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NEW YORK, April 20 /PRNewswire/ — Two years after questions arose regarding the viability of the U.S. rice industry, the sector has emerged stronger and has a very promising outlook with total U.S. rice exports forecast to increase around 20 percent, according to a new Rabobank report, "U.S. Rice."
"The outlook for U.S. rice growers remains strong, with more cause for optimism than concern. However, with global rice stocks already at low levels, prices are especially susceptible to any shocks," said Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory Vice President Michael Whitehead. "Adverse weather in a particular rice-growing region could be one cause of price increases, while a potential cause for a significant drop in rice prices would be a perfect storm of excellent and unimpaired growing conditions in the major producing countries."
Despite attractive prices of alternative crops, U.S. planted rice acreage fell only 3 percent in 2007/08. This differed, depending on the class of rice, with medium/short-grain rice production up approximately 16 percent on the previous crop year, while long-grain rice was down about 3 percent.
Globally, rice production is forecast to hit a record 423 million metric tons (milled basis) in the 2007-08 crop year. In China, the largest producer of rice, production is likely to remain steady because there have been major productivity gains from super-high yielding plants despite some drought conditions. Many growers in Vietnam are also likely to see production levels unchanged. However, in Thailand, the largest exporter of rice, improved yields through good weather are likely to see production increase to 30 million metric tons in the 2007-08 crop year.
Global Exports
Total U.S. rice exports for 2007/08 are forecast to increase approximately 20 percent from the previous year — in part due to export restrictions imposed by Vietnam and India. In the United States, rough rice exports largely destined for Mexico and Central America, are forecast to improve 14 percent from the previous year. Additionally, U.S. milled rice exports are forecast to jump 25 percent; although still 10 percent below the 2005-06 crop year.
"U.S. export prices continue to experience upward pressure from several factors, including healthy sales, generally high commodity prices and the relatively weaker U.S. dollar," said Whitehead.
Globally, the story varies. In Thailand, the largest exporter, the country's share of global rice trade grew from 26 percent in 2006 to a projected 32 percent in 2007, but its rice stocks are likely to fall by around 10 percent. "Even though stocks are still at a reasonably healthy level, such a drop does not go unnoticed by the market, and could have upward pressure on prices," said Whitehead.
In addition, 2007 exports fell in Vietnam, the world's second largest exporter, and in Pakistan. In Vietnam, exports were suspended in November 2007 when the country reached its export ceiling. New export limits and taxes for 2008 may see Vietnam's rice exports for 2008 fall by around 20 percent. Additionally, in Pakistan, exports are likely to fall almost 40 percent a result of a poor harvest and rising domestic prices.
In India, fears that high prices may hinder efforts to rebuild domestic stocks led to the imposition of export restrictions in the form of high minimum export prices, which effectively stopped the exports of all rice from India — except Basmati or high-quality non-Basmati rice. With little sign that these restrictions will be lifted in the near future, India's rice exports may fall approximately 10 percent.
Prices in the rice sector have continued to rise in part due to strong global demand, the decreasing value of the U.S. dollar, increased attention from speculative investors and the recent global growth of biofuels. "Indisputably, the recent global growth of biofuels has influenced the price of rice in several ways. In the United States, competition for rice acreage has come from grains and oilseeds, boosted in price by biofuels or feed/food gap demand," said Whitehead.
Major price increases were seen in aromatic rice, largely a result of limited supplies from India and Pakistan, as well as increased demand pressures from the EU and some Asian markets. In addition, lower-quality Indica rice prices also rose sharply, driven by factors such as domestic price increases in China and Pakistan, as well as import restrictions in Vietnam. While the post rice harvest period in many countries would normally ease upward pressure on prices, export restrictions or tariffs from a number of major suppliers including Vietnam, India and Egypt have made this less likely.
