Thursday 30 January 2020

Just music, man

Last post of the week and that. You dig?

Well, well ... listen! I massively improved my guitar playing last night by, uh ... watching a YouTube video for five minutes. 'Ha!' Yeah, yeah, I know. It's ridiculous, really. But you live and learn, don't you? / The thing is, on your fretting hand, it's better if you bend your last knuckles at a ninety-degree angle so that the very tips of your fingers are touching the guitar strings. That way you can get a cleaner sound. Before, I was using too much flesh on my fingers. 'A good guitar teacher could have told you this years ago, boss.' Yeah, well, I've got YouTube now, ain't I?

I'm not too depressed about it. I mean, years ago I didn't have the great songs I have today, so it wouldn't have improved my fortunes all that much. And don't forget the YouTube video that has transformed my singing over the last five months ... / As I say, dear reader(s), you live, and then you learn.

Right. Let's play some tunes!

Honaloochie Boogie. Mott The Hoople. / This tune was "playing" in my head this morning when I woke up. I'm not sure it's wise listening to it again. Earworm danger!

Judy Teen. Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel.

Pop Life. Prince.

Where Angels Play. The Stone Roses.

Metal Guru. T. Rex. / From Bolan's golden period of writing. He really went downhill later.

Sweet Sixteen. Billy Idol. / A great song. And he seems to have written it, words and music.

Sign Your Name. Terence Trent D'Arby. Or Sananda Maitreya.

(There's) Always Something There To Remind Me. Sandie Shaw. / Bacharach and David!

All The Young Dudes. David Bowie. / A soul version from David Live.

And that's enough. Yes.

...

What else? I might go out after lunch, for a walk, like. I'll probably try recording again Friday, Saturday, Sunday. I'm more hopeful now.

I'm thinking I need to write the ultimate "world-beater". I mean ... 'Didn't you hear it in that dream years ago?' Oh yes, Voice. I've mentioned this before, kook(s). This girl, uh, bird, uh, woman ... was driving me in her car. [No idea who she was!] And there was this amazing song playing on the radio. With a full production, too! A band and everything. 'And you can't remember it?' Man, I forgot it as soon as I woke up.

Never mind, eh?

Maybe Nothing is the ultimate, anyway. It needs a big production, probably.

Okay, okay. Have a nice weekend, crocodiles(s)!

Later(s)!

Wednesday 29 January 2020

[No. 775] Lifestyle, or a hobby?

You won't get anywhere with a hobby.

And, tell me![1], and ... Are you committed?[1], and, tell me![2], and maybe you should be[1], and ... Are you committed?[2], and like guitar, or anything, really ... this spinning, yes ... oh, it's got to be a lifestyle, man![1], and maybe you should be[2], and ... do you dig?[1], and like guitar, or anything, really ... this spinning, yes ... oh, it's got to be a lifestyle, man![2], and if I had a Martin acoustic ... / and some lifestyles take big money, but ... I struggle on, yes[1], and ... do you dig?[2], and on, and on, and on ...[1], and if I had a Martin acoustic ... / and some lifestyles take big money, but ... I struggle on, yes[2], and sometimes ... even breathing is an effort / and maybe a waste of time ...?[1], and on, and on, and on ...[2], and it's nice to have hope[1], and sometimes ... even breathing is an effort / and maybe a waste of time ...?[2], and, listen! ... I believe that anything is possible when we're ever so ... DIZZY(!) - yes - !!![1], and it's nice to have hope[2], and don't tell me life is hard[1], and, listen! ... I believe that anything is possible when we're ever so ... DIZZY(!) - yes - !!![2], and, no, no, no![1], and don't tell me life is hard[2], and don't tell me you've tried your best but ... everything has been getting you down[1], and, no, no, no![2], and I'm staying positive, me / and you can please yourself, obviously[1], and don't tell me you've tried your best but ... e verything has been getting you down[2], and don't be a fool though[1], and I'm staying positive, me / and you can please yourself, obviously[2], and it's easy to be a victim, man, if that's the choice you've made / and, but ... some of us are warriors, some of us are insane[1], and don't be a fool though[2], and to keep fighting is crazy![1], and it's easy to be a victim, man, if that's the choice you've made / and, but ... some of us are warriors, some of us are insane[2], and look at the cold world, idiot(s)! ... it's entirely normal for absolutely no one to be on your side[1], and to keep fighting is crazy![2], and, oh ... are you surprised?[1], and look at the cold world, idiot(s)! ... it's entirely normal for absolutely no one to be on your side[2], and maybe you should lodge a complaint with someone, ha, ha, ha![1], and, oh ... are you surprised?[2], and as Peter Cook once asked, with all the dignity he could muster ... Is this a way to run a fucking ballroom?[1], and maybe you should lodge a complaint with someone, ha, ha, ha![2], and I suppose I'm getting away from the point ...[1], and as Peter Cook once asked, with all the dignity he could muster ... Is this a way to run a fucking ballroom?[2], and a-ROUND here ... there's no need to care[1], and I suppose I'm getting away from the point ...[2], and, uh ... what was the point?[1], and a-ROUND here ... there's no need to care[2], and a-ROUND here ... it's actually thrilling to be oblivious[1], and, uh ... what was the point?[2], and, uh ... does it matter?[1], and a-ROUND here ... it's actually thrilling to be oblivious[2], and the short answer is ... NO - !!![1], and, uh ... does it matter?[2], and, so ...[1], and the short answer is ... NO - !!![2], and, tell me![3], and, so ...[2], and ... Are you committed?[3], and maybe you should be[3], and like guitar, or anything, really ... this spinning, yes ... oh, it's got to be a lifestyle, man![3], and ... do you dig?[3], and if I had a Martin acoustic ... / and some lifestyles take big money, but ... I struggle on, yes[3], and on, and on, and on ...[3], and sometimes ... even breathing is an effort / and maybe a waste of time ...?[3], and it's nice to have hope[3], and, listen! ... I believe that anything is possible when we're ever so ... DIZZY(!) - yes - !!![3], and don't tell me life is hard[3], and, no, no, no![3], and don't tell me you've tried your best but ... e  v  e  r  y  t  h  i  n  g has been getting you down[3], and I'm staying positive, me / and you can please yourself, obviously[3], and don't be a fool though[3], and it's easy to be a victim, man, if that's the choice you've made / and, but ... some of us are warriors, some of us are insane[3], and to keep fighting is crazy![3], and look at the cold world, idiot(s)! ... it's entirely normal for absolutely no one to be on your side[3], and, oh ... are you surprised?[3], and maybe you should lodge a complaint with someone, ha, ha, ha![3], and as Peter Cook once asked, with all the dignity he could muster ... Is this a way to run a fucking ballroom?[3], and I suppose I'm getting away from the point ...[3], and a-ROUND here ... there's no need to care[3], and, uh ... what was the point?[3], and a-ROUND here ... it's actually thrilling to be oblivious[3], and, uh ... does it matter?[3], and the short answer is ... NO - !!![3], and, so ...[3], and

