LAS = 3-letter code for Las Vegas Airport. Another example is Chicago Midwest with MDW. Many airports around the nation and world have webcams fixed on their runways. One recently began in Las Vegas (click here ).  What I don't  want to see is -- as the planes approach -- odds of a safe landing displayed!

The American Physics Association had to move its convention at the last minute and Las Vegas volunteered. When it was over, it turns out they were not Vegas' target audience. Trivial gambling, modest restaurant tabs and no much spent on shows.* Vegas asked them not  to return. We meteorologists did exactly the same thing in Reno in the late 1980's and they asked us not to return.  *One of the reasons I have stopped attending meteorological meetings is the fact they (literally) run from 8am to 9pm. I don't have that kind of stamina any more, particularly when it involves skipping dinner. The primary reason is I don't like the politics...of any ilk. 

When I turned on the television Saturday morning it was on a channel carrying the show Las Vegas. One of the opening shots (above) brought back a family memory. See the orange track? There used to be a roller coaster on top of Las Vegas' Stratosphere Tower. We were visiting Vegas in the early '00's and went to the top to see the view. Our fearless daughter, Tiffany, suddenly wanted to ride. Mother Kathleen: You  go with her! As I found a hand pushing the middle of my back. I did. It was quite a ride. Thanks to YouTube, here is the view from "The High Roller." Enjoy your holiday weekend!!