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[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 118 (Wednesday, June 19, 2013)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 36671-36677] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2013-14653] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 180 [EPA-HQ-OPP-2012-0626; FRL-9391-2] Acetamiprid; Pesticide Tolerances AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This regulation establishes tolerances and modifies existing tolerances for residues of acetamiprid in or on multiple commodities which are identified and discussed later in this document. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR-4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). DATES: This regulation is effective June 19, 2013. Objections and requests for hearings must be received on or before August 19, 2013, and must be filed in accordance with the instructions provided in 40 CFR part 178 (see also Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION). ADDRESSES: The docket for this action, identified by docket identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2012-0626, is available at http://www.regulations.gov or at the Office of Pesticide Programs Regulatory Public Docket (OPP Docket) in the Environmental Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/DC), EPA West Bldg., Rm. 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001. The Public Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Public Reading Room is (202) 566-1744, and the telephone number for the OPP Docket is (703) 305- 5805. Please review the visitor instructions and additional information about the docket available at http://www.epa.gov/dockets. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew Ertman, Registration Division (7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: (703) 308-9367; email address: [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. General Information A. Does this action apply to me? You may be potentially affected by this action if you are an agricultural producer, food manufacturer, or pesticide manufacturer. The following list of North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) codes is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a guide to help readers determine whether this document applies to them. Potentially affected entities may include:
Crop production (NAICS code 111). Animal production (NAICS code 112). Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311). Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS code 32532). B. How can I get electronic access to other related information? You may access a frequently updated electronic version of EPA's tolerance regulations at 40 CFR part 180 through the Government Printing Office's e-CFR site at http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/40tab_02.tpl. C. How can I file an objection or hearing request? Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21 U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an objection to any aspect of this regulation and may also request a hearing on those objections. You must file your objection or request a hearing on this regulation in accordance with the instructions provided in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, you must identify docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2012-0626 in the subject line on the first page of your submission. All objections and requests for a hearing must be in writing, and must be received by the Hearing Clerk on or before August 19, 2013. Addresses for mail and hand delivery of objections and hearing requests are provided in 40 CFR 178.25(b). In addition to filing an objection or hearing request with the Hearing Clerk as described in 40 CFR part 178, please submit a copy of the filing (excluding any Confidential Business Information (CBI)) for inclusion in the public docket. Information not marked confidential pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be disclosed publicly by EPA without prior notice. Submit the non-CBI copy of your objection or hearing request, identified by docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2012-0626, by one of the following methods: Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Do not submit electronically any information you consider to be CBI or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Mail: OPP Docket, Environmental Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001. Hand Delivery: To make special arrangements for hand delivery or delivery of boxed information, please follow the instructions at http://www.epa.gov/dockets/contacts.htm. Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along with more information about dockets generally, is available at http://www.epa.gov/dockets. II. Summary of Petitioned-For Tolerance In the Federal Register of February 27, 2013 (78 FR 13295) (FRL- 9380-2), EPA issued a document pursuant to FFDCA section 408(d)(3), 21 U.S.C. 346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a pesticide petition (PP 3E8147) by IR-4, 500 College Road East, Suite 201W., Princeton, NJ 08540. The petition requested that 40 CFR 180.578 be amended by establishing tolerances for residues of the insecticide, acetamiprid, (1E)-N-[(6-chloro-3-pyridinyl)methyl]-N'-cyano-N-methylethanimidamide, including its metabolites and degradates, in or on corn, sweet, kernel plus cob with husks removed at 0.01 ppm; corn, sweet, forage at 15 ppm; and corn, sweet, stover at 30 ppm. The petition also proposed increasing the existing tolerances in fat, meat, and meat byproducts of cattle, goat, horse, and sheep, and milk. Tolerances in cattle, goat, horse, and sheep meat are proposed at 0.30 ppm; cattle, goat, horse, and sheep fat at 0.20 ppm; cattle, goat, horse, and sheep meat byproducts at 0.70 ppm; and milk at 0.30 ppm. That document referenced a summary of the petition prepared by Nisso America Incorporated, the registrant, which is available in the docket, http://www.regulations.gov. In the Federal Register of September 28, 2012 (77 FR 59578) (FRL- 9364-6), EPA issued a document pursuant to FFDCA section 408(d)(3), 21 U.S.C. 346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a pesticide petition (PP 2F8060) by Nippon Soda Co., Ltd. c/o Nisso America Inc., 88 Pine St., 14th Fl., New York, NY 10005. The petition requested that 40 CFR 180.578 be amended by increasing the existing tolerances for residues of the insecticide, acetamiprid, (1E)-N-[(6-chloro-3-pyridinyl)methyl]- N'-cyano-N-methylethanimidamide, including its metabolites and [[Page 36672]] degradates, in or on the citrus fruit crop group 10-10 at 1.0 ppm; and citrus, dried pulp at 2.4 ppm. That document referenced a summary of the petition prepared by Nisso America Incorporated, the registrant, which is available in the docket, http://www.regulations.gov. There were no comments received in response to either notice of filing. Based upon review of the data supporting the petition, EPA has determined that the existing tolerance for dried citrus pulp does not need to be increased. The reason for these changes is explained in Unit IV.C. III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish a tolerance (the legal limit for a pesticide chemical residue in or on a food) only if EPA determines that the tolerance is ``safe.'' Section 408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA defines ``safe'' to mean that ``there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue, including all anticipated dietary exposures and all other exposures for which there is reliable information.'' This includes exposure through drinking water and in residential settings, but does not include occupational exposure. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA requires EPA to give special consideration to exposure of infants and children to the pesticide chemical residue in establishing a tolerance and to ``ensure that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to infants and children from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue. . . .'' Consistent with FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), and the factors specified in FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(D), EPA has reviewed the available scientific data and other relevant information in support of this action. EPA has sufficient data to assess the hazards of and to make a determination on aggregate exposure for acetamiprid including exposure resulting from the tolerances established by this action. EPA's assessment of exposures and risks associated with acetamiprid follows. A. Toxicological Profile EPA has evaluated the available toxicity data and considered its validity, completeness, and reliability as well as the relationship of the results of the studies to human risk. EPA has also considered available information concerning the variability of the sensitivities of major identifiable subgroups of consumers, including infants and children. Acetamiprid is moderately toxic in acute lethality studies via the oral route of exposure and is minimally toxic via the dermal and inhalation routes of exposure. It is not an eye or skin irritant, nor is it a dermal sensitizer. Acetamiprid does not appear to have specific target organ toxicity. Generalized toxicity was observed as decreases in body weight, body weight gain, food consumption and food efficiency in all species tested. Generalized liver effects were also observed in mice and rats (hepatocellular vacuolation in rats and hepatocellular hypertrophy in mice and rats); the effects were considered to be adaptive. Other effects observed in the oral studies include amyloidosis of multiple organs in the mouse oncogenicity study, tremors in high dose females in the mouse subchronic study, and microconcretions in the kidney papilla and mammary hyperplasia in the rat chronic/oncogenicity study. No effects were observed in a dermal toxicity study in rabbits. In the rat developmental study, fetal shortening of the 13th rib was observed in fetuses at the same dose level that produced maternal effects (reduced body weight and body weight gain and increased liver weights). In the developmental rabbit study, no developmental effects were observed in fetuses at doses that reduced maternal body weight and food consumption. In the reproduction study, decreased body weight, body weight gain, and food consumption were observed in parental animals while significant reductions in pup weights were seen in the offspring in both generations. Also observed were reduction in litter size, and viability and weaning indices among F 2offspring as well as significant delays in the age to attain vaginal opening and preputial separation. In the developmental neurotoxicity study, parental effects were limited to decreased body weight and body weight gains, while the offspring effects noted were decreased body weights and body weight gains, decreased pre-weaning survival (post-natal days (PNDs) 0-1), and decreased maximum auditory startle response in males on PNDs 20 and 60. In the acute neurotoxicity study, male and female rats displayed decreased motor activity, tremors, walking and posture abnormalities, dilated pupils, coldness to the touch and decreased grip strength and foot splay at the highest dose tested (HDT). There was a decrease in the auditory startle response in male rats at the HDT in the developmental neurotoxicity study; additionally, tremors were noted in female mice at the HDT