[No. 972] Who you are in the world cuts no ice with the cosmos

Unless you have a high consciousness.

And, well ...[1], and, ah ... come on[1], and, well ...[2], and very high ... you? you?![1], and, ah ... come on[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I want you to shake all that "sense" out of your head[1], and very high ... you? you?![2], and kook or square ... it don't matter[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I want you to shake all that "sense" out of your head[2], and how low ... can you go?[1], and kook or square ... it don't matter[2], and ... 'The squares are the worst ... absolutely hopeless!'[1], and how low ... can you go?[2], and tell me about it![1], and ... 'The squares are the worst ... absolutely hopeless!'[2], and, listen ... have you ever been to the top of the mountain in you mind? / and, no, no ... I didn't think so[1], and tell me about it![2], and why do I bother?[1], and, listen ... have you ever been to the top of the mountain in you mind? / and, no, no ... I didn't think so[2], and ... "                                 "[1], and why do I bother?[2], and could be anything, that[1], and ... "                                 "[2], and, what? ... yeah, yeah[1], and could be anything, that[2], and don't you dare tell me that you know a thing or two ...[1], and, what? ... yeah, yeah[2], and ... 'What did they say?' ... Something from their world, Voice, words that mean something - to them ... 'Oh'[1], and don't you dare tell me that you know a thing or two ...[2], and, please ... don't kid yourself, oh you, YOU(!)[1], and ... 'What did they say?' ... Something from their world, Voice, words that mean something - to them ... 'Oh'[2], and I'm not known for suffering fools ...[1], and, please ... don't kid yourself, oh you, YOU(!)[2], and I suppose, uh ... you think you're hot shit, yeah? / and, ha, ha, ha! ... do me a favour, son![1], and I'm not known for suffering fools ...[2], and, or, or, or ... daughter![1], and I suppose, uh ... you think you're hot shit, yeah? / and, ha, ha, ha! ... do me a favour, son![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I want you to feel like you've never felt before[1], and, or, or, or ... daughter![2], and ... come on, come on![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I want you to feel like you've never felt before[2], and ... ... ... Do you know what I mean?[1], and ... come on, come on![2], and ... 'They don't know'[1], and ... ... ... Do you know what I mean?[2], and, or, or or ... am I asking too much of you?[1], and ... 'They don't know'[2], and I mean ...[1], and, or, or or ... am I asking too much of you?[2], and ... 'Mikey, being a spiritual leader is a mug's game ... focus on yourself'[1], and I mean ...[2], and ... aaagghhhhhhh![1], and ... 'Mikey, being a spiritual leader is a mug's game ... focus on yourself'[2], and come back at me with some dizzy words of your own ... and get on the floor, and roll ... and drool![1], and ... aaagghhhhhhh![2], and anything, just ... you know?[1], and come back at me with some dizzy words of your own ... and get on the floor, and roll ... and drool![2], and take crazy action![1], and anything, just ... you know?[2], and I suggest you let the cosmos know that you're alive and open for business ... before it's too late[1], and take crazy action![2], and ... 'It's too late'[1], and I suggest you let the cosmos know that you're al ive and op en for business ... before it's too late[2], and, what??? - I refuse to believe that[1], and ... 'It's too late'[2], and ... COME ON - !!![1], and, what??? - I refuse to believe that[2], and, well ...[3], and ... COME ON - !!![2], and, ah ... come on[3], and very high ... you? you?![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I want you to shake all that "sense" out of your head[3], and kook or square ... it don't matter[3], and how low ... can you go?[3], and ... 'The squares are the worst ... absolutely hopeless!'[3], and tell me about it![3], and, listen ... have you ever been to the top of the mountain in you mind? / and, no, no ... I didn't think so[3], and why do I bother?[3], and ... "                                 "[3], and could be anything, that[3], and, what? ... yeah, yeah[3], and don't you dare tell me that you know a thing or two ...[3], and ... 'What did they say?' ... Something from their world, Voice, words that mean something - to them ... 'Oh'[3], and, please ... don't kid yourself, oh you, YOU(!)[3], and I'm not known for suffering fools ...[3], and I suppose, uh ... you think you're hot shit, yeah? / and, ha, ha, ha! ... do me a favour, son![3], and, or, or, or ... daughter![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I want you to feel like you've never felt before[3], and ... come on, come on![3], and ... ... ... Do you know what I mean?[3], and ... 'They don't know'[3], and, or, or or ... am I asking too much of you?[3], and I mean ...[3], and ... 'Mikey, being a spiritual leader is a mug's game ... focus on yourself'[3], and ... aaagghhhhhhh![3], and come back at me with some dizzy words of your own ... and get on the floor, and roll ... and drool![3], and anything, just ... you know?[3], and take crazy action![3], and I suggest you let the cosmos know that you're a  l  i  v  e and o  p  e  n for business ... before it's too late[3], and ... 'It's too late'[3], and, what??? - I refuse to believe that[3], and ... COME ON - !!![3], and

And, well ...[1], and, ah ... come on[1], and, well ...[2], and very high ... you? you?![1], and, ah ... come on[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I want you to shake all that "sense" out of your head[1], and very high ... you? you?![2], and kook or square ... it don't matter[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I want you to shake all that "sense" out of your head[2], and how low ... can you go?[1], and kook or square ... it don't matter[2], and ... 'The squares are the worst ... absolutely hopeless!'[1], and how low ... can you go?[2], and tell me about it![1], and ... 'The squares are the worst ... absolutely hopeless!'[2], and, listen ... have you ever been to the top of the mountain in you mind? / and, no, no ... I didn't think so[1], and tell me about it![2], and why do I bother?[1], and, listen ... have you ever been to the top of the mountain in you mind? / and, no, no ... I didn't think so[2], and ... "                                 "[1], and why do I bother?[2], and could be anything, that[1], and ... "                                 "[2], and, what? ... yeah, yeah[1], and could be anything, that[2], and don't you dare tell me that you know a thing or two ...[1], and, what? ... yeah, yeah[2], and ... 'What did they say?' ... Something from their world, Voice, words that mean something - to them ... 'Oh'[1], and don't you dare tell me that you know a thing or two ...[2], and, please ... don't kid yourself, oh you, YOU(!)[1], and ... 'What did they say?' ... Something from their world, Voice, words that mean something - to them ... 'Oh'[2], and I'm not known for suffering fools ...[1], and, please ... don't kid yourself, oh you, YOU(!)[2], and I suppose, uh ... you think you're hot shit, yeah? / and, ha, ha, ha! ... do me a favour, son![1], and I'm not known for suffering fools ...[2], and, or, or, or ... daughter![1], and I suppose, uh ... you think you're hot shit, yeah? / and, ha, ha, ha! ... do me a favour, son![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I want you to feel like you've never felt before[1], and, or, or, or ... daughter![2], and ... come on, come on![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I want you to feel like you've never felt before[2], and ... ... ... Do you know what I mean?[1], and ... come on, come on![2], and ... 'They don't know'[1], and ... ... ... Do you know what I mean?[2], and, or, or or ... am I asking too much of you?[1], and ... 'They don't know'[2], and I mean ...[1], and, or, or or ... am I asking too much of you?[2], and ... 'Mikey, being a spiritual leader is a mug's game ... focus on yourself'[1], and I mean ...[2], and ... aaagghhhhhhh![1], and ... 'Mikey, being a spiritual leader is a mug's game ... focus on yourself'[2], and come back at me with some dizzy words of your own ... and get on the floor, and roll ... and drool![1], and ... aaagghhhhhhh![2], and anything, just ... you know?[1], and come back at me with some dizzy words of your own ... and get on the floor, and roll ... and drool![2], and take crazy action![1], and anything, just ... you know?[2], and I suggest you let the cosmos know that you're alive and open for business ... before it's too late[1], and take crazy action![2], and ... 'It's too late'[1], and I suggest you let the cosmos know that you're al ive and op en for business ... before it's too late[2], and, what??? - I refuse to believe that[1], and ... 'It's too late'[2], and ... COME ON - !!![1], and, what??? - I refuse to believe that[2], and, well ...[3], and ... COME ON - !!![2], and, ah ... come on[3], and very high ... you? you?![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I want you to shake all that "sense" out of your head[3], and kook or square ... it don't matter[3], and how low ... can you go?[3], and ... 'The squares are the worst ... absolutely hopeless!'[3], and tell me about it![3], and, listen ... have you ever been to the top of the mountain in you mind? / and, no, no ... I didn't think so[3], and why do I bother?[3], and ... "                                 "[3], and could be anything, that[3], and, what? ... yeah, yeah[3], and don't you dare tell me that you know a thing or two ...[3], and ... 'What did they say?' ... Something from their world, Voice, words that mean something - to them ... 'Oh'[3], and, please ... don't kid yourself, oh you, YOU(!)[3], and I'm not known for suffering fools ...[3], and I suppose, uh ... you think you're hot shit, yeah? / and, ha, ha, ha! ... do me a favour, son![3], and, or, or, or ... daughter![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I want you to feel like you've never felt before[3], and ... come on, come on![3], and ... ... ... Do you know what I mean?[3], and ... 'They don't know'[3], and, or, or or ... am I asking too much of you?[3], and I mean ...[3], and ... 'Mikey, being a spiritual leader is a mug's game ... focus on yourself'[3], and ... aaagghhhhhhh![3], and come back at me with some dizzy words of your own ... and get on the floor, and roll ... and drool![3], and anything, just ... you know?[3], and take crazy action![3], and I suggest you let the cosmos know that you're a  l  i  v  e and o  p  e  n for business ... before it's too late[3], and ... 'It's too late'[3], and, what??? - I refuse to believe that[3], and ... COME ON - !!![3], and

