[No. 642] Pick a moment

Hold on to it.

And, yes, YOU(!) ...[1], and pick a moment now, one of these ...[1], and, yes, YOU(!) ...[2], and if you don't like any of these ones, uh, there will be others in a little while ... so you must be patient[1], and pick a mom ent now, one of these ...[2], and here they come ...[1], and if you don't like any of these ones, uh, there will be others in a little while ... so you must be patient[2], and a-ROUND, eternity is a joy![1], and here they come ...[2], and they might break[1], and a-ROUND, eter nity is a joy![2], and, or ... maybe a pain, the jury is out on that one[1], and they might break[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and we can hold on to one, each, with our minds[1], and, or ... maybe a pain, the jury is out on that one[2], and, ah![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and we can hold on to one, each, with our mi nds[2], and they might fade[1], and, ah![2], and talk about melancholy ...[1], and they might fad e[2], and the moments don't care for us / and they have no loyalty / and when we die they will continue ... for others[1], and talk about melan choly ...[2], and, so ... let's get stuck in![1], and the moments don't care for us / and they have no loyalty / and when we die they will continue ... for others[2], and, in, in, in ... it!!![1], and, so ... let's get stuck in![2], and the jam of life is even stickier here / and I designed the conceptuals this WAY[1], and, in, in, in ... it!!![2], and I don't make mistakes![1], and the j am of lif e is even stick ier here / and I designed the conceptuals this WAY[2], and here comes a nice one, catch it![1], and I don't make mistakes![2], and, uh ...[1], and here comes a nice one, cat ch it![2], and it's a joke, all this, I suppose ... living for these moments that slip away[1], and, uh ...[2], and don't slip away, FFS!!![1], and it's a joke, all this, I suppose ... living for these moments that s lip away[2], and one day ... they'll be big changes ... to reality ... that will put shit straight for us, you dig?[1], and don't slip away, FFS!!![2], and keep believing![1], and one day ... they'll be big changes ... to reality ... that will put shit straight for us, you dig?[2], and ... 'Mikey, Mikey, Mikey -'[1], and keep believing![2], and, no, no, no, Voice ... a rainbow will only make things worse / and haven't you learnt anything?[1], and ... 'Mik ey, Mike y, Mik ey -'[2], and ... 'Uh'[1], and, no, no, no, Voice ... a rain bow will only make things worse / and haven't you learnt anything?[2], and I knew it! Ha, ha, ha! ... yes, uh / and I can read that little idiot like a book[1], and ... 'Uh'[2], and time is passing[1], and I knew it! Ha, ha, ha! ... yes, uh / and I can read that little idiot like a book[2], and, kook(s) / ... / ... / ... / ... are our eyes sad?[1], and time is passing[2], and, yes, YOU(!) ...[3], and, kook(s) / ... / ... / ... / ... are our eyes sa d?[2], and pick a m  o  m  e  n  t now, one of these ...[3], and if you don't like any of these ones, uh, there will be others in a little while ... so you must be patient[3], and here they come ...[3], and a-ROUND, e  t  e  r  n  i  t  y is a joy![3], and they might break[3], and, or ... maybe a pain, the jury is out on that one[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and we can hold on to one, each, with our m  i  n  d  s[3], and, ah![3], and they might f  a  d  e[3], and talk about m  e  l  a  n  c  h  o  l  y ...[3], and the moments don't care for us / and they have no loyalty / and when we die they will continue ... for others[3], and, so ... let's get stuck in![3], and, in, in, in ... it!!![3], and the j  a  m of l  i  f  e is even s  t  i  c  k  i  e  r here / and I designed the conceptuals this WAY[3], and I don't make mistakes![3], and here comes a nice one, c  a  t  c  h it![3], and, uh ...[3], and it's a joke, all this, I suppose ... living for these moments that s l  i  p away[3], and don't slip away, FFS!!![3], and one day ... they'll be big changes ... to reality ... that will put shit straight for us, you dig?[3], and keep believing![3], and ... 'M  i  k  e  y, M  i  k  e  y, M  i  k  e  y -'[3], and, no, no, no, Voice ... a r  a  i  n  b  o  w will only make things worse / and haven't you learnt anything?[3], and ... 'Uh'[3], and I knew it! Ha, ha, ha! ... yes, uh / and I can read that little idiot like a book[3], and time is passing[3], and, kook(s) / ... / ... / ... / ... are our eyes s  a  d?[3], and

And, yes, YOU(!) ...[1], and pick a moment now, one of these ...[1], and, yes, YOU(!) ...[2], and if you don't like any of these ones, uh, there will be others in a little while ... so you must be patient[1], and pick a mom ent now, one of these ...[2], and here they come ...[1], and if you don't like any of these ones, uh, there will be others in a little while ... so you must be patient[2], and a-ROUND, eternity is a joy![1], and here they come ...[2], and they might break[1], and a-ROUND, eter nity is a joy![2], and, or ... maybe a pain, the jury is out on that one[1], and they might break[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and we can hold on to one, each, with our minds[1], and, or ... maybe a pain, the jury is out on that one[2], and, ah![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and we can hold on to one, each, with our mi nds[2], and they might fade[1], and, ah![2], and talk about melancholy ...[1], and they might fad e[2], and the moments don't care for us / and they have no loyalty / and when we die they will continue ... for others[1], and talk about melan choly ...[2], and, so ... let's get stuck in![1], and the moments don't care for us / and they have no loyalty / and when we die they will continue ... for others[2], and, in, in, in ... it!!![1], and, so ... let's get stuck in![2], and the jam of life is even stickier here / and I designed the conceptuals this WAY[1], and, in, in, in ... it!!![2], and I don't make mistakes![1], and the j am of lif e is even stick ier here / and I designed the conceptuals this WAY[2], and here comes a nice one, catch it![1], and I don't make mistakes![2], and, uh ...[1], and here comes a nice one, cat ch it![2], and it's a joke, all this, I suppose ... living for these moments that slip away[1], and, uh ...[2], and don't slip away, FFS!!![1], and it's a joke, all this, I suppose ... living for these moments that s lip away[2], and one day ... they'll be big changes ... to reality ... that will put shit straight for us, you dig?[1], and don't slip away, FFS!!![2], and keep believing![1], and one day ... they'll be big changes ... to reality ... that will put shit straight for us, you dig?[2], and ... 'Mikey, Mikey, Mikey -'[1], and keep believing![2], and, no, no, no, Voice ... a rainbow will only make things worse / and haven't you learnt anything?[1], and ... 'Mik ey, Mike y, Mik ey -'[2], and ... 'Uh'[1], and, no, no, no, Voice ... a rain bow will only make things worse / and haven't you learnt anything?[2], and I knew it! Ha, ha, ha! ... yes, uh / and I can read that little idiot like a book[1], and ... 'Uh'[2], and time is passing[1], and I knew it! Ha, ha, ha! ... yes, uh / and I can read that little idiot like a book[2], and, kook(s) / ... / ... / ... / ... are our eyes sad?[1], and time is passing[2], and, yes, YOU(!) ...[3], and, kook(s) / ... / ... / ... / ... are our eyes sa d?[2], and pick a m  o  m  e  n  t now, one of these ...[3], and if you don't like any of these ones, uh, there will be others in a little while ... so you must be patient[3], and here they come ...[3], and a-ROUND, e  t  e  r  n  i  t  y is a joy![3], and they might break[3], and, or ... maybe a pain, the jury is out on that one[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and we can hold on to one, each, with our m  i  n  d  s[3], and, ah![3], and they might f  a  d  e[3], and talk about m  e  l  a  n  c  h  o  l  y ...[3], and the moments don't care for us / and they have no loyalty / and when we die they will continue ... for others[3], and, so ... let's get stuck in![3], and, in, in, in ... it!!![3], and the j  a  m of l  i  f  e is even s  t  i  c  k  i  e  r here / and I designed the conceptuals this WAY[3], and I don't make mistakes![3], and here comes a nice one, c  a  t  c  h it![3], and, uh ...[3], and it's a joke, all this, I suppose ... living for these moments that s l  i  p away[3], and don't slip away, FFS!!![3], and one day ... they'll be big changes ... to reality ... that will put shit straight for us, you dig?[3], and keep believing![3], and ... 'M  i  k  e  y, M  i  k  e  y, M  i  k  e  y -'[3], and, no, no, no, Voice ... a r  a  i  n  b  o  w will only make things worse / and haven't you learnt anything?[3], and ... 'Uh'[3], and I knew it! Ha, ha, ha! ... yes, uh / and I can read that little idiot like a book[3], and time is passing[3], and, kook(s) / ... / ... / ... / ... are our eyes s  a  d?[3], and

