Monthly Archives: August 2011

Chaos and Calm

Posted on August 30, 2011 by Tom Simpson

Since the middle of August, Alex and I have been packing for a move across town. Just packing, eagerly, furiously. The day before the move we had to shift our attention. It was Alex’s birthday, and Hurricane Irene was heading up the coast. We got … Continue reading →

Posted in Autobiography / Memoir, Fatherhood | Tagged | 1 Comment

Just As I Am? A Mormon Runs for President

Posted on August 25, 2011 by Tom Simpson

Mitt Romney came to Exeter today, to rally his supporters for the upcoming primary in New Hampshire. They lobbed questions that guaranteed scripted responses: “this nation is the hope of the earth,” “I believe in American sovereignty,” and “I’ll stop Obamacare in its tracks!” … Continue reading →

Posted in Mormonism, Politics, Publications on Religion and American Culture | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Let’s Go, Buffalo

Posted on August 23, 2011 by Tom Simpson

My mom is still trying to figure out why my dad, my brother, and I care so much about the Buffalo Bills. Every fall, she has to hear Dad’s house-shaking, cat-terrorizing cries as the Bills get sloppy, get robbed, or get crushed. Then she has to endure … Continue reading →

Posted in Autobiography / Memoir, Popular Culture, Sports | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Teen Drama

Posted on August 19, 2011 by Tom Simpson

Alex and I have been watching Friday Night Lights religiously this summer. From fiction’s safe distance, we can explore the torturous, thrilling lives of teens and the adults who love and fail them. We rage at their blindness, weep for their losses, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Fatherhood, Music, Popular Culture, Raising Boys, Sports, Teaching | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Golden Rules

Posted on August 16, 2011 by Tom Simpson

Some things shouldn’t be open to interpretation, but they are. When our boys fight–about 63 times a day during the summer–my wife and I present a united front. Firm guidelines, clear expectations. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” we … Continue reading →

Posted in Autobiography / Memoir, Books, Ethics, Fatherhood, Humor, Raising Boys, Teaching | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Rest Well, Coach (For Denny Capito)

Posted on August 14, 2011 by Tom Simpson

From the Olean Times Herald, August 5, 2011: OLEAN — Pasquale “Denny” Capito of 1504 W. Henley St. passed away Wednesday (Aug. 3, 2011) at Olean General Hospital after a brief illness. Denny Capito taught me things. When I was … Continue reading →

Posted in Autobiography / Memoir, Baseball, Raising Boys, Sports | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Balkan Mercies

Posted on August 11, 2011 by Tom Simpson

This week my travels led me to Charlottesville, Virginia’s new Balkan Bistro & Bar. Charlottesville used to be home. It’s where my wife and I met, fell in love, and married. We have been away for nearly ten years, though, … Continue reading →

Posted in Bosnia, Food, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Summer in the Garden of Good and Evil

Posted on August 6, 2011 by Tom Simpson

Savannah, Georgia’s brochures for tourists will tell you that the place is haunted. No doubt. As hulking ocean freighters creep past the crowds on River Street, the souls of the dead beg you to take notice, to surrender to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Aesthetics, Architecture, Art, Autobiography / Memoir, Food, Publications on Religion and American Culture, Race, Religion and Spirituality, Social Justice, Teaching, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment