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[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 91 (Wednesday, May 13, 2009)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 22464-22469] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: E9-10757] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 180 [EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0020; FRL-8410-3] Methoxyfenozide; Pesticide Tolerances for Emergency Exemptions AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This regulation establishes time-limited tolerances for residues of the insecticide methoxyfenozide per se, in or on sorghum, forage; sorghum, grain; and sorghum, stover. This action is in response to a crisis exemption issued by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture under section 18 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) authorizing use of the pesticide on grain sorghum. This regulation establishes a maximum permissible level for residues of methoxyfenozide in these feed commodities. The time-limited tolerances expire and will be revoked on December 31, 2012. DATES: This regulation is effective May 13, 2009. Objections and requests for hearings must be received on or before July 13, 2009, 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: EPA has established a docket for this action under docket identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0020. All documents in the docket are listed in the docket index available in http://www.regulations.gov. Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly available, e.g., Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, is not placed on the Internet and will be publicly available only in hard copy form. Publicly available docket materials are available in the electronic docket at http://www.regulations.gov, or, if only available in hard copy, at the OPP Regulatory Public Docket in Rm. S-4400, One Potomac Yard (South Bldg.), 2777 S. Crystal Dr., Arlington, VA. The Docket Facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The Docket Facility telephone number is (703) 305-5805. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stacey Groce, Registration Division (7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: (703) 305-2505; e-mail 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. Potentially affected entities may include, but are not limited to:
Crop production (NAICS code 111). Animal production (NAICS code 112). Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311). Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS code 32532). This listing is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a guide for readers regarding entities likely to be affected by this action. Other types of entities not listed in this unit could also be affected. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) codes have been provided to assist you and others in determining whether this action might apply to certain entities. If you have any questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. [[Page 22465]] B. How Can I Access Electronic Copies of this Document? In addition to accessing electronically available documents at http://www.regulations.gov, you may access this Federal Register document electronically through the EPA Internet under the ``Federal Register'' listings at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr. You may also access a frequently updated electronic version of 40 CFR part 180 through the Government Printing Office's e-CFR cite at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr. C. Can I File an Objection or Hearing Request? Under section 408(g) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), 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. The EPA procedural regulations which govern the submission of objections and requests for hearings appear in 40 CFR part 178. 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- 2009-0020 in the subject line on the first page of your submission. All requests must be in writing, and must be mailed or delivered to the Hearing Clerk on or before July 13, 2009. 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 that does not contain any CBI for inclusion in the public docket that is described in ADDRESSES. Information not marked confidential pursuant to 40 CFR part 2 may be disclosed publicly by EPA without prior notice. Submit your copies, identified by docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0020, by one of the following methods: Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. Mail: Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) Regulatory Public Docket (7502P), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001. Delivery: OPP Regulatory Public Docket (7502P), Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. S-4400, One Potomac Yard (South Bldg.), 2777 S. Crystal Dr., Arlington, VA. Deliveries are only accepted during the Docket Facility's normal hours of operation (8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays). Special arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed information. The Docket Facility telephone number is (703) 305-5805. II. Background and Statutory Findings EPA, on its own initiative, in accordance with sections 408(e) and 408(l)(6) of FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. 346a(e) and 346a(1)(6), is establishing time-limited tolerances for residues of the insecticide methoxyfenozide per se (benzoic acid, 3-methoxy-2-methyl-,2-(3,5-dimethylbenzoyl)-2- (1,1-dimethylethyl) hydrazide) in or on sorghum, forage at 30.0 parts per million (ppm); sorghum, grain at 0.05 ppm; and sorghum, stover at 60.0 ppm. These time-limited tolerances expire and will be revoked on December 31, 2012. EPA will publish a subsequent document in the Federal Register to remove the revoked tolerances from the CFR. Section 408(l)(6) of FFDCA requires EPA to establish a time-limited tolerance or exemption from the requirement for a tolerance for pesticide chemical residues in food that will result from the use of a pesticide under an emergency exemption granted by EPA under section 18 of FIFRA. Such tolerances can be established without providing notice or period for public comment. EPA does not intend for its actions on section 18 related time-limited tolerances to set binding precedents for the application of section 408 of FFDCA to other tolerances and exemptions. Section 408(e) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish a tolerance or an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance on its own initiative, i.e., without having received any petition from an outside party. 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. . . .'' Section 18 of FIFRA authorizes EPA to exempt any Federal or State agency from any provision of FIFRA, if EPA determines that ``emergency conditions exist which require such exemption.'' EPA has established regulations governing such emergency exemptions in 40 CFR part 166. III. Emergency Exemption for Methoxyfenozide on Various Commodities: Sorghum, forage; Sorghum, grain; and Sorghum, stover and FFDCA Tolerances The Louisiana Department of Agriculture requested an emergency exemption for use of methoxyfenozide on grain sorghum to control the southwestern corn borer and sugarcane borer, and issued a crisis exemption for this use pursuant to 40 CFR part 166, subpart C. The Louisiana Department of Agriculture provided information indicating that the southwestern corn borer and sugarcane borer are serious pests that commonly infest grain sorghum. Methoxyfenozide has been authorized under FIFRA section 18 for use on sorghum, forage, sorghum, grain, and sorghum, stover to control southwestern corn borer and sugarcane borer in Louisiana under the crisis provision. As part of its evaluation of the emergency exemption application, EPA assessed the potential risks presented by residues of the insecticide methoxyfenozide per se in or on sorghum, forage; sorghum, grain; and sorghum, stover. In doing so, EPA considered the safety standard in section 408(b)(2) of FFDCA, and EPA decided that the necessary tolerance under section 408(l)(6) of FFDCA would be consistent with the safety standard and with FIFRA section 18. Consistent with the need to move quickly on the emergency exemption in order to address an urgent non-routine situation and to ensure that the resulting food is safe and lawful, EPA is issuing this tolerance without notice and opportunity for public comment as provided in section 408(l)(6) of FFDCA. Although these time-limited tolerances expire and will be revoked on December 31, 2012, under section 408(l)(5) of FFDCA, residues of the pesticide not in excess of the amounts specified in the tolerance remaining in or on sorghum, forage; sorghum, grain; and sorghum, stover after that date will not be unlawful, provided the pesticide was applied in a manner that was lawful under FIFRA, and the residues do not exceed a level that was authorized by these time-limited tolerances at the time of that application. EPA will take action to revoke these time-limited tolerances [[Page 22466]] earlier if any experience with, scientific data on, or other relevant information on this pesticide indicate that the residues are not safe. Because these time-limited tolerances are being approved under emergency conditions, EPA has not made any decisions about whether methoxyfenozide meets FIFRA's registration requirements for use on sorghum, forage; sorghum, grain; and sorghum, stover or whether permanent tolerances for these uses would be appropriate. Under these circumstances, EPA does not believe that these time-limited tolerance decisions serve as a basis for registration of methoxyfenozide by a State for special local needs under FIFRA section 24(c). Nor do these tolerances serve as the basis for persons in any State other than Louisiana to use this pesticide on the applicable crops under FIFRA section 18 absent the issuance of an emergency exemption applicable within that State. For additional information regarding the emergency exemption for methoxyfenozide, contact the Agency's Registration Division at the address provided under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. IV. 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 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 expected as a result of this emergency exemption request and the time-limited tolerances for residues of the insecticide methoxyfenozide per se (benzoic acid, 3-methoxy-2-methyl-,2-(3,5- dimethylbenzoyl)-2-(1,1-dimethylethyl) hydrazide) in or on sorghum, forage at 30.0 parts per million (ppm); sorghum, grain at 0.05 ppm; and sorghum, stover at 60.0 ppm. EPA's assessment of exposures and risks associated with establishing time-limited tolerances follows. A. Toxicological Endpoints For hazards that have a threshold below which there is no appreciable risk, a toxicological point of departure (POD) is identified as the basis for derivation of reference values for risk assessment. The POD may be defined as the highest dose at which no adverse effects are observed (the NOAEL) in the toxicology study identified as appropriate for use in risk assessment. However, if a NOAEL cannot be determined, the lowest dose at which adverse effects of concern are identified (the LOAEL) or a Benchmark Dose (BMD) approach is sometimes used for risk assessment. Uncertainty/safety factors (UFs) are used in conjunction with the POD to take into account uncertainties inherent in the extrapolation from laboratory animal data to humans and in the variations in sensitivity among members of the human population as well as other unknowns. Safety is assessed for acute and chronic dietary risks by comparing aggregate food and water exposure to the pesticide to the acute population adjusted dose (aPAD) and chronic population adjusted dose (cPAD). The aPAD and cPAD are calculated by dividing the POD by all applicable UFs. Aggregate short-term, intermediate-term, and chronic-term risks are evaluated by comparing food, water, and residential exposure to the POD to ensure that the margin of exposure (MOE) called for by the product of all applicable UFs is not exceeded. This latter value is referred to as the Level of Concern (LOC). 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 greater than that 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 methoxyfenozide used for human risk assessment can be found in the document entitled, ``Methoxyfenozide. Human Health Risk Assessment for Proposed Section 18 Use on Grain Sorghum,'' dated November 20, 2008, by going to http://www.regulations.gov. The referenced document is available in the docket established by this action, which is described under ADDRESSES, and is identified as EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0020-0002 in that docket. Locate and click on the hyperlink for docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0020. Double-click on the document to view the referenced information on page 23 of 34. B. Exposure Assessment 1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary exposure to methoxyfenozide, EPA considered exposure under the time- limited tolerances established by this action as well as exposures pursuant to existing methoxyfenozide tolerances in (40 CFR 180.544). EPA assessed dietary exposures from methoxyfenozide in food as follows: i. Acute exposure. No appropriate toxicological endpoint attributable to a single exposure was identified in the available toxicological studies for methoxyfenozide; therefore, a quantitative acute dietary exposure assessment is unnecessary. ii. Chronic exposure. In conducting the chronic dietary exposure assessment EPA used the food consumption data from the USDA 1994-1996 and 1998 Nationwide Continuing Surveys of food Intake by Individuals (CSFII). As to residue levels in food, an unrefined chronic dietary analysis for methoxyfenozide was conducted using tolerance levels and 100% crop-treated for all existing and proposed uses. Drinking water was incorporated directly into the dietary assessment using the chronic concentration for surface water generated by the PRZM-EXAMS model at 33.1 ppb. The results of the analysis indicate that chronic risk from the dietary (food and drinking water) exposure to methoxyfenozide will not exceed EPA's level of concern for the general U.S. population and all population subgroups. iii. Cancer. Methoxyfenozide is not likely to be carcinogenic to humans; therefore, a cancer exposure assessment was not conducted. This classification is based on the lack of evidence of carcinogenicity in male and female rats as well as in male and female mice and on the lack of genotoxicity in an acceptable battery of mutagenicity studies. iv. Anticipated residue and percent crop treated (PCT) information. EPA did not use anticipated residue and/or PCT information in the dietary assessment [[Page 22467]] for methoxyfenozide. Tolerance level 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 methoxyfenozide in drinking water. These simulation models take into account data on the physical, chemical, and fate/ transport characteristics of methoxyfenozide. 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 Pesticide Root Zone Model/Exposure Analysis Modeling System(PRZM/EXAMS) and Screening Concentration in Ground Water (SCI- GROW) models, the estimated drinking water concentrations (EDWCs) of methoxyfenozide for acute dietary exposures are estimated to be 52.2 parts per billion (ppb) for surface water and 7.43 ppb for ground water. The estimated drinking water concentrations (EDWCs) for chronic dietary exposures for non-cancer assessments are estimated to be 33.1 ppb for surface water and 7.43 ppb for ground water. Modeled estimates of drinking water concentrations were directly entered into the dietary exposure model. An acute dietary endpoint was not identified; therefore, a quantitative assessment of risk was not conducted for methoxyfenozide. For chronic dietary risk assessment, the water concentration of 33.1 ppb was used to assess the contribution from 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). Methoxyfenozide is not registered for any specific use patterns that would result in residential exposure. 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 methoxyfenozide to share a common mechanism of toxicity with any other substances, and methoxyfenozide does not appear to produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For the purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that methoxyfenozide 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 the policy statements released by EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs concerning common mechanism determinations and procedures for cumulating effects from substances found to have a common mechanism on EPA's website at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative. C. 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 SF when reliable data available to EPA support the choice of a different factor. 2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity. There is not a concern for prenatal and/ or postnatal toxicity resulting from exposure to methoxyfenozide. The prenatal and postnatal toxicology database for methoxyfenozide includes rat and rabbit developmental toxicity studies and a 2-generation reproductive study. There was no increased susceptibility in fetuses as compared to maternal animals observed following in utero exposures. 3. Conclusion. EPA has determined that reliable data show that 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 toxicity database for methoxyfenozide is complete for assessment of potential hazard to infants and children. ii. There is no indication that methoxyfenozide is a neurotoxic chemical and there is no need for a developmental neurotoxicity study or additional UFs to account for neurotoxicity. iii. There is no evidence that methoxyfenozide results in increased susceptibility in in utero rats or rabbits in the prenatal developmental studies or in young rats in the 2-generation reproduction study. iv. There are no residual uncertainties identified in the exposure database. The exposure assessments will not underestimate the potential dietary (food and drinking water) or nondietary exposures for infants and children from use of methoxyfenozide. EPA made conservative (protective) assumptions in the ground water and surface water modeling used to assess exposure to methoxyfenozide 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 methoxyfenozide. D. Aggregate Risks and Determination of Safety EPA determines whether acute and chronic pesticide exposures are safe by comparing aggregate exposure estimates to the aPAD and cPAD. The aPAD and cPAD represent the highest safe exposures, taking into account all appropriate SFs. EPA calculates the aPAD and cPAD by dividing the POD by all applicable UFs. For linear cancer risks, EPA calculates the probability of additional cancer cases given the estimated aggregate exposure. Short-term, intermediate-term, and chronic-term risks are evaluated by comparing the estimated aggregate food, water, and residential exposure to the POD to ensure that the MOE called for by the product of all applicable UFs is not exceeded. 1. Acute risk. An acute aggregate risk assessment takes into account exposure estimates from acute dietary consumption of food and drinking water. No adverse effect resulting from a single-oral exposure was identified, therefore, dietary exposure presents no acute risks of concern. 2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this unit for chronic exposure, EPA has concluded that chronic exposure to methoxyfenozide from food and water will utilize 56% of the cPAD for children 1-2 years old, the population group receiving the greatest exposure. There are no residential uses for methoxyfenozide. 3. Short-term risk. Short-term aggregate exposure takes into account short-term residential exposure plus chronic exposure to food and water (considered to be a background exposure level). Methoxyfenozide is not registered for any use patterns that would result in residential exposure. Therefore, the [[Page 22468]] short-term aggregate risk is the sum of the risk from exposure to methoxyfenozide through food and water. Thus, the chronic aggregate exposure for the most exposed group is below EPA's level of concern. 4. Intermediate-term risk. Intermediate-term aggregate exposure takes into account intermediate-term non-dietary, non-occupational exposure plus chronic exposure to food and water (considered to be a background exposure level). Methoxyfenozide is not registered for any use patterns that would result in intermediate-term residential exposure. Therefore, the intermediate-term aggregate risk is the sum of the risk from exposure to methoxyfenozide through food and water, which has already been addressed, and will not be greater than the chronic aggregate risk. 5. Aggregate cancer risk for U.S. population. Methoxyfenozide is classified as a ``not likely'' human carcinogen and thus is not expected to pose a cancer risk to humans. This classification is based on the lack of evidence of carcinogenicity in male and female rats as well as in male and female mice and on the lack of genotoxicity in an acceptable battery of mutagenicity studies. 6. 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 methoxyfenozide residues. V. Other Considerations A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology Adequate enforcement methodology (high pressure liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS)) 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; e-mail address: [email protected]. B. International Residue Limits There are currently no Canadian, Mexican, or Codex maximum residue limits (MRLs) for methoxyfenozide on the commodities for which tolerances are being established. VI. Conclusion Therefore, time-limited tolerances are established for residues of the insecticide methoxyfenozide per se (benzoic acid, 3-methoxy-2- methyl-,2-(3,5-dimethylbenzoyl)-2-(1,1-dimethylethyl) hydrazide) in or on sorghum, forage at 30.0 ppm; sorghum, grain at 0.05 ppm; and sorghum, stover at 60.0 ppm. These tolerances expire and will be revoked on December 31, 2012. VII. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews This final rule establishes tolerances under sections 408(e) and 408(l)(6) of FFDCA 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 in accordance with sections 408(e) and 408(l)(6) of FFDCA, such as the tolerances 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 section 408(n)(4) of FFDCA. 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) (Public Law 104-4). 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), Public Law 104-113, section 12(d) (15 U.S.C. 272 note). VIII. Congressional Review Act The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., generally provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating the rule must submit a rule report to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the United States. 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 this final rule in the Federal Register. This final rule 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: April 28, 2009. Daniel J. Rosenblatt, Acting Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs. 0 Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I 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 180.544 is amended by adding paragraph (b) to read as follows: Sec. 180.544 Methoxyfenozide; tolerances for residues. * * * * * (b) Section 18 emergency exemptions. Time-limited tolerances specified in the following table are established for residues of the insecticide methoxyfenozide per se (benzoic acid, 3-methoxy-2-methyl- ,2-(3,5-dimethylbenzoyl)-2-(1,1-dimethylethyl) hydrazide), in or on the specified agricultural commodities, resulting from [[Page 22469]] use of the pesticide pursuant to FFIFRA section 18 emergency exemptions. The tolerances expire and will be revoked on the date specified in the table. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Expiration/revocation Commodity Parts per million date ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sorghum, forage 30.0 December 31, 2012 Sorghum, grain 0.05 December 31, 2012 Sorghum, stover 60.0 December 31, 2012 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * * * * * [FR Doc. E9-10757 Filed 5-12-09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-S


