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Archive for the 'Dealer' Tag
The Killing Floor (8)
"What's that all over your desk?"
"What does it look like?!"
"Well… Liquorice allsorts er; obviously…"
"Literal and correct – as always… you never disappoint."
"Okay, where's this going exactly?"
"Ah; I'm just reminiscing – that's all."
"Never had you down as someone who was remotely sentimental – let alone a sweets kind of person. Always the next deal: coffee; more than the odd cigarette… oh; and plenty of booze after work of course – but sweets? Nah…"
"These represent a turning point in my life if you must know."
"What… remembering when you first ate them as a kid?"
"No… first day on this job I was given a lesson in economics at a nearby bar by the late, great Marcus Cousins – dealer extraordinaire and all-round great white shark in the murkiest of waters. Biggest there was in his day. And it just so happened that in imparting his considerable wisdom he used a bag of Liquorice allsorts."
"They were to hand… he stole them from a kid on his way to work… the corner shop was fresh out of Jelly babies… How the hell should I know?!"
"Hang on… Cousins? Bit before my time – I was still at Uni deciding what my career options were…. but wasn't he responsible for that insider dealing scandal? If I remember he nearly brought down a Tory Minister and a couple of blue chip companies…"
"He did… shafted them all – and the Minister's wife for good measure…"
"Classy guy then?"
"Like I say the late, great…"
"Right… fled to some Pacific island dictatorship with no extradition treaty and oodles of other people's cash. A real crook by all accounts. Let me guess… What did he see in you?"
"Natural talent…"
"So he taught you everything he knew with his bag of Liquorice allsorts?"
"Not quite taught… I didn't need that much…"
"Of course not – silly me: as if?"
"He mentored me if you must know… you'll understand that given all those corporate bonding exercises you insist upon going on – he pointed me in the right direction."
"A life of crime?"
"No… he knew a great dealer in the making…"
"So much so that he offered you his bag of Liquorice allsorts? Didn't your mother warn you about sharks offering sweets?"
"Just have a sweet and shut up will you?"
"Oooh yes – I'll have one of those… Mmmm that's good; though they've gone a bit soft under all these strip lights… aaah… mmmm…. alright; put me out of my misery and tell me what he taught you… mmm…."
"When you've quite finished?"
"Oh er; sorry… this one's stuck all over my teeth… sorry… carry on; ahem…"
"Okay… Let me see if I can remember it all near enough… like I say it was a long time ago now – a different world… Each one of these sweets represents a deal."
"Okay got that… mind if I have another one? Mmmm lovely… So what about this one the solid round liquorice?"
"That's a basic commodity deal – What You See Is What You Get."
"Er… What about the round liquorice one with the white centre?"
"WYSIWYG is true – but not always: sometimes there is hidden leverage to be had in the deal or another to be struck."
"It's good this – I'm beginning to get the drift – so how about the sandwich?"
"A complex deal on more than one level so take care you don't get caught in the middle."
"The multi-sandwich?"
"An extremely complex deal on a whole number of levels – but with the subtlest rewards like the flavour of this one in the bag."
"Okay… this is fun! The round coloured coconut one with a liquorice centre?"
"Beware of some deals… they're surrounded by so much hype and PR that it's a while before you can get to the core of the matter."
"Mmmm… I like coconut."
"You would…"
"Okay; so what about these – the aniseedy, chewy ones with the scores of little nobbly bits on them; you don't get many of them in a pack."
"Precisely… some deals are very rare – especially where you can make hundreds of thousands on them."
"The Bertie Bassett?"
"Never had them in the pack back then but if I had to hazard a guess – they'd represent the financial regulator: never needed them; never wanted them – never asked for them."
"And the special red Bertie?"
"Oh I don't know – the financial regulator with the scent of foul play in his nostrils and the government of the day up his arse?!"
"Are the different colours relevant? After all there's pink and yellow for the coconut ones and those chewy aniseed drops come in blue and pink… and…"
"Only in as much as deals come in all shapes and sizes I suppose… "
"What'd you expect – pink for the girls and blue for the boys?"
"No… just that it would have made it more interesting if…"
"Look! They're a metaphor – not a bloody handbook!"
"I just thought that…"
"Well don't!"
"Alright, if each one represents something – is a metaphor like you say – then what about the pack as a whole?"
"A warning for being too greedy maybe?"
"By wanting it all too quickly…"
"Mmmm… mind if I have that last coconut one?"
"Go ahead… eat as many as you like… yeh; that's it…"
"The metaphor for the whole bag… No one can have it all – if you try and do all the deals at the same time you'll end up with a nasty taste in your mouth and equally nasty stains in your trousers."
"Still like to know what the man himself thought… Anyway – I'm off…"
"Coffee run? I'll have an Ethiopian – three shots as usual…"
"No! I'm going the other way… there's a 24-seven on the corner by the Tube… you've actually inspired me for once – I'm going to get some Haribo mixed and see if I can't bring this up to date in time for that team building weekend in the Lake District."
"Sweet Jesus… It takes all sorts…"
The Killing Floor (7)
"Thanks Charlie! That's right – no more blanks! Damn it man – of course it was me! I always get there in the end… Ha! Ha! Yes, we simply must… once all the hoo-hah has died down a bit. I know; that's the trouble – she who must be conveyed is here already… but Trish needs her so what can you do, eh? That's right we really must catch up some time… and James if he's available? What about Kelvin? Too busy? What Kelvin?! As if! Okay speak to you soon… love to Anna and the girls… right; I'll try not to. Ha! Ha! Cheers then matey. Right you are…. Bye! Phew…"
"You alright?"
"Me? Oh yes… I'm great… I guess… Just trying to get my head around it…"
"Around what?!"
"It's finally happened!"
"What has?"
"The big one…"
"You mean you've finally made a deal that hasn't unravelled or needed rescuing by yours truly?"
"No… We've conceived… Me and Trish – well, she has!"
"Good grief."
"Tested yesterday…"
"Confirmed by the doctor today…"
"She just rang me from Harley Street."
"Hell… That's it then."
"We've been trying for ages and…"
"All over – capiche?"
"Trish is ecstatic: she's talking about names already!"
"Mr Dead End that's a good one."
"What? Oh, hey John thanks.. yeh, that's right – who'd have thought it? Cheers! And you!"
"Welcome to Kaputsville…"
"So long as it's healthy I'm not really bothered…"
"The career care home…"
"Should start thinking of putting its name down for schools and… hey hang on a minute… what on earth are you on about?!"
"Just as well clear your desk now before upstairs asks you to."
"What?! Everyone else is pleased… but I should have guessed it's too much for you…"
"Let 'em… they can goo-goo and ga-ga all they like – and after waving pleasantries at John double-barrelled bullshit over there I'd check my wallet, my watch and my brain cells – I'm your only friend in all this – I'm telling you like it is… you should listen."
"To what?!"
"Last guy to get pregnant – yeh? They sacked him within a week."
"Gavin …"
"Maybe they did – but what's that got to do with his wife being pregnant? He had the most persistent coffee-breath I've ever known – so much so they christened him Gav-the-gag. He had a personality disorder – that stood out like a socialist plumber in a Bank of England lavatory during a monetary policy meeting – which incidentally he told the nation all about in great detail on his unauthorised guest appearance on The Jeremy Kyle Show… and that was all apart from being caught openly manipulating interest rates: an offence that when he was confronted with by his department head – he told him he was screwing his wife on the side and he was doing that because she had no interest in their marriage and rated him about three out of ten between the sheets…"
"Ah yeh… but he only did that because he had a kid…"
"Jeez… I give up."
"Listen to me… get a kid and you go soft… I've seen it all before… the risk element leaves as quickly as a paid PR. You lose your balls… they shrink in inverse proportion to all that touchy-feely – real man – this is what's truly important -hearts and flowers – run through the sand together stuff. You've been emptying more than them out on her cycle and remember – she owns the saddle! You've been blowing your career as you've been blowin' your load. You'll be in with the foot soldiers next – the bloody woodentops in corporate or business banking… MY GOD!…"
"What's up?!"
" For a fleeting moment I had a vision of you dealing with SME's. OH NO… It can't be!"
