[No. 793] The streets are quiet

So ...

And, well, well[1], and, yes, quiet, uh, most of the time[1], and, well, well[2], and, of course ... we still get the occasional cretin, shouting ... but this is London / and, where are YOU(!) now?[1], and, yes, quiet, uh, most of the time[2], and I am here ... now, forever[1], and, of course ... we still get the occasional cretin, shouting ... but this is London / and, where are YOU(!) now?[2], and, yes, yes - deal with it, square(s)![1], and I am here ... now, forever[2], and those guys ...[1], and, yes, yes - deal with it, square(s)![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... in our minds, only, kook(s) ... in silence, almost[1], and those guys ...[2], and, Pascal ... you would love it, son![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... in our minds, only, kook(s) ... in silence, almost[2], and  maybe later tonight, I'll go out into the garden and stare at the stars ... oh, for no particular reason, like[1], and, Pascal ... you would love it, son![2], and, obviously, obviously[1], and  maybe later tonight, I'll go out into the garden and stare at the stars ... oh, for no particular reason, like[2], and maybe later ... in life, beyond death ... who knows?! I do! / and the cosmos is waiting for all of us[1], and, obviously, obviously[2], and believe it![1], and maybe later ... in life, beyond death ... who knows?! I do! / and the cosmos is waiting for all of us[2], and how many people are thinking now in a way they've never thought before? / and, uh ... very few, I should imagine[1], and believe it![2], and, ha, ha, ha![1], and how many people are thinking now in a way they've never thought before? / and, uh ... very few, I should imagine[2], and how many people are feeling now in a way they've never felt before? / and, uh ... very few, I should imagine[1], and, ha, ha, ha![2], and, listen! ... people don't change, do they?[1], and how many people are feeling now in a way they've never felt before? / and, uh ... very few, I should imagine[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... take this time, baby, to become stronger, in your mind, and, well ... in your soul, you dig?[1], and, listen! ... people don't change, do they?[2], and ... 'Same thing, boss, probably' / and, shut up, Voice, please![1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... take this time, baby, to become str onger, in your mind, and, well ... in your soul, you dig?[2], and there's no getting away from some voices, is there? / and he will haunt me for eternity, Christ![1], and ... 'Same thing, boss, probably' / and, shut up, Voice, please![2], and I suppose it could be worse ... Ah, could it?!?!?![1], and there's no getting away from some voices, is there? / and he will haunt me for eternity, Christ![2], and ... 'No, no, no!'[1], and I suppose it could be worse ... Ah, could it?!?!?![2], and, uh, uh, uh ... never, never, never, never, never, never mind, eh?[1], and ... 'No, no, no!'[2], and a-ROUND again? Yes - !!![1], and, uh, uh, uh ... never, never, never, never, never, never mind, eh?[2], and, well, well[3], and a-ROUND again? Yes - !!![2], and, yes, quiet, uh, most of the time[3], and, of course ... we still get the occasional cretin, shouting ... but this is London / and, where are YOU(!) now?[3], and I am here ... now, forever[3], and, yes, yes - deal with it, square(s)![3], and those guys ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... in our minds, only, kook(s) ... in silence, almost[3], and, Pascal ... you would love it, son![3], and  maybe later tonight, I'll go out into the garden and stare at the stars ... oh, for no particular reason, like[3], and, obviously, obviously[3], and maybe later ... in life, beyond death ... who knows?! I do! / and the cosmos is waiting for all of us[3], and believe it![3], and how many people are thinking now in a way they've never thought before? / and, uh ... very few, I should imagine[3], and, ha, ha, ha![3], and how many people are feeling now in a way they've never felt before? / and, uh ... very few, I should imagine[3], and, listen! ... people don't change, do they?[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... take this time, baby, to become s  t  r  o  n  g  e  r, in your mind, and, well ... in your soul, you dig?[3], and ... 'Same thing, boss, probably' / and, shut up, Voice, please![3], and there's no getting away from some voices, is there? / and he will haunt me for eternity, Christ![3], and I suppose it could be worse ... Ah, could it?!?!?![3], and ... 'No, no, no!'[3], and, uh, uh, uh ... never, never, never, never, never, never mind, eh?[3], and a-ROUND again? Yes - !!![3], and

And, well, well[1], and, yes, quiet, uh, most of the time[1], and, well, well[2], and, of course ... we still get the occasional cretin, shouting ... but this is London / and, where are YOU(!) now?[1], and, yes, quiet, uh, most of the time[2], and I am here ... now, forever[1], and, of course ... we still get the occasional cretin, shouting ... but this is London / and, where are YOU(!) now?[2], and, yes, yes - deal with it, square(s)![1], and I am here ... now, forever[2], and those guys ...[1], and, yes, yes - deal with it, square(s)![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... in our minds, only, kook(s) ... in silence, almost[1], and those guys ...[2], and, Pascal ... you would love it, son![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... in our minds, only, kook(s) ... in silence, almost[2], and  maybe later tonight, I'll go out into the garden and stare at the stars ... oh, for no particular reason, like[1], and, Pascal ... you would love it, son![2], and, obviously, obviously[1], and  maybe later tonight, I'll go out into the garden and stare at the stars ... oh, for no particular reason, like[2], and maybe later ... in life, beyond death ... who knows?! I do! / and the cosmos is waiting for all of us[1], and, obviously, obviously[2], and believe it![1], and maybe later ... in life, beyond death ... who knows?! I do! / and the cosmos is waiting for all of us[2], and how many people are thinking now in a way they've never thought before? / and, uh ... very few, I should imagine[1], and believe it![2], and, ha, ha, ha![1], and how many people are thinking now in a way they've never thought before? / and, uh ... very few, I should imagine[2], and how many people are feeling now in a way they've never felt before? / and, uh ... very few, I should imagine[1], and, ha, ha, ha![2], and, listen! ... people don't change, do they?[1], and how many people are feeling now in a way they've never felt before? / and, uh ... very few, I should imagine[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... take this time, baby, to become stronger, in your mind, and, well ... in your soul, you dig?[1], and, listen! ... people don't change, do they?[2], and ... 'Same thing, boss, probably' / and, shut up, Voice, please![1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... take this time, baby, to become str onger, in your mind, and, well ... in your soul, you dig?[2], and there's no getting away from some voices, is there? / and he will haunt me for eternity, Christ![1], and ... 'Same thing, boss, probably' / and, shut up, Voice, please![2], and I suppose it could be worse ... Ah, could it?!?!?![1], and there's no getting away from some voices, is there? / and he will haunt me for eternity, Christ![2], and ... 'No, no, no!'[1], and I suppose it could be worse ... Ah, could it?!?!?![2], and, uh, uh, uh ... never, never, never, never, never, never mind, eh?[1], and ... 'No, no, no!'[2], and a-ROUND again? Yes - !!![1], and, uh, uh, uh ... never, never, never, never, never, never mind, eh?[2], and, well, well[3], and a-ROUND again? Yes - !!![2], and, yes, quiet, uh, most of the time[3], and, of course ... we still get the occasional cretin, shouting ... but this is London / and, where are YOU(!) now?[3], and I am here ... now, forever[3], and, yes, yes - deal with it, square(s)![3], and those guys ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... in our minds, only, kook(s) ... in silence, almost[3], and, Pascal ... you would love it, son![3], and  maybe later tonight, I'll go out into the garden and stare at the stars ... oh, for no particular reason, like[3], and, obviously, obviously[3], and maybe later ... in life, beyond death ... who knows?! I do! / and the cosmos is waiting for all of us[3], and believe it![3], and how many people are thinking now in a way they've never thought before? / and, uh ... very few, I should imagine[3], and, ha, ha, ha![3], and how many people are feeling now in a way they've never felt before? / and, uh ... very few, I should imagine[3], and, listen! ... people don't change, do they?[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... take this time, baby, to become s  t  r  o  n  g  e  r, in your mind, and, well ... in your soul, you dig?[3], and ... 'Same thing, boss, probably' / and, shut up, Voice, please![3], and there's no getting away from some voices, is there? / and he will haunt me for eternity, Christ![3], and I suppose it could be worse ... Ah, could it?!?!?![3], and ... 'No, no, no!'[3], and, uh, uh, uh ... never, never, never, never, never, never mind, eh?[3], and a-ROUND again? Yes - !!![3], and

