[No. 832] A cold day in summer

I'm shivering!

And, well ...[1], and summer is nearly over ... ?[1], and, well ...[2], and a-ROUND here ... uh, we still have the warmth of our hearts, don't we?[1], and summer is nearly over ... ?[2], and look at the grey sky![1], and a-ROUND here ... uh, we still have the warmth of our hearts, don't we?[2], and, yes ... it's over[1], and look at the grey sky![2], and I didn't even see the sea, man / and will I go to Cornwall next year? / and I'll be a rock star by then, ha![1], and, yes ... it's over[2], and is my favourite rock lonely without me?[1], and I didn't even see the sea, man / and will I go to Cornwall next year? / and I'll be a rock star by then, ha![2], and it's time for Dennis Wilson, I suppose ... Pacific Ocean Blue[1], and is my favourite rock lonely without me?[2], and, actually ... I can go to St Ives anytime ... oh, maybe this winter / and maybe I'll stare at the mist with some chocolate limes[1], and it's time for Dennis Wilson, I suppose ... Pacific Ocean Blue[2], and I'll listen to ... Songs From a Room[1], and, actually ... I can go to St Ives anytime ... oh, maybe this winter / and maybe I'll stare at the mist with some chocolate limes[2], and I know what Bodhi would do ... he would be off to Australia now[1], and I'll listen to ... Songs From a Room[2], and I'm here ... yes[1], and I know what Bod hi would do ... he would be off to Australia now[2], and Malibu ... ? ... and I shouldn't be thinking about it, Christ ... an endless summer ... Why do I torture myself?[1], and I'm here ... yes[2], and never, never ... mind[1], and Malibu ... ? ... and I shouldn't be thinking about it, Christ ... an endless summer ... Why do I torture myself?[2], and look at me ... with astral eyes, if you've got them[1], and never, never ... mind[2], and a-ROUND ... I'm spinning - with visions![1], and look at me ... with astral eyes, if you've got them[2], and, listen! ... Mikey don't surf![1], and a-ROUND ... I'm spinning - with visions![2], and I can't even swim[1], and, listen! ... Mi key don't surf![2], and a-ROUND ... really hypnotic, really[1], and I can't even swim[2], and I'm off to the cosmos ... in my head, and in my soul, and in my, uh ... whatever ... MY EVERYTHING - !!![1], and a-ROUND ... really hypnotic, really[2], and I don't know when I'll be back[1], and I'm off to the cosmos ... in my head, and in my soul, and in my, uh ... whatever ... MY EVERYTHING - !!![2], and I'm so GONE(!)[1], and I don't know when I'll be back[2], and ... 'You're still here, boss!' / and, ha, ha, ha ... here is nowhere, son ... I thought you knew that[1], and I'm so GONE(!)[2], and I thought he knew ...[1], and ... 'You're still here, boss!' / and, ha, ha, ha ... here is nowhere, son ... I thought you knew that[2], and ... 'Yeah, yeah'[1], and I thought he knew ...[2], and, oh ... yes, yes ... yeah, yeah ... I couldn't agree more ... because it's positive ... when you think about it[1], and ... 'Yeah, yeah'[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... don't you think, kook![1], and, oh ... yes, yes ... yeah, yeah ... I couldn't agree more ... because it's positive ... when you think about it[2], and these kooks, Jesus ... at least they're not square[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... don't you think, kook![2], and, oh, oh ... I see a bit of blue![1], and these kooks, Jesus ... at least they're not square[2], and I'm trying to feel ...[1], and, oh, oh ... I see a bit of blue![2], and, well ...[3], and I'm trying to feel ...[2], and summer is nearly over ... ?[3], and a-ROUND here ... uh, we still have the warmth of our hearts, don't we?[3], and look at the grey sky![3], and, yes ... it's over[3], and I didn't even see the sea, man / and will I go to Cornwall next year? / and I'll be a rock star by then, ha![3], and is my favourite rock lonely without me?[3], and it's time for Dennis Wilson, I suppose ... Pacific Ocean Blue[3], and, actually ... I can go to St Ives anytime ... oh, maybe this winter / and maybe I'll stare at the mist with some chocolate limes[3], and I'll listen to ... Songs From a Room[3], and I know what B  o  d  h  i would do ... he would be off to Australia now[3], and I'm here ... yes[3], and Malibu ... ? ... and I shouldn't be thinking about it, Christ ... an endless summer ... Why do I torture myself?[3], and never, never ... mind[3], and look at me ... with astral eyes, if you've got them[3], and a-ROUND ... I'm spinning - with visions![3], and, listen! ... M  i  k  e  y don't surf![3], and I can't even swim[3], and a-ROUND ... really hypnotic, really[3], and I'm off to the cosmos ... in my head, and in my soul, and in my, uh ... whatever ... MY EVERYTHING - !!![3], and I don't know when I'll be back[3], and I'm so GONE(!)[3], and ... 'You're still here, boss!' / and, ha, ha, ha ... here is nowhere, son ... I thought you knew that[3], and I thought he knew ...[3], and ... 'Yeah, yeah'[3], and, oh ... yes, yes ... yeah, yeah ... I couldn't agree more ... because it's positive ... when you think about it[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... don't you think, kook![3], and these kooks, Jesus ... at least they're not square[3], and, oh, oh ... I see a bit of blue![3], and I'm trying to feel ...[3], and

