[No. 100] Yeah, well, you know, sometimes, uh, I just lose control of it, but I'm taking it to the future, man

Believe me, brother, sister.

And sometimes it's MESSY a-ROUND here, and I don't know what I'm doing, and I just get stuck in it, you know?[1], and I want to get beyond the THREE, obviously[1], and sometimes it's MESSY a-ROUND here, and I don't know what I'm doing, and I just get stuck in it, you know?[2], and ... it's more important than the FINANCIAL news - I can tell you that - oh, far more important than the utter SHIT those phoneys want you to SWALLOW[1], and I want to get beyond the THREE, obviously[2], and take my hand, my mind, brother, sister - I'll set you FREE(!), and myself, because I won't always be here, you know[1], and ... it's more important than the FINANCIAL news - I can tell you that - oh, far more important than the utter SHIT those phoneys want you to SWALLOW[2], and you don't even know how trapped you are, that's the sad thing[1], and take my hand, my mind, brother, sister - I'll set you FREE(!), and myself, because I won't always be here, you know[2], and I'm getting OUT, and I can't leave you behind: DEATH BEFORE DISHONOUR![1], and you don't even know how trapped you are, that's the sad thing[2], and you've got to get a-ROUND to get along, you dig?[1], and I'm getting OUT, and I can't leave you behind: DEATH BEFORE DISHONOUR![2], and NOTHING they can tell you is going to help you, man, and they want you HELPLESS, at their mercy[1], and you've got to get a-ROUND to get along, you dig?[2], and they ain't making CHANGES, they ain't changing shit: it's just a racket[1], and NOTHING they can tell you is going to help you, man, and they want you HELPLESS, at their mercy[2], and don't give them your MONEY, and don't give them your TIME - are you crazy?!?![1], and they ain't making CHANGES, they ain't changing shit: it's just a racket[2], and they ain't got no SOULS: they want your soul[1], and don't give them your MONEY, and don't give them your TIME - are you crazy?!?![2], and if JESUS were here? 'Oh, listen to Mikey' ... yes, yes, yes![1], and they ain't got no SOULS: they want your soul[2], and sometimes it's MESSY a-ROUND here, and I don't know what I'm doing, and I just get stuck in it, you know?[3], and if JESUS were here? 'Oh, listen to Mikey' ... yes, yes, yes![2], and I want to get beyond the THREE, obviously[3], and ... it's more important than the FINANCIAL news - I can tell you that - oh, far more important than the utter SHIT those phoneys want you to SWALLOW[3], and take my hand, my mind, brother, sister - I'll set you FREE(!), and myself, because I won't always be here, you know[3], and you don't even know how trapped you are, that's the sad thing[3], and I'm getting OUT, and I can't leave you behind: DEATH BEFORE DISHONOUR![3], and you've got to get a-ROUND to get along, you dig?[3], and NOTHING they can tell you is going to help you, man, and they want you HELPLESS, at their mercy[3], and they ain't making CHANGES, they ain't changing shit: it's just a racket[3], and don't give them your MONEY, and don't give them your TIME - are you crazy?!?![3], and they ain't got no SOULS: they want your soul[3], and if JESUS were here? 'Oh, listen to Mikey' ... yes, yes, yes![3], and

And sometimes it's MESSY a-ROUND here, and I don't know what I'm doing, and I just get stuck in it, you know?[1], and I want to get beyond the THREE, obviously[1], and sometimes it's MESSY a-ROUND here, and I don't know what I'm doing, and I just get stuck in it, you know?[2], and ... it's more important than the FINANCIAL news - I can tell you that - oh, far more important than the utter SHIT those phoneys want you to SWALLOW[1], and I want to get beyond the THREE, obviously[2], and take my hand, my mind, brother, sister - I'll set you FREE(!), and myself, because I won't always be here, you know[1], and ... it's more important than the FINANCIAL news - I can tell you that - oh, far more important than the utter SHIT those phoneys want you to SWALLOW[2], and you don't even know how trapped you are, that's the sad thing[1], and take my hand, my mind, brother, sister - I'll set you FREE(!), and myself, because I won't always be here, you know[2], and I'm getting OUT, and I can't leave you behind: DEATH BEFORE DISHONOUR![1], and you don't even know how trapped you are, that's the sad thing[2], and you've got to get a-ROUND to get along, you dig?[1], and I'm getting OUT, and I can't leave you behind: DEATH BEFORE DISHONOUR![2], and NOTHING they can tell you is going to help you, man, and they want you HELPLESS, at their mercy[1], and you've got to get a-ROUND to get along, you dig?[2], and they ain't making CHANGES, they ain't changing shit: it's just a racket[1], and NOTHING they can tell you is going to help you, man, and they want you HELPLESS, at their mercy[2], and don't give them your MONEY, and don't give them your TIME - are you crazy?!?![1], and they ain't making CHANGES, they ain't changing shit: it's just a racket[2], and they ain't got no SOULS: they want your soul[1], and don't give them your MONEY, and don't give them your TIME - are you crazy?!?![2], and if JESUS were here? 'Oh, listen to Mikey' ... yes, yes, yes![1], and they ain't got no SOULS: they want your soul[2], and sometimes it's MESSY a-ROUND here, and I don't know what I'm doing, and I just get stuck in it, you know?[3], and if JESUS were here? 'Oh, listen to Mikey' ... yes, yes, yes![2], and I want to get beyond the THREE, obviously[3], and ... it's more important than the FINANCIAL news - I can tell you that - oh, far more important than the utter SHIT those phoneys want you to SWALLOW[3], and take my hand, my mind, brother, sister - I'll set you FREE(!), and myself, because I won't always be here, you know[3], and you don't even know how trapped you are, that's the sad thing[3], and I'm getting OUT, and I can't leave you behind: DEATH BEFORE DISHONOUR![3], and you've got to get a-ROUND to get along, you dig?[3], and NOTHING they can tell you is going to help you, man, and they want you HELPLESS, at their mercy[3], and they ain't making CHANGES, they ain't changing shit: it's just a racket[3], and don't give them your MONEY, and don't give them your TIME - are you crazy?!?![3], and they ain't got no SOULS: they want your soul[3], and if JESUS were here? 'Oh, listen to Mikey' ... yes, yes, yes![3], and

And sometimes it's MESSY a-ROUND here, and I don't know what I'm doing, and I just get stuck in it, you know?[1], and I want to get beyond the THREE, obviously[1], and sometimes it's MESSY a-ROUND here, and I don't know what I'm doing, and I just get stuck in it, you know?[2], and ... it's more important than the FINANCIAL news - I can tell you that - oh, far more important than the utter SHIT those phoneys want you to SWALLOW[1], and I want to get beyond the THREE, obviously[2], and take my hand, my mind, brother, sister - I'll set you FREE(!), and myself, because I won't always be here, you know[1], and ... it's more important than the FINANCIAL news - I can tell you that - oh, far more important than the utter SHIT those phoneys want you to SWALLOW[2], and you don't even know how trapped you are, that's the sad thing[1], and take my hand, my mind, brother, sister - I'll set you FREE(!), and myself, because I won't always be here, you know[2], and I'm getting OUT, and I can't leave you behind: DEATH BEFORE DISHONOUR![1], and you don't even know how trapped you are, that's the sad thing[2], and you've got to get a-ROUND to get along, you dig?[1], and I'm getting OUT, and I can't leave you behind: DEATH BEFORE DISHONOUR![2], and NOTHING they can tell you is going to help you, man, and they want you HELPLESS, at their mercy[1], and you've got to get a-ROUND to get along, you dig?[2], and they ain't making CHANGES, they ain't changing shit: it's just a racket[1], and NOTHING they can tell you is going to help you, man, and they want you HELPLESS, at their mercy[2], and don't give them your MONEY, and don't give them your TIME - are you crazy?!?![1], and they ain't making CHANGES, they ain't changing shit: it's just a racket[2], and they ain't got no SOULS: they want your soul[1], and don't give them your MONEY, and don't give them your TIME - are you crazy?!?![2], and if JESUS were here? 'Oh, listen to Mikey' ... yes, yes, yes![1], and they ain't got no SOULS: they want your soul[2], and sometimes it's MESSY a-ROUND here, and I don't know what I'm doing, and I just get stuck in it, you know?[3], and if JESUS were here? 'Oh, listen to Mikey' ... yes, yes, yes![2], and I want to get beyond the THREE, obviously[3], and ... it's more important than the FINANCIAL news - I can tell you that - oh, far more important than the utter SHIT those phoneys want you to SWALLOW[3], and take my hand, my mind, brother, sister - I'll set you FREE(!), and myself, because I won't always be here, you know[3], and you don't even know how trapped you are, that's the sad thing[3], and I'm getting OUT, and I can't leave you behind: DEATH BEFORE DISHONOUR![3], and you've got to get a-ROUND to get along, you dig?[3], and NOTHING they can tell you is going to help you, man, and they want you HELPLESS, at their mercy[3], and they ain't making CHANGES, they ain't changing shit: it's just a racket[3], and don't give them your MONEY, and don't give them your TIME - are you crazy?!?![3], and they ain't got no SOULS: they want your soul[3], and if JESUS were here? 'Oh, listen to Mikey' ... yes, yes, yes![3], and

New Stream guys charged with fraud: David Bryson, Bart Gutekunst, Richard Pereira, and Tara Bryson

What's all this? Oh, don't worry about it. There's this hedge fund in America, see. New Stream Capital, right? Well, the SEC reckons some fraud, some lying, has been going on: "The SEC alleges that the firm's co-owners David Bryson and Bart Gutekunst secretly revised the fund's capital structure before it collapsed in order to placate its largest investor, Gottex Fund Management. Bryson and Gutekunst then directed New Stream's marketing department to continue marketing the hedge fund as though all investors were on the same footing when in fact Gottex had priority over other fund investors in the event of the fund's liquidation." More, than is healthy.