And, tell me![1], and ... Are you committed?[1], and, tell me![2], and maybe you should be[1], and ... Are you committed?[2], and like guitar, or anything, really ... this spinning, yes ... oh, it's got to be a lifestyle, man![1], and maybe you should be[2], and ... do you dig?[1], and like guitar, or anything, really ... this spinning, yes ... oh, it's got to be a lifestyle, man![2], and if I had a Martin acoustic ... / and some lifestyles take big money, but ... I struggle on, yes[1], and ... do you dig?[2], and on, and on, and on ...[1], and if I had a Martin acoustic ... / and some lifestyles take big money, but ... I struggle on, yes[2], and sometimes ... even breathing is an effort / and maybe a waste of time ...?[1], and on, and on, and on ...[2], and it's nice to have hope[1], and sometimes ... even breathing is an effort / and maybe a waste of time ...?[2], and, listen! ... I believe that anything is possible when we're ever so ... DIZZY(!) - yes - !!![1], and it's nice to have hope[2], and don't tell me life is hard[1], and, listen! ... I believe that anything is possible when we're ever so ... DIZZY(!) - yes - !!![2], and, no, no, no![1], and don't tell me life is hard[2], and don't tell me you've tried your best but ... everything has been getting you down[1], and, no, no, no![2], and I'm staying positive, me / and you can please yourself, obviously[1], and don't tell me you've tried your best but ... e verything has been getting you down[2], and don't be a fool though[1], and I'm staying positive, me / and you can please yourself, obviously[2], and it's easy to be a victim, man, if that's the choice you've made / and, but ... some of us are warriors, some of us are insane[1], and don't be a fool though[2], and to keep fighting is crazy![1], and it's easy to be a victim, man, if that's the choice you've made / and, but ... some of us are warriors, some of us are insane[2], and look at the cold world, idiot(s)! ... it's entirely normal for absolutely no one to be on your side[1], and to keep fighting is crazy![2], and, oh ... are you surprised?[1], and look at the cold world, idiot(s)! ... it's entirely normal for absolutely no one to be on your side[2], and maybe you should lodge a complaint with someone, ha, ha, ha![1], and, oh ... are you surprised?[2], and as Peter Cook once asked, with all the dignity he could muster ... Is this a way to run a fucking ballroom?[1], and maybe you should lodge a complaint with someone, ha, ha, ha![2], and I suppose I'm getting away from the point ...[1], and as Peter Cook once asked, with all the dignity he could muster ... Is this a way to run a fucking ballroom?[2], and a-ROUND here ... there's no need to care[1], and I suppose I'm getting away from the point ...[2], and, uh ... what was the point?[1], and a-ROUND here ... there's no need to care[2], and a-ROUND here ... it's actually thrilling to be oblivious[1], and, uh ... what was the point?[2], and, uh ... does it matter?[1], and a-ROUND here ... it's actually thrilling to be oblivious[2], and the short answer is ... NO - !!![1], and, uh ... does it matter?[2], and, so ...[1], and the short answer is ... NO - !!![2], and, tell me![3], and, so ...[2], and ... Are you committed?[3], and maybe you should be[3], and like guitar, or anything, really ... this spinning, yes ... oh, it's got to be a lifestyle, man![3], and ... do you dig?[3], and if I had a Martin acoustic ... / and some lifestyles take big money, but ... I struggle on, yes[3], and on, and on, and on ...[3], and sometimes ... even breathing is an effort / and maybe a waste of time ...?[3], and it's nice to have hope[3], and, listen! ... I believe that anything is possible when we're ever so ... DIZZY(!) - yes - !!![3], and don't tell me life is hard[3], and, no, no, no![3], and don't tell me you've tried your best but ... e  v  e  r  y  t  h  i  n  g has been getting you down[3], and I'm staying positive, me / and you can please yourself, obviously[3], and don't be a fool though[3], and it's easy to be a victim, man, if that's the choice you've made / and, but ... some of us are warriors, some of us are insane[3], and to keep fighting is crazy![3], and look at the cold world, idiot(s)! ... it's entirely normal for absolutely no one to be on your side[3], and, oh ... are you surprised?[3], and maybe you should lodge a complaint with someone, ha, ha, ha![3], and as Peter Cook once asked, with all the dignity he could muster ... Is this a way to run a fucking ballroom?[3], and I suppose I'm getting away from the point ...[3], and a-ROUND here ... there's no need to care[3], and, uh ... what was the point?[3], and a-ROUND here ... it's actually thrilling to be oblivious[3], and, uh ... does it matter?[3], and the short answer is ... NO - !!![3], and, so ...[3], and

And, tell me![1], and ... Are you committed?[1], and, tell me![2], and maybe you should be[1], and ... Are you committed?[2], and like guitar, or anything, really ... this spinning, yes ... oh, it's got to be a lifestyle, man![1], and maybe you should be[2], and ... do you dig?[1], and like guitar, or anything, really ... this spinning, yes ... oh, it's got to be a lifestyle, man![2], and if I had a Martin acoustic ... / and some lifestyles take big money, but ... I struggle on, yes[1], and ... do you dig?[2], and on, and on, and on ...[1], and if I had a Martin acoustic ... / and some lifestyles take big money, but ... I struggle on, yes[2], and sometimes ... even breathing is an effort / and maybe a waste of time ...?[1], and on, and on, and on ...[2], and it's nice to have hope[1], and sometimes ... even breathing is an effort / and maybe a waste of time ...?[2], and, listen! ... I believe that anything is possible when we're ever so ... DIZZY(!) - yes - !!![1], and it's nice to have hope[2], and don't tell me life is hard[1], and, listen! ... I believe that anything is possible when we're ever so ... DIZZY(!) - yes - !!![2], and, no, no, no![1], and don't tell me life is hard[2], and don't tell me you've tried your best but ... everything has been getting you down[1], and, no, no, no![2], and I'm staying positive, me / and you can please yourself, obviously[1], and don't tell me you've tried your best but ... e verything has been getting you down[2], and don't be a fool though[1], and I'm staying positive, me / and you can please yourself, obviously[2], and it's easy to be a victim, man, if that's the choice you've made / and, but ... some of us are warriors, some of us are insane[1], and don't be a fool though[2], and to keep fighting is crazy![1], and it's easy to be a victim, man, if that's the choice you've made / and, but ... some of us are warriors, some of us are insane[2], and look at the cold world, idiot(s)! ... it's entirely normal for absolutely no one to be on your side[1], and to keep fighting is crazy![2], and, oh ... are you surprised?[1], and look at the cold world, idiot(s)! ... it's entirely normal for absolutely no one to be on your side[2], and maybe you should lodge a complaint with someone, ha, ha, ha![1], and, oh ... are you surprised?[2], and as Peter Cook once asked, with all the dignity he could muster ... Is this a way to run a fucking ballroom?[1], and maybe you should lodge a complaint with someone, ha, ha, ha![2], and I suppose I'm getting away from the point ...[1], and as Peter Cook once asked, with all the dignity he could muster ... Is this a way to run a fucking ballroom?[2], and a-ROUND here ... there's no need to care[1], and I suppose I'm getting away from the point ...[2], and, uh ... what was the point?[1], and a-ROUND here ... there's no need to care[2], and a-ROUND here ... it's actually thrilling to be oblivious[1], and, uh ... what was the point?[2], and, uh ... does it matter?[1], and a-ROUND here ... it's actually thrilling to be oblivious[2], and the short answer is ... NO - !!![1], and, uh ... does it matter?[2], and, so ...[1], and the short answer is ... NO - !!![2], and, tell me![3], and, so ...[2], and ... Are you committed?[3], and maybe you should be[3], and like guitar, or anything, really ... this spinning, yes ... oh, it's got to be a lifestyle, man![3], and ... do you dig?[3], and if I had a Martin acoustic ... / and some lifestyles take big money, but ... I struggle on, yes[3], and on, and on, and on ...[3], and sometimes ... even breathing is an effort / and maybe a waste of time ...?[3], and it's nice to have hope[3], and, listen! ... I believe that anything is possible when we're ever so ... DIZZY(!) - yes - !!![3], and don't tell me life is hard[3], and, no, no, no![3], and don't tell me you've tried your best but ... e  v  e  r  y  t  h  i  n  g has been getting you down[3], and I'm staying positive, me / and you can please yourself, obviously[3], and don't be a fool though[3], and it's easy to be a victim, man, if that's the choice you've made / and, but ... some of us are warriors, some of us are insane[3], and to keep fighting is crazy![3], and look at the cold world, idiot(s)! ... it's entirely normal for absolutely no one to be on your side[3], and, oh ... are you surprised?[3], and maybe you should lodge a complaint with someone, ha, ha, ha![3], and as Peter Cook once asked, with all the dignity he could muster ... Is this a way to run a fucking ballroom?[3], and I suppose I'm getting away from the point ...[3], and a-ROUND here ... there's no need to care[3], and, uh ... what was the point?[3], and a-ROUND here ... it's actually thrilling to be oblivious[3], and, uh ... does it matter?[3], and the short answer is ... NO - !!![3], and, so ...[3], and 

Are Chinese parcels safe?

