far away![1], and ... 'Yeah, yeah'[2], and, believe it![1], and, or ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I'm getting away now ... so far away![2], and, yeah, yeah[3], and, believe it![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and does it still make no sense to us?[3], and we all want answers[3], and ... 'Good luck!'[3], and I won't get any answers from you, spinner(s), and you won't get any answers from me[3], and what is the cosmos doing?![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and we spin so hard because the words don't help us at all[3], and ... 'Break them!'[3], and, actually, yeah ... the cosmos gave me an answer a while ago[3], and the cosmos told me: "Mikey, son, becoming a rock star is the only way you're getting out of here"[3], and, Christ[3], and ... 'What about the others, all the kooks?'[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... will a bit of my soul remain? ... spinning, spinning ... forever and ever and ever???[3], and the dizzy life is dangerous ... you know?[3], and ... 'They know'[3], and, you, you, YOU(!) ... ??? ... Ha, ha, ha! ... I'm looking after number one, mate[3], and ... 'They're stuck in the cosmic jam of consciousness ... or something'[3], and whatever, whatever[3], and life is tough enough for me without having a whole tribe of kooks to lead to the promised land[3], and ... 'You're selfish!!!'[3], and shut up, shut up, shut up!!![3], and a question: What makes the Voice think he's allowed a-ROUND here ... ? ... Just asking[3], and ... 'I go everywhere, man'[3], and tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow ... I'll have to walk a thousand miles to get away from him, the idiot![3], and ... 'Yeah, yeah'[3], and, or ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I'm getting away now ... so far away![3], and, believe it![3], and

And, yeah, yeah[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and does it still make no sense to us?[1], and, yeah, yeah[2], and we all want answers[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and does it still make no sense to us?[2], and ... 'Good luck!'[1], and we all want answers[2], and I won't get any answers from you, spinner(s), and you won't get any answers from me[1], and ... 'Good luck!'[2], and what is the cosmos doing?![1], and I won't get any answers from you, spinner(s), and you won't get any answers from me[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and we spin so hard because the words don't help us at all[1], and what is the cosmos doing?![2], and ... 'Break them!'[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and we spin so hard because the words don't help us at all[2], and, actually, yeah ... the cosmos gave me an answer a while ago[1], and ... 'Break them!'[2], and the cosmos told me: "Mikey, son, becoming a rock star is the only way you're getting out of here"[1], and, actually, yeah ... the cosmos gave me an answer a while ago[2], and, Christ[1], and the cosmos told me: "Mikey, son, becoming a rock star is the only way you're getting out of here"[2], and ... 'What about the others, all the kooks?'[1], and, Christ[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... will a bit of my soul remain? ... spinning, spinning ... forever and ever and ever???[1], and ... 'What about the others, all the kooks?'[2], and the dizzy life is dangerous ... you know?[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... will a bit of my soul remain? ... spinning, spinning ... forever and ever and ever???[2], and ... 'They know'[1], and the dizzy life is dangerous ... you know?[2], and, you, you, YOU(!) ... ??? ... Ha, ha, ha! ... I'm looking after number one, mate[1], and ... 'They know'[2], and ... 'They're stuck in the cosmic jam of consciousness ... or something'[1], and, you, you, YOU(!) ... ??? ... Ha, ha, ha! ... I'm looking after number one, mate[2], and whatever, whatever[1], and ... 'They're stuck in the cosmic jam of consciousness ... or something'[2], and life is tough enough for me without having a whole tribe of kooks to lead to the promised land[1], and whatever, whatever[2], and ... 'You're selfish!!!'[1], and life is tough enough for me without having a whole tribe of kooks to lead to the promised land[2], and shut up, shut up, shut up!!![1], and ... 'You're selfish!!!'[2], and a question: What makes the Voice think he's allowed a-ROUND here ... ? ... Just asking[1], and shut up, shut up, shut up!!![2], and ... 'I go everywhere, man'[1], and a question: What makes the Voice think he's allowed a-ROUND here ... ? ... Just asking[2], and tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow ... I'll have to walk a thousand miles to get away from him, the idiot![1], and ... 'I go everywhere, man'[2], and ... 'Yeah, yeah'[1], and tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow ... I'll have to walk a thousand miles to get away from him, the idiot![2], and, or ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I'm getting away now ... so far away![1], and ... 'Yeah, yeah'[2], and, believe it![1], and, or ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I'm getting away now ... so far away![2], and, yeah, yeah[3], and, believe it![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and does it still make no sense to us?[3], and we all want answers[3], and ... 'Good luck!'[3], and I won't get any answers from you, spinner(s), and you won't get any answers from me[3], and what is the cosmos doing?![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and we spin so hard because the words don't help us at all[3], and ... 'Break them!'[3], and, actually, yeah ... the cosmos gave me an answer a while ago[3], and the cosmos told me: "Mikey, son, becoming a rock star is the only way you're getting out of here"[3], and, Christ[3], and ... 'What about the others, all the kooks?'[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... will a bit of my soul remain? ... spinning, spinning ... forever and ever and ever???[3], and the dizzy life is dangerous ... you know?[3], and ... 'They know'[3], and, you, you, YOU(!) ... ??? ... Ha, ha, ha! ... I'm looking after number one, mate[3], and ... 'They're stuck in the cosmic jam of consciousness ... or something'[3], and whatever, whatever[3], and life is tough enough for me without having a whole tribe of kooks to lead to the promised land[3], and ... 'You're selfish!!!'[3], and shut up, shut up, shut up!!![3], and a question: What makes the Voice think he's allowed a-ROUND here ... ? ... Just asking[3], and ... 'I go everywhere, man'[3], and tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow ... I'll have to walk a thousand miles to get away from him, the idiot![3], and ... 'Yeah, yeah'[3], and, or ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I'm getting away now ... so far away![3], and, believe it![3], and

Astorg inaugural Mid-Cap fund closes at its €1.3bn hard cap

Does it, indeed? Well, let me be the judge of that.

Luxembourg, 15 February 2022 - Astorg is pleased to announce the closing of its first dedicated mid-cap fund ("Astorg Mid-Cap") at €1.3bn. Due to strong investor demand, the fund has exceeded its initial target of €1bn and hit its hard cap.

