Fintech or something, what do I know?

Yeah, yeah. It's the last post of the week, dear kook(s). I just wanna get it done, you dig? I haven't changed my guitar strings yet, which means I won't be recording tonight. But if I change them tonight, I could record, uh ... tomorrow night. However, I rather fancy going for a walk to Richmond and back tomorrow, which would leave me knackered for the whole day, actually. So, I don't know what to do. Maybe I'm just looking for an excuse not to record ... ? 'Well ...' Yes, that's entirely possible. I mean, I do get anxiety about it. Which doesn't make sense, or, at least, it shouldn't make sense. Because late last night I played a version of This World Don't Mean a Thing, which was ... more or less perfect. 'Great!' Maybe I should have recorded it. But that would have meant going through the whole palaver of setting up, with Zoom Handy, blankets over the windows, getting the "sweet spot" in the room just right, and psychological preparation as well, which, which, which ... probably does me more harm than good BECAUSE(!) ... I should just fucking play and record, man, you dig?!?! And, uh, uh, uh ... 'Fintech, boss? Or something.' Yes, yes. A PR email, Voice. Here we go ...

Avaloq, a leading fintech company and international provider of software as a service (SaaS) and business process as a service (BPaaS) solutions to banks and wealth managers, has reported strong results for 2018 driven by continued demand for the firm’s SaaS, BPaaS and on-premise solutions from new and existing clients and accelerated growth in markets such as EMEA. Overall, the firm generated full-year revenues of CHF 579 million, a year-on-year rise of 6% on an underlying basis1. Adjusted EBITDA for 2018 was CHF 90 million while the liquidity remains robust with cash on hand in excess of CHF 144 million.

Right. And here we are! Strong results. That's nice, I suppose. But I can't make any sense out of it. 'Leave sense to your readers, boss. It's all they're good for.' Okay, okay.

Listen! There's a time and place for everything under the sun. I truly believe that, dear reader(s). So, there's no need to get upset. Do you agree? 'Me?' No, them.

Listen! Maybe I should wait until Sunday night and do all four songs in one go, one night. 'Would that be possible?' It might be, man. Now that I'm performing like a professional, like. I rarely make guitar mistakes these days, and my voice is much stronger. More feeling, more power! BUT(!) ... the only problem is outside noises. Like those green parrots. 'Eh?! What fucking green parrots?!' Christ! In this part of London, Voice, we've got wild green parrots all over the place. Haven't you heard them? They used to be confined to the local park, but now they're everywhere. 'Oh.' Obviously, some bloody lunatic released a few of these parrots into the wild and they started breeding. 'Ha! It could be worse, boss.' Ha! Well, yes, yes, you're right. It could be tigers. Imagine the noise they would make. 'And they would bite.' Of course they would! Like Mike Corcell. Remember him?

Avaloq saw a significant number of successful 'go-lives' and new client wins in 2018. In particular, one of Switzerland's biggest IT projects was successfully completed when 253 separate Raiffeisen entities (246 Raiffeisen banks, six branches and the central bank) moved to one platform developed by Avaloq. The platform is available to all 11,000 employees at 900 separate Raiffeisen sites throughout Switzerland. Separately, KASIKORNBANK, Pictet Group, Deutsche Bank and Edmond de Rothschild all benefited from the successful roll-out of Avaloq's solutions last year.

Yeah, whatever.

Listen! The thing is, the clocks will change at the weekend. It will be lighter later. The parrots will be around more, until ... they return to their nests. Do parrots have nests? 'I think they sleep in holes in trees, boss.' Jesus! And are there ... enough holes to go around, with the increased population, like? 'I don't know.' That's the BIG QUESTION, man - !!! / Maybe Juerg can help us ...

Juerg Hunziker, Avaloq's Group CEO, says: "We continued our strong growth path in 2018 while successfully completing our largest digital transformation project ever, driving forward in terms of international expansion and capitalizing on innovation. One of the many things I am particularly proud of is our ability to successfully complete projects of vastly different sizes and scope, from the complete digital and processing transformation of Raiffeisen's network in Switzerland to more specific solutions for time-boxed projects at banks like KASIKORNBANK in 10 months and Intesa Sanpaolo in nine months."

Well, thanks, Juerg. Thanks for nothing! / Why do I bother?

...

Anything else? No.

Holding bankers to account - ?!

Uh. It will never happen, my friend(s). Not that I care, anyway. Finance and that. I've got different fish to fry. / However, there is a new book. And there is a PR email.

A new book publishing March 2019 provides a clear and documented account of the manipulation of LIBOR (the London Interbank Offered Rate), the foreign exchange (FX) market and the London Gold and Silver Fixes.

Er ... it's the end of March now. And what's a new book publishing? Never mind.

To achieve this aim, Holding bankers to account by Oonagh McDonald CBE maps out how it was possible for such price fixing to take place over so many years as a consequence of weak systems and controls within major banks.

Oh, right. Holding bankers to Account. With a capital A, actually. 'You didn't use a capital A in your title, boss.' So? That was my title, the title of this post, not the book title, which is also ... Holding Bankers to Account. Oh, with a capital B, too! They missed the capital B! 'Who missed the capital B?!' The PR firm. Never mind.

The book also draws attention to the potential conflicts of interest that went unrecognized for years and how compliance officers were at best ineffective and at worst collusive.

Oh dear. Such is life. I'll tell you the truth, dear reader(s), I've given up being shocked, you dig?

Towards the end of Holding bankers to account, the author sets out the reforms that followed the scandal, yet asks why so little is understood about the nature of these reforms, and whether this increase the likelihood of further manipulation. The book argues that final steps need to be taken if the banks are to completely reform themselves, including mandatory changes both in corporate governance and in the structure of systems and controls set out in the UK's Senior Managers Regime. It is only when senior managers are made individually responsible that the reforms outlined will come into force.

Okay, okay. I can't see finance being completely reformed, myself. / On a more positive note, I doubt the human race will last another two hundred years, due to climate change, environmental damage, food and water shortages, future wars, etc, etc. 'Christ! Did Oonagh say that?!' No, no, Voice. I did.

I'll just finish with this -

"Oonagh McDonald has produced another forensic inquiry into the workings of the financial markets. Her deeply researched book into misbehaviour on the part of banks and other institutions in the LIBOR and FOREX markets deserves to be read by everyone concerned with well-behaved markets. As in her books on Lehman Brothers and on Fannie and Freddie, she throws new light on a subject we thought we knew well." Lord Meghnad Desai, Emeritus Professor, London School of Economics.

Nice one! Good luck with the book, Oonagh!

...

Anything else? Music? My music? Will I try recording again tomorrow night? Who knows?! Not I! 'Ha, ha, ha!' Yeah, yeah.

Later(s), kook(s)!

[No. 694] God gave conceptual literature to you

It's in the soul of every mystic kook.

And, or ... the cosmos, sure[1], and there's gotta be some spirit force somewhere, you dig? / and ... if not, we're all fucked for life[1], and, or ... the cosmos, sure[2], and, seriously - !!![1], and there's gotta be some sp irit f orce somewhere, you dig? / and ... if not, we're all fucked for life[2], and, so ...[1], and, seriously - !!![2], and life can be hell, or it can be heaven / and I believe that smart people make a choice[1], and, so ...[2], and ... What do you believe in?[1], and life can be hell, or it can be heaven / and I believe that s mart p eople make a choice[2], and, so ... come on, come on![1], and ... What do you believe in?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and does it get any better than this - ? NO - !!![1], and, so ... come on, come on![2], and "no" is the short answer, obviously[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and does it get any better than this - ? NO - !!![2], and it's never too late to be a square ...[1], and "no" is the short answer, obviously[2], and, ah, stay cool![1], and it's never too late to be a squ are ...[2], and, oh ... we've been DIZZY(!) since 2012, haven't we? / and we're still healthy, man![1], and, ah, stay coo l![2], and God gives ...[1], and, oh ... we've been DIZZY(!) since 2012, haven't we? / and we're still healthy, man![2], and life goes on, and on, and on ...[1], and God gives ...[2], and the cosmos gives ...[1], and life goes on, and on, and on ...[2], and, listen ... it's healed me, all the spinning / and I'm not the sha/man I used to be[1], and the cosmos gives ...[2], and my consciousness has expanded![1], and, listen ... it's h ealed me, all the spinning / and I'm not the sha/man I used to be[2], and beyond the THREE - ? / and I'll tell you the truth: I'm not sure I need it now[1], and my consciousness has exp anded![2], and dirt can be spun off[1], and beyond the THREE - ? / and I'll tell you the truth: I'm not sure I need it now[2], and I look into YOU(!), baby, your mind ... and I see wonderful things[1], and d irt can be spun off[2], and ... big time![1], and I look into YOU(!), baby, your mind ... and I see w onderful things[2], and your soul makes me cry with genuine happiness / and that's no bullshit[1], and ... big time![2], and God gave a sha/man to you ...[1], and your soul makes me cry with genuine happiness / and that's no bu llshit[2], and love me, love me, love me ... unconditionally, yes![1], and God gave a sha/man to you ...[2], and don't you care ... what the others say[1], and love me, love me, love me ... unconditionally, yes![2], and, no, no, no ... NO - !!![1], and don't you care ... what the others say[2], and, uh ... insanity is a matter of opinion ... / and sanity is ... does it even exist?[1], and, no, no, no ... NO - !!![2], and this ... exists, and it's eternal[1], and, uh ... insanity is a matter of opinion ... / and sanity is ... does it even exist?[2], and, or ... the cosmos, sure[3], and this ... exists, and it's e ternal[2], and there's gotta be some s  p  i  r  i  t f  o  r  c  e somewhere, you dig? / and ... if not, we're all fucked for life[3], and, seriously - !!![3], and, so ...[3], and life can be hell, or it can be heaven / and I believe that s  m  a  r  t p  e  o  p  l  e make a choice[3], and ... What do you believe in?[3], and, so ... come on, come on![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and does it get any better than this - ? NO - !!![3], and "no" is the short answer, obviously[3], and it's never too late to be a s  q  u  a  r  e ...[3], and, ah, stay c  o  o  l![3], and, oh ... we've been DIZZY(!) since 2012, haven't we? / and we're still healthy, man![3], and God gives ...[3], and life goes on, and on, and on ...[3], and the cosmos gives ...[3], and, listen ... it's h  e  a  l  e  d me, all the spinning / and I'm not the sha/man I used to be[3], and my consciousness has e  x  p  a  n  d  e  d![3], and beyond the THREE - ? / and I'll tell you the truth: I'm not sure I need it now[3], and d  i  r  t can be spun off[3], and I look into YOU(!), baby, your mind ... and I see w  o  n  d  e  r  f  u  l things[3], and ... big time![3], and your soul makes me cry with genuine happiness / and that's no b  u  l  l  s  h  i  t[3], and God gave a sha/man to you ...[3], and love me, love me, love me ... unconditionally, yes![3], and don't you care ... what the others say[3], and, no, no, no ... NO - !!![3], and, uh ... insanity is a matter of opinion ... / and sanity is ... does it even exist?[3], and this ... exists, and it's e  t  e  r  n  a  l[3], and

