[No. 1,067] Holding on

With my brain. With my fingernails.

And here I am again[1], are you, you, you ... a-ROUND ... having fun as usual ... ??? / and, oh! ... I salute you! yes[1], and here I am again[2], and I suppose it's rough out there ...[1], are you, you, you ... a-ROUND ... having fun as usual ... ??? / and, oh! ... I salute you! yes[2], and the cold, the wind ... sea crashing against the rocks ... I can actually imagine ... even see[1], and I suppose it's rough out there ...[2], and ... 'It's rough in here, Mikey ... but don't worry, I'm coping'[1], and the cold, the wind ... sea crashing against the rocks ... I can actually imagine ... even see[2], and, okay, Voice[1], and ... 'It's rough in here, Mikey ... but don't worry, I'm coping'[2], and some crab legs buried in soft sand ... uh, uh ... why not?![1], and, okay, Voice[2], and I see what I want to see ...[1], and some crab legs buried in soft sand ... uh, uh ... why not?![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... and I burn it all into my brain - such visions![1], and I see what I want to see ...[2], and sounds, voices ... yes, on the wind[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... and I burn it all into my brain - such visions![2], and I hear you - !!![1], and sounds, voices ... yes, on the wind[2], and a ship! ... I can burn that, too ... literally[1], and I hear you - !!![2], and dolphins ... waiting for me ... because they are my friends ... they understand me[1], and a ship! ... I can burn that, too ... literally[2], and on a cold laptop, obviously[1], and dolphins ... waiting for me ... because they are my friends ... they understand me[2], and, and, and ... in a cold room ... red fingers doing their thing ... working for me, just[1], and on a cold laptop, obviously[2], and I wish I wasn't there ... ... ...[1], and, and, and ... in a cold room ... red fingers doing their thing ... working for me, just[2], and ... 'You're not! You're here ... you're by the sea ... with me!'[1], and I wish I wasn't there ... ... ...[2], and thank you, Voice[1], and ... 'You're not! You're here ... you're by the sea ... with me!'[2], and holding, holding, holding ... on, on, on ... to visions, to life[1], and thank you, Voice[2], and a possible future???[1], and holding, holding, holding ... on, on, on ... to visions, to life[2], and ... 'Yeah!'[1], and a possible future???[2], and a-ROUND here ... anything is possible ... if you can see ... and if you can hear[1], and ... 'Yeah!'[2], and, anyway ... ... ...[1], and a-ROUND here ... anything is possible ... if you can see ... and if you can hear[2], and, oh ... what's that sound ... coming out of the hole in the wood??? ... Is it the guitar???[1], and, anyway ... ... ...[2], and, no, no, no ... well, yes[1], and, oh ... what's that sound ... coming out of the hole in the wood??? ... Is it the guitar???[2], and, actually, I've put a cover in the hole for recording Shady, Dodgy, Shifty ... it's better that way[1], and, no, no, no ... well, yes[2], and my voice is above the guitar now ... not you![1], and, actually, I've put a cover in the hole for recording Shady, Dodgy, Shifty ... it's better that way[2], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[1], and my voice is above the guitar now ... not you![2], and, anyway ... ... ... What else is there for me to say?[1], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[2], and I'm holding, and I'm holding, and I'm holding ... on, and on, and on ... and I can't let go!!![1], and, anyway ... ... ... What else is there for me to say?[2], and I don't want to let go!!![1], and I'm holding, and I'm holding, and I'm holding ... on, and on, and on ... and I can't let go!!![2], and does anyone dig?[1], and I don't want to let go!!![2], and here I am again[3], and does anyone dig?[2], are you, you, you ... a-ROUND ... having fun as usual ... ??? / and, oh! ... I salute you! yes[3], and I suppose it's rough out there ...[3], and the cold, the wind ... sea crashing against the rocks ... I can actually imagine ... even see[3], and ... 'It's rough in here, Mikey ... but don't worry, I'm coping'[3], and, okay, Voice[3], and some crab legs buried in soft sand ... uh, uh ... why not?![3], and I see what I want to see ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... and I burn it all into my brain - such visions![3], and sounds, voices ... yes, on the wind[3], and I hear you - !!![3], and a ship! ... I can burn that, too ... literally[3], and dolphins ... waiting for me ... because they are my friends ... they understand me[3], and on a cold laptop, obviously[3], and, and, and ... in a cold room ... red fingers doing their thing ... working for me, just[3], and I wish I wasn't there ... ... ...[3], and ... 'You're not! You're here ... you're by the sea ... with me!'[3], and thank you, Voice[3], and holding, holding, holding ... on, on, on ... to visions, to life[3], and a possible future???[3], and ... 'Yeah!'[3], and a-ROUND here ... anything is possible ... if you can see ... and if you can hear[3], and, anyway ... ... ...[3], and, oh ... what's that sound ... coming out of the hole in the wood??? ... Is it the guitar???[3], and, no, no, no ... well, yes[3], and, actually, I've put a cover in the hole for recording Shady, Dodgy, Shifty ... it's better that way[3], and my voice is above the guitar now ... not you![3], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[3], and, anyway ... ... ... What else is there for me to say?[3], and I'm holding, and I'm holding, and I'm holding ... on, and on, and on ... and I can't let go!!![3], and I don't want to let go!!![3], and does anyone dig?[3], and

