No surprise

Yeah, no surprise, that, uh ... I'm writing about music again, and playing a few tunes. And maybe there'll be a bit of general chat, too. Who knows, or cares?

Actually, I did receive a PR email. It looks interesting. I might save it for Monday. 'It'll be old news by then, boss.' But my sarcastic comments will be fresh, Voice. People don't come here for news. 'Oh. What do they come for?' They come for the rock, the roll, and the funk. 'Ha!' And the romance, obviously. Because I'm feeling all romantic at the moment, dear reader(s), with that Stella song of mine. I'm going to try and make it the greatest ever love song. 'Yeah. A song about lager.' It's not a song about lager, you idiot! 'Okay.' I hardly drink these days, anyway.

...

NOW, should I put my four best songs on the new demo?

This World Don't Mean a Thing
Nothing
Malibu
Stella

I don't know.

I've been rehearsing them in that order recently, without the lyrics for Stella. I'll tell you the truth: I wouldn't trade one of those songs for any song by The Beatles, Dylan, Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Oasis ... anybody!

So, forget about the 2016 demo, kook(s), if you heard it. That was just me warming up. 'And you're on fire now, Mikey!' Fuckin' A, Voice!

...

Okay, okay. Let's put some tunes on!

She's My Best Friend. Lou Reed. / Yes, Lou could be a lovely romantic guy when he wanted to be. 'He's singing about someone getting their feet cut off and rolling in the street.' Ha! Old habits die hard, Voice. It's Lou, remember.

...

And, uh ... that's it. 'One song?!' I'm not in the mood for listening to music, man.

I just want to be quiet this afternoon.

I'm having a pizza tonight.

I'm hoping to finish Stella by Sunday.

Oh, I'm still rehearsing, yes. All the time, all the time.

I'll need to change my strings again at some point.

When will I be recording next? I don't know.

...

Paradigm shifting? Yeah, I'm still doing it, the Vance/Musk audiobook. Big time! But I need to be more hard-driving, and more focused on results. I know our Elon often has delays in his projects, but he would have managed to finish the demo by now.

...

Okay, okay. One more song to finish with! Mack the Knife. Bobby Darin. / I used to think this was the greatest ever song. I still love it. However, now I'd say that Noel Gallagher's Live Forever is the greatest song by anyone ... who isn't Michael Fowke. / Ah, it's all subjective. Don't get upset.

Well, have a nice weekend, alligator(s)! 'Bye!' Yeah, laters!

There's a tech skills gap

And it's impacting British business, dear reader(s).

Oh, well.

Never mind, eh?

Anyway, about my music ... 'Come on, boss, play the game. Do the PR email.' Eh? Do the PR email? What is that, Voice, a new dance? 'No. It's this -'

Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths are key to the innovative small businesses that are set to make up a significant proportion of the Government's future industrial strategy. Research and innovation are the main drivers behind the industry disruptors that make up our world-leading SME sector and the keys behind this are the skilled individuals that form these businesses. However, there is a skills gap that means that these key roles are often going unfilled as young people leave school and university without the relevant skills.

This has never been of more importance as more than 50% of modern jobs require some degree of technology skill, with experts predicting that this percentage will increase to 77% in the next decade. If we are not proactive in teaching these skills the gap is only likely to grow apace with the increasing numbers of tech related jobs.

Oh, I see. Yeah, yeah. I suppose it's a real shame, man, but I don't care. Listen, I wanted to be a computer programmer when I was a kid. Then I got the rock and roll bug. I haven't looked back. Long live rock and roll! And funk! (More of that in a while ...) 'All right, boss. Mark Brownridge has got something he wants to say.' About funk?! 'No. About the skills gap. Christ!' Okay.

Mark Brownridge, Director General of the Enterprise Investment Scheme Association, has commented on what this skills gap means for British small business: "The Government's industrial strategy and changes to the 'knowledge-intensive' portion of the Enterprise Investment Scheme have made it clear that innovation is at the forefront of future plans for the UK economy. The SME sector contributes £2 trillion each year to Britain's economy, this crucial pillar of the private sector is a world leader in new ideas and technology that will drive forward progress. It is, however, clear that the skills needed to push forward the businesses in their respective fields are often in short supply in those leaving university and school and applying for these jobs."

Oh, okay, okay, I see. Our Mark has faith in the government. How quaint! / And that's the ENDS of that!

...

Anything else? Music? My music? Funk? My funk?! Okay. I dreamt a new tune last night. It's a crazy earworm of a tune, and absurdly funky. If I decide to write this song ... I'll have to get Mark Ronson to produce it. I reckon it will be something like Uptown Funk. Seriously, kook(s). 'Ha!' Yes, ha!

Er ... I've got to write another post later, the last one of the week. Not a finance one, if I can help it.

So, laters!

[No. 686] Control is an illusion

We need to get real.

And can you dig it?[1], and words won't serve us, uh, not the way we want[1], and can you d ig it?[2], and, so ... they must be destroyed - !!![1], and words won't serve us, uh, not the way we want[2], and I'll break them so badly, one of these spins ... oh, no one will know what I'm really saying[1], and, so ... they must be des troyed - !!![2], and I'm feeling, anyway[1], and I'll break them so ba dly, one of these spins ... oh, no one will know what I'm really saying[2], and MY SOUL ... is shaking - !!![1], and I'm feeling, anyway[2], and, Christ! ... I'm feeling with an intensity that will burn your mind down, down, down ...[1], and M Y SO UL ... is shaking - !!![2], and save yourself, turn your eyes away[1], and, Christ! ... I'm feeling with an intensity that will burn your mind down, down, down ...[2], and our consciousness ness nesses are at the mercy of a cosmos that likes to tease[1], and save yourself, turn your eyes away[2], and these words, which were given to me ... what are they telling you now?[1], and our consciousness ness nesses are at the mercy of a cos mos that likes to tease[2], and in your mind, yes, yes, YES![1], and these words, which were given to me ... what are they telling you now?[2], and I put my words into you, sure ... but you're welcome to give me some of your own[1], and in your mind, yes, yes, YES![2], and if you've got some, of course[1], and I put my words into you, sure ... but you're welcome to give me some of your own[2], and, or ... maybe the cosmos doesn't torment you the way it does me[1], and if you've got some, of course[2], and I don't know, man[1], and, or ... maybe the cosmos doesn't tor ment you the way it does me[2], and I can only speak of my own experience[1], and I don't know, man[2], and, uh ... are you thinking, again?![1], and I can only speak of my own experi ence[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... I can destroy your thoughts, ah, such is my power[1], and, uh ... are you thinking, again?![2], and a sha, sha, sha ... manic power![1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... I can destroy your thoughts, ah, such is my power[2], and ... faster, now![1], and a sha, sha, sha ... man ic pow er![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, a-ROUND ... / ... and out of fucking control, I'm bleeding from my eyes![1], and ... faster, now![2], and, shit! ... I'm all OPEN[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, a-ROUND ... / ... and out of fucking control, I'm bl eeding from my eyes![2], and, come on, come on ... you, be open, too![1], and, shit! ... I'm all OP EN[2], and through the blood, I see my hell[1], and, come on, come on ... you, be open, too![2], and ... COME ON - !!![1], and through the blood, I see my hell[2], and through the ... tears, actually ... I see your heaven, so inviting[1], and ... CO ME O N - !!![2], and Jesus H. - !!![1], and through the ... tears, actually ... I see your hea ven, so inviting[2], and can you d  i  g it?[3], and Jesus H. - !!![2], and words won't serve us, uh, not the way we want[3], and, so ... they must be d  e  s  t  r  o  y  e  d - !!![3], and I'll break them so b  a  d  l  y, one of these spins ... oh, no one will know what I'm really saying[3], and I'm feeling, anyway[3], and M  Y S  O  U  L ... is shaking - !!![3], and, Christ! ... I'm feeling with an intensity that will burn your mind down, down, down ...[3], and save yourself, turn your eyes away[3], and our consciousness ness nesses are at the mercy of a c  o  s  m  o  s that likes to tease[3], and these words, which were given to me ... what are they telling you now?[3], and in your mind, yes, yes, YES![3], and I put my words into you, sure ... but you're welcome to give me some of your own[3], and if you've got some, of course[3], and, or ... maybe the cosmos doesn't t  o  r  m  e  n  t you the way it does me[3], and I don't know, man[3], and I can only speak of my own e  x  p  e  r  i  e  n  c  e[3], and, uh ... are you thinking, again?![3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... I can destroy your thoughts, ah, such is my power[3], and a sha, sha, sha ... m  a  n  i  c p  o  w  e  r![3], and ... faster, now![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, a-ROUND ... / ... and out of fucking control, I'm b  l  e  e  d  i  n  g from my eyes![3], and, shit! ... I'm all O  P  E  N[3], and, come on, come on ... you, be open, too![3], and through the blood, I see my hell[3], and ... C  O  M  E O  N - !!![3], and through the ... tears, actually ... I see your h  e  a  v  e  n, so inviting[3], and Jesus H. - !!![3], and

