Remix of [No. 36] Firestorm

I

Half-alive?

And you'll enter, and you won't leave, and you'll be lifted up, and you'll feel so light and happy[1], and you'll feel wind in your hair, like straw your hair with sparks, and your eyes with sparks, yes, yes, YES![1], and you'll enter, and you won't leave, and you'll be lifted up, and you'll feel so light and happy[2], and you'll see the light, and you'll feel the heat, and you'll start spinning a-ROUND and a-ROUND[1], and you'll feel wind in your hair, like straw your hair with sparks, and your eyes with sparks, yes, yes, YES![2], and I'll be a-ROUND, and you'll see me smiling, at you, at you, at you, and we'll be so HOT, together[1], and you'll see the light, and you'll feel the heat, and you'll start spinning a-ROUND and a-ROUND[2], and it'll last in a way things rarely last BECAUSE it's gonna be a state of mind for us, "Oh yes?", oh yes![1], and I'll be a-ROUND, and you'll see me smiling, at you, at you, at you, and we'll be so HOT, together[2], and if you're reading this, ha!, you're half-way there: you're half-WAY to being more than half-ALIVE[1], and it'll last in a way things rarely last BECAUSE it's gonna be a state of mind for us, "Oh yes?", oh yes![2], and you've got to want it, oh, you've got to be sick of your life, yeah, and you've got to be sick, so sick[1], and if you're reading this, ha!, you're half-way there: you're half-WAY to being more than half-ALIVE[2], and I'm coming to get ya, and I'm coming to drag ya, and it's gonna be a STORM to remember[1], and you've got to want it, oh, you've got to be sick of your life, yeah, and you've got to be sick, so sick[2], and I'm talking a bloodSTORM a fireSTORM all a-ROUND, and it's all we'll breathe a-ROUND[1], and I'm coming to get ya, and I'm coming to drag ya, and it's gonna be a STORM to remember[2], and - DAMN!, we're already in it, and be aware, you're already gone, and this is a trick?, ah, I've tricked you[1], and I'm talking a bloodSTORM a fireSTORM all a-ROUND, and it's all we'll breathe a-ROUND[2], and where's the money? / and, listen! ... it's ashes as GONE as your mind[1], and - DAMN!, we're already in it, and be aware, you're already gone, and this is a trick?, ah, I've tricked you[2], and I know you love me, but you gotta love me even more, because this is for all times[1], and where's the money? / and, listen! ... it's ashes as GONE as your mind[2], and it's nice to get lost all wild and free and burning a consciousness out of control, yes?[1], and I know you love me, but you gotta love me even more, because this is for all times[2], and it's windy stormy just the WAY how we like it with sparks from nerve to nerve then smoky skin[1], and it's nice to get lost all wild and free and burning a consciousness out of control, yes?[2], and like ghosts we're feeling not all there but very much here and it's rather satisfying[1], and it's windy stormy just the WAY how we like it with sparks from nerve to nerve then smoky skin[2], and we're light and happy and not dirty away from the evil SENSE that foolish men and women live with[1], and like ghosts we're feeling not all there but very much here and it's rather satisfying[2], and we're in deeper and harder, and a-ROUND and a-ROUND and a-ROUND, and UP and GONE![1], and we're light and happy and not dirty away from the evil SENSE that foolish men and women live with[2], and we're singing in the fire and we're singing in the storm and we are the FIRESTORM, yes, yes, YES![1], and we're in deeper and harder, and a-ROUND and a-ROUND and a-ROUND, and UP and GONE![2], and when it's over and when we're over and when the DREAM is over there'll be a record and there'll be a clue[1], and we're singing in the fire and we're singing in the storm and we are the FIRESTORM, yes, yes, YES![2], and faster now and faster now and faster now[1], and when it's over and when we're over and when the DREAM is over there'll be a record and there'll be a clue[2], and over? ... there is no end[1], and faster now and faster now and faster now[2], and you'll enter, and you won't leave, and you'll be lifted up, and you'll feel so light and happy[3], and over? ... there is no en d[2], and you'll feel wind in your hair, like straw your hair with sparks, and your eyes with sparks, yes, yes, YES![3], and you'll see the light, and you'll feel the heat, and you'll start spinning a-ROUND and a-ROUND[3], and I'll be a-ROUND, and you'll see me smiling, at you, at you, at you, and we'll be so HOT, together[3], and it'll last in a way things rarely last BECAUSE it's gonna be a state of mind for us, "Oh yes?", oh yes![3], and if you're reading this, ha!, you're half-way there: you're half-WAY to being more than half-ALIVE[3], and you've got to want it, oh, you've got to be sick of your life, yeah, and you've got to be sick, so sick[3], and I'm coming to get ya, and I'm coming to drag ya, and it's gonna be a STORM to remember[3], and I'm talking a bloodSTORM a fireSTORM all a-ROUND, and it's all we'll breathe a-ROUND[3], and - DAMN!, we're already in it, and be aware, you're already gone, and this is a trick?, ah, I've tricked you[3], and where's the money? / and, listen! ... it's ashes as GONE as your mind[3], and I know you love me, but you gotta love me even more, because this is for all times[3], and it's nice to get lost all wild and free and burning a consciousness out of control, yes?[3], and it's windy stormy just the WAY how we like it with sparks from nerve to nerve then smoky skin[3], and like ghosts we're feeling not all there but very much here and it's rather satisfying[3], and we're light and happy and not dirty away from the evil SENSE that foolish men and women live with[3], and we're in deeper and harder, and a-ROUND and a-ROUND and a-ROUND, and UP and GONE![3], and we're singing in the fire and we're singing in the storm and we are the FIRESTORM, yes, yes, YES![3], and when it's over and when we're over and when the DREAM is over there'll be a record and there'll be a clue[3], and faster now and faster now and faster now[3], and over? ... there is no e  n  d[3], and

And you'll enter, and you won't leave, and you'll be lifted up, and you'll feel so light and happy[1], and you'll feel wind in your hair, like straw your hair with sparks, and your eyes with sparks, yes, yes, YES![1], and you'll enter, and you won't leave, and you'll be lifted up, and you'll feel so light and happy[2], and you'll see the light, and you'll feel the heat, and you'll start spinning a-ROUND and a-ROUND[1], and you'll feel wind in your hair, like straw your hair with sparks, and your eyes with sparks, yes, yes, YES![2], and I'll be a-ROUND, and you'll see me smiling, at you, at you, at you, and we'll be so HOT, together[1], and you'll see the light, and you'll feel the heat, and you'll start spinning a-ROUND and a-ROUND[2], and it'll last in a way things rarely last BECAUSE it's gonna be a state of mind for us, "Oh yes?", oh yes![1], and I'll be a-ROUND, and you'll see me smiling, at you, at you, at you, and we'll be so HOT, together[2], and if you're reading this, ha!, you're half-way there: you're half-WAY to being more than half-ALIVE[1], and it'll last in a way things rarely last BECAUSE it's gonna be a state of mind for us, "Oh yes?", oh yes![2], and you've got to want it, oh, you've got to be sick of your life, yeah, and you've got to be sick, so sick[1], and if you're reading this, ha!, you're half-way there: you're half-WAY to being more than half-ALIVE[2], and I'm coming to get ya, and I'm coming to drag ya, and it's gonna be a STORM to remember[1], and you've got to want it, oh, you've got to be sick of your life, yeah, and you've got to be sick, so sick[2], and I'm talking a bloodSTORM a fireSTORM all a-ROUND, and it's all we'll breathe a-ROUND[1], and I'm coming to get ya, and I'm coming to drag ya, and it's gonna be a STORM to remember[2], and - DAMN!, we're already in it, and be aware, you're already gone, and this is a trick?, ah, I've tricked you[1], and I'm talking a bloodSTORM a fireSTORM all a-ROUND, and it's all we'll breathe a-ROUND[2], and where's the money? / and, listen! ... it's ashes as GONE as your mind[1], and - DAMN!, we're already in it, and be aware, you're already gone, and this is a trick?, ah, I've tricked you[2], and I know you love me, but you gotta love me even more, because this is for all times[1], and where's the money? / and, listen! ... it's ashes as GONE as your mind[2], and it's nice to get lost all wild and free and burning a consciousness out of control, yes?[1], and I know you love me, but you gotta love me even more, because this is for all times[2], and it's windy stormy just the WAY how we like it with sparks from nerve to nerve then smoky skin[1], and it's nice to get lost all wild and free and burning a consciousness out of control, yes?[2], and like ghosts we're feeling not all there but very much here and it's rather satisfying[1], and it's windy stormy just the WAY how we like it with sparks from nerve to nerve then smoky skin[2], and we're light and happy and not dirty away from the evil SENSE that foolish men and women live with[1], and like ghosts we're feeling not all there but very much here and it's rather satisfying[2], and we're in deeper and harder, and a-ROUND and a-ROUND and a-ROUND, and UP and GONE![1], and we're light and happy and not dirty away from the evil SENSE that foolish men and women live with[2], and we're singing in the fire and we're singing in the storm and we are the FIRESTORM, yes, yes, YES![1], and we're in deeper and harder, and a-ROUND and a-ROUND and a-ROUND, and UP and GONE![2], and when it's over and when we're over and when the DREAM is over there'll be a record and there'll be a clue[1], and we're singing in the fire and we're singing in the storm and we are the FIRESTORM, yes, yes, YES![2], and faster now and faster now and faster now[1], and when it's over and when we're over and when the DREAM is over there'll be a record and there'll be a clue[2], and over? ... there is no end[1], and faster now and faster now and faster now[2], and you'll enter, and you won't leave, and you'll be lifted up, and you'll feel so light and happy[3], and over? ... there is no en d[2], and you'll feel wind in your hair, like straw your hair with sparks, and your eyes with sparks, yes, yes, YES![3], and you'll see the light, and you'll feel the heat, and you'll start spinning a-ROUND and a-ROUND[3], and I'll be a-ROUND, and you'll see me smiling, at you, at you, at you, and we'll be so HOT, together[3], and it'll last in a way things rarely last BECAUSE it's gonna be a state of mind for us, "Oh yes?", oh yes![3], and if you're reading this, ha!, you're half-way there: you're half-WAY to being more than half-ALIVE[3], and you've got to want it, oh, you've got to be sick of your life, yeah, and you've got to be sick, so sick[3], and I'm coming to get ya, and I'm coming to drag ya, and it's gonna be a STORM to remember[3], and I'm talking a bloodSTORM a fireSTORM all a-ROUND, and it's all we'll breathe a-ROUND[3], and - DAMN!, we're already in it, and be aware, you're already gone, and this is a trick?, ah, I've tricked you[3], and where's the money? / and, listen! ... it's ashes as GONE as your mind[3], and I know you love me, but you gotta love me even more, because this is for all times[3], and it's nice to get lost all wild and free and burning a consciousness out of control, yes?[3], and it's windy stormy just the WAY how we like it with sparks from nerve to nerve then smoky skin[3], and like ghosts we're feeling not all there but very much here and it's rather satisfying[3], and we're light and happy and not dirty away from the evil SENSE that foolish men and women live with[3], and we're in deeper and harder, and a-ROUND and a-ROUND and a-ROUND, and UP and GONE![3], and we're singing in the fire and we're singing in the storm and we are the FIRESTORM, yes, yes, YES![3], and when it's over and when we're over and when the DREAM is over there'll be a record and there'll be a clue[3], and faster now and faster now and faster now[3], and over? ... there is no e  n  d[3], and