And here I am again[1], are you, you, you ... a-ROUND ... having fun as usual ... ??? / and, oh! ... I salute you! yes[1], and here I am again[2], and I suppose it's rough out there ...[1], are you, you, you ... a-ROUND ... having fun as usual ... ??? / and, oh! ... I salute you! yes[2], and the cold, the wind ... sea crashing against the rocks ... I can actually imagine ... even see[1], and I suppose it's rough out there ...[2], and ... 'It's rough in here, Mikey ... but don't worry, I'm coping'[1], and the cold, the wind ... sea crashing against the rocks ... I can actually imagine ... even see[2], and, okay, Voice[1], and ... 'It's rough in here, Mikey ... but don't worry, I'm coping'[2], and some crab legs buried in soft sand ... uh, uh ... why not?![1], and, okay, Voice[2], and I see what I want to see ...[1], and some crab legs buried in soft sand ... uh, uh ... why not?![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... and I burn it all into my brain - such visions![1], and I see what I want to see ...[2], and sounds, voices ... yes, on the wind[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... and I burn it all into my brain - such visions![2], and I hear you - !!![1], and sounds, voices ... yes, on the wind[2], and a ship! ... I can burn that, too ... literally[1], and I hear you - !!![2], and dolphins ... waiting for me ... because they are my friends ... they understand me[1], and a ship! ... I can burn that, too ... literally[2], and on a cold laptop, obviously[1], and dolphins ... waiting for me ... because they are my friends ... they understand me[2], and, and, and ... in a cold room ... red fingers doing their thing ... working for me, just[1], and on a cold laptop, obviously[2], and I wish I wasn't there ... ... ...[1], and, and, and ... in a cold room ... red fingers doing their thing ... working for me, just[2], and ... 'You're not! You're here ... you're by the sea ... with me!'[1], and I wish I wasn't there ... ... ...[2], and thank you, Voice[1], and ... 'You're not! You're here ... you're by the sea ... with me!'[2], and holding, holding, holding ... on, on, on ... to visions, to life[1], and thank you, Voice[2], and a possible future???[1], and holding, holding, holding ... on, on, on ... to visions, to life[2], and ... 'Yeah!'[1], and a possible future???[2], and a-ROUND here ... anything is possible ... if you can see ... and if you can hear[1], and ... 'Yeah!'[2], and, anyway ... ... ...[1], and a-ROUND here ... anything is possible ... if you can see ... and if you can hear[2], and, oh ... what's that sound ... coming out of the hole in the wood??? ... Is it the guitar???[1], and, anyway ... ... ...[2], and, no, no, no ... well, yes[1], and, oh ... what's that sound ... coming out of the hole in the wood??? ... Is it the guitar???[2], and, actually, I've put a cover in the hole for recording Shady, Dodgy, Shifty ... it's better that way[1], and, no, no, no ... well, yes[2], and my voice is above the guitar now ... not you![1], and, actually, I've put a cover in the hole for recording Shady, Dodgy, Shifty ... it's better that way[2], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[1], and my voice is above the guitar now ... not you![2], and, anyway ... ... ... What else is there for me to say?[1], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[2], and I'm holding, and I'm holding, and I'm holding ... on, and on, and on ... and I can't let go!!![1], and, anyway ... ... ... What else is there for me to say?[2], and I don't want to let go!!![1], and I'm holding, and I'm holding, and I'm holding ... on, and on, and on ... and I can't let go!!![2], and does anyone dig?[1], and I don't want to let go!!![2], and here I am again[3], and does anyone dig?[2], are you, you, you ... a-ROUND ... having fun as usual ... ??? / and, oh! ... I salute you! yes[3], and I suppose it's rough out there ...[3], and the cold, the wind ... sea crashing against the rocks ... I can actually imagine ... even see[3], and ... 'It's rough in here, Mikey ... but don't worry, I'm coping'[3], and, okay, Voice[3], and some crab legs buried in soft sand ... uh, uh ... why not?![3], and I see what I want to see ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... and I burn it all into my brain - such visions![3], and sounds, voices ... yes, on the wind[3], and I hear you - !!![3], and a ship! ... I can burn that, too ... literally[3], and dolphins ... waiting for me ... because they are my friends ... they understand me[3], and on a cold laptop, obviously[3], and, and, and ... in a cold room ... red fingers doing their thing ... working for me, just[3], and I wish I wasn't there ... ... ...[3], and ... 'You're not! You're here ... you're by the sea ... with me!'[3], and thank you, Voice[3], and holding, holding, holding ... on, on, on ... to visions, to life[3], and a possible future???[3], and ... 'Yeah!'[3], and a-ROUND here ... anything is possible ... if you can see ... and if you can hear[3], and, anyway ... ... ...[3], and, oh ... what's that sound ... coming out of the hole in the wood??? ... Is it the guitar???[3], and, no, no, no ... well, yes[3], and, actually, I've put a cover in the hole for recording Shady, Dodgy, Shifty ... it's better that way[3], and my voice is above the guitar now ... not you![3], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[3], and, anyway ... ... ... What else is there for me to say?[3], and I'm holding, and I'm holding, and I'm holding ... on, and on, and on ... and I can't let go!!![3], and I don't want to let go!!![3], and does anyone dig?[3], and

And here I am again[1], are you, you, you ... a-ROUND ... having fun as usual ... ??? / and, oh! ... I salute you! yes[1], and here I am again[2], and I suppose it's rough out there ...[1], are you, you, you ... a-ROUND ... having fun as usual ... ??? / and, oh! ... I salute you! yes[2], and the cold, the wind ... sea crashing against the rocks ... I can actually imagine ... even see[1], and I suppose it's rough out there ...[2], and ... 'It's rough in here, Mikey ... but don't worry, I'm coping'[1], and the cold, the wind ... sea crashing against the rocks ... I can actually imagine ... even see[2], and, okay, Voice[1], and ... 'It's rough in here, Mikey ... but don't worry, I'm coping'[2], and some crab legs buried in soft sand ... uh, uh ... why not?![1], and, okay, Voice[2], and I see what I want to see ...[1], and some crab legs buried in soft sand ... uh, uh ... why not?![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... and I burn it all into my brain - such visions![1], and I see what I want to see ...[2], and sounds, voices ... yes, on the wind[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... and I burn it all into my brain - such visions![2], and I hear you - !!![1], and sounds, voices ... yes, on the wind[2], and a ship! ... I can burn that, too ... literally[1], and I hear you - !!![2], and dolphins ... waiting for me ... because they are my friends ... they understand me[1], and a ship! ... I can burn that, too ... literally[2], and on a cold laptop, obviously[1], and dolphins ... waiting for me ... because they are my friends ... they understand me[2], and, and, and ... in a cold room ... red fingers doing their thing ... working for me, just[1], and on a cold laptop, obviously[2], and I wish I wasn't there ... ... ...[1], and, and, and ... in a cold room ... red fingers doing their thing ... working for me, just[2], and ... 'You're not! You're here ... you're by the sea ... with me!'[1], and I wish I wasn't there ... ... ...[2], and thank you, Voice[1], and ... 'You're not! You're here ... you're by the sea ... with me!'[2], and holding, holding, holding ... on, on, on ... to visions, to life[1], and thank you, Voice[2], and a possible future???[1], and holding, holding, holding ... on, on, on ... to visions, to life[2], and ... 'Yeah!'[1], and a possible future???[2], and a-ROUND here ... anything is possible ... if you can see ... and if you can hear[1], and ... 'Yeah!'[2], and, anyway ... ... ...[1], and a-ROUND here ... anything is possible ... if you can see ... and if you can hear[2], and, oh ... what's that sound ... coming out of the hole in the wood??? ... Is it the guitar???[1], and, anyway ... ... ...[2], and, no, no, no ... well, yes[1], and, oh ... what's that sound ... coming out of the hole in the wood??? ... Is it the guitar???[2], and, actually, I've put a cover in the hole for recording Shady, Dodgy, Shifty ... it's better that way[1], and, no, no, no ... well, yes[2], and my voice is above the guitar now ... not you![1], and, actually, I've put a cover in the hole for recording Shady, Dodgy, Shifty ... it's better that way[2], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[1], and my voice is above the guitar now ... not you![2], and, anyway ... ... ... What else is there for me to say?[1], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[2], and I'm holding, and I'm holding, and I'm holding ... on, and on, and on ... and I can't let go!!![1], and, anyway ... ... ... What else is there for me to say?[2], and I don't want to let go!!![1], and I'm holding, and I'm holding, and I'm holding ... on, and on, and on ... and I can't let go!!![2], and does anyone dig?[1], and I don't want to let go!!![2], and here I am again[3], and does anyone dig?[2], are you, you, you ... a-ROUND ... having fun as usual ... ??? / and, oh! ... I salute you! yes[3], and I suppose it's rough out there ...[3], and the cold, the wind ... sea crashing against the rocks ... I can actually imagine ... even see[3], and ... 'It's rough in here, Mikey ... but don't worry, I'm coping'[3], and, okay, Voice[3], and some crab legs buried in soft sand ... uh, uh ... why not?![3], and I see what I want to see ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... and I burn it all into my brain - such visions![3], and sounds, voices ... yes, on the wind[3], and I hear you - !!![3], and a ship! ... I can burn that, too ... literally[3], and dolphins ... waiting for me ... because they are my friends ... they understand me[3], and on a cold laptop, obviously[3], and, and, and ... in a cold room ... red fingers doing their thing ... working for me, just[3], and I wish I wasn't there ... ... ...[3], and ... 'You're not! You're here ... you're by the sea ... with me!'[3], and thank you, Voice[3], and holding, holding, holding ... on, on, on ... to visions, to life[3], and a possible future???[3], and ... 'Yeah!'[3], and a-ROUND here ... anything is possible ... if you can see ... and if you can hear[3], and, anyway ... ... ...[3], and, oh ... what's that sound ... coming out of the hole in the wood??? ... Is it the guitar???[3], and, no, no, no ... well, yes[3], and, actually, I've put a cover in the hole for recording Shady, Dodgy, Shifty ... it's better that way[3], and my voice is above the guitar now ... not you![3], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[3], and, anyway ... ... ... What else is there for me to say?[3], and I'm holding, and I'm holding, and I'm holding ... on, and on, and on ... and I can't let go!!![3], and I don't want to let go!!![3], and does anyone dig?[3], and

Burberry

Yeah, it's a fashion blog.

