Was reading Dave Barry's column today, and.
He apparently just learned about space elevators, and he seems to think the idea is silly sounding.
But it's not. And if they are starting to think a beanstalk is practical, well. *Wow*. Yes! Cool! Other expressions of glee!
This is another difference between sf fen and mundanes, isn't it? (Apologies for the non-polite term.)