And, well ...[1], and summer is nearly over ... ?[1], and, well ...[2], and a-ROUND here ... uh, we still have the warmth of our hearts, don't we?[1], and summer is nearly over ... ?[2], and look at the grey sky![1], and a-ROUND here ... uh, we still have the warmth of our hearts, don't we?[2], and, yes ... it's over[1], and look at the grey sky![2], and I didn't even see the sea, man / and will I go to Cornwall next year? / and I'll be a rock star by then, ha![1], and, yes ... it's over[2], and is my favourite rock lonely without me?[1], and I didn't even see the sea, man / and will I go to Cornwall next year? / and I'll be a rock star by then, ha![2], and it's time for Dennis Wilson, I suppose ... Pacific Ocean Blue[1], and is my favourite rock lonely without me?[2], and, actually ... I can go to St Ives anytime ... oh, maybe this winter / and maybe I'll stare at the mist with some chocolate limes[1], and it's time for Dennis Wilson, I suppose ... Pacific Ocean Blue[2], and I'll listen to ... Songs From a Room[1], and, actually ... I can go to St Ives anytime ... oh, maybe this winter / and maybe I'll stare at the mist with some chocolate limes[2], and I know what Bodhi would do ... he would be off to Australia now[1], and I'll listen to ... Songs From a Room[2], and I'm here ... yes[1], and I know what Bod hi would do ... he would be off to Australia now[2], and Malibu ... ? ... and I shouldn't be thinking about it, Christ ... an endless summer ... Why do I torture myself?[1], and I'm here ... yes[2], and never, never ... mind[1], and Malibu ... ? ... and I shouldn't be thinking about it, Christ ... an endless summer ... Why do I torture myself?[2], and look at me ... with astral eyes, if you've got them[1], and never, never ... mind[2], and a-ROUND ... I'm spinning - with visions![1], and look at me ... with astral eyes, if you've got them[2], and, listen! ... Mikey don't surf![1], and a-ROUND ... I'm spinning - with visions![2], and I can't even swim[1], and, listen! ... Mi key don't surf![2], and a-ROUND ... really hypnotic, really[1], and I can't even swim[2], and I'm off to the cosmos ... in my head, and in my soul, and in my, uh ... whatever ... MY EVERYTHING - !!![1], and a-ROUND ... really hypnotic, really[2], and I don't know when I'll be back[1], and I'm off to the cosmos ... in my head, and in my soul, and in my, uh ... whatever ... MY EVERYTHING - !!![2], and I'm so GONE(!)[1], and I don't know when I'll be back[2], and ... 'You're still here, boss!' / and, ha, ha, ha ... here is nowhere, son ... I thought you knew that[1], and I'm so GONE(!)[2], and I thought he knew ...[1], and ... 'You're still here, boss!' / and, ha, ha, ha ... here is nowhere, son ... I thought you knew that[2], and ... 'Yeah, yeah'[1], and I thought he knew ...[2], and, oh ... yes, yes ... yeah, yeah ... I couldn't agree more ... because it's positive ... when you think about it[1], and ... 'Yeah, yeah'[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... don't you think, kook![1], and, oh ... yes, yes ... yeah, yeah ... I couldn't agree more ... because it's positive ... when you think about it[2], and these kooks, Jesus ... at least they're not square[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... don't you think, kook![2], and, oh, oh ... I see a bit of blue![1], and these kooks, Jesus ... at least they're not square[2], and I'm trying to feel ...[1], and, oh, oh ... I see a bit of blue![2], and, well ...[3], and I'm trying to feel ...[2], and summer is nearly over ... ?[3], and a-ROUND here ... uh, we still have the warmth of our hearts, don't we?[3], and look at the grey sky![3], and, yes ... it's over[3], and I didn't even see the sea, man / and will I go to Cornwall next year? / and I'll be a rock star by then, ha![3], and is my favourite rock lonely without me?[3], and it's time for Dennis Wilson, I suppose ... Pacific Ocean Blue[3], and, actually ... I can go to St Ives anytime ... oh, maybe this winter / and maybe I'll stare at the mist with some chocolate limes[3], and I'll listen to ... Songs From a Room[3], and I know what B  o  d  h  i would do ... he would be off to Australia now[3], and I'm here ... yes[3], and Malibu ... ? ... and I shouldn't be thinking about it, Christ ... an endless summer ... Why do I torture myself?[3], and never, never ... mind[3], and look at me ... with astral eyes, if you've got them[3], and a-ROUND ... I'm spinning - with visions![3], and, listen! ... M  i  k  e  y don't surf![3], and I can't even swim[3], and a-ROUND ... really hypnotic, really[3], and I'm off to the cosmos ... in my head, and in my soul, and in my, uh ... whatever ... MY EVERYTHING - !!![3], and I don't know when I'll be back[3], and I'm so GONE(!)[3], and ... 'You're still here, boss!' / and, ha, ha, ha ... here is nowhere, son ... I thought you knew that[3], and I thought he knew ...[3], and ... 'Yeah, yeah'[3], and, oh ... yes, yes ... yeah, yeah ... I couldn't agree more ... because it's positive ... when you think about it[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... don't you think, kook![3], and these kooks, Jesus ... at least they're not square[3], and, oh, oh ... I see a bit of blue![3], and I'm trying to feel ...[3], and

And, well ...[1], and summer is nearly over ... ?[1], and, well ...[2], and a-ROUND here ... uh, we still have the warmth of our hearts, don't we?[1], and summer is nearly over ... ?[2], and look at the grey sky![1], and a-ROUND here ... uh, we still have the warmth of our hearts, don't we?[2], and, yes ... it's over[1], and look at the grey sky![2], and I didn't even see the sea, man / and will I go to Cornwall next year? / and I'll be a rock star by then, ha![1], and, yes ... it's over[2], and is my favourite rock lonely without me?[1], and I didn't even see the sea, man / and will I go to Cornwall next year? / and I'll be a rock star by then, ha![2], and it's time for Dennis Wilson, I suppose ... Pacific Ocean Blue[1], and is my favourite rock lonely without me?[2], and, actually ... I can go to St Ives anytime ... oh, maybe this winter / and maybe I'll stare at the mist with some chocolate limes[1], and it's time for Dennis Wilson, I suppose ... Pacific Ocean Blue[2], and I'll listen to ... Songs From a Room[1], and, actually ... I can go to St Ives anytime ... oh, maybe this winter / and maybe I'll stare at the mist with some chocolate limes[2], and I know what Bodhi would do ... he would be off to Australia now[1], and I'll listen to ... Songs From a Room[2], and I'm here ... yes[1], and I know what Bod hi would do ... he would be off to Australia now[2], and Malibu ... ? ... and I shouldn't be thinking about it, Christ ... an endless summer ... Why do I torture myself?[1], and I'm here ... yes[2], and never, never ... mind[1], and Malibu ... ? ... and I shouldn't be thinking about it, Christ ... an endless summer ... Why do I torture myself?[2], and look at me ... with astral eyes, if you've got them[1], and never, never ... mind[2], and a-ROUND ... I'm spinning - with visions![1], and look at me ... with astral eyes, if you've got them[2], and, listen! ... Mikey don't surf![1], and a-ROUND ... I'm spinning - with visions![2], and I can't even swim[1], and, listen! ... Mi key don't surf![2], and a-ROUND ... really hypnotic, really[1], and I can't even swim[2], and I'm off to the cosmos ... in my head, and in my soul, and in my, uh ... whatever ... MY EVERYTHING - !!![1], and a-ROUND ... really hypnotic, really[2], and I don't know when I'll be back[1], and I'm off to the cosmos ... in my head, and in my soul, and in my, uh ... whatever ... MY EVERYTHING - !!![2], and I'm so GONE(!)[1], and I don't know when I'll be back[2], and ... 'You're still here, boss!' / and, ha, ha, ha ... here is nowhere, son ... I thought you knew that[1], and I'm so GONE(!)[2], and I thought he knew ...[1], and ... 'You're still here, boss!' / and, ha, ha, ha ... here is nowhere, son ... I thought you knew that[2], and ... 'Yeah, yeah'[1], and I thought he knew ...[2], and, oh ... yes, yes ... yeah, yeah ... I couldn't agree more ... because it's positive ... when you think about it[1], and ... 'Yeah, yeah'[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... don't you think, kook![1], and, oh ... yes, yes ... yeah, yeah ... I couldn't agree more ... because it's positive ... when you think about it[2], and these kooks, Jesus ... at least they're not square[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... don't you think, kook![2], and, oh, oh ... I see a bit of blue![1], and these kooks, Jesus ... at least they're not square[2], and I'm trying to feel ...[1], and, oh, oh ... I see a bit of blue![2], and, well ...[3], and I'm trying to feel ...[2], and summer is nearly over ... ?[3], and a-ROUND here ... uh, we still have the warmth of our hearts, don't we?[3], and look at the grey sky![3], and, yes ... it's over[3], and I didn't even see the sea, man / and will I go to Cornwall next year? / and I'll be a rock star by then, ha![3], and is my favourite rock lonely without me?[3], and it's time for Dennis Wilson, I suppose ... Pacific Ocean Blue[3], and, actually ... I can go to St Ives anytime ... oh, maybe this winter / and maybe I'll stare at the mist with some chocolate limes[3], and I'll listen to ... Songs From a Room[3], and I know what B  o  d  h  i would do ... he would be off to Australia now[3], and I'm here ... yes[3], and Malibu ... ? ... and I shouldn't be thinking about it, Christ ... an endless summer ... Why do I torture myself?[3], and never, never ... mind[3], and look at me ... with astral eyes, if you've got them[3], and a-ROUND ... I'm spinning - with visions![3], and, listen! ... M  i  k  e  y don't surf![3], and I can't even swim[3], and a-ROUND ... really hypnotic, really[3], and I'm off to the cosmos ... in my head, and in my soul, and in my, uh ... whatever ... MY EVERYTHING - !!![3], and I don't know when I'll be back[3], and I'm so GONE(!)[3], and ... 'You're still here, boss!' / and, ha, ha, ha ... here is nowhere, son ... I thought you knew that[3], and I thought he knew ...[3], and ... 'Yeah, yeah'[3], and, oh ... yes, yes ... yeah, yeah ... I couldn't agree more ... because it's positive ... when you think about it[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... don't you think, kook![3], and these kooks, Jesus ... at least they're not square[3], and, oh, oh ... I see a bit of blue![3], and I'm trying to feel ...[3], and

Sunday thoughts

Yeah, yeah.