'This isn't a fashion blog, boss.'

What is it then, Voice?

'Er ... I don't know. It was a finance blog when I started here.'

Ha, ha, ha! Well, don't worry, my little disembodied friend, this is a finance PR email from Wealth Club.

'Yippee! Nice one!'

All right, calm down.

Anyway ...

Burberry, the British luxury fashion house, has released its third quarter results:

Like-for-like sales in store increased 1% impacted by The Thing related disruption in Mainland China.

Mainland China sales fell by 23%.

Excluding Mainland China, sales grew 11%.

Near and medium-term targets unchanged - targeting high single digit revenue growth and rising margins.

Oh.

'What does it all mean, boss?'

Charlie can tell us.

'What?! Charlie Huggins?!'

Yeah. Unless he's in one of his perverse moods and refuses to speak to us.

Oh, here he is!

Charlie Huggins, Head of Equities at Wealth Club, comments:

"The Thing related disruptions have impacted Burberry's performance in China this quarter, with sales falling by 23%. But elsewhere, performance is more encouraging. As Thing restrictions in China ease, sales should improve.

"Looking to the medium to longer term, Burberry's success will hinge on the success of new chief executive, Jonathan Akeroyd's strategy to turn around the struggling luxury fashion house.

"The group's performance has been disappointing for many years. Growth and margins have significantly lagged that of European rivals, and operational execution has often left a lot to be desired.

"It's not going to be a quick or easy fix. Elevating a luxury brand like Burberry and creating new products that resonate with consumers takes time, and there are no silver bullets. One thing's for sure - Burberry's operational execution will have to improve if it is to close the gap on its European rivals."

Okay, okay.

But what about Sunspel, Charlie?

Charlie?

Charlie?

'He ain't got nothing to say about Sunspel.'

They must be doing all right then. I suppose.

Anyway ...

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

...

Anything else?

It's cold, kooks. Very cold.

My fingers are struggling to type this, so you can forget about me playing the guitar until ... I don't know.

'The weather will be better by Thursday.'

You reckon?

'That's what they say ... the idiots.'

Yeah, yeah.

Never mind.

I've been listening to the Goggins audiobook again.

That's all I've got to say.

Laters.

'Stay hard!'

Barclays to shut fifteen more branches this year

There will be no branches left soon!

'Why are you getting upset, boss?'

I'm not getting upset.

Anyway ...

In response to further Barclays branch closures, founder and CEO of My Community Finance, Tobias Gruber, says -

'Hang on!'

What?

'Is this a PR email?'

You know it is.

'Well, I'm just checking. I'm just doing my job.'

What job?!

'Keeping an eye on you.'

Yeah, yeah. An astral eye, I suppose.

'Of course.'

Anyway ...

In response to further Barclays branch closures, founder and CEO of My Community Finance, Tobias Gruber, says:

"It's becoming increasingly common for banks to close their high street branches as more customers shift to online and digital banking methods. 

"In the case of Barclays, the closure of these branches will result in cost savings for the bank, so I hope they choose to re-invest in improving their digital and telephone banking services for their loyal customers, as well as providing more 'pop-up' banks and support vans for their rural customers who may not have access to the internet. 

"If you're a Barclays customer and need branch access and don't have alternative services nearby, you might want to consider switching to a bank with a physical branch in your area - although there are no guarantees that they will remain open for long."

Okay, Thanks, Tobias. That's really cheered everybody up.

'He can't promise anything.'

I know he can't!

Uh, there's an about section for Tobias, but ... we've mentioned it before, haven't we? No need to do it again.

So ...

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

At the ENDS of another week.

'Bye!'

Not so fast!

'Oh, is there something else you want to say to the dear kooks?'

Not really.

Laters, dear kooks.

'Bye.'

Laters.

'Bye.'

Voice.

'Sorry.'

Laters.

Society gives back!

So ...

'What, boss?! The whole of society?!'

Don't be silly, Voice. It's just the Market Harborough Building Society ... at the moment, like.

'Oh. PR email, is it?'

Yeah.

Five foodbanks in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire have received a total of £100,000 from the Market Harborough Building Society (MHBS) as part of its Thrive Agenda.

Nice one! 

South Leicester Foodbank in Wigston and Jubilee Foodbank in Market Harborough have received a portion of the funds to help kickstart their New Year campaigns.

At South Leicester Foodbank, the money will be used to cover the increasing core costs of ensuring the foodbank can meet the growing need of emergency food parcels in Leicestershire. Since April 2022, they have distributed over 17,000 emergency food parcels to families and individuals. They predict that by April they will have helped over 22,000 people struggling to put food on the table.

The other three recipients are Corby Foodbank, Kettering Foodbank and Kettering District Foodbank which are also located within the Society's operational area. The funds have been divided proportionately based on the size of the population areas they serve.

The Thrive Agenda is MHBS' new initiative to ensure giving back is at the core of everything they do. It represents an evolution in their purpose and involves a wide range of community activities to be implemented over 2023.

Well, that sounds all right, don't it? 'I suppose. / ... / I'm just worried what Iain Kirkpatrick is going to say, boss.' Why? 'He's a bit moody, isn't he?' Is he?! 'Yeah.' How well do you know him then? 'Er ... never heard of him!'

Idiot!

Iain? Come on, son. Don't mind the Voice. He's an idiot.

Chief Executive Iain Kirkpatrick says, "Rooted in the desire to give back at every opportunity, we've realigned our goals to reflect what really matters to our members now, in 2023.

"We've outlined our roadmap to a better society, called the Thrive Agenda. It's our intention to support our members, our colleagues and our communities to flourish, to live the full and positive lives they deserve.

"The first step in this project is to support our local foodbanks in their sadly ever growing task of supporting families in need with basic provisions as they battle the cost of living crisis and crippling energy prices."

Thanks, Iain.

'Bruce?'

Shut up, man!

Bruce?

Bruce Harrison of South Leicestershire Foodbank, which is part of the Trussell Trust adds, "This is a tremendous and generous donation. It will enable us to continue to serve the people in Leicestershire that are finding it difficult to make ends meet.

"This donation will also help us to develop our service which includes advice and advocacy, benefits and debt advice, to support people in the choices they have to make so that they don't have to rely on food banks.

"It is wrong that our community is having to make decisions on what meals they can eat, whether to switch the heating on, or keep a roof over their heads. With this donation, we can offer fuel vouchers, store gift cards and other practical support alongside the emergency food parcels we are already giving out. Thank you so much for this donation, the Society is contributing to making a thriving, hopeful community."

Thanks, Bruce.

Voice?

'What?!'

Say thank you to Bruce.

'Why should I?'

Oh, you're in a mood now.

