NEWS + POLITICS + ENTERTAINMENT / NOVEMBER 16, 2011 / ARKTIMES.COM
Alice’s ‘Wonder World’ Art lovers, meet Bentonville. BY LESLIE NEWELL PEACOCK PAGE 14
GET FREE.
THE INSTANT-ISSUE CHECK CARD NO WAIT. Member FDIC
NO MONTHLY FEES. fsbank.com
, a eans Style as New Orl m st l, ri ra h d C e t it a uis Cath holiday spir s in St. Lo rt ce n ch n co Get in the re h F wit rs and celebration c home tou monthlong ons, histori ti ra for Special st a on d ing dem om/holi y .c e n li n sO holiday cook n Orlea . . V isit New our contest Quarter fun enter to win d an * 9 7 $ es from Holiday Rat mas $ NOLA Christ
2,500
ing a and more! rizes, includ restaurants l, te o Win lots of p h , re fa ir bonus with a
NOTM11-49_ARK_Naughty_9.25x12.indd 1
WIN. SCAN AND y tag for a Scan this jazz in a $2,500 w to ce an ch Orleans. trip to New out special Plus, learn ab , menus, ts holiday even d more. an s te ra l te ho
apply. rictions may lability. Rest ai av on ed *Bas
11/8/11 10:54 AM
‘Do Something Beautiful’ to cover your windows in stlye! ARKANSAS’S SOURCE FOR NEWS, POLITICS & ENTERTAINMENT 201 East Markham Street 200 Heritage Center West P.O. Box 34010, Little Rock, Arkansas 72203 www.arktimes.com arktimes@arktimes.com @ArkTimes www.facebook.com/arkansastimes
The perfect topping for turkey sandwiches
mood spoons
EDITOR Lindsey Millar MANAGING EDITOR Leslie Newell Peacock CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Mara Leveritt Doug Smith EDITORIAL ART DIRECTOR Kai Caddy
THE RESTAURANT STORE
GOODNESS... Designs
SENIOR EDITOR Max Brantley
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Robert Bell
SINCE 1933
A KICK OF ZAK! HEAT AND TART
PUBLISHER Alan Leveritt
ASSOCIATE EDITORS David Koon, Bob Lancaster,
KREBS BROTHERS
2410 Glover Street (behind Barbara/Jean, Ltd) (501) 219-1500 • Mon-Fri 8:30-5 Sat & Sun by appointment www.windowworksdesign.com
4310 Landers Road • North Little Rock, AR 72117
(501) 687-1331
www.krebsbrothers.com • M-F 8-5 Sat. 9-5
PHOTOGRAPHER Brian Chilson ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR Mike Spain ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR Patrick Jones GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Katie Cook, Rafael Méndez, Bryan Moats, Sandy Sarlo DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING Phyllis A. Britton SPECIAL PROJECTS Michelle Miller, Manager SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Tiffany Holland ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Katherine Smith Daniels, Sarah DeClerk, Darielle D’Mello, Angie Wilson REAL ESTATE SALES EXECUTIVE Tiffany Holland CLASSIFIED SALES EXECUTIVE Challis Muniz AUTOMOTIVE ADVERTISING MANAGER Heather Baker ADVERTISING TRAFFIC MANAGER Roland R. Gladden ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Kelly Schlachter PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Tracy Whitaker SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Kelly Ferguson SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Josh Bramlett IT DIRECTOR Robert Curfman CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Anitra Hickman CONTROLLER Weldon Wilson BILLING/COLLECTIONS Linda Phillips OFFICE MANAGER Angie Fambrough RECEPTIONIST Paige Parham PRODUCTION MANAGER Ira Hocut (1954-2009)
association of alternative newsweeklies
VOLUME 38, NUMBER 11 ARKANSAS TIMES (ISSN 0164-6273) is published each week by Arkansas Times Limited Partnership, 201 East Markham Street, 200 Heritage Center West, P.O. Box 34010, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72203, phone (501) 375-2985. Periodical postage paid at Little Rock, Arkansas, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ARKANSAS TIMES, P.O. Box 34010, Little Rock, AR, 72203. Subscription prices are $42 for one year, $78 for two years. Subscriptions outside Arkansas are $49 for one year, $88 for two years. Foreign (including Canadian) subscriptions are $168 a year. For subscriber service call (501) 375-2985. Current single-copy price is 75¢, free in Pulaski County. Single issues are available by mail at $2.50 each, postage paid. Payment must accompany all single-copy orders. Reproduction or use in whole or in part of the contents without the written consent of the publishers is prohibited. Manuscripts and artwork will not be returned or acknowledged unless sufficient return postage and a self-addressed stamped envelope are included. All materials are handled with due care; however, the publisher assumes no responsibility for care and safe return of unsolicited materials. All letters sent to ARKANSAS TIMES will be treated as intended for publication and are subject to ARKANSAS TIMES’ unrestricted right to edit or to comment editorially.
©2011 ARKANSAS TIMES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP FOR SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE CALL: (501) 375-2985 www.arktimes.com NOVEMBER 16, 2011 3
COMMENT
No entitlement cuts Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid have protected millions of Americans and have contributed to the stability of our families and our communities. I cannot sit idly by while Washington proposes cuts to these important programs while ignoring the call of middle class Americans to find other ways to cut the deficit. We paid for these programs with every paycheck of our working lives. Why should they be targeted while tax cuts for the rich are spared and loopholes for corporations are protected? The Super Committee continues to meet in secret and has made no promise that Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid will be spared. I urge my fellow citizens to contact their representatives and demand no cuts. Keith Runion Little Rock
been allowed. I am protesting the corruption of our government. The Supreme Court ruling of Citizens United v. FEC allowed the wholesale auctioning of our government officials to the highest corporate and special interest group bidder. Corporations and special interest groups are not people and therefore should not be entitled to constitutional protection. Additionally, money is not free speech and has no rights to protection either. You wrote that class warfare is the theme of the protest. You are wrong and ill informed once again. We are
all part of one society — the American society. As such, we want equal representation in our government. We want that equality reflected in the legislation and regulations that are written for the benefit of all Americans and not just for the benefit of the highest bidder. I have joined Occupy Little Rock to protest all of the problems we face so that our country can continue to be a great one. As a proud and loyal American, I see it as my civic responsibility to speak out against the corruption of our government and capitalist system. While you may choose to see our
R
VICTIM INFORMATION AND NOTIFICATION EVERYDAY
Thanks for running the Best of Arkansas Lawyers; it was nice to see something positive about lawyers. I was flattered to be included at all, but I was listed in only one of two categories. As the Times is my favorite local media seeing my name was a treat. Junius Bracy Cross Jr. Little Rock
To Darr
4 NOVEMBER 16, 2011 ARKANSAS TIMES
FROM THE WEB On Crystal Bridges opening day Have you ever visited a museum — almost any museum or concert hall or similar — in Europe? They are mostly palaces built by aristocrats of old that have passed into public ownership when monarchy was abolished. Same thing here. Well almost. America is really not that different from a traditional aristocratic society. Alice Walton is in some respects an enlightened ruler, herself opening up some of her palaces to the commoners. But in the long run, feudalism will be abolished even on this side of the Atlantic. LoveAlice
Flattered
An open letter to Lt. Gov. Mark A. Darr: In your to your news release “A Little Perspective on Occupy Wall Street,” you made the assumption that this protest movement is an anti-capitalist protest. This shows that you are poorly informed and have not done your research. As a member of the protest movement Occupy Little Rock and a small business owner, I am not anticapitalist in the least bit. Capitalism is the backbone of our economy in which I fully participate and support. Capitalism is the foundation of the American Dream where all people have the opportunity for success and prosperity that I fully embrace. I am not protesting capitalism. I am protesting the corruption of our capitalist system. I am protesting the corporate welfare rampant in our country where multi-billion dollar companies pay no taxes while average, hard working, middle class citizens like myself struggles to pay their taxes and raise their families. Additionally, I am protesting corporate bailouts. Bailouts have no place in a true free market system and should have never
protests as non-productive, I strongly disagree with you. We are drawing attention to the government and capitalist corruption that we protest. We are giving the silent majority the courage to find their voice on the problems that our country faces. We are laying the foundation for meaningful and productive improvements to our government and capitalist system. By being vocal and visible, we are creating the social pressure necessary for change. I am disappointed in your attempt to paint us in an unfavorable light. It only strengthens my resolve to continue these protests so that other misinformed people such as you might better understand why we are here and what we hope to accomplish. Carol Maxine Havener Ola
VICTIMS HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW
1-800-510-0415 A 24-Hour Toll-Free Hotline for Offender Custody and Court Status Information
TTY 1-866-847-1298
www.vinelink.com
ARKANSAS VINE
VICTIM INFORMATION AND NOTIFICATION EVERYDAY
PROVIDED BY THE: Arkansas Crime Information Center
501-682-2222
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH APPRISS®
This project was supported by Grant No. 2007VNCX0006 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, and the Office for Victims of Crime. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not represent the official position or policies of the United States Department of Justice.
We should never put down philanthropy, regardless of the source. Andrew Carnegie was one of the most vicious robber barons of his era, but he endowed libraries all over the country. My little hometown had one, and that is where I first learned to appreciate books, and the knowledge that was contained therein. I’m not an art lover; don’t know anything about it, but Crystal Bridges can only be good for the community. It will allow students in Northwest Arkansas to experience art that previously was only available in the great cities of the nation. As ignorant about art as I am, I still remember how awed I was when I visited the National Museum in Washington, D.C. plainjim
Submit letters to the Editor, Arkansas Times, P.O. Box 34010, Little Rock, AR 72203. We also accept letters via e-mail. The address is arktimes@ arktimes.com. We also accept faxes at 375-3623. Please include name and hometown.
ORVAL
over 500 Items on sale throughout the store
OVER 300 ITEMS ON SALE THROUGHOUT THE STORE SpecialS good thru November 22, 2011
SpiritS
EvEryday $16.99 $25.99 $63.99 $26.99
SalE $13.99 $22.99 $51.99 $21.99
WinE valUE BUyS
EvEryday $11.99 $26.99 $27.99 $15.49
SalE $8.99 $20.99 $19.99 $11.99
BESt BUy UndEr $10 – 750 ml
EvEryday $13.99
SalE $9.99
$8.99 $12.99
$6.99 $9.99
pack $13.99 $11.99 $13.99
caSE $26.98 $22.98 $26.98
Clan MacGregor Scotch Jim Beam Bourbon Grey Goose Vodka Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum La Villa, Pinot Grigio Calera Central Coast Pinot Noir 750ml Beringer Knight’s Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml Korbel Brut & Extra Dry 750ml Dogajolo Red & White Cellar 8 Cabernet, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir & Zinfandel Apothic Red
BEErS of thE WEEk
Heineken & Heineken Light 12pk Bottles St Pauli Girl Regular & Dark 12pk Bottles Corona & Corona Light 12pk Bottles
WinES of thE WEEk – 750 ml
Trimbach 2008 Pinot Blanc Everyday $17.99 This Week $13.99 Sean Minor 2009 Napa Valley Red Blend Everyday $19.99 This Week $15.99
Case of 12 $155.88 ($12.99) Case of 12 $179.88 ($14.99)
We honor competitors’ advertised prices. please bring the ad. 11200W. W.Markham Markham(West of Shackleford Shackleford on on Markham) Markham) 11200 (West of Little Rock 501-223-3120 Little Rock 501-223-3120 • 866-988-VINO• •866-988-vino info@colonialwineshop.com www.arktimes.com NOVEMBER 16, 2011 5
EDITORIAL
EYE ON ARKANSAS
Where the jobs are
R
epublican congressmen keep trying to give more tax money to people they call “job creators,” though the only jobs those people have been creating are overseas, at coolie wages. American working men and women have a better idea of what America needs. Some of them will gather at 4 p.m. Thursday, at the Mississippi Street exit on I-630, to explain. According to the Arkansas State AFL-CIO, the overpass here is one of 930 spans in Arkansas, and one of 146,000 in the U.S., that are considered functionally obsolete or structurally deficient. Repair of this substandard infrastructure would not only make the highway system safer and more efficient, it would provide work for millions. Big-time job creation, indeed. Yet congressional Republicans, cold-hearted and totally partisan, block President Obama’s legislation that would let the work proceed. They are entirely willing to keep Americans out of jobs if they can put Obama out of office. Brought up in the comparatively genteel world of Chicago politics, Obama is no match for these savages. Writing in Harper’s magazine, Thomas Frank makes a case that Harry Hopkins, the do-gooding superbureaucrat of the Franklin Roosevelt era, was the greatest job creator in American history. The Works Progress Administration (WPA), a public works program that Hopkins ran from 1935 to 1938, created about 3 million jobs a year. Another New Deal program, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), employed another 3 million young men, building parks and planting trees, from 1933 to 1942. Work that the WPA and the CCC did can still be seen in Arkansas, three-quarters of a century later. Would that we could see workers too.
The Griffin gang
S
omebody who still has a job, but is in danger of losing it, is U.S. Rep. Tim Griffin of Little Rock. This is why rich right-wingers have been shoveling money into the Second Congressional District. Griffin is the one-percenters’ man, and they want to keep him, but they know he’ll be in trouble in 2012 if the ninety-nine percenters get organized. A few weeks ago, the American Action Network was mailing brochures to voters in the district, turning truth on its head, claiming that President Obama’s health-care plan would harm the elderly and that Griffin was defending them. This week, the National Taxpayers Union is buying ads spreading a variation of the same falsehood. (The foremost advocate for the elderly, the AARP, does not go along.) The NTU is funded by conservative foundations like Scaife and John M. Olin. The AAN has similar backing and spent over $26 million supporting conservative candidates in the 2010 election cycle. Protecting seniors from being taken advantage of is not either organization’s primary concern. Protecting the wealthy from taxation is. 6 NOVEMBER 16, 2011 ARKANSAS TIMES
TRIPPY: Flickr user sno...lic uploaded this star trail photo taken near Russellville to the Times’ Eye On Arkansas group.
Charter schools struggle, too
T
he state Education Department last week released the final 2011 count on how schools in Arkansas are doing in meeting the No Child Left Behind Standards, which require that all students be testing at grade level in math and reading by 2014. With each passing year, the pass rate required for a “sufficient” rating rises. Consequently, the school failure rate has risen because of the unrealistic expectation that all children can be lifted above average. Of the 1,091 public schools in Arkansas, only 335, or 31 percent, were classified as achieving in 2011. By this, I mean not only were total populations of those schools hitting the required pass rate on state benchmark tests, but the pass rates were also met among subgroups – poor kids, black kids, Hispanic kids, special education kids. It only takes missing the mark in one category for one year for a school to be placed on “alert.” These numbers have limited value, unless you are a slave to standardized tests. Some schools don’t have enough of a target population – black, special ed, poor – to be rated in subcategories. Some schools barely miss in a single category. Some schools are almost entirely populated by impoverished students, sometimes speaking English as a second language. The state wants a federal waiver from this unforgiving required annual progress. As it stands, a spokesman noted, schools could improve but still drop in the rankings. “This unfairly labels schools which may in fact be very good places to learn,” said the department’s Seth Blomeley. Agreed. I also want to highlight a point that was obscured in the Democrat-Gazette front-page report, which focused first on non-achieving schools in the Little Rock School District, the reformers’ favorite whipping boy. Charter schools, touted as the option of choice for children in poor schools, didn’t do so hot either.
Sixteen of the state’s 20 charter schools, or 75 percent of them, failed to earn achieving status. These included such highly touted charters as the KIPP Delta Public School in HelenaMAX West Helena, two of the three BRANTLEY maxbrantley@arktimes.com eStem charter schools in Little Rock, the LISA Academy Middle School in Little Rock, the Academics Plus Charter School in Maumelle and the Arkansas Virtual Academy for home schoolers. The third eStem school also fell short in several categories, but wasn’t put on alert. It was “held harmless,” the department told me, on account of unusual enrollment growth. I don’t criticize these schools. But when you live by arbitrary “reform” standards (actually owe your existence to them), you should die by them a little bit, too. The charter schools fell short in serving the very students for whom they were nominally created. eStem, extolled as a haven from what one leading Walton-paid education reform lobbyist has called the utter waste of the Little Rock School District, failed to meet cumulative progress standards with black and poor students at every level. Academics Plus in Maumelle, nominally established to reach underprivileged kids, also fell short in serving the relatively few black and poor kids it enrolls. None of this is surprising. There’s no magic in standardized tests or in charter schools. Great teachers and principals are the foundation of any good school, but they can add only so much value to the raw material that walks into class every day and the commitment of their parents to their success. Poverty, health and family issues aren’t overridden by gimmicks, not even at segregated charter havens that are allowed to get rid of the hard-case students the conventional public schools must enroll.
OPINION
Griffin’s Medicare lies
H
ealth-care law and policy in the United States form such an impenetrable maze that rational public discourse about them is impossible. When anything is believable, the world is safe for demagoguery. As long as the subject is health care, a clever propagandist can turn a merciful deed into a foul one, transform a tribune of the poor into their tormentor, and turn a friend of the rich and powerful into the reincarnation of Mother Teresa. All of that is evident in the propaganda campaign to turn Arkansans against President Obama’s health initiatives and to reelect Congressman Tim Griffin. The latter may prove not to be so easy. Sunday, the Arkansas Democrat Gazette published a big ad praising Griffin for standing up to Obama and protecting low-income Medicare recipients from giant tax increases and benefit cuts planned by the president. If that sounds a little implausible to you — you thought Obama was a bleeding heart who cared only about the poor and all the minorities and nothing about the well off and comfortable — you would be a little closer to the truth. The president has offered no plan, as the ad claims he did, to impose a tax of 23 percent or more on the elderly poor’s prescription-drug benefits. The ad doesn’t tell you how that is going to happen, but it is convincing
if you are among the 99 percent of Americans who don’t have a clue how the inscrutable amalgam of ERNEST health insurance DUMAS programs works. The ad’s purpose is to re-elect Griffin by juxtaposing him against Obama, who is unpopular in Arkansas. A secondary benefit is that the ads will make people fear the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare. It also exemplifies the curse of the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision, which gives great moneyed interests free rein to purchase any political office in the land. You don’t know and can’t find out exactly who paid for the big ad campaign. This ad says it is paid for by the National Taxpayers Union, a tax-exempt, nonprofit, “nonpartisan” organization that cannot by law pay for political ads. The ad neatly avoids urging people specifically to vote for Griffin; Griffin can shrug and say he had nothing to do with it. The first round of ads appeared in August on the same theme, with the same format and the same portrait of Griffin. It was paid for by the American Action Network, which was formed last year by a group of conservative millionaires after the Citizens United decision. The ad cam-
American hearts
W
hen most people think of stoicism, they think of someone maintaining composure in the face of adversity. But that’s only half the equation. To reach such equanimity, the Stoics expected, at every turn, that what they cared about most would be taken from them. As Americans, stoicism isn’t our cup of tea (or, rather, our 32 oz. cup of Baskin Robbins Heath Bar shake). We like our things and we won’t accept anyone taking them from us. Which is why — whether we sympathize with the Tea Party or the Occupiers — we’re all very angry right now. Optimism is counter to the stoic state of mind, and optimism is at the heart of the American character. We need just a little daylight to buoy us for the next attempt, the next cause, the next goal. It’s in every little cell and every little gene. And the cynics among us are just optimists with broken hearts. This is good news. (We would take it as that even if it weren’t.) We believe
that our struggles mean something. That our disappointments are just cleverly disguised lessons served to us GRAHAM by a higher power. GORDY grahamgordy@gmail.com What doesn’t kill us makes us ... etc. But my little cells are straining these days. They bend skyward saying, “We get it. We’ve learned this one, big guy.” Or maybe they bend to the president, or — God help us — Ben Bernanke, and they say, “Enough already. We’re a beleaguered 99 percent and you seriously have to get us out of this now.” A few years ago I picked up Timothy Egan’s “The Worst Hard Time,” which turned out to be one of the best non-fiction books I’ve ever read. Egan beautifully illustrates that the Dust Bowl was not a simple product of bad luck, but of a boon — a few years of inexplicable rain and fecund growth. This “blessing” led overzealous landowners to plow up their grasslands
paign was delivered for 22 Republican congressmen who were deemed to be in some trouble because they had voted for the radical and unpopular Paul Ryan plan to phase out the current Medicare program and require the elderly and disabled to buy a private health insurance policy with the help of a shrinking government voucher. The ads are calculated to make the congressmen look like staunch defenders of Medicare and Obama like the real scourge of the elderly, poor and disabled. The richest irony is that neither the American Action Network nor the National Taxpayers Union is a great supporter of Medicare, Medicaid or Social Security. The taxpayer group was formed in 1969 to fight government taxing and spending after the enactment of Medicare and Medicaid. But the ad has to have some basis in fact, doesn’t it? Surely they can’t just make up a lie and get away with it. The basis of the charge is the president’s suggestions to the deficit-reduction commission in September about how to bring the deficit under control. Republicans and business groups had accused the president and Democrats of wanting to balance the budget by raising taxes on the rich and closing corporate tax loopholes without slashing the big entitlement programs, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. So Obama delivered. The rich and tax-avoiding corporations would pay their fair share in higher taxes or closed loopholes and he would reduce Medicare and Medicaid outlays by $320 billion
over 10 years, the latter still much less than Republicans demanded. The admen convert Obama’s budget savings into taxes on the poorest Medicare recipients. But no low-income Medicare recipient would pay any more taxes nor would their benefits be cut. The new health-care law actually expands their benefits significantly and the president’s deficit proposal alters only one small part of it dealing with public health outlays. Millions of Medicaid recipients, however, would see their costs increased or benefits reduced, but no one defends Medicaid recipients — mainly nursing home residents, people on public assistance and children of low-income families. They typically don’t vote. In the impossible scenario that Obama’s plan became law, the biggest cut in Medicare spending — 42 percent of it — would require the pharmaceutical companies to lower their rates to poor Medicare drug beneficiaries. The other big Medicare savings in the Obama proposal: New Medicare enrollees starting in 2017 would pay a little higher co-payment if they get home health services and people who buy a Cadillac Medicare supplemental policy, one that leaves them with no out-ofpocket costs, would pay a surcharge starting in 2017. The Obama plan is supposed to discourage people from buying the fancy policies and stem rising health-care costs. That is the creed in the 2012 political environment. No good deed will go unpunished; no devious scheme will go unrewarded.
and over-farm them until the normal climate — the climate that had hitherto ruled the region — eventually returned. The rain stopped, the wind picked up, and the center of our country simply blew away. We didn’t learn from the Dust Bowl and we haven’t learned since. From the housing bubble back to the dot.com bubble back to the Great Depression, hope springs eternal, and our country’s excesses, followed swiftly by its busts, have always been the product of the same “irrational exuberance.” Alan Greenspan, a man few would label as ebullient, was exactly that when he said that markets can “exact self-discipline” — essentially, that the orgy can last forever. However, in 2008, as he stood before the House Oversight Committee, he rescinded that claim, stating, “I made a mistake in presuming that the self-interest of banks were such that they were the best capable of protecting their own shareholders and their equity in firms.” And how, Alan. That was more than three years ago. Since then, Greenspan’s furrowed, crestfallen face has became the symbol of a furrowed, crestfallen nation. So, the question for those of us who pray to either God or Mammon is: Have
we truly learned this time? If the rain came and the wind died down, would I be just as willing to plow up my fields as the Dust Bowlers? The fault lies in our exultant little American hearts. We want nothing so much as a free lunch. If the recession teaches us anything, it’s that having a stretch of particularly good luck is not grounds for the belief that this is how it always will be. Or worse, if you lived through the ’90s, that your luck will increase in such a fashion, exponentially, ad infinitum. We can be proud that our business is growing, but this time, maybe we won’t base the size of our mortgage (and accompanying six-bedroom house) on that rate of growth remaining constant. I have no hope for Wall Street executives to change their dark and volatile hearts. Congress will remain feckless in passing muscular regulations. Yet, I do hope our current debacle has been severe enough that we, as citizens, won’t forget it. We know what heartbreak is now. We won’t believe so much anymore. In the meantime, perhaps the best thing we can do is to remember: “This too shall pass.” www.arktimes.com NOVEMBER 16, 2011 7
PEARLS ABOUT SWINE
Festival of Fashion Friday, December 2 • 10 a.m. - Noon Doors open at 10 a.m. • Show at 11 a.m. Tickets $50 each Box of 10 seats $500
OF FASHION
Statehouse Convention Center Ballroom
Enjoy runway style seating, champagne, hors d’oeuvres, a super style show and a chance to bid on a trip to New York City.
Fashions Provided by the Following Boutiques B. Barnett • Barbara Jean • Companions • Evolve Faux Pas • Proposals • Roberson’s Fine Jewelers Scarlet • Solemates • Tulips • Vesta's
For tickets, visit carti.com or call 501.660.7634 Sponsored by
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT For individuals, pension plans, and trust funds call us at 225-1405.
