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Visit us online at www.ramahoutdoors.org
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Rabbi Menachem Creditor
Congregation Netivot Shalom || Bay Area Masorti || ShefaNetwork
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Last week we intensely and passionately discussed and debated no less than eighthalakhic topics. However, this particular meeting illuminated one coherent theme:Access. Or, access, status, and equality in the light of Torah.
Access to Revelation.
Access to Authority.
Access to Relationships.
Access to God on behalf of the Community.
We talked deeply about real issues and real people. While it is impossible to cover everything at once, significant change demands careful attention, more questions than answers, and a healthy realization that different people understand and intuit God's will and word in diverse and distinct, yet equally valid ways.
(What follows is my take on four of the issues discussed, and does not necessarily reflect the views of the entire CJLS, or individual members.)
Access to Revelation: Rabbi Pamela Barmash put forth an appendix to her already unanimously passed teshuvah, "Status of the Heresh and of Sign Language." One issue remained unresolved: whether or not a deaf community could hold a fully ritualized Torah reading in sign language, complete with blessings. Rabbi Barmash brought with her well respected members of the deaf community who addressed the CJLS with passion and eloquence.
While the CJLS remains somewhat divided on whether or not sign language is 'reading' or 'translation', which impacts the Torah reading more than other rituals, Rabbi Barmash's teshuvah passed virtually unanimously. In this case, members of the Law Committee powerfully elevated inclusion and near-equal access to Torah for its deaf members of the Jewish community.
Access to Relationships: Rabbis Elliot Dorff, Avram Reisner and Danny Nevins put forth a worthy draft for a gay-marriage ceremony as a follow-up to their landmark teshuvah that passed in 2006. As the committee begins to fully unpack and internalize their effort, it is clear that the needs and rights of the gay community are being well considered within a framework of Halakhah and the Torah's most precious values.
Access to Authority: Rabbi Joseph Prouser presented a paper to rebut an unfortunate ruling by a prominent orthodox rabbi, that basically bans a convert from sitting on a Bet Din, even with all other qualifications being equal (see more here).
Rabbi Prouser has written an extraordinary response in the form of a teshuvah for the Conservative Movement's Joint Bet Din, bringing the best of halakhic discourse, academic rigor, and aggadic prose to strongly deflate any possible stringent opinion. In doing so, he beautifully reaffirms exactly how the Jewish community ought to treat and view those amongst us who make the holy choice to join Judaism - as nothing less than full Jews in every respect.
Access to God on behalf of the Community: Rabbi Gail Labovitz has addressed a question that has vexed living communities for quite some time. Knowing how essential and embedded the Yom Kippur fast is, may one who is unable to cease from eating based on medical advice (pregnancy, breastfeeding, etc..) still serve the community and God as Shaliah Tzibbur, prayer leader? Rabbi Labovitz's answer, Yes. While some restrictions will help guide the community in deciding how to implement this ruling, it is evident that Rabbi Labovitz has deftly utilized traditional sources and a realistic awareness of individual and communal needs to navigate this question.
After spending a few days reflecting on my first CJLS meeting I feel nothing less than honored and humbled to be nestled amongst this brilliant and thoughtful group, doing this work, all in service of God, Torah and Israel.
A few weeks ago, I was in a meeting discussing an upcoming ballot initiative which would eliminate the death penalty in favor of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Everybody in the room was opposed to the death penalty. The discussion was about the strategy that should be employed to convince voters to make the proposition law. The campaign's tactic was to argue that the death penalty was more expensive than life imprisonment without the possibility of parole (LWOP). This is, of course, true. As theLA Times reported:
[An] examination of state, federal and local expenditures for capital cases, conducted over three years by a senior federal judge and a law professor, estimated that the additional costs of capital trials, enhanced security on death row and legal representation for the condemned adds $184 million to the budget each year.
However, sitting in that room, engaging in that conversation, I suddenly got very depressed. I realized how we had all been impacted by the culture of greed that has overwhelmed our country.
I want to make clear that I think that we urgently need to stop our country's machinery of death and to begin the hard work of justice—reforming our prisons, making victims and/or their families whole, allowing for transgressors to repent and atone (as I argue here). I think that replacing the death penalty with LWOP is a good and important step on the way to accomplishing this. I was reacting to the fact that the parameters of the debate (cheaper is better) are not ones that I agree with and are destructive to the moral fabric of our country and society. Let me explain.
One does not expect to learn Biblical lessons from a politician. However, just a few weeks ago, in an interview with the Wall St. Journal, Herman Cain illustrated an important lesson that the Torah teaches. Cain didn't teach Torah. Rather he personified the type of person that the Torah warned against. (This is all before he demonstrated his latest moral and political obtuseness.) We find the following in Deuteronomy chapter 8:
Beware that you do not forget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments and His ordinances and His statutes which I am commanding you today; otherwise, when you have eaten and are satisfied, and have built good houses and lived in them, and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and gold multiply, and all that you have multiplies, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God who brought you out from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. … and you say to yourselves, "My own power and the might of my own hand have won this wealth for me."
Cain, referring to the folks at Occupy Wall St., said: "Don't blame Wall Street, don't blame the big banks, if you don't have a job and you're not rich, blame yourself. It is not someone's fault if they succeeded, it is someone's fault if they failed." What better paraphrase is there of "My own power and the might of my own hand have won this wealth for me."
This narcissistic solipsism of the "winners" (or as Matt Taibi has pointed out, the cheaters) is not limited to one of the Republican candidates—it has taken over our culture in many ways. The most prominent arena in which this happens is the political. All arguments come down to their monetary value.
One of my constant companions nowadays is a rabbi who died over a hundred years ago. Simchah Zissel Ziv was born in Frankfurt, Germany in 1824 and eventually became the rabbi of the Lithuanian town of Kelme, as a result of which he is known as the the alter or "elder" of Kelm. He was the student of the founder of the mussar movement in Judaism. This movement stressed the importance of strict ethical behavior in the spirit of Jewish law. Reb Simchah Zissel put his own spin on this school. In the collection of his essays he stresses that the most important prerequisite to living a righteous life is "helping one's fellow with their burden." Reb Simchah doesn't mean this in a metaphorical way. A person has to train themselves towards a radical empathy in order to be able to feel and then to actually respond to the sufferings of another person.
The greatest obstacle to this radical empathy of "helping one's fellow with their burden" according to Ziv, is greed. Greed, he says, turns all actions and intentions on their head. One wants to give charity, but then, realizing that there is a monetary loss involved, one will invent all manner of justifications for not giving charity, up to and including making not giving charity an ideal ("moral hazard," "teaching people how to fish," "pulling up by bootstraps"). Not giving charity becomes in one's mind the more righteous path. Radical empathy is dependent on being able to respond to another person's suffering rather than calculating your actions vis a vis another in dollars and cents.
Wealth and greed are not the same. Greed is bad while wealth is neutral. The accumulation of wealth for the purpose of comfort and even luxury, if it is also accompanied by an investment in the well being of society—the assurance that all people reach a threshold of the goods needed to live in dignity— is good. The accumulation of wealth for its own sake—beyond any possible needs of survival then comfort then luxury—at some point turns into an obsession. The wealth becomes an end, a value independent of and overriding other values. In the Jewish tradition this is called idolatry.
The vocabulary of greed has taken over the political culture and has trampled empathy and the claims of justice. Cutting social service programs—which, a study released this week shows, have kept millions of people above the poverty line—in the name of "efficiencies" and "anti-tax pledges" is immoral. Raising the cry of narcissistic solipsism to the level of a moral virtue ("I earned this money all by myself and therefore nobody has any right to it!") makes the immoral claim of being an island unto oneself, as if one graded the land and poured the concrete and smoothed the blacktop with one's own hands to get one's widgets to the markets—as if one has not benefitted from luck and circumstance and the hard work of many who came before, and who toiled independent of one, as if the accident of birth, the economic and geographic circumstances of one who is impoverished are their own doing and their own fault.