He's in a mood now, Bruce.

Never mind.

Anyway, let's finish with this -

Since 1870, MHBS has been owned by its members and remained a trusted provider of mortgages and savings for over 150 years. It has six branches in Market Harborough, Kibworth, Desborough, Rothwell, Corby and Kettering.

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

...

Anything else?

Music?

Don't talk to me about music, kooks.

Just don't.

'You're so moody!'

I've still got ice lollies for fingers.

That's all I've got to say about music.

Laters.

[No. 1,066] No advice, thank you very much, from people who aren't living on the edge

Just saying, like.

And, uh ...[1], and, oh, oh ... here I am ... a-ROUND ... but for how much longer, kooks?[1], and, uh ...[2], and ... 'Forever, Mikey! Ha, ha, ha!'[1], and, oh, oh ... here I am ... a-ROUND ... but for how much longer, kooks?[2], and, yeah, yeah[1], and ... 'Forever, Mikey! Ha, ha, ha!'[2], and if I spin a-ROUND too hard ... will I, I ... fall off the edge of this conceptual reality???[1], and, yeah, yeah[2], and ... just asking, like[1], and if I spin a-ROUND too hard ... will I, I ... fall off the edge of this conceptual reality???[2], and ... 'I doubt it / It's the real cold world you've got to worry about'[1], and ... just asking, like[2], and, I know, Voice[1], and ... 'I doubt it / It's the real cold world you've got to worry about'[2], and no advice, thank you very much, from people who aren't a-ROUND with ... souls of iron!!![1], and, I know, Voice[2], and here I am ... having fun as usual[1], and no advice, thank you very much, from people who aren't a-ROUND with ... souls of iron!!![2], and I ain't going off to no fancy Malibu ... / ... and Christ knows where I'm going, really[1], and here I am ... having fun as usual[2], and ... 'The cosmos knows!'[1], and I ain't going off to no fancy Malibu ... / ... and Christ knows where I'm going, really[2], and with my fingers cold on hard strings ... I have no idea of my future ... none at all![1], and ... 'The cosmos knows!'[2], and, but, but, but ... oh, some[1], and with my fingers cold on hard strings ... I have no idea of my future ... none at all![2], and, yes ... I know I'll stare at the sea again ... I know that much[1], and, but, but, but ... oh, some[2], and here I am ... Where are you???[1], and, yes ... I know I'll stare at the sea again ... I know that much[2], and I just don't know ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...[1], and here I am ... Where are you???[2], and ... 'Here - !!!'[1], and I just don't know ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it keeps me off the streets, I suppose[1], and ... 'Here - !!!'[2], and, anyway ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it keeps me off the streets, I suppose[2], and, yes ... I said it ... let me say it again ... anyway!!![1], and, anyway ...[2], and are you, you, you ... ???[1], and, yes ... I said it ... let me say it again ... anyway!!![2], and, come on ...[1], and are you, you, you ... ???[2], and are you, YOU(!) ... my kind of stranger ... the kind who really knows ... even really feels ... ???[1], and, come on ...[2], and I feel ...[1], and are you, YOU(!) ... my kind of stranger ... the kind who really knows ... even really feels ... ???[2], and this ain't for the squares, obviously, but ... how strange are you?[1], and I feel ...[2], and I'd like an answer, please[1], and this ain't for the squares, obviously, but ... how str ange are you?[2], and you can take your time ... we've got all the time a-ROUND here ... as you know[1], and I'd like an answer, please[2], and ... 'Oh, I know!'[1], and you can take your time ... we've got all the time a-ROUND here ... as you know[2], and, but ... if you could get back to me ... whisper in my ear ... one late night ... or early morning[1], and ... 'Oh, I know!'[2], and I would really appreciate it[1], and, but ... if you could get back to me ... whisper in my ear ... one late night ... or early morning[2], and always soul[1], and I would really appreciate it[2], and, uh ...[3], and always soul[2], and, oh, oh ... here I am ... a-ROUND ... but for how much longer, kooks?[3], and ... 'Forever, Mikey! Ha, ha, ha!'[3], and, yeah, yeah[3], and if I spin a-ROUND too hard ... will I, I ... fall off the edge of this conceptual reality???[3], and ... just asking, like[3], and ... 'I doubt it / It's the real cold world you've got to worry about'[3], and, I know, Voice[3], and no advice, thank you very much, from people who aren't a-ROUND with ... souls of iron!!![3], and here I am ... having fun as usual[3], and I ain't going off to no fancy Malibu ... / ... and Christ knows where I'm going, really[3], and ... 'The cosmos knows!'[3], and with my fingers cold on hard strings ... I have no idea of my future ... none at all![3], and, but, but, but ... oh, some[3], and, yes ... I know I'll stare at the sea again ... I know that much[3], and here I am ... Where are you???[3], and I just don't know ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...[3], and ... 'Here - !!!'[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it keeps me off the streets, I suppose[3], and, anyway ...[3], and, yes ... I said it ... let me say it again ... anyway!!![3], and are you, you, you ... ???[3], and, come on ...[3], and are you, YOU(!) ... my kind of stranger ... the kind who really knows ... even really feels ... ???[3], and I feel ...[3], and this ain't for the squares, obviously, but ... how s  t  r  a  n  g  e are you?[3], and I'd like an answer, please[3], and you can take your time ... we've got all the time a-ROUND here ... as you know[3], and ... 'Oh, I know!'[3], and, but ... if you could get back to me ... whisper in my ear ... one late night ... or early morning[3], and I would really appreciate it[3], and always soul[3], and

