Arkansas Times

NEWS + POLITICS + ENTERTAINMENT / DECEMBER 12, 2012 / ARKTIMES.COM

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DECEMBER 12, 2012

3

COMMENT

Republican rapture Just when I thought the right-wing Republicans have sunk as low as a snake in a wagon-wheel track, here they go again. Thirty-eight Republicans voted to block the Disability Act in the Senate. Their reason: They do not trust the United Nations.

How can people be so stupid? The truth is that the right-wing Republicans believe that the United Nations is devil worship. They believe that anything or person that actually brings people and nations together is the work of the anti-Christ. They are taught this in church.

The End Times teachings these people believe is at the core of why they behave like they do, irrational, paranoid and anti-Christ.

Somebody has to say this and it might as well be me.

Now more than ever we need separation of church and state. These misguided, self-destructive teachings continue to get in the way of rational policy.

The United Nations, although not perfect, is blessed by God. It is a step in the right direction.

It seems clear to me that when states trade with each other, when there is a forum in which they can resolve issues and disputes, and most importantly, when they surrender the right to wage war to a central governing body, there is peace.

If this freaks anyone out, please consider that I have just described the United States of America.

There is no bloodbath required for Jesus to return to earth. When he does return, and he will, it is these misguided, lost souls that will try to kill him again in the name of God, just like the Jews in Palestine did some 2,000 years ago.

When I pray tonight I will ask God to consider going ahead and rapturing these people. I don’t care where he sends them; just get them out of here.

They have done enough harm.

Butch Stone Maumelle

the stage for the socialist Muslim antiChrist wanting to take over the world, aka President Obama.

All this treaty does is signal to the world the U.S.A. and 155 countries believe the disabled around the world should have equal rights and access to public facilities. It’s a treaty that complements our own Americans with Disabilities Act. Tell Sen. Boozman and the Tea Party GOP to go home and hide their faces in shame.

Patrick Gray Cabot

Darr nightmare Though I’ve heard some rumors to the effect, please say “it ain’t so” that Lt. Gov. Mark Darr might run for governor.

Please say I just dreamed it and I’ll wake up and it’ll all be over. Please tell me that — “R” — after-the-name or not — the people of Arkansas are really quite savvy and will vote for what’s actually in the best interests of our state. We’ve been blessed to have a great governor in Mike Beebe lo these last few years and have actu-

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Shame on Boozman Even Russia and China, who are not known for their civil rights, have signed the U.N. disability rights treaty to bring civil rights to the disabled around the world.

Sen. John Boozman and the other 37 GOP senators who opposed this treaty should feel disgrace for their cowardly vote, kowtowing to the fringe, rightwing, conspiracy-touting, radical Tea Party known today as the Republican Party. A party that believes the U.N. is 4

DECEMBER 12, 2012

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ally made substantial progress. We’re well on our way to approaching the 21st century, except for women’s and gay rights, which still need a lot more work. Please tell me Darr will find something else to do with his time.

Hey, I like pizza, too, but the top job takes a tad more experience. Please tell me I have nothing to worry about and I can waft off to sleep tonight without a care in the world.

Linda Farrell Bella Vista

Heavy hand on the Travs Thanks for the article on the Arkansas Travelers baseball team (“Fans cry foul,” Nov. 21). This is a historic institution in our community, designed for the recreation, fun and pleasure of our citizens. It has been run for generations by some of the finest public citizens of our state for the benefit of the public. Warren Stephens has made it possible for us to all enjoy a beautiful new ballpark. The staff of the Travelers has been equally distinguished for many decades — first the old gentleman, Ray Winder for whom the old park was named, then the colorful Bill Valentine who is a local legend, and then Pete Laven, a young baseball executive who has won awards, kept the finances in order and received compliments by almost everyone who knew him. It is a real shame that politics, power trips and vengeance has entered this fine institution. Since an attorney named Russ Meeks has taken charge of the board of the Travelers, the highly-thought-of general manager, Laven, has been fired and what is worse, the fine history of this institution has been damaged. Meeks has taken some of the fun out of the baseball program, which has delighted many generations of Central Arkansans. As a minority stockholder, I have seen the heavy hand of this misguided board leader first-hand. I am hopeful that Stephens will step in and see that employees are well treated, that stockholders and Traveler fans are respected and that board leaders who have lost their way and do not understand the history of this great organization are replaced.

Jim Pfeifer Little Rock

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DECEMBER 12, 2012

5

EDITORIAL

EYE ON ARKANSAS

Partial credit

Secret stalkers

R

epublican politicians deny that they make war on women. Their actions reveal otherwise.

When Todd Akin, a delusional U.S. Senate candidate in Missouri, said publicly that women’s bodies have ways of avoiding pregnancy from what he called “legitimate rape,” comparatively temperate Republicans, including Mitt Romney, said Akin should withdraw from the race. Akin declined. The National Republican Senatorial Committee then said it would no longer support Akin, who was challenging Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill. She won, and we learned last week, in a post-election campaign-finance report, that even after the Republican Senatorial Committee had promised no more support for Akin, the committee quietly sent $760,000 for his campaign, in a last-ditch effort to defeat McCaskill. Women will remember these false friends. They’re smarter than Republicans believe.

6

DECEMBER 12, 2012

ARKANSAS TIMES

BRIAN CHILSON

T

he Arkansas Supreme Court made a couple of large decisions recently. It got one right.

The judges were unanimously correct in reversing a circuit court ruling that the state Freedom of Information Act is unconstitutional. The lower court said in a public-meeting case that the Act was too vague and overbroad. The Supreme Court said that any changes needed in the law could be made by the legislature. “The FOIA does not attempt to give an exact description of every conceivable fact situation that might give rise to the application of the FOIA,” the court said. “It is left to the judiciary to give effect to the intent of the legislature … This court liberally construes the FOIA to accomplish its broad and laudable purpose that public business be performed in an open and public manner.”

The Court erred in holding that the state cannot take excess property-tax revenue from wealthy school districts and use it to subsidize poorer districts. The state requires a minimum 25-mill property tax for every district, but because of varying property values, the tax produces more revenue in some districts than others. The state also requires a minimum expenditure for each pupil. If the 25-mill tax doesn’t raise enough money to reach that figure, the state makes up the difference. If the tax produces more than enough, the state wants to send that excess to poorer districts.

The thrust of the education-reform movement in Arkansas over the last decade has been to equalize opportunity for all students. Nonetheless, a fourmember court majority held that rich districts can keep their excess revenue. In a dissent joined by two others, Chief Justice Jim Hannah wrote: “The majority nullifies ten years of difficult and painstaking work diligently undertaken by the General Assembly, the Department of Education, the Attorney General, and the Governor, to provide this state with a constitutional school-funding system. … The majority leaves us with a public-school-funding system dependent upon the wealth of the district, which this court has declared to be unconstitutional.”

CALLING FOR CHANGE: Immigrant-rights advocates held a candle-light vigil on the steps of St. Edward’s Catholic Church this past Sunday to raise awareness of poor conditions in immigrant detention centers in the U.S. Last week’s Where In Arkansas winner was Jennifer Kordsmeier. She correctly guessed the photo was taken south of downtown Scott on Hwy. 161.

Court takes on marriage equality

A

s the U.S. Supreme Court accepted two marriage equality cases for full review, last Friday marked another key moment in the nation’s progress towards marriage equality that has accelerated across the past two years. From state legislative actions to court rulings to ballot measure outcomes to the expansive statements of support by a (now reelected) president, it is clear that marriage equality will arrive across America.

Only one question remains: when?

One of the two cases accepted for review was unsurprising. A series of federal courts have found unconstitutional the federal definition of marriage in the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act. While the Supreme Court may yet find a way to evade the issue of whether heightened scrutiny should be applied in all cases involving sexual orientation (as the Second Circuit Court did in a historic first in the case before the court), most all observers expect that the Supreme Court will likely affirm the lower courts on a matter that does not involve the right to marry itself but instead the equal treatment of such marriages.

Decidedly bigger news was the court’s decision to accept the challenge to California’s Proposition 8, the state constitutional amendment that overturned California’s short-lived right to marriage for same-sex couples in 2008. Controversial among gay rights advocates from the moment of its filing in federal court because of the fear that it was “too soon,” the challenge to Prop 8 spearheaded by superlawyers David Boies and Ted Olson has been successful at every level of the federal system to date. Most recently, the Ninth Circuit found that California voters’ action was “the deprivation of an existing right without a legitimate reason.”

A denial of review by the Supreme Court would have left the lower court’s ruling in place, restoring marriage equality in California. Still, its impact would have been limited to that state. After oral arguments, the Supreme Court may also simply affirm the Circuit Court ruling, applying its own precedent in the 1996 Romer v. Evans case and making California the 10th state (along with the District of Columbia) with marriage equality.

However, the court could go all in on the California case, using it as the vehicle to affirm a federal constitutional right for same-sex couples to marry. Thus, Hollingsworth v. Perry could become the gay movement’s

Loving case, the 1967 Virginia case overturning the ban on interracial marriage in that state and 15 others.

Is it time or is it too early? Progressives who fear that it is too JAY early point to the 1973 Roe deciBARTH sion. While states were slowly reforming archaic abortion laws, the unelected court’s overturn of all state laws on the matter helped to produce a backlash that prevented any semblance of a national consensus on abortion rights to emerge. As Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg later said, “It’s not that the judgment was wrong, but it moved too far too fast.” Justice Anthony Kennedy (the key vote in this case) may become convinced that progress is methodically being made via democratic institutions, thus undermining the need for the court to provide a sweeping ruling in this case. Ironically, the electoral success for marriage equality on Nov. 6 might well provide this view cover.

While the possibility of a backlash would have been real just two years ago, the unidirectional movement on the issue since then has undermined it. National consensus has not yet emerged on the issue, but generational change is quickly bringing it to fruition; as George Will put it last weekend, “Quite literally, the opposition to gay marriage is dying.” Indeed, the fact that no executive branch official is defending either DOMA or Proposition 8 provides evidence of an emerging national consensus on the issue. Just as important, while marriage equality advocates will likely pick up a chunk of additional states through democratic means in the next handful of years, the movement will quickly hit a brick wall in the Mountain West and South. Thus, sooner rather than later, the issue will return to the court with the result inevitable.

The key difference: Justice Kennedy won’t be around if the issue comes around again. Already the author of the two most important pro-gay-rights decisions handed down by the court, the odds seem good that Kennedy will decide that now is indeed the time and that he wants to carry the legal movement for gay equality across this finish line.

Max Brantley is on vacation.

BRIAN CHILSON

OPINION

GOP will punish poor

P

resident Obama was re-elected handily and the hated Obamacare enjoys the certainty of being the law of the land next year and beyond, but Republicans in a few states, including Arkansas, still have one last card to play.

They can thwart one of his big campaign promises from way back in 2008, which was to improve the quality and volume of health care in rural America and the wellbeing of rural and small-town dwellers.

All they have to do is block Obamacare’s expansion of Medicaid, which in Arkansas would deny health insurance to some 250,000 people, three-fourths of them are low-income working families, mostly living in small towns and on country roads.

Obama promised in his 2008 campaign to address the age-old shortage of doctors, nurse practitioners and hospitals in rural areas — a huge problem in the South.

It is not just a matter of sickness or health for people in rural Arkansas, although the state ranks in the bottom three states on almost every measure of health and health delivery, mostly owing to the state of medicine away from the urban centers.

Rural medicine was Dale Bumpers’ big issue when he ran for governor from tiny Charleston ERNEST in 1970. He started DUMAS area health education centers to train doctors in regional hospitals in the hope that they would practice in rural areas, began scholarships for medical graduates who would start small-town practices and changed the law to allow osteopaths to practice medicine in Arkansas.

It all helped, but there were still big obstacles. Country doctors had no backup and no access to technical support, and too many people were uninsured and too poor to pay their bills in a timely way.

Then came Barack Obama of Chicago promising that he would raise the quality and affordability of health care outside the cities. No one paid much attention in these parts; rural Arkansas delivered mammoth majorities against him in 2008 and 2012.

But he came through.

From his stimulus package in 2009, he

The TV effect

A

s yet another make-believe “fiscal cliff” junkie Washington “crisis” looms, it’s between now and tempting to suspect that the most January 2 — feverfraught interludes in American politics ishly flipping derive from turning government into a from MSNBC to TV show. Artificial deadlines, imaginary Fox seeking fresh GENE cliffs, villains and heroes; a state of per- excitement and LYONS manent emergency. These well-worn outrage? dramatic devices have been the stuff of In his 1997 book “Breaking the News: serial melodrama from the “Perils of How the Media Undermine American Pauline” through “24.”

Democracy,” James Fallows explained No sooner was the 2012 presidential a lot about what drives such coverage. election blessedly ended than journalists “Why do [journalists] want to appear [on started handicapping the 2016 presiden- TV], when so many reporters make fun of tial election overnight. the shows?” he asked. “The most immeNext, new crisis was declared. OMG! diate payoff is the simple thrill of being The Fiscal Cliff! OMG! noticed and known. Political-journalistic Without a conflict, see, there’s no Washington functions much like a big story. high school, with cliques of the popular So must we therefore govern the kids, the nerds, the rebels, the left-outs, country according to the narrative con- and so on. To be on TV is to become ventions of spy thrillers to boost cable very quickly a cool kid. Friends call to news network ratings and to insure pun- say they’ve seen you. People recognize dits and politicians plenty of TV face you in stores. Whether people agree or time? disagree with what you said (or whether Apparently so. However, is it really they even remember), they treat you as good for our democracy that many oth- ‘realer’ and bigger than you were before.” erwise normal Americans recognize figAnd that was back when 24/7 cable ures like Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.) or Sen. TV political programming barely existed.

Claire McKaskill (D-Mo.) on sight? To Since then, print reporters have quit disput it another way, if I weren’t a sub- missing TV. (Most were only pretendscriber to the NBA League Pass, would ing to be snobs about it anyway.) Now I too stand in danger of turning into a they ponder how to become the next

sent Arkansas $102 million — more than remaining poor who are not covered — in for all but one state — to develop a high- Arkansas, those are childless adults from speed broadband network to connect 474 19 to 64 — was half the solution under community hospitals, clinics, regional Obamacare. The other half was to require health centers, universities and other people above the Medicaid threshold sites so that small-town doctors and (roughly 135 percent of the poverty line) clinics would have the same fast access to obtain private insurance individually to laboratories, specialists and medical or through their employer, with the educators as those in big cities and a digital government helping with the monthly medical records system that will make premiums until a family’s income exceeds doctors’ work easier and treatment safer. 400 percent of poverty.

Under the same stimulus act, Arkansas A slim majority of the U.S. Supreme received $14.4 million for community Court gave Republicans bent on abolishing mental health centers scattered around health reform one opening. It said the states the state, half for expanding their facilities, could take expanded Medicaid or leave it. and another $300,000 to train health The states with the biggest gaps in coverage professionals.

— Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, Oklahoma Already, under the Patient Protection and the like — are leaving it. and Affordable Care Act — “Obamacare” The single rational objection to the — Arkansas is getting money for 30 more expansion — that it might in a few years medical residency slots at the six area health place huge demands on the state budget education centers, the state medical center that would force a tax increase — vanished is getting more than $300,000 over four when the computations showed that over years to provide scholarships and loans for the next dozen years Medicaid expansion primary care doctors to serve in rural and will relieve the state budget of more than underserved areas, and two universities $700 million rather than add to it. received sums for nurse training.

But one justification — it will thwart All these steps don’t reach the big Barack Obama — still trumps everything. problem, which is that most people in rural Last year, that was a proven winner. This year, maybe not. A few Republicans have Arkansas cannot afford much care.

Expanding Medicaid to cover the said they might take a second look.

Ezra Klein.

The rewards, Fallows made clear, can be heady. Celebrity journalists “have that extra, sizzling experience of seeing strangers’ heads flip back, for a second look (‘Is it really him?’) as they walk into restaurants or through airport corridors…

[T]he recognition is almost entirely judgment-free…TV’s effect is mainly to make you bigger than life. For each hundred acquaintances who will say, ‘I saw you on the show,’ only one will say, ‘I agree [or disagree] with what you said.’ ” And why is the pundit walking through airports? Most likely on his or her way to collect hefty speaking fees in the American outback, or to sign books likely never to have been written or published but for the author’s TV appearances. You started out covering municipal sewer and water commission meetings, and now you’re a star!

Having done just enough of this kind of thing to understand how it works, I’d add a secondary but very real danger.

Going on TV can be very time-consuming and energy-absorbing. Between the time spent in limos and makeup rooms, not to mention dealing with the secondary effects of newfound celebrity, there’s not much time left to do much real work.

So pundits start coasting, gradually drawing down their stock of genuine expertise — such as it is. Next comes faking. On camera, some talking head asks the journalist to opine about a topic

that, strictly speaking, he knows bugger-all about. Instead of saying so, our hero cleverly paraphrases something he heard some other savant say on a different channel.

