Monday, April 15, 2013

M is for Man-Made Islands (But Wait, That's Not All ...)

Problem: Many large cities, such as crowded Tokyo, are running out of space for an ever expanding population. And the problem is only getting worse as the global population increases. Especially for cities built on a shoreline such as an ocean or a major river where expansion is limited by mountain ranges or other geological obstacles. 

Solution: Artificial islands. Man-made islands are an answer to finding suitable space to expand living, work, and leisure space. Man-made islands are constructed by people rather than formed by natural means. They are created by expanding existing islets, construction on existing reefs, or amalgamating several natural islets into a bigger island. 

A number of countries have been reclaiming land for centuries such as the Netherlands. But man-made islands are an engineering feat that have only recently left the drawing board. And the vision will continue to grow exponentially into truly amazing cities and other marvels during our lifetime that will marvel the imagination 
San Diego's Plan for Floating Airport. Why Not?

But Wait, That’s Not All: Airports are also being built on man-made islands. Japan and China are helping to lead the way. Yep, a mini-series is on tap for this very topic that will truly amaze you. Really. It will. San Diego has plans on the table for a solution to their land-locked airport that is in need of expansion. Check out this Reference

Then there are the truly fascinating man-made floating islands for the very rich. But that’s another mini-blog series reserved for a little bit later down the road. Stay tuned. 

But Wait, That’s Not All Part Deux: The Best and Worst Remakes Blogfest – May 17

That’s right – another fun and easy movie blogfest! Something simple after the insanity of the Challenge

This Blog Hops is the brainstorm of Captain Alex Cavanaugh, and co-hosted by Stephen Tremp, Livia Peterson, and Al Diaz.

When Hollywood runs out of ideas, they remake older films. Sometimes this works. However, often the idea fails miserably. Where to begin?

On May 17, list the best remake you’ve ever seen and the worst.

Added bonus – list the worst and/or best song remake you’ve ever heard!

Sign up below!

13 comments:

  1. Great post Stephen, I love reading here as it is very educational.

    Yvonne.

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  2. The man made island thing is pretty impressive, but I'm a bit wary of how they'll cope with natural disasters.

    mood
    Moody Writing

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  3. Oh wow!! You've disappeared and now you're back! LOL!!! Where on God's green earth were you hiding! LOL!!

    Hello!! Take care
    x

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  4. You wouldn't want your plane to overshoot those runways!
    And the blogfest is off to a great start.

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  5. I believe Japan has been dumping garbage and other materials into the sea and expanding their land for years.

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  6. My leaped to visions of manmade islands dotting the ocean. Not sure I'd want to live on one though. Seems to me they'd be rather vulnerable to ocean storms, but I guess no more than natural islands are, depending upon their construction.

    Yah, I'll probably join this blogfest. I to think about it a bit. I can think of a good remake of a song right off the top of my head.

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  7. How does the man-made island concept mesh with the "global warming/rising sea levels" idea? Or do believers of one not believe in the other?

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  8. I'm glad to find your new blog, Stephen! Sorry you've had so much trouble!

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  9. I'm amazed at the man-made islands I've seen on shows. Especially the ones at Dubai. I've signed up for the blogfest! :)

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  10. I too immediately thought of hurricanes, and in particular, with Japan, earthquakes. What kind of precautions and safety items are they building into these man made islands, do you know.

    JO ON FOOD, MY TRAVELS AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE

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  11. Earthquakes, hurricanes, and tsunamis are major concerns. But that hasn't stopped the building so far. But so far so good. There are just too many plans on the drawing table right now regarding expanding out into the oceans and reclaiming land. So look for more amazing engineering feats like these in the immediate future.

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  12. All those man-made islands off Dubai are pretty cool, but they have the luxury of being located north of a north-facing piece of land. Japan is not so fortunate, and with earthquakes and tsunamis, I fear it will never work. As for airports, look at that plane that missed the runway over the weekend and landed in the sea. There's no margin for error at one IN the sea. Cool ideas though. I'm sure someone will make it all work.

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  13. Man-made islands scare me. I cannot help to think on overpopulation. What about the waste? What about natural resources? In my nightmares I see cities grow like virus to finally consume the Earth.

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