[No. 166] I'm getting my kicks with Don Jabro

The Shellback Capital guy, you know?

And this is FUN(!), ain't it? / Oh, yeah, man[1], and this is entertainment / I'm getting my KICKS ... with Don / now[1], and this is FUN(!), ain't it? / Oh, yeah, man[2], and they say that Don Jabro has got a hedge fund / don't they? / SHELLBACK CAPITAL or something / I'm trying to believe[1], and this is entertainment / I'm getting my KICKS ... with Don / now[2], and maybe ...[1], and they say that Don Jabro has got a hedge fund / don't they? / SHELLBACK CAPITAL or something / I'm trying to believe[2], and it doesn't matter, you know? / I don't actually care / I just want to get a-ROUND with my new friend[1], and maybe ...[2], and if I KICK(!) Don in the head, will he return the favour?[1], and it doesn't matter, you know? / I don't actually care / I just want to get a-ROUND with my new friend[2], and we're getting real close / 'So soon?'[1], and if I KICK(!) Don in the head, will he return the favour?[2], and you've got to take a risk / it can be emotional / or what is life, but a horror show?[1], and we're getting real close / 'So soon?'[2], and I'm getting involved / I want to know EVERYTHING![1], and you've got to take a risk / it can be emotional / or what is life, but a horror show?[2], and Don, man, he was managing a stocks fund / way back / ten years ago / and old habits die hard / I'm not judging the guy, okay?[1], and I'm getting involved / I want to know EVERYTHING![2], and when you get your KICKS ... with strangers, STRANGE things can happen / I've been told[1], and Don, man, he was managing a stocks fund / way back / ten years ago / and old habits die hard / I'm not judging the guy, okay?[2], and I'm hoping for the best, THE VERY BEST[1], and when you get your KICKS ... with strangers, STRANGE things can happen / I've been told[2], and this is FUN(!), ain't it? / Oh, yeah, man[3], and I'm hoping for the best, THE VERY BEST[2], and this is entertainment / I'm getting my KICKS ... with Don / now[3], and they say that Don Jabro has got a hedge fund / don't they? / SHELLBACK CAPITAL or something / I'm trying to believe[3], and maybe ...[3], and it doesn't matter, you know? / I don't actually care / I just want to get a-ROUND with my new friend[3], and if I KICK(!) Don in the head, will he return the favour?[3], and we're getting real close / 'So soon?'[3], and you've got to take a risk / it can be emotional / or what is life, but a horror show?[3], and I'm getting involved / I want to know EVERYTHING![3], and Don, man, he was managing a stocks fund / way back / ten years ago / and old habits die hard / I'm not judging the guy, okay?[3], and when you get your KICKS ... with strangers, STRANGE things can happen / I've been told[3], and I'm hoping for the best, THE VERY BEST[3], and

And this is FUN(!), ain't it? / Oh, yeah, man[1], and this is entertainment / I'm getting my KICKS ... with Don / now[1], and this is FUN(!), ain't it? / Oh, yeah, man[2], and they say that Don Jabro has got a hedge fund / don't they? / SHELLBACK CAPITAL or something / I'm trying to believe[1], and this is entertainment / I'm getting my KICKS ... with Don / now[2], and maybe ...[1], and they say that Don Jabro has got a hedge fund / don't they? / SHELLBACK CAPITAL or something / I'm trying to believe[2], and it doesn't matter, you know? / I don't actually care / I just want to get a-ROUND with my new friend[1], and maybe ...[2], and if I KICK(!) Don in the head, will he return the favour?[1], and it doesn't matter, you know? / I don't actually care / I just want to get a-ROUND with my new friend[2], and we're getting real close / 'So soon?'[1], and if I KICK(!) Don in the head, will he return the favour?[2], and you've got to take a risk / it can be emotional / or what is life, but a horror show?[1], and we're getting real close / 'So soon?'[2], and I'm getting involved / I want to know EVERYTHING![1], and you've got to take a risk / it can be emotional / or what is life, but a horror show?[2], and Don, man, he was managing a stocks fund / way back / ten years ago / and old habits die hard / I'm not judging the guy, okay?[1], and I'm getting involved / I want to know EVERYTHING![2], and when you get your KICKS ... with strangers, STRANGE things can happen / I've been told[1], and Don, man, he was managing a stocks fund / way back / ten years ago / and old habits die hard / I'm not judging the guy, okay?[2], and I'm hoping for the best, THE VERY BEST[1], and when you get your KICKS ... with strangers, STRANGE things can happen / I've been told[2], and this is FUN(!), ain't it? / Oh, yeah, man[3], and I'm hoping for the best, THE VERY BEST[2], and this is entertainment / I'm getting my KICKS ... with Don / now[3], and they say that Don Jabro has got a hedge fund / don't they? / SHELLBACK CAPITAL or something / I'm trying to believe[3], and maybe ...[3], and it doesn't matter, you know? / I don't actually care / I just want to get a-ROUND with my new friend[3], and if I KICK(!) Don in the head, will he return the favour?[3], and we're getting real close / 'So soon?'[3], and you've got to take a risk / it can be emotional / or what is life, but a horror show?[3], and I'm getting involved / I want to know EVERYTHING![3], and Don, man, he was managing a stocks fund / way back / ten years ago / and old habits die hard / I'm not judging the guy, okay?[3], and when you get your KICKS ... with strangers, STRANGE things can happen / I've been told[3], and I'm hoping for the best, THE VERY BEST[3], and

And this is FUN(!), ain't it? / Oh, yeah, man[1], and this is entertainment / I'm getting my KICKS ... with Don / now[1], and this is FUN(!), ain't it? / Oh, yeah, man[2], and they say that Don Jabro has got a hedge fund / don't they? / SHELLBACK CAPITAL or something / I'm trying to believe[1], and this is entertainment / I'm getting my KICKS ... with Don / now[2], and maybe ...[1], and they say that Don Jabro has got a hedge fund / don't they? / SHELLBACK CAPITAL or something / I'm trying to believe[2], and it doesn't matter, you know? / I don't actually care / I just want to get a-ROUND with my new friend[1], and maybe ...[2], and if I KICK(!) Don in the head, will he return the favour?[1], and it doesn't matter, you know? / I don't actually care / I just want to get a-ROUND with my new friend[2], and we're getting real close / 'So soon?'[1], and if I KICK(!) Don in the head, will he return the favour?[2], and you've got to take a risk / it can be emotional / or what is life, but a horror show?[1], and we're getting real close / 'So soon?'[2], and I'm getting involved / I want to know EVERYTHING![1], and you've got to take a risk / it can be emotional / or what is life, but a horror show?[2], and Don, man, he was managing a stocks fund / way back / ten years ago / and old habits die hard / I'm not judging the guy, okay?[1], and I'm getting involved / I want to know EVERYTHING![2], and when you get your KICKS ... with strangers, STRANGE things can happen / I've been told[1], and Don, man, he was managing a stocks fund / way back / ten years ago / and old habits die hard / I'm not judging the guy, okay?[2], and I'm hoping for the best, THE VERY BEST[1], and when you get your KICKS ... with strangers, STRANGE things can happen / I've been told[2], and this is FUN(!), ain't it? / Oh, yeah, man[3], and I'm hoping for the best, THE VERY BEST[2], and this is entertainment / I'm getting my KICKS ... with Don / now[3], and they say that Don Jabro has got a hedge fund / don't they? / SHELLBACK CAPITAL or something / I'm trying to believe[3], and maybe ...[3], and it doesn't matter, you know? / I don't actually care / I just want to get a-ROUND with my new friend[3], and if I KICK(!) Don in the head, will he return the favour?[3], and we're getting real close / 'So soon?'[3], and you've got to take a risk / it can be emotional / or what is life, but a horror show?[3], and I'm getting involved / I want to know EVERYTHING![3], and Don, man, he was managing a stocks fund / way back / ten years ago / and old habits die hard / I'm not judging the guy, okay?[3], and when you get your KICKS ... with strangers, STRANGE things can happen / I've been told[3], and I'm hoping for the best, THE VERY BEST[3], and

Shellback Capital / What is it?

