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Amgen, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN)
Q1 2006 Earnings Conference Call
April 18th 2006, 5:00 PM.
Arvind Sood Vice President, Investor Relations
Kevin Sharer, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President, Chairman of Executive Committee and Member of Equity Award Committee
Richard Nanula, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President - Finance, Executive Vice President - Strategy and Communications
George Morrow, Executive VP of Global Commercial Operations
Roger Perlmutter, Executive Vice President of R&D
Joel Sendek, Lazard Capital Market
Geoffrey Porges, Sanford Bernstein
Steven Harr, Morgan Stanley
Maykin Ho, Goldman Sachs
Elise Wang, Citigroup
Mark Schoenebaum, Bear Stearns
Shiv Kapoor, Montgomery & Co
Eric Ende, Merrill Lynch
Christopher Raymond, Robert W. Baird
Jeff Eason, JPMorgan
Gene Mack, HSBC
Jamie Rubin, Morgan Stanley
Sally Yanchus, Bessemer Investments
Andrew Barron, Citigroup
Craig Parker, Lehman Brothers
Eric Schmidt, Cowen
Good afternoon, my name is Angela and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to the Amgen First Quarter Financial Results 2006 Conference Call. All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speakers' remarks, there will be a question-and-answer session. If you would like to ask a question during this time simply press "*" then the number "1" on your telephone keypad. If you would like to withdraw your question press "*" then the number "2" on your telephone keypad. Thank you. Mr. Sood, you may begin your conference.
Arvind Sood Vice President, Investor Relations
Okay, thanks very much. Good afternoon everybody, and I would like to welcome you to our First Quarter 2006 Conference Call. With me today are Kevin Sharer, our Chairman and CEO, who is going to lead off the call, followed by our CFO, Richard Nanula, who is going to give you additional details on our financial performance during the first quarter. Also with us today is George Morrow, our Executive Vice President of Global Commercial Operations. And George will make some comments on the overall market and the current issues facing the commercial organization. After George, Roger Perlmutter, who is our Executive Vice President of Research and Development, will provide a pipeline update.
So before I start, I would like to make the customary cautionary statements. Through the course of the call today, we are going to make some forward-looking statements. And of course, we can't guarantee that they will be accurate and actual results could vary materially. So with that, I would like to turn the call over to Kevin. Kevin?
Kevin Sharer, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President, Chairman of Executive Committee and Member of Equity Award Committee
Yeah thanks, Arvind. We are off to a good start in 2006 with total revenues for the quarter up 14% over the prior year, and adjusted earnings per share up 26% for the same period. Our marketed products continue to do well. You heard us say that even though we have achieved leading positions within each of our product categories given the current penetration rates, there is still a lot of room for additional growth. Richard will go into additional details on our performance during the first quarter as well as the outlook for the remainder of the year.
Let me comment on the business environment in 2006. On the reimbursement front, things are simpler with the transition more complete to the ASP methodology. As we had anticipated, we are starting to see stability in our ASPs, as evidenced by the ASPs for the second quarter 2006. George will discuss this in more detail, including what we are hearing about the new CMOS oncology demonstration project.
I would like to comment on some notable milestones during the quarter. First, we completed the filing of panitumumab with the FDA for third-line metastatic colorectal cancer. The pivotal study, which has been used to support this application was presented at the recently held meeting at the American Association of Cancer Research. I'm excited about the many key opportunities that we have in our pipeline. I believe our decision to increase adjusted R&D expenses by 30% to 40% this year is the right decision, given the many opportunities that we have. Roger will recap the panitumumab data together with a broader pipeline update, including information on the start of some major clinical trials involving our late-stage clinical compounds.
We also successfully closed on our acquisition of Abgenix. This transaction will allow us to capture the full economic benefits of panitumumab and provide full access to the XenoMouse technology, which could lead to the development of additional novel compounds.
As you know, there has been much talk of late about Roche and its peg-EPO product. Based upon Roche's public comments, we anticipate that Roche's BLA filing could take place any day. We believe peg-EPO violates six of Amgen's US patents, and Amgen is seeking to prevent Roche from importing and selling peg-EPO in the United States. On November 8, 2005, Amgen filed a patent lawsuit against Roche in federal court. And on April 11, 2006, Amgen filed a complaint with the International Trade Commission requesting that the ITC exclude peg-EPO from the U.S. market. Many of you have asked why we're pursuing these two actions simultaneously. While I'm not going to comment specifically on Amgen's legal strategy, there are some differences in timing and available remedies in the federal court and ITC actions that make it appropriate for Amgen to pursue both actions simultaneously to get the strongest possible response to Roche's actions. We believe this litigation will proceed in the normal course in the coming months. We have great confidence in our patent portfolio and a proven track record of protecting our therapies from infringers.
We also believe that peg-EPO provides no additional clinical benefits versus Amgen's innovative therapies: EPOGEN and Aranesp. As you know, Amgen revolutionized anemia treatment with the introduction of EPOGEN and Aranesp, which have accumulated over 4 million combined patient years of experience. I would now like to turn the call over to Richard.
Richard Nanula, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President - Finance, Executive Vice President - Strategy and Communications
Thanks, Kevin. I'm pleased to report that adjusted earnings per share, excluding stock option expense increased 26% for the first quarter to $0.91 per share. On a GAAP basis, earnings per share increased 22% to $0.82 in the first quarter versus $0.67 in the prior year. Effective January 1, 2006, we began recording expense associated with employee stock options in accordance with the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Number 123(NYSE:R). As a result, reported GAAP results for the first quarter of 2006 were negatively impacted by $66 million on a pre-tax basis from the inclusion of related stock option expense.
Stock option expense in the first quarter was $0.04 per share versus $0.06 in the first quarter of 2005. Adjusted EPS, including stock option expense were $0.87 for the first quarter of 2006, an increase of 32% compared to $0.66 in the first quarter of 2005. Total product sales grew 14% to 3.1 billion over Q1 2005 sales of 2.7 billion. Total revenues also grew 14% compared to the first quarter of last year, reaching 3.2 billion. When we look back a number of years, we have consistently seen a sequential decrease in product sales from the fourth to the first quarter. For example, the first quarter sequential decline was 1% in 2006, it was 2% in 2005.
Sequential quarterly growth rates can be influenced by a variety of factors, such as shipping shortages due to extended holiday periods and buy-ins tied to contractual discount incentives. More importantly, underlying demand for our products remained strong, and with the exception of Enbrel, is in line with our expectations. George will discuss our products in greater detail in a moment.
With respect to Aranesp and Neulasta, we exited the first quarter with wholesale inventories somewhat below our normal expected range driven by strong demand at the end of the quarter. Our other products' inventories ended the quarter within the normal range. First quarter U.S. sales totaled 2.6 billion, an increase of 15% versus the first quarter of 2005. Total international sales were at 556 million, an increase of 10% versus the first quarter of 2005, and were negatively impacted by 46 million from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. However, this impact is offset in our bottom-line through our non-US operating expenses and our foreign currency hedging program. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange, worldwide product sales increased 16%, and the international product sales increased 19%.
Now I'll turn to operating expenses, which as usual I will discuss on an adjusted basis. Cost of sales rose 13% primarily due to higher manufacturing costs, in part due to higher sales volumes. Enbrel costs in the first quarter were higher, as we shared the costs related to the ramp-up of our partner Wyeth's Grange Castle facility under our global supply agreement. Higher costs of sales substantially offset lower royalty expenses as our contractual royalty obligations on NEUPOGEN and Neulasta with Amgen clinical partners expired in December of 2005.
R&D expenses rose 20% during the first quarter over Q1 '05, mainly due to higher staff levels and increased funding necessary to support clinical trials for our late-stage programs, including higher clinical manufacturing costs. As a percentage of sales R&D rose 1 percentage point to 20% compared to 19% during the first quarter of 2005, which contributed to the 1% decline in our operating margins to 44.4%. In January, we indicated to you that R&D expense would increase 30 to 40% this year, as we continue to initiate numerous large-scale trials throughout the remainder of the year, we expect to see accelerated growth in R&D expenses, inline with that guidance. As Kevin mentioned, given the opportunities we see in our pipeline, we believe this increased investment in R&D is the right strategy for long-term growth.
SG&A expenses rose 13% in the quarter, primarily due to higher staff level to support the growing organization, higher legal costs and higher Wyeth profit share expenses related to Enbrel sales growth. Our adjusted tax rate was 25.1% for the quarter versus 26.4% in the first quarter of 2005. For the full year, we now expect our adjusted tax rate to be lower than 2005 versus our previous guidance of a rate comparable to 2005, due to expanded manufacturing activities in Puerto Rico and what we believe may be some likely favorable tax settlements.
During the first quarter of 2006, adjusted EPS growth of 26% exceeded revenue growth of 14% by 12 percentage points. This earnings leverage was driven by a higher interest income, a lower-than-planned tax rate and a lower share count. This leverage is expected to moderate by the end of the year as we incur higher R&D expenses as well as absorb the dilution related to the Abgenix acquisition, beginning in the second quarter.
The Company now expects 2006 adjusted EPS in the range of $3.60 to $3.70, including expected dilution from the Abgenix acquisition but excluding stock options, up from a range of $3.55 to $3.70 per share, which excluded both the impact of the Abgenix dilution and stock-option expense.
In the second quarter, we expect to record a significant charge for acquired in-process R&D and development, so in-process research and development related to the Abgenix acquisition, which we will also exclude from adjusted earnings. In February, we completed a $5 billion convertible debt issuance. These notes carry interest rates of 1/8th of a percent on the 2.5 billion five-year notes and 3/8ths of a percent on the 2.5 billion seven-year notes. In connection with the bond issue, we entered into a bond hedge and warrant transactions which had the economic effect of raising the effective conversion premium to 50%.
