Happy New Year From Vegas

Happy New Year!

Vegas New Year With A Bang And A Crash

New Year came to Vegas with a bang and a crash.

The Rat And The Fatcat At The Stratosphere

Every morning, protesting workers inflate a rat and a fatcat (squeezing a worker) in front of the Stratosphere - they're not pleased the casino has hired non-union labor. With the rat, Paul Benigno, President of Operative Plasterers & Cement Masons.

Faces Of Protest

Workers have been protesting non-union labor hired by the Stratosphere - they erected a giant inflatable rat to reflect their feelings.

World 3 Wall Ball Championship, Stratosphere

The 3 Wall Ball Championship took place in the Stratosphere parking lot, where they built the courts. Can't be a big sport, but it's fun - even I could play it.

World 3 Wall Ball Championship, Vegas

If you think we're all degenerate, poker-playing, buffet-eating gamblers in Vegas, you're right. We invite athletes from all over the world to do the exercising in 100 degree heat for us.

Stratosphere Sky Jump

For a $100 you can jump off the Stratosphere, the tallest structure west of the Mississippi. That little dot in the top photo is someone screaming on the way down.

X-Scream Ride At Stratosphere

The X-Scream ride atop the Stratosphere (tallest structure west of the Mississippi) shoots into the sky, goes over the railing and suddenly lurches downwards, like it will deposit you on the street. Terrifying.

Stratosphere Observation Deck

You take the elevator to the top of the Stratosphere, where two comfortable armchairs await to view downtown. Then you go outside and watch people plummet towards the street in the rocket ride.

Stratosphere

All striped at the bottom.

Stratosphere In The Morning

Tallest structure west of the Mississippi.