Music?

Listen! My new song is definitely going to be a rock song, rather than a pop song. If I can finish the lyric soon ... it will be tempting to put it on the demo, like this -

This World Don't Mean a Thing

Nothing

And Rain Came Down

Stella

"New Song"

I've been rehearsing it - with a dummy lyric - after And Rain Came Down and Stella, and they sound really good together.

When it's recorded in a studio one day, I reckon it will need women backing singers. Preferably black women. 'Why black women, boss?' Oh, hello, Voice. It's your day off. 'I know. But why black women?' Because they sound better. 'You're a racist!' Shut up, you bloody idiot!

Ignore him, dear reader(s). Actually, he's gone now. Back to the astral plane. The best place for him, if you ask me.

...

Okay, okay. Let me play some tunes ...

Gimme Shelter. The Rolling Stones. / Merry Clayton. This is what I'm talking about!

November Rain. Guns N' Roses. / Yes, I'm in a rock mood today. I'm going to buy some leather trousers. I'm going to play my Epiphone Les Paul outside a church. Sod it! I don't care what people think.

Rock and Roll. Led Zeppelin.

Columbia. Oasis.

I Wanna Be Your Dog. The Stooges.

Come On. The Verve.

...

Anything else? Hypnosis? Oh, I tell you, kook(s), it works better if you can manage to stay "conscious" while you're doing it, which I can now. I've been feeling great lately as a result. Yes, really positive! And I don't need those audiobooks no more. Paul McKenna is a genius!

Of course, I'd be very surprised if McKenna ever imagined that a total lunatic like me would be using one of his hypnosis things, but, uh ... never mind, eh? I have visions and everything! I must be a natural, man. I mean, I don't think hypnosis works for everyone.

...

What else? Well, there's absolute rubbish on TV today. I might watch one of the films on my phone later. Or I could rent a film. / Google Play and Amazon Prime Video can be very expensive though. They sometimes charge £3.50 just to rent. A lot of their pricing is nuts. One day you might be thinking of buying a film for £4, and then you come back the next day and the film costs £8 or something. Whatever!

...

Anything, anything ... else? Christ! There's nothing else. / I'll be back tomorrow with a conceptual. I'm going for a walk in the morning. After lunch, I'll, uh ... well, spin a-ROUND, I suppose. It's what I do best, ain't it?

Later(s), crocodile(s)!

Who on earth is Rhoddy Swire?!

Well, I've got this PR email, see ...

[I've always got a PR email, let's be honest.]

The founder of global fund of funds Pantheon Ventures LLP, which has more than £44 billion under management worldwide, has taken up a new role as chairman of data management software firm Azquo. 

But, uh ... 'That doesn't explain who Roddy Swire is, boss!' I know it doesn't. Will you give me a chance, please, Voice? Jesus.

Rhoddy Swire said the company was a 'game-changer' for the industry: "The team at Azquo has developed one of the most important application-building tools since the spreadsheet was invented back in 1978." 

That remains to be seen, but, er ... 'Is he the new chairman then?' I don't know! I'm still reading!

Please find the full story below along with an image of Rhoddy. If you have any questions, need anything further or would like to set up an interview, please don't hesitate to get in touch. 

An image of Rhoddy?! Is that really necessary?

Best wishes, 

Jodie

Er ... 'Who's this Jodie?!' Ha! Don't worry about it.

Listen, Voice, dear reader(s) ... it's pretty obvious now, I think, yes ... that Rhoddy is the new chairman.

Data management software firm Azquo has appointed an industry heavyweight as its new Chairman. 

Rhoddy Swire, the founder of global fund of funds Pantheon Ventures LLP, which has over £44 billion under management worldwide, has joined the team to help take the business to the next level. 

"Data is the new gold among the business community," said Rhoddy, a former High Sheriff of Shropshire."

You see? 'Yeah. We still don't know who he is though, boss.’ Oh. Do you mean in the existential sense, Voice? 'You know damn well I do.' That's a problem.

Maybe Ed can help us ...

Edward Cawley, Azquo's Head of Technology, says: "We're at the beginning of a really exciting turn in our journey here at Azquo and we're delighted to have Rhoddy on board. He's going to be a great asset to the team and really help us take that next step on the ladder."

Okay. Or maybe not. Never mind.

ENDS

...

Anything else? I'm tired, actually, kook(s). It's a good job this is the last post of the week, eh?

I played my "new" tune after lunch, a few times. It's really cool, man. And commercial. It's in the same league as Stella and, and ... And Rain Came Down. Which is what I wanted all along.

Oh, this has happened before, you know. I abandoned the tune for This World Don't Mean a Thing two or three times. Sometimes they come back, you dig?

Other times ... they stay gone, sadly. Whatever happened to Sell Yourself or Going Far ... ?

They've gone to the great jukebox in the sky.

Laters.

Norway?

There's no harm in it.

Egersund, Norway and London, UK - 27th August 2020 - NAVTOR, the leading provider in navigational software for the maritime industry, today announced that it has received a majority growth investment from Accel-KKR, a leading global software-focused investment firm headquartered in Silicon Valley.  

And Silicon Valley. America.

Oh, okay. That's all right ... I suppose.

The investment also marks Accel-KKR's 42nd completed investment in the EMEA region since 2013 when it established a European headquarters, making Accel-KKR one of the most active software private equity firms in Europe and specifically, Scandinavia. It also marks Accel-KKR's 15th completed investment globally since the second half of March 2020.

Oh.

NOW(!) ...

I wonder what Tor says ...

"The entire NAVTOR team is very excited to work with Accel-KKR in our continued momentum as a leader in the e-navigational space," says Tor Svanes, CEO and Founder of NAVTOR. "Through a relentless focus on serving the needs of commercial seafaring fleet managers and navigators, we have built a superior technological offering with an industry-leading reputation for customer service and support. We look forward to writing NAVTOR's next chapter together with the AKKR team."

Well, well! That's what he says. 'You no longer need to wonder, boss.' Ha! I like to wonder, Voice. It's the only thing that keeps me awake sometimes. 'And what are you wondering now?' I'm wondering if our Borge has anything he wants to say. 'I bet he does. He's that type.' Christ! They're all that type, son. Haven't you learnt anything?

Borge Hetland, Chief Commercial Officer and Co-Founder of NAVTOR adds, "With Accel-KKR's backing, we see tremendous opportunities to take NAVTOR to the forefront of our industry, and to further serve our customers with a total ship operations platform - from navigation excellence to fleet optimization and crew performance. Specifically, we are very excited to be working with Accel-KKR given their breadth of software-specific and M&A capabilities to accelerate NAVTOR's top-line growth."

Great. Okay. That's great. / The only thing missing is, uh ... someone from Accel-KKR. We need someone from Accel-KKR to say something. 'It'll be an awful shame, boss, if they can't be bothered. You know, if they can't give a toss, like.' Well ... they've invested their money, Voice. They've got to care. I mean - 'Oh, look -'

"The sheer size of the global maritime industry and the continuing digitization of fleets bode well for the future of NAVTOR," says Maurice Hernandez, Head of the European office at Accel-KKR. "Pairing NAVTOR's mission-critical software and the deep domain expertise of its management team with AKKR's know-how in accelerating growth in software companies will lead to exciting outcomes for the marketplace and customers. We look forward to working closely with the NAVTOR team in the coming months and years."

