Royal Caribbean is sick and tired of "tiny" million-dollar cruise ships. It's time to take things up a notch.

"Project Genesis" also known as the 'Oasis Class' ship was ordered by Royal Caribbean in 2006, and upon it's completion in 2009, it will become the world's largest operating cruise ship. I really hope the whole thing is Phil Collins/Genesis-themed. Do you know how hard that thing would need to rock to deserve that name??

For the big-time price of $1.24 billion, the ship will be 43% larger than the current largest ship, the Queen Elizabeth II. Genesis will be 1,180 feet long, 220,000 tons and able to carry 6,400 passengers and 2,100 crew members. (More details and photos after the jump).

Many of those crew members will be entertainers located in the 'Central Park' area of the ship. This zone, larger than a football field, serves as a multi-purpose common area for passengers. It will be filled with live concerts and street performers. I'm sorry, but street performers? You're going to pay top-dollar for a cruise ticket and you want to be bothered by second class mimes and card game pushers all over the place? I suppose they're trying to replicate what it feels like to not be on a luxurious cruise, but rather an ordinary city street corner.

The 'Central Park' will also include fine dining in the form of fancy Italian restaurants and an elite steakhouse. For the realistic vacationer, there are also a few places to 'get your drunk on', including the extravagant 'Rising Tide bar'. This "bar area" has the ability to slowly ascend and descend through three decks of the ship, allowing passengers the ability to hammered as they move around the busiest commons areas. Sounds like almost every carnival ride I've been on while drunk: incredibly dangerous and nauseating. As if sea-sickness wasn't bad enough, right?-

The ship comes equipped with its very own giant amphitheater at its stern to accommodate large open-air concerts. There will also be rock-climbing walls on the outer edge of this 'AquaTheater' in case that's something you've always wanted to do at a Nickelback/Celine Dion concert.

Don't forget about the in-house psychic and tattoo parlor, so that you can singlehandedly make every most regrettable mistake of your life all on one vacation.

Despite all these luxurious accommodations, unfortunately they still haven't figured out the dilemma of wide-spread sickness easily spreading in these sardine-like conditions. Anyone still interested?

Royal Caribbean: Oasis of The Seas (video)

I think I might just stick with the world's largest swimming pool for my next vacation.

MSNBC: Royal Caribbean orders largest cruise ship, February 6, 2006

BoingBoing: Project Oasis Class Cruise Liner, June 20, 2008

Most Expensive: Cruise Ship, June 25, 2008

The town of White's City, New Mexico is going up for public auction on July 14th. If you buy it, you can be the king of your own quiet ghost town.

Don't you want a place where you can walk around naked and break all the windows? Someone should definitely make this happen.
Every real estate mogul has to start somewhere, right?

According to the local news station, the sale is not due to a massive foreclosure, but just general lack of interest by the owners. Sounds like a real hot property:

The incorporated town was founded in 1927 by Charlie White and has been managed by the family since then. Family member Charles Dugger said the family's children have interests outside the area and it's time to move on.

White's City seems like just a nice quaint little tourist trap right near the Carlsbad Caverns National Park, but check out what's hidden and now for sale in this sleepy little town. The town consists of 366.25 acres and will be auctioned in 11 parcels. The first parcel for sale will include the majority of the town's property and buildings. Your purchase will make you the proud owner of all this (more details, pictures, and a map after the jump):

• White's City Resort Hotel
• Water Park with 150 ft. water slides, splash pool, squirting cannons, soft slides
• The Million Dollar Museum - the contents (which includes 30,000 items ranging from antique guns, wagons, 'mummified bodies', dolls and cars) will be sold at a separate auction
• Arcade - with skee ball, basketball, racing, and shooting gallery
• Gift Shop
• Gas Station
• Post Office
• White's City Saloon and Restaurant
• RV Park
• Granny's Opera House
• acres of rocks and cacti

The water park alone should make this thing a 'must buy'. I'm not sure how much the whole city will sell for at auction, how can you really estimate the property value of something like this? From researching this town all morning, I have yet to see one picture containing a person in the town. Which leads me to conclude it's probably haunted.

