Rangers and Newco both look marooned without clarification

872

So what do we know?

Need for clarification

Rangers’ potential new owner has asked for clarification on what he is buying, a franchise with a place in the SPL or the middle of a doughnut, with the ability to apply for membership to the Scottish Football League.

That clarification has not been delivered, which must undermine Rangers sale.

Rangers want an extension

Despite needing clarification, Rangers administrators, Duff and Phelps, failed to attend the meeting and asked for a further extension (it’s like the 2007-08 league season all over again).  Curious, to say the least. Clearly they were not in a position to offer the SPL information that would assist their case.

To be revealed before 30 May

The next meeting is on 30 May, by then the First Tier Tribunal on Rangers Employee Benefit Trust will have reported.  There will also be a considerable amount of information in the public domain on how Rangers operated under Sir David Murray.  With all this information available, it will be impossible for the SPL to further delay publishing the findings of their inquiry into Improper Registration of Players by Rangers.  In disciplinary terms, this is the big one.

What about Craig Whyte?

Bill Miller was appointed preferred bidder on Thursday but, as floating charge holder, Craig Whyte can ask the court to block stop Duff and Phelps disposing of Ibrox.  We don’t know Craig Whyte’s mind, or if he has a deal with Miller, but if they are not working in partnership, you can expect a late and effective legal block put in place to stop the disposal of Ibrox.

So what does it mean?

The chance of a Newco being in place, in the SPL or SFL, for the start of next season has never been more remote.  On 7 May they don’t have a buyer, after 10 weeks they don’t have the stadium and the moral outrage over what looked likely to be voted through today is beginning to gain traction.

Today was the best chance Rangers had to cut a quick deal with the SPL.  Further delay only means more time for the other clubs to work on contingency plans and to be lobbied by their own supporters.

We are six days away from the end of the season and Duff and Phelps have to put enough of a confirmed deal in place to convince someone to part with £11.2m.  They don’t have passage into the league and they don’t have a stadium to sell.

If Bill Miller stays in the game until the end of the week and submits a formal offer for the stadium and other assets, we can expect Craig Whyte to go to court to halt the process.  I cannot see how or why Miller, who doesn’t even have a passport and has made no moved to come over and negotiate in person, would put £11.2m on the table when he doesn’t know what he is buying, or what sporting and financial penalties are coming his way.

Rangers will have to overcome all these obstacles long before 30 May if they are to stay in the game long enough for Newco to inherit their place in the SPL but their chances of surviving that long is dependent on a positive outcome from the meeting that has now been postponed.

They look marooned; I don’t think they are going to make it.

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872 Comments

  1. ParkheadcumsalfordwhoisNeilLennonand PaulMcBrideandTrishGodman on 8 May, 2012 at 08:14 said:

     

    ………………………………………………………………………………….

     

    I think this latest delay could also carry a ‘spoke in the wheels’ for us.

     

     

    I know this might not be popular but, i think that the Celtic Support have to keep pressure on ‘our’ board to do the right thing. The obvious way, imo, would be to, hold back SB-renewals until we know which way ‘our’ leaders are going to swing ?

     

     

    Every thing and, I mean Everything is up in the air until the dust settles on all of this hun carry-on.

     

     

    This might not be the time but, have we not been screwed by ‘our’ leaders over recent seasons ?

     

     

    What with promises of, this player and that player only for the SB’s to be sold ?

     

     

    I know that I have felt cheated by ‘our board’ since MO’N left.

     

     

    Hail Hail

  2. TheOriginalSadiesBhoy on

    Kojo

     

     

    Just reading above that you’ll be undergoing an operation. Good luck. I’ll keep you in my prayers. Hope you’ll be back posting soon.

  3. The SFA appear to be enjoying their very own Bonfire of the Vanities; only this time it is not art and musical instruments that are dust after the torch, instead it is truth, justice and harmony that are banished; banished despicably as a consequence of fear and intimidation.

