The Incredible "World Islands" Of Dubai

Another example of man-made 'nations' or islands. Here in Dubai we have the incredible "World Islands" complex.

The World Islands is a man-made archipelago of 300 islands in the shape of a world map.

The World is being built primarily using sand dredged from the sea.

Each island ranges from 23,000 m2 to 84,000 m2 (250,000–900,000 square feet or 5.7–21 acres) in size, with 50–100 m of water between each island.

The development will cover an area of 9 km in length and 6 km in width, surrounded by an oval breakwater. The only means of transport between the islands will be by boat and helicopter.

Prices for the islands will range from $15-45 million (USD). The average price for an island will be around $25 million (USD). Dredging started in 2004 and according to the National Geographic Channel (The Best of Megastructures) the overall price for the World is $14 Billion US Dollars.

How To Start Your Own 'Micro-Nation'

Have you ever fancied beginning your own 'nation' or principality? Well someone here did.

The Principality of Sealand is an island and a micronation located on HM Fort Roughs, a former Maunsell Sea Fort located in the North Sea 10 km (six miles) off the coast of Suffolk, England, in what is claimed as territorial waters using a twelve-nautical-mile radius.

Since 1967, the installation has been occupied by associates and family of Paddy Roy Bates, a former radio broadcaster and former British Army Major, who claims that it is a sovereign and independent state. Critics, as well as court rulings in the United States and in Germany, have claimed that Roughs Tower has always remained the property of the United Kingdom, a view that is disputed by the Bates family. The population of the facility rarely exceeds ten, and its habitable area is 550 m2 (5920 sq ft).

Sealand's claims to sovereignty and legitimacy are not recognised by any country, yet it is sometimes cited in debates as an interesting case study of how various principles of international law can be applied to a territorial dispute.

The Incredible Waterworld Hotel In China

Set in a spectacular water filled quarry in Songjiang, China, the 400 bed resort hotel is uniquely constructed within the natural elements of the quarry. Underwater public areas and guest rooms add to the uniqueness, but the resort also boasts cafes, restaurants and sporting facilities.

The lowest level runs with the aquatic theme by housing a luxurious swimming pool and an extreme sports center for activities such as rock climbing and bungee jumping which will be cantilevered over the quarry and accessed by special lifts from the water. With a stunning visual presentation as shown here, it's no wonder this project took home the first prize in a world wide architecture competition. This is a fine example of an ultra modern facility co-existing amongst its natural environment.

Always Check The Bulbs In Your Neon Signs

Here's Where Micheal Jackson Got The Ideas For His Plastic Surgery

Flickr user mandalariangirl took a photo of this ancient Egyptian female sculpture picture in the Field Museum in Chicago. I wonder if Jacko saw this himself. I do recognise those features from somewhere. (Source)

Some People Do End Up With Unfortunate Names

Sarah Palin: Half Baked Alaskan Or Genuine ?

So why would Sarah Palin resign as Governor of Alaska?

She is young, beautiful and has all the credentials for a great future in politics with the backing of some high fliers in the political circles she moves in.

Did she just get greedy?

Many political observers in Alaska are fixated on rumors that federal investigators have been seizing paperwork from SBS construction in recent months, searching for evidence that Palin and her husband Todd steered lucrative contracts to the well-connected company in exchange for gifts like the construction of their home on pristine Lake Lucille in 2002.

The home was built just two months before Palin began campaigning for governor, a job which would have provided her enhanced power to grant building contracts in the wide-open state.

Oh dear Sarah, what have you been up to ?

Footballer Given Yellow Card For.........Flatulence

A FOOTBALL team who tried to put the wind up a penalty taker were left with more than red faces. One of Chorlton Villa's players was given a yellow card for allegedly breaking wind as a spot kick was taken.

The penalty was saved - but ordered to be retaken when the ref decided the noise had put the kicker off. Villa's goalkeeper was red carded for saying he believed the ref was 'the worst he had seen in years'. Minutes later another Villa player was sent off for expressing disbelief that his team-mate had been booked for flatulence. The re-taken penalty was scored by rivals International Manchester.

Villa, who won the game 6-4, finished the match at Turn Moss, Stretford, with just eight men. They had already had another player dismissed for giving the ref abuse.