Sandbar Asset Management - ?!

Don't worry about it, man(s). It's just a new equities hedge fund that is going to be launched later this year by Michael Cowley. He's hoping to raise $300 million, too. "Good luck to him!" That's what I say. We need more hedge funds in this world. [That wasn't the Voice, by the way. It was me. So I used those double speech mark things. What are they called?] 'Er ... just speech marks, boss, I think.' Oh, hello, Voice. How are you this morning? 'All right. / What are we talking about?' Michael Cowley and his new hedge fund, Sandbar Asset Management. He hasn't launched it yet, but when he does he's hoping to start off with $300 million - as I've just told the readers, if you were listening. 'Is this the Michael Cowley who was a portfolio manager at Millennium Capital Partners?' Yes. Why do you know him? 'No. I'm just reading the same shit you are.' Yeah, thanks, Voice. Thanks for your input. How much do I pay you again? 'Uh ... nothing, boss.' Ha! I'm paying you too much.

So ... $300 million. Is there any reason why we can't have it in pounds? I mean, this new firm is going to be London-based, as far as I know. 'No one takes pounds seriously, boss. We don't even know what they're worth from one day to the next.' Oh, don't get me started on Brexit! Jesus H. Christ! Do you know what I mean? 'Yeah.' And don't get me started on Trump again! 'Oh God! No.' No, no, no.

Well, well ... okay. / Let's wish Mr Cowley all the best with his new venture. Go on. 'Oh. Good luck, Mickey!' Is that what people call him, Voice? 'Er ... it's what I call him.' Okay.

...

Anything else? 'Music! What are you listening to, Mikey?' Can't you tell? 'Nirvana?' Yeah. In Utero.

My music? I don't want to record my last two songs yet because my performing has really improved over the last two months. 'Eh? That doesn't make any sense, man.' Yes it does. Maybe I can improve even more, man. You see? 'Oh.' / Anyway, I've come to the conclusion/belief that lead guitar may be more glamorous and flash than rhythm guitar BUT(!) ... rhythm is just as difficult as lead. In fact, I can say I've put more time into my rhythm playing. To play in a steady, smooth manner for four or five minutes without making ONE MISTAKE is actually quite difficult. While singing as well! / Also, I read somewhere that Prince valued good rhythm guitarists in his band more than lead players. Apparently, it's a lost art or something.

[No. 486] Melt up, down

All a-ROUND.

And here we are - !, ..., yeah, old friends[1], and don't expect sense, I ain't got none[1], and here we are - !, ..., yeah, old friends[2], and I never thought I would get this far, heading for five hundred - and at the speed of light![1], and don't expect sense, I ain't got none[2], and I'm so HOT, man(!!!) ... a-ROUND up here - ![1], and I never thought I would get this far, heading for five hundred - and at the speed of light![2], and ... 'Cool it, Mikey! Please!'[1], and I'm so HOT, man(!!!) ... a-ROUND up here - ![2], and where's my beautiful balloon? / Don't I get one?[1], and ... 'Cool it, Mikey! Please!'[2], and (when I'm crazy up I ain't crazy down ... and vice versa, obviously, obviously)[1], and where's my beautiful balloon? / Don't I get one?[2], and what do I want, out of life, like?[1], and (when I'm crazy up I ain't crazy down ... and vice versa, obviously, obviously)[2], and I'm asking for the COSMOS, not the fucking moon, you dig?![1], and what do I want, out of life, like?[2], and, ha, ha, ha! / SHIT!!![1], and I'm asking for the COSMOS, not the fucking moon, you dig?![2], and ... 'Get a grip, Mikey! Christ!'[1], and, ha, ha, ha! / SHIT!!![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND is all I got, son / Ah, deal with it[1], and ... 'Get a grip, Mikey! Christ!'[2], and when the going gets tough, I am nowhere to be seen[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND is all I got, son / Ah, deal with it[2], and these are the highest winds ... / oh, they gotta be![1], and when the going gets tough, I am nowhere to be seen[2], and where are YOU(!) ... my little spinner(s) ... in this comedy/tragedy - eh?[1], and these are the highest winds ... / oh, they gotta be![2], and my teeth are vibrating!!![1], and where are YOU(!) ... my little spinner(s) ... in this comedy/tragedy - eh?[2], and it's a raging fire volcano storm shit, uh, actually[1], and my teeth are vibrating!!![2], and, or, or, or ... so I say[1], and it's a raging fire volcano storm shit, uh, actually[2], and gotta bring it down now ... before I get lost in outer space ... or inner space[1], and, or, or, or ... so I say[2], and I'll be honest: I don't know where I am[1], and gotta bring it down now ... before I get lost in outer space ... or inner space[2], and YOU(!) ... could be helpful, if you knew how to be[1], and I'll be honest: I don't know where I am[2], and, well ... well - ?![1], and YOU(!) ... could be helpful, if you knew how to be[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... down, down, down, gently, like a feather[1], and, well ... well - ?![2], and ... / what is wrong with me?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... down, down, down, gently, like a feather[2], and here we go again, up![1], and ... / what is wrong with me?[2], and here we are - !, ..., yeah, old friends[3], and here we go again, up![2], and don't expect sense, I ain't got none[3], and I never thought I would get this far, heading for five hundred - and at the speed of light![3], and I'm so HOT, man(!!!) ... a-ROUND up here - ![3], and ... 'Cool it, Mikey! Please!'[3], and where's my beautiful balloon? / Don't I get one?[3], and (when I'm crazy up I ain't crazy down ... and vice versa, obviously, obviously)[3], and what do I want, out of life, like?[3], and I'm asking for the COSMOS, not the fucking moon, you dig?![3], and, ha, ha, ha! / SHIT!!![3], and ... 'Get a grip, Mikey! Christ!'[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND is all I got, son / Ah, deal with it[3], and when the going gets tough, I am nowhere to be seen[3], and these are the highest winds ... / oh, they gotta be![3], and where are YOU(!) ... my little spinner(s) ... in this comedy/tragedy - eh?[3], and my teeth are vibrating!!![3], and it's a raging fire volcano storm shit, uh, actually[3], and, or, or, or ... so I say[3], and gotta bring it down now ... before I get lost in outer space ... or inner space[3], and I'll be honest: I don't know where I am[3], and YOU(!) ... could be helpful, if you knew how to be[3], and, well ... well - ?![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... down, down, down, gently, like a feather[3], and ... / what is wrong with me?[3], and here we go again, up![3], and