The worse thing about this, the thing that had me depressed in that very nice living room with those fine people was that even those of us who are trying to create a more just world, have been impacted by the universe of monetized morals. Should we not be able to argue that the death penalty should be abolished because it is immoral on its own, and not because it is more expensive than the alternative!? Should we not be able to be heard on the issue merely because it is just and right?
November 2011
It's just a month away! From December 1 to December 4, United Synagogue's leaders and friends with gather in San Diego for Kallah 2011. We'll learn, sing, talk, think, feel, and share the joy of Shabbat with each other, and to learn skills to bring home to our own kehillot. And as part of the celebration of USY's 60th anniversary, we'll honorJackie Saltz that Saturday night, after havdalah. It's not too late to decide to join us.
New Ideas
Alim - Helping a Kehilla Evolve - One of the new United Synagogue's most pressing mandates is to work with new, emerging, or evolving kehillot. Here's the story of one such partnership.
What's New for You
Meet Our New Relationship Managers - As our new system of developing relationships with each of our kehillot continues to unfold, we are glad to announce that we've completed our team of kehilla relationship mangers. Please meet our two newest KRMs.
CJ Is On Its Way - The latest issue of CJ: Voices of Conservative/Masorti Judaism is due in your mailbox the week of November 21. Read about women rabbis, a bat mitzvah project in a Chinese orphanage, Jewish life in the Caribbean, bnai anousim in New Mexico, and so much more.
MicroGrants for Outreach to Young Adults - Our strategic plan stresses the importance of reaching out to young adults, who after all are our future. We are thrilled to be able to offer grants of up to $3,500 to kehillot that provide resources and engagement opportunities to 22- to 35-year-olds. Hurry – the application deadline is November 15.
Could Your Kehillah Use Help Launching a Leadership Program? - Sulam for Current Leaders provides a toolkit that helps you to plan around issues of leadership, delegation, and accountability. It explores the managerial challenges of volunteer and staff relationships, as well as the visionary aspects that make synagogue leadership special and sacred. Rabbi Charles Savenor and Bob Levanthal of the Alban Institute will lead a webinar exploring the program on Wednesday, November 16, at noon eastern time (that's 1 p.m. Atlantic, 11 a.m. central, 10 a.m. mountain, and 9 a.m. Pacific time). The webinar will be held again at 7:30 p.m. eastern time that day (and of course that's 8:30 Atlantic, 6:30 central, 5:30 mountain, and 4:30 Pacific, all p.m.). Register now; we'll send you call-in information by November 15.
Schechter Schools' New Website - The Solomon Schechter Day School Network's lovely new website offers prospective students and their parents the information they need to make the vitally important decision about where to go to school; its private section offers Schechter professionals and lay leaders materials, background, and support.
Educators Workshops in Oakland - Our educational consultants, Wendy Light and Susan Wyner, go to Oakland, California, in mid-November to offer workshops to help teachers in Jewish institutions and educational leadersconfront the challenges they face.
Celebrate USY@60 in New York at Citi Field - On Sunday, November 20, our Metny region will celebrate USY's 60th birthday, honor Bruce Varon, and remember Bob Perla by launching a youth fund in his name. Email Wendy Glick for more information.
We Want Your Art! - Next year's calendar will showcase art from our affiliated kehillot. If there is something particularly beautiful in your synagogue – an object, a structural element, an angle where the light comes in – send us a photograph and we will be glad to consider it for the 2012/2013 5773 calendar. Email images to Joanne Palmer. The deadline is November 30.
United Synagogue Kallah - We take what used to be the biennial convention and make it into a kallah – an unconventional convention – as we gear up toward Shabbat and then celebrate it with joy, spirit, heart, and mind on December 1 through 4 in San Diego, California. Please join us!
Honoring Jackie Saltz - As part of USY's 60th birthday celebrations, we honor Jackie Saltz in San Diego on December 3, the Saturday night of our convention.
Hazak Is Going to Israel - Hazak, for people 55 and older – often much older! – is kicking off a new, much more active trip to Israel, with an exciting new itinerary. The trip is set for December 11 to December 22, 2011. Join us! Email Jo-Anne Tucker-Zemlak for information.
USY's International Convention - From Sunday, December 25, to Thursday, December 29, USYers will get together in Philadelphia with incredible ruach, curiosity, and joy to celebrate the organization's 61st international convention.
North American Day School Conference - Educational leaders from across the Jewish world, including representatives of the Schechter Day School Network, will gather in Atlanta from January 15-17 for the annual North American Day School Conference.
Koach Kallah - Koach, our college program, invites college students to Boston University from February 23 to February 26 for the 2012 Koach kallah. Rabbi Jane Kanareck, assistant professor of rabbinics at Hebrew College, will be there; the weekend will focus on high-quality, accessible learning, skills training, and leadership development, and of course Shabbat will be filled with music, talk, high spirits, spirited davening, and joy. This year, the kallah is made possible by the generous support of the Women's League for Conservative Judaism.
From the Conservative Yeshiva
Summer Program - Registration for the summer program at the Conservative Yeshiva at United Synagogue'sFuchsberg Jerusalem Center is open. We offer two three-week session, one beginning July 1, the other July 22. Learn Hebrew, study texts, and enjoy the city! We are introducing the volunteer and study option – learn for half the day, and volunteer with Jerusalem-area organizations the other half.
Scholarships for the Conservative Yeshiva's year program still are available. Come for the Yeshiva's spring semester, which begins January 4, and experience the joy of talmud Torah in Jerusalem.
Feel free to email for information about any of the Conservative Yeshiva's programs.
USY International Convention - This December, Philadelphia will host the 61st annual USY convention. It will include a musical salute to USY's 60th anniversary, Chanukah candlelighting, discussions about derech eretz (ethical behavior), social activities, leadership sessions, social action programs, a talk from Marc Elliot, music from a cappella group Six13, and much more. USYers, talk to your regional USY office, look on the web, or email us for more information.
Early Bird Registration - If your teenager wants to join us in one of our life-altering summer programs, which go to the glaciers of Alaska or to sun-soaked Israel, to the depths of the Grand Canyon or the top of Masada, register now and lock in the early bird 2011 price. It's good until November 15. From then until December 31, you can save $100.
Nativ Opens a New Track - Nativ, USY's gap-year leadership program in Israel, now offers a track in Kfar Hassidim Youth Village. You can get regular updates about Nativ 31's year in Israel on Twitter by following @nativisrael. Nativ is accepting applications for the 2012-2013 school year.
From Our Book and Media Center
Autumn and winter give us more time to read, to think, and to create, as we curl up indoors, next to a fireplace (if we're lucky enough to have one). Here are some books with food for (Jewish) thought.
It's Never Too Late For a Luach - The secular year is drawing to a close, but the Jewish year is still young. Do you have your luach yet? If you buy one now, you can register for Luach Updates, an online information source that keeps you up to date.
Thank You from Project Reconnect
More than 300 kehillot across the world participated in Project Reconnect's High Holy Day program, Come Home For the Holidays. Project Reconnect is grateful to each one of them, and wants to express its gratitude publicly. Project Reconnect also is looking for stories from participating kehillot and the families who opened their homes this holiday season. Please send your stories to Daniel.
USY at 60
Save the Dates! - We will celebrate Jackie Saltz on December 3 in at Kallah 11 in San Diego, California as we mark USY's 60th anniversary.
We look forward to watching old friends reconnect, laugh, and remember as we raise scholarship funds to ensure USY's bright future.
Please join us at facebook.com/USY60. If you met your husband or wife at USY, please share your story on Facebook – just enter "I Met My Spouse in USY" in the search box.
Jules Gutin - Now On Video! - Jules Gutin, USY's longtime director, was honored by USY@60 and a legion of his fans and admirers in late September. Here is the video that was shown at the celebration.
Celebrate USY@60 in New York at CitiField - On Sunday, November 20, our Metny region will celebrate USY's 60th birthday, honor Bruce Varon, and remember Bob Perla by launching a youth fund in his name. Email Wendy Glick for more information.
Around the Jewish World
New Bedford Shul Seeks Former Members - Tifereth Israel Congregation in New Bedford, Massachusetts, is turning 90! It's looking for former members and their descendants for a big birthday bash to celebrate chai times five in November. Email, call 508-997-3171, or write to 145 Brownell Avenue, New Bedford, MA 02740.