in the subchronic feeding study. In four week immunotoxicity studies performed in both sexes of rats and mice, no effects on the immune system were observed up to the highest dose, although significant reductions in body weight and body weight gain were noted at that dose. Based on acceptable carcinogenicity studies in rats and mice, EPA has determined that acetamiprid is ``not likely to be carcinogenic to humans.'' The classification is based on (1) the absence of an increase in the incidence of tumors in a mouse carcinogenicity study; and (2) in a rat chronic/carcinogenicity study, the absence of a dose-response and the lack of a statistically significant increase in the mammary adenocarcinoma incidence by pair-wise comparison of the mid- and high- dose groups with the controls (although the incidence exceeded the historical control data from the same laboratory, it was within the range of values from the supplier). There was no clear evidence of a mutagenic effect. Acetamiprid tested positive as a clastogen in an in vitro study but not in an in vivo study. Specific information on the studies received and the nature of the adverse effects caused by acetamiprid as well as the no-observed- adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) and the lowest-observed-adverse-effect- level (LOAEL) from the toxicity studies can be found at http://www.regulations.gov in the document titled ``Acetamiprid: Human Health Risk Assessment for the New Use on Sweet Corn and Increased Tolerance on Citrus'' on pages 27-32 in docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2012-0626. B. Toxicological Points of Departure/Levels of Concern Once a pesticide's toxicological profile is determined, EPA identifies toxicological points of departure (POD) and levels of concern to use in evaluating the risk posed by human exposure to the pesticide. For hazards that have a threshold below which there is no appreciable risk, the toxicological POD is used as the basis for derivation of reference values for risk assessment. PODs are developed based on a careful analysis of the doses in each toxicological study to determine the dose at which no adverse effects are observed (the NOAEL) and the lowest dose at which adverse effects of concern are identified (the LOAEL). Uncertainty/safety factors are used in conjunction with the POD to calculate a safe exposure level--generally referred to as a population-adjusted dose (PAD) or a reference dose (RfD)--and a safe margin [[Page 36673]] of exposure (MOE). For non-threshold risks, the Agency assumes that any amount of exposure will lead to some degree of risk. Thus, the Agency estimates risk in terms of the probability of an occurrence of the adverse effect expected in a lifetime. For more information on the general principles EPA uses in risk characterization and a complete description of the risk assessment process, see http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/riskassess.htm. A summary of the toxicological endpoints for acetamiprid used for human risk assessment is shown in Table 1 of this unit. Table 1--Summary of Toxicological Doses and Endpoints for Acetamiprid for Use in Human Health Risk Assessment ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Point of departure and Exposure/Scenario uncertainty/safety RfD, PAD, LOC for risk Study and toxicological factors assessment effects ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Acute dietary (All populations).... NOAEL = 10 mg/kg/day.. Acute RfD = 0.10 mg/kg/ Co-critical studies UFA = 10x............. day. Developmental UFH = 10x............. aPAD = 0.10 mg/kg/day. Neurotoxicity in rat. FQPA SF = 1x.......... LOAEL = 45 mg/kg/day based on decreased early pup survival on PND 0-1, and decreased startle response on PND 20/60 in males. Acute Neurotoxicity Study in rat. LOAEL = 30 mg/kg/day based on decreased locomotor activity. Chronic dietary (All populations).. NOAEL = 7.1 mg/kg/day. Chronic RfD = 0.071 mg/ Chronic Toxicity/ UFA = 10x............. kg/day. Oncogenicity Study in UFH = 10x............. cPAD = 0.071 mg/kg/day rats. FQPA SF = 1x.......... LOAEL = 17.5 mg/kg/day based on decreased body weight and body weight gains in females and hepatocellular vacuolation in males. Short- and Intermediate-Term NOAEL = 10 mg/kg/day.. LOC for MOE = 100..... Developmental Neurotoxicity Incidental Oral (1-30 days and 1-6 UFA = 10x............. in rat. mo.). UFH = 10x............. LOAEL = 45 mg/kg/day based FQPA SF = 1x.......... on decreased body weight and body weight gains in offspring, decreased early pup survival on PND 0-1, and decreased startle response on PND 20/60 in males. Short- and Intermediate-term Dermal Oral study NOAEL = 10 LOC for MOE = 100..... Developmental Neurotoxicity (1-30 days, 1-6 mo.). mg/kg/day dermal in rat. absorption rate = 10%. LOAEL = 45 mg/kg/day based UFA = 10x............. on decreased body weight UFH = 10x............. and body weight gains in FQPA SF = 1x.......... offspring, decreased early pup survival on PND 0-1, and decreased startle response on PND 20/60 in males. Short- and Intermediate-term Oral study NOAEL = 10 LOC for MOE = 100..... Developmental Neurotoxicity Inhalation (1-30 days, 1-6 mo.). mg/kg/day (inhalation in rat. absorption rate = LOAEL = 45 mg/kg/day based 100%). on decreased body weight UFA = 10x............. and body weight gains in UFH = 10x............. offspring, decreased early FQPA SF = 1x.......... pup survival on PND 0-1, and decreased startle response on PND 20/60 in males. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FQPA SF = Food Quality Protection Act Safety Factor. LOAEL = lowest-observed-adverse-effect-level. LOC = level of concern. mg/kg/day = milligram/kilogram/day. MOE = margin of exposure. NOAEL = no-observed-adverse-effect- level. PAD = population adjusted dose (a = acute, c = chronic). RfD = reference dose. UF = uncertainty factor. UFA = extrapolation from animal to human (interspecies). UFH = potential variation in sensitivity among members of the human population (intraspecies). C. Exposure Assessment 1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary exposure to acetamiprid, EPA considered exposure under the petitioned- for tolerances as well as all existing acetamiprid tolerances in 40 CFR 180.578. EPA assessed dietary exposures from acetamiprid in food as follows: i. Acute exposure. Quantitative acute dietary exposure and risk assessments are performed for a food-use pesticide, if a toxicological study has indicated the possibility of an effect of concern occurring as a result of a 1-day or single exposure. Such effects were identified for acetamiprid. In estimating acute dietary exposure, EPA used food consumption information from the 2003-2008 U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, What We Eat in America, (NHANES/WWEIA). As to residue levels in food, EPA assumed 100 percent crop treated (PCT) and tolerance level residues in the assessment. Empirical processing factors were used for processed commodities unless such data were not available, in which case DEEM default processing factors from Version 7.81 were used. ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting the chronic dietary exposure assessment EPA used the food consumption data from the 2003-2008 USDA NHANES/WWEIA. As to residue levels in food, EPA assumed 100 PCT and tolerance level residues in the assessment. Empirical processing factors were used for processed commodities unless such data were not available, in which case DEEM default processing factors from Version 7.81 were used. iii. Cancer. Based on the data summarized in Unit III.A., EPA has concluded that acetamiprid does not pose a cancer risk to humans. Therefore, a dietary exposure assessment for the purpose of assessing cancer risk is unnecessary. iv. Anticipated residue and PCT information. EPA did not use anticipated residue and/or PCT information in the dietary assessment for acetamiprid. Tolerance level [[Page 36674]] residues and/or 100 PCT were assumed for all food commodities. 2. Dietary exposure from drinking water. The Agency used screening level water exposure models in the dietary exposure analysis and risk assessment for acetamiprid in drinking water. These simulation models take into account data on the physical, chemical, and fate/transport characteristics of acetamiprid. Further information regarding EPA drinking water models used in pesticide exposure assessment can be found at http://www.epa.gov/oppefed1/models/water/index.htm. Based on the First Index Reservoir Screening Tool (FIRST) and Screening Concentration in Ground Water (SCI-GROW) models, the estimated drinking water concentrations (EDWCs) of acetamiprid for acute exposures are estimated to be 95.2 parts per billion (ppb) for surface water and 0.035 ppb for ground water and for chronic exposures are estimated to be 26.6 ppb for surface water and 0.035 ppb for ground water. Modeled estimates of drinking water concentrations were directly entered into the dietary exposure model. For acute dietary risk assessment, the water concentration value of 95.2 ppb was used to assess the contribution to drinking water. For chronic dietary risk assessment, the water concentration of value 26.6 ppb was used to assess the contribution to drinking water. 3. From non-dietary exposure. The term ``residential exposure'' is used in this document to refer to non-occupational, non-dietary exposure (e.g., for lawn and garden pest control, indoor pest control, termiticides, and flea and tick control on pets). Acetamiprid is currently registered for the following uses that could result in residential exposures: Indoor and outdoor residential settings, including crack and crevice and mattress treatments. EPA assessed residential exposure using the following assumptions: Exposure for adults (from short-term dermal and inhalation exposure) applying crack and crevice and mattress treatments; and post-application exposure for adults (from short- and intermediate-term dermal and inhalation exposure) and for children 3-6 years old (from short- and intermediate-term dermal, inhalation and hand-to-mouth exposure) following crack and crevice and mattress treatments. In the previous risk assessment for acetamiprid, EPA had concluded that a subchronic inhalation study was required, and an additional 10X FQPA factor was retained as a database uncertainty factor, which raised the LOC to 1,000 for inhalation scenarios. Because the LOC values were different (i.e. dermal and oral LOC = 100, while inhalation LOC = 1,000) the respective risk estimates were combined using the aggregate risk index (ARI) approach. Since then, however, this conclusion was reevaluated based on a request from the registrant, and EPA has now concluded that this study is not required. Please refer to section D.3.i for further details on this inhalation study requirement conclusion. Therefore, the risk estimates utilize the combined MOE approach, as opposed to the ARI approach. Further information regarding EPA standard assumptions and generic inputs for residential exposures may be found at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/trac/science/trac6a05.pdf. 4. Cumulative effects from substances with a common mechanism of toxicity. Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA requires that, when considering whether to establish, modify, or revoke a tolerance, the Agency consider ``available information'' concerning the cumulative effects of a particular pesticide's residues and ``other substances that have a common mechanism of toxicity.'' EPA has not found acetamiprid to share a common mechanism of toxicity with any other substances, and acetamiprid does not appear to produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For the purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that acetamiprid does not have a common mechanism of toxicity with other substances. For information regarding EPA's efforts to determine which chemicals have a common mechanism of toxicity and to evaluate the cumulative effects of such chemicals, see EPA's Web site at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative. D. Safety Factor for Infants and Children 1. In general. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA provides that EPA shall apply an additional tenfold (10X) margin of safety for infants and children in the case of threshold effects to account for prenatal and postnatal toxicity and the completeness of the database on toxicity and exposure unless EPA determines based on reliable data that a different margin of safety will be safe for infants and children. This additional margin of safety is commonly referred to as the FQPA Safety Factor (SF). In applying this provision, EPA either retains the default value of 10X, or uses a different additional safety factor when reliable data available to EPA support the choice of a different factor. 2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity. The pre- and postnatal toxicology database for acetamiprid includes rat and rabbit developmental toxicity studies, a 2-generation reproduction toxicity study in rats, and a DNT study in rats. There was no evidence of quantitative or qualitative susceptibility of rat or rabbit fetuses following in utero exposure to acetamiprid in the developmental toxicity studies. However, both the developmental neurotoxicity and 2- generation reproduction studies showed an increase in qualitative susceptibility of pups to acetamiprid. Effects in pups in the reproduction study included delays in preputial separation and vaginal opening, as well as reduced litter size, decreased pup viability and weaning indices; offspring effects observed in the developmental neurotoxicity study included decreased body weight and body weight gains, decreased pup viability and decreased maximum auditory startle response in males. These effects were seen in the presence of less severe maternal toxicity (decreased body weight and body weight gain). No evidence of increased quantitative susceptibility was observed in the studies. 3. Conclusion. EPA has determined that reliable data show the safety of infants and children would be adequately protected if the FQPA SF were reduced to 1X. That decision is based on the following findings: i. The toxicology data base is complete and acceptable guideline studies for developmental, reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity (including DNT) and immunotoxicity are available. In determining the need for a subchronic inhalation study, EPA's weight of evidence decision process included both hazard and exposure considerations as well as incorporation of a presumed 10X Database Uncertainty Factor (UFdb) for the lack of this study. Thus, the Agency's Level of Concern in the weight of the evidence evaluation for inhalation exposure risk assessment is a Margin of Exposure (MOE) of 1,000, which includes the 10X inter-species extrapolation factor, 10X intra-species variation factor, and the 10X UFdb. The Agency had previously determined that the required 21/28-day inhalation study in rats was needed to address data uncertainties related to potential inhalation risk primarily associated with occupational exposure, which presented the scenarios with the highest potential inhalation exposure. After reconsideration, EPA has determined that the inhalation study is no longer required, primarily because exposure levels are expected to be lower than [[Page 36675]] previously anticipated, and residential exposures are expected to be very low. In fact, for residential, non-dietary exposures, the use of an oral Point of Departure (POD) resulted in MOEs higher than the LOC of 1,000. This indicates that the lack of an inhalation study does not reduce the overall confidence in the risk assessment or result in an uncertainty (i.e., the study will not provide a POD sufficiently low to result in a risk of concern). Additionally, in the case of acetamiprid, the oral POD is based on a very sensitive endpoint (effects in rat pups) seen in a developmental neurotoxicity study. Therefore, there is high confidence that the Agency is not underestimating risks in the absence of this study. Because EPA's decision to waive the study essentially incorporates an additional 10X UFdb (i.e. the study was only waived because risks were at least 10X lower than required by use of the inter- and intraspecies safety factors), a second additional 10X FQPA SF is not being retained for the protection of infants and children. ii. Acetamiprid produced signs of neurotoxicity in the high dose groups in the acute and developmental neurotoxicity studies in rats and the subchronic toxicity study in mice. However, no neurotoxic findings were reported in the subchronic neurotoxicity study in rats. Additionally, there are clear NOAELs identified for the effects observed in the toxicity studies. The doses and endpoints selected for risk assessment are protective and account for all toxicological effects observed in the database. iii. No quantitative or qualitative evidence of increased susceptibility of fetuses to in utero exposure to acetamiprid was observed in either the developmental toxicity study in rats or rabbits. Although increased qualitative susceptibility was seen in the reproduction toxicity and the DNT study, the degree of concern for the effects is low. There are clear NOAELs for the offspring effects and regulatory doses were selected to be protective of these effects. No other residual uncertainties were identified with respect to susceptibility. The endpoints and doses selected for acetamiprid are protective of adverse effects in both offspring and adults. iv. The exposure databases (dietary food, drinking water, and residential) are complete and the risk assessment for each potential exposure scenario includes all metabolites and/or degradates of concern and does not underestimate the potential risk to infants or children. The dietary exposure assessments were based on tolerance level residues and assumed 100 PCT. Empirical processing factors were used for processed commodities unless such data were not available, in which case the Dietary Exposure Evaluation Model (DEEM) default processing factors were used. EPA made conservative (protective) assumptions in the ground water and surface water modeling used to assess exposure to acetamiprid in drinking water. EPA used similarly conservative assumptions to assess postapplication exposure of children as well as incidental oral exposure of toddlers. These assessments will not underestimate the exposure and risks posed by acetamiprid. E. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety EPA determines whether acute and chronic dietary pesticide exposures are safe by comparing aggregate exposure estimates to the aPAD and cPAD. For linear cancer risks, EPA calculates the lifetime probability of acquiring cancer given the estimated aggregate exposure. Short-, intermediate-, and chronic-term risks are evaluated by comparing the estimated aggregate food, water, and residential exposure to the appropriate PODs to ensure that an adequate MOE exists. 1. Acute risk. Using the exposure assumptions discussed in this unit for acute exposure, the acute dietary exposure from food and water to acetamiprid will occupy 68% of the aPAD for children 1-2 years old, the population group receiving the greatest exposure. 2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this unit for chronic exposure, EPA has concluded that chronic exposure to acetamiprid from food and water will utilize 60% of the cPAD for children 1-2 years old, the population group receiving the greatest exposure. Based on the explanation in Unit III.C.3., regarding residential use patterns, chronic residential exposure to residues of acetamiprid is not expected. 3. Short- and intermediate-term risk. Short- and intermediate-term aggregate exposure takes into account short- and intermediate-term residential exposure plus chronic exposure to food and water (considered to be a background exposure level). Acetamiprid is currently registered for uses that could result in short- and intermediate-term residential exposure, and the Agency has determined that it is appropriate to aggregate chronic exposure through food and water with short- and intermediate-term residential exposures to acetamiprid. Using the exposure assumptions described in this unit for short- and intermediate-term exposures, EPA has concluded the combined short- and intermediate-term food, water, and residential exposures result in aggregate MOEs of 330 for adults and 120 for children. Because EPA's level of concern for acetamiprid is an MOE of 100 or below, these MOEs are not of concern. 4. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Based on the lack of evidence of carcinogenicity in two adequate rodent carcinogenicity studies, acetamiprid is not expected to pose a cancer risk to humans. 5. Determination of safety. Based on these risk assessments, EPA concludes that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to the general population or to infants and children from aggregate exposure to acetamiprid residues. IV. Other Considerations A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology Adequate enforcement methodology Liquid chromotagraphy with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), Method KP-216R0 and its variant KP-216R1 is available to enforce the tolerance expression. The method may be requested from: Chief, Analytical Chemistry Branch, Environmental Science Center, 701 Mapes Rd., Ft. Meade, MD 20755-5350; telephone number: (410) 305-2905; email address: [email protected]. B. International Residue Limits In making its tolerance decisions, EPA seeks to harmonize U.S. tolerances with international standards whenever possible, consistent with U.S. food safety standards and agricultural practices. EPA considers the international maximum residue limits (MRLs) established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), as required by FFDCA section 408(b)(4). The Codex Alimentarius is a joint United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization food standards program, and it is recognized as an international food safety standards-setting organization in trade agreements to which the United States is a party. EPA may establish a tolerance that is different from a Codex MRL; however, FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires that EPA explain the reasons for departing from the Codex level. There are currently no established Codex MRLs for acetamiprid on sweet corn. There are Codex MRLs on livestock commodities, with the revised livestock tolerances for the U.S. being higher than the Codex values. Given the [[Page 36676]] revised use pattern including sweet corn, these higher U.S. livestock commodity tolerances are warranted. However, this is not considered to be a significant trade irritant, as livestock commodities are rarely shipped internationally. With the citrus (crop group 10-10) tolerance increase to 1.0 ppm, the U.S. will be harmonized with Codex MRLs. C. Revisions to Petitioned-For Tolerances For citrus, dried pulp, based on a review of the residue data, the Agency has determined that a revised citrus pulp tolerance is not needed and that the existing tolerance of 1.2 ppm is adequate. V. Conclusion Therefore, tolerances are established for residues of acetamiprid, (1E)-N-[(6-chloro-3-pyridinyl)methyl]-N'-cyano-N-methylethanimidamide, including its metabolites and degradates, in or on corn, sweet, forage at 15 ppm; corn, sweet, kernel plus cob with husks removed at 0.01 ppm; and corn, sweet, stover at 30 ppm. In addition, existing tolerances are increased as follows: Cattle, fat at 0.20 ppm; cattle, meat at 0.30 ppm; cattle, meat byproducts at 0.70 ppm; fruit, citrus, group 10-10 at 1.0 ppm; goat, fat at 0.20 ppm; goat, meat at 0.30 ppm; goat, meat byproducts at 0.70 ppm; horse, fat at 0.20 ppm; horse, meat at 0.30 ppm; horse, meat byproducts at 0.70 ppm; milk at 0.30 ppm; and sheep, fat at 0.20 ppm; sheep, meat at 0.30 ppm; sheep, meat byproducts at 0.70 ppm. VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews This final rule establishes tolerances under FFDCA section 408(d) in response to a petition submitted to the Agency. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has exempted these types of actions from review under Executive Order 12866, entitled ``Regulatory Planning and Review'' (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993). Because this final rule has been exempted from review under Executive Order 12866, this final rule is not subject to Executive Order 13211, entitled ``Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use'' (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001) or Executive Order 13045, entitled ``Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks'' (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997). This final rule does not contain any information collections subject to OMB approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), nor does it require any special considerations under Executive Order 12898, entitled ``Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations'' (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994). Since tolerances and exemptions that are established on the basis of a petition under FFDCA section 408(d), such as the tolerance in this final rule, do not require the issuance of a proposed rule, the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), do not apply. This final rule directly regulates growers, food processors, food handlers, and food retailers, not States or tribes, nor does this action alter the relationships or distribution of power and responsibilities established by Congress in the preemption provisions of FFDCA section 408(n)(4). As such, the Agency has determined that this action will not have a substantial direct effect on States or tribal governments, on the relationship between the national government and the States or tribal governments, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government or between the Federal Government and Indian tribes. Thus, the Agency has determined that Executive Order 13132, entitled ``Federalism'' (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999) and Executive Order 13175, entitled ``Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments'' (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000) do not apply to this final rule. In addition, this final rule does not impose any enforceable duty or contain any unfunded mandate as described under Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.). This action does not involve any technical standards that would require Agency consideration of voluntary consensus standards pursuant to section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note). VII. Congressional Review Act Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), EPA will submit a report containing this rule and other required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior to publication of the rule in the Federal Register. This action is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2). List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180 Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Dated: June 13, 2013. Lois Rossi, Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs. Therefore, 40 CFR part 180 is amended as follows: PART 180--[AMENDED] 0 1. The authority citation for part 180 continues to read as follows: Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371. 0 2. Section 180.578 is amended as follows: 0 i. In paragraph (a)(1), add alphabetically the commodities ``corn, sweet, kernel plus cob with husks removed,'' ``corn, sweet, forage,'' ``corn, sweet, stover'' to the table; and revise the entry for ``fruit, citrus, group 10-10''. 0 ii. In paragraph (a)(2), revise the entries for and ``cattle, fat'', ``cattle, meat'', ``cattle, meat byproducts''; goat, fat'', ``goat, meat'', ``goat, meat byproducts''; ``horse, fat'', ``horse, meat'', ``horse, meat byproducts''; ``milk''; and ``sheep, fat'', ``sheep, meat'', and ``sheep, meat byproducts''. The additions and revisions read as follows: Sec. 180.578 Acetamiprid; tolerances for residues. (a)(1) * * * ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Parts per Commodity million ------------------------------------------------------------------------ * * * * * Corn, sweet, kernel plus cob with husks removed......... 0.01 Corn, sweet, forage..................................... 15 Corn, sweet, stover..................................... 30 * * * * * Fruit, citrus, group 10-10.............................. 1.0 * * * * * ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (a)(2) * * * ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Parts per Commodity million ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cattle, fat............................................. 0.20 Cattle, meat............................................ 0.30 Cattle, meat byproducts................................. 0.70 * * * * * Goat, fat............................................... 0.20 Goat, meat.............................................. 0.30 Goat, meat byproducts................................... 0.70 * * * * * Horse, fat.............................................. 0.20 Horse, meat............................................. 0.30 Horse, meat byproducts.................................. 0.70 Milk.................................................... 0.30 [[Page 36677]] * * * * * Sheep, fat.............................................. 0.20 Sheep, meat............................................. 0.30 Sheep, meat byproducts.................................. 0.70 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ * * * * * [FR Doc. 2013-14653 Filed 6-18-13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P


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We do not take care of our weight until we reach to an age where obese looks and bulging body shape gets a cause of embarrassment.
The lifestyle we choose nowadays is really mental instead of physical, but it doesn't mean one should forget the importance of a person's physique.
Slim body and perfect shape is becoming one of the demanding characteristic amongst men and women.
People who are obese or have extra bulk are certainly fragile not because of their excessive weight, but their habit of eating improperly and without a routine.
This is what accumulation of fats does to you when you eat more than working out. It both effects your mental as well as physical ability of performing various tasks.
Bad food intake such as junk and other good items enriched with high fatty acids and calories doesn't makes you fat only but also let the toxic chemicals take over your body.
Stuffs like smoking and alcohol can also come under the same heading that destroys your body eventually.
Get Your Bottle Today
What is Garcinia Cambogia?
Garcinia Cambogia is a revolution in the weight loss market.
Introduced by world most renowned cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Oz due to which this product was reached to the hype.
In his TV show he has elaborated all of the benefits a person could take from Garcinia Cambogia. In many words this product is also called as Dr Oz's weight loss therapy.
Dr oz does not deal with the marketing of every other weight loss pills sold in the market, he never did.
But in this case he himself did the honor to let people know about Garcinia Cambogia's miracles it did to people.
Many people lives have changed because of this product's high potency and efficacy.
Dr Oz Garcinia Cambogia reviews are incredible which is why millions of people tried this product and found themselves on the very verge of getting a smart body in perfect shape.
Dr Oz Gacinia Cambogia is 100% Natural
In the land of Southeast Asia, this fruit is found in the excess where its extract is obtained and used in weight loss therapy.
This is one of the most popular supplements for weight loss therapy and many products are being sold in the market by the same name but have not authorized by the genuine dealers, so as fake.
There are no chemical additives, preservatives or any other artificial fillers in this formulation.
It has extracted from a natural source and its effect on the weight gain scenario is remarkable.
Some of the fake brands offer Garcinia Cambogia free trials, but before getting into those scams one must need to find out the origin or that product and how it helps in losing weight and what is in it.
How Garcinia Cambogia was found effective for weight loss?
Garcinia Cambogia has originally been a sour tasted plan found in the land of South East Asia.
It has been used by the people for a long time as a tropical fruit in their custom dishes.
Some scientist observed this plant in order to find out the medicinal properties inside it which was to avoid menstrual cramps and to deal with certain GIT issues.
Christina Aguilera's stunning 49 pound weight loss with Pure Garcinia Cambogia Extracts.
Somewhere around 1970's a research was carried on it and it left the scientists surprised by this fruit.
That is where the benefits of eating fruit came in order.
The skin of the Garcinia Cambogia fruit originally contains an excessive amount of a natural compound called HCA a.k.a Hydroxycitric Acid which later was proved to fight against the obesity and fat burning process.
To add it in a weight loss supplement was the best idea they came up with.
This incredible compound was further researched and the abilities it contains was miraculous when it comes to an effective weight loss therapy.
Mechanism of Action of Garcinia Cambogia
Pure Garcinia Cambogia extracts are a powerful source of weight loss.
The process it induces inside the body is quite simple and understandable for every individual.
When you eat food there are certain enzymes present in your body that converts the unused energy into fats and get it deposited in different locations, the most prominent locations are belly, hips and thigh areas.
Once the fat gets accumulated inside it makes a person looks obese and fat. Now what Garcinia Cambogia does in this condition with the help of its active constituent HCA (Hydroxycitric Acid) is to prevent those enzymes that take part in fat conversion.
By preventing those enzymes, none of the fat will deposit in your body. Also it breaks down the cells that has been storing fat for a while by increasing your metabolism that helps you burn more fats.