And, or ... the cosmos, sure[1], and there's gotta be some spirit force somewhere, you dig? / and ... if not, we're all fucked for life[1], and, or ... the cosmos, sure[2], and, seriously - !!![1], and there's gotta be some sp irit f orce somewhere, you dig? / and ... if not, we're all fucked for life[2], and, so ...[1], and, seriously - !!![2], and life can be hell, or it can be heaven / and I believe that smart people make a choice[1], and, so ...[2], and ... What do you believe in?[1], and life can be hell, or it can be heaven / and I believe that s mart p eople make a choice[2], and, so ... come on, come on![1], and ... What do you believe in?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and does it get any better than this - ? NO - !!![1], and, so ... come on, come on![2], and "no" is the short answer, obviously[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and does it get any better than this - ? NO - !!![2], and it's never too late to be a square ...[1], and "no" is the short answer, obviously[2], and, ah, stay cool![1], and it's never too late to be a squ are ...[2], and, oh ... we've been DIZZY(!) since 2012, haven't we? / and we're still healthy, man![1], and, ah, stay coo l![2], and God gives ...[1], and, oh ... we've been DIZZY(!) since 2012, haven't we? / and we're still healthy, man![2], and life goes on, and on, and on ...[1], and God gives ...[2], and the cosmos gives ...[1], and life goes on, and on, and on ...[2], and, listen ... it's healed me, all the spinning / and I'm not the sha/man I used to be[1], and the cosmos gives ...[2], and my consciousness has expanded![1], and, listen ... it's h ealed me, all the spinning / and I'm not the sha/man I used to be[2], and beyond the THREE - ? / and I'll tell you the truth: I'm not sure I need it now[1], and my consciousness has exp anded![2], and dirt can be spun off[1], and beyond the THREE - ? / and I'll tell you the truth: I'm not sure I need it now[2], and I look into YOU(!), baby, your mind ... and I see wonderful things[1], and d irt can be spun off[2], and ... big time![1], and I look into YOU(!), baby, your mind ... and I see w onderful things[2], and your soul makes me cry with genuine happiness / and that's no bullshit[1], and ... big time![2], and God gave a sha/man to you ...[1], and your soul makes me cry with genuine happiness / and that's no bu llshit[2], and love me, love me, love me ... unconditionally, yes![1], and God gave a sha/man to you ...[2], and don't you care ... what the others say[1], and love me, love me, love me ... unconditionally, yes![2], and, no, no, no ... NO - !!![1], and don't you care ... what the others say[2], and, uh ... insanity is a matter of opinion ... / and sanity is ... does it even exist?[1], and, no, no, no ... NO - !!![2], and this ... exists, and it's eternal[1], and, uh ... insanity is a matter of opinion ... / and sanity is ... does it even exist?[2], and, or ... the cosmos, sure[3], and this ... exists, and it's e ternal[2], and there's gotta be some s  p  i  r  i  t f  o  r  c  e somewhere, you dig? / and ... if not, we're all fucked for life[3], and, seriously - !!![3], and, so ...[3], and life can be hell, or it can be heaven / and I believe that s  m  a  r  t p  e  o  p  l  e make a choice[3], and ... What do you believe in?[3], and, so ... come on, come on![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and does it get any better than this - ? NO - !!![3], and "no" is the short answer, obviously[3], and it's never too late to be a s  q  u  a  r  e ...[3], and, ah, stay c  o  o  l![3], and, oh ... we've been DIZZY(!) since 2012, haven't we? / and we're still healthy, man![3], and God gives ...[3], and life goes on, and on, and on ...[3], and the cosmos gives ...[3], and, listen ... it's h  e  a  l  e  d me, all the spinning / and I'm not the sha/man I used to be[3], and my consciousness has e  x  p  a  n  d  e  d![3], and beyond the THREE - ? / and I'll tell you the truth: I'm not sure I need it now[3], and d  i  r  t can be spun off[3], and I look into YOU(!), baby, your mind ... and I see w  o  n  d  e  r  f  u  l things[3], and ... big time![3], and your soul makes me cry with genuine happiness / and that's no b  u  l  l  s  h  i  t[3], and God gave a sha/man to you ...[3], and love me, love me, love me ... unconditionally, yes![3], and don't you care ... what the others say[3], and, no, no, no ... NO - !!![3], and, uh ... insanity is a matter of opinion ... / and sanity is ... does it even exist?[3], and this ... exists, and it's e  t  e  r  n  a  l[3], and

And, or ... the cosmos, sure[1], and there's gotta be some spirit force somewhere, you dig? / and ... if not, we're all fucked for life[1], and, or ... the cosmos, sure[2], and, seriously - !!![1], and there's gotta be some sp irit f orce somewhere, you dig? / and ... if not, we're all fucked for life[2], and, so ...[1], and, seriously - !!![2], and life can be hell, or it can be heaven / and I believe that smart people make a choice[1], and, so ...[2], and ... What do you believe in?[1], and life can be hell, or it can be heaven / and I believe that s mart p eople make a choice[2], and, so ... come on, come on![1], and ... What do you believe in?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and does it get any better than this - ? NO - !!![1], and, so ... come on, come on![2], and "no" is the short answer, obviously[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and does it get any better than this - ? NO - !!![2], and it's never too late to be a square ...[1], and "no" is the short answer, obviously[2], and, ah, stay cool![1], and it's never too late to be a squ are ...[2], and, oh ... we've been DIZZY(!) since 2012, haven't we? / and we're still healthy, man![1], and, ah, stay coo l![2], and God gives ...[1], and, oh ... we've been DIZZY(!) since 2012, haven't we? / and we're still healthy, man![2], and life goes on, and on, and on ...[1], and God gives ...[2], and the cosmos gives ...[1], and life goes on, and on, and on ...[2], and, listen ... it's healed me, all the spinning / and I'm not the sha/man I used to be[1], and the cosmos gives ...[2], and my consciousness has expanded![1], and, listen ... it's h ealed me, all the spinning / and I'm not the sha/man I used to be[2], and beyond the THREE - ? / and I'll tell you the truth: I'm not sure I need it now[1], and my consciousness has exp anded![2], and dirt can be spun off[1], and beyond the THREE - ? / and I'll tell you the truth: I'm not sure I need it now[2], and I look into YOU(!), baby, your mind ... and I see wonderful things[1], and d irt can be spun off[2], and ... big time![1], and I look into YOU(!), baby, your mind ... and I see w onderful things[2], and your soul makes me cry with genuine happiness / and that's no bullshit[1], and ... big time![2], and God gave a sha/man to you ...[1], and your soul makes me cry with genuine happiness / and that's no bu llshit[2], and love me, love me, love me ... unconditionally, yes![1], and God gave a sha/man to you ...[2], and don't you care ... what the others say[1], and love me, love me, love me ... unconditionally, yes![2], and, no, no, no ... NO - !!![1], and don't you care ... what the others say[2], and, uh ... insanity is a matter of opinion ... / and sanity is ... does it even exist?[1], and, no, no, no ... NO - !!![2], and this ... exists, and it's eternal[1], and, uh ... insanity is a matter of opinion ... / and sanity is ... does it even exist?[2], and, or ... the cosmos, sure[3], and this ... exists, and it's e ternal[2], and there's gotta be some s  p  i  r  i  t f  o  r  c  e somewhere, you dig? / and ... if not, we're all fucked for life[3], and, seriously - !!![3], and, so ...[3], and life can be hell, or it can be heaven / and I believe that s  m  a  r  t p  e  o  p  l  e make a choice[3], and ... What do you believe in?[3], and, so ... come on, come on![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and does it get any better than this - ? NO - !!![3], and "no" is the short answer, obviously[3], and it's never too late to be a s  q  u  a  r  e ...[3], and, ah, stay c  o  o  l![3], and, oh ... we've been DIZZY(!) since 2012, haven't we? / and we're still healthy, man![3], and God gives ...[3], and life goes on, and on, and on ...[3], and the cosmos gives ...[3], and, listen ... it's h  e  a  l  e  d me, all the spinning / and I'm not the sha/man I used to be[3], and my consciousness has e  x  p  a  n  d  e  d![3], and beyond the THREE - ? / and I'll tell you the truth: I'm not sure I need it now[3], and d  i  r  t can be spun off[3], and I look into YOU(!), baby, your mind ... and I see w  o  n  d  e  r  f  u  l things[3], and ... big time![3], and your soul makes me cry with genuine happiness / and that's no b  u  l  l  s  h  i  t[3], and God gave a sha/man to you ...[3], and love me, love me, love me ... unconditionally, yes![3], and don't you care ... what the others say[3], and, no, no, no ... NO - !!![3], and, uh ... insanity is a matter of opinion ... / and sanity is ... does it even exist?[3], and this ... exists, and it's e  t  e  r  n  a  l[3], and

One of my infamous music posts

Yeah, yeah, I know this is supposed to be a financial blog, dear reader(s), BUT(!) ... I just can't get the enthusiasm together these days, you dig? 'It's been twelve years, boss. You've already made a superhuman effort with finance. There's no harm in writing about music.' Well, thank you, Voice. Thank you for your support.

But, uh ... Brexit news? Let's get it out of the way. I think last night's vote in the House of Commons was a good sign that we're not all fucking doomed yet. Maybe we won't turn into Venezuela. 'And maybe we will.' Christ! I don't know, man. I just know that I'm running out of time, personally, like. And that's why I'm changing my guitar strings tomorrow night. And I'll try recording again from Thursday night until ... Sunday - if it takes that much time. 'Then what, if you don't get the decent recordings you need?' Then, my little invisible friend, more rehearsing. 'Oh.' Rehearsing, rehearsing, rehearsing ... for the whole of eternity!

What a life!

However, I'm not complaining, kook(s). I enjoy the struggle, you dig? Imagine if it were easy to become a world-class singer/songwriter. 'Everyone would be fucking doing it, Mikey.' Exactly, Voice!

My first album - all written now - will be my rocket ship to another life. So, maybe it is rocket science, after all.

...

