Scopia Capital Management is being sued by some farmers in Texas

I don't know all the details. I don't want to know them, quite frankly. I mean, the whole thing sounds insane. Apparently, Scopia Capital has been accused of stealing a load of beans. (Or not paying for them. Same thing.) 'Beans?! Ha!' / Well, let the courts deal with it, over in America. It's nothing to do with me, and I've got different fish to fry. It's nearly the weekend, man, for Christ's sake! Cut me some slack.

Oh ... all right, all right, lovely reader(s). / For those of you who like extra details, who insist on them, I can tell YOU(!) something about Scopia Capital. It's an institutional alternative asset management firm based in New York with approximately $4 billion of assets under management. It was founded in 2001 by Matt Sirovich and Jeremy Mindich. The firm employs a fundamentals-based, value-driven long/short equity strategy with the discipline of market neutrality to generate absolute returns that are uncorrelated to the broader equity markets. / You see, I do know a thing or two. I'm not just some crazy rock and roller, you dig?

And the farmers? Well, they're just some cats from Texas. I don't know ... / I'd like to go to Texas one day, for a fandango ...

Anyway, have a nice weekend.

[No. 246] Adam Khanbhai, genuine human being, spinning a-ROUND, right now - and forever!

This is 2014.

And ... this - ? / finance, conceptualism, rock and roll ...[1], and let's forget all about GVO Investment Management ... it's people I'm interested in, guys like Adam[1], and ... this - ? / finance, conceptualism, rock and roll ...[2], and ... hello, son! / make yourself at home ...[1], and let's forget all about GVO Investment Management ... it's people I'm interested in, guys like Adam[2], and OC&C Strategy Consultants? / 'No one wants to know' / Well, why should they?[1], and ... hello, son! / make yourself at home ...[2], and this isn't a financial matter ... you gotta have soul, you dig?[1], and OC&C Strategy Consultants? / 'No one wants to know' / Well, why should they?[2], and a-ROUND here ... so DIZZY, our Adam might not get to touch the sun ... but he should be able to KISS the SKY[1], and this isn't a financial matter ... you gotta have soul, you dig?[2], and this ain't even ... rock and roll[1], and a-ROUND here ... so DIZZY, our Adam might not get to touch the sun ... but he should be able to KISS the SKY[2], and / Are we saying our Adam will go beyond the THREE? / NO! / It's still early days ... for all of us[1], and this ain't even ... rock and roll[2], and this is ... hard to say[1], and / Are we saying our Adam will go beyond the THREE? / NO! / It's still early days ... for all of us[2], and / When one "normal" guy ... er, gets DIZZY ... uh, the whole world wants to know about it, yeah? / Well, in theory ...[1], and this is ... hard to say[2], and it's so easy to get confused[1], and / When one "normal" guy ... er, gets DIZZY ... uh, the whole world wants to know about it, yeah? / Well, in theory ...[2], and there are many different kinds of shamanism, man - I'm branching out![1], and it's so easy to get confused[2], and take my hand / yes, YOU(!) / ... ... ... there is nothing to be afraid of[1], and there are many different kinds of shamanism, man - I'm branching out![2], and / Everyone better believe[1], and take my hand / yes, YOU(!) / ... ... ... there is nothing to be afraid of[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Please, be satisfied with it[1], and / Everyone better believe[2], and / just trust me, yeah?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Please, be satisfied with it[2], and ... this - ? / finance, conceptualism, rock and roll ...[3], and / just trust me, yeah?[2], and let's forget all about GVO Investment Management ... it's people I'm interested in, guys like Adam[3], and ... hello, son! / make yourself at home ...[3], and OC&C Strategy Consultants? / 'No one wants to know' / Well, why should they?[3], and this isn't a financial matter ... you gotta have soul, you dig?[3], and a-ROUND here ... so DIZZY, our Adam might not get to touch the sun ... but he should be able to KISS the SKY[3], and this ain't even ... rock and roll[3], and / Are we saying our Adam will go beyond the THREE? / NO! / It's still early days ... for all of us[3], and this is ... hard to say[3], and / When one "normal" guy ... er, gets DIZZY ... uh, the whole world wants to know about it, yeah? / Well, in theory ...[3], and it's so easy to get confused[3], and there are many different kinds of shamanism, man - I'm branching out![3], and take my hand / yes, YOU(!) / ... ... ... there is nothing to be afraid of[3], and / Everyone better believe[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Please, be satisfied with it[3], and / just trust me, yeah?[3], and

And ... this - ? / finance, conceptualism, rock and roll ...[1], and let's forget all about GVO Investment Management ... it's people I'm interested in, guys like Adam[1], and ... this - ? / finance, conceptualism, rock and roll ...[2], and ... hello, son! / make yourself at home ...[1], and let's forget all about GVO Investment Management ... it's people I'm interested in, guys like Adam[2], and OC&C Strategy Consultants? / 'No one wants to know' / Well, why should they?[1], and ... hello, son! / make yourself at home ...[2], and this isn't a financial matter ... you gotta have soul, you dig?[1], and OC&C Strategy Consultants? / 'No one wants to know' / Well, why should they?[2], and a-ROUND here ... so DIZZY, our Adam might not get to touch the sun ... but he should be able to KISS the SKY[1], and this isn't a financial matter ... you gotta have soul, you dig?[2], and this ain't even ... rock and roll[1], and a-ROUND here ... so DIZZY, our Adam might not get to touch the sun ... but he should be able to KISS the SKY[2], and / Are we saying our Adam will go beyond the THREE? / NO! / It's still early days ... for all of us[1], and this ain't even ... rock and roll[2], and this is ... hard to say[1], and / Are we saying our Adam will go beyond the THREE? / NO! / It's still early days ... for all of us[2], and / When one "normal" guy ... er, gets DIZZY ... uh, the whole world wants to know about it, yeah? / Well, in theory ...[1], and this is ... hard to say[2], and it's so easy to get confused[1], and / When one "normal" guy ... er, gets DIZZY ... uh, the whole world wants to know about it, yeah? / Well, in theory ...[2], and there are many different kinds of shamanism, man - I'm branching out![1], and it's so easy to get confused[2], and take my hand / yes, YOU(!) / ... ... ... there is nothing to be afraid of[1], and there are many different kinds of shamanism, man - I'm branching out![2], and / Everyone better believe[1], and take my hand / yes, YOU(!) / ... ... ... there is nothing to be afraid of[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Please, be satisfied with it[1], and / Everyone better believe[2], and / just trust me, yeah?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Please, be satisfied with it[2], and ... this - ? / finance, conceptualism, rock and roll ...[3], and / just trust me, yeah?[2], and let's forget all about GVO Investment Management ... it's people I'm interested in, guys like Adam[3], and ... hello, son! / make yourself at home ...[3], and OC&C Strategy Consultants? / 'No one wants to know' / Well, why should they?[3], and this isn't a financial matter ... you gotta have soul, you dig?[3], and a-ROUND here ... so DIZZY, our Adam might not get to touch the sun ... but he should be able to KISS the SKY[3], and this ain't even ... rock and roll[3], and / Are we saying our Adam will go beyond the THREE? / NO! / It's still early days ... for all of us[3], and this is ... hard to say[3], and / When one "normal" guy ... er, gets DIZZY ... uh, the whole world wants to know about it, yeah? / Well, in theory ...[3], and it's so easy to get confused[3], and there are many different kinds of shamanism, man - I'm branching out![3], and take my hand / yes, YOU(!) / ... ... ... there is nothing to be afraid of[3], and / Everyone better believe[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Please, be satisfied with it[3], and / just trust me, yeah?[3], and

And ... this - ? / finance, conceptualism, rock and roll ...[1], and let's forget all about GVO Investment Management ... it's people I'm interested in, guys like Adam[1], and ... this - ? / finance, conceptualism, rock and roll ...[2], and ... hello, son! / make yourself at home ...[1], and let's forget all about GVO Investment Management ... it's people I'm interested in, guys like Adam[2], and OC&C Strategy Consultants? / 'No one wants to know' / Well, why should they?[1], and ... hello, son! / make yourself at home ...[2], and this isn't a financial matter ... you gotta have soul, you dig?[1], and OC&C Strategy Consultants? / 'No one wants to know' / Well, why should they?[2], and a-ROUND here ... so DIZZY, our Adam might not get to touch the sun ... but he should be able to KISS the SKY[1], and this isn't a financial matter ... you gotta have soul, you dig?[2], and this ain't even ... rock and roll[1], and a-ROUND here ... so DIZZY, our Adam might not get to touch the sun ... but he should be able to KISS the SKY[2], and / Are we saying our Adam will go beyond the THREE? / NO! / It's still early days ... for all of us[1], and this ain't even ... rock and roll[2], and this is ... hard to say[1], and / Are we saying our Adam will go beyond the THREE? / NO! / It's still early days ... for all of us[2], and / When one "normal" guy ... er, gets DIZZY ... uh, the whole world wants to know about it, yeah? / Well, in theory ...[1], and this is ... hard to say[2], and it's so easy to get confused[1], and / When one "normal" guy ... er, gets DIZZY ... uh, the whole world wants to know about it, yeah? / Well, in theory ...[2], and there are many different kinds of shamanism, man - I'm branching out![1], and it's so easy to get confused[2], and take my hand / yes, YOU(!) / ... ... ... there is nothing to be afraid of[1], and there are many different kinds of shamanism, man - I'm branching out![2], and / Everyone better believe[1], and take my hand / yes, YOU(!) / ... ... ... there is nothing to be afraid of[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Please, be satisfied with it[1], and / Everyone better believe[2], and / just trust me, yeah?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Please, be satisfied with it[2], and ... this - ? / finance, conceptualism, rock and roll ...[3], and / just trust me, yeah?[2], and let's forget all about GVO Investment Management ... it's people I'm interested in, guys like Adam[3], and ... hello, son! / make yourself at home ...[3], and OC&C Strategy Consultants? / 'No one wants to know' / Well, why should they?[3], and this isn't a financial matter ... you gotta have soul, you dig?[3], and a-ROUND here ... so DIZZY, our Adam might not get to touch the sun ... but he should be able to KISS the SKY[3], and this ain't even ... rock and roll[3], and / Are we saying our Adam will go beyond the THREE? / NO! / It's still early days ... for all of us[3], and this is ... hard to say[3], and / When one "normal" guy ... er, gets DIZZY ... uh, the whole world wants to know about it, yeah? / Well, in theory ...[3], and it's so easy to get confused[3], and there are many different kinds of shamanism, man - I'm branching out![3], and take my hand / yes, YOU(!) / ... ... ... there is nothing to be afraid of[3], and / Everyone better believe[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Please, be satisfied with it[3], and / just trust me, yeah?[3], and

Adam Khanbhai has joined GVO Investment Management!

