[No. 508] I ain't a civilian no more

I'm putting my foot down. Enough is enough!

And beyond pain and tragedy![1], and, yes, yes ... that's all we are given / but we can make something else[1], and beyond pain and tragedy![2], and it helps ME(!!!) to think, man, all this spinning[1], and, yes, yes ... that's all we are given / but we can make something else[2], and I've already mastered the feelings ...[1], and it helps ME(!!!) to think, man, all this spinning[2], and two trillion galaxies, remember? / and there aren't two trillion people on earth, for fuck's sake![1], and I've already mastered the feelings ...[2], and so, well ... maybe somewhere else, similar beings[1], and two trillion galaxies, remember? / and there aren't two trillion people on earth, for fuck's sake![2], and a-ROUND now - FASTER(!!!) than the speed of light![1], and so, well ... maybe somewhere else, similar beings[2], and we can spread out, yes ... amongst the stars ... with our minds, our souls, of course[1], and a-ROUND now - FASTER(!!!) than the speed of light![2], and maybe not you, ha![1], and we can spread out, yes ... amongst the stars ... with our minds, our souls, of course[2], and, no, we ain't got a spaceship big enough, fast enough ... forget it, please![1], and maybe not you, ha![2], and but, but, but ... on the earth, here, for me, not YOU(!), it's personal, do I have to explain?[1], and, no, we ain't got a spaceship big enough, fast enough ... forget it, please![2], and Goethe said it best[1], and but, but, but ... on the earth, here, for me, not YOU(!), it's personal, do I have to explain?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... uh, not looking for answers now, because ...[1], and Goethe said it best[2], and ... I am the fucking answer![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... uh, not looking for answers now, because ...[2], and definitely not you, YOU(!) ... when you think about it, Jesus, uh ... can you even think, H., for the love of Christ?![1], and ... I am the fucking answer![2], and shit, you can't even feel half the time ...[1], and definitely not you, YOU(!) ... when you think about it, Jesus, uh ... can you even think, H., for the love of Christ?![2], and maybe I'll stop, get off, return to the cold world, stronger and ... different[1], and shit, you can't even feel half the time ...[2], and ... more different, yes[1], and maybe I'll stop, get off, return to the cold world, stronger and ... different[2], and excuse me, just excuse me ... while I talk in riddles / Oh, you ain't got NOTHING better to read![1], and ... more different, yes[2], and ... or to spin, spin / so just spin with it![1], and excuse me, just excuse me ... while I talk in riddles / Oh, you ain't got NOTHING better to read![2], and this conceptual, God! ... I've hidden more than I've revealed ... quite a result![1], and ... or to spin, spin / so just spin with it![2], and here I am, was I?[1], and this conceptual, God! ... I've hidden more than I've revealed ... quite a result![2], and beyond pain and tragedy![3], and here I am, was I?[2], and, yes, yes ... that's all we are given / but we can make something else[3], and it helps ME(!!!) to think, man, all this spinning[3], and I've already mastered the feelings ...[3], and two trillion galaxies, remember? / and there aren't two trillion people on earth, for fuck's sake![3], and so, well ... maybe somewhere else, similar beings[3], and a-ROUND now - FASTER(!!!) than the speed of light![3], and we can spread out, yes ... amongst the stars ... with our minds, our souls, of course[3], and maybe not you, ha![3], and, no, we ain't got a spaceship big enough, fast enough ... forget it, please![3], and but, but, but ... on the earth, here, for me, not YOU(!), it's personal, do I have to explain?[3], and Goethe said it best[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... uh, not looking for answers now, because ...[3], and ... I am the fucking answer![3], and definitely not you, YOU(!) ... when you think about it, Jesus, uh ... can you even think, H., for the love of Christ?![3], and shit, you can't even feel half the time ...[3], and maybe I'll stop, get off, return to the cold world, stronger and ... different[3], and ... more different, yes[3], and excuse me, just excuse me ... while I talk in riddles / Oh, you ain't got NOTHING better to read![3], and ... or to spin, spin / so just spin with it![3], and this conceptual, God! ... I've hidden more than I've revealed ... quite a result![3], and here I am, was I?[3], and

And beyond pain and tragedy![1], and, yes, yes ... that's all we are given / but we can make something else[1], and beyond pain and tragedy![2], and it helps ME(!!!) to think, man, all this spinning[1], and, yes, yes ... that's all we are given / but we can make something else[2], and I've already mastered the feelings ...[1], and it helps ME(!!!) to think, man, all this spinning[2], and two trillion galaxies, remember? / and there aren't two trillion people on earth, for fuck's sake![1], and I've already mastered the feelings ...[2], and so, well ... maybe somewhere else, similar beings[1], and two trillion galaxies, remember? / and there aren't two trillion people on earth, for fuck's sake![2], and a-ROUND now - FASTER(!!!) than the speed of light![1], and so, well ... maybe somewhere else, similar beings[2], and we can spread out, yes ... amongst the stars ... with our minds, our souls, of course[1], and a-ROUND now - FASTER(!!!) than the speed of light![2], and maybe not you, ha![1], and we can spread out, yes ... amongst the stars ... with our minds, our souls, of course[2], and, no, we ain't got a spaceship big enough, fast enough ... forget it, please![1], and maybe not you, ha![2], and but, but, but ... on the earth, here, for me, not YOU(!), it's personal, do I have to explain?[1], and, no, we ain't got a spaceship big enough, fast enough ... forget it, please![2], and Goethe said it best[1], and but, but, but ... on the earth, here, for me, not YOU(!), it's personal, do I have to explain?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... uh, not looking for answers now, because ...[1], and Goethe said it best[2], and ... I am the fucking answer![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... uh, not looking for answers now, because ...[2], and definitely not you, YOU(!) ... when you think about it, Jesus, uh ... can you even think, H., for the love of Christ?![1], and ... I am the fucking answer![2], and shit, you can't even feel half the time ...[1], and definitely not you, YOU(!) ... when you think about it, Jesus, uh ... can you even think, H., for the love of Christ?![2], and maybe I'll stop, get off, return to the cold world, stronger and ... different[1], and shit, you can't even feel half the time ...[2], and ... more different, yes[1], and maybe I'll stop, get off, return to the cold world, stronger and ... different[2], and excuse me, just excuse me ... while I talk in riddles / Oh, you ain't got NOTHING better to read![1], and ... more different, yes[2], and ... or to spin, spin / so just spin with it![1], and excuse me, just excuse me ... while I talk in riddles / Oh, you ain't got NOTHING better to read![2], and this conceptual, God! ... I've hidden more than I've revealed ... quite a result![1], and ... or to spin, spin / so just spin with it![2], and here I am, was I?[1], and this conceptual, God! ... I've hidden more than I've revealed ... quite a result![2], and beyond pain and tragedy![3], and here I am, was I?[2], and, yes, yes ... that's all we are given / but we can make something else[3], and it helps ME(!!!) to think, man, all this spinning[3], and I've already mastered the feelings ...[3], and two trillion galaxies, remember? / and there aren't two trillion people on earth, for fuck's sake![3], and so, well ... maybe somewhere else, similar beings[3], and a-ROUND now - FASTER(!!!) than the speed of light![3], and we can spread out, yes ... amongst the stars ... with our minds, our souls, of course[3], and maybe not you, ha![3], and, no, we ain't got a spaceship big enough, fast enough ... forget it, please![3], and but, but, but ... on the earth, here, for me, not YOU(!), it's personal, do I have to explain?[3], and Goethe said it best[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... uh, not looking for answers now, because ...[3], and ... I am the fucking answer![3], and definitely not you, YOU(!) ... when you think about it, Jesus, uh ... can you even think, H., for the love of Christ?![3], and shit, you can't even feel half the time ...[3], and maybe I'll stop, get off, return to the cold world, stronger and ... different[3], and ... more different, yes[3], and excuse me, just excuse me ... while I talk in riddles / Oh, you ain't got NOTHING better to read![3], and ... or to spin, spin / so just spin with it![3], and this conceptual, God! ... I've hidden more than I've revealed ... quite a result![3], and here I am, was I?[3], and