And, well, well[1], and, yes, quiet, uh, most of the time[1], and, well, well[2], and, of course ... we still get the occasional cretin, shouting ... but this is London / and, where are YOU(!) now?[1], and, yes, quiet, uh, most of the time[2], and I am here ... now, forever[1], and, of course ... we still get the occasional cretin, shouting ... but this is London / and, where are YOU(!) now?[2], and, yes, yes - deal with it, square(s)![1], and I am here ... now, forever[2], and those guys ...[1], and, yes, yes - deal with it, square(s)![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... in our minds, only, kook(s) ... in silence, almost[1], and those guys ...[2], and, Pascal ... you would love it, son![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... in our minds, only, kook(s) ... in silence, almost[2], and  maybe later tonight, I'll go out into the garden and stare at the stars ... oh, for no particular reason, like[1], and, Pascal ... you would love it, son![2], and, obviously, obviously[1], and  maybe later tonight, I'll go out into the garden and stare at the stars ... oh, for no particular reason, like[2], and maybe later ... in life, beyond death ... who knows?! I do! / and the cosmos is waiting for all of us[1], and, obviously, obviously[2], and believe it![1], and maybe later ... in life, beyond death ... who knows?! I do! / and the cosmos is waiting for all of us[2], and how many people are thinking now in a way they've never thought before? / and, uh ... very few, I should imagine[1], and believe it![2], and, ha, ha, ha![1], and how many people are thinking now in a way they've never thought before? / and, uh ... very few, I should imagine[2], and how many people are feeling now in a way they've never felt before? / and, uh ... very few, I should imagine[1], and, ha, ha, ha![2], and, listen! ... people don't change, do they?[1], and how many people are feeling now in a way they've never felt before? / and, uh ... very few, I should imagine[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... take this time, baby, to become stronger, in your mind, and, well ... in your soul, you dig?[1], and, listen! ... people don't change, do they?[2], and ... 'Same thing, boss, probably' / and, shut up, Voice, please![1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... take this time, baby, to become str onger, in your mind, and, well ... in your soul, you dig?[2], and there's no getting away from some voices, is there? / and he will haunt me for eternity, Christ![1], and ... 'Same thing, boss, probably' / and, shut up, Voice, please![2], and I suppose it could be worse ... Ah, could it?!?!?![1], and there's no getting away from some voices, is there? / and he will haunt me for eternity, Christ![2], and ... 'No, no, no!'[1], and I suppose it could be worse ... Ah, could it?!?!?![2], and, uh, uh, uh ... never, never, never, never, never, never mind, eh?[1], and ... 'No, no, no!'[2], and a-ROUND again? Yes - !!![1], and, uh, uh, uh ... never, never, never, never, never, never mind, eh?[2], and, well, well[3], and a-ROUND again? Yes - !!![2], and, yes, quiet, uh, most of the time[3], and, of course ... we still get the occasional cretin, shouting ... but this is London / and, where are YOU(!) now?[3], and I am here ... now, forever[3], and, yes, yes - deal with it, square(s)![3], and those guys ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... in our minds, only, kook(s) ... in silence, almost[3], and, Pascal ... you would love it, son![3], and  maybe later tonight, I'll go out into the garden and stare at the stars ... oh, for no particular reason, like[3], and, obviously, obviously[3], and maybe later ... in life, beyond death ... who knows?! I do! / and the cosmos is waiting for all of us[3], and believe it![3], and how many people are thinking now in a way they've never thought before? / and, uh ... very few, I should imagine[3], and, ha, ha, ha![3], and how many people are feeling now in a way they've never felt before? / and, uh ... very few, I should imagine[3], and, listen! ... people don't change, do they?[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... take this time, baby, to become s  t  r  o  n  g  e  r, in your mind, and, well ... in your soul, you dig?[3], and ... 'Same thing, boss, probably' / and, shut up, Voice, please![3], and there's no getting away from some voices, is there? / and he will haunt me for eternity, Christ![3], and I suppose it could be worse ... Ah, could it?!?!?![3], and ... 'No, no, no!'[3], and, uh, uh, uh ... never, never, never, never, never, never mind, eh?[3], and a-ROUND again? Yes - !!![3], and

Business property

Yeah. PR email ...

London-based Inc & Co Property Group, the sister company of Inc & Co, is celebrating the acquisition of Prospect Business Centres, a property development group with serviced offices in various locations throughout London and Leeds.

Fine. But, uh ... we don't need business property no more, or business. We are in lockdown now. Maybe for six months. Maybe for two years. So ... oh, I don't know, man. / Listen! If Winston Churchill were alive, I'm sure he would find a way to convince people to stay in their homes for two or three months. But even he - with all his amazing rhetoric - would have a tough time stretching it out to six months. Do you know what I mean?

Anyway ...

Jack Mason, Group CEO at Inc & Co Property Group, says "This is such an exciting time for the property development scene and we're really pleased to be able to bring Prospect Business Centres into the group. By bringing these offices under the Inc & Co umbrella we can offer a strong proposition to our clients and teams.

"We're going to continue to focus on customer service delivery and offer the highest standard to everyone using the offices. These are high-quality offices in great locations, and it provides the perfect offices for all sizes of company.

"We're planning on investing in modernizing all the interiors to offer new, innovative contemporary working spaces that meets the growing needs of our customers. We'll also be rebranding the centres in order to bring them under the Inc & Co umbrella.

"Whenever we acquire a new business, we always aim to retain the talent and the wealth of experience that already exists in the company. We're delighted to be continuing to work with Charles Cudworth as MD, and Andrew Butler, as COO along with the other members of the team."

Right. Well, I wish you all the best, Jack, I really do.

...

Anything else? Music? Thank God I have my music! I can stay indoors and play my guitar, and still dream of a future where people live freely ... not caged like animals, waiting for slaughter. But that's just me, man. We must all find our own ways of coping.

Listen! I've been thinking ... oh yes. Great songwriters write their best songs in their twenties and thirties. Then they lose it. All of them. Okay, well ... guys like Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Paul Simon are able to write the occasional great-ish song, BUT(!) ... they can't do it consistently. No one can. 'You can, boss!' Oh, hello, Voice. Yes, I can. 'What makes you so different then?' Ha! My Napoleonic will, son, BECAUSE(!) ... [drum roll] ... inspiration is bullshit. Always has been. Always will be. 'Hey! What about all those dream and blackout fragments you get from the cosmos?' Yeah, fragments. I've still got to write the bloody songs, ain't I?

...

Uh. Uh. Christ. I hardly leave the house anyway, in normal times, but ... it's the thought ... the thought that I can't spend three hours walking to Richmond and back. And I can't go to St Ives and sit on my favourite rock and stare at the sea for a whole afternoon. Some things are worse than death. 'Like what, Mikey?!' Like, Voice ... the life that other people want you to live.

Well, let's hope everything works out for the best, kook(s), eh?

Stay hard! We'll get through this!

Laters!

[No. 792] Cold outside, hot inside

That's the truth.