Remember during the campaign when Mitt Romney made a fool of himself explaining how Syria was Iran’s route to the sea? (Iran has its own seacoast and no border with Syria.) I’d bet he’d heard that from some other big bluffer pretending to be worldly wise on cable TV. Almost needless to say, if the potentially corrupting effects of TV celebrity can be bad for journalists, they’re even worse for politicians. Under the best of circumstances, there’s hardly enough available attention and acclaim from sea to shining sea to satisfy the average United States congressman. Add the egoinflating thrill of being on a first-name basis with Bill O’Reilly or Erin Burnett, and what dramatic poses wouldn’t a previously obscure pol from Utah or South Carolina strike to get on TV? So heighten the contradictions. Ramp up the conflict. The Fiscal Cliff! OMG! It’s not a budget debate, it’s good vs. evil!

Civilization hangs in the balance!

Except, no it doesn’t. It’s a budget fight that President Obama wins.

He’s holding all the high cards; Republicans are playing a weak hand badly, and people are getting really fed up with the fake hysteria. www.arktimes.com

DECEMBER 12, 2012

7

PEARLS ABOUT SWINE

Bielema coaches balance

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DECEMBER 12, 2012

ARKANSAS TIMES

he name “Bret Bielema” is just ripe for parody, but the style of play really isn’t.

Arkansas’s 32nd head football coach has probably been miscast as a guy who just wants to assemble a bunch of lummoxes and beat the hell out of the other team’s linemen. Wisconsin certainly flashed one of the country’s strongest rushing attacks under Bielema’s careful watch from 2006 to 2012, fittingly capped with a Big 10 championship mashing of Nebraska in which two Wisconsin backs logged over 200 yards.

Undoubtedly the Hogs will revert somewhat to a grinding approach.

Wisconsin effectively neutered the opposition year after year by simply playing keep-away. In 2007, the Badgers led the country in time of possession, and no Bielema-coached team has ever logged less than 31 minutes of clock time on average. Meanwhile, the recent iterations of Razorback football have been so utterly dependent on quick-strike scoring that not once in the past five seasons did Arkansas rank among the nation’s top 30 teams in aggregate possession time. In fact, the 2008 Arkansas team that held the ball for 31:04 per outing was the highest-rated that Bobby Petrino had, and that team limped to a 5-7 record.

The Petrino model was always built on keeping the opposing defense stuck in perpetual reverse, predicated on willful downhill momentum. The ever-present drawback was that an often-outmanned defense would barely catch its collective breath. Consequently, when the offensive philosophy failed, as it did against LSU and Alabama in 2011, the result was nothing short of a blowout.

For as successful as the Hogs’ 11-2 season was, it’s hard to sustain an argument that the team was truly the third-best in the country when it had been so thoroughly destroyed in its two biggest tests.

Over the past three seasons, Wisconsin has lost 10 games, but none by more than 10 points. Twice in the 2011 season the Badgers were defeated on Hail Mary pass plays and even in the five-loss campaign that recently concluded, all such defeats were of the one-possession variety. This is not to suggest that losing close games somehow represents a salve, because that’s hardly true, but Wisconsin has elevated itself into the country’s hierarchy by following gameplans that are designed to keep the opponent an arm’s length away.

Some have charged that Bielema has gotten fat on the so-called weak sisters of the Big 10, the Gophers and Hoosiers and such. They may point to his record against the heavy hitters in the

league and scoff, but the rose-colored reflections upon the Petrino era belie the fact that Saint Bobby BEAU whiffed all four WILCOX times against Alabama, split two and two with LSU, and fattened his record with plenty of routs.

It’s what coaches do, frankly, to put a sheen on their achievements, and there’s no sin in pummeling the dregs of the league, only slipping up against them.

And Bielema didn’t do that. Wisconsin had trouble with Ohio State but largely dispatched those teams it was favored to beat, and only in rare instances did the Badgers self-destruct. A mark of a quality team is not only its ball control, but also its ability to win the turnover battle: Wisconsin placed sixth nationally in 2010 and fifth in 2011. Arkansas just completed a season where it nestled in the country’s bottom five, so there was an immediate need for the team to remedy its worst habits through better conditioning and fundamentals.

Bielema was obviously not the consensus pick, and opinions vary as to whether he was the truly proper one.

When Long pursued and bagged Petrino in late 2007, it represented a sea change in the philosophy of Razorback football, so to many the efforts to secure Bielema strayed from that commitment.

But did they really? Petrino’s attack may have been modernization in form, but in substance it was taking a flyer on a cocky, middle-aged guy who wanted to recast the image of Arkansas football as a national also-ran. It’s hard to characterize the Bielema hire any differently, despite the surface appearance.

Bielema’s press conference wasn’t just the customary introduction: He showed humor, humility and zeal in a lengthy and only momentarily awkward appearance (please cease and desist with the Hog call at these events — it’s a travesty almost every time). He also refused to anchor himself to a given style, underscoring his comments with the word “balance” often.

The viability of a hire like this cannot be assessed in a matter of minutes or even months. Bielema is here for a presumable long haul, and he has to make that haul up an incline that nobody anticipated to be this steep. Arkansas loses much from a team that lost much, and patience among the fan base, perpetually thin anyway, is practically gossamer at this point. Bielema’s salary and profile only accelerate the demands of success, but at first blush, he seems awfully equipped to comply.

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W O RDS

Speaking of butts ...

We mentioned last week that the old expression buck naked sometimes appears nowadays, erroneously, as butt naked. A colleague shared our aversion to this misusage, and added that he was equally offended by those who write “He got a wild hair up his a.. .” The proper phrase is “wild hare up his a.. ” our man said. I demurred. I was sure hair was correct. I still am — at least 90 percent — but I found that proof is harder to come by than I’d expected. Standard dictionaries don’t list the phrase and some slang dictionaries don’t either.

The on-line Urban Dictionary does list “get a wild hare,” and says it means “to get a wild impulse,” and it adds that “wild hair” is a “common misspelling of ‘wild hare’ (a ‘hare’ being a wild, rabbitlike animal).” So the UD, which is not always reliable, seems to agree with my colleague that the saying refers to one having a rabbit up his fundament.

That would cause strange behavior, all right, but it’s too much of a stretch for me. A hair rather than a hare is much more likely to be found on the terrain in question, and unruly hairs are sometimes capable of causing discomfort.

Another on-line dictionary says that “wild hair” is correct, and that to have

one where the sun doesn’t shine is “to be obsessed with some strange or offbeat idea.” It doesn’t explain DOUG why hair is corSMITH dougsmith@arktimes.com rect, though.

The New Partridge Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English comes down on the side of hair, and that’s good enough for me. This is a two-volume update of an old and respected reference work. It says: “wild hair — an impulsive notion. A shortened form of wild hair up your ass without the full connotation of annoyance.

‘Something bothering you, Jimmy?

You got a wild hair?’ Robert Campbell, Nibbled to Death By Ducks, p. 68, 1989.” “wild hair up your ass; wild hair up your butt — the notional cause of irrational, obsessive behavior.

‘I was over there behind your friend with the wild hair up his ass.’ — Thomas Harris, Red Dragon, p. 184-185, 1981.

‘Jeez, don’t get a wild hair up your butt.’ — Cherie Bennett, See No Evil, p.

147, 2002.”

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ARKANSAS TIMES

BRET BIELEMA. He’ll be paid $3.2 million per year for six years to coach the Arkansas Razorbacks football team. That puts him in the top tier of SEC coaches, behind only Alabama’s Nick Saban ($5.36 million), LSU’s Les Miles ($3.75 million) and South Carolina’s Steve Spurrier ($3.55 million).

BOBBY PETRINO. After losing his job and a $3.5 million salary in the wake of a scandal involving a motorcycle crash and a mistress, Bobby Petrino is making a comeback. The former head football coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks was named head coach of Western Kentucky. He’ll be paid $850,000 annually before incentives.

(John L. Smith money!) If (when?) he leaves, there’s a $1.2 million buyout.

PORTENTS OF THE COMING APOCALYPSE. The water ran red in the ditches in the Plateau Street area south of Markham (due to a leak from UAMS’ hot water circulation system; the color, UAMS said, was caused by a dye and isn’t toxic or otherwise harmful). Meanwhile, crystal lovers gathered at a convention at the

DoubleTree Hotel in Little Rock for the Cosmic Crystalline Completion.

Organizers billed the event as “Our Final Process in the Crystal Vortex” and “the Completion That Triggers the Transformation.”

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION. The Arkansas Supreme Court upheld the state’s Freedom of Information law, overturning last year’s ruling from Sebastian County Circuit Judge James Cox, which found criminal penalties for FOI violations unconstitutional.

It was a bad week for…

A LANGUAGE BARRIER. The Centers for Disease Control released a report saying that a Tyson poultry plant worker who poured a solution into a 55-gallon drum, releasing chlorine gas, could not read the English label on the drum that would have alerted him to its contents. Tyson disputes the findings.

Six hundred workers were evacuated from the plant after the incident, on June 27, 2011, and of those, 195 told the CDC they sought medical treatment, 152 were hospitalized and the plant nurse said five were admitted to intensive care units.

THE OBSERVER NOTES ON THE PASSING SCENE

THE OBSERVER’S ONLY CHILD turned 13 years old on Thursday of last week. If you’ve watched this space over the past 10 years or so, you’ve been witness to a good bit of that boy’s growing up, from the tail end of The Diaper Era to young adulthood.

In a fit of remorse and joy over losing a ‘tween and gaining a teen the night before Junior’s odometer rolled over, The Observer had a rare visit from our fickle muse and wrote one of the sole extant examples of our poetry for him.

POEM FOR SAM ON THE EVE OF HIS 13th BIRTHDAY I am no poet But I will write one for you, because you have suffered me: Lovesick, terrified fool who became your father.

Where is the boy I knew?

Whose cry I wept and blubbered over Until a nurse took my elbow and ushered me out?

Who I once held cupped in both my hands All of you in one place for the only time in your life?

Time and bonestretch has replaced you, Made you taller than me at that age, Taller, nearly, than my own father ever was Mist on your cheekbones telling me The clock is always sweeping toward daylight.

When you remember me someday Separated by distance and eventually the veil, Don’t recall me in my failures A thought worse than the grave, That longer death of having the best of me forgotten.

Instead, remember me as I remember my own father: In dusk, in firelight, at the darkest ebb of the eclipse Walking in steep and treacherous places Surefooted enough that I can remember Every time I ever saw him stumble And save himself from gravity.

IN AN EFFORT TO JUMPSTART our lagging holiday spirit, The Observer decided to take in an area tradition. Last year, our first in the Natural State, we missed the fanciful display in Sherwood Forest. To compensate, we decided that this year we’d do it right, up close and personal. We took a friend and our bikes.

It wasn’t quite what we’d expected.

Even though The Observer knew it was a driving tour, we didn’t anticipate crawling bumper-to-bumper traffic, spilling onto either side of a paved jogging path.

In our imagination, we owned the forest.

We careened through a glittering tree tunnel, shouting our breathless regard to the Merry Men, and only very occasionally veering aside to let a solitary car pass.

We had to make the best of things.

We walked our bikes and, every few dozen feet, tossed them aside to dash through a field of tiny angels or trip over near-invisible suspension wires, leaving larger-than-life elves and beanstalks wavering our wake.

Upon successful completion (marked

by Shiva-Santa, a towering, leering apparition that waves phallus-shaped limbs), it was nearly 9 p.m. — time for lights-out.

Not wanting to get caught in the dark with Shiva-Santa and the Merry Men, we circled back and started pedaling. We didn’t make it far before realizing that the blathering law enforcement officer was indeed blathering at us. You can’t go that way, he shouted. So which way should we go? we shouted. The only way is the highway, he shouted. We can’t bike the highway. We have no lights and bad tubes, we shouted. Off our bikes and walking again, this time towards the cop, to negotiate our passage. How did we even get in? he thundered. We shrugged. No one had tried to stop us. He absolutely cannot let us go back through the display. What if a car hit us at 0.25 miles an hour? What if we go on the highway and a car hits us at 55 miles an hour, we countered.

That’s when he turned his back.

Friend and Observer beamed at each other, mounted our bikes and tore through Sherwood Forest, thieves-outof-Nottingham style. The cars were gone, the lights twinkled and blurred, and we flew down the hill. It was exactly how we had imagined it.

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Arkansas Times 11-21-12.indd 1

DECEMBER 12, 2012

11

10/25/12 4:03 PM

Arkansas Reporter

THE

IN S IDE R

Ellison shooting The news of the fatal shooting of 67-year-old Little Rock resident Eugene Ellison by Little Rock Police Officer Donna Lesher on Dec. 9, 2010, after an altercation in Ellison’s apartment, has jumped the pond: The British newspaper The Guardian has picked up the story.

The Guardian is focusing on the deposition of Officer Vincent Lucio taken for the federal civil rights lawsuit brought by Ellison’s sons over the shooting. Lucio said he didn’t believe Ellison was acting in a way that was a threat to officers’ lives before he was shot twice in the chest.

Ellison began struggling with Lesher and her partner, Officer Tabitha McCrillis, after the two came upon Ellison’s open door while they were working off-duty security at the Big Country Chateau Apartments at 6200 Colonel Glenn Road and went inside to investigate. At the time he was killed, Ellison was armed only with a walking cane.

Last week’s Insider column reported that during her own deposition in the Ellison case, Lesher unflinchingly told plaintiff’s attorney Michael Laux that her first response if Ellison had exercised his right to close his door in her face would have been to immediately call in the LRPD S.W.A.T. team.

Lucio — one of four LRPD officers on the scene when Ellison was shot — was asked by Laux if he believed Ellison’s behavior at the time of the shooting constituted “deadly force,” to which Lucio replied: “Not to me at that time.”

From the deposition: Laux: “And you didn’t think — you never saw deadly force being threatened while you were there.

Is what I said true?”

Lucio: “Correct.”

Darr for something Lt. Gov. Mark Darr has told Talk Business’ Jason Tolbert he’s prayerfully considering what to run for in 2014. Regardless of the directive from on high, Darr said he’ll be on the ballot in two years, possibly in the governor’s race.

Former Congressman Asa Hutchinson, Curtis Coleman and Sen. Johnny Key have also been mentioned as possible candidates. A Draft Johnny Key for Governor Facebook group hasn’t quite gotten off the ground. Since being created Nov. 12, it had only CONTINUED ON PAGE 13 12

DECEMBER 12, 2012

ARKANSAS TIMES

Gay Walmart group PRIDE comes out But company’s embrace of equality uneasy.

BY JACQUELINE FROELICH

W

almart’s red-bricked headquarters in Bentonville is an inscrutable place for good reason. The world’s largest and most successful retailer has trade secrets to keep.

One discreet bit of data — among the estimated 5,000 home office associates, 600 are gay. For the past seven years, some of these lesbian, gay, transsexual, transvestite, transgendered and bisexual professionals have quietly worked to affect political and social change within Walmart.

Their internal corporate resource group, Walmart PRIDE (Promoting Respect, Inclusion, Diversity & Equity), organized eight years ago, finally came out publicly at the Northwest Arkansas Center for Equality’s annual gala, Nov. 16 in Fayetteville.

A dozen members were on hand to receive the center’s community partner award. In his keynote address, Greg Warren, who joined Walmart three years ago as vice president of marketing, said he was shocked to learn the company did not provide same-sex benefits.

“So I made it a mission,” he said.

“But making change at Walmart is like dripping water on stone.”

To convince company leaders, PRIDE members produced a documentary in which gay associates told their coming-out stories. “Lots of people don’t realize you have to come out on a daily basis,” said one. “It’s not easy.”

“It made me queasy, nauseous,” said another.

“We can’t divide ourselves into comfortable portions,” another gay male associate said. “We can’t be gay at home, then straight at work.”

Warren, who is also featured, told the crowd that the video is being shown to associates around the world.

“We want to encourage them to bring their authentic selves to work,” he said.

In his closing remarks, Warren

ORLOPP: Walmart has inclusive environment.

quoted founder Sam Walton: “ ‘I’ve always been driven to buck the system, to innovate, to take things beyond where they’ve been.’ ” “So I believe it is Sam’s charge for us to dream bigger, to make tomorrow’s actions much larger, more innovative more challenging — and much better.” ♦♦♦ Walmart claims diversity has been at the core of its culture since Sam Walton opened his first discount center in Arkansas in 1962. For minorities and especially elders, the claim may be true, although complaints about glass ceilings and low wages remain ubiquitous.

But in the early days of Walmart, being gay meant working in the closet.

Rumors circulated that if you came out, you faced being fired. Ten years ago, when queried about bias at company headquarters, one lesbian said she kept a photo of a fake husband on her desk to dispel suspicions. A transsexual said she presented as male to hide her true identity. Another woman reported that after coming out, she was written up, then terminated for what she said was

a minor infraction.

Fears eased in 2003, after Walmart set diversity goals and expanded its workplace nondiscrimination policy to include sexual orientation. Two years later, corporate associates were encouraged to organize cultural and ethnic resource groups — support groups to enhance professional development and to foster a sense of community. Hispanics, Asians, blacks, women, Native Americans and Pacific Islanders formed affinity groups.

Meanwhile, a few dozen gay associates quietly organized Walmart PRIDE. “Our company has an inclusive environment where they do feel comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work,” said Sharon Orlopp, Walmart’s chief diversity officer.

She said Walmart PRIDE has recently expanded beyond Northwest Arkansas, to include colleagues at the company’s e-commerce headquarters in San Bruno, Calif., home to Walmart.com.

“Associates there, as well as in our Tulsa market, recently held a ‘Coming Out’ day,” she said. “And when we opened a Walmart Express in a Chicago neighborhood which is predominately gay, our PRIDE group had involvement with selecting product assortment.”

