An important topic probably not too many people have thought about.  Announcement from the Optical Society of America:

Live Webcast of Michael Silver Speaking
October 9 on the Geopolitics of Critical Elements  

On Wednesday evening, October 9, Michael Silver, CEO of American Elements, will be delivering an address entitled “How Minerals Will Impact Global Geopolitics in the 21st Century.”  Mr. Silver will be giving his opinions on how the world’s increasing demand for the ever dwindling proven reserves of Critical Elements, such as the rate earths, lithium and the metalloids, will impact the future of high technology, green technology, space exploration and the foreign policies of nations all desperate to participate in the massive wealth and jobs that will be created by advanced technologies in the 21st Century.

The speech is being sponsored by the New York City Mineralogical Club (Est. 1886).

Live Webcast Information:
The address will be broadcast live at 6:45 pm EST. OSA members are invited to watch the event at no charge live from their personal computer or mobile device by logging into http://www.americanelements.com/presentation2013.html.

OSA Members in the NYC area are welcome to attend the speech in person at no cost:
Wednesday, October 9 2013 from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Mezzanine Level C, Holiday Inn Midtown Manhattan, New York City
440 West 57th Street, New York City, New York 10019
For more information contact the New York City Mineralogical Club

Not sure what your viewing options are if you’re not an OSA member.  Try the link next Wednesday and see if it works.