Rare earth elements (REEs) have been the mystery metals of the mining world for years. Now, suddenly, everyone’s heard about them.

Before we delve into the reasons behind all the publicity, here’s the basic skinny on REEs: One, they are rare, at least sort of. Two, they are indispensable to modern technology. Three, the number of active, dedicated producers is tiny, with more than 90% of the world’s supply coming from China.

If you took high school chemistry, you probably remember the periodic table of the elements. But if you’re like most of us, even if you pulled a 95 on the chem final, you may not recall many of the details today. And there’s a better than even chance you never bothered to memorize the names of the REEs. It’s time to get reacquainted.

They’re generally clustered in a separate grouping at the bottom of the table, are known collectively as the

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Southwall Technologies, Inc., a California based producer of high-performance, energy-saving films and glass products, announced today that it has been selected to supply over 380,000 square feet of its special heat reflective XIR film for China’s massive new multi-building sports complex in Shenzhen, China, the site of the World University Games in August 2011.

The landmark green building project, called Universiade Center, is currently under construction at a cost of approximately $548 million US dollars and will consist of a main sports stadium, swimming complex, and multifunctional arena. The glass-intensive complex will use Southwall’s heat-blocking XIR laminated glass to form a dramatic series of glass crystals that will redefine what is called the Longgang Sports New Town section of the city. Planned to shine like three giant illuminated crystals, the center’s design required exterior glass capable of high visible light transmission, clear optical transparency, and exceptional solar heat rejection to reduce

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Apogee Enterprises (APOG), through its subsidiaries, is a leader in technologies for the design and development of value-added glass products, services, and systems.For the 4th quarter of FY09, Apogee forecasts a decline in revenues and EPS compared to the prior year, as it experiences the first full quarterly impact of the commercial construction slowdown. Also, the company's backlog came under pressure partially due to project delays and cancellations.To manage through the downturn in the commercial construction, Apogee has implemented a number of cost-cutting initiatives and is evaluating further actions such as a reduction in headcount and discretionary spending, as well as productivity improvements.Management is confident that the company will get through the downturn successfully with its focus on market share gains and value-added products. We rate shares of APOG a Hold. Read the full analyst report on "APOG"...

Southwall Technologies, Inc., maker of energy-saving films and glass products, added to its string of increased sales and earnings reports today, with its announcement of third quarter 2008 results. Revenue for the quarter was $10.6 million, up 15% over third quarter 2007 figures. In addition, revenues were up a full 20% for the first nine months of 2008 over the same period last year. Third quarter net income increased to $0.9 million, compared to $0.1 million last year. And third quarter gross profit was $4.2 million, or 40% of sales, compared to $3.2 million, or 34% of sales, for third quarter 2007.

According to the company, the year-over-year increase was primarily due to higher sales of their energy efficient solar control film and glass products, across all major markets, including automotive and building products.

Southwall’s President and CEO, Dennis Capovilla, commented on the increased demand for the company’s products. “We are

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