A week ago I read an article on WSJ about rice shortage and its impact to already skyrocketing crop price. I didn't think much of it until I ran out of rice yesterday and went to Costco... only to find no rice. I tried two Asian markets and found no rice there either. What's up?! After talking to the store manager, I learned that they're releasing limited number of rice bags per day per household, first come, first served. This is more serious than I thought! I called my friends and family nationwide to warn them but was shocked to learn that they have no trouble finding rice. It's all the Teriyaki store owners in my state who are hoarding the rice. I shall not be surprised if Teriyaki stores charged extra for rice. I suppose I could go on no-carb diet now...

ref: Rice shortage hits home in Seattle