text:
Monday, May 22, 2006
Trendy Writing
Are you in fashion, scoring a 4.5*?
I've isolated one of the reasons I've been stressed out about my book. It all comes down to this, the phrase de jour, the new trend. Not whether or not you're noir, but are you an original voice?
Now, most of what I see on this is in the crime genre. It could be pervasive, across the board for all I know, but specifically I've seen these comments from crime writers. And one of the things I've seen referenced by numerous people is the push towards lean, tight writing. I've seen some authors comment that a book shouldn't be over 100,000 words, for example.
People debate whether they like short or long. Some publishers will only publish books a specific length.
In my opinion, that constricts what one can do with their style, making it even more difficult to be a "refreshing new voice" that rises above the din.
I started reading a book by one of the publishers that will only publish books in the 80,000-word range. There was a lot of "telling" writing, as you could guess, because the author simply doesn't have room, or the ability (who knows, without seeing other work?) to really get the sensory descriptions in. Honestly, it didn't hold me and I put it down and forgot about it.
I mean, you can't "show" everything in a story or it would be 10,000 pages long. But sometimes, those nice, descriptive touches really add. And I'm one of those people who loved LOTR The Two Towers in the theatre, and loved it even more when I got the extended version with an extra half hour of footage in it. And I think we all know it wasn't a short story to begin with.
That's something that still lingers with me, to this day, when I think about reading my first Rankin book, The Falls. I felt like I was right there. The book just evoked this atmosphere, it was so vivid in my mind. And I was absolutely hooked.
You don't even need to use an abundance of words to say a lot. From Fleshmarket Close, "Knoxland had been built in the 1960s, apparently from papier mache and balsa wood. Walls so thin you could hear the neighbours cutting their toenails and smell their dinner on the stove."
Can't you just picture that? Papier mache, balsa wood. Cheap, flimsy, the plaster crumbling off at the slightest touch, paper-thin walls that give the illusion of privacy when in reality, your neighbour can hear you burp. You can imagine the defeated looks on the faces of the people scampering through those hallways, trying to hold it together, wondering how their lives came to nothing better than this.
There's a lot to be said for not wasting words. But there's also something to be said for flow. If you cut the words so tight, sometimes it gives the reader a headache trying to stay on top of it. I definitely get that when I read some work. Not everything, but some. It's like trying to play music that has no pause in it at all but start to finish is furious. Any of you who, like me, play the piano, the bass guitar, the fiddle, know how hard that is. It's taxing. And reading something like that becomes exhausting sometimes.
Not that long ago, I was going over a story for a fellow author, and there was one thing I commented on, something I was wondering about at the beginning and still wondering about at the end. Doesn't matter what or who, but I passed on my comments. The person came back and said they'd added seven words, showed me the change to one paragraph.
And they'd filled the gap and tied up something else I'd commented on, all in seven words. It might take nothing more than one short line, but it can make all the difference to making a story read complete. Less isn't always more. And this person's an absolute pro to know that, and to go back to their work and find a way to put it in.
As an editor, I walk the line all the time between addressing questions of technical error, and issues of style. And often, that line is no wider than a thread.
Now, I want to apply everything I've learned in the past few months, and make my book as good as it can possibly be in the final edits.
But I also want to make sure this is still my book.
When I was first writing Suspicious Circumstances, I couldn't read anything at the same time. I would take a few days off – I remember that summer, I took time off to read A Question of Blood - and then I'd go back to writing. I worked pretty hard to keep my head clear so that my own style of writing wasn't contaminated.
Now, I have more experience and can usually separate out my writing and reading, but I did realize over this past weekend that part of the reason I was worried about my book was because of talk I've seen from writers about liking books lean.
I like my weighty tomes. I love 400-page + books by Val McDermid, Ian Rankin, Simon Kernick, Mark Billingham… Makes my mouth water, thinking about sinking my teeth into one of their books, knowing I've got plenty of great reading ahead of me. In fact, I'm more likely to pick up a longer book than a shorter one, and I know I'm not alone. Oh, I know there are others who prefer small books, but you see, that's just the whole point. People have different tastes, they like different styles.
I mean, look at music. Even within country music. I like Corb Lund, and he calls his music scruffy country. And by God, it is. Bar music too. It's Time To Switch To Whiskey. Guy music. Then you've got people like Shania Twain, Faith Hill. All flash, all playing to the mainstream, much loved and loathed, megastars.
Then there are those like Big & Rich. In-your-face artists who worked controversy with their first single, Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy and became superstars.
Now, I have a distant cousin, Deric Ruttan, who is a musician and songwriter. He's co-written songs recorded by people like Dierks Bentley – songs that have been number 1, award-winning hits. And songs recorded by Canadian country superstar Paul Brandt, plus Aaron Pritchett, and American Gary Allan.
Deric was interviewed on radio, asked about songwriting, and one of the things he talked about was that not every artist felt comfortable with expressing things the same way. Which explains why he co-writes these fantastic, fun songs that Dierks records, like Lot of Leavin' Left To Do and What Was I Thinkin' -
She snuck out one night an' met me by the front gate,
Her Daddy came out a-wavin' that 12-guage
We tore out the drive, he peppered my tailgate.
What was I thinkin'?
Oh, I knew there'd be hell to pay.
But that crossed my mind a little too late.
'Cause I was thinkin' 'bout a little white tank top,
Sittin' right there in the middle by me.
An' I was thinkin' 'bout a long kiss,
Man, just gotta get goin', where the night might lead.
I know what I was feelin',
But what was I thinkin'?
What was I thinkin'?
- and then records thoughtful story-songs like I Saved Everything himself
In a drawer there's a key with an old wooden box
Sometimes Jesus and me, sit down and unlock another time
When you were mine
Rose petals and a letter,a piece of baby's breath
A single white feather you found the day we met
You said it came from an Angel's wings.
It really helped me to think about this. I was having a great weekend, playing hooky, reading a Simon Kernick book, exchanging emails with some of my favourite people, playing with kittens.
I'd been thinking stupid stuff, like "People who like Cornelia Read aren't going to like my stuff. They're going to laugh at it." I mean, how many times have I seen Stuart MacBride talk about the inevitable comparison to Ian Rankin that Scottish authors face. Some guy moans on amazon, "This isn't Ian Rankin." No shit, buddy. That's why it says, "Stuart MacBride" on the cover.
Right now, walk into bookstores all over and what do you see? Da Vinci Code knock-offs. Harry Potter-esque children's books.
And I shut my eyes to all of it and go after the books I like, the ones I'm interested in.
Now, why is it so easy for me to be that way as a reader, and yet so easy for me to be afraid that my book will suffer by comparisons?
I mean, my book shouldn't be just like Cornelia's. It shouldn't be just like Ian Rankin's.
It should be like Sandra Ruttan. I'm either a writer, forging my own path here, or I'm nothing but a cheap imitation that will be here today and gone tomorrow. For all I know, my book could come out and I could be compared at length to existing writers. I haven't got a clue. What I know is, compared to what I read, this isn't a replica. I hope there's shades of influence in terms of effective writing, but not imitation of individual style.
It's a simple saying, but I guess it's one I needed to remember. Just be yourself.
End of the day, I'm a person who prefers The Wire over Law & Order. Oh, I like Law & Order. But The Wire has a hell of a lot more story, more characters, more intricacies that play out over 12 hours instead of one.
That's more how I write. Mega subplots.
I'm going to stop apologizing for that.
Oh, and, by the way, I'm now officially on the editing schedule. There are a lot of moments we authors go through, from sale to print, and seeing my name on the house update at TICO is one of those moments for me. One of those 'My God, this is for real' moments.
* Thanks for the approving comment regarding yesterday's post Daniel. Or at least that line. If I'm not mistaken, Daniel and I are making our Crimespree debuts in the same issue this year. He's an exceptionally talented writer, great guy, and it's nice to share the experience of magazine publication together.
31 comments:
- JamesO said...
I used to avoid reading whilst I was writing, because I was afraid I'd pick up other writers' styles and influences. Now I don't do it because it's difficult to type and turn the pages at the same time.
Seriously, we are all influenced by other writers, and hopefully our writing is continuously evolving for the better. But we are all influenced differently by different things. And the same can be said of our writing voices. With the possible exception of several recent newsworthy plagiarists, we all write in our own unique styles.
Stuart's Rankin comparison is a fine example of lazy categorisation and pigeonholing - his writing is very different to Ian Rankin's. But for all that publishers, critics and readers clamour for 'original voice', they still want something that they can describe in reference to something else that has already been successful.
The key is in striking a balance between being too similar in tone to other authors, and thus labelled derivative, and too dissimilar, thus being inaccessible. But if you worry about it too much, then your writing will suffer. I concentrate on writing the best stories I can using the techniques I've developed over a lifetime of reading, analysing and enjoying the work of other people. Let someone else worry about the originality of my voice.
- 10:39 a.m.
- Karen Olson said...
You're absolutely right, Sandra, you SHOULDN'T write like Cornelia or Ian Rankin or anyone else. You have your own voice, and it will find its way into readers' heads and souls as they absorb YOUR words. There is no right or wrong way to do this, just do it your own way and be true to yourself and your own work.
- 10:42 a.m.
- Sandra Ruttan said...
"lazy categorisation and pigeonholing" - this is how I feel when people always resort to comparisons. I mean, you're dead on. You need to be similar enough and yet not too similar. Panelists said as much last year at Harrogate - what publishers really want is not something completely new but something that bridges what is known to something less known. You're dead on, James.
Karen, thanks, that's what I think a lot of writers need to remember. And I'm glad for it, because I've always resisted the pressure to make a significant stylistic change to the first book, and then I found myself worrying that I was making a mistake, which was silly. I've told the story I wanted to tell, and that's important to me.
Since James is one of only very few people (I think two) who've seen both Terms of Redemption/Echoes and Dust and Suspicious Circumstances, he probably has a pretty good idea of what it is about SC that I was struggling with. Because there are big differences between them.
- 11:00 a.m.
- JT Ellison said...
I have this problem too, thinking I've created a great story and voice, then reading someone like John Connolly and realizing I am such an amateur. But I'll also come across a book here and there and realize that mine's better, so I feel like I've found some happy middle ground. I'm not the worst out there, I'm not the best out there. I'm okay starting out that way.
As far as size, it does matter. I used to comb through drugstore or airport paperbacks, looking for the thickest. Now I realize that sometimes, less is more. There are monsters out there that could have dropped 50,000 words and been better, more streamlined. And there are super short ones that could have easily been expanded.
I do read while I write. Especially when I'm stumped in a scene. Something entirely innocuous in another's book can open me up, like a description of a storm makes me realize I haven't put any atmosphere into the scene. Little things that help with the show, you know?
Great post, and I'm so happy the publisher is nearly done. I can not wait!
- 11:07 a.m.
- anne frasier said...
i love writers with an original voice. that's probably the big hook for me, but i think writers have to be careful that voice doesn't overshadow the story and characters.
how long has tribe's quote been up there? :D
- 11:07 a.m.
- M. G. Tarquini said...
I don't think you could pass for Cornelia Read or Ian Rankin if you tried. I mean, she's blonde and he's male.
Nope, you'll just have to write like yourself.
- 11:08 a.m.
- Trace said...
I read while I'm writing. Actually, I read to escape my own writing!
- 11:15 a.m.
- Steve Allan said...
The best advice I received regarding voice and style was to not worry about it. Artifically creating a voice comes out - artifical. The development of voice comes with time. Just as you have become the individual you are today through experience, your voice will become just as individualized through reading and writing and reading and writing and reading and writing...
- 11:51 a.m.
- Boy Kim said...
"It should be like Sandra Ruttan... or I'm nothing but a cheap imitation..."
Yep damn right. You're not Japanese.
- 12:16 p.m.
- Sandra Ruttan said...
JT, I think as well that because different styles work for different people, we'll always be regarded differently by different people, so worrying about it doesn't help. I call him God and others say they think Ian Rankin is over-rated. They're wrong, of course, but they have the right to be wrong.
And good points about cutting and expanding. That's also true. Size isn't always an indicator of streamlined or the best writing... the story should be as long as it needs to be!
Anne, I rotate the quotes, so I just put it up again last night. I think you're right about voice overshadowing the story - it's a delicate balance.
Mindy, good points. I am, truly, neither blonde nor male.
Trace, lol! At first I couldn't do it. Now, I'm fine.
Steve, those are good points as well. God, my blog feels like an online support group.
And no, I wasn't directing that statement at Ian Rankin.
I'll be quiet now.
- 12:18 p.m.
- Sandra Ruttan said...
Boy Kim, I've officially snorted cereal up my nose. Thanks for starting my day.
- 12:23 p.m.
- JT Ellison said...
I like the blog as support group idea. Problem is, you're giving us all the answers and we're just agreeing with you. I think you're supporting us, not the other way around:)
- 12:35 p.m.
- angie said...
Seems like lots of folks involved in the arts, whether it's writing, plastic arts, music, whatever, struggle with the original voice issue. Sometimes I get a little freaked out when I think that there isn't really any book I can point to to compare my story with (I'm sure there's something out there that I just don't know about). Mostly I'm okay with that, though. And it's so much better to be yourself and not so similar to other writers.
Congrats on the progress with your novel's journey through the publication process! That's gotta feel pretty damn good!
- 12:35 p.m.
- JT Ellison said...
You know, when I was marketing myself, I'd say my books were in the style of -- John Sandford, Karin Slaughter, Lisa Gardner -- all folks I read and worship. At the same time, my voice and story are entirely mine, but I know that people who read these writers will like my work. I'm definitely different, but I fit into a specific type, I guess. Is that bad, do you think?
- 12:41 p.m.
- Sandra Ruttan said...
Now, JT, I'm not providing all the answers! But I could for a modest fee.
Angie, thanks, it is exciting. And I think your approach to comparison is good.
I don't think it's bad to fit a specific type, JT. I mean, I'm more Ian Rankin than Agatha Christie. We all find ourselves somewhere in the spectrum. And that's great - there's room for all of us.
- 12:49 p.m.
- Vincent said...
As both you and JT have said, albeit in different words, the common problem with long books isn't too many pages, it's too little story.
- 1:16 p.m.
- Boy Kim said...
My pleasure as always, my dear lady.
- 1:18 p.m.
- Sandra Ruttan said...
Vincent, very astute observation.
Boy Kim you're awesome.
- 1:50 p.m.
- Andrea at Lochthyme said...
Sandra you just should write like Sandra...that's whose voice we want to hear.
But people do like to label things whether it be authors, movies, clothing or pretty much anything. You always hear people saying it/they reminded them of such and such. It seems to just be human nature to compare things.
It's similar when designing jewelry. You don't want to be doing what everyone else is yet you don't want to be so different that you alienate the consumer...it's a delicate balancing act.
As for book size...well size doesn't matter to me. :) I just finished a 600 page mystery and it was great even if certain descriptive passages made my skin crawl but that was probably the intent. But at other times I'll read relatively short books of less than 300 pages.
- 2:04 p.m.
- Cindi said...
Found your blog by accident and I LOVE your style. I will definitely look for your book when it comes out.
- 6:53 p.m.
- Sandra Ruttan said...
Andrea, thanks for that, and it's nice to hear that size doesn't matter. In reference to books, people! I tend to agree, now more than ever, I look at the style of writing. But I'm less of an impulse shopper with books now than before, so I know what I'm in the market for, strictly because I live in the country and tend to go to the city with a list.
Cindi, thanks so much. Welcome to Sandrablabber, and I found your blog and magazine site interesting. You're making me feel so guilty about not walking enough...
- 7:04 p.m.
- Daniel Hatadi said...
Your footnote has caused me to blush, and I didn't think this was possible.
Back to the subject of writing, I think we all have our little bugbears to worry about. I worry that maybe my main character's voice is a little too much like me, and that's cheating.
But the flipside is that Pronzini did the same thing with his Nameless PI. And on top of that, everyone has their own views to share with the world, and that's what makes them unique.
Or something.
Back to blushing now.
- 8:44 p.m.
- Sandra Ruttan said...
Daniel, no need to blush. Absolutely the truth, and I count myself lucky to be part of such a great group of writers. There will be a day when we're at some international conference and I can buy you a drink and we can celebrate our Crimespree debut properly!
- 8:54 p.m.
- Amra Pajalic said...
I was listening to a interview by Erica Jong on the Bat Segundo show and she said most writers take at least 10 years to find their voice. I also think that the characters influence your voice. That is when you're writing you sometimes feel like a medium and you're chanelling your character and seeing the world through their eyes and this will then influence the way things are written.
I'm also not reading as much since I've been working on this novel. It's not because I'm scared about being influenced by other people. That's one of the main reasons I read because you pick up so much by osmosis in terms of technique and craft, plus I think of it as feeding my brain and creativity. It's more that my novel and the world I created is so real that there's no space to fit anything else in it. First time that's happened.
And while I agree with one of the other comments that it depends on the story as to its length I have to say I love longer novels, mind you this only applies to tried and tested authors. I love picking up the book and sinking into the world, knowing that I'm guaranteed a good ride and the journey will last a few days.
- 10:10 p.m.
- Bonnie Calhoun said...
You needn't worry, my dear Sandra...you have a very distinct voice of your own. I don't know anyone comparable. :-)
- 11:53 p.m.
- For The Trees said...
Then again, I've never heard your voice. Why don't you call me so I can hear what you sound like?
Hey! Great support group! I feel better already! I'm not any further along on MY novel, but I feel better!
- 1:38 a.m.
- Daniel Hatadi said...
- This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
- 10:37 a.m.
- Daniel Hatadi said...
Convention. DRINK.
Toga, toga, TOGA!!!!!!!!!
Actually, that's probably a bad idea. Don't think the toga will work with my not-so-boyish figure.
- 10:37 a.m.
- Sandra Ruttan said...
Thanks Bonnie - Forrest, you're funny. Stuart's heard my voice. It isn't that excited.
Come to think of it, Daniel's heard it too.
And damn Daniel, I really wanted to see you in a toga. Lying on a couch eating grapes. But I understand. I don't have a boyish figure either.
- 10:43 a.m.
As someone still waiting in the wings, so to speak, I don't know whether a comment from me is appropriate--so may I make it a question? The discussion thus far seems (repeat "seems") to be aimed exclusively at genre material, specifically crime fiction. Do I have that right?
Discussion of voice and length would apply to any fiction, but what about style? Are the bloggers generalizing, or applying the commentary only to "hard-boiled" mystery and crime stories?
Just call me Old Scribe.
- 11:07 a.m.
- Sandra Ruttan said...
Old Scribe,
Yes, I think that most of the comments here are relating to genre writing. And to some degree, generalizing.
But as far as I'm concerned, everyone is welcome to post a comment, I don't care if it's book 10 to the printer or you're still working on book #1.
A lot of what I talk about related to crime fiction because that's the part of the industry I actually know a thing or two about. I'm be clueless to wade in on fantasy, although that's JamesO's specialty. So, I think sometimes, there is cross-over, but not in all things.
Thanks for posting - jump in any time.
- 11:20 a.m.