And beyond pain and tragedy![1], and, yes, yes ... that's all we are given / but we can make something else[1], and beyond pain and tragedy![2], and it helps ME(!!!) to think, man, all this spinning[1], and, yes, yes ... that's all we are given / but we can make something else[2], and I've already mastered the feelings ...[1], and it helps ME(!!!) to think, man, all this spinning[2], and two trillion galaxies, remember? / and there aren't two trillion people on earth, for fuck's sake![1], and I've already mastered the feelings ...[2], and so, well ... maybe somewhere else, similar beings[1], and two trillion galaxies, remember? / and there aren't two trillion people on earth, for fuck's sake![2], and a-ROUND now - FASTER(!!!) than the speed of light![1], and so, well ... maybe somewhere else, similar beings[2], and we can spread out, yes ... amongst the stars ... with our minds, our souls, of course[1], and a-ROUND now - FASTER(!!!) than the speed of light![2], and maybe not you, ha![1], and we can spread out, yes ... amongst the stars ... with our minds, our souls, of course[2], and, no, we ain't got a spaceship big enough, fast enough ... forget it, please![1], and maybe not you, ha![2], and but, but, but ... on the earth, here, for me, not YOU(!), it's personal, do I have to explain?[1], and, no, we ain't got a spaceship big enough, fast enough ... forget it, please![2], and Goethe said it best[1], and but, but, but ... on the earth, here, for me, not YOU(!), it's personal, do I have to explain?[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... uh, not looking for answers now, because ...[1], and Goethe said it best[2], and ... I am the fucking answer![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... uh, not looking for answers now, because ...[2], and definitely not you, YOU(!) ... when you think about it, Jesus, uh ... can you even think, H., for the love of Christ?![1], and ... I am the fucking answer![2], and shit, you can't even feel half the time ...[1], and definitely not you, YOU(!) ... when you think about it, Jesus, uh ... can you even think, H., for the love of Christ?![2], and maybe I'll stop, get off, return to the cold world, stronger and ... different[1], and shit, you can't even feel half the time ...[2], and ... more different, yes[1], and maybe I'll stop, get off, return to the cold world, stronger and ... different[2], and excuse me, just excuse me ... while I talk in riddles / Oh, you ain't got NOTHING better to read![1], and ... more different, yes[2], and ... or to spin, spin / so just spin with it![1], and excuse me, just excuse me ... while I talk in riddles / Oh, you ain't got NOTHING better to read![2], and this conceptual, God! ... I've hidden more than I've revealed ... quite a result![1], and ... or to spin, spin / so just spin with it![2], and here I am, was I?[1], and this conceptual, God! ... I've hidden more than I've revealed ... quite a result![2], and beyond pain and tragedy![3], and here I am, was I?[2], and, yes, yes ... that's all we are given / but we can make something else[3], and it helps ME(!!!) to think, man, all this spinning[3], and I've already mastered the feelings ...[3], and two trillion galaxies, remember? / and there aren't two trillion people on earth, for fuck's sake![3], and so, well ... maybe somewhere else, similar beings[3], and a-ROUND now - FASTER(!!!) than the speed of light![3], and we can spread out, yes ... amongst the stars ... with our minds, our souls, of course[3], and maybe not you, ha![3], and, no, we ain't got a spaceship big enough, fast enough ... forget it, please![3], and but, but, but ... on the earth, here, for me, not YOU(!), it's personal, do I have to explain?[3], and Goethe said it best[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... uh, not looking for answers now, because ...[3], and ... I am the fucking answer![3], and definitely not you, YOU(!) ... when you think about it, Jesus, uh ... can you even think, H., for the love of Christ?![3], and shit, you can't even feel half the time ...[3], and maybe I'll stop, get off, return to the cold world, stronger and ... different[3], and ... more different, yes[3], and excuse me, just excuse me ... while I talk in riddles / Oh, you ain't got NOTHING better to read![3], and ... or to spin, spin / so just spin with it![3], and this conceptual, God! ... I've hidden more than I've revealed ... quite a result![3], and here I am, was I?[3], and

State Street has got $2 trillion in ETF assets now

Yeah, under administration. It's a milestone or something. Well done, guys! Not that I care for ETFs, but ... 'You're just happy at State Street's success, boss.' That's right, Voice.

LONDON, April 27, 2017 - State Street Corporation (NYSE:STT), the world's leading provider of financial services to institutional investors, announced today that its global ETF assets under administration exceeded US$2 trillion as of January 31, 2017[1], and that State Street currently services 55% of the global industry's exchange traded funds (ETF) and exchange trade products (ETP) assets under management.[2] State Street was also the recipient of the best custody service provider award at this year's Fund Action ETF Innovation Awards. Past winners of these awards have been responsible for ground breaking ideas, fund products and a level of service that have helped both investors and clients.

Oh, it's a few days old, this PR email. Never mind. Ha! Notice how they've put those numbers in square brackets. 'They got that from you, boss.' Yes. But, but ... they're not doing it right. Where's the three in a bracket? Where's the repetition? 'Give them a chance. It's amazing that they're doing it at all. Most finance squares are too square to even care.' Yeah, I suppose.

"Clients continue to bring their business to State Street because of our commitment to the exchange traded product structure, our ongoing investment in our proprietary, core platform and our scale," said Frank Koudelka, senior vice president at State Street. "We continue to make tremendous investments in servicing the ETF structure, which in turn allows us to quickly and seamlessly support the launch of innovative products for our clients."

Who the hell is that? Er, uh ... 'It's Frank, man. Frank Koudelka.' Frank? Our Frank? Oh. Did we ask him to speak? 'No. His voice just came out of nowhere. There's no harm in it.' Ha! Well, you would say that, Voice, wouldn't you?

Now, now ... what's this?! (Just reading the rest of the email, dear reader(s)[?}}] ...) A list of milestones from the past. Er, no, we're not interested in that. Christ!

Well, anyway, that's enough. What ... NOW - ? 'It's a holiday, boss. You should be taking it easy.' Taking it easy?! 'You should be watching the snooker.' I'm a workaholic, son.

...

Anything else? Music? Ah, I've dropped one of those tunes without lyrics. (The one from the demonic dream.) So now I need three tunes and four lyrics to get to eleven complete songs. / ... / No filler! 'All killer, Mikey!' Exactly.

Otkritie's Global Prime FX volumes up 96 per cent!

Over the last twelve months! Nice one!

Paris, 26 April 2017 - Otkritie Capital International, the brokerage and investment banking company, today announces at TradeTech Europe that its FX Prime business within the Otkritie Global Prime franchise is picking up pace since its full scale rollout 12 months ago. The FX Prime turnover volumes went up by 96% compared to April 2016 figures across various venues and currencies.

Oh, TradeTech again. Christ! 'Are you going, boss?' It finished yesterday, idiot! 'Oh.' I didn't want to go. 'Because they didn't ask you to be a keynote speaker.' Shut up!

The volumes consist of all activity across more than 10 FX venues, including Electronic Communication Networks (ECNs) and Liquidity Providers (LPs) which have been added to the list available for our clients, which covers majority of FX liquidity globally in G10 and major emerging currencies (taking leading positions in USD/RUB non-disclosed institutional spot market flow).

Okay. I'm sure it means something to somebody. Uh, my head ...

The existing and short-term scheduled product set includes cash FX (both non-disclosed and disclosed) and Non-Deliverable Forwards (NDFs). Mid-term plans also include FX synthetic instruments like CFDs and access to non-disclosed FX SWAPS trading where applicable.

Okay. Okay. My stomach is unsettled.

Oktkritie's consumers are top global and regional institutional market players, utilizing algo-, algo HFT- and non-HFT strategies: hedge, arbitrage and position-taking trading. Existing FX listed derivatives access completes the FX Prime business enabling Oktkritie's clients to execute various strategies with netting solutions available on its platform.

Okay. I'd like to go out today, but I might have to lie down after lunch. Just for a nap, you dig?

FX Prime is part of the Otkritie Global Prime business line, which combines execution, financing and clearing offering across major asset classes: equity, fixed income and derivatives. The Global Prime platform is designated for classic buy-side customers like hedge funds, asset managers and wealth managers as well as for the sell-side segment: banks, private banks and broker-dealers.

Yeah, okay. It's great and everything, but ...

...

So ... / I'm not really in the mood, dear reader(s). Fortunately, this is the last post of the week. I've got a migraine. 'How are your ribs, boss?' My ribs are fine, Voice. I've got a migraine.

Music? I'm listening to The Blueprint by Jay-Z. It was released on 9/11. Talk about bad luck. It didn't hold the album back though. Bob Dylan's Love and Theft was also released on that day.

Quite a few of the tracks were produced by Kanye West, before he was a star. 'Kanye and Bob worked together?! Well, that is a surprise!' I'm talking about The Blueprint, you cretin! 'Oh.' Yeah, oh!

Yeah, I think Kanye struggled quite a bit, before he was a star, like. I mean, that's what his song Spaceship suggests. 'Put it on, Mikey!' All right, Voice.

I'm still building my spaceship ...