And you'll enter, and you won't leave, and you'll be lifted up, and you'll feel so light and happy[1], and you'll feel wind in your hair, like straw your hair with sparks, and your eyes with sparks, yes, yes, YES![1], and you'll enter, and you won't leave, and you'll be lifted up, and you'll feel so light and happy[2], and you'll see the light, and you'll feel the heat, and you'll start spinning a-ROUND and a-ROUND[1], and you'll feel wind in your hair, like straw your hair with sparks, and your eyes with sparks, yes, yes, YES![2], and I'll be a-ROUND, and you'll see me smiling, at you, at you, at you, and we'll be so HOT, together[1], and you'll see the light, and you'll feel the heat, and you'll start spinning a-ROUND and a-ROUND[2], and it'll last in a way things rarely last BECAUSE it's gonna be a state of mind for us, "Oh yes?", oh yes![1], and I'll be a-ROUND, and you'll see me smiling, at you, at you, at you, and we'll be so HOT, together[2], and if you're reading this, ha!, you're half-way there: you're half-WAY to being more than half-ALIVE[1], and it'll last in a way things rarely last BECAUSE it's gonna be a state of mind for us, "Oh yes?", oh yes![2], and you've got to want it, oh, you've got to be sick of your life, yeah, and you've got to be sick, so sick[1], and if you're reading this, ha!, you're half-way there: you're half-WAY to being more than half-ALIVE[2], and I'm coming to get ya, and I'm coming to drag ya, and it's gonna be a STORM to remember[1], and you've got to want it, oh, you've got to be sick of your life, yeah, and you've got to be sick, so sick[2], and I'm talking a bloodSTORM a fireSTORM all a-ROUND, and it's all we'll breathe a-ROUND[1], and I'm coming to get ya, and I'm coming to drag ya, and it's gonna be a STORM to remember[2], and - DAMN!, we're already in it, and be aware, you're already gone, and this is a trick?, ah, I've tricked you[1], and I'm talking a bloodSTORM a fireSTORM all a-ROUND, and it's all we'll breathe a-ROUND[2], and where's the money? / and, listen! ... it's ashes as GONE as your mind[1], and - DAMN!, we're already in it, and be aware, you're already gone, and this is a trick?, ah, I've tricked you[2], and I know you love me, but you gotta love me even more, because this is for all times[1], and where's the money? / and, listen! ... it's ashes as GONE as your mind[2], and it's nice to get lost all wild and free and burning a consciousness out of control, yes?[1], and I know you love me, but you gotta love me even more, because this is for all times[2], and it's windy stormy just the WAY how we like it with sparks from nerve to nerve then smoky skin[1], and it's nice to get lost all wild and free and burning a consciousness out of control, yes?[2], and like ghosts we're feeling not all there but very much here and it's rather satisfying[1], and it's windy stormy just the WAY how we like it with sparks from nerve to nerve then smoky skin[2], and we're light and happy and not dirty away from the evil SENSE that foolish men and women live with[1], and like ghosts we're feeling not all there but very much here and it's rather satisfying[2], and we're in deeper and harder, and a-ROUND and a-ROUND and a-ROUND, and UP and GONE![1], and we're light and happy and not dirty away from the evil SENSE that foolish men and women live with[2], and we're singing in the fire and we're singing in the storm and we are the FIRESTORM, yes, yes, YES![1], and we're in deeper and harder, and a-ROUND and a-ROUND and a-ROUND, and UP and GONE![2], and when it's over and when we're over and when the DREAM is over there'll be a record and there'll be a clue[1], and we're singing in the fire and we're singing in the storm and we are the FIRESTORM, yes, yes, YES![2], and faster now and faster now and faster now[1], and when it's over and when we're over and when the DREAM is over there'll be a record and there'll be a clue[2], and over? ... there is no end[1], and faster now and faster now and faster now[2], and you'll enter, and you won't leave, and you'll be lifted up, and you'll feel so light and happy[3], and over? ... there is no en d[2], and you'll feel wind in your hair, like straw your hair with sparks, and your eyes with sparks, yes, yes, YES![3], and you'll see the light, and you'll feel the heat, and you'll start spinning a-ROUND and a-ROUND[3], and I'll be a-ROUND, and you'll see me smiling, at you, at you, at you, and we'll be so HOT, together[3], and it'll last in a way things rarely last BECAUSE it's gonna be a state of mind for us, "Oh yes?", oh yes![3], and if you're reading this, ha!, you're half-way there: you're half-WAY to being more than half-ALIVE[3], and you've got to want it, oh, you've got to be sick of your life, yeah, and you've got to be sick, so sick[3], and I'm coming to get ya, and I'm coming to drag ya, and it's gonna be a STORM to remember[3], and I'm talking a bloodSTORM a fireSTORM all a-ROUND, and it's all we'll breathe a-ROUND[3], and - DAMN!, we're already in it, and be aware, you're already gone, and this is a trick?, ah, I've tricked you[3], and where's the money? / and, listen! ... it's ashes as GONE as your mind[3], and I know you love me, but you gotta love me even more, because this is for all times[3], and it's nice to get lost all wild and free and burning a consciousness out of control, yes?[3], and it's windy stormy just the WAY how we like it with sparks from nerve to nerve then smoky skin[3], and like ghosts we're feeling not all there but very much here and it's rather satisfying[3], and we're light and happy and not dirty away from the evil SENSE that foolish men and women live with[3], and we're in deeper and harder, and a-ROUND and a-ROUND and a-ROUND, and UP and GONE![3], and we're singing in the fire and we're singing in the storm and we are the FIRESTORM, yes, yes, YES![3], and when it's over and when we're over and when the DREAM is over there'll be a record and there'll be a clue[3], and faster now and faster now and faster now[3], and over? ... there is no e  n  d[3], and

II

Fully alive! Yes, yes, yes!

And yo  u'll ent     er, and you w   on't lea  ve, and y  ou'll be lif                  ted up, and yo           u'll f            eel so lig ht and h              appy[1], and yo u'll f          eel wind in y      our hair, l      ike st    raw you      r h                 air with spa               rks, and y      our eyes with spar                   ks, y                       es, yes, Y           ES![1], and yo u'll en  ter, and you w        on't leav   e, and you'l  l be l         ifted u p, and you'll fe     el so lig  ht and hap                    py[2], and yo             u'll s         ee the light, a                    nd you'll fe            el the he               at, and you'll st                                 art sp                        inning a-ROU            ND and a-RO            UND[1], and you'll fe                el win  d in y  our h  air, like st                         ra  w your hai           r with spa    rk                       s, and y        our e yes w  ith spa  rks, y                      es, y                              es, Y                     ES![2], an d I'l  l be a-ROU  ND, and y                       ou'll s               ee me smiling, a          t y  ou, a    t y           ou, at you, and we'll be so H                                                            OT, tog                            ether[1], and you'll se            e the li                   ght, and y          ou'll f               eel the heat, a                              nd you'll st        art spinning a-ROU                     ND and a-ROUND[2], and it'll l              ast in a w     ay th       ings rare                                    ly last BEC      AUSE it's gon  na be a st  ate of min    d for us, "Oh yes?", o                                h yes![1], and I'll be a-ROUN           D, and you'll see m        e smiling, at y                      ou, at yo                                   u, at you, and we'll be s                                                                               o HOT, tog  ether[2], and if you're r                                  eading this, ha!, you're h   alf-way th    ere: you're half-WAY to be ing m                          ore than ha                      lf-ALIVE[1], and it'll last in a way th                               ings rarely last                                    BEC    AUSE it's g         onna be a state of mi  nd for u                        s, "Oh yes?", oh yes![2], and you've g                                                     ot to want it, oh, you've g                                      ot to be si                                    ck of y our life, y                                         eah, and you've g                    ot to be s                      ick, so sick[1], and if you're rea                     ding this, ha!, you're h                 alf-way th        ere: you're half-WAY to being m                           ore than h                                            alf-ALIVE[2], and I'm co                           ming to get ya, and I'm co                      ming to d                                                                                        rag ya, and it's gonna be a STOR                              M to re  mem  ber[1], and you've got to want it, oh, you've g               ot to be s                           ick of your life, yeah, and you've got to be s       ic k, so si                    ck[2], and I'm t                       alking a bl                      oodSTORM a fi              reSTOR                                          M all a-ROUND, and it's all we'll breat              he a-R        OUND[1], and I'm co         ming to get ya, and I'm comi                                            ng to dra                     g ya, and it's gonna be a STOR  M to re                   memb     er[2], and - D                                  AMN!, we're already in it, and be a    ware, you're already gon                   e, and this is a t                     rick?, ah, I've tric          ked you[1], and I'm ta lking a bl           oodSTO                    RM a f                    ireSTO                             RM all a-RO       UND, and i                          t's all we'll breathe a-RO                                           UND[2], and where's the mone          y? / and, listen! ... it's ash             es as G                 ONE as y                          our mind[1], and - DAM             N!, we're alre          ady in it, and be awa                       re, you're already go             ne, and this is a trick?, ah, I've tr       icke                        d you[2], and I know you l          ove me, but you g     otta l   ove me even mor  e, be                                          cau    se this is for all t                            imes[1], and wh                    ere's the money? / and, list                                                                                                   en! ... it's a                                                        shes as G                                                                                                                    ON                       E as your mind[2], and it's n                         ice to get l           ost all wil         d and f          ree and b  urning a c                          on                      sciousness ou          t of c                           ontrol, yes?[1], an                d I know you lov                  e me, but you g                                                                otta lov                e me even more, becaus  e this is f                        or all times[2], and it's w       indy stor                       my just the WA                                      Y how we l   ike it with s                       parks from n              erve to n      erve then s                                           moky ski                                              n[1], and it's n  ice to get lost all wi                 ld and fre e and b                  urning a consc      iou            sn           ess out of co  ntrol, y  es?[2], and like ghos               ts w       e're f                         eeling not all there but very much   h                                           ere and it's rat   her sa tis                                                  fying[1], and it's wind y st                    orm y just the WAY ho                       w we l                              ike it w               ith sp           arks from nerve to nerve then sm                                                    oky skin[2], and w   e're lig            ht and h  appy and not dirt  y a         way from the e                           vil SENSE that f                  ool                        ish men and women liv                  e with[1], and like g                 h osts we're fee           ling not all there but very much here and it's rath            er s                                         atisfying[2], and we're in d     eep                            er and h                     arder, and a-ROU          ND and a-ROUND and a-ROU        ND, and U               P and GO                 NE![1], and we're ligh                                          t and h    app        y and not dirty aw               ay from the evil SEN             SE that f                                                                       ooli         sh men and wom   en live with[2], and we're sing ing in the f                       ire and we're s          inging in the st           orm and we are the F                                                IRE             ST            ORM, yes, yes, YES![1], and we're in de eper and har                                    der, and a-ROUND and a-RO                                                 UND and a-RO                             UND, and UP and GONE![2], and when it's over and when we're o                   ver and when the DRE                 AM is over th                     ere'll be a rec         ord and there'll be a c                                      lue[1], and we're s  ing  ing in the f          ire and we're s ing ing in the st           orm and we are the FIRES          TORM, yes, yes, Y          ES![2], and faster now and fa             ster now and fas               ter now[1], and when it's o             ver and when we're over and when the D                                                            REAM is over there'll be a rec         ord and there'll be a clue[2], and over? ... th            ere is no end[1], and faster no      w and faster n     ow and faster now[2], and you'll ent                er, and you won't lea                          ve, and you'll be lifte    d up, and y         ou'll fee          l so light and happy[3], and over? ... t                                 her     e is no en d[2], and you'll feel wind in your hair, like straw your h                            air with sparks, and your eyes with sparks, yes, yes, YES![3], and you'll see the light, and you'll f          eel the h                              eat, and you'll start s                 pinning a-R              OUND and a-R         OUND[3], and I'll be a-ROUND, and you'll s                                    ee me smiling, at you, at you, at you, and we'll be so H  O       T, to  get her[3], and i      t'll             la                st in a w            ay thin                      gs r     arely last BECAUSE it's gon                             na be a state of min d for us, "Oh yes?", oh yes![3], and if you're re   ading this, ha!, you're h           alf-w                      ay there: you're half-W        AY to being more than half-AL                                   IVE[3], and you've g          ot to w         ant it, oh, you've got to be s                                          ick of your l                    ife, yeah, and you've got to be si ck, so sick[3], and I'm co                          ming to get ya, and I'm co                   ming to dr                           ag ya, and it's gonna be a STO               RM to r                eme           mber[3], and I'm ta    l         king a bl     oodSTORM a fires          TO         R        M all a-ROUND, and it's all we'll br          eathe a-ROUND[3], and - D                   AMN!, we're al                          rea            dy in it, and be a                                     ware, you're already go                                  ne, and this is a tri                 ck?, ah, I've t  ricked you[3], and where's th               e mo                                                 ney? / and, list                    en! ... it's ash                                          es as GO                                            NE as your mind[3], and I k                                          now you lov                                e me, b            ut you g                                                  otta lov                                    e me even m                  ore, because th        is is f       or all times[3], and it's nice to get lost all w                 ild and free and burning a consciousness ou                                            t of control, yes?[3], and it's windy stormy just the WAY ho  w we like it with sp                   arks from n       erve to n                   erve then s         mok        y s     kin[3], and like ghos                                          ts we're fee     ling not all there but very much h              ere and it's ra ther sat                                isfying[3], and we're lig          ht and h     ap       py and not d        irty away from the e                        vil SEN              SE that foolis  h men and w                     omen live with[3], and we're in d            eeper and har    der, and a-ROUND and a-ROUN                                    D and a-ROUND, and UP and G         ON                                                       E![3], and we're s                                ing  ing in the fire         and we're sin          ging in the st orm and we are the F           I         R                 E                  ST        O                           R         M, yes, yes, Y       ES![3], and w                                                                                                                 hen it's o                  ver and when we're o                      ver and when the D                                                     REA  M is over there'll be a re                    c                    ord and th                      ere'll be a clu  e[3], and fas ter n                                     ow a                                              nd fas ter no              w and f                                                                    ast                                                                                                     er n                                                               o                                                      w[3], and ov                  er? ... the   r                                                                   e i              s                                                     n                     o e                                                                         n                                                                                                            d[3], and