Oh, okay. 'It's all facts, boss.' Yeah, I suppose. Never mind, eh?

Astorg Mid-Cap was launched in 2020 under the leadership of Managing Partners Lionel de Posson and Edouard Pillot to address the European middle-market for buyouts[1], which has been Astorg's core expertise since the firm's foundation in 1998. Consistent with Astorg's strategy and experience, Astorg Mid-Cap seeks to invest in European-based, global B2B niche leaders that benefit from secular and resilient growth as well as attractive and profitable business models. Astorg strongly believes in responsible investing and has set up Astorg Mid-Cap as an Article 8 Fund, promoting ESG[2] undertakings which are fully integrated to its policies and processes.

Ha! Cheeky use of the numbers there, but no [3]. 'They haven't got the hang of it yet.' They're amateurs, Voice.

Astorg Mid-Cap has made two investments since its formation thereby investing c. 20% of the fund. First, in Opus 2 (UK), a leading provider of integrated legal tech software and services for the global litigation and arbitration markets. More recently in Armor-IIMAK (France), the global leader in industrial thermal printing ribbons, alongside the company's management team. Both deals generated co-investment opportunities for the fund LPs, consistent with Astorg's approach.

Oh, right. / Now, I imagine, uh ... Thierry would like to say a few words.

Thierry Timsit, CEO of Astorg, comments: "Starting from a blank page but embarking 24 years of platform experience, it was very rewarding to design our inaugural Mid-Cap fund with what we believe to be the key success factors of a middle-market European fund: a diverse 'native' Pan-European team, a focused strategy leveraging on the platform's sector expertise, strong digital tools and corporate functions, and advanced ESG policies. Lionel and Edouard have done an extraordinary 'intrapreneur' job and impersonate the firm's values. I am also grateful to our loyal base of limited partners for the outstanding support they have provided."

Yeah, I thought so.

'What about Lionel and Edouard, boss?' Well ... I've been tipped off in advance that they want to talk like The Shining girls ... on my blog! 'Ha!' Should I allow it? I mean, I'm sorry, I just find it creepy, you know?

Never mind.

Lionel de Posson and Edouard Pillot, Co-Managing Partners of Astorg Mid-Cap, say: "We are delighted to have been able to build Astorg Mid-Cap so successfully in such a short period of time. Our success is testament to the strength of the Astorg platform, which has allowed us to attract top talent into our team, convince blue-chip investors to back the fund and find our place in the market almost instantly. We believe that the opportunity to invest in high-quality European mid-size B2B companies has never been more attractive and we look forward to backing ambitious management teams and entrepreneurs, and delivering strong performance to our investors."

Uh. Shivers down my spine, frankly. 'Let's see if Jeff can lighten the mood.'

Jeff Orenstein, Partner - IR and Co-investment, adds: "We are delighted and grateful for the support that the Mid-Cap fund has received from a large group of recognized global blue-chip investors. The successful fundraising is, at foremost, a reflection of the quality of the Mid-Cap team, whose track-record is consistent with Astorg's disciplined investment philosophy, ESG focus, portfolio value creation, and historical performance."

Thanks, Jeff. I needed that!

'Disturbing use of the word "we", I thought.' I'm willing to overlook that, Voice. He was probably talking for the whole company. [I hope he was.]

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

...

Anything else?

Fitness? Those 10kg dumbbells are doing my head in. (And body, obviously.) Maybe I should go back to the light ones ... ??? 'Don't quit now, boss. Think of Steve McQueen. Think of Daniel Craig.' Well ... I've already got the muscles of our Steve. Just got to lose more fat, that's all. Our Danny is another matter though. He's more developed than Stevie ever was. 'Keep going then!' Yeah, yeah.

I don't notice the Voice doing any exercise, kook(s). Do you know what I mean?

Music? That new tune fragment definitely has the potential to be another Mighty Soul. And that's all I'm interested in writing at the moment. I did want another ballad like Shady, Dodgy, Shifty, but ... beggars can't be choosers. 'If wishes were horses -' Shut up, Voice. Please.

Anyway ...

Bye!

'Laters!'

[No. 978] Be of this world

Do you come here often?