And can you dig it?[1], and words won't serve us, uh, not the way we want[1], and can you d ig it?[2], and, so ... they must be destroyed - !!![1], and words won't serve us, uh, not the way we want[2], and I'll break them so badly, one of these spins ... oh, no one will know what I'm really saying[1], and, so ... they must be des troyed - !!![2], and I'm feeling, anyway[1], and I'll break them so ba dly, one of these spins ... oh, no one will know what I'm really saying[2], and MY SOUL ... is shaking - !!![1], and I'm feeling, anyway[2], and, Christ! ... I'm feeling with an intensity that will burn your mind down, down, down ...[1], and M Y SO UL ... is shaking - !!![2], and save yourself, turn your eyes away[1], and, Christ! ... I'm feeling with an intensity that will burn your mind down, down, down ...[2], and our consciousness ness nesses are at the mercy of a cosmos that likes to tease[1], and save yourself, turn your eyes away[2], and these words, which were given to me ... what are they telling you now?[1], and our consciousness ness nesses are at the mercy of a cos mos that likes to tease[2], and in your mind, yes, yes, YES![1], and these words, which were given to me ... what are they telling you now?[2], and I put my words into you, sure ... but you're welcome to give me some of your own[1], and in your mind, yes, yes, YES![2], and if you've got some, of course[1], and I put my words into you, sure ... but you're welcome to give me some of your own[2], and, or ... maybe the cosmos doesn't torment you the way it does me[1], and if you've got some, of course[2], and I don't know, man[1], and, or ... maybe the cosmos doesn't tor ment you the way it does me[2], and I can only speak of my own experience[1], and I don't know, man[2], and, uh ... are you thinking, again?![1], and I can only speak of my own experi ence[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... I can destroy your thoughts, ah, such is my power[1], and, uh ... are you thinking, again?![2], and a sha, sha, sha ... manic power![1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... I can destroy your thoughts, ah, such is my power[2], and ... faster, now![1], and a sha, sha, sha ... man ic pow er![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, a-ROUND ... / ... and out of fucking control, I'm bleeding from my eyes![1], and ... faster, now![2], and, shit! ... I'm all OPEN[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, a-ROUND ... / ... and out of fucking control, I'm bl eeding from my eyes![2], and, come on, come on ... you, be open, too![1], and, shit! ... I'm all OP EN[2], and through the blood, I see my hell[1], and, come on, come on ... you, be open, too![2], and ... COME ON - !!![1], and through the blood, I see my hell[2], and through the ... tears, actually ... I see your heaven, so inviting[1], and ... CO ME O N - !!![2], and Jesus H. - !!![1], and through the ... tears, actually ... I see your hea ven, so inviting[2], and can you d  i  g it?[3], and Jesus H. - !!![2], and words won't serve us, uh, not the way we want[3], and, so ... they must be d  e  s  t  r  o  y  e  d - !!![3], and I'll break them so b  a  d  l  y, one of these spins ... oh, no one will know what I'm really saying[3], and I'm feeling, anyway[3], and M  Y S  O  U  L ... is shaking - !!![3], and, Christ! ... I'm feeling with an intensity that will burn your mind down, down, down ...[3], and save yourself, turn your eyes away[3], and our consciousness ness nesses are at the mercy of a c  o  s  m  o  s that likes to tease[3], and these words, which were given to me ... what are they telling you now?[3], and in your mind, yes, yes, YES![3], and I put my words into you, sure ... but you're welcome to give me some of your own[3], and if you've got some, of course[3], and, or ... maybe the cosmos doesn't t  o  r  m  e  n  t you the way it does me[3], and I don't know, man[3], and I can only speak of my own e  x  p  e  r  i  e  n  c  e[3], and, uh ... are you thinking, again?![3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... I can destroy your thoughts, ah, such is my power[3], and a sha, sha, sha ... m  a  n  i  c p  o  w  e  r![3], and ... faster, now![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, a-ROUND ... / ... and out of fucking control, I'm b  l  e  e  d  i  n  g from my eyes![3], and, shit! ... I'm all O  P  E  N[3], and, come on, come on ... you, be open, too![3], and through the blood, I see my hell[3], and ... C  O  M  E O  N - !!![3], and through the ... tears, actually ... I see your h  e  a  v  e  n, so inviting[3], and Jesus H. - !!![3], and

And can you dig it?[1], and words won't serve us, uh, not the way we want[1], and can you d ig it?[2], and, so ... they must be destroyed - !!![1], and words won't serve us, uh, not the way we want[2], and I'll break them so badly, one of these spins ... oh, no one will know what I'm really saying[1], and, so ... they must be des troyed - !!![2], and I'm feeling, anyway[1], and I'll break them so ba dly, one of these spins ... oh, no one will know what I'm really saying[2], and MY SOUL ... is shaking - !!![1], and I'm feeling, anyway[2], and, Christ! ... I'm feeling with an intensity that will burn your mind down, down, down ...[1], and M Y SO UL ... is shaking - !!![2], and save yourself, turn your eyes away[1], and, Christ! ... I'm feeling with an intensity that will burn your mind down, down, down ...[2], and our consciousness ness nesses are at the mercy of a cosmos that likes to tease[1], and save yourself, turn your eyes away[2], and these words, which were given to me ... what are they telling you now?[1], and our consciousness ness nesses are at the mercy of a cos mos that likes to tease[2], and in your mind, yes, yes, YES![1], and these words, which were given to me ... what are they telling you now?[2], and I put my words into you, sure ... but you're welcome to give me some of your own[1], and in your mind, yes, yes, YES![2], and if you've got some, of course[1], and I put my words into you, sure ... but you're welcome to give me some of your own[2], and, or ... maybe the cosmos doesn't torment you the way it does me[1], and if you've got some, of course[2], and I don't know, man[1], and, or ... maybe the cosmos doesn't tor ment you the way it does me[2], and I can only speak of my own experience[1], and I don't know, man[2], and, uh ... are you thinking, again?![1], and I can only speak of my own experi ence[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... I can destroy your thoughts, ah, such is my power[1], and, uh ... are you thinking, again?![2], and a sha, sha, sha ... manic power![1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... I can destroy your thoughts, ah, such is my power[2], and ... faster, now![1], and a sha, sha, sha ... man ic pow er![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, a-ROUND ... / ... and out of fucking control, I'm bleeding from my eyes![1], and ... faster, now![2], and, shit! ... I'm all OPEN[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, a-ROUND ... / ... and out of fucking control, I'm bl eeding from my eyes![2], and, come on, come on ... you, be open, too![1], and, shit! ... I'm all OP EN[2], and through the blood, I see my hell[1], and, come on, come on ... you, be open, too![2], and ... COME ON - !!![1], and through the blood, I see my hell[2], and through the ... tears, actually ... I see your heaven, so inviting[1], and ... CO ME O N - !!![2], and Jesus H. - !!![1], and through the ... tears, actually ... I see your hea ven, so inviting[2], and can you d  i  g it?[3], and Jesus H. - !!![2], and words won't serve us, uh, not the way we want[3], and, so ... they must be d  e  s  t  r  o  y  e  d - !!![3], and I'll break them so b  a  d  l  y, one of these spins ... oh, no one will know what I'm really saying[3], and I'm feeling, anyway[3], and M  Y S  O  U  L ... is shaking - !!![3], and, Christ! ... I'm feeling with an intensity that will burn your mind down, down, down ...[3], and save yourself, turn your eyes away[3], and our consciousness ness nesses are at the mercy of a c  o  s  m  o  s that likes to tease[3], and these words, which were given to me ... what are they telling you now?[3], and in your mind, yes, yes, YES![3], and I put my words into you, sure ... but you're welcome to give me some of your own[3], and if you've got some, of course[3], and, or ... maybe the cosmos doesn't t  o  r  m  e  n  t you the way it does me[3], and I don't know, man[3], and I can only speak of my own e  x  p  e  r  i  e  n  c  e[3], and, uh ... are you thinking, again?![3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... I can destroy your thoughts, ah, such is my power[3], and a sha, sha, sha ... m  a  n  i  c p  o  w  e  r![3], and ... faster, now![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, a-ROUND ... / ... and out of fucking control, I'm b  l  e  e  d  i  n  g from my eyes![3], and, shit! ... I'm all O  P  E  N[3], and, come on, come on ... you, be open, too![3], and through the blood, I see my hell[3], and ... C  O  M  E O  N - !!![3], and through the ... tears, actually ... I see your h  e  a  v  e  n, so inviting[3], and Jesus H. - !!![3], and

Music, motivation, anything but finance

You dig? That's the way I'm feeling these days, dear reader(s). 'You've done enough, boss. Twelve years, sha/man and boy.' Yeah, yeah, I know, Voice. Thank you.

Okay, okay. Low is David Bowie's best album. It's his most serious album. It had a big influence on the music that followed. But Station to Station - second best - is my favourite album of his. Hunky Dory is his third best. The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars is his fourth best. Just saying, like. Scary Monsters, fifth. Aladdin Sane, sixth. Diamond Dogs, seventh. Heroes, eighth. 1971 to 1980. If an artist recorded just two of those albums today, the critics would be ranting and raving, calling him or her a god, or gods - if a new band. Lodger, ninth. Young Americans, tenth.

If I could record five albums in my whole career(?) ... I would be happy. As long as each album was a Citizen Kane. As I've said before, no one has recorded an album that dominates like that. / I need my Stella song. I want it! I still have no ideas for the lyric beyond the title. I was playing the music for it last night. I realized that the bit of melody that came to me during my blackout dictated the direction of the rest of the music. It was a gift, man. And maybe that's my superpower. If you read or listen to the Vance/Musk book, you'll find that Elon has a couple of superpowers. He has a photographic memory. He can remember everything he's ever read. He can also manipulate engineering images in his mind. I wouldn't mind the memory. Mine isn't too good. But everybody is different. I have the superpower I need for my field.

Listen! You can motivate yourself as much as you like, kook(s), but having a superpower will give you a massive advantage. I don't know if everyone has one. God, or the Cosmos, is very generous. Maybe most people never discover what their superpower is. Who knows?!

...

