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International Equity Fund
The State Farm® International Equity Fund seeks long-term growth of capital.
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Investment Objective
Seeks long-term growth of capital.
Who Should Invest?
You may want to invest in the International Equity Fund if you can tolerate the price fluctuations and volatility that are inherent in investing in an international stock mutual fund, want to diversify your investments, are seeking a growth investment as part of an asset allocation program, and/or are investing for retirement or other goals that are many years in the future.
Fund Resources
Class A&B, Premier, Legacy B Fund Fact Sheet [PDF-280.6KB] Class R1, R2, R3 Fund Fact Sheet [PDF-278.1KB]
Risk Spectrum
Types of risk:
Market Risk
Stock prices may fluctuate widely over short or even extended periods in response to company, market, or economic news. Stock markets also tend to move in cycles, with periods of rising stock prices and periods of falling stock prices.
Foreign Investing Risk
Foreign securities are subject to special risks. Foreign issuers are usually not subject to the same accounting and disclosure requirements that U.S. companies are subject to, which may make it difficult for the Fund to evaluate a foreign company's operations or financial condition.
Management Risk
The risk that the fund manager's assessment of companies whose securities are held in the fund may prove incorrect, resulting in losses or poor performance, even in a rising market.
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Investment return and principal value will fluctuate and your investment, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than its original cost. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Recent performance may be less than the figures shown. Obtain total returns current to the most recent month-end by calling our Mutual Funds Response Center at 800-447-4930.
Total returns are the compounded rate of change in value during a period of investment, including the value of shares acquired through reinvestment of all dividends and of all capital gain distributions for the period. They include all applicable fees and expenses, including: A maximum sales charge of 5.00% for Class A and Premier shares and maximum contingent deferred sales charges on Class B shares of 5% during year one, 4.25% in year two, 3.50% in year three, 2.75% in year four, 2.00% in year five, 1.00% in year six, and 0% in year seven. A maximum contingent deferred sales charges on Legacy Class B shares of 3.00% during year one, 2.75% in years two and three, 2.50% in year four, 2.00% in year five, 1.00% in year six, and 0.00% in year seven. Class B and Legacy Class B shares convert to Class A shares after 8 full years, unless the total value of a shareholder's account(s) is $100,000 or more, then these shares convert to Premier shares. Ten-year returns for Class B and Legacy Class B reflect the applicable conversion to Class A with no additional sales charge. NAV Total Return does not include any initial sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge for any shares and, if reflected, would reduce the performance quoted.
There is no sales charge or 12b-1 fee associated with Institutional Class shares. Class R-1, R-2, and R-3 shares may only be purchased for certain qualified retirement plans as set forth in the prospectus.
Class B shares and Legacy Class B shares are not available for purchase by any investor after 5/1/2015.
Effective for transactions occurring on or after April 1, 2017, State Farm VP Management Corp. will waive receipt of all sales charges disclosed in the Prospectus, and no sales charges disclosed in the Prospectus will apply to transactions occurring on or after April 1, 2017.
State Farm Investment Management Corp., the investment adviser for each fund, has voluntarily agreed to reimburse each fund for certain annual operating expenses. This agreement may be eliminated at any time.
Fund Composition as of: 3/31/2018
The fund data below is as of quarter end unless otherwise noted.
Top 10 Holdings
|Company Name
|Amount Held
|Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. Sponsored ADR
|Fanuc Corp.
|ASML Holdings NV
|Las Vegas Sands Corp.
|Bayer AG REG
|Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC
|Anheuser Busch Inbev SA/NV
|InterXion Holding NV
|Deutsche Boerse AG
|Schlumberger LTD
Fund Fees, Expenses, and Charges
Below you will find the fees associated with this fund.
|Class A
Maximum Account Fee
(For certain accounts with balances below $5,000, a quarterly account fee of $10 may be charged.)
Minimum Initial Investment
(does not apply to Tax Qualified Transfer or Rollover money)
| Minimum Additional Investment
(per Fund, per Transaction)
|Maximum Sales Charge
|Capital Gains Distribution
|May be Annually
|Dividend Distribution
|May be Annually
|Gross Expense Ratio
|Net Expense Ratio
Our Objective
Our main objective is to make each of our 15 State Farm Mutual Funds® a competitive and rewarding long-term investment for our shareholders.
Our Investment Advisors
Our investment management structure capitalizes on the strengths, focused attention and knowledge of investment professionals in the internal Investment Department of State Farm. Because we offer a variety of funds, we have chosen to partner with five other asset management organizations.
Marsico Capital Management, LLC — Growth Investment Style
Founded in 1997, Marsico Capital Management, LLC employs an investment approach that combines elements of "top-down" macroeconomic analysis and "bottom-up" company and stock analysis. With this approach, Marsico emphasizes the selection of what they believe are stocks of high-quality companies with compelling potential for long-term capital appreciation.
Marsico investment team members' backgrounds are highly diverse, but they share several core characteristics, including:
- Competitiveness
- Curiosity
- Passion for the stock market
- Tremendous work ethic
- A deep sense of responsibility to shareholders
Quick Facts
- The firm is based in Denver, CO and independently-owned.
- Valuing an experienced team approach, Marsico's investment team is comprised of five portfolio managers and ten research analysts.
- Marsico manages $3.2 billion in assets (as of 3/31/2018).
Northern Cross, LLC — Value Investment Style
Founded in 2003, Northern Cross, LLC is a Boston-based independent investment management firm specializing in international equity mandates. Northern Cross strives to consistently add value for shareholders by focusing investments on high quality companies that can deliver long-term margin expansion and by identifying secular trends.
Northern Cross employs a straightforward stock selection process, supported by the unique insights of an experienced and proven team. Their process includes:
- Investing only in businesses that are thoroughly understood by the team.
- Selecting companies with strong, sustainable market positions in concentrated industries with potential pricing power.
- Seeking out undervalued assets and franchise values.
- Committing to robust on-the-ground research.
Quick Facts
- Based in Boston, MA and 100% owned by the six investment professionals, Northern Cross manages $28.6 billion in assets (as of 3/31/2018).
- Northern Cross emphasizes a low-turnover, team-based, value-oriented investment strategy.
Risk Disclosures
Investing involves risk, including potential for loss.
Diversification and Asset allocation do not assure a profit or protect against a loss.
Foreign investments involve greater risks than U.S. investments, including political and economic risks and the risk of currency fluctuations.
Mutual Funds Disclosure
Automatic investment plans do not assure a profit or protect against loss.
Neither State Farm® nor its agents provide tax or legal advice.
It is not possible to invest directly in an index.
State Farm VP Management Corp. is a separate entity from those State Farm entities which provide banking and insurance products.
As of June 2, 2010, additional fees may apply to certain accounts with balances less than $5000.
Each State Farm LifePath Fund invests its assets in a combination of equity (including real estate investment trusts) and bond exchange traded funds and a money market fund (the "Underlying Funds") in proportion to the Fund's own comprehensive investment strategy. BlackRock Fund Advisors ("BFA") serves as the sub-advisor to the LifePath Funds and selects investments for the Fund. State Farm Investment Management Corp. (SFIMC) is the investment advisor to the State Farm LifePath Funds. State Farm VP Management Corp. (SFVPMC) is the distributor of the State Farm LifePath Funds. Neither SFIMC nor SFVPMC are affiliated with BFA or its affiliates.
BFA is a wholly owned subsidiary of BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. ("BTC"). Neither BTC nor its affiliates are affiliated with SFIMC or SFVPMC.
BlackRock Fund Advisors ("BFA") is the investment sub-advisor to the S&P 500® Index Fund, the Small Cap Index Fund, and the International Index Fund.
Ascensus provides recordkeeping and administrative services for 401(k) retirement plans offered by State Farm Investment Management Corp.
Net Asset Value (NAV) is calculated by adding all of the assets of a Fund, subtracting the Fund's liabilities, then dividing by the number of outstanding shares.
The Russell 2000® Index tracks the common stock performance of the 2,000 smallest U.S. companies in the Russell 3000 Index.
The Russell 2500 Index measures the performance of the 2,500 smallest securities in the Russell 3000 Index.
The Russell 1000 Index is a market-capitalization weighted index that tracks the largest 1,000 companies in the Russell 3000 Index.
The Russell Midcap Index measures the performance of the mid-cap segment of the U.S. equity market and is a subset of the Russell 1000 Index.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average is an unmanaged average of 30 actively traded stocks.
The NASDAQ Composite is an unmanaged market capitalization weighted index that is designed to represent the performance of the National Market System.
The S&P 500® Index tracks the common stock performance of 500 large U.S. companies.
The Bloomberg Barclays 1-5 Year U.S. Treasury Index measures the performance of short-term U.S. Treasury Securities maturing within one to five years.
The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index represents debt securities in the U.S. investment grade fixed rate taxable bond market.
The Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index is an unmanaged index representative of the tax-exempt bond market.
The Bloomberg Barclays High-Yield Bond Index covers the U.S. dollar-denominated, non-investment grade, fixed-rate, taxable corporate bond market.
The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. TIPS Index is an unmanaged index composed of inflation protected securities issued by the U.S. Treasury.