And, well ... well?[1], and you can't look into their cold eyes, man, and see anything at all[1], and, well ... well?[2], and, no, no, no ...[1], and you can't look into their cold eyes, man, and see anything at all[2], and it's so sad, sadly ... oh, those sickening squares![1], and, no, no, no ...[2], and, listen to me! ... the total misery of normality? It should be against the law - just my personal view, like[1], and it's so sad, sadly ... oh, those sickening squares![2], and laugh, for me - go on![1], and, listen to me! ... the total misery of normality? It should be against the law - just my personal view, like[2], and you can ... look into yourself, yes, if you have a well-developed consciousness, of course[1], and laugh, for me - go on![2], and, uh, uh ... 'Yeah, yeah' ... never, never ... mind![1], and you can ... look into yourself, yes, if you have a well-developed consciousness, of course[2], and, or, or, or ... even better, look into me, because I'm as hot as, uh ... a baked potato, my friend(s), oh yes![1], and, uh, uh ... 'Yeah, yeah' ... never, never ... mind![2], and ... 'A baked potato?!' ... it was the only thing I could think of, Voice[1], and, or, or, or ... even better, look into me, because I'm as hot as, uh ... a baked potato, my friend(s), oh yes![2], and life is for ... what, exactly?[1], and ... 'A baked potato?!' ... it was the only thing I could think of, Voice[2], and I don't know ... but I keep on going, on and on, spinning, you dig?[1], and life is for ... what, exactly?[2], and the sky is grey ... so what else is new?[1], and I don't know ... but I keep on going, on and on, spinning, you dig?[2], and a-ROUND here ... we're having fun as usual, or unusual / and those of us with no sense, anyway[1], and the sky is grey ... so what else is new?[2], and did I ever promise you a rainbow? / and I can't remember ...[1], and a-ROUND here ... we're having fun as usual, or unusual / and those of us with no sense, anyway[2], and the insiders are outside, and the outsiders are inside / and, uh ... what on earth am I saying?![1], and did I ever promise you a rainbow? / and I can't remember ...[2], and, ha, ha, ha! ... nothing on earth, obviously[1], and the insiders are outside, and the outsiders are inside / and, uh ... what on earth am I saying?![2], and if I were able to explain myself clearly ... I wouldn't bother, because ... I just don't care[1], and, ha, ha, ha! ... nothing on earth, obviously[2], and their understanding is way down on the list for me ...[1], and if I were able to explain myself clearly ... I wouldn't bother, because ... I just don't care[2], and I remember ... the summer sun, St Ives, The Island ... that hot tornado, around me, but no one noticed[1], and their understanding is way down on the list for me ...[2], and a few words are breaking now ... 'Great!'[1], and I remember ... the summer sun, St Ives, The Island ... that hot tornado, around me, but no one noticed[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... not too many ... ah, I'm not in the mood, no, no, no[1], and a few words are br eaking now ... 'Great!'[2], and I don't particularly like this one ... but it doesn't matter ... because ... I don't need a reason[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... not too many ... ah, I'm not in the m ood, no, no, no[2], and I'm praying for it to stop[1], and I don't particularly like this one ... but it doesn't matter ... because ... I don't need a reason[2], and, but ... we all know ... that it will never stop[1], and I'm p raying for it to stop[2], and a-ROUND here ... nothing changes[1], and, but ... we all know ... that it will never stop[2], and it's comforting, I suppose[1], and a-ROUND here ... not hing chan ges[2], and, well ... well?[3], and it's comforting, I suppose[2], and you can't look into their cold eyes, man, and see anything at all[3], and, no, no, no ...[3], and it's so sad, sadly ... oh, those sickening squares![3], and, listen to me! ... the total misery of normality? It should be against the law - just my personal view, like[3], and laugh, for me - go on![3], and you can ... look into yourself, yes, if you have a well-developed consciousness, of course[3], and, uh, uh ... 'Yeah, yeah' ... never, never ... mind![3], and, or, or, or ... even better, look into me, because I'm as hot as, uh ... a baked potato, my friend(s), oh yes![3], and ... 'A baked potato?!' ... it was the only thing I could think of, Voice[3], and life is for ... what, exactly?[3], and I don't know ... but I keep on going, on and on, spinning, you dig?[3], and the sky is grey ... so what else is new?[3], and a-ROUND here ... we're having fun as usual, or unusual / and those of us with no sense, anyway[3], and did I ever promise you a rainbow? / and I can't remember ...[3], and the insiders are outside, and the outsiders are inside / and, uh ... what on earth am I saying?![3], and, ha, ha, ha! ... nothing on earth, obviously[3], and if I were able to explain myself clearly ... I wouldn't bother, because ... I just don't care[3], and their understanding is way down on the list for me ...[3], and I remember ... the summer sun, St Ives, The Island ... that hot tornado, around me, but no one noticed[3], and a few words are b  r  e  a  k  i  n  g now ... 'Great!'[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... not too many ... ah, I'm not in the m  o  o  d, no, no, no[3], and I don't particularly like this one ... but it doesn't matter ... because ... I don't need a reason[3], and I'm p  r  a  y  i  n  g for it to stop[3], and, but ... we all know ... that it will never stop[3], and a-ROUND here ... n  o  t  h  i  n  g c  h  a  n  g  e  s[3], and it's comforting, I suppose[3], and

And, well ... well?[1], and you can't look into their cold eyes, man, and see anything at all[1], and, well ... well?[2], and, no, no, no ...[1], and you can't look into their cold eyes, man, and see anything at all[2], and it's so sad, sadly ... oh, those sickening squares![1], and, no, no, no ...[2], and, listen to me! ... the total misery of normality? It should be against the law - just my personal view, like[1], and it's so sad, sadly ... oh, those sickening squares![2], and laugh, for me - go on![1], and, listen to me! ... the total misery of normality? It should be against the law - just my personal view, like[2], and you can ... look into yourself, yes, if you have a well-developed consciousness, of course[1], and laugh, for me - go on![2], and, uh, uh ... 'Yeah, yeah' ... never, never ... mind![1], and you can ... look into yourself, yes, if you have a well-developed consciousness, of course[2], and, or, or, or ... even better, look into me, because I'm as hot as, uh ... a baked potato, my friend(s), oh yes![1], and, uh, uh ... 'Yeah, yeah' ... never, never ... mind![2], and ... 'A baked potato?!' ... it was the only thing I could think of, Voice[1], and, or, or, or ... even better, look into me, because I'm as hot as, uh ... a baked potato, my friend(s), oh yes![2], and life is for ... what, exactly?[1], and ... 'A baked potato?!' ... it was the only thing I could think of, Voice[2], and I don't know ... but I keep on going, on and on, spinning, you dig?[1], and life is for ... what, exactly?[2], and the sky is grey ... so what else is new?[1], and I don't know ... but I keep on going, on and on, spinning, you dig?[2], and a-ROUND here ... we're having fun as usual, or unusual / and those of us with no sense, anyway[1], and the sky is grey ... so what else is new?[2], and did I ever promise you a rainbow? / and I can't remember ...[1], and a-ROUND here ... we're having fun as usual, or unusual / and those of us with no sense, anyway[2], and the insiders are outside, and the outsiders are inside / and, uh ... what on earth am I saying?![1], and did I ever promise you a rainbow? / and I can't remember ...[2], and, ha, ha, ha! ... nothing on earth, obviously[1], and the insiders are outside, and the outsiders are inside / and, uh ... what on earth am I saying?![2], and if I were able to explain myself clearly ... I wouldn't bother, because ... I just don't care[1], and, ha, ha, ha! ... nothing on earth, obviously[2], and their understanding is way down on the list for me ...[1], and if I were able to explain myself clearly ... I wouldn't bother, because ... I just don't care[2], and I remember ... the summer sun, St Ives, The Island ... that hot tornado, around me, but no one noticed[1], and their understanding is way down on the list for me ...[2], and a few words are breaking now ... 'Great!'[1], and I remember ... the summer sun, St Ives, The Island ... that hot tornado, around me, but no one noticed[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... not too many ... ah, I'm not in the mood, no, no, no[1], and a few words are br eaking now ... 'Great!'[2], and I don't particularly like this one ... but it doesn't matter ... because ... I don't need a reason[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... not too many ... ah, I'm not in the m ood, no, no, no[2], and I'm praying for it to stop[1], and I don't particularly like this one ... but it doesn't matter ... because ... I don't need a reason[2], and, but ... we all know ... that it will never stop[1], and I'm p raying for it to stop[2], and a-ROUND here ... nothing changes[1], and, but ... we all know ... that it will never stop[2], and it's comforting, I suppose[1], and a-ROUND here ... not hing chan ges[2], and, well ... well?[3], and it's comforting, I suppose[2], and you can't look into their cold eyes, man, and see anything at all[3], and, no, no, no ...[3], and it's so sad, sadly ... oh, those sickening squares![3], and, listen to me! ... the total misery of normality? It should be against the law - just my personal view, like[3], and laugh, for me - go on![3], and you can ... look into yourself, yes, if you have a well-developed consciousness, of course[3], and, uh, uh ... 'Yeah, yeah' ... never, never ... mind![3], and, or, or, or ... even better, look into me, because I'm as hot as, uh ... a baked potato, my friend(s), oh yes![3], and ... 'A baked potato?!' ... it was the only thing I could think of, Voice[3], and life is for ... what, exactly?[3], and I don't know ... but I keep on going, on and on, spinning, you dig?[3], and the sky is grey ... so what else is new?[3], and a-ROUND here ... we're having fun as usual, or unusual / and those of us with no sense, anyway[3], and did I ever promise you a rainbow? / and I can't remember ...[3], and the insiders are outside, and the outsiders are inside / and, uh ... what on earth am I saying?![3], and, ha, ha, ha! ... nothing on earth, obviously[3], and if I were able to explain myself clearly ... I wouldn't bother, because ... I just don't care[3], and their understanding is way down on the list for me ...[3], and I remember ... the summer sun, St Ives, The Island ... that hot tornado, around me, but no one noticed[3], and a few words are b  r  e  a  k  i  n  g now ... 'Great!'[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... not too many ... ah, I'm not in the m  o  o  d, no, no, no[3], and I don't particularly like this one ... but it doesn't matter ... because ... I don't need a reason[3], and I'm p  r  a  y  i  n  g for it to stop[3], and, but ... we all know ... that it will never stop[3], and a-ROUND here ... n  o  t  h  i  n  g c  h  a  n  g  e  s[3], and it's comforting, I suppose[3], and