Ha, ha, ha! I was wondering when old Maurice would pipe up. 'You can't keep him quiet for long.' No. He's definitely the type that likes to speak. 'They all are!' I know, I know.

I just pray for silence, really.

Anyway, about Accel-KKR ...

Accel-KKR is a technology-focused investment firm with over $9 billion in capital commitments. The firm focuses on software and IT-enabled businesses, well-positioned for topline and bottom-line growth. At the core of Accel-KKR's investment strategy is a commitment to developing strong partnerships with the management teams of its portfolio companies and a focus on building value alongside management by leveraging the significant resources available through the Accel-KKR network. Accel-KKR focuses on middle-market companies and provides a broad range of capital solutions including buyout capital, minority-growth investments, and credit alternatives. Accel-KKR also invests across a wide range of transaction types including private company recapitalizations, divisional carve-outs and going-private transactions. Accel-KKR is headquartered in Menlo Park with additional offices in Atlanta and London.

And that's the ENDS of that! No need to wonder any more, dear reader(s).

...

Anything else? Music? My music?! Ha, ha, ha! No need to wonder there either. I'll tell you. Good news! Listen, kook(s), I knew in my heart, and in my soul, oh! ... that the I Love You tune was too good to throw away. So, I've completely refurbished it. Yes! I've speeded it up, I've lengthened it, I've given it a cool new rhythm, I've changed the structure, and ... it's now a rock/pop song at just over four and a half minutes. It's going to need a new lyric and title, of course. The only question is ... Will it be one of my BIG TEN? Well, I don't know yet. Let's wait and see! [I've got a gut feeling that it will be, uh, this time.]

Later(s), alligator(s)!

[No. 831] There's a force inside

Created by the hypnosis, believe it or not.

And - stay calm![1], and there's a ... well, a ... MONSTER inside, like, like an alien ... / and I hope it doesn't eat me[1], and - stay calm![2], and I must stay calm[1], and there's a ... well, a ... MONST ER inside, like, like an alien ... / and I hope it doesn't eat me[2], and a-ROUND here ... and everywhere, it follows me because ... ? / and ... growing stronger[1], and I must stay calm[2], and, Christ! ... doesn't it ever sleep?![1], and a-ROUND here ... and everywhere, it follows me because ... ? / and ... growing stronger[2], and, uh ... oh, is it me?[1], and, Christ! ... doesn't it ever sleep?![2], and, yes, yes - it's inside, my mind![1], and, uh ... oh, is it me?[2], and when I'm tired ... I don't stop, I can't[1], and, yes, yes - it's inside, my mind![2], and my soul[1], and when I'm tired ... I don't stop, I can't[2], and let me sleep, at least[1], and my soul[2], and ... Who am I?[1], and let me sleep, at least[2], and I've started something, yes ... a wild ride ... and I'm going all the way to the end ... wherever that turns out to be[1], and ... Who am I?[2], and it's magic time, apparently[1], and I've started something, yes ... a wild ride ... and I'm going all the way to the end ... wherever that turns out to be[2], and, listen! ... these experiments with consciousness, ha! ... I won't lie to you ... I feel like a modern-day Merlin[1], and it's magic time, apparently[2], and that's the honest truth[1], and, listen! ... these experiments with consciousness, ha! ... I won't lie to you ... I feel like a modern-day Merlin[2], and I don't lie[1], and that's the honest truth[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... doesn't loosen its grip, no, no, no ... not at any speed[1], and I don't lie[2], and I hope it likes me, this monster[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... doesn't loosen its grip, no, no, no ... not at any speed[2], and Julius and Elon are nowhere to be seen ... / and it seems I'm on my own with this one[1], and I hope it likes me, this monster[2], and, thanks, guys! ... I'll do the same for you some eternity[1], and Julius and Elon are nowhere to be seen ... / and it seems I'm on my own with this one[2], and friends like that ... Jesus![1], and, thanks, guys! ... I'll do the same for you some eternity[2], and I hope it's going to help, this monster[1], and friends like that ... Jesus![2], and visions? What do you think? Of course, visions[1], and I hope it's going to help, this monster[2], and you still think? Well done, idiot![1], and visions? What do you think? Of course, visions[2], and a-ROUND here ... oh, it's so easy to believe I'm insane, but ... it's everywhere, you dig?[1], and you still think? Well done, idiot![2], and ... come on![1], and a-ROUND here ... oh, it's so easy to believe I'm insane, but ... it's everywhere, you dig?[2], and are my eyes open ... or are they closed now?[1], and ... come on![2], and, kook(s) ... have you ever fallen asleep ... and then woken up ... and then had absolutely no idea?[1], and are my eyes open ... or are they closed now?[2], and never, never ... mind[1], and, kook(s) ... have you ever fallen asleep ... and then woken up ... and then had absolutely no idea?[2], and - stay calm![3], and never, never ... mind[2], and there's a ... well, a ... M  O  N  S  T  E  R inside, like, like an alien ... / and I hope it doesn't eat me[3], and I must stay calm[3], and a-ROUND here ... and everywhere, it follows me because ... ? / and ... growing stronger[3], and, Christ! ... doesn't it ever sleep?![3], and, uh ... oh, is it me?[3], and, yes, yes - it's inside, my mind![3], and when I'm tired ... I don't stop, I can't[3], and my soul[3], and let me sleep, at least[3], and ... Who am I?[3], and I've started something, yes ... a wild ride ... and I'm going all the way to the end ... wherever that turns out to be[3], and it's magic time, apparently[3], and, listen! ... these experiments with consciousness, ha! ... I won't lie to you ... I feel like a modern-day Merlin[3], and that's the honest truth[3], and I don't lie[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... doesn't loosen its grip, no, no, no ... not at any speed[3], and I hope it likes me, this monster[3], and Julius and Elon are nowhere to be seen ... / and it seems I'm on my own with this one[3], and, thanks, guys! ... I'll do the same for you some eternity[3], and friends like that ... Jesus![3], and I hope it's going to help, this monster[3], and visions? What do you think? Of course, visions[3], and you still think? Well done, idiot![3], and a-ROUND here ... oh, it's so easy to believe I'm insane, but ... it's everywhere, you dig?[3], and ... come on![3], and are my eyes open ... or are they closed now?[3], and, kook(s) ... have you ever fallen asleep ... and then woken up ... and then had absolutely no idea?[3], and never, never ... mind[3], and

