It's a PR email from State Street

Yes, it is.

LONDON, January 25, 2021 - State Street Corporation and Vontobel today announced they have entered into a multi-year service agreement, where Vontobel Asset Management will use State Street AlphaSM, the world's first fully open and integrated front-to-back investment servicing platform that powers real-time data and intelligence across the investment lifecycle. The partnership will include front office technology, investment operation services, Alpha data services and liquidity risk solutions.

Well, uh ... not today, obviously. Ha! They didn't announce. Not the twenty-fifth, no. They didn't send me this today. Not three days ago, no. Yes, three days ago they sent it, the email. And that's all right! Is it? I don't think anyone minds that I'm writing my post NOW - !!! ... on Thursday night. Last post of the week, yes.

And even if they do mind ... I don't care. But I'm sure no one minds. Why would they? Think about it, reader(s). It's not a matter of life and death.

It's okay. It's fine. No one is upset or anything. No one is depressed. Life goes on ... unbelievably.

Anyway ...

The agreement represents a new strategic partnership between State Street and Vontobel Asset Management, an active asset manager with global reach and a multi-boutique approach with more than CHF 120 billion in assets under management (AUM). For Vontobel, it creates additional growth capacity while building out investment service excellence for its investment boutiques that actively manage assets for the clients of the investment house globally.

AUM. It sure is nice to hear about AUM again. When was the last time we heard about AUM, Voice?

Okay.

Anyway, here's Jorg ...

"We are delighted with Vontobel Asset Management becoming an important European client for State Street Alpha," says Jorg Ambrosius, head of Europe, Middle East and Africa, State Street. "Our platform integrates and streamlines the investment process to deliver efficiencies, insights, speed and execution that support asset managers across every aspect of their investment lifecycle. By leveraging the platform's open infrastructure, Vontobel AM can streamline day-to-day processes and operations to optimize returns and focus on future growth."

Thank you, Jorg.

Jorg is delighted. They all are. Well, he says that they all are. I can't imagine he would lie to us. Jorg just isn't the type.

Here's Felix now ...

"We are happy to be partnering with State Street to further enhance the investment servicing platform for our Investment Boutiques," says Felix Lenhard, COO, Member of the Executive Board, Vontobel. "With this solution Vontobel will benefit from access to a robust, high quality and scalable operating model that will provide best in class services to our portfolio mangers and supporting functions. We will also be able to improve servicing and onboarding of our clients as a result of expanded connectivity with custodians and brokers."

Thank you, Felix.

Felix is happy. They all are. Well, he says that they all are. I can't imagine he would lie to us. Felix just isn't the type.

ENDS

...

Anything else?

I

I can't

I can't think

I can't think of

I can't think of anything

[No. 873] This is my fantasy

Just spinning a-ROUND out of my head.

And, so ...[1], and, yeah, yeah ...[1], and, so ...[2], and what number is this?! ... ah, who cares, man? ... and I'm too dizzy to care, honestly[1], and, yeah, yeah ...[2], and who are you?[1], and what number is this?! ... ah, who cares, man? ... and I'm too dizzy to care, honestly[2], and I don't know, uh ... anything much ... ha, ha, ha ... not a-ROUND here ... just nothing ... you dig?[1], and who are you?[2], and, Jesus ... who am I?![1], and I don't know, uh ... anything much ... ha, ha, ha ... not a-ROUND here ... just nothing ... you dig?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and fast as hell![1], and, Jesus ... who am I?![2], and, well ... slow down?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and fast as hell![2], and ... stop?![1], and, well ... slow down?[2], and, no, no, no[1], and ... stop?![2], and the temperature?[1], and, no, no, no[2], and it's hot, kook, so hot ... and I don't need to look out of some window to see a horrible world all frosty[1], and the temperature?[2], and ... 'Come on, come on!'[1], and it's hot, kook, so hot ... and I don't need to look out of some window to see a horrible world all frosty[2], and ... too hot?[1], and ... 'Come on, come on!'[2], and I ain't no snowman[1], and ... too hot?[2], and do YOU(!) ... know what I mean?[1], and I ain't no snowman[2], and I hope so ...[1], and do YOU(!) ... know what I mean?[2], and I'm ... a showman![1], and I hope so ...[2], and, yes, yes, yes[1], and I'm ... a showman![2], and, listen ... I don't need to go anywhere BECAUSE this is everywhere and nowhere[1], and, yes, yes, yes[2], and ... 'That's the truth!'[1], and, listen ... I don't need to go anywhere BECAUSE this is everywhere and nowhere[2], and it's a state of mind ... so be happy![1], and ... 'That's the truth!'[2], and be real smooth, too[1], and it's a state of mind ... so be hap py![2], and, listen! ... it doesn't cost me a penny ... which is just as well ... / and  'Ha! You have a penny, Mikey, surely?'[1], and be real sm ooth, too[2], and, well ...[1], and, listen! ... it doesn't cost me a penny ... which is just as well ... / and  'Ha! You have a penny, Mikey, surely?'[2], and the moral of the story is ... what story?![1], and, well ...[2], and ... 'Yeah, what story?'[1], and the moral of the story is ... what story?![2], and forget it, Voice, forget it all[1], and ... 'Yeah, what story?'[2], and ... 'I will!'[1], and forget it, Voice, forget it all[2], and, it's so ... beautiful![1], and ... 'I will!'[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... yes![1], and, it's so ... beautiful![2], and well, well ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... yes![2], and, so ...[3], and well, well ...[2], and, yeah, yeah ...[3], and what number is this?! ... ah, who cares, man? ... and I'm too dizzy to care, honestly[3], and who are you?[3], and I don't know, uh ... anything much ... ha, ha, ha ... not a-ROUND here ... just nothing ... you dig?[3], and, Jesus ... who am I?![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and fast as hell![3], and, well ... slow down?[3], and ... stop?![3], and, no, no, no[3], and the temperature?[3], and it's hot, kook, so hot ... and I don't need to look out of some window to see a horrible world all frosty[3], and ... 'Come on, come on!'[3], and ... too hot?[3], and I ain't no snowman[3], and do YOU(!) ... know what I mean?[3], and I hope so ...[3], and I'm ... a showman![3], and, yes, yes, yes[3], and, listen ... I don't need to go anywhere BECAUSE this is everywhere and nowhere[3], and ... 'That's the truth!'[3], and it's a state of mind ... so be h  a  p  p  y![3], and be real s  m  o  o  t  h, too[3], and, listen! ... it doesn't cost me a penny ... which is just as well ... / and  'Ha! You have a penny, Mikey, surely?'[3], and, well ...[3], and the moral of the story is ... what story?![3], and ... 'Yeah, what story?'[3], and forget it, Voice, forget it all[3], and ... 'I will!'[3], and, it's so ... beautiful![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... yes![3], and well, well ...[3], and

And, so ...[1], and, yeah, yeah ...[1], and, so ...[2], and what number is this?! ... ah, who cares, man? ... and I'm too dizzy to care, honestly[1], and, yeah, yeah ...[2], and who are you?[1], and what number is this?! ... ah, who cares, man? ... and I'm too dizzy to care, honestly[2], and I don't know, uh ... anything much ... ha, ha, ha ... not a-ROUND here ... just nothing ... you dig?[1], and who are you?[2], and, Jesus ... who am I?![1], and I don't know, uh ... anything much ... ha, ha, ha ... not a-ROUND here ... just nothing ... you dig?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and fast as hell![1], and, Jesus ... who am I?![2], and, well ... slow down?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and fast as hell![2], and ... stop?![1], and, well ... slow down?[2], and, no, no, no[1], and ... stop?![2], and the temperature?[1], and, no, no, no[2], and it's hot, kook, so hot ... and I don't need to look out of some window to see a horrible world all frosty[1], and the temperature?[2], and ... 'Come on, come on!'[1], and it's hot, kook, so hot ... and I don't need to look out of some window to see a horrible world all frosty[2], and ... too hot?[1], and ... 'Come on, come on!'[2], and I ain't no snowman[1], and ... too hot?[2], and do YOU(!) ... know what I mean?[1], and I ain't no snowman[2], and I hope so ...[1], and do YOU(!) ... know what I mean?[2], and I'm ... a showman![1], and I hope so ...[2], and, yes, yes, yes[1], and I'm ... a showman![2], and, listen ... I don't need to go anywhere BECAUSE this is everywhere and nowhere[1], and, yes, yes, yes[2], and ... 'That's the truth!'[1], and, listen ... I don't need to go anywhere BECAUSE this is everywhere and nowhere[2], and it's a state of mind ... so be happy![1], and ... 'That's the truth!'[2], and be real smooth, too[1], and it's a state of mind ... so be hap py![2], and, listen! ... it doesn't cost me a penny ... which is just as well ... / and  'Ha! You have a penny, Mikey, surely?'[1], and be real sm ooth, too[2], and, well ...[1], and, listen! ... it doesn't cost me a penny ... which is just as well ... / and  'Ha! You have a penny, Mikey, surely?'[2], and the moral of the story is ... what story?![1], and, well ...[2], and ... 'Yeah, what story?'[1], and the moral of the story is ... what story?![2], and forget it, Voice, forget it all[1], and ... 'Yeah, what story?'[2], and ... 'I will!'[1], and forget it, Voice, forget it all[2], and, it's so ... beautiful![1], and ... 'I will!'[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... yes![1], and, it's so ... beautiful![2], and well, well ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... yes![2], and, so ...[3], and well, well ...[2], and, yeah, yeah ...[3], and what number is this?! ... ah, who cares, man? ... and I'm too dizzy to care, honestly[3], and who are you?[3], and I don't know, uh ... anything much ... ha, ha, ha ... not a-ROUND here ... just nothing ... you dig?[3], and, Jesus ... who am I?![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and fast as hell![3], and, well ... slow down?[3], and ... stop?![3], and, no, no, no[3], and the temperature?[3], and it's hot, kook, so hot ... and I don't need to look out of some window to see a horrible world all frosty[3], and ... 'Come on, come on!'[3], and ... too hot?[3], and I ain't no snowman[3], and do YOU(!) ... know what I mean?[3], and I hope so ...[3], and I'm ... a showman![3], and, yes, yes, yes[3], and, listen ... I don't need to go anywhere BECAUSE this is everywhere and nowhere[3], and ... 'That's the truth!'[3], and it's a state of mind ... so be h  a  p  p  y![3], and be real s  m  o  o  t  h, too[3], and, listen! ... it doesn't cost me a penny ... which is just as well ... / and  'Ha! You have a penny, Mikey, surely?'[3], and, well ...[3], and the moral of the story is ... what story?![3], and ... 'Yeah, what story?'[3], and forget it, Voice, forget it all[3], and ... 'I will!'[3], and, it's so ... beautiful![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... yes![3], and well, well ...[3], and

And, so ...[1], and, yeah, yeah ...[1], and, so ...[2], and what number is this?! ... ah, who cares, man? ... and I'm too dizzy to care, honestly[1], and, yeah, yeah ...[2], and who are you?[1], and what number is this?! ... ah, who cares, man? ... and I'm too dizzy to care, honestly[2], and I don't know, uh ... anything much ... ha, ha, ha ... not a-ROUND here ... just nothing ... you dig?[1], and who are you?[2], and, Jesus ... who am I?![1], and I don't know, uh ... anything much ... ha, ha, ha ... not a-ROUND here ... just nothing ... you dig?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and fast as hell![1], and, Jesus ... who am I?![2], and, well ... slow down?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and fast as hell![2], and ... stop?![1], and, well ... slow down?[2], and, no, no, no[1], and ... stop?![2], and the temperature?[1], and, no, no, no[2], and it's hot, kook, so hot ... and I don't need to look out of some window to see a horrible world all frosty[1], and the temperature?[2], and ... 'Come on, come on!'[1], and it's hot, kook, so hot ... and I don't need to look out of some window to see a horrible world all frosty[2], and ... too hot?[1], and ... 'Come on, come on!'[2], and I ain't no snowman[1], and ... too hot?[2], and do YOU(!) ... know what I mean?[1], and I ain't no snowman[2], and I hope so ...[1], and do YOU(!) ... know what I mean?[2], and I'm ... a showman![1], and I hope so ...[2], and, yes, yes, yes[1], and I'm ... a showman![2], and, listen ... I don't need to go anywhere BECAUSE this is everywhere and nowhere[1], and, yes, yes, yes[2], and ... 'That's the truth!'[1], and, listen ... I don't need to go anywhere BECAUSE this is everywhere and nowhere[2], and it's a state of mind ... so be happy![1], and ... 'That's the truth!'[2], and be real smooth, too[1], and it's a state of mind ... so be hap py![2], and, listen! ... it doesn't cost me a penny ... which is just as well ... / and  'Ha! You have a penny, Mikey, surely?'[1], and be real sm ooth, too[2], and, well ...[1], and, listen! ... it doesn't cost me a penny ... which is just as well ... / and  'Ha! You have a penny, Mikey, surely?'[2], and the moral of the story is ... what story?![1], and, well ...[2], and ... 'Yeah, what story?'[1], and the moral of the story is ... what story?![2], and forget it, Voice, forget it all[1], and ... 'Yeah, what story?'[2], and ... 'I will!'[1], and forget it, Voice, forget it all[2], and, it's so ... beautiful![1], and ... 'I will!'[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... yes![1], and, it's so ... beautiful![2], and well, well ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... yes![2], and, so ...[3], and well, well ...[2], and, yeah, yeah ...[3], and what number is this?! ... ah, who cares, man? ... and I'm too dizzy to care, honestly[3], and who are you?[3], and I don't know, uh ... anything much ... ha, ha, ha ... not a-ROUND here ... just nothing ... you dig?[3], and, Jesus ... who am I?![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and fast as hell![3], and, well ... slow down?[3], and ... stop?![3], and, no, no, no[3], and the temperature?[3], and it's hot, kook, so hot ... and I don't need to look out of some window to see a horrible world all frosty[3], and ... 'Come on, come on!'[3], and ... too hot?[3], and I ain't no snowman[3], and do YOU(!) ... know what I mean?[3], and I hope so ...[3], and I'm ... a showman![3], and, yes, yes, yes[3], and, listen ... I don't need to go anywhere BECAUSE this is everywhere and nowhere[3], and ... 'That's the truth!'[3], and it's a state of mind ... so be h  a  p  p  y![3], and be real s  m  o  o  t  h, too[3], and, listen! ... it doesn't cost me a penny ... which is just as well ... / and  'Ha! You have a penny, Mikey, surely?'[3], and, well ...[3], and the moral of the story is ... what story?![3], and ... 'Yeah, what story?'[3], and forget it, Voice, forget it all[3], and ... 'I will!'[3], and, it's so ... beautiful![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... yes![3], and well, well ...[3], and

Refinitiv: Lipper European fund flow report - December 2020

Okay, okay. Well, what's this then?

Ha!

It's obvious, man. It's the December European fund flow industry report from the Lipper team at Refinitiv.

'Nice one!' Yeah.

And here it is ...

Long-term mutual funds posted strong net inflows for December 2020.

The overall fund flows for mutual funds and ETFs in Europe in December amounted to estimated net inflows of €122.4 bn.

Equity funds (+€58.9 bn) were the best-selling individual asset type overall for December.

Equity Global (+€21.4 bn) was once again the best-selling sector among long-term funds for December.

Ireland (+€64.8 bn) was the fund domicile with the highest net inflows, followed by Luxembourg (+€36.9 bn) and Germany (+€5.9 bn).

BlackRock (+€28.4 bn) was the best-selling fund promoter in Europe for December, ahead of Amundi (+€9.0 bn) and BNP Paribas Asset Management (+€6.3 bn).

The 10 best-selling long-term funds gathered at the share class level net inflows of €9.7 bn for December.

AXA VF - Bonds Global Aggregate T (+€1.6 bn) was the best-selling individual long-term fund share class for December.

Okay. That's all right, ain't it? 'I just wonder what our Detlef makes of it all, boss.' Ha, ha, ha! Well, wonder no more, idiot!