ALLAN MENDEL, CHRIS STRATTON, MAUREEN RUGGIERO
MENDEL
C A P I T A L M A N A G E M E N T, I N C . Registered Investment Advisors
1 8 C O R P O R AT E H I L L D R I V E • L I T T L E R O C K , A R K A N S A S 8 NOVEMBER 16, 2011 ARKANSAS TIMES
Riding Hog seniors
W
atching Senior Night 2011 at Razorback Stadium made me reflect upon September 2008. Thirty-eight months ago, I assumed my standard, slovenly posture on my in-laws’ sofa, watching in horror as Arkansas scuffled against a hapless directional school from Louisiana. The Hogs dug themselves into a nasty, 24-6 ditch, only to scrap their way back behind noted gunslinger Casey Dick for a one-point win. It was the infancy of a new coaching regime so expectations were softened accordingly, but the Razorbacks appeared wide-eyed and, frankly, intimidated at War Memorial that night. I’ll confess to feeling unsettled myself, and why not? This was a very green bunch still trying to grasp a complex offense and adjust to a defensive coordinator who espoused a more metered approach than his predecessor. The season had seen the Hogs battered by heavies and nipped by the mid-level foes, though a few late wins did foster some optimism. On Saturday, I occupied my position on that same couch, considerably more relaxed, bearing witness to just how much that green bunch has ripened. Jarius Wright broke the university’s career receptions record with one of the more awe-inspiring circus grabs you’ll see all season. Joe Adams set the school record for punt return touchdowns in a season with an electric jaunt up the sideline that may wind up being shown at the ESPYs. By the time it was over, De’Anthony Curtis — getting one last shot at tailback after three selfless years of position changes and cheerleading — got to bask in a poignant moment of his own, scoring his first collegiate rushing touchdown to cap off a 49-7 romp over Tennessee. You wouldn’t think a 42-point pasting of the dregs of the East division would generate a lot of column-worthy grist. But it was the occasional spark from this recognition of 17 Razorback seniors that made an otherwise humdrum evening on the Hill something more substantive. Arkansas owes its 9-1 record this year, and its feverish maturation from that inauspicious 2008 campaign, to this group. As with any class, there was attrition, and a projection or two left unmet. Curtis, for instance, arrived from Camden Fairview with four-star fanfare. An untimely fumble against Kentucky in his freshman year sent him careening out of the tailback rotation for good, and from there he was shuffled from fullback to cornerback and then, out of necessity, back to tailback again for his final
campaign. He had a short receiving touchdown in the Hogs’ win over Texas A&M in 2009 but never BEAU got his chance to WILCOX break the plane again until Saturday. Greg Childs had another quiet night against the Vols, failing to record a catch but doing his usual yeoman work blocking on the perimeter and being visibly engaged on the sideline. Last year’s patella injury was clearly debilitating, and it’s arguable whether he should have been redshirted this season, but the onetime first-round talent is playing a role on this team in spite of an ongoing battle to restore his physical skills. His professional outlook should still be favorable, and in a year where his production has tailed off, he’s found ways to contribute in a manner belying yards after the catch or first-down receptions. Jerico Nelson came here with a tailback pedigree but leaves as a team captain, a smallish linebacker who played above his stature and registered momentum-changing plays throughout his career. Jerry Franklin and Jake Bequette will depart with accolades aplenty, the former being high on the all-time tackles list and the latter on the verge of a 20-sack career. Tramain Thomas has been the defensive MVP of a bowl victory and a ballhawk at safety through four steady years. Tennessee is in much the same pitiable shape Arkansas was in three seasons ago, but it’s hard to summon any sympathy for an institution that voluntarily hired Lane Kiffin, then seemed indignant when the little rapscallion took his model-quality wife and SMU-quality ethics back West. The Dooley guy seems affable, maybe even competent, if given a fair shake. Whether he will get an opportunity to shore up his roster is of some question. No athletic program has suffered quite like Tennessee has the past couple of years, what with the Bruce Pearl debacle and Pat Summitt’s illness casting a pall over Orange Country. Arkansas can relate, and in particular, these seniors are cognizant of what leaner times can produce. It’s that 2008 campaign that drives their success in 2011. Blessed with a rare opportunity to have an encore Senior Day in Little Rock against Mississippi State, they have another chance to receive warranted adulation from a partisan crowd, and they will. Arkansas 37, Mississippi State 17.
Busy schedule cancel your Fitness Program?
let us Bring the gym to you! contact us about our executive in-home and in-office training Program today!
your new liFe is one Phone call away! 24-Hour Access 7 DAys A Week Group exercise clAsses incluDeD in MeMbersHip
jp fitness center
fitnesscenter
425 W Capitol Ave, 29th Floor Little Rock, AR 72201 Info@jpfitnesscenter.com www.jpfitnesscenter.com KENNY McCONNELL, owner
November 12
December 3
November 13
December 4
Trinity United Methodist Church
Cammack Village City Hall
10am - 4pm noon - 4pm
1101 N. Mississippi Little Rock
10am - 4pm noon - 4pm
2710 N. McKinley Little Rock
For more information, call 501.603.2273. For a $15 donation to CARE, you get a 5" x 7" professional photo.
Holiday cards and packages available for order from photographer.
CARE for Animals 5516 Kavanaugh Blvd. Little Rock, AR 72207 501.603.2273 www.careforanimals.org
Get Your House Cleaned Before The Holidays! Air Duct Cleaning can:
• Reduce the levels of dirt and debris • Reduce the levels of mold • Reduce the levels of pollen • Reduce the levels of dust mites • Improve the efficiency of your HVAC system You don’t have to live like this because of dirty air ducts!
Call Today! 501-297-4294 Breathe easy home solutions odor & smoke remediation & special Cleaning
W O RDS
Of mules and men
TTT
Nutcracker featuring the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra
December 10th & 11th Saturday 7pm • Sunday 3pm Robinson Center Music Hall
For tickets visit www.ArkansasSymphony.org
Bring your little Sugar Plum Fairy or Nutcracker Prince to the annual Nutcracker Tea to meet the characters
December 4th
•
2-4pm • Trapnall Hall
For tickets visit www.BalletArkansas.org
What is the origin of ‘mule skinner’? I can’t find it in my dictionary, but I’ve heard people singing about mule skinners all my life. My wife Sally says that Mule Skinner was a football player at Texas A&M in the Bear Bryant days, but I think she’s hanging noodles on my ears. — Gerry Mander Coincidentally, this same question came up in the office the other day, and, like Gerry, I was surprised to find that my dictionary was not very forthcoming. Random House says only that mule skinner is an informal name for a “muleteer”. A muleteer is defined separately as “a driver of mules.” That muleteer gets more respect than mule skinner suggests muleteer is the more “correct” or more popular form, but I don’t believe that’s so. I never heard anybody singing about muleteers. I’d always thought the skin of mule skinner had to do with frequent and expert use of the whip. But a website called “Hillbilly Savants” disagrees, and, unlike Random House, the website has a substantial entry on mule skinner, sometimes spelling it as one word, sometimes as two:
“A muleskinner is a professional mule driver whose sole purpose was to keep the DOUG mules moving. SMITH The term ‘skindougsmith@arktimes.com ner’ is slang for someone who might ‘skin’ or outsmart a mule. Mules have a characteristic of being very stubborn so outsmarting them to make them move used skill, wit and a type of determination.” The mule-driven freight industry was big in America before the invention of the steam engine. Jimmie Rodgers recorded a song about a muleskinner in 1931, and it’s been covered by many people since, including Bill Monroe, Dolly Parton and Van Morrison. Rodgers called it “Blue Yodel #8,” but it’s more often referred to as “Mule Skinner Blues.” (Frankie Laine’s ’50s hit, “Mule Train,” is unrelated.) We’ll be hearing the Christmas version again shortly. “Reindeer Skinner Blues” is my second-favorite Christmas song, right after “Jingle Bell Rock.”
WEEK THAT WAS
It was a good week for… ART LOVERS. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art opened in Bentonville to great fanfare. Nearly 20,000 have already been through its doors. (More on page 14) ANDY ALLISON. The Ouachita Baptist University graduate, who has been running Kansas’ Medicaid program, was named to run the Arkansas Medicaid program. ARKANSAS’S ROADS. Voters overwhelmingly approved a $575 bond program that will overhaul the state’s interstates and, according to the Highway Department, provide thousands of jobs. A HUCKSTER EYEING A NEW HOME. Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee is considering hosting a variety show in Branson, according to U.S. News, citing sources close to Huckabee. 10 NOVEMBER 16, 2011 ARKANSAS TIMES
It was a bad week for… THE ARKANSAS LOTTERY. According to a legislative audit, former Lottery Director Ernie Passailaigue and former vice president of gaming David Barden spent close to 25 percent of working days in the 2011 fiscal year in South Carolina, where they’re both from. Both men resigned in September. NORTH LITTLE ROCK. The city’s onecent tax proposal, comprised of a permanent half-cent for operations and infrastructure and another half-cent scheduled to sunset in 2017 for roads, bridges and so-called job creation projects, failed at the polls. ARKANSAS SHALE CAUCUS. A review team reported to the legislative group, which exists to promote the expansion of natural gas drilling, that every state agency that has a responsibility for protecting water, air and other interests from the ill effects of shale exploration doesn’t have enough staff to do the job properly.
THE OBSERVER NOTES ON THE PASSING SCENE
Memory and the rain THE OBSERVER IS GETTING OLDER — not
old enough to get the Senior Slam at Denny’s yet, though sometimes it seems like it — and we’re starting to feel the years. Case in point: last Thursday, on the way to the Fortress of Employment, we motorvated into the E-Z Mart on Markham just across the street from the Blind School to grab a no-calorie Coca-Cola and a pack of gum. At the counter, the woman running the register was chatting with a customer about one of those crime scene investigation television shows, specifically: about how FINE one man who stars on that show is. Once she noticed us, the young woman on our side of the counter stepped aside. Our purchases were totaled up and debit card swiped. But when we went to put in the double-secret number to access the card, we found that our PIN had apparently taken wing and flown away, out through the hazy windows of the E-Z Mart and into the autumn sunshine. We stared at the buttons on the keypad dumbly for awhile, willing the number back up out of the murk of grade school memories, snippets of conversation, old phone numbers to apartments in other states, the faces of people we have known, flavors, smells and sounds. But it would not come. Finally, we had to admit to the clerk that we’d forgotten a number we’ve literally used every two or three days for five or six years. Leaving our sorta-breakfast, we scurried out the door in shame. Sigh. We didn’t get the number back that day, either. Or the next. Still don’t have it at this writing, in fact, though we periodically stroll to the ATM machine down the block and stare at the keypad until a bead of sweat rolls down the small of our back. We suspect early-onset Alzheimer’s. Either that, or our memory banks are simply full and flotsam is being cast over the rail to make more room. IT WAS RAINING ON TUESDAY, a good, honest November rain. The Observer was, as is the custom of our forebears, without an umbrella. Like our supply of folding cash, when there’s a good deal to be had (see item above), we have never
had an umbrella when we needed one at any time in our life. We park every day in what folks in the newsroom call The Birds**t Lot. It’s the free parking down under the overpass, the one we retreated to a few years back when we realized that we couldn’t really justify paying $45 clams a month for private parking, just so we could spring from car to door in 30 seconds and thereby stave off as much exercise as possible. Pigeons roost in the girders of the overpass. Randomly but fairly regularly, we come out from work and find The Mobile Observatory painted bumper to bumper with what a first grader might call bird dookie. Hence the name. The Birds**t Lot is a good quarter mile from the office, and the morning and evening stroll has done wonders for our disposition over the years, especially as summer waned and autumn came on, our shadow falling out skinny before us on the way back to the car at quittin’ time. We’re always looking for Observation opportunities, and this morning, walking through the rain to the office with a detour by an ATM in the River Market, we decided to listen — to really listen. Most folks don’t do that half-enough, Yours Truly included, and the world can be a symphony on a rainy morning. A delivery truck hissed by, pulling up a spray. On the north wall of the Main Library, water fell from the high, gutterless roof and clattered like thrown bells on the awnings at street level. In front of the Arkansas Studies Institute, water gurgled and whispered over the street, turning, glistening, forking and combining and forking again, finding its way to low ground. On Clinton Avenue by the ATM machine, the raindrops pattered — footsteps on velvet — in the fallen leaves. We’re normally not one to dole out advice like Oprah, but here’s some, maybe the simplest and best we’ve got: Still yourself and listen. Listen in the quiet moments. Listen even when water is running down the back of your neck, maybe even especially then. There’s a whole, beautiful world out there, just waiting to be heard.
FRIED Every Wed. 2pm to close
14.99
(501) 375-FISH (3474)
511 President Clinton Ave. , Little Rock, AR (in the Rivermarket)
Open Daily 11-10 - flyingfishinthe.net ARK TIMES 1/4 PAGE DISPLAY AD Katherine Smith
www.arktimes.com NOVEMBER 16, 2011 11
Arkansas Reporter
THE
IN S IDE R
Easter Seals property The former Easter Seals training center at the east end of Lee Avenue has long been a festering sore for the surrounding residential neighborhood in Hillcrest and for Easter Seals, which has tried repeatedly to unlock some value from the abandoned building and land lease since moving to new quarters in western Little Rock years ago. Neighbors have always thrown up a roadblock of objections. At 5 p.m. Thursday, the Board of the Arkansas Schools for the Blind and Deaf has an opportunity to lance the boil. It will consider two proposals for the almost 10-acre tract on which the building sits. Little Rock businessman John Chandler has offered $240,000 to Easter Seals for the building and to take over its $1-a-year 50-year lease with the School for Blind for the property, which sits across a wooded ravine from the school. Chandler wants to use the building for offices, including his own small clothing company. Neighbors oppose commercial use of the building. A competing offer has arisen from Doug Martin, a Stephens Inc. executive who lives nearby on Hill road, who’s proposed to pay $480,000, split equally between the school and Easter Seals, to buy the land and building outright. He’d spend up to $500,000 to remove the building and put eight acres of the property into a permanent conservation easement, meaning it could never be developed. He’d build a single-family home on the remaining property. The Hillcrest Residents Association has endorsed Martin’s proposal. Some would favor converting the space to green space, but the state has never shown an inclination to do that. Nor does it have the money to clear the property.
History, for a price You never know what might turn up on eBay. Like the doors to law offices that housed, among others, U.S. Sen John L. McClellan and Hamilton Moses, the former head of Arkansas Power & Light Co. The doors were once in the Union Life Building and, according to the listing on eBay, are being sold as part of an estate. The starting bid is $9,995; no bid has been made yet. They don’t come with the clout McClellan once wielded. Sorry. The teak doors were taken down when the building was remodeled and given to former Little Rock Mayor Haco Boyd. He later gave them to John Dotson, who kept them in his garage for about 40 years. CONTINUED ON PAGE 13
12 NOVEMBER 16, 2011 ARKANSAS TIMES
Fighting at Ferneau Officer caught on tape involved in earlier incident. BY DAVID KOON
T
he video of Chris Erwin being struck repeatedly in the face by Little Rock Police Lt. David Hudson outside Hillcrest’s Ferneau restaurant on Oct. 29 isn’t much to look at. The footage — shot with a cellphone camera by a Denver attorney who was in town visiting friends — is grainy, tinted yellow by the streetlights, punctuated by the wail of a car alarm. While the video clearly isn’t going to win any awards, an attorney who represents Erwin believes it will be enough to exonerate his client against multiple criminal charges that have been filed against him. What’s more, it’s the second time this year that Lt. Hudson has been involved in an incident at Ferneau that led to violence. When the film begins, Hudson — who was working off-duty security at the restaurant — is talking to Erwin on the sidewalk. After exchanging words with Erwin and attempting to push him against a wall, Hudson grabs Erwin by the collar and punches him in the face at least six times as Erwin tries to deflect the blows. As a crowd gathers, Hudson lifts and flips Erwin, sending him sprawling onto the pavement. Erwin was later charged with resisting arrest, criminal trespass, and disorderly conduct. His friend Blake Mitchell, who an incident report says grabbed Hudson’s arm, was charged with obstructing governmental operations, criminal trespassing, public intoxication and disorderly conduct. Photos taken later show Erwin’s face was left a swollen and bloody mess. According to a police report about the incident, a witness told police that Erwin, Mitchell and two women entered a private party at Ferneau and refused to leave after being asked. Little Rock attorney Keith Hall, who is representing Erwin, said that after Erwin and his friends sat down and had some drinks, Erwin was approached by Hudson, who informed them it was a private party and they needed to leave. After asking Hudson to specify who wanted them to go, and being told again
ERWIN: Beaten and arrested.
by Hudson to leave, Hall said, Erwin paid his group’s tab and they left the premises. Once they were outside, Hall said, Erwin approached Hudson again to ask who had complained that they were in the private party room. At that point, Erwin told his attorney, Hudson began shouting at him, grabbed Erwin by the neck and told him get up against the wall. This is around the time the video begins. “If citizens had done what Lt. Hudson has done to my client, somebody would be coming after them with a warrant,” Hall said. It’s not the first physical altercation Hudson has had this year at Ferneau. According to an LRPD incident report filed Feb. 6, Hudson told police that he was working security there when three patrons, including 21-year-old Chase Cooper, became disruptive and refused to leave. Hudson told officers that Cooper pushed him before trying to strike him with a closed fist. The report states that Hudson suffered a scraped knee and a scrape above his left eye in the ensuing altercation, while Cooper received “minor injuries to his left eye and nose.” The two other suspects left the scene, the report says, but Cooper was arrested and charged with thirddegree battery, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. A clerk at Pulaski County District Court said there are
currently no criminal cases on file which list Chase Cooper as a defendant. Attempts to reach Cooper and his attorney in the case were unsuccessful. Sgt. Cassandra Davis, spokesperson for the LRPD, said that while she couldn’t comment directly on the altercation between Erwin and Hudson because of the ongoing investigation, the department has clear policies on use of force. “We do have a force continuum, and if the officer feels that there is a need to move up on that continuum, then that’s what he does,” Davis said. “You have to be in the officer’s situation to determine what level on the continuum you want to move up to, and each incident is different. We’re always one level above the threat.” Davis said there are cases where something a suspect says can warrant a justified physical response from an officer. “If somebody is threatening that, ‘I have a weapon, and I’m going to shoot you with it,’ then of course you’re going to escalate,” Davis said. “If they say ‘get out of my face and leave me alone,’ it depends on whether an officer is trying to effect an arrest or not.” That Hudson was making an arrest because Erwin, according to the incident report, refused to leave Ferneau, isn’t a typical outcome in local bars, where most private security focus solely on getting troublemakers outside. Midtown Billiards owner Maggie Hinson employs private security staff at her bar, and tells them to never follow an altercation outside. “I instruct my people that our business is inside, and we can’t go outside for our business,” she told the Times recently in a story about local bouncers. “If we have to put someone out for the night, we can walk them outside the door, but our liability insurance doesn’t cover anything that happens outside.” Davis said that Little Rock officers working off-duty security have the same powers as those who are on-duty and are allowed to wear their uniforms and badges while working private security. A copy of the LRPD’s use of force policy states that “reasonable physical force” may be used by an officer if alternatives have been considered. Officers are allowed to use “Hard EmptyHand Control” techniques, which may cause bruises, contusions or lacerations, “when lower forms of control have failed CONTINUED ON PAGE 46
LISTEN UP
Tune in to the Times’ “Week In Review” podcast each Friday. Available on iTunes & arktimes.com
THE
BIG
INSIDER, CONT.
PICTURE
Juanita’s loses late-night bid
FUNNY PAPERS: BUMPERS’ CORRESPONDENCE Arguably no other Arkansas governor pushed through more progressive legislation in a four-year period than Dale Bumpers. During his two-term leadership from 1971 until 1975, he managed to reorganize state government, enact a more progressive state tax rate, expand the state park system and undertake a major construction initiative among the state’s universities. In late October, the UALR Center for Arkansas History and Culture celebrated the public opening of Bumpers’ gubernatorial papers. The massive collection, housed in the Arkansas Studies Institute, includes all the documents related to that legislation, transcripts of every speech Bumpers gave as governor, campaign materials, news clippings, notes from staff meetings and most, substantially, correspondence. We asked Stephen Boyd, a graduate student in UALR’s history program, to dip his toe into the governor’s general correspondence. What he found reveals that even during the most momentous times, the state’s highest public servant is assaulted with a barrage of trivialities. Excerpts from some of the most colorfully inconsequential below:
OUTBOX
INBOX
March
7, 197 2 Dear S enator Dole, You w change ill remember d corre that so m sp comme morativ ondence abo e time ago w e sary of e stam u p mark t the issuanc exthe arr ing the ival of es of a States a 1 ngus c ... attle in 00th anniverto the United
April 11, 1973 the new Dear Milton, a drawing of r sending me fo u yo k g. an in Th is build ol your family fun-filled swimming po forward to a g in ok lo e ar u yo re su am I summer. June 26, 1973 Dear Mrs. Brig ht, This will ackn owledge your the problem you are having letter … regarding with a neighb 10 to 15 dogs or’s dogs. surely seems to be kept at an excessive a home, how number ev er not have the authority to ha , my office does ve these dogs elsewhere … moved ”
July 10, 1973 regardanke: recent letter Dear Mrs. Sh owledge your ar the kn ne ac 64 ill w ay is Th e side of Highw th on g do ing a dead ek Bridge. Mulberry Cre
The state Alcoholic Beverage Control Board has upheld the director’s rejection of an application by Juanita’s restaurant to hold a private club permit that would have allowed it to serve alcohol until 5 a.m. at its River Market location. The ABC stopped issuing Class B licenses, which permit the private club sales, in 2001. According to the agency, only 27 Class B permits remain in Pulaski County, five of which are inactive. After 18 months, an inactive license becomes invalid. Juanita’s applied to use a permit held by the Arkansas Deaf Association since 1989. The arrangement between the restaurant and bar and association would have been a partnership, according to Juanita’s GM James Snyder, who said on Tuesday that he had no comment on whether Juanita’s planned to pursue the matter in court.
11/11 nuptials 72 wport: t 9, 19 om Ne g National fr Augus x fa tele inin Union lp obta an Legion estern our he ic y W r r e a fo m m h A Fro edule. o muc dry field for s s on sch k n w a o o n Th t g r e in t Everyth helicop Guard tournament. ll a b base
May 29, 1973 Dear Governo r Bumpers, This may not be the correc t feel this is an important subj form to take, but I ect. Christian are being aske people d to write to the NASA offic support of th ials in e astronauts rig ht Bible during to pray or read space flights. the
Sept. 5, 1973 tions, overnor, avel these na Honorable G ean liner to tr oc an ed ne We s. … pray alway to live in and May 28, 1974 Dear Gov. Bu mpers, … I drove a sc Center on a fie hool bus of children to the Art ld trip … I was shocked at on the paintings , that they wou e of ld display som like that and ething that children would see su The Painting ch trash. I refur to is a painting of a the waist to th lady from e knee, with a black garder black hose on belt and and her legs were spread in her most pr open and ivate area was a opened. real black zipp er
“Everything just fell in place,” said state Insurance Commissioner Jay Bradford, the former state legislator, about his marriage 11/11/11 to his long-time partner Robbie Thomas-Knight, a clinical psychologist. They were headed to Fayetteville for a football game, but planned a two-night stop in Eureka Springs, where they were married on Friday, Nov. 11, and picked up their completed license the next day before heading to the Hog-Tennessee game. Neither told grown children from previous marriages in advance about their elopement. Only hangup: Long lines at the county clerk’s office, swamped by others who also thought 11/11/11 was a good day for a wedding.
Big ideas? At the end of the month, we’ll unveil the third edition of our annual Big Ideas for Arkansas edition and, as usual, we’re taking nominations for ideas that would make Arkansas a better place to live. Every topic is on the table. Commerce. Education. Government. Infrastructure. Tourism. Entertainment. Should we overhaul the state tax code? Build bike trails across the state? End blue laws? Send nominations ASAP to Lindsey Millar at lindseymillar@ arktimes.com or to Arkansas Times Big Ideas, P.O. Box 34010, Little Rock, AR 72203. www.arktimes.com NOVEMBER 16, 2011 13
HIGH ART IN MIDDLE AMERICA Alice Walton opens Crystal Bridges. BY LESLIE NEWELL PEACOCK
BRIAN CHILSON
O
WELCOME: The entry plaza, reached by elevator from ground level. A kinetic sculpture by George Rickey is in the center. 14 NOVEMBER 16, 2011 ARKANSAS TIMES
n the square in Bentonville, Arkansas, the morning of Nov. 11: Folks from Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale, Fayetteville, Bella Vista. And Little Rock, North Little Rock, Sherwood. Hot Springs. Etc. Texas, Tennessee, Missouri, Oklahoma. From Los Angeles. And who knows where else. A woman whose wizened face and wary look suggested a hard life in the Ozarks. A little boy with curly hair and a white bow tie named for the artist Philip Guston. The Lubavitcher rabbi from Rogers and three of his children, two of them with carrot tops complementing a clear blue sky. The lady who raises Australian shepherds, her blue windbreaker said; a man who taught Alice Walton in junior high and who recalled her bouncing into class one day with a peanut-filled Coca-Cola and asking him if he wanted to see what it would do if she shook it up. Museum curators, bicycle enthusiasts, doctors, politicians. Artists. The manager at the bar just off the square. Veterans celebrating Veterans Day. A small “Occupy Bentonville” contingent. A trio getting a better view of the festivities from the roof of Sam Walton’s original Five and Dime store. Strains of Aretha Franklin’s “Chain of Fools” and Randy Newman’s “My Country” (“This is my country, these are my people./This is the world I understand”) played from the platform, decorated
In the Tusk and Trotter the night before the opening, manager Rick Lambert — who’d moved to Bentonville from Williamsburg, Va., seven months ago to be near a new baby granddaughter — served up a dish of Trot On Over Here ice cream (sticky pudding cake flavored with coffee, medjol dates and
BRIAN CHILSON
brown sugar and shot through with a toffee-maple bacon brittle) and talked about how down-to-earth he finds the Waltons. (One of them, Tom, was in the bar that night with friends and yakking about his new-found upper lip — he’d just shaved off his mustache — with a reporter from the Benton County Daily Record.) Lambert said Alice Walton and her two brothers dined in Tusk and Trotter recently and he took the opportunity to tell them how much he loved living in Bentonville. He said Alice reached across the table, covered his hand with hers and said, “We’re so glad you’re here.” These are genuine people, he said. No pretense about them. The thriving bar scene at Tusk and Trotter (one of some 160 private clubs created to serve the Walmart vendors) in what is the most conservative corner of Arkansas, the Republican Northwest, where there are no fewer than six religious radio stations (not counting John Brown University’s Christian contemporary music station) and a talk show warning of a New World Order and now a world-class museum, is emblematic of the contradictory nature of Bentonville. This is a town with a 20-mile bike trail system (largely thanks to Tom Walton), where the Phat Tire store on the square has supplied bikes to the high school for its campus trail. Where 78 percent of the voters in this town of only 35,301 souls approved a $110 million capital bond issue to finance street improvements (the square has been transformed with brick pathways and crosswalks and lighting and curbs) and $15.4 million for park expansion. The city has spent $46 million of it so far and it shows. Last year, the city opened Orchards Park on J Street across from the museum, a huge green space with a pond, tennis courts and an amphitheater. The Ernest Lawrence plaza features a splash park, frozen for ice skating in the winter. There’s a yoga studio right around the corner from that symbol of American capitalism, the Walmart Visitors Center. And, now, a museum of American art, with holdings of around a thousand masterworks covering four centuries and 50,000 items in its research library, set into 120 acres traversed by 3 and a half miles of trails.
THE HEIRESS AND THE DIRECTOR: Alice Walton and Don Bacigalupi embrace on opening day.