And - stay calm![1], and there's a ... well, a ... MONSTER inside, like, like an alien ... / and I hope it doesn't eat me[1], and - stay calm![2], and I must stay calm[1], and there's a ... well, a ... MONST ER inside, like, like an alien ... / and I hope it doesn't eat me[2], and a-ROUND here ... and everywhere, it follows me because ... ? / and ... growing stronger[1], and I must stay calm[2], and, Christ! ... doesn't it ever sleep?![1], and a-ROUND here ... and everywhere, it follows me because ... ? / and ... growing stronger[2], and, uh ... oh, is it me?[1], and, Christ! ... doesn't it ever sleep?![2], and, yes, yes - it's inside, my mind![1], and, uh ... oh, is it me?[2], and when I'm tired ... I don't stop, I can't[1], and, yes, yes - it's inside, my mind![2], and my soul[1], and when I'm tired ... I don't stop, I can't[2], and let me sleep, at least[1], and my soul[2], and ... Who am I?[1], and let me sleep, at least[2], and I've started something, yes ... a wild ride ... and I'm going all the way to the end ... wherever that turns out to be[1], and ... Who am I?[2], and it's magic time, apparently[1], and I've started something, yes ... a wild ride ... and I'm going all the way to the end ... wherever that turns out to be[2], and, listen! ... these experiments with consciousness, ha! ... I won't lie to you ... I feel like a modern-day Merlin[1], and it's magic time, apparently[2], and that's the honest truth[1], and, listen! ... these experiments with consciousness, ha! ... I won't lie to you ... I feel like a modern-day Merlin[2], and I don't lie[1], and that's the honest truth[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... doesn't loosen its grip, no, no, no ... not at any speed[1], and I don't lie[2], and I hope it likes me, this monster[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... doesn't loosen its grip, no, no, no ... not at any speed[2], and Julius and Elon are nowhere to be seen ... / and it seems I'm on my own with this one[1], and I hope it likes me, this monster[2], and, thanks, guys! ... I'll do the same for you some eternity[1], and Julius and Elon are nowhere to be seen ... / and it seems I'm on my own with this one[2], and friends like that ... Jesus![1], and, thanks, guys! ... I'll do the same for you some eternity[2], and I hope it's going to help, this monster[1], and friends like that ... Jesus![2], and visions? What do you think? Of course, visions[1], and I hope it's going to help, this monster[2], and you still think? Well done, idiot![1], and visions? What do you think? Of course, visions[2], and a-ROUND here ... oh, it's so easy to believe I'm insane, but ... it's everywhere, you dig?[1], and you still think? Well done, idiot![2], and ... come on![1], and a-ROUND here ... oh, it's so easy to believe I'm insane, but ... it's everywhere, you dig?[2], and are my eyes open ... or are they closed now?[1], and ... come on![2], and, kook(s) ... have you ever fallen asleep ... and then woken up ... and then had absolutely no idea?[1], and are my eyes open ... or are they closed now?[2], and never, never ... mind[1], and, kook(s) ... have you ever fallen asleep ... and then woken up ... and then had absolutely no idea?[2], and - stay calm![3], and never, never ... mind[2], and there's a ... well, a ... M  O  N  S  T  E  R inside, like, like an alien ... / and I hope it doesn't eat me[3], and I must stay calm[3], and a-ROUND here ... and everywhere, it follows me because ... ? / and ... growing stronger[3], and, Christ! ... doesn't it ever sleep?![3], and, uh ... oh, is it me?[3], and, yes, yes - it's inside, my mind![3], and when I'm tired ... I don't stop, I can't[3], and my soul[3], and let me sleep, at least[3], and ... Who am I?[3], and I've started something, yes ... a wild ride ... and I'm going all the way to the end ... wherever that turns out to be[3], and it's magic time, apparently[3], and, listen! ... these experiments with consciousness, ha! ... I won't lie to you ... I feel like a modern-day Merlin[3], and that's the honest truth[3], and I don't lie[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... doesn't loosen its grip, no, no, no ... not at any speed[3], and I hope it likes me, this monster[3], and Julius and Elon are nowhere to be seen ... / and it seems I'm on my own with this one[3], and, thanks, guys! ... I'll do the same for you some eternity[3], and friends like that ... Jesus![3], and I hope it's going to help, this monster[3], and visions? What do you think? Of course, visions[3], and you still think? Well done, idiot![3], and a-ROUND here ... oh, it's so easy to believe I'm insane, but ... it's everywhere, you dig?[3], and ... come on![3], and are my eyes open ... or are they closed now?[3], and, kook(s) ... have you ever fallen asleep ... and then woken up ... and then had absolutely no idea?[3], and never, never ... mind[3], and

And - stay calm![1], and there's a ... well, a ... MONSTER inside, like, like an alien ... / and I hope it doesn't eat me[1], and - stay calm![2], and I must stay calm[1], and there's a ... well, a ... MONST ER inside, like, like an alien ... / and I hope it doesn't eat me[2], and a-ROUND here ... and everywhere, it follows me because ... ? / and ... growing stronger[1], and I must stay calm[2], and, Christ! ... doesn't it ever sleep?![1], and a-ROUND here ... and everywhere, it follows me because ... ? / and ... growing stronger[2], and, uh ... oh, is it me?[1], and, Christ! ... doesn't it ever sleep?![2], and, yes, yes - it's inside, my mind![1], and, uh ... oh, is it me?[2], and when I'm tired ... I don't stop, I can't[1], and, yes, yes - it's inside, my mind![2], and my soul[1], and when I'm tired ... I don't stop, I can't[2], and let me sleep, at least[1], and my soul[2], and ... Who am I?[1], and let me sleep, at least[2], and I've started something, yes ... a wild ride ... and I'm going all the way to the end ... wherever that turns out to be[1], and ... Who am I?[2], and it's magic time, apparently[1], and I've started something, yes ... a wild ride ... and I'm going all the way to the end ... wherever that turns out to be[2], and, listen! ... these experiments with consciousness, ha! ... I won't lie to you ... I feel like a modern-day Merlin[1], and it's magic time, apparently[2], and that's the honest truth[1], and, listen! ... these experiments with consciousness, ha! ... I won't lie to you ... I feel like a modern-day Merlin[2], and I don't lie[1], and that's the honest truth[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... doesn't loosen its grip, no, no, no ... not at any speed[1], and I don't lie[2], and I hope it likes me, this monster[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... doesn't loosen its grip, no, no, no ... not at any speed[2], and Julius and Elon are nowhere to be seen ... / and it seems I'm on my own with this one[1], and I hope it likes me, this monster[2], and, thanks, guys! ... I'll do the same for you some eternity[1], and Julius and Elon are nowhere to be seen ... / and it seems I'm on my own with this one[2], and friends like that ... Jesus![1], and, thanks, guys! ... I'll do the same for you some eternity[2], and I hope it's going to help, this monster[1], and friends like that ... Jesus![2], and visions? What do you think? Of course, visions[1], and I hope it's going to help, this monster[2], and you still think? Well done, idiot![1], and visions? What do you think? Of course, visions[2], and a-ROUND here ... oh, it's so easy to believe I'm insane, but ... it's everywhere, you dig?[1], and you still think? Well done, idiot![2], and ... come on![1], and a-ROUND here ... oh, it's so easy to believe I'm insane, but ... it's everywhere, you dig?[2], and are my eyes open ... or are they closed now?[1], and ... come on![2], and, kook(s) ... have you ever fallen asleep ... and then woken up ... and then had absolutely no idea?[1], and are my eyes open ... or are they closed now?[2], and never, never ... mind[1], and, kook(s) ... have you ever fallen asleep ... and then woken up ... and then had absolutely no idea?[2], and - stay calm![3], and never, never ... mind[2], and there's a ... well, a ... M  O  N  S  T  E  R inside, like, like an alien ... / and I hope it doesn't eat me[3], and I must stay calm[3], and a-ROUND here ... and everywhere, it follows me because ... ? / and ... growing stronger[3], and, Christ! ... doesn't it ever sleep?![3], and, uh ... oh, is it me?[3], and, yes, yes - it's inside, my mind![3], and when I'm tired ... I don't stop, I can't[3], and my soul[3], and let me sleep, at least[3], and ... Who am I?[3], and I've started something, yes ... a wild ride ... and I'm going all the way to the end ... wherever that turns out to be[3], and it's magic time, apparently[3], and, listen! ... these experiments with consciousness, ha! ... I won't lie to you ... I feel like a modern-day Merlin[3], and that's the honest truth[3], and I don't lie[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... doesn't loosen its grip, no, no, no ... not at any speed[3], and I hope it likes me, this monster[3], and Julius and Elon are nowhere to be seen ... / and it seems I'm on my own with this one[3], and, thanks, guys! ... I'll do the same for you some eternity[3], and friends like that ... Jesus![3], and I hope it's going to help, this monster[3], and visions? What do you think? Of course, visions[3], and you still think? Well done, idiot![3], and a-ROUND here ... oh, it's so easy to believe I'm insane, but ... it's everywhere, you dig?[3], and ... come on![3], and are my eyes open ... or are they closed now?[3], and, kook(s) ... have you ever fallen asleep ... and then woken up ... and then had absolutely no idea?[3], and never, never ... mind[3], and

Refinitiv: Lipper European fund flows report - July 2020

Well, it's time again for, uh ... the monthly European fund flows report from the Lipper team at Refinitiv. 'Yippee!' Yeah, it's brilliant, isn't it, Voice? I love these PR emails.

