1.   Old civil-rights battles simmer in the background, like gumbo.

2.   That battle simmers close to the surface.

3.   Border battle simmers into a second year.

4.   Because much of the struggle takes place behind the scenes, the battle had simmered along quietly -- until the auction announcement.

5.   Because much of the struggle takes place behind the scenes, the battle has simmered along quietly -- until the auction announcement.