[No. 1,070] You can fall

The cosmos will catch you ... hopefully.

And, hello again![1], and are you on top of the world ... ... ... ???[1], and, hello again![2], and, you, you, you ... come on![1], and are you on top of the world ... ... ... ???[2], and you can fall into the arms of the cosmos, BUT(!) ... ... ... 'The cosmos doesn't have any arms'[1], and, you, you, you ... come on![2], and never ever mind or soul, eh?[1], and you can fall into the arms of the cosmos, BUT(!) ... ... ... 'The cosmos doesn't have any arms'[2], and ... never![1], and never ever mind or soul, eh?[2], and that's my advice ...[1], and ... never![2], and, come on ... be happy ... smile![1], and that's my advice ...[2], and, yes ... you![1], and, come on ... be happy ... smile![2], and just mention my name, man ... I'm sure you'll be totally safe ... I'm known everywhere in the universe[1], and, yes ... you![2], and ... 'Look at him, idiots!'[1], and just mention my name, man ... I'm sure you'll be totally safe ... I'm known everywhere in the universe[2], and, ha, ha, ha! ... look at me!!! ... I get a-ROUND, you dig?[1], and ... 'Look at him, idiots!'[2], and ... a lot![1], and, ha, ha, ha! ... look at me!!! ... I get a-ROUND, you dig?[2], and is this risky, all the conceptual spinning??? ... Well, I've been told it can do strange things to your consciousness ness[1], and ... a lot![2], and ... 'Who told you???'[1], and is this risky, all the conceptual spinning??? ... Well, I've been told it can do strange things to your consciousness ness[2], and, but, but, but ... I'm okay, aren't I?[1], and ... 'Who told you???'[2], and ... 'Well ...'[1], and, but, but, but ... I'm okay, aren't I?[2], and no one and everyone, Voice ... please be quiet ... you're not helping ... you're just confusing the amateurs[1], and ... 'Well ...'[2], and ... 'Great!'[1], and no one and everyone, Voice ... please be quiet ... you're not helping ... you're just confusing the amateurs[2], and, yeah, yeah ... the amateurs and the squares ... I suppose they need confusing ... they need ...[1], and ... 'Great!'[2], and ... 'A punch in the face!'[1], and, yeah, yeah ... the amateurs and the squares ... I suppose they need confusing ... they need ...[2], and, uh ... it's better than any rocket ...[1], and ... 'A punch in the face!'[2], and, listen ... if I fall out of the astral sky one night ... oh! ... right into your head ... with words and visions ...[1], and, uh ... it's better than any rocket ...[2], and, well ... consider yourself blessed, yeah?[1], and, listen ... if I fall out of the astral sky one night ... oh! ... right into your head ... with words and visions ...[2], and I mean ...[1], and, well ... consider yourself b lessed, yeah?[2], and ... 'That would be a massive result for them, Mikey'[1], and I mean ...[2], and of course it would, Voice![1], and ... 'That would be a massive result for them, Mikey'[2], and, anyway ... here we are ... again ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND[1], and of course it would, Voice![2], and, anyway ... ... ...[1], and, anyway ... here we are ... again ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND[2], and I want a super massive result ... for myself, like[1], and, anyway ... ... ...[2], and I'll get it ... yes ... I know the cosmos has plans for me ... I know that I've been chosen[1], and I want a super massive result ... for myself, like[2], and ... 'You chose yourself!'[1], and I'll get it ... yes ... I know the cosmos has plans for me ... I know that I've been chosen[2], and I can fall anywhere[1], and ... 'You chose yourself!'[2], and, hello again![3], and I can fall anywhere[2], and are you on top of the world ... ... ... ???[3], and, you, you, you ... come on![3], and you can fall into the arms of the cosmos, BUT(!) ... ... ... 'The cosmos doesn't have any arms'[3], and never ever mind or soul, eh?[3], and ... never![3], and that's my advice ...[3], and, come on ... be happy ... smile![3], and, yes ... you![3], and just mention my name, man ... I'm sure you'll be totally safe ... I'm known everywhere in the universe[3], and ... 'Look at him, idiots!'[3], and, ha, ha, ha! ... look at me!!! ... I get a-ROUND, you dig?[3], and ... a lot![3], and is this risky, all the conceptual spinning??? ... Well, I've been told it can do strange things to your consciousness ness[3], and ... 'Who told you???'[3], and, but, but, but ... I'm okay, aren't I?[3], and ... 'Well ...'[3], and no one and everyone, Voice ... please be quiet ... you're not helping ... you're just confusing the amateurs[3], and ... 'Great!'[3], and, yeah, yeah ... the amateurs and the squares ... I suppose they need confusing ... they need ...[3], and ... 'A punch in the face!'[3], and, uh ... it's better than any rocket ...[3], and, listen ... if I fall out of the astral sky one night ... oh! ... right into your head ... with words and visions ...[3], and, well ... consider yourself b  l  e  s  s  e  d, yeah?[3], and I mean ...[3], and ... 'That would be a massive result for them, Mikey'[3], and of course it would, Voice![3], and, anyway ... here we are ... again ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND[3], and, anyway ... ... ...[3], and I want a super massive result ... for myself, like[3], and I'll get it ... yes ... I know the cosmos has plans for me ... I know that I've been chosen[3], and ... 'You chose yourself!'[3], and I can fall anywhere[3], and