And, well ...[1], and, ah ... come on[1], and, well ...[2], and very high ... you? you?![1], and, ah ... come on[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I want you to shake all that "sense" out of your head[1], and very high ... you? you?![2], and kook or square ... it don't matter[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I want you to shake all that "sense" out of your head[2], and how low ... can you go?[1], and kook or square ... it don't matter[2], and ... 'The squares are the worst ... absolutely hopeless!'[1], and how low ... can you go?[2], and tell me about it![1], and ... 'The squares are the worst ... absolutely hopeless!'[2], and, listen ... have you ever been to the top of the mountain in you mind? / and, no, no ... I didn't think so[1], and tell me about it![2], and why do I bother?[1], and, listen ... have you ever been to the top of the mountain in you mind? / and, no, no ... I didn't think so[2], and ... "                                 "[1], and why do I bother?[2], and could be anything, that[1], and ... "                                 "[2], and, what? ... yeah, yeah[1], and could be anything, that[2], and don't you dare tell me that you know a thing or two ...[1], and, what? ... yeah, yeah[2], and ... 'What did they say?' ... Something from their world, Voice, words that mean something - to them ... 'Oh'[1], and don't you dare tell me that you know a thing or two ...[2], and, please ... don't kid yourself, oh you, YOU(!)[1], and ... 'What did they say?' ... Something from their world, Voice, words that mean something - to them ... 'Oh'[2], and I'm not known for suffering fools ...[1], and, please ... don't kid yourself, oh you, YOU(!)[2], and I suppose, uh ... you think you're hot shit, yeah? / and, ha, ha, ha! ... do me a favour, son![1], and I'm not known for suffering fools ...[2], and, or, or, or ... daughter![1], and I suppose, uh ... you think you're hot shit, yeah? / and, ha, ha, ha! ... do me a favour, son![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I want you to feel like you've never felt before[1], and, or, or, or ... daughter![2], and ... come on, come on![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I want you to feel like you've never felt before[2], and ... ... ... Do you know what I mean?[1], and ... come on, come on![2], and ... 'They don't know'[1], and ... ... ... Do you know what I mean?[2], and, or, or or ... am I asking too much of you?[1], and ... 'They don't know'[2], and I mean ...[1], and, or, or or ... am I asking too much of you?[2], and ... 'Mikey, being a spiritual leader is a mug's game ... focus on yourself'[1], and I mean ...[2], and ... aaagghhhhhhh![1], and ... 'Mikey, being a spiritual leader is a mug's game ... focus on yourself'[2], and come back at me with some dizzy words of your own ... and get on the floor, and roll ... and drool![1], and ... aaagghhhhhhh![2], and anything, just ... you know?[1], and come back at me with some dizzy words of your own ... and get on the floor, and roll ... and drool![2], and take crazy action![1], and anything, just ... you know?[2], and I suggest you let the cosmos know that you're alive and open for business ... before it's too late[1], and take crazy action![2], and ... 'It's too late'[1], and I suggest you let the cosmos know that you're al ive and op en for business ... before it's too late[2], and, what??? - I refuse to believe that[1], and ... 'It's too late'[2], and ... COME ON - !!![1], and, what??? - I refuse to believe that[2], and, well ...[3], and ... COME ON - !!![2], and, ah ... come on[3], and very high ... you? you?![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I want you to shake all that "sense" out of your head[3], and kook or square ... it don't matter[3], and how low ... can you go?[3], and ... 'The squares are the worst ... absolutely hopeless!'[3], and tell me about it![3], and, listen ... have you ever been to the top of the mountain in you mind? / and, no, no ... I didn't think so[3], and why do I bother?[3], and ... "                                 "[3], and could be anything, that[3], and, what? ... yeah, yeah[3], and don't you dare tell me that you know a thing or two ...[3], and ... 'What did they say?' ... Something from their world, Voice, words that mean something - to them ... 'Oh'[3], and, please ... don't kid yourself, oh you, YOU(!)[3], and I'm not known for suffering fools ...[3], and I suppose, uh ... you think you're hot shit, yeah? / and, ha, ha, ha! ... do me a favour, son![3], and, or, or, or ... daughter![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I want you to feel like you've never felt before[3], and ... come on, come on![3], and ... ... ... Do you know what I mean?[3], and ... 'They don't know'[3], and, or, or or ... am I asking too much of you?[3], and I mean ...[3], and ... 'Mikey, being a spiritual leader is a mug's game ... focus on yourself'[3], and ... aaagghhhhhhh![3], and come back at me with some dizzy words of your own ... and get on the floor, and roll ... and drool![3], and anything, just ... you know?[3], and take crazy action![3], and I suggest you let the cosmos know that you're a  l  i  v  e and o  p  e  n for business ... before it's too late[3], and ... 'It's too late'[3], and, what??? - I refuse to believe that[3], and ... COME ON - !!![3], and

Does anyone wonder who Julien Garnier is?

Does Julien himself wonder?! Alone at night, staring up at the night sky ... Look at all those stars! "Oh, who am I?" It must be terrible.