A Facebook friend, a photorealist artist in New York, posted a gripe in midOctober that Alice Walton was “buying tons of art and moving it to Arkansas. ARRGH.” She added: “It is sad to me that it is somewhere I am not likely to visit.” It is sad to me, as well, that I am surely going to miss the “David Smith: Cubes and Anarchy” sculpture exhibition now CONTINUED ON PAGE 16
BRIAN CHILSON
with huge Crystal Bridges banners set up on either side, until the astonishingly beautiful voices of the Bentonville High School choir began their performance with “Do Lord,” the peal of the sopranos’ refrain as beautiful as any heard on any stage (“you ought to hear the high school symphony,” the shepherd lady said). Leona Mitchell, a Chickasaw and African-American soprano from Oklahoma, sang the national anthem; Iroquois singer Joanne Shenandoah sang the “Eagle Cries.” You couldn’t get more American than that to open Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Alice Walton’s billiondollar-plus gift to the Ozark town she grew up in, home of the largest retailer in the world, home of one of the planet’s wealthiest families. Architect Moshe Safdie, designer of grand facilities in Singapore, Jerusalem, Los Angeles and now Bentonville, praised Walton as “a force of nature.” Then Sam and Helen Walton’s daughter took the stage to a standing ovation and said, “This is it! 11-11-11.” The opening was following three earlier ones, one an all-nighter for members, the others for dignitaries, artists, art dealers and friends. Walton announced her plans for the museum in 2005, but she said recently it was an idea born in the 1990s. Opening two years past the expected date on Walton family land just off the downtown square, the museum’s total worth — in building, art and endowment — is on its way (if not there already) to $2 billion. A comic video with a Mission Impossible theme — a briefcase being handed off first to a black SUV, then to a Tyson truck, a J.B. Hunt truck, a Walmart truck, a bicycling crew headed by ponytailed Tom Walton (Walton’s nephew), museum Director Don Bacigalupi and finally to Alice Walton, who opened it to reveal a neon “Open” sign — and streamers shooting out from the stands ended the small-town ceremony and the University of Arkansas Razorbacks marching band struck up the William Tell Overture. Hi-yo, Silver! Off to the museum, anything but small-town. Attendance on Friday: 4,236. Counting the attendance at the pre-opening galas and reservations for Monday, 19,004 people will have been through Crystal Bridges before you’ve read this.
TEAPOTS, TOO: The Arkansas Traveler gallery includes art and artifacts from other instititutions.
www.arktimes.com NOVEMBER 16, 2011 15
BRIAN CHILSON BRIAN CHILSON
RIVETED: A visitor is drawn to Norman Rockwell’s iconic World War II painting “Rosie the Riveter.”
‘BUBBLE’: By early 20th century Beaux-Arts sculptor Harriet Whitney Frishmuth.
16 NOVEMBER 16, 2011 ARKANSAS TIMES
at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York. But I will gladly settle for a 1946 surrealistic oil by the famed mid-century artist that hints at the form his sculpture would take, which is on exhibit at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville. (Arkansas now has two known David Smiths. The other is at the Arkansas Arts Center. Is that too much to ask?) In May 2005, when Walton announced she would build the museum, the word was that it would be a $30 million museum holding $100 million in American art. Works from the colonial period through the 1950s would be featured. John Wilmerding, the Princeton professor and American painting expert — himself the son of famed collectors — told the Times after the announcement that the collection would include works by “every major American artist” but that it would not accommodate the monumental abstractions of the 1960s New York School. Too big, too pricy. Since then, Alice Walton shucked Norman Rockwell’s “Sick Puppy,” one of the announced acquisitions at that 2005 press confab, and acquired Adolph Gottlieb’s 185-by-80-inch abstract “Trinity” (1962), for a cool $1.1 million. With executive director Don Bacigalupi at her ear, Walton began adding late 20th century and contemporary work to the collection. Speaking of ears: one of them is the gallery-filling “Beethoven’s Trumpet (With Ear)” by California artist John Baldessari. That giant resin ear and
bronze trumpet, the Dan Flavin fluorescent lights and Lynda Benglis’ aluminum blob “Eat Meat” are a far stylistic cry from “Kindred Spirits,” the Asher Durand painting that gave Walton goose bumps when she first saw it. In 2009, the museum’s non-profit tax filings put the worth of the building at $150 million. In 2010, the Walton Family Foundation endowed the museum with $1.2 billion. In an interview with Wilmerding recorded in the museum’s hardback publication, “Celebrating the American Spirit,” Walton recalls sitting at Sotheby’s auction house in New York in 2005 looking at “Kindred Spirits,” which Sotheby’s was selling for the New York Public Library. She says: “It was a transformative moment for me in terms of taking this [museum] from what I perceived as a gift to the community to what I now think of as a gift to the nation.” Walton outbid the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the National Gallery, paying $35 million for the painting. It gave New Yorkers goose bumps as well, the idea of the library’s iconic double portrait of the poet William Cullen Bryant and painter Thomas Cole in a Catskills-inspired (but imaginary) gorge being grabbed for a museum in the Ozarks, for Pete’s sake. Their protests were the first in a series of hostile reactions to the retail heiress’ moves to acquire art (“rapacious,” one writer called them). Her attempt to buy Thomas Eakins’ famed “The Gross Clinic” from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia for $68 million raised another outcry — and Philadelphians eventually raised the dollars to match her offer and keep the painting in Philadelphia. (It may have been a mistake to let it go, she mused at a recent press gathering, but she says she’s glad Philadelphia realized what it was about to lose.) The alumnae of Randolph-Macon College went crazy when Walton was said to be in discussions with the financially-strapped college to work out a deal to acquire works in the Maier Museum there. Her offer of $30 million to Fisk University in Nashville for a 50 percent share in its Stieglitz collection of American masterpieces triggered a long-running and yet to be resolved lawsuit against Fisk. Art critics speculated the collection — with its portraits of George Washington by Charles Willson Peale and Gilbert Stuart — would be a flag-draped celebration of America as the promised land, where a man from Bentonville could turn his five and dime into the world’s largest (and most controversial) retailer. Let’s face it. If you think Alice Walton (worth $20.9 billion, according to Forbes
w
Expert Skill for Arkansas. Exceptional Care for Arkansans.
BRIAN CHILSON
Arkansas Urology continues to bring proven medical technology and surgical skill to Arkansas. With locations throughout the state, we’re equipped to provide quality healthcare for our patients. For information or to schedule an appointment, call us toll-free at 877-321-8452.
THE PAINTING NEW YORK LOST: “Kindred Spirit” by Asher Durand, purchased from the New York Public Library, was “transformative” for Walton.
magazine’s latest count) has become the 10th richest person in America by driving small retailers into extinction, paying employees so little that they must rely on the beneficence of the rest of us to survive, most recently denying health insurance coverage to its part-time employees and squeezing its vendors’ profits to the slimmest of margins, then you may be uncomfortable about the money poured into Crystal Bridges. Or think that the money shouldn’t have been spent on art at all, and instead turned back to employees. You may never visit the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Frick, the Metropolitan, the Getty on such highminded principles. Or you may hold it against her that Bentonville state Rep. Horace Hardwick passed special legislation in 2005 making Crystal Bridges the only museum in the state exempt from paying sales tax on art acquisitions, a move that cost the state many millions. (Say the museum has spent $500 million on art — which if it hasn’t it will — the state would have
received $30 million in taxes, Benton County $5 million and Bentonville $2 million without the special law, a total that is walking-around money for the Waltons.) You may not be awed by the trails through the 120-acre woodland ravine the museum is nestled into, miles of quiet paths punctuated by birdsong and sculpture and tall trees and native plants and burbling springs. You may not want to be seduced by the searingly beautiful transcendentalist American landscapes hung upon lovely curving walls that architect Moshe Safdie designed to draw the eye into the distance. It may occur to you that these images of America, both grand and simple, are what the land looked like before Walmart (and other retailers) became the Johnny Appleseed of big-box stores, changing the landscape forever. But the art, the architecture, the reflection of the glass bridges in the pond CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
• Prostate Cancer
• Diseases of the Kidney
• Prostate Disease
• Kidney Stones
• Enlarged Prostate
• Impotence/Sexual Dysfunction
• Laparoscopic Surgery
• Vasectomy/Vasectomy Reversal
• Overactive Bladder
• No-needle/No-scalpel Vasectomy
• Bladder Leakage (Male/Female) • Female Interstitial Cystitis • da Vinci® Robotic Prostatectomy
• Male Infertility
Toll-free: 877-321-8452 • Business Office: 501-219-8998 ArkansasUrology.com 1300 Centerview Drive Little Rock 501-219-8900
4200 Stockton Drive North Little Rock 501-945-2121
5 Medical Park Drive, Suite GL3 Benton 501-776-3288
Doctors Building, Suite 205 245 Quality Drive Clinton 800-255-1762
619 N. Newton Ave. El Dorado 870-862-5439
BMC Outpatient Clinic 1800 Bypass Road Heber Springs 800-255-1762
Southern Medical Group 211 E. Stadium St. Magnolia 800-334-9755
2504 W. Main St., Suite A Russellville 479-968-2600 www.arktimes.com NOVEMBER 16, 2011 17
AUA 1111 003 Building_NewNLR_4.5x12_gs.indd 1
11/4/11 1:50 PM
In another gallery, 18th century paintings by Benjamin West, John Taylor and John Singleton Copley are hung together, a visual tribute to Benjamin Franklin’s lament that the three were the best painters in England — and all American. “Our geniuses all go to Europe,” he complained. A man who identified himself as an Oklahoma legislator was raving at the red of the velvet background and green of a silk dress in the Copley portrait (“Mrs. Theodore Atkinson Jr.”) “Why should New York City have a corner on this art?” he asked. Now, all our geniuses are in Arkansas. Some masterworks have been in Arkansas for a while, as was the case with Thomas Moran’s “Valley of the Catawissa in Autumn.” Walton told reporters a couple of weeks ago that the art world considered the painting a 18 NOVEMBER 16, 2011 ARKANSAS TIMES
IN THE 19TH CENTURY GALLERY: A couple inspects Thomas Sully’s 1819 portrait of Col. Samuel Boyer Davis.
BRIAN CHILSON
Tell me you can look at the wall of Martin Johnson Heade’s 19th century paintings of hummingbirds and butterflies from Brazil and wish them elsewhere. Heade was able to paint the blue of the morpho butterfly’s wing and the scarlet of the hummingbird’s throat as they appear in the real world — iridescent and unspeakably beautiful, so true to color that he abandoned his plans to reproduce them in print inks that couldn’t approach the palette of the paintings. Heade’s small landscape “Haystacks,” a tiny oil of a wet meadow in late afternoon with storm clouds on the horizon, made me do a double take on a quick tour through the museum led by David Houston, director of curatorial; I had to abandon the group to scurry back to the painting and get a real look at it. When the top brass at Sotheby’s entered the colonial gallery, where Peale’s painting of Washington glows against a celery-green wall, their jaws dropped, curator Houston said. He knew they had a hit on their hands. This was no stuffy collection of American art. And while it contains a series of portraits from an 18th century merchant family in New York, it’s not making an argument for unfettered capitalism, as early art critics suggested it would be, but preserving an amazing, luminous record of a family in 1730s America.
BRIAN CHILSON
(filled with city water until the excavation silt is covered), their domed copper roofs supported by ribs of Arkansas pine and hung from cables, will pull you in; if you love art but suffer from a love/ hate relationship with a Walton-built museum, the love part of the equation will bury your antipathy. It may be the Waltons’ work, but it is wondrous in our eyes.
THE ARCHITECT: Moshe Safdie, who called Walton a “force of nature,” designed Crystal Bridges.
“lost Moran.” It was lost — behind the sofa at Bernice Jones’ home in Springdale for 30 years. “Lost in Arkansas,” Walton scoffed. Dan and Linda Nelson came to Crystal Bridges on Friday from Little Rock just to see Durand’s “Kindred Spirits” and the portraits of Washington by Peale and Stuart and then found themselves
enthralled by Jasper Francis Cropsey’s “The Backwoods of America,” a romantic scene of a log cabin hard by a lake, its builder setting out with his dog to cut more wood. On the other side of the museum, in a contemporary exhibit called “Wonder World,” Eric Jackson, a sculpture stu-
dent at the University of Arkansas, was on the floor inspecting the underside of Roxy Paine’s “Bad Lawn,” a sculpture of a muddy place sprouting mushrooms and weeds. “This is the best day of my life,” he said, getting up and looking around the room. “What’s so cool,” he mused, was the juxtaposition of a “dirty thing” in the clean space of the gallery. Jackson wasn’t the only observer heard to look at the paintings with a critic’s eye; another young man in front of Arthur Fitzwilliam Tait’s “A Tight Fix” was discussing with an older man how the hunter’s knife was the equivalent of the bear’s claws. They weren’t speaking Art Forum lingo — nothing about relationality and so forth — but they were looking and thinking. A wood carver in an A&W cap from North Little Rock, stood so long in front of a trompe l’oeil painting of guns and pheasants hanging from antlers that his wife left him behind. “The perspective is probably the best I’ve seen,” he said. “This fools the eye more than anything I’ve encountered.” Lisa Perez and her daughter, Maggie, had been invited to Bentonville to see the museum by a friend, Mara Erwin. Lisa Perez loves Fairfield Porter, CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
While our 100% u.S. GroWn tobacco ciGarette StyleS help Support local farmerS, the truth iS We’ve been SupportinG local farmerS for nearly three decadeS. by chooSinG theSe ciGaretteS, So can you. it may Seem like a Small thinG on the coSmic Scale, but to the many farmerS Who GroW tobacco for uS, it’S a pretty biG deal. tryamericanSpirit.com
Natural American Spirit® is a registered trademark of Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co. © SFNTC 4 2011
Arkansas Times 11-17-11.indd 1
9/8/11 2:42 PM
BRIAN CHILSON
a representational painter in the 1960s whose “October Interior” was out of step with the abstract expressionists of the time. “It’s amazing to be able to put together a collection like this,” Perez said. She looked at her daughter and they agreed: Crystal Bridges was better than the Getty, which was “not as compelling.” A visitor to a gallery featuring huge abstracts by Morris Louis and Ken Noland said he wasn’t as moved by the modern works “yet.” (He was especially baffled by “Eat Meat.”) But he found powerful Alice Walker’s silhouette of a hanged woman stitched to a tapestry depicting a fire at an orphanage and studied Kerry James Marshall’s “Our Town,” an African-American Dick and Jane in which Jane is making a black power fist as she rides her trike and a portion of the painting is covered in fat, white Basquiat-like lines for some time. A crowd assembled in front of Jack Levine’s 1983 “The Arms Brokers” identifying the faces in the dark red and black social realist work: Richard Nixon, Idi Amin, Henry Kissinger … Roger Montgomery, a Fayetteville internist, was sitting on a bench peering at a book on the works of Marsden Hartley in one of the museum’s between-gallery reading rooms that let
THE 20TH CENTURY: Visitors contemplate paintings by Joan Mitchell (left) and Hans Hoffman (right), with an Alexander Calder sculpture and Adolph Gottlieb painting in the middle.
Our neWEST health care destination is ready to serve west Little Rock! St. Vincent is responding to Little Rock’s growing population by developing St. Vincent West! Open Nov. 21, this unique campus brings an urgent care center – led by Dr. Russell Tarr, a board-certified emergency medicine physician – high-quality, complete family care and much more to west Little Rock. We’re proud to provide the convenient health care services your family deserves!
Open November 21!
St. Vincent West is one more innovative way we’re meeting the needs of our community. To learn more about our services and hours, visit StVincentHealth.com/West today.
St. Vincent Family Clinic Chenal Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Gil Foster, M.D. Stephen Humbard, M.D. Martha Rueda, M.D. Kyler Crary, M.D., FAAP
St. Vincent Urgent Care Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. Russell P. Tarr, M.D. Medical Director
St. Vincent Urgent Care will treat: • Sprains • Minor burns • Colds and flu • Infections • And many other minor injuries and illnesses
CAT H OLI C H E A LT H IN I T I AT I V ES
St.Vincent West
Next to The Promenade at Chenal 16221 St. Vincent Way 552-8150 StVincentHealth.com/West
20 NOVEMBER 16, 2011 ARKANSAS TIMES SVH 1011 018 GO_ARTimes_9.25x5.875.indd 1
10/31/11 3:57 PM
Crystal Bridges is not as all-encompassing and majestic as the Metropolitan nor as risk-taking as the Whitney. Installation art is problematic, given its space. But it is a great collection and will grow to be greater. Which raises the question: “Wonder World” is in space that appears to have been originally planned as offices: oddly angled, no windows, along a hallway that leads to the Great Hall (a turtleshaped space basking on the south of the upper pond.) Won’t Walton have to enlarge Crystal Bridges to match the growth of her vision? There are plans for a new Walton Arts Center in Bentonville. There might be extra room there, of course.
SCULPTED: Roxy Paine’s “Yield” at the entrance to Crystal Bridges.
BRIAN CHILSON
Can we find ourselves a kindred spirit with Alice Walton? Sculptor Mark di Suvero could. Di Suvero’s sculpture “Lowell’s Ocean,” a monumental piece whose cut steel arms end in swirls and hard angles, came to Bentonville to install the work, which Walton saw at Paula Cooper Gallery in New York. When he arrived on site, the ground was broken up and there were pipes lying around. “There were outhouses out there,” he said. He said he couldn’t install the work unless the area was leveled out. It quickly was. The sculptor called Crystal Bridges “the marriage of community and capitalism.” To those who wonder about Alice Walton’s genuineness, “I suggest you shake hands with her. Hers are working hands.” She has “chutzpah,” he said. And Arkansas, he said, “is real America.” He said he thought it was great that his sculpture is where Arkansans, and the rest of the country that will come to the middle, will see it.
BRIAN CHILSON
visitors take a rest. Seeing so much art — there are close to 500 works installed now — can be overwhelming. (A U of A student who moved to Arkansas from Chicago observed just how much art is hung on the walls compared to the galleries in his experience.) Montgomery said he knew the collection was going to be good. “But I didn’t know how good it was going to be,” he said. In the gallery Montgomery had just left, featuring work from the middle part of the 20th century, an older woman sat in a walker chair in front a 1940 Hartley painting, “Madawaska — Acadian Light-Heavy.” She looked up at me and said, “I helped build this museum.” She did? “I buy all my prescriptions at Sam’s,” she said. The gallery volunteer agreed. “It’s really our museum,” she said. Because everyone shops at Walmart.
HUNTING UP ART: Brandy Overton helps her daughter, Sofia, with a scavenger hunt that teaches children about the museum’s work.
www.arktimes.com NOVEMBER 16, 2011 21
Arts Entertainment
THE ROOT OF ALL SUCCESS
Sustainability means more than just the food. BY MEREDITH MARTIN-MOATS
A
fter four years of planning, the Root Cafe opened in June of this year. The locavore-friendly South Main area restaurant is a great place to get a juicy all-beef burger made with Arkansas-raised beef or a melt-in-your mouth vegan doughnut. But when it comes to sustainability, owners Jack and Corri Bristow Sundell took the concept beyond what’s on the menu. In addition to using small-scale, local suppliers — all of their meats are sourced locally, and a large percentage of their vegetables and cheeses are grown and produced in the region — they also took a sustainable approach to financing. In 2007 they started small, raising awareness and money for the cafe long before they ever secured a location. “When we started looking into business research and writing a business plan,” Jack said, “we could see that, for a lot of small businesses, the money they have to repay in loans ends up being one of the things they can’t sustain.” It took about $30,000 to get the cafe up and running. They took out a $10,000 bank loan, but most of the money was raised prior to opening their doors. Assistance also came via landowner Anita Davis who finished out the interior of the 900-square-foot former Sweden Creme after the lease was signed “and built it to suit a lot of specifications,” Corri said. The pair adopted a micro-funding approach and hosted fundraising dinners at locations throughout town, generating interest in — and money for — the eventual storefront. Some of their most successful fundraising efforts, Jack said, were the canning and food preservation workshops. “Initially we were thinking, well, this is something we’ll have to really get people interested in because no one does canning or food preservation anymore. But it turned out that, once we put 22 NOVEMBER 16, 2011 ARKANSAS TIMES
the idea out there, there were more people interested than we could accommodate in the classes,” he said. They also hosted what they called the Share Campaign, which allowed friends and family to donate money in $10 increments with the promise of being repaid with a meal when the cafe opened. “Basically,” Jack said, “it was like asking them to prepay for the food. So with a few things like that we were able to raise money and start buying equipment before we actually opened.” They also kept an eye out for bargains on local equipment, shopping at auctions and storing their finds in the attic. When the Lions Club moved out of War Memorial during the stadium’s renovation and no longer needed the equipment, Jack and Corri scored their three-compartment sink, commercial-grade ’50s dinnerware and a large Vulcan stove. “They were basically just looking for someone to take it so it wouldn’t go to waste,” Jack said. “I think we paid $50 for that stove.” Soon, The Root will be offering coffee drinks thanks to an espresso machine purchased used from The House restaurant for a cool $400. It’s been four months since the opening and The Root’s business is exceeding the Sundells’ expectations. Their staff has grown from two part-time employees to four full-time and six part-time employees. Their numbers to date show they’ve already spent over $25,000 with local farmers and food-makers. “We’re far beyond the volume of food we expected to be serving,” Jack said, “and that’s great because that means we’re buying way more food from local farmers than we expected to be.” Despite the restaurant’s popularity, Jack and Corri acknowledge there was a bit of skepticism after their first year of fundraising. “People [were] asking if we
BUDGET CONSCIOUS: Owner Jack Sundell.
BRIAN CHILSON
AND
were ever really going to open. ‘Oh The Root, isn’t that a virtual cafe?’ ” Jack said. They made the mistake, Corri said, of announcing a move into the old 7th Street Tattoos building, only to discover later that the location was economically unfeasible due to a handful of needed renovations, including a leaking roof. Despite doubts, their belief in what they call the “mission of local foods” and a desire to practice sustainability kept them motivated. “We watched a lot of places come and go during our start-up phase, places that took out a huge loan, bought all new equipment, and then went under within a few months or a year. We knew we wanted to start small and stay small and that we wanted to be a community organization built from the ground up,” Jack said via e-mail. While it might have looked to others as if things were moving slowly, behind the scenes Jack and Corri were taking business classes, trying out recipes and preparing for opening. They also attribute much of their success to the support and input they’ve received from the community, including their six-member advisory panel made of up a lawyer, an accountant, a business expert, a community organizer, a marketing professional and a farmer. “We talk about how things are going,” Corri said, “review the numbers, look at what’s going well and what needs improvement.” In the coming months they plan to add to the number of edible plants that already grow in their garden. Focusing on their motto, “Building community through local food,” they’ll soon be hosting community gatherings similar to their early fundraisers, bringing people together to discuss smallscale growers, sustainable economies, and food as an entry point “for a broader conversation about local as a lifestyle,” Jack said.
ROCK CANDY Check out the Times’ A&E blog arktimes.com
Live Music weDNeSDAy, NOvemBeR 16 LANDLORD (BLOOmiNgtON, iN) w/ tHe eveLyNS
FRiDAy, NOvemBeR 18
A&E NEWS
tHe FOuL PLAy CABARet & tHe HOLy SHAkeS (HOt SPRiNgS, AR)
BOOKGEEKS REJOICE: The trailer for
ADAm CARROLL & OweN temPLe! (AuStiN, tX)
FRiDAy, NOvemBeR 25
weAkNeSS FOR BLONDeS CHeCk Out ADDitiONAL SHOwS At
wHitewAteRtAveRN.COm
Little Rock’s Down-Home Neighborhood Bar
7th & Thayer • Little Rock • (501) 375-8400
BRIAN CHILSON
“The Hunger Games” film debuted recently, and includes a few quick clips of Arkie Wes Bentley, who plays the diabolical Seneca Crane. You might remember Bentley from his role as the beautifully sensitive, brooding loner Ricky Fitts in the 1999 film “American Beauty.” “The Hunger Games” is based on a trilogy of novels set in a dystopian future in which teens are chosen to be trained to fight to the death for the entertainment of the masses. The books have been a phenomenon with readers, and it looks like they pulled out all the stops for the film version. Definitely looks like one to watch. The trailer features Woody Harrelson in an Edgar Winter wig, and Bentley sporting what might be the weirdest beard ever committed to film.
SAtuRDAy, NOvemBeR 19
NORRIS LATE LAST MONTH, THE LITTLE ROCKBORN jazz pianist, teacher and author
Walter Norris died in Germany, where he had lived for the last 34 years. Norris started playing professionally with The Howard Williams Band in Little Rock while he was still in high school, and he toured briefly with Mose Allison shortly after graduating. After a two-year stint in the Air Force, Norris moved to Houston and then Los Angeles. He performed on the legendary Ornette Coleman’s first album, 1958’s “Something Else,” and on Jack Sheldon’s first album, “Quartet & Quintet.” He also played on Chet Baker’s last concert recording, in 1988. He relocated to New York in the ‘60s and was the music director at The Playboy Club for several years. He played in the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Big Band and in 1976 he joined the band led by mercurial genius Charles Mingus. In 1977, he moved to Berlin, where he lived until his death, on Oct. 29. Hot Springs musician and artist Chuck Dodson made a documentary about Norris, available at www.thegallery404b.com.
Best of best ad-DZ.b&w-11.indd 5
www.arktimes.com NOVEMBER 16, 2011 23 11/9/11 2:12 PM
Focus
Our Is Your
Style Comfort! Cutting & Styling Hair Color Nail Care Hair Removal
Tuesday-Friday 9am-6pm Saturday 9am-2pm 301 N. Shackleford Rd, Ste. D1 Little Rock 501.225.7800 www.rayeandcompanysalon.com
Share the Road
For Cyclists Share the road Tips for SAFE cycling on the road.
• Bicycles are vehicles on the road, just like cars and motorcycles. Cyclists must obey all traffic laws. Arkansas Uniform Vehicle Code #27-49-111 • Cyclists must signal, ride on the right side of the road and yield to traffic normally. Bicycles are vehicles on the road, Code #27-51-301/403 just like must cars have andamotorcycles. • Bicycles white headlight and a red tail light visible fromall 500traffic feet and have a Cyclist should obey laws. bell or warning device for pedestrians. Arkansas Uniform Vehicle Code #27Code #27-36-220 49-111 • Make eye contact with motorists. Be visible. Be predictable. Head up, think ahead. Cyclists should signal, ride on the • On the Big Dam Bridge... go slow. right side Represent! of the road, and yield to traffic other • As younormally pass, say “Onlike yourany left... thankroad you.” • On the River vehicle. CodeTrail... #27-51-301/403 use a safe speed, don’t Share the Road intimidate or scare others. Watch for dogs Give 3 feet ofCyclists clear space when and For leashes.
FULL-VALUE GIFT CERTIFICATES
Tips for PREVENTING injury or death.