My mind is a buzz with ideas for marketing a haunted water park and opera house. It could become the 'Disney World' of Southeastern New Mexico! Maybe I should go on a 'fact-finding' mission out there?

View Larger Map

KOAT Albuquerque Channel 7 News: White's City Near Carlsbad For Sale, June 17, 2008

WhiteCity.com: White's City Resort and Water Park at Carlsbad Caverns

Higgenbotham Auctioneers: White City Offered in 11 Parcels

We're in the middle of a heat wave right now in the Northeast and all I can think about is this amazing pool. Yes, that thing this guy is sailing a boat on is a pool.

The San Alfonso del Mar resort in Chile holds the record for the world's largest swimming pool. It cost over $2 billion to build and now requires $4 million a year in maintenance. It's twenty acres of crystal clear saltwater maintained by a state of the art suction and filtration system.

You could piss in this thing for 4 days and 4 nights straight and the filtration system wouldn't bat an eyelash. Even the most asparagus infused urine turns into Fiji Water in 2 seconds.

Can you imagine how great it would be to cannonball into this right now? It's kept at a perfect 78 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer, while the surrounding oceanfront water only gets up to a quite 'Chilean' 62 degrees. (Additional photos and more after the jump)

Contains 66 million gallons of saltwater and stretches the length of three football fields (Isn't it weird that we always use that as a measurement? Why not say how many racquetball courts long it is?)

Watch out for the deep end too. It's 115 feet to the bottom and you can see it clearly because of the pristine water the filtration system churns out.

While you're out in the middle of this 'pool', I find it hard to believe you don't feel like you're in the ocean. It's so massive that you can even go windsurfing, sailing, and kayaking in it. A pool like this speaks volume of the quality of the resort. Probably the type of place that gives complimentary happy ending massages.

I'm a little rusty on my Spanish, but according to the website a one bedroom apartment for 5 nights and 6 days costs about $331,000. If you find yourself in this part of Chile this summer, maybe this is the place for you.

Has anyone been to this place? Let us know in the comments section if it is better than heaven, because it definitely looks like it.

(click photo for full image)

Thanks to Most-Expensive.net) Most-Expensive: Swimming Pool, June 10, 2008

Father's Day is coming up this Sunday and you definitely don't have a gift yet. Admit it. I bet you didn't even know it was Flag day on Saturday too. Plus, you most definitely didn't buy a new flag yet (American ones are very popular this year).

But CNN Money won't leave you high and dry on Dad's Day, they just made a list of 5 'last-minute' Father's Day 'deals'. When I first saw it, I thought 'Oh sweet!', but apparently 'last minute deals' over at CNN also means spending well over $100 for each gift. Are they serious? What the hell happened to cheap ties and Chia Pets?

1.) Zachary Prell shirt: $165

Custom tailoring may be the ultimate clothing luxury, but all that pinning can cost a pretty penny. This year opt for the next best thing: an expertly tailored shirt by former i-banker Zachary Prell.
Prell spun his experience on Wall Street into the smart fitting business of shirts. And what he came up with looks as good under a three-piece suit as it does with a pair of slacks - thanks to a slim fit, contrasting stripe down the side, and spread collar that works opened or closed.
Order now and get a leather carrying case ($30 value) for free, while supplies last. (zacharyprell.com)

WSF: A leather carrying case for a Wall Street i-banker-inspired shirt? Do they know who our Dads are? If this is a shirt your Dad would wear, he probably already owns it. Have they invented shirts that make it physically impossible to spill a whole plate of spaghetti on them yet? Now that's a gift.

2.) The Art of Shaving kit: $100

Rather than splurge on an old-fashioned hot-towel shave at a pricey men's spa, give the do-it-yourselfer the tools he needs for a perfect shave from home.
The Art of Shaving's full size kit with pre-shave oil, shaving cream, badger hair brush and after-shave balm promises optimal results (read: no ingrown hairs or razor burn).
Add a Power Shaving Set to your order by June 11th and receive a complementary upgrade to overnight delivery. Now that's smooth. (theartofshaving.com)

I think a lot more Dad's would be interested in The Art Of Cutting Yourself While Shaving And Putting Bits Of Toilet Paper On Your Face. Wait, it comes with a "badger hair brush"? - is that made out of badger hair or is it designed to brush your badger hair?