And, yes, YOU(!) ...[1], and pick a moment now, one of these ...[1], and, yes, YOU(!) ...[2], and if you don't like any of these ones, uh, there will be others in a little while ... so you must be patient[1], and pick a mom ent now, one of these ...[2], and here they come ...[1], and if you don't like any of these ones, uh, there will be others in a little while ... so you must be patient[2], and a-ROUND, eternity is a joy![1], and here they come ...[2], and they might break[1], and a-ROUND, eter nity is a joy![2], and, or ... maybe a pain, the jury is out on that one[1], and they might break[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and we can hold on to one, each, with our minds[1], and, or ... maybe a pain, the jury is out on that one[2], and, ah![1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and we can hold on to one, each, with our mi nds[2], and they might fade[1], and, ah![2], and talk about melancholy ...[1], and they might fad e[2], and the moments don't care for us / and they have no loyalty / and when we die they will continue ... for others[1], and talk about melan choly ...[2], and, so ... let's get stuck in![1], and the moments don't care for us / and they have no loyalty / and when we die they will continue ... for others[2], and, in, in, in ... it!!![1], and, so ... let's get stuck in![2], and the jam of life is even stickier here / and I designed the conceptuals this WAY[1], and, in, in, in ... it!!![2], and I don't make mistakes![1], and the j am of lif e is even stick ier here / and I designed the conceptuals this WAY[2], and here comes a nice one, catch it![1], and I don't make mistakes![2], and, uh ...[1], and here comes a nice one, cat ch it![2], and it's a joke, all this, I suppose ... living for these moments that slip away[1], and, uh ...[2], and don't slip away, FFS!!![1], and it's a joke, all this, I suppose ... living for these moments that s lip away[2], and one day ... they'll be big changes ... to reality ... that will put shit straight for us, you dig?[1], and don't slip away, FFS!!![2], and keep believing![1], and one day ... they'll be big changes ... to reality ... that will put shit straight for us, you dig?[2], and ... 'Mikey, Mikey, Mikey -'[1], and keep believing![2], and, no, no, no, Voice ... a rainbow will only make things worse / and haven't you learnt anything?[1], and ... 'Mik ey, Mike y, Mik ey -'[2], and ... 'Uh'[1], and, no, no, no, Voice ... a rain bow will only make things worse / and haven't you learnt anything?[2], and I knew it! Ha, ha, ha! ... yes, uh / and I can read that little idiot like a book[1], and ... 'Uh'[2], and time is passing[1], and I knew it! Ha, ha, ha! ... yes, uh / and I can read that little idiot like a book[2], and, kook(s) / ... / ... / ... / ... are our eyes sad?[1], and time is passing[2], and, yes, YOU(!) ...[3], and, kook(s) / ... / ... / ... / ... are our eyes sa d?[2], and pick a m  o  m  e  n  t now, one of these ...[3], and if you don't like any of these ones, uh, there will be others in a little while ... so you must be patient[3], and here they come ...[3], and a-ROUND, e  t  e  r  n  i  t  y is a joy![3], and they might break[3], and, or ... maybe a pain, the jury is out on that one[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and we can hold on to one, each, with our m  i  n  d  s[3], and, ah![3], and they might f  a  d  e[3], and talk about m  e  l  a  n  c  h  o  l  y ...[3], and the moments don't care for us / and they have no loyalty / and when we die they will continue ... for others[3], and, so ... let's get stuck in![3], and, in, in, in ... it!!![3], and the j  a  m of l  i  f  e is even s  t  i  c  k  i  e  r here / and I designed the conceptuals this WAY[3], and I don't make mistakes![3], and here comes a nice one, c  a  t  c  h it![3], and, uh ...[3], and it's a joke, all this, I suppose ... living for these moments that s l  i  p away[3], and don't slip away, FFS!!![3], and one day ... they'll be big changes ... to reality ... that will put shit straight for us, you dig?[3], and keep believing![3], and ... 'M  i  k  e  y, M  i  k  e  y, M  i  k  e  y -'[3], and, no, no, no, Voice ... a r  a  i  n  b  o  w will only make things worse / and haven't you learnt anything?[3], and ... 'Uh'[3], and I knew it! Ha, ha, ha! ... yes, uh / and I can read that little idiot like a book[3], and time is passing[3], and, kook(s) / ... / ... / ... / ... are our eyes s  a  d?[3], and

A new global FX trading platform!

Yippee! A new global FX trading platform! Just what the world needs at this moment! 'Are you being sarcastic, boss?' No. 'Oh. Okay.' Ha! Here we are -

September 10, 2018, London, UK - Exegy Inc., the leading provider of managed services and low-latency technology for market data normalization and distribution, and Transaction Network Services (TNS), a leader in global managed data communications and interoperability solutions, announce a partnership in offering a global FX trading platform.

Yes, it's a PR email. Oh, she says I can speak to someone at TNS, if I want to. 'Who says that?!' Ha! Clare does, Voice. The PR lady. But they turned me down for a job years ago, so I think I'll wait until hell freezes over. No hard feelings though. 'Ha!' I'm still doing this post, ain't I? 'Yeah. Oh, er ... she may be the PR lady, boss, but she works at TNS, you know.' Does she?! 'Read down at the bottom of the email.' Uh. Okay. Okay. Well, never mind. Life's too short to hold grudges. 'Hey! No endorsement, boss.' Of course not! Let the reader(s) make up their own minds!

The new offering combines TNS' excellence in market connectivity and hosting solutions and Exegy's Trade Port FX which delivers normalized FX market data and execution services to major FX venues as a fully managed and integrated FX trading platform.

And that's great, obviously. It's just a shame that TNS can't spot geniuses who apply for jobs. I'm pretty sure I got 100 per cent on their cockamamie test, you know. 'Let it go, boss.' I'm just saying, man, that's all.

"Exegy is excited to be working with TNS to create a global, state-of-the-art FX trading platform," said Exegy Sales Director in Europe and Asia Carlos Lopez Lansdowne. "TNS' global presence, renowned reputation for superior customer service, coupled with Exegy's FX market data and order execution solutions will deliver better performance, lower total cost, and a disruptive new model in the FX industry."

Carlos, mate, are you really that excited? Whatever. / Oh, hang on! Bill wants to say something. Well, he's already said it, actually, but now he wants it reported on my blog. My blog! 'Bill who?' Bill Versen, Voice. He's the chief product officer at TNS. 'Ha! Tell him to do one!' No, no. I said I don't hold grudges.

Bill Versen, Chief Product Officer at TNS, said: "We're delighted to be working with Exegy to launch this new global FX trading platform. Our extensive hosting infrastructure enables us to make it easier for the trading community to access vital services, such as Exegy's Trade Port FX solution, while gaining additional business benefits at the same time."

Right. Delighted. I was hoping he would be excited, like our Carlos. 'Or thrilled.' Yes, or thrilled. But I guess we'll have to accept "delighted" if it's the only thing on offer. FFS!

Well, well ... 'You could delete this post, boss, if you feel bad about it, like.' No. 'Are you sure?' Listen, I don't care about TNS, Voice, but I'm doing this for my mate Carlos at Exegy. He's the good guy in all this. A bit about the company to finish with -

Exegy provides best-of-breed technology and managed services for the normalization and distribution of real-time market data to a diverse set of elite firms in the financial services industry. Today Exegy serves as a strategic partner to leading exchange and ATS operators, market makers, sell-side banks, buy-side asset managers, and proprietary traders. At the heart of Exegy's product line are purpose-built, hardware-accelerated appliances derived from an extensive portfolio of patented and patent-pending technology.

And ... ENDS!!!

[No. 641] Find yourself!

The real YOU(!).