The fund has collapsed now anyway. 'That's punishment enough, isn't it?' Maybe, maybe not. Let God deal with forgiveness. The SEC's job is to arrange the meeting, surely? But what do I know? 'What are you going on about, Mikey?' Forget it, Voice. Just forget it, man. I don't care what happens. I've got problems of my own.

_________________________

My guitar playing still isn't good enough. I've got to find a way of doing at least three hours a day. And I want to write a lot more songs. I was hoping to be ready by now.

[No. 99] I'll have a flake with my ice cream if you don't mind

Confused?

And a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, I'm like ... soft ice cream in a cone going down - ?[1], and there's SUNLIGHT hitting my eyes, and I'll have that flake now if you don't mind[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, I'm like ... soft ice cream in a cone going down - ?[2], and my body is the ... CONE, and my soul is the ... ICE CREAM - ?[1], and there's SUNLIGHT hitting my eyes, and I'll have that flake now if you don't mind[2], and the flake is ... GOD'S FINGER - ?![1], and my body is the ... CONE, and my soul is the ... ICE CREAM - ?[2], and when GOD(!) points His finger at you, you know you've been chosen, and when He stirs your soul ...[1], and the flake is ... GOD'S FINGER - ?![2], and I ain't got no ANXIETY now, just being all stirred up, yes![1], and when GOD(!) points His finger at you, you know you've been chosen, and when He stirs your soul ...[2], and one of those hot days - oh, I'll melt away into the cosmos, and that's the WAY I want to go[1], and I ain't got no ANXIETY now, just being all stirred up, yes![2], and it's so cold on the outside with HATE, and I want to be so(OOO) on the inside with LOVE[1], and one of those hot days - oh, I'll melt away into the cosmos, and that's the WAY I want to go[2], and ah ... shivering souls in cones, come on![1], and it's so cold on the outside with HATE, and I want to be so(OOO) on the inside with LOVE[2], and you're COLD, and you don't want the HARD life - which is the way things are going ...[1], and ah ... shivering souls in cones, come on![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, I'm like ... a sane voice telling the TRUTH - getting faster, getting deeper[1], and you're COLD, and you don't want the HARD life - which is the way things are going ...[2], and do you like it?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, I'm like ... a sane voice telling the TRUTH - getting faster, getting deeper[2], and I'm looking for all kinds of new ways to say what needs to be said[1], and do you like it?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, I'm like ... soft ice cream in a cone going down - ?[3], and I'm looking for all kinds of new ways to say what needs to be said[2], and there's SUNLIGHT hitting my eyes, and I'll have that flake now if you don't mind[3], and my body is the ... CONE, and my soul is the ... ICE CREAM - ?[3], and the flake is ... GOD'S FINGER - ?![3], and when GOD(!) points His finger at you, you know you've been chosen, and when He stirs your soul ...[3], and I ain't got no ANXIETY now, just being all stirred up, yes![3], and one of those hot days - oh, I'll melt away into the cosmos, and that's the WAY I want to go[3], and it's so cold on the outside with HATE, and I want to be so(OOO) on the inside with LOVE[3], and ah ... shivering souls in cones, come on![3], and you're COLD, and you don't want the HARD life - which is the way things are going ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, I'm like ... a sane voice telling the TRUTH - getting faster, getting deeper[3], and do you like it?[3], and I'm looking for all kinds of new ways to say what needs to be said[3], and

And a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, I'm like ... soft ice cream in a cone going down - ?[1], and there's SUNLIGHT hitting my eyes, and I'll have that flake now if you don't mind[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, I'm like ... soft ice cream in a cone going down - ?[2], and my body is the ... CONE, and my soul is the ... ICE CREAM - ?[1], and there's SUNLIGHT hitting my eyes, and I'll have that flake now if you don't mind[2], and the flake is ... GOD'S FINGER - ?![1], and my body is the ... CONE, and my soul is the ... ICE CREAM - ?[2], and when GOD(!) points His finger at you, you know you've been chosen, and when He stirs your soul ...[1], and the flake is ... GOD'S FINGER - ?![2], and I ain't got no ANXIETY now, just being all stirred up, yes![1], and when GOD(!) points His finger at you, you know you've been chosen, and when He stirs your soul ...[2], and one of those hot days - oh, I'll melt away into the cosmos, and that's the WAY I want to go[1], and I ain't got no ANXIETY now, just being all stirred up, yes![2], and it's so cold on the outside with HATE, and I want to be so(OOO) on the inside with LOVE[1], and one of those hot days - oh, I'll melt away into the cosmos, and that's the WAY I want to go[2], and ah ... shivering souls in cones, come on![1], and it's so cold on the outside with HATE, and I want to be so(OOO) on the inside with LOVE[2], and you're COLD, and you don't want the HARD life - which is the way things are going ...[1], and ah ... shivering souls in cones, come on![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, I'm like ... a sane voice telling the TRUTH - getting faster, getting deeper[1], and you're COLD, and you don't want the HARD life - which is the way things are going ...[2], and do you like it?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, I'm like ... a sane voice telling the TRUTH - getting faster, getting deeper[2], and I'm looking for all kinds of new ways to say what needs to be said[1], and do you like it?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, I'm like ... soft ice cream in a cone going down - ?[3], and I'm looking for all kinds of new ways to say what needs to be said[2], and there's SUNLIGHT hitting my eyes, and I'll have that flake now if you don't mind[3], and my body is the ... CONE, and my soul is the ... ICE CREAM - ?[3], and the flake is ... GOD'S FINGER - ?![3], and when GOD(!) points His finger at you, you know you've been chosen, and when He stirs your soul ...[3], and I ain't got no ANXIETY now, just being all stirred up, yes![3], and one of those hot days - oh, I'll melt away into the cosmos, and that's the WAY I want to go[3], and it's so cold on the outside with HATE, and I want to be so(OOO) on the inside with LOVE[3], and ah ... shivering souls in cones, come on![3], and you're COLD, and you don't want the HARD life - which is the way things are going ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, I'm like ... a sane voice telling the TRUTH - getting faster, getting deeper[3], and do you like it?[3], and I'm looking for all kinds of new ways to say what needs to be said[3], and