"What now?!"
"They've only gone and sent you back to training to work on the bloody high street!"
"I said to Trish this morning – if it's a positive just give him ten minutes and he'll drag me down to his level straight away. You're just… just… perverse…"
"Hey, don't shoot the messenger! Making money is what's important – you'll go fiscally flabby in a few months: this place will be like a crèche for the common good; it'll be all about the sprog's future clouding your judgement when what is important is the deal – NOW! Oh; and instead of the lovely rich odour of business and accumulating dosh – the only smell will be of sour milk from the puke stains on your shirts."
"You just carry on with the hard currency man act – I'm not convinced… ok?"
"Hey; come on… let's celebrate with a coffee… an Ethiopian, yeh? And how about I get them to put in an extra shot? It is good news you know… Come on – what d' you say?"
"I say forget it – the only drink I need kills sperm on contact and comes with a grown up age on the bottle. And the only good news around has just been flagged up on my screen as another of my babies reaches maturity so – if you'll excuse me – just head that pushchair in the direction of all those soft mums-to-be over there will you?"
The Killing Floor (6)
"Oooh… I don't know about you but I need a holiday."
"I said – I need a holiday."
"You thinking about getting away soon?"
"Nah… I'm tired."
"That's why most people have a holiday…"
"Naah… I'm tired of holidays."
"Surely Immy needs a break? You said she's been flat out with modelling work the last six months – I know Trish is dropping lots of hints about exotic climes; I'm going online tonight when she's out at her mother's – try and surprise her. Must remember to wipe the history this time!"
"That's it in a nutshell…"
"What? You mean you're going to take my advice and do the same?"
"Nah… Of course not… Immy's been so busy the last couple of years – never mind the last six months…"
"Even more reason to take her away…"
"No… that's the point; she's taken her kit off everywhere that qualifies as tropical, historical, trendy, off-the-beaten track or best kept 'secret' – I've filled in all the places on the map for adrenaline junkies and together we've joined the dots on anywhere that the sun shines hotter than here. In that pep talk on the top floor the other day – you remember; when Vialli the Roman on holiday was droning on about corporate responsibility – I worked out that between us we had been round the globe twice."
"That's amazing…"
"No… that's a lot of new handbags and swimwear – it's why I'm thinking of taking advantage of the new regulations and do my bit to boost the economy by building an extension for extra wardrobe space. Help out Eastern Europe anyway – maybe a quick Polish build by one of the cleaners' husbands."
"Bloody hell!"
"I am joking…"
"Yeh – right: er, I knew that…"
"We've got more rooms than even Immy knows how to fill – although she's doing her best. Anyway – don't want to make cleaning too easy for that damn Filipino maid."
"You two still don't get on?"
"That bitch from a one-chicken town is the only person I know who is more arrogant than me!"
"Well there's a reason for a holiday…"
"Not if Immy decides she needs dressing help and brings her with us."
"She wouldn't?!"
"She would… she's like the mama she never had – apparently; the press call us Masters of the Universe when I feel more like Mario stuck in a cart given the run around. Undermined in my own home by a ruddy peasant!"
"Seeing that you've been everywhere and done everything… Haven't you ever thought of employing a sort of reverse psychology and… oh, I don't know – maybe try camping say or going to the seaside?"
"What?! Are you serious? In England! Camping?! The seaside?! What's this – some sort of back-to-basics austerity kick? Make the banker pay?! Who do you think I am – Vince Cable? The only tent Immy wants to see is the one in me trunks when she parades the latest style up and down by the hotel pool. As for the coast… Eurgh… All those real people… real ordinary people with snotty-nosed brats, parading their inbred obesity up and down some tacky sea front: all over-sized tattoos and chip fat oozing from every pore barely concealed beneath a tsunami of casual polyester. Are you for real?! Sounds like you're the one who needs the holiday."
"You were real once…"
"Yeh – but I was never ordinary!"
"It's only a suggestion…"
"So's this – you want to keep it real? I'll have an Ethiopian – three shots. If I went away just think how much you'd miss your trip round the corner. Oh and it's pissing down out there – proper English holiday weather."
The Killing Floor (5)
"Oh-my-God! That's just so awful!"
"What's up with you? You sound like an Essex tart whose boyfriend can't get it up…"
"That was Gavin on the phone… Haven't you heard?!"
"Heard what?! The FSA have declared Fridays an economic free-for-all? The Press are sponsoring hug a banker day? The Labour Party have decided it wasn't our fault?!"
"No… It's Nigel from Mergers and Acquisitions…"
"What – the useless twat has actually made some money? That'll be a first."
"He's committed suicide…"
"He did that professionally every day with those jokers in M&A."
"Gavin says it all got on top of him last night… He went drinking around the Wharf bars – wouldn't answer his mobile to Daisy… He stepped in front of a DLR train at Mudchute at seven this morning.. awful way to go."
"Typical Nigel… jumps in front of the most unreliable public transport he can find. He never could make a decision."
"It's the kids I feel sorry for…"
"What about the commuters? Luckily I drove in this morning."
"Don't you ever give it a rest! A man has died! Two young children have a lost a father this morning! Daisy… well; I can't begin to think of the state she must be in…"
"Look; I didn't push him…"
"I'm sorry… but it just makes me want to go home and give Trish a big hug."
"I am too… but Nigel – nice bloke and all that – but the cut and thrust of the job… well, as you say a man has died and it's a time to be respectful – but he was crap though."
"According to Gav he had depression – he'd been under the doctor for several months: no one thought it was so bad that this was coming…"
"I do understand you know; I had depression once as well."
"You did?! I mean – you did?"
"Don't sound so surprised – I am bloody human too!"
"I'm sorry… sorry; here's me mouthing off as if you… you know, you didn't care."
"Yeh; people get the wrong impression about me. Just because I'm great at my job."
"Well, you do seem to have it all sorted – top dealer three years running, big house, top of the range cars, mega salary and bonuses; Immy's a top model…"
"I know… but I've been there… I've stared into the pit of despair."
"If you don't mind me asking?"
"That's alright… I realise it's difficult for some men to talk about…"
"What made you… you know?"
"It was a Thursday… I was down to my last 10k – it had been a real heavy month expenditure wise…"
"So that was the last straw for you… you weren't going to do anything stupid were you?"
"God forbid! It was just one of those twenty-four hour things – like man flu. Friday quarter of a million went in – Happy Days… no more depression! So let's stop wallowing. Time to move on. Mine's an Ethiopian – three shots…"
The Killing Floor (4)
"You got a sense of duty?"
"Strange question for an early morning… why do you ask?"
"Nothing really – just that I had a nine o'clock meeting with an ethical fund manager…"
"Let me guess… God On A Shoestring? The Tree Hugging Sap Savers? Profit With Morality – Extremely Limited plc?"
"Yeh; something like that… anyway it got me thinking…"
"Oh no… no; no; no; noooo! No thinking! Start thinking about any of that duty with responsibility crap; making money with a clear conscience; high fives, alleluia, final day of reckoning rot and you'll be like a well-honed boxer who gives into an orgy with three virgins the night before a championship bout. It's poison to the only true religion… the only clear faith… the miracle of the balance sheet."
"So you don't have a sense of a higher authority in anything you do?"
"Only the regulatory bodies in the City. And him upstairs – on the twenty-fifth floor. Always remember: the market is our hymn sheet; the deal our expression of faith and money is the sacrament."
"You don't answer to anything from a higher plane then?"
"Not so you'd notice – only me old Dad once; and with all that pressure he put on me when I was a kid… well, I guess all he really wanted was for me to make something of myself. And that's being charitable… Now look – the only good cause I work for is the charity of ME. I've seen fire, flood, pestilence, disease, famine, feast, war, uprising, colonial insurrection, revolution, jihad, new constitution, devolution, takeover, flotation, administration, management engineered buyout as well as consolidation… and made money out of all of them."
"Proud Father then?"
"Not really… he left me Mum the mortgage, next door's missus a baby, and me a post-it note telling me that he thought I was a waste of space and that he'd see me next Tuesday if you get my drift?"