The involvement of funds in the rice sector continues to place upward pressure on prices. In the wake of last year's strong global prices in grains and oilseeds, many new players that have become increasingly nervous about traditional equities have gained some understanding of agricultural commodities, but feel they may have missed the opportunity for strong returns on grains and oilseeds. With the strong outlook for rice demand, it is likely that new investors will continue to play a role in maintaining upward pressure on prices.
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition) "U.S. Rice Sector Has Promising Outlook." PR Newswire, 20 Apr. 2008. Infotrac Newsstand, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A178051196/STND?u=fairfax_main&sid=STND&xid=e11f66a2. Accessed 24 Mar. 2019.


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It is something that was extremely hard to grasp and understand and make peace with, and I just simply had no idea what I am dealing with, until Pam Smith pointed me to Neal Gorman's blog's post, which I sort of read - diagonally and without paying much attention - before. And as I read it, again, and then again, it was a pure revelation, a "bingo" kind of thing, a complete and exact description of what I was going through. I got an appointment with my doctor - whom I like very much, and I don't like many doctors, but this one is young, an athlete, respects my medical background and spends time listening and thinking. We agreed (on December 17th, the date of my appointment) to run a bunch of blood work for latent viral infections (because all the blood work on vitamins deficiencies, anemia, thyroid function etc. I had already done and checked out normal).
A week later, during my and Larry's trip vacationing in CO and NM skiing, a day I attempted a 6M trail "run"/shuffle/walk at the Devil's Backbone trail near Loveland, CO (I even made it running up the hill for a full minute and half! barely), I got an email with my results back, and a note from my doctor:
"Labs indicate that you do have CMV. I would expect this to resolve over the next 6−8 weeks. Once you feel better, start back with gradual running, approximately a quarter of what you would normally do."
I also was positive for EBV, but there was no clear way to say whether this particular infection was recent or far in the past. However, the amount of antibodies and a type showed that CMV was recent and that I needed to be re-tested in 4-6 weeks prior to return to my chosen activity.
More information on CMV and EBV latent infections, which exist in more than half of adult population, but only become symptomatic in people with compromised immune system, like HIV-carriers or over-trained endurance athletes, go figure) - read in my friend's post here (she is a doctor AND an elite athlete, just like Pam Smith is. These two are a great resource when I am driving myself crazy - and confirm my fears more often than not (as I am technically out of medical field for the last 20 years, though am following it intently).
Back to the email...and while it was great to learn and KNOW that I am not imagining things, it was still a shock and a let-down. Because after reading Neal's account and his very slow come-back, it was petrifying...somewhere deep inside I was hoping it is just some sort of "blah" (in fact, my doctor even considered depression, which I do have at low levels and was able to control in my adult life with said exercise activity, listen to Nikki Kimball's honest story). BUT the "blah" turned into a medical condition which requires FULL rest! FULL REST??? My pants are already hardly zipping in! I can't stand to see myself in the mirror! AND I have a 40 mile trail thing on February 21st, in exactly those 8 weeks!!! 20 of those miles are all uphill to the highest point on East Coast - Mt Mitchell in NC!
I am in disarray, that is certain. As soon as I got my lab results back, I emailed Neil Gorman in quite an erratic letter: really? Tell me I'll be ok! - kind of thing.
He was kind enough to respond:
Hi Olga,
Thank you for the email and for touching base. Aside from CMV, I hope all is well with you. I am assuming everything is great with you which is probably why you have CMV. : ) That was the case with me at least which is very ironic. So many good things going on, very little time for sleep. Alas...
Anyway, definitely expect to make a full recovery. Diagnosis was the first painful step. Time off is the second. Try not to beat yourself up too much in the process. Like most painful experiences in life time is on your side and will wash away the pain. Your running will come around. So will your pants. I promise. I would probably bag the yoga, too. Do nothing. Absolutely nothing. You will recover faster. Be sure to get your blood checked again to make sure you're recovered then get back to running like you're coming back from a broken bone- nice and slow. At least that is what I was told to do. My cross-training at the time was gardening and planting trees. It worked for me. It will work for you.