And here we are - !, ..., yeah, old friends[1], and don't expect sense, I ain't got none[1], and here we are - !, ..., yeah, old friends[2], and I never thought I would get this far, heading for five hundred - and at the speed of light![1], and don't expect sense, I ain't got none[2], and I'm so HOT, man(!!!) ... a-ROUND up here - ![1], and I never thought I would get this far, heading for five hundred - and at the speed of light![2], and ... 'Cool it, Mikey! Please!'[1], and I'm so HOT, man(!!!) ... a-ROUND up here - ![2], and where's my beautiful balloon? / Don't I get one?[1], and ... 'Cool it, Mikey! Please!'[2], and (when I'm crazy up I ain't crazy down ... and vice versa, obviously, obviously)[1], and where's my beautiful balloon? / Don't I get one?[2], and what do I want, out of life, like?[1], and (when I'm crazy up I ain't crazy down ... and vice versa, obviously, obviously)[2], and I'm asking for the COSMOS, not the fucking moon, you dig?![1], and what do I want, out of life, like?[2], and, ha, ha, ha! / SHIT!!![1], and I'm asking for the COSMOS, not the fucking moon, you dig?![2], and ... 'Get a grip, Mikey! Christ!'[1], and, ha, ha, ha! / SHIT!!![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND is all I got, son / Ah, deal with it[1], and ... 'Get a grip, Mikey! Christ!'[2], and when the going gets tough, I am nowhere to be seen[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND is all I got, son / Ah, deal with it[2], and these are the highest winds ... / oh, they gotta be![1], and when the going gets tough, I am nowhere to be seen[2], and where are YOU(!) ... my little spinner(s) ... in this comedy/tragedy - eh?[1], and these are the highest winds ... / oh, they gotta be![2], and my teeth are vibrating!!![1], and where are YOU(!) ... my little spinner(s) ... in this comedy/tragedy - eh?[2], and it's a raging fire volcano storm shit, uh, actually[1], and my teeth are vibrating!!![2], and, or, or, or ... so I say[1], and it's a raging fire volcano storm shit, uh, actually[2], and gotta bring it down now ... before I get lost in outer space ... or inner space[1], and, or, or, or ... so I say[2], and I'll be honest: I don't know where I am[1], and gotta bring it down now ... before I get lost in outer space ... or inner space[2], and YOU(!) ... could be helpful, if you knew how to be[1], and I'll be honest: I don't know where I am[2], and, well ... well - ?![1], and YOU(!) ... could be helpful, if you knew how to be[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... down, down, down, gently, like a feather[1], and, well ... well - ?![2], and ... / what is wrong with me?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... down, down, down, gently, like a feather[2], and here we go again, up![1], and ... / what is wrong with me?[2], and here we are - !, ..., yeah, old friends[3], and here we go again, up![2], and don't expect sense, I ain't got none[3], and I never thought I would get this far, heading for five hundred - and at the speed of light![3], and I'm so HOT, man(!!!) ... a-ROUND up here - ![3], and ... 'Cool it, Mikey! Please!'[3], and where's my beautiful balloon? / Don't I get one?[3], and (when I'm crazy up I ain't crazy down ... and vice versa, obviously, obviously)[3], and what do I want, out of life, like?[3], and I'm asking for the COSMOS, not the fucking moon, you dig?![3], and, ha, ha, ha! / SHIT!!![3], and ... 'Get a grip, Mikey! Christ!'[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND is all I got, son / Ah, deal with it[3], and when the going gets tough, I am nowhere to be seen[3], and these are the highest winds ... / oh, they gotta be![3], and where are YOU(!) ... my little spinner(s) ... in this comedy/tragedy - eh?[3], and my teeth are vibrating!!![3], and it's a raging fire volcano storm shit, uh, actually[3], and, or, or, or ... so I say[3], and gotta bring it down now ... before I get lost in outer space ... or inner space[3], and I'll be honest: I don't know where I am[3], and YOU(!) ... could be helpful, if you knew how to be[3], and, well ... well - ?![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... down, down, down, gently, like a feather[3], and ... / what is wrong with me?[3], and here we go again, up![3], and

And here we are - !, ..., yeah, old friends[1], and don't expect sense, I ain't got none[1], and here we are - !, ..., yeah, old friends[2], and I never thought I would get this far, heading for five hundred - and at the speed of light![1], and don't expect sense, I ain't got none[2], and I'm so HOT, man(!!!) ... a-ROUND up here - ![1], and I never thought I would get this far, heading for five hundred - and at the speed of light![2], and ... 'Cool it, Mikey! Please!'[1], and I'm so HOT, man(!!!) ... a-ROUND up here - ![2], and where's my beautiful balloon? / Don't I get one?[1], and ... 'Cool it, Mikey! Please!'[2], and (when I'm crazy up I ain't crazy down ... and vice versa, obviously, obviously)[1], and where's my beautiful balloon? / Don't I get one?[2], and what do I want, out of life, like?[1], and (when I'm crazy up I ain't crazy down ... and vice versa, obviously, obviously)[2], and I'm asking for the COSMOS, not the fucking moon, you dig?![1], and what do I want, out of life, like?[2], and, ha, ha, ha! / SHIT!!![1], and I'm asking for the COSMOS, not the fucking moon, you dig?![2], and ... 'Get a grip, Mikey! Christ!'[1], and, ha, ha, ha! / SHIT!!![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND is all I got, son / Ah, deal with it[1], and ... 'Get a grip, Mikey! Christ!'[2], and when the going gets tough, I am nowhere to be seen[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND is all I got, son / Ah, deal with it[2], and these are the highest winds ... / oh, they gotta be![1], and when the going gets tough, I am nowhere to be seen[2], and where are YOU(!) ... my little spinner(s) ... in this comedy/tragedy - eh?[1], and these are the highest winds ... / oh, they gotta be![2], and my teeth are vibrating!!![1], and where are YOU(!) ... my little spinner(s) ... in this comedy/tragedy - eh?[2], and it's a raging fire volcano storm shit, uh, actually[1], and my teeth are vibrating!!![2], and, or, or, or ... so I say[1], and it's a raging fire volcano storm shit, uh, actually[2], and gotta bring it down now ... before I get lost in outer space ... or inner space[1], and, or, or, or ... so I say[2], and I'll be honest: I don't know where I am[1], and gotta bring it down now ... before I get lost in outer space ... or inner space[2], and YOU(!) ... could be helpful, if you knew how to be[1], and I'll be honest: I don't know where I am[2], and, well ... well - ?![1], and YOU(!) ... could be helpful, if you knew how to be[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... down, down, down, gently, like a feather[1], and, well ... well - ?![2], and ... / what is wrong with me?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... down, down, down, gently, like a feather[2], and here we go again, up![1], and ... / what is wrong with me?[2], and here we are - !, ..., yeah, old friends[3], and here we go again, up![2], and don't expect sense, I ain't got none[3], and I never thought I would get this far, heading for five hundred - and at the speed of light![3], and I'm so HOT, man(!!!) ... a-ROUND up here - ![3], and ... 'Cool it, Mikey! Please!'[3], and where's my beautiful balloon? / Don't I get one?[3], and (when I'm crazy up I ain't crazy down ... and vice versa, obviously, obviously)[3], and what do I want, out of life, like?[3], and I'm asking for the COSMOS, not the fucking moon, you dig?![3], and, ha, ha, ha! / SHIT!!![3], and ... 'Get a grip, Mikey! Christ!'[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND is all I got, son / Ah, deal with it[3], and when the going gets tough, I am nowhere to be seen[3], and these are the highest winds ... / oh, they gotta be![3], and where are YOU(!) ... my little spinner(s) ... in this comedy/tragedy - eh?[3], and my teeth are vibrating!!![3], and it's a raging fire volcano storm shit, uh, actually[3], and, or, or, or ... so I say[3], and gotta bring it down now ... before I get lost in outer space ... or inner space[3], and I'll be honest: I don't know where I am[3], and YOU(!) ... could be helpful, if you knew how to be[3], and, well ... well - ?![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... down, down, down, gently, like a feather[3], and ... / what is wrong with me?[3], and here we go again, up![3], and