I've never heard of Adam Khanbhai, and I've never heard of GVO Investment Management. That's the beauty of this job. ('Job?!' Yes, Voice, job.) You never know what's going to happen next. ('Or what's happening at all, Mikey.') When I woke up this morning I had no idea that I would be getting to grips with Mr Khanbhai and GVO. It's so exciting! 'Well, lay it on us, baby.' Voice, Adam Khanbhai is an analyst who used to work at OC&C Strategy Consultants. 'Never heard of them.' That doesn't matter. I'm sure it's a good firm. Our Adam was there for six years! Then he got ambitious. He said to himself I want a new challenge. 'Oh, these people are amazing, boss.' What people? 'Guys like Adam.' Yeah, of course they are. / Anyway, at GVO Adam has the responsibility of generating new investment ideas, researching and analysing potential quoted equity investments, presenting high quality investment recommendations to the Financial Shamans Committee, and monitoring existing investments within the portfolios. 'They've got a financial shamans committee?!' Yeah, I suppose. 'That's a bit old hat, isn't it? A bit 2009.' Well ... 'Don't they know you've moved on, man? We've all moved on. Rock and roll shamanism is the new thing*.' They obviously don't know, Voice. I wouldn't worry about. It's no big deal.


*It ain't new, really. Only new to us. Think of Jim!

...

Music? Guitar? Rock and roll shamanism?! Well, I've finally come up with a plan which might work, which I might actually be able to stick to, you dig? And that is: four hours of guitar practice a day, every day. (That'll be tough on big blogging days, but I'll cut down on my sleeping.) It should mean I'll be a pretty decent guitarist by the end of the year. At the moment, I'm listening to Definitely Maybe and In Utero, together, on shuffle. That's the minimum level of guitar playing I'm aiming for, the Gallagher and Cobain level. Jeff Beck says you should practice four or five hours a day. No problem! I'm already doing it, man.

...

Lunch? Cheese sandwich. Nothing fancy. I'm giving the eggs a rest. 'Are they worn out?' Shut up, you idiot.

After lunch? I'll take Adam for a spin, No. 246. I'll make him kiss the sky.

Laters.

[No. 245] Telecaster/Stratocaster

My head is spinning!

And it's hard to say, hard to think ... a Tele or a Strat?[1], and a-ROUND my mind here ... what's the difference, with the electric blood and fire, all rock and roll, shamanic?[1], and it's hard to say, hard to think ... a Tele or a Strat?[2], and / Gilly, I'm begging, darling, please, won't you ease my worried mind?[1], and a-ROUND my mind here ... what's the difference, with the electric blood and fire, all rock and roll, shamanic?[2], and we're talking ... classic player Tele, Baja blonde, custom pick-ups with four-way switching - ?[1], and / Gilly, I'm begging, darling, please, won't you ease my worried mind?[2], and all I can afford is a Squier Affinity, man  / 'That's good enough, man'[1], and we're talking ... classic player Tele, Baja blonde, custom pick-ups with four-way switching - ?[2], and we're talking ... American standard Strat, mystic blue, two-point synchronised tremolo with bent steel saddles - ?[1], and all I can afford is a Squier Affinity, man  / 'That's good enough, man'[2], and I don't want one of those! / It's got to be a Tele![1], and we're talking ... American standard Strat, mystic blue, two-point synchronised tremolo with bent steel saddles - ?[2], and I'm dreaming ... and LOOK! / oh, there I am, up in the fresh air, there, kissing the sky with Jimi's ghost[1], and I don't want one of those! / It's got to be a Tele![2], and the TRUTH is ... all my love's in vain[1], and I'm dreaming ... and LOOK! / oh, there I am, up in the fresh air, there, kissing the sky with Jimi's ghost[2], and we're just saying ... special black mirror, honey burst, midnight wine, butterscotch blonde ...[1], and the TRUTH is ... all my love's in vain[2], and / in a perfect world, where dreams are real ...[1], and we're just saying ... special black mirror, honey burst, midnight wine, butterscotch blonde ...[2], and we're just saying ... lake placid blue, nitro sunburst, sea foam green, candy apple red ...[1], and / in a perfect world, where dreams are real ...[2], and here I am, sadly / but I'm staying positive, as always[1], and we're just saying ... lake placid blue, nitro sunburst, sea foam green, candy apple red ...[2], and it goes without saying that I can chop down mountains with the edge of my hand ...[1], and here I am, sadly / but I'm staying positive, as always[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... just like Chuck Berry! (Gibson)[1], and it goes without saying that I can chop down mountains with the edge of my hand ...[2], and YOU(!) are here[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... just like Chuck Berry! (Gibson)[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... We can't get off![1], and YOU(!) are here[2], and / one day, in Malibu ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... We can't get off![2], and it's hard to say, hard to think ... a Tele or a Strat?[3], and / one day, in Malibu ...[2], and a-ROUND my mind here ... what's the difference, with the electric blood and fire, all rock and roll, shamanic?[3], and / Gilly, I'm begging, darling, please, won't you ease my worried mind?[3], and we're talking ... classic player Tele, Baja blonde, custom pick-ups with four-way switching - ?[3], and all I can afford is a Squier Affinity, man  / 'That's good enough, man'[3], and we're talking ... American standard Strat, mystic blue, two-point synchronised tremolo with bent steel saddles - ?[3], and I don't want one of those! / It's got to be a Tele![3], and I'm dreaming ... and LOOK! / oh, there I am, up in the fresh air, there, kissing the sky with Jimi's ghost[3], and the TRUTH is ... all my love's in vain[3], and we're just saying ... special black mirror, honey burst, midnight wine, butterscotch blonde ...[3], and / in a perfect world, where dreams are real ...[3], and we're just saying ... lake placid blue, nitro sunburst, sea foam green, candy apple red ...[3], and here I am, sadly / but I'm staying positive, as always[3], and it goes without saying that I can chop down mountains with the edge of my hand ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... just like Chuck Berry! (Gibson)[3], and YOU(!) are here[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... We can't get off![3], and / one day, in Malibu ...[3], and

And it's hard to say, hard to think ... a Tele or a Strat?[1], and a-ROUND my mind here ... what's the difference, with the electric blood and fire, all rock and roll, shamanic?[1], and it's hard to say, hard to think ... a Tele or a Strat?[2], and / Gilly, I'm begging, darling, please, won't you ease my worried mind?[1], and a-ROUND my mind here ... what's the difference, with the electric blood and fire, all rock and roll, shamanic?[2], and we're talking ... classic player Tele, Baja blonde, custom pick-ups with four-way switching - ?[1], and / Gilly, I'm begging, darling, please, won't you ease my worried mind?[2], and all I can afford is a Squier Affinity, man  / 'That's good enough, man'[1], and we're talking ... classic player Tele, Baja blonde, custom pick-ups with four-way switching - ?[2], and we're talking ... American standard Strat, mystic blue, two-point synchronised tremolo with bent steel saddles - ?[1], and all I can afford is a Squier Affinity, man  / 'That's good enough, man'[2], and I don't want one of those! / It's got to be a Tele![1], and we're talking ... American standard Strat, mystic blue, two-point synchronised tremolo with bent steel saddles - ?[2], and I'm dreaming ... and LOOK! / oh, there I am, up in the fresh air, there, kissing the sky with Jimi's ghost[1], and I don't want one of those! / It's got to be a Tele![2], and the TRUTH is ... all my love's in vain[1], and I'm dreaming ... and LOOK! / oh, there I am, up in the fresh air, there, kissing the sky with Jimi's ghost[2], and we're just saying ... special black mirror, honey burst, midnight wine, butterscotch blonde ...[1], and the TRUTH is ... all my love's in vain[2], and / in a perfect world, where dreams are real ...[1], and we're just saying ... special black mirror, honey burst, midnight wine, butterscotch blonde ...[2], and we're just saying ... lake placid blue, nitro sunburst, sea foam green, candy apple red ...[1], and / in a perfect world, where dreams are real ...[2], and here I am, sadly / but I'm staying positive, as always[1], and we're just saying ... lake placid blue, nitro sunburst, sea foam green, candy apple red ...[2], and it goes without saying that I can chop down mountains with the edge of my hand ...[1], and here I am, sadly / but I'm staying positive, as always[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... just like Chuck Berry! (Gibson)[1], and it goes without saying that I can chop down mountains with the edge of my hand ...[2], and YOU(!) are here[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... just like Chuck Berry! (Gibson)[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... We can't get off![1], and YOU(!) are here[2], and / one day, in Malibu ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... We can't get off![2], and it's hard to say, hard to think ... a Tele or a Strat?[3], and / one day, in Malibu ...[2], and a-ROUND my mind here ... what's the difference, with the electric blood and fire, all rock and roll, shamanic?[3], and / Gilly, I'm begging, darling, please, won't you ease my worried mind?[3], and we're talking ... classic player Tele, Baja blonde, custom pick-ups with four-way switching - ?[3], and all I can afford is a Squier Affinity, man  / 'That's good enough, man'[3], and we're talking ... American standard Strat, mystic blue, two-point synchronised tremolo with bent steel saddles - ?[3], and I don't want one of those! / It's got to be a Tele![3], and I'm dreaming ... and LOOK! / oh, there I am, up in the fresh air, there, kissing the sky with Jimi's ghost[3], and the TRUTH is ... all my love's in vain[3], and we're just saying ... special black mirror, honey burst, midnight wine, butterscotch blonde ...[3], and / in a perfect world, where dreams are real ...[3], and we're just saying ... lake placid blue, nitro sunburst, sea foam green, candy apple red ...[3], and here I am, sadly / but I'm staying positive, as always[3], and it goes without saying that I can chop down mountains with the edge of my hand ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... just like Chuck Berry! (Gibson)[3], and YOU(!) are here[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... We can't get off![3], and / one day, in Malibu ...[3], and

