Scott Braunstein has left Point72 Asset Management already!

After only four months! I can't say I'm surprised. Stevie can't be an easy man to work with. ('Geniuses aren't easy, boss. I know that from working with you.' Stop it! You're embarrassing me, Voice.)

Remember this, dear reader(s), from July last year? - And no one is forcing Scott to work in finance. He could get a Telecaster. He could write songs. Who's stopping him?! No one. Scott is the master of his own destiny.

So ... 'It's down to you, boss.’ Yeah. That's the effect I have on people. That's my influence in the world of finance.

...

Well, well ... end of the week, eh? I can't say I'm surprised. It always comes around. You've just got to be patient.

Telecaster? Oh, I had a go on mine earlier, trying to kiss the sky and that. I'm definitely getting better, man.

Anything else? Er ... there's the new Guardian website. Have you seen it, reader(s)? It's a total disgrace. Designed by cretins for people who ... hate news? And love cat videos? I don't know. But serious news seems to be a thing of the past. And such great timing! Three months before the most important election since 1979. How much did it cost the paper? Christ knows! They would have been better off getting a free blog template online somewhere.

Anyway, later(s), crocodile(s).

[No. 288] Guys like Jeff Mueller don't know they're born

And girls!

And they don't know they're alive![1], and pain is the answer![1], and they don't know they're alive![2], and they haven't suffered the way I have suffered / However, I'm not bitter ... I just think it's sad[1], and pain is the answer![2], and finance kids today ...[1], and they haven't suffered the way I have suffered / However, I'm not bitter ... I just think it's sad[2], and you could take their chakras and throw them out the window ... / Would they even notice?[1], and finance kids today ...[2], and I blame the parents[1], and you could take their chakras and throw them out the window ... / Would they even notice?[2], and if they got DIZZY(!) real DIZZY(!) all a-ROUND ... they would just fall to the floor and cry[1], and I blame the parents[2], and they need shaman's sickness[1], and if they got DIZZY(!) real DIZZY(!) all a-ROUND ... they would just fall to the floor and cry[2], and I never saw them on the old astral plane / 'Ah, the apple trees!' / and I haven't seen them here[1], and they need shaman's sickness[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Kids, leave it to the experts![1], and I never saw them on the old astral plane / 'Ah, the apple trees!' / and I haven't seen them here[2], and you can go from Threadneedle to Eaton Vance, BUT(!) ... what does it mean, man?![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Kids, leave it to the experts![2], and it's hard to appreciate money without a true cosmic soul / Everyone needs to burn a-ROUND with it![1], and you can go from Threadneedle to Eaton Vance, BUT(!) ... what does it mean, man?![2], and this ... is real life[1], and it's hard to appreciate money without a true cosmic soul / Everyone needs to burn a-ROUND with it![2], and unless we can get past the THREE we will always need money / and that's the truth![1], and this ... is real life[2], and you can lead a horse to water ...[1], and unless we can get past the THREE we will always need money / and that's the truth![2], and this ... is THE MICHAEL FOWKE EXPERIENCE / I've been a-ROUND for millions of years[1], and you can lead a horse to water ...[2], and they don't know they're alive![3], and this ... is THE MICHAEL FOWKE EXPERIENCE / I've been a-ROUND for millions of years[2], and pain is the answer![3], and they haven't suffered the way I have suffered / However, I'm not bitter ... I just think it's sad[3], and finance kids today ...[3], and you could take their chakras and throw them out the window ... / Would they even notice?[3], and I blame the parents[3], and if they got DIZZY(!) real DIZZY(!) all a-ROUND ... they would just fall to the floor and cry[3], and they need shaman's sickness[3], and I never saw them on the old astral plane / 'Ah, the apple trees!' / and I haven't seen them here[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Kids, leave it to the experts![3], and you can go from Threadneedle to Eaton Vance, BUT(!) ... what does it mean, man?![3], and it's hard to appreciate money without a true cosmic soul / Everyone needs to burn a-ROUND with it![3], and this ... is real life[3], and unless we can get past the THREE we will always need money / and that's the truth![3], and you can lead a horse to water ...[3], and this ... is THE MICHAEL FOWKE EXPERIENCE / I've been a-ROUND for millions of years[3], and

And they don't know they're alive![1], and pain is the answer![1], and they don't know they're alive![2], and they haven't suffered the way I have suffered / However, I'm not bitter ... I just think it's sad[1], and pain is the answer![2], and finance kids today ...[1], and they haven't suffered the way I have suffered / However, I'm not bitter ... I just think it's sad[2], and you could take their chakras and throw them out the window ... / Would they even notice?[1], and finance kids today ...[2], and I blame the parents[1], and you could take their chakras and throw them out the window ... / Would they even notice?[2], and if they got DIZZY(!) real DIZZY(!) all a-ROUND ... they would just fall to the floor and cry[1], and I blame the parents[2], and they need shaman's sickness[1], and if they got DIZZY(!) real DIZZY(!) all a-ROUND ... they would just fall to the floor and cry[2], and I never saw them on the old astral plane / 'Ah, the apple trees!' / and I haven't seen them here[1], and they need shaman's sickness[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Kids, leave it to the experts![1], and I never saw them on the old astral plane / 'Ah, the apple trees!' / and I haven't seen them here[2], and you can go from Threadneedle to Eaton Vance, BUT(!) ... what does it mean, man?![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Kids, leave it to the experts![2], and it's hard to appreciate money without a true cosmic soul / Everyone needs to burn a-ROUND with it![1], and you can go from Threadneedle to Eaton Vance, BUT(!) ... what does it mean, man?![2], and this ... is real life[1], and it's hard to appreciate money without a true cosmic soul / Everyone needs to burn a-ROUND with it![2], and unless we can get past the THREE we will always need money / and that's the truth![1], and this ... is real life[2], and you can lead a horse to water ...[1], and unless we can get past the THREE we will always need money / and that's the truth![2], and this ... is THE MICHAEL FOWKE EXPERIENCE / I've been a-ROUND for millions of years[1], and you can lead a horse to water ...[2], and they don't know they're alive![3], and this ... is THE MICHAEL FOWKE EXPERIENCE / I've been a-ROUND for millions of years[2], and pain is the answer![3], and they haven't suffered the way I have suffered / However, I'm not bitter ... I just think it's sad[3], and finance kids today ...[3], and you could take their chakras and throw them out the window ... / Would they even notice?[3], and I blame the parents[3], and if they got DIZZY(!) real DIZZY(!) all a-ROUND ... they would just fall to the floor and cry[3], and they need shaman's sickness[3], and I never saw them on the old astral plane / 'Ah, the apple trees!' / and I haven't seen them here[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Kids, leave it to the experts![3], and you can go from Threadneedle to Eaton Vance, BUT(!) ... what does it mean, man?![3], and it's hard to appreciate money without a true cosmic soul / Everyone needs to burn a-ROUND with it![3], and this ... is real life[3], and unless we can get past the THREE we will always need money / and that's the truth![3], and you can lead a horse to water ...[3], and this ... is THE MICHAEL FOWKE EXPERIENCE / I've been a-ROUND for millions of years[3], and

And they don't know they're alive![1], and pain is the answer![1], and they don't know they're alive![2], and they haven't suffered the way I have suffered / However, I'm not bitter ... I just think it's sad[1], and pain is the answer![2], and finance kids today ...[1], and they haven't suffered the way I have suffered / However, I'm not bitter ... I just think it's sad[2], and you could take their chakras and throw them out the window ... / Would they even notice?[1], and finance kids today ...[2], and I blame the parents[1], and you could take their chakras and throw them out the window ... / Would they even notice?[2], and if they got DIZZY(!) real DIZZY(!) all a-ROUND ... they would just fall to the floor and cry[1], and I blame the parents[2], and they need shaman's sickness[1], and if they got DIZZY(!) real DIZZY(!) all a-ROUND ... they would just fall to the floor and cry[2], and I never saw them on the old astral plane / 'Ah, the apple trees!' / and I haven't seen them here[1], and they need shaman's sickness[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Kids, leave it to the experts![1], and I never saw them on the old astral plane / 'Ah, the apple trees!' / and I haven't seen them here[2], and you can go from Threadneedle to Eaton Vance, BUT(!) ... what does it mean, man?![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Kids, leave it to the experts![2], and it's hard to appreciate money without a true cosmic soul / Everyone needs to burn a-ROUND with it![1], and you can go from Threadneedle to Eaton Vance, BUT(!) ... what does it mean, man?![2], and this ... is real life[1], and it's hard to appreciate money without a true cosmic soul / Everyone needs to burn a-ROUND with it![2], and unless we can get past the THREE we will always need money / and that's the truth![1], and this ... is real life[2], and you can lead a horse to water ...[1], and unless we can get past the THREE we will always need money / and that's the truth![2], and this ... is THE MICHAEL FOWKE EXPERIENCE / I've been a-ROUND for millions of years[1], and you can lead a horse to water ...[2], and they don't know they're alive![3], and this ... is THE MICHAEL FOWKE EXPERIENCE / I've been a-ROUND for millions of years[2], and pain is the answer![3], and they haven't suffered the way I have suffered / However, I'm not bitter ... I just think it's sad[3], and finance kids today ...[3], and you could take their chakras and throw them out the window ... / Would they even notice?[3], and I blame the parents[3], and if they got DIZZY(!) real DIZZY(!) all a-ROUND ... they would just fall to the floor and cry[3], and they need shaman's sickness[3], and I never saw them on the old astral plane / 'Ah, the apple trees!' / and I haven't seen them here[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Kids, leave it to the experts![3], and you can go from Threadneedle to Eaton Vance, BUT(!) ... what does it mean, man?![3], and it's hard to appreciate money without a true cosmic soul / Everyone needs to burn a-ROUND with it![3], and this ... is real life[3], and unless we can get past the THREE we will always need money / and that's the truth![3], and you can lead a horse to water ...[3], and this ... is THE MICHAEL FOWKE EXPERIENCE / I've been a-ROUND for millions of years[3], and

Jeffrey Mueller is leaving Threadneedle for Eaton Vance

Yeah, the London office of Eaton Vance. Well, well ... / He's a high yield fund manager/analyst (or something) at Threadneedle. God knows what he'll be doing at Eaton Vance. 'He's going to be mixed up in all that European fixed income stuff, boss.' Oh. Thanks, Voice.

