1.   As its financial markets teetered on the brink of collapse, Russia launched a desperate effort Wednesday to defend the ruble and stem the exodus of foreign investors.

2.   A year ago, the situation was so dire that Venezuelan leaders banned imports of Christmas trees and garlic bulbs to stem an exodus of currency from the country.

3.   Federal farm programs, begun over half a century ago, have not stemmed the exodus of Americans from the farm.

4.   Linda Meltzer, an analyst with UBS Securities, said that MCI needed to be able to offer local service to stem the exodus of long-distance customers.

5.   Lawmakers of both parties said they hoped the higher payments would stem the exodus of HMOs from Medicare.

6.   The Air Force is trying to stem the exodus, partly with cash.

7.   The exodus may be stemmed temporarily by the tropical storm season.

8.   The Giuliani administration thinks the plan would not only invigorate industrial areas, but would stem the exodus of shoppers to suburban megastores.

9.   The government is planning moves to stem the exodus of dentists leaving the National Health Service.

10.   The Padres, trying to stem the exodus out of San Diego, will attempt to work out a long-term contract extension with reliever Trevor Hoffman during spring training.