[No. 40] Moments we'll never have again?

And again and again.

And we will have these moments again, and I promise you we will, and we're going to make them happen[1], and this is what it's all about, preserving life, one phrase, one thought, one emotion, at a time[1], and we will have these moments again, and I promise you we will, and we're going to make them happen[2], and when I'm a-ROUND: I know you're a-ROUND, yeah, I get this feeling, and that's what keeps me sane[1], and this is what it's all about, preserving life, one phrase, one thought, one emotion, at a time[2], and no one can steal our memories, and we've got our futures to come, all mixed up[1], and when I'm a-ROUND: I know you're a-ROUND, yeah, I get this feeling, and that's what keeps me sane[2], and what's gone is gone, but what's here is here, and it's here what is gone, right now, so let's make the most of it, GONE together[1], and no one can steal our memories, and we've got our futures to come, all mixed up[2], and we'll hold the past and fix it, and there it goes, and it's coming back![1], and what's gone is gone, but what's here is here, and it's here what is gone, right now, so let's make the most of it, GONE together[2], and we have a moment: NOW, and can you believe in it?[1], and we'll hold the past and fix it, and there it goes, and it's coming back![2], and we have one: HERE, a moment, and can you explain how they keep coming?[1], and we have a moment: NOW, and can you believe in it?[2], and this isn't what I wanted, and this isn't what I was looking for, and if wishes were horses ...[1], and we have one: HERE, a moment, and can you explain how they keep coming?[2], and what do you do when there are MOMENTS everywhere, all the fucking time, and only one or two of them are yours, because the rest belong to the mindless?[1], and this isn't what I wanted, and this isn't what I was looking for, and if wishes were horses ...[2], and we will have these moments again, and I promise you we will, and we're going to make them happen[3], and what do you do when there are MOMENTS everywhere, all the fucking time, and only one or two of them are yours, because the rest belong to the mindless?[2], and this is what it's all about, preserving life, one phrase, one thought, one emotion, at a time[3], and when I'm a-ROUND: I know you're a-ROUND, yeah, I get this feeling, and that's what keeps me sane[3], and no one can steal our memories, and we've got our futures to come, all mixed up[3], and what's gone is gone, but what's here is here, and it's here what is gone, right now, so let's make the most of it, GONE together[3], and we'll hold the past and fix it, and there it goes, and it's coming back![3], and we have a moment: NOW, and can you believe in it?[3], and we have one: HERE, a moment, and can you explain how they keep coming?[3], and this isn't what I wanted, and this isn't what I was looking for, and if wishes were horses ...[3], and what do you do when there are MOMENTS everywhere, all the fucking time, and only one or two of them are yours, because the rest belong to the mindless?[3], and

And we will have these moments again, and I promise you we will, and we're going to make them happen[1], and this is what it's all about, preserving life, one phrase, one thought, one emotion, at a time[1], and we will have these moments again, and I promise you we will, and we're going to make them happen[2], and when I'm a-ROUND: I know you're a-ROUND, yeah, I get this feeling, and that's what keeps me sane[1], and this is what it's all about, preserving life, one phrase, one thought, one emotion, at a time[2], and no one can steal our memories, and we've got our futures to come, all mixed up[1], and when I'm a-ROUND: I know you're a-ROUND, yeah, I get this feeling, and that's what keeps me sane[2], and what's gone is gone, but what's here is here, and it's here what is gone, right now, so let's make the most of it, GONE together[1], and no one can steal our memories, and we've got our futures to come, all mixed up[2], and we'll hold the past and fix it, and there it goes, and it's coming back![1], and what's gone is gone, but what's here is here, and it's here what is gone, right now, so let's make the most of it, GONE together[2], and we have a moment: NOW, and can you believe in it?[1], and we'll hold the past and fix it, and there it goes, and it's coming back![2], and we have one: HERE, a moment, and can you explain how they keep coming?[1], and we have a moment: NOW, and can you believe in it?[2], and this isn't what I wanted, and this isn't what I was looking for, and if wishes were horses ...[1], and we have one: HERE, a moment, and can you explain how they keep coming?[2], and what do you do when there are MOMENTS everywhere, all the fucking time, and only one or two of them are yours, because the rest belong to the mindless?[1], and this isn't what I wanted, and this isn't what I was looking for, and if wishes were horses ...[2], and we will have these moments again, and I promise you we will, and we're going to make them happen[3], and what do you do when there are MOMENTS everywhere, all the fucking time, and only one or two of them are yours, because the rest belong to the mindless?[2], and this is what it's all about, preserving life, one phrase, one thought, one emotion, at a time[3], and when I'm a-ROUND: I know you're a-ROUND, yeah, I get this feeling, and that's what keeps me sane[3], and no one can steal our memories, and we've got our futures to come, all mixed up[3], and what's gone is gone, but what's here is here, and it's here what is gone, right now, so let's make the most of it, GONE together[3], and we'll hold the past and fix it, and there it goes, and it's coming back![3], and we have a moment: NOW, and can you believe in it?[3], and we have one: HERE, a moment, and can you explain how they keep coming?[3], and this isn't what I wanted, and this isn't what I was looking for, and if wishes were horses ...[3], and what do you do when there are MOMENTS everywhere, all the fucking time, and only one or two of them are yours, because the rest belong to the mindless?[3], and

And we will have these moments again, and I promise you we will, and we're going to make them happen[1], and this is what it's all about, preserving life, one phrase, one thought, one emotion, at a time[1], and we will have these moments again, and I promise you we will, and we're going to make them happen[2], and when I'm a-ROUND: I know you're a-ROUND, yeah, I get this feeling, and that's what keeps me sane[1], and this is what it's all about, preserving life, one phrase, one thought, one emotion, at a time[2], and no one can steal our memories, and we've got our futures to come, all mixed up[1], and when I'm a-ROUND: I know you're a-ROUND, yeah, I get this feeling, and that's what keeps me sane[2], and what's gone is gone, but what's here is here, and it's here what is gone, right now, so let's make the most of it, GONE together[1], and no one can steal our memories, and we've got our futures to come, all mixed up[2], and we'll hold the past and fix it, and there it goes, and it's coming back![1], and what's gone is gone, but what's here is here, and it's here what is gone, right now, so let's make the most of it, GONE together[2], and we have a moment: NOW, and can you believe in it?[1], and we'll hold the past and fix it, and there it goes, and it's coming back![2], and we have one: HERE, a moment, and can you explain how they keep coming?[1], and we have a moment: NOW, and can you believe in it?[2], and this isn't what I wanted, and this isn't what I was looking for, and if wishes were horses ...[1], and we have one: HERE, a moment, and can you explain how they keep coming?[2], and what do you do when there are MOMENTS everywhere, all the fucking time, and only one or two of them are yours, because the rest belong to the mindless?[1], and this isn't what I wanted, and this isn't what I was looking for, and if wishes were horses ...[2], and we will have these moments again, and I promise you we will, and we're going to make them happen[3], and what do you do when there are MOMENTS everywhere, all the fucking time, and only one or two of them are yours, because the rest belong to the mindless?[2], and this is what it's all about, preserving life, one phrase, one thought, one emotion, at a time[3], and when I'm a-ROUND: I know you're a-ROUND, yeah, I get this feeling, and that's what keeps me sane[3], and no one can steal our memories, and we've got our futures to come, all mixed up[3], and what's gone is gone, but what's here is here, and it's here what is gone, right now, so let's make the most of it, GONE together[3], and we'll hold the past and fix it, and there it goes, and it's coming back![3], and we have a moment: NOW, and can you believe in it?[3], and we have one: HERE, a moment, and can you explain how they keep coming?[3], and this isn't what I wanted, and this isn't what I was looking for, and if wishes were horses ...[3], and what do you do when there are MOMENTS everywhere, all the fucking time, and only one or two of them are yours, because the rest belong to the mindless?[3], and

Momentum Trading Partners has gone out of business

It was a brokerage that was dealing with hedge funds - in New York, apparently. God knows why I'm writing about it. But it's either this or my lunch. I'm having cheese rolls. / Shouldn't you be on holiday? It's nearly August. Maybe you're reading this on the beach. It's all right for some, ain't it? I have to work. There's no rest for the righteous.

Yes, back to business. There's a problem with market volatility, and no one wants to risk nothing. I don't know what can be done about it. Not even shamanism works at a time like this. (Well, I haven't actually tried, to be honest with you.) Lionel Mellul reckons the Momentum team will end up somewhere else. Oh, I hope so. Lionel is one of the founders of the firm.

I wish I could help, but I've got problems of my own. I watched a documentary about Prince last night. There's no excuse for my laziness. I could write my songs - if I wanted to. There's no need for me to be a great singer, a great guitarist, a great pianist, a great dancer, or any of the great things that Prince is. I just need to write a handful of great songs. How many? Three! That's all I need for a demo. Not hundreds. THREE! I have one and a half.

Okay, lunch. Then a conceptual, No. 40. / See you later, crocodile.

Patrick Boyle has this Palomar Capital hedge fund of his

Oh, what's this, a new hedge fund, this early on a Monday morning? When will they ever stop? And Patrick's not doing it with his own money. No, he's not stupid. Stanley Fink is paying for it all. So it's Fink's new hedge fund really. Boyle is just going to be making the tea. Well, that's the way I'm looking at it. Maybe I'm wrong. But $50 million, and with computer algorithms as well. Oh, for Christ's sake! Everyone knows how I feel about this hellish computer trading nonsense. Why can't they leave it alone? Let's have some fucking HUMANITY!

I suppose I wish him all the best, this Boyle. I don't know. Let's take it one day at a time. He may be a decent man. I shouldn't judge him, not yet. And maybe I'll never judge him. As I said, let's take it one day at a time. I'm sure God will look into it. So there's no actual need for me to get involved.

_________________________

Did you have a nice weekend? / What a load of bollocks the Olympics has turned out to be, eh? Can't say I'm surprised. This is Great Britain, after all. The opening ceremony was all right, but now no one wants to watch the sport. Well, who can afford to? Cameron and his Bullingdon mates, obviously. And a few bankers/hedgies (like you?!) - if they can be bothered to show up. But no one else. Never mind.

