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In Pictures: Where the World's Oil Money Is Going

solveclimate.com — A photo gallery of where your energy dollars are going. Shocking. A giant indoor ski slope. The world's first underwater hotel. 300 artificial new islands at $30 million a pop. And more...

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  • medalian1, on 02/15/2008, -36/+1933% to Bush Co.
    64% to Middle East
    • michaelfitz, on 02/15/2008, -4/+19No. 95% to the middle east.
      • gummih, on 02/15/2008, -1/+11You DO know that the oil corps are reporting record profits?
        • thcobbs, on 02/15/2008, -2/+5You DO know that the profit margin is still less than 10%?
          • yojiffyskippy, on 02/15/2008, -5/+8Please don't try to inject some common sense into this thread. BUSH IS BAD BUSH IS BAD /sarc/
          • Turambar, on 02/15/2008, -3/+4yes but the sheer volume of the business means 10% is still a metric *****
          • thebaron2, on 02/15/2008, -0/+1That's not the point Turambar - everyone bitches that oil companies are gouging people, but your local supermarket marks your food up a much higher percentage. They just aren't moving equivalent volume because they don't sell to governments around the world.

            Your average grocery store - Kroger, Publix, Jewel, Piggly Wiggly - mark their inventory up at least 35%. Walmart operates on about 20-25% margin. As far as charging you more than what they paid, grocery stores are much worse than oil companies.
        • ukfoole, on 02/15/2008, -1/+1You DO know that oil corps are in the Middle East (or in the case of Petroleos de Venezuela , Venezuela).
          • gummih, on 02/18/2008, -0/+1Exxon? Chevron? BP? Royal Dutch Shell? They are all making money like never before.
        • solid12345, on 02/15/2008, -1/+3Yes yes, more evil oil company talk, yet somehow the evil oil barons in Russia, Arabia, and Venezuela get a pass.
        • gummih, on 02/18/2008, -0/+1Please read this:
          For the last three months of 2007 Exxon made $11.7 billion in PROFIT, that's nearly $4billion a month, thats $133 million in profit a day. Since 2003 the oil companies have been reporting record profits every year.
          http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/01/business/01cnd-e ...
    • drgooch, on 02/15/2008, -7/+12which michael moore video did you get that information from?
      • askmewhy, on 02/15/2008, -4/+2I think the poor fellow was being sarcastic or maybe ironic!
  • Sassmo, on 02/15/2008, -22/+8Breath-taking monuments to mankind, but at what cost? Is that why gas is $3+ now?
    • Scrappy1850, on 02/15/2008, -1/+7no, gas is $3+ because you buy it. They built this stuff with your money.
      • jershie, on 02/15/2008, -4/+5If you knew anything about economics and cartels, you would know that the cost of gas has little to do with the demand for gas. Instead of reaching market equilibrium where supply and demand meet, the cartel leaders choose the price (as opposed to the market choosing the price) that we will pay for gas. Granted if none of us used gas, they'd have a much harder time selling it to us at $3+, but this is hard to speculate on given our insatiable use of petroleum-based products.
        • Scrappy1850, on 02/15/2008, -0/+3i know you cant just boycott gas, but the fact remains, if we (as americans) bought half as much this year as we did last year then the prices would fall, dramatically.
        • yojiffyskippy, on 02/15/2008, -0/+6Ok, which is it?
          ".. the cost of gas has little to do with the demand for gas"
          -or-
          ".. if none of us used gas, they'd have a much harder time selling it to us at $3+"
          Sure, the cartels have an impact on the cost of gasoline because they have some say about the price of crude. But about 1/3 of the price of gas (at least in the US) is due to government taxes and another 1/3 of it is due to the refinery process. So it isn't fair to entirely blame the cost of gas on the cartel.
          • jriggs420, on 02/15/2008, -0/+2^^^fails to consider gas is far cheaper in America than other countries.
    • andy3109, on 02/15/2008, -2/+4$3 is extremely reasonable. It is $7+/gallon in Europe
  • 7Mystery, on 02/15/2008, -8/+47And our money goes to: ARMS.
    • koob, on 02/15/2008, -10/+12If a democrat is president replace 'ARMS' with 'HEALTHCARE'.
      • drgooch, on 02/15/2008, -13/+6which means we're screwed.
        • jershie, on 02/15/2008, -4/+9Yeah, because we all know that ensuring that American children have healthcare benefits is a horrible waste of $ when you could be using that same $ to blow off the limbs of Iraqi children.
          • Wargalas, on 02/15/2008, -2/+5Ok, let me ask you this: If you're talking about healthcare benefits, where does the money go when the child is healthy? Into the pockets of....wait for it...HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANIES! And how do you suppose they are able to build those giant buildings in downtown? By denying claims of sick people.
          • Scrappy1850, on 02/15/2008, -1/+1who is paying cash to blow off iraqi childrens limbs?
          • clutchdude, on 02/15/2008, -3/+3I'd rather see health ins. co's get richer than the Republican war machine get richer. The karma is much better, too. Just think, if the USA were to HELP other countries with food and healthcare, instead of blowing them up. Maybe we would be more respected in the International community...and here's a thought...maybe we wouldn't HAVE a terrorist problem. Shocking to think about, heh?
          • b0gus2008, on 02/15/2008, -2/+1@ Scrappy: Do you live in the USofA. If so, the answer is you. Have a special day filled with sunshine and lolipops.
        • NoCt1, on 02/15/2008, -3/+9Most of the kids in iraq are blown up by iraqis. I dont see Marines setting up car bombs or blowing themselves up.. The war sucks yes. But facts are facts. Marines arent causing most of the damage. it is an indirect result of them but not them. also we arent paying for those bombs to take off their limb
        • aoru, on 02/15/2008, -0/+3...and the award for most redundant statement of the year goes toooooo
          "Marines arent causing most of the damage. it is an indirect result of them but not them!!!"