Happy holidays! See you in February.
Didn't solve much, right? But what would one expect in response to my complete panic? So, I emailed back in a more coherent way...
In the meantime, I am still going to yoga, but AM taking it easy. I tried my 2M test yesterday - I should stop playing with it - to confirm, yet again, I can't make past half a mile jog. But I am getting lots of sleep (7 hrs daily!) and taking vitamins, just in case, and will have a meeting with my nutritionist Meredith Terranova for her advice o how to sustain any kind of sanity over loss of muscle, increase of fat and elimination of bad stuff out of my system. May be I'll take walks couple times a week. Sadly, I just committed to a fancy local gym Pure Austin and can't even activate the membership I purchased as I am not supposed to be exercising!
Well, this is where I am. Neal Gorman was right in his assumption - I WAS great this year. I felt awesome, healthy, fast. I had one of my best races in 10 years, culminating in well-executed San Diego 100. I took almost 2 months off hard training with more hiking, power-walking, yoga and some backpacking (and leading boot-camp). However, beginning the year and all the way as I returned back to train for Grindstone 100 (which was subsequently canceled), I ran on steam from negligible sleep, too many jobs and business hours and hobby add-on's, and some personal family difficulties. No wonder I could be a classic case...but I am still in disbelief...
I guess, my New year's resolution should be managing my life better, not pretending I am 25 and invincible?
I guess, that will conclude my recap on what is going on - and I am resolved to get back to fully healthy and run again, whether or not I decide to race is secondary. I miss running so much, even driving on roads makes me tear up, as I wish I could just jump out and run, every jogger or a shuffler brings some jealousy, and my dear husband is loosing his own great fitness in support of my sad physical state...That shall not go on any longer. We will be back.
On a great news, we had fantastic vacation! We spent a day and half in a place we plan to call "HOME" in 5 and half years, then a day and half skiing in Salida, CO at Mt Monarch (a second day in a blizzard freezing conditions and a whiteout), then a day skiing at Taos resort (what an amazing place to downhill ski, especially when it's Christmas and very few venture to the slopes we had all to ourselves!!), then on the last day a few hours cross-country skiing at Red River, NM, Enchantment Forest - oh, my God! Perfect morning, nobody around, over 9,000 feet altitude with a loop of 11 miles, and while I haven't been on Nordic skis in 10 years, being born and raised in Russia it's like I have my skis tied to my feet naturally! I had a blast (don't believe Larry when he says it was more uphill:)).
Well, 158 hats and 17 scarfs later, I am also finally knitting for myself, again, from the best Alpaca wool I went a little crazy buying in that mystery town we'll be moving to - which also had a real Alpaca present!
Below are some photos, Merry Christmas, everyone, and a Happy Healthy 2014 year!!! See you on the other side! Full album

subset: commoncrawl


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It's Vanessa's Time
Vanessa is currently filming Hairspray, to be released in 2007. She's working along side John Travolta and Queen Latifa. "I am so happy and blessed to be a part of this project,� she says. It's Vanessa's Time...
(Watchout--Vanessa's time has come).
Where She's From: Lovely Vanessa Cobham was born in Scarbrough, Ontario, Canada. As for her Greek name - Van from the last name, essa for ester, means Butterfly.