Around the Jewish World
Get A Job, Rambam! - Masorti, the organization that represents Conservative/Masorti kehillot in Israel, offers a copy of the poster that's taken non-haredi Israel bystorm. For just $11.95, you can have your very own copy.
Web Hosting
Take advantage of free Internet hosting services to affiliated synagogues, USY chapters, and afternoon/day schools. We now also can provide your synagogue with a free template CMS website.
Two Minute Torah
Got two minutes? Get some Torah! Enjoy our weekly podcast and sign up for email alerts. www.koach.org
The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism


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CheckBeat 3.0
Download (1.8 MB)
CheckBeat is a virtual drum machine designed for quickly creating simple beats. It can be used like a fancy metronome and is handy when you need to create a backing beat for a drummer-less jam session.
CheckBeat is a virtual drum machine designed for quickly creating simple beats. It can be used like a fancy metronome and is handy when you need to create a backing beat for a drummer-less jam session.
If you have problem downloading CheckBeat, stop using your download manager and download directly from browser. Check also your firewall, proxy settings, because some download mirrors may require that you do not block the HTTP referers.
Easy Freeware is not responsible for program you are downloading nor for information provided about the software products listed on our freeware site as the publisher/developer can modify these software information without notifying us. Even if we try to check the files for viruses ourselves, we cannot guarantee 100% that they are clean. So, for your complete protection always check downloaded files for viruses, spyware and malware.
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UltraMixer Free 126.96.36.199 UltraMixer is a DJ-Mixing-Software which enables you to mix digital music in various formats such as MP3, WMA, OGG, WAV or CDs in real time. All you need is a sound card. The DJ's turntables are replaced by two digital SoundPlayers.
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subset: commoncrawl


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CL3VER, the cloud based platform for interactive 3D presentations, has announced the release of a brand new WebGL GPU-based real-time lightmap technology that will be available for users in the upcoming CL3VER 3.0 version. CL3VER 3.0 will add several game changing features that speed up the production workflow of cross platform interactive 3D presentations.
Faster presentations without rendering time
When it comes to presenting and communicating your designs, rendering times can become to cause significant bottlenecks. These potential delays can have an impact on project deadlines and can be multiplied when client changes to projects are required.
CL3VER 3.0 introduces a new proprietary automatic real-time lightmap rendering solution that drastically reduces the rendering time required by traditional visualization techniques from several hours to just minutes. By leveraging the performance of today's GPUs within the artists workstations and laptops, CL3VER is able to dramatically improve the real-time lightmap rendering workflow.
The new solution will offers engineers, architects, and other design professionals
a higher level of flexibility, allowing them to easily create interactive 3D presentations. Any changes to the presentation can be incorporated quickly since extensive re-rendering will no longer be required. The process is automatic, meaning that lightmaps of the scene are calculated in real-time while users continue to work on the presentation allowing them to immediately see the impact on the scene illumination after any changes have been made.
Streamlined workflow for visual 3D communication
CL3VER is a solution for architects, engineers and designers to quickly create high quality multi-device interactive 3D presentations using existing 3D models.
The CL3VER platform will be improved to better support all compatible 3D formats, making the process to import models much faster.
An improved UI will make the process of creating a scene and including animation and interactivity more intuitive. Finally, a new sharing system will enable project owners to quickly invite users to view, edit and collaborate on projects in a secure environment.
Release date
CL3VER 3.0 will be released on March 11, 2015.
CL3VER has enabled a subscription list to provide early access to the 3.0 version. All the details of the new features and improvements will be unveiled on the release date.
There's more information available on the CL3VER website.


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Town of Chapel Hill, NCHome Menu
Bolin Creek Watershed Restoration Team
In January 2006, assessments of stream health by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) rated Bolin Creek as "impaired" from Pathway Drive in Carrboro to Fordham Boulevard, adding this section of Bolin Creek to the NC 303(d) list. Downstream portions of Bolin Creek from Fordham Boulevard to Little Creek continued to be on the list from previous cycles. The 303(d) list takes its name from Section 303(d) of the Federal Clean Water Act which requires states to maintain a list of waters that do not meet their intended or designated use(s). Bolin Creek is listed as biologically impaired, meaning that conditions do not support a healthy variety of insect larvae and fish which are indicator species of water quality.
Staff from the Chapel Hill Engineering and Carrboro Planning Departments, NCDENR, and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began meeting in April 2006 to discuss water quality issues affecting the two Towns. The Bolin Creek Watershed Restoration Team (Team) was formed from these discussions to assess the condition of the Bolin Creek watershed, and to cooperatively apply for grants to restore and enhance the ecological health of Bolin Creek and its surrounding drainage areas (watershed).
The Team received a Clean Water Management Trust Fund stormwater mini-grant in November 2006 which was used to conduct a detailed geomorphic assessment of Bolin stream reaches. Consultant Earth Tech cataloged areas of erosion, instability, and other high risk locations. EPA's Science and Ecosystem Support Division also assisted with the geomorphic assessment. The information collected from these efforts was used to receive a 319 Grant for stream restoration, and will be used to develop future work plans and grant applications.


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Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez answered the questions of the club's members at Sunday's 2013 General Assembly, confirming that 'Los Blancos' will not be making any signings in the winter transfer window.
"We're delighted with the current squad," Pérez said. "We're not going to sign anyone in January."
The Madrid chief also discussed possible departures from the Santiago Bernabéu:
"We've bought a lot of players and some will have to leave."
Meanwhile, Pérez also admitted:
"When I arrived [as president of the club] in 2000, there were players who weren't getting paid."
He was also asked about the redevelopment of the club's stadium, declaring that the process will cost Madrid 400 million euros:
"We want to build a Bernabéu for the 21st century, and it will of course incur some debt."


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Traits of a Good Commercial Construction Company
It would be wise for one to make sure that he or she deals with a company with the best workforce whenever one has to do a commercial or industrial construction. One would need to make sure that he or she gives his or her project to a company that will make sure that the structure made be it wooden, metallic or built of stones will last for quite some time. Where one needs a construction done especially a commercial one or an industrial one, one would need to make sure that he or she has the best individuals do it for the building to meet the standards as well as last for long. There are some things one would need to ensure in his or her search for a company supposed to do the work in question.
Among the things one would need to ensure include the number of contracts the company in question has done since its inception. One would be glad to find a company that has enough experience in in construction and renovation of industrial and commercial buildings. One would also need to know that bigger companies tend to have better work quality a reason that makes a good number of people prefer to work with them as compared to working with smaller construction companies. The company in question ought to have built a solid reputation especially based on reliability, experience and skill. The best company is not only capable of building new commercials and industrial structures but are also capable of renovating the old ones. The best contractors make sure that has return customers such that the moment one transacts business with the company, he or she keeps coming back as well as keep referring his or her friends and acquaintances to the company in question. One would be lucky to have his or her commercial construction or industrial construction done by an expert.
Corporate experience, as well as skills by the task force, are some of the virtues that keep these companies at the top. It would also be wise for one to not only make sure that he or she works with a company that yields the best results but a company that also make sure that it delivers the required conditions within the expected budget. The best contractors also make sure that they advise their clients on the best and the most appropriate methods of having the best results, save cost as well as save time. As a result of good results, the best construction company also tend to have a list of repeated owners, customers, construction managers and contractors who keep getting back to utilize the services of the company in question. One would also learn that there are chances that the company in question may have registered historical structures in accordance with the local and international authorities.3 Experts Tips from Someone With Experience


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The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners adopted a resolution to support the decennial census and establish a Complete Count Coordinator (CCC) to ensure an accurate census count in Monroe County.
In order to support the approaching 2020 census, the County's CCC will assist the Census Bureau by bringing together Monroe County residents, interest groups and municipalities to provide information and advocacy for the once-a-decade count.
"This Countywide effort will bring awareness with hopes to increase participation in the 2020 Census among Monroe County residents," said Kimberly Matthews, Sr. Director of Strategic Planning and the County's CCC, who will be coordinating the local efforts. "A complete and accurate count is critical because the results affect congressional representation, federal funding, community funding opportunities, and more."