Concurrent with the debt issuance, we repurchased a total of $3 billion of company stock. Aggregate repurchases for the quarter were 47 million shares at a total cost of 3.4 billion. This reduced our absolute shares outstanding as of March 31 to 1.178 billion. For purposes of calculating our adjusted EPS, the weighted average shares used this quarter were 1.214 billion versus 1.29 billion in Q1 of 2005. This reduction reflects our aggressive share repurchase program as well as the repayment and term modifications of our prior convertible debt issuance.
Turning to the balance sheet, capital expenditures were $225 million for the quarter. During the quarter, we announced major manufacturing expansion projects in Ireland and Puerto Rico, as well as the global expansion of our R&D capabilities. Our cash and marketable securities were 7.1 billion at the end of the first quarter, and just after quarter end, we funded the $2.1 billion Abgenix cash purchase price, thereby lowering our cash balances. Next, George will provide commentary on our products and business.
George Morrow, Executive VP of Global Commercial Operations
Okay as Richard mentioned, total product sales rose 14% during the first quarter. Overall, with the exception of Enbrel, our product performance was in line with our expectations. So let me turn to the key factors affecting our performance, starting with Aranesp. Worldwide sales of Aranesp increased 24% in the first quarter of 2006 versus the same quarter of 2005. In the U.S. Aranesp continues to exhibit strength, due to both share gains and market growth, where we saw 33% growth in net sales in the first quarter compared to the first quarter of 2005. We believe that our recent approval for every-three-week dosing will be a significant benefit for patients allowing them to synchronize their anemia treatments with their every-three-weak chemo, further strengthening Aranesp's position in this segment.
In the EU, Aranesp's share increased to 45% in oncology and 46% in nephrology. We continue to drive the uptake of extended dosing regimens in both settings, which is important in our preparation for the entrance of biosimilars in coming years. And we currently don't expect to see any biosimilars in the EU in 2006. We have seen good adoption of SureClick, our auto injector, in the EU since its launch in the summer of 2005. This device further differentiates Aranesp in both indications, as well as Neulasta, from the competition.
Speaking of NEUPOGEN and Neulasta, worldwide sales increased 13% for the quarter, driven by focused efforts in the U.S. on expanding first cycle utilization in moderate-risk chemo regimens. In the U.S., net sales for the Filgrastim franchise grew 15% during the quarter versus the same quarter last year, and Neulasta currently has a 74% share. Regarding the label expansion, we currently estimate that only about 22% of chemo patients in the clinic setting are receiving a colony-stimulating factor in the first cycle. Furthermore, there are potentially 100,000 total patients undergoing chemo regimens with a febrile neutropenia risk of 17% or greater who, according to our label, could benefit from Neulasta in the first cycle. Our field force is focused on continuing to get this important message out to our customers.
In the EU, we are still actively converting patients over from NEUPOGEN to Neulasta, and Neulasta's share increased to 46% by the end of the quarter. It is now the segment leader. Before I move on, just a few points about the U.S. reimbursement environment. In 2006, due to the combination of stable product discounts and smaller incremental price increases, we have seen a flattening of ASP figures. In fact, the second quarter '06 ASPs just released by the CMS reflect a small increase for Aranesp, Neulasta and NEUPOGEN versus quarter one.
The 2006 oncology demonstration project is not linked to the administration of chemotherapy, as the 2005 version was, but rather to evaluation of management visits. This helps CMS meet its objective of having oncology payments focused increasingly on patient-centered care rather than on chemotherapy administration. It has targeted about half of the funding originally targeted for the 2005 demo. But because it is seeking information on the state of patients' disease, and whether treatment is following clinical practice guidelines, we believe that this demonstrates CMS' continued commitment to quality cancer care and established guidelines.
The Competitive Acquisition Program or CAP that has been proposed as an alternative to the buy-and-bill model for oncology is scheduled to begin in July. As physicians have not yet begun to enroll in this program, we do not have sufficient details to assess its impact, if any, on our business. Beginning in 2006, CMS final rules adopted ASP for the hospital outpatient setting and discontinued the application of an equitable adjustment to the payment rate for Aranesp. And the last point on the reimbursement is to date, we have seen limited but increasing adoption of ASP by private payers.
So, picking up with EPOGEN, sales were up 4% in quarter one '06 versus quarter one '05. The major driver of the year-over-year sales growth, as Richard mentioned, was wholesaler inventory changes. Demand increased in the freestanding dialysis centers, consistent with patient population growth of 3% to 4%, but was offset by the increased use of Aranesp in hospital dialysis. Aranesp used in the hospital setting is being driven by pricing and a preference to stock a single red cell booster.
As a reminder, the vast majority of EPOGEN business is currently in the freestanding dialysis centers, as compared to the hospital-based dialysis centers. We expect that for the full year of 2006, Aranesp use in dialysis will stabilize at approximately 200 to $240 million. The revised CMS EPOGEN policy, the erythropoietin monitoring policy, was implemented on April 1, 2006. We believe that this policy will enable physicians to continue their focus on effective anemia management, and will have no significant impact on utilization of EPOGEN.
Turning to Sensipar, worldwide sales increased 126% versus quarter one '05, continuing the strong momentum from launch. In the U.S., demand has grown steadily through appropriate dose penetration and market penetration. We continue to see greater use in patients with parathyroid hormone levels less than 440, which we believe is a sign of physicians' increased comfort with the drug. We believe that adoption could be further enhanced as a result of the broader coverage by the new Part D Medicare benefit.
In the EU, sales growth is demand-driven and reflects the ongoing strong momentum from launch, which occurred about a year and a half ago. As in the U.S. market, we are starting to see usage earlier in the disease progression, which also reflect increased comfort with the drug.
I will finish up with Enbrel. Sales grew 11% for the quarter versus the same quarter last year. The rheumatology segment grew 16% and the dermatology segment grew 18% during the quarter versus the same quarter last year. We have seen a slowing in both segments this quarter. We believe that a portion of the slowdown can be attributed to a sharp decline in enrollment of patients in the demo project at the end of quarter four 2005. Doctors decreased enrollment of patients in the demo project in anticipation of Part D beginning in January.
In addition, as I'm sure you all know, patients experienced difficulties with Part D enrollment in the first quarter. Last year, we began activities to assist patients with enrollment. In February, we launched an even more specialized program to assist seniors to enroll in Part D. We believe that the majority of issues with Part D are behind us, and going forward, we should see continued growth in the number of Enbrel patients, as a result of access to Part D benefits.
Rheumatology sales were also impacted by an increase in competitive activities. In September, Humira has gained an expanded label for psoriatic arthritis and increased their spend. In addition, J&J approached rheumatologists with new REMICADE contracts, which included higher discounts in the fourth quarter. Although we have maintained our lead share position at 41%, we are down from 43% in the second half of last year.
In the dermatology segment, Enbrel's share for the quarter was 83%, down from 85% in the prior year, and sales were negatively impacted by the slowdown in the growth of this segment. Our market research efforts have shown that the number of patients asking their dermatologist for Enbrel declined after pulling our TV ad last May. We believe that informed patients actively seek new treatment alternatives and partner with their physician to move through the prior authorization reimbursement hurdles.
On a positive note, we currently have a branded DTC campaign on the air in rheumatology, and plan to be back on the air with dermatology in the next few months. We will continue to use direct-to-consumer advertising to increase patient awareness on the benefit of biologics and, more specifically on Enbrel. We remain confident in the long-term growth opportunity of Enbrel. Rheumatology and dermatology are large, dissatisfied and underpenetrated segments. Enbrel is a valuable option for patients, based upon its well-established clinical profile of safety and efficacy. I will now turn it over to Roger.
Roger Perlmutter, Executive Vice President of R&D
Thank you George. Well, at our annual investors' meeting in January, I outlined the key components of the clinical programs for both our currently marketed products as well as our registrational products, their expected timing and the associated increase (technical difficulty). Before beginning this afternoon, I would like to note that for purposes of this earnings call and the others to be made during this year, I will concentrate our update only on those programs with significant activity. During our year-end call and corresponding investor presentation next year, we will again provide a comprehensive update similar to the press releases back in January.
Now let me take you through the key programs and update you on our progress. As George mentioned with respect to Aranesp, the FDA has approved every-three-week dosing of Aranesp for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced anemia in patients with nonmyeloid malignancies. Aranesp is the only erythropoiesis-stimulating agent approved by the FDA for every-three-week administration. We also received approval in Australia for Aranesp extended dose in the nephrology and oncology setting, and have submitted a BLA for Aranesp nephrology extended dose in Canada. The submission and approval of extended dosing protocol for Aranesp in these disease settings is an important milestone, allowing anemia treatment to be synchronized with the practice of care, for example, both weekly and every-three-week chemotherapy, which are the most commonly used treatment regimens. This schedule flexibility offers improved convenience for patients and less injection-related burden and burden on health-care professionals compared to current anemia treatments.
Data on extended dosing regimens using Aranesp in patients with anemia due to chronic kidney disease were filed with the FDA at the end of 2005. These data cover monthly maintenance dosing after de novo Q2 week correction of anemia. The data should support a U.S. label for Aranesp similar to the label in Europe. With respect to denosumab -- denosumab, as you will recall, targets RANK Ligand and acts at the level of the osteoclast to inhibit bone resorption. We're studying denosumab for its potential in a broad range of conditions associated with bone destruction including osteoporosis, treatment-induced bone loss, prevention of bone metastases and amelioration of the effects of these metastases, treatment of multiple myeloma and amelioration of structural damage in rheumatoid arthritis.