Ha, ha, ha! Well, I've got some good news: the night is gone! It's a bright, cold Monday morning in winter, and we know who Julien is -

ABN AMRO Investment Solutions appoints Julien Garnier as Chief Risk Officer.

That's who he is! Well done, Julien! 'Congratulations on the new job, Julien!' Er ... Voice. 'What, boss?' I was saying well done BECAUSE ... our Julien knows who he is. 'Oh yeah.' He hasn't woken from a bad dream in the middle of night with absolutely no idea. 'Of course not.' He knows. He knows.

And so do the PR people at ABN AMRO who sent me this -

Paris, January 24, 2022 - ABN AMRO Investment Solutions, the asset management company of ABN AMRO Bank N.V., announces the appointment of Julien Garnier as Chief Risk Officer.

A whole week ago! 'He's known for a week!' Yes, this is brilliant news. He must be so grounded in his reality now. Ha, ha, ha! Forget bad dreams!

Anyway ...

Based in Paris, Julien Garnier is a member of the Executive committee and leads both risk and compliance functions. Julien reports to Elisa Alonso Sanz, Member of the Executive Board and Chief Operating Officer and has started on January 3rd, 2022.

This just gets better! He's been working there for four weeks! 'Christ!'

Francois? Come on, son!

François-Xavier Gennetais, CEO of ABN AMRO Investment Solutions, comments: "2021 has been a year of strong growth for ABN AMRO Investment Solutions, with a 20% increase of our assets under management, including an increase of 123% in the SRI fund range. We surround ourselves with the best talents to ensure our strategic plan, so we are delighted to have Julien Garnier as Chief Risk Officer. Compliance and risk management are fundamental challenges in an increasingly demanding environment. Thanks to his strong experience, I believe that Julien will fully embrace this key role."

I'm just blown away! 'We couldn't ask for more, could we?'

But there is more! Look at all this - !!! -

Julien brings 15 years of risk management experience in the banking and asset management sectors and has worked in Paris, London, and Tokyo.

He was consecutively Head of Risks, Quant and Data for SG 29 Haussmann, a subsidiary of Société Générale dedicated to the management of private client assets. He was also in charge of transformation projects in compliance, operational risk, and cybersecurity as part of the General Inspection of the bank.

Julien joins ABN AMRO Investment Solutions from Capgemini where he led the development of Data for sustainable offerings. 

Julien holds a double master's degree from Ecole Polytechnique (Paris) and Royal Institute of Technology (Stockholm).

My God! This guy is so real. 'Ha, ha, ha!' What, Voice? 'And you were worried that he didn't know who he was, and we didn't know who he was, and no one knew who he was.' I know! 'I bet you're relieved, boss. I know I am.' Ha! How do you think Julien feels?

Julien, mate ... I take my hat off to you. I really do.

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

...

Anything else?

They want more, Voice. 'Tell them to piss off.' I can't do that. 'Tell them about the dumbbells then.'

Yeah, I did five hundred reps this morning. I reckon I've got to do that many - unless I get some heavier dumbbells.

It's just so confusing, man. I mean, if you go on YouTube, like -

"You need heavy dumbbells to make progress."

"You only need light dumbbells to make gains."

"Don't lose your gains by doing too many reps."

"You're not doing enough reps!!!"

Oh, I don't know.

Laters!

'Bye!'

The most valuable celebrity NFT portfolios

Oh, Christ ... are they worth anything? Really? 'Research can reveal, boss.' Yes, Voice, I'm sure it can.

Anyway ...

Hello Michael, 

Research can today reveal that Mark Cuban has the most valuable NFT collection, with a whopping value of $502m. Snoop Dogg features in the top five with a value of $19.2m followed by Logan Paul, with a value of $4.8m.

The experts at NFT Club, have delved into the world of celebrities and their NFTs to reveal: the most valuable portfolios, the most popular collections, celebs who own the most and the most influential stars. 

Uh. Okay. Thanks for this, PR person.

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

'Is that it, boss?!' Obviously not, Voice. There was a list of "celebs", but I didn't recognize most of the names.

Anyway, I'm tired, and it's the end of the week.

It's dark out, again, and some lunatics are doing roadworks. So, no Apollo, I'm afraid. 'Maybe you should put The Stooges on, to drown out the noise, like.' No, I'm not in the mood.

Let's just sit here in silence.

Even though silence is boring.

'Say something!'

Uh.

'More than that. Come on. Think for us!'

I'm not Lucky, idiot!

'But you've got a lucky face!'

Yes. That was one of John Lennon's sayings, apparently. Like toppermost of the poppermost.

It's a hard day's night.

'Ringo!'

Yeah, Ringo said it.

And it is hard.

Oh, I'll put Beatles For Sale on.

Later(s), kook(s)!

'Bye!'

Refinitiv Lipper: European fund flow report - December 2021

Okay, okay. Let's see what's been happening with these freakin' fund flows ...

Long-term mutual funds (+€718.9 bn) posted net inflows for 2021 overall.

Money market products (+€5.2 bn) posted net inflows for the year 2021.

The overall fund flows for mutual funds and ETFs in Europe over the course of the year 2021 amounted to estimated net inflows of €724.1 bn.

Equity Global (+€179.5 bn) was the best-selling sector among long-term funds.

Luxembourg (+€329.1 bn) was the fund domicile with the highest net inflows, followed by Ireland (+€204.3 bn) and the UK (+€40.5 bn).

BlackRock (+€107.7 bn) was the best-selling fund promoter in Europe for the year, ahead of JPMorgan (+€33.9 bn) and Vanguard (+€31.8 bn).

Well ... 'What does Detlef say, boss?!' Christ! Give me a chance, Voice. 'Sorry.' I only finished my pizza ten minutes ago. 'Sorry.'

Anyway ...

Detlef Glow, Head of EMEA Research at Refinitiv Lipper, comments: "European investors in general were further in a risk-on mode over the course of the year 2021 as equity funds were the best-selling asset type for the year. In fact, the European fund industry enjoyed record inflows (€724.1 bn) over the course of 2021 despite the unclear economic situation caused by the ongoing Thing, disruptions in the delivery chains of some industry sectors, and steadily rising inflation.

"That said, it is remarkable that 2021 was the second year in a row during a global crisis in which the European fund industry enjoyed record inflows. These strong inflows are somewhat surprising, since companies and investors had to weather the uncertainty and impacts caused by The Thing, which should have led under normal circumstances to a more cautious behaviour from investors. Therefore, it can be assumed that the massive financial and fiscal actions taken by governments and central banks around the globe have boosted the confidence of investors to stay in a risk-on mode."

Okay. Thanks, Detlef.

ENDS

...

Anything else?

Tesco have got a "special" cheese sandwich with delicatessen pickles at the moment. I had it for lunch today in Richmond. It costs £2.50, but you can get crisps and a drink for just fifty pence more. I had prawn cocktail crisps and a bottle of water. I could have had a Coke, but ... my diet, you know?

So, my day hasn't been too exciting. I've written about these fund flows. I've been for a walk.

I did three hundred dumbbell reps this morning. I might try five hundred next week.

John Hurt was in The Sweeney this afternoon. Grouty was in The Avengers before that. Edward Fox, too. I don't know what they were getting up to. I had the sound  down. George Cole was in Minder, obviously - and The Sweeney. I've got the TV off now.

I might put some music on.

