Most of my energy during the summer of 2006 was wasted staring at my computer screen, forcing animated Germans not only to invade the adjacent Chinese empire, but at the same time to build countless wonders of the world, including the illustrious space elevator. However, we may no longer need Civilization IV to develop this seemingly unobtainable machine that will send humans, space station supplies, and innocent ponies into orbit, thanks to a conference taking place this November. Scientists from around the world will be traveling to Japan to discuss their ideas and proposals for the elevator, which includes designs for a counterweight to be placed in geospatial orbit and methods for forming the carbon nanotube cable that would connect us to the Thermosphere. Experts say this cable won’t be ready until at least the 2030’s, which seems like forever, but if my industrious animated Germans couldn’t do it for several thousand years, I think we can be patient and give these scientists twenty years or so.