3.) Krups BeerTender: $299

A trip to Amsterdam to attend the grand reopening of the Heineken brewery on the Stadhouderskade may be a bit beyond the budget. But you don't even have to leave the house to get the freshest brew this side of the Atlantic thanks to the new BeerTender, from Krups.
The sleek countertop machine fits Heineken's compact 5-liter draught kegs and is engineered to ensure that each serving pours a perfect pub-style draft. Beer is kept fresh for up to 30 days while a volume indicator shows how much is left in the keg so you never have to worry about tapping out.
And with free shipping, your wallet won't get tapped out either. (williams-sonoma.com)

Now this is friggin awesome. I will agree this is something almost every Dad would want, but that cutesy pun about free shipping won't dissuade me from thinking this is well out of the Father's Day price range. Maybe I can just get one for my place and invite Dad over to watch the game?

4.) Tivoli Model One radio: $119

Give the gift of state-of-the-art sound without the cost of a high-end stereo. The Tivoli Model One delivers superb sound quality and better FM reception than traditional radios and unlike like Dad's record collection, this oldie-but-goodie will never go out of style.
Even though it looks retro, the technologically advanced Tivoli is compatible with iPods and other MP3 players.
Sound too good to be true? Enter the code DAD20 at checkout and take 20% off. (conranusa.com)

Although I'm sure there are plenty of Dads in love with the local 'Classic Rock' station this is not the most appropriate way they should be tuning in. I'm thinking more along the lines of a 1980s-style JVC boombox with a coat-hanger antenna and 2 gallons of paint accidentally splattered on it.

5.) A day of driving: $1,495

You could go from zero to happy Father's Day in under 4 seconds by putting dad on the list for a brand new 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, which starts at $203,000.
But for a fraction of the price, he could get the thrill of driving a Lambo for one unforgettable day. Spots are still available to join World Class Driving this weekend to sample some time behind the wheel of a Lamborghini Superleggera, Ferrari F430 and Corvette Callaway.
For about $1,500, drivers can drive five such supercars along the wide open country roads of French Lick, Indiana. As an extra gift, dads get crystal car keepsakes and a picture with their favorite car, which might just replace the family portrait he got last year. (worldclassdriving.com)

I love how these CNN Money writers think that the gift is a lot more affordable and plausible after they make some ridiculous assertion that 'it's the next best thing to do after buying a Lambo for your Dad'. But a $1,500 day of driving in French Lick? First off, my Dad isn't Larry Bird. Secondly, what the hell am I supposed to follow this gift up with next year?

Am I just a cheap bastard or do you agree with me? Are these ridiculously super fancy presents or do I just assume every Dad shares a lot of similar traits with Homer Simpson and 'According to Jim'? - the comments section beckons.

CNN Money: Last Minute Father's Day Deals, June 11, 2008

Google founders and jet setting playboys, Larry Page and Sergey Brin are in the driver's seat with their sweet private jet aka The Google Party Plane. The pair are tied for 5th place on Forbes' list of the Richest Americans with each being worth $18.6 billion.

Some tech-enthusiasts are hot on the trail of the Google guys, literally. They have been tracking the locations of the plane, and with its tell-tale description and unique registration number, would-be trackers can now tell where Google's next big deal is going down. Or where they will be honeymooning next.

Silicon Valley Insider uses Google's own software to track them with this map of all their gallivanting:

View Larger Map

But what's on the inside of the Google Party Plane and how hard do they party?

• The plane is a renovated Boeing 767-200 formerly used by Qantas Airways, an Australian airline.
• Includes two staterooms with with extra long California king-sized beds.
• During the renovation they also asked for swinging hammocks and a cocktail lounge.
• 1 full shower.
• Large sitting-and-dining area.
• In-flight internet access.
• Enough seats for 50 guests.
• The Google Party Plane is 70% longer and 3x heavier than a conventional executive jet.
• As a commercial airliner it could accommodate 180 passengers.
• Now usually just carries the crew and the two dudes.
• Estimates have the renovated plane worth $25 million.