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

Wild World. Cat Stevens. / This is definitely Cat's best song.

Spaceship. Kanye West. / Oh, Kanye knows what I'm talking about. Big time.

Fire and Rain. James Taylor. / I'm not listening to depressing or melancholic songs no more, but, uh ... just this once, for old times' sake. [Yes, I'm really controlling my subconscious now. Actually, I'm hardly letting anything in, except those two audiobooks.] No, no, no. I'm cutting it short. Sorry, James, mate, but you need to cheer up a bit. Life is what you make it. FFS!

Calendar Girl. Neil Sedaka. / This is more like it! Neil's pop melodies are awesome.

Show Me The Way. Peter Frampton. / This is more like it, too! Oh, Peter went to school with David Bowie.

God Gave Rock and Roll To You. Argent. / Ha! One of those songs which is pretty naff, let's be honest, but it's great and you still want to listen to it.

...

And that's it, dear listener(s), for now. I'll be writing a conceptual later, No. ... whatever! / Maybe there will be some financial news tomorrow - if I'm in the mood for it, like.

Laters!

[No. 693] The world can do one

We need to focus.

And ... are YOU(!) with me?[1], and I'm talking about that cold world, yes, that awful world for squares[1], and ... are YOU(!) with me?[2], and ... what are you focusing on?[1], and I'm talking about that cold world, yes, that awful world for squares[2], and really?! Ha! Well, whatever[1], and ... what are you focusing on?[2], and, Christ - !!! ... Listen - !!![1], and really?! Ha! Well, whatever[2], and we must get a-ROUND ... oh, now more than ever, kook(s), and with more enthusiasm![1], and, Christ - !!! ... Listen - !!![2], and I hope you're passionate / and I hope you're insane, too[1], and we must get a-ROUND ... oh, now more than ever, kook(s), and with more enthusiasm![2], and this ... matters, you dig?[1], and I hope you're passionate / and I hope you're insane, too[2], and it only ...[1], and this ... matters, you dig?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it only makes sense to us[1], and it only ...[2], and, ha! ... sense to us[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it only makes sense to us[2], and I know you feel ... really feel ... just like me[1], and, ha! ... sense to us[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and we're so far away from grief[1], and I know you feel ... really feel ... just like me[2], and, come on ... look at the world, my friend(s)![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and we're so far away from grief[2], and ... 'It's shit, boss'[1], and, come on ... look at the world, my friend(s)![2], and we don't want to get involved in all kinds of nonsense that can only bring us down[1], and ... 'It's shit, boss'[2], and no, no, no ... NO - !!![1], and we don't want to get involved in all kinds of nonsense that can only bring us down[2], and squares can't spin / and they wouldn't know where to start[1], and no, no, no ... NO - !!![2], and ... those guys, seriously![1], and squares can't spin / and they wouldn't know where to start[2], and this ... is our paradise, for now / and, but, but, BUT(!) ... beyond the THREE ... ... ... ?[1], and ... those guys, seriously![2], and ... be patient![1], and this ... is our paradise, for now / and, but, but, BUT(!) ... beyond the THREE ... ... ... ?[2], and we must focus on the prize, yes, the ultimate prize ...[1], and ... be patient![2], and one fine day, and one miracle of a spin ... who knows?! / and I can't promise anything[1], and we must focus on the prize, yes, th e ul timate pr ize ...[2], and ... do ... you ... believe?[1], and one fine day, and one miracle of a spin ... who knows?! / and I can't promise anything[2], and you've got to want it, real bad / and you can't be half-hearted, or half-brained[1], and ... do ... you ... believe?[2], and I know our souls will be fixed ...[1], and you've got to want it, real bad / and you can't be half-hearted, or half-brained[2], and we'll be happy, together, for eternity[1], and I know our souls will be fixed ...[2], and if you've got a better idea ... let's hear it![1], and we'll be happy, together, for eternity[2], and, ah ... silence ... thank you![1], and if you've got a better idea ... let's hear it![2], and ... are YOU(!) with me?[3], and, ah ... silence ... thank you![2], and I'm talking about that cold world, yes, that awful world for squares[3], and ... what are you focusing on?[3], and really?! Ha! Well, whatever[3], and, Christ - !!! ... Listen - !!![3], and we must get a-ROUND ... oh, now more than ever, kook(s), and with more enthusiasm![3], and I hope you're passionate / and I hope you're insane, too[3], and this ... matters, you dig?[3], and it only ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it only makes sense to us[3], and, ha! ... sense to us[3], and I know you feel ... really feel ... just like me[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and we're so far away from grief[3], and, come on ... look at the world, my friend(s)![3], and ... 'It's shit, boss'[3], and we don't want to get involved in all kinds of nonsense that can only bring us down[3], and no, no, no ... NO - !!![3], and squares can't spin / and they wouldn't know where to start[3], and ... those guys, seriously![3], and this ... is our paradise, for now / and, but, but, BUT(!) ... beyond the THREE ... ... ... ?[3], and ... be patient![3], and we must focus on the prize, yes, t  h  e u  l  t  i  m  a  t  e p  r  i  z  e ...[3], and one fine day, and one miracle of a spin ... who knows?! / and I can't promise anything[3], and ... do ... you ... believe?[3], and you've got to want it, real bad / and you can't be half-hearted, or half-brained[3], and I know our souls will be fixed ...[3], and we'll be happy, together, for eternity[3], and if you've got a better idea ... let's hear it![3], and, ah ... silence ... thank you![3], and

And ... are YOU(!) with me?[1], and I'm talking about that cold world, yes, that awful world for squares[1], and ... are YOU(!) with me?[2], and ... what are you focusing on?[1], and I'm talking about that cold world, yes, that awful world for squares[2], and really?! Ha! Well, whatever[1], and ... what are you focusing on?[2], and, Christ - !!! ... Listen - !!![1], and really?! Ha! Well, whatever[2], and we must get a-ROUND ... oh, now more than ever, kook(s), and with more enthusiasm![1], and, Christ - !!! ... Listen - !!![2], and I hope you're passionate / and I hope you're insane, too[1], and we must get a-ROUND ... oh, now more than ever, kook(s), and with more enthusiasm![2], and this ... matters, you dig?[1], and I hope you're passionate / and I hope you're insane, too[2], and it only ...[1], and this ... matters, you dig?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it only makes sense to us[1], and it only ...[2], and, ha! ... sense to us[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it only makes sense to us[2], and I know you feel ... really feel ... just like me[1], and, ha! ... sense to us[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and we're so far away from grief[1], and I know you feel ... really feel ... just like me[2], and, come on ... look at the world, my friend(s)![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and we're so far away from grief[2], and ... 'It's shit, boss'[1], and, come on ... look at the world, my friend(s)![2], and we don't want to get involved in all kinds of nonsense that can only bring us down[1], and ... 'It's shit, boss'[2], and no, no, no ... NO - !!![1], and we don't want to get involved in all kinds of nonsense that can only bring us down[2], and squares can't spin / and they wouldn't know where to start[1], and no, no, no ... NO - !!![2], and ... those guys, seriously![1], and squares can't spin / and they wouldn't know where to start[2], and this ... is our paradise, for now / and, but, but, BUT(!) ... beyond the THREE ... ... ... ?[1], and ... those guys, seriously![2], and ... be patient![1], and this ... is our paradise, for now / and, but, but, BUT(!) ... beyond the THREE ... ... ... ?[2], and we must focus on the prize, yes, the ultimate prize ...[1], and ... be patient![2], and one fine day, and one miracle of a spin ... who knows?! / and I can't promise anything[1], and we must focus on the prize, yes, th e ul timate pr ize ...[2], and ... do ... you ... believe?[1], and one fine day, and one miracle of a spin ... who knows?! / and I can't promise anything[2], and you've got to want it, real bad / and you can't be half-hearted, or half-brained[1], and ... do ... you ... believe?[2], and I know our souls will be fixed ...[1], and you've got to want it, real bad / and you can't be half-hearted, or half-brained[2], and we'll be happy, together, for eternity[1], and I know our souls will be fixed ...[2], and if you've got a better idea ... let's hear it![1], and we'll be happy, together, for eternity[2], and, ah ... silence ... thank you![1], and if you've got a better idea ... let's hear it![2], and ... are YOU(!) with me?[3], and, ah ... silence ... thank you![2], and I'm talking about that cold world, yes, that awful world for squares[3], and ... what are you focusing on?[3], and really?! Ha! Well, whatever[3], and, Christ - !!! ... Listen - !!![3], and we must get a-ROUND ... oh, now more than ever, kook(s), and with more enthusiasm![3], and I hope you're passionate / and I hope you're insane, too[3], and this ... matters, you dig?[3], and it only ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it only makes sense to us[3], and, ha! ... sense to us[3], and I know you feel ... really feel ... just like me[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and we're so far away from grief[3], and, come on ... look at the world, my friend(s)![3], and ... 'It's shit, boss'[3], and we don't want to get involved in all kinds of nonsense that can only bring us down[3], and no, no, no ... NO - !!![3], and squares can't spin / and they wouldn't know where to start[3], and ... those guys, seriously![3], and this ... is our paradise, for now / and, but, but, BUT(!) ... beyond the THREE ... ... ... ?[3], and ... be patient![3], and we must focus on the prize, yes, t  h  e u  l  t  i  m  a  t  e p  r  i  z  e ...[3], and one fine day, and one miracle of a spin ... who knows?! / and I can't promise anything[3], and ... do ... you ... believe?[3], and you've got to want it, real bad / and you can't be half-hearted, or half-brained[3], and I know our souls will be fixed ...[3], and we'll be happy, together, for eternity[3], and if you've got a better idea ... let's hear it![3], and, ah ... silence ... thank you![3], and

