Thursday 31 May 2018

Gold comment?

Do you want some? Okay, it's your life, dear reader(s). I'm not going to judge you. 'God will judge them, boss!' Shut up, you little idiot!

The Italian political crisis has spurred an almost 200% rise in people investing in physical gold at investment firm The Pure Gold Company in the last week, compared to the daily average for 2018.

Okay, okay. It's those guys again. No endorsement, obviously, but they send some nice PR emails, especially when there's a disaster in the world. 'Ha! Why don't they write to you with some good news for a change?' Because that's not the point, Voice, is it? People only buy gold when everything is going to hell in a handcart. 'How much have you bought then?' Me?! I can't afford gold, man. 'Oh.' I have a room full of baked beans though. 'Ha!' Don't knock it. I'm prepared for the end of the world. / Anyway ...

CEO Josh Saul said: "Our buyers this week include many first timers, a high proportion of financial services professionals and a huge rise in Italian nationals worried about their country leaving the Euro. Financial services professionals made up 62% of buyers this week, all concerned that a fresh election in Italy could augur in the Euro-sceptic parties intent on leaving the common currency, creating turmoil in financial markets. We've seen a large majority of these clients remove exposure to equities, especially banking stocks (which have taken a battering in the last few days), to protect their portfolios with gold as a safe-haven asset. Our clients are not looking to make money out of the gold price rising during this fresh bout of uncertainty. Instead they are looking for a hedge against further volatility. We have already seen the gold price behave inversely to stocks with the global stock markets under pressure after returning from a long weekend yesterday, but gold up more than 1% since Friday."

Right. There is more of Josh, to tell you the truth, but that's enough, reader(s), you dig? I'm not into doom and gloom, not with my positive mindset these days. And this is the last post of the week. 'Yippee!' And I've got some guitar playing to do.

...

Uh. Anything else? Before I go, like. 'Your music, Mikey?' My music? Okay. I've been thinking ... if I want more big, great songs like my best three, I've got to go after them. I think most songwriters work with what they've been given, as far as inspiration goes. I mean, a little tune comes to them, and they think: That'll make a nice little pop song. And then they write it. And I do the same, normally. However, I wrote my best songs out of a sort of sick desperation, man.

SICK DESPERATION ... it's the way of the future!

Laters!

Wednesday 30 May 2018

Oil report

Well, well ... / Yeah, I got an oil report [May 28th] for you, dear reader(s), from Thomson Reuters. 'We can rely on them! Can we?' Ha! Of course we can, Voice. It's Thomson Reuters. These people do it for a living. 'So do you! Sort of.' Ha! Uh.

Dear All,

All? Who the hell is All when he's at home?! 'Ha!' My name is Mikey. Never mind.

Crude oil exports from the Middle East dropped by 4.69 million bbl w-o-w to 127.92 million bbl. The drop in volumes came on the back of reduced exports from Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with Iran registering the steepest weekly fall amongst Middle-Eastern exporters. Condensate exports from the region were assessed at 5.49 million bbl, split between Iran and Qatar, up from 3.53 million bbl exported during the previous week.

So, er ... what is w-o-w, exactly? 'It must be something amazing, boss.' Oh. You reckon? 'Well ...  it says wow, man, don't it?' Yeah, I suppose. Yeah, it must be something good.

Saudi exports dropped by 2.49 million bbl w-o-w to 50.72 million bbl, albeit still above the 50 million bbl mark. The drop in exports can be largely attributed to reduced lifting by South Korea which stood at 5.75 million bbl, down by 3.7 million bbl w-o-w. As China's Sinopec will be boosting crude volumes from the US to record levels in June and South Korea is opting to replace Middle-East barrels with lighter US and African grades, the Kingdom appears to be pushing for more volumes to the West. US lifting rose for the second consecutive week, increasing by 3 million bbl w-o-w, to 9.2 million bbl, the highest weekly volume since April 2017. Weekly US imports of Saudi crude has averaged at 5.2 million bbl so far in 2018, just shy of 750,000 bpd. Chinese intake on the other hand remained steady at 6 million bbl last week. 

By the way, dear reader(s), this isn't the full report, apparently. But it's enough for me, you dig? It should be enough for you. Unless you've got a real hard-on for oil.

Iraq's export from Basrah increased to 23.24 million bbl, a weekly gain of 1.24 million bbl. The increase came on the back of increased Chinese lifting at 7.7 million bbl, surpassing departures to India which were assessed at 5.8 million bbl. It still remains to be seen if this is an attempt by Chinese refiners to substitute Saudi barrels, as announced earlier by Sinopec, due to higher Saudi's OSPs. Congestion at Basrah anchorage remained largely steady with 5 large vessels waiting to load on an average during the week. No loading activities were observed at SPM no 1 which remains offline for almost 3 months now.

Well, that's Iraq. 'Great!' But what about Iran?! 'They've forgotten Iran!' Oh, that's a shame. 'What are we going to do, boss?' Ha! 'What?' Only kidding, son. Look! -

Iran exports were assessed at 14.69 million bbl, a steep w-o-w drop of 5.8 million bbl. The drop can be largely attributed to vessel scheduling as no weather related disruptions were reported last week and fixture data estimates about 16.8 million bbl to be exported from the country this week. NITC Suezmax - 'SABITI' loaded a parcel of South Pars crude and discharged at Sikka, India, similar to previous months. Kharg Island exports were assessed at a total of 13.81 million bbl last week with Iranian Heavy, Iranian Light and Foroozan accounting for 6.87, 4.63 and 2.32 million bbl respectively.

Okay, okay. / The funny thing is, Elon Musk is doing away with all this, you know. 'With what?' With oil, man. Electric cars are the future! 'Yeah, yeah. He'll have to go to war with the whole world first, boss.' Well, that's why he gets so much criticism. People love their oil. 'Demons!' Actually, if I were Elon, I'd just jump in a rocket and piss off somewhere better. This world is a joke.

Laters.

Tuesday 29 May 2018

[No. 614] One spin at a time

That's all you can do, kook(s).

And forget your anxiety, please![1], and Seneca said: a man who suffers before it is necessary, suffers more than is necessary - oh, wise words![1], and forget your anxiety, please![2], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and keep believing, man![1], and Seneca said: a man who suffers before it is necessary, suffers more than is necessary - oh, wise words![2], and, you, you, YOU(!) ... spin once, twice, three times a maniac - uh, good luck, ha![1], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and keep believing, man![2], and ... come on![1], and, you, you, YOU(!) ... spin once, twice, three times a maniac - uh, good luck, ha![2], and, listen ... impossible things take time, son/daughter, a hell of a lot of it![1], and ... come on![2], and don't be sad[1], and, listen ... impossible things take time, son/daughter, a hell of a lot of it![2], and there's a greater reality beyond the THREE ... oh, I truly believe that, yes[1], and don't be sad[2], and if we ever get there ...[1], and there's a greater reality beyond the THREE ... oh, I truly believe that, yes[2], and I don't know where we're heading, my friend(s) ... but let's just enjoy the ride, you dig?[1], and if we ever get there ...[2], and Elon's got his rockets, and we've got this ... so, well[1], and I don't know where we're heading, my friend(s) ... but let's just enjoy the ride, you dig?[2], and it's not ...[1], and Elon's got his rockets, and we've got this ... so, well[2], and this is, uh ... spiritual science, probably / and what do I know? Ha, ha, ha! Uh, Christ[1], and it's not ...[2], and what I feel is more important, anyway[1], and this is, uh ... spiritual science, probably / and what do I know? Ha, ha, ha! Uh, Christ[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and comforting, ain't it?[1], and what I feel is more important, anyway[2], and any chaos is controlled chaos ... / and that's the beauty of it, my invention, yes, oh, yes[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and comforting, ain't it?[2], and what number is ... this - ? 'No. 614, Mikey' / and, thank you, Voice[1], and any chaos is controlled chaos ... / and that's the beauty of it, my invention, yes, oh, yes[2], and I'd be lost without him/it[1], and what number is ... this - ? 'No. 614, Mikey' / and, thank you, Voice[2], and ... will we ever get to a thousand?[1], and I'd be lost without him/it[2], and it doesn't really matter because ... every conceptual is the same for all eternity[1], and ... will we ever get to a thousand?[2], and, no, no, no ... yes, yes, yes ... the words may change, sure, but, but, BUT(!) ...[1], and it doesn't really matter because ... every conceptual is the same for all eternity[2], and, ha! ... who gives a shit about the words?![1], and, no, no, no ... yes, yes, yes ... the words may change, sure, but, but, BUT(!) ...[2], and, yes, a-ROUND, again - !!![1], and, ha! ... who gives a shit about the words?![2], and forget your anxiety, please![3], and, yes, a-ROUND, again - !!![2], and Seneca said: a man who suffers before it is necessary, suffers more than is necessary - oh, wise words![3], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and keep believing, man![3], and, you, you, YOU(!) ... spin once, twice, three times a maniac - uh, good luck, ha![3], and ... come on![3], and, listen ... impossible things take time, son/daughter, a hell of a lot of it![3], and don't be sad[3], and there's a greater reality beyond the THREE ... oh, I truly believe that, yes[3], and if we ever get there ...[3], and I don't know where we're heading, my friend(s) ... but let's just enjoy the ride, you dig?[3], and Elon's got his rockets, and we've got this ... so, well[3], and it's not ...[3], and this is, uh ... spiritual science, probably / and what do I know? Ha, ha, ha! Uh, Christ[3], and what I feel is more important, anyway[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and comforting, ain't it?[3], and any chaos is controlled chaos ... / and that's the beauty of it, my invention, yes, oh, yes[3], and what number is ... this - ? 'No. 614, Mikey' / and, thank you, Voice[3], and I'd be lost without him/it[3], and ... will we ever get to a thousand?[3], and it doesn't really matter because ... every conceptual is the same for all eternity[3], and, no, no, no ... yes, yes, yes ... the words may change, sure, but, but, BUT(!) ...[3], and, ha! ... who gives a shit about the words?![3], and, yes, a-ROUND, again - !!![3], and