And, hello again![1], and are you on top of the world ... ... ... ???[1], and, hello again![2], and, you, you, you ... come on![1], and are you on top of the world ... ... ... ???[2], and you can fall into the arms of the cosmos, BUT(!) ... ... ... 'The cosmos doesn't have any arms'[1], and, you, you, you ... come on![2], and never ever mind or soul, eh?[1], and you can fall into the arms of the cosmos, BUT(!) ... ... ... 'The cosmos doesn't have any arms'[2], and ... never![1], and never ever mind or soul, eh?[2], and that's my advice ...[1], and ... never![2], and, come on ... be happy ... smile![1], and that's my advice ...[2], and, yes ... you![1], and, come on ... be happy ... smile![2], and just mention my name, man ... I'm sure you'll be totally safe ... I'm known everywhere in the universe[1], and, yes ... you![2], and ... 'Look at him, idiots!'[1], and just mention my name, man ... I'm sure you'll be totally safe ... I'm known everywhere in the universe[2], and, ha, ha, ha! ... look at me!!! ... I get a-ROUND, you dig?[1], and ... 'Look at him, idiots!'[2], and ... a lot![1], and, ha, ha, ha! ... look at me!!! ... I get a-ROUND, you dig?[2], and is this risky, all the conceptual spinning??? ... Well, I've been told it can do strange things to your consciousness ness[1], and ... a lot![2], and ... 'Who told you???'[1], and is this risky, all the conceptual spinning??? ... Well, I've been told it can do strange things to your consciousness ness[2], and, but, but, but ... I'm okay, aren't I?[1], and ... 'Who told you???'[2], and ... 'Well ...'[1], and, but, but, but ... I'm okay, aren't I?[2], and no one and everyone, Voice ... please be quiet ... you're not helping ... you're just confusing the amateurs[1], and ... 'Well ...'[2], and ... 'Great!'[1], and no one and everyone, Voice ... please be quiet ... you're not helping ... you're just confusing the amateurs[2], and, yeah, yeah ... the amateurs and the squares ... I suppose they need confusing ... they need ...[1], and ... 'Great!'[2], and ... 'A punch in the face!'[1], and, yeah, yeah ... the amateurs and the squares ... I suppose they need confusing ... they need ...[2], and, uh ... it's better than any rocket ...[1], and ... 'A punch in the face!'[2], and, listen ... if I fall out of the astral sky one night ... oh! ... right into your head ... with words and visions ...[1], and, uh ... it's better than any rocket ...[2], and, well ... consider yourself blessed, yeah?[1], and, listen ... if I fall out of the astral sky one night ... oh! ... right into your head ... with words and visions ...[2], and I mean ...[1], and, well ... consider yourself b lessed, yeah?[2], and ... 'That would be a massive result for them, Mikey'[1], and I mean ...[2], and of course it would, Voice![1], and ... 'That would be a massive result for them, Mikey'[2], and, anyway ... here we are ... again ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND[1], and of course it would, Voice![2], and, anyway ... ... ...[1], and, anyway ... here we are ... again ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND[2], and I want a super massive result ... for myself, like[1], and, anyway ... ... ...[2], and I'll get it ... yes ... I know the cosmos has plans for me ... I know that I've been chosen[1], and I want a super massive result ... for myself, like[2], and ... 'You chose yourself!'[1], and I'll get it ... yes ... I know the cosmos has plans for me ... I know that I've been chosen[2], and I can fall anywhere[1], and ... 'You chose yourself!'[2], and, hello again![3], and I can fall anywhere[2], and are you on top of the world ... ... ... ???[3], and, you, you, you ... come on![3], and you can fall into the arms of the cosmos, BUT(!) ... ... ... 'The cosmos doesn't have any arms'[3], and never ever mind or soul, eh?[3], and ... never![3], and that's my advice ...[3], and, come on ... be happy ... smile![3], and, yes ... you![3], and just mention my name, man ... I'm sure you'll be totally safe ... I'm known everywhere in the universe[3], and ... 'Look at him, idiots!'[3], and, ha, ha, ha! ... look at me!!! ... I get a-ROUND, you dig?[3], and ... a lot![3], and is this risky, all the conceptual spinning??? ... Well, I've been told it can do strange things to your consciousness ness[3], and ... 'Who told you???'[3], and, but, but, but ... I'm okay, aren't I?[3], and ... 'Well ...'[3], and no one and everyone, Voice ... please be quiet ... you're not helping ... you're just confusing the amateurs[3], and ... 'Great!'[3], and, yeah, yeah ... the amateurs and the squares ... I suppose they need confusing ... they need ...[3], and ... 'A punch in the face!'[3], and, uh ... it's better than any rocket ...[3], and, listen ... if I fall out of the astral sky one night ... oh! ... right into your head ... with words and visions ...[3], and, well ... consider yourself b  l  e  s  s  e  d, yeah?[3], and I mean ...[3], and ... 'That would be a massive result for them, Mikey'[3], and of course it would, Voice![3], and, anyway ... here we are ... again ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND[3], and, anyway ... ... ...[3], and I want a super massive result ... for myself, like[3], and I'll get it ... yes ... I know the cosmos has plans for me ... I know that I've been chosen[3], and ... 'You chose yourself!'[3], and I can fall anywhere[3], and

And, hello again![1], and are you on top of the world ... ... ... ???[1], and, hello again![2], and, you, you, you ... come on![1], and are you on top of the world ... ... ... ???[2], and you can fall into the arms of the cosmos, BUT(!) ... ... ... 'The cosmos doesn't have any arms'[1], and, you, you, you ... come on![2], and never ever mind or soul, eh?[1], and you can fall into the arms of the cosmos, BUT(!) ... ... ... 'The cosmos doesn't have any arms'[2], and ... never![1], and never ever mind or soul, eh?[2], and that's my advice ...[1], and ... never![2], and, come on ... be happy ... smile![1], and that's my advice ...[2], and, yes ... you![1], and, come on ... be happy ... smile![2], and just mention my name, man ... I'm sure you'll be totally safe ... I'm known everywhere in the universe[1], and, yes ... you![2], and ... 'Look at him, idiots!'[1], and just mention my name, man ... I'm sure you'll be totally safe ... I'm known everywhere in the universe[2], and, ha, ha, ha! ... look at me!!! ... I get a-ROUND, you dig?[1], and ... 'Look at him, idiots!'[2], and ... a lot![1], and, ha, ha, ha! ... look at me!!! ... I get a-ROUND, you dig?[2], and is this risky, all the conceptual spinning??? ... Well, I've been told it can do strange things to your consciousness ness[1], and ... a lot![2], and ... 'Who told you???'[1], and is this risky, all the conceptual spinning??? ... Well, I've been told it can do strange things to your consciousness ness[2], and, but, but, but ... I'm okay, aren't I?[1], and ... 'Who told you???'[2], and ... 'Well ...'[1], and, but, but, but ... I'm okay, aren't I?[2], and no one and everyone, Voice ... please be quiet ... you're not helping ... you're just confusing the amateurs[1], and ... 'Well ...'[2], and ... 'Great!'[1], and no one and everyone, Voice ... please be quiet ... you're not helping ... you're just confusing the amateurs[2], and, yeah, yeah ... the amateurs and the squares ... I suppose they need confusing ... they need ...[1], and ... 'Great!'[2], and ... 'A punch in the face!'[1], and, yeah, yeah ... the amateurs and the squares ... I suppose they need confusing ... they need ...[2], and, uh ... it's better than any rocket ...[1], and ... 'A punch in the face!'[2], and, listen ... if I fall out of the astral sky one night ... oh! ... right into your head ... with words and visions ...[1], and, uh ... it's better than any rocket ...[2], and, well ... consider yourself blessed, yeah?[1], and, listen ... if I fall out of the astral sky one night ... oh! ... right into your head ... with words and visions ...[2], and I mean ...[1], and, well ... consider yourself b lessed, yeah?[2], and ... 'That would be a massive result for them, Mikey'[1], and I mean ...[2], and of course it would, Voice![1], and ... 'That would be a massive result for them, Mikey'[2], and, anyway ... here we are ... again ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND[1], and of course it would, Voice![2], and, anyway ... ... ...[1], and, anyway ... here we are ... again ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND[2], and I want a super massive result ... for myself, like[1], and, anyway ... ... ...[2], and I'll get it ... yes ... I know the cosmos has plans for me ... I know that I've been chosen[1], and I want a super massive result ... for myself, like[2], and ... 'You chose yourself!'[1], and I'll get it ... yes ... I know the cosmos has plans for me ... I know that I've been chosen[2], and I can fall anywhere[1], and ... 'You chose yourself!'[2], and, hello again![3], and I can fall anywhere[2], and are you on top of the world ... ... ... ???[3], and, you, you, you ... come on![3], and you can fall into the arms of the cosmos, BUT(!) ... ... ... 'The cosmos doesn't have any arms'[3], and never ever mind or soul, eh?[3], and ... never![3], and that's my advice ...[3], and, come on ... be happy ... smile![3], and, yes ... you![3], and just mention my name, man ... I'm sure you'll be totally safe ... I'm known everywhere in the universe[3], and ... 'Look at him, idiots!'[3], and, ha, ha, ha! ... look at me!!! ... I get a-ROUND, you dig?[3], and ... a lot![3], and is this risky, all the conceptual spinning??? ... Well, I've been told it can do strange things to your consciousness ness[3], and ... 'Who told you???'[3], and, but, but, but ... I'm okay, aren't I?[3], and ... 'Well ...'[3], and no one and everyone, Voice ... please be quiet ... you're not helping ... you're just confusing the amateurs[3], and ... 'Great!'[3], and, yeah, yeah ... the amateurs and the squares ... I suppose they need confusing ... they need ...[3], and ... 'A punch in the face!'[3], and, uh ... it's better than any rocket ...[3], and, listen ... if I fall out of the astral sky one night ... oh! ... right into your head ... with words and visions ...[3], and, well ... consider yourself b  l  e  s  s  e  d, yeah?[3], and I mean ...[3], and ... 'That would be a massive result for them, Mikey'[3], and of course it would, Voice![3], and, anyway ... here we are ... again ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND[3], and, anyway ... ... ...[3], and I want a super massive result ... for myself, like[3], and I'll get it ... yes ... I know the cosmos has plans for me ... I know that I've been chosen[3], and ... 'You chose yourself!'[3], and I can fall anywhere[3], and

Consumers starting to cut back

Ha! Tell me about it!