And, hello[1], and it's so nice to sense you again ... your consciousness spinning with mine ... we are bonded[1], and, hello[2], and I love the times we have together[1], and it's so nice to sense you again ... your consciousness spinning with mine ... we are bonded[2], and feel it![1], and I love the times we have together[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and are you shaking with your hair on fire with blood?[1], and feel it![2], and stupid question[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and are you shaking with your hair on fire with blood?[2], and, oh ... it's great, ain't it?[1], and stupid question[2], and, ha![1], and, oh ... it's great, ain't it?[2], and I see your teeth a-flashing in my vision ... eyes a-shimmering ... your flesh ... all your bones ... so incredibly real to me![1], and, ha![2], and this is fun[1], and I see your teeth a-flashing in my vision ... eyes a-shimmering ... your flesh ... all your bones ... so incredibly real to me![2], and I am here, and you are here ... and the others??? / and let's just focus on what we can see ... 'I am here - !!!'[1], and this is fun[2], and of course, him[1], and I am here, and you are here ... and the others??? / and let's just focus on what we can see ... 'I am here - !!!'[2], and, uh, uh ... what we can hear, yes ... those voices on the wild wind[1], and of course, him[2], and ... kooks united![1], and, uh, uh ... what we can hear, yes ... those voices on the wild wind[2], and with eternity to look forward to ...[1], and ... kooks united![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and should we break a word or two, for kicks, like?[1], and with eternity to look forward to ...[2], and ... 'Come on, come on - !!!'[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and should we break a word or two, for kicks, like?[2], and, well ... here is ... magic[1], and ... 'Come on, come on - !!!'[2], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[1], and, well ... here is ... mag ic[2], and loving every moment of this now ...[1], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[2], and, listen ... no square can say ... they will not dare say, no! ... that this ... right here ... is tragic[1], and loving every moment of this now ...[2], and I rule this space ... ... ...[1], and, listen ... no square can say ... they will not dare say, no! ... that this ... right here ... is trag ic[2], and, I, I ...[1], and I rule this space ... ... ...[2], and ... 'Mikey, you're the Emperor of Nowhere!'[1], and, I, I ...[2], and they follow me ...[1], and ... 'Mikey, you're the Emperor of Nowhere!'[2], and you, you, YOU(!) ... are so welcome[1], and they follow me ...[2], and taste nothing, swallow it[1], and you, you, YOU(!) ... are so welcome[2], and here we are - yeah, yeah - can't say that enough[1], and taste nothing, swallow it[2], and we are not in the crude somewhere of the world with vulgar bodies weighing us down, trapping us[1], and here we are - yeah, yeah - can't say that enough[2], and this is what freedom feels like[1], and we are not in the crude somewhere of the world with vulgar bodies weighing us down, trapping us[2], and no one out there sees us ... they can't imagine we exist ... and that's their problem, obviously[1], and this is what freedom feels like[2], and we don't care[1], and no one out there sees us ... they can't imagine we exist ... and that's their problem, obviously[2], and I'll be honest ... I love the lifestyle[1], and we don't care[2], and, more![1], and I'll be honest ... I love the lifestyle[2], and, hello[3], and, more![2], and it's so nice to sense you again ... your consciousness spinning with mine ... we are bonded[3], and I love the times we have together[3], and feel it![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and are you shaking with your hair on fire with blood?[3], and stupid question[3], and, oh ... it's great, ain't it?[3], and, ha![3], and I see your teeth a-flashing in my vision ... eyes a-shimmering ... your flesh ... all your bones ... so incredibly real to me![3], and this is fun[3], and I am here, and you are here ... and the others??? / and let's just focus on what we can see ... 'I am here - !!!'[3], and of course, him[3], and, uh, uh ... what we can hear, yes ... those voices on the wild wind[3], and ... kooks united![3], and with eternity to look forward to ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and should we break a word or two, for kicks, like?[3], and ... 'Come on, come on - !!!'[3], and, well ... here is ... m  a  g  i  c[3], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[3], and loving every moment of this now ...[3], and, listen ... no square can say ... they will not dare say, no! ... that this ... right here ... is t  r  a  g  i  c[3], and I rule this space ... ... ...[3], and, I, I ...[3], and ... 'Mikey, you're the Emperor of Nowhere!'[3], and they follow me ...[3], and you, you, YOU(!) ... are so welcome[3], and taste nothing, swallow it[3], and here we are - yeah, yeah - can't say that enough[3], and we are not in the crude somewhere of the world with vulgar bodies weighing us down, trapping us[3], and this is what freedom feels like[3], and no one out there sees us ... they can't imagine we exist ... and that's their problem, obviously[3], and we don't care[3], and I'll be honest ... I love the lifestyle[3], and, more![3], and

And, hello[1], and it's so nice to sense you again ... your consciousness spinning with mine ... we are bonded[1], and, hello[2], and I love the times we have together[1], and it's so nice to sense you again ... your consciousness spinning with mine ... we are bonded[2], and feel it![1], and I love the times we have together[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and are you shaking with your hair on fire with blood?[1], and feel it![2], and stupid question[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and are you shaking with your hair on fire with blood?[2], and, oh ... it's great, ain't it?[1], and stupid question[2], and, ha![1], and, oh ... it's great, ain't it?[2], and I see your teeth a-flashing in my vision ... eyes a-shimmering ... your flesh ... all your bones ... so incredibly real to me![1], and, ha![2], and this is fun[1], and I see your teeth a-flashing in my vision ... eyes a-shimmering ... your flesh ... all your bones ... so incredibly real to me![2], and I am here, and you are here ... and the others??? / and let's just focus on what we can see ... 'I am here - !!!'[1], and this is fun[2], and of course, him[1], and I am here, and you are here ... and the others??? / and let's just focus on what we can see ... 'I am here - !!!'[2], and, uh, uh ... what we can hear, yes ... those voices on the wild wind[1], and of course, him[2], and ... kooks united![1], and, uh, uh ... what we can hear, yes ... those voices on the wild wind[2], and with eternity to look forward to ...[1], and ... kooks united![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and should we break a word or two, for kicks, like?[1], and with eternity to look forward to ...[2], and ... 'Come on, come on - !!!'[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and should we break a word or two, for kicks, like?[2], and, well ... here is ... magic[1], and ... 'Come on, come on - !!!'[2], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[1], and, well ... here is ... mag ic[2], and loving every moment of this now ...[1], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[2], and, listen ... no square can say ... they will not dare say, no! ... that this ... right here ... is tragic[1], and loving every moment of this now ...[2], and I rule this space ... ... ...[1], and, listen ... no square can say ... they will not dare say, no! ... that this ... right here ... is trag ic[2], and, I, I ...[1], and I rule this space ... ... ...[2], and ... 'Mikey, you're the Emperor of Nowhere!'[1], and, I, I ...[2], and they follow me ...[1], and ... 'Mikey, you're the Emperor of Nowhere!'[2], and you, you, YOU(!) ... are so welcome[1], and they follow me ...[2], and taste nothing, swallow it[1], and you, you, YOU(!) ... are so welcome[2], and here we are - yeah, yeah - can't say that enough[1], and taste nothing, swallow it[2], and we are not in the crude somewhere of the world with vulgar bodies weighing us down, trapping us[1], and here we are - yeah, yeah - can't say that enough[2], and this is what freedom feels like[1], and we are not in the crude somewhere of the world with vulgar bodies weighing us down, trapping us[2], and no one out there sees us ... they can't imagine we exist ... and that's their problem, obviously[1], and this is what freedom feels like[2], and we don't care[1], and no one out there sees us ... they can't imagine we exist ... and that's their problem, obviously[2], and I'll be honest ... I love the lifestyle[1], and we don't care[2], and, more![1], and I'll be honest ... I love the lifestyle[2], and, hello[3], and, more![2], and it's so nice to sense you again ... your consciousness spinning with mine ... we are bonded[3], and I love the times we have together[3], and feel it![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and are you shaking with your hair on fire with blood?[3], and stupid question[3], and, oh ... it's great, ain't it?[3], and, ha![3], and I see your teeth a-flashing in my vision ... eyes a-shimmering ... your flesh ... all your bones ... so incredibly real to me![3], and this is fun[3], and I am here, and you are here ... and the others??? / and let's just focus on what we can see ... 'I am here - !!!'[3], and of course, him[3], and, uh, uh ... what we can hear, yes ... those voices on the wild wind[3], and ... kooks united![3], and with eternity to look forward to ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and should we break a word or two, for kicks, like?[3], and ... 'Come on, come on - !!!'[3], and, well ... here is ... m  a  g  i  c[3], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[3], and loving every moment of this now ...[3], and, listen ... no square can say ... they will not dare say, no! ... that this ... right here ... is t  r  a  g  i  c[3], and I rule this space ... ... ...[3], and, I, I ...[3], and ... 'Mikey, you're the Emperor of Nowhere!'[3], and they follow me ...[3], and you, you, YOU(!) ... are so welcome[3], and taste nothing, swallow it[3], and here we are - yeah, yeah - can't say that enough[3], and we are not in the crude somewhere of the world with vulgar bodies weighing us down, trapping us[3], and this is what freedom feels like[3], and no one out there sees us ... they can't imagine we exist ... and that's their problem, obviously[3], and we don't care[3], and I'll be honest ... I love the lifestyle[3], and, more![3], and

