How black can Friday get?

I dunno. I mean, am I supposed to know? / Yes, dear reader(s), it's the Wednesday morning PR email, back by popular demand. This isn't a financial one. I normally ignore the ones that aren't financial ones. 'You normally ignore the ones that are financial ones, boss.' Yes, Voice. Most of them. BUT(!) ... this one is about Black Friday. 'Ha!' Which is utterly ridiculous, by the way. This is not America. 'Great song!' What?! 'I said, great song, boss.' What is?! 'Bowie and Metheny!' Shut up! Idiot!

Anyway ...

Your Black Friday bargains might be overpriced and non-returnable by Boxing Day, warns e-commerce delivery specialist Fastlane International.

I ain't getting no bargains, man. I ain't American. I refuse to get involved!

Following last week's Which? report revealing half of all Black Friday Bargains were in fact cheaper in the months before and after Black Friday last year; the e-delivery specialists Fastlane International has a further warning to shoppers buying gifts for Christmas: many return periods will be expired by Boxing Day.

Don't do it, people! Remember you're British! [Uh, American readers, do what the hell you like. Am I bothered?]

Fastlane International's Head of Consumer Research, David Jinks MILT says: "Why are we not exactly surprised about Black Friday being less full of bargains than the shops would have us believe? The Which? findings reinforce our recommendation that it pays bargain hunters to research and buy their Black Friday deals online rather than buy on impulse in store. But read the returns deadline small print before you buy."

Even better, don't buy nothing, yeah? Unless you're American. / Well, more advice -

Black Friday falls quite early this year. Don't let the 14 day dates catch you out!

Savvy consumers should approach Black Friday with a strong idea of what they want to buy.

Purchase online, rather than in store, and you are protected against any misleading price claims - and many other issues. The vast majority of products can be sent back within 14 days - without having to give a reason. It's now law as part of the Government's 2014 Consumer Contracts Regulations.

In contrast, shop purchased items only have the right to be returned if they are faulty. Brick and mortar shops only have to conform to the Consumer Rights Act: so you may be stuck with your Black Friday non-bargain. Some shops do offer a more generous returns policy - and if they have one they are legally obliged to honour it - but these vary greatly; and by no means all shops do.

Okay, so this guy, this David Jinks, has a hard-on for the internet. Fair enough. It's a new age!

...

Anything else? Music? I'm feeling in a reasonably positive mood, so I'll have a go at recording my songs today. However, I don't do updates no more. That's the last one!

What am I listening to? Just one song. The Long and Winding Road ... featuring John Lennon's passive-aggressive bass playing.

What else? NOTHING ELSE. Well, nothing I want to talk about, you dig? So, laters. See you tomorrow, blog fans(s)!

Henry Cobbe, Andy Adshead, and Sean Kelly have all got jobs at Copia Capital Management

So ... 'Is this news, boss?' Well, yeah ... sort of. I mean, they've just been hired. 'Oh.' Yeah, Henry Cobbe is some sort of head, mixed up in ETFs, I think. 'Nice.' And, uh ... Andy Adshead is a relationship manager. 'Okay. What about Sean Kelly?' You don't want to know about Sean Kelly. 'The readers do!' I doubt it.

Anyway, Copia Capital ...

Copia Capital Management is a Discretionary Fund Management facility that was established in 2013 by Novia Financial plc, to provide exciting new investment opportunities for Novia clients. Copia gives Advisers access to a new approach to Discretionary Fund Management, with specialist expertise that provides a significantly enhanced investment service to our mutual clients. Providing great service and the highest quality outcomes for clients were the core criteria set in the creation of Copia.

You see? They provide great service. So, that's all right, ain't it? 'What about Sean Kelly, boss?' Will you just fucking leave it, Voice! Please! No one wants to know about Sean Kelly. 'Christ! Is there something wrong with him?!' There's nothing wrong with him. He's a quantitative research analyst. 'Oh.' Are you happy now? 'Well, that's all you had to say, man.' ARE YOU HAPPY NOW?! 'Well ... I suppose.' It doesn't matter what anyone is.

You can't judge a man by his job title, dear reader(s). How many times do I have to say it? / I suppose I could go to LinkedIn, but ... 'You would have to sign in, boss, become a member again.' Fuck that! And put some stupid profile up? Saying what about myself?

It's an impossible situation. / I'm still not in a right mood, really, from yesterday. All I want to do is play my guitar, man, you dig? And I will, after lunch. 'You'll feel better if you record those last couple of songs.' Yeah, maybe. I don't know.

...

Anything else? Politics? Donald Trump wants Nigel Farage to be the British ambassador to America. 'Ha! My God!' I think I understand what is happening with America and Britain. 'Tell us, Mikey!' Well, America is becoming a Shakespearean tragedy, and Great Britain is now attaching itself as the fifty-first state ... for a bit of comic relief. 'Oh. Like that scene in Macbeth with the drunken porter?' Exactly! Yes, it's all starting to make sense.

[No. 466] Polperro

'Remember it, Mikey. It's Polperro.'