And a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, I'm like ... soft ice cream in a cone going down - ?[1], and there's SUNLIGHT hitting my eyes, and I'll have that flake now if you don't mind[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, I'm like ... soft ice cream in a cone going down - ?[2], and my body is the ... CONE, and my soul is the ... ICE CREAM - ?[1], and there's SUNLIGHT hitting my eyes, and I'll have that flake now if you don't mind[2], and the flake is ... GOD'S FINGER - ?![1], and my body is the ... CONE, and my soul is the ... ICE CREAM - ?[2], and when GOD(!) points His finger at you, you know you've been chosen, and when He stirs your soul ...[1], and the flake is ... GOD'S FINGER - ?![2], and I ain't got no ANXIETY now, just being all stirred up, yes![1], and when GOD(!) points His finger at you, you know you've been chosen, and when He stirs your soul ...[2], and one of those hot days - oh, I'll melt away into the cosmos, and that's the WAY I want to go[1], and I ain't got no ANXIETY now, just being all stirred up, yes![2], and it's so cold on the outside with HATE, and I want to be so(OOO) on the inside with LOVE[1], and one of those hot days - oh, I'll melt away into the cosmos, and that's the WAY I want to go[2], and ah ... shivering souls in cones, come on![1], and it's so cold on the outside with HATE, and I want to be so(OOO) on the inside with LOVE[2], and you're COLD, and you don't want the HARD life - which is the way things are going ...[1], and ah ... shivering souls in cones, come on![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, I'm like ... a sane voice telling the TRUTH - getting faster, getting deeper[1], and you're COLD, and you don't want the HARD life - which is the way things are going ...[2], and do you like it?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, I'm like ... a sane voice telling the TRUTH - getting faster, getting deeper[2], and I'm looking for all kinds of new ways to say what needs to be said[1], and do you like it?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, I'm like ... soft ice cream in a cone going down - ?[3], and I'm looking for all kinds of new ways to say what needs to be said[2], and there's SUNLIGHT hitting my eyes, and I'll have that flake now if you don't mind[3], and my body is the ... CONE, and my soul is the ... ICE CREAM - ?[3], and the flake is ... GOD'S FINGER - ?![3], and when GOD(!) points His finger at you, you know you've been chosen, and when He stirs your soul ...[3], and I ain't got no ANXIETY now, just being all stirred up, yes![3], and one of those hot days - oh, I'll melt away into the cosmos, and that's the WAY I want to go[3], and it's so cold on the outside with HATE, and I want to be so(OOO) on the inside with LOVE[3], and ah ... shivering souls in cones, come on![3], and you're COLD, and you don't want the HARD life - which is the way things are going ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, I'm like ... a sane voice telling the TRUTH - getting faster, getting deeper[3], and do you like it?[3], and I'm looking for all kinds of new ways to say what needs to be said[3], and

David Tepper made $2.2 billion last year!

And Carl Icahn made $1.9 billion! And Stevie Cohen made $1.3 billion! 'And Peter Brown made $90 million, Mikey!' Eh, Voice? What? Who?! Peter Brown? Forget about him, man. $90 million, ha! / And I think we can forget about Henry Kravis and George Roberts too. Why did I even waste my time writing about them yesterday? 'God knows!'

I'll tell you what though, reader(s). I'm not going to write about Tepper, Icahn, Cohen, and all the others today. 'Why not, man?' I'm waiting for tomorrow. 'Oh yeah, that's clever, Mikey. That's clever, that is. Because someone will make $10 billion tomorrow, or maybe even $20 billion.' Of course they will, Voice! That's the beauty of capitalism. There's always someone with more money. Yes ... er, tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow, we'll find someone who makes Tepper look like a total bum. 'A complete loser!' I can't wait!

_________________________

As for today, I ain't got much else to write about. I'll be working on a conceptual after lunch, No. 99.

Laters.

Henry Kravis and George Roberts are my new best friends!

Yeah, the founders of KKR, that private equity firm, man. And I'm talking bosom buddies, friends for life! 'Why, Mikey, why? Do they have really nice personalities or something?' No, Voice, don't be stupid. Both of them made over $135 million last year. 'Oh, I see. You want some.' Fuckin' A I want some! There's no chance I'll ever earn that much. 'Do you think they'll give you some?' Well, check this from the website: "Working together for a common goal begins within KKR. We believe that much of our success to date is attributable to the unique culture of our firm and the values we live by: honesty; respect for our colleagues and others with whom we interact; teamwork; excellence, innovation and creativity; shared accountability for both our successes and shortcomings; the fortitude to say no when necessary; and a sharing of financial results and credit throughout our firm. Also, we give money away to financial shamans because we love those guys." Brilliant, eh? 'Yeah, Mikey, you're going to be rich!' I'll be able to get a new guitar, and a keyboard. I'll phone Henry later. 'Let's hope he doesn't have the fortitude to say no though.' Eh? 'Read that statement again.' He won't say no to me, Voice. I'm not just any financial shaman. I'm the world's foremost financial shaman. 'You're the governor, Mikey.' Yeah. I'll get the money, don't worry about that. Five million pounds will be enough. I'm not greedy.

_________________________

Oh, by the way, dear reader, did you know that I was a left-wing extremist and a member of the Socialist Workers Party? 'What?!' That's according to the Daily Mail, of course. 'Christ! You had me going there.' Apparently, everyone who is against Workfare is an enemy of the state. 'Shocking!' Well, for the record, I can't stand socialism and I think capitalism is the best possible system. What I'm against is corrupt crony capitalism. 'You better not phone Henry then, Mikey.' WORKFARE IS SLAVERY. The companies and charities that have signed up to it are corrupt. The government is corrupt. / And I won't phone Henry now. Let him keep his money, and I'll keep my principles. 'You're my hero!' I know, Voice, I know.

Keith Richards has been appointed as chief executive of the Personal Finance Society

Isn't life strange? 'Yes, it is, Mikey.' Just as I decide to get out of financial shamanism and into the rock and roll game, Keith Richards (of all people!) goes the other way. Yes, Keith has left The Rolling Stones Group to become the chief executive of the Personal Finance Society. (Wow, eh, Voice? 'Yeah, man!') I've never even heard of the PFS, but see if you can dig this: "Our mission is to lead the financial planning community towards higher levels of professionalism, exhibited through ethical and behavioural standards, skill and technical knowledge to the ultimate benefit of the profession and the consumer alike." That's from the website. Oh, Richards is definitely the right man for the job!

And there's more. Keith Richards, speaking to me late last night, said: "I am excited to be taking up this role as in the current financial climate consumers need advice they can trust more than ever before. I believe we are building a profession that can thrive and secure the confidence of the public and I am looking forward to helping shape the future of financial planning. Also, Jagger has really been getting on my tits lately, man. I'm out of the band for good."

_________________________

I'm in the mood for music. I'm going to play my guitar after lunch. And I think I'll be listening to Bob Marley this week.

Other shit? Well, I've been reading on the internet about all the changes the Tories are making to benefits. Bedroom tax, council tax, universal credit, etc, etc. It's as if they never want to be in power again. Absolutely bizarre! I mean, there are more poor voters than rich voters. / The Tories aren't even pretending to help people now - or fix the country. They're just looking after themselves and their mates. So much for the Big Society! And it seems they're actively trying to destroy the poor. / Never mind. Fuck 'em, eh? It's their funeral. Or it will be in 2015.

[No. 98] Workfare is slavery

It feeds the rich while it buries the poor.

And let's see how many times I can say it before it sinks in: workfare is slavery[1], and these Tories need to be told more than once, despite their expensive educations: workfare is SLAVERY![1], and let's see how many times I can say it before it sinks in: workfare is slavery[2], and here's the easy bit: if someone works for you, you PAY them[1], and these Tories need to be told more than once, despite their expensive educations: workfare is SLAVERY![2], and I'd like to get IDS a-ROUND here, and I'd like to carve the words into his forehead: workfare is slavery[1], and here's the easy bit: if someone works for you, you PAY them[2], and I once voted TORY, oh ... so many years ago, and I must have been SICK in my head, my monstrous soul - NEVER AGAIN!!![1], and I'd like to get IDS a-ROUND here, and I'd like to carve the words into his forehead: workfare is slavery[2], and I don't think I'll ever vote again, for anyone, BECAUSE they're all in it together: workfare is slavery[1], and I once voted TORY, oh ... so many years ago, and I must have been SICK in my head, my monstrous soul - NEVER AGAIN!!![2], and it takes a SHAMAN to get to the TRUTH, yeah, man, I'm a mystic![1], and I don't think I'll ever vote again, for anyone, BECAUSE they're all in it together: workfare is slavery[2], and it's IVORY TOWER politics we're dealing with[1], and it takes a SHAMAN to get to the TRUTH, yeah, man, I'm a mystic![2], and say it loud and say it proud, children: WE ARE CAPITALISTS AGAINST SLAVERY[1], and it's IVORY TOWER politics we're dealing with[2], and dear reader, dear spinner a-ROUND, I hope you're not bankrolling evil: do NOT donate[1], and say it loud and say it proud, children: WE ARE CAPITALISTS AGAINST SLAVERY[2], and IDS says the kids love it, yes, the kids are all right, ha: workfare has made them FREE![1], and dear reader, dear spinner a-ROUND, I hope you're not bankrolling evil: do NOT donate[2], and I wish the QUIET MAN would shut his cakehole[1], and IDS says the kids love it, yes, the kids are all right, ha: workfare has made them FREE![2], and BIG companies certainly love the SOMETHING for NOTHING culture - on an industrial scale[1], and I wish the QUIET MAN would shut his cakehole[2], and WORKFARE is SLAVERY[1], and BIG companies certainly love the SOMETHING for NOTHING culture - on an industrial scale[2], and let's see how many times I can say it before it sinks in: workfare is slavery[3], and WORKFARE is SLAVERY[2], and these Tories need to be told more than once, despite their expensive educations: workfare is SLAVERY![3], and here's the easy bit: if someone works for you, you PAY them[3], and I'd like to get IDS a-ROUND here, and I'd like to carve the words into his forehead: workfare is slavery[3], and I once voted TORY, oh ... so many years ago, and I must have been SICK in my head, my monstrous soul - NEVER AGAIN!!![3], and I don't think I'll ever vote again, for anyone, BECAUSE they're all in it together: workfare is slavery[3], and it takes a SHAMAN to get to the TRUTH, yeah, man, I'm a mystic![3], and it's IVORY TOWER politics we're dealing with[3], and say it loud and say it proud, children: WE ARE CAPITALISTS AGAINST SLAVERY[3], and dear reader, dear spinner a-ROUND, I hope you're not bankrolling evil: do NOT donate[3], and IDS says the kids love it, yes, the kids are all right, ha: workfare has made them FREE![3], and I wish the QUIET MAN would shut his cakehole[3], and BIG companies certainly love the SOMETHING for NOTHING culture - on an industrial scale[3], and WORKFARE is SLAVERY[3], and

