text:
Allergan, Inc. (NYSE:AGN)
Q4 2009 Earnings Call Transcript
February 4, 2010 11:00 am ET
Jim Hindman – IR
David Pyott – Chairman and CEO
Jeff Edwards – EVP, Finance & Business Development, and CFO
Scott Whitcup – EVP, R&D
Joann Bradley – IR
Gary Nachman -- Leerink Swann
Larry Biegelsen -- Wells Fargo
Ronny Gal -- Bernstein
Greg Fraser -- Bank of America
Marc Goodman --UBS
Steve Willoughby -- Cleveland Research
Ken Cacciatore -- Cowen and Company
Chris Schott -- JP Morgan
Peter Bye -- Jefferies and Company
Hello and welcome to the Allergan fourth quarter 2009 earnings call. Following today's presentation, there will be a formal question-and-answer session. Today's conference call is scheduled to conclude at 9:00 AM Pacific Time. To ensure that we are able to accommodate questions from as many participants as possible we ask that each of you limit to a maximum of two questions. (Operator instructions) Until then, all lines will remain in listen-only mode. At the request of the Company, today's conference is being recorded. If anyone has any objections, you may disconnect at this time.
I would like to introduce today's conference host, Mr. Jim Hindman, Senior Vice President, Treasury Risk and Investor Relations. Sir, you may begin.
Jim Hindman
Thank you, Terry. Good morning. With me for today's conference call is David Pyott, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer; Jeff Edwards, Executive Vice President, Finance and Business Development, Chief Financial Officer; Dr. Scott Whitcup, Executive Vice President, Research and Development and Chief Scientific Officer; and Jim Barlow, Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller.
Before we move ahead, I would like to remind you that certain statements that we will make in this presentation are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect Allergan's judgment and analysis only as of today, and actual results may differ materially from current expectations based on a number of factors affecting Allergan's businesses.
Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. For a more thorough discussion of the risks and uncertainties associated with the forward-looking statements to be made in this conference call and webcast we refer you to the disclaimer regarding forward-looking statements that is included in our fourth quarter and year-end 2009 earnings release, which was furnished to the SEC today on Form 8-K, as well as our filings with the SEC referenced in that disclaimer.
We will follow-up the question-and-answer session of this call with a short listen-only segment, where we'll provide additional miscellaneous information that relates to our business. Under Regulation FD, in order to be able to discuss this information freely during the quarter we must be sure that it is in the public domain.
This conference call and accompanying webcast are being simultaneous broadcast over the Internet with replays available for one week. You can access this information on our website at www.allergan.com.
At this point, I would like to turn the call over to David Pyott.
David Pyott
Great, thank you Jim. Good morning ladies and gentlemen. The fourth quarter year-over-year sales growth demonstrated the continuing trend of recovery observable across each sequential quarter of 2009 versus the corresponding quarter of 2008. Fourth quarter sales increased year-over-year by a very strong 15.9% in dollars and by 11.2% in local currencies driven by another strong quarter in ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, a return to robust growth across the facial aesthetics franchise, a strong contribution from LATISSE, and, finally, massive growth in Asia.
Only LAP-BAND continued to be weighed down by the cost of medical co-pays and the impact of the recession on the self-pay segment of the market, although the banding market too shows early signs of recovery. Obviously, fourth quarter performance was in comparison to the weakest quarter of 2008 when the world economy was plunging and real performance is also flattered by the relative weakness of the U.S. dollar compared to other leading global currencies.
Full year performance was impacted by the sales declines in the first half of the year posting growth of 2.5% in dollars and 4.9% in local currencies for the full year. Given the broad based upturn in our markets around the world and the sales acceleration of our brands, some in part as a result of our increased investments in direct-to-consumer advertising since June, we continued our strategy of spending into the recovery, also broadening our spend from DTC alone into other impactful, high-return marketing programs with a goal of boosting our sales momentum as we entered 2010.
Given management's attention to the execution of a limited number of these programs, we are applying discipline to maintain the strong spending controls and rigor that we put in place since late 2008. For the full-year, Allergan spent $185 million on direct-to-consumer advertising, an increase of 47% over 2008 and even above the $136 million, which we spent in our record sales performance year, pre-recession, in 2007.
Also aided by strong performance regarding gross margin in the fourth quarter, we recorded non-GAAP earnings per share of $0.78, an increase of 2.6% over the results of Q4 of 2008, but exceeding the expectation range of $0.75 to $0.77 provided at the time of our third quarter results.
For the full year, non-GAAP EPS was $2.78, marking a growth of $8.2% for the full year versus 2008. This was also greater than the expectation range provided in February of last year of $2.69 to $2.75. Our decision announced in February to cut expenses and reduce payroll costs was clearly the correct action.
Now, I would like to comment on our expectations for 2010. We are estimating sales growth in the range of 2% to 7% and non-GAAP EPS of $3.9 to $3.15, marking a return to double digit non-GAAP EPS growth in the range of 11% to 13%.
In order to achieve this performance we'll broadly leverage our selling, general, and administrative costs. During the year we have no plans to expand our sales forces in the U.S. and Europe although we do have some expansions in emerging markets. On the other hand, we have chosen to ramp up our spending in R&D, which is estimated to be in the range of 15% to 16% of sales.
There are several challenges for forecasting 2010 performance. Firstly, determining the shape of the economic recovery, where we prefer to remain somewhat cautious. Secondly, predicting the full impact of generics to our U.S. ophthalmology business. And finally, within our forecast, we are assuming that we are successful in securing some important regulatory approvals.
Regarding competition for BOTOX Cosmetic and Therapeutic in the U.S. and Europe, we are feeling much more confident about our ability to retain high market shares as we increasingly focus our efforts into market expansion versus defense of market share. Notwithstanding this, a full year of competition effect will still dent BOTOX sales growth.
In terms of R&D in the fourth quarter, we again increased R&D expenditure to $185.2 million on a non-GAAP basis, which was 11.2% over Q4 of 2008 and sequentially increased 11.1% over Q3 of 2009. Looking back on the back end of 2008 and the whole of 2009, I wish that we'd have more aggressively started some new programs earlier as we finished up many expensive Phase III trials such as for BOTOX for chronic migraine, OZURDEX for retinal vein occlusion and (inaudible) and ACUVAIL, and ZYMAR X. But this of course is the benefit of hindsight and clearly we were cautious about long term spending and commitments early in 2009 given the economic turmoil at that time.
We were also able to embark on a long term program to reduce the cost of clinical development. In 2009 we were able to enroll 8% more patients in clinical trials per Allergan clinical research associate and have set metrics in place in 2010 to reduce the average clinical trial cost per patient compared to 2009.
Since the beginning of the year we have had a string of regulatory approvals
LUMIGAN 0.1% was approved in the European Union and is about to be launched in the U.K. and Germany
This FDA-approved JUVÉDERM XC, the next generation product providing the benefits of pain control with lidocaine, which has been shipping to the markets since February the first; Health Canada approved SANCTURA XR and OZURDEX was approved in India and New Zealand.
Regarding key regulatory filings, the fourth quarter was full of activity. Regarding BOTOX for chronic migraine, files were submitted to Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Switzerland, and RESTASIS was filed in Canada and Australia. Regarding the chronic migraine filing with the USFDA, we were not surprised that this will undergo the full standard review cycle.
Regarding new technology, we are also pleased that we further strengthened our pipeline by acquiring Serica, a private company based in Massachusetts with unique patent-protected silk mesh technology for use in tissue regeneration, especially in breast reconstruction.
Regarding the alpha agonists and gamma [ph] program, the latter partnered with ExonHit, we are in advanced negotiations with several parties regarding out-licensing. Strategically, it is prudent for Allergan to concentrate its resources in specialist markets and seek partners for programs that would be commercialized predominantly with GPs. Furthermore, we wish to concentrate our R&D efforts on our targeted toxin for pain program.
Turing now to the performance of the businesses, I will commence with ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, which had an outstanding quarter with 212% growth in dollars and 16.5% in local currencies. All of our key products enjoyed strong growth. Now, focusing on local currency growth, the numbers are as follows
RESTASIS increased by 39.6%; LUMIGAN, including GANFORT by 18.1%, then ALPHAGAN, including COMBIGAN by 8.7%.
We enjoyed strong double digit growth in local currencies both in the United States and abroad with outstanding growth in Asia due to the creation of our joint venture with Samo [ph], our longstanding business partner in Korea, and our direct sales operation in China. For the eight consecutive year, Allergan was the fastest growing global company as reported by IMS Global for the 12-month period ended September 2009.
In Europe, we continued to gain share in both glaucoma and artificial tears. In Latin America, Allergan has outgrown Alcon for the fifth consecutive year.
End market, in the U.S., RESTASIS grew 20.6% versus Q4 of 2008 in acquisition dollars and LUMIGAN 7.6% on the same basis. LUMIGAN was further boosted by double-digit growth of LUMIGAN outside the United States and major growth of GANFORT as it is introduced and ramps up around the world.
ALPHAGAN franchise growth of 8.7% in local currencies was commendable as this was the first full quarter when ALPHAGAN P 0.15% was subject to generic intrusion in the United States. This growth was driven by COMBIGAN and ALPHAGAN P 0.1%. Outside the U.S., brimonidine generics are available in many markets where there too our strategy is to emphasize the convenience of the fixed dose combination of COMBIGAN. COMBIGAN in fact enjoyed major growth in the quarter in international markets.
In the U.S. our ALPHAGAN P 0.1% product receives great interest by ophthalmologists. Coupled with COMBIGAN, Allergan has been able to retain between 73% and 75% branded share of brimonidine-containing products over the last eight weeks.
Regarding generics of ACULAR, or Ketorolac, full emphasis is being placed on the product's advantages of our latest generation product, ACUVAIL. Due to the good initial uptake of ACUVAIL, Allergan is currently holding about the mid-50 percentage share for our branded products over the last six weeks.
RESTASIS continues on a strong growth trajectory as dry eye is increasingly understood as a progressive disease by ophthalmologists and optometrists. And increasing number of practitioners incorporate RESTASIS into their practices and patients are educated about dry eye disease and therapy by our advertisements.
Regarding OZURDEX, we are still in the early stages of the launch of the product as retinal vein occlusion is the smallest of all of the indications where we are conducting clinical development and we are proving in practice that payors will reimburse for OZURDEX.
A limited portion of the U.S. ophthalmic growth was due to a slight increase in trade inventories from the end of the third quarter to the end of the year although these remain at the very low end of our targeted range of less than eight weeks cover. In the U.S. (inaudible), the data provider, showed Allergan growing in Q4 at 8.6% in acquisition dollars versus Q4 of 2008 and for the full year at 12.3% in a prescription pharmaceutical market growing by 9.3%, thus gaining more market share than any other company.
Turning to BOTOX' performance, sales increased in the fourth quarter by 5.6% and only 0.7% in local currencies as the overall market for neuromodulators recovers, but we are impacted by the launch of DYSPORT in the U.S. but of course there was no sales base in the prior year. Outside the U.S., sales growth of BOTOX Cosmetic or (inaudible) was very strong in all operating regions, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Canada. Therapeutic was particularly strong in Europe and Asia-Pacific.
For the full year, BOTOX sales declined 0.1% in dollars and grew 2.5% in local currencies. Given the effect of consumer spending on BOTOX Cosmetic, we estimate that BOTOX for Aesthetic use was 48% of the mix, declining 4% year-over-year in dollars and that therapeutic uses accounted for 52% of the mix, growing 4% in dollars.