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'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' Box Office Is Going to Be Huge
Will Walt Disney's Marvel Studios nab a big win at the Captain America: The Winter Soldier box office? The newest Marvel movie opened in 3,938 U.S. cinemas this weekend. In this episode of 1-Up On Wall Street, The Motley Fool's web show in which we talk about the big-money names behind your favorite movies, toys, video games, comics, and more, host Ellen Bowman asks Fool analysts Nathan Alderman and Tim Beyers if the new Captain America epic exhibits the blockbuster bonafides we've come to expect from a Marvel movie.
Nathan predicts a strong opening, citing excellent reviews for the movie and a $75.2 million initial haul in its overseas debut, an admirable performance when viewed in context. Captain America: The Winter Soldier opened in 32 territories outside the U.S. a week ago.
Tim agrees, noting that the source material -- from writer Ed Brubaker and artist Steve Epting -- is widely acclaimed. Meanwhile, the worldwide success of The Avengers has given every Marvel sequel since a noticeable bump at the box office. Thor: The Dark World earned about 41% more than Thor, while Iron Man 3 nearly doubled the box office take of its predecessor. Tim says it wouldn't be surprising to see The Winter Soldier outperform Captain America: The First Avenger in similar fashion.
Now it's your turn to weigh in. Will you be at the Captain America: The Winter Soldier box office this weekend? What's your prediction for how much the movie will earn? Please watch the video to get the full story, and then leave a comment to let us know where you stand. And be sure to check back here often for more 1-Up On Wall Street segments.
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The article 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' Box Office Is Going to Be Huge originally appeared on Fool.com.Neither Ellen Bowman nor Nathan Alderman owned shares in any of the companies mentioned in this article at the time of publication. Tim Beyers owned shares of Walt Disney. The Motley Fool recommends Walt Disney. The Motley Fool owns shares of Walt Disney. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Champions of Magic at The Hall for Cornwall
7 February 2014
Champions of Magic at Hall for Cornwall, Truro. Time: 7:30pm. Tickets: £16 - £20.
Join our award winning team of liars, swindlers and cheats for a spectacular night of illusion you'll be trying to work out for a long time to come.
Audiences will witness mastery of card manipulation, death defying stunts and mind boggling sleight of hand from some of the foremost performers in magic, including the British Champion Of Illusion David Penn.
Date: Friday, 7th February, 2014, 7:30pm
Tickets: £16 - £20
Children £13.50 - £17.50
Family Ticket £62 (4 people, minumum 2 children)
Website: https://www.hallforcornwall.co.uk