And forget your anxiety, please![1], and Seneca said: a man who suffers before it is necessary, suffers more than is necessary - oh, wise words![1], and forget your anxiety, please![2], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and keep believing, man![1], and Seneca said: a man who suffers before it is necessary, suffers more than is necessary - oh, wise words![2], and, you, you, YOU(!) ... spin once, twice, three times a maniac - uh, good luck, ha![1], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and keep believing, man![2], and ... come on![1], and, you, you, YOU(!) ... spin once, twice, three times a maniac - uh, good luck, ha![2], and, listen ... impossible things take time, son/daughter, a hell of a lot of it![1], and ... come on![2], and don't be sad[1], and, listen ... impossible things take time, son/daughter, a hell of a lot of it![2], and there's a greater reality beyond the THREE ... oh, I truly believe that, yes[1], and don't be sad[2], and if we ever get there ...[1], and there's a greater reality beyond the THREE ... oh, I truly believe that, yes[2], and I don't know where we're heading, my friend(s) ... but let's just enjoy the ride, you dig?[1], and if we ever get there ...[2], and Elon's got his rockets, and we've got this ... so, well[1], and I don't know where we're heading, my friend(s) ... but let's just enjoy the ride, you dig?[2], and it's not ...[1], and Elon's got his rockets, and we've got this ... so, well[2], and this is, uh ... spiritual science, probably / and what do I know? Ha, ha, ha! Uh, Christ[1], and it's not ...[2], and what I feel is more important, anyway[1], and this is, uh ... spiritual science, probably / and what do I know? Ha, ha, ha! Uh, Christ[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and comforting, ain't it?[1], and what I feel is more important, anyway[2], and any chaos is controlled chaos ... / and that's the beauty of it, my invention, yes, oh, yes[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and comforting, ain't it?[2], and what number is ... this - ? 'No. 614, Mikey' / and, thank you, Voice[1], and any chaos is controlled chaos ... / and that's the beauty of it, my invention, yes, oh, yes[2], and I'd be lost without him/it[1], and what number is ... this - ? 'No. 614, Mikey' / and, thank you, Voice[2], and ... will we ever get to a thousand?[1], and I'd be lost without him/it[2], and it doesn't really matter because ... every conceptual is the same for all eternity[1], and ... will we ever get to a thousand?[2], and, no, no, no ... yes, yes, yes ... the words may change, sure, but, but, BUT(!) ...[1], and it doesn't really matter because ... every conceptual is the same for all eternity[2], and, ha! ... who gives a shit about the words?![1], and, no, no, no ... yes, yes, yes ... the words may change, sure, but, but, BUT(!) ...[2], and, yes, a-ROUND, again - !!![1], and, ha! ... who gives a shit about the words?![2], and forget your anxiety, please![3], and, yes, a-ROUND, again - !!![2], and Seneca said: a man who suffers before it is necessary, suffers more than is necessary - oh, wise words![3], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and keep believing, man![3], and, you, you, YOU(!) ... spin once, twice, three times a maniac - uh, good luck, ha![3], and ... come on![3], and, listen ... impossible things take time, son/daughter, a hell of a lot of it![3], and don't be sad[3], and there's a greater reality beyond the THREE ... oh, I truly believe that, yes[3], and if we ever get there ...[3], and I don't know where we're heading, my friend(s) ... but let's just enjoy the ride, you dig?[3], and Elon's got his rockets, and we've got this ... so, well[3], and it's not ...[3], and this is, uh ... spiritual science, probably / and what do I know? Ha, ha, ha! Uh, Christ[3], and what I feel is more important, anyway[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and comforting, ain't it?[3], and any chaos is controlled chaos ... / and that's the beauty of it, my invention, yes, oh, yes[3], and what number is ... this - ? 'No. 614, Mikey' / and, thank you, Voice[3], and I'd be lost without him/it[3], and ... will we ever get to a thousand?[3], and it doesn't really matter because ... every conceptual is the same for all eternity[3], and, no, no, no ... yes, yes, yes ... the words may change, sure, but, but, BUT(!) ...[3], and, ha! ... who gives a shit about the words?![3], and, yes, a-ROUND, again - !!![3], and

And forget your anxiety, please![1], and Seneca said: a man who suffers before it is necessary, suffers more than is necessary - oh, wise words![1], and forget your anxiety, please![2], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and keep believing, man![1], and Seneca said: a man who suffers before it is necessary, suffers more than is necessary - oh, wise words![2], and, you, you, YOU(!) ... spin once, twice, three times a maniac - uh, good luck, ha![1], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and keep believing, man![2], and ... come on![1], and, you, you, YOU(!) ... spin once, twice, three times a maniac - uh, good luck, ha![2], and, listen ... impossible things take time, son/daughter, a hell of a lot of it![1], and ... come on![2], and don't be sad[1], and, listen ... impossible things take time, son/daughter, a hell of a lot of it![2], and there's a greater reality beyond the THREE ... oh, I truly believe that, yes[1], and don't be sad[2], and if we ever get there ...[1], and there's a greater reality beyond the THREE ... oh, I truly believe that, yes[2], and I don't know where we're heading, my friend(s) ... but let's just enjoy the ride, you dig?[1], and if we ever get there ...[2], and Elon's got his rockets, and we've got this ... so, well[1], and I don't know where we're heading, my friend(s) ... but let's just enjoy the ride, you dig?[2], and it's not ...[1], and Elon's got his rockets, and we've got this ... so, well[2], and this is, uh ... spiritual science, probably / and what do I know? Ha, ha, ha! Uh, Christ[1], and it's not ...[2], and what I feel is more important, anyway[1], and this is, uh ... spiritual science, probably / and what do I know? Ha, ha, ha! Uh, Christ[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and comforting, ain't it?[1], and what I feel is more important, anyway[2], and any chaos is controlled chaos ... / and that's the beauty of it, my invention, yes, oh, yes[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and comforting, ain't it?[2], and what number is ... this - ? 'No. 614, Mikey' / and, thank you, Voice[1], and any chaos is controlled chaos ... / and that's the beauty of it, my invention, yes, oh, yes[2], and I'd be lost without him/it[1], and what number is ... this - ? 'No. 614, Mikey' / and, thank you, Voice[2], and ... will we ever get to a thousand?[1], and I'd be lost without him/it[2], and it doesn't really matter because ... every conceptual is the same for all eternity[1], and ... will we ever get to a thousand?[2], and, no, no, no ... yes, yes, yes ... the words may change, sure, but, but, BUT(!) ...[1], and it doesn't really matter because ... every conceptual is the same for all eternity[2], and, ha! ... who gives a shit about the words?![1], and, no, no, no ... yes, yes, yes ... the words may change, sure, but, but, BUT(!) ...[2], and, yes, a-ROUND, again - !!![1], and, ha! ... who gives a shit about the words?![2], and forget your anxiety, please![3], and, yes, a-ROUND, again - !!![2], and Seneca said: a man who suffers before it is necessary, suffers more than is necessary - oh, wise words![3], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and keep believing, man![3], and, you, you, YOU(!) ... spin once, twice, three times a maniac - uh, good luck, ha![3], and ... come on![3], and, listen ... impossible things take time, son/daughter, a hell of a lot of it![3], and don't be sad[3], and there's a greater reality beyond the THREE ... oh, I truly believe that, yes[3], and if we ever get there ...[3], and I don't know where we're heading, my friend(s) ... but let's just enjoy the ride, you dig?[3], and Elon's got his rockets, and we've got this ... so, well[3], and it's not ...[3], and this is, uh ... spiritual science, probably / and what do I know? Ha, ha, ha! Uh, Christ[3], and what I feel is more important, anyway[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and comforting, ain't it?[3], and any chaos is controlled chaos ... / and that's the beauty of it, my invention, yes, oh, yes[3], and what number is ... this - ? 'No. 614, Mikey' / and, thank you, Voice[3], and I'd be lost without him/it[3], and ... will we ever get to a thousand?[3], and it doesn't really matter because ... every conceptual is the same for all eternity[3], and, no, no, no ... yes, yes, yes ... the words may change, sure, but, but, BUT(!) ...[3], and, ha! ... who gives a shit about the words?![3], and, yes, a-ROUND, again - !!![3], and

Leading the world in private equity!

Okay, okay. How about that, eh? It's quite impressive. 'Leading the world? Who is, boss?' What? 'Who's leading the world in private equity, man?' Uh ... western Europe, son. 'Oh. Who says?' I do. 'Ha!' What? 'You're not the sort of guy who just wakes up one morning and says western Europe is leading the world in private equity. There's something you're not telling us.' Oh, like what? 'Like, maybe, someone - maybe someone by the name of Sam - sent you a PR email.' What have I told you about reading my emails, Voice?! 'I read your mind, man.' Yes. And what have I told you about that? 'Sorry.' You're not sorry. 'Uh.' Forget it.

Anyway ...

24 May 2018 - Data from eFront, covering 4,000 funds globally, shows that Western European private equity funds showed the best returns globally, at the same time as delivering robust performance on the VC side.

Yeah, it's five days' old, dear reader(s). I was away, enjoying myself. Now I'm back here, being miserable again. What a life!

Uh. I suppose you want the report highlights, reader(s), yeah? Well, tough, you can't have them. 'Ignore him, reader(s). He's in a funny mood this morning. I'll give you the highlights.' Yeah, go on. Earn your money, Voice. 'You don't pay me!' Whatever.

Western European private equity funds achieved an overall return of 1.68x (TVPI - total value to paid in), ahead of the US on 1.56x.

On an IRR (internal rate of return) basis, the figures were 14.32% for Western Europe and 12.17% for the US.

The performance was led by Nordic funds on 1.91x, Benelux funds on 1.85x, and the UK on 1.62x.

On the VC side, Western Europe delivered 1.34x, led by the UK on 1.37x and Italy on 1.35x.

On a combined basis, Western Europe was the second best performing region for PE and VC globally, recording 1.65x - just behind China on 1.67x.

Other regions, including Russia / CEE, Southern Europe and Latin America, saw markedly lower returns.


'There you go, reader(s)!' Of course, if you were really clever, Voice, you would establish a mind connection with Tarek Chouman, and see what he's got to say about all this private equity nonsense. 'Er ... a mind connection with Tarek Chouman? That's a piece of piss, man. Watch this!' Okay.

Tarek Chouman, CEO of eFront, says: "When analyzing private equity and venture capital, forming a sophisticated understanding of the characteristics of specific geographic markets is of crucial importance. Our Global Private Equity Performance Series represents, to the best of our knowledge, the most comprehensive publicly available analysis of returns, risk and liquidity among private equity's main geographies. Private markets do not offer precise or timely information, and the nature of closed-ended funds introduces other complexities. These challenges are opportunities for those willing to invest the time in truly understanding the idiosyncrasies and stages of evolution in different geographic markets."

'You see, boss?' Yeah, not bad. I've trained you well. 'Ha!' Yes, ha! Ha, ha, ha!

-ENDS-

There was more to the email, a lot more, dear reader(s), but ... ENDS ... you dig? Because ... I say so. That's it.

...

Anything else? No. Laters. 'Your music, Mikey.' What about it? 'Tell us!' Just the normal thing, man. Rehearsing and that. 'Oh.' I'm going to put my three best songs on the demo, after all. 'But you downgraded one. You only have two best songs.' Ha! I upgraded it again, Voice. Three now, again. 'Christ!' Yeah, you know what I'm like. Don't worry about it. / I just wish I had more songs like those three. Actually, twenty-five of them within the next ten years should do it. World-beaters, you dig? The thought that I won't be the greatest ever songwriter makes me feel physically sick. It's something I've got to do, to justify my life. That's why I'm pissed off. But you don't want to hear my problems, dear reader(s). Laters!

Monday 28 May 2018

[No. 613] It should be a day off ...

But I can't stop spinning.