And I will never forget[1], and two pints of cider and a bag of chocolate limes, please! / Oh, it don't get no better[1], and I will never forget[2], and how many spins?[1], and two pints of cider and a bag of chocolate limes, please! / Oh, it don't get no better[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Take me back to a wintery paradise![1], and how many spins?[2], and the mist ... or was it fog?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Take me back to a wintery paradise![2], and, uh, fog, probably ... but there were no pirates coming to get me, thank God!!![1], and the mist ... or was it fog?[2], and ... the music? / Well ...[1], and, uh, fog, probably ... but there were no pirates coming to get me, thank God!!![2], and ... 'Seems so long ago, Nancy' / and, er ... my name is Michael, Voice[1], and ... the music? / Well ...[2], and, yes, it was a long time ago ...[1], and ... 'Seems so long ago, Nancy' / and, er ... my name is Michael, Voice[2], and I'm thinking that I might be able to return ... with my mystical powers, like[1], and, yes, it was a long time ago ...[2], and what did William Blake say? / and ... 'I think he said a lot of things, boss'[1], and I'm thinking that I might be able to return ... with my mystical powers, like[2], and ... ha![1], and what did William Blake say? / and ... 'I think he said a lot of things, boss'[2], and never mind, and never mind, and never mind / and, man, I'm saying I will never mind[1], and ... ha![2], and listening now ...[1], and never mind, and never mind, and never mind / and, man, I'm saying I will never mind[2], and I thought I saw an eagle, but it might have been a vulture ... / 'What, in Cornwall?!'[1], and listening now ...[2], and, Christ! ... Listen, fool![1], and I thought I saw an eagle, but it might have been a vulture ... / 'What, in Cornwall?!'[2], and no, no, no ... / ... and the song, the song, the song remains the same[1], and, Christ! ... Listen, fool![2], and if I could slow down every moment of life ...[1], and no, no, no ... / ... and the song, the song, the song remains the same[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / and this is much better than golden memories[1], and if I could slow down every moment of life ...[2], and even freeze every moment ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / and this is much better than golden memories[2], and a beautiful accordion! / and through the graves the wind is blowing ...[1], and even freeze every moment ...[2], and, be, just be ... eternally on that bench[1], and a beautiful accordion! / and through the graves the wind is blowing ...[2], and I will never forget[3], and, be, just be ... eternally on that bench[2], and two pints of cider and a bag of chocolate limes, please! / Oh, it don't get no better[3], and how many spins?[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Take me back to a wintery paradise![3], and the mist ... or was it fog?[3], and, uh, fog, probably ... but there were no pirates coming to get me, thank God!!![3], and ... the music? / Well ...[3], and ... 'Seems so long ago, Nancy' / and, er ... my name is Michael, Voice[3], and, yes, it was a long time ago ...[3], and I'm thinking that I might be able to return ... with my mystical powers, like[3], and what did William Blake say? / and ... 'I think he said a lot of things, boss'[3], and ... ha![3], and never mind, and never mind, and never mind / and, man, I'm saying I will never mind[3], and listening now ...[3], and I thought I saw an eagle, but it might have been a vulture ... / 'What, in Cornwall?!'[3], and, Christ! ... Listen, fool![3], and no, no, no ... / ... and the song, the song, the song remains the same[3], and if I could slow down every moment of life ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / and this is much better than golden memories[3], and even freeze every moment ...[3], and a beautiful accordion! / and through the graves the wind is blowing ...[3], and, be, just be ... eternally on that bench[3], and

And I will never forget[1], and two pints of cider and a bag of chocolate limes, please! / Oh, it don't get no better[1], and I will never forget[2], and how many spins?[1], and two pints of cider and a bag of chocolate limes, please! / Oh, it don't get no better[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Take me back to a wintery paradise![1], and how many spins?[2], and the mist ... or was it fog?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Take me back to a wintery paradise![2], and, uh, fog, probably ... but there were no pirates coming to get me, thank God!!![1], and the mist ... or was it fog?[2], and ... the music? / Well ...[1], and, uh, fog, probably ... but there were no pirates coming to get me, thank God!!![2], and ... 'Seems so long ago, Nancy' / and, er ... my name is Michael, Voice[1], and ... the music? / Well ...[2], and, yes, it was a long time ago ...[1], and ... 'Seems so long ago, Nancy' / and, er ... my name is Michael, Voice[2], and I'm thinking that I might be able to return ... with my mystical powers, like[1], and, yes, it was a long time ago ...[2], and what did William Blake say? / and ... 'I think he said a lot of things, boss'[1], and I'm thinking that I might be able to return ... with my mystical powers, like[2], and ... ha![1], and what did William Blake say? / and ... 'I think he said a lot of things, boss'[2], and never mind, and never mind, and never mind / and, man, I'm saying I will never mind[1], and ... ha![2], and listening now ...[1], and never mind, and never mind, and never mind / and, man, I'm saying I will never mind[2], and I thought I saw an eagle, but it might have been a vulture ... / 'What, in Cornwall?!'[1], and listening now ...[2], and, Christ! ... Listen, fool![1], and I thought I saw an eagle, but it might have been a vulture ... / 'What, in Cornwall?!'[2], and no, no, no ... / ... and the song, the song, the song remains the same[1], and, Christ! ... Listen, fool![2], and if I could slow down every moment of life ...[1], and no, no, no ... / ... and the song, the song, the song remains the same[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / and this is much better than golden memories[1], and if I could slow down every moment of life ...[2], and even freeze every moment ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / and this is much better than golden memories[2], and a beautiful accordion! / and through the graves the wind is blowing ...[1], and even freeze every moment ...[2], and, be, just be ... eternally on that bench[1], and a beautiful accordion! / and through the graves the wind is blowing ...[2], and I will never forget[3], and, be, just be ... eternally on that bench[2], and two pints of cider and a bag of chocolate limes, please! / Oh, it don't get no better[3], and how many spins?[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Take me back to a wintery paradise![3], and the mist ... or was it fog?[3], and, uh, fog, probably ... but there were no pirates coming to get me, thank God!!![3], and ... the music? / Well ...[3], and ... 'Seems so long ago, Nancy' / and, er ... my name is Michael, Voice[3], and, yes, it was a long time ago ...[3], and I'm thinking that I might be able to return ... with my mystical powers, like[3], and what did William Blake say? / and ... 'I think he said a lot of things, boss'[3], and ... ha![3], and never mind, and never mind, and never mind / and, man, I'm saying I will never mind[3], and listening now ...[3], and I thought I saw an eagle, but it might have been a vulture ... / 'What, in Cornwall?!'[3], and, Christ! ... Listen, fool![3], and no, no, no ... / ... and the song, the song, the song remains the same[3], and if I could slow down every moment of life ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / and this is much better than golden memories[3], and even freeze every moment ...[3], and a beautiful accordion! / and through the graves the wind is blowing ...[3], and, be, just be ... eternally on that bench[3], and