In 2007, Walmart courted the socalled “Lavender Marketplace” by paying $25,000 to join the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.

It also co-sponsored an annual convention of “Out & Equal,” a group that promotes equality in the workplace.

But the company quickly caught flak. The national right-wing Christian American Family Association called for a nationwide Black Friday boycott. AFA accused the retailer of yielding to a “radical homosexual agenda.” Walmart responded by withdrawing from the chamber. It issued CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

LISTEN UP

THE

BIG PICTURE

BILL’S PICKS

Bill Eginton’s Arkansas Record & CD Exchange is tucked away in a strip mall in Levy. It’s a fairly unassuming looking store from the outside. But one need only to step inside (remembering to take your jacket off, of course) to understand that the place is a treasure trove.

Eginton recently shared some of his favorite Arkansas records with the Times. As one might imagine, he’s got quite the collection. He showed us rare True Soul records from Larry Davis (“one of the unsung heroes of Arkansas”) and garage rock 45s from The Lost Souls and The Romans that would have the collector nerds drooling. Below are a few of Bill’s picks.

Back in the ’60s, KAAY-AM 1090 DJ Clyde Clifford was breaking new ground with his late-night freeform rock show Beaker Street. The 50,000-watt station had an enormous footprint, reaching into Mexico and Cuba and all the way up to Minnesota, Eginton’s home state. He heard the Tom Paxton song “Cindy’s Cryin’” by a band called Deep Water Reunion, one of Clifford’s signature tracks. He met the band members, who were from Arkansas, including singer Barbara Raney. Raney and Eginton became romantically involved.

“And eventually she asked me what I thought about moving to Little Rock. I thought if Little Rock had ‘Beaker Street’ and Clyde Clifford, it was probably pretty cool.” The band’s private-press LPs go for fairly big bucks nowadays. Eginton has one hanging over the front counter.

Mulehead’s “The Gospel Accordion II” contains an all-time classic in Kevin Kerby’s “When the Dope Ran Out (So Did She),” Bill said, noting that “Kerby don’t sing that one anymore.” Kerby did confirm this to the Times, but said he’d sing it again just for Bill “if he’d come out to my shows.”

Tune in to the Times’ “Week In Review” podcast each Friday.

Available on iTunes & arktimes.com

INSIDER, CONT. drawn four “Likes” at press time on Tuesday.

Secretary of State loses money on Santa

Raney and Eginton relocated to Little Rock, and a few years later released her country single “(Soon as I Lose) 10 Lbs.” b/w “Barfly’s Lament (Forever & Ever),” which was a hit on Arkansas stations.

Eginton was Raney’s manager, and the singer was offered a record deal after traveling to Nashville to appear on the talent show “You Can Be a Star.” The two were in a family way soon, though, with Raney giving birth to their daughter Flora.

Eginton showed us his Rockin’ Guys T shirt. The band was led by Danny Grace (now of The Frontier Circus) and they released several albums of feedbackdrenched rock covers over the span of several years.

The Christmas Medley from their 2006 “Christmas in Jail” album is Bill’s favorite Rockin’ Guys cut.

Ho-Hum’s Lenny Bryan used to work at The Record Exchange.

Of the band’s many songs, Bill’s favorite is “Bad Things,” from 1999’s “Massacre.”

You might remember our report in September that the secretary of state’s office had fired Santa Claus. Robert Newcomb, a jolly type who had played the role on the Capitol steps at the end of the Little Rock Christmas Parade for nine years (as well as squeezing down Children’s Hospital’s and other chimneys in his red suit). Newcomb, a lawyer the rest of the year, represents a woman who filed an Equal Opportunity Employment Commission complaint about her firing from the Capitol police force, which is under the aegis of the secretary of state’s office. Newcomb told the Times the secretary of state’s office called him over the summer to play the role again this year.

He said sure. Then, in September, an employee of the office called Newcomb to say his services were no longer needed. She said she didn’t know why. Newcomb believes it was an act of retribution for his representation of the Capitol police officer.

When the Times initially reported on the issue, the secretary of state’s office denied that it was punishing Newcomb; a spokesperson said a Capitol police officer on staff wanted the gig.

But as Michael Cook of Talk Business reported this week, the Capitol officer didn’t end up filling the role. It went to Santa Roger Armstrong, who was paid $400. Newcomb had always filled the role for free, though the SOS office presented him with a $100 gift cart to Walmart. Pressed on why the SOS office would pay for a more expensive Santa Claus, spokesman Alex Reed said, “We just felt like it was time to make a change.”

Arkansan of the Year

One of the most legendary rockabilly 45s of all time is Sun Records 247, “Red Headed Woman” b/w “We Wanna Boogie” by Newport’s Sonny Burgess.

Joyce Green’s “Tomorrow” b/w “Black Cadillac” on Vaden Records (Trumann, Ark.) is another rockabilly classic. The ultra-rare 45 is “the best female rockabilly record of all time — and not just for Arkansas,” Eginton said. Check the autographed poster behind the record.

Larry Davis’s “Pouring Water on a Drowning Man” was released on Lee Anthony’s True Soul Records, Bill’s favorite Arkansas label. Davis wrote “Texas Flood,” which Stevie Ray Vaughan had a hit with in the ’80s. Davis “was always a very nice, underrated guy who never got the credit he deserved,” Eginton said.

It’s time again for the Arkansas Times to name our annual Arkansan of the Year.

Last year’s winner was Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art founder Alice Walton (yes, she lives in Texas, but she’s a native whose vision and billions made Bentonville an art mecca). Who would you choose for this year’s honoree? Submit your nomination to lindseymillar@arktimes. com with Arkansan of the Year in the subject line. www.arktimes.com

DECEMBER 12, 2012

13

ROBYN FRIDAY

MU S IC I S S UE

STILL STANDING: Greg Spradlin has been to honky tonk hell and back.

THE LONG WAY

After nearly giving up, the best guitarist in Arkansas joins forces with his musical idols.

BY DAVID RAMSEY

14

DECEMBER 12, 2012

ARKANSAS TIMES

O

nce upon a time, Greg Spradlin had designs on becoming a rock star. He once told No Depression magazine that his former band, The Skeeterhawks, had “been sent to save rock ’n’ roll.”

Nowadays, Spradlin, 43, works as a consultant to non-profits, trading on years of experience as an upper-level manager for the Heifer International Foundation. He pops up on stage from time to time, stealing the show at Riverfest or playing a big-shot industry event.

Ask a local music nerd and he’s liable to tell you that Spradlin’s the best guitarist in the state. But for more than a decade now, he’s been more of a nine-to-fiver than a rocker.

ROBYN FRIDAY

MU SIC I S S UE

“I went through three failed record deals before I was 26,” he says. “I got beat up and burned out pretty early.”

So you’ll excuse him if he can hardly believe his good fortune: Years after he’d decided, well, “fuck this,” he finds himself fronting a band with guitar legend (and Spradlin’s boyhood hero) David Hidalgo of Los Lobos and longtime Elvis Costello drummer Pete Thomas, who Tom Waits has called “one of the best rock drummers alive.”

How he got there is a story that sounds like a Greg Spradlin song: A whole lot of heartbreak and a whole lot of shouting that ends in, if not redemption, at least a well-earned hallelujah.

HIDALGO (RIGHT): Boyhood hero.

♦♦♦

S

pradlin has been playing music professionally since he was 14. While still in high school, he became a guitar mercenary for the honky-tonk bands in White and Cleburne counties. Word got around: If your guitar man fell out, there was a kid in Pangburn who already knew the pickup to all your songs. The gigs were rough — a teen-ager waltzing into grimy bars with grown men who showed up as much for the fighting as for the music. His parents made him take a pistol to gigs, just in case.

“I didn’t think it was weird at the time,” Spradlin says. “It never occurred to me that I might end up in a shootout.”

Everyone agreed: This boy could play.

These were hard-bitten and inglorious days for Spradlin — going to familyband rehearsals in creepy shacks in the boonies, playing “Sweet Home Alabama” in a Hawaiian shirt, entertaining town drunks. But let’s not get off track. Spradlin is like a windup doll of redneckGothic memories and too-good-to-check stories; one whiskey in, he rattles off more material than could fit in these pages.

Point is, by the time he was 20, he was “hard and crusty,” having spent every week of his life in dive bars, paying his dues well past the point of any reasonable return. He was playing one night at White Water Tavern when a fast-talking, long-haired guy approached him after the set.

“I’m from Arkansas and I live in L.A. now and I’ve got a deal with Warner Bros. and I want you to be in my band,” the dude sputtered breathlessly. Figuring he was full of it, Spradlin gave him his number and forgot all about it.

But it turned out that this big talker was a guy named Bryson Jones from Newport who really did have a development deal with Warner Bros. What

THOMAS: One of the best drummers alive, according to Tom Waits.

“We signed a ridiculous deal. That’s what you get for hiring a $500 lawyer.”

Jones didn’t have was a band, or even an act. He had been in a hair-metal outfit that tried to make it in L.A. The band sucked, but a record-industry manager thought the charismatic Jones was cute.

She hooked him up with an A&R guy, and in those heady days of fast-and-loose deals, that was all it took. The A&R man told Jones they didn’t need any more metal acts. But Jones was from Arkansas and The Black Crowes were huge at the time, so how about a Southern-rock band? Why not?

Jones saw Spradlin and thought “the thing that you do, I need that.” The decision makers at Warner Bros. agreed and Spradlin, who had never been on a plane before, was flown out to L.A. to start a band with Jones.

What followed was essentially an attempt to put together a Southern-rock boy band. “Straight up, this was a manu-

factured act,” Spradlin says. “There was no art involved.” The A&R guy brought together a mismatched crew to play with them, including a speed-metal drummer from Iowa and a male-model guitarist from Hawaii.

Their big moment was supposed to come with a showcase in front of all of the Warner brass, in town for their annual meeting. Unfortunately, it had been a bad year for Time Warner, and immediately prior to going to see Spradlin and company, the label honchos had been told that there was a signing freeze and rosters needed to be slashed.

“Then they came to see us,” Spradlin remembers. “They’re like, why are we here? There’s not going to be any new band.”

At this point, the band didn’t even have a name (surely “creek” and “boys” would have been involved). Of course,

as ridiculous as these Bad News Bears of Southern rock were, they might well have made it on to the scene if the whole goofy scenario had taken place a year earlier.

“The theme of my life is timing,” Spradlin says. “With my music, it’s always stuff like that. If I booked a gig tonight, it would come a hailstorm.”

Spradlin, dejected, went back to Arkansas. He finished up college, worked odd jobs, and eventually started The Skeeterhawks. This was no boy band.

Beloved in the burgeoning alt-country scene, they made impassioned country rock that combined a rollicking punk spirit and soulful, Gram Parsons-tinged twang.

The band got the thumbs up from No Depression magazine, then the kingmakers of alt-country, where an apparently over-caffeinated writer declared that Spradlin “would rock you like the wind of an Ozark overlook, where tips of descending burnt-yellow sycamores open on the gleaming blue of Lake Quachita [sic].” Labels came calling.

Things were looking up.

And then a wrong turn: The Skeeterhawks signed with San Francisco-based Synapse Records, a rap label looking to branch out.

“We signed a ridiculous deal,” Spradlin says. “That’s what you get for hiring a $500 lawyer.”

The band went to California and cut a sub-par version of the record they’d already made back in Arkansas. Everyone was getting a bad feeling about the label and the deal, a feeling that got worse as the days went by without anyone seeing a dime. The band went back to Little Rock, the record never came out, and they never heard from the label again.

“We thought our whole record was gone,” Spradlin says. “They wouldn’t call us back. We didn’t own anything, we couldn’t do anything.”

Their record in limbo, the band slowly fell apart.

Spradlin took some time off, then cut some solo demos with a Music Row manager. The manager was shopping them around to labels when someone broke into his house in Nashville and stole his hard drive, which had the only copy of the demos.

Spradlin is the sort of guy apt to believe in signs, and by this point, the signs seemed clear. “I felt like the universe was telling me something,” he says.

“I thought, ‘Obviously music is not what I’m supposed to be doing,’ even though I know down to my core this is all I’m really good at.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 19 www.arktimes.com

DECEMBER 12, 2012

15

MU S IC I S S UE

TRAVIS McELROY

BRIAN CHILSON

TRAVIS HILL

TALE OF TWO TRAVISES

Thick Syrup and Last Chance label founders talk shop.

BY ROBERT BELL

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DECEMBER 12, 2012

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L

ittle Rock has had its share of independent labels, from Lee Anthony’s legendary soul, funk and R&B label True Soul in the ’60s and ’70s (anthologized beautifully last year by Now Again Records) to garage rock imprints like Zay-Dee, My Records and others that have been collected on Harold Ott’s essential “Lost Souls” compilations.

There was File 13, started back in 1989 in Little Rock and now based in Chicago after a long stint in Philly.

Burt Taggart of The Big Cats has the long-running Max Recordings, home of many of the state’s best rock bands.

There’s Rex Bell’s jazz label Inrafred Records. Industry vet Butch Stone has a new digital label Mole.fm. Mutants of the Monster is a new label from Rwake and Iron Tongue vocalist CT that looks to have a very promising roster.

Two Little Rock labels that have been prolific over the last five to six years both happen to be operated by guys named Travis — Travis Hill and Travis McElroy, who run Last Chance Records and Thick Syrup Records, respectively. They sat down to talk shop with the Times on a recent afternoon at White Water Tavern.

Thick Syrup has released albums from locals like Brother Andy & His Big Damn Mouth, Smoke Up Johnny, The See, Ezra Lbs. and many more, as well as reissues and new work from legendary underground artists such as Half Japanese, Chrome Cranks, Weird Paul and side projects from such giants as Mike Watt, Thurston Moore and Don Fleming, among others. Back in October, McElroy put together a huge two-day show with rare live performances from Half Japanese, exhibitions of artwork from the band’s principal members (Jad and David Fair — whose artwork also graces the new album from Little Rock’s The Alpha Ray) and a screening of “The Band that Would Be King,” a fantastically entertaining documentary about the brothers. Thick Syrup acts Ezra Lbs. and The Bloodless Cooties also played.

Last Chance boasts a roster of artists with Arkansas connections — folks like Kevin Kerby, Ben Nichols and Cory Branan — as well as those hailing from other locales, such as Tennessee’s Glossary, North Carolina’s American Aquarium, Memphis rocker John Paul Keith and Indiana-based singer/songwriter Austin Lucas.

Nearly all of these acts have played the White Water Tavern on numerous occasions, and last weekend the venue hosted the lion’s share of Last

ake LL iquor

MU SIC I S S UE

Chance bands over a three-day event that promises to become an annual tradition. People traveled from more than 15 states and two foreign countries to attend.

Last Chance and Thick Syrup got started in the 2006/2007 timeframe. Hill and McElroy collaborated on a few releases by San Antokyo, Frown Pow’r, Brother Andy, Jonathan Wilkins and Bryan Frazier before branching out in their own directions, with Thick Syrup charting more experimental rock waters and Last Chance pursuing Southern and Midwestern Americana bands and singer/songwriters.

“Putting out records is a great way to lose money,” Hill said. He repeated this phrase a couple of times actually, prompting an understanding chuckle from McElroy. Clearly, these guys aren’t in it to get rich. McElroy does freelance IT work and Hill has a fulltime day job. Many small labels are labors of love, but in the years since Last Chance and Thick Syrup got rolling, things haven’t necessarily gotten any easier.

The price of oil has shot up considerably, meaning not only are touring bands shelling out more at the pump, but records are getting more expensive to press, vinyl being a petroleum product and all.

At the same time, iTunes — once hailed as the savior of record labels — is slowly but surely giving way to newer streaming services such as Spotify, Rdio, Mog and others that generate a tiny fraction of the revenue of Apple’s online music service.

“Here’s the way I look at it,” Hill said, “and I get asked this all the time — ‘Should I put my music on Spotify?’ At the level we’re operating at, exposure is the most important thing.”

“Same here,” McElroy said.

Most of both labels’ catalogs are available on Spotify, but Hill said, “I make more off SiriusXM satellite radio play quarterly than I do off Spotify.

“I’ll see my Spotify numbers and it’s awesome to see that something’s been played like 60,000 times.” However, even at that volume, “you get like two cents off it.”

McElroy said he considers streaming to be part of the cost of doing business, and that if it gets people turned on to other bands on his label, then perhaps they’ll be more likely to buy the albums in a physical format or go see the bands play live.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

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MU S IC I S S UE

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ARKANSAS TIMES

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Hill echoed that assessment, expounding on the double-edgedsword nature of the Internet: “Everything’s free on the Internet, yet the Internet is also the great equalizer.

Either one of us can get press that 20 years ago would’ve been impossible to get,” he said. “The flip side of that is that 20 years ago, press sold records, and press today doesn’t necessarily sell records.”

But back to the other side of the Internet, “People will pick up Kevin Kerby because they heard Glossary,” McElroy said.

Hill agreed: “I have people from Europe order Kevin Kerby records and they don’t know who Kevin Kerby is, because he doesn’t tour Little Rock, much less Europe.”

McElroy said he’s seen the same thing with his artists, with customers ordering Ezra Lbs. CDs based on the fact that Thick Syrup has bands like Half Japanese and garage rock veterans Chrome Cranks on its roster.