And I'm talking about ...[1], and you, you are lost in a sea of others[1], and I'm talk ing about ...[2], and don't be sad[1], and you, you are lost in a sea of others[2], and what(?) are you ... going to do to find the real YOU(!)? / and, uh, uh ... oh, get DIZZY(!) all a-ROUND, okay, okay[1], and don't be sad[2], and ... not bad, not bad, no![1], and what(?) are you ... going to do to find the real YOU(!)? / and, uh, uh ... oh, get DIZ ZY(!) all a-ROUND, okay, okay[2], and kook or square, there's another YOU(!), you dig? / and you've got to dig for it[1], and ... not bad, not bad, no![2], and go on![1], and kook or square, there's another YOU(!), you dig? / and you've got to dig for it[2], and deeper down, deeper down, ah! ... ah, consciousness ness nesses, yes, yes, of course![1], and go on![2], and your mind is full of the world's shit, I'm afraid[1], and deeper do wn, deeper do wn, ah! ... ah, consciousness ness nesses, yes, yes, of course![2], and beyond the THREE will get you clean, so clean ... alas, we're not heading there just yet[1], and your mind is full of the world's sh it, I'm afraid[2], and kooks have it better, easier, obviously[1], and beyond the THREE will get you cle an, so clea n ... alas, we're not heading there just yet[2], and one day we will ... who knows?! Ha, ha, ha! / and ... 'Ha, Mikey, ha! Uh' / and ... shut up!!![1], and kooks have it better, easier, obviously[2], and ... come on![1], and one day we will ... who knows?! Ha, ha, ha! / and ... 'Ha, Mik ey, ha! Uh' / and ... shut up!!![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... yes, yes! / ... and, FASTER! ... if you don't mind, please[1], and ... come on![2], and your mind don't mind, I'm sure[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... yes, yes! / ... and, FAS TER! ... if you don't mind, please[2], and the ... Speed of Life ... oh, I'm listening to it![1], and your mind don't mind, I'm sure[2], and if your mind minded that would be a serious problem / and you've got enough problems, haven't you?[1], and the ... Speed of Life ... oh, I'm listening to it![2], and are you on the floor, rolling?[1], and if your mind mind ed that would be a serious problem / and you've got enough problems, haven't you?[2], and drooling ... ?[1], and are you on the floor, rolling?[2], and I'm waiting for your miracle / and so believing in it, yes, yes - YES!!![1], and drooling ... ?[2], and time helps us ...[1], and I'm waiting for your mira cle / and so believing in it, yes, yes - YES!!![2], and a-ROUND here ... do you feel strong?[1], and time helps us ...[2], and listen to me now!!![1], and a-ROUND here ... do you feel strong?[2], and pretty soon you'll be a god / and there will be no connection with a normal day[1], and listen to me now!!![2], and I want you to believe, you dig?[1], and pretty soon you'll be a god / and there will be no con nection with a normal day[2], and be brave, my friend(s), yes, yes / and guess what ... a square can become a kook, yes[1], and I want you to believe, you dig?[2], and change ... to find![1], and be brave, my friend(s), yes, yes / and guess what ... a square can become a koo k, yes[2], and I'm t  a  l  k  i  n  g about ...[3], and change ... to find![2], and you, you are lost in a sea of others[3], and don't be sad[3], and what(?) are you ... going to do to find the real YOU(!)? / and, uh, uh ... oh, get D  I  Z  Z  Y(!) all a-ROUND, okay, okay[3], and ... not bad, not bad, no![3], and kook or square, there's another YOU(!), you dig? / and you've got to dig for it[3], and go on![3], and deeper d  o  w  n, deeper d  o  w  n, ah! ... ah, consciousness ness nesses, yes, yes, of course![3], and your mind is full of the world's s  h  i  t, I'm afraid[3], and beyond the THREE will get you c  l  e  a  n, so c  l  e  a  n ... alas, we're not heading there just yet[3], and kooks have it better, easier, obviously[3], and one day we will ... who knows?! Ha, ha, ha! / and ... 'Ha, M  i  k  e  y, ha! Uh' / and ... shut up!!![3], and ... come on![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... yes, yes! / ... and, F  A  S  T  E  R! ... if you don't mind, please[3], and your mind don't mind, I'm sure[3], and the ... Speed of Life ... oh, I'm listening to it![3], and if your mind m  i  n  d  e  d that would be a serious problem / and you've got enough problems, haven't you?[3], and are you on the floor, rolling?[3], and drooling ... ?[3], and I'm waiting for your m  i  r  a  c  l  e / and so believing in it, yes, yes - YES!!![3], and time helps us ...[3], and a-ROUND here ... do you feel strong?[3], and listen to me now!!![3], and pretty soon you'll be a god / and there will be no c  o  n  n  e  c  t  i  o  n with a normal day[3], and I want you to believe, you dig?[3], and be brave, my friend(s), yes, yes / and guess what ... a square can become a k  o  o  k, yes[3], and change ... to find![3], and

And I'm talking about ...[1], and you, you are lost in a sea of others[1], and I'm talk ing about ...[2], and don't be sad[1], and you, you are lost in a sea of others[2], and what(?) are you ... going to do to find the real YOU(!)? / and, uh, uh ... oh, get DIZZY(!) all a-ROUND, okay, okay[1], and don't be sad[2], and ... not bad, not bad, no![1], and what(?) are you ... going to do to find the real YOU(!)? / and, uh, uh ... oh, get DIZ ZY(!) all a-ROUND, okay, okay[2], and kook or square, there's another YOU(!), you dig? / and you've got to dig for it[1], and ... not bad, not bad, no![2], and go on![1], and kook or square, there's another YOU(!), you dig? / and you've got to dig for it[2], and deeper down, deeper down, ah! ... ah, consciousness ness nesses, yes, yes, of course![1], and go on![2], and your mind is full of the world's shit, I'm afraid[1], and deeper do wn, deeper do wn, ah! ... ah, consciousness ness nesses, yes, yes, of course![2], and beyond the THREE will get you clean, so clean ... alas, we're not heading there just yet[1], and your mind is full of the world's sh it, I'm afraid[2], and kooks have it better, easier, obviously[1], and beyond the THREE will get you cle an, so clea n ... alas, we're not heading there just yet[2], and one day we will ... who knows?! Ha, ha, ha! / and ... 'Ha, Mikey, ha! Uh' / and ... shut up!!![1], and kooks have it better, easier, obviously[2], and ... come on![1], and one day we will ... who knows?! Ha, ha, ha! / and ... 'Ha, Mik ey, ha! Uh' / and ... shut up!!![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... yes, yes! / ... and, FASTER! ... if you don't mind, please[1], and ... come on![2], and your mind don't mind, I'm sure[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... yes, yes! / ... and, FAS TER! ... if you don't mind, please[2], and the ... Speed of Life ... oh, I'm listening to it![1], and your mind don't mind, I'm sure[2], and if your mind minded that would be a serious problem / and you've got enough problems, haven't you?[1], and the ... Speed of Life ... oh, I'm listening to it![2], and are you on the floor, rolling?[1], and if your mind mind ed that would be a serious problem / and you've got enough problems, haven't you?[2], and drooling ... ?[1], and are you on the floor, rolling?[2], and I'm waiting for your miracle / and so believing in it, yes, yes - YES!!![1], and drooling ... ?[2], and time helps us ...[1], and I'm waiting for your mira cle / and so believing in it, yes, yes - YES!!![2], and a-ROUND here ... do you feel strong?[1], and time helps us ...[2], and listen to me now!!![1], and a-ROUND here ... do you feel strong?[2], and pretty soon you'll be a god / and there will be no connection with a normal day[1], and listen to me now!!![2], and I want you to believe, you dig?[1], and pretty soon you'll be a god / and there will be no con nection with a normal day[2], and be brave, my friend(s), yes, yes / and guess what ... a square can become a kook, yes[1], and I want you to believe, you dig?[2], and change ... to find![1], and be brave, my friend(s), yes, yes / and guess what ... a square can become a koo k, yes[2], and I'm t  a  l  k  i  n  g about ...[3], and change ... to find![2], and you, you are lost in a sea of others[3], and don't be sad[3], and what(?) are you ... going to do to find the real YOU(!)? / and, uh, uh ... oh, get D  I  Z  Z  Y(!) all a-ROUND, okay, okay[3], and ... not bad, not bad, no![3], and kook or square, there's another YOU(!), you dig? / and you've got to dig for it[3], and go on![3], and deeper d  o  w  n, deeper d  o  w  n, ah! ... ah, consciousness ness nesses, yes, yes, of course![3], and your mind is full of the world's s  h  i  t, I'm afraid[3], and beyond the THREE will get you c  l  e  a  n, so c  l  e  a  n ... alas, we're not heading there just yet[3], and kooks have it better, easier, obviously[3], and one day we will ... who knows?! Ha, ha, ha! / and ... 'Ha, M  i  k  e  y, ha! Uh' / and ... shut up!!![3], and ... come on![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... yes, yes! / ... and, F  A  S  T  E  R! ... if you don't mind, please[3], and your mind don't mind, I'm sure[3], and the ... Speed of Life ... oh, I'm listening to it![3], and if your mind m  i  n  d  e  d that would be a serious problem / and you've got enough problems, haven't you?[3], and are you on the floor, rolling?[3], and drooling ... ?[3], and I'm waiting for your m  i  r  a  c  l  e / and so believing in it, yes, yes - YES!!![3], and time helps us ...[3], and a-ROUND here ... do you feel strong?[3], and listen to me now!!![3], and pretty soon you'll be a god / and there will be no c  o  n  n  e  c  t  i  o  n with a normal day[3], and I want you to believe, you dig?[3], and be brave, my friend(s), yes, yes / and guess what ... a square can become a k  o  o  k, yes[3], and change ... to find![3], and

