Sex, drugs, pedicabbing, a landscaping convention, and lots of dread
May 26, 2024 1:56 AM Subscribe
The convention seemed endless. We wandered into Hall J. Everywhere, people clamored to shake the Palm Tree Wholesaler’s hand, either nervously introducing themselves or trying to hide their dismay as they reminded him of their names. I asked if he had a booth at the conference, if he was here to sell trees, and he said, “I’m on the board of the association. I’m the keynote speaker this year.” from The Smoke of the Land Went Up a short story by Andrew Cominelli [Guernica]
Louisiana is also home to the world's largest prison, because it is the United States' largest prison/rodeo
posted by HearHere at 3:04 AM on May 26 [1 favorite]
posted by HearHere at 3:04 AM on May 26 [1 favorite]
I wouldn't compare this piece to Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, despite the similarity of people experiencing a convention while high. Some of that is just due to the immense cultural baggage that FALILV has; it's probably HST's biggest hit, but also kind of overshadowed much of the rest of his career. This just has a calmer energy to it, and even the most unrealistic element of it--the hotels under construction collapsing in series, like dominos--seems like it wouldn't surprise me if it actually happened. And the ending is simply great.
posted by Halloween Jack at 11:18 AM on May 26 [1 favorite]
posted by Halloween Jack at 11:18 AM on May 26 [1 favorite]
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posted by HearHere at 2:39 AM on May 26 [1 favorite]