text:
TRAVEL TALES | New Zealand's top beauty brands
RECENTLY MY husband and I went off the grid in a rented 1991 Toyota camper van, driving around New Zealand's countryside hopping from winery to winery, staying in a wild bird santuary, hiking around Anchor Bay, relaxing at Hot Water Beach, polishing our heels in the black sand beach at Piha, eating endless Persimons in Matakana, floating in the sulfurous, steamy waters around Auckland... it was an unintentionally healthy getaway jam packed with wellness (even our jam was made from grapes right off the vineyard), nature and pretty fantastic natural beauty products. Yes, I made a point of stopping in every chemist I could find and they were chokka with manuka honey products, thermal clays and all sorts.
The movies (Eagle vs. Shark) and TV shows (Flight of the Concords) that make New Zealand look and sound boring and bitty are wrong. Well, they're wrong if you like beauty (and wine).
So have your pen at the ready because you'll want to jot down these names for the next time you're on the hunt for new beauty game particularly if you've gone more organic with your beauty. You'll notice most brands are niche, eco-aware, free from some common nasties in mainstream brands, locally or sustainably sourced and quite proud of their Kiwi heritage.
Skinfood (although I did find this Korean brand called Skinfood too) is a super affordable range that retails at Waitrose. I started using it when in graduate school back in 2004. Standout ingredients include coconut palm, essential orange, avocado oil, sunflower oil, witch hazel, manuka honey, aloe vera, lavender oil and tea tree oil. The second ingredient in their Light Moisturiser is Aloe. All the products are unisex and, frankly, get the job done at a great price point and without a ton of the nasties.
Snowberry is high-end natural skincare with stand-out serums and cleansers. It's stocked in chi-chi places like Colette. Branding done by Rob Ryan, ingredients like Algae Extract and Pullalan, bio-active peptides, Phytic acid and Totarol.
Karen Murrell makes skincare, bodycare, men's grooming products and cosmetics that are certified organic. Her range of natural lipsticks is gorgeous. Even the packaging (including lipstick tubes) are biodegradable (starting just 100 days after thrown away). All contractors ensure they use ethical working conditions and all of her products are free from parabens, artifical colourants and fragrances, petrochemicals, harsh detergents, talc, TEA and other toxic ingredients.
Living Nature was created by New Zealand's only Miss Universe. It's one of the more ubiquitous Kiwi brands. There are dozens and dozens of SKUs and many of their skincare and cosmetics have won Natural Health Magazine Awards in the 20 years since they launched. They're certified organic by the German body BDIH.
Evolu Botanical Skincare is a gorgeous range. Every product starts from a base of the evolu essence, which is pure botanicals and New Zealand spring water. Plant extracts and bioactives are added to this base alongside 100% pure cosmetic grade essential oils. Evoluve is free from parabens, petrochemicals, minerals, phthalates, sulfates, artificial colours and fragrances. The only animal products used are beeswax and lanolin. Shop by skin type or condition.
Huni is all about the Manuka Honey with proprietary honeycomb packaging. Ingredients are sustainably harvested and it's anti-ageing products have been tested in independent trials to diminish the signs of ageing.
Kio Kio body products use no parabens, petrochemicals or derivatives or propylene glycol, PEGS, silicones, GMOs, artificial colours, synthetic fillers, isothiazolinone, DEA or TEA, IBPC, harsh detergents or surfactants. The water used in its products is from New Zealand alpine ranges with high amounts of skin-nourishing silica. The four scent are Pacific Tiare & Ti Kauka, Rainforest & Koromiko, Frangipani & Puriri and Citrus Petal and Tarata (all very New Zealand-South Pacific).
Parrs manufactures many of the products you see in the chemist at the airport in New Zealand, from Wild Ferns manuka honey products to thermal mud products, tea tree oil, New Zealand lanolin and items from the mineral spa waters found there too.
We'll finish this bad boy tomorrow with 8 more amazing Kiwi beauty brands that you have to know about! Until then, check out our favourite new French beauty brand!
READ PART II of the best New Zealand beauty brands...