Anyway ...

Long-term mutual funds posted net inflows for July 2020.

The overall fund flows for mutual funds in Europe in July amounted to estimated net inflows of €111.2 bn.

Money market funds (+€69.0 bn) were the best-selling individual asset type overall for July.

Equity Global (+€8.5 bn) was once again the best-selling sector among long-term funds for July.

I Love You.

Ireland (+€40.8 bn) was the fund domicile with the highest net inflows, followed by France (+€33.6 bn) and Luxembourg (+€28.9 bn).

Amundi was the best-selling fund promoter for July overall, with net sales of €16.3 bn, ahead of BlackRock (+€12.5 bn) and JP Morgan (+€11.8 bn).

The 10 best-selling long-term funds gathered at the share class level net inflows of €8.7 bn for July.

Aviva Investors Global Sovereign Bond Zh GBP (+$1.6 bn) was the best-selling individual long-term fund share class for July.

Fair enough. I mean, I don't have any complaints. 'Why would you, boss?' Well, I wouldn't.

And notice Aviva Investors, dear reader(s). 'Whatever happened to those guys?!' Ha! Nothing. Nothing at all.

Anyway, our Detlef wants to say a few words. You know what he's like. He'll get upset if I don't let him speak.

Detlef Glow, Lipper Head of EMEA Research at Refinitiv, comments: "European investors bought further back into mutual funds and ETFs in July. Since the global equity markets stabilized further, investors returned to long-term mutual funds because they expect the massive stimulus packages from central banks and governments globally to keep interest rates low and to foster global economic growth after the lockdowns caused by the outbreak of The Thing are lifted in more countries around the globe.

"As a result, long-term mutual funds posted overall net inflows for the month. Bond funds (+€24.2 bn) were the best-selling long-term asset type for July, followed by equity funds (+€14.4 bn), mixed-assets funds (+€4.9 bn), and commodities funds (+€2.0 bn). On the other hand, real estate funds (-€0.1 bn), 'other' funds (-€0.7 bn), and alternative UCITS funds (-2.6 bn) were facing estimated net outflows.

"These fund flows added up to overall estimated net inflows of €42.2 bn into long-term investment funds for July. ETFs contributed inflows of €13.2 bn to these flows."

Okay. Thanks, Detlef!

ENDS

...

Anything else? Time and energy. I need more time and energy. 'Don't we all, Mikey?' Shut up, Voice. You're not ambitious like me. You're just a waster. 'Oh, thanks. That's lovely, that is.' Shut up, idiot!

Yes. Time and energy. I got up at four this morning. I mean, I woke up, so I got up. But maybe I won't have much energy now.

Do I really need more songs at the moment? I've got twelve for the Citizen Kane of albums, man.

Any record company that signs me will have to understand how I work. / Most normal people wouldn't have scrapped that song last week. Could I rewrite it ... with a different lyric? I don't know. I don't want slow ballads. You know what I want, kook(s).

Anyway, this is what I'm rehearsing ...

This World Don't Mean a Thing

Nothing

Good Times

And Rain Came Down

Stella

This is definitely the best combination for a demo. Probably my two best songs, oh, masterpieces! ... followed by the "fun" of Good Times, and then the surprise of two songs that could be massive hits ... 

In any era, actually. Like the Eighties! ...

Come On Eileen

Baby Jane

Modern Love

Later(s), crocodile(s)!

[No. 830] Doom never goes out of fashion

They love it!

And, yes, yes ... they love it[1], and the world is crashing, or it's burning, or it's turning upside down ... what do I know?[1], and, yes, yes ... they love it[2], and outside my window ... ah, the wonderful sound of crickets[1], and the world is crashing, or it's burning, or it's turning upside down ... what do I know?[2], and it's so soothing, yes[1], and outside my window ... ah, the wonderful sound of crickets[2], and I hardly pay attention to the news, ha, ha, ha![1], and it's so soothing, yes[2], and I'm easily bored[1], and I hardly pay attention to the news, ha, ha, ha![2], and a-ROUND here ... I have no concerns BECAUSE I am not normal, thank God! No, no, no![1], and I'm easily bored[2], and, oh, be like me, kook! ... don't upset yourself[1], and a-ROUND here ... I have no concerns BECAUSE I am not normal, thank God! No, no, no![2], and, listen! ... I don't even recognize the world that those awful squares live in ... it's like they're living on Mars[1], and, oh, be like me, kook! ... don't upset yourself[2], and I keep on spinning, obviously - so oblivious![1], and, listen! ... I don't even recognize the world that those awful squares live in ... it's like they're living on Mars[2], and a-ROUND here ... it's like I'm, uh ... flying in a beautiful balloon, yes![1], and I keep on spinning, obviously - so oblivious![2], and I'm not praying for a miracle ... I'm my own miracle ... and you are welcome to join me, oh, anytime![1], and a-ROUND here ... it's like I'm, uh ... flying in a beautiful balloon, yes![2], and believe in my magic[1], and I'm not praying for a miracle ... I'm my own miracle ... and you are welcome to join me, oh, anytime![2], and I want you to be happy ...[1], and believe in my magic[2], and so many people ... seem to think they're supposed to be immortal or something ... who can explain it?![1], and I want you to be happy ...[2], and try living large, you nutcase - like the dinosaurs![1], and so many people ... seem to think they're supposed to be immortal or something ... who can explain it?![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... dizzy and free! / ... and there's no need for gold or Bitcoin[1], and try living large, you nutcase - like the dinosaurs![2], and here it comes ... whatever, something bad[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... dizzy and free! / ... and there's no need for gold or Bitcoin[2], and, watch out - !!![1], and here it comes ... whatever, something bad[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it's all right, actually, whatever it is[1], and, watch out - !!![2], and, oh, oh ... there it goes![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it's all right, actually, whatever it is[2], and I'm still standing, and still smiling, in these times - amazing![1], and, oh, oh ... there it goes![2], and, uh, uh, uh ... do I have a dream?[1], and I'm still standing, and still smiling, in these times - amazing![2], and, okay, okay ... I want to jump into the sea and have dolphins carry me away beyond the horizon[1], and, uh, uh, uh ... do I have a dream?[2], and that's my dream, fuck it![1], and, okay, okay ... I want to jump into the sea and have dolp hins carry me away beyond the horizon[2], and, yes, yes ... they love it[3], and that's my dream, fuck it![2], and the world is crashing, or it's burning, or it's turning upside down ... what do I know?[3], and outside my window ... ah, the wonderful sound of crickets[3], and it's so soothing, yes[3], and I hardly pay attention to the news, ha, ha, ha![3], and I'm easily bored[3], and a-ROUND here ... I have no concerns BECAUSE I am not normal, thank God! No, no, no![3], and, oh, be like me, kook! ... don't upset yourself[3], and, listen! ... I don't even recognize the world that those awful squares live in ... it's like they're living on Mars[3], and I keep on spinning, obviously - so oblivious![3], and a-ROUND here ... it's like I'm, uh ... flying in a beautiful balloon, yes![3], and I'm not praying for a miracle ... I'm my own miracle ... and you are welcome to join me, oh, anytime![3], and believe in my magic[3], and I want you to be happy ...[3], and so many people ... seem to think they're supposed to be immortal or something ... who can explain it?![3], and try living large, you nutcase - like the dinosaurs![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... dizzy and free! / ... and there's no need for gold or Bitcoin[3], and here it comes ... whatever, something bad[3], and, watch out - !!![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it's all right, actually, whatever it is[3], and, oh, oh ... there it goes![3], and I'm still standing, and still smiling, in these times - amazing![3], and, uh, uh, uh ... do I have a dream?[3], and, okay, okay ... I want to jump into the sea and have d  o  l  p  h  i  n  s carry me away beyond the horizon[3], and that's my dream, fuck it![3], and