          BTW, Americans like me, pay tax dollars for bombs that blow limbs off of men, women, and children. I even saw something that the average house hold has paid $20,000 for the war as of last year. Our bombs aren't "magical happy bombs" that give flowers and candy. They indiscriminately explode and destroy whatever is near them. The same way that the foreign fighters bombs do. They are no different. People like you don't see that and paint it black/white, good guy vs bad guy. It's all the same. It doesn't matter what twisted logic brought the two sides to hate each other enough to kill. All they are doing is inflicting pain with the same sense of justification and the same end result.

          evil + evil = death and violence
      • silveravnt, on 02/15/2008, -4/+1I think you mean ADD not replace. These dems are war profiteers.
      • ryan850, on 02/15/2008, -0/+3I'm not necessarily for universal healthcare and I agree that it is not likely that we lower our defense (or lately offense) budget but I find it hard to see how healthcare is somehow just as bad as spending our money on arms.
    • Scrappy1850, on 02/15/2008, -0/+6yeah, i always wanted more than 2.
    • 4degrees, on 02/15/2008, -0/+5i'm a leg man myself.
    • MeMongo, on 02/15/2008, -0/+5I say the money should go to boobs.
      Breast implants for every girl that graduates high school with an A average and hasn't had any children.
  • QuickeningYak, on 02/15/2008, -0/+16The Hydropolis reminds me of Bioshock...
  • koob, on 02/15/2008, -11/+66For anyone who says that once the Middle East runs out of oil Dubai will be nothing, you're wrong. Only 6% revenue comes from oil. They're economy is based on services particularly tourism. They build giant hotels and ski resorts and giant skyscrapers because it attracts people. As more of these buildings are completed, and as more people hear about this place it's only going to become MORE popular. *****, I think it would be cool to go.
    • garvallagh, on 02/15/2008, -4/+18Just dont get caught trying to get your bony ass in there with anything like the roach of a joint on your shoe or heavens forbid codine in your luggage.
    • RationalXubrnce, on 02/15/2008, -5/+8 Only 6% from oil? That figure seems awfully low.
    • Scrappy1850, on 02/15/2008, -7/+3if they didnt build this with oil money, then why isnt all this happening in spain? or canada? or the bahamas? its in dubai because they have all the cash. where did they get the cash? oil
    • shiftclick, on 02/15/2008, -1/+21Actually, Dubai's economy is based on banking and the financial sector. Specifically, the banking of oil producing, Middle-Easter states. Tourism is relatively new (post 1980).

      Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dubai#Economy
    • cryptomystic, on 02/15/2008, -9/+3Please cite your sources because I think the 6% number is pure BS.
      • cbuddha42, on 02/15/2008, -0/+7http://www.ameinfo.com/122863.html
      • Laminarcissus, on 02/15/2008, -0/+0if you don't believe it why don't you get off your ass and look it up yourself? you forgot how google works? you've only gotten to the "social news" chapter in "Richard Scarry's Big Book of the Internet?"

