Try this for amusing

[Databits]

Some guy trying to actually build a flying saucer.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061227/NEWS04/612270379

So I guess in 8 months we'll see what a lack of technology know-how and physics will get you when you do something like this.

[Xepher]

To quote one of the engineers questioned in the article: "I wouldn't want to stand next to it when it gets up to speed." Sounds like the guy is just building a twin-blade helicopter for all intents and purposes. With two fan discs instead of regular blades. Yeah, it might fly, but it's not going to be any more revolutionary than this http://www.airscooter.com/assets/rblades-1.JPG and that sucker doesn't cost $100,000

[Databits]

One of those would... actually be kinda cool to have.

[Xepher]

Heck yeah it would! I always wanted one of the Hiller Flying Platform prototypes though. http://www.hiller.org/flying-platform.shtml

They actually planned to produce a civilian version in the '60s, with the idea of replacing most commuter traffic. This WAS the flying car I was promised, but the red tape nixed it. As a kid, I even went as far as trying to look up patent documentation for the hiller, in hopes of maybe building my own. I never got to it, but at least some people are still trying. Check out this chart. http://avia.russian.ee/helicopters_eng/vert.html

Note that the original hiller platform from 1954 looks almost the same as the AD&D Hummingbird from 1997. And if you read up on it, it's apparently stupid-easy to fly. Naturally stable, so you just stand on it and lean the way you want to go. I imagine it's about like a flying segway, but with about 98% less "metro." :-)