And yo  u'll ent     er, and you w   on't lea  ve, and y  ou'll be lif                  ted up, and yo           u'll f            eel so lig ht and h              appy[1], and yo u'll f          eel wind in y      our hair, l      ike st    raw you      r h                 air with spa               rks, and y      our eyes with spar                   ks, y                       es, yes, Y           ES![1], and yo u'll en  ter, and you w        on't leav   e, and you'l  l be l         ifted u p, and you'll fe     el so lig  ht and hap                    py[2], and yo             u'll s         ee the light, a                    nd you'll fe            el the he               at, and you'll st                                 art sp                        inning a-ROU            ND and a-RO            UND[1], and you'll fe                el win  d in y  our h  air, like st                         ra  w your hai           r with spa    rk                       s, and y        our e yes w  ith spa  rks, y                      es, y                              es, Y                     ES![2], an d I'l  l be a-ROU  ND, and y                       ou'll s               ee me smiling, a          t y  ou, a    t y           ou, at you, and we'll be so H                                                            OT, tog                            ether[1], and you'll se            e the li                   ght, and y          ou'll f               eel the heat, a                              nd you'll st        art spinning a-ROU                     ND and a-ROUND[2], and it'll l              ast in a w     ay th       ings rare                                    ly last BEC      AUSE it's gon  na be a st  ate of min    d for us, "Oh yes?", o                                h yes![1], and I'll be a-ROUN           D, and you'll see m        e smiling, at y                      ou, at yo                                   u, at you, and we'll be s                                                                               o HOT, tog  ether[2], and if you're r                                  eading this, ha!, you're h   alf-way th    ere: you're half-WAY to be ing m                          ore than ha                      lf-ALIVE[1], and it'll last in a way th                               ings rarely last                                    BEC    AUSE it's g         onna be a state of mi  nd for u                        s, "Oh yes?", oh yes![2], and you've g                                                     ot to want it, oh, you've g                                      ot to be si                                    ck of y our life, y                                         eah, and you've g                    ot to be s                      ick, so sick[1], and if you're rea                     ding this, ha!, you're h                 alf-way th        ere: you're half-WAY to being m                           ore than h                                            alf-ALIVE[2], and I'm co                           ming to get ya, and I'm co                      ming to d                                                                                        rag ya, and it's gonna be a STOR                              M to re  mem  ber[1], and you've got to want it, oh, you've g               ot to be s                           ick of your life, yeah, and you've got to be s       ic k, so si                    ck[2], and I'm t                       alking a bl                      oodSTORM a fi              reSTOR                                          M all a-ROUND, and it's all we'll breat              he a-R        OUND[1], and I'm co         ming to get ya, and I'm comi                                            ng to dra                     g ya, and it's gonna be a STOR  M to re                   memb     er[2], and - D                                  AMN!, we're already in it, and be a    ware, you're already gon                   e, and this is a t                     rick?, ah, I've tric          ked you[1], and I'm ta lking a bl           oodSTO                    RM a f                    ireSTO                             RM all a-RO       UND, and i                          t's all we'll breathe a-RO                                           UND[2], and where's the mone          y? / and, listen! ... it's ash             es as G                 ONE as y                          our mind[1], and - DAM             N!, we're alre          ady in it, and be awa                       re, you're already go             ne, and this is a trick?, ah, I've tr       icke                        d you[2], and I know you l          ove me, but you g     otta l   ove me even mor  e, be                                          cau    se this is for all t                            imes[1], and wh                    ere's the money? / and, list                                                                                                   en! ... it's a                                                        shes as G                                                                                                                    ON                       E as your mind[2], and it's n                         ice to get l           ost all wil         d and f          ree and b  urning a c                          on                      sciousness ou          t of c                           ontrol, yes?[1], an                d I know you lov                  e me, but you g                                                                otta lov                e me even more, becaus  e this is f                        or all times[2], and it's w       indy stor                       my just the WA                                      Y how we l   ike it with s                       parks from n              erve to n      erve then s                                           moky ski                                              n[1], and it's n  ice to get lost all wi                 ld and fre e and b                  urning a consc      iou            sn           ess out of co  ntrol, y  es?[2], and like ghos               ts w       e're f                         eeling not all there but very much   h                                           ere and it's rat   her sa tis                                                  fying[1], and it's wind y st                    orm y just the WAY ho                       w we l                              ike it w               ith sp           arks from nerve to nerve then sm                                                    oky skin[2], and w   e're lig            ht and h  appy and not dirt  y a         way from the e                           vil SENSE that f                  ool                        ish men and women liv                  e with[1], and like g                 h osts we're fee           ling not all there but very much here and it's rath            er s                                         atisfying[2], and we're in d     eep                            er and h                     arder, and a-ROU          ND and a-ROUND and a-ROU        ND, and U               P and GO                 NE![1], and we're ligh                                          t and h    app        y and not dirty aw               ay from the evil SEN             SE that f                                                                       ooli         sh men and wom   en live with[2], and we're sing ing in the f                       ire and we're s          inging in the st           orm and we are the F                                                IRE             ST            ORM, yes, yes, YES![1], and we're in de eper and har                                    der, and a-ROUND and a-RO                                                 UND and a-RO                             UND, and UP and GONE![2], and when it's over and when we're o                   ver and when the DRE                 AM is over th                     ere'll be a rec         ord and there'll be a c                                      lue[1], and we're s  ing  ing in the f          ire and we're s ing ing in the st           orm and we are the FIRES          TORM, yes, yes, Y          ES![2], and faster now and fa             ster now and fas               ter now[1], and when it's o             ver and when we're over and when the D                                                            REAM is over there'll be a rec         ord and there'll be a clue[2], and over? ... th            ere is no end[1], and faster no      w and faster n     ow and faster now[2], and you'll ent                er, and you won't lea                          ve, and you'll be lifte    d up, and y         ou'll fee          l so light and happy[3], and over? ... t                                 her     e is no en d[2], and you'll feel wind in your hair, like straw your h                            air with sparks, and your eyes with sparks, yes, yes, YES![3], and you'll see the light, and you'll f          eel the h                              eat, and you'll start s                 pinning a-R              OUND and a-R         OUND[3], and I'll be a-ROUND, and you'll s                                    ee me smiling, at you, at you, at you, and we'll be so H  O       T, to  get her[3], and i      t'll             la                st in a w            ay thin                      gs r     arely last BECAUSE it's gon                             na be a state of min d for us, "Oh yes?", oh yes![3], and if you're re   ading this, ha!, you're h           alf-w                      ay there: you're half-W        AY to being more than half-AL                                   IVE[3], and you've g          ot to w         ant it, oh, you've got to be s                                          ick of your l                    ife, yeah, and you've got to be si ck, so sick[3], and I'm co                          ming to get ya, and I'm co                   ming to dr                           ag ya, and it's gonna be a STO               RM to r                eme           mber[3], and I'm ta    l         king a bl     oodSTORM a fires          TO         R        M all a-ROUND, and it's all we'll br          eathe a-ROUND[3], and - D                   AMN!, we're al                          rea            dy in it, and be a                                     ware, you're already go                                  ne, and this is a tri                 ck?, ah, I've t  ricked you[3], and where's th               e mo                                                 ney? / and, list                    en! ... it's ash                                          es as GO                                            NE as your mind[3], and I k                                          now you lov                                e me, b            ut you g                                                  otta lov                                    e me even m                  ore, because th        is is f       or all times[3], and it's nice to get lost all w                 ild and free and burning a consciousness ou                                            t of control, yes?[3], and it's windy stormy just the WAY ho  w we like it with sp                   arks from n       erve to n                   erve then s         mok        y s     kin[3], and like ghos                                          ts we're fee     ling not all there but very much h              ere and it's ra ther sat                                isfying[3], and we're lig          ht and h     ap       py and not d        irty away from the e                        vil SEN              SE that foolis  h men and w                     omen live with[3], and we're in d            eeper and har    der, and a-ROUND and a-ROUN                                    D and a-ROUND, and UP and G         ON                                                       E![3], and we're s                                ing  ing in the fire         and we're sin          ging in the st orm and we are the F           I         R                 E                  ST        O                           R         M, yes, yes, Y       ES![3], and w                                                                                                                 hen it's o                  ver and when we're o                      ver and when the D                                                     REA  M is over there'll be a re                    c                    ord and th                      ere'll be a clu  e[3], and fas ter n                                     ow a                                              nd fas ter no              w and f                                                                    ast                                                                                                     er n                                                               o                                                      w[3], and ov                  er? ... the   r                                                                   e i              s                                                     n                     o e                                                                         n                                                                                                            d[3], and

