LOOSE ENDS

• Despite the good times for wheat farming and the excitement over alternative fuels, experts advise farmers to resist urges to harvest crop residue and sell it for ethanol production.
• Since food and fuel costs continue to soar and global warming costs take their toll, the average American will soon likely be advised to simply eat less.
• L.A. City Council votes for ban on plastic shopping bags by 2012
  
• The USDA expects U.S. food prices to climb an additional 4% to 5% in 2009 as high grain prices continue to squeeze their way into the American diet.
• Ford has unveiled plan to radically alter its North American product portfolio, converting three truck and SUV plants to small-car production and introducing six of its European models in the U.S.
• New California law allows cities to give loans for energy-saving improvements, letting homeowners and businesses borrow at low interest rates to pay for solar panels, high-efficiency air conditioners and other upgrades