James Bond is Back at the Bookstore

May 28, 2008 marks the centenary of Ian Fleming’s birth. The creator of the most famous secret agent of all time, James Bond, will be celebrated with reprints of his books, along with a new 007 adventure.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Pearson PLC in the UK (PSON.L/PSO) and Doubleday (part of Bertelsmann AG) in the US, are gearing up for a massive marketing campaign to promote “Devil May Care” by British author Sebastian Faulks. Very little is known about the book except that it will take place in the 1960s to continue where Fleming left off. (Ian Fleming died in 1964. His last Bond novel was “The Man with the Golden Gun”, published in 1965. “Octopussy” and “The Living Daylights” are two short stories Fleming wrote in the early sixties but were published as one book in 1966.)

Since his death, Fleming’s estate has commissioned other authors besides Faulks to continue his literary legacy: Kingsley Amis (“Robert Markham”), John Gardner, and Raymond Benson. For the most part, these books had tepid sales. However, the publishers and bookseller Barnes & Noble (BKS) believes this time is different. Pearson will give “Devil May Care” the largest fiction budget for a UK book this year. Doubleday will have an initial print run of 250,000. The publisher believes that the success of the 2006 film “Casino Royale” will do for the Bond books what “The Bourne Identity” films did to revive Robert Ludlum’s novels and the authors who pen them under Ludlum’s name. Bob Wietrak, B&N’s VP of merchandising says the bookseller is buying “Devil May Care” as “a definite best seller. The downturn in the economy has prompted a demand for escapist fare.”

May 28, 2008 will feature two prominent planetary energies that just might provide the sales the publishers and bookstores are hoping for. Mercury, the planet that rules writing and books, will be retrograde* in Gemini. People will be more inclined at that time to read a book featuring a well known character, or want to reread favorite books from the past. Readers would also be more interested to read a book that takes place in a different time (such as the Cold War era). The Sun and Venus are conjoined in Gemini, which will boost book sales in general at this time. (I’m sure the Bond books will be promoted as gifts for Dads and grads.)

Ian Fleming called his Bond stories “fantasy for grown-ups”**. Neptune, the planetary energy relating to fantasy and escapism, will also turn retrograde then. The Moon (emotional needs) will be in Neptune-ruled Pisces on May 28. Espionage falls under the domain of Neptune/Pisces.

Jupiter rules publishing. With Jupiter in Capricorn, the sign of limitation, net adult hardcover sales in January and February 2008 fell 13% year over year, according to the Association of American Publishers. Jupiter in Capricorn means publishers this year want to play it safe with established authors and fictional characters. Capricorn rules traditions and the past; Britain is a Capricorn nation.

Gemini is a dualistic sign, symbolized by the twins. There are two James Bonds – the book Bond and the movie Bond. And there are two types of Bond books – Fleming’s and the authors writing books after his death. The book industry would like to accommodate both.

*Planets do not really move backwards but appear to from Earth’s vantage point.

**”Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” is Fleming’s fantasy for children.

Related Post: “Islamic bonds rescue James Bond’s favorite car”

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Taurus New Moon Cycle (May 5 – June 3, 2008)

Each New Moon cycle is a time of new beginnings when we get to make a fresh start in the matters that rule the sign the New Moon is in.

The Taurus New Moon occurs on May 5 at 8:18 AM EDT. The Vernal Equinox marks the start of Spring; in Taurus Spring is in its splendor. This is because Taurus is the first earth sign, and is ruled by Venus, the planetary energy of beauty and attraction. Taurus energy is slow and steady, just the type of energy needed to persevere and get the job done. However, as a “fixed” sign, this energy can be stubborn and resistant to change.

Venus rules Taurus and Libra. The Taurus energy of Venus rules values – financial, material, and ethical. Being financially comfortable is what keeps Taurus energy content. With Venus in Taurus until May 24, this is a good time to enjoy earth’s beauty and engage your physical senses.

The New Moon’s energies influence the entire month. With Jupiter in Capricorn harmonizing with the Taurus New Moon, this is the time to work on ways to increase your professional standing, which in turn grows your net worth. Jupiter energy is prominent now as it moves retrograde* on May 9 until September 8. This is the time to refocus professional ambitions. Mars enters Leo, injecting a boost of self confidence to draw attention to your efforts.

In the USA, the New Moon and Mercury in Gemini (communications) highlight secrets and secret places. The media should be reporting on information Congress likes to shield from the public. Charities, hospitals, and prisons are also in the forefront. Stimulus spending will primarily go to pay down credit card debt. Housing values will continue to decline. Many homes are likely to be damaged from severe storms. Earthquakes are likely. USA Hotspots: New Jersey, NEW YORK/NYC, New Orleans, Western states, esp. Montana, Idaho, Nevada, ARIZONA, New Mexico. World Hotspots: northwestern Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Ireland, London, Turkey, Syria, IRAQ, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, India, central China, Burma, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, N. Korea, Tokyo, New Zealand.

From the May 5 New Moon to the May 19 Full Moon, the Moon is increasing in light. This is the time to start projects and make changes to be completed by the end of the cycle.

The First Quarter Moon occurs on May 11 at 11:47 PM EDT. The Moon in Leo is challenging the Sun in Taurus to come out and play. In the USA, the economic situation hasn’t really improved, but the stockmarket is likely to be happy with news of a modest upturn in housing. USA Hotspots: Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, eastern Texas. World Hotspots: Baja CA/Mexico, Lima, Brazil, Paraguay, Poland, Vienna, Turkey, SYRIA, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, eastern Africa, AFGHANISTAN, PAKISTAN, China (BEIJING), Burma, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Koreas.

We’ve reached half-time in the lunar cycle at the Full Moon on May 19, 2008 at 10:11 PM. If you want to announce or promote something to receive maximum attention, now is the time to do it! Emotions run high like the tides. This is the second Full Moon in Scorpio. In the USA, financial regulation is highlighted. Inflation rises, along with debt. USA Hot Spots: Northeast corridor (esp. PA & NY), Atlanta, Florida, Dakotas, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, CALIFORNIA, coastal Oregon and Washington. World Hot Spots: Mexico City, Lima, Rio/eastern Brazil, ENGLAND/London, Stockholm, TURKEY, SYRIA, JORDAN, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Nairobi, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, Nepal, India, Philippines, JAPAN, Fiji.

Now the Moon is decreasing in light. Try to finish up projects before Mercury goes retrograde on May 26. The Last Quarter Moon occurs on May 2 at 10:57 PM EDT. The Sun and Venus have joined Mercury in Gemini, challenging the Moon in Pisces. This marks a time to review and reflect. In the USA, personal finances and debt continue to be in focus. Real estate appraises at a lower value. Work and health issues are the discussion topics. USA Hotspots: Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Idaho, NEVADA, CALIFORNIA. World Hotspots: Guadalajara, BRAZIL, Sofia, Greece, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Cairo, eastern Africa, IRAQ/BAGHDAD, Iran & Pakistan border, Afghanistan, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Koreas.

*Planets do not really move backwards, but appear to from Earth’s vantage point.

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Mars in Leo Fuels World Leaders Egos

Mars, the planet of action and energy, will be in fiery Leo from May 9 to July 1, 2008. The long transit of Mars in Cancer brought energy and attention to domestic issues, from the housing crisis to out of control food prices. These issues are too severe to be alleviated anytime soon as they are influenced by multiple planetary energies, but Mars in Leo handles them in a different style.

General Influences:
With Mars in Leo, action and energy focus on personal recognition as people tend to express themselves more dramatically. Since Leo rules the Sun, the center of our solar system, Mars in Leo energy vies to be the center of attention. There’s an overall greater feeling of self-confidence. People are more active in sports and leisure activities, family fun, and romance. Mars rules muscles and inflammation; Leo the heart. There will probably new information reported on inflammation’s role in heart disease. Mars in Leo raises temperatures.

