Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, the bullsh*t election in Burma (Myanmar), Keith Olbermann’s two-day suspension, or Mickie James in chaps, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.
For gaming and gadget nerds, neodymium is a part of everyday life. It’s found in consoles, speakers, headphones, hard drives, and more. This rare earth metal is an integral ingredient in countless consumer electronics devices. Where does most of the world’s neodymium come from? China.
As technology continues to become truly global, neodymium becomes increasingly valuable. China knows this and has engaged in some questionable practices when it comes to trading neodymium. You all know that oil-rich countries have a ton of stroke. Will China become even more powerful than it already is due to the burgeoning growth of consumer electronics and the fact that it’s the world’s leading produce of neodymium? Imagine if China’s continued squabble with Japan lead to dialog like, “You know what? Screw you and your PlayStations and Game Boys. We’re not selling you any more neodymium! And also, your mother dresses you funny.”
Did you ever think that the hard drive in your console, the pickups on your Les Paul, or the speakers in your entertainment center would be part of a global power struggle? Pretty crazy, hey?
I did not know about that material, but it is interesting to think of the ramifications that a seemingly obscure material could have on the global economy. The more you know…
@ iPhone users
I found a must have free app.
Zumocast
It streams all of your music and movies on your computer over 3G or wi-fi.
It really is a must have for me at least.
It is so effing busy at work today I haven't had time until now to check out the site I will be posting more when I get home.
US to China : no mineral, no food exports.
:)
I wish we could send Rambo to free the people of Burma and North Korea…and cause a lot of collateral damage in China.
FedEx is pissing me off today. The idiot driver tried to get into my building through a side door, left the door tag there, and didn't leave my package with security. I need it for a review. Morons.
That might be what happened to your Sprint phone.
Nah, I think this is a case of an inept driver. What kind of idiot leaves a notification tag on a side entrance?