Andrew Harrison has joined Silverfleet Capital

As, as, as, er ... head of investor relations! 'Nice one!' Yes. / Yes, dear reader(s), it's the Monday morning PR email. So - 'Back by popular demand, boss!' What, Voice? 'It's the Monday morning PR email, back by popular demand.' Oh, yeah. I'm going to stop saying that. 'Why?!' It's getting a bit old. I'm bored with it, man.

Anyway -

Silverfleet Capital ("Silverfleet") is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Harrison as Head of Investor Relations ("Relations"), based in its London office. Andrew joins Silverfleet from Credit Suisse where he spent ("Spent") over 12 years, latterly as a member of the firm's Private Fund Group ("PFG").

Okay. By the way, the PR person has said that I can have a picture of Andy, if I want it. 'And do you want it?' No. 'Oh. Why not?' Well, maybe if he was a fit bird, you know? 'Okay. I get you.' Anyway. Let's do the rest of the email -

During his time in the PFG, Andrew raised capital for a number ("Number") of buyout, energy, credit and infrastructure investment strategies including Silverfleet's second independent fund. Most recently, Andrew was responsible for the PFG's origination and due diligence activities across Europe and Asia.

In the PFG?! 'Is that a football firm, boss?' Don't be ridiculous! / Hang on! --- Oh, of course. It's the private fund group ("PFG") at Credit Suisse.

Andrew has a degree ("Degree") in Computer Science and Management Science from The University of Edinburgh, and holds an MBA from Imperial College London.

Nice. 'What about Mr MacDougall, boss? What does he say about all this?' Give me a chance, Voice.

Neil MacDougall, Managing Partner at Silverfleet Capital, commented: "We are very pleased ("Pleased") that Andrew has decided to join Silverfleet to manage our investor relations function. Having worked very closely with him during the raising of our second fund we expect that he will make a significant contribution to our firm in this role."

So they obviously poached him. 'Like an egg!' No, not like an egg. Like a pheasant, maybe. But certainly not like an egg. 'Like a peasant?! Christ! Don't let our Andy hear you call him that.' I said - PHEASANT - !!! Idiot! ("Idiot").

Now, what does Andy say? Let's hear from the great man himself.

Commenting on his appointment, Andrew ("Andy") said: "I am delighted to be joining Silverfleet and am excited to be part of a market leading firm with such a longstanding reputation for creating value in companies across the European mid-market. Having advised the Silverfleet team on their last fund raising, I am looking forward to developing further the firm's relationships with investors around the world."

He's delighted. / Right. A bit about Silverfleet -

Silverfleet Capital has been an active European mid-market private equity investor for more than 30 years. The investment team of 25 executives is based in offices in London, Munich and Paris ("Peckham") and currently manages around €1.2 billion. Silverfleet Capital's second independent fund closed in 2015 with commitments of €870 million. Since its close, the fund has completed investments in: The Masai Clothing Company, a Danish headquartered wholesaler and retailer of women's fashion; Coventya, a French headquartered specialty chemicals business; Sigma Components, a UK precision components manufacturer focusing on the aerospace industry, and UK apprenticeship provider Lifetime Training.

And that will do, I think.

...

Ah, Jesus! Anything else? No. There's nothing else. 'What about No. 486, Mikey?' That will come later. / Laters.

[No. 485] When will finance be over?

I see my light come shining!

And I'm dreaming of the day[1], and, yes, Jesus, yes, Jesus, yes ... we all know, us people, how busy people ... like you ... actually are[1], and I'm dreaming of the day[2], and maybe you're stuck and loving it ...[1], and, yes, Jesus, yes, Jesus, yes ... we all know, us people, how busy people ... like you ... actually are[2], and don't YOU(!) ... dream, eh?[1], and maybe you're stuck and loving it ...[2], and, oh, I know, I know, I know, yes, golf / but I think you can do better than that[1], and don't YOU(!) ... dream, eh?[2], and take a lifetime off, please![1], and, oh, I know, I know, I know, yes, golf / but I think you can do better than that[2], and I get DIZZY(!), as you know[1], and take a lifetime off, please![2], and ... spin, ha![1], and I get DIZZY(!), as you know[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... - now! / It don't make it come quicker, no, but helps me/us forget ... for a while[1], and ... spin, ha![2], and can YOU(!) ... even think - ? Christ![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... - now! / It don't make it come quicker, no, but helps me/us forget ... for a while[2], and when finance is finished, oh, I can finish ... / I play my guitar and pray for that day[1], and can YOU(!) ... even think - ? Christ![2], and it's a disease, for you / ... and you've got the best armchair, no doubt, ha![1], and when finance is finished, oh, I can finish ... / I play my guitar and pray for that day[2], and, but, but, but ... come with me![1], and it's a disease, for you / ... and you've got the best armchair, no doubt, ha![2], and this journey lasts forever[1], and, but, but, but ... come with me![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Baby, can you dig it?[1], and this journey lasts forever[2], and give it your best shot[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Baby, can you dig it?[2], and, uh ... digging may be a bit strange in finance, but music?! / You just gotta look at cats like Keith Richards, man![1], and give it your best shot[2], and when I leave, you should leave[1], and, uh ... digging may be a bit strange in finance, but music?! / You just gotta look at cats like Keith Richards, man![2], and I've put my soul, my blood, my fire, on the line for COMPLETE STRANGERS, so ...[1], and when I leave, you should leave[2], and ... ah, what's it matter?![1], and I've put my soul, my blood, my fire, on the line for COMPLETE STRANGERS, so ...[2], and when money goes out of style, maybe I'll get some, yes, style, real style, rock and roll style[1], and ... ah, what's it matter?![2], and I'll pray for you[1], and when money goes out of style, maybe I'll get some, yes, style, real style, rock and roll style[2], and I'm dreaming of the day[3], and I'll pray for you[2], and, yes, Jesus, yes, Jesus, yes ... we all know, us people, how busy people ... like you ... actually are[3], and maybe you're stuck and loving it ...[3], and don't YOU(!) ... dream, eh?[3], and, oh, I know, I know, I know, yes, golf / but I think you can do better than that[3], and take a lifetime off, please![3], and I get DIZZY(!), as you know[3], and ... spin, ha![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... - now! / It don't make it come quicker, no, but helps me/us forget ... for a while[3], and can YOU(!) ... even think - ? Christ![3], and when finance is finished, oh, I can finish ... / I play my guitar and pray for that day[3], and it's a disease, for you / ... and you've got the best armchair, no doubt, ha![3], and, but, but, but ... come with me![3], and this journey lasts forever[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Baby, can you dig it?[3], and give it your best shot[3], and, uh ... digging may be a bit strange in finance, but music?! / You just gotta look at cats like Keith Richards, man![3], and when I leave, you should leave[3], and I've put my soul, my blood, my fire, on the line for COMPLETE STRANGERS, so ...[3], and ... ah, what's it matter?![3], and when money goes out of style, maybe I'll get some, yes, style, real style, rock and roll style[3], and I'll pray for you[3], and

