Rare Earths and Green Gadgets - 12.3.2011

China dominates worldwide production of rare earth minerals, essential to operating clean energy technologies and the electronic gadgets we use every day. How does this monopoly threaten American energy independence? And, just in time for the holidays, energy-themed video games and a review of gifts that could help your friends and family go green.
China's Rare Earths Monopoly
Rare earth minerals may be the most important resources you've never heard of. They're critical components to just about every clean energy technology, from wind turbines to electric vehicles, and the electronic devices we all use.
But 97 percent of the world's supply comes from China, and that effective monopoly could cause problems for America. Chief correspondent Tyler Suiters explores what our dependence on foreign rare earths could mean for our energy future and high-tech lifestyles.
Energy-Themed Video Games
Video games have become a huge part of life in the U.S. Gaming technology has advanced at an incredible rate, and today anyone can immerse themselves in warfare, become a rock star, or win the World Series, albeit virtually. But what if video games could also teach people about energy efficiency or environmental concerns?
Correspondent Lee Patrick Sullivan plugged into a new type of video game that could help people make better energy choices and potentially create real-world energy solutions.
Green Gadget Gift Review
The holiday season is fast approaching, and that can only mean one thing - time to shop for presents! But with all the gift options out there, it can be tough to tell which ones will be a hit and which may be destined for the return line.
Anchor Thalia Assuras and correspondent Patty Kim review some of this year's coolest clean tech gadgets to help your friends and family go green.

[@tomofnorthcal]

Good show, more need to watch.

[@thermionic1234567]

And now you have to contend with Jerry Brown...

[@MichaelMonterey]

The educated fools who design the SimCity 4 game ignore the problem of suppressed and virtually suppressed technologies that would totally change the economics and capacities of next-gen energy systems. Sad...