Oh, have a guess. Go on! Yes, have a guess, dear reader(s), [please(!!!)], what Shellback Capital is. / 'Is it a new hedge fund, Mikey?' Of course it is, Voice. 'What do I win?' A biscuit. 'Great. You know I can't eat.' No. All you can do is talk.

But there's more! 'Is there?' / Guess who's running this new hedge fund. 'I don't know. Who?' Only Doug Gordon, Jon Hilsabeck, and Don Jabro. 'Brilliant! Who the hell are they?' I have absolutely no idea, Voice. Strangers to me, they are. / Guess what though, eh? 'Who?' Jeffrey Vinik. 'Amazing! Bloody hell! I never thought I would hear his name again.' Why not? Listen, man, Jeffrey has seeded Shellback. 'I'm so glad. Any particular reason?' Well, because these guys - Doug, Jon, and Don - are veterans of his old firm, Vinik Asset Management. 'Oh, right. It's all becoming clear now.' Is it?! 'Not really, boss, no.' I give up!

Is there more? (Maybe.) / By the way, Shellback will be employing a long/short equity strategy. (That's a relief!) It will launch its maiden fund in January. The guys want to enjoy their Christmas first. Very wise. That's why I'm not approaching publishers with my songs until early next year. 'You've got to record them first, Mikey.' Shut up. I'm working on my guitar, man, day and night!

_________________________

Oh, I'm hungry. I want my lunch! I've got a lovely cheese sandwich, with pickle. Crisps, yoghurt, Pepsi. No surprises. I'm not complaining. / After lunch? I'm in the mood for another conceptual. 'What?!' Yeah, the third one this week. I think I'll try to get my kicks with Don Jabro. 'Don, boss? You don't even know him.' Well, that's perfect, ain't it? It'll make it more fun. (And it's never stopped me before.) I'll take this stranger to a strange land!

[No. 165] Kicks

How do you get your kicks?

And I don't get my kicks making money, man / I get my kicks just getting a-ROUND, son[1], and I'll kick you / and come on / You can kick me, too[1], and I don't get my kicks making money, man / I get my kicks just getting a-ROUND, son[2], and I'll give them to you now, kicks, kicks / and ain't my words a kick in the head? / oh, take my boot in your face[1], and I'll kick you / and come on / You can kick me, too[2], and roll a-ROUND, a-ROUND on the floor, for me / in the dirt / Baby, I love the way you ROLL[1], and I'll give them to you now, kicks, kicks / and ain't my words a kick in the head? / oh, take my boot in your face[2], and I'll stamp on your head / and you'll LOVE(!) it[1], and roll a-ROUND, a-ROUND on the floor, for me / in the dirt / Baby, I love the way you ROLL[2], and PLEASE(!) / kiss the BOOT(!) of shiny, shiny leather / oh, don't think of me as a pervert / I'm much worse than that[1], and I'll stamp on your head / and you'll LOVE(!) it[2], and you're harmless, I think / but there are people I need to kick / yeah, phoneys and fascists and all kinds of creeps[1], and PLEASE(!) / kiss the BOOT(!) of shiny, shiny leather / oh, don't think of me as a pervert / I'm much worse than that[2], and I'm keeping my soul together ... with hatred[1], and you're harmless, I think / but there are people I need to kick / yeah, phoneys and fascists and all kinds of creeps[2], and a-ROUND here you gotta find ... / Man, what's your style?[1], and I'm keeping my soul together ... with hatred[2], and I won't fly off / my mind / a billion pieces / thoughts scattered / lost in the cosmos / gone forever[1], and a-ROUND here you gotta find ... / Man, what's your style?[2], and my style is ... / no, my concept / and I ain't jealous of the way squares have written[1], and I won't fly off / my mind / a billion pieces / thoughts scattered / lost in the cosmos / gone forever[2], and I get KICKS a-ROUND / knowing I've made something new / for the future to see, one day[1], and my style is ... / no, my concept / and I ain't jealous of the way squares have written[2], and I don't get my kicks making money, man / I get my kicks just getting a-ROUND, son[3], and I get KICKS a-ROUND / knowing I've made something new / for the future to see, one day[2], and I'll kick you / and come on / You can kick me, too[3], and I'll give them to you now, kicks, kicks / and ain't my words a kick in the head? / oh, take my boot in your face[3], and roll a-ROUND, a-ROUND on the floor, for me / in the dirt / Baby, I love the way you ROLL[3], and I'll stamp on your head / and you'll LOVE(!) it[3], and PLEASE(!) / kiss the BOOT(!) of shiny, shiny leather / oh, don't think of me as a pervert / I'm much worse than that[3], and you're harmless, I think / but there are people I need to kick / yeah, phoneys and fascists and all kinds of creeps[3], and I'm keeping my soul together ... with hatred[3], and a-ROUND here you gotta find ... / Man, what's your style?[3], and I won't fly off / my mind / a billion pieces / thoughts scattered / lost in the cosmos / gone forever[3], and my style is ... / no, my concept / and I ain't jealous of the way squares have written[3], and I get KICKS a-ROUND / knowing I've made something new / for the future to see, one day[3], and

And I don't get my kicks making money, man / I get my kicks just getting a-ROUND, son[1], and I'll kick you / and come on / You can kick me, too[1], and I don't get my kicks making money, man / I get my kicks just getting a-ROUND, son[2], and I'll give them to you now, kicks, kicks / and ain't my words a kick in the head? / oh, take my boot in your face[1], and I'll kick you / and come on / You can kick me, too[2], and roll a-ROUND, a-ROUND on the floor, for me / in the dirt / Baby, I love the way you ROLL[1], and I'll give them to you now, kicks, kicks / and ain't my words a kick in the head? / oh, take my boot in your face[2], and I'll stamp on your head / and you'll LOVE(!) it[1], and roll a-ROUND, a-ROUND on the floor, for me / in the dirt / Baby, I love the way you ROLL[2], and PLEASE(!) / kiss the BOOT(!) of shiny, shiny leather / oh, don't think of me as a pervert / I'm much worse than that[1], and I'll stamp on your head / and you'll LOVE(!) it[2], and you're harmless, I think / but there are people I need to kick / yeah, phoneys and fascists and all kinds of creeps[1], and PLEASE(!) / kiss the BOOT(!) of shiny, shiny leather / oh, don't think of me as a pervert / I'm much worse than that[2], and I'm keeping my soul together ... with hatred[1], and you're harmless, I think / but there are people I need to kick / yeah, phoneys and fascists and all kinds of creeps[2], and a-ROUND here you gotta find ... / Man, what's your style?[1], and I'm keeping my soul together ... with hatred[2], and I won't fly off / my mind / a billion pieces / thoughts scattered / lost in the cosmos / gone forever[1], and a-ROUND here you gotta find ... / Man, what's your style?[2], and my style is ... / no, my concept / and I ain't jealous of the way squares have written[1], and I won't fly off / my mind / a billion pieces / thoughts scattered / lost in the cosmos / gone forever[2], and I get KICKS a-ROUND / knowing I've made something new / for the future to see, one day[1], and my style is ... / no, my concept / and I ain't jealous of the way squares have written[2], and I don't get my kicks making money, man / I get my kicks just getting a-ROUND, son[3], and I get KICKS a-ROUND / knowing I've made something new / for the future to see, one day[2], and I'll kick you / and come on / You can kick me, too[3], and I'll give them to you now, kicks, kicks / and ain't my words a kick in the head? / oh, take my boot in your face[3], and roll a-ROUND, a-ROUND on the floor, for me / in the dirt / Baby, I love the way you ROLL[3], and I'll stamp on your head / and you'll LOVE(!) it[3], and PLEASE(!) / kiss the BOOT(!) of shiny, shiny leather / oh, don't think of me as a pervert / I'm much worse than that[3], and you're harmless, I think / but there are people I need to kick / yeah, phoneys and fascists and all kinds of creeps[3], and I'm keeping my soul together ... with hatred[3], and a-ROUND here you gotta find ... / Man, what's your style?[3], and I won't fly off / my mind / a billion pieces / thoughts scattered / lost in the cosmos / gone forever[3], and my style is ... / no, my concept / and I ain't jealous of the way squares have written[3], and I get KICKS a-ROUND / knowing I've made something new / for the future to see, one day[3], and