     

     

    The SFA appear limp at best and cowardly may not bottom their despairs. Viewed by some as a nest of vipers events has brought the plague itself right up to and through their door.

     

     

    The SFA are under siege. On the one hand the hun are not amused. The hun are threatening retribution against anybody who dares displays a desire for appropriate punishment for all bad hun bad deeds. On the other hand, e-mails, letters of intent, bank accounts, money transfers, un-paid loans, continental paper trails of guilt, lawyers and lawmen, they all gather with intent of the criminal. Silent too awaiting the future are Celtic, others, and an army of lawyers.

     

     

    Which to fear the most, the stigma of exposure or the pain of psychological terror. The hun may have too much too answer for to afford the suits a choice. The RIA are going down, screaming maybe, but they are going down; the suits would best remember that disclosure mitigates punishments much better by far than discovery.

     

     

    Traits of the hun, their contempt of integrity, their addiction to supremacy, and their staunch refusal of contrition could best be eulogized with the epithetic epitaph of “Here lies the Hun. Stupid Huns”

     

     

    For the sake of symmetry and in brotherly compassion it could be flanked by a stone bearing the equally flattering epitaph “Here lies the SFA. Stupid Suits”.

     

     

    The SFA could yet save themselves though.

     

     

    I think the Celtic Lawyers get paid too much for sitting like mute pitbulls. I would like to see them unleased.

  4. You may have seen this but it’s worht seeing again. UEFA Core Value 1:

     

     

    “Football First – In everything that we do, football must always be the first and most important element that we take into consideration. Football is a game before being a product, a sport before being a market, a show before being a business”

     

     

    Might be worth sending to Neil Doncaster.

  5. kitalba – Cry havoc and let slip the dhogs of war!

     

     

    Let’s get intae thems! :-0

     

     

    HH

  6. fergus slayed the blues on

    The dithering from the SFA/SPL has led to this lose lose situation that the D Utd chairmen talks of .

     

    If they had come out right at the start and said that any newco would not be welcome the ragers fans would have accepted it and prepared for life in Div 3

     

     

    Instead they are happily dismissing sporting integrity to allow this sham to drag on

  7. assetmanager on

    kitalba on 8 May, 2012 at 09:22 said:

     

    The SFA appear to be enjoying their very own Bonfire of the Vanities;

     

     

    “Justice is the law. And the law is man’s feeble attempt to set down the principles of decency. Decency! And decency is not a deal, it isn’t an angle, or a contract, or a hustle! Decency… decency is what your grandmother taught you. It’s in your bones! Now you go home. Go home and be decent people. Be decent”.

     

     

    You were alluding to something else but you made me think about one of my very favoirites books.

  8. Kojo

     

     

    I often find myself in disagreement with some of you points of view on here.

     

    but I respect your right to hold them.

     

    you are a member of the broad church that is the celtic support.

     

     

    I wish you a successful operation and a speedy recovery back to health.

     

    I look forward to your future posts on here.

     

     

    ernie lynch on 8 May, 2012 at 09:12 said:

     

    MadraRua on 8 May, 2012 at 08:44 said:

     

    ”Kojo;

     

    Keep the head up, hope all goes well.”

     

     

    His head’s up his arse, so I’m not sure that’s particularly good advice.

     

     

    Maybe that’s what the operation is for?

     

     

    Whatever, I wish both him, and all those caring for him, a full and speedy recovery.

     

     

    Ernie

     

    I think the above comment was crass and unnecessary in the circumstances,

     

     

    only my opinion take it or leave it.

     

     

    HH

     

     

    Mike

  9. Kojo

     

     

    As much as you talk absolute drivel on here the majority of the time, and I generally find myself scrolling past any post you make, it would please me greatly to see you back posting, and in fine health.

     

     

    Giggsy, your pal, who thinks yer a stoater… :-)

     

     

    HH

     

    Giggs

  10. I want to email Celtic to ask for an extension to the final date for buying my season ticket until the Rangers “situation” is resolved. Anyone know the email address for this?