“I’ve gotten some really good reviews from Europe, D.C. and California with Ezra Lbs. just because of the Chrome Cranks connection,” he said. Laying that groundwork will no doubt help a young band like Ezra Lbs. when it comes time to hit the road.

McElroy said the band “wants to go to Japan and they’ve already gotten like a ton of Japan followers on Twitter.”

Touring in Europe and Japan has long been viewed as the gravy train for U.S. bands: the distances between gigs are shorter; the pay is often better; the audiences are more engaged and into it.

“Europe is crazy man,” McElroy said. “They love the vinyl, the sales are three times as big as the CD or vinyl [sales] are in the U.S.” Austin Lucas and John Paul Keith & The One Four Fives have toured Europe and can attest to this. “John Paul Keith just got back from Europe and he sold every 45 that he carried over, and he sold them in about seven days, which is more than we sold here in two years,” Hill said.

“If I had deep pockets and could send all of my bands to Europe and Australia?” he pondered. It was a rhetorical question.

That’s one of the common misconceptions about label owners — that they must surely have deep pockets.

Another common misconception?

That somebody running a label is interested in hearing your demo.

“For a long time I tried to listen to everything,” Hill said, “and I got to the point where I don’t listen to anything. Now if you handed me a CD or [McElroy] handed me a CD — a personal recommendation — I’ll listen. Something that comes blind in the mail? I can’t. I don’t have time.”

McElroy too gets an endless stream of submissions, so many that he’s had to outsource: “I have a guy who does that for me now, that’s all he does is he listens to demos and everything goes to his e-mail so I don’t have to see it all.”

Hill said he pretty much limits himself to the roster he has now.

“What I tell bands all the time if they won’t take no for an answer is, book a show at White Water Tavern, kick my ass there, and we’ll talk,” he said.

“Pretty much everybody on the label is somebody that I first saw at the White Water that changed my life.”

The fact that both labels have been as successful as they have speaks not only to the owners’ hard work, but also to their respective genres’ dedicated followings. They might not sell a million copies of anything in their catalogs, but it’s not a flash-in-thepan hit that either is looking for.

So why run a record label?

Perhaps that’s best answered by the new Last Chance T-shirts, which read, in all caps: “MUSIC MATTERS.” That’s really the essence of it. It’s true for Hill’s label as much as it is for McElroy’s or Taggart’s or CT’s or many of the others. These folks do this because they really believe that music matters. It matters enough to make all the late nights and long hours and endless e-mails and backand-forth with pressing plants and distributors and musicians and all of that extra work worth it.

McElroy and Hill both said getting to work with some of their favorite artists is one of the best things about running a label.

“As long as I can approach breaking even, it’s a labor of love,” Hill said. “And keeping the integrity of the label name you know? That’s all I really ask.”

McElroy said while he’s not selling a ton of records, “I just like what I’m doing.”

“I feel pretty lucky that I’m getting to work with these people that I’ve always loved and listened to,” he said.

All Aboard!!

All Ab All Aboard!!

Lionels at Laman a Lionels Lionels at Laman MU S IC I S S UE

SPRADLIN

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

And maybe that’s where this story would have ended — a life of almosts, rock ’n’ roll dreams on the shelf — if not for Jim Dickinson. Dickinson, a Little Rock native, was a revered producer and musician and one of the godfathers of the Memphis sound. He played on iconic records by Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan, produced Big Star’s seminal “Third/Sister Lovers,” and served as a kind of North Star for aficionados of outre Southern music. He took a shine to Spradlin and played on “… and Twiced as Gone,” the local cult classic that Spradlin produced himself at home, which Dickinson praised as the “perfect Southern weirdo record.”

The two grew close, and Dickinson became something of a musical father figure to Spradlin, who still refers to Dickinson as “my Obi-Wan Kenobi.”

Even as Spradlin got himself a real job and got out the guitar less and less, Dickinson was always in his ear, prodding him to line up better musicians to play with, to fulfill the destiny that Dickinson saw for him, even when Spradlin himself was ready to give up.

Dickinson and Spradlin had planned to make a record together: This was the next big thing, the manic dream they never quite got around to. Dickinson’s heart gave out and he passed away in 2009 before they got the chance.

Dickinson had requested that Spradlin do the eulogy at his funeral. The last line he wanted read was, “I’m just dead, I’m not gone.” At that point, musically speaking, Greg Spradlin was something like the opposite: alive, just gone.

But Dickinson’s death shook Spradlin, woke him up. He felt like his mentor was still pushing him.

“When Jim died, he didn’t actually stop producing,” Spradlin says. “He had set all these things in motion. He knew what he was doing even though you didn’t see it coming.”

Dickinson’s outsized presence was still haunting Spradlin when his friend and collaborator, Jason Weinheimer of The Boondogs, mentioned that he was considering calling Pete Thomas, who had played with The Boondogs over the years, to play drums on a record Weinheimer was producing.

“Greg got real serious,” Weinheimer says. “He said, ‘Man, you have to do this.

I have huge regrets about things I didn’t do with Jim, and now he’s gone. I’m not going to let that happen again. Now’s the time.’ ”

Weinheimer and Spradlin asked Thomas to come down a day early to play on some songs that Spradlin had tucked away. Thomas was game, so Weinheimer sent him a copy of “... and Twiced as Gone.”

“The first thing Pete says when we pick him up,” Weinheimer recounts, “I listened to Greg’s CD — he’s a motherfucker.”

“Yes, he is,” Weinheimer said. “That’s one way to describe him.”

Turns out that since Weinheimer sent him the album, Thomas had been listening non-stop and drumming along to it.

“That was my first clue that this was not going to be just a session for Pete,” Weinheimer says.

Both Spradlin and Thomas were initially apprehensive about playing with each other. “He’s a British drummer,” Spradlin says. “He plays in front of the beat. I’m used to playing with greasy guys — funky, weird, Southern drummers.”

So at first they had to muddle through, this rock legend from Sheffield, England, and this hard-luck guitar hand from Pangburn, Arkansas. It was awkward in the beginning, until ... it wasn’t. Neither had ever played with someone quite like the other and somehow a bluesy chemistry between the two blossomed. They ended up plowing through a marathon session, laying down nine songs in a single day.

“It was magical,” Weinheimer says.

“In one day they created something that didn’t exist before.”

“I thought Greg was great,” Thomas says. “He’s got these crazy lyrics, he’s a crazy guitar player, he’s a reverend, he’s irreverent. I thought he was brilliant.”

Things snowballed from there.

Thomas invited Spradlin and Weinheimer out to L.A. to do more work on the songs. Spradlin mentioned a couple of guys he’d like to play with — Rudy Copeland, an extraordinary Hammond B-3 organ player known for his work with Solomon Burke, and David Hidalgo, which seemed like a bit of a pipe dream since Hidalgo was then playing with Bob Dylan and Tom Waits.

Thomas made some calls; both Copeland and Hidalgo were in. “I thought, this is getting insane,” Spradlin says.

“Pete gave me a call one day and asked if I wanted to do a session with this cat from Arkansas,” Hidalgo recounts. “He said, the way only Pete can say, ‘he’s quite good.’ And he was right — the music was real. It reminded me of everything I like about music.”

13-13-3311 ber 13-31 cemcemberbercem DeDeDe

December 13-31

CONTINUED ON PAGE 21 www.arktimes.com

DECEMBER 12, 2012

19

From Page 12 a statement saying it would no longer contribute to “highly controversial issues, or give preference to gay or lesbian suppliers.”

Three years later, Walmart got flak from the other side, when the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force as well as the Human Rights Campaign called for a boycott, telling LGBTQ shoppers to avoid Walmart stores. ♦♦♦ Still, Walmart has made some strides towards equality within the company. Last year, Walmart extended its non-discrimination policy to include gender expression and gender identity. Most recently the policy, which also protects transsexual associates, was revised to include intersexed individuals. This summer, Walmart PRIDE launched an “Allies for Inclusion” program at one of its meetings, where Sam’s Club president and CEO Rosalind Brewer took the stage in support.

But Deena Fidas, deputy director of the Workplace Project at the Human Rights Campaign based in Washington, said it’s time for Walmart to step up.

A majority of Fortune 500 companies offer domestic partnership benefits.

Walmart does not.

“We applaud Walmart for implementing basic workplace protections for their LGBT employees,” she said. “But they should not have to go through undue legal burden of traveling to another state to acquire samesex partner benefits. Walmart needs to move towards parity.”

Diversity officer Orlopp said the issue of benefits comes up every year.

“We offer same-sex partner benefits in states where it is required,” she said.

“But for us the whole thing is about talent. We want to make sure we have the absolute best talent at Walmart and that all associates can bring their authentic selves to work.”

At the 2010 shareholders meeting in Fayetteville, CEO Mike Duke rolled out the concept “Next Generation Walmart,” proclaiming, “If we work together, we’ll lower the cost of living for everyone. We’ll give the world an opportunity to see what it’s like to save and have a better life.”

Yet when it comes to a better life, Walmart trails far behind Microsoft, Starbucks and Google, which have all come forward in support of marriage equality.

In 1996 only 28 companies offered health benefits for domestic partners.

According to the Human Rights Cam20

DECEMBER 12, 2012

ARKANSAS TIMES

paign 2013 Corporate Equality Index, 62 percent of the Fortune 500 companies now offer health care benefits for same-sex partners, as well as things like adoption assistance, bereavement and paid family leave. While more than 200 companies scored 100 percent on the CEI, Walmart scored only 60.

“Walmart is out of the mainstream compared to companies like Target, Costco and Walgreens,” Fidas said.

“And with such a low score, the retailer cannot authentically tap into the LGBT consumer market, with an estimated buying power of $790 billion U.S. dollars.”

Fidas said LGBT consumers look to HRC’s Corporate Equality Index to guide decisions on where to spend their money.

Sam Walton once said: “Each Walmart store should reflect the values of its customers and support the vision they hold for their community.”

The Williams Institute, a UCLAbased think-tank devoted to LGBT research, estimates that 4 percent of Americans, or nine million people, identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. So given that measure, of 2.2 million Walmart associates worldwide, 88,000 potentially identify as lesbian, gay, transgendered or bisexual. ♦♦♦ Laura Berry, spokesperson for the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, based in Washington, D.C., said her organization works with corporations to support the inclusion of LGBT suppliers.

“Walmart worked with NGLCC as a corporate partner in 2007,” Berry wrote in an e-mail, “but the relationship was not renewed. However, we have more than 130 corporate partners, and we encourage all corporations to engage LGBT-certified businesses in their supply chains.”

Walmart’s refusal to fully support LGBT workplace equality was illuminated when it sought to open its first store in New York in 2010. Gay-rights activists joined small-business owners and labor leaders in proclaiming the expansion of Walmart stores to be the expansion of antiquated employment policies. Today, six Walmart stores operate in New York.

At the Bentonville headquarters, PRIDE members meet monthly. Support groups open with the classic “Walmart Cheer” but are closed to media. In recent years gay celebrities, filmmakers, experts and activists have been flown in, including Judy Shepherd, mother of slain gay youth Matthew Shepherd; Dr. William Bean, a

NWA CENTER FOR EQUALITY

GAY WALMART GROUP, CONT.

CELEBRATING WALMART’S INCREMENTAL STEPS: Jason Rogers, Jeremy Whisenhunt and Jordan Garcia accepting a donation from Walmart in 2011.

Fortune 500 LGBT consultant, and Lisa Sherman, executive vice president and general manager of Logo, Viacom Media Network’s LGBT channel.

The Human Rights Campaign reports that the Walmart Foundation has resumed making donations to gay organizations, including SAGE, an advocacy group for LGBT elders, Out & Equal, and the LGBT Bar Association. But several years ago, CEO Mike Duke inadvertently revealed his position on LGBT civil rights, after it was leaked that he had signed a petition in 2009 in support of an anti-gay adoption ballot measure in Arkansas.

It passed by popular vote, but was later repealed by the state Supreme Court as unconstitutional. ♦♦♦ But PRIDE co-chair Bruce Gillispie believes that being gay at Walmart has never been an issue. The senior product development director, who has been out since 1988, said, “I haven’t experienced the angst, drama or turmoil around questioning whether I can be out at Walmart.”

Gillispie said Walmart PRIDE has recently started to reach out to store associates via its LGBT thread on the company’s internal social network, “WalmartOne” “And the reports I am getting from associates across the country are overwhelmingly positive,” he said.

Gillispie concedes that other companies are leading the way on LGBT workplace equality.

“But for us it’s more about fulfilling an obligation that we have to our associates and to the culture of the company around respect for the indi-

vidual. We’re charged with making company leaders understand our culture, so they can make the right decisions, set the right course,” he said.

Walmart PRIDE is starting to swell, not only at the Walmart.com operation, but at Walmart subsidiary Asda’s United Kingdom headquarters.

Now members and allies can spot one another by a special lapel pin: the Walmart yellow spark over a rainbow.

“We are seeing this pin all around the world,” said Gillispie. “People are starting to collect the pin.”

But Jason Rogers, vice president of the Northwest Arkansas Center for Equality, said the rainbow pins are misleading.

“When I first saw the PRIDE pins, it actually shocked me,” he said. “I could not believe Walmart would approve their starburst to be used that way. At first I was very snaps to Walmart. But at the same time it does not guarantee protection.”

Members of the Northwest Arkansas Center for Equality will continue to celebrate the increments of Walmart’s gay liberation. At the close of the annual gala, Jason Rogers pitched a concept to the slightly drunken crowd.

“What about a new slogan?” he asked excitedly. “How about ‘Save Money, Live Better and Be Fabulous!’ ” The suggestion drew a smattering of giggles — and some nervous applause. Clearly, fabulous has not quite yet arrived.

Jacqueline Froelich is a news producer with KUAF Public Radio 91.3FM in Fayetteville as well as a station-based NPR correspondent.

NWA CENTER FOR EQUALITY

MU S IC I S S UE

“Pete gave me a call one day and asked if I wanted to do a session with this cat from Arkansas. He said, the way only Pete can say, ‘he’s quite good.’ And he was right — the music was real. It reminded me of everything I like about music.”

SPRADLIN

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 For all of the big-time musicians Spradlin had played with over the years — in addition to Thomas and Dickinson, he’s played with Lucinda Williams, Chuck Berry, and others — he has never been more awestruck and thrilled by a musician than Hidalgo.

“Since I was a kid, I held him up as the greatest guitar player,” Spradlin says. “When I was growing up in Pangburn watching Friday night videos, all my friends were into Van Halen, Guns N’ Roses. I never got it, it never hit me. Then Los Lobos came out, I’m getting that. I don’t know why I related to these guys from East L.A. but we come from the same something.”

“When we started playing together, [Hidalgo] said, ‘Me and you must have listened to the same records,’ ” Spradlin says. “And I was like, ‘Yeah, yours.’ ” And here, once again, despite radically different backgrounds, a special connection emerged.

After laying down a bass line on one of Spradlin’s songs, “The Maker,” Hidalgo said, “I’ve been writing songs for years, I can’t believe I didn’t write that song.”

“When this whole thing started, these guys were our heroes,” Weinheimer says. “But it was clear very early on, there was mutual respect being given to Greg. It wasn’t just him playing with his dream band. They were into it as much as we were.”

A few weeks later, Spradlin got an excited call from Thomas. “I just got a call from Mr. Hidalgo,” Thomas shouted in to the phone, “and he wants to start a band with us!”

So far, this fledgling band, newly dubbed Greg Spradlin and the Imperials, has recorded about an album’s worth of material, though Spradlin says

he’s unlikely to release it as a record per se, preferring to release the songs one by one.

The Imperials sound like a bar band, in the very best way. The 10 songs they’ve finished so far are loose, swampy, anthemic, psychedelic. They sound like Arkansas, and they sound like something from another planet. Spradlin growls and wails like a drunken preacher. It’s both more playful and more expansive than anything he has recorded before, dirty enough for a dive bar but with the sprawling ambition of arena rock. It doesn’t sound like an A&R guy was anywhere near it.

“It’s not a record I would have made without them,” Spradlin says. “As soon as we started working together we had so much fun just making a meathead Southern-rock record. We’re all fans of big simple rock. We’re playing to those things that we all dig at a caveman level.”

When Spradlin found out his heroes had the same guilty pleasure as he did, he wasn’t so guilty after all.

“It’s like a fantasy camp for [Hidalgo and Thomas] to play this music authentically,” Weinheimer says. “If anyone else said ‘Let’s play Southern rock’ to Greg, he’d quit the band. Their enthusiasm made it OK and let Greg do what he can do so naturally.”

What’s next for the Imperials?

They’re going to do some more recording, and hope to eventually play some shows live. The challenge is scheduling — forming a band with rock stars is a logistical nightmare.

“This thing has been kind of miraculous,” Spradlin says. “If nothing else comes from this, I got to make a great record with some of my all-time favorite musicians. What more can you ask for?”

“When I was younger, I was a little too serious about the business end of it.

I got to this point, I do it because I love it. The sad reality is, no one is making a decent living. Real guys do it for free.”

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21

Arts Entertainment AND

TIPS FROM THE MASTER BRIAN CHILSON

Randy Motley on how to keep that tree green for Santa.

THE TREE MAN: Randy Motley, down on the farm.