The Citigroup 3-Month Treasury Bill Index is an unmanaged index of three-month Treasury bills.
The FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Real Estate ex-U.S. Index is designed to measure the stock performance of companies engaged in specific real estate activities of the real estate markets outside of the United States.
The FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Real Estate Index is designed to measure the stock performance of companies engaged in specific real estate activities of the North American, European, and Asian real estate markets.
The Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe, Australasia and Far East Free (EAFE® Free) Index currently measures the performance of stock markets of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the Far East.
The MSCI All Country World Index (ACWI) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets.
The MSCI All Country World Index (ex-U.S.) (MSCI ACWI ex-U.S. Index) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure equity market performance in global developed and emerging markets, excluding the United States.
The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a float-adjusted market capitalization index designed to measure equity market performance in global emerging markets.
The New York Stock Exchange is considered the largest equities-based exchange in the world based on total market capitalization of its listed securities.
The Blended Benchmark for the Equity and Bond Fund is a combination of 60% of the S&P 500 Index and 40% of the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, rebalanced monthly.
The blended benchmark for the LifePath Funds is a hypothetical representation of the performance of each of the underlying asset classes according to their weightings as of the most recent month end. For a list of the indexes used to calculate the blended benchmark, please refer to the Prospectus.
iShares, LifePath and LifePath followed by 2020, 2030, 2040 and 2050 are all registered trademarks of BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A.
"S&P 500®" is a trademark of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. and has been licensed for use by the State Farm Mutual Fund Trust. The State Farm S&P 500 Index Fund (the "Fund") is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Standard & Poor's, and Standard & Poor's makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in the Fund.
Russell Investment Group ("Russell") is the source and owner of the trademarks, service marks and copyrights related to the Russell 2000® Index. Russell® is a trademark of Russell. The State Farm Small Cap Index Fund (the "Fund") is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by, nor in any way affiliated with Russell. Russell is not responsible for and has not reviewed the Fund nor any associated literature or publications and Russell makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to their accuracy, or completeness, or otherwise.
The EAFE® Free Index is a trademark, service mark and the exclusive property of Morgan Stanley Capital International, Inc. ("MSCI") and its affiliates and has been licensed for use by the State Farm Mutual Fund Trust (the "Trust"). The State Farm International Index Fund (the "Fund"), based on the EAFE® Free Index, has not been passed on by MSCI as to its legality or suitability, and is not issued, sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by MSCI. MSCI makes no warranties and bears no liability with respect to the Fund. MSCI has no responsibility for and does not participate in the management of the Fund assets or sale of the Fund shares. The Trust's Statement of Additional Information contains a more detailed description of the limited relationship MSCI has with the Trust and the Fund.
Non-US Residents
Each of the investment products and services referred to on the State Farm Mutual Funds web site is intended to be made available to customers or prospective customers residing in the United States. The customer's U.S. permanent residence address must be a street address. This web site shall not be considered a solicitation or offering for any investment product or service to any person in any jurisdiction where such solicitation or offer would be unlawful.
Business Continuity Plan
State Farm VP Management Corp. has developed a Business Continuity Plan on how we will respond to events that significantly disrupt our business. Since the timing and impact of disasters and disruptions is unpredictable, we will have to be flexible in responding to actual events as they occur. With that in mind, download this information on our business continuity plan [PDF-41.3KB].
Not FDIC Insured
- No Bank Guarantee
- May Lose Value


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Bad services makes this kitty very grumpy!!!
The other day I went to one of the oldest shopping stores we have in my city to purchase an outfit for our office celebration and OMG I just experienced the worst customer service in my life. I observed that the sales person assisting me was slow to pick-up on instructions and almost hesitant to accommodate customers. Well I don't know if she was having a bad day, or if she was distracted or if she was just plain lazy so i decided to keep my cool and patiently waited for her. But after a while, I thought to myself that how an earth can this store hire someone as incompetent as this girl so I decided to look around for another girl to help me with my purchase but I found out almost all of the store's employees were like her, so unmotivated.
As I was paying at the cashier, there were three girls handling the cash register and the first girl was checking the merchandise against the slip issued by the previous sales girl and it took her 10 minutes to check all of the merchandise because she was busy chatting with the other girls at the counter. Not only that, she had also trouble checking the prices against the slip so I had to dictate to her the prices just to speed things up. The two other girls did nothing to help her and just waited for her to finish while chatting before the second girl could enter it to the store's system and the last girl could put in a bag. I mean one girl could surely do all of their functions if she was motivated enough but I just don't know what going on with that store.
I'm sure that no employer would hire slow and incompetent person but from what I had observed its as if those girls have no motivation to work. They did not show any interest in assisting customers and the customers had to call them out just to get help. I was really annoyed and I swore never again to return to that store. Its too bad because they really sell inexpensive products, but customer service was really horrible.

subset: commoncrawl


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This certificate is a 15 credit hours program in public administration at the graduate level. The program is flexible enough to be adapted to the needs of pre-career and in-service individuals. Career employees of public sector agencies seeking courses in public administration, especially those changing from professional or technical roles to managerial roles, will find the certificate program beneficial.
Public Management


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ORRHES Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2003
Update on the NIOSH Occupational Energy Research Program
Dr. Ahrenholz explained that ATSDR, NCEH and NIOSH are the three agencies conducting site activities under the DOE/HHS memorandum of understanding (MOU). In terms of NIOSH's organization, the Health-Related Energy Research Branch (HERB) is housed within the Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations and Field Studies. Dr. Ahrenholz extended apologies on behalf of Dr. David Utterback, the HERB Chief, who was unable to attend the meeting.
HERB's role and function are often confused with another NIOSH program. HERB conducts intramural and extramural studies of the DOE workforce and has served in this capacity since 1991. After a project is finalized, HERB develops a one-page synopsis outlining the context of the project, study results, contact information for principal investigators and instructions to obtain additional information. The findings are first communicated to DOE, site managers, and former and current DOE workers and then released to the general public. The Office of Compensation Analysis and Support was established in 2000 to process dose reconstruction claims submitted under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act.
HERB recently completed several intramural and extramural studies. The Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant project was an update of a mortality study NIOSH conducted in the 1980s. In the more recent activity completed in October 2001, HERB assessed exposures to several chemical contaminants found at the site; analyzed internal and external ionizing radiation exposures; and used a nested case control group to examine cancers of interest identified in the first study. Eight DOE grants and cooperative agreements administered by NIOSH were communicated to workers in the summer of 2002. Most of these activities were methodological and did not involve data from a specific site.
A lung fibrosis study among plutonium-exposed workers at Rocky Flats was completed in November 2002 and an epidemiologic evaluation of cancer and occupational exposures among Rocky Flats workers was completed in April 2003. For both extramural and intramural projects, HERB attempts to analyze ionizing radiation and non-radiological exposures. Similar to other federal agencies, NIOSH is also experiencing budget constraints and other resource limitations. As a result, several criteria were used to prioritize projects for FY'04. For example, the study has been underway for some time, is close to completion, is being implemented with a full project team, or will influence another activity.
NIOSH's intramural project priorities are cohort mortality studies at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) and the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNS); a study of chemical laboratory workers; an internal epidemiological data system; a multiple myeloma study at the K25 facility in Oak Ridge; a leukemia case control study; and a leukemia study among PNS workers. Additional details about these projects are outlined below.
INEEL is the largest DOE facility for which no study has ever been conducted; the cohort will include 64,000 workers. The PNS site is not a part of the DOE complex, but many workers were exposed to external ionizing radiation. Health physics and industrial hygiene data are being incorporated into HERB's epidemiologic data system. The database is being designed in a uniform format and will then be used to conduct cross-site studies, update study populations or select certain criteria among workers to increase statistical power. The new system will also allow HERB to develop a more complete occupational profile, such as whether the worker has records at multiple DOE sites, if the worker is living or deceased, or the date the employee's work history was completed. In addition to the multiple myeloma study at the K25 facility, Oak Ridge cohorts will be included in the chemical laboratory worker study and the leukemia case control.
NIOSH does not have sufficient funds to release a request for grant applications in FY'03, but three new grants were awarded in 2002. The University of Louisville will study health effects of occupational exposures among Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant workers. The University of Washington will develop stochastic models for radiation carcinogenesis to identify temporal factors and dose-rate effects. Existing data on workers from Canada and DOE sites will be collected and included in the research project, but actual workers will not be followed.
The University of North Carolina will analyze susceptibility and occupational radiation risks. Differences in cancer and other health effects based on an individual's age at the time of radiation exposure will be examined in a cohort of ~22,000 Savannah River Site workers. The study is being conducted because some studies have suggested that older workers with exposures to ionizing radiation may be at greater risk. One hypothesis is that this may be because the capacity of repair mechanisms is thought to decrease as a person ages. As a result, individuals who receive radiation doses at an older age may be at greater risk than younger persons.
Despite decreases in HERB funding, staff and other resources, several research projects are still expected to be completed and communicated to workers in 2003:
- An assessment of radon and cigarette smoking exposure among Fernald workers.