And I'm dreaming of the day[1], and, yes, Jesus, yes, Jesus, yes ... we all know, us people, how busy people ... like you ... actually are[1], and I'm dreaming of the day[2], and maybe you're stuck and loving it ...[1], and, yes, Jesus, yes, Jesus, yes ... we all know, us people, how busy people ... like you ... actually are[2], and don't YOU(!) ... dream, eh?[1], and maybe you're stuck and loving it ...[2], and, oh, I know, I know, I know, yes, golf / but I think you can do better than that[1], and don't YOU(!) ... dream, eh?[2], and take a lifetime off, please![1], and, oh, I know, I know, I know, yes, golf / but I think you can do better than that[2], and I get DIZZY(!), as you know[1], and take a lifetime off, please![2], and ... spin, ha![1], and I get DIZZY(!), as you know[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... - now! / It don't make it come quicker, no, but helps me/us forget ... for a while[1], and ... spin, ha![2], and can YOU(!) ... even think - ? Christ![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... - now! / It don't make it come quicker, no, but helps me/us forget ... for a while[2], and when finance is finished, oh, I can finish ... / I play my guitar and pray for that day[1], and can YOU(!) ... even think - ? Christ![2], and it's a disease, for you / ... and you've got the best armchair, no doubt, ha![1], and when finance is finished, oh, I can finish ... / I play my guitar and pray for that day[2], and, but, but, but ... come with me![1], and it's a disease, for you / ... and you've got the best armchair, no doubt, ha![2], and this journey lasts forever[1], and, but, but, but ... come with me![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Baby, can you dig it?[1], and this journey lasts forever[2], and give it your best shot[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Baby, can you dig it?[2], and, uh ... digging may be a bit strange in finance, but music?! / You just gotta look at cats like Keith Richards, man![1], and give it your best shot[2], and when I leave, you should leave[1], and, uh ... digging may be a bit strange in finance, but music?! / You just gotta look at cats like Keith Richards, man![2], and I've put my soul, my blood, my fire, on the line for COMPLETE STRANGERS, so ...[1], and when I leave, you should leave[2], and ... ah, what's it matter?![1], and I've put my soul, my blood, my fire, on the line for COMPLETE STRANGERS, so ...[2], and when money goes out of style, maybe I'll get some, yes, style, real style, rock and roll style[1], and ... ah, what's it matter?![2], and I'll pray for you[1], and when money goes out of style, maybe I'll get some, yes, style, real style, rock and roll style[2], and I'm dreaming of the day[3], and I'll pray for you[2], and, yes, Jesus, yes, Jesus, yes ... we all know, us people, how busy people ... like you ... actually are[3], and maybe you're stuck and loving it ...[3], and don't YOU(!) ... dream, eh?[3], and, oh, I know, I know, I know, yes, golf / but I think you can do better than that[3], and take a lifetime off, please![3], and I get DIZZY(!), as you know[3], and ... spin, ha![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... - now! / It don't make it come quicker, no, but helps me/us forget ... for a while[3], and can YOU(!) ... even think - ? Christ![3], and when finance is finished, oh, I can finish ... / I play my guitar and pray for that day[3], and it's a disease, for you / ... and you've got the best armchair, no doubt, ha![3], and, but, but, but ... come with me![3], and this journey lasts forever[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Baby, can you dig it?[3], and give it your best shot[3], and, uh ... digging may be a bit strange in finance, but music?! / You just gotta look at cats like Keith Richards, man![3], and when I leave, you should leave[3], and I've put my soul, my blood, my fire, on the line for COMPLETE STRANGERS, so ...[3], and ... ah, what's it matter?![3], and when money goes out of style, maybe I'll get some, yes, style, real style, rock and roll style[3], and I'll pray for you[3], and

And I'm dreaming of the day[1], and, yes, Jesus, yes, Jesus, yes ... we all know, us people, how busy people ... like you ... actually are[1], and I'm dreaming of the day[2], and maybe you're stuck and loving it ...[1], and, yes, Jesus, yes, Jesus, yes ... we all know, us people, how busy people ... like you ... actually are[2], and don't YOU(!) ... dream, eh?[1], and maybe you're stuck and loving it ...[2], and, oh, I know, I know, I know, yes, golf / but I think you can do better than that[1], and don't YOU(!) ... dream, eh?[2], and take a lifetime off, please![1], and, oh, I know, I know, I know, yes, golf / but I think you can do better than that[2], and I get DIZZY(!), as you know[1], and take a lifetime off, please![2], and ... spin, ha![1], and I get DIZZY(!), as you know[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... - now! / It don't make it come quicker, no, but helps me/us forget ... for a while[1], and ... spin, ha![2], and can YOU(!) ... even think - ? Christ![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... - now! / It don't make it come quicker, no, but helps me/us forget ... for a while[2], and when finance is finished, oh, I can finish ... / I play my guitar and pray for that day[1], and can YOU(!) ... even think - ? Christ![2], and it's a disease, for you / ... and you've got the best armchair, no doubt, ha![1], and when finance is finished, oh, I can finish ... / I play my guitar and pray for that day[2], and, but, but, but ... come with me![1], and it's a disease, for you / ... and you've got the best armchair, no doubt, ha![2], and this journey lasts forever[1], and, but, but, but ... come with me![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Baby, can you dig it?[1], and this journey lasts forever[2], and give it your best shot[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Baby, can you dig it?[2], and, uh ... digging may be a bit strange in finance, but music?! / You just gotta look at cats like Keith Richards, man![1], and give it your best shot[2], and when I leave, you should leave[1], and, uh ... digging may be a bit strange in finance, but music?! / You just gotta look at cats like Keith Richards, man![2], and I've put my soul, my blood, my fire, on the line for COMPLETE STRANGERS, so ...[1], and when I leave, you should leave[2], and ... ah, what's it matter?![1], and I've put my soul, my blood, my fire, on the line for COMPLETE STRANGERS, so ...[2], and when money goes out of style, maybe I'll get some, yes, style, real style, rock and roll style[1], and ... ah, what's it matter?![2], and I'll pray for you[1], and when money goes out of style, maybe I'll get some, yes, style, real style, rock and roll style[2], and I'm dreaming of the day[3], and I'll pray for you[2], and, yes, Jesus, yes, Jesus, yes ... we all know, us people, how busy people ... like you ... actually are[3], and maybe you're stuck and loving it ...[3], and don't YOU(!) ... dream, eh?[3], and, oh, I know, I know, I know, yes, golf / but I think you can do better than that[3], and take a lifetime off, please![3], and I get DIZZY(!), as you know[3], and ... spin, ha![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... - now! / It don't make it come quicker, no, but helps me/us forget ... for a while[3], and can YOU(!) ... even think - ? Christ![3], and when finance is finished, oh, I can finish ... / I play my guitar and pray for that day[3], and it's a disease, for you / ... and you've got the best armchair, no doubt, ha![3], and, but, but, but ... come with me![3], and this journey lasts forever[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / Baby, can you dig it?[3], and give it your best shot[3], and, uh ... digging may be a bit strange in finance, but music?! / You just gotta look at cats like Keith Richards, man![3], and when I leave, you should leave[3], and I've put my soul, my blood, my fire, on the line for COMPLETE STRANGERS, so ...[3], and ... ah, what's it matter?![3], and when money goes out of style, maybe I'll get some, yes, style, real style, rock and roll style[3], and I'll pray for you[3], and