And let's see how many times I can say it before it sinks in: workfare is slavery[1], and these Tories need to be told more than once, despite their expensive educations: workfare is SLAVERY![1], and let's see how many times I can say it before it sinks in: workfare is slavery[2], and here's the easy bit: if someone works for you, you PAY them[1], and these Tories need to be told more than once, despite their expensive educations: workfare is SLAVERY![2], and I'd like to get IDS a-ROUND here, and I'd like to carve the words into his forehead: workfare is slavery[1], and here's the easy bit: if someone works for you, you PAY them[2], and I once voted TORY, oh ... so many years ago, and I must have been SICK in my head, my monstrous soul - NEVER AGAIN!!![1], and I'd like to get IDS a-ROUND here, and I'd like to carve the words into his forehead: workfare is slavery[2], and I don't think I'll ever vote again, for anyone, BECAUSE they're all in it together: workfare is slavery[1], and I once voted TORY, oh ... so many years ago, and I must have been SICK in my head, my monstrous soul - NEVER AGAIN!!![2], and it takes a SHAMAN to get to the TRUTH, yeah, man, I'm a mystic![1], and I don't think I'll ever vote again, for anyone, BECAUSE they're all in it together: workfare is slavery[2], and it's IVORY TOWER politics we're dealing with[1], and it takes a SHAMAN to get to the TRUTH, yeah, man, I'm a mystic![2], and say it loud and say it proud, children: WE ARE CAPITALISTS AGAINST SLAVERY[1], and it's IVORY TOWER politics we're dealing with[2], and dear reader, dear spinner a-ROUND, I hope you're not bankrolling evil: do NOT donate[1], and say it loud and say it proud, children: WE ARE CAPITALISTS AGAINST SLAVERY[2], and IDS says the kids love it, yes, the kids are all right, ha: workfare has made them FREE![1], and dear reader, dear spinner a-ROUND, I hope you're not bankrolling evil: do NOT donate[2], and I wish the QUIET MAN would shut his cakehole[1], and IDS says the kids love it, yes, the kids are all right, ha: workfare has made them FREE![2], and BIG companies certainly love the SOMETHING for NOTHING culture - on an industrial scale[1], and I wish the QUIET MAN would shut his cakehole[2], and WORKFARE is SLAVERY[1], and BIG companies certainly love the SOMETHING for NOTHING culture - on an industrial scale[2], and let's see how many times I can say it before it sinks in: workfare is slavery[3], and WORKFARE is SLAVERY[2], and these Tories need to be told more than once, despite their expensive educations: workfare is SLAVERY![3], and here's the easy bit: if someone works for you, you PAY them[3], and I'd like to get IDS a-ROUND here, and I'd like to carve the words into his forehead: workfare is slavery[3], and I once voted TORY, oh ... so many years ago, and I must have been SICK in my head, my monstrous soul - NEVER AGAIN!!![3], and I don't think I'll ever vote again, for anyone, BECAUSE they're all in it together: workfare is slavery[3], and it takes a SHAMAN to get to the TRUTH, yeah, man, I'm a mystic![3], and it's IVORY TOWER politics we're dealing with[3], and say it loud and say it proud, children: WE ARE CAPITALISTS AGAINST SLAVERY[3], and dear reader, dear spinner a-ROUND, I hope you're not bankrolling evil: do NOT donate[3], and IDS says the kids love it, yes, the kids are all right, ha: workfare has made them FREE![3], and I wish the QUIET MAN would shut his cakehole[3], and BIG companies certainly love the SOMETHING for NOTHING culture - on an industrial scale[3], and WORKFARE is SLAVERY[3], and

And let's see how many times I can say it before it sinks in: workfare is slavery[1], and these Tories need to be told more than once, despite their expensive educations: workfare is SLAVERY![1], and let's see how many times I can say it before it sinks in: workfare is slavery[2], and here's the easy bit: if someone works for you, you PAY them[1], and these Tories need to be told more than once, despite their expensive educations: workfare is SLAVERY![2], and I'd like to get IDS a-ROUND here, and I'd like to carve the words into his forehead: workfare is slavery[1], and here's the easy bit: if someone works for you, you PAY them[2], and I once voted TORY, oh ... so many years ago, and I must have been SICK in my head, my monstrous soul - NEVER AGAIN!!![1], and I'd like to get IDS a-ROUND here, and I'd like to carve the words into his forehead: workfare is slavery[2], and I don't think I'll ever vote again, for anyone, BECAUSE they're all in it together: workfare is slavery[1], and I once voted TORY, oh ... so many years ago, and I must have been SICK in my head, my monstrous soul - NEVER AGAIN!!![2], and it takes a SHAMAN to get to the TRUTH, yeah, man, I'm a mystic![1], and I don't think I'll ever vote again, for anyone, BECAUSE they're all in it together: workfare is slavery[2], and it's IVORY TOWER politics we're dealing with[1], and it takes a SHAMAN to get to the TRUTH, yeah, man, I'm a mystic![2], and say it loud and say it proud, children: WE ARE CAPITALISTS AGAINST SLAVERY[1], and it's IVORY TOWER politics we're dealing with[2], and dear reader, dear spinner a-ROUND, I hope you're not bankrolling evil: do NOT donate[1], and say it loud and say it proud, children: WE ARE CAPITALISTS AGAINST SLAVERY[2], and IDS says the kids love it, yes, the kids are all right, ha: workfare has made them FREE![1], and dear reader, dear spinner a-ROUND, I hope you're not bankrolling evil: do NOT donate[2], and I wish the QUIET MAN would shut his cakehole[1], and IDS says the kids love it, yes, the kids are all right, ha: workfare has made them FREE![2], and BIG companies certainly love the SOMETHING for NOTHING culture - on an industrial scale[1], and I wish the QUIET MAN would shut his cakehole[2], and WORKFARE is SLAVERY[1], and BIG companies certainly love the SOMETHING for NOTHING culture - on an industrial scale[2], and let's see how many times I can say it before it sinks in: workfare is slavery[3], and WORKFARE is SLAVERY[2], and these Tories need to be told more than once, despite their expensive educations: workfare is SLAVERY![3], and here's the easy bit: if someone works for you, you PAY them[3], and I'd like to get IDS a-ROUND here, and I'd like to carve the words into his forehead: workfare is slavery[3], and I once voted TORY, oh ... so many years ago, and I must have been SICK in my head, my monstrous soul - NEVER AGAIN!!![3], and I don't think I'll ever vote again, for anyone, BECAUSE they're all in it together: workfare is slavery[3], and it takes a SHAMAN to get to the TRUTH, yeah, man, I'm a mystic![3], and it's IVORY TOWER politics we're dealing with[3], and say it loud and say it proud, children: WE ARE CAPITALISTS AGAINST SLAVERY[3], and dear reader, dear spinner a-ROUND, I hope you're not bankrolling evil: do NOT donate[3], and IDS says the kids love it, yes, the kids are all right, ha: workfare has made them FREE![3], and I wish the QUIET MAN would shut his cakehole[3], and BIG companies certainly love the SOMETHING for NOTHING culture - on an industrial scale[3], and WORKFARE is SLAVERY[3], and

Reef Road Capital

That's what he's calling it. 'Who is, Mikey?' Eric Rosen, Voice. Remember him? 'The name rings a bell.' We wrote about him last summer. 'Did we?' Well, I did. You were just talking shit as per usual. 'Right. Oh, I remember. He was one of those guys who had a hedge fund but no name for it.' Yeah. Now he has a name: Reef Road Capital. 'It's taken him six months to come up with that?!' Voice, these guys aren't very creative. It's not a bad name.