- Cohort mortality studies among INEEL, PNS and Pantex Plant workers.
- Follow-up case control studies on leukemia and lung cancer among PNS workers.
- A study of beryllium disease natural history and exposure response.
- A study of chronic beryllium disease among exposed workers.
- A study of sensitization and disease caused by beryllium dose.
- Epidemiological studies to evaluate health effects of uranium milling.
- An analysis of corrections in measurement errors of radiation exposure.
- An uncertainty analysis to characterize plutonium exposure and improve lung cancer risk estimates among Rocky Flats workers.
- A dose reconstruction of Chernobyl liquidators.
- An evaluation of time-related variables in occupational epidemiologic studies.
Manuscripts for many of the FY'03 studies have already been submitted for publication. With respect to the future direction of NIOSH's research agenda, CDC has modified its policy for peer-reviewed studies. Each intramural project will be reviewed at least once every five years in addition to the usual peer review of protocols and final reports. Dr. Ahrenholz encouraged ORRHES to visit the HERB web site at www.cdc.gov/niosh/ 2001-133.html to access completed and ongoing research projects of workers at Oak Ridge and all other DOE sites. The Occupational Energy Research Program book contains study results, one-page summaries and full reports. Grantees, award periods and project summaries for studies are listed as well.
Dr. Akin noted that the ability of HERB's epidemiological data system to pool data from multiple sites can ultimately change conclusions about exposures. Dr. Ahrenholz agreed with this comment, but he pointed out that the Fernald, Hanford and Rocky Flats sites are currently being remediated. As other facilities are dismantled, the epidemiological data system will allow HERB to access dosimetry records, industrial hygiene data, work histories and other employee records after DOE sites cease to exist.
Mr. Lewis inquired about the trigger for NIOSH to conduct occupational studies and the funding mechanism for these types of projects. He mentioned that problems are created when federal agencies conduct activities in one area, but a nearby site in the community is ignored. For example, NIOSH may implement a study at a DOE facility, but an investigation in the surrounding community is not being performed. Dr. Ahrenholz explained that NIOSH's decision to conduct an occupational study is based on several research issues and questions.
For example, potential factors that may contribute to adverse health effects among workers are considered, such as handling radiological materials or working near certain chemicals. The decision is also based on occupational exposure criteria extracted from existing data, including studies on atomic bomb survivors and investigations of lung cancer and other health effects in the workforce. Requests for proposals are an additional mechanism for NIOSH to conduct occupational research projects of interest, i.e., retrospective exposure assessments; studies on radiation- and chemical-related diseases; and evaluations of differences and errors in techniques used to define worker exposures.
Dr. Ahrenholz conveyed that although DOE funds HERB research projects, NIOSH selects occupational studies to conduct. Dr. Falk added that Dr. Ahrenholz's presentation was limited to the CDC/NIOSH occupational research program for workers; the CDC/NCEH environmental health research program focuses on communities. Under its research agenda, NCEH has conducted dose reconstructions, a thyroid disease case control study and other activities in communities near DOE sites.
Dr. Cember acknowledged that radiation and chemical doses cannot be combined. He asked about HERB's methodology to consolidate data on health effects from both radiation and chemicals. Dr. Ahrenholz replied that HERB performed this type of investigation at the Portsmouth plant. External and internal radiation exposures of workers were analyzed along with exposures to nickel, uranium and fluorides due to a possible association with lung cancer and kidney problems. At PNS, HERB is conducting a nested case control study of exposures to both external ionizing radiation and asbestos among workers.
In both of these projects, NIOSH assembled chemical and radiation data to characterize worker exposures that could be used to evaluate dose response analyses. This may use logistic regression analysis or other types of analytical models to characterize worker exposures and identify associated health outcomes. At sites with chemicals and ionizing radiation, exposures are assigned to specific groups. Mr. Washington inquired about actions ORRHES can take to increase HERB's involvement in Oak Ridge. Lead, beryllium, cadmium, uranium and many other chemicals may be related to kidney dysfunction, heart disease, tumors and other health conditions that have been identified at the site. He indicated that further investigation at Oak Ridge may provide HERB with more conclusive findings.
Dr. Ahrenholz clarified that many of HERB's projects include Oak Ridge cohorts. For example, exposures from the K25 and X10 facilities are being examined in the multiple myeloma and chemical laboratory worker studies, respectively. NIOSH needs additional funding, personnel and other resources to conduct more occupational studies at Oak Ridge. Most notably, NIOSH is scheduled to receive another budget cut of 15%-20% in FY'03. Dr. Timothy Joseph of DOE recalled that in 2000, ATSDR led a multi-agency effort in developing a compendium of all health-related research studies at Oak Ridge. He raised the possibility of HERB updating the document with more recent projects. Dr. Ahrenholz was not aware of the compendium, but he explained that the NIOSH web site contains all completed and ongoing worker studies for Oak Ridge since HERB's involvement with DOE sites in 1991.
Mr. Gartseff noticed that the PNS and Rocky Flats cohort mortality studies both refer to the healthy worker effect. He questioned whether HERB would anticipate the same outcome in a mortality study of Oak Ridge workers. He also asked if investigations of populations at other sites would be relevant to the Oak Ridge workforce. Dr. Ahrenholz replied that the workforce is generally healthier than comparison populations. HERB always expects this outcome because certain individuals in the general public are not included in the workforce, such as persons who are elderly, ill or disabled. As a result, attempts are made to further define the general U.S. population before a comparison is made to the workforce, such as stratifications by age, gender and other factors.
In addition to national comparisons, smaller breakdowns are made by state or region to stratify by race/ethnicity, job transfers to other DOE sites and other variables. Despite these efforts, however, concerns have still been raised about the appropriateness of populations that are used as comparison groups for the workforce. With respect to DOE sites, HERB has found that workers are generally healthier than those in other industries. Employment at DOE facilities typically requires a clearance that prohibits abuse of alcohol or illegal drugs. Many DOE workers are also highly skilled or educated, enrolled in ongoing medical surveillance programs, and receive higher pay.
Dr. Cember reported that based on his review of the literature, education is the most significant contributor to good health. Low mortality ratios among atomic energy workers are most likely attributed to high education levels in this workforce rather than the healthy worker effect. Mr. Hill announced that he and other Oak Ridge union health and safety representatives recently participated in a conference call with HERB senior management. The workers were asked to provide HERB with suggestions on areas to study in Oak Ridge because the HHS/DOE MOU will soon expire. Mr. Hill encouraged ORRHES to now consider recommendations for Oak Ridge occupational research projects that can be submitted to HERB.
Dr. Ahrenholz confirmed that HERB is interested in feedback from workers on the NIOSH research agenda. Any recommendations should be submitted to Dr. Utterback for consideration. Ms. Adkins questioned whether HERB has conducted studies on spouses and children of workers at atomic energy or nuclear plants. Dr. Ahrenholz responded that one project examined an increase in leukemia among children of nuclear weapons facilities workers. Another NIOSH program conducts research on take-home exposures of asbestos, beryllium, lead, pharmacological agents and other contaminants to identify health effects among family members of workers.
Public Comment Period
The Chair called for public comments; no attendees responded.
ATSDR Chemical Screening of Surface Water and Ground Water
Dr. Karl Markiewicz of ATSDR conveyed that he would use Scarboro data to review and illustrate ATSDR's chemical screening process since this data set is smaller and more manageable than those for other media. Data collected for current and future screening of various media include 131,592 records for soil, 142,748 records for sediment, 585,770 records for surface water and 1.1 million records for groundwater. Sampling by EPA and Florida A&M University (FAMU) in the Scarboro community resulted in the collection of 5,940 records for surface soil, sediments and surface water.
Of the chemicals analyzed in Scarboro, 40 were detected in soil, 32 in sediment and 23 in surface water. Several chemicals identified in Scarboro media were above comparison values: four in soil, two in sediment and two in surface water. To identify chemicals with completed or exposure pathways, an exposure dose was estimated and compared to a health guideline. No chemicals above cancer screening guidelines were detected in Scarboro soil, sediment or surface water. No chemicals of concern were found in sediment, surface water, air or biota.
Arsenic, heptachlor epoxide and iron in soil were identified above non-cancer screening guidelines and will be included in the public health implication section of the PHA. These three chemicals are of concern due to exposure to children or children with pica behavior. Pica is an abnormal appetite for soil, starch or other non-food items. ATSDR used default assumptions for pica established by EPA in the screening process. To determine the likelihood of adverse health effects from arsenic, heptachlor epoxide and iron, exposure doses in soil were reviewed. A child with soil pica behavior will have an exposure dose above ATSDR's chronic oral minimum risk level of 0.0003.
Health effects from ingesting arsenic have been determined by calculating lowest observed adverse effect levels (LOAELs) and no-observed adverse effect levels in animals; lethality in humans; and LOAELs in humans as recognized by EPA. This level is also in the range of the human body's capacity to detoxify arsenic. Using these data, the dose was estimated to be below the LOAEL in humans. During the screening process of a child with soil pica behavior, ATSDR made a number of conservative assumptions. The child was assumed to absorb 100% of arsenic, but bioavailability of the chemical in soil will actually be less than 100%.