And yo  u'll ent     er, and you w   on't lea  ve, and y  ou'll be lif                  ted up, and yo           u'll f            eel so lig ht and h              appy[1], and yo u'll f          eel wind in y      our hair, l      ike st    raw you      r h                 air with spa               rks, and y      our eyes with spar                   ks, y                       es, yes, Y           ES![1], and yo u'll en  ter, and you w        on't leav   e, and you'l  l be l         ifted u p, and you'll fe     el so lig  ht and hap                    py[2], and yo             u'll s         ee the light, a                    nd you'll fe            el the he               at, and you'll st                                 art sp                        inning a-ROU            ND and a-RO            UND[1], and you'll fe                el win  d in y  our h  air, like st                         ra  w your hai           r with spa    rk                       s, and y        our e yes w  ith spa  rks, y                      es, y                              es, Y                     ES![2], an d I'l  l be a-ROU  ND, and y                       ou'll s               ee me smiling, a          t y  ou, a    t y           ou, at you, and we'll be so H                                                            OT, tog                            ether[1], and you'll se            e the li                   ght, and y          ou'll f               eel the heat, a                              nd you'll st        art spinning a-ROU                     ND and a-ROUND[2], and it'll l              ast in a w     ay th       ings rare                                    ly last BEC      AUSE it's gon  na be a st  ate of min    d for us, "Oh yes?", o                                h yes![1], and I'll be a-ROUN           D, and you'll see m        e smiling, at y                      ou, at yo                                   u, at you, and we'll be s                                                                               o HOT, tog  ether[2], and if you're r                                  eading this, ha!, you're h   alf-way th    ere: you're half-WAY to be ing m                          ore than ha                      lf-ALIVE[1], and it'll last in a way th                               ings rarely last                                    BEC    AUSE it's g         onna be a state of mi  nd for u                        s, "Oh yes?", oh yes![2], and you've g                                                     ot to want it, oh, you've g                                      ot to be si                                    ck of y our life, y                                         eah, and you've g                    ot to be s                      ick, so sick[1], and if you're rea                     ding this, ha!, you're h                 alf-way th        ere: you're half-WAY to being m                           ore than h                                            alf-ALIVE[2], and I'm co                           ming to get ya, and I'm co                      ming to d                                                                                        rag ya, and it's gonna be a STOR                              M to re  mem  ber[1], and you've got to want it, oh, you've g               ot to be s                           ick of your life, yeah, and you've got to be s       ic k, so si                    ck[2], and I'm t                       alking a bl                      oodSTORM a fi              reSTOR                                          M all a-ROUND, and it's all we'll breat              he a-R        OUND[1], and I'm co         ming to get ya, and I'm comi                                            ng to dra                     g ya, and it's gonna be a STOR  M to re                   memb     er[2], and - D                                  AMN!, we're already in it, and be a    ware, you're already gon                   e, and this is a t                     rick?, ah, I've tric          ked you[1], and I'm ta lking a bl           oodSTO                    RM a f                    ireSTO                             RM all a-RO       UND, and i                          t's all we'll breathe a-RO                                           UND[2], and where's the mone          y? / and, listen! ... it's ash             es as G                 ONE as y                          our mind[1], and - DAM             N!, we're alre          ady in it, and be awa                       re, you're already go             ne, and this is a trick?, ah, I've tr       icke                        d you[2], and I know you l          ove me, but you g     otta l   ove me even mor  e, be                                          cau    se this is for all t                            imes[1], and wh                    ere's the money? / and, list                                                                                                   en! ... it's a                                                        shes as G                                                                                                                    ON                       E as your mind[2], and it's n                         ice to get l           ost all wil         d and f          ree and b  urning a c                          on                      sciousness ou          t of c                           ontrol, yes?[1], an                d I know you lov                  e me, but you g                                                                otta lov                e me even more, becaus  e this is f                        or all times[2], and it's w       indy stor                       my just the WA                                      Y how we l   ike it with s                       parks from n              erve to n      erve then s                                           moky ski                                              n[1], and it's n  ice to get lost all wi                 ld and fre e and b                  urning a consc      iou            sn           ess out of co  ntrol, y  es?[2], and like ghos               ts w       e're f                         eeling not all there but very much   h                                           ere and it's rat   her sa tis                                                  fying[1], and it's wind y st                    orm y just the WAY ho                       w we l                              ike it w               ith sp           arks from nerve to nerve then sm                                                    oky skin[2], and w   e're lig            ht and h  appy and not dirt  y a         way from the e                           vil SENSE that f                  ool                        ish men and women liv                  e with[1], and like g                 h osts we're fee           ling not all there but very much here and it's rath            er s                                         atisfying[2], and we're in d     eep                            er and h                     arder, and a-ROU          ND and a-ROUND and a-ROU        ND, and U               P and GO                 NE![1], and we're ligh                                          t and h    app        y and not dirty aw               ay from the evil SEN             SE that f                                                                       ooli         sh men and wom   en live with[2], and we're sing ing in the f                       ire and we're s          inging in the st           orm and we are the F                                                IRE             ST            ORM, yes, yes, YES![1], and we're in de eper and har                                    der, and a-ROUND and a-RO                                                 UND and a-RO                             UND, and UP and GONE![2], and when it's over and when we're o                   ver and when the DRE                 AM is over th                     ere'll be a rec         ord and there'll be a c                                      lue[1], and we're s  ing  ing in the f          ire and we're s ing ing in the st           orm and we are the FIRES          TORM, yes, yes, Y          ES![2], and faster now and fa             ster now and fas               ter now[1], and when it's o             ver and when we're over and when the D                                                            REAM is over there'll be a rec         ord and there'll be a clue[2], and over? ... th            ere is no end[1], and faster no      w and faster n     ow and faster now[2], and you'll ent                er, and you won't lea                          ve, and you'll be lifte    d up, and y         ou'll fee          l so light and happy[3], and over? ... t                                 her     e is no en d[2], and you'll feel wind in your hair, like straw your h                            air with sparks, and your eyes with sparks, yes, yes, YES![3], and you'll see the light, and you'll f          eel the h                              eat, and you'll start s                 pinning a-R              OUND and a-R         OUND[3], and I'll be a-ROUND, and you'll s                                    ee me smiling, at you, at you, at you, and we'll be so H  O       T, to  get her[3], and i      t'll             la                st in a w            ay thin                      gs r     arely last BECAUSE it's gon                             na be a state of min d for us, "Oh yes?", oh yes![3], and if you're re   ading this, ha!, you're h           alf-w                      ay there: you're half-W        AY to being more than half-AL                                   IVE[3], and you've g          ot to w         ant it, oh, you've got to be s                                          ick of your l                    ife, yeah, and you've got to be si ck, so sick[3], and I'm co                          ming to get ya, and I'm co                   ming to dr                           ag ya, and it's gonna be a STO               RM to r                eme           mber[3], and I'm ta    l         king a bl     oodSTORM a fires          TO         R        M all a-ROUND, and it's all we'll br          eathe a-ROUND[3], and - D                   AMN!, we're al                          rea            dy in it, and be a                                     ware, you're already go                                  ne, and this is a tri                 ck?, ah, I've t  ricked you[3], and where's th               e mo                                                 ney? / and, list                    en! ... it's ash                                          es as GO                                            NE as your mind[3], and I k                                          now you lov                                e me, b            ut you g                                                  otta lov                                    e me even m                  ore, because th        is is f       or all times[3], and it's nice to get lost all w                 ild and free and burning a consciousness ou                                            t of control, yes?[3], and it's windy stormy just the WAY ho  w we like it with sp                   arks from n       erve to n                   erve then s         mok        y s     kin[3], and like ghos                                          ts we're fee     ling not all there but very much h              ere and it's ra ther sat                                isfying[3], and we're lig          ht and h     ap       py and not d        irty away from the e                        vil SEN              SE that foolis  h men and w                     omen live with[3], and we're in d            eeper and har    der, and a-ROUND and a-ROUN                                    D and a-ROUND, and UP and G         ON                                                       E![3], and we're s                                ing  ing in the fire         and we're sin          ging in the st orm and we are the F           I         R                 E                  ST        O                           R         M, yes, yes, Y       ES![3], and w                                                                                                                 hen it's o                  ver and when we're o                      ver and when the D                                                     REA  M is over there'll be a re                    c                    ord and th                      ere'll be a clu  e[3], and fas ter n                                     ow a                                              nd fas ter no              w and f                                                                    ast                                                                                                     er n                                                               o                                                      w[3], and ov                  er? ... the   r                                                                   e i              s                                                     n                     o e                                                                         n                                                                                                            d[3], and

Th' whole worl's ... in a terr ... ible state o' ... chassis!

And yet Jinksy wants to talk about parcels again. 'Ha!' Well, I just don't know. I just don't know. 'Go on, boss!' All right.

The UPU crisis is Trump's own Brexit moment, warns ParcelHero.

Oh, I'm sure it's not that bad. We're talking about the ruination of a nation with Brexit, man! Never mind. 'Let's hear him out, boss.'

With a showdown planned for tomorrow, President Trump's push to unilaterally quit the Universal Postal Union could lead to the collapse of a vital 145-year-old international organization, fears ParcelHero.

Christ! Is our hero really full of fear? Really?

The Universal Postal Union (UPU) is unlikely to survive the withdrawal of the USA if a crunch vote does not go President Trump's way tomorrow (24 September, 2019), warns the international delivery specialist ParcelHero.

We can be heroes! 'Like Dolphins!' Yes, Voice.

ParcelHero's Head of Consumer Research, David Jinks MILT, cautions: "The UPU has a vital role to play in ensuring every nation pays a fair amount for its mailing costs when overseas letters and packets enter the postal network of another country. If America quits the UPU and sets its own packet rates unilaterally, many other nations are likely to follow suit, leading to an international mailing free-for-all. Trump is right to be angry at the scandalously low dues China pays the United States Postal Service (USPS) for access to its postal system, but a High Noon-style showdown at tomorrow's UPU's Extraordinary Congress is not the right way to solve the problem."