Detlef Glow, Lipper Head of EMEA Research at Refinitiv, comments: "Despite the deteriorating situation with regard to The Thing, December 2020 was another positive month for the European fund industry since the promoters of mutual funds (+€99.1 bn) and ETFs (+€23.5 bn) enjoyed inflows. The high level of inflows was surprising since there were some uncertainties around the outcome of the presidential election in the US and a possible hard Brexit. In addition, investors feared a second The Thing lockdown-induced economic downturn in Europe. Despite these fears, investors bought into risky assets as long-term funds enjoyed estimated net inflows of €90.6 bn, while money market products had estimated inflows of €31.7 bn."

Thanks, Detlef!

ENDS

...

Anything else, kook(s)? Not much, no.

I can tell you it's cold, man. But you probably know that already. It all depends on where you're reading this.

I had a fantasy, oh, years ago ... about running away to a tropical island. You know, just live on a beach as an illegal immigrant or something, and then eat coconuts all day long. Never mind.

Music? Uh ...

I keep playing that tune with no title and no concept ... hoping, hoping ... that words will pop into my head.

Maybe I should get to work on the lyric for Life and Death. I don't know. I'm not in the mood for it at the moment.

I've got a cheese sandwich for lunch.

I'm having veggie burger and chips tonight.

I love chips.

They don't give you many chips with the burger, but if I get hungry later in the evening ... I can always have a Pot Noodle.

But I'm not supposed to be eating snacks any more. You have to be really slim to make the most of those Sunspel polo shirts. I'll have to get down to Mick Jagger weight. That's a real rock star diet, you dig?

Never mind.

It will be worth it.

Laters.

Update: I might have pizza.

[No. 872] If I wanted the cold world ... I could take it from the creeps, and, uh ... the killers of the human spirit

Anytime. No problem.

And, listen ...[1], and I suppose ... I'm happy here ... with the occasional kook spinner to keep me company[1], and, listen ...[2], and I don't need a lot, you dig?[1], and I suppose ... I'm happy here ... with the occasional kook spinner to keep me company[2], and yeah, yeah ...[1], and I don't need a lot, you dig?[2], and what do you need? Tell me![1], and yeah, yeah ...[2], and we all know that the cold world is a very evil place ... and, uh ... a-ROUND here we are so hot![1], and what do you need? Tell me![2], and I hate it[1], and we all know that the cold world is a very evil place ... and, uh ... a-ROUND here we are so hot![2], and must we live in it, Christ ... with our bodies?[1], and I hate it[2], and ... 'Ha!'[1], and must we live in it, Christ ... with our bodies?[2], and if it collapses ... so what?[1], and ... 'Ha!'[2], and where are we ... really?[1], and if it collapses ... so what?[2], and our minds, our souls ... are right here - !!! ... where they should be, yes, yes, yes[1], and where are we ... really?[2], and it's a real joy, this, ha! ... not that[1], and our minds, our souls ... are right here - !!! ... where they should be, yes, yes, yes[2], and that terrible evil ...[1], and it's a real joy, this, ha! ... not that[2], and even your body can't move too much ... they don't want you doing anything![1], and that terrible evil ...[2], and at least they let us breathe ... for now[1], and even your body can't move too much ... they don't want you doing anything![2], and, listen! ... we want more ... we've always wanted more / and we are spinners for eternity[1], and at least they let us breathe ... for now[2], and they can't control this[1], and, listen! ... we want more ... we've always wanted more / and we are spinners for eternity[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and they don't even know what we're doing[1], and they can't control this[2], and don't know what we're being[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and they don't even know what we're doing[2], and if they knew ... ? "Ah, those kooks ... they're no threat to us" ... ha, ha, ha! Idiots![1], and don't know what we're being[2], and creeps, killers[1], and if they knew ... ? "Ah, those kooks ... they're no threat to us" ... ha, ha, ha! Idiots![2], and no rules, no laws ... uh, uh ...  not in our reality, right?[1], and creeps, killers[2], and maybe we should take the words they use ... twist them into a hell ... and make them useless[1], and no rules, no laws ... uh, uh ...  not in our reality, right?[2], and ... 'Yes!'[1], and maybe we should take the words they use ... twist them into a hell ... and make them useless[2], and let them try to control society then![1], and ... 'Yes!'[2], and, YES - !!![1], and let them try to control society then![2], and, then, then ... let the sheep see how worthless the elite are![1], and, YES - !!![2], and ... 'Come on!'[1], and, then, then ... let the sheep see how worthless the elite are![2], and, oh ... they shouldn't push us too far[1], and ... 'Come on!'[2], and, listen ...[3], and, oh ... they shouldn't push us too far[2], and I suppose ... I'm happy here ... with the occasional kook spinner to keep me company[3], and I don't need a lot, you dig?[3], and yeah, yeah ...[3], and what do you need? Tell me![3], and we all know that the cold world is a very evil place ... and, uh ... a-ROUND here we are so hot![3], and I hate it[3], and must we live in it, Christ ... with our bodies?[3], and ... 'Ha!'[3], and if it collapses ... so what?[3], and where are we ... really?[3], and our minds, our souls ... are right here - !!! ... where they should be, yes, yes, yes[3], and it's a real joy, this, ha! ... not that[3], and that terrible evil ...[3], and even your body can't move too much ... they don't want you doing anything![3], and at least they let us breathe ... for now[3], and, listen! ... we want more ... we've always wanted more / and we are spinners for eternity[3], and they can't control this[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and they don't even know what we're doing[3], and don't know what we're being[3], and if they knew ... ? "Ah, those kooks ... they're no threat to us" ... ha, ha, ha! Idiots![3], and creeps, killers[3], and no rules, no laws ... uh, uh ...  not in our reality, right?[3], and maybe we should take the words they use ... twist them into a hell ... and make them useless[3], and ... 'Yes!'[3], and let them try to control society then![3], and, YES - !!![3], and, then, then ... let the sheep see how worthless the elite are![3], and ... 'Come on!'[3], and, oh ... they shouldn't push us too far[3], and

