SLINGBOX
Thanks to Frank Schrader for forwarding this cautionary review from the Washington Post. The reviewer says Slingbox is complicated to set up, not a high quality picture, and well, why do you need it? I watched it on our guest’s laptop and thought it was fine for what it is. You may not need it, especially if you don’t travel much; but I can’t wait for mine to arrive. I hope I can figure out how to set it up.
NTMD
Closed at $18.69. UBS is still enthusiastic, with a target price of $28. In part: ‘As of 8/20, the 7-day rolling average for BiDil TRx’s [total prescriptions] is 15.9 vs. 17.3 on 8/19. The 7-day rolling average for BiDil NRx’s [new prescriptions] is 12.9 vs. 14.3 on 8/19. Assuming 180 pills per TRx and $1.80 per pill, this equates to an annual sales run-rate of $1.88 MM. BiDil was launched on 7/1.’
UBS obviously assumes sales will take off soon and discounts any possibility of widespread loss of sales t the generic alternative. But others are not so sure, including one of you, who writes . . .
Eric Batson: ‘In medical school we are taught to only use fixed combinations if the fixed combination turns out to match what we independently decide the patient needs, first using individual drugs. Of course people are lazy and combinations are often used, for many reasons, some good, some not so good.
‘Will these guys succeed at selling BiDil? Maybe. Depends on several factors. First, the patients in the tightly controlled health systems (like Kaiser) will never see the drug. Their pharmacies will only list the generic components in their formulary and the doctors will get a memo on how to prescribe the two drugs individually. On the other hand, insurers will have a hard time denying payment for an FDA approved indication of an FDA approved drug, unless the insurers are already limiting drug access through a formulary.
‘I can go on… But honestly….it all depends on how good the marketing department is. I have worked in devices/pharma/biotech for 15 years. The marketeers are the most powerful force. Just like Windows over Apple is marketing, NOT technology.’
☞ Maybe so, but I’m holding onto my puts. So far, prescriptions are being written at an underwhelming rate.
THEOCRACY
One of you writes: ‘The desire and intent and attempt to establish a theocracy could not be clearer.’ And attaches this link:
Grooming Politicians for Christ
Evangelical programs on Capitol Hill seek to mold a new generation of leaders who will answer not to voters, but to God.
By Stephanie Simon
L.A. Times Staff WriterAugust 23, 2005
WASHINGTON – In the blue and gold elegance of the House speaker’s private dining room, Jeremy Bouma bowed his head before eight young men and women who hope to one day lead the nation. He prayed that they might find wisdom in the Bible – and govern by its word. . . .