Stockmarket Influences:
I view Mars in Leo as the archetype of the day or very short term trader. Positions are taken for pure speculation with the objective to get in and out of the trade as quickly as possible. (This is because all forms of speculation are ruled by Leo.) Market pundits will probably tout “this is full bull ahead”, at least at the beginning of the cycle since Jupiter (optimism and expansion) is stationary* on May 9.

The last time Mars was in Leo was June 3 to July 22, 2006. (Mars takes about two years to return to the same sign it was in.) The stockmarket was concerned about inflation then, and several countries raised interest rates during that time. Mars, particularly in a fire sign, tends to elevate interest rates. Housing was also a concern. On July 19, 2006, Bernanke said: “The downturn in the housing market appears to be orderly.”

Mars will oppose the February 6, 2008 solar eclipse on June 10, which will return attention to issues prominent at that time, especially as Mercury will be retrograde.** Home builder Toll Brothers (TOL) stated then they “see no end to the housing market disarray.”

Mars opposes Neptune for June quadruple Options expiration. When Mars meets with Neptune, inflation and investment bubbles come into focus. This planetary alignment last occurred on July 5, 2006. Oil hit a record, and the market was down on geopolitical concerns about N. Korea and Iran. Since Leo is ruled by the Sun, it will be interesting to see how solar energy stocks react during this time.

Geopolitical Influences:
Mars in Leo influences leaders to act more aggressively. Look for Bush and Cheney to ratchet up the drama towards “axis of evil” nations. As Mars transits Bush’s first house of the horoscope relating to the self, the President will seek to grab the spotlight from the candidates competing to succeed him. Iran and North Korea are particularly in focus around the Gemini New Moon cycle phases of June 10, 17, and 26. Other countries activated during Mars in Leo: China, Iraq, Israel, India, Pakistan, and Syria.

Mars will oppose the USA’s Moon in Aquarius at the time of the Last Quarter Moon on June 26. The public is likely to be upset with actions taken by corporate and government leaders. Aquarius’s ruler Uranus will be stationary then, an energy that sharply increases the public’s desire for a radical change of course in financial matters and foreign affairs.

Look for more details on Mars in Leo and other planetary influences in upcoming Weekly Forecasts and New Moon Cycle reports.

*Jupiter will be retrograde from May 9 – September 8, 2008. Planets do not really move backwards, but appear to from Earth’s vantage point. Jupiter retrograde is a time to refocus professional goals.

**Mercury will be retrograde from May 26 – June 19, 2008. Put the Re prefix in front of everything you do during this period: reconfirm, review, revisit, revise, etc. to alleviate communication snafus.

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GE Fails to Bring Good Things to Earnings Season

The stock market took a sudden dive on Friday after Dow component General Electric (GE) reported first quarter earnings before the opening bell.

Analysts expected certain divisions such as appliances to be down. What they weren’t expecting was weakness across most of their businesses. More surprising still was that the conglomerate did not issue an earnings warning. CEO Jeffrey Immelt took a cue from retailers who always blame the weather when they fail to meet sales expectations. In a demonstration of GE’s imagination at work, Immelt blamed the drop in commercial finance on the fall of Bear Stearns (BSC). Immelt blamed Bear’s collapse for failing to close certain real estate deals at the end of the quarter. GE took $270 million in write downs on loans and investment securities.

Analysts expected conglomerates like GE to be decoupled from the woes of Wall Street, expecting strong overseas growth to bring in 51 cents EPS. Instead, GE earned 44 cents. GE closed Friday, down $4.70 to $32.05 – the largest one day decline in over 20 years.

Another area of surprise was earnings in GE’s healthcare division declined by 17%. Immelt said that hospitals had problems getting funding to purchase GE’s medical equipment. To put a positive spin on this, the less MRI equipment out there, the better. MRIs have become far too ubiquitous in American healthcare.

Barron’s is making a fairly bullish case for GE today, expecting the company to achieve 10-11% growth in 2009. Barron’s writes that GE “is one of the best plays on the global-infrastructure boom, due to its strength in gas and wind turbines, jet engines and locomotives.” I’m wondering if Barron’s will like GE’s stock in August when transiting Saturn in Virgo will hit the brakes on GE’s Neptune and Pluto in Gemini, as well as a couple of other chart placements. Trouble with credit and financing, both for GE and its established and potential clients, might make this stock a better buy at that time.

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American Airlines’ MD-80 Problem

This is the third consecutive day of cancellations of American Airlines (AMR) flights using MD-80 series planes, accounting for nearly half of the airline’s fleet of full size passenger jets. Over 100,000 passengers have been stranded and separated from their luggage. American expects all of the planes to return to service by Saturday night. Passengers with reservations on MD-80s on Alaska (ALK), Delta (DAL), and Midwest Airlines have also been affected.

The FAA issued an Airworthiness Directive in July 2006, giving airlines 18 months from September 5, 2006 to perform “a one-time inspection for chafing or signs of arcing of the wire bundle for the auxiliary hydraulic pump, and other specified and corrective actions, as applicable. This AD also requires that, for certain airplanes, installation of additional protective sleeving on the upper portion of the auxiliary hydraulic pump wire assembly.” The Directive was the result of two Boeing alerts on the planes from 2004 and 2005, and was “intended to reduce the potential of an ignition source adjacent to the fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.”

The FAA Directive estimated the cost to US airlines would be up to $1,304 per airplane, excluding lost revenue for planes taken out of service for inspection and repair. At the time of the directive, American and other US airlines were flying high on Wall Street. Their stocks kept soaring as analysts such as JPMorgan’s Jamie Baker and Calyon Securities Ray Niedl kept promoting how well the legacy carriers were increasing profitability by squeezing costs. Every time the airline stocks would start to drop, M&A talk would push them right back up again. As passengers paid more for less, the shareholders and airline executives got more. AMR’s stock peaked at around $41.00 in January 2007.

It now appears airlines did more than cut cleanliness and other amenities from their service. In their haste to turn planes around as quickly as possible, maintenance may have gotten squeezed too. The FAA’s Directive could have easily been carried out at the time the plane underwent normal inspection and maintenance. Additional time for repair could have been scheduled on a plane by plane basis during slower periods in the airline’s schedule, minimizing passenger and profit disruptions.

Instead, American waited until March 26 to cancel over 300 flights to inspect and fix the MD-80s. Following increased pressure from Congress after Southwest Airlines (LUV) was found to have been flying planes that had not been properly inspected, the FAA began a second round of audits on March 30 to insure airlines are complying with directives. (More airlines could be grounded as these audits will continue through June 30, 2008.) On Monday, FAA inspectors found multiple violations related the 2006 directive on 15 of 19 planes American says it already repaired, forcing the grounding of all 300 of its MD-80s. Obviously, it is a lot more expensive to shut the whole MD-80 fleet down now then it would have cost to repair a few planes at a time.

Despite AMR now trading under $10 a share, Wall Street is not making a big deal about the cancellations. The attitude seems to be the passenger doesn’t have many flying choices. What they’re not factoring in is the cycle of Saturn in Virgo until July 2010. Saturn is the planetary energy of structure and governmental rules and regulations. Virgo deals with details and maintenance/repairs as this critical sign seeks perfection. As Rep. James Oberstar, the Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure told The New York Times: “We have to get them (the FAA) back on course, to being the gold standard in the world for aviation safety oversight and maintenance, and to re-establish a safety mind-set and culture with the agency, instead of this coddling of the industry.”

The MD-80 received FAA certification on August 26, 1980, the last time Saturn was in Virgo. Transiting Saturn conjoined the MD-80 certification Sun and Mercury in Virgo last month and will exactly again in mid-June. This reflects the governmental limitations imposed on the planes not being correctly repaired. Saturn rules old age, requiring that these planes be properly maintained or retired.

Hopefully this current episode of airplane groundings will prompt the airlines to take the initiative to ensure the safety of their aircraft. After all, it was the airlines themselves who requested that the government pass the Air Commerce Act of May 20, 1926 to ensure airline safety via federal regulation.