And I'm talking about ...[1], and you, you are lost in a sea of others[1], and I'm talk ing about ...[2], and don't be sad[1], and you, you are lost in a sea of others[2], and what(?) are you ... going to do to find the real YOU(!)? / and, uh, uh ... oh, get DIZZY(!) all a-ROUND, okay, okay[1], and don't be sad[2], and ... not bad, not bad, no![1], and what(?) are you ... going to do to find the real YOU(!)? / and, uh, uh ... oh, get DIZ ZY(!) all a-ROUND, okay, okay[2], and kook or square, there's another YOU(!), you dig? / and you've got to dig for it[1], and ... not bad, not bad, no![2], and go on![1], and kook or square, there's another YOU(!), you dig? / and you've got to dig for it[2], and deeper down, deeper down, ah! ... ah, consciousness ness nesses, yes, yes, of course![1], and go on![2], and your mind is full of the world's shit, I'm afraid[1], and deeper do wn, deeper do wn, ah! ... ah, consciousness ness nesses, yes, yes, of course![2], and beyond the THREE will get you clean, so clean ... alas, we're not heading there just yet[1], and your mind is full of the world's sh it, I'm afraid[2], and kooks have it better, easier, obviously[1], and beyond the THREE will get you cle an, so clea n ... alas, we're not heading there just yet[2], and one day we will ... who knows?! Ha, ha, ha! / and ... 'Ha, Mikey, ha! Uh' / and ... shut up!!![1], and kooks have it better, easier, obviously[2], and ... come on![1], and one day we will ... who knows?! Ha, ha, ha! / and ... 'Ha, Mik ey, ha! Uh' / and ... shut up!!![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... yes, yes! / ... and, FASTER! ... if you don't mind, please[1], and ... come on![2], and your mind don't mind, I'm sure[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... yes, yes! / ... and, FAS TER! ... if you don't mind, please[2], and the ... Speed of Life ... oh, I'm listening to it![1], and your mind don't mind, I'm sure[2], and if your mind minded that would be a serious problem / and you've got enough problems, haven't you?[1], and the ... Speed of Life ... oh, I'm listening to it![2], and are you on the floor, rolling?[1], and if your mind mind ed that would be a serious problem / and you've got enough problems, haven't you?[2], and drooling ... ?[1], and are you on the floor, rolling?[2], and I'm waiting for your miracle / and so believing in it, yes, yes - YES!!![1], and drooling ... ?[2], and time helps us ...[1], and I'm waiting for your mira cle / and so believing in it, yes, yes - YES!!![2], and a-ROUND here ... do you feel strong?[1], and time helps us ...[2], and listen to me now!!![1], and a-ROUND here ... do you feel strong?[2], and pretty soon you'll be a god / and there will be no connection with a normal day[1], and listen to me now!!![2], and I want you to believe, you dig?[1], and pretty soon you'll be a god / and there will be no con nection with a normal day[2], and be brave, my friend(s), yes, yes / and guess what ... a square can become a kook, yes[1], and I want you to believe, you dig?[2], and change ... to find![1], and be brave, my friend(s), yes, yes / and guess what ... a square can become a koo k, yes[2], and I'm t  a  l  k  i  n  g about ...[3], and change ... to find![2], and you, you are lost in a sea of others[3], and don't be sad[3], and what(?) are you ... going to do to find the real YOU(!)? / and, uh, uh ... oh, get D  I  Z  Z  Y(!) all a-ROUND, okay, okay[3], and ... not bad, not bad, no![3], and kook or square, there's another YOU(!), you dig? / and you've got to dig for it[3], and go on![3], and deeper d  o  w  n, deeper d  o  w  n, ah! ... ah, consciousness ness nesses, yes, yes, of course![3], and your mind is full of the world's s  h  i  t, I'm afraid[3], and beyond the THREE will get you c  l  e  a  n, so c  l  e  a  n ... alas, we're not heading there just yet[3], and kooks have it better, easier, obviously[3], and one day we will ... who knows?! Ha, ha, ha! / and ... 'Ha, M  i  k  e  y, ha! Uh' / and ... shut up!!![3], and ... come on![3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... yes, yes! / ... and, F  A  S  T  E  R! ... if you don't mind, please[3], and your mind don't mind, I'm sure[3], and the ... Speed of Life ... oh, I'm listening to it![3], and if your mind m  i  n  d  e  d that would be a serious problem / and you've got enough problems, haven't you?[3], and are you on the floor, rolling?[3], and drooling ... ?[3], and I'm waiting for your m  i  r  a  c  l  e / and so believing in it, yes, yes - YES!!![3], and time helps us ...[3], and a-ROUND here ... do you feel strong?[3], and listen to me now!!![3], and pretty soon you'll be a god / and there will be no c  o  n  n  e  c  t  i  o  n with a normal day[3], and I want you to believe, you dig?[3], and be brave, my friend(s), yes, yes / and guess what ... a square can become a k  o  o  k, yes[3], and change ... to find![3], and

Get physical in a different way!

We've done the mental, to perfection! We've got to get physical, dear reader(s). In a different way. Well, I've got to. I mean, it's not all in the mind or soul, you know. Life!

When you say something and someone looks at you like you're nuts. Or looks at me. That's fine, man. That's normal, for us. But we need to add to it ... something physical, where people will look at our excessive or unusual activity and say, "That's nuts!" You dig?

There's no future in a normal life now. Mental or physical. Normality is a busted flush. Maybe it was wonderful for our grandparents. But their world don't exist no more, kook(s).

Feel different.

Look different.

Seem different.

Talk different.

Walk different.

You are different!

You are not the same!!!

In alienation there is freedom. You don't want to be like the others, do you? Stuck in their awful jam? No thank you!

These words are from my mind, obviously. Maybe you have similar words. But not the same words. Oh, hopefully. / Listen! Now we must roll on the floor and drool. Do it! Let the others understand - or not understand, even better - just what sort of human beings they are dealing with. Freaks of nature!

Someone once said to Jackson Pollock, "You should paint from nature." He replied, "I am nature."

Do you see? And do you actually dig it?

We can be nature now, all of it ... in our own way. Forget what the others are doing.

[One important thing: Don't be different like me, and I won't be different like you.

Let's have a bit of respect!]

Life is too short. It's also too long, if you know what I mean. It all depends ...

Don't be a fool!

One day, we will not worry. There will be no sadness in our eyes. We will be strong. Too strong to stop.

Let's make it happen!

KEPLER-FONDS is the top!

Yes, the top asset manager. 'Who says?' Ha! Scope says, Voice. 'Oh.' Look! -

Austrian fund manager KEPLER-FONDS retained top spot among large asset managers in Scope's second quarter asset-manager ranking. Almost two thirds of its funds have a top rating. Scope defines large asset managers as those with more than 25 rated funds.

Nice!

Vontobel AM rose the most places among the previous top 10 asset managers. Compared with Q1, Vontobel increased its proportion of top ratings from 48% to 52%. As the average proportion of top ratings in the top 10 fell, this pushed the Swiss asset manager up from ninth to second place.

Well done, Vontobel AM!

Legg Mason made the most significant entry into the top 10, rising from 30th to third in the ranking. Five of its funds were upgraded from (C) to (B) in Q2, hence the asset manager's proportion of top ratings rose from 34% to 50%. Also new in the top 10 are Blackrock and MFS. As a result, Metzler, Robeco and Union Investment no longer rank among the best-rated managers.

Comgest regained the top spot among small asset managers, having lost its number one position in Q1 to rank third. Its proportion of top ratings rose from 71% to 82% in Q2. Small asset managers are those with fewer than 25 but more than eight rated funds) and fell to third place.

In second and third place are US asset managers Wellington Management and T. Rowe Price, which significantly improved their proportion of top ratings. Wellington Management increased its ratio from 70% to 78%, while 68% of the funds from T. Row Price now have top ratings, compared with 64% in Q1.

In Q2, Flossbach von Stroch returned to the top 10. Its proportion of top rankings rose from 50% to 60%. As a result, the investment company from Cologne returned to 7th place. Lupus Alpha, Dimensional and First State also broke into the top 10. No longer among the top 10 among small asset managers are SKAG (14th), MEAG (12th) and J O Hambro (31st).

Okay, okay. Not bad. [SKAG?! Whatever.] BUT(!) ...

Scope rates 6,000 investment funds (UCITS) authorized for distribution in the German market, managed by more than 300 asset managers (KVGs). The ranking sorts the asset managers according to their proportion of funds with a top rating. One third of funds evaluated by Scope currently have a top rating (8.2% are rated A; 25.8%, B). Asset managers are considered above average when more than a third of their funds possess top ratings.

Are they only talking about the German market? 'Er ...' I guess we'll never know. 'Why not?! Why will we never know, boss?' Because this is the last post of the week. I'm knackered, and I don't want to do any more work. 'Oh.' So there!

...

Anything else? Other news? Christ! Well, it turns out that the "plan" for our no deal Brexit national suicide has a codename now: Operation Yellowhammer. That's exciting, isn't it, dear reader(s)? Of course, if we weren't ruled by utter fucking morons we could call the whole thing off and remain a wealthy, successful, and civilized member of the European Union. 'That's not how we do things in Great Britain, Mikey! We're going to rule the waves again!' Shut up, man! FFS! You're not even British, Voice. What are you, Native American? 'I don't know, boss. Maybe.' Yeah. Coming over here, taking the jobs of good, honest British spirit guides. Go home! You're not wanted here. / Jesus! What's happening to me?

Has he gone?

Voice? Voice? Come back!

Well, have a nice weekend, reader(s). Laters. 'Bye!' Ha!

What's more important than electric cars?

Well, uh ... it's battery metals, according to Blackstone Resources. From a PR email I received yesterday -

The electric-vehicle (EV) revolution will emerge as a mixture of differing technologies, from hybrids to all-electric cars. These will be powered by an ever-evolving battery-metal-mix of cathodes.