Did you read my angel on Saturday/Sunday? She's a lovely girl, but she does have some funny ideas. She imagines social media will one day become as bland and boring as the mainstream media, after some future "backlash". Right. How about a backlash against those characters who were hacking into phones? Let's start with them. Then we'll go after the bloggers writing about ... what they had for breakfast.

Oh, it'll soon be lunchtime. I'm having a cheese sandwich, prawn cocktail crisps, a peach yoghurt, and a can of Coke. / Laters.

[No. 39] Aching

Oh, aching.

And there has got to be more, and I'm the one who has got to find it, and, LORD, am I the lucky sort?[1], and the brighter you burn, the luckier you get, and the harder you work, the more "something" it all seems[1], and there has got to be more, and I'm the one who has got to find it, and, LORD, am I the lucky sort?[2], and King Solomon, Prince Hamlet, Young Werther: your miserable boys are going to take one HELL of a beating[1], and the brighter you burn, the luckier you get, and the harder you work, the more "something" it all seems[2], and I'm coming out of confusion and despair, and I'm looking for WORDS that will - you know?[1], and King Solomon, Prince Hamlet, Young Werther: your miserable boys are going to take one HELL of a beating[2], and it would be easier to pretend the other world didn't exist, but it's there, and I can't lie to you, or myself[1], and I'm coming out of confusion and despair, and I'm looking for WORDS that will - you know?[2], and you can call it "aching", and there's nothing wrong with "aching", just as there's nothing wrong with "nothing"[1], and it would be easier to pretend the other world didn't exist, but it's there, and I can't lie to you, or myself[2], and so what is it, then, this weird STUFF, this aching, that really shouldn't be known, but is known?[1], and you can call it "aching", and there's nothing wrong with "aching", just as there's nothing wrong with "nothing"[2], and I can't be satisfied with WORDS, and I can't be satisfied with MONEY, man, I need a RAINBOW![1], and so what is it, then, this weird STUFF, this aching, that really shouldn't be known, but is known?[2], and if, one day, you see me in the sky, you'll know I've become a sky god, and it can't come too soon[1], and I can't be satisfied with WORDS, and I can't be satisfied with MONEY, man, I need a RAINBOW![2], and I'm not the man who dreamed of FAERYLAND, oh, that was W.B. Yeats, and I wouldn't step on another man's toes[1], and if, one day, you see me in the sky, you'll know I've become a sky god, and it can't come too soon[2], and there has got to be more, and I'm the one who has got to find it, and, LORD, am I the lucky sort?[3], and I'm not the man who dreamed of FAERYLAND, oh, that was W.B. Yeats, and I wouldn't step on another man's toes[2], and the brighter you burn, the luckier you get, and the harder you work, the more "something" it all seems[3], and King Solomon, Prince Hamlet, Young Werther: your miserable boys are going to take one HELL of a beating[3], and I'm coming out of confusion and despair, and I'm looking for WORDS that will - you know?[3], and it would be easier to pretend the other world didn't exist, but it's there, and I can't lie to you, or myself[3], and you can call it "aching", and there's nothing wrong with "aching", just as there's nothing wrong with "nothing"[3], and so what is it, then, this weird STUFF, this aching, that really shouldn't be known, but is known?[3], and I can't be satisfied with WORDS, and I can't be satisfied with MONEY, man, I need a RAINBOW![3], and if, one day, you see me in the sky, you'll know I've become a sky god, and it can't come too soon[3], and I'm not the man who dreamed of FAERYLAND, oh, that was W.B. Yeats, and I wouldn't step on another man's toes[3], and

And there has got to be more, and I'm the one who has got to find it, and, LORD, am I the lucky sort?[1], and the brighter you burn, the luckier you get, and the harder you work, the more "something" it all seems[1], and there has got to be more, and I'm the one who has got to find it, and, LORD, am I the lucky sort?[2], and King Solomon, Prince Hamlet, Young Werther: your miserable boys are going to take one HELL of a beating[1], and the brighter you burn, the luckier you get, and the harder you work, the more "something" it all seems[2], and I'm coming out of confusion and despair, and I'm looking for WORDS that will - you know?[1], and King Solomon, Prince Hamlet, Young Werther: your miserable boys are going to take one HELL of a beating[2], and it would be easier to pretend the other world didn't exist, but it's there, and I can't lie to you, or myself[1], and I'm coming out of confusion and despair, and I'm looking for WORDS that will - you know?[2], and you can call it "aching", and there's nothing wrong with "aching", just as there's nothing wrong with "nothing"[1], and it would be easier to pretend the other world didn't exist, but it's there, and I can't lie to you, or myself[2], and so what is it, then, this weird STUFF, this aching, that really shouldn't be known, but is known?[1], and you can call it "aching", and there's nothing wrong with "aching", just as there's nothing wrong with "nothing"[2], and I can't be satisfied with WORDS, and I can't be satisfied with MONEY, man, I need a RAINBOW![1], and so what is it, then, this weird STUFF, this aching, that really shouldn't be known, but is known?[2], and if, one day, you see me in the sky, you'll know I've become a sky god, and it can't come too soon[1], and I can't be satisfied with WORDS, and I can't be satisfied with MONEY, man, I need a RAINBOW![2], and I'm not the man who dreamed of FAERYLAND, oh, that was W.B. Yeats, and I wouldn't step on another man's toes[1], and if, one day, you see me in the sky, you'll know I've become a sky god, and it can't come too soon[2], and there has got to be more, and I'm the one who has got to find it, and, LORD, am I the lucky sort?[3], and I'm not the man who dreamed of FAERYLAND, oh, that was W.B. Yeats, and I wouldn't step on another man's toes[2], and the brighter you burn, the luckier you get, and the harder you work, the more "something" it all seems[3], and King Solomon, Prince Hamlet, Young Werther: your miserable boys are going to take one HELL of a beating[3], and I'm coming out of confusion and despair, and I'm looking for WORDS that will - you know?[3], and it would be easier to pretend the other world didn't exist, but it's there, and I can't lie to you, or myself[3], and you can call it "aching", and there's nothing wrong with "aching", just as there's nothing wrong with "nothing"[3], and so what is it, then, this weird STUFF, this aching, that really shouldn't be known, but is known?[3], and I can't be satisfied with WORDS, and I can't be satisfied with MONEY, man, I need a RAINBOW![3], and if, one day, you see me in the sky, you'll know I've become a sky god, and it can't come too soon[3], and I'm not the man who dreamed of FAERYLAND, oh, that was W.B. Yeats, and I wouldn't step on another man's toes[3], and

And there has got to be more, and I'm the one who has got to find it, and, LORD, am I the lucky sort?[1], and the brighter you burn, the luckier you get, and the harder you work, the more "something" it all seems[1], and there has got to be more, and I'm the one who has got to find it, and, LORD, am I the lucky sort?[2], and King Solomon, Prince Hamlet, Young Werther: your miserable boys are going to take one HELL of a beating[1], and the brighter you burn, the luckier you get, and the harder you work, the more "something" it all seems[2], and I'm coming out of confusion and despair, and I'm looking for WORDS that will - you know?[1], and King Solomon, Prince Hamlet, Young Werther: your miserable boys are going to take one HELL of a beating[2], and it would be easier to pretend the other world didn't exist, but it's there, and I can't lie to you, or myself[1], and I'm coming out of confusion and despair, and I'm looking for WORDS that will - you know?[2], and you can call it "aching", and there's nothing wrong with "aching", just as there's nothing wrong with "nothing"[1], and it would be easier to pretend the other world didn't exist, but it's there, and I can't lie to you, or myself[2], and so what is it, then, this weird STUFF, this aching, that really shouldn't be known, but is known?[1], and you can call it "aching", and there's nothing wrong with "aching", just as there's nothing wrong with "nothing"[2], and I can't be satisfied with WORDS, and I can't be satisfied with MONEY, man, I need a RAINBOW![1], and so what is it, then, this weird STUFF, this aching, that really shouldn't be known, but is known?[2], and if, one day, you see me in the sky, you'll know I've become a sky god, and it can't come too soon[1], and I can't be satisfied with WORDS, and I can't be satisfied with MONEY, man, I need a RAINBOW![2], and I'm not the man who dreamed of FAERYLAND, oh, that was W.B. Yeats, and I wouldn't step on another man's toes[1], and if, one day, you see me in the sky, you'll know I've become a sky god, and it can't come too soon[2], and there has got to be more, and I'm the one who has got to find it, and, LORD, am I the lucky sort?[3], and I'm not the man who dreamed of FAERYLAND, oh, that was W.B. Yeats, and I wouldn't step on another man's toes[2], and the brighter you burn, the luckier you get, and the harder you work, the more "something" it all seems[3], and King Solomon, Prince Hamlet, Young Werther: your miserable boys are going to take one HELL of a beating[3], and I'm coming out of confusion and despair, and I'm looking for WORDS that will - you know?[3], and it would be easier to pretend the other world didn't exist, but it's there, and I can't lie to you, or myself[3], and you can call it "aching", and there's nothing wrong with "aching", just as there's nothing wrong with "nothing"[3], and so what is it, then, this weird STUFF, this aching, that really shouldn't be known, but is known?[3], and I can't be satisfied with WORDS, and I can't be satisfied with MONEY, man, I need a RAINBOW![3], and if, one day, you see me in the sky, you'll know I've become a sky god, and it can't come too soon[3], and I'm not the man who dreamed of FAERYLAND, oh, that was W.B. Yeats, and I wouldn't step on another man's toes[3], and

Alison Carnwath has walked away from Barclays

And I haven't got a problem with that. It's fine. She was taking on too much, anyway. She was a director at Barclays (non-executive, but chairbird of some remuneration committee), AND: she's still a board member of Zurich Insurance Group, a board member of Man Group, and chairbird of the board at Land Securities Group. AND: she works behind the bar in her local pub, just to help out when either Rosie or Jim are sick or on holiday. Christ! How does she have time for anything else in her life?

_________________________

I think it's gonna be another hot day in hell. 'Well, that's not news, is it?' Oh, shut it, Voice!

I'm going to be working on No. 39. Yeah. Got to get these numbers up to a respectable level. I've got a work ethic, like Alison. I'm not one of these layabouts, like Arthur Rimbaud. Fifty thousand (or so) words in five years? Try over half a million, Art, then we'll talk again. / Kids! You can't tell them anything, can you?