Oh, Christmas tree Thirty years of memories at Motley’s Tree Farm in Little Rock.

BY DAVID KOON

T

hough last week’s 75-degree-plus temperatures probably didn’t put you in mind of chestnuts roasting on an open fire and Jack Frost nipping at your nose, there’s one place where it’s Christmas year-round: Motley’s Christmas Tree Farm in south Little Rock. Now in its 30th year, Motley’s has gone from being a cut-your-own tree lot to an “agri-tourism” destination, with a petting zoo, hay rides, gift shop, snack bar, a pumpkin patch at Halloween and the always-popular pig races. In the last three decades, the farm has helped build Christmas memories for whole generations of Central Arkansas residents.

Owned by Randy Motley and his wife, Linda, the farm — with more than 5,000 trees planted on about 15 acres — sells about 2,500 trees a year. Randy Motley, who worked for Little Rock printing company Magna IV for 30 years before getting into Christmas-tree farming, said he never saw himself as a farmer, but then Motley and his family went to a farm in Sardis to buy a tree.

“I looked around and thought: I could do this,” he said. “A lot of people think that when they come to our farm.”

In the late 1970s, Motley said, the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Ser22

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ARKANSAS TIMES

vice started pushing Christmas trees as an alternative crop for farmers in rural areas, resulting in a tree-farm boom. When Motley’s opened in 1982, the Arkansas Christmas Tree Grower’s Association had about 250 members, and there were 240 commercial, cut-your-own tree farms in the state. Today, there are around 25.

“I’ve seen a lot of people get into it and get out of it,” Motley said. “It’s a lot of physical labor. A lot of people have the wrong location, in my opinion. ... I know a guy who has a farm in rural Arkansas, and he lives in Little Rock. It should be the other way around. You should live in rural Arkansas and have your farm in Little Rock. You have to be by the numbers, the biggest number of people.”

Motley said his location — an easy 15-minute drive from downtown — has been key to the farm’s success. It makes going to pick out a Christmas tree an enjoyable family trip to the country, something Motley’s has played up in recent years. Five years ago, the farm started the pumpkin patch and pig races, in which five petite porkers dash around a rustic, wire-fenced track.

“What we’re doing now is way more about a family outing,” Motley said. “It’s way more than just the tree. We’ve got a

Motley’s Tree Farm

13724 Sandy Ann Drive, Little Rock 501-888-1129 www.motleystreefarm.com HOURS: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat.-Sun.

lot of stuff going on for the kids. They’ll get a tree for sure. But they’ll never forget all the other stuff they did out here too — hayride around the farm to pick up their tree, the petting zoo, see all the farm animals and feed them.”

Motley’s recently bought an additional six acres next door for expansion. Though you might think Motley could take it easy for a good six months of the year, he said it’s actually grueling, year-round work, with every tree requiring a shearing at least twice a year, plus watering, weeding, mowing, and fertilizing, and that’s before what Motley called “the non-stop rush” of the selling season, which runs from Nov. 17 to Dec. 23.

The farm has six varieties of trees planted and brings in other species of precut trees, which are displayed in waterfilled tubs. Inventory ranges in size from under 4 feet tall to 20-footers best suited to banks and other commercial buildings.

Trees general go from seedling to harvest in five years, though Motley’s biggest trees are 10 years old or older. Unsurprisingly, the old-timers are the most expensive, with the largest specimens selling for $225 — a good deal, Motley said, considering that ordering a similar tree from a florist or retailer could cost up to $1,500.

And about getting that big, full tree of your dreams: Motley chuckled when talking about buyers whose eyes were clearly too big for their living rooms. “I don’t think

• Measure twice, cut once: That is to say, measure your living room. No matter how tall your ceilings are, the important thing is how much floor space you want the tree to fill. Figure that out at home by measuring your available space, and then stick to it when you go to the tree farm. Motley said buyer’s remorse is common with big, full trees that take up too much room.

• Buy a tree you choose and cut yourself: Motley said that pre-cut trees are usually a little dried out by the time you get them (he displays his pre-cuts in water to avoid this), and can form a cap of sap over the cut end of their trunk, which prevents reservoir water from entering the tree.

• Keep it simple: “Drilling holes in [the trunk] does nothing to help it,” Motley said. “Cutting an angle or cutting a ‘v’ does nothing to help. A flat cut works best because it’s more likely to stay at the bottom of the reservoir.”

• Water, water, water: Motley said that some of the varieties on his lot can drink more than a gallon a day.

“It fools people,” he said. “They’ll fill up the reservoir with water and think they’re good, come back three days later and it’s dry — and has been dry for two days.” When that happens, the sap cap can form, requiring you to take the tree down and re-cut the trunk to get the water flowing again.

• Spike it: Though Motley said most home remedies he’s heard — including adding everything from 7-Up to aspirin to the reservoir water — do nothing to help keep a tree green, there are florist additives you can buy to help dissolve sap and keep things flowing through New Year’s Day. They sell some of them at Motley’s.

I’ve ever had somebody come back the following year and say: ‘Our tree was too small’ in 30 years,” Motley said. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had people say: ‘I don’t know what we were thinking when we got that tree.’ ” “Everybody gets a tree that’s too big, generally,” Motley said with a smile. “I think they’re comparing it to the sky instead of their ceiling.”

ROCK CANDY Check out the Times’ A&E blog arktimes.com

A&E NEWS ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY, ALREADY HOME to the Johnny Cash Music Festival, is adding another musical shindig to its calendar for March 2, with the Rockabilly Boogiefest. According to an ASU press release, the concert will “benefit a future exhibit focusing on the history and heritage of Rockabilly in the region.”

The lineup includes The Stunning Cunning Band, Stan Perkins, Sonny Burgess and The Legendary Pacers and Narvel Felts. Perkins’ name might sound familiar on account of his father, the renowned Sun Records artist and rockabilly titan Carl Perkins. Keiser native Felts had a successful country career in the ‘70s but got started playing rockabilly in the late ‘50s, issuing several singles on Mercury Records.

Burgess, of course, is renowned for a string of classic rockabilly singles, including the smokin’ “Red Headed Woman” on Sun Records. The Stunning Cunning Band is a Memphis-based revivalist group that impressed Burgess enough that he booked the band at the Arkansas Delta Rockabilly Festival in Helena.

As is fitting, a proclamation from Jonesboro Mayor Harold Perrin was read to declare March 1-3, 2013, Rockabilly Boogiefest Weekend in the city.

HERE’S SOMETHING INTERESTING THAT YOUR TRUSTY Arkansas Times scribes stumbled across the other day while researching for a story: File 13 Records — originally started in Little Rock back in 1989 — is streaming 50 albums from its catalog at file13records.bandcamp.com. You can download them for $7 apiece if you are so inclined.

Of course, the label long ago left its hometown, going on to release albums from avant weirdos Need New Body and Suicide mastermind Martin Rev, among many others. The label’s been based in Chicago for some time, after a lengthy stint in Philadelphia.

There are a couple of Arkansas bands on there right now. Chino Horde’s selftitled long-player is available, as is Shake Ray Turbine’s “The Sauce of Solution.” No word yet on the Numbskullz demo, Towncraft comp or the Benchmark or Class of 84 7”s, but the File 13 folks have been adding new stuff over the last few weeks, so maybe we can look forward to blasting the Full Service Quartet record soon.

ON MONDAY, ARKANSAS’S AMERICAN IDOL, KRIS ALLEN, dropped his Christmas EP, “Waiting for Christmas.”

It’s got five holiday favorites, including “O Holy Night,” “Holly Jolly Christmas,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “The Christmas Song” and “White Christmas.” That’s a grip of Christmas songs right there.

You can get it on iTunes for $5.

Here’s a recommendation from iTunes user jmatt178: “Don’t skip Holly Jolly Christmas — Kris’s take on it is a hoot, it will make you laugh and dance. Kris has always done a great job on The Christmas Song, and this funky, laid-back arrangement is no exception.”

Little Rock’s Down-Home Neighborhood Bar 7th & Thayer · Little Rock · (501) 375-8400

Thursday, december 13

Isaac Alexander Record Release Show! w/ Luella & The Sun (Nashville)

Friday, december 14

KENNY BROWN band (Mississippi) w/ Greg Spradlin

saTurday, december 15

Color Club Record Release Show w/ Ginsu Wives & Perpetual Werewolf (Fayetteville) check out additional shows at

whitewatertavern.com

LIMITED TIME ONLY Nathan Sawaya and Dean West

December 12, 2012 – February 1, 2013

Back by popular demand!

Artist Nathan Sawaya, the Picasso of LEGO® bricks, returns to the Clinton Center with a new show.

“In Pieces” partners seven large-scale, highly stylized photographic images with uniquely constructed threedimensional LEGO® brick sculptures.

1200 President Clinton Avenue • Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 • 501-374-4242 • clintonpresidentialcenter.org www.arktimes.com

DECEMBER 12, 2012

23

THE TO-DO

LIST

BY ROBERT BELL & LINDSEY MILLAR

WEDNESDAY 12/12-THURSDAY 12/13

‘CAMERAS IN THE COURTROOM: THE WEST MEMPHIS THREE CASE’

7 p.m. Wednesday, Argenta Community Theater. Free.

6 p.m. Thursday, Clinton Presidential Library. Free.

To call “Paradise Lost” one of the most important documentary films of the last 20 years is no overstatement. Indeed, without the film, it’s difficult to imagine that the case of three West Memphis teenagers who were railroaded and wrongfully convicted for the horrific murders of three 8-year-old boys would’ve turned out the way it did — with their eventual release last summer after 18 years behind bars. The HBO film, by Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky, includes a wealth of footage from the two trials of the three — a rarity in the American judicial system — that helped to spark widespread interest about the case and foster the grassroots effort to free the young men. The same could be said of journalist and Arkansas Times contributing editor Mara Leveritt’s tireless work on behalf of the West Memphis Three, including her book about the case, “Devil’s Knot,” which is the basis for a film to be released soon. In conjunction with

‘PARADISE LOST’: Screening Wednesday at the Argenta Community Theater.

Leveritt’s recent cover story, “Cameras in Court,” the Times is co-sponsoring two events this week with the Clinton School of Public Service and the Little Rock Film Festival: A Wednesday screening of “Paradise Lost,” with Times editor Lindsey Mil-

THURSDAY 12/13

THURSDAY 12/13

103.7 THE BUZZ CHRISTMAS CELEBRITY KARAOKE CONTEST

9:30 p.m. White Water Tavern.

6 p.m. UALR’s Jack Stephens Center. $50-$65.

A Central Arkansas holiday tradition continues with this star-studded celebration. The 103.7 The Buzz Christmas Celebrity Karaoke Contest is your chance to see local and national celebs belt out some of their favorite songs. Alongside all your Buzz personalities (including Tommy Smith, David Bazzel, Justin Acri, Pat Bradley, Joe Franklin and others), you can hear golf pro John Daly and Gov. Mike Beebe stretch their vocal cords, as well as bona fide country star Justin Moore. This is the seventh year that The Buzz has organized this celebration, which benefits Youth Home, a nonprofit psychiatric treatment center for troubled adolescents. After the karaoke contest, head on over to Cajun’s Wharf for the official after-party. Hang on to your ticket stub and you can get into Cajun’s free. RB 24

DECEMBER 12, 2012

ARKANSAS TIMES

ISAAC ALEXANDER

For a certain type of young-ish, scruffy, artsy musician type, Isaac Alexander is one of those guys who’ll make you feel not only untalented, but lazy too. He is quite the gifted hand when it comes to visual art, sure (he’s one-third of the ad agency Eric, Rob & Isaac), but he’s also a multi-instrumental wiz on the fret board, keys and behind a drum kit as well. He plays and has played in numerous groups (Big Silver, Greers Ferry, The Easys, The Boondogs). Alexander’s new solo album, “Antivenin Suite” (on Max Recordings), is the follow-up to his 2008 long-player “See Thru Me.” That album was voted No. 6 in the Times’ Arkansas Music Poll of the all-time best Arkansas albums.

Times music editor John Tarpley called the record “an instant classic that’s a tastefully spare, devastatingly melodic trip through surviving adulthood.” So how does “Antivenin Suite” stack up?

Very, very well. At 10 songs and just

lar leading a post-screening discussion with Leveritt and Jason Baldwin, one of the West Memphis Three wrongly imprisoned for 18 years. On Thursday, Millar will moderate a discussion on the argument for courts of law allowing video record-

ing with Leveritt and Baldwin at the Clinton Presidential Library. Both events are free, but require RSVPs. At press time, the “Paradise Lost” screening had a wait list. Find links to RSVP at arktimes.com/ cameras. LM

FRIDAY 12/14SUNDAY 12/16 over a half hour, the album is like that first warm breeze of spring. It’s reassuring and pleasant. It’s laid-back rock that’s not straining at some high-flown concept or blog flavor of the month.

Mark my words: Put this album on this spring when you’re driving somewhere with the windows down. Highlights?

The whole album is a highlight, but OK, some of my favorites are “Changing up the Skyline” and “What Love is All About,” lively numbers, the latter a particularly appealing, perfectly brief number with what sounds like some EFX-ed Spanish guitar and piano swirling around and then it’s over before you know it. Other faves: the “Chewing Gum Wrapper” and “Kitchen Windows,” which has a stabbing Farfisa that’s just right in the mix. This record gets better every time I listen to it. Mark it, dude: One of the best albums of 2012. Also on the bill at this show are Adam Faucett and Nashville’s Luella & The Sun, several members of which played on “Antivenin Suite.” RB

ARKANSAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: ‘HAPPY HOLIDAYS’

8 p.m. Robinson Center Music Hall. $18-$58.

There’s probably not another time of year that’s as infused with sentimental sounds as what we call “The Holiday Season.” Yeah, yeah, everybody loves to kvetch about how much they can’t stand Christmas music. Whatever, Scrooge. Maybe you should join the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and Conductor Philip Mann as they celebrate the season through the majesty of song.

You’ll hear familiar holiday favorites and carols galore and there’s a high likelihood that the sounds will stir your soul, warm your spirit and remind you that it’s OK to be sentimental once in a while. The concert is at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. RB

IN BRIEF

THURSDAY 12/13

SATURDAY 12/15

SATURDAY 12/15

KINGSDOWN TOYS FOR TOTS CHRISTMAS PARTY

Late p.m./early a.m. Discovery Nightclub.

FLAVOR FLAV

8:30 p.m. Revolution. $8 or $5 with toy donation.

This is the fourth year in a row that the guys in Kingsdown have hosted a Toys for Tots Christmas throwdown to help make sure that every kid in Arkansas gets something fun for Christmas. It’s been another big year for the band, having shared stages with notable rockers both modern and classic. The band has new tunes and a concert DVD in the works, to be released soon. This year, they’re joined by blues wiz Stephen Neeper as well as Great Forest and The Revolutioners. Make sure to bring a new, unwrapped toy (or several). In addi-

ROCK FOR TOYS FOR TOTS: Kingsdown plays the annual Toys for Tots toy drive at Revolution Saturday night.

tion to the toy drive, this year Kingsdown will be auctioning off some of the stage art (created by artist Jeff Rose) after the show, with proceeds benefitting Toys for Tots. It’s an allages show and starts early. RB

Is there a weirder, wilder figure in all of celebritydom than Flavor Flav?

That’s a biiiiiig “maybe.” Public Enemy’s hype-man is one of the most recognizable musicians of the last 25 years, but for folks who weren’t around for “911 is a Joke,” he’s probably known as much if not more from his reality TV antics, which started with the aptly titled “Surreal Life” and bore even weirder fruit on his own show, “Flavor of Love.” Lately, Flav’s been opening restaurants, because of course he has. The newest location for Flavor Flav’s Chicken & Ribs opened at Van Dyke and 15 Mile Road in Detroit. “Sterling Heights baby,” he tweeted about the opening. According to promoter Mike Brown, Flav’ll be performing tracks, doing some contests, signing autographs and partying at Discovery all night long. RB

SATURDAY 12/15

COLOR CLUB

9:30 p.m. White Water Tavern.

BUN B: The Southern rap hero plays Club Xclusive on Saturday.

SATURDAY 12/15

BUN B

9 p.m. Club Xclusive. $20 adv., $35 d.o.s.

Bun B may’ve reached a point in his career where he’s just spinning his wheels, tweaking the same old formula with every new song or guest verse.

But what do you expect? He’s been rapping for 20 years. That may be a reason not to seek his recent material; it’s not, however, one to miss this show.

Because few have been more important foundationally to Southern rap than

Bun. As half of the Port Arthur, Texas, duo UGK, he became a legend with lyrically complex street rapping that sounds like the natural evolution of Southern soul. Look for him to cover a retrospective of his UGK work, guest verses (“Go read a book you illiterate son of a bitch and step up yo vocab” is my nomination for the greatest verse in the pantheon of club bangers) and solo stuff. Last time I caught him live, possibly at a previous incarnation of Club Xclusive around 2006, it was the best concert I saw all year. LM

The trio Color Club (formerly of Fayetteville, presently of Little Rock) has a new EP out and available Saturday, with five tracks of jagged postpunk, dominated by Casio-tones and syncopated, up-tempo drumbeats.

The band grafts the chant-along aggression of Riot Grrl pioneers like Bikini Kill onto the loose, No Wavey funk of ESG or maybe Lizzy Mercier Descloux’s album “Press Color.”