And it's hard to say, hard to think ... a Tele or a Strat?[1], and a-ROUND my mind here ... what's the difference, with the electric blood and fire, all rock and roll, shamanic?[1], and it's hard to say, hard to think ... a Tele or a Strat?[2], and / Gilly, I'm begging, darling, please, won't you ease my worried mind?[1], and a-ROUND my mind here ... what's the difference, with the electric blood and fire, all rock and roll, shamanic?[2], and we're talking ... classic player Tele, Baja blonde, custom pick-ups with four-way switching - ?[1], and / Gilly, I'm begging, darling, please, won't you ease my worried mind?[2], and all I can afford is a Squier Affinity, man  / 'That's good enough, man'[1], and we're talking ... classic player Tele, Baja blonde, custom pick-ups with four-way switching - ?[2], and we're talking ... American standard Strat, mystic blue, two-point synchronised tremolo with bent steel saddles - ?[1], and all I can afford is a Squier Affinity, man  / 'That's good enough, man'[2], and I don't want one of those! / It's got to be a Tele![1], and we're talking ... American standard Strat, mystic blue, two-point synchronised tremolo with bent steel saddles - ?[2], and I'm dreaming ... and LOOK! / oh, there I am, up in the fresh air, there, kissing the sky with Jimi's ghost[1], and I don't want one of those! / It's got to be a Tele![2], and the TRUTH is ... all my love's in vain[1], and I'm dreaming ... and LOOK! / oh, there I am, up in the fresh air, there, kissing the sky with Jimi's ghost[2], and we're just saying ... special black mirror, honey burst, midnight wine, butterscotch blonde ...[1], and the TRUTH is ... all my love's in vain[2], and / in a perfect world, where dreams are real ...[1], and we're just saying ... special black mirror, honey burst, midnight wine, butterscotch blonde ...[2], and we're just saying ... lake placid blue, nitro sunburst, sea foam green, candy apple red ...[1], and / in a perfect world, where dreams are real ...[2], and here I am, sadly / but I'm staying positive, as always[1], and we're just saying ... lake placid blue, nitro sunburst, sea foam green, candy apple red ...[2], and it goes without saying that I can chop down mountains with the edge of my hand ...[1], and here I am, sadly / but I'm staying positive, as always[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... just like Chuck Berry! (Gibson)[1], and it goes without saying that I can chop down mountains with the edge of my hand ...[2], and YOU(!) are here[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... just like Chuck Berry! (Gibson)[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... We can't get off![1], and YOU(!) are here[2], and / one day, in Malibu ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... We can't get off![2], and it's hard to say, hard to think ... a Tele or a Strat?[3], and / one day, in Malibu ...[2], and a-ROUND my mind here ... what's the difference, with the electric blood and fire, all rock and roll, shamanic?[3], and / Gilly, I'm begging, darling, please, won't you ease my worried mind?[3], and we're talking ... classic player Tele, Baja blonde, custom pick-ups with four-way switching - ?[3], and all I can afford is a Squier Affinity, man  / 'That's good enough, man'[3], and we're talking ... American standard Strat, mystic blue, two-point synchronised tremolo with bent steel saddles - ?[3], and I don't want one of those! / It's got to be a Tele![3], and I'm dreaming ... and LOOK! / oh, there I am, up in the fresh air, there, kissing the sky with Jimi's ghost[3], and the TRUTH is ... all my love's in vain[3], and we're just saying ... special black mirror, honey burst, midnight wine, butterscotch blonde ...[3], and / in a perfect world, where dreams are real ...[3], and we're just saying ... lake placid blue, nitro sunburst, sea foam green, candy apple red ...[3], and here I am, sadly / but I'm staying positive, as always[3], and it goes without saying that I can chop down mountains with the edge of my hand ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... just like Chuck Berry! (Gibson)[3], and YOU(!) are here[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... We can't get off![3], and / one day, in Malibu ...[3], and

Jason Brown wants to get some money out of Blackstone for his hedge fund

Millions of dollars, no doubt. / Oh, we all want to get our hands on other people's money, Jason. I want to live in Malibu, son, bankrolled by Blackstone (or some other gullible alternative investments giant), but life's a shithouse. / These nutjobs ... / I bet Blackstone gives him the money as well - for his Arkkan Capital Management, in Hong Kong, of all places. / This Jason used to be a trader at Goldman Sachs. Oh, surprise, surprise. (They all work at Goldman, and then they don't like it no more, as if the grass is greener or something.) / Obviously, I've taken a good look at his LinkedIn profile, but I'm starting to think that some of these profiles aren't genuine. What does he do for a living? Well, it just says Jason Brown, hedge fund founder. Does that sound right to you, dear reader(s)? It might as well say Jason Brown, space cadet. And he's only got two contacts! Not exactly Mr Popular, is he? Keith Busby has got more contacts than that.

It goes without saying that Jason wants to get back in touch; which really annoys me because I've never been in touch with him (to the best of my knowledge). Not once! 'No?' / Well ... It could have been in a dream, I suppose. Astral shit. I shouldn't rule it out, the possibility. I mean, I used to meet all kinds of crazies on the plane in the old days. 2008, 2009. When the world was young. 'Ah! - ?' Ah, the apple trees! 'Yeah, the apple trees, Mikey. Blossoms in the breeze.' Ah ... the blood and fire, Voice. The carefree days of youth. / Never mind. I'm happier now, anyway. Stronger, and more motivated. Ready for any challenge. 'Really?' I played my guitar for five hours yesterday. 'Five hours?!' Yeah, man. 'Wow! Er ... are you thinking big, boss, or is it just my imagination?' Ha! Not only am I thinking big, Voice, but I'm kicking ass, and I'm taking names, too. 'Jesus!' Oh, you better believe it, boy! Jesus, Jimi, Ziggy ... I'm taking them all on.

[And good luck, Jason! Keep thinking big, like me and Donald.]

...

Anything else? Cheap egg sandwich, rain, half a packet of Jaffa Cakes, more guitar ... / Er ... yeah, laters.

Nothing in particular ...

I just feel like writing, that's all. I'm fed up, man. Bank holiday tomorrow, and it's going to be raining the whole day.

No financial news, thank God. There won't be any until Tuesday, I should imagine.

For your information, dear reader(s), I'm listening to Roxy Music's Avalon. I can only listen to this album at night, like Eno's Apollo. / I can understand why Bryan Ferry doesn't want to record with Roxy again. There's no way they could top Avalon. They would only ruin their legacy with a run-of-the-mill album.

The summer is over now, probably. What have we got to look forward to? Dark nights, cold weather, rain ... / Maybe I'll be able to make more progress with my music through autumn and winter. I played my guitar for three hours today, out of a sort of desperation. I have this anxiety these days, when I'm not holding my guitar, man, you know? / Oh, I want to get better, faster. I need a Telecaster. 'You're a poet, Mikey!' Shut up, Voice.

...

Thought for the night: People who look outside themselves into society, worrying about politics, religion and that, I think they're lost. They can't spend time with themselves. And they can't accept they're going to die one day, so they try to believe there's something bigger and more important than they are, outside. But that's bullshit! It's all inside. Everything is in you, reader(s), in your mind and soul. If you can't deal with that, then be a man - or a woman - and just admit it, yeah? Let's have a bit of fucking honesty, for Christ's sake!

Advice for the night: God is inside ... with you. Have you been looking for Him in a building, or a book? Or in the sky? Don't embarrass yourself. Do you want God thinking you're a dumb wanker? Of course not! So get a grip, and become a mystic.

...

I'm in a funny mood tonight, ain't I? / Well, laters ...

Shamik Dhar?

The weekend is nearly here, but you want more, dear reader(s), don't ya? So be it! / This one, this guy, goes by the name of Shamik Dhar. He's one of the Aviva Investors mob (head of multi-asset research), but he's leaving now to join the Foreign Office as chief economist and director of economics. Well, it's his funeral ...

I mean, why would any sane person leave a firm where you're allowed to eat ice cream in the park all day (or drink Stella in the pub) to work for the government. Yes, work, Mr Dhar! You don't know what it's like in the real world, son. Outside of Aviva Investors, people have to work for a living. Yeah. It's not fair, but who ever said life was fair? Have a word with yourself, Shamik.

And, yes, dear reader(s), I have looked at Mr Dhar's LinkedIn profile and I can confirm that the man barely exists. Hardly any information at all! Of course, I didn't sign in for the full profile. I'm not actually a member, myself. No, I can't be bothered with it. As I've said before, LinkedIn is Facebook for squares, and Facebook is bad enough.