'Oi! You repeat a lot of words, don't ya?' So? It's still about 460,000. Something like that. And I've deleted tens of thousands as well. Idiot!


Note: the Voice isn't the ghost of Rimbaud. I don't know who it is.

[No. 38] Now, I need ice

Hardly Mungo, is it?

And I'm never happy: I had to crawl outta the room it was so hot, and I'll have to get off the earth[1], and be careful what you wish for, man, and be careful what you dream of, man, forget wishes/dreams[1], and I'm never happy: I had to crawl outta the room it was so hot, and I'll have to get off the earth[2], and this is my HOT day in hell, and would a cold day in hell be any better, a different pain?[1], and be careful what you wish for, man, and be careful what you dream of, man, forget wishes/dreams[2], and I'll take a rocket into icy space, with Major Kreil, and all of you are invited, and so come, COME, with us[1], and this is my HOT day in hell, and would a cold day in hell be any better, a different pain?[2], and if I had the energy I'd STRUM my guitar and sing a summery song for you, but only for YOU[1], and I'll take a rocket into icy space, with Major Kreil, and all of you are invited, and so come, COME, with us[2], and I'm in these words oh just the WAY I'm in the weather, and this is the reality of my suffering[1], and if I had the energy I'd STRUM my guitar and sing a summery song for you, but only for YOU[2], and this is the HEAT, and now I need the ice, and I need the ice, and I NEED the ICE on my FACE![1], and I'm in these words oh just the WAY I'm in the weather, and this is the reality of my suffering[2], and could this be the genuine pleasure or pain - or a bit of both, and I'm suffering/enjoying it, yes?[1], and this is the HEAT, and now I need the ice, and I need the ice, and I NEED the ICE on my FACE![2], and when it gets your HEAD and hits it HARD a HAMMER, put your head in a bucket of icy water[1], and could this be the genuine pleasure or pain - or a bit of both, and I'm suffering/enjoying it, yes?[2], and if the FIRE of money doesn't make you HAPPY(!) that only leaves love, and what are the chances?[1], and when it gets your HEAD and hits it HARD a HAMMER, put your head in a bucket of icy water[2], and we hear the HORROR stories but we rarely see the horror, and this is it, up close: and it's, well, HOT![1], and if the FIRE of money doesn't make you HAPPY(!) that only leaves love, and what are the chances?[2], and I'm never happy: I had to crawl outta the room it was so hot, and I'll have to get off the earth[3], and we hear the HORROR stories but we rarely see the horror, and this is it, up close: and it's, well, HOT![2], and be careful what you wish for, man, and be careful what you dream of, man, forget wishes/dreams[3], and this is my HOT day in hell, and would a cold day in hell be any better, a different pain?[3], and I'll take a rocket into icy space, with Major Kreil, and all of you are invited, and so come, COME, with us[3], and if I had the energy I'd STRUM my guitar and sing a summery song for you, but only for YOU[3], and I'm in these words oh just the WAY I'm in the weather, and this is the reality of my suffering[3], and this is the HEAT, and now I need the ice, and I need the ice, and I NEED the ICE on my FACE![3], and could this be the genuine pleasure or pain - or a bit of both, and I'm suffering/enjoying it, yes?[3], and when it gets your HEAD and hits it HARD a HAMMER, put your head in a bucket of icy water[3], and if the FIRE of money doesn't make you HAPPY(!) that only leaves love, and what are the chances?[3], and we hear the HORROR stories but we rarely see the horror, and this is it, up close: and it's, well, HOT![3], and

And I'm never happy: I had to crawl outta the room it was so hot, and I'll have to get off the earth[1], and be careful what you wish for, man, and be careful what you dream of, man, forget wishes/dreams[1], and I'm never happy: I had to crawl outta the room it was so hot, and I'll have to get off the earth[2], and this is my HOT day in hell, and would a cold day in hell be any better, a different pain?[1], and be careful what you wish for, man, and be careful what you dream of, man, forget wishes/dreams[2], and I'll take a rocket into icy space, with Major Kreil, and all of you are invited, and so come, COME, with us[1], and this is my HOT day in hell, and would a cold day in hell be any better, a different pain?[2], and if I had the energy I'd STRUM my guitar and sing a summery song for you, but only for YOU[1], and I'll take a rocket into icy space, with Major Kreil, and all of you are invited, and so come, COME, with us[2], and I'm in these words oh just the WAY I'm in the weather, and this is the reality of my suffering[1], and if I had the energy I'd STRUM my guitar and sing a summery song for you, but only for YOU[2], and this is the HEAT, and now I need the ice, and I need the ice, and I NEED the ICE on my FACE![1], and I'm in these words oh just the WAY I'm in the weather, and this is the reality of my suffering[2], and could this be the genuine pleasure or pain - or a bit of both, and I'm suffering/enjoying it, yes?[1], and this is the HEAT, and now I need the ice, and I need the ice, and I NEED the ICE on my FACE![2], and when it gets your HEAD and hits it HARD a HAMMER, put your head in a bucket of icy water[1], and could this be the genuine pleasure or pain - or a bit of both, and I'm suffering/enjoying it, yes?[2], and if the FIRE of money doesn't make you HAPPY(!) that only leaves love, and what are the chances?[1], and when it gets your HEAD and hits it HARD a HAMMER, put your head in a bucket of icy water[2], and we hear the HORROR stories but we rarely see the horror, and this is it, up close: and it's, well, HOT![1], and if the FIRE of money doesn't make you HAPPY(!) that only leaves love, and what are the chances?[2], and I'm never happy: I had to crawl outta the room it was so hot, and I'll have to get off the earth[3], and we hear the HORROR stories but we rarely see the horror, and this is it, up close: and it's, well, HOT![2], and be careful what you wish for, man, and be careful what you dream of, man, forget wishes/dreams[3], and this is my HOT day in hell, and would a cold day in hell be any better, a different pain?[3], and I'll take a rocket into icy space, with Major Kreil, and all of you are invited, and so come, COME, with us[3], and if I had the energy I'd STRUM my guitar and sing a summery song for you, but only for YOU[3], and I'm in these words oh just the WAY I'm in the weather, and this is the reality of my suffering[3], and this is the HEAT, and now I need the ice, and I need the ice, and I NEED the ICE on my FACE![3], and could this be the genuine pleasure or pain - or a bit of both, and I'm suffering/enjoying it, yes?[3], and when it gets your HEAD and hits it HARD a HAMMER, put your head in a bucket of icy water[3], and if the FIRE of money doesn't make you HAPPY(!) that only leaves love, and what are the chances?[3], and we hear the HORROR stories but we rarely see the horror, and this is it, up close: and it's, well, HOT![3], and

And I'm never happy: I had to crawl outta the room it was so hot, and I'll have to get off the earth[1], and be careful what you wish for, man, and be careful what you dream of, man, forget wishes/dreams[1], and I'm never happy: I had to crawl outta the room it was so hot, and I'll have to get off the earth[2], and this is my HOT day in hell, and would a cold day in hell be any better, a different pain?[1], and be careful what you wish for, man, and be careful what you dream of, man, forget wishes/dreams[2], and I'll take a rocket into icy space, with Major Kreil, and all of you are invited, and so come, COME, with us[1], and this is my HOT day in hell, and would a cold day in hell be any better, a different pain?[2], and if I had the energy I'd STRUM my guitar and sing a summery song for you, but only for YOU[1], and I'll take a rocket into icy space, with Major Kreil, and all of you are invited, and so come, COME, with us[2], and I'm in these words oh just the WAY I'm in the weather, and this is the reality of my suffering[1], and if I had the energy I'd STRUM my guitar and sing a summery song for you, but only for YOU[2], and this is the HEAT, and now I need the ice, and I need the ice, and I NEED the ICE on my FACE![1], and I'm in these words oh just the WAY I'm in the weather, and this is the reality of my suffering[2], and could this be the genuine pleasure or pain - or a bit of both, and I'm suffering/enjoying it, yes?[1], and this is the HEAT, and now I need the ice, and I need the ice, and I NEED the ICE on my FACE![2], and when it gets your HEAD and hits it HARD a HAMMER, put your head in a bucket of icy water[1], and could this be the genuine pleasure or pain - or a bit of both, and I'm suffering/enjoying it, yes?[2], and if the FIRE of money doesn't make you HAPPY(!) that only leaves love, and what are the chances?[1], and when it gets your HEAD and hits it HARD a HAMMER, put your head in a bucket of icy water[2], and we hear the HORROR stories but we rarely see the horror, and this is it, up close: and it's, well, HOT![1], and if the FIRE of money doesn't make you HAPPY(!) that only leaves love, and what are the chances?[2], and I'm never happy: I had to crawl outta the room it was so hot, and I'll have to get off the earth[3], and we hear the HORROR stories but we rarely see the horror, and this is it, up close: and it's, well, HOT![2], and be careful what you wish for, man, and be careful what you dream of, man, forget wishes/dreams[3], and this is my HOT day in hell, and would a cold day in hell be any better, a different pain?[3], and I'll take a rocket into icy space, with Major Kreil, and all of you are invited, and so come, COME, with us[3], and if I had the energy I'd STRUM my guitar and sing a summery song for you, but only for YOU[3], and I'm in these words oh just the WAY I'm in the weather, and this is the reality of my suffering[3], and this is the HEAT, and now I need the ice, and I need the ice, and I NEED the ICE on my FACE![3], and could this be the genuine pleasure or pain - or a bit of both, and I'm suffering/enjoying it, yes?[3], and when it gets your HEAD and hits it HARD a HAMMER, put your head in a bucket of icy water[3], and if the FIRE of money doesn't make you HAPPY(!) that only leaves love, and what are the chances?[3], and we hear the HORROR stories but we rarely see the horror, and this is it, up close: and it's, well, HOT![3], and

Tony Hall and Arno Pilz have resigned from Duet Asset Management

And the crazy thing is that Duet now wants me to take over their old fund, some goddamn Duet Commodities fund - as if I would be interested. Can you believe it? I don't think Henry Gabay understands. / Henry, son, I'm a financial shaman, yeah? I'm not a fund manager. I wouldn't know where to start managing a fund.

It's my reputation, you see. Some of these people think I'm a god. They know I'm a legendary figure in the cosmos of financial shamanism. They think it wouldn't take much to make me a top fund manager as well. Just a bit of encouragement, they imagine. Oh no. I couldn't do it. I ain't got a mathematical brain, anyway. You need a mathematical brain for all this fund management shit.