Dear reader(s), I actually like the look of our Jeffrey, you know. He has a pleasant face. He hasn't been worn down by life yet. 'How old is he, Mikey?' Early thirties, I would say. Maybe thirty-three, or thirty-four. He has nice hair. He probably uses conditioner. 'You reckon?' Well, I don't know. I'm just guessing.

Jeff's not a financial shaman though. No way is he a veteran of the desert. I mean, his skin is too smooth. His eyes too bright. 'I thought shamans had bright eyes?' When the fire is burning, man. The fire of money, yes. But I'm talking about a natural brightness. The sort of brightness that only the innocent have.

Our Jeff hasn't suffered. He hasn't wandered in waste land, so lonely with a blood-red moon above him. 'Not many have.' Jeff hasn't known dark nights of the soul. He hasn't been driven half insane by the ghosts of the dead financiers. 'Well ...' Has he even heard your voice, Voice? Have you ever whispered in his ear? 'No. But that can be arranged, boss.' Don't bother!

No, no, no ... / We'll let Jeff join Eaton Vance. We'll let him manage investments and research credit. He doesn't need to know about the other side of finance.

...

Lunch? Luxury egg sandwich today. I can't really afford it. But you only live once, don't you?

Music? I’m listening to Prince, Sign 'O' the Times. It's very good. However, he wanted it to be a triple album. Prince is his own worst enemy sometimes.

Pub tomorrow? Down by the river? Maybe. It all depends on the weather, and my migraines. / Some idiots keep nicking my favourite table. I mean, fucking reserving it - like that's an acceptable thing to do in a pub. I might have a word with Cromwell's ghost. 'He'll scare them off!' Yeah, that's what I'm thinking, Voice.

[No. 287] It's hard to get a-ROUND in the mist and the darkness

Crispin is to blame!

And I can't see![1], and a-ROUND here ... Oh God! / Today, I just want a beautiful balloon, man, you dig?[1], and I can't see![2], and what do we want?![1], and a-ROUND here ... Oh God! / Today, I just want a beautiful balloon, man, you dig?[2], and ... / oh, what we want ... RIGHT NOW(!) is an invisible sun / Where is Sting when we need him?[1], and what do we want?![2], and anything could be ... here[1], and ... / oh, what we want ... RIGHT NOW(!) is an invisible sun / Where is Sting when we need him?[2], and I'm crying, and sitting on a cornflake ... and wearing an Odey Asset Management T-shirt[1], and anything could be ... here[2], and I'm waiting for a BIG CRASH[1], and I'm crying, and sitting on a cornflake ... and wearing an Odey Asset Management T-shirt[2], and we could be at the mercy of monsters / genuine money monsters, we just don't know[1], and I'm waiting for a BIG CRASH[2], and getting DIZZY in the DARK ain't no fun / I'm cold and I'm scared, you know?[1], and we could be at the mercy of monsters / genuine money monsters, we just don't know[2], and I'm pretty sure this ... is a terrible mistake[1], and getting DIZZY in the DARK ain't no fun / I'm cold and I'm scared, you know?[2], and I keeping bumping into things ... thoughts and emotions I don't want[1], and I'm pretty sure this ... is a terrible mistake[2], and this is how Crispin likes it / There is money to be made in the gloom![1], and I keeping bumping into things ... thoughts and emotions I don't want[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / looking for a clue how to live[1], and this is how Crispin likes it / There is money to be made in the gloom![2], and I've got a BAD FEELING that someone is robbing us blind, oh, blinder[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / looking for a clue how to live[2], and I would like to see something, yeah, come shining ...[1], and I've got a BAD FEELING that someone is robbing us blind, oh, blinder[2], and it's a lonely business, O Lord, putting words down into a black pit of despair[1], and I would like to see something, yeah, come shining ...[2], and someone turn on the big light, please![1], and it's a lonely business, O Lord, putting words down into a black pit of despair[2], and I can't see![3], and someone turn on the big light, please![2], and a-ROUND here ... Oh God! / Today, I just want a beautiful balloon, man, you dig?[3], and what do we want?![3], and ... / oh, what we want ... RIGHT NOW(!) is an invisible sun / Where is Sting when we need him?[3], and anything could be ... here[3], and I'm crying, and sitting on a cornflake ... and wearing an Odey Asset Management T-shirt[3], and I'm waiting for a BIG CRASH[3], and we could be at the mercy of monsters / genuine money monsters, we just don't know[3], and getting DIZZY in the DARK ain't no fun / I'm cold and I'm scared, you know?[3], and I'm pretty sure this ... is a terrible mistake[3], and I keeping bumping into things ... thoughts and emotions I don't want[3], and this is how Crispin likes it / There is money to be made in the gloom![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / looking for a clue how to live[3], and I've got a BAD FEELING that someone is robbing us blind, oh, blinder[3], and I would like to see something, yeah, come shining ...[3], and it's a lonely business, O Lord, putting words down into a black pit of despair[3], and someone turn on the big light, please![3], and

And I can't see![1], and a-ROUND here ... Oh God! / Today, I just want a beautiful balloon, man, you dig?[1], and I can't see![2], and what do we want?![1], and a-ROUND here ... Oh God! / Today, I just want a beautiful balloon, man, you dig?[2], and ... / oh, what we want ... RIGHT NOW(!) is an invisible sun / Where is Sting when we need him?[1], and what do we want?![2], and anything could be ... here[1], and ... / oh, what we want ... RIGHT NOW(!) is an invisible sun / Where is Sting when we need him?[2], and I'm crying, and sitting on a cornflake ... and wearing an Odey Asset Management T-shirt[1], and anything could be ... here[2], and I'm waiting for a BIG CRASH[1], and I'm crying, and sitting on a cornflake ... and wearing an Odey Asset Management T-shirt[2], and we could be at the mercy of monsters / genuine money monsters, we just don't know[1], and I'm waiting for a BIG CRASH[2], and getting DIZZY in the DARK ain't no fun / I'm cold and I'm scared, you know?[1], and we could be at the mercy of monsters / genuine money monsters, we just don't know[2], and I'm pretty sure this ... is a terrible mistake[1], and getting DIZZY in the DARK ain't no fun / I'm cold and I'm scared, you know?[2], and I keeping bumping into things ... thoughts and emotions I don't want[1], and I'm pretty sure this ... is a terrible mistake[2], and this is how Crispin likes it / There is money to be made in the gloom![1], and I keeping bumping into things ... thoughts and emotions I don't want[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / looking for a clue how to live[1], and this is how Crispin likes it / There is money to be made in the gloom![2], and I've got a BAD FEELING that someone is robbing us blind, oh, blinder[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / looking for a clue how to live[2], and I would like to see something, yeah, come shining ...[1], and I've got a BAD FEELING that someone is robbing us blind, oh, blinder[2], and it's a lonely business, O Lord, putting words down into a black pit of despair[1], and I would like to see something, yeah, come shining ...[2], and someone turn on the big light, please![1], and it's a lonely business, O Lord, putting words down into a black pit of despair[2], and I can't see![3], and someone turn on the big light, please![2], and a-ROUND here ... Oh God! / Today, I just want a beautiful balloon, man, you dig?[3], and what do we want?![3], and ... / oh, what we want ... RIGHT NOW(!) is an invisible sun / Where is Sting when we need him?[3], and anything could be ... here[3], and I'm crying, and sitting on a cornflake ... and wearing an Odey Asset Management T-shirt[3], and I'm waiting for a BIG CRASH[3], and we could be at the mercy of monsters / genuine money monsters, we just don't know[3], and getting DIZZY in the DARK ain't no fun / I'm cold and I'm scared, you know?[3], and I'm pretty sure this ... is a terrible mistake[3], and I keeping bumping into things ... thoughts and emotions I don't want[3], and this is how Crispin likes it / There is money to be made in the gloom![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / looking for a clue how to live[3], and I've got a BAD FEELING that someone is robbing us blind, oh, blinder[3], and I would like to see something, yeah, come shining ...[3], and it's a lonely business, O Lord, putting words down into a black pit of despair[3], and someone turn on the big light, please![3], and