As I previously mentioned, more than 10,000 patients are now enrolled in denosumab clinical trial. This program includes our pivotal Phase III trial in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis, where the primary endpoint is reduction in vertebral fractures. It is a three-year trial that will not be finished until 2008. As I stated previously, we believe that three-year fracture data will provide the basis for regulatory approval, based on the novel mechanism of action of denosumab and, hence, the desire to accumulate substantial information about chronic treatment of osteoporosis with this new molecule. In addition, we want to have the best possible chance of demonstrating a reduction in hip fracture with denosumab, which requires longer-term treatment to achieve statistical significance.
It is our expectation that we will file for denosumab in postmenopausal osteoporosis in both in the U.S. and the EU, using three-year fracture data. We are conducting three additional Phase III trials on the prevention of osteoporosis and the protection against the reduction in bone mineral density seen in patients undergoing hormone-ablative therapy for breast or prostate cancer.
On the oncology side, as previously discussed, denosumab has the potential to prevent bone metastases, as well as to inhibit and treat bone destruction across all cancers with metastatic components involved. Data from a previous Phase II study supporting the ability of denosumab to suppress pathologic bone turnover in patients with metastatic breast cancer indicated that the safety profile of denosumab is favorable at all doses and schedules tested, but suppression of bone turnover with denosumab in these patients is rapid, and that skeletal-related events, although infrequent at this early stage, are reduced to an extent at least similar to that seen with intravenous disphosphonate. These data were obtained from a randomized Phase II study comparing subcutaneous denosumab to IV disphosphonates, including primarily but not exclusively celedronate (phonetic).
The study focused on measurement of bone turnover but also included measurement of skeletal-related events, and was conducted globally in women with breast cancer metastatic to bone who are IV disphosphonate naive. Additional detail from the effect of denosumab on bone turnover in patients with metastatic breast cancer will be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting in June.
This quarter, the first of four Phase III studies in oncology on the prevention of bone metastases in patients with prostate cancer was begun. The remaining three studies, which are designed to show reduction in skeletal-related events in patients with metastatic bone disease, are on schedule to begin in the second and third quarters of this year. In addition, a Phase II study in multiple myeloma is underway, where the primary endpoint is the reduction in serum M or myeloma protein.
Finally, in the rheumatoid arthritis setting, data from a Phase II study measuring the impact of denosumab on bone erosions in rheumatoid arthritis and, hence, the potential for denosumab to ameliorate structural damage in this disease, will be presented in the fourth quarter of this year at the American College of Rheumatology. Now, as Kevin noted in late March we completed the BLA submission with the FDA for panitumumab in third-line metastatic colorectal cancer. This rolling BLA submission was initiated last December. Our indication for panitumumab is the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer in patients who have failed prior chemotherapy, including oxaliplatin and/or irinotecan-containing regimens. The FDA had previously granted fast-track status to panitumumab for this indication. Accordingly, we hope to obtain approval in either the third or fourth quarter of this year.
On April 3, 2006, results from the pivotal Phase III study used in the BLA submission for third-line metastatic colorectal cancer were presented in a clinical plenary session at the 97th annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research. Based on data from this randomized Phase III trial involving 463 patients, those who received panitumumab every two weeks showed a 46% decrease in tumor progression rate versus those who received best supportive care alone. The mean period for progression-free survival was 13.8 weeks in the panitumumab group versus 8.5 weeks for best supportive care alone, and the most common side effect was an acneform rash. Other side effects that's commonly observed were fatigue, nausea and mild diarrhea.
Finally, we continue to enroll patients in our PACCE trial, a non-registration enabling trial evaluating panitumumab in first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. Patients are randomized to treatment with Avastin plus chemotherapy, with or without panitumumab. This open-label multicenter study has endpoints of progression-free survival, response rate, overall survival and safety, and more than two-thirds of the patients are currently enrolled. Also in the area of targeted therapies, our progress on AMG706 continues. You will recall that this is a small molecule that entered at several pathways simultaneously, including the entire family of VEGF receptors, c-Kit and the PDGF receptor.
In early clinical studies, AMG706 has shown significant biological activity, and we have embarked upon a number of trials designed to demonstrate that AMG706 is active in the treatment of malignancy. Importantly, AMG706 had previously shown activity in gastrointestinal stromal tumors in patients who had failed Gleevec therapy, and we have an ongoing study in this disease. The recent full approval of Sutent in gastrointestinal stromal tumors removes the prospect of accelerated approval for AMG706 in this setting. Nonetheless, we're very anxious to see interim data from our Phase II study, and we expect to see these data later in the second quarter.
We have also completed enrollment well ahead of schedule of a Phase II study of metastatic thyroid cancer. We expect data from this study to be available either late this year or early in 2007. In January, we also discussed plans to conduct a Phase III head-to-head study against Avastin in non-small-cell lung cancer that was commenced later this year. During the quarter, we received input from leading authorities regarding our plans for the study. They would like to see the study broadened in order to understand the impact of AMG706 in non-small-cell lung cancer circumstances beyond those currently treated by Avastin. And consequently Avastin, cannot be used as a global comparator for this study. We will be conducting a second narrower Phase II study against Avastin, which will begin in late 2006 or early in 2007.
And finally, we're conducting studies of AMG706 with other therapeutic regimens in a number of major tumor types, for example, in colorectal and non-small-cell lung cancer, and these studies are being, in part conducted in combination with panitumumab.
Turning now to AMG531, you will recall that this is our first peptibody in clinical development. A Phase II study of AMG531 in immune thrombocytopenic purpura show that we were able to double platelet counts in 94% of patients and treatment with AMG531 was effective even in patients who had undergone splenectomy, and was in all cases well tolerated.
During the first quarter, we completed enrollment of the first of two Phase III studies in ITP. The second study is nearly completely enrolled, and we expect to complete patient enrollment very, very soon. The primary endpoint of these studies, the incidence of a durable platelet response, defined per protocol as a doubling of baseline platelet counts and greater than 50 billion platelets per liter for six of the last eight weekly assessments in a 24-week treatment period. We had previously received fast-track designation from the FDA for this indication for AMG531.
Additionally, during the first quarter, we initiated two Phase II studies, the first in chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia with the primary endpoint being the improvement of platelet count, after the first cycle of chemotherapy, and the second in myelodysplastic syndromes with the primary endpoint being the evaluation of patient safety in this study.
I need also to mention, as Kevin did, that at the end of the first quarter, we completed the acquisition of Abgenix, thereby gaining full ownership of panitumumab and access to important manufacturing facilities for panitumumab in Fremont, California, as well as additional research space both in Fremont and near Vancouver, British Columbia. In welcoming our new Abgenix employees, I note that we have acquired the XenoMouse technology, a highly competitive platform for fully human monoclonal antibodies.
In the past, Abgenix has made this technology available under contract to several biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, and we continue to receive inquiries on availability of this important antibody platform from a large number of firms. We are currently developing strategies that will permit partners to work with us in developing new therapeutics using this technology. We will customize our approach to these relationships, recognizing that great ideas can come from anywhere and that our ultimate goal is to produce the best possible human therapeutics.
I should mention that we're getting close now to ASCO, which is always an important platform for presentation of clinical data. We expect data results from several of our programs to be presented at the 42nd annual meeting in June. Included among them will be details from the Phase II study of denosumab in patients with metastatic breast cancer who have not been treated with intravenous bisphosphonate, and also a Phase II study of denosumab in patients with bone metastases who have been treated with intravenous bisphosphonate, but where the bisphosphonate had failed to suppress their bone turnover markers. There are also studies involving Aranesp given on the Q3-week extended dosing schedule in patients with chemotherapy-induced anemia, as well as in myelodysplastic syndrome; two Phase II studies of panitumumab in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer; a Phase II study of AMG706 in patients with thyroid cancer; and a Phase I study of panitumumab and AMG706 in combination with chemotherapy in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.
In addition, we expect data to be presented from our Apo2L/TRAIL ligand Phase I program in solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. This is a program that is being developed in collaboration with our colleagues at Genentech, and I will provide more updates as we get closer to ASCO. I would now like to turn it back to Arvind to commence the Q&A session.
Arvind Sood, Vice President, Investor Relations
Okay. Thank you, Roger. Operator, would you please review the procedure for the Q&A session? And I would like to make a request. I would like to ask that each of the participants limit themselves to one question so we can accommodate everybody.
Question-and-Answer Session
Operator Instructions. Your first question comes from Joel Sendek of Lazard Capital Market.
Q - Joel Sendek
Hi, thanks. In your 10-K, it says that EPO biosimilars may be improved in the EU this year. So in the same call you mentioned '07. I'm wondering if anything has changed? Thanks.
A - Roger Perlmutter
As you know, a few people have dropped out. They felt that the expenses associated with meeting all the EMEA requirements, as articulated in the guidelines, and the capital and the fact that there's not a tremendous amount of pricing room in the market, necessarily, has caused them to back away. And so at this point, we don't feel there are any submissions that will lead to an approval this year.
Your next question comes from Geoffrey Porges of Sanford Bernstein.
Q - Geoffrey Porges
Thanks very much for taking the question. Roger, could you clarify on the denosumab postmenopausal osteoporosis? Previously, you had indicated that there may be an opportunity for taking a two-year look at the data sometime in 2007 and potentially even filing in Europe, since their standard is two years, rather than three years. That now appears to be shelved. Could you confirm, then, that we won't see any data in the postmenopausal osteoporosis indication until 2008, or is there still the opportunity for an early look? Thanks.
