A looming shortage of Rare Earth Elements may change the technology that we take for granted in our everyday lives.

As industries strive to develop greener technologies, one group of natural resources finds itself in great demand. Rare Earth Elements are an integral part of hybrid and electric motors, as well as wind turbines, computers, cell phones and more. The increasing need may well outstrip supply in the next few years. The Hipsters unearth the facts on these momentous metals, while trying to pronounce their names correctly. Also, Val does recon on a couple of pilots and Dori discloses the first official More Hip Hook-up!

Beer: We love our new Favorite Listener, Lynda in Florida! She not only kicked down the Brewfest mugs as promised, but also sent 2 bottles of her local ale of choice. Our first sip of Holy Mackerel "Mack in Black" from Gordash Beer Co. wasn't too promising; maybe it was the unexpected taste of pomegranate juice. Val narrowly avoided making a malt face and we came to appreciate this thick, heady brew.

Chocolate: We discovered the Pleasure of New Tree Belgian Chocolates! With 3 individual bars of rich, smooth 73% goodness in a tiny box, you get controlled portions of glorious GMO-free chocolate. Or you can just devour all three, like Dori did.

Finds:

• Lard almighty. As State Fair food continues to (d)evolve, we suppose we should've seen this coming. Deep-fried butter debuted in Texas this summer. Next year, can we just skip the middleman and drink a jug of hot grease?
• Electric Car is the name of a catchy new tune by They Might Be Giants. The kids will love it; you will too, at least the first 10,000 times you hear it! (We played a little clip in the show.)

• Pants on fire. Turns out your SIGG water bottle contains trace amounts of BPA in the liner, if you bought it before August 2008. You can return it to the company for a replacement, or do this instead.
• Hot-blooded. Well ladies, your blood has something in common with a CFL--it contains mercury! A new study detects the metal in 30% of American woman, a huge jump from a decade ago.

Yes we can! Believe it or not, it's time to start on those homemade holiday gifts. Begin by collecting empty cans with attractive labels. Poke a couple of holes in the bottom and plant flowers or houseplants, either from seeds or starters. By the time the holidays roll around, you'll have lovely living gifts! (Because of BPA in can liners, we don't recommend putting in food or herbs.)

As industries strive to develop greener technologies, one group of natural resources finds itself in great demand. Rare Earth Elements occupy 17 slots in the Periodic Table and are an integral part of hybrid and electric motors, as well as wind turbines, computers, cell phones and more. The increasing need and dwindling supply of REEs opens up a new can of worms, both environmentally and politically.

• Rare? Well, not so much. REEs are abundant in the earth's crust. However, there aren't many rich deposits from which to extract them.
• Where? While mines are scattered across the globe, 95% of REEs are found in China.
• Pair. Two REEs are essential in the manufacture of hybrid vehicles: neodymium and lanthanum.
• Scare. The Chinese are tightening their grip on REEs in order to meet their own industrial needs.
• Wear and tear. China became a leader in REE mining by ignoring environmental concerns. Molycorp hopes to restart US operations in 2012.

You are an elemental part of our show! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. Check out our new blog! And remember to post articles, links and rare gems our MHTH forum!Send Val at least 25 beer caps or labels for her patio project, and get a free MHTH bottle opener! Mail them to More Hip Val, 275 Fairchild Ave. #107, Chico, CA 95973. No Sierra Nevada please!

• Shout-out! Laura in England left us a comment on Podcast Alley. She recommends using magazine pages for wrapping small gifts. Cheers!
• Megan in Canada (eh!) makes her own yogurt and thinks we should do the same. Check out her instructions on our forum.
• Jaimelee in Kentucky loves a new mag called Urban Farm. Congrats on your beautiful new Teeny Weeny Greeny!
• Tori in Florida is a conscious cop who wants to find a CSA near her. Any tips to help her curb emissions in her patrol car?
• Adele in Ontario, Canada (eh!) is a school teacher who loves to collect yogurt cups, boxes, TP rolls, etc. for classroom projects. We'll keep looking for some Canuck beer down here!

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