And I can't see![1], and a-ROUND here ... Oh God! / Today, I just want a beautiful balloon, man, you dig?[1], and I can't see![2], and what do we want?![1], and a-ROUND here ... Oh God! / Today, I just want a beautiful balloon, man, you dig?[2], and ... / oh, what we want ... RIGHT NOW(!) is an invisible sun / Where is Sting when we need him?[1], and what do we want?![2], and anything could be ... here[1], and ... / oh, what we want ... RIGHT NOW(!) is an invisible sun / Where is Sting when we need him?[2], and I'm crying, and sitting on a cornflake ... and wearing an Odey Asset Management T-shirt[1], and anything could be ... here[2], and I'm waiting for a BIG CRASH[1], and I'm crying, and sitting on a cornflake ... and wearing an Odey Asset Management T-shirt[2], and we could be at the mercy of monsters / genuine money monsters, we just don't know[1], and I'm waiting for a BIG CRASH[2], and getting DIZZY in the DARK ain't no fun / I'm cold and I'm scared, you know?[1], and we could be at the mercy of monsters / genuine money monsters, we just don't know[2], and I'm pretty sure this ... is a terrible mistake[1], and getting DIZZY in the DARK ain't no fun / I'm cold and I'm scared, you know?[2], and I keeping bumping into things ... thoughts and emotions I don't want[1], and I'm pretty sure this ... is a terrible mistake[2], and this is how Crispin likes it / There is money to be made in the gloom![1], and I keeping bumping into things ... thoughts and emotions I don't want[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / looking for a clue how to live[1], and this is how Crispin likes it / There is money to be made in the gloom![2], and I've got a BAD FEELING that someone is robbing us blind, oh, blinder[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / looking for a clue how to live[2], and I would like to see something, yeah, come shining ...[1], and I've got a BAD FEELING that someone is robbing us blind, oh, blinder[2], and it's a lonely business, O Lord, putting words down into a black pit of despair[1], and I would like to see something, yeah, come shining ...[2], and someone turn on the big light, please![1], and it's a lonely business, O Lord, putting words down into a black pit of despair[2], and I can't see![3], and someone turn on the big light, please![2], and a-ROUND here ... Oh God! / Today, I just want a beautiful balloon, man, you dig?[3], and what do we want?![3], and ... / oh, what we want ... RIGHT NOW(!) is an invisible sun / Where is Sting when we need him?[3], and anything could be ... here[3], and I'm crying, and sitting on a cornflake ... and wearing an Odey Asset Management T-shirt[3], and I'm waiting for a BIG CRASH[3], and we could be at the mercy of monsters / genuine money monsters, we just don't know[3], and getting DIZZY in the DARK ain't no fun / I'm cold and I'm scared, you know?[3], and I'm pretty sure this ... is a terrible mistake[3], and I keeping bumping into things ... thoughts and emotions I don't want[3], and this is how Crispin likes it / There is money to be made in the gloom![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / looking for a clue how to live[3], and I've got a BAD FEELING that someone is robbing us blind, oh, blinder[3], and I would like to see something, yeah, come shining ...[3], and it's a lonely business, O Lord, putting words down into a black pit of despair[3], and someone turn on the big light, please![3], and

Crispin Odey and the mist and the darkness

What's all this about?! You're probably wondering, dear reader(s). Well, our Crispin, founder of Odey Asset Management, is saying that we've entered yet another economic downturn that people will still be talking about in a thousand years time. (The people who survive, I presume.) And he says the equity markets will be devastated. 'Really upset, yeah?' No, devastated, Voice.

Of course, it won't be a problem for Crispin because if things get too bad he'll just be able to fly away in his beautiful balloon. Up, up and away! 'Love is waiting there, boss.' It certainly is! Crispin is a lucky man. 'You make your own luck in this world.' Well ... I suppose Crispin has been smart enough to prepare his balloon while everyone else in the City has been messing around making money.

'But what about the mist and darkness, Mikey?' Oh yeah. Crispin is saying that it's too difficult to know exactly what will happen because of the, er ... mist and darkness. 'Oh.' It sounds to me like he has a defective crystal ball. 'Yeah.' I mean, if your ball is working properly the mist only lasts for thirty seconds or so at the very start of the fortune-telling session. 'Maybe Crispin is defective. He might not know how to work the ball.' That's possible, Voice.

...

Oh, that's enough! There's only so much nonsense I can write about in one day. If Crispin isn't going to be serious ...

Anything else? Not really. I'll be writing a conceptual after lunch, No. 287. 'What about?' I don't know yet. 'A beautiful balloon?' I've just said I've had enough nonsense, man. 'Well, make it sensible, and serious. Take Crispin's balloon and ...' And what, exactly? / Oh, maybe, Voice. What else am I going to write about? I'll see how I feel after my cheese and pickle sandwich. Tesco. £1.70.

NO! 'What?' Take a look at No. 196. 'Damn!' Never mind. 'Write about the mist and the darkness then.'

Mist and darkness. (Sarcastic.) Great! / I need some music. What have I got? 'Purple Rain?' All right.

David Hillier is at Insight Investment

For your information, dear reader(s). New job, new firm. Portfolio manager, senior. One month. Global multi-asset. Well, well ... / We are a specialist asset manager focused on designing innovative investment solutions to meet the needs of our clients: pension funds, insurers, sovereign wealth funds, wealth managers, financial institutions and private individuals. 'What's all that, boss?' Insight Investment, Voice. 'Oh. I remember something else. Before my time here. But I remember it. We believe in ghosts. We believe in the astral plane. So we say to our clients, forget about this world! A vale of tears! That's what it is. Look to the other world. There are opportunities on the other side. Do you know how many dead financiers there are? Do you know how much money they have? More insight. Not more of the same. More ghosts. More fire burning in the hearts of the righteous. That's what we believe in. Attractive investment opportunities on the other side! Come and join us. You won't regret it.' Yeah, that was years ago. Times change, I suppose.

Will David Hillier be happy at Insight? What worries me, is that our Dave was at Aviva Investors for six years. 'Oh dear.' Exactly. And I'm studying his picture on LinkedIn. He looks like a man who has spent six years at Aviva Investors, you dig? 'Shocking!' Yes. However, I don't want to be rude, so ... I'll let the readers draw their own conclusions, Voice.

And I've found this, on Insight's employees: To sustain their zeal we have created an environment that fosters innovation, rewards hard work and aligns their interests with those of our clients. 'Oh dear. Hard work, Mikey! Will our Dave be able to cope?' I hope so, man. Maybe he got sick of all the beer, all the ice cream. Maybe he wants to work now. Let's see what happens. Dave can always return to Aviva Investors if the going gets tough.

...

Anything else? Er ... I tried recording last night. Still no joy. 'Christ.' I wonder what Tony Robbins has to say on it. 'Probably something about changing one little thing and the whole result is different.' Maybe, Voice. Maybe. / I fear I'll have to go for the nuclear option. 'Oh no! Where will you get the energy? Where will you find the time?' I don't know, man. But it needs to happen.


[By the way, a sort of correction. Last week, I said that Louise was lovely. I was referring to Louise Keeling, not Louise Kay. Although I'm sure Kay is lovely as well. I just wanted to clear that up.]

George Soros has "retired" again

Ha! This guy has retired more times than Frank Sinatra. But he's serious this time. / Well, I hope so, George, mate. You're eighty-four years old. You can't go on forever. Let someone else make some money. I mean, how much do you need?! / 'How much money does this guy need, Mikey?' Oh, I don't know, Voice. Maybe this guy's in love with me, like the song. 'You reckon?' Maybe George will send some cash my way so I can buy a new guitar. / Are you reading? I need it, George, man, an electro-acoustic. Also, I wouldn't mind a top-of-the-range Stratocaster. Now that you're being so generous and everything ... 'We don't actually know if he's being generous, boss.' Well, I've read that George, I mean, Mr Soros, is going to be devoting himself to philanthropy, so ... 'I don't think he's thinking about you.' No? Well, he should be. I deserve a bit of good fortune. I've had a hard life, son. You don't see me swanning around Davos drinking champagne.

Which reminds me. The Davos crowd, the one per cent crowd, have had a real kick in the balls this weekend, courtesy of the Greek electorate. 'Yes!' Yes! This is what I like to see! Normal people are being selfish and putting their own interests first for a change, instead of worrying about the likes of George Soros. Oh dear! Does George have enough money for a new penthouse apartment in Manhattan? That's a thing of the past! Now it's: Screw George! I'm going to buy a new pair of shoes for my son - or daughter or whatever. You get me? The times they are a-changin', dear reader(s).

Capitalism is being destroyed by the capitalists. This isn't good though. Personally, I'm going to need the capitalist system to support my next career as international rock and roll star. And I still want that massive house in Malibu. 'Working class hero?!' You bet, Voice! John Lennon was no fool.

However, things have to change.

...

Sermon over. / Music? I'm listening to The Rolling Stones, Hot Rocks, 1964-1971.

Lunch? Er ... it's going to be a sandwich, obviously. Either cheese or egg. Probably cheese. Happy now? What are you having, reader(s)?

I'm going to try recording tonight, as long as the neighbours can keep their noise down. It's really not a good idea screaming in the street or banging a car door when there's a genius at work. Do you know what I mean?

No finance! Oh, cut me some slack! Last post of the week, man!

Yeah! Come on! Music is the way! Let's turn this into a music blog. 'Your readers won't like it, Mikey.' How do you know, Voice? My readers could be anyone. For all we know, Phil Spector could be reading this post in his prison cell. Christ! Why on earth is this guy in prison?! 'He shot a woman, boss.' Well ... fair enough. It's easy to forget sometimes.

Dear reader(s), I'm listening to Spanish Harlem. Just Phil with an acoustic guitar. Superb! Check it out.

Er ... / My music? I've been thinking I might have to record my songs in a proper recording studio. It won't be too expensive, and I'll have an engineer and a good microphone and a sound-proofed room and all the rest of it. It could be potentially embarrassing though if I don't have my shit together musically. In the old days, I hired professional musicians (one of them has been playing with Damon Albarn recently). But I can't afford that now. I want to do it myself, anyway. Just play the guitar and sing, you know? Like Phil. Simple! I'll need a new acoustic, an electro-acoustic. More money ... / Or I could go to a rehearsal studio, like I said before. I don't know, man. I'm going to continue with the laptop and USB microphone for a while longer. Watch this space! Or that space, over there. (The space with all the finance stuff in it. If you really need it ...) / On a more positive note, I recorded a version of My Heart tonight which is ... very, very close to what I want. Hundreds and hundreds of versions, but who cares? This is like my Hamburg period. 'Is it?!' Watch this space, Voice!

[No. 286] Fund management is full of lovely men and women

Ain't that the truth!