Saturn in Virgo will form a series of oppositions to Uranus, the planetary energy representing air travel, from November 2008 to July 2010, impacting the Air Commerce Act chart. Uranus will return to its 1926 position during this period. Uranus rules electricity (and electrical wiring) and Pisces rules fuel and chemicals. In its worst manifestation, we could be entering a cycle of airline disruptions and accidents. It is essential that Congress ensures that the FAA and the airlines are proactive in taking airline safety seriously.

In an upcoming post, I will describe how current and future planetary cycles will potentially affect air travel in general, particularly in the US.

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Aries New Moon Cycle (April 5 – May 5, 2008)

Each New Moon cycle is a time of new beginnings when we get to make a fresh start in the matters that rule the sign the New Moon is in.

The Aries New Moon occurs on April 5 at 11:55 PM EDT. No image accompanies a description of this cycle as the Aries New Moon is about YOU! The Vernal Equinox marks the start of the real New Year. Kudos to USA Weekend who acknowledged Earth’s natural cycle in last Sunday’s edition, proclaiming: “Forget New Year’s. This is the time of year for making a fresh start.”

Aries is ruled by Mars, the planet of dynamic action and energy. With Mars in Moon-ruled Cancer challenging the New Moon, spring cleaning can get accomplished much faster this year. Jupiter in Capricorn also challenges the New Moon, fueling professional ambitions and an optimistic, yet pragmatic outlook. These are highly active planetary energies, and a lot can be accomplished during the next month. The only caveat is these energies can also be impatient and impulsive. All this activity can burn out energy, so allow your brain and body time to relax and recharge. Use the Aries New Moon to brainstorm, and write down the major personal goals you want to accomplish, not only during this New Moon cycle, but between now and March 20, 2009.

The New Moon’s energies influence the entire month. In the USA, the New Moon joins Mercury and Venus in the house of the horoscope representing real estate and domesticity. Home values continue to be the primary concern. The weather will also be wet with violent, with sudden storms that cause flooding and property damage. The military death toll continues to rise. Transportation cancellations, delays, and safety concerns continue, and there might be an airline accident. Inflation expands into the “core”. The stock market will continue its volatile pattern, with rapid advances and declines. Another financial institution could have liquidity problems. USA Hotspots: San Antonio, Detroit, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, New England, DC corridor, Virginia, Carolinas, Georgia, Florida. World Hotspots: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, PERU, Chile, Brazil. London, France, Spain, Italy, Berlin, Poland/Eastern European nations, Sarajevo, St. Petersburg, Kiev, LIBYA, EGYPT, Nigeria, Pakistan, India, Burma, CHINA, Indonesia, Philippines.

From the April 5 New Moon to the April 20 Full Moon, the Moon is increasing in light. This is the time to start projects and make changes to be completed by the end of the cycle.

The First Quarter Moon occurs on April 12 at 2:32 PM EDT. The Moon in Cancer is challenging the Sun in Aries to get your house in order. There’s a lot of communication going on and big decisions to be made. In the USA, the focus is on foreign matters, possibly resulting from a surprise attack at a military installation. There might be anti-abortion and/or religious demonstrations that turn violent. The stock market makes large moves. USA Hotspots: Washington, Oregon, California, Phoenix, Dakotas, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New York, Pennsylvania to DC corridor. World Hotspots: Venezuela, Brazil, southern Chile and Argentina. Dublin, UK, Brussels, Paris, Madrid, Bucharest, Beirut, Jerusalem, Egypt, Sudan, Philippines, Australia, New Zealand.

We’ve reached half-time in the lunar cycle at the Full Moon on April 20 at 6:25 AM EDT. If you want to announce or promote something to receive maximum attention, now is the time to do it! Emotions run high like the tides. The Sun has just entered Taurus and opposes the Moon in emotionally intense Scorpio. Financial matters and values are illuminated. It's time to bring assets and liabilities more into balance. The Full Moon harmoniously aligns with Jupiter and Saturn in Virgo, grounding ideas and actions into practical form. In the USA, talk centers around money and the economy. The President is wrapped up in foreign affairs and increasing spending. Weather patterns are stormy and unstable. There’s a possibility of earthquakes and twisters. USA Hotspots: CALIFORNIA (esp. around LA area), Phoenix, Midwest (especially Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, TEXAS), New Orleans, Detroit, DC corridor, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York (NEW YORK CITY). World Hotspots: Haiti, Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, PERU, Chile, Brazil. UK, Spain, Poland, Romania, Greece, Algeria, Niger, Nigeria, central African nations, Turkey, Syria, IRAQ, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, India, NEPAL, Tibet, Hanoi, central China, Koreas, Tokyo, Indonesia.

Now the Moon is decreasing in light. The next two weeks is a time finish up projects as well as eliminate what no longer works for you. The Last Quarter Moon on April 28 at 10:12 AM EDT is a time to begin to put the final touches on what was begun around April 5. The Moon in Aquarius challenges the Sun in Taurus. As a fixed steady sign, Taurus energy tends to get stuck in a rut to the point of discomfort. With the Moon in Aquarius, it’s time for something completely different. Let go of what is no longer working in your life to make room for something better. In the USA, the public is upset and wants action from Congress and the White House to take action to help consumers. There might be leadership shakeups at the White House and corporate suites. USA Hotspots: Hawaii, LA area, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Maine, New York, Pennsylvania, DC corridor, Virginia, Carolinas, Georgia, coastal Florida. World Hotspots: Bahamas, Cuba. Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru (Lima), Bolivia, Argentina, eastern Brazil. Eastern European nations: Poland (Warsaw), Hungary, Belgrade, Serbia/Kosovo, Albania, Greece. Libya, Niger, Nigeria, central African nations. IRAQ, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India (Dharmsala, Delhi), Tibet, Nepal, central China, Laos, Thailand, Kuala Lumpur, Beijing, Hong Kong, North Korea, Indonesia.

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Merck & Schering-Plough: More Nails in Vytorin’s Coffin

“Lowering cholesterol doesn’t mean you prevent heart attack, stroke, and death. People don’t die of cholesterol, they die of these events. We have to know whether drugs actually reduce the things we really care about, which is heart attack, stroke, and other complications of heart disease.” - Dr. Steven Nissen, Chief of Cardiology at The Cleveland Clinic to CNBC’s Mike Huckman

Yesterday shares of Merck (MRK) dropped $6.56 to $37.95, and Schering-Plough (SGP) fell $5.06 to $14.41, after a panel of cardiologists at the American College of Cardiology conference said the companies jointly marketed cholesterol drug Vytorin should only be prescribed as "a last resort."

Vytorin is a combination of Schering’s Zetia and Merck’s Zocor. (Zocor is available in generic form as simvastatin.) The two companies tout that Vytorin lowers cholesterol and triglycerides, while de-emphasizing that plaque increased in many patients taking Vytorin in the companies Enhance study. Joint venture sales for Vytorin were $5.2 billion in 2007. Lehman (LEH) estimates scripts are down 20% between the January 14, 2008 release of the Enhance study information and Sunday’s cardiology conference.

And the hurdles to keep Vytorin financially profitable are growing. Yesterday Senator Grassley, the ranking Republican of the Senate Finance Committee, released a letter citing email messages between Dr. Kastelein, a cardiologist the companies hired to be the lead investigator of the Vytorin Enhance trial. The emails show that Dr. Kastelein felt the delay in the companies presenting the study’s results were “to hide something.” As Senator Grassley points out in his letter, the federal government has spent “hundreds of millions of dollars” for Vytorin which costs $100+ per month vs. a generic statin. (Let alone the healthcare cost if plaque-filled arteries from taking Vytorin create cardiac events!) Or, as Harlan Krumholz, the Yale cardiologist and cardiology conference panel leader told Bloomberg: “It could also be that Zetia is just an expensive placebo and its principal harm is it drains precious resources from our healthcare system.” The House Energy & Commerce Committee and the New York Attorney General are also investigating the companies’ questionable practices regarding Vytorin.