Anyway, it's a lovely day today. Summer has finally arrived! Which means we're all going to die ... because how can this not be climate change? It's February, for Christ's sake!

Okay, okay. Later(s), crocodile(s)!

[No. 685] Broken words might bring us together

Well ...

And, well, well ...[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... not today(?), no[1], and, well, well ...[2], and watch me, and wonder![1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... not today(?), no[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and trying to keep a grip[1], and watch me, and wonder![2], and I'll watch you ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and trying to keep a grip[2], and, listen, now, please ...[1], and I'll watch you ...[2], and I ... am ... here ... ! / and you ... are ... here ... ? / and maybe it's the will of the cosmos[1], and, listen, now, please ...[2], and I'm praying ... sort of[1], and I ... am ... here ... ! / and you ... are ... here ... ? / and maybe it's the will of the cosmos[2], and every UNBROKEN WORD is good ... ?[1], and I'm praying ... sort of[2], and, well ...[1], and every UNBROKEN WORD is good ... ?[2], and I'm holding my mind and soul, so, so, so ... tight, uh, staying sane, baby![1], and, well ...[2], and I know that I've made mistakes in the past[1], and I'm holding my mind and soul, so, so, so ... tight, uh, staying sane, baby![2], and this is me, ah, being strong now[1], and I know that I've made mistakes in the past[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and spinning, and wondering ...[1], and this is me, ah, being strong now[2], and this is me, ah, almost happy now[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and spinning, and wondering ...[2], and there's love in those broken words ...[1], and this is me, ah, almost happy now[2], and it's so tempting, man ... oh, should I break, just one ... just one little word?[1], and there's love in those broken words ...[2], and ... 'Be careful, boss!'[1], and it's so tempting, man ... oh, should I break, just one ... just one little word?[2], and the sun is shining / and, and, and ... / and YOU(!) are ... smiling, yes, wondering ...[1], and ... 'Be careful, boss!'[2], and, no, no, no[1], and the sun is shining / and, and, and ... / and YOU(!) are ... smiling, yes, wondering ...[2], and, yes, yes, yes, I got the fear[1], and, no, no, no[2], and I got it a-ROUND here[1], and, yes, yes, yes, I got the fear[2], and I want to be brave with ... genuine feelings[1], and I got it a-ROUND here[2], and ... yeah, right[1], and I want to be brave with ... genuine feelings[2], and there's comfort in mystery, uh, don't you think?[1], and ... yeah, right[2], and ... 'Ha!'[1], and there's comfort in mystery, uh, don't you think?[2], and, no, no, no ... don't, don't, don't ... you, you, you ... think, think, think - not now![1], and ... 'Ha!'[2], and ... okay, okay, I'll pray ...[1], and, no, no, no ... don't, don't, don't ... you, you, you ... think, think, think - not now![2], and, Lord, please, I beg you, whatever happens in life ... GIVE ME CONTROL - !!![1], and ... okay, okay, I'll pray ...[2], and, oh, I'm cracking, but the words are holding[1], and, Lord, please, I beg you, whatever happens in life ... GIVE ME CONTROL - !!![2], and ... a-ROUND, again![1], and, oh, I'm cracking, but the words are holding[2], and, well, well ...[3], and ... a-ROUND, again![2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... not today(?), no[3], and watch me, and wonder![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and trying to keep a grip[3], and I'll watch you ...[3], and, listen, now, please ...[3], and I ... am ... here ... ! / and you ... are ... here ... ? / and maybe it's the will of the cosmos[3], and I'm praying ... sort of[3], and every UNBROKEN WORD is good ... ?[3], and, well ...[3], and I'm holding my mind and soul, so, so, so ... tight, uh, staying sane, baby![3], and I know that I've made mistakes in the past[3], and this is me, ah, being strong now[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and spinning, and wondering ...[3], and this is me, ah, almost happy now[3], and there's love in those broken words ...[3], and it's so tempting, man ... oh, should I break, just one ... just one little word?[3], and ... 'Be careful, boss!'[3], and the sun is shining / and, and, and ... / and YOU(!) are ... smiling, yes, wondering ...[3], and, no, no, no[3], and, yes, yes, yes, I got the fear[3], and I got it a-ROUND here[3], and I want to be brave with ... genuine feelings[3], and ... yeah, right[3], and there's comfort in mystery, uh, don't you think?[3], and ... 'Ha!'[3], and, no, no, no ... don't, don't, don't ... you, you, you ... think, think, think - not now![3], and ... okay, okay, I'll pray ...[3], and, Lord, please, I beg you, whatever happens in life ... GIVE ME CONTROL - !!![3], and, oh, I'm cracking, but the words are holding[3], and ... a-ROUND, again![3], and

And, well, well ...[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... not today(?), no[1], and, well, well ...[2], and watch me, and wonder![1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... not today(?), no[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and trying to keep a grip[1], and watch me, and wonder![2], and I'll watch you ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and trying to keep a grip[2], and, listen, now, please ...[1], and I'll watch you ...[2], and I ... am ... here ... ! / and you ... are ... here ... ? / and maybe it's the will of the cosmos[1], and, listen, now, please ...[2], and I'm praying ... sort of[1], and I ... am ... here ... ! / and you ... are ... here ... ? / and maybe it's the will of the cosmos[2], and every UNBROKEN WORD is good ... ?[1], and I'm praying ... sort of[2], and, well ...[1], and every UNBROKEN WORD is good ... ?[2], and I'm holding my mind and soul, so, so, so ... tight, uh, staying sane, baby![1], and, well ...[2], and I know that I've made mistakes in the past[1], and I'm holding my mind and soul, so, so, so ... tight, uh, staying sane, baby![2], and this is me, ah, being strong now[1], and I know that I've made mistakes in the past[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and spinning, and wondering ...[1], and this is me, ah, being strong now[2], and this is me, ah, almost happy now[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and spinning, and wondering ...[2], and there's love in those broken words ...[1], and this is me, ah, almost happy now[2], and it's so tempting, man ... oh, should I break, just one ... just one little word?[1], and there's love in those broken words ...[2], and ... 'Be careful, boss!'[1], and it's so tempting, man ... oh, should I break, just one ... just one little word?[2], and the sun is shining / and, and, and ... / and YOU(!) are ... smiling, yes, wondering ...[1], and ... 'Be careful, boss!'[2], and, no, no, no[1], and the sun is shining / and, and, and ... / and YOU(!) are ... smiling, yes, wondering ...[2], and, yes, yes, yes, I got the fear[1], and, no, no, no[2], and I got it a-ROUND here[1], and, yes, yes, yes, I got the fear[2], and I want to be brave with ... genuine feelings[1], and I got it a-ROUND here[2], and ... yeah, right[1], and I want to be brave with ... genuine feelings[2], and there's comfort in mystery, uh, don't you think?[1], and ... yeah, right[2], and ... 'Ha!'[1], and there's comfort in mystery, uh, don't you think?[2], and, no, no, no ... don't, don't, don't ... you, you, you ... think, think, think - not now![1], and ... 'Ha!'[2], and ... okay, okay, I'll pray ...[1], and, no, no, no ... don't, don't, don't ... you, you, you ... think, think, think - not now![2], and, Lord, please, I beg you, whatever happens in life ... GIVE ME CONTROL - !!![1], and ... okay, okay, I'll pray ...[2], and, oh, I'm cracking, but the words are holding[1], and, Lord, please, I beg you, whatever happens in life ... GIVE ME CONTROL - !!![2], and ... a-ROUND, again![1], and, oh, I'm cracking, but the words are holding[2], and, well, well ...[3], and ... a-ROUND, again![2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... not today(?), no[3], and watch me, and wonder![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and trying to keep a grip[3], and I'll watch you ...[3], and, listen, now, please ...[3], and I ... am ... here ... ! / and you ... are ... here ... ? / and maybe it's the will of the cosmos[3], and I'm praying ... sort of[3], and every UNBROKEN WORD is good ... ?[3], and, well ...[3], and I'm holding my mind and soul, so, so, so ... tight, uh, staying sane, baby![3], and I know that I've made mistakes in the past[3], and this is me, ah, being strong now[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and spinning, and wondering ...[3], and this is me, ah, almost happy now[3], and there's love in those broken words ...[3], and it's so tempting, man ... oh, should I break, just one ... just one little word?[3], and ... 'Be careful, boss!'[3], and the sun is shining / and, and, and ... / and YOU(!) are ... smiling, yes, wondering ...[3], and, no, no, no[3], and, yes, yes, yes, I got the fear[3], and I got it a-ROUND here[3], and I want to be brave with ... genuine feelings[3], and ... yeah, right[3], and there's comfort in mystery, uh, don't you think?[3], and ... 'Ha!'[3], and, no, no, no ... don't, don't, don't ... you, you, you ... think, think, think - not now![3], and ... okay, okay, I'll pray ...[3], and, Lord, please, I beg you, whatever happens in life ... GIVE ME CONTROL - !!![3], and, oh, I'm cracking, but the words are holding[3], and ... a-ROUND, again![3], and