The 2020 Census counts every person living in the United States – once and in the right place on April 1, 2020. Households will receive an invitation to participate in the Census, then residents can respond online, by phone, or by mail. This is the first-time online responses will be used. If you live in the United States, you are required by law to participate in the official count. The census is mandated by the Constitution and has counted the population every 10 years since 1790.
Residents, groups, associations, and organizations - who would like to be involved should contact Matthews at email@example.com to be added future mailings, meetings and more.
For more information on the 2020 Census, visit www.2020census.gov.


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Full Demo
September 7, 2012
Wav:470 MB • 158 x WAV 44.1 kHz, 24-bit.
Synthetic Organic Textures by Bluezone offers 158 twisted sound effects such as fresh submarine ambiences, splashes, bubbly underwater sounds and ripple effects and more for a peak load of inspiration based on the organic and water theme.
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This package contains an innovative collection of ethereal textures with a sci-fi touch.
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*Other Genres that this package may be useful in:
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• World


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worldfootballcommentaries.com: Unbiased journalism and unique content since November 2006.
"In any language, the whole world is united by a ball." --- Steve Amoia, World Football Commentaries
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Marcello Lippi Releases His Azzurri Roster for Cameroon Friendly
Marcello Lippi last week in South Africa.
Mister Lippi released his roster for the upcoming friendly against Cameroon in Monaco. There were several new faces.
Gigi Buffon, Alberto Gilardino and Vincenzo Iaquinta are injured. Giuseppe Rossi was not selected due to compassionate leave after the death of his father, Fernando. Alessandro Nesta was not selected as had been rumored. Alex Del Piero appears to be out of the Azzurri set up.
Marco Borriello received his first call up for the Azzurri
with Marcello Lippi. He has 3 caps.
Morgan De Sanctis (Napoli), Federico Marchetti (Cagliari), Salvatore Sirigu (Palermo).
Daniele Bonera (Milan), Leonardo Bonucci (Bari), Fabio Cannavaro (Juventus), Mattia Cassani (Palermo), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Domenico Criscito (Genoa), Nicola Legrottaglie (Juventus).
Christian Maggio (Napoli), Andrea Cossu (Cagliari), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Gennaro Gattuso (Milan), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina), Angelo Palombo (Sampdoria), Simone Pepe (Udinese), Andrea Pirlo (Milan).
Marco Borriello (Milan), Antonio Di Natale (Udinese), Giampaolo Pazzini (Sampdoria), Fabio Quagliarella (Napoli).
Roster courtesy of La Gazzetta dello Sport, 28 February 2010.
The next friendly will be with Mexico in Brussels, Belgium on 3 June.
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Posted by Steve Amoia at 2:45:00 PM
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[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 242 (Friday, December 18, 2009)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 67132-67137] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: E9-30045] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 180 [EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0004; FRL-8796-9] Rimsulfuron; Pesticide Tolerances AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This regulation amends tolerances for residues of rimsulfuron in or on corn, field, forage and corn, field, stover and establishes tolerances in or on grain, aspirated fractions; soybean, forage; soybean, hay; soybean, hulls; and soybean, seed. E.I du Pont de Nemours and Company requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). DATES: This regulation is effective December 18, 2009. Objections and requests for hearings must be received on or before February 16, 2010, 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 [[Page 67133]] identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0004. All documents in the docket are listed in the docket index available at 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: Mindy Ondish, Registration Division (7505P), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: (703) 605-0723; 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 those engaged in the following activities:
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 to provide 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. 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 EPA's tolerance regulations at 40 CFR part 180 through the Government Printing Office's e-CFR cite at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr. To access the OPPTS Harmonized Test Guidelines referenced in this document, go directly to the guidelines at http://www.epa.gov/oppts and select ``Test Methods & Guidelines'' in the left side navigation menu. C. Can I File an Objection or Hearing Request? Under section 408(g) of 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. 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-2009-0004 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 as required by 40 CFR part 178 on or before February 16, 2010. 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 this copy, identified by docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0004, 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. Petition for Tolerance In the Federal Register of April 8, 2009 (74 FR 15971) (FRL-8407- 4), EPA issued a notice pursuant to section 408(d)(3) of FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. 346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of pesticide petitions (PP 8F7431 and PP 8F7440) by E.I du Pont de Nemours and Company, Laurel Run Plaza, P.O. Box 80038, Wilmington, DE 19880-0038. The petition requested that 40 CFR 180.478 be amended by establishing tolerances for residues of the herbicide rimsulfuron, N-((4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2- yl)aminocarbonyl)-3-(ethylsulfonyl)-2-pyridinesulfonamide, in or on corn, aspirated grain fractions at 1.02 parts per million (ppm); corn, field, forage at 0.4 ppm; corn, field grain at 0.01 ppm; and corn, field, stover at 2.5 ppm (PP 8F7440); and soybean, aspirated grain fractions at 4.51 ppm; soybean, forage at 0.25 ppm; soybean, hay at 1.2 ppm; soybean, hulls at 0.035 ppm; and soybean, seed at 0.01 ppm (PP 8F7431). That notice referenced a summary of the petition prepared by E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, the registrant, which is available to the public in the docket, http://www.regulations.gov. There were no comments received in response to the notice of filing. Based upon review of the data supporting the petition, EPA has removed the proposed tolerances for corn, aspirated grain fractions at 1.02 ppm and soybean, aspirated grain fractions at 4.51 ppm and has replaced them with a tolerance on grain, aspirated fractions at 4.5 ppm. The tolerance level for soybean, hulls was rounded up from 0.035 ppm to 0.04 ppm. The existing tolerance level for corn, field, grain was maintained at 0.1 ppm to remain harmonized with Mexico's maximum residue limit (MRL). Finally, EPA has revised the tolerance expression for all existing and new rimsulfuron tolerances. The reasons for these changes are explained in Unit IV.D. III. Aggregate Risk Assessment and Determination of Safety Section 408(b)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish a tolerance (the legal limit for a pesticide chemical residue in or on a food) only if EPA determines that the tolerance is ``safe.'' Section 408(b)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA defines ``safe'' to mean that ``there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will [[Page 67134]] 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 section 408(b)(2)(D) of FFDCA, and the factors specified in section 408(b)(2)(D) of FFDCA, EPA has reviewed the available scientific data and other relevant information in support of this action. EPA has sufficient data to assess the hazards of and to make a determination on aggregate exposure for the petitioned-for tolerances for residues of rimsulfuron and its metabolites and degradates in or on corn, field, forage at 0.4 ppm; corn, field, stover at 2.5 ppm; grain, aspirated fractions at 4.5 ppm; soybean, forage at 0.25 ppm; soybean, hay at 1.2 ppm; soybean, hulls at 0.04 ppm; and soybean, seed at 0.01 ppm. EPA's assessment of exposures and risks associated with establishing tolerances follows. A. Toxicological Profile EPA has evaluated the available toxicity data and considered its validity, completeness, and reliability as well as the relationship of the results of the studies to human risk. EPA has also considered available information concerning the variability of the sensitivities of major identifiable subgroups of consumers, including infants and children. Rimsulfuron has low acute toxicity by oral, dermal, and inhalation routes of exposure. It is a moderate eye irritant and is not a dermal sensitizer. In subchronic and chronic toxicity studies in rats, toxic effects included decreased body weight, decreased body weight gain, increased relative liver and absolute kidney weights, and diuresis. At the higher dosage, decreased liver enzymes and bilirubin, fatty change, and hepatocellular hypertrophy were observed. In the chronic rat study, decreased body weight gain and increased liver weights were observed. At the higher dosage, increased mortality was observed in males. In the subchronic study in mice, increased red blood cell (RBC) and hemoglobin, and decreased body weight gain and food efficiency were observed. In the chronic study in mice, decreased body weight, increased incidences of dilation and cysts in the glandular stomach, and degeneration of the testicular artery and tunica albuginea were observed. In the subchronic study in dogs, diuresis was indicated by urinary volume, platelet concentration and kidney