     

     

    JJ

  11. ernie lynch on

    Bhoy67 on 8 May, 2012 at 09:41 said:

     

     

     

    ”I think the above comment was crass and unnecessary in the circumstances”

     

     

     

    Yeah, but you’re not Kojo, are you?

     

     

    Wait a minute, maybe you are.

     

     

    Who can tell?

  12. Am i right in saying that the Record back page headline story this morning is that Sally hasn’t spoken to Miller in days, and that there are no plans for them to meet up?

     

     

    Is Bill Miller about to walk away?

  13. So what will today bring? At the moment anything could happen. Perhaps some more detail of what was discussed at yesterday’s meeting? There’s bound to be one of those present who will spill something

  14. ibleedgreenandwhite1 on

    ernie lynch on 8 May, 2012 at 09:58 said:

     

    Bhoy67 on 8 May, 2012 at 09:41 said:

     

     

    ”I think the above comment was crass and unnecessary in the circumstances”

     

     

    Yeah, but you’re not Kojo, are you?

     

     

    Wait a minute, maybe you are.

     

     

    Who can tell?

     

     

     

    I dont wish Kojo any harm,and i hope he returns to full health soon,,,but the fact is i dont like him or his views on Lenny /Celtic and almost every other thing he has ever said on this Blog!!!

     

     

    So if Ernie feels that way too whats the problem????

     

     

    Hail hail

  15. Imatim and so is Neil Lennon on

    Jungle Jim on 8 May, 2012 at 09:55 said:

     

    I want to email Celtic to ask for an extension to the final date for buying my season ticket until the Rangers “situation” is resolved. Anyone know the email address for this?

     

     

    JJ

     

     

    ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

     

     

    2010 Never Again

     

     

    You don’t know the url for the official site?

  16. BOBBY MURDOCH'S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on

    GORDON J 1000

     

     

    You don’t know much about the brotherhood,then?

     

     

    In all seriousness,I think a few of them wish the meeting had not taken place at all-and most of them will wish there had never been any reason for it in the first place!

     

     

    Which,of course,there wasn’t,as the rules are clear.

     

     

    LIQUIDATION=LIQUIDATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  17. Any more news from Richard Wilson. I was really hoping that he would have tweeted overnight that a solution to hunger and poverty in the world was to be announced.

     

     

    Reliable source is our Richard.

  18. BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS,

     

     

    I’m sure a few of them are very happy not to have been forced to make a decision – or rather to have anyone know which way they would have voted. Delay suits them – maybe someone else will take care of things for them.

  19. Dontbrattbakkinanger on

    Whither the cash strapped scrofulous Hillbillies the day?

     

     

    Anyways, I just want to add my get well wishes to excellent CQNer ole Kojo, fingers crossed he’ll soon be back at the jiggin’

     

     

    Maks sense tae me, and it maks sense tae Mo.

  20. imatim

     

    The addesss given there do not offer the option I am after.

     

     

    JJ

  21. BOBBY MURDOCH'S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on

    GORDON J 1010

     

     

    I suspect that there is something of a queue of “someone else”s forming,even as we speak.

     

     

    It’s a house of cards now,just waiting for a wee push in the right direction.

  22. Dontbrattbakkinanger on

    I’m not completely gasted of flabber that yesterday’s meeting turned out to be a dry r1de; it takes courage to stand up to bullies, both physical and moral, and the Horribles have bullied Scottish football for so long that the courage needed is sadly lacking in the games administrators.

  23. BIG-CUP-WINNERS on

    Jungle Jim on 8 May, 2012 at 10:12 said:

     

     

    From the Celtic site: “Fans’ Comments”

     

    e-mail: tictalk@celticfc.co.uk

     

     

    Sent 3 or 4 comments/requests but I’ve never had a reply though.