China's banks are more valuable than America's

Or the bank "brands" are, anyway. Whatever that means. 'What's this, boss?' Oh, just some PR email, Voice, about bank brands. 'Another PR email?!' Yeah, uh, uh ... I'm too confused and lazy this morning to go looking for news. It's just my brain. Besides, I like this. It will upset Donald Trump.

Total value of Chinese bank brands surpasses that of US, brand study reveals. Wells Fargo loses its status as the world's most valuable banking brand. ICBC is now the world's most valuable, worth US$47.8bn after 32% growth.

For the very first time, the combined brand value of China's lenders has surpassed that of the United States. China's bank brands account for 24% (US$258 billion) of the total brand value of the Brand Finance Banking 500, while the US accounts for 23%. Every year, leading valuation and strategy consultancy Brand Finance values the brands of thousands of the world’s biggest companies. The results of this analysis are then ranked, with the world's 500 most valuable banking brands featured in the Brand Finance Banking 500.

Okay, okay. I wonder what the value of my "brand" is ... 'Eh?' My blog, and my image as the world's foremost financial shaman. 'I'm sure you could get a couple of quid.' Don't take the piss, man. It's taken me years to get where I am. 'And where's that?' Uh, well ... nowhere in particular. 'Ha!' But you just wait until I become the world's foremost rock and roll shaman! 'Okay.' Then we'll have some fun. 'Will I be involved?' Probably. I mean, I've tried a thousand times to get rid of you, Voice. It's no ... uh. 'The email.' All right. Yes, the email.

Brand Finance's CEO David Haigh states, "Chinese banks are being carried along in the slipstream of its industrial giants as they grow and expand into international markets. Facilitating international deals boosts revenues, but more importantly, enables the banks to build their reputations with potential clients across the world."

Okay, okay. There's a lot of it, this email. I'll just do bits. My head is in bits, you see? My soul. 'Bits of your head, your soul?' No. This. This fucking email! I want it to be over - NOW!

The success of the Chinese banks and ICBC in particular comes at the expense of Wells Fargo, which has lost its position as the world's most valuable banking brand. Wells Fargo has also been the architect of its own misfortune. Its fake accounts scandal has seen its reputation take a hit, with downgraded revenue forecasts contributing to a 6% brand value fall to US$41.6 billion.

I want finance ... to be over. Let it, let it, let it ... be over! Help me! Save us, Jesus H. - !

The situation for Europe's banks is worse still. The most valuable bank brands from the UK, France, Germany and Italy (HSBC, BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank and Intesa Sanpaolo) have all declined in brand value. Deutsche has recently been hit with a US$7.2 billion bill to settle an investigation into its mortgage backed securities. 2016 also saw a 97% drop in profits and an individual bonus freeze for all VPs and MDs. Deutsche's torrid year was reflected in its brand value, which is down 41% to US$4.9 billion.

Ha! Worse still? They don't know how I'm feeling at this moment in time. They should count themselves lucky that they're not spiritual aristocrats and existentialists.

HSBC has declined by a less severe 5% to US$22.9 billion as it goes through a period of consolidation. At the domestic level, over a quarter of its UK branches have been closed in the last two years while internationally, HSBC's Brazilian business was sold to Bradesco. HSBC's marketing communications have shifted to reflect its more geographically concentrated approach. The 'World's Local Bank' message has been replaced with campaigns that now focus more on HSBC's role in facilitating personal and business ambitions.

And I don't want to hear any more. Voice, make it stop! 'The email?' Yes, the email. 'Well, stop quoting from it!' I can't. Please, take it away from me. Delete it. Do something! 'Christ! Hang on, boss!' ... / ... / ... Voice!!! ... //// ... 'It's gone!'

Thank you
Thank you
Thank you

...

Anything else? FFS! / ... / I don't know about you, reader(s), but I need some music. 'Yes!' / The demos of Live Forever and Smells Like Teen Spirit. / ... / Nirvana sound very rough. You can hardly make the song out. And the lyrics aren't complete. [It doesn't matter, I suppose. It's grunge.] / Now ... I'm listening to one of mine, Lucky You. [There are a few songs with that title. It doesn't matter, I know.] / ... / Well, it's much better than the songs from the old demo, but only the third best song ... on the new demo. There are .. four songs. Uh, soon. 'Yes!' But I'm worried about my teeth, actually. 'Oh.'

Laters.

The Virtual Technology Cluster Group is raising capital

Yippee! Good luck to them! / Yes, dear reader(s), it's the Wednesday morning PR email, back by popular demand. 'Er ... Wednesday morning? What time is it, boss? I got Tuesday night.' I'll be posting it around 1.00am, Voice. If it's any of your business, of course. 'Okay. Writing in the middle of the night again. I'm glad you've got Apollo on.' Well, the night time is the right time, man.

But let's do this!

London, 31 January 2017 - The Virtual Technology Cluster Group ("The VTC Group"), which connects small innovative companies with blue chip organizations seeking innovation, is raising capital to support the high growth businesses within its network. By working with SMEs, the VTC Group is a key asset in helping them expand as it gains a deep insight into the models, IP, management and commercial opportunities of these companies.

Okay. Just one thing. Is "Cluster" a good idea? I mean, for a firm's name. 'Not really, boss. What were you going to call your firm?' Are you talking about the hedge fund I was thinking of? 'Yeah.' Fowke Shitshow Capital. 'Ha! Not good.' No. Fowke Capital sounds better. 'Much better!' Personally, if this were my firm ... The Virtual Technology Group. You dig? 'Yeah.' But it's their firm. Let them have it their own way. / So ...

The VTC Group is raising capital through Funderbeam in Estonia, the world's first primary and secondary marketplace for early-stage investments secured by blockchain. This capital raise, the first step in a long-term partnership with Funderbeam, will allow the VTC Group to help its SME members raise their own investment on Funderbeam and, in doing so, offer access to a growing global investor base via a 24/7 borderless liquid marketplace.