        "I DON'T AGREE! SOMEBODY FIX THAT!!! WAAAAHHH!!!"
    • jdlondon, on 02/15/2008, -1/+2All the people touting the 6% figure- seems low maybe it's right, who cares. We all know that without the original, and continued, investment of oil none of this would be possible. Please be aware that although these structures seem grand Dubai is actually being surpassed by Abu Dhabi ( it's a hour down the road). The buildings and structures being planned and built put Dubai to shame.
    • sgiffy, on 02/15/2008, -0/+1But much of the rest of the economy is dependent on oil sales. For example, all the banking for oil rich nations, all the spending by oil rich companies, etc. However Dubai, unlike some other countries seems ot realize that this cannot go on for ever so they are investing in ***** that will enable them to keep functioning when oil is no longer such an important commodity.
    • dawdygod, on 02/15/2008, -0/+1That is precisely why I buried the article as inaccurate. The majority of our oil money goes to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iran, Venezuela, etc. As was stated previously, Oil accounts for only 6% of Dubai's economy.
  • ghm101, on 02/15/2008, -8/+101It is their money, they earned it, they can spend it as they like.
    It is not their fault we are all so dependent upon oil, like an addict on crack.
    • 350Zed, on 02/15/2008, -0/+12Exactly. Its our fault.
      Even if we don't believe the Global Warming hype, we should still realize that funneling all of our money to a select few oil barons in the middle east instead of funding renewable fuels is just plain stupidity.
    • digjam, on 02/15/2008, -1/+3Wait a minute! I understand they are spending all this money for those huge ass contructions... but guess what... MOST of those constructions are contracted to US construction firms ..which basically puts the money back in US economy.
  • yellowcakewalk, on 02/15/2008, -27/+7It's disgusting! Thousands of children die every day from hunger and lack of potable water. I'd like five minutes alone with one of these greedy s o b's.
    • KraftDinner101, on 02/15/2008, -9/+15Maybe take a stroll down to your merry President's place and stop the war. Better yet, go back in time and stop it, then you can take the trillion dollars you folks wasted on killing people and you can give it to needy kids. Get your priorities straight. They earned all the money they spend. You guys are borrowing yours like a deadbeat neighbour.
      • Scrappy1850, on 02/15/2008, -4/+2whoa, dont get all pissy at yellowcakewalk just because he is from russia!
      • Orphe, on 02/15/2008, -2/+7@KraftDinner101:

        Right, every single US citizen can be singled out and blamed for the War in Iraq. *rolls eyes*

        Let me just remind you that your country supported the resolution and helped the invasion. Let me also pick at the fact that your username refers to a brand owned by Philip Morris, a sickeningly evil multinational conglomerate that profits from the illness and death of the innocent. You sicken me moreso than I could you, you asinine piece of *****.
        • Scrappy1850, on 02/15/2008, -0/+3yo, mac n cheese is the cheesiest.
    • mike17032, on 02/15/2008, -1/+6And you would do what? Type really mean words to them?

      Grow a ***** spine and do something about things you see as a problem. Donate your own ***** allowance money to the causes.
    • nullcodes, on 02/15/2008, -0/+4How did tyhey take away some kid's potable water? They did not take anyone's ptable water. You think where they got the money from was kids with potable water?

      Actually, by building this stuff and creating a tourism industry, they are providing a chance for needy kids to get potable water. They are providing jobs (construction work, and hospitality), they are doing business, that generates money and hires workers. More jobs = less needy kids. If they hadn't earned this money, the money would have sat in some vault and stagnated, taking the workd economy down with it. With their profits I am sure they will build even more stuff .. which would create even more jobs. I guess you need to understand economics, capitalism, trade etc.
    • sportbikepilot, on 02/15/2008, -1/+2no what's disgusting is people making those babies without the ability to provide for them. does anyone ever think before they breed?
      • silveravnt, on 02/15/2008, -0/+5Don't expect humans to take responsibility for themselves
    • rex3, on 02/15/2008, -4/+1YOUR A BLATENT JEW,

      YOU KNOW DAMN WELL THAT YOUR JEWISH PEOPLE IN ISRAEL ARE CUASING THE AMERICAN WARS
  • ZenFountain, on 02/15/2008, -12/+23Dubai is a bubble of astronomical proportions waiting to pop. 60 Minutes had a special a few weeks back on the emirate, those islands with multi-million dollar homes are not even occupied. It's just a huge speculative dump for petrodollars. I imagine they fancy themselves being the next Singapore or Hong Kong but that's simply not going to happen for a host of reasons.
    • mitch37, on 02/15/2008, -15/+9I love how people on Digg know everything. They have employed the world's best everything, somehow i think they have a better idea where they are heading than you.
    • ZenFountain, on 02/15/2008, -2/+8http://www.moneyweek.com/file/12577/dont-fall-for- ...
      http://www.dailyreckoning.com.au/dubai/2007/12/13/
      http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601039&si ...
    • Octaman, on 02/15/2008, -2/+6Dubai is one of the most boring, artificial cities in the world.
      • supertaliman, on 02/15/2008, -0/+2have you been there to make that statement? Looks like an amazing palce judging from the pictures.
        • Octaman, on 02/15/2008, -0/+3As a matter of fact I have... two times, and I hate the place. It's all about looks.
    • nutniqs, on 02/15/2008, -3/+3Yeah, its like some cheesy future of tomorrow city. The only problem is that it's in the middle of the desert and everything is artificial.
      • ein125, on 02/15/2008, -0/+2"Yeah, its like some cheesy future of tomorrow city. The only problem is that it's in the middle of the desert and everything is artificial."