And fund managers get a bad press[1], and the problem is ... a lot of these poor souls have never been truly DIZZY[1], and fund managers get a bad press[2], and I am here to tell everyone: There is nothing to fear / All you gotta do is get a-ROUND, my friend(s)[1], and the problem is ... a lot of these poor souls have never been truly DIZZY[2], and ... / What's the worst that can happen?[1], and I am here to tell everyone: There is nothing to fear / All you gotta do is get a-ROUND, my friend(s)[2], and when you've been as far out  ... in the cosmos, as I have, you start to feel, really feel, that love is everywhere and EVERYTHING is lovely[1], and ... / What's the worst that can happen?[2], and we are all God's monsters[1], and when you've been as far out  ... in the cosmos, as I have, you start to feel, really feel, that love is everywhere and EVERYTHING is lovely[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, come on! ... just like Jim Morrison in Miami after the stage collapsed[1], and we are all God's monsters[2], and all I can say is ... I can't even think![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, come on! ... just like Jim Morrison in Miami after the stage collapsed[2], and this ... is the answer, the only answer, to any bullshit questions YOU(!) may have for me[1], and all I can say is ... I can't even think![2], and I'm screaming inside![1], and this ... is the answer, the only answer, to any bullshit questions YOU(!) may have for me[2], and I want every fund manager right here ... not thinking, just feeling, feeling it, please![1], and I'm screaming inside![2], and ... / Baby, light my funeral pyre[1], and I want every fund manager right here ... not thinking, just feeling, feeling it, please![2], and you're all a ... I see the old shaman![1], and ... / Baby, light my funeral pyre[2], and one day naked no one will know who is rich or poor or dead or alive but so lovely together[1], and you're all a ... I see the old shaman![2], and this ... is the end? NO! The beginning ...[1], and one day naked no one will know who is rich or poor or dead or alive but so lovely together[2], and fund managers get a bad press[3], and this ... is the end? NO! The beginning ...[2], and the problem is ... a lot of these poor souls have never been truly DIZZY[3], and I am here to tell everyone: There is nothing to fear / All you gotta do is get a-ROUND, my friend(s)[3], and ... / What's the worst that can happen?[3], and when you've been as far out  ... in the cosmos, as I have, you start to feel, really feel, that love is everywhere and EVERYTHING is lovely[3], and we are all God's monsters[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, come on! ... just like Jim Morrison in Miami after the stage collapsed[3], and all I can say is ... I can't even think![3], and this ... is the answer, the only answer, to any bullshit questions YOU(!) may have for me[3], and I'm screaming inside![3], and I want every fund manager right here ... not thinking, just feeling, feeling it, please![3], and ... / Baby, light my funeral pyre[3], and you're all a ... I see the old shaman![3], and one day naked no one will know who is rich or poor or dead or alive but so lovely together[3], and this ... is the end? NO! The beginning ...[3], and

And fund managers get a bad press[1], and the problem is ... a lot of these poor souls have never been truly DIZZY[1], and fund managers get a bad press[2], and I am here to tell everyone: There is nothing to fear / All you gotta do is get a-ROUND, my friend(s)[1], and the problem is ... a lot of these poor souls have never been truly DIZZY[2], and ... / What's the worst that can happen?[1], and I am here to tell everyone: There is nothing to fear / All you gotta do is get a-ROUND, my friend(s)[2], and when you've been as far out  ... in the cosmos, as I have, you start to feel, really feel, that love is everywhere and EVERYTHING is lovely[1], and ... / What's the worst that can happen?[2], and we are all God's monsters[1], and when you've been as far out  ... in the cosmos, as I have, you start to feel, really feel, that love is everywhere and EVERYTHING is lovely[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, come on! ... just like Jim Morrison in Miami after the stage collapsed[1], and we are all God's monsters[2], and all I can say is ... I can't even think![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, come on! ... just like Jim Morrison in Miami after the stage collapsed[2], and this ... is the answer, the only answer, to any bullshit questions YOU(!) may have for me[1], and all I can say is ... I can't even think![2], and I'm screaming inside![1], and this ... is the answer, the only answer, to any bullshit questions YOU(!) may have for me[2], and I want every fund manager right here ... not thinking, just feeling, feeling it, please![1], and I'm screaming inside![2], and ... / Baby, light my funeral pyre[1], and I want every fund manager right here ... not thinking, just feeling, feeling it, please![2], and you're all a ... I see the old shaman![1], and ... / Baby, light my funeral pyre[2], and one day naked no one will know who is rich or poor or dead or alive but so lovely together[1], and you're all a ... I see the old shaman![2], and this ... is the end? NO! The beginning ...[1], and one day naked no one will know who is rich or poor or dead or alive but so lovely together[2], and fund managers get a bad press[3], and this ... is the end? NO! The beginning ...[2], and the problem is ... a lot of these poor souls have never been truly DIZZY[3], and I am here to tell everyone: There is nothing to fear / All you gotta do is get a-ROUND, my friend(s)[3], and ... / What's the worst that can happen?[3], and when you've been as far out  ... in the cosmos, as I have, you start to feel, really feel, that love is everywhere and EVERYTHING is lovely[3], and we are all God's monsters[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, come on! ... just like Jim Morrison in Miami after the stage collapsed[3], and all I can say is ... I can't even think![3], and this ... is the answer, the only answer, to any bullshit questions YOU(!) may have for me[3], and I'm screaming inside![3], and I want every fund manager right here ... not thinking, just feeling, feeling it, please![3], and ... / Baby, light my funeral pyre[3], and you're all a ... I see the old shaman![3], and one day naked no one will know who is rich or poor or dead or alive but so lovely together[3], and this ... is the end? NO! The beginning ...[3], and

And fund managers get a bad press[1], and the problem is ... a lot of these poor souls have never been truly DIZZY[1], and fund managers get a bad press[2], and I am here to tell everyone: There is nothing to fear / All you gotta do is get a-ROUND, my friend(s)[1], and the problem is ... a lot of these poor souls have never been truly DIZZY[2], and ... / What's the worst that can happen?[1], and I am here to tell everyone: There is nothing to fear / All you gotta do is get a-ROUND, my friend(s)[2], and when you've been as far out  ... in the cosmos, as I have, you start to feel, really feel, that love is everywhere and EVERYTHING is lovely[1], and ... / What's the worst that can happen?[2], and we are all God's monsters[1], and when you've been as far out  ... in the cosmos, as I have, you start to feel, really feel, that love is everywhere and EVERYTHING is lovely[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, come on! ... just like Jim Morrison in Miami after the stage collapsed[1], and we are all God's monsters[2], and all I can say is ... I can't even think![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, come on! ... just like Jim Morrison in Miami after the stage collapsed[2], and this ... is the answer, the only answer, to any bullshit questions YOU(!) may have for me[1], and all I can say is ... I can't even think![2], and I'm screaming inside![1], and this ... is the answer, the only answer, to any bullshit questions YOU(!) may have for me[2], and I want every fund manager right here ... not thinking, just feeling, feeling it, please![1], and I'm screaming inside![2], and ... / Baby, light my funeral pyre[1], and I want every fund manager right here ... not thinking, just feeling, feeling it, please![2], and you're all a ... I see the old shaman![1], and ... / Baby, light my funeral pyre[2], and one day naked no one will know who is rich or poor or dead or alive but so lovely together[1], and you're all a ... I see the old shaman![2], and this ... is the end? NO! The beginning ...[1], and one day naked no one will know who is rich or poor or dead or alive but so lovely together[2], and fund managers get a bad press[3], and this ... is the end? NO! The beginning ...[2], and the problem is ... a lot of these poor souls have never been truly DIZZY[3], and I am here to tell everyone: There is nothing to fear / All you gotta do is get a-ROUND, my friend(s)[3], and ... / What's the worst that can happen?[3], and when you've been as far out  ... in the cosmos, as I have, you start to feel, really feel, that love is everywhere and EVERYTHING is lovely[3], and we are all God's monsters[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, come on! ... just like Jim Morrison in Miami after the stage collapsed[3], and all I can say is ... I can't even think![3], and this ... is the answer, the only answer, to any bullshit questions YOU(!) may have for me[3], and I'm screaming inside![3], and I want every fund manager right here ... not thinking, just feeling, feeling it, please![3], and ... / Baby, light my funeral pyre[3], and you're all a ... I see the old shaman![3], and one day naked no one will know who is rich or poor or dead or alive but so lovely together[3], and this ... is the end? NO! The beginning ...[3], and

Trevor Greetham is a lovely man

Oh, don't take my word for it, dear reader(s). Look at the comment at the end of this article. (I'm sure Nathan Fryer is a lovely man as well. I've seen his photo on LinkedIn. He certainly looks lovely, if you know what I mean. 'Not really, boss.') / I find it refreshing, myself. It's nice to know that lovely men are still in the fund management game. 'He's left though, Mikey.' What? 'Trevor Greetham has left Fidelity to pursue other interests.' Oh yeah. Right. How many times have I written about fund managers leaving a firm to pursue other interests, eh? In the past, in my naivety, I always imagined they were going into the desert to devote themselves to the mystical life. However, a few months later they would always turn up at another firm managing yet another fund. 'Yeah. It's sad, Mikey.' Well, maybe. It's just the way they are, I suppose. I've tried to help them, Voice. You know I have, but ... 'Some people are beyond help.' / What would Jesus do?

Man, I don't know what he would do. Probably nothing. Me, I'm going to write another conceptual, No. 286. Fund management is full of lovely men and women. 'We shouldn't forget the women.' No. Birds like our lovely Louise. (She really is lovely.)

...

I'm listening to Purple Rain. / Lunch? Cheese and pickle sandwich, McCoy's salt and vinegar crisps, peach yoghurt, and a can of Coke. I'm looking forward to it. Not long to go.

Anything else? I can't understand why my angel keeps going to that stupid Davos nonsense. The place is full of scumbags, and she's there! Why?! 'Your Gilly don't know no better, Mikey. Someone needs to have a word with her.' Oh, live and let live. What do I care? I've got different fish to fry.

I love the blistering guitar solo at the end of Let's Go Crazy.

[No. 285] I'm getting DIZZY ... while my guitar gently weeps!

What else is there for me to do? And it's actually Eric's guitar.