Okay, okay. I just, uh ... 'What?' Well, it's the first I've even heard of this matter. 'That's because you're not obsessed with parcels.' Listen! The only time I care about parcels is when I'm waiting for some new guitar strings to be delivered. 'Right.' I can't see the attraction. 'It's Jinksy's job though.' Maybe, but ... does he have to tell everyone about it? Seriously! You can imagine him in the kitchen at parties, can't you? 'Oh, leave him alone, boss!' I'm not picking on him. 'Yes you are!' Whatever.

Okay, okay. Let's finish this! I'm not copying and pasting all of the email. 'Just do Jinksy's conclusion.' Yeah, I will.

Concludes David: "The US is calling for every nation to be able to declare its own packet rates; China is holding out for a simple tweaking of the existing plan. Things do not look rosy. However, there is some hope; a number of key members are suggesting a solution that would mean cross-border rates could be charged at a percentage of domestic rates, likely to be up to 70%. If the US were to agree to this formula, all might yet be well. But right now, that is looking a distant prospect; we're very concerned that the US may indeed exit the UPS with no deal."

Okay, okay. Thank you for that, uh, David.

...

Right. Anything else, dear reader(s)? Music? This is a finance blog, man. 'Don't disappoint them, Mikey. If you can talk about parcels, you can talk about music.' I suppose so.

Well, I'm FEELING GOOD, you dig? Obviously, I've had my songs ready for ages, but my vocals and guitar playing have really come together now. / Oh, I'm still doing the go-gos, and I'll continue to do them. Thank God for YouTube!

And besides that vocal strengthening thing I found on YouTube last week, I also discovered someone by the name of Tom Moulton who invented remixing, the 12-inch single, and the "breakdown" section in songs. All in the Seventies, with disco.

Listen, kook(s)! I've said it before, many times, that you can't do anything new with music. I still believe that. You can only really tweak stuff, HOWEVER(!) ... it would be the icing on the cake for me if I could invent something new. / I'm not getting my hopes up or anything. I'm just going to see what happens. [I mean, I wasn't expecting to invent conceptual literature on this blog. It only happened when I felt I had exhausted all possibilities and was getting a bit bored.]

Laters!

Oh, actually ... I did invent sampling in 1976. 'Bullshit!' No, it's not, Voice. When I was a kid I tried recording a few seconds of each single I had to make a new song. 'And what did it sound like?' Awful.

Laters!

Music, or ... ?

Well, I don't know. I mean, this is a finance blog, dear reader(s). Do you know what I mean? It's just that ... 'Do another PR email, boss. Go on.' Well, okay.

UK wealth market to decline by 5% in 2019 and 2020 if there is a no deal Brexit, says GlobalData.

Oh no. No, no, no.

Uncertainty around Brexit and the US-China trade war resulted in a poor performance in the UK wealth market in 2018. This year, uncertainty is continuing and KPMG have recently predicted a 1.5% GDP decline in 2020 if Brexit ends in a no deal, worse than the decline in 2008. If this estimation comes to fruition, there will be a damaging fourth quarter in 2019 which will reduce the UK wealth market by up to 5% in both 2019 and 2020, forecasts GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

No, no, no. No, no ... NO - !!! It's too much misery, kook(s). 'It is.' And I want to be happy and carefree, you dig? I want to - 'Boss, stop him!' Who?!

Sergel Woldemichael, Wealth Management Analyst at GlobalData, comments: "The noteworthy decline in the UK wealth market, the only time the UK wealth market has posted back-to-back declines, will largely be felt in the fund and equity market. The fund market, due its larger proportion of the overall wealth mix will be a particularly big driver of the declines. Interest rates have remained low for over a decade in the UK, reducing the role of deposits as well as bonds in the nation's investment portfolio, while funds have been growing ever more attractive by comparison."

Oi! That's enough, Sergel! You're out of order, son!

...

Right. Music?

I'm playing a few tunes on my laptop ... Let It Be, Hotel California, Angels, Live Forever, Your Song ...

All the usual suspects, as it were.

Oh, another thing ... [see last post] ... that vocal exercise has improved my guitar playing. 'Don't talk absolute rot, Mikey.' I'm serious, Voice! I'm singing in a calmer and more controlled way now, and it has spread to my guitar playing. The vibe, or whatever. 'Yeah. Whatever.' Yeah, yeah. Yeah!

...

Anything else? Jesus. Er ... it's the end of the week, kook(s). Obviously, I hope you have a nice weekend and everything, BUT(!) ... there's nothing else, you dig?

Later(s), crocodile(s)!

Negative economic outlook!

Yeah, yeah. Well, it's no surprise, is it? 'What's this, boss?' Bad news, Voice. 'Is there any other kind?' Well, I've got some good news about my vocal strength. 'Oh.' Big time!

Go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go. Listen! You keep doing that - ah, THIS!!! - aggressively, up and down, like, and you're going to be all right, dear reader(s). If you're a singer, of course. I reckon I've managed to double the strength of my voice - not him - just this week. 'I'm feeling so strong, boss!' Not you, idiot!

Rehearsing is a real joy now. This World Don't Mean a Thing and Malibu are pop/rock ballads with big lift-off choruses, and they need a strong voice. 'Me?! I'm not getting involved. I don't have the talent.' Shut up!

Anyway, PR email ...

Negative sentiment towards the economic outlook for the UK over the next 18 to 24 months amongst the UK investment community has increased sharply from 49% in 2018 to 67% in 2019, according to the annual Investment 360 Index by CIL, the leading management consultancy. The Index is based on research amongst private equity investors, business management teams, corporate debt providers and business advisors in the UK and has been running for three years.

Oh dear.

The Index also shows that dissatisfaction with Government has leapt from 50% last year, to 68% currently. Just 5% of those polled felt that the Government is doing a good job. However, when it comes to the performance of the Bank of England, sentiment is the most positive yet at 60%, thanks to a steady hand on the tiller against the backdrop of political and economic uncertainty.

Christ! 5 percent felt that the government is doing a good job! Ha, ha, ha! 'Who on earth are those 5 percent mugs, boss?!' That's what I'm wondering, man.

In terms of the long-term economic outlook, sentiment remains firmly in positive territory for 56% of investors, a slight decline of 4% compared to last year, thanks to the UK's strong, attractive fundamentals.

Ah, well. I know what that is. WISHFUL THINKING. You dig? Tell me you dig, kook(s). Please!

Okay, okay. I think we better hear from Giles Johnson ...

Commenting on the findings, Giles Johnson, managing partner at CIL, says: "The uncertainty caused by Brexit is weighing heavily on investors in the short-term. There are a range of unknowns affecting the global economies, such as trade wars. However, thanks to sound monetary policy from the Bank of England and strong fundamentals, Brexit aside, the long-term outlook remains positive."

Yeah, yeah. / Giles, mate, I've got two words for you ... [drum roll] ... WISHFUL THINKING. You dig? Come on, son. Be realistic. FFS!

...

Right. Anything else? Er, not really, no. I'll be writing another post later. Either music, or ... another PR email? 'You love these emails, don't you, boss?' Oh, I do!

If only I had known years ago that it was this easy to be a journalist! Never mind. My life is full of missed opportunities.

Later(s), news fan(s)!

[No. 740] Don't invite me anywhere because I might just turn up

And then you'll be sorry.

And, well, well ...[1], and I'm a mystical guy, you dig?[1], and, well, well ...[2], and I used to burn in the desert ... with the blood and, uh ... fire(!), obviously[1], and I'm a mystical guy, you dig?[2], and, BUT(!) ... NOW(!) I'm a-ROUND here[1], and I used to burn in the desert ... with the blood and, uh ... fire(!), obviously[2], and why should I be where you are?![1], and, BUT(!) ... NOW(!) I'm a-ROUND here[2], and I'm not part of your world, man / and I've invented my own world - and I'm very happy with it[1], and why should I be where you are?![2], and I'm too "crazy" for your sort, seriously[1], and I'm not part of your world, man / and I've invented my own world - and I'm very happy with it[2], and don't be sad[1], and I'm too "crazy" for your sort, seriously[2], and maybe one day, ah, one day ... I'll visit you for a laugh[1], and don't be sad[2], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[1], and maybe one day, ah, one day ... I'll visit you for a laugh[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... you won't be laughing yourself, no, no, no / and, oh, I will, and my friends will[1], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[2], and ... 'I'm your friend, Mikey' / and yeah, yeah, of course you are, Voice[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... you won't be laughing yourself, no, no, no / and, oh, I will, and my friends will[2], and, so ...[1], and ... 'I'm your friend, Mikey' / and yeah, yeah, of course you are, Voice[2], and poor cold earth wanderer ...[1], and, so ...[2], and ... Do YOU(!) really want me at your event(s)?[1], and poor cold earth wanderer ...[2], and, listen! ... I can't bring those dead ghost guys - they're GONE(!)[1], and ... Do YOU(!) really want me at your event(s)?[2], and somewheres lost in the astral desert of my mind, my soul ...[1], and, listen! ... I can't bring those dead ghost guys - they're GONE(!)[2], and ... I can bring the mystic kooks![1], and somewheres lost in the astral desert of my mind, my soul ...[2], and, or ... maybe not[1], and ... I can bring the mystic kooks![2], and, Christ! ... it's a lot of trouble for a busy sha/man[1], and, or ... maybe not[2], and I've got my guitar to play ...[1], and, Christ! ... it's a lot of trouble for a busy sha/man[2], and I'm actually very reclusive ...[1], and I've got my guitar to play ...[2], and to be honest ... it's much easier if you just get a-ROUND with the rest of us[1], and I'm actually very reclusive ...[2], and spin, spin, spin! ... you will like it[1], and to be honest ... it's much easier if you just get a-ROUND with the rest of us[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and come on, don't be square[1], and s pin, sp in, s pin! ... you will like it[2], and ... 'You can lead a horse to water, boss'[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and come on, don't be square[2], and tell me about it![1], and ... 'You can lead a horse to water, boss'[2], and, well, well ...[3], and tell me about it![2], and I'm a mystical guy, you dig?[3], and I used to burn in the desert ... with the blood and, uh ... fire(!), obviously[3], and, BUT(!) ... NOW(!) I'm a-ROUND here[3], and why should I be where you are?![3], and I'm not part of your world, man / and I've invented my own world - and I'm very happy with it[3], and I'm too "crazy" for your sort, seriously[3], and don't be sad[3], and maybe one day, ah, one day ... I'll visit you for a laugh[3], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... you won't be laughing yourself, no, no, no / and, oh, I will, and my friends will[3], and ... 'I'm your friend, Mikey' / and yeah, yeah, of course you are, Voice[3], and, so ...[3], and poor cold earth wanderer ...[3], and ... Do YOU(!) really want me at your event(s)?[3], and, listen! ... I can't bring those dead ghost guys - they're GONE(!)[3], and somewheres lost in the astral desert of my mind, my soul ...[3], and ... I can bring the mystic kooks![3], and, or ... maybe not[3], and, Christ! ... it's a lot of trouble for a busy sha/man[3], and I've got my guitar to play ...[3], and I'm actually very reclusive ...[3], and to be honest ... it's much easier if you just get a-ROUND with the rest of us[3], and s  p  i  n, s  p  i  n, s  p  i  n! ... you will like it[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and come on, don't be square[3], and ... 'You can lead a horse to water, boss'[3], and tell me about it![3], and

