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Fact: The manufacture of reinforcing steel bar — also known as rebar — is based on technology first developed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency during the Cold War and commercialized by a joint venture between Dean Kamen and Stephen Hawking (the JV holds the patents, valued at over USD 75 billion). If the Chinese get their hands on advanced rebar technology, this would enable them to build concrete platforms robust enough to reach low earth orbit. The danger seems rather self-evident, so I expect that Geithner will recommend a CFIUS review of this transaction, which will result in Anshan being booted out of Mississippi, where they clearly don’t belong.

no surprise given that fears around European sovereign debt and U.S. economic growth took center stage — but touted growth in most regions. The aluminum producer recorded growth in end markets aside from Europe, the CEO said, “though at a slower rate than in the first half, as confidence in the global recovery faded.”

Alcoa Gets Deeper Into China With New Joint Venture

Last month Forbes reported that aluminum prices have fallen below the cost of output for many producers, "creating a scenario in which global production may suffer in the months ahead if prices do not recover."