And I don't get my kicks making money, man / I get my kicks just getting a-ROUND, son[1], and I'll kick you / and come on / You can kick me, too[1], and I don't get my kicks making money, man / I get my kicks just getting a-ROUND, son[2], and I'll give them to you now, kicks, kicks / and ain't my words a kick in the head? / oh, take my boot in your face[1], and I'll kick you / and come on / You can kick me, too[2], and roll a-ROUND, a-ROUND on the floor, for me / in the dirt / Baby, I love the way you ROLL[1], and I'll give them to you now, kicks, kicks / and ain't my words a kick in the head? / oh, take my boot in your face[2], and I'll stamp on your head / and you'll LOVE(!) it[1], and roll a-ROUND, a-ROUND on the floor, for me / in the dirt / Baby, I love the way you ROLL[2], and PLEASE(!) / kiss the BOOT(!) of shiny, shiny leather / oh, don't think of me as a pervert / I'm much worse than that[1], and I'll stamp on your head / and you'll LOVE(!) it[2], and you're harmless, I think / but there are people I need to kick / yeah, phoneys and fascists and all kinds of creeps[1], and PLEASE(!) / kiss the BOOT(!) of shiny, shiny leather / oh, don't think of me as a pervert / I'm much worse than that[2], and I'm keeping my soul together ... with hatred[1], and you're harmless, I think / but there are people I need to kick / yeah, phoneys and fascists and all kinds of creeps[2], and a-ROUND here you gotta find ... / Man, what's your style?[1], and I'm keeping my soul together ... with hatred[2], and I won't fly off / my mind / a billion pieces / thoughts scattered / lost in the cosmos / gone forever[1], and a-ROUND here you gotta find ... / Man, what's your style?[2], and my style is ... / no, my concept / and I ain't jealous of the way squares have written[1], and I won't fly off / my mind / a billion pieces / thoughts scattered / lost in the cosmos / gone forever[2], and I get KICKS a-ROUND / knowing I've made something new / for the future to see, one day[1], and my style is ... / no, my concept / and I ain't jealous of the way squares have written[2], and I don't get my kicks making money, man / I get my kicks just getting a-ROUND, son[3], and I get KICKS a-ROUND / knowing I've made something new / for the future to see, one day[2], and I'll kick you / and come on / You can kick me, too[3], and I'll give them to you now, kicks, kicks / and ain't my words a kick in the head? / oh, take my boot in your face[3], and roll a-ROUND, a-ROUND on the floor, for me / in the dirt / Baby, I love the way you ROLL[3], and I'll stamp on your head / and you'll LOVE(!) it[3], and PLEASE(!) / kiss the BOOT(!) of shiny, shiny leather / oh, don't think of me as a pervert / I'm much worse than that[3], and you're harmless, I think / but there are people I need to kick / yeah, phoneys and fascists and all kinds of creeps[3], and I'm keeping my soul together ... with hatred[3], and a-ROUND here you gotta find ... / Man, what's your style?[3], and I won't fly off / my mind / a billion pieces / thoughts scattered / lost in the cosmos / gone forever[3], and my style is ... / no, my concept / and I ain't jealous of the way squares have written[3], and I get KICKS a-ROUND / knowing I've made something new / for the future to see, one day[3], and

SAC Capital Advisors will only have to pay $1.2 billion

The insider trading thing. Great news! They're pleading guilty. / All's well that ends well, eh? I'm really happy for Stevie Cohen and the guys. / SAC Capital will have to stop taking outside capital, but that's no big deal, is it? They'll be better off as a family, with a small social club, like the Gambinos. 'The Gambinos, Mikey?' No, probably not, Voice. Stevie's crew aren't as heavy as that. My apologies.

No, it'll be a family office, that's what I meant. Managing Stevie's cash. And he's got loads. He doesn't need any more. Actually, why doesn't he retire? There must be a young punk in his organization who'd be willing to take over, an Andy Garcia type. 'Like in The Godfather, Mikey?!' What, Voice?! Don't be absurd. Nothing like that! 'My apologies, boss. I just got the wrong idea.' Forget about it.

_________________________

Oh, forget about it. / I'm listening to Lou Reed's best album, in my opinion. Coney Island Baby. It's my favourite, anyway. / It has a nice atmosphere. It's smooth, consistent, and relaxed. / And it seems to be very underrated. I don't hear people mention it much. I remember at school though, my maths teacher really liked it. But he was cool. (He used to go to Jesus and Mary Chain concerts.) There aren't many cool cats around. 'No?' No.

I watched a Jimi Hendrix documentary last night. (Perhaps you saw it, dear reader(s)?) Jimi used to play his guitar all day long, everywhere, even in the toilet. That's what I need to do. / Obviously, there's no need for me to become a total guitar wizard like Jimi, but my great songs deserve competent playing at the very least.

Hey, man, what's your style? I ain't jealous of the way you're living. 'My style, boss? Er ...' I'm not asking you, Voice! I'm quoting Lou, idiot! / Kicks! I need kicks! I need some kicks! Oh, give me now, kicks! Oh, give it to me, now, now. 'Whatever, Mikey.' You're so NOT a cool cat, man.

I'm a bit distracted ...

So, no financial news until Wednesday, I'm afraid. Christ! What are you going to do, man(s)? / Well, I'm not the only financial news source on the internet. I am the best, but ...

Nightmare! Absolute. / I've been doing some recording today, with my new microphone. Ha! Unfortunately, my guitar playing is still shit. / I'm going to have to do something drastic. I want to be ready to rock by the beginning of January. I've got to be! No excuses! Enough is enough! / I've read that the chef Heston Blumenthal often survived on only two hours sleep a night in his early days. I'll have to do that. Maybe. I don't know. I need to be on the guitar six or eight hours a day, I reckon. I'll have to sleep with my guitar. It's only eight weeks till Christmas! / I'm pissed off, man. What am I going to do?!

Don't worry about it, reader(s). / Laters.


Oh, one more thing. David Cameron says schools must produce young people who are fit to work in factories. He's not talking about his children, of course.

[No. 164] My finance monsters / swirling in the storm!

Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks! Rage! Blow!