And, well ... am I a glutton for punishment?[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... no, I like it![1], and, well ... am I a glutton for punishment?[2], and, uh ... I've had days off, man, and it's time to get back to work, yes, this - ha![1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... no, I like it![2], and, yes, this, as usual[1], and, uh ... I've had days off, man, and it's time to get back to work, yes, this - ha![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it feels like fun, you dig?[1], and, yes, this, as usual[2], and I know you dig it, little spinner(s)[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it feels like fun, you dig?[2], and the money is rubbish, but I don't do it for the money ... / and I do it for the spiritual development, ha![1], and I know you dig it, little spinner(s)[2], and I'm feeling so enlightened, yes[1], and the money is rubbish, but I don't do it for the money ... / and I do it for the spiritual development, ha![2], and just like Bodhi on that big fucking wave![1], and I'm feeling so enlightened, yes[2], and maybe we're fools, kook(s) / and, but, but, BUT(!) ... what are the goddamn squares?![1], and just like Bodhi on that big fucking wave![2], and ... 'Tell us, Mikey!'[1], and maybe we're fools, kook(s) / and, but, but, BUT(!) ... what are the goddamn squares?![2], and, uh ... SQUARES, Voice, obviously[1], and ... 'Tell us, Mikey!'[2], and one day ... this spinning will never END / ... and is that a bad thing?[1], and, uh ... SQUARES, Voice, obviously[2], and ... 'Well ...'[1], and one day ... this spinning will never END / ... and is that a bad thing?[2], and don't question it so much, man / and you've got to let go of the cold world's bullshit questions[1], and ... 'Well ...'[2], and ... 'The astral plane, me' / and, congratulations, son![1], and don't question it so much, man / and you've got to let go of the cold world's bullshit questions[2], and, so ...[1], and ... 'The astral plane, me' / and, congratulations, son![2], and, yes, so ...[1], and, so ...[2], and when I run out of evil words ...[1], and, yes, so ...[2], and, well ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... does the trick beautifully, ha![1], and when I run out of evil words ...[2], and I know it doesn't take much to please YOU(!)[1], and, well ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... does the trick beautifully, ha![2], and the squares think they'll get me when I stop spinning, uh, God ... can you believe them?![1], and I know it doesn't take much to please YOU(!)[2], and this ... is my everything![1], and the squares think they'll get me when I stop spinning, uh, God ... can you believe them?![2], and here we are, and here we go ... / ... and tell me who your Master is, go on![1], and this ... is my everything![2], and, yes ... we're coming back, and a-ROUND, and off again![1], and here we are, and here we go ... / ... and tell me who your Master is, go on![2], and, well ... am I a glutton for punishment?[3], and, yes ... we're coming back, and a-ROUND, and off again![2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... no, I like it![3], and, uh ... I've had days off, man, and it's time to get back to work, yes, this - ha![3], and, yes, this, as usual[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it feels like fun, you dig?[3], and I know you dig it, little spinner(s)[3], and the money is rubbish, but I don't do it for the money ... / and I do it for the spiritual development, ha![3], and I'm feeling so enlightened, yes[3], and just like Bodhi on that big fucking wave![3], and maybe we're fools, kook(s) / and, but, but, BUT(!) ... what are the goddamn squares?![3], and ... 'Tell us, Mikey!'[3], and, uh ... SQUARES, Voice, obviously[3], and one day ... this spinning will never END / ... and is that a bad thing?[3], and ... 'Well ...'[3], and don't question it so much, man / and you've got to let go of the cold world's bullshit questions[3], and ... 'The astral plane, me' / and, congratulations, son![3], and, so ...[3], and, yes, so ...[3], and when I run out of evil words ...[3], and, well ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... does the trick beautifully, ha![3], and I know it doesn't take much to please YOU(!)[3], and the squares think they'll get me when I stop spinning, uh, God ... can you believe them?![3], and this ... is my everything![3], and here we are, and here we go ... / ... and tell me who your Master is, go on![3], and, yes ... we're coming back, and a-ROUND, and off again![3], and

And, well ... am I a glutton for punishment?[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... no, I like it![1], and, well ... am I a glutton for punishment?[2], and, uh ... I've had days off, man, and it's time to get back to work, yes, this - ha![1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... no, I like it![2], and, yes, this, as usual[1], and, uh ... I've had days off, man, and it's time to get back to work, yes, this - ha![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it feels like fun, you dig?[1], and, yes, this, as usual[2], and I know you dig it, little spinner(s)[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it feels like fun, you dig?[2], and the money is rubbish, but I don't do it for the money ... / and I do it for the spiritual development, ha![1], and I know you dig it, little spinner(s)[2], and I'm feeling so enlightened, yes[1], and the money is rubbish, but I don't do it for the money ... / and I do it for the spiritual development, ha![2], and just like Bodhi on that big fucking wave![1], and I'm feeling so enlightened, yes[2], and maybe we're fools, kook(s) / and, but, but, BUT(!) ... what are the goddamn squares?![1], and just like Bodhi on that big fucking wave![2], and ... 'Tell us, Mikey!'[1], and maybe we're fools, kook(s) / and, but, but, BUT(!) ... what are the goddamn squares?![2], and, uh ... SQUARES, Voice, obviously[1], and ... 'Tell us, Mikey!'[2], and one day ... this spinning will never END / ... and is that a bad thing?[1], and, uh ... SQUARES, Voice, obviously[2], and ... 'Well ...'[1], and one day ... this spinning will never END / ... and is that a bad thing?[2], and don't question it so much, man / and you've got to let go of the cold world's bullshit questions[1], and ... 'Well ...'[2], and ... 'The astral plane, me' / and, congratulations, son![1], and don't question it so much, man / and you've got to let go of the cold world's bullshit questions[2], and, so ...[1], and ... 'The astral plane, me' / and, congratulations, son![2], and, yes, so ...[1], and, so ...[2], and when I run out of evil words ...[1], and, yes, so ...[2], and, well ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... does the trick beautifully, ha![1], and when I run out of evil words ...[2], and I know it doesn't take much to please YOU(!)[1], and, well ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... does the trick beautifully, ha![2], and the squares think they'll get me when I stop spinning, uh, God ... can you believe them?![1], and I know it doesn't take much to please YOU(!)[2], and this ... is my everything![1], and the squares think they'll get me when I stop spinning, uh, God ... can you believe them?![2], and here we are, and here we go ... / ... and tell me who your Master is, go on![1], and this ... is my everything![2], and, yes ... we're coming back, and a-ROUND, and off again![1], and here we are, and here we go ... / ... and tell me who your Master is, go on![2], and, well ... am I a glutton for punishment?[3], and, yes ... we're coming back, and a-ROUND, and off again![2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... no, I like it![3], and, uh ... I've had days off, man, and it's time to get back to work, yes, this - ha![3], and, yes, this, as usual[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it feels like fun, you dig?[3], and I know you dig it, little spinner(s)[3], and the money is rubbish, but I don't do it for the money ... / and I do it for the spiritual development, ha![3], and I'm feeling so enlightened, yes[3], and just like Bodhi on that big fucking wave![3], and maybe we're fools, kook(s) / and, but, but, BUT(!) ... what are the goddamn squares?![3], and ... 'Tell us, Mikey!'[3], and, uh ... SQUARES, Voice, obviously[3], and one day ... this spinning will never END / ... and is that a bad thing?[3], and ... 'Well ...'[3], and don't question it so much, man / and you've got to let go of the cold world's bullshit questions[3], and ... 'The astral plane, me' / and, congratulations, son![3], and, so ...[3], and, yes, so ...[3], and when I run out of evil words ...[3], and, well ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... does the trick beautifully, ha![3], and I know it doesn't take much to please YOU(!)[3], and the squares think they'll get me when I stop spinning, uh, God ... can you believe them?![3], and this ... is my everything![3], and here we are, and here we go ... / ... and tell me who your Master is, go on![3], and, yes ... we're coming back, and a-ROUND, and off again![3], and

And, well ... am I a glutton for punishment?[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... no, I like it![1], and, well ... am I a glutton for punishment?[2], and, uh ... I've had days off, man, and it's time to get back to work, yes, this - ha![1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... no, I like it![2], and, yes, this, as usual[1], and, uh ... I've had days off, man, and it's time to get back to work, yes, this - ha![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it feels like fun, you dig?[1], and, yes, this, as usual[2], and I know you dig it, little spinner(s)[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it feels like fun, you dig?[2], and the money is rubbish, but I don't do it for the money ... / and I do it for the spiritual development, ha![1], and I know you dig it, little spinner(s)[2], and I'm feeling so enlightened, yes[1], and the money is rubbish, but I don't do it for the money ... / and I do it for the spiritual development, ha![2], and just like Bodhi on that big fucking wave![1], and I'm feeling so enlightened, yes[2], and maybe we're fools, kook(s) / and, but, but, BUT(!) ... what are the goddamn squares?![1], and just like Bodhi on that big fucking wave![2], and ... 'Tell us, Mikey!'[1], and maybe we're fools, kook(s) / and, but, but, BUT(!) ... what are the goddamn squares?![2], and, uh ... SQUARES, Voice, obviously[1], and ... 'Tell us, Mikey!'[2], and one day ... this spinning will never END / ... and is that a bad thing?[1], and, uh ... SQUARES, Voice, obviously[2], and ... 'Well ...'[1], and one day ... this spinning will never END / ... and is that a bad thing?[2], and don't question it so much, man / and you've got to let go of the cold world's bullshit questions[1], and ... 'Well ...'[2], and ... 'The astral plane, me' / and, congratulations, son![1], and don't question it so much, man / and you've got to let go of the cold world's bullshit questions[2], and, so ...[1], and ... 'The astral plane, me' / and, congratulations, son![2], and, yes, so ...[1], and, so ...[2], and when I run out of evil words ...[1], and, yes, so ...[2], and, well ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... does the trick beautifully, ha![1], and when I run out of evil words ...[2], and I know it doesn't take much to please YOU(!)[1], and, well ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... does the trick beautifully, ha![2], and the squares think they'll get me when I stop spinning, uh, God ... can you believe them?![1], and I know it doesn't take much to please YOU(!)[2], and this ... is my everything![1], and the squares think they'll get me when I stop spinning, uh, God ... can you believe them?![2], and here we are, and here we go ... / ... and tell me who your Master is, go on![1], and this ... is my everything![2], and, yes ... we're coming back, and a-ROUND, and off again![1], and here we are, and here we go ... / ... and tell me who your Master is, go on![2], and, well ... am I a glutton for punishment?[3], and, yes ... we're coming back, and a-ROUND, and off again![2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... no, I like it![3], and, uh ... I've had days off, man, and it's time to get back to work, yes, this - ha![3], and, yes, this, as usual[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it feels like fun, you dig?[3], and I know you dig it, little spinner(s)[3], and the money is rubbish, but I don't do it for the money ... / and I do it for the spiritual development, ha![3], and I'm feeling so enlightened, yes[3], and just like Bodhi on that big fucking wave![3], and maybe we're fools, kook(s) / and, but, but, BUT(!) ... what are the goddamn squares?![3], and ... 'Tell us, Mikey!'[3], and, uh ... SQUARES, Voice, obviously[3], and one day ... this spinning will never END / ... and is that a bad thing?[3], and ... 'Well ...'[3], and don't question it so much, man / and you've got to let go of the cold world's bullshit questions[3], and ... 'The astral plane, me' / and, congratulations, son![3], and, so ...[3], and, yes, so ...[3], and when I run out of evil words ...[3], and, well ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... does the trick beautifully, ha![3], and I know it doesn't take much to please YOU(!)[3], and the squares think they'll get me when I stop spinning, uh, God ... can you believe them?![3], and this ... is my everything![3], and here we are, and here we go ... / ... and tell me who your Master is, go on![3], and, yes ... we're coming back, and a-ROUND, and off again![3], and

HSBC Global Asset Management has closed a fund!