Her commanding appearance draws attention. She has a bubbly, outgoing personality, and is full of confidence. At the age of one, she moved to Ajax, Ontario, where she lived for 20 years. Growing up in a Guyanese household gave her the moral foundation she needed to survive in show business. Her mother and father always encouraged her to strive for her goals. "My mother Minerva enrolled me in dance classes at five years old,� she recalls. "As I studied tap, Jazz, ballet, and hip-hop, I found it to be my life's passion.�
At 16, Vanessa became a certified Dance teacher under the British Association Teachers of Dance (B.A.T.D). She taught dance until the age of 19 and then started her own dance career. "My first big break was dancing for the Toronto Raptors inaugural year,� she adds. "That opened the door to a new plateau. I started auditioning for film projects and landed my first movie role in New Jersey Turnpikes as Tanya where I played the girlfriend of actor Orlando Jones, formerly of MAD TV.�
In her journey, she's been blessed to be a part of these films: Blues Brothers 2000, Hooplife (Showtime), Famous Jett Jackson, Seventeen again, jailbait (MTV), Honey (Universal Pictures), and The Pacifier (2005). Film is not the only area Vanessa has excelled in. You could find her gracing the stage on the Broadway Musical THE LION KING and CHICAGO the musical. The music industry has also called on here to dance for Arista recording artists Toya, Wila Ford, Jada Kiss, and Nelly.
Where She's At: Vanessa is currently filming Hairspray, to be released in 2007. She's working along side John Travolta and Queen Latifa. "I am so happy and blessed to be a part of this project,� she says. "It's one of my biggest accomplishments. I intend to keep the good vibes going in my career. After wrapping this movie, I am ready for any suitable project that comes my way."
Where She's Heading: In the new year, Vanessa is planning to move to L.A and to immerse herself in the acting, singing, and dancing scenes. Her goal is to build a good reputation in the US industry through her talent and personality.
Words of wisdom: "In this business you have to start with a good foundation,� she says. "To me, that means know who you are inside. Don't try to be something that your not. When you are a sincere person, it always reads through in your performance. Let people see you soul!�
Secrets To Success: "I feel the secret to success is, never give up on your dreams. It can be a bumpy road so, always keeping a positive attitude is very important! You can be the most talented person in the world, however if your attitude is terrible it will ruin your chances.�
Vanessa's Three Favorite Books: One Day My Soul Just Opened Up: (IYANLA VANZANT), Da Vinci Code: (DAN BROWN), and In The Meantime: (IYANLA VANZANT).
Vanessa's Three Favorite Movies: Brown Sugar (Taye Diggs, Sanni Lathan),
Something New (Sanni Lathan), and Blow (Johnny Depp).
The First Three Things She Would Do As U.S. President: "Actually give proper help to Katrina victims. Offer better opportunities for Black youth, and bring the troops home Iraq.�
For more information on Vanessa please visit:Â www.myspace.com/dancegirlvanessa
To be considered for inclusion in our profiles section please send your bio and hi resolution pictures to firstname.lastname@example.com.
We'll contact those whose information will be published—females and males in all professions are welcom. Make sure you include your words of wisdom and secrets to success. Also look for the newsstand version of The Black Star New allover New York City and keep an eye on information about BSN's 2007 Talent Search. To advertise or to subscribe call (212) 481-7745.
To subscribe to or advertise in New York's leading Pan African weekly investigative newspaper, please call (212) 481-7745 or send a note to email@example.com Our motto is: "Speaking Truth To Empower.�
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I think you have "Filtered HTML" turned on here. If you switch to "Full HTML," it will probably...
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Late last year I started following a federal-level initiative that's been around a while on establishing manufacturing hubs (known as institutes) around the country specializing in specific areas of expertise.
Some of these hubs include:
- Chicago, IL – digital manufacturing and design innovation
- Detroit, MI – lightweight materials
- Raleigh, NC – semiconductor technology
- Youngstown, OH – additive manufacturing
- Knoxville, TN – advanced composite materials
- San Jose, CA – flexible hybrid electronics
Together, this is known as the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI). This network may expand to as many as 16 institutes (there are currently seven to nine, depending on who you talk to) by the end of 2016. The vision is for an eventual total of 45 institutes, although no target date has been set for that goal, but a decade sounds about right.


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Red Wings' Andersson comes off IR
PHILADELPHIA (AP) Detroit Red Wings forward Joakim Andersson has been activated off injured reserve after missing six straight games with a lower-body injury.
Andersson has seven goals and six assists in 46 games this season. The Red Wings were playing the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday night.