        Sort of like Las Vegas then...
        • Octaman, on 02/15/2008, -1/+1But Vegas has good bars, hot chicks and plenty of casinos.
          • ein125, on 02/15/2008, -1/+1Sorry, don't know why, but this should have gone here. Bloody Digg commment system :)

            "So does Dubai.

            Think about it. As someone said earlier, do you think that the authorities over there would forbid all those things if they wanted to encourage tourism? Dubai has a huge tourism business. They also have a Muslim population. They get around this by designating areas that drinking, smoking etc. are allowed. One of these areas is the Irish village, which has a great bar and the chicks are awesome.

            I just wish other countries around the world would show this sort of tolerance against their belief system"
        • ein125, on 02/15/2008, -1/+2So does Dubai.

          Think about it. As someone said earlier, do you think that the authorities over there would forbid all those things if they wanted to encourage tourism? Dubai has a huge tourism business. They also have a Muslim population. They get around this by designating areas that drinking, smoking etc. are allowed. One of these areas is the Irish village, which has a great bar and the chicks are awesome.

          I just wish other countries around the world would show this sort of tolerance against their belief system
          • ZenFountain, on 02/15/2008, -0/+2Yeah, the kind of tolerance where one spec of pot or even a poppy seed can land you in prison for years. The place is a joke, westerners are not going to go to an Arab nation as a party destination no matter how much they liberalize.
  • kingofinternet, on 02/15/2008, -1/+10the sea and desert will reclaim all of that.
    • Scrappy1850, on 02/15/2008, -0/+1do you have an over/under on that? ill put it at 25 years.
    • RationalXubrnce, on 02/15/2008, -0/+1 Yeah but it might take a couple a hundred years, until then people be having a hell of time.
  • Idgit, on 02/15/2008, -3/+28Just so you know Dubai and the other Emirates have basically no oil left already. However you could say that they indirectly make money off the oil industry by catering to all the rich arabs from the surrounding countries that come to dubai and spend their millions.
  • mentol, on 02/15/2008, -2/+1Dunno why but I was expecting to see luxurious cars from those sheiks
  • InSeverance, on 02/15/2008, -15/+49Buried, why?

    THERE IS NO GOD DAMN OIL IN DUBAI
    • Kisama, on 02/15/2008, -1/+25Although Dubai's economy was built on the back of the oil industry, revenues from oil and natural gas currently account for less than 6% of the emirate's revenues. - Wikipedia
      • NeverOffside, on 02/15/2008, -0/+5Finally, someone said that so I don't have to find the facts :)
    • FearLess77, on 02/15/2008, -17/+4Who the ***** do you think invested in dubai.

      Dugg down for being an IDIOT
  • nosecohn, on 02/15/2008, -16/+15This is only where part of the oil money goes. Some states use it for other purposes. For instance, Iran uses some of its oil money to develop weapons and send them to terrorist groups. Oil-rich Saudis fund organizations like Al Qaida so they can fly airplanes into our buildings. As the largest consumers of oil, America is also unwittingly the largest funder of terror, while at the same time being the target of the terror. Breaking our dependence on oil has become a national security issue.
    • Onikitsune, on 02/15/2008, -1/+4*sigh* it's true, but it sounds so F**ked up. I wonder why you got dug down. because you insulted the U.S., or the middle east? +1
    • Amazetbm, on 02/15/2008, -0/+8"Breaking our dependence on oil has become a national security issue."

      It was a national security issue during the 70's. The energy industry drags their feet because their are trillions left to be made by maintaning the status quo and lobbied to keep it that way. The transportation industry had dragged their feet on making more efficient and alternative fuel cars cars because "there isn't a large enough market for them". Here's a hint, make your fuel efficient cars look like regular cars instead of tree-hugger mobiles and they'll appeal to a larger market. We have every president and congress since Nixon to thank for not doing what they need to do to get our industries to do what needs to be done.
      • Benholio, on 02/15/2008, -0/+1Couldn't agree more about the fuel efficient cars. Car companies seem to think anything "hybrid" of "fuel efficient" has to look like a Jetsons reject, or something from when Tomorrowland first opened in the 60's. I mean come on, the Prius really has to look like that? Really?
        • Amazetbm, on 02/15/2008, -0/+2Yeah VW has a 1.2L TDI that beats out the Prius in fuel economy and its basic operation is based on 100+ year old technology...the diesel engine. Hybrids are a sick joke made to make people feel better about paying more for less reliable technology to save gas. Europeans figured out a long time ago, if you want to save gas go diesel...we're still playing catch up and car companies are pimping the ignorance.
    • Sean42, on 02/15/2008, -0/+4I wonder why your comment was dugg down. Anything critical of the oil/energy industry seems to get dugg down pretty hard.
      Makes you wonder................
    • adun401, on 02/15/2008, -0/+1"Oil-rich Saudis fund organizations like Al Qaida so they can fly airplanes into our buildings."