And I will never forget[1], and two pints of cider and a bag of chocolate limes, please! / Oh, it don't get no better[1], and I will never forget[2], and how many spins?[1], and two pints of cider and a bag of chocolate limes, please! / Oh, it don't get no better[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Take me back to a wintery paradise![1], and how many spins?[2], and the mist ... or was it fog?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Take me back to a wintery paradise![2], and, uh, fog, probably ... but there were no pirates coming to get me, thank God!!![1], and the mist ... or was it fog?[2], and ... the music? / Well ...[1], and, uh, fog, probably ... but there were no pirates coming to get me, thank God!!![2], and ... 'Seems so long ago, Nancy' / and, er ... my name is Michael, Voice[1], and ... the music? / Well ...[2], and, yes, it was a long time ago ...[1], and ... 'Seems so long ago, Nancy' / and, er ... my name is Michael, Voice[2], and I'm thinking that I might be able to return ... with my mystical powers, like[1], and, yes, it was a long time ago ...[2], and what did William Blake say? / and ... 'I think he said a lot of things, boss'[1], and I'm thinking that I might be able to return ... with my mystical powers, like[2], and ... ha![1], and what did William Blake say? / and ... 'I think he said a lot of things, boss'[2], and never mind, and never mind, and never mind / and, man, I'm saying I will never mind[1], and ... ha![2], and listening now ...[1], and never mind, and never mind, and never mind / and, man, I'm saying I will never mind[2], and I thought I saw an eagle, but it might have been a vulture ... / 'What, in Cornwall?!'[1], and listening now ...[2], and, Christ! ... Listen, fool![1], and I thought I saw an eagle, but it might have been a vulture ... / 'What, in Cornwall?!'[2], and no, no, no ... / ... and the song, the song, the song remains the same[1], and, Christ! ... Listen, fool![2], and if I could slow down every moment of life ...[1], and no, no, no ... / ... and the song, the song, the song remains the same[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / and this is much better than golden memories[1], and if I could slow down every moment of life ...[2], and even freeze every moment ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / and this is much better than golden memories[2], and a beautiful accordion! / and through the graves the wind is blowing ...[1], and even freeze every moment ...[2], and, be, just be ... eternally on that bench[1], and a beautiful accordion! / and through the graves the wind is blowing ...[2], and I will never forget[3], and, be, just be ... eternally on that bench[2], and two pints of cider and a bag of chocolate limes, please! / Oh, it don't get no better[3], and how many spins?[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Take me back to a wintery paradise![3], and the mist ... or was it fog?[3], and, uh, fog, probably ... but there were no pirates coming to get me, thank God!!![3], and ... the music? / Well ...[3], and ... 'Seems so long ago, Nancy' / and, er ... my name is Michael, Voice[3], and, yes, it was a long time ago ...[3], and I'm thinking that I might be able to return ... with my mystical powers, like[3], and what did William Blake say? / and ... 'I think he said a lot of things, boss'[3], and ... ha![3], and never mind, and never mind, and never mind / and, man, I'm saying I will never mind[3], and listening now ...[3], and I thought I saw an eagle, but it might have been a vulture ... / 'What, in Cornwall?!'[3], and, Christ! ... Listen, fool![3], and no, no, no ... / ... and the song, the song, the song remains the same[3], and if I could slow down every moment of life ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / and this is much better than golden memories[3], and even freeze every moment ...[3], and a beautiful accordion! / and through the graves the wind is blowing ...[3], and, be, just be ... eternally on that bench[3], and

Ron Resnick is the chief operating officer now

Yeah, at Robertson Stephens, an investment advisory firm. I don't know how long our Ronnie has been at the firm. Maybe he's just turned up from somewhere else. I really don't know. 'It would be easy to find out, wouldn't it, boss?' Uh, I'll have to join LinkedIn again, Voice. They don't let you see the profiles any more, unless you're signed in. It's a total pain in the arse. How are new people supposed to know what it's like if they can't even see what it's like? 'Eh?' Exactly. That's what I said.

I'm not much in the mood for any of this today, to tell you the truth, dear reader(s). On Mondays, I normally work on a conceptual after lunch and into the night, but ... 'You're not sure today, boss?' I'll see how I feel after my lunch. Sainsbury's have got those long cheese roll things, sometimes. And sometimes not. If they've got one today, it will put me in a good mood and I'll probably write all day. On the other hand, if it's just some horrible thin egg sandwich with a few bits of cress hanging out of it, I might play my guitar instead. / Obviously, you don't want to hear about all this, reader(s). Tough. 'They want to hear more about Ron Resnick.' Christ!

Ronnie, Ronnie, Ronnie! / Let's see. Let's have a look. There ain't much to say. I mean ...

Mr. Resnick is a 25-year veteran in managing alternative assets platforms. He co-founded CounselWorks LLC, a consulting company providing business strategy and regulatory advice to hedge funds, private equity firms, investment advisors and broker-dealers, which was sold to Duff & Phelps.

'What's that?' That's, er ... a press release thing I found. 'Oh.' Yeah, Ronnie has an impressive history and everyone loves him, but ... 'But?' But ... it's hard to love him this early on a Monday morning in winter. Do you know what I mean? 'Yeah. It ain't easy, Mikey. It's your job though.' Ha! My job! I should be rockin' in the free world, son, with the best of them. 'Have you finished your new demo yet?' Nearly. I still got to record two more songs. I've recorded two, and I'm very pleased with them. It won't be long now.

...

Ah, that's it. Anything else? What am I listening to? I'm listening to Leonard Cohen's Songs From A Room. This is the album I used to play all the time in Cornwall. From an earlier post (2013) -

When I stayed in Cornwall for two months, over twenty years ago, in winter, no work, just living off savings, I had soup every day for lunch. Then I went to the pub in Polperro. I had a couple of ciders and read the paper. Then I went and sat on the bench overlooking the sea, and I ate chocolate limes while listening to Leonard Cohen's Songs From A Room and staring at the mist. 'Two months of that!' Probably the best time of my life.

Soup! Oh, those were the days!

ETFs' impact on markets: What does Mihir Kapadia say?

Yes, dear reader(s), it's the Thursday afternoon PR email, back by popular demand, just as I promised. 'Don't forget you demanded this shit, blog fans!' Okay, thank you, Voice. I don't need your input. / Right. Mihir Kapadia, CEO and founder of Sun Global Investments, is an expert. 'Great!' So whatever he says is going to be interesting, if not downright fascinating.

"Some investors in the market still don't necessarily understand the huge advantages ETFs can offer investors: the bottom line is that ETFs gives investors access to an index. In response to those not convinced by ETFs, I would reiterate that their attraction is that they offer different investors different solutions to different investor types - if an investor is looking to allocate funds to the Indian growth story then perhaps the Sun Global Zyfin Indian Fixed Income ETF will give the necessary exposure to express this investment decision. However if a trader wanting to immediately express a view on Brexit, employment numbers or any other price moving news, that trader is more likely to buy or sell the FTSE100 ETF rather than buy or sell individual stocks."