The child's weight was assumed to remain at 10 kg for three years, but the body weight will actually increase and the exposure dose will decrease. The child's soil ingestion rate was assumed to be 2,000 mg/day for 291.2 days/year, but the rate will actually be much lower. Although arsenic was detected above the health screening value in Scarboro soil, the chemical was not found to pose a public health hazard. For heptachlor epoxide in soil, data extrapolated from a rat study demonstrated that exposure doses were 833 and 66 times below effect levels for a child and a child with soil pica behavior, respectively.
For iron in soil, a child with soil pica behavior receives five times the Food and Drug Administration recommended daily dose of 10 mg. However, only low levels of iron in soil are absorbed by the human body. ATSDR's highest assumption of 51 mg for a child with soil pica behavior is still well below the dose of 200 mg/event required to cause toxicity. ATSDR's estimate also assumed 100% iron absorption from the gut and an ingestion rate of 2,000 mg/day for 291.2 days/year.
As with arsenic, both iron and heptachlor epoxide were placed in the "no apparent public health hazard" conclusion category based on the bioavailability of the chemicals in soil and ATSDR's exposure assumptions. This finding means that exposure is now occurring and will occur in the future in Scarboro, but the chemicals are not expected to result in adverse health effects to adults, children or children with soil pica behavior. For groundwater screening of current and future exposures, 379 different chemicals were sampled; 302 were detected offsite; and 353 were found onsite. Maximum concentrations above the comparison value were identified in 52 offsite chemicals and 101 onsite chemicals.
Benzene will be used as a surrogate compound for 7 offsite chemicals and 56 onsite chemicals that did not have a comparison value. Exposure doses were calculated for carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects to identify chemicals of concern. Over 1.1 million data points were collected for mercury in groundwater from 1990 to February 2003. Samples taken in the 1980s will not be included in the chemical screening process; these data will used in the analysis of historic exposures. ATSDR used a screening level of 1 ppb for mercury in groundwater.
For surface water screening of current and future exposures, 370 different chemicals were sampled; 321 were detected offsite; and 313 were found onsite. Maximum concentrations above the comparison value were identified in 33 offsite chemicals and 85 onsite chemicals; 26 chemicals did not have a comparison value. Over 585,000 data points were collected for mercury in surface water; ATSDR used a screening level of 1 ppb for this pathway as well.
ATSDR is still attempting to obtain data from the Bull Run and Kingston plants to review and consider for inclusion in the chemical screening process for mercury. The Tennessee Valley Authority and other agencies have been contacted in this effort because the information is not available electronically. Dr. Markiewicz confirmed that the chemical screening data will be peer reviewed by ATSDR staff and will also be submitted to ORRHES for review and comment. The chemical screening process for air and biota will be presented to ORRHES at future meetings.
Several ORRHES members asked questions and made comments about past exposures in Scarboro. Ms. Sonnenburg questioned whether ATSDR's public health conclusions would apply to children who lived in the community in the past due to changes in soil and water composition over time. Ms. Adkins believes past exposures from groundwater is the source of the high arsenic level of 469.6 Fg/l detected in her body. She suggested that ATSDR overlay the chemical screening data with limestone slabs in the area. For example, springs and wells in her community shared the same limestone slabs with the K25 facility and East Poplar Creek area. Moreover, crevices and sinkholes are present in the underground limestone formation.
Mr. Lewis asked whether the EPA and FAMU data can be used to determine if historical contamination was more than ATSDR anticipated. Dr. Markiewicz made some clarifying remarks to ORRHES's comments and questions. The public health conclusion from the chemical screening process only applies to current and future exposures from 1990 and thereafter. To obtain answers about past exposures, historical sampling data can be reviewed or modeling can be conducted. However, a much higher degree of uncertainty is associated with reconstructing past exposures and determining risk.
Seafood in the diet is the primary source of arsenic rather than groundwater or soil. The level of concern for urinary arsenic is ~200 ug/l. Arsenic levels in Scarboro groundwater were not found to be abnormal for the area, but individual wells in the community may have elevated concentrations. Identifying the migration of contaminated water and particles through underground crevices is extremely difficult. Nevertheless, ATSDR will attempt to examine this pathway in Oak Ridge and determine potential health impacts. Data collected from multiple media in Scarboro do not indicate historical contamination was a public health hazard.
Dr. Akin noted that the chemical screening process focuses on current and future onsite exposure pathways for contaminants detected in the EPA and FAMU sampling data. However, some ORRHES members are attempting to use these findings to clarify dose reconstruction. The chemical screening process was not designed to identify exposures in Scarboro prior to 1990. Dose reconstructions should be revisited when ORRHES has the appropriate data to discuss this issue. Questions about the chemical screening process should focus on the ability of sampling data to characterize the community; the capacity of the risk assessment process to determine health concerns; and the appropriateness of ATSDR's conservative assumptions to calculate exposure doses and pathways.
Dr. Joseph pointed out that a dose reconstruction may not be necessary initially. DOE has been collecting groundwater data for the past 15-20 years. The data include offsite and domestic well samples. He offered to provide this information to ORRHES to review. Dr. Davidson mentioned that current arsenic levels in the body are due to current exposures. The chemical does not remain in the body for a long time and could not be attributed to past exposures. Dr. Markiewicz added that arsenic remains in blood for less than two days and in tissue for 7-14 days; the chemical does not bind to bone. Alternatively, dioxin and lead remain in the body for ~9 and 20 years, respectively.
Ms. Adkins asked if studies have been conducted on cumulative exposures from chemicals. Dr. Markiewicz acknowledged that this area of scientific study is limited, but research on synergistic effects is emerging. No studies have shown additive effects from exposures to multiple chemicals that are below the LOAEL for non-carcinogenic effects. Data released in 2001 demonstrated that some chemicals will cancel others when multiple exposures are involved. Mr. Washington mentioned that when samples were taken, the Oak Ridge plant was not at full capacity compared to its 90%-100% operation prior to 1990. As a result, contamination levels in Scarboro media may be higher than those reported in ATSDR's chemical screening data. For example, uranium levels were found to be five to ten times higher in Scarboro than other areas.
Dr. Craig was not aware of any evidence demonstrating that uranium concentrations were five to ten times higher in Scarboro than other areas. He requested that the reference for these data be cited. Mr. Washington clarified that this rate is documented in a report and was previously accepted by ORRHES. He acknowledged that the elevated uranium levels in Scarboro still did not result in adverse health effects.
Dr. Cember inquired about ATSDR's safety factors that were incorporated into the comparative values. Dr. Markiewicz explained that safety factors are based on either human studies or animal data. Safety factors of 10 are added for extrapolations from animal data; studies with a LOAEL for a total of 100; and sensitive sub-populations for a total of up to 1,000. Unlike a regulatory assessment, ATSDR reviews assumptions, toxicological profiles and epidemiological data when determining public health implications of calculated doses.
Public Comment Period
The Chair called for public comments; no attendees responded.
Work Group Reports
Public Health Assessment Work Group (PHAWG). Dr. Craig reported that a meeting was not held on the previous day. Instead, PHAWG members interacted with the public during ATSDR's public availability session on the Y-12 uranium releases draft PHA. During PHAWG's three meetings convened after the April 2003 ORRHES meeting, the members discussed the WOC PHA, radiation terms and issues, ATSDR's chemical screening process, and administrative matters. PHAWG emphasized the need to continue to provide ATSDR with solid guidance to ensure the PHAs are completed on schedule.
Mr. Lewis encouraged ORRHES members to attend PHAWG meetings. For example, some of the confusion about historical versus current and future exposures in the chemical screening process may have been eliminated if more ORRHES members were in attendance when Dr. Markiewicz presented these data to PHAWG. He also pointed out that PHAWG's critique of the chemical screening data was not known to other members because minutes are not posted on the ORRHES web site in a timely fashion.
Dr. Craig added that PHAWG meets on the first and third Monday of each month. The members and ATSDR staff extensively discuss the technical aspects of ATSDR activities at Oak Ridge as well as mechanisms to clearly communicate scientific data to the lay public. He joined Mr. Lewis in extending an invitation for ORRHES members to attend PHAWG meetings. Dr. Davidson clarified that even if PHAWG resolves an issue or concern during its meetings, these topics should still be presented to the full ORRHES.
Several members commented on the article in the Knoxville News Sentinel on Y-12 uranium releases. Mr. Washington asked for the source of the information because any information published about the study should be known by the full ORRHES due to its role as an advisory group chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). Minority opinions that some ORRHES members may have should be reported as well. Ms. Spencer replied that the source of the article was the newspaper reporter's interview with Dr. Charp and Mr. Hanley.
Dr. Davidson conveyed that Dr. Charp and Mr. Hanley were the appropriate persons to address the media's questions about ATSDR's draft PHA of Y-12 uranium releases. ORRHES had previously provided its comments on the document; ATSDR is now gathering comments from the public. Dr. Davidson added that ORRHES was informed about ATSDR's public availability session and encouraged to attend, but only a few members were present.