Dudley Moore's last words were ... "I can hear the music all around me." This suggests to me that he had some sort of contact with the cosmos. I mean, he was a brilliant pianist.

Is it too early for Apollo ... ? 'It's dark out.' Well, as long as it's dark, man. Do you know what I mean?

I wish I wouldn't delay writing the lyrics for my songs. The first twenty seconds of Shady, Dodgy, Shifty took me twenty seconds to write. That's words and music. Totally inspired! But John Lennon would have kept on going. Never mind. There's always tomorrow.

And tomorrow ...

And tomorrow ...

[No. 971] Dizzy, dizzy, dizzy

That's all I want from you.

And, well ...[1], and, oh ... my kooks![1], and, well ...[2], and be honest with me - if you can ... Do you have the dizzy, dizzy shakes?[1], and, oh ... my kooks![2], and ... tell me![1], and be honest with me - if you can ... Do you have the dizzy, dizzy shakes?[2], and that's all I want from you ... from anyone[1], and ... tell me![2], and listen to me ...[1], and that's all I want from you ... from anyone[2], and you've got to get a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, or ... what is your life worth, at the end of the day?[1], and listen to me ...[2], and ... eh? Come on![1], and you've got to get a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, or ... what is your life worth, at the end of the day?[2], and ... 'Er ... let me think, Mikey ... I know this one'[1], and ... eh? Come on![2], and ... NOTHING - !!![1], and ... 'Er ... let me think, Mikey ... I know this one'[2], and ... idiot![1], and ... NOTHING - !!![2], and ... 'Yes! Nothing, nothing!'[1], and ... idiot![2], and, nice one, Voice![1], and ... 'Yes! Nothing, nothing!'[2], and you will meet squares, I'm sure ... who have no time for the dizzy life ... but they are dead to us, aren't they?[1], and, nice one, Voice![2], and ... 'I hate them!'[1], and you will meet squares, I'm sure ... who have no time for the dizzy life ... but they are dead to us, aren't they?[2], and they're losers, frankly[1], and ... 'I hate them!'[2], and YOU(!) can't live in that cold world of theirs without needing to get dizzy out of your head so gone[1], and they're losers, frankly[2], and, however ...[1], and YOU(!) can't live in that cold world of theirs without needing to get dizzy out of your head so gone[2], and if there are any squares reading this, saying to themselves ... "Actually, I wouldn't mind it, all those dizzy shakes" ... ... ...[1], and, however ...[2], and, well, COME ON - !!! ... join us![1], and if there are any squares reading this, saying to themselves ... "Actually, I wouldn't mind it, all those dizzy shakes" ... ... ...[2], and we want you here ... right now, inside, which is actually, uh, outside ... and it's hard to explain[1], and, well, COME ON - !!! ... join us![2], and let go of all your inhibitions![1], and we want you here ... right now, inside, which is actually, uh, outside ... and it's hard to explain[2], and be with the kooks![1], and let go of all your inhibitions![2], and if you're at work ... tell your boss to get stuffed, seriously! / and you don't even need a job[1], and be with the kooks![2], and ... 'Ha!'[1], and if you're at work ... tell your boss to get stuffed, seriously! / and you don't even need a job[2], and you don't know it, square ... maybe no one has told you??? ... BUT(!) you're working for the devil ... and how does that feel?[1], and ... 'Ha!'[2], and ... 'Awful - I should imagine'[1], and you don't know it, square ... maybe no one has told you??? ... BUT(!) you're working for the devil ... and how does that feel?[2], and we are the chosen ones ... right here ... and we chose ourselves ... you've just got to make a choice[1], and ... 'Awful - I should imagine'[2], and whose side are you on?[1], and we are the chosen ones ... right here ... and we chose ourselves ... you've just got to make a choice[2], and ENDS is just the beginning ... ... ...[1], and whose side are you on?[2], and, well ...[3], and ENDS is just the beg inning ... ... ...[2], and, oh ... my kooks![3], and be honest with me - if you can ... Do you have the dizzy, dizzy shakes?[3], and ... tell me![3], and that's all I want from you ... from anyone[3], and listen to me ...[3], and you've got to get a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, or ... what is your life worth, at the end of the day?[3], and ... eh? Come on![3], and ... 'Er ... let me think, Mikey ... I know this one'[3], and ... NOTHING - !!![3], and ... idiot![3], and ... 'Yes! Nothing, nothing!'[3], and, nice one, Voice![3], and you will meet squares, I'm sure ... who have no time for the dizzy life ... but they are dead to us, aren't they?[3], and ... 'I hate them!'[3], and they're losers, frankly[3], and YOU(!) can't live in that cold world of theirs without needing to get dizzy out of your head so gone[3], and, however ...[3], and if there are any squares reading this, saying to themselves ... "Actually, I wouldn't mind it, all those dizzy shakes" ... ... ...[3], and, well, COME ON - !!! ... join us![3], and we want you here ... right now, inside, which is actually, uh, outside ... and it's hard to explain[3], and let go of all your inhibitions![3], and be with the kooks![3], and if you're at work ... tell your boss to get stuffed, seriously! / and you don't even need a job[3], and ... 'Ha!'[3], and you don't know it, square ... maybe no one has told you??? ... BUT(!) you're working for the devil ... and how does that feel?[3], and ... 'Awful - I should imagine'[3], and we are the chosen ones ... right here ... and we chose ourselves ... you've just got to make a choice[3], and whose side are you on?[3], and ENDS is just the b  e  g  i  n  n  i  n  g ... ... ...[3], and