And, hello[1], and it's so nice to sense you again ... your consciousness spinning with mine ... we are bonded[1], and, hello[2], and I love the times we have together[1], and it's so nice to sense you again ... your consciousness spinning with mine ... we are bonded[2], and feel it![1], and I love the times we have together[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and are you shaking with your hair on fire with blood?[1], and feel it![2], and stupid question[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and are you shaking with your hair on fire with blood?[2], and, oh ... it's great, ain't it?[1], and stupid question[2], and, ha![1], and, oh ... it's great, ain't it?[2], and I see your teeth a-flashing in my vision ... eyes a-shimmering ... your flesh ... all your bones ... so incredibly real to me![1], and, ha![2], and this is fun[1], and I see your teeth a-flashing in my vision ... eyes a-shimmering ... your flesh ... all your bones ... so incredibly real to me![2], and I am here, and you are here ... and the others??? / and let's just focus on what we can see ... 'I am here - !!!'[1], and this is fun[2], and of course, him[1], and I am here, and you are here ... and the others??? / and let's just focus on what we can see ... 'I am here - !!!'[2], and, uh, uh ... what we can hear, yes ... those voices on the wild wind[1], and of course, him[2], and ... kooks united![1], and, uh, uh ... what we can hear, yes ... those voices on the wild wind[2], and with eternity to look forward to ...[1], and ... kooks united![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and should we break a word or two, for kicks, like?[1], and with eternity to look forward to ...[2], and ... 'Come on, come on - !!!'[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and should we break a word or two, for kicks, like?[2], and, well ... here is ... magic[1], and ... 'Come on, come on - !!!'[2], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[1], and, well ... here is ... mag ic[2], and loving every moment of this now ...[1], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[2], and, listen ... no square can say ... they will not dare say, no! ... that this ... right here ... is tragic[1], and loving every moment of this now ...[2], and I rule this space ... ... ...[1], and, listen ... no square can say ... they will not dare say, no! ... that this ... right here ... is trag ic[2], and, I, I ...[1], and I rule this space ... ... ...[2], and ... 'Mikey, you're the Emperor of Nowhere!'[1], and, I, I ...[2], and they follow me ...[1], and ... 'Mikey, you're the Emperor of Nowhere!'[2], and you, you, YOU(!) ... are so welcome[1], and they follow me ...[2], and taste nothing, swallow it[1], and you, you, YOU(!) ... are so welcome[2], and here we are - yeah, yeah - can't say that enough[1], and taste nothing, swallow it[2], and we are not in the crude somewhere of the world with vulgar bodies weighing us down, trapping us[1], and here we are - yeah, yeah - can't say that enough[2], and this is what freedom feels like[1], and we are not in the crude somewhere of the world with vulgar bodies weighing us down, trapping us[2], and no one out there sees us ... they can't imagine we exist ... and that's their problem, obviously[1], and this is what freedom feels like[2], and we don't care[1], and no one out there sees us ... they can't imagine we exist ... and that's their problem, obviously[2], and I'll be honest ... I love the lifestyle[1], and we don't care[2], and, more![1], and I'll be honest ... I love the lifestyle[2], and, hello[3], and, more![2], and it's so nice to sense you again ... your consciousness spinning with mine ... we are bonded[3], and I love the times we have together[3], and feel it![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and are you shaking with your hair on fire with blood?[3], and stupid question[3], and, oh ... it's great, ain't it?[3], and, ha![3], and I see your teeth a-flashing in my vision ... eyes a-shimmering ... your flesh ... all your bones ... so incredibly real to me![3], and this is fun[3], and I am here, and you are here ... and the others??? / and let's just focus on what we can see ... 'I am here - !!!'[3], and of course, him[3], and, uh, uh ... what we can hear, yes ... those voices on the wild wind[3], and ... kooks united![3], and with eternity to look forward to ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and should we break a word or two, for kicks, like?[3], and ... 'Come on, come on - !!!'[3], and, well ... here is ... m  a  g  i  c[3], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[3], and loving every moment of this now ...[3], and, listen ... no square can say ... they will not dare say, no! ... that this ... right here ... is t  r  a  g  i  c[3], and I rule this space ... ... ...[3], and, I, I ...[3], and ... 'Mikey, you're the Emperor of Nowhere!'[3], and they follow me ...[3], and you, you, YOU(!) ... are so welcome[3], and taste nothing, swallow it[3], and here we are - yeah, yeah - can't say that enough[3], and we are not in the crude somewhere of the world with vulgar bodies weighing us down, trapping us[3], and this is what freedom feels like[3], and no one out there sees us ... they can't imagine we exist ... and that's their problem, obviously[3], and we don't care[3], and I'll be honest ... I love the lifestyle[3], and, more![3], and

The tree has gone, man

The tree outside my window has disappeared. It's gone forever. Well, it's lying on the pavement now. But someone will take it away eventually. It will never be seen again. I'm sad about it.

Never mind. Life goes on, I suppose.