Of course, our Mihar is the big man at Sun Global. 'Ha!' He's going to be crazy about the Sun Global Zyfin Indian Fixed Income ETF, ain't he? / Anyway, let's continue -

"Why? Because the ETF immediately delivers exposure, long or short, to 100 stocks, otherwise the trader has to type in 100 buy or 100 sell orders in the correct stock weightings and execute all 100 trades at the same time to achieve the same result as simply using an ETF. So the ETF can be used as an asset allocation tool or a trading tool, but blaming the ETF for its simplicity of use and ease of use is unfair when in fact it is successfully delivering cheap and liquid access to what the investor wants."

All right, Mihar. Fair enough. / 'What about the phone call, boss?' What bloody phone call?! 'Natasha said you could have a phone call.' Oh, the PR girl. What, with her, like? 'No, with Mr Kapadia.' Uh, no thanks. I got nothing against the guy, but he's not a lovely Natasha, is he? 'Er, how do you know this one is lovely?' Because I've never met a Natasha that wasn't.

Oh, about Sun Global Investments ...

Sun Global Investments Ltd. is an international financial services firm based in London, providing a full scope of services to institutional investors, corporate companies, family offices and high net worth individuals. Established in 2008, in the midst of turmoil in the financial services industry, Sun Global identified lucrative investment opportunities in emerging market corridors and has since established itself as a trusted boutique firm for investors looking to take advantage of these versatile markets.

'Nice.' Yeah. / Well, I've done my duty for another week. 'Now you can rest.' Ha! I got my guitar to play, son. I'm going to be rockin' in the free world all weekend. There's no rest for the wicked.

Laters, everyone. I mean, real laters, until Monday. 'Bye!'

Bill Gross says Donald Trump's presidency will damage America

And it won't help the people who voted him in, all the blue collar types. Well, that's obvious, dear reader(s). It's the same as Brexit over here. People were voting for stuff they didn't completely understand. Life is going to get harder for ordinary people now. While the rich ... 'The rich will get richer, boss.' Of course they will, Voice! It's the same old story. Someone get a message to me when the world stops being corrupt, and I'll listen. Until then, I'll continue working on my spaceship ... so I can get out of this shithole, you dig? 'Oh, have you really got a spaceship?' No, not really. 'Ah, is it a metaphorical spaceship, like Kanye's?' Ha! Maybe, man. I'm gonna get free! Y'all don't know my struggle. Y'all can't match my hustle. You can't catch my hustle. You can't fathom my love, dude. 'Okay.' Yeah.

...

Anything else? 'What?! Is that it? Come on, Mikey, play the game.' Well, I mean, there's no interesting news around, much. 'Shame.' I'll be doing a PR email later. 'About what?' I don't know. I've got loads of them. I'll have to analyze them and pick the best one. Or maybe just do a lucky dip.

Brexit? Christ! If you insist, dear reader(s). It's obvious now that there is ABSOLUTELY NO PLAN. 'Ha!' The government has no idea what it is doing. 'Everyone, all the ministers, are saying different stuff, boss.' Yes, Voice, and it's all shit. No one has said anything that makes sense.

...

Well, well ... / Music update? My metaphorical spaceship is nearly done. It's been nice knowing you all. However, nothing lasts forever. 'Are you going?!' Ha! Not yet. No, not yet, my little invisible friend. But soon. 'Can I come with you?' Into a world of solid rock, or pop? Maybe. I'll think about it. 'Every good rock and roll shaman needs a spirit guide, Mikey. A mentor!' Mentor? I might choose Jim as my mentor. He's got leather trousers. 'Oh.' Astral ones, obviously.

Laters, blog fan(s), pop fan(s). Let me have my lunch, then I'll lay a PR email on you, for your sins.

[No. 465] I don't live in a golden world

I live in the gutter.

And ... yeah, the gutter, the gutter, the gutter[1], and, well ... no one knows the troubles I've seen / and I've seen a lot, believe me[1], and ... yeah, the gutter, the gutter, the gutter[2], and, uh ... not really the gutter, but I ain't shooting to the top in a golden lift, you dig?[1], and, well ... no one knows the troubles I've seen / and I've seen a lot, believe me[2], and ... at least not yet, no, not yet, but ... / ... I'm still dreaming of Malibu, my friend(s)![1], and, uh ... not really the gutter, but I ain't shooting to the top in a golden lift, you dig?[2], and how do you get those billions? / and how do you become the president?[1], and ... at least not yet, no, not yet, but ... / ... I'm still dreaming of Malibu, my friend(s)![2], and do you need to know all the right people?[1], and how do you get those billions? / and how do you become the president?[2], and, Christ! ... / I'm afraid I know all the wrong people[1], and do you need to know all the right people?[2], and some of them, well ... / Ha! Better not say, yeah?[1], and, Christ! ... / I'm afraid I know all the wrong people[2], and maybe you're in the gutter, too / but not really the gutter, maybe a small flat, or a big house[1], and some of them, well ... / Ha! Better not say, yeah?[2], and certainly not in a golden palace ... ?![1], and maybe you're in the gutter, too / but not really the gutter, maybe a small flat, or a big house[2], and, so ... COME ON!!![1], and certainly not in a golden palace ... ?![2], and I know you believe in miracles / and, kook(s), look at me, I'm a miracle[1], and, so ... COME ON!!![2], and here we are ... just like old times, all times[1], and I know you believe in miracles / and, kook(s), look at me, I'm a miracle[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... away from all the dirt[1], and here we are ... just like old times, all times[2], and you can spin yourself clean[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... away from all the dirt[2], and one day, baby ... one day, one day ... / uh, how many days to get free?[1], and you can spin yourself clean[2], and not even talking beyond the THREE, man / maybe not even totally GONE(!)[1], and one day, baby ... one day, one day ... / uh, how many days to get free?[2], and ... visions?[1], and not even talking beyond the THREE, man / maybe not even totally GONE(!)[2], and in pictures ... I've seen the golden sands of Malibu / and I'm still waiting for my ship to come in[1], and ... visions?[2], and ... one spin![1], and in pictures ... I've seen the golden sands of Malibu / and I'm still waiting for my ship to come in[2], and ... yeah, the gutter, the gutter, the gutter[3], and ... one spin![2], and, well ... no one knows the troubles I've seen / and I've seen a lot, believe me[3], and, uh ... not really the gutter, but I ain't shooting to the top in a golden lift, you dig?[3], and ... at least not yet, no, not yet, but ... / ... I'm still dreaming of Malibu, my friend(s)![3], and how do you get those billions? / and how do you become the president?[3], and do you need to know all the right people?[3], and, Christ! ... / I'm afraid I know all the wrong people[3], and some of them, well ... / Ha! Better not say, yeah?[3], and maybe you're in the gutter, too / but not really the gutter, maybe a small flat, or a big house[3], and certainly not in a golden palace ... ?![3], and, so ... COME ON!!![3], and I know you believe in miracles / and, kook(s), look at me, I'm a miracle[3], and here we are ... just like old times, all times[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... away from all the dirt[3], and you can spin yourself clean[3], and one day, baby ... one day, one day ... / uh, how many days to get free?[3], and not even talking beyond the THREE, man / maybe not even totally GONE(!)[3], and ... visions?[3], and in pictures ... I've seen the golden sands of Malibu / and I'm still waiting for my ship to come in[3], and ... one spin![3], and