...

Well, that's your lot. Until next week. Have a nice weekend. Bank holiday Monday, ain't it? Don't do anything I wouldn't do. / Laters.

[No. 244] Guy Shahar

This guy.

And here he is ... so shy![1], and they call him Mr Guy Shahar / and that's his name / and it's NOTHING to do with me[1], and here he is ... so shy![2], and this guy is into DSAM ... but I ain't judging him[1], and they call him Mr Guy Shahar / and that's his name / and it's NOTHING to do with me[2], and there's not a lot more I can tell anyone / Sorry ...[1], and this guy is into DSAM ... but I ain't judging him[2], and so ... I'll just tell myself that getting DIZZY all a-ROUND is the only thing that matters at the end of the world[1], and there's not a lot more I can tell anyone / Sorry ...[2], and this is the end of the world ...[1], and so ... I'll just tell myself that getting DIZZY all a-ROUND is the only thing that matters at the end of the world[2], and it goes on ... forever[1], and this is the end of the world ...[2], and we're all gonna feel a whole lot worse before ... it keeps on going / 'Let me get off! / I feel -'[1], and it goes on ... forever[2], and one day ... I'll be as ill as ... "them"[1], and we're all gonna feel a whole lot worse before ... it keeps on going / 'Let me get off! / I feel -'[2], and I can't make sense of NOTHING ... without a little help from my sick little friends[1], and one day ... I'll be as ill as ... "them"[2], and / er, this guy ...[1], and I can't make sense of NOTHING ... without a little help from my sick little friends[2], and I seem to have forgotten about Mr Guy Shahar ... which must come as a great relief to him[1], and / er, this guy ...[2], and / I don't know![1], and I seem to have forgotten about Mr Guy Shahar ... which must come as a great relief to him[2], and / any mystery that there was ... is bigger now ... on the way to the THREE ... but not beyond it, surely?[1], and / I don't know![2], and here he is ... so shy![3], and / any mystery that there was ... is bigger now ... on the way to the THREE ... but not beyond it, surely?[2], and they call him Mr Guy Shahar / and that's his name / and it's NOTHING to do with me[3], and this guy is into DSAM ... but I ain't judging him[3], and there's not a lot more I can tell anyone / Sorry ...[3], and so ... I'll just tell myself that getting DIZZY all a-ROUND is the only thing that matters at the end of the world[3], and this is the end of the world ...[3], and it goes on ... forever[3], and we're all gonna feel a whole lot worse before ... it keeps on going / 'Let me get off! / I feel -'[3], and one day ... I'll be as ill as ... "them"[3], and I can't make sense of NOTHING ... without a little help from my sick little friends[3], and / er, this guy ...[3], and I seem to have forgotten about Mr Guy Shahar ... which must come as a great relief to him[3], and / I don't know![3], and / any mystery that there was ... is bigger now ... on the way to the THREE ... but not beyond it, surely?[3], and

And here he is ... so shy![1], and they call him Mr Guy Shahar / and that's his name / and it's NOTHING to do with me[1], and here he is ... so shy![2], and this guy is into DSAM ... but I ain't judging him[1], and they call him Mr Guy Shahar / and that's his name / and it's NOTHING to do with me[2], and there's not a lot more I can tell anyone / Sorry ...[1], and this guy is into DSAM ... but I ain't judging him[2], and so ... I'll just tell myself that getting DIZZY all a-ROUND is the only thing that matters at the end of the world[1], and there's not a lot more I can tell anyone / Sorry ...[2], and this is the end of the world ...[1], and so ... I'll just tell myself that getting DIZZY all a-ROUND is the only thing that matters at the end of the world[2], and it goes on ... forever[1], and this is the end of the world ...[2], and we're all gonna feel a whole lot worse before ... it keeps on going / 'Let me get off! / I feel -'[1], and it goes on ... forever[2], and one day ... I'll be as ill as ... "them"[1], and we're all gonna feel a whole lot worse before ... it keeps on going / 'Let me get off! / I feel -'[2], and I can't make sense of NOTHING ... without a little help from my sick little friends[1], and one day ... I'll be as ill as ... "them"[2], and / er, this guy ...[1], and I can't make sense of NOTHING ... without a little help from my sick little friends[2], and I seem to have forgotten about Mr Guy Shahar ... which must come as a great relief to him[1], and / er, this guy ...[2], and / I don't know![1], and I seem to have forgotten about Mr Guy Shahar ... which must come as a great relief to him[2], and / any mystery that there was ... is bigger now ... on the way to the THREE ... but not beyond it, surely?[1], and / I don't know![2], and here he is ... so shy![3], and / any mystery that there was ... is bigger now ... on the way to the THREE ... but not beyond it, surely?[2], and they call him Mr Guy Shahar / and that's his name / and it's NOTHING to do with me[3], and this guy is into DSAM ... but I ain't judging him[3], and there's not a lot more I can tell anyone / Sorry ...[3], and so ... I'll just tell myself that getting DIZZY all a-ROUND is the only thing that matters at the end of the world[3], and this is the end of the world ...[3], and it goes on ... forever[3], and we're all gonna feel a whole lot worse before ... it keeps on going / 'Let me get off! / I feel -'[3], and one day ... I'll be as ill as ... "them"[3], and I can't make sense of NOTHING ... without a little help from my sick little friends[3], and / er, this guy ...[3], and I seem to have forgotten about Mr Guy Shahar ... which must come as a great relief to him[3], and / I don't know![3], and / any mystery that there was ... is bigger now ... on the way to the THREE ... but not beyond it, surely?[3], and

And here he is ... so shy![1], and they call him Mr Guy Shahar / and that's his name / and it's NOTHING to do with me[1], and here he is ... so shy![2], and this guy is into DSAM ... but I ain't judging him[1], and they call him Mr Guy Shahar / and that's his name / and it's NOTHING to do with me[2], and there's not a lot more I can tell anyone / Sorry ...[1], and this guy is into DSAM ... but I ain't judging him[2], and so ... I'll just tell myself that getting DIZZY all a-ROUND is the only thing that matters at the end of the world[1], and there's not a lot more I can tell anyone / Sorry ...[2], and this is the end of the world ...[1], and so ... I'll just tell myself that getting DIZZY all a-ROUND is the only thing that matters at the end of the world[2], and it goes on ... forever[1], and this is the end of the world ...[2], and we're all gonna feel a whole lot worse before ... it keeps on going / 'Let me get off! / I feel -'[1], and it goes on ... forever[2], and one day ... I'll be as ill as ... "them"[1], and we're all gonna feel a whole lot worse before ... it keeps on going / 'Let me get off! / I feel -'[2], and I can't make sense of NOTHING ... without a little help from my sick little friends[1], and one day ... I'll be as ill as ... "them"[2], and / er, this guy ...[1], and I can't make sense of NOTHING ... without a little help from my sick little friends[2], and I seem to have forgotten about Mr Guy Shahar ... which must come as a great relief to him[1], and / er, this guy ...[2], and / I don't know![1], and I seem to have forgotten about Mr Guy Shahar ... which must come as a great relief to him[2], and / any mystery that there was ... is bigger now ... on the way to the THREE ... but not beyond it, surely?[1], and / I don't know![2], and here he is ... so shy![3], and / any mystery that there was ... is bigger now ... on the way to the THREE ... but not beyond it, surely?[2], and they call him Mr Guy Shahar / and that's his name / and it's NOTHING to do with me[3], and this guy is into DSAM ... but I ain't judging him[3], and there's not a lot more I can tell anyone / Sorry ...[3], and so ... I'll just tell myself that getting DIZZY all a-ROUND is the only thing that matters at the end of the world[3], and this is the end of the world ...[3], and it goes on ... forever[3], and we're all gonna feel a whole lot worse before ... it keeps on going / 'Let me get off! / I feel -'[3], and one day ... I'll be as ill as ... "them"[3], and I can't make sense of NOTHING ... without a little help from my sick little friends[3], and / er, this guy ...[3], and I seem to have forgotten about Mr Guy Shahar ... which must come as a great relief to him[3], and / I don't know![3], and / any mystery that there was ... is bigger now ... on the way to the THREE ... but not beyond it, surely?[3], and

Who is this guy, Guy Shahar?

It's very disappointing. Very disappointing. I can't find a website for his hedge fund, DSAM Partners. And I can't find a LinkedIn profile for Guy Shahar neither. 'Christ!' Who does this Mr Shahar think he is, an international man of mystery?! 'It's not good enough, boss. What are you going to do about it?' Well ... not a lot. After lunch, I'll try a conceptual, No. 244. 'Will that help?' No, probably not. 'Oh.' In the meantime though, I can tell my readers that Guy Shahar used to be a trader at Goldman Sachs. 'Great!' A "top" trader, by all accounts. 'It gets better!' He's into European long/short equity shit. 'Oh dear.' What's wrong with that, man? 'Nothing.' He's making a lot of money, Voice. Profit is five times what it used to be. 'What did it used to be, Mikey?' I don't know. But I doubt Guy is walking around with holes in his shoes, you dig?

Anyway, after lunch, I'll be taking a closer look at Mr Shahar. See if I can strip away some of the mystery. Or maybe add to it.

...

Music? Well, I was listening to The Best of Van Morrison. I'm not sure what to put on next. 'How about John Lennon's John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band?' Yeah! I'll put that on. Well done, Voice.

Lennon plays all the guitar on this album. Mainly rhythm. Some finger-picking. A bit of simple lead.

He plays some simple piano as well. Although Phil Spector plays piano on Love, and Billy Preston plays it on God. (I wonder if Phil played on a couple of the other tracks, too ...)