Deepak Khanna, general manager for Vytorin told The Wall Street Journal that "’Our sales force and medical-affairs group have been well prepared about what this study is and how to talk about it.’ The companies plan to aggressively take their case to managed-care plans and pharmacy-benefit managers who make decisions affecting the use of prescription drugs.” Merck and Schering are also discussing when to restart Vytorin advertising.

Schering derives almost 60% of its profits from Vytorin and Zetia. This was a key driver in S&P yesterday placing Schering’s long term ratings on credit watch. Their other big sellers are Nasonex (nasal allergies) and Remicade (for inflammatory disorders affecting the immune system, such as rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, Chron’s disease and ulcerative colitis). Schering doesn’t plan on doing an acquisition as the company is still paying for its $16 billion purchase of Organon Biosciences. Schering’s only positive is that it will be awhile before many of its major products face patent expiration.

S&P left Merck’s rating unchanged due to its more diverse pipeline. However, numbers can be deceiving. Yesterday Merck suspended further patient enrollment in its 900 participant study of Cordaptive, a cholesterol drug awaiting FDA approval. Merck is using the same method to measure patient response that it used in the Vytorin Enhance trial.

As I said in “The Drug Numbers Game”, “More negative information and/or investigation may surface on Vytorin in February and March which will probably culminate in October/November 2008.” Adverse transits from Saturn (limitations/regulation), Uranus (shocks/surprises), and Pluto (massive loss), affect Schering’s stock chart, especially this month, and June/July 2008.

Despite the ad revenues, there have been media stories criticizing cholesterol as a big pharma marketing phenomenon. Business Week put Cholesterol on the Cover, and a February 12 Wall Street Journal story looked at the growing medical evidence that your brain needs cholesterol.

Medical trends tend to operate in extremes. As the evidence continues to grow that lowering cholesterol not only fails to prevent cardiac events, but also may be contributing to the rise in memory disorders, “what’s your number?” will refer to your IQ instead of cholesterol. Uranus (revolution) moves from its current transit of Pisces (drugs) to Aries (the mind), opposes Saturn (old ways) and squares Pluto (transformation) in July 2010. Scientists may finally have physical proof to explain the placebo effect, that the mind is able to physically affect the body.

Related Posts: Lipitor’s Limits and Pfizer’s Artificial Ad

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Stocks “Lost Decade” from a Planetary Perspective

Today’s Wall Street Journal features an above the fold cover story called “Stocks Tarnished By ‘Lost Decade’” By E.S. Browning. The Journal article defines a “lost decade” as a period lasting over 10 years when stocks end up back where they started from.

The stock market is currently in a lost decade that began in 1999, as the S&P500 is trading “below the 1362.80 level it hit in April 1999.” Citing Morningstar, Browning writes: “When dividends and inflation are factored into returns, the S&P 500 has risen an average of just 1.3% a year over the past ten years, well below the historical norm.” Examining the bar graph in the article supports that: “Over the past nine years, the S&P500 is the worst-performing of nine different investment vehicles, including commodities, gold, foreign stocks, and Treasury bonds (adjusted for inflation).”

The lost decade is essentially the bust that follows a boom cycle. The article’s accompanying chart outlines two prior lost decades: 1929-1942 and 1966-1982. These periods, along with the current period, have one thing in common: Saturn’s opposition to the outer planets.

The planetary energy of Saturn relates to economic contraction. It rules business and government structures. Pluto rules debt and massive financial gain and loss. The overall cycle begins when Saturn conjoins with Pluto, starting a business boom of massive financial speculation that peaks around the time the two planets are in opposition to each other. From the opposition to the next time the two planets are conjoined represents a period of stock market stagnation. The market may reach new highs, only to fall further than before. In most cases, this part of the Saturn/Pluto cycle results in increasing government deficits, taxes, and inflation. Business and government structures must be reformed or new ones established as the result of unsustainable growth and risk taking.

Within the waning economic cycle of Saturn opposite Pluto, Saturn usually also opposes Uranus and Neptune. Uranus energies create shocks, extreme volatility, upheavals, and a push/pull between what is new and emerging vs. the status quo. Neptune rules credit. The planet of illusion creates and dissolves asset bubbles.

Here is a planetary analysis of the three lost decades the Journal cites:

Lost Decade #1: 1929 - 1942

• 1929: The October crash occurred at a time when Pluto’s energies were dominant, representing massive financial loss. Pluto was discovered on February 18, 1930.
• 1931: Saturn in Capricorn opposes Pluto in Cancer (1915: Saturn conjoined Pluto = start of cycle).
• 1936: Saturn in Pisces opposes Neptune in Virgo
• 1920: Saturn in Virgo opposes Uranus in Pisces. Of the three lost decades, this was the only instance where Saturn did not first oppose Pluto before reaching opposition to Uranus and Neptune. However, in 1920 Saturn was in Virgo and Uranus was in Pisces – the same signs they are in now. (Pisces is ruled by Neptune.)

Lost Decade #2: 1966 – 1982

• 1966: Saturn in Pisces opposes Pluto in Virgo (1947: Saturn conjoined Pluto = start of cycle)
• 1966: Saturn in Pisces opposes Uranus in Virgo
• 1972: Saturn in Gemini opposes Neptune in Sagittarius
• 1977-1980: Saturn in Virgo creates high inflation and a commodity Bull Run just like now.

Lost Decade #3: 1999-2008

• 2001: Saturn in Gemini opposes Pluto in Sagittarius (1982: Saturn conjoined Pluto = start of cycle).
• 2007: Saturn in Leo opposes Neptune in Aquarius. The final alignment of these two energies occurred on June 25, signaling the Party’s Over.
• 2008: Pluto in Capricorn, the opposite sign it was in during the Great Depression. (Capricorn is ruled by Saturn.) After sojourning back into Sagittarius from June 13-Nov 26, Pluto will remain here until 2024, transforming corporate and governmental structures.
• 2008: Saturn in Virgo opposes Uranus in Pisces five times between November 2008 and July 2010.

The next time Saturn begins a new cycle with Pluto is January 12, 2020. That’s not to say the lost decade will continue until then, as there are many other planetary energies that affect market cycles besides what is outlined here. However, I think the earliest the stock market will reach rock bottom is during the summer of 2010. This is when Jupiter (big moves), Saturn, Uranus, and Pluto are aspecting each other in signs that usher in rapidly unfolding events resulting in massive financial and global transformation.

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The Vernal Equinox: March 20, 2008

Spring begins in the northern hemisphere March 20 at 1:49 AM EDT, the moment the Sun enters Aries. This is called the Vernal Equinox, as night and day are equal length now. The start of Spring marks a new beginning, as nature awakens from its winter slumber. For the ancients, the Vernal Equinox was a time to celebrate the rebirth of life.

The four action oriented signs – Aries (Spring), Cancer (Summer), Libra (Fall), and Capricorn (Winter) usher in each season. As the first sign of the zodiac representing new beginnings, the Sun’s entrance into Aries is the true start of the New Year. Aries energy is all about action and doing things now. This enthusiastic fire energy is ruled by Mars. From March 20 – April 19, it’s time to spring into action to accomplish personal goals. The Aries New Moon each year is the ideal time to begin working on what you personally want to accomplish over the next year. (This year the New Moon will occur on April 5. More on this lunation cycle in an upcoming post.)

The planetary energies for the moment the Sun enters Aries reflect influences that can affect events until at least until the June 20 Summer Solstice, and potentially for the next year. With the Vernal Equinox occurring the day before the Full Moon, emotions run high. This year the Sun in Aries is challenging Mars in Cancer and Pluto in Capricorn. Action/attention is focused on home and domestic matters. The world is grappling with the elevated (Mars) costs associated with maintaining a home and stocking it with food supplies (Cancer). At the same time, Mars accelerates the drop in real estate values. Many people are choosing to walk away from their homes, despite the fallout to their financial reputation that will take time to rebuild. The home as a source of funding to finance status conscious expenditures is dead. Simplicity is in. Careers/professional matters are likely to undergo a major transformational shift. Such is the life altering effects of Pluto in Capricorn, an energy that operates on a massive scale. Individuals, some corporations, and governments are being buried under a high mountain of debt, yet all sides are determined to retain the status quo. The public is caught in the crossfire as the actions of those in authority manipulate, their egos clashing with other power players as they decide who stays and who gets sacrificed on the global chess board. For the immediate future, the most crucial period is now through April 7, particularly March 21, 25, 30, April 2, and 6-7.