"I'm sorry, I didn't realise… where is he now?"
"He opted out to live with a girl half his age but twice his chest size in a tepee community in Wales that lives off the land – and benefits – near the Brecon Beacons. He's got hair to his waist, fluff in his navel and what's left of his brain after years smoking skunk and three more snotty brats to his knees."
"Oh… Look I'm really sorry… Hey; what about I go and get us a coffee – Yeh?!"
"Not now … all that ethical shit and talk of my old man has left me feeling distinctly queasy. Eurgh… Fuck it… Let's make some money!"
The Killing Floor (3)
"Ooh that's so rich… Mmmm…. Delicious!"
"I'm sorry… Do you want some chocolate? Only Justin raided Harrods in his lunch hour – he got a hamper with some amazing handmade eggs and things – and I don't think there's a lot left after the back office got their sticky fingers into it…"
"You okay? You seem very quiet today. Looking forward to the Easter break I bet – chance to recharge the batteries?"
"Nah; I was just thinking about Jesus."
"I never knew you were religious?"
"I'm not… I was just thinking how much me and him have in common – that's all."
"You and Jesus Christ?!"
"Yeh… just think about it… we're both Masters of the Universe; I was sent to the office near Temple tube once to sharpen up procedure by the money lenders – well, the Head of Corporate; I was cast into the wilderness for two months by the FSA for that ahem, minor technical indiscretion: I've been crucified in the press and parliament on a regular basis for what I do – and I can pretty much turn anything fishy into a good deal. We're both concerned with profits – even if he does spell his differently: I also had a very demandin' old man who thought I could shit miracles to order. Oh; and you're one of my disciples – although I haven't decided which one yet – and before you say that there's only four of you in this section – that's restructuring for you… and for that you can blame Giuseppe Vialli who is fresh on the board following the Euro crisis: so there you go… neither me nor Jesus could get on with things without the interference of the Romans…"
"You can't be serious?!"
"And why not?"
"It's just not right…"
"Well… because… because…"
"Because you can't tell if I'm for real… Can you? Which is why I'm the top dealer here and you have to go and get the coffees in… Make mine an Ethiopian: three shots! If that chocolate is as rich as you say I'll need something to wash it down with…"
The Killing Floor (2)
"Hey… do you ever sort of feel guilty doing this job?"
"What about that we can shut companies down; put people out of work; make Governments cut back on welfare…. does that ever keep you awake at night?"
"Is there any time you've gone home at the end of the day with a funny sort of gut feeling – right down in here – that what we've done is somehow… immoral?"
"Do you think it's really possible to reconcile earning so much money – just at the click of a computer key?"
"Shall I go get us a coffee?"
"Good man! I thought you'd never ask… you taking Trish out tonight? Though Chelsea are on the box in the Champion's League… thought we could make a foursome later on in the week if that's alright with you? Imogen's been having a go at me, again, says I've been neglecting her since she came back off that modelling assignment. Maybe we could do that member's club in Soho? It's a bit passé now I suppose. What about that night a couple of years ago at Chinawhite's? You remember… it got out of hand when the whole floor was celebrating the merger – I got a bit pissed on the Champagne then she gave me the silent treatment… get me a three shot will you – need something to keep my eye on the ball; let me know what Trish thinks… make sure it's that Ethiopian blend won't you? You know what I like… probably more than Immy these days! Thought I'd take her somewhere exotic for Easter – trouble is she's been everywhere warm in the last six months for the swimwear shoots – muggins here will have to push the boat right out to surprise her: there goes the bonus! Mind you she does get a bit stir crazy in that house all day… have I told you the echo's deafening? All those rooms and those high rococo ceilings…. not original features of course – they threw the place up at the end of the last property boom. They're a bugger to clean – I told Immy to get a specialist firm in… can't have the Polish cleaners breaking their necks… though I would send that Filipino maid up the ladder if I had my way – makes me feel like an intruder in my own bloody house! Disapproving bitch! I moved into a gated community so I could keep my mother from coming round unannounced and now I end up with earache from her! Trouble is Immy likes her… she's got six kids back in Manila and her always talking about them is getting Immy broody… now she says we should start filling some of these empty rooms but I'm not ready yet – you know how it is?! I expect Trish is the same? I told her to get a dog – you know, one of those little ankle-biters she can put in one of the designer bags she has for every day of the month that I pay for… at least her expense accounts are cheaper than a house full of brats… now – where's that coffee?"
The Killing Floor
"Yes!!! Get in there!"
"Someone's happy?"
"Oh yes… Just had a great result on those commodity prices…"
"Another flaky African republic bites the dust, eh?"
"Left eating it you mean! We're like a proactive branch of the Foreign Office here…"
"Why make a packet out of a crisis?"
"Because we can!!!"
"All this talk of dust is making me thirsty… fancy a coffee to celebrate?"
"Only if we go to that little shop around the corner – they do a lovely ethically-sourced Ethiopian blend. All fairtrade and above board… You know me."
"Yeh, you're all heart…


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Shepherds ChapelCategory: Worship
Description: "We are glad to be able to present yet another format for bringing our unique verse by verse, Chapter by Chapter, Book by Book teaching of the Holy Bible. From the Shepherd's Chapel in Gravette, AR we have been presenting our Father's Word via satellite since 1985 and today our daily one-hour Bible class is viewed on over 150 television stations in the United States and Canada. We have thousands of home satellite dish students throughout the western hemisphere who can view our Bible study 24-hours a day seven days a week and thousands more study via the internet. Welcome to our daily Bible study hour!"

subset: commoncrawl


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Parenting: I love UNIFORMS!
They are so convenient. Just pick a top and bottom, add a sweater and leggings if needed and out the door she goes, bye babe!
The main great feature of uniforms for me right now is how easy it makes things in the morning (the convenience), but I'm also loving how it takes importance off of how my daughter dresses. She is actually quite picky normally on what she wears and likes dresses and skirts all the time, pink and purple, sparkles, etc. She's a very girly girl and likes looking "like a princess" and being beautiful. I didn't find it a priority to get her off the princess and beautiful idea even if I don't love it, but I'm glad that this is effortlessly doing the job. She doesn't mind it and she's getting used to looking ordinary instead of "like a princess".
The more ordinary she looks, the more importance can be put on what she actually DOES.
Teasing has not at all come into play at 5 years old but I have hopes that it will help. The school says that it fosters a sense of pride in their school and that's probably more apparant for the older kids (at teasing ages) and I imagine it brings the teasing for poorer kids down.
I'm really happy that she goes to a school with this amount of structure and focus. It seems a good balance.
Who else loves uniforms? Who dislikes them? What are your thoughts?


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Design Patents Meet The Fashion World: Lululemon Suing Calvin Klein
from the i-thought-yoga-was-calming deptOne of the reasons some people in the fashion industry have for desiring copyright on clothing designs is to stop knockoffs from entering the market and "harming" the original designer. We have pointed out before that this is a pointless request as the fashion industry is hugely successful despite the lack of copyright and presence of cheap knockoffs. However, it seems that some companies have decided to go another route to take out cheap competition: design patents.
karm sends word that yoga pants maker Lululemon has decided that it can't compete with cheaper alternatives and so will sue the competition.
"This is a low barrier-to-entry industry. Lululemon, their success, has drawn new competitors throughout the mall," said independent retail analyst Brian Sozzi. "The valuation is so high. It's tough to warm up to a stock when you see so many new competitors."If that is not crazy enough, this same company has been able to compete with other big players without going to trial.
In the suit filed in federal court in Delaware on August 13, Lululemon accused PVH Corp's Calvin Klein brand and manufacturer G-III Apparel Group Ltd of infringing three patents on the design of its yoga pants. Design patents protect the appearance of goods, in contrast to more common utility patents, which focus on how things work.
The company says it competes with athletic apparel heavyweights such as Nike Inc and Under Armour Inc by offering better quality, and it maintains its enviable margins by taking charge of every stage of the process - from design, to production, to sale.If Lululemon can compete with those two companies by offering better quality to its customers, why is it not able to do so with Calvin Klein? Well, it makes the claim that some of these new products match their own quality but are far cheaper. Gee. I wonder if maybe there was something other than litigate that Lululemon could be doing that could work to its advantage. Like maybe competing on price. If quality is no longer a defining feature, then price is another good place to compete.
It really is sad when we see a company which feels threatened by the competition resorting to lawsuits rather than competing in the market. We have already seen how ridiculous such lawsuits can get with Apple and Samsung. But I guess that since that came out in favor of design patents, at least for now, we can probably expect to see many more of these kinds of lawsuits in the future.
Filed Under: clothing, design patents
Companies: calvin klein, lululemon


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Thursday, March 29, 2007
This Just In: Wall Street's Finest Speechless
"I'm speechless right now. On that number. Can you repeat that again?"
—Michael Aberman, Credit Suisse
Alexion Pharmaceuticals conference call
"That number" to which the aforementioned analyst is referring is the wholesale price of a new biotech drug called Soliris, which will be the first and only treatment for a rare genetic blood disorder known as PNH.
PNH, for the record, currently afflicts 8 to 10,000 individuals in the U.S. and Europe. According to Alexion,
Patients with PNH may suffer from severe hemolysis, anemia, chronic fatigue, recurrent pain, pulmonary hypertension and intermittent episodes of dark colored urine, known as hemoglobinuria. Importantly, PNH patients are at increased risk of forming life-threatening blood clots, or thromboses, which are a major cause of death in this disease.
As with, for example, cancer, PNH can be diagnosed at any age, but the median age in a UK study was 42 years. The median survival period after diagnosis was 10 years, although fully one quarter of patients in one study survived 25 years following diagnosis with PNH.
You might think the good folks at Alexion who came up with what looks to be a much-needed and long awaited therapy for a rare disease would be sensitive to the raging debate on health care costs in general, and biologics in particular, now enveloping both politicians and bureaucrats—not just in Washington but in every state capital in the Union.
And perhaps they are.
But the price they came up with for Soliris, which as we have seen shocked at least one of Wall Street's Finest into speechlessness, was $389,000 per year.
The full excerpt of the above-quoted dialogue, courtesy of the indispensable Street Events, is as follows:
Thank you. [OPERATOR INSTRUCTIONS] And we'll take our first question from Michael Aberman from Credit Suisse. Please go ahead, sir.
Michael Aberman, Credit Suisse - Analyst
I'm speechless right now. On that number. Can you repeat that again?
David Keiser, Alexion Pharmaceuticals - President, COO
The annual cost of treatment on the wholesale level is $389,000 annually.
Michael Aberman, Credit Suisse - Analyst
And can you describe on the wholesale level what kind of cost for distribution and how you maybe compare to some other rare disease drug prices and how you came up with that number?
Vikar Sinha, Alexion Pharmaceuticals - SVP, CFO
Hi, Michael this is Vikar Sinha
Michael Aberman, Credit Suisse - Analyst
Vikar Sinha, Alexion Pharmaceuticals - SVP, CFO
Compared to other drugs, we have -- compared to -- you're talking about -- compared to other drugs in terms of pharmacoeconomics, Soliris meets the criteria recommended by the Citizens Council regarding the decision to pay premium prices for ultra orphan drugs. And we have looked at the degree of severity of the disease, the treatment provides health gains, environment stabilizing of the condition, and the disease or condition that is life threatening.
Leonard Bell, Alexion Pharmaceuticals - CEO
Michael, as you're aware probably most other drug for orphan diseases are dosed on a patient weighed basis and certainly Soliris is not. Due to weight-based dosing, the price of other therapies, as you know, can range beyond $1 million per patient per year. For example, the annual cost of a drug recently approved to treat an average size adult with [Pompe's] disease would be over $400,000, and similarly the annual cost for a drug recently approved to treat average sized adults with Hunter syndrome would also be over $800,000. At Alexion, of course we focused on the key criteria that David outlined, that is, the rarity of the disease, the compelling clinical benefit that PNH patients experience with Soliris therapy, now that we have an approved label and we understand what those benefits are agreed to be. The cost of discovery, development, and production. Importantly our costs at Alexion to sustain our ongoing commitment to the PNH community.
Michael Aberman, Credit Suisse - Analyst
Leonard Bell, Alexion Pharmaceuticals - CEO
Does that provide you context?
Michael Aberman, Credit Suisse - Analyst
I guess so. It's just surprisingly high. I'll get back in the queue as I think of an additional question. Thanks.
To Alexion's credit, management spent even more time later in the call elaborating on the logic and assumptions behind the $389,000 annual therapy cost at a time when Presidential politics could potentially make Soliris a Poster Child of Why We Need Cost Controls in Healthcare.
And while at least one of Wall Street's Finest raised his earnings forecast based on the much-higher-than-expected price, one actually reduced his forecast owing to the concern that the uptake of Soliris would be hindered by thoughts of price-gouging.
Readers interested in Soliris, PNH, Alexion, the controversy surrounding high-priced biologics, or all four topics ought to listen to a replay of the call.
Just don't send a transcript to one of the Presidential candidates.
Jeff Matthews
I Am Not Making This Up
© 2007 Jeff Matthews
The content contained in this blog represents the opinions of Mr. Matthews. Mr. Matthews also acts as an advisor and clients advised by Mr. Matthews may hold either long or short positions in securities of various companies discussed in the blog based upon Mr. Matthews' recommendations. This commentary in no way constitutes a solicitation of business or investment advice. It is intended solely for the entertainment of the reader, and the author.
18 comments:
- magordon said...
If $389k per year is too high, what is a fair price for this drug? I have no idea as to the true economics in this particular case, but it's hard to dismiss the pricing decision just because $389k sounds expensive. 10,000 is a very small patient population, so to arrive at the price you would need to calculate how much Alexion invested to bring this drug to market and then provide for a fair return to compensate the company for pursuing a disease affecting such a small number of patients. If they can't earn a fair return, no company would work on cures for diseases that affect such small patient populations. Although I haven't followed Alexion and don't know how much they invested in development of this compound, I doubt it was a whole lot cheaper for them than it cost others to develop billion-dollar cancer drugs providing marginal benefit, but enjoying much larger addressable markets. Also, keep in mind that $389k is the wholesale price. The realized price may be lower.
- Charly Travers said...
It may sound high at first glance but it's in line with drugs for comparably sized markets. Genzyme has built a great biotech company serving niche markets like this with drugs that cost several hundred grand a year. Some countries with state run health care have balked at paying and reserve coverage for patients with only the most severe forms of the disease but in general the patients get their drug and the company gets paid.
- Question said...
Where can you find this transcript on Briefing.com? I can't find it anywhere.
- kevinmr said...
Total R&D for Alexion in 2006 and 2005 is ~ 100m (this number also includes development costs for other drugs in their pipeline). Since Soliris is designated an orphan drug Alexion is eligible for tax cuts on research costs. The revenue Alexion may expect, assuming Soliris reaches 20% of the market at 1/2 their proposed wholesale price (~200k), translates to ~400m per year. Methinks $400m per year is more than a fair return.
- kevinmr said...
Total R&D for Alexion in 2006 and 2005 is ~ 100m (this number also includes development costs for other drugs in their pipeline). Since Soliris is designated an orphan drug Alexion is eligible for tax cuts on research costs. The revenue Alexion may expect, assuming Soliris reaches 20% of the market at 1/2 their proposed wholesale price (~200k), translates to ~400m per year. Methinks $400m per year is more than a fair return.
- Question said...
Where can you find this transcript on Briefing.com? I can't find it anywhere.
- Sam S. Park said...
A study shows that average R&D cost of a drug, including failures, amounts to around $800M. (As of Dec '06, ALXN's retained losses were $637M – which is around the average R&D cost.)
Alexion stated that total operating costs will be between $160M to $180M for 2007.
If they capture 20% of the market, here are some rough estimates using the $800M as the initial outflow:
• A 5yr patent would give them about a 70% 5yr IRR
• 10yrs would be about 75% IRR
Those are some ridiculous IRRs given that it doesn't take into account tax breaks. Just imagine what the IRR would be if they captured more of the market and included the tax breaks.