HCA also does this function by increasing the level of serotonin hormone in your body which directly suppress your appetite and unnecessary cravings, thereby gives you a focused mind and stamina in various functions such as exercise.
There is a term called "Emotional Eating" which is a person eats in excess when he/she is stressed or having any sort of depression.
With the enhanced level of Serotonin this habit of emotional eating subsides to a greater extent.
Garcinia Cambogia Extract's effectiveness is scientifically proven
Pure Garcinia Cambogia extract, Dr Oz Garcinia Cambogia, or Dr Oz weight loss whatever you call it has been proven its effectiveness since 2012 when this product was first introduced in Dr Oz's television show viewed my millions of people across the globe.
Before that person did not know that this extract has been carried out of research for almost 3 decades where they performed clinical trials on rats and mice.
The result was inspiring and it left many people surprised by the efficacy of HCA.
With a vast technological advancement in medical science field, this natural extract was further moved forward in order to try it in a real time.
After which the process of manufacturing a perfect weight loss pill was carried.
Another research carried in the US National Library of Medicine and National Institute of Health stated that "Along with calcium and potassium, the potency of HCA increased remarkably which enhanced the process of thermogenesis, increased metabolism, serotonin level and hence weight reduction process.
Direction to use Garcinia Cambogia Pills
You need to take each pill before meal. The HCA in Garcinia Cambogia extract is meant to work faster and potently when taken 30-60 mins before meal. Some people ask why this is so important.
Well, the HCA has the tendency to be degraded by the intake of food which in science called "Food effect".
It is to keep in your mind that a little workout and exercise must be done along with this treatment.
Since it is not a magic pill that does all the things.
You need to get a grip on your physical ability too, might join gym or if not, at least do a little exercise for half an hour per day.
What Is A Free Trial Of Garcinia Cambogia?
With the world number one weight loss extract, there are also some benefits you will get if you wish to purchase it.
There have been scammers who sell their own product under the brand name of Garcinia Cambogia.
They provide a huge discount and free trials on this product. But to those who are well familiar with the pure Garcinia Cambogia diet pills, these scams would not work.
Garcinia Cambogia in other words, Dr Oz Garcinia Cambogia free trial offers are only available in their official webstore.
Where they offer you 14 days free trial, which is more than enough for a person to find out changes in him/her.
In 2 weeks you will find a remarkable reduction in your appetite and weight, which is why this blend is world's top weight loss therapy to this day.
The desired result usually occurs between 3 to 4 weeks, but the minimal effects should be seen in just 1 to 2 weeks of the use.
Process for Free Trial
You need a fill a short form in order to get free trials from them.
You should enter your name, email address, phone number or residential address where they will ship it.
None of the payment questions will be asked at this point. The manufacturer only demands to have your credit card number in only the case of shipping charges.
Well, in some scenarios if you have used the coupon the charges gets from 15 $ to 4 $. Garcinia cambogia free trial is not a worrisome process that you need to take very seriously.
The payment will be paid by you just to make sure if you are going to get the next shipment of Garcinia Cambogia.
Order Garcinia Cambogia for quick Weight loss now!
Dr Oz preferred Garcinia Cambogia for some very particular reason.
It is not only the cost that counts in a weight loss treatment, but also the right effect and safety.
As far as safety measure concerns, pure Garcinia Cambogia extract is devoid of any side effects and completely safe to use in several conditions where other treatment are banned due to their side effects.
It is the perfect combination of natural ingredients that helps you lose weight faster than other treatment being sold in the market.
There are no compromises in the quality portion of Garcinia Cambogia, the manufacturing plant is approved by the FDA because of their manufacturing norms under GMP which is Good Manufacturing Practices.
When you will buy this supplement, know that it is the best one in the market.
Free trials are excellent and work to erase the doubts about this product. You can always hold onto Garcinia Cambogia.
A lot of customers are very pleased with their free trial's offer and to check their personal experiences you can anytime check on their official webpage where thousands of testimonials are being posted each day in its favour.
You may know believe, but losing weight now is really easier and as per your desire.

subset: commoncrawl


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What's SEMrush? Competitor Analysis Software
SEMrush is an online advertising and competitive intelligence Package of SEO tools you may use in marketing to find top ranking results on internet search engines. Founded by marketers and designed for marketers, SEMrush has grown from a start-up in 2008 to an established global brand supporting 20,000 partners, 3 Million users, and over 8.3 Billion key word worldwide. SEMrush is the best-in-class service provider when it comes To marketing and comparative competitive intelligence. Of course the term SEMrush is synonymous with comparative and competitive intelligence. Competitor Analysis Software
Characteristics of the plans that are different
Are you a start-up or a freelancer, little or developing Marketing agency, a service with an extensive presence or an established brand which requires a marketing solution for your business? Well search no further, because from just $99.95 to 399.95 USD a month, SEMrush has bundles and plans intended for the size of business.
Furthermore, annual subscriptions can be made by you for your Advertising and competitive intelligence services, which may help you save around $800! For the monthly subscriptions though, SEMrush includes 4 Major price plans, namely:
1. SEMrush Pro Plan:
Designed for freelancers , in-house marketers and start-ups With a minimal budget, this, $99.95/month plan, is the most elementary plan which provides you with access to 28 advanced tools and features to boost your advertising. It will only cost you $999.40 for a yearly subscription. From the On-Page SEO Checker to Organic Traffic Insights, from PPC Keyword Tool into Ad Builder and many other tools and features, this plan provides you more than enough resources and features to offer you an advantage over your competition. While also letting, this program gives you 3,000 daily reports One track 50 social networking profiles, track 500 keywords, crawl 100,000 pages and to utilize 5 projects. Permitting you to conduct your SEO, PPC (Pay per Click) c aigns and Social Media Marketing to your company, this plan gives you the'spying' potential you'll need by providing you with in-depth investigation and information concerning your competitor's sources of traffic, social networking results, and other relevant marketing-related info.
2. SEMrush Guru Plan:
At $199.95 USD a month, this strategy is Acceptable for small And growing marketing agencies and businesses. You have the choice of paying $1,999.40 upfront to get an yearly subscription. Aside from getting all the features and tools that the Pro plan comprises, the Guru program comes with Historical information, reports that are trackable and Extended limits too. This program supplies you with 5,000 daily reports along with a total of 50 jobs, 1,500 keywords to monitor, 300,000 pages to crawl along with the capability to track 100 Social Media profiles.
3. SEMrush Business Plan:
This program is designed for agencies, and, E-commerce projects Businesses with an extensive web presence. Cost at $399.95 USD per month or $3,999.95 for a yearly subscription, it gives you 10,000 reports daily while at the same time offering you a total of 200 Projects, 5,000 keywords to track, 1,000,000 pages to crawl and the capability to track 300 Social Media profiles.
4. SEMrush Enterprise Plan:
Designed for brands and companies that require and that was unique Customized marketing and competitive intelligence solutions, the cost for this plan is available upon request. This plan enables its users to extend their limits and create unlimited keyword monitoring, unlimited jobs, unlimited pages to crawl and Social Media submitting and tracking apart from allowing its users to get unlimited daily reports and API access. Competitor Analysis Software
Pros and Cons of using SEMrush
1. Access to Tools That Increase Your ROI For Paid Advertising:
Apart from SEMrush being easy to use, it also Provides you Accessibility to keyword research tools that throw out any guesswork of the window. During the SEMrush Keyword research, Keyword Magic Tool and Keyword Difficulty tools, you can use the SEMrush recommendations to Maximize your ROI.
2. Site Audits and Keyword Research: SEMrush Is Useful If you have to check and compare the health status of your website'SEO-wise' together with your competitors' websites . SEMrush also has suggestions on upcoming and emerging keywords and no equal when it comes to present keyword tracking.
3. All-Under-One-Roof Tools: Whether it is SEO or articles Marketing, social networking Ad construction, Multi-targeting and keyword research monitoring and submitting, you name it, SEMrush has it under a single roof allowing any business and a freelancer to maximize their marketing and competitive intelligence goals.
4. Access to Actionable Data and Insight: With more than 3 Million users who search through 130 million and through 800 million key words domain names in the SEMrush database, SEMrush owns a treasure trove of data which marketers and SEO specialists may use to generate insight and create SEO and internet marketing strategies.
5. Get into Search Engines Pages' Top: With a regularly Upgraded database of over 10 Million keywords sourced SEMrush is to make sure your website ranks and gets to the top of the search engines results pages.
6. Simple to Understand Reports Third-party customers, many of whom may not be SEO-savvy, SEMrush goes a long way in ensuring the daily report which SEMrush delivers to them are user-friendly and free of technical jargon.
1. Prohibitive Price: If it had been possible to get the SEMrush tools and features under a single roof in a price that is more affordable.
2. Keyword Access ; Management: It could be challenging sifting Through attempting to find certain key words Million key words the SEMrush database keeps and updates.