In the USA, the Vernal Equinox shows the nation’s identity undergoing a massive transformational shift. Tensions and actions increase with foreign nations. There could be limits or delays in receiving imports, including oil. Transportation accidents are likely or the possibility of a terrorist threat/incident affecting the transportation system, causing sudden disruptions. Communication disruptions and outages are likely, as well as an increase in computer viruses. The media is focused on the economy and financial scandals. Stock market volatility gyrates from hope and euphoria to massive panic, with sentiment highly influenced by rumors and “happy talk” from the Federal Reserve and the Bush administration. Severe storms will form quickly, causing extensive property damage.

USA Hot Spots: New York and New England states, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia/Alabama border, Florida panhandle. Dakotas, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas (Dallas, Houston). Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, Arizona. Earthquake/flooding potential for California, Oregon, Washington.

World Hot Spots: Cuba, Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia. UK & N. Ireland, Oslo, Amsterdam, Brussels, Hamburg, Geneva, FRANCE, Spain, Portugal. Iran. West African nations and Algeria, Niger, Nigeria. Pakistan, INDIA, Bangladesh, Tibet, Nepal, Burma, western China, Indonesia, Japan, N. Zealand.

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Eliot Spitzer resigns as New York Governor

BREAKING NEWS! At 11:43 AM EDT this morning, New York Governor Eliot Spitzer announced his resignation as the Governor of New York, effective March 17, 2008. In a post analyzing Spitzer written on March 10, I wrote that “Mars in Cancer will exactly oppose Spitzer’s Saturn on March 17, indicating that his actions are not outside the boundaries of Law and Order.”

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Pisces New Moon Cycle, Part II (3/7/08 to 4/5/08)

From the March 7 New Moon in Pisces to the March 21 Full Moon, the Moon is increasing in light. This is the time to start projects and make changes to be completed by end of the cycle.

The First Quarter Moon occurs on March 14 at 6:46 AM EDT. The Moon in Gemini is challenging the Sun in Pisces to communicate your intentions. Interesting conversations may occur, particularly with neighbors or siblings. In the USA, the housing crisis and its effects on the economy continue to dominate. Credit continues to tighten. Home values continue to rapidly decline. The stock market continues to fluctuate and trend down over housing woes. The casualty rate of the armed forces may rise. USA Hot Spots: Changeable weather conditions from Michigan down to New Orleans to the East Coast, with the stormiest conditions in the Northeast to New England. World Hot Spots: Colombia, Venezuela, Ireland, UK, France, Spain, Libya, India, China (Beijing), Indonesia.

We’ve reached half-time in the lunar cycle at the Full Moon on March 21 at 2:40 PM EDT. If you want to announce or promote something to receive maximum attention, now is the time to do it! Emotions run high like the tides. This is also Good Friday before Easter Sunday. The celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ is astrologically determined each year as Easter occurs on the first Sunday after the first Full Moon after the Vernal Equinox* (first day of Spring in the northern hemisphere).

The Moon in Libra is about balance and partnerships. We cannot just be aware of ourselves and our own needs (Sun in Aries), but must be aware and considerate of others. Partnerships may be under fire, and even possibly break up. At the same time, unusual alliances may form. Aries’ ruler Mars, along with Pluto, challenges the Full Moon. As these planets are in action-oriented signs, events move rapidly.

The USA may be in crisis mode. Both civilians and the military are on the move, and accidents are likely to ensue. Emphasis is on military actions, foreign relations, and a rapidly declining economy. Insurance and bond insurers are emphasized. Market moves are large (mostly down). USA Hot Spots: Midwest (central Dakotas, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas). Western states, especially Wyoming, Idaho, Arizona (Phoenix), Utah, Nevada, northern California, Oregon (Portland), Washington. World Hot Spots: Mexico, Ireland, UK, Spain, Portugal, western Africa, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, AFGHANISTAN, PAKISTAN, INDIA, Burma (Rangoon), New Zealand.

Now the Moon is decreasing in light. The next two weeks is a time to finish up projects as well as eliminate what no longer works for you. The Last Quarter Moon on March 29 at 5:47 PM EDT is a time to begin to put the final touches on what was begun around March 7. The Moon in Capricorn challenges the Aries Sun as well as Mars. For some, this may be a time to let go of emotional attachment to certain material things by choice or necessity. Around April 3 thoughts begin to focus on what we’d like to begin at the Aries New Moon on April 5. In the USA, the Bush Administration may reach a compromise with Congress for the exchange of mortgage principal writedowns for government guarantees (or variation of this concept). Events have a more “fated” quality now. USA Hot Spots: Dakotas, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas. East Coast, especially North Carolina, Virginia, DC-Baltimore corridor through the Northeast. World Hot Spots: Latin America, especially Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina. London, Stockholm, Poland, Hungary, Serbia, Kosovo, Turkey. Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, Gaza Strip, Iran, Saudi Arabia. Africa, especially Libya, Chad, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa. CHINA (Beijing), Koreas, Burma, Indonesia, Philippines, Australia.

*Look for an upcoming post on the March 20 Vernal Equinox. For a brief description of daily conditions, check out the Weekly Forecast, which runs from Monday through Sunday each week.

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Shooting Down the Satellite

The Defense Department publicly announced on February 14 that the Navy will shoot down a damaged spy satellite expected to crash to Earth on or before March 5. The school-bus size satellite contains 1,000 pounds of hydrazine fuel, which the Bush Administration says would be hazardous to humans if dispersed over a populated area.

NROL-21 was the first satellite launched by the United Launch Alliance, a partnership between Boeing’s (BA) Delta and Lockheed Martin’s (LMT) Atlas rockets, for the National Reconnaissance Office. The satellite was launched on a Delta II rocket on December 14, 2006 at 1:00 PM PST from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The chart is ruled by Mars which conjoins Mercury and Jupiter in the eighth house of secrets, spying, and toxic waste. Mercury and Mars challenged Uranus (shocks/surprises) at the launch, which explains why the satellite immediately malfunctioned. Ironically, the Administration optimistically believes (Jupiter) that it can solve the problem by harnessing the same energies that caused the problem: by shooting (Mars) the satellite down over the ocean (Uranus in Pisces, which rules the sea). The order was given to the Pentagon on January 4, when the Moon was in Sagittarius and conjoining the launch chart’s Mercury, Mars, and Jupiter.

The Navy has modified three SM-3 medium range missiles aboard the Aegis destroyer USS Lake Erie. Accompanied by the USS Decatur and USS Russell, the Erie will fire the missile from somewhere in the northern hemisphere of the Pacific Ocean. The window of opportunity will begin soon after Space Shuttle Atlantis has landed (scheduled for February 20 at 9:06 AM EST). If the Navy misses, they will wait a couple days and try again. I think the most likely dates the single and/or follow-up attempts will occur are February 24, 28, and March 2.

The Administration has ordered FEMA, the agency that put Hurricane Katrina victims in toxic trailers, to have six rescue teams at the ready across the country in the event the toxic fuel disperses into the atmosphere. Mars is in Gemini until March 4; it can physically represent the affect of burning lung tissue caused by breathing in hydrazine-laced air. This can also represent the Navy taking more than one shot at the satellite. Mars opposing Pluto through mid-March raises the possibility of toxic fallout.

Eclipse influences can be felt for several months afterwards. The February 6 solar eclipse and the February 20 lunar eclipse charts for the U.S. emphasize the land and environment. With Mercury (breathing) and Neptune (chemicals) conjoined with the solar eclipse, it does raise the potential of fallout and its effects on the public’s health. Mars is prominent in both charts, which can represent aggressive action by or towards the U.S. Another nation could threaten or use military action if any fallout lands on their territory.