And, uh ...[1], and, oh, oh ... here I am ... a-ROUND ... but for how much longer, kooks?[1], and, uh ...[2], and ... 'Forever, Mikey! Ha, ha, ha!'[1], and, oh, oh ... here I am ... a-ROUND ... but for how much longer, kooks?[2], and, yeah, yeah[1], and ... 'Forever, Mikey! Ha, ha, ha!'[2], and if I spin a-ROUND too hard ... will I, I ... fall off the edge of this conceptual reality???[1], and, yeah, yeah[2], and ... just asking, like[1], and if I spin a-ROUND too hard ... will I, I ... fall off the edge of this conceptual reality???[2], and ... 'I doubt it / It's the real cold world you've got to worry about'[1], and ... just asking, like[2], and, I know, Voice[1], and ... 'I doubt it / It's the real cold world you've got to worry about'[2], and no advice, thank you very much, from people who aren't a-ROUND with ... souls of iron!!![1], and, I know, Voice[2], and here I am ... having fun as usual[1], and no advice, thank you very much, from people who aren't a-ROUND with ... souls of iron!!![2], and I ain't going off to no fancy Malibu ... / ... and Christ knows where I'm going, really[1], and here I am ... having fun as usual[2], and ... 'The cosmos knows!'[1], and I ain't going off to no fancy Malibu ... / ... and Christ knows where I'm going, really[2], and with my fingers cold on hard strings ... I have no idea of my future ... none at all![1], and ... 'The cosmos knows!'[2], and, but, but, but ... oh, some[1], and with my fingers cold on hard strings ... I have no idea of my future ... none at all![2], and, yes ... I know I'll stare at the sea again ... I know that much[1], and, but, but, but ... oh, some[2], and here I am ... Where are you???[1], and, yes ... I know I'll stare at the sea again ... I know that much[2], and I just don't know ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...[1], and here I am ... Where are you???[2], and ... 'Here - !!!'[1], and I just don't know ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it keeps me off the streets, I suppose[1], and ... 'Here - !!!'[2], and, anyway ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it keeps me off the streets, I suppose[2], and, yes ... I said it ... let me say it again ... anyway!!![1], and, anyway ...[2], and are you, you, you ... ???[1], and, yes ... I said it ... let me say it again ... anyway!!![2], and, come on ...[1], and are you, you, you ... ???[2], and are you, YOU(!) ... my kind of stranger ... the kind who really knows ... even really feels ... ???[1], and, come on ...[2], and I feel ...[1], and are you, YOU(!) ... my kind of stranger ... the kind who really knows ... even really feels ... ???[2], and this ain't for the squares, obviously, but ... how strange are you?[1], and I feel ...[2], and I'd like an answer, please[1], and this ain't for the squares, obviously, but ... how str ange are you?[2], and you can take your time ... we've got all the time a-ROUND here ... as you know[1], and I'd like an answer, please[2], and ... 'Oh, I know!'[1], and you can take your time ... we've got all the time a-ROUND here ... as you know[2], and, but ... if you could get back to me ... whisper in my ear ... one late night ... or early morning[1], and ... 'Oh, I know!'[2], and I would really appreciate it[1], and, but ... if you could get back to me ... whisper in my ear ... one late night ... or early morning[2], and always soul[1], and I would really appreciate it[2], and, uh ...[3], and always soul[2], and, oh, oh ... here I am ... a-ROUND ... but for how much longer, kooks?[3], and ... 'Forever, Mikey! Ha, ha, ha!'[3], and, yeah, yeah[3], and if I spin a-ROUND too hard ... will I, I ... fall off the edge of this conceptual reality???[3], and ... just asking, like[3], and ... 'I doubt it / It's the real cold world you've got to worry about'[3], and, I know, Voice[3], and no advice, thank you very much, from people who aren't a-ROUND with ... souls of iron!!![3], and here I am ... having fun as usual[3], and I ain't going off to no fancy Malibu ... / ... and Christ knows where I'm going, really[3], and ... 'The cosmos knows!'[3], and with my fingers cold on hard strings ... I have no idea of my future ... none at all![3], and, but, but, but ... oh, some[3], and, yes ... I know I'll stare at the sea again ... I know that much[3], and here I am ... Where are you???[3], and I just don't know ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...[3], and ... 'Here - !!!'[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it keeps me off the streets, I suppose[3], and, anyway ...[3], and, yes ... I said it ... let me say it again ... anyway!!![3], and are you, you, you ... ???[3], and, come on ...[3], and are you, YOU(!) ... my kind of stranger ... the kind who really knows ... even really feels ... ???[3], and I feel ...[3], and this ain't for the squares, obviously, but ... how s  t  r  a  n  g  e are you?[3], and I'd like an answer, please[3], and you can take your time ... we've got all the time a-ROUND here ... as you know[3], and ... 'Oh, I know!'[3], and, but ... if you could get back to me ... whisper in my ear ... one late night ... or early morning[3], and I would really appreciate it[3], and always soul[3], and

And, uh ...[1], and, oh, oh ... here I am ... a-ROUND ... but for how much longer, kooks?[1], and, uh ...[2], and ... 'Forever, Mikey! Ha, ha, ha!'[1], and, oh, oh ... here I am ... a-ROUND ... but for how much longer, kooks?[2], and, yeah, yeah[1], and ... 'Forever, Mikey! Ha, ha, ha!'[2], and if I spin a-ROUND too hard ... will I, I ... fall off the edge of this conceptual reality???[1], and, yeah, yeah[2], and ... just asking, like[1], and if I spin a-ROUND too hard ... will I, I ... fall off the edge of this conceptual reality???[2], and ... 'I doubt it / It's the real cold world you've got to worry about'[1], and ... just asking, like[2], and, I know, Voice[1], and ... 'I doubt it / It's the real cold world you've got to worry about'[2], and no advice, thank you very much, from people who aren't a-ROUND with ... souls of iron!!![1], and, I know, Voice[2], and here I am ... having fun as usual[1], and no advice, thank you very much, from people who aren't a-ROUND with ... souls of iron!!![2], and I ain't going off to no fancy Malibu ... / ... and Christ knows where I'm going, really[1], and here I am ... having fun as usual[2], and ... 'The cosmos knows!'[1], and I ain't going off to no fancy Malibu ... / ... and Christ knows where I'm going, really[2], and with my fingers cold on hard strings ... I have no idea of my future ... none at all![1], and ... 'The cosmos knows!'[2], and, but, but, but ... oh, some[1], and with my fingers cold on hard strings ... I have no idea of my future ... none at all![2], and, yes ... I know I'll stare at the sea again ... I know that much[1], and, but, but, but ... oh, some[2], and here I am ... Where are you???[1], and, yes ... I know I'll stare at the sea again ... I know that much[2], and I just don't know ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...[1], and here I am ... Where are you???[2], and ... 'Here - !!!'[1], and I just don't know ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it keeps me off the streets, I suppose[1], and ... 'Here - !!!'[2], and, anyway ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it keeps me off the streets, I suppose[2], and, yes ... I said it ... let me say it again ... anyway!!![1], and, anyway ...[2], and are you, you, you ... ???[1], and, yes ... I said it ... let me say it again ... anyway!!![2], and, come on ...[1], and are you, you, you ... ???[2], and are you, YOU(!) ... my kind of stranger ... the kind who really knows ... even really feels ... ???[1], and, come on ...[2], and I feel ...[1], and are you, YOU(!) ... my kind of stranger ... the kind who really knows ... even really feels ... ???[2], and this ain't for the squares, obviously, but ... how strange are you?[1], and I feel ...[2], and I'd like an answer, please[1], and this ain't for the squares, obviously, but ... how str ange are you?[2], and you can take your time ... we've got all the time a-ROUND here ... as you know[1], and I'd like an answer, please[2], and ... 'Oh, I know!'[1], and you can take your time ... we've got all the time a-ROUND here ... as you know[2], and, but ... if you could get back to me ... whisper in my ear ... one late night ... or early morning[1], and ... 'Oh, I know!'[2], and I would really appreciate it[1], and, but ... if you could get back to me ... whisper in my ear ... one late night ... or early morning[2], and always soul[1], and I would really appreciate it[2], and, uh ...[3], and always soul[2], and, oh, oh ... here I am ... a-ROUND ... but for how much longer, kooks?[3], and ... 'Forever, Mikey! Ha, ha, ha!'[3], and, yeah, yeah[3], and if I spin a-ROUND too hard ... will I, I ... fall off the edge of this conceptual reality???[3], and ... just asking, like[3], and ... 'I doubt it / It's the real cold world you've got to worry about'[3], and, I know, Voice[3], and no advice, thank you very much, from people who aren't a-ROUND with ... souls of iron!!![3], and here I am ... having fun as usual[3], and I ain't going off to no fancy Malibu ... / ... and Christ knows where I'm going, really[3], and ... 'The cosmos knows!'[3], and with my fingers cold on hard strings ... I have no idea of my future ... none at all![3], and, but, but, but ... oh, some[3], and, yes ... I know I'll stare at the sea again ... I know that much[3], and here I am ... Where are you???[3], and I just don't know ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...[3], and ... 'Here - !!!'[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and it keeps me off the streets, I suppose[3], and, anyway ...[3], and, yes ... I said it ... let me say it again ... anyway!!![3], and are you, you, you ... ???[3], and, come on ...[3], and are you, YOU(!) ... my kind of stranger ... the kind who really knows ... even really feels ... ???[3], and I feel ...[3], and this ain't for the squares, obviously, but ... how s  t  r  a  n  g  e are you?[3], and I'd like an answer, please[3], and you can take your time ... we've got all the time a-ROUND here ... as you know[3], and ... 'Oh, I know!'[3], and, but ... if you could get back to me ... whisper in my ear ... one late night ... or early morning[3], and I would really appreciate it[3], and always soul[3], and

Video games

I don't know anything about video games.