Some people like to think Gary Numan ripped off David Bowie. But I don't think that. I think he was "heavily influenced", that's all. And I bet Bowie was jealous of Numan's concept of the android as pop star. That's just as good as an alien as pop star. Also, Bowie only dipped his toe into electronic music with Low and Heroes. He didn't embrace it the same way Numan did. Obviously, a lot of Numan's voice and stage mannerisms were taken from Bowie, BUT(!) ... the whole Ziggy Stardust thing really was like Anthony Newley in space. Do you know what I mean? / Everyone is influenced by something.

I've bought The Man Who Fell To Earth for my phone. It's the only good film that Bowie starred in - with a great performance from him. 'What about Basquiat, boss?' That was a good film, Voice, but Bowie only had a small part as Andy Warhol. And that was a good performance, too. Bowie was best at playing other-worldly types. 'What about Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence ... ?' Er ... I preferred Tom Conti in Reuben, Reuben. His best bloody film, and you can't see it anywhere!

By the way, I love that famous untitled skull painting by Basquiat. I wonder what Francis Bacon thought of it. Picasso was dead by then. But Bacon should have recognized it as one of the great images in art.

A couple of years before he died, Bacon saw Damien Hirst's A Thousand Years in an art show, and - by all accounts - he stood by the work for an hour, just staring at it. Bacon hated most art, including his own. He had such high standards. 'Hated, boss?' Well, I don't know. He definitely had very high standards.

I hope they leave the tree outside. I hope they put it in a glass box. 'You could do it. Call it Windy Tree Forever.' It's not in the wind no more, is it?

I woke up with a dream tune this morning. One minute before my alarm went off. Before falling asleep, I asked the cosmos for a tune, and that's what I got. I was wondering ... Why haven't I had any dream tunes lately? ... then I realized ... I hadn't asked for any lately.

Ask and you shall receive.

Bye.

'Mikey?'

What?

'How about a disembodied voice as pop star ... ???'

Bye.

GC Angels

Oh, what are they?!

'Boss, what are they?!'

I don't know, Voice.

But -

GC Angels is a professional service driven by experienced equity specialists. With over 400 associate angels, institutional capital partners and in-house co-funds, it supports SME's to raise early-stage, scale-up and growth capital ranging from £25k - £2m.

Based in Greater Manchester, GC Angels responds to the early-stage equity market across the North with an aim to scale and coordinate Angel investment activity through enablement and increased market access.

'Where did you get that from?!'

The PR email, silly.

So, it's all perfectly clear now, isn't it? Let's talk about -

'I think you better cover the rest of the email.' I'm not doing all of it. 'Do a bit of it.' Which bit? 'This bit -'

Leading global startup investment bank, JPIN, has announced a new strategic partnership with GC Angels to provide a direct partner in the North West Region for matters of deal flow and investment opportunities. This collaboration will assist in strengthening the Manchester–India pathway through innovation and investment, while simultaneously improving economic growth and boosting employment within the UK.

Okay, okay. I hope everyone is satisfied. It's the end of the week. I'm tired.

ENDS

'Boss.'

What?

'We need some voices.' Ha! I don't think we do. 'Oh, I think we do.' Voice, man ... you're enough of a voice for me, you dig? I don't need more voices, honestly. 'Yeah, but ...' What?!?! 'We really need some other voices on this post, from the email, to finish it off - the way we always do. Come on.' Oh, Christ.

Gaurav Singh, founder of JPIN, comments: "The UK is full of investors looking for startup investment opportunities and a chance to back the next unicorn or decacorn; this extends well beyond London, which is why this collaboration is so key. It will also allow an increased number of startups and investors to participate in the UK-India growth story as well as open up new regional markets in the UK for the Indian startups."

Yeah, thanks, Gaurav. 'He hasn’t finished.' Uh. He hasn't finished?! He hasn't finished talking ... on my blog ... ??? Whatever!

"Early-stage businesses can often struggle with getting adequate support, resources, and funding. At JPIN, we are always looking to back the next generation of decacorns ($10Bn+ valuation) that are looking to change the world, and we are excited to be collaborating with GC Angels, the leading investor for early-stage businesses in Manchester, as this move further solidifies rapidly expanding investment corridor between the UK and India."

Yes, thank you, Gaurav. / Is everyone happy?

Nayan Gala, founder of JPIN, comments: "India is one of the world's largest economies and presents huge potential as a key partner for trade and investment for the UK. India is a 21st-century powerhouse and creating a strong UK-India pathway of innovation and investment will help to fuel economic recovery in a post-Brexit, post-Thing UK. In the last year, we have seen the value of the UK and India's cross-collaboration through the investment corridor, and our collaboration with GC Angels will only help strengthen this by providing startups in the North West with a timely injection of resources and funds that can assist with business growth."

ENDS

'Boss, we haven't heard from Jessica.' Who?! 'Jessica Jackson. She's from GC Angels.' Oh, you're taking the piss! We've had two voices, Voice! 'It's just one more voice. It can't hurt.'

I'm not in the mood for this.

Jessica Jackson, head of investment at GC Angels, comments: "At GC Angels, we are excited for this strategic collaboration with JPIN, who have already made a name for themselves as the largest startup investment bank for the emerging markets between the UK and India. Our mission at GC Angels has always been to increase enablement and market access for early-stage businesses by providing them with the appropriate support and resources and working with JPIN will provide a stronger investment pathway between startups in the North West and India - one of the leading startup ecosystems in the world."

Thank you, Jessica.

Shehla Hasan, executive director at -

Hang on!

'Carry on, Shehla!'

- the Manchester India Partnership, comments: "2022 is a watershed year in the UK-India relationship as both countries have kickstarted negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement. The new partnership between GCA and JPIN only underscores the fact that there is immense potential for the two countries to work together. India and the UK are ideal partners in the start-up ecosystem. India has shown phenomenal growth in the number of start-ups adding 45 new unicorns in 2021 alone. This demonstrates the scale of potential this partnership will work on. I wish the partners the very best and the Manchester India Partnership will be more than happy to support collaborations related to deal flow and investment opportunities."

Uh.

Is that the ENDS?

'It's the ENDS.'

Is it really the ENDS?

'It's the ENDS, Mikey.'

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

That's the ENDS - !!!

[No. 977] Being me

It's not as much fun as it looks.