[No. 507] No body

Just a soul.

And ... so free! / AGAIN - !!![1], and a-ROUND here, I'm very much, er ... 'Like me, boss?'[1], and ... so free! / AGAIN - !!![2], and, ha! ... I'm nothing like that prat! / Do me a favour! / Do YOU(!) ... know what I mean?[1], and a-ROUND here, I'm very much, er ... 'Like me, boss?'[2], and ... 'That's harsh'[1], and, ha! ... I'm nothing like that prat! / Do me a favour! / Do YOU(!) ... know what I mean?[2], and I'm spinning, kook(s), you dig? / 'So am I!'[1], and ... 'That's harsh'[2], and ... ha! / Whatever ...[1], and I'm spinning, kook(s), you dig? / 'So am I!'[2], and my bad ribs can't hurt me here[1], and ... ha! / Whatever ...[2], and ... uh, kook(s), I hope you're spinning, too[1], and my bad ribs can't hurt me here[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... as light as a feather / well, lighter, actually[1], and ... uh, kook(s), I hope you're spinning, too[2], and how much does a soul weigh?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... as light as a feather / well, lighter, actually[2], and I enjoy leaving the COLD WORLD behind / 'Mikey, leave it where it belongs!'[1], and how much does a soul weigh?[2], and ... wise words, Voice, for once / Well done, son![1], and I enjoy leaving the COLD WORLD behind / 'Mikey, leave it where it belongs!'[2], and if there are any squares being nosy ... Christ! / You're in the wrong place, yeah?[1], and ... wise words, Voice, for once / Well done, son![2], and they can do one ... all the way to the "news", ha![1], and if there are any squares being nosy ... Christ! / You're in the wrong place, yeah?[2], and this ... is for kooks only[1], and they can do one ... all the way to the "news", ha![2], and a spiritual aristocrat, an evolutionary spearhead? Oh, how can I be so elitist?[1], and this ... is for kooks only[2], and ... they may want to know[1], and a spiritual aristocrat, an evolutionary spearhead? Oh, how can I be so elitist?[2], and I'm doing it for myself! / Sorry ...[1], and ... they may want to know[2], and ... why?[1], and I'm doing it for myself! / Sorry ...[2], and when you get to my age, over a million, or a billion, I've lost count, uh ... you forget a lot, thankfully[1], and ... why?[2], and ... well, well[1], and when you get to my age, over a million, or a billion, I've lost count, uh ... you forget a lot, thankfully[2], and it doesn't matter anyway because the squares are too cold to care, or too square to wonder[1], and ... well, well[2], and they can't leave their bodies[1], and it doesn't matter anyway because the squares are too cold to care, or too square to wonder[2], and ... so COLD - !!![1], and they can't leave their bodies[2], and where was I? / and where am I?[1], and ... so COLD - !!![2], and here I am, always![1], and where was I? / and where am I?[2], and ... so free! / AGAIN - !!![3], and here I am, always![2], and a-ROUND here, I'm very much, er ... 'Like me, boss?'[3], and, ha! ... I'm nothing like that prat! / Do me a favour! / Do YOU(!) ... know what I mean?[3], and ... 'That's harsh'[3], and I'm spinning, kook(s), you dig? / 'So am I!'[3], and ... ha! / Whatever ...[3], and my bad ribs can't hurt me here[3], and ... uh, kook(s), I hope you're spinning, too[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... as light as a feather / well, lighter, actually[3], and how much does a soul weigh?[3], and I enjoy leaving the COLD WORLD behind / 'Mikey, leave it where it belongs!'[3], and ... wise words, Voice, for once / Well done, son![3], and if there are any squares being nosy ... Christ! / You're in the wrong place, yeah?[3], and they can do one ... all the way to the "news", ha![3], and this ... is for kooks only[3], and a spiritual aristocrat, an evolutionary spearhead? Oh, how can I be so elitist?[3], and ... they may want to know[3], and I'm doing it for myself! / Sorry ...[3], and ... why?[3], and when you get to my age, over a million, or a billion, I've lost count, uh ... you forget a lot, thankfully[3], and ... well, well[3], and it doesn't matter anyway because the squares are too cold to care, or too square to wonder[3], and they can't leave their bodies[3], and ... so COLD - !!![3], and where was I? / and where am I?[3], and here I am, always![3], and

And ... so free! / AGAIN - !!![1], and a-ROUND here, I'm very much, er ... 'Like me, boss?'[1], and ... so free! / AGAIN - !!![2], and, ha! ... I'm nothing like that prat! / Do me a favour! / Do YOU(!) ... know what I mean?[1], and a-ROUND here, I'm very much, er ... 'Like me, boss?'[2], and ... 'That's harsh'[1], and, ha! ... I'm nothing like that prat! / Do me a favour! / Do YOU(!) ... know what I mean?[2], and I'm spinning, kook(s), you dig? / 'So am I!'[1], and ... 'That's harsh'[2], and ... ha! / Whatever ...[1], and I'm spinning, kook(s), you dig? / 'So am I!'[2], and my bad ribs can't hurt me here[1], and ... ha! / Whatever ...[2], and ... uh, kook(s), I hope you're spinning, too[1], and my bad ribs can't hurt me here[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... as light as a feather / well, lighter, actually[1], and ... uh, kook(s), I hope you're spinning, too[2], and how much does a soul weigh?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... as light as a feather / well, lighter, actually[2], and I enjoy leaving the COLD WORLD behind / 'Mikey, leave it where it belongs!'[1], and how much does a soul weigh?[2], and ... wise words, Voice, for once / Well done, son![1], and I enjoy leaving the COLD WORLD behind / 'Mikey, leave it where it belongs!'[2], and if there are any squares being nosy ... Christ! / You're in the wrong place, yeah?[1], and ... wise words, Voice, for once / Well done, son![2], and they can do one ... all the way to the "news", ha![1], and if there are any squares being nosy ... Christ! / You're in the wrong place, yeah?[2], and this ... is for kooks only[1], and they can do one ... all the way to the "news", ha![2], and a spiritual aristocrat, an evolutionary spearhead? Oh, how can I be so elitist?[1], and this ... is for kooks only[2], and ... they may want to know[1], and a spiritual aristocrat, an evolutionary spearhead? Oh, how can I be so elitist?[2], and I'm doing it for myself! / Sorry ...[1], and ... they may want to know[2], and ... why?[1], and I'm doing it for myself! / Sorry ...[2], and when you get to my age, over a million, or a billion, I've lost count, uh ... you forget a lot, thankfully[1], and ... why?[2], and ... well, well[1], and when you get to my age, over a million, or a billion, I've lost count, uh ... you forget a lot, thankfully[2], and it doesn't matter anyway because the squares are too cold to care, or too square to wonder[1], and ... well, well[2], and they can't leave their bodies[1], and it doesn't matter anyway because the squares are too cold to care, or too square to wonder[2], and ... so COLD - !!![1], and they can't leave their bodies[2], and where was I? / and where am I?[1], and ... so COLD - !!![2], and here I am, always![1], and where was I? / and where am I?[2], and ... so free! / AGAIN - !!![3], and here I am, always![2], and a-ROUND here, I'm very much, er ... 'Like me, boss?'[3], and, ha! ... I'm nothing like that prat! / Do me a favour! / Do YOU(!) ... know what I mean?[3], and ... 'That's harsh'[3], and I'm spinning, kook(s), you dig? / 'So am I!'[3], and ... ha! / Whatever ...[3], and my bad ribs can't hurt me here[3], and ... uh, kook(s), I hope you're spinning, too[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... as light as a feather / well, lighter, actually[3], and how much does a soul weigh?[3], and I enjoy leaving the COLD WORLD behind / 'Mikey, leave it where it belongs!'[3], and ... wise words, Voice, for once / Well done, son![3], and if there are any squares being nosy ... Christ! / You're in the wrong place, yeah?[3], and they can do one ... all the way to the "news", ha![3], and this ... is for kooks only[3], and a spiritual aristocrat, an evolutionary spearhead? Oh, how can I be so elitist?[3], and ... they may want to know[3], and I'm doing it for myself! / Sorry ...[3], and ... why?[3], and when you get to my age, over a million, or a billion, I've lost count, uh ... you forget a lot, thankfully[3], and ... well, well[3], and it doesn't matter anyway because the squares are too cold to care, or too square to wonder[3], and they can't leave their bodies[3], and ... so COLD - !!![3], and where was I? / and where am I?[3], and here I am, always![3], and

