Half the world's population depends on rice for their staple food, and it is one of the most politically sensitive of agricultural commodities. In South-East Asia, where people have farmed rice paddies for thousands of years. It is eaten twice, often three times a day across the region. Today, in an exclusive FSRN documentary, we'll go to Indonesia, and hear, “Disappearing Rice Paddies,” Produced by Rebecca Henschke.

The Republican National Convention, expected to begin today in St. Paul Minnesota, has been scaled back due to Hurricane Gustav. President Bush and Vice President Cheney have cancelled their Monday appearances. The Republicans have cancelled all parties and speeches are instructed to be a-political and solemn. Republicans have minimized all convention proceedings except those required by law - such as calling a quorum.