For to moreacycling information... Tips for(up SAFE the road. passing $1000on fine!) Bicycle Advocacyonofthe Arkansas • Bicycles are vehicles road, just like Code #27-51-311 www.bacar.org
cars andLeague motorcycles. Cyclists must obey of American Bicyclists allwww.bikeleague.org/programs/education trafficby laws. Uniform Code Cyclist lawArkansas can not rideVehicle on the #27-49-111 sidewalk in some areas, some bikes • Cyclists must signal, ride on the right side can roads of theonly roadhandle and yieldsmooth to traffic normally. Code cracks, #27-51-301/403 (no potholes, trolley tracks). • Bicycles must have a white headlight and a LR Ord.#32-494 red tail light visible from 500 feet and have a bell or warning devicewith for pedestrians. Make eye contact cyclists. Code #27-36-220 Drive predictably. • Make eye contact with motorists. Be visible. Be predictable. Head up, think ahead. Please ghost bikes. • On the prevent Big Dam Bridge... go slow. www.ghostbikes.org Represent! • As you pass, say “On your left... thank you.” For more information: • On the River Trail... use a safe speed, don’t Bicycle Arkansas intimidate orAdvocacy scare others.ofWatch for dogs and leashes.www.bacar.org For more information...
League American Bicyclists BicycleofAdvocacy of Arkansas www.bacar.org www.bikeleague.org/programs/ League of American Bicyclists www.bikeleague.org/programs/education education
GREAT GIFT IDEAS VALUE $50 PAY $25
Kitchen Co. Cantrell Gallery Framing Pyramid Art Gallery Framing
VALUE $14 PAY $7 Hunka Pie
VALUE $18 PAY $9 NYPD Pizza
VALUE $20 PAY $10 Tokyo House Zin Urban Wine Bar
VALUE $25 PAY $12.50
Lilly’s Dimsum Thensome Starving Artist Cafe Far East Asian Lulav Bistro Sticky Fingerz
VALUE $30 PAY $15
Bleu Monkey in Hot Springs
VALUE $50 PAY $25 Salut Italian Bistro Vesuvio Italian Bistro Argenta Market Trio’s
halfoffdepot.com/littlerock
IQ Test y ur flu iq
True False
A special supplement from:
Test your flu iq
Dear Arkansans, It’s flu season again, and every year we see some of the same “old wives’ tales” coming back around: the flu shot gave me the flu; the flu is not very serious; flu vaccines are dangerous; and there’s no real reason for me to worry about the flu, just to name a few. The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) wants to help set the record straight on these and some other myths about the flu. We want to help provide you with all the resources you need to protect yourself and your family from the number eight cause James Phillips, MD of death in the country every year, the seasonal flu. With that in mind, we have prepared this guide to better health during this year’s flu season. Seasonal influenza is a very serious illness, and an average of 23,600 people die every year of complications from the flu. No matter how healthy you are, you can catch the flu, because it is a very contagious respiratory virus. But some people face a much greater risk of the complications that lead to hospitalization and death. That’s why it is so important for everyone to get a flu shot this year and every year. If we can reduce the total number of cases of the flu in the community, we can protect those who are at great risk: the elderly, children under five (especially those under two), pregnant women, those with chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, lung disorders and certain other groups.
...an average of 23,600 people die every year of complications from the flu.
Contents 3 Is the Flu Vaccine Safe? 4 Who is At Risk for the Flu? 6 How Do I Treat My Family if Someone Gets the Flu? 6 Warning Signs 7 The Flu & Pregnancy 7 The Flu & Smoking 8 How Do I Protect Myself From Getting the Flu? 8 The Three C’s
There is almost no medical reason not to get a flu shot— the benefits far outweigh any risks that are possible, and the vaccine is widely available. Your local ADH county health unit will have a supply for you and your family, and there are many other places that can also provide flu vaccine—big retailers, pharmacies and even grocery stores are now offering flu vaccine. I hope that you will spend some time improving your Flu IQ, and helping us Fight the Flu this year in Arkansas! James Phillips, MD Branch Chief, Infectious Disease Arkansas Department of Health
healthy.arkansas.gov
Follow us! 2
A special supplement from the Arkansas department of health
Test your flu iq
Is the FLU vaccine safe?
Over the years, hundreds of millions of people in the U.S. have safely received seasonal flu vaccines.
Over the last 50 years, flu vaccines have been shown to be safe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hold vaccines to the highest safety standards.
There are two types of flu vaccine: the flu shot and the nasal spray vaccine. Until recently, the vaccine was only available in a shot. The nasal spray was approved for seasonal influenza viruses in 2003, and tens of millions of doses of the nasal spray have been given in the United States. Nasal spray is recommended for use in healthy people 2 years through 49 years of age who are not pregnant. There are very few medical reasons to not get the flu vaccine. They include life threatening reactions such as anaphylaxis to a previous dose of flu vaccine, serious allergy to eggs, or Guillain-Barré syndrome. People with a non-life threatening egg allergy may be vaccinated but need to see a doctor specializing in allergies.
Who Should NOT Receive the Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine? Certain people should not get the nasal spray flu vaccine. This includes: • people younger than 2 years of age;
TRUE
OR
FALSE
You cannot get the flu from the flu shot. True:
The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. This is an “old wives’ tale” that needs to be put to rest.
• pregnant women; • people 50 years of age and older;
• children or adolescents receiving aspirin therapy;
• people with a medical condition that places them at higher risk
• people who have had Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare
for complications from influenza, including those with chronic
disorder of the nervous system, within 6 weeks of getting a flu
heart or lung disease, such as asthma or reactive airways disease;
vaccine,
people with medical conditions such as diabetes or kidney
• people who have a severe allergy to hens’ eggs. Persons with a
failure; or people with illnesses that weaken the immune system,
non-life threatening egg allergy may be vaccinated but need to
or who take medications that can weaken the immune system;
see a doctor specializing in allergies.
• children younger than 5 years old with a history of recurrent wheezing; A special supplement from the Arkansas department of health
3
Test your flu iq
Who is At Risk for the Flu? Those most at risk for complications from the seasonal flu are:
•
Immunosuppression, including that caused by medications or by HIV;
•
•
People younger than 19 years of age who get long-term aspirin therapy,
children aged 6 months through 4 years, however, the risk for severe
diabetes mellitus);
complications from seasonal influenza is highest among children younger
because of an increased risk for Reye’s Syndrome.
than 2 years old;
asthma) or heart disease
In addition, those that live with or care for individuals that are at high risk for flu-related complications should also be vaccinated and include:
adults and children 2 years and older with chronic metabolic diseases
•
•
people 50 years or older;
•
pregnant women;
•
adults and children aged 2 years and older with chronic lung (including
•
(including diabetes), kidney diseases, blood disorders (such as sickle cell anemia), or weakened immune systems, including persons with HIV/AIDS; •
people in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities;
•
people with chronic pulmonary (including asthma, even if mild),
health care workers involved in hands-on care to patients and household members and caregivers of infants under the age of 6 months;
•
household contacts (including children), caregivers of children up to age 4 and adults aged 50 or older; and,
•
household contacts (including children) and caregivers of persons with
cardiovascular (except hypertension), kidney, liver, blood (including sickle
medical conditions that put them at higher risk for severe complications
cell disease), neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders (including
from flu.
TRUE
OR
FALSE
Only older people need a flu shot. False:
4
A special supplement from the Arkansas department of health
Everyone over 6 months of age needs vaccine.
Test your flu iq
TRUE
OR
What is the seasonal flu?
FALSE
You can have the flu and not have any symptoms. TRUE:
Those infected with the flu virus are contagious to others even before they develop symptoms of flu. Up to 25 percent of those infected with flu may not have any symptoms at all.
Seasonal flu is a disease that causes mild to severe illness. Each year in the United States, there are 25-50 million infections, over 200,000 hospitalizations and roughly 23,600 deaths due to flu. Over 90 percent of deaths and about 60 percent of hospitalizations occur in people older than 65.
What are the symptoms of flu? Fever greater than 100 degrees, coughing, sore throat, chills, headache and body aches, fatigue, respiratory congestion, and in some cases, diarrhea and vomiting. People experiencing these symptoms should contact their physician.
What is the best way to not get the flu? The best way to stop the spread of flu is to get the flu vaccine each year. The vaccine takes one to two weeks to start working and is the best protection in preventing the flu. The flu vaccine will not give you the flu! It helps protect you against the flu virus.
Who should get flu vaccine? The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months old and older should get the flu vaccine each year.
A special supplement from the Arkansas department of health
5
Test your flu iq
How do I treat my family if someone gets the flu? • People with respiratory illness should stay home from work or school to avoid spreading infections, including flu, to others in the
TRUE
community. • People experiencing cough, fever and fatigue, possibly along with
be prescribed that can reduce the severity of illness if taken within 48 hours after symptoms begin.
false:
• Children 18 years of age or younger who are ill with flu should not take aspirin, but can take ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Follow your
!
FALSE
I can give aspirin to my teenager if he has the flu.
diarrhea and vomiting, should contact their physician. Drugs may
doctor’s advice.
OR
Kids 18 years of age or younger who have the flu SHOULD NOT take aspirin but can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Flu & PregNancy
Warning signs Seek Urgent Medical Attention for Children when a child has these symptoms:
Seek Urgent Medical Attention for Adults when an ADULT has these symptoms:
• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Bluish skin color
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Sudden dizziness
• Signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing, absence of
• Confusion
urination, or in infants, a lack of tears when they cry • Not waking up or not interacting • Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Severe or persistent vomiting • Signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing and absence of urination
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Purple or blue discoloration of the lips
• A fever with a rash
• Seizures (for example, uncontrolled
• Vomiting and unable to keep liquids down 6
A special supplement from the Arkansas department of health
convulsions)
Test your flu iq
TRUE
OR
FALSE
The flu vaccine cannot cause autism. True:
The vaccine is safe and none of the flu vaccine at the Health Department contains mercury.
TRUE
OR
FALSE
A flu shot will decrease the chances of both a pregnant woman and her baby of dying from the flu by over 50% (and it almost always keeps mom and baby from catching the flu). true:
Flu & pregnancy • Flu vaccine is a safe way to protect you and your unborn
recommended for pregnant
baby from serious illness and
women for many years.
complications of flu. • When pregnant women get flu shots, both mothers and their babies get the flu less often.
The vaccine will prevent a pregnant woman from getting the flu and will give the unborn child some protection.
• The flu shot can be given at any time while you are pregnant. • The flu shot is safe for women who plan to breastfeed
• Flu vaccination may even help
and the vaccine can be
protect your baby from the flu
given to mothers who are
after your baby is born.
breastfeeding.
• Flu shots are safe for pregnant women and their unborn
Flu & Smoking
babies. The shot has been
• If you smoke, the risk of getting the flu increases.
• Talk to your doctor about flu vaccination during pregnancy.
• If you get vaccinated, you are as protected against flu as
• If you smoke and get flu,
someone that doesn’t smoke.
you are more likely to have complications. A special supplement from the Arkansas department of health
7
Test your flu iq
How Do I Protect Myself From Getting the Flu? The main way that flu viruses are thought to spread is from person to person when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person are propelled through the air and deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby. Flu viruses may also be spread when a person touches the droplets on another person or an object and then touches their own mouth or nose (or someone else’s mouth or nose) before washing their hands.
Take Actions to Stay Healthy • Get the seasonal flu vaccine each year! • Stay home if you are sick. You should stay home until you are feeling better and after fever is gone for 24 hours without
TRUE
taking fever reducers. While you are sick, limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. • Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.
false:
• Wash hands frequently with warm, soapy water to lessen the
• When hand washing is not possible, use an alcohol-based
FALSE
You should cover a cough with your hand to protect others.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
spread of illness.
OR
You should cover your cough with a tissue or sneeze into your elbow.
hand sanitizer.
Remember the
Three C’s
Clean - Wash your hands often Cover - cover your cough and sneeze Contain - stay home if you are sick
Go to www.healthy.arkansas.gov for more information and call your local health unit for days and hours of operations. The flu vaccine will cost $20 or your insurance may be billed. 8
A special supplement from the Arkansas department of health
A Progressive
Thanksgiving Starts at
Dinner
5pm
Thursday, November 17 Advertised discounts valid Thursday, November 17 only.
HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST
Happy Hour in the Heights Happy HourFeaturing In The Heights
Will Mouw Refreshments For All Ages Arkansas Master Junior Fiddle Champion 5-7pm Refreshments For All Ages On5-7pm Charlotte’s On Charlotte’Porch s Porch
COME SHOP OUR EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS!
Open til’ 7PM on Third Thursday Next to Tipton & Hurst 1813 N. Grant 661.0687
Serving Spiked Apple Cider & Carrot Cake HeightsToyCenter.com Cupcakes! 5918 R St. - 663.8383
SPECIAL EVENTS START HERE. eggshellskitChenCompany.Com - 664.6900
5913 Kavanaugh 661.4696
We have expanded our wines available both by the glass and by the bottle! Come in and try our new wines! 5713 Kavanaugh Blvd • (501) 663-WINE (9463) btgbar.com
GET YOUR HOLIDAY FRAMING DONE NOW!
M-F 9:30am - 6pm Sat 9am - 6pm
Start
Your Christmas
Layaway
Now!
Art Show Featuring Barry Thomas and Arden Boyce Reception 5-7. Nov 17th
Ellen Golden Antiques
Mon - Sat 10am-5pm | 5701 Kavanaugh | 501.664.7746
Stop in for Thanksgiving treats and a chance to win a Heights T-shirt!
5709 Kavanaugh — 225.3220
SushiCafeRocks.com HAPPY HOUR 5-7PM DAILY!
5823 Kavanaugh 663.9888
THE TO-DO
LIST
BY ROBERT BELL & LINDSEY MILLAR
THURSDAY 11/17
EPIPHANY FEAT. GINA GEE & ONE NIGHT STAND
9:30 p.m. Stickyz. $10.
Local rap standout Epiphany returns to town after a minitour that took him and local R&B diva Gina Gee throughout the South — Atlanta, Nashville, Memphis, Dallas. Thursday’s show marks the end of that “Such Is Life” tour and the end, at least for the near future, of Epiphany and Gina Gee performing with their backing band, One Night Stand. Those who appreciate hip-hop being performed well on stage will want to make it out to this one, where another local rapper, Kwestion, will also be performing with a live band, Machetes and Spoons, and celebrating the release of a new album. Little Rock’s go-to emcee, Osyrus Bolly, hosts. LM.
HEAD HOOP HOG: Arkansas Razorbacks men’s basketball head coach Mike Anderson talks to the Downtown Tip Off Club Thursday morning. The Hogs take on the Houston Cougars Friday night at Verizon Arena.
THURSDAY 11/17
DOWNTOWN TIP OFF CLUB: MIKE ANDERSON
11:15 a.m. Wyndham Riverfront Hotel. $15-$20. MOUNTAIN OF METAL: Downtown Music Hall hosts Black Tusk (pictured), Thou, Monstro, Iron Tongue and Weedbeast Wednesday night.
WEDNESDAY 11/16
BLACK TUSK, THOU, MONSTRO
Eyehategod is a foundational element for Baton 7 p.m. Downtown Music Hall. $10 adv., $12 d.o.s. Rouge’s Thou. But from the sludgy blues metal of its forebear, Thou expands in nearly every direcHailing from Savannah, Ga. (home of co-con- tion, from caustic black metal throat shredding spirators like Baroness and Kylesa), Black Tusk to grindcore blast beats to occasional moments mixes elements of hardcore (think early Black of Floyd-ian space-out to gloomy post-rock atmoFlag) and nasty Motorhead ass-kicking with the spherics. Monstro is a relatively new act out of hammering riff-violence of classic Slayer. The band Atlanta, with personnel formerly of Torche and isn’t shy about locking down on a bitchin’ groove Bloodsimple, and hearkens back to classic hardor unfurling an effects-laden swirl of psychedelic rock giants like Rush and The Who. Locals Iron guitar every once in a while. But overall, don’t Tongue and Weedbeast round out what will be, look for a lot of weedly-weedly fret-board acro- without question, one of the best metal shows of batics. Black Tusk is all about the bludgeoning. As the year, at a place that gets a whole lotta great with many Southern metal bands, the inestimable metal shows. RB. 34 NOVEMBER 16, 2011 ARKANSAS TIMES
While most folks are maintaining reasonable expectations for what could shape up to be a rocky season, there is an undeniable level of excitement about Mike Anderson’s return to The Hill. The new head coach of the Razorback men’s basketball team is, of course, no stranger to Fayetteville. He served as assistant coach to Nolan Richardson during the heyday of the program, which saw three trips to the NCAA Final Four and a national championship in 1994. Anderson’s approach is rooted in the intense pressure, “40 minutes of hell” style of play that Richardson made the hallmark of the hoop Hogs. Anderson himself has tempered early expectations, telling The Birmingham News that this first season might be more like “25 minutes of hell, and 15 minutes of ‘What the hell are we doing?’ ” But after more than a decade of middling basketball, Razorback fans are understandably excited about Anderson coming home to Bud Walton Arena. It’ll be nice to see packed houses once again at The House that Nolan Built. The Hogs take on the Houston Cougars at Verizon Arena Friday night at 7 p.m. RB.
IN BRIEF
THURSDAY 11/17
FRIDAY 11/18
FLAMEING DAETH FEARIES, GLITTERCORE
8 p.m. Vino’s. $8.
For an evening of unbridled rock ’n’ roll hedonism, this raht cheer should do nicely. Local troublemaking four-piece Flameing Daeth Fearies has all the subtlety of a screaming, drunken frat bro streaking the quad with a fifth of vodka in one hand and half-inflated blow-up doll in the other. But you know what? There’s a time and place for everything, and sometimes that dude is the exact dude you want at your party. You know, to liven things up and make everyone laugh while also invading their personal space and making them feel a just a tiny bit uncomfortable. What else
would you expect from a band with songs called “French Bitch,” “Luke Is Gay” and “Tranny Granny”? Glittercore is a relatively new act with folks from Trusty, Il Libertina, Techno Squid Eats Parliament and several others. The band’s got a glam rock steeze, evidenced by singer/guitarist Paul Bowling’s recent solo turn as David Bowie at White Water Tavern’s Halloween coverup show (check out his version of “Life On Mars?” on YouTube). Opening act Jab Jab Sucker Punch plays loud-ass rock, a kind of sobered-up Big Boss Line, according to an inside source. The band features two former BBL members, as well as personnel from The Moving Front and Ashtray Babyhead. It’s an all-ages show. RB.
SATURDAY 11/19
JIM MIZE, FRONTIER CIRCUS RECORD RELEASE SHOW
9:30 p.m. Maxine’s. $5.
The Frontier Circus — the latest project from Rockin’ Guys front man Rockin’ Dan, now performing as Frontier Dan — bills itself as “A little bit psycho … a little bit Western.” The Central Arkansas band’s debut album certifies that the group is probably more than “a little bit” of either of those things. It starts off with a punkedup take on “You’re Gonna Miss Me,” the classic three-minute garage-rock blast to end all others. Its feedback squall and unhinged feel are reminiscent of Sonic Youth’s frighteningly deranged version of “I Wanna Be Your Dog.” The album wraps up with a similarly screeching version of “(Tonight) The Bottle Let Me Down,” one of the finest drunkard’s laments in the history of country music. The fact that the Frontier Circus record starts with a 13th Floor Elevators song and ends with a
Merle Haggard tune – and that they don’t sound that different from one another – is telling. This album is shot through with pulsing, reverb-heavy vocals and Velvet Underground-esque six-string damage. So naturally, a Velvets cover is in order, in this case a version of “Heroin” that sounds more like a bite-sized take on “Sister Ray” than the free-floating Sturm und Drang of the original. Other tunes include numbers made famous by the likes of Johnny Paycheck, Wanda Jackson and Porter Wagoner (a demented version of the already pretty demented psych-country nugget “The Rubber Room”). The country classics are interspersed with psychedelic standards like “White Rabbit” and “Venus.” But really, the album sounds cohesive and the band puts its own indelible stamp on these incredibly disparate songs. Headlining the show is Conway’s Jim Mize, one of the finest songwriters the state has ever produced. RB.
SATURDAY 11/19
JAZZ TRIBUTE TO MILES DAVIS AND JOHN COLTRANE
9 p.m. Ferneau. $10-$15.
Are you one of those unfortunate types who think avant-garde jazz is boring or overly intellectual or impenetrably cacophonous? Then do yourself a favor and go listen to “Africa/Brass” by the John Coltrane Quartet and “In a Silent Way” by Miles Davis, then come back and finish reading this. Go ahead, I’ll wait. There. See? You’ve just expe-
rienced indescribable beauty and wonder expressed through the genius of two of the truly towering figures of music. You’re welcome. If, though, these albums leave you unmoved, then I suggest you give up on music and move on to a career in debt collection or right-wing political commentary or some similar pursuit that doesn’t require the having of a soul. Rodney Block and The Real Music Lovers team up with Velvet Kente’s Joshua and Dee Davis for this tribute show. RB.
TEXAN TROUBADOURS: Owen Temple (above) and Adam Carroll headline an evening of dusty country tunes courtesy of the Lone Star State.
SATURDAY 11/19
OWEN TEMPLE, ADAM CARROLL 9 p.m. White Water Tavern. $5.
Here’s one that is sure to satisfy all you fans of countrified, folky Texas singer/songwriters in the mold of Guy Clark, Terry Allen, Townes Van Zandt et al. Perhaps not surprisingly, Adam Carroll and Owen Temple both call Austin home. The Austin Chronicle called Carroll one of the city’s best-kept secrets among singer/songwriters. Temple’s latest album, “Mountain Home,” features guest spots and co-writing credits from Carroll and bass and guitar from Charlie Sexton, who has played in Dylan’s backing band the last few years and is a celebrated songwriter in his own right. The album has earned solid reviews, including a nod on the blog Hyperbolium, which said “Mountain Home” is “an album that ingratiates itself on first pass, and reveals deep new details with each subsequent spin.”
SATURDAY 11/19
“PREGNANT BY THE PASTOR”
5 p.m., 7 p.m. Riverdale 10 Cinema. $10-$20.
This is the debut feature-length film from author and filmmaker SaTonya Ford, originally of Crossett. As we learn from the trailer, “Pregnant by the Pastor” is “a story of betrayal, deceit and sin.” The film reminds viewers that sometimes, not even the sanctity of the pulpit is safe from transgression and the temptations of the flesh. It seems that Pastor Norman has gotten himself into a spot of trouble by impregnating one of the members of his flock. As word spreads, rumors start to fly and tensions begin to rise. What will Pastor Norman do? There is only one way to find out. Includes two red-carpet screenings, with a cast Q&A and photo opportunities.
Santa Fe blacksmith Tom Joyce will discuss his work, process and life in ironworking in conjunction with the exhibition “Cast, Cut, Forged and Crushed: Selections in Metal from the John and Robyn Horn Collection.” It’s at the Arkansas Arts Center, 6 p.m., $5 or free for AAC members. Jim Brickman lays siege to Robinson Center Music Hall to provide a romantic evening of overpoweringly tender and heartfelt adult contemporary music, 7:30 p.m., $60. For something that is different in every conceivable way, Downtown Music Hall has Brooklyn heavies Hull, with Black Orchid, Crankbait and Snakedriver, 8 p.m., $7. The UALR Women’s Trojans basketball team takes on the defending national champions of Texas A&M at the Jack Stephens Center, 7 p.m., $4-$35.
FRIDAY 11/18 Hot Springs takes over the White Water Tavern, with the four-piece rock assault of The Holy Shakes, which has a sort of Hot Snakes vibe, and the lovely ladies of The Foul Play Cabaret, 9 p.m., $5. Meanwhile, back at Spa City, it’s a night of singer/songwriters at Maxine’s, with Brian Martin, Adam Faucett, Mandy McBryde and David Ramirez, 8 p.m., $5 adv., $7 door. The Fayetteville party starters in Boom Kinetic take the rowdy revelry to Revolution for an 18-and-older show, 9:30 p.m., $10. Cajun’s Wharf has happy hour tunes courtesy of Richie Johnson, 5 p.m. and U2 Tribute act Uzoo headlining at 9 p.m., $10.
SATURDAY 11/19 It’s Third Friday Argenta ArtWalk in downtown North Little Rock galleries, 5-8 p.m. Stickyz has Texas country rambler Roger Creager, with opening act Matt Stell and The Crashers, 9 p.m., $10. Over at the Town Pump, long about 9 p.m., you can catch local supergroup Year of the Tiger, featuring members of Underclaire and The Moving Front, with Booyah! Dad and First Baptist Chemical, which is former Ho-Hum head Rod Bryan’s new outfit. For some crushing Southern metal, check out Music Hates You at Downtown Music Hall, 8:30 p.m., $7. Discovery has DJs Tyler Durden, Jacob Reyes and Hollywood and performers Dominique, Whitney Paige and Lady PT Dupree, 9 p.m.-5 a.m., $12. Revolution has the popular hip-hop and R&B cover band, The 17th Floor, 9 p.m., $8 adv., $10 d.o.s. For some roller derby, check out Girls Rollin’ in the South’s Breakneck Brawlers as they take on the Tulsa Derby Brigade. GRITS will be taking donations for Baptist Health’s NICU Care Package program, Skate World in Jacksonville, 4:30 p.m., $6-$8.
www.arktimes.com NOVEMBER 16, 2011 35
AFTER DARK All events are in the Greater Little Rock area unless otherwise noted. To place an event in the Arkansas Times calendar, please e-mail the listing and all pertinent information, including date, time, location, price and contact information, to calendar@arktimes.com.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 16
MUSIC
Acoustic Open Mic. The Afterthought, 8 p.m., free. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www. afterthoughtbar.com. Alternative Wednesdays. Features alternative bands from Central Arkansas and the surrounding areas. Mediums Art Lounge, 6:30 p.m., $5. 521 Center St. 501-374-4495. Black Tusk, Thou, Monstro, Iron Tongue, Weedbeast. Downtown Music Hall, 7 p.m., $10 adv., $12 d.o.s. 211 W. Capitol. 501-3761819. downtownshows.homestead.com. Bolly Open Mic Hype Night with Osyrus Bolly and DJ Messiah. All American Wings, 9 p.m. 215 W. Capitol Ave. 501-376-4000. allamericanwings.com. Brian & Nick. Cajun’s Wharf, 5 and 9 p.m., $5 after 8:30 p.m. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501-3755351. www.cajunswharf.com. Grim Muzik presents Way Back Wednesdays. Cornerstone Pub & Grill, 8:30 p.m. 314 Main St., NLR. 501-374-1782. cstonepub.com. Jim Dickerson. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room, 7 p.m. 500 President Clinton Ave. 501-324-2999. www.sonnywilliamssteakroom.com. Karaoke at Khalil’s. Khalil’s Pub, 7 p.m. 110 S. Shackleford Road. 501-224-0224. www.khalilspub.com. Karaoke. Hibernia Irish Tavern, 9 p.m. 9700 N Rodney Parham Road. 501-246-4340. www. hiberniairishtavern.com. Karaoke with Big John Miller. Denton’s Trotline, 8 p.m. 2150 Congo Road, Benton. 501-315-1717. Kyle Park, Sonia Leigh. 18 and older show. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 8:30 p.m., $8. 107 Commerce St. 501-372-7707. www. stickyfingerz.com. Landlord, The Evelyns. White Water Tavern, 9 p.m. 2500 W. 7th. 501-375-8400. www.whitewatertavern.com. Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 5 p.m., free. 111 Markham St. 501-374-7474. www.capitalhotel.com/CBG.