And, well ...[1], and, oh ... my kooks![1], and, well ...[2], and be honest with me - if you can ... Do you have the dizzy, dizzy shakes?[1], and, oh ... my kooks![2], and ... tell me![1], and be honest with me - if you can ... Do you have the dizzy, dizzy shakes?[2], and that's all I want from you ... from anyone[1], and ... tell me![2], and listen to me ...[1], and that's all I want from you ... from anyone[2], and you've got to get a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, or ... what is your life worth, at the end of the day?[1], and listen to me ...[2], and ... eh? Come on![1], and you've got to get a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, or ... what is your life worth, at the end of the day?[2], and ... 'Er ... let me think, Mikey ... I know this one'[1], and ... eh? Come on![2], and ... NOTHING - !!![1], and ... 'Er ... let me think, Mikey ... I know this one'[2], and ... idiot![1], and ... NOTHING - !!![2], and ... 'Yes! Nothing, nothing!'[1], and ... idiot![2], and, nice one, Voice![1], and ... 'Yes! Nothing, nothing!'[2], and you will meet squares, I'm sure ... who have no time for the dizzy life ... but they are dead to us, aren't they?[1], and, nice one, Voice![2], and ... 'I hate them!'[1], and you will meet squares, I'm sure ... who have no time for the dizzy life ... but they are dead to us, aren't they?[2], and they're losers, frankly[1], and ... 'I hate them!'[2], and YOU(!) can't live in that cold world of theirs without needing to get dizzy out of your head so gone[1], and they're losers, frankly[2], and, however ...[1], and YOU(!) can't live in that cold world of theirs without needing to get dizzy out of your head so gone[2], and if there are any squares reading this, saying to themselves ... "Actually, I wouldn't mind it, all those dizzy shakes" ... ... ...[1], and, however ...[2], and, well, COME ON - !!! ... join us![1], and if there are any squares reading this, saying to themselves ... "Actually, I wouldn't mind it, all those dizzy shakes" ... ... ...[2], and we want you here ... right now, inside, which is actually, uh, outside ... and it's hard to explain[1], and, well, COME ON - !!! ... join us![2], and let go of all your inhibitions![1], and we want you here ... right now, inside, which is actually, uh, outside ... and it's hard to explain[2], and be with the kooks![1], and let go of all your inhibitions![2], and if you're at work ... tell your boss to get stuffed, seriously! / and you don't even need a job[1], and be with the kooks![2], and ... 'Ha!'[1], and if you're at work ... tell your boss to get stuffed, seriously! / and you don't even need a job[2], and you don't know it, square ... maybe no one has told you??? ... BUT(!) you're working for the devil ... and how does that feel?[1], and ... 'Ha!'[2], and ... 'Awful - I should imagine'[1], and you don't know it, square ... maybe no one has told you??? ... BUT(!) you're working for the devil ... and how does that feel?[2], and we are the chosen ones ... right here ... and we chose ourselves ... you've just got to make a choice[1], and ... 'Awful - I should imagine'[2], and whose side are you on?[1], and we are the chosen ones ... right here ... and we chose ourselves ... you've just got to make a choice[2], and ENDS is just the beginning ... ... ...[1], and whose side are you on?[2], and, well ...[3], and ENDS is just the beg inning ... ... ...[2], and, oh ... my kooks![3], and be honest with me - if you can ... Do you have the dizzy, dizzy shakes?[3], and ... tell me![3], and that's all I want from you ... from anyone[3], and listen to me ...[3], and you've got to get a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, or ... what is your life worth, at the end of the day?[3], and ... eh? Come on![3], and ... 'Er ... let me think, Mikey ... I know this one'[3], and ... NOTHING - !!![3], and ... idiot![3], and ... 'Yes! Nothing, nothing!'[3], and, nice one, Voice![3], and you will meet squares, I'm sure ... who have no time for the dizzy life ... but they are dead to us, aren't they?[3], and ... 'I hate them!'[3], and they're losers, frankly[3], and YOU(!) can't live in that cold world of theirs without needing to get dizzy out of your head so gone[3], and, however ...[3], and if there are any squares reading this, saying to themselves ... "Actually, I wouldn't mind it, all those dizzy shakes" ... ... ...[3], and, well, COME ON - !!! ... join us![3], and we want you here ... right now, inside, which is actually, uh, outside ... and it's hard to explain[3], and let go of all your inhibitions![3], and be with the kooks![3], and if you're at work ... tell your boss to get stuffed, seriously! / and you don't even need a job[3], and ... 'Ha!'[3], and you don't know it, square ... maybe no one has told you??? ... BUT(!) you're working for the devil ... and how does that feel?[3], and ... 'Awful - I should imagine'[3], and we are the chosen ones ... right here ... and we chose ourselves ... you've just got to make a choice[3], and whose side are you on?[3], and ENDS is just the b  e  g  i  n  n  i  n  g ... ... ...[3], and

And, well ...[1], and, oh ... my kooks![1], and, well ...[2], and be honest with me - if you can ... Do you have the dizzy, dizzy shakes?[1], and, oh ... my kooks![2], and ... tell me![1], and be honest with me - if you can ... Do you have the dizzy, dizzy shakes?[2], and that's all I want from you ... from anyone[1], and ... tell me![2], and listen to me ...[1], and that's all I want from you ... from anyone[2], and you've got to get a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, or ... what is your life worth, at the end of the day?[1], and listen to me ...[2], and ... eh? Come on![1], and you've got to get a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, or ... what is your life worth, at the end of the day?[2], and ... 'Er ... let me think, Mikey ... I know this one'[1], and ... eh? Come on![2], and ... NOTHING - !!![1], and ... 'Er ... let me think, Mikey ... I know this one'[2], and ... idiot![1], and ... NOTHING - !!![2], and ... 'Yes! Nothing, nothing!'[1], and ... idiot![2], and, nice one, Voice![1], and ... 'Yes! Nothing, nothing!'[2], and you will meet squares, I'm sure ... who have no time for the dizzy life ... but they are dead to us, aren't they?[1], and, nice one, Voice![2], and ... 'I hate them!'[1], and you will meet squares, I'm sure ... who have no time for the dizzy life ... but they are dead to us, aren't they?[2], and they're losers, frankly[1], and ... 'I hate them!'[2], and YOU(!) can't live in that cold world of theirs without needing to get dizzy out of your head so gone[1], and they're losers, frankly[2], and, however ...[1], and YOU(!) can't live in that cold world of theirs without needing to get dizzy out of your head so gone[2], and if there are any squares reading this, saying to themselves ... "Actually, I wouldn't mind it, all those dizzy shakes" ... ... ...[1], and, however ...[2], and, well, COME ON - !!! ... join us![1], and if there are any squares reading this, saying to themselves ... "Actually, I wouldn't mind it, all those dizzy shakes" ... ... ...[2], and we want you here ... right now, inside, which is actually, uh, outside ... and it's hard to explain[1], and, well, COME ON - !!! ... join us![2], and let go of all your inhibitions![1], and we want you here ... right now, inside, which is actually, uh, outside ... and it's hard to explain[2], and be with the kooks![1], and let go of all your inhibitions![2], and if you're at work ... tell your boss to get stuffed, seriously! / and you don't even need a job[1], and be with the kooks![2], and ... 'Ha!'[1], and if you're at work ... tell your boss to get stuffed, seriously! / and you don't even need a job[2], and you don't know it, square ... maybe no one has told you??? ... BUT(!) you're working for the devil ... and how does that feel?[1], and ... 'Ha!'[2], and ... 'Awful - I should imagine'[1], and you don't know it, square ... maybe no one has told you??? ... BUT(!) you're working for the devil ... and how does that feel?[2], and we are the chosen ones ... right here ... and we chose ourselves ... you've just got to make a choice[1], and ... 'Awful - I should imagine'[2], and whose side are you on?[1], and we are the chosen ones ... right here ... and we chose ourselves ... you've just got to make a choice[2], and ENDS is just the beginning ... ... ...[1], and whose side are you on?[2], and, well ...[3], and ENDS is just the beg inning ... ... ...[2], and, oh ... my kooks![3], and be honest with me - if you can ... Do you have the dizzy, dizzy shakes?[3], and ... tell me![3], and that's all I want from you ... from anyone[3], and listen to me ...[3], and you've got to get a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, or ... what is your life worth, at the end of the day?[3], and ... eh? Come on![3], and ... 'Er ... let me think, Mikey ... I know this one'[3], and ... NOTHING - !!![3], and ... idiot![3], and ... 'Yes! Nothing, nothing!'[3], and, nice one, Voice![3], and you will meet squares, I'm sure ... who have no time for the dizzy life ... but they are dead to us, aren't they?[3], and ... 'I hate them!'[3], and they're losers, frankly[3], and YOU(!) can't live in that cold world of theirs without needing to get dizzy out of your head so gone[3], and, however ...[3], and if there are any squares reading this, saying to themselves ... "Actually, I wouldn't mind it, all those dizzy shakes" ... ... ...[3], and, well, COME ON - !!! ... join us![3], and we want you here ... right now, inside, which is actually, uh, outside ... and it's hard to explain[3], and let go of all your inhibitions![3], and be with the kooks![3], and if you're at work ... tell your boss to get stuffed, seriously! / and you don't even need a job[3], and ... 'Ha!'[3], and you don't know it, square ... maybe no one has told you??? ... BUT(!) you're working for the devil ... and how does that feel?[3], and ... 'Awful - I should imagine'[3], and we are the chosen ones ... right here ... and we chose ourselves ... you've just got to make a choice[3], and whose side are you on?[3], and ENDS is just the b  e  g  i  n  n  i  n  g ... ... ...[3], and

Yeah, yeah (part 17)

Is it really part 17? I can't remember. I've lost count. Never mind. It's just one of those posts again about ... NOTHING in particular because I don't want to write about finance, even though I've got loads of PR emails. 'Yippee!' Well, I've got a few, and it's NOTHING to celebrate, you dig? 'Oh.' Oh indeed!