Nowhere is this amalgamation better exemplified than on opener “Color Feel/Miss Communication.” That track’s funky bass line carries over on the next tune, “Don’t Cry,” a withering dis to would-be crybabies. Pity the poor sap (or saps) who inspired this track, especially when they sing the kiss-off chorus: “Boo hoooo / let’s throw a pity party.” “Femmes” informs suitors that they “are second to my girls.” The final song, “My Baby,” has overlapping singing that sounds like a lost Le Tigre track, probably a welcome proposition for fans of that band. Opening up are the outre rockers Ginsu Wives and Fayetteville’s Perpetual Werewolf. RB

If you missed Tuesday’s concert from the sidesplitting musical comedy act 10 Horse Johnson, fret not. The band plays again Thursday, The Joint, 8 p.m., $10. It’s time for some Red Dirt rocking at Revolution, with Stoney LaRue and Tyler & The Tribe, 18-and-older, 9 p.m., $15. The Live at Laman series has a holiday concert with Lark in the Morning, Laman Library, 7 p.m., free.

FRIDAY 12/14

Get your dancefloor action at Revolution, with Wht Grlz, Neural of Evil Bastards, Big Brown, Lawler, Transisto, Ewell, Jason D. Spencer Rx vs. Stetra, Brian Dub Hill, Mr. Napalm and Jase the Trip, 18-andolder, 9 p.m., $4 for 21 and older, $8 18-20. Nashville retro phenoms Luella and the Sun and the great Jim Mize are at Maxine’s, 8 p.m., $5 adv., $7 door. This issue’s cover story got you intrigued about Greg Spradlin? Check him out live at White Water Tavern with the Kenny Brown Band, 9:30 p.m. Cup of Tea’s Celtic Christmas Concert starts at Dugan’s Pub, 6:30 p.m.

Fayetteville rocker Benjamin Del Shreve plays an 18-and-older show with Free Micah, Stickyz, 10 p.m., $6. PFLAG Little Rock’s Annual Holiday Potluck is at First Presbyterian Church, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY 12/15

Local folk-rockers Don’t Stop Please play Stickyz with Louisiana reggae outfit Stiff Necked Fools, 9 p.m., $6. The John Two Hawks Christmas Concert is happening at The Auditorium in Eureka Springs, 7 p.m., $15-$20, free for ages 15 and younger. The See, Brother Andy & His Big Damn Mouth and New York City Queens will bring you the timeless gift of loud rock music at Maxine’s, 8 p.m., $5 adv., $7 door. If you’re looking for a fun, intimate evening with a holiday theme, check out the Ramona Smith Holiday Party at The Afterthought, 9 p.m., $7. Top of the Rock Chorus presents “Jingle Jam,” with cocktails and dinner at 7 p.m., a silent auction and music from the chorus and guests The Hi-Balls, Sherwood Forest, 6 p.m., $33.

SUNDAY 12/16

Up in Fayetteville, the Walton Arts Center presents Wynonna’s Rockin’ Christmas, a Christmas show featuring none other than Wynonna Judd, 7 p.m., $50-$80.

MONDAY 12/17

Pianist and pop singer Jim Brickman performs his On a Winter’s Night concert at Walton Arts Center, 7 p.m., $25-$45. www.arktimes.com

DECEMBER 12, 2012

25

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.

Climax, free before 11 p.m. 824 W. Capitol.

501-554-3437.

Live at Laman: A Holiday Concert with Lark in the Morning. Laman Library, 7 p.m. 2801 Orange St., NLR. 501-758-1720. www.lamanlibrary.org.

Mike Speenberg, Chad Miller, Charles Michael. The Loony Bin, through Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m.; through Dec. 15, 7:30 and 10 p.m., $7-$10. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501228-5555. www.loonybincomedy.com.

Open jam with The Port Arthur Band. Parrot Beach Cafe, 9 p.m. 9611 MacArthur Drive, NLR. 771-2994.

Stoney LaRue, Tyler & The Tribe. 18-andolder. Revolution, 9 p.m., $15. 300 President Clinton Ave. 501-823-0090. revroom.com.

Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 5 p.m., free. 111 Markham St. 501-374-7474. www. capitalhotel.com/CBG.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 12

MUSIC

Acoustic Open Mic. The Afterthought, 8 p.m., free. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www. afterthoughtbar.com.

Brian & Nick. Cajun’s Wharf, through Dec. 26: 5 and 9 p.m., $5 after 8:30 p.m. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501-375-5351. www.cajunswharf.com.

The Eastern Sea. 18-and-older. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 9 p.m., $6. 107 Commerce St. 501-372-7707. www.stickyz.com.

Jason Brunett. The Tavern Sports Grill, 7 p.m., free. 17815 Chenal Parkway. 501-830-2100. www. thetavernsportsgrill.com.

Jim Dickerson. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room, through Dec. 13, 7 p.m. 500 President Clinton Ave. 501-324-2999. www.sonnywilliamssteakroom.com.

Johnny Rocket & The Real Deal, Sarah Angela.

Juanita’s, 9 p.m., $8. 614 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-1228. www.juanitas.com.

Michael Carenbauer and Bill Huntington. RJ Tao, 7 p.m.; Dec. 19, 7 p.m.; Dec. 26, 7 p.m.

5501 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-603-0080. www. rjtaorocks.com.

Mike Speenberg, Chad Miller, Charles Michael.

The Loony Bin, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 14, 7:30 and 10 p.m., $7-$10. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road.

501-228-5555. www.loonybincomedy.com.

Ricky David Tripp. Rocket Twenty One, 5:30 p.m. 2601 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-603-9208. www. ferneaurestaurant.com.

Secrets, The Seeking. Downtown Music Hall, 6 p.m., $8 adv., $10 day of. 211 W. Capitol. 501376-1819. downtownmusichall.com.

Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 5 p.m., free. 111 Markham St. 501-374-7474. www.capitalhotel.com/CBG.

COMEDY

The Joint Venture. Improv comedy group. The Joint, 8 p.m., $5. 301 Main St. No. 102, NLR. 501-372-0205. thejointinlittlerock.com.

Standup Open Mic Night. Hosted by local come­di­ans of the com­edy col­lec­tive Come­di­ ans of NWA. UARK Bowl, 9 p.m., free. 644 W. Dickson St., Fayetteville. 479-301-2030. uarkbowl.com.

DANCE

Little Rock Bop Club. Beginning dance lessons for ages 10 and older. Singles welcome. Bess Chisum Stephens Community Center, 7 p.m., $4 for members, $7 for guests. 12th & Cleveland streets. 501-350-4712. www.littlerockbopclub.

EVENTS

“Lights in the Landscape.” Holiday lighting display. Closed Christmas Day. Garvan Woodland Gardens, through Dec. 31, 5 p.m., $5-$10. 550 Akridge Road, Hot Springs. 501-262-9300. www. garvangardens.org.

Meet Make Share. Participants will create a small work of art from the provided materials.

Artchurch Studio, $5 donation. 301 Whittington Ave., Hot Springs. 501-318-6779. www.artchurch. org.

River Market ice skating. Go to www.holiday-

26

DECEMBER 12, 2012

ARKANSAS TIMES

OKIE-DOKIE: Oklahoma alt-rockers The All American Rejects play at Juanita’s on Thursday, with The Supporting Cast, 9 p.m., $22 adv., $25 day of. sinlittlerock.com for rink times. River Market Pavilions, Continues through Jan. 6, $9. 400 President Clinton Ave. 375-2552. holidaysinlittlerock.com.

WOW: Urban Dwelling. Includes drinks and hors d’oeuvres from Eleven. 21-and-older.

Pre-registration is necessary. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, 6 p.m., $30. 600 Museum Way, Bentonville. 479-418-5700. crystalbridges.org.

FILM

Argenta Film Series: “Paradise Lost.” Featuring special guests Jason Baldwin and Mara Leveritt.

Argenta Community Theater, 7 p.m., free. 405 Main St., NLR. 501-353-1443. argentacommunitytheater.org.

POETRY

Rock Town Slam. Arkansas Arts Center, 7 p.m., $5-$10. 501 E. 9th St. 501-372-4000. www.arkarts. com.

Wednesday Night Poetry. 21-and-older show.

Maxine’s, 7 p.m., free. 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs.

501-321-0909. maxineslive.com/shows.html.

THURSDAY, DEC. 13

MUSIC

10 Horse Johnson. The Joint, 8 p.m., $10.

301 Main St. No. 102, NLR. 501-372-0205. thejointinlittlerock.com.

103.7 The Buzz Christmas Celebrity Karaoke Concert. Jack Stephens Center, UALR, 6 p.m., $50-$65. 2801 S. University Ave. 7 Toed Pete (headliner), Chris DeClerk (happy hour). Cajun’s Wharf, 5 and 9 p.m., $5 after 8:30 p.m. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501375-5351. www.cajunswharf.com.

All-American Rejects, The Supporting Cast.

Juanita’s, 9 p.m., $22 adv., $25 day of. 614 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-1228. www. juanitas.com.

Almost InFamous. Hibernia Irish Tavern, 9 p.m., free. 9700 N Rodney Parham Road.

501-246-4340. www.hiberniairishtavern.com.

Good Field, RadRadRiot. Maxine’s, 8 p.m., free. 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs. www. maxinespub.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. 501-9072582.

Isaac Alexander (album release), Luella & The Sun, Adam Faucett. White Water Tavern, 9:30 p.m. 2500 W. 7th. 501-375-8400. www.whitewatertavern.com.

Jim Dickerson. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room, 7 p.m. 500 President Clinton Ave. 501-3242999. www.sonnywilliamssteakroom.com.

Kirk Gone Acoustic. Thirst n’ Howl, 8:30 p.m., free. 14710 Cantrell Road. 501-379-8189. www.thirst-n-howl.com.

Krush Thursdays with DJ Kavaleer. Club

DANCE

Art of Motion: Tango. Includes lessons from local and national tango instructors. No partner needed. Arkansas Arts Center, 7 p.m., $10, free for members. 501 E. 9th St. 501372-4000. www.arkarts.com.

Soul Spirit Zumba with Ashan. Dunbar Community Center, 6 p.m., $5. 1001 W. 16th St. 501-376-1084.

EVENTS

Art for the Garden. Celebration and fundraiser for Dunbar Garden and Canvas Community, with art, food, live music and more. Canvas Community Art Gallery, 7 p.m., $3-$5. 1111 W. 7th St. 501-414-0368.

“Cameras in the Courtroom: The West Memphis Three Case.” Panel discussion with Jason Baldwin of the West Memphis Three and Mara Leveritt, author of “Devil’s Knot,” which chronicles the case. Clinton Presidential Library, free. 1200 President Clinton Ave. 501-683-5239. www.clintonschool.uasys.edu.

Goodwill Outlet Center Opening. Goods will be sold for $1.39 per pound. Goodwill Outlet Center, 8:45 a.m. 7400 Scott Hamilton Road. 501-372-5100.

“Lights in the Landscape.” Holiday lighting display. Closed Christmas Day. Garvan Woodland Gardens, through Dec. 31, 5-9 p.m., $5-$10. 550 Akridge Road, Hot Springs.

501-262-9300. www.garvangardens.org.

River Market ice skating. Go to www.holidaysinlittlerock.com for rink times. River Market Pavilions, Continues through Jan. 6, $9. 400 President Clinton Ave. 375-2552. holidaysinlittlerock.com.

Talk MS Live: Finding Your Path. Educational group discussion on how to live well and manage MS. Embassy Suites, 6 p.m., free. 11301 Financial Centre. 501-312-9000.

BOOKS

Gwendolyn Graves. The author will read from her work and sign copies of her books.

Faulkner County Library, 7 p.m., free. 1900 Tyler St., Conway. 501-327-7482. www.fcl.org.

FRIDAY, DEC. 14

MUSIC

An Advent Recital. Featuring Susan Antonetti, flute and Alisa Coffey, harp. St. Paul United Methodist Church, noon, free. 2223 Durwood Road.

Arkansas Symphony Orchestra: “Happy Holidays.” Robinson Center, Dec. 14, 8 p.m.; Dec. 15, 8 p.m.; Dec. 16, 3 p.m., $18-$58.

426 W. Markham St. 501-376-4781. www.littlerockmeetings.com/conv-centers/robinson.

Audrey Dean Kelly. The Tavern Sports Grill, 8:30 p.m., free. 17815 Chenal Parkway. 501830-2100. www.thetavernsportsgrill.com.

Benjamin Del Shreve, Free Micah. 18-andolder. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 10 p.m., $6. 107 Commerce St. 501-372-7707. www.stickyz.com.

Big Man and The Wheels. Thirst n’ Howl, 9 p.m., free. 14710 Cantrell Road. 501-379-8189. www.thirst-n-howl.com.

Cadence Lyrix. Denton’s Trotline, 9 p.m., $6.

2150 Congo Road, Benton. 501-315-1717.

Candlelight Carol Service. Featuring the Hendrix Choir. Lakewood United Methodist Church, 7:30 p.m., free. 1922 Topf Road, NLR. Chrisette Michele, Tawanna Campbell.

Montego, 8 p.m., $25-$50. 315 Main St. 501372-1555. www.montegocafe.com.

Cindy Woolf. The Afterthought, 9 p.m., $7.

2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www. afterthoughtbar.com.

Club Nights at 1620 Savoy. Dance night, with DJs, drink specials and bar menu, until 2 a.m. 1620 Savoy, 10 p.m. 1620 Market St. 501-221-1620. www.1620savoy.com.

Cup of Tea’s Celtic Christmas Concert.

Dugan’s Pub, 6:30 p.m. 401 E. 3rd St. 501244-0542. www.duganspublr.com.

FreeWorld. Midtown Billiards, 12:30 a.m., $5.

1316 Main St. 501-372-9990. midtownar.com.

Friday night at Sway. Sway, 9 p.m. 412 Louisiana. 501-907-2582.

Gambino Boys. Cornerstone Pub & Grill, 9 p.m. 314 Main St., NLR. 501-374-1782. cstonepub.com.

Jeff Coleman. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room, Dec. 14, 7 p.m.; Dec. 15, 7 p.m.; Dec. 21, 7 p.m.; Dec. 22, 7 p.m. 500 President Clinton Ave. 501-324-2999. www.sonnywilliamssteakroom.com.

Judge Parker. West End Smokehouse and Tavern, 10 p.m., $5. 215 N. Shackleford. 501224-7665. www.westendsmokehouse.net.

Kenny Brown Band, Greg Spradlin. White Water Tavern, 9:30 p.m. 2500 W. 7th. 501-3758400. www.whitewatertavern.com.

Legions Await, Once Exiled, Vespers, Decay Awaits. Downtown Music Hall, 7 p.m., $7.

211 W. Capitol. 501-376-1819. downtownmusichall.com.

Luella and the Sun, Jim Mize. Maxine’s, 8 p.m., $5 adv., $7 door. 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs. www.maxinespub.com.

Mike Speenberg, Chad Miller, Charles Michael. The Loony Bin, through Dec. 15, 7:30 and 10 p.m., $7-$10. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-228-5555. www.loonybincomedy.com.

Nickels and Dimes. Vino’s. 923 W. 7th St. 501375-8466. www.vinosbrewpub.com.

Synergy, DJ Sleepy Genius. Montego, 8:30 p.m. 315 Main St. 501-372-1555. www.montegocafe.com.

Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 9 p.m., free. 111 Markham St. 501-374-7474. www. capitalhotel.com/CBG. Third Degree (headliner), Richie Johnson (happy hour). Cajun’s Wharf, 5 and 9 p.m., $5 after 8:30 p.m. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501375-5351. www.cajunswharf.com.

Wht Grlz, Neural of Evil Bastards, Big

Brown, Lawler, Transisto, Ewell, Jason D. Spencer Rx vs. Stetra, Brian Dub Hill, Mr. Napalm & Jase the Trip. 18-and-older.

Revolution, 9 p.m., $4 21 and older, $8 18-20.

300 President Clinton Ave. 501-823-0090. revroom.com.

“YOLO.” Featuring four DJs and beach volleyball, 18-and-older. Flying DD, $5. 4601 S. University. 501-773-9990. flyingdd.com.

COMEDY

The Main Thing. Two-act original comedy play “A Fertle Holiday.” The Joint, 8 p.m., $20.

301 Main St. No. 102, NLR. 501-372-0205. thejointinlittlerock.com.

DANCE

Little Rock Salsa Night. Juanita’s, 10 p.m., $5. 614 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-1228. www.juanitas.com.

EVENTS

8th Ever Nog-off. Eggnog competition, with live music from Lark in the Morning. Historic Arkansas Museum, 5 p.m., free. 200 E. Third St. 501-324-9351. www.historicarkansas.org.

Home(brew) for the Holidays. Sample holiday beers from the Arkansas Homebrewers Association. 21-and-older. Old State House Museum, 5 p.m., free. 500 Clinton Ave. 501324-9685. www.oldstatehouse.com.

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. 800 Scott St. “Lights in the Landscape.” Holiday lighting display. Closed Christmas Day. Garvan Woodland Gardens, through Dec. 31, 5-9 p.m., $5-$10. 550 Akridge Road, Hot Springs.

501-262-9300. www.garvangardens.org.