COMEDY
Kevin Bozeman, Jason Brown, Tomcat. The Loony Bin, 8 p.m.; Nov. 18, 10:30 p.m.; Nov. 19, 7, 9 and 11 p.m., $7-$10. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-228-5555. www.loonybincomedy.com.
EVENTS
Occupy Little Rock panel discussion. Members of Occupy Little Rock, part of the national Occupy protests, will participate in a panel discussion about the reasons behind their ongoing encampment in downtown Little Rock. Clinton School of Public Service, 6 p.m. 1200 President Clinton Ave. 501-683-5239. www. clintonschool.uasys.edu. Small Business Success Series. Main Library, 12 p.m. 100 S. Rock St. 501-377-6013. www. cals.lib.ar.us.
FILM
“Invisible Children.” This documentary exam-
36 NOVEMBER 16, 2011 ARKANSAS TIMES
COUNTRY COMBO: Kyle Park comes to Stickyz Wednesday night with a big barrelfull of soulful Red Dirt country. His latest album, “Make Me or Break Me,” has earned solid reviews for its diverse songwriting and tight backing band. Opening act Sonia Leigh plays rocking, pop-informed country and is out supporting “1978 December,” her debut on Zac Brown’s Southern Ground label. The 18-and-older show starts at 8:30 p.m. and is $8. ines the use of children as soldiers in Central Africa. Philander Smith College, 6 p.m. 900 W. Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive. 501-770-5349.
LECTURES
Ritu Sharma. Ritu Sharma is the co-founder of Women Thrive Worldwide and a leading voice on international women’s issues and U.S. foreign policy. Sturgis Hall, 12 p.m. 1200 President Clinton Ave. 501-683-5239. clintonschool.uasys.edu.
BENEFITS
National Philanthropy Day. The Arkansas chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals will honor outstanding fundraising professionals, organizations and individuals who are exemplary supporters of nonprofit organizations in the state. The Peabody Little Rock, 11:30 a.m., $50. 3 Statehouse Plaza. 501812-2752. afparkansas.afpnet.org.
THURSDAY, NOV. 17
MUSIC
Bigelow Station. Vino’s, 9 p.m., $8. 923 W. 7th St. 501-375-8466. www.vinosbrewpub.com.
“BLISS.” Music by DJ Greyhound. Deep Ultra Lounge, 10 p.m. 322 President Clinton Ave. Chris DeClerk. The Afterthought, 8 p.m., free. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www. afterthoughtbar.com. Drake and Sofia, Amanda Avery. Maxine’s, 8 p.m., free. 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs. maxinespub.com. Epiphany feat. Gina Gee & One Night Stand, Bijoux, Kwestion. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 9:30 p.m., $10. 107 Commerce St. 501372-7707. www.stickyfingerz.com. Hull, Black Orchid, Crankbait, Snakedriver. Downtown Music Hall, 8 p.m., $7. 211 W. Capitol. 501-376-1819. downtownshows.homestead.com. “Inferno.” DJs play pop, electro, house and more, plus drink specials and $1 cover before 11 p.m. Sway, 9 p.m. 412 Louisiana. 501-907-2582. Jim Brickman. Robinson Center Music Hall, 7:30 p.m., $60. Markham and Broadway. www. littlerockmeetings.com/conv-centers/robinson. Jim Dickerson. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room, 7 p.m. 500 President Clinton Ave. 501-324-2999. www.sonnywilliamssteakroom.com. Karaoke. Zack’s Place, 8 p.m. 1400 S. University Ave. 501-664-6444. www.zacks-place.com.
Mr. Lucky (headliner), Notion (happy hour). Cajun’s Wharf, 5 and 9 p.m., $5 after 8:30 p.m. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501-375-5351. www.cajunswharf.com. Ol’ Puddin’haid. Thirst n’ Howl, 7:30 p.m., free. 14710 Cantrell Road. 501-379-8189. www.thirst-n-howl.com. Port Arthur Band. Parrot Beach Cafe, 9 p.m. 9611 MacArthur Drive, NLR. 771-2994. Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 5 p.m., free. 111 Markham St. 501-374-7474. www.capitalhotel.com/CBG. “Thirsty Thursdays.” Juanita’s, 9 p.m. 614 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-1228. www. juanitas.com. UCA/Parkview choir performance. University of Central Arkansas, Snow Fine Arts Center Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m., Free. 201 Donaghey Ave., Conway. 450-5756. Velcro Pygmies. West End Smokehouse and Tavern, 10 p.m., $5. 215 N. Shackleford. 501224-7665. www.westendsmokehouse.net.
COMEDY
Kevin Bozeman, Jason Brown, Tomcat. The Loony Bin, through Nov. 18, 8 p.m.; Nov. 18, 10:30 p.m.; Nov. 19, 7, 9 and 11 p.m., $7-$10. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-228-5555. www.loonybincomedy.com.
EVENTS
Antique/Boutique Walk. Shopping and live entertainment. Downtown Hot Springs, third Thursday of every month, 4-8 p.m., free. 100 Central Ave., Hot Springs. “Dazzle Daze.” Holiday shopping event benefits for Conway Regional Health System. Faulkner County Fairgrounds, Nov. 17-19, 10 a.m. 110 S. Amity Road, Conway. 501-329-8344. Hunger Banquet. With speaker Rhonda Sanders, executive director of Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance. Philander Smith College, 7 p.m. 900 W. Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive. Preservation Libations. Hosted by the Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas and the Quapaw Quarter Association. Curran Hall, 5 p.m. 615 E. Capitol. 501370-3290. Wine Tasting with Bruce Cochran and James Cripps. The Afterthought, 5:30 p.m., $10. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.afterthoughtbar.com.
LECTURES
“A Life of Iron.” Santa Fe blacksmith Tom Joyce will discuss his work, process and life of ironwork. In conjunction with the exhibition “Cast, Cut, Forged and Crushed: Selections in Metal from the John and Robyn Horn Collection.” Arkansas Arts Center, 6 p.m., $5, free for AAC members. 501 E. 9th St. 501-372-4000. www.arkarts. com.
POETRY
Paulette Guerin. The poet will read from her book, “Polishing Silver.” Faulkner County Library, 7 p.m. 1900 Tyler St., Conway. 501327-7482. www.fcl.org.
SPORTS
Downtown Tip Off Club presents Mike Anderson. Includes a buffet lunch and guest speaker Mike Anderson, coach of
“Designing Hope.” Live auction and fashion show of spring 2012 designs by Lind Rowe Thomas of Romas to benefit Camp Sunshine, which serves young burn survivors, and Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Auction 6-9:30 p.m., reception with TV’s Dawn Neufeld 6-7 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Next Level Events, 6 p.m., $25, $50 VIP. 1400 W. Markham St. 501376-9746. www.nextleveleventsinc.com.
BOOKS
COMEDY
David Wilson Atwood. The author of “Where the Mockingbird Sang” and “I Followed the Wolf” will sign his books. That Bookstore in Blytheville, 6 p.m. 316 W. Main St.
Kevin Bozeman, Jason Brown, Tomcat. The Loony Bin, through Nov. 18, 8 p.m.; Nov. 18, 10:30 p.m.; Nov. 19, 7, 9 and 11 p.m., $7-$10. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-228-5555. www.loonybincomedy.com.
FRIDAY, NOV. 18
EVENTS
MUSIC
Arkansas River Blues Society Jam. Cornerstone Pub & Grill, 8 p.m. 314 Main St., NLR. 501-3741782. cstonepub.com. Barrett Baber. Dugan’s Pub, 8:30 p.m., free. 403 E. 3rd St. 501-244-0542. www.duganspublr.com. Big John Miller. Fox And Hound, 9:30 p.m., $5-$10. 2800 Lakewood Village, NLR. 501-7538300. www.foxandhound.com/locations/northlittle-rock.aspx. Boom Kinetic. 18-and-older show. Revolution, 9:30 p.m., $10. 300 President Clinton Ave. 501823-0090. revroom.com. Brian Martin, Adam Faucett, Mandy McBryde, David Ramirez. Maxine’s, 8 p.m., $5 adv., $7 door. 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs. maxinespub.com. DJ Silky Slim. Top 40 and dance music. Sway, 9 p.m., $5. 412 Louisiana. 501-907-2582. Flameing Daeth Fearies, Glittercore, Jab Jab Sucker Punch. Vino’s, 9 p.m., $8. 923 W. 7th St. 501-375-8466. www.vinosbrewpub.com. “The Flow Fridays.” Twelve Modern Lounge, 8 p.m. 1900 W. Third St. Greg Gardner and Voodoo Cowboy. Shooter’s Sports Bar & Grill, 9 p.m. 9500 I-30. 501-5654003. www.shooterslittlerock.com. Hit the Lights, The Dangerous Summer, School Boy Humor, Such Gold, Divided By Friday. Downtown Music Hall, 6 p.m., $10 adv., $12 d.o.s. 211 W. Capitol. 501-376-1819. downtownshows.homestead.com. The Holy Shakes with The Foul Play Cabaret. The Foul Play Cabaret is a burlesque troupe. White Water Tavern, 9 p.m. 2500 W. 7th. 501375-8400. www.whitewatertavern.com. Jeff Coleman. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room, Nov. 18-19, 7 p.m. 500 President Clinton Ave. 501324-2999. www.sonnywilliamssteakroom.com. Number Two with Me and Hugh. Midtown Billiards, 12:30 a.m., $5. 1316 Main St. 501-3729990. midtownar.com. Power Trio. The Afterthought, 9 p.m., $7. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.afterthoughtbar.com. REO Speedwagon, Kingsdown. Arkansas State University at Mountain Home, 7 p.m., $31.50$61.50. 1600 S. College Ave., Mountain Home. Shannon McClung. Flying Saucer, 9 p.m., $3.
“Dazzle Daze.” Holiday shopping event benefits for Conway Regional Health System. Faulkner County Fairgrounds, through Nov. 19, 10 a.m. 110 S. Amity Road, Conway. 501-329-8344. LGBTQ/SGL Youth and Young Adult Group. Diverse Youth for Social Change is a group for LGBTQ/SGL and straight ally youth and young adults age 14 to 23. For more information, call 244-9690 or search “DYSC” on Facebook. 800 Scott St., 6:30 p.m. Political Animals Club: Sen. John Boozman. Includes breakfast. Wyndham Riverfront Hotel, 6:45 a.m., $20. 2 Riverfront Place, NLR. 501-3719000. www.wyndham.com.
SPORTS
Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Houston Cougars. Razorbacks basketball Verizon Arena. 1 Alltel Arena Way, NLR. 800-745-3000. www.ticketmaster.com.
Welcomed by
NOV. 29 - DEC. 1 Robinson Center Music Hall T ICKETS 244.8800 • 982.ARTS 800
BENEFITS
323 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-7468. www. beerknurd.com/stores/littlerock. Splendid Chaos. West End Smokehouse and Tavern, Nov. 18-19, 10 p.m., $5. 215 N. Shackleford. 501-224-7665. www.westendsmokehouse.net. Starkz, Blind Mary. Juanita’s, 9 p.m., $8 adv., $10 d.o.s. 614 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-1228. www.juanitas.com. Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 9 p.m., free. 111 Markham St. 501-374-7474. www. capitalhotel.com/CBG. Tommy Rock. Cregeen’s Irish Pub, 8 p.m. 301 Main St., NLR. 501-376-7468. www.cregeens.com. UZoo (headliner), Richie Johnson (happy hour). Cajun’s Wharf, 5 and 9 p.m., $10. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501-375-5351. www.cajunswharf.com.
501
the Razorbacks men’s basketball team. Wyndham Riverfront Hotel, 11:15 a.m., $15$20. 2 Riverfront Place, NLR. 501-371-9000. www.wyndham.com. UALR Women’s Trojans vs. Texas A&M. Jack Stephens Center, UALR, 7 p.m., $4-$35. 2801 S. University Ave.
• Ticketmaster.com • select Walmart locations In Person: Celebrity Attractions • 300 S. Spring, Ste. 100, Little Rock Groups of 10 or more receive a discount, call 501.492.3314
LIVE ON STAGE!
/BwayLR Sign up for show reminders at www.CelebrityAttractions.com
VOTE ONLINE NOW!
BOOKS
Ed Bethune. The former Republican congressman will sign copies of his new memoir, “Jackhammered: A Life of Adventure.” WordsWorth Books & Co., 5 p.m. 5920 R St. 501-663-9198. www.wordsworthbooks.org.
SATURDAY, NOV. 19
MUSIC
The 17th Floor. Revolution, 9 p.m., $8 adv., $10 d.o.s. 300 President Clinton Ave. 501-823-0090. revroom.com. Adam Carroll and Owen Temple. White Water Tavern, 9 p.m. 2500 W. 7th. 501-375-8400. www. whitewatertavern.com. After Eden. Cregeen’s Irish Pub, 8 p.m., $5. 301 Main St., NLR. 501-376-7468. www.cregeens.com. Austin Allsup CD release party. Shooter’s Sports Bar & Grill, 9 p.m. 9500 I-30. 501-565-4003. www. shooterslittlerock.com. D-Mite and Tho-d Studios Showcase. Cornerstone Pub & Grill, 8:30 p.m. 314 Main St., NLR. 501-374-1782. cstonepub.com. DJs Tyler Durden, Jacob Reyes and Hollywood. Performers include Dominique, Whitney Paige and Lady PT Dupree. Discovery Nightclub, 9 CONTINUED ON PAGE 38
www.arktimes.com/readerschoice12 www.arktimes.com NOVEMBER 16, 2011 37
AFTER DARK, CONT. p.m., $12. 1021 Jessie Road. 501-664-4784. www. latenightdisco.com. FOS Project (headliner), Jim Mills (happy hour). Cajun’s Wharf, 5 and 9 p.m., $5 after 8:30 p.m. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501-375-5351. www.cajunswharf.com. The Frontier Circus, Jim Mize. Maxine’s, 9:30 p.m. 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs. maxinespub.com. Hunter Hayes. Juanita’s, 9 p.m., $5. 614 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-1228. www. juanitas.com. Jeff Coleman. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room, 7 p.m. 500 President Clinton Ave. 501-324-2999. www.sonnywilliamssteakroom.com. Joey Farr and the Fuggins Wheat Band. Midtown Billiards, 12:30 a.m., $5. 1316 Main St. 501-372-9990. midtownar.com. Karaoke at Khalil’s. Khalil’s Pub, 7 p.m. 110 S. Shackleford Road. 501-224-0224. www.khalilspub.com. Karla Case Band. Dugan’s Pub, 8:30 p.m., free. 403 E. 3rd St. 501-244-0542. www.duganspublr. com. “KISS Saturdays” with DJs Deja Blu, Greyhound and Silky Slim. Sway, 10 p.m. 412 Louisiana. 501-907-2582. Mayday By Midnight. Flying Saucer, 9 p.m., $3. 323 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-7468. www. beerknurd.com/stores/littlerock. Meshugga Klezmer Band. The Afterthought, 9 p.m., $8. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.afterthoughtbar.com. Music Hates You. Downtown Music Hall, 8:30 p.m., $7. 211 W. Capitol. 501-376-1819. downtownshows.homestead.com. Nine Lives Spent. Fox And Hound, 9:30 p.m., $5-$10. 2800 Lakewood Village, NLR. 501-7538300. www.foxandhound.com/locations/northlittle-rock.aspx.
Rodney Block & TRML feat. Dee Davis and Joshua. Jazz tribute to Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Ferneau, 9 p.m., $10-$15. 2601 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-603-9208. www.ferneaurestaurant.com/. Roger Creager. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 9 p.m., $10. 107 Commerce St. 501372-7707. www.stickyfingerz.com. Splendid Chaos. West End Smokehouse and Tavern, 10 p.m., $5. 215 N. Shackleford. 501224-7665. www.westendsmokehouse.net. Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 9 p.m., free. 111 Markham St. 501-374-7474. www. capitalhotel.com/CBG. The Year of the Tiger, Booyah! Dad, First Baptist Chemical. Town Pump, 9 p.m. 1321 Rebsamen Park Road. 501-663-9802.
COMEDY
Kevin Bozeman, Jason Brown, Tomcat. The Loony Bin, 7, 9 and 11 p.m., $7-$10. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-228-5555. www. loonybincomedy.com.
EVENTS
Arkansas Arts Center Museum School Sale. Museum School teachers and students sell their original artwork including drawings, photographs, paintings, sculpture, pottery, woodwork, prints, jewelry and glass objects. Artists accept cash and checks. Clear Channel Metroplex, 9 a.m. p.m., free. 10800 Colonel Glenn Road. Arkansas Farmers Market. Locally grown produce. Certified Farmers Market, 7 a.m.-12 p.m. 6th and Main, NLR. “Dazzle Daze.” Holiday shopping event benefits for Conway Regional Health System. Faulkner County Fairgrounds, 10 a.m. 110 S. Amity Road, Conway. 501-329-8344. Falun Gong meditation. Allsopp Park, 9 a.m.,
free. Cantrell & Cedar Hill Roads. “Healing on the Spiritual Path – The Key to Tomorrow’s Health.” Main Library, 1 p.m. 100 S. Rock St. www.cals.lib.ar.us. Hillcrest Farmers Market. Pulaski Heights Baptist Church, 7 a.m. 2200 Kavanaugh Blvd.
FILM
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian “Nutcracker.” Arkansas State University at Mountain Home, 7 p.m., $20-$40. 1600 S. College Ave., Mountain Home. Rosen’s Big Band and ballroom dancing. Juanita’s, 7 p.m., free. 614 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-1228. www.juanitas.com.
SPORTS
LECTURES
30th Annual Spa City 10K and 5K Races. Hot Springs Convention Center, 8 a.m. 134 Convention Blvd., Hot Springs. 501-3181003. www.hotsprings.org. Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs. War Memorial Stadium, 2:30 p.m. 1 Stadium Drive. 501-663-0775. Girls Rollin’ in the South’s Breakneck Brawlers vs. Tulsa Derby Brigade. GRITS will be taking donations for Baptist Health’s NICU Care Package program. Skate World LLC, 4:30 p.m., $6-$8. 521 N. J.P. Wright Loop Road, Jacksonville. 501-982-1662. “Night of Legends” wrestling. Includes Jake “The Snake” Roberts, “The Cat” Stacy Carter, “Wildfire” Tommy Rich and more. Pine Bluff Convention Center, 7 p.m., $11$20. 500 E. 8th Ave., Pine Bluff.
BOOKS
Bill Walker book signing. The author of “Nazi Nightmare” will sign copies of his book. That Bookstore in Blytheville, 1 p.m. 316 W. Main St.
MUSIC
Holiday Party at Loca Luna
Great PRIVATE Room. Great PARTY Food.
Arkansas Saxophone Quartet. University of Central Arkansas, 3 p.m., free. 201 Donaghey Ave., Conway. 501-450-5763. www.uca.edu. Chamber Players Recital. Hendrix College, 7:30 p.m. 1600 Washington Ave., Conway. 501-450-1243. www.hendrix.edu. Karaoke. Shorty Small’s, 6-9 p.m. 1475 Hogan Lane, Conway. 501-764-0604. www.shortysmalls.com. Maze feat. Frankie Beverly, Keith Sweat, The Bar-Kays. Verizon Arena, 7:30 p.m., $37$67. 1 Alltel Arena Way, NLR. 501-975-9001. verizonarena.com. Sunday Jazz Brunch with Ted Ludwig and Joe Cripps. Vieux Carre, 11 a.m. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.vieuxcarrecafe.com. Traditional Irish Music Session. Hibernia Irish Tavern, through March 18: first Sunday of every month, 2:30 p.m.; third Sunday of every month, 2:30 p.m. 9700 N Rodney Parham Road. 501-246-4340. www.hiberniairishtavern.com.
DANCE
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian “Nutcracker.” Robinson Center Music Hall, $30-$79. Markham and Broadway. www.littlerockmeetings.com/ conv-centers/robinson.
MONDAY, NOV. 21
MUSIC Call 501-666-8482 to book 38 NOVEMBER 16, 2011 ARKANSAS TIMES
1110-43 Loca Luna Party Room Arkansas Times - 4.5”x5.875” - Color
DANCE
“Pregnant by the Pastor.” The premiere of Crosset native SaTonya Ford’s first featurelength film. Red-carpet event tickets are $20 and include photo and cast Q&A. Riverdale 10 Cinema, 5 and 7 p.m., $10. 2600 Cantrell Road. 501-296-9955.
SUNDAY, NOV. 20
plan your
Chris Parker. The Afterthought, 8 p.m., free. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www. afterthoughtbar.com. Karaoke. Thirst n’ Howl, 8:30 p.m. 14710 Cantrell Road. 501-379-8189. www.thirst-n-howl.com.
Chamber Orchestra Thanksgiving Concert. Conducted by Maestro Geoff Robson, associate conductor of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. Hendrix College, 7:30 p.m. 1600 Washington Ave., Conway. www.hendrix.edu.
James Carville. Reynolds Performance Hall, University of Central Arkansas, 7:30 p.m., $5-$10. 201 Donaghey Ave., Conway. Preservation Conversations: Period Furnishings and Colors. Presented by Becky Witsell; handouts provided by Jennifer Carman. Curran Hall, 5 p.m., Free. 615 E. Capitol. 501370-3290.
TUESDAY, NOV. 22
MUSIC
Jeff Long. Khalil’s Pub, 6 p.m. 110 S. Shackleford Road. 501-224-0224. www.khalilspub.com. Jim Dickerson. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room, 7 p.m. 500 President Clinton Ave. 501-324-2999. www.sonnywilliamssteakroom.com. Karaoke Night. Cornerstone Pub & Grill, 8 p.m. 314 Main St., NLR. 501-374-1782. cstonepub. com. Karaoke Tuesday. Prost, 8 p.m., free. 120 Ottenheimer. 501-244-9550. Karaoke with Big John Miller. Denton’s Trotline, 8 p.m. 2150 Congo Road, Benton. 501-3151717. Lucious Spiller Band. Copeland’s, 6-9 p.m. 2602 S. Shackleford Road. 501-312-1616. www.copelandsofneworleans.com. The Oak Ridge Boys. El Dorado Municipal Auditorium, 7:30 p.m., $15-$35. 101 W. 8th St., El Dorado. Tuesday Jam Session with Carl Mouton. The Afterthought, 8 p.m., free. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.afterthoughtbar.com.
DANCE
“Latin Night.” Revolution, 7 p.m., $5 regular, $7 under 21. 300 President Clinton Ave. 501-8230090. www.revroom.com.
EVENTS
Science Cafe: “Nature Centers: What’s Up in the Natural State.” The Afterthought, 7 p.m., free. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www. afterthoughtbar.com. Tales from the South. Authors tell true stories; get schedule at www.talesfromthesouth. com. Dinner served 5-6:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m. Reserve at 501-372-7976. Starving Artist Cafe. 411 N. Main St., NLR. 501-372-7976. www.starvingartistcafe.net. Trivia Bowl. Flying Saucer, 8:30 p.m. 323 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-7468. www. beerknurd.com/stores/littlerock.
THIS WEEK IN THEATER
“Ain’t Misbehavin’.” Arkansas TheatreWorks presents the rollicking musical ode to the life of the legendary Fats Waller. Central Theatre, through Nov. 17: Fri., Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m.; Mon.-Thu., 7:30 p.m., $20-$30. 1008 Central Ave., Hot Springs. The Arkansas Community Theater Association Annual Meeting. Workshops include risk management, writing a play about your commuCONTINUED ON PAGE 41
CHECKING with
%FDFNCFS o 4UBUFIPVTF $POWFOUJPO $FOUFS #BMMSPPN 'PS NPSF JOGPSNBUJPO PS UP QVSDIBTF UJDLFUT WJTJU DBSUJ DPN PS DBMM
NO
DEBIT CARD
USAGE FEE The Arkansas Arts Center Museum School Winter Schedule e is now online! Go to om www.arkarts.com for a list of art classes. Classes begin Monday, January 2nd.
Guaranteed for at least
THREE YEARS! Visit your local branch or call 501-982-1000 or 800-456-3000.
Connect with AFCU
Register Now! w!
Arkansas Arts Center 9th and Commerce • Little Rock 501-372-4000 • www.arkarts.com
AFCU.org 1109-53 AFCU Credit Card Promo
THE TELEVISIONIST
Last two weeks On ‘All-American
The Art of Living:
Japanese American Creative Experience at Rohwer Internee art and other objects from the World War II–era Rohwer Relocation Center in Desha County
Presented by the
Butler Center for Arkansas Studies Concordia Hall, Arkansas Studies Institute 401 President Clinton Ave. www.butlercenter.org/rohwer
BY DAVID KOON
NEW SERIES: ALL-AMERICAN MUSLIM
9 p.m. Sundays TLC
I’ve often been heard to call TLC “The Freak Show Channel” in this space, owing to its tendency to peek in the back door of rather odd American subcultures. While there’s plenty of room to mock TLC for that — I have to cut it some slack. In showing non-mainstream relationships and family structures, TLC is actually helping take away the “Other” factor from American lives that some might consider bizarre, and giving folks an opportunity to consider why the people living those lives choose to live them in the first place. Now TLC is turning its lens on a group that is routinely ignored and/or reviled in this country: American-born Muslims. In their new show “All-American Muslim,” TLC takes their cameras to Dearborn, Mich., which currently has the highest concentration of Muslim-American families in the country. The show follows the fortunes of five fairly well-to-do Lebanese-ancestry clans in Dearborn. The blogosphere has caught fire about the show since it debuted last week, with Far Right poo-in-hair whackjobs decrying it as part of the creeping Islamization of America, the middle calling it groundbreaking TV, and some Muslim critics complaining that making a show about upper-crust Lebanese families living in a Muslim-majority enclave and calling it “All-American Muslim” is like saying the women on “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” represent the goals and aspirations of every woman who ever lived. I share some of those concerns after watching the pilot episode, though the show does have its surprising moments. The best story seems to be that of Shadia Amen — a heavily tattooed and pierced young Muslim woman — and her fiance, Jeff McDermott. Jeff is a white dude, and he has made the decision to convert to Islam in order to marry Shadia. Watching him try to navigate his Love Boat through the waters of a culture not his own in coming weeks will surely be one of the best reasons to tune in. It’s definitely worth checking out at least a time or two if you don’t mind the reality format.