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Biological Safety Regulation
|Biological Safety Regulation
|Health Affairs
|Health Affairs Matters - General
First enacted 1992; last revised October 4, 2010; Placed in University Policy Manual after EXPEDITED REVIEW, transitioned without substantive change from prior version, January 29, 2013.
Director, Office of Prospective Health 744-2070
|Related Policies
ECU Infection Control Regulation
|Additional References
Biological Safety Program 74FR 48275 OSHA Blood Borne Pathogens 29CFR 1910.1030 OSHA Respiratory Protection Program 29CFR1910.134 IATA/DOT/FAA Shipping 42CFR parts 171-178 DOT Biomedical Waste 49CFR 171-178 Select Agent Act 42CFR73.16 NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules 2002 Biological Safety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL), CDC, 2007
1. Introduction
East Carolina University is committed to maintaining a workplace and learning environment free of recognized hazards while allowing for use of a wide variety of biological and biohazardous materials in teaching and research laboratories following accepted safety practices and containment procedures. The Biological Safety Program is established to ensure these goals.
2. Definitions
2.1. Biosafety: Laboratory biosafety includes all containment principles, techniques, equipment and practices that are implemented to prevent the unintentional exposure to biological agents and toxins, or other accidental release (WHO/CDS/EPR, 2006).
2.2. Biological Agents:
2.2.1. Any microorganism (including those which have been genetically modified), genetic elements of microorganisms, materials containing or derived from microorganisms (including prions, cultures, parasites); or biological materials (e.g., toxins, allergens), which may cause an infection, create or provoke an immune reaction or elicit a toxic or allergic response in humans, animals, or plants or have an adverse effect on the environment.
2.2.2. Recombinant DNA molecules, DNA or RNA derived from recombinant organisms or DNA, any organisms, microorganisms or viruses containing recombinant DNA (including plants and animals), or nucleic acid components subject to NIH requirements.
2.2.3. Human blood, serum or body fluids defined as potentially infectious for human blood borne pathogens, including unfixed human tissue and human cell lines.
2.3. Biohazard: A Biological agent is considered to be biohazardous if exposure may be a hazard to laboratory workers, laboratory animals or livestock, the community, or the general environment (WHO). Biohazardous agents include, but are not limited to conventional pathogens, recombinant DNA/RNA molecules and recombinant organisms; human body fluids, tissues or cell cultures; indigenous or experimental infections of laboratory animals or plants; toxins elaborated by plants, animals or microorganisms. Whether an agent is considered a Biohazard varies with the actual conditions of use by a specific laboratory, volumes of material used and manipulations performed, the current state of the science, and current regulatory agency expectations or authoritative agency interpretations.
3. Biological Safety
3.1. Purpose: All work performed at East Carolina University which involves biohazardous and biological agents will be conducted in a manner which affords adequate protection to the wellbeing of personnel, (Faculty, staff, students, visitors, contract workers), the immediate environment surrounding community and the general environment or ecosystem.
3.2. Scope: The work of all laboratories using biological material of greater than minimal risk (Biosafety Level 1 as defined by BMBL) and all use of recombinant materials, techniques or organisms is subject to review.
3.2.1. A Biological Safety registration for each biohazardous agent used in the laboratory will be completed by the Principal Investigator and submitted for review by the Biological Safety Committee.
3.2.2. All faculty, staff, students or visitors to these laboratories will follow the requirements outlined in the approved BioSafety registration, under the direction of the Principal Investigator.
3.2.3. All work conducted at facilities owned, leased or controlled by the University will be conducted in accord with this regulation and the procedural details outlined in the Biosafety Manual.
3.3. The University Biological Safety program is established to ensure that adequate administrative, physical, and operational protective measures are in place in order to:
3.3.1. Protect faculty, staff, students and visitors from biological agents that are stored, used handled or disposed at or by the University.
3.3.2. Reduce the risk of unintentional release of biological agents and toxins, including the risks of infection, exposure, environmental contamination or adverse impact.
3.3.3. Comply with all regulatory and other legal requirements applicable to the biological agents, materials and biotoxins that are used, stored or handled.
4. Process and Structure The ECU Biological Safety Program is comprised of the Institutional Biological Safety Committee and the Biological Safety section of the Office of Prospective Health.
4.1. The Biological Safety section Office of Prospective Health, includes technical and administrative personnel who oversee, implement and enforce the program on a day to day basis. The Biological Safety Officers have responsibility and operational authority to assist with the safe use of biological agents, ensure compliance, and interface with regulatory agencies.
4.2. The Biological Safety Committee (a.k.a. Institutional Biological Safety Committee) is authorized to review, and approve all research projects using infectious or biohazardous agents, provide input and oversight of teaching or research laboratory activities utilizing biohazardous agents, determine the applicable BioSafety level and practices governing the safe conduct of the work, and review problems and recommend corrective actions.
4.2.1. The Committee is comprised of faculty and staff members representing multiple departments with experience using biological agents from across the entire campus and from the community.
18.104.22.168. The Committee is headed by a faculty member from Department of Microbiology and Immunology or another department with relevant expertise and experience.
4.2.2. This committee is required in order for the University to be eligible to receive any grants funded by National Institutes of Health (NIH).
4.3. Authority: Where unsafe practices, conditions immediately dangerous to life or health, or other actions in violation of established regulations, guidelines or ECU BioSafety standards are observed, the Biological Safety Officer is authorized to suspend the work until a thorough review can be made by the Institutional Biological Safety Committee and until biosafety procedures satisfactory to the committee are adopted.
4.3.1. Biological Safety will report adverse events to federal or state authorities as required.
5. The BioSafety Manual provides detailed information on the specific practices, procedures, physical and engineering controls and protective equipment to be followed. The manual:
5.1. Provides guidance for laboratories and individuals using Biological Materials or Select Agents and provides the Principle Investigator with reference materials and links to develop project-specific Biological Safety standard operating procedures,
5.1.1. Specifies the training required by all individuals working with these agents,
5.1.2. Serves as the Exposure Control Plan for Bloodborne Pathogens in research with human materials,
5.1.3. Outlines the proper handling, treatment and disposal of biohazardous wastes,
5.1.4. Describes the steps to be taken in the case of spills or other emergencies,
5.1.5. Prescribes any requirements for medical preventive and surveillance procedures,
5.1.6. Outlines the responsibilities of all parties involved in obtaining and using biohazardous agents.
5.2. The content of the manual is updated whenever applicable regulations or national standards change or are re-interpreted by authoritative agencies, to reflect current best practices and advisories, and to clarify administrative processes and procedures.
5.2.1. Changes to the BioSafety Manual will be initiated by the Biological Safety Section, reviewed and approved by the Institutional Biological Safety Committee and posted online.
6. References
6.1. The current NIH Guidelines for Use of Recombinant DNA, and their most recent interpretations, will be used to guide all research conducted at ECU, regardless of funding source.
6.2. The current BMBL serves as a national standard for BioSafety and the basic guideline for work with microorganisms and toxins. The principles of the BMBL are reflected in the BioSafety Manual.