Some studies show that IRRs for new drugs range between 15% and 30%. I'd say that's a nice investment if they get away with the nice annual price tag of $389K. I don't know, but someone has to recheck their "pharmacoeconomics" numbers. Or maybe they're only planning to get about 10% of the market.
- Sam S. Park said...
I crunched the numbers to reflect more accuracy.
• 5 years of $130M outflow (about $650M of accumulated costs)
• 7 year exclusivity for orphan drugs
• Insurance will pick up the tab (about 85% of Americans are covered)
• 8,500 will get treatment
• Revenue at $3.3B at $389K per patient
• $180M total operating cost
• After tax income (taking into account credit for orphan drugs = 65% credit on R&D cost of about $85M) is about $2.1B
- Stock Market Beat said...
The real ethical issue here is whether you allow someone to die because the cost of treating their illness is more than they will contribute through longer life.
- Anonymous said...
And this is is why House Representative Henry Waxman (D-CA) is investigating the high prices of biotech drugs - I am not making this up. Readers can see for themselves by clicking here.
To question: You can read a copy of the transcript directly from Alexion's website for free simply by registering here.
- Unknown said...
kevinmr's calculation is way off. Using his assumptions, Alexion will gross 400k, not 400M.
Assuming 100% penetration at full wholesale price means 4M/yr in revs for the drug.
- johnlichtenstein said...
Allenli you and Kevin are doing the same math. In the USA we use M as an abbreviation for 1,000,000, and k as an abbreviation for 1,000.
- Publius said...
Allen, what's wrong with Kevin's calculation?
He said:
1) 20% penetration. In a market of max 10,000 patients, that means 2,000 patients.
2) 1/2 the wholesale price. If wholesale is roughly $400,000, half that is $200,000.
2,000 patients * $200,000 per patient = $400mm in revenues.
You're missing some zeroes, bud.
- Unknown said...
Actually, my calcuations were off. Apologies!
- kevinmr said...
allenli -
The $389k mentioned on Alexion webcast is per year per patient. Assuming 50% of that rate(~$200k) at a 20% penetration (~2000) = $200k * 2000 = $400m.
- Mongoose said...
If the pharma companies are price-gouging can someone explain why their profit growth has been so anemic? I realize their pipelines have been weak but it still doesn't seem like they're making money hand-over-fist to the detriment of consumers. Because their pipelines have been weak, they probably need to raise the prices of the drugs they do come out with to cover their substantial fixed costs.
- Sam S. Park said...
I would have to guess the rising amount they allocate towards lobbying efforts will cut a little bit into their profit growth.
Profit margins for the big pharma guys are still high. Sure, the growth has been dismal lately, but maybe they should focus less on lobbying for protection and more in developing new and better medicine.
Their pipeline is small because a lot of them spend about twice as much on marketing costs then on R&D costs.
Also, their profit growth may have been reversing because patents could be running out, thus losing some market share. So I guess they throw more lobbying money to get extensions on patents.
"...not at the detriment to the consumers."
That's true if insurance and Medicare picks up the tab. However, it is a detriment to the taxpayers. I'm also guessing it's the lobbying that prevents Medicare from negotiating for lower prices.
They shouldn't raise prices because of weak a pipeline. The industry's system is flawed. They should cut marketing costs, increase R&D, and allow fair competition. Their industry is artificially inflated because they bought Washington. And in the end, it is a detriment to the consumer.
- Unknown said...
Couple of things regarding the calculations
(1) They arent actually going to get 389k a year. That is a wholesale number
(2) More importantly, you need to realize that they could have spent that entire sum on research and got zilch if the drug didn't work. Talking about IRRs on a company like this isn't meaningful. Remember this - As a whole, the Biotech industry still hasn't recovered the money invested in it.
Lastly, the reason the pharma firms are not making big $$$$ has nothing to do with increased lobbying. The issue is more due to massive SG&A spending. Things have got way out of hand in this regard.


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WSJ's Ben Fritz joins Ian Bryce, producer of "Transformers: Age of Extinction," to talk about the movie's production process. Photo: AP
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
I ... ay ay ay ay ... he would be in racers thirty Year preaching grayer includes Transformer World War Z said in the trial most famous ... in case of the top but you were specific role of the big budget movies like Transformers were Z ... as usual what is the job you do ... I think the producing role ... of these days is ... is to help the director in the studio and the rest the filmmakers ... come up with the best approach in the best images to make the best film possible ... out the top it all ... the good the country's four ... so when when the movie started at ... the Transformers and director Michael Bay has is a sleek Rita vision ... your top credit to Peter out how to implement that vision and make it possible that so what sorts that would you be taking usually the first step is that he has a ninety eight there are certain existing script or some idea for scrap ... so in our case it was an idea for Transformers four ... and to that idea then got written in a Buy error and you know with Mike you know ... helping him ... and then once the script is either in the treatment form ... I can start in on ... the banana production approach to that idea so I'll sit with my can hear him talk about ... you know what Mike's really looking for inside what may be a ten page treatment ... and then all star to scouting ... you know and to working on a production plant in approaching the casting in all the stops as soon as there's anything even an idea we can start ... in winter in production what is the day on set with you ... what you doing ... well there is it's loud and crazy and doesn't have her fluid and ever changing some out there in a with Mike by camera all day everyday and sometimes and that religion Paulson stuff but say you're out there helping ... you know just manage the day-to-day process ... to unheard of to talk about it in China I mean huge trees still with ... Shrewsbury logistically difficult to believe in one day when a lot of the crew got last thing you have to do stuff that you talk about that ... well we were going riches shot of the great wall and you know we've been packing in a lot of work and a short period in a shelter for four days ... so we we were moving from ... the Great Wall to ... changin which was in which was a several hour move is a big move for a company so Mike was the location I was the location ... unlike a few other people or the location ... and it was a dusk shots of sun's going down the lights getting perfect for what he wants to do ... and a half the crew is now there so ... we just ... dove in and tried to figure that was what we had which meant you know Mike city engine you have to drive the Rolls Royce said given the current driver of the carnivals like going fast right so ... you know I got an and then the nicest again be alone and my sis ago European nice narrative to go dive in and help to ... help get the actors ready ... I ... so you're working on the region ... when people see for twenty dollars around the world the ... very very popular ... does it ... you have a sense of that leaving a job ... well it was when you're working on a franchise picture you so you you have an expectation you know that people are excited about the movie not going to see it when you working on a one off gain of the list of World War Z in for example ... you don't know you know what the audience is is gonna think until it's out there so ... yet it's a responsibility unit Ortho franchise picture ... because you know you have to treat the characters carefully and with respect to search history in expectation so yes so you know we take them very very seriously and try to be faithful while at the same time ... updating and injecting new material in the characters you know with with freshness into so the lien stays excited ... I'm trying to defend the nation ... from alien war would taste with looks of we are not compiler ...


text:
| Description
Job code: 200000
The CV Telemetry/Stepdown Unit RN has the responsibility and accountability for assessing patient/family health problems and resources, taking a leadership role in the planning, implementation and evaluation of the nursing plan of care as provided by the nursing team. The RN will provide technical nursing care and interventions to a designated patient population. Per the department's Scope of Service, this position requires providing services to Medical/Surgical patients, ages eighteen and above, in a manner that demonstrates an understanding of the functional/developmental age of the individuals served. This position requires the full understanding and active participation in fulfilling the mission of CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. It is expected that the associate demonstrate behavior consistent with the Core Values. The associate shall support CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital's strategic plan and the goals and direction of the hospital's Performance Improvement Plan (PIP).
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Standing 12 hours
Sitting ______________
Kneeling/Squatting ______________
Bending/Stooping ______________
Pushing/Pulling ______________
Twisting ______________
Other ______________
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Occasional overnight travel (up to 20%) by land or air.
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Clinical Director -- CV Telemetry/Stepdown
_____________________________________ ____________________________
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text:
Snowden Says He Is Willing To Answer Questions From European Parliament, Which Also Wants Him To Go There In Person
from the would-that-be-wise? dept
European governments have shown themselves to be extremely reluctant to investigate the NSA and GCHQ surveillance of their populations -- probably because they knew about it and received information as a result. The European Parliament, by contrast, has been active here through its Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) committee, which is holding an "inquiry on electronic mass surveillance of EU citizens."