Ringo is on drums!

...

Pub tomorrow. I didn't bump into Oliver Cromwell's ghost last week. Maybe I'll have more luck this week.

Lunch? Oh, cheese sandwich. Yeah. What do you want from me, dear reader(s)? I like cheese, and I like bread. So sue me!

[No. 243] The same old riff gets better all the time

In my head, my soul, groovy all a-ROUND, you dig?

And ... let's rock![1], and I'll never get bored of the sound, my fingers, and the strings, and the hole in the ...[1], and ... let's rock![2], and ... DEAD MILKMEN!!![1], and I'll never get bored of the sound, my fingers, and the strings, and the hole in the ...[2], and what's that sound, coming out of the hole in the wood? - it's the guitar![1], and ... DEAD MILKMEN!!![2], and ... NOTHING CHANGES FOREVER[1], and what's that sound, coming out of the hole in the wood? - it's the guitar![2], and if you've got bongos, yes, YOU(!) ... you can bong your bangos along to the tune, man![1], and ... NOTHING CHANGES FOREVER[2], and so MELLOW![1], and if you've got bongos, yes, YOU(!) ... you can bong your bangos along to the tune, man![2], and some might say ... that life is shit, the world is shit ... / I'm in two minds, both confused ...[1], and so MELLOW![2], and I see my light come shining ...[1], and some might say ... that life is shit, the world is shit ... / I'm in two minds, both confused ...[2], and while YOU(!) ... were out of your mind(s), both of them confused ...[1], and I see my light come shining ...[2], and / I was in there, both ... breaking glass again[1], and while YOU(!) ... were out of your mind(s), both of them confused ...[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... oh, just like, er ... DIZZY MISS LIZZY, yes!!![1], and / I was in there, both ... breaking glass again[2], and one day I'll fall through the roof and meet myself ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... oh, just like, er ... DIZZY MISS LIZZY, yes!!![2], and I'm always spinning in the same old conceptual shit ... hoping for a happy ending[1], and one day I'll fall through the roof and meet myself ...[2], and / 'Sing another song, boys!' / No, no, no ...[1], and I'm always spinning in the same old conceptual shit ... hoping for a happy ending[2], and / do you know this one?[1], and / 'Sing another song, boys!' / No, no, no ...[2], and I'd be so lonely if you weren't here sharing all the pain - and the good times, of course![1], and / do you know this one?[2], and a-ROUND here the riff remains the same[1], and I'd be so lonely if you weren't here sharing all the pain - and the good times, of course![2], and ... let's rock![3], and a-ROUND here the riff remains the same[2], and I'll never get bored of the sound, my fingers, and the strings, and the hole in the ...[3], and ... DEAD MILKMEN!!![3], and what's that sound, coming out of the hole in the wood? - it's the guitar![3], and ... NOTHING CHANGES FOREVER[3], and if you've got bongos, yes, YOU(!) ... you can bong your bangos along to the tune, man![3], and so MELLOW![3], and some might say ... that life is shit, the world is shit ... / I'm in two minds, both confused ...[3], and I see my light come shining ...[3], and while YOU(!) ... were out of your mind(s), both of them confused ...[3], and / I was in there, both ... breaking glass again[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... oh, just like, er ... DIZZY MISS LIZZY, yes!!![3], and one day I'll fall through the roof and meet myself ...[3], and I'm always spinning in the same old conceptual shit ... hoping for a happy ending[3], and / 'Sing another song, boys!' / No, no, no ...[3], and / do you know this one?[3], and I'd be so lonely if you weren't here sharing all the pain - and the good times, of course![3], and a-ROUND here the riff remains the same[3], and

And ... let's rock![1], and I'll never get bored of the sound, my fingers, and the strings, and the hole in the ...[1], and ... let's rock![2], and ... DEAD MILKMEN!!![1], and I'll never get bored of the sound, my fingers, and the strings, and the hole in the ...[2], and what's that sound, coming out of the hole in the wood? - it's the guitar![1], and ... DEAD MILKMEN!!![2], and ... NOTHING CHANGES FOREVER[1], and what's that sound, coming out of the hole in the wood? - it's the guitar![2], and if you've got bongos, yes, YOU(!) ... you can bong your bangos along to the tune, man![1], and ... NOTHING CHANGES FOREVER[2], and so MELLOW![1], and if you've got bongos, yes, YOU(!) ... you can bong your bangos along to the tune, man![2], and some might say ... that life is shit, the world is shit ... / I'm in two minds, both confused ...[1], and so MELLOW![2], and I see my light come shining ...[1], and some might say ... that life is shit, the world is shit ... / I'm in two minds, both confused ...[2], and while YOU(!) ... were out of your mind(s), both of them confused ...[1], and I see my light come shining ...[2], and / I was in there, both ... breaking glass again[1], and while YOU(!) ... were out of your mind(s), both of them confused ...[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... oh, just like, er ... DIZZY MISS LIZZY, yes!!![1], and / I was in there, both ... breaking glass again[2], and one day I'll fall through the roof and meet myself ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... oh, just like, er ... DIZZY MISS LIZZY, yes!!![2], and I'm always spinning in the same old conceptual shit ... hoping for a happy ending[1], and one day I'll fall through the roof and meet myself ...[2], and / 'Sing another song, boys!' / No, no, no ...[1], and I'm always spinning in the same old conceptual shit ... hoping for a happy ending[2], and / do you know this one?[1], and / 'Sing another song, boys!' / No, no, no ...[2], and I'd be so lonely if you weren't here sharing all the pain - and the good times, of course![1], and / do you know this one?[2], and a-ROUND here the riff remains the same[1], and I'd be so lonely if you weren't here sharing all the pain - and the good times, of course![2], and ... let's rock![3], and a-ROUND here the riff remains the same[2], and I'll never get bored of the sound, my fingers, and the strings, and the hole in the ...[3], and ... DEAD MILKMEN!!![3], and what's that sound, coming out of the hole in the wood? - it's the guitar![3], and ... NOTHING CHANGES FOREVER[3], and if you've got bongos, yes, YOU(!) ... you can bong your bangos along to the tune, man![3], and so MELLOW![3], and some might say ... that life is shit, the world is shit ... / I'm in two minds, both confused ...[3], and I see my light come shining ...[3], and while YOU(!) ... were out of your mind(s), both of them confused ...[3], and / I was in there, both ... breaking glass again[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... oh, just like, er ... DIZZY MISS LIZZY, yes!!![3], and one day I'll fall through the roof and meet myself ...[3], and I'm always spinning in the same old conceptual shit ... hoping for a happy ending[3], and / 'Sing another song, boys!' / No, no, no ...[3], and / do you know this one?[3], and I'd be so lonely if you weren't here sharing all the pain - and the good times, of course![3], and a-ROUND here the riff remains the same[3], and

And ... let's rock![1], and I'll never get bored of the sound, my fingers, and the strings, and the hole in the ...[1], and ... let's rock![2], and ... DEAD MILKMEN!!![1], and I'll never get bored of the sound, my fingers, and the strings, and the hole in the ...[2], and what's that sound, coming out of the hole in the wood? - it's the guitar![1], and ... DEAD MILKMEN!!![2], and ... NOTHING CHANGES FOREVER[1], and what's that sound, coming out of the hole in the wood? - it's the guitar![2], and if you've got bongos, yes, YOU(!) ... you can bong your bangos along to the tune, man![1], and ... NOTHING CHANGES FOREVER[2], and so MELLOW![1], and if you've got bongos, yes, YOU(!) ... you can bong your bangos along to the tune, man![2], and some might say ... that life is shit, the world is shit ... / I'm in two minds, both confused ...[1], and so MELLOW![2], and I see my light come shining ...[1], and some might say ... that life is shit, the world is shit ... / I'm in two minds, both confused ...[2], and while YOU(!) ... were out of your mind(s), both of them confused ...[1], and I see my light come shining ...[2], and / I was in there, both ... breaking glass again[1], and while YOU(!) ... were out of your mind(s), both of them confused ...[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... oh, just like, er ... DIZZY MISS LIZZY, yes!!![1], and / I was in there, both ... breaking glass again[2], and one day I'll fall through the roof and meet myself ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... oh, just like, er ... DIZZY MISS LIZZY, yes!!![2], and I'm always spinning in the same old conceptual shit ... hoping for a happy ending[1], and one day I'll fall through the roof and meet myself ...[2], and / 'Sing another song, boys!' / No, no, no ...[1], and I'm always spinning in the same old conceptual shit ... hoping for a happy ending[2], and / do you know this one?[1], and / 'Sing another song, boys!' / No, no, no ...[2], and I'd be so lonely if you weren't here sharing all the pain - and the good times, of course![1], and / do you know this one?[2], and a-ROUND here the riff remains the same[1], and I'd be so lonely if you weren't here sharing all the pain - and the good times, of course![2], and ... let's rock![3], and a-ROUND here the riff remains the same[2], and I'll never get bored of the sound, my fingers, and the strings, and the hole in the ...[3], and ... DEAD MILKMEN!!![3], and what's that sound, coming out of the hole in the wood? - it's the guitar![3], and ... NOTHING CHANGES FOREVER[3], and if you've got bongos, yes, YOU(!) ... you can bong your bangos along to the tune, man![3], and so MELLOW![3], and some might say ... that life is shit, the world is shit ... / I'm in two minds, both confused ...[3], and I see my light come shining ...[3], and while YOU(!) ... were out of your mind(s), both of them confused ...[3], and / I was in there, both ... breaking glass again[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... oh, just like, er ... DIZZY MISS LIZZY, yes!!![3], and one day I'll fall through the roof and meet myself ...[3], and I'm always spinning in the same old conceptual shit ... hoping for a happy ending[3], and / 'Sing another song, boys!' / No, no, no ...[3], and / do you know this one?[3], and I'd be so lonely if you weren't here sharing all the pain - and the good times, of course![3], and a-ROUND here the riff remains the same[3], and

Derek Pound is leaving Jupiter!