And, listen ...[1], and I suppose ... I'm happy here ... with the occasional kook spinner to keep me company[1], and, listen ...[2], and I don't need a lot, you dig?[1], and I suppose ... I'm happy here ... with the occasional kook spinner to keep me company[2], and yeah, yeah ...[1], and I don't need a lot, you dig?[2], and what do you need? Tell me![1], and yeah, yeah ...[2], and we all know that the cold world is a very evil place ... and, uh ... a-ROUND here we are so hot![1], and what do you need? Tell me![2], and I hate it[1], and we all know that the cold world is a very evil place ... and, uh ... a-ROUND here we are so hot![2], and must we live in it, Christ ... with our bodies?[1], and I hate it[2], and ... 'Ha!'[1], and must we live in it, Christ ... with our bodies?[2], and if it collapses ... so what?[1], and ... 'Ha!'[2], and where are we ... really?[1], and if it collapses ... so what?[2], and our minds, our souls ... are right here - !!! ... where they should be, yes, yes, yes[1], and where are we ... really?[2], and it's a real joy, this, ha! ... not that[1], and our minds, our souls ... are right here - !!! ... where they should be, yes, yes, yes[2], and that terrible evil ...[1], and it's a real joy, this, ha! ... not that[2], and even your body can't move too much ... they don't want you doing anything![1], and that terrible evil ...[2], and at least they let us breathe ... for now[1], and even your body can't move too much ... they don't want you doing anything![2], and, listen! ... we want more ... we've always wanted more / and we are spinners for eternity[1], and at least they let us breathe ... for now[2], and they can't control this[1], and, listen! ... we want more ... we've always wanted more / and we are spinners for eternity[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and they don't even know what we're doing[1], and they can't control this[2], and don't know what we're being[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and they don't even know what we're doing[2], and if they knew ... ? "Ah, those kooks ... they're no threat to us" ... ha, ha, ha! Idiots![1], and don't know what we're being[2], and creeps, killers[1], and if they knew ... ? "Ah, those kooks ... they're no threat to us" ... ha, ha, ha! Idiots![2], and no rules, no laws ... uh, uh ...  not in our reality, right?[1], and creeps, killers[2], and maybe we should take the words they use ... twist them into a hell ... and make them useless[1], and no rules, no laws ... uh, uh ...  not in our reality, right?[2], and ... 'Yes!'[1], and maybe we should take the words they use ... twist them into a hell ... and make them useless[2], and let them try to control society then![1], and ... 'Yes!'[2], and, YES - !!![1], and let them try to control society then![2], and, then, then ... let the sheep see how worthless the elite are![1], and, YES - !!![2], and ... 'Come on!'[1], and, then, then ... let the sheep see how worthless the elite are![2], and, oh ... they shouldn't push us too far[1], and ... 'Come on!'[2], and, listen ...[3], and, oh ... they shouldn't push us too far[2], and I suppose ... I'm happy here ... with the occasional kook spinner to keep me company[3], and I don't need a lot, you dig?[3], and yeah, yeah ...[3], and what do you need? Tell me![3], and we all know that the cold world is a very evil place ... and, uh ... a-ROUND here we are so hot![3], and I hate it[3], and must we live in it, Christ ... with our bodies?[3], and ... 'Ha!'[3], and if it collapses ... so what?[3], and where are we ... really?[3], and our minds, our souls ... are right here - !!! ... where they should be, yes, yes, yes[3], and it's a real joy, this, ha! ... not that[3], and that terrible evil ...[3], and even your body can't move too much ... they don't want you doing anything![3], and at least they let us breathe ... for now[3], and, listen! ... we want more ... we've always wanted more / and we are spinners for eternity[3], and they can't control this[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and they don't even know what we're doing[3], and don't know what we're being[3], and if they knew ... ? "Ah, those kooks ... they're no threat to us" ... ha, ha, ha! Idiots![3], and creeps, killers[3], and no rules, no laws ... uh, uh ...  not in our reality, right?[3], and maybe we should take the words they use ... twist them into a hell ... and make them useless[3], and ... 'Yes!'[3], and let them try to control society then![3], and, YES - !!![3], and, then, then ... let the sheep see how worthless the elite are![3], and ... 'Come on!'[3], and, oh ... they shouldn't push us too far[3], and

And, listen ...[1], and I suppose ... I'm happy here ... with the occasional kook spinner to keep me company[1], and, listen ...[2], and I don't need a lot, you dig?[1], and I suppose ... I'm happy here ... with the occasional kook spinner to keep me company[2], and yeah, yeah ...[1], and I don't need a lot, you dig?[2], and what do you need? Tell me![1], and yeah, yeah ...[2], and we all know that the cold world is a very evil place ... and, uh ... a-ROUND here we are so hot![1], and what do you need? Tell me![2], and I hate it[1], and we all know that the cold world is a very evil place ... and, uh ... a-ROUND here we are so hot![2], and must we live in it, Christ ... with our bodies?[1], and I hate it[2], and ... 'Ha!'[1], and must we live in it, Christ ... with our bodies?[2], and if it collapses ... so what?[1], and ... 'Ha!'[2], and where are we ... really?[1], and if it collapses ... so what?[2], and our minds, our souls ... are right here - !!! ... where they should be, yes, yes, yes[1], and where are we ... really?[2], and it's a real joy, this, ha! ... not that[1], and our minds, our souls ... are right here - !!! ... where they should be, yes, yes, yes[2], and that terrible evil ...[1], and it's a real joy, this, ha! ... not that[2], and even your body can't move too much ... they don't want you doing anything![1], and that terrible evil ...[2], and at least they let us breathe ... for now[1], and even your body can't move too much ... they don't want you doing anything![2], and, listen! ... we want more ... we've always wanted more / and we are spinners for eternity[1], and at least they let us breathe ... for now[2], and they can't control this[1], and, listen! ... we want more ... we've always wanted more / and we are spinners for eternity[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and they don't even know what we're doing[1], and they can't control this[2], and don't know what we're being[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and they don't even know what we're doing[2], and if they knew ... ? "Ah, those kooks ... they're no threat to us" ... ha, ha, ha! Idiots![1], and don't know what we're being[2], and creeps, killers[1], and if they knew ... ? "Ah, those kooks ... they're no threat to us" ... ha, ha, ha! Idiots![2], and no rules, no laws ... uh, uh ...  not in our reality, right?[1], and creeps, killers[2], and maybe we should take the words they use ... twist them into a hell ... and make them useless[1], and no rules, no laws ... uh, uh ...  not in our reality, right?[2], and ... 'Yes!'[1], and maybe we should take the words they use ... twist them into a hell ... and make them useless[2], and let them try to control society then![1], and ... 'Yes!'[2], and, YES - !!![1], and let them try to control society then![2], and, then, then ... let the sheep see how worthless the elite are![1], and, YES - !!![2], and ... 'Come on!'[1], and, then, then ... let the sheep see how worthless the elite are![2], and, oh ... they shouldn't push us too far[1], and ... 'Come on!'[2], and, listen ...[3], and, oh ... they shouldn't push us too far[2], and I suppose ... I'm happy here ... with the occasional kook spinner to keep me company[3], and I don't need a lot, you dig?[3], and yeah, yeah ...[3], and what do you need? Tell me![3], and we all know that the cold world is a very evil place ... and, uh ... a-ROUND here we are so hot![3], and I hate it[3], and must we live in it, Christ ... with our bodies?[3], and ... 'Ha!'[3], and if it collapses ... so what?[3], and where are we ... really?[3], and our minds, our souls ... are right here - !!! ... where they should be, yes, yes, yes[3], and it's a real joy, this, ha! ... not that[3], and that terrible evil ...[3], and even your body can't move too much ... they don't want you doing anything![3], and at least they let us breathe ... for now[3], and, listen! ... we want more ... we've always wanted more / and we are spinners for eternity[3], and they can't control this[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and they don't even know what we're doing[3], and don't know what we're being[3], and if they knew ... ? "Ah, those kooks ... they're no threat to us" ... ha, ha, ha! Idiots![3], and creeps, killers[3], and no rules, no laws ... uh, uh ...  not in our reality, right?[3], and maybe we should take the words they use ... twist them into a hell ... and make them useless[3], and ... 'Yes!'[3], and let them try to control society then![3], and, YES - !!![3], and, then, then ... let the sheep see how worthless the elite are![3], and ... 'Come on!'[3], and, oh ... they shouldn't push us too far[3], and

Stuff again

So what?!

Yeah, yeah. I've got a couple of PR emails that look ever so "interesting", BUT(!) ... I'm not in the mood. Maybe tomorrow, kook(s), yeah? 'They don't care, boss. Just give them stuff. More stuff! COME ON - !!!'

All right, all right. Calm down, idiot! (I think he's been drinking too much coffee this morning.)

Hypnosis? What's the time? Oh, it's too late now. Not enough time. I might do it tonight instead. It's better early in the morning though. It sets you up for the whole day. Do you know what I mean?

Not that I need it because ... I'M FEELING FINE - !!!

'All right, all right. Calm down, Mikey!'

Ha! Yeah, you're funny, Voice. Really funny.

Anyway ...

Music? When am I going to get those two lyrics I need? I don't know. One of them should be easy - if only I could get the title and concept ... to give me something to work with, you dig?

Life and Death will be hard. Ideally, I would like all four verses (combined) to have a greater impact than the third verse of Nothing. / These two songs will be my The Waste Land and The Hollow Men ... meaning no other songwriter will be able to touch me while I'm alive. And after I'm dead, who knows?! [Or cares?!] Eliot is still going strong with those two GREAT poems of his.

Just playing the tune for Life and Death gets me excited, man. There's really nothing like it in popular music.

Well ...

Oh, oh ... when am I going to come over all cold and remote? Soon. Soon. Soon. Yes. I've just got to pick the right moment.

Anyway ...

Shall we listen to some songs, dear reader(s)? [Er, you can imagine them ... in your head, like. Or maybe make the effort - for once - to find them on YouTube or Spotify or whatever. Christ!]

Right ...

