Star Trek Replicator Becoming a Reality?

      I recently came across an article about a technology called "3d printing," a confusing name for a technology that more closely resembles the Star Trek replicator.  The technology can be used to scan objects then "copy" them using a special powder heated by lasers.  Although most of us have never heard of this, the technology has been used by industry for over 20 years.
      The recent excitement over 3d printing is due to the fact that prices for these machines has plummeted in the past couple years.  Now affordable consumer models are starting to make their appearance. The Makerbot Replicator costs 1,749 dollars and can be used to "Make shower curtain rings, bath plugs, door knobs, or create custom gifts for special occasions."  Another company, Z Corporation, has a machine the size of a refrigerator that can copy and build tools, such as this wrench.

       I've found YouTube videos of a "3d printed" bicycle, a skateboard and even a car that gets 200 miles per gallon on the highway.
       There are quite a few implications of this technology becoming widespread.  One is reduced dependence on imports from low cost countries such as China and Vietnam.  Why import when you can build your own stuff at home?  Another is that it will be possible for people to copy their toys the way we already do with illegal file sharing.  One father actually built his own Legos using 3d printing.  

Crazy Ghost Cities in China- Housing Crash Coming?

Housing prices dropped in China for the seventh straight month in March as the government took measures to cool the market. Industry insiders such as Anton Eilers of Richard Ellis are confidently proclaiming that prices will not crash, but others, such as billionaire Hedge fund investor Jim Chanos disagree.

  If you have yet to see pictures of one of China's ghost cities, it's absolutely incredible that so much money could be poured into such a massive project. The Kangbashi district of Ordos, Inner Mongolia is absolutely gorgeous, with enough housing to accommodate over 1 million people . There's only one problem- no one lives there. The city was built and sold off to property investors, who have subsequently seen their property values drop.

This has some parallels to a property boom in Florida in the 1920's. Out of state investors bought properties in Florida only to see their investments go belly up in 1925. The expression "if you believe that, I have some swamp land in Florida for you" is a remnant of that housing crash. The Chinese may soon have a similar expression "if you believe that I have a house in Inner Mongolia for you."