'Yes you do!'

Oh, sure, ancient games, Voice, like Catacombs for the ZX81, and Civilization II for the Playstation One.

Anyway ...

Catalis Group, a UK-headquartered global video game and entertainment group, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Secret 6, the renowned game development and art studio based in Manila and Madrid.

Whatever. Means nothing to me.

A press release with full details can be found below.

Interviews are available on request.

Many thanks,

Lisa

No, no, no. Lisa, I don't give interviews. Haven't you heard? I'm a man of mystery. 'Like Prince!' Yeah, like Prince. So ...

London, 11th January 2023 - Catalis Group, a UK-headquartered global video game and entertainment group, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Secret 6, the renowned game development and art studio based in Manila and Madrid. 

Ooh! I like that! A bit of repetition. 'This Lisa is all right, boss.' Yes, Voice.

Founded in 2005 by Ron Schaffner, a veteran of the games industry, Secret 6 employs over 300 people and specialises in 3D art for AAA titles, 2D art, full game development and quality assurance. Schaffner will continue to run Secret 6 as CEO with the added support of Catalis and its award-winning service companies, Testronic and Giant Interactive.

Yeah, yeah.

Will any of these games be as good as the legendary Catacombs ... ??? Which only used 16KB of memory, by the way. 'Ha!'

Anyway, let's hear from Dennis ...

Dominic Wheatley, CEO of Catalis, states: "We are delighted that Secret 6 and Ron have joined the Catalis family. Secret 6 has a great reputation in the industry for producing high-quality work and their impressive list of clients speaks for itself. Ron brings with him a wealth of leadership and game experience; we all look forward to working with him and supporting Secret 6's continued growth."

Ooh! Scary stuff! 'I think we'll be safer with Ron.' Yeah, you're probably right. Dennis has just given me shivers down the spine. 'In a bad way?' Well, yeah.

Anyway ...

Ron? Come on, son!

Commenting on the deal, Ron Schaffner of Secret 6 says: "We are thrilled to be joining Catalis, a group highly regarded for their excellent service offerings. We look forward to collaborating with Catalis to accelerate the group's growth, enhance and expand the services we offer to our clients, and provide exciting new opportunities for our talented teams in Manila and Madrid."

Nice one, Ron!

Testronic's CEO, Mike Betti, finishes by saying -

Oh, does he, indeed? On my blog? Whatever.

"Secret 6 is a fantastic addition to our group. Ron and his talented team have built a brilliant business and we cannot wait to contribute to their story going forward. Moving into art and game development is a natural next step for Catalis, and it is great that we can expand our footprint to the Philippines and Spain, two fast-growing video game hubs with an abundance of talent."

Okay. Fair enough. I suppose.

ENDS

ENDS

ENDS

...

Anything else? My demo?

The (old) recordings of Mighty Soul and Round The Bend are definitely good enough - which is a relief.

I just need a decent recording of Shady, Dodgy, Shifty now. That won't be easy with fingers like ice lollies. Do you know what I mean?

But I struggle on.

Laters!

[No. 1,065] Music or death

Says it all, really.

And, oh ... hello![1], and, yes ... I've said it all, really, so ... I ain't got nothing to say with the rest of this conceptual, but ...[1], and, oh ... hello![2], and ... 'Say it!'[1], and, yes ... I've said it all, really, so ... I ain't got nothing to say with the rest of this conceptual, but ...[2], and, you, you, you ... can be sure that I will say it anyway ... What else am I going to do???[1], and ... 'Say it!'[2], and ... nothing, nothing, nothing[1], and, you, you, you ... can be sure that I will say it anyway ... What else am I going to do???[2], and, uh ... now ... right now ... would be a good time to write ... ... ...[1], and ... nothing, nothing, nothing[2], and ... 'Come on!!!'[1], and, uh ... now ... right now ... would be a good time to write ... ... ...[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, yes ... wasn't that a good time for it?[1], and ... 'Come on!!!'[2], and ... 'Brilliant!'[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, yes ... wasn't that a good time for it?[2], and, well ... I think so[1], and ... 'Brilliant!'[2], and here I am[1], and, well ... I think so[2], and let me just say, please ... you need a pure vision ... of the worst and the best[1], and here I am[2], and, do, do ... you ... understand???[1], and let me just say, please ... you need a p ure vis ion ... of the worst and the best[2], and that's what I've got ... here ... and there, actually ... two things ... one beautiful, one ugly ... realities![1], and, do, do ... you ... understand???[2], and, so ...[1], and that's what I've got ... here ... and there, actually ... two things ... one beautiful, one ugly ... realities![2], and it's taken so many words, hasn't it?[1], and, so ...[2], and ... 'Never mind, Mikey ... and, of course ... how could I forget? ... ha, ha, ha ... never soul!'[1], and it's taken so many words, hasn't it?[2], and, thank you, idiot! ... my favourite idiot[1], and ... 'Never mind, Mikey ... and, of course ... how could I forget? ... ha, ha, ha ... never soul!'[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... Come on - !!! / ... and just in case you need it, kook[1], and, thank you, idiot! ... my favourite idiot[2], and I haven't even got any models any more ... I'm on my own[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... Come on - !!! / ... and just in case you need it, kook[2], and ... 'You don't need anyone!'[1], and I haven't even got any models any more ... I'm on my own[2], and, who, who ... am ... I ... ... ... ??? ??? ???[1], and ... 'You don't need anyone!'[2], and, well ... Michael Fowke, Michael Fowke, Michael Fowke ... said three times, man ... because that's who I am![1], and, who, who ... am ... I ... ... ... ??? ??? ???[2], and, uh, uh ...[1], and, well ... Michael Fowke, Michael Fowke, Michael Fowke ... said three times, man ... because that's who I am![2], and ... 'It's you, boss! You have an identity! Yippee!'[1], and, uh, uh ...[2], and, yes ... yippee[1], and ... 'It's you, boss! You have an identity! Yippee!'[2], and my favourite voice in the cosmos ... by my side all this time ... am I blessed or what?[1], and, yes ... yippee[2], and ... 'Just don't say you're cursed'[1], and my favourite voice in the cosmos ... by my side all this time ... am I blessed or what?[2], and, listen ... a-ROUND here ... I make the best sense that I am able to[1], and ... 'Just don't say you're cursed'[2], and ... 'That's true'[1], and, listen ... a-ROUND here ... I make the best sense that I am able to[2], and,,, what else do YOU(!) want from me?![1], and ... 'That's true'[2], and miracles and prophecies, I suppose ... ... ...[1], and,,, what else do YOU(!) want from me?![2], and do me a favour, yeah?[1], and miracles and prophecies, I suppose ... ... ...[2], and, oh ... hello![3], and do me a favour, yeah?[2], and, yes ... I've said it all, really, so ... I ain't got nothing to say with the rest of this conceptual, but ...[3], and ... 'Say it!'[3], and, you, you, you ... can be sure that I will say it anyway ... What else am I going to do???[3], and ... nothing, nothing, nothing[3], and, uh ... now ... right now ... would be a good time to write ... ... ...[3], and ... 'Come on!!!'[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, yes ... wasn't that a good time for it?[3], and ... 'Brilliant!'[3], and, well ... I think so[3], and here I am[3], and let me just say, please ... you need a p  u  r  e v  i  s  i  o  n ... of the worst and the best[3], and, do, do ... you ... understand???[3], and that's what I've got ... here ... and there, actually ... two things ... one beautiful, one ugly ... realities![3], and, so ...[3], and it's taken so many words, hasn't it?[3], and ... 'Never mind, Mikey ... and, of course ... how could I forget? ... ha, ha, ha ... never soul!'[3], and, thank you, idiot! ... my favourite idiot[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... Come on - !!! / ... and just in case you need it, kook[3], and I haven't even got any models any more ... I'm on my own[3], and ... 'You don't need anyone!'[3], and, who, who ... am ... I ... ... ... ??? ??? ???[3], and, well ... Michael Fowke, Michael Fowke, Michael Fowke ... said three times, man ... because that's who I am![3], and, uh, uh ...[3], and ... 'It's you, boss! You have an identity! Yippee!'[3], and, yes ... yippee[3], and my favourite voice in the cosmos ... by my side all this time ... am I blessed or what?[3], and ... 'Just don't say you're cursed'[3], and, listen ... a-ROUND here ... I make the best sense that I am able to[3], and ... 'That's true'[3], and,,, what else do YOU(!) want from me?![3], and miracles and prophecies, I suppose ... ... ...[3], and do me a favour, yeah?[3], and