And, well, well ...[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... not today(?), no[1], and, well, well ...[2], and watch me, and wonder![1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... not today(?), no[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and trying to keep a grip[1], and watch me, and wonder![2], and I'll watch you ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and trying to keep a grip[2], and, listen, now, please ...[1], and I'll watch you ...[2], and I ... am ... here ... ! / and you ... are ... here ... ? / and maybe it's the will of the cosmos[1], and, listen, now, please ...[2], and I'm praying ... sort of[1], and I ... am ... here ... ! / and you ... are ... here ... ? / and maybe it's the will of the cosmos[2], and every UNBROKEN WORD is good ... ?[1], and I'm praying ... sort of[2], and, well ...[1], and every UNBROKEN WORD is good ... ?[2], and I'm holding my mind and soul, so, so, so ... tight, uh, staying sane, baby![1], and, well ...[2], and I know that I've made mistakes in the past[1], and I'm holding my mind and soul, so, so, so ... tight, uh, staying sane, baby![2], and this is me, ah, being strong now[1], and I know that I've made mistakes in the past[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and spinning, and wondering ...[1], and this is me, ah, being strong now[2], and this is me, ah, almost happy now[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and spinning, and wondering ...[2], and there's love in those broken words ...[1], and this is me, ah, almost happy now[2], and it's so tempting, man ... oh, should I break, just one ... just one little word?[1], and there's love in those broken words ...[2], and ... 'Be careful, boss!'[1], and it's so tempting, man ... oh, should I break, just one ... just one little word?[2], and the sun is shining / and, and, and ... / and YOU(!) are ... smiling, yes, wondering ...[1], and ... 'Be careful, boss!'[2], and, no, no, no[1], and the sun is shining / and, and, and ... / and YOU(!) are ... smiling, yes, wondering ...[2], and, yes, yes, yes, I got the fear[1], and, no, no, no[2], and I got it a-ROUND here[1], and, yes, yes, yes, I got the fear[2], and I want to be brave with ... genuine feelings[1], and I got it a-ROUND here[2], and ... yeah, right[1], and I want to be brave with ... genuine feelings[2], and there's comfort in mystery, uh, don't you think?[1], and ... yeah, right[2], and ... 'Ha!'[1], and there's comfort in mystery, uh, don't you think?[2], and, no, no, no ... don't, don't, don't ... you, you, you ... think, think, think - not now![1], and ... 'Ha!'[2], and ... okay, okay, I'll pray ...[1], and, no, no, no ... don't, don't, don't ... you, you, you ... think, think, think - not now![2], and, Lord, please, I beg you, whatever happens in life ... GIVE ME CONTROL - !!![1], and ... okay, okay, I'll pray ...[2], and, oh, I'm cracking, but the words are holding[1], and, Lord, please, I beg you, whatever happens in life ... GIVE ME CONTROL - !!![2], and ... a-ROUND, again![1], and, oh, I'm cracking, but the words are holding[2], and, well, well ...[3], and ... a-ROUND, again![2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... not today(?), no[3], and watch me, and wonder![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and trying to keep a grip[3], and I'll watch you ...[3], and, listen, now, please ...[3], and I ... am ... here ... ! / and you ... are ... here ... ? / and maybe it's the will of the cosmos[3], and I'm praying ... sort of[3], and every UNBROKEN WORD is good ... ?[3], and, well ...[3], and I'm holding my mind and soul, so, so, so ... tight, uh, staying sane, baby![3], and I know that I've made mistakes in the past[3], and this is me, ah, being strong now[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and spinning, and wondering ...[3], and this is me, ah, almost happy now[3], and there's love in those broken words ...[3], and it's so tempting, man ... oh, should I break, just one ... just one little word?[3], and ... 'Be careful, boss!'[3], and the sun is shining / and, and, and ... / and YOU(!) are ... smiling, yes, wondering ...[3], and, no, no, no[3], and, yes, yes, yes, I got the fear[3], and I got it a-ROUND here[3], and I want to be brave with ... genuine feelings[3], and ... yeah, right[3], and there's comfort in mystery, uh, don't you think?[3], and ... 'Ha!'[3], and, no, no, no ... don't, don't, don't ... you, you, you ... think, think, think - not now![3], and ... okay, okay, I'll pray ...[3], and, Lord, please, I beg you, whatever happens in life ... GIVE ME CONTROL - !!![3], and, oh, I'm cracking, but the words are holding[3], and ... a-ROUND, again![3], and

I've been invited to summit in Manchester

I don't know what exactly, dear reader(s), but I can't go. I can't travel all the way up to Manchester. 'What have you been invited to, boss?' Summit in Manchester, Voice. 'Yes, we know that, but what exactly?' I don't know. Just summit. It's a PR email. 'Okay. But they wouldn't invite you without telling you what it is, would they?' It's summit, Voice. 'Christ! I know it's something, Boss! I know! But what is it about? FFS!' Summit about a growth stage. 'Eh?' Look -

The Growth Stage - the world's first and only regulated, membership only funding platform for institutional investors and growth-stage private companies, hosts the first in a series of international scale-up summits in Manchester. Launched in partnership with 10 of the world's leading professional advisers, including EY and WeWork, the summit will provide an opportunity for private companies, who are in a scale-up phase, to discuss - with a leading panel - the issues affecting them currently. In addition to hearing insights relevant to the scale-up community, speakers will specifically address challenges surrounding funding for growth and finance and potential solutions offered by institutional investors supporting The Growth Stage.

You see, Voice? 'Yeah.' It's tomorrow night. I can't go, man. I'm busy. 'Never mind, boss.' It's a shame, but ... 'There will be other summits, I'm sure.' Other what? 'Other summits.' Okay. Yeah, there's always something. / Anyway, there's a lot of this email, dear kook(s). I think we'll go straight to Margot -

The Rt Hon Margot James, the UK's Digital Minister, commenting on The Growth Stage's role in the UK's scale-up community said today: "It is great to see The Growth Stage connecting investors and tech start-ups in the Northern Powerhouse of Manchester. The UK has a consistent track record of producing successful tech companies and attracting record levels of venture capital investment from across the world. But it is vital this upward trajectory is maintained as we work to make the UK the best place to start and grow a digital business."

Northern Powerhouse of Manchester?! Just say "Manchester", Margot, FFS! You don't hear me calling St Ives the "South Western Paradise of St Ives", do you? 'Ha! You should though, boss. It might catch on.' Yeah, yeah.

Jon Reddington? Er, no, no. No! We're not interested in him. Oh, Simon Stewart! Come on, son!

Simon Stewart, Co-Founder and CEO, The Growth Stage, said: "The UK's scale-up system requires urgent appraisal and reform, institutional investors require confidential privileged company access to premium deal flow, and equally, the UK's tier 1 high-growth businesses need to gain vital access to institutional investment and strategic, relevant counsel. A global platform enabling institutional investors and private growth companies to meet, and funds to be raised at low cost didn't exist, and this is exactly why we have created The Growth Stage and subsequently the summit series. We hope that by reaching out to the regions, we will be able to partner Britain's buoyant business landscape and institutional investors."

Okay, okay. Thanks, Simon!

ENDS

...

Anything else? Well, uh ... I'm in a strange mood. Not depressed like last week. [I can't explain last week. I rarely get depressed these days.] I ain't got no anxiety either, uh, neither, which makes a nice change. It's just a strange mood, man.

I want ...

I can't tell you!

Laters.

The BRIT Awards

I've just watched the BRIT Awards on TV.

However, I am listening to Brian Eno's Apollo because ... it's traditional, you dig? I always play this album when I write at night.

...

Those two trillion galaxies I mentioned on Tuesday. In twenty or thirty years, when I'm just fragments of energy, or spirit, I'll be able to explore them. I'm not saying I'm looking forward to it, particularly, but a change is as good as a rest. If that makes any sense.

I'll tell you what doesn't make sense. It doesn't make any sense that Picasso is dead. Not to me. Not when I think of all the people who are alive.

Oh, take my advice, dear kook(s). Never, never, never ... read Rimbaud's letters at the end of his life when he was having his leg amputated and all the rest of it.

I often think of the scene in Lawrence of Arabia where Peter O'Toole, I mean, T.E. Lawrence, is right in the middle of a battle, shooting people with gay abandon, and he doesn't get a scratch. But, of course, he died much later in a motorcycle accident, which could have been avoided if he hadn't been so reckless.

On the day he died at the age of ninety-one, Picasso didn't go to bed until six in the morning because he was working on a new painting. He wanted to keep going.

Rimbaud wanted a normal career. He wanted to get married. But everything turned to shit for him.

T.E. Lawrence wanted to lose his legendary status in total obscurity after the First World War. But it was an impossible desire. He was a warrior in the mould of Alexander the Great. His Arab army would have followed him to the ends of the earth.

You can embrace your destiny, or you can run away from it.

GlobalData says it's in heaven when you smile ... ?

No, not really. This is what it says -

Chinese companies outpace western counterparts in VC funding in 2018, says GlobalData.

Yeah, PR email.

Chinese companies have outpaced their western counterparts by value in the top five VC funded companies in the global payments space during 2018, according to GlobalData, a leading and data analytics company.

Okay, okay. Okay? This is the first and last financial post of the week. I'll be writing about random night stuff later on ... tonight. / Uh, there's no Voice. I'm not in the mood for him/it.

Of the top five, two companies represented China with a combined value of $14.73bn, followed by two American firms with a combined value of $0.6bn and one UK-based company with $0.25bn.

Fair enough.

Ant Financial, the parent company of Alipay (largest mobile payments network in China), has attracted the highest VC funding among all companies in the payments space during the period. Interestingly, the $14bn raised by the company in 2018 remains the single largest fundraising ever by a private company.

Oh, I think this firm was founded by Adam Ant. Or maybe not. I mean, I could be wrong, dear reader(s). It would make sense though. Ant Music. Ant Financial. Take the brand into different spaces, the way firms do nowadays.

In anticipation of its initial public offering (IPO) and future growth prospects, Ant Financial became an attractive bet for domestic as well as international investors. Moreover, Ant Financial is making inroads into international markets by investing or acquiring stakes in foreign firms.

Yes, yes. Fair enough.