Surprise, surprise, eh?! Oh yes. Another Jupiter fund manager I've never even heard of, man, is leaving the firm. 'His real name is Billy Pound, boss.' Don't be ridiculous, Voice! / Dear reader(s), his name is Derek Pound and he's been at Jupiter since 1995, and I've never even heard of him. Yes, another non-shaman! How many non-shamans do they have at Jupiter? What the fuck is going on?! 'Have you heard of Bill Pound, boss?' No, I haven't, Voice. Please be quiet. / Derek Pound is/was managing the Jupiter Global Energy fund. They're going to shut it down when he leaves next month for a new challenge. 'I'll give him a new challenge, boss. Why doesn't he tell the truth about his name?' For Christ's sake! Why do you think his name is Billy, or Bill? 'LinkedIn.' Oh, I see. Has he been hiding something from us? 'Yeah. He's been telling everyone at Jupiter that his name is Derek Pound - for years! But on LinkedIn his name is Billy Bob Pound or something.' William Derek Pound, Voice? 'Yeah, that's it.' Right. Oh, very dodgy. I don't like this. I don't like it at all!

Why would a fund manager have two names? 'One for business, and one for private ... shenanigans.' Yeah. That's what I'm thinking. Great minds think alike, man. / This is just a theory, but I reckon our Billy (or Del or whatever the hell his name is) has been going on to the astral plane under another name to avoid detection. 'But you've banned all finance characters from the plane, Mikey!' Yes, I have. And we're not taking on any more financial shamans, are we? (The game is almost over, reader(s). Finance sickens me these days, as you know. Rock and roll shamanism is the future!) It all makes sense now. 'Really?' Del (or Billy) wants to become a financial shaman, but he wants to do it on the quiet. 'Ah.' I can't imagine he's shaman material though. Too much of a prima donna, from what I can gather. 'Yeah.' And no doubt he thinks I was born yesterday. 'Ha! You were born a million years ago, boss.' Fuckin' A(!) I was, son. At least a million years ago. A billion! / It's obvious that Jupiter found out and warned Billy of what I would do to him. 'They're scared of you, man. / So, Del's leaving, then. Maybe for the astral plane, maybe permanently.' Well, I'll be able to stop him now, won't I?

...

Another mystery solved, eh, dear reader(s)? I'm just like Columbo! (Well, sort of. There hasn't been a murder. Bergerac might be a better comparison.) / Lunch!

Melvin Capital and Folger Hill Asset Management!

Congratulations to Gabriel Plotkin and Solomon Kumin! These ex-SAC (SAC or whatever it's called this week) characters have finally got their shit together and found names for their new firms. Gabriel has named his firm Melvin Capital after his late grandfather, Capital Plotkin. No, that's not right. Er ... Melvin Plotkin. Yeah. What a lovely guy! And Solomon has named his firm Folger Hill Asset Management after ... some hill, I suppose. Ha! Obviously not a sentimental man, after all, this Solomon. I had him wrong.

Of course, neither of these firms will open until next year. Christ. Why the delay?! Well, I guess Gabriel and Solomon are pretty lazy, yeah? I mean, they don't have Stevie shouting at them no more. (Or staring at them coldly from his office.) They're the bosses now, the big men. So they can do what they want, which isn't very much. / But I can talk! I still haven't finished recording the demo of my songs.

It's like wading through treacle, when you have a dream. The treacle in your mind, you dig? There aren't many people who can go after what they want with a clear head. I don't know how Aristotle Onassis did it. Or Julius Caesar. Or Noel Edmonds. / Focus! It's all about focus, surely. You've got to forget about the muck of life ... the bills, the pub, the phone, the TV, the dirty laundry, the noises in the street. / Shut it all out! Tell the world to do one, soft lad!

Anyway, I wish Gabriel and Solomon all the best. / You'll get there, guys! You've just gotta keep believing.

...

I didn't go out yesterday (probably will today.) However, I played my guitar for three hours, man. / Blues scale in A? Well, starting from the fifth fret I know all the notes over the first twelve frets now. (I can't go any further with my acoustic.) And I've come up with a really cool riff, too. Worthy of Eric Clapton!

I'm listening to Prince at the moment though. He's wittering on about some bloody tambourine on his Around the World in a Day album. As long as he's happy ...

Pop Life - !

Paulson & Co making money from gold

That's all right, ain't it? I thought gold was finished. But apparently not. Paulson & Co has over ten million shares in something called the SPDR Gold Trust. Safe haven and all that. It's because of all the trouble in the world. 'Manchester United losing at home in their first game of the season, boss?' Yeah, shit like that. However, I'm not remotely interested in football, Voice, so don't come on my blog mentioning such vulgar nonsense ever again. Idiot!

...

Christ! I'll be glad when August is over and we can get some proper financial news. August and Christmas are the worst times for news. / I've just finished listening to Rumours. What next? 'Bitches Brew, Mikey?' No. I'm not in the mood for that. It's Monday morning, idiot! The last thing I want on a Monday morning is avant-garde jazz, man. 'ABBA?' Are you serious? 'Saturday Night Fever again?' No. 'Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison? Come on!' No. / Lonely at the Top: The Best of Randy Newman. Yeah! I've hardly listened to it. It'll make a nice change.

...

I might have to switch dongles. 'Christ!' Yeah. Use the T-Mobile one as my regular one. 'Eh?!' My internet provider, idiot! Vodafone won't let me top up now. And last week they were on holiday, so I couldn't get a signal. 'Why don't you call customer service?' Oh yeah. Why don't I eat my own nose? Forget about it!

...

I might go out this afternoon. I don't know where. Anywhere! I want to roam free. 'Just like Ringo!' Yes. Just like Ringo Starr in A Hard Day's Night. That's my favourite part of the film.

...

How did Randy get away with Short People? Short people got no reason to live? They wear platform shoes on their nasty little feet? 'Crazy!' Different times, I suppose.

My favourite bit is 0.56 to 1.10 (roughly) on I Love L.A. It was used in Down and Out in Beverly Hills.

Nice piano melody on Simon Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear.

Berkshire Hathaway shares above $200,000!

Well, well ... / Amazing, eh? More than $200,000 a share! 'Wow!' I wish I had bought some now when they were only $1 a share. 'When was that, boss?' Oh, a long time ago, Voice, I should think.

...

Well, that's the last financial news of the week. Thank God! I'm knackered, man. Roll on the weekend! Pub tomorrow. I might bump into the ghost of Oliver Cromwell. It's not impossible ...

Random stuff. Yeah. Genuinely knackered. / The news is on. Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads later. / Tea. Chocolate biscuits.

...

You know, dear reader(s), over the last six months I've done an average of two hours guitar practice a day. It might not sound a lot, but in the three years before that I was often doing less than thirty minutes a day.

Just thought I would mention it.

When I get my Telecaster, I might try to get it up to four hours a day. It's finding the time though ...

Positive attitude. Gotta keep going ... / I reckon I can play lead guitar better than John Lennon could. Yeah, I know he was a rhythm guitarist, but that's no excuse, man. I was a mere rhythm guitarist two or three months ago. I'm not having a pop at him. (He's a hero of mine, after all.) However, Lennon was a professional musician for close to twenty years, yeah?

[My piano teacher at school, Mr Brown, once told me that I had made four years progress in six months.]

I'm like Donald Trump. Thinking big, kicking ass, and taking names.

...

The TV news ...

This world? Ha! 'Ha!' One hundred billion stars in the Milky Way. One hundred billion galaxies in the universe. At least. That's why I don’t want to hear any shit from anyone, you dig? If you have any ideas, philosophical, political ...

...

Laters ...

[No. 242] Percy Stanion needs our help

Let's get him DIZZY all a-ROUND for starters!

And Percy is in ... THE DARK PLACE[1], and we know the pain[1], and Percy is in ... THE DARK PLACE[2], and we've all been in that dark place / after our delusions have been stripped away[1], and we know the pain[2], and / Percy, come to us! You are not alone![1], and we've all been in that dark place / after our delusions have been stripped away[2], and a-ROUND? YEAH!!![1], and / Percy, come to us! You are not alone![2], and here you are ... cheer up, son[1], and a-ROUND? YEAH!!![2], and ... a dead bank! / Close to twenty years have passed ...[1], and here you are ... cheer up, son[2], and imagine the scene ... empty building, broken windows, no electric, and Percy sitting alone in his office[1], and ... a dead bank! / Close to twenty years have passed ...[2], and there were a few lost souls there, I know, like Dagmar, but still ... not nice, not nice at all![1], and imagine the scene ... empty building, broken windows, no electric, and Percy sitting alone in his office[2], and / Percy, smile for us, please / Will he smile for us?[1], and there were a few lost souls there, I know, like Dagmar, but still ... not nice, not nice at all![2], and / it's not a crime to believe you have a career[1], and / Percy, smile for us, please / Will he smile for us?[2], and where is Nick Leeson, eh?![1], and / it's not a crime to believe you have a career[2], and / it's not a crime to trust people, you know[1], and where is Nick Leeson, eh?![2], and so let's spin away the pain, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... till the end of time![1], and / it's not a crime to trust people, you know[2], and I bet he wishes he had stayed at BNP Paribas / Oh, it's a cruel world, and a mad one[1], and so let's spin away the pain, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... till the end of time![2], and at least Percy has that "poloitics" degree, eh?[1], and I bet he wishes he had stayed at BNP Paribas / Oh, it's a cruel world, and a mad one[2], and Percy is in ... THE DARK PLACE[3], and at least Percy has that "poloitics" degree, eh?[2], and we know the pain[3], and we've all been in that dark place / after our delusions have been stripped away[3], and / Percy, come to us! You are not alone![3], and a-ROUND? YEAH!!![3], and here you are ... cheer up, son[3], and ... a dead bank! / Close to twenty years have passed ...[3], and imagine the scene ... empty building, broken windows, no electric, and Percy sitting alone in his office[3], and there were a few lost souls there, I know, like Dagmar, but still ... not nice, not nice at all![3], and / Percy, smile for us, please / Will he smile for us?[3], and / it's not a crime to believe you have a career[3], and where is Nick Leeson, eh?![3], and / it's not a crime to trust people, you know[3], and so let's spin away the pain, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... till the end of time![3], and I bet he wishes he had stayed at BNP Paribas / Oh, it's a cruel world, and a mad one[3], and at least Percy has that "poloitics" degree, eh?[3], and

