World’s Most Expensive Sporting Event, Per Minute of Action: The 100-Metre Dash Olympic Final
Based on the highest ticket price in comparison to each minute of action, the most expensive sporting event would be the 100-Metre Dash during the Olympic finals. For a sport that lasts approximately 9.58 seconds, which is really only one-third the average length of a TV commercial, people from around the world are willing to pay approximately RM2,350 to witness it. That costs a whopping RM245 per second of the sport. But of course, all that money is worthwhile as spectators witness their own country reign on the tracks live – unleashing patriotisms at its best.
World’s Most Expensive Yacht: Eclipse
Owned by Russian businessman Roman Abramovich, the Eclipse is worth approximately RM2.5 billion. With the huge steel displacement at around 170 meters, this mega yacht is also the largest yacht in the world. Come on board and you will find 11 staterooms and suites with 6,000sf of living space, two helicopter pads, two swimming pools, several hot tubs, a disco hall, internal lifts, three launch boats, and a mini submarine. Not to mention, it is also equipped with intruder alarm systems, bullet proof glass and advanced missile defense system, so the 112 people she can accommodate will feel both comfortable and safe.
But just wait! Another yacht called the Streets of Monaco is in its designing stages, and is expected to be worth about RM3.5 billion. Boy, do people know how spend their billions!
World’s Most Expensive Whisky: Dalmore 62
Whisky-lovers out there, would you pay around RM795,000 for a bottle of limited-edition scotch? Apparently, a Chinese businessman was when he came across the last remaining Dalmore single malt 62 that was sitting in a duty-free shop at the Singapore Changi Airport recently. The 62-year old scotch is one of the 12 bottles available, of which not all were released at the same time from the personal collection of master distiller Richard Paterson.
The last record holder was the Dalmore 64, which was bought at approximately RM580,000 just earlier this year. With the increasing value of whisky, they make a great investment… or even just a great drink for those with an expensive taste.
World’s First Scientific Zoo: London Zoo
Opened in 1828, the London Zoo is the first scientific zoo. Unlike prior zoos that had only collected animals, the London Zoo was a centre of scientific studies. One of its notable members was Charles Darwin, whom helped us understand the relationship between animals and humans. The London Zoo was also the first for a number of things, like the reptile house, public aquarium, insect house, and children’s zoo. Of present, London Zoo houses 755 species of animals and insects. Prioritizing the welfare of its animals, larger animals have been moved to the ZSL Whipsnade Zoo so that they may enjoy a more spacious enclosure.
Not funded by the state, the 183-year old zoo supports itself on donations, membership fees, sponsorships, and entrance fees, while focusing on the conservation and long-term breeding programs so that we will not be the last to have seen or heard of any of the animals.
World’s Deepest Swimming Pool: Nemo 33
Want to practice your scuba diving skills before hitting the ocean? Unlike normal swimming pools that only allow you to submerge to an average depth of 1.5 meter, the Nemo 33, which is located in Brussels, Belgium, allows you to dive shallow or deeper beyond that mark. This pool consists of two flat platforms, at 5 meter and 10 meter each, before divers find their way to the large circular pit that descends to a depth of 33 meters.
Now, unlike normal swimming pools, the creator behind Nemo 33, diving expert John Beernaerts, aimed for the pool to mimic deep-sea diving in the Caribbean. As a result, the pool 2,500,000 liters of non-chlorinated, highly filtered spring water that is maintained at 30°C, and has several simulated underwater caves as well. Safe to say, no sharks, octopuses or jellyfish have been spotted in Nemo.
World’s Highest Restaurant: At.mosphere
Situated on the 122nd level of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, At.mosphere serves dinner with a view from 1,350 feet overseeing the city of Dubai. For epicureans, you will be pleased to find yourself comfortably dining on thoughtfully-prepared dishes as you immerse yourself in the wonderful lounge-fine dining concept and spectacular view.
Inevitably, the location of the restaurant is not all that is sky high – a standard meal of starters, main course and drinks can rocket to about RM500 per head. Then again, nothing beats this when it comes to dining amidst the heavens.
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Published in eye glamour (vol.20) under the World News section September 2011.