And ... that solo![1], and one more trillion spins for the road ...[1], and ... that solo![2], and it's a horrible day, man / the sky is so grey ... / and it's so cold ...[1], and one more trillion spins for the road ...[2], and I hope Sting was right about that invisible sun of his[1], and it's a horrible day, man / the sky is so grey ... / and it's so cold ...[2], and my head is NOWHERE good / hell is on earth / and Eric's guitar is weeping ...[1], and I hope Sting was right about that invisible sun of his[2], and ... / Yes, on the media player ...[1], and my head is NOWHERE good / hell is on earth / and Eric's guitar is weeping ...[2], and, er ... is the world turning a-ROUND? You bet it is!!![1], and ... / Yes, on the media player ...[2], and are YOU(!) perverted? / and why don't you get ... converted?[1], and, er ... is the world turning a-ROUND? You bet it is!!![2], and on and on and on! / the fun never stops, but there is work to do / and where is my broom?[1], and are YOU(!) perverted? / and why don't you get ... converted?[2], and the floor has got bits of fluff all over it / but I haven't got the energy ...[1], and on and on and on! / the fun never stops, but there is work to do / and where is my broom?[2], and a-ROUND, and ... a-ROUND, a-ROUND, on ... / I look at you all![1], and the floor has got bits of fluff all over it / but I haven't got the energy ...[2], and I've said it before, I think, and I'll say it again, I'll say it all again ... many times, so many times[1], and a-ROUND, and ... a-ROUND, a-ROUND, on ... / I look at you all![2], and a-ROUND here  ... you can live in a dream / Better than the nightmare the politicians are offering you[1], and I've said it before, I think, and I'll say it again, I'll say it all again ... many times, so many times[2], and I'm dreaming ... like a rich man / 'Boss, you're a rich man!' / Not yet, Voice[1], and a-ROUND here  ... you can live in a dream / Better than the nightmare the politicians are offering you[2], and I've unfolded my love / Thanks, George![1], and I'm dreaming ... like a rich man / 'Boss, you're a rich man!' / Not yet, Voice[2], and my soul needs to be SOMEWHERE nice - right now![1], and I've unfolded my love / Thanks, George![2], and this ... is somewhere nice? Well ...[1], and my soul needs to be SOMEWHERE nice - right now![2], and ... that solo![3], and this ... is somewhere nice? Well ...[2], and one more trillion spins for the road ...[3], and it's a horrible day, man / the sky is so grey ... / and it's so cold ...[3], and I hope Sting was right about that invisible sun of his[3], and my head is NOWHERE good / hell is on earth / and Eric's guitar is weeping ...[3], and ... / Yes, on the media player ...[3], and, er ... is the world turning a-ROUND? You bet it is!!![3], and are YOU(!) perverted? / and why don't you get ... converted?[3], and on and on and on! / the fun never stops, but there is work to do / and where is my broom?[3], and the floor has got bits of fluff all over it / but I haven't got the energy ...[3], and a-ROUND, and ... a-ROUND, a-ROUND, on ... / I look at you all![3], and I've said it before, I think, and I'll say it again, I'll say it all again ... many times, so many times[3], and a-ROUND here  ... you can live in a dream / Better than the nightmare the politicians are offering you[3], and I'm dreaming ... like a rich man / 'Boss, you're a rich man!' / Not yet, Voice[3], and I've unfolded my love / Thanks, George![3], and my soul needs to be SOMEWHERE nice - right now![3], and this ... is somewhere nice? Well ...[3], and

And ... that solo![1], and one more trillion spins for the road ...[1], and ... that solo![2], and it's a horrible day, man / the sky is so grey ... / and it's so cold ...[1], and one more trillion spins for the road ...[2], and I hope Sting was right about that invisible sun of his[1], and it's a horrible day, man / the sky is so grey ... / and it's so cold ...[2], and my head is NOWHERE good / hell is on earth / and Eric's guitar is weeping ...[1], and I hope Sting was right about that invisible sun of his[2], and ... / Yes, on the media player ...[1], and my head is NOWHERE good / hell is on earth / and Eric's guitar is weeping ...[2], and, er ... is the world turning a-ROUND? You bet it is!!![1], and ... / Yes, on the media player ...[2], and are YOU(!) perverted? / and why don't you get ... converted?[1], and, er ... is the world turning a-ROUND? You bet it is!!![2], and on and on and on! / the fun never stops, but there is work to do / and where is my broom?[1], and are YOU(!) perverted? / and why don't you get ... converted?[2], and the floor has got bits of fluff all over it / but I haven't got the energy ...[1], and on and on and on! / the fun never stops, but there is work to do / and where is my broom?[2], and a-ROUND, and ... a-ROUND, a-ROUND, on ... / I look at you all![1], and the floor has got bits of fluff all over it / but I haven't got the energy ...[2], and I've said it before, I think, and I'll say it again, I'll say it all again ... many times, so many times[1], and a-ROUND, and ... a-ROUND, a-ROUND, on ... / I look at you all![2], and a-ROUND here  ... you can live in a dream / Better than the nightmare the politicians are offering you[1], and I've said it before, I think, and I'll say it again, I'll say it all again ... many times, so many times[2], and I'm dreaming ... like a rich man / 'Boss, you're a rich man!' / Not yet, Voice[1], and a-ROUND here  ... you can live in a dream / Better than the nightmare the politicians are offering you[2], and I've unfolded my love / Thanks, George![1], and I'm dreaming ... like a rich man / 'Boss, you're a rich man!' / Not yet, Voice[2], and my soul needs to be SOMEWHERE nice - right now![1], and I've unfolded my love / Thanks, George![2], and this ... is somewhere nice? Well ...[1], and my soul needs to be SOMEWHERE nice - right now![2], and ... that solo![3], and this ... is somewhere nice? Well ...[2], and one more trillion spins for the road ...[3], and it's a horrible day, man / the sky is so grey ... / and it's so cold ...[3], and I hope Sting was right about that invisible sun of his[3], and my head is NOWHERE good / hell is on earth / and Eric's guitar is weeping ...[3], and ... / Yes, on the media player ...[3], and, er ... is the world turning a-ROUND? You bet it is!!![3], and are YOU(!) perverted? / and why don't you get ... converted?[3], and on and on and on! / the fun never stops, but there is work to do / and where is my broom?[3], and the floor has got bits of fluff all over it / but I haven't got the energy ...[3], and a-ROUND, and ... a-ROUND, a-ROUND, on ... / I look at you all![3], and I've said it before, I think, and I'll say it again, I'll say it all again ... many times, so many times[3], and a-ROUND here  ... you can live in a dream / Better than the nightmare the politicians are offering you[3], and I'm dreaming ... like a rich man / 'Boss, you're a rich man!' / Not yet, Voice[3], and I've unfolded my love / Thanks, George![3], and my soul needs to be SOMEWHERE nice - right now![3], and this ... is somewhere nice? Well ...[3], and

And ... that solo![1], and one more trillion spins for the road ...[1], and ... that solo![2], and it's a horrible day, man / the sky is so grey ... / and it's so cold ...[1], and one more trillion spins for the road ...[2], and I hope Sting was right about that invisible sun of his[1], and it's a horrible day, man / the sky is so grey ... / and it's so cold ...[2], and my head is NOWHERE good / hell is on earth / and Eric's guitar is weeping ...[1], and I hope Sting was right about that invisible sun of his[2], and ... / Yes, on the media player ...[1], and my head is NOWHERE good / hell is on earth / and Eric's guitar is weeping ...[2], and, er ... is the world turning a-ROUND? You bet it is!!![1], and ... / Yes, on the media player ...[2], and are YOU(!) perverted? / and why don't you get ... converted?[1], and, er ... is the world turning a-ROUND? You bet it is!!![2], and on and on and on! / the fun never stops, but there is work to do / and where is my broom?[1], and are YOU(!) perverted? / and why don't you get ... converted?[2], and the floor has got bits of fluff all over it / but I haven't got the energy ...[1], and on and on and on! / the fun never stops, but there is work to do / and where is my broom?[2], and a-ROUND, and ... a-ROUND, a-ROUND, on ... / I look at you all![1], and the floor has got bits of fluff all over it / but I haven't got the energy ...[2], and I've said it before, I think, and I'll say it again, I'll say it all again ... many times, so many times[1], and a-ROUND, and ... a-ROUND, a-ROUND, on ... / I look at you all![2], and a-ROUND here  ... you can live in a dream / Better than the nightmare the politicians are offering you[1], and I've said it before, I think, and I'll say it again, I'll say it all again ... many times, so many times[2], and I'm dreaming ... like a rich man / 'Boss, you're a rich man!' / Not yet, Voice[1], and a-ROUND here  ... you can live in a dream / Better than the nightmare the politicians are offering you[2], and I've unfolded my love / Thanks, George![1], and I'm dreaming ... like a rich man / 'Boss, you're a rich man!' / Not yet, Voice[2], and my soul needs to be SOMEWHERE nice - right now![1], and I've unfolded my love / Thanks, George![2], and this ... is somewhere nice? Well ...[1], and my soul needs to be SOMEWHERE nice - right now![2], and ... that solo![3], and this ... is somewhere nice? Well ...[2], and one more trillion spins for the road ...[3], and it's a horrible day, man / the sky is so grey ... / and it's so cold ...[3], and I hope Sting was right about that invisible sun of his[3], and my head is NOWHERE good / hell is on earth / and Eric's guitar is weeping ...[3], and ... / Yes, on the media player ...[3], and, er ... is the world turning a-ROUND? You bet it is!!![3], and are YOU(!) perverted? / and why don't you get ... converted?[3], and on and on and on! / the fun never stops, but there is work to do / and where is my broom?[3], and the floor has got bits of fluff all over it / but I haven't got the energy ...[3], and a-ROUND, and ... a-ROUND, a-ROUND, on ... / I look at you all![3], and I've said it before, I think, and I'll say it again, I'll say it all again ... many times, so many times[3], and a-ROUND here  ... you can live in a dream / Better than the nightmare the politicians are offering you[3], and I'm dreaming ... like a rich man / 'Boss, you're a rich man!' / Not yet, Voice[3], and I've unfolded my love / Thanks, George![3], and my soul needs to be SOMEWHERE nice - right now![3], and this ... is somewhere nice? Well ...[3], and

William De Winton has had enough of Lansdowne Partners' Global Financials fund

Good luck to you, Willy, mate! Let some other mug manage that Global Financials nonsense. You're better off out of it. / Our Willy isn't leaving Lansdowne though, dear reader(s). No, he's staying. I'm sure they'll find him something to do. Or maybe he's planning to take it easy now. / Willy, mate, take it easy, yeah? You've done enough work for one lifetime. Have you got any hobbies? Can you play the guitar? You see, I'm trying to record a demo of my songs, but ... never mind. You don't want to hear about my problems.