Successfully, too! 'Er ... is that a good thing, boss?' Er ... well, they sent me an email about it, Voice, so they must be pleased. Look! -

HSBC Global Asset Management today[No!] announces the successful final close of its first dedicated HSBC Diversified Loan Fund, which combines both loan investing and direct lending within a fully managed, alternative credit solution. With close to US$800m raised since its launch, the fund has proved popular with investors looking for a diversified, core loan solutions.

Uh, no, not today. Last week sometime. I had a week off, dear reader(s), as you know. 'And now you're fully refreshed, boss.' Ha! You bet your ass I am, son! I'm ready for anything. 'Yippee!' Yeah. Big time.

The fund will primarily invest in floating rate, senior secured credit instruments such as syndicated loans, as well as senior secured and unitranch loans to middle market companies. The combination of loan investing and direct lending increases the opportunity set for the fund and enhances diversification - HSBC Global Asset Management anticipate c.300-400 underlying positions within the fund once it is fully invested. These investments can be made in North America, Europe and Asia.

Okay, okay. Not bad, I suppose. It's just a shame that Billy Benjamin ain't around to tell us a bit more about the fund. 'Can't you get him out of bed for a quote, boss?' Well, it's a bank holiday Monday, Voice. Everyone is goofing off. 'Except you.' Yes. I'm the hardest-working man in show business. 'In blogging, man.' In show business, man.

Anyway, uh ... let me try a mind connection ... [please bear with me, reader(s)] ... Billy! ... come on, Billy, mate ... oh, Billy, come on! ... 'Here he is, boss!' Great!

William Benjamin, Head of Alternative Investment Funds, HSBC Global Asset Management Limited, says: "The Fund has performed well in the short period since our first close. The first few months of 2018 saw increased market volatility and difficult performance for both equities and fixed rate asset classes, despite this, we've seen some strong and resilient performance demonstrated by our Syndicated Loan managers. We have also seen the first deployment from our Direct Lending managers, with both of them showing healthy investment pipelines."

Healthy investment pipelines? Nice one! Thanks, Billy! / Okay, okay. I'll just finish with this -

The information contained in this press release does not constitute an offer or solicitation for, or advice that you should enter into, the purchase or sale of any security or fund. Any views expressed are subject to change at any time.

You've been warned, reader(s)! Okay ... 'Are we really finished, boss, with this post, like?' Well, no, we've got a bit of time, Voice. We can talk about other stuff. Someone saw five dolphins in the harbour. 'Oh. You?' Ha! No, not me.

Anyway, Elon Musk? I think I'll go back to reading that Ashlee Vance biography on a loop. There's nothing else like it, man, and it keeps me motivated. 'What about the Grant Cardone audiobook of The 10X Rule, Mikey?' I can listen to that, too, Voice. No problem.

Brexit? Well, Brexit ain't even funny no more. 'Ha!' That's all I'm saying about Brexit.

Music? That spider exercise is doing wonders for my guitar playing. That's all I'm saying about the spider exercise.

So, laters! 'Bye!' No. 613. Later.

Wednesday 16 May 2018

Something about open-ended real estate funds ...

Yeah, I don't know what. I've got my mind on other things, to tell you the truth, dear reader(s). Oh, this is the last post of the week, yes, a bit early, and I'm taking next week off. No, I haven't the slightest idea how you will cope without me. You might have to go to one of those other financial news websites. 'Ha!' No, it's not ideal. But I'm just saying. It's either that, or nothing. Or just wait until I return, man.

Anyway...

Average occupancy rates increase to over 95%.

Eh?

German open-ended retail real estate funds have justified their reputation as a vital asset class, with two thirds of 18 funds analyzed by Scope Ratings showing increased average occupancy rates in the past year. The occupancy rate has a significant influence on fund performance and is one of the most important indicators for investors when evaluating open-ended real estate funds.

The average occupancy rate of the analyzed funds, as weighted by fund assets, was 95.3% at end-April according latest asset management publications. This reading was 0.8 percentage points higher than last year's 94.5%.


As I said, I don't really know ... 'Don't worry, boss.' I'm not worried, Voice. I'm really not. The readers know, son. The readers know everything. 'Sonja knows, too.' Who?! 'Sonja Knorr.' Yeah, who's that?! 'Christ!'

"The sustained increase in occupancy rates among open-ended real estate funds is primarily due to buoyant economic activity across Europe" says Sonja Knorr, head of Alternative Investments at rating agency Scope. "Strong growth, particularly in the past year, has led to increased demand for office space."

Oh, right. That Sonja Knorr. You could have said, Voice. 'I did say.' Whatever.

Furthermore, numerous managers of open-ended real estate funds are taking advantage of the current high price environment to optimize their portfolios. Properties with high vacancy rates are often sold and furthermore the purchases of fully rented, large-volume properties push up the average occupancy rate. The early renewal of rental contracts also ensures stability.

Okay, okay. Uh, is there much more of this? 'A bit. / Who was that speaking, just then?' I have absolutely no idea. It was just a statement, I think. 'Yeah, by who?' Probably by the PR person who put the email together. Christ!

...

No, that's enough now. I need a rest, you dig? Have a nice weekend, crocodile(s). 'Later(s)!' Yeah, bye, alligator(s)!

San Francisco is the best city for startup entrepreneurs!

Well, that's not a surprise, dear reader(s), is it? 'Why are you telling us then, boss?' Because it's a PR email, Voice. 'Oh.' And London is on the list somewhere, a bit further down. Of course, after Brexit it won't be on the list at all, but that's another story.

Berlin, Germany, 15/05/2018 - Furnished apartment search engine, Nestpick, has released a study revealing the top 110 cities for entrepreneurial millennials, based on factors such as startup ecosystem, and employment. The results are released as part of the larger Millennial City Ranking, which Nestpick released for the second year running earlier in 2018. Nestpick conducted this study in order to pinpoint which cities are successfully attracting this generation, and therefore a core future workforce.

Oh, I see. Obviously, Nestpick wants these young entrepreneurs to live in furnished apartments, rather than sleep on the office floors of their startups. Good luck with that!

"Millennials grew up in a shrinking world, where the internet opened doors their parents never could have dreamed of, and budget airlines made those avenues real possibilities. It's now possible to live and work anywhere in the world, and these opportunities are shaping how our planet will look to future generations." says Ömer Kücükdere, Managing Director of Nestpick. "We must learn to adapt to the needs of younger people in order to have a thriving economy, and we believe that this ranking offers valuable insights to those cities looking for regeneration from a younger demographic."

Ha! Will it be possible to come and live in Brexit Britain? Will it even be possible to leave Brexit Britain? I thought we were shutting up shop, like North Korea.

Well, anyway, we don't want the list of top cities. [Some copy and pasting mess up, you don't need to know.] But, uh, findings:

Beijing, China ranks highest for Employment, followed by American cities San Francisco and Austin.

New York City, USA has the highest score for their Startup ecosystem, followed by San Francisco, USA and London, UK.

Hong Kong, China ranks highest for Tourism, followed by Bangkok, Thailand and London, UK.

Guadalajara, Mexico has the highest score for Housing, followed by fellow Mexican city Monterrey and Medellín, Colombia.

Bangkok, Thailand ranks highest for Food, followed by Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Lima, Peru.

Oslo, Norway has the highest score for Transport, followed by Washington D.C., USA and Paris, France.

Japanese cities Tokyo and Osaka rank joint highest for Health, followed by Singapore, Singapore.

Seoul, South Korea has the highest score for Internet Speed, followed by Bergen, Norway and Denver, USA.

London, UK ranks highest for Universities, followed by Paris, France and Seoul, South Korea.

China and Hong Kong rank highest for Access to Contraception, followed by the UK.

Norway ranks highest for Gender Equality, followed by Finland and Sweden.

New Zealand ranks highest for Immigration Tolerance, followed by Canada and Norway.

Amsterdam, Netherlands has the highest score for Personal Freedom and Choice, followed by Oslo, Norway and Helsinki, Finland.

Madrid, Spain ranks highest for LGBT Friendliness, followed by Amsterdam, Netherlands and Toronto, Canada.

Berlin, Germany has the highest score for Nightlife, followed by Paris, France and Melbourne, Australia.

Beijing, China ranks highest for Beer prices, followed by Colombian cities Medellín and Bogotá.

Miami, USA has the highest score for Festivals, followed by fellow American city Washington D.C. and Paris, France.


Okay, okay. That's enough.

...

Anything else? No, not really. Laters!

Tuesday 15 May 2018

[No. 612] NOTHING ... in particular

The way it's supposed to be.