And, oh ... hello![1], and, yes ... I've said it all, really, so ... I ain't got nothing to say with the rest of this conceptual, but ...[1], and, oh ... hello![2], and ... 'Say it!'[1], and, yes ... I've said it all, really, so ... I ain't got nothing to say with the rest of this conceptual, but ...[2], and, you, you, you ... can be sure that I will say it anyway ... What else am I going to do???[1], and ... 'Say it!'[2], and ... nothing, nothing, nothing[1], and, you, you, you ... can be sure that I will say it anyway ... What else am I going to do???[2], and, uh ... now ... right now ... would be a good time to write ... ... ...[1], and ... nothing, nothing, nothing[2], and ... 'Come on!!!'[1], and, uh ... now ... right now ... would be a good time to write ... ... ...[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, yes ... wasn't that a good time for it?[1], and ... 'Come on!!!'[2], and ... 'Brilliant!'[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, yes ... wasn't that a good time for it?[2], and, well ... I think so[1], and ... 'Brilliant!'[2], and here I am[1], and, well ... I think so[2], and let me just say, please ... you need a pure vision ... of the worst and the best[1], and here I am[2], and, do, do ... you ... understand???[1], and let me just say, please ... you need a p ure vis ion ... of the worst and the best[2], and that's what I've got ... here ... and there, actually ... two things ... one beautiful, one ugly ... realities![1], and, do, do ... you ... understand???[2], and, so ...[1], and that's what I've got ... here ... and there, actually ... two things ... one beautiful, one ugly ... realities![2], and it's taken so many words, hasn't it?[1], and, so ...[2], and ... 'Never mind, Mikey ... and, of course ... how could I forget? ... ha, ha, ha ... never soul!'[1], and it's taken so many words, hasn't it?[2], and, thank you, idiot! ... my favourite idiot[1], and ... 'Never mind, Mikey ... and, of course ... how could I forget? ... ha, ha, ha ... never soul!'[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... Come on - !!! / ... and just in case you need it, kook[1], and, thank you, idiot! ... my favourite idiot[2], and I haven't even got any models any more ... I'm on my own[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... Come on - !!! / ... and just in case you need it, kook[2], and ... 'You don't need anyone!'[1], and I haven't even got any models any more ... I'm on my own[2], and, who, who ... am ... I ... ... ... ??? ??? ???[1], and ... 'You don't need anyone!'[2], and, well ... Michael Fowke, Michael Fowke, Michael Fowke ... said three times, man ... because that's who I am![1], and, who, who ... am ... I ... ... ... ??? ??? ???[2], and, uh, uh ...[1], and, well ... Michael Fowke, Michael Fowke, Michael Fowke ... said three times, man ... because that's who I am![2], and ... 'It's you, boss! You have an identity! Yippee!'[1], and, uh, uh ...[2], and, yes ... yippee[1], and ... 'It's you, boss! You have an identity! Yippee!'[2], and my favourite voice in the cosmos ... by my side all this time ... am I blessed or what?[1], and, yes ... yippee[2], and ... 'Just don't say you're cursed'[1], and my favourite voice in the cosmos ... by my side all this time ... am I blessed or what?[2], and, listen ... a-ROUND here ... I make the best sense that I am able to[1], and ... 'Just don't say you're cursed'[2], and ... 'That's true'[1], and, listen ... a-ROUND here ... I make the best sense that I am able to[2], and,,, what else do YOU(!) want from me?![1], and ... 'That's true'[2], and miracles and prophecies, I suppose ... ... ...[1], and,,, what else do YOU(!) want from me?![2], and do me a favour, yeah?[1], and miracles and prophecies, I suppose ... ... ...[2], and, oh ... hello![3], and do me a favour, yeah?[2], and, yes ... I've said it all, really, so ... I ain't got nothing to say with the rest of this conceptual, but ...[3], and ... 'Say it!'[3], and, you, you, you ... can be sure that I will say it anyway ... What else am I going to do???[3], and ... nothing, nothing, nothing[3], and, uh ... now ... right now ... would be a good time to write ... ... ...[3], and ... 'Come on!!!'[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, yes ... wasn't that a good time for it?[3], and ... 'Brilliant!'[3], and, well ... I think so[3], and here I am[3], and let me just say, please ... you need a p  u  r  e v  i  s  i  o  n ... of the worst and the best[3], and, do, do ... you ... understand???[3], and that's what I've got ... here ... and there, actually ... two things ... one beautiful, one ugly ... realities![3], and, so ...[3], and it's taken so many words, hasn't it?[3], and ... 'Never mind, Mikey ... and, of course ... how could I forget? ... ha, ha, ha ... never soul!'[3], and, thank you, idiot! ... my favourite idiot[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... Come on - !!! / ... and just in case you need it, kook[3], and I haven't even got any models any more ... I'm on my own[3], and ... 'You don't need anyone!'[3], and, who, who ... am ... I ... ... ... ??? ??? ???[3], and, well ... Michael Fowke, Michael Fowke, Michael Fowke ... said three times, man ... because that's who I am![3], and, uh, uh ...[3], and ... 'It's you, boss! You have an identity! Yippee!'[3], and, yes ... yippee[3], and my favourite voice in the cosmos ... by my side all this time ... am I blessed or what?[3], and ... 'Just don't say you're cursed'[3], and, listen ... a-ROUND here ... I make the best sense that I am able to[3], and ... 'That's true'[3], and,,, what else do YOU(!) want from me?![3], and miracles and prophecies, I suppose ... ... ...[3], and do me a favour, yeah?[3], and