      to suggest that the saudi state had anything to do with 9/11, or that they directly fund al quaeda is outrageously uninformed. osama bin laden and his terrorist group al quaeda have been ideologically at odds with the saudi regime for years prior to 9/11. furthermore, starting in 2003 al quaeda has been responsible for numerous attacks against the saudi state itself, including government buildings. saudi oil money doesn't fund al quaeda, on the contrary it goes to beefing up their security forces so they can seek out and prevent more domestic attacks by them. do you honestly think the government in riyadh would support an organization that not only attacked the country that keeps them on the gravy train (us!) as well as within their own country? please.

      dugg down because you don't know what the f*ck you're talking about
    • CrazedLeper, on 02/15/2008, -1/+2"Iran uses some of its oil money to develop weapons and send them to terrorist groups."
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------->
      Just what "terrorist" group has the US overlooked for Iran to fund? Al Qaeda was created by the US and is now defunct--it exists only in name for the purpose of misleading fools. Fools who believe that 9/11 was done by 19 guys with box cutters. The US very wittingly did that and there are 3 mountains of evidence to prove it.

      Your government has no interest in breaking it's dependence on oil because oil companies make the laws with their campaign contributions. You are very sorely mis-informed.
  • DeviantDragon, on 02/15/2008, -4/+14There's nothing wrong with this sort of capitalism and spending. It's not actively harming others.
  • gummih, on 02/15/2008, -12/+3Dubai is the new Awesome
    Dubai: inspiring awe or admiration or wonder
    • Jb611, on 02/15/2008, -0/+2That's an awful slogan.
    • Jibberwalk, on 02/15/2008, -0/+2Dubai: Where you better not drink a drop of alchohol.
      Dubai: Is that Pot? Life in prison, bitch.
      Dubai: You say a group of men raped you? We're hanging you for being a fag.
      Dubai: You say a group of men raped you? We're hanging you for being a whore.
      Dubai: Our city looks like the future.
      • CiXeL, on 02/15/2008, -0/+1thats funny because i hear people having filipino houseboys as sex slaves is relatively common.
        suddenly the reason michael jackson stayed in dubai so much makes sense.
  • nicksawick1, on 02/15/2008, -4/+8"revenues from oil and natural gas currently account for less than 6% of the emirate's revenues."
    ~Wikipedia
    so this article is incorrect.
    • Scrappy1850, on 02/15/2008, -5/+1you think wikipedia is a reliable source?
    • ukfoole, on 02/15/2008, -1/+5Yes, Dubai only has a DIRECT income from pumping oil from their ground of 6%.

      Where do you think all the rich oil executives from other countries do their business.... oh, that is right, Dubai.

      Dubai's Indirect oil income is more likely in the 80%+ region from oil companies opening shop there.
  • nobody7, on 02/15/2008, -1/+2Gilded age ... for climate change and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YVTNPP40ZY
  • dildoolielly, on 02/15/2008, -16/+8Bush sold our future to the "Terrists"

    Saudi Arabia, home to nearly all of the hijackers, are building their nation with beautiful malls with ice rinks and galleries, lovely museums, high tech entertainment, high-tech education etc. etc. And ask yourself who is paying for all these beautiful things for the Terrorists? ''

    While we are, at over 3 fvcking bucks a gallon, all the while, we go bankrupt and our beautiful malls and entertainment venues turn into ***** Wal-mart warehouses and landfills

    Thanks Bush voters, we won't forget you
    • Seanmu13, on 02/15/2008, -2/+4That really doesn't seem to be happening, most of the malls I have seen are still booming...
    • amightywind, on 02/15/2008, -6/+8Being a victim feels good to the liberal left.
      • SammyJr, on 02/15/2008, -1/+2Recognizing your true state is the first step towards solving the problem. Meanwhile Republicans continue to live in the 1950s when America actually was a superpower.
        • EarendilStar, on 02/15/2008, -1/+0As there isn't a country out there, including the entire EU, that could attack us with military might and win.Our GDP (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_ ... is still far above any other country, and is only matched by the EU. Our ability as a nation to both recover from economic trouble, dept, government woes, and military engagements, is still top notch compared to the majority of the world. Because of this, I would say we are still an overarching super power.

          Is our empire going to fall in time? Sure.
          Are we currently in decline? Probably.
          Are you grossly over exaggerating and completely lacking any basis for your claims? Yes.