A - Roger Perlmutter
Well, Geoff, there are always opportunities that could come, for example, from a data monitoring board, but after considering the matter for some time, we decided that we wanted to get the best possible look at the data. This is a completely new mechanism, and after discussions with the FDA, we felt that the right thing to was to look at the three-year data, which would give us the longest-term exposure and to harmonize our US/European submissions. That's our current plan, and that's what we're going forward with.
Q - Geoffrey Porges
Thank you.
Your next question comes from Steven Harr of Morgan Stanley.
Q - Steven Harr
A question on AMG706. As you have modified your trial programs, is this have to do with a feeling that a patient should not -- not get Avastin, or is this looking at different indications? What drove your decision, I guess, to change your trial protocol?
A - Roger Perlmutter
Well, a number of things, Steven. But as you know, there is a exclusion in Avastin treatment for patients with squamous cell carcinoma, and I am referring now to the non-small-cell lung cancer study. And there is our -- in evaluating the data and having discussions with our advisors, they were very anxious to see the effects of AMG706 in the totality of lung cancer patients. We really can't give lung cancer patients Avastin, so we wouldn't be able to use those with squamous cell carcinoma, we can't give them Avastin, so we wouldn't be able to use it as a comparator throughout that study. And so we decided to split it into two studies, basically, taking advantage of the fact that Avastin can be used in the adenocarcinoma setting.
Q - Steven Harr
So one trial where you can get Avastin and the other study that includes patients who are excluded from Avastin?
A - Roger Perlmutter
Q - Steven Harr
That make sense. Okay.
Your next question comes from Maykin Ho of Goldman Sachs.
Q - Maykin Ho
I have a question for George. On the CAP program, as you said, it's supposed to be starting in July. And my understanding is that this quarter, physicians are supposed to be getting familiar with the program, and we are pretty late. Do you think that program will actually being implemented in July, or will it be delayed?
A - George Morrow
You know it feels like the CMS is committed to doing it, but we really haven't seen much activity to-date making so. I think we just have to watch and see what happens, this been surprisingly quiet.
Q - Maykin Ho
Certainly, if you kind of look at the implementation, what is involved, it doesn't look like July would be the timeframe.
A - George Morrow
No, but I think the CMS probably would have changed their guidance if they felt they couldn't meet that.
Your next question comes from Elise Wang of Citigroup. Ms. Wang, your line is open.
A - Arvind Sood
Okay, let's move on to the next one.
Your next question comes from Mark Schoenebaum of Bear Stearns.
Q - Mark Schoenebaum
Hi, thanks a lot for taking my question. I hate to ask this question, and I hate to waste my one question on this. But I am reading from your 4Q release, where you said your guidance of 3.55 to 3.70 did not include the $0.05 to $0.10 from the Abgenix acquisition. And then I read from your release tonight -- it says your guidance of 3.60 to 3.70 includes it. So did you actually raise the upper end of the guidance, if you call it apples-to-apples, by $0.05 to $0.10?
A - Richard Nanula
I think that's right. Yes, sir, we did.
Q - Mark Schoenebaum
Oh, that's good news. Great.
Your next question is from Elise Wang of Citigroup.
Q - Elise Wang
Hi, can you hear me now?
A - Richard Nanula
Q - Elise Wang
Okay. The question I had had to do with the Enbrel outlook. Obviously, you've indicated a variety of different, I guess, metrics that are occurring in the market related to the dynamics on a competitive front and then some, perhaps, slowing of demand. What is, in fact, your outlook in the near term about the dynamics going forward around the Enbrel market opportunities that are out there? How should we look at that?
A - Roger Perlmutter
Well, I think we see this market as being very big and very much untapped, both in rheumatology and dermatology. Rheumatology, 27% of the patients who are on DMARDs are now on biologicals, so tremendous room for expansion. And in the dermatology space, only 6% of patients with moderate to severe psoriasis are on a biological. So, fundamentally, the patients are out there. Let's just talk about dermatology first. There are more co-insurances and co-pays, and so there are more reimbursement hassles now, to get a -- for a dermatology patient, a psoriatic patient to get on Enbrel. And so we really need to have both the patient and the office staff, including the physician, highly motivated to work through all the prior authorization. So going dark with our DTC campaign basically took the wind out of our sails, we believe. But the patients are there, and we're committed to getting that ad back on TV as soon as possible, and driving those patients back into the office. Having said that, the reimbursement environment does get tougher and tougher every year in the dermatology space. On the rheumatology side, we had a lot of patients in the demo project, and actually we just -- as I said, we saw a sharp decline in the enrollment of the demo project in the fourth quarter of last year. And so that took a little bit of growth out in the fourth quarter. And then when the converting of demo patients who were paying customers to Part D in the first quarter didn't happen the way we thought it would happen, that also created a little bit of an air pocket.
In March, we started to track back towards what we thought we would eventually obtain, but you lost basically two months of sales for a lot of patients that we assumed. So hopefully Part D will begin to smooth that, I think our sense of it is, in terms of enrolling patients, and we can compete for our fair share of those patients down the line. As far as REMICADE is concerned, they did really sweeten their contract in November of last year, and we noticed that some of the very high-writing doctors took advantage of that and probably pulled some patients away from Enbrel. But as you know, with ASP, that's a zero sum game -- so pay me now, pay me later. So their ASP will be affected, and that will probably squeeze some doctors back towards us, eventually. So that ought to all come out in the wash, eventually.
Q - Elise Wang
A – Kevin Sharer
Still think we've got, on balance, the best product in terms of safety and efficacy in long-term usage.
Your next question comes from Shiv Kapoor of Montgomery & Co.
Q - Shiv Kapoor
Thank you for taking my question. I have a sales strategy question. It seems that you have at least two or three new molecules that will be coming to market over the next three to four years, including some cancer compounds and denosumab. How are you planning to change the sales force of Amgen for that?
A - George Morrow
Okay, I'm not going to answer specifically that question, partly because we have not finalized how we will launch denosumab. What I have said in the past is that we can do it very effectively and more efficiently than the typical Big Pharma approach. Big Pharma, for a product of this magnitude, would probably have 2,000 reps in the U.S. alone. We don't think we would need to take that approach, because we think we're going to have, thanks to Roger's great efforts, a well-differentiated label. So it's not a share or voice game. It's really a game of promoting and explaining the real benefits of this product. So you have got to watch this space. We will provide guidance on that when we reach the appropriate point. On the cancer side, we have got great sales forces in the marketplace today around the world, and I think our feeling right now is for the most part, that group can handle anything that Roger can get to them in the near future.
Q - Shiv Kapoor
Your next question comes from Eric Ende of Merrill Lynch.
Q - Eric Ende
Thanks a lot. You guys said on the call that more private payers are using the ASP reimbursement methodology. I was wondering what kind of impact we should expect as more of them start using that methodology?
A - George Morrow
Well, first of all, not many are using it but it is increasing, and they are not necessarily going to ASP plus 6%. Particularly in the oncology setting, the private or commercial payers have to negotiate with the oncology clinics, and some oncology clinics have a lot of negotiating power. So that's put a little tension in the wire out there. So I think, as they move to ASP environments, we think we have felt we can handle that situation. Our products have performed well under them, and we don't think it's going to be a major trend-breaking event for us.
Q - Eric Ende
Are they going ASP plus 6 or ASP with something less?
A - George Morrow
It's all over the map, but it's generally more than ASP plus 6 -- ASP 18, 20.
Q - Eric Ende
All right, perfect.
Your next question comes from Chris Raymond of Robert W. Baird.
Q - Christopher Raymond
Hi, thanks for taking the question. Just to clarify, George, you mentioned, I think, that Aranesp use in dialysis had stabilized around 240 million. Can you just clarify – does that inclusive or exclusive of CKD?
A - George Morrow
No, that's purely dialysis, and it's virtually all in the hospital dialysis setting.
Q - Christopher Raymond
And can you maybe venture a number for what the CKD impact is?
A - George Morrow
CKD, as far as -- really, any EPOGEN that is used in CKD really comes out in the spillover audit, and those sales are given to J&J, just as any pro quid sales in the dialysis segment come back to us.
Q - Christopher Raymond
I'm sorry; that question was relative to Aranesp.
A - George Morrow
Okay, I'm not sure I understand the question, then. So how big is Aranesp in CKD?
Your next question comes from Jeff Meecham of JP Morgan.
Q - Jeff Meecham
Hi, guys. Just a follow-up on Enbrel, trying to understand the moving parts here. Can you just help us understand generally the Enbrel performance in the quarter? Quantitatively, what was more impactful: competitive dynamics or Part D issues or market growth?
A - George Morrow
I don't know, honestly. We don't have enough information to parse it explicitly. I would say, probably Part D demo project had the most impact.
Q - Jeff Meecham
And then just as a follow-up to that, what signals do you have that the problems with sign-ups are behind us?
A - George Morrow
We track it very carefully. So we track the numbers of patients going into Part D.
Q - Jeff Meecham
Your next question comes from Jamie Rubin of Morgan Stanley.
A - Arvind Sood
Okay, let's move on, operator.
Your next question comes from Sally Yanchus of Bessemer Investments.
Q - Sally Yanchus
I was wondering, on Enbrel, what percentage of patients are Medicare eligible or Part D eligible? I mean what percent have been historically using the drug?