And, well ... well?[1], and you can't look into their cold eyes, man, and see anything at all[1], and, well ... well?[2], and, no, no, no ...[1], and you can't look into their cold eyes, man, and see anything at all[2], and it's so sad, sadly ... oh, those sickening squares![1], and, no, no, no ...[2], and, listen to me! ... the total misery of normality? It should be against the law - just my personal view, like[1], and it's so sad, sadly ... oh, those sickening squares![2], and laugh, for me - go on![1], and, listen to me! ... the total misery of normality? It should be against the law - just my personal view, like[2], and you can ... look into yourself, yes, if you have a well-developed consciousness, of course[1], and laugh, for me - go on![2], and, uh, uh ... 'Yeah, yeah' ... never, never ... mind![1], and you can ... look into yourself, yes, if you have a well-developed consciousness, of course[2], and, or, or, or ... even better, look into me, because I'm as hot as, uh ... a baked potato, my friend(s), oh yes![1], and, uh, uh ... 'Yeah, yeah' ... never, never ... mind![2], and ... 'A baked potato?!' ... it was the only thing I could think of, Voice[1], and, or, or, or ... even better, look into me, because I'm as hot as, uh ... a baked potato, my friend(s), oh yes![2], and life is for ... what, exactly?[1], and ... 'A baked potato?!' ... it was the only thing I could think of, Voice[2], and I don't know ... but I keep on going, on and on, spinning, you dig?[1], and life is for ... what, exactly?[2], and the sky is grey ... so what else is new?[1], and I don't know ... but I keep on going, on and on, spinning, you dig?[2], and a-ROUND here ... we're having fun as usual, or unusual / and those of us with no sense, anyway[1], and the sky is grey ... so what else is new?[2], and did I ever promise you a rainbow? / and I can't remember ...[1], and a-ROUND here ... we're having fun as usual, or unusual / and those of us with no sense, anyway[2], and the insiders are outside, and the outsiders are inside / and, uh ... what on earth am I saying?![1], and did I ever promise you a rainbow? / and I can't remember ...[2], and, ha, ha, ha! ... nothing on earth, obviously[1], and the insiders are outside, and the outsiders are inside / and, uh ... what on earth am I saying?![2], and if I were able to explain myself clearly ... I wouldn't bother, because ... I just don't care[1], and, ha, ha, ha! ... nothing on earth, obviously[2], and their understanding is way down on the list for me ...[1], and if I were able to explain myself clearly ... I wouldn't bother, because ... I just don't care[2], and I remember ... the summer sun, St Ives, The Island ... that hot tornado, around me, but no one noticed[1], and their understanding is way down on the list for me ...[2], and a few words are breaking now ... 'Great!'[1], and I remember ... the summer sun, St Ives, The Island ... that hot tornado, around me, but no one noticed[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... not too many ... ah, I'm not in the mood, no, no, no[1], and a few words are br eaking now ... 'Great!'[2], and I don't particularly like this one ... but it doesn't matter ... because ... I don't need a reason[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... not too many ... ah, I'm not in the m ood, no, no, no[2], and I'm praying for it to stop[1], and I don't particularly like this one ... but it doesn't matter ... because ... I don't need a reason[2], and, but ... we all know ... that it will never stop[1], and I'm p raying for it to stop[2], and a-ROUND here ... nothing changes[1], and, but ... we all know ... that it will never stop[2], and it's comforting, I suppose[1], and a-ROUND here ... not hing chan ges[2], and, well ... well?[3], and it's comforting, I suppose[2], and you can't look into their cold eyes, man, and see anything at all[3], and, no, no, no ...[3], and it's so sad, sadly ... oh, those sickening squares![3], and, listen to me! ... the total misery of normality? It should be against the law - just my personal view, like[3], and laugh, for me - go on![3], and you can ... look into yourself, yes, if you have a well-developed consciousness, of course[3], and, uh, uh ... 'Yeah, yeah' ... never, never ... mind![3], and, or, or, or ... even better, look into me, because I'm as hot as, uh ... a baked potato, my friend(s), oh yes![3], and ... 'A baked potato?!' ... it was the only thing I could think of, Voice[3], and life is for ... what, exactly?[3], and I don't know ... but I keep on going, on and on, spinning, you dig?[3], and the sky is grey ... so what else is new?[3], and a-ROUND here ... we're having fun as usual, or unusual / and those of us with no sense, anyway[3], and did I ever promise you a rainbow? / and I can't remember ...[3], and the insiders are outside, and the outsiders are inside / and, uh ... what on earth am I saying?![3], and, ha, ha, ha! ... nothing on earth, obviously[3], and if I were able to explain myself clearly ... I wouldn't bother, because ... I just don't care[3], and their understanding is way down on the list for me ...[3], and I remember ... the summer sun, St Ives, The Island ... that hot tornado, around me, but no one noticed[3], and a few words are b  r  e  a  k  i  n  g now ... 'Great!'[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... not too many ... ah, I'm not in the m  o  o  d, no, no, no[3], and I don't particularly like this one ... but it doesn't matter ... because ... I don't need a reason[3], and I'm p  r  a  y  i  n  g for it to stop[3], and, but ... we all know ... that it will never stop[3], and a-ROUND here ... n  o  t  h  i  n  g c  h  a  n  g  e  s[3], and it's comforting, I suppose[3], and

Lanistar

What's that?! Uh, this? Well, obviously ... it's a PR email, but ... Lanistar is a new banking alternative fintech company. Or so they say. In Hammersmith. 'You could walk there, boss.' Well, Voice, Kyanna says I can have some photos of the CEO, Gurhan Kiziloz, in his office. But I'm thinking - 'Go and look through the window!' Yes, yes. That's what I'm thinking. I can peer through the window - like some sort of sicko - while Gurhan is working, and maybe take my own photos. 'Great!' Unfortunately, I don't walk anywhere any more. 'You're allowed to go out for exercise, boss.' I don't want to, man. I'm a hermit now.

Anyway ...

London - Thursday 26th March 2020: Lanistar, a new banking alternative fintech company, launches today, after securing £2m seed-funding. The company, which is based in Hammersmith, formally launches with over 45 fulltime staff, with a further 150 support staff due to be added, and is founded by serial entrepreneur Gurhan Kiziloz who has stated his ambition to create a £1bn fintech company and challenge traditional banking services.

The seed funding, which was raised through private financing and family contributions will support Lanistar's creation of a game-changing new debit card product, that will help customers streamline their money through cutting-edge technology. Lanistar's flagship new product is expected to be officially launched in winter 2020 and make use of polymorphic technology and open banking.

The company hopes to tap into the lucrative millennial and Generation-Z, 18-35 market, attracting customers who are seeking aspirational and lifestyle brands to enrich their daily lives. As part of its marketing effort, Lanistar is offering early supporters and online influencers the opportunity to own part of the company, helping raise the company's profile and reach its target valuation.

Okay, okay. 'Are you investing in it, boss?' Ha! I haven't got any money, Voice. / And, uh ... no endorsement, obviously, kook(s|). I mean, your investments can go up as well as down and all a-ROUND ... in the the current market, like. Or any market, really. You dig?

Okay, okay. Let's hear from the man himself ...

Gurhan Kiziloz, CEO, Lanistar, comments:

"Consumers are crying out for a hassle-free banking alternative that can make their lives easier and give them first class customer service. For too long the established banking providers have treated their customers like numbers a spreadsheet, letting them down when they need it most and ignoring their concerns.

"We're investing heavily in a product that will transform the market, giving consumers a personalized, exciting experience which will fit easily into their daily lives.

"The days of outdated, poorly performing banking services are over and we're here to set the new industry standard. We fully expect Lanistar to become the next £1billion fintech company and our team will work around the clock to turn this dream into a reality."

Turning a dream into a reality? Ha, ha, ha! 'He doesn't know, boss!' Of course he doesn't. But I will tell him now ...

Gurhan, son, dreams are reality - !!!

ENDS

...

Anything else? Music? I've finished And Rain Came Down. Yes! I really enjoy playing it, too. It's very melodic and catchy, and the lyric is my second best after Nothing. So, it will be on the demo BECAUSE(!) ... I can't use Good Times now, can I? Christ. / I'll have seventeen songs soon. I've got to finish the lyric for that other new tune, a potential world-beater. / I only have two weak songs, She Loves Me and It's Just a Joke, Man from the 2016 demo. The latter isn't weak enough to scrap though, and I want to keep the former for sentimental reasons. I mean, I wrote She Loves Me in 2012, and I used to listen to the recording of it when I felt like giving up. Probably, uh ... three thousand times between 2012 and 2016. Ha! Then I started writing "great" songs, you dig?

Actually, I'm not too sure about I Want Everything, even though I like it. So, I will have fourteen "great" songs soon. Six of them so-called world-beaters, and the other eight ... bread-and-butter classics, first and second class.

Listen! I've been making every song count - almost - and I'm going to continue in the same manner. Maybe I'll be able to become the greatest ever songwriter with only sixty or seventy songs. Five classic albums!

...

Er ... what else? Ha! Six months inside? Six months of isolation? Is someone having a laugh? Man, there will be no society to return to six months from now. FFS.

Laters!

Refinitiv: Lipper European fund flows report - February 2020

What's this - ?! - ?! - ?! Er ... well, it should be obvious, man. It's another PR email report thing from Detlef and the gang. Christ.