And ... so free! / AGAIN - !!![1], and a-ROUND here, I'm very much, er ... 'Like me, boss?'[1], and ... so free! / AGAIN - !!![2], and, ha! ... I'm nothing like that prat! / Do me a favour! / Do YOU(!) ... know what I mean?[1], and a-ROUND here, I'm very much, er ... 'Like me, boss?'[2], and ... 'That's harsh'[1], and, ha! ... I'm nothing like that prat! / Do me a favour! / Do YOU(!) ... know what I mean?[2], and I'm spinning, kook(s), you dig? / 'So am I!'[1], and ... 'That's harsh'[2], and ... ha! / Whatever ...[1], and I'm spinning, kook(s), you dig? / 'So am I!'[2], and my bad ribs can't hurt me here[1], and ... ha! / Whatever ...[2], and ... uh, kook(s), I hope you're spinning, too[1], and my bad ribs can't hurt me here[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... as light as a feather / well, lighter, actually[1], and ... uh, kook(s), I hope you're spinning, too[2], and how much does a soul weigh?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... as light as a feather / well, lighter, actually[2], and I enjoy leaving the COLD WORLD behind / 'Mikey, leave it where it belongs!'[1], and how much does a soul weigh?[2], and ... wise words, Voice, for once / Well done, son![1], and I enjoy leaving the COLD WORLD behind / 'Mikey, leave it where it belongs!'[2], and if there are any squares being nosy ... Christ! / You're in the wrong place, yeah?[1], and ... wise words, Voice, for once / Well done, son![2], and they can do one ... all the way to the "news", ha![1], and if there are any squares being nosy ... Christ! / You're in the wrong place, yeah?[2], and this ... is for kooks only[1], and they can do one ... all the way to the "news", ha![2], and a spiritual aristocrat, an evolutionary spearhead? Oh, how can I be so elitist?[1], and this ... is for kooks only[2], and ... they may want to know[1], and a spiritual aristocrat, an evolutionary spearhead? Oh, how can I be so elitist?[2], and I'm doing it for myself! / Sorry ...[1], and ... they may want to know[2], and ... why?[1], and I'm doing it for myself! / Sorry ...[2], and when you get to my age, over a million, or a billion, I've lost count, uh ... you forget a lot, thankfully[1], and ... why?[2], and ... well, well[1], and when you get to my age, over a million, or a billion, I've lost count, uh ... you forget a lot, thankfully[2], and it doesn't matter anyway because the squares are too cold to care, or too square to wonder[1], and ... well, well[2], and they can't leave their bodies[1], and it doesn't matter anyway because the squares are too cold to care, or too square to wonder[2], and ... so COLD - !!![1], and they can't leave their bodies[2], and where was I? / and where am I?[1], and ... so COLD - !!![2], and here I am, always![1], and where was I? / and where am I?[2], and ... so free! / AGAIN - !!![3], and here I am, always![2], and a-ROUND here, I'm very much, er ... 'Like me, boss?'[3], and, ha! ... I'm nothing like that prat! / Do me a favour! / Do YOU(!) ... know what I mean?[3], and ... 'That's harsh'[3], and I'm spinning, kook(s), you dig? / 'So am I!'[3], and ... ha! / Whatever ...[3], and my bad ribs can't hurt me here[3], and ... uh, kook(s), I hope you're spinning, too[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... as light as a feather / well, lighter, actually[3], and how much does a soul weigh?[3], and I enjoy leaving the COLD WORLD behind / 'Mikey, leave it where it belongs!'[3], and ... wise words, Voice, for once / Well done, son![3], and if there are any squares being nosy ... Christ! / You're in the wrong place, yeah?[3], and they can do one ... all the way to the "news", ha![3], and this ... is for kooks only[3], and a spiritual aristocrat, an evolutionary spearhead? Oh, how can I be so elitist?[3], and ... they may want to know[3], and I'm doing it for myself! / Sorry ...[3], and ... why?[3], and when you get to my age, over a million, or a billion, I've lost count, uh ... you forget a lot, thankfully[3], and ... well, well[3], and it doesn't matter anyway because the squares are too cold to care, or too square to wonder[3], and they can't leave their bodies[3], and ... so COLD - !!![3], and where was I? / and where am I?[3], and here I am, always![3], and

European pension funds

Well, well ... / My ribs are hurting again. I think I slept the wrong way in bed last night. 'What way is that, boss?' Lying down. 'Oh. Ain't that normal?' Not for me, lately, Voice. I'll have to continue sleeping sitting up for the foreseeable future. I actually quite like it. I mean, it's a new experience, you dig? 'Yeah. / What about the PR email?' Oh, okay. It's another PR email, dear reader(s). It's not that I'm lazy. It's just, well ... they send me so many, and it's easy, and I'm not in the best of health. It's very stressful going around the internet looking for news, you know. I think - 'Boss. Come on, man.' Oh, okay.

A new report examines whether European pension funds - built to provide a decent retirement for working people - are also acting to protect those workers' rights ahead of retirement. Authored by Tom Powdrill, responsible investment coordinator at the ITF (International Transport Workers' Federation), it shows that funds have made progress in the area, but have still to achieve their full potential to improve lives.

Jesus H. - !!! There probably won't be any pension funds soon. And no one will have any rights at all. Why are we even discussing this? 'Boss, let Tom explain.' Tom?! Tom, who?! 'Tom Powdrill. He wrote the report.' Oh.

Tom Powdrill explained: "The ITF applauds the widespread take up of responsible investment policies by pension funds. They're a key form of social responsibility - and an implicit recognition that funds play a part in assisting workers both before and after retirement. Motivated by that we investigated how many of them were putting theory into practice and promoting workers' rights. The results were surprising. Core labour standards are being upheld by two thirds of the 100 largest funds in Europe - but one third, many of them based in the key fund arena of the United Kingdom, are sitting on their hands."

Ha! The United Kingdom. I should have known. This country is a shithouse. And it will get worse when we leave the European Union, you mark my words.

He concluded: "Another key finding was the power and prevalence of the 'capital strike': where funds respond to concerns about companies' treatment of workers. We identified funds in this sample alone, representing the huge sum of EUR 2 trillion, who refuse to invest in Wal-Mart, while six funds, representing EUR 287 billion, won't touch Rynanair."

Okay, okay. Well, I'm sure Paddy Crumlin has got something to say. / Paddy, come on, son.

ITF president Paddy Crumlin commented: "Pension money is not gifted. It's the hard earned product of hard work and industrial negotiation and is a deferment of wages that workers decide to make to secure a dignified and decent retirement. It has out to be put to work itself in a way that respects that source. It is only right that it helps build sustainable individual and collective futures, and that it does so ethically. It is morally inconceivable that it should be invested in companies that attack the rights of the very workers paying towards these pensions. This new research has identified much good practice, but it has also revealed a gap that the pension fund industry must move to close."

Well, I don't know. I'm not too optimistic. / Oh, there's a summary of the report. I'll just quote one paragraph of it -

However, almost a third of funds, representing nearly EUR 900 billion, make no reference to international standards. The UK is the clear outsider, accounting for two thirds of the funds in this group by number, and four fifths by assets (EUR 684 billion). This is particularly worrying given that the UK has the largest pool of retirement assets in Europe, and the second largest in the OECD.

Yeah, the UK. And this is what Brexit is about, man: Making life unbearable for the average man and woman in the street. Look at the insane politicians who support Brexit. Look at their eyes! They don't give two shits about sovereignty or taking back control. They just want to destroy pensions, destroy the NHS, destroy schools, destroy support for the disabled and the poor, and ... the list goes on! This is what people are voting for: THEIR OWN DESTRUCTION!!!

...

Anything else? No. There's nothing else, at the moment. A conceptual later. / Music? I ain't got nothing to say. So ...

Election worries and gold

Well, well ... / Everyone's worried about the state of the world, you dig? 'Are you buying gold, boss?' Er ... no. I can't afford gold. I'm buying baked beans.

The snap UK election in June and the second round of voting in France in May are galvanizing investors to buy physical gold to protect against the uncertain election outcomes, according to investment firm The Pure Gold Company.

Yeah, it's a PR email, again. 'Ha! Couldn't you find any news, boss?' No, Voice. I'm being let down, big time. 'Oh.' There just ain't any news worth reporting. Thank God for Kathy! 'Who?' Kathy. The PR woman.

Chief executive Josh Saul said: "This past week has seen a surge in gold buyers, and this morning especially, our clients are looking to take advantage of a drop in the gold price as the French presidential polls favour moderate candidate Emmanuel Macron. People purchasing gold this morning and taking advantage of a lower price remember that Clinton lead Trump in the polls and the Remain camp led over the Leave voters. The polls have been an unreliable indicator in the last few momentous votes and the general sentiment is that if people can find a way to hedge themselves with gold at a discount then they will heed the opportunity. We've seen many clients who purchased last week place orders this morning in order to reduce the overall average price that they have bought at."