In the third quarter, the last quarter for which data is available, we estimate that the worldwide neuromodulator market grew 7% in U.S. dollars and that BOTOX enjoys approximately 83% market share. In the U.S., it seems that DYSPORT aesthetic share in recent months has leveled off at the low double digit market share even with heavy sampling with about a quarter of DYSPORT patients being first time neuromodulator users. Based on our sales and market surveys, it would also seem that the U.S. aesthetic market enjoyed an uptick in growth in Q4.
In retrospect, the various consumer promotions for BOTOX, sometimes coupled with JUVÉDERM, were very successful encouraging patients to increase the frequency of their treatments. They also led to a significant growth in our database of patients with whom we can communicate directly with new media tools.
Use of DYSPORT for therapeutic uses in the U.S. has had minimal impact so far early in the launch given reimbursement challenges. In Europe, we have marginally increased our market share in therapeutics and in aesthetics have lost some minor share to Galderma's Azzalure and to Xeomin as they enter more geographical markets.
Skin care sales of $64.5 million almost doubled versus Q4 of 2008, driven by the launch of LATISSE and strong growth versus its launch quarter a year ago for Axon. Sales of TAZORAC were flat.
Regarding LATISSE, the bulk of the business is direct to physician so analysis of prescription trends and wholesale withdrawals only tells part of the story. The number of physicians prescribing or dispensing is increasing steadily. Aided and unaided brands awareness are climbing upwards and consumer perceptions of efficacy and safety are on a positive track.
Urology. Urology sales in the fourth quarter of $17 million were absolutely flat with Q4 of 2008. We are expecting to see a pickup in prescriptions and sales following our partnership with Quintiles whereby Quintiles since November has been detailing SANCTURA XR to general practitioners. After Thanksgiving, we also merged our urology and medical dermatology sales teams – these are the Allergan teams – into one larger combined force with a reduction in the geographical area of sales territories, which of course dramatically increased by about 70% the coverage of the urology specialty whilst we maintain medical dermatology coverage.
Further to our goals of building our portfolio of urology products, we are pleased that the clinical program for Apaziquone in partnership with Spectrum Pharmaceuticals completed enrollment of the Phase III trials before the end of the year.
Regarding facial aesthetics, we enjoyed a nice rebound in sales in Q4, which grew 18.3% in dollars and a strong 10.6% in local currencies with modest growth in the U.S. supplemented by particularly strong growth in Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and also Europe. We assume that the market also stimulated by our advertising and consumer promotions must have further improved in the fourth quarter as we estimated that the world market in Q3 year-over-year still shrank by about 4%.
From Q4 of 2008 to Q2 of 2009, the market each quarter had been declining in double digit rates year-over-year. Beyond market recovery, it is also clear that the Allergan line led by JUVÉDERM is gaining market share in all of the operating regions of the world. In the third quarter, we estimate that Allergan's global dermal filler share was roughly equal to that of Q-Med and Medicis combined.
In the U.S., we expect that the launch of JUVÉDERM XC with its pain control benefits will enhance market growth as well as garner incremental market share. In January, in Europe, we launched JUVÉDERM SMILE, a new lip product containing lidocaine. JUVÉDERM was recently introduced in the Philippines and JUVÉDERM ULTRA in Korea.
Moving on to breast aesthetics, the year-over-year sales declines in earlier quarters in the year have now given way to a good growth quarter. In Q4, sales grew 9.7% in dollars and still a commendable 5.4% in local currencies. The U.S. returned to growth and certain European markets posted more than double digit growth rates, of course somewhat flattered by the very poor sales of Q4 of 2008. Brazil and parts of Asia-Pacific also recorded very strong sales growth.
In the U.S., sales of silicon gel increased their share of the mix. U.S. market share has been somewhat flat as we have consciously moved to a modest premium pricing position. In Korea, we moved to a direct sales presence uniting breast aesthetics with our facial aesthetics line.
For the obesity intervention product area, we also saw improved performance in Q4 relative to earlier quarters in the year. Sales, however, still decreased 1.3% versus Q4 of 2008 and 5.3% in local currencies. Most of the improved performance is attributable to the U.S. where the rate of decline reduced significantly in the fourth quarter also aided by comparable market share for the LAP-BAND in Q4 2009 and Q4 2008.
Market share for Lap-Band seems to be settling in at just under 75%. For the first time in the U.S. the share of all geriatric procedures accounted for by bands surpassed the 50% mark overtaking bypass and sleeve costectomy [ph]. Overseas markets such as the U.K., Australia and Canada, which had recorded strong growth earlier in the year, suffered sales declines year-over-year in Q4. Our ORBERA Gastric Balloon grew strongly on a small base of sales in Europe, parts of Latin America, and Australia.
I'll now pass over to Jeff Edwards who will take you through the financial and operating performance in greater detail.
Jeff Edwards
Thanks, David, and good morning to all of you on the call; thanks for joining us. As was the case in the third quarter of 2009, Allergan continued to generate strong earnings performance despite an ongoing stagnant economic environment and the challenge of new competition during the fourth quarter of 2009. Being able to overachieve our sales and earnings per share expectations for the quarter is a true reflection of the depth and breadth of Allergan's business and a strong competitive position within each of our specialty areas.
This performance is also reflective of our forward-looking focus, an effort to prepare in advance of competition in moving towards economic recovery. Allergan's diversified base of business and thoughtfully directed approach to reinvest back into the business to further stimulate market growth enabled the Company to deliver non-GAAP diluted EPS results above the top end of our range expectations.
Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share for the fourth quarter were $0.78, marking a 2.6% increase over 2008 results for the same quarter. As a reminder, for the fourth quarter, EPS for 2008 was positively impacted by approximately $0.04 due to the retroactive benefit caused by the renewal of the U.S. R&D tax credit in 2008. Adjusting to account for this forced [ph] benefit fourth quarter 2009 EPS would have grown 8.3% year-over-year. A reconciliation of all of the adjustments to GAAP earnings is set out in our earnings release.
For the full year of 2009, Allergan demonstrated its ability to leverage its expense base by delivering non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of $2.78 despite the various challenges spaced throughout 2009 including continuing economy-driven challenges and volatility within the currency markets versus prior year; generic intrusion within the anti-inflammatory and glaucoma segments of our eye care business; and new competition in the neuromodulator market. This strong result was above the high end of our initial range of expectations provided in February 2009 of $2.69 to $2.75.
Our commitment to the long term future of the Company and to our shareholders is evident in this results as we are able to both invest strongly into the growth drivers of the business and pass stronger earnings performance on to our shareholders in the form of greater EPS performance.
Excluding the effects of non-GAAP adjustments and amortization of acquired intangibles, Allergan's Q4 2009 gross margin of 84.7% increased 230 basis points when compared to the prior year Allergan saw improvement in both its pharmaceutical and medical device margins. On a sequential basis, Q4 2009 gross margin increased 130 basis points over prior quarter. These improvements in gross margin were a product of our keen focus on year long broad based implementation and manufacturing facility efficiencies and a successful transfer of our breast implant manufacturing process from Ireland to Costa Rica.
The non-GAAP selling, general, and administrative expenses to product net sales ratio for the fourth quarter was flat at 41.7% compared with the third quarter of 2009. On a dollar basis, fourth quarter non-GAAP selling, general, and administrative expenses totaled $503 million. Similar to the third quarter of 2009, Allergan continued to implement targeted investments during the fourth quarter to further stimulate and support our future growth as we continue to observer emerging recovery and improvement within certain of our markets.
Non-GAAP research and development expenses were 15.4% of product net sales for the quarter, totaling $185.2 million, an increase of approximately $19 million over the third quarter 2009, as we continue to fund new projects and sequentially ramp up R&D investments moving into 2010.
Consistent with the expectations provided within our earnings release, this trend will continue throughout 2010. Excluding the effects of non-GAAP adjustments, Allergan fourth quarter operating income ratio increased by 100 basis points when compared to the third quarter of 2009. Allergan's disciplined and selective approach centered on maximizing investment return and our commitment to cost moderation has enabled the Company to generate this improvement to the operating income performance.
With respect to our balance sheet, consolidated Allergan days sales outstanding was 44 days while consolidated Allergan inventory days on hand was 106 days. This represents an improvement of three days for days sales outstanding and 22 days for inventory days on hand when compared to the prior year. I am pleased to note that Allergan's DSO and DOH metrics represent top quartile performance versus our industry peers.
Prior to the start of 2009, Allergan established objectives around working capital and capital targets that were pushed across to each of our operating units and included within each of their performance objectives for the year. With almost no exception, each of the responsible management teams exceeded our expectations and executed with impeccable quality.
At the end of the fourth quarter, Allergan's cash and cash net of debt positions totaled approximately $1.9 billion and $439 million, respectively. Allergan continued to maintain exceptional cash flow generation capabilities in 2009 with operating cash flow after capital expenditures of approximately $276 million for the fourth quarter and over $1 billion for the full year. This represents record annual cash flow performance for the Company and truly exceptional performance by our team.
These strong balances, cash balances, and broader access to liquidity provide Allergan with the ability to remain active with respect to our ongoing pursuit of strategic acquisitions and licensing.
As we look forward into 2009, Allergan's plan is to continue to carefully monitor our markets and manage business expenses as necessary through appropriate leverage with a goal of delivering our bottom line EPS expectations. As I had mentioned in the past, we continue to be very thoughtful on our evaluation of our expense base to ensure we are leveraging the appropriate areas and are operating the business with the most efficient and appropriate cost structure necessary to remain competitive in today's markets.
We've also tried to be mindful with respect to the current state of the broader economic environment. Although we believe that the environment is clearly stabilized and in many cases shown signs of positive trends, we understand that some caution is prudent. For the first quarter of 2010, Allergan estimates product net sales in the range $1060 million to $1100 million and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share to be in the range of $0.57 to $0.59.
As Allergan invests to support the approvals and launches of a number of new products in 2010 spending levels are expected to be higher in the first half of the year as measured in both dollars and percent of sales while the second half of the year should produce some moderation of these investment levels. Consistent with the investments made in prior years, Allergan is very focused on leveraging and spending against our core traditional products, and focusing the benefits of leverage on our newer, higher growth, short and long term opportunities. We project the full year non-GAAP SG&A ratio to product net sales to be between 39% and 40%.
Regarding full year expectations for 2010, Allergan expects non-GAAP diluted earnings per share to be between $3.09 and $3.15, which represents growth of between 11% and 13%. This expectation assumes no passage of significant U.S. healthcare reform legislation, including excise axes or new rebates. We will continue to monitor the outcome of the legislative process and we will provide an update to our expectations at a later date if any legislation is passed and when its impact is fully understood.
Additionally, the expectations assume that the U.S. R&D tax credit will be renewed in the fourth quarter this year with full year retroactive benefits impacting Q4 results. This would generate a higher effective tax rate in the first three quarters of 2010 and thus lower EPS results while benefiting both the Q4 effective tax rate and reported Q4 EPS. For the full year we expect a tax rate on non-GAAP earnings of between 28% and 29%.
Regarding full year 2010 total sales expectations, Allergan expects total product net sales in the range of between $4550 million and $4750 million. For your information, specific product sales expectations are included in our earnings release.