And here it is[1], and just a few / Lloyd B, and Bobby D, and Mike C / a-ROUND in the wind and the rain, ha ... ha ... ha![1], and here it is[2], and here I am[1], and just a few / Lloyd B, and Bobby D, and Mike C / a-ROUND in the wind and the rain, ha ... ha ... ha![2], and in visions I see them flying past, in the clouds, the dark sky / or crawling through the mud[1], and here I am[2], and Lloyd Blankfein, out of control, razor in hand, so fierce / gangster bankster![1], and in visions I see them flying past, in the clouds, the dark sky / or crawling through the mud[2], and Bob Diamond, suffering, in obscurity, alone, oh, sad / yes, but still the punk![1], and Lloyd Blankfein, out of control, razor in hand, so fierce / gangster bankster![2], and Mike Corcell, animal in a cage, howling! / When will he be set free to walk the earth? / maybe tonight[1], and Bob Diamond, suffering, in obscurity, alone, oh, sad / yes, but still the punk![2], and there are others[1], and Mike Corcell, animal in a cage, howling! / When will he be set free to walk the earth? / maybe tonight[2], and there can be no shelter from the storm of money, the storm of BLOOD and FIRE! / these last six years have taught us[1], and there are others[2], and I want to get out of my mind and soul tonight / raging with the monsters I have created and loved[1], and there can be no shelter from the storm of money, the storm of BLOOD and FIRE! / these last six years have taught us[2], and here we are / put on your mask / I've been wearing mine since the very beginning[1], and I want to get out of my mind and soul tonight / raging with the monsters I have created and loved[2], and Halloween has come early this year[1], and here we are / put on your mask / I've been wearing mine since the very beginning[2], and here it is[3], and Halloween has come early this year[2], and just a few / Lloyd B, and Bobby D, and Mike C / a-ROUND in the wind and the rain, ha ... ha ... ha![3], and here I am[3], and in visions I see them flying past, in the clouds, the dark sky / or crawling through the mud[3], and Lloyd Blankfein, out of control, razor in hand, so fierce / gangster bankster![3], and Bob Diamond, suffering, in obscurity, alone, oh, sad / yes, but still the punk![3], and Mike Corcell, animal in a cage, howling! / When will he be set free to walk the earth? / maybe tonight[3], and there are others[3], and there can be no shelter from the storm of money, the storm of BLOOD and FIRE! / these last six years have taught us[3], and I want to get out of my mind and soul tonight / raging with the monsters I have created and loved[3], and here we are / put on your mask / I've been wearing mine since the very beginning[3], and Halloween has come early this year[3], and

And here it is[1], and just a few / Lloyd B, and Bobby D, and Mike C / a-ROUND in the wind and the rain, ha ... ha ... ha![1], and here it is[2], and here I am[1], and just a few / Lloyd B, and Bobby D, and Mike C / a-ROUND in the wind and the rain, ha ... ha ... ha![2], and in visions I see them flying past, in the clouds, the dark sky / or crawling through the mud[1], and here I am[2], and Lloyd Blankfein, out of control, razor in hand, so fierce / gangster bankster![1], and in visions I see them flying past, in the clouds, the dark sky / or crawling through the mud[2], and Bob Diamond, suffering, in obscurity, alone, oh, sad / yes, but still the punk![1], and Lloyd Blankfein, out of control, razor in hand, so fierce / gangster bankster![2], and Mike Corcell, animal in a cage, howling! / When will he be set free to walk the earth? / maybe tonight[1], and Bob Diamond, suffering, in obscurity, alone, oh, sad / yes, but still the punk![2], and there are others[1], and Mike Corcell, animal in a cage, howling! / When will he be set free to walk the earth? / maybe tonight[2], and there can be no shelter from the storm of money, the storm of BLOOD and FIRE! / these last six years have taught us[1], and there are others[2], and I want to get out of my mind and soul tonight / raging with the monsters I have created and loved[1], and there can be no shelter from the storm of money, the storm of BLOOD and FIRE! / these last six years have taught us[2], and here we are / put on your mask / I've been wearing mine since the very beginning[1], and I want to get out of my mind and soul tonight / raging with the monsters I have created and loved[2], and Halloween has come early this year[1], and here we are / put on your mask / I've been wearing mine since the very beginning[2], and here it is[3], and Halloween has come early this year[2], and just a few / Lloyd B, and Bobby D, and Mike C / a-ROUND in the wind and the rain, ha ... ha ... ha![3], and here I am[3], and in visions I see them flying past, in the clouds, the dark sky / or crawling through the mud[3], and Lloyd Blankfein, out of control, razor in hand, so fierce / gangster bankster![3], and Bob Diamond, suffering, in obscurity, alone, oh, sad / yes, but still the punk![3], and Mike Corcell, animal in a cage, howling! / When will he be set free to walk the earth? / maybe tonight[3], and there are others[3], and there can be no shelter from the storm of money, the storm of BLOOD and FIRE! / these last six years have taught us[3], and I want to get out of my mind and soul tonight / raging with the monsters I have created and loved[3], and here we are / put on your mask / I've been wearing mine since the very beginning[3], and Halloween has come early this year[3], and

And here it is[1], and just a few / Lloyd B, and Bobby D, and Mike C / a-ROUND in the wind and the rain, ha ... ha ... ha![1], and here it is[2], and here I am[1], and just a few / Lloyd B, and Bobby D, and Mike C / a-ROUND in the wind and the rain, ha ... ha ... ha![2], and in visions I see them flying past, in the clouds, the dark sky / or crawling through the mud[1], and here I am[2], and Lloyd Blankfein, out of control, razor in hand, so fierce / gangster bankster![1], and in visions I see them flying past, in the clouds, the dark sky / or crawling through the mud[2], and Bob Diamond, suffering, in obscurity, alone, oh, sad / yes, but still the punk![1], and Lloyd Blankfein, out of control, razor in hand, so fierce / gangster bankster![2], and Mike Corcell, animal in a cage, howling! / When will he be set free to walk the earth? / maybe tonight[1], and Bob Diamond, suffering, in obscurity, alone, oh, sad / yes, but still the punk![2], and there are others[1], and Mike Corcell, animal in a cage, howling! / When will he be set free to walk the earth? / maybe tonight[2], and there can be no shelter from the storm of money, the storm of BLOOD and FIRE! / these last six years have taught us[1], and there are others[2], and I want to get out of my mind and soul tonight / raging with the monsters I have created and loved[1], and there can be no shelter from the storm of money, the storm of BLOOD and FIRE! / these last six years have taught us[2], and here we are / put on your mask / I've been wearing mine since the very beginning[1], and I want to get out of my mind and soul tonight / raging with the monsters I have created and loved[2], and Halloween has come early this year[1], and here we are / put on your mask / I've been wearing mine since the very beginning[2], and here it is[3], and Halloween has come early this year[2], and just a few / Lloyd B, and Bobby D, and Mike C / a-ROUND in the wind and the rain, ha ... ha ... ha![3], and here I am[3], and in visions I see them flying past, in the clouds, the dark sky / or crawling through the mud[3], and Lloyd Blankfein, out of control, razor in hand, so fierce / gangster bankster![3], and Bob Diamond, suffering, in obscurity, alone, oh, sad / yes, but still the punk![3], and Mike Corcell, animal in a cage, howling! / When will he be set free to walk the earth? / maybe tonight[3], and there are others[3], and there can be no shelter from the storm of money, the storm of BLOOD and FIRE! / these last six years have taught us[3], and I want to get out of my mind and soul tonight / raging with the monsters I have created and loved[3], and here we are / put on your mask / I've been wearing mine since the very beginning[3], and Halloween has come early this year[3], and

[No. 163] What's going on at Aviva Investors?

Nothing, my friend. Nothing is going on.