Dead Souls. Joy Division. / Yeah. Heavy.

China Girl. Iggy Pop.

Dance Hall Days. Wang Chung. / I have no idea why I love this song so much. It's the mystery of music!

Okay, okay.

That's enough, actually. I'm not in the mood for listening to music, mysterious or not. Even though I'm feeling ... fine. Strange!

'What are you in the mood for, boss?' Ha! Well, I'm not in the mood for you, Voice. Goodbye!

Okay ...

Has he gone?

['No.']

My life.

Well, I'll see you later, kook(s), with a conceptual, I suppose. No. 872 ... ? Of course! What else?

Yeah, yeah.

Laters.

Who in the sky is Charles O'Riordan?!

Ha, ha, ha! Don't get upset, everyone! I just thought it would make a nice change from saying: Who on earth is Charles O'Riordan?! Stuff like that. 'Thank God, boss!' Ha! Shut up, you little idiot! You don't care.

Anyway, who is he, this right Charlie?

Foresight Group ("Foresight"), a leading independent private equity and infrastructure investment manager, is pleased ("Delighted") to announce that Charles O'Riordan has joined the private equity team. Based in Cambridge, Charles will support the deployment of the £100 million Foresight East of England Fund.

Oh, okay. It's a PR email, dear reader(s). 'From Foresight again.' So?

Charles joins Matt McLoughlin and Bill Yost in Foresight's Cambridge office, strengthening Foresight's commitment to the East of England. His focus will be on building relationships and identifying investment opportunities in the region. Charles has worked with UK small and medium-sized enterprises ("SMEs") for his whole career, having originally trained as a chartered accountant at PwC. Most recently Charles was at KPMG in Cambridge, advising business owners throughout the East of England on a range of transactions.

Okay, okay. Let's hear more about this fund.

The Foresight East of England Fund is Foresight's fifth regional private equity fund and invests in SMEs in the East of England. Cornerstoned by the Cambridgeshire Pension Fund, the £100 million Fund targets long term value growth and provides a permanent pool of capital to fund businesses in the region and beyond. Foresight has opened an office in Cambridge and made a number of local hires to ensure it works closely with the region and its businesses.

Ha, ha, ha! Oh, sorry. I shouldn't laugh, really. 'What is it, boss?' Well, Voice ... are these small and medium businesses? 'Yes, they are. They said so.' Because if we have lockdown until the summer, only the big corporations will be left, man.

Anyway ...

The Fund typically invests up to £5 million into established companies with a view to assisting management with their growth ambitions. It invests across a broad range of sectors, across the full range of transaction types including buy-outs and equity release.

Oh dear.

Foresight looks to build returns for investors and management teams by supporting companies with their growth plans, providing both capital and expertise. Last year Foresight completed 20 new investments alongside 24 follow-on investments, deploying £100m into its growing portfolio of over 100 UK SMEs.

Ah, never mind.

Okay, okay. Let's go to the voices ...

Commenting on Charles' appointment, Matt Smith, Partner at Foresight, says: "We are delighted ("Excited") to have Charles ("Chas") on board. His extensive knowledge and contacts in the region's business community will be a valuable asset as we continue to work with more companies and advisers in the region. We look forward to adding to the team over time."

Well, fair enough. Good luck with it, Matt!

Charles? Come on, son!

Charles O'Riordan adds: "I am pleased to be joining Foresight, adding to their presence in the East of England. The region has a rich and diverse population of ambitious and successful businesses and I look forward to working with these companies to help them achieve their growth ambitions."

Well ... I wish you all the best, Charles. I really do.

ENDS

...

Anything else? 

Hypnosis? I did it for the first time this morning since last Wednesday. I was feeling great before I even started, so ... is it dangerous to keep going?

I don't think it is. I mean, I can just keep adding more visions and, uh ... cosmic power, you dig?

'You can't have too many visions, boss. Or cosmic power.'

I know, Voice, I know.

Music? I've made a rough recording of Girl, and it's not rough at all - to be honest with you.

Listen! Whatever you're doing in life, kook(s), keep doing it for years, and years, and years. That's my advice.

Laters! 

Stuff

Okay, okay. Just stuff today, for the last post of the week, like. I've got some PR emails, but I'm not in the mood for looking at them. There's one about a wealth tax, which is just ridiculous. You can't stop people living their lives, man, and then take away loads of their money and property that, uh ... they've probably worked for. Do you know what I mean?

What a world! Yeah, yeah.

Music? I've made a few small changes to Girl. It's more or less perfect now. A great four-minute rock song! / It's horrible thinking of the past, yes ... but I wish I had written songs as good as this thirty years ago. I wish had been able to play as well, too. On a more positive note: at least we have the internet these days. It's the best way of getting "discovered", I reckon - if you've got your shit together, of course.

I've got my shit together.

Listen! One thing I've noticed about the swans in the park: they don't rush around, chasing scraps of food. I often see people throwing bits of bread into the lake. The ducks go mental. But the swans are totally cool and above it. Aloof. Or maybe they just don't like bread. I don't know.

The dolphins are probably the same. ['They like people giving them fish, don't they?' Yeah. Not bread.] Classy. Special.

Which reminds me! I really should buy some more Sunspel polo shirts. I've got two. That's okay for important occasions, BUT(!) ... I need to start dressing and feeling like a star 24/7. 

Do you know what I mean? Oh, I hope so, kook(s).

Laters!

[No. 871] Cold as ice and utterly gone

Perfect!

And, well ...[1], and, well ... one day[1], and, well ...[2], and, well ... it's a dream[1], and, well ... one day[2], and, yeah, yeah ... uh, uh ... a lovely vision thing whatever that one day could be so very real to me[1], and, well ... it's a dream[2], and my feelings now?[1], and, yeah, yeah ... uh, uh ... a lovely vision thing whatever that one day could be so very real to me[2], and ... ice in my heart, come on! ... ice in my soul[1], and my feelings now?[2], and, you ... love it[1], and ... ice in my heart, come on! ... ice in my soul[2], and you ... do[1], and, you ... love it[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... ... ... a mysterious sha sha shaman nowhere to be found, ha![1], and you ... do[2], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... ... ... a mysterious sha sha shaman n owhere to be found, ha![2], and it's for the square spectators, too, all confused[1], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[2], and oh dear[1], and it's for the square spectators, too, all confused[2], and where am I? I am here ... for a while yet ... but, but, BUT(!) ... there's no guarantee I'll always ...[1], and oh dear[2], and ...[1], and where am I? I am here ... for a while yet ... but, but, BUT(!) ... there's no guarantee I'll always ...[2], and I don't know ... can't even say, no[1], and ...[2], and it doesn't matter[1], and I don't know ... can't even say, no[2], and there's no need for you to care, kooks ... because you'll be going ... so cold ... ah, you don't know it ... ?[1], and it doesn't matter[2], and ... 'You just told them'[1], and there's no need for you to care, kooks ... because you'll be going ... so cold ... ah, you don't know it ... ?[2], and I will need control of the words ... / ... and what are the chances?[1], and ... 'You just told them'[2], and no more chaos ...[1], and I will need control of the words ... / ... and what are the chances?[2], and, or, or, or ... maybe, uh ... controlled chaos[1], and no more chaos ...[2], and feelings without fire ...[1], and, or, or, or ... maybe, uh ... controlled chaos[2], and thoughts?[1], and feelings without fire ...[2], and maybe I shouldn't be so ambitious[1], and thoughts?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... ... ... sha sha shaman everywhere to be heard[1], and maybe I shouldn't be so ambitious[2], and maybe I should ... I don't know[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... ... ... sha sha shaman eve rywhere to be heard[2], and ... 'He don't know, kooks!'[1], and maybe I should ... I don't know[2], and one thing I'm sure of ...[1], and ... 'He don't know, kooks!'[2], and, uh ...[1], and one thing I'm sure of ...[2], and, well ...[3], and, uh ...[2], and, well ... one day[3], and, well ... it's a dream[3], and, yeah, yeah ... uh, uh ... a lovely vision thing whatever that one day could be so very real to me[3], and my feelings now?[3], and ... ice in my heart, come on! ... ice in my soul[3], and, you ... love it[3], and you ... do[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... ... ... a mysterious sha sha shaman n  o  w  h  e  r  e to be found, ha![3], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[3], and it's for the square spectators, too, all confused[3], and oh dear[3], and where am I? I am here ... for a while yet ... but, but, BUT(!) ... there's no guarantee I'll always ...[3], and ...[3], and I don't know ... can't even say, no[3], and it doesn't matter[3], and there's no need for you to care, kooks ... because you'll be going ... so cold ... ah, you don't know it ... ?[3], and ... 'You just told them'[3], and I will need control of the words ... / ... and what are the chances?[3], and no more chaos ...[3], and, or, or, or ... maybe, uh ... controlled chaos[3], and feelings without fire ...[3], and thoughts?[3], and maybe I shouldn't be so ambitious[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... ... ... sha sha shaman e  v  e  r  y  w  h  e  r  e to be heard[3], and maybe I should ... I don't know[3], and ... 'He don't know, kooks!'[3], and one thing I'm sure of ...[3], and, uh ...[3], and