  24. Gordon_J backing Neil Lennon on 8 May, 2012 at 10:10 said:

     

     

    I said the last time there was a delay that there’s not a decision any of them can make that won’t a) send Rangers into oblivion or b) have everybody else in football questioning their moral and sporting integrity.

     

     

    Everybody’s doing everything in their own power to see who blinks first.

  25. There is a football team in Scotland who have:-

     

     

    Stolen from the taxpayer

     

    Cheated to win trophies

     

    Threatened and attacked innocent people.

     

    Spread hatred through their doctrine and beliefs.

     

     

    Their supporters are calling for all people (sic) of their ilk to support their team/club financially to ensure their club survives.

     

     

    There is a football team in Scotland who have:-

     

     

    Won trophies fair and square.

     

    Upheld integrity at every turn.

     

    Promoted charitable opportunities at every turn.

     

    Have organised a once in a lifetime event for 40 deprived children from Thailand.

     

     

    Their supporters are calling for boycotts and to withhold money from their own club.

     

     

     

     

    Hail! Hail!

  26. I see the attendance for the Hibs – Dunferlmine game which was shown live on TV was 15,281. Not a mention of attendance in today’s Herald or DR – wonder why but surely that above anything tells us that there is an active interest in football in Scotland without Rangers and, dare I say, us as well.

     

    The game is vibrant but the media continually talk it down to allow themselves to tell us we need them!

     

    Disgusting..

  27. ernie lynch on 8 May, 2012 at 09:58 said:

     

    Bhoy67 on 8 May, 2012 at 09:41 said:

     

     

    ”I think the above comment was crass and unnecessary in the circumstances”

     

     

    Yeah, but you’re not Kojo, are you?

     

     

    Wait a minute, maybe you are.

     

     

    Who can tell?

     

     

    ————————–

     

    Pathetic

     

     

    HH

     

     

    Mike

  28. BOBBY MURDOCH'S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on

    I remember a while back,when KOJO was being attacked for one of his posts-for a change,not by me!-and being labelled a bigot for the opinion which he had put down for posterity on the blog.

     

     

    His reply was to point out that by definition,a bigot was someone who was intolerant of other opinions. Which kinda turned the argument on it’s head…….

     

     

    I’m not his greatest fan,BUT enjoy a verbal joust with him now and then. That’s good enough in my eyes,so haste ye back,ya objectionable auld git,haha!

  29. Seconds… the Script.

     

     

     

    Attention, please.

     

     

     

    – Mr. Hamilton?

     

     

    – Yes?

     

     

     

     

     

    Scarsdale is next.

     

     

     

     

     

    Good day?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    – You?

     

     

    – Very productive.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Got the roses out in back

     

     

    all trimmed.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Oh, letter this morning from Sally.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Sam’s finished internship.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Starts practice next week.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Well, he should specialize.

     

     

    That’s the only thing now.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Maybe he just wants to get

     

     

    the feel of things.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Our little girl’s done all right.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Something wrong?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    That phone call last night?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    What about it?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    I heard you pacing around in the study

     

     

    afterwards till almost : .

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Just a crazy prank.

     

     

    Look, Emily, it was nothing.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Art? It’s me again.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Arthur?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Look, I don’t know

     

     

    who you are, but…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    – Charlie Evans!

     

     

    – Stop saying that.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Charlie Evans is dead.

     

     

    Now I want you to stop this…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    or I’ll be forced

     

     

    to call the police.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    There are two trophies

     

     

    on the fireplace…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    near the tennis team picture.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Pick up the phone

     

     

    and walk over to them.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Go ahead.

     

     

    You know the cord will reach.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    – Are you there?

     

     

    – Yes.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    In the picture,

     

     

    you and I are standing…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    with our arms

     

     

    around each other’s shoulder.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    We’re both wearing

     

     

    the same kind of wristwatch.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Remember, we gave them to each other

     

     

    after winning the doubles at Princeton?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Yes.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Okay. Take

     

     

    the doubles trophy there…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    and turn it over.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    One edge of the felt is loose.