'You're still eating takeaways, boss. They're expensive.'

Well, that's because I'm addicted to chips.

Anyway ... from Wealth Club ...

The Office for National Statistics has reported retail sales figures in Great Britain for December:

Retail sales volumes are estimated to have fallen by 1% in December 2022 following a fall of 0.5% in November.

Total non-food stores sales volumes (department, clothing, household and other non-food stores) fell by 2.1% over the month.

Online spending values fell by 2.9%.

Oh, non-food stores. 'No mention of chips.' No.

Maybe our Charlie will mention them. I know there's nothing our Charlie likes more than a big plate of chips.

Charlie? Come on, son!

Charlie Huggins, Head of Equities at Wealth Club comments:

"The decline in retail sales volumes accelerated in December, with consumers starting to cut back on spending because of increased prices and affordability concerns.

"Online sales were particularly weak as the absence of lockdown restrictions, and the Royal Mail strikes encouraged more last minute shoppers into stores.

"However, the real test for retailers will be what happens in 2023.

"Pressure on UK consumers is mounting and is likely to build in the coming months. With many people on fixed rate mortgages, the impact of interest rate rises has yet to be really felt. 

"It's times like these that tend to sort the wheat from the chaff. Retailers must be able to generate profit and cash, while offering customers value for money. If not, they risk following the same path as Joules and Made.com."

ENDS

Fair enough. He's keeping quiet about the chips. 'Maybe he thinks chips are vulgar.' Oh, but he doesn't mind eating them though, does he? Every bloody night! 'With curry sauce!' Yeah, with curry sauce - which I can't have, by the way. Apparently, it's not vegetarian.

Never mind.

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

...

Anything else?

Music? To be honest with you, dear reader(s), I don't think they have chips in Malibu. Probably just fries. Maybe I should quit music then. I don't know.

Actually, being realistic ... my song Malibu is the third best song about California, yes. The first and second are Hotel California and Californication. Just saying, like. I don't care. Malibu is only in tenth place in my BIG DOZEN.

My demo? I think it's a good idea putting Round the Bend on the demo. Not only is it my best recording, but it's my most exciting song to listen to, and it's under three minutes. We all know what the internet is like. If people get into that song, maybe they'll spend the time to listen to Mighty Soul and Shady, Dodgy, Shifty which are both close to five minutes long.

Do you know what I mean?

Laters!

[No. 1,069] You can ride for free

Yes, a-ROUND here.

And ... come on - !!![1], and, yes, yes, hello, kook(s) ... you are welcome ... help yourself to some of the fun![1], and ... come on - !!![2], and fun, fun, fun ... for all the kooks![1], and, yes, yes, hello, kook(s) ... you are welcome ... help yourself to some of the fun![2], and ... 'No squares!'[1], and fun, fun, fun ... for all the kooks![2], and and and ... a-ROUND here ... do you know you're born ... ha, ha, ha! ... it doesn't matter, man[1], and ... 'No squares!'[2], and, but, but, but ... do you know?[1], and and and ... a-ROUND here ... do you know you're born ... ha, ha, ha! ... it doesn't matter, man[2], and ... 'I've been dead a long time ... ... ... and I absolutely love it!'[1], and, but, but, but ... do you know?[2], and ... what?![1], and ... 'I've been dead a long time ... ... ... and I absolutely love it!'[2], and, oh, oh ... I didn't think you were born, Voice??? ... ... ... Eh???[1], and ... what?![2], and ... 'I get confused, Mikey'[1], and, oh, oh ... I didn't think you were born, Voice??? ... ... ... Eh???[2], and, great! ... I mean, that's all right ... my invisible friend[1], and ... 'I get confused, Mikey'[2], and, Christ ... and, Bodhi[1], and, great! ... I mean, that's all right ... my invisible friend[2], and we all get confused by life and death, don't we? It's only natural because only the cosmos knows for sure[1], and, Christ ... and, Bodhi[2], and it could be a big joke ... ???[1], and we all get confused by life and death, don't we? It's only natural because only the cosmos knows for sure[2], and ... 'Ha!'[1], and it could be a b ig j oke ... ???[2], and, anyway ... ... ... What do we care?[1], and ... 'Ha!'[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and when in doubt ... spin! ride! ... that's my advice[1], and, anyway ... ... ... What do we care?[2], and, listen to me ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and when in doubt ... spin! ride! ... that's my advice[2], and you can catch a conceptual phrase, and the next thing you know ... you're sitting on top of the world[1], and, listen to me ...[2], and ... 'That's my experience'[1], and you can catch a conceptual phrase, and the next thing you know ... you're sitting on top of the world[2], and maybe I'll make the squares pay - if they're interested[1], and ... 'That's my experience'[2], and maybe I'll make the squares pay with EVERYTHING they've got[1], and maybe I'll make the squares pay - if they're interested[2], and maybe ... I don't know ... Who cares?![1], and maybe I'll make the squares pay with EVERYTHING they've got[2], and this is for kooks only, to be honest ... /// ... and spiritual aristocrats ... awakened souls![1], and maybe ... I don't know ... Who cares?![2], and ... 'Awakened souls? There aren't many about, Mikey'[1], and this is for kooks only, to be honest ... /// ... and spiritual aristocrats ... awakened souls![2], and, yeah, yeah ... a-BOUT or a-ROUND ... stranger, do you know who you are ... when you're dizzy?[1], and ... 'Awakened souls? There aren't many about, Mikey'[2], and ... 'What you are'[1], and, yeah, yeah ... a-BOUT or a-ROUND ... stranger, do you know who you are ... when you're dizzy?[2], and, what, what ... tell me ... What are you??? ... I won't laugh ... unless it's something totally ridiculous[1], and ... 'What you are'[2], and ... 'Don't tell him you're human!'[1], and, what, what ... tell me ... What are you??? ... I won't laugh ... unless it's something totally ridiculous[2], and, ha, ha, ha! ... Now, that is ridiculous, Voice[1], and ... 'Don't tell him you're human!'[2], and laters[1], and, ha, ha, ha! ... Now, that is ridiculous, Voice[2], and ... come on - !!![3], and laters[2], and, yes, yes, hello, kook(s) ... you are welcome ... help yourself to some of the fun![3], and fun, fun, fun ... for all the kooks![3], and ... 'No squares!'[3], and and and ... a-ROUND here ... do you know you're born ... ha, ha, ha! ... it doesn't matter, man[3], and, but, but, but ... do you know?[3], and ... 'I've been dead a long time ... ... ... and I absolutely love it!'[3], and ... what?![3], and, oh, oh ... I didn't think you were born, Voice??? ... ... ... Eh???[3], and ... 'I get confused, Mikey'[3], and, great! ... I mean, that's all right ... my invisible friend[3], and, Christ ... and, Bodhi[3], and we all get confused by life and death, don't we? It's only natural because only the cosmos knows for sure[3], and it could be a b  i  g j  o  k  e ... ???[3], and ... 'Ha!'[3], and, anyway ... ... ... What do we care?[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and when in doubt ... spin! ride! ... that's my advice[3], and, listen to me ...[3], and you can catch a conceptual phrase, and the next thing you know ... you're sitting on top of the world[3], and ... 'That's my experience'[3], and maybe I'll make the squares pay - if they're interested[3], and maybe I'll make the squares pay with EVERYTHING they've got[3], and maybe ... I don't know ... Who cares?![3], and this is for kooks only, to be honest ... /// ... and spiritual aristocrats ... awakened souls![3], and ... 'Awakened souls? There aren't many about, Mikey'[3], and, yeah, yeah ... a-BOUT or a-ROUND ... stranger, do you know who you are ... when you're dizzy?[3], and ... 'What you are'[3], and, what, what ... tell me ... What are you??? ... I won't laugh ... unless it's something totally ridiculous[3], and ... 'Don't tell him you're human!'[3], and, ha, ha, ha! ... Now, that is ridiculous, Voice[3], and laters[3], and