One person uniquely well placed to help any such investigation is, of course, Edward Snowden, and it appears he has now agreed to give evidence:
NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden has confirmed in writing that he is prepared to answer questions from the European Parliament's inquiry into the revelations of mass surveillance by intelligence services. He will at least respond in writing, possibly also via a recorded video message.
That information is posted on The Greens | European Free Alliance site, which goes on to say:
"It is clear that Edward Snowden will only be able to give us comprehensive information if he can be guaranteed a safe stay in Europe for a later in-depth testimony. Next week, the EP's civil liberties committee will decide if the European Parliament will call on EU governments to grant such protection. The Greens have pushed for this and continue to urge all political groups to support the move."
Given that the Bolivian President's jet was re-routed in Europe purely on suspicions that Snowden could be on board -- presumably at the behest of the US -- promises of "protection" won't be worth much. In any case, they're unlikely to be given for the same reasons European governments don't want to investigate this matter.
Follow me @glynmoody on Twitter or identi.ca, and +glynmoody on Google+
Filed Under: edward snowden, eu parliament, gchq, nsa, privacy, whistleblower


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Welcome to Ranger Cam 2013, your source for updates on wildflower and cactus blooms at Arizona State Parks. State Park Rangers and volunteers use digital cameras to capture the weekly changes in the desert.
The Ranger Cam for 2013 is now finished. Enjoy the pictures from another great season!
Parry Penstemon (left) & Mariposa Lily (right)
Larkspur (left) & Mexican Gold Poppies (right)
These photos were taken by Volunteer Margie Caswell at Patagonia Lake State Park and Sonoita Creek State Natural Area April 1 - 9. Wildflowers are blooming best on the Vista and Sonoita Creek Trails. And mark your calendar! Patagonia Lake's annual Mariachi Festival is May 18! Park's Home Page Driving Directions Facilities Campground Reservations
Globemallow (left) & Hedgehog Cactus (right)
Ocotillo (left) & Amsinckia (right)
The last two weeks of April are a great time to visit, in addition to seeing desert marigolds at their peak in the Cactus Garden, watch for cactus blossoms. Our signature echinocereus, the 'Boyce Thompson Hedgehog Cactus' named for BTA's founder -- is blooming along with vivid (and oh, so rare) claret cup hedghogs. Watch for these along the main trail as it passes through the Cactus Garden - and more than four dozen other wildflowers from 'A' (Amsinckia intermedia) to 'V' (Verbena gooddingii) all around the trail. And if you love roses, don't miss our most famous (and massive) Lady Banks in full glorious, three-story-bloom in the Herb Garden, where it has climbed up nearby cliffs and reaches ever skyward using the 40-foot-tall pecan tree as a natural trellis. Park's Home Page
Poppies (left) can be seen on the mountainside.
Little Jon Bottlebrush (left) & Scorpionweed (phacelia crenulata) (right).
Bird of Paradise (left) & Fairy Duster (right).
Ranger Elese LaVelle took these photos of the flowers blooming at Cattail Cove State Park. Park's Home Page Driving Directions Facilities Campground Reservations
Goldpoppies (left) & Claret Cup (right).
Wildflower Walks will be offered at 11am on April 6 with Author Christine Maxa, and with Cass Blodgett on April 7. One of nature's most fascinating subjects? The interrelationship between flowers and their charismatic insect pollinators. Adults will find they, too, have a few things to learn about 'the birds and the bees' Saturday morning (April 6) when author Christine Maxa leads the 11am wildflower walk.
What's in bloom this week? The season's first Mariposa Lilies are blooming in the South American collections behind the 'Quincho' pole-barn shade structure just above Ayer Lake. Mariposas are just one of dozens of wildflower varieties you'll see on either 11am guided wildflower walk this weekend (Cass Blodgett is our guide Sunday). Park's Home Page Driving Directions Facilities
Common Monkey Flower (left) & Bajada Lupine (right).
Woolly Daisy (left) & W. Screech Owl in a saguaro arm (right).
There are at least 53 species of wildflowers in bloom at Catalina State Park. Photos are provided by Volunteer Margie Caswell. Park's Home Page Driving Directions Facilities Campground Reservations
Rangers report that the most visible area to see wildflowers is by hiking along Jacob's Crosscut Trail and along Prospector's View Trail. Shown above are Blue dicks (top left), Chuparosa toward the Siphon Draw Trail (top right), Filarees (bottom left) and Poppies toward the Siphon Draw Trail (bottom right). Check out the Hikes & Programs at this park. Park's Home Page Driving Directions Facilities Campground Reservations
Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule) (left) & Ragged rockflower (Crossosoma Bigelovii) (right)
Hackberry beardtongue (Penstemon Subulata) (left) & Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata) (right)
Highway 60 is bordered by blooming color through Gold Canyon and Florence Junction on your drive to the Arboretum this week. Arizona State Parks volunteers are reporting new wildflowers each day along Arboretum trails. This week showy pink Parry's Penstemon is our most vivid new flower, but also watch for unobtrusive little ones such as Peppergrass and Indian Wooly Wheat, too.
Other flowers throughout the park include fetid marigold (yellow); wild rhubarb (green); London rocket (gold) and henbit (purple); as well as bluedicks and Mormon tea (watch for the latter two along the main trail from Ayer Lake uphill). Park's Home Page
Owl's Clover (left) & Mexico Gold Poppies (right)
Field of Cream Cups (left) & Blue Phacelia (right).
Volunteer Margie Caswell took photos at Catalina State Park of the wildflowers now in bloom. The photo on the top left is of an Owl's Clover. The other photos were taken while hiking the Sutherland Trail. There are many fields of Cream Cups but Poppy fields are not as dense as last year. Park's Home Page Driving Directions Facilities Campground Reservations
At Lost Dutchman State Park it is still very early in the season. Poppies are not blooming yet but the mountain is green and lots of plants are coming up. Keep checking back on the status and look at all the photos. Check out the Hikes & Programs at this park. Park's Home Page Driving Directions Facilities Campground Reservations
It's still early in the season at Picacho Peak State Park. There are a few patches of scattered poppies. The weather is great for hiking as there is green everywhere. Keep checking back for more photos. Park's Home Page Driving Directions Facilities Campground Reservations
Guided wildflower walks make their 2013 debut Saturday March 2 at 11 am with Arizona State Parks volunteer Carole Burns leading the walk -- these continue on alternate saturdays and sundays every weekend until May 1 at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park. A colder winter than last year is likely the reason blooms appear to be delayed this Spring - but plants here are hydrated and hearty, thanks to February rainfall! Visit this week and you'll see more than a dozen wildflowers -- and you'll have a chance to learn about fascinating plants and their adaptations. Peak color, though, is predicted towards the end of March.
Wildflower tour guide Cass Blodgett reports scattered flowers are blooming throughout the park including fetid marigold, wild rhubarb, London rocket and henbit. Three ambitious little goldpoppies were found along the main trail; Cass added that showy plants such as delphinium and globemallow appear robust and within three weeks of blooming strong. Guided wildflower walks are included with $9 daily admission. Park's Home Page
The Native Plant laws that protect plants everywhere in Arizona require that you not harm the plants. This includes digging them up, shooting them, stealing skeletons, collecting the seeds or picking the flowers. About 30 different plants and almost all cacti are on the Native Plant protected lists. There are civil penalties and fines ranging up to $2500 and 6 months in jail for violating these laws. In State and National Parks the laws are even more specific. You can't collect plants, harm plants or animals, pick up any type of plant skeletons, collect wood, or pick up archaeological or historical objects or even take rocks from the Parks.
Check out the 2012 Ranger Cam
Check out the 2011 Ranger Cam
Check out the 2010 Ranger Cam
Check out the 2009 Ranger Cam
Check out the 2008 Ranger Cam
To take your own photographs, rangers recommend a piece of black velvet for photo backgrounds. Wildflower books are available with brochures and maps in rural areas at all the State Parks. For more information on Arizona's State Parks' wildflowers call the hotline at (602) 542-4988 or track the blooms on the RANGER CAM at AZStateParks.com/RangerCam.