Well, the sun is shining. That's what I should be writing about. It's a rare event. Let's make the most of it.

I'll be writing a conceptual later, No. 38. / I should be writing songs. I'm not sure I've got the energy for both, you know, blogging and songwriting. Last night, I started to think. (Oh, real heavy thinking.) I thought: if I had spent the last five years writing songs instead of writing this blog, I'd probably be worth fifty million pounds now. Maybe even more than that. With my creative powers? Hundreds of millions! Instead, I'm sitting in the shit over here, not even rubbing two pennies together. I ain't even got a pot I can take a piss in. That's how bad the situation is. And I'd be having fun, hanging out with the stars. And maybe getting drunk and rolling down a hill, like Dudley Moore in "10". / I've got to get my priorities straight, man. I can't go on like this. It's killing me.

There's a good life out there, somewhere. And I'm gonna get my hands on it.

Scott Ferguson is leaving Pershing Square Capital Management to ...

Yeah, start his own hedge fund. You're not stupid, are you? Would you like to write the rest of this post? No? Oh, so you don't mind if I continue, then? 'Bloody readers, Mikey. Where do they get off, eh?' Thank you, Voice. That's enough of that. I value every one of my readers. 'Sure you do. But what about this Scott Ferguson? Analyst, ain't he?' He was an analyst, yes. However, he fancies himself as a bit of a hedge fund manager now. Of course, it goes without saying that his fund doesn't even have a name yet. 'Isn't that always the way?' So it could just be pie in the sky.

_________________________

Right, that's enough freakin' finance for one day. / Do you want a music update? Well, still nothing happening, I'm afraid, but I'm still very hopeful. I can't rush those lyrics for the second song, not if I want a classic. The music for it - the melody, the rhythm, the chords - is totally sublime, even if I do say so myself. The title is great. If I can get the lyric right the whole song will be a monster like Webb's By The Time I Get To Phoenix or Gershwin's Summertime. I'm serious. That's why it's taking so long. To be honest with you, I haven't actually put too much work into the writing of the lyric yet. Yeah, you guessed it: FEAR. (Did you guess?) I have fear the way I don't when I'm working on this blog. I don't know what to do about it. Except maybe put pressure on myself by writing more updates which say I've been doing: NOTHING.

I have been listening to Phoenix all morning. I have been doing that. The Glen Campbell version, obviously. It's such a simple song - and such a mind-blowing classic. Jimmy Webb also wrote Wichita Lineman and Galveston. Both classics. But let's forget MacArthur Park. The less said about that the better. Someone left the cake out in the rain? Do me a favour, son.

Whitney Tilson and Glenn Tongue have had enough of each other

These T2 hedge fund guys were partners. I don't know if they were married. I've been told that Whitney might be a man, anyway. It's very confusing, and I'm not judging anyone. It's none of our goddamn business, let's be frank. / Well, the hedge fund is being broken up as well. Half of it will become Deerhaven Capital Management and be managed by Tongue. (How on earth do you manage a fund just using your tongue? The mind boggles!) That's the T2 SPAC fund. (Thug 4 life, this Glenn.) The other half will be called T2 Partners (no change there then) and be managed by Tilson with three funds. I have no idea who's getting custody of the children.

But they could have called me! I hate it when hedgies break up. I would have got involved. I would have done the healing. Crystals? No, not crystals. I would have banged their heads together and said: 'Whitney, Glenn, you're beautiful people. You deserve happiness, with each other. Think of the children. Is this how you want it to end?' No, I wouldn't have said any of that. Pathetic. Absolutely f - bloody pathetic! Bloody? However, I would have banged their heads together. I enjoy violence. And if they had given me any static, I'd have pulled the razor out. That would have shut them up. / Slash! Have some of that! Don't disrespect me. Not when I'm trying to help you. Are you completely fuckin' nuts?!

Let's calm down a bit. It's a sunny day, and I'm letting people I don't even know upset me. Does it make any sense? I suppose I care too much. There's a lot of suffering in this world, and I'm not the heartless type who can enjoy a sunny day and just forget, yeah?

Oh, by the way, I've decided: I am most definitely going beyond finance in my conceptuals now. I want to leave the dirt behind. But in all my other posts it's just gonna be trash talk like this for the foreseeable future because what's the point in doing anything else? You can't top conceptual literature, man. It's the new thing, the best thing, my most important/serious shit. So the rest of the time I may as well have fun. Just let it all hang out, as it were or will be. I hope you can dig that. And when you get into the conceptuals, I hope you can learn something. I want you to understand that finance will kill your soul. That's why I'm going beyond. I'm talking transcendence. And I want all of you with me!

Oh, calm down. Enjoy the sunshine.

Edward Brogan is supposed to be some kind of King of Tokyo, right?

Wrong! Well, I mean, you would think so. But he's left Japan now because some crazy-ass regulator is investigating Eddie and his firm, Japan Advisory, and his flagship hedge fund, Whitney Japan fund, for insider trading. However, no one really knows what's going on. I mean, even Junko doesn't know, for Christ's sake! And if she doesn't know, what can any of us know? We can't know anything, you dig? So why am I even writing this? I got to write something, ain't I? It's either Eddie and Junko or it's some other bunch of finance freaks. Not that Junko has much to do with it. She just spends the money, I suppose. You know what women are like. I'm not being sexist or nothin'. But this ain't no place for political correctness.

Anyway, I'm not getting involved. If Eddie asks for my help, I'll see what I can do - if he approaches me with the right attitude, all submissive and that. He'll probably be able to work it out by himself, I should think. And he's got Junko. She's a good woman. That Japanese regulator will get bored eventually, then Eddie will be able to open up his office again. Yeah, it's closed. The office is closed, and Eddie has done a runner. It's a real mess. And you've got to wonder why people even want to become hedgies these days, ain't ya? The financial crisis, all the regulations they have to put up with - is it worth it? I reckon Eddie could make more money as a pop star. He could do a cover of Japan's Life in Tokyo. 'Oh, ho, ho, life can be cruel, life in Tok - y - o.'

But if Eddie wants my advice he'll have to pay for it. I could guide him straight to the top of the charts. I know enough about music. Maybe I'll just take a percentage. It's early days yet. It all depends on what he wants to do with his hedge fund. Junko could be the backing singer. Add a bit of glamour, like.

Well, I've got another conceptual post to be getting on with, No. 38. I'm not going to achieve immortal fame by writing posts like this one, am I? So it's down to serious business, after lunch. / Laters.


Update: I'm not writing No. 38 today. I'm writing a second part to No. 36.

[No. 37] Anton Kreil is making a big mistake

He doesn't need to leave the earth.

And I have everything Anton needs right here, RIGHT HERE, and so why is he going into space, man?![1], and the farther one travels the less one knows, and so at this rate Anton won't know anything at all, Jesus![1], and I have everything Anton needs right here, RIGHT HERE, and so why is he going into space, man?![2], and I have everything Anton NEEDS, yeah, and that's what I can't understand, and - God, the man is a space cadet![1], and the farther one travels the less one knows, and so at this rate Anton won't know anything at all, Jesus![2], and this is a serious matter, oh, and this is ground control to Major Kreil time, oh, hello, hello, HELLO![1], and I have everything Anton NEEDS, yeah, and that's what I can't understand, and - God, the man is a space cadet![2], and in space no one can see you trade, right, we get it, like the FSA, and I suppose that's the attraction[1], and this is a serious matter, oh, and this is ground control to Major Kreil time, oh, hello, hello, HELLO![2], and HERE is where all the action is, RIGHT HERE, if only he knew, yes, a-round and a-round, and GONE completely, forever![1], and in space no one can see you trade, right, we get it, like the FSA, and I suppose that's the attraction[2], and it's either sitting in a tin can, ain't it, or it's THIS, dear reader, and which would you choose?[1], and HERE is where all the action is, RIGHT HERE, if only he knew, yes, a-round and a-round, and GONE completely, forever![2], and there are some people it's just impossible to help, and Anton is one of them, and he's not one of us[1], and it's either sitting in a tin can, ain't it, or it's THIS, dear reader, and which would you choose?[2], and I won't lose any sleep over it, no, no, no, and it's his life, but I'll watch for him in the night sky[1], and there are some people it's just impossible to help, and Anton is one of them, and he's not one of us[2], and I have everything Anton needs right here, RIGHT HERE, and so why is he going into space, man?![3], and I won't lose any sleep over it, no, no, no, and it's his life, but I'll watch for him in the night sky[2], and the farther one travels the less one knows, and so at this rate Anton won't know anything at all, Jesus![3], and I have everything Anton NEEDS, yeah, and that's what I can't understand, and - God, the man is a space cadet![3], and this is a serious matter, oh, and this is ground control to Major Kreil time, oh, hello, hello, HELLO![3], and in space no one can see you trade, right, we get it, like the FSA, and I suppose that's the attraction[3], and HERE is where all the action is, RIGHT HERE, if only he knew, yes, a-round and a-round, and GONE completely, forever![3], and it's either sitting in a tin can, ain't it, or it's THIS, dear reader, and which would you choose?[3], and there are some people it's just impossible to help, and Anton is one of them, and he's not one of us[3], and I won't lose any sleep over it, no, no, no, and it's his life, but I'll watch for him in the night sky[3], and

