With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Videos: Going For A Ride On The U.S. Bank Tower's Skyslide
"It's terrible. It's a stupid idea."
This is how Guillermo Rodriguez, Jimmy Kimmel's on-screen sidekick, felt about the US Bank Tower "Skyslide" before he got on it. And it's easy to sympathize with him; the slide is on the 70th floor of (what is currently) the tallest building in the western U.S. That's 1,000 feet up. It's also worth nothing that the slide hangs on the side of the building, and that the all-glass structure allows you to see everything—even the streets right beneath you, on which you might fall and disintegrate.
On June 20 we reported that at least one brave soul had decided to test it out. Now, we're seeing more videos of people going down the Skyslide. Associated Press reporter Amanda Myers took a first-person shot of the experience ("This is the most terrifying thing."), so now you can see first-hand what it'll be like. Our first impression is that it's not that long of a ride (you're only going down one floor) so maybe we can handle it.
Support for LAist comes from
Guillermo was less optimistic:
"For sure there are two things that are going to happen. One, I'm going to close my eyes. Second, I'm going to s___ my pants," he lamented.
But he mustered up the courage and did it. It wasn't pretty, however, as he sort of tilted to one side and ended up sliding down sideways. It's something we also saw in last week's video; the slider's alignment was out of whack. So be forewarned: if you're going down the Skyslide, don't lean to one side or the other, or else you'll end up on your x-axis.
When Kimmel asked what Guillermo thought of the slide afterward. Guillermo said, "It was OK." Here's Guillermo, and some reporters, having a blast on the Skyslide:
Support for LAist comes from
The Skyslide, as well as the OUE Skyspace observation deck, will officially open on June 25. You will have to purchase a ticket for admittance.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
What do stairs have to do with California’s housing crisis? More than you might think, says this Culver City councilmember. -
Yes, it's controversial, but let me explain. -
Doctors say administrator directives allow immigration agents to interfere in medical decisions and compromise medical care. -
The Palisades Fire erupted on Jan. 7 and went on to kill 12 people and destroy more than 6,800 homes and buildings. -
People moving to Los Angeles are regularly baffled by the region’s refrigerator-less apartments. They’ll soon be a thing of the past. -
Experts say students shouldn't readily forgo federal aid. But a California-only program may be a good alternative in some cases.
Best of LAist