     

     

    Pull it back.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    You scratched it there, down in

     

     

    the locker room after we won the finals.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Remember?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    With your belt buckle.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    L…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    I had forgotten.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    I didn’t.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    It can’t be you.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Okay, now. Listen very carefully.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    – Did you get the address today?

     

     

    – Yes.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Good.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    You’re to use the name Wilson.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    You can’t be Charlie.

     

     

    You just don’t come back.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    I’m alive!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    More alive than I’ve been

     

     

    in the past years.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    You’ve got to come tomorrow.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Listen. If you don’t show up,

     

     

    that’s it.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Think, for Pete’s sake.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    What have you got now? What?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    I don’t know.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Tomorrow. Just past noon.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Remember, use the name Wilson.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    L… don’t know.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    I won’t call again, buddy.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Is it that call again?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Stop cross-examining me

     

     

    every time the phone rings.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Understand?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Perfectly.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    I’m sorry.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Excuse me.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    You’re excused.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Any fever?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    No. Just old faithful.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Make an appointment to see

     

     

    Dr. Hogan tomorrow.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    I will.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Promise?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Promise. Thank you.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Therefore…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    in view of the differential…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    between your present equity…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Between your present equity

     

     

    and the amount necessary…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    for capitalization…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    we cannot extend the loan

     

     

    you require.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Should your equity…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Where?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    “Should your equity.”

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Should your equity increase,

     

     

    do not hesitate to call on us…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    for a personal reappraisal,

     

     

    et cetera, et cetera.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Standard closing.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Yes, sir.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    My name is Wilson.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    I was told to…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    I was told to come here.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Look, is this the place,

     

     

    or isn’t it?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    They aren’t here anymore.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    I got it wrote down.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Thank you.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Move it! Let’s go!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Let’s go, you bunch of idiots.

     

     

    Get that beef cut down.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Damn! Get that truck going and

     

     

    get the meat the hell out of here!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    What are you gonna do,

     

     

    take all day?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Don’t let those hooks fall off!

     

     

    Let’s move it.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Okay, Johnny, get us

     

     

    another truck up here.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Tighten up with it.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Ah, Mr. Wilson.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Let’s go on the truck with it.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Surely this isn’t…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    No, sir. Come with me.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Let’s go, Frank!

     

     

    Move that truck off!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Come on!

     

     

    Let’s hook it off! Hook off!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Don’t just stand there.

     

     

    Move that beef off the line! Let’s go!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    What are you, a bunch of jerks?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Come on! Go! Go!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Come on. Cut it down.

     

     

    Coming in! Coming in!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    All right, come on. Move!

     

     

    Keep moving that beef up.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Cut it down. Let’s go.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Would you step in, please, sir?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    I’d much prefer to ride in front,

     

     

    if you don’t mind.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    I’m sorry, sir. The customers

     

     

    are asked to ride in the back.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Your hat, sir.

     

     

    It’s only a short ride.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Thank you.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    We’re here, sir.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Would you take the elevator

     

     

    to your left, sir?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Ah, Mr. Wilson.

     

     

    Will you come this way?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Yes.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    There will be a short delay. Perhaps

     

     

    you’d like some tea and a sandwich.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    – Thank you.

     

     

    – Quite all right.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Make yourself comfortable.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Here we go.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Pardon me.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Could you tell me

     

     

    the way out of this building?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Excuse me.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    I was wondering if you could…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Excuse me.

     

     

    I’m trying to find…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Excuse me. I’m trying to find

     

     

    my way out of the building.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    I have a gentleman here

     

     

    who wishes to leave the building.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    That would be Mr. Wilson. Would you

     

     

    have him return to Mr. Ruby’s office?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Mr. Ruby is waiting for him there.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    They want you at the end

     

     

    of the corridor again.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Yes. All right.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Thank you.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Ah, there you are, Mr. Wilson.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Come in. Please.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Would you close the door?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Please, sit down.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    My name is Ruby.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    I’ve been assigned to go over the

     

     

    circumstances of your death with you.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    – What?