And, yeah, yeah[1], and here I am ... large as life![1], and, yeah, yeah[2], and ... 'Nice one!'[1], and here I am ... large as life![2], and Michael, Michael, Michael ... I am here - !!![1], and ... 'Nice one!'[2], and ... Can you see me?[1], and Michael, Michael, Michael ... I am here - !!![2], and, sure ... I get to spin a-ROUND a lot, man ... while you're probably working on something dull ...[1], and ... Can you see me?[2], and ... 'Ha!'[1], and, sure ... I get to spin a-ROUND a lot, man ... while you're probably working on something dull ...[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... I got headaches at the sides of my head[1], and ... 'Ha!'[2], and ... 'Oh, dear'[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... I got headaches at the sides of my head[2], and I suffer ...[1], and ... 'Oh, dear'[2], and there's more to my life than guitar, singing ... uh, spinning ... Jamaican patties and lager[1], and I suffer ...[2], and ... 'He's so lucky'[1], and there's more to my life than guitar, singing ... uh, spinning ... Jamaican patties and lager[2], and I'm alone on the mountain - right at the top![1], and ... 'He's so lucky'[2], and ... 'I'm with him'[1], and I'm alone on the mountain - right at the top![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... it takes away a lot of the pain ... if I do it enough[1], and ... 'I'm with him'[2], and I ain't coming down anytime soon[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... it takes away a lot of the pain ... if I do it enough[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, yes ... it's addictive ... and what else should I do?[1], and I ain't coming down anytime soon[2], and I stare at the sea ... of consciousness???[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, yes ... it's addictive ... and what else should I do?[2], and ... ... ... 'Yeah'[1], and I stare at the sea ... of consciousness???[2], and, yes, I do that, of course ... Oh, I stare at the sea, the real sea, too, when I can ... never even putting a toe in, no![1], and ... ... ... 'Yeah'[2], and ... 'Basking sharks!'[1], and, yes, I do that, of course ... Oh, I stare at the sea, the real sea, too, when I can ... never even putting a toe in, no![2], and shut up, Voice! ... ... ... you invisible cretin from the other world![1], and ... 'Basking sharks!'[2], and ... 'That's harsh'[1], and shut up, Voice! ... ... ... you invisible cretin from the other world![2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... how would YOU(!) like to be totally GONE(!) on a regular basis ... away from the humans?[1], and ... 'That's harsh'[2], and ... 'Me?'[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... how would YOU(!) like to be totally GONE(!) on a regular basis ... away from the humans?[2], and not you, not you ... WHO AM I?[1], and ... 'Me?'[2], and ... 'You love it!'[1], and not you, not you ... WHO AM I?[2], and ... them, them![1], and ... 'You love it!'[2], and, yes, yes, yes ... ... ...[1], and ... them, them![2], and, actually ... the dolphins love me ... I can't imagine they love you[1], and, yes, yes, yes ... ... ...[2], and ... 'Basking sharks love me!'[1], and, actually ... the dolphins love me ... I can't imagine they love you[2], and the point is ... ... ... uh, where am I, again? / ... and ... 'What is the bloody point, Mikey?!'[1], and ... 'Basking sharks love me!'[2], and, Voice, please![1], and the point is ... ... ... uh, where am I, again? / ... and ... 'What is the bloody point, Mikey?!'[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... can it be ... the only point ... I'm really making ... ???[1], and, Voice, please![2], and the fact is ... uh[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... can it be ... the only point ... I'm really making ... ???[2], and I never, never know ... so you better never, never mind ... and that's an order, kooks![1], and the fact is ... uh[2], and ... 'There are no facts ... not here, anyway'[1], and I never, never know ... so you better never, never mind ... and that's an order, kooks![2], and this is me, me! ... I'm thinking, and feeling ... and I'm talking, breathing ... the works![1], and ... 'There are no facts ... not here, anyway'[2], and ... 'He wants a biscuit now, no doubt'[1], and this is me, me! ... I'm thinking, and feeling ... and I'm talking, breathing ... the w orks![2], and ... Must this continue?[1], and ... 'He wants a biscuit now, no doubt'[2], and, yeah, yeah[3], and ... Must this continue?[2], and here I am ... large as life![3], and ... 'Nice one!'[3], and Michael, Michael, Michael ... I am here - !!![3], and ... Can you see me?[3], and, sure ... I get to spin a-ROUND a lot, man ... while you're probably working on something dull ...[3], and ... 'Ha!'[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... I got headaches at the sides of my head[3], and ... 'Oh, dear'[3], and I suffer ...[3], and there's more to my life than guitar, singing ... uh, spinning ... Jamaican patties and lager[3], and ... 'He's so lucky'[3], and I'm alone on the mountain - right at the top![3], and ... 'I'm with him'[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... it takes away a lot of the pain ... if I do it enough[3], and I ain't coming down anytime soon[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, yes ... it's addictive ... and what else should I do?[3], and I stare at the sea ... of consciousness???[3], and ... ... ... 'Yeah'[3], and, yes, I do that, of course ... Oh, I stare at the sea, the real sea, too, when I can ... never even putting a toe in, no![3], and ... 'Basking sharks!'[3], and shut up, Voice! ... ... ... you invisible cretin from the other world![3], and ... 'That's harsh'[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... how would YOU(!) like to be totally GONE(!) on a regular basis ... away from the humans?[3], and ... 'Me?'[3], and not you, not you ... WHO AM I?[3], and ... 'You love it!'[3], and ... them, them![3], and, yes, yes, yes ... ... ...[3], and, actually ... the dolphins love me ... I can't imagine they love you[3], and ... 'Basking sharks love me!'[3], and the point is ... ... ... uh, where am I, again? / ... and ... 'What is the bloody point, Mikey?!'[3], and, Voice, please![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... can it be ... the only point ... I'm really making ... ???[3], and the fact is ... uh[3], and I never, never know ... so you better never, never mind ... and that's an order, kooks![3], and ... 'There are no facts ... not here, anyway'[3], and this is me, me! ... I'm thinking, and feeling ... and I'm talking, breathing ... the w  o  r  k  s![3], and ... 'He wants a biscuit now, no doubt'[3], and ... Must this continue?[3], and