Ah, Christ! Is that really the first thing he thinks of? 'Who, boss? Who?' Ha! Who do you think, Voice? Take one guess. You only get one chance. Go on. 'Jinksy? Our Jinksy?' Yes. Congratulations. 'Yippee! Do I win a prize?' No. 'Not even a Jammie Dodger?' No. 'You're so mean.' Shut up!

As importers brace for coronavirus impact, should shoppers question the safety of Chinese parcels?

ParcelHero says international shoppers are increasingly concerned about Wuhan packages; as new parcel restrictions and factory closures are set to impact on many imported item orders.

The spread of the coronavirus is likely to impact significantly on UK importers and consumers, warns the international courier services expert ParcelHero. It says restrictions on shipments and compulsory factory closures in China's Hubei province, which is at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak, will mean significant delays on items from this important Chinese manufacturing area. And it cautions concern is spreading worldwide about the potential dangers of receiving parcels from Hubei.

Well, I suppose it is a problem. The thing is, dear reader(s) ... I've got my mind on other stuff, you know? I mean, call me strange, if you like, but I don't spend all of my time worrying about parcels from China, or - 'Parcels from anywhere, boss. Let's be frank.' Yes, thank you, Voice. I was just going to say that.

I just don't care about parcels. 'So why do you keep using these PR emails that Jinksy keeps sending you?' Oh, I don't know. I suppose ... I'm fascinated. 'By the man's bizarre obsession.' Exactly! What makes a normal, healthy man - in the prime of life - devote himself to parcels?

Anyway, let's hear what he says ...

Explains ParcelHero's Head of Consumer Research, David Jinks MILT, "Over 50 cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed outside mainland China, including in the United States, Australia, France and Thailand. Fears about the spread of the virus beyond China through parcels shipments have been expressed in many key China export markets such as the USA and Malaysia. A US laboratory chemist who received a parcel mailed via China Post's Wuhan facility complained to the United Stated Postal Service that such parcels could potentially spread disease 'depending on the contents of the package'. Alarm in Malaysia has become so great that its Deputy Director of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Li Guozhong, was forced to made a statement to Malaysia's national newspaper, Sin Chew Daily, saying that it takes more than 24 hours for a package to be shipped from China to Malaysia, so the risk of the Wuhan pneumonia virus passing through the package is low."

So, it’s a low risk with parcels. Just as I thought. I'm no expert, of course. 'Jinksy's an expert.' Er ... with parcels, Voice. With parcels. Not with medical matters. Christ. I mean ... never mind!

Anyway, there's loads more of this, kook(s). Uh. I'll let him conclude ...

Concludes David: "China's New Year holiday has been extended to next Sunday, and in Shanghai the government has stopped virtually all businesses from returning to work until 10 February. Production of items popular in the UK is likely to be impacted, as are mailings from affected areas."

Thanks, man!

ENDS

...

Anything else? Music? Well, I did a bit of recording last night. I didn't get the results I wanted, BUT(!) ... I'm making good progress, man. I've found a nice spot in the house where there's no street noises. Also, my voice is in its best shape ever. The guitar was too rough for my liking though. I suppose I'll have to fix that by doing crazy hours of practice, Coltrane-style. / So ... I'll try again at the weekend, after my blogging is done, like.

Laters!

Tuesday 28 January 2020

What is Series A funding?!

Oh, I just don't know. I can't even imagine what it might be. 'I know what it is, boss!' No, you don't. 'Yes I do. I know loads about finance, me.' Shut up, Voice! You know nothing. 'Ha! Well, I know that Series A funding is the first round of venture capital financing for a company.' Ha! You read that somewhere. 'Maybe. I read a lot, man.' Yeah, sure you do. When you're not floating around on the astral plane. 'I can read and float at the same time, boss. It's called multitasking.' Whatever.

Anyway ...

Series A funding rounds dominated the venture capital (VC) funding landscape across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region in both volume and value terms during the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2019, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Yes, it's a PR email, dear reader(s), from my mates at GlobalData. 'Are they really your mates, boss?' Well, they still send me these emails. A lot of firms don't, you know. I mean, they start off sending me stuff, and then they lose their taste for the Michael Fowke Experience. 'I wonder why that is ...' Too many squares, Voice. This is finance. It will never change. 'But you've tried your best. I remember the desert ...' Ah, yes, the desert. Never mind. Life goes on. And I've got my music now ...

Compared to the announcement of 825 deals (with disclosed funding rounds) worth US$16.5bn in Q4 2018, a total of 1,202 deals (US$21.5bn) were announced in Q4 2019. Early stage funding deals (comprising Seed and Series A) accounted for 71% of VC funding volume in 2019, out of which Series A accounted for the majority share. The quarter also witnessed the announcement of 585 Series A funding rounds, which is the highest among all the funding rounds announced during the quarter.

Er ... I was thinking about my music. 'Take care of business first.' Yeah, yeah.

China accounted for 65.2% share of early stage funding volume, distantly followed by India, which garnered 13.1% of such funding. Other key countries that attracted significant number of early stage funding during Q4 2019 include South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Australia and Indonesia.

China? China's got trouble. 'We all might have trouble soon.' You won't, Voice. 'No, not me, obviously.'

Some of the notable early stage funding rounds announced during Q4 2019 included US$3.7bn raised by Tenglong Holdings (Tamron), US$141.1m secured by Chihiro Location Network (Qianxun Spatial Intelligence) and US$110.8m raised by MX Player.

Fair enough. What does Aurojyoti say?

Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, says: "Though growth/expansion/late stage funding rounds (comprising Series B, Series C, Series D, Series E, Series F, Series G, Series H, Series I and Series J) are fewer in number compared to early stage funding rounds, they are much larger in the average deal value."

Okay, okay. It's all starting to make sense. Probably. What do I know? / Here's the last bit, dear reader(s) -

Growth/expansion/late stage funding accounted for 70.4% of funding value in Q4 2019. China accounted for 61.7% share of the capital raised through these rounds followed by India with 26.4% share. Other key countries that raised notable growth/expansion/late stage funding during Q4 2019 included Japan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Australia and South Korea. Some of the notable growth/expansion/late stage funding rounds announced during Q4 2019 included US$3bn funding raised by Beijing Kuaishou Technology (Kuaishou Technology), US$1.5bn funding in Oravel Stays (OYO Rooms) and US$1bn raised by One97 Communications (Paytm).

And ...

ENDS

...

Anything else? This might be the only post today, unless I change my mind about recording tonight. 'Unless you get recording anxiety, Mikey.' Ha! Desperation is the best cure for anxiety, son. Believe me.

Listen! This -

This World Don't Mean a Thing
Nothing
Good Times
Stella

... will have a greater impact than ...

This World Don't Mean a Thing
Nothing
Malibu
Stella

And the good thing is ... I'll be able to hold two so-called world-beaters back, which will make any album more satisfying and more of a surprise. 'Yippee!' Yeah.

Later(s), blog and pop fan(s)!

Monday 27 January 2020

[No. 774] Feeling chaotic again

But I suppose it's better than not feeling at all, eh?