Critics have said that the real reason the Administration wants to shoot the satellite down is to prevent its highly classified contents from reaching enemy hands (Mars opposing Pluto). With such an emphasis on the houses of espionage (eighth and twelfth), as well as the Sun aligned with Pluto in the satellite launch chart, this is a valid point. My question to the government and the defense contractors is why use such toxic material when there’s always the possibility that a satellite will fail and crash into an inhabited area?

Hopefully the satellite ends its life similar to Skylab one Saturn cycle ago when Mars was also in Gemini, with zero to minimal adverse impact.

My primary source for information regarding the satellite shootdown plan was Department of Defense news briefings. Other sources used were various reports released since February 14 by the Associated Press and CNN.

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Aquarius New Moon Cycle (February 6 – March 6, 2008)

Each New Moon cycle is a time of new beginnings when we get to make a fresh start in the matters that rule the sign the New Moon is in.

New Moon (Annular Solar Eclipse): February 6 at 10:44 PM. This month we have a “supercharged” New Moon in Aquarius as it is a Solar Eclipse. (The Moon passes between the Earth and Sun.) Between February 6 and 20 the Moon is increasing in light. Since Mercury retrograde conjoins the New Moon, it’s time to implement new ideas to solve old issues. Aquarius represents each individual’s unique contribution to humanity. Aquarius and its planetary ruler Uranus, represent our highest aspirations. Aquarius values truth, freedom and breaking free from the status quo – the qualities needed to get there. Now is the time to connect or reconnect with friends and like-minded groups who share your vision.

USA: The charts for this lunar cycle emphasize matters concerning real estate, agriculture, the environment, security, and domestic issues. Homes may be flooded in areas suffering severe weather conditions. Venus rules all the charts. The economy/financial systems and women are highlighted. Aquarius energy is about radical and progressive action. Banks trading writedowns for government guarantees would be one way to tackle the mortgage crisis. (Example: A house that sold for $700K is now worth $300K. The bank writes down the mortgage to the home’s current value which is now backed by the federal government. The homeowner now pays a mortgage on the home’s current value.) Higher inflation further affects the price of food and other staples. A scandal may arise concerning a male leader’s deception. Events that occur at this time may come to fruition early next month. Foggy, damp/moist conditions are predominant for most of the period.
USA Hot Spots: (Areas of extreme weather and/or news breaking events)Washington, Oregon, California (Los Angeles area). Central Montana and New Mexico. Dakotas, Nebraska, Colorado, western Texas.
World Hot Spots: (NOTE: The eclipse path is visible over most of Antarctica, and partially visible throughout New Zealand, southeastern Australia, Fiji, and Western Samoa. The ancients believed that areas in the eclipse path would be more likely to face adverse events over the next several months). BRAZIL, Stockholm, Geneva, IRAQ, IRAN, SAUDI ARABIA, Algeria, east African nations (esp. Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya), Afghanistan, PAKISTAN, INDIA, Bangladesh, Burma, KOREAS, JAPAN.

First Quarter Moon: February 13 at 10:33 PM. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the Moon in Venus-ruled Taurus harmonizes with Venus in Capricorn. Whether it’s spending for Valentine’s or talking about a big mortgage bailout plan, the Taurus Moon is going to want to check the bank balance first.
USA Hot Spots: Washington, Oregon, California (San Francisco area), Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, eastern Idaho, Utah, Arizona (Phoenix area).
World Hot Spots: BRAZIL, Sweden, Germany, Belgium, France, Spain. Turkey, Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Syria. SAUDI ARABIA, IRAN. E. Africa mentioned above, AFGHANISTAN, PAKISTAN, India, China, KOREAS, Japan.

Full Moon/Total Lunar Eclipse: February 20 at 10:30 PM. The Sun is now in Pisces and the Moon in Virgo. This is “half-time”. It’s a terrific time to promote yourself as you’ll get “full” attention. This Full Moon highlights the body/mind connection. From the Full Moon to the next New Moon on March 7, the Moon is decreasing in light. The next two weeks is a time to finish up projects as well as eliminate what no longer works for you. With Saturn (limitations) aligned with the Moon, financial belt tightening is in order. Wall Street starts worrying about lower consumer spending and jobs losses. What happens now will be fully known in early May.
USA Hot Spots: (NOTE: The eclipse path will be visible in most parts of the world.) North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, DC, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont. Dakotas, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Montana, Idaho, Utah, Arizona (Phoenix area), Nevada, California (Los Angeles area).
World Hot Spots: Norway, England, FRANCE, Berlin, Budapest, Spain, Italy. Turkey, Egypt, E. Africa mentioned above, SAUDI ARABIA, IRAN, AFGHANISTAN, PAKISTAN, China, Manila, N. Korea, JAPAN.

Last Quarter Moon: February 28 at 9:18 PM. The Moon in Sagittarius challenges the Pisces Sun. It’s time to put the finishing touches on what was begun at the New Moon. Around March 5 we begin to think about what we’d like to accomplish in the new lunar cycle that begins on March 7.
USA Hotspots: Washington, Oregon, California, eastern Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Dakotas, Nebraska, Indianapolis area, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas.
World Hot Spots: central Mexico, BRAZIL. Sweden, Germany, France, Geneva. Algeria, Libya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia. SAUDI ARABIA, IRAQ, IRAN. AFGHANISTAN, PAKISTAN, INDIA, China, Philippines, Koreas, JAPAN.

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Merck’s Lower Numbers

Merck (MRK) must be taking Vytorin. The company’s financial numbers dropped to a fourth quarter net loss of $1.63 billion (75 cents/share), the result of litigation and government investigations.

Merck probably thought it would be reaching the light at the end of the tunnel after spending $4.85B to settle claims for its painkiller Vioxx. Merck withdrew Vioxx worldwide on September 30, 2004 – the day transiting Saturn (loss) conjoined the Merck stock chart Ascendant (public’s impression of Merck). Despite Vioxx’s withdrawl from the market due to increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke, Merck has been successful at making the case that plaintiffs already had these risk factors in place.

But Vioxx may be just the prelude to a much more serious future of litigation and government investigation for Merck, building upon the case that Merck may be engaging in a pattern of deception about its products.

Vytorin:
Merck began its descent from being a darling of the DOW after it released its long-delayed Enhance study on cholesterol drug Vytorin. (Vytorin is a combination of Schering Plough’s Zetia and Merck’s Zocor.) The Enhance study found Vytorin to have no medical benefits. In fact, plaque actually grew faster in Vytorin patients than those taking Zetia alone.

During yesterday’s earnings call, Merck vigorously defended Vytorin, which had combined global sales of $5.2B in 2007. Vytorin is now the subject of Congressional inquiries, investigations by the Attorney Generals of Connecticut and New York, as well as 50 class action lawsuits over its marketing. Merck said they won’t back off from promoting Vytorin, and that their sales reps continue to market the message that Vytorin is “very safe” and has “proven clinically able to lower bad cholesterol”. “We won’t back off; this is so important from a health management standpoint.” I think Merck thinks they can dodge the legal bullet on Vytorin since Merck applied to the FDA to approve Vytorin for its ability to lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. In short, you could develop all kinds of adverse effects taking Vytorin, but it does its job in lowering cholesterol.

Fosamax:
Merck said that Fosamax, its bone-strengthening drug, posted a “significant sales decline.” Fosamax goes off patent in February, followed by Fosamax Plus D in April. According to the Wall Street Journal, “Merck has set aside $48 million in Fosamax litigation reserves for about 340 cases filed as of Sept. 30.” The claims by plaintiffs range from Fosamax causing the bone wasting condition ONJ (osteonecrosis of the jaw), to causing stress fractures due to the toxicity of Fosamax. The Journal article points out that Fosamax “belongs to a category known as bisphosphonates – it stays in the body for 10 years.” In fact, the FDA “in response to physician reports, on Jan. 7 issued an alert flagging the possibility of severe and sometimes incapacitating bone, joint, and/or muscle [musculoskeletal] pain in patients taking bisphosphonates. The pain may occur within days, months, or years of use.”