Anyway ... music, actually. [Yes, I'm writing about music. Music only. This is going to be a dumbbell-free zone.]

Sometimes I get depressed about my music, man. I had one of those days yesterday. You know, days where I say to myself ... "My guitar playing isn't good enough" or "I don't have enough songs, after all these years" or "FFS! Do I really have to write SIX lyrics?!?!'

But it passes. I'm feeling better today.

I'm working on the lyric for Shady, Dodgy, Shifty. It should be finished this week. I've had the music for Life and Death for over a year, and I still haven't finished the lyric, or even started it much. Why? Because it's not very commercial. I like commercial songs these days, like Beatles and Bacharach. Obviously, I will finish it. I mean, it's going to be my third best song ...

According to me, like. / I reckon some people will like Shady, Dodgy, Shifty more than Mighty Soul. You never really know what people are going to think, or feel. However, I've got to trust my own judgement.

The next step ... is to get another song - as good as those two I've just mentioned - that will push The Future out of my BIG TEN.

That will be something to see, believe me. 'Hear, boss.' What, idiot? 'It will be something to hear.' Yes, thank you, Voice.

[I would be lost without him.]

Anyway ...

Er ... I've just deleted a paragraph. 'Ha!' A list of my ten "scrapped" songs. But I can't even bear to think about them. I've even scrapped the list. / You're Lying was the best of that lot. 'It's an ex-song, Mikey.' Yes. 'It's joined the great jukebox in the sky.' Yeah, whatever.

Yeah, yeah. I'll have eighteen "great" songs soon. Songs I can be proud of, you dig? Yeah! Ooooh!

Anyway ...

Eventually, I'll have to think about writing some "relaxed" album tracks. Classic examples of the genre are: You and I by Dennis Wilson, Wake Up Alone by Amy Winehouse, and I Know (I Know) by John Lennon.

Or maybe not. Music has changed. Maybe record companies don't - or can't - tolerate such songs now ... ??? Because of streaming.

To be honest with you, kook(s), I only really care about my BIG TEN. One more song will put me beyond anyone. ANYONE - !!!

Ha, ha, ha! Believe it! I'm an evil genius!

Bye.

'Laters!'

[No. 970] Dolphins in St Ives

Look!

And, wow![1], and, yes! ... how beautiful![1], and, wow![2], and no work![1], and, yes! ... how beautiful![2], and I can only dream of joining them in their watery world of dreams[1], and no work![2], and no bills to pay![1], and I can only dream of joining them in their watery world of dreams[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and let us pretend we're all in the waves, so free![1], and no bills to pay![2], and no shit to take![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and let us pretend we're all in the waves, so free![2], and are YOU(!) ... with me, uh ... kook?[1], and no shit to take![2], and it must be the, er ... life of Riley for them, you dig?[1], and are YOU(!) ... with me, uh ... kook?[2], and no nonsense to talk, or to hear![1], and it must be the, er ... life of Riley for them, you dig?[2], and I hope you're not the square sort ... attached to your human "life" with arms and legs and a rotten brain[1], and no nonsense to talk, or to hear![2], and no stress![1], and I hope you're not the square sort ... attached to your human "life" with arms and legs and a rotten brain[2], and do you even know how to enjoy yourself?[1], and no stress![2], and ... 'Ha!'[1], and do you even know how to enjoy yourself?[2], and these dolphins are so lucky / and the only news they want to hear is that they're having mackerel for dinner[1], and ... 'Ha!'[2], and what a life![1], and these dolphins are so lucky / and the only news they want to hear is that they're having mackerel for dinner[2], and if you are the square sort ... try telling them about your world, and watch them frown[1], and what a life![2], and they don't care![1], and if you are the square sort ... try telling them about your world, and watch them frown[2], and ... 'Can dolphins frown, Mikey?' / and shut up, idiot! ... Christ![1], and they don't care![2], and can they frown?! ... How would I know? ... I was just saying, man ... they will not approve[1], and ... 'Can dolphins frown, Mikey?' / and shut up, idiot! ... Christ![2], and, anyway ...[1], and can they frown?! ... How would I know? ... I was just saying, man ... they will not approve[2], and, listen! ... with people ... maybe one in a billion souls is a spiritual aristocrat, BUT(!) ... with dolphins?![1], and, anyway ...[2], and ... 'A lot?'[1], and, listen! ... with people ... maybe one in a billion souls is a spiritual aristocrat, BUT(!) ... with dolphins?![2], and, all ... all![1], and ... 'A lot?'[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I don't want to wish my life away ... well, not too much, but ...[1], and, all ... all![2], and, ah! ... one day ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I don't want to wish my life away ... well, not too much, but ...[2], and, I tell you ... when the end comes ... I'll join them ... and they will carry me beyond the horizon[1], and, ah! ... one day ...[2], and never, never, never ... to be seen again by human eyes[1], and, I tell you ... when th e e nd comes ... I'll join them ... and they will carry me beyond the horizon[2], and that's my vision of how I will go[1], and never, never, never ... to be seen again by human eyes[2], and, wow![3], and that's my vision of how I will go[2], and, yes! ... how beautiful![3], and no work![3], and I can only dream of joining them in their watery world of dreams[3], and no bills to pay![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and let us pretend we're all in the waves, so free![3], and no shit to take![3], and are YOU(!) ... with me, uh ... kook?[3], and it must be the, er ... life of Riley for them, you dig?[3], and no nonsense to talk, or to hear![3], and I hope you're not the square sort ... attached to your human "life" with arms and legs and a rotten brain[3], and no stress![3], and do you even know how to enjoy yourself?[3], and ... 'Ha!'[3], and these dolphins are so lucky / and the only news they want to hear is that they're having mackerel for dinner[3], and what a life![3], and if you are the square sort ... try telling them about your world, and watch them frown[3], and they don't care![3], and ... 'Can dolphins frown, Mikey?' / and shut up, idiot! ... Christ![3], and can they frown?! ... How would I know? ... I was just saying, man ... they will not approve[3], and, anyway ...[3], and, listen! ... with people ... maybe one in a billion souls is a spiritual aristocrat, BUT(!) ... with dolphins?![3], and ... 'A lot?'[3], and, all ... all![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I don't want to wish my life away ... well, not too much, but ...[3], and, ah! ... one day ...[3], and, I tell you ... when t  h  e e  n  d comes ... I'll join them ... and they will carry me beyond the horizon[3], and never, never, never ... to be seen again by human eyes[3], and that's my vision of how I will go[3], and

