Skeptic Project

You could build Masdar Cities anywhere, the point was you can build the future if you throw enough money at it, all TZM have to do is get everyone earning plenty, as it would be far easier to do it that way than wait for someone to give them money.

> that's just crazy.

If we could at least manage to get closer to the zero-carbon and zero-waste ideal, whilst not being crazy.

Masdar was just used as an example city, nothing more.

I think it's inspiring that cities like this one actually are built - that somebody can ROI on a 24B investment (probably 25-100% higher than that, but hey) that's not just designed for millionaires with too much time, like the artificial islands.

If you'd combine a high ROI with some basic values that I'd build my idea of a new society around, projects with similarities to TZM/TVP (leaving out the utopia / CT bullshit) become at least possible, even though not probable.

As far as the actual city - it's the same ol' to me. Rich people can move in and buy expensive stuff and feel happy about not ruining the environment.

One step at a time, Edward. This is an interesting project that fortunately has no impact on our taxes. Let the rich build this city and provide some empirical evidence that such a design can flourish.

When we see the city survive or collapse from its use of experimental technology.

Thought this was interesting:

UAE to ban BlackBerry services, Saudi follows suit

The government cited a potential security threat because encrypted data sent on the devices is moved abroad, where it cannot be monitored for illegal activity. But the decision - quickly followed by a similar move in Saudi Arabia - raises questions about whether the conservative Gulf nations are trying to further control content they deem politically or morally objectionable.

http://wvgazette.com/ap/ApInternational/201008010349