And ... are YOU(!) with me?[1], and I'm talking about that cold world, yes, that awful world for squares[1], and ... are YOU(!) with me?[2], and ... what are you focusing on?[1], and I'm talking about that cold world, yes, that awful world for squares[2], and really?! Ha! Well, whatever[1], and ... what are you focusing on?[2], and, Christ - !!! ... Listen - !!![1], and really?! Ha! Well, whatever[2], and we must get a-ROUND ... oh, now more than ever, kook(s), and with more enthusiasm![1], and, Christ - !!! ... Listen - !!![2], and I hope you're passionate / and I hope you're insane, too[1], and we must get a-ROUND ... oh, now more than ever, kook(s), and with more enthusiasm![2], and this ... matters, you dig?[1], and I hope you're passionate / and I hope you're insane, too[2], and it only ...[1], and this ... matters, you dig?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it only makes sense to us[1], and it only ...[2], and, ha! ... sense to us[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it only makes sense to us[2], and I know you feel ... really feel ... just like me[1], and, ha! ... sense to us[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and we're so far away from grief[1], and I know you feel ... really feel ... just like me[2], and, come on ... look at the world, my friend(s)![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and we're so far away from grief[2], and ... 'It's shit, boss'[1], and, come on ... look at the world, my friend(s)![2], and we don't want to get involved in all kinds of nonsense that can only bring us down[1], and ... 'It's shit, boss'[2], and no, no, no ... NO - !!![1], and we don't want to get involved in all kinds of nonsense that can only bring us down[2], and squares can't spin / and they wouldn't know where to start[1], and no, no, no ... NO - !!![2], and ... those guys, seriously![1], and squares can't spin / and they wouldn't know where to start[2], and this ... is our paradise, for now / and, but, but, BUT(!) ... beyond the THREE ... ... ... ?[1], and ... those guys, seriously![2], and ... be patient![1], and this ... is our paradise, for now / and, but, but, BUT(!) ... beyond the THREE ... ... ... ?[2], and we must focus on the prize, yes, the ultimate prize ...[1], and ... be patient![2], and one fine day, and one miracle of a spin ... who knows?! / and I can't promise anything[1], and we must focus on the prize, yes, th e ul timate pr ize ...[2], and ... do ... you ... believe?[1], and one fine day, and one miracle of a spin ... who knows?! / and I can't promise anything[2], and you've got to want it, real bad / and you can't be half-hearted, or half-brained[1], and ... do ... you ... believe?[2], and I know our souls will be fixed ...[1], and you've got to want it, real bad / and you can't be half-hearted, or half-brained[2], and we'll be happy, together, for eternity[1], and I know our souls will be fixed ...[2], and if you've got a better idea ... let's hear it![1], and we'll be happy, together, for eternity[2], and, ah ... silence ... thank you![1], and if you've got a better idea ... let's hear it![2], and ... are YOU(!) with me?[3], and, ah ... silence ... thank you![2], and I'm talking about that cold world, yes, that awful world for squares[3], and ... what are you focusing on?[3], and really?! Ha! Well, whatever[3], and, Christ - !!! ... Listen - !!![3], and we must get a-ROUND ... oh, now more than ever, kook(s), and with more enthusiasm![3], and I hope you're passionate / and I hope you're insane, too[3], and this ... matters, you dig?[3], and it only ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it only makes sense to us[3], and, ha! ... sense to us[3], and I know you feel ... really feel ... just like me[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and we're so far away from grief[3], and, come on ... look at the world, my friend(s)![3], and ... 'It's shit, boss'[3], and we don't want to get involved in all kinds of nonsense that can only bring us down[3], and no, no, no ... NO - !!![3], and squares can't spin / and they wouldn't know where to start[3], and ... those guys, seriously![3], and this ... is our paradise, for now / and, but, but, BUT(!) ... beyond the THREE ... ... ... ?[3], and ... be patient![3], and we must focus on the prize, yes, t  h  e u  l  t  i  m  a  t  e p  r  i  z  e ...[3], and one fine day, and one miracle of a spin ... who knows?! / and I can't promise anything[3], and ... do ... you ... believe?[3], and you've got to want it, real bad / and you can't be half-hearted, or half-brained[3], and I know our souls will be fixed ...[3], and we'll be happy, together, for eternity[3], and if you've got a better idea ... let's hear it![3], and, ah ... silence ... thank you![3], and

Solar power expansion!

Oh, in Africa. That's all right, ain't it?

Lagos, 21.03.2019 - The African solar energy company, Daystar Power has closed a $10 million USD investment with Verod Capital Management and Persistent Energy Capital LLC and has lined up an additional $16 million in debt financing to accelerate its expansion across West Africa. The deal will allow Daystar Power to expand its offering of Solar Power Solution for Commercial and Industrial customers across the region.

So, uh ... 'Old news, boss!' What?! Only four days, idiot! I'm not running a newswire here. I like to take my time. Think things over, you know?

Daystar Power is a leading West African solar energy company providing African companies and institutions, including banking, consumer goods, agriculture and manufacturing clients with complete power solutions using solar energy. The solutions provide Daystar Power's corporate clients with a reliable source of energy, whilst significantly reducing their operating costs and minimizing the use of diesel generators to power their operations. Daystar Power was founded in Lagos in 2017 by Christian Wessels and Jasper Graf von Hardenberg and incubated by African venture builder, Sunray Ventures.

So, uh ... 'What are your thoughts then, boss?' Pardon, Voice? 'You said you like to take your time, think things over. So what are your thoughts?' Well, okay, I'm thinking ... that I should definitely record my songs this week. 'Oh, right.' I mean, I should be able to get "great" performances now, but not "perfect" ones. 'Perfection is bullshit, man. Look at Steely Dan.' They're all right, Voice. 'Oh, yes. They're all right, sure. But where's the soul? Where's the passion?' I know, I know. There isn't any. / Anyway, what does Christian Wessels say about it? Greatness or perfection? [Can't we have both?] Come on, son!

Christian Wessels, Founder and Executive Chairman at Daystar Power, says: "Daystar Power provides Solar Power Solutions to leading companies in Nigeria and West-Africa, including banking, consumer goods, agriculture and manufacturing clients. We save our customers regularly up to 25% of their energy costs, whilst providing them with a reliable source of energy at close to 100% uptime across all our installed systems."

Oh, for crying out loud! 'Boss, he isn't interested.' Ah, I'll tell you who will be interested. 'Who?' Jasper Graf von Hardenberg. 'Ha! Forget about it! He's just like Christian. He only wants to talk about his solar power business.' No, no. I've got a good feeling about our Jasper, Voice. Here we go -

Jasper Graf von Hardenberg, Chief Executive Officer of Daystar Power, says: "The additional capital raised by Daystar Power will accelerate our growth and help us satisfy the significant demand we see among West African corporates for solar power solutions that reduce both cost and carbon footprint. With Verod Capital Management, one of West Africa's leading private equity investors and Persistent, a leading investor and venture builder in the off-grid sector, we have attracted two major investors which share our excitement for solar power for commercial and industrial customers in Africa."

Christ. I mean ... why do I bother? 'Ha! Try Danny.' Who?! 'Daniel Adeoye from Verod Capital Management.' No. What's the point? 'Just try. Go on!' All right.

Daniel Adeoye, Senior Investment Manager at Verod Capital Management, says: "This deal is a landmark moment for the solar industry in West Africa and is a testament to Verod's belief that the future of Africa's energy supply is and must be renewable. The private sector can lead our transition to a low carbon economy. Daystar is pioneering the supply of low-cost hybrid solar power, and we look forward to helping to fulfill the company's potential and driving swift growth and expansion. And, oh ... I haven't got any time for Steely Dan."

Okay, okay. Thank you, Mr Adeoye. That's better than nothing, I suppose.

...

Anything else? Brexit? Trump? I don't care. Listen, kook(s), I'm so fanatical about my music now that ... the world can just do one. Do you know what I mean? Enough is enough - !!!

So, after I've done my recordings, I want to start writing the music for the "world-beaters" on a second album. I've got five such songs for the first album. I'd like another five. I don't need the lyrics yet. It will be better to write the lyrics after some new experiences, you dig? But I need the music. It will take the pressure off me later when I'll be expected to deliver the goods again. / I've got so many things to do, man! I want to improve my guitar playing even more, too.

Laters!

What would you do if you won the lottery?

Personally, I don't do it, dear reader(s), the lottery. Never have done. Listen, I don't want to win money. I want to earn it. But, you know, some people like it. Each to their own. You dig?

Following today's announcement of the EuroMillions lottery winner of £71 million deciding to go public, please see new data below detailing how 1 in 10 people in the UK would do the same by going public if they won the lottery.

Yeah, PR email. A strange one, really.

The survey of more than 2,000 adults also shows how they'd be even more likely to go public if an element of TV/media fame was involved.

Okay, okay. What is being promoted here? I have absolutely no idea.

Please let me know if you require any further information.

No, that's all right, Hayley.

10% of UK adults admit that they would 'go public' if they won £1 million or more on the lottery.

Yeah, so you've said, but ...

The study also shows that the equivalent of 1,263,210 adults in the UK would willingly give up their privacy for the chance to be in the news and on television if they won a seven-figure jackpot. Almost twice as many men (3.4%) seek the limelight compared to women (1.8%).

Okay, but, uh ...

The top five most common reasons that would encourage winners of £1m to go public include:

As long as I have control over it (12.3%)

Recognition for a large charitable donation (5.9%)

To show others that winning the jackpot can be done (5.8%)

To gain help with accounting and banking (5.6%)

To draw attention for a business that might be set up with the winnings (5.3%)

Younger generations seem to crave the limelight most with 16.4% of 18-24-year-olds that would choose to go public, compared to just 3% of over 55s.

Well, well ... / I suppose the PR firm is trying to get more people to do the lottery, and they're just using this "interesting" data to get us, er ... interested - ? I don't know. I'm still not doing the lottery.

...

Anything else? Well, I've bought the audiobook of Jordan Belfort's Way of the Wolf. I already had the paperback and eBook. So, what I'm going to do now is ... listen to this book and the Vance/Musk one at the same time. On a loop, forever. 'What?!' Yeah, yeah. God knows what will happen to my mind, but I'm past caring, man. I actually think the two books will be a very powerful combination. / Oh, by the way, kook(s), the Belfort book teaches the Straight Line system. It's not his autobiography. I don't want all that shit in my head. Do you know what I mean? 'Ha!' Yes, Voice, ha!

...

I've been thinking about our Elon's plans for Mars. He reckons tickets to live there could cost as little as a million dollars, or half a million dollars. 'Great!' It's basically going to be an upper middle class ghetto for doctors, lawyers, accountants, bankers, and certain journalists (the ones with the silver spoons). But who's going to do all the blue-collar work? Who's going to clean the toilets, cook the food, do the laundry, sweep the roads - yes, the Martian roads - empty the bins, stack the shelves, etc, etc ... ?

Never mind.

...

Right. This is the last post of the week. A bit early. I've been working hard! / So, uh ... laters! 'Bye!'

Nothing in particular, actually

Deal with it!

I don't know what to say, what to write about, dear reader(s).

I mean, writing about another fund won't change anything in anyone's life, will it?

You need to grow up, man, if you think that hearing about some financial news is going to mean anything to you ... personally, like. You can live without it. I know I can.

So, it's just this.

Wow! Eh?

The weather ain't shit. It was summer three weeks ago. What is it now? Winter again?

Talking about the weather. That's desperate.