Bitmain is the other Chinese company to make it to the ...

No, no, no. NO - !!! I don't write about cryptocurrencies no more. Not even Mikeycoin.

ENDS

...

Right. That's your finance. Politics now, I suppose. Eight Labour MPs and three Conservative MPs have left their dying parties to form the Independent Group, or whatever it's called. They could be worth watching. I wasn't thinking of ever voting again, but if they have decent policies and are firmly against Brexit ... who knows?! I might be tempted.

Music? My music? I'll probably be writing about music later tonight, but ... I've been depressed this week about not recording the two big songs for the demo.

I'll write about other people's music later, maybe, and just general night thoughts.

My music. The new song, Stella. I've got to find the time to work on the lyric. I want it to be poetic, romantic.

And magical.

Like Picasso. Art shamanism. If you know what I mean.

Never mind. It's personal.

Some of you may remember the days when I was trying to stop writing about personal stuff. Ha!

I've never had any control. Well, a bit of control. I mean, I edit stuff. But I've got no control over the subject matter.

Okay. See you in a few hours.

[No. 684] Cosmos give me strength!

How can I go on?

And, uh ... how?![1], and, er ... like this, this is the way[1], and, uh ... how?![2], and, uh ... I suppose[1], and, er ... like this, this is the way[2], and when I'm down, kook(s) ... I think about the two trillion galaxies, oh, Christ![1], and, uh ... I suppose[2], and ... 'Does that help, boss?!' / and, ha! ... I'm not sure, Voice[1], and when I'm down, kook(s) ... I think about the two trillion galaxies, oh, Christ![2], and when I'm really down ...[1], and ... 'Does that help, boss?!' / and, ha! ... I'm not sure, Voice[2], and there's a GREAT POWER that comes to me ... in dreams and visions, you dig?[1], and when I'm really down ...[2], and, uh sometimes / and I could do with it ... right now[1], and there's a GR EAT POW ER that comes to me ... in dreams and visions, you dig?[2], and see me laugh ... what a comedy![1], and, uh sometimes / and I could do with it ... right now[2], and strength is a state of mind ...[1], and see me laugh ... what a co medy![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I got no surprises[1], and strength is a state of mind ...[2], and I guess I'll just spin away all the pain[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I got no surprises[2], and ... spin, spin, spin![1], and I guess I'll just spin away all the pain[2], and I don't know any kook or square with a better solution / and I'm on my own[1], and ... spin, spin, spin![2], and see me cry, too ... what a tragedy![1], and I don't know any kook or square with a better solution / and I'm on my own[2], and this ... is my mountain, man / and I'm right on top, man / and no one can touch me[1], and see me cry, too ... what a trag edy![2], and ... believe it![1], and this ... is my mountain, man / and I'm right on top, man / and no one can touch me[2], and, oh, you can visit, sure, but I've got to fucking live here / and do you know what I mean?[1], and ... believe it![2], and ... 'Ha!'[1], and, oh, you can visit, sure, but I've got to fucking live here / and do you know what I mean?[2], and, and, and ... unless you're serious, so serious, about staying ... ... ... like?[1], and ... 'Ha!'[2], and forget it, forget it all[1], and, and, and ... unless you're serious, so serious, about staying ... ... ... like?[2], and, listen ... you can lead a horse to water, but can you ride it ... if it's wild?[1], and forget it, forget it all[2], and I can't say[1], and, listen ... you can lead a horse to water, but can you ride it ... if it's wild?[2], and ... 'Boss, if wishes were horses ...' / and ... shut up, you absolute idiot![1], and I can't say[2], and one of these days ...[1], and ... 'Boss, if wishes were horses ...' / and ... shut up, you absolute idiot![2], and one of these spins ...[1], and one of these days ...[2], and I'm praying that NOTHING will matter[1], and one of these spins ...[2], and, uh ... how?![3], and I'm praying that NOTH ING will matter[2], and, er ... like this, this is the way[3], and, uh ... I suppose[3], and when I'm down, kook(s) ... I think about the two trillion galaxies, oh, Christ![3], and ... 'Does that help, boss?!' / and, ha! ... I'm not sure, Voice[3], and when I'm really down ...[3], and there's a G  R  E  A  T P  O  W  E  R that comes to me ... in dreams and visions, you dig?[3], and, uh sometimes / and I could do with it ... right now[3], and see me laugh ... what a c  o  m  e  d  y![3], and strength is a state of mind ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I got no surprises[3], and I guess I'll just spin away all the pain[3], and ... spin, spin, spin![3], and I don't know any kook or square with a better solution / and I'm on my own[3], and see me cry, too ... what a t  r  a  g  e  d  y![3], and this ... is my mountain, man / and I'm right on top, man / and no one can touch me[3], and ... believe it![3], and, oh, you can visit, sure, but I've got to fucking live here / and do you know what I mean?[3], and ... 'Ha!'[3], and, and, and ... unless you're serious, so serious, about staying ... ... ... like?[3], and forget it, forget it all[3], and, listen ... you can lead a horse to water, but can you ride it ... if it's wild?[3], and I can't say[3], and ... 'Boss, if wishes were horses ...' / and ... shut up, you absolute idiot![3], and one of these days ...[3], and one of these spins ...[3], and I'm praying that N  O  T  H  I  N  G will matter[3], and

And, uh ... how?![1], and, er ... like this, this is the way[1], and, uh ... how?![2], and, uh ... I suppose[1], and, er ... like this, this is the way[2], and when I'm down, kook(s) ... I think about the two trillion galaxies, oh, Christ![1], and, uh ... I suppose[2], and ... 'Does that help, boss?!' / and, ha! ... I'm not sure, Voice[1], and when I'm down, kook(s) ... I think about the two trillion galaxies, oh, Christ![2], and when I'm really down ...[1], and ... 'Does that help, boss?!' / and, ha! ... I'm not sure, Voice[2], and there's a GREAT POWER that comes to me ... in dreams and visions, you dig?[1], and when I'm really down ...[2], and, uh sometimes / and I could do with it ... right now[1], and there's a GR EAT POW ER that comes to me ... in dreams and visions, you dig?[2], and see me laugh ... what a comedy![1], and, uh sometimes / and I could do with it ... right now[2], and strength is a state of mind ...[1], and see me laugh ... what a co medy![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I got no surprises[1], and strength is a state of mind ...[2], and I guess I'll just spin away all the pain[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I got no surprises[2], and ... spin, spin, spin![1], and I guess I'll just spin away all the pain[2], and I don't know any kook or square with a better solution / and I'm on my own[1], and ... spin, spin, spin![2], and see me cry, too ... what a tragedy![1], and I don't know any kook or square with a better solution / and I'm on my own[2], and this ... is my mountain, man / and I'm right on top, man / and no one can touch me[1], and see me cry, too ... what a trag edy![2], and ... believe it![1], and this ... is my mountain, man / and I'm right on top, man / and no one can touch me[2], and, oh, you can visit, sure, but I've got to fucking live here / and do you know what I mean?[1], and ... believe it![2], and ... 'Ha!'[1], and, oh, you can visit, sure, but I've got to fucking live here / and do you know what I mean?[2], and, and, and ... unless you're serious, so serious, about staying ... ... ... like?[1], and ... 'Ha!'[2], and forget it, forget it all[1], and, and, and ... unless you're serious, so serious, about staying ... ... ... like?[2], and, listen ... you can lead a horse to water, but can you ride it ... if it's wild?[1], and forget it, forget it all[2], and I can't say[1], and, listen ... you can lead a horse to water, but can you ride it ... if it's wild?[2], and ... 'Boss, if wishes were horses ...' / and ... shut up, you absolute idiot![1], and I can't say[2], and one of these days ...[1], and ... 'Boss, if wishes were horses ...' / and ... shut up, you absolute idiot![2], and one of these spins ...[1], and one of these days ...[2], and I'm praying that NOTHING will matter[1], and one of these spins ...[2], and, uh ... how?![3], and I'm praying that NOTH ING will matter[2], and, er ... like this, this is the way[3], and, uh ... I suppose[3], and when I'm down, kook(s) ... I think about the two trillion galaxies, oh, Christ![3], and ... 'Does that help, boss?!' / and, ha! ... I'm not sure, Voice[3], and when I'm really down ...[3], and there's a G  R  E  A  T P  O  W  E  R that comes to me ... in dreams and visions, you dig?[3], and, uh sometimes / and I could do with it ... right now[3], and see me laugh ... what a c  o  m  e  d  y![3], and strength is a state of mind ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I got no surprises[3], and I guess I'll just spin away all the pain[3], and ... spin, spin, spin![3], and I don't know any kook or square with a better solution / and I'm on my own[3], and see me cry, too ... what a t  r  a  g  e  d  y![3], and this ... is my mountain, man / and I'm right on top, man / and no one can touch me[3], and ... believe it![3], and, oh, you can visit, sure, but I've got to fucking live here / and do you know what I mean?[3], and ... 'Ha!'[3], and, and, and ... unless you're serious, so serious, about staying ... ... ... like?[3], and forget it, forget it all[3], and, listen ... you can lead a horse to water, but can you ride it ... if it's wild?[3], and I can't say[3], and ... 'Boss, if wishes were horses ...' / and ... shut up, you absolute idiot![3], and one of these days ...[3], and one of these spins ...[3], and I'm praying that N  O  T  H  I  N  G will matter[3], and