And, well, well ...[1], and I'm a mystical guy, you dig?[1], and, well, well ...[2], and I used to burn in the desert ... with the blood and, uh ... fire(!), obviously[1], and I'm a mystical guy, you dig?[2], and, BUT(!) ... NOW(!) I'm a-ROUND here[1], and I used to burn in the desert ... with the blood and, uh ... fire(!), obviously[2], and why should I be where you are?![1], and, BUT(!) ... NOW(!) I'm a-ROUND here[2], and I'm not part of your world, man / and I've invented my own world - and I'm very happy with it[1], and why should I be where you are?![2], and I'm too "crazy" for your sort, seriously[1], and I'm not part of your world, man / and I've invented my own world - and I'm very happy with it[2], and don't be sad[1], and I'm too "crazy" for your sort, seriously[2], and maybe one day, ah, one day ... I'll visit you for a laugh[1], and don't be sad[2], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[1], and maybe one day, ah, one day ... I'll visit you for a laugh[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... you won't be laughing yourself, no, no, no / and, oh, I will, and my friends will[1], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[2], and ... 'I'm your friend, Mikey' / and yeah, yeah, of course you are, Voice[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... you won't be laughing yourself, no, no, no / and, oh, I will, and my friends will[2], and, so ...[1], and ... 'I'm your friend, Mikey' / and yeah, yeah, of course you are, Voice[2], and poor cold earth wanderer ...[1], and, so ...[2], and ... Do YOU(!) really want me at your event(s)?[1], and poor cold earth wanderer ...[2], and, listen! ... I can't bring those dead ghost guys - they're GONE(!)[1], and ... Do YOU(!) really want me at your event(s)?[2], and somewheres lost in the astral desert of my mind, my soul ...[1], and, listen! ... I can't bring those dead ghost guys - they're GONE(!)[2], and ... I can bring the mystic kooks![1], and somewheres lost in the astral desert of my mind, my soul ...[2], and, or ... maybe not[1], and ... I can bring the mystic kooks![2], and, Christ! ... it's a lot of trouble for a busy sha/man[1], and, or ... maybe not[2], and I've got my guitar to play ...[1], and, Christ! ... it's a lot of trouble for a busy sha/man[2], and I'm actually very reclusive ...[1], and I've got my guitar to play ...[2], and to be honest ... it's much easier if you just get a-ROUND with the rest of us[1], and I'm actually very reclusive ...[2], and spin, spin, spin! ... you will like it[1], and to be honest ... it's much easier if you just get a-ROUND with the rest of us[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and come on, don't be square[1], and s pin, sp in, s pin! ... you will like it[2], and ... 'You can lead a horse to water, boss'[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and come on, don't be square[2], and tell me about it![1], and ... 'You can lead a horse to water, boss'[2], and, well, well ...[3], and tell me about it![2], and I'm a mystical guy, you dig?[3], and I used to burn in the desert ... with the blood and, uh ... fire(!), obviously[3], and, BUT(!) ... NOW(!) I'm a-ROUND here[3], and why should I be where you are?![3], and I'm not part of your world, man / and I've invented my own world - and I'm very happy with it[3], and I'm too "crazy" for your sort, seriously[3], and don't be sad[3], and maybe one day, ah, one day ... I'll visit you for a laugh[3], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... you won't be laughing yourself, no, no, no / and, oh, I will, and my friends will[3], and ... 'I'm your friend, Mikey' / and yeah, yeah, of course you are, Voice[3], and, so ...[3], and poor cold earth wanderer ...[3], and ... Do YOU(!) really want me at your event(s)?[3], and, listen! ... I can't bring those dead ghost guys - they're GONE(!)[3], and somewheres lost in the astral desert of my mind, my soul ...[3], and ... I can bring the mystic kooks![3], and, or ... maybe not[3], and, Christ! ... it's a lot of trouble for a busy sha/man[3], and I've got my guitar to play ...[3], and I'm actually very reclusive ...[3], and to be honest ... it's much easier if you just get a-ROUND with the rest of us[3], and s  p  i  n, s  p  i  n, s  p  i  n! ... you will like it[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and come on, don't be square[3], and ... 'You can lead a horse to water, boss'[3], and tell me about it![3], and

And, well, well ...[1], and I'm a mystical guy, you dig?[1], and, well, well ...[2], and I used to burn in the desert ... with the blood and, uh ... fire(!), obviously[1], and I'm a mystical guy, you dig?[2], and, BUT(!) ... NOW(!) I'm a-ROUND here[1], and I used to burn in the desert ... with the blood and, uh ... fire(!), obviously[2], and why should I be where you are?![1], and, BUT(!) ... NOW(!) I'm a-ROUND here[2], and I'm not part of your world, man / and I've invented my own world - and I'm very happy with it[1], and why should I be where you are?![2], and I'm too "crazy" for your sort, seriously[1], and I'm not part of your world, man / and I've invented my own world - and I'm very happy with it[2], and don't be sad[1], and I'm too "crazy" for your sort, seriously[2], and maybe one day, ah, one day ... I'll visit you for a laugh[1], and don't be sad[2], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[1], and maybe one day, ah, one day ... I'll visit you for a laugh[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... you won't be laughing yourself, no, no, no / and, oh, I will, and my friends will[1], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[2], and ... 'I'm your friend, Mikey' / and yeah, yeah, of course you are, Voice[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... you won't be laughing yourself, no, no, no / and, oh, I will, and my friends will[2], and, so ...[1], and ... 'I'm your friend, Mikey' / and yeah, yeah, of course you are, Voice[2], and poor cold earth wanderer ...[1], and, so ...[2], and ... Do YOU(!) really want me at your event(s)?[1], and poor cold earth wanderer ...[2], and, listen! ... I can't bring those dead ghost guys - they're GONE(!)[1], and ... Do YOU(!) really want me at your event(s)?[2], and somewheres lost in the astral desert of my mind, my soul ...[1], and, listen! ... I can't bring those dead ghost guys - they're GONE(!)[2], and ... I can bring the mystic kooks![1], and somewheres lost in the astral desert of my mind, my soul ...[2], and, or ... maybe not[1], and ... I can bring the mystic kooks![2], and, Christ! ... it's a lot of trouble for a busy sha/man[1], and, or ... maybe not[2], and I've got my guitar to play ...[1], and, Christ! ... it's a lot of trouble for a busy sha/man[2], and I'm actually very reclusive ...[1], and I've got my guitar to play ...[2], and to be honest ... it's much easier if you just get a-ROUND with the rest of us[1], and I'm actually very reclusive ...[2], and spin, spin, spin! ... you will like it[1], and to be honest ... it's much easier if you just get a-ROUND with the rest of us[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and come on, don't be square[1], and s pin, sp in, s pin! ... you will like it[2], and ... 'You can lead a horse to water, boss'[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and come on, don't be square[2], and tell me about it![1], and ... 'You can lead a horse to water, boss'[2], and, well, well ...[3], and tell me about it![2], and I'm a mystical guy, you dig?[3], and I used to burn in the desert ... with the blood and, uh ... fire(!), obviously[3], and, BUT(!) ... NOW(!) I'm a-ROUND here[3], and why should I be where you are?![3], and I'm not part of your world, man / and I've invented my own world - and I'm very happy with it[3], and I'm too "crazy" for your sort, seriously[3], and don't be sad[3], and maybe one day, ah, one day ... I'll visit you for a laugh[3], and ... 'Ha, ha, ha!'[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ... you won't be laughing yourself, no, no, no / and, oh, I will, and my friends will[3], and ... 'I'm your friend, Mikey' / and yeah, yeah, of course you are, Voice[3], and, so ...[3], and poor cold earth wanderer ...[3], and ... Do YOU(!) really want me at your event(s)?[3], and, listen! ... I can't bring those dead ghost guys - they're GONE(!)[3], and somewheres lost in the astral desert of my mind, my soul ...[3], and ... I can bring the mystic kooks![3], and, or ... maybe not[3], and, Christ! ... it's a lot of trouble for a busy sha/man[3], and I've got my guitar to play ...[3], and I'm actually very reclusive ...[3], and to be honest ... it's much easier if you just get a-ROUND with the rest of us[3], and s  p  i  n, s  p  i  n, s  p  i  n! ... you will like it[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and come on, don't be square[3], and ... 'You can lead a horse to water, boss'[3], and tell me about it![3], and

What am I invited to now?

Well, well ... / Another day, another invitation. Why am I so popular? 'You're the world's foremost financial shaman, boss.' That's right, Voice.

Well, dear reader(s), here we are ...

Invitation to Sectra's Capital Markets Day on September 26 - focus on cybersecurity, Linköping, Sweden, September 16, 2019 - International medical imaging IT and cybersecurity company Sectra will hold a Capital Markets Day on September 26, 2019 in Stockholm, Sweden. The focus will be on Sectra's Secure Communications operating area. The aim is to give investors insight into Sectra's role and growth potential in the increasingly dangerous world of cybersecurity threats. Among the speakers are members of Sectra's management and Pia Gruvö, Head of the Crypto and IT Security Department/Director NCSA at the Swedish Armed Forces.

When: September 26, 2019

Location: GT30, Greve Turegatan 30, Stockholm, Sweden

Okay, okay. I'm not going all the way to Sweden for this. Seriously! I can't even speak Swedish, man. 'They can probably speak English, boss. They sent you the email in English.' Yeah, yeah. Listen! If I can't be bothered to travel into central London for some, uh ... cockamamie breakfast briefing bullshit, Christ! ... I'm not going to travel to Sweden, am I?

Anyway, let's do the program and speakers ...

The program starts with registration and breakfast at 8:15a.m. and ends at around 1:00pm. A light lunch will be served during the event. Participants will have the opportunity to mingle with senior management and see demos of Sectra's products for a safer society.

Oh. Er ... 'A free breakfast, boss.' Yes. 'A free lunch, too!' It's a light lunch, Voice. 'A light lunch is better than nothing. What else do you want for free?!' Well, maybe free travel. And a free hotel room. 'Yeah, right. If wishes were - Listen! You want the moon, you do. Never satisfied.' Shut up!

Torbjörn Kronander (CEO and President Sectra AB) and Simo Pykälistö (President of Sectra Secure Communications) will be presenting together with other members of the Secure Communications management team.

Fair enough. I mean, I have no complaints. 'But what about Pia?!' Ha! -

Pia Gruvö, Head of the Crypto and IT Security Department/Director NCSA at the Swedish Armed Forces, will speak about encryption and how the Security Protection Act and increasing cyber security threats influence government authorities and companies. Note that this session will be held in Swedish.

Oh no! In Swedish! You see, I told you! 'Yeah, yeah. You told me.' I'm definitely not going now. They'll just have to have a nice time without me. 'I'm sure they’ll manage.' Don't be like that, Voice.

...

Anything else? Go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go. 'What the hell is that?!' A vocal exercise, Voice. I found it on YouTube. 'Oh.' It really helps.