But battery-metals don't mind what path the EV revolution takes. They don't mind which auto-maker wins and which one loses. Even the type of technology used is of little relevance. Aggregate demand for battery-metals will rise at an exponential rate.

This is why investors should look upstream and diversify across a number of battery metal interests like Blackstone Resources has. The final mix doesn't matter whether it's North American cobalt, rare earths from Norway, manganese from Peru or molybdenum from Mongolia.

Okay, okay. No investment advice, and no endorsements, obviously. You know the score, dear reader(s). These guys have just got a real hard-on for batteries. It takes all sorts to make a world, I suppose.

Personally, I think getting to Mars is more important than electric cars, you dig? But that's me.

...

So, yeah ... Tesla is getting some competition now. Mercedes-Benz has just announced its first all-electric car, the Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 4Matic SUV. People are saying that Tesla should be worried because of this car and other electric cars coming on to the market. Well, maybe it should. But you know what? Elon Musk shouldn't be worried. Electric cars wouldn't even be a thing without him. His legacy is secure.

Listen! What he needs to fucking do, our Elon, is get to Mars, man! I don't know how many times I've got to tell the crazy kid. (He's two years younger than me, after all.) Just get to Mars!

If Elon went to Mars, his critics wouldn't be able to say shit about him. What could they say? "Going to Mars is no big deal." ... ?!?! Nonsense! They would have to shut up forever. / Actually, he's in more trouble at the moment, sort of, after his latest comments on that diver. A lot of people are angry. Never mind. It's pretty entertaining. Elon Musk is like Donald Trump on acid.

...

By the way, I read a good article yesterday on forty-two employees working at Tesla. (I think it was Business Insider. But why forty-two?) Apparently, some workers love it, and some hate it. 'Just like at any other company, boss. Wow!' Yes, Voice. Ha! / There is one thing though. Elon works 120 hours a week BECAUSE(!) ... he gets all the money and all the glory, you dig? You can't expect his employees to have the same work ethic. I mean, where's the motivation? I wouldn't work that hard for anyone. However, I would do it for myself. So there's more motivational advice for you, dear reader(s): Look after NUMBER ONE!!!

Okay, okay. Laters!

[No. 640] Keep still!

While the words move a-ROUND. But don't let the words bother you. Don't let them get their hooks in. You dig?

And ... okay, okay![1], and, kook(s) ... are YOU(!) up for this - ? Please![1], and ... okay, okay![2], and we're reaching for ... the next level / and the discipline might help us get beyond the THREE[1], and, kook(s) ... are YOU(!) up for this - ? Please![2], and I live in hope ... some hope![1], and we're reaching for ... the next level / and the discipline might help us get beyond the THREE[2], and, uh, uh, uh ... it's a test, yes, yes, YES(!)[1], and I live in hope ... some hope![2], and ... come on, wake up, smell coffee, as it were, or ... be as you was, a loser, I don't care, man[1], and, uh, uh, uh ... it's a test, yes, yes, YES(!)[2], and it's tough, yes, Christ![1], and ... come on, wake up, smell coffee, as it were, or ... be as you was, a lose r, I don't care, man[2], and focus on your feelings - if you've got any[1], and it's tough, yes, Christ![2], and the disgusting words want to punish you / and, oh ... put them together for thoughts? No, no, no! NO!!![1], and focus on your feelings - if you've got any[2], and I feel sick / and you should, too[1], and the disgusting words want to pun ish you / and, oh ... put them together for thoughts? No, no, no! NO!!![2], and here ...[1], and I feel sick / and you should, too[2], and here are words[1], and here ...[2], and here is pain[1], and here are words[2], and we need, we need, we need ... control![1], and here is pain[2], and over them, yes[1], and we need, we need, we need ... con trol![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and our consciousness ness nesses - shit?![1], and over them, yes[2], and a word like ... "blood", can do so much damage, if you are weak ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and our con sciousness ness nesses - shit?![2], and be strong![1], and a word like ... "blood", can do so much dam age, if you are weak ...[2], and a word like ... "skull", uh, it doesn't bear thinking about ...[1], and be strong![2], and don't think about it![1], and a word like ... "skull", uh, it doesn't bear think ing about ...[2], and a word like ... "soul", ha, ha, ha![1], and don't think about it![2], and ... FFS!!![1], and a wo rd like ... "soul", ha, ha, ha![2], and God help me[1], and ... FFS!!![2], and maybe this now ... is a BIG, BIG MISTAKE, you dig? / and maybe you're not ready for still life ... ?[1], and God he lp me[2], and a word like ... no, no, no, you must STOP(!!!)[1], and maybe this now ... is a BIG, BIG MISTAKE, you dig? / and maybe you're not ready for still life ... ?[2], and I'm a sha/man, so ...[1], and a word like ... no, no, no, you must STOP(!!!)[2], and, man, I'll punch you in your ignorant face if you have any thoughts, seriously, this is serious[1], and I'm a sha/man, so ...[2], and a-ROUND in hell ...[1], and, man, I'll pun ch you in your ig norant face if you have any thoughts, seriously, this is serious[2], and the words are not your friends[1], and a-ROUND in hell ...[2], and the words hate you, really, really, really hate you[1], and the words are not your friends[2], and the words want to destroy you[1], and the words hate you, really, really, real ly hate you[2], and the words are EVIL!!![1], and the words want to des troy you[2], and ... okay, okay![3], and the words are EVIL!!![2], and, kook(s) ... are YOU(!) up for this - ? Please![3], and we're reaching for ... the next level / and the discipline might help us get beyond the THREE[3], and I live in hope ... some hope![3], and, uh, uh, uh ... it's a test, yes, yes, YES(!)[3], and ... come on, wake up, smell coffee, as it were, or ... be as you was, a l  o  s  e  r, I don't care, man[3], and it's tough, yes, Christ![3], and focus on your feelings - if you've got any[3], and the disgusting words want to p  u  n  i  s  h you / and, oh ... put them together for thoughts? No, no, no! NO!!![3], and I feel sick / and you should, too[3], and here ...[3], and here are words[3], and here is pain[3], and we need, we need, we need ... c  o  n  t  r  o  l![3], and over them, yes[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and our c  o  n  s  c  i  o  u  s  n  e  s  s ness nesses - shit?![3], and a word like ... "blood", can do so much d  a  m  a  g  e, if you are weak ...[3], and be strong![3], and a word like ... "skull", uh, it doesn't bear t  h  i  n  k  i  n  g about ...[3], and don't think about it![3], and a w  o  r  d like ... "soul", ha, ha, ha![3], and ... FFS!!![3], and God h  e  l  p me[3], and maybe this now ... is a BIG, BIG MISTAKE, you dig? / and maybe you're not ready for still life ... ?[3], and a word like ... no, no, no, you must STOP(!!!)[3], and I'm a sha/man, so ...[3], and, man, I'll p  u  n  c  h you in your i  g  n  o  r  a  n  t face if you have any thoughts, seriously, this is serious[3], and a-ROUND in hell ...[3], and the words are not your friends[3], and the words hate you, really, really, r  e  a  l  l  y hate you[3], and the words want to d  e  s  t  r  o  y you[3], and the words are EVIL!!![3], and