What makes Fosamax litigation cases different than Vioxx cases is that ONJ is known as a “signature injury” – it is easier to trace the cause of the injury back to a drug. The Journal cites a study in the Journal of Rheumatology that people “taking oral bisphosphonates have nearly three times the risk of developing osteonecrosis compared with those not taking them.” The first Fosamax ONJ cases are expected to go to federal court in late 2008 to early 2009.

Gardasil:
Gardasil is the first vaccine the FDA approved “that may help guard against diseases that are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) Types 6, 11, 16, and 18 for females aged 9 to 26”, according to Merck’s website. Since there are more than 100 types of HPV, being vaccinated with Gardasil does not protect against all types of cervical cancer and genital warts. Women still need to visit their doctor for regular cancer screenings/exams.

Gardasil sales fell to $339M in Q4 from $418M in Q3. Merck took a cue from retailers and cited “seasonality” as the reason. Merck said vaccines of school age girls fall mostly in the second and third quarters. No analyst questioned Merck about the females beyond school age, or that Gardasil is comprised of three injections to be taken over six months. Merck has applied to the FDA to expand Gardasil for women 27-45 and expects the FDA to reach a decision later this year.

In the meantime, Merck said it will make efforts to “improve compliance for getting the second and third shots.” Reports are steadily growing of girls fainting and in such pain after the injection that they refuse further shots. There have been a few reports of girls dying shortly after taking Gardasil, but it has not been conclusively proven that the vaccine was the cause.

Merck had been aggressively lobbying state legislatures to get Gardasil added to the list of required vaccines for schoolgirls. A mandatory requirement was defeated in Texas, and Virginia has pushed back its mandate to later in 2010. (The “mandate” actually has a parental opt-out clause.) If Gardasil became a required vaccine, it would then get on the Federal vaccine liability program, making it nearly impossible to file a lawsuit against any adverse effects caused by Gardasil.

Gardasil was approved by the FDA on June 8, 2006. Astrologically, I think there’s a possibility that in addition to the adverse effects already reported, Gardasil may be found to cause harmful effects to a women’s fertility and reproductive system.

Despite their limited growth prospects, analysts continue to recommend big pharma stocks. But big pharma’s budget is eaten up by big marketing and probably bigger litigation – leaving little room for innovation.

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The Message of Mercury Retrograde: January 28 – February 18, 2008

Mercury, the planet relating to communication and movement, goes retrograde on January 28 until February 18, 2008. Mercury does not really move backward, but appears to from our vantage point here on Earth.

In 2008, Mercury will retrograde in the air element. Sometimes we get so frantic about all the things we’re doing that we’re barely breathing. These Mercury retrograde periods are a reminder to take time out and calm ourselves by taking a few deep and relaxing breaths. With Mercury in Aquarius, going out for a walk benefits circulation. (Aquarius rules the body’s circulatory system as well as the calves and ankles.) Mercury retrograde is about slowing down and revisiting issues and places of the past rather than moving forward with new endeavors. With Mercury in Aquarius, computer, internet and electrical system breakdowns are more likely. Air travel is especially prone to delays and cancellations.

Mercury retrograde is the time to put the RE prefix in front of everything you do: review, reconfirm, reschedule, retry, redo, etc. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Confirm and reconfirm appointments/schedules.
• Allow extra travel time.
• Be vigilant about backing up files and running frequent security scans.
• Information that was released prior to retrograde may not be accurate or is revised. Likewise, new information released during retrograde may found to be inaccurate after Mercury retrograde.
• Old friends or people from past group involvement may re-enter your life now.
• Renew contacts with people who previously were not interested in your product or service as they may be now.
• Houseclean: Get rid of stuff you no longer use. Review and organize important papers.

Other Mercury retrograde periods in 2008:
May 26 – June 19 in Gemini = This may be the most wild retrograde time of the year as Mercury rules Gemini. Mercury retrogrades on Memorial Day, causing confusion and a high chance of bad weather.

September 24 – October 15 in Libra = Partnerships are emphasized during this time.

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Thoughts on a Growing Bear

As the U.S. edges ever closer to entering a bear market, I thought I’d briefly share some thoughts about the daily behavior of the market so far this year.

While I have repeatedly stated in the stockmarket summary portion of my Weekly Forecasts, of continued volatility moving lower, my daily forecasts have been more upbeat – and wrong. What has somewhat surprised me is the continued sharp down trend that is occurring. I envisioned a slower downward progression interspersed with a few moderate gains for most of January.

It is my belief that the real downward drift will commence with the February eclipses, accelerating into March. There doesn’t look to be any long periods of time this year for the Bulls to latch on to. Mercury retrograde* January 28 until February 18 may temporarily reverse the downward momentum, but the effect would only be temporary.

Mercury conjoining Neptune in Aquarius today delivered the surprise news of the Federal Reserve’s 75 bp ease. The illusion that such a sharp cut would calm the market turmoil got shattered pretty quickly when Wall Street complained it wasn’t enough. An unjustified cut of this magnitude to get the Dow to improve from being down 424 points near the open is beyond irresponsible. Rumors were circulating that the President is thinking about increasing his $150B stimulus package. Then there was talk that the New York Insurance Department may take an equity stake in bond insurer Ambac (ABK).

Early this morning I was excited about the stocks I planned to buy today. The Fed squashed my shopping spree! Bummer.

* Mercury, planet of communication, appears to move backwards from our viewpoint. This occurs three times a year and lasts about three weeks. Trading patterns can be hard to discern or reverse course. More on Mercury retrograde in an upcoming post.

The photo is of giant panda cub Mei Lan at the Atlanta zoo. (Atlanta Zoo photo.) Bears are soo much cuter than Bulls!

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Jupiter trine Saturn and the Stockmarket

A rest of world market selloff yesterday proved it is not decoupled from the woes of the U.S. economy. This selloff occurred on the day of the first of three alignments between the two business planets, Jupiter and Saturn.

Jupiter rules what is foreign and at a distance. Jupiter is the principle of growth and expansion. Jupiter in Capricorn curtails expansion as Capricorn is ruled by Saturn (caution and contraction). Saturn in Virgo
worries about every single piece of financial news released. In Virgo, Saturn seeks to hold corporations and governments accountable for their actions.

Last month marked the first time that Jupiter and Saturn were in earth signs in over seven years. Earth energy is conservative and practical. Numbers have to add up, based on solid underlying fundamentals. The craze that caused the financial and housing bubbles – that loading up on debt would feed future growth, was nothing but a fire fantasy. This fantasy peaked in 2007 when Jupiter and Saturn were in fire signs. Fire energy is enthusiastic and optimistic, preferring to reside in the world of abstract concepts. Earth energy requires being firmly rooted in reality.

Pluto enters Capricorn this week, requiring a need for consumers, companies, and governments to rebuild their balance sheets. Trying to take the “easy” way out through Federal Reserve rate cuts and economic stimulus will prolong the pain rather than learn the lessons these energies are trying to teach us.

Because Jupiter and Saturn are in harmony with one another, this is the world’s opportunity to join together to restructure and rebuild the global economy. Instead, the Federal Reserve, government, and the financial markets are determined to steer a course toward economic disaster.

Overall, 2008 will be a bearish year for the stockmarket. Here’s what we can expect around the time of the next Jupiter/Saturn alignments:

• September 8: Both Jupiter and Pluto will be stationary in the sky, moving direct.* This will cause very large market moves to the downside. (On September 7, 2007, Pluto and Venus moved direct, causing a triple digit drop.) Additionally, Mercury will align with Mars and challenge Jupiter. News may cause the market to initially spike up before falling sharply lower. Finally, Mercury, Venus, and Mars will conjoin the USA’s Saturn in Libra and square the USA Cancer Sun. This shows that all the problems in the banking, credit, and housing sectors have only worsened rather than abated, causing additional hardship for America.
• November 21: (Options expiration) Uranus (shocks and wild swings) challenges Mars in the chart for the New York Stock Exchange, indicating a rollercoaster ride of impulsive buying likely to be followed by a bigger wave of selling.