And I have everything Anton needs right here, RIGHT HERE, and so why is he going into space, man?![1], and the farther one travels the less one knows, and so at this rate Anton won't know anything at all, Jesus![1], and I have everything Anton needs right here, RIGHT HERE, and so why is he going into space, man?![2], and I have everything Anton NEEDS, yeah, and that's what I can't understand, and - God, the man is a space cadet![1], and the farther one travels the less one knows, and so at this rate Anton won't know anything at all, Jesus![2], and this is a serious matter, oh, and this is ground control to Major Kreil time, oh, hello, hello, HELLO![1], and I have everything Anton NEEDS, yeah, and that's what I can't understand, and - God, the man is a space cadet![2], and in space no one can see you trade, right, we get it, like the FSA, and I suppose that's the attraction[1], and this is a serious matter, oh, and this is ground control to Major Kreil time, oh, hello, hello, HELLO![2], and HERE is where all the action is, RIGHT HERE, if only he knew, yes, a-round and a-round, and GONE completely, forever![1], and in space no one can see you trade, right, we get it, like the FSA, and I suppose that's the attraction[2], and it's either sitting in a tin can, ain't it, or it's THIS, dear reader, and which would you choose?[1], and HERE is where all the action is, RIGHT HERE, if only he knew, yes, a-round and a-round, and GONE completely, forever![2], and there are some people it's just impossible to help, and Anton is one of them, and he's not one of us[1], and it's either sitting in a tin can, ain't it, or it's THIS, dear reader, and which would you choose?[2], and I won't lose any sleep over it, no, no, no, and it's his life, but I'll watch for him in the night sky[1], and there are some people it's just impossible to help, and Anton is one of them, and he's not one of us[2], and I have everything Anton needs right here, RIGHT HERE, and so why is he going into space, man?![3], and I won't lose any sleep over it, no, no, no, and it's his life, but I'll watch for him in the night sky[2], and the farther one travels the less one knows, and so at this rate Anton won't know anything at all, Jesus![3], and I have everything Anton NEEDS, yeah, and that's what I can't understand, and - God, the man is a space cadet![3], and this is a serious matter, oh, and this is ground control to Major Kreil time, oh, hello, hello, HELLO![3], and in space no one can see you trade, right, we get it, like the FSA, and I suppose that's the attraction[3], and HERE is where all the action is, RIGHT HERE, if only he knew, yes, a-round and a-round, and GONE completely, forever![3], and it's either sitting in a tin can, ain't it, or it's THIS, dear reader, and which would you choose?[3], and there are some people it's just impossible to help, and Anton is one of them, and he's not one of us[3], and I won't lose any sleep over it, no, no, no, and it's his life, but I'll watch for him in the night sky[3], and

And I have everything Anton needs right here, RIGHT HERE, and so why is he going into space, man?![1], and the farther one travels the less one knows, and so at this rate Anton won't know anything at all, Jesus![1], and I have everything Anton needs right here, RIGHT HERE, and so why is he going into space, man?![2], and I have everything Anton NEEDS, yeah, and that's what I can't understand, and - God, the man is a space cadet![1], and the farther one travels the less one knows, and so at this rate Anton won't know anything at all, Jesus![2], and this is a serious matter, oh, and this is ground control to Major Kreil time, oh, hello, hello, HELLO![1], and I have everything Anton NEEDS, yeah, and that's what I can't understand, and - God, the man is a space cadet![2], and in space no one can see you trade, right, we get it, like the FSA, and I suppose that's the attraction[1], and this is a serious matter, oh, and this is ground control to Major Kreil time, oh, hello, hello, HELLO![2], and HERE is where all the action is, RIGHT HERE, if only he knew, yes, a-round and a-round, and GONE completely, forever![1], and in space no one can see you trade, right, we get it, like the FSA, and I suppose that's the attraction[2], and it's either sitting in a tin can, ain't it, or it's THIS, dear reader, and which would you choose?[1], and HERE is where all the action is, RIGHT HERE, if only he knew, yes, a-round and a-round, and GONE completely, forever![2], and there are some people it's just impossible to help, and Anton is one of them, and he's not one of us[1], and it's either sitting in a tin can, ain't it, or it's THIS, dear reader, and which would you choose?[2], and I won't lose any sleep over it, no, no, no, and it's his life, but I'll watch for him in the night sky[1], and there are some people it's just impossible to help, and Anton is one of them, and he's not one of us[2], and I have everything Anton needs right here, RIGHT HERE, and so why is he going into space, man?![3], and I won't lose any sleep over it, no, no, no, and it's his life, but I'll watch for him in the night sky[2], and the farther one travels the less one knows, and so at this rate Anton won't know anything at all, Jesus![3], and I have everything Anton NEEDS, yeah, and that's what I can't understand, and - God, the man is a space cadet![3], and this is a serious matter, oh, and this is ground control to Major Kreil time, oh, hello, hello, HELLO![3], and in space no one can see you trade, right, we get it, like the FSA, and I suppose that's the attraction[3], and HERE is where all the action is, RIGHT HERE, if only he knew, yes, a-round and a-round, and GONE completely, forever![3], and it's either sitting in a tin can, ain't it, or it's THIS, dear reader, and which would you choose?[3], and there are some people it's just impossible to help, and Anton is one of them, and he's not one of us[3], and I won't lose any sleep over it, no, no, no, and it's his life, but I'll watch for him in the night sky[3], and

BlackRock's Andrew Williamson-Jones has had enough

They say he was managing the global equity fund. I find that hard to believe. No, I don't. / Well, he's leaving anyway, in September. I don't blame him. It's the right time. The financial crisis ain't getting any better, and my dreamworld is looking increasingly attractive. I don't blame Andy for wanting a piece of it.

I think we should spare a thought for Richard Turnill though. This poor bastard is managing the fund all by himself now, and there's little chance he'll ever be able to escape. I've had a look at his chakras and I have to say he's the sort who will stay on no matter what. There's nothing we can do to help him. / Should we leave Richie to it? Yeah, let's leave him to it. What do we care?

_________________________

I'll be off on a conceptual later, after lunch, but let me just clarify something: my dreamworld is actually a higher reality. It would be more accurate to say that everyday reality is the real dreamworld. However, I'm afraid it's going to take DEATH to wake some of you up.

[No. 36] Firestorm

I

It will make you more than half-alive.

And you'll enter, and you won't leave, and you'll be lifted up, and you'll feel so light and happy[1], and you'll feel wind in your hair, like straw your hair with sparks, and your eyes with sparks, yes, yes, YES![1], and you'll enter, and you won't leave, and you'll be lifted up, and you'll feel so light and happy[2], and you'll see the light, and you'll feel the heat, and you'll start spinning: you'll go round and round[1], and you'll feel wind in your hair, like straw your hair with sparks, and your eyes with sparks, yes, yes, YES![2], and I'll be a-ROUND, and you'll see me smiling, at you, at you, at you, and we'll be so HOT, together[1], and you'll see the light, and you'll feel the heat, and you'll start spinning: you'll go round and round[2], and it'll last in a way things rarely last BECAUSE it's gonna be a state of mind for us, 'Oh yes?', oh yes![1], and I'll be a-ROUND, and you'll see me smiling, at you, at you, at you, and we'll be so HOT, together[2], and if you're reading this, you're half-way there: you're half-WAY to being more than half-ALIVE[1], and it'll last in a way things rarely last BECAUSE it's gonna be a state of mind for us, 'Oh yes?', oh yes![2], and you've got to want it, oh, you've got to be sick of your life, yeah, and you've got to be sick, so sick[1], and if you're reading this, you're half-way there: you're half-WAY to being more than half-ALIVE[2], and I'm coming to get ya, and I'm coming to drag ya, and it's gonna be a STORM to remember[1], and you've got to want it, oh, you've got to be sick of your life, yeah, and you've got to be sick, so sick[2], and I'm talking a bloodSTORM a fireSTORM all a-ROUND, and it's all we'll breathe a-ROUND[1], and I'm coming to get ya, and I'm coming to drag ya, and it's gonna be a STORM to remember[2], and - DAMN!, we're already in it, and be aware, you're already gone, and this is a trick?, ah, I've tricked you[1], and I'm talking a bloodSTORM a fireSTORM all a-ROUND, and it's all we'll breathe a-ROUND[2], and where's the money?, ha!, there ain't no money, and it's ashes as GONE as your mind[1], and - DAMN!, we're already in it, and be aware, you're already gone, and this is a trick?, ah, I've tricked you[2], and I know you hate me, but you gotta love me, because this is for all times: there'll be no end[1], and where's the money?, ha!, there ain't no money, and it's ashes as GONE as your mind[2], and you'll enter, and you won't leave, and you'll be lifted up, and you'll feel so light and happy[3], and I know you hate me, but you gotta love me, because this is for all times: there'll be no end[2], and you'll feel wind in your hair, like straw your hair with sparks, and your eyes with sparks, yes, yes, YES![3], and you'll see the light, and you'll feel the heat, and you'll start spinning: you'll go round and round[3], and I'll be a-ROUND, and you'll see me smiling, at you, at you, at you, and we'll be so HOT, together[3], and it'll last in a way things rarely last BECAUSE it's gonna be a state of mind for us, 'Oh yes?', oh yes![3], and if you're reading this, you're half-way there: you're half-WAY to being more than half-ALIVE[3], and you've got to want it, oh, you've got to be sick of your life, yeah, and you've got to be sick, so sick[3], and I'm coming to get ya, and I'm coming to drag ya, and it's gonna be a STORM to remember[3], and I'm talking a bloodSTORM a fireSTORM all a-ROUND, and it's all we'll breathe a-ROUND[3], and - DAMN!, we're already in it, and be aware, you're already gone, and this is a trick?, ah, I've tricked you[3], and where's the money?, ha!, there ain't no money, and it's ashes as GONE as your mind[3], and I know you hate me, but you gotta love me, because this is for all times: there'll be no end[3], and