And ... eh?[1], and, yes, yes, yes ... it's what you might expect, or maybe not, but it doesn't even matter, ha, ha, ha![1], and ... eh?[2], and ... join me![1], and, yes, yes, yes ... it's what you might expect, or maybe not, but it doesn't even matter, ha, ha, ha![2], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and ... where else, man?![1], and ... join me![2], and ... 'Ha!'[1], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and ... where else, man?![2], and is it a laughing matter, really?[1], and ... 'Ha!'[2], and out there?! Oh, they've got it made, all the squares, just not aware of how bad a consciousness ness can be[1], and is it a laughing matter, really?[2], and I don't envy them, no, no, no[1], and out there?! Oh, they've got it made, all the squares, just not aware of how bad a consciousness ness can be[2], and my feelings swirl in my head or heart like thoughts or ... well, feelings / and I don't know or care now[1], and I don't envy them, no, no, no[2], and it's all the same to me![1], and my feelings swirl in my head or heart like thoughts or ... well, feelings / and I don't know or care now[2], and all these words can come again, and again, and again / and I know, I know, I know ... there's no cure[1], and it's all the same to me![2], and why are you ... here ... ?[1], and all these words can come again, and again, and again / and I know, I know, I know ... there's no cure[2], and they say that spinning a-ROUND is good for your health ...[1], and why are you ... here ... ?[2], and ... 'No they don't, Mikey!'[1], and they say that spinning a-ROUND is good for your health ...[2], and why are you, uh ... who you say you are, who you feel you are, who you've been told you are ... ?[1], and ... 'No they don't, Mikey!'[2], and don't get upset[1], and why are you, uh ... who you say you are, who you feel you are, who you've been told you are ... ?[2], and it doesn't matter, you'll be glad to hear[1], and don't get upset[2], and maybe someone will tell you so / and, yes, someone incredibly stupid ...[1], and it doesn't matter, you'll be glad to hear[2], and take your pick[1], and maybe someone will tell you so / and, yes, someone incredibly stupid ...[2], and don't worry about it[1], and take your pick[2], and, listen! ... why don't you take my advice?[1], and don't worry about it[2], and if I were you, ha! ... I'd never worry about anything ever again because there's not much time left anyway[1], and, listen! ... why don't you take my advice?[2], and, but, but, but ... ah, don't be sad[1], and if I were you, ha! ... I'd never worry about anything ever again because there's not much time left anyway[2], and, oh ... be a little mad, yes![1], and, but, but, but ... ah, don't be sad[2], and a-ROUND here ... no one notices a thing[1], and, oh ... be a little mad, yes![2], and that's the way I like it[1], and a-ROUND here ... no one notices a thing[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and are you getting the full effect, in your soul, like?[1], and that's the way I like it[2], and this is a private affair ... / and kooks only, yes, not many of us, no[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and are you getting the full effect, in your soul, like?[2], and maybe we should return to the beginning[1], and this is a private affair ... / and kooks only, yes, not many of us, no[2], and to start it all again, the insanity[1], and maybe we should ret urn t o t he beg inning[2], and it feels good, don't it?[1], and to start it all again, the insanity[2], and ... eh?[3], and it feels good, don't it?[2], and, yes, yes, yes ... it's what you might expect, or maybe not, but it doesn't even matter, ha, ha, ha![3], and ... join me![3], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and ... where else, man?![3], and ... 'Ha!'[3], and is it a laughing matter, really?[3], and out there?! Oh, they've got it made, all the squares, just not aware of how bad a consciousness ness can be[3], and I don't envy them, no, no, no[3], and my feelings swirl in my head or heart like thoughts or ... well, feelings / and I don't know or care now[3], and it's all the same to me![3], and all these words can come again, and again, and again / and I know, I know, I know ... there's no cure[3], and why are you ... here ... ?[3], and they say that spinning a-ROUND is good for your health ...[3], and ... 'No they don't, Mikey!'[3], and why are you, uh ... who you say you are, who you feel you are, who you've been told you are ... ?[3], and don't get upset[3], and it doesn't matter, you'll be glad to hear[3], and maybe someone will tell you so / and, yes, someone incredibly stupid ...[3], and take your pick[3], and don't worry about it[3], and, listen! ... why don't you take my advice?[3], and if I were you, ha! ... I'd never worry about anything ever again because there's not much time left anyway[3], and, but, but, but ... ah, don't be sad[3], and, oh ... be a little mad, yes![3], and a-ROUND here ... no one notices a thing[3], and that's the way I like it[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and are you getting the full effect, in your soul, like?[3], and this is a private affair ... / and kooks only, yes, not many of us, no[3], and maybe we should r  e  t  u  r  n t  o t  h  e b  e  g  i  n  n  i  n  g[3], and to start it all again, the insanity[3], and it feels good, don't it?[3], and

And ... eh?[1], and, yes, yes, yes ... it's what you might expect, or maybe not, but it doesn't even matter, ha, ha, ha![1], and ... eh?[2], and ... join me![1], and, yes, yes, yes ... it's what you might expect, or maybe not, but it doesn't even matter, ha, ha, ha![2], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and ... where else, man?![1], and ... join me![2], and ... 'Ha!'[1], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and ... where else, man?![2], and is it a laughing matter, really?[1], and ... 'Ha!'[2], and out there?! Oh, they've got it made, all the squares, just not aware of how bad a consciousness ness can be[1], and is it a laughing matter, really?[2], and I don't envy them, no, no, no[1], and out there?! Oh, they've got it made, all the squares, just not aware of how bad a consciousness ness can be[2], and my feelings swirl in my head or heart like thoughts or ... well, feelings / and I don't know or care now[1], and I don't envy them, no, no, no[2], and it's all the same to me![1], and my feelings swirl in my head or heart like thoughts or ... well, feelings / and I don't know or care now[2], and all these words can come again, and again, and again / and I know, I know, I know ... there's no cure[1], and it's all the same to me![2], and why are you ... here ... ?[1], and all these words can come again, and again, and again / and I know, I know, I know ... there's no cure[2], and they say that spinning a-ROUND is good for your health ...[1], and why are you ... here ... ?[2], and ... 'No they don't, Mikey!'[1], and they say that spinning a-ROUND is good for your health ...[2], and why are you, uh ... who you say you are, who you feel you are, who you've been told you are ... ?[1], and ... 'No they don't, Mikey!'[2], and don't get upset[1], and why are you, uh ... who you say you are, who you feel you are, who you've been told you are ... ?[2], and it doesn't matter, you'll be glad to hear[1], and don't get upset[2], and maybe someone will tell you so / and, yes, someone incredibly stupid ...[1], and it doesn't matter, you'll be glad to hear[2], and take your pick[1], and maybe someone will tell you so / and, yes, someone incredibly stupid ...[2], and don't worry about it[1], and take your pick[2], and, listen! ... why don't you take my advice?[1], and don't worry about it[2], and if I were you, ha! ... I'd never worry about anything ever again because there's not much time left anyway[1], and, listen! ... why don't you take my advice?[2], and, but, but, but ... ah, don't be sad[1], and if I were you, ha! ... I'd never worry about anything ever again because there's not much time left anyway[2], and, oh ... be a little mad, yes![1], and, but, but, but ... ah, don't be sad[2], and a-ROUND here ... no one notices a thing[1], and, oh ... be a little mad, yes![2], and that's the way I like it[1], and a-ROUND here ... no one notices a thing[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and are you getting the full effect, in your soul, like?[1], and that's the way I like it[2], and this is a private affair ... / and kooks only, yes, not many of us, no[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and are you getting the full effect, in your soul, like?[2], and maybe we should return to the beginning[1], and this is a private affair ... / and kooks only, yes, not many of us, no[2], and to start it all again, the insanity[1], and maybe we should ret urn t o t he beg inning[2], and it feels good, don't it?[1], and to start it all again, the insanity[2], and ... eh?[3], and it feels good, don't it?[2], and, yes, yes, yes ... it's what you might expect, or maybe not, but it doesn't even matter, ha, ha, ha![3], and ... join me![3], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and ... where else, man?![3], and ... 'Ha!'[3], and is it a laughing matter, really?[3], and out there?! Oh, they've got it made, all the squares, just not aware of how bad a consciousness ness can be[3], and I don't envy them, no, no, no[3], and my feelings swirl in my head or heart like thoughts or ... well, feelings / and I don't know or care now[3], and it's all the same to me![3], and all these words can come again, and again, and again / and I know, I know, I know ... there's no cure[3], and why are you ... here ... ?[3], and they say that spinning a-ROUND is good for your health ...[3], and ... 'No they don't, Mikey!'[3], and why are you, uh ... who you say you are, who you feel you are, who you've been told you are ... ?[3], and don't get upset[3], and it doesn't matter, you'll be glad to hear[3], and maybe someone will tell you so / and, yes, someone incredibly stupid ...[3], and take your pick[3], and don't worry about it[3], and, listen! ... why don't you take my advice?[3], and if I were you, ha! ... I'd never worry about anything ever again because there's not much time left anyway[3], and, but, but, but ... ah, don't be sad[3], and, oh ... be a little mad, yes![3], and a-ROUND here ... no one notices a thing[3], and that's the way I like it[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and are you getting the full effect, in your soul, like?[3], and this is a private affair ... / and kooks only, yes, not many of us, no[3], and maybe we should r  e  t  u  r  n t  o t  h  e b  e  g  i  n  n  i  n  g[3], and to start it all again, the insanity[3], and it feels good, don't it?[3], and