And, uh ... how?![1], and, er ... like this, this is the way[1], and, uh ... how?![2], and, uh ... I suppose[1], and, er ... like this, this is the way[2], and when I'm down, kook(s) ... I think about the two trillion galaxies, oh, Christ![1], and, uh ... I suppose[2], and ... 'Does that help, boss?!' / and, ha! ... I'm not sure, Voice[1], and when I'm down, kook(s) ... I think about the two trillion galaxies, oh, Christ![2], and when I'm really down ...[1], and ... 'Does that help, boss?!' / and, ha! ... I'm not sure, Voice[2], and there's a GREAT POWER that comes to me ... in dreams and visions, you dig?[1], and when I'm really down ...[2], and, uh sometimes / and I could do with it ... right now[1], and there's a GR EAT POW ER that comes to me ... in dreams and visions, you dig?[2], and see me laugh ... what a comedy![1], and, uh sometimes / and I could do with it ... right now[2], and strength is a state of mind ...[1], and see me laugh ... what a co medy![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I got no surprises[1], and strength is a state of mind ...[2], and I guess I'll just spin away all the pain[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I got no surprises[2], and ... spin, spin, spin![1], and I guess I'll just spin away all the pain[2], and I don't know any kook or square with a better solution / and I'm on my own[1], and ... spin, spin, spin![2], and see me cry, too ... what a tragedy![1], and I don't know any kook or square with a better solution / and I'm on my own[2], and this ... is my mountain, man / and I'm right on top, man / and no one can touch me[1], and see me cry, too ... what a trag edy![2], and ... believe it![1], and this ... is my mountain, man / and I'm right on top, man / and no one can touch me[2], and, oh, you can visit, sure, but I've got to fucking live here / and do you know what I mean?[1], and ... believe it![2], and ... 'Ha!'[1], and, oh, you can visit, sure, but I've got to fucking live here / and do you know what I mean?[2], and, and, and ... unless you're serious, so serious, about staying ... ... ... like?[1], and ... 'Ha!'[2], and forget it, forget it all[1], and, and, and ... unless you're serious, so serious, about staying ... ... ... like?[2], and, listen ... you can lead a horse to water, but can you ride it ... if it's wild?[1], and forget it, forget it all[2], and I can't say[1], and, listen ... you can lead a horse to water, but can you ride it ... if it's wild?[2], and ... 'Boss, if wishes were horses ...' / and ... shut up, you absolute idiot![1], and I can't say[2], and one of these days ...[1], and ... 'Boss, if wishes were horses ...' / and ... shut up, you absolute idiot![2], and one of these spins ...[1], and one of these days ...[2], and I'm praying that NOTHING will matter[1], and one of these spins ...[2], and, uh ... how?![3], and I'm praying that NOTH ING will matter[2], and, er ... like this, this is the way[3], and, uh ... I suppose[3], and when I'm down, kook(s) ... I think about the two trillion galaxies, oh, Christ![3], and ... 'Does that help, boss?!' / and, ha! ... I'm not sure, Voice[3], and when I'm really down ...[3], and there's a G  R  E  A  T P  O  W  E  R that comes to me ... in dreams and visions, you dig?[3], and, uh sometimes / and I could do with it ... right now[3], and see me laugh ... what a c  o  m  e  d  y![3], and strength is a state of mind ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I got no surprises[3], and I guess I'll just spin away all the pain[3], and ... spin, spin, spin![3], and I don't know any kook or square with a better solution / and I'm on my own[3], and see me cry, too ... what a t  r  a  g  e  d  y![3], and this ... is my mountain, man / and I'm right on top, man / and no one can touch me[3], and ... believe it![3], and, oh, you can visit, sure, but I've got to fucking live here / and do you know what I mean?[3], and ... 'Ha!'[3], and, and, and ... unless you're serious, so serious, about staying ... ... ... like?[3], and forget it, forget it all[3], and, listen ... you can lead a horse to water, but can you ride it ... if it's wild?[3], and I can't say[3], and ... 'Boss, if wishes were horses ...' / and ... shut up, you absolute idiot![3], and one of these days ...[3], and one of these spins ...[3], and I'm praying that N  O  T  H  I  N  G will matter[3], and

My mind can't deal with finance at the moment

I'm really not in the mood, dear reader(s). Sorry. And I haven't received any PR emails this week, yet. And I can't be bothered to go looking for news.

So, maybe tomorrow, you dig?

I'm going to write about music. I'll put some songs on in a little while.

I tell you, I just want to record my songs and get away, man. That's all. I've had enough of this life. Not just blogging. I mean, the life I live. It's beyond a joke.

...

Oh, oh ... that new tune I told you about, kook(s), early January? The one that needed a girl's name, uh, woman's name. Well, I'm going to call it Stella.

Anyway, it's going to be a great song. [Another world-beater, I reckon.] I had real trouble putting the music together, but, amazingly, the best part of the melody, the first few bars, came to me during a blackout. And I don't mean power cut. I mean, I just fell "asleep" suddenly one day for six or seven seconds, and when I regained consciousness there was this tune in my head. It's only the second "dream" tune that I've used because I discard or forget most of them.

...

Right. Let's put some music on!

Lay All Your Love on Me. ABBA. / This is my favourite song by them, although I think Dancing Queen is their best song.

Kooks. David Bowie. / He wasn't writing about you guys.

Against All Odds. Phil Collins. / Yes, I know what people say about Phil's music, but I've always liked this song.

Unfinished Sympathy. Massive Attack. / Brilliant video for this song.

Mack the Knife. Bobby Darin. / I used to think this was the greatest ever song. I still like it, but Nothing is the greatest.

Sir Duke. Stevie Wonder. / Groovy!

Layla. Eric Clapton. / Nice riff!

Another Nail in My Heart. Squeeze. / The genre of melancholic rock.

...

Okay, okay. That's enough. / I'll be doing a conceptual later, for my sins.

If I don't get GONE(!) beyond the THREE, I'll be free ... one day, you dig?

Laters!

[No. 683] Here is looking

What do you want?

And, listen, now ...[1], and it's time, the time ... to wake up![1], and, listen, now ...[2], and ... please![1], and it's time, the time ... to wake up![2], and I could be noble, if I wanted ... but it's a mug's game[1], and ... pl ease![2], and, oh, you can stay lost, pretending to be happy ... or you can be GONE(!) in your head ... with me![1], and I could be noble, if I wanted ... but it's a mug's ga me[2], and I know things you can't even imagine ...[1], and, oh, you can stay lost, pretending to be h appy ... or you can be GONE(!) in your h ead ... with me![2], and I know mysteries[1], and I know th ings you can't even imagine ...[2], and a sha/man, I ... that's me![1], and I know mysteries[2], and, Christ! ... there's no one in the COLD WORLD who's got your best interests at heart[1], and a sha/man, I ... that's me![2], and I look into your eyes, yes![1], and, Christ! ... there's no one in the C OLD WORL D who's got your best interests at heart[2], and I've got the warmth of a million suns just for you / and YOU(!) are the one who needs it most[1], and I look into your eyes, yes![2], and, uh, uh ... believe me[1], and I've got the warmth of a milli on s uns just for you / and YOU(!) are the one who needs it most[2], and, well ... it's the time now, so ... you must spin harder than ever / and, yes ... to be with me, for eternity![1], and, uh, uh ... believe me[2], and my life is open ... to you[1], and, well ... it's the time now, so ... you must spin h arder than ever / and, yes ... to be with me, for e ternity![2], and I'm building a better consciousness / and I'm building a stronger reality[1], and my life is open ... to you[2], and drop the old habits, even the old people[1], and I'm building a better consciousness / and I'm building a st ronger re ality[2], and I'm right here ... uh, in this moment ... looking at you / and what are YOU(!) doing?![1], and drop the old ha bits, even the old people[2], and don't slip away, so sad, no, no, no ...[1], and I'm right here ... uh, in this moment ... looking at you / and what are YOU(!) doing?![2], and I'm controlling my moods, with or without you, ah, seriously, yes, yes, YES - !!![1], and don't slip away, so sad, no, no, no ...[2], and come on, come on ...[1], and I'm cont rolling my m oods, with or without you, ah, seriously, yes, yes, YES - !!![2], and this is important: the bigger I get, the further I will go / and I might be the one slipping ...[1], and come on, come on ...[2], and come on, come on, come on ...[1], and this is important: the bigger I get, the further I will go / and I might be the one slipping ...[2], and I've pushed myself beyond humanity, for a reason / and, but ... I am the nicest monster you will ever meet[1], and come on, come on, come on ...[2], and I love you![1], and I've pushed myself beyond hu manity, for a reason / and, but ... I am the nicest m onster you will ever meet[2], and I'm already in Malibu / and it's a state of mind, you dig?[1], and I love you![2], and, so ... COME ON - !!![1], and I'm already in Malibu / and it's a state of mind, you dig?[2], and, listen, now ...[3], and, so ... CO ME O N - !!![2], and it's time, the time ... to wake up![3], and ... p  l  e  a  s  e![3], and I could be noble, if I wanted ... but it's a mug's g  a  m  e[3], and, oh, you can stay lost, pretending to be h  a  p  p  y ... or you can be GONE(!) in your h  e  a  d ... with me![3], and I know t  h  i  n  g  s you can't even imagine ...[3], and I know mysteries[3], and a sha/man, I ... that's me![3], and, Christ! ... there's no one in the C  O  L  D W  O  R  L  D who's got your best interests at heart[3], and I look into your eyes, yes![3], and I've got the warmth of a m  i  l  l  i  o  n s  u  n  s just for you / and YOU(!) are the one who needs it most[3], and, uh, uh ... believe me[3], and, well ... it's the time now, so ... you must spin h  a  r  d  e  r than ever / and, yes ... to be with me, for e  t  e  r  n  i  t  y![3], and my life is open ... to you[3], and I'm building a better consciousness / and I'm building a s  t  r  o  n  g  e  r r  e  a  l  i  t  y[3], and drop the old h  a  b  i  t  s, even the old people[3], and I'm right here ... uh, in this moment ... looking at you / and what are YOU(!) doing?![3], and don't slip away, so sad, no, no, no ...[3], and I'm c  o  n  t  r  o  l  l  i  n  g my m  o  o  d  s, with or without you, ah, seriously, yes, yes, YES - !!![3], and come on, come on ...[3], and this is important: the bigger I get, the further I will go / and I might be the one slipping ...[3], and come on, come on, come on ...[3], and I've pushed myself beyond h  u  m  a  n  i  t  y, for a reason / and, but ... I am the nicest m  o  n  s  t  e  r you will ever meet[3], and I love you![3], and I'm already in Malibu / and it's a state of mind, you dig?[3], and, so ... C  O  M  E O  N - !!![3], and

