World News for Students of English

01-07-2016 15:00

Not the best idea if you’re scared of heights! This slide on the side of LA’s tallest building has been opened to the public 1,000 feet (305 metres) above the streets.

The exciting attraction clings to the outside of the U.S. Bank Tower and is part of the OUE Skyspace LA observation deck. Thrill seekers will be able to sit down and slide for 45 feet (14 metres) to an outdoor platform on the 69th floor.

“I thought it was nerve-wracking and exciting and daring, and it just seemed like just so much over the top, like, why are they doing this? And I just had to do it because I am so afraid of heights and I just wanted to break that fear.”

“I went a lot faster than I thought I would. And you kind of hit the side as you’re coming around the curve, so you’re really pressed up against the glass, so you see the whole world below you, but it’s not really that scary.”

According to the building’s owner, Singapore-based OUE Ltd., the glass on the fully enclosed slide is only 1 1/4 inches thick (3 centimetres), but can withstand hurricane-force winds and even a powerful earthquake.

Hm, we’re still not sure, but it is definitely one quick exit from the office!

Difficult words: cling (be close to), quick exit (get out of somewhere fast).

Source: www.ondemandnews.com