American adventurer Steve Fossett (R) and Perlan Project team leader Einar Enevoldson walk off the Omarama air field after their failed attempt at the world gliding altitude record from their Omarama workshop, August 10, 2002. The Perlan Project aim is to take a German DG505 glider past the existing record of 14,938m (48,996 feet), through severe turbulence and extreme temperatures to 18,288m (60,000 feet). The pair will make another attempt at the altitude record on Sunday. REUTERS/Simon Baker

Is this a sign of the incredible boredom of a rich and fat society? If you are going to risk your life to give it some meaning, aren't there a whole lot better things to risk your life for?