* Planets do not really move backward (retrograde), but appear to from Earth’s vantage point. When a planet is stationary (either about to move forward or turn retrograde), the energies of that planet are particularly pronounced. Pluto rules things that occur on a massive scale, such as bankruptcies, crashes, natural disasters, nuclear issues, and secrets revealed.

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Pluto in Capricorn: January 25- June 13, 2008; November 26, 2008 – November 19, 2024

NOTE: This is an introduction to what will become an occasional series of posts on Pluto in Capricorn.

Pluto, the planet ruling massive transformational change will move into Capricorn this year until 2024.

Pluto rules secrets and matters of life and death. The world revolves around sex, money, and power. Pluto presides over all three. When the majority of people on this planet are ready to recognize and seize control of their personal power over these matters, Pluto will have accomplished its job – planet or no planet!*

Pluto last sojourned in Capricorn from 1762-1778. Frustrated by being controlled and taxed by a government an ocean away, the American colonists declared their independence from Great Britain. Within the next seven years, America may have a second revolution that comes from within.

Pluto was discovered in 1930 while it inhabited Capricorn’s opposite sign, Cancer. Opposite signs attract because they share similarities. The stock market crash of 1929 ushered in an era of massive food shortages and financial hardship. This era was especially hard for the USA, a country born with the Sun, Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter in Cancer. Some of these themes are reflected in the current housing and financial meltdowns. The National Housing Act of 1934 established the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), to help prevent home foreclosures.

Capricorn energy is about creating a solid foundation for all endeavors. Anything lasting and worthwhile requires dedication and effort. Pluto in this sign will destroy anything failing to meet these standards, in order to birth something better. Gone is the instant gratification era of Pluto in Sagittarius (1995-2008). Capricorn rules all hierarchies and structures. Pluto in Capricorn will lift the veil of secrecy, exposing what’s really going on in government and corporations. The bigger and more bureaucratic the entity, the greater the need to transform – or die.

* On August 24, 2006, less than 5% of the members of the International Astronomical Union “demoted” Pluto to “dwarf planet” status. A dwarf planet is “a round object that hasn’t cleared the neighborhood around its orbit and is not a satellite”, according the I.A.U. Earth doesn’t qualify as a planet under this definition either.

Pluto Discovered: February 18, 1930 4:00 PM MST Flagstaff, Arizona.
USA: July 4, 1776 5:10 PM LMT Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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The Drug Numbers Game

Big pharma is playing a numbers game with drug study statistics – whether it’s cholesterol drugs or antidepressants. The public should not be surprised that the drug companies promote favorable selective study numbers, while downplaying or obscuring less favorable results.

“Cholesterol drugs are the largest drug category worldwide, with annual sales of $40 billion.” 1 It’s not surprising that as concerned consumers have swamped doctors’ offices about Vytorin, that the American College of Cardiologists and the American Heart Association have issued statements downplaying the Enhace study results. “Doctors generally believe that the amount by which cholesterol is lowered, not the method of lowering it, is what matters.”1 This explains why many doctors are still advocating Vytorin, a combination of Zetia and Zocor. Many doctors are still advocating Vytorin and Zetia for patients who can’t tolerate statins. (Zetia reduces LDL cholesterol by blocking its absorption in the gut; statins block LDL absorption in the liver.)

Big pharma convinced the FDA to focus on the cholesterol numbers game as well. “So far, proof that a drug lowers LDL cholesterol has generally been enough to lead to approval.”1 “Several major health insurers said they have no plans to reduce their coverage based on the study, in part because it didn’t raise significant safety concerns.”2

Focusing on lowering cholesterol numbers alone is like not seeing the forest for the trees. As The New York Times article points out, “Despite widespread use of the drugs, though, heart disease remains the biggest killer in the United States and other industrialized nations.”1 How many studies have to be released that despite big pharma’s manipulations, still reflect badly on their drugs?

“For the second time in just over a year, a clinical trial found that LDL reduction did not translate into measurable medical benefits.”1 Consider*:

• Pfizer (PFE) stopped development on its HDL (“good cholesterol”) increasing drug torcetrapib in December 2006 as it caused heart attacks and strokes! However, it did raise HDL and lower LDL cholesterol.
• The Vytorin Enhance “study released Monday involved 720 patients. It found that Vytorin failed to slow the growth of carotid artery plaques any more than Zocor, also sold as (generic) simvastatin."3 However, Vytorin study participants did have lower LDL than those who took Zocor alone. Another trial involving Vytorin (Improve-It), being conducted by doctors at Harvard and Duke Universities, won’t be released until 2011.
• AstraZenica (AZN) is naming their Crestor drug studies after planets. It’s Crestor vs. PFE’s Lipitor in the Saturn study. The Jupiter trial will see if Crestor can “prevent heart attacks and deaths in people at low risk of dying of heart disease.”3 In an earlier trial released in November, “researchers found no statistical difference between Crestor and a placebo”3 at preventing “heart attacks and other life-threatening events in patients with coronary artery disease and heart failure.”3

With the FDA, doctors, insurance companies, and obviously Wall Street on their side, perhaps Goldman Sachs (GS) analyst James Kelly declaring the Enhance study a “nonevent” is correct. However, looking at the chart for the date Vytorin was approved does not bear this out. I don’t know how much these studies look at the drug’s effectiveness by gender, but the chart shows that women would be more adversely affected taking Vytorin than men. More negative information and/or investigation may surface on Vytorin in February and March which will probably culminate in October/November 2008.

*The origins of the word consider mean “to go with the stars”. (On the other hand, disaster means to “go against the stars”.)

Vytorin was approved by the FDA on July 23, 2004 according to the FDA’s website.

Related Posts: “Cholesterol Combo Con Job” , "Lipitor’s Limits”

Related Articles:
1. New York Times: “Cholesterol as a Danger Has Skeptics”
3. USA Today:“Drug trials under pressure”

Wall Street Journal: “Cutting Through the Confusion Over Vytorin”
2. Wall Street Journal: “Study Missteps Threaten Turnaround at Schering”
Wall Street Journal: “Antidepressants Under Scrutiny Over Efficacy”

American College of Cardiology: Statement on ENHANCE Trial
American Heart Association: Statement on Enhance study results

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The Commodities Craze

Record setting commodity prices are only partially driven by actual or perceived supply constraints. The Fed is another factor. The falling Dollar has added momentum to the surge into crude and gold. Failure to restrict gas guzzling motor vehicles, together with the ethanol push, is hurting consumers with higher food and energy costs. Geopolitical tensions are also pressuring oil and gold.

As the US enters recession, soon to be followed by the “rest of world”, logic would say that commodity prices will start to retreat. Yet Wall Street continues to emphasize commodity trading, driving prices still higher.
Crude has been on the rise since 2003, the year Uranus entered Pisces (until March 13, 2011). Pisces rules oil. The sign Uranus is in relates to trends that escalate to bubble levels, only to crash before leaving that sign.

Saturn in Leo (July 2005 – September 1, 2007) began the rise in gold, a Leo-ruled metal. Ag prices really took off around the time Saturn entered Virgo (September 2, 2007 – July 21, 2010). Virgo rules consumer staples, what a person needs to survive. Since Saturn has been in Virgo, there has been a marked increase in food and energy inflation worldwide.

Saturn in Virgo will exactly oppose Uranus on 11/4/08, 2/5/09, 9/15/09, 4/26/10, and 7/26/10. Commodities could get extremely volatile around those times, with wild spikes up or down. The bubble will probably burst at the latest by the last quarter of 2010. Ag commodities will probably be the last to fall as Saturn in Virgo creates constraints on food supplies due to adverse weather conditions along with contamination.

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