> I don't know how architecturally viable this
> would be, but why not build skyscrapers in the
> opposite direction? In other words, build deep
> into the earth instead of up into the sky. >
> Gri"a society of tunnel rats"shny

Good idea. It would suit me a lot better. I have explored caves and have found it more comfortable than climbing mountains.

In Nashville a few years ago, the legislature needed more space. So they removed a small park in front of the capitol building, and dug a huge square hole in it's place. They filled it with rooms, and hallways and then put the park right back on top. It's really very nice. I'm sure heating and air conditioning costs are less than they would be for an above-ground building, and there are no widows to clean. They probably worry less about terrorist down there. They also have similar subterrainian space under the capitol building. If they are smart enough to do that, why can't they come up with a workable budget?
Howard