You see? This morning, that morning. That's our Josh, that is, telling it how it is. 'Yeah. Are you going to link to their website?' No. This is enough, man. I ain't promoting stuff. 'Oh.' And if my readers want to buy gold, they will. I don't give investment advice, Voice. 'Okay. Okay.' I'm just saying. So we all know where we stand. / The world is a mess though ...

The problem is, the people who have been running the world since forever are corrupt. But now, voters - in their wisdom - have decided to replace these corrupt rulers with new rulers who are stupid, and incompetent, and, uh ... quite often racist, and  ... er, corrupt. So ... / Anyway ...

"43% of people purchasing gold have been first time investors who say their motivations for buying gold is to remove exposure to equities. They're worried that a Marine Le Pen victory in France, uncertainty over the UK's general election in June or an escalation in hostilities between N Korea and US could result in a considerable decline in global stocks. People are purchasing gold as a hedge against these events occurring whilst hoping that they don't. This is especially true for retirees. We have seen a 105% increase in people purchasing physical gold through their SIPP or Pension in the last seven days to protect their investments from election uncertainty."

Well, er ... that must be our Josh again. Yeah. / Hopefully, Le Pen won't win. We don't need more trouble. 'What about the election here, boss?' I don't want to talk about politics, son. 'Oh.' However, I will say ... if Theresa May and the Tories win big, they will have to own Brexit and the consequences ... which might turn out to be quite amusing in the long run.

...

Anything else? Music? I ain't listening to nothing. Er, my music? Well, my ribs are cool now, reader(s), so I can play the guitar again. 'Yippee! / When are you going to record those two songs?' Soon. If there's no noise in the street. 'Oh.' Yeah. Those slags outside. Christ! I'm trying to make history, man, and they're just making noise. 'They should be ashamed of themselves, Mikey.' Ha! Voice, people like that have no concept of shame. 'They're selfish.' They're thoughtless. All they care about is the pub or something, I don't know. Banging their car doors. Always in a rush. Why can't they sit quietly in a room? 'Blaise Pascal.' Fuckin' A, Blaise Pascal!

Anyway, laters, yeah?

[No. 506] I ain't going back in no cage

Freedom forever!

And here ... I am free / and ... YOU(!), too - ?![1], and the cage of the SQUARE WORLD, yes, COLD WORLD ... is comforting for some, ha![1], and here ... I am free / and ... YOU(!), too - ?![2], and I'll never understand them ...[1], and the cage of the SQUARE WORLD, yes, COLD WORLD ... is comforting for some, ha![2], and what did Dostoyevsky say, Voice? / 'Freedom is a burden, or something, boss!'[1], and I'll never understand them ...[2], and ... yeah, or something ... / It's been a few years since I read him, oh well[1], and what did Dostoyevsky say, Voice? / 'Freedom is a burden, or something, boss!'[2], and I don't need no answers / I AM THE ANSWER!!![1], and ... yeah, or something ... / It's been a few years since I read him, oh well[2], and a-ROUND here ... I can be myself, just facing the cosmos and getting rid of dirt[1], and I don't need no answers / I AM THE ANSWER!!![2], and watch me spin - full of joy![1], and a-ROUND here ... I can be myself, just facing the cosmos and getting rid of dirt[2], and Napoleon and Caesar were happy to be on their own, you dig? / I'm sure of that[1], and watch me spin - full of joy![2], and the slaves will always look outside themselves[1], and Napoleon and Caesar were happy to be on their own, you dig? / I'm sure of that[2], and if I can't convince you, Jesus H. - !!! / oh, you can lead a horse to water ...[1], and the slaves will always look outside themselves[2], and I ain't concerned[1], and if I can't convince you, Jesus H. - !!! / oh, you can lead a horse to water ...[2], and spiritual aristocrats, the evolutionary spearheads ... are very rare / Would you recognize one?[1], and I ain't concerned[2], and ... ha![1], and spiritual aristocrats, the evolutionary spearheads ... are very rare / Would you recognize one?[2], and if YOU(!) ... have a bad soul, keep your thoughts off mine / just keep to your own kind[1], and ... ha![2], and ... please![1], and if YOU(!) ... have a bad soul, keep your thoughts off mine / just keep to your own kind[2], and my conscious consciousness conscious consciousness ness ... is precious[1], and ... please![2], and ... oh yes![1], and my conscious consciousness conscious consciousness ness ... is precious[2], and if you ain't digging me, the kooks are, so ... / Do I care, really? / Son, I'm frying different fish[1], and ... oh yes![2], and daughter, too - of course! / 'Guys, Mikey!'[1], and if you ain't digging me, the kooks are, so ... / Do I care, really? / Son, I'm frying different fish[2], and well, well, well ... so free![1], and daughter, too - of course! / 'Guys, Mikey!'[2], and one of these spins, uh, you should know ... I'll be GONE(!), oh, way beyond the THREE[1], and well, well, well ... so free![2], and gotta stay positive[1], and one of these spins, uh, you should know ... I'll be GONE(!), oh, way beyond the THREE[2], and, yes, yes, YES - !!![1], and gotta stay positive[2], and here ... I am free / and ... YOU(!), too - ?![3], and, yes, yes, YES - !!![2], and the cage of the SQUARE WORLD, yes, COLD WORLD ... is comforting for some, ha![3], and I'll never understand them ...[3], and what did Dostoyevsky say, Voice? / 'Freedom is a burden, or something, boss!'[3], and ... yeah, or something ... / It's been a few years since I read him, oh well[3], and I don't need no answers / I AM THE ANSWER!!![3], and a-ROUND here ... I can be myself, just facing the cosmos and getting rid of dirt[3], and watch me spin - full of joy![3], and Napoleon and Caesar were happy to be on their own, you dig? / I'm sure of that[3], and the slaves will always look outside themselves[3],and if I can't convince you, Jesus H. - !!! / oh, you can lead a horse to water ...[3], and I ain't concerned[3], and spiritual aristocrats, the evolutionary spearheads ... are very rare / Would you recognize one?[3], and ... ha![3], and if YOU(!) ... have a bad soul, keep your thoughts off mine / just keep to your own kind[3], and ... please![3], and my conscious consciousness conscious consciousness ness ... is precious[3], and ... oh yes![3], and if you ain't digging me, the kooks are, so ... / Do I care, really? / Son, I'm frying different fish[3], and daughter, too - of course! / 'Guys, Mikey!'[3], and well, well, well ... so free![3], and one of these spins, uh, you should know ... I'll be GONE(!), oh, way beyond the THREE[3], and gotta stay positive[3], and, yes, yes, YES - !!![3], and

