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Are they wall or safeguard, these mountains? Las Vegas Reflections; Photo by author.

Las Vegas Reflections

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Las Vegas Reflections is Emmie Strickland’s second piece for Cult of Americana

I spent 2016 living in a place beyond my wildest of dreams. I moved to Las Vegas hesitantly, sure that I would despise residing in the valley of flooding selfishness and greed. However, I soon encountered the unexpected undertow that Las Vegas has; an intriguing, Alice-down-the-rabbit-hole effect that steered me away from my preconceived ignorance about it. It’s the veiled true beauty of a city who constantly is painting herself with more and more outrageous makeup, and I got to see it. Then, I fell under its mysterious charm.

Most travelers who make their way to this carved out valley of pleasures of the flesh don’t make it past The Strip. Like a field of tranquilizing poppies, the throng of bright colors and lights, and the promises of a good time ensnare the majority Vegas’ guests, ensuring that they don’t see beyond the glittering hotel rooftops. Continue reading →

New Writer Welcome: Thorsten Sahlin

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Please join the COA family in welcoming our newest writer, Thorsten Sahlin! Thorsten’s bio will be available shortly on our About page. Subscribe to COA so you don’t miss his upcoming debut piece ‘Whistler’s Mother is LeBron James.’

Q: If you’ve ever had a opportunity to dispel a common misconception about Swedes, this is it. Go!

My family is a couple generations over so I don’t have a ton to say that would incorporate any firsthand experience in the country. Although, as conversations go, people will generally inquire about the derivation of my name. When they find out It’s a Swedish name, 90% of the time they will say something to the tune of “but you’re not even blonde”. Many people are under the impression that Brigitte Nielsen and Dolph Lundgren have spawned the entire nation. Truth. Continue reading →