And, yes, yes ... they love it[1], and the world is crashing, or it's burning, or it's turning upside down ... what do I know?[1], and, yes, yes ... they love it[2], and outside my window ... ah, the wonderful sound of crickets[1], and the world is crashing, or it's burning, or it's turning upside down ... what do I know?[2], and it's so soothing, yes[1], and outside my window ... ah, the wonderful sound of crickets[2], and I hardly pay attention to the news, ha, ha, ha![1], and it's so soothing, yes[2], and I'm easily bored[1], and I hardly pay attention to the news, ha, ha, ha![2], and a-ROUND here ... I have no concerns BECAUSE I am not normal, thank God! No, no, no![1], and I'm easily bored[2], and, oh, be like me, kook! ... don't upset yourself[1], and a-ROUND here ... I have no concerns BECAUSE I am not normal, thank God! No, no, no![2], and, listen! ... I don't even recognize the world that those awful squares live in ... it's like they're living on Mars[1], and, oh, be like me, kook! ... don't upset yourself[2], and I keep on spinning, obviously - so oblivious![1], and, listen! ... I don't even recognize the world that those awful squares live in ... it's like they're living on Mars[2], and a-ROUND here ... it's like I'm, uh ... flying in a beautiful balloon, yes![1], and I keep on spinning, obviously - so oblivious![2], and I'm not praying for a miracle ... I'm my own miracle ... and you are welcome to join me, oh, anytime![1], and a-ROUND here ... it's like I'm, uh ... flying in a beautiful balloon, yes![2], and believe in my magic[1], and I'm not praying for a miracle ... I'm my own miracle ... and you are welcome to join me, oh, anytime![2], and I want you to be happy ...[1], and believe in my magic[2], and so many people ... seem to think they're supposed to be immortal or something ... who can explain it?![1], and I want you to be happy ...[2], and try living large, you nutcase - like the dinosaurs![1], and so many people ... seem to think they're supposed to be immortal or something ... who can explain it?![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... dizzy and free! / ... and there's no need for gold or Bitcoin[1], and try living large, you nutcase - like the dinosaurs![2], and here it comes ... whatever, something bad[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... dizzy and free! / ... and there's no need for gold or Bitcoin[2], and, watch out - !!![1], and here it comes ... whatever, something bad[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it's all right, actually, whatever it is[1], and, watch out - !!![2], and, oh, oh ... there it goes![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it's all right, actually, whatever it is[2], and I'm still standing, and still smiling, in these times - amazing![1], and, oh, oh ... there it goes![2], and, uh, uh, uh ... do I have a dream?[1], and I'm still standing, and still smiling, in these times - amazing![2], and, okay, okay ... I want to jump into the sea and have dolphins carry me away beyond the horizon[1], and, uh, uh, uh ... do I have a dream?[2], and that's my dream, fuck it![1], and, okay, okay ... I want to jump into the sea and have dolp hins carry me away beyond the horizon[2], and, yes, yes ... they love it[3], and that's my dream, fuck it![2], and the world is crashing, or it's burning, or it's turning upside down ... what do I know?[3], and outside my window ... ah, the wonderful sound of crickets[3], and it's so soothing, yes[3], and I hardly pay attention to the news, ha, ha, ha![3], and I'm easily bored[3], and a-ROUND here ... I have no concerns BECAUSE I am not normal, thank God! No, no, no![3], and, oh, be like me, kook! ... don't upset yourself[3], and, listen! ... I don't even recognize the world that those awful squares live in ... it's like they're living on Mars[3], and I keep on spinning, obviously - so oblivious![3], and a-ROUND here ... it's like I'm, uh ... flying in a beautiful balloon, yes![3], and I'm not praying for a miracle ... I'm my own miracle ... and you are welcome to join me, oh, anytime![3], and believe in my magic[3], and I want you to be happy ...[3], and so many people ... seem to think they're supposed to be immortal or something ... who can explain it?![3], and try living large, you nutcase - like the dinosaurs![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... dizzy and free! / ... and there's no need for gold or Bitcoin[3], and here it comes ... whatever, something bad[3], and, watch out - !!![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it's all right, actually, whatever it is[3], and, oh, oh ... there it goes![3], and I'm still standing, and still smiling, in these times - amazing![3], and, uh, uh, uh ... do I have a dream?[3], and, okay, okay ... I want to jump into the sea and have d  o  l  p  h  i  n  s carry me away beyond the horizon[3], and that's my dream, fuck it![3], and

And, yes, yes ... they love it[1], and the world is crashing, or it's burning, or it's turning upside down ... what do I know?[1], and, yes, yes ... they love it[2], and outside my window ... ah, the wonderful sound of crickets[1], and the world is crashing, or it's burning, or it's turning upside down ... what do I know?[2], and it's so soothing, yes[1], and outside my window ... ah, the wonderful sound of crickets[2], and I hardly pay attention to the news, ha, ha, ha![1], and it's so soothing, yes[2], and I'm easily bored[1], and I hardly pay attention to the news, ha, ha, ha![2], and a-ROUND here ... I have no concerns BECAUSE I am not normal, thank God! No, no, no![1], and I'm easily bored[2], and, oh, be like me, kook! ... don't upset yourself[1], and a-ROUND here ... I have no concerns BECAUSE I am not normal, thank God! No, no, no![2], and, listen! ... I don't even recognize the world that those awful squares live in ... it's like they're living on Mars[1], and, oh, be like me, kook! ... don't upset yourself[2], and I keep on spinning, obviously - so oblivious![1], and, listen! ... I don't even recognize the world that those awful squares live in ... it's like they're living on Mars[2], and a-ROUND here ... it's like I'm, uh ... flying in a beautiful balloon, yes![1], and I keep on spinning, obviously - so oblivious![2], and I'm not praying for a miracle ... I'm my own miracle ... and you are welcome to join me, oh, anytime![1], and a-ROUND here ... it's like I'm, uh ... flying in a beautiful balloon, yes![2], and believe in my magic[1], and I'm not praying for a miracle ... I'm my own miracle ... and you are welcome to join me, oh, anytime![2], and I want you to be happy ...[1], and believe in my magic[2], and so many people ... seem to think they're supposed to be immortal or something ... who can explain it?![1], and I want you to be happy ...[2], and try living large, you nutcase - like the dinosaurs![1], and so many people ... seem to think they're supposed to be immortal or something ... who can explain it?![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... dizzy and free! / ... and there's no need for gold or Bitcoin[1], and try living large, you nutcase - like the dinosaurs![2], and here it comes ... whatever, something bad[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... dizzy and free! / ... and there's no need for gold or Bitcoin[2], and, watch out - !!![1], and here it comes ... whatever, something bad[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it's all right, actually, whatever it is[1], and, watch out - !!![2], and, oh, oh ... there it goes![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it's all right, actually, whatever it is[2], and I'm still standing, and still smiling, in these times - amazing![1], and, oh, oh ... there it goes![2], and, uh, uh, uh ... do I have a dream?[1], and I'm still standing, and still smiling, in these times - amazing![2], and, okay, okay ... I want to jump into the sea and have dolphins carry me away beyond the horizon[1], and, uh, uh, uh ... do I have a dream?[2], and that's my dream, fuck it![1], and, okay, okay ... I want to jump into the sea and have dolp hins carry me away beyond the horizon[2], and, yes, yes ... they love it[3], and that's my dream, fuck it![2], and the world is crashing, or it's burning, or it's turning upside down ... what do I know?[3], and outside my window ... ah, the wonderful sound of crickets[3], and it's so soothing, yes[3], and I hardly pay attention to the news, ha, ha, ha![3], and I'm easily bored[3], and a-ROUND here ... I have no concerns BECAUSE I am not normal, thank God! No, no, no![3], and, oh, be like me, kook! ... don't upset yourself[3], and, listen! ... I don't even recognize the world that those awful squares live in ... it's like they're living on Mars[3], and I keep on spinning, obviously - so oblivious![3], and a-ROUND here ... it's like I'm, uh ... flying in a beautiful balloon, yes![3], and I'm not praying for a miracle ... I'm my own miracle ... and you are welcome to join me, oh, anytime![3], and believe in my magic[3], and I want you to be happy ...[3], and so many people ... seem to think they're supposed to be immortal or something ... who can explain it?![3], and try living large, you nutcase - like the dinosaurs![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... dizzy and free! / ... and there's no need for gold or Bitcoin[3], and here it comes ... whatever, something bad[3], and, watch out - !!![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it's all right, actually, whatever it is[3], and, oh, oh ... there it goes![3], and I'm still standing, and still smiling, in these times - amazing![3], and, uh, uh, uh ... do I have a dream?[3], and, okay, okay ... I want to jump into the sea and have d  o  l  p  h  i  n  s carry me away beyond the horizon[3], and that's my dream, fuck it![3], and