With respect to R&D investment in 2010, Allergan will continue to make substantial commitments to spending across both our medical device and pharmaceutical technology portfolios. We project the non-GAAP R&D ratio to product net sales to be between 15% and 16% for 2010. For your information, we have included expectations for other lines of the income statement within our earnings release.
With respect to 2010 capital expenditures, we project CapEx of between $170 million and $190 million for the year. Regarding cash flow, as we demonstrated during 2009, Allergan is fortunate to have the ability to generate significant levels of cash, which allows us to maintain strong and healthy balance sheets. For 2010, we expect to generate operating cash flow after capital expenditures of approximately $800 million. We have assumed very moderate levels of share repurchase activity of approximately $4 million in 2010 with the repurchase objectives limited to only match expected employee stock option based compensations programs.
Our solid results during the fourth quarter and full year 2009 is another testament to the value of the depth and breadth of our diversified lines of businesses as well as Allergan's ability to effectively manage its business through difficult markets. We hope to continue to build on our past excesses and look forward to new opportunities emerging for Allergan in 2010.
With that, operator, I would like to open the call for questions.
Question-and-Answer Session
(Operator instructions) Our first question comes from Gary Nachman, Leerink Swann.
Gary Nachman -- Leerink Swann
Hi good morning. My first question on BOTOX guidance, are you factoring any contribution for new indication specifically spasticity or migraine? What's the update on the Phase III studies for OAB? And on migraine, are you preparing for (inaudible)?
David Pyott
Okay, I will take the – the kind of the number questions and let Scott answer the scientific questions. Given it's public that the PDUFA date for spasticity is the First of April, clearly we have sales in for spasticity in the United States. Regarding migraine, given that you know that it was filed in Q3 of '09 and assume it's a full review cycle, and probably a little bit more even – the stub [ph] value of sales for migraine assumed in our numbers is pretty modest. So, I will now pass over to Scott for the answers on the other fronts.
Scott Whitcup
Hi Gary. Yes, to answer to your questions, first on our overactive bladder programs – we've completed sort of the negotiations on the neurogenic. We have a sort of the formula of how much followup they wanted to see and are on target to file that – a BLA this year. In addition, we have a large program, Phase III program in idiopathic overactive bladders. Those trials are recruiting. On the migraine side we don't know for sure whether there will be advisory committee or not, but we are fully prepared given that that preparation helps us both for the U.S. should there by advisory committee and for answering regulatory questions around the world. We are very committed to get this filed and approved globally.
Gary Nachman -- Leerink Swann
Okay great. And if I can just take another one. 4Q spending was pretty high. Could you just specify what programs you accelerated towards the end of the year and how much of that was the ramp-up at DTC? Thanks.
David Pyott
As an order of magnitude obviously it was a very large number and of course one other thing I have to point out is that SG&A in dollars of course was also boosted by currency to the tune of around about $20 million. Roughly half of the increase was due to DTC increase year-over-year. And of course in all my remarks today you always have to bear in mind we are comparing against Q4 of 2008 where of course we were busy, frankly hot-shitting down expenditures. We watched the world kind of disappear down the tubes. And now we are on the other end where we increased a lot and hence my remark over the full year, we ended up spending more than 47% or 47% more than we had in 2008 full year. Otherwise, we basically turned on rather marketing programs that we thought were high return. And one other amount of course is also bonus and commissions because of course in Q4 of 2008 we were frankly reducing our accruals. And, yes, this year it was the opposite as things continued to ramp up of course then not truly – Mr. Barlow as the Corporate Controller has to make sure that we are accruing properly for sales force commissions and bonuses.
Another factor too is the lapping of Asia given that we have done an awful lot in Asia and Asia is just exploding given all the initiatives we've taken particularly in Korea and China, but also some of the smaller countries.
Gary Nachman -- Leerink Swann
Okay. Which products did you spend the most on at DTC?
David Pyott
Clearly you can see it in terms of measurement, LATISSE was the largest single one. We should probably move to another caller then.
Gary Nachman -- Leerink Swann
Okay great thanks.
Your next question comes from Larry Biegelsen, Wells Fargo.
Larry Biegelsen -- Wells Fargo
Good morning, thanks for taking the call. First, you mentioned you did not get a priority review for BOTOX for migraine. My understanding is that a priority review is for an unmet clinical need. What – how do you think about that, and is it somewhat – do you think we should read anything into it, why or why not, Scott, should we be disappointed that it didn't get, though the FDA doesn't view it as an unmet clinical need?
Scott Whitcup
Larry, we weren't surprised at all that really some of our discussions, this is one of the largest files the review division needs to go through. To box them into six months would have been tough. I think they appreciate the unmet need in terms of treatments that really work but it's – there is – there are treatments for migraine out there so it wasn't like there are no treatments that patients could use. So I think they appreciate the unmet need. I think the fact that we didn't get a priority review doesn't really surprise me and I don't view it as a negative, but that somehow their review division is viewing the unmet need any differently than when we met with them.
Larry Biegelsen -- Wells Fargo
Okay. And then on OAB neurogenic, OAB studies are scheduled to end in March 2010 according to clinicaltrials.gov. Is that accurate and when will we see the results?
Scott Whitcup
I am not sure exactly when the – when the trials will end. The filing date was – or the amount of data that the FDA needed to see was complicated – there is a formula of how long the drug was acting and how many patients they needed post cycle. We are confident that we are on schedule to get that filed this year. So, that's on schedule. When exactly those data will then be submitted for publication you will see them – to be honest, I don't know yet, but our goal usually is once the trials are done get it written up, try to get it published and presented as quickly as we can and we'll update you as soon as we have those dates.
Larry Biegelsen -- Wells Fargo
And Scott, no top line results like BOTOX Migraine?
Scott Whitcup
No, not that we are planning.
Larry Biegelsen -- Wells Fargo
Okay. And then lastly, the Q1 revenue guidance, the mid-point is about 9%, Jeff, but the full year is about 5%, the mid-point. I mean why do you assume a deceleration after the first quarter? Thanks.
David Pyott
Well, I think two factors. When we looked at various sell-side models, of course one of the things everybody will see is the disconnect on generics. I think most of you assume a lower impact than we do. Of course, that's an easy model to get set up. I've got one right in front of me looking at sell-side models versus our own internal plans. And obviously as the year winds on you have to assume the generics share will somewhat increase and therefore impacts our growth rate. Equally, we have to assume more BOTOX competition, same kinds of effects. So, think about it really in terms of – although we plan to fight tooth and nail over every market share point, but we certainly have to be logical and plan for some share loss.
Larry Biegelsen -- Wells Fargo
Thank you.
Jim Hindman
Yes, if people can just limit their questions to two that would be great, that way we can get through most of these.
Your next question comes from Ronny Gal, Bernstein.
Ronny Gal – Bernstein
Good morning and thanks for taking the question. First, Scott, any update with the—on the targeted toxin plan and are you still going to Phase II, if you can just tell us a little bit more about where you are going to spend the extra R&D dollars?
And, second, on LATISSE, I guess you are making a positive commentary here, the numbers are strong. We are seeing from the (inaudible) report IMS (inaudible) IMS was seeing lower or somewhat a flattening of the product. Is there a (inaudible) between the states, states where the doctors can make money from prescribing this – from office – from office distribution of the product have the higher penetration rates are still growing? Can you give us a little bit of help on this?
Scott Whitcup
Sure, Ronny, I will start off with the R&D question first on the targeted toxin. We have a pretty extensive Phase I program that includes a little bit of proof of concept and today our plans are moving into Phase II in – this year, so that's part of the increased R&D spend. If you look at the rest of the R&D portfolio, other big areas of spend, lots of glaucoma and retina programs. We've got the idiopathic OAB, which is a fairly bigger allergy [ph] program ramping up. And then a fairly aggressive increase both in clinical and in research on the device side at Allergan Medical. David and I are really committed to rejuvenating that pipeline and making sure we have the right efforts there.
David Pyott
Yes, I think answering your question on LATISSE in a nutshell, it's clear that it's much more convenient for patients to just fill their LATISSE prescription at the doctor's office. It's obvious you don't have to forget to go to the drug store. Now clearly big three states that – dispensing isn't permitted is Texas, New York, and Massachusetts. And we are continuing to work hard in those states because clearly there is a real benefit to doctor's offices of bringing in a complete new generation and a new type of consumer into the medical aesthetic space with LATISSE. So, we are rather pleased with the growth in the dispensing states and as I had remarked in my script, the prescriptions only tell a rather small part of the story
Ronny Gal – Bernstein
Thank you.
Our next question comes from Ben Andrew, William Blair. Mr. Andrew, your line is open. Please check your mute button. Please pick up your handset. We'll go ahead and move on. Your next question comes from Greg Fraser, Bank of America.
Greg Fraser -- Bank of America
Thanks. It's Greg Fraser for Gregg Gilbert. Your Product sales guidance implies a year-over-year growth of about 2% to 7%. Roughly, how much of that expected sales growth is performance versus currency related?
Jeff Edwards
There is some currency in it. It's modest. If you look on a local currency basis it's about let's see – local currency --
Company Representative
It's about 1%.
Jeff Edwards
It's about 1% on a global basis, the impact.
Greg Fraser -- Bank of America
Okay. And for your LATISSE sales guidance, does that include significant sales outside of the U.S. or is it mainly on U.S. sales?
Jeff Edwards
It's predominantly the U.S. That's the way you should view it for the time being.
Greg Fraser -- Bank of America
Okay. Thank you.
Your next question comes from Marc Goodman, UBS.
Marc Goodman – UBS
Jeff, one question about the tax rate. Should we assume – I mean if you looked at the way the tax rate worked in the four quarters of '09, should we be thinking about that the same way in 2010, is that what you comment was, I mean I understand what the full year is going to be, but – and is that the reason why the first quarter EPS is below what you think even given the revenues and the spending? And I guess that's question one.
And then another question is emerging markets, and David, can you give us a flavor for how big is the business there over the emerging markets, what percentage of the Company is sales and what growth rates are you seeing there?
And then the other question was on DTC spending this year relative to last year. What are you thinking?
Jeff Edwards
On the tax rate, the way you should look at it is in terms of the way it works, you may want to go back to 2008 and just look at the way it ramps there because the assumption here is for the first three quarters of the year, we don't have the benefit of the R&D tax credit. And then in the fourth quarter we'll get the benefit plus the retroactive effects for the prior three quarters. So that's – I am sorry I wasn't clear with my comments, but that's hopefully a better expectation or a better explanation of our expectations. 2008 would be a good model year.
Marc Goodman – UBS
David Pyott
Okay, trying to be helpful on emerging markets. Clearly we've had a presence all over Latin America for a long time. Where the big push is East Asia and Eastern Europe. If you look at it within the whole Company, it's still relatively small, but growing at a very, very strong rate and this is a huge emphasis in terms setting up our own direct operations and beyond just increasing unit growth in the market. Of course we are also getting a capture at a much higher level relative to – there is different rate of course between sales to distributor sales to wholesaler or sales direct to physician in market.
Marc Goodman – UBS
And then on the DTC side?
David Pyott
The question exactly was?
Marc Goodman – UBS
Oh, well, you gave us your number for 2009, I was just wondering in 2010 is that going off, is it about the same or what are your thoughts there?
David Pyott
Yes, as I've said, there is a point where we can start to plateau these investments just because that's the way it works in consumer goods. So the broad indication you could say 2010 is a similar number to the number I quoted for 2009.
Marc Goodman – UBS
Your next question comes from Steve Willoughby, Cleveland Research.