text:
About University Communications
University Communications leads both outbound and internal communications with the university's many constituencies, including current and prospective students, faculty and staff, alumni, government and public officials, and the general public – working in close coordination with staff communicators in Athletics, Alumni Relations and other departments and schools.
Our staff provides expertise in the following areas:
Strategic Communications
Through the development of strategic marketing and communications plans, the Communications team works with campus partners to produce and gain attention for the many outstanding students, faculty, staff members, research projects, events and initiatives on the main Ole Miss campus as well as our regional campuses in Southaven, Tupelo, Booneville, Jackson and Grenada.
Media Relations
The Communications group serves as the liaison between campus partners and a wide range of broadcast, print and digital media outlets at the local, state and national level.
Video and Digital Strategy
The Communications team also includes resources for video production and content development for the university's web and social media initiatives.
Printing and Graphic Design
The Printing and Graphic Design team works closely with other members of University Communications to produce high-quality print and digital pieces for a variety of purposes, including marketing, alumni communications, on-campus promotions and national advertising.
The Photography team provides award-winning images to the Communications team, the Printing and Graphic Design team and to campus partners on a daily basis and are the talent behind the Ole Miss home page images as well as the university's Flickr account.
Please see our Services tab for more information on what we offer.
For media requests, please email email@example.com.
Contact Us
University Communications
Jim Zook
Associate Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications and Marketing
Printing and Creative Services
Hilarie Bain
Marketing and Brand Strategy
including Digital Imaging
Ryan Whittington
Strategic Communications
Lisa Stone


text:
Belle Costumes
Imagine a young woman, alone in a dark castle, who stands brave in the face of an unknown future. She did nothing to deserve her fate, but she will do her best, no matter what fate has in store for her. When choosing a costume this Halloween, one can do no better than a Belle Costume from Disney's Beauty and the Beast. When the Disney Company decided to tell the story of Belle and her journey to find love with an unlikely hero, they gave the world an iconic heroine for the ages. She is instantly recognizable as a strong woman who looks past the surface and sees the true heart that beats within.
Toddler's Belle Classic Costume
Reg. $30.99
She saw the evil that dwelt within the beautiful Gaston, and rejected him without pause, choosing instead to stand by one who initially presented a cold rage to all who saw him, knowing that the mask of anger hid a kind heart and a true gentleman. By her simple humanity, she rose above the expectations of those around her and found her place by the side of a kind and loving man.
When this classic tale of hidden truths comes to a close, we see that Belle has changed from the simple blue and white dress that she had worn throughout the movie and is now clothed in an elegant golden-yellow ball gown that reveals her true royal stature to all those who see her.
Make the choice this Halloween, show all who see you that you are a strong woman, who stands proud in the face of danger and the unknown by purchasing the elegant golden-yellow costume that was worn by Belle as she joins with her true love and finds the happiness that we are all looking for.


text:
What do you guys consider essential? I played around with rakarrack as an emulator and I wasn't that fond of many of the effects, but then again it could just be poor emulation. I love a good reverb, and had an awesome original Mk. III Tonebender I miss but I gave it away to somebody I thought could use it more than I, and compression can be nice on single coils.
When it comes to 10,000 flavors of distortion, overdrive, and boost I'm not even sure what they all do. I have a DF-7 pedal that emulates numerous distortions but none really turned on by any of them. The cheapo Danelectro Black Licorice with the octave switch on is the only way I know of for getting a sound like the intro to Sgt. Pepper but other than that it's awful. Boss DS-1 is well Meh. The Grunge pedal is pretty good with single coils, I do like some of the sounds from it. I have trem, vibrato, and flanger but never use them. Never tried EQ, chorus, delay, etc. etc. etc except in rakarrack.
So am I missing out on something essential? I know I'd be better off practicing as my playing is awful but being a gear head I always have to mess with things. Do I need an overdrive or boost to get my preamp tubes glowing? My amp is too big to ever get the power amp tubes glowing so that isn't really an option.


text: Greece has pledged to crack down on the far-right party Golden Dawn after it was accused of orchestrating the killing of a left-wing activist. The party denies any involvement. Golden Dawn also is accused of dozens of attacks on immigrants and opponents. As Henry Ridgwell reports for VOA from London, analysts see the party's growing support as a symptom of a so-called "crisis of democracy" in Greece.


text:
Breeding success with a fully automated climate control system
Cobb is a poultry research company engaged in the development, production, and sale of broiler breeding stock. This is one of the most important breeding companies in the world with almost 100 years of experience and presence in over 80 countries.
The necessity of a perfect climate control the whole year round
The investment in a state of the art broiler farm by Cobb-Vantress, was done in order to develop and test the new genetic material for the Brazilian market. The necessity of a perfect climate control the whole year round was a must, special attention was paid to air quality and fully automated system.
Munters complete climate control package
Munters rose to the challenge and supplied a complete climate control package. The broiler house is located in Ipigua, 500km North-West from the city of Sao Paulo. Munters complete climate control package includes: Euroemme® fans; CELdek® MI-T-edg® cooling pads; Easycool water distribution system; IW wall air inlets; GPn air heaters and Farm Premium P climate controller. All of the equipment is automatically operated in order to maintain the climate defined by the farm manager during the life cycle of the birds.


text:
I wonder if people will look back on the RSPCA prosecutions of 2012 in a hundred years time and feel the same amazement that anyone thought this kind of behaviour towards animals was acceptable as a "sport".
This seems to have been something of a test case, having been referred up to the High Court for a ruling on whether there was any case to answer; the point being that it tested how far the 1900 Act, which made cruelty to captive non-domestic animals an offence, also protected non-domestic animals kept in captivity and released for the purpose of being hunted with dogs.
Marshall Hall, the barrister defending the hunt, was something of a celebrity lawyer having led the defense in many notorious murder trials including the "Brides in the Bath" and the "Green bicycle case".


text:
This is Christmas music! To be fair, this tune has to be attributed to two different parties. First you have the fictional performers "The Professor Brothers," who have also rocked such classics like this one about JFK. Second, you have Brad Neely, the real-life man behind the magic and the guy who's responsible for that George Washington rap you have to have seen at some point.
All that said, Prisoner Christmas is a wonderful—if intentionally awful—Christmas song, and song in general. As (amazingly) jarring as the vocals may be, it's got a bizarrely catchy tune, a bit of relatively clever wordplay, and a floor-humping cry-solo like none the world has ever seen. Then again, I'm something of a fan of music that's not "good" in the most traditional sense, so you might disagree. But in any case, just be glad that the only place you'll be prisoner this Christmas is in a house with your family.


text:
Where the hell is the next Half-Life game? That's what two Vancouver-based Valve fans wanted to know when they set up shop opposite the headquarters of the people criminally late on shipping Half-Life 2: Episode Three. Valve founder Gabe Newell met with those "protesters" to deliver them good news and bad.
Newell told Kotaku at Gamescom that Valve's first public protest by a couple of "very nice" Canadians ended peacefully, even though the cops showed up.
"They wanted to know when Episode Three was coming out," Gabe said of his run-in with two diehard Half-Life fans. "I said 'I can't tell you.' And they were, like, 'OK…'" (Kotaku asked Newell the same question. He said "I got nothing for you.")
But it wasn't a total loss for the protesters.
"We asked them how many sodas they had," Newell said. "They only had two, so we sent them some sodas and some pizza." The group also got a tour of Valve's offices and some hands-on time with Dota 2. "We needed people to test," he explained.
"We were worried," Newell said of the cardboard-wielding micro-mob. "The cops showed up after someone else in the building called the police. He rode up on his Segway, but it turns out [the cop]was a big Half-Life fan. So he completely understood where they were coming from and didn't chase them off."
While the Half-Life 3 fans' protest may not have gotten us any closer to details on the further adventures of Gordon Freeman, they at least made an impression on Valve's co-founder.
"They stayed for two days. We miss them."
Image: Jason Sussman


text:
Pioneer Family, Part 2
Lacher, Marion. "Pioneer Family, Part 2." Prairies 8, no. 7: February 1985, 24-27.
PDF Document (PDF 335KB)
Anton Lacher was born on August 10, 1882 in Kandel, Russia. His parents were members of German pioneer families which had settled in South Russia. They were Sebastian and Rosalia Schweitzer Lacher, both born in Russia.
Anton married Barbara Geffre in 1902 at Leola, South Dakota. Barbara was born on February 2, 1885 in Russia and died on February 7, 1956 at Mandan, North Dakota.
Anton was a farmer, tax assessor, school teacher, and an interpreter during court sessions, translating from German to English.
Anton and Barbara had 16 children: Theresa, Sebastian, Peter, Paul, George, Katie, Katharina, Anton, Michael, Barbara, Frank, Pius, Lawrence, and Rosalia.
All have died, except the following: Anton lives in Tacoma, Washington; Frank farms near Venturia, North Dakota; Pius farms near Zeeland, North Dakota; Lawrence is custodian at the school in Ashley, North Dakota; and Rosalia lives in Linton, North Dakota.
The Anton Lacher homestead is now owned and farmed by their granddaughter, Barbara and Adam Tschosik.
Anton and Barbara Lacher were staunch members of the St. John's
Catholic Church in rural Zeeland, and, later, St. Andrew's
Catholic Church in Zeeland.