The high street has taken its revenge or something

I don't know what he's talking about, our Jinksy, but he's a regular, and I don't have any other PR emails to cover. So ...

There was plenty of good news for Britain's beleaguered High Street retailers in July's Office of National Statistics (ONS) retail figures released today, says the e-commerce delivery expert ParcelHero. The latest statistics reveal sales values rose 4.4% over June, with the amount of sales actually 3% up on February's pre-Thing levels. In contrast to clothing stores' 11.9% growth, online sales fell back by 7%, compared to the previous month.

Released today? Er ... not today, no. This email is from last week. Voice? Oh, he's not here yet.

ParcelHero says these figures show that it is physical store sales that are now leading retail's recovery. Even though the online sales juggernaut has slowed down, however, that doesn't mean the future of town centre stores is secure. ParcelHero's Head of Consumer Research, David Jinks MILT, says:

What does he say, our hero? Come on, Jinksy!

"At last, High Street retailers have some news to celebrate. Non-food store sales grew 10% in July, with fashion stores leading the charge with an 11.9% growth. Household goods stores actually rose an impressive 6% against pre-Thing levels in February. All this is hugely encouraging and shows consumers still want to visit physical stores if they can feel safe."

Well, yeah, I want to get some new Timberland boots, but ... I'll have to walk to Shepherd's Bush. I'm not getting on a bus. 'Get on a bus, boss!' Oh, hello, Voice. No, I'm not getting on a bus, man. I don't like wearing masks, so I go to as few places as possible which require masks. And that's buses, trains, shops - 'How do you get your food then?' I go to the supermarket twice a week, and I wear a mask, but that's no bother for ten minutes. 'Get your boots online.' I don't want to order them online. They might send me the wrong size. There's a lot of confusion with the size of these Timbs, you know. American size or British size. 'Oh.' It's just a lot of hassle I don't need at the moment.

I CAN'T STAND NORMAL EVERYDAY LIFE - !!!

Anyway ...

"However, any retailer who still thinks online sales are an extra - not a key part - of their overall sales strategy shouldn't get too smug. Online sales are still an enormous 50.4% higher than they were in February before The Thing hit the UK. These latest figures show that e-commerce gobbled 28.9% of all retail sales in the UK. That's a drop from a peak of 31.9% at the height of lockdown, but still significantly more than the 20% of all sales achieved in February before The Thing hit. This recovery remains fragile, and fears of a second-wave of The Thing, once children return to school, could quickly halt the progress seen in July."

Okay, okay. Thanks, Jinksy!

ENDS

...

Anything else? Music? My music?!

Yeah, yeah. I'm still going to write about my music, kook(s). I was just angry on Friday because that new song didn't work out. Never mind, eh? / I still want two more songs like Stella and, and ... And Rain Came Down. I want them by the end of September. I'm super pissed off at the moment. After those two, I'll finish We'll Show Them Heaven. That will give me my BIG TEN. Then I'll try to write five more small songs ... quickly! Songs like Lucky You and Round The Bend. That will give me a total of twenty songs. The Stone Roses built their whole career on roughly twenty songs. I just need twenty as a base, you dig? Then I can build from there.

Oh, I was reading the other day ... various comments online, like, fans of The Killers, yes, saying the band has saved 2020 with their great new album. I was curious, so I listened to one of the singles, My Own Soul's Warning. And it's good ... I suppose. But nothing for me to be worried about.

I must get those two songs! Forget last week!

Laters.

My last ever music update

I finished I Love You, but I didn't like it. So it's been scrapped.

This is the album again -

This World Don't Mean a Thing

Lucky You

Round The Bend

What's This Life We Live?

And Rain Came Down

I Want Everything 

Love Me

Stella

Malibu

I'm Right Inside

Nothing

Good Times

And if I want a five-track demo, this will be the best [for getting a deal] and most upbeat selection of songs -

This World Don't Mean a Thing

Nothing

Good Times

And Rain Came Down

Stella

The music business

I've been watching some videos on YouTube about how hard it is for artists to earn a decent living in the music business these days. It's tough, kook(s). Basically, if you're not Ed Sheeran or Beyonce, you'll be better off working in a supermarket.

So, I'm thinking ...

Firstly ... after I've got my BIG TEN ... I'm going to keep pushing hard. Yeah, I'm just going to write as many great songs as I can. Hopefully, more like Stella and, and ... And Rain Came Down. 

Secondly ... I'm going to need all three major labels to take an interest in signing me, so I can get a good deal.

I might(?!) go with this as the demo -

This World Don't Mean a Thing

Nothing

And Rain Came Down

Stella

I Love You

For, uh ... MAXIMUM IMPACT, like.

Five really great songs, most of my best ones, BUT(!) ... I'll have to throw all caution to the wind, man. I want to take the music business by surprise. I want the executives as shocked as I was last week when I was staring into space with my mouth open like that character from Gogol's Dead Souls. Do you know what I mean?

It's the only way.

...

Anything else? Well, not really. This is the last post of the week.

Oh, uh ...

I've been invited to this -

Invitation to presentation of Sectra's three-month interim report on September 4.

Linkoping, Sweden - August 19, 2020 - The international medical imaging IT and cybersecurity company Sectra will publish its three-month interim report for the 2020/2021 fiscal year on September 4, 2020. Sectra invites analysts, investors, and the media to attend a teleconference/audiocast in conjunction with the publication of the report. 

Publication of three-month interim report: 8:15 a.m. CEST, September 4, 2020. Presentation: 10:00 a.m. CEST, September 4, 2020.

They keep inviting me!

Never mind, eh?

Laters!