Long-term mutual funds posted net inflows for February 2020.
The overall fund flows for mutual funds in Europe in February amounted to net inflows of €22.6 bn.
Bond funds (+€30.4 bn) were the best-selling individual asset type in the segment of long-term funds for February.
Equity Global (+€6.7 bn) was once again the best-selling sector among long-term funds for February.
Luxembourg (+€8.3 bn) was the fund domicile with the highest net inflows, followed by Ireland (+€4.2 bn) and Spain (+€2.4 bn).
This Is Not America.
PIMCO was the best-selling fund promoter for February overall, with net sales of €2.9 bn, ahead of Goldman Sachs (+€2.6 bn) and Fidelity (+€2.5 bn).
The 10 best-selling long-term funds gathered at the share-class level amounted to net inflows of €12.0 bn for February.
Amundi CA 12/03/2020 (C) (+€4.2 bn) was the best-selling individual long-term fund for February.

Okay, okay. / And now Detlef speaks ... - !!!

Detlef Glow, Lipper Head of EMEA Research at Refinitiv, comments: "European investors switched to a risk-off mode in February due to uncertainties over a possible shortage in supply chains caused by the outbreak of the coronavirus in China and the respective increased volatility on the global equity markets. Nevertheless, long-term mutual funds posted net inflows for the month.

"Bond funds (+€30.4 bn) were the best-selling asset type in the long-term mutual funds segment, followed by mixed-assets funds (+€6.2 bn), commodity funds (+€1.0 bn), and 'other' funds (+€0.1 bn). Conversely, equity funds (-€1.4 bn), real estate funds (-€2.3 bn), and alternative UCITS funds (-€4.3 bn) faced outflows. These fund flows added up to overall net inflows of €29.8 bn into long-term investment funds for February. ETFs contributed inflows of €3.2 bn to these flows."

Thanks, Detlef!

...

Anything else? Music? And Rain Came Down ... ? It's nearly finished. I wrote the first verse and pre-chorus lyric yesterday. I already had the chorus. This afternoon I'll write the second verse. / Now,  not only is the subject matter of the song pretty mystical, but the song seems to be writing itself in a mystical way. The words and the music. It's weird. However, I'm not complaining.

Oh, I'm happy that it's turning out to be another top song. Actually, I have more than I need. 'Didn't you once say that David Bowie had about thirty top songs, boss?' Hello, Voice! Well, yes. But I'm just talking about the first album. I mean, there isn't any room for And Rain Came Down on the album. Maybe it could be a single.

Yeah, kook(s), as I said, Bowie had about thirty top songs. I'm not talking world-beaters. I just mean classic hits like, uh ... Let's Dance, Starman, Fame, The Jean Genie, Golden Years, Modern Love, Absolute Beginners, Life on Mars?, Heroes, Ashes to Ashes, Young Americans, etc, etc. Bread-and-butter classics, as it were.

And, as I also said, your average run-of-the-mill artist/band/whatever only has three. Or two. I mean, from my media player ... The Best of Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel ... Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me) and Judy Teen. Just two! And ... The Best of Gallagher & Lyle ... Breakaway, Heart On My Sleeve, I Wanna Stay With You. Three! You see? You need more than that.

Laters!

Working from home?

It's not as easy as it sounds.

London, 24th Tuesday March 2020 - New data reveals that 33 per cent of UK businesses say they lack the technology infrastructure to manage long-term remote working during the Covid-19 crisis.

Yeah, PR email. / It's just endless problems at the moment, man. Doctors and nurses are threatening to leave the NHS because they haven't been given the protective gear they need. The homeless are being kicked out of hotels. And ... is there going to be another Great Depression? And ... what if people get fed up staying indoors all the time? And ... what if large numbers of people lose their fear of death? And - 'Eh?! Will that become a problem, boss? Seriously?' I don't know, Voice. I'm just worried people will consider death more attractive than staying alive. 'Oh.' That doesn't necessarily mean there will be mass suicides, no. It could just mean that people will decide to do ... whatever they like. Like H.G. Wells' Mr Polly. You dig? 'Yeah. Most people aren't existential outsiders like you and Mr Polly though. And Bodhi!' Good point, Voice! Oh, I'm sure everything will be okay.

[By the way, Mr Polly isn't exactly Raskolnikov. Do you know what I mean?]

Right ...

The poll, commissioned by Leonne International, the global private equity provider, was conducted by independent survey company Censuswide, which questioned 200 senior business decision-makers from large and medium sized companies on the business impact of the Covid-19 crisis. The polling was conducted between Wednesday 18th March and Thursday 19th March after the Chancellor's announcement of a £330bn package to support businesses cope with the outbreak. 

Due to the global outbreak, the measures that have been introduced to tackle the Covid-19 coronavirus mean that many organizations are having to consider how their employees can work remotely for the first time. With offices closing, millions off workers are now working from home for the foreseeable future.

Additionally, 41 per cent said they plan to increase their IT and tech investment in the coming weeks to cope with the new remote working structure during isolation. This could be because 26 per cent say they lack the digital skills in-house in order to manage widespread and long-term remote working for staff.

Almost half, (47 per cent) agree that there should be more collaboration between the global business community to fortunate a plan of action in order to tackle the disruption caused by the coronavirus.

There is a concern around entering offices and public workspaces with 35 per cent of business leaders who agree they feel afraid to enter their place of work due to fear of infection. Because of this, 37 per cent say they will be working from home for the foreseeable future, which reaffirms this concern.

Worryingly, nearly one third (28 per cent) said they now were actively planning to make redundancies to survive the crisis, with 72 per cent against. Also, over half of large and medium sized businesses (55 per cent) expect a substantial revenue drop this year due to the coronavirus outbreak.

And now the voices ...

Tech expert Sridhar Iyengar, MD of Zoho Europe, comments:

"The Covid-19 crisis poses an existential threat to many businesses, with a significant number of companies completely unprepared for the sudden shift towards 100% remote working. With this in mind, it is vital that technology providers work together to offer free IT support and advice to those who need it, in an effort to protect jobs, livelihoods and the wider economy.

"With many businesses scrambling to introduce virtual meetings, manage projects online and provide essential daily briefings for employees, the tech industry has a moral obligation to step in and offer resources to help companies to adapt to this new way of working. The next few months are going to be tough, with millions of people worried about their jobs, health and their family's future. It's up to the IT industry to rise to this challenge, take and action and do everything possible to provide comfort and support during this difficult period."

Jonathan Young, CIO, FDM Group, a FTSE 250 company, comments:

"This threat has already forced many companies to fully integrate flexible working technology into business continuity plans. Whilst the sudden shift to complete remote working will be a shock for many, it's vital to recognize that many organizations can operate without a formal office space. Despite millions of workers remaining isolated at home for the foreseeable future and juggling family commitments, workers still want to get online and do their jobs as efficiently as possible. It's critical that businesses leaders take action to address these demands, bringing together digital talent from across the business to ensure every member of staff has access to online support and systems to continue operating as normal. Key to this effort is that senior management set the right example, using these online tools and platforms and ensuring that every member of staff follows suit and stays safe during this challenging time."

Michael Haston, CEO, Leonne International adds:

"These are tough times for businesses, with the coronavirus wreaking havoc and forcing thousands of companies to enforce mandatory remote working policies. It's critical that companies are given the necessary financial support to respond to this threat, enabling businesses to invest in technology to ensure every worker can perform to the best of their ability, remotely."

Thanks, voices, uh, guys!

Well, well ... I'm not sure I can see it working long-term. Remember: a lot of employers like to watch their employees like a hawk. That won't be possible any more. And depression will become a big problem for a lot of people. They won't like the isolation at home. 'It's not going to be forever, boss.' Let's hope not, Voice. Maybe Trump is right, and it will soon pass ... ?!

...

Anything else? Well, I've got cheese, crackers, and pickled onions for lunch. 'Great!' Yes, it makes a nice change.

After lunch, I'm going to work on the lyric for And Rain Came Down. I'll do it on my laptop. Just throw words in and see what sticks, like with my conceptuals. Then I'll play and sing the song later tonight to make sure it's not ... a total mess or anything. You dig?

[No. 791] Rage

At everything!