I don't know. I just don't know. You dig? / You don't talk much, do you? Uh.

Listen. I can't do this forever, son. Daughter. And if I wasn't doing this, I'd be making more progress with my music.

Anyway, that Tim guy's advice in the video the other day has helped a bit. (Follow the link in that post, if you want.) He says play to win. Don't play not to lose. And with my rehearsing/recording that means ... don't try to be merely competent. I'm already playing to win with my writing.

Well, well ... / Should I put some music on now? I'm not sure I'm in the mood this morning.

Maybe we should just sit here, there, in silence.

...

...

...

For fuck's sake! This isn't a Harold Pinter play.

Music!

Listen to these two songs, kook(s) [the performances, not the writing] -

Blowin' in the Wind. Bob Dylan. / Playing not to lose.

Redemption Song. Bob Marley. / Playing to win.

Can you tell the difference?

A bit unfair, maybe. Marley is the better singer. But both songs are great.

...

Anyway, what else can I [we] listen to?

I've tried listening to my 2016 demo. I can't. Those songs are B-sides now. They won't be on any album.

Oh, there's some guy on Twitter. [There's a few guys, actually.] He has recorded two or three albums. [They all have!] He has supported big name artists at gigs. He's trying to stay positive. But NOTHING is happening. His songs are too weak. I can't listen to them. His singles aren't even good enough to be Oasis B-sides.

Is playing not to lose sometimes all you've got? Christ. I don't know. An iron will can make you more talented. I think it's a choice. Maybe. What do I know?!

Listen, I'm afraid - and this is harsh - you need to be outstanding, my friend(s).

Go big, or go home.

Laters.

[No. 692] The line is straight

I'm going all the way. Are you?

And ... are YOU(!) listening?![1], and, or ... reading, with your eyes closed?[1], and ... are YOU(!) listening?![2], and the time for games is over![1], and, or ... reading, with your eyes closed?[2], and, well, well, the line gets a-ROUND, sure ...[1], and the time for games is over![2], and, so ...[1], and, well, well, the line gets a-ROUND, sure ...[2], and, come on, kook(s) ... we gotta be serious, ah, so, so, so serious, you dig?[1], and, so ...[2], and the time for greatness is here[1], and, come on, kook(s) ... we gotta be serious, ah, so, so, so serious, you dig?[2], and ... believe it, baby![1], and the time for greatness is here[2], and the place for greatness is, uh ... here ... ha! / and, I mean, obviously, where else?![1], and ... believe it, baby![2], and not over there, Christ![1], and the place for greatness is, uh ... here ... ha! / and, I mean, obviously, where else?![2], and, come on, we love our lives ... don't we?[1], and not over there, Christ![2], and ... 'Big time!'[1], and, come on, we love our lives ... don't we?[2], and, yes, yes, all this, it's hot, BUT(!) ...[1], and ... 'Big time!'[2], and the squares will never know, never understand ...why our world is so cool, but not cold[1], and, yes, yes, all this, it's hot, BUT(!) ...[2], and ... 'Shame!'[1], and the squares will never know, never understand ...why our world is so cool, but not cold[2], and one day, one day ... we'll get beyond that THREE[1], and ... 'Shame!'[2], and can you feel it?[1], and one day, one day ... we'll get beyond that TH REE[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it gets in your bones, oh yes[1], and can you feel it?[2], and your soul[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it gets in your bones, oh yes[2], and we go along, and then we get back ... to where we were / and it's a strange line, man[1], and your soul[2], and ... 'Damn strange, Mikey!'[1], and we go along, and then we get back ... to where we were / and it's a strange line, man[2], and, well ...[1], and ... 'Damn strange, Mikey!'[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... it will take us straight to paradise / and, yes, yes, yes, I'm absolutely convinced[1], and, well ...[2], and one day, one day ...[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... it will take us straight to paradise / and, yes, yes, yes, I'm absolutely convinced[2], and I see my light come shining / and, uh ... where is your light, kook(s)?[1], and one day, one day ...[2], and you're so quiet[1], and I see my light come shining / and, uh ... where is your light, kook(s)?[2], and ... 'It should be the same, boss' / and, yes, Voice, it should be / and we're all in this together[1], and you're so quiet[2], and it's nice that some ... one/thing speaks to me[1], and ... 'It should be the same, boss' / and, yes, Voice, it should be / and we're all in this together[2], and ... again?[1], and it's nice that some ... one/thing speaks to me[2], and ... are YOU(!) listening?![3], and ... again?[2], and, or ... reading, with your eyes closed?[3], and the time for games is over![3], and, well, well, the line gets a-ROUND, sure ...[3], and, so ...[3], and, come on, kook(s) ... we gotta be serious, ah, so, so, so serious, you dig?[3], and the time for greatness is here[3], and ... believe it, baby![3], and the place for greatness is, uh ... here ... ha! / and, I mean, obviously, where else?![3], and not over there, Christ![3], and, come on, we love our lives ... don't we?[3], and ... 'Big time!'[3], and, yes, yes, all this, it's hot, BUT(!) ...[3], and the squares will never know, never understand ...why our world is so cool, but not cold[3], and ... 'Shame!'[3], and one day, one day ... we'll get beyond that T  H  R  E  E[3], and can you feel it?[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it gets in your bones, oh yes[3], and your soul[3], and we go along, and then we get back ... to where we were / and it's a strange line, man[3], and ... 'Damn strange, Mikey!'[3], and, well ...[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... it will take us straight to paradise / and, yes, yes, yes, I'm absolutely convinced[3], and one day, one day ...[3], and I see my light come shining / and, uh ... where is your light, kook(s)?[3], and you're so quiet[3], and ... 'It should be the same, boss' / and, yes, Voice, it should be / and we're all in this together[3], and it's nice that some ... one/thing speaks to me[3], and ... again?[3], and

And ... are YOU(!) listening?![1], and, or ... reading, with your eyes closed?[1], and ... are YOU(!) listening?![2], and the time for games is over![1], and, or ... reading, with your eyes closed?[2], and, well, well, the line gets a-ROUND, sure ...[1], and the time for games is over![2], and, so ...[1], and, well, well, the line gets a-ROUND, sure ...[2], and, come on, kook(s) ... we gotta be serious, ah, so, so, so serious, you dig?[1], and, so ...[2], and the time for greatness is here[1], and, come on, kook(s) ... we gotta be serious, ah, so, so, so serious, you dig?[2], and ... believe it, baby![1], and the time for greatness is here[2], and the place for greatness is, uh ... here ... ha! / and, I mean, obviously, where else?![1], and ... believe it, baby![2], and not over there, Christ![1], and the place for greatness is, uh ... here ... ha! / and, I mean, obviously, where else?![2], and, come on, we love our lives ... don't we?[1], and not over there, Christ![2], and ... 'Big time!'[1], and, come on, we love our lives ... don't we?[2], and, yes, yes, all this, it's hot, BUT(!) ...[1], and ... 'Big time!'[2], and the squares will never know, never understand ...why our world is so cool, but not cold[1], and, yes, yes, all this, it's hot, BUT(!) ...[2], and ... 'Shame!'[1], and the squares will never know, never understand ...why our world is so cool, but not cold[2], and one day, one day ... we'll get beyond that THREE[1], and ... 'Shame!'[2], and can you feel it?[1], and one day, one day ... we'll get beyond that TH REE[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it gets in your bones, oh yes[1], and can you feel it?[2], and your soul[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it gets in your bones, oh yes[2], and we go along, and then we get back ... to where we were / and it's a strange line, man[1], and your soul[2], and ... 'Damn strange, Mikey!'[1], and we go along, and then we get back ... to where we were / and it's a strange line, man[2], and, well ...[1], and ... 'Damn strange, Mikey!'[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... it will take us straight to paradise / and, yes, yes, yes, I'm absolutely convinced[1], and, well ...[2], and one day, one day ...[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... it will take us straight to paradise / and, yes, yes, yes, I'm absolutely convinced[2], and I see my light come shining / and, uh ... where is your light, kook(s)?[1], and one day, one day ...[2], and you're so quiet[1], and I see my light come shining / and, uh ... where is your light, kook(s)?[2], and ... 'It should be the same, boss' / and, yes, Voice, it should be / and we're all in this together[1], and you're so quiet[2], and it's nice that some ... one/thing speaks to me[1], and ... 'It should be the same, boss' / and, yes, Voice, it should be / and we're all in this together[2], and ... again?[1], and it's nice that some ... one/thing speaks to me[2], and ... are YOU(!) listening?![3], and ... again?[2], and, or ... reading, with your eyes closed?[3], and the time for games is over![3], and, well, well, the line gets a-ROUND, sure ...[3], and, so ...[3], and, come on, kook(s) ... we gotta be serious, ah, so, so, so serious, you dig?[3], and the time for greatness is here[3], and ... believe it, baby![3], and the place for greatness is, uh ... here ... ha! / and, I mean, obviously, where else?![3], and not over there, Christ![3], and, come on, we love our lives ... don't we?[3], and ... 'Big time!'[3], and, yes, yes, all this, it's hot, BUT(!) ...[3], and the squares will never know, never understand ...why our world is so cool, but not cold[3], and ... 'Shame!'[3], and one day, one day ... we'll get beyond that T  H  R  E  E[3], and can you feel it?[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it gets in your bones, oh yes[3], and your soul[3], and we go along, and then we get back ... to where we were / and it's a strange line, man[3], and ... 'Damn strange, Mikey!'[3], and, well ...[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... it will take us straight to paradise / and, yes, yes, yes, I'm absolutely convinced[3], and one day, one day ...[3], and I see my light come shining / and, uh ... where is your light, kook(s)?[3], and you're so quiet[3], and ... 'It should be the same, boss' / and, yes, Voice, it should be / and we're all in this together[3], and it's nice that some ... one/thing speaks to me[3], and ... again?[3], and