A - George Morrow
I don't have a figure off the top of my head. I can tell you, prior to the demo project and prior to Part D, because REMICADE is an infusion product it was covered under Medicare, under Part D. And really, we do not have access to those patients. So I just don't happen to have the percent of RA patients who are over 65 years of age. I can tell you it's pretty small in dermatology, but I don't have that figure right off. Roger, do you know that?
A - Roger Perlmutter
I don't know.
Your next question is from Chris Raymond of Robert W. Baird.
Q - Christopher Raymond
Hi, thanks. I was cut off on that last question, so I just wanted to clarify. So George, the question was, can you sort of give some directionality or indication of what the impact of CKD is on the Aranesp sales number?
A - George Morrow
Okay. So, just taking away dialysis, yes, if you would give me just a second. I don't have those numbers off the top of my head. So the Aranesp in nephrology grew about 34% in the first quarter, so still pretty robust growth.
Q - Christopher Raymond
Great. Thank you very much.
Your next question comes from Gene Mack of HSBC.
Q – Gene Mack
Thanks for taking the question. I was wondering, you mentioned that there were 22% of chemo patients currently receiving first cycle Neulasta, and then that there was 100,000 patients with a 17% or greater risk. I was just wondering, what the overlap between those two?
A - George Morrow
I think it's 100,000 incremental that could benefit. So I can't do the math right now, but the opportunity is 100,000 patients.
Q – Gene Mack
On top of the --? Okay.
A - George Morrow
The ones already currently being treated first cycle. And of course, most of the usage is second cycle and up.
Your next question comes from the line of Andrew Barron of Citigroup.
Q - Andrew Barron
Hi, thanks for taking my question. I had a question about denosumab, now that you have indicated that it's going to be three-year data that you probably used to file in CMO. I was wondering if we might see a filing in therapy-induced bone loss maybe from the HALT trials, since you indicated the two-year data would be available in 2007.
A - Roger Perlmutter
Yeah, I don't want to speculate on filings. So much depends on what the data look like. And there will be some interesting data to look at, at ASCO that we talked about a little bit with respect to the effect on patients with metastatic bone disease. And we, of course, have this ongoing myeloma study. So if you ask the question, is it possible that we could have a dataset come forward that we would think was so compelling that we would feel as if we needed to file in an oncology setting, as an example, before we filed in PMO. Certainly that is a possibility, or that we would feel that some combination of that plus the chemotherapy hormone ablation-induced bone loss would make some sense; that's always a possibility. But we really are -- in looking at the PMO setting, we really have, after considering it for some time, in light of the novelty of the mechanism, the importance of having long-term data, we have settled on a three-year filing strategy in that particular indication.
Q - Andrew Barron
Okay, thanks.
Your next question comes from Craig Parker of Lehman Brothers.
Q - Craig Parker
Hi, so another denosumab question. I guess I'm not entirely sure whether you have actually amended the protocol for that study, so there is not any kind of analysis that would be done at two years, or if that is still to be done but, regardless of that data, you would not file?
A - Roger Perlmutter
The protocol currently has a prespecified two-year interim analysis that was structured in such a way as to have the minimum possible effect on the statistical power of the three-year data, which is the primary endpoint. With our decision that we in fact are going to use three-year data to file, there's not much point in doing a two-year interim analysis. Why take the statistical penalty? So we revert to the primary endpoint, which was the goal in the first place.
Your next question comes from Eric Schmidt of Cowen.
Q - Eric Schmidt
Yeah, good afternoon, I know you are not going to comment on your legal strategy vis-a-vis Cera, but maybe you could comment on the litigation milestones that we should look forward to, the next one or two steps for both the ITC and the District Court?
A - Kevin Sharer
Thinking about litigation in terms of trying to predict key events is more speculation than we wish or are really able to do. What I can say is this is not an endless sort of proceeding. In the next months, we're going to find some things out. We are going to be talking about this case for a while. But I do want to make it very, very clear that these two actions we've taken are indications of the aggressiveness with which we're going to pursue this case, and we are anxious to get our day in court as soon as possible. We want the federal court to opine on our patents versus the peg-EPO product, and we're confident in our position. So this will keep playing out this year and next year, but I think we are starting to get into a place where we're going to see how it plays out. But nobody should mistake our confidence or aggression in this matter.
Q - Eric Schmidt
You have a follow up question from Geoffrey Porges of Sanford Bernstein.
Q - Geoffrey Porges
Thanks for taking the follow up. Wondering if you would just clarify -- you mentioned the inventory fluctuations for NEUPOGEN and Neulasta in the US. Could you tell us the number of days of inventory outstanding at the end of Q4 and at the end of Q1, so we can see what that fluctuation was?
A - Richard Nanula
It's normally the case and one of the reasons why we were sequentially down in the first quarter as a rule, is inventories go down from fourth quarter to first. So they were down for all of our products, Q over Q.
Q - Geoffrey Porges
But not particularly for NEUPOGEN/Neulasta?
A - Richard Nanula
For all of them -- for all of them, Q over Q. My comments sort of on inventories for NEUPOGEN/Neulasta were really year over year, and that's where there was a significant decline.
Q - Geoffrey Porges
You have a follow up question from Mark Schoenebaum of Bear Stearns.
Q - Mark Schoenebaum
Hi, I really appreciate that you taking the follow up. Maybe in follow-up to some of Kevin's prior remarks around peg-EPO, do you know with certainty exactly what Cera is, and exactly how it is made?
A - Kevin Sharer
Q - Mark Schoenebaum
Thank you.
A - Arvind Sood
So, operator, as we're going on 3 o'clock, maybe we can take one last question, please.
Thank you, your last question comes from Steven Harr of Morgan Stanley.
Q - Steven Harr
I just wanted to get a little better understanding of the quarter-over-quarter trends for some of your drugs. They tended to disappoint, but if you look at IMS after January, they seemed like they might have been a little bit lower. Is it fair to say that, as the quarter progressed, your Aranesp/EPOGEN/Neulasta programs accelerated, maybe due to some end-of-the-year contract issues of physicians? Is that a fair conclusion?
A - George Morrow
So once you take out Steven, all the little wrinkles in quarter-on-quarter changes, there's a rock-solid trendline for NEUPOGEN, Neulasta and Aranesp. So that trendline, there has been no fundamental inflection point coming out of last year. So we have maintained that growth. EPOGEN, pretty rock-solid, Enbrel is the one where we saw the inflection point occur in the fourth quarter last year, and I have discussed how we're going to go about dealing with that.
Q - Steven Harr
Great, thank you.
Arvind Sood Vice President, Investor Relations
Okay. So thank you, everybody, for participating in our call this afternoon. If you have any follow-on questions, I will be in the office, so please feel free to call. Thanks again.
Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes today's conference call. You may now disconnect.
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Tag: Jennifer Franklin
Deepening into HumannessNovember 2010
Guest Editor Emily Fragos introduces six poets who write about family incarnations—Matthew Zapruder, Cynthia Cruz, Gabriel Fried, Mark Wunderlich, Lynn Melnick, and Jennifer Franklin.
I would like my love to dieBy Jennifer Franklin, guest-edited by Emily Fragos
November 2010
Thin arm around my neck. It doesn't look / Strong enough to hold a small animal; but it is.

subset: commoncrawl


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The energy, excitement, and color of our Park Inn by Radisson brand continue to build momentum with 127 locations worldwide (as of Q4 2012). Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group is committed to the ambitious growth of this brand. We are excited and ready to build on the reputation established with guests in the Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Park Inn by Radisson promises to be best in class — the hotel of choice in its segment. Park Inn by Radisson was ranked highest in guest satisfaction among mid-market, full service hotel chains in a J. D. Power and Associates 2009 European Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study.
Highly efficient, fresh, and innovative hotels that are global in outlook, national in growth, and local in operation, Park Inn by Radisson resonates strongly with guests seeking a hassle-free, easy, service-oriented experience. All of this is offered within the context of a simple but clever design that plays on all the colors of the Park Inn by Radisson brand identity.
Most important of all, however, is our aim to provide, quite simply, the best sleep in town. The Park Inn by Radisson commitment to mastering the essentials places the bed, and all the other room attributes that together combine to deliver that most important of all hotel experiences, at the very top of its product priorities.
It is for all of these reasons that we are confident that the Park Inn by Radisson brand will drive success for owners and franchisee partners as we continue to expand the brand. Park Inn by Radisson received the highest numerical score among midscale, full service hotels in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2009 European Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index StudySM. The study was based on responses measuring 17 hotel chains.
Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed August-September 2009. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.
- With trained specialists in key offices, we have the right people in the right places for local, national, and international markets
- We maintain a strong presence at local and international trade shows
- Corporate Rate Program for corporate travel planners
- Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group brands are promoted through targeted campaigns and quality collateral to drive brand awareness and gain market share
- Communications reach guests during their reservation process, in the hotel, and after they leave
- Marketing campaigns and destination marketing work to increase brand trial to drive occupancy
- Marketing tools designed to aid franchisees in the development of local marketing campaigns specific to their properties
E-Distribution and Web Marketing
- Our brand website includes multilingual content to improve the reach of the message
- Tailor-made offers for hotel marketing based on customer segmentation and profiling
- Best Online Rate Guarantee Customer Relationship Management
- We reward loyalty with Club Carlson, one of the most rewarding loyalty programs in travel
- Look to Book® is our unique loyalty program for travel agents with patented technology. Members earn points to redeem for a variety of rewards such as free award night stays, prepaid cards, and more. This innovative program allows us to communicate our brand messages to members around the world
Distribution and Channel Management
- Curtis-C central reservation system
- – Delivers higher room-night rates than individual hotels
- – Tech-savvy Redirected Call Program
- – During 2009, the Park Inn by Radisson Reservation System delivered a mean contribution of 23.3%*
- Revenue Optimization
- Hotel level Revenue Optimization Program (ROPES)
- Stay Night Automated Pricing (SNAP)
Success depends largely on the quality of goods and services that guests receive. Tap into a reliable network of quality suppliers with strong industry credibility.