Oaklawn job fair. Dec. 14 fair is to hire housekeeping and maintenance positions. Dec. 15 fair is for food and beverage department.

Oaklawn, Dec. 14-15, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 2705 Central Ave., Hot Springs. 501-623-4411. www.oaklawn.com.

PFLAG Little Rock’s Annual Holiday Potluck.

First Presbyterian Church, 7:30:30 p.m. 800 Scott St. River Market ice skating. Go to www.holidaysinlittlerock.com for rink times. River Market Pavilions, Continues through Jan. 6, $9. 400 President Clinton Ave. 375-2552. holidaysinlittlerock.com.

OZARK COUNTRY RESTAURANT HAMS • TURKEYS • TRAYS • SIDES

Daily Lunch Specials

Happy Holidays To all our friends and customers

We Have What You Need For A Perfect Christmas Meal!

OPEN 7 DAYS STARTING AT 6:30 AM

201 KEIGHTLEY (JUST OFF CANTRELL)

663-7319

LECTURES

Aled Jones. Presentation from the director of the Global Sustainability Institute at Anglia Ruskin University. Clinton School of Public Service, noon, free. 1200 President Clinton Ave. 501-683-5239. www.clintonschool.uasys. edu.

SATURDAY, DEC. 15

MUSIC

4th Annual Kingsdown Toys for Tots Christmas Party. Featuring Kingsdown, Stephen Neeper Band, Great Forest and The Revolutioners. Revolution, 8:30 p.m., $8 or $5 with toy donation. 300 President Clinton Ave. 501-823-0090. revroom.com.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

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DECEMBER 12, 2012

27

AFTER DARK, CONT. Aaron Owens & Guests, Dry County, Nickels & Dimes, DJ Taylor. Juanita’s, 10 p.m., $8. 614 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-1228. www. juanitas.com.

Almost InFamous. Rudy’s Oyster Bar, 9 p.m., free. 2695 Pike Ave., NLR. 501-771-0808.

Arkansas River Blues Society Blues Jam Fundraiser. Cornerstone Pub & Grill, 8 p.m., free. 314 Main St., NLR. 501-374-1782. cstonepub.com.

Arkansas Symphony Orchestra: “Happy Holidays.” Robinson Center, Dec. 15, 8 p.m.; Dec. 16, 3 p.m., $18-$58. 426 W. Markham St. 501-376-4781. www.littlerockmeetings.com/ conv-centers/robinson.

Battlecross, Abiotic, Sychosys, Break the Silence, Eddie & The Defiantz. Downtown Music Hall, 7 p.m., $8. 211 W. Capitol. 501-3761819. downtownmusichall.com.

Brandon Taylor & The Tenants. Vino’s. 923 W. 7th St. 501-375-8466. www.vinosbrewpub.com.

Bun B. Club Xclusive, 9 p.m., $20. 1400 145th St. 501-891-2043. www.xclusivenight.com.

Club Nights at 1620 Savoy. See Dec. 14.

Color Club (record release), Ginsu Wives, Perpetual Werewolf. White Water Tavern, 9:30 p.m. 2500 W. 7th. 501-375-8400. www. whitewatertavern.com.

Craig Wayne Boyd, Luke Williams. Denton’s Trotline, 9 p.m., $10. 2150 Congo Road, Benton. 501-315-1717.

Crash Meadows (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.

Dirty Lindsey. West End Smokehouse and Tavern, 10 p.m., $5. 215 N. Shackleford. 501224-7665. www.westendsmokehouse.net.

Don’t Stop Please, Stiff Necked Fools. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 9 p.m., $6. 107 Commerce St. 501-372-7707. www.stickyz.com.

Flava Flav, g-force, JMZ Dean, Joel Allenbaugh, Jason D. Also featuring Dominique Sanchez and The Discovery Dolls.

Discovery Nightclub, 9 p.m. 1021 Jessie Road.

501-664-4784. www.latenightdisco.com.

Hot Springs Flute Ensemble holiday concert.

Arlington Hotel, 3 p.m., free. 239 Central Ave., Hot Springs. 501-623-7771.

Jeff Coleman. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room, Dec. 15, 7 p.m.; Dec. 21, 7 p.m.; Dec. 22, 7 p.m. 500 President Clinton Ave. 501-324-2999. www.sonnywilliamssteakroom.com.

Joecephus. Midtown Billiards, 12:30 a.m., $5.

1316 Main St. 501-372-9990. midtownar.com.

John Two Hawks Christmas Concert. The Auditorium, 7 p.m., $15-$20, free for ages 15 and younger. 36 Main St., Eureka Springs.

Katmandu. Thirst n’ Howl, 9 p.m., free. 14710 Cantrell Road. 501-379-8189. www.thirst-nhowl.com.

K.I.S.S. Saturdays. Featuring DJ Silky Slim.

Dress code enforced. Sway, 10 p.m. 412 Louisiana. 501-492-9802.

Luella and the Sun. Rogue Pizza Co. 402 W. Dickson St., Fayetteville. 479-571-5200.

Matthew Dickson, Chris Parker and Ted Seibs. 1620 Savoy, through Dec. 29: 10 p.m., free. 1620 Market St. 501-221-1620. www.1620savoy.com.

Mike Speenberg, Chad Miller, Charles Michael. The Loony Bin, 7:30 and 10 p.m., $7-$10. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501228-5555. www.loonybincomedy.com.

Pickin’ Porch. Bring your instrument. All ages welcome. Faulkner County Library, 9:30 a.m.

1900 Tyler St., Conway. 501-327-7482. www. fcl.org.

Ramona Smith Holiday Party. The Afterthought, 9 p.m., $7. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.afterthoughtbar.com.

The See, Brother Andy & His Big Damn

28

DECEMBER 12, 2012

ARKANSAS TIMES

Mouth, New York City Queens. Maxine’s, 8 p.m., $5 adv., $7 door. 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs. www.maxinespub.com.

Sightseeing with Santa Cruise. Arkansas Queen, Dec. 15, 1:30 p.m.; Dec. 22, 1:30 p.m.

100 Riverfront Park Drive, NLR. 501-372-5777. www.arkansasqueen.com.

Singer/Songwriters Showcase. Parrot Beach Cafe, 2-7 p.m., free. 9611 MacArthur Drive, NLR. 771-2994.

Symphony of Northwest Arkansas: Christmas Pops. Walton Arts Center, 7:30 p.m., $28-$48.

495 W. Dickson St., Fayetteville. 479-443-5600.

Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 9 p.m., free. 111 Markham St. 501-374-7474. www. capitalhotel.com/CBG. Top of the Rock Chorus: “Jingle Jam.” Includes cocktails and dinner at 7 p.m., with a silent auction and music from the Top of the Rock Chorus and guests The Hi-Balls. Call for tickets. Sherwood Forest, 6 p.m., $33. 1111 W. Maryland Ave., Sherwood. 501-580-0855. www. topoftherockchorus.org/.

COMEDY

The Main Thing. Two-act original comedy play “A Fertle Holiday.” The Joint, 8 p.m., $20. 301 Main St. No. 102, NLR. 501-372-0205. thejointinlittlerock.com.

DANCE

Little Rock West Coast Dance Club. Dance lessons. Singles welcome. Ernie Biggs, 7 p.m., $2. 307 Clinton Ave. 501-247-5240. www. arstreetswing.com.

EVENTS

3rd Annual HoHoHo!! Big Gay Variety Show.

First Presbyterian Church, 7 p.m., $8-$15. 800 Scott St. Archery on the Lawn. No experience necessary, but participants need to be at least 10 years old. The Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center, noon, free. 602 President Clinton Ave. 501-907-0636. www. centralarkansasnaturecenter.com.

Argenta Farmers Market. Argenta, 7 a.m.noon. Main Street, NLR. “Christmas in the Wild.” Meet Santa and enjoy treats, hot cocoa, arts and crafts, and more.

Reservations are necessary. Little Rock Zoo, 9:30 a.m., $10 members, $15 nonmembers.

1 Jonesboro Drive. 501-666-2406. www.littlerockzoo.com.

Did You Know? Monthly Series. Group discussion on the significance and importance of Kwanzaa. Pyramid Art Books and Custom Framing, 1:30 p.m., free. 1001 Wright Ave. 501-372-6822. hearnefineart.com.

Falun Gong meditation. Allsopp Park, 9 a.m., free. Cantrell & Cedar Hill Roads.

Hillcrest Farmers Market. Pulaski Heights Baptist Church, 7 a.m.-noon. 2200 Kavanaugh Blvd.

Holiday Open House. Pyramid Art Books and Custom Framing, Dec. 15, 2 p.m.; Dec. 16, 2 p.m. 1001 Wright Ave. 501-372-6822. hearnefineart.com.

Joe Walker. The author will discuss the Battle of Jenkins’ Ferry, Arkansas,which was April 29-30 1864. MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History, 1 p.m., free. 503 E. 9th St. 376-4602. www.arkmilitaryheritage.com.

“Lights in the Landscape.” Holiday lighting display. Closed Christmas Day. Garvan Woodland Gardens, through Dec. 31, 5-9 p.m., $5-$10.

550 Akridge Road, Hot Springs. 501-262-9300. www.garvangardens.org.

Little Rock Filmmakers’ and Actors’ Ball.

Includes dinner, cash bar, formal and informal dancing and more. The Little Rock Club, 6:30 p.m., $45. 400 W. Capitol, 30th Floor.

Oaklawn job fair. See Dec. 14.

Reindeer Create Date for Kids. Class is designed for one adult and one child to paint together. Spirited Art, 2:30 p.m., $45 per pair.

5612 R St. 501-296-9903. myspiritedart.com.

River Market ice skating. Go to www.holidaysinlittlerock.com for rink times. River Market Pavilions, Continues through Jan. 6, $9. 400 President Clinton Ave. 375-2552. holidaysinlittlerock.com.

SPORTS

Gardens, through Dec. 31, 5-9 p.m., $5-$10.

550 Akridge Road, Hot Springs. 501-262-9300. www.garvangardens.org.

“Live from the Back Room.” Vino’s, 7 p.m.

923 W. 7th St. 501-375-8466. www.vinosbrewpub.com.

River Market ice skating. Go to www.holidaysinlittlerock.com for rink times. River Market Pavilions, Continues through Jan. 6, $9. 400 President Clinton Ave. 375-2552. holidaysinlittlerock.com.

UALR Men’s Trojans vs. Tulsa. Jack Stephens Center, UALR, 2 p.m., $5-$38. 2801 S. University Ave.

MONDAY, DEC. 17

BOOKS

7th Street Peep Show. Featuring three or four bands per night. Bands sign up at 6:30 p.m. and play 35-minute sets (including setup) on a first-come, first-served basis. House band is The Sinners. Solo artists, DJs and all other performers welcome. Vino’s, 7 p.m., $1. 923 W. 7th St. 501-375-8466. www.vinosbrewpub.com.

Arkansas Jazz Hall of Fame Induction. The Afterthought, 8 p.m., free. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.afterthoughtbar.com.

Jim Brickman: On a Winter’s Night. Walton Arts Center, 7 p.m., $25-$45. 495 W. Dickson St., Fayetteville. 479-443-5600.

Member Monday. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, 10:30 a.m., free for members.

600 Museum Way, Bentonville. 479-418-5700. crystalbridges.org.

Reggae Nites. Featuring DJ Hy-C playing roots, reggae and dancehall. Pleazures Martini and Grill Lounge, 6 p.m., $7-$10. 1318 Main St. 501-376-7777. www.facebook.com/pleazures. bargrill.

Revocation, Fallen Empire, Severe Headwound. Downtown Music Hall, 7 p.m., $8 adv., $10 day of. 211 W. Capitol. 501-3761819. downtownmusichall.com.

UALR Men’s Trojans vs. Louisiana Tech. Jack Stephens Center, UALR, 7 p.m., $5-$38. 2801 S. University Ave.

Jay Jennings. The author and editor of “Escape Velocity: A Charles Portis Miscellany” will sign copies of his books. WordsWorth Books & Co., 1 p.m. 5920 R St. 501-663-9198. www. wordsworthbooks.org.

SUNDAY, DEC. 16

MUSIC

3rd Annual Christmas Concert in honor of Veterans. MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History, 2 p.m., free, donations accepted. 503 E. 9th St. 376-4602. www.arkmilitaryheritage.com.

Afton: Tristan Thompson, samurai the hacker, The SouthSide Showdown, PRICECREW, L.R.GSR GuapoGang, Rodney Ty, Young Ferrari Pharaoh, King BOOM, Tone Kapone, Ak, KILLASAC, Dex_Dodger. All-ages show.

Downtown Music Hall, 7 p.m., $11-$13. 211 W. Capitol. 501-376-1819. downtownmusichall.com.

Annual Christmas Concert at Anthony Chapel. Garvan Woodland Gardens, 3 p.m., $25. 550 Akridge Road, Hot Springs. 501-4634514. www.garvangardens.org.

Arkansas Symphony Orchestra: “Happy Holidays.” Robinson Center, 3 p.m., $18-$58.

426 W. Markham St. 501-376-4781. www.littlerockmeetings.com/conv-centers/robinson.

Benefit for Multiple Sclerosis. Cornerstone Pub & Grill, 8 p.m. 314 Main St., NLR. 501374-1782. cstonepub.com.

Irish Traditional Music Session. Hibernia Irish Tavern, first and third Sunday of every month, 2:30 p.m. 9700 N Rodney Parham Road. 501246-4340. www.hiberniairishtavern.com.

John Rutter’s “Gloria.” First United Methodist Church, 11 a.m. 723 Center St. Michael Eubanks. Lone Star Steakhouse, 7 p.m.

10901 N. Rodney Parham Rd. 501-227-8898. lonestarsteakhouse.com.

Sunday Jazz Brunch with Ted Ludwig and Joe Cripps. Vieux Carre, 11 a.m. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.vieuxcarrecafe.com.

Wynonna’s Rockin’ Christmas. Christmas show featuring Wynonna Judd. Walton Arts Center, 7 p.m., $50-$80. 495 W. Dickson St., Fayetteville. 479-443-5600.

DANCE

Salsa Night. The Joint, 7 p.m. 301 Main St. No. 102, NLR. 501-372-0205. thejointinlittlerock.com.

EVENTS

Drop-In Drawing. Free, informal drawing session. Materials are provided. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, noon, free. 600 Museum Way, Bentonville. 479-418-5700. crystalbridges.org.

Holiday Open House. Pyramid Art Books and Custom Framing, 2 p.m. 1001 Wright Ave. 501372-6822. hearnefineart.com.

“Lights in the Landscape.” Holiday lighting display. Closed Christmas Day. Garvan Woodland

MUSIC

EVENTS

American Sign Language Christmas Carols.

Featuring Christmas Carols signed by Bonny Hill’s American Sign Language Class. Faulkner County Library, 6:30 p.m., free. 1900 Tyler St., Conway. 501-327-7482. www.fcl.org.

“Lights in the Landscape.” Holiday lighting display. Closed Christmas Day. Garvan Woodland Gardens, through Dec. 31, 5-9 p.m., $5-$10.

550 Akridge Road, Hot Springs. 501-262-9300. www.garvangardens.org.

River Market ice skating. Go to www.holidaysinlittlerock.com for rink times. River Market Pavilions, Continues through Jan. 6, $9. 400 President Clinton Ave. 375-2552. holidaysinlittlerock.com.

Spotlight Talk: “Navigating the Architecture of Moshe Safdie.” Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, 1:45 p.m., free. 600 Museum Way, Bentonville. 479-418-5700. crystalbridges. org.

LECTURES

“Vital Voices: The Power of Women Leading Change Around the World.” Alyse Nelson, president and CEO of Vital Voices, will discuss her nonprofit’s work. Clinton School of Public Service, noon, free. 1200 President Clinton Ave. 501-683-5239. www.clintonschool.uasys.edu.

TUESDAY, DEC. 18

MUSIC

Heavy Metal Karaoke. Downtown Music Hall, 8 p.m., free. 211 W. Capitol. 501-376-1819. downtownmusichall.com.

Jeff Long. Khalil’s Pub, 6 p.m. 110 S. Shackleford

AFTER DARK, CONT. Road. 501-224-0224. www.khalilspub.com.

Jim Dickerson. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room, Dec. 18-20, 7 p.m. 500 President Clinton Ave. 501-324-2999. www.sonnywilliamssteakroom. com.

Lucious Spiller Band. Copeland’s Restaurant of Little Rock, 6-9 p.m. 2602 S. Shackleford Road. 501-312-1616. www.copelandsrestaurantlittlerock.com.

Michael Carenbauer. RJ Tao, Dec. 18, 6:30-9 p.m.; Dec. 24, 6:30-9 p.m. 5501 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-603-0080. www.rjtaorocks.com.

Rex Bell Trio. The Joint, 8 p.m., free. 301 Main St. No. 102, NLR. 501-372-0205. thejointinlittlerock.com.

Ricky David Tripp. Rocket Twenty One, 5:30 p.m. 2601 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-603-9208. www.ferneaurestaurant.com.

Touch, Grateful Dead Tribute. Bring a hula hoop for dancing. Ernie Biggs, 8 p.m.

307 Clinton Ave. 501-372-4782. littlerock. erniebiggs.com.

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. 501823-0090. www.revroom.com.

Soul Spirit Zumba with Ashan. Dunbar Community Center, 6 p.m., $5. 1001 W. 16th St. 501-376-1084.