And, listen, now ...[1], and it's time, the time ... to wake up![1], and, listen, now ...[2], and ... please![1], and it's time, the time ... to wake up![2], and I could be noble, if I wanted ... but it's a mug's game[1], and ... pl ease![2], and, oh, you can stay lost, pretending to be happy ... or you can be GONE(!) in your head ... with me![1], and I could be noble, if I wanted ... but it's a mug's ga me[2], and I know things you can't even imagine ...[1], and, oh, you can stay lost, pretending to be h appy ... or you can be GONE(!) in your h ead ... with me![2], and I know mysteries[1], and I know th ings you can't even imagine ...[2], and a sha/man, I ... that's me![1], and I know mysteries[2], and, Christ! ... there's no one in the COLD WORLD who's got your best interests at heart[1], and a sha/man, I ... that's me![2], and I look into your eyes, yes![1], and, Christ! ... there's no one in the C OLD WORL D who's got your best interests at heart[2], and I've got the warmth of a million suns just for you / and YOU(!) are the one who needs it most[1], and I look into your eyes, yes![2], and, uh, uh ... believe me[1], and I've got the warmth of a milli on s uns just for you / and YOU(!) are the one who needs it most[2], and, well ... it's the time now, so ... you must spin harder than ever / and, yes ... to be with me, for eternity![1], and, uh, uh ... believe me[2], and my life is open ... to you[1], and, well ... it's the time now, so ... you must spin h arder than ever / and, yes ... to be with me, for e ternity![2], and I'm building a better consciousness / and I'm building a stronger reality[1], and my life is open ... to you[2], and drop the old habits, even the old people[1], and I'm building a better consciousness / and I'm building a st ronger re ality[2], and I'm right here ... uh, in this moment ... looking at you / and what are YOU(!) doing?![1], and drop the old ha bits, even the old people[2], and don't slip away, so sad, no, no, no ...[1], and I'm right here ... uh, in this moment ... looking at you / and what are YOU(!) doing?![2], and I'm controlling my moods, with or without you, ah, seriously, yes, yes, YES - !!![1], and don't slip away, so sad, no, no, no ...[2], and come on, come on ...[1], and I'm cont rolling my m oods, with or without you, ah, seriously, yes, yes, YES - !!![2], and this is important: the bigger I get, the further I will go / and I might be the one slipping ...[1], and come on, come on ...[2], and come on, come on, come on ...[1], and this is important: the bigger I get, the further I will go / and I might be the one slipping ...[2], and I've pushed myself beyond humanity, for a reason / and, but ... I am the nicest monster you will ever meet[1], and come on, come on, come on ...[2], and I love you![1], and I've pushed myself beyond hu manity, for a reason / and, but ... I am the nicest m onster you will ever meet[2], and I'm already in Malibu / and it's a state of mind, you dig?[1], and I love you![2], and, so ... COME ON - !!![1], and I'm already in Malibu / and it's a state of mind, you dig?[2], and, listen, now ...[3], and, so ... CO ME O N - !!![2], and it's time, the time ... to wake up![3], and ... p  l  e  a  s  e![3], and I could be noble, if I wanted ... but it's a mug's g  a  m  e[3], and, oh, you can stay lost, pretending to be h  a  p  p  y ... or you can be GONE(!) in your h  e  a  d ... with me![3], and I know t  h  i  n  g  s you can't even imagine ...[3], and I know mysteries[3], and a sha/man, I ... that's me![3], and, Christ! ... there's no one in the C  O  L  D W  O  R  L  D who's got your best interests at heart[3], and I look into your eyes, yes![3], and I've got the warmth of a m  i  l  l  i  o  n s  u  n  s just for you / and YOU(!) are the one who needs it most[3], and, uh, uh ... believe me[3], and, well ... it's the time now, so ... you must spin h  a  r  d  e  r than ever / and, yes ... to be with me, for e  t  e  r  n  i  t  y![3], and my life is open ... to you[3], and I'm building a better consciousness / and I'm building a s  t  r  o  n  g  e  r r  e  a  l  i  t  y[3], and drop the old h  a  b  i  t  s, even the old people[3], and I'm right here ... uh, in this moment ... looking at you / and what are YOU(!) doing?![3], and don't slip away, so sad, no, no, no ...[3], and I'm c  o  n  t  r  o  l  l  i  n  g my m  o  o  d  s, with or without you, ah, seriously, yes, yes, YES - !!![3], and come on, come on ...[3], and this is important: the bigger I get, the further I will go / and I might be the one slipping ...[3], and come on, come on, come on ...[3], and I've pushed myself beyond h  u  m  a  n  i  t  y, for a reason / and, but ... I am the nicest m  o  n  s  t  e  r you will ever meet[3], and I love you![3], and I'm already in Malibu / and it's a state of mind, you dig?[3], and, so ... C  O  M  E O  N - !!![3], and

And, listen, now ...[1], and it's time, the time ... to wake up![1], and, listen, now ...[2], and ... please![1], and it's time, the time ... to wake up![2], and I could be noble, if I wanted ... but it's a mug's game[1], and ... pl ease![2], and, oh, you can stay lost, pretending to be happy ... or you can be GONE(!) in your head ... with me![1], and I could be noble, if I wanted ... but it's a mug's ga me[2], and I know things you can't even imagine ...[1], and, oh, you can stay lost, pretending to be h appy ... or you can be GONE(!) in your h ead ... with me![2], and I know mysteries[1], and I know th ings you can't even imagine ...[2], and a sha/man, I ... that's me![1], and I know mysteries[2], and, Christ! ... there's no one in the COLD WORLD who's got your best interests at heart[1], and a sha/man, I ... that's me![2], and I look into your eyes, yes![1], and, Christ! ... there's no one in the C OLD WORL D who's got your best interests at heart[2], and I've got the warmth of a million suns just for you / and YOU(!) are the one who needs it most[1], and I look into your eyes, yes![2], and, uh, uh ... believe me[1], and I've got the warmth of a milli on s uns just for you / and YOU(!) are the one who needs it most[2], and, well ... it's the time now, so ... you must spin harder than ever / and, yes ... to be with me, for eternity![1], and, uh, uh ... believe me[2], and my life is open ... to you[1], and, well ... it's the time now, so ... you must spin h arder than ever / and, yes ... to be with me, for e ternity![2], and I'm building a better consciousness / and I'm building a stronger reality[1], and my life is open ... to you[2], and drop the old habits, even the old people[1], and I'm building a better consciousness / and I'm building a st ronger re ality[2], and I'm right here ... uh, in this moment ... looking at you / and what are YOU(!) doing?![1], and drop the old ha bits, even the old people[2], and don't slip away, so sad, no, no, no ...[1], and I'm right here ... uh, in this moment ... looking at you / and what are YOU(!) doing?![2], and I'm controlling my moods, with or without you, ah, seriously, yes, yes, YES - !!![1], and don't slip away, so sad, no, no, no ...[2], and come on, come on ...[1], and I'm cont rolling my m oods, with or without you, ah, seriously, yes, yes, YES - !!![2], and this is important: the bigger I get, the further I will go / and I might be the one slipping ...[1], and come on, come on ...[2], and come on, come on, come on ...[1], and this is important: the bigger I get, the further I will go / and I might be the one slipping ...[2], and I've pushed myself beyond humanity, for a reason / and, but ... I am the nicest monster you will ever meet[1], and come on, come on, come on ...[2], and I love you![1], and I've pushed myself beyond hu manity, for a reason / and, but ... I am the nicest m onster you will ever meet[2], and I'm already in Malibu / and it's a state of mind, you dig?[1], and I love you![2], and, so ... COME ON - !!![1], and I'm already in Malibu / and it's a state of mind, you dig?[2], and, listen, now ...[3], and, so ... CO ME O N - !!![2], and it's time, the time ... to wake up![3], and ... p  l  e  a  s  e![3], and I could be noble, if I wanted ... but it's a mug's g  a  m  e[3], and, oh, you can stay lost, pretending to be h  a  p  p  y ... or you can be GONE(!) in your h  e  a  d ... with me![3], and I know t  h  i  n  g  s you can't even imagine ...[3], and I know mysteries[3], and a sha/man, I ... that's me![3], and, Christ! ... there's no one in the C  O  L  D W  O  R  L  D who's got your best interests at heart[3], and I look into your eyes, yes![3], and I've got the warmth of a m  i  l  l  i  o  n s  u  n  s just for you / and YOU(!) are the one who needs it most[3], and, uh, uh ... believe me[3], and, well ... it's the time now, so ... you must spin h  a  r  d  e  r than ever / and, yes ... to be with me, for e  t  e  r  n  i  t  y![3], and my life is open ... to you[3], and I'm building a better consciousness / and I'm building a s  t  r  o  n  g  e  r r  e  a  l  i  t  y[3], and drop the old h  a  b  i  t  s, even the old people[3], and I'm right here ... uh, in this moment ... looking at you / and what are YOU(!) doing?![3], and don't slip away, so sad, no, no, no ...[3], and I'm c  o  n  t  r  o  l  l  i  n  g my m  o  o  d  s, with or without you, ah, seriously, yes, yes, YES - !!![3], and come on, come on ...[3], and this is important: the bigger I get, the further I will go / and I might be the one slipping ...[3], and come on, come on, come on ...[3], and I've pushed myself beyond h  u  m  a  n  i  t  y, for a reason / and, but ... I am the nicest m  o  n  s  t  e  r you will ever meet[3], and I love you![3], and I'm already in Malibu / and it's a state of mind, you dig?[3], and, so ... C  O  M  E O  N - !!![3], and

Do the spider!