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Today, Martin Chuck takes you inside a lesson with pupil Kevin, who had been struggling with his ball striking until he came to the Tour Striker Golf Academy. Here's how he was able to solidify his swing with the help of a children's toy.
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There are many reasons to be concerned about food and drug safety today. Even with an FDA committed to ensuring our food and drugs are safe and effective, the FDA allows chemicals in our foods that may not be safe and approves prescription drugs for use that have been pulled from the market because they are later found to be unsafe. So what does a Trump FDA look like?
If you believe that the FDA provides a critical function in keeping drugs from going to market until they are shown to be safe and effective, you should be concerned about the FDA's future. President-elect Trump is considering Jim O'Neill to head the agency, and StatNews reports that O'Neill has made clear that he thinks people should be free to test any drugs they'd like at their own risk. Specifically, O'Neill has proposed that the FDA should not have to establish that a drug works to treat a condition before it approves it, only that it is safe.
While in theory, failing to focus on drug efficacy might sound like a great way to get more drugs to market faster, it risks undercutting our ability to understand the value of particular drugs for particular conditions. Instead of a Consumer Reports-type rating based on scientific evidence, we'll have customer reviews. But, customer reviews can be manipulated by companies wanting to push a product. And, even when customer reviews are genuine, they may be extremely misleading when it comes to whether a drug works. People's ability to rate the efficacy of a particular drug is far different from their ability to rate hotels and vacuum cleaners.
O'Neill is a libertarian and billionaire Peter Thiel's managing director at Mithril Capital Management. He has neither a medical background nor a science background, as you would expect an FDA chief would have. However, O'Neill did work in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 2002, during the George W. Bush administration.
Scott Gottlieb is another person under consideration for the FDA chief post. Scott Walker enlisted Gottlieb as a senior adviser to his presidential campaign.
Here's more from Just Care:
- Majority of cancer drugs that the FDA has recently approved don't work
- Drug companies must now report most clinical trial results
- Six tips for keeping drug costs down if you have Medicare