And, well ...[1], and, well ... one day[1], and, well ...[2], and, well ... it's a dream[1], and, well ... one day[2], and, yeah, yeah ... uh, uh ... a lovely vision thing whatever that one day could be so very real to me[1], and, well ... it's a dream[2], and my feelings now?[1], and, yeah, yeah ... uh, uh ... a lovely vision thing whatever that one day could be so very real to me[2], and ... ice in my heart, come on! ... ice in my soul[1], and my feelings now?[2], and, you ... love it[1], and ... ice in my heart, come on! ... ice in my soul[2], and you ... do[1], and, you ... love it[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... ... ... a mysterious sha sha shaman nowhere to be found, ha![1], and you ... do[2], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... ... ... a mysterious sha sha shaman n owhere to be found, ha![2], and it's for the square spectators, too, all confused[1], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[2], and oh dear[1], and it's for the square spectators, too, all confused[2], and where am I? I am here ... for a while yet ... but, but, BUT(!) ... there's no guarantee I'll always ...[1], and oh dear[2], and ...[1], and where am I? I am here ... for a while yet ... but, but, BUT(!) ... there's no guarantee I'll always ...[2], and I don't know ... can't even say, no[1], and ...[2], and it doesn't matter[1], and I don't know ... can't even say, no[2], and there's no need for you to care, kooks ... because you'll be going ... so cold ... ah, you don't know it ... ?[1], and it doesn't matter[2], and ... 'You just told them'[1], and there's no need for you to care, kooks ... because you'll be going ... so cold ... ah, you don't know it ... ?[2], and I will need control of the words ... / ... and what are the chances?[1], and ... 'You just told them'[2], and no more chaos ...[1], and I will need control of the words ... / ... and what are the chances?[2], and, or, or, or ... maybe, uh ... controlled chaos[1], and no more chaos ...[2], and feelings without fire ...[1], and, or, or, or ... maybe, uh ... controlled chaos[2], and thoughts?[1], and feelings without fire ...[2], and maybe I shouldn't be so ambitious[1], and thoughts?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... ... ... sha sha shaman everywhere to be heard[1], and maybe I shouldn't be so ambitious[2], and maybe I should ... I don't know[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... ... ... sha sha shaman eve rywhere to be heard[2], and ... 'He don't know, kooks!'[1], and maybe I should ... I don't know[2], and one thing I'm sure of ...[1], and ... 'He don't know, kooks!'[2], and, uh ...[1], and one thing I'm sure of ...[2], and, well ...[3], and, uh ...[2], and, well ... one day[3], and, well ... it's a dream[3], and, yeah, yeah ... uh, uh ... a lovely vision thing whatever that one day could be so very real to me[3], and my feelings now?[3], and ... ice in my heart, come on! ... ice in my soul[3], and, you ... love it[3], and you ... do[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... ... ... a mysterious sha sha shaman n  o  w  h  e  r  e to be found, ha![3], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[3], and it's for the square spectators, too, all confused[3], and oh dear[3], and where am I? I am here ... for a while yet ... but, but, BUT(!) ... there's no guarantee I'll always ...[3], and ...[3], and I don't know ... can't even say, no[3], and it doesn't matter[3], and there's no need for you to care, kooks ... because you'll be going ... so cold ... ah, you don't know it ... ?[3], and ... 'You just told them'[3], and I will need control of the words ... / ... and what are the chances?[3], and no more chaos ...[3], and, or, or, or ... maybe, uh ... controlled chaos[3], and feelings without fire ...[3], and thoughts?[3], and maybe I shouldn't be so ambitious[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... ... ... sha sha shaman e  v  e  r  y  w  h  e  r  e to be heard[3], and maybe I should ... I don't know[3], and ... 'He don't know, kooks!'[3], and one thing I'm sure of ...[3], and, uh ...[3], and

And, well ...[1], and, well ... one day[1], and, well ...[2], and, well ... it's a dream[1], and, well ... one day[2], and, yeah, yeah ... uh, uh ... a lovely vision thing whatever that one day could be so very real to me[1], and, well ... it's a dream[2], and my feelings now?[1], and, yeah, yeah ... uh, uh ... a lovely vision thing whatever that one day could be so very real to me[2], and ... ice in my heart, come on! ... ice in my soul[1], and my feelings now?[2], and, you ... love it[1], and ... ice in my heart, come on! ... ice in my soul[2], and you ... do[1], and, you ... love it[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... ... ... a mysterious sha sha shaman nowhere to be found, ha![1], and you ... do[2], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... ... ... a mysterious sha sha shaman n owhere to be found, ha![2], and it's for the square spectators, too, all confused[1], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[2], and oh dear[1], and it's for the square spectators, too, all confused[2], and where am I? I am here ... for a while yet ... but, but, BUT(!) ... there's no guarantee I'll always ...[1], and oh dear[2], and ...[1], and where am I? I am here ... for a while yet ... but, but, BUT(!) ... there's no guarantee I'll always ...[2], and I don't know ... can't even say, no[1], and ...[2], and it doesn't matter[1], and I don't know ... can't even say, no[2], and there's no need for you to care, kooks ... because you'll be going ... so cold ... ah, you don't know it ... ?[1], and it doesn't matter[2], and ... 'You just told them'[1], and there's no need for you to care, kooks ... because you'll be going ... so cold ... ah, you don't know it ... ?[2], and I will need control of the words ... / ... and what are the chances?[1], and ... 'You just told them'[2], and no more chaos ...[1], and I will need control of the words ... / ... and what are the chances?[2], and, or, or, or ... maybe, uh ... controlled chaos[1], and no more chaos ...[2], and feelings without fire ...[1], and, or, or, or ... maybe, uh ... controlled chaos[2], and thoughts?[1], and feelings without fire ...[2], and maybe I shouldn't be so ambitious[1], and thoughts?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... ... ... sha sha shaman everywhere to be heard[1], and maybe I shouldn't be so ambitious[2], and maybe I should ... I don't know[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... ... ... sha sha shaman eve rywhere to be heard[2], and ... 'He don't know, kooks!'[1], and maybe I should ... I don't know[2], and one thing I'm sure of ...[1], and ... 'He don't know, kooks!'[2], and, uh ...[1], and one thing I'm sure of ...[2], and, well ...[3], and, uh ...[2], and, well ... one day[3], and, well ... it's a dream[3], and, yeah, yeah ... uh, uh ... a lovely vision thing whatever that one day could be so very real to me[3], and my feelings now?[3], and ... ice in my heart, come on! ... ice in my soul[3], and, you ... love it[3], and you ... do[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... ... ... a mysterious sha sha shaman n  o  w  h  e  r  e to be found, ha![3], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[3], and it's for the square spectators, too, all confused[3], and oh dear[3], and where am I? I am here ... for a while yet ... but, but, BUT(!) ... there's no guarantee I'll always ...[3], and ...[3], and I don't know ... can't even say, no[3], and it doesn't matter[3], and there's no need for you to care, kooks ... because you'll be going ... so cold ... ah, you don't know it ... ?[3], and ... 'You just told them'[3], and I will need control of the words ... / ... and what are the chances?[3], and no more chaos ...[3], and, or, or, or ... maybe, uh ... controlled chaos[3], and feelings without fire ...[3], and thoughts?[3], and maybe I shouldn't be so ambitious[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... ... ... sha sha shaman e  v  e  r  y  w  h  e  r  e to be heard[3], and maybe I should ... I don't know[3], and ... 'He don't know, kooks!'[3], and one thing I'm sure of ...[3], and, uh ...[3], and

Foresight strengthens ...