- Over 200 system-wide suppliers
- Negotiated discounts on brand standard items and services
- Cost savings, convenience, and efficiency
Operations Support
Our corporate team is committed to helping you drive your business. We have proven systems and processes that are designed to streamline start up and ongoing operations at the property level.
- Field-based District Directors are available as consultants and are partnered with our Hospitality Services Support Center representatives to work directly with your hotel
- Quality assurance programs help ensure that brand standards are consistently met across the system
- Park Inn by Radisson training and educational development to help your staff maintain high guest satisfaction ratings
Technical Services and Brand Design
Our team of architects, engineers, and technicians assist hotel owners and developers to build cost-effective, operationally efficient, well-designed, innovative, and safe hotels. The Brand Programs & Design Services team ensures seamless interior design packages and execution of iconic Park Inn by Radisson elements throughout the hotel.
- Architectural plan review
- Prototypical design implementation
- Interior design packages and sourcing
Park Inn by Radisson is committed to providing the right support to ensure your success. Mastering the essentials is in our DNA.
Adding Color to Life
- Service Training teaches employees that by combining great service with the Park Inn by Radisson Adding Color to Life credo with the brand's four basic values — friendly, fun, vibrant, and uncomplicated — we provide memorable experiences for guests
- Coaching Training helps leaders reinforce Adding Color to Life service skills through observation and coaching
Delivering a bar and grill like RBG in a consistent, meaningful, relevant, and successful manner requires rules, standards, procedures, must haves, don't haves, and even some nice-to-haves. RBG's design and menu choices perfectly complement Park Inn by Radisson's streamlined, contemporary style and iconic design touches. The RBG concept provides what we call RBG software, a carefully designed and meticulously developed set of tools and a defined range of products that collectively sit at the very core of a vibrant bar and grill.
From the RBG Passport, which is the absolute cultural program to ensure consistent branded delivery, to the required tabletop style, to the specifics of what should and should not be merchandised and how, we guide you every step of the way.
Tying in to Park Inn by Radisson's colorful approach to hospitality, the RBG logo is bright and bold, communicating a clear, contemporary message: This place is hot!
Park Inn by Radisson is proud to offer RBG, our optional restaurant solution that is a proven success for our owners and franchisee partners. RBG is not mandatory, however we are happy to provide detailed specifications and additional information on RBG conversions at your request.
Carlson operates a focused portfolio of hospitality and travel brands and services.
- One of the world's largest privately held corporations
- Its brands employ more than 175,000 employees worldwide
- One of the world's largest hotel companies
Carlson Values
- Integrity
- Innovation
- Customer Focus
- Empowerment
- Accountability
- Social Responsibility
- C-Factor
Since acquiring our first hotel in 1962, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has shaped a thoughtful, steady, balanced growth strategy that delivers specific solutions for market opportunities.
Park Inn by Radisson is focused on delivering an uncomplicated, rewarding guest experience, reflecting the friendly style of our hotels and our service philosophy. It is this brand approach that resonates with our audiences, making us one of the fastest growing hospitality brands in the world.
At Park Inn by Radisson, we believe strongly in delivering the entire package. Not just a great, proven hotel product, but also a comprehensive, ethical approach to business and relationships that matches our brand promise.
When you join the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group family of hotels, you can be assured that you are partnering with a company focused on long-term growth. Our successful portfolio of brands allows us to effectively offer the right opportunity in the right place, anywhere in the world. In addition, Responsible Business by Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group includes taking responsibility for the health and safety of our guests and employees and respecting social and ethical issues in the company and communities in which we operate.
Key Growth Priorities
- Expand Radisson Blu and Radisson® as powerful, globally consistent, first-class full-service brands
- Accelerate the growth of Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonSM in key markets
- Grow Park Inn by Radisson as a winning mid-scale brand across theaters in key countries
- Continue the push in key emerging economies with added emphasis on midscale
At Park Inn by Radisson, we share a spirit of service that lies at the heart of our interactions with guests and is reflected in the positive attitude and professional approach our staff exemplifies each and every day.


text:
Australia's biggest polluters would not face any defined penalty even if they dramatically increased emissions under the Abbott Government's alternative to the carbon tax.
Environment Minister Greg Hunt, who yesterday released the White Paper for the coalition's emissions reduction fund - the centrepiece of its Direct Action policy - confirmed he was yet to define a compliance regime for heavy polluters.
And when those "flexible" compliance arrangements are up and running, they will affect only 130 companies, down from nearly 500 caught by the carbon tax regime.
But the policy document released yesterday shows the Government's objective is "not to raise revenue" from companies that exceed their historical emissions.
The Government will budget $2.55 billion over four years to pay for successful projects.
It is understood the Government expects the bids to be well below the current carbon price of $24.15 a tonne, but Mr Hunt yesterday refused to speculate on the benchmark price "because it's a commercial auction process".
He said he was confident the ERF would be enacted, despite Clive Palmer signalling his balance of power senators would block the scheme because it was "a waste of money".
The minister said funding would be in the Budget appropriation Bills. He would soon release legislation for the other mechanics.
But on the key issue of penalties for companies that increase emissions - a so-called safeguard mechanism - details remain vague.
Australia's 130 heaviest emitters such as power stations, refineries and smelters that emit more than 100,000 tonnes a year of carbon dioxide would face restrictions on how much they could emit.
With the safeguard mechanisms not starting until July next year, Mr Hunt said he would use the next 12 months to negotiate with business over the design of the regime.
Worldwide Fund for Nature Australia climate change policy manager Owen Pascoe said the ERF was not a credible replacement for the carbon tax, which should stay until at the very least the safeguard mechanisms were known.
The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association said further consultation was needed on setting emissions baselines and compliance.
The Business Council of Australia and Australian Industry Group both urged the Government to relent and allow polluters to buy cheaper overseas permits.


text:
A 15-year-old who overpowered a guard and broke out of the county juvenile detention center in Okanogan is back in custody, facing likely assault and escape charges.
The sheriff's office says the teen asked a guard for some pencils Sunday then held them to her neck to get out of the secure area and flee. She was unhurt.
The Wenatchee World reports the only other guard working at the time was overseeing outdoor recreation time.
A sheriff's deputy found the boy a couple of hours later in Omak.
The teen was originally arrested July 10 and accused of stealing two cars in Pateros.


text:
Granger pays tribute to Desrey Fox
Leader of the Opposition, Brigadier David Granger has paid tribute to Dr Granger pays tribute to Desrey Fox, née Caesar, former Minister in the Ministry of Education who died in a traffic accident on 11th December 2009.
A release from his office said that he pointed out that the Cuyuni-Mazaruni Region and the Waramadong community have lost one of its most famous daughters. He added that it was most fitting that her life be commemorated.
Granger was addressing the memorial service held at the Queenstown Seventh Day Adventist Church,
Queens-town, on what would have been Fox's 59th birthday on Thursday 2nd January.
The release said that the service was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai, Dr George Norton, MP and members of Fox's family among others.
Following the 2006 general elections, Fox was appointed Minister within the Ministry of Education after a career in academia. Granger recommended that the present, problem-plagued Waramadong Secondary School be renamed the "Dr. Desrey Fox Secondary School in honour of the late Minister." Not only would such a renaming be a lasting tribute to Fox but the government would be encouraged to pay greater attention to the way in which the school is managed, he said. Fox was born and grew up in Waramadong on the Karanang River.
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Thunder Group SLKMP124 24 Cup Non-Stick Mini Size Muffin Pan
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A Carnival - defined as a period of public revelry involving processions, music, and dancing. So far this year, in the real estate world, it seems like most who work in this business have very little to revel about. Notwithstanding however, this past weekend represented the official start of summer, which of course is something to revel about, especially for those of us living in cold climates. So, in keeping with the carnival spirit and in celebration of summer, I'm proud to host CoRE 96, by theming the celebration with some of the most spectacular carnivals across the globe.
So with this in mind I wanted to present the very first "Feel Good" blog carnival award to Poppy's post at the Zoomf blog. Poppy describes herself as a woman, who can "make shoes relate to pretty much anything" and did an excellent good job in showing us how the success of online shoe store Zappos can be related or transferred to an online real estate business, by focusing relentlessly on customer service. Here's an excerpt:
In a perfect world, consumers (of any good or service) would get fantastic service all the time. Sometimes, it's not until things get tough for the providers that the service gets attention. We've been living in a world where agents don't need to answer that ringing mobile or upload a picture of that apartment, the property market's been booming with sales practically completing themselves. If there's ever been a time to start looking at customer service it's now. With all the anxiety surrounding the market at the moment, people aren't so quick to sign on the dotted line. Take it as an opportunity to shake up the way you deal with clients, be the estate agent who's presence is felt on the internet through blog posts and twitter feeds rather than featuring in I hate X Agent forums. According to Plebble.com the organisation with the worst user ratings in this country is not BT, British Gas or the government, it's an estate agency. Estate agents get a lot of unfair criticism, there are plenty of agents who work very hard to build a positive brand, but there's also plenty of rotten eggs which taint the industry's image as a whole. If you're an offender, do your clients and your business a favour by addressing the issue of customer service, and then let satisfied customers do your advertising for you.