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10 years of success with Toyota Avanza
First launched in the year 2003, the Toyota Avanza is basically a mini MPV with 1.66m width, 4.14m length, and 1.69m height. Besides, this vehicle is powered by a 1.5-liter petrol motor that can generate 127.4 NM and 102 HP of torque. The engine of this vehicle is also paired to the four -speed automatic transmission.
While it comes to equipment, this model of Toyota comes with the features like EBD, ABS, dual front airbags, sliding second-row seats and dual blower AC. Moreover, the MPV of this vehicle is fitted with the low railing resistance tires for improving the fuel economy. This vehicle is available in six great color options like gray, silver, light blue, dark steel, white and beige metallic. Now let's have a look at some of the factors that make this car so popular:
• Improved comfort level
• Dynamic new design and an enhanced sense of quality
• Improved level of safety specifications


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FlyersRights.org (formerly Coalition for an Airline Passengers Bill of Rights) today filed comments on the U.S. Department of Transportation's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on "Enhancing Airline Passenger Protections." Our Comments: http://www.flyersrights.com/FlyersRightsMarch2009NPRMComments2.pdf -Summary of position In short we commented that the U.S. DOT should strengthen and adopt a final regulation on this topic as soon… Read More
Delta Worst For Long Tarmac Delays, Southwest Best In Customer Treatment WASHINGTON (March 11) – Noting 1,232 tarmac delays of 3 hours or more last year, FlyersRights.org today issued its annual "Airline Stranding Report Card." Get your copy here>> 2008 Airline Stranding Report Card The longest delay, 10+ hours on the tarmac, was on Delta… Read More
For Immediate Release:Contact: Kate Hanni 707-337-0328 for more info. Canada and United States to Consider Airline Passengers Rights on Same Day… March 5th, 2009 Joint US/Canada Teleconference Wednesday: March 4th at 11:30 am EST Who: Kate Hanni Exec. Dir. FlyersRights.org (CAPBOR) will be joined by HON. Woodrow French, Mayor of Newfoundland Canada, HON. Jim Maloway,… Read More