And nothing is going on ... at Aviva Investors ... you'll be glad to hear / so hear it / Are you listening?[1], and don't be surprised / there can't be news all the time / and I haven't even looked, man[1], and nothing is going on ... at Aviva Investors ... you'll be glad to hear / so hear it / Are you listening?[2], and there is more to LIFE![1], and don't be surprised / there can't be news all the time / and I haven't even looked, man[2], and so come on, little spinner, let go / let's go / let go[1], and there is more to LIFE![2], and it suits me just fine, this BIG NOTHING / there's even less sense to lose as I get a-ROUND[1], and so come on, little spinner, let go / let's go / let go[2], and you're so fixed / so stuck(?) / not free[1], and it suits me just fine, this BIG NOTHING / there's even less sense to lose as I get a-ROUND[2], and I know you want to get a-ROUND ... out of your head / What are you waiting for?[1], and you're so fixed / so stuck(?) / not free[2], and here you are / you don't even know it ... so gone / but here you are / ha! / How do you feel?[1], and I know you want to get a-ROUND ... out of your head / What are you waiting for?[2], and / yes, you are here[1], and here you are / you don't even know it ... so gone / but here you are / ha! / How do you feel?[2], and nothing is going on ... at Aviva Investors ... you'll be glad to hear / so hear it / Are you listening?[3], and / yes, you are here[2], and don't be surprised / there can't be news all the time / and I haven't even looked, man[3], and there is more to LIFE![3], and so come on, little spinner, let go / let's go / let go[3], and it suits me just fine, this BIG NOTHING / there's even less sense to lose as I get a-ROUND[3], and you're so fixed / so stuck(?) / not free[3], and I know you want to get a-ROUND ... out of your head / What are you waiting for?[3], and here you are / you don't even know it ... so gone / but here you are / ha! / How do you feel?[3], and / yes, you are here[3], and

And nothing is going on ... at Aviva Investors ... you'll be glad to hear / so hear it / Are you listening?[1], and don't be surprised / there can't be news all the time / and I haven't even looked, man[1], and nothing is going on ... at Aviva Investors ... you'll be glad to hear / so hear it / Are you listening?[2], and there is more to LIFE![1], and don't be surprised / there can't be news all the time / and I haven't even looked, man[2], and so come on, little spinner, let go / let's go / let go[1], and there is more to LIFE![2], and it suits me just fine, this BIG NOTHING / there's even less sense to lose as I get a-ROUND[1], and so come on, little spinner, let go / let's go / let go[2], and you're so fixed / so stuck(?) / not free[1], and it suits me just fine, this BIG NOTHING / there's even less sense to lose as I get a-ROUND[2], and I know you want to get a-ROUND ... out of your head / What are you waiting for?[1], and you're so fixed / so stuck(?) / not free[2], and here you are / you don't even know it ... so gone / but here you are / ha! / How do you feel?[1], and I know you want to get a-ROUND ... out of your head / What are you waiting for?[2], and / yes, you are here[1], and here you are / you don't even know it ... so gone / but here you are / ha! / How do you feel?[2], and nothing is going on ... at Aviva Investors ... you'll be glad to hear / so hear it / Are you listening?[3], and / yes, you are here[2], and don't be surprised / there can't be news all the time / and I haven't even looked, man[3], and there is more to LIFE![3], and so come on, little spinner, let go / let's go / let go[3], and it suits me just fine, this BIG NOTHING / there's even less sense to lose as I get a-ROUND[3], and you're so fixed / so stuck(?) / not free[3], and I know you want to get a-ROUND ... out of your head / What are you waiting for?[3], and here you are / you don't even know it ... so gone / but here you are / ha! / How do you feel?[3], and / yes, you are here[3], and

And nothing is going on ... at Aviva Investors ... you'll be glad to hear / so hear it / Are you listening?[1], and don't be surprised / there can't be news all the time / and I haven't even looked, man[1], and nothing is going on ... at Aviva Investors ... you'll be glad to hear / so hear it / Are you listening?[2], and there is more to LIFE![1], and don't be surprised / there can't be news all the time / and I haven't even looked, man[2], and so come on, little spinner, let go / let's go / let go[1], and there is more to LIFE![2], and it suits me just fine, this BIG NOTHING / there's even less sense to lose as I get a-ROUND[1], and so come on, little spinner, let go / let's go / let go[2], and you're so fixed / so stuck(?) / not free[1], and it suits me just fine, this BIG NOTHING / there's even less sense to lose as I get a-ROUND[2], and I know you want to get a-ROUND ... out of your head / What are you waiting for?[1], and you're so fixed / so stuck(?) / not free[2], and here you are / you don't even know it ... so gone / but here you are / ha! / How do you feel?[1], and I know you want to get a-ROUND ... out of your head / What are you waiting for?[2], and / yes, you are here[1], and here you are / you don't even know it ... so gone / but here you are / ha! / How do you feel?[2], and nothing is going on ... at Aviva Investors ... you'll be glad to hear / so hear it / Are you listening?[3], and / yes, you are here[2], and don't be surprised / there can't be news all the time / and I haven't even looked, man[3], and there is more to LIFE![3], and so come on, little spinner, let go / let's go / let go[3], and it suits me just fine, this BIG NOTHING / there's even less sense to lose as I get a-ROUND[3], and you're so fixed / so stuck(?) / not free[3], and I know you want to get a-ROUND ... out of your head / What are you waiting for?[3], and here you are / you don't even know it ... so gone / but here you are / ha! / How do you feel?[3], and / yes, you are here[3], and

Katharine Dyer is going to Jupiter!

Not the planet, the asset manager. / This is wonderful news. Danny will be so proud. (Katharine is actually Danny's little sister.) She'll join the firm in December. She's going to be some sort of product specialist - amazing? no, not at all, she's already been one, at BlackRock - and it will be her job to communicate Jupiter's investment philosophy, process, and views. I can't wait!

Dear reader(s), I'm one of her brother's biggest fans. (And Pinter was a fan too.) I love Danny's films. The Football Factory is brilliant. Have you seen it? / So, anyway, I phoned Katharine earlier this morning to find out more: 'Mikey, my son, Jupiter is a proper gaff, do you know what I mean? I'm gonna love working there. I'm really gonna smash it. (Do you think you'll fit in, Kath?) Well, there's a lot of posh geezers at Jupiter, no doubt about it. I ain't bothered though. I can get on with anyone, me. Gangsters, nutters, twats from Eton. I don't care, mate, you know? People are people. As long as they don't give me any grief. (Oh, they shouldn't give you any grief. They're a good crowd.) I don't wanna have to give anyone a slap. (No. You should be all right, Kath.) I mean, if some right rotten slag, some ponce, comes up to me and says I've gotta do overtime one night when I'm supposed to be out on a mad one with the girls, that'll be out of order. I won't stand for that. (No.) I ain't gonna let anyone mug me off. (Of course not.) Obviously, I can be a bit of trouble, a proper naughty girl, I'll hold me hands up, but if they treat me fairly, yeah? There shouldn't be any need for me to put the nut on anyone.'

What a character, eh?!

You shouldn't really go to the pub at lunchtime

It ruins you for the rest of the day, doesn't it? Well, it does me. So, there's no financial news again, you'll be glad to hear.

As you probably know, I've got my new microphone. It has a lovely recording sound. It's a bit quiet, but I can amplify the recordings using Audacity software. / It turns out my guitar playing isn't as bad as I thought it was. My old cheap microphone was messing the sound up, making it dirty and fuzzy. This new Blue one picks up my voice (not him, the moron) and guitar perfectly, and clearly, and cuts out any background noises as well.

If I don't record my songs soon, I'll have to wait until early next year to approach publishers. They won't want to be bothered too close to Christmas.

Christmas, already, eh? It was only summer five minutes ago. / By the way, what are pigs in blankets, for the love of Christ? The pub down by the river has put them on its Christmas dinner menu. They sound absolutely horrific, and inedible. / I'm just glad I'm a vegetarian. I am not going to eat a whole fucking pig wrapped up in a blanket!

Anyway, I'll be back tomorrow. Laters.

[No. 162] With my blue microphone, I'll be able to sing the blues

It came today.