And, yes!!![1], and my advice? Have NOTHING in your mind, your soul, whatever[1], and, yes!!![2], and ... in particular, yes[1], and my advice? Have NOTHING in your mind, your soul, whatever[2], and you'll feel a whole lot better, believe me[1], and ... in particular, yes[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and forget the filth of the world, please![1], and you'll feel a whole lot better, believe me[2], and the squares love it all, the filth, oh, all of it[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and forget the filth of the world, please![2], and it's so depressing out there ... don't you think? / and ... Jesus H. Christ![1], and the squares love it all, the filth, oh, all of it[2], and I won't tell YOU(!) again ...[1], and it's so depressing out there ... don't you think? / and ... Jesus H. Christ![2], and you don't want to think ... but you do want to stay here with me, you dig?[1], and I won't tell YOU(!) again ...[2], and say: YES, Master![1], and you don't want to think ... but you do want to stay here with me, you dig?[2], and ... 'YES, Master! Boss! Mikey!' / and not you, Voice, you idiot![1], and say: YES, Master![2], and ... never mind[1], and ... 'YES, Master! Boss! Mikey!' / and not you, Voice, you idiot![2], and, so ... you don't want to hold on too tight to the things of dirty reality, just saying[1], and ... never mind[2], and I'll teach you how to let go ... / and I'll teach how to be free ...[1], and, so ... you don't want to hold on too tight to the things of dirty reality, just saying[2], and this is magic, yes[1], and I'll teach you how to let go ... / and I'll teach how to be free ...[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here now ... / ... and this is all there is for our sort[1], and this is magic, yes[2], and, er, are we getting ... faster?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here now ... / ... and this is all there is for our sort[2], and, uh ... blank, BLANK, blank[1], and, er, are we getting ... faster?[2], and ... oh! / and ... ha![1], and, uh ... blank, BLANK, blank[2], and did I pass out there, for a moment? / and, uh, to nowhere ... in particular?[1], and ... oh! / and ... ha![2], and where was I? / and, man ... where am I?[1], and did I pass out there, for a moment? / and, uh, to nowhere ... in particular?[2], and not beyond the THREE?!, ha! / and, no ... still here ... ever so DIZZY(!)[1], and where was I? / and, man ... where am I?[2], and are YOU(!) ... okay, little spinner(s)?[1], and not beyond the THREE?!, ha! / and, no ... still here ... ever so DIZZY(!)[2], and, ha! ... let's keep going, ah, yes!!![1], and are YOU(!) ... okay, little spinner(s)?[2], and, yes!!![3], and, ha! ... let's keep going, ah, yes!!![2], and my advice? Have NOTHING in your mind, your soul, whatever[3], and ... in particular, yes[3], and you'll feel a whole lot better, believe me[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and forget the filth of the world, please![3], and the squares love it all, the filth, oh, all of it[3], and it's so depressing out there ... don't you think? / and ... Jesus H. Christ![3], and I won't tell YOU(!) again ...[3], and you don't want to think ... but you do want to stay here with me, you dig?[3], and say: YES, Master![3], and ... 'YES, Master! Boss! Mikey!' / and not you, Voice, you idiot![3], and ... never mind[3], and, so ... you don't want to hold on too tight to the things of dirty reality, just saying[3], and I'll teach you how to let go ... / and I'll teach how to be free ...[3], and this is magic, yes[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here now ... / ... and this is all there is for our sort [3], and, er, are we getting ... faster?[3], and, uh ... blank, BLANK, blank[3], and ... oh! / and ... ha![3], and did I pass out there, for a moment? / and, uh, to nowhere ... in particular?[3], and where was I? / and, man ... where am I?[3], and not beyond the THREE?!, ha! / and, no ... still here ... ever so DIZZY(!)[3], and are YOU(!) ... okay, little spinner(s)?[3], and, ha! ... let's keep going, ah, yes!!![3], and

And, yes!!![1], and my advice? Have NOTHING in your mind, your soul, whatever[1], and, yes!!![2], and ... in particular, yes[1], and my advice? Have NOTHING in your mind, your soul, whatever[2], and you'll feel a whole lot better, believe me[1], and ... in particular, yes[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and forget the filth of the world, please![1], and you'll feel a whole lot better, believe me[2], and the squares love it all, the filth, oh, all of it[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and forget the filth of the world, please![2], and it's so depressing out there ... don't you think? / and ... Jesus H. Christ![1], and the squares love it all, the filth, oh, all of it[2], and I won't tell YOU(!) again ...[1], and it's so depressing out there ... don't you think? / and ... Jesus H. Christ![2], and you don't want to think ... but you do want to stay here with me, you dig?[1], and I won't tell YOU(!) again ...[2], and say: YES, Master![1], and you don't want to think ... but you do want to stay here with me, you dig?[2], and ... 'YES, Master! Boss! Mikey!' / and not you, Voice, you idiot![1], and say: YES, Master![2], and ... never mind[1], and ... 'YES, Master! Boss! Mikey!' / and not you, Voice, you idiot![2], and, so ... you don't want to hold on too tight to the things of dirty reality, just saying[1], and ... never mind[2], and I'll teach you how to let go ... / and I'll teach how to be free ...[1], and, so ... you don't want to hold on too tight to the things of dirty reality, just saying[2], and this is magic, yes[1], and I'll teach you how to let go ... / and I'll teach how to be free ...[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here now ... / ... and this is all there is for our sort[1], and this is magic, yes[2], and, er, are we getting ... faster?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here now ... / ... and this is all there is for our sort[2], and, uh ... blank, BLANK, blank[1], and, er, are we getting ... faster?[2], and ... oh! / and ... ha![1], and, uh ... blank, BLANK, blank[2], and did I pass out there, for a moment? / and, uh, to nowhere ... in particular?[1], and ... oh! / and ... ha![2], and where was I? / and, man ... where am I?[1], and did I pass out there, for a moment? / and, uh, to nowhere ... in particular?[2], and not beyond the THREE?!, ha! / and, no ... still here ... ever so DIZZY(!)[1], and where was I? / and, man ... where am I?[2], and are YOU(!) ... okay, little spinner(s)?[1], and not beyond the THREE?!, ha! / and, no ... still here ... ever so DIZZY(!)[2], and, ha! ... let's keep going, ah, yes!!![1], and are YOU(!) ... okay, little spinner(s)?[2], and, yes!!![3], and, ha! ... let's keep going, ah, yes!!![2], and my advice? Have NOTHING in your mind, your soul, whatever[3], and ... in particular, yes[3], and you'll feel a whole lot better, believe me[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and forget the filth of the world, please![3], and the squares love it all, the filth, oh, all of it[3], and it's so depressing out there ... don't you think? / and ... Jesus H. Christ![3], and I won't tell YOU(!) again ...[3], and you don't want to think ... but you do want to stay here with me, you dig?[3], and say: YES, Master![3], and ... 'YES, Master! Boss! Mikey!' / and not you, Voice, you idiot![3], and ... never mind[3], and, so ... you don't want to hold on too tight to the things of dirty reality, just saying[3], and I'll teach you how to let go ... / and I'll teach how to be free ...[3], and this is magic, yes[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here now ... / ... and this is all there is for our sort [3], and, er, are we getting ... faster?[3], and, uh ... blank, BLANK, blank[3], and ... oh! / and ... ha![3], and did I pass out there, for a moment? / and, uh, to nowhere ... in particular?[3], and where was I? / and, man ... where am I?[3], and not beyond the THREE?!, ha! / and, no ... still here ... ever so DIZZY(!)[3], and are YOU(!) ... okay, little spinner(s)?[3], and, ha! ... let's keep going, ah, yes!!![3], and

And, yes!!![1], and my advice? Have NOTHING in your mind, your soul, whatever[1], and, yes!!![2], and ... in particular, yes[1], and my advice? Have NOTHING in your mind, your soul, whatever[2], and you'll feel a whole lot better, believe me[1], and ... in particular, yes[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and forget the filth of the world, please![1], and you'll feel a whole lot better, believe me[2], and the squares love it all, the filth, oh, all of it[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and forget the filth of the world, please![2], and it's so depressing out there ... don't you think? / and ... Jesus H. Christ![1], and the squares love it all, the filth, oh, all of it[2], and I won't tell YOU(!) again ...[1], and it's so depressing out there ... don't you think? / and ... Jesus H. Christ![2], and you don't want to think ... but you do want to stay here with me, you dig?[1], and I won't tell YOU(!) again ...[2], and say: YES, Master![1], and you don't want to think ... but you do want to stay here with me, you dig?[2], and ... 'YES, Master! Boss! Mikey!' / and not you, Voice, you idiot![1], and say: YES, Master![2], and ... never mind[1], and ... 'YES, Master! Boss! Mikey!' / and not you, Voice, you idiot![2], and, so ... you don't want to hold on too tight to the things of dirty reality, just saying[1], and ... never mind[2], and I'll teach you how to let go ... / and I'll teach how to be free ...[1], and, so ... you don't want to hold on too tight to the things of dirty reality, just saying[2], and this is magic, yes[1], and I'll teach you how to let go ... / and I'll teach how to be free ...[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here now ... / ... and this is all there is for our sort[1], and this is magic, yes[2], and, er, are we getting ... faster?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here now ... / ... and this is all there is for our sort[2], and, uh ... blank, BLANK, blank[1], and, er, are we getting ... faster?[2], and ... oh! / and ... ha![1], and, uh ... blank, BLANK, blank[2], and did I pass out there, for a moment? / and, uh, to nowhere ... in particular?[1], and ... oh! / and ... ha![2], and where was I? / and, man ... where am I?[1], and did I pass out there, for a moment? / and, uh, to nowhere ... in particular?[2], and not beyond the THREE?!, ha! / and, no ... still here ... ever so DIZZY(!)[1], and where was I? / and, man ... where am I?[2], and are YOU(!) ... okay, little spinner(s)?[1], and not beyond the THREE?!, ha! / and, no ... still here ... ever so DIZZY(!)[2], and, ha! ... let's keep going, ah, yes!!![1], and are YOU(!) ... okay, little spinner(s)?[2], and, yes!!![3], and, ha! ... let's keep going, ah, yes!!![2], and my advice? Have NOTHING in your mind, your soul, whatever[3], and ... in particular, yes[3], and you'll feel a whole lot better, believe me[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and forget the filth of the world, please![3], and the squares love it all, the filth, oh, all of it[3], and it's so depressing out there ... don't you think? / and ... Jesus H. Christ![3], and I won't tell YOU(!) again ...[3], and you don't want to think ... but you do want to stay here with me, you dig?[3], and say: YES, Master![3], and ... 'YES, Master! Boss! Mikey!' / and not you, Voice, you idiot![3], and ... never mind[3], and, so ... you don't want to hold on too tight to the things of dirty reality, just saying[3], and I'll teach you how to let go ... / and I'll teach how to be free ...[3], and this is magic, yes[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here now ... / ... and this is all there is for our sort [3], and, er, are we getting ... faster?[3], and, uh ... blank, BLANK, blank[3], and ... oh! / and ... ha![3], and did I pass out there, for a moment? / and, uh, to nowhere ... in particular?[3], and where was I? / and, man ... where am I?[3], and not beyond the THREE?!, ha! / and, no ... still here ... ever so DIZZY(!)[3], and are YOU(!) ... okay, little spinner(s)?[3], and, ha! ... let's keep going, ah, yes!!![3], and

Tuesday morning blog post

Well, it's Tuesday morning now, dear reader(s). And, uh ... this is another blog post, for my sins. 'What's the latest financial news, boss?' I couldn't tell you, Voice. 'Er ... haven't you looked?' I looked for thirty seconds or so, before I got bored. 'Oh. / What about PR emails?' Uh ... there's one about new houses being built in London. I mean, lack of houses being built. 'Oh.' Yeah, it's not really relevant. / If anyone's got any PR emails about seagulls in St Ives. Or sharks. 'Why would they have that?' Well, sometimes there's stories about seagulls attacking people for their chips. I wouldn't mind writing about that. Apparently, there's a ringleader. 'Yeah, okay. Or sharks attacking people for their chips.' Don't be so bloody ridiculous, Voice! 'Sorry.' People don't take their chips in the water, do they? If they did, there might be a problem, but they don't.

Anyway ... what am I going to write about? NOTHING ... in particular, I suppose.

Well, well ... / I'll write a conceptual later. No. 612. After lunch, like. 'What about, boss?' Er ... NOTHING ... in particular. 'Nice one!' Yeah. I'm not going to change the habit of an eternity. Why should I, when it's all going so well? 'You'd be a fool to change.' Exactly!