Dr. Akin mentioned that the article quotes a former Oak Ridge worker who disagrees with ATSDR's conclusions on the PHA. Her position is that she was exposed during her employment at the plant. Some members of the public may be confused about the fact that ATSDR assesses risks to the community rather than workers. He urged the members to continue to reinforce the distinct roles and functions of ORRHES and the different agencies involved in Oak Ridge site activities. This approach will ensure that ORRHES maintains trust and credibility with the public. Dr. Craig clarified that the PHA is an ATSDR product rather than a FACA document. ORRHES has no authority or influence in ATSDR's responses to the media, comments made by the public or the publication of the article.
Communications and Outreach Work Group (COWG): Mr. Lewis reported that COWG's meetings focused on efforts to ensure information is being properly distributed to appropriate groups. Assistance provided by Mr. Hanley and Ms. Spencer in developing the briefing packets is greatly appreciated, but improvements still need to be made in ORRHES's communications and outreach activities. The ORRHES web site should be operational and documents should be posted on the site in a timely fashion. The web site should be viewed as a legacy of ORRHES's activities and a tool to maintain public involvement. Agendas should be more detailed to inform the public about presentations and discussions as well as to increase attendance. Consideration should be given to reducing the length of meetings, particularly since a local television station may broadcast videotapes of ORRHES meetings.
Ms. Dalton clarified that the ORRHES web site has been in operation for more than one year and is updated after each meeting. Minutes are posted on the web site after being approved by the members. ATSDR acknowledges that the web site is a work in progress and will continue to make improvements. However, expenditures for all aspects of Oak Ridge site activities must be considered, including contractor costs to maintain the ORRHES web site. Dr. Davidson specified that many individuals do not use the Internet as an information resource. As a result, COWG should focus on other mechanisms to communicate with the public. She recalled that the members were charged with developing a briefing book targeted to community-based activist organizations and other groups.
Ms. Spencer announced that the briefing books were developed and circulated to several organizations. Further distribution will now be facilitated by Oak Ridge Field Office staff. Dr. Akin noticed that public attendance at ORRHES meetings continues to decrease. The absence of the public is inconsistent with ORRHES's role to obtain feedback from the community on its deliberations. The members will be viewed with skepticism if the public is separated from the ORRHES process. Several members suggested potential reasons for the lack of public involvement.
First, an eight-hour meeting may not be the appropriate format to engage the public. The public comment periods do not provide the community with an opportunity to interact with ORRHES. Second, public concern about potential exposures and adverse health effects in Oak Ridge may have decreased since the PHA on Y-12 uranium releases found no apparent health hazards at the site. Third, many individuals may define a "health assessment" as a clinical examination rather than an evaluation of a site. Public interest in ORRHES activities may decrease after this issue is clarified. Fourth, many members of the public have no knowledge of ORRHES's existence, role, purpose and activities. Several members made recommendations to increase public participation in ORRHES meetings.
- Convene a one-hour session during ORRHES meetings that is focused on a particular issue for the public.
- Hold ORRHES meetings in other counties and place items on the agenda that are of specific interest to the community. PHAWG could make recommendations on locations where future ORRHES meetings should be held in relation to a particular PHA. For example, ORRHES and PHAWG meetings on the WOC PHA could be convened in the Kingston area.
- Publish a comprehensive press release to announce upcoming PHAs and other major documents.
- Clearly outline the public's role in the ORRHES process by obtaining input on specific areas of interest to the community, such as iodine, mercury, PCBs and health outcome data.
- Stimulate public interest by informing the community of ORRHES's activities.
Agenda Work Group (AWG). Mr. Hill reported that AWG discussed ORRHES's adherence to meeting agendas. With the exception of reconvening after breaks, the members generally follow agendas. During the next AWG meeting, Ms. Sonnenburg plans to suggest that public comment periods be increased from 10 to 20 minutes. Two ten-minute public comment periods does not convey to community members that their attendance is desired at ORRHES meetings. If no one is scheduled to make a public comment during a meeting, the presentation or discussion on the floor can continue. Dr. Davidson confirmed that public comment periods can be increased to 20 minutes, but ORRHES's deliberations will be limited.
Guidelines and Procedures Work Group. Ms. Galloway reported that the members have not met since the last ORRHES meeting. Dr. Davidson explained that GPWG only convenes when charged by ORRHES to perform a specific task.
Health Education and Needs Assessment Work Group (HENAWG). Ms. Mosby reported that the draft needs assessment report was sent to HENAWG members by FedEx; a copy of the document will also be given to Dr. Davidson. HENAWG will convene its next meeting on June 12, 2003 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. to provide members with an opportunity to comment on the draft report and formulate recommendations. HENAWG is proposing that a follow-up meeting be held on June 16, 2003 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Dr. Rebecca Parkin, of George Washington University, will participate by conference call. HENAWG plans to present formal recommendations on the draft needs assessment to ORRHES at the next meeting. Due to scheduling conflicts of some members, HENAWG agreed to change the time of the June 12 meeting to 7:00-8:30 p.m.
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Welcome to Revolution Swansea.
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Mealey's (July 29, 2015, 10:32 AM EDT) -- TAMPA, Fla. — A federal judge in Florida on July 28 awarded summary judgment sua sponte to the administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency after finding that a woman and the Florida Wildlife Federation were unable to explain why the agency's delay in making a necessity determination or providing an adequate explanation for denying their petition seeking revisions to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's (FDEP) anti-degradation water quality standards was unreasonable (Florida Wildlife Federation v. Gina McCarthy, Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,...
Judge Awards Summary Judgment To EPA Administrator Sua Sponte
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The part where he describes how he is feeling through the titles of the songs the band he is hearing plays is just freaking brilliant.
Otomodachion November 02, 2004 Link
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The days are getting cooler outside, so it is time to warm up the inside of your home for fall.
Just as we dress ourselves we can add layers to rooms to add color and warmth.
Your color inspiration will come from the outdoors.
Nature's palette of colors are used, golden leaves, mocha acorns, and orange pumpkins, to set the mood on tabletops, mantels and other spaces within your room. Other splashes of earthy colors, such as eggplant purple and rust leaves, in table runners, pillows and throws, can give your home warmth for the chilly months.
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- Add cozy wool and chenille throws. New takes on old classics like updated plaids and a Pendleton wool throw will add texture.
- Change out summer-themed objects with fall accessories, such as ceramic bowls or vases, bronze candle holders and vine pumpkins. Owl shapes are very popular this year.
- Decorate tables and mantels with nature's bounty. Use acorns, walnuts, pine cones, miniature squash and pumpkins in your glass vases or ceramic bowls. Hunt in your yard for fallen tree branches, paint them bronze or deep purple and use in an arrangement. Groupings should be in an odd number of vases and in different heights.
- If bringing in new colors to your room is not to your liking, look for accessories in a deeper, darker shade of existing accent colors.
- Stack miniature pumpkins or gourds on plates or trays to dress up a dining-room table.
- Place an area rug with deeper autumn hues by the front entry.
- Set a variety of mums in multiple colors on the front steps to add a burst of color. By sticking branches or pussy willows in pots adds a little spice to them.
- To get ready for the chilly nights arrange your furniture around the fireplace.
Have fun with nature and throw caution to the wind!
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Purchased a FORA.tv video on another website? Login here with the temporary account credentials included in your receipt.
Journalist Fred Kaplan describes Congressman Abraham Lincoln's early detest for slavery and says the former president favored a peaceful evolution to gradually end slavery, not a violent civil war.
While Abraham Lincoln is celebrated for his eloquent speeches, biographer Fred Kaplan says the former president was not known during his time as a great orator. His power was in the written word, not the delivery.


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HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. - July 3, 2013 --Prosecutors say a school threat phoned into New Jersey last spring has been traced back to South Korea.
Dae Woong Lee is accused of calling Hackettstown High School back on March 26th.
Officials say the aspiring South Korean solider used an app to mask his true location.
He told a dispatcher he was near the school, armed with an AK-47.
Dae Woong Lee reportedly did it to get back at a female student who he had been talking to online.
He will not be brought to the U.S. to face charges but he does face up to 5 years in prison in South Korea.


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Two lobbying firms terminated operations with Chinese telecommunications firm Huawei Technologies, reports Politico:
Former Rep. Michael Oxley's (R-Ohio) firm, Baker Hostetler, and Strategic Federal Affairs have both filed lobbying terminations with the Senate, according to filings.
House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence launched an investigation on Huawei and ZTE Corp. for threatening U.S. national security in October. The committee found that the U.S. government is at risk of "cyber espionage or data theft."
Rep. Frank Wolf (R., Va.) revealed in July that Huawei and ZTE violated Iran sanctions by illegally exporting "embargoed U.S. technology to Iran, including a surveillance systems that monitors land line, mobile, and Internet communications."
According to Politico, other lobbying firms may follow suit and end ties with the Chinese company.
Two other contract firms —Canyon Snow Consulting and Fleishman-Hillard — for the company haven't filed termination papers, though they have reported no lobbying activity on behalf of the group in 2012.