And you'll enter, and you won't leave, and you'll be lifted up, and you'll feel so light and happy[1], and you'll feel wind in your hair, like straw your hair with sparks, and your eyes with sparks, yes, yes, YES![1], and you'll enter, and you won't leave, and you'll be lifted up, and you'll feel so light and happy[2], and you'll see the light, and you'll feel the heat, and you'll start spinning: you'll go round and round[1], and you'll feel wind in your hair, like straw your hair with sparks, and your eyes with sparks, yes, yes, YES![2], and I'll be a-ROUND, and you'll see me smiling, at you, at you, at you, and we'll be so HOT, together[1], and you'll see the light, and you'll feel the heat, and you'll start spinning: you'll go round and round[2], and it'll last in a way things rarely last BECAUSE it's gonna be a state of mind for us, 'Oh yes?', oh yes![1], and I'll be a-ROUND, and you'll see me smiling, at you, at you, at you, and we'll be so HOT, together[2], and if you're reading this, you're half-way there: you're half-WAY to being more than half-ALIVE[1], and it'll last in a way things rarely last BECAUSE it's gonna be a state of mind for us, 'Oh yes?', oh yes![2], and you've got to want it, oh, you've got to be sick of your life, yeah, and you've got to be sick, so sick[1], and if you're reading this, you're half-way there: you're half-WAY to being more than half-ALIVE[2], and I'm coming to get ya, and I'm coming to drag ya, and it's gonna be a STORM to remember[1], and you've got to want it, oh, you've got to be sick of your life, yeah, and you've got to be sick, so sick[2], and I'm talking a bloodSTORM a fireSTORM all a-ROUND, and it's all we'll breathe a-ROUND[1], and I'm coming to get ya, and I'm coming to drag ya, and it's gonna be a STORM to remember[2], and - DAMN!, we're already in it, and be aware, you're already gone, and this is a trick?, ah, I've tricked you[1], and I'm talking a bloodSTORM a fireSTORM all a-ROUND, and it's all we'll breathe a-ROUND[2], and where's the money?, ha!, there ain't no money, and it's ashes as GONE as your mind[1], and - DAMN!, we're already in it, and be aware, you're already gone, and this is a trick?, ah, I've tricked you[2], and I know you hate me, but you gotta love me, because this is for all times: there'll be no end[1], and where's the money?, ha!, there ain't no money, and it's ashes as GONE as your mind[2], and you'll enter, and you won't leave, and you'll be lifted up, and you'll feel so light and happy[3], and I know you hate me, but you gotta love me, because this is for all times: there'll be no end[2], and you'll feel wind in your hair, like straw your hair with sparks, and your eyes with sparks, yes, yes, YES![3], and you'll see the light, and you'll feel the heat, and you'll start spinning: you'll go round and round[3], and I'll be a-ROUND, and you'll see me smiling, at you, at you, at you, and we'll be so HOT, together[3], and it'll last in a way things rarely last BECAUSE it's gonna be a state of mind for us, 'Oh yes?', oh yes![3], and if you're reading this, you're half-way there: you're half-WAY to being more than half-ALIVE[3], and you've got to want it, oh, you've got to be sick of your life, yeah, and you've got to be sick, so sick[3], and I'm coming to get ya, and I'm coming to drag ya, and it's gonna be a STORM to remember[3], and I'm talking a bloodSTORM a fireSTORM all a-ROUND, and it's all we'll breathe a-ROUND[3], and - DAMN!, we're already in it, and be aware, you're already gone, and this is a trick?, ah, I've tricked you[3], and where's the money?, ha!, there ain't no money, and it's ashes as GONE as your mind[3], and I know you hate me, but you gotta love me, because this is for all times: there'll be no end[3], and

And you'll enter, and you won't leave, and you'll be lifted up, and you'll feel so light and happy[1], and you'll feel wind in your hair, like straw your hair with sparks, and your eyes with sparks, yes, yes, YES![1], and you'll enter, and you won't leave, and you'll be lifted up, and you'll feel so light and happy[2], and you'll see the light, and you'll feel the heat, and you'll start spinning: you'll go round and round[1], and you'll feel wind in your hair, like straw your hair with sparks, and your eyes with sparks, yes, yes, YES![2], and I'll be a-ROUND, and you'll see me smiling, at you, at you, at you, and we'll be so HOT, together[1], and you'll see the light, and you'll feel the heat, and you'll start spinning: you'll go round and round[2], and it'll last in a way things rarely last BECAUSE it's gonna be a state of mind for us, 'Oh yes?', oh yes![1], and I'll be a-ROUND, and you'll see me smiling, at you, at you, at you, and we'll be so HOT, together[2], and if you're reading this, you're half-way there: you're half-WAY to being more than half-ALIVE[1], and it'll last in a way things rarely last BECAUSE it's gonna be a state of mind for us, 'Oh yes?', oh yes![2], and you've got to want it, oh, you've got to be sick of your life, yeah, and you've got to be sick, so sick[1], and if you're reading this, you're half-way there: you're half-WAY to being more than half-ALIVE[2], and I'm coming to get ya, and I'm coming to drag ya, and it's gonna be a STORM to remember[1], and you've got to want it, oh, you've got to be sick of your life, yeah, and you've got to be sick, so sick[2], and I'm talking a bloodSTORM a fireSTORM all a-ROUND, and it's all we'll breathe a-ROUND[1], and I'm coming to get ya, and I'm coming to drag ya, and it's gonna be a STORM to remember[2], and - DAMN!, we're already in it, and be aware, you're already gone, and this is a trick?, ah, I've tricked you[1], and I'm talking a bloodSTORM a fireSTORM all a-ROUND, and it's all we'll breathe a-ROUND[2], and where's the money?, ha!, there ain't no money, and it's ashes as GONE as your mind[1], and - DAMN!, we're already in it, and be aware, you're already gone, and this is a trick?, ah, I've tricked you[2], and I know you hate me, but you gotta love me, because this is for all times: there'll be no end[1], and where's the money?, ha!, there ain't no money, and it's ashes as GONE as your mind[2], and you'll enter, and you won't leave, and you'll be lifted up, and you'll feel so light and happy[3], and I know you hate me, but you gotta love me, because this is for all times: there'll be no end[2], and you'll feel wind in your hair, like straw your hair with sparks, and your eyes with sparks, yes, yes, YES![3], and you'll see the light, and you'll feel the heat, and you'll start spinning: you'll go round and round[3], and I'll be a-ROUND, and you'll see me smiling, at you, at you, at you, and we'll be so HOT, together[3], and it'll last in a way things rarely last BECAUSE it's gonna be a state of mind for us, 'Oh yes?', oh yes![3], and if you're reading this, you're half-way there: you're half-WAY to being more than half-ALIVE[3], and you've got to want it, oh, you've got to be sick of your life, yeah, and you've got to be sick, so sick[3], and I'm coming to get ya, and I'm coming to drag ya, and it's gonna be a STORM to remember[3], and I'm talking a bloodSTORM a fireSTORM all a-ROUND, and it's all we'll breathe a-ROUND[3], and - DAMN!, we're already in it, and be aware, you're already gone, and this is a trick?, ah, I've tricked you[3], and where's the money?, ha!, there ain't no money, and it's ashes as GONE as your mind[3], and I know you hate me, but you gotta love me, because this is for all times: there'll be no end[3], and

II

There's nothing here, for you: this is all for me.

And it's nice to get lost all wild and free and burning a consciousness out of control beyond the THREE[1], and it's windy stormy just the WAY how I like it with sparks from nerve to nerve then smoky skin[1], and it's nice to get lost all wild and free and burning a consciousness out of control beyond the THREE[2], and like a ghost I'm feeling not all there but very much HERE and it's rather satisfying[1], and it's windy stormy just the WAY how I like it with sparks from nerve to nerve then smoky skin[2], and it's hidden but the WORDS from it I show because I'm not afraid to let the evidence make its mark on the world[1], and like a ghost I'm feeling not all there but very much HERE and it's rather satisfying[2], and I'm light and happy and not dirty away from the evil SENSE that foolish men and women live with[1], and it's hidden but the WORDS from it I show because I'm not afraid to let the evidence make its mark on the world[2], and I'm in deeper and harder and rounder a-ROUND and a-ROUND and a-ROUND and UP and GONE![1], and I'm light and happy and not dirty away from the evil SENSE that foolish men and women live with[2], and some things are private and some things you can't share but you can open the door for others[1], and I'm in deeper and harder and rounder a-ROUND and a-ROUND and a-ROUND and UP and GONE![2], and it seems all I'm doing these days is opening doors for others and I'm waiting for someone with GUTS[1], and some things are private and some things you can't share but you can open the door for others[2], and I'm singing in the fire and I'm singing in the storm and I am the FIRESTORM, yes, yes, YES![1], and it seems all I'm doing these days is opening doors for others and I'm waiting for someone with GUTS[2], and when it's over and when I'm over and when the DREAM is over there'll be a record and there'll be a clue[1], and I'm singing in the fire and I'm singing in the storm and I am the FIRESTORM, yes, yes, YES![2], and it's nice to know you're lost with a witness or two oh it ain't easy to BELIEVE it ain't easy at all[1], and when it's over and when I'm over and when the DREAM is over there'll be a record and there'll be a clue[2], and faster now and faster now and faster now and there's no THREE and I'm FREE because of that fact[1], and it's nice to know you're lost with a witness or two oh it ain't easy to BELIEVE it ain't easy at all[2], and it's nice to get lost all wild and free and burning a consciousness out of control beyond the THREE[3], and faster now and faster now and faster now and there's no THREE and I'm FREE because of that fact[2], and it's windy stormy just the WAY how I like it with sparks from nerve to nerve then smoky skin[3], and like a ghost I'm feeling not all there but very much HERE and it's rather satisfying[3], and it's hidden but the WORDS from it I show because I'm not afraid to let the evidence make its mark on the world[3], and I'm light and happy and not dirty away from the evil SENSE that foolish men and women live with[3], and I'm in deeper and harder and rounder a-ROUND and a-ROUND and a-ROUND and UP and GONE![3], and some things are private and some things you can't share but you can open the door for others[3], and it seems all I'm doing these days is opening doors for others and I'm waiting for someone with GUTS[3], and I'm singing in the fire and I'm singing in the storm and I am the FIRESTORM, yes, yes, YES![3], and when it's over and when I'm over and when the DREAM is over there'll be a record and there'll be a clue[3], and it's nice to know you're lost with a witness or two oh it ain't easy to BELIEVE it ain't easy at all[3], and faster now and faster now and faster now and there's no THREE and I'm FREE because of that fact[3], and