Funderbeam? Christ! Whatever.

This new business model, which enables SMEs to access investment and achieve liquidity for their shareholders, is built on the ongoing success of the VTC Group's cluster model. The VTC Group has also agreed a pilot scheme with a global pharmaceutical company to find innovative technology-enabled solutions to fast-track innovation from its supply chain.

Fine. Perfectly fine. / Uh, I wonder how Auriol Stevens feels about it all. If only there was a way to find out. 'Boss.' I guess we'll never know. 'Boss!' It's a shame really. 'For crying out loud! Boss!!!' What, man?! 'This -'

Commenting, Auriol Stevens, CEO, VTC Group said: "Our new model is going to allow us to create real value  for growth companies, for blue chips, for UK PLC, for our investors, and for us. By connecting small companies with corporate opportunities, we have a unique insight into their businesses and we are going to use this to stimulate growth. We are very excited to be raising capital on Funderbeam's innovative platform - a perfect demonstration of how technology is changing every aspect of business. With the growing adoption of our cluster methodology and new governmental contracts, 2017 will be a very busy year."

Right. Okay. Yeah, thanks for that, Voice. I must have missed it. 'What would you do without me, eh?' Well, I'd probably have a quieter life, for starters.

...

Anything else? Music? I've got Oxygene on now, for my sins. 'Ha!' It's all right, I suppose. Most Seventies electronic music has aged badly, I feel. 'Bowie and Eno are still all right.' Of course they are! I'm thinking of acts like Tangerine Dream.

Anyway. Laters.

Bateson Asset Management - ?!

Yes, yes. Bateson Asset Management. What's that?! - you're probably wondering, dear reader(s). Well, it's one of these computer robot firms that is trying to take over the world, like the Terminator. 'Eh?!' Oh, hello, Voice. How are you this morning? 'Fine, boss. Er ... ain't Bateson Asset Management just a new firm that is going to use computers for trading and investing like loads of others?' Well, yeah. It's been founded by Richard Bateson, who, uh ... used to work on that infernal AHL thing at Man Group. 'Oh dear.'

You see, dear reader(s), I've always preferred the GLG guys ... you know? 'They know!' Most of them are financial shamans in touch with the cosmos, all spiritual and mystical. HUMAN!!! 'Well, a lot of them are old friends of yours, boss, from the crazy desert days, astral and physical.' Of course they are! We were dancing beneath the moon, so delirious, ecstatic, with the blood and fire, ah ... 'Christ! Don't upset yourself, man. Those days are gone. At least you've got your conceptual stuff now. You can get DIZZY(!) all the time, any time you like.' Is it the same though, Voice? As the blood, and the fire! 'Well, it's obviously not the same. However, you're working towards getting beyond ... the THREE now, aren't you?' Yeah. Yeah. 'Ha! Well, don't sound so happy about it!' I just - oh, I don't know.

Obviously, reader(s), I wish this, uh ... Dr Bateson all the best with his ... new firm, like. I mean - 'Oh, come on! It would be churlish to wish him ill just because he loves computers and you don't, Mikey.' Yes, Voice, I suppose you're right. / It's just the way the world is now, or the way the world is going. Maybe I've lived too long.

...

Well, well ... / Anything else? No. No. No. I'm all confused today. Actually, I might have a lie down in a minute. 'What?!' High winds, Voice. 'But we have to learn to sail in high winds.' Yes, I know. Aristotle Onassis. Jesus H. - ! It ain't easy. It's hard.

[No. 484] A vote to lose!

You are free, after all.

And your last chance has gone ... ?[1], and you can vote to be a nothing, a worm ... uh, begging for crumbs, my wretched friend(s)[1], and your last chance has gone ... ?[2], and a madman will steal your rights, even your whole life, ha![1], and you can vote to be a nothing, a worm ... uh, begging for crumbs, my wretched friend(s)[2], and if you're losing anyway ... hey, why not give everything away? / I'm sure your children and grandchildren will really appreciate it[1], and a madman will steal your rights, even your whole life, ha![2], and thinking ... is for the elite! / No, not for you[1], and if you're losing anyway ... hey, why not give everything away? / I'm sure your children and grandchildren will really appreciate it[2], and TRUTH(!) ... is for shitheads[1], and thinking ... is for the elite! / No, not for you[2], and you just gotta feel how nasty and chaotic the world is / and you just gotta pray for a strong man to save you[1], and TRUTH(!) ... is for shitheads[2], and even feeling is hard for some, Jesus H. Christ![1], and you just gotta feel how nasty and chaotic the world is / and you just gotta pray for a strong man to save you[2], and, uh ... never mind, eh?[1], and even feeling is hard for some, Jesus H. Christ![2], and taste the boot! (Stocks will last forever!)[1], and, uh ... never mind, eh?[2], and sometimes you don't even need to vote for a new master / oh, we all lead such busy lives ...[1], and taste the boot! (Stocks will last forever!)[2], and YOU(!) ... can go back to sleep - NOW![1], and sometimes you don't even need to vote for a new master / oh, we all lead such busy lives ...[2], and, oh, I've heard they like to choose themselves / and it saves so much time ... uh, doing us all a favour, like[1], and YOU(!) ... can go back to sleep - NOW![2], and what do you care? / and you need a soul to care ...[1], and, oh, I've heard they like to choose themselves / and it saves so much time ... uh, doing us all a favour, like[2], and, so, spin, little idiot![1], and what do you care? / and you need a soul to care ...[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / and maybe I will take charge ...[1], and, so, spin, little idiot![2], and you will do what I tell you[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / and maybe I will take charge ...[2], and you will not complain / Oh, oh, oh ... I'm only thinking of what's best for you, ha![1], and you will do what I tell you[2], and a-ROUND, my slave![1], and you will not complain / Oh, oh, oh ... I'm only thinking of what's best for you, ha![2], and freedom is such a terrible and disgusting burden / and you are much better off without it[1], and a-ROUND, my slave![2], and hold my hand![1], and freedom is such a terrible and disgusting burden / and you are much better off without it[2], and, yes, you are weak for me, thank you![1], and hold my hand![2], and your last chance has gone ... ?[3], and, yes, you are weak for me, thank you![2], and you can vote to be a nothing, a worm ... uh, begging for crumbs, my wretched friend(s)[3], and a madman will steal your rights, even your whole life, ha![3], and if you're losing anyway ... hey, why not give everything away? / I'm sure your children and grandchildren will really appreciate it[3], and thinking ... is for the elite! / No, not for you[3], and TRUTH(!) ... is for shitheads[3], and you just gotta feel how nasty and chaotic the world is / and you just gotta pray for a strong man to save you[3], and even feeling is hard for some, Jesus H. Christ![3], and, uh ... never mind, eh?[3], and taste the boot! (Stocks will last forever!)[3], and sometimes you don't even need to vote for a new master / oh, we all lead such busy lives ...[3], and YOU(!) ... can go back to sleep - NOW![3], and, oh, I've heard they like to choose themselves / and it saves so much time ... uh, doing us all a favour, like[3], and what do you care? / and you need a soul to care ...[3], and, so, spin, little idiot![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / and maybe I will take charge ...[3], and you will do what I tell you[3], and you will not complain / Oh, oh, oh ... I'm only thinking of what's best for you, ha![3], and a-ROUND, my slave![3], and freedom is such a terrible and disgusting burden / and you are much better off without it[3], and hold my hand![3], and, yes, you are weak for me, thank you![3], and

