It's been called the Beanstalk, Space Bridge, Sky Hook, Space Lift, Orbital Tower, Space Ladder, Orbital Elevator, but I like Space Elevator.
At the recent Space Elevator Games in the Mojave Desert, competitors have been experimenting with bold new technologies to bring this idea from Science Fiction to reality. Just imagine, no more space shuttles having to blast off in order to gain access to orbital space. Vehicles would be power-beamed up a cable anchored in space. I would not want to be stuck in the Space Elevator on the 4,000th floor in case of a technical malfunction, but I'm sure the view would be fantastic.
American Idol goes to songs of the 21st Century. Seven contestants will soon be down to Six. Here is how Johnnny ranked them this week: #1 Casey Abrams: A+ In it to win it. So frickin good. Matches his best so far. #2 James Durbin: A- Awesome as usual. Not that crazy about it. Bit extreme. Futuristically cool. #3 Haley Reinhart: B+ My favorite of hers so far. Not too growley. Bit of the yodeler. Great choice for her. Nicely confident. #4 Scotty McCreery: B+ Nice medium upbeat performance. On pitch. Safe but boring. #5 Lauren Alaina: B+ Enough to stay in competition. Just OK. Needs to step it up. Enough make-up for a week. #6 Stefano Langone: C+ Tone of voice is shrill. Stopped singing half way thru. Trying to be too sexy man. #7 Jacob Lusk: C+ Don't pick songs that make you start crying. Tired of Mr. Overly Dramatic Scream Fest.