It's not a bad name at all. It's quite cool, in fact. Eric has got his hands on $300 million as well. I'm impressed. / It goes without saying that I wish him all the best. 'All the best, Eric!' Voice, pack it in, mate.

_________________________

I've just been listening to a rough recording of My Heart. (You know, the one I made at Christmas.) It's pretty frustrating. A decent version of the song is all I need now. I haven't even tried to record it lately, but I've been playing it on my guitar. / I've got to get it right. Any great song can be fucked up. Imagine The Wurzels recording Hey Jude or ... Imagine.

[No. 97] I'm a freak for the spinnin' a-ROUND

So wild with it, too.

And it gets freakier the more you do it, the more you get into it, the more you spin a-ROUND[1], and I can tell YOU(!) or anyone, hand on my heart: it has saved my sanity, man[1], and it gets freakier the more you do it, the more you get into it, the more you spin a-ROUND[2], and I wouldn't want to slip back to the old days, old ways, and be a SCHNOOK without a grip on LIFE[1], and I can tell YOU(!) or anyone, hand on my heart: it has saved my sanity, man[2], and the words are life, and I hold on to them, so tightly, yeah, getting all DIZZY as I go[1], and I wouldn't want to slip back to the old days, old ways, and be a SCHNOOK without a grip on LIFE[2], and if you're not a FREAK for spinning PHRASES you're a SQUARE for living DEATH - and I pity you if that's the case[1], and the words are life, and I hold on to them, so tightly, yeah, getting all DIZZY as I go[2], and my MIND can't stay still, no[1], and if you're not a FREAK for spinning PHRASES you're a SQUARE for living DEATH - and I pity you if that's the case[2], and COME here YOU(!) oh COME here - NOW![1], and my MIND can't stay still, no[2], and fuck your MONEY, and fuck the STORIES you tell yourself, oh, tell me, man, I ain't listening to no SHIT[1], and COME here YOU(!) oh COME here - NOW![2], and what are you going to lose when I snatch your SOUL and give you a load of straw?[1], and fuck your MONEY, and fuck the STORIES you tell yourself, oh, tell me, man, I ain't listening to no SHIT[2], and what are you going to gain when I open your THIRD EYE with the force of my will?[1], and what are you going to lose when I snatch your SOUL and give you a load of straw?[2], and what are you going to BELIEVE ever again?[1], and what are you going to gain when I open your THIRD EYE with the force of my will?[2], and just look at REALITY, son, daughter, go on!!![1], and what are you going to BELIEVE ever again?[2], and it gets freakier the more you do it, the more you get into it, the more you spin a-ROUND[3], and just look at REALITY, son, daughter, go on!!![2], and I can tell YOU(!) or anyone, hand on my heart: it has saved my sanity, man[3], and I wouldn't want to slip back to the old days, old ways, and be a SCHNOOK without a grip on LIFE[3], and the words are life, and I hold on to them, so tightly, yeah, getting all DIZZY as I go[3], and if you're not a FREAK for spinning PHRASES you're a SQUARE for living DEATH - and I pity you if that's the case[3], and my MIND can't stay still, no[3], and COME here YOU(!) oh COME here - NOW![3], and fuck your MONEY, and fuck the STORIES you tell yourself, oh, tell me, man, I ain't listening to no SHIT[3], and what are you going to lose when I snatch your SOUL and give you a load of straw?[3], and what are you going to gain when I open your THIRD EYE with the force of my will?[3], and what are you going to BELIEVE ever again?[3], and just look at REALITY, son, daughter, go on!!![3], and

And it gets freakier the more you do it, the more you get into it, the more you spin a-ROUND[1], and I can tell YOU(!) or anyone, hand on my heart: it has saved my sanity, man[1], and it gets freakier the more you do it, the more you get into it, the more you spin a-ROUND[2], and I wouldn't want to slip back to the old days, old ways, and be a SCHNOOK without a grip on LIFE[1], and I can tell YOU(!) or anyone, hand on my heart: it has saved my sanity, man[2], and the words are life, and I hold on to them, so tightly, yeah, getting all DIZZY as I go[1], and I wouldn't want to slip back to the old days, old ways, and be a SCHNOOK without a grip on LIFE[2], and if you're not a FREAK for spinning PHRASES you're a SQUARE for living DEATH - and I pity you if that's the case[1], and the words are life, and I hold on to them, so tightly, yeah, getting all DIZZY as I go[2], and my MIND can't stay still, no[1], and if you're not a FREAK for spinning PHRASES you're a SQUARE for living DEATH - and I pity you if that's the case[2], and COME here YOU(!) oh COME here - NOW![1], and my MIND can't stay still, no[2], and fuck your MONEY, and fuck the STORIES you tell yourself, oh, tell me, man, I ain't listening to no SHIT[1], and COME here YOU(!) oh COME here - NOW![2], and what are you going to lose when I snatch your SOUL and give you a load of straw?[1], and fuck your MONEY, and fuck the STORIES you tell yourself, oh, tell me, man, I ain't listening to no SHIT[2], and what are you going to gain when I open your THIRD EYE with the force of my will?[1], and what are you going to lose when I snatch your SOUL and give you a load of straw?[2], and what are you going to BELIEVE ever again?[1], and what are you going to gain when I open your THIRD EYE with the force of my will?[2], and just look at REALITY, son, daughter, go on!!![1], and what are you going to BELIEVE ever again?[2], and it gets freakier the more you do it, the more you get into it, the more you spin a-ROUND[3], and just look at REALITY, son, daughter, go on!!![2], and I can tell YOU(!) or anyone, hand on my heart: it has saved my sanity, man[3], and I wouldn't want to slip back to the old days, old ways, and be a SCHNOOK without a grip on LIFE[3], and the words are life, and I hold on to them, so tightly, yeah, getting all DIZZY as I go[3], and if you're not a FREAK for spinning PHRASES you're a SQUARE for living DEATH - and I pity you if that's the case[3], and my MIND can't stay still, no[3], and COME here YOU(!) oh COME here - NOW![3], and fuck your MONEY, and fuck the STORIES you tell yourself, oh, tell me, man, I ain't listening to no SHIT[3], and what are you going to lose when I snatch your SOUL and give you a load of straw?[3], and what are you going to gain when I open your THIRD EYE with the force of my will?[3], and what are you going to BELIEVE ever again?[3], and just look at REALITY, son, daughter, go on!!![3], and

And it gets freakier the more you do it, the more you get into it, the more you spin a-ROUND[1], and I can tell YOU(!) or anyone, hand on my heart: it has saved my sanity, man[1], and it gets freakier the more you do it, the more you get into it, the more you spin a-ROUND[2], and I wouldn't want to slip back to the old days, old ways, and be a SCHNOOK without a grip on LIFE[1], and I can tell YOU(!) or anyone, hand on my heart: it has saved my sanity, man[2], and the words are life, and I hold on to them, so tightly, yeah, getting all DIZZY as I go[1], and I wouldn't want to slip back to the old days, old ways, and be a SCHNOOK without a grip on LIFE[2], and if you're not a FREAK for spinning PHRASES you're a SQUARE for living DEATH - and I pity you if that's the case[1], and the words are life, and I hold on to them, so tightly, yeah, getting all DIZZY as I go[2], and my MIND can't stay still, no[1], and if you're not a FREAK for spinning PHRASES you're a SQUARE for living DEATH - and I pity you if that's the case[2], and COME here YOU(!) oh COME here - NOW![1], and my MIND can't stay still, no[2], and fuck your MONEY, and fuck the STORIES you tell yourself, oh, tell me, man, I ain't listening to no SHIT[1], and COME here YOU(!) oh COME here - NOW![2], and what are you going to lose when I snatch your SOUL and give you a load of straw?[1], and fuck your MONEY, and fuck the STORIES you tell yourself, oh, tell me, man, I ain't listening to no SHIT[2], and what are you going to gain when I open your THIRD EYE with the force of my will?[1], and what are you going to lose when I snatch your SOUL and give you a load of straw?[2], and what are you going to BELIEVE ever again?[1], and what are you going to gain when I open your THIRD EYE with the force of my will?[2], and just look at REALITY, son, daughter, go on!!![1], and what are you going to BELIEVE ever again?[2], and it gets freakier the more you do it, the more you get into it, the more you spin a-ROUND[3], and just look at REALITY, son, daughter, go on!!![2], and I can tell YOU(!) or anyone, hand on my heart: it has saved my sanity, man[3], and I wouldn't want to slip back to the old days, old ways, and be a SCHNOOK without a grip on LIFE[3], and the words are life, and I hold on to them, so tightly, yeah, getting all DIZZY as I go[3], and if you're not a FREAK for spinning PHRASES you're a SQUARE for living DEATH - and I pity you if that's the case[3], and my MIND can't stay still, no[3], and COME here YOU(!) oh COME here - NOW![3], and fuck your MONEY, and fuck the STORIES you tell yourself, oh, tell me, man, I ain't listening to no SHIT[3], and what are you going to lose when I snatch your SOUL and give you a load of straw?[3], and what are you going to gain when I open your THIRD EYE with the force of my will?[3], and what are you going to BELIEVE ever again?[3], and just look at REALITY, son, daughter, go on!!![3], and

Manny Roman is giving all the top jobs at Man Group to his mates

And I can't blame him. Those Man Group squares are a bunch of squares. Manny knows what he's doing. Things will be much better with some GLG shamans in the top positions. Guys like Luke Ellis, Sandy Rattray, Zarathustra Smith, Mark Jones, and Simon White. It's going to be great. Let the good times roll!