And ... eh?[1], and, yes, yes, yes ... it's what you might expect, or maybe not, but it doesn't even matter, ha, ha, ha![1], and ... eh?[2], and ... join me![1], and, yes, yes, yes ... it's what you might expect, or maybe not, but it doesn't even matter, ha, ha, ha![2], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and ... where else, man?![1], and ... join me![2], and ... 'Ha!'[1], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and ... where else, man?![2], and is it a laughing matter, really?[1], and ... 'Ha!'[2], and out there?! Oh, they've got it made, all the squares, just not aware of how bad a consciousness ness can be[1], and is it a laughing matter, really?[2], and I don't envy them, no, no, no[1], and out there?! Oh, they've got it made, all the squares, just not aware of how bad a consciousness ness can be[2], and my feelings swirl in my head or heart like thoughts or ... well, feelings / and I don't know or care now[1], and I don't envy them, no, no, no[2], and it's all the same to me![1], and my feelings swirl in my head or heart like thoughts or ... well, feelings / and I don't know or care now[2], and all these words can come again, and again, and again / and I know, I know, I know ... there's no cure[1], and it's all the same to me![2], and why are you ... here ... ?[1], and all these words can come again, and again, and again / and I know, I know, I know ... there's no cure[2], and they say that spinning a-ROUND is good for your health ...[1], and why are you ... here ... ?[2], and ... 'No they don't, Mikey!'[1], and they say that spinning a-ROUND is good for your health ...[2], and why are you, uh ... who you say you are, who you feel you are, who you've been told you are ... ?[1], and ... 'No they don't, Mikey!'[2], and don't get upset[1], and why are you, uh ... who you say you are, who you feel you are, who you've been told you are ... ?[2], and it doesn't matter, you'll be glad to hear[1], and don't get upset[2], and maybe someone will tell you so / and, yes, someone incredibly stupid ...[1], and it doesn't matter, you'll be glad to hear[2], and take your pick[1], and maybe someone will tell you so / and, yes, someone incredibly stupid ...[2], and don't worry about it[1], and take your pick[2], and, listen! ... why don't you take my advice?[1], and don't worry about it[2], and if I were you, ha! ... I'd never worry about anything ever again because there's not much time left anyway[1], and, listen! ... why don't you take my advice?[2], and, but, but, but ... ah, don't be sad[1], and if I were you, ha! ... I'd never worry about anything ever again because there's not much time left anyway[2], and, oh ... be a little mad, yes![1], and, but, but, but ... ah, don't be sad[2], and a-ROUND here ... no one notices a thing[1], and, oh ... be a little mad, yes![2], and that's the way I like it[1], and a-ROUND here ... no one notices a thing[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and are you getting the full effect, in your soul, like?[1], and that's the way I like it[2], and this is a private affair ... / and kooks only, yes, not many of us, no[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and are you getting the full effect, in your soul, like?[2], and maybe we should return to the beginning[1], and this is a private affair ... / and kooks only, yes, not many of us, no[2], and to start it all again, the insanity[1], and maybe we should ret urn t o t he beg inning[2], and it feels good, don't it?[1], and to start it all again, the insanity[2], and ... eh?[3], and it feels good, don't it?[2], and, yes, yes, yes ... it's what you might expect, or maybe not, but it doesn't even matter, ha, ha, ha![3], and ... join me![3], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and ... where else, man?![3], and ... 'Ha!'[3], and is it a laughing matter, really?[3], and out there?! Oh, they've got it made, all the squares, just not aware of how bad a consciousness ness can be[3], and I don't envy them, no, no, no[3], and my feelings swirl in my head or heart like thoughts or ... well, feelings / and I don't know or care now[3], and it's all the same to me![3], and all these words can come again, and again, and again / and I know, I know, I know ... there's no cure[3], and why are you ... here ... ?[3], and they say that spinning a-ROUND is good for your health ...[3], and ... 'No they don't, Mikey!'[3], and why are you, uh ... who you say you are, who you feel you are, who you've been told you are ... ?[3], and don't get upset[3], and it doesn't matter, you'll be glad to hear[3], and maybe someone will tell you so / and, yes, someone incredibly stupid ...[3], and take your pick[3], and don't worry about it[3], and, listen! ... why don't you take my advice?[3], and if I were you, ha! ... I'd never worry about anything ever again because there's not much time left anyway[3], and, but, but, but ... ah, don't be sad[3], and, oh ... be a little mad, yes![3], and a-ROUND here ... no one notices a thing[3], and that's the way I like it[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and are you getting the full effect, in your soul, like?[3], and this is a private affair ... / and kooks only, yes, not many of us, no[3], and maybe we should r  e  t  u  r  n t  o t  h  e b  e  g  i  n  n  i  n  g[3], and to start it all again, the insanity[3], and it feels good, don't it?[3], and

The IGF announces ...

Uh. It's another dreary day, probably. In winter. Grey sky. 'What does the IGF announce, boss?’ We'll get on to that in a minute, Voice. Yeah, PR email.

I'm not in the mood for finance. Maybe we should discuss football, dear reader(s)? 'Yes!' Unfortunately, I'm not interested in football. 'Oh.' So ... 'Combine the two, boss. Football and finance!' Yeah, okay. Double punishment.

In a minute, obviously. I just ... I don't know. / I got up at five this morning. / It'll soon be summer. I'm not sure if I'm looking forward to it. 'No?' It all depends. 'On the weather?' No, on my situation.

Okay ...

IGF wraps up 2019 with a further 26% increase of client funds in use.

Fair enough. Let's hear more ...

Independent Growth Finance (IGF), a leading independent commercial finance provider, has entered the new decade in style with seven new clients signed in December and £126 million funds in use. Despite a turbulent year for SMEs across the UK, IGF's funds in use have continued to grow at pace.

Of the seven new asset-based lending (ABL) clients signed in December, three are based in the Midlands, with combined funds in use of £6 million.

Okay, okay. I wonder what our John says ...

John Onslow, CEO of IGF, commented: "We closed 2019 with a fantastic month of new business across the UK. This has set us up very well for a strong end to our financial year. Of all the records broken during this period perhaps the most rewarding was the sheer amount of cash collected. It really illustrates how liquid the assets are that we fund and the volume of cash locked away. We understand there is a determination by SMEs to invest and focus on their futures. By providing more than £1 billion of new funding over the course of 2019 we are playing our part in ensuring UK SMEs have access to the right financial support."