And ... come on - !!![1], and, yes, yes, hello, kook(s) ... you are welcome ... help yourself to some of the fun![1], and ... come on - !!![2], and fun, fun, fun ... for all the kooks![1], and, yes, yes, hello, kook(s) ... you are welcome ... help yourself to some of the fun![2], and ... 'No squares!'[1], and fun, fun, fun ... for all the kooks![2], and and and ... a-ROUND here ... do you know you're born ... ha, ha, ha! ... it doesn't matter, man[1], and ... 'No squares!'[2], and, but, but, but ... do you know?[1], and and and ... a-ROUND here ... do you know you're born ... ha, ha, ha! ... it doesn't matter, man[2], and ... 'I've been dead a long time ... ... ... and I absolutely love it!'[1], and, but, but, but ... do you know?[2], and ... what?![1], and ... 'I've been dead a long time ... ... ... and I absolutely love it!'[2], and, oh, oh ... I didn't think you were born, Voice??? ... ... ... Eh???[1], and ... what?![2], and ... 'I get confused, Mikey'[1], and, oh, oh ... I didn't think you were born, Voice??? ... ... ... Eh???[2], and, great! ... I mean, that's all right ... my invisible friend[1], and ... 'I get confused, Mikey'[2], and, Christ ... and, Bodhi[1], and, great! ... I mean, that's all right ... my invisible friend[2], and we all get confused by life and death, don't we? It's only natural because only the cosmos knows for sure[1], and, Christ ... and, Bodhi[2], and it could be a big joke ... ???[1], and we all get confused by life and death, don't we? It's only natural because only the cosmos knows for sure[2], and ... 'Ha!'[1], and it could be a b ig j oke ... ???[2], and, anyway ... ... ... What do we care?[1], and ... 'Ha!'[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and when in doubt ... spin! ride! ... that's my advice[1], and, anyway ... ... ... What do we care?[2], and, listen to me ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and when in doubt ... spin! ride! ... that's my advice[2], and you can catch a conceptual phrase, and the next thing you know ... you're sitting on top of the world[1], and, listen to me ...[2], and ... 'That's my experience'[1], and you can catch a conceptual phrase, and the next thing you know ... you're sitting on top of the world[2], and maybe I'll make the squares pay - if they're interested[1], and ... 'That's my experience'[2], and maybe I'll make the squares pay with EVERYTHING they've got[1], and maybe I'll make the squares pay - if they're interested[2], and maybe ... I don't know ... Who cares?![1], and maybe I'll make the squares pay with EVERYTHING they've got[2], and this is for kooks only, to be honest ... /// ... and spiritual aristocrats ... awakened souls![1], and maybe ... I don't know ... Who cares?![2], and ... 'Awakened souls? There aren't many about, Mikey'[1], and this is for kooks only, to be honest ... /// ... and spiritual aristocrats ... awakened souls![2], and, yeah, yeah ... a-BOUT or a-ROUND ... stranger, do you know who you are ... when you're dizzy?[1], and ... 'Awakened souls? There aren't many about, Mikey'[2], and ... 'What you are'[1], and, yeah, yeah ... a-BOUT or a-ROUND ... stranger, do you know who you are ... when you're dizzy?[2], and, what, what ... tell me ... What are you??? ... I won't laugh ... unless it's something totally ridiculous[1], and ... 'What you are'[2], and ... 'Don't tell him you're human!'[1], and, what, what ... tell me ... What are you??? ... I won't laugh ... unless it's something totally ridiculous[2], and, ha, ha, ha! ... Now, that is ridiculous, Voice[1], and ... 'Don't tell him you're human!'[2], and laters[1], and, ha, ha, ha! ... Now, that is ridiculous, Voice[2], and ... come on - !!![3], and laters[2], and, yes, yes, hello, kook(s) ... you are welcome ... help yourself to some of the fun![3], and fun, fun, fun ... for all the kooks![3], and ... 'No squares!'[3], and and and ... a-ROUND here ... do you know you're born ... ha, ha, ha! ... it doesn't matter, man[3], and, but, but, but ... do you know?[3], and ... 'I've been dead a long time ... ... ... and I absolutely love it!'[3], and ... what?![3], and, oh, oh ... I didn't think you were born, Voice??? ... ... ... Eh???[3], and ... 'I get confused, Mikey'[3], and, great! ... I mean, that's all right ... my invisible friend[3], and, Christ ... and, Bodhi[3], and we all get confused by life and death, don't we? It's only natural because only the cosmos knows for sure[3], and it could be a b  i  g j  o  k  e ... ???[3], and ... 'Ha!'[3], and, anyway ... ... ... What do we care?[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and when in doubt ... spin! ride! ... that's my advice[3], and, listen to me ...[3], and you can catch a conceptual phrase, and the next thing you know ... you're sitting on top of the world[3], and ... 'That's my experience'[3], and maybe I'll make the squares pay - if they're interested[3], and maybe I'll make the squares pay with EVERYTHING they've got[3], and maybe ... I don't know ... Who cares?![3], and this is for kooks only, to be honest ... /// ... and spiritual aristocrats ... awakened souls![3], and ... 'Awakened souls? There aren't many about, Mikey'[3], and, yeah, yeah ... a-BOUT or a-ROUND ... stranger, do you know who you are ... when you're dizzy?[3], and ... 'What you are'[3], and, what, what ... tell me ... What are you??? ... I won't laugh ... unless it's something totally ridiculous[3], and ... 'Don't tell him you're human!'[3], and, ha, ha, ha! ... Now, that is ridiculous, Voice[3], and laters[3], and