Well, well ... / Anything else? Have you got any ideas, Voice? 'Me? Ha! I don't get paid enough to have ideas, man.' Thanks.

Music, I suppose. That's all I'm interested in. [And getting a-ROUND, obviously.] / It must be hellish being one of these people who's interested in the world in general, you dig? It's better to be obsessed with one thing. [Two things!] The world is basically a collection of billions of bits of nonsense. And if you're interested in all that ... I don't know what to say. 'Say - Good luck!' Yeah, okay. I'll say that. Good luck!

Ha! Uh.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: you can't do anything new in pop and rock. It's all been done. The only thing you can do is ... write songs that are greater than any songs that have been written in the past. And if you can't manage that, stop kidding yourself.

Ah, laters.

Monday 14 May 2018

[No. 611] I can't leave it alone!

Yes, I'm getting a-ROUND again. I wasn't going to spin today, but ... what can I say, man?

And I'm addicted, yes[1], and I just love the DIZZY(!) life[1], and I'm addicted, yes[2], and when I'm a-ROUND here ... hey!, there's no place I would rather be, you dig?[1], and I just love the DIZZY(!) life[2], and no one can judge me, no one![1], and when I'm a-ROUND here ... hey!, there's no place I would rather be, you dig?[2], and if you're a kook ... I presume, you, uh, love it, too, or ... what the fuck is going on with YOU(!)?[1], and no one can judge me, no one![2], and ... seriously[1], and if you're a kook ... I presume, you, uh, love it, too, or ... what the fuck is going on with YOU(!)?[2], and forget about the squares / and they are so DEAD, man![1], and ... seriously[2], and those bastards![1], and forget about the squares / and they are so DEAD, man![2], and there's a lot to think about ... but let's feel[1], and those bastards![2], and most of the time ... I don't even think about life beyond the THREE / and that's the bonus level, ha![1], and there's a lot to think about ... but let's feel[2], and, uh ... I can feel there's something there ...[1], and most of the time ... I don't even think about life beyond the THREE / and that's the bonus level, ha![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... will do fine, so fine - for NOW(!) - !!![1], and, uh ... I can feel there's something there ...[2], and later? Who knows?![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... will do fine, so fine - for NOW(!) - !!![2], and it's when the words lose their awful meaning - that's the bit I like most![1], and later? Who knows?![2], and maybe I'm not normal ...[1], and it's when the words lose their awful meaning - that's the bit I like most![2], and my consciousness ness is open to the cosmos ... / ... and I'm not complaining[1], and maybe I'm not normal ...[2], and maybe you're a total freak ... too[1], and my consciousness ness is open to the cosmos ... / ... and I'm not complaining[2], and my body doesn't matter, man / and it's my mind and soul that are really alive, you dig?[1], and maybe you're a total freak ... too[2], and ... if anyone knows the difference, mind, uh, soul ...[1], and my body doesn't matter, man / and it's my mind and soul that are really alive, you dig?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... it's so easy to forget, and so hard to remember[1], and ... if anyone knows the difference, mind, uh, soul ...[2], and so ... who cares?![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... it's so easy to forget, and so hard to remember[2], and as long as you've got your health ... / ... and I don't know what else to say[1], and so ... who cares?![2], and I'm feeling pretty GONE(!)[1], and as long as you've got your health ... / ... and I don't know what else to say[2], and I'm addicted, yes[3], and I'm feeling pretty GONE(!)[2], and I just love the DIZZY(!) life[3], and when I'm a-ROUND here ... hey!, there's no place I would rather be, you dig?[3], and no one can judge me, no one![3], and if you're a kook ... I presume, you, uh, love it, too, or ... what the fuck is going on with YOU(!)?[3], and ... seriously[3], and forget about the squares / and they are so DEAD, man![3], and those bastards![3], and there's a lot to think about ... but let's feel[3], and most of the time ... I don't even think about life beyond the THREE / and that's the bonus level, ha![3], and, uh ... I can feel there's something there ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... will do fine, so fine - for NOW(!) - !!![3], and later? Who knows?![3], and it's when the words lose their awful meaning - that's the bit I like most![3], and maybe I'm not normal ...[3], and my consciousness ness is open to the cosmos ... / ... and I'm not complaining[3], and maybe you're a total freak ... too[3], and my body doesn't matter, man / and it's my mind and soul that are really alive, you dig?[3], and ... if anyone knows the difference, mind, uh, soul ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... it's so easy to forget, and so hard to remember[3], and so ... who cares?![3], and as long as you've got your health ... / ... and I don't know what else to say[3], and I'm feeling pretty GONE(!)[3], and

And I'm addicted, yes[1], and I just love the DIZZY(!) life[1], and I'm addicted, yes[2], and when I'm a-ROUND here ... hey!, there's no place I would rather be, you dig?[1], and I just love the DIZZY(!) life[2], and no one can judge me, no one![1], and when I'm a-ROUND here ... hey!, there's no place I would rather be, you dig?[2], and if you're a kook ... I presume, you, uh, love it, too, or ... what the fuck is going on with YOU(!)?[1], and no one can judge me, no one![2], and ... seriously[1], and if you're a kook ... I presume, you, uh, love it, too, or ... what the fuck is going on with YOU(!)?[2], and forget about the squares / and they are so DEAD, man![1], and ... seriously[2], and those bastards![1], and forget about the squares / and they are so DEAD, man![2], and there's a lot to think about ... but let's feel[1], and those bastards![2], and most of the time ... I don't even think about life beyond the THREE / and that's the bonus level, ha![1], and there's a lot to think about ... but let's feel[2], and, uh ... I can feel there's something there ...[1], and most of the time ... I don't even think about life beyond the THREE / and that's the bonus level, ha![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... will do fine, so fine - for NOW(!) - !!![1], and, uh ... I can feel there's something there ...[2], and later? Who knows?![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... will do fine, so fine - for NOW(!) - !!![2], and it's when the words lose their awful meaning - that's the bit I like most![1], and later? Who knows?![2], and maybe I'm not normal ...[1], and it's when the words lose their awful meaning - that's the bit I like most![2], and my consciousness ness is open to the cosmos ... / ... and I'm not complaining[1], and maybe I'm not normal ...[2], and maybe you're a total freak ... too[1], and my consciousness ness is open to the cosmos ... / ... and I'm not complaining[2], and my body doesn't matter, man / and it's my mind and soul that are really alive, you dig?[1], and maybe you're a total freak ... too[2], and ... if anyone knows the difference, mind, uh, soul ...[1], and my body doesn't matter, man / and it's my mind and soul that are really alive, you dig?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... it's so easy to forget, and so hard to remember[1], and ... if anyone knows the difference, mind, uh, soul ...[2], and so ... who cares?![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... it's so easy to forget, and so hard to remember[2], and as long as you've got your health ... / ... and I don't know what else to say[1], and so ... who cares?![2], and I'm feeling pretty GONE(!)[1], and as long as you've got your health ... / ... and I don't know what else to say[2], and I'm addicted, yes[3], and I'm feeling pretty GONE(!)[2], and I just love the DIZZY(!) life[3], and when I'm a-ROUND here ... hey!, there's no place I would rather be, you dig?[3], and no one can judge me, no one![3], and if you're a kook ... I presume, you, uh, love it, too, or ... what the fuck is going on with YOU(!)?[3], and ... seriously[3], and forget about the squares / and they are so DEAD, man![3], and those bastards![3], and there's a lot to think about ... but let's feel[3], and most of the time ... I don't even think about life beyond the THREE / and that's the bonus level, ha![3], and, uh ... I can feel there's something there ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... will do fine, so fine - for NOW(!) - !!![3], and later? Who knows?![3], and it's when the words lose their awful meaning - that's the bit I like most![3], and maybe I'm not normal ...[3], and my consciousness ness is open to the cosmos ... / ... and I'm not complaining[3], and maybe you're a total freak ... too[3], and my body doesn't matter, man / and it's my mind and soul that are really alive, you dig?[3], and ... if anyone knows the difference, mind, uh, soul ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... it's so easy to forget, and so hard to remember[3], and so ... who cares?![3], and as long as you've got your health ... / ... and I don't know what else to say[3], and I'm feeling pretty GONE(!)[3], and

And I'm addicted, yes[1], and I just love the DIZZY(!) life[1], and I'm addicted, yes[2], and when I'm a-ROUND here ... hey!, there's no place I would rather be, you dig?[1], and I just love the DIZZY(!) life[2], and no one can judge me, no one![1], and when I'm a-ROUND here ... hey!, there's no place I would rather be, you dig?[2], and if you're a kook ... I presume, you, uh, love it, too, or ... what the fuck is going on with YOU(!)?[1], and no one can judge me, no one![2], and ... seriously[1], and if you're a kook ... I presume, you, uh, love it, too, or ... what the fuck is going on with YOU(!)?[2], and forget about the squares / and they are so DEAD, man![1], and ... seriously[2], and those bastards![1], and forget about the squares / and they are so DEAD, man![2], and there's a lot to think about ... but let's feel[1], and those bastards![2], and most of the time ... I don't even think about life beyond the THREE / and that's the bonus level, ha![1], and there's a lot to think about ... but let's feel[2], and, uh ... I can feel there's something there ...[1], and most of the time ... I don't even think about life beyond the THREE / and that's the bonus level, ha![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... will do fine, so fine - for NOW(!) - !!![1], and, uh ... I can feel there's something there ...[2], and later? Who knows?![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... will do fine, so fine - for NOW(!) - !!![2], and it's when the words lose their awful meaning - that's the bit I like most![1], and later? Who knows?![2], and maybe I'm not normal ...[1], and it's when the words lose their awful meaning - that's the bit I like most![2], and my consciousness ness is open to the cosmos ... / ... and I'm not complaining[1], and maybe I'm not normal ...[2], and maybe you're a total freak ... too[1], and my consciousness ness is open to the cosmos ... / ... and I'm not complaining[2], and my body doesn't matter, man / and it's my mind and soul that are really alive, you dig?[1], and maybe you're a total freak ... too[2], and ... if anyone knows the difference, mind, uh, soul ...[1], and my body doesn't matter, man / and it's my mind and soul that are really alive, you dig?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... it's so easy to forget, and so hard to remember[1], and ... if anyone knows the difference, mind, uh, soul ...[2], and so ... who cares?![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... it's so easy to forget, and so hard to remember[2], and as long as you've got your health ... / ... and I don't know what else to say[1], and so ... who cares?![2], and I'm feeling pretty GONE(!)[1], and as long as you've got your health ... / ... and I don't know what else to say[2], and I'm addicted, yes[3], and I'm feeling pretty GONE(!)[2], and I just love the DIZZY(!) life[3], and when I'm a-ROUND here ... hey!, there's no place I would rather be, you dig?[3], and no one can judge me, no one![3], and if you're a kook ... I presume, you, uh, love it, too, or ... what the fuck is going on with YOU(!)?[3], and ... seriously[3], and forget about the squares / and they are so DEAD, man![3], and those bastards![3], and there's a lot to think about ... but let's feel[3], and most of the time ... I don't even think about life beyond the THREE / and that's the bonus level, ha![3], and, uh ... I can feel there's something there ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... will do fine, so fine - for NOW(!) - !!![3], and later? Who knows?![3], and it's when the words lose their awful meaning - that's the bit I like most![3], and maybe I'm not normal ...[3], and my consciousness ness is open to the cosmos ... / ... and I'm not complaining[3], and maybe you're a total freak ... too[3], and my body doesn't matter, man / and it's my mind and soul that are really alive, you dig?[3], and ... if anyone knows the difference, mind, uh, soul ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... it's so easy to forget, and so hard to remember[3], and so ... who cares?![3], and as long as you've got your health ... / ... and I don't know what else to say[3], and I'm feeling pretty GONE(!)[3], and

Sunday 13 May 2018

Sunday night blog post

I'm not doing any writing tomorrow, but I'm doing this post tonight. Even though I've got a migraine. I think I've had it since Friday. I'm sick of it!