Because it's so easy to become a certified real estate agent, the barriers to entry are very low. As a result, real estate agents are everywhere and there is not enough real estate business to go around. Especially in this real estate downturn, agents are finding themselves faced with dwindling business opportunities and diminishing commission fees. Furthermore, with the growth of online housing listing sites like Zillow and Yahoo Real Estate, and the surging popularity of do it yourself resources, the importance of having a real estate agent will continue to decline and gradually phase out. With the growth of online real estate blogs and finance sites, it's getting much easier for ordinary people to buy and sell their own house or property without the assistance of a professional real estate agent.
That's it for this week's carnival. Thanks to everybody who submitted posts, all of which are linked to in the "Recommended Reading" section of this blog. And special thanks to Drew at Zillow for giving me the opportunity once again to host. Hop on over to Trulia for next weeks carnival and enjoy the rest of the week ... and make the most of the sunshine!


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November 13th is the day that I annually turn one year older, or my mother reminds me that she was in labor for four painful days with me. Either way, I'm going to be older which means I'll be wiser. I plan on getting up before the sun, riding my yet to be unveiled bicycle and then go golfing with my parents.
In an effort to take steps forward with my life, and in hopes that I'll be the change I want to see in the world I am going to publish my wish list of various things. Please add your own in the comments!
Bicycles and Parts I Want to Ride, Own or Borrow
Sweet Pea Boob Boom While, I'm currently building up my single speed cyclocross bike. I can't help but crave my do-all, road, light off road, machine.
Raleigh XXIX Belt Drive Single Speed. Do I really need to say more?
Light & Motion 1400 Lumen crazy, it would be like walking on the moon when night riding
Luna Sport Gear Bee's Knee Warmers Knee warmers are some of my favorite clothing accessory for cycling
Sweet Pea Boob Boom While, I'm currently building up my single speed cyclocross bike. I can't help but crave my do-all, road, light off road, machine.
A Long List of Wishes that Money Can't Buy
- To find myself in all of this rubble. I want to look down and see strong muscular legs. I want to rip the boys legs off on my single speed and leave them in my dust with their mouths open.
- Create a connector of bike paths across the area of Charlotte, NC.
- Clean the clutter from the corners. This is physical and mental. I started with my garage a couple weeks ago, and I need to continue. To create a healthy atmosphere to produce creative and healthy life.
- Re-prioritize my life a bit better.
- Find the time to do the above
- Lose the drama and politics that seems to come with any passionate idea. We are all here engaging as we care.
What it All Means
I have personal hopes for myself, most of those I revisit around New Years in hopes to make the next year better than the last. I can only hope that every year that goes by I become a better person, learn new things and love a little bit more.


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The Dish
Tag: Tom Brunnberg
Plans call for November/December opening of `good neighbor' Bricktop's in Palm Beach
- 6:47 pm Monday, September 23rd, 2013 by M.M. Cloutier
As Del Frisco's Grille plans to open this weekend in Palm Beach, now comes an update about another upscale-casual chain-restaurant concept slated to open on the island.
Bricktop's, with its corporate offices in Tennessee and seven restaurant locations in five states, plans to open Bricktop's Palm Beach in late November or early December with a `good neighbor' ethos.
That's the word from Bricktop's CEO and co-founder Joseph Ledbetter, who, in the 1970s, co-founded—and for years developed—the Houston's restaurant chain that's now under the umbrella of California-based Hillstone Restaurant Group, which owns and operates the Palm Beach Grill in Royal Poinciana Plaza.
As previously reported, [More]


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Lemean Property Holdings
(Formerly: Keystone Lamp)
Update: After January 6, 2017, information about this RCRA Corrective Action site
will be available at:
Corrective Action Sites Around the Nation - Region 3
(Search for the Facility by Name, Location, or EPA ID)
Please be sure to update your bookmarks.
On This Page
8281 Route 873
Slatington, PA 180803
Property Area:
Congressional District: 15
Other Names: Keystone Lamp Manufacturing
EPA Project Manager
Mr. Paul Gotthold
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region III
1650 Arch Street
Mail code: 3LC30
Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029
Phone: (215) 814-3419
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Bulletin Board
Cleanup Status
- Corrective Action Status:
Complete Without Controls
- Human Exposure Controlled:
- Ground Water Controlled:
- On November 8, 2001 PADEP, and EPA's contractor conducted a site visit to assess the current condition at the facility. The purpose of the visit is to determine if the facility meets the Environmental Indicators (EIs) for Human Exposures and Migration of Contaminated Groundwater. Based on the information gathered from the site visit and numerous file reviews, EPA concluded that additional field sampling is needed to make a determination. In 2004 and 2005, environmental sampling was conducted to assess the conditions at the site. The sampling consisted of a residential well survey and sampling of groundwater, surface water, sediment and surface soil. None of the onsite wells sampled exceeded EPA and PADEP drinking water standards for the primary metal contaminants of concern. Only one onsite well detected trichloroethylene (TCE) of 7.2 ug/L, which slightly exceeds the regulatory standard of 5 ug/L. Groundwater and the associated onsite TCE plume discharge to the Lehigh River, which is located approximately half a mile downgradient of the site. Surface water sampling along the Lehigh River indicates that the River has not been impacted from current and past activities at the facility. In addition, the PADEP PENTOXSD model concludes that onsite TCE concentrations are well below the model predicted minimum concentration of 3,505 ug/L that poses a potential impact to the Lehigh River. Essentially, the Lehigh River, which groundwater discharges to, serves as a passive remedy to the low levels of TCE detected in groundwater. There are no residential wells or receptors that are impacted by the onsite TCE plume. Therefore, EPA concludes that human exposures to the low levels of TCE in groundwater are not reasonably expected under the current conditions.
- Several soil samples were collected throughout the site. The samples were analyzed for VOCs, SVOCs, and selected heavy metals. No VOCs and SVOCs in soil exceeded EPA generic soil screening levels for residential ingestion/dermal and inhalation. A few soil samples detected arsenic levels above EPA and PADEP regulatory limits for industrial use. One soil sample registered a chromium level above PADEP Direct Contact limit of 420 mg/kg but falls below EPA Industrial Generic Soil Screen Limits of 3,400 mg/kg. The extent of arsenic and chromium soil contamination is approximately 100 ft2 and is limited to the vicinity of the former outfall drainage ditch area and the railroad tracks. Given the small area and location of the soil contamination, and the current land use conditions, potential human exposures to the soil contamination are marginal and do not pose a significant health risk.
- Based on the environmental investigation and review of existing records EPA determined that there is no contamination problem that creates an unacceptable risk to human health. There are no receptors to the low levels of TCE in groundwater. The groundwater plume is stabilized and has not impacted the Lehigh River. Potential human exposures to the limited area of soil contamination are marginal and do not pose a significant health risk. Therefore, EPA concluded that no further corrective actions are necessary under the EPA RCRA Corrective Action program at the Facility at this time. Should new information in the future reveal the need for additional investigation or remediation, EPA will proceed accordingly
- Slatington, LLC, a division of Commercial Development Real Estate, Inc, currently owns the former Keystone site. The site is currently vacant. The former Keystone Lamp Manufacturing Corporation (Keystone) facility is located in Slatington, PA. The site covers approximately 19 acres with the main building of operations consisting of 226,000 square feet. A 370,000-gallon pond that was once used for process water is located adjacent to Caronel Creek. The facility parking area and wooded land owned by Slatington is located to the west side of Route 873. The Lehigh River is approximately 500 feet east of the facility.
- The former Keystone facility manufactured various types of lamps, charcoal grills, smoking stands, and other miscellaneous metal items. The operations included an electroplating process of various products.
Contaminants and Risks
- Based on the environmental investigation and review of existing records EPA determined that there is no contamination problem that creates an unacceptable risk to human health.
Documents and Reports
- Some of the site's key documents of interest are accessible below:
- Environmental Indicator Determination - Human Exposures [PDF, 12 pages, 36 KB, About ]
- Environmental Indicator Determination - Groundwater Migration [PDF, 10 pages, 30 KB, About PDF]
- Documents and reports regarding this facility also can be reviewed in person at these locations:
U.S. EPA Region III
Land & Chemicals Division
1650 Arch Street-11th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 814-3410
Call for an appointment.
- Submit a FOIA Request
Get instructions on how to submit a FOIA request. Additional fee for requests over 100 pages.
Photos, Maps and Diagrams
|Lemean Property Holdings
Click on a thumbnail to enlarge the photo)
Reuse Information
- The site currently is unused.
- The EPA is dedicated to providing you with timely and accurate information about our work at this site. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact EPA Project Manager: Mr. Paul Gotthold (215) 814-3410.


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The Jervis McEntee Diaries - March 24, 1873
Diary Entry:
Monday, Mar. 24, 1873- Although I had a headache on Saturday I forced myself to go around to the sale of Mozier's statues. There were not many people present but the eleven works brought about $7000 which was more than I feared they would. I came home and went to bed with my head aching violently and about 11 o'clock was obliged to get up and sit with my feet in hot water until 2 o'clock with a raging head ache after which I went to bed and got asleep. Sunday evening Gertrude who has not been out of the house in three weeks went with me up to Prof. Chandlers where we met about twenty people and spent a very pleasant evening. Today I went to work on a little picture of the Arch of Nero but did not come out with it as well as I could have wished. We had a letter from Maurice which treated of home matters and conveyed some unpleasant views of the struggles up there. The Kensett sale commenced this evening which I attended. The total of the evening's sale was 110 pictures 19,440, frames 1968.42 -- total $21,408.42 which was doing remarkably well.