And here ... I am free / and ... YOU(!), too - ?![1], and the cage of the SQUARE WORLD, yes, COLD WORLD ... is comforting for some, ha![1], and here ... I am free / and ... YOU(!), too - ?![2], and I'll never understand them ...[1], and the cage of the SQUARE WORLD, yes, COLD WORLD ... is comforting for some, ha![2], and what did Dostoyevsky say, Voice? / 'Freedom is a burden, or something, boss!'[1], and I'll never understand them ...[2], and ... yeah, or something ... / It's been a few years since I read him, oh well[1], and what did Dostoyevsky say, Voice? / 'Freedom is a burden, or something, boss!'[2], and I don't need no answers / I AM THE ANSWER!!![1], and ... yeah, or something ... / It's been a few years since I read him, oh well[2], and a-ROUND here ... I can be myself, just facing the cosmos and getting rid of dirt[1], and I don't need no answers / I AM THE ANSWER!!![2], and watch me spin - full of joy![1], and a-ROUND here ... I can be myself, just facing the cosmos and getting rid of dirt[2], and Napoleon and Caesar were happy to be on their own, you dig? / I'm sure of that[1], and watch me spin - full of joy![2], and the slaves will always look outside themselves[1], and Napoleon and Caesar were happy to be on their own, you dig? / I'm sure of that[2], and if I can't convince you, Jesus H. - !!! / oh, you can lead a horse to water ...[1], and the slaves will always look outside themselves[2], and I ain't concerned[1], and if I can't convince you, Jesus H. - !!! / oh, you can lead a horse to water ...[2], and spiritual aristocrats, the evolutionary spearheads ... are very rare / Would you recognize one?[1], and I ain't concerned[2], and ... ha![1], and spiritual aristocrats, the evolutionary spearheads ... are very rare / Would you recognize one?[2], and if YOU(!) ... have a bad soul, keep your thoughts off mine / just keep to your own kind[1], and ... ha![2], and ... please![1], and if YOU(!) ... have a bad soul, keep your thoughts off mine / just keep to your own kind[2], and my conscious consciousness conscious consciousness ness ... is precious[1], and ... please![2], and ... oh yes![1], and my conscious consciousness conscious consciousness ness ... is precious[2], and if you ain't digging me, the kooks are, so ... / Do I care, really? / Son, I'm frying different fish[1], and ... oh yes![2], and daughter, too - of course! / 'Guys, Mikey!'[1], and if you ain't digging me, the kooks are, so ... / Do I care, really? / Son, I'm frying different fish[2], and well, well, well ... so free![1], and daughter, too - of course! / 'Guys, Mikey!'[2], and one of these spins, uh, you should know ... I'll be GONE(!), oh, way beyond the THREE[1], and well, well, well ... so free![2], and gotta stay positive[1], and one of these spins, uh, you should know ... I'll be GONE(!), oh, way beyond the THREE[2], and, yes, yes, YES - !!![1], and gotta stay positive[2], and here ... I am free / and ... YOU(!), too - ?![3], and, yes, yes, YES - !!![2], and the cage of the SQUARE WORLD, yes, COLD WORLD ... is comforting for some, ha![3], and I'll never understand them ...[3], and what did Dostoyevsky say, Voice? / 'Freedom is a burden, or something, boss!'[3], and ... yeah, or something ... / It's been a few years since I read him, oh well[3], and I don't need no answers / I AM THE ANSWER!!![3], and a-ROUND here ... I can be myself, just facing the cosmos and getting rid of dirt[3], and watch me spin - full of joy![3], and Napoleon and Caesar were happy to be on their own, you dig? / I'm sure of that[3], and the slaves will always look outside themselves[3],and if I can't convince you, Jesus H. - !!! / oh, you can lead a horse to water ...[3], and I ain't concerned[3], and spiritual aristocrats, the evolutionary spearheads ... are very rare / Would you recognize one?[3], and ... ha![3], and if YOU(!) ... have a bad soul, keep your thoughts off mine / just keep to your own kind[3], and ... please![3], and my conscious consciousness conscious consciousness ness ... is precious[3], and ... oh yes![3], and if you ain't digging me, the kooks are, so ... / Do I care, really? / Son, I'm frying different fish[3], and daughter, too - of course! / 'Guys, Mikey!'[3], and well, well, well ... so free![3], and one of these spins, uh, you should know ... I'll be GONE(!), oh, way beyond the THREE[3], and gotta stay positive[3], and, yes, yes, YES - !!![3], and

And here ... I am free / and ... YOU(!), too - ?![1], and the cage of the SQUARE WORLD, yes, COLD WORLD ... is comforting for some, ha![1], and here ... I am free / and ... YOU(!), too - ?![2], and I'll never understand them ...[1], and the cage of the SQUARE WORLD, yes, COLD WORLD ... is comforting for some, ha![2], and what did Dostoyevsky say, Voice? / 'Freedom is a burden, or something, boss!'[1], and I'll never understand them ...[2], and ... yeah, or something ... / It's been a few years since I read him, oh well[1], and what did Dostoyevsky say, Voice? / 'Freedom is a burden, or something, boss!'[2], and I don't need no answers / I AM THE ANSWER!!![1], and ... yeah, or something ... / It's been a few years since I read him, oh well[2], and a-ROUND here ... I can be myself, just facing the cosmos and getting rid of dirt[1], and I don't need no answers / I AM THE ANSWER!!![2], and watch me spin - full of joy![1], and a-ROUND here ... I can be myself, just facing the cosmos and getting rid of dirt[2], and Napoleon and Caesar were happy to be on their own, you dig? / I'm sure of that[1], and watch me spin - full of joy![2], and the slaves will always look outside themselves[1], and Napoleon and Caesar were happy to be on their own, you dig? / I'm sure of that[2], and if I can't convince you, Jesus H. - !!! / oh, you can lead a horse to water ...[1], and the slaves will always look outside themselves[2], and I ain't concerned[1], and if I can't convince you, Jesus H. - !!! / oh, you can lead a horse to water ...[2], and spiritual aristocrats, the evolutionary spearheads ... are very rare / Would you recognize one?[1], and I ain't concerned[2], and ... ha![1], and spiritual aristocrats, the evolutionary spearheads ... are very rare / Would you recognize one?[2], and if YOU(!) ... have a bad soul, keep your thoughts off mine / just keep to your own kind[1], and ... ha![2], and ... please![1], and if YOU(!) ... have a bad soul, keep your thoughts off mine / just keep to your own kind[2], and my conscious consciousness conscious consciousness ness ... is precious[1], and ... please![2], and ... oh yes![1], and my conscious consciousness conscious consciousness ness ... is precious[2], and if you ain't digging me, the kooks are, so ... / Do I care, really? / Son, I'm frying different fish[1], and ... oh yes![2], and daughter, too - of course! / 'Guys, Mikey!'[1], and if you ain't digging me, the kooks are, so ... / Do I care, really? / Son, I'm frying different fish[2], and well, well, well ... so free![1], and daughter, too - of course! / 'Guys, Mikey!'[2], and one of these spins, uh, you should know ... I'll be GONE(!), oh, way beyond the THREE[1], and well, well, well ... so free![2], and gotta stay positive[1], and one of these spins, uh, you should know ... I'll be GONE(!), oh, way beyond the THREE[2], and, yes, yes, YES - !!![1], and gotta stay positive[2], and here ... I am free / and ... YOU(!), too - ?![3], and, yes, yes, YES - !!![2], and the cage of the SQUARE WORLD, yes, COLD WORLD ... is comforting for some, ha![3], and I'll never understand them ...[3], and what did Dostoyevsky say, Voice? / 'Freedom is a burden, or something, boss!'[3], and ... yeah, or something ... / It's been a few years since I read him, oh well[3], and I don't need no answers / I AM THE ANSWER!!![3], and a-ROUND here ... I can be myself, just facing the cosmos and getting rid of dirt[3], and watch me spin - full of joy![3], and Napoleon and Caesar were happy to be on their own, you dig? / I'm sure of that[3], and the slaves will always look outside themselves[3],and if I can't convince you, Jesus H. - !!! / oh, you can lead a horse to water ...[3], and I ain't concerned[3], and spiritual aristocrats, the evolutionary spearheads ... are very rare / Would you recognize one?[3], and ... ha![3], and if YOU(!) ... have a bad soul, keep your thoughts off mine / just keep to your own kind[3], and ... please![3], and my conscious consciousness conscious consciousness ness ... is precious[3], and ... oh yes![3], and if you ain't digging me, the kooks are, so ... / Do I care, really? / Son, I'm frying different fish[3], and daughter, too - of course! / 'Guys, Mikey!'[3], and well, well, well ... so free![3], and one of these spins, uh, you should know ... I'll be GONE(!), oh, way beyond the THREE[3], and gotta stay positive[3], and, yes, yes, YES - !!![3], and

Orange Capital Partners acquires €150.9 million portfolio from NSI

Euros? There's no harm in it, I suppose. We'll all be using euros soon. 'How do you work that out, boss?' Ha! Think about it, idiot!

Dear reader(s), I just can't get the staff ...

Anyway ...

The portfolio consists of 16 retail assets with a total surface area of 84,682sqm, of which more than 75% is located in the Randstad conurbation. Anchor retailers in the portfolio include the supermarket chains Ahold, Jumbo, Lidl and Hoogvliet. With the acquisition the convenience retail portfolio of Orange Capital Partners has grown to a total of 28 assets with an aggregated size of 150,000sqm.

Er ... I've heard of Lidl. But where is this Jumbo supermarket? Or Hoogvliet, for Christ's sake?! It's utterly bizarre. Obviously, some PR guy has just made this shit up for a laugh. 'Boss.' What, Voice? 'They're Dutch.' Oh.

Casper Vernooij, partner at Orange Capital Partners, commented: "The portfolio comprises of predominantly convenience retail assets which is at the heart of our strategy. The acquisition further adds to our existing portfolio in the Netherlands. We will use our expertise and local knowledge to invest in these assets and make them more attractive to both retailers and local consumers."