And I'm not writing about finance. I'm going off finance after eleven years of writing about it. Funny that! I might turn this into a self-help blog. You know, I'll help my readers to help themselves. [YOU(!)?] They can write in with their problems. Ha! Yeah, like I need that. I've got enough problems of my own.

Cancel that idea! / I bought another Grant Cardone audiobook, If You're Not First, You're Last. It's not as good as The 10X Rule, but it has good stuff in it. Like the chapter on giving your customers the wow factor, which, strangely, made me think of a takeaway burger bar in St Ives. Bear with me, dear reader(s). This place charges £8 for a veggie burger, chips, and a can of Coke. That's double what I pay in London. However, the guy is so friendly and chatty while he's preparing the food that I really don't mind paying over the odds. As much as I love St Ives, I do find a lot of the shop assistants there to be a bit surly. Maybe they don't like tourists. Fair enough. But this guy is killing it with his overpriced burgers.

Hopefully, I'll get a week away in St Ives soon. I go for the sea and the beaches and the cliffs and that.

By the way, that Grant Cardone is a scientologist. Each to their own, I suppose. It's not my cup of tea. But as long as it doesn't affect the advice he gives ... / Unsurprisingly, he's right at the highest level in the organization. Yes, he's a born winner, my friend(s)!

Music? What am I listening to? Oh, I'll give you a clue: "Greetings in the name of his Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I, Jah, rastafari, ever living, ever fearful, ever sure, Selassie I the First!" No, no. It's not Gilbert O'Sullivan, you bloody idiot(s)! What?! Dean Martin?!?! No, it's Bob Marley. Babylon by Bus. FFS!

Bob Marley was another one. I mean, lots of people have their strange ideas about God and the meaning of life. It can be their culture, or just their personal choice. Me? I'm sure there's a big guy out there in the cosmos somewhere, but I'm not going to get all submissive with Him, you dig? I've been given this life - I realize now - to become the greatest ever songwriter. So fuck it! Malibu here I come! And let the devil take the hindmost!

Right. Er, I seem to be at an extended instrumental section of Babylon by Bus, and the crowd are cheering wildly. It's pretty obvious what is going on: Bob Marley is dancing around. Nice one!

Amazingly, I played my guitar for three hours today. Granted, it's not the 10X life, but with this migraine, yeah? It's a bloody miracle! / I've been doing the spider exercise lately to increase the strength of my fretting hand. Not that you care. I'm just saying.

Anything else? It's not bedtime yet. / Oh, the difference between Jordan Belfort and Grant Cardone? Belfort has the best selling system, The Straight Line, which is just awesome. However, Cardone strikes me as the better salesman, due to his charisma and forceful personality. I don't think he has much of a system though. Not that I care, you dig? I'm not a freakin' salesman! It's just an observation, that's all. I could be wrong. What do I know?

Right. That's enough Marley. It's getting late. Bring out the Eno! Apollo. Yes!

Thursday 10 May 2018

Don't be a fool

Whatever you're doing, dear reader(s), don't be a fool. That's my advice. Follow that, and you won't go far wrong in life.

Ah, this is the last post of the week. And this is the last time I'm going to write about music and self-help because this is actually a finance blog. 'Ha! You said that the other day, boss.' I know I did, Voice. However, there's more to say, man. Important shit, you dig? 'Oh, okay. Go ahead.' Thank you.

I've scrapped that song I wrote in one day. Not the rock song. That's my fourth best song. I mean the one I wrote in one day about a week before the rock song. So ... I only have thirteen songs again. That's fine, man. You need minimum standards if you want to be great. She Loves Me and It's Just a Joke, Man from the first demo are my minimum standard, and they're both B-sides as far as I'm concerned. Do not tolerate weakness, reader(s)!

And, yes, I grade my songs. There are three categories: [1] world-beaters, [2] bread and butter classics, and [3] good songs. / The song I scrapped was actually a good song by most people's standards ... You've got to have HIGH STANDARDS, reader(s)! I hope you're taking notes. Please! Do it for yourself. A gift to yourself!

Okay, Elon ... / I was serious last month when I wrote that I intend to apply Elon Musk's methods and attitudes to my music and the music business. No one has ever worked like that. Not even Prince. [He was very hard-working, obviously, but he recorded dross for the last twenty-five years of his life, let's be honest.] And working one hundred hours a week isn't enough. You need to be four times more effective than anyone else. That's four hundred hours a week, man! It will take time though. I imagine it's like a muscle that you need to build up.

Being really personal for a moment ... the thing that sickens me about Elon Musk is that he taught himself computer programming when he was twelve years old. I taught myself computer programming when I was twelve years old. But what did I do after that? Christ knows! Elon is going to Mars ...

Oh, that Grant Cardone audiobook, The 10X Rule ... it's made me realize my big mistake in life. I've always thought you can avoid "average" by having an extraordinary inner life. However, I forgot the importance of other people. No one sees your inner life, son, daughter, you dig? You may be an immortal genius inside, but you look "average" to other people. And that's a serious problem. Even the freakin' Buddha looks average if you can't see his inner life. / No, reader(s), what you need is MASSIVE ACTION!!! I'm talking about absolutely deranged levels of effective massive action. Then you will look like a goddamn monster! And you can still have a satisfying inner life. Best of both worlds!

Do it! Do it now!

...

Okay, okay. This is a finance blog, as you know. / Have a nice weekend, blog fan(s)! 'Bye, alligator(s)!' Yeah, later(s)!

Wednesday 9 May 2018

GCI sets itself up!

Oh, for what, dear reader(s)?! 'This sounds like bad news, boss.' Ha! Don't be negative, Voice, you little invisible idiot! You've got to have a positive mindset, like me. 'Oh, okay. / So, uh ... what's going on then?' Ha! This, man! -

GCI sets itself up for continued growth with Mayfair Equity Partners and the formation of a strategic acquisition fund over £60 million.

You see? 'Yeah. That's a relief, boss.' Do you feel better now? 'Much better.' Good. / Here's some more, dear reader(s) -

Lincoln, 8 May: Converged ICT Services Provider GCI is pleased to announce that Mayfair Equity Partners ("Mayfair") has acquired ("acquired") a majority stake in the business. Mayfair's investment also includes ("includes") the formation of a new strategic fund worth over £60 million, providing GCI with significant financial firepower to finance future strategic acquisitions.

As part of the transaction, Mayfair has purchased the majority of the equity held by Chairman Wayne Martin, who will remain on the GCI board, and the full minority stake held by BGF, which has backed the business since 2012.

The investment in GCI comes at an exciting time for ("for") the company. Over the last two years GCI has acquired Packet Media, Fusion Media Networks, Outsourcery, Freedom Communications, and Blue Chip Data Systems, taking the company's revenues to circa £100m. At the same time the company has returned to strong organic growth across a customer base of over 4,000 - firmly establishing the company as one of the largest converged ICT suppliers in the UK.


Well, that's all right, ain't it? We've got a few statements, too, oh, from, uh ... Waqqas, Adrian, and Mark. I'm only going to go with one of them. So ... 'Which one, boss?' I don't know, man. Who deserves it most, Waqqas, Adrian, or Mark? It's so hard to say. 'You've got to make a decision. Time is money, after all.' I know, I know.

Er ... I just can't decide. 'Come on!' Listen, I'm sure they're all great guys, but ... 'You're going to have to disappoint someone. That's life, boss. Not everyone can be a winner.' Okay, okay. I'm going with ... Adrian Thirkill!

Adrian Thirkill, CEO of GCI says: "We're excited to have Mayfair on board as we embark on the next phase of the company's growth. Our immediate objective is to continue to fully integrate what we have and in the coming months we will see all GCI group companies operating under one brand with common systems and processes. This will significantly enhance our service offering to customers - making it easier for them to use more of our innovative and broad range of services. Whilst there are currently no significant gaps in our portfolio, we operate in a fast-changing market and the new £60m fund will enable us to make strategic acquisitions over the coming months and years to add even more value to our customers."

Okay, okay. Thanks, Adrian! And it's nice to see that you're excited, son. So many people are delighted these days. It's a real pain.

...

Anything else? No. Nothing else. I'll be back tomorrow, obviously, dear reader(s), but I would like to play my guitar now - if that's all right, with you, of course. 'They don't mind, Mikey.' Well, good. / Laters, then! 'Yeah, bye, crocodile(s)!' Bye!

Tuesday 8 May 2018

[No. 610] Exhaustion is a state of mind

So keep spinning, kook(s)!