NETFLIX PIX:
FOLLOWING (1998) MEMENTO (2000)
Open through November 26, 2011 40 NOVEMBER 16, 2011 ARKANSAS TIMES Rohwer_ArkTimes_Ad_Nov2.indd 1
Muslim’
11/14/2011 10:19:57 AM
Writer/Director Christopher Nolan
has become a big wheel in Hollywood these days, directing back-to-back blockbusters that redefined and significantly boosted the IQ of the “Batman” series, then following up that with “Inception,” which will surely be studied by overlyserious film students from here until the end of time. Every director has to start somewhere, and the good news is the two films that served as the jumpingoff point for Nolan’s stellar career are both on Netflix Instant. The first is his 1998 micro-budget feature “Following.” The film details the odd existence of a young writer named Bill (Jeremy Theobald), who picks out random strangers in public places, then follows them to their homes. One day, Bill follows a man named Cobb (Alex Haw) who turns out to be a burglar. Cobb agrees to teach Bill the tricks of his nefarious trade. Before long, Bill has been sucked into a world of deception and murder, with the film standing as a clear signpost in the direction of Nolan’s future use of themes like the nature of truth and who you can trust. Nolan’s 2000 follow-up, “Memento,” chases those themes even further down the rabbit hole, and the result is a braincramp of a film that turns the formula detective thriller on its head the same way “Inception” would later stir-fry the heist flick. “Memento” follows Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce) a former insurance investigator who loses his ability to make new memories after being beaten during an attack in which an assailant raped and murdered his wife. Determined to get revenge for her but unable to recall even the slightest detail for more than a minute or so, Leonard resorts to tattooing the information he uncovers about her killer all over his body and taking photos of everything he thinks is relevant with an Instamatic camera. If that wasn’t weird and awesome enough for you, “Memento” is actually two films in one: A black and white film in which time runs forward from the point of Shelby awaking in a crummy hotel room, and a color film where time runs backward from the point of a cold-blooded murder in an abandoned building. While that might sound weird enough to make you never want to watch “Memento,” give it a chance. Nolan pulls it off brilliantly, and where those two time streams converge is one of the most incredible and bizarre conclusions ever committed to film.
AFTER DARK, CONT. nity, grant writing preparation, fundraising, developing youth programs, theater criticism from both sides of the footlights, building better schools through the creative process, do’s and don’ts of directing, and more. Argenta Community Theater, Sat., Nov. 19, 8:15 a.m. 405 Main St., NLR. 501-353-1443. argentacommunitytheater.org. “Christmas Belles.” The Futrelle sisters are trying to pull off a perfect Christmas program, but things get Southern crazy with squabbling sisters, family secrets, a surly Santa, a vengeful sheep, and a reluctant Elvis impersonator. Fort Smith Little Theatre, through Nov. 19: Wed.Sun., 8 p.m., $10-$20. 401 N. 6th St., Fort Smith. “It’s A Wonderful Life.” Community Theatre of Little Rock presents this Christmas classic based on the Frank Capra film. The Public Theatre, Nov. 17-19, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Nov. 20, 2 p.m.; Nov. 25-26, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Nov. 27, 2 p.m., $12-$14. 616 Center St. 501-374-7529. www.thepublictheatre.com. “Not Now, Darling.” This British farce concerns the hilarious complications between a fur shop owner, mobsters and mistresses. Murry’s Dinner Playhouse, through Nov. 19, 6 p.m.; Wed., Nov. 16, 11 a.m.; Sun., Nov. 20, 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; through Nov. 26, 6 p.m.; Wed., Nov. 23, 11 a.m.; Sun., Nov. 27, 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; through Dec. 3, 6 p.m.; Wed., Nov. 30, 11 a.m.; through Dec. 10, 6 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 11, 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; through Dec. 17, 6 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 18, 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; through Dec. 24, 6 p.m.; through Dec. 31, 6 p.m., $15-$33. 6323 Col. Glenn Road. 501-562-3131. murrysdinnerplayhouse.com. “Rock of Ages.” This hit musical comedy is a feel-good love story set on the Sunset Strip in the hair-metal heyday of 1987, with the music of Journey, Poison, Twisted Sister, Whitesnake and more. Walton Arts Center, through Nov. 19, 8 p.m.; through Nov. 20, 2 p.m.; Sun., Nov. 20, 7 p.m., $39-$59. 495 W. Dickson St., Fayetteville. 479-443-5600. “The Wizard of Oz.” Reynolds Performance Hall, University of Central Arkansas, Sat., Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m., $23-$40. 201 Donaghey Ave., Conway.
GALLERIES, MUSEUMS
NEW EXHIBITS, EVENTS
ARGENTA STUDIOS, 401 Maple St., NLR: Open studios of V.L. Cox and Doug Gorrell, open 5-8 p.m. Nov. 18, Argenta ArtWalk. ARKANSAS ARTS CENTER: “A Life of Iron,” lecture by Santa Fe blacksmith Tom Joyce, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 17, in conjunction with “Cast, Cut, Forged and Crushed: Selections in Metal from the John and Robyn Horn Collection,” reception at 6 p.m. $5 (members free); Museum School Sale, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 19, Clear Channel Metroplex (member preview 6-8 p.m. Nov. 18). 372-4000. GREG THOMPSON FINE ART, 429 Main St., NLR: “Interwoven: The Work of Robyn Horn and Dolores Justus,” sculpture, works on paper, paintings, opening reception 5-8 p.m. Nov. 18, Argenta ArtWalk, talk by the artists 1 p.m. Nov. 19, $10, reservations required. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat. 920-2778. KETZ GALLERY, 705 Main St., NLR: Recent work by Rene Hein, opening reception 5-8 p.m. Nov. 18, Argenta ArtWalk. 529-6330. THEA FOUNDATION, 401 Main St.: Exhibit of work by Arkansas Children’s Hospital patients and artists-in-residence Hamid Ebrahimifar and Elizabeth Weber, through Nov. 18, patient art sale 5:30-8 p.m. Nov.
18, Argenta ArtWalk. 379-9512. M2GALLERY, 11525 Cantrell: “Holiday Show,” work by Keith Newton, Toby Penney, Chris Hill, Kathy Bay, Richard Sutton, Sam Jones IV, Jeaneen Barnhart, Jason Twiggy Lott, Taylor Shepherd and Robin Tucker, artists’ reception 6-9 p.m. Nov. 18. 225-6257.
Great Business Opportunity!
BENTON HERZFELD LIBRARY: Lainie Deerman, photographs and artwork, through November. Reception 6:30 p.m. Nov. 17. 501-778-4766. CONWAY HENDRIX COLLEGE, Trieschmann Gallery: “Arkansas Printmaking Collective Inaugural Members Exhibition,” intaglio, monoprints, lithographs, photogravure and reliefs by Evan Lindquist, Win Bruhl, Warren Criswell, Brad Cushman, Melissa Gill, Dominique Simmons, David Warren, Neal and Tammy Harrington, Norwood Creech, Debi Fendley, Diane Harper, Robert Bean, Tod Switch, Dave O’Brien, Tom Sullivan and others, through Nov. 30. HELENA DELTA CULTURAL CENTER, 141 Cherry St.: “The Art of Jeanne Seagle,” landscapes, through Jan. 21. 800-358-0972. HOT SPRINGS BLUE ROCK STUDIO OPEN HOUSE, 262 Hideaway Hills Drive: Handwoven “Wildwoman” scarves by Meg Rosenbach, Louise Halsey, Karen McInturff, Carol Small and Nancy Dunaway, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 19. Hwy. 270 E to Akers Road, then left to Hideaway Hills. FINE ARTS CENTER, 626 Central: “Dia de los Muertos,” work in all media, through November. 501-624-0489. FAYETTEVILLE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS: “Mark Dion: Process and Inquiry,” works made as part of a proposal for a public art piece for the campus, Fine Arts Center, through Nov. 18; “Megan Williamson: Patterns of Recognition,” hallway, through Dec. 14. 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 2-5 p.m. Sun. 479-575-7987. MOUNTAIN VIEW OZARK FOLK CENTER STATE PARK: “Arkansas Craft School Fundraising Gala,” silent and live auctions of handcrafted items, raffle for rowboat, to benefit the school’s scholarship fund, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 19, Skillet Restaurant. $25 per person, $45 per couple. 870-269-8397.
ONGOING EXHIBITIONS
ARKANSAS ARTS CENTER, MacArthur Park: “Will Barnet at the Arkansas Arts Center: A Centennial Exhibition,” through Jan. 15; “Cast, Cut, Forged and Crushed: Selections in Metal from the John and Robyn Horn Collection,” through Jan. 15. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. 372-4000. THE ART LOFT, 1525 Merrill Drive: Work by Dan Thornhill, Catherine Rodgers, Patrick Cunningham, Rosemary Parker, Kelly Furr, Melody Lile and others, with music by Rico Novales. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sat. 251-1131. BOSWELL-MOUROT, 5815 Kavanaugh: Brad Cushman, mixed media on paper; Kelley Edwards, raku; Donala Jordan, mixed media CONTINUED ON PAGE 44
28 passenger Trolley Buses - 2 Available Very Good Condition, Beautiful Mahogany Wood Fueled by CNG, (Compressed Natural Gas) currently $1.45 per gallon at N.L.R. Station near Verizon Arena, with more stations coming soon. Government incentives! See us on Facebook @ CNG Trolley Bus Questions contact: Jaykaine11@gmail.com Phone: 870.731.7317
EAT ARKANSAS
ALLEVERY THINGS FOOD THURSDAY IN YOUR INBOX. Come join us for happy hour drink and appetizer speCials! 5:00-6:30 pm
best st eak 2005- 2011 f r e e va l e t pa r k ing • p ia no b a r tu es -s at 3 3 5 w i n e s e l e Cti o n s • fine s p ir its fr o m a r o u nd th e wo r ld i n q u i r e a b o u t ou r p r ivate Co r p o r ate lu nC h es
500 p re si de n t Cl i n t on av e n u e ( in t h e ri v e r m a r k e t d i s t r i Ct ) Cal l f or r e se rvat i on s 501.3 2 4 . 2 9 9 9 • www. s o n n y wi l l i a ms s t e a k r o o m. Co m www.arktimes.com NOVEMBER 16, 2011 41
HELP WANTED ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS Friday, November 18 - Thursday, November 22
CELEBRATING OUR 11th YEAR!
The Skin i Live in R 2:00 4:20 7:00 9:15
Antonio Banderas, Elena Anaya, Jan Cornet Cannes Film Festival
MaRgin CaLL R 2:15 4:25 6:45 9:00
Kevin Spacey, Demi Moore, Zachary Quinto Berlin International Film Festival Take SheLTeR R 1:45 4:00 6:45 9:00 Michael Shannon, Jessica Chastain, Shea whigham Sundance & Cannes Film Fest The Way Pg13 1:45 4:00 7:00 9:15 Emilio Estevez, Martin Sheen, Deobrah Kara Linger The BLaCk PoWeR MixTaPe 1967-1975 nR
2:00 7:15 Angela Davis, Stokely Carmichael, Bobby Seale The guaRd R 4:15 9:15 Brendan Gleeson, Don Cheadle, Mark Strong Sundance & Berlin Film Fest Love CRiMe Starts 11/23
sCREEn yOuR FEatuRE, shORt, dOCuMEntaRy OR MusIC vIdEO! EMaIl CInEMa8@CsWnEt.COM FOR dEtaIls
One Magic Christmas Tues 12/13 • G • 7pm • $5
NOW SERVING BEER & WINE EMAIL CINEMA8@CSWNET.COM FOR SPECIAL SHOWS, PRIVATE PARTIES & BUSINESS MEETINGS OR FILM FESTIVALS CALL (501) 223-3529 & LEAVE MESSAGE
FREE WI-FI In thE lObby
9 PM ShOwS FRI & SAT ONLY
501-312-8900 marketstreetcinema.net 1521 MERRILL DR.
GET SMART AND GET ONLINE:
SOCIAL MEDIA?
WE CAN HELP YOU USE IT
Businesses in Arkansas, large and small, use social media to connect with customers and sell their products and services. Running a successful social media campaign takes time and a unique combination of marketing, communication and customer service skills. That’s where we come in. Arkansas Times Social Media is staffed by experienced professionals who know how to get maximum benefit from these new mediums. Our services are priced affordably for Arkansas small businesses.
To find out more, call Kelly Ferguson, director of Arkansas Times Social Media at 501-375-2985 or email her at kellyferguson@arktimes.com
social media 201 East Markham, Suite 200 Little Rock, AR 72201 42 NOVEMBER 16, 2011 ARKANSAS TIMES
MOVIE LISTINGS
NOV. 18-19
Market Street Cinema showtimes at or after 9 p.m. are for Friday and Saturday only. Chenal 9 and Lakewood 8 were not available by press deadline. Find up-to-date listings at arktimes. com. NEW MOVIES Happy Feet Two (PG) – In which computeranimated penguins with famous voices sing and dance and carry on in glorious, wholly necessary 3D. Beckenridge: 11:15 a.m., 4:25, 9:45 (2D), 1:35, 7:20 (3D). Rave: 10:50 a.m., 1:20, 3:50, 6:30, 9:30 (2D) 9:50 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:35, 2:05, 3:15, 4:35, 5:50, 7:20, 8:20, 10:20, 11:05. Riverdale: 11:30 a.m., 1:55, 3:20, 4:10, 6:30, 8:50. Margin Call (R) – This thriller, starring Kevin Spacey, Demi Moore and Jeremy Irons, depicts a day in the life of an investment firm back in the good old days of fall 2008. Market Street: 2:15, 4:25, 6:45, 9:00. The Skin I Live In (R) – The latest from Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodovar stars Antonio Banderas as a mega-creepy mad doctor bent on fulfilling his bizarre medical experiments. Market Street: 2:00, 4:20, 7:00, 9:15. Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 (PG-13) – Vampires and werewolves and young actresses and supernatural battles and sexual tension and dramatic things and other stuff all are factors in this movie. Breckenridge: 10:30 a.m., 11:00 am., 11:30 a.m., 1:20, 1:50, 2:20, 4:10, 4:40, 5:10, 7:00, 7:40, 8:00, 9:50, 10:20. Rave: 12:01 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:15, 12:45, 1:15, 1:45, 3:30, 4:00, 4:30, 5:00, 5:45, 6:45, 7:15, 7:45, 8:15, 9:00, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30. Riverdale: 11:00 a.m., 1:40, 4:25, 7:05, 9:55. RETURNING THIS WEEK A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas (R) – Remember how the first Indiana Jones movie was awesome, and the second one was kinda meh, but then the third was awesome again? (3D Stoner Christmas comedy). Rave: 10:40 a.m., 4:20 (heh-heh), 10:40, Abduction (PG-13) – Hey, it’s that werewolf guy from the vampire movie, and he’s in a movie (this one) where bad guys are chasing him. Don’t hurt werewolf guy, ya’ll! Movies 10: noon, 2:30, 4:55, 7:20, 9:45. The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975 (NR) – This documentary combines vintage footage and current commentary to examine the Black Power movement. Market Street: 2:00, 7:15 Cars 2 (G) – A group of animated talking cars travel abroad for the inaugural World Grand Prix in this Pixar sequel. Movies 10: 1:15, 4:15, 7:01, 9:40. Contagion (R) – Matt Damon, Kate Winslett, Laurence Fishburn, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, John Hawkes and Marion Cotillard star in Steven Soderbergh’s movie about a virus that kills everybody. Well not everybody, but you get the idea. Movies 10: 12:15, 2:40, 5:10, 7:35, 10:00. Footloose (PG) – This remake of the 1984 classic will probably make you side with the humorless minister who doesn’t want the small-town kids to have any fun ever. Breckenridge: 1:10, 4:00, 6:45, 9:35. Rave: 9:55 a.m. The Guard (R) – Brendan Gleeson plays an Irish policeman who must team up with an FBI agent, played by Don Cheadle, in this comedy. Market Street: 4:15, 9:15. The Help (PG-13) — Emma Stone and Viola Davis star in this adaptation of Kathryn Stockett’s novel about the African-American maids who
‘TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART 1’: “Haaaaaaaaaaa-haaaaaaaaaaaa-ha-haha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!!!” That’s the sound of Stephexnie Meyer laughing all the way to her Olympic swimming pool that she filled with cash. Starring the actress who always looks confused and mildly constipated (Kristen Stewart) and the British dude with the beefy eyebrows (Robert Pattinson). work in white households in 1960s Mississippi. Movies 10: 12:30, 3:45, 7:00, 10:05. Riverdale: 11:05 a.m., 1:45, 4:30, 7:25, 10:15. I Don’t Know How She Does It (PG-13) — “Sex in the City” gets married and has kids and this movie is probably every bit as numbingly dull as watching the gravy congeal on a microwave Salisbury steak. Movies 10: 12:50, 7:05. Ides of March (R) – Clooney directs Clooney in this political thriller starring Ryan Gosling, who seems poised to become the next Clooney. Riverdale: 11:00 a.m., 1:25, 3:55. Immortals 3D (R) – The producers of “300” continue to blur the line between movies and over-long video game cut-scenes. This one has hordes of glistening dudes fighting with swords and whatnot. Breckenridge: 11:20 a.m., 4:20, 7:15, 9:30. Rave: 10:45 a.m., 1:40, 4:40, 7:25, 10:15 (2D), 11:25 a.m., noon, 2:20, 2:50, 5:10, 8:00, 8:35, 10:45, 11:45. Riverdale: 11:40 a.m., 2:05, 4:30, 7:15, 9:50. In Time (PG-13) – Justin Timberlake stars in this movie that takes us to a future where aging has been halted at 25 and time has become currency. Breckenridge: 11:05 a.m., 1:45, 4:30, 7:25, 10:15. Rave: 1:25, 7:30. Riverdale: 7:35, 10:05. J. Edgar (R) – Word is this flick is enjoyable enough, but doesn’t get into to the nitty gritty of J. Edgar Hoover’s deepest, darkest secret, namely, his crippling addiction to crossword puzzles. With Leonardo DiCaprio. Breckenridge: 1:00, 4:00, 7:10, 10:10. Rave: 9:40 a.m., 1:00, 4:25, 7:55, 10:50, 11:10. Jack & Jill (R) – Dear sweet Lord, is there any way for us to all just pay Adam Sandler to not make movies? Breckenridge: 11:25 a.m. (opencaptioned), 1:40, 4:20, 7:15, 9:30. Rave: 10:10 a.m., 11:10 a.m., 12:50, 1:35, 3:20, 4:05, 5:55, 6:35, 8:25, 10:55, 11:50. Riverdale: 11:15 a.m., 1:15, 3:20, 5:30, 7:40, 9:45. Killer Elite (R) – Wouldn’t it be neat-o to be a studly, raffish British dude who has a jawline you could split firewood on and always has the perfect level of 5 o’clock shadow and knows how to do parkour and dodge bullets in slow motion and stuff? (Retired military saves his mentor from assassins.) Movies 10: 1:10, 4:00, 7:30, 10:20. The Lion King 3D (G) – It’s “The Lion King” and it’s in 3D. Movies 10: 12:45, 2:55, 5:05, 715, 9:25. Moneyball (PG-13) – Baseball can seem pretty boring, but this movie makes it look funny, but also people learn things about life and themselves. Riverdale: 11:20 a.m., 1:20, 3:30, 5:40, 7:50, 10:05. Paranormal Activity 3 (R) – The franchise continues with more found footage of people who conveniently videotape their lives. This one takes us back to the genesis of the demon from the first two. Rave: 12:40, 3:00, 5:40, 8:05, 11:15.
Puss in Boots (PG) – A Shrek spin-off following the adventures of Puss in Boots, voiced by Antonio Banderas. Breckenridge: 11:40 a.m., 2:00, 4:50, 7:35, 9:55 (2D), 11:10 a.m., 1:25, 3:50, 7:05, 9:25 (3D). Rave: 10:35 a.m., 1:10, 4:10, 7:00, 9:45 (2D), 9:35 a.m., 12:05, 3:10, 5:35, 8:10 (3D). Riverdale: 11:10 a.m., 1:20, 3:30, 5:40, 750, 10:05. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (PG-13) — The resurrected ’70s sci-fi franchise continues in this origin story of just how those primates got to be so smart. Movies 10: 12:35, 3:00, 5:25, 7:50, 10:15. The Smurfs (PG) — The venerable Dr. Doogie Howser must aid a cadre of tiny blue communists as they flee from an evil plutocrat who seeks to control their means of production. Movies 10: 12:10, 2:35, 5:00, 7:25, 10:00. Take Shelter (R) – Critically acclaimed and directed by Little Rock native Jeff Nichols, in which a husband must protect his family from his apocalyptic nightmares. Market Street: 1:45, 4:00, 6:45, 9:00. Tower Heist (PG-13) – A Bernie Madoff type steals millions from his clients as well as the retirement funds of the staffers at his luxury condo. Breckenridge: 11:05 a.m., 1:30, 4:15, 7:25, 10:00. Rave: 11:50 a.m., 2:30, 5:05, 7:40, 10:25. Riverdale: 11:45 a.m., 2:15, 4:35, 7:10, 9:40. Warrior (PG-13) – What could be more inspirational than the story of a schoolteacher who has to go back to beating the crap out of dudes for money because the economy sucks? Movies 10: 4:05, 9:35. The Way (PG-13) – Martin Sheen plays a father who learns some unexpected lessons after traveling to France to pick up the remains of his adult son, who was killed while hiking in the Pyrenees. Written and directed by Emilio Estevez. Market Street: 1:45, 4:00, 7:00, 9:15. What’s Your Number (R) – No, not your phone number, silly. Your other number. You know which one. The number of stupid movies you’ve been with – I mean, seen. Movies 10: 12:05, 2:45, 5:15, 7:40, 10:10. Chenal 9 IMAX Theatre: 17825 Chenal Parkway, 821-2616, www.dtmovies.com. Cinemark Movies 10: 4188 E. McCain Blvd., 945-7400, www.cinemark.com. Cinematown Riverdale 10: Riverdale Shopping Center, 296-9955, www.riverdale10.com. Lakewood 8: 2939 Lakewood Village Drive, 7585354, www.fandango.com. Market Street Cinema: 1521 Merrill Drive, 312-8900, www.marketstreetcinema.net. Rave Colonel Glenn 18: 18 Colonel Glenn Plaza, 687-0499, www.ravemotionpictures.com. Regal Breckenridge Village 12: 1-430 and Rodney Parham, 224-0990, www.fandango.com.
MOVIE REVIEW
‘Immortals’: Not so mythical BY SAM EIFLING
T
he older the book, the less Hollywood knows what to do with it. Take myths and religion, some of the world’s great source material. Aside from “The Ten Commandments,” how many great Bible movies are there (even if “Ben-Hur” qualifies)? And when it comes to the epic body of work left by the likes of Homer, Virgil and other ancient Greek scribes, what have we got to watch? “Jason and the Argonauts,” best remembered for stop-motion skeleton fights, and “Troy,” with Brad Pitt doing a decent Achilles pout. A junkie’s dependence on special effects doesn’t help the genre, and if it’s hard to take a man in shorts seriously, tunics are positively debasing. Still, there’s no excuse for the legacy of mediocrity that “Immortals,” just released, joins with all-too-familiar dumb aplomb. This CGI-saturated update to the swords-and-sandals epics of yore trots out the Greeks’ ol’ Minotaur-slayer, Theseus, played by the aggressively handsome Henry Cavill. Across from him, as perhaps the most seductive feature of “Immortals,” is Mickey Rourke as a king with the temerity and the ferocity to challenge the gods. Rourke is at ease as Hyperion, savage of temper and of physicality, who thumbs out people’s eyeballs and who dreams of strewing his offspring across the world, such that the sun never sets on his blood. This is his version of immortality, and considering how many gods and titans get whacked by the film’s end, there’s something to be said for his approach. Immortality apparently isn’t what it used to be, nor is Greek mythology. The epic battles of the Greek classics were fraught with godly interference; “The Iliad” reads like an account of a grand human dogfight loosely refereed by Athena, Poseidon and Apollo, all of whom Zeus (30ish Luke Evans) tells in “Immortals” to refrain from tampering in the affairs of the humans. If anything, the ancient Greeks preferred their gods far more petty, sex-crazed, jealous and, well, human than the virtuous, gold lame-clad Olympian SWAT team of cologne models that “Immortals” imagines. In the plus column: cool dissolves, a gutturally brassy score, adequate acting and an evocative color palette by director Tarsem Singh (“The Cell”). In the minus column: all the stuff that happens.
‘IMMORTALS’: Henry Cavill stars.
Clay pots have been known to carry more story than “Immortals.” Basically there was a big fight. The gods won and imprisoned the losers, a caste of lesser immortals called Titans, in a cubic foosball table in the bottom of a mountain. Now Hyperion, who hates/defies the gods, is taking over the Hellenic world and wants a powerful bow lost in that battle to help him do so. He tries to get an oracle (Freida Pinto, of “Slumdog Millionaire” renown) to find it. But she escapes from his minions with the help of a couple of other prisoners, including our man Theseus, who was himself captured when Hyperion sacked his village. Later, there’s another big battle involving Hyperion, Theseus, the gods and the Titans. The slightly shorter version is, bad guys fight good guys for the fate of the world. Somewhere, on the other side of the River Styx, Homer and Hesiod facepalm. In the old Greek myths, men were ambivalent creatures, never monsters (the actual monsters were plenty monstrous). The maiming, torturing, power-drunk Hyperion displays all the nuance of castration by sledgehammer (spoiler: this happens in the movie). And Theseus, likeable enough, possesses all the moral ambiguity of a video game hero when you, the audience, hold the controller. “Immortals” requires nothing of us to decide to cheer on Theseus, just as it requires nothing of us to loathe Hyperion. Far from an Achilles or a Hector, no man in this story is in conflict with himself, and as a result this allegedly 3-D enterprise is dull chintz. Its characters will suffer the grimmest of fates, as they perceive it: Far from living forever, they, like the movie they so dimly inhabit, will all soon be forgotten.
Great Arkansas Gift Books from the Butler Center Available from local and national book sellers or through our distributor, the University of Arkansas Press, at uapress.com
Arkansas: An Illustrated Atlas by Tom Paradise HC $1995
Main Street Arkansas by Ray & Steven Hanley HC $3395 PB $1995
The Die Is Cast: Arkansas Goes to War, 1861 edited by Mark K. Christ PB $1995
Open House: The Arkansas Governors’ Mansion and Its Place in History by John Gill HC $5000
Check out these and more great books at www.butlercenter.org/publication
ROCK CANDY TO-DO LIST
WEEKEND PLANS EVERY WEDNESDAY IN YOUR INBOX. MADE EASY
www.arktimes.com NOVEMBER 16, 2011 43
AFTER DARK, CONT.