          We actually have far more military strength and GDP compared to the rest of the world right now, than we did in the 1950's...
          I'm not going to say it's a good thing, just that you are way off base.
          • dildoolielly, on 02/15/2008, -1/+1Uh, your primate for a "President" has pissed of the whole Planet...only thing..he doesn't have the sack to mess with Russia..who can ACTUALLY launch in 45minutes.

            I suggest you get your skul fvked head out of your poop shoot and wake up.
          • amightywind, on 02/17/2008, -0/+1What's Russia going to do, hurl vodka bottles? President George Bush rules. They are too busy trying to keep their country from disintegrated to get it on with the US.
      • dildoolielly, on 02/15/2008, -1/+2Buddy, I'm glad, really glad that you are not yet affected by the realities of the ***** our Govt is pulling. It's good to know that someone is doing alright, though a little discouraging how smug so many of them are. But the truth, the verifiable with your senses truth, the truth you just don't want to hear, is that there are lots and lots of people struggling, not because they're lazy, not because they're uneducated, not because the are LIBERAL but simply there are just not enough high paying jobs goig around for families to face the brave new world of million dollor homes and, overpriced educations, skyrocketing medical expenses and goods and services in a state of long term inflationary creep.

        Ignore it all you want but we live in a plutocracy. Merit and experience are useless. The public's dreams are popcorn fed with idolatry; athletes with ridiculous salaries lure kids into believing impossible live can be gotten easily,singers and musicians have no work and can only hope to get picked in a stupid tv roman circus lottery, writers had better be gorgeous and wealthy and ready to crank out crapola to get published and hard working, inventive scientists increasingly find the only work out there involves cranking out worthless trash for corporate propaganda,

        Buddy, you can sit there thinking all is well; doesn't affect you. I know the steamroller just hasn't found you yet. Give it time, The system has no place for any but the profoundly corrupt and the self serving wealthy. If you haven't noticed reality, you are might be one of these, but since I encounter you on these boards you are more likely one of the brainwashed zombies who still believe the superwealthy are going to pee some pennies your way. So I suppose you should keep a cup handy for the trickle down.

        Me, I'm going to keep trying. But I will not be told by any smug Republican that I cannot point out the nastiness, and call like a plainly see it. If hearing the real story bugs you, there's always total sensory derivation. Nothing will touch you there. Wallow in your lack of feelings.

        And then we won't have to listen to you whining about how we're "winning" when all we're doing is speaking aloud that which your political gods would rather remain unsaid.
        • amightywind, on 02/16/2008, -1/+1"Merit and experience are useless. "
          You are a troubled fellow. I was unemployed for 1 year in 2003. I wisely set aside money and weathered the storm without government assistance. I never lost hope in America or conservatism. I will retire a millionaire in
    • CrazedLeper, on 02/15/2008, -2/+1There were no hijackers. You've been bamboozled. 9/11 was an illusion. Do your homework or be deceived again.
  • Seanmu13, on 02/15/2008, -2/+9The UAE is being extremely smart right now in expanding their service/tourism industry. They realize that what oil they have will eventually run out as reserves diminish and alternative fuel sources emerge. IMO, looks like it will be a nice place to visit.
    • ukfoole, on 02/15/2008, -1/+5Just be careful not to commit any crimes, like talking against the government, having sex with anyone that isn't your legal wife, drinking a beer, or being American. Ok, I'm joking about the American part, but the looks I get when I go there with people confused that people that speak English might just happen to be from England.
      • rex3, on 02/15/2008, -1/+1no theres morales over there
      • digudown, on 02/16/2008, -0/+1and never eat poppy seed sandwich before leaving for Dubai.
    • rex3, on 02/15/2008, -0/+2The Pyramids now this
  • moletimer, on 02/15/2008, -0/+5The world islands actually look pretty cool. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Islands
  • CaptRage, on 02/15/2008, -0/+1Any idea if these places can be viewed on Google Maps Satellite View?
  • taintedzodiac, on 02/15/2008, -1/+2The money you spend on petrol (or your oil product of choice) gets you from point A to point B. That is, has been, and will remain the only thing that 95% of drivers care about.
    Until that thought pattern changes, we're stuck.
    • Onikitsune, on 02/15/2008, -0/+1True! if it doesn't affect these people (myself included many times) they ignore it. One day we'll all wake up, out of oil, out of time, and still fighting over whose Zeus is more powerful.
    • silveravnt, on 02/15/2008, -0/+1I care but I still need to get to work. My neighbor on the other hand has a huge and I mean huge ford thing that is running all the time. I mean it will run for hours in the driveway. I still have not figured out why. I guess he likes to flaunt his gas
  • Jibberwalk, on 02/15/2008, -0/+5This links isn't down, and it's where the original link got everything from:
    http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com/2008/02 ...
  • digdug2008, on 02/15/2008, -0/+1If you give it to them, they can take it where they want.