Amerilink Telecom, an American company partnered with Huawei, paid $110,000 to Glover Park Group in 2010. The Washington Free Beacon can confirm that Amerilink retained the former White House correspondent for the Associated Press, Jennifer Loven. After a Politico article highlighting the contract, a lobbying report was filed that indicated the contract had been terminated.
Microsoft partnered with Huawei to build phones for its new Windows Phone 8 software. Despite the partnership, Microsoft kept Huawei away from the launch of its phone in October 2012.


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Mirror Of The Witch Episodes 1-4: A Fairy Tale Horror
Welcome to the first Mirror Of The Witch recap! Join Firnlambe, Tiara and I as we discuss the first four episodes of this exciting drama and get to know the characters. It's definitely off to an adventurous start!
Mirror of the Witch
Starring Kim Sae Ron and Yoon Si YoonAdd to Queue Remove from Queue Watch Now
Episodes 1 & 2:
Firnlambe: Ok I know I joke about Joseon Black Magic in my other DCs but this was ridiculous.
Tiara: I can't tell you ladies how much I love the first two episodes. It's dark, creepy, and scary. The look of the drama is beautiful in a eerie twisted way.
DeShonda: I am also enjoying this drama so far because it is very scary. I am also enjoying the characters so far.
Firnlambe: So let's go over how evil our evilest evil ladies rock being evil….shall we? Grandma is obviously not against utilizing the dark arts to get what she thinks her family deserves. Not only did she utilize our leading mistress of the dark arts 5 years prior, simply to throw her son onto the throne, she forces said son to bed with a poor little innocent shaman just so our barren queen is able to "conceive".
Tiara: Dear old Grandma is so evil she wants to watch her son do the deed with his wife. *Yuck* Apparently having sex with a king isn't a private thing at all. Hae Ran is such an innocent in this whole mess. I can't say I blame her for getting super pissed and turning a bit to the darkside. Hong Joo, our evil Shaman, the Queen, and Grandma used her body, betrayed her trust, and killed her family. Is it bad to think she had a right to revenge?
DeShonda: I was disturbed to hear that the Grandma wanted to watch. That was one of many things that was creepy. But you are so correct Tiara, Hae Ran is innocent and I felt so sorry for what she had to go through. If I were in her position, I would get revenge too.
Firnlambe: You know what was suuuuper creepy?!?! The baby pregnancy ghost. That thing had to be one of the creepiest ghosts to ever grace a Kdrama in a long time. And I'm not talking about how it caused Hae Ran to get possessed, acquire all the creepy bruises she could handle and then break a fingernail . . . no, I'm talking about that sick giggle/laugh/scream thing it does. //shudder//
Tiara: It seems like Hong Joo maybe a Red Priestess on top of being Shaman with her Shadow Baby Monster. It was certainly creepy, but I still find the ghosts in the Master's Sun downright unsettling. The flying around was an astonishing special effect, but I had to look away when her nail broke. Nope I can't do that …
DeShonda: The pregnancy ghost was very scary to me as well. As you mentioned Firnlambe, it has been a long time since I have seen something this scary in a K Drama before, so it definitely held my attention and make me wonder what was going to happen next. But when I am watching something scary and the characters start to levitate, I'm running and hiding. It reminds me of a movie I saw when I was younger and that just creeps me out big time.
Firnlambe: I have to admit . . . right until she skewered Hae Ran with the dagger I still felt a small little twinge of pity for our barren Queen. She looked like her conscious was really trying hard, but then . . . //stab// . . . the pillows flew and screaming ensued over in Firnlambe land.
Tiara: Totally with you, Firnlambe. I too was right there with you about the Queen until the crap hit the fan. However, the children are not genetically the Queen's children. She may have birth them, but she basically a surrogate. Those are technically Hae Ran and the King's children. I guess she cursed the children not to have to live in with these horrible people. Why she waited until they were 17 is beyond me? It's a very fairy tale thing to do.
DeShonda: You are correct Tiara, these are not the Queen's children genetically. And Hae Ran was just a surrogate. But I was also wondering why she would wait until the children turned 17 as well. Maybe because they are closer to becoming adults perhaps.
Firnlambe: Well if they didn't last until they reached 17 we would be graced with a very short series. Ok one last thing about the ghost/black magic deal. Anyone else amused during the whole "protect Hae Ran" bit? Their shields and moon powers cause me to snigger a bit.
Tiara: It was actually the Queen they were protecting at the time. (F: My bad) I really liked the scene. There was an intensity with the over voice about the dream of the black shadow the Queen had at the beginning of the episode. Of course, the Shadow was going to get through because it was already prophesied with the dream, but it sure got me on the edge of my seat with nail biting.
Firnlambe: Ok well enough about all the scary stuff . . . I want to talk about the fun things that happened in these episodes. Like seeing Yoon Si Yoon in Joseon era drag. Talk about cracking up a storm.
DeShonda: I loved seeing Yoon Si Yoon in Joseon drag. I adore him so very much and I fell out of my chair I was laughing so much. After all of the scary, I needed that laugh.
Tiara: Joon is such a scammer and I love his rogue personality. The whole scene at the palace sneaking in as a women and conning the shamans with an "magical" elixir had me on the floor laughing. It's official ladies, I've fallen for another male lead. *wink*
Firnlambe: My favorite part though what when he was running away from the normal guards and then ran into Evil Mistress and her minions . . . but instead of getting caught by them, Joon is able to evade them with surprising ease.
DeShonda: That was my favorite part as well Firnlambe. Joon got himself out of that situation very easily.
Tiara: I really like that scene too, but did anyone else find Evil Mistress expression towards Joon odd? She seemed unsure about him. It was like she was a little unsettle where to place him.
Firnlambe: I did see that she gave him a peculiar look, maybe she was able to sense some future danger to her plans from his aura? I don't know, but she let him off the hook really quick so there has to be something she isn't letting on about him.
DeShonda: You took the words right out of my mouth ladies. I noticed the Evil Mistress expression to Joon as well. And I have a feeling that there is something about him that she knows because she did let him off very easy. I wonder what she has on him?
Tiara: I guess we'll have to wait to get those answers. I really want to talk about how awesome the Black Forest happens to be. I really want a tiger as a protector. Anyone else with me?
Firnlambe: Dude that tiger was badass. I'm glad the show and enough money to make it seem more believable than other animated animals I've seen in Kdramas. . . I'm looking at you--Hyde, Jekyll and I's Gorilla.
DeShonda: Oh I loved that scene! The Black Forest is amazing and I would love to have the tiger by my side without a doubt. I was happy that the tiger was more believable as well.
Tiara: Hahahaha! You're right, Firnlambe. However there was more wrong about Hyde, Jekyll and I than the Gorilla. Moving along, I love our spunky princess, Yeon Hee. I mean best way to introduce our leading girl whacking our lead in the face with a metal lid.
Firnlambe: Tangled anyone? Seriously the pop culture reference were strong in these episodes. We have Tangled with how Joon is knocked out and tied up, and then the writers were even able to sneak in a Harry Potter reference when Hong Joo (Evil Mistress) claimed that she and Yeon Hee were bound by a "if one lives the other must die" mentality.
DeShonda: I love Yeon Hee and the actress who is portraying her is one of my favorites. I instantly thought of Tangled and Harry Potter when watching those scenes Firnlambe. I am happy I was not the only one who caught those references.
Tiara: I know the big controversy is the age difference between Kim Sae Ron and Yoon Si Yoon. I have to admit when thinking she's actually 15, it makes me squirmy. I normally don't have an issue when it comes to big age gaps if the actor/actress are not considered a minor. Yet, she's the right age for the part and the two have great chemistry together. It's very conflicting.
Firnlambe: OMG I was going to say something else in regards to the age gap but then you mentioned chemistry, and it instantly reminded me of Yeon Hee's atrocious attempts at winking. How adorable was Sae Ron in that moment?! I mean seriously. Too cute. //deep breath// ok back to the age thing, I feel like we are going to be graced with smushed lip syndrome for any and all kisses our OTP partake in. Which will be fine, but I also feel like Kim Sae Ron was the right choice in casting.
DeShonda: I believe lately there has been this issue in K Dramas with age differences between younger actresses and older actors. I personally do not see a problem with the age difference between Kim Sae Ron and Yoon Si Yoon. They are both very good actors and I also like the chemistry they have between them. For some reason, I don't think they will partake in any lip action any time soon, but I could be wrong. I will cross that bridge when I get to it.
Tiara: It's so hard to not consider them an OTP because of the fact she's a minor. I really like the characters and their interaction together. I adore the flirting wink Sae Ron tried towards Joon. If we get any lip action, I get the feeling it will be a fake lip action like You're Beautiful between Uee and Jang Keun Suk's characters. We've got time, but first we got to get the second lead out of the way.
Firnlambe: I believe the Kdrama sickness you are referring to is called Smushed Lip Syndrome, and if that isn't the official title for the moment two characters simply press their lips together in one super awkward moment . . . it should be.
Episode 3 & 4
Tiara: We're introduced to Joon's mom who's a servant in Joon's half brother's house. It's not secret or surprise Lady Sohn isn't a fan of either parent or child. I did have to chuckle at the fortune Lady Sohn got about Joon would consume her son. Of course he will, he's got a princess in his back pocket. ^-^
DeShonda: Oh i was laughing when Lady Sohn made that comment as well. And you are so very right Tiara, he does have a princess right by his side.