3. No Customized Branded Reports:
SEO specialists and advertising agencies that deliver regular Reports to their customers may wish to possess the reports branded with their corporate graphics. SEMrush doesn't allow this at the present time.
Can I urge SEMrush for your marketing and competitive intelligence?
It's not as Straightforward. The way Google's search engine has better each Search query on its own website, SEMrush has gotten better with every keyword each page crawled and every social networking profile captured. Since it takes time, engineering and enormous capacity to Have the ability to crawl and generate the type of online data that a company like SEMrush generates, I would recommend that if choosing your online advertising or competitive intelligence spouse, ask yourself these questions:
1. Are they tested and tried?
2. Perhaps they delivered in businesses?
To help you answer the questions over, SEMrush has not only Been proven and tested by everyone including that SEO man you know from next door, but it has also delivered phenomenal results to established brands that the likes of Amazon, Forbes, HP, Deloitte, eBay etc.. As a matter of fact, Booking.com always has got a #1 ranking on Google among 17 million results, as a result of SEMrush! That is not to say that utilizing SEMrush will guarantee your Success, however you can be certain that using a marketing and Competitive intelligence partner will improve your probability of success. Competitor Analysis Software


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Afghan armed forces killed 216 militants in their latest military operations in multiple areas of the war - ravaged South Asian nation. The announcement came in Saturday's statement by the ministry, which said the operations were carried out across the country within the past 48 hours in various areas in the provinces of Kunar, Laghman, Kapisa, Maidan Wardak, Ghazni, Paktia, Urozgan, Daikundi, Kandahar, Takhar, Kundoz and Helmand. The statement, cited by Afghan media, said that 216 of the armed insurgents were killed and 142 injured during large-scale operations. The official statement also noted that 12 Afghan National Army troops also lost their lives during the operations as a result of landmine explosions and exchange of fire with the militants. Afghanistan continues to struggle with insecurity and a persisting terror campaign by Taliban militants throughout the country years after US-led foreign troops marched into the war-torn nation in a massive military invasion in 2001 as part of what Washington proclaimed the "war on terror". At least 13,500 foreign forces remain in Afghanistan despite the end of the US-led combat mission, which came to an end on December 31, 2014. The forces, mainly from the US, are there for what Washington calls a support mission.
Death Toll Rises in Afghanistan


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The bulletin board is currently closed to new posts. Instead, why not check out Chris' Twitter and Facebook pages?
If you read my rant about being cursed on the N&N board, You'll know that my favorite characters have a bad habit of dieing. What are your views on killing off characters? Is it ok to kill off a main character, or should one stick to murdering minor characters?
One of the things I've recieved dubious praise upon in my own writings is that I have no qualms with bumping off a lovable character. In fact, in my most recent short story (which I haven't typed up yet) I kill off my narrator and he keeps right on narrating (reincarnation...don't ask) I wonder if I write like this Because my favorite characters have a habit of dieing, or visa versa.... I'm rambling. Anyway, post your opinions on killing off characters here._________________Totus Floreo Totus Ardeo
Bumping off a main character can be very powerful -- and the great thing about fiction is that you can undo it if it doesn't work. I'm working on a novel that is building to the death of one of the main characters -- she has survived and survived and then an accident befalls her. Don't know yet if it will play out as I have planned -- these characters have such a way of redefining themselves.
Yeah i plan to kill my main guy at the end rather suprisingly since its sort of a fairy tale. IF i should feel the need to write another book, supposing this one is enjoyable and not spat on by strangers.... I can always bring him back. But if your writing non fiction i guess its different_________________The pen is mightier than the sword and considerably easier to write with.
The only thing I could add is that when you kill off a main character it needs to come with a big pay off. Minor characters can die any old way that you need them to, but a main character deserves better. If you get a reader to accept, and some cases love, a character, they might feel ripped off if it isn't a fitting end. It would be like having Jesus slip in the shower at the end of Passion of the Christ.
I just finished a novella in which the main character is killed, but he was the bad guy, so I think readers will enjoy seeing him get it. I know I enjoyed killing him. I wrote the whole story just to kill the bastard._________________"We went together like Kennedys and head wounds."--Lenny Kapowski


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The ministries listed below are the many different ways you can become involved in Parish life throughout our Pastorate. Click on the ministry or scroll down the page to learn more about them. Unless otherwise noted, please contact the Pastorate Office at
563-852-3524 for more information or to sign up.


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Back Pain Centers of America Makes Monetary Donation to Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of ChicagoPress Release
Mar 14, 2016
Back Pain Centers Joins with Becker's Healthcare to Donate Life-Saving Funds for the Patients of Lurie Children's through Chicago Dance Marathon.
ATLANTA, GA –March 14, 2016 – Back Pain Centers of America (BPC), which helps people searching for solutions to their neck and back pain to find a reputable physician in their area, announces that it is contributing to the Chicago Dance Marathon for Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago to help children who are treated and battling illness each and every day. The marathon was held on February 20, 2016 at the Chicago Marriott Downtown on the Magnificent Mile.
The dance marathon included eight hours of music and fun to raise funds. Since its inception in 2010, Chicago Dance Marathon has raised more than $1.9 million for Lurie Children's patients and families.
"Jessica Cole, president of Becker's Healthcare told us about the event," said Brent Wheeler, president of Back Pain Centers of America. "We are in the business of partnering with healthcare providers and feel that this is an extension of our mission to support patients in need." Wheeler also made a personal donation to the cause in addition to his company's support.
"I have been involved with the dance marathon for over six years," said Jessica Cole. "Many of us at Becker's are involved. We see this as a way to give back to the community and have fun with some healthy dancing while we raise money for the cause. The family stories are moving. It is truly inspiring what people have to go through when their children are very sick. I am proud to be a part of this effort and delighted that other healthcare providers and partners can join the cause. The old adage of 'it takes a village' certainly applies to families in crisis. This year, we were all moved when a child battling cancer got up and sang. It brings us all back to what really matters."
Information about the annual event can be found at www.chicagodancemarathon.org the organization is still accepting donations on their site.
About Lurie Children's
Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago is ranked as one of the nation's top children's hospitals in the U.S. News & World Report 2015-2016 Honor Roll rankings. Lurie Children's provides superior pediatric care in a state-of-the-art hospital that offers the latest benefits and innovations in medical technology, family-friendly design and research through the Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute. Located in downtown Chicago on the campus of its academic partner, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Lurie Children's relies on philanthropic support to care for more than 173,000 children each year. Learn more at luriechildrens.org
About Back Pain Centers of America
Back Pain Centers of America (BPC) has helped people find safe, reliable relief for chronic pain since 2009. The call centers match patients searching for relief for neck and back pain to reputable, board-certified healthcare practices in their geographic area. BPC has the largest network of minimally-invasive spine centers in America. This service is free to patients. For more information for patients, please visit www.backpaincenters.com. For spine practices interested in joining the network, please visit www.backpaincentersofamerica.com. Also follow BPC on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter.
# # #
Media Contacts:
Amanda Sparks, Business Development Manager, Back Pain Centers of America,
Find Out if We Are Right for Your Practice


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Animation and Storytelling for Journalism
- This Webinar was originally broadcast on:
- December 07, 2017 Enroll Now
- Watch and listen to the original one-hour Webinar in its entirety. This Webinar recording features the full presentation led by Poynter faculty and visiting faculty including Q&A from the audience and resources from the presenter.
Course Overview
- Title:
- Animation and Storytelling for Journalism
- Type:
- Webinar
- Cost:
- $29.95
- Originally Broadcast On:
- December 07, 2017
- Time Estimate:
- One hour for the main presentation and questions. Sometimes presenters stay longer to answer additional questions from participants.
Save 20-25 percent off the full price of this course and more by becoming a Poynter Prepared Member. Learn more and join now.
About Webinars
In this virtual classroom, participants can join in a seminar led by Poynter faculty and visiting faculty. This screencast includes live audio and a slideshow presentation in which participants can post questions and respond to poll questions posed by the host.
This webinar will cover what you need to know about animation in journalism — the difference between animation and motion graphics; how those skill sets can be applied in a newsroom; what resources a motion graphics person needs to do the job; and some strategies that will help you communicate a detailed vision of what you want, keeping revisions to a minimum.
The bulk of this webinar will cover process from the beginning of an idea to the final product. This process can be used for short one-minute pieces or mini-documentaries. The instructor, Arielle Ray, will go over her own scripts to show you what editing looks like. She'll share her method of planning visuals for a project. She'll provide examples, ranging from timely news pieces that took only an afternoon to finish to larger explainers on things like NAFTA and encryption, projects that took a few weeks to execute.
You'll also learn a few tips and tricks for making graphics, where to find resources for more in-depth learning and which applications are best and fastest for news graphics.
What Will I Learn:
- The difference between someone who specializes in motion graphics and an animator
- The differences between a written story and a video/animation script
- How editing an animator is different from editing a video journalist
- The pros and cons of animation software options
- How to craft a timeline for an animated video, a quick-turnaround piece or a mini-documentary
- Communication strategies that minimize revisions
Who Should Take this Course:
Managers looking to add an animator to their workflow, video editors who are thinking about adding some graphics skills to their repertoire, cross-disciplinary designers that have to work with a video team, and anyone interested in seeing what animation in journalism is all about.
Course Instructor:
Arielle Ray
Arielle brings Quartz's stories to life using animation, stop motion and video editing. She works on every subject matter under the sun, from NAFTA, to breastplates, to creepy artificial intelligence apps. Previously, she worked at The Wall Street Journal, covering equally varied subject matter using motion graphics. Arielle graduated from the University of Miami with degrees in Visual Journalism and English literature in 2014 and completed her art minor while studying abroad in Florence, Italy. She has yet to meet a grilled cheese that she doesn't like.
Technical Requirements:
1.4GHz Intel® Pentium® 4 or faster processor (or equivalent) for Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 8.1
512MB of RAM (1GB recommended) for Windows 7 or Windows 8
Microsoft Internet Explorer 8, 9, 10, 11; Mozilla Firefox; Google Chrome
Adobe® Flash® Player 11.2+
1.83GHz Intel Core™ Duo or faster processor
512MB of RAM (1GB recommended)
Mac OS X 10.7.4, 10.8, 10.9
Mozilla Firefox; Apple Safari; Google Chrome
Adobe Flash Player 11.2+
1.5 Mbits/sec up and down. We strongly suggest viewing our webinars with a wired connection.
Some networks, especially those that use a proxy server, may encounter difficulty connecting to our webinar software. If this is your first Poynter NewsU webinar, please test your connection.
This webinar contains audio. Please adjust your headphones or speakers.
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You can watch our live webinars on your iPad with a free Adobe Connect app. To watch webinar replays, your iPad must be able to view Flash media players. The live webinar experience on your iPad is very similar to watching it from your computer. You can watch the video, follow the presentation, respond to polling questions, ask the presenter questions and participate in any discussion forums.
Download the free Adobe Connect app from iTunes here. To access the live event, click on the "Join Live Event Now" button on the webinar landing page. The virtual room will automatically load. Viewing recorded webinars on iOS devices is not currently supported.


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Finance Corporation
Stanford Finance began as an exclusive financing facility for our HDI Network enterprisers. It later expanded to different loan products based on the needs of the community. Some loan products offered include OFW loans, SSS pension loans and SME business loans. Today, it continues to be one of the most accessible financing options for the common Filipino.
Learn more at www.stanfordfinancecorp.com


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My name is Drew Daugherty and I am a combat veteran, a retired military officer and a REALTOR®. I specialize is helping veterans and am specifically trained in VA loans, VA home purchase and am certified as a Military Relocation Professional.
MY COMMITMENT TO YOU: I will assist any Veteran needing advice on VA home loans, purchase or sale - WITHOUT OBLIGATION OF ANY KIND.
Any Veteran that served with honor can email questions to: email@example.com Please put "Veteran Question" in the subject line. I am licensed in the state of Texas (TREC #662629). If you are in another state- I may, or may not, be able to answer your specific question but I will try to direct you to the most appropriate resource.
Please see the page about Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.) - I update it often with some of the most pertinent questions I receive.
If you are in the Austin, Texas or Hill Country area- I'd love to be your real estate agent. If you are elsewhere, I will help find you an agent that specializes in VA home purchases or sales in your area.


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At SPV Group we are committed to being a responsible business, both in how we work with our clients but also in terms of how we contribute to the wider community and the world around us.
It is important to our employees to work for a socially responsible organisation and our approach therefore reflects our people
We recognise that: 'Our activities as a firm have an impact on our communities. We are committed to not only managing that impact but also using the resources we have in making a real and sustainable difference.
Football team sponsorship:
We are elated to announce that SPV Group have agreed to sponsor the football team at Villiers Primary School. This means that the children will be able to be proud of their achievements as well as their much needed new kit. Thanks to this sponsorship the children will be able to represent the school, and the company in brand new Nike kit.
I would like to thank the staff at SPV for agreeing to sponsor our team and we look forward to working with them over the coming months.
Lisa Harris
Villiers Primary School
Walsall Football Club
SPV regularly support our local team, Walsall Football Club with various events. Most recently we sponsored their Legends event in their 1888 Club which brought ex players Andy Rammell, John Hodge and Chris Marsh back to Banks stadium. 3 legends, endless stories. The afternoon was a great success and we look forward to many more similar events in the future.
We offer the box as charity prizes for clients to auction off regularly and we also offer this to our workface as a bonus for their hard work
''I have been running a charity event in aid of Wessex Heartbeat, for a number of years, and SPV, via Howard and Kate, have always been very generous in offering up their box at Walsall FC to enable us to auction it off.
It regularly raises between £300 and £400, all of which goes to the charity. We are extremely grateful for their generosity and wish them continues success in all that they do.''
(Mark Ind, General Manager, Holiday Inn London Mayfair)
Royal British Legion
For the last 5 years we have offered an area of our warehouse to the Royal British Legion to use for storage of their properties prior to and during their fundraising period.
No Christmas Card Appeal
SPV are delighted that our donation helped The Crash No Christmas Card Appeal 2015 raise over £80,000 to provide care for people who are homeless or have life limiting or terminal illnesses.
In 2016, not only is it the charities 20th Anniversary, but they have expanded their services to also benefit hospices as well homeless charities with their building projects.
This means that our support will enable CRASH to continue to offer professional expertise, building products and grants to help create places that care for people who are homeless or have life limiting or terminal illnesses.
Our Employees raise money!
We supported our office manager with her fundraising for her chosen Charity, Get Kids Going to run the London Marathon raising over £2000 in sponsorship from our Client, suppliers and workforce.
The fundraising raised by our clients, suppliers and team members enabled her to take part in the 2015 London Marathon which has been a dream of hers for many years.
Following months of hard training, our Office Manager, Mrs Joanne Bennett completed the London Marathon 2015 in an excellent 4 hours 50 minutes.
Incredibly by the time all donations were received and counted, Joanne raised nearly £3,000 for Get Kids Going, a Sport and Mobility Charity for Disabled Children,
SPV Site Supervisor Lewis Male whom we assisted in sponsoring completed The Rat Race 2015 on Saturday- the world's longest mud run involving 20 miles and 200 obstacles in an amazing 4 hours 35 minutes raising money for children with cancer.
SPV Group sponsor a national hot rods for our warehouse operative Adrian Bennett Adrian races this all over the country and is very successful with his racing.
SPV are delighted to support the General Manager of The Holiday Inn M4 J4 for her sponsored walk from the Holiday Inn Brentford to the Macmillan Offices in London. Lissy courageously walked approximately 9 miles and this was all in aid of raising money for the amazing charity Macmillan Cancer Support.
SPV also supported Star City's One Great Day fundraising campaign as Star City is one of our valued Clients and the campaign was for an excellent cause. ONE GREAT DAY is a UK wide annual charity fundraising day, raising money and support for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity and Birmingham Children's Hospital.
SPV Group take part in the surrounding community
The Considerate Constructors Scheme is a non-profit-making, independent organisation founded in 1997 by the construction industry to improve its image. SPV Group are happy to be members of this scheme, which has improved are local community relationships on a number of sites.
Respect the community
Constructors should give utmost consideration to their impact on neighbours and the public Informing, respecting and showing courtesy to those affected by the work. Minimising the impact of deliveries, parking and work on the public highway. Contributing to and supporting the local community and economy. Working to create a positive and enduring impression, and promoting the Code.
SPV Group take part in the community
SPV Group, brought together 20 pupils from 2 local schools, Manor Primary School and St Michaels Church of England Primary School to decorate the hoarding at Futures College Birmingham, Albany house, Birmingham B1.
The hoarding boards were first wrapped with acrylic to give them a bright vibrant theme then the children all drew a picture of themselves which were then applied to the hoarding board in the window areas of the house templates.
The children had a great time decorating the hoarding and were extremely proud of their achievement. Once completed, the children attended our site at Albany House, Birmingham where Futures College is located. The Office building which is owned and operated by RVB Investments is currently being refurbished by SPV Group with a new external facade system and new glazing to all elevations.
Owen Jones, one of the children who took part from St Michaels Church of England Primary School commented; 'I have had a brilliant time decorating the hoarding and I really enjoyed visiting a real building site to learn more about the construction trade. When I am older I want to work for SPV Group!'
We were awarded runner up for our contribution.
Charlie Petheram Racing - A Big Thank you
When SPV Group said they would sponsor me in August 2015, I was made up. It allowed me and Dad finish the 2015 season very strongly. We upgraded our engine and have had great results. My highlight so far has been going to the Red Bull factory and picking up my first win.