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Bedtime Battles and Shopping Strife with a Five Year Old
August 1, 2012 by Nanny Lili
Filed under Aggression & Defiance, Bedtime & Sleep, Discipline, Readers' Enquiries
Reader Lea is kept busy by three little ones. Her strong-willed middle child, age 5, can be a handful whether it's out on a shopping trip with mummy or bedtime for him and his siblings. Lea writes:
I have come across your blog at the perfect time, and I think it's amazing at what you are doing. I have a couple of concerns about my children. I am a mother of 3. A 6 year old, a 5 year old and a 9 month old.
Well, one of my issues is that my 5 year old boy refuses to sleep alone in his own bed, so he always sleeps with his big sister. No matter what I try or do, it's a tantrum and he goes right back. He used to sleep in his own bed, but when I had to move back home with my mom, he was sharing a room with his sis and my mom. (Limited space.) I have tried putting him in his own room and the baby with the big sister, but he just got right back up and into her bed. In theory I don't mind them being together (even if him being alone would be the best), but every night they are up till 10 to 11. I have tried looking up on this issue and read through your blogs to try and find some answers or advice, but I seem to have hit a wall and am going nowhere fast.
Another issue I am having with him is tantrums in stores, and I don't mean little ones – I mean the big outrageous, get on the floor, start hitting and screaming at the top of his lungs ones. I tried to ignore him, telling him no, I don't want this attitude and it's going to get you nowhere if you continue, asked him to calm down and we will talk about it, but none of those is working as well as I'd wish it would. It's to the point where I try to find a baby sitter while I go shopping just to avoid those situations, or not go shopping until my mom gets home so she can keep an eye on them while I'm gone.
Any advice or strategies that could help out both situations would be greatly appreciated and well applied.
Hi Lea,
Thank you so much for your kind words about the blog. I'm glad you found it!
As I understand from your email, your 5 year old son actually gets straight into bed with his big sister at bedtime, is this correct? If this is the case, I would just continue putting him back in his own bed. Ignore the crying and just keep putting him back if he gets up in the middle of the night whilst everybody is asleep. There is not too much else you can do apart from returning him to his own bed every opportunity you get.
I think it is a good idea for the two of them not to be sleeping in the same room. That way, at least he doesn't disturb her.
As for the shopping, I would not avoid taking your little boy shopping just because he has a tantrum; there are no lessons to be learnt by this. Find an excuse to go to the shop, even if just to pick up some apples, but take this opportunity (as you know you are not going to be gone long) to take him with you, either on his own or with the others. If he starts to have a tantrum, continue to finish your little shop. Give him one warning; then after that, if he continues, just walk away and leave him screaming. I am sure he is waiting for a response from you. Once he sees he is not getting one, the tantrums might not stop immediately, but I think they will probably start to be less of an issue. Don't worry about the other people in the shop; pretend it's just you and your kids. You could try preparing him before you go into the shop, explaining that there will be consequences for his bad behaviour. Do not, however, promise a reward for good behaviour. If he is good, though, you should make a big deal of it and tell him how proud you are of him for being such a big boy. Maybe you can give your two older ones some separate little jobs to do in the supermarket, to keep them busy.
Even though by the time you get home you are probably all friends again, make sure that if you have had to warn him with a punishment you follow it through. If you say "time out when you get home", then that is exactly what you do; if you say "no special treats for the rest of the day", then that is what you do.
From what I can see, Lea, you have all had some big changes in your lives and it sometimes it takes kids a little longer to adapt – but they do. However, this is a reason, not an excuse, for naughty behaviour. You will have to be strong and just take control – you are Mummy and you are the boss!
Naughty Words Are a No-No at Daycare
January 22, 2012 by Nanny Lili
Filed under Discipline, Nannies & Other Childcarers, Readers' Enquiries
The Nanny Godmother loves to hear from colleagues in the childcare profession who are readers of the blog. Patty has recently written in with a dilemma that's particularly challenging because of the professional setting in which it's occurring:
I am a daycare provider for a set of 21 month old twin boys in addition to 4 other children. Within the past month they both started using foul language. I simply ignored it the first week, although some of the older children were quick to point it out to me each time they heard it. During the second week when it occurred, I got down at their level and firmly said "No. We don't use that word. That is not ok." The third week, I repeated the steps from week 2, but then put them in time out. They don't seem to be fazed by it at all and they seem to be swearing more each day. Mom is really no help and simply blames it on Dad.
Any suggestions that I can use as a licensed provider? (When this occurred with my own children, step three included a swat on the rear end which put a pretty quick end to foul language, but as a licensed provider I am not able to use corporal punishment.) Thank you!
Hi Patty,
Unfortunately, as you know, we childcare professionals are limited in what we can do if we don't have the support of the parents.
However, I do think you should talk to the mum again and explain what a big problem it is, and that you don't want other parents to start complaining.
As long as you're not receiving parental support, your options are going to be somewhat limited, and the best thing I can think of for you to do is to concentrate on teaching the twins that such language is not accepted by you. Try not to make too much of it when they say the words, as although I doubt they understand the meaning, they do understand that it upsets you. Don't even make eye contact, as they are probably just waiting for you to react. Just take them by the hand and say "You know that Patty doesn't accept those words" in a very low, calm voice. Don't interact with them any more than that, and put them in time out (away from each other, if they're both in time out). When time out is finished, make them look you in the eye and say "sorry" for using bad words, then carry on as normal.
This method may take some time to yield results, but due to their age I think it is about all you can do.
I hope this was of some help to you; if there are any readers who can give Patty more advice on this matter, please feel free to leave a comment or drop us a line.
Playing Nice With Others
July 30, 2011 by Nanny Lili
Filed under Aggression & Defiance, Discipline, Readers' Enquiries
Reader Tracy's grandson is having trouble interacting with other children without resorting to aggressive behaviours, to the dismay of mum and grandmum alike. She writes:
My 22-month-old grandson is gorgeous and loving; he was born big (11 lbs) and is still well built. The problem is that wherever my daughter takes him, he makes the other children cry by pushing, shoving and sometimes pinching. My daughter has tried telling him off, tried the naughty step … and is now at the end of her tether. She doesn't want to take him to any groups because of his behaviour, and I can see her spirits getting lower … HELP!
First of all, I don't recommend that your daughter stop taking your grandson to kids' groups. At this age, your grandson is experiencing frustration, lack of verbal skills, and impulsiveness, which is totally normal. With the right guidance and maturity, he will learn how to express himself and get what he wants in a different manner.
When they are at playgroup, tell your daughter to keep a close eye on him whilst he is going through this phase and if she sees him about to pounce, grab him quickly. If it is too late, remove him immediately from the situation and give him time out for 5 minutes. Then have him say "sorry" and maybe give a kiss or hug to the other child.
If your daughter is worried about what other mothers think, then I am sure if she explains the situation they will all understand, and they will have more sympathy when they see her taking steps to address it. Maybe some will even have some tips of their own to share with her, as everybody who has had or taken care of small children will know what she is going through.
If the situation is dealt with correctly, although it could take some time, it will definitely pass eventually. For additional help and support on this subject, I invite you also to consult my posts here and here. Good luck to you, your daughter and your grandson!
"Because I Said So": Asserting Grown-Up Authority
January 21, 2011 by Nanny Lili
Filed under Discipline
I believe it is our job as adults and caregivers to set limits and boundaries for children with a little love, kindness and discipline. I think it is totally up to the individual when you start, but I've learnt from experience that it is never too early to try to set ground rules.
With children under the age of 16 months it is very hard to set the boundaries, but you can try to guide them in the right direction by saying things like "If you throw that again I am taking it away," and follow it through. They will soon learn. But as soon as they start walking and getting up to mischief you can use phrases like "Why don't you colour on the paper instead of the door" or "Sweetie, please don't put your farm animals in the DVD player" – then distract them with something more interesting and more suitable.
Try to change your tone of voice so your child can recognise and understand the meaning of your words. Also try to make eye contact with your child, as this can sometimes distract them. You should not start to negotiate, as this will turn into an argument and then you'll end up having to explain yourself. All you have to say is "because I said so." When children are under 18 months their short-term memory is very limited, so the process of correction can become quite repetitive; try to focus a lot on positive reinforcement so your child doesn't think that everything he or she does upsets the grown-ups.
By about age 2½, children start to understand right from wrong, and you can start using "time outs" by putting them in their room, on the sofa or any place where they are restricted and removed from the situation. Then encourage them to apologise. As they get older, children may develop the habit of saying a token "sorry" just to avoid punishment, and there will be no meaning behind the words. I have found that it is useful to have them draw a picture – or, depending on their age, have them write a letter – to say they are sorry. In this way, they come to understand better the consequences of their actions and words.
As children get older, you will find it easier to discipline them; you can start to confiscate things and take away privileges (e.g., going to the park, video games, TV). However, you will have more arguments and battles over authority – just remember "because I said so." When taking away privileges, be careful to choose something that is not going to affect you too much, and be sure you can follow it through. If you start throwing around empty threats, you are fighting a losing battle.


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The X Factor contestant Gamu Nhengu was given fresh hope in her battle against deportation today after the Home Office decided to reconsider her case.
The 18-year-old singer, who was eliminated from the ITV talent show at the judges' houses stage, was told that she must return to her native Zimbabwe after her mother, Nokuthula Ngazana, had her visa application turned down.
An appeal against that decision was due to be heard at an Immigration Tribunal in Glasgow today.
At the start of the hearing, however, a Home Office representative said that the case would be reconsidered and a "fresh