Lansdowne, Lansdowne, Lansdowne ... Have I written about this hedge fund before? I lose track. There are so many financial firms, and so little time. / Er ... Founded in 1998, Lansdowne manages assets for a diversified client base that includes some of the world's largest and most sophisticated investors. Wow! Sophisticated investors, eh? That's what I like to see. I mean, those unsophisticated investors are a real pain in the arse. Frankly, I hate their guts.

...

Oh ... I'm depressed, man. Big time. / The more the Tories say the economy is booming and employment is up, the worse I feel because ... I know it's all bullshit. If someone disappears from the JSA register, it doesn't mean they've got a job, it just means they've disappeared. And then there's the national debt, dear reader(s). No chance of paying that off, ever. What are we going to do? And the rich will be in trouble eventually. If you're rich, the poor will come looking for you sooner or later. Even if you pay your bodyguards well, the bodyguards may have relatives or friends who are under the arches, you know? And they might get bitter about it. The whole thing is a mess, the whole world. It's really depressing.

...

Music! We need some music to cheer us up. Let me have a look at my media player. 'Leonard Cohen again, Mikey?' Be serious, Voice. Some girls wander by mistake into the mess that scalpels make - ? No thanks. Not this early in the morning.

AC/DC ... Back in Black.

Jean-Louis Scandella is a rather strange man

It's bad enough that Jean-Louis Scandella thinks he works for Barings Bank ... but, but, but NOW(!) he's telling anyone who will listen that Barings has expanded his role within the bank! According to him, he's the head of equities and ... he reckons, soon, he's going to be getting involved with the bank's global emerging markets portfolios. It's just unbelievable! I'm almost lost for words. / Jean, son, if you're reading this post: there is no Barings Bank, okay?! Nick Leeson saw to that way back in 1995. Don't you read the papers? Don't you watch the news? Why are you wasting your life like this?

And Ken Lambden is sticking his oar in, praising Jean to the skies: "I am pleased that Jean-Louis has taken ownership of ... blah, blah, blah." Something along those lines. I don't know if Ken is as deluded as Jean is, or if he's involved in some kind of con, a long firm maybe, with Jean as the mark. (Actually, one of the marks. We all know there are others.)  I mean, these grifters are very clever.

...

Enough already!

Why am I writing tonight, dear reader(s)? There's no mystery. I want tomorrow off, that's all. Don't get upset. I'll be back on Wednesday with the usual nonsense.

...

Politics? How many months to the general election, man? I'm starting to feel oppressed. Do you know what I mean? (I doubt you do. I can't imagine you live the way I live.) The sad thing is, it's unlikely that the election will change anything. Politicians don't have any power these days. If they behave themselves and do what they're told they get treated well by their masters. (Look at Tony Blair!) But they don't have any power. / My only consolation is that God is ... a-ROUND. Let's leave it at that.

Music? I watched Top Gun on TV the other night, for my sins. There's a scene with the song You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling. (Listening to it now!) It occurred to me that a classic mainstream song like that is worth twenty Velvet Underground "classics" or Joy Division "classics". There's something special about such songs. They capture an age, or the feeling of an age, you dig? When a Man Loves a Woman, I Heard It Through the Grapevine, He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother ... you get the idea, I hope.

Antonio Batista, Jason Marino, Marco Minoli, and Filipe Bergana have all left Och-Ziff Capital

In the last week! The London office of the hedge fund. They just walked out the door - to freedom! 'Freedom, Mikey? I'm sure they've got new jobs somewhere else.' Why do you think that, Voice? 'Men like Antonio, Jason, Marco, and Filipe don't just decide - out of the bloody blue - to walk out the door to freedom. These guys love money the way you love playing the guitar.' Hang on - 'And I remember the days when you loved money too.' I still love money, man. However, some things are more important. Love and happiness, sunshine and lazy days in the park. 'What?!' Listen. I think changes are happening deep inside our ex-Och-Ziff friends, yeah? They've become dissatisfied lately, restless. Maybe they'll wander the earth now ... like, er, that Kung Fu guy and the Abominable Hulk. 'Where are you getting this stuff from, boss? Have you seen their LinkedIn profiles?!' Yes. 'Well, there's no indication in the profiles that these characters are anything other than bog-standard finance souls.' No, no, no! I'm looking at Marco Minoli's picture. (Marco was an equity investment analyst at Och-Ziff.) There may be a blankness in his face, but there's something in his eyes. Not exactly a fire, but ... he wants something, he needs something. Do you understand? 'No, I don't understand. You're looking for hidden depths where there are no hidden depths.' You're wrong, Voice.

...

The Voice is so wrong. I've got to trust my instincts. I hope Antonio, Jason, Marco, and Filipe find what they're looking for. / Guys, you can call me if you like. I'm here for you. 'Have they got your number?' If they look inside, they'll find my number. 'Christ.' No, Fowke.

...

Anything else? No, not much. Oh, I'm not going to the pub any more. Just one pint can give me a migraine that knocks me out for the rest of the day. I can't be doing with it.

Music? I haven't got anything on yet. Maybe Cohen again in a little while. / Man, I've put some new strings on my guitar. Yeah, I love the sound of fresh strings in the morning. They sound of ... victory! One day, I'll finish my demo.

What's all this Swiss National Bank nonsense?

First I've heard of it! Just now. The bank had a peg, right? 'Oh yeah?' Which it has now got rid of. And as a result, it's 37 per cent against the euro ... or something. 'The peg?!' Pig? 'The peg.' Er ... well, the Swiss thing, you know? Yeah, the money. 'Okay.' / Oh, I don't know what's going on! I ain't even interested to tell you the truth. This is the last post of the week, Voice. Nothing matters when you get to the last post of the week.

I mean, it could be Swiss cheese, Swiss Toni. I'm just so relieved to be at the end of the week, with my last post, and - 'Some people work Fridays, boss.' Ha! Tell that to the Aviva Investors mob. Tell that to the Cantab guys with their Lego. For fuck's sake! We'll work Fridays when hell freezes over. We weren't born for slavery. 'No.' I'll be down by the river tomorrow, son. Free as a bird! A couple of pints, a bag of crisps, and a lovely view. That's all I need.

Well, well ... later(s), dear reader(s).

[No. 284] Moni Sternbach: sha/man or normal man?

These are confusing times.

And GLG! / So ...[1], and since I shut down the desert, astral and physical ... oh, things aren't what they used to be[1], and GLG! / So ...[2], and Moni, Moni, Moni - three times![1], and since I shut down the desert, astral and physical ... oh, things aren't what they used to be[2], and ... / here he is! / yes, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / as DIZZY as the best of them[1], and Moni, Moni, Moni - three times![2], and the rest of them ... DIZZY a long time[1], and ... / here he is! / yes, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / as DIZZY as the best of them[2], and is Moni sha/man or normal? ... cold earth wanderer, mind on money without the blood and fire, the passion[1], and the rest of them ... DIZZY a long time[2], and some of them possess the usual language of funds, while at the same time having a SECRET LIFE inside ...[1], and is Moni sha/man or normal? ... cold earth wanderer, mind on money without the blood and fire, the passion[2], and SQUARES want a taste[1], and some of them possess the usual language of funds, while at the same time having a SECRET LIFE inside ...[2], and I still can't get enough, man! / I was born for the thrill of it all / So glad I invented it[1], and SQUARES want a taste[2], and long / short - does it matter? PLEASE![1], and I still can't get enough, man! / I was born for the thrill of it all / So glad I invented it[2], and I think you'll agree, YOU(!) this ... is better than taking a bubble bath with your pants on[1], and long / short - does it matter? PLEASE![2], and I'll never change / you can't take the sha out of the man[1], and I think you'll agree, YOU(!) this ... is better than taking a bubble bath with your pants on[2], and if Moni was normal before, he's different now ... one of us, spinning beyond the sad dreams of the slaves[1], and I'll never change / you can't take the sha out of the man[2], and we ...[1], and if Moni was normal before, he's different now ... one of us, spinning beyond the sad dreams of the slaves[2], and we want to keep these moments, yeah?[1], and we ...[2], and GLG! / So ...[3], and we want to keep these moments, yeah?[2], and since I shut down the desert, astral and physical ... oh, things aren't what they used to be[3], and Moni, Moni, Moni - three times![3], and ... / here he is! / yes, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / as DIZZY as the best of them[3], and the rest of them ... DIZZY a long time[3], and is Moni sha/man or normal? ... cold earth wanderer, mind on money without the blood and fire, the passion[3], and some of them possess the usual language of funds, while at the same time having a SECRET LIFE inside ...[3], and SQUARES want a taste[3], and I still can't get enough, man! / I was born for the thrill of it all / So glad I invented it[3], and long / short - does it matter? PLEASE![3], and I think you'll agree, YOU(!) this ... is better than taking a bubble bath with your pants on[3], and I'll never change / you can't take the sha out of the man[3], and if Moni was normal before, he's different now ... one of us, spinning beyond the sad dreams of the slaves[3], and we ...[3], and we want to keep these moments, yeah?[3], and