I'm also off to Italy in the Summer of 2016, we really couldn't have done this without you!
Thank you all so much.
SPV Receive award
SPV Group are delighted to have recently been presented with The Bringing Midlands Businesses together Award by Grays Promotions.
The honour was awarded for our outstanding contribution to Midlands Businesses.
SPV in the Community
SPV Group, the Walsall based refurbishment specialists are delighted to announce that we have recently been Awarded 2016 Winner of Family Business of the Year at The Express and star Business Awards.
Furthermore we are delighted to have received a special commendation in the category of Community Champions.
The event, one of the highlights of the West Midlands' business calendar shined a spotlight on the businesses that represent that whole range of commercial activity across our region.
The judges commented the following with regards to SPV Group;
"By innovation and exceptional customer service, SPV Group has become a leading specialist in the UK market place and overseas. Employing multiple members of other families, as well as their own, the owners have created a family feel across all departments."
It was an emotional win for the company with Finance Director Kate Whatley commenting;
" We are very happy. Actually, we're ecstatic. We didn't expect to win it. It is great for everyone, because family is really important for us.
We would like to thank everyone within the business for all their continued commitment to the company and hard work as well as our valued clients and supply chain for making this possible"
In 2016 SPV became members of Business in the community- The Princes responsible business network.. Being members of Business in the community has ensured we have put a health/ CSR plan in place for 2017 where we can formally measure the impact and effectiveness of our initiatives.
As part of this we are looking into the physical and mental health of all team members as this affects the company, the individuals and the greater community.
In 2017 all managers will be attending mental health awareness training so they can spot any issues early and look to resolve these before they escalate.
2017 will also see our new work well model and initiatives being rolled out throughout the company.
In May 2016 we were approached by a local dog's home- Rosedene Rescue- who had experienced severe flooding to the kennels. Being self funded, we offered to assist with the roof works sending 2 operatives down for 2 days to carry out roofing works to the poorly constructed roofs ensuring the kennels would remain watertight.
In October 2016 we had the new kit for the football team at Villiers Primary School delivered. We had offered to assist with this the previous year and had been waiting for the kit to be delivered. Once delivered we arranged for the team to attend a Walsall Football club game0 with who we are commercial partners. The children had a kick around on the pitch in their new kit and met with Walsall mascot Swity. They then enjoyed complimentary seats in the family stand for the match against Southend.
Chris Villiers- the ICT Manager at the school joined the team on the day and said they were all incredibly excited to be at Walsall Football Club in their new kit and loved meeting Walsall Mascot Swifty before the game! The team had a great day out and absolutely love their new kit! The Villiers Primary school team have been having a winning streak winning 12 out of the 14 last games they played and we wish them all the best for the remainder of the season.
Howard Evans, MD of SPV Group said: "It was great to see how happy the children were with their new kit and when wearing the kit, it was clear to see that the new kit has given the children a great sense of pride. The corporate colours of both SPV and Villiers Primary School complement each other brilliantly
Throughout 2016 SPV continued to support The Aldridge Royal British Legion offering them an area to store and distribute their poppies from within our Aldridge warehouse. Furthermore, one of the team is heavily involved with Aldridge in Bloom –part of the local Aldridge community partnership.
Aldridge in Bloom gained gold in the urban community category as category winner- their 3rd nomination for Britain in Bloom representing the heart of England. This year they are aiming for gold standard for the town and we have assisted in providing high vis vests for the team and also offering to assist with planting of the flower beds.
SPV Group have recently undertaken the flat roofing works at St johns Primary School in Wolverhampton and as part of this invited the children to decorate a number of hoarding boards to brighten up the work areas. The children did a fantastic job of decorating the boards within their after school art club run by teacher Georgina Heyes.
The boards were unveiled by Considerate Constructors new female mascot Honour Good site with all children receiving goody bags for their hard work and attending a short talk given by SPV management explaining the reason for and the nature of the works being undertaken on site and offering an overview of the construction industry hoping to inspire some of the children to consider this as a career when they grow up.
A fantastic afternoon was had by all with one of the children commenting "I had a great afternoon. It was really interesting to learn about the roofing works. Honour Goodsite is my new bestie, it was so much fun meeting her!"
SPV are delighted to report that our Lorry Driver, Mr Adrian Kinsella will be taking part in The London to Paris bike ride on the 7th June 2017.
The Challenge involves 4 days in the saddle cycling 300 miles from London to the finish line of The Eiffel Tower!
Adrian is currently seeking sponsorship to enable him to reach his fundraising goal of £3,000
Adrian will be undertaking this huge challenge to raise money for Birmingham St Mary's Hospital, Registered charity No: 503456- a charity close to Adrian's heart. Birmingham St Mary's Hospice is an independent adult hospice providing care to people across Birmingham and Sandwell. Caring for around 1,200 people a year, many hospice patients remain at home for much of their illness, where they are supported by our Community Palliative Care and Hospice at Hometeams, who work in conjunction with GPs, consultants and other medical professionals.
The Hospice helps and supports families and loved ones, no matter how young or old, throughout the patient's illness and after bereavement, for as long as necessary. People may be admitted to Birmingham St Mary's Hospice's inpatient unit for symptom management or end of life care, there is also a weekly Day Hospice, offering medical support, psycho social and spiritual care, complementary therapies and time off for carers.
To sponsor Adrian and donate to the worthwhile cause of Birmingham St Marys Hospice, please donate at the Just giving page as detailed below or complete the attached form.
SPV are pleased to support their team members with their various hobbies. One activity a number of the SPV team excel in is full contact and non contact stock car racing. More than just a hobby this is a full time passion for Jon, Charley and Alex of SPV.
SPV worked with Villiers Primary school offering a brief about our recent gold award for health and safety.
The pupils of the school were asked to design full colour advertisements for SPV based our brief.
The standard was very high and it was really hard to pick a winner as it was clear that a lot of research and thought had been put into them.
The chosen design was published in The Express and Star in our "Design an Ad" 8 page special at the end of April 2017.
All of the winning children are then invited to a presentation ceremony at The Wolverhampton Grand Theatre and all the winners are presented with £50 for their school and an overall winner is selected who receives £500 for their school.
SPV Group were delighted to have recently been crowned Winners of The Community Champions Category of the Express and Star Business Awards 2017.
Community endeavours undertaken throughout the year included carrying out roof repairs on a local dogs home, offering support to the Royal British Legion housing and distributing poppies, working with a local school and procuring their football team a new kit as well as supporting their employees charity fundraising including assisting our lorry driver to raise over £4000 for his London to Paris Bike ride challenge,
The category sponsors Jaguar Landrover said that SPV were worthy winners of the category as it was clear didn't have to do the amount of community work they do but they could see they genuinely wanted to. The judges also praised the company for the value it puts on personal development of its staff and its commitment in recently joining the Business in the Community organisation.
Kate Whatley, one of the founders of the business, said: "At SPV Group we are committed to being a responsible business, both in how we work with our clients but also in terms of how we contribute to the wider community and the world around us.
"It is important to our employees to work for a socially responsible organisation and our approach therefore reflects our people. SPV is very aware of the communities in which we operate and as such we always look to give back into those communities. Our values of honesty and integrity help us maintain long term stable relationships both internally and externally."


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Wal-Mart Plans To Hire Veterans
Wal-Mart Plans To Hire Veterans
Wal-Mart is expected to announce that it will hire every veteran who wants a job as part of a new program beginning on Memorial Day. The only requirements: that he or she left the military in the previous year and wasn't dishonorably discharged.
NPR's business news starts with a Wal-Mart plan to hire veterans.
OK, we've heard elsewhere in the program about corporate recruiters seeking out veterans. Today, Wal-Mart announces it will hire every veteran who wants a job. It's part of a new program beginning on Memorial Day. The only requirements here are that the veteran left the military in the previous year and that the veteran was not dishonorably discharged.
This Wal-Mart plan is expected to lead to jobs for more than 100,000 people over the next five years.
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This photo needs to be looked at three, four at least five times to truly see the depth within. Beautiful!
At the end of our expedition to Chogolisa, we passed the small town of Hushe, the start of the road back to the real world. The children were interested and followed us around while we visited the small shops. Officially you are not allowed to photograph women or even girls, it is signposted in the village.
The people are very friendly and interested, though a few regions we passed are women-unfriendly. Not that they bothered the 5 female members of our 10 person expedition, but they were mostly just ignored, even while they dressed properly according to local habit and culture. But in general we were welcomed by everybody, and some even spoke english.
The nature is really stunning, from 8000+m peaks like K2, Nanga Parbat & the Gasherbrums to gorgeous valleys and fruit trees. Recommended for a great trekking: Skardu – Askole – Baltoro Glacier – Gondogoro La (pass) and down via Hushe, where this pic was taken. Submerse yourself in a different but friendly culture.
Scanned from provia 100 slide, taken with Eos 3.
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