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The Los Angeles Angels and New York Yankees have both gone through well-documented offensive funks, but both have heated up just in time for their series in Southern California. Watch Los Angeles Angels vs New York Yankees Live Streaming MLB Radio Broadcast Internet Video Feed HQ Quality May 2012.
The Angels and Yankees each try to extend their longest winning streaks of the season in Monday night's opener.
Los Angeles (24-25) stumbled out of the gate by losing 14 of its first 20 games, dropping two of three at Yankee Stadium in mid-April, but is suddenly starting to look like the division contender most expected. The Angels have won six straight and are one victory away from getting back to .500 for the first time since they were 2-2 on April 9.
"We got off to a rough start but everyone stayed on an even keel," said Mark Trumbo, who homered in Sunday's 4-2 win over Seattle. "We have confidence in what we're doing now. This is the style of play we knew we could do. I don't see any reason why we can't continue."
The offense is steadily improving, averaging 4.3 runs during the winning streak after averaging 3.6 to start the year, and Albert Pujols is starting to look comfortable in his new environment.
Although he had a six-game hitting streak end Sunday, Pujols is still batting .308 with six homers and 14 RBIs in the last 13 contests.
The Yankees' offense is also built to score runs in bunches, though it wasn't doing that a week ago.
New York (26-21) averaged 2.1 runs in going 1-6 from May 15-21, but has averaged 5.6 in winning its five games since.
"You're going to have good stretches, you're going to have bad stretches," Derek Jeter said after Sunday's 2-0 victory in Oakland.
Jeter singled Sunday for his 3,155th career hit, breaking a tie with Hall of Famer George Brett to move into sole possession of 14th place all-time, and is batting .400 during a seven-game hitting streak versus the Angels.
Mark Teixeira heads to Anaheim as one of the Yankees' hottest hitters after finishing the series against the Athletics 8 for 14 with three homers, three doubles and eight RBIs -- raising his batting average 28 points to .254.
"I've been waiting for that hot streak and I found it the last few days," Teixeira said. "Sometimes that's the name of the game, getting hot. As a team we're winning games, which is great."
Teixeira and the rest of the Yankees, however, could have trouble generating much offense Monday against Jered Weaver (6-1, 2.61 ERA).
Weaver gave up a run, three hits and two walks over eight innings in Wednesday's 3-1, 11-inning win over Oakland. Excluding a disastrous outing against Texas on May 13, he has a 1.00 ERA in his other five since April 27.
Weaver, whose turn in the rotation didn't come up in the Angels' trip to the Bronx in April, was 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA and 19 strikeouts in 15 innings in two starts against the Yankees last season.
Teixeira is hitting .188 in 16 at-bats against the right-hander since 2008, while Jeter is 2 for 20.
New York counters with Phil Hughes (4-5, 4.94), who gave up two runs and five hits in six innings in Tuesday's 3-2 win over Kansas City. He improved to 3-1 with a 2.81 ERA over his last four starts after opening 1-4 with a 7.48 ERA.
One of those shaky starts, however, came against Los Angeles -- a team that has historically given the righty problems.
Hughes, who grew up near Anaheim, was knocked around by the Angels on April 14 for six runs and eight hits -- including homers by Howie Kendrick and Chris Iannetta -- in 3 1/3 innings of a 7-1 loss. Kendrick was 3 for 3, while Pujols was 2 for 2 with a double.
In four career starts against Los Angeles, Hughes is 1-2 with an 8.69 ERA and 1.98 WHIP.


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For events or large orders, we find it easier (and cheaper for you) to work to an agreed package price (it will always be cheaper than individually priced items), so please do contact us for a chat and a no obligatory quote!
Assorted dinner plates (approx 21-24cm) 40p
Assorted side plates / tea plates (approx 17cm) 30p
Assorted desert bowls (glass) 30p
Tea cup and saucer £1.00
Decorative china sugar bowls (with tongs) 50p
Glass sugar bowls 50p
Teapots (various shapes and sizes) £3.50
Coffee pots (various shapes and sizes) £3.50
Small china milk jugs 50p
Small glass milk jugs 50p
Large china platter dishes £1.20
Large glass platter dishes £1.20
China butter dishes 25p
Glass butter dishes 25p
China sandwich / cake plate £1.00
Various small glass bowls (approx 6cm diameter) 25p
Various medium glass bowls (approx 14cm) 50p
Various medium glass bowls (over 14cm) 75p
Small glass salt / pepper dishes 25p
Cake Stands
Cake plates £1.00
China cake stand (1 tier) £2.00
China cake stand (2 tier) £3.00
China cake stand (3 tier) £4.00
Glass cake stand (1 tier) £1.50
Glass cake stand (2 tier) £2.50
White wrought iron cake stand (2 tier) £2.00
Large white wrought iron cake stand (3 tier) £3.50
'Saucer style' champagne glasses 75p
Assortment of wine glasses of all shapes and sizes 30p
Tumblers: 10p
Small glass water jugs 25p
Large glass water jugs 50p
Large water decanters (country garden style) 50p
Assorted glass jars tied with ribbon – colour of your choice 20p
Vintage style sweet shop jars 50p
Various crystal and cut glass wine and port decanters £3.50
Very elaborate, decorative claret jugs (glass and silver) £5.00
Assorted china vases 50p
Small glass vases 50p
Medium glass vases 75p
Large glass vases £1.00
Stemmed Bon Bon Dishes (perfect filled with sweets, jams, petals etc)
Decorative 75p
Crystal and pressed glass £1.00
Crystal and pressed glass jars £1.00
Antique brass candelabras (single arm) £1.50
Antique brass candelabras (three arm) £3.00
Glass candelabras (single arm) £1.00
Glass fairy light holders (modern style) 10p
Vintage lace table cloths £5.00
Assorted vintage table over-lays / table dressers/ runners/ fabric doillies 50p
Assortment of vintage napkins (ivory, white, cream, dusky pink, patterened) 40p per napkin. Discount for bulk orders available – POA
Knives, forks, tea spoons, desert spoons 20p per item
Preserve spoons 25p
Sugar tongs 50p
Cake slices 75p
Small white flower girl basket (perfect for petals) £1.00
Hamper wicker basket £1.00
Assorted baskets for breads, scones, cakes and various other items 50p
Miscellaneous Props
Large green wrought iron birdcage (makes a very pretty flower display or a quirky wedding gift/ card holder) £4.00
Medium size cream birdcages (set of 8) £2 each or £12 for 8
Vintage tan leather suitcase £1.00
Old fashioned sewing machine £3
Various gilt mirrors £2 – £5 (depending on size)
Various gilt picture frames ) £1
Shabby Chic style Blackboards (inclusive of signage writing if required) £1
Old Fashioned weighing scales £4
Small old fashioned weighing scales £2
Large bronze wrought iron heart shaped message holder (or a unique table plan) with ribbon colour of choice £3.00
Small bronze wrought iron heart shaped message holders (a lovely way to for display poems, photos, personal messages) with ribbon colour of choice £2.00
Selection of vintage games (including ball in a cup, skittles, skipping rope) presented in a basket with a picnic blanket £7.50 for 5 games
Faux pearl strands (ideal for draping round candelabra's/ table decoration) £2.50 (covers x 10 tables)
Handwritten table plan design service POA (approx £15.00)
Card table numbers or names design service POA (approx £10.00)
Place name tags/ cards POA (approx £20 for 50 guests)
Hand painted 'Cream teas served here' sign personilised to your theme £10.00
We offer event set up / styling / wash up / clear down service also – please contact us for a quote. Prices start from £30
Entertainment Services
Professional RCF 310A tops with sub bass unit outputting 1500 watts of constant sound (including lighting rig and microphone). Beautiful sounding speakers for live music and DJ which are ample for large indoor spaces and medium outdoor spaces. (All equipment PAT tested). To deliver, set up and collect £150 (plus petrol expense POA)
DJ Hire. We play from CDs which have been uploaded onto computer (not mp3's) and vinyl (any genre catered for or your own playlists). £40ph
Radio microphone for speeches (standard mic included in PA hire) £20
Delivery Options
All prices based on a week's hire, collected and returned to Prim and Proper Vintage
Delivery of items and collection (over a 7 day period but can be flexible) POA
On the day – delivery of items, assistance setting up and clear down service POA (based on £7 per hour))
Washing Items
Please add on 15% of total hire cost if you require washing up / laundry service for items
If you wish to return the items already washed please note they must be handwashed rather than put in dishwasher due to the fragile nature of the pieces. Please use washing up liquid sparingly to avoid fading and place a tea towel at the bottom of the sink to avoid cracking.
Unfortunately if items are lost or demaged we will have to charge a replacement fee of:
Tea/side plate £2.00
Tea cup and/or saucer and all other china items excluding teapots £5.00
Teapots/coffee pots £10.00
Glass items excluding cake stands £3.50
Cake stands (1 tier) £15.00
Cake stands (2 or 3 tier) £25.00
Lace tablecloths £15.00
Napkins £2.00
Wine and port decanters £20.00
Claret jugs £25.00
Cutlery 50p