And, oh ... hello![1], and, yes ... I've said it all, really, so ... I ain't got nothing to say with the rest of this conceptual, but ...[1], and, oh ... hello![2], and ... 'Say it!'[1], and, yes ... I've said it all, really, so ... I ain't got nothing to say with the rest of this conceptual, but ...[2], and, you, you, you ... can be sure that I will say it anyway ... What else am I going to do???[1], and ... 'Say it!'[2], and ... nothing, nothing, nothing[1], and, you, you, you ... can be sure that I will say it anyway ... What else am I going to do???[2], and, uh ... now ... right now ... would be a good time to write ... ... ...[1], and ... nothing, nothing, nothing[2], and ... 'Come on!!!'[1], and, uh ... now ... right now ... would be a good time to write ... ... ...[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, yes ... wasn't that a good time for it?[1], and ... 'Come on!!!'[2], and ... 'Brilliant!'[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, yes ... wasn't that a good time for it?[2], and, well ... I think so[1], and ... 'Brilliant!'[2], and here I am[1], and, well ... I think so[2], and let me just say, please ... you need a pure vision ... of the worst and the best[1], and here I am[2], and, do, do ... you ... understand???[1], and let me just say, please ... you need a p ure vis ion ... of the worst and the best[2], and that's what I've got ... here ... and there, actually ... two things ... one beautiful, one ugly ... realities![1], and, do, do ... you ... understand???[2], and, so ...[1], and that's what I've got ... here ... and there, actually ... two things ... one beautiful, one ugly ... realities![2], and it's taken so many words, hasn't it?[1], and, so ...[2], and ... 'Never mind, Mikey ... and, of course ... how could I forget? ... ha, ha, ha ... never soul!'[1], and it's taken so many words, hasn't it?[2], and, thank you, idiot! ... my favourite idiot[1], and ... 'Never mind, Mikey ... and, of course ... how could I forget? ... ha, ha, ha ... never soul!'[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... Come on - !!! / ... and just in case you need it, kook[1], and, thank you, idiot! ... my favourite idiot[2], and I haven't even got any models any more ... I'm on my own[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... Come on - !!! / ... and just in case you need it, kook[2], and ... 'You don't need anyone!'[1], and I haven't even got any models any more ... I'm on my own[2], and, who, who ... am ... I ... ... ... ??? ??? ???[1], and ... 'You don't need anyone!'[2], and, well ... Michael Fowke, Michael Fowke, Michael Fowke ... said three times, man ... because that's who I am![1], and, who, who ... am ... I ... ... ... ??? ??? ???[2], and, uh, uh ...[1], and, well ... Michael Fowke, Michael Fowke, Michael Fowke ... said three times, man ... because that's who I am![2], and ... 'It's you, boss! You have an identity! Yippee!'[1], and, uh, uh ...[2], and, yes ... yippee[1], and ... 'It's you, boss! You have an identity! Yippee!'[2], and my favourite voice in the cosmos ... by my side all this time ... am I blessed or what?[1], and, yes ... yippee[2], and ... 'Just don't say you're cursed'[1], and my favourite voice in the cosmos ... by my side all this time ... am I blessed or what?[2], and, listen ... a-ROUND here ... I make the best sense that I am able to[1], and ... 'Just don't say you're cursed'[2], and ... 'That's true'[1], and, listen ... a-ROUND here ... I make the best sense that I am able to[2], and,,, what else do YOU(!) want from me?![1], and ... 'That's true'[2], and miracles and prophecies, I suppose ... ... ...[1], and,,, what else do YOU(!) want from me?![2], and do me a favour, yeah?[1], and miracles and prophecies, I suppose ... ... ...[2], and, oh ... hello![3], and do me a favour, yeah?[2], and, yes ... I've said it all, really, so ... I ain't got nothing to say with the rest of this conceptual, but ...[3], and ... 'Say it!'[3], and, you, you, you ... can be sure that I will say it anyway ... What else am I going to do???[3], and ... nothing, nothing, nothing[3], and, uh ... now ... right now ... would be a good time to write ... ... ...[3], and ... 'Come on!!!'[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and, yes ... wasn't that a good time for it?[3], and ... 'Brilliant!'[3], and, well ... I think so[3], and here I am[3], and let me just say, please ... you need a p  u  r  e v  i  s  i  o  n ... of the worst and the best[3], and, do, do ... you ... understand???[3], and that's what I've got ... here ... and there, actually ... two things ... one beautiful, one ugly ... realities![3], and, so ...[3], and it's taken so many words, hasn't it?[3], and ... 'Never mind, Mikey ... and, of course ... how could I forget? ... ha, ha, ha ... never soul!'[3], and, thank you, idiot! ... my favourite idiot[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... Come on - !!! / ... and just in case you need it, kook[3], and I haven't even got any models any more ... I'm on my own[3], and ... 'You don't need anyone!'[3], and, who, who ... am ... I ... ... ... ??? ??? ???[3], and, well ... Michael Fowke, Michael Fowke, Michael Fowke ... said three times, man ... because that's who I am![3], and, uh, uh ...[3], and ... 'It's you, boss! You have an identity! Yippee!'[3], and, yes ... yippee[3], and my favourite voice in the cosmos ... by my side all this time ... am I blessed or what?[3], and ... 'Just don't say you're cursed'[3], and, listen ... a-ROUND here ... I make the best sense that I am able to[3], and ... 'That's true'[3], and,,, what else do YOU(!) want from me?![3], and miracles and prophecies, I suppose ... ... ...[3], and do me a favour, yeah?[3], and

My demo???

I'm never going to get the "lovely" demo I want. It's going to be a Robert Johnson situation with hisses, crackles, bangs and Christ knows what else. Bad sound. Do you know what I mean?

The H5 won't do it. My room won't do it. The street won't do it.

Even my fingers and my nerves won't do it. But I can't wait forever.

I might use a version of Mighty Soul that I recorded a year and a half ago. It was supposed to be a "rough" recording. However, it sounds better than any of my recent attempts.

It sounds good with earphones.

This might be the demo then -

Mighty Soul

Shady, Dodgy, Shifty

The Future

Or ...

Nothing

Stella

Mighty Soul

Shady, Dodgy, Shifty

The Future

Or ...

Nothing

Life and Death

Mighty Soul

Shady, Dodgy, Shifty

The Future

I just don't know, man.

I suppose rough recordings are better than no recordings. Some sort of legacy, even if it's a f**ked up one.

None of this will matter to my blog, by the way. It won't harm my blog as a work of literature. I mean, John Self in Money by Martin Amis didn't get to make that film, did he? Think about it.

Oh! If I do stop writing this blog one day soon, I hope any loyal readers a-ROUND will save various posts or ... all of them!

Or just the best conceptuals???

You never know what might happen. You know?

I don't know. Maybe it's not important ... when you think of the cosmos.

Just saying, kooks.

Anyway ...

Maybe this could be the demo -

Mighty Soul

Shady, Dodgy, Shifty

Round The Bend

Round The Bend is a great little rock song with a cool lyric, and my recording of it from November 2016 is actually my best ever recording!!!

'Yippee!'

That would free me up to concentrate on Shady, Dodgy, Shifty, and I could maybe add a couple of other songs at a later date. (???)

'Yippee!'

Maybe, maybe, maybe.

I just don't know.

Voice.

'What, boss?'

Cut it out with the yippees. I'm not in the mood.

'All right.'

Thank you.

Anyway ...

Mighty Soul

Shady, Dodgy, Shifty

Round The Bend

... will be nice, I suppose, but it won't give people much idea of my BIG DOZEN. / At least my two best songs will be on the demo.

I don't know

I just don't know

I don't know

Do you know???

Or are you numb and dumb like the best of them???

Never mind.

'Never soul, Mikey!'

Exactly.

Laters.

'Bye!'