Find Us On Facebook www.facebook.com/arkansastimes
drink local support your community
See amazing sculptures out of LEGO® bricks.
SEPT. 24, 2011 - FEb. 12, 2012 PRESENTED bY
1200 President Clinton Avenue • Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 • 501-374-4242 • clintonpresidentialcenter.org 44 NOVEMBER 16, 2011 ARKANSAS TIMES
on paper and canvas. 664-0030. BUTLER CENTER GALLERIES, Arkansas Studies Institute: “Thomas Harding, Pinhole Photography”; “Reflections in Pastel,” Arkansas Pastel Society’s 4th national exhibition; “Leon Niehues: 21st Century Basketmaker”; “The Art of Living,” artwork by Japanese Americans interned at Rohwer, through Nov. 26. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 320-5790. CANTRELL GALLERY, 8206 Cantrell Road: “Night Owls,” paintings by John Deering, through Dec. 24. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 224-1335. CANVAS COMMUNITY CHURCH, 1111 W. Seventh St.: “Windows and Mirrors: Reflections on the War in Afghanistan,” traveling exhibit of work by artists and children from Kabul, through November. CHROMA GALLERY, 5707 Kavanaugh Blvd.: Work by Robert Reep and other Arkansas artists. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat. 664-0880. COX CREATIVE CENTER, 120 River Market Blvd.: “The Old World, the New World and the Space in Between,” printmaking. 918-3093. GALLERY 26, 2601 Kavanaugh Blvd.: 17th annual “Holiday Art Show,” show and sale of work by dozens of Arkansas artists, through Jan. 14. 664-8996. HEARNE FINE ART, 1001 Wright Ave.: “Fired Rhythm,” clay sculpture by Chukes. 372-6822. LAMAN LIBRARY, 2801 Orange St., NLR: “Al Allen: A Retrospective,” paintings by the late UALR artist from the 1980s to the 2008, through Dec. 12. 758-1720. L&L BECK GALLERY, 5705 Kavanaugh Blvd.: “Ducks in Arkansas,” 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tue.-Sat. 660-4006. LOCAL COLOUR GALLERY, 5811 Kavanaugh Blvd.: Art and jewelry by members of artists’ cooperative. 265-0422. OLDE WORLD PIZZA, 1706 W. Third St.: “Travels,” photographs by Grav Weldon, through December. 374-5504. REFLECTIONS GALLERY AND FINE FRAMING, 11220 Rodney Parham Road: Work by local and national artists. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.Fri., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat. 227-5659. SHOWROOM, 2313 Cantrell Road: Work by area artists, including Sandy Hubler. 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri. 372-7373. STATE CAPITOL: “Arkansans in the Korean War,” 32 photographs, lower-level foyer. 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat.-Sun. STEPHANO’S FINE ART, 5501 Kavanaugh Blvd.: New work by Stephano, Thom Bierdz, Tony Dow, Kelley Naylor-Wise, Michael A. Darr, Mike Gaines, G. Peebles, Steven Thomas, Alexis Silk, Paula Wallace and Ron Logan. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tue.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. 563-4218. ST. JAMES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 321 Pleasant Valley Drive: Jeannie Stone, oils, through Jan. 3. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays and before and after Sunday services. 221-3559. UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT LITTLE ROCK, Fine Arts Center: “Society of Illustrators Traveling Exhibition,” through Dec. 16, Gallery I. 569-8997. BENTONVILLE ARTSEEN 107, 107 S. Third St.: “Recordings,” ink on photo paper abstracts by Alex Amini, through Dec. 17. 479-619-9115. CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART, 600 Museum Way: American masterworks spanning five centuries. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon., Thu., Sat.-Sun.; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Wed.-Fri. Tickets free but timed; reserve at 479-418-5700. SUGAR GALLERY, 114 Central Ave.: “Finer Things,” juried exhibit of contemporary craft by artists, students, teachers, through Dec. CONTINUED ON PAGE 46
NOV 18 IN THE ARGENTA DISTRICT
5-8pm THE THIRD fRIDAy Of EACH mONTH CHECk OuT THE NEIGHbORHOOD! SPONSORED BY
Get Your Bead Fix Here!
eat local support your community
703 N. MaiN St. • North LittLe rock 501.537.0928
for a LiSt of bead cLaSSeS:
argentabead.com
Drivers Please be aWare, it’s arkansas state laW: Use of bicycles or animals
Every person riding a bicycle or an animal, or driving any animal drawing a vehicle upon a highway, shall have all the rights and all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle, except those provisions of this act which by their nature can have no applicability.
overtaking a bicycle
The driver of a motor vehicle overtaking a bicycle proceeding in the same direction on a roadway shall exercise due care and pass to the left at a safe distance of not less than three feet (3’) and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken bicycle.
anD cyclists, Please remember...
You’re vehicles on the road, just like cars and motorcycles and must obey all traffic laws— signal, ride on the right side of the road and yield to traffic normally. Make eye contact with motorists. Be visible. Be predictable. Heads up, think ahead.
Start The Hol i d ays Here! We have everything you need
for your perfect holiday meal. Available at these Little Rock locations:
1701 Main Street 501-376-3473
10320 StageCoaCh 7507 Cantrell road 7525 BaSeline road 501-455-3475 501-614-3477 501-562-6629
now in Bryant
2203 reynoldS road, 501-847-9777
Please visit us at www.edwardsfoodgiant.com
AFTER DARK, CONT.
n o u B ! o t i t e p p A “Vesuvio is arguably the best Italian restaurant in town.” – Arkansas Times
1501 Merrill Drive little rock, Ar 72211 501.225.0500 reservations recommended
open Monday-Saturday For Dinner
Be a part of the next
Mature arkansas for advertising information call Jim gray or erin holland
at 375-2985 today!
Mature arkansas novEMBER 17, 2011
PRESERV HISTORY ING
Sam Taggar t, M.D., is also an au thor and athlete. Read about hi s life on page 6
46 NOVEMBER 16, 2011 ARKANSAS TIMES
ALSO iN ThiS iSSUE
The Lure of the Groove PAgE 17
How to avoid nutrition pro blems
Giving Back: V
14. 2-6 p.m. Thu., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. 479-273-5305. CONWAY UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS, Baum Gallery: “BA/BFA Juried Senior Exhibition,” through Dec. 8. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Wed., Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thu. 501-450-5793. FAYETTEVILLE FAYETTEVILLE UNDERGROUND, One E. Center St.: “Progressive Hemofiction,” paintings by Luciano Trigos; “Gravity,” photographs by Dana Idlet; “Tea Time,” ceramics by Gailen Hudson; drawings and ceramics by Chad Sims, through November. Noon-7 p.m. Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. WALTON ARTS CENTER: “Then and Now,” 20 years of basket-making by Leon Niehues, Joy Pratt Markham Gallery, through Dec. 18. 479-443-5600. HOT SPRINGS ALISON PARSONS GALLERY, 802 Central Ave.: Paintings by Alison Parsons. 501-625-3001. AMERICAN ART GALLERY, 724 Central Ave.: Paintings by Jimmy Leach, Jamie Carter, Ersele Hiemstra, Margaret Kipp, Kim Thornton, Sue Coon, Virgil Barksdale and others. 501-624-055. BLUE MOON GALLERY, 718 Central Ave.: “Vision Re-visited: Ten Years After,” photographs by David Rackley, through November. 501-318-2787. GALLERY 726, 726 Central Ave.: Shirley Anderson, Barbara Seibel, Caryl Joy Young, Sue Shields, Becky Barnett, Janet Donnangelo, Marlene Gremillion, Ken Vonk and others. 501915-8912. GALLERY CENTRAL, 800 Central Ave.: Michael Ethridge, paintings. 501-318-4278. JUSTUS FINE ART, 827 A Central Ave.: “Near and Far,” photography by Don House and Cindy Momchilov; also work by Steve Griffith, Donnie Copeland, Rene Hein, Robyn Horn and Dolores Justus. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed.-Sat. 501-321-2335.
TAYLOR’S CONTEMPORANEA, 204 Exchange St.: Winfred Rembert, images of the segregated South in leather, through November. 501-624-0516.
ONGOING MUSEUM EXHIBITS
ARKANSAS INLAND MARITIME MUSEUM, NLR: Tours of the USS Razorback submarine. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 1-6 p.m. Sun. 371-8320. CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL MUSEUM VISITOR CENTER, Bates and Park: Exhibits on the 1957 desegregation of Central and the civil rights movement. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily. 374-1957. CLINTON PRESIDENTIAL CENTER, 1200 President Clinton Ave.: “The Art of the Brick,” LEGO sculpture by Nathan Sawaya, through Feb. 12; “In Memoriam,” helmet of FDNY firefighter who died in the World Trade Center, through Nov. 30; exhibits about policies and White House life during the Clinton administration. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. $7 adults; $5 college students, seniors, retired military; $3 ages 6-17. 370-8000. HISTORIC ARKANSAS MUSEUM, 200 E. Third St.: “Tesseract Dancing: Brett Anderson and Emily Galusha,” through Feb. 5; “Imagined/Observed: Dan Thornhill and Jon Shannon Rogers,” through Dec. 4; “Playing at War: Children’s Civil War Era Toys,” from the collection of Greg McMahon, through Jan. 10; “Reel to Real: ‘Gone with the Wind’ and the Civil War in Arkansas,” artifacts from the Shaw-Tumblin collection, including costumes and screen tests, along with artifacts from the HAM collection, including slave narratives, uniforms and more, through April 30, 2012. MOSAIC TEMPLARS CULTURAL CENTER, Ninth and Broadway: “Soul Sanctuary — Images of the African American Worship Experience,” artifacts and photos from the museum collection; permanent exhibits on African-American entrepreneurial history in Arkansas. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Sat. 683–3593.
FIGHTING AT FERNEAU, CONT. or when the officer believes lower forms of control will fail.” The policy goes on to say that while it’s difficult to set “absolutes” as to when to use physical force, factors involved in determining when force is appropriate may include the violence of the crime committed, the size of the suspect and a suspect’s access to weapons. The policy specifically states that it applies to both on- and off-duty officers. Little Rock Fraternal Order of Police president Kevin Simpson issued a statement about the video on Nov. 10, calling the footage “only a brief fraction of the entire event that happened,” and warning against jumping to conclusions until an investigation is completed. “It seems that it has become a common practice by some of the mainstream media to portray police officers as unprofessional, violent, unethical and power-crazed individuals,” Simpson wrote. “On the contrary, our job is extremely difficult under the best circumstances and even more so when
the entire events are not told.” Simpson goes on to say: “We live in very difficult times and [officers] have to make decisions to keep the peace and sometimes they are difficult to watch.” Hall believes the video will be key to his client’s defense. “It’s priceless,” he said. “Otherwise, you have somebody who ... is left defenseless against the testimony of a policeman.” Hall said he has reported the incident to the FBI, on the grounds that the beating constitutes a breach of his client’s federal civil rights under color of law. He’s seeking witnesses to the event, and has so far found two others who were there that night. “As far as criminal defense cases go, on a scale of one to 10, this is a 12,” Hall said. “There’s a role reversal going on here. Usually in a criminal case, the defense is casting around in the facts looking for one place to hang their hat, because they’re encountering overwhelmingly unfavorable facts. In this case, we’ve got the favorable facts, and they’re casting about.”
Dining
Information in our restaurant capsules reflects the opinions of the newspaper staff and its reviewers. The newspaper accepts no advertising or other considerations in exchange for reviews, which are conducted anonymously. We invite the opinions of readers who think we are in error.
B Breakfast L Lunch D Dinner $ Inexpensive (under $8/person) $$ Moderate ($8-$20/person) $$$ Expensive (over $20/person) CC Accepts credit cards
BELLY UP Check out the Times’ food blog, Eat Arkansas arktimes.com
BRIAN CHILSON
WHAT’S COOKIN’
FRIED GOODNESS: Shooter’s woo pig basket consists of aligator bites, calamari, crawfish tails, catfish and fries.
Shooter’s scores with pub food A good spot to eat a burger, shoot some pool.
T
here’s definitely not a lack of sports bars in town, but Central Arkansas isn’t exactly crammed with places to play pool. Billiard tables alone do not a pool hall make, so it’s nice when places crop up that are not only equipped for the game but also use it to attract their clientele. For instances, Shooter’s, which by its very name suggest a shark-friendly environment. We hit up the sports bar on a Monday night for the football crowd and, it turns out, the pool league. The place is wide and roomy, and the design of its building suggests that it might have once been an interstate-side Baptist Church; it was built to be a restaurant, however, and in fact was Hog’s Breath before it was Shooter’s. The space lends itself well to its purpose: about 10 pool tables arranged in one corner, about twice as many TVs of all sizes and at all angles and a sizable amount of tables for diners and drinkers. The bar, too, can fit a good crowd comfortably. When it comes to bar food, one has to be careful not to be pretentious. Standard is the way to go; we don’t expect Wolfgang Puck in the kitchen making us culinary guinea pigs. In this sense, Shooter’s has it down: there are no curveballs on the menu, and if your stomach’s rumbling and you know what you’re in the mood for, you won’t be
Shooter’s Sports Bar & Grill 9500 Interstate 30 Little Rock 565-4003 Quick bite The alligator bites are probably the best finger food offered, and you can order them on their own or in the Woo Pig Basket. At a half pound, the hamburgers are hefty, and come with as many toppings options as you could want. Hours 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday, noon to 1 a.m. Saturday, noon to 12 a.m. Sunday. Other info All credit cards accepted. Full bar.
disappointed. There are, however, a few unique items you might not expect. We started out with the Woo Pig Basket ($8.99), an appetizer combination of alligator bites, calamari, crawfish tails, catfish and fries. What drew our eye was the alligator, which you don’t see on menus every day. The bites were flavorful and chewy, and went well with the tangy, creamy remoulade they were served with. The catfish was tasty, too, mildly earthy and distinctly fishy, with just the right amount of breading. The calamari and crawfish were too breaded,
and a bit small — smaller than the bitesize alligator bits, which were almost too big for a single mouthful — and hard to appreciate. The fries were crinkle-cut, which always has a place on our palate. Altogether there was a decent amount of food, and the Woo Pig Basket could easily serve as an entree. We also gave the onion rings ($5.49) a shot; they weren’t bad, but a bit on the thin side, and perhaps a little too crispy. Next we ordered the Quarterback Club ($8.59). We got exactly what we expected, served with a side of fries. It was equal parts turkey, ham and bacon, and, cut into quarters, we were pleased that it didn’t fall apart as easily as at other places. The Texas toast it was served on was a nice touch, too. It came with a side of fries and was very filling, especially after the appetizer. In an attempt to see how Shooter’s handled something other than the usual bar fare, we also got the Hawaiian Chicken ($9.98). It was a chicken breast marinated in teriyaki and served with a couple pineapple rings over wild rice. The Caesar salad we ordered as a side was enormous and little bit sparse on its accoutrements (a lot of lettuce and dressing), but otherwise typical. The chicken itself was good, with the perfect combination of spices, and the pineapple was a nice touch that really brought out the flavor. It wasn’t a huge serving, but it sat well in our stomachs after the fried appetizer, and didn’t leave us overstuffed. On another visit, we thought momentarily of ordering a steak, but decided against it. No doubt a steak at Shooter’s would be tasty enough, but it’s a sports bar, after all, and we didn’t think their steak should be held accountable with the rest of the menu. The food is filling, and although much of what we had was fried finger food, it wasn’t extraordinarily greasy, so we didn’t walk out the door bloated. For a place to watch the game and grab a bite to eat, it works just fine, even if it’s a bit far from our usual stomping grounds (on the frontage road along I-30). Plus, it hosts local musical acts and weekly events such as open mic night (Tuesday), karaoke (Wednesday), and $1.50 longnecks on Thursdays. And, let us not forget, there are enough pool tables that you probably won’t have to wait on one if you show up wanting to play and chow down on a few alligator bites.
THE MUCH-ANTICIPATED BUTCHER SHOP Hillcrest Artisan Meats
(H.A.M.) has opened at 2807 Kavanaugh, in the block that fronts Kroger. As we reported several months back, H.A.M. is the brainchild of former Boulevard chef Brandon Brown, who moved to Little Rock with his family about a year ago from Eugene, Ore., where he was charcuterie chef at King Estate Winery for four years. H.A.M. is a full-service butcher shop and charcuterie. Brown butchers, cures and makes everything on-site, including five kinds of fresh sausage, duck confit, duck hams and all sorts of cuts of beef and pork. His inventory, of dry goods and meat, is at about 70 percent of where he plans for it to be, he said. “We’re definitely taking requests,” Brown said. “We’re hoping that the people will dictate our selection.” H.A.M. is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday. Daily, it’s offering a soup of the day and three to five sandwich options — usually a mixture of grab-and-go and hot options. The official grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, when Brown said he’ll be offering cider and sausage samples. The butcher shop’s phone number is 671-6328, and it’s active at facebook.com/HillcrestArtisanMeats. FRANK AND JUDY FLETCHER of
North Little Rock have purchased Ferneau Restaurant. Among a number of other holdings, the Fletchers own the Wyndham Hotel in North Little Rock and the two restaurants inside, Benihana and Riverfront Steakhouse. All of the restaurant’s employees and chef/previous owner/namesake Donnie Ferneau will be retained. In a news release, the Fletchers said they plan to “enhance” the restaurant’s decor and design.
DINING CAPSULES
AMERICAN
4 SQUARE GIFTS Vegetarian salads, soups, wraps and paninis and a daily selection of desserts. 405 President Clinton Ave. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-244-2622. L daily. D Mon.-Sat. ARGENTA MARKET The Argenta District’s neighborhood grocery store offers a deli featuring a daily selection of big sandwiches along with fresh fish and meats and salads. 521 N. Main St. NLR. Beer, Wine, All CC. $-$$. 501-379-9980. BL daily, D Mon.-Sat. ARKANSAS BURGER CO. Good burgers, fries and shakes, plus salads and other entrees. Try the cheese dip. 7410 Cantrell CONTINUED ON PAGE 48 www.arktimes.com NOVEMBER 16, 2011 47
CROSSWORD
DINING CAPSULES, CONT.
EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ Across 1 “Thatʼs all right, ___” (lyric from Elvisʼs first single) 5 Knife 9 Flat floaters 14 Pearly gem 15 When said three times, a W.W. II cry 16 One whoʼs called “the Merciful” and “the Compassionate” 17 Laugh uproariously 19 Brighter than bright 20 “Hee ___” 21 Like the word 16-Across 23 Dinner scraps 24 A Gershwin 25 Perspire mildly 27 Poindexter type 29 Guarantee
30 Crest alternative 32 Preferred way to proceed 35 “___ your request …” 36 Pay cashlessly 39 Blocks from the refrigerator 42 One of the Fitzgeralds 43 Poet who wrote “Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard are sweeter” 47 Medieval infantry weapon 49 TV show set at William McKinley High School 50 Begin to grin 56 High point of a Swiss vacation? 57 Novelist Philip 58 Tulsan, e.g. 59 Mudroom item 60 “The Mill on the Floss” author 62 Boogie
ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE A C C R A
S E AA I R
O S H A
B AA E D
A Q U A
F U R L
H V O A N R D D E O U S S E I T B D I D E D E R N E R I K I Z G E A N
I T E R A T I O N M AA L O X
S T A S T I L A P E A L A N AA L I M U P S L A S U B L E L E G H O A R O N E N S G I A N A N L A T G A M E
L E O N A S O U S E S
E N T I T L E
L A R C
A L A I
N A P A
D E S P I E N A N N N I E
I Z AA K
E Y R E
T E AA C T
E R N I E
64 Fruit related to cherry plums 65 Italian wine center 66 Change a sentence, say 67 ___ 500 68 Laura of “Rambling Rose” 69 Speeds (up) Down 1 Punk rock concert activity 2 Jacket and tie, e.g. 3 It might give you a virus 4 Boxer with an allegiance to 16Across 5 Fab Four name 6 Ancient Romansʼ wear 7 Dutch-speaking Caribbean isle 8 Dyed fabric 9 Sleazy paper 10 Permits 11 Recurrence of an old problem 12 Steak ___ (raw dish) 13 Business cheat 18 Keyboard key 22 Michael who starred in 39Down 26 Small bag of chips, maybe 28 It always starts on the same day of the week as Sept. 31 Elevator background 32 Bud 33 Watch readout, for short
1
2
3
4
5
14 17
18
20
21
24
8
9
13
45
46
23 26
32
33
34
35
37
38
42
43
48
44 49
50
51
57 60
12
19 22
31
41
11
29
36 40
10
16
28
30
39
7
25
27
47
6
15
52
53
54
55
56
58 61
59 62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
Puzzle by Gary Cee
34 “So thatʼs it!” 37 Longhornʼs school, informally 38 Bud holder? 39 “The ___ File,” 1965 film 40 Flower part 41 Jubilance 44 One way to serve pie
45 Mediterranean port 46 Disneyʼs dwarfs and others 48 Came back 51 Eminem rap with the lyric “Guarantee Iʼll be the greatest thing you ever had”
52 Computer option 53 Wordless song: Abbr. 54 Admit
55 Onetime feminist cause, for short
61 Cough syrup meas.
63 La Méditerranée, e.g.
For answers, call 1-900-285-5656, $1.49 a minute; or, with a credit card, 1-800-814-5554. Annual subscriptions are available for the best of Sunday crosswords from the last 50 years: 1-888-7-ACROSS. AT&T users: Text NYTX to 386 to download puzzles, or visit nytimes.com/mobilexword for more information. Online subscriptions: Todayʼs puzzle and more than 2,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year). Share tips: nytimes.com/wordplay. Crosswords for young solvers: nytimes.com/learning/xwords.
THIS MODERN WORLD
Road. Beer, Wine, All CC. $-$$. 501-663-0600. LD Tue.-Sat. ASHLEY’S The premier fine dining restaurant in Little Rock marries Southern traditionalism and haute cuisine. 111 W. Markham St. Full bar, All CC. $$$. 501-374-7474. BLD Mon.-Sat. BR Sun. BRAVE NEW RESTAURANT The food’s great, portions huge, prices reasonable. 2300 Cottondale Lane. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-6632677. LD Mon.-Fri. D Sat. BURGER MAMA’S Big burgers and oversized onion rings headline the menu at this down home joint. 13216 Interstate 30. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-225-2495. LD daily. CAPITAL BAR AND GRILL Big hearty sandwiches, daily lunch specials and fine evening dining all rolled up into one. 111 Markham St. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-374-7474. LD daily. CAPITOL BISTRO Breakfast and lunch items, including quiche, sandwiches, coffees and the like. 1401 W. Capitol Ave. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-371-9575. BL Mon.-Fri. CATFISH HOLE Downhome place for well-cooked catfish and tasty hushpuppies. 603 E. Spriggs. NLR. Beer, All CC. $-$$. 501-758-3516. D Tue.-Sat. CIAO BACI The focus is on fine dining in this casually elegant Hillcrest bungalow. 605 N. Beechwood St. Full bar, All CC. $$$. 501-603-0238. D Mon.-Sat. CRAZEE’S COOL CAFE Good burgers, daily plate specials and bar food amid pool tables and TVs. 7626 Cantrell Road. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-221-9696. LD Mon.-Sat. DOE’S EAT PLACE A skid-row dive turned power brokers’ watering hole with huge steaks, great tamales and broiled shrimp. 1023 W. Markham St. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-376-1195. LD Mon.-Fri., D Sat. DUB’S HAMBURGER HEAVEN The hamburger, onion rings and strawberry milkshake make a meal fit for kings. 6230 Baucum Pike. NLR. No alcohol, No CC. $-$$. 501-955-2580. BLD daily. EJ’S EATS AND DRINKS The sandwiches are generous, the soup homemade and the salads cold. Vegetarians can craft any number of acceptable meals from the flexible menu. 523 Center St. Beer, Wine, All CC. $-$$. 501-666-3700. LD Mon.-Fri. FLYING FISH The fried seafood is fresh and crunchy and there are plenty of raw, boiled and grilled offerings, too. 511 President Clinton Ave. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$. 501-375-3474. LD daily. HOMER’S Great vegetables, huge yeast rolls and killer cobblers. Follow the mobs. 2001 E. Roosevelt Road. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-3741400. BL Mon.-Fri. JIMMY’S SERIOUS SANDWICHES Consistently fine sandwiches, side orders and desserts. Chicken salad’s among the best in town. 5116 W. Markham St. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-666-3354. L Mon.-Sat. KRAZY MIKE’S Po’Boys, catfish and shrimp and other fishes, fried chicken wings and all the expected sides served up fresh and hot to order on demand. 200 N. Bowman Road. Beer, All CC. $$. 501-9076453. LD daily. LOCA LUNA Grilled meats, seafood and pasta dishes that never stray far from country roots, whether Italian, Spanish or Arkie. 3519 Old Cantrell Rd. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-663-4666. L Sun.-Fri., D daily. MILFORD TRACK Healthy and tasty are the key words at this deli/grill. 10809 Executive Center Drive, Searcy Building. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-223-2257. BL Mon.-Sat. OYSTER BAR Gumbo, red beans and rice, peel-and-eat shrimp, oysters on the half shell, addictive po’ boys. 3003 W. Markham St. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-666-7100. LD Mon.-Sat. PORTER’S JAZZ CAFE Nice takes on Southern cuisine are joined by chicken wings, a fabulous burger and a Sunday brunch. 315 Main St. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-324-1900. LD Mon.-Sun. BR Sun. SBIP’S RESTAURANT Fine dining with sandwiches and salads on its lunch menu. Sunday brunch, too. 700 E. Ninth St. Full bar. 501-372-7247. LD Mon.-Sat. BR Sun. SCALLIONS Reliably good food, great desserts, pleasant atmosphere, able servers — a solid lunch spot. 5110 Kavanaugh Blvd. Beer, Wine, All CC. $-$$. 501-666-6468. L Mon.-Sat. SONNY WILLIAMS’ STEAK ROOM Steaks, chicken and seafood in a wonderful setting in the River Market. 500 President Clinton Ave. Full bar, All CC. $$$. 501-324-2999. D Mon.-Sat. STAGECOACH GROCERY AND DELI Fine po’ boys and muffalettas — and cheap. 6024 Stagecoach Road. Beer, All CC. $-$$. 501-455-4157. BL daily. D Mon.-Fri. TERRI-LYNN’S BAR-B-Q AND DELI High-quality meats served on large sandwiches. 10102 N. Rodney Parham Road. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-227-6371. LD Tue.-Sat. (10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.). UNION BISTRO Casual upscale bistro and lounge. Try the chicken and waffles. 3421 Old Cantrell Road. Full bar, All CC. $$$. 501-353-0360.