Actually, Manny wanted to bring me in as a consultant on crazy wages, but I said: "NO!" Why? Well, music, man. This time next year I'll be playing The Hollywood Bowl, a genuine rock and roll shaman. Let the good times roll! And rock. / I'm going to miss Manny Roman, and Lloyd Blankfein, and Bobby Diamond, and Mike Corcell, and all the others. They're like my children, you know? BUT NOTHING LASTS FOREVER. / Obviously, this blog will stay up on the net with the occasional conceptual post. In time, it will become legendary. I KNOW THIS. How? Hey, God is on my side. I've spoken to Him in my head. No one fucks with God. And no one fucks with me. I'm connected, you dig?

I guess I have too much spirit. That's what offends the grey ones. It can be a curse though. I mean, just ask Mike Corcell at RWC. The bastards keep him in a cage!!! Yeah, he's an animal, but so what? The man's alive. He has real blood in his veins. Oh, he has too much spirit! That's why he had to do away with those analysts. They were getting him down. (I think Mike was an analyst himself, once upon a time. Anyone can change ...) / It's the financial world. It's the way things are, not THE WAY I've been trying to ... What more can I do, eh?

Neil Woodford and Banksy, Buffett and Heinz, various other stuff ...

Banks. Ha! My mistake. Oh God. What's the time? I can't really, er, concentrate on one thing now, well, it's just the night and that. Yeah. / I was going to buy Heinz myself, but then I decided I should get Daddies instead to go with my chips. It tastes okay, and it's quite a bit cheaper. I've got to be careful with my money, you see. Obviously, Warren Buffett isn't short of a few bob, so he can put the best on his chips or fries or whatever. / Neil Woodford is avoiding banks. Yes, banks. This Invesco Perpetual guy won't go near one. Very wise. He prefers tobacco. I mean, smoking his pipe. And he wears slippers, at home. And he's very keen on drugs. I mean, pharmaceuticals. Christ, he ain't Bez! I don't want to give you the wrong idea, dear reader. 

 

'You're twisting my melon, man.' Fuck off, Voice! I am NOT in the mood. / I'm listening to Revolver. Is it the greatest album ever, like some say? I don't know. Music goes on, and on, and on. How about The Stones Roses or OK Computer?

I've read Bez's autobiography, Freaky Dancin'. It's a brilliant book. And I'm pretty sure that Neil Woodford won't be able to top it.

I've got to play more guitar, and more, and more, and more! My Heart is a big song. I've got to play it properly, you know? / I'm just so worn out all the time.

I can't believe the crazy doctors, man. They want to tax fizzy drinks! They're going after Coke and Pepsi. I'm glad they've got their priorities right. What have they been smoking?

The horse meat scandal? I've been a vegetarian for the last twenty-four years, so I couldn't care less.

Some second-rate novelist (aren't they all since Joyce and Kafka died?) has just attacked the Duchess of Cambridge for having no personality. Never mind. / And what the fuck has Anne Boleyn got to do with anything? Oh, her books. It's a promotional thing then.

Warren Buffett is so smart. A total genius. / I bet he's buying loads of gold bars as well. Baked beans and gold bars. You can't go wrong at the end of the world. / When everything turns to shit, there'll be me, Warren, Neil, and Bez, all sharing a cave somewhere. It'll be a right fucking laugh. Yeah, bring it on!

[No. 96] Finance is a disease

And I'm the cure.

And if only all the bankers and the hedgies would come a-ROUND here with a PASSION for SALVATION - I could help them(!)[1], and the MONEY eats away at you[1], and if only all the bankers and the hedgies would come a-ROUND here with a PASSION for SALVATION - I could help them(!)[2], and I HATE to see suffering in this world[1], and the MONEY eats away at you[2], and I've been looking for WAYs to get out, to get a-ROUND, to get free, to be more than THREE ... so I know the struggle[1], and I HATE to see suffering in this world[2], and we've got to take ACTION, all of us, because GOD ain't interested in our problems[1], and I've been looking for WAYs to get out, to get a-ROUND, to get free, to be more than THREE ... so I know the struggle[2], and I know I could SAVE a SOUL or two, and YOU(!) could too[1], and we've got to take ACTION, all of us, because GOD ain't interested in our problems[2], and I'm looking for a world where we can all hold hands and sing happy songs[1], and I know I could SAVE a SOUL or two, and YOU(!) could too[2], and I can hear those songs - right now[1], and I'm looking for a world where we can all hold hands and sing happy songs[2], and some people don't know what they're looking for, and I'm not surprised by this[1], and I can hear those songs - right now[2], and they live in DARKNESS(!), with ... no eyes, so ...er[1], and some people don't know what they're looking for, and I'm not surprised by this[2], and I'm looking for a pretty RAINBOW in the sky(!)[1], and they live in DARKNESS(!), with ... no eyes, so ...er[2], and I'm not sure what the ANSWER is[1], and I'm looking for a pretty RAINBOW in the sky(!)[2], and if only all the bankers and the hedgies would come a-ROUND here with a PASSION for SALVATION - I could help them(!)[3], and I'm not sure what the ANSWER is[2], and the MONEY eats away at you[3], and I HATE to see suffering in this world[3], and I've been looking for WAYs to get out, to get a-ROUND, to get free, to be more than THREE ... so I know the struggle[3], and we've got to take ACTION, all of us, because GOD ain't interested in our problems[3], and I know I could SAVE a SOUL or two, and YOU(!) could too[3], and I'm looking for a world where we can all hold hands and sing happy songs[3], and I can hear those songs - right now[3], and some people don't know what they're looking for, and I'm not surprised by this[3], and they live in DARKNESS(!), with ... no eyes, so ...er[3], and I'm looking for a pretty RAINBOW in the sky(!)[3], and I'm not sure what the ANSWER is[3], and

And if only all the bankers and the hedgies would come a-ROUND here with a PASSION for SALVATION - I could help them(!)[1], and the MONEY eats away at you[1], and if only all the bankers and the hedgies would come a-ROUND here with a PASSION for SALVATION - I could help them(!)[2], and I HATE to see suffering in this world[1], and the MONEY eats away at you[2], and I've been looking for WAYs to get out, to get a-ROUND, to get free, to be more than THREE ... so I know the struggle[1], and I HATE to see suffering in this world[2], and we've got to take ACTION, all of us, because GOD ain't interested in our problems[1], and I've been looking for WAYs to get out, to get a-ROUND, to get free, to be more than THREE ... so I know the struggle[2], and I know I could SAVE a SOUL or two, and YOU(!) could too[1], and we've got to take ACTION, all of us, because GOD ain't interested in our problems[2], and I'm looking for a world where we can all hold hands and sing happy songs[1], and I know I could SAVE a SOUL or two, and YOU(!) could too[2], and I can hear those songs - right now[1], and I'm looking for a world where we can all hold hands and sing happy songs[2], and some people don't know what they're looking for, and I'm not surprised by this[1], and I can hear those songs - right now[2], and they live in DARKNESS(!), with ... no eyes, so ...er[1], and some people don't know what they're looking for, and I'm not surprised by this[2], and I'm looking for a pretty RAINBOW in the sky(!)[1], and they live in DARKNESS(!), with ... no eyes, so ...er[2], and I'm not sure what the ANSWER is[1], and I'm looking for a pretty RAINBOW in the sky(!)[2], and if only all the bankers and the hedgies would come a-ROUND here with a PASSION for SALVATION - I could help them(!)[3], and I'm not sure what the ANSWER is[2], and the MONEY eats away at you[3], and I HATE to see suffering in this world[3], and I've been looking for WAYs to get out, to get a-ROUND, to get free, to be more than THREE ... so I know the struggle[3], and we've got to take ACTION, all of us, because GOD ain't interested in our problems[3], and I know I could SAVE a SOUL or two, and YOU(!) could too[3], and I'm looking for a world where we can all hold hands and sing happy songs[3], and I can hear those songs - right now[3], and some people don't know what they're looking for, and I'm not surprised by this[3], and they live in DARKNESS(!), with ... no eyes, so ...er[3], and I'm looking for a pretty RAINBOW in the sky(!)[3], and I'm not sure what the ANSWER is[3], and