Firnlambe: Those are my thoughts exactly. As soon as that fortune was told, my thoughts were immediately along the same line as you two. That being said, I am exceptionally annoyed with Lady Sohn. It's not the fault of Joon's mother that his father decided to knock her up.
Tiara: Lady Sohn has a lot of jealousy towards Joon's Mom. Joon is way smarter than his brother and this must worry her as well. It's sweet he's conning people out of their money to buy his mother out of her slave contract. Yet, it's making Lady Sohn and his brother nervous.
DeShonda: I agree Tiara, Joon is very smart and I it is a very sweet gesture to try and help his mother. He loves his mother a lot and is sticking by her so I can understand his conning ways. However, it is making Lady Sohn and his brother worry a lot.
Tiara: There's no love between brothers either. When Ok embarrassed Joon by throwing money at him, it was really heartbreaking. He has pride, but in the face of getting his mom free he'll do anything. Such a devoted son which is clear Lady Sohn is going to kill his mom. All superheros seem to lose their parents to motivate them.
DeShonda: It's so obvious these brothers are not getting along at all. That scene you mentioned between Ok and Joon was heartbreaking to watch. I thought Joon was going to hit him actually and I could tell he wanted to. I predict that Lady Sohn will kill his mom as well which, as you mentioned, will motivate him even more.
Firnlambe: I felt more pity for Joon during the scene where he thought his mother was being beaten. That had much more impact on me than him having money thrown at his feet. I also really hope all of our predictions are wrong and Mom survives this ordeal.
Tiara: Switching gears, Hyun Seo and his team are researching how to break the curse. I adorable Hyun Seo. He adopted Yeon Hee right from the start and protected her. Sure it was kind of a command, but let's be honest the Taoist Master would've have done it without it. I'm wondering if there will be more information how "magic" works in this world. It might give us some more light onto the curse.
DeShonda: I adore Hyun Seo as well and I love how he is protecting Yeon Hee as well. I was wondering how they are going to break the curse, but we don't know just yet about the "magic." Hopefully in future episodes we will learn more about this "magic" and hopefully find a way to break the curse.
Firnlambe: Hyun Seo is a great character. He can hold his own against Evil Mistress and it seems like there is more to their backstory than what has been shown to us. I'm really sad he won't be around any longer. He and the others helping him are great.
Tiara: I mean Hyun Seo and his team Indiana Jones around in a temple and found a book. I'm hoping this will be the key to help break the curse, whatever it is. Speaking of the curse, I thought Evil Mistress took the original curse on both children and double cursed Yeon Hee. Shouldn't it not effect the Crown Prince, technically speaking.
DeShonda: It's funny that you mentioned "Team Indiana Jones" because I instantly thought the same thing while watching that scene. And yes I hope that will help break the curse as well. Technically, I the curse should not effect the Crown Prince I don't think as what you mentioned is very true, Yeon Hee is double cursed. See this is where learning about how the black magic works would be helpful.
Firnlambe: Ha! Team Indiana Jones, such an appropriate name for them. As for this curse, I'm not even going to attempt to figure it out without all the pieces of the puzzle.
Tiara: The curse Hae Ran original put on the children was "they will die on their seventeen years old. However, if they escape death, the curse would forever hold as the people they love and the people who love them will die." It's clear why Poong Yeon is effect as he loves the princess. (Side note, is it wrong to say he deserve it for taking Yeon Hee away from her protection?) The Crown Prince is "sick" while Yeon Hee is scared but otherwise okay.
DeShonda: As far as Poong Yeon being effected with the curse, It's not wrong at all to think he deserves what he is getting. However, I do kind of feel bad for him at the same time because he is "sick."
Tiara: I guess I'm annoyed with Hyun Seo not explaining things clearer with Poong Yeon. Maybe if he understood the danger of the curse, he wouldn't have done a stupid thing. Yet it amusing me his curse is a good repellent for seconds leads to say unromantic towards the lead. ^-^
Firnlambe: Yes!!! Him not explaining why he is doing what he is doing has caused everyone so much more heartbreak.
DeShonda: Now I agree that Hyun Seo should have been clearer with Poong Yeon. Ha ha...you are so correct about the curse as a repellent. I never thought of it that way honestly but that's a good observation Tiara.
Tiara: With the curse finally in effect, Evil Mistress now knows Hyun Seo didn't kill the princess. I think I now know why she looked at Joon in episode 2. Her conversation with Hyun Seo really shed some light. She was born with nothing and was used and trampled on by the rich. She may see herself a bit in that moment with Joon. It makes our Evil Mistress a bit sympathetic, but her ends don't justify the means.
DeShonda: Yes I think I know why the Evil Mistress looked at Joon as well. At that moment when she was talking to Hyun Seo it did make me feel sorry for her, but she is a force to be reckoned with for sure. I really want to find out more about the Evil Mistress's backstory.
Firnlambe: How you two can see that in the brief glimpse towards Joon is beyond me. Weeelll slight lie, I can kinda see how you reached that conclusion.
Tiara: I'm right there with you DeShonda. It will be interesting see the reasons for joining the Darkside (besides the cookies). I really hope Hyun Seo isn't dead. Come on Drama, he's on the poster. You can't kill him. It' clear Joon is totally okay with the foreshadowing with the piece of the magical shield he was carry. I'm down with an Lord of the Rings adventure with Joon and Yeon Hee on the search for breaking the curse.
This drama has gotten off to a great start! What do you all think of the first four episodes? Who is your favorite character so far? What do you think of the story? We would love to hear from you so leave a comment below.
For more from the Mirror of the Witch Drama Club check out:
Firnlambe: Soju-Like-Kdramas | @firnlambe | Google + | Descendants of the Sun | Oh My Venus | Past Drama Clubs
DeShonda: Blog | Twitter | Tumblr | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Cheer Up! | Remember Signal | Come Back, Mister | The Entertainer
Tiara: Aja-Villa.tumblr | Aja-Villa.blog | Past Drama Clubs |
Catch the recaps from previous weeks:
[Week 1 & 2] [Week 3] [Week 4]
[Week 5] [Week 6] [Week 7] [Week 8]


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Andrew approached our Lose It program this year with a lot of optimism, determination and energy. He has been a member for 8 years and just within the last few years, his weight has fluctuated quite a bit. Andrew has participated in the Lose It Challenge fairly regularly over the last 5-6 years and each time he would lose a little weight, but it never really stuck. This year has been a different story and a complete turnaround. He ended 2016 the heaviest he has ever been, his weight was yo-yoing and he was experiencing issues with high blood pressure. Along with that, he won a slot to participate in the "Escape from Alcatraz" triathlon. This year, Andrew rededicated himself. He was ready to make changes for the better and dove in head first.
He met Chris last summer during a swim efficiency training and decided to get started training more regularly with two goals in mind, to lose weight and prepare himself for the triathlon. Andrew would come in for his training sessions and work, and just when you think he was done he would take a spin class or jump in the pool for laps. The guy was all in!
"Last year I was only able to lose 15 lbs. during the Lose It Challenge, in retrospective while I did focus on the work out portion of Lose It, I had never really concentrated on diet. I would say that having a balanced diet, weighing myself every day and tracking calories was the key to this quarter's success. I worked with Mellissa and she helped come up with a successful formula for "fueling". Mel's approach of adding the right items not necessarily eliminating was key. I tracked my weekly diet using "My Fitness Pal" and noted a few deficiencies and where I was eating some of the wrong items. A program at work sent me a wireless scale that linked with the tracking app. My Garmin Fenix 3HR watch tracked all activity.
After Mel's analysis I was able to tweak my diet, we added protein, vegetables and complex carbohydrates. I had to cut down the sweets, cheese and other carbs. I cut out all Beer and Alcohol for January and Lent. I was able to settle in on a pretty standard menu which has been maintainable." By Andrew Gall
Andrew burns up to 1,000 calories in his twice per week workouts with Chris. He's been participating in the swim to Mt. Rainier Challenge and plans to make 72 miles by May 1st. He spins 2-3 days a week and takes HIIT once a week. In the 3 months of Lose It, Andrew lost 32 pounds and 15 inches from his body and his blood pressure dropped by 20 points. He feels better, is gearing up for his triathlon on June 11th and has a goal to lose another 20 pounds by then. Andrew, you are an inspiration and we look forward to what the next few months hold for you. Congratulations on your success thus far. Keep after it!


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Oprah: President Obama Teared-Up Watching 'The Butler'
"The Butler" has been served at the #1 spot at the box office three weekends in a row, and it turns out even President Obama took some time out to see the period piece starring friend Oprah Winfrey.
"He actually teared-up during "The Butler"… what made him tear-up was understanding that the character Forest Whitaker portrayed was just not representing one person, but a whole generation of people that work to work every day and had to put up with all that mess."
The historical drama, directed by Lee Daniels, follows Cecil Gaines (Whitaker) during his 34-year tenure as a White House butler.