And GLG! / So ...[1], and since I shut down the desert, astral and physical ... oh, things aren't what they used to be[1], and GLG! / So ...[2], and Moni, Moni, Moni - three times![1], and since I shut down the desert, astral and physical ... oh, things aren't what they used to be[2], and ... / here he is! / yes, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / as DIZZY as the best of them[1], and Moni, Moni, Moni - three times![2], and the rest of them ... DIZZY a long time[1], and ... / here he is! / yes, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / as DIZZY as the best of them[2], and is Moni sha/man or normal? ... cold earth wanderer, mind on money without the blood and fire, the passion[1], and the rest of them ... DIZZY a long time[2], and some of them possess the usual language of funds, while at the same time having a SECRET LIFE inside ...[1], and is Moni sha/man or normal? ... cold earth wanderer, mind on money without the blood and fire, the passion[2], and SQUARES want a taste[1], and some of them possess the usual language of funds, while at the same time having a SECRET LIFE inside ...[2], and I still can't get enough, man! / I was born for the thrill of it all / So glad I invented it[1], and SQUARES want a taste[2], and long / short - does it matter? PLEASE![1], and I still can't get enough, man! / I was born for the thrill of it all / So glad I invented it[2], and I think you'll agree, YOU(!) this ... is better than taking a bubble bath with your pants on[1], and long / short - does it matter? PLEASE![2], and I'll never change / you can't take the sha out of the man[1], and I think you'll agree, YOU(!) this ... is better than taking a bubble bath with your pants on[2], and if Moni was normal before, he's different now ... one of us, spinning beyond the sad dreams of the slaves[1], and I'll never change / you can't take the sha out of the man[2], and we ...[1], and if Moni was normal before, he's different now ... one of us, spinning beyond the sad dreams of the slaves[2], and we want to keep these moments, yeah?[1], and we ...[2], and GLG! / So ...[3], and we want to keep these moments, yeah?[2], and since I shut down the desert, astral and physical ... oh, things aren't what they used to be[3], and Moni, Moni, Moni - three times![3], and ... / here he is! / yes, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / as DIZZY as the best of them[3], and the rest of them ... DIZZY a long time[3], and is Moni sha/man or normal? ... cold earth wanderer, mind on money without the blood and fire, the passion[3], and some of them possess the usual language of funds, while at the same time having a SECRET LIFE inside ...[3], and SQUARES want a taste[3], and I still can't get enough, man! / I was born for the thrill of it all / So glad I invented it[3], and long / short - does it matter? PLEASE![3], and I think you'll agree, YOU(!) this ... is better than taking a bubble bath with your pants on[3], and I'll never change / you can't take the sha out of the man[3], and if Moni was normal before, he's different now ... one of us, spinning beyond the sad dreams of the slaves[3], and we ...[3], and we want to keep these moments, yeah?[3], and

And GLG! / So ...[1], and since I shut down the desert, astral and physical ... oh, things aren't what they used to be[1], and GLG! / So ...[2], and Moni, Moni, Moni - three times![1], and since I shut down the desert, astral and physical ... oh, things aren't what they used to be[2], and ... / here he is! / yes, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / as DIZZY as the best of them[1], and Moni, Moni, Moni - three times![2], and the rest of them ... DIZZY a long time[1], and ... / here he is! / yes, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / as DIZZY as the best of them[2], and is Moni sha/man or normal? ... cold earth wanderer, mind on money without the blood and fire, the passion[1], and the rest of them ... DIZZY a long time[2], and some of them possess the usual language of funds, while at the same time having a SECRET LIFE inside ...[1], and is Moni sha/man or normal? ... cold earth wanderer, mind on money without the blood and fire, the passion[2], and SQUARES want a taste[1], and some of them possess the usual language of funds, while at the same time having a SECRET LIFE inside ...[2], and I still can't get enough, man! / I was born for the thrill of it all / So glad I invented it[1], and SQUARES want a taste[2], and long / short - does it matter? PLEASE![1], and I still can't get enough, man! / I was born for the thrill of it all / So glad I invented it[2], and I think you'll agree, YOU(!) this ... is better than taking a bubble bath with your pants on[1], and long / short - does it matter? PLEASE![2], and I'll never change / you can't take the sha out of the man[1], and I think you'll agree, YOU(!) this ... is better than taking a bubble bath with your pants on[2], and if Moni was normal before, he's different now ... one of us, spinning beyond the sad dreams of the slaves[1], and I'll never change / you can't take the sha out of the man[2], and we ...[1], and if Moni was normal before, he's different now ... one of us, spinning beyond the sad dreams of the slaves[2], and we want to keep these moments, yeah?[1], and we ...[2], and GLG! / So ...[3], and we want to keep these moments, yeah?[2], and since I shut down the desert, astral and physical ... oh, things aren't what they used to be[3], and Moni, Moni, Moni - three times![3], and ... / here he is! / yes, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / as DIZZY as the best of them[3], and the rest of them ... DIZZY a long time[3], and is Moni sha/man or normal? ... cold earth wanderer, mind on money without the blood and fire, the passion[3], and some of them possess the usual language of funds, while at the same time having a SECRET LIFE inside ...[3], and SQUARES want a taste[3], and I still can't get enough, man! / I was born for the thrill of it all / So glad I invented it[3], and long / short - does it matter? PLEASE![3], and I think you'll agree, YOU(!) this ... is better than taking a bubble bath with your pants on[3], and I'll never change / you can't take the sha out of the man[3], and if Moni was normal before, he's different now ... one of us, spinning beyond the sad dreams of the slaves[3], and we ...[3], and we want to keep these moments, yeah?[3], and

Man Group has hired Moni Sternbach!

And the good news? The real good news? Moni is working with all the cool shaman guys at GLG, not all the robot squares at the main Man Group part of the hedge fund, if you know what I mean. Is Moni a financial shaman himself? I don't know. Probably not. I don't remember seeing him in the desert in the old days. 'He used to be at Cheyne Capital, boss.' Cheyne? Really? Well, well ... there are a lot of shamans at Cheyne, what with all the vibrating in a lonely cosmos and that. / So you never know, dear reader(s).

Oh, this is Moni speaking of his funds at Cheyne: The funds were run with low directionality and generated strong absolute returns with low volatility, low correlation and minimal drawdowns. That's the sort of guy he is. Er ... 'Maybe he's not a shaman, Mikey.' Voice, I'll take him for a spin after lunch, No. 284. Then we'll know.

...

Music? My music? Well, I might have a solution ... / The problem with My Heart and You're Lying is, they're ballads, and I'm no Tony Bennett, man. Do you know what I mean? Gordon Bennett maybe. But certainly no Tony Bennett. Pop songs are easier to play and sing. The song I wrote and recorded three years ago is a pop song (its title is a closely-guarded secret) and only took twenty takes. I've tried recording the other two songs hundreds of times. Perhaps I should dump them (for now) and record two more pop songs. Gilly, Gilly is good enough for third place on a demo. So, I need one more song. / The only thing I don't like about this "solution" is, my ballads are GREAT SONGS, you dig? Songs that no one else in the world at the moment can write. So I don't want to dump them, really. I don't know what to do. / The only other option is the nuclear option of playing and rehearsing every spare moment. But I'm not a kid. Have I got the energy for that? 'Prince is older than you, Mikey. He still works around the clock.' Yeah, but he hasn't got a blog to write, has he?

Music? Other people's music? I'm listening to Cohen's Songs From A Room. / Voice, who wrote the line: I took another bubble bath with my pants on - ? 'Christ! Not Cohen, surely?' Prince. 'Obviously, yeah.' Cohen!

[No. 283] I'll get a-ROUND until the pain is gone

Until everything is gone.

And ... HOW MANY TIMES?!?![1], and one trillion for the road, maybe, maybe more[1], and ... HOW MANY TIMES?!?![2], and it's a tragedy the PAIN ... I'm feeling as a part of the world / So, it's DIZZY time![1], and one trillion for the road, maybe, maybe more[2], and this ... is the best place to lose it all, right here[1], and it's a tragedy the PAIN ... I'm feeling as a part of the world / So, it's DIZZY time![2], and only God can judge me ... because He understands / God has been ... here[1], and this ... is the best place to lose it all, right here[2], and fools try to squeeze the juice out of life / they get desperate towards the end[1], and only God can judge me ... because He understands / God has been ... here[2], and this ... isn't LIFE that any SQUARE can recognize, you dig?[1], and fools try to squeeze the juice out of life / they get desperate towards the end[2], and ... 'Have you ... ?'[1], and this ... isn't LIFE that any SQUARE can recognize, you dig?[2], and have I been to the desolate market where none come to buy? / Man, I had a fucking stall there![1], and ... 'Have you ... ?'[2], and ... 'Oh'[1], and have I been to the desolate market where none come to buy? / Man, I had a fucking stall there![2], and ... HOW MUCH MORE CAN ONE MAN TAKE?!?![1], and ... 'Oh'[2], and I'm praying for a solution, not exactly salvation, but a solution ... would be so ooo nice[1], and ... HOW MUCH MORE CAN ONE MAN TAKE?!?![2], and a-ROUND, once[1], and I'm praying for a solution, not exactly salvation, but a solution ... would be so ooo nice[2], and ... will it all be GONE - ?[1], and a-ROUND, once[2], and yes, yes, yes ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / Oh, pretty obvious, no surprises ...[1], and ... will it all be GONE - ?[2], and you've got to be truly sick to get the benefit, practically halfway gone[1], and yes, yes, yes ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / Oh, pretty obvious, no surprises ...[2], and ... 'There ain't no such things as halfway crooks'[1], and you've got to be truly sick to get the benefit, practically halfway gone[2], and ... / PLEASE! enough ... with the Voice / They say that silence is GOLDEN[1], and ... 'There ain't no such things as halfway crooks'[2], and I say ... uh, er[1], and ... / PLEASE! enough ... with the Voice / They say that silence is GOLDEN[2], and I say ... Christ(!!!), words, words, and words / unnecessary[1], and I say ... uh, er[2], and ... SPEAK![1], and I say ... Christ(!!!), words, words, and words / unnecessary[2], and ... / am I GONE? I'm still here / and ... am I GONE? 'You are still here' / and ... am I?!?!?!?![1], and ... SPEAK![2], and ... HOW MANY TIMES?!?![3], and ... / am I GONE? I'm still here / and ... am I GONE? 'You are still here' / and ... am I?!?!?!?![2], and one trillion for the road, maybe, maybe more[3], and it's a tragedy the PAIN ... I'm feeling as a part of the world / So, it's DIZZY time![3], and this ... is the best place to lose it all, right here[3], and only God can judge me ... because He understands / God has been ... here[3], and fools try to squeeze the juice out of life / they get desperate towards the end[3], and this ... isn't LIFE that any SQUARE can recognize, you dig?[3], and ... 'Have you ... ?'[3], and have I been to the desolate market where none come to buy? / Man, I had a fucking stall there![3], and ... 'Oh'[3], and ... HOW MUCH MORE CAN ONE MAN TAKE?!?![3], and I'm praying for a solution, not exactly salvation, but a solution ... would be so ooo nice[3], and a-ROUND, once[3], and ... will it all be GONE - ?[3], and yes, yes, yes ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / Oh, pretty obvious, no surprises ...[3], and you've got to be truly sick to get the benefit, practically halfway gone[3], and ... 'There ain't no such things as halfway crooks'[3], and ... / PLEASE! enough ... with the Voice / They say that silence is GOLDEN[3], and I say ... uh, er[3], and I say ... Christ(!!!), words, words, and words / unnecessary[3], and ... SPEAK![3], and ... / am I GONE? I'm still here / and ... am I GONE? 'You are still here' / and ... am I?!?!?!?![3], and