text:
Accent Eyecare needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 288 designs submitted by 44 freelance designers.
Accent Eyecare
Hello 99 Designs!
We are a small business that was referred to this site by a friend. I recently took over a optometry business and would like a fresh start on the branding. I'm looking for a neutral brand but hip to the current design trends at the same time. We are looking for a logo that can easily work across mediums, web and print. Something refreshing that is soft on the eyes. Something identifiable for those that perhaps can not see too well!
We are targeting an existing customer base that we need to win over with our new brand and new customers that we would like to attract with a fresh brand that gives optometry a in this century look. A brand that needs to be equally identifiable by an elder audience as it would a young and hip crowd.
Our logo should be very soft to the eyes and easily identifiable. No sharp colors, the logo should be very comfortable and easy to look at.
We would prefer a logo branded on the name rather than a secondary image. We want our clients to see the logo and remember the name.
We are looking to use this logo on our website, business cards, and as a letter head.
no eyecharts if possible please.
The office does medical eyecare as well as glasses(so no images of optical goods it may project the idea that our office does glasses "only". our medical eyecare patients are used to seeing plain, professional fonts(aka boring) and the eyeglass/sunwear/contact lens/lasik patients relate to more modern flashy styles, that mixture of clientele makes this logo challenging to create and rate. feel free to use any colors/fonts/etc.
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


text:
Honda CRF 1000L Africa Twin 2016+ Headers Stainless Steel
Write a review
Rs. 68,990.00
Honda CRF 1000L Africa Twin 2016+ Headers Stainless Steel
|Silencer mounting
|welded mount
|Headers material
|stainless steel
|Junction (outlet) diameter (mm)
|Oxygen sensor plug
|CO sensor plug
|Weight (Kg)
Part no. - 72129PD

This section does not apply to the "Used" listings and items that do not need to be shipped (e.g. Gift Cards).

Shipping timelines -

If the item is in stock it will ship within 2 business days. If the item is not in stock (and is on pre-order/back order) it will ship within 2 business days of it coming into stock.

Generally items take between 4-7 days from the time they are picked up by the courier company. Shipments to North-East states may take up to 10-15 days from the date of shipping. International shipments may take up to 15-20 days to be delivered from the date of shipping.

If your order is urgent, please email us or call us to confirm stock

If yours is a multi-product, different products may ship from different locations at different times.

You will receive an email every time a product ships.

Delivery areas - We ship all across India. Delivery timelines may vary based on location and mode of shipping.
For International Shipping please get in touch via email or phone. Shipping charges will apply based on the order.

Share this Product
Have a Question?
Be the first to ask a question about this.


text:
Roodogs4wd necesitaba un nuevo diseño de página web y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 26 diseños de 7 diseñadores freelance.
RooDogs 4WD
RooDogs 4WD Spares is your one stop shop for all the quality service and advice that you need.
We sell over 100,000 spare parts for all types of vehicles through Ebay and our physical stores. We are expanding our reach via an online store and aim to target anyone searching for parts for vehicles in particular 4wds.
Read more about us here:
We sell over 100,000 spare parts for all types of vehicles through Ebay and our physical stores. We are expanding our reach via an online store and aim to target anyone searching for parts for vehicles in particular 4wds.
The eventual aim is to wind back ebay operations and focus on the website.
We want to completely revamp our website and bring it inline with web2.0 standards. The new website will be designed in such a way that the "online shop" is independent of the main site in the backend, but seamlessly integrated from a frontend visitor perspective.
The new site should have a clean look and integrate with facebook/twitter.
As an ecommerce site the following elements should be visually prominent:
- featured items from the online store
- safe and secure website with SSL, Paypal and Credit Card payments
- Australian owned and operated with a local superstore for customers to visit in Melbourne
- the site should encourage people to sign up to the newsletter (KEY SECONDARY CONVERSION)
- the site should be designed around "Search" and search bars should be prominent to encourage customers to look for products they want.
Also best practice should be adopted for color schemes and where possible evidence used to back up the choice of color. For example if you think the buy now button should be red and not green, try and find an A/B test where this has been shown to be more effective.
- elements we want on this page are as above. The crucial aspect here is to encourage people to BUY from the site with other conversions (fb, newsletter, contact) being secondary.
- the site must look very trustworthy and have room to put relevant content on the site (such as latest news)
Of the elements currently on the page, we will be looking at retaining most of the content (albeit refreshed a bit). The general color scheme must still be kept but can be modified to suit the content somewhat.
All icons, menus and fonts are on the table and can be changed. We are also partly open to changing the logo, the Yellow Kangaroo sign must be kept as is and the same with the text, but the font and actual layout of the logo can be changed. In fact a more suitable font for the logo would be worthwhile (and it should fit in with the rest of the site).
Note that the new site will be integrated with an ecommerce site running SP-Cart so we may have some limitations in terms of design (see the ecommerce site to have a general idea)
I would like our design to incorporate these colours where practical. I dont like a design to be to clutered.


text:
Reviewed by Kevin B. (age 9)
I liked this book because I think the pictures are good and I think the author did a good job writing the story and teaching a lesson. The lesson was that it really doesn't matter what your house looks like, as long as you are a good person.
My favorite part was when Henry moved into the house because he was funny. When I read the book I felt silly.
I recommend this book to K-4 graders. I think they would love it!


text:
$55.25 to $67.15
Designed specifically for the pleasure and trail rider. Easy to apply, this horse boot requires no strength or force. Closure system keeps boots secure even in the toughest of trail conditions. Ideal to carry... Read More
This product is currently unavailable for purchase.
Designed specifically for the pleasure and trail rider. Easy to apply, this boot requires no strength or force. Closure system keeps boots secure even in the toughest of trail conditions. Ideal to carry as a replacement for lost shoe.
Easyboot Trail also doubles as a therapy boot, helping horses recover from abscesses, hoof injuries, founder, navicular disease, punctures and sole bruises. Sole shape is slightly longer than wide allowing a broader range of horses to wear the boots comfortably and securely.
Sizes: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10
Sold individually.
Click here for measuring and size chart.
- Brand: EasyCare
- Size: 1,0,2,4,5,3,6,9,10,8,7
- Dimensions: 4-1/8"- 4-5/16"W x 4-5/16" - 4½"L,3-15/16" - 4-1/8"W x 4-1/8"-4-5/16"L,4-5/16" - 4½"W x 4½"- 4¾"L,4½" - 4¾"W x 4¾" - 4-15/16"L,5-11/16" - 5-15/16"W x 5-15/16" - 6-1/8"L,5-15/16" - 6-1/8"W x 6-1/8" - 6-5/16"L
Reviews (8)
These are the worst boots ever! They break down and fall off in no time flat. I contacted easyboot and they did nothing. They said they are for light riding. Who rides light on a trail?
"Mud issues"
I borrowed a brand new pair from a friend to test out on a new horse that was too big for any of the boots I already had. Quickly found out that when you go through sloppy trails that have a lot of gravel and mud, the small gravel bits get in through the top.If you don't stop and clean them out, these small bits work down to hoof level and start grinding hoof wall away. They'd probably be fine on dry trails though. Ended up buying Epics for this horse instead.
"Excellent boots"
Boots have held up great through water and mud as well as on pavement and gravel. Very happy!
"Easy Trail Boots"
At first I was ecstatic about how easy and how well the Easy Boot Trail boots were. But after only about 8 times using them the back support fell apart. I only used them when I would be riding mostly on paved rides or moderately rocky trails on my rides are never longer then a couple of hours. So I was very disappointed that they didn't last. Am now looking at other brands to found a more secure boot
"amazing boots"
these boots are amazing....i rescued a horse that had bad hooves and couldnt hold shoes well. after much vet. care and 6 months of healing abscesses,thin hoof walls,some founder,i put these boots on all 4 hooves INSTANTLY this horse was pain free...thinking that this boot couldnt be that good when i took them off he was tender footed again.so as for my horse...it works instantly an it only took 5 mins or so for him to adjust walking in them.after many yrs of neglect and pain...this horse now has new life...spunky happy pain free...he loves his boots and i love our rides together too....thanks to jeffers equine for this product
"Easy boot Trail"
I bought the Easy Boot Trail about a yr. ago. I love them. They have stayed on through water, mud, snow, and dry ground. I have put a bunch of miles on thes boots and they are holding up very well. I was concerned about the height of them and rubbing but not a problem at all. The only slight problem is weeds to tend to stick in the velcro but comes out easily. I love them and will buy another pr. when needed. I might add, I have carpel tunnel and the easy of the velcro is a blessing.
"velcro not good in lots of mud"
Too much thick mud caused the velcro to rub up and pull apart from its self. Once it was full of mud you could not get it to stick again. Like the boots for dryer terrain they stayed on well and did not rub. Not good in lots of mud.
"Easyboot Trail rocks"
I purchased a pair of Easyboot Trail boots for a founder prone horse with crumbly, sensitive hoofs. He has not been ridden since late winter and we decided to pull his shoes this summer. This weekend, he went on a 10 mile trail ride with his new boots. He was comfortable and the boots stayed on thru mud, water and rocks. He even cantered a little. Thanks to Easyboot Trail to giving a little more comfort and usability to an old friend.
You May Also Like
$84.99 to $99.99
Prodigy Guardian Athletic Boots
Free Bell Boots with purchase. Click for details.
Ultra Paws Rugged Dog Boots, (set of 4)
$37.99 to $39.99


text:
By using this website you consent to St. John's University's security compliance and privacy policies.
Work at St. John's University
Ranked among America's top universities by The Princeton Review, St. John's University educates leaders for today's global society through quality academics, high-tech resources and an expanding international presence. With 1,500 Faculty and 1,700 Administrators/Staff, St. John's is a leading Catholic University in the Vincentian tradition, dedicated to making a positive difference in people's lives through active engagement in issues of energy and resource conservation, social justice and global citizenship.
Faculty Positions
Our online employment application is available 24/7 for viewing and applying for positions. View our open faculty positions throuth the link below.
Administrative Positions
With over 1,700 professional, administrative, staff and clerical employeees opportunities abound. View the links below for open positions.
Student Employment
Work on campus, there are many opportunities! Review the Student employment policies then see the job openings at each campus below.