And ... are YOU(!) listening?![1], and, or ... reading, with your eyes closed?[1], and ... are YOU(!) listening?![2], and the time for games is over![1], and, or ... reading, with your eyes closed?[2], and, well, well, the line gets a-ROUND, sure ...[1], and the time for games is over![2], and, so ...[1], and, well, well, the line gets a-ROUND, sure ...[2], and, come on, kook(s) ... we gotta be serious, ah, so, so, so serious, you dig?[1], and, so ...[2], and the time for greatness is here[1], and, come on, kook(s) ... we gotta be serious, ah, so, so, so serious, you dig?[2], and ... believe it, baby![1], and the time for greatness is here[2], and the place for greatness is, uh ... here ... ha! / and, I mean, obviously, where else?![1], and ... believe it, baby![2], and not over there, Christ![1], and the place for greatness is, uh ... here ... ha! / and, I mean, obviously, where else?![2], and, come on, we love our lives ... don't we?[1], and not over there, Christ![2], and ... 'Big time!'[1], and, come on, we love our lives ... don't we?[2], and, yes, yes, all this, it's hot, BUT(!) ...[1], and ... 'Big time!'[2], and the squares will never know, never understand ...why our world is so cool, but not cold[1], and, yes, yes, all this, it's hot, BUT(!) ...[2], and ... 'Shame!'[1], and the squares will never know, never understand ...why our world is so cool, but not cold[2], and one day, one day ... we'll get beyond that THREE[1], and ... 'Shame!'[2], and can you feel it?[1], and one day, one day ... we'll get beyond that TH REE[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it gets in your bones, oh yes[1], and can you feel it?[2], and your soul[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it gets in your bones, oh yes[2], and we go along, and then we get back ... to where we were / and it's a strange line, man[1], and your soul[2], and ... 'Damn strange, Mikey!'[1], and we go along, and then we get back ... to where we were / and it's a strange line, man[2], and, well ...[1], and ... 'Damn strange, Mikey!'[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... it will take us straight to paradise / and, yes, yes, yes, I'm absolutely convinced[1], and, well ...[2], and one day, one day ...[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... it will take us straight to paradise / and, yes, yes, yes, I'm absolutely convinced[2], and I see my light come shining / and, uh ... where is your light, kook(s)?[1], and one day, one day ...[2], and you're so quiet[1], and I see my light come shining / and, uh ... where is your light, kook(s)?[2], and ... 'It should be the same, boss' / and, yes, Voice, it should be / and we're all in this together[1], and you're so quiet[2], and it's nice that some ... one/thing speaks to me[1], and ... 'It should be the same, boss' / and, yes, Voice, it should be / and we're all in this together[2], and ... again?[1], and it's nice that some ... one/thing speaks to me[2], and ... are YOU(!) listening?![3], and ... again?[2], and, or ... reading, with your eyes closed?[3], and the time for games is over![3], and, well, well, the line gets a-ROUND, sure ...[3], and, so ...[3], and, come on, kook(s) ... we gotta be serious, ah, so, so, so serious, you dig?[3], and the time for greatness is here[3], and ... believe it, baby![3], and the place for greatness is, uh ... here ... ha! / and, I mean, obviously, where else?![3], and not over there, Christ![3], and, come on, we love our lives ... don't we?[3], and ... 'Big time!'[3], and, yes, yes, all this, it's hot, BUT(!) ...[3], and the squares will never know, never understand ...why our world is so cool, but not cold[3], and ... 'Shame!'[3], and one day, one day ... we'll get beyond that T  H  R  E  E[3], and can you feel it?[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it gets in your bones, oh yes[3], and your soul[3], and we go along, and then we get back ... to where we were / and it's a strange line, man[3], and ... 'Damn strange, Mikey!'[3], and, well ...[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... it will take us straight to paradise / and, yes, yes, yes, I'm absolutely convinced[3], and one day, one day ...[3], and I see my light come shining / and, uh ... where is your light, kook(s)?[3], and you're so quiet[3], and ... 'It should be the same, boss' / and, yes, Voice, it should be / and we're all in this together[3], and it's nice that some ... one/thing speaks to me[3], and ... again?[3], and

No finance today

It's just one of those days, dear reader(s), when there isn't any financial news. And there's nothing I can do about it. 'Have you actually looked for news, boss?' Er ... no, Voice. No I haven't. 'Christ! / What about PR emails?' There were a few, but I didn't like the look of them. 'Oh.' / So, kook(s), I'm afraid it's just me with my thoughts. 'And me!' Yeah, and you.

Listen! I might stop listening to the Vance/Musk audiobook. 'Why?!' I'm just worried it might be driving me insane. 'Ha! There's no need for you to worry about that, boss.' Why not? Because I've got such a strong mind, you mean? 'No. Because you went insane years ago.' Oh, thanks. Thanks for that, man.

With friends like him ...

Uh. What should we talk about? 'Music!' Oh, I'm going to stop the music updates, reader(s). I'm just rehearsing all the time, anyway. And this is a finance blog. 'Ha!'

Actually, I don't need the Vance/Musk audiobook no more. I mean, it's a part of my soul now, you dig? What I would like is an audiobook of the Dylan Jones book on Bowie. However, there isn't one - yet. I hope the publishers are working on it.

There's an audiobook for Jack Kerouac's On The Road. I've read it three times. Oh, that's a book that just makes me want to run away, with a few pounds in my pocket, and some clothes in a rucksack. 'Where would you go?' Cornwall. / I'd take my guitar with me. I wouldn't have a care in the world.

Uh.

Instead of becoming a MASSIVE rock star, maybe I would be better off living the quiet life as a songwriter in Cornwall.

But ... my destiny?

I don't know. It will be amusing - to me, anyway - to become a rock star in my fifties. Just to prove it can be done. Just to prove that ANYTHING can be done. You dig?

...

I've been thinking. My last two songs, Malibu and Stella, were written using my Straight Line - adapted from Jordan Belfort, obviously. Yes, it works! I don't want to give too much away. I'll just say to you ... micro-inspirations. That's all. 'Say more than that, boss!' All right. Looping. But that's it.

It means I can write great songs whenever I choose to, as long as there is an initial spark of high-quality inspiration. Malibu started with a chord sequence that captured my imagination. Stella started with a little melody that appeared during a brief blackout I had.

And all those dream tunes? I've only used one of them, for Lucky You. The rest weren't suitable, or I forgot them. I would like more. And I know how to get them, too. This may sound fucking crazy, but ... you've just got to put an order in. I mean, last night, before I fell asleep, I said to myself that I wanted a new tune. A few hours later, I got one! And I played it over and over in my head, and then rejected it ... while I was still sleeping. / NOW ... tell me, tell me, I'm not a total nutcase, reader(s). Please! 'Ha!' PLEASE - !!!

Ah, laters!

[No. 691] Spin to win!

I

Are you spinning to win?

And ... oh, baby![1], and, uh ... look at yourself, please![1], and ... oh, baby![2], and don't worry about, oh, Christ ... what the squares are doing[1], and, uh ... look at yourself, please![2], and listen to me![1], and don't worry about, oh, Christ ... what the squares are doing[2], and time is passing, you dig?[1], and listen to me![2], and a-ROUND here ... tell me, tell me ... how DIZZY(!) are you, exactly?[1], and time is passing, you dig?[2], and ... very, I hope[1], and a-ROUND here ... tell me, tell me ... how DIZZY(!) are you, exactly?[2], and ... what do you want?![1], and ... very, I hope[2], and you will not find happiness in the COLD WORLD / and everyone is losing there[1], and ... what do you want?![2], and this ... is as good as it gets[1], and you will not find happiness in the COLD WORLD / and everyone is losing there[2], and don't waste your time with normal people who don't love you the way I do[1], and this ... is as good as it gets[2], and this ... is magical - !!![1], and don't waste your time with normal people who don't love you the way I do[2], and when you're sad, and when you're lonely ... I'll be here, and you'll be here[1], and this ... is magical - !!![2], and, so ... everything will be okay[1], and when you're sad, and when you're lonely ... I'll be here, and you'll be here[2], and we've got the HOT COSMOS[1], and, so ... everything will be okay[2], and we are special, actually, so very special[1], and we've got the H OT CO SMOS[2], and, come on, come on, come on! ... yes, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND[1], and we are special, actually, so very special[2], and it's a genuine pleasure, ain't it?[1], and, come on, come on, come on! ... yes, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND[2], and ... SPIN - !!![1], and it's a genuine pleasure, ain't it?[2], and if I win, you'll win ... and then we'll be together, in paradise ... ?[1], and ... SP IN - !!![2], and smile, yes, and break the words ... to find the greatest love of all times - !!![1], and if I win, you'll win ... and then we'll be together, in paradise ... ?[2], and ... well, well, well[1], and smile, yes, and break the words ... to find the greatest love of all times - !!![2], and ... oh, baby![3], and ... well, well, well[2], and, uh ... look at yourself, please![3], and don't worry about, oh, Christ ... what the squares are doing[3], and listen to me![3], and time is passing, you dig?[3], and a-ROUND here ... tell me, tell me ... how DIZZY(!) are you, exactly?[3], and ... very, I hope[3], and ... what do you want?![3], and you will not find happiness in the COLD WORLD / and everyone is losing there[3], and this ... is as good as it gets[3], and don't waste your time with normal people who don't love you the way I do[3], and this ... is magical - !!![3], and when you're sad, and when you're lonely ... I'll be here, and you'll be here[3], and, so ... everything will be okay[3], and we've got the H  O  T C  O  S  M  O  S[3], and we are special, actually, so very special[3], and, come on, come on, come on! ... yes, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND[3], and it's a genuine pleasure, ain't it?[3], and ... S  P  I  N - !!![3], and if I win, you'll win ... and then we'll be together, in paradise ... ?[3], and smile, yes, and break the words ... to find the greatest love of all times - !!![3], and ... well, well, well[3], and