On Monday, Detroit put forward Johan Franzen on IR. Franzen has battled concussion problems recently.
Article continues below ...


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ABC says Victoria Beckham will co-host "The View" next month.
The singer-model-businesswoman (and wife of soccer superstar David Beckham) will be a guest co-host of the live weekday talk show on Feb. 17.
Beckham's appearance will be her first as a featured guest co-host. Her first-ever guest appearance on "The View" was last September.
In 2007, the Beckhams were featured among Barbara Walters' annual "10 Most Fascinating People" TV special.
Regular "View" co-hosts include Walters, Joy Behar (BAY'-har), Whoopi Goldberg, Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Sherri Shepherd. The show airs weekdays at 11 a.m. Eastern.


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Share the love by easily sharing your experience.
Audio testimonials needed! Hypnobabies Moms and Birth Professionals: we will soon be launching our new website and will be putting "audio testimonials" on it. If you love Hypnobabies, please call our toll-free testimonial line at 1-800-350-2204 and share your experiences. (1-3 minutes, please) Please pass this along to Hypnobabies fans. Thanks!
Kerry Tuschhoff, HCHI, CHt, CI


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Sheriff's investigators say twenty-seven year-old Barry Davis killed John Gregory Hughes and Hiedi Rhodes, while helping the couple move.
The last time anyone saw John Gregory Hughes and girlfriend Hiedi Ann Rhodes was May seventh 2012.
Walton County Sheriff's Deputies spent more than a thousand man hours searching for the couple, only to conclude that this man, Barry Davis, killed them.
"Davis is a cold blooded, premeditated, calculated killer. And i think the circumstances of this heinous crime clearly bear witness to that" said Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson.
According to Sheriff Adkinson, Davis was hired by Hughes to move furniture from his North Grayton Beach home and was the last person to see the couple alive.
"It is clear that Davis was feared by his associates. By those folks around him. Quite honestly at the sheriff's office and the state's attorney we believe that Davis presented a clear and present risk to other individuals" said Adkinson.
Davis was already in jail on unrelated charges when authorities arrested him Wednesday morning.
"From a procedural standpoint we anticipate presenting this matter to a grand jury within the next few weeks. We will seek an indictment for first degree murder two counts" said State Attorney Bill Eddins.
Members of the Hughes family say Davis' arrest is the first step in bringing them some closure.
"This is a tragedy and our hearts are saddened with the loss of our loved one. Our family is pleased with the events of today. In our opinion Barry Davis is a dangerous person and he is an evil individual" said Hughes Family Member Susan Hughes.
The Hughes family is offering a twenty thousand dollar reward for information leading to the recovery of Hughes and Rhodes' bodies.
If you have any information, please contact the Walton County Sheriff's Department.


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A North Attleborough guidance counselor has been arrested and accused of having sex with a 14-year-old student.
A North Attleboro guidance counselor has been arrested and accused of having sex with a 14-year-old student.
Brian McBride, 31, who worked at the North Attleboro Middle School, is also accused of sending the girl explicit videos and text messages.
Police said the married father had sex with the girl at the school, in his car and at his home.
"The teacher in question has been notified of his termination. We will not tolerate egregious acts against innocent children. Our hearts go out to the families involved and ask that everyone please respect their privacy," the school said in a statement.
McBride, of Attleboro, was also the victim's chorus teacher, police said, and he gave her private voice lessons at his home.
The incidents that allegedly happened during several months last year were reported to police on Saturday.
"This is a delicate situation that involves our students," Superintendent Suzan Cullen said in a letter to district parents. "To that end, the district's administration is working very closely with the police as they continue to conduct their investigation of this very serious matter."
McBride was arraigned on the charges Tuesday.
Cullen told parents that the school department is putting in place supports for students, faculty, and families.
"Our primary responsibility is to assist students to resume their educational focus and to facilitate the healing process," she said.