And ... come on - !!![1], and, yes, yes, hello, kook(s) ... you are welcome ... help yourself to some of the fun![1], and ... come on - !!![2], and fun, fun, fun ... for all the kooks![1], and, yes, yes, hello, kook(s) ... you are welcome ... help yourself to some of the fun![2], and ... 'No squares!'[1], and fun, fun, fun ... for all the kooks![2], and and and ... a-ROUND here ... do you know you're born ... ha, ha, ha! ... it doesn't matter, man[1], and ... 'No squares!'[2], and, but, but, but ... do you know?[1], and and and ... a-ROUND here ... do you know you're born ... ha, ha, ha! ... it doesn't matter, man[2], and ... 'I've been dead a long time ... ... ... and I absolutely love it!'[1], and, but, but, but ... do you know?[2], and ... what?![1], and ... 'I've been dead a long time ... ... ... and I absolutely love it!'[2], and, oh, oh ... I didn't think you were born, Voice??? ... ... ... Eh???[1], and ... what?![2], and ... 'I get confused, Mikey'[1], and, oh, oh ... I didn't think you were born, Voice??? ... ... ... Eh???[2], and, great! ... I mean, that's all right ... my invisible friend[1], and ... 'I get confused, Mikey'[2], and, Christ ... and, Bodhi[1], and, great! ... I mean, that's all right ... my invisible friend[2], and we all get confused by life and death, don't we? It's only natural because only the cosmos knows for sure[1], and, Christ ... and, Bodhi[2], and it could be a big joke ... ???[1], and we all get confused by life and death, don't we? It's only natural because only the cosmos knows for sure[2], and ... 'Ha!'[1], and it could be a b ig j oke ... ???[2], and, anyway ... ... ... What do we care?[1], and ... 'Ha!'[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and when in doubt ... spin! ride! ... that's my advice[1], and, anyway ... ... ... What do we care?[2], and, listen to me ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and when in doubt ... spin! ride! ... that's my advice[2], and you can catch a conceptual phrase, and the next thing you know ... you're sitting on top of the world[1], and, listen to me ...[2], and ... 'That's my experience'[1], and you can catch a conceptual phrase, and the next thing you know ... you're sitting on top of the world[2], and maybe I'll make the squares pay - if they're interested[1], and ... 'That's my experience'[2], and maybe I'll make the squares pay with EVERYTHING they've got[1], and maybe I'll make the squares pay - if they're interested[2], and maybe ... I don't know ... Who cares?![1], and maybe I'll make the squares pay with EVERYTHING they've got[2], and this is for kooks only, to be honest ... /// ... and spiritual aristocrats ... awakened souls![1], and maybe ... I don't know ... Who cares?![2], and ... 'Awakened souls? There aren't many about, Mikey'[1], and this is for kooks only, to be honest ... /// ... and spiritual aristocrats ... awakened souls![2], and, yeah, yeah ... a-BOUT or a-ROUND ... stranger, do you know who you are ... when you're dizzy?[1], and ... 'Awakened souls? There aren't many about, Mikey'[2], and ... 'What you are'[1], and, yeah, yeah ... a-BOUT or a-ROUND ... stranger, do you know who you are ... when you're dizzy?[2], and, what, what ... tell me ... What are you??? ... I won't laugh ... unless it's something totally ridiculous[1], and ... 'What you are'[2], and ... 'Don't tell him you're human!'[1], and, what, what ... tell me ... What are you??? ... I won't laugh ... unless it's something totally ridiculous[2], and, ha, ha, ha! ... Now, that is ridiculous, Voice[1], and ... 'Don't tell him you're human!'[2], and laters[1], and, ha, ha, ha! ... Now, that is ridiculous, Voice[2], and ... come on - !!![3], and laters[2], and, yes, yes, hello, kook(s) ... you are welcome ... help yourself to some of the fun![3], and fun, fun, fun ... for all the kooks![3], and ... 'No squares!'[3], and and and ... a-ROUND here ... do you know you're born ... ha, ha, ha! ... it doesn't matter, man[3], and, but, but, but ... do you know?[3], and ... 'I've been dead a long time ... ... ... and I absolutely love it!'[3], and ... what?![3], and, oh, oh ... I didn't think you were born, Voice??? ... ... ... Eh???[3], and ... 'I get confused, Mikey'[3], and, great! ... I mean, that's all right ... my invisible friend[3], and, Christ ... and, Bodhi[3], and we all get confused by life and death, don't we? It's only natural because only the cosmos knows for sure[3], and it could be a b  i  g j  o  k  e ... ???[3], and ... 'Ha!'[3], and, anyway ... ... ... What do we care?[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and when in doubt ... spin! ride! ... that's my advice[3], and, listen to me ...[3], and you can catch a conceptual phrase, and the next thing you know ... you're sitting on top of the world[3], and ... 'That's my experience'[3], and maybe I'll make the squares pay - if they're interested[3], and maybe I'll make the squares pay with EVERYTHING they've got[3], and maybe ... I don't know ... Who cares?![3], and this is for kooks only, to be honest ... /// ... and spiritual aristocrats ... awakened souls![3], and ... 'Awakened souls? There aren't many about, Mikey'[3], and, yeah, yeah ... a-BOUT or a-ROUND ... stranger, do you know who you are ... when you're dizzy?[3], and ... 'What you are'[3], and, what, what ... tell me ... What are you??? ... I won't laugh ... unless it's something totally ridiculous[3], and ... 'Don't tell him you're human!'[3], and, ha, ha, ha! ... Now, that is ridiculous, Voice[3], and laters[3], and

Refinitiv Lipper: European ETF market report - December 2022

Yeah, it's Detlef and the gang again, but we don't mind, do we, Voice?

'Of course not, boss!'

Of course not. I mean, sometimes they go missing for a while, don't they? 'Yeah.' Then we get two PR emails just days apart. 'Yippee!' Ha!

Anyway ...

ETF promoters in Europe enjoyed estimated net inflows (+€5.5 bn) for December 2022.

Assets under management in the European ETF industry decreased over the course of December to €1,242.5 bn.

Equity ETFs (+€4.0 bn) posted the highest estimated net inflows in the European ETF industry for December.

The best-selling Lipper global classification for December was Equity Global (+€2.7 bn), followed by Equity Emerging Markets Global (+€1.3 bn) and BondUSD Government Short Term (+€0.7 bn).

iShares was the best-selling ETF promoter in Europe for December (+€3.2bn), ahead of Vanguard (+€1.1 bn) and JPMorgan (+€0.4 bn).

The 10 best-selling funds gathered estimated net inflows of €4.8 bn for December.

The best-selling ETF for December, iShares Core MSCI World UCITS ETF USD (Acc), enjoyed estimated net inflows of €1.0 bn.

Okay.

Did that make any sense, Voice?

'You're asking me???'

I've got a bad headache this morning, kooks, and I'm trying not to look at the laptop screen too much. I hope that all made sense to you. [Like it matters.] I hope you understand what's going on with ETFs. [Like you care.] I mean, it would be a terrible shame if you didn't understand. 'It would be a tragedy, boss.' Ha! Well, I wouldn't go that far, Voice.

Tragedy? Christ.

Anyway ...

Detlef? Come on, son! Let's hear what you've got to say.

Detlef Glow, Head of EMEA Research at Refinitiv Lipper, comments: "The European ETF industry enjoyed inflows over the course of December 2022. These inflows occurred in a volatile market environment. The market sentiment is driven by concerns about high inflation rates, increasing interest rates, the late effects from the market turmoil in UK government bonds, geopolitical tensions, and disrupted delivery chains caused by the still ongoing The Thing."

Still ongoing The Thing, eh? Well, well, well.

Thank you, Detlef.

'Nice one, son!'

Yeah, yeah.

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

...

Anything else? Music?

I've scrapped those recordings I made last week of Shady, Dodgy, Shifty. They weren't good enough. There's no point in engaging in wishful thinking.

I was rehearsing This Love yesterday. Just for fun, like. / It's my third best song. But I didn't ask for it. I didn't want it. I was happy with seventeen songs, but now I have eighteen.

Music is strange, man.

I'm a bit frustrated that it's 2023 already and I haven't even got my new demo online. The only good news is ... my BIG DOZEN - which is a match for The Beatles' BIG DOZEN - is completed now. The Beatles didn't get theirs until 1969.

That's maybe the only thing that stops me jumping into the sea at the moment.

That and the fact that I'm only one great recording away from fixing my life. Ah, maybe, kooks. 'Definitely, Mikey!' Yes, maybe, Voice.

I don't know.

I need warmer weather for my fingers. And I need the neighbours to develop some respect for genius, you dig? I'M WORKING HERE - !!!

Keep the noise down. Please.

Anyway ...

Laters.

'Bye!'

Refinitiv Lipper: European fund flow report - December 2022

Yippee.

'Yippee, boss!'

What?!

'Say - yippee!!! With some enthusiasm, like.'

Voice, I'm not in the mood today. I've got too many problems to deal with. Just be quiet, please.

'All right. Christ.'

Anyway ...

Long-term mutual funds (+€14.3 bn) posted estimated net inflows for December 2022.

Money market funds (+€0.03 bn) effaced shy estimated outflows over the course of December 2022.

The overall fund flows for mutual funds and ETFs in Europe in December amounted to estimated net inflows of €14.3 bn.

Equity Global (+€5.6 bn) was the best-selling sector among long-term funds.

