A coffee bean’s life ends violently. The ripened coffee cherry is plucked from a tree. Its remains are processed either with a fermented liquid or in the sun. The outer layers of peel and parchment are stripped away, baring its inner bean. That bean is roasted (over roasted if it's sold by Starbucks) and ultimately … Continue reading Special delivery
Since our middle son, Harris, began matriculating at Mercer University in our old stomping grounds of Macon, Ga., Carla and I have made several pilgrimages back to the scene of our courtship, marriage and early days as a family. Last Saturday, we made such a trip in the spring sunshine, enjoying a leisurely drive from … Continue reading Taking backroads
On April 3, 2025, I enticed Carla and our friend Heather to join me in violating the no. 1 rule of our influencer-driven, celebrity-obsessed culture: Never meet your heroes. Landon Bryant and his lovely wife, Kate, are the rare exception. We were among the first to arrive at Eagle Eye Books in Decatur that night … Continue reading Landon talks… to me
Can there be such a thing as too many spring breaks? If this is a malady, I have it. If it is a blessing, I am looking for a way to appreciate it. This week is spring break for Gwinnett County schools, which typically falls the first full week of April. It is relevant to … Continue reading Too many spring breaks
Way back in the 1900s when I worked in a business that printed ink on dead trees, we had a competition of sorts in the newsroom. Each year when March rolled around, the reporters were tempted no matter the context to use the phrase “Ah, spring,” as a lead to a story. The first person … Continue reading Welcome to indoor winter
Unless you live under the proverbial rock, you have no doubt by now learned of the ubiquitous “you owe money for tolls” text scam making its way across the country. It’s the most basic of phishing scams that uses your mobile phone. They send you a text message indicating you will suffer a penalty if … Continue reading Cautionary tale: A peach of a phish
If you’re a middle child, you know how precious a commodity attention can be. Frequently caught in that unenviable space between the accomplishments of the eldest and the parlor tricks of the youngest, the middle must somehow carve out for themselves a niche that affords them an identity and recognition. Carla and I have put … Continue reading A monumental trip
As the New South’s most beloved humorist, I am highly sought after as a member of group chats. My contributions are hilarious and always result in a “HaHa” symbol from the other members of the group. That’s how I know I am hilarious. Why else would someone respond with the “HaHa” symbol? Ok, so maybe … Continue reading Group texts are the new social media
As I write this week’s post, a 20-pound black and white purebred miniature parti poodle warms my lap. Archie seems to be right at home but has indicated I need more surface area to provide a stable napping surface. He recently came into our home, upending our routines, stretching our patience and growing our capacity … Continue reading The incredible journey of Archibald Wallace
Widely known as the “Mark Twain of Lilburn,” I have an appreciation of stand-up comedy as an art form and humor more generally as a quality that enhances life. I am aware of my readership, so from time to time I enjoy performing a public service and letting you in on a comedian whose work … Continue reading Aaron Weber serves up quality comedy with ‘Signature Dish’
New South Essays 