    connecting to solveclimate.com.....
  • RationalXubrnce, on 02/15/2008, -0/+10 Anyone have a link to what the America oil company executives are doing with their billions in record profit these last few years? Some pretty swanky mansions I would think.
  • agbullet, on 02/15/2008, -4/+10Eh. So what? They sell something, you bought it. You got your oil, they got your money. They can choose to spend said money anywhere they like.
    • bsiegel, on 02/15/2008, -4/+2I think you may have missed the point.
    • rex3, on 02/15/2008, -0/+1some are just Either Jewish or just Jealous
  • vermax, on 02/15/2008, -2/+1kind of comical the tension and hypocrisy between the massively tacky narcissistic crap and the fundamentalist *****. they want to be the center of luxury but if they catch you with drugs in your blood you go to jail for four years. actually i would expect that if the price is right there's no problem at all. basic religious policy everywhere.
  • theculchie1, on 02/15/2008, -4/+5I would be very slow going to Dubai. It was effectively built by slave labour under terrible conditions by migrant workers.

    That and I don't want to risk them finding a microscopic grain of hash on my shoe and locking me up for 4 years.
    • POINT84, on 02/15/2008, -3/+3"It was effectively built by slave labour under terrible conditions by migrant workers."
      eh..so was the US and the majority of Europe- whats your point?
      • Flunk, on 02/15/2008, -2/+2This is 2008, not the 1700's.
        • sugarkang, on 02/15/2008, -1/+1nothing's changed.
        • solid12345, on 02/15/2008, -1/+3Beh the poorest in America have cable TV and spend their money on booze and cigarettes, it is ridiculous.
  • NeverOffside, on 02/15/2008, -2/+3I've been on that ski slope in Dubai, it's attached to a huge mall. 50C outside -5C inside. Impressive but all I kept thinking was 'of all the things to build in mall, why a ski slope'.
  • amightywind, on 02/15/2008, -3/+7The liberal politics of envy on full display. It is Dubai's money to do with what they want. I get oil at fair market prices. I am free to invest In Exxon or Chevron and reap benefits through dividends and stock appreciation. It is a nice consolation at the pump when I am filling my SUV.
  • neocr0n, on 02/15/2008, -0/+6All that money is being spent on developments. Looks to me like Dubai are building a nice little tourism industry for themselves and why not? Its a fantastic country. After all oil won't last forever.
  • NeverOffside, on 02/15/2008, -1/+5My pic of the Burj Al Arab at night. Beautiful.
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/neveroffside/21631319 ...
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/neveroffside/21623187 ...
  • nullcodes, on 02/15/2008, -0/+6These are being constructed for revnue generating business reasons. Not as some extravagant spending blitz. They expect to make the money back from tourism and stuff. These endeavours help create jobs, provide rest and relaxation to folks, and keep the global economy robust.

    Now you can argue that the idea is dumb and no tourists will show up .. but you can't call it extravagant spending .. because it's based on a business plan and investment plans etc..

    This is not some sheik blowing his oil money on beer, pot, and hookers.
  • Trigeno, on 02/15/2008, -1/+5They appear to be hedging their bets against the coming economic lowpoint. Their currency is pegged to the dollar, so every amount of inflation of the US dollar decreases the buying power of their currency by the exact same percentage. They are doing what everyone should be doing.. simply converting their wealth into something tangible, in their case infrastructure, new land, buildings, in an individuals case that would mean purchasing land, gold, solid items that will not lose their value, unlike ALL currencies have through history, due to the policies and practices of those that control its issue and value.
    • RationalXubrnce, on 02/15/2008, -1/+3 You're right. Look at the US. We still think we're rich but if we had to build the infrastructure that we built 50 years ago today we wouldn't be able to afford it. Just look at the buildings from the 1920's built in stone with beautiful sculpting and statuary accents and look at the crap we put up today.
    • Zique, on 02/15/2008, -0/+1Well gee, you'd think it would be easier to, you know, unpeg their currency.
  • source1984, on 02/15/2008, -10/+14Dubai isn't an oil power house. Oil makes only a small contribution to their wealth.
    FOR GOD'S SAKES, enough of the Saudi-9/11-bashing. Just because the hijackers came from Saudi doesn't mean the Saudi GOVERNMENT funded 9/11.

