Science fiction writers beginning with Arthur C. Clarke have put forward the idea of a “space elevator” that could lift things into orbit far more cheaply than by rocket. The idea surfaces again from time to time; if I had the money, I might make a Long Bet that we’ll see one of these within 25 years or so.

I went to a lecture last Friday by David Orr, who teaches Environmental Studies (nee’ architecture) at Oberlin. He’s one of those that belive that the environment is the issue of the 21st century, and that everything else — including global economic and social health — stems from sustainability and minimal-impact human presence on the land. The theme of this month’s Metropolis is “Architects Pollute” — a design “manifesto” for architects, designers, planners and builders to help lead the transition to a sustainable economy. This article isn’t available online, but they have posted a good interview with Jeff Speck, the new Director of Design for the National Endowment for the Arts. Jeff was former director of town planning for Duany Plater-Zyberk, the founders of the New Urbanism movement.

The Economist reports this week on the latest progress in the project to install massive gates protecting Venice from high water… And I’m thinking about doing a paper on “third-wave” tourism in small towns in Baja for one of my classes this semester.

Other than that, I’m exhausted. Taking four classes, along with local work and AdMonsters, and trying to have a personal life, is beating me up. My free time at this point is down below the threshold of recharge. We’ll see how long I can keep that up.