Steve Willoughby -- Cleveland Research
Hi, good morning, thanks for taking the call. Two quick questions, first, could you comment and provide some more color on what's driving the RESTASIS numbers here, is it something different or it's – is something changed with RESTASIS?
And then secondly, if you could just provide any updates on future indications of LATISSE, thinking may be around kind of chemotherapy here?
David Pyott
Well, I will take the first one on RESTASIS. I think this product is just really hitting its stride. As I remarked in my prepared statement, when you look end markets, RESTASIS still grow a fantastic 20.6% Q4 of '09 versus Q8. That's somewhat lower than the ex-factory number. I tried to give you that flavor. Things fluctuate up and down. What's really driving it I think is an ever broader group of physicians that are integrating RESTASIS into their dry eye practice I think a greater and greater understanding that dry eye is a progressive disease. Therefore treated earlier than has historically been the case before we as a company started building this category. Clearly the DTC is working. We do consumer tests to make absolutely sure that patients are understanding the messages of ads. Another thing that is difficult for you to understand on the outside is we introduced 60 count tray recently. So, per prescription, there is a larger and larger number of units being shipped per prescription. So, you see a real disconnect just tracking prescriptions to sales and that's due to units. And also mail order continues to be a fairly large part of this business.
Scott Whitcup
Steve, on the LATISSE question, we have a couple of trials looking at LATISSE for post chemotherapy eye lash loss, one, which was part of our USFDA approvals to look actually in the pediatric population, where post chemotherapy they use lashes – clearly losing hair, you can wear wigs, but it's (inaudible) for these children who lose their lashed, nothing they can do so. We have a program there as part of our European program as well a category of patients who've lost lashes post chemotherapy. And then on the earlier stage still not yet in the clinic is for scalp hair loss and hair thinning. So that program is underway and we'll update you when we think we'll be getting into the clinic.
Steve Willoughby -- Cleveland Research
Okay. Thanks very much guys.
Our next call comes from Ken Cacciatore, Cowen and Company.
Ken Cacciatore -- Cowen and Company
Hi thanks guys. A question on the DYSPORT introduction. Anything – you gave some good commentary around the share – anything surprising you? As they've moderated, are you seeing them take any different actions as they are probably observing what you are observing?
And, additionally on the migraine indication for BOTOX, any update on publication timing? Thank you.
David Pyott
In terms of DYSPORT's entry, I really don't want to get into the mood of saying, " I told you so years ago." But of course this isn't a mystery product. We've been – this has been live combat for now our 21st year in Europe. So we know the product intimately. And I think as I've reflected on the thousands of pages I've read about DYSPORT and BOTOX and I've talked to physicians about how did they administer the treatment in practice. I think this whole issue of learning a new language, everything is different, the units, the dilution, the injection (inaudible) the diffusion [ph] makes it very difficult and I think really a great question somebody asked me a while back was well given JUVÉDERM's success in the market versus Restylane, why shouldn't the same happen with DYSPORT and BOTOX.
And the big difference is when you inject a filler you can actually see what you are doing whereas of course with BOTOX or DYSPORT, you inject into the area and then you see absolutely nothing for several days. And of course in practice unless you are doing a trial, the patients don't come back for quite a while. The only thing you can get is the call back if they are unhappy with the result and I think that leads to a real issue of people saying is it worth really integrating a product that is new to me into my practice. And so I think what we've seen is a lot of physicians not truly being curious in trying out the product and they should. But after a while deciding that they have tried it and let's go back to the tried and tested what works and they the patients are very happy with the product and of course BOTOX is also household name in terms of brand recognition.
Scott Whitcup
And then on the publication what we – our plan from the beginning was to have both manuscripts on the each of the Phase III trials published together and I am happy to say that both of those have been accepted. My guess is that they will be out online and then in press within months, but we don't have the exact time and we'll have Jim in the IR group update you as soon as we have the exact date that they will be out.
Your next question comes from Chris Schott, JP Morgan.
Chris Schott -- JP Morgan
Great thanks. First question just at it relates to operating margins, did you actually just – what's your latest thinking about the longer term operating margin structure of the Company and if you are looking for modest improvement in 2010? Should we think about this 2010 number as a normalized year for the Company? And based on some of your commentary on the R&D side is that investment as a percentage of sales something that might be creeping higher over time?
And then second question, as you stepped SG&A investment just like DTC over these past two quarters, I know it's early, but can you talk about some of the particular areas you are seeing a better-than-expected response to the spend, sounds like there are going to be a lot of them? But also, are there any areas that you are making investment and not yet seeing a return that you'd like? Thanks.
David Pyott
Well, first of all on SG&A, in my remarks clearly we made a point about not adding much to sales force. Therefore, there is the leverage point. When I answered one of the earlier questions on DTC being broadly the same number in 2010 than 2009, there is another point of leverage because obviously if the sales are going up we are holding expense flat. We know what that means. In terms of spend, obviously we spent a lot on LATISSE. This was a consumer goods final launch where you (inaudible) to spend very, very heavily at the beginning to get the product blasted off. So that one is difficult to – where is the chicken and where is the egg. You know, would it have been less if we'd spent half or would it have been double if we'd spent double, I don't know. But we are on a very sharp ramp. I think also we've seen good results for JUVÉDERM. When you think about my remarks on dermal fillers, a really great turnaround from double digit declines in the market to now growth in the market. And our goal now as the leader is to build this market versus trying to be a share-grabbing mode. And clearly I think the addition of lidocaine both from us and indeed from our competition will further expand the market because it makes the procedure not only less painful, but also quicker, and so everybody wins.
Very importantly, in R&D, I stated my disappointment, but of course that's easy to – in hindsight when one knows everything perfectly, I wish we'd spend more money in R&D in 2009, so you will see quite a dramatic uptick in 2010 and for the long term we as a company are very committed on continuing to build our pipeline, bring through products, and unfortunately of course it's not pure brilliance, you need money as well. So there is one that you will see trending higher over the next couple of years.
Jim Hindman
Terry, I think we have time for one more question.
Thank you. That will come from Peter Bye, Jefferies and Company.
Peter Bye -- Jefferies and Company
Hey thanks guys. Just is there any update on -- one you are (inaudible) with the FDA, I think the last date in the filing was March 2nd and/or on the DOJ.
David Pyott
Well of course here, we are talking about two separate issues, one is the matter with the Department of Justice in Georgia and then those declaratory relief action in Washington, D.C., and I think that as the one you are really asking about. And it is in the public domain that the government asked for a stay a limited amount of time and so the date of the trial has been moved back by roughly a month to April the 7th and we agreed to that extension because there is a lot of work that needs to be done and we understand that.
Peter Bye -- Jefferies and Company
Okay. Then any other thoughts on – you talked about Eastern Europe and Asia, about rethinking Japan, are there options about taking back any of the drugs you had out-licensed there, is that just sort of off the table?
David Pyott
Well, I think the most important emphasis is on particularly getting JUVÉDERM approved in those markets, Japan, China, also getting silicon gel implants approved in Japan. And of course that then gives us the basis for creating an aesthetics portfolio and of course when one really steps back the real expertise of our partner in – for BOTOX in Japan and China is GlaxoSmithKline, and they are really strong of course on the therapeutic side and also they've done a fantastic job with regulatory work. We have product knowledge but they have local knowledge of how to work with the agencies and how to present the data in the way that they like to receive that data. So we are very excited about both East Asia and Eastern Europe.
Peter Bye -- Jefferies and Company
Okay thanks.
Jim Hindman
Okay. Well, we would like to thank you for your participation today. If you have any further question, Joann Bradley, Emil Schultz, and I will be available immediately following the call. Joann will now take five minutes to give you market share data.
Joann Bradley
Thank you, Jim. The following market share data we are providing is Allergan's good faith estimate based upon the best available sources for data such as IMS, as well as Allergan's internal estimates. Market size, share, and growth rate information is a moving annual total for trailing 12 months as of the end of September, 2009, except where noted as year-to-date through December 2009
The market for ophthalmics is approximately 13.8 billion growing at a rate of 10% and Allergan's market share is 16%. The year-to-date market growth is 11% and year-to-date Allergan market share is 16%.
The market for glaucoma approximates 5.2 billion growing at a rate of 6% Allergan's market share approximates 19%. The year-to-date market growth is 6% and the year-to-date Allergan market share is 19%.
The market for ocular allergy approximates 1.1 billion growing at a rate of 6%; Allergan's market share approximates 5%. The year-to-date market growth is 8% and the year-to-date Allergan market share is 5%.
The plain ocular anti-infective market is roughly $1.1 billion growing at a rate of 5%; Allergan's share is 13%. The year-to-date market growth is 6% and the year-to-date Allergan market share is 12%.
The market for ophthalmic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories is about $450 million growing at a rate of 15%; Allergan's market share is 34%. The year-to-date market growth is 17% and the year-to-date Allergan market share is 35%.
The artificial tears market inclusive of ointments is approximately 1.4 billion growing at a rate of 8% and Allergan's share is 21%. Year-to-date, the market growth is 9% and year-to-date Allergan's share is 21%.
The U.S. topical market for acne and psoriasis is roughly 1.9 billion with an annual growth rate is 10% and Allergan's market share is roughly 7%. Year-to-date the market growth is 12% and year-to-date Allergan's market share is 7%.
The top ten markets for neuromodulators are roughly 1.3 billion growing at a rate of roughly 3%. BOTOX has approximately a 90% market share. Year-to-date market growth is 4% and year-to-date BOTOX market share is 90%.
The worldwide market for neuromodulators is roughly 1.6 billion declining at a rate of roughly 1% and BOTOX has approximately an 82% market share. The year-to-date market growth is declining 2% and year-to-date BOTOX market share is 81%.
The worldwide market for dermal facial fillers is roughly 630 million declining at a rate of roughly 13% and Allergan has approximately a 33% market share. The year-to-date market is declining 14% and year-to-date Allergan market share is about 33%. The U.S. market for dermal facial fillers is roughly $270 million.
The worldwide breast aesthetics market, aesthetic and reconstructive, is roughly $750 million, declining at a rate of roughly 10% and Allergan has approximately a 37% market share. Year-to-date the market is declining 11% and year-to-date Allergan has about a 38% share.
The worldwide bariatric surgery market for the band and balloon segments only is roughly $370 million declining at a rate of roughly 6% and Allergan has approximately a 70% market share. Year-to-date the market is declining 10% and year-to-date Allergan's market share is about 70%.
And that concludes our call for today. Thank you.
Thank you. That does conclude the conference for today. Please disconnect all remaining lines. Once again, today's conference call has concluded. Please disconnect all remaining lines.
Copyright policy: All transcripts on this site are the copyright of Seeking Alpha. However, we view them as an important resource for bloggers and journalists, and are excited to contribute to the democratization of financial information on the Internet. (Until now investors have had to pay thousands of dollars in subscription fees for transcripts.) So our reproduction policy is as follows: You may quote up to 400 words of any transcript on the condition that you attribute the transcript to Seeking Alpha and either link to the original transcript or to www.SeekingAlpha.com. All other use is prohibited.
If you have any additional questions about our online transcripts, please contact us at: email@example.com. Thank you!