And your last chance has gone ... ?[1], and you can vote to be a nothing, a worm ... uh, begging for crumbs, my wretched friend(s)[1], and your last chance has gone ... ?[2], and a madman will steal your rights, even your whole life, ha![1], and you can vote to be a nothing, a worm ... uh, begging for crumbs, my wretched friend(s)[2], and if you're losing anyway ... hey, why not give everything away? / I'm sure your children and grandchildren will really appreciate it[1], and a madman will steal your rights, even your whole life, ha![2], and thinking ... is for the elite! / No, not for you[1], and if you're losing anyway ... hey, why not give everything away? / I'm sure your children and grandchildren will really appreciate it[2], and TRUTH(!) ... is for shitheads[1], and thinking ... is for the elite! / No, not for you[2], and you just gotta feel how nasty and chaotic the world is / and you just gotta pray for a strong man to save you[1], and TRUTH(!) ... is for shitheads[2], and even feeling is hard for some, Jesus H. Christ![1], and you just gotta feel how nasty and chaotic the world is / and you just gotta pray for a strong man to save you[2], and, uh ... never mind, eh?[1], and even feeling is hard for some, Jesus H. Christ![2], and taste the boot! (Stocks will last forever!)[1], and, uh ... never mind, eh?[2], and sometimes you don't even need to vote for a new master / oh, we all lead such busy lives ...[1], and taste the boot! (Stocks will last forever!)[2], and YOU(!) ... can go back to sleep - NOW![1], and sometimes you don't even need to vote for a new master / oh, we all lead such busy lives ...[2], and, oh, I've heard they like to choose themselves / and it saves so much time ... uh, doing us all a favour, like[1], and YOU(!) ... can go back to sleep - NOW![2], and what do you care? / and you need a soul to care ...[1], and, oh, I've heard they like to choose themselves / and it saves so much time ... uh, doing us all a favour, like[2], and, so, spin, little idiot![1], and what do you care? / and you need a soul to care ...[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / and maybe I will take charge ...[1], and, so, spin, little idiot![2], and you will do what I tell you[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / and maybe I will take charge ...[2], and you will not complain / Oh, oh, oh ... I'm only thinking of what's best for you, ha![1], and you will do what I tell you[2], and a-ROUND, my slave![1], and you will not complain / Oh, oh, oh ... I'm only thinking of what's best for you, ha![2], and freedom is such a terrible and disgusting burden / and you are much better off without it[1], and a-ROUND, my slave![2], and hold my hand![1], and freedom is such a terrible and disgusting burden / and you are much better off without it[2], and, yes, you are weak for me, thank you![1], and hold my hand![2], and your last chance has gone ... ?[3], and, yes, you are weak for me, thank you![2], and you can vote to be a nothing, a worm ... uh, begging for crumbs, my wretched friend(s)[3], and a madman will steal your rights, even your whole life, ha![3], and if you're losing anyway ... hey, why not give everything away? / I'm sure your children and grandchildren will really appreciate it[3], and thinking ... is for the elite! / No, not for you[3], and TRUTH(!) ... is for shitheads[3], and you just gotta feel how nasty and chaotic the world is / and you just gotta pray for a strong man to save you[3], and even feeling is hard for some, Jesus H. Christ![3], and, uh ... never mind, eh?[3], and taste the boot! (Stocks will last forever!)[3], and sometimes you don't even need to vote for a new master / oh, we all lead such busy lives ...[3], and YOU(!) ... can go back to sleep - NOW![3], and, oh, I've heard they like to choose themselves / and it saves so much time ... uh, doing us all a favour, like[3], and what do you care? / and you need a soul to care ...[3], and, so, spin, little idiot![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / and maybe I will take charge ...[3], and you will do what I tell you[3], and you will not complain / Oh, oh, oh ... I'm only thinking of what's best for you, ha![3], and a-ROUND, my slave![3], and freedom is such a terrible and disgusting burden / and you are much better off without it[3], and hold my hand![3], and, yes, you are weak for me, thank you![3], and

And your last chance has gone ... ?[1], and you can vote to be a nothing, a worm ... uh, begging for crumbs, my wretched friend(s)[1], and your last chance has gone ... ?[2], and a madman will steal your rights, even your whole life, ha![1], and you can vote to be a nothing, a worm ... uh, begging for crumbs, my wretched friend(s)[2], and if you're losing anyway ... hey, why not give everything away? / I'm sure your children and grandchildren will really appreciate it[1], and a madman will steal your rights, even your whole life, ha![2], and thinking ... is for the elite! / No, not for you[1], and if you're losing anyway ... hey, why not give everything away? / I'm sure your children and grandchildren will really appreciate it[2], and TRUTH(!) ... is for shitheads[1], and thinking ... is for the elite! / No, not for you[2], and you just gotta feel how nasty and chaotic the world is / and you just gotta pray for a strong man to save you[1], and TRUTH(!) ... is for shitheads[2], and even feeling is hard for some, Jesus H. Christ![1], and you just gotta feel how nasty and chaotic the world is / and you just gotta pray for a strong man to save you[2], and, uh ... never mind, eh?[1], and even feeling is hard for some, Jesus H. Christ![2], and taste the boot! (Stocks will last forever!)[1], and, uh ... never mind, eh?[2], and sometimes you don't even need to vote for a new master / oh, we all lead such busy lives ...[1], and taste the boot! (Stocks will last forever!)[2], and YOU(!) ... can go back to sleep - NOW![1], and sometimes you don't even need to vote for a new master / oh, we all lead such busy lives ...[2], and, oh, I've heard they like to choose themselves / and it saves so much time ... uh, doing us all a favour, like[1], and YOU(!) ... can go back to sleep - NOW![2], and what do you care? / and you need a soul to care ...[1], and, oh, I've heard they like to choose themselves / and it saves so much time ... uh, doing us all a favour, like[2], and, so, spin, little idiot![1], and what do you care? / and you need a soul to care ...[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / and maybe I will take charge ...[1], and, so, spin, little idiot![2], and you will do what I tell you[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / and maybe I will take charge ...[2], and you will not complain / Oh, oh, oh ... I'm only thinking of what's best for you, ha![1], and you will do what I tell you[2], and a-ROUND, my slave![1], and you will not complain / Oh, oh, oh ... I'm only thinking of what's best for you, ha![2], and freedom is such a terrible and disgusting burden / and you are much better off without it[1], and a-ROUND, my slave![2], and hold my hand![1], and freedom is such a terrible and disgusting burden / and you are much better off without it[2], and, yes, you are weak for me, thank you![1], and hold my hand![2], and your last chance has gone ... ?[3], and, yes, you are weak for me, thank you![2], and you can vote to be a nothing, a worm ... uh, begging for crumbs, my wretched friend(s)[3], and a madman will steal your rights, even your whole life, ha![3], and if you're losing anyway ... hey, why not give everything away? / I'm sure your children and grandchildren will really appreciate it[3], and thinking ... is for the elite! / No, not for you[3], and TRUTH(!) ... is for shitheads[3], and you just gotta feel how nasty and chaotic the world is / and you just gotta pray for a strong man to save you[3], and even feeling is hard for some, Jesus H. Christ![3], and, uh ... never mind, eh?[3], and taste the boot! (Stocks will last forever!)[3], and sometimes you don't even need to vote for a new master / oh, we all lead such busy lives ...[3], and YOU(!) ... can go back to sleep - NOW![3], and, oh, I've heard they like to choose themselves / and it saves so much time ... uh, doing us all a favour, like[3], and what do you care? / and you need a soul to care ...[3], and, so, spin, little idiot![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / and maybe I will take charge ...[3], and you will do what I tell you[3], and you will not complain / Oh, oh, oh ... I'm only thinking of what's best for you, ha![3], and a-ROUND, my slave![3], and freedom is such a terrible and disgusting burden / and you are much better off without it[3], and hold my hand![3], and, yes, you are weak for me, thank you![3], and