And ... okay, okay![1], and, kook(s) ... are YOU(!) up for this - ? Please![1], and ... okay, okay![2], and we're reaching for ... the next level / and the discipline might help us get beyond the THREE[1], and, kook(s) ... are YOU(!) up for this - ? Please![2], and I live in hope ... some hope![1], and we're reaching for ... the next level / and the discipline might help us get beyond the THREE[2], and, uh, uh, uh ... it's a test, yes, yes, YES(!)[1], and I live in hope ... some hope![2], and ... come on, wake up, smell coffee, as it were, or ... be as you was, a loser, I don't care, man[1], and, uh, uh, uh ... it's a test, yes, yes, YES(!)[2], and it's tough, yes, Christ![1], and ... come on, wake up, smell coffee, as it were, or ... be as you was, a lose r, I don't care, man[2], and focus on your feelings - if you've got any[1], and it's tough, yes, Christ![2], and the disgusting words want to punish you / and, oh ... put them together for thoughts? No, no, no! NO!!![1], and focus on your feelings - if you've got any[2], and I feel sick / and you should, too[1], and the disgusting words want to pun ish you / and, oh ... put them together for thoughts? No, no, no! NO!!![2], and here ...[1], and I feel sick / and you should, too[2], and here are words[1], and here ...[2], and here is pain[1], and here are words[2], and we need, we need, we need ... control![1], and here is pain[2], and over them, yes[1], and we need, we need, we need ... con trol![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and our consciousness ness nesses - shit?![1], and over them, yes[2], and a word like ... "blood", can do so much damage, if you are weak ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and our con sciousness ness nesses - shit?![2], and be strong![1], and a word like ... "blood", can do so much dam age, if you are weak ...[2], and a word like ... "skull", uh, it doesn't bear thinking about ...[1], and be strong![2], and don't think about it![1], and a word like ... "skull", uh, it doesn't bear think ing about ...[2], and a word like ... "soul", ha, ha, ha![1], and don't think about it![2], and ... FFS!!![1], and a wo rd like ... "soul", ha, ha, ha![2], and God help me[1], and ... FFS!!![2], and maybe this now ... is a BIG, BIG MISTAKE, you dig? / and maybe you're not ready for still life ... ?[1], and God he lp me[2], and a word like ... no, no, no, you must STOP(!!!)[1], and maybe this now ... is a BIG, BIG MISTAKE, you dig? / and maybe you're not ready for still life ... ?[2], and I'm a sha/man, so ...[1], and a word like ... no, no, no, you must STOP(!!!)[2], and, man, I'll punch you in your ignorant face if you have any thoughts, seriously, this is serious[1], and I'm a sha/man, so ...[2], and a-ROUND in hell ...[1], and, man, I'll pun ch you in your ig norant face if you have any thoughts, seriously, this is serious[2], and the words are not your friends[1], and a-ROUND in hell ...[2], and the words hate you, really, really, really hate you[1], and the words are not your friends[2], and the words want to destroy you[1], and the words hate you, really, really, real ly hate you[2], and the words are EVIL!!![1], and the words want to des troy you[2], and ... okay, okay![3], and the words are EVIL!!![2], and, kook(s) ... are YOU(!) up for this - ? Please![3], and we're reaching for ... the next level / and the discipline might help us get beyond the THREE[3], and I live in hope ... some hope![3], and, uh, uh, uh ... it's a test, yes, yes, YES(!)[3], and ... come on, wake up, smell coffee, as it were, or ... be as you was, a l  o  s  e  r, I don't care, man[3], and it's tough, yes, Christ![3], and focus on your feelings - if you've got any[3], and the disgusting words want to p  u  n  i  s  h you / and, oh ... put them together for thoughts? No, no, no! NO!!![3], and I feel sick / and you should, too[3], and here ...[3], and here are words[3], and here is pain[3], and we need, we need, we need ... c  o  n  t  r  o  l![3], and over them, yes[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and our c  o  n  s  c  i  o  u  s  n  e  s  s ness nesses - shit?![3], and a word like ... "blood", can do so much d  a  m  a  g  e, if you are weak ...[3], and be strong![3], and a word like ... "skull", uh, it doesn't bear t  h  i  n  k  i  n  g about ...[3], and don't think about it![3], and a w  o  r  d like ... "soul", ha, ha, ha![3], and ... FFS!!![3], and God h  e  l  p me[3], and maybe this now ... is a BIG, BIG MISTAKE, you dig? / and maybe you're not ready for still life ... ?[3], and a word like ... no, no, no, you must STOP(!!!)[3], and I'm a sha/man, so ...[3], and, man, I'll p  u  n  c  h you in your i  g  n  o  r  a  n  t face if you have any thoughts, seriously, this is serious[3], and a-ROUND in hell ...[3], and the words are not your friends[3], and the words hate you, really, really, r  e  a  l  l  y hate you[3], and the words want to d  e  s  t  r  o  y you[3], and the words are EVIL!!![3], and

And ... okay, okay![1], and, kook(s) ... are YOU(!) up for this - ? Please![1], and ... okay, okay![2], and we're reaching for ... the next level / and the discipline might help us get beyond the THREE[1], and, kook(s) ... are YOU(!) up for this - ? Please![2], and I live in hope ... some hope![1], and we're reaching for ... the next level / and the discipline might help us get beyond the THREE[2], and, uh, uh, uh ... it's a test, yes, yes, YES(!)[1], and I live in hope ... some hope![2], and ... come on, wake up, smell coffee, as it were, or ... be as you was, a loser, I don't care, man[1], and, uh, uh, uh ... it's a test, yes, yes, YES(!)[2], and it's tough, yes, Christ![1], and ... come on, wake up, smell coffee, as it were, or ... be as you was, a lose r, I don't care, man[2], and focus on your feelings - if you've got any[1], and it's tough, yes, Christ![2], and the disgusting words want to punish you / and, oh ... put them together for thoughts? No, no, no! NO!!![1], and focus on your feelings - if you've got any[2], and I feel sick / and you should, too[1], and the disgusting words want to pun ish you / and, oh ... put them together for thoughts? No, no, no! NO!!![2], and here ...[1], and I feel sick / and you should, too[2], and here are words[1], and here ...[2], and here is pain[1], and here are words[2], and we need, we need, we need ... control![1], and here is pain[2], and over them, yes[1], and we need, we need, we need ... con trol![2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and our consciousness ness nesses - shit?![1], and over them, yes[2], and a word like ... "blood", can do so much damage, if you are weak ...[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and our con sciousness ness nesses - shit?![2], and be strong![1], and a word like ... "blood", can do so much dam age, if you are weak ...[2], and a word like ... "skull", uh, it doesn't bear thinking about ...[1], and be strong![2], and don't think about it![1], and a word like ... "skull", uh, it doesn't bear think ing about ...[2], and a word like ... "soul", ha, ha, ha![1], and don't think about it![2], and ... FFS!!![1], and a wo rd like ... "soul", ha, ha, ha![2], and God help me[1], and ... FFS!!![2], and maybe this now ... is a BIG, BIG MISTAKE, you dig? / and maybe you're not ready for still life ... ?[1], and God he lp me[2], and a word like ... no, no, no, you must STOP(!!!)[1], and maybe this now ... is a BIG, BIG MISTAKE, you dig? / and maybe you're not ready for still life ... ?[2], and I'm a sha/man, so ...[1], and a word like ... no, no, no, you must STOP(!!!)[2], and, man, I'll punch you in your ignorant face if you have any thoughts, seriously, this is serious[1], and I'm a sha/man, so ...[2], and a-ROUND in hell ...[1], and, man, I'll pun ch you in your ig norant face if you have any thoughts, seriously, this is serious[2], and the words are not your friends[1], and a-ROUND in hell ...[2], and the words hate you, really, really, really hate you[1], and the words are not your friends[2], and the words want to destroy you[1], and the words hate you, really, really, real ly hate you[2], and the words are EVIL!!![1], and the words want to des troy you[2], and ... okay, okay![3], and the words are EVIL!!![2], and, kook(s) ... are YOU(!) up for this - ? Please![3], and we're reaching for ... the next level / and the discipline might help us get beyond the THREE[3], and I live in hope ... some hope![3], and, uh, uh, uh ... it's a test, yes, yes, YES(!)[3], and ... come on, wake up, smell coffee, as it were, or ... be as you was, a l  o  s  e  r, I don't care, man[3], and it's tough, yes, Christ![3], and focus on your feelings - if you've got any[3], and the disgusting words want to p  u  n  i  s  h you / and, oh ... put them together for thoughts? No, no, no! NO!!![3], and I feel sick / and you should, too[3], and here ...[3], and here are words[3], and here is pain[3], and we need, we need, we need ... c  o  n  t  r  o  l![3], and over them, yes[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and our c  o  n  s  c  i  o  u  s  n  e  s  s ness nesses - shit?![3], and a word like ... "blood", can do so much d  a  m  a  g  e, if you are weak ...[3], and be strong![3], and a word like ... "skull", uh, it doesn't bear t  h  i  n  k  i  n  g about ...[3], and don't think about it![3], and a w  o  r  d like ... "soul", ha, ha, ha![3], and ... FFS!!![3], and God h  e  l  p me[3], and maybe this now ... is a BIG, BIG MISTAKE, you dig? / and maybe you're not ready for still life ... ?[3], and a word like ... no, no, no, you must STOP(!!!)[3], and I'm a sha/man, so ...[3], and, man, I'll p  u  n  c  h you in your i  g  n  o  r  a  n  t face if you have any thoughts, seriously, this is serious[3], and a-ROUND in hell ...[3], and the words are not your friends[3], and the words hate you, really, really, r  e  a  l  l  y hate you[3], and the words want to d  e  s  t  r  o  y you[3], and the words are EVIL!!![3], and

Is there any financial news today?

Ha! Well, maybe there is, dear reader(s). And maybe there isn't. How would I know? I haven't even looked, man!

That's the sort of perverse mood I've been in lately. The news hasn't even been on my radar. So ... imagine I worked for someone else! "Michael, we want you to look into this new hedge fund and write a piece about it." Stuff it! "I beg your pardon?" I said stuff it, man. I do things my way, you dig? I ain't even interested in no freakin' hedge funds. I'm going to write a motivational post for my loyal followers. I'm like Tony Robbins, me.

Okay, okay. Listen to me. Sometimes in this life you've got to make a stand. You've got to be true to yourself, and just do what you want to do. You haven't got much time left, reader(s). None of us have. Your boss doesn't care about you. Not like I care.

