Re:So the Sears Tower is still the tallest buildin (Score 1)

It's the difference between a spire and an atennae. While the former is an ornamental structure which counts in heigh, the latter is a functional structure which is disqualified. It's a foolish rule but is explained well by abde's post above, though I suppose in the end, all that matters is one's own personal view since the rules are all pretty subjective concerning building height, or even the definition of a building.