     

     

    – I know this seems strange to you.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    That’s why I’m here.

     

     

    You probably have a lot of questions.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Of course, the subject might appear

     

     

    indelicate, but most of our clients…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Get this straight.

     

     

    I am not a client.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Oh, precisely, Mr. Wilson.

     

     

    You are not a client yet.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Let me start by explaining

     

     

    the cost factor involved.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    To begin with…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    the procedure

     

     

    is a rather complex one.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Seems to be your supper.

     

     

    The chicken looks delicious.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    No, thank you.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    As I was saying, the cost runs

     

     

    in the neighborhood of $ .

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    I know this seems rather high,

     

     

    but in addition to…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    the rather extensive

     

     

    cosmetic renovation…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    by way of plastic surgery for you…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    CPS has to provide a fresh corpse…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    that perfectly matches…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    your physical dimensions

     

     

    and medical specifications.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    CPS?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Cadaver Procurement Section.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Sure you don’t want this chicken?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Absolutely sure.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Oh, pity.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The next step…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    is the carefully

     

     

    planned obliteration…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    of identifiable portions

     

     

    of the cadaver…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    before it is found.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Features, dental structure.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Fingerprints.

     

     

    We can’t leave anything to chance.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    No, I guess not.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Would you mind if…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Please.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Thank you.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Now, there is a problem that

     

     

    the circumstances of your death…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    must be simple.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    A simple accident, strangely enough,

     

     

    is costly, Mr. Wilson.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The trick lies in obliterating

     

     

    just so much and no more, so that…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    an identification still can

     

     

    be made based on…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    as I say,

     

     

    general dimensions…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    plus a credible

     

     

    sequence of events.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Witnesses, et cetera.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The whole thing must be

     

     

    very carefully staged.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    We guarantee a death of this kind.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Excuse me. Delicious!

     

     

    They have a wonderful way…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    of baking cheese on it

     

     

    so that it gets very crispy.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Now, there are any number of ways

     

     

    you can be found. Excuse me.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    I mean, your body can be found.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The victim of some kind

     

     

    of machinery, an explosion.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    A hunting misadventure.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Oh, but I think these

     

     

    are somewhat too gross for you.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    I had thought perhaps

     

     

    a hotel room fire.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Would you like me to outline

     

     

    the circumstances?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    No, thank you.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Oh, good. I was hoping

     

     

    you would agree.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    No! I mean, I can’t be sure.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Oh, of course.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    We can’t expect you

     

     

    to decide all at once.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Think it over. There’s so much else

     

     

    to be done, Mr. Wilson…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    but if I may say so…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    death selection may be the most

     

     

    important decision in your life.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Here are the trust instruments.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Mr. Joliffe, Mr. Brown.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    My colleagues.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Now, this is your revised will…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    drawn in accordance

     

     

    with the requirements of the trust.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    They’re all predated, of course,

     

     

    to save you the trouble.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    It’s standard procedure.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Effective at the time

     

     

    of your death…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    the trust provides

     

     

    for very liberal settlements…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    on your wife and daughter…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    and more than sufficient funds…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    for your financial needs

     

     

    in your new identity…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    from sums assigned to us

     

     

    as your trustees.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Insurance policies…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    annuities…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    real estate.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    If you’ll sign right here.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The staging here is rather

     

     

    authentic, you’ll see.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Of course, the drug made it

     

     

    easier to manipulate you…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    into the proper positions

     

     

    and attitudes.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Rest easy, Mr. Wilson.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    You did not ravage our girl.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Of course, the photography

     

     

    is not too professional…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    but I think it’s clear enough.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    – So now it’s…

     

     

    – I have a message from Charlie.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    He wanted me to tell you

     

     

    that rebirth is painful.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    You were going to say…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    “So now it’s blackmail,”

     

     

    eh, Mr. Wilson?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    – What would you call it?