text:
Flotek Industries Inc. (FTK) Drops 9.38% on February 02Equities Staff Follow |
Flotek Industries Inc. (FTK) was one of the Russell 2000's biggest losers for Tuesday February 02 as the stock slid 9.38% to $6.16, a loss of $-0.6375 per share. Starting at an opening price of $6.61 a share, the stock traded between $6.10 and $6.61 over the course of the trading day. Volume was 720,637 shares over 4,625 trades, against an average daily volume of 1.75 million shares and a total float of 53.63 million.
The losses send Flotek Industries Inc. down to a market cap of $330.48 million. In the last year, Flotek Industries Inc. has traded between $21.72 and $4.90, and its 50-day SMA is currently $9.76 and 200-day SMA is $14.05.
The stock has a P/E Ratio of 72.6.
Flotek Industries Inc provides drilling and production products and services to the energy and mining industries. The Company offers oilfield specialty chemistries and logistics, downhole drilling tools, and production related tools.
Flotek Industries Inc. is based out of Houston, TX and has some 561 employees. Its CEO is John W. Chisholm.
For a complete fundamental analysis analysis of Flotek Industries Inc., check out Equities.com's Stock Valuation Analysis report for FTK. To see the latest independent stock recommendations from Equities.com's analysts, visit our Research section.
The Russell 2000 is one of the leading indices tracking small-cap companies in the United States. It's maintained by Russell Investments, an industry leader in creating and maintaining indices, and consists of the smallest 2000 stocks from the broader Russell 3000 index.
Russell's indices differ from traditional indices like the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) or S&P 500, whose members are selected by committee, because they base membership entirely on an objective, rules based methodology. The 3,000 largest companies by market cap make up the Russell 3000, with the 2,000 smaller companies making up the Russell 2000. It's a simple approach that gives a broad, unbiased look at the small-cap market as a whole.
For more news on the financial markets, go to Equities.com. Also, learn more about our independent proprietary equity research reports and our robust do-it-yourself Stock Valuation Analysis reports in our Research section.
All data provided by QuoteMedia and was accurate as of 4:30PM ET.
DISCLOSURE: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors, and do not represent the views of equities.com. Readers should not consider statements made by the author as formal recommendations and should consult their financial advisor before making any investment decisions. To read our full disclosure, please go to: http://www.equities.com/disclaimer


text:
You wouldn't think of not having a car safety seat for your infant or toddler, but are you using it the right way?
Safe Kids Worldwide estimates that three out of four children are too small for seatbelts, or are incorrectly restrained in car seats or booster seats. Don't join the crowd; avoid these mistakes:
Using a defective car seat. Don't buy a used seat; you don't know its history. Avoid old ones (more than 10 years old), especially with missing parts or cracks. And never use seats that are missing a label or instructions, have been recalled, or were in a crash.
Using a forward-facing car seat too soon. Until children are age 2, they should face the rear. When they're older than 2, and have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit for their car safety seat (depending on the seat's limitations), the car seat can face forward. Older children should be in booster seats until they're at least 4 feet, 9 inches tall (usually ages 8 to 12). Until age 13, all children should sit in the backseat.
Installing the car seat incorrectly. Make sure it's tight, and never place the car seat in the path of an airbag.
Securing the harness straps incorrectly. They should always be snug and straight. For rear-facing car seats, use the two lower slots, and strap the harness at, or slightly below, the shoulders. For forward-facing seats, use the top slot and strap at, or slightly above, the shoulders.
Positioning the chest clip incorrectly. Snap the chest clip at armpit level for rear-facing car seats, and at mid-chest or armpit level for forward-facing ones.


text:
Marie Fenn calls it "playing tall." Compared with other commodity groups, the budget of the National Peanut Board is small. But like the peanut plant itself, it has expanded its pegging zone and put on yields equivalent to more than two tons an acre in its short five years of operation.
"We've had to play tall to have a program that has an impact," says Fenn, president and managing director of the National Peanut Board. "We've played tall with a little bit of money."
Formed five years ago, the NPB is a farmer-owned "self-help group," funded by peanut farmers themselves to the tune of about $10 million annually.
Speaking to the 36th annual meeting of the American Peanut Research and Education Society, Fenn said the NPB approached the challenge of increasing peanut consumption by addressing three areas.
"We have used a three-legged stool approach," Fenn says. "We're addressing the present and meeting the future with research, both producer and consumer; we're spurring demand through innovative, creative, targeted marketing promotions; insuring a receptive market and anticipating challenges before they happen."
Fenn told the peanut researchers that the NPB has a shared goal to help USA peanut growers increase yields, lower costs and grow the most desired peanuts in the world.
"Our industry is in a brand-new business," Fenn says. "One grower told me that he had been in the peanut business only two years. He had been growing peanuts for a long time, but was reflecting on the last two years" of the new peanut program.
A commitment to research is one of the hallmarks of the NPB program, Fenn says. "Funding for research is now up to $8 million over five years and we've added $1.1 million to production research for fiscal year 2005," she says. "A stimulated consumer market begins with research."
Getting off to a good start in 2000, the NPB funded a Gallup Study on consumer perceptions and usage of peanuts and peanut butter. They also followed up a study tracking consumer behaviors in 2002. In 2004, a study conducted by Stanley Fletcher, a University of Georgia ag economist, showed a 16 percent to 20 percent increase in peanut butter sales in the New York and Great Lakes area. The NPB message is also debunking the myth that peanuts are high in cholesterol.
"Our program has a consistent look and feel, targeted to what the consumer wants," Fenn says.
Take for example the friendly reminder posters, which create more than 2 billion consumer impressions annually. "It's tailored to work extra hard for us," Fenn says.
The peanut message is targeting major urban markets, in subways and on trains. In a two- month period, the campaign had more than 700 million impressions. Fenn tells the story about a consumer who wrote to say she had taken one of the posters, only to notice that it was replaced soon afterwards.
NPB has also attempted to get peanuts back on Delta Airlines flights. Former President Jimmy Carter is featured giving a strong endorsement of peanuts.
The group has also teamed with celebrity chef Mai Pham to promote the message in the media.
NPB is in its second year of sponsoring an online course with pro-chef.com and has attended the Peanut Institute's World of Flavors Conference to discover new trends.
Along with Skippy, the NPB is targeting military consumption of peanut butter in 170 commissaries worldwide to 11 million shoppers. Noting the trend of 46 cents of every food dollar being spent away from home, the NPB has devoted more resources to creating more demand in the food service industry.
Staying ahead of developing issues, the NPB has a crisis preparedness team that monitors and responds to issues, educates the media and tracks emerging issues and corrects misinformation. The NPB has awarded more than $2 million to peanut allergy research. "NPB's funding has helped accelerate peanut allergy research," Fenn says.
The combined results of the NPB's efforts for producers have been an increase in sales. "Peanut butter sales alone nationwide are up 9.7 percent," Fenn says.
Realizing that consumer preferences change, Fenn asks the question, "How do we extend this national program?"
"Research is the key that opens the door to increased yield and increased use," she told the APRES scientists. "It takes outside of the shell thinking and coordination.
"My hope is that we'll look at research differently. For producers to stay in business, we need to look at totally different ways of doing things. The vision of our board helps us do 'more with less.'"