Okay, okay. And, uh ... Brittany has kindly included a photo of Mr Onslow with the email, and I have to say ... he looks very civilized, dear reader(s). I mean, considering he's the top boy of the IGF. 'A lot of them have good jobs, too, boss. Watch that Green Street film.' Yes, I've seen it, Voice.

Finally ...

The strong start to the year is further bolstered by the appointment of new Commercial Director, Matthew Shepherd. He joins from the ABL division at CYBG, previously Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank, to spearhead national growth.

Nice one!

ENDS

...

Anything else, kook(s)? Music? My music? Uh ... I tried recording my songs at the weekend. It didn't go well, but I'm not depressed. I was depressed. I feel that I'll be a dead man if I can't record this demo. Seriously! However, some good came out of all the work. Firstly, by the end of the weekend I was performing really well. (It seems I won't ever be able to relax and practice only ninety minutes a day. I'll have to do hours, and hours, and hours. Christ.) Secondly, I know now that I will have to record in another room in the house BECAUSE(!) ... there's just too much noise in the street, man. People banging car doors and screaming, green parrots making, uh ... parrot noises, and everything else you get in a modern city these days. Do you know what I mean?

Also ... I'm thinking of replacing Malibu with Good Times. Malibu is the better song, but ... Good Times is really commercial. Oh, it's simple, and maybe a bit silly, but I like it. Anyway, I haven't decided yet.

Nothing is a bad mutha of a song, even played rough. [Yeah, I keep saying, so what?] It's strength comes from being far more musical than Dylan while having a lyric that only Dylan could write.

I'll probably try recording again tomorrow night. Too much blogging today! This post, obviously, which is almost finished, clearly, then ... a conceptual! Let's get dizzy!

Laters!

Thursday 23 January 2020

For immediate release - !!!

Ha, ha, ha! I received this PR email yesterday. Ah, never mind. It's not the end of the world, is it?

The Voice hasn't come back from lunch. So ... never mind, again. I don't know what his problem is.

Let's do this!

Refinitiv: Lipper European Fund Flows Report - December 2019

Nice one!

Long-term mutual funds posted net inflows for December 2019.
The overall fund flows for mutual funds in Europe in December amounted to net inflows of €39.4 bn.
Equity funds (+€26.3 bn) were the best-selling individual asset type overall for December.
Equity Global (+€7.3 bn) was once again the best-selling sector among long-term funds for December.
The Look of Love.
Ireland (+€30.5 bn) was the fund domicile with the highest net inflows, followed by Luxembourg (+€24.0 bn) and Switzerland (+€5.9 bn).
BlackRock was the best-selling fund promoter for December overall, with net sales of €6.3 bn, ahead of JPMorgan (+€5.7 bn) and Pictet (+€5.5 bn).
The 10 best-selling long-term funds gathered at the share-class level amounted to net inflows of €13.3 bn for December.
Amundi CA 15/01/2020 C (+€3.4 bn) was the best-selling individual long-term fund for December.

Fine. / And it will come as no surprise to anyone that our Detlef would like to say a few words now. Should I let him? I mean, I normally do. Yeah, why not?

Come on, son!

Detlef Glow, Lipper Head of EMEA Research at Refinitiv, comments: "Mikey, following the good performance of the equity markets globally, European investors continued to be in risk-on mode in December. The sentiment of investors might have been supported by a calm market during the trade war between the U.S. and China, as well as a clearer situation around Brexit after the general election in the UK, since both led to a better outlook for general economic growth and company earnings for the year ahead."

Thanks, Detlef! / I added the "Mikey", just to make it more personal, like. Our Detlef has a habit of talking to no one in particular, or ... maybe it's the cosmos he's addressing? Well, that would be great. I mean, I do it myself.

ENDS

...

Anything else, kook(s)? Well, it's the end of the week and I'm tired, but ... we can talk about music, sure. I don't mind.

I've got half of a new tune. It came to me in seconds the other day after I just picked up my guitar and started to strum some chords. It's very catchy and commercial. Oh, it's nice work if you can get it, yes.

I've got a Battenberg cake for tonight. It's lovely with a cup of tea.

Er ... I'm going to put some music on.

Anarchy In The UK. The Sex Pistols.

Back In Black. AC/DC.

Roll Away The Stone. Mott The Hoople.

That's enough. I'm not in the mood for listening. I want silence. It's a grey day.

Hopefully, I'll do some recording this weekend. Maybe. I don't mind the setbacks and delays. They help you as an artist - if you know how to use them. As long as you don't run out of time, of course.

I walked around central London yesterday, for my health. I didn't go in any shops. I saw a few buskers. They're nearly always decent singers and guitarists, often better than established stars, but ... you know what I mean. It's the songs, man. You need great, original songs. I'm sure a lot of these people want to be "discovered". Some of them sell CDs. I don't know. It's depressing. 'Maybe they're just doing it for fun, boss.' Oh, hello, Voice. Where have you been? 'Guess.' The astral plane? 'Got it in one!' Great!

Okay, I've got a headache.

Later(s), alligator(s)!

Low value deals dominate

So, uh ... 'Oh no! I hate it when that happens, boss. I hate it when low value deals dominate.' Shut up, you idiot! You don't even know what we're talking about. 'What are we talking about then?' It's a PR email from GlobalData. 'Oh, those guys again.' They're all right, Voice. And later this afternoon ... 'What?' Detlef again. 'Brilliant!' Yeah, yeah.

Anyway ...

For immediate release: 20th January 2020

So, uh ... 'Christ! Why can't you release immediately, boss, like they want you to?' Whose blog is this? 'Yours.' Exactly. Right -

Low value deals (investment <=US$10m) accounted for the majority of the venture capital (VC) investment volume in the Asia-Pacific region during the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2019, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Okay, okay. And is this a problem? 'I bet it is.' You know nothing. 'You know nothing.' Yes. And that's why we're a great team.

VC investment volume (with disclosed deal value) and value increased by 36.9% and 17.9%, respectively, in Q4 2019 compared to Q4 2018. The share of low value deals as a percentage of the total deal volume increased from 60.8% in Q4 2018 to 67.5% Q4 2019.

The share of low value deals across all the funding size ranges increased in Q4 2019 compared to Q4 2018. Within the low value deals, the highest number of deals was announced in the range of US$1-5m.

Okay, okay. But what about the other hand? 'Er ... they haven't said anything about a hand, boss. Any hand.' Jesus! Will you trust me? Please!

On the other hand, the top 20 deals announced during the quarter accounted for more than 50% of total deal value in 2019. While Q4 2018 witnessed three billion dollar deals (investment >=US$1000m), Q4 2019 witnessed announcement of four such deals.

Some of the notable deals announced during Q4 2019 included US$3.7bn funding in Tenglong Holdings, US$3bn raised by Beijing Kuaishou Technology and US$1.5bn funding in Oravel Stays (OYO Rooms). 

You see, Voice? 'Yeah, yeah. So you're right again. Congratulations.' Thank you.

[I'm just glad it wasn't the Hand of Glory, like in Angel Heart. That would have been utterly bizarre. Do you know what I mean, dear reader(s)? Thankfully, GlobalData aren't a bunch of total lunatics.]

Okay, okay. There's more of, uh ... all that, but I want to jump to Bose, and - 'What? Who?' Bose. Aurojyoti Bose. 'Oh, him again.' Yes, him again. / Something about China ...

Aurojyoti Bose, Financial Deals Analyst at GlobalData, says: "Investors still have lot of interest in China but trade tensions, slowdown and mounting debt made investors cautious and kept investors away from committing big ticket investments. However, the US signing trade deal with China on 15 January 2020 is expected to ease some of the investor concerns and fuel funding activity in the country."