Go here for more info on how you can help Oprah and Stedman Graham's mission for the Concerned Citizens of Whitesboro.


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Have you ever heard of a trainer gaining 75 pounds on purpose? Drew Manning, author of bestseller Fit2Fat2Fit is here sharing his incredible experience gaining 75 pounds of flab in 6 months and then dropping it all.Learn More
Kurt Drops 87 Pounds in 14 Weeks and Burns the Most Fat with The Wild Diet (Finale Recap)
Learn how Kurt sheds 87 pounds and 22% body fat in 14 weeks eating "Wild" on ABC's "My Diet Is Better Than Yours" with this season finale recap.Learn More
Intermittent Fasting 101: How to Drop Fat and Build Muscle Fast
While skipping just the occasional meal can be beneficial, cycling periods of fasting (usually in the morning) and feasting (usually at night) can aid detoxification, encourage fat burning, and improve immune function.Learn More
Is Cereal Making You Fat? Why you might as well eat a donut…
Would you feed your children candy, ice cream, or chocolate cake for breakfast? Most cereals are no better. Colorful commercials love to tell us and our children that cereal is a healthy, wholesome, and nutritious breakfast. What they don't tell us is the truth. Many popular children's cereals are packed with more sugar than a […]Learn More


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*UPDATED* - EXCLUSIVE: First Look At 47 RONIN!!
**UPDATE - November 26**
For even more behind the scenes shots check out this link - well worth the click!!
**UPDATE - November 25**
I just received another photo (right) of another ronin out of the 47 RONIN and it is now the first photo of this post for simplicity sake.
Here is what the new source "furiousrabbit" had to say:
Each of the 47 Ronin's had an exquisitely different, unique costume.
Yes, it makes sense that each ronin would have different equipment as these guys would have all had different lords at some point. They are coming together from an individualistic point of view and not with army cloned attire. Cool.
Hey guys - an exclusive and special treat for you as we have gotten some on set and behind the scenes images from Universal's 47 RONIN!
A very cool MarketSaw reader codenamed "HerefordBoathouse" (a homage to DeNiro's RONIN) sent me these shots taken at Shepperton Studios in London. I can confirm that the movie is in fact being shot in native 3D. Further, they are using
Red Epics Arri Alexas (Confirmed through this photo).
The movie also had scenes shot in Budapest, Hungary.
Obviously image 1 is of a robed Keenu Reeves and... I believe I can make out a scare under his right eye.
The second and third images are wardrobe shots of an extra in rather splendid battle attire. Note that in the grey robed shot, he is wielding two swords. He seems to have the same pair of bracers on for both characters. LOVE the boots for the footman soldier's outfit.
From all angles, 47 RONIN looks like a pretty special movie: You have Carl Erik Rinsch directing (a Ridley Scott protégé - in fact he was going to direct PROMETHEUS before Scott was convinced to do it); you have a very special story to tell in this ancient Japanese legend and a script by Chris Morgan (WANTED) and Hossein Amini (DRIVE); you have cinematography by John Mathieson (GLADIATOR - I loved how this movie was shot!) and of course Keenu Reeves (NEO!!!)
Here's the official storyline:
"Kai (Reeves), an outcast who joins Oishi (Hiroyuki Sanada ), the leader of the 47 Ronin. Together they seek vengeance upon the treacherous overlord who killed their master and banished their kind. To restore honor to their homeland, the warriors embark upon a quest that challenges them with a series of trials that would destroy ordinary warriors. ... Inspired by styles as diverse as Miyazaki and Hokusai, Rinsch will bring to life the stunning landscapes and enormous battles that will display the timeless Ronin story to global audiences in a way that's never been seen before."
Reeves on 47 RONIN (April 2011): "I call it a story of revenge and impossible love. The samurai become outcast and decide to enact revenge on the person who is responsible for the death of their lord." It's kind of a western and Kai is "an outsider, a kind of half-breed with a mysterious past, who's in love with the princess and she's in love with me, but we can't be together."
"(I) just finished a sword fight a couple of weeks ago with a great actor named Hiroyuki Sanada. He's fantastic."
The other cast members joining Reeves are Hiroyuki Sanada, Kou Shibasaki, Tadanobu Asano and Rinko Kikuchi. These actors are at the top of their game and among the best in Japan.
Look for 47 RONIN in theaters on November 21, 2012.
Thanks for the shots Hereford and furiousrabbit!!
Quote Source: MTV


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Zoom Open House
On March 11, 2010, Zoom "reopened" its doors at our new location for our Corporate Headquarters Grand Opening & Technology Expo! The attendance was great, food was wonderful and the Kings players, Slamson and the Royal Court Dancers were a huge hit! You can even check out our new Zoom TV commercials (playing on our main page) recorded in the "Customer Testimonial Booth". After such a successful event we've finally settled into our new home. Now it's back to business!
Thank You to our sponsors!


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text: James T. Leavitt Founding Attorney As the founder of our firm, James T. Leavitt is passionate about protecting the rights of injured individuals across the Hawaiian Islands. For more than 30 years, he has maintained an AV® Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®, which demonstrates his exceptional professionalism and client dedication. Jim recently was honored to be selected to serve as one of Hawaii's Delegates to the to the United States District Court Judicial Conference. We are proud to work alongside such a committed and well-versed lawyer such as Attorney James Leavitt. Throughout the course of his career, he has had countless successful results, inside and outside of the courtroom. Many of the cases he has handled have altered Hawaiian laws. For example, the Hawaii Supreme Court expanded the definition of "product" in product liability cases when hearing Armstrong v. Cione. As a Honolulu personal injury lawyer, he enjoys helping injured individuals seek justice and recovering maximum compensation on their behalf. He started his legal career as a U.S. Marine Corps Judge Advocate General (JAG) assigned to the 14th Naval District in Pearl Harbor. Before he was stationed in Hawaii, he handled court martials as JAG at Camp Pendleton. Attorney James Leavitt came to love Hawaii so much that he accepted a position with the Hawaii Public Defenders Office after he was discharges. The Aloha State has been his home ever since. In his free time, he enjoys surfing and learning about the latest scientific discoveries. He is also a board member of the Hawaii Opera Theater and a member of the Friends of the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy. He served as president of the Hawaii Association of Justice, formerly known as the Consumer Lawyers of Hawaii. Wish to discuss your case with Attorney James Leavitt? Please call our office today. Education University of Michigan Law School, J.D. - 1966 Dartmouth College, A.B. English Literature - 1963 Professional Associations & Memberships American Board of Trial Advocates Hawaii Association of Justice


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WASHINGTON -- Retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor continues to hear cases in U.S. appeals courts, while also playing a role in public policy issues. Her critics say she should do one or the other, but not both.
Justice O'Connor, 81, was forced to apologize for 50,000 recorded telephone calls made to Nevada voters in which she supported a ballot measure to change the way state judges are selected.
Justice O'Connor said she did not authorize the calls featuring her recorded voice, much less their post-midnight delivery. She also defended her involvement in the campaign that included her appearance in a television commercial.
In September, federal judges in Iowa stayed away from a conference on judicial elections at which she spoke in the midst of another campaign over ballot issues.
Most recently, the retired justice hosted an after-hours reception at the court that was billed as a celebration of Bristol Bay in Alaska. But the featured speakers, other than Justice O'Connor, were opponents of a proposed Alaskan copper and gold mine.
Arthur Hellman, an ethics expert at the University of Pittsburgh law school, said she should consider stopping her participation in court cases if she "wants to engage in this level of political or politically related activity."
Partisan-tinged questioning of conduct by high-court justices has grown. Liberal interest groups have faulted Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas for speaking at a private dinner hosted by Charles Koch, one of two energy-company-owning brothers who, liberal groups say, have too much sway on policymakers.
Former Justice O'Connor has traveled the country since her retirement in 2006 to criticize costly election campaigns for state judges, promote enhanced civics education for schoolchildren, and advocate for Alzheimer's research.
Through the end of March, she had written two appellate decisions and joined the majority in a half-dozen others this year. None of the cases involved judicial elections or the fate of the Alaska bay.
The continuing judicial work allows the retired justice, who is paid $213,900, to receive salary increases that are tied to inflation. Judges who stop hearing cases receive a pension equal to their final annual salary as a full-time judge, but are excluded from subsequent cost-of-living increases.
Last week, she was the host of a Supreme Court reception "to celebrate the economic, cultural, and ecological values of Alaska's Bristol Bay Watershed." Opponents of the proposed huge mine near the bay fear it will devastate the world's largest wild sockeye salmon fishery. One speaker was a former Alaska state Senate president, Rick Halford, who told reporters the next day that the proposal was a "very, very dangerous kind of mine."
Mr. Hellman said he finds the court reception particularly troubling because "we're talking about political activity. It's a lobbying effort and she is lending her considerable prestige to that effort."
Another ethics professor, Stephen Gillers of New York University, said that if the speeches were not about advocacy, then the event itself probably does not pose an ethical problem for the former justice. On the other hand, Mr. Gillers said it is possible she would have to step aside from any case involving the groups that sponsored the reception.