And it's such a beautiful thing ... a big snowball to sing to, a white ice snowball called Blue[1], and there can't be any stopping me now, can there?[1], and it's such a beautiful thing ... a big snowball to sing to, a white ice snowball called Blue[2], and I'll get a-ROUND / Oh, I'll get a-ROUND / I'll get a-ROUND about midnight, I'm sure[1], and there can't be any stopping me now, can there?[2], and I want to capture ... moments, man / and I just know ... that they will be forever[1], and I'll get a-ROUND / Oh, I'll get a-ROUND / I'll get a-ROUND about midnight, I'm sure[2], and it makes my GUITAR ... sound as FRESH as a DAISY / and I ain't got no excuses now[1], and I want to capture ... moments, man / and I just know ... that they will be forever[2], and maybe I can really sing, after all[1], and it makes my GUITAR ... sound as FRESH as a DAISY / and I ain't got no excuses now[2], and I'll get a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / twice, just like CHUCK BERRY![1], and maybe I can really sing, after all[2], and if only I had a BLUE CHAIR[1], and I'll get a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / twice, just like CHUCK BERRY![2], and I could sit in that chair, all day, all night, getting so blue[1], and if only I had a BLUE CHAIR[2], and / yeah, blue, just like Picasso's blind guitarist[1], and I could sit in that chair, all day, all night, getting so blue[2], and if only Robert Johnson were alive, what would he play/sing? / blues like a diamond bullet straight to our hearts[1], and / yeah, blue, just like Picasso's blind guitarist[2], and so ... let me sing / and I'll play myself beyond the THREE / a-ROUND here[1], and if only Robert Johnson were alive, what would he play/sing? / blues like a diamond bullet straight to our hearts[2], and I can't stop / don't want to[1], and so ... let me sing / and I'll play myself beyond the THREE / a-ROUND here[2], and now / playing it back, and back, and back? / It's a joy to listen to, to, to ...[1], and I can't stop / don't want to[2], and / 'Some of these days you’ll miss me, honey' / Yes, even better than literature, so alive[1], and now / playing it back, and back, and back? / It's a joy to listen to, to, to ...[2], and it's such a beautiful thing ... a big snowball to sing to, a white ice snowball called Blue[3], and / 'Some of these days you’ll miss me, honey' / Yes, even better than literature, so alive[2], and there can't be any stopping me now, can there?[3], and I'll get a-ROUND / Oh, I'll get a-ROUND / I'll get a-ROUND about midnight, I'm sure[3], and I want to capture ... moments, man / and I just know ... that they will be forever[3], and it makes my GUITAR ... sound as FRESH as a DAISY / and I ain't got no excuses now[3], and maybe I can really sing, after all[3], and I'll get a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / twice, just like CHUCK BERRY![3], and if only I had a BLUE CHAIR[3], and I could sit in that chair, all day, all night, getting so blue[3], and / yeah, blue, just like Picasso's blind guitarist[3], and if only Robert Johnson were alive, what would he play/sing? / blues like a diamond bullet straight to our hearts[3], and so ... let me sing / and I'll play myself beyond the THREE / a-ROUND here[3], and I can't stop / don't want to[3], and now / playing it back, and back, and back? / It's a joy to listen to, to, to ...[3], and / 'Some of these days you’ll miss me, honey' / Yes, even better than literature, so alive[3], and

And it's such a beautiful thing ... a big snowball to sing to, a white ice snowball called Blue[1], and there can't be any stopping me now, can there?[1], and it's such a beautiful thing ... a big snowball to sing to, a white ice snowball called Blue[2], and I'll get a-ROUND / Oh, I'll get a-ROUND / I'll get a-ROUND about midnight, I'm sure[1], and there can't be any stopping me now, can there?[2], and I want to capture ... moments, man / and I just know ... that they will be forever[1], and I'll get a-ROUND / Oh, I'll get a-ROUND / I'll get a-ROUND about midnight, I'm sure[2], and it makes my GUITAR ... sound as FRESH as a DAISY / and I ain't got no excuses now[1], and I want to capture ... moments, man / and I just know ... that they will be forever[2], and maybe I can really sing, after all[1], and it makes my GUITAR ... sound as FRESH as a DAISY / and I ain't got no excuses now[2], and I'll get a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / twice, just like CHUCK BERRY![1], and maybe I can really sing, after all[2], and if only I had a BLUE CHAIR[1], and I'll get a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / twice, just like CHUCK BERRY![2], and I could sit in that chair, all day, all night, getting so blue[1], and if only I had a BLUE CHAIR[2], and / yeah, blue, just like Picasso's blind guitarist[1], and I could sit in that chair, all day, all night, getting so blue[2], and if only Robert Johnson were alive, what would he play/sing? / blues like a diamond bullet straight to our hearts[1], and / yeah, blue, just like Picasso's blind guitarist[2], and so ... let me sing / and I'll play myself beyond the THREE / a-ROUND here[1], and if only Robert Johnson were alive, what would he play/sing? / blues like a diamond bullet straight to our hearts[2], and I can't stop / don't want to[1], and so ... let me sing / and I'll play myself beyond the THREE / a-ROUND here[2], and now / playing it back, and back, and back? / It's a joy to listen to, to, to ...[1], and I can't stop / don't want to[2], and / 'Some of these days you’ll miss me, honey' / Yes, even better than literature, so alive[1], and now / playing it back, and back, and back? / It's a joy to listen to, to, to ...[2], and it's such a beautiful thing ... a big snowball to sing to, a white ice snowball called Blue[3], and / 'Some of these days you’ll miss me, honey' / Yes, even better than literature, so alive[2], and there can't be any stopping me now, can there?[3], and I'll get a-ROUND / Oh, I'll get a-ROUND / I'll get a-ROUND about midnight, I'm sure[3], and I want to capture ... moments, man / and I just know ... that they will be forever[3], and it makes my GUITAR ... sound as FRESH as a DAISY / and I ain't got no excuses now[3], and maybe I can really sing, after all[3], and I'll get a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / twice, just like CHUCK BERRY![3], and if only I had a BLUE CHAIR[3], and I could sit in that chair, all day, all night, getting so blue[3], and / yeah, blue, just like Picasso's blind guitarist[3], and if only Robert Johnson were alive, what would he play/sing? / blues like a diamond bullet straight to our hearts[3], and so ... let me sing / and I'll play myself beyond the THREE / a-ROUND here[3], and I can't stop / don't want to[3], and now / playing it back, and back, and back? / It's a joy to listen to, to, to ...[3], and / 'Some of these days you’ll miss me, honey' / Yes, even better than literature, so alive[3], and