text:
A little blog about life, family, food, and living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Leapin' Leprechauns! – Corned Beef Hash and Eggs with Mustardy Hollandaise
If you are like me, you may have some extra corned beef hanging about in your fridge. Not only did I have some left over meat from St. Paddy's Day, but I also was in possession of a few boiled potatoes from the same meal waiting to be used up. What to do, what to do? A lovely hash sounded in order. Plus, I had just read about a mustardy hollandaise that I wanted to try, which meant that since I'd have the eggs out anyway for the sauce, I might as well fry one up, too! (Picture me wiggling my eye brows up and down!) I have such a *thing* for eggs. If I were ever stranded on an island in the middle of no where and was allowed to bring a food with me, those lovely orbs would be my first choice. ANYWAY ... back to reality ...This hash was a snap to fix. Because the potatoes were already boiled, you do have to take a bit of care when frying them that you don't squash them. I prepared this in my handy dandy cast iron skillet, which provided great even heat and allowed the potatoes to turn a lovely golden shade in no time at all. Let's get crackin. (Get it? Crackin? Eggs? I know. Don't quit my day job.)
Corned Beef Hash: Serves Two
About 1 tablespoon butter
About 1 tablespoon olive oil
About 2 tablespoons diced onion
About 2 tablespoons diced green pepper
About 2 tablespoons diced red pepper
About 2 cups of leftover cubed cooked red potatoes
About 1 cup of leftover cubed cooked corned beef
Melt the butter into the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. When sizzling, add the onion and peppers, and sauté for about a minute or so. Add the potatoes, turn heat down to medium and let sizzle for about 3-4 minutes. When they start to look golden, add the corned beef. Stir/fold gently with a large spoon for about another 5 minutes. Done. Because the corned beef is so highly seasoned and since the potatoes were cooked with the corned beef, I didn't add a single spice to this.
Meanwhile, in another pan, prepare your egg. I fried mine over medium, but any style, even scrambled, would work great. Need some help in learning how to fry an egg? No worries. Here's one of many fool proof methods for preparing fried eggs. This will produce an egg where the white is cooked, and the yolk is runny. Melt a little butter or olive oil in a non stick skillet over medium heat. When almost sizzling, crack an egg into the pan. It should sizzle right up. Lift the pan off the burner, and very gently shake the pan. Hold this position for about 30 seconds to one minute. Then put the pan back on the burner, and using a spatula, slip the spatula under the egg and gently invert the egg back into the skillet. You can tip the skillet a bit if that helps. Set the pan back on the burner and turn off the heat. Let sit for about 30 seconds, and then using the spatula, invert again.Remove from the pan and serve immediately. I like to sprinkle a little bit of seasoned salt on mine just before serving.
For the hollandaise, simply make a basic hollandaise and just before completing, stir in a generous teaspoon of Dijon mustard. I actually prefer a spicy brown mustard and so that's what I used. If you don't have a recipe for hollandaise, there are multiple recipes on the internet for instructing how to make this delicious sauce. Don't be intimidated. It's not hard at all, and the results are wonderful. It reheats well, too.Leapin' Leprechauns! This dish was utterly delightful! I know that I emitted multiple yummy noises as I savored bite after bite. Just look at these eggs!The yolks are perfect here, and don't you just love their deep orange color? Now I know that some folks prefer their yolks cooked hard. Again, no worries. Any type of egg would work here. You could even scramble one into the hash if you'd like! Homemade corned beef hash is just soooo amazing. It's a thrifty way of using up leftovers, and by no means does it appear to be a "left over" dish. The mustardy sauce was simply supreme, and elevated this dish from yum to WOW!This was a great way to use up leftovers from St. Paddy's day, and definitely put a spring in my step. Did you have any leftover corned beef? What are you making with it? Oh, and like most recipes here at It's All Gouda, this is gluten free, all the way, baby! Happy (almost) Spring!
29 comments:
- Mediterranean kiwi said...
i love being creative with leftovers myself - you did a lovely job with this one, and what a hearty dish!
sadly, in greece the name PATRICK isn't honoured - i sinmply love that name so its a shame we have no one to wish a happy nameday to on that day
- March 19, 2009 at 10:56 AM
- Spryte said...
I don't really care for corned beef by itself... but I LOVE corned beef hash. That looks GREAT!
- March 19, 2009 at 11:11 AM
- Robynn's Ravings said...
Okay. My mouth watered when I read your TITLE on my blog page. Whaddya think happened when I clicked here?! OMWORD. I'm STARVING!! That looks INCREDIBLE.
- March 19, 2009 at 11:48 AM
- Tatersmama said...
There's no corned beef in the house, but I might just send the old guy out to buy some! Diced fine, I'm pretty sure I could eat this!! OMG..I WANT to eat this, even if I have to chew with my front teeth!
And the instructions for cooking the eggs? I had never heard of doing it this way, but since it's obvious we both love our eggs the same way, I'm gonna give it a try!!
- March 19, 2009 at 11:53 AM
- Dawn said...
Irish eggs benedict! My all time fav. Love the mustard kick in there, smart.
- March 19, 2009 at 11:58 AM
- Lynda said...
I'm wishing I had some corned beef in the house; This looks so good! And with mustard, no less! It's my kind of comfort food.
- March 19, 2009 at 1:13 PM
- Marjie said...
I love love love corned beef hash. Sadly, my dearly beloved doesn't care for corned beef, so I had no opportunity to have leftovers! Yours looks terrific!
- March 19, 2009 at 1:50 PM
- The Blonde Duck said...
I never knew hash existed, but now I want it!! YUM!
- March 19, 2009 at 1:53 PM
- Cheryl said...
Good gosh woman that looks fantastic, thats how I like my eggs too! I wish I had leftover of my corned beef, we inhaled it!
- March 19, 2009 at 3:27 PM
- Lakeland Jo said...
what a great blog. Not good for me who is on a strict diet. But I am drooling.
My husband loves hollandaise...i am pretty keen on it myself
- March 19, 2009 at 10:08 PM
- Pam said...
Oh my goodness - this looks superb. I've never had corned beef hash but have always wanted to try it. I love the dripping yolk picture - mmmmm good.
- March 19, 2009 at 10:20 PM
- Deborah said...
I love anything with hollandaise, so this sounds delish!
- March 20, 2009 at 1:47 PM
- Pam said...
I am feeling the lure of runny egg yolks. I cannot resist.
- March 20, 2009 at 2:15 PM
- Mari said...
I see recipes like this and they look sooooo delicious, and then I get lazy and I end up just buying a can of the premade hash, which is like the nastiest thing ever. It's so dissapointing! I really need to bite the bullet and make real, good-tasting homemade hash! This post inspires me!
- March 20, 2009 at 3:08 PM
- noble pig said...
We've had hash two nights in a row! It's so, so good and satisfying. I even fried up bacon to add to it as well.
- March 20, 2009 at 8:33 PM
- Grace said...
i'm not a fan of hollandaise usually, but simply including mustard makes it extremely appealing to me. nice trick. :)
- March 21, 2009 at 8:10 AM
- Jeena said...
This looks great Paula you can't beat a good bowl of corned beef hash!
- March 21, 2009 at 9:37 AM
- Kevin said...
That is an amazing looking breakfast! Just look at that runny egg yolk and the hollandaise sauce...mmm...
- March 21, 2009 at 1:26 PM
Yum! My all time favorite, Paula. The sight of that runny egg over that homemade hash made me hungry. Guess what I'm having for breakfast tomorrow!
- March 21, 2009 at 1:54 PM
- Bridgett said...
Oh my goodness, did you save me some? Corned beef hash is fantastic, although i do not like corned beef on its ow. Weird, huh? This looks wonderful, Paula!
- March 21, 2009 at 1:59 PM
- Jan said...
This sounds like a great way to use up your St. Patrick's day leftovers. I also like my eggs over medium as I cannot abide snotty eggs. :-)
- March 21, 2009 at 6:29 PM
- Jan said...
Oooh how yummy looking! Those eggs look amazing!
- March 22, 2009 at 3:07 AM
- Peter M said...
Thank you for the "up close & personal" shots of the hash...ahhhh!
- March 23, 2009 at 7:02 AM
- Bellini Valli said...
Yes I could use some corned beef hash about now:D
- March 23, 2009 at 11:12 AM
- Cathy said...
Oh my gosh, that looks good. I missed my corned beef and cabbage this year so I'm really hungry for it. Love the egg on top. Terrific photos Paula.
- March 23, 2009 at 3:22 PM
- Manggy said...
You know, I think I would have preferred this a million times over the boiled version! It looks so wonderfully good! Stomach churnin here!
- March 23, 2009 at 9:58 PM
- Lo said...
Oh, WOW.
This is the corned beef hash of my dreams!
We made mighty fine reuben panini with our leftovers... but this hash. I might make another roast just to have this!
- March 24, 2009 at 3:53 PM
- Aggie said...
I've only had corned beef hash out once and I really liked it, I know I would LOVE yours!! It looks awesome Paula! Gosh, what a great way to use up your leftovers!
- March 24, 2009 at 4:47 PM
- Proud Italian Cook said...
Oooh, that looks good Paula. I wish I still had some leftovers.And the mustardly hollandaise sounds great!
- March 24, 2009 at 8:15 PM


text:
Why are three-quarters of RA suffers women?January 12, 2013 at 6:03 pm | Posted in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) | 5 Comments
Tags: arthritis, genes and RA, genetic therapy, R.A., RA, RA genes, rhematoid arthritis, rheumatoid, Rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), rheumatoid arthritis genes, rheumatology, X chromosome
Well, all those of us who suffer from RA and/or are women will already know that it's not because we're a bunch of winging Minnies, but until recently, although a genetic link was suspected, it had not been found.
Professor Alan Silman, medical director of Arthritis Research UK, said: 'This is the first time that a genetic association has been established between rheumatoid arthritis and the X chromosome. This could provide a useful clue in helping us to understand why rheumatoid arthritis is three times more likely to occur in women.'
It was reported late last year that among the 46(!) genes that seem to be linked to people getting RA, some have recently been discovered that are on the X chromosome. Now both men and women have X chromosomes, but while women have two X chromosomes, men have one X and one Y chromosome instead, and the genes don't occur on the Y.
This is all part of a long-term study from the University of Manchester (UK) and the genes on the X chromosome are among the 14 found towards the end of last year.
Professor Jane Worthington, study lead based at the NIHR Manchester Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, said: 'This groundbreaking study brought together scientists from around the world and involved the use of DNA samples from more than 27,000 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and healthy controls' She added, 'We observed remarkable similarities with genetic markers associated with other autoimmune diseases,' which is an interesting, but perhaps unsurprising finding.
The intention behind all this work is that it will lead to new 'genetic therapies' – drugs that can target certain genes and switch them on/off as appropriate. Let's hope they won't be too long in coming!
Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com.
Entries and comments feeds.


