Carlton's senior portrait I’ll spare you the passage of time cliches and just leave it at, “I am astounded that my youngest son will begin his senior year of high school this week.” There are still many miles to go on this journey, but I cannot pretend this week doesn’t mark another significant milestone. It’s … Continue reading Back to school part one: Carlton’s senior year
We at New South Essays have made it our mission to keep you informed of events that both reflect and impact contemporary Southern culture. Such a moment occurred last night (July 24, 2026) when Nashville stand-up comedian Brian Bates dropped his long-awaited, highly-anticipated 30-minute special “Worried” on the Nateland YouTube channel. (Oh, and did I … Continue reading Don’t ‘worry,’ Brian Bates’ new comedy special delivers
I love when a conversation turns Southern. My day job recently had me in our nation’s capitol for a conference. These events are catnip to me. My extroversion explodes. Meeting new people, making connections, networking and engaging in conversations energizes me. About 700-800 people, give or take, attended this conference, and I knew only a … Continue reading When a conversation turns Southern
Six games remain in the 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup, and New South Essays is prepared to announce the winner… Waffle House. FreddyLA7's original post on X June 8 that launched a viral Waffle House frenzy. Note that it has received 7.4 million views so far. That’s right. The bastion of Southern culture … Continue reading Winner of the 2026 World Cup
During our 21st visit to the white sand beaches of Florida’s Emerald Coast along County Road 30A, I took particular interest in the daily ritual of setting up and taking down beach chairs and umbrellas. This is a young person’s task, and I am neither fit nor inclined to pursue this vocation. Once upon a … Continue reading Umbrellas and chairs
Frodo Baggins set out to destroy the One Ring, defeating Sauron and saving Middle Earth from the forces of darkness. Luke Skywalker learned the ways of the Force in order to overcome his fear, confront his father, and overthrow the Galactic Empire and its emperor. King Arthur led the Knights of the Round Table to … Continue reading The Lord of the Pond
When a species has a specific geographical location in its name, it’s just common sense that the species would call that place home. I’m not clear if “Tasmanian Devil” is a whole species or just the one on the Bugs Bunny cartoons, but I am clear that I have never seen one outside of Tasmania. … Continue reading Atlanta Geese
No one in the New South answers their phone any more. Well, almost no one. I have recently stumbled onto an interesting sociological discovery, and I want to test a hypothesis here and gauge your response. No one who lives in the big city answers their phone any more. Folks who live out in the … Continue reading It’s for you
I’ve been a functional human being doing just fine with my iPhone 11 for several years, but the confluence of two unfortunate events is undermining my daily operations. First, Apple released iOS 26.5. This required 18.5 GB to install. I, apparently, do not have 18.5 GB to spare on my iPhone 11. Second, my youngest … Continue reading Too many attachments
I am a man of principle. One of my core principles is that when I am in Texas, I must consume brisket and Tex-Mex. Oh, and if it works out, I will try to hang out with my moogerhead brothers. This week I managed to accomplish all three during a work trip that had me … Continue reading When in Texas
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