And ... HOW MANY TIMES?!?![1], and one trillion for the road, maybe, maybe more[1], and ... HOW MANY TIMES?!?![2], and it's a tragedy the PAIN ... I'm feeling as a part of the world / So, it's DIZZY time![1], and one trillion for the road, maybe, maybe more[2], and this ... is the best place to lose it all, right here[1], and it's a tragedy the PAIN ... I'm feeling as a part of the world / So, it's DIZZY time![2], and only God can judge me ... because He understands / God has been ... here[1], and this ... is the best place to lose it all, right here[2], and fools try to squeeze the juice out of life / they get desperate towards the end[1], and only God can judge me ... because He understands / God has been ... here[2], and this ... isn't LIFE that any SQUARE can recognize, you dig?[1], and fools try to squeeze the juice out of life / they get desperate towards the end[2], and ... 'Have you ... ?'[1], and this ... isn't LIFE that any SQUARE can recognize, you dig?[2], and have I been to the desolate market where none come to buy? / Man, I had a fucking stall there![1], and ... 'Have you ... ?'[2], and ... 'Oh'[1], and have I been to the desolate market where none come to buy? / Man, I had a fucking stall there![2], and ... HOW MUCH MORE CAN ONE MAN TAKE?!?![1], and ... 'Oh'[2], and I'm praying for a solution, not exactly salvation, but a solution ... would be so ooo nice[1], and ... HOW MUCH MORE CAN ONE MAN TAKE?!?![2], and a-ROUND, once[1], and I'm praying for a solution, not exactly salvation, but a solution ... would be so ooo nice[2], and ... will it all be GONE - ?[1], and a-ROUND, once[2], and yes, yes, yes ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / Oh, pretty obvious, no surprises ...[1], and ... will it all be GONE - ?[2], and you've got to be truly sick to get the benefit, practically halfway gone[1], and yes, yes, yes ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / Oh, pretty obvious, no surprises ...[2], and ... 'There ain't no such things as halfway crooks'[1], and you've got to be truly sick to get the benefit, practically halfway gone[2], and ... / PLEASE! enough ... with the Voice / They say that silence is GOLDEN[1], and ... 'There ain't no such things as halfway crooks'[2], and I say ... uh, er[1], and ... / PLEASE! enough ... with the Voice / They say that silence is GOLDEN[2], and I say ... Christ(!!!), words, words, and words / unnecessary[1], and I say ... uh, er[2], and ... SPEAK![1], and I say ... Christ(!!!), words, words, and words / unnecessary[2], and ... / am I GONE? I'm still here / and ... am I GONE? 'You are still here' / and ... am I?!?!?!?![1], and ... SPEAK![2], and ... HOW MANY TIMES?!?![3], and ... / am I GONE? I'm still here / and ... am I GONE? 'You are still here' / and ... am I?!?!?!?![2], and one trillion for the road, maybe, maybe more[3], and it's a tragedy the PAIN ... I'm feeling as a part of the world / So, it's DIZZY time![3], and this ... is the best place to lose it all, right here[3], and only God can judge me ... because He understands / God has been ... here[3], and fools try to squeeze the juice out of life / they get desperate towards the end[3], and this ... isn't LIFE that any SQUARE can recognize, you dig?[3], and ... 'Have you ... ?'[3], and have I been to the desolate market where none come to buy? / Man, I had a fucking stall there![3], and ... 'Oh'[3], and ... HOW MUCH MORE CAN ONE MAN TAKE?!?![3], and I'm praying for a solution, not exactly salvation, but a solution ... would be so ooo nice[3], and a-ROUND, once[3], and ... will it all be GONE - ?[3], and yes, yes, yes ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / Oh, pretty obvious, no surprises ...[3], and you've got to be truly sick to get the benefit, practically halfway gone[3], and ... 'There ain't no such things as halfway crooks'[3], and ... / PLEASE! enough ... with the Voice / They say that silence is GOLDEN[3], and I say ... uh, er[3], and I say ... Christ(!!!), words, words, and words / unnecessary[3], and ... SPEAK![3], and ... / am I GONE? I'm still here / and ... am I GONE? 'You are still here' / and ... am I?!?!?!?![3], and

And ... HOW MANY TIMES?!?![1], and one trillion for the road, maybe, maybe more[1], and ... HOW MANY TIMES?!?![2], and it's a tragedy the PAIN ... I'm feeling as a part of the world / So, it's DIZZY time![1], and one trillion for the road, maybe, maybe more[2], and this ... is the best place to lose it all, right here[1], and it's a tragedy the PAIN ... I'm feeling as a part of the world / So, it's DIZZY time![2], and only God can judge me ... because He understands / God has been ... here[1], and this ... is the best place to lose it all, right here[2], and fools try to squeeze the juice out of life / they get desperate towards the end[1], and only God can judge me ... because He understands / God has been ... here[2], and this ... isn't LIFE that any SQUARE can recognize, you dig?[1], and fools try to squeeze the juice out of life / they get desperate towards the end[2], and ... 'Have you ... ?'[1], and this ... isn't LIFE that any SQUARE can recognize, you dig?[2], and have I been to the desolate market where none come to buy? / Man, I had a fucking stall there![1], and ... 'Have you ... ?'[2], and ... 'Oh'[1], and have I been to the desolate market where none come to buy? / Man, I had a fucking stall there![2], and ... HOW MUCH MORE CAN ONE MAN TAKE?!?![1], and ... 'Oh'[2], and I'm praying for a solution, not exactly salvation, but a solution ... would be so ooo nice[1], and ... HOW MUCH MORE CAN ONE MAN TAKE?!?![2], and a-ROUND, once[1], and I'm praying for a solution, not exactly salvation, but a solution ... would be so ooo nice[2], and ... will it all be GONE - ?[1], and a-ROUND, once[2], and yes, yes, yes ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / Oh, pretty obvious, no surprises ...[1], and ... will it all be GONE - ?[2], and you've got to be truly sick to get the benefit, practically halfway gone[1], and yes, yes, yes ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / Oh, pretty obvious, no surprises ...[2], and ... 'There ain't no such things as halfway crooks'[1], and you've got to be truly sick to get the benefit, practically halfway gone[2], and ... / PLEASE! enough ... with the Voice / They say that silence is GOLDEN[1], and ... 'There ain't no such things as halfway crooks'[2], and I say ... uh, er[1], and ... / PLEASE! enough ... with the Voice / They say that silence is GOLDEN[2], and I say ... Christ(!!!), words, words, and words / unnecessary[1], and I say ... uh, er[2], and ... SPEAK![1], and I say ... Christ(!!!), words, words, and words / unnecessary[2], and ... / am I GONE? I'm still here / and ... am I GONE? 'You are still here' / and ... am I?!?!?!?![1], and ... SPEAK![2], and ... HOW MANY TIMES?!?![3], and ... / am I GONE? I'm still here / and ... am I GONE? 'You are still here' / and ... am I?!?!?!?![2], and one trillion for the road, maybe, maybe more[3], and it's a tragedy the PAIN ... I'm feeling as a part of the world / So, it's DIZZY time![3], and this ... is the best place to lose it all, right here[3], and only God can judge me ... because He understands / God has been ... here[3], and fools try to squeeze the juice out of life / they get desperate towards the end[3], and this ... isn't LIFE that any SQUARE can recognize, you dig?[3], and ... 'Have you ... ?'[3], and have I been to the desolate market where none come to buy? / Man, I had a fucking stall there![3], and ... 'Oh'[3], and ... HOW MUCH MORE CAN ONE MAN TAKE?!?![3], and I'm praying for a solution, not exactly salvation, but a solution ... would be so ooo nice[3], and a-ROUND, once[3], and ... will it all be GONE - ?[3], and yes, yes, yes ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND / Oh, pretty obvious, no surprises ...[3], and you've got to be truly sick to get the benefit, practically halfway gone[3], and ... 'There ain't no such things as halfway crooks'[3], and ... / PLEASE! enough ... with the Voice / They say that silence is GOLDEN[3], and I say ... uh, er[3], and I say ... Christ(!!!), words, words, and words / unnecessary[3], and ... SPEAK![3], and ... / am I GONE? I'm still here / and ... am I GONE? 'You are still here' / and ... am I?!?!?!?![3], and