And, wow![1], and, yes! ... how beautiful![1], and, wow![2], and no work![1], and, yes! ... how beautiful![2], and I can only dream of joining them in their watery world of dreams[1], and no work![2], and no bills to pay![1], and I can only dream of joining them in their watery world of dreams[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and let us pretend we're all in the waves, so free![1], and no bills to pay![2], and no shit to take![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and let us pretend we're all in the waves, so free![2], and are YOU(!) ... with me, uh ... kook?[1], and no shit to take![2], and it must be the, er ... life of Riley for them, you dig?[1], and are YOU(!) ... with me, uh ... kook?[2], and no nonsense to talk, or to hear![1], and it must be the, er ... life of Riley for them, you dig?[2], and I hope you're not the square sort ... attached to your human "life" with arms and legs and a rotten brain[1], and no nonsense to talk, or to hear![2], and no stress![1], and I hope you're not the square sort ... attached to your human "life" with arms and legs and a rotten brain[2], and do you even know how to enjoy yourself?[1], and no stress![2], and ... 'Ha!'[1], and do you even know how to enjoy yourself?[2], and these dolphins are so lucky / and the only news they want to hear is that they're having mackerel for dinner[1], and ... 'Ha!'[2], and what a life![1], and these dolphins are so lucky / and the only news they want to hear is that they're having mackerel for dinner[2], and if you are the square sort ... try telling them about your world, and watch them frown[1], and what a life![2], and they don't care![1], and if you are the square sort ... try telling them about your world, and watch them frown[2], and ... 'Can dolphins frown, Mikey?' / and shut up, idiot! ... Christ![1], and they don't care![2], and can they frown?! ... How would I know? ... I was just saying, man ... they will not approve[1], and ... 'Can dolphins frown, Mikey?' / and shut up, idiot! ... Christ![2], and, anyway ...[1], and can they frown?! ... How would I know? ... I was just saying, man ... they will not approve[2], and, listen! ... with people ... maybe one in a billion souls is a spiritual aristocrat, BUT(!) ... with dolphins?![1], and, anyway ...[2], and ... 'A lot?'[1], and, listen! ... with people ... maybe one in a billion souls is a spiritual aristocrat, BUT(!) ... with dolphins?![2], and, all ... all![1], and ... 'A lot?'[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I don't want to wish my life away ... well, not too much, but ...[1], and, all ... all![2], and, ah! ... one day ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I don't want to wish my life away ... well, not too much, but ...[2], and, I tell you ... when the end comes ... I'll join them ... and they will carry me beyond the horizon[1], and, ah! ... one day ...[2], and never, never, never ... to be seen again by human eyes[1], and, I tell you ... when th e e nd comes ... I'll join them ... and they will carry me beyond the horizon[2], and that's my vision of how I will go[1], and never, never, never ... to be seen again by human eyes[2], and, wow![3], and that's my vision of how I will go[2], and, yes! ... how beautiful![3], and no work![3], and I can only dream of joining them in their watery world of dreams[3], and no bills to pay![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and let us pretend we're all in the waves, so free![3], and no shit to take![3], and are YOU(!) ... with me, uh ... kook?[3], and it must be the, er ... life of Riley for them, you dig?[3], and no nonsense to talk, or to hear![3], and I hope you're not the square sort ... attached to your human "life" with arms and legs and a rotten brain[3], and no stress![3], and do you even know how to enjoy yourself?[3], and ... 'Ha!'[3], and these dolphins are so lucky / and the only news they want to hear is that they're having mackerel for dinner[3], and what a life![3], and if you are the square sort ... try telling them about your world, and watch them frown[3], and they don't care![3], and ... 'Can dolphins frown, Mikey?' / and shut up, idiot! ... Christ![3], and can they frown?! ... How would I know? ... I was just saying, man ... they will not approve[3], and, anyway ...[3], and, listen! ... with people ... maybe one in a billion souls is a spiritual aristocrat, BUT(!) ... with dolphins?![3], and ... 'A lot?'[3], and, all ... all![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I don't want to wish my life away ... well, not too much, but ...[3], and, ah! ... one day ...[3], and, I tell you ... when t  h  e e  n  d comes ... I'll join them ... and they will carry me beyond the horizon[3], and never, never, never ... to be seen again by human eyes[3], and that's my vision of how I will go[3], and

And, wow![1], and, yes! ... how beautiful![1], and, wow![2], and no work![1], and, yes! ... how beautiful![2], and I can only dream of joining them in their watery world of dreams[1], and no work![2], and no bills to pay![1], and I can only dream of joining them in their watery world of dreams[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and let us pretend we're all in the waves, so free![1], and no bills to pay![2], and no shit to take![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and let us pretend we're all in the waves, so free![2], and are YOU(!) ... with me, uh ... kook?[1], and no shit to take![2], and it must be the, er ... life of Riley for them, you dig?[1], and are YOU(!) ... with me, uh ... kook?[2], and no nonsense to talk, or to hear![1], and it must be the, er ... life of Riley for them, you dig?[2], and I hope you're not the square sort ... attached to your human "life" with arms and legs and a rotten brain[1], and no nonsense to talk, or to hear![2], and no stress![1], and I hope you're not the square sort ... attached to your human "life" with arms and legs and a rotten brain[2], and do you even know how to enjoy yourself?[1], and no stress![2], and ... 'Ha!'[1], and do you even know how to enjoy yourself?[2], and these dolphins are so lucky / and the only news they want to hear is that they're having mackerel for dinner[1], and ... 'Ha!'[2], and what a life![1], and these dolphins are so lucky / and the only news they want to hear is that they're having mackerel for dinner[2], and if you are the square sort ... try telling them about your world, and watch them frown[1], and what a life![2], and they don't care![1], and if you are the square sort ... try telling them about your world, and watch them frown[2], and ... 'Can dolphins frown, Mikey?' / and shut up, idiot! ... Christ![1], and they don't care![2], and can they frown?! ... How would I know? ... I was just saying, man ... they will not approve[1], and ... 'Can dolphins frown, Mikey?' / and shut up, idiot! ... Christ![2], and, anyway ...[1], and can they frown?! ... How would I know? ... I was just saying, man ... they will not approve[2], and, listen! ... with people ... maybe one in a billion souls is a spiritual aristocrat, BUT(!) ... with dolphins?![1], and, anyway ...[2], and ... 'A lot?'[1], and, listen! ... with people ... maybe one in a billion souls is a spiritual aristocrat, BUT(!) ... with dolphins?![2], and, all ... all![1], and ... 'A lot?'[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I don't want to wish my life away ... well, not too much, but ...[1], and, all ... all![2], and, ah! ... one day ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I don't want to wish my life away ... well, not too much, but ...[2], and, I tell you ... when the end comes ... I'll join them ... and they will carry me beyond the horizon[1], and, ah! ... one day ...[2], and never, never, never ... to be seen again by human eyes[1], and, I tell you ... when th e e nd comes ... I'll join them ... and they will carry me beyond the horizon[2], and that's my vision of how I will go[1], and never, never, never ... to be seen again by human eyes[2], and, wow![3], and that's my vision of how I will go[2], and, yes! ... how beautiful![3], and no work![3], and I can only dream of joining them in their watery world of dreams[3], and no bills to pay![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and let us pretend we're all in the waves, so free![3], and no shit to take![3], and are YOU(!) ... with me, uh ... kook?[3], and it must be the, er ... life of Riley for them, you dig?[3], and no nonsense to talk, or to hear![3], and I hope you're not the square sort ... attached to your human "life" with arms and legs and a rotten brain[3], and no stress![3], and do you even know how to enjoy yourself?[3], and ... 'Ha!'[3], and these dolphins are so lucky / and the only news they want to hear is that they're having mackerel for dinner[3], and what a life![3], and if you are the square sort ... try telling them about your world, and watch them frown[3], and they don't care![3], and ... 'Can dolphins frown, Mikey?' / and shut up, idiot! ... Christ![3], and can they frown?! ... How would I know? ... I was just saying, man ... they will not approve[3], and, anyway ...[3], and, listen! ... with people ... maybe one in a billion souls is a spiritual aristocrat, BUT(!) ... with dolphins?![3], and ... 'A lot?'[3], and, all ... all![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and I don't want to wish my life away ... well, not too much, but ...[3], and, ah! ... one day ...[3], and, I tell you ... when t  h  e e  n  d comes ... I'll join them ... and they will carry me beyond the horizon[3], and never, never, never ... to be seen again by human eyes[3], and that's my vision of how I will go[3], and

SWEN Capital Partners announces first close of €150 million of the SWEN Impact Fund for Transition 2

Whatever that is, all that, like. 'Let's find out, boss!' What, Voice?! ... this early on a Monday morning? 'Yeah.' In winter?!?!?! 'Er ...'

Oh, he's not so sure now, is he?

Anyway, I'm a glutton for punishment ...

SWEN Capital Partners, a leading player in responsible private equity investments, is pleased to announce a first close of €150 million for the second vintage of its infrastructure fund dedicated to renewable gas and circular economy initiatives: SWEN Impact Fund for Transition 2 ("SWIFT 2").

Vintage? Is it some sort of wine? 'It's gas.' Well, it must be a horrible wine then. I'm not drinking it! I don't care how many crates of the stuff they send me.

Anyway ...

A direct contribution to decarbonizing the economy and creating jobs in France.

Uh.

'Haven't you got any British PR emails, boss?' No - is the short answer. There is no British business any more. 'Oh.' Unless we're talking charity shops, or those shops where you can buy things for one pound. 'Or coffee shops.' Yeah, there are loads of coffee shops. It's a true success story.

Anyway ...

Extending forward the strategy adopted for its first vintage, SWIFT 2 aims to accelerate investment in the field of renewable gas. The fund invests directly in methanization and renewable hydrogen, as well as in green infrastructure such as renewable heat networks and energy storage.

Ha! I can't imagine what it tastes like.

Like its predecessor, SWIFT 1, SWIFT 2 will dedicate more than half of its investments to biomethane, a business experiencing strong growth in Europe. Meanwhile, investments in green hydrogen should make up a significantly larger share of this second vintage.

Green? Absinthe?

Let's see if Olivier can make some sense ...

Olivier Aubert, Managing Director and SWIFT fund manager at SWEN Capital Partners states: "The development of renewable gas (biomethane and green hydrogen) is critical to meeting the climate challenge, particularly in sectors where electrification is difficult like agriculture and freight, and makes a necessary contribution to meeting the European Union's ambitious target of reducing GHG emissions 55% by 2030."

Oh, all right. I suppose I was expecting too much from him on a cold Monday morning in winter. Never mind.

The 2nd vintage now carries the Greenfin label.

Whatever.

SWIFT 2 aims for a final close at €300 million, with the aim to build a portfolio of about 20 assets, primarily in Europe, with a ticket size ranging from €5 million to €50 million.

Fine.

To further develop and implement the SWIFT strategy, the investment team has - 

No, no. We don't want all this. 'All what?' All that, Voice, in the email. ‘Of course not. We want Jerome, boss!' Yeah, yeah. Do we? Do we, really? 'I do.' Okay. Just for you then ...

Come on, Jerome!

"Following the success of SWIFT 1, the first impact fund dedicated to renewable gas infrastructure in Europe, we wanted to offer another fund that combines financial performance and real environmental impact, addressing the risks in a sector that is gaining in maturity. We would like to thank the investors of SWIFT 1 for their continued trust, as well as all the new French and European investors who have been persuaded by our focused approach, combining investment in unlisted companies with an ever-stronger commitment to sustainable finance," adds Jérôme DELMAS, Managing Director at SWEN Capital Partners.

Thanks, man.

Kicking off with a first investment to grow CVE's biogas business.

Whatever.

At the beginning of January 2022, SWIFT 2 finalized its first transaction, becoming the -

Okay! That's enough!

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS -

'That's enough ENDS, Mikey!'

Ha, ha, ha!

You can't have enough ENDS. Not with finance.

'Laters!'

Levine Leichtman Capital Partners opens Frankfurt office

That's Frankfurt somewhere in Germany. Not Frankfurt in Los Angeles.

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 18, 2022 - Levine Leichtman Capital Partners ("LLCP"), a Los Angeles-based private equity firm, announced today the hiring of Matthias Tabbert as a Managing Director, responsible for establishing and managing its newly opened office in Frankfurt, Germany. Mr. Tabbert will lead LLCP's Structured Private Equity origination and investing efforts in the DACH region.

Normally, they would put the guy's name in the title of the PR email. Like - Matthias Tabbert has been hired by Levine Leichtman Capital Partners for their new office in Frankfurt. Something like that. But they didn't do it. God knows why.

Maybe Mike can explain just what the hell is going on ...

Mike Weinberg, LLCP Managing Partner comments, "We are very excited to open our ninth global office in Frankfurt, Germany as we expand our platform to the DACH region. Matthias brings a successful investing track record and extensive market relationships, and we welcome him to our European team."

They're excited about the new office. 'They're not excited about Matthias working for them.' We don't know that. 'We can read between the lines.' Well ...

Anyway ...

Mr. Tabbert is joining as a member of the Firm's global Originations Group. He will direct the sourcing of new investment opportunities, as well as participate in due diligence and work with our local management teams post-transaction.

Such lack of enthusiasm.

Prior to joining LLCP, Mr. Tabbert was a Partner and Investment Committee member at HQ Equita, the Bad Homburg-based private equity firm specializing in lower middle-market buyouts. At HQ Equita he was responsible for the origination and execution of investments in the DACH region as well as the value-creation of its portfolio companies.

Oh, I understand now!!! 'What?' Matthias was a partner at HQ Equita, and they reckon that it was a bad private equity firm in Homburg. 'They blame Matthias.' But it wasn't his fault. He wasn't the only one working there.

Anyway ..

Previously, Mr. Tabbert worked as an Investment Executive at private equity firm Granville Baird in Hamburg and he began his career at Barclays Capital in London as part of the European Leveraged Finance team. He received a B.A. in European Business from Dublin City University and a diploma in International Management from ESB Business School Reutlingen.

He's got a degree and a diploma, and they're still not happy. 'It's beyond belief.' Yes, it is.

...

Mighty Soul

Stella

Malibu

Shady, Dodgy, Shifty

This World Don't Mean a Thing

Lucky You

Mighty Soul

Shady, Dodgy, Shifty

Round The Bend

Good Times

Stella

Malibu

I'm Right Inside

Nothing

Life and Death

...

Time keeps passing.

It ain't easy waiting for anything, or nothing.

Maybe it's better not to be or to do.

Knowing too much is a sickness.

The more you know the more nothing you become just so empty can't even smile like an idiot who knows a few things.

Don't look for anything.

There is nothing.