weights accompanied by decreased urinary osmolality. In the chronic study in dogs, increased absolute liver and kidney weights, increased seminiferous tubule degeneration, and increased number of spermatid giant cells present in epididymides in males were observed. At the higher dosage, decreased mean body weight, decreased body weight gain, as well as increases in serum cholesterol levels, alkaline phosphatase activity, absolute liver, and relative liver and kidney weights were observed. In the developmental toxicity study in rats, no toxicity was seen at the highest dose tested. In the developmental toxicity study in rabbits, and in the 2-generation reproduction toxicity study in rats, developmental/offspring toxicity was seen in the presence of maternal/ systemic toxicity and at similar dose levels. There is no quantitative or qualitative evidence of increased susceptibility following pre- and/ or postnatal exposures, and there are no concerns or residual uncertainties. There was no evidence of potential immunotoxicity or neurotoxicity in the submitted studies. Rimsulfuron was classified by EPA as a ``not likely'' human carcinogen based on the lack of evidence of carcinogenicity in studies conducted in rats and mice. Specific information on the studies received and the nature of the adverse effects caused by rimsulfuron as well as the no-observed- adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) and the lowest-observed-adverse-effect- level (LOAEL) from the toxicity studies can be found at http://www.regulations.gov in document ``Rimsulfuron Human Health Risk Assessment for Proposed Section 3 Uses on Genetically Modified Field Corn and Soybean'' , page 28 in docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0004. B. 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-, intermediate- , 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 rimsulfuron used for human risk assessment can be found at http://www.regulations.gov in document ``Rimsulfuron Human Health Risk Assessment for Proposed Section 3 Uses on Genetically Modified Field Corn and Soybean'' , page 18 in docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0004. C. Exposure Assessment 1. Dietary exposure from food and feed uses. In evaluating dietary exposure to rimsulfuron, EPA considered exposure under the petitioned- for tolerances as well as all existing rimsulfuron tolerances in 40 CFR 180.478. EPA assessed dietary exposures from rimsulfuron in food as follows: i. Acute exposure. Quantitative acute dietary exposure and risk assessments are performed for a food-use pesticide, if a toxicological study has indicated the possibility of an effect of concern occurring as a result of a 1-day or single exposure. No such effects were identified in the toxicological studies for rimsulfuron; [[Page 67135]] 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 CSFII. As to residue levels in food, EPA assumed tolerance- level residues and 100 percent crop treated (PCT) for all existing and new uses of rimsulfuron. iii. Cancer. Based on the lack of evidence of carcinogenicity observed in the 2-year rat and 18-month mouse carcinogenicity studies, EPA classified rimsulfuron as a ``not likely'' human carcinogen. Therefore, an exposure assessment for evaluating cancer risk is not needed for this chemical. iv. Anticipated residue and PCT information. EPA did not use anticipated residue or PCT information in the dietary assessment for rimsulfuron. Tolerance level residues and 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 rimsulfuron in drinking water. These simulation models take into account data on the physical, chemical, and fate/transport characteristics of rimsulfuron. Further information regarding EPA drinking water models used in pesticide exposure assessment can be found at http://www.epa.gov/oppefed1/models/water/index.htm. Based on the First Index Reservoir Screening Tool (FIRST) and Screening Concentration in Ground Water (SCI-GROW) models, the estimated drinking water concentrations (EDWCs) of rimsulfuron for acute exposures are estimated to be 5.596 parts per billion (ppb) for surface water and 0.016 ppb for ground water; and for chronic exposures are estimated to be 0.120 ppb for surface water and 0.016 ppb for ground water. Modeled estimates of drinking water concentrations were directly entered into the dietary exposure model. For chronic dietary risk assessment, the water concentration of value 0.120 ppb was used to assess the contribution to drinking water. The surface water value was used in the chronic dietary assessment since it was higher than the groundwater value and, therefore, more protective. The acute surface water value is not relevant to this dietary assessment, as a toxic effect attributable to a single dose has not been identified for rimsulfuron. The cancer dietary risk assessment is also not relevant due to the lack of evidence of carcinogenicity in the conducted rat and mice toxicity studies. 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). Rimsulfuron 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 rimsulfuron to share a common mechanism of toxicity with any other substances, and rimsulfuron does not appear to produce a toxic metabolite produced by other substances. For the purposes of this tolerance action, therefore, EPA has assumed that rimsulfuron does not have a common mechanism of toxicity with other substances. For information regarding EPA's efforts to determine which chemicals have a common mechanism of toxicity and to evaluate the cumulative effects of such chemicals, see EPA's website at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative. D. Safety Factor for Infants and Children 1. In general. Section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA provides that EPA shall apply an additional tenfold (10X) margin of safety for infants and children in the case of threshold effects to account for prenatal and postnatal toxicity and the completeness of the database on toxicity and exposure unless EPA determines based on reliable data that a different margin of safety will be safe for infants and children. This additional margin of safety is commonly referred to as the FQPA SF. In applying this provision, EPA either retains the default value of 10X, or uses a different additional safety factor when reliable data available to EPA support the choice of a different factor. 2. Prenatal and postnatal sensitivity. In the developmental toxicity in rats, no developmental toxicity was seen at the highest dose tested. In the developmental toxicity study in rabbits, and in the 2-generation study in rats, developmental/offspring toxicity was seen in the presence of maternal/systemic toxicity. In the rabbit study, fetal effects (production of only two viable fetuses) occurred at a higher dose (1,500 mg/kg/day) than the dose (500 mg/kg/day) resulting in maternal toxicity (death and reduced weight gain). In the reproduction study offspring effects (decreased mean body weight in F1 males, decreased body weight gain in F1 females, and decreased daily food consumption in F1 males) also occurred at a higher dose (1,316 mg/ kg/day) than the dose (M: 830 mg/kg/day; F: 1,021 mg/kg/day) resulting in parental/systemic toxicity (decreased body weight gain in males and females). Consequently, there is no quantitative or qualitative evidence of increased susceptibility following pre- and/or postnatal exposure to rimsulfuron. 3. Conclusion. EPA has determined that reliable data show the safety of infants and children would be adequately protected if the FQPA SF were reduced to 1X. That decision is based on the following findings: i. The toxicity database for rimsulfuron is adequate to assess potential for pre- and/or postnatal toxicity. In accordance with part 158 Toxicology Data requirements, an immunotoxicity study (870.7800), and acute and subchronic neurotoxicity studies (870.6200) are required for rimsulfuron. Despite the absence of specific immunotoxicity and neurotoxicity studies, EPA has evaluated the available toxicity data and has determined that there is no evidence that rimsulfuron either causes neurotoxic effects or directly targets the immune system, and, therefore, an additional UF is not needed to account for the lack of these studies. ii. There is no indication that rimsulfuron 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 rimsulfuron 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 databases. The chronic dietary food exposure assessments were performed based on 100% PCT and tolerance-level residues. EPA made conservative (protective) assumptions in the ground and surface water modeling used to assess exposure to rimsulfuron in drinking water. Residential exposure is not expected for rimsulfuron. These assessments will not underestimate the exposure and risks posed by rimsulfuron. [[Page 67136]] E. 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-, intermediate-, 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 and no acute dietary endpoint was selected. Therefore, rimsulfuron is not expected to pose an acute risk. 2. Chronic risk. Using the exposure assumptions described in this unit for chronic exposure, EPA has concluded that chronic exposure to rimsulfuron from food and water will utilize <1% of the cPAD for the general population and all population subgroups, including children 1-2 years old, the population group receiving the greatest exposure. There are no residential uses for rimsulfuron. 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). Rimsulfuron is not registered for any use patterns that would result in residential exposure. Therefore, the short-term aggregate risk is the sum of the risk from exposure to rimsulfuron through food and water and will not be greater than the chronic aggregate risk. 4. Intermediate-term risk. Intermediate-term aggregate exposure takes into account intermediate-term residential exposure plus chronic exposure to food and water (considered to be a background exposure level). Rimsulfuron 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 rimsulfuron 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. Based on a lack of evidence for carcinogenicity in mice and rats following long-term dietary administration, rimsulfuron is not expected to pose a cancer risk. 