And, yeah, yeah[1], and here I am ... large as life![1], and, yeah, yeah[2], and ... 'Nice one!'[1], and here I am ... large as life![2], and Michael, Michael, Michael ... I am here - !!![1], and ... 'Nice one!'[2], and ... Can you see me?[1], and Michael, Michael, Michael ... I am here - !!![2], and, sure ... I get to spin a-ROUND a lot, man ... while you're probably working on something dull ...[1], and ... Can you see me?[2], and ... 'Ha!'[1], and, sure ... I get to spin a-ROUND a lot, man ... while you're probably working on something dull ...[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... I got headaches at the sides of my head[1], and ... 'Ha!'[2], and ... 'Oh, dear'[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... I got headaches at the sides of my head[2], and I suffer ...[1], and ... 'Oh, dear'[2], and there's more to my life than guitar, singing ... uh, spinning ... Jamaican patties and lager[1], and I suffer ...[2], and ... 'He's so lucky'[1], and there's more to my life than guitar, singing ... uh, spinning ... Jamaican patties and lager[2], and I'm alone on the mountain - right at the top![1], and ... 'He's so lucky'[2], and ... 'I'm with him'[1], and I'm alone on the mountain - right at the top![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... it takes away a lot of the pain ... if I do it enough[1], and ... 'I'm with him'[2], and I ain't coming down anytime soon[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... it takes away a lot of the pain ... if I do it enough[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, yes ... it's addictive ... and what else should I do?[1], and I ain't coming down anytime soon[2], and I stare at the sea ... of consciousness???[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, yes ... it's addictive ... and what else should I do?[2], and ... ... ... 'Yeah'[1], and I stare at the sea ... of consciousness???[2], and, yes, I do that, of course ... Oh, I stare at the sea, the real sea, too, when I can ... never even putting a toe in, no![1], and ... ... ... 'Yeah'[2], and ... 'Basking sharks!'[1], and, yes, I do that, of course ... Oh, I stare at the sea, the real sea, too, when I can ... never even putting a toe in, no![2], and shut up, Voice! ... ... ... you invisible cretin from the other world![1], and ... 'Basking sharks!'[2], and ... 'That's harsh'[1], and shut up, Voice! ... ... ... you invisible cretin from the other world![2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... how would YOU(!) like to be totally GONE(!) on a regular basis ... away from the humans?[1], and ... 'That's harsh'[2], and ... 'Me?'[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... how would YOU(!) like to be totally GONE(!) on a regular basis ... away from the humans?[2], and not you, not you ... WHO AM I?[1], and ... 'Me?'[2], and ... 'You love it!'[1], and not you, not you ... WHO AM I?[2], and ... them, them![1], and ... 'You love it!'[2], and, yes, yes, yes ... ... ...[1], and ... them, them![2], and, actually ... the dolphins love me ... I can't imagine they love you[1], and, yes, yes, yes ... ... ...[2], and ... 'Basking sharks love me!'[1], and, actually ... the dolphins love me ... I can't imagine they love you[2], and the point is ... ... ... uh, where am I, again? / ... and ... 'What is the bloody point, Mikey?!'[1], and ... 'Basking sharks love me!'[2], and, Voice, please![1], and the point is ... ... ... uh, where am I, again? / ... and ... 'What is the bloody point, Mikey?!'[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... can it be ... the only point ... I'm really making ... ???[1], and, Voice, please![2], and the fact is ... uh[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... can it be ... the only point ... I'm really making ... ???[2], and I never, never know ... so you better never, never mind ... and that's an order, kooks![1], and the fact is ... uh[2], and ... 'There are no facts ... not here, anyway'[1], and I never, never know ... so you better never, never mind ... and that's an order, kooks![2], and this is me, me! ... I'm thinking, and feeling ... and I'm talking, breathing ... the works![1], and ... 'There are no facts ... not here, anyway'[2], and ... 'He wants a biscuit now, no doubt'[1], and this is me, me! ... I'm thinking, and feeling ... and I'm talking, breathing ... the w orks![2], and ... Must this continue?[1], and ... 'He wants a biscuit now, no doubt'[2], and, yeah, yeah[3], and ... Must this continue?[2], and here I am ... large as life![3], and ... 'Nice one!'[3], and Michael, Michael, Michael ... I am here - !!![3], and ... Can you see me?[3], and, sure ... I get to spin a-ROUND a lot, man ... while you're probably working on something dull ...[3], and ... 'Ha!'[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... I got headaches at the sides of my head[3], and ... 'Oh, dear'[3], and I suffer ...[3], and there's more to my life than guitar, singing ... uh, spinning ... Jamaican patties and lager[3], and ... 'He's so lucky'[3], and I'm alone on the mountain - right at the top![3], and ... 'I'm with him'[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... it takes away a lot of the pain ... if I do it enough[3], and I ain't coming down anytime soon[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, yes ... it's addictive ... and what else should I do?[3], and I stare at the sea ... of consciousness???[3], and ... ... ... 'Yeah'[3], and, yes, I do that, of course ... Oh, I stare at the sea, the real sea, too, when I can ... never even putting a toe in, no![3], and ... 'Basking sharks!'[3], and shut up, Voice! ... ... ... you invisible cretin from the other world![3], and ... 'That's harsh'[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... how would YOU(!) like to be totally GONE(!) on a regular basis ... away from the humans?[3], and ... 'Me?'[3], and not you, not you ... WHO AM I?[3], and ... 'You love it!'[3], and ... them, them![3], and, yes, yes, yes ... ... ...[3], and, actually ... the dolphins love me ... I can't imagine they love you[3], and ... 'Basking sharks love me!'[3], and the point is ... ... ... uh, where am I, again? / ... and ... 'What is the bloody point, Mikey?!'[3], and, Voice, please![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... can it be ... the only point ... I'm really making ... ???[3], and the fact is ... uh[3], and I never, never know ... so you better never, never mind ... and that's an order, kooks![3], and ... 'There are no facts ... not here, anyway'[3], and this is me, me! ... I'm thinking, and feeling ... and I'm talking, breathing ... the w  o  r  k  s![3], and ... 'He wants a biscuit now, no doubt'[3], and ... Must this continue?[3], and