And it's nice to get lost all wild and free and burning a consciousness out of control beyond the THREE[1], and it's windy stormy just the WAY how I like it with sparks from nerve to nerve then smoky skin[1], and it's nice to get lost all wild and free and burning a consciousness out of control beyond the THREE[2], and like a ghost I'm feeling not all there but very much HERE and it's rather satisfying[1], and it's windy stormy just the WAY how I like it with sparks from nerve to nerve then smoky skin[2], and it's hidden but the WORDS from it I show because I'm not afraid to let the evidence make its mark on the world[1], and like a ghost I'm feeling not all there but very much HERE and it's rather satisfying[2], and I'm light and happy and not dirty away from the evil SENSE that foolish men and women live with[1], and it's hidden but the WORDS from it I show because I'm not afraid to let the evidence make its mark on the world[2], and I'm in deeper and harder and rounder a-ROUND and a-ROUND and a-ROUND and UP and GONE![1], and I'm light and happy and not dirty away from the evil SENSE that foolish men and women live with[2], and some things are private and some things you can't share but you can open the door for others[1], and I'm in deeper and harder and rounder a-ROUND and a-ROUND and a-ROUND and UP and GONE![2], and it seems all I'm doing these days is opening doors for others and I'm waiting for someone with GUTS[1], and some things are private and some things you can't share but you can open the door for others[2], and I'm singing in the fire and I'm singing in the storm and I am the FIRESTORM, yes, yes, YES![1], and it seems all I'm doing these days is opening doors for others and I'm waiting for someone with GUTS[2], and when it's over and when I'm over and when the DREAM is over there'll be a record and there'll be a clue[1], and I'm singing in the fire and I'm singing in the storm and I am the FIRESTORM, yes, yes, YES![2], and it's nice to know you're lost with a witness or two oh it ain't easy to BELIEVE it ain't easy at all[1], and when it's over and when I'm over and when the DREAM is over there'll be a record and there'll be a clue[2], and faster now and faster now and faster now and there's no THREE and I'm FREE because of that fact[1], and it's nice to know you're lost with a witness or two oh it ain't easy to BELIEVE it ain't easy at all[2], and it's nice to get lost all wild and free and burning a consciousness out of control beyond the THREE[3], and faster now and faster now and faster now and there's no THREE and I'm FREE because of that fact[2], and it's windy stormy just the WAY how I like it with sparks from nerve to nerve then smoky skin[3], and like a ghost I'm feeling not all there but very much HERE and it's rather satisfying[3], and it's hidden but the WORDS from it I show because I'm not afraid to let the evidence make its mark on the world[3], and I'm light and happy and not dirty away from the evil SENSE that foolish men and women live with[3], and I'm in deeper and harder and rounder a-ROUND and a-ROUND and a-ROUND and UP and GONE![3], and some things are private and some things you can't share but you can open the door for others[3], and it seems all I'm doing these days is opening doors for others and I'm waiting for someone with GUTS[3], and I'm singing in the fire and I'm singing in the storm and I am the FIRESTORM, yes, yes, YES![3], and when it's over and when I'm over and when the DREAM is over there'll be a record and there'll be a clue[3], and it's nice to know you're lost with a witness or two oh it ain't easy to BELIEVE it ain't easy at all[3], and faster now and faster now and faster now and there's no THREE and I'm FREE because of that fact[3], and

And it's nice to get lost all wild and free and burning a consciousness out of control beyond the THREE[1], and it's windy stormy just the WAY how I like it with sparks from nerve to nerve then smoky skin[1], and it's nice to get lost all wild and free and burning a consciousness out of control beyond the THREE[2], and like a ghost I'm feeling not all there but very much HERE and it's rather satisfying[1], and it's windy stormy just the WAY how I like it with sparks from nerve to nerve then smoky skin[2], and it's hidden but the WORDS from it I show because I'm not afraid to let the evidence make its mark on the world[1], and like a ghost I'm feeling not all there but very much HERE and it's rather satisfying[2], and I'm light and happy and not dirty away from the evil SENSE that foolish men and women live with[1], and it's hidden but the WORDS from it I show because I'm not afraid to let the evidence make its mark on the world[2], and I'm in deeper and harder and rounder a-ROUND and a-ROUND and a-ROUND and UP and GONE![1], and I'm light and happy and not dirty away from the evil SENSE that foolish men and women live with[2], and some things are private and some things you can't share but you can open the door for others[1], and I'm in deeper and harder and rounder a-ROUND and a-ROUND and a-ROUND and UP and GONE![2], and it seems all I'm doing these days is opening doors for others and I'm waiting for someone with GUTS[1], and some things are private and some things you can't share but you can open the door for others[2], and I'm singing in the fire and I'm singing in the storm and I am the FIRESTORM, yes, yes, YES![1], and it seems all I'm doing these days is opening doors for others and I'm waiting for someone with GUTS[2], and when it's over and when I'm over and when the DREAM is over there'll be a record and there'll be a clue[1], and I'm singing in the fire and I'm singing in the storm and I am the FIRESTORM, yes, yes, YES![2], and it's nice to know you're lost with a witness or two oh it ain't easy to BELIEVE it ain't easy at all[1], and when it's over and when I'm over and when the DREAM is over there'll be a record and there'll be a clue[2], and faster now and faster now and faster now and there's no THREE and I'm FREE because of that fact[1], and it's nice to know you're lost with a witness or two oh it ain't easy to BELIEVE it ain't easy at all[2], and it's nice to get lost all wild and free and burning a consciousness out of control beyond the THREE[3], and faster now and faster now and faster now and there's no THREE and I'm FREE because of that fact[2], and it's windy stormy just the WAY how I like it with sparks from nerve to nerve then smoky skin[3], and like a ghost I'm feeling not all there but very much HERE and it's rather satisfying[3], and it's hidden but the WORDS from it I show because I'm not afraid to let the evidence make its mark on the world[3], and I'm light and happy and not dirty away from the evil SENSE that foolish men and women live with[3], and I'm in deeper and harder and rounder a-ROUND and a-ROUND and a-ROUND and UP and GONE![3], and some things are private and some things you can't share but you can open the door for others[3], and it seems all I'm doing these days is opening doors for others and I'm waiting for someone with GUTS[3], and I'm singing in the fire and I'm singing in the storm and I am the FIRESTORM, yes, yes, YES![3], and when it's over and when I'm over and when the DREAM is over there'll be a record and there'll be a clue[3], and it's nice to know you're lost with a witness or two oh it ain't easy to BELIEVE it ain't easy at all[3], and faster now and faster now and faster now and there's no THREE and I'm FREE because of that fact[3], and

Massimo Bertoli is launching his own hedge fund with money from Goldman Sachs

Only God can judge me. Yes, I'm listening to 2Pac again. I woke up and screamed: fuck the Olympics! That's me, paraphrasing. But let's get down to business. Apparently, Massimo Bertoli is some character who left Och-Ziff Capital Management last year. Now (or later) he wants to launch his own hedge fund with someone else's money, Goldman's money, in fact. / I can't understand Lloyd. Hasn't he got enough trouble with Lee Robinson? It can't just be greed. It's about power and control, ain't it? Well, never mind. Only God can judge Lloyd Blankfein. But if God's got any sense He'll leave well alone.

Who is this Stephen Sales? He's mixed up in it too. Unbelievable. The freakin' hedge fund doesn't even have a name yet, and people say I'm a dreamer! What are they going to call it? Who cares?! Hedge funds come, and hedge funds go. Read Ecclesiastes if you don't believe me.

Should I give them my blessing, Massi and Stevie? What harm can it do? More to the point, what good can it do? I'm losing touch with the shaman I used to be. I'm leaving "normal" reality behind. (I mean, what's normal for me.) This was always my destiny. So how can I help people who are only interested in making money? I must seem utterly alien to them. It's my dream that one day they'll want to join me. Am I a fool?

Philippe Gougenheim has raised $80 million for his Glasnost hedge fund

But he wants $250 million. And do you know what? I think he's going to do it. I actually believe the crazy bastard is going to get all the money he needs. It seems I was too harsh with Mr Gougenheim last time. Well, it just goes to show that even financial shamans can get it wrong. / Philippe, I take my hat off to you!

_________________________

Right, this is a slow start to the week. There's no reason why I should rush straight in to all the exciting financial news, is there? I'm going beyond finance, anyway - didn't you get the memo?

But no conceptual post today either. I've got to go out this afternoon, as long as it doesn't rain. What about all this rain, eh? It's a good job I've got my hat.

I've been thinking about my conceptual shit again. (You know me, I like to analyse shit.) Well, I could only have developed this new literature as an unknown writer. At the beginning of the year, I pulled out of an interview with a big American newspaper. At that time (as I've already mentioned) I had two kinds of posts: news stories in an odd style, like the opening of this post, and posts of the immortal words/love is a dying star variety, which can easily be mistaken for prose poems. All lovely stuff, sure, but nothing (too) revolutionary. And there was a danger I could have become satisfied with that. "Fame" makes you satisfied. / So, it would have been the wrong time. I'm getting closer to the right time. I need another forty or fifty conceptuals. Then no one will be able to fuck with me. It will be an historic achievement. And no one will be able to fuck with me. Do you understand? I hope you can dig it, man.

Put it together with the songs I'm writing at the moment, and this has got to be the most important year of my life. Even if I live to be a hundred, there will never be a better year for me. And please consider: this is a manic depressive writing/talking. Jesus H. Christ! There's a serious chance of my becoming happy.


Note: I'm not really all that depressed these days. Just a touch melancholic. You should have seen me in my youth. I gave Prince Hamlet and Young Werther a run for their money.

Nothing much

Just this, that's all. / I'm listening to Bowie's Ziggy Stardust at the moment. Anton Kreil has put me in the mood for it. He's a great guy. Bowie, not Kreil. I'm not fucking crazy.

Still trying to get my songs together for a demo. My voice is actually better than Ian Brown's. Does this mean I should become a recording artist as well? No. I don't want the hassle of pop stardom, not at my age. Besides, I wouldn't have any time for blogging, would I?

I'm listening to Jean Michel Jarre's Oxygene now. It's all right. / There's no financial news, thank God. I need a break. And no more conceptuals this week. Just this, until Monday.

That CD/DVD shop in Chiswick is open again. I don't know what happened. Maybe they were redecorating. It looks a bit different, I think.

I'm not going to Cornwall this year. / I found some videos on YouTube of my favourite Cornish beach, Porth Kidney Sands. I also found a video of St Ives from June 1990, which was a bit depressing because a lot of the old people in it are probably dead now. There's one guy playing a game in the arcade. A terrible waste of time. Twenty-two years have passed since then. Today, he's in his forties, no doubt. I remember I went to Sennen Cove/Land's End in August 1990. I'm in my forties. I don't want to waste any more time on stupid stuff.

Let's have some 2Pac. I Ain't Mad At Cha. It's a shame he had to die so young, but at least he stayed true to himself. Kept it real, as it were. / Thug Life by Thug Life (2Pac's group). It's a great album. Bury Me A G. 'I'm staying real until I'm six feet deep.' 2Pac was as obsessed with death as Dylan Thomas was. All intelligent, sensible people are. I could be wrong. Bernie Ecclestone might be a better role model.

