My innocent Facebook post on Tuesday sparked enough comments to let me know I struck a nerve. Here’s what I posted the morning after Memorial Day: “Remembering that as I return to work today, Carla is at work 24/7. Summer vacation for children means summer overtime for parents who stay at home full- or part-time.” … Continue reading Summertime blues
Tag: the South
A new page
Did you miss me? For the first time since I started New South Essays in March 2011 I have hit a wall. Failing to post an essay three out of the last four weeks, I've succumbed to inertia, and it threatens my blogging endeavor. In addition to my absence from the blogosphere, I also have to admit that the quality … Continue reading A new page
The old/new way to listen to live music
There’s something humbling and heart-warming about being invited into someone’s home. Hospitality stirs a powerful response of gratitude. Every time I sit down to a meal or stand around eating finger foods in someone’s home, I know they have gone to a tremendous effort and expense. I feel valued. Now, add in the experience of … Continue reading The old/new way to listen to live music
Robertsons taking the New South by storm
They’re bearded. They’re quotable. They’re camouflaged. They’re armed. They’re wildly popular. They are the Robertsons. Unless you manage to completely avoid all media – other than New South Essays, of course – then you have probably seen or heard about the Robertson family. The pride of West Monroe, La., the Robertsons are self-proclaimed rednecks who … Continue reading Robertsons taking the New South by storm
Goofy Southern Golfers: A New Tradition Unlike Any Other
Based on in-depth demographic research, I’ve determined that New South Essays readers may not know that this week is the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, Ga. As a public service, I am writing to let you know that this is happening , and it is important. Or at least it is to some people. Like … Continue reading Goofy Southern Golfers: A New Tradition Unlike Any Other
Pollen counts
Nothing says springtime in Atlanta like piles of facial tissues, billowing clouds of yellow dust and an encouraging addition to the weather forecast known as the pollen count. Simply defined, the pollen count is the number of grains of pollen in a cubic meter of air. It is measured by placing a silicon-covered rod outdoors … Continue reading Pollen counts
Etiquette just clogs your inbox
In the South, we are taught to thank everyone for everything, even when we don’t mean it. In the age of digital communication, Southern manners are annoying. Whether you know it or not, we are now being conditioned to say only what’s absolutely necessary. Well-mannered professionals in the New South are being encouraged to let go … Continue reading Etiquette just clogs your inbox
Bracing
You cannot bear your children’s burdens for them. On Wednesday, our 12-year-old son, Barron, began a two-year journey with orthodontia. My wife and I can commiserate, but we cannot take away the discomfort and self-consciousness. As one of my former editors used to say, it’s his bear to cross. By the grace of God and … Continue reading Bracing
My little brother the leprechaun
Tomorrow is March 17, a date that looms large for my family. No, we’re not Irish. Well, we're a little Irish, but not THAT Irish. You see, 39 years ago on St. Patrick’s Day, my little red-headed brother was born. He would end up being my first little brother, but none of us knew that … Continue reading My little brother the leprechaun
My cheatin’ foot
When you try a different hair stylist or dental hygienist, don’t you feel a little bit like you’re cheating on the relationship? Since the mid-1990s I have been buying my running shoes at Phidippides, the first-ever specialty running store which opened in 1973 in Tallahassee, Fla., and now operates at Atlanta’s Ansley Mall. Even when … Continue reading My cheatin’ foot