     

     

    – Just kind of insurance.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Isn’t it easier to go forward

     

     

    when you know you can’t go back?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    But you knew that, didn’t you?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The minute you hung up on Charlie

     

     

    after that first call.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Ah, sure you did.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    You’re saying…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    I can never go back?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Fact is, you really

     

     

    don’t want to go back.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Sakes, boy, you owe yourself

     

     

    this thing.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Rebirth. Life again.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Begin again,

     

     

    all new, all different.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The way you always wanted it.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    You’ve got another chance.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Heck, nobody’s gonna

     

     

    miss you, are they?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    – My wife.

     

     

    – What are you to her now?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    – We get along.

     

     

    – What does that mean?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    There’s my daughter.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    We don’t see much of her, actually.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    She lives out west with her husband.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    She writes now and then…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    to let us…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    What are you to her now?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Excuse an old fool prying, son…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    but what does it all mean?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    It can’t mean anything now,

     

     

    anymore.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    There’s nothing anymore, is there?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Anything at all?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    I expect to be president of the bank

     

     

    before too long.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    And I have my boat in the summer.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    We have friends.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Anything at all?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Guess I…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    never thought much about it before.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    I leave Emily pretty much alone

     

     

    to do what she…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    We get along, as I said.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    We hardly ever quarrel.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Not that that’s any…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    measure of our lives.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Frankly…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    during the last few years, we…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    hardly ever…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    ever…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    l… I don’t know

     

     

    why I’m telling you this.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Because you want to.

     

     

    Go on.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Ever…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    ever…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    show much affection.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    But as I said…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Boat.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    And…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    So this is what happens

     

     

    to the dreams of youth.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Go on, son.

     

     

    Let it out.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Nothing to be ashamed of.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Let it out.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Time for a change.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Now, look. They’ll both

     

     

    be well taken care of.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    They don’t need you,

     

     

    and you don’t need them.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    You just can’t help

     

     

    each other anymore.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Now, look, son.

     

     

    You know what I’m saying is true.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    There’s nothing anymore.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    What you need now is a good rest.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    A few things to be worked out

     

     

    in the morning…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    but my boys will clear those up,

     

     

    and you needn’t worry none.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Your boys?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    You’re the head of it all?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    There never was a struggle in the soul

     

     

    of a good man that wasn’t hard.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    My papa told me that…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    and it’s sure enough true.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Believe me, son. I know.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    I believe you.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    That’s fine.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    You know, Mr. Wilson, you represent

     

     

    something of a milestone around here.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    When the bandages are removed…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    I think you’ll be

     

     

    more than pleased.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    In fact, I expect you to be prancing

     

     

    around here like a stud bull.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Now, it’s gonna take a while,

     

     

    so try to be patient…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    until we get you ready

     

     

    for the world again.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Now, don’t do that!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    You can’t talk because

     

     

    we’ve extracted all your teeth…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    and given you a complete

     

     

    vocal cord resection.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Give the tissues time

     

     

    to pull together.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Now, you got a new set

     

     

    of permanent teeth.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    In a week, you won’t know

     

     

    the difference. Thank you.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    That’s what hurts

     

     

    the most right now.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Everything’s different.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    When the first healing’s over, we’ll

     

     

    start conditioning for muscle tone.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Yes, yes. Those too.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Fingerprints.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Even your signature.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Little thing we did with

     

     

    the tensor ligaments of the hand.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The orbicularis oris started to sag,

     

     

    so we tightened them with ligatures.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Yeah.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Then we worked on the mandible

     

     

    to square up the bone.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Well, I never.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Holy mackerel, I don’t know

     

     

    how you boys do it.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Doc, it’s a masterpiece.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Good work.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Easy does it.