text:
FORMER Manchester United boss David Moyes, who has been linked with the vacant Saints manager's job, has revealed he has had job offers.
Moyes has told the Scottish Sunday Post that he was ''tempted by one or two'' of the offers he had had since leaving Old Trafford.
Moyes, 51, said he had had some ''very good'' job offers since being sacked by United in April, when he was just 10 months into a six-year contract, but may choose to take a break from working in football.
He said it was ''unfortunate'' he was not given more time at Old Trafford but insisted he had benefited from his short spell in charge there.
The Scot said he had learned some ''invaluable lessons'' during his time at the club.
Moyes, who took over from Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager, told the Sunday Post: ''I really enjoyed my time at Manchester United, It taught me some invaluable lessons. I'm sure I will benefit from the whole experience.
''I believe I'll be a much wiser and more knowledgeable coach and manager from the short period I had at Old Trafford.''
''However I may still choose to have a break and enjoy watching and observing football throughout the world,'' he added.
''But what I do know for sure is that I have moved on.''
Moyes said he believed he would be given more time to implement a revamp at the club, and said that players, including Wayne Rooney and Darren Fletcher, had contacted him with messages of support after he left He also said: ''I believe I had nothing but support from Sir Alex during my short period as manager.
''When I succeeded him he advised me of some changes that had to be made. I took his advice on board and started to implement the changes and modernise certain aspects.
''I also became aware of other changes that were necessary and put plans in place. It was never going to all come together in a few weeks or months.''
He added: ''It was unfortunate I wasn't given more time to succeed.''


text:
April 27, 2008
DAVIS, Calif. - The UC Santa Barbara softball team defeated UC Davis 6-2 on Sunday at the Aggies' La Rue Field to avoid being swept in the three-game Big West Conference series.
With the win the Gaucho record improves to 26-22 and 9-6 in the Big West. UC Davis falls to 22-31 on the season and 7-8 in conference. The Aggies won the series after posting a pair of wins on Saturday by way of 2-1 and 4-1 scores.
Christine Ramos led-off at the top of the first with a bunt single and then stole second during Jessica Ziegler's at-bat. Ziegler reached on a throwing error by the Aggies, which also gave Ramos ample time to score, getting the Gauchos on the board, 1-0. Tiffany Wright followed with single to shortstop and then stole second, putting two runners in scoring position. Tisha Duran grounded out on the next play, but drove Ziegler home in the process. Following the second out of the inning, Ericka Hansen hit an RBI single to left field bringing Wright home for the unearned run and stretching the UCSB lead to 3-0.
At the top of the third inning, Ziegler led-off with a single to shortstop and then stole second before Wright doubled down the left field line sending the runner home. Duran doubled during the next at-bat allowing Wright to score, but Duran was caught trying to make it to third base giving Davis the first out of the inning. The next two batters went down in order, but the Gauchos held a 5-0 advantage.
The Aggies fought back in the bottom of the fourth inning when with one out, Sarah O'Neill hit a double to left field. During the ensuing at-bat Erin Emde pounded one over the left field fence to cut the Gaucho lead to 5-2. Ashley Johnson followed with a single to right field and then moved to second on a wild pitch. The next two batters went down in order, ending the Aggie rally.
Danielle Meyers opened the top of the seventh with a lead-off triple to left center field. Nicole Churnock followed with an RBI single up the middle, extending the UCSB advantage to 6-2. Ramos then reached after being hit by a pitch, but was out at second when Ziegler reached on a fielder's choice. Wright flied out to center field, giving the Aggies their final out of the game with a pair of Gauchos stranded on the corners.
Jessica Gonzales led-off with a walk at the bottom of the inning before MeLinda Matsumoto came in to relieve Tami Weston in the circle. Trish Paine followed with a single to left field, putting two runners on with no outs. Michelle Espiritu reached first on a fielder's choice as the Gauchos beat Paine to second. Espiratu stole second before the following batter grounded out, giving UCSB the second out of the inning. Matsumoto struck out the final batter swinging helping the Gauchos to the 6-2 victory.
Wright led the Gauchos at the plate going 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and two runs. Duran went 1-for-3 with two RBI and a double.
In the circle, Tami Weston earned the win after pitching six innings and allowing two runs on six hits. She walked three and struck out three in the victory. Weston now holds a 9-6 season record. MeLinda Matsumoto pitched the final inning for UCSB and allowed just one hit while striking out one.
For the Aggies, Jessica Hancock pitched the complete game and allowed six runs, four of which were earned, on eight hits with no walks and two strikeouts. She now holds a 15-18 season record.
UCSB will return home to Campus Diamond next Saturday, May 3 for its final home series of the season. The Gauchos will face Big West foe Pacific in a three-game series, which will begin with a noon doubleheader on Saturday.


text:
Normally the local fund management scene is a pretty cosy affair with no one pointing the finger at anyone else just in case they criticise them back sometime in the future. Other players like stockbrokers are far too scared of losing business to even think of criticizing a big local manager. This comfortable state of affairs took a turn for the worse recently when minor player Elevation Capital objected to the performance of the management and directors of listed closed end fund Marlin Global Limited (MLN). MLN is managed by Carmel Fisher and her crew at Fisher Funds. Elevation is led by Chris "Swashbuckler" Swasbrook and counts amongst its board former fund manager Craig Stobo, who used to run BT Funds Management.
The story thus far is that Elevation has bought a few shares in MLN and then had the temerity to request that MLN put before shareholders a proposal that MLN sell up its share portfolio and pay out the money to shareholders. That would mean the end of the fee stream. Nasty! I think we can safely assume that Craig and Andrew won't be going to Carmel's birthday party in November.
Elevation's case is firstly, that winding up MLN will give shareholders total proceeds considerably higher than the current market value of MLN because the company trades at a discount to Net Asset Value. Secondly Elevation notes that the shareprice performance of MLN hasn't been great because it has underperformed the benchmark however the net asset value has outperformed. Thirdly Elevation says MLN has a very high total expense ratio this has averaged a whopping 2.48 per cent pa since it started.
Not unexpectedly MLN's independent directors rejected the proposal calling it "opportunistic" and "without merit". The question before the panel today is "was this the right decision by the independent directors and did they consider the key variables?" But first, a bit of irony Stobo used to run BT and just last week I looked at the management expense ratios of three of BT's largest funds and, hello, at an average of 2.0 per cent they weren't too dissimilar to MLN's 2.48 per cent that Mr Stobo is criticising. But hey, times change and it is good to see a bit of competition in the fund management space.
Complicating things further the independent directors of MLN have just reappointed Fisher Funds as fund manager for a further 5 years. The Chairman of MLN, Alistair Ryan, said that the Board had taken expert advice from the likes of Morningstar and others in making those decisions and in particular the Board noted that Morningstar had advised that "MLN has been the best performing of twenty nine comparable NZ PIE entities investing internationally since inception".
A cynic would say so what? Previously this column has shown that NZ international PIE funds have very high fees and a tax disadvantage so the comparison should be to the performance of the index and NZ investors can access this performance with very low fees via a number of low cost passive funds listed on various stockmarkets with management fees very much lower than that of MLN. The appropriate comparison is with the Global Smaller Companies Index. Back to school Morningstar!
But past performance is probably irrelevant anyway Marlin has only been going for four years. Warren Buffett has a history of outperforming the stockmarket long term but has underperformed in the last 10 years. Maybe MLN's independent directors are looking in the wrong direction. Writing in the Financial Times the other day a senior visiting fellow of the Pensions Institute at the Cass Business School said "there is little academic evidence to support the argument that asset management and a potential for outperformance is more important than costs" so perhaps MLN's independent directors should instead have focused their deliberations on cost and asked themselves how do total fees of 2.48 per cent pa look relative to competitors including passive funds and most importantly relative to prospective returns.
All going well they would probably have concluded that 2.48 per cent is a very high expense ratio. Fisher Funds have pointed out that their standard management fee is "only 1.25 per cent and under some circumstances can drop to as low as 0.75 per cent". Fisher Funds added that historically the fees charged have been impacted by defending various liquidation proposals. This is correct but the bottom line is that the average fee sustained by shareholders has been 2.48 per cent and one can argue that the only reason shareholders incurred fees to defend the liquidation of the company were because fees were too high in the first place. Furthermore MLN has an indefensible performance fee structure whereby the benchmark is mis-specified it is a fixed interest based benchmark against an equity performance.
It might be a further revelation to MLN's independent directors that all the evidence, not to mention commonsense and economic theory, suggests that the higher the annual fee impost of a listed fund the wider will be the discount, ceteris paribus. A share only has value to the extent that it produces cash flow. But if you own a share portfolio via a managed fund you don't get all that cash flow some of it is siphoned off in fees and all other things being equal a fund will trade at a discount approximating the net present value of the cash flow foregone in fees.
Putting it bluntly you can buy back shares and manufacture an artificially high dividend until the cows come home but if your fees are too high that pesky discount isn't going to go away and that is the story of MLN thus far, unfortunately. Pity none of MLN's advisers are brave enough to tell it like it is! Marlin's independent chairman has pointed out however that sentiment is a factor as regards discounts.
So all in all not a great performance from MLN's independent directors but they are in a difficult situation. Clearly the fact that total fees have been as high as 3.4 per cent since it started and have averaged 2.48 per cent pa is likely to be a huge impediment to performance and this needs to be addressed. Anything else will just mean that the discount will reappear again sooner or later and probably attract the attention of predators. MLN needs to get some new advisers, ditch the performance fee and reduce management fees further. Then the discount, and perhaps predators like Elevation, might go away for good. The vote was put to shareholders early in November and the resolution failed but significantly of the shares that were voted one in four voted for the transaction. This is a wakeup call for directors.