ASIAN
GINA’S A broad and strong sushi menu along with other Japanese standards. 14524 Cantrell Road. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$. 501-868-7775. LD daily.
48 NOVEMBER 16, 2011 ARKANSAS TIMES
DINING CAPSULES, CONT. HANAROO SUSHI BAR Under its second owner, it’s one of the few spots in downtown Little Rock to serve sushi. 205 W. Capitol Ave. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$. 501-301-7900. L Mon.-Fri., D Mon.-Sat. PHO THANH MY The pho comes in outrageously large portions with bean sprouts and fresh herbs. 302 N. Shackleford Road. No alcohol, All CC. $$. 501-312-7498. SEKISUI Fresh-tasting sushi, traditional Japanese, the fun hibachi style of Japanese, and an overwhelming assortment of entrees. Nice wine selection, sake, specialty drinks. 219 N. Shackleford Road. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-221-7070. LD daily. SHOGUN JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE The chefs will dazzle you, as will the variety of tasty stir-fry combinations and the sushi bar. Usually crowded at night. 2815 Cantrell Road. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-666-7070. D daily. WASABI Downtown sushi and Japanese cuisine. For lunch, there’s quick and hearty sushi samplers. 101 Main St. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-374-0777. L Mon.-Fri., D Mon.-Sat.
BARBECUE
CHIP’S BARBECUE Tasty, if a little pricey, barbecue piled high on sandwiches generously doused with tangy sauce. 9801 W. Markham St. Beer, All CC. $-$$. 501-225-4346. LD Mon.-Sat. DIXIE PIG Pig salad is tough to beat. It comes with loads of chopped pork atop crisp iceberg, doused with that wonderful vinegar-based sauce. The sandwiches are basic, and the sweet, thick sauce is fine. 900 West 35th St. NLR. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-753-9650. LD Mon.-Sat.
EUROPEAN / ETHNIC
ARABICA HOOKAH CAFE This eatery and grocery store offers kebabs and salads along with just about any sort of Middle Eastern fare you might want. 3400 S. University Ave. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-379-8011. LD daily. ISTANBUL MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE This Turkish eatery offers decent kebabs and great starters. 11525 Cantrell Road. No alcohol, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-223-9332. LD daily. L E O ’ S G R E E K C A S T L E Wonderful Mediterranean food — gyro sandwiches or platters, falafel and tabouleh — plus dependable hamburgers, ham sandwiches, steak platters and BLTs. 2925 Kavanaugh Blvd. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-666-7414. BLD daily. ZOGI’S EURO ASIAN BISTRO Euro-Asian fusion with a lot of Mongolian items (buns, Mongolian beef), along with Russian, Hungarian, Chinese and Japanese dishes. 11321 W. Markham St. $-$$. 501-246-4597.
ITALIAN
CAFE PREGO Dependable entrees of pasta, pork and the like, plus great sauces, fresh mixed greens and delicious dressings, crisp-crunchy-cold gazpacho and tempting desserts in a comfy bistro setting. 5510 Kavanaugh Blvd. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-663-5355. LD Mon.-Fri., D Sat. CIAO Don’t forget about this casual yet elegant bistro tucked into a downtown storefront. The fine pasta and seafood dishes, ambiance and overall charm combine to make it a relaxing, enjoyable, affordable choice. 405 W. Seventh St. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-372-0238. L Mon.-Fri., D Thu.-Sat. ZAFFINO’S BY NORI A high-quality Italian dining experience. Pastas, entrees (don’t miss the veal marsala) and salads are all outstanding, and the desserts don’t miss, either. 2001 E. Kiehl Ave. NLR. Beer,
Wine. 501-834-7530. D Tue.-Sat.
MEXICAN
BROWNING’S MEXICAN FOOD New rendition of a 65-year institution in Little Rock is a totally different experience. Large, renovated space is a Heights hangout with a huge bar and sports on TV. Some holdover items in name only but recast fresher and tastier. Large menu with some hits and some misses. 5805 Kavanaugh Blvd. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-663-9956. LD daily. CANON GRILL Creative appetizers come in huge quantities, and the varied main-course menu rarely disappoints, though it’s not as spicy as competitors’. 2811 Kavanaugh Blvd. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-664-2068. LD daily. COTIJA’S A branch off the famed La
Hacienda family tree downtown, with a massive menu of tasty lunch and dinner specials, the familiar white cheese dip and sweet red and fiery-hot green salsas, and friendly service. 406 S. Louisiana St. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-244-0733. L Mon.-Sat. LA REGIONAL The menu offers a whirlwind trip through Latin America, with delicacies from all across the Spanish-speaking world. Bring your Spanish/English dictionary. 7414 Baseline Road. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-565-4440. BLD daily. 2630 Pike Ave. NLR. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-2464163. TAQUERIA KARINA AND CAFE A real Mexican neighborhood cantina from the owners. 5309 W. 65th St. $. 501-562-3951. LD Tue.-Thu.
pastry
of the week Fresh Fruit Tart
Come enjoy! Downtown 1200 Main (I-630 & Main) • 375-6418 west LittLe Rock 270 S. Shackleford • 224-1656
Love your website? No? Get a new home on the Web, full of technology and features that make it a breeze to keep your Web presence up-to-date. Your new website can include e-commerce, photo galleries for products, videos, easy drag-and-drop editing, maps, keyword copy written blogs and more. Social media such as Facebook and Twitter is baked into your site along with state of the art search engine optimization (SEO). Our websites are priced for small business. There’s no big up-front fee — just a low monthly fee ranging from $149 for a basic site to $399 a month for our complete care package.
AS LOW AS
$149
Call Kelly Ferguson at Arkansas Times Digital Media today for details and find out how you can get a versatile, e-commerce ready website for a very affordable monthly cost.
A MONTH
Kelly Ferguson Social & Digital Media Director
" kellyferguson@arktimes.com ! 501-375-2985 ext. 357 Ask about our other social media services, too!
www.arktimes.com NOVEMBER 16, 2011 49
PUT YOUR CAR SEARCH INTO
OVERDRIVE at
arkansasautobuyer.com
To Advertise in Arkansas AutoBuyer, call
501-375-2985
ARKANSAS
Thousands of New & Used Cars & Trucks Online This Week! Photos! Descriptions! Prices! Only One Click Away! 速
Interior designer Shelby Cotton sets the stage for autumn entertaining BY KATHERINE WYRICK PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN CHILSON
NOVEMBER 16, 2011
M
ums are not necessarily the word when it comes to fall decorating, as evidenced by a recent visit to the home of one of Shelby Cotton’s clients. The creative Cotton recently helped remodel and redesign the house after a devastating fire last year. Tragic event that it was, the end result is a warm, welcoming, spruced-up space ready to receive guests for the holidays. As we discovered, creating an autumnal aura can be as simple as placing a jumble of oversized pine cones in a wooden bowl or a cluster of cotton stalks in a generous-sized vase. And, of course, the décor would be incomplete without a bit of fowl play. We spied several turkeys in various forms in various places: on the new shelves in the breakfast nook, in the pantry . . . on the kitchen counter. In Cotton’s hands, however, none of this comes across as looking traditional or fussy, as can happen in a grand, historic home. Continued on page 52
hearsay
Cotton combines autumnal hues and textures to create a cozy table fit for a bountiful brunch.
➥ Bling-a-ling-a-ling! Hello? Yes, we’re open! KENNETH EDWARDS opens this week at the Promenade at Chenal. Let the holiday shopping begin! ➥ Get schooled. Don’t miss the ARKANSAS ARTS CENTER MUSEUM SCHOOL SALE, Saturday, November 19, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Clear Channel Metroplex. Museum School teachers and students sell their original artwork including drawings, photographs, paintings, sculpture, pottery, woodwork, prints, jewelry and glass objects. It’s a great opportunity to pick up one-of-a-kind gifts for those hard-tobuy-for people on your list. Parking and admission are free. AAC members can beat the crowds and enjoy the Museum School Sale Member Night, November 18, from 6-8 p.m. Memberships can be purchased at the door. ➥ Décor to adore. December 10, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., join WILDWOOD PARK FOR THE ARTS and interior design gurus TOM CHANDLER and CHRIS OLSEN as they travel to seven fabulously decorated homes throughout Little Rock. A special private preview party will take place on December 9 at 7 p.m. For $65 (includes ticket to Saturday’s Holiday Tour), enjoy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, live music and an exclusive tour of the magnificent home of Susan and Dr. Ken Martin. ➥ The holiday kick-off. December 4, 5 and 8, the RIVER CITY MEN’S CHORUS will perform their tenth holiday concert, Songs of the Season, at Trinity United Methodist Church. What better way to get into the spirit? ➥ We wish you a crafty Christmas. THE ARKANSAS CRAFT GUILD’s 33rd Annual Christmas Showcase will be held December 2, 3, and 4 at the Statehouse Convention Center. Show hours are Friday, 10 a.m.- 8 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. New this year: Saturday morning early bird shoppers’ special with Free Admission from 8 a.m.-10 a.m. ➥ Celebrate Chenal style. Get into the spirit with the 4th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting at THE PROMENADE AT CHENAL, Saturday, November, 26, 1–6 p.m. There will be a Toys for Tots Holiday Toy Drive, Charity Vance concert, fireworks and much more. ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE ARKANSAS TIMES
NOVEMBER 16, 2011 51
Cheeky horsey! A horse head from Park Hill Collection adds a rustic touch.
Fall door design courtesy of Park Hill Collection.
FALL FLAIR
Continued from page 51
And that’s one of the striking things about the house overall, the way Cotton has created a seamless blend of the old and the new. She says that keeping things modern while honoring the integrity of the house was essential to her. “The whole spirit of this house is mixing the soft contempo-
This oversized Audubon turkey print is fitting for the season but striking year-round.
rary with the antiques, but we wanted a sense of humor, too. We want it to be fun; we want people to enjoy being here.” Case in point, the horse head above the bar, which took a team to hang because of its heft. (In an inspired move, Cotton added the little pumpkin.) This bit of whimsy is one of the many things so appealing about Cotton’s style; she doesn’t take herself or her surroundings too seriously. We move on to the newly remodeled breakfast nook, where Cotton has set a casual but elegant
Evolve celebrates five years in style
Cotton gave these antique chairs new life by recovering them in hip fabric from mertinsdykehome.
table using items both old and new—a theme in this historic house. Diminutive silver bud vases—actually shot glasses!—hold tiny clusters of marigolds from the yard. For the place settings she’s incorporated plaid napkins, handsome wood placemats, family silver and recently purchased ceramic coffee mugs bearing the likeness of the family dog. (This is a house of animal lovers, turkeys included.) It’s an inviting fall scene, one easy to picture filled with family, friends, and, of course, dogs.
Model wearing Ben Sherman threads and Hudson jeans.
BY KATHERINE WYRICK PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG RUDKIN
L
ittle Rock’s hippest men’s clothier, Evolve, marks their five-year anniversary on Thursday, November 17th with much fanfare and with a Ben Sherman and Hudson Jeans trunk show the following day, Friday, November 18th, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Co-owner Greg Rudkin is enthused about the upcoming festivities, “This is the first trunk show we’ve ever done, and it’s a great way to celebrate five years in business. Over the years, we’ve built up a client base that loves these brands, so we’re anticipating a good turnout.” To amp up the party vibe, 103.7 The Buzz will be on site from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
on Friday. Rudkin adds that they’ll be celebrating the whole week, MondaySaturday, with special in-store deals. Drop by and roll a pair of dice to receive a discount; the number rolled will be multiplied by five to determine the discount received. Rudkin explains, “We took a real gamble opening a high-end men’s clothier, and now we’re inviting our customers to gamble!”
52 NOVEMBER 16, 2011 ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE ARKANSAS TIMES
Evolve www.shoplikeaman.net 207 N. University Ave., #230 (501) 661-0644
A media blitz
L
with bling
auray’s the Diamond Center in Hot Springs welcomed Arkansas media and bloggers to an exclusive jewelry fashion show just for them on Tuesday, November 1. Those attending unwound after a day full of deadlines with wine, apple cider and light hors d’oeuvres while enjoying the latest trends in jewelry, including brilliant diamonds with 80 facets instead of the traditional 58. These diamonds, known as Lauradiant, are exclusive to Lauray’s and provide the wearer twice the sparkle and brilliance. Attendees were introduced to other designer jewelry lines as well, including woven sterling silver mesh pieces by Adami & Martucci; American-made sterling silver, diamond, faceted onyx and yellow gold necklaces and bracelets by Alwand Vahan; and designer purses by Debbie Brooks, a New York pop artist turned purse and accessory designer. Brooks’ works can be found exclusively at art galleries, jewelry stores and boutiques, and Lauray’s carries a broad range of her purses, wallets and totes. Mark and Patti Fleischner, owners of Lauray’s the Diamond Center, greeted the journalists, photographers and bloggers while associates Shannon Branstetter, Milli
Fowler, Michel Gutman and Kim Kelso assisted them in trying on pieces and educating them on the different aspects of each designer line. In addition to Adami & Martucci, Alwand Vahan, Debbie Brooks and Lauradiant, Lauray’s carries jewelry by John Hardy, Angelique de Paris, Elle, Henri Daussi, Pandora, Caerleon, Jude Frances and Hidalgo as well as Bulova watches. Lauray’s the Diamond Center is a family-owned and operated, third-generation jewelry store in the heart of downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas. The owner, Mark Fleischner, has continued the tradition for three generations while maintaining the meticulous standards he learned from his parents and grandparents. Lauray’s offers the latest in jewelry style and fashion at the most affordable price for its customers. The store also offers an extensive collection of loose diamonds and one of the largest selections of semi-mountings in the area as well as featuring a number of designer lines. The store prides itself on its knowledgeable, professional staff and is proud of its reputation of providing affordable excellence. For more information about Lauray’s, visit www.Laurays.com.
TOMS for the whole Family! 2616 Kavanaugh 661-1167 M-F 10-6, SAT 10-5, SUN 1-5
Sterling silver mesh piece from Adami & Martucci, All pieces plated with rhodium, black rhodium, or yellow or rose gold mesh. Incredibly lightweight, can be worn with any outfit and very affordable. 3.28-carat natural, fancy yellow diamond, radiant cut, internally flawless, surrounded by 65 carats of diamonds. Platinum and 18K yellow gold setting.
Pop artist Debbie Brooks’ purses.
501-225-M2LR M2LR.COM
Alwand Vahan pieces can be custom-made with a variety of gemstone accents as well as in sterling silver or yellow gold. Made in America.
Lauray’s 402 Central Avenue Hot Springs, AR 71901 1-800-364-4367 (GEMS) ( 501) 321-2441 Mon.-Sat.: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
shop local
Support our community.
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE ARKANSAS TIMES
NOVEMBER 16, 2011 53
Grace notes
S
tupid me, I didn’t even know there was a War on Thanksgiving, and wouldn’t know it yet if our fair and balanced friends hadn’t raised the alarm. They’re good at raising alarms. They raise a new one seasonally, if not monthly. Obliging all of us to take sides. Even if we’d rather not. Even if we’d rather check the box next to “Doesn’t give a rat’s ass one way or the other.” Last year it was a War on Christmas; this year, it’s a War on Thanksgiving; same alarmists, similar b.s. pretext for making a war out of a molehill. But let’s not prejudge it. For the sake of an idler columnist with space to fill, let’s say there is such a war and it has opposing partisans — the Thanksgiving traditionalists on one side and some straw people that the traditionalists created on the other. For reasons that aren’t really clear, the perfidious straw people want to change all that is sacred about Thanksgiving. They want to outlaw our festive turkey drops. They want the meat left out of our mincemeat pies. They want to dye our cranberry sauce yellow – which just happens to have been Benedict Arnold’s and Adolf Hitler’s favorite color. Who knows why they want these changes? I know why, and you do too, but this whole business is a charade, a pretense and we’re expected to play along.
So the traditionalists insist there’s no good reason to change the Thanksgiving template and particulars, and the BOB Straw People venLANCASTER triloquize back that there are several good reasons, including a more equable distribution of the wealth, the wealth in this case being holiday grub. Vittles. The traditionalists oppose putting burritos on the Thanksgiving menu, calling that a multicultural whim, suggestive of a broader liberal conspiracy. The Straw People, on the other hand, would add not only Mexican fare, or at least Tex-Mex, but also lasagna, sushi, coq au vin, Greek salad, Bulgarian buttermilk and other ethnic specialties that would gag a true-blue red-blooded American maggot. The Straw People say the present-day Thanksgiving agenda promotes gluttony and its blubbery tagalong obesity. Give the needy a little more and the broad-beamed a little less and everybody’s happier and healthier at the end of the day. The traditionalists say the fat should get more and the hungry less because that’s the way God and the free enterprise system work. Hogs hog; that’s their nature, their lot. Giving
them smaller portions and denying them seconds would only de-enthuse them as job creators. The Straw People don’t oppose giving thanks per se; they just don’t want the thanks going to a specific deity. You can give thanks to a generic deity, as long as your grace doesn’t leave out any of the known or rumored gods. If you include Jehovah, you should give a separate and equal nod to Allah, Lao-tzu, Baal, Gog and Magog, Ra, Zeus, Jupiter, Odin, Buddha, Harry Krishna, Confucius, the Great Spirit, Quetzalcoatl, Mammon and all the inbred Caesars who achieved godhood by simple proclamation. To name a few. By the time you get them all properly acknowledged and lauded, of course, the mashed potatoes will be cold and the rolls will need reheating. Some of the Straw People suggest a compromise in which each of the main gods is thanked for a different entry on the Thanksgiving menu. If you have more gods to thank than food items to thank them for, then you have a lottery-type drawing in which the left-out gods are thanked for the trimmings — one god thanked for the chow-chow, one for the napkins, one for the paper plates, one for the paprika on the deviled eggs, one for the corncobs that will be taken out for later use in the one-holer. This will further prolong the gracesaying past the point that fidgety children and flatulent old people can reasonably be
expected to maintain a reverential bearing. But once it’s over and done with, you can trough down in confidence that the grace-saying part was politically correct and constitutionally kosher. Traditionalists say no — they’re always saying no — arguing that Jehovah, aka Yahweh, aka Elohim, aka etc., being the real God, deserves the lion’s share of Thanksgiving thanks. If you can’t give Him credit for the whole meal, they say, then He should at least get the props for the turkey and dressing. (And the ham, too, if you’re one of those willing to pretend that Leviticus 11:7-8 doesn’t exist). The Straw People would give Him an automatic bye into the semi-finals of the annual thanks-garnering competition. That portages Him safely past the indignity that would result from the Lord of Hosts being lumped with the lowly demigods, the nymphs and satyrs, who receive thanks for various of the garnishes and gravies and seasonings. But it doesn’t exalt Him above those who fair and square won the plaudits competition for the candied yams, the green-bean casserole, the Karo nut pie. Being the Supreme of supremes, He can rescript at any time and exalt Himself if he takes the notion. Big sigh goes here. Due up next, I understand, after another fool episode of the War on Christmas, is an all-new War on Easter. Won’t that be fun?
ARKANSAS TIMES CLASSIFIEDS Employment Crawfish Farming-10 temp positions; 6 _months; job to begin 1/15/12 and end on 7/31/12Duties:to operate boats in the ponds during the crawfish harvesting season and prepare the crop for distributing. $8.97per hour; 2 months experience in job offered required. All work tools provided. Housing and transportation provided to workers who can not reasonably return to their permanent residence at the end of the work day;_ hours guaranteed in a work day during contract. Employment offered by Michael Dwain Buller Farms located in Port Barre, LA. Qualified applicants may fax resumes to Dwain Buller at 318-8382268 or apply during normal business hours. Applicants may apply for this position at their nearest State Workforce Agency using job order # 399825. For more info regarding your nearest SWA you may call (501) 682-7719.
Luxury Apartment Community seeks experienced PT/Weekend leasing agent. Please call for interview
501-663- 2000
DOG GROOMER WANTED
Local pet-supply retailer looking to expand grooming dept. Must have experience, knowledge of all breeds, pay attention to detail, and be a team player. Let’s trim up Little Rock’s posh pups together!
501-412-7767
EARN $75-$200 HOUR (Now 25% Off), Media Makeup & Airbrush Training. For Ads, TV, Film, Fashion. 1 wk class &. Portfolio.http://www. awardmakeupschool.com/ 310-3640665 (AAN CAN) Movie Extras People needed now to stand in the background for a major film Earn up to $300 per day. Exp not REQ. CALL NOW AND SPEAK TO A LIVE PERSON 877-426-8310 Paid In Advance! Make $1,000 a Week mailing brochures from home! Guaranteed Income! FREE Supplies! No experience required. Start Immediately! www.homemailerprogram.net (AAN CAN) Montessori Teacher-Preschool: Plan & conduct activities/program of instruction for preschool children; responsible for the classroom & the safety of the students; carry out philosophy of school; maintain Montessori environment & materials for the class; maintain lesson plans & observation records/progress reports for each child; deal with needs of children in classroom: mental, emotional, physical & social development; establish & maintain appropriate behavior standards; attend school functions & PTO meetings; attend 10 hours of workshops each year. Requires: Bachelors in Early Childhood Education, Montessori Certification & 1 yr. Montessori teaching exp. Send resume to: Children’s House Montessori School, Att. Owner, 4023 Lee Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72205.
54 November 16, 2011 ARKANSAS TIMES 54 NOVEMBER 16, 2011 ARKANSAS TIMES
Business Opportunities ANY Car/Truck. Running or Not! Top Dollar Paid. We Come To You! Call For Instant Offer: 1-888-420-3808 http://www.cash4car.com (AAN CAN) Paid In Advance! Make $1,000 a Week mailing brochures from home! Guaranteed Income! FREE Supplies! No experience required. Start Immediately! www.homemailerprogram.net
Education HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA! Graduate in just 4 weeks!!! FREE Brochure. Call NOW! 1-800-532-6546 Ext. 97 http:// www.continentalacademy.com/
Happy Hour Genius. Download our free happy hour app. Find the nearest happy hour any time. Hundreds of places to choose from! Search for “Arkansas Times” in the app store.
ARKANSAS TIMES
Miscellaneous Free To Try! Hot Talk 1-866-6017781 Naughty Local Girls! Try For Free! 1-877-433-0927 Try For Free! 100’ s Of Local Women! 1-866-517-6011 Live Sexy Talk 1-877-602-7970 18+
Adoption & Services *Adopt* Happily married, successful businessman & stay-at-home dad, proud parents of adopted baby girl, yearn to adopt baby boy. Expenses paid 1-800-563-7964 PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? Talk with caring agency specializing in matching Birthmothers with Families nationwide. LIVING EXPENSES PAID. Call 24/7 Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions 866413-6293 (Void in Illinois)
Restaurants with changes, corrections or for more information email cocktailcompass@arktimes.com Presented by your drinking buddies at
ARKANSAS TIMES
FLIPSIDE
I CAN HANDLE ALL OF YOUR ALTERATIONS “Your Personal Cleaners”
501-223-5700 • 7616 T St. at Cantrell "I don't trust anyone with my valuables but National Pawn Shop"
National Gold & Silver Exchange
70 Years of Gold Buying Experience Easy Central Location • Free Parking Fast Customer Service Don't wait by your mailbox for a check. Get your cash today at National Pawn.
375-6789 or 374-3331 100 E. Washington, NLR www.nationalpawn.com
Macximize
Learn to get more from your Mac at home or office.
• Aid in choosing the right Mac for you and your budget • iMac, MacBook, iPad, iPhone • Troubleshooting • Wireless internet & backup
• Data Recovery • Hardware Installs • Hard drive installation & memory expansion • Organize photos, music, movies & email
Call Cindy Greene - Satisfaction Always Guaranteed
MOVING TO MAC
www.movingtomac.com
cindy@movingtomac.com • 501-681-5855
FREE
NOW THROUGH THE END OF OCTOBER
P
H
O
T
501.650.1806
O
G
R
A
P
H
Y
www.studio-1-photo.com
UneedaMaid Cleaning ServiCeS inC.
Pet of the Week
Libby
dependable and Professional House Cleaning licensed, insured, & Bonded let Us get Your House ready For The Holidays Serving our Customers Since 2004 Free eSTiMaTeS
Libby is a rat terrier mix. She is very calm and gentle with children and others. Please come by and meet her, you will fall in LOVE!!! 11-D555
Sherwood AnimAL ServiceS
501-952-1580 www.uneedamaid.net
6500 north hills blvd, Sherwood, Ar 501-834-2287
Holiday Craft & Gift Sale! Saturday, November 19 • 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday, November 20 • 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Little Rock’s Premier Designated Driver Service We drive you AND your car home!
Jacksonville Community Center 5 Municipal Drive, Jacksonville Capture the spirit of the season at the 34th annual Holiday Craft & Gift Sale. Purchase original works of art and unique gifts from Arkansas artists and vendors from surrounding areas. Handmade creations include woodwork, paintings, jewelry, holiday décor and more. Concessions available. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for children ages 12-18.
! p a e g h n C rtisi
e v d A
! STUDIO1
BOOK A SESSION, WE’LL DOUBLE THE TIME
For more information, call (501) 982-0818.
501-765-LRDD(5733)
www.bumblebeetransportation.com
Advertise Your events, businesses or services
Bumblebee Transportati
Little Rock’s Premier Designated Driver Servic
We drive you AND your car ho
How it works: 1. Go out with friends. 2. Feel a buzz, call the B 3. We come to you and drive you home in your car. No DUI. No cab ride to and from. Simple. Please make sure your car has space for our small motorcyc
Fri. 9:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m. • Sat. 9:00 p.m. – 3:0
here
Call Challis to find out how.
501-765-LRDD(5733) • Reservations strongly encour www.bumblebeetransportation.com
375-2985
www.arktimes.com NOvember 16, 2011 55
It’s the return of the annual Arkansas Times Musicians Showcase as performers compete for an array of prizes. All acts who have at least four songs of original material are encouraged to enter. All styles are welcome.
2011 WINNER TYRANNOSAURUS CHICKEN
Semifinalists will compete throughout January and February at Stickyz and Revolution. Weekly winners will then face off in the finals in March. Check out arktimes.com/showcase12 for information on how to enter online and upload your files. Door prizes will be given away to fans in attendance.
DEADLINE FOR ENTRY DEC. 31, 2011 FOR MORE INFO E-MAIL robertbell@arktimes.com
Arkansas Times Musicians Showcase Entry Form NAME OF BAND HOMETOWN DATE BAND WAS FORMED AGE RANGE OF MEMBERS (ALL AGES WELCOME) CONTACT PERSON ADDRESS CITY, STATE, ZIP PHONE E-MAIL SEND ENTRIES AND DEMO CD TO: Arkansas Times Musicians Showcase, PO BOX 34010, Little Rock, AR 72203
¡REVOLUTION!