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 rimsulfuron residues. IV. Other Considerations A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology Adequate enforcement methodology (high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet (HPLC/UV) detection method AMR-1241-88) 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 established or proposed Codex maximum residue limits (MRLs) for residues of rimsulfuron. There are Canadian MRLs for rimsulfuron residues on tomatoes and blueberries, and Mexican tolerances for residues on potatoes, tomatoes, and corn. The Mexican tolerance for corn (0.1 mg/kg) is identical to the existing U.S. tolerance for corn grain and harmonization will be maintained. C. Revisions to Petitioned-For Tolerances The proposed tolerances on corn, aspirated grain fractions at 1.02 ppm and soybean, aspirated grain fractions at 4.51 ppm have been revised to grain, aspirated fractions at 4.5 ppm. Rimsulfuron residues were shown to concentrate in aspirated grain fractions (AGF) in both corn grain and soybean seed. As the residues in soybean AGF are higher than in corn AGF, the tolerance was established at 4.5 ppm based on the soybean residue data. The proposed tolerance for soybean, hulls at 0.035 ppm was rounded up to 0.04 ppm. The tolerance level for corn, field, grain was maintained at 0.1 ppm, rather than the proposed 0.01 ppm, to remain harmonized with the MRL in Mexico. EPA has also revised the tolerance expression for all existing and new rimsulfuron tolerances. The revised tolerance expression makes clear that the tolerances cover ``residues of rimsulfuron, including its metabolites and degradates'' and that compliance with the tolerance levels will be determined by measuring only rimsulfuron, N-((4,6- dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl)aminocarbonyl)-3-(ethylsulfonyl)-2- pyridinesulfonamide. EPA has determined that it is reasonable to make this change in the tolerance expression final without prior proposal and opportunity for comment, because public comment is not necessary, in that the change has no substantive effect on the tolerance, but rather is merely intended to clarify the existing tolerance expression. V. Conclusion Therefore, tolerances are established for residues of rimsulfuron, including its metabolites and degradates, in or on corn, field, forage at 0.4 ppm; corn, field, stover at 2.5 ppm; grain, aspirated fractions at 4.5 ppm; soybean, forage at 0.25 ppm; soybean, hay at 1.2 ppm; soybean, hulls at 0.04 ppm; and soybean, seed at 0.01 ppm. Compliance with these tolerance levels will be determined by measuring only rimsulfuron, N-((4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl)aminocarbonyl)-3- (ethylsulfonyl)-2-pyridinesulfonamide, in or on the commodities. VI. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews This final rule establishes tolerances under section 408(d) 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 [[Page 67137]] Populations'' (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994). Since tolerances and exemptions that are established on the basis of a petition under section 408(d) of FFDCA, such as the tolerance in this final rule, do not require the issuance of a proposed rule, the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) do not apply. This final rule directly regulates growers, food processors, food handlers, and food retailers, not States or tribes, nor does this action alter the relationships or distribution of power and responsibilities established by Congress in the preemption provisions of 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). VII. 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: December 8, 2009. Lois Rossi, 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 180.478 is amended in paragraph (a) by revising the introductory text, by revising the entries for Corn, field, forage and Corn, field, stover, and by alphabetically adding entries for Grain, aspirated fractions; Soybean, forage; Soybean, hay; Soybean, hulls; and Soybean, seed to the table to read as follows: Sec. 180.478 Rimsulfuron; tolerances for residues. (a) General. Tolerances are established for residues of the herbicide rimsulfuron, including its metabolites and degradates, in or on the commodities in the table below. Compliance with the tolerance levels specified below is to be determined by measuring only rimsulfuron, N-((4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl)aminocarbonyl)-3- (ethylsulfonyl)-2-pyridinesulfonamide), in or on the commodities. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Commodity Parts per million ------------------------------------------------------------------------ * * * * * Corn, field, forage 0.4 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ * * * * * Corn, field, stover 2.5 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ * * * * * Grain, aspirated fractions 4.5 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ * * * * * Soybean, forage 0.25 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Soybean, hay 1.2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Soybean, hulls 0.04 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Soybean, seed 0.01 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ * * * * * ------------------------------------------------------------------------ * * * * * [FR Doc. E9-30045 Filed 12-17-09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-S


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March 14, 2012
John Calipari
Anthony Davis
Terrence Jones
Darius Miller
THE MODERATOR: Ladies and gentlemen of the media, hello. We'd like to welcome the student‑athletes from the University of Kentucky, Anthony Davis, Terrence Jones in the middle, and Darius Miller on the end there. We'd like to open it up now to questions from the media.
Q. Terrence, you had a decision to make a year ago, whether you'd come back or not. What were the reasons for it, and are you glad you made it now?
TERRENCE JONES: Yeah, it was just to come back and hopefully try to be more successful in this tournament right here. As of right now, I'm really happy I came back just to be on a special team like I'm on right now with the family and brothers I got on my team and the chemistry we created on the court. It's just fun to play with.
I've just been having fun playing with these dudes all year.
Q. Guys, I think you're the first ones we've seen with hats on. Can you explain your decision to come out with those things on?
DARIUS MILLER: I can't really explain it. We just decided we were going to wear the hats today, switch it up a little bit. We like having fun with everything so we just wanted to wear hats.
Q. Have you guys looked ahead possibly, licking your chops for a possible rematch with UConn?
THE MODERATOR:Â Anthony, you want to start with that one, please?
ANTHONY DAVIS:Â I haven't played UConn.
TERRENCE JONES: Being in this tournament, you've got to take it one game at a time. We're just worried about tomorrow's game and getting ready for that. We don't know what will happen in the game they've got, so you can't try to get ready for games down the road. You've just got to get ready for the game you got first.
Q. Has Michael talked to any of you guys about Derrick Gordon, his friend he went to high school with? Have you all met him, you're going to play against him tomorrow?
ANTHONY DAVIS: He said he wants to guard him. He knows that guy. He wants to stick him. High school teammates, it's always good to go against one of your high school teammates, especially around tournament time.
So he definitely told us that he wanted to guard him.
Q. Darius, how long ago did you realize that you all would probably begin the tournament here in Louisville? As a native Kentuckian, what does it mean to you to finally be able to play a tournament in your own state?
DARIUS MILLER: I haven't known for a long time. I just found out the other day. It means a lot to me knowing the support that we all have in Kentucky. I feel like we should have a lot of fan support here. I'm curious to see how many people will be at the open practice today. I feel like it will be a good game for us.
Q. Darius and Terrence, talk about‑‑ I guess Darius more‑‑ about Michael and his decision to give up his starting spot. How unselfish he's been and Anthony's been as well for freshmen coming in with all the accolades and all the hype.
DARIUS MILLER: I mean, that meant a lot to me to see how much he supported‑‑ how much he cared about me. He talked to me about it before the game. Like you said, that's just amazing for him to do, especially with the amount of talent and how good he is. It's amazing to see how such a good person he is.
Same way goes for Ant. I'm really close to them. They're both like my brothers. They're really good people. Ant doesn't get the ball much, and he's arguably the best player on the team. He never complains or anything like that. So that just goes along with showing how good of a person he is.
Q. Over the last couple of days, there's been a lot said and written about what it's going to take to bring down Kentucky, the top seed. Do you guys see or hear or read any of that? What do you think about that when you do?
ANTHONY DAVIS: We don't hear or read it. Media does a good job of keeping us away from it. So we don't worry about the game or the tournament. Just go out there and have fun and take it one game at a time.
Q. You guys, it has been a long time since you'd experienced a loss. I wonder what that first practice after the Vanderbilt game was like. What was the mood, and what was the intensity of it?
DARIUS MILLER: It was a very intense practice. We don't like losing. Coach Cal doesn't like losing, so we try to pick it up a little bit. We try to get focused on what we need to do going into the tournament. This has been our main goal all year, so we need to get dedicated to what we need to do to win this tournament.
That game really motivated us. We had a good two days of practice. So we'll see how it goes.
THE MODERATOR: Any more questions for the UK student‑athletes? All right, guys. Thank you very much.
Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to welcome University of Kentucky coach John Calipari to the podium here. We're going to go ahead and throw it out to you guys for questions to get us started.
Q. Coach, how about all these Kentucky teams in the tournament this year? Three of the four playing right here. Talk about what that means to the state of Kentucky.
COACH CALIPARI: I think it says a lot about basketball in this state. I mean, you're talking about two of the teams, really three of the teams won their conference tournament. We did not. You're talking three of the teams at the end of the year, they're all on win streaks right now. Obviously, we are not.
But Murray was the story all year, and then at the end of the year, Ray gets Western playing, and out of nowhere they become the story. And then Louisville goes to New York and does what they do. It's neat stuff for our state.
Q. John, you talked a little bit about needing the loss, talked about it on the tournament show. Can you elaborate on why you think it's a good thing?
COACH CALIPARI: I didn't say needing the loss. I said it would have been nice to have played well. At the end of that game, at the last part of that game, we didn't play poorly. We just missed a lot of shots down the stretch. They wanted it a little bit more, Vanderbilt. They were a little more physical.
But I think in this tournament, you're going to see what a good team Vanderbilt really is. Veteran team, seniors. For us, I wasn't crazy after the game. I just said, you know, this takes one thing off our plate. Let's just go play now. Let's play basketball.
Q. John, could you talk a little bit about this starting five. A lot of people in the field think this is maybe your best starting five. As a second question, what the possibility of winning a National Championship would be to you as you try to fill that void.
COACH CALIPARI: My job is just to get my team to play as well as they can play. They'll take us where we're going. It's not going to be me. It's going to be them.
As far as this being the best unit, I'm going to tell you, in '96 I had a heck of a team. 2008, a heck of a team. Last year's team, heck of a team. And even two years ago, where we had five first round draft picks, it was pretty good. And we go 0 for 20 in the Elite Eight game from the three‑point line and get beat.
So this thing, all I'm trying to tell my team right now is let's be our best. Let's play our best and see where it goes. You guys, let's stay in the moment. Let's have a ball playing. And let's just worry about us doing what we do best. If that's not good enough, it's not good enough.
Q. You discussed the one and done issue repeatedly, but I was curious, if you could put NBA executives, player agents, players' union and yourself in a room and come up with a policy that worked, how would you like to see it changed?
COACH CALIPARI: How long can I‑‑ can I expound on this a little bit? Am I allowed to?
Here's what I would say. It starts with you get the NCAA in the room, and you say you give these kids the stipend they deserve. That's one.
Two, the insurance that they have to pay for themselves, which can be upwards of $15,000 per year, $20,000 per year that they have to pay for themselves. They're loaned the money, and then they have to repay it when they come out. The NCAA should pay that to encourage them to stay.
The third thing is families, the NBA, and the NCAA should get together and have a loan program for those families‑‑ we're only talking 30 kids. We're not talking 500 players. We're talking 30 kids that would be eligible for that insurance. They should be able to have a loan. To what level, I don't know.
The last two things are the NBA. And Billy Hunter and I have talked about these. One, if a young man stays more than two years, his contract, his rookie contract should be shorter. And if a young man graduates, his pay scale should be higher when he comes in. Now we encourage these young people. It's about them. You should stay because of the integrity of our school. Unless you're Bill Gates or Steve Jobs, you guys leave and go change the world. But you guys, you stay in school because it's the integrity. It doesn't make sense to me.
My thing is these kids are chasing their dreams just like tennis players and golfers and geniuses and computer geeks and all the others. They're chasing their dreams the same way. And what we've got to do is come together and say, how do we do right by these young people? How do we make sure?
If the NBA says, no, we don't want to shorten their contract, well, then, it's on them. It's not on Billy Hunter, and it's not on the NCAA. If the NCAA says, no, we're not going to pay for this insurance. Those kids should pay for it themselves, disability insurance. Then that's on the NCAA.
But I think there's some things we can do, and hopefully people will come together and say these are simple things that would encourage young people to stay in school.
Let me say this. It's like last year. Brandon Knight. Brandon Knight was a 4.0 student and had 60 college credits after one year. He transferred in 23 honors courses, and he graduated with 60 college credits. That's two years of work in one year. But he was the seventh pick of the draft. How could you tell him to stay?
And Detroit, the Pistons, they love him. They want him to be what their whole organization is about. So it's not academic, and it isn't. It's what is right for these young people.
Anybody want to talk about this tournament we're about to play?
Q. I do. John, you said the first couple of years, telling the fans primarily relax and enjoy the ride. I'm not sure I've heard you say it as much this year. Is enjoying the ride going to be enough with this team?
COACH CALIPARI: Yeah, it's going to be enough for them and for me. Let's go for it. Let's play and let's do our best. Let's play, play great. If we play great and that's not good enough, what? And I like my team. I like our individual players, and I like how we're playing.
But the greatest thing about this tournament is the one and doneness of it. You've got to play game to game, and anybody can do anything. That's what makes it exciting. That's why people watch it on TV. That's why it rates the way it does.
Q. This is similar. There's obviously pressure for every team coming into the tournament, especially the number one seeded team. Given your near‑misses in the past, given the expectations of the Big Blue Nation, are you feeling any greater pressure this season than you have in the past?
COACH CALIPARI: I'm feeling like I always feel. Let's go do this. Let's go game at a time. Let's go possession at a time. And let me try to get my team playing as well as they can play. That's the pressure I'm feeling, but I feel it every time I bring a team in this tournament.
It's the same way. How can I get my guys focused on possessions, on the game at hand. How can I get them playing their best?
If that's not good enough, then we've got to live with it, and I'll live with it. And I have lived with it. Again, this is a fun team.
I want for them the best, and that's what we're going to strive for.
Q. You sent out a pretty strongly worded Tweet a few minutes after it became news that the New York Knicks job was open. Do you worry about those kinds of rumors and things being a distraction in the tournament for your team at all?
COACH CALIPARI: Every job that's open, including high school jobs and AAU jobs, my name is mentioned. So no. But I just wanted to say, I have a great job. The best in this profession. That's what I said.
Q. The game tomorrow.
COACH CALIPARI: What game? Is there a game tomorrow?
Q. You're playing Western, obviously. What do you know about the team? Derrick Gordon and Michael Kidd‑Gilchrist went to high school with each other. What effect do you think that has on the game?
COACH CALIPARI: I saw him play ma0ny games. I saw Michael‑‑ as a matter of fact, I saw him hit a game winner down in Florida when their team was floundering, and he made two baskets and then a game winner to win the game, which shows me how much courage he has.
What a great story. The job Ray has done to have a young team‑‑ and they are young too‑‑ come together, coaching change, and figure it out. Then if you watch them play, you've got to understand now, folks, they've been down 13, 16, 13, 11, and I'm talking their last six games, and come back and win.
They're a great rebounding team. They fly it up and down the court. It's going to be a hard game for us. First game is always hard. They've already played one. They're confident. We're a bunch of freshmen and sophomores trying to figure this out. It will be a hard game.
Q. I wonder from your perspective, has this team been as consistent in every it does as it appears to us? If so, is that a surprise to you, given all the young guys you have?
COACH CALIPARI: You know what it is? They have been, which is surprising. I looked at my assistant, John Robic, and I said, how many bad practices have we had this year? He said, maybe one or two, and I said, I can't even remember those.
So this team has been consistent in practice, which carries over to the consistency in games.
Now, we haven't shot it great every night, but we've played hard. My question to my team two weeks ago is what are you going to do to help us win when you're not making shots? Just do other things.
This team has defended all year. They have played hard all year. They haven't played great all year, but they've played hard, and they've competed. We've been in tons of close games. I mean, tons. We've probably been in 10 or 11 games with five minutes to go, four minutes to go, three minutes to go, it's anybody's ball game. And most of them we've pulled out.
The last one, we did not. We missed every single shot down the stretch. And some of them‑‑ all of them were great shots for us. We just didn't make them.
So they have been consistent. Whatever this efficiency, they say we're the most efficient team on offense and defense in the country. To have three freshmen start and be that way means you're consistent. That's the only way you're going to be that efficient.