France (+€11.4 bn) was the fund domicile with the highest net inflows, followed by Luxembourg (+€5.6 bn) and Switzerland (+€4.1 bn).

JPMorgan (+€9.6 bn) was the best-selling fund promoter in Europe for December, ahead of Amundi (+€6.5 bn) and BNP Paribas (+€6.4 bn).

I'm going to have to watch Point Break again. Bodhi didn't worry about problems. He just lived the way he wanted ... until the end. 'Until they came for him.' But they didn't get him, Voice, did they? 'No.'

That's the power you need. The power to not come back in when everyone thinks you're too weak to stay out.

When they really need you.

When they really want you.

Want you so badly they can taste you.

But you're GONE(!)

The cosmos has got you.

The cosmos has promoted you.

You've proved that you're a great soul and you've been rewarded.

That's the life!

Anyway ...

Oh, I nearly forgot about Detlef!!!

Detlef Glow, Head of EMEA Research at Refinitiv Lipper, comments: "Given the generally positive market environment in December 2022, it was not surprising that the European fund enjoyed overall estimated inflows over the course of the month. That said, one needs to bear in mind that the geopolitical situation in Europe, the still ongoing The Thing, disrupted delivery chains, and increasing interest rates triggered by high inflation rates are all impacting investor expectations.

"Nevertheless, the estimated flows at the asset type level may indicate that European investors have shifted their positioning and are now somewhat in risk-on mode as long-term funds enjoyed overall inflows for the month."

Thanks, Detlef.

'Nice one, Detlef!'

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

Yeah, yeah, yeah

Anything else? Mus -

'What do you mean, anything else?! You haven't done the PR email yet, boss.' I'll do it tomorrow, Voice. I'm not in the mood today. 'Tomorrow never comes!' Yes it does. It did yesterday. (Copyright, Paul Calf.)

Anyway, music?

I recorded another version of Shady, Dodgy, Shifty this morning, but I don't know, man. I'm just going to keep, uh, going ... until I get a version I really like. There's always something that doesn't sound right.

Today's version had a better vocal than yesterday's one, but a worse guitar sound.

It's my fingers.

Never mind.

When's the summer coming???

Anyway ...

I was looking at all the actors online that have appeared in episodes of The Sweeney and Minder. So many familiar faces from when I was a kid! But most of them have passed away now. A few of the actors are in their eighties and nineties.

The best episode of Minder was on yesterday (should be repeated this morning.) That's the one where they're smuggling tobacco, Goodbye Sailor. With Ray Winstone!

I've got a baton roll thing for lunch today, and I'm going to put cheese and some piccalilli in it. I just thought you should know.

Maybe I'll try recording late at night. Midnight maybe. I'm not warmed up in the mornings.

I haven't done the dumbbells for a month. My arm has recovered. I'll start again soon.

Sunspel are still sending me emails. No one's got money for that stuff, son. Well, I haven't.

'You don't know me, son!'

Shut up, Voice.

Idiot.

'Ha!'

Yeah, yeah.

This will be the demo -

Mighty Soul

Shady, Dodgy, Shifty

Round the Bend

That should be enough.

I only need one recording!

'You've got it, Mikey!'

I want a better one, Voice. / It will be warmer at the weekend. My fingers will be warmer. I'll have more spare time.

I'm hungry.

I want that baton.

But I will have to wait.

I want that recording. A recording I can love. And I can't wait too long. This is an emergency.

Anyway ...

'Bye!'

[No. 1,068] Can this be better than nothing?

'Good question!'

And, oh, hello![1], and there is no ENDS[1], and, oh, hello![2], and, kooks, kooks, kooks[1], and there is no ENDS[2], and, come on![1], and, kooks, kooks, kooks[2], and here I am with you ... with words again![1], and, come on![2], and a-ROUND ... come on![1], and here I am with you ... with words again![2], and some things never change ... and is that good, or ... bad?[1], and a-ROUND ... come on![2], and ... 'Depends on the things, Mikey'[1], and some things never change ... and is that good, or ... bad?[2], and I'm talking about here, Voice!!! ... with words, with you ... with the kooks[1], and ... 'Depends on the things, Mikey'[2], and ... 'Great!'[1], and I'm talking about here, Voice!!! ... with words, with you ... with the kooks[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, ha, ha, ha! ... are we all digging it?[1], and ... 'Great!'[2], and ... 'The squares aren't'[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, ha, ha, ha! ... are we all digging it?[2], and, oh really??? ... So?[1], and ... 'The squares aren't'[2], and okay, okay ... here is nothing ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... / and ... how did that make you feel?[1], and, oh really??? ... So?[2], and, uh ... you can feel, yes?[1], and okay, okay ... here is nothing ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... / and ... how did that make you feel?[2], and ... 'Silence, Mikey!'[1], and, uh ... you can feel, yes?[2], and, yeah, yeah ... I give up! ... occasionally ... and then I start again ... I never give up, to be honest, like[1], and ... 'Silence, Mikey!'[2], and I'm addicted to words ... to the lifestyle[1], and, yeah, yeah ... I give up! ... occasionally ... and then I start again ... I never give up, to be honest, like[2], and ... the glamour![1], and I'm addicted to words ... to the lifestyle[2], and it's not the money, man, that's for sure[1], and ... the glamour![2], and I can spin all the time ... even when I'm not here ... I can spin in the minds of kooks[1], and it's not the money, man, that's for sure[2], and ... 'You're always here'[1], and I can spin all the time ... even when I'm not here ... I can spin in the minds of kooks[2], and, ha! ... you can find me where the words go a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND[1], and ... 'You're always here'[2], and that's better than nothing ... I'm convinced, yes, yes, yes[1], and, ha! ... you can find me where the words go a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND[2], and, believers ... convince me![1], and that's better than nothing ... I'm convinced, yes, yes, yes[2], and ... 'Do you need convincing, Mikey?'[1], and, believers ... convince me![2], and I need something, son ... and I need, I need ... positive words from iron souls that believe!!![1], and ... 'Do you need convincing, Mikey?'[2], and if you can't talk ... ... ...[1], and I need something, son ... and I need, I need ... positive words from i ron sou ls that believe!!![2], and, hey, you! ... smile for me![1], and if you can't talk ... ... ...[2], and if you can't think because you're so useless or so clever ... could you at least feel a bit, for me???[1], and, hey, you! ... smile for me![2], and ... could you?[1], and if you can't think because you're so useless or so clever ... could you at least feel a bit, for me???[2], and never soul ... I suppose[1], and ... could you?[2], and, ENDS[1], and never soul ... I suppose[2], and, oh, hello![3], and, ENDS[2], and there is no ENDS[3], and, kooks, kooks, kooks[3], and, come on![3], and here I am with you ... with words again![3], and a-ROUND ... come on![3], and some things never change ... and is that good, or ... bad?[3], and ... 'Depends on the things, Mikey'[3], and I'm talking about here, Voice!!! ... with words, with you ... with the kooks[3], and ... 'Great!'[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, ha, ha, ha! ... are we all digging it?[3], and ... 'The squares aren't'[3], and, oh really??? ... So?[3], and okay, okay ... here is nothing ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... / and ... how did that make you feel?[3], and, uh ... you can feel, yes?[3], and ... 'Silence, Mikey!'[3], and, yeah, yeah ... I give up! ... occasionally ... and then I start again ... I never give up, to be honest, like[3], and I'm addicted to words ... to the lifestyle[3], and ... the glamour![3], and it's not the money, man, that's for sure[3], and I can spin all the time ... even when I'm not here ... I can spin in the minds of kooks[3], and ... 'You're always here'[3], and, ha! ... you can find me where the words go a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND[3], and that's better than nothing ... I'm convinced, yes, yes, yes[3], and, believers ... convince me![3], and ... 'Do you need convincing, Mikey?'[3], and I need something, son ... and I need, I need ... positive words from i  r  o  n s  o  u  l  s that believe!!![3], and if you can't talk ... ... ...[3], and, hey, you! ... smile for me![3], and if you can't think because you're so useless or so clever ... could you at least feel a bit, for me???[3], and ... could you?[3], and never soul ... I suppose[3], and, ENDS[3], and