text:
String Swing for Headless Guitars
String Swing wall hanger for Traveler Guitars with leather hang straps. Can be used with other guitars that use a leather hang strap. Oak base with adjustable retaining rings.
- Overall Length: 4 in.
- Overall Depth: 1 3/4 in.
- What's in the box?: Mounting Hardware
- Model #: SS NAT
- Compatible Models: All Traveler Guitars (except Sonic L-22)

subset: commoncrawl


text:
When Bernard Leach created his ceramics he thought about what they would be used for as well as what they looked like. His decorations of fish, deer, birds and natural forms often tell a story. He was inspired by Japan and their traditional tea ceremonies.
Now imagine you are at a tea party. Can you describe the party? What games are you playing? Is there any music and dancing? What party food is laid out on the table? Maybe the plates, cups and jugs have special designs on them. What could they be?


text:
Technical ArticlesSupplier:
Calmont Wire & Cable, Inc.
Calmont Wire & Cable, Inc. has published these technical articles:
(Wire and Cable)
From this Article:In the late 1800s, as the use of electricity was first being used for communications, interference reared its ugly head. The imperative for some form of mitigation became apparent. The first attempts... (View Full Article)
(Wire and Cable)
From this Article:With the rising chance of an accidental or terrorist detonation of a Nuclear Device, designers have to reconsider designing equipment to withstand an ElectroMagnetic Pulse. We had produced these... (View Full Article)
(Wire and Cable)
From this Article:The following example will describe how to select the correct wire size for your application.... (View Full Article)


text:
Bid History for YAZOO Master Mower 20 HP - 60" Cut
Auction Start Date: 08/22/11 3:00 PM ET
Auction End Date: 08/29/11 9:00 PM ET
Asset ID: 35 Number of Bids: 57
Loading bid history...
YAZOO Master Mower 20 HP - 60" Cut
2,813 visitors
YAZOO 20 H.P., 60 INCH cut riding lawn mower. Mower runs and cuts but needs a battery. Item is SOLD AS-IS, WHERE IS. Note: Please inspect items prior to placing a bid. Inspections are by appointment only. Please contact Ron Grimes at (256) 551-2211 or e-mail at email@example.com
Seller added the following information on 8/24/2011 4:45 PM:
20 HP Wisconsin engine, 233 hours
|Seller Information
|Special Instructions
|Most items offered for sale are used and may contain defects not immediately detectable. Bidders may inspect the property prior to bidding. Bidders must adhere to the inspection dates and times indicated in the item description.
Payment in full is due not later than 5 business days from the time and date of the Buyers Certificate. Acceptable forms of payment are U.S. Currency, Certified Cashiers Checks, Money Orders, or a Company Check (with Bank Letter guaranteeing funds – mandatory). If payment is not received within 5 days from the auction end date and time, the seller reserves the right to reclaim and repost the item and the buyer will be prohibited from the use of GovDeals
Removal: All items must be removed within 10 business days from the time and date of issuance of the Buyer's Certificate. Purchases will be released only upon receipt of payment as specified. Successful bidders are responsible for loading and removal and any and all property awarded to them from the place where the property is located as indicated on the website and in the Buyer's Certificate. A daily storage fee of $10.00 may be charged for any item not removed within the 10 business days allowed and stated on the Buyer's Certificate. If the item is not removed within 10 days from the auction end date and time, the seller reserves the right to reclaim and repost the item and the buyer will be prohibited from the use of GovDeals
|Questions and Answers
|There are currently no questions posted for this asset.
Help Desk Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 am - 7 pm ET.
Contact us with any questions, comments or concerns.
Copyright © 2017, GovDeals, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Site Map


text:
In 1992, Evelyn Lauder distributed the first pink ribbons at Estée Lauder makeup counters in New York City to give women the courage to talk about a deadly form of cancer that was killing 44,000 women in the U.S. every year. The senior corporate vice president passed away in 2011. Today, her pink ribbon has gone digital, appearing on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Viddy, where supporters all over the world are turning the internet pink to raise awareness — and money — in order to find a cure.
Now in its twentieth year, the ELC Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign has really put its money where its lipstick is, raising more than $35 million to fund 140 Breast Cancer Research Foundation grants in more than 70 countries, supporting 12 research grants just in the last year. This year the campaign will donate $1 — up to $25,000 — to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation for every post that's shared on the "20 Years of Courage" Facebook timeline through the month of October.
"Social media was made for social causes," explained Marisa Thalberg, VP of global corporate digital marketing at the Estée Lauder Companies. Evelyn Lauder's original collaborators at Self, as well as Self.com, AOL and celebrities including Elizabeth Hurley have partnered with the cosmetics company on an interactive digital campaign to get people talking about breast cancer.
At the center of the campaign is a Facebook page that celebrates important milestones in education and medical research while encouraging breast cancer survivors to share their stories of courage. Everything marked with the hashtag #BCA20 from Viddy, Instagram, and Twitter will make it onto the Facebook page via FeedMagnet's social aggregation system.
Supported by 10 ELC brands in more than 30 countries, the campaign will also reach parts of the world where women don't speak as freely about personal issues like breast health. In China, people can share general stories of courage through a dedicated campaign on Sina Weibo, a Chinese microblogging site; and Tuding, which is China's Instagram.
Personal photographs have long been a highlight of the awareness campaign, which cause supporters can now share on Instagram. Even with "bald heads from chemo," Thalberg said, the women who have submitted pictures through the years have always appeared "absolutely confident, with defiant smiles on their faces."
Viddy, a video enhancement and sharing site, has also created a special pink light filter for making videos, like a pair of rose-colored glasses or a subtle reminder to "think pink."
The visual effects are a fitting tribute to Evelyn Lauder. Said Thalberg, "She found so much inspiration through pictures."
Added Estée Lauder executive chairman William P. Lauder, "My mother would be overcome with appreciation as we further The BCA Campaign's mission of bringing worldwide attention to breast health and early detection through this groundbreaking interactive digital campaign. Twenty years ago, breast cancer was only spoken about in whispers, and today, social media allows millions to be instantly informed and educated with this critical, life-saving message."