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Capital Budgeting and Its Importance in Business
Acquisition and management of fixed assets
To understand capital budgeting, it helps to understand both parts of the term. "Capital," in this context, represents investments in long-term, fixed assets, such as the capital investment in a building or machinery. The "budget" represents the plan that details out anticipated revenue and expenses related to the investment during a particular time period, often the duration of a project.
The term "capital budgeting" is the process of determining which long-term capital investments should be chosen by the firm during a particular time period based on potential profitability, and thus included in its capital budget.
Capital budgeting is extremely important to firms since capital investment projects make up some of their most important financial investments. These projects often involve large amounts of money and making poor capital investment decisions can have a disastrous effect on the business.
Capital Versus Expense Budgeting
The process of budgeting for capital investment projects, such as buying a piece of equipment, and budgeting for the expenses needed to operate the business require different methodologies, even though they both represent money the firm plans on spending.
Businesses can create certain capital projects based somewhat on a "wish list" of future goals, while expenses are often driven by need or requirement. Companies often must incur expenses that don't directly generate a profit, such as warehouse rent, administrative labor costs, and business insurance, while the company can earn a profit and have more influence over the costs of their capital projects through good financial management.
Investment Project Types
Capital investment projects can be divided up into two types: independent projects and mutually exclusive projects. Independent capital investment projects are those projects that do not affect the cash flows of other projects.
Mutually exclusive capital investment projects are those projects that are the same or so similar to other capital investment projects that they do impact the cash flows of other projects.
The difference between these two types of investment projects requires financial analysis that is tailored to accommodate all of the factors required to select or reject investment projects.
Selecting a Project
When considering a capital project and its budget, a business owner must compare the rate of return that the project will earn against its calculated weighted average cost of capital, or what the company pays to obtain the debt or equity financing it will use to pay for the project.
Companies often use a decision rule that says, if the rate of return is greater than the firm's weighted average cost of capital, then accept and invest in the project. If the rate of return of the project is less than the weighted average cost of capital, then reject and do not invest in the project.
This rate of return represents an opportunity cost. In other words, the rate of return equates to the cost of investing in one project as opposed to another.
Capital Investment Decision Factors
Comparing the rate of return of a project to the firm's weighted average cost of capital is not as simple as it sounds. The process involves some relatively complex financial analysis that the business owner needs to conduct to find the answer. Consider professional assistance from a finance or accounting consultant.
The business owner must estimate the cash flows that will be generated by the selected project for the capital budget. Often, the cash flows become the single hardest variable to estimate when trying to determine the rate of return on the project.
Both the quantity and timing of the project's cash flows must be considered. If you are writing a business plan, for example, you need to estimate about three to five years' worth of cash flows. Usually, cash flows are estimated for the economic life of the project using project assumptions that strive to create as much accuracy as possible.


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After THIS There's Only One More!
Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. I've always loved this day…I know I know, it's contrived, a "Hallmark holiday" if you will, but what's wrong with a holiday that is focused on love? Perhaps it's because my birthday is the next day that I love seeing all the red and pink lining the aisles of CVS, but in the words of Icono Pop, "I don't care…I LOVE IT!" Whether I have a boyfriend in my life or not, it doesn't matter to me…I celebrate the love I have!
Now, I have 2 more days to post the last 2 ways (of Eleven) that will aid in my quest to live my FIERCEST LIFE. I'm sharing the steps I'm takin' to get there with you, one each day until my 35th birthday on Friday. Today is day #10. (Check out DAY 1, DAY 2 , DAY 3, DAY 4, DAY 5, DAY 6, 7 & 8, DAY 9 for other game changers.)
- PEACE: It's stressful to be anything BUT in love with myself. When I think judgemental or critical thoughts about my life or my body it doesn't put out the vibe I want to give off. By taking a long (like 15 seconds) look at myself in the mirror and loving who I am I will releasing any angst I'm holding on to, I choose peace.
- JOY: How can anything BUT joy exist in this state of love!? I want to be in joy and enjoy my body and my life! DONE
DAY 10: I will look in the mirror each day. For 15 seconds I will appreciate my body, my world, my life for ALL that it is. I will, with honesty and warmth, look into my eyes and say, "I love you."