And it's such a beautiful thing ... a big snowball to sing to, a white ice snowball called Blue[1], and there can't be any stopping me now, can there?[1], and it's such a beautiful thing ... a big snowball to sing to, a white ice snowball called Blue[2], and I'll get a-ROUND / Oh, I'll get a-ROUND / I'll get a-ROUND about midnight, I'm sure[1], and there can't be any stopping me now, can there?[2], and I want to capture ... moments, man / and I just know ... that they will be forever[1], and I'll get a-ROUND / Oh, I'll get a-ROUND / I'll get a-ROUND about midnight, I'm sure[2], and it makes my GUITAR ... sound as FRESH as a DAISY / and I ain't got no excuses now[1], and I want to capture ... moments, man / and I just know ... that they will be forever[2], and maybe I can really sing, after all[1], and it makes my GUITAR ... sound as FRESH as a DAISY / and I ain't got no excuses now[2], and I'll get a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / twice, just like CHUCK BERRY![1], and maybe I can really sing, after all[2], and if only I had a BLUE CHAIR[1], and I'll get a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / twice, just like CHUCK BERRY![2], and I could sit in that chair, all day, all night, getting so blue[1], and if only I had a BLUE CHAIR[2], and / yeah, blue, just like Picasso's blind guitarist[1], and I could sit in that chair, all day, all night, getting so blue[2], and if only Robert Johnson were alive, what would he play/sing? / blues like a diamond bullet straight to our hearts[1], and / yeah, blue, just like Picasso's blind guitarist[2], and so ... let me sing / and I'll play myself beyond the THREE / a-ROUND here[1], and if only Robert Johnson were alive, what would he play/sing? / blues like a diamond bullet straight to our hearts[2], and I can't stop / don't want to[1], and so ... let me sing / and I'll play myself beyond the THREE / a-ROUND here[2], and now / playing it back, and back, and back? / It's a joy to listen to, to, to ...[1], and I can't stop / don't want to[2], and / 'Some of these days you’ll miss me, honey' / Yes, even better than literature, so alive[1], and now / playing it back, and back, and back? / It's a joy to listen to, to, to ...[2], and it's such a beautiful thing ... a big snowball to sing to, a white ice snowball called Blue[3], and / 'Some of these days you’ll miss me, honey' / Yes, even better than literature, so alive[2], and there can't be any stopping me now, can there?[3], and I'll get a-ROUND / Oh, I'll get a-ROUND / I'll get a-ROUND about midnight, I'm sure[3], and I want to capture ... moments, man / and I just know ... that they will be forever[3], and it makes my GUITAR ... sound as FRESH as a DAISY / and I ain't got no excuses now[3], and maybe I can really sing, after all[3], and I'll get a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / twice, just like CHUCK BERRY![3], and if only I had a BLUE CHAIR[3], and I could sit in that chair, all day, all night, getting so blue[3], and / yeah, blue, just like Picasso's blind guitarist[3], and if only Robert Johnson were alive, what would he play/sing? / blues like a diamond bullet straight to our hearts[3], and so ... let me sing / and I'll play myself beyond the THREE / a-ROUND here[3], and I can't stop / don't want to[3], and now / playing it back, and back, and back? / It's a joy to listen to, to, to ...[3], and / 'Some of these days you’ll miss me, honey' / Yes, even better than literature, so alive[3], and

Who is Arjun Menon?

Do you really want to know, dear reader(s)? All right. See if you can dig this ... er / Arjun Menon is some crazy cat operating out of Hong Kong with Highbridge Capital Management. He's thirty-two years old, he's a big Asia head - one of the biggest - and he has worked at Highbridge for ages, man. (Oh, ten years. That's a long time in this game.) / I don't know anything else about him. (Queenie will be able to tell you more, if you're really that interested.) However, I can tell you that Arjun is going to be managing a new hedge fund soon, the Pan Asia Multistrategy fund. Highbridge wants to raise $250 million for it - American dollars, obviously. I can only wish them the best of luck.

As I say, get in touch with Queenie if you really want to know more. I know some of you find hedge fund news exciting. A new fund appears and you want to know all about it, all the details. It's only natural if you're a bit unnatural, a little sick. I'm not judging you. I just think maybe you should find something else to take an interest in. There's more to life than hedge funds, you know. / 'Boss?' Yes, Voice? 'Who the fuck is Queenie?' Queenie, my little invisible friend, is the Hong Kong babe who knows everything about everyone over there. 'Where?' Hong Kong, man. 'Oh. She's well-connected, then?' Yes. Very well-connected. She knows all the players. 'Does she know that dog that lives in the filing cabinet at police headquarters?' I should imagine she does. I mean, she knows everyone. / I don't think the dog lives in the cabinet, reader(s). He just changes in it.

Lia Forcina has got a job at BlueCrest Capital Management

Sometimes I almost feel just like a human being. / Don't worry. I'm just listening to Elvis Costello, that's all.

Lia Forcina? Lia, Lia ... Lia is some chick who used to be a trader at SAC Capital Advisors in London. Yeah. But she got fed up with that nonsense, so she's moved to BlueCrest. I don't know what she's doing there. (Oh, more nonsense!) Probably the same kind of stuff. These people don't change.

It may be Tuesday (it is!) but ... well, you know. / I'm waiting for a new microphone. A blue ice snowball or something. Better sound. It won't improve my guitar playing though ...

Lia, Lia, Lia ... / Oh, I'd like to write a bit more about Lia. Yes, I really would. Dear oh dear. Sometimes I almost feel just like a human being. / Is Lia one of these chicks who could make me feel ... even more? / I don't know. It’s a lonely business, life.

What a life, eh?

I played my guitar for four hours yesterday. That's all I wanna do now. Sick of everything else.

Maybe Lia could come round today, play keyboards or something. I don't know. It's an idea.

This finance blogging ... the way I see it, man, I'm burning off bad karma, you know? I'm almost done. I know I ain't gonna be in hell forever. Freedom is coming. I can feel it.

You gotta be real human to write decent songs, dear reader(s). Listen to Blood on the Tracks. 'Blood & Chocolate, boss?' No. Open your ears, Voice! 'I ain't got no ears, Mikey!' / Poor sod. He ain't no human being. A fucking demon. 'Oh, that's harsh.' All right, Voice. I didn't mean that. / I'm the demon.

Lia, Lia, Lia ...

No financial news on Monday, thank God!

Oh, I'm so glad there isn't any financial news this morning. I'm in one of those moods, you know?

I've looked around. There aren't any new hedge funds or anything. It's quite depressing, but not for me. I'm glad there isn't any news.

It's a horrible day, all rainy and that. Cold, and a bit misty. Cloudy. Nothing like summer. What happened to the summer?

I think I'll get this post out of the way, have my lunch, and then play my guitar and try to record my songs. That will cheer me up. Not that I need cheering up.

I'm not one of these sad nutjobs that need the news, man. Worst comes to the worst, I'll make my own news.

It won't come to that. No. I know how it goes. There'll be news tomorrow. There's always news on a Tuesday.

Then I'll be pissed off. Tomorrow, with Tuesday's news. Great! What a life, eh?

I'm trying not to think about it. I've got to stay positive. / One day, this will all be over. I'll be free.

At least I can be positive. It's the others I feel sorry for. / No, I don't feel sorry. They've made their beds.

God has got His eye on me, I'm pretty sure of that. I'll be all right. I'm happy. It's the others I'm worried about.

But I shouldn't be worried, I suppose. / One day, I'll burn down the country club. I'll set everyone free.

Oh, I've got to stay positive, man!

[No. 161] What do we know about Mark Barnett at Invesco Perpetual?

Not a lot.

And I could tell you everything about the colours and the sounds of my mind, the worlds inside, but it's Mark Barnett we're trying to deal with, right now[1], and there's NOTHING TO KNOW[1], and I could tell you everything about the colours and the sounds of my mind, the worlds inside, but it's Mark Barnett we're trying to deal with, right now[2], and I could tell you everything about the fears and the hopes of a madman, the mystic one, but it's Mark Barnett we're running away from, right now[1], and there's NOTHING TO KNOW[2], and there's NOWHERE TO HIDE[1], and I could tell you everything about the fears and the hopes of a madman, the mystic one, but it's Mark Barnett we're running away from, right now[2], and I could tell you everything about the dead and the ghosts in the past, that faded so fast, but it's Mark Barnett we're living with, the reality, right now[1], and there's NOWHERE TO HIDE[2], and there's NO REALITY, NONE[1], and I could tell you everything about the dead and the ghosts in the past, that faded so fast, but it's Mark Barnett we're living with, the reality, right now[2], and I could tell you everything about the days and the years of the future, that seem so unreal, but it's Mark Barnett we're facing, like a mystery, right now[1], and there's NO REALITY, NONE[2], and there's NO MYSTERY, NONE[1], and I could tell you everything about the days and the years of the future, that seem so unreal, but it's Mark Barnett we're facing, like a mystery, right now[2], and he's here / and he's there[1], and there's NO MYSTERY, NONE[2], and where are we? / LOST!!![1], and he's here / and he's there[2], and I could tell you everything ... but I refuse, I absolutely refuse, because / you don't want to know[1], and where are we? / LOST!!![2], and so / let's get a-ROUND / let's get a-ROUND / let's get a-ROUND / yeah, yeah, yeah[1], and I could tell you everything ... but I refuse, I absolutely refuse, because / you don't want to know[2], and I need / to get beyond / the THREE / more than ever / right now[1], and so / let's get a-ROUND / let's get a-ROUND / let's get a-ROUND / yeah, yeah, yeah[2], and what do we want to know about anyone?[1], and I need / to get beyond / the THREE / more than ever / right now[2], and I could tell you everything about the colours and the sounds of my mind, the worlds inside, but it's Mark Barnett we're trying to deal with, right now[3], and what do we want to know about anyone?[2], and there's NOTHING TO KNOW[3], and I could tell you everything about the fears and the hopes of a madman, the mystic one, but it's Mark Barnett we're running away from, right now[3], and there's NOWHERE TO HIDE[3], and I could tell you everything about the dead and the ghosts in the past, that faded so fast, but it's Mark Barnett we're living with, the reality, right now[3], and there's NO REALITY, NONE[3], and I could tell you everything about the days and the years of the future, that seem so unreal, but it's Mark Barnett we're facing, like a mystery, right now[3], and there's NO MYSTERY, NONE[3], and he's here / and he's there[3], and where are we? / LOST!!![3], and I could tell you everything ... but I refuse, I absolutely refuse, because / you don't want to know[3], and so / let's get a-ROUND / let's get a-ROUND / let's get a-ROUND / yeah, yeah, yeah[3], and I need / to get beyond / the THREE / more than ever / right now[3], and what do we want to know about anyone?[3], and