Thank you, Aurojyoti!

Well, I suppose low value deals are a problem, BUT(!) ... I'd rather have low value deals than no deals at all. Do you know what I mean, dear reader(s)? Having said that ... I want a big deal with a major record company. 'Ha! I knew you would squeeze music into this post somewhere, boss. You're incorrigible.' Shut up, Voice! There's no harm in it.

ENDS

...

Anything else? Not much at the moment, no. I'll be writing another post this afternoon, with our Detlef. Well, not writing it with him. It's a PR email. 'What about this time?' Funds. Funds that are flowing. 'That's nice.' Yeah.

So, later(s), kook(s)!

Tuesday 21 January 2020

[No. 773] In a dream home ...

Me.

And, listen! ...[1], and in my dream home ...[1], and, listen! ...[2], and, ah ... Christ[1], and in my dream home ...[2], and I do hope you're listening, dear kook(s) / and ... how will you ever learn anything? Seriously![1],and, ah ... Christ[2], and where to start, with you?[1], and I do hope you're listening, dear kook(s) / and ... how will you ever learn anything? Seriously![2], and life is a horror show, yes, we all know that, BUT(!) ... you've got to make yourself comfortable, you dig?[1], and where to start, with you?[2], and when we die ... it's not for a little while, no ... it's for a long while[1], and life is a horror show, yes, we all know that, BUT(!) ... you've got to make yourself comfortable, you dig?[2], and I don't wanna hear no dodgy chat about the afterlife, man / and there's no proof of anything, even though ...[1], and when we die ... it's not for a little while, no ... it's for a long while[2], and ... yes, we all like to dream, and have our little fantasies[1], and I don't wanna hear no dodgy chat about the afterlife, man / and there's no proof of anything, even though ...[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... before the light goes out forever, I suggest you find a slice of heaven here on earth[1], and ... yes, we all like to dream, and have our little fantasies[2], and, well ... over there, actually[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... before the light goes out forever, I suggest you find a slice of heaven here on earth[2], and here ... right here ... is something else / and we're not discussing the DIZZY(!) life now, no, no, no[1], and, well ... over there, actually[2], and, so ... where was I? / and ... where am I?[1], and here ... right here ... is something else / and we're not discussing the DIZZY(!) life now, no, no, no[2], and in a dream home, my heart won't be aching, I can assure you[1], and, so ... where was I? / and ... where am I?[2], and a-ROUND here ... there's some joy[1], and in a dream home, my heart won't be aching, I can assure you[2], and at ... moments, out there, in the cold? Ha, ha, ha! My heart is fucked, and that's the honest truth[1], and a-ROUND here ... there's some joy[2], and, I want, I want[1], and at ... moments, out there, in the cold? Ha, ha, ha! My heart is fucked, and that's the honest truth[2], and, so ... don't think badly of me / and, uh ... not that I would care[1], and, I want, I want[2], and charity? / and doing good?[1], and, so ... don't think badly of me / and, uh ... not that I would care[2], and, uh ... saving the world?[1], and charity? / and doing good?[2], and even our glorious Elon has got five mansions in Bel-Air, man / and I only want one, one! ... in Malibu[1], and, uh ... saving the world?[2], and ... completely unspoiled![1], and even our glorious Elon has got five mansions in Bel-Air, man / and I only want one, one! ... in Malibu[2], and, listen! ... I will deal in publishing, entertainment, political advocacy / and I will draw a lot of water in that town[1], and ... completely unspoiled![2], and you can visit me, yes, oh, one of my parties, BUT(!) ... no jerk-off behaviour, please![1], and, listen! ... I will deal in publishing, entertainment, political advocacy / and I will draw a lot of water in that town[2], and all I'm saying is ...[1], and you can visit me, yes, oh, one of my parties, BUT(!) ... no jerk-off behaviour, please![2], and, tell me ... what am I saying?[1], and all I'm saying is ...[2], and ... I WANT MINE - !!![1], and, tell me ... what am I saying?[2], and, listen! ...[3], and ... I W ANT MIN E - !!![2], and in my dream home ...[3], and, ah ... Christ[3], and I do hope you're listening, dear kook(s) / and ... how will you ever learn anything? Seriously![3], and where to start, with you?[3], and life is a horror show, yes, we all know that, BUT(!) ... you've got to make yourself comfortable, you dig?[3], and when we die ... it's not for a little while, no ... it's for a long while[3], and I don't wanna hear no dodgy chat about the afterlife, man / and there's no proof of anything, even though ...[3], and ... yes, we all like to dream, and have our little fantasies[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... before the light goes out forever, I suggest you find a slice of heaven here on earth[3], and, well ... over there, actually[3], and here ... right here ... is something else / and we're not discussing the DIZZY(!) life now, no, no, no[3], and, so ... where was I? / and ... where am I?[3], and in a dream home, my heart won't be aching, I can assure you[3], and a-ROUND here ... there's some joy[3], and at ... moments, out there, in the cold? Ha, ha, ha! My heart is fucked, and that's the honest truth[3], and, I want, I want[3], and, so ... don't think badly of me / and, uh ... not that I would care[3], and charity? / and doing good?[3], and, uh ... saving the world?[3], and even our glorious Elon has got five mansions in Bel-Air, man / and I only want one, one! ... in Malibu[3], and ... completely unspoiled![3], and, listen! ... I will deal in publishing, entertainment, political advocacy / and I will draw a lot of water in that town[3], and you can visit me, yes, oh, one of my parties, BUT(!) ... no jerk-off behaviour, please![3], and all I'm saying is ...[3], and, tell me ... what am I saying?[3], and ... I W  A  N  T M  I  N  E - !!![3], and