And ... yeah, the gutter, the gutter, the gutter[1], and, well ... no one knows the troubles I've seen / and I've seen a lot, believe me[1], and ... yeah, the gutter, the gutter, the gutter[2], and, uh ... not really the gutter, but I ain't shooting to the top in a golden lift, you dig?[1], and, well ... no one knows the troubles I've seen / and I've seen a lot, believe me[2], and ... at least not yet, no, not yet, but ... / ... I'm still dreaming of Malibu, my friend(s)![1], and, uh ... not really the gutter, but I ain't shooting to the top in a golden lift, you dig?[2], and how do you get those billions? / and how do you become the president?[1], and ... at least not yet, no, not yet, but ... / ... I'm still dreaming of Malibu, my friend(s)![2], and do you need to know all the right people?[1], and how do you get those billions? / and how do you become the president?[2], and, Christ! ... / I'm afraid I know all the wrong people[1], and do you need to know all the right people?[2], and some of them, well ... / Ha! Better not say, yeah?[1], and, Christ! ... / I'm afraid I know all the wrong people[2], and maybe you're in the gutter, too / but not really the gutter, maybe a small flat, or a big house[1], and some of them, well ... / Ha! Better not say, yeah?[2], and certainly not in a golden palace ... ?![1], and maybe you're in the gutter, too / but not really the gutter, maybe a small flat, or a big house[2], and, so ... COME ON!!![1], and certainly not in a golden palace ... ?![2], and I know you believe in miracles / and, kook(s), look at me, I'm a miracle[1], and, so ... COME ON!!![2], and here we are ... just like old times, all times[1], and I know you believe in miracles / and, kook(s), look at me, I'm a miracle[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... away from all the dirt[1], and here we are ... just like old times, all times[2], and you can spin yourself clean[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... away from all the dirt[2], and one day, baby ... one day, one day ... / uh, how many days to get free?[1], and you can spin yourself clean[2], and not even talking beyond the THREE, man / maybe not even totally GONE(!)[1], and one day, baby ... one day, one day ... / uh, how many days to get free?[2], and ... visions?[1], and not even talking beyond the THREE, man / maybe not even totally GONE(!)[2], and in pictures ... I've seen the golden sands of Malibu / and I'm still waiting for my ship to come in[1], and ... visions?[2], and ... one spin![1], and in pictures ... I've seen the golden sands of Malibu / and I'm still waiting for my ship to come in[2], and ... yeah, the gutter, the gutter, the gutter[3], and ... one spin![2], and, well ... no one knows the troubles I've seen / and I've seen a lot, believe me[3], and, uh ... not really the gutter, but I ain't shooting to the top in a golden lift, you dig?[3], and ... at least not yet, no, not yet, but ... / ... I'm still dreaming of Malibu, my friend(s)![3], and how do you get those billions? / and how do you become the president?[3], and do you need to know all the right people?[3], and, Christ! ... / I'm afraid I know all the wrong people[3], and some of them, well ... / Ha! Better not say, yeah?[3], and maybe you're in the gutter, too / but not really the gutter, maybe a small flat, or a big house[3], and certainly not in a golden palace ... ?![3], and, so ... COME ON!!![3], and I know you believe in miracles / and, kook(s), look at me, I'm a miracle[3], and here we are ... just like old times, all times[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... away from all the dirt[3], and you can spin yourself clean[3], and one day, baby ... one day, one day ... / uh, how many days to get free?[3], and not even talking beyond the THREE, man / maybe not even totally GONE(!)[3], and ... visions?[3], and in pictures ... I've seen the golden sands of Malibu / and I'm still waiting for my ship to come in[3], and ... one spin![3], and

And ... yeah, the gutter, the gutter, the gutter[1], and, well ... no one knows the troubles I've seen / and I've seen a lot, believe me[1], and ... yeah, the gutter, the gutter, the gutter[2], and, uh ... not really the gutter, but I ain't shooting to the top in a golden lift, you dig?[1], and, well ... no one knows the troubles I've seen / and I've seen a lot, believe me[2], and ... at least not yet, no, not yet, but ... / ... I'm still dreaming of Malibu, my friend(s)![1], and, uh ... not really the gutter, but I ain't shooting to the top in a golden lift, you dig?[2], and how do you get those billions? / and how do you become the president?[1], and ... at least not yet, no, not yet, but ... / ... I'm still dreaming of Malibu, my friend(s)![2], and do you need to know all the right people?[1], and how do you get those billions? / and how do you become the president?[2], and, Christ! ... / I'm afraid I know all the wrong people[1], and do you need to know all the right people?[2], and some of them, well ... / Ha! Better not say, yeah?[1], and, Christ! ... / I'm afraid I know all the wrong people[2], and maybe you're in the gutter, too / but not really the gutter, maybe a small flat, or a big house[1], and some of them, well ... / Ha! Better not say, yeah?[2], and certainly not in a golden palace ... ?![1], and maybe you're in the gutter, too / but not really the gutter, maybe a small flat, or a big house[2], and, so ... COME ON!!![1], and certainly not in a golden palace ... ?![2], and I know you believe in miracles / and, kook(s), look at me, I'm a miracle[1], and, so ... COME ON!!![2], and here we are ... just like old times, all times[1], and I know you believe in miracles / and, kook(s), look at me, I'm a miracle[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... away from all the dirt[1], and here we are ... just like old times, all times[2], and you can spin yourself clean[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... away from all the dirt[2], and one day, baby ... one day, one day ... / uh, how many days to get free?[1], and you can spin yourself clean[2], and not even talking beyond the THREE, man / maybe not even totally GONE(!)[1], and one day, baby ... one day, one day ... / uh, how many days to get free?[2], and ... visions?[1], and not even talking beyond the THREE, man / maybe not even totally GONE(!)[2], and in pictures ... I've seen the golden sands of Malibu / and I'm still waiting for my ship to come in[1], and ... visions?[2], and ... one spin![1], and in pictures ... I've seen the golden sands of Malibu / and I'm still waiting for my ship to come in[2], and ... yeah, the gutter, the gutter, the gutter[3], and ... one spin![2], and, well ... no one knows the troubles I've seen / and I've seen a lot, believe me[3], and, uh ... not really the gutter, but I ain't shooting to the top in a golden lift, you dig?[3], and ... at least not yet, no, not yet, but ... / ... I'm still dreaming of Malibu, my friend(s)![3], and how do you get those billions? / and how do you become the president?[3], and do you need to know all the right people?[3], and, Christ! ... / I'm afraid I know all the wrong people[3], and some of them, well ... / Ha! Better not say, yeah?[3], and maybe you're in the gutter, too / but not really the gutter, maybe a small flat, or a big house[3], and certainly not in a golden palace ... ?![3], and, so ... COME ON!!![3], and I know you believe in miracles / and, kook(s), look at me, I'm a miracle[3], and here we are ... just like old times, all times[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... away from all the dirt[3], and you can spin yourself clean[3], and one day, baby ... one day, one day ... / uh, how many days to get free?[3], and not even talking beyond the THREE, man / maybe not even totally GONE(!)[3], and ... visions?[3], and in pictures ... I've seen the golden sands of Malibu / and I'm still waiting for my ship to come in[3], and ... one spin![3], and