And Percy is in ... THE DARK PLACE[1], and we know the pain[1], and Percy is in ... THE DARK PLACE[2], and we've all been in that dark place / after our delusions have been stripped away[1], and we know the pain[2], and / Percy, come to us! You are not alone![1], and we've all been in that dark place / after our delusions have been stripped away[2], and a-ROUND? YEAH!!![1], and / Percy, come to us! You are not alone![2], and here you are ... cheer up, son[1], and a-ROUND? YEAH!!![2], and ... a dead bank! / Close to twenty years have passed ...[1], and here you are ... cheer up, son[2], and imagine the scene ... empty building, broken windows, no electric, and Percy sitting alone in his office[1], and ... a dead bank! / Close to twenty years have passed ...[2], and there were a few lost souls there, I know, like Dagmar, but still ... not nice, not nice at all![1], and imagine the scene ... empty building, broken windows, no electric, and Percy sitting alone in his office[2], and / Percy, smile for us, please / Will he smile for us?[1], and there were a few lost souls there, I know, like Dagmar, but still ... not nice, not nice at all![2], and / it's not a crime to believe you have a career[1], and / Percy, smile for us, please / Will he smile for us?[2], and where is Nick Leeson, eh?![1], and / it's not a crime to believe you have a career[2], and / it's not a crime to trust people, you know[1], and where is Nick Leeson, eh?![2], and so let's spin away the pain, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... till the end of time![1], and / it's not a crime to trust people, you know[2], and I bet he wishes he had stayed at BNP Paribas / Oh, it's a cruel world, and a mad one[1], and so let's spin away the pain, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... till the end of time![2], and at least Percy has that "poloitics" degree, eh?[1], and I bet he wishes he had stayed at BNP Paribas / Oh, it's a cruel world, and a mad one[2], and Percy is in ... THE DARK PLACE[3], and at least Percy has that "poloitics" degree, eh?[2], and we know the pain[3], and we've all been in that dark place / after our delusions have been stripped away[3], and / Percy, come to us! You are not alone![3], and a-ROUND? YEAH!!![3], and here you are ... cheer up, son[3], and ... a dead bank! / Close to twenty years have passed ...[3], and imagine the scene ... empty building, broken windows, no electric, and Percy sitting alone in his office[3], and there were a few lost souls there, I know, like Dagmar, but still ... not nice, not nice at all![3], and / Percy, smile for us, please / Will he smile for us?[3], and / it's not a crime to believe you have a career[3], and where is Nick Leeson, eh?![3], and / it's not a crime to trust people, you know[3], and so let's spin away the pain, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... till the end of time![3], and I bet he wishes he had stayed at BNP Paribas / Oh, it's a cruel world, and a mad one[3], and at least Percy has that "poloitics" degree, eh?[3], and

And Percy is in ... THE DARK PLACE[1], and we know the pain[1], and Percy is in ... THE DARK PLACE[2], and we've all been in that dark place / after our delusions have been stripped away[1], and we know the pain[2], and / Percy, come to us! You are not alone![1], and we've all been in that dark place / after our delusions have been stripped away[2], and a-ROUND? YEAH!!![1], and / Percy, come to us! You are not alone![2], and here you are ... cheer up, son[1], and a-ROUND? YEAH!!![2], and ... a dead bank! / Close to twenty years have passed ...[1], and here you are ... cheer up, son[2], and imagine the scene ... empty building, broken windows, no electric, and Percy sitting alone in his office[1], and ... a dead bank! / Close to twenty years have passed ...[2], and there were a few lost souls there, I know, like Dagmar, but still ... not nice, not nice at all![1], and imagine the scene ... empty building, broken windows, no electric, and Percy sitting alone in his office[2], and / Percy, smile for us, please / Will he smile for us?[1], and there were a few lost souls there, I know, like Dagmar, but still ... not nice, not nice at all![2], and / it's not a crime to believe you have a career[1], and / Percy, smile for us, please / Will he smile for us?[2], and where is Nick Leeson, eh?![1], and / it's not a crime to believe you have a career[2], and / it's not a crime to trust people, you know[1], and where is Nick Leeson, eh?![2], and so let's spin away the pain, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... till the end of time![1], and / it's not a crime to trust people, you know[2], and I bet he wishes he had stayed at BNP Paribas / Oh, it's a cruel world, and a mad one[1], and so let's spin away the pain, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... till the end of time![2], and at least Percy has that "poloitics" degree, eh?[1], and I bet he wishes he had stayed at BNP Paribas / Oh, it's a cruel world, and a mad one[2], and Percy is in ... THE DARK PLACE[3], and at least Percy has that "poloitics" degree, eh?[2], and we know the pain[3], and we've all been in that dark place / after our delusions have been stripped away[3], and / Percy, come to us! You are not alone![3], and a-ROUND? YEAH!!![3], and here you are ... cheer up, son[3], and ... a dead bank! / Close to twenty years have passed ...[3], and imagine the scene ... empty building, broken windows, no electric, and Percy sitting alone in his office[3], and there were a few lost souls there, I know, like Dagmar, but still ... not nice, not nice at all![3], and / Percy, smile for us, please / Will he smile for us?[3], and / it's not a crime to believe you have a career[3], and where is Nick Leeson, eh?![3], and / it's not a crime to trust people, you know[3], and so let's spin away the pain, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... till the end of time![3], and I bet he wishes he had stayed at BNP Paribas / Oh, it's a cruel world, and a mad one[3], and at least Percy has that "poloitics" degree, eh?[3], and

Percival Stanion is leaving Barings Bank!

At last! After all this time, Percival Stanion has finally worked out that Barings Bank doesn't actually exist any more. (This guy was educated at Oxford, by the way, so ...) He thought he was head of the global multi asset group at Barings. 'Nonsense!' Oh, you're back, Voice. 'Yeah.' Can you believe this Percival, man? 'I can't believe you.' How many years has he wasted? 'All right, I'll play along. Was he locked in the stationery cupboard with Dagmar Dvorak?' I have no idea. But he's got to rebuild his life now. Christ knows what his CV looks like. Can you imagine him going for another job? ...

So, Mr Stanion - or can I call you Percy?

You can call me Percy, man.

It says on your CV here that you've spent the last thirteen years working at Barings Bank.

Yes, I can explain -

Are you mental or something?! There ain't no Barings Bank. It went out of business in 1995. How did you even get the job? Who hired you?

Well -

You were working at BNP Paribas in 2001. You were head of asset allocation.

Yeah.

So what made you think a move to a non-existent bank would be a good idea?

Let me explain -

Get out of my office!

...

Jesus, dear reader(s)! It's not going be a lot of fun, is it? If I were Percival I would go self-employed. 'What, boss, selling matches at the end of the street?' I don't know, Voice. But he's going to have a hard time of it, that's for sure.


[Oh, Percy, if you're reading this, mate, how about correcting the spelling mistakes on your LinkedIn profile, yeah? It don't look too good. Know what I mean? What the hell is "poloitics"? Or "philosphy"? Get a grip, son.]

[No. 241] Headbanger

I'm a headbanger, headbanger, yeah, I like to bang my head. And one day when my head falls off I'll bang my neck instead.