What does it strengthen, dear reader(s)? Answers on a postcard, please! 'Don't be ridiculous, boss. I'll tell them. It strengthens its European presence with announcement of a new AIFM office in Luxembourg.' Fine. You tell them, Voice. 'I just did!' Yeah, yeah.

But there's more. Ha, ha, ha! From the PR email ...

Luxembourg, 19 January 2021: Foresight Group LLP ("Foresight"), a leading independent infrastructure and private equity investment manager, is delighted to announce its latest Alternative Investment Fund Manager ("AIFM") office with the opening of its fourth international presence, located in Luxembourg.

They're delighted. That's great.

The new AIFM licence will enable Foresight to meet the needs of its EU investor base and strengthen its presence in continental Europe. Foresight currently manages two EU domiciled funds, the €75 million Foresight Italian Green Bond Fund ("IGB") and the EU-taxonomy validated c.€430 million Foresight Energy Infrastructure Partners ("FEIP").

Right.

This strategic milestone in Foresight's expansion demonstrates its commitment to ensuring post-Brexit continuity of the provision of Fund Management services within the EU. Luxembourg has become a focal point and was the natural choice for Foresight's EU-based Fund Manager to continue to provide a stable regulatory and compliant investment framework.

Okay, okay.

Now here's the bit I like. The voices. 'You like the voices, boss?' Well, I don't mind the voices, Voice. It's better than ... never mind.

Here we go!

Commenting on the Luxembourg AIFM licence, Federico Giannandrea, Partner and Head of Southern Europe at Foresight says: "Our permanent establishment in Luxembourg marks an important milestone in Foresight's strategic expansion in continental Europe. This is the third step, following the establishment of our Italian and Iberian offices, of a wider plan to consolidate Foresight's position among the top sustainable asset managers Worldwide."

Nice one, Feddy! 'Federico, you mean?' Shut up! He's a friend. 'Oh, all right.'

Adela Baho, Director and Conducting Officer comments: "By establishing the Luxembourg AIFM, Foresight will be able to strengthen its footprint in renewable infrastructure in the wider continental Europe. We expect to be an active participant in the European 'Green Deal' and become a leader in long-term investing into the resilient infrastructure required to enable the transition to a sustainable society."

Nice one, Adela!

Jasper Jansen, Director and Conducting Officer, adds: "The setup of our new office in Luxembourg demonstrates Foresight's commitment to Europe and especially to Luxembourg and our toolkit for Investment Vehicles. The new AIFM will allow Foresight to continue to provide a stable regulatory and compliant investment framework for our broad base of professional/institutional and retail investors in the EU and UK."

Nice one, Jasper!

ENDS

Okay, okay.

'Are Adela and Jasper friends of yours too, boss?' No. 'Oh.' It's the first I've heard of them. 'Where do you know Feddy from then?' What's it to you? 'I was just wondering, that's all. Was he in the desert in the old days?' Ha! Forget about the old days, idiot!

ENDS

...

Anything else? Music? My BIG TEN ... ?!

Listen! Hopefully, I'll be able to get those two lyrics soon, and then my BIG TEN might be all right for a while.

[I've been putting off writing the lyric for Life and Death because I know it's going to be a big job.]

I mean, how good do I have to be as an unknown artist? Do you know what I mean?

If I were an established artist with only three great songs -

Girl

And Rain Came Down

Good Times

... on my Best Of collection, well ... I could make a living, you dig? A lot of artists would be happy with just those three, man.

Oh, kooks! ... I'm still planning to stop the music updates and personal talk. Seriously. I want the front of my blog to be cold and remote by the time the end comes - if you know what I mean. Not ... THE END ... beautiful friend. Christ, no! Just the end of my "literary" life as I move on to a-rocking and a-rolling.

You dig?

'Ha!'

Ha! Of course you do!

Laters!

[No. 870] I won't be going to St Ives in June

That's for sure!

And ... FFS![1], and, listen! ... I'm a man who likes peace and quiet / and do you know what I mean?[1], and ... FFS![2], and I don't want to see goons everywhere ...[1], and, listen! ... I'm a man who likes pe ace and qui et / and do you know what I mean?[2], and, Christ ...[1], and I don't want to see goons everywhere ...[2], and helicopter gunships? I don't know[1], and, Christ ...[2], and let's not forget The Thing ... / ... and maybe I should stay a-ROUND here for my sins ... ?[1], and helicopter gunships? I don't know[2], and leaders? ... do me a favour![1], and let's not forget The Thing ... / ... and maybe I should stay a-ROUND here for my sins ... ?[2], and I could do with a drink now ...[1], and leaders? ... do me a favour![2], and all that food ...[1], and I could do with a drink now ...[2], and ... how?[1], and all that food ...[2], and, tell me! ... How I will be able to enjoy my pasties? / and ... How will I be able to enjoy my mint ice creams?[1], and ... how?[2], and it will be a big fuss[1], and, tell me! ... How I will be able to enjoy my pasties? / and ... How will I be able to enjoy my mint ice creams?[2], and Stella or ... Kronenbourg ... ? I don't care![1], and it will be a big fuss[2], and there will be a lot of mess[1], and Stella or ... Kronenbourg ... ? I don't care![2], and I'll tell you one thing, kooks: the seagulls won't like it[1], and there will be a lot of mess[2], and swooping down ...[1], and I'll tell you one thing, kooks: the seagulls won't like it[2], and I'll tell you another thing: the Owlman won't like it[1], and swooping down ...[2], and with ... his baleful eyes![1], and I'll tell you another thing: the Owlman won't like it[2], and the locals?[1], and with ... his baleful eyes![2], and they don't like strangers ... but they know me, of course[1], and the locals?[2], and it could turn nasty[1], and they don't like strangers ... but they know me, of course[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and should I even be thinking about it? Well ...[1], and it could turn nasty[2], and let me see ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and should I even be thinking about it? Well ...[2], and I'm clutching at straws here, but, but, BUT(!) ...[1], and let me see ...[2], and, oh, my wicked imagination![1], and I'm clutching at straws here, but, but, BUT(!) ...[2], and maybe the locals will throw them all into a wicker man ...[1], and, oh, my wicked imagination![2], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[1], and maybe the locals will throw them all into a wicker man ...[2], and you've got to have a dream![1], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[2], and, so ... April, May? ... September?[1], and you've got to have a dream![2], and never, never ... mind[1], and, so ... April, May? ... September?[2], and ... FFS![3], and never, never ... mind[2], and, listen! ... I'm a man who likes p  e  a  c  e and q  u  i  e  t / and do you know what I mean?[3], and I don't want to see goons everywhere ...[3], and, Christ ...[3], and helicopter gunships? I don't know[3], and let's not forget The Thing ... / ... and maybe I should stay a-ROUND here for my sins ... ?[3], and leaders? ... do me a favour![3], and I could do with a drink now ...[3], and all that food ...[3], and ... how?[3], and, tell me! ... How I will be able to enjoy my pasties? / and ... How will I be able to enjoy my mint ice creams?[3], and it will be a big fuss[3], and Stella or ... Kronenbourg ... ? I don't care![3], and there will be a lot of mess[3], and I'll tell you one thing, kooks: the seagulls won't like it[3], and swooping down ...[3], and I'll tell you another thing: the Owlman won't like it[3], and with ... his baleful eyes![3], and the locals?[3], and they don't like strangers ... but they know me, of course[3], and it could turn nasty[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and should I even be thinking about it? Well ...[3], and let me see ...[3], and I'm clutching at straws here, but, but, BUT(!) ...[3], and, oh, my wicked imagination![3], and maybe the locals will throw them all into a wicker man ...[3], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[3], and you've got to have a dream![3], and, so ... April, May? ... September?[3], and never, never ... mind[3], and