And if only all the bankers and the hedgies would come a-ROUND here with a PASSION for SALVATION - I could help them(!)[1], and the MONEY eats away at you[1], and if only all the bankers and the hedgies would come a-ROUND here with a PASSION for SALVATION - I could help them(!)[2], and I HATE to see suffering in this world[1], and the MONEY eats away at you[2], and I've been looking for WAYs to get out, to get a-ROUND, to get free, to be more than THREE ... so I know the struggle[1], and I HATE to see suffering in this world[2], and we've got to take ACTION, all of us, because GOD ain't interested in our problems[1], and I've been looking for WAYs to get out, to get a-ROUND, to get free, to be more than THREE ... so I know the struggle[2], and I know I could SAVE a SOUL or two, and YOU(!) could too[1], and we've got to take ACTION, all of us, because GOD ain't interested in our problems[2], and I'm looking for a world where we can all hold hands and sing happy songs[1], and I know I could SAVE a SOUL or two, and YOU(!) could too[2], and I can hear those songs - right now[1], and I'm looking for a world where we can all hold hands and sing happy songs[2], and some people don't know what they're looking for, and I'm not surprised by this[1], and I can hear those songs - right now[2], and they live in DARKNESS(!), with ... no eyes, so ...er[1], and some people don't know what they're looking for, and I'm not surprised by this[2], and I'm looking for a pretty RAINBOW in the sky(!)[1], and they live in DARKNESS(!), with ... no eyes, so ...er[2], and I'm not sure what the ANSWER is[1], and I'm looking for a pretty RAINBOW in the sky(!)[2], and if only all the bankers and the hedgies would come a-ROUND here with a PASSION for SALVATION - I could help them(!)[3], and I'm not sure what the ANSWER is[2], and the MONEY eats away at you[3], and I HATE to see suffering in this world[3], and I've been looking for WAYs to get out, to get a-ROUND, to get free, to be more than THREE ... so I know the struggle[3], and we've got to take ACTION, all of us, because GOD ain't interested in our problems[3], and I know I could SAVE a SOUL or two, and YOU(!) could too[3], and I'm looking for a world where we can all hold hands and sing happy songs[3], and I can hear those songs - right now[3], and some people don't know what they're looking for, and I'm not surprised by this[3], and they live in DARKNESS(!), with ... no eyes, so ...er[3], and I'm looking for a pretty RAINBOW in the sky(!)[3], and I'm not sure what the ANSWER is[3], and

"Who is Anthony Maniscalco?"

Oh, I'm glad you(?) asked me that, dear reader(s). Anthony Maniscalco is this guy who's working for Blackrock now. He used to work for Barclays. (By the way, yesterday's conceptual and No. 63. You're probably wondering. That old conceptual was all in my imagination. It wasn't real spinning a-ROUND. So ... I'm glad we've cleared that up. And I've made a revision to the note.) "We have been very impressed by his intelligence, integrity, creativity, and work ethic." Eh? That's someone at Blackrock, talking about Tony, in my head. 'Not me!' What will he be doing? (I'm a bit confused this morning. I've been listening to Don Gibson singing the classic Sea Of Heartbreak. Lyrics by the late great Hal David, I'll have you know.) Tony, yes, Tony, Anthony, will be investing in hedge fund managers. Not with his own money, obviously. With Blackrock's money, probably, I don't know. A dozen hedge funds are in danger of being invested in up to 20 per cent or something. And then they'll sell, later. 'Who will, Mikey?' Er, Voice. It's all imagination, ain't it? None of it is ... 'I'm not sure, man.' And it changes from day to day. The reality is what I want it to be. 'Maybe.' It's not fixed, frozen, like I said. 'Well, each individual one is.' You reckon? 'Let's focus on Mr Maniscalco, eh?' No, no ... no. I'm bored with Mr Maniscalco. 'Already?!' Yeah. It's ...

_________________________

After lunch, I'm going to sort my head out, and then get into another conceptual. Frankly, this post has been a disaster.

[No. 95] My angel will never spin a-ROUND if she breaks my heart

Where is she? (She's been a-ROUND before - ?)

And yet another Valentine's Day has come a-ROUND, but my ANGEL ain't a-ROUND: she's nowhere to be seen[1], and if she breaks my heart, I'll never let her spin a-ROUND[1], and yet another Valentine's Day has come a-ROUND, but my ANGEL ain't a-ROUND: she's nowhere to be seen[2], and I can't wait FOREVER to get beyond the THREE with her[1], and if she breaks my heart, I'll never let her spin a-ROUND[2], and I've shown EVERYONE a good time so far, so fast - why should my angel ignore it?[1], and I can't wait FOREVER to get beyond the THREE with her[2], and it's got to be the FEAR of letting go[1], and I've shown EVERYONE a good time so far, so fast - why should my angel ignore it?[2], and I've lost my mind and I don't want it back, and she could learn a lot from me a-ROUND here[1], and it's got to be the FEAR of letting go[2], and it's got to be ... and I blame those awful SQUARES for interfering, for putting her off, and they HATE true LOVE[1], and I've lost my mind and I don't want it back, and she could learn a lot from me a-ROUND here[2], and it's the only FUN I get, oh, a-ROUND here, and I want to share it[1], and it's got to be ... and I blame those awful SQUARES for interfering, for putting her off, and they HATE true LOVE[2], and I'm so misunderstood[1], and it's the only FUN I get, oh, a-ROUND here, and I want to share it[2], and my angel, these angels, all angels: they're never happy[1], and I'm so misunderstood[2], and if this doesn't work, I'll write a song, I'll write loads of songs - to show my love[1], and my angel, these angels, all angels: they're never happy[2], and my bad leg hasn't stopped me getting a-ROUND, out of my head and soul[1], and if this doesn't work, I'll write a song, I'll write loads of songs - to show my love[2], and I'm staying POSITIVE, and I'll go beyond the THREE on my own if I have to[1], and my bad leg hasn't stopped me getting a-ROUND, out of my head and soul[2], and yet another Valentine's Day has come a-ROUND, but my ANGEL ain't a-ROUND: she's nowhere to be seen[3], and I'm staying POSITIVE, and I'll go beyond the THREE on my own if I have to[2], and if she breaks my heart, I'll never let her spin a-ROUND[3], and I can't wait FOREVER to get beyond the THREE with her[3], and I've shown EVERYONE a good time so far, so fast - why should my angel ignore it?[3], and it's got to be the FEAR of letting go[3], and I've lost my mind and I don't want it back, and she could learn a lot from me a-ROUND here[3], and it's got to be ... and I blame those awful SQUARES for interfering, for putting her off, and they HATE true LOVE[3], and it's the only FUN I get, oh, a-ROUND here, and I want to share it[3], and I'm so misunderstood[3], and my angel, these angels, all angels: they're never happy[3], and if this doesn't work, I'll write a song, I'll write loads of songs - to show my love[3], and my bad leg hasn't stopped me getting a-ROUND, out of my head and soul[3], and I'm staying POSITIVE, and I'll go beyond the THREE on my own if I have to[3], and