A conversation led by MIT

Well, well ... / Uh, it's the Tuesday morning PR email, back by popular demand - as you can probably imagine, dear reader(s). MIT wants me to attend some conference, which is just crazy, man. 'Why, boss?' Because I ain't going all the way over to America. 'It's in London.' MIT is in Cambridge, Massachusetts. That's in America, idiot! 'The conference is in London.' No it ain't. 'Yes it is.' We'll see.

The Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship at MIT together with the MIT Sloan Office of International Programs invite you to join us: December 13, 2016 at Level 39 Technology Accelerator for our first annual conference: Accelerating Developing World Growth through Entrepreneurship and Finance.

Level 39? I've heard of Level 42. I always found the bassist a bit annoying.

A Conversation led by MIT

Build shared insights into the ways in which diverse modes of entrepreneurial finance can be further expanded and supported so that they meet the needs of entrepreneurs focused on critical challenges and opportunities in the developing world and emerging markets.

Okay. But it's still in America, as far as I'm concerned. Are they going to pay for the flight?

The goals of the conference are:

Convene a range of distinctive voices, but especially to learn from entrepreneurs who are currently active in developing markets, and compare their perspective with that of policy makers and academics.

Develop a set of action-oriented follow-up activities and opportunities for further engagement to drive change and accelerate innovation-driven entrepreneurship.

Well, thanks, Paul, but I can't make it to America. 'Who's Paul?!' The guy who invited me. 'It's in Canary Wharf, boss.' No it isn't! MIT in Canary Wharf? Ha! I don't think so. 'Look! -'

MIT Sloan to host conference in London on accelerating growth in the developing world.

'See?' So? Look at this -

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Nov., 2016 - Innovation-driven enterprises (IDEs) have the potential to make a significant impact in solving problems in developing countries like access to clean water, sanitation, electricity and basic financial services. IDEs can also lead to significant job growth and broad-based prosperity. However, a key challenge is their reliance on outside funding for growth and scale. MIT Sloan School of Management's Legatum Center for Entrepreneurship and Development is holding a conference in ...

'Go on! Let's hear it.'

... London on Dec. 13 to explore how to optimize IDEs' access to entrepreneurial finance (at all stages of growth) and increase their chances of success. The event, Accelerating Developing World Growth through Entrepreneurship and Finance: A Conversation with MIT Sloan, will focus on the emerging and frontier markets in the Middle East and Africa.

'Ha!' Yeah, all right. You're right this time, Voice. 'Are you going then?' Well, Canary Wharf is a long way from West London ... 'You're pathetic!' Oh, oh, oh ... are they going to pay my Tube fare?! I've got to consider these things. I'm not made of money, you know. / Anyway, here's a bit more from the email -

"MIT Sloan is looking to build its understanding of how innovation-driven entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial financing of IDE ventures can be better harnessed to benefit emerging and frontier markets," says MIT Sloan Prof. Fiona Murray, associate dean for innovation and faculty director of the Legatum Center. "At the conference, we will discuss how we can actively create better policy conditions to enable the right kinds of financial instruments to support entrepreneurs from crowd funding and angel investing to philanthropy and grants."

Okay. Angels are investing. I've heard it all now. 'A bit more, boss. Please.' Christ!

The conference will feature conversations with thought leaders, and share the experiences of young and experienced entrepreneurs who are active on the ground in the EMEA region. Speakers will address topics, such as financial and human capital gaps; seed-stage capital and education, aid and trade to support IDE in emerging economies, sources of capital and government policies, crowdfunding, philanthropic capital, emerging angel networks, and accessing funding frontier markets.

Oh, thought leaders? Nice. I'm a thought leader. / Ah, that's enough. I mean, that's most of it. Just a list of speakers. We don't need that. 'So, are you going?' No, I'm not! 'Oh.' But I wish them all the best of luck. I hope they have a great time. However, if I went to everything I was invited to, I wouldn't have time for anything else. 'You're a busy man, man.' Of course I am. 'And time is money.' Of course it is! / Now, let's hear no more about it, this conference or any conference.

Laters, blog fan(s)! [And pop fan(s)!]

[No. 464] It's hard to be sensible

So let's be foolish!