And I could tell you everything about the colours and the sounds of my mind, the worlds inside, but it's Mark Barnett we're trying to deal with, right now[1], and there's NOTHING TO KNOW[1], and I could tell you everything about the colours and the sounds of my mind, the worlds inside, but it's Mark Barnett we're trying to deal with, right now[2], and I could tell you everything about the fears and the hopes of a madman, the mystic one, but it's Mark Barnett we're running away from, right now[1], and there's NOTHING TO KNOW[2], and there's NOWHERE TO HIDE[1], and I could tell you everything about the fears and the hopes of a madman, the mystic one, but it's Mark Barnett we're running away from, right now[2], and I could tell you everything about the dead and the ghosts in the past, that faded so fast, but it's Mark Barnett we're living with, the reality, right now[1], and there's NOWHERE TO HIDE[2], and there's NO REALITY, NONE[1], and I could tell you everything about the dead and the ghosts in the past, that faded so fast, but it's Mark Barnett we're living with, the reality, right now[2], and I could tell you everything about the days and the years of the future, that seem so unreal, but it's Mark Barnett we're facing, like a mystery, right now[1], and there's NO REALITY, NONE[2], and there's NO MYSTERY, NONE[1], and I could tell you everything about the days and the years of the future, that seem so unreal, but it's Mark Barnett we're facing, like a mystery, right now[2], and he's here / and he's there[1], and there's NO MYSTERY, NONE[2], and where are we? / LOST!!![1], and he's here / and he's there[2], and I could tell you everything ... but I refuse, I absolutely refuse, because / you don't want to know[1], and where are we? / LOST!!![2], and so / let's get a-ROUND / let's get a-ROUND / let's get a-ROUND / yeah, yeah, yeah[1], and I could tell you everything ... but I refuse, I absolutely refuse, because / you don't want to know[2], and I need / to get beyond / the THREE / more than ever / right now[1], and so / let's get a-ROUND / let's get a-ROUND / let's get a-ROUND / yeah, yeah, yeah[2], and what do we want to know about anyone?[1], and I need / to get beyond / the THREE / more than ever / right now[2], and I could tell you everything about the colours and the sounds of my mind, the worlds inside, but it's Mark Barnett we're trying to deal with, right now[3], and what do we want to know about anyone?[2], and there's NOTHING TO KNOW[3], and I could tell you everything about the fears and the hopes of a madman, the mystic one, but it's Mark Barnett we're running away from, right now[3], and there's NOWHERE TO HIDE[3], and I could tell you everything about the dead and the ghosts in the past, that faded so fast, but it's Mark Barnett we're living with, the reality, right now[3], and there's NO REALITY, NONE[3], and I could tell you everything about the days and the years of the future, that seem so unreal, but it's Mark Barnett we're facing, like a mystery, right now[3], and there's NO MYSTERY, NONE[3], and he's here / and he's there[3], and where are we? / LOST!!![3], and I could tell you everything ... but I refuse, I absolutely refuse, because / you don't want to know[3], and so / let's get a-ROUND / let's get a-ROUND / let's get a-ROUND / yeah, yeah, yeah[3], and I need / to get beyond / the THREE / more than ever / right now[3], and what do we want to know about anyone?[3], and

And I could tell you everything about the colours and the sounds of my mind, the worlds inside, but it's Mark Barnett we're trying to deal with, right now[1], and there's NOTHING TO KNOW[1], and I could tell you everything about the colours and the sounds of my mind, the worlds inside, but it's Mark Barnett we're trying to deal with, right now[2], and I could tell you everything about the fears and the hopes of a madman, the mystic one, but it's Mark Barnett we're running away from, right now[1], and there's NOTHING TO KNOW[2], and there's NOWHERE TO HIDE[1], and I could tell you everything about the fears and the hopes of a madman, the mystic one, but it's Mark Barnett we're running away from, right now[2], and I could tell you everything about the dead and the ghosts in the past, that faded so fast, but it's Mark Barnett we're living with, the reality, right now[1], and there's NOWHERE TO HIDE[2], and there's NO REALITY, NONE[1], and I could tell you everything about the dead and the ghosts in the past, that faded so fast, but it's Mark Barnett we're living with, the reality, right now[2], and I could tell you everything about the days and the years of the future, that seem so unreal, but it's Mark Barnett we're facing, like a mystery, right now[1], and there's NO REALITY, NONE[2], and there's NO MYSTERY, NONE[1], and I could tell you everything about the days and the years of the future, that seem so unreal, but it's Mark Barnett we're facing, like a mystery, right now[2], and he's here / and he's there[1], and there's NO MYSTERY, NONE[2], and where are we? / LOST!!![1], and he's here / and he's there[2], and I could tell you everything ... but I refuse, I absolutely refuse, because / you don't want to know[1], and where are we? / LOST!!![2], and so / let's get a-ROUND / let's get a-ROUND / let's get a-ROUND / yeah, yeah, yeah[1], and I could tell you everything ... but I refuse, I absolutely refuse, because / you don't want to know[2], and I need / to get beyond / the THREE / more than ever / right now[1], and so / let's get a-ROUND / let's get a-ROUND / let's get a-ROUND / yeah, yeah, yeah[2], and what do we want to know about anyone?[1], and I need / to get beyond / the THREE / more than ever / right now[2], and I could tell you everything about the colours and the sounds of my mind, the worlds inside, but it's Mark Barnett we're trying to deal with, right now[3], and what do we want to know about anyone?[2], and there's NOTHING TO KNOW[3], and I could tell you everything about the fears and the hopes of a madman, the mystic one, but it's Mark Barnett we're running away from, right now[3], and there's NOWHERE TO HIDE[3], and I could tell you everything about the dead and the ghosts in the past, that faded so fast, but it's Mark Barnett we're living with, the reality, right now[3], and there's NO REALITY, NONE[3], and I could tell you everything about the days and the years of the future, that seem so unreal, but it's Mark Barnett we're facing, like a mystery, right now[3], and there's NO MYSTERY, NONE[3], and he's here / and he's there[3], and where are we? / LOST!!![3], and I could tell you everything ... but I refuse, I absolutely refuse, because / you don't want to know[3], and so / let's get a-ROUND / let's get a-ROUND / let's get a-ROUND / yeah, yeah, yeah[3], and I need / to get beyond / the THREE / more than ever / right now[3], and what do we want to know about anyone?[3], and