And have YOU(!) spun enough?[1], and this is no place for amateurs / and do I even have to tell you that?[1], and have YOU(!) spun enough?[2], and ... Jesus H. Christ![1], and this is no place for amateurs / and do I even have to tell you that?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and explain to me what's so difficult[1], and ... Jesus H. Christ![2], and ... it's not rocket science[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and explain to me what's so difficult[2], and make the effort, please![1], and ... it's not rocket science[2], and you put one piece of consciousness ness in front of the other - simple![1], and make the effort, please![2], and learn from me, brother, sister ...[1], and you put one piece of consciousness ness in front of the other - simple![2], and you don't have to be a spiritual aristocrat, although it does help, obviously[1], and learn from me, brother, sister ...[2], and you're not tired, man, you're lazy![1], and you don't have to be a spiritual aristocrat, although it does help, obviously[2], and I want to help ...[1], and you're not tired, man, you're lazy![2], and do you want your soul to be left undeveloped? / and what about life beyond the THREE?![1], and I want to help ...[2], and you think all this ... is for my health?![1], and do you want your soul to be left undeveloped? / and what about life beyond the THREE?![2], and, ha! ... think again, seriously[1], and you think all this ... is for my health?![2], and beyond the THREE, uh, come on![1], and, ha! ... think again, seriously[2], and, oh ... you won't get there, son, daughter, without great energy and great determination[1], and beyond the THREE, uh, come on![2], and ... are YOU(!) listening to me?[1], and, oh ... you won't get there, son, daughter, without great energy and great determination[2], and get some bigger, better ... feelings - !!![1], and ... are YOU(!) listening to me?[2], and I know you like to feel, we all do[1], and get some bigger, better ... feelings - !!![2], and kill your thoughts! / and, no, no, no ... we don't want no dangerous thinking a-ROUND here[1], and I know you like to feel, we all do[2], and words can't hurt us because we've made them so fucking useless, you dig?[1], and kill your thoughts! / and, no, no, no ... we don't want no dangerous thinking a-ROUND here[2], and ... spin, spin, spin![1], and words can't hurt us because we've made them so fucking useless, you dig?[2], and, yes ... that's good! / and keep going! / and, yes ... I like your style![1], and ... spin, spin, spin![2], and you're not exhausted, baby / and you've been reborn / and you feel great, don't you?[1], and, yes ... that's good! / and keep going! / and, yes ... I like your style![2], and just love me forever, thank you![1], and you're not exhausted, baby / and you've been reborn / and you feel great, don't you?[2], and, ha, ha, ha! ... oh, how DIZZY(!) are YOU(!), uh ... exactly?[1], and just love me forever, thank you![2], and ... nice one![1], and, ha, ha, ha! ... oh, how DIZZY(!) are YOU(!), uh ... exactly?[2], and have YOU(!) spun enough?[3], and ... nice one![2], and this is no place for amateurs / and do I even have to tell you that?[3], and ... Jesus H. Christ![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and explain to me what's so difficult[3], and ... it's not rocket science[3], and make the effort, please![3], and you put one piece of consciousness ness in front of the other - simple![3], and learn from me, brother, sister ...[3], and you don't have to be a spiritual aristocrat, although it does help, obviously[3], and you're not tired, man, you're lazy![3], and I want to help ...[3], and do you want your soul to be left undeveloped? / and what about life beyond the THREE?![3], and you think all this ... is for my health?![3], and, ha! ... think again, seriously[3], and beyond the THREE, uh, come on![3], and, oh ... you won't get there, son, daughter, without great energy and great determination[3], and ... are YOU(!) listening to me?[3], and get some bigger, better ... feelings - !!![3], and I know you like to feel, we all do[3], and kill your thoughts! / and, no, no, no ... we don't want no dangerous thinking a-ROUND here[3], and words can't hurt us because we've made them so fucking useless, you dig?[3], and ... spin, spin, spin![3], and, yes ... that's good! / and keep going! / and, yes ... I like your style![3], and you're not exhausted, baby / and you've been reborn / and you feel great, don't you?[3], and just love me forever, thank you![3], and, ha, ha, ha! ... oh, how DIZZY(!) are YOU(!), uh ... exactly?[3], and ... nice one![3], and

And have YOU(!) spun enough?[1], and this is no place for amateurs / and do I even have to tell you that?[1], and have YOU(!) spun enough?[2], and ... Jesus H. Christ![1], and this is no place for amateurs / and do I even have to tell you that?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and explain to me what's so difficult[1], and ... Jesus H. Christ![2], and ... it's not rocket science[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and explain to me what's so difficult[2], and make the effort, please![1], and ... it's not rocket science[2], and you put one piece of consciousness ness in front of the other - simple![1], and make the effort, please![2], and learn from me, brother, sister ...[1], and you put one piece of consciousness ness in front of the other - simple![2], and you don't have to be a spiritual aristocrat, although it does help, obviously[1], and learn from me, brother, sister ...[2], and you're not tired, man, you're lazy![1], and you don't have to be a spiritual aristocrat, although it does help, obviously[2], and I want to help ...[1], and you're not tired, man, you're lazy![2], and do you want your soul to be left undeveloped? / and what about life beyond the THREE?![1], and I want to help ...[2], and you think all this ... is for my health?![1], and do you want your soul to be left undeveloped? / and what about life beyond the THREE?![2], and, ha! ... think again, seriously[1], and you think all this ... is for my health?![2], and beyond the THREE, uh, come on![1], and, ha! ... think again, seriously[2], and, oh ... you won't get there, son, daughter, without great energy and great determination[1], and beyond the THREE, uh, come on![2], and ... are YOU(!) listening to me?[1], and, oh ... you won't get there, son, daughter, without great energy and great determination[2], and get some bigger, better ... feelings - !!![1], and ... are YOU(!) listening to me?[2], and I know you like to feel, we all do[1], and get some bigger, better ... feelings - !!![2], and kill your thoughts! / and, no, no, no ... we don't want no dangerous thinking a-ROUND here[1], and I know you like to feel, we all do[2], and words can't hurt us because we've made them so fucking useless, you dig?[1], and kill your thoughts! / and, no, no, no ... we don't want no dangerous thinking a-ROUND here[2], and ... spin, spin, spin![1], and words can't hurt us because we've made them so fucking useless, you dig?[2], and, yes ... that's good! / and keep going! / and, yes ... I like your style![1], and ... spin, spin, spin![2], and you're not exhausted, baby / and you've been reborn / and you feel great, don't you?[1], and, yes ... that's good! / and keep going! / and, yes ... I like your style![2], and just love me forever, thank you![1], and you're not exhausted, baby / and you've been reborn / and you feel great, don't you?[2], and, ha, ha, ha! ... oh, how DIZZY(!) are YOU(!), uh ... exactly?[1], and just love me forever, thank you![2], and ... nice one![1], and, ha, ha, ha! ... oh, how DIZZY(!) are YOU(!), uh ... exactly?[2], and have YOU(!) spun enough?[3], and ... nice one![2], and this is no place for amateurs / and do I even have to tell you that?[3], and ... Jesus H. Christ![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and explain to me what's so difficult[3], and ... it's not rocket science[3], and make the effort, please![3], and you put one piece of consciousness ness in front of the other - simple![3], and learn from me, brother, sister ...[3], and you don't have to be a spiritual aristocrat, although it does help, obviously[3], and you're not tired, man, you're lazy![3], and I want to help ...[3], and do you want your soul to be left undeveloped? / and what about life beyond the THREE?![3], and you think all this ... is for my health?![3], and, ha! ... think again, seriously[3], and beyond the THREE, uh, come on![3], and, oh ... you won't get there, son, daughter, without great energy and great determination[3], and ... are YOU(!) listening to me?[3], and get some bigger, better ... feelings - !!![3], and I know you like to feel, we all do[3], and kill your thoughts! / and, no, no, no ... we don't want no dangerous thinking a-ROUND here[3], and words can't hurt us because we've made them so fucking useless, you dig?[3], and ... spin, spin, spin![3], and, yes ... that's good! / and keep going! / and, yes ... I like your style![3], and you're not exhausted, baby / and you've been reborn / and you feel great, don't you?[3], and just love me forever, thank you![3], and, ha, ha, ha! ... oh, how DIZZY(!) are YOU(!), uh ... exactly?[3], and ... nice one![3], and

And have YOU(!) spun enough?[1], and this is no place for amateurs / and do I even have to tell you that?[1], and have YOU(!) spun enough?[2], and ... Jesus H. Christ![1], and this is no place for amateurs / and do I even have to tell you that?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and explain to me what's so difficult[1], and ... Jesus H. Christ![2], and ... it's not rocket science[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and explain to me what's so difficult[2], and make the effort, please![1], and ... it's not rocket science[2], and you put one piece of consciousness ness in front of the other - simple![1], and make the effort, please![2], and learn from me, brother, sister ...[1], and you put one piece of consciousness ness in front of the other - simple![2], and you don't have to be a spiritual aristocrat, although it does help, obviously[1], and learn from me, brother, sister ...[2], and you're not tired, man, you're lazy![1], and you don't have to be a spiritual aristocrat, although it does help, obviously[2], and I want to help ...[1], and you're not tired, man, you're lazy![2], and do you want your soul to be left undeveloped? / and what about life beyond the THREE?![1], and I want to help ...[2], and you think all this ... is for my health?![1], and do you want your soul to be left undeveloped? / and what about life beyond the THREE?![2], and, ha! ... think again, seriously[1], and you think all this ... is for my health?![2], and beyond the THREE, uh, come on![1], and, ha! ... think again, seriously[2], and, oh ... you won't get there, son, daughter, without great energy and great determination[1], and beyond the THREE, uh, come on![2], and ... are YOU(!) listening to me?[1], and, oh ... you won't get there, son, daughter, without great energy and great determination[2], and get some bigger, better ... feelings - !!![1], and ... are YOU(!) listening to me?[2], and I know you like to feel, we all do[1], and get some bigger, better ... feelings - !!![2], and kill your thoughts! / and, no, no, no ... we don't want no dangerous thinking a-ROUND here[1], and I know you like to feel, we all do[2], and words can't hurt us because we've made them so fucking useless, you dig?[1], and kill your thoughts! / and, no, no, no ... we don't want no dangerous thinking a-ROUND here[2], and ... spin, spin, spin![1], and words can't hurt us because we've made them so fucking useless, you dig?[2], and, yes ... that's good! / and keep going! / and, yes ... I like your style![1], and ... spin, spin, spin![2], and you're not exhausted, baby / and you've been reborn / and you feel great, don't you?[1], and, yes ... that's good! / and keep going! / and, yes ... I like your style![2], and just love me forever, thank you![1], and you're not exhausted, baby / and you've been reborn / and you feel great, don't you?[2], and, ha, ha, ha! ... oh, how DIZZY(!) are YOU(!), uh ... exactly?[1], and just love me forever, thank you![2], and ... nice one![1], and, ha, ha, ha! ... oh, how DIZZY(!) are YOU(!), uh ... exactly?[2], and have YOU(!) spun enough?[3], and ... nice one![2], and this is no place for amateurs / and do I even have to tell you that?[3], and ... Jesus H. Christ![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and explain to me what's so difficult[3], and ... it's not rocket science[3], and make the effort, please![3], and you put one piece of consciousness ness in front of the other - simple![3], and learn from me, brother, sister ...[3], and you don't have to be a spiritual aristocrat, although it does help, obviously[3], and you're not tired, man, you're lazy![3], and I want to help ...[3], and do you want your soul to be left undeveloped? / and what about life beyond the THREE?![3], and you think all this ... is for my health?![3], and, ha! ... think again, seriously[3], and beyond the THREE, uh, come on![3], and, oh ... you won't get there, son, daughter, without great energy and great determination[3], and ... are YOU(!) listening to me?[3], and get some bigger, better ... feelings - !!![3], and I know you like to feel, we all do[3], and kill your thoughts! / and, no, no, no ... we don't want no dangerous thinking a-ROUND here[3], and words can't hurt us because we've made them so fucking useless, you dig?[3], and ... spin, spin, spin![3], and, yes ... that's good! / and keep going! / and, yes ... I like your style![3], and you're not exhausted, baby / and you've been reborn / and you feel great, don't you?[3], and just love me forever, thank you![3], and, ha, ha, ha! ... oh, how DIZZY(!) are YOU(!), uh ... exactly?[3], and ... nice one![3], and