text:
- 0Wishlist
Colonial Mills Simple Chenille Outdoor M9 Braided Rug
Returns Accepted Within 14 Days of Delivery.
Items eligible for return must be:
- Sent to us within 14 days of the delivery date of your order (unless the item detail page says otherwise)
- Sent to us in the same condition that it was delivered to you.
For our full return policy and details click here
- Style Number: 108M901
- Collection: Simple Chenille
- Brand: Colonial Mills
- Material: 70% Polypropylene, 30% Polyester
- Weave: Braided
- Styles: Outdoor Rugs, Casual Rugs
- Origin: USA
- Returns: Returns Accepted Within 14 Days of Delivery.
- Cancellations: Online orders can be modified or canceled within 24 hours of placing the order. Because we may begin processing your order immediately, it may not be possible to modify or cancel existing orders even within 24 hours of placement.
Simple. Soft. And available in 18 textured colors. We've made it simple to find a braided chenille rug to compliment your indoor or outdoor living space.
Please Note: The images we display have the most accurate color possible. Due to differences in computer monitors, we cannot be responsible for variations in color between the actual product and your screen. Please be advised that in some cases patterns and colors may vary according to size. Lengths and widths may vary from the published dimensions. We do our best to provide you with an accurate measurement, but please be advised that some variation exists and this is not a manufacturing defect.
- Clearance
- New Arrivals
- Best Sellers
- Shop by Type
- Shop by Size
- Shop by Color
- Shop by Price
- About Us
- Privacy Policy
- Legal Notice
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Easy Returns
- Track My Order
- Contact Us
Click to sign up for an extra 10% off!


text:
Cookie Disaster
I planned on pretty Easter cookies for my grand daughters. I over baked them and to add insult to injury, I screwed up the royal icing. It was like applying foamy egg white, being not only difficult to work with and full of holes, but never drying properly. Oh well, the thought was there and I threw out the 10yr old meringue powder. Sometimes it doesn't pay to be frugal.
You May Also Be Interested In
No Comments Yet
Login To Leave A Comment


text: CEI Today: Fiat getting a bailout?, quantitative easing, and social cost of carbon canard January 03, 2014 Friday, January 3, 2014 In the News Today FIAT BAILOUT - JOHN BERLAU Fox Business: Fiat getting a bailout from U.S. taxpayers? Competitive Enterprise Institute's John Berlau and Forbes Media Chairman Steve Forbes on Fiat's deal to take full control of Chrysler. > View the Fox Business discussion> See also: The Great Italian Auto Bailout — Courtesy of U.S. Taxpayers > Interview John Berlau > Follow John Berlau on Twitter FED BOND-BUYING - RYAN YOUNG Washington Times: Stop the money presses! Two cheers for 'tapered quantitative easing' Leading up to Janet Yellen's Jan. 6 confirmation vote, the Federal Reserve recently announced that it will taper back its bond-buying program, known as quantitative easing. This was encouraging news for inflation hawks, if barely so. Right now, the Fed buys $85 billion worth of mortgage-backed securities and Treasury bonds every month from financial firms. These firms, flush with cash from the Fed, then diffuse those dollars throughout the economy through loans and other financial activities. Going forward, the Fed will roll back its monthly purchases from $85 billion to $75 billion, or roughly 11 percent. This is a good start, but the Fed should go further and taper away the rest of quantitative easing. > Read more> Inteview Ryan Young > Follow Ryan Young on Twitter DOE & "SOCIAL COST OF CARBON" - MARLO LEWIS Globalwarming.org: Social Cost of Carbon: DOE Rejects Petition to Reconsider Microwave RuleOn Christmas eve, the Department of Energy (DOE) rejected the Landmark Legal Foundation's petition to reconsider the agency's final rule establishing first-ever energy-efficiency standards for microwave ovens. Whether or not the microwave rule itself has such wide-ranging implications, the social cost of carbon analysis is a potent weapon in the war on coal and other fossil fuels. As a pretext for expanding government control of the economy, redistributing wealth, and rigging energy markets, nothing beats the social cost of carbon. > Read more> Interview Marlo Lewis More in the news... Cataloging Washington's Hidden Costs, Part 5: When Regulation Tramples Health and Safety 2013 Ends with an 80,330-Page Federal Register and 3,659 Final Rules and Regulations John McLaughlin on Global Warming: "Enough Already Award of 2013" Court weighs fate of net neutrality CEI is a non-profit, non-partisan public policy group dedicated to the principles of free enterprise and limited government. For more information about CEI, please visit our website, cei.org, and blogs, Globalwarming.org and OpenMarket.org. Follow CEI on Twitter! Twitter.com/ceidotorg. CEI President Lawson Bader Big government is over, if you want it to be over CEI Podcast, January 2: Rethinking Unemployment Insurance INTERVIEW A CEI EXPERT Media Contacts:202-331-2277Christine Hall Keara VickersCEI Experts by Issue Advancing Capitalism Constitutional and Legal IssuesEnergy and Environment Finance and Entrepreneurship Health and Safety Labor Nanny State Regulatory Reform Tech and TelecomTrade and InternationalTransportation


text:
New Jersey's Official State Drink Is…
New Jersey seems to have a state "everything." But what about a state drink?
I'm pleased to announce Jersey's state drink is…nothing. Seriously, we don't have a state drink. Most of the other states in the country who weren't creative enough to come up with one at least chose milk.
Our hats go off to Alabama, whose state drink is Conecuh Ridge Whiskey. There's a state that doesn't mess around!
Nebraska on the other hand calls Kool-Aid their official state beverage.
Think about it though, New Jersey has some great distinctions. Our state fruit is the blueberry.
Our state vegetable is the Jersey fresh tomato.
I don't care if our state drink is water! At the very least, we need to choose something.
What should be New Jersey's official State drink? Tell us your ideas in the "Leave a Comment" section below and click "Like" to share with your friends. It could be anything. I will email the Governor myself with the best suggestion. Let's get creative!


text:
This is a good Christmas present to look forever to [emoji106]🏻
It's just an "early" JB - meaning Saurik doesn't even have Cydia Substrate rewritten yet - which means no tweaks and no Anemone for theming. But if you're a MovieBox lover - the JB works just fine right now. (According to reports of users I'm reading at least. And a couple are even saying it works on 32bit phones AND 10.2 - but I've seen no proof of those claims yet in video form).
That's a very important thing to point out too!! Usually when we have a new JB we can just restore to the current firmware and re-jailbreak if in the early testing period things go weird and we want a fresh start.
So be very careful if you jailbreak early. If there's a newer better more stable tool coming you won't be able to just restore to 10.1.1. All the more reason to hold off for a little while until we make sure this tool is stable. Once Cydia eraser comes out for 10 then you can simply Cydia Erase and reJailbreak to use a newer tool.
Yep. Not a stable JB yet. Cydia not properly updated. Luca made clear on his Yalu page to be very careful if you're not a Developer.
People were badgering him to release it. Even threatening him. What a joke. So he caved to the pressure. It'll get better. But now I'm not going anywhere near it.
I'm hearing reports of problems with FaceTime and iMessages after install too.
I've heard both sides. Some ppl are up and running with tweaks and everything. Other's having all sorts of issues. Stay away for now.
Pretty darn exciting, what great Christmas gift to us all. Anxiously awaiting a stable release.