Photography Copyright © Arizona State Parks.
All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.


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Canvas Draw Created Sep 02, 2019 460 x 640px Unless noted Copyright 2019 pikachoo.
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After an intensive and enjoyable three days in Los Angeles, the Swedish Affair is over. And yet, it has only just begun. The intent for connecting the Swedish creative industries with their peers and potential partners in LA was accomplished. Fun was had by all, and deals were made by some. The connections on site ranged from reconnection, to friends of friends, and some totally new faces. All had something to share, even if it was a smile. Personally, I made some great contacts and got insight into what it will take to take my transmedia project from concept and content to product and reality. There is a lot of work to be done, but potential partners identified and interested conversations is a good head start.
My project began as a method for delivering research in a usable format expressive of the concepts delivered. Somehow just writing about how social technologies impact leadership just didn't communicate clearly. It would be like using bullet point laden powerpoint to teach the importance of visuals. The stories needed to be told, shared, and experienced. So the journey begins to create what will be Who's Next, Leadership in the New Social Paradigm as a transmedia project. For those of you not geeky enough to know the term: it is multiplatform storytelling. In the case of Who's Next, it uses film, online networks and mobile gaming. More to come as the story progresses.
I enjoyed catching up with Nolan Bushnell to continue our conversation on gaming in education. I was happy to hear that he had evolved his approach to supplemental rather than as a replacement. I look forward to seeing where his project goes, especially having a son who would thrive using the formats he proposes. Best of luck to you Nolan. Thanks for charming us with your rendition of the Swedish classic "Helan Går."
Ewa Björling was a welcome guest who shared the groups enthusiasm for events such as these to build relationships and highlight some of the greatest capital Swedish has to offer, knowledge and creative. Let's hope she encourages more events of this type in the future.
The investor panel encouraged the groups to be bold, be prepared and be strategic. It is a big pond over here for little fishes, but that also means there is more money to support the pond. Make sure you do your homework to know what kind of pond it is and what the other fish are doing in it.
Thanks to Media Evolution, The Swedish American Chamber of Commerce in Los Angeles and Sten Selander for inviting me to join as a Swedish delegate. A special thanks to Frankie Verdugo and the Home Foundation for getting the word out about Who's Next and the Swedish Affair.


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- Rentals
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Considered the "Center for Commerce and Good Living in Southern Delaware," golfers, anglers, and nature lovers delight in Millsboro's great outdoors! Whether you're teeing off at Baywood Greens, watching the bald eagles roost on Millsboro Pond, boating on the Indian River and Bays or braving the Atlantic's waters to reel in that big one, greater Millsboro's amenities are sure to please you.
Conveniently located in the center of scenic southern Delaware, Millsboro and its communities of Oak Orchard, Long Neck and Gumboro are all less than 30 miles from Delaware's Atlantic Ocean Resorts. Beautifully situated on the "Back Bay", Millsboro is at the headwaters of the tidal Indian River, and Long Neck is situated between the Indian River Bay and Rehoboth Bay. There are also many freshwater waterways in which to fish, boat, birdwatch or simply sight-see . . . Millsboro Pond, Betts Pond and Ingrams Pond to name a few. In addition, the town preserves the heritage of our local Native American tribe, the Nanticoke Indians. The annual Nanticoke Indian Pow Wow is held each September in Millsoboro and the The Nanticoke Indian Museum, located in Oak Orchard is open to the public year-round. The Millsboro area is one of the most relaxing, comfortable and friendly communities in the region. There are housing opportunities for every budget also: "in-fee", single family homes, condos, and townhouses, manufactured homes on leased land, year 'round rentals and vacation rentals.
Millsboro Links
You can also browse our real estate section to find listings in other locations or use more advanced residential real estate or commercial real estate search filters.


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Video by Mr Pierre Debusschere | Styling by Mr Tony Cook
Words by Mr Benjamin Seidler
Words by Mr Benjamin Seidler
Stockholm-based brand Acne's name is an acronym for its ethos: "Ambition to Create Novel Expressions". Its designer, Mr Jonny Johansson, 41, has certainly fulfilled that manifesto in the 15 years since he co-founded the label. Not only does Acne incorporate a fresh approach to casual dressing with its immaculately cut jeans and fuss-free men's, women's and children's lines, but the brand has explored the concept of the fashion magazine with its biannual Acne Paper. Speaking from his 16th-century office in a former bank in Stockholm's Old Town, Mr Johansson tells us what the Acne lifestyle is all about.
How would you describe the Acne style?
It's something from your father, mixed with something from your friend, mixed with something very personal and new.
Why were jeans a good starting point for your brand?
For me, the most contemporary, most generic and most important fashion garment that comes up everywhere is the five-pocket jean. We never said we would be a "denim brand", but it seemed like a good place to start as a good pair of jeans is a great canvas for something interesting. Our jeans have a very clean approach, we concentrate a lot on fit, and we introduced stretch for men. When we did that, stretch wasn't very popular and people thought, "Jeans have to be 100 years old." I thought the modern way of approaching jeans is more about what can be modernised in terms of fit and fabric.
You set up a brand without formal fashion training. How did you overcome the fear of the unknown, and do you think that has helped you?
I'm from a musical family, so I thought I'd be a musician. But I'm all about self-expression, and to have one foot in another world such as the fashion industry allows me to be a bit different and create something new in both fields. There's always a balance for me between fashion and music, and it actually allows me to relax in both. So when one discipline gets tough, I can always look to the other.
Describe your average day and how you dress for it.
I'm really a morning person as it's when I feel most creative. I wake up between 7am and 8am and get on one of my bicycles. I bike for 20 minutes to a coffee shop, which is like going to a psychologist for me because the guy behind the counter has become one of my best friends. I talk to him and try to sort some things out, and then I cycle five minutes further to work, where I have meetings with all the different design teams throughout the day. I like the routine; I always dress similarly for it. Today I'm wearing black Acne jeans, a vintage polka-dot scarf, running shoes and a plain blue Acne shirt. I like to have a bit of stretch in my jeans as it's good for biking.
What would be the soundtrack to this winter's Acne collection?
It has to be something retro, like disco, which clashes with something ultra-modern. We played ABBA in our last presentation because I love them and they have been a very important musical influence for me. It may not be fashionable, but it's a great catalogue of songs.
Where does most of your inspiration for Acne come from?
I'm like many designers in that I like to look at old magazines. But as my creative voice matures, I like to look at my family, my friends and myself. I like to look at things that are really close to me. Not everything we produce is something I'd wear myself - some things are more for my friends or colleagues. It's not all about me.
What do you think is particularly Swedish about your design sensibility?
I think it's functional, minimal, raw and pure. It's also a bit naughty.
What man from the past or present would you most like to dress?
We often reference Yves Klein and Jean Cocteau. They had a masculine approach to fashion with traditional tailoring, but would use paper string as a belt, and that was softer and really cool.


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This past weekend, I rode my bike from Seattle to Portland for the GroupHealth's Seattle to Portland Classic. All in all, it was 202 miles from UW Seattle to Portland. I took two days to get to Portland and many events happened, I will try to share my experience and hopefully, this will help future STP riders.
When my friends and I decided to do the STP, we decided early that 1 day STP would be way to crazy, that would be over 12 hours of riding at an incredible speed of 18 or 19 miles per hour. Since we did not want to do that, we decided to do a two day ride. Instead of a even break of around 100 miles the first day, and around 100 miles the second day, we decided to do around 150 miles to Longview, WA on the first day and around 50 miles to Portland.
DAY 1 – 150 Miles to Longview, WA
Day 1 started off really early, we decided to meet around 4:45 am, so I was up around 3:45 am to get ready and prepare. The night before I went to sleep pretty early, but I was very nervous and anxious about the ride. I have never done anything like this before, the longest ride I have ever done was 77 miles. This was going to be a challenge. When we got to UW, it was around 5:30 am and the sun was already peaking out, we started from the starting line at 5:45am.