And ... oh, baby![1], and, uh ... look at yourself, please![1], and ... oh, baby![2], and don't worry about, oh, Christ ... what the squares are doing[1], and, uh ... look at yourself, please![2], and listen to me![1], and don't worry about, oh, Christ ... what the squares are doing[2], and time is passing, you dig?[1], and listen to me![2], and a-ROUND here ... tell me, tell me ... how DIZZY(!) are you, exactly?[1], and time is passing, you dig?[2], and ... very, I hope[1], and a-ROUND here ... tell me, tell me ... how DIZZY(!) are you, exactly?[2], and ... what do you want?![1], and ... very, I hope[2], and you will not find happiness in the COLD WORLD / and everyone is losing there[1], and ... what do you want?![2], and this ... is as good as it gets[1], and you will not find happiness in the COLD WORLD / and everyone is losing there[2], and don't waste your time with normal people who don't love you the way I do[1], and this ... is as good as it gets[2], and this ... is magical - !!![1], and don't waste your time with normal people who don't love you the way I do[2], and when you're sad, and when you're lonely ... I'll be here, and you'll be here[1], and this ... is magical - !!![2], and, so ... everything will be okay[1], and when you're sad, and when you're lonely ... I'll be here, and you'll be here[2], and we've got the HOT COSMOS[1], and, so ... everything will be okay[2], and we are special, actually, so very special[1], and we've got the H OT CO SMOS[2], and, come on, come on, come on! ... yes, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND[1], and we are special, actually, so very special[2], and it's a genuine pleasure, ain't it?[1], and, come on, come on, come on! ... yes, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND[2], and ... SPIN - !!![1], and it's a genuine pleasure, ain't it?[2], and if I win, you'll win ... and then we'll be together, in paradise ... ?[1], and ... SP IN - !!![2], and smile, yes, and break the words ... to find the greatest love of all times - !!![1], and if I win, you'll win ... and then we'll be together, in paradise ... ?[2], and ... well, well, well[1], and smile, yes, and break the words ... to find the greatest love of all times - !!![2], and ... oh, baby![3], and ... well, well, well[2], and, uh ... look at yourself, please![3], and don't worry about, oh, Christ ... what the squares are doing[3], and listen to me![3], and time is passing, you dig?[3], and a-ROUND here ... tell me, tell me ... how DIZZY(!) are you, exactly?[3], and ... very, I hope[3], and ... what do you want?![3], and you will not find happiness in the COLD WORLD / and everyone is losing there[3], and this ... is as good as it gets[3], and don't waste your time with normal people who don't love you the way I do[3], and this ... is magical - !!![3], and when you're sad, and when you're lonely ... I'll be here, and you'll be here[3], and, so ... everything will be okay[3], and we've got the H  O  T C  O  S  M  O  S[3], and we are special, actually, so very special[3], and, come on, come on, come on! ... yes, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND[3], and it's a genuine pleasure, ain't it?[3], and ... S  P  I  N - !!![3], and if I win, you'll win ... and then we'll be together, in paradise ... ?[3], and smile, yes, and break the words ... to find the greatest love of all times - !!![3], and ... well, well, well[3], and

And ... oh, baby![1], and, uh ... look at yourself, please![1], and ... oh, baby![2], and don't worry about, oh, Christ ... what the squares are doing[1], and, uh ... look at yourself, please![2], and listen to me![1], and don't worry about, oh, Christ ... what the squares are doing[2], and time is passing, you dig?[1], and listen to me![2], and a-ROUND here ... tell me, tell me ... how DIZZY(!) are you, exactly?[1], and time is passing, you dig?[2], and ... very, I hope[1], and a-ROUND here ... tell me, tell me ... how DIZZY(!) are you, exactly?[2], and ... what do you want?![1], and ... very, I hope[2], and you will not find happiness in the COLD WORLD / and everyone is losing there[1], and ... what do you want?![2], and this ... is as good as it gets[1], and you will not find happiness in the COLD WORLD / and everyone is losing there[2], and don't waste your time with normal people who don't love you the way I do[1], and this ... is as good as it gets[2], and this ... is magical - !!![1], and don't waste your time with normal people who don't love you the way I do[2], and when you're sad, and when you're lonely ... I'll be here, and you'll be here[1], and this ... is magical - !!![2], and, so ... everything will be okay[1], and when you're sad, and when you're lonely ... I'll be here, and you'll be here[2], and we've got the HOT COSMOS[1], and, so ... everything will be okay[2], and we are special, actually, so very special[1], and we've got the H OT CO SMOS[2], and, come on, come on, come on! ... yes, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND[1], and we are special, actually, so very special[2], and it's a genuine pleasure, ain't it?[1], and, come on, come on, come on! ... yes, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND[2], and ... SPIN - !!![1], and it's a genuine pleasure, ain't it?[2], and if I win, you'll win ... and then we'll be together, in paradise ... ?[1], and ... SP IN - !!![2], and smile, yes, and break the words ... to find the greatest love of all times - !!![1], and if I win, you'll win ... and then we'll be together, in paradise ... ?[2], and ... well, well, well[1], and smile, yes, and break the words ... to find the greatest love of all times - !!![2], and ... oh, baby![3], and ... well, well, well[2], and, uh ... look at yourself, please![3], and don't worry about, oh, Christ ... what the squares are doing[3], and listen to me![3], and time is passing, you dig?[3], and a-ROUND here ... tell me, tell me ... how DIZZY(!) are you, exactly?[3], and ... very, I hope[3], and ... what do you want?![3], and you will not find happiness in the COLD WORLD / and everyone is losing there[3], and this ... is as good as it gets[3], and don't waste your time with normal people who don't love you the way I do[3], and this ... is magical - !!![3], and when you're sad, and when you're lonely ... I'll be here, and you'll be here[3], and, so ... everything will be okay[3], and we've got the H  O  T C  O  S  M  O  S[3], and we are special, actually, so very special[3], and, come on, come on, come on! ... yes, a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND[3], and it's a genuine pleasure, ain't it?[3], and ... S  P  I  N - !!![3], and if I win, you'll win ... and then we'll be together, in paradise ... ?[3], and smile, yes, and break the words ... to find the greatest love of all times - !!![3], and ... well, well, well[3], and

II

Hold on to your hat! (Have you got a hat?)

And ... oh, bab                    y![1], and, uh ... l   ook at you   rs  elf, pl                  ease![1], and ... oh, b                         aby![2], and d        on't wo rry abo               ut, oh, C                hr                      ist ... w        hat the s    qua  res are d                       oing[1], and, uh ... loo           k at yo    urself, p          lease![2], and li           sten t      o me![1], and d          on't wo              rry abo ut, o  h, Ch         rist ... what the sq ua             res are doi                ng[2], and ti    me is p                     assing, you d                          ig?[1], and listen to me![2], and a-RO       UND h      ere ... t         ell me, t       ell me ... h         ow DI                ZZY(!) are you, e              xactly?[1], and tim  e is pa    ssing, yo  u di                 g?[2], and ... v           ery, I h        ope[1], and a-ROUND here ... tell m           e, tell me ... how DIZZY(!) are you, exactly?[2], and ... what do y               ou want?![1], and ... very, I hope[2], and you w               ill not find happi                n       ess in the CO        LD WOR                   LD / and eve ryone is l             osing th ere[1], and ... w             hat d           o you w                           ant?![2], and this ... is as g                           ood as it g             ets[1], and you will not find ha          ppin              ess in the C         OLD WO       RLD / and ever          yone is lo        sing th       ere[2], and do      n't w     aste your t             ime with n           ormal pe  ople w  ho don't lo   ve yo u the way I do[1], and t      hi       s ... is as goo          d as it ge   ts[2], and this ... is m                   agi                cal - !!![1], and don't wa               ste your ti                me with norm                 al pe       ople wh  o don't lo             ve you the w                     ay I do[2], and when you're s         ad, and when you're l                onely ... I'll be h         ere, and y   ou'll be here[1], and this ... is magi              cal - !!![2], and, so ... e  verything will be o            kay[1], and when you're sa             d, and w  hen you're lonel                         y ... I'll be here, and yo           u'll be here[2], and we've got the H                 O               T C           O       S       M         O           S[1], and, so ... eve           rything will be o         kay[2], and we are spe        cial, actu             ally, so very s              pecial[1], and we've g                           ot the H O                                 T C                               O SMOS[2], and, come on, co                            m               e on, co                me on! ... yes, a-ROU         ND, and a-RO          UND, and a-ROU        ND[1], and we are spe         cial, ac          tually, so v  ery spe       cial[2], and it's a gen     uine p        lea sure, a in't it?[1], and, co     me on, come on, come on! ... yes, a-RO         UND, and a-R     OUND, and a-R           OUND[2], and ... SP                                    IN - !!![1], and it's a genu   ine plea     sure, ain't it?[2], and if I win, you'll w                  in ... and t       hen        we'll       be       tog       ether, in pa  radise ... ?[1], and ... SP I                                            N - !!![2], a  nd smile, y  e         s, a    n  d b      reak the wo   rds ... to fi   nd the gre  atest lov  e of all t                  im       es - !!![1], and if I w in, you'll w              in ... and t           hen we'll b e      tog  ether, in pa   rad  ise ... ?[2], and ... w  ell, w  ell, w  ell[1], and smile, ye                    s, an d b  rea      k the w                     ords ... to fin                 d the gr      ea   test lo  ve of all ti                   mes - !!![2], and ... oh, ba  by![3], and ... well, well, w                       ell[2], and, uh ... l        ook at you     rself, pl  ease![3], and d          on't worr                  y ab         out, oh, Chris         t ... what the squa            res ar            e do       ing[3], and li  sten to me![3], and time is p              assing, y                               ou d          ig?[3], and a-ROU                            ND h         ere ... te           ll me, t              ell me ... how D                             IZ                     ZY(!) are y      ou, ex                    actly?[3], and ... ve                         ry, I h                        ope[3], and ... what do you w                                     ant?![3], and you will not fi nd h                          appin                    ess in the CO                             LD W                                    OR                                LD / and ever   yone is lo                 sing th                         ere[3], and this ... is as goo                                                                d as it g                   ets[3], and do                        n't w      aste yo ur ti                                              me w                                                      ith n          orm                                       al peo           ple w   ho d    on't lo                        ve yo  u the w                                   ay I d                                     o[3], and t                      hi             s ... is m                                                            agical - !!![3], and whe                     n y              ou're s                                                          ad, and whe                                           n y ou're lon                                                      ely ... I'll be h                 ere, and y                ou'll be h                                                                          ere[3], and, so ... eve                                rything w      ill be o                                              kay[3], and we'v            e g                 ot the H                                             O                                         T                                                 C                                             O                                                 S                                                               M                                                                                                   O  S[3], and w                                      e are sp                      ecial, act         ually, s   o very spec                       ial[3], and, co                        me o  n, c              ome o    n, c                                                         ome o n! ... y                        e                              s, a-RO                        UND, and a-RO                                                  UND, and a-ROU                                                                                              ND[3], and i                      t's a g                   en              uine p               lea sure, ai                                    n't it?[3], and ...                                                     S                                                     P                                                                                  I                                                       N - !!![3], and i                                          f I w                                                 i    n, y    ou'll wi                                                          n ... and th      en we'l                                                                                  l b  e t                                               og ether, i            n pa ra                                        dise ... ?[3], and smile, y                     e                         s, a n                                        d b            r                  e                 a              k th e w            o        r                                                     ds ... t o f                                                                                                                 ind th                      e g                                                   rea                                                        test lo    ve o       f a                                      ll ti                            m                                           es - !!![3], and ... w   ell, w   ell, w   ell[3], and