And, yeah, yeah[1], and here I am ... large as life![1], and, yeah, yeah[2], and ... 'Nice one!'[1], and here I am ... large as life![2], and Michael, Michael, Michael ... I am here - !!![1], and ... 'Nice one!'[2], and ... Can you see me?[1], and Michael, Michael, Michael ... I am here - !!![2], and, sure ... I get to spin a-ROUND a lot, man ... while you're probably working on something dull ...[1], and ... Can you see me?[2], and ... 'Ha!'[1], and, sure ... I get to spin a-ROUND a lot, man ... while you're probably working on something dull ...[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... I got headaches at the sides of my head[1], and ... 'Ha!'[2], and ... 'Oh, dear'[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... I got headaches at the sides of my head[2], and I suffer ...[1], and ... 'Oh, dear'[2], and there's more to my life than guitar, singing ... uh, spinning ... Jamaican patties and lager[1], and I suffer ...[2], and ... 'He's so lucky'[1], and there's more to my life than guitar, singing ... uh, spinning ... Jamaican patties and lager[2], and I'm alone on the mountain - right at the top![1], and ... 'He's so lucky'[2], and ... 'I'm with him'[1], and I'm alone on the mountain - right at the top![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... it takes away a lot of the pain ... if I do it enough[1], and ... 'I'm with him'[2], and I ain't coming down anytime soon[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... it takes away a lot of the pain ... if I do it enough[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, yes ... it's addictive ... and what else should I do?[1], and I ain't coming down anytime soon[2], and I stare at the sea ... of consciousness???[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, yes ... it's addictive ... and what else should I do?[2], and ... ... ... 'Yeah'[1], and I stare at the sea ... of consciousness???[2], and, yes, I do that, of course ... Oh, I stare at the sea, the real sea, too, when I can ... never even putting a toe in, no![1], and ... ... ... 'Yeah'[2], and ... 'Basking sharks!'[1], and, yes, I do that, of course ... Oh, I stare at the sea, the real sea, too, when I can ... never even putting a toe in, no![2], and shut up, Voice! ... ... ... you invisible cretin from the other world![1], and ... 'Basking sharks!'[2], and ... 'That's harsh'[1], and shut up, Voice! ... ... ... you invisible cretin from the other world![2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... how would YOU(!) like to be totally GONE(!) on a regular basis ... away from the humans?[1], and ... 'That's harsh'[2], and ... 'Me?'[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... how would YOU(!) like to be totally GONE(!) on a regular basis ... away from the humans?[2], and not you, not you ... WHO AM I?[1], and ... 'Me?'[2], and ... 'You love it!'[1], and not you, not you ... WHO AM I?[2], and ... them, them![1], and ... 'You love it!'[2], and, yes, yes, yes ... ... ...[1], and ... them, them![2], and, actually ... the dolphins love me ... I can't imagine they love you[1], and, yes, yes, yes ... ... ...[2], and ... 'Basking sharks love me!'[1], and, actually ... the dolphins love me ... I can't imagine they love you[2], and the point is ... ... ... uh, where am I, again? / ... and ... 'What is the bloody point, Mikey?!'[1], and ... 'Basking sharks love me!'[2], and, Voice, please![1], and the point is ... ... ... uh, where am I, again? / ... and ... 'What is the bloody point, Mikey?!'[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... can it be ... the only point ... I'm really making ... ???[1], and, Voice, please![2], and the fact is ... uh[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... can it be ... the only point ... I'm really making ... ???[2], and I never, never know ... so you better never, never mind ... and that's an order, kooks![1], and the fact is ... uh[2], and ... 'There are no facts ... not here, anyway'[1], and I never, never know ... so you better never, never mind ... and that's an order, kooks![2], and this is me, me! ... I'm thinking, and feeling ... and I'm talking, breathing ... the works![1], and ... 'There are no facts ... not here, anyway'[2], and ... 'He wants a biscuit now, no doubt'[1], and this is me, me! ... I'm thinking, and feeling ... and I'm talking, breathing ... the w orks![2], and ... Must this continue?[1], and ... 'He wants a biscuit now, no doubt'[2], and, yeah, yeah[3], and ... Must this continue?[2], and here I am ... large as life![3], and ... 'Nice one!'[3], and Michael, Michael, Michael ... I am here - !!![3], and ... Can you see me?[3], and, sure ... I get to spin a-ROUND a lot, man ... while you're probably working on something dull ...[3], and ... 'Ha!'[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... I got headaches at the sides of my head[3], and ... 'Oh, dear'[3], and I suffer ...[3], and there's more to my life than guitar, singing ... uh, spinning ... Jamaican patties and lager[3], and ... 'He's so lucky'[3], and I'm alone on the mountain - right at the top![3], and ... 'I'm with him'[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... it takes away a lot of the pain ... if I do it enough[3], and I ain't coming down anytime soon[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, yes ... it's addictive ... and what else should I do?[3], and I stare at the sea ... of consciousness???[3], and ... ... ... 'Yeah'[3], and, yes, I do that, of course ... Oh, I stare at the sea, the real sea, too, when I can ... never even putting a toe in, no![3], and ... 'Basking sharks!'[3], and shut up, Voice! ... ... ... you invisible cretin from the other world![3], and ... 'That's harsh'[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... how would YOU(!) like to be totally GONE(!) on a regular basis ... away from the humans?[3], and ... 'Me?'[3], and not you, not you ... WHO AM I?[3], and ... 'You love it!'[3], and ... them, them![3], and, yes, yes, yes ... ... ...[3], and, actually ... the dolphins love me ... I can't imagine they love you[3], and ... 'Basking sharks love me!'[3], and the point is ... ... ... uh, where am I, again? / ... and ... 'What is the bloody point, Mikey?!'[3], and, Voice, please![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... can it be ... the only point ... I'm really making ... ???[3], and the fact is ... uh[3], and I never, never know ... so you better never, never mind ... and that's an order, kooks![3], and ... 'There are no facts ... not here, anyway'[3], and this is me, me! ... I'm thinking, and feeling ... and I'm talking, breathing ... the w  o  r  k  s![3], and ... 'He wants a biscuit now, no doubt'[3], and ... Must this continue?[3], and