text:
Banta R. M., C. M. Shun, D. C. Law, . . ., M. J. Post and L. S. Darby (January 2013): Observational Techniques: Sampling the Mountain Atmosphere. In: Mountain Weather Research and Forecasting. Springer Atmospheric Sciences . Springer , Netherlands, 409-530. ISBN 978-94-007-4097-6Full text not available from this repository.
In this chapter several types of instruments are surveyed that have contributed to increased understanding of the structure of atmospheric flows and processes that drive these flows in complex terrain. After a brief example of the use of in-situ measurements, those that are in contact with the air they are measuring, a review of basic remote sensing principles serves as a background for a discussion of several types of remote sensors. The review focuses on active remote sensing systems, those that transmit and receive their own signal, including sodar, radar, radar wind profilers, and lidar. Examples of the kind of data available from each type of system allow an appreciation for how these systems contribute to advanced understanding of atmospheric processes by providing data above the surface and revealing the evolving vertical and horizontal structure of complex terrain flows. Advantages of deploying combinations of complementary instruments are described. The roles of measurements and mesoscale numerical models are discussed in a section where modeling studies have used high-resolution remote sensing and other advanced measurement systems to verify the models. Finally a brief section describes turbulence measurement techniques by remote sensing that may be able to provide profiles of turbulence quantities in mountain studies.
|Item Type:
|Book Section
|PSD Publications
|Physical Sciences Division


text:
Mulholland brothers overnight oval duffel
1 Recommendation
Zappos1's recommendation
Last minute trips are no problem with the Overnight Oval Duffel from Mulholland Brothersî. Outer material is made from vintage waxed canvas with contrast leather accents. Case can be carried either by hand using the rolled leather handle grips or over your shoulder using the adjustable shoulder strap. Two exterior zippered pockets and one pouch for holding dirty clothes, your boarding pass, and more. Main compartment unzips wide to reveal a spacious interior that is fully lined in nylon to protect your treasured items. Interior also features a full-length zipper pocket that is a perfect place to hold your under garments or loose items. Dimensions: 21.5" wide x 10.5" deep x 11.0" high. Weight: 3.8 lbs. Depth: 10 1âÂâ2 in Strap Length (short): 1 1âÂâ2 in


text:
What is in this article?:
Good Business
"We are business people," said Hill. "So in making any major investment or in taking any long term initiative, you're looking to do several things. Cost savings over the long haul is certainly part of that. ... but there is also a big long term benefit in PR value, both with the consumer, but also very importantly with our corporate customers."
As primarily a business-to-business company, Diamond Wipes' green model has an appeal all along the supply chain, he said.
"We feel there is a benefit with our corporate customers, since many of them are taking initiatives to project themselves to the customers as being more green, so they like to do business with companies that are projectable as being more green."
Basically, this means that every documented green initiative Diamond Wipes takes -- from solar energy projects to biodegradable packaging -- can be used as a selling point for every customer adopting its products or taking them to market. Because Diamond Wipes is green, every company doing business with them is a little greener.
"Our customers ... are being very proactive in the expectations -- or even demands -- of their suppliers to be able to document their sustainability efforts as it relates to packaging, manufacturing, manufacturing practices, distribution, right on through the whole carbon footprint chain. We want to be proactive in that environment. "
And they certainly have been. Diamond Wipes has a long catalog of environmentally conscious initiatives that cover every step of the manufacturing and distribution process.
This includes a current project to become certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which monitors wood products all the way from the forest to the store shelf to guarantee sustainable practices. The company has also transitioned away from hard plastic packing and lids to reduce waste and improve shipping and warehousing efficiency, and switched to biodegradable, compostable products all throughout its portfolio.
Looking forward, this kind of business model will not be seen as simply an extra incentive for a niche customer, Hill said, but will be standard practice for competitive business.
Companies need to "Think carefully, but think quickly" about their green initiative, he said.
"In the long term, I think any company that is not thinking in this direction is probably putting themselves at peril."


text:
It happened six years ago. The day I thought I would die. I still remember it to this day.
I walked into school like any other high school senior. I had gotten accepted into my dream college and was looking forward to passing the last few months of school being bored, pretending to work, and chatting my days away with my friends while we were still all in one place.
Instead, I was pulled into a separate room, to be interrogated.
"We have received an e-mail from your e-mail address that contains pictures of a document you didn't have access to. We want to know what happened."
I told them I didn't know what they were talking about. That I hadn't sent any e-mails. They refused to show me their copy of the e-mail. They only asked me if that was my e-mail address (it was).
They asked me if my final grades mattered for college. What college I was going to. If a phone call accusing me of fraud would make them revoke my admissions offer.
They pulled in every single other student in my class. Made several girls cry.
Parents came in, argued, threatened, all to no avail. The corrupt system was well defended.
Someone had hacked my e-mail address and sent an e-mail as if having been delivered from my address to the school principal and my homeroom teacher, as well as a few other students, containing pictures of a future test they had "found".
For this, I was being punished.
I tried to prove my innocence – but the e-mail provider needed to have the original e-mail, and they refused to even let me see it, let alone have it.
I tried to bring a lawyer – they informed me that this was internal school business so the lawyer couldn't interfere.
During those few months until I graduated, I experienced the most intense emotions. Fear, anger, fury, desperation, hope…


text: Hi all , if i was to go a bit silly and thats IF i was how much power could i get from the 1.8t without it braking every 5 mins ? As ive seen a few 500+bhp cars but they have 3.2 engines and if i do go down this road id like to keep the 1.8t as there arnt meany about or is it just not up to taking big power ? or would i be better of getting a diffrent car as id like the 5.0 v10 m5 and there close to my buget now i.e 25k for a minter ?


text:
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
- About Us
- Join Us
- News & Events
- Management & Research
- Licenses & Permits
- e-Library
- Maps & GIS
- Contact Us
- Licenses & Permits
- Commercial
- Sport
- Subsistence
- Personal Use
- Aquatic Farming
- Hatcheries
- Research
- General Information
- Licenses & Permits
- File Hunt Reports
- Game Species
- Maps
- Shooting Ranges
- Hunter Education
- Trapping
- Subsistence Division Overview
- Subsistence Use Information
- Regulations & Permits
- Harvest Data & Reports
- Regulatory Announcements
- Where to Go
- What to See
- When to Go
- Virtual Viewing
- Tips & Safety
- Guides & Checklists
- Citizen Science
- Permits
- For Educators
- For Hunters
- For Anglers
- Camps & Skills Clinics
- Citizen Science
- Calendar of Events
- Animals
- Invasive
- Pets & Livestock
- Special Status
- Living with Wildlife
- Parasites & Diseases
- Wildlife Action Plan
- Access & Planning
- Conservation Areas
- Ecosystems
- Habitat Permits
- Maps & GIS
- Restoration & Enhancement
- Fishing
- Wildlife
- Subsistence
- Habitat
- Boards
- Enforcement
Alaska Fish & Wildlife News
April 2005
Testing Bears' Color Vision
Tests with black bears and polar bears indicate that bears can see color.
Researchers Ellis Bacon and Gordon Burghardt of the University of Tennessee concluded that black bears could discriminate between shades of color. Two bears were trained to associate food with a specific color: one bear learned that food was in a blue container, the other identified green. Containers were tightly sealed to prevent olfactory clues.
After learning to associate food with color, bears were tested using identical containers in different shades. The "blue-trained" bear could correctly discern between blue and blue-gray, blue-green, blue-red and blue-yellow; the "green" bear could discriminate between green and similar shades.
Color-blind people can see colors like yellow and blue as different shades of gray, so the study attempted to create hues that would be perceived as homogenous shades of gray.
In the discussion of the project, the researchers commented on comparable studies done with other animals. The authors wrote, "Hue discrimination was clear and contrary to Courtier (1954) and did not depend on bright colors. The task acquisition was very rapid and the discriminations were consistently correct. The bears learned more rapidly than Grether's (1946) chimpanzees, and as fast as the dogs used by Hosengren (1969). This positive performance indicates that hue discrimination is most likely a strong and widely used component of the bear's visual perception."
Researchers working with captive polar bears at the Philadelphia Zoo concluded that polar bears see in color. The experiment used a discrimination task similar to Bacon and Burghardt's test, with ice blocks of different colors thrown into the enclosure in pairs. At any given time, one color reliably contained a food treat and the other color was empty.
The bears performed better than guessing would allow, and researchers took steps to make sure that color was the only cue that would signal the right answer. When they had mastered the discrimination, colors were reversed and performance rapidly climbed back to high levels.
Subscribe to be notified about new issues
Receive a monthly notice about new issues and articles.
- Google+
Section Navigation
April 2005
- Table of Contents
- Features
Select Issue
Riley Woodford
1255 West 8th St.
Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 465-4256
Questions or comments:
Wildlife News Info
To subscribe contact:
AWN Subscriptions
To unsubscribe:
P.O. Box 115526
1255 W. 8th Street
Juneau, AK 99811-5526
Office Locations