Anyway ... later(s), blog fan(s)!

[No. 739] The new one

For "Michael Fowke".

And, uh ...[1], and, well ... time needs to be put into it[1], and, uh ...[2], and a guitar[1], and, well ... time needs to be put into it[2], and, ah ... focus with no distractions, yes, yes[1], and a gui tar[2], and a voice[1], and, ah ... focus with no dist ractions, yes, yes[2], and, oh ... lots of passion, obviously[1], and a vo ice[2], and a star[1], and, oh ... lots of passion, obviously[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and looking for a miracle, for a transformation![1], and a s tar[2], and ... why not?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and looking for a mirac le, for a transfor mation![2], and away from here ...[1], and ... why not?[2], and GONE(!) from reality as they know it ...[1], and away from here ...[2], and quite untouchable, if it all goes well ... / ... and well, well ... it's what all the work has been for, yes[1], and GONE(!) from reality as they know it ...[2], and ... 'More work?!'[1], and quite untou chable, if it all goes well ... / ... and well, well ... it's what all the work has been for, yes[2], and, ha![1], and ... 'More work?!'[2], and there is always more work, Christ![1], and, ha![2], and ... 'You love it, Mikey!'[1], and there is always more work, Christ![2], and I know, I know[1], and ... 'You love it, Mikey!'[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ...[1], and I know, I know[2], and, listen! ... building a new human being from scratch ain't easy, man[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ...[2], and, so ...[1], and, listen! ... building a new hu man be ing from scratch ain't easy, man[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and Tony says it's the mother of skill[1], and, so ...[2], and ... 'Ugh'[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and Tony says it's the mother of skill[2], and what would Goggins do?[1], and ... 'Ugh'[2], and ... 'Now you're talking!'[1], and what would Goggins do?[2], and I am ... large as life[1], and ... 'Now you're talking!'[2], and ... 'The old you?'[1], and I am ... large as life[2], and here I am[1], and ... 'The old you?'[2], and here I am - yes, it's me, for the time being[1], and here I am[2], and here I go![1], and here I am - yes, it's me, for the time being[2], and a-ROUND with such determination ...[1], and here I go![2], and an image, a figure[1], and a-ROUND with such de termination ...[2], and ... 'What?! Wow!'[1], and an im age, a fig ure[2], and did you see that, Voice?![1], and ... 'What?! Wow!'[2], and ... 'I caught a glimpse, boss'[1], and did you see that, Voice?![2], and, congratulations! ... because you're the first, the very first, but not the last, oh no[1], and ... 'I caught a glimp se, boss'[2], and I got a feeling ...[1], and, congratulations! ... because you're the first, the very first, but not the last, oh no[2], and ... 'Tell me! Tell the kooks!'[1], and I got a feeling ...[2], and I got a feeling ... that it will get bigger and better with every spin[1], and ... 'Tell me! Tell the kooks!'[2], and it's too late to back out now[1], and I got a f eeling ... that it will get bigger and better with every spin[2], and, uh ...[3], and it's too late to back out now[2], and, well ... time needs to be put into it[3], and a g  u  i  t  a  r[3], and, ah ... focus with no d  i  s  t  r  a  c  t  i  o  n  s, yes, yes[3], and a v  o  i  c  e[3], and, oh ... lots of passion, obviously[3], and a s  t  a  r[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and looking for a m  i  r  a  c  l  e, for a t  r  a  n  s  f  o  r  m  a  t  i  o  n![3], and ... why not?[3], and away from here ...[3], and GONE(!) from reality as they know it ...[3], and quite u  n  t  o  u  c  h  a  b  l  e, if it all goes well ... / ... and well, well ... it's what all the work has been for, yes[3], and ... 'More work?!'[3], and, ha![3], and there is always more work, Christ![3], and ... 'You love it, Mikey!'[3], and I know, I know[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ...[3], and, listen! ... building a new h  u  m  a  n b  e  i  n  g from scratch ain't easy, man[3], and, so ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and Tony says it's the mother of skill[3], and ... 'Ugh'[3], and what would Goggins do?[3], and ... 'Now you're talking!'[3], and I am ... large as life[3], and ... 'The old you?'[3], and here I am[3], and here I am - yes, it's me, for the time being[3], and here I go![3], and a-ROUND with such d  e  t  e  r  m  i  n  a  t  i  o  n ...[3], and an i  m  a  g  e, a f  i  g  u  r  e[3], and ... 'What?! Wow!'[3], and did you see that, Voice?![3], and ... 'I caught a g  l  i  m  p  s  e, boss'[3], and, congratulations! ... because you're the first, the very first, but not the last, oh no[3], and I got a feeling ...[3], and ... 'Tell me! Tell the kooks!'[3], and I got a f  e  e  l  i  n  g ... that it will get bigger and better with every spin[3], and it's too late to back out now[3], and

And, uh ...[1], and, well ... time needs to be put into it[1], and, uh ...[2], and a guitar[1], and, well ... time needs to be put into it[2], and, ah ... focus with no distractions, yes, yes[1], and a gui tar[2], and a voice[1], and, ah ... focus with no dist ractions, yes, yes[2], and, oh ... lots of passion, obviously[1], and a vo ice[2], and a star[1], and, oh ... lots of passion, obviously[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and looking for a miracle, for a transformation![1], and a s tar[2], and ... why not?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and looking for a mirac le, for a transfor mation![2], and away from here ...[1], and ... why not?[2], and GONE(!) from reality as they know it ...[1], and away from here ...[2], and quite untouchable, if it all goes well ... / ... and well, well ... it's what all the work has been for, yes[1], and GONE(!) from reality as they know it ...[2], and ... 'More work?!'[1], and quite untou chable, if it all goes well ... / ... and well, well ... it's what all the work has been for, yes[2], and, ha![1], and ... 'More work?!'[2], and there is always more work, Christ![1], and, ha![2], and ... 'You love it, Mikey!'[1], and there is always more work, Christ![2], and I know, I know[1], and ... 'You love it, Mikey!'[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ...[1], and I know, I know[2], and, listen! ... building a new human being from scratch ain't easy, man[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ...[2], and, so ...[1], and, listen! ... building a new hu man be ing from scratch ain't easy, man[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and Tony says it's the mother of skill[1], and, so ...[2], and ... 'Ugh'[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and Tony says it's the mother of skill[2], and what would Goggins do?[1], and ... 'Ugh'[2], and ... 'Now you're talking!'[1], and what would Goggins do?[2], and I am ... large as life[1], and ... 'Now you're talking!'[2], and ... 'The old you?'[1], and I am ... large as life[2], and here I am[1], and ... 'The old you?'[2], and here I am - yes, it's me, for the time being[1], and here I am[2], and here I go![1], and here I am - yes, it's me, for the time being[2], and a-ROUND with such determination ...[1], and here I go![2], and an image, a figure[1], and a-ROUND with such de termination ...[2], and ... 'What?! Wow!'[1], and an im age, a fig ure[2], and did you see that, Voice?![1], and ... 'What?! Wow!'[2], and ... 'I caught a glimpse, boss'[1], and did you see that, Voice?![2], and, congratulations! ... because you're the first, the very first, but not the last, oh no[1], and ... 'I caught a glimp se, boss'[2], and I got a feeling ...[1], and, congratulations! ... because you're the first, the very first, but not the last, oh no[2], and ... 'Tell me! Tell the kooks!'[1], and I got a feeling ...[2], and I got a feeling ... that it will get bigger and better with every spin[1], and ... 'Tell me! Tell the kooks!'[2], and it's too late to back out now[1], and I got a f eeling ... that it will get bigger and better with every spin[2], and, uh ...[3], and it's too late to back out now[2], and, well ... time needs to be put into it[3], and a g  u  i  t  a  r[3], and, ah ... focus with no d  i  s  t  r  a  c  t  i  o  n  s, yes, yes[3], and a v  o  i  c  e[3], and, oh ... lots of passion, obviously[3], and a s  t  a  r[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and looking for a m  i  r  a  c  l  e, for a t  r  a  n  s  f  o  r  m  a  t  i  o  n![3], and ... why not?[3], and away from here ...[3], and GONE(!) from reality as they know it ...[3], and quite u  n  t  o  u  c  h  a  b  l  e, if it all goes well ... / ... and well, well ... it's what all the work has been for, yes[3], and ... 'More work?!'[3], and, ha![3], and there is always more work, Christ![3], and ... 'You love it, Mikey!'[3], and I know, I know[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ...[3], and, listen! ... building a new h  u  m  a  n b  e  i  n  g from scratch ain't easy, man[3], and, so ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and Tony says it's the mother of skill[3], and ... 'Ugh'[3], and what would Goggins do?[3], and ... 'Now you're talking!'[3], and I am ... large as life[3], and ... 'The old you?'[3], and here I am[3], and here I am - yes, it's me, for the time being[3], and here I go![3], and a-ROUND with such d  e  t  e  r  m  i  n  a  t  i  o  n ...[3], and an i  m  a  g  e, a f  i  g  u  r  e[3], and ... 'What?! Wow!'[3], and did you see that, Voice?![3], and ... 'I caught a g  l  i  m  p  s  e, boss'[3], and, congratulations! ... because you're the first, the very first, but not the last, oh no[3], and I got a feeling ...[3], and ... 'Tell me! Tell the kooks!'[3], and I got a f  e  e  l  i  n  g ... that it will get bigger and better with every spin[3], and it's too late to back out now[3], and