And how hard do they party? Real hard. Or as hard as two wealthy tech nerds in their mid-30s can, I guess. Two chilled Zimas and season two of MythBusters, maybe? Party on, Larry. Party on, Sergey.

Silicon Alley Insider: Where in the World Are You Larry, Sergey, and The Google Party Jet?, June 6, 2008

Airline Pilot Forums: Google Mogul's Buy 767, 2005

The Japanese are fortunate enough to have superior space-age technology, Godzilla, awesome game shows, and enough free range monkeys to take over the world. However, in their country watermelons are considered a luxury item due to their scarcity and a lack of storage space for large fruits.

One large black colored watermelon sold at auction this past Friday and it may be the world's most expensive watermelon.

The expensive melon was flown over 500 miles from a northern Japanese island for the auction in Tokyo. And after a heated sale, the eventual auction winner forked over 650,000 yen (~$6,100) for the ownership of this prized melon. Does anyone in Japan pay for things with singles? That must get annoying.

According to an Associated Press report about this purchase:

The 17-pound, black-skinned "Densuke" watermelon, a variety grown only on the northern island of Hokkaido, was purchased Friday by a marine products dealer who said he wanted to support local agriculture, according to Kyodo News agency.

Something doesn't sound right about this whole story...

The famed black watermelon is claimed to taste much better than ordinary watermelons for some unknown reason. But is it true what they say about black Densuke watermelons - 'once you go black, you never go back?

I also don't buy the fact that some no-name 'marine products dealer' is getting this thing. I bet Gallagher will get his hands on it soon enough. That evil bastard.

UPDATE: Thanks to a reader who pointed out that these strange black watermelons are also available in the US. They've been spotted in Hermiston, Oregon. Gallagher still isn't off the hook though. I won't cave on this one.

AP: Black Japanese Watermelon Sold At Record Price, June 7, 2008 via HuffingtonPost

Oscar-winner Willem Dafoe, who was creepy as hell in Boondock Saints and decently menacing in Spider-Man, apparently owns this house which is completely covered in neo-prene.

Not sure why he is selling it, but the house is getting a lot of buzz for being 'totally 80s chic'. 'The Rubber House', as it is known in the Accord, NY area, is well known by the locals.

Accord, NY is about two hours north of NYC and not too far from the hippie lovefest town of Woodstock.

The asking price for the wet suit pad is currently $850,000. What's so great about this place? Besides it being in a relatively secluded wooden area and covered in rubber for some unknown reason, it's only 2,025 square feet and has 2 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. (more pictures after the jump)

Maybe it's selling for so much because Willem hid something really creepy in the yard or the deep freezer. Anyone care to guess a body part or women's underwear item?

I'm trying to think of a reason why neo-prene rubber would make a good exterior for a house. The heating benefits are probably marginal, so maybe he wanted a nice soft place to land when skydiving?

As far as expensive rubber houses go, it's cooler than this black rubber house in the UK, but not as cool as my idea for a house made entirely out of Trojans.

(via Real Estalker)

The Real Estalker: Willem Dafoe's Rubber House, June 2, 2008

AOL Real Estate: Rubber House, June 2008

Everyone on Wall Street knows that having a great suit and tie is only half the battle. A great dress shirt brings it all together.

So will any of the big bankers be interested in this very ornate arms, neck, and torso cover?

Eton Shirts, a Swedish company celebrating its 80th anniversary, has constructed this, the world's most expensive dress shirt.

The shirt is woven out of fine Egyptian cotton and both the cuff links and studs are encrusted with white and colored diamonds. Sounds very discreet, right?

You can't even buy this thing yet! The shirt will be traveling the world in a glass case to Los Angeles, Milan, and Stockholm before going on sale in 2009 for a charity auction.