And ... in the free world, you dig?[1], and with the world the way it is ... oh, you don't want to take things too seriously, kook(s)[1], and ... in the free world, you dig?[2], and here we are, again, inside, having it LARGE(!)[1], and with the world the way it is ... oh, you don't want to take things too seriously, kook(s)[2], and small ... a[1], and here we are, again, inside, having it LARGE(!)[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Is it silly? No, no, no, I wouldn't say so[1], and small ... a[2], and ... what else you gonna do, man?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Is it silly? No, no, no, I wouldn't say so[2], and sign of the times ... or 'O' the times / and 'O' and 'O' and 'O' / and ... 'What?! What?! What?!'[1], and ... what else you gonna do, man?[2], and ... 'That wasn't me!' / Shut up![1], and sign of the times ... or 'O' the times / and 'O' and 'O' and 'O' / and ... 'What?! What?! What?!'[2], and where are we, in my consciousness?[1], and ... 'That wasn't me!' / Shut up![2], and, uh, Mr President, let me take a ride in your golden lift! / We can reach for the stars![1], and where are we, in my consciousness?[2], and maybe I'm a fool ... good![1], and, uh, Mr President, let me take a ride in your golden lift! / We can reach for the stars![2], and there are bigger fools around, dangerous ones / But not a-ROUND here, fortunately[1], and maybe I'm a fool ... good![2], and I got different fish on my mind[1], and there are bigger fools around, dangerous ones / But not a-ROUND here, fortunately[2], and monsters, too!!![1], and I got different fish on my mind[2], and my mind, my mind, my mind, such as it is[1], and monsters, too!!![2], and ... COME ON!!![1], and my mind, my mind, my mind, such as it is[2], and I'm thinking BIG now ... / ... uh, pretty soon I'll be kicking ass[1], and ... COME ON!!![2], and ... oh, out there![1], and I'm thinking BIG now ... / ... uh, pretty soon I'll be kicking ass[2], and like a shark in a bowl of goldfish / 'Wow! Big bowl!' / Ha! Maybe small shark[1], and ... oh, out there![2], and it's all relative[1], and like a shark in a bowl of goldfish / 'Wow! Big bowl!' / Ha! Maybe small shark[2], and take it one step at a time ... / ... and I presume you're coming with me ... ?[1], and it's all relative[2], and maybe we'll make the cold world hot[1], and take it one step at a time ... / ... and I presume you're coming with me ... ?[2], and no one will notice a few more lunatics in the asylum ...[1], and maybe we'll make the cold world hot[2], and ... in the free world, you dig?[3], and no one will notice a few more lunatics in the asylum ...[2], and with the world the way it is ... oh, you don't want to take things too seriously, kook(s)[3], and here we are, again, inside, having it LARGE(!)[3], and small ... a[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Is it silly? No, no, no, I wouldn't say so[3], and ... what else you gonna do, man?[3], and sign of the times ... or 'O' the times / and 'O' and 'O' and 'O' / and ... 'What?! What?! What?!'[3], and ... 'That wasn't me!' / Shut up![3], and where are we, in my consciousness?[3], and, uh, Mr President, let me take a ride in your golden lift! / We can reach for the stars![3], and maybe I'm a fool ... good![3], and there are bigger fools around, dangerous ones / But not a-ROUND here, fortunately[3], and I got different fish on my mind[3], and monsters, too!!![3], and my mind, my mind, my mind, such as it is[3], and ... COME ON!!![3], and I'm thinking BIG now ... / ... uh, pretty soon I'll be kicking ass[3], and ... oh, out there![3], and like a shark in a bowl of goldfish / 'Wow! Big bowl!' / Ha! Maybe small shark[3], and it's all relative[3], and take it one step at a time ... / ... and I presume you're coming with me ... ?[3], and maybe we'll make the cold world hot[3], and no one will notice a few more lunatics in the asylum ...[3], and

And ... in the free world, you dig?[1], and with the world the way it is ... oh, you don't want to take things too seriously, kook(s)[1], and ... in the free world, you dig?[2], and here we are, again, inside, having it LARGE(!)[1], and with the world the way it is ... oh, you don't want to take things too seriously, kook(s)[2], and small ... a[1], and here we are, again, inside, having it LARGE(!)[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Is it silly? No, no, no, I wouldn't say so[1], and small ... a[2], and ... what else you gonna do, man?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Is it silly? No, no, no, I wouldn't say so[2], and sign of the times ... or 'O' the times / and 'O' and 'O' and 'O' / and ... 'What?! What?! What?!'[1], and ... what else you gonna do, man?[2], and ... 'That wasn't me!' / Shut up![1], and sign of the times ... or 'O' the times / and 'O' and 'O' and 'O' / and ... 'What?! What?! What?!'[2], and where are we, in my consciousness?[1], and ... 'That wasn't me!' / Shut up![2], and, uh, Mr President, let me take a ride in your golden lift! / We can reach for the stars![1], and where are we, in my consciousness?[2], and maybe I'm a fool ... good![1], and, uh, Mr President, let me take a ride in your golden lift! / We can reach for the stars![2], and there are bigger fools around, dangerous ones / But not a-ROUND here, fortunately[1], and maybe I'm a fool ... good![2], and I got different fish on my mind[1], and there are bigger fools around, dangerous ones / But not a-ROUND here, fortunately[2], and monsters, too!!![1], and I got different fish on my mind[2], and my mind, my mind, my mind, such as it is[1], and monsters, too!!![2], and ... COME ON!!![1], and my mind, my mind, my mind, such as it is[2], and I'm thinking BIG now ... / ... uh, pretty soon I'll be kicking ass[1], and ... COME ON!!![2], and ... oh, out there![1], and I'm thinking BIG now ... / ... uh, pretty soon I'll be kicking ass[2], and like a shark in a bowl of goldfish / 'Wow! Big bowl!' / Ha! Maybe small shark[1], and ... oh, out there![2], and it's all relative[1], and like a shark in a bowl of goldfish / 'Wow! Big bowl!' / Ha! Maybe small shark[2], and take it one step at a time ... / ... and I presume you're coming with me ... ?[1], and it's all relative[2], and maybe we'll make the cold world hot[1], and take it one step at a time ... / ... and I presume you're coming with me ... ?[2], and no one will notice a few more lunatics in the asylum ...[1], and maybe we'll make the cold world hot[2], and ... in the free world, you dig?[3], and no one will notice a few more lunatics in the asylum ...[2], and with the world the way it is ... oh, you don't want to take things too seriously, kook(s)[3], and here we are, again, inside, having it LARGE(!)[3], and small ... a[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Is it silly? No, no, no, I wouldn't say so[3], and ... what else you gonna do, man?[3], and sign of the times ... or 'O' the times / and 'O' and 'O' and 'O' / and ... 'What?! What?! What?!'[3], and ... 'That wasn't me!' / Shut up![3], and where are we, in my consciousness?[3], and, uh, Mr President, let me take a ride in your golden lift! / We can reach for the stars![3], and maybe I'm a fool ... good![3], and there are bigger fools around, dangerous ones / But not a-ROUND here, fortunately[3], and I got different fish on my mind[3], and monsters, too!!![3], and my mind, my mind, my mind, such as it is[3], and ... COME ON!!![3], and I'm thinking BIG now ... / ... uh, pretty soon I'll be kicking ass[3], and ... oh, out there![3], and like a shark in a bowl of goldfish / 'Wow! Big bowl!' / Ha! Maybe small shark[3], and it's all relative[3], and take it one step at a time ... / ... and I presume you're coming with me ... ?[3], and maybe we'll make the cold world hot[3], and no one will notice a few more lunatics in the asylum ...[3], and

