Also from New Scientist, notice that contracts to construct the world's tallest building have been awarded. Nope, it's not the tower in New York, it's the Burj Dubai tower in, well, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (bordering Saudi Arabia). The thing will be not quite half a mile tall and host 160 floors serviced by a series of double-decker elevators. In construction, it sounds to be very similar to the Sears tower (a series of progressively taller, smaller buildings lashed together and supporting each other).

And yes, I know the penny story is a myth. Just wanted to make sure you were paying attention.