Anton Kreil, space monkey

Anton Kreil is squawking like a pink monkey bird. Basically, he's freaking out in a moonage daydream. And he'll be a rock 'n' rollin' bitch for us, if we give him half a chance with his 'lectric eye. So I'm saying, the church of Kreil, love, is such a holy place to be.

What's this all about? I don't know. Space trading or something. I suppose it's a good way of avoiding the regulators, like the old days on the astral plane. I can only wish him the best of luck. The guy's got some imagination, ain't he?

[No. 35] They gotta let me be me

Or get to fuck.

And they come to me with their wretched sensibilities believing I have to be the way they are[1], and I can't reduce myself to such narrow humanity because the whole universe is in me[1], and they come to me with their wretched sensibilities believing I have to be the way they are[2], and when you truly open your mind, oh, when you open your soul, you let in good and evil[1], and I can't reduce myself to such narrow humanity because the whole universe is in me[2], and I'll spin them away, and I'll kiss them goodbye, and they'll think they're saved and not damned[1], and when you truly open your mind, oh, when you open your soul, you let in good and evil[2], and I want to be friendly, ha, and I want to be nice: I want the weakness of the shat upon?[1], and I'll spin them away, and I'll kiss them goodbye, and they'll think they're saved and not damned[2], and it's only when you're isolated that you have any chance at all of getting to grips with the TRUTH[1], and I want to be friendly, ha, and I want to be nice: I want the weakness of the shat upon?[2], and the mob will mob you as soon as look at you, and the mob will drag you down to civilization[1], and it's only when you're isolated that you have any chance at all of getting to grips with the TRUTH[2], and I'm lost in the whirlpool, and I'm cut off in the whirlpool, and I have no complaints[1], and the mob will mob you as soon as look at you, and the mob will drag you down to civilization[2], and you can be lonely and sad about it, ah nothing, or lonely in action with an eye on glory[1], and I'm lost in the whirlpool, and I'm cut off in the whirlpool, and I have no complaints[2], and I'm waiting for some revelations that will change everything, and I'm waiting for some change[1], and you can be lonely and sad about it, ah nothing, or lonely in action with an eye on glory[2], and they come to me with their wretched sensibilities believing I have to be the way they are[3], and I'm waiting for some revelations that will change everything, and I'm waiting for some change[2], and I can't reduce myself to such narrow humanity because the whole universe is in me[3], and when you truly open your mind, oh, when you open your soul, you let in good and evil[3], and I'll spin them away, and I'll kiss them goodbye, and they'll think they're saved and not damned[3], and I want to be friendly, ha, and I want to be nice: I want the weakness of the shat upon?[3], and it's only when you're isolated that you have any chance at all of getting to grips with the TRUTH[3], and the mob will mob you as soon as look at you, and the mob will drag you down to civilization[3], and I'm lost in the whirlpool, and I'm cut off in the whirlpool, and I have no complaints[3], and you can be lonely and sad about it, ah nothing, or lonely in action with an eye on glory[3], and I'm waiting for some revelations that will change everything, and I'm waiting for some change[3], and

And they come to me with their wretched sensibilities believing I have to be the way they are[1], and I can't reduce myself to such narrow humanity because the whole universe is in me[1], and they come to me with their wretched sensibilities believing I have to be the way they are[2], and when you truly open your mind, oh, when you open your soul, you let in good and evil[1], and I can't reduce myself to such narrow humanity because the whole universe is in me[2], and I'll spin them away, and I'll kiss them goodbye, and they'll think they're saved and not damned[1], and when you truly open your mind, oh, when you open your soul, you let in good and evil[2], and I want to be friendly, ha, and I want to be nice: I want the weakness of the shat upon?[1], and I'll spin them away, and I'll kiss them goodbye, and they'll think they're saved and not damned[2], and it's only when you're isolated that you have any chance at all of getting to grips with the TRUTH[1], and I want to be friendly, ha, and I want to be nice: I want the weakness of the shat upon?[2], and the mob will mob you as soon as look at you, and the mob will drag you down to civilization[1], and it's only when you're isolated that you have any chance at all of getting to grips with the TRUTH[2], and I'm lost in the whirlpool, and I'm cut off in the whirlpool, and I have no complaints[1], and the mob will mob you as soon as look at you, and the mob will drag you down to civilization[2], and you can be lonely and sad about it, ah nothing, or lonely in action with an eye on glory[1], and I'm lost in the whirlpool, and I'm cut off in the whirlpool, and I have no complaints[2], and I'm waiting for some revelations that will change everything, and I'm waiting for some change[1], and you can be lonely and sad about it, ah nothing, or lonely in action with an eye on glory[2], and they come to me with their wretched sensibilities believing I have to be the way they are[3], and I'm waiting for some revelations that will change everything, and I'm waiting for some change[2], and I can't reduce myself to such narrow humanity because the whole universe is in me[3], and when you truly open your mind, oh, when you open your soul, you let in good and evil[3], and I'll spin them away, and I'll kiss them goodbye, and they'll think they're saved and not damned[3], and I want to be friendly, ha, and I want to be nice: I want the weakness of the shat upon?[3], and it's only when you're isolated that you have any chance at all of getting to grips with the TRUTH[3], and the mob will mob you as soon as look at you, and the mob will drag you down to civilization[3], and I'm lost in the whirlpool, and I'm cut off in the whirlpool, and I have no complaints[3], and you can be lonely and sad about it, ah nothing, or lonely in action with an eye on glory[3], and I'm waiting for some revelations that will change everything, and I'm waiting for some change[3], and

And they come to me with their wretched sensibilities believing I have to be the way they are[1], and I can't reduce myself to such narrow humanity because the whole universe is in me[1], and they come to me with their wretched sensibilities believing I have to be the way they are[2], and when you truly open your mind, oh, when you open your soul, you let in good and evil[1], and I can't reduce myself to such narrow humanity because the whole universe is in me[2], and I'll spin them away, and I'll kiss them goodbye, and they'll think they're saved and not damned[1], and when you truly open your mind, oh, when you open your soul, you let in good and evil[2], and I want to be friendly, ha, and I want to be nice: I want the weakness of the shat upon?[1], and I'll spin them away, and I'll kiss them goodbye, and they'll think they're saved and not damned[2], and it's only when you're isolated that you have any chance at all of getting to grips with the TRUTH[1], and I want to be friendly, ha, and I want to be nice: I want the weakness of the shat upon?[2], and the mob will mob you as soon as look at you, and the mob will drag you down to civilization[1], and it's only when you're isolated that you have any chance at all of getting to grips with the TRUTH[2], and I'm lost in the whirlpool, and I'm cut off in the whirlpool, and I have no complaints[1], and the mob will mob you as soon as look at you, and the mob will drag you down to civilization[2], and you can be lonely and sad about it, ah nothing, or lonely in action with an eye on glory[1], and I'm lost in the whirlpool, and I'm cut off in the whirlpool, and I have no complaints[2], and I'm waiting for some revelations that will change everything, and I'm waiting for some change[1], and you can be lonely and sad about it, ah nothing, or lonely in action with an eye on glory[2], and they come to me with their wretched sensibilities believing I have to be the way they are[3], and I'm waiting for some revelations that will change everything, and I'm waiting for some change[2], and I can't reduce myself to such narrow humanity because the whole universe is in me[3], and when you truly open your mind, oh, when you open your soul, you let in good and evil[3], and I'll spin them away, and I'll kiss them goodbye, and they'll think they're saved and not damned[3], and I want to be friendly, ha, and I want to be nice: I want the weakness of the shat upon?[3], and it's only when you're isolated that you have any chance at all of getting to grips with the TRUTH[3], and the mob will mob you as soon as look at you, and the mob will drag you down to civilization[3], and I'm lost in the whirlpool, and I'm cut off in the whirlpool, and I have no complaints[3], and you can be lonely and sad about it, ah nothing, or lonely in action with an eye on glory[3], and I'm waiting for some revelations that will change everything, and I'm waiting for some change[3], and

Bob Diamond: 'What's mine is mine. Come and get it. Show me what you got, socialists.'

Ve don't care. Ve still vant ze money, Lebowski, or ve fuck you ups. - Nihilist, The Big Lebowski

And I agree wholeheartedly. What's Bobby's is Bobby's. The bastards want his golden parachute now. Can you believe it?

They've taken his job. They're probably going to get his money. Why can't they leave his golden parachute alone? Are they completely heartless?

Or maybe I've misunderstood. I don't give a shit. / Let me let you into a little secret: I don't want to understand. I mean, take a good look at the sort of cretins who understand. No thank you. It's not for me. I'm all aloof and that, anyway.

_________________________

Well, that's enough finance for one day. I've got to mentally prepare myself for No. 35. / Kids, we're going beyond finance. I hope you can dig it. I'm doing this for the sake of your health, after all.

Mickey Morrissey has left Liontrust

Unfortunately, my internet connection is playing up again. So I've had to phone Mickey. I've had to phone Mickey to find out what the hell has happened.

'Mikey, why are you calling me? (Mickey, man, I want to know why you left Liontrust Asset Management.) I don't know anything about it. (What do you mean, you don't know anything about it? Weren't you the head of third party distribution, Mickey?) Mikey, you've got the wrong Mickey. (Aren't you Mickey Morrissey?) Yeah, I'm Mickey Morrissey. (Mickey, why are you messing me around?) Mikey, I wish I could help you. (Mickey, this isn't funny, man. My readers rely on me for all the latest financial news, and you're behaving like a prick. Tell me why you left Liontrust!) Have a look on the internet, Mikey. (Mickey, you're just making things worse for yourself. My readers ain't gonna like this.) Mikey, I don't give a toss about your readers! (Oh, it's like that, is it?) Yeah. (I might be able to help you, Mickey. I know a lot of people. Like Nigel Legge. I know him.) I don't care who you know, Mikey. I don't need anyone's help. I know Nigel, anyway. (Right. So you are the genuine Mickey, Mickey.) What? (I said you are the genuine Mickey, Mickey.) My name's Mickey Morrissey. (For fuck's sake!) Do you want to start again, Mikey?'

I put the phone down. This is what happens when you don't have the internet. How did people ever cope before?

_________________________

I want my lunch. / I'll be back with more posts later, including No. 35. Where do I get the energy from? I wrote for thirteen hours yesterday. Thirteen!