Oh, I see. Netherlands. That explains it. Ha! I thought it was strange, reader(s). I ain't seen no Jumbo supermarkets around. / Anyway, here's a bit on Orange Capital -

Orange Capital Partners is a real estate investment and asset management company founded in 2014. Orange Capital Partners acts as a joint venture partner for international pension funds, investment banks and family offices for real estate investments in the Netherlands. The company has two separate investment teams focused on Dutch residential and Dutch retail opportunities. Orange Capital Partners has an outstanding track-records in sourcing, executing and managing complex real estate transactions. Since inception Orange Capital Partners has successfully closed more than €700mn of deals.

Okay. Okay. That's from the PR email. But I've been doing my own research. 'Bloody hell, boss! Impressive!' Yeah. I've been having a look at their website. Apparently, they have a passion for excellence. Which is always a good thing. 'They sound like guys after your own heart.' There's a woman, too, Voice, I think. 'I mean "guys" as in, uh ... a unisex thing, yeah?' Oh, of course. / Anyway ...

We focus on attracting exceptionally talented people and on creating an atmosphere that rewards initiative and independent thinking. This commitment is reflected in a culture that values integrity, professionalism and a passion for excellence. It also leads us to operate with prudence, financial discipline, a long-term perspective, and a clear understanding that trust is something we must earn every day.

Not bad, eh? Not bad at all.

...

Anything else? Music? My ribs are a bit better, so I'll be able to play more guitar now. / I've been thinking how close I am to having enough material for an album. Well, I have seven complete songs, and two pieces of music. This means I need another two pieces of music and four lyrics. [No B-sides though.] Which is okay. It's a very slow process, man, but I've discarded stuff, too, you dig? 'Will this be the Citizen Kane of albums, Mikey?' Oh, you never know, Voice. It's certainly shaping up very nicely.

Anyway ... / Later? No. 506. Laters.

Malta is the place to be, apparently

Yeah, Malta. 'Malta?! Who says, boss?' The PR people. 'Oh, I should have guessed. You can't believe everything they say. Or anything.' What?! Why not? 'They're PR people.' Shut up, Voice! You know nothing about it. They're very kindly supplying me with "news" while my ribs are bad. / Anyway ...

New research by Managing Partners Group (MPG), the international asset management group, shows more than 7 in 10 (73%) institutional investors believe Brexit will be 'hard', including 29% who believe it will be 'very hard'.

You see? 'Er, no, not really. There's no mention of Malta, man.' Christ! Look at this, you idiot! -

82% believe Brexit will lead to a rise in the number of UK financial services firms setting up subsidiary offices in the EU.

44% believe that UK asset managers specifically will probably get to passport their funds into the EU after Brexit, around 30% believe this will not happen.

The most important considerations for those UK companies looking to set up another operation elsewhere include a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework (78%), followed by the tax regime (52%) and economic stability (42%).

You see, Voice? 'There's no mention of Malta, boss!' Jesus H. - !!! Jeremy Leach says Malta is the place to be, and I believe him. 'Who?!' Jeremy Leach. We've had him on before. 'Oh.' He's the CEO of MPG. 'Okay.' Bloody hell!

Jeremy Leach, Chief Executive Officer at MPG, commented: "Although a sizeable minority in our survey believe UK asset managers will be able to passport their funds in the EU after Brexit I think this will be unlikely - current members of the European Economic Area such as Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Norway do not have this privilege. As such, many asset managers and other UK financial services companies will look to establish a secondary entity somewhere in Europe post-Brexit and Malta should certainly be on the list of serious options."

You see, you fucking idiot?! Malta is one of the serious options. 'All right, all right. You've made your point, boss.' And Kenny Farrugia agrees with our Jeremy. 'Who?!' Kenny Farrugia.

Kenneth Farrugia, Chairman of Finance Malta, commented: "Malta's proposition as an international financial centre has continued to enjoy momentum, as evidenced by the sustained growth experienced in 2016 and the conduit of international business operations currently seeking an investment services licence through the Malta Financial Services Authority. This success of Malta's financial services industry has been driven by a number of factors, including the presence of a comprehensive regulatory legal and framework, the work ethos and skills of the human resources in Malta, the accessibility to the Regulator and its pro-business approach, Malta's cost competitiveness as well as political and economic stability."

You see? 'Yeah. Kenneth Farrugia.' Yeah, our Kenny. Whatever. 'And what does Joe Portelli say?' Ha, ha. I've no idea. Who the hell is Joe Portelli? 'Uh, Christ.' Ha!

...

Well, well ... it's the end of the week, dear reader(s), thank God! And, yeah, yeah ... my ribs are still hurting.

I've been playing my guitar for half an hour a day. I can't risk more until I'm feeling better.

Never mind. I'm staying positive. 'Great!' God is on my side. I'm utterly convinced.

Later(s), crocodile(s).

[No. 505] My mind is on music

My whole consciousness is fixed on music.

And, man ... let the fools rage![1], and I spin a-ROUND here with a few favourite sounds, oblivious to the evil cold world[1], and, man ... let the fools rage![2], and I will swerve in naught[1], and I spin a-ROUND here with a few favourite sounds, oblivious to the evil cold world[2], and like this ... finance is NOTHING / and like this ... politics is NOTHING[1], and I will swerve in naught[2], and I pray now for the wanderers[1], and like this ... finance is NOTHING / and like this ... politics is NOTHING[2], and, yes ... I am so GONE(!) ... with banging drums in my head, my soul, ha![1], and I pray now for the wanderers[2], and all the electric - spasms![1], and, yes ... I am so GONE(!) ... with banging drums in my head, my soul, ha![2], and my own sounds, obviously ...[1], and all the electric - spasms![2], and the sounds of others, too: Beatles, Dylan, Stones, Nirvana, Oasis[1], and my own sounds, obviously ...[2], and a-ROUND here I can wrap myself up, protect myself, keep warm, even ... hot![1], and the sounds of others, too: Beatles, Dylan, Stones, Nirvana, Oasis[2], and my fingers are hot!!![1], and a-ROUND here I can wrap myself up, protect myself, keep warm, even ... hot![2], and with the time I have left? Oh, I won't be raging with the fools, man, you dig?[1], and my fingers are hot!!![2], and I'm bringing something to perfection ...[1], and with the time I have left? Oh, I won't be raging with the fools, man, you dig?[2], and my consciousness ness ... it is FIXED!!![1], and I'm bringing something to perfection ...[2], and what are YOU(!) doing in that evil cold world / Son, daughter ... you're just waiting for death[1], and my consciousness ness ... it is FIXED!!![2], and I don't wanna bring anyone down, but ...[1], and what are YOU(!) doing in that evil cold world / Son, daughter ... you're just waiting for death[2], and if you can tell the truth, you must tell the truth, if you can tell what the truth actually is[1], and I don't wanna bring anyone down, but ...[2], and Jesus(!), yeah?[1], and if you can tell the truth, you must tell the truth, if you can tell what the truth actually is[2], and I'm getting energy, getting energy, getting energy ... uh, a-ROUND here, just believe[1], and Jesus(!), yeah?[2], and there's only one choice: I've chosen it![1], and I'm getting energy, getting energy, getting energy ... uh, a-ROUND here, just believe[2], and it ain't a struggle no more ... now that the EVIL(!!!) cold world truly sickens me[1], and there's only one choice: I've chosen it![2], and if you're not sick of it, maybe you're the problem ... yes, YOU(!)[1], and it ain't a struggle no more ... now that the EVIL(!!!) cold world truly sickens me[2], and, whatever, I suppose[1], and if you're not sick of it, maybe you're the problem ... yes, YOU(!)[2], and, man ... let the fools rage![3], and, whatever, I suppose[2], and I spin a-ROUND here with a few favourite sounds, oblivious to the evil cold world[3], and I will swerve in naught[3], and like this ... finance is NOTHING / and like this ... politics is NOTHING[3], and I pray now for the wanderers[3], and, yes ... I am so GONE(!) ... with banging drums in my head, my soul, ha![3], and all the electric - spasms![3], and my own sounds, obviously ...[3], and the sounds of others, too: Beatles, Dylan, Stones, Nirvana, Oasis[3], and a-ROUND here I can wrap myself up, protect myself, keep warm, even ... hot![3], and my fingers are hot!!![3], and with the time I have left? Oh, I won't be raging with the fools, man, you dig?[3], and I'm bringing something to perfection ...[3], and my consciousness ness ... it is FIXED!!![3], and what are YOU(!) doing in that evil cold world / Son, daughter ... you're just waiting for death[3], and I don't wanna bring anyone down, but ...[3], and if you can tell the truth, you must tell the truth, if you can tell what the truth actually is[3], and Jesus(!), yeah?[3], and I'm getting energy, getting energy, getting energy ... uh, a-ROUND here, just believe[3], and there's only one choice: I've chosen it![3], and it ain't a struggle no more ... now that the EVIL(!!!) cold world truly sickens me[3], and if you're not sick of it, maybe you're the problem ... yes, YOU(!)[3], and, whatever, I suppose[3], and