And if ... uh[1], and ... yeah, yeah, obviously[1], and if ... uh[2], and if you can possibly manage it, you dig? / and we're living in desperate times, man[1], and ... yeah, yeah, obviously[2], and don't get dragged down, no[1], and if you can possibly manage it, you dig? / and we're living in desperate times, man[2], and, Christ ...[1], and don't get dragged down, no[2], and I know all about Mahon and his mushrooms, yes, yes, but, but ... BUT(!) ... they're going down, way down[1], and, Christ ...[2], and ... lift yourself high![1], and I know all about Mahon and his mushrooms, yes, yes, but, but ... BUT(!) ... they're going down, way down[2], and try to believe in yourself, baby, because no one believes in you / and, uh ... some like to pretend they do, ha![1], and ... lift yourself high![2], and anger just might save you ...[1], and try to believe in yourself, baby, because no one believes in you / and, uh ... some like to pretend they do, ha![2], and you think ... what? Really?! Oh, okay[1], and anger just might save you ...[2], and no one is coming to save you[1], and you think ... what? Really?! Oh, okay[2], and I am here ... for my sins ... well, well, well, so ...[1], and no one is coming to save you[2], and the government?! Ha, ha, ha! Are you serious?! / and, please ... tell me you're not serious[1], and I am here ... for my sins ... well, well, well, so ...[2], and any country you happen to be in ...[1], and the government?! Ha, ha, ha! Are you serious?! / and, please ... tell me you're not serious[2], and never, never ... mind[1], and any country you happen to be in ...[2], and I'm happy to let anyone believe what they want to believe ... if it makes them happy, like[1], and never, never ... mind[2], and ... are you happy?[1], and I'm happy to let anyone believe what they want to believe ... if it makes them happy, like[2], and JESUS H. - !!![1], and ... are you happy?[2], and if we're relying on the kindness of strangers ... well, I just don't know[1], and JESUS H. - !!![2], and wake up![1], and if we're relying on the kindness of strangers ... well, I just don't know[2], and shouldn't we be rolling on the floor and screaming? ... or is spinning a-ROUND here enough?[1], and wake up![2], and I'll have to get back to you on that one[1], and shouldn't we be rolling on the floor and screaming? ... or is spinning a-ROUND here enough?[2], and ... come on![1], and I'll have to get back to you on that one[2], and it's early days yet / and the situation might get worse ... or it might get better[1], and ... come on![2], and no one knows anything[1], and it's early days yet / and the situation might get worse ... or it might get better[2], and ... 'Is that true?'[1], and no one knows anything[2], and I know, I know, I know ... oh, the beauty of nothing might save me / and I don't know about you, actually[1], and ... 'Is that true?'[2], and do you know about you?[1], and I know, I know, I know ... oh, the beauty of not hing might save me / and I don't know about you, actually[2], and if ... uh[3], and do you know about you?[2], and ... yeah, yeah, obviously[3], and if you can possibly manage it, you dig? / and we're living in desperate times, man[3], and don't get dragged down, no[3], and, Christ ...[3], and I know all about Mahon and his mushrooms, yes, yes, but, but ... BUT(!) ... they're going down, way down[3], and ... lift yourself high![3], and try to believe in yourself, baby, because no one believes in you / and, uh ... some like to pretend they do, ha![3], and anger just might save you ...[3], and you think ... what? Really?! Oh, okay[3], and no one is coming to save you[3], and I am here ... for my sins ... well, well, well, so ...[3], and the government?! Ha, ha, ha! Are you serious?! / and, please ... tell me you're not serious[3], and any country you happen to be in ...[3], and never, never ... mind[3], and I'm happy to let anyone believe what they want to believe ... if it makes them happy, like[3], and ... are you happy?[3], and JESUS H. - !!![3], and if we're relying on the kindness of strangers ... well, I just don't know[3], and wake up![3], and shouldn't we be rolling on the floor and screaming? ... or is spinning a-ROUND here enough?[3], and I'll have to get back to you on that one[3], and ... come on![3], and it's early days yet / and the situation might get worse ... or it might get better[3], and no one knows anything[3], and ... 'Is that true?'[3], and I know, I know, I know ... oh, the beauty of n  o  t  h  i  n  g might save me / and I don't know about you, actually[3], and do you know about you?[3], and

And if ... uh[1], and ... yeah, yeah, obviously[1], and if ... uh[2], and if you can possibly manage it, you dig? / and we're living in desperate times, man[1], and ... yeah, yeah, obviously[2], and don't get dragged down, no[1], and if you can possibly manage it, you dig? / and we're living in desperate times, man[2], and, Christ ...[1], and don't get dragged down, no[2], and I know all about Mahon and his mushrooms, yes, yes, but, but ... BUT(!) ... they're going down, way down[1], and, Christ ...[2], and ... lift yourself high![1], and I know all about Mahon and his mushrooms, yes, yes, but, but ... BUT(!) ... they're going down, way down[2], and try to believe in yourself, baby, because no one believes in you / and, uh ... some like to pretend they do, ha![1], and ... lift yourself high![2], and anger just might save you ...[1], and try to believe in yourself, baby, because no one believes in you / and, uh ... some like to pretend they do, ha![2], and you think ... what? Really?! Oh, okay[1], and anger just might save you ...[2], and no one is coming to save you[1], and you think ... what? Really?! Oh, okay[2], and I am here ... for my sins ... well, well, well, so ...[1], and no one is coming to save you[2], and the government?! Ha, ha, ha! Are you serious?! / and, please ... tell me you're not serious[1], and I am here ... for my sins ... well, well, well, so ...[2], and any country you happen to be in ...[1], and the government?! Ha, ha, ha! Are you serious?! / and, please ... tell me you're not serious[2], and never, never ... mind[1], and any country you happen to be in ...[2], and I'm happy to let anyone believe what they want to believe ... if it makes them happy, like[1], and never, never ... mind[2], and ... are you happy?[1], and I'm happy to let anyone believe what they want to believe ... if it makes them happy, like[2], and JESUS H. - !!![1], and ... are you happy?[2], and if we're relying on the kindness of strangers ... well, I just don't know[1], and JESUS H. - !!![2], and wake up![1], and if we're relying on the kindness of strangers ... well, I just don't know[2], and shouldn't we be rolling on the floor and screaming? ... or is spinning a-ROUND here enough?[1], and wake up![2], and I'll have to get back to you on that one[1], and shouldn't we be rolling on the floor and screaming? ... or is spinning a-ROUND here enough?[2], and ... come on![1], and I'll have to get back to you on that one[2], and it's early days yet / and the situation might get worse ... or it might get better[1], and ... come on![2], and no one knows anything[1], and it's early days yet / and the situation might get worse ... or it might get better[2], and ... 'Is that true?'[1], and no one knows anything[2], and I know, I know, I know ... oh, the beauty of nothing might save me / and I don't know about you, actually[1], and ... 'Is that true?'[2], and do you know about you?[1], and I know, I know, I know ... oh, the beauty of not hing might save me / and I don't know about you, actually[2], and if ... uh[3], and do you know about you?[2], and ... yeah, yeah, obviously[3], and if you can possibly manage it, you dig? / and we're living in desperate times, man[3], and don't get dragged down, no[3], and, Christ ...[3], and I know all about Mahon and his mushrooms, yes, yes, but, but ... BUT(!) ... they're going down, way down[3], and ... lift yourself high![3], and try to believe in yourself, baby, because no one believes in you / and, uh ... some like to pretend they do, ha![3], and anger just might save you ...[3], and you think ... what? Really?! Oh, okay[3], and no one is coming to save you[3], and I am here ... for my sins ... well, well, well, so ...[3], and the government?! Ha, ha, ha! Are you serious?! / and, please ... tell me you're not serious[3], and any country you happen to be in ...[3], and never, never ... mind[3], and I'm happy to let anyone believe what they want to believe ... if it makes them happy, like[3], and ... are you happy?[3], and JESUS H. - !!![3], and if we're relying on the kindness of strangers ... well, I just don't know[3], and wake up![3], and shouldn't we be rolling on the floor and screaming? ... or is spinning a-ROUND here enough?[3], and I'll have to get back to you on that one[3], and ... come on![3], and it's early days yet / and the situation might get worse ... or it might get better[3], and no one knows anything[3], and ... 'Is that true?'[3], and I know, I know, I know ... oh, the beauty of n  o  t  h  i  n  g might save me / and I don't know about you, actually[3], and do you know about you?[3], and