And, oh, hello![1], and there is no ENDS[1], and, oh, hello![2], and, kooks, kooks, kooks[1], and there is no ENDS[2], and, come on![1], and, kooks, kooks, kooks[2], and here I am with you ... with words again![1], and, come on![2], and a-ROUND ... come on![1], and here I am with you ... with words again![2], and some things never change ... and is that good, or ... bad?[1], and a-ROUND ... come on![2], and ... 'Depends on the things, Mikey'[1], and some things never change ... and is that good, or ... bad?[2], and I'm talking about here, Voice!!! ... with words, with you ... with the kooks[1], and ... 'Depends on the things, Mikey'[2], and ... 'Great!'[1], and I'm talking about here, Voice!!! ... with words, with you ... with the kooks[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, ha, ha, ha! ... are we all digging it?[1], and ... 'Great!'[2], and ... 'The squares aren't'[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, ha, ha, ha! ... are we all digging it?[2], and, oh really??? ... So?[1], and ... 'The squares aren't'[2], and okay, okay ... here is nothing ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... / and ... how did that make you feel?[1], and, oh really??? ... So?[2], and, uh ... you can feel, yes?[1], and okay, okay ... here is nothing ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... / and ... how did that make you feel?[2], and ... 'Silence, Mikey!'[1], and, uh ... you can feel, yes?[2], and, yeah, yeah ... I give up! ... occasionally ... and then I start again ... I never give up, to be honest, like[1], and ... 'Silence, Mikey!'[2], and I'm addicted to words ... to the lifestyle[1], and, yeah, yeah ... I give up! ... occasionally ... and then I start again ... I never give up, to be honest, like[2], and ... the glamour![1], and I'm addicted to words ... to the lifestyle[2], and it's not the money, man, that's for sure[1], and ... the glamour![2], and I can spin all the time ... even when I'm not here ... I can spin in the minds of kooks[1], and it's not the money, man, that's for sure[2], and ... 'You're always here'[1], and I can spin all the time ... even when I'm not here ... I can spin in the minds of kooks[2], and, ha! ... you can find me where the words go a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND[1], and ... 'You're always here'[2], and that's better than nothing ... I'm convinced, yes, yes, yes[1], and, ha! ... you can find me where the words go a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND[2], and, believers ... convince me![1], and that's better than nothing ... I'm convinced, yes, yes, yes[2], and ... 'Do you need convincing, Mikey?'[1], and, believers ... convince me![2], and I need something, son ... and I need, I need ... positive words from iron souls that believe!!![1], and ... 'Do you need convincing, Mikey?'[2], and if you can't talk ... ... ...[1], and I need something, son ... and I need, I need ... positive words from i ron sou ls that believe!!![2], and, hey, you! ... smile for me![1], and if you can't talk ... ... ...[2], and if you can't think because you're so useless or so clever ... could you at least feel a bit, for me???[1], and, hey, you! ... smile for me![2], and ... could you?[1], and if you can't think because you're so useless or so clever ... could you at least feel a bit, for me???[2], and never soul ... I suppose[1], and ... could you?[2], and, ENDS[1], and never soul ... I suppose[2], and, oh, hello![3], and, ENDS[2], and there is no ENDS[3], and, kooks, kooks, kooks[3], and, come on![3], and here I am with you ... with words again![3], and a-ROUND ... come on![3], and some things never change ... and is that good, or ... bad?[3], and ... 'Depends on the things, Mikey'[3], and I'm talking about here, Voice!!! ... with words, with you ... with the kooks[3], and ... 'Great!'[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, ha, ha, ha! ... are we all digging it?[3], and ... 'The squares aren't'[3], and, oh really??? ... So?[3], and okay, okay ... here is nothing ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... / and ... how did that make you feel?[3], and, uh ... you can feel, yes?[3], and ... 'Silence, Mikey!'[3], and, yeah, yeah ... I give up! ... occasionally ... and then I start again ... I never give up, to be honest, like[3], and I'm addicted to words ... to the lifestyle[3], and ... the glamour![3], and it's not the money, man, that's for sure[3], and I can spin all the time ... even when I'm not here ... I can spin in the minds of kooks[3], and ... 'You're always here'[3], and, ha! ... you can find me where the words go a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND[3], and that's better than nothing ... I'm convinced, yes, yes, yes[3], and, believers ... convince me![3], and ... 'Do you need convincing, Mikey?'[3], and I need something, son ... and I need, I need ... positive words from i  r  o  n s  o  u  l  s that believe!!![3], and if you can't talk ... ... ...[3], and, hey, you! ... smile for me![3], and if you can't think because you're so useless or so clever ... could you at least feel a bit, for me???[3], and ... could you?[3], and never soul ... I suppose[3], and, ENDS[3], and

And, oh, hello![1], and there is no ENDS[1], and, oh, hello![2], and, kooks, kooks, kooks[1], and there is no ENDS[2], and, come on![1], and, kooks, kooks, kooks[2], and here I am with you ... with words again![1], and, come on![2], and a-ROUND ... come on![1], and here I am with you ... with words again![2], and some things never change ... and is that good, or ... bad?[1], and a-ROUND ... come on![2], and ... 'Depends on the things, Mikey'[1], and some things never change ... and is that good, or ... bad?[2], and I'm talking about here, Voice!!! ... with words, with you ... with the kooks[1], and ... 'Depends on the things, Mikey'[2], and ... 'Great!'[1], and I'm talking about here, Voice!!! ... with words, with you ... with the kooks[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, ha, ha, ha! ... are we all digging it?[1], and ... 'Great!'[2], and ... 'The squares aren't'[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, ha, ha, ha! ... are we all digging it?[2], and, oh really??? ... So?[1], and ... 'The squares aren't'[2], and okay, okay ... here is nothing ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... / and ... how did that make you feel?[1], and, oh really??? ... So?[2], and, uh ... you can feel, yes?[1], and okay, okay ... here is nothing ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... / and ... how did that make you feel?[2], and ... 'Silence, Mikey!'[1], and, uh ... you can feel, yes?[2], and, yeah, yeah ... I give up! ... occasionally ... and then I start again ... I never give up, to be honest, like[1], and ... 'Silence, Mikey!'[2], and I'm addicted to words ... to the lifestyle[1], and, yeah, yeah ... I give up! ... occasionally ... and then I start again ... I never give up, to be honest, like[2], and ... the glamour![1], and I'm addicted to words ... to the lifestyle[2], and it's not the money, man, that's for sure[1], and ... the glamour![2], and I can spin all the time ... even when I'm not here ... I can spin in the minds of kooks[1], and it's not the money, man, that's for sure[2], and ... 'You're always here'[1], and I can spin all the time ... even when I'm not here ... I can spin in the minds of kooks[2], and, ha! ... you can find me where the words go a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND[1], and ... 'You're always here'[2], and that's better than nothing ... I'm convinced, yes, yes, yes[1], and, ha! ... you can find me where the words go a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND[2], and, believers ... convince me![1], and that's better than nothing ... I'm convinced, yes, yes, yes[2], and ... 'Do you need convincing, Mikey?'[1], and, believers ... convince me![2], and I need something, son ... and I need, I need ... positive words from iron souls that believe!!![1], and ... 'Do you need convincing, Mikey?'[2], and if you can't talk ... ... ...[1], and I need something, son ... and I need, I need ... positive words from i ron sou ls that believe!!![2], and, hey, you! ... smile for me![1], and if you can't talk ... ... ...[2], and if you can't think because you're so useless or so clever ... could you at least feel a bit, for me???[1], and, hey, you! ... smile for me![2], and ... could you?[1], and if you can't think because you're so useless or so clever ... could you at least feel a bit, for me???[2], and never soul ... I suppose[1], and ... could you?[2], and, ENDS[1], and never soul ... I suppose[2], and, oh, hello![3], and, ENDS[2], and there is no ENDS[3], and, kooks, kooks, kooks[3], and, come on![3], and here I am with you ... with words again![3], and a-ROUND ... come on![3], and some things never change ... and is that good, or ... bad?[3], and ... 'Depends on the things, Mikey'[3], and I'm talking about here, Voice!!! ... with words, with you ... with the kooks[3], and ... 'Great!'[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, ha, ha, ha! ... are we all digging it?[3], and ... 'The squares aren't'[3], and, oh really??? ... So?[3], and okay, okay ... here is nothing ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... / and ... how did that make you feel?[3], and, uh ... you can feel, yes?[3], and ... 'Silence, Mikey!'[3], and, yeah, yeah ... I give up! ... occasionally ... and then I start again ... I never give up, to be honest, like[3], and I'm addicted to words ... to the lifestyle[3], and ... the glamour![3], and it's not the money, man, that's for sure[3], and I can spin all the time ... even when I'm not here ... I can spin in the minds of kooks[3], and ... 'You're always here'[3], and, ha! ... you can find me where the words go a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND[3], and that's better than nothing ... I'm convinced, yes, yes, yes[3], and, believers ... convince me![3], and ... 'Do you need convincing, Mikey?'[3], and I need something, son ... and I need, I need ... positive words from i  r  o  n s  o  u  l  s that believe!!![3], and if you can't talk ... ... ...[3], and, hey, you! ... smile for me![3], and if you can't think because you're so useless or so clever ... could you at least feel a bit, for me???[3], and ... could you?[3], and never soul ... I suppose[3], and, ENDS[3], and