Okay, okay. Let's get motivational. This is for the artistic ones out there who want to SELL!!! [But it could apply to other personality types, too.] Maybe you write old-fashioned books. Ha! Christ! Whatever. Or maybe you write songs. Maybe you paint pictures. I don't know what you do, man. It doesn't actually matter. What does matter is ... Are you offering the world something that is world-class? There's a school of thought that says you should try and get better as you go along (with people witnessing your efforts, I mean.) "Just do it! And see what happens." Well, that might have been a good idea in the old days. But these days, there's too much of EVERYTHING. Especially with the internet. To be precise, there's too much, far too much ... average shit, you dig? And average doesn't work. / The good thing about the old days was, people were given time to prove themselves. Here's an example: between 1964 and 1970 David Bowie was given countless opportunities to release mediocre music - oh, with the exception of the Space Oddity single in 1969, obviously. Every time he failed he was given another chance. Hunky Dory in 1971 was the first time he delivered something that was world-class. It just wouldn't happen today.

So, the thing to do is ... work in private, work hard, and wait for the right moment. Wait until you can win, win BIG(!!!) ... and DOMINATE. Then unleash yourself upon the world. And forget about taking prisoners. It's a jungle out there, son/daughter. I suppose it always has been. However, it's worse now.

So, don't be a fool, baby. You dig? / Laters!

[No. 639] Tired of spinning?

Maybe you're tired of life.

And, uh ... well, well[1], and listen, please, listen ...[1], and, uh ... well, well[2], and, to me, yes ... spinning a-ROUND like a loon is life, you dig?[1], and listen, please, listen ...[2], and I need a new life, fuck![1], and, to me, yes ... spinning a-ROUND like a loon is life, you dig?[2], and keep, keep, keep ... moving, kook(s)![1], and I need a new life, fuck![2], and maybe we can go back to an easier time ...[1], and keep, keep, keep ... moving, kook(s)![2], and I've got hope, a lot of it[1], and maybe we can go back to an easier time ...[2], and, listen ... when my songs are done, this blog will be done, no more spinning, no more bullshit, no more grief[1], and I've got hope, a lot of it[2], and ... are YOU(!) listening - ?![1], and, listen ... when my songs are done, this blog will be done, no more spinning, no more bullshit, no more grief[2], and ... 'What's that?!'[1], and ... are YOU(!) listening - ?![2], and, ha, ha ... ha![1], and ... 'What's that?!'[2], and right now: I've got some crazy remix of Dance Hall Days by Wang Chung on repeat, yes[1], and, ha, ha ... ha![2], and, uh ... a rap intro / and ... 'Christ, Mikey! Why?!'[1], and right now: I've got some crazy remix of Dance Hall Days by Wang Chung on repeat, yes[2], and don't ask why, man ... uh, maybe it's the only thing keeping me awake ... because, yes, I'm tired, you know[1], and, uh ... a rap intro / and ... 'Christ, Mikey! Why?!'[2], and, so ... maybe ...[1], and don't ask why, man ... uh, maybe it's the only thing keeping me awake ... because, yes, I'm tired, you know[2], and maybe ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... will save us all ... ?[1], and, so ... maybe ...[2], and I won't hold my breath[1], and maybe ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... will save us all ... ?[2], and needs me? / and whatever![1], and I won't hold my breath[2], and, listen ... take your baby by the hand and spin a-ROUND - for all of eternity![1], and needs me? / and whatever![2], and more rap, in the middle ...[1], and, listen ... take your baby by the hand and spin a-ROUND - for all of eternity![2], and an earlier time, obviously, and less complicated, yes, and a less fucked-up world, too[1], and more rap, in the middle ...[2], and maybe it'll grow on me ...[1], and an earlier time, obviously, and less complicated, yes, and a less fucked-up world, too[2], and, or ... maybe I should get the original, yes, just like I remember / and do YOU(!) remember ... anything?[1], and maybe it'll grow on me ...[2], and anything at all would be nice[1], and, or ... maybe I should get the original, yes, just like I remember / and do YOU(!) remember ... anything?[2], and do you? Christ![1], and anything at all would be nice[2], and, listen ... I will say it more than once ... uh, uh, uh[1], and do you? Christ![2], and ... 'What, Mikey? That?!'[1], and, listen ... I will say it more than once ... uh, uh, uh[2], and, listen ... I, I, I ...[1], and ... 'What, Mikey? That?!'[2], and, ah ... never mind!!![1], and, listen ... I, I, I ...[2], and, uh ... well, well[3], and, ah ... never mind!!![2], and listen, please, listen ...[3], and, to me, yes ... spinning a-ROUND like a loon is life, you dig?[3], and I need a new life, fuck![3], and keep, keep, keep ... moving, kook(s)![3], and maybe we can go back to an easier time ...[3], and I've got hope, a lot of it[3], and, listen ... when my songs are done, this blog will be done, no more spinning, no more bullshit, no more grief[3], and ... are YOU(!) listening - ?![3], and ... 'What's that?!'[3], and, ha, ha ... ha![3], and right now: I've got some crazy remix of Dance Hall Days by Wang Chung on repeat, yes[3], and, uh ... a rap intro / and ... 'Christ, Mikey! Why?!'[3], and don't ask why, man ... uh, maybe it's the only thing keeping me awake ... because, yes, I'm tired, you know[3], and, so ... maybe ...[3], and maybe ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... will save us all ... ?[3], and I won't hold my breath[3], and needs me? / and whatever![3], and, listen ... take your baby by the hand and spin a-ROUND - for all of eternity![3], and more rap, in the middle ...[3], and an earlier time, obviously, and less complicated, yes, and a less fucked-up world, too[3], and maybe it'll grow on me ...[3], and, or ... maybe I should get the original, yes, just like I remember / and do YOU(!) remember ... anything?[3], and anything at all would be nice[3], and do you? Christ![3], and, listen ... I will say it more than once ... uh, uh, uh[3], and ... 'What, Mikey? That?!'[3], and, listen ... I, I, I ...[3], and, ah ... never mind!!![3], and

And, uh ... well, well[1], and listen, please, listen ...[1], and, uh ... well, well[2], and, to me, yes ... spinning a-ROUND like a loon is life, you dig?[1], and listen, please, listen ...[2], and I need a new life, fuck![1], and, to me, yes ... spinning a-ROUND like a loon is life, you dig?[2], and keep, keep, keep ... moving, kook(s)![1], and I need a new life, fuck![2], and maybe we can go back to an easier time ...[1], and keep, keep, keep ... moving, kook(s)![2], and I've got hope, a lot of it[1], and maybe we can go back to an easier time ...[2], and, listen ... when my songs are done, this blog will be done, no more spinning, no more bullshit, no more grief[1], and I've got hope, a lot of it[2], and ... are YOU(!) listening - ?![1], and, listen ... when my songs are done, this blog will be done, no more spinning, no more bullshit, no more grief[2], and ... 'What's that?!'[1], and ... are YOU(!) listening - ?![2], and, ha, ha ... ha![1], and ... 'What's that?!'[2], and right now: I've got some crazy remix of Dance Hall Days by Wang Chung on repeat, yes[1], and, ha, ha ... ha![2], and, uh ... a rap intro / and ... 'Christ, Mikey! Why?!'[1], and right now: I've got some crazy remix of Dance Hall Days by Wang Chung on repeat, yes[2], and don't ask why, man ... uh, maybe it's the only thing keeping me awake ... because, yes, I'm tired, you know[1], and, uh ... a rap intro / and ... 'Christ, Mikey! Why?!'[2], and, so ... maybe ...[1], and don't ask why, man ... uh, maybe it's the only thing keeping me awake ... because, yes, I'm tired, you know[2], and maybe ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... will save us all ... ?[1], and, so ... maybe ...[2], and I won't hold my breath[1], and maybe ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... will save us all ... ?[2], and needs me? / and whatever![1], and I won't hold my breath[2], and, listen ... take your baby by the hand and spin a-ROUND - for all of eternity![1], and needs me? / and whatever![2], and more rap, in the middle ...[1], and, listen ... take your baby by the hand and spin a-ROUND - for all of eternity![2], and an earlier time, obviously, and less complicated, yes, and a less fucked-up world, too[1], and more rap, in the middle ...[2], and maybe it'll grow on me ...[1], and an earlier time, obviously, and less complicated, yes, and a less fucked-up world, too[2], and, or ... maybe I should get the original, yes, just like I remember / and do YOU(!) remember ... anything?[1], and maybe it'll grow on me ...[2], and anything at all would be nice[1], and, or ... maybe I should get the original, yes, just like I remember / and do YOU(!) remember ... anything?[2], and do you? Christ![1], and anything at all would be nice[2], and, listen ... I will say it more than once ... uh, uh, uh[1], and do you? Christ![2], and ... 'What, Mikey? That?!'[1], and, listen ... I will say it more than once ... uh, uh, uh[2], and, listen ... I, I, I ...[1], and ... 'What, Mikey? That?!'[2], and, ah ... never mind!!![1], and, listen ... I, I, I ...[2], and, uh ... well, well[3], and, ah ... never mind!!![2], and listen, please, listen ...[3], and, to me, yes ... spinning a-ROUND like a loon is life, you dig?[3], and I need a new life, fuck![3], and keep, keep, keep ... moving, kook(s)![3], and maybe we can go back to an easier time ...[3], and I've got hope, a lot of it[3], and, listen ... when my songs are done, this blog will be done, no more spinning, no more bullshit, no more grief[3], and ... are YOU(!) listening - ?![3], and ... 'What's that?!'[3], and, ha, ha ... ha![3], and right now: I've got some crazy remix of Dance Hall Days by Wang Chung on repeat, yes[3], and, uh ... a rap intro / and ... 'Christ, Mikey! Why?!'[3], and don't ask why, man ... uh, maybe it's the only thing keeping me awake ... because, yes, I'm tired, you know[3], and, so ... maybe ...[3], and maybe ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... will save us all ... ?[3], and I won't hold my breath[3], and needs me? / and whatever![3], and, listen ... take your baby by the hand and spin a-ROUND - for all of eternity![3], and more rap, in the middle ...[3], and an earlier time, obviously, and less complicated, yes, and a less fucked-up world, too[3], and maybe it'll grow on me ...[3], and, or ... maybe I should get the original, yes, just like I remember / and do YOU(!) remember ... anything?[3], and anything at all would be nice[3], and do you? Christ![3], and, listen ... I will say it more than once ... uh, uh, uh[3], and ... 'What, Mikey? That?!'[3], and, listen ... I, I, I ...[3], and, ah ... never mind!!![3], and