Cullen said the department is in close communication with the police, has set up counseling, and is following all protocols and is securing schools.
"As a community, it will take time to heal from this difficult situation," Cullen said in her letter. "We believe North Attleborough is a proud and strong community and will pull together to provide support to move forward. The safety and well-being of the students remains the District's paramount concern and we are working diligently to ensure student safety."


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Sony Ericsson Z800i themes
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Z800i is a stylish 3G mobile phone with all you need to enjoy the best mobile services. It has video, music and games, a multi-directional camera and you can use it anywhere in the world. When you need to store more, use Memory Stick Duo. Now you can have live video streamed to your phone. And you can enjoy the latest in mobile communications, video call. The Z800i Motion Eye 1.3 megapixel camera and video recorder also lets you catch some action, save it and send it. In seconds.
Top, New and Popular Wallpapers for Sony Ericsson Z800i. The collection of Free Wallpapers for Sony Ericsson Z800i right here to be download. We update the collection of Wallpapers daily.
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The Xerces Society, Other Conservation Leaders Participate in White House Pollinator Initiative Stakeholder Meeting
Scott Black, executive director of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, attended the White House Pollinator Initiative Stakeholder meeting Wednesday, and provided oral and written comments on how the White House can protect the diverse array of pollinators.
"I am very pleased that the White House is engaged in pollinator conservation," said Scott Hoffman Black. "We must act now to provide pesticide-free habitat on landscapes across the U.S. to protect these vitally important animals."
The meeting was attended by more than 60 conservationists, researchers, educators, farmers, beekeepers and corporate representatives. It was facilitated by Dr. Michael Stebbins of the White House Office of Science Policy.
In his opening comments, Dr. Stebbins said that "there are many different stressors impacting various pollinators: habitat loss, pesticides, parasites and climate change. Because of that, we need a hands-on approach to better leverage everyone's investments to reverse the loss of pollinators." He also noted that pollinators are a diverse group—including bumble bees, monarch butterflies, and even beetles—and that President Obama is interested in this issue himself.
Dr. Stebbins asked each attendee to identify:
- Activities, policies, or other initiatives Federal agencies could enact with existing resources to address pollinator health;
- Potential public-private partnerships that could be formed to address these issues; and
- Significant commitments that your organization would be interested in making, which the White House could help raise up to increase attention to these issues.
The Xerces Society provided this information in written comments submitted during the meeting. A copy of these comments is attached.
The comments submitted by the Xerces Society are also available at: https://xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/XercesSociety_pollinator-conservation_apr2014.pdf
For more information about the Xerces Society's pollinator conservation work, please visit https://xerces.org/pollinator-conservation/
Read more about Xerces' Monarch Conservation Campaign, including efforts to conserve overwintering sites in California and restore breeding habitat in key regions of the United States: https://xerces.org/monarchs/
Read a letter about the need for a national monarch conservation initiative recently delivered to the White House: https://xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/monarch-recovery-initiative-letter.pdf
Learn about Project Milkweed, which is working with agencies and private seed companies to develop regional sources of native milkweed seed: https://xerces.org/milkweed/
Protecting the Life that Sustains Us
The Xerces Society is a nonprofit organization that protects wildlife through the conservation of invertebrates and their habitat. Since 1971, the Society has been at the forefront of invertebrate protection, harnessing the knowledge of scientists and the enthusiasm of citizens to implement conservation programs worldwide. To learn more about our work, please visit www.xerces.org.


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Friday Night BBQLodore Falls Hotel, Keswick Cumbria
Fri, August 23rd 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
From 21st June to 6th September, every Friday night (weather permitting!)
Make your reservation for our BBQ and dine al fresco at one of our tables around the outdoor pool whilst taking the time to admire the view over Derwentwater.
Relax and unwind while our professional chefs cook up some scrumptious summer time food!
£16.95 per adult | £8.95 per child (under 12 years)
Call us on 017687 77285 to book