Q. Back to Western for a bit. What does it tell you about a team that continues to come back from double digit deficits and also a team that's almost playing with house money because they could just as easily be sitting at home. How dangerous are they?
COACH CALIPARI: That's what makes them dangerous. I told my team today, if you think they're going to stop playing with 4:39 down 16, you're out of your mind. I just watched it. They're not stopping.
Literally, the other games I watched, they had people‑‑ or the people had them beat. It was over. And all of a sudden, you have to go back. How did they do this? They made plays.
They just play a vicious game. Ray should be proud of them. Their community should be proud of them.
Q. Sort of along that line, you said to your team today, especially with a team maybe so many freshmen that haven't been through the tournament experience before, how do you make sure that message sinks in, and do you feel like it will manifest itself tomorrow?
COACH CALIPARI: Well, I'm telling them, this is just the next game for us. Forget about all the trappings and all the other stuff. Just play basketball.
I like our team, I like our personnel. Let's just play basketball and don't worry about all the other stuff. Just play basketball.
I think they're going to have some butterflies. The guy sitting with him over there, me, will probably have some butterflies like I do every game I coach. So we'll just encourage them and get them to play through the ups and downs of the game and see how we do.
Q. You talked about college kids and how their games will translate in the NBA. When you recruited Anthony, did you have any idea his high school game would translate to the college game this well and this fast?
COACH CALIPARI: What I did know, he was a great, great kid with a great demeanor. You have to understand, his high school team his sophomore year won six games. His high school team his junior year may have won 11 games. So there were some things I did not want to transfer to us.
But he was just like Marcus Camby, he grew from 6'2" to 6'10", 6'9" all in a year. So you've got a guard skills big man, long. But I didn't‑‑ I knew that he would be good on the defensive end. I knew that. I didn't know that he'd be this good on the offensive end.
THE MODERATOR: Coach, thank you very much. Good luck.
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text:
Along with the surplus of peppers I have been getting from my garden, I have a good amount of herbs as well. When I was deciding what kind of herbs to plant, I knew I wanted basil. To buy fresh basil here is really expensive, so if I don't have it growing in my back yard, I don't use it. I decided to plant some in a container, so that I could try to bring it inside when the cold weather hits and maybe keep it around, although I have heard that basil is one of the hardest herbs to grow indoors. The other plant I planted out in my garden. While they are both growing well, the plant in my garden has become HUGE!! The leaves are gorgeous and big, and the smell is amazing. Oh, how I wish I could grow it outside all year round!!
I decided I wanted to make some homemade pesto to make a dent in the large amount of basil that is growing. This was my first time making it, and it couldn't be easier. But what did I want to use my pesto on??
The first is really not a recipe at all. This is one of my favorite ways to eat Alfredo. Just take your favorite Alfredo sauce and stir in a couple tablespoons of pesto. Chicken Alfredo with pasta is my husband's favorite meal, and he doesn't complain at all when I add in the pesto!!
I still had some pesto left, so a couple of nights later I decided to make mini pizzas. I would have made the dough from scratch, but I decided to do a freezer clean out. I had a few frozen Rhoade's Rolls in the bottom of my freezer, so I figured they would work perfectly for mini pizza crusts. I also had the leftover filling from the Calzones I made awhile back, so there was my topping. All I had to do was thaw the dough, add a bit of pesto to some, pizza sauce to the other, top with the filling, add a bit of cheese, and bake. Super easy when most of the ingredients come from your freezer!!
Basil Pesto
2 cups basil leaves
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup pine nuts
2-4 minced garlic cloves
1/2 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Pulse all ingredients except olive oil in a food processor or blender until chopped. Add olive oil in a stream to incorporate all ingredients.
So what's your favorite way to eat pesto?


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|Archived February 20, 2019
Invasive Sea Squirt Alive and Well on Georges Bank
An invasive sea squirt that was discovered on Georges Bank by Federal and university researchers a year ago is flourishing in U.S. waters near the United States-Canadian border, a joint research team announced in November after a research cruise to the affected area. Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the University of Rhode Island estimate that mats made of thousands of individual squirts infest a 40-mi2 area of seabed that is highly productive for fish and sea scallops. In large parts of the affected area, the sea squirts cover 50 percent or more of the seabed. The Georges Bank infestation is unique, the only known occurrence of this magnitude in a major offshore fishing ground.
Sea squirts are tunicates, a type of sea life with a primitive spinal cord and a firm, flexible outer covering called a "tunic," from which the name derives. A filter-feeding species of the genus Didemnum, they form dense mats, made of thousands of individuals, by attaching to firm substrates such as gravel, sea scallops, mussels, docks and other structures, and even seaweed. Tunicates can overgrow sea scallops and mussels, and they may affect other species of clams and worms that live in the seabed below the tunicate colony. An "invasive species" is one that is not native to an ecosystem and may harm that ecosystem if introduced.
In fall 2003, the same research team first spotted this infestation over an approximately 6-mi2 area of ocean bottom during a scientific cruise to study habitats on Georges Bank. This year, a larger area with tunicate coverage was surveyed.
The mats were observed over at least 40 mi2 of the gravel substrate on the north edge of Georges Bank. Video and photo transects made using the USGS Seabed Observation and Sampling System (SEABOSS; see USGS Fact Sheet 142-00) documented the distribution of the tunicate colonies in water depths of 42 to 65 m (138-213 ft). The cruise was conducted aboard the NOAA ship Delaware II.
Scientists will analyze data collected on the cruise to determine whether the tunicate invasion has the potential to alter the seabed communities that sustain commercial fish species. Tunicate fragments were also found in the stomachs of haddock and winter flounder collected in the area, but they did not appear to be digested. Samples of the tunicate will be evaluated to determine its nutritional value to predators and to confirm the species through DNA analysis.
The tunicate can spread by reproducing either sexually or asexually by budding. The free-swimming tadpoles produced by sexual reproduction live only a few days, during which time they can be spread by tidal and storm currents to form new colonies. By contrast, fragments of colonies are long-lived. Controlled experiments in Cape Cod waters by USGS and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution scientists have shown that small pieces removed from Didemnum colonies increase dramatically by budding in a matter of weeks. Thus, fragmentation of tunicate mats could promote the spread of the species.
Didemnum sp. occurs along the coasts of the Netherlands and France. In the United States, it has been documented in coastal New England from Connecticut to northern Maine and along the California coast, and in October 2004 it was first reported in Puget Sound off Edmonds, WA. The same species (or a close relative) is present at several localities in New Zealand. Officials in Edmonds and in New Zealand have used chemical applications and physical removal in attempts to eradicate the relatively small infestations there.
The species thrives in marine environments that lie within its preferred temperature range (28-75°F) and that have firm substrates and plentiful food, conditions that are widespread off the coasts of New England and Atlantic Canada. It could change gravel habitats that lie along the north edge of Georges Bank, as well as immobile sand habitats characteristic of southern Georges Bank. Didemnum cannot survive on habitats of moving sand, and therefore much of the shallow Georges Bank crest is not threatened. The species is not yet known to occur on mud habitats that are typical of the deep basins of the Gulf of Maine.
For more information on Didemnum on Georges Bank, and the worldwide occurrence of this invasive species, see the USGS Web site "Marine Invasive Species".
in this issue:
cover story:
Deltaic Habitats in Puget Sound
Invasive Sea Squirt Flourishing
Submarine Canyons Named for Marine Geologists
Appreciation Day for Congressman Young
Students Learn About Coastal and Marine Science
Hurricanes Focus Attention on USGS Research
College Students Visit USGS Center in St. Petersburg
Scientists Participate in Great-American Teach-In
Scientists Interviewed About Invasive Sea Squirt
Scientists Interviewed for HBO Program
International Symposium on Coastal Issues
Jeff Williams Reviews Storm Surge Model
Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institutes Conference
Suwannee River Basin and Estuary Integrated Science Workshop
Regional Executive Visits FISC Office
Jingping Xu Joins Western Coastal and Marine Geology Team
Special Oceanography Issue Includes Sediment Dynamics Article
|Archived February 20, 2019