text:
Basic InformationName: ダンテ Dante
Nickname: カラス The Crow
Gender: Male
Age: 26
Clan: Dark
Dante's has a white skin with fair white hair, his hair is brushed down his face, Dante's most obvious design trait is his affinity for red-colored apparel, in the form of a long, two tailed coat. Dante's coat is red because the color traditionally represents a heroic figure in Japanese culture, the coat had zippers on the sleeves and a buckle around the waist, but after Dante's first battle with Vergil, the right sleeve is damaged and Dante tears it off.
Dante is incredibly flippant, mouthing off to even the most powerful of ninjas, and he generally enjoys rubbing people the wrong way. He does mature as time goes by, but never really loses his attitude. Dante is seemingly unflappable, not showing fear whether he's being attacked, Dante rarely shows any seriousness. He can be serious when the situation calls for it, but he still maintains a fairly laid-back demeanor during such situations and is never without a witty taunt or comeback. Dante can seem at times to be uncaring or even callous, but actually has a very strong sense of justice and prefers to fight fairly. He can be counted on to do the right thing, even if he makes cynical quips about it the entire time.
Village Information
Village Of Birth: Kirigakure
Village Of Alliance: N/A
Ninja Rank | Chakra Information
Ninja Rank: Unofficial Sage
Specialty: Fire Release | Dark Release | Cursed Seal Of Heaven
火 Fire | Mastered
電 Lightning | Mastered
水 Water | Mastered
風 Wind | Mastered
土 Earth | Mastered
雨 Rain | Mastered
冥 Dark | Mastered
Your Ninjutsu
萬 Ninjutsu | Mastered
拳 Taijutsu | Mastered
根 Genjutsu | Mastered
肯 Kenjutsu | Mastered
密 Fūinjutsu | In Progress
寄 Summoning | Toads & Crows
(Sōdō) - Rebellion
Rank: S
Type: Weapon
Range: Short - Long
Chakra Cost: 40 (+ 30 for blocking each fire attack)
Damage: (20 base attack for normal use) (+15 damage to every fire based jutsu)
Description: the Rebellion sword is made out of a special metal that is able to use the user's fire chakra , it has a large white blade with a silver skull shaped handle ,it's worn on the user's back like Kakashi's sword when he was young , when the user channels his fire chakra into the blade, a fire Aura surrounds the white blade making the sword more lighter and enhancing the user with faster reactions and turning the blades color into bloody red, as long as the user is wielding the blade he can perform any fire technique with the use of only a single handseal, also by adding the +30 fire chakra of the user to the blade , the blade can block fire techniques up to A-rank negating the fire and absorbing it but still receives a certain amount of damage from the attack.
Note: Cannot be used without mastering the fire element.
Note: User takes -10 damage when absorbing a fire technique.
Note: Can only block fire techniques 3 times per battle.
Note: Can only be wielded by Dante..
(Fūinjutsu: Juin Jutsu) - Sealing Technique: Cursed Seal
Rank: A
Type: Supplementary
Range: Short
Chakra Cost: 30
Damage Points: N/A (-5 per turn to target if they us it and target can be self)
Description: This jutsu creates a seal that gives its target more chakra and more strenght. (+60 chakra to target and + 5 damage for taijutsu if regular seal.If Curse Seal Of Heaven +80 chakra and +10 for taijutsu)
Note: Level 2 is double the gain and the damage to the one with the seal
Cursed Seal Of Heaven Level 1: In the first level Crow's body is filled with the "Devil Hunter" symbol written all over his body, exact to the Kanji letter that's printed on the top left of his forhead as his body is injected with a mass of ominous chakra, this state gives a +10 bonus damage points to all Ninjutsu.
Cursed Seal Of Heaven Level 2: In his Cursed Seal level 2 Crow's body takes on the shape of a red demonic figure and his eyes are become bloody red and his voice becomes more deep and screechy, a pair of wings appear out of Crow's back that has the same shape of the Crow animal, allowing him to fly into the air similar to Sasuke's Cursed Seal level 2, in this state the Chakra that's injected into Crow's body is doubled overflowing his body with evil chakra, in this form he gains +20 bonus damage points to all Ninjutsu
Background Information
Crow is a 26 year old ninja who was born in a small town inside Kirigakure as a child, Goh mostly interacted and trained with his grandfather Utakata Asuka who taught him everything he knows and took Goh in a trip to one of the villages in Amegakure to visit some of his friends who Utakata asked them to train Goh everything they know about the rain release, after 2 years of practicing he learned all there's to know about the rain arts till the point that it became his specialty. His father, Zaji Asuka, was less than enthusiastic about being a ninja, claiming that it was not a profitable occupation. They do not appear to be on very good terms as a result, given Goh's casual use of his father's given name. Utakata understands Zaji's reasoning, since being a ninja is more about justice than material rewards and Zaji has a family to support. Utakata told Goh that he would someday understand his father's motives, but thus far this is not the case.
At a fairly young age and one fateful night, Goh's grandfather was killed by Uchiha clan members right in front of him while he was not able to do a thing to protect him. This is one of the reasons why he hates the Uchiha, who killed his grandfather in cold blood, at first he wasn't able to do anything and kept looking himself up from the outside world, till he decided to avenge his grandfathers death, driven by his thirst for vengeance he did everything he could to maintain power in order to punish those who were responsible.
Years later, Crow entered the sound tournament where he faught fearless opponents, like the Pervy Sage, The Doctor, Andruil, Kaziname, Mathias and many others as he faught his way through the tournament reaching the finals to fight Demosthenes, after having a long battle it was determined that the winner was Demosthenes and thus Crow got the 4th place in the sound tournament, due to that Nexus awarded Crow the Cursed Seal of heaven, allowing him to generate his inner demonic power that resides within him, in the first Cursed Seal Crows body is marked with Tattoo's all over, resembling the Kanji name of "The Devil Hunter", and in his second state of the Cursed Seal, he manifests a Demonic figure.
Theme song and Background:
Won: N/A
Lost: N/A
Dropping Minato Namikaze
I have permission to make this bio from the one who made it before me if required. -Click-
Curse Mark Injection. -Click-


text:
Woodford beat fellow relegation rivals Tabard 26-22 on Saturday to claim their first home win of the season in London 1 North.
Despite Tabard getting on the score sheet first with a penalty, it was Woodford who started the brighter of the two sides and centre Alex Pollock went in under the posts for the first try of the game.
The returning Pete Hyett converted to give Woodford an early 7-3 lead.
Tabard responded well through their forwards and second row Sam Barrow touched down for a try to give Tabard a one-point advantage.
Both teams tried to play expansive rugby despite the difficult conditions and Woodford's attacking intent was rewarded when Andy Murphy crossed the line.
However, Tabard responded instantly with a score of their own to take a three-point advantage into half-time.
Woodford restored their lead early on in the second period when Niall Moody powered over after strong work by the pack and Hyett added the extras to make it 19-15.
However soon after Tabard full back Elliot Hurrell capitalised on a misplaced pass to break clear and feed flanker Jermain Ijieh, who scored the try.
Woodford still had 20 minutes to regain the ascendancy and after piling the pressure on the Tabard line, the hosts were finally awarded a penalty try. The visitors' hooker was also sin-binned for deliberately killing the ball.
Tabard went in search of a late score in the final moments of the game but Woodford's defence held firm to secure an important victory in the battle for survival.
Woodford face a tough test at local rivals Chingford on Saturday.
Chingford's title aspirations took a knock as they were beaten 34-19 by Ruislip.
The defeat leaves Chingford fourth in the table, seven points behind league leaders Westcliff.
Eton Manor's game at Letchworth Garden City was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
Manor host Tabard on Saturday.


text:
NCI Addresses Tobacco- Related Cancers in Women
NCI Addresses Tobacco- Related Cancers in Women
BETHESDA, Maryland-A working group of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has released a series of recommendations aimed at stimulating scientific research into tobacco-related cancers in women and translating discoveries into evidencebased interventions to prevent the cancers worldwide. The report, "Women, Tobacco, and Cancer: An Agenda for the 21st Century," noted that the incidence and mortality rates of smoking-related cancers in US women soared during the second half of the 20th century. Lung cancer mortality in women increased 600% between 1950 and 1997, making it the leading cause of cancer death in females. The NCI working group comprised experts from the institute, other federal agencies, nongovernment research institutions, and advocacy groups. Members drew in part on information contained in several recent reports, including the 2001 Surgeon General's report, "Women and Smoking," which highlighted the importance of gender-specific research into tobacco use and effects. The panel set several key goals for future research into tobacco-related cancers in women:
- Increase our understanding of sex differences across the broad range of research on women, tobacco, and cancer.
- Develop new and more effective interventions to prevent and treat tobacco use and environmental tobacco smoke exposure among women and girls, especially in populations at greatest risk; expand partnerships, networks, and innovative research platforms to ensure the widespread delivery of these interventions.
- Improve national and global evaluation and surveillance of the health hazards related to tobacco use and ETS exposure, specifically, of women's and girls' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to tobacco use and associated risks. The working group emphasized that there is a critical need to better understand sex differences as they relate to all phases of tobacco addiction and tobacco-related diseases. "This includes genetic, molecular, cellular, neurobiological, biobehavioral, and hormonal factors that play a critical role in tobacco addiction and in the etiology of cancers and other diseases caused by tobacco," the working group stated. Researchers also need to decipher the etiologic role of gene-hormoneenvironment interactions in the cancers, and discover new methods for prevention and treatment of tobacco addiction. In addition, the NCI panel said that development of better treatment and prevention techniques requires identifying the behavioral, psychosocial, sociocultural, and environmental factors that influence tobacco use, exposure to second-hand smoke, and disease risk.
- Using evidence from animal studies, pilot projects, and small clinical and community studies to develop new interventions for prevention, cessation, and treatment.
- Finding ways to use or modify existing infrastructures to rapidly evaluate the efficacy of promising treatments and the effectiveness and costefficiency of proven small-scale programs and policies.
- Exploring and strengthening the positive health effects of tobacco-control policies on women and girls.
- Monitoring the harmful effects of tobacco marketing on females.


text:
Vocalist Jill Seifers has come a long way from her moody and dark teen years. Today when she talks about her idols in the music industry, she's frequently animated and bubbly. When she talks about her own start in the jazz world and the jam sessions she attended, she laughs aloud at her own nervy attempts that got her booted from the stage. During her teen years in her hometown of Portland, OR, however, laughter was in short supply, and enthusiasm just wasn't there. Seifers was more serious than bubbly, and she had to deal with bouts of depression, a condition that other family members also suffered from. The offspring of an economist and a choral director, she became even more somber when her parents divorced. Rather than the uplifting sounds of someone like Ella Fitzgerald, she turned to the music of Joni Mitchell and the writings of Anaïs Nin and Karl Marx. Her taste in music changed thanks to a college course, where she heard the works of jazz artists that she'd never been exposed to before, such as Thelonious Monk and Charlie Parker. She also discovered Sarah Vaughan, thanks to her purchase of a cassette in a grocery store. These new sounds hooked her and she became determined to sing in a way that was similar to the sounds of a bop instrumental. She became a student of jazz at the Berklee School of Music in Boston and continued her education at New York's Manhattan School of Music under the tutelage of singer Anne Marie Moss. During this period, Seifers was more interested in the music itself and improvisation rather than lyrics, which held no appeal for her. Her outlook changed, though, following the death of her father from AIDS. She returned to Oregon for his final days, and his passing left her emotionally distraught and unable to sing. That was when she came to understand the value of words and lyrics and she finally appreciated the elation of an Ella Fitzgerald song. Armed with this hard-won knowledge, she returned to New York and became a New School instructor of vocal jazz. She also appeared on-stage in the East Village, where she performed original folk material. One of her albums, Birdland Sessions, is a collaboration with pianist Michael Kanan, a transplanted Bostonian who also makes his home in New York.
The two blended their talents to present a collection of standards onto a recording that reflects Seifers' affinity for ballads. Among the CD's offerings are Alec Wilder and William Engvick's "Moon and Sand," which was written in 1941. The song list also includes two tunes that were first sung by Frank Sinatra early in his career, "Everything Happens to Me" and "The Night We Called It a Day," plus "It's the Talk of the Town," "How Long Has This Been Going On?" and "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered," among others.