    WE, THE U.S.A., ARE THE BIGGEST ARMS PRODUCER, ARMS EXPORTER AND ARMS USER IN THE WHOLE WORLD. I CONSIDER ARMS MORE DANGEROUS THAN "300 ARTIFICIAL ISLANDS" OR "AN INDOOR SKI SLOPE".
    • vmspionage, on 02/15/2008, -3/+4dugg for truth
    • RationalXubrnce, on 02/15/2008, -0/+8 Who mentioned the Saudi's and 911? Besides you I mean.
  • glasnostic, on 02/15/2008, -2/+5the Discovery channel company needs a new HD channel dedicated to Dubai.
  • right75, on 02/15/2008, -7/+4We could be making that kind of money. We could be selling oil to bring more jobs and money back to America.

    But noooooo. We have to bow to the retards known as the environmentalist treehuggers who won't let us drill. I say get these jerks out of the way, let us drill, and let us "pump" up our economy!
    • Thuktun, on 02/15/2008, -1/+1Have you noticed how many oil-rich countries are piling money into renewable energy resources for their own nations while they sell oil to the rest of the world? Perhaps that should tell you something about the future of oil.
    • sanotaan, on 02/15/2008, -1/+1and when the well runs dry, then what? go to the saudis who would be in an even stronger position?

      the thing to do is to be a step ahead of the oil game and keep on looking into alternative energy.
  • bekapants, on 02/15/2008, -1/+2why are we always looking for someone else to blame for problems we created..?
  • iknoritesrsly, on 02/15/2008, -1/+3They are spending the money wisely. Places like dubai have already drawn enough attention through generous tax breaks and nice scenery to motivate many very large american / other international based businesses to move HQs to dubai.

    they know they will run out of oil money eventually, and they are building an economy that doesn't depend on it... already less than 5% of their income is oil.
  • xenuxenuts, on 02/15/2008, -0/+6where the world's wealth went 500 years ago:
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sistene_chapel
  • removesstains, on 02/15/2008, -3/+4Screws this, I want to move to Dubai its like Heaven on Earth.
  • yojiffyskippy, on 02/15/2008, -3/+5Wow! The Socialist Republic of Digg sure is upset over this story.
  • 5JimBob, on 02/15/2008, -2/+3Two thoughts come to mind; firstly, One of Osama bin Ladin's stated reasons for the 911 atrocity was that we weren't "paying enough" for their oil. these photos surely put the lie to that! Secondly, isn't global warming supposed to make this (the Arab Peninsula) essentially uninhabitable in 25 to 30 years between the sea level rise and the increase in equatorial temperatures? What are these folks going to do cover and A/C the entire region? More likely, just buy up Europe and move north en masse.
    • cromptonenator, on 02/15/2008, -0/+1What has Saudi Oil money have to do with Dubai Oil money? The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are as tenuously linked as say, China and Argentina.
      • 5JimBob, on 02/17/2008, -0/+1Saudi Money is everywhere. There are plenty of Chinese in Argentina, by the way, buying everything from beef and grain to copper.
  • blumpyX, on 02/15/2008, -0/+4ahh jeez, so many people talking breeze in these comments. You CAN drink in dubai, they (for the most part) love americans over there and it doesnt matter anyway because only about 10% of the population are actually from Dubai. Yeah their drug laws are strict but then so many countries have daft laws: UK, France, USA, Mongolia, whatever. I would say unless you been there, don't judge it like you know what you are talking about.

    My opinion about Dubai? To be honest it is just a big Mall surrounded by luxury housing, crazy buildings and a massive desert. Great food and some nice bars but unless you like shopping, swimming or doing stuff in the desert; you will be bored out of your *****.
  • sljepi, on 02/15/2008, -1/+2Blow if out your arse; Americans is as guilty if not more for its dependency on fossil oil. Your average soccer mom gotta have their 15mpg SUV so their precious snowflake feels safe. I don't care what they do with their money; they can build Cinderella castles if they want - but remember that we are the ones giving them the money to build them in the first place.
    What a shallow submission commentary...
  • trollick, on 02/15/2008, -0/+4Boring. I prefer my tax money being spent to blow up stuff.
  • Sheff, on 02/15/2008, -0/+2Pointless at bitching how they spend their money.

    This is like being angry at your crack dealer's banker for how he blows his money on his baby mamas, spinning rims for his car, and tanning sessions.
  • Homerr, on 02/15/2008, -0/+2One thing I did hear Bill Clinton say that I liked was a speech he gave to leaders in the Middle East a couple of years ago saying that they should be taking most of the money they are making from oil and spending it on huge solar farms in their deserts so they can continue to have income after the oil is gone. Otherwise their economies will dry up with the oil.

    (Yes, I'm now gritting my teeth to give Bill Clinton a compliment given recent events.)
  • Trollmaster, on 02/15/2008, -5/+2Wow.... good to know those muslims got their priorities straight
    • gplpark92, on 02/15/2008, -1/+3you are not only a troll but an ignorant prick
  • xburgermoo, on 02/15/2008, -0/+1I want my money back http://yuxt.com/Natasha/Dubai
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