And, man ... let the fools rage![1], and I spin a-ROUND here with a few favourite sounds, oblivious to the evil cold world[1], and, man ... let the fools rage![2], and I will swerve in naught[1], and I spin a-ROUND here with a few favourite sounds, oblivious to the evil cold world[2], and like this ... finance is NOTHING / and like this ... politics is NOTHING[1], and I will swerve in naught[2], and I pray now for the wanderers[1], and like this ... finance is NOTHING / and like this ... politics is NOTHING[2], and, yes ... I am so GONE(!) ... with banging drums in my head, my soul, ha![1], and I pray now for the wanderers[2], and all the electric - spasms![1], and, yes ... I am so GONE(!) ... with banging drums in my head, my soul, ha![2], and my own sounds, obviously ...[1], and all the electric - spasms![2], and the sounds of others, too: Beatles, Dylan, Stones, Nirvana, Oasis[1], and my own sounds, obviously ...[2], and a-ROUND here I can wrap myself up, protect myself, keep warm, even ... hot![1], and the sounds of others, too: Beatles, Dylan, Stones, Nirvana, Oasis[2], and my fingers are hot!!![1], and a-ROUND here I can wrap myself up, protect myself, keep warm, even ... hot![2], and with the time I have left? Oh, I won't be raging with the fools, man, you dig?[1], and my fingers are hot!!![2], and I'm bringing something to perfection ...[1], and with the time I have left? Oh, I won't be raging with the fools, man, you dig?[2], and my consciousness ness ... it is FIXED!!![1], and I'm bringing something to perfection ...[2], and what are YOU(!) doing in that evil cold world / Son, daughter ... you're just waiting for death[1], and my consciousness ness ... it is FIXED!!![2], and I don't wanna bring anyone down, but ...[1], and what are YOU(!) doing in that evil cold world / Son, daughter ... you're just waiting for death[2], and if you can tell the truth, you must tell the truth, if you can tell what the truth actually is[1], and I don't wanna bring anyone down, but ...[2], and Jesus(!), yeah?[1], and if you can tell the truth, you must tell the truth, if you can tell what the truth actually is[2], and I'm getting energy, getting energy, getting energy ... uh, a-ROUND here, just believe[1], and Jesus(!), yeah?[2], and there's only one choice: I've chosen it![1], and I'm getting energy, getting energy, getting energy ... uh, a-ROUND here, just believe[2], and it ain't a struggle no more ... now that the EVIL(!!!) cold world truly sickens me[1], and there's only one choice: I've chosen it![2], and if you're not sick of it, maybe you're the problem ... yes, YOU(!)[1], and it ain't a struggle no more ... now that the EVIL(!!!) cold world truly sickens me[2], and, whatever, I suppose[1], and if you're not sick of it, maybe you're the problem ... yes, YOU(!)[2], and, man ... let the fools rage![3], and, whatever, I suppose[2], and I spin a-ROUND here with a few favourite sounds, oblivious to the evil cold world[3], and I will swerve in naught[3], and like this ... finance is NOTHING / and like this ... politics is NOTHING[3], and I pray now for the wanderers[3], and, yes ... I am so GONE(!) ... with banging drums in my head, my soul, ha![3], and all the electric - spasms![3], and my own sounds, obviously ...[3], and the sounds of others, too: Beatles, Dylan, Stones, Nirvana, Oasis[3], and a-ROUND here I can wrap myself up, protect myself, keep warm, even ... hot![3], and my fingers are hot!!![3], and with the time I have left? Oh, I won't be raging with the fools, man, you dig?[3], and I'm bringing something to perfection ...[3], and my consciousness ness ... it is FIXED!!![3], and what are YOU(!) doing in that evil cold world / Son, daughter ... you're just waiting for death[3], and I don't wanna bring anyone down, but ...[3], and if you can tell the truth, you must tell the truth, if you can tell what the truth actually is[3], and Jesus(!), yeah?[3], and I'm getting energy, getting energy, getting energy ... uh, a-ROUND here, just believe[3], and there's only one choice: I've chosen it![3], and it ain't a struggle no more ... now that the EVIL(!!!) cold world truly sickens me[3], and if you're not sick of it, maybe you're the problem ... yes, YOU(!)[3], and, whatever, I suppose[3], and

And, man ... let the fools rage![1], and I spin a-ROUND here with a few favourite sounds, oblivious to the evil cold world[1], and, man ... let the fools rage![2], and I will swerve in naught[1], and I spin a-ROUND here with a few favourite sounds, oblivious to the evil cold world[2], and like this ... finance is NOTHING / and like this ... politics is NOTHING[1], and I will swerve in naught[2], and I pray now for the wanderers[1], and like this ... finance is NOTHING / and like this ... politics is NOTHING[2], and, yes ... I am so GONE(!) ... with banging drums in my head, my soul, ha![1], and I pray now for the wanderers[2], and all the electric - spasms![1], and, yes ... I am so GONE(!) ... with banging drums in my head, my soul, ha![2], and my own sounds, obviously ...[1], and all the electric - spasms![2], and the sounds of others, too: Beatles, Dylan, Stones, Nirvana, Oasis[1], and my own sounds, obviously ...[2], and a-ROUND here I can wrap myself up, protect myself, keep warm, even ... hot![1], and the sounds of others, too: Beatles, Dylan, Stones, Nirvana, Oasis[2], and my fingers are hot!!![1], and a-ROUND here I can wrap myself up, protect myself, keep warm, even ... hot![2], and with the time I have left? Oh, I won't be raging with the fools, man, you dig?[1], and my fingers are hot!!![2], and I'm bringing something to perfection ...[1], and with the time I have left? Oh, I won't be raging with the fools, man, you dig?[2], and my consciousness ness ... it is FIXED!!![1], and I'm bringing something to perfection ...[2], and what are YOU(!) doing in that evil cold world / Son, daughter ... you're just waiting for death[1], and my consciousness ness ... it is FIXED!!![2], and I don't wanna bring anyone down, but ...[1], and what are YOU(!) doing in that evil cold world / Son, daughter ... you're just waiting for death[2], and if you can tell the truth, you must tell the truth, if you can tell what the truth actually is[1], and I don't wanna bring anyone down, but ...[2], and Jesus(!), yeah?[1], and if you can tell the truth, you must tell the truth, if you can tell what the truth actually is[2], and I'm getting energy, getting energy, getting energy ... uh, a-ROUND here, just believe[1], and Jesus(!), yeah?[2], and there's only one choice: I've chosen it![1], and I'm getting energy, getting energy, getting energy ... uh, a-ROUND here, just believe[2], and it ain't a struggle no more ... now that the EVIL(!!!) cold world truly sickens me[1], and there's only one choice: I've chosen it![2], and if you're not sick of it, maybe you're the problem ... yes, YOU(!)[1], and it ain't a struggle no more ... now that the EVIL(!!!) cold world truly sickens me[2], and, whatever, I suppose[1], and if you're not sick of it, maybe you're the problem ... yes, YOU(!)[2], and, man ... let the fools rage![3], and, whatever, I suppose[2], and I spin a-ROUND here with a few favourite sounds, oblivious to the evil cold world[3], and I will swerve in naught[3], and like this ... finance is NOTHING / and like this ... politics is NOTHING[3], and I pray now for the wanderers[3], and, yes ... I am so GONE(!) ... with banging drums in my head, my soul, ha![3], and all the electric - spasms![3], and my own sounds, obviously ...[3], and the sounds of others, too: Beatles, Dylan, Stones, Nirvana, Oasis[3], and a-ROUND here I can wrap myself up, protect myself, keep warm, even ... hot![3], and my fingers are hot!!![3], and with the time I have left? Oh, I won't be raging with the fools, man, you dig?[3], and I'm bringing something to perfection ...[3], and my consciousness ness ... it is FIXED!!![3], and what are YOU(!) doing in that evil cold world / Son, daughter ... you're just waiting for death[3], and I don't wanna bring anyone down, but ...[3], and if you can tell the truth, you must tell the truth, if you can tell what the truth actually is[3], and Jesus(!), yeah?[3], and I'm getting energy, getting energy, getting energy ... uh, a-ROUND here, just believe[3], and there's only one choice: I've chosen it![3], and it ain't a struggle no more ... now that the EVIL(!!!) cold world truly sickens me[3], and if you're not sick of it, maybe you're the problem ... yes, YOU(!)[3], and, whatever, I suppose[3], and