After a short and fast 25 miles ride out of Seattle, we arrived at our first official rest stop.
Shortly after our first stop, we faced "the hill". "The hill" suppose to be the largest climb of the day and of the ride, but we found out later that this doesn't seem like the case. It maybe because it is still early in our ride, I was able to climb "the hill" without too much trouble at all. Shortly after the hill is the first series of rolling hills through Auburn, WA.
This is also when I got one of my first comments about my Auburn University Bicycle jersey. The comment was, "humm… it ironic that you are riding through Auburn with an Auburn jersey on." Of course, my answer was, "that's right!!! WAR EAGLE, BABY!"
On my 3rd rest stop of the STP ride, I came across an Alabama guy. He was wearing an Alabama jersey. "Oh", I said to myself, "I've got to take a picture with that guy".
100 miles later, we finally reached Centralia, WA, the mid-point of the ride. This was where most people stopped for the night, but my group decided to stop at Longview so we still have another 50 miles to go. When we first roll in to Centralia College, it was very welcoming. There are people giving out cream-sicles (ice cream on a stick) and lots of festival activity, but for us, we knew that we still have 50 miles to go, so we took a short break at a small turkey sandwich, fill our water and we were off again. Oh there are times that I wish that my first day ride just ended in Centralia, but I know that if that is the case I will hate myself on day two.
After Centralia was a series of rolling hills again, then there is the Napavine hill. I found this hill much tougher than "the hill". Maybe because it is 100 miles later or maybe it is truly a bigger hill, but it was tough. There are no official stops from Centralia until few miles outside of Longview, WA. After leaving Centralia, I stopped at ever stop alone the way, Napavine, Winlock, Vader, and Castlerock. Along the way I got lost, took a wrong turn, but did end back on the trail, I also begin to have cramps on my calves, but with the help of banana and electrolytes, I was able to bike to Longview, WA. I remember really clearly the last few miles before Longview, I was mentally telling myself just few more miles to go, and comparing the distance to my distance to work. Around 5:30 pm I made it to the motel in Longview. After around 12 hours, I biked 150 miles. For dinner, we had some wonderful local Mexican food and shortly after that I fell asleep.
Day 2 – 52 miles to Portland
Day 2 started off pretty slow, we met up around 7:30 for breakfast at the local McD. Yep the breakfast of the champions right? Around 8:45, we departed from the motel and are on our way to Portland. Our estimated time of arrival will be around 12:30pm to 1 pm. Around 9:00 am, we biked across the Longview bridge into Oregon. Good-Bye Washington, Hello Oregon. I was feeling a be sore at first, but after 30 minutes or so, I am feeling great. After the bridge, the route follow along the river and it's once again rolling hills. As I was going up one of the hills, I heard some one yell out, "Are you from Auburn?" I said yes, and we both yelled out "WAR EAGLE!!!" Our battle cry gave me an extra bit of juice and I pedal faster and stronger up the hill. During the first 15 miles to our first stop, I reached my all time high top speed of 40.5 miles per hour. It was amazing fast going down hill on my bike. Thinking back, it's pretty crazy and I don't know if I would do that again.
At our first stop of the day, we all felt really strong and did not stop long and we were on our way. As normal, Colin was the strongest and was gone shortly after we left the rest stop. I was slower than Colin, but faster than Brian. Shortly after we left the rest stop, we were all on our own following different pace lines. As I was around 1 mile out from small town of St. Helens, a group of bike in front of me slowed down all of the sudden. I grab my breaks and slowed down, and BAM!!!! Out of no where, I was slammed by another bike!!! I flew forward for about 3-4 seconds trying to regain my balance and fell on the pavements. I was on the ground trying to see if I am bleeding or now and then to check on what's going on. I saw the other guy on the ground too. But he seems to be ok as well. While I was still in shock, all I remember is all the other STP riders yelling, "get the F*CK off the road!!!!" Yes, guys very very classy. and the fact is there is a minivan that stopped to help us and was actually blocking the bike land to protect us, they really do not need to be so rude. Amazingly, the Goldwing riders came by really quickly and check to make sure we are ok. Physically, I seem to be ok, my left arm is bang up, but I was ok, no major cuts, however, my bike was not so lucky. My new bike that I just bought one week ago is all messed up. The rear derailer was messed up, and one of the rear tire spoke was out of the hub and bent. There was no way I was able to ride on. My only hope was to get to a near by mechanic and maybe, maybe they have a new tire or something that can help me through my last 30 miles. The person that hit me was friendly, he was from Canada. When I told him of my bike situation, how my bike was stolen 1 week before STP and how I just bought this brand new bike, he agreed to pay for my repairs.
Since I was stuck here, I called Vicky and asked for a pick up. Vicky was about 1.5 hours away so we waited. The Canadian's ride came about 1 hour later and agreed to drop me off at the nearest rest stop with a bike mechanic, which was only one miles away. When we got there, I wasn't sure if they can help me. But amazingly enough, Ted from BikenHike, a bike shop from Portland, OR, was able to patch me up, adjust my derailer and sent me off to finish my last 30 miles. My derailer performed excellent, I could not tell that I had an accident. So, please visit them, BikenHike. if you need a bike and you are in Portland, they are great!!!
Ok, enough promotions, back to the story. I fill up my water bottle and continue my ride. At this time, my friends are already finished the ride and started on their beers and I was still 30 miles out. The unfortunate thing is that when my bike was fixed Vicky was only 5 minutes out and I told her that I am going to finish my ride. I felt bad for Vicky doing all that extra driving, but I do really appreciate her support and felt really loved to have someone to be there for me. I love you, Vicky!!!
The last 30 miles was pretty good, I did not stop at any more stops. When I finally reached the St. Johns Bridge, I knew I only have few more miles to go.
After the bridge, it was a slow ride across the north end of Portland and eventually ending up at the finish line. Right before the finish line, I saw Vicky waiting for me, I cheered for her, she tried to snap a picture of me and … well… she tried, I was riding too fast, I was too excited.
202 miles, a bent spoke, broken hub, brused arm, and 4 War Eagles later, I finished the 2011 Seattle to Portland Classic. An Auburn Tiger never quits!!!
Oh and the beers and the hamberger at the after party are the BEST EVER!!!!!
So will I do it again? Oh I don't know yet… ask me in 8 month!!!
What would I change? I probably would train more, and change how I eat during my ride.
Take a look at all the pictures below. Enjoy!!!
Photos: 2011 STP Pictures
Get your very own Auburn Tigers Bicycle Jersey Click HERE!!!


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Drop by until New Year for your special photo opportunities.
Looking for a location to take those last-minute Holiday family photos? The City of Huntsville has decorated John Henry Rather Park, 1221 University Avenue, with Christmas lights, including a tree of lights for residents to enjoy. Parks and Leisure Director Joseph Wiggs said this is the first time the park has been decked with lights, and only expects it to get bigger and better each year. Families are invited to stop by, enjoy the lights, and capture the spirit of Christmas. The lights will remain up until after New Year. Park hours are dawn until 10 p.m. daily, and pets must be on leashes.


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Hiding True Self at Work Can Result in Less Job Satisfaction, Great...
Rice professor of psychology Michelle Hebl says "...there are still some individuals who have difficulty embracing what makes them different, especially while on the job." "When individuals embrace their social identity in the workplace, other co-workers might be more sensitive to their behavior and treatment of individuals like them," said Juan Madera, a University of Houston professor, Rice alumnus and lead study author."
Personally, I think they underestimate hard core prejudice against the transgendered, atheist, gay, and those who have passed for white. The authors don't even mention getting beaten up or raped in the parking lot after work, just about casual prejudicial conversation.
After I Dugg the article, I posted this comment. "I think this depends upon the work environment, the community, and the particular true identity. If you live in the Bible Belt and work for fundamentalist Christians, it's not likely to make your work experience better to come out as a polyamorous, transgendered, atheist lesbian."
Views: 585
That's great!
Yeah it would be career suicide here TBH.
Hi, I agree, Ruth. Living in Utah(especially rural Utah)is kinda like the Bible belt, this is Book o' Mormon suspender country.
Try living in Alabama :/
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