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Kitchen Appliances that are widely sold now has a variety of shapes, colors, and ingredients. Especially for materials, some are made of metal, ceramics, glass, and others. What are the differences and which ones should we choose? Are there ingredients that are safer than other ingredients?
As a general guideline, choose cookware of quality material made of thick metal that can withstand a high temperature of the fire.
Thin metal materials can cause uneven heat, make the dish burn quickly to leave charcoal which ultimately makes the kitchen appliances unusable. But, don't choose a pan that is too heavy, because later you are even bothered because it's difficult to use.
The following is a record of the types of material or materials from equipment in the kitchen that we commonly use. Choose the one that suits your need to support the best results from your cuisine. Don't forget to always read how to use it, maintain it properly and use the cooking device according to the designation.


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Lawrence School 7th-grade science teacher Celeste Cruse traveled thousands of miles to the Arctic this summer for a hands-on research experience which she plans to bring back to the classroom.
"I want to get these kids enthusiastic about science, to say, 'You can go in a helicopter and see a herd of caribou,'" Ms. Cruse said.
Ms. Cruse worked with Edward B. Rastetter, a senior scientist at the Marine Biological Laboratory, and other scientists on the North Slope of Alaska at the Toolik Field Station. Projects included analyzing soil and plant samples from the tundra and recording the different insect and plant life at certain locations.
by Andrea F. Carter


text: Nothing better than getting back to the blog with some good old fashioned DICE STACKING! I am back stateside and rolling the dice with some big decisions coming up soon. I'll be in the Bay Area for the last two weeks of September with a few surprises– stay tuned! In the meantime, practice your dice stacking skillz!


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Unless you've been in hiding, you're well aware that it's tax-free weekend. Even retailers who don't "technically" quality for the tax-free promotion are offering up discounts to attract shoppers, so let's take a look at what's happening besides tax-free this weekend – cool?
Adore Designer Resale {Cary} has summer dresses marked way down! Extra 20% off capris and shorts… pair that with no tax and you've got yourself a very nice deal!
Party with Rowdy (the dog) for his birthday at Furbish Studio {Raleigh}! Details online: http://www.isuwannee.com/2010/08/things-to-anticipate.html.
Summer Sale at GiGi's Boutique {Raleigh and Cary | online} has started!
Varsity Menswear Custom Clothing Sale {North Hills}
Get up to 20% off select suits from Hickey Freeman, Samuelsohn, Southwick, H. Freeman & Sons. Plus, orders of 6 or more custom shirts, available in 300 fabrics at Varsity Men's Wear at North Hills during their Custom Clothing Sale. Call 919-782-2570 for details.
Holly Aiken Bags – STITCH {Downtown Raleigh | online}
50% off CAHOOTS (limited edition screenprint collaborations) Bags through August 14th – in store or order by phone!
A few updates from Possibilities Boutique {Cary & North Hills}:
*Final summer markdown – now 50% off selected items.
*No tax on any clothing or shoes $100.00 or less.
*Flax samples are back in Cary for the final weekend to order Flax. This Fall Flax has been the best Flax for Fall ever…from linen to travelers, corduroy to ombres… there's something for everyone! All prepaid orders 10% off, plus tax free.
*Anything over 100 is 10% off since it can't be tax free.
*New Shipments from Vintage Cynthia Ashby, Flax, Bryn Walker, and Winter Sun
Closet Sale Update… up to 2700 pieces have been submitted! Those of you who are still working on your closets… the last day Possibilities accepting closet sale items is August 28. If you need a form, pick one up at either store or email firstname.lastname@example.com!
Denim & Lace {Cary | online} just sent out a 20% off coupon to their email list… are you on it??
I'll be doing my bridesmaid duties at Gorgeous Gowns and Dresses {Cary} with my best girlfriends from high school today… what are you up to?
Lisa Jeffries
Latest posts by Lisa Jeffries (see all)
- After Christmas Sale Round-Up - December 28, 2017
- 2017 Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday Shopping Guide - November 23, 2017
- Readers, Our Annual Black Friday & Holiday Weekend Shopping Guide Returns! - November 21, 2017


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LOOKING FOR VINTAGE 1920s or 1930s JAZZ BAND ?
We can help you find a South East based 20s or 30s Jazz band
Gatsby themed events seem to be somewhat in demand lately.We have some great Vintage acts that provide this exact thing.
These guys are some of the UK's finest retro Jazz and Swing players of 20s and 30s era. Previously performing for clients such as Ronnie Barker, BBC, RAF, Claridge's, Lexus Cars, The Royal Navy and even Canterbury Cathedral.
They know exactly what to do to make your event a success and we are proud to be able to offer them to you for your event in South East, London or Kent.