And / I'm a headbanger![1], and has anyone heard my Voice? / No / YOU(!) won't have seen it/(him) / Not even with mystic eyes[1], and / I'm a headbanger![2], and I want more DIZZY now?[1], and has anyone heard my Voice? / No / YOU(!) won't have seen it/(him) / Not even with mystic eyes[2], and / Oh, I don't need to get no more DIZZY now - this is the ultimate, man![1], and I want more DIZZY now?[2], and can YOU(!) tell? / My eyes ...[1], and / Oh, I don't need to get no more DIZZY now - this is the ultimate, man![2], and a-ROUND, one bang, and a-ROUND, two bangs, and a-ROUND - and up to the THREE! ... ?[1], and can YOU(!) tell? / My eyes ...[2], and it's only a little mark / no damage done, thank God!!![1], and a-ROUND, one bang, and a-ROUND, two bangs, and a-ROUND - and up to the THREE! ... ?[2], and I'm forgetting about Voice / ah, well, never mind ...[1], and it's only a little mark / no damage done, thank God!!![2], and it's a hard knock life[1], and I'm forgetting about Voice / ah, well, never mind ...[2], and it/(he) will be back, uh, talking its/(his) shit, or some "thing" will replace it/(him) ... there is no escape[1], and it's a hard knock life[2], and I got lost in the dark, you know? / and it's easily done / when the light is off[1], and it/(he) will be back, uh, talking its/(his) shit, or some "thing" will replace it/(him) ... there is no escape[2], and my tummy is all funny / maybe I'm just hungry[1], and I got lost in the dark, you know? / and it's easily done / when the light is off[2], and I can't move too fast / so slow down, slow down, slow down, down, down ...[1], and my tummy is all funny / maybe I'm just hungry[2], and NOISE(!) ... in the street, bastards![1], and I can't move too fast / so slow down, slow down, slow down, down, down ...[2], and I've got a cushion to make me feel better / I've strapped it to my head[1], and NOISE(!) ... in the street, bastards![2], and I'm so clumsy / and lucky![1], and I've got a cushion to make me feel better / I've strapped it to my head[2], and / I'm a headbanger![3], and I'm so clumsy / and lucky![2], and has anyone heard my Voice? / No / YOU(!) won't have seen it/(him) / Not even with mystic eyes[3], and I want more DIZZY now?[3], and / Oh, I don't need to get no more DIZZY now - this is the ultimate, man![3], and can YOU(!) tell? / My eyes ...[3], and a-ROUND, one bang, and a-ROUND, two bangs, and a-ROUND - and up to the THREE! ... ?[3], and it's only a little mark / no damage done, thank God!!![3], and I'm forgetting about Voice / ah, well, never mind ...[3], and it's a hard knock life[3], and it/(he) will be back, uh, talking its/(his) shit, or some "thing" will replace it/(him) ... there is no escape[3], and I got lost in the dark, you know? / and it's easily done / when the light is off[3], and my tummy is all funny / maybe I'm just hungry[3], and I can't move too fast / so slow down, slow down, slow down, down, down ...[3], and NOISE(!) ... in the street, bastards![3], and I've got a cushion to make me feel better / I've strapped it to my head[3], and I'm so clumsy / and lucky![3], and

And / I'm a headbanger![1], and has anyone heard my Voice? / No / YOU(!) won't have seen it/(him) / Not even with mystic eyes[1], and / I'm a headbanger![2], and I want more DIZZY now?[1], and has anyone heard my Voice? / No / YOU(!) won't have seen it/(him) / Not even with mystic eyes[2], and / Oh, I don't need to get no more DIZZY now - this is the ultimate, man![1], and I want more DIZZY now?[2], and can YOU(!) tell? / My eyes ...[1], and / Oh, I don't need to get no more DIZZY now - this is the ultimate, man![2], and a-ROUND, one bang, and a-ROUND, two bangs, and a-ROUND - and up to the THREE! ... ?[1], and can YOU(!) tell? / My eyes ...[2], and it's only a little mark / no damage done, thank God!!![1], and a-ROUND, one bang, and a-ROUND, two bangs, and a-ROUND - and up to the THREE! ... ?[2], and I'm forgetting about Voice / ah, well, never mind ...[1], and it's only a little mark / no damage done, thank God!!![2], and it's a hard knock life[1], and I'm forgetting about Voice / ah, well, never mind ...[2], and it/(he) will be back, uh, talking its/(his) shit, or some "thing" will replace it/(him) ... there is no escape[1], and it's a hard knock life[2], and I got lost in the dark, you know? / and it's easily done / when the light is off[1], and it/(he) will be back, uh, talking its/(his) shit, or some "thing" will replace it/(him) ... there is no escape[2], and my tummy is all funny / maybe I'm just hungry[1], and I got lost in the dark, you know? / and it's easily done / when the light is off[2], and I can't move too fast / so slow down, slow down, slow down, down, down ...[1], and my tummy is all funny / maybe I'm just hungry[2], and NOISE(!) ... in the street, bastards![1], and I can't move too fast / so slow down, slow down, slow down, down, down ...[2], and I've got a cushion to make me feel better / I've strapped it to my head[1], and NOISE(!) ... in the street, bastards![2], and I'm so clumsy / and lucky![1], and I've got a cushion to make me feel better / I've strapped it to my head[2], and / I'm a headbanger![3], and I'm so clumsy / and lucky![2], and has anyone heard my Voice? / No / YOU(!) won't have seen it/(him) / Not even with mystic eyes[3], and I want more DIZZY now?[3], and / Oh, I don't need to get no more DIZZY now - this is the ultimate, man![3], and can YOU(!) tell? / My eyes ...[3], and a-ROUND, one bang, and a-ROUND, two bangs, and a-ROUND - and up to the THREE! ... ?[3], and it's only a little mark / no damage done, thank God!!![3], and I'm forgetting about Voice / ah, well, never mind ...[3], and it's a hard knock life[3], and it/(he) will be back, uh, talking its/(his) shit, or some "thing" will replace it/(him) ... there is no escape[3], and I got lost in the dark, you know? / and it's easily done / when the light is off[3], and my tummy is all funny / maybe I'm just hungry[3], and I can't move too fast / so slow down, slow down, slow down, down, down ...[3], and NOISE(!) ... in the street, bastards![3], and I've got a cushion to make me feel better / I've strapped it to my head[3], and I'm so clumsy / and lucky![3], and

And / I'm a headbanger![1], and has anyone heard my Voice? / No / YOU(!) won't have seen it/(him) / Not even with mystic eyes[1], and / I'm a headbanger![2], and I want more DIZZY now?[1], and has anyone heard my Voice? / No / YOU(!) won't have seen it/(him) / Not even with mystic eyes[2], and / Oh, I don't need to get no more DIZZY now - this is the ultimate, man![1], and I want more DIZZY now?[2], and can YOU(!) tell? / My eyes ...[1], and / Oh, I don't need to get no more DIZZY now - this is the ultimate, man![2], and a-ROUND, one bang, and a-ROUND, two bangs, and a-ROUND - and up to the THREE! ... ?[1], and can YOU(!) tell? / My eyes ...[2], and it's only a little mark / no damage done, thank God!!![1], and a-ROUND, one bang, and a-ROUND, two bangs, and a-ROUND - and up to the THREE! ... ?[2], and I'm forgetting about Voice / ah, well, never mind ...[1], and it's only a little mark / no damage done, thank God!!![2], and it's a hard knock life[1], and I'm forgetting about Voice / ah, well, never mind ...[2], and it/(he) will be back, uh, talking its/(his) shit, or some "thing" will replace it/(him) ... there is no escape[1], and it's a hard knock life[2], and I got lost in the dark, you know? / and it's easily done / when the light is off[1], and it/(he) will be back, uh, talking its/(his) shit, or some "thing" will replace it/(him) ... there is no escape[2], and my tummy is all funny / maybe I'm just hungry[1], and I got lost in the dark, you know? / and it's easily done / when the light is off[2], and I can't move too fast / so slow down, slow down, slow down, down, down ...[1], and my tummy is all funny / maybe I'm just hungry[2], and NOISE(!) ... in the street, bastards![1], and I can't move too fast / so slow down, slow down, slow down, down, down ...[2], and I've got a cushion to make me feel better / I've strapped it to my head[1], and NOISE(!) ... in the street, bastards![2], and I'm so clumsy / and lucky![1], and I've got a cushion to make me feel better / I've strapped it to my head[2], and / I'm a headbanger![3], and I'm so clumsy / and lucky![2], and has anyone heard my Voice? / No / YOU(!) won't have seen it/(him) / Not even with mystic eyes[3], and I want more DIZZY now?[3], and / Oh, I don't need to get no more DIZZY now - this is the ultimate, man![3], and can YOU(!) tell? / My eyes ...[3], and a-ROUND, one bang, and a-ROUND, two bangs, and a-ROUND - and up to the THREE! ... ?[3], and it's only a little mark / no damage done, thank God!!![3], and I'm forgetting about Voice / ah, well, never mind ...[3], and it's a hard knock life[3], and it/(he) will be back, uh, talking its/(his) shit, or some "thing" will replace it/(him) ... there is no escape[3], and I got lost in the dark, you know? / and it's easily done / when the light is off[3], and my tummy is all funny / maybe I'm just hungry[3], and I can't move too fast / so slow down, slow down, slow down, down, down ...[3], and NOISE(!) ... in the street, bastards![3], and I've got a cushion to make me feel better / I've strapped it to my head[3], and I'm so clumsy / and lucky![3], and

Ryan Pedlow has got $1.5 billion for his Two Creeks Capital Management!

Jesus H. Christ! I got a signal! / Yeah, Ryan Pedlow. Who the hell is he? Ryan Pedlow, dear reader(s), is the boss of Two Creeks Capital - unless someone has been lying to me. (I'm a bit confused and angry this morning. Signals coming and going. I banged my head last night, too. On a door frame. [So I might have brain damage. Not that it'll make any difference to this blog.] On the plus side, I'm listening to Saturday Night Fever. The original soundtrack, believe it or not.) Anyway ...

[Abandoned post: Title - Can't get a signal, man, so ... I'll post this when I can

Well, it's summer, ain't it? I hope the Vodafone boys and girls have gone somewhere nice with my money.

Let me imagine what the news is, yeah?]

Yeah, where were we? Ryan Pedlow! Who is he? Oh, some guy who used to work at Ziff Brothers as a trader. Now he's doing his own thing. And he's been able to get his hands on $1.5 billion. Don't ask me how. Who's got $1.5 billion to invest in a hedge fund these days? Loads of people, I suppose. Never mind. It's none of my business.

...

What is my business, reader(s)? I deal in publishing, entertainment, political advocacy. People forget that the brain is the biggest erogenous zone.

I'll tell you something: I'm looking forward to my cheese and tomato sandwich today. I got it from Morrisons. Only £1 and it's a beautiful sandwich, man. A genuine work of art!

After lunch, I'll be getting a-ROUND. Maybe I'll riff on Eminem's Brain Damage lyric. Or maybe I won't. / Let's wait and see, eh?

Yeah ...

Anything else? Well, the Voice ain't here. Missing in action, no doubt, after that bang last night. It's an ill wind ...