And, listen! ...[1], and in my dream home ...[1], and, listen! ...[2], and, ah ... Christ[1], and in my dream home ...[2], and I do hope you're listening, dear kook(s) / and ... how will you ever learn anything? Seriously![1],and, ah ... Christ[2], and where to start, with you?[1], and I do hope you're listening, dear kook(s) / and ... how will you ever learn anything? Seriously![2], and life is a horror show, yes, we all know that, BUT(!) ... you've got to make yourself comfortable, you dig?[1], and where to start, with you?[2], and when we die ... it's not for a little while, no ... it's for a long while[1], and life is a horror show, yes, we all know that, BUT(!) ... you've got to make yourself comfortable, you dig?[2], and I don't wanna hear no dodgy chat about the afterlife, man / and there's no proof of anything, even though ...[1], and when we die ... it's not for a little while, no ... it's for a long while[2], and ... yes, we all like to dream, and have our little fantasies[1], and I don't wanna hear no dodgy chat about the afterlife, man / and there's no proof of anything, even though ...[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... before the light goes out forever, I suggest you find a slice of heaven here on earth[1], and ... yes, we all like to dream, and have our little fantasies[2], and, well ... over there, actually[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... before the light goes out forever, I suggest you find a slice of heaven here on earth[2], and here ... right here ... is something else / and we're not discussing the DIZZY(!) life now, no, no, no[1], and, well ... over there, actually[2], and, so ... where was I? / and ... where am I?[1], and here ... right here ... is something else / and we're not discussing the DIZZY(!) life now, no, no, no[2], and in a dream home, my heart won't be aching, I can assure you[1], and, so ... where was I? / and ... where am I?[2], and a-ROUND here ... there's some joy[1], and in a dream home, my heart won't be aching, I can assure you[2], and at ... moments, out there, in the cold? Ha, ha, ha! My heart is fucked, and that's the honest truth[1], and a-ROUND here ... there's some joy[2], and, I want, I want[1], and at ... moments, out there, in the cold? Ha, ha, ha! My heart is fucked, and that's the honest truth[2], and, so ... don't think badly of me / and, uh ... not that I would care[1], and, I want, I want[2], and charity? / and doing good?[1], and, so ... don't think badly of me / and, uh ... not that I would care[2], and, uh ... saving the world?[1], and charity? / and doing good?[2], and even our glorious Elon has got five mansions in Bel-Air, man / and I only want one, one! ... in Malibu[1], and, uh ... saving the world?[2], and ... completely unspoiled![1], and even our glorious Elon has got five mansions in Bel-Air, man / and I only want one, one! ... in Malibu[2], and, listen! ... I will deal in publishing, entertainment, political advocacy / and I will draw a lot of water in that town[1], and ... completely unspoiled![2], and you can visit me, yes, oh, one of my parties, BUT(!) ... no jerk-off behaviour, please![1], and, listen! ... I will deal in publishing, entertainment, political advocacy / and I will draw a lot of water in that town[2], and all I'm saying is ...[1], and you can visit me, yes, oh, one of my parties, BUT(!) ... no jerk-off behaviour, please![2], and, tell me ... what am I saying?[1], and all I'm saying is ...[2], and ... I WANT MINE - !!![1], and, tell me ... what am I saying?[2], and, listen! ...[3], and ... I W ANT MIN E - !!![2], and in my dream home ...[3], and, ah ... Christ[3], and I do hope you're listening, dear kook(s) / and ... how will you ever learn anything? Seriously![3], and where to start, with you?[3], and life is a horror show, yes, we all know that, BUT(!) ... you've got to make yourself comfortable, you dig?[3], and when we die ... it's not for a little while, no ... it's for a long while[3], and I don't wanna hear no dodgy chat about the afterlife, man / and there's no proof of anything, even though ...[3], and ... yes, we all like to dream, and have our little fantasies[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... before the light goes out forever, I suggest you find a slice of heaven here on earth[3], and, well ... over there, actually[3], and here ... right here ... is something else / and we're not discussing the DIZZY(!) life now, no, no, no[3], and, so ... where was I? / and ... where am I?[3], and in a dream home, my heart won't be aching, I can assure you[3], and a-ROUND here ... there's some joy[3], and at ... moments, out there, in the cold? Ha, ha, ha! My heart is fucked, and that's the honest truth[3], and, I want, I want[3], and, so ... don't think badly of me / and, uh ... not that I would care[3], and charity? / and doing good?[3], and, uh ... saving the world?[3], and even our glorious Elon has got five mansions in Bel-Air, man / and I only want one, one! ... in Malibu[3], and ... completely unspoiled![3], and, listen! ... I will deal in publishing, entertainment, political advocacy / and I will draw a lot of water in that town[3], and you can visit me, yes, oh, one of my parties, BUT(!) ... no jerk-off behaviour, please![3], and all I'm saying is ...[3], and, tell me ... what am I saying?[3], and ... I W  A  N  T M  I  N  E - !!![3], and

And, listen! ...[1], and in my dream home ...[1], and, listen! ...[2], and, ah ... Christ[1], and in my dream home ...[2], and I do hope you're listening, dear kook(s) / and ... how will you ever learn anything? Seriously![1],and, ah ... Christ[2], and where to start, with you?[1], and I do hope you're listening, dear kook(s) / and ... how will you ever learn anything? Seriously![2], and life is a horror show, yes, we all know that, BUT(!) ... you've got to make yourself comfortable, you dig?[1], and where to start, with you?[2], and when we die ... it's not for a little while, no ... it's for a long while[1], and life is a horror show, yes, we all know that, BUT(!) ... you've got to make yourself comfortable, you dig?[2], and I don't wanna hear no dodgy chat about the afterlife, man / and there's no proof of anything, even though ...[1], and when we die ... it's not for a little while, no ... it's for a long while[2], and ... yes, we all like to dream, and have our little fantasies[1], and I don't wanna hear no dodgy chat about the afterlife, man / and there's no proof of anything, even though ...[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... before the light goes out forever, I suggest you find a slice of heaven here on earth[1], and ... yes, we all like to dream, and have our little fantasies[2], and, well ... over there, actually[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... before the light goes out forever, I suggest you find a slice of heaven here on earth[2], and here ... right here ... is something else / and we're not discussing the DIZZY(!) life now, no, no, no[1], and, well ... over there, actually[2], and, so ... where was I? / and ... where am I?[1], and here ... right here ... is something else / and we're not discussing the DIZZY(!) life now, no, no, no[2], and in a dream home, my heart won't be aching, I can assure you[1], and, so ... where was I? / and ... where am I?[2], and a-ROUND here ... there's some joy[1], and in a dream home, my heart won't be aching, I can assure you[2], and at ... moments, out there, in the cold? Ha, ha, ha! My heart is fucked, and that's the honest truth[1], and a-ROUND here ... there's some joy[2], and, I want, I want[1], and at ... moments, out there, in the cold? Ha, ha, ha! My heart is fucked, and that's the honest truth[2], and, so ... don't think badly of me / and, uh ... not that I would care[1], and, I want, I want[2], and charity? / and doing good?[1], and, so ... don't think badly of me / and, uh ... not that I would care[2], and, uh ... saving the world?[1], and charity? / and doing good?[2], and even our glorious Elon has got five mansions in Bel-Air, man / and I only want one, one! ... in Malibu[1], and, uh ... saving the world?[2], and ... completely unspoiled![1], and even our glorious Elon has got five mansions in Bel-Air, man / and I only want one, one! ... in Malibu[2], and, listen! ... I will deal in publishing, entertainment, political advocacy / and I will draw a lot of water in that town[1], and ... completely unspoiled![2], and you can visit me, yes, oh, one of my parties, BUT(!) ... no jerk-off behaviour, please![1], and, listen! ... I will deal in publishing, entertainment, political advocacy / and I will draw a lot of water in that town[2], and all I'm saying is ...[1], and you can visit me, yes, oh, one of my parties, BUT(!) ... no jerk-off behaviour, please![2], and, tell me ... what am I saying?[1], and all I'm saying is ...[2], and ... I WANT MINE - !!![1], and, tell me ... what am I saying?[2], and, listen! ...[3], and ... I W ANT MIN E - !!![2], and in my dream home ...[3], and, ah ... Christ[3], and I do hope you're listening, dear kook(s) / and ... how will you ever learn anything? Seriously![3], and where to start, with you?[3], and life is a horror show, yes, we all know that, BUT(!) ... you've got to make yourself comfortable, you dig?[3], and when we die ... it's not for a little while, no ... it's for a long while[3], and I don't wanna hear no dodgy chat about the afterlife, man / and there's no proof of anything, even though ...[3], and ... yes, we all like to dream, and have our little fantasies[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... before the light goes out forever, I suggest you find a slice of heaven here on earth[3], and, well ... over there, actually[3], and here ... right here ... is something else / and we're not discussing the DIZZY(!) life now, no, no, no[3], and, so ... where was I? / and ... where am I?[3], and in a dream home, my heart won't be aching, I can assure you[3], and a-ROUND here ... there's some joy[3], and at ... moments, out there, in the cold? Ha, ha, ha! My heart is fucked, and that's the honest truth[3], and, I want, I want[3], and, so ... don't think badly of me / and, uh ... not that I would care[3], and charity? / and doing good?[3], and, uh ... saving the world?[3], and even our glorious Elon has got five mansions in Bel-Air, man / and I only want one, one! ... in Malibu[3], and ... completely unspoiled![3], and, listen! ... I will deal in publishing, entertainment, political advocacy / and I will draw a lot of water in that town[3], and you can visit me, yes, oh, one of my parties, BUT(!) ... no jerk-off behaviour, please![3], and all I'm saying is ...[3], and, tell me ... what am I saying?[3], and ... I W  A  N  T M  I  N  E - !!![3], and