And yet another Valentine's Day has come a-ROUND, but my ANGEL ain't a-ROUND: she's nowhere to be seen[1], and if she breaks my heart, I'll never let her spin a-ROUND[1], and yet another Valentine's Day has come a-ROUND, but my ANGEL ain't a-ROUND: she's nowhere to be seen[2], and I can't wait FOREVER to get beyond the THREE with her[1], and if she breaks my heart, I'll never let her spin a-ROUND[2], and I've shown EVERYONE a good time so far, so fast - why should my angel ignore it?[1], and I can't wait FOREVER to get beyond the THREE with her[2], and it's got to be the FEAR of letting go[1], and I've shown EVERYONE a good time so far, so fast - why should my angel ignore it?[2], and I've lost my mind and I don't want it back, and she could learn a lot from me a-ROUND here[1], and it's got to be the FEAR of letting go[2], and it's got to be ... and I blame those awful SQUARES for interfering, for putting her off, and they HATE true LOVE[1], and I've lost my mind and I don't want it back, and she could learn a lot from me a-ROUND here[2], and it's the only FUN I get, oh, a-ROUND here, and I want to share it[1], and it's got to be ... and I blame those awful SQUARES for interfering, for putting her off, and they HATE true LOVE[2], and I'm so misunderstood[1], and it's the only FUN I get, oh, a-ROUND here, and I want to share it[2], and my angel, these angels, all angels: they're never happy[1], and I'm so misunderstood[2], and if this doesn't work, I'll write a song, I'll write loads of songs - to show my love[1], and my angel, these angels, all angels: they're never happy[2], and my bad leg hasn't stopped me getting a-ROUND, out of my head and soul[1], and if this doesn't work, I'll write a song, I'll write loads of songs - to show my love[2], and I'm staying POSITIVE, and I'll go beyond the THREE on my own if I have to[1], and my bad leg hasn't stopped me getting a-ROUND, out of my head and soul[2], and yet another Valentine's Day has come a-ROUND, but my ANGEL ain't a-ROUND: she's nowhere to be seen[3], and I'm staying POSITIVE, and I'll go beyond the THREE on my own if I have to[2], and if she breaks my heart, I'll never let her spin a-ROUND[3], and I can't wait FOREVER to get beyond the THREE with her[3], and I've shown EVERYONE a good time so far, so fast - why should my angel ignore it?[3], and it's got to be the FEAR of letting go[3], and I've lost my mind and I don't want it back, and she could learn a lot from me a-ROUND here[3], and it's got to be ... and I blame those awful SQUARES for interfering, for putting her off, and they HATE true LOVE[3], and it's the only FUN I get, oh, a-ROUND here, and I want to share it[3], and I'm so misunderstood[3], and my angel, these angels, all angels: they're never happy[3], and if this doesn't work, I'll write a song, I'll write loads of songs - to show my love[3], and my bad leg hasn't stopped me getting a-ROUND, out of my head and soul[3], and I'm staying POSITIVE, and I'll go beyond the THREE on my own if I have to[3], and

And yet another Valentine's Day has come a-ROUND, but my ANGEL ain't a-ROUND: she's nowhere to be seen[1], and if she breaks my heart, I'll never let her spin a-ROUND[1], and yet another Valentine's Day has come a-ROUND, but my ANGEL ain't a-ROUND: she's nowhere to be seen[2], and I can't wait FOREVER to get beyond the THREE with her[1], and if she breaks my heart, I'll never let her spin a-ROUND[2], and I've shown EVERYONE a good time so far, so fast - why should my angel ignore it?[1], and I can't wait FOREVER to get beyond the THREE with her[2], and it's got to be the FEAR of letting go[1], and I've shown EVERYONE a good time so far, so fast - why should my angel ignore it?[2], and I've lost my mind and I don't want it back, and she could learn a lot from me a-ROUND here[1], and it's got to be the FEAR of letting go[2], and it's got to be ... and I blame those awful SQUARES for interfering, for putting her off, and they HATE true LOVE[1], and I've lost my mind and I don't want it back, and she could learn a lot from me a-ROUND here[2], and it's the only FUN I get, oh, a-ROUND here, and I want to share it[1], and it's got to be ... and I blame those awful SQUARES for interfering, for putting her off, and they HATE true LOVE[2], and I'm so misunderstood[1], and it's the only FUN I get, oh, a-ROUND here, and I want to share it[2], and my angel, these angels, all angels: they're never happy[1], and I'm so misunderstood[2], and if this doesn't work, I'll write a song, I'll write loads of songs - to show my love[1], and my angel, these angels, all angels: they're never happy[2], and my bad leg hasn't stopped me getting a-ROUND, out of my head and soul[1], and if this doesn't work, I'll write a song, I'll write loads of songs - to show my love[2], and I'm staying POSITIVE, and I'll go beyond the THREE on my own if I have to[1], and my bad leg hasn't stopped me getting a-ROUND, out of my head and soul[2], and yet another Valentine's Day has come a-ROUND, but my ANGEL ain't a-ROUND: she's nowhere to be seen[3], and I'm staying POSITIVE, and I'll go beyond the THREE on my own if I have to[2], and if she breaks my heart, I'll never let her spin a-ROUND[3], and I can't wait FOREVER to get beyond the THREE with her[3], and I've shown EVERYONE a good time so far, so fast - why should my angel ignore it?[3], and it's got to be the FEAR of letting go[3], and I've lost my mind and I don't want it back, and she could learn a lot from me a-ROUND here[3], and it's got to be ... and I blame those awful SQUARES for interfering, for putting her off, and they HATE true LOVE[3], and it's the only FUN I get, oh, a-ROUND here, and I want to share it[3], and I'm so misunderstood[3], and my angel, these angels, all angels: they're never happy[3], and if this doesn't work, I'll write a song, I'll write loads of songs - to show my love[3], and my bad leg hasn't stopped me getting a-ROUND, out of my head and soul[3], and I'm staying POSITIVE, and I'll go beyond the THREE on my own if I have to[3], and

Bob Diamond might launch a hedge fund!

Firstly, I know you're worried about my leg, dear reader, but it's getting better, man. I was able to limp down to the shops this morning.

Now the important shit. / My dear friend Bobby Diamond is thinking about launching his own hedge fund. How do I know this? He phoned me late last night. See if you can dig the edited highlights of our conversation: 'Mikey, O Master, I've got some good news. (Where have you been, Bobby?) What? (I haven't heard from you in ages. I thought we were friends.) We are friends, Mikey, but I've had a bad time of it lately. I've been a little down. (Oh, and what about me, with my leg, and my ear?) What?! Mikey, come on, man, listen, I'm thinking about starting my own hedge fund. (And how is this news? You're thinking about something. Oh, you're thinking. I'm thinking about going out to dinner tomorrow night with my angel. I don't even know where she is in the world at the moment. We can all think about stuff, Bobby.) But I'm serious, man. I'll be working for myself. That's real freedom. And no one will be able to sack me. (Will you have a code?) Like Antony? Yeah, right. Are you fucking kidding me?! Respect, integrity, service, excellence, and - bullshit! Mikey, my code will be: let's make some fucking money! You dig? Let's do it to the other guy before he does it to us. That'll be my code. (I presume you'll be poaching guys from Barclays.) Fuckin' A I will! They hate Tony's guts. (Any shamans?) A few. And there might be some work for you. (No thanks, Bob.) I know you're still sore about the half a million I owe you. (It's not that, man. I want to be a songwriter now. I'm thinking of packing in this finance lark.) Yeah, so you're thinking too, Mikey, but we've got to act!'

Yes, we've got to act. Easier said than done. / Well, anyway, I hope it all works out for the crazy kid.

I've looked around and ...

There isn't any news. I'm even less in the mood now anyway. I've just recovered from my perforated ear drum. This afternoon, what do I do? I slip over outside and hurt my leg. I hope it's not a fracture or anything. I had a fractured collarbone the other year. / My life is a horror story. I know other people have it worse, but ...

So, I'm writing this tonight. I want to take tomorrow off. I'm actually relieved there isn't any news. Imagine how stressful it would be if there were news all the time.

I'm just like Daniel Day-Lewis in There Will Be Blood. You should have seen me half an hour ago. I had to drag myself into the kitchen to get a cup of tea and some cherry bakewells.

I don't want to go to hospital. I agree with Carlito Brigante: "Don't take me to no hospital, please. Fuckin' emergency rooms don't save nobody. Son of a bitches always pop you at midnight when all they got is a Chinese intern with a dull spoon."

I am like Daniel Day-Lewis though. / My songs are like that silver he's going after. In the beginning, he has nothing. He's trying to get wealth out of the ground. I'm trying to get it out of my head. / And I'm injured as well, and as mean as a snake.

If I don't go to hospital tomorrow, I'll try to get my leg comfortable and play the guitar the whole day. I don't need any new songs, but I'll see what happens.

I've got Bacharach on again. Very soothing. Just what the doctor ordered. / Trumpet. La, la, la ...

God likes to test people. That's my theory. Like that Krishna guy who had two heart attacks on the boat to America.

Oh, the Pope resigned today. (Yes, a bit of non-financial news.) Apparently, they wanted him to do unpaid overtime on Saturdays when he normally plays golf. He told them to stuff their job.

I think Bacharach’s songs captured the mood of the Sixties even more successfully than The Beatles' songs. The Look Of Love is so beautiful, man.

There's nothing better than writing a great song. I'm sure I've written two. (Not Gilly Marie.) It's unbelievably satisfying. / Now, I've got to struggle beyond my leg, beyond my dodgy ear, and ... 'Beyond Thunderdome, Mikey?' Yeah, I was waiting for you to pipe up ...