Come on, kook(s)! Do the spider! Yes, yes, yes! It's a new dance I've invented. Actually, no, no, no. That's a lie.

Obviously, I'm talking about the spider exercise on the guitar. As I've said before, it's an important thing to do if you want to improve your playing. Unfortunately, I can't help you with your golf.

Why am I writing today, a Sunday? Well, I was going to try recording tonight. However, I've gone off that idea now. So, I'll write this post, and a conceptual tomorrow, and then ... hopefully, I'll have tomorrow night free for recording.

I'm a bit depressed today ... / I listen to THIS(!!!) when I'm depressed. [Oh, uh ... if you're reading this post at a much later date, it's gone, man. I mean, like removed, you dig?] It's me improvising lead guitar to a blues backing track, a couple of years ago. I think it's the best playing I've done so far, and it cheers me up. I can play, after all.

These days though ... just rhythm, man. The spider stuff is making my hand stronger to hold the chords down properly.

B.B. King couldn't play chords at all, or so he reckoned. He was a great lead guitarist.

Prince was great at lead and rhythm. But I never saw him do any fingerpicking. That's okay. He wasn't a folk square, was he?

Oh, I'm not having a pop at Leonard Cohen! I love his music. I don't listen to it too much no more. Why? I need to control my moods, that's why. / Sorry, Lenny, wherever you are.

I'm making progress with my moods, definitely. The Vance/Musk audiobook is working wonders.

My anxiety is low down, down, down. [Depression is rare.] Optimism is high!

I've got some new earphones for my Zoom Handy. Lucky You and Round the Bend sound much better now. Those are two recordings I'm very proud of. I've got to get my BIG SONGS up to the same level. They're longer, but also more difficult to play.

Well, well ...

I'm really not in the mood for writing about finance, dear reader(s). You will have to wait until Tuesday. Ha! I'm sure you're not bothered, anyway. It's not as if I'm Reuters or Bloomberg, for Christ's sake! Do you know what I mean?

Okay, okay. Let's put some music on ... ? ... NO! / Because I'm not firing on all four cylinders today, I'm going to break my golden rule and put the TV on early. There's a Peter Sellers film on, A Shot in the Dark. / His best film, I reckon, is Being There, about an idiot who is being groomed to be President of the United States. So, uh ...

Laters!

Blind Brexit parcels

Yes, that's what we're dealing with now, dear reader(s). Blind Brexit parcels! How has it come to this? 'Who says we're dealing with blind Brexit parcels, boss?' Who do you think? 'Er ... Jinksy?' That's right, Voice. Jinksy.

UK retailers who source their stock in China have missed the final surface shipping dates to ensure their products will arrive in the UK before Brexit, warns ParcelHero. And what price maple syrup or biltong as shipments to and from Canada and South Africa also pass the point of no return?

Eh?! What on earth is biltong?! 'Bill Tong? He's Pete Tong's brother.' No, no. Let me Google it. Give me a minute ... / Oh, it's meat. I'm a vegetarian, man. They can keep their bloody biltong, whoever's sending it here.

UK retailers and traders who source their products from China for resale in the UK/EU are now faced with the prospect of ordering products 'blind' - without knowing if there will be extra duties to pay by the time they can be sold - warns the international delivery specialist ParcelHero.

Well, it's all part of the sunlit uplands, no doubt. I think Ford are threatening to move production out of the UK, too.

The online parcel price comparison site is warning that the thousands of Chinese-produced products and components shipped from China to the UK every month by sea will arrive too late for resale into the EU before May 29th: Brexit D Day.

"It's putting UK sellers in an impossible position, not knowing if their goods will still be competitive or face punitive new tariffs," says ParcelHero's Head of Consumer Research, David Jinks MILT. "How can they be expected to place future orders under these conditions?"

That's a good question!

And British exports and imports with key markets such as South Africa and Canada will now not have time to be loaded, shipped and delivered to their buyer in time to avoid the impact of a no-deal Brexit, reveals David. "That means, should the UK crash out of the EU with no deal, the EU's hard-won trade agreements will no longer apply to British goods, which will face significant new tariffs under WTO rules."

Christ! What a shitshow! / Okay, okay. Thanks, Jinksy. / There's more of it, reader(s), a lot more ... but we don't really want more, do we? Maybe we should just bury our heads in the sand.

...

Anything else? I fancy listening to a bit of music. Cortez The Killer by Neil Young. This is one of his three best songs, I reckon. The other two being Powderfinger and Like A Hurricane.

I've finished reading Life on Tour with Bowie by Sean Mayes. I really liked it, although it's more about Mayes than Bowie. That's all right. / Oh, it seems that Coco never left Bowie's side. She went literally everywhere with him, all the time, and did practically everything. I think I will need someone as devoted as that to look after me. However, I'm not accepting CVs yet.

That's enough music, kook(s). Just Cortez. I'm not really in the mood this morning. Actually, I've hardly watched TV all week, not even late at night. I'm really starting to see my paradigm shift now. And the beautiful thing is, it doesn't require any willpower. You've just got to reprogram yourself. [I suppose I've attached pleasure to obsessive work, and pain to goofing off.] I've lost count of how many times I've listened to the Vance/Musk audiobook.

Okay, okay. Have a nice weekend!

EISA opens 25th anniversary celebrations at House of Lords

Ah, Christ ... now, what did I say, Voice? What did I tell them, the PR guys? 'You told them you didn't want any follow-up emails about this EISA event at the House of Lords, boss.' And why not? 'Because they didn't invite you, and you were a bit pissed off about it.' Thank you, Voice. / So, uh ... they've sent me a follow-up email, dear reader(s).

Hi Michael,

I hope you are well. Do let me know if this would be of interest to you.

The 14th EIS Association Annual Awards took place last week at the House of Lords. The Awards denote excellence in a number of EIS and SEIS fields. The Awards were presented to firms, advisers, companies, individuals and journalists that achieved outstanding performance in the context of the EIS & SEIS schemes during 2018.

Once again, Chairman of EISA, Lord Howard Flight, hosted the reception at The Cholmondeley Room in The House of Lords. The guest speaker on the evening was Loyd Grossman CBE, Chairman of The Heritage Alliance.

Okay, okay. WHY WOULD I BE WELL?! Can you think of any reasons why I would be well, kook(s)? 'Listen, boss. You didn't even want to go.' That's not the point! 'Oh.' The point is, they didn't invite me to the event, and yet they expect me to write about it. Like I'm some sort of submissive gimp. Do you know what I mean? Well, I refuse! I absolutely refuse!

The winners of the awards announced on the night:

Er ... I'm not interested. What is it with these guys? They're telling me about the "winners" now. Well, let me be the judge of who's a winner or a loser in this life. My ideas are a bit different. 'A lot different.' Yes.

Best EIS Fund Manager/Sponsor - Parkwalk Advisors.

I've never even heard of Parkwalk Advisors! 'You have now, boss.' Oh, I have now.

Best SEIS Fund Manager - Deepbridge Capital.

Oh dear. Yeah, yeah. Whatever.

Best EIS/SEIS Tax Adviser - Shoosmiths.

Really? Best tax adviser? Is that something to be proud of? 'It's not exactly the Oscars, is it?' No. Ha! Not exactly. 'Boss, why are you giving these people the oxygen of publicity?' Ha! Because ... I've got a big heart, I'm a nice guy, I feel a bit sorry for them - their lives can't be easy, and I haven't got anything else to write about.

Okay, okay. I'm not doing all of these. I shouldn't be doing any, after the shocking way I've been treated. Just this one more -

Best EIS/SEIS Journalist - James Hurley - The Times.

Yeah, well done, James, mate! I bet you're on cloud nine now ... or something.

I'll tell you what, kook(s), I'm going to let Mark Brownridge have the final say. 'Don't, boss! He doesn't deserve it. FFS!' No, no. I want to display my superiority, Voice, the way Julius Caesar used to. I'm not going to hold a grudge. Let people behave the way they want to behave. I'm determined to stay my usual self. Aloof. Imperious. Nothing can touch me!

Mark Brownridge, Director General of EISA commented, "Our first event in the 25th year of EIS at the House of Lords was a fantastic success. We were honoured to have Loyd Grossman CBE give a great speech and we heard some of the best EIS success stories from the last quarter of the century. The award winners and nominees all display the best of EIS, and we would like to thank our judges and sponsors for supporting this years' EISA awards."

Right. Thank you, Mark.

...

Anything else, kook(s)? Not much, no. I might try recording my songs again tonight. I have some new Elixir strings on, but they're already over the thirty-hour mark, so ... you know how it is. I could wait until the weekend with more new strings, like I’m made of money. Jesus H. - !!! Never mind.

Laters!