And ... oh, bab                    y![1], and, uh ... l   ook at you   rs  elf, pl                  ease![1], and ... oh, b                         aby![2], and d        on't wo rry abo               ut, oh, C                hr                      ist ... w        hat the s    qua  res are d                       oing[1], and, uh ... loo           k at yo    urself, p          lease![2], and li           sten t      o me![1], and d          on't wo              rry abo ut, o  h, Ch         rist ... what the sq ua             res are doi                ng[2], and ti    me is p                     assing, you d                          ig?[1], and listen to me![2], and a-RO       UND h      ere ... t         ell me, t       ell me ... h         ow DI                ZZY(!) are you, e              xactly?[1], and tim  e is pa    ssing, yo  u di                 g?[2], and ... v           ery, I h        ope[1], and a-ROUND here ... tell m           e, tell me ... how DIZZY(!) are you, exactly?[2], and ... what do y               ou want?![1], and ... very, I hope[2], and you w               ill not find happi                n       ess in the CO        LD WOR                   LD / and eve ryone is l             osing th ere[1], and ... w             hat d           o you w                           ant?![2], and this ... is as g                           ood as it g             ets[1], and you will not find ha          ppin              ess in the C         OLD WO       RLD / and ever          yone is lo        sing th       ere[2], and do      n't w     aste your t             ime with n           ormal pe  ople w  ho don't lo   ve yo u the way I do[1], and t      hi       s ... is as goo          d as it ge   ts[2], and this ... is m                   agi                cal - !!![1], and don't wa               ste your ti                me with norm                 al pe       ople wh  o don't lo             ve you the w                     ay I do[2], and when you're s         ad, and when you're l                onely ... I'll be h         ere, and y   ou'll be here[1], and this ... is magi              cal - !!![2], and, so ... e  verything will be o            kay[1], and when you're sa             d, and w  hen you're lonel                         y ... I'll be here, and yo           u'll be here[2], and we've got the H                 O               T C           O       S       M         O           S[1], and, so ... eve           rything will be o         kay[2], and we are spe        cial, actu             ally, so very s              pecial[1], and we've g                           ot the H O                                 T C                               O SMOS[2], and, come on, co                            m               e on, co                me on! ... yes, a-ROU         ND, and a-RO          UND, and a-ROU        ND[1], and we are spe         cial, ac          tually, so v  ery spe       cial[2], and it's a gen     uine p        lea sure, a in't it?[1], and, co     me on, come on, come on! ... yes, a-RO         UND, and a-R     OUND, and a-R           OUND[2], and ... SP                                    IN - !!![1], and it's a genu   ine plea     sure, ain't it?[2], and if I win, you'll w                  in ... and t       hen        we'll       be       tog       ether, in pa  radise ... ?[1], and ... SP I                                            N - !!![2], a  nd smile, y  e         s, a    n  d b      reak the wo   rds ... to fi   nd the gre  atest lov  e of all t                  im       es - !!![1], and if I w in, you'll w              in ... and t           hen we'll b e      tog  ether, in pa   rad  ise ... ?[2], and ... w  ell, w  ell, w  ell[1], and smile, ye                    s, an d b  rea      k the w                     ords ... to fin                 d the gr      ea   test lo  ve of all ti                   mes - !!![2], and ... oh, ba  by![3], and ... well, well, w                       ell[2], and, uh ... l        ook at you     rself, pl  ease![3], and d          on't worr                  y ab         out, oh, Chris         t ... what the squa            res ar            e do       ing[3], and li  sten to me![3], and time is p              assing, y                               ou d          ig?[3], and a-ROU                            ND h         ere ... te           ll me, t              ell me ... how D                             IZ                     ZY(!) are y      ou, ex                    actly?[3], and ... ve                         ry, I h                        ope[3], and ... what do you w                                     ant?![3], and you will not fi nd h                          appin                    ess in the CO                             LD W                                    OR                                LD / and ever   yone is lo                 sing th                         ere[3], and this ... is as goo                                                                d as it g                   ets[3], and do                        n't w      aste yo ur ti                                              me w                                                      ith n          orm                                       al peo           ple w   ho d    on't lo                        ve yo  u the w                                   ay I d                                     o[3], and t                      hi             s ... is m                                                            agical - !!![3], and whe                     n y              ou're s                                                          ad, and whe                                           n y ou're lon                                                      ely ... I'll be h                 ere, and y                ou'll be h                                                                          ere[3], and, so ... eve                                rything w      ill be o                                              kay[3], and we'v            e g                 ot the H                                             O                                         T                                                 C                                             O                                                 S                                                               M                                                                                                   O  S[3], and w                                      e are sp                      ecial, act         ually, s   o very spec                       ial[3], and, co                        me o  n, c              ome o    n, c                                                         ome o n! ... y                        e                              s, a-RO                        UND, and a-RO                                                  UND, and a-ROU                                                                                              ND[3], and i                      t's a g                   en              uine p               lea sure, ai                                    n't it?[3], and ...                                                     S                                                     P                                                                                  I                                                       N - !!![3], and i                                          f I w                                                 i    n, y    ou'll wi                                                          n ... and th      en we'l                                                                                  l b  e t                                               og ether, i            n pa ra                                        dise ... ?[3], and smile, y                     e                         s, a n                                        d b            r                  e                 a              k th e w            o        r                                                     ds ... t o f                                                                                                                 ind th                      e g                                                   rea                                                        test lo    ve o       f a                                      ll ti                            m                                           es - !!![3], and ... w   ell, w   ell, w   ell[3], and

And ... oh, bab                    y![1], and, uh ... l   ook at you   rs  elf, pl                  ease![1], and ... oh, b                         aby![2], and d        on't wo rry abo               ut, oh, C                hr                      ist ... w        hat the s    qua  res are d                       oing[1], and, uh ... loo           k at yo    urself, p          lease![2], and li           sten t      o me![1], and d          on't wo              rry abo ut, o  h, Ch         rist ... what the sq ua             res are doi                ng[2], and ti    me is p                     assing, you d                          ig?[1], and listen to me![2], and a-RO       UND h      ere ... t         ell me, t       ell me ... h         ow DI                ZZY(!) are you, e              xactly?[1], and tim  e is pa    ssing, yo  u di                 g?[2], and ... v           ery, I h        ope[1], and a-ROUND here ... tell m           e, tell me ... how DIZZY(!) are you, exactly?[2], and ... what do y               ou want?![1], and ... very, I hope[2], and you w               ill not find happi                n       ess in the CO        LD WOR                   LD / and eve ryone is l             osing th ere[1], and ... w             hat d           o you w                           ant?![2], and this ... is as g                           ood as it g             ets[1], and you will not find ha          ppin              ess in the C         OLD WO       RLD / and ever          yone is lo        sing th       ere[2], and do      n't w     aste your t             ime with n           ormal pe  ople w  ho don't lo   ve yo u the way I do[1], and t      hi       s ... is as goo          d as it ge   ts[2], and this ... is m                   agi                cal - !!![1], and don't wa               ste your ti                me with norm                 al pe       ople wh  o don't lo             ve you the w                     ay I do[2], and when you're s         ad, and when you're l                onely ... I'll be h         ere, and y   ou'll be here[1], and this ... is magi              cal - !!![2], and, so ... e  verything will be o            kay[1], and when you're sa             d, and w  hen you're lonel                         y ... I'll be here, and yo           u'll be here[2], and we've got the H                 O               T C           O       S       M         O           S[1], and, so ... eve           rything will be o         kay[2], and we are spe        cial, actu             ally, so very s              pecial[1], and we've g                           ot the H O                                 T C                               O SMOS[2], and, come on, co                            m               e on, co                me on! ... yes, a-ROU         ND, and a-RO          UND, and a-ROU        ND[1], and we are spe         cial, ac          tually, so v  ery spe       cial[2], and it's a gen     uine p        lea sure, a in't it?[1], and, co     me on, come on, come on! ... yes, a-RO         UND, and a-R     OUND, and a-R           OUND[2], and ... SP                                    IN - !!![1], and it's a genu   ine plea     sure, ain't it?[2], and if I win, you'll w                  in ... and t       hen        we'll       be       tog       ether, in pa  radise ... ?[1], and ... SP I                                            N - !!![2], a  nd smile, y  e         s, a    n  d b      reak the wo   rds ... to fi   nd the gre  atest lov  e of all t                  im       es - !!![1], and if I w in, you'll w              in ... and t           hen we'll b e      tog  ether, in pa   rad  ise ... ?[2], and ... w  ell, w  ell, w  ell[1], and smile, ye                    s, an d b  rea      k the w                     ords ... to fin                 d the gr      ea   test lo  ve of all ti                   mes - !!![2], and ... oh, ba  by![3], and ... well, well, w                       ell[2], and, uh ... l        ook at you     rself, pl  ease![3], and d          on't worr                  y ab         out, oh, Chris         t ... what the squa            res ar            e do       ing[3], and li  sten to me![3], and time is p              assing, y                               ou d          ig?[3], and a-ROU                            ND h         ere ... te           ll me, t              ell me ... how D                             IZ                     ZY(!) are y      ou, ex                    actly?[3], and ... ve                         ry, I h                        ope[3], and ... what do you w                                     ant?![3], and you will not fi nd h                          appin                    ess in the CO                             LD W                                    OR                                LD / and ever   yone is lo                 sing th                         ere[3], and this ... is as goo                                                                d as it g                   ets[3], and do                        n't w      aste yo ur ti                                              me w                                                      ith n          orm                                       al peo           ple w   ho d    on't lo                        ve yo  u the w                                   ay I d                                     o[3], and t                      hi             s ... is m                                                            agical - !!![3], and whe                     n y              ou're s                                                          ad, and whe                                           n y ou're lon                                                      ely ... I'll be h                 ere, and y                ou'll be h                                                                          ere[3], and, so ... eve                                rything w      ill be o                                              kay[3], and we'v            e g                 ot the H                                             O                                         T                                                 C                                             O                                                 S                                                               M                                                                                                   O  S[3], and w                                      e are sp                      ecial, act         ually, s   o very spec                       ial[3], and, co                        me o  n, c              ome o    n, c                                                         ome o n! ... y                        e                              s, a-RO                        UND, and a-RO                                                  UND, and a-ROU                                                                                              ND[3], and i                      t's a g                   en              uine p               lea sure, ai                                    n't it?[3], and ...                                                     S                                                     P                                                                                  I                                                       N - !!![3], and i                                          f I w                                                 i    n, y    ou'll wi                                                          n ... and th      en we'l                                                                                  l b  e t                                               og ether, i            n pa ra                                        dise ... ?[3], and smile, y                     e                         s, a n                                        d b            r                  e                 a              k th e w            o        r                                                     ds ... t o f                                                                                                                 ind th                      e g                                                   rea                                                        test lo    ve o       f a                                      ll ti                            m                                           es - !!![3], and ... w   ell, w   ell, w   ell[3], and