Do you feel Lucky, punk?

I mean, do you really feel him, kook(s), our Lucky, like, and what he brings to the world???

'I do, boss! I love Lucky ... these days.'

So do I, Voice. He grows on you, doesn't he?

Anyway ...

Hello,

Please find attached the press release regarding Vauban Infrastructure Partners' acquisition of 38.7% in Financière Groupe Proxiserve, a major player in energy services in France.

Obviously, that's not Lucky.

'Hello, Estelle!'

Vauban and Asterion acquired Proxiserve as co-controlling shareholders in 2019. Today, Vauban has strengthened its position in Financière Groupe Proxiserve by becoming its sole reference shareholder. This transaction constitutes the first full exit from Asterion's Fund I portfolio, three and a half years later.

And it all makes perfect sense.

Proxiserve, a leading French company in the energy services sector, owns and operates notably more than 4.5 million water and heat meters, which on average reduce energy consumption by 15%. Proxiserve also contributes to the decarbonization of transportation by being the leader in installation of electric vehicles charging stations, with 125,000 stations installed since 2013.

Fine.

Don't hesitate to contact me for any further information.

Best,

Estelle

And NOW(!) ... we have Lucky with the PDF ...

'Take it away, Lucky!'

Paris January 16th 2023    Vauban Infrastructure Partners acquires 38    7% in Financière Groupe        Proxiserve major player in energy services in France from Asterion Industrial Partners  with this transaction Vauban increases its stake in Proxiserve to 99    7% this constitutes the first          full exit!!!          from Asterion      s Fund              I portfolio!!!     since acquisition by Asterion  and Vauban in  2019 Proxiserve grew its smart meters asset base and introduced new EV products Vauban  and  Asterion  acquired  Proxiserve  as  co      controlling  shareholders  in  2019  today Vauban  has strengthened its position in Financière Groupe Proxiserve     « Proxiserve »    or the « Company »                by becoming           its sole!!!            reference shareholder this transaction constitutes the first           full exit!!!               from Asterions Fund            I portfolio three!!!           and             a half years later          Proxiserve a leading French company in the energy services sector owns and operates notably more than 4          5 million water and heat meters which on average reduce energy consumption by 15          % Proxiserve      also contributes to  the decarbonization of  transportation  by being  the leader  in installation  of electric vehicles           charging stations with 125         000 stations      installed since 2013           from  2019  to  2022  with  the  support  of  the  shareholders  to  the  Management       s  strategy  Proxiserve continued  its  strong  and  steady  growth  while  demonstrated  a  remarkable             resilience  during  the THING!!!                        crisis!!!               Proxiserve is now very well positioned to seize the numerous                     growth                  opportunities      arising from its underlying markets this bilateral             transaction represents an opportunity for the fourth             Vauban flagship     fund CIF IV to invest in one of the key     players in energy services in France whose activities benefit from promising markets and the support of public authorities towards the energy transition Vauban  has  now  exclusive  control  over  the  Company  through  its  various  investment  funds  under management  and  will  enable  the  company  to  accelerate  its  development  in  promising        and  added             value activities such as the operation          of heat meters and heat                          pumps the investment!!!            in Proxiserve along Vauban represented the first transaction by Asterions Infrastructure Fund         I after the conclusion               of the  initial value creation plan it was now an ideal point in time to hand over its stake to its partner Vauban for the           continuation of the companys                 success the sale!!!        of its stake also concludes the first exit by an Asterion        fund Stéphane Caine Chairman and CEO of Proxiserve says we would like to thank Asterion and Vauban for  supporting  Proxiserve  during  what  has  been  a          turbulent  time  today                      we  are  a  company                  well                        positioned  to  seize the numerous                  growth opportunities  offered by our  underlying markets  and  we  look forward to continuing our growth trajectory with            Vauban who???             has already    proven     to be of    great                                      value         Vincent  Cassagne  Investment  Director  and  Partner  at  Vauban  Infrastructure  Partners  added the increase                      of Vauban     s  stake  in  Proxiserve  is  in line with  our  first  investment  in  the  company  in  2019  we consider  that           Proxiserve  is  not!!!                  only  aligned  with  Vaubans  ESG  policy  but  that  the  Company  also contributes  to  creating  value  over  the  long  term  Proxiserve  benefits  from  a  balanced  portfolio  of businesses               cutting       edge              technologies and a highly       diversified client base with broad national       coverage to provide              sustainable services to all we would like to thank Asterion for this fruitful cooperation between likeminded investors Le Centorial  intracommunautaire  C2      internal Natixis Nicole Hildebrand Partner at Asterion Industrial Partners        concludes the growth!!!          of Proxiserves business over the last few years has been tremendous and Vauban and the Company         s management team have played  an  instrumental  role  in  developing  Proxiserve  into  one  of  Frances           leading  energy        services companies      we are leaving!!!     the      Company          in the hands of a shareholder      fully committed!!!    to the further             growth of the business                   and its

Nice one, Lucky!

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

...

Anything else?

Yippee!

'What, Mikey?!'

I finally made a recording of Shady, Dodgy, Shifty this morning that makes the song sound like the potential iconic masterpiece it should be.

'Yippee! / Will you use it?'

Well ... unless I get an even better recording, but probably, yes. [I'll have another go at the weekend - if it's warmer.]

'Great!'

I had to record it before six, FFS.

'Ha! I bet your neighbours love you.'

I don't care what they love, Voice. I record that early because it's the only time in the day when they're not slamming car doors or wailing like banshees in the street.

Anyway ...

It's still cold.

I'm waiting for summer, me.

And then I will complain about the terrible heat.

Never mind, eh?

Laters.

'Bye!'