I, personally, wouldn't buy a $45K shirt. I mean, how great of a tie do you need to go with it? I'd probably sport my Tasmanian Devil Looney Tunes tie with it. That thing is totally boss!

And what about your deodorant? You don't want $45,000 pit stains. You better use one without that white residue stuff too. Go with a brand you can trust, one with 'eXtreme' in the title and a picture of a windsurfer skydiving with a motorcycle.

Eton Shirts: Eton Shirts.com

MostExpensive: Dress Shirt, May 27, 2008

This is one little piece of plastic that has a massive price tag.

Those seemingly worthless pieces of plastic that your guitar heroes throw at the crowd might not ordinarily be worth anything, but Starpics, an Australian company, puts those other crappy chips to shame.

Starpics is a top shelf brand known for fashioning guitar picks out of precious metals. This particular pair of picks is valued so high because they're made out of friggin' meteors!

That's right, those rocks from space that crashed on earth. These two picks were whittled down from chunks of Gibeon meteorites. These meteorites were discovered in 1836 in Namibia. For a long stretch of time they were locked in the country due to a ban on their sale and export.

Somehow they were smuggled out and now seem to be popping up in all sorts of places. According to MostExpensive:

One of the most interesting things about the meteorites is the pattern of Widmanstatten lines created by their frigid passage through space. These patterns are preserved in the picks and can be seen in the picture above.

Sweet. Yeah, if you're going to buy $4,674 guitar picks made out of genuine meteors you've gotta have a few choice Widmanstatten lines on there. This is totally something I could see that tool Bon Jovi using on stage.

If I owned these meteor picks, I would probably just use them as fancy lock picking devices.

MostExpensive: Guitar Pick, May 20, 2008

I would like to introduce the Bugatti Veyron, a $1.7 million supercar. Maybe this is a good way to spend your $600 stimulus check?

It is officially sanctioned as the fastest production automobile in the world. It was originally introduced in 2005, but the current incarnation is heralded as the quickest accelerating and decelerating street-legal production car in the world. Unfortunately, there were only 300 made and they have all been sold.

Check out the stats from Portfolio's recent profile of the automaker (photos + video):

• 12 radiators
• 16 cylinders
• 4 turbos,
• 1,000-plus horsepower
• 7-speed double-clutch transmission
• Top speeds ranging around 255 mph
• Goes 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds
• 0 to 253 mph in a mind-bending 53 seconds
• in a panic braking maneuver, 253 mph to 0 in 10 seconds

Bugatti, a famous racing car brand founded by eccentric Italian designer Ettore Bugatti in 1909, is still making cars at its original Molsheim, France factory. However, it has since been purchased by Volkswagen AG, which created this mind-melting Bugatti Veyron.

Special editions of the original Veyron, such as the Veyron Pur Sang and the Veyron Fbg par Hermès sell for $2 million and $2.3 million respectively. But they are little more than premium paint-job versions of the Veyron.

The average customer for this type of automobile already owns at least 30 other cars. According to the Bugatti comany historian potential buyers don't want just another car, they want another story. The Bugatti name is one of the best stories of a company, between its crazy founder to its current old-school assembly factory in rural France.

If you are lucky enough to afford one, they really take their time putting together the details on these cars. They only complete two a week.

To give you an example of why this car is so expensive. The square-head bolts that hold together the air ducts on the car are made from titanium, and each costs over $100.

Most of the time the car is shipped by plane to the buyer, accompanied by an escort engineer to orient the new owner with his vehicle. A few people have also driven the car right out of the factory though. That must be an awesome way to break in your new car, hop on the Autobahn over in Germany on your way home!

And you won't believe this but, according to the Portoflio article:

At top speed this car will run out of fuel in 12 minutes. That's purely a safety precaution because the tires would melt after 15 minutes.

That should give you a pretty good idea of what you're messing with when you step into one of these. Besides it might soon cost another 1.7 mil to fill the tank.

Also check out this thing race an RAF EuroFighter jet on TopGear:

Bugatti Veyron Races Eurofighter Jet - Watch more free videos

Portfolio: Auto Erotic, May 9, 2008