And ... FFS![1], and, listen! ... I'm a man who likes peace and quiet / and do you know what I mean?[1], and ... FFS![2], and I don't want to see goons everywhere ...[1], and, listen! ... I'm a man who likes pe ace and qui et / and do you know what I mean?[2], and, Christ ...[1], and I don't want to see goons everywhere ...[2], and helicopter gunships? I don't know[1], and, Christ ...[2], and let's not forget The Thing ... / ... and maybe I should stay a-ROUND here for my sins ... ?[1], and helicopter gunships? I don't know[2], and leaders? ... do me a favour![1], and let's not forget The Thing ... / ... and maybe I should stay a-ROUND here for my sins ... ?[2], and I could do with a drink now ...[1], and leaders? ... do me a favour![2], and all that food ...[1], and I could do with a drink now ...[2], and ... how?[1], and all that food ...[2], and, tell me! ... How I will be able to enjoy my pasties? / and ... How will I be able to enjoy my mint ice creams?[1], and ... how?[2], and it will be a big fuss[1], and, tell me! ... How I will be able to enjoy my pasties? / and ... How will I be able to enjoy my mint ice creams?[2], and Stella or ... Kronenbourg ... ? I don't care![1], and it will be a big fuss[2], and there will be a lot of mess[1], and Stella or ... Kronenbourg ... ? I don't care![2], and I'll tell you one thing, kooks: the seagulls won't like it[1], and there will be a lot of mess[2], and swooping down ...[1], and I'll tell you one thing, kooks: the seagulls won't like it[2], and I'll tell you another thing: the Owlman won't like it[1], and swooping down ...[2], and with ... his baleful eyes![1], and I'll tell you another thing: the Owlman won't like it[2], and the locals?[1], and with ... his baleful eyes![2], and they don't like strangers ... but they know me, of course[1], and the locals?[2], and it could turn nasty[1], and they don't like strangers ... but they know me, of course[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and should I even be thinking about it? Well ...[1], and it could turn nasty[2], and let me see ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and should I even be thinking about it? Well ...[2], and I'm clutching at straws here, but, but, BUT(!) ...[1], and let me see ...[2], and, oh, my wicked imagination![1], and I'm clutching at straws here, but, but, BUT(!) ...[2], and maybe the locals will throw them all into a wicker man ...[1], and, oh, my wicked imagination![2], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[1], and maybe the locals will throw them all into a wicker man ...[2], and you've got to have a dream![1], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[2], and, so ... April, May? ... September?[1], and you've got to have a dream![2], and never, never ... mind[1], and, so ... April, May? ... September?[2], and ... FFS![3], and never, never ... mind[2], and, listen! ... I'm a man who likes p  e  a  c  e and q  u  i  e  t / and do you know what I mean?[3], and I don't want to see goons everywhere ...[3], and, Christ ...[3], and helicopter gunships? I don't know[3], and let's not forget The Thing ... / ... and maybe I should stay a-ROUND here for my sins ... ?[3], and leaders? ... do me a favour![3], and I could do with a drink now ...[3], and all that food ...[3], and ... how?[3], and, tell me! ... How I will be able to enjoy my pasties? / and ... How will I be able to enjoy my mint ice creams?[3], and it will be a big fuss[3], and Stella or ... Kronenbourg ... ? I don't care![3], and there will be a lot of mess[3], and I'll tell you one thing, kooks: the seagulls won't like it[3], and swooping down ...[3], and I'll tell you another thing: the Owlman won't like it[3], and with ... his baleful eyes![3], and the locals?[3], and they don't like strangers ... but they know me, of course[3], and it could turn nasty[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and should I even be thinking about it? Well ...[3], and let me see ...[3], and I'm clutching at straws here, but, but, BUT(!) ...[3], and, oh, my wicked imagination![3], and maybe the locals will throw them all into a wicker man ...[3], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[3], and you've got to have a dream![3], and, so ... April, May? ... September?[3], and never, never ... mind[3], and

And ... FFS![1], and, listen! ... I'm a man who likes peace and quiet / and do you know what I mean?[1], and ... FFS![2], and I don't want to see goons everywhere ...[1], and, listen! ... I'm a man who likes pe ace and qui et / and do you know what I mean?[2], and, Christ ...[1], and I don't want to see goons everywhere ...[2], and helicopter gunships? I don't know[1], and, Christ ...[2], and let's not forget The Thing ... / ... and maybe I should stay a-ROUND here for my sins ... ?[1], and helicopter gunships? I don't know[2], and leaders? ... do me a favour![1], and let's not forget The Thing ... / ... and maybe I should stay a-ROUND here for my sins ... ?[2], and I could do with a drink now ...[1], and leaders? ... do me a favour![2], and all that food ...[1], and I could do with a drink now ...[2], and ... how?[1], and all that food ...[2], and, tell me! ... How I will be able to enjoy my pasties? / and ... How will I be able to enjoy my mint ice creams?[1], and ... how?[2], and it will be a big fuss[1], and, tell me! ... How I will be able to enjoy my pasties? / and ... How will I be able to enjoy my mint ice creams?[2], and Stella or ... Kronenbourg ... ? I don't care![1], and it will be a big fuss[2], and there will be a lot of mess[1], and Stella or ... Kronenbourg ... ? I don't care![2], and I'll tell you one thing, kooks: the seagulls won't like it[1], and there will be a lot of mess[2], and swooping down ...[1], and I'll tell you one thing, kooks: the seagulls won't like it[2], and I'll tell you another thing: the Owlman won't like it[1], and swooping down ...[2], and with ... his baleful eyes![1], and I'll tell you another thing: the Owlman won't like it[2], and the locals?[1], and with ... his baleful eyes![2], and they don't like strangers ... but they know me, of course[1], and the locals?[2], and it could turn nasty[1], and they don't like strangers ... but they know me, of course[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and should I even be thinking about it? Well ...[1], and it could turn nasty[2], and let me see ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and should I even be thinking about it? Well ...[2], and I'm clutching at straws here, but, but, BUT(!) ...[1], and let me see ...[2], and, oh, my wicked imagination![1], and I'm clutching at straws here, but, but, BUT(!) ...[2], and maybe the locals will throw them all into a wicker man ...[1], and, oh, my wicked imagination![2], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[1], and maybe the locals will throw them all into a wicker man ...[2], and you've got to have a dream![1], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[2], and, so ... April, May? ... September?[1], and you've got to have a dream![2], and never, never ... mind[1], and, so ... April, May? ... September?[2], and ... FFS![3], and never, never ... mind[2], and, listen! ... I'm a man who likes p  e  a  c  e and q  u  i  e  t / and do you know what I mean?[3], and I don't want to see goons everywhere ...[3], and, Christ ...[3], and helicopter gunships? I don't know[3], and let's not forget The Thing ... / ... and maybe I should stay a-ROUND here for my sins ... ?[3], and leaders? ... do me a favour![3], and I could do with a drink now ...[3], and all that food ...[3], and ... how?[3], and, tell me! ... How I will be able to enjoy my pasties? / and ... How will I be able to enjoy my mint ice creams?[3], and it will be a big fuss[3], and Stella or ... Kronenbourg ... ? I don't care![3], and there will be a lot of mess[3], and I'll tell you one thing, kooks: the seagulls won't like it[3], and swooping down ...[3], and I'll tell you another thing: the Owlman won't like it[3], and with ... his baleful eyes![3], and the locals?[3], and they don't like strangers ... but they know me, of course[3], and it could turn nasty[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and should I even be thinking about it? Well ...[3], and let me see ...[3], and I'm clutching at straws here, but, but, BUT(!) ...[3], and, oh, my wicked imagination![3], and maybe the locals will throw them all into a wicker man ...[3], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[3], and you've got to have a dream![3], and, so ... April, May? ... September?[3], and never, never ... mind[3], and