And if ... uh[1], and ... yeah, yeah, obviously[1], and if ... uh[2], and if you can possibly manage it, you dig? / and we're living in desperate times, man[1], and ... yeah, yeah, obviously[2], and don't get dragged down, no[1], and if you can possibly manage it, you dig? / and we're living in desperate times, man[2], and, Christ ...[1], and don't get dragged down, no[2], and I know all about Mahon and his mushrooms, yes, yes, but, but ... BUT(!) ... they're going down, way down[1], and, Christ ...[2], and ... lift yourself high![1], and I know all about Mahon and his mushrooms, yes, yes, but, but ... BUT(!) ... they're going down, way down[2], and try to believe in yourself, baby, because no one believes in you / and, uh ... some like to pretend they do, ha![1], and ... lift yourself high![2], and anger just might save you ...[1], and try to believe in yourself, baby, because no one believes in you / and, uh ... some like to pretend they do, ha![2], and you think ... what? Really?! Oh, okay[1], and anger just might save you ...[2], and no one is coming to save you[1], and you think ... what? Really?! Oh, okay[2], and I am here ... for my sins ... well, well, well, so ...[1], and no one is coming to save you[2], and the government?! Ha, ha, ha! Are you serious?! / and, please ... tell me you're not serious[1], and I am here ... for my sins ... well, well, well, so ...[2], and any country you happen to be in ...[1], and the government?! Ha, ha, ha! Are you serious?! / and, please ... tell me you're not serious[2], and never, never ... mind[1], and any country you happen to be in ...[2], and I'm happy to let anyone believe what they want to believe ... if it makes them happy, like[1], and never, never ... mind[2], and ... are you happy?[1], and I'm happy to let anyone believe what they want to believe ... if it makes them happy, like[2], and JESUS H. - !!![1], and ... are you happy?[2], and if we're relying on the kindness of strangers ... well, I just don't know[1], and JESUS H. - !!![2], and wake up![1], and if we're relying on the kindness of strangers ... well, I just don't know[2], and shouldn't we be rolling on the floor and screaming? ... or is spinning a-ROUND here enough?[1], and wake up![2], and I'll have to get back to you on that one[1], and shouldn't we be rolling on the floor and screaming? ... or is spinning a-ROUND here enough?[2], and ... come on![1], and I'll have to get back to you on that one[2], and it's early days yet / and the situation might get worse ... or it might get better[1], and ... come on![2], and no one knows anything[1], and it's early days yet / and the situation might get worse ... or it might get better[2], and ... 'Is that true?'[1], and no one knows anything[2], and I know, I know, I know ... oh, the beauty of nothing might save me / and I don't know about you, actually[1], and ... 'Is that true?'[2], and do you know about you?[1], and I know, I know, I know ... oh, the beauty of not hing might save me / and I don't know about you, actually[2], and if ... uh[3], and do you know about you?[2], and ... yeah, yeah, obviously[3], and if you can possibly manage it, you dig? / and we're living in desperate times, man[3], and don't get dragged down, no[3], and, Christ ...[3], and I know all about Mahon and his mushrooms, yes, yes, but, but ... BUT(!) ... they're going down, way down[3], and ... lift yourself high![3], and try to believe in yourself, baby, because no one believes in you / and, uh ... some like to pretend they do, ha![3], and anger just might save you ...[3], and you think ... what? Really?! Oh, okay[3], and no one is coming to save you[3], and I am here ... for my sins ... well, well, well, so ...[3], and the government?! Ha, ha, ha! Are you serious?! / and, please ... tell me you're not serious[3], and any country you happen to be in ...[3], and never, never ... mind[3], and I'm happy to let anyone believe what they want to believe ... if it makes them happy, like[3], and ... are you happy?[3], and JESUS H. - !!![3], and if we're relying on the kindness of strangers ... well, I just don't know[3], and wake up![3], and shouldn't we be rolling on the floor and screaming? ... or is spinning a-ROUND here enough?[3], and I'll have to get back to you on that one[3], and ... come on![3], and it's early days yet / and the situation might get worse ... or it might get better[3], and no one knows anything[3], and ... 'Is that true?'[3], and I know, I know, I know ... oh, the beauty of n  o  t  h  i  n  g might save me / and I don't know about you, actually[3], and do you know about you?[3], and

Panic buying

Of what? Baked beans? Well, maybe those, too. But this is a PR email, and we're talking about gold, man.

The Pure Gold Company has seen a 980% increase in British people panic purchasing gold bars and coins over the last week, compared to the weekly average over the last year, as the Coronavirus pandemic worsens. Demand is being driven by acute fear and uncertainty about the trajectory of the virus and the economic damage most people expect will continue (for years to come) after the virus disappears.

Okay, okay. No endorsement, obviously. I mean ... I suggest you buy baked beans and toilet rolls, anyway. You can't eat gold. Well ... you can, I think. I read something about it, oh, years ago. The point is - 'People want to get their money safe, boss.' Oh, hello, Voice. Yes, they do. But not everyone has got money, you dig?

[You can't eat toilet rolls, by the way.]

Josh Saul, CEO of the gold investment company said: "This level of demand is unprecedented. We have been order taking from 7am until 11pm most nights. Our brokers have been working throughout the weekend and we have encountered gold shortages most days. There is a waiting list for people that haven’t been able to purchase quickly enough and in some cases, we have had to fulfil orders the next day when we have secured more gold supply. Usually clients have lots of questions about the market and how the investment works, but over the last 10 days it's been a question of how much can they buy and how quickly can they do it."

Right.

"Our clients range from financial professionals such as bankers, economists and accountants to company directors, retirees, single mothers, builders and celebrity personalities. From all different walks of life, they are united in their motivation to buy gold. Most are worried about the fate of the banks and being able to access money in a possible lock down scenario. Others are removing their wealth from a downward spiralling stock market and putting it into gold to either recover some of these losses or more importantly to stem their losses. Many clients believe there will be a deep recession that will last for some time. They want to be prepared and secure in an asset class that is physical and capable of increasing while everything else falls in value. Importantly, they want to be able to convert it to cash (quickly) if the need arises."

Single mothers?! Whatever. / Thanks, Josh!

Yeah, yeah. Okay. Dan Pena says he's in cash in the biggest five banks, and if they go down ... he reckons he's taking to the streets to ride around like the fifth horseman of the apocalypse. Or something. I don't know.

Me? I'm just going to play my guitar. 'Like those guys on the Titanic, boss.' Yes, Voice. Exactly like those guys. And we both know what Derek and Clive said about the Titanic, don't we? 'Yes.' Don't go to Mallorca.

...

Anything else? This lockdown is a bit strange. It will only work if people get it in their heads that this coronavirus is dangerous. There aren't enough police. And who can tell how many times you've left your house and for what reason?

Personally, I'm staying in to play my guitar - and write my blog, of course. What else is new?! It's the story of my life, man.

Donald Trump? Christ. He's all over the place at the moment, but he did have a point yesterday about the cure [possibly] being worse than the disease, or problem. I know that if the coronavirus doesn't kill me the economic situation will, sooner or later. That's why I'm in "beast mode" now, and still pushing ahead with my music ... even though everything is senseless, hopeless, pointless. Uh.

Keep fighting!

[No. 790] Act as if

You're in your own massive world.

And ... what can I say?[1], and, words, words, words ... yet again![1], and ... what can I say?[2], and ... what should I say?[1], and, words, words, words ... yet again![2], and, listen ... you can make your own heaven, yes[1], and ... what should I say?[2], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and, believe me ... absolutely anything is possible when you're ever so dizzy[1], and, listen ... you can make your own heaven, yes[2], and, Christ ... you can make your own hell, too, uh[1], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and, believe me ... absolutely anything is possible when you're ever so dizzy[2], and times are bad now[1], and, Christ ... you can make your own hell, too, uh[2], and I think you'll find that all the professional victims have evaporated like the morning dew[1], and times are bad now[2], and keep going - !!![1], and I think you'll find that all the professional victims have evaporated like the morning dew[2], and I will struggle on, on, on ... until the fateful day comes ... staring at a cold sea and shivering alone in the vast cosmos[1], and keep going - !!![2], and can anything be stopped? / and what's the plan?[1], and I will struggle on, on, on ... until the fateful day comes ... staring at a cold sea and shivering alone in the vast cosmos[2], and ... character is destiny[1], and can anything be stopped? / and what's the plan?[2], and you've got to find your own comfortable spot for a while, yes / and you've got to be very patient[1], and ... cha racter is des tiny[2], and ... all things must pass, apparently[1], and you've got to find your own comfortable spot for a while, yes / and you've got to be very patient[2], and, well, well ... eh?[1], and ... all things must pass, apparently[2], and ... all is vanity and vexation of spirit ... ? / and tell me something I don't know, Solomon, me old mate[1], and, well, well ... eh?[2], and thousands of years ago ... has anything changed?[1], and ... all is va nity and vex ation of spi rit ... ? / and tell me something I don't know, Solomon, me old mate[2], and no, no, no / and no, no, no / and no, no, no[1], and thousands of years ago ... has anything changed?[2], and every second counts / and are YOU(!) ... counting them? / and, oh, I hope so / and please tell me you are[1], and no, no, no / and no, no, no / and no, no, no[2], and, so ... we spin![1], and every second counts / and are YOU(!) ... counting them? / and, oh, I hope so / and please tell me you are[2], and how dizzy are you, exactly?[1], and, so ... we spin![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it's no more ridiculous than any other activity[1], and how dizzy are you, exactly?[2], and that's the way I look at it[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it's no more ridiculous than any other activity[2], and one day ... all of this will make perfect sense[1], and that's the way I look at it[2], and that's what I keep telling myself[1], and one day ... all of this will make perfect sense[2], and ... COME ON - !!![1], and that's what I keep telling myself[2], and ... what can I say?[3], and ... COME ON - !!![2], and, words, words, words ... yet again![3], and ... what should I say?[3], and, listen ... you can make your own heaven, yes[3], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and, believe me ... absolutely anything is possible when you're ever so dizzy[3], and, Christ ... you can make your own hell, too, uh[3], and times are bad now[3], and I think you'll find that all the professional victims have evaporated like the morning dew[3], and keep going - !!![3], and I will struggle on, on, on ... until the fateful day comes ... staring at a cold sea and shivering alone in the vast cosmos[3], and can anything be stopped? / and what's the plan?[3], and ... c  h  a  r  a  c  t  e  r is d  e  s  t  i  n  y[3], and you've got to find your own comfortable spot for a while, yes / and you've got to be very patient[3], and ... all things must pass, apparently[3], and, well, well ... eh?[3], and ... all is v  a  n  i  t  y and v  e  x  a  t  i  o  n of s  p  i  r  i  t ... ? / and tell me something I don't know, Solomon, me old mate[3], and thousands of years ago ... has anything changed?[3], and no, no, no / and no, no, no / and no, no, no[3], and every second counts / and are YOU(!) ... counting them? / and, oh, I hope so / and please tell me you are[3], and, so ... we spin![3], and how dizzy are you, exactly?[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it's no more ridiculous than any other activity[3], and that's the way I look at it[3], and one day ... all of this will make perfect sense[3], and that's what I keep telling myself[3], and ... COME ON - !!![3], and