And, uh ...[1], and, well ... time needs to be put into it[1], and, uh ...[2], and a guitar[1], and, well ... time needs to be put into it[2], and, ah ... focus with no distractions, yes, yes[1], and a gui tar[2], and a voice[1], and, ah ... focus with no dist ractions, yes, yes[2], and, oh ... lots of passion, obviously[1], and a vo ice[2], and a star[1], and, oh ... lots of passion, obviously[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and looking for a miracle, for a transformation![1], and a s tar[2], and ... why not?[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and looking for a mirac le, for a transfor mation![2], and away from here ...[1], and ... why not?[2], and GONE(!) from reality as they know it ...[1], and away from here ...[2], and quite untouchable, if it all goes well ... / ... and well, well ... it's what all the work has been for, yes[1], and GONE(!) from reality as they know it ...[2], and ... 'More work?!'[1], and quite untou chable, if it all goes well ... / ... and well, well ... it's what all the work has been for, yes[2], and, ha![1], and ... 'More work?!'[2], and there is always more work, Christ![1], and, ha![2], and ... 'You love it, Mikey!'[1], and there is always more work, Christ![2], and I know, I know[1], and ... 'You love it, Mikey!'[2], and, but, but, BUT(!) ...[1], and I know, I know[2], and, listen! ... building a new human being from scratch ain't easy, man[1], and, but, but, BUT(!) ...[2], and, so ...[1], and, listen! ... building a new hu man be ing from scratch ain't easy, man[2], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and Tony says it's the mother of skill[1], and, so ...[2], and ... 'Ugh'[1], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and Tony says it's the mother of skill[2], and what would Goggins do?[1], and ... 'Ugh'[2], and ... 'Now you're talking!'[1], and what would Goggins do?[2], and I am ... large as life[1], and ... 'Now you're talking!'[2], and ... 'The old you?'[1], and I am ... large as life[2], and here I am[1], and ... 'The old you?'[2], and here I am - yes, it's me, for the time being[1], and here I am[2], and here I go![1], and here I am - yes, it's me, for the time being[2], and a-ROUND with such determination ...[1], and here I go![2], and an image, a figure[1], and a-ROUND with such de termination ...[2], and ... 'What?! Wow!'[1], and an im age, a fig ure[2], and did you see that, Voice?![1], and ... 'What?! Wow!'[2], and ... 'I caught a glimpse, boss'[1], and did you see that, Voice?![2], and, congratulations! ... because you're the first, the very first, but not the last, oh no[1], and ... 'I caught a glimp se, boss'[2], and I got a feeling ...[1], and, congratulations! ... because you're the first, the very first, but not the last, oh no[2], and ... 'Tell me! Tell the kooks!'[1], and I got a feeling ...[2], and I got a feeling ... that it will get bigger and better with every spin[1], and ... 'Tell me! Tell the kooks!'[2], and it's too late to back out now[1], and I got a f eeling ... that it will get bigger and better with every spin[2], and, uh ...[3], and it's too late to back out now[2], and, well ... time needs to be put into it[3], and a g  u  i  t  a  r[3], and, ah ... focus with no d  i  s  t  r  a  c  t  i  o  n  s, yes, yes[3], and a v  o  i  c  e[3], and, oh ... lots of passion, obviously[3], and a s  t  a  r[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and looking for a m  i  r  a  c  l  e, for a t  r  a  n  s  f  o  r  m  a  t  i  o  n![3], and ... why not?[3], and away from here ...[3], and GONE(!) from reality as they know it ...[3], and quite u  n  t  o  u  c  h  a  b  l  e, if it all goes well ... / ... and well, well ... it's what all the work has been for, yes[3], and ... 'More work?!'[3], and, ha![3], and there is always more work, Christ![3], and ... 'You love it, Mikey!'[3], and I know, I know[3], and, but, but, BUT(!) ...[3], and, listen! ... building a new h  u  m  a  n b  e  i  n  g from scratch ain't easy, man[3], and, so ...[3], and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND, and a-ROUND ... / ... and Tony says it's the mother of skill[3], and ... 'Ugh'[3], and what would Goggins do?[3], and ... 'Now you're talking!'[3], and I am ... large as life[3], and ... 'The old you?'[3], and here I am[3], and here I am - yes, it's me, for the time being[3], and here I go![3], and a-ROUND with such d  e  t  e  r  m  i  n  a  t  i  o  n ...[3], and an i  m  a  g  e, a f  i  g  u  r  e[3], and ... 'What?! Wow!'[3], and did you see that, Voice?![3], and ... 'I caught a g  l  i  m  p  s  e, boss'[3], and, congratulations! ... because you're the first, the very first, but not the last, oh no[3], and I got a feeling ...[3], and ... 'Tell me! Tell the kooks!'[3], and I got a f  e  e  l  i  n  g ... that it will get bigger and better with every spin[3], and it's too late to back out now[3], and

Europe's payments industry sees a rise!

Yes, it does. Yes, it does, Yes, uh ... it does! / It sees a rise of 100% in deal activity in Q2 2019. 'Great!' Yeah. And how do I know this? 'It's a PR email, boss.' That's right, Voice.

Europe's payments industry sees a rise of 100% in deal activity in Q2 2019, says GlobalData.

[2], ... nice!

Europe's payments industry saw a rise of 100% in overall deal activity during Q2 2019, when compared to the four-quarter average, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

[3], ... very nice! / Beautiful repetition, kook(s)! Three times a-ROUND, just how I like it. 'With a bit of variation though.' That's all right, man. Do you see me complaining? 'No.' Well, there you go.

Okay, okay. Here's the rest of it -

A total of 46 deals worth $2.66bn were announced for the region during Q2 2019, against the last four-quarter average of 23 deals.

Of all the deal types, venture financing saw the most activity in Q2 2019 with 24, representing a 52.2% share for the region.

In second place was mergers and acquisitions (M&A) with 17 deals, followed by private equity deals with five transactions, respectively capturing a 37% and 10.9% share of the overall deal activity for the quarter.

In terms of value of deals, M&A was the leading category in Europe's payments industry with $1.08bn, while private equity and venture financing deals totalled $970.95m and $604.31m, respectively.

Europe payments industry deals in Q2 2019: Top deals

The top five payments deals accounted for 85% of the overall value during Q2 2019.

The combined value of the top five payments deals stood at $2.26bn, against the overall value of $2.66bn recorded for the quarter. The top announced payments deal tracked by GlobalData in Q2 2019 was Nuvei Bidco's $889m acquisition of SafeCharge International Group.

In second place was the $672.59m private equity deal with Automobile Association Developments and Post Office by Centerbridge Partners, Jaja Finance and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co and in third place was Andreessen Horowitz, Baillie Gifford &, BlackRock, Lead Edge Capital Management, Lone Pine Capital and Vitruvian Partners' $292m private equity deal with TransferWise.

The $230m venture financing of Checkout by Blossom Capital, DST Global, Endeavor Catalyst, GIC and Insight Venture Management and Accel, LeapFrog Investments and Technology Crossover Management VII's venture financing of WorldRemit for $175m held fourth and fifth positions, respectively.

ENDS

Well, well ... / Listen! Don't ever say, dear reader(s), that I don't give you financial news. I mean, there it is/was. What more do you want?! Seriously!

...

Anything else? Oh, I bought that Rocketman film for my phone at the weekend.

Okay, okay. More? You want more?! Really? Music update? Er, this is a finance blog, kook(s). FFS! 'Go on, boss.' No! This has got to stop. I'm cutting out all the personal stuff, anyway. 'Yeah.' I am! It's beyond a joke. THIS IS A FINANCE BLOG. How many times do I have to tell you people?

Of course, I'll be writing a conceptual later, No. 739, which will have absolutely nothing to do with finance.

Music, then? Oh, I'm still rehearsing BECAUSE(!) ... [drum roll] ... I want to! Do you understand? I want to!

It's not a crime.

Laters!

Hell Week ... ?!

Well, well ... / Well, dear reader(s), I haven't been doing Hell Week, exactly. I mean, it can't really be done without an instructor screaming at you 24/7, BUT(!) - 'I can do that for you, boss!' Shut up, idiot!

BUT(!) ... I have been pushing myself this week harder than ever before. When I haven't been blogging, I've been playing guitar and singing.

I've been making a big effort. Very big.

...

I'm reading Can't Hurt Me for the third time.

...

My anxiety is down. Take my advice, kook(s): you need to be on a mission.

...

Oh, I was rehearsing Nothing this morning. I still think it's the greatest song written by anybody. Seriously! I have to be careful not to play it too fast, though. I get excited, man. / Listen! I've tried describing it in the past. Think of a lively Beatles song like maybe, uh ... We Can Work It Out. [Beethoven? Beatles make more sense.] Imagine it's 5.00 instead of 2.15, and then imagine that one of Shakespeare's soliloquies has been set to the tune. [I've mentioned Shakey before.] 'Ha!' Yes, yes. And, oh, of course ... imagine that it doesn't sound totally ridiculous, man. That's what it's like. Maybe. I don't know.

...

It's not a ballad. Most of the best songs are ballads, I reckon.

...

This is the last post of the week. I'll be playing some tunes in a while.

...

This post is a bit fragmented, ain't it? Never mind. I feel different, you dig?

...

A bit confused.

...

No. I'm not playing loads of tunes, or even a few. I'm in the mood for the first movement of Beethoven's Ninth. And that's all. 'Which recording, Mikey?' Don't be an idiot, idiot! 'Oh, Karajan, 1977.' Yes, Voice. Yes!

...

Later(s), alligator(s).

I don't want photographs!

I've been offered photographs, dear reader(s). But I don't want them! Do you understand? 'What's this, boss?!' Oh, hello, Voice. PR people are saying I can have pictures of the guys who have been promoted, but ... 'You don't put pictures on your blog.' No, I don't. And I don't want them, anyway, man. Even to look at. Let me imagine what these guys are like, you dig? Let my wild, mystical imagination run, er ... wild, you dig? 'Great!' Yeah. Of course it is.

Anyway ...

Liam McGuinness, has been promoted to partner at CIL, the leading management consultancy. CIL has grown rapidly and has built a reputation for private equity due diligence and corporate strategy engagements to support management teams across a range of sectors.

Congratulations, Liam! You deserve it ... I'm sure. 'Are you really sure, boss?' Well, I'm as sure as I can be without seeing a photo of him. 'But what about your wild, mystical imagination?' Yeah, yeah. Don't worry about it.

Also announced today was the promotion of James de La Salle, to Director of the Built Environment practice. James joined CIL in 2012 and has focused on construction and building projects. He also has significant experience in business services, particularly legal services.

Oh, okay. Uh. / But let's concentrate on Liam!

Liam, who heads the consumer practice, joined CIL in 2007 and has been instrumental in building the firm's expertise in the sector. He has in-depth knowledge across the sector, with recent clients including UK and European holiday operators, branded and private label food and drink manufacturers, gym chains, fast casual dining chains and D2C subscription businesses. He provides due diligence advice to private equity investors and strategic support to management teams, helping them develop growth plans.

Well, er, okay. Nice one, I suppose. Uh ... 'Are you getting any vibes, boss?' About what, Voice? 'Christ! About our Liam, man. Are you seeing into the depths of his soul or something?' No. 'But your wild, mystical imagination! You used to see all kinds of things in these guys that you write about.' Ha! Listen! Voice, reader(s). I don't have the energy these days. 'Oh.' That's the honest truth. 'Oh.' Deal with it! / Let's hear from Giles Johnson ...

Commenting on Liam's promotion, Giles Johnson, managing partner at CIL, says: "Liam is a great example of CIL's home-grown talent. He joined our graduate scheme and has successfully developed our consumer practice, advising household names and fast-growing businesses. Also, Liam's a rather talented shaman. A great shaman, in fact! He's a veteran of the desert, astral and physical. He's burnt brightly with the best of them. Many years ago -"

Hang on! He hasn't burnt brightly with me, mate! This is the first I've heard of this ... Liam McGuinness. FFS! 'Giles is just trying to wind you up, boss. Ignore him.' Yeah, okay. / Let's hear from the "great" man himself then, Mr Liam McGuinness ...

Liam McGuinness says: "I am delighted to join the senior management team. The business is growing rapidly, and we are seeing increasing demand for advice from investors and corporates. I look forward to further developing our consumer and retail consultancy offer."

Okay. I'm genuinely pleased for you, Liam, but it's pretty obvious that you don't have a mystical bone in your body. I'm just saying, like.

ENDS

...

Anything else? Listen, kook(s)! I don't go into the desert these days, astral or physical. I put all my energy into my conceptual posts now. It's a different sort of mysticism, man. You dig? I don't write about these finance and business guys with their chakras, and their auras, and ... whatnot any more. 'Calm down, Mikey!' All right.

All right.

All right.

Laters.

...

Oh, a message from Goggins!!!