     

     

    You’ll be all right, son.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Your scars and hematomas will

     

     

    disappear in a couple of weeks.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    After several months

     

     

    of physical conditioning…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    the process will be complete.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    My name is Davalo.

     

     

    I’m your guidance advisor.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    This is about your future career.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    I’m afraid I haven’t thought

     

     

    very much about that.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Oh, yes, you have, sir.

     

     

    Permit me.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    I want a ball, a big red one.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Whoops.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    I’m afraid we picked this up

     

     

    a little too early.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Sit down. We recorded

     

     

    these regressions…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    under pentothal

     

     

    and caffeine sodium benzoate.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    At first, there’s always

     

     

    a touch of the infantile…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    but later on, we progress

     

     

    to a more mature…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    expressional infrastructure.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Ah, here we are.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    What would you like

     

     

    to do most of all?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Of anything in the whole world?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    I’d like to be

     

     

    a tennis pro, I guess.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Yes. That’s what

     

     

    I’d like best of all.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    And suppose you couldn’t be?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    What else would you choose?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    – I guess I’d like to paint stuff.

     

     

    – Pictures?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Pictures and things.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Well, I think the creative wish

     

     

    pattern is pretty self-evident.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    You mean, l…

     

     

    I ought to be a painter?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Exactly!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    You see, painting allows you

     

     

    a basic creative outlet…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    as well as an environment in which

     

     

    these sublimations will have free vent.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Now, let’s take a look at the program

     

     

    we’ve worked out for you.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Certificates of study.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Abroad.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Notices of first six one-man shows.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Your pictures are realistic

     

     

    in treatment…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    but deal with poetic imagery

     

     

    in choice of subject.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Not that I pretend to be

     

     

    a critic of painting.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    These diplomas…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    from reputable universities…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    They can’t be forged.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    I assure you, every item

     

     

    is bona fide and valid.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    How could I even approach

     

     

    such a professional level?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Simple. You are already established

     

     

    in a position of some dignity.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Nothing conspicuous. Just a solid,

     

     

    mildly successful sort of thing.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    You will be supplied

     

     

    with fresh paintings periodically.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    In time, you’ll

     

     

    perfect your own style.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Surreal, primitive,

     

     

    impressionistic, whatever.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    It will be a transition

     

     

    from this present work.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    You see, you don’t have to

     

     

    prove anything anymore.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    You are accepted.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    You will be

     

     

    in your own new dimension.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    You’re a bachelor.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Birth certificate.

     

     

    The only son…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    of deceased parents, and so forth.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    In short…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    you are alone in the world…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    absolved of all responsibility…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    except to your own interest.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Isn’t that marvelous?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Your studio is

     

     

    in Malibu, California.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Quite luxurious, very private.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    You’ll make your own adjustment

     

     

    in your own way…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    in your own time.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Oh, you’ll be

     

     

    self-conscious at first.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Don’t worry.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    It will wear off.

     

     

    And remember, you’ve got…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    what almost every middle-aged man

     

     

    in America would like to have:

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Freedom.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Real freedom.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Ah, it’s been a pleasure.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Pillow, Mr. Wilson?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Yes, thank you.

  30. You, me, the SPL Chairmen, the SFA, Duff+Phelps, Mo Bangura and the wee guy out of Fantasy Island all know that Newco SHOULD be excluded from the SPL. The problem is that nobody is prepared to be seen as the party who pulled the trigger.

  31. South Of Tunis on

    A mess —– a fabulous mess .

     

     

    Starring a cast of conflicted fools Featuring .Peepul who know what they want and think they are entitled to get it.[ but are afraid of doing it openly ]

     

     

    Tell them to stick it and they are a busted flush.

     

     

    Lovely warm day -way down south.

  32. weeminger on 8 May, 2012 at 10:17 said:

     

     

     

    ”Everybody’s doing everything in their own power to see who blinks first”

     

     

     

    Maybe we should send Broonie to the meetings.

     

     

    He could give them THE STARE.