And ... what can I say?[1], and, words, words, words ... yet again![1], and ... what can I say?[2], and ... what should I say?[1], and, words, words, words ... yet again![2], and, listen ... you can make your own heaven, yes[1], and ... what should I say?[2], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and, believe me ... absolutely anything is possible when you're ever so dizzy[1], and, listen ... you can make your own heaven, yes[2], and, Christ ... you can make your own hell, too, uh[1], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and, believe me ... absolutely anything is possible when you're ever so dizzy[2], and times are bad now[1], and, Christ ... you can make your own hell, too, uh[2], and I think you'll find that all the professional victims have evaporated like the morning dew[1], and times are bad now[2], and keep going - !!![1], and I think you'll find that all the professional victims have evaporated like the morning dew[2], and I will struggle on, on, on ... until the fateful day comes ... staring at a cold sea and shivering alone in the vast cosmos[1], and keep going - !!![2], and can anything be stopped? / and what's the plan?[1], and I will struggle on, on, on ... until the fateful day comes ... staring at a cold sea and shivering alone in the vast cosmos[2], and ... character is destiny[1], and can anything be stopped? / and what's the plan?[2], and you've got to find your own comfortable spot for a while, yes / and you've got to be very patient[1], and ... cha racter is des tiny[2], and ... all things must pass, apparently[1], and you've got to find your own comfortable spot for a while, yes / and you've got to be very patient[2], and, well, well ... eh?[1], and ... all things must pass, apparently[2], and ... all is vanity and vexation of spirit ... ? / and tell me something I don't know, Solomon, me old mate[1], and, well, well ... eh?[2], and thousands of years ago ... has anything changed?[1], and ... all is va nity and vex ation of spi rit ... ? / and tell me something I don't know, Solomon, me old mate[2], and no, no, no / and no, no, no / and no, no, no[1], and thousands of years ago ... has anything changed?[2], and every second counts / and are YOU(!) ... counting them? / and, oh, I hope so / and please tell me you are[1], and no, no, no / and no, no, no / and no, no, no[2], and, so ... we spin![1], and every second counts / and are YOU(!) ... counting them? / and, oh, I hope so / and please tell me you are[2], and how dizzy are you, exactly?[1], and, so ... we spin![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it's no more ridiculous than any other activity[1], and how dizzy are you, exactly?[2], and that's the way I look at it[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it's no more ridiculous than any other activity[2], and one day ... all of this will make perfect sense[1], and that's the way I look at it[2], and that's what I keep telling myself[1], and one day ... all of this will make perfect sense[2], and ... COME ON - !!![1], and that's what I keep telling myself[2], and ... what can I say?[3], and ... COME ON - !!![2], and, words, words, words ... yet again![3], and ... what should I say?[3], and, listen ... you can make your own heaven, yes[3], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and, believe me ... absolutely anything is possible when you're ever so dizzy[3], and, Christ ... you can make your own hell, too, uh[3], and times are bad now[3], and I think you'll find that all the professional victims have evaporated like the morning dew[3], and keep going - !!![3], and I will struggle on, on, on ... until the fateful day comes ... staring at a cold sea and shivering alone in the vast cosmos[3], and can anything be stopped? / and what's the plan?[3], and ... c  h  a  r  a  c  t  e  r is d  e  s  t  i  n  y[3], and you've got to find your own comfortable spot for a while, yes / and you've got to be very patient[3], and ... all things must pass, apparently[3], and, well, well ... eh?[3], and ... all is v  a  n  i  t  y and v  e  x  a  t  i  o  n of s  p  i  r  i  t ... ? / and tell me something I don't know, Solomon, me old mate[3], and thousands of years ago ... has anything changed?[3], and no, no, no / and no, no, no / and no, no, no[3], and every second counts / and are YOU(!) ... counting them? / and, oh, I hope so / and please tell me you are[3], and, so ... we spin![3], and how dizzy are you, exactly?[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it's no more ridiculous than any other activity[3], and that's the way I look at it[3], and one day ... all of this will make perfect sense[3], and that's what I keep telling myself[3], and ... COME ON - !!![3], and

And ... what can I say?[1], and, words, words, words ... yet again![1], and ... what can I say?[2], and ... what should I say?[1], and, words, words, words ... yet again![2], and, listen ... you can make your own heaven, yes[1], and ... what should I say?[2], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and, believe me ... absolutely anything is possible when you're ever so dizzy[1], and, listen ... you can make your own heaven, yes[2], and, Christ ... you can make your own hell, too, uh[1], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and, believe me ... absolutely anything is possible when you're ever so dizzy[2], and times are bad now[1], and, Christ ... you can make your own hell, too, uh[2], and I think you'll find that all the professional victims have evaporated like the morning dew[1], and times are bad now[2], and keep going - !!![1], and I think you'll find that all the professional victims have evaporated like the morning dew[2], and I will struggle on, on, on ... until the fateful day comes ... staring at a cold sea and shivering alone in the vast cosmos[1], and keep going - !!![2], and can anything be stopped? / and what's the plan?[1], and I will struggle on, on, on ... until the fateful day comes ... staring at a cold sea and shivering alone in the vast cosmos[2], and ... character is destiny[1], and can anything be stopped? / and what's the plan?[2], and you've got to find your own comfortable spot for a while, yes / and you've got to be very patient[1], and ... cha racter is des tiny[2], and ... all things must pass, apparently[1], and you've got to find your own comfortable spot for a while, yes / and you've got to be very patient[2], and, well, well ... eh?[1], and ... all things must pass, apparently[2], and ... all is vanity and vexation of spirit ... ? / and tell me something I don't know, Solomon, me old mate[1], and, well, well ... eh?[2], and thousands of years ago ... has anything changed?[1], and ... all is va nity and vex ation of spi rit ... ? / and tell me something I don't know, Solomon, me old mate[2], and no, no, no / and no, no, no / and no, no, no[1], and thousands of years ago ... has anything changed?[2], and every second counts / and are YOU(!) ... counting them? / and, oh, I hope so / and please tell me you are[1], and no, no, no / and no, no, no / and no, no, no[2], and, so ... we spin![1], and every second counts / and are YOU(!) ... counting them? / and, oh, I hope so / and please tell me you are[2], and how dizzy are you, exactly?[1], and, so ... we spin![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it's no more ridiculous than any other activity[1], and how dizzy are you, exactly?[2], and that's the way I look at it[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it's no more ridiculous than any other activity[2], and one day ... all of this will make perfect sense[1], and that's the way I look at it[2], and that's what I keep telling myself[1], and one day ... all of this will make perfect sense[2], and ... COME ON - !!![1], and that's what I keep telling myself[2], and ... what can I say?[3], and ... COME ON - !!![2], and, words, words, words ... yet again![3], and ... what should I say?[3], and, listen ... you can make your own heaven, yes[3], and a-ROUND here ... ? / and, believe me ... absolutely anything is possible when you're ever so dizzy[3], and, Christ ... you can make your own hell, too, uh[3], and times are bad now[3], and I think you'll find that all the professional victims have evaporated like the morning dew[3], and keep going - !!![3], and I will struggle on, on, on ... until the fateful day comes ... staring at a cold sea and shivering alone in the vast cosmos[3], and can anything be stopped? / and what's the plan?[3], and ... c  h  a  r  a  c  t  e  r is d  e  s  t  i  n  y[3], and you've got to find your own comfortable spot for a while, yes / and you've got to be very patient[3], and ... all things must pass, apparently[3], and, well, well ... eh?[3], and ... all is v  a  n  i  t  y and v  e  x  a  t  i  o  n of s  p  i  r  i  t ... ? / and tell me something I don't know, Solomon, me old mate[3], and thousands of years ago ... has anything changed?[3], and no, no, no / and no, no, no / and no, no, no[3], and every second counts / and are YOU(!) ... counting them? / and, oh, I hope so / and please tell me you are[3], and, so ... we spin![3], and how dizzy are you, exactly?[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it's no more ridiculous than any other activity[3], and that's the way I look at it[3], and one day ... all of this will make perfect sense[3], and that's what I keep telling myself[3], and ... COME ON - !!![3], and