If you’re constantly worried you’ll end up like the picture above, you may want to check out Tokyo’s newest addition to its high-tech stable of crap called the “maglev” elevator. Though it won’t be up and running until 2008, this technology will basically suspend you in mid-air through what they say is a combination of magnetic attraction and repulsion. As of now, the technology has only been used for high-speed trains (in Pudong International Airport in Shanghai) and you’ll be happy to know that the Brits actually scrapped their maglev shuttle in 1995 because of “technical glitches.” But let’s face it, if anyone can do it, the Japanese can. AND, the new elevators will be quieter and travel 984 ft. per minute. Someone should comission Brian Eno to write a suite of music for these elevators, no?