Gold, gold, gold! / New Energy Metals Royalty Company ...

I mean, with the way the world is, dear reader(s) ... you dig? Gold, gold, gold! 'What do you mean, gold, gold, gold?!' Just what I said, Voice. 'Uh, is this the Monday morning PR email, boss, back by popular demand, like?' Ha! You're so perceptive!

TNR Gold Corp. announces strategic changes

We are living in exciting times! We are witnessing the generational change, which will define our future for the next 50 years! We are entering the era of The New Energy, which will be based on Solar, Wind and our ability to store Energy with Lithium Technology! Magic metal Lithium is at the very heart of this technology! Red metal Copper becomes Green by providing us with the best material to build all necessary infrastructure for The Switch! All world is going Electric!!! We will need a lot of Copper to make it happen: electric motors will power almost everything and charging infrastructure is mushrooming all over the world now! And the old as the history of our world Gold will still provide the Solid Core Values on which I would like our Company to be built. Gold is money and will always be it! Yippee!

Lithium? Whatever. Hang on! - "And the old as the history of our world Gold ..." - What the hell does that mean?! 'I think they got carried away, boss. All the excitement, you dig? Think of your conceptual posts.' Okay. I'm thinking. And? 'Well, sometimes you get really excited and start writing, well ... nonsense, don't you?' Maybe, Voice. Maybe. 'That's all they've done.' Yeah, maybe. / Anyway, let's continue with it -

TNR Gold will be moving forward as New Energy Metals Royalty Company.

Among our assets:

Royalty on the whole giant Los Azules Copper project in Argentina under the management of McEwen Ming with Rob McEwen advancing it now!

Stake in International Lithium with its strategic partner Ganfeng Lithium and Royalty on the whole Mariana project in Argentina!

Shotgun Gold project in Alaska, where we are working on the best strategic partner to advance it!

Okay. Okay. Okay. Three okays. But just one question: Who on earth is Kirill Klip?! 'Who?!' Exactly! Kirill Klip. Who is he? 'Is that a person?' Yeah. Big time.

TNR Gold Corp. announces that Kirill Klip, the non-executive Chair of TNR, has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company. Gary Schellenberg has resigned as CEO, President and a director of the Company. Paul Chung has also resigned as a director of the Company and Jerry Bella has resigned as Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary. To fill the vacancies of the departing officers, John Wisbey has been appointed as Corporate Secretary and Maurice Brooks has been appointed (subject to TSXV approval) as interim CFO. The Board will now consist of Kirill Klip, Greg Johnson, John Wisbey and Ross Thompson.

Obviously, all the readers will want to know what our Kirill has got to say for himself. 'Lay it on them, Mikey!'

Kirill Klip, Chairman, President and CEO of TNR Gold stated: "I would like to thank management and directors of TNR Gold for the development of our Company and its portfolio of projects to this stage. Now it is time to bring our Company to the next level based on a strategic partnerships with worldwide leaders in our industry like Ganfeng Lithium at International Lithium and McEwen Mining at Los Azules Copper project in Argentina. My strategy will be defined by maximizing shareholders' value in our Company. My priorities will be to build TNR Gold Team and advance our projects with strategic partners, who can provide the world-class technology and capital. My focus will be to minimize dilution while optimizing capital management at TNR Gold in order to maximize the value of the assets of our Company."

Fair enough, I suppose. / Gold, gold, gold! Gold must be the future BECAUSE(!) ... democracy and civilization are in the past.

...

Anything else? No - is the short answer. 'But -' But I'll be writing a conceptual post later, for my peccadilloes. So, laters.

Nara Capital Partners - ?!

Well, well ... / Ah, don't worry about it, dear reader(s). It's just a new firm, that's all. It's been founded by Charles Smart, Alex de Calice, Joe DeGregorio, Munish Gupta, Frank O'Neill, Qian Yang, and Kyle Johnson. 'Er ... are they all founders, boss?' Well, maybe not, Voice. Charles Smart is definitely a founder, and maybe Alex de Calice. I don't know about the others. But they're all going along for the ride, that's the main thing.

So, uh, so ... / Nara Capital is based in New York, and it will launch its Nara Capital Master fund in March with $150 million to $200 million in capital. It will invest in commercial and residential mortgage-backed securities, which is nice. 'Who's put up the seed money, boss?' Some mystery investor in Europe. 'You?!' Ha! I wish, man! I wish I had the sort of money lying around that meant I could just casually invest in any hedge fund that took my fancy. 'Oh, it is you.' Don't be ridiculous! 'I bet you still have some of Jack's billions.' Jack? 'Jack Pickles.' Oh, him. Wow! That's a name from the past. No, Voice, I don't have any of his billions.

Anyway, I wish them all the best at Nara Capital Partners. I mean, it ain't easy launching a new hedge fund these days. 'Tell me about it!' No, not now.

...

Let's move on! Come on! What else can I write about, in my last post of the week? 'Politics?' The whole world is going to hell in a hard cart, my little invisible friend. So that's politics taken care of. 'Music?' I ain't got no music on at the moment. Ain't you got ears? 'No. Well, I've got astral ears, as you know.' Yes, yes. Christ! Let's not get into astral ears, eyes, mouths, and noses. We all know you have an astral body, Voice. You've done very well for yourself. 'Thanks.' / Okay, that's it. The end of another week. Have a nice weekend, dear reader(s). Don't do anything that I would do. 'You mean "wouldn't", Mikey.' I mean, "would", man. Ha! Laters!