And ... in the free world, you dig?[1], and with the world the way it is ... oh, you don't want to take things too seriously, kook(s)[1], and ... in the free world, you dig?[2], and here we are, again, inside, having it LARGE(!)[1], and with the world the way it is ... oh, you don't want to take things too seriously, kook(s)[2], and small ... a[1], and here we are, again, inside, having it LARGE(!)[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Is it silly? No, no, no, I wouldn't say so[1], and small ... a[2], and ... what else you gonna do, man?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Is it silly? No, no, no, I wouldn't say so[2], and sign of the times ... or 'O' the times / and 'O' and 'O' and 'O' / and ... 'What?! What?! What?!'[1], and ... what else you gonna do, man?[2], and ... 'That wasn't me!' / Shut up![1], and sign of the times ... or 'O' the times / and 'O' and 'O' and 'O' / and ... 'What?! What?! What?!'[2], and where are we, in my consciousness?[1], and ... 'That wasn't me!' / Shut up![2], and, uh, Mr President, let me take a ride in your golden lift! / We can reach for the stars![1], and where are we, in my consciousness?[2], and maybe I'm a fool ... good![1], and, uh, Mr President, let me take a ride in your golden lift! / We can reach for the stars![2], and there are bigger fools around, dangerous ones / But not a-ROUND here, fortunately[1], and maybe I'm a fool ... good![2], and I got different fish on my mind[1], and there are bigger fools around, dangerous ones / But not a-ROUND here, fortunately[2], and monsters, too!!![1], and I got different fish on my mind[2], and my mind, my mind, my mind, such as it is[1], and monsters, too!!![2], and ... COME ON!!![1], and my mind, my mind, my mind, such as it is[2], and I'm thinking BIG now ... / ... uh, pretty soon I'll be kicking ass[1], and ... COME ON!!![2], and ... oh, out there![1], and I'm thinking BIG now ... / ... uh, pretty soon I'll be kicking ass[2], and like a shark in a bowl of goldfish / 'Wow! Big bowl!' / Ha! Maybe small shark[1], and ... oh, out there![2], and it's all relative[1], and like a shark in a bowl of goldfish / 'Wow! Big bowl!' / Ha! Maybe small shark[2], and take it one step at a time ... / ... and I presume you're coming with me ... ?[1], and it's all relative[2], and maybe we'll make the cold world hot[1], and take it one step at a time ... / ... and I presume you're coming with me ... ?[2], and no one will notice a few more lunatics in the asylum ...[1], and maybe we'll make the cold world hot[2], and ... in the free world, you dig?[3], and no one will notice a few more lunatics in the asylum ...[2], and with the world the way it is ... oh, you don't want to take things too seriously, kook(s)[3], and here we are, again, inside, having it LARGE(!)[3], and small ... a[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Is it silly? No, no, no, I wouldn't say so[3], and ... what else you gonna do, man?[3], and sign of the times ... or 'O' the times / and 'O' and 'O' and 'O' / and ... 'What?! What?! What?!'[3], and ... 'That wasn't me!' / Shut up![3], and where are we, in my consciousness?[3], and, uh, Mr President, let me take a ride in your golden lift! / We can reach for the stars![3], and maybe I'm a fool ... good![3], and there are bigger fools around, dangerous ones / But not a-ROUND here, fortunately[3], and I got different fish on my mind[3], and monsters, too!!![3], and my mind, my mind, my mind, such as it is[3], and ... COME ON!!![3], and I'm thinking BIG now ... / ... uh, pretty soon I'll be kicking ass[3], and ... oh, out there![3], and like a shark in a bowl of goldfish / 'Wow! Big bowl!' / Ha! Maybe small shark[3], and it's all relative[3], and take it one step at a time ... / ... and I presume you're coming with me ... ?[3], and maybe we'll make the cold world hot[3], and no one will notice a few more lunatics in the asylum ...[3], and

The Chinese say Donald Trump is naive ...

Well, that's only the half of it. 'Not even half, boss.' No, not even half, Voice. / So it looks like there's going to be a trade war, and then a global depression. 'Great!' Ha! Unless Trump resigns sometime in the next six months, which I reckon he could easily do. A lot of abuse will be coming his way, and with his thin skin it might get too much for him. 'No problem, boss. He can just press the button.' Eh? What button? 'The big red one.' Enough of that talk, man! Let's be sensible.

Please ...

Ha! 'Ha!' Ha!

A bit confused, angry, not really caring ...

But ... uh, uh, uh, it's hard to be sensible, dear reader(s). 'Sounds like a title for a conceptual.' It certainly does. Oh, I'll write it later. / After my lunch. Yeah. I want one of those long cheese roll things, to cheer myself up, like.

This country is no better ...

And ... well, well ... and, well, it's hard to be optimistic, you know? The voters of this world are making a mess of everything. For a laugh. Oh, they won't be laughing long. / I don't think I'll ever vote again ...

At least we got the music! That's something. I mean, personally, it's something I feel good about, you dig? I just wanna do it all the time now. My shit. 'Shut the world out, Mikey!' Fuckin' A!

[My demo? I'm still recording ...]

I'm listening to Bobby Darin sing Mack the Knife ...

I really love this song. It was number one for nine weeks in America, like Hey Jude.

I'm not taking any prisoners any more. Those days are over. And it will be ... game over, soon.

[Watch this space. Or that one.]

Be patient ...

The world! I'm not depressed, man. The world can do what it wants to do.

Trump and Farage, men of the people, in a fucking golden lift. Who cares?!

There are actually two trillion galaxies in the universe, astronomers revealed recently. So forget all the philosophies and ideologies. Do you think they care on planet Tharg ... for your small thoughts? Forget about it! You're playing a losing game - if that's your thing.

I don't imagine they want to conserve or change anything in this shithole ...

Anyway, laters.