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*Mild spoilers for Until Dawn below*
I recently played through SuperMassive's Until Dawn. It was an interesting playthrough for me, because I went into it with a research goal of investigating what it had to say about horror and videogames. Normally, I try to leave research concerns out of a first playthrough, for fear that going into it with a research question in mind will make me miss out on other perspectives. But I think the whole experience of Until Dawn has me rethinking that policy; by starting out with an analytical mood, I was able to look at my first responses in a way that wouldn't have happened otherwise.
And one of the things that kept coming up was an appreciation of environment, and how it contributed to story. During the game's intro sequence, "O' Death,"it pans over what players will eventually realize are the major locations of the game: an abandoned mine, a room of monitors, a ruined asylum, a remote cabin, and, above all, the Blackwood Mountain itself, the snowy, mountainous region the entire game takes place in.
It's a very classic horror set of locations, and the game makes the most out of them to make the player feel isolated, trapped, and, frequently, disoriented. But I want to zero in on one scene in the cabin, in terms of environmental storytelling.
The plot of the game at this point is that one year ago, three siblings–twins Hannah and Beth, and Josh–invited seven of their friends to the cabin, and some of them played a prank on Hannah that went out of control and ultimately led to Hannah and Beth being lost in the woods and presumed dead. (Quite what the kids thought the best case scenario was for humiliating the rich owners of the cabin they were staying at is never made clear, but, well, teenagers make bad decisions.) A year later, Josh invites them all back to the cabin, claiming that it's what the twins would have wanted, and they all agree to come, albeit not without reluctance.
At the moment in the game I want to talk about, the player is aware that there is more to Beth and Hannah's disappearance than the characters know, but there isn't much more information than a few glimpses of menacing figures with weapons on the edges of the screen. Mostly, they're dealing with how to treat Josh, and typical teen drama.
In a section just previous to the one I'm dancing around, the player guided Chris through their first walkthrough of the cabin where much of the game is set. It's a very large, frequently confusing building that immediately displays the family's wealth through its size, but there's another point reinforced as well. Take a look:
The shutters are drawn, the furniture is covered in sheets, the power's out; all in all, there's this pervading sense that no one has been here in a while, that the whole house has, metaphorically, been put into storage. However, there's one exception:
In Chapter 2, for a very brief moment when you control Sam, you can enter the room here, Hannah's old room. (There's actually a reasonable diegetic explanation as to why you can only enter it at that point, but it comes much later.) The difference is obvious–whereas the rest of the cabin has been has been packed up and put away, Hannah's room has been left untouched. Sam comments on that, very briefly, when you enter the room:
Other than that, though, the game doesn't hit you over the head with the difference, letting the player draw out the implications. It says a lot about how the siblings' parents handled (or failed to handle) the tragedy, that the rest of the cabin has been moved into "storage" mode as if it will never be used again, but this room is as if Hannah could return any second. And that in turn implies a lot about Josh's support structure (or lack thereof) after the tragedy, and his relationship to his parents, all of which serves as subtext for what follows.
That's what I like most about the scene. It's skippable (in fact, I never would have seen it without consulting a walkthrough), it's nonessential, but for the player willing to put in the work, it fleshes out that which the game merely hints at elsewhere. That, to me, is good environmental storytelling.
The game scholar foundation for talking about environmental storytelling is Henry Jenkins' "Game Design as Narrative Architecture." It argues, well, it argues a lot of things, but in particular, he argues for the value of embedded narrative in game, where "the game world becomes a kind of information space, a memory palace," where the story is implied to the player by being embedded in the environment they explore. On the basic level, that's what this area does; Hannah's room implies connections that get enlarged on in the general game, in addition to hosting specific clues (a magazine compatibility quiz that hints at why she got a tattoo; more evidence of the full extent of her crush on Mike).
In their GDC Talk, "What Happened Here? Environmental Storytelling," Harvey Smith and Matthias Worch extend that consideration to the player's perspective, arguing (again, among other things) that the environmental narrative orients the player towards how they should feel about that environment. In other words, this isn't just about what Hannah's room says about her and her family, it's about creating how the player may respond to being in Hannah's room. Again, the contrast between the main cabin and Hannah's room comes into play.
If the rest of the cabin had been maintained in the same way as the room here, the player may not have thought much of going into her room (especially if we could explore the other family members' bedrooms as well). But most of Until Dawn is about exploring spaces that have been clearly abandoned. Consequently, even though Hannah is gone, even though the player clearly saw her fall, the room inspires guilt, the thought that the player is violating someone else's privacy; in one walkthrough I saw, the player continually remarks that he is certain that Josh, or someone, is about to walk in and discover Sam. While the rest of the cabin is sparse and personality-less, Hannah's room is so clearly imbued with her thoughts and desires that being in it feels like an invasion. In a horror game that's about being attacked/invaded by a monster, that's a pretty interesting response to cultivate. (It's pretty interesting as well that Sam is the character with the option to look into this space, as she's generally portrayed as one of the more innocent parties in the game, but that's a different post.)
Environmental storytelling can be thought of as the "show, don't tell" of videogames, even though the player action of side of things makes it more complicated. And yet, even with just "show, don't tell," it's so easy to give in to telling–just add a radio recording, drop a note, put in a line of dialogue, do something, anything, that tells the player how they should be responding. That storytelling has its place, and, with the aforementioned Clues, SuperMassive doesn't entirely eschew it for this scene. But I appreciate how much is done through presence, how it literally gives the player space and time to come to their own conclusions.
Works Cited
Jenkins, Henry. "Game Design as Narrative Architecture." Electronic Book Review. 10 July 2004. Web. 6 June 2016.
Smith, Harvey, and Matthias Worch. "What Happened Here? Environmental Storytelling." GDC Vault. 2010. Web. 6 June 2016.


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Latin America expert Pablo Galarce on Tuesday said that Jair Bolsonaro's presidential victory in Brazil is part of a growing trend of authoritarian leaders across the world.
"[What] has happened today is what happened in the 60s in so many countries where we had military dictators before, and then we had democracy and now, unfortunately, democracy throughout the world has not been able to solve so many problems," Galarce, a Democracy and Governance Adviser, told Hill.TV's Buck Sexton and Krystal Ball on "Rising."
"A lot of people [have] come out of poverty, but their issues are still so big, and a lot of people are resorting to violence, to extortion, to narco-trafficking," he continued. "This is a trend we, unfortunately, see throughout the world."
"Unfortunately, Brazil is a violent society," he said. "60,000 people a year have been killed in Brazil due to unemployment, lack of resources, lack of economic means."
Galarce went on to compare Bolsonaro's rhetoric to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's crackdown on violence and corruption.
"Sort of like the president of the Phillippines in other words, very extremist in saying 'when we patrol the streets and have some issues, we can just kill people.' "
"There's a lot of issues. There's a lot of violence. There's a lot of drug trafficking going on in Brazil, but I don't think you should be solving the drug trafficking issue just by killing people," he said.
Bolsonaro was elected president of Brazil on Sunday, winning roughly 55 percent of the vote.
His opponents have repeatedly criticized his rhetoric on a slew of issues including race and LGBTQ matters.
President TrumpDonald John TrumpPence: It's not a "foregone conclusion" that lawmakers impeach Trump FBI identifies Pensacola shooter as Saudi Royal Saudi Air Force second lieutenant Trump calls Warren 'Pocahontas,' knocks wealth tax MORE called his new Brazilian counterpart on Sunday to congratulate him on his victory.
— Julia Manchester