And, uh ... well, well[1], and listen, please, listen ...[1], and, uh ... well, well[2], and, to me, yes ... spinning a-ROUND like a loon is life, you dig?[1], and listen, please, listen ...[2], and I need a new life, fuck![1], and, to me, yes ... spinning a-ROUND like a loon is life, you dig?[2], and keep, keep, keep ... moving, kook(s)![1], and I need a new life, fuck![2], and maybe we can go back to an easier time ...[1], and keep, keep, keep ... moving, kook(s)![2], and I've got hope, a lot of it[1], and maybe we can go back to an easier time ...[2], and, listen ... when my songs are done, this blog will be done, no more spinning, no more bullshit, no more grief[1], and I've got hope, a lot of it[2], and ... are YOU(!) listening - ?![1], and, listen ... when my songs are done, this blog will be done, no more spinning, no more bullshit, no more grief[2], and ... 'What's that?!'[1], and ... are YOU(!) listening - ?![2], and, ha, ha ... ha![1], and ... 'What's that?!'[2], and right now: I've got some crazy remix of Dance Hall Days by Wang Chung on repeat, yes[1], and, ha, ha ... ha![2], and, uh ... a rap intro / and ... 'Christ, Mikey! Why?!'[1], and right now: I've got some crazy remix of Dance Hall Days by Wang Chung on repeat, yes[2], and don't ask why, man ... uh, maybe it's the only thing keeping me awake ... because, yes, I'm tired, you know[1], and, uh ... a rap intro / and ... 'Christ, Mikey! Why?!'[2], and, so ... maybe ...[1], and don't ask why, man ... uh, maybe it's the only thing keeping me awake ... because, yes, I'm tired, you know[2], and maybe ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... will save us all ... ?[1], and, so ... maybe ...[2], and I won't hold my breath[1], and maybe ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... will save us all ... ?[2], and needs me? / and whatever![1], and I won't hold my breath[2], and, listen ... take your baby by the hand and spin a-ROUND - for all of eternity![1], and needs me? / and whatever![2], and more rap, in the middle ...[1], and, listen ... take your baby by the hand and spin a-ROUND - for all of eternity![2], and an earlier time, obviously, and less complicated, yes, and a less fucked-up world, too[1], and more rap, in the middle ...[2], and maybe it'll grow on me ...[1], and an earlier time, obviously, and less complicated, yes, and a less fucked-up world, too[2], and, or ... maybe I should get the original, yes, just like I remember / and do YOU(!) remember ... anything?[1], and maybe it'll grow on me ...[2], and anything at all would be nice[1], and, or ... maybe I should get the original, yes, just like I remember / and do YOU(!) remember ... anything?[2], and do you? Christ![1], and anything at all would be nice[2], and, listen ... I will say it more than once ... uh, uh, uh[1], and do you? Christ![2], and ... 'What, Mikey? That?!'[1], and, listen ... I will say it more than once ... uh, uh, uh[2], and, listen ... I, I, I ...[1], and ... 'What, Mikey? That?!'[2], and, ah ... never mind!!![1], and, listen ... I, I, I ...[2], and, uh ... well, well[3], and, ah ... never mind!!![2], and listen, please, listen ...[3], and, to me, yes ... spinning a-ROUND like a loon is life, you dig?[3], and I need a new life, fuck![3], and keep, keep, keep ... moving, kook(s)![3], and maybe we can go back to an easier time ...[3], and I've got hope, a lot of it[3], and, listen ... when my songs are done, this blog will be done, no more spinning, no more bullshit, no more grief[3], and ... are YOU(!) listening - ?![3], and ... 'What's that?!'[3], and, ha, ha ... ha![3], and right now: I've got some crazy remix of Dance Hall Days by Wang Chung on repeat, yes[3], and, uh ... a rap intro / and ... 'Christ, Mikey! Why?!'[3], and don't ask why, man ... uh, maybe it's the only thing keeping me awake ... because, yes, I'm tired, you know[3], and, so ... maybe ...[3], and maybe ... a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND here ... will save us all ... ?[3], and I won't hold my breath[3], and needs me? / and whatever![3], and, listen ... take your baby by the hand and spin a-ROUND - for all of eternity![3], and more rap, in the middle ...[3], and an earlier time, obviously, and less complicated, yes, and a less fucked-up world, too[3], and maybe it'll grow on me ...[3], and, or ... maybe I should get the original, yes, just like I remember / and do YOU(!) remember ... anything?[3], and anything at all would be nice[3], and do you? Christ![3], and, listen ... I will say it more than once ... uh, uh, uh[3], and ... 'What, Mikey? That?!'[3], and, listen ... I, I, I ...[3], and, ah ... never mind!!![3], and

Readly raises €10 million for next stage of global expansion

I should think about doing that, you know. 'What, boss?' Oh, hello, Voice! I was just thinking I should raise a few million pounds for the, uh ... next stage of global expansion. 'Eh?' For this blog, man. 'Oh. Really?' No, not really. Ha! / Anyway, we've got this -

Readly, the global digital magazine newsstand, today announced it has raised €10m in additional funding to drive the next stage of its growth. The latest round of funding comes from new investor Swedish fund Swedbank Robur and London based Zouk Capital. The company will use the funds to further its international expansion and support growth in its existing markets.

And, uh ... "today" was a few days ago. Last week sometime. 'When?' Er, Thursday, I think. I received the PR email just as I was writing the last post of last week. So I couldn't use it then. 'Oh.' But I'm using it now. Thank God for PR emails! 'Most journalists hate them, boss.' Ha! I'm not a journalist. 'What are you then?' The technical term? 'Yes.' A lazy bastard. 'Oh, okay.' Well, not really. I work hard. I do. All my hard work goes into piss-taking though. 'Don't forget your conceptuals.' Oh, yes, the hardest work of all! The spinning a-ROUND with millions of words in my consciousness ness ness. It ain't for wimps, dear reader(s). / Anyway, let's continue ...

"Reading magazines digitally has become second nature as the demand for quality, curated content via the smartphone or tablet grows. The funding reflects confidence in our business model, team and market. It plays an important role in ensuring Readly fulfils its vision to be at the forefront of digital publishing by reaching a wider audience with the very latest in digital magazines across both new and existing markets. We are delighted with the continued support of our investors", says Jorgen Gullbrandson, CEO of Readly.

Well, well ... / He's delighted! Our Jorgen is delighted. I knew he would be. 'Or excited, boss.' Yes, Voice. These characters are either going to be delighted or excited. 'Or thrilled.' Er ... occasionally. I think they're thrilled occasionally. 'It probably happens more than we're aware of, that they're thrilled, like.' Maybe. However, I still say that delighted and excited are the two main emotional states. 'What's the difference?' Er ... well, you would have to ask them. 'Yeah.' You could argue that delighted and excited and thrilled are all the same thing. 'Maybe they should stick to one word, boss. Or would that be boring?' I don't think we could have everyone being delighted only. Or excited only. Or thrilled only. It would start to look a bit strange, as if they were following some sort of guide. Let's stick with all three words!

Okay, okay. There's a lot of this email. It's actually too early on a Monday morning to do all of it. So I think I'll just finish with this bit on Zouk, a firm that is based in London -

Zouk Capital is a private equity and infrastructure fund manager investing in the sustainable economy. Zouk's distinctive dual-track strategy of technology growth and infrastructure capitalizes on the investment opportunities created by the global shift to greater resource efficiency. Zouk's Growth Capital funds invest in high growth technology companies that use information technology to deliver resource efficiency. Our Infrastructure investment funds finance the construction of new high-yielding assets, by acquiring, developing and funding late-stage renewable energy infrastructure projects. Zouk has invested in the sustainable economy since 2000, has €600m under management and is headquartered in London.

There you go, dear reader(s). Are you happy now? Good.

...

Anything else? No. Laters.