EVENTS

Champagne tasting. The Joint, 7 p.m., $10.

301 Main St. No. 102, NLR. 501-372-0205. thejointinlittlerock.com.

“Lights in the Landscape.” Holiday lighting display. Closed Christmas Day. Garvan Woodland Gardens, through Dec. 31, 5-9 p.m., $5-$10.

550 Akridge Road, Hot Springs. 501-262-9300. www.garvangardens.org.

Live Trivia by Challenge Entertainment. The Tavern Sports Grill, 7 p.m., free. 17815 Chenal Parkway. 501-830-2100. www.thetavernsportsgrill.com.

River Market ice skating. Go to www.holidaysinlittlerock.com for rink times. River Market Pavilions, Continues through Jan. 6, $9. 400 President Clinton Ave. 375-2552. holidaysinlittlerock.com.

Tales from the South. Authors tell true stories; schedule available on website. Dinner served 5-6:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m. Call for reservations.

Starving Artist Cafe, 5 p.m. 411 N. Main St., NLR. 501-372-7976. www.starvingartistcafe.net.

Trivia Bowl. Flying Saucer, 8:30 p.m. 323 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-8032. www. beerknurd.com/stores/littlerock.

Wiggle Worms: “Volcano in a Cup.” Designed for pre-K children. Museum of Discovery, 10:30 a.m., $8-$10, free for members. 500 Clinton Ave. 396-7050, 1-800-880-6475. www.amod. org.

FILM

Vino’s Picture Show: “Howl.” Vino’s, 7 p.m., free. 923 W. 7th St. 501-375-8466. www.vinosbrewpub.com.

SPORTS

UALR Women’s Trojans vs. Tulsa. Jack Stephens Center, UALR, 7 p.m., $5-$38. 2801 S. University Ave.

THIS WEEK IN THEATER

“Annie.” Royal Theatre, through Dec. 15, 7 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 16, 2 p.m., $5-$12. 111 S. Market St., Benton.

“City Mouse, Country Mouse, Christmas Mouse.” Arkansas Arts Center Children’s

MUSIC REVIEW

Theatre production of the Christmas favorite.

Arkansas Arts Center, through Dec. 15: Fri., 7 p.m.; Sat., 1 and 3 p.m., $12. 501 E. 9th St. 501372-4000. www.arkarts.com.

“The Outsiders.” S.E. Hinton’s classic tale of class rivalries and socioeconomic struggles between youth groups. The Weekend Theater, Thu., Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m.; Fri., Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m., $12-$16. 1001 W. 7th St. 501-3743761. www.weekendtheater.org.

“Pajama Tops.” Farce in which a would-be philandering husband gets a surprise when his wife secretly invites the girl he’s been seeing on the side to spend the weekend with them. Murry’s Dinner Playhouse, through Dec. 30: Tue.-Sat., 6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., $15-$33.

6323 Col. Glenn Road. 501-562-3131. murrysdinnerplayhouse.com.

“Period of Adjustment.” Rarely performed comedy from Tennessee Williams, recommended for ages 13 and older. Walton Arts Center’s Nadine Baum Studios, Thu., Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m.; Fri., Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 15, 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 16, 2 and 7 p.m.; Thu., Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m.; Fri., Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 22, 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 23, 2 and 7 p.m.; Thu., Dec. 27, 7:30 p.m.; Fri., Dec. 28, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 29, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 30, 2 and 7 p.m., $10-$22. 505 W. Spring St., Fayetteville.

479-443-5600. theatre2.org.

Red Octopus Theater: “Pagans on Bobsleds XX1: Christmas is Coming!.” The Red Octopus Theater comedy crew riffs on Christmas using a “Game of Thrones” theme, recommended for mature audiences. The Public Theatre, Dec. 12-15, 8 p.m., $8-$10. 616 Center St. 501-3747529. www.thepublictheatre.com.

“White Christmas.” Based on the classic Hollywood film and the Broadway show, with Christmas music of Irving Berlin. Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Wed., Dec. 12, 7 p.m.; Thu., Dec. 13, 7 p.m.; Fri., Dec. 14, 7 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 15, 7 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 16, 2 and 7 p.m.; Wed., Dec. 19, 7 p.m.; Thu., Dec. 20, 7 p.m.; Fri., Dec. 21, 7 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 22, 7 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 23, 2 and 7 p.m.; Wed., Dec. 26, 7 p.m.; Thu., Dec. 27, 7 p.m.; Fri., Dec. 28, 7 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 29, 7 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 30, 2 and 7 p.m. 601 Main St. 501-378-0405. www.therep.org.

GALLERIES, MUSEUMS

More art listings can be found in the calendar at www.arktimes.com

NEW EXHIBITIONS, EVENTS

ARKANSAS ARTS CENTER: “Toy Making for Ages 6-9,” 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 20-21, $84 for members, $104 non-members. Register at arkarts.com/art_classes. 374-2000.

BOSWELL-MOUROT, 5815 Kavanaugh Blvd.: “Great Escapes: Art by Animals of the Little Rock Zoo,” silent auction of paintings , ornaments painted by animals for sale, 6-9 p.m. Dec. 12, benefit for the Little Rock Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers; “Annual Holiday Show,” featuring “Glitter Jesus” by Jon Etienne Mourot, sculpture by Diana Ashley and paintings by Beverly McLarty, Robin HazardBishop and others. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tue.-Fri., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat. 664-0030.

BUTLER CENTER GALLERIES, Arkansas Studies Institute, 401 President Clinton Ave.: “From the Vault: Works from the Central Arkansas Library System’s Permanent Collection,” through March 23, 2013, “Arkansas League of Artists” exhibition, through Jan. 26; “Solastalgia,” work by Susan Chambers and Louise Halsey, through Jan. 26, open 5-8 p.m. Dec. 14, 2nd Friday Art Night, with music by the CALS Choir and short films by David O’Brien. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Mon.-Sat. 320-5700.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 47

OUTLAW COUNTRY: Eric Church’s performance at Verizon Arena was rowdy.

Eric Church

Dec. 6, Verizon Arena

BY BILL PADDACK

I

t’s been a spectacular year for countryrocker Eric Church, the man many consider to be the current reincarnation of so-called outlaw country. (Think Waylon and Willie in their prime, not the country pop crossover sounds of Lady Antebellum or Rascal Flatts.)

A few weeks back his “Chief” was named Album of the Year by the Country Music Association and one night before he hit Verizon Arena in North Little Rock on the Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour, Church was nominated for a pair of Grammy awards — Best Country Solo Performance and Best Country Song, both for the hit “Springsteen.”

So it was only natural that he was in the mood to celebrate Thursday night and the 9,607 fans in attendance at Verizon were more than ready to help him out.

Church promised an unforgettable show and then proceeded to deliver just that during a rowdy, 90-minute performance that boasted loud guitars, frequent flashes of fire, a cup holder on his microphone stand for what he said was whiskey, beer kegs for the onstage decor and — best of all — the well-written, memorable songs that showcase his versatility.

With his trademark baseball cap and sunglasses in place along with a longsleeved black henley, jeans and boots, he hit the stage, launched into “Country Music Jesus” and from there proceeded to rock the place out. After rolling through songs including “Guys Like Me” and “Over When It’s Over,” he traded his guitar for a banjo and belted out the unique “Creepin’. ” A clever and creative songwriter, Church sings his songs his way. What’s not to like about “Pledge Allegiance to the Hag,” about bar patrons regularly giving country legend Merle Haggard his due.

“Love Your Love the Most” is his version of a love song, and he pushes the tradi-

tional country envelope a bit with songs like “I’m Gettin’ Stoned” and “Smoke A Little Smoke.”

Along the way, Church delighted with the slower-paced “Sinners Like Me” and later in the evening inspired a number of fans to take their boots off and wave them around during “These Boots.” Cigarette lighters and, these days, cell phones have long been on display during concerts, but the boots-in-the-air thing was a first for us.

Church closed the concert and his three-song encore with “Springsteen,” the wide-open ode to days gone by and memories that live on in a song. Easily one of the best country singles of 2012, its poignant lyrics hit the spot: “Funny how a melody sounds like a memory / Like a soundtrack to a July Saturday night / Springsteen.” He added a verse from “Born to Run” in his own style, much to the crowd’s delight.

If Church is country’s new outlaw in town, he certainly had a pair of suitable singer-songwriter sidekicks with him. Kip Moore opened the show, packing solid melodies about trucks, girls and drinking into his pleasing eight-song set. A few highlights: the lively “Beer Money,” the sweet and slow “Hey Pretty Girl” and “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck,” which included something about “beer sitting on ice,” “a girl in a red sundress” and “a creek around 2 a.m.”

Next up was Arkansan Justin Moore, an authentic country singer if there ever was one. He showed where he stands on songs like “Hank It” and “Guns” and at one point, right after “Small Town USA,” he paused, knelt down and enjoyed — and seemed obviously touched by — the thunderous applause from the home-state fans, telling them “thank you for making my dream come true.”

It was nice to see Moore, who grew up at Poyen, get almost an hour on stage.

His satisfying 10-song set also included the crowd favorite “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away,” which had those cell phones we mentioned earlier out in force lighting up the arena. www.arktimes.com

DECEMBER 12, 2012

29

MOVIE LISTINGS Give a give gift this holiday season that will help save homeless animals!

Purchase the Humane Society of Pulaski County’s 2013 Day Planner… this functional calendar makes a great gift!

To order or find a vendor log onto www.warmhearts.org

Frances Flower Shop, Inc. Located in beautiful downtown Little Rock two blocks from the Arkansas State Capitol building.

We send flowers worldwide through Teleflora.

Proudly serving the Greater Little Rock area since 1950.

1222 West Capitol • little RoCk, aR 72201 501.372.2203 • WWW.fRanCesfloWeRshop.Com

wmichaelabstract.com 30

DECEMBER 12, 2012

ARKANSAS TIMES

DEC. 7-8

Market Street Cinema times at or after 9 p.m. are for Friday and Saturday only. Rave showtimes are valid for Friday only. Breckenridge, Chenal 9, Lakewood 8 and McCain Mall showtimes were not available by press deadline. Find up-to-date listings at arktimes.com.

NEW MOVIES Dragon (R) — Martial arts action flick in which a trained badass is pitted against the Chinese criminal underground. Market Street: 2:00, 4:30, 7:00, 9:15.

The Hobbit (PG-13) — Slate’s headline: “Bored of the Rings – The Hobbit looks like Teletubbies and is way too long.” Ooh… burn. Whatever, it’ll probably gross bajillions. Rave: 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30, 3:15, 4:15, 7:00, 8:00, 9:45, 10:45, 11:35 (2D), 11:00 a.m., 1:00, 2:45, 4:45, 6:30, 8:30, 10:15 (3D), noon, 3:45, 7:30, 11:15 (3D XTreme). Riverdale: 9:00 a.m., 12:25, 3:50, 7:15, 10:40.

The Other Son (PG-13) — A Palestinian and an Israeli discover they were switched at birth.

Market Street: 2:15, 4:30, 7:15, 9:00.

A Royal Affair (R) — Period piece about a crazy Dutch king, with lots of powder wigs and frilly vestments and shocked gasping from people who don’t get enough sunlight. Market Street: 1:30, 4:00, 6:45, 9:15.

RETURNING THIS WEEK Alex Cross (PG-13) — Pretty much “Tyler Perry’s ‘Death Wish’ meets ‘Seven.’ ” Movies 10: 12:05, 3:00, 5:25, 7:40, 9:55.

Anna Karenina (R) — If director Joe Wright (“Pride and Prejudice,” “Atonement”) hates the term “Oscar bait,” maybe he should, you know, stop Oscar-baiting so much. Rave: 10:00 a.m., 1:05, 4:35, 7:50, 10:55.

Argo (R) — A group of Americans in revolutionary Iran make an improbable escape, based on actual events, from director Ben Affleck.

Riverdale: 1:05, 3:45, 6:25.

Brave (PG) – Animated fantasy tale of a Celtictype girl who must save her kingdom from something or other. Movies 10: 12:15, 4:45, 9:30.

Chasing Mavericks (PG) — Two surfers — one an up-and-comer, the other a veteran — bond during their quest for massive waves. Movies 10: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:45.

The Collection (R) — From the creators of the “Saw” films, who surely must have a factory running 24/7 that just churns out new and horrifyingly gory ways to kill attractive young actors.

Rave: 12:05, 3:00, 5:50, 8:45, 11:05.

Finding Nemo 3D (G) — Pixar film about some fish and their adventures and it’s in 3D. Movies 10: noon, 2:25 (2D), 4:50, 7:15, 9:40 (3D).

The Flat (NR) — Documentary about an Israeli man who discovers a family secret among the papers of his recently deceased grandmother who fled Nazi Germany in the ’30s. Market Street: 1:45, 4:00, 6:45, 9:00.

Flight (R) — Denzel Washington is a pilot with a substance abuse problem, from director Robert Zemeckis. Rave: 12:20, 3:55, 7:20, 10:35.

Riverdale: 9:30 a.m., 12:25, 3:20, 6:15, 9:10.

House at the End of the Street (PG-13) — Bunch of terror happens to “Hunger Games” star Jennifer Lawrence. Movies 10: 12:20, 2:45, 8:00, 10:20.

Ice Age: Continental Drift (PG) – Latest iteration in the series about a crew of wacky animated animals. Movies 10: 5:05.

Killing Them Softly (R) — Awesome-looking mafia flick, with Brad Pitt, Ray Liotta and James

‘HOBBIT’ FORMING: “Hey man, that sure looks like Tim from ‘The Office,’ (Martin Freeman) but like they made him shorter or something. And his ears didn’t look like that before.

Gandolfini (!). Rave: 11:55 a.m., 2:35, 5:30, 8:35, 11:10. Riverdale: 9:05 p.m., 11:30 p.m.

Life of Pi (PG) — Based on the smash-hit book of the same name, from director Ang Lee. Rave: 11:20 a.m. (2D), 2:15, 5:15, 8:15, 11:20 (3D).

Riverdale: 9:30 a.m., 12:10, 2:50, 5:30, 8:10, 10:50.

Lincoln (PG-13) — Steven Spielberg’s biopic about Abraham Lincoln, with Daniel Day Lewis and Sally Field. Rave: 12:10, 3:30, 7:05, 10:25.

The Man with The Iron Fists (R) — Martial arts action flick, directed by and starring RZA, from producer Quentin Tarantino. Movies 10: 12:35, 3:00, 5:25, 7:40, 9:55.

The Odd Life of Timothy Green (PG) — Basically it’s Cabbage Patch Kids the Movie, but with just one Cabbage Patch Kid. Movies 10: 12:25, 2:50, 5:20, 7:50, 10:10.

Paranormal Activity 4 (R) — Part four of the “Paranormal Activity” franchise finds this asdffzzzz … Oops, fell asleep at the keyboard on account of powerful boredom. Movies 10: 12:40, 3:05, 5:30, 7:55, 10:05.

ParaNorman (PG) – Stop-motion animated film about a kid who talks to ghosts, from the studio that made “Coraline.” Movies 10: 2:35, 7:05.

Playing for Keeps (PG-13) — Rom-com about a former pro soccer player who returns home to mend fences with his son, only to be accosted by soccer moms because he’s so studly. Rave: 11:25 a.m., 2:10, 5:00, 7:40, 10:20. Riverdale: 9:30 a.m., 11:50 a.m., 1:45, 3:55, 6:05, 8:15, 10:25.

Red Dawn (PG-13) — Not so much a “remake” as an act of cinematic necrophilia — and an unnecessary one at that. Rave: 10:25 a.m., 12:55, 3:20, 5:45, 8:10, 10:40. Riverdale: Rise of the Guardians (PG) — Animated adventure story about a group of heroes who protect the imaginations of children from an evil spirit who wants to take over the world. Rave: 10:55 a.m., 1:30, 4:05, 6:45, 9:15 (2D), 10:15 a.m., 2:20, 4:50, 7:25 (3D).

The Sessions (R) — Helen Hunt is a sex surrogate who helps the seriously disabled John Hawkes. This has gotten universally great reviews. Market Street: 2:00, 4:20, 7:00, 9:00.

Riverdale: 9:30 a.m., 11:40 a.m., 1:50, 4:00, 6:10, 8:20, 10:30.

Sinister (R) — Bunch of terror happens to Ethan Hawke and his family. Movies 10: 12:10, 2:40, 5:10, 7:45, 10:15.

Skyfall (PG-13) — An aging Bond still can’t be beat. Rave: 10:00 a.m., 1:15, 4:30, 7:45, 11:00.

Taken 2 (PG-13) — Sequel to the kidnappingbased action film, with Liam Neeson. Movies 10: 12:30, 2:55, 5:15, 7:25, 9:50.

Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2 (PG-13) — Vampire movie sequel starring the girl who cheated on the guy, plus the other guy, the werewolf one. Oh yeah, get this: It’s the last one in the series! Rave: 10:45 a.m., 1:35, 4:25, 7:15, 10:10. Riverdale: 9:20 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 2:15, 4:35, 7:00, 9:25.

Wreck-It Ralph (PG) — Animated movie about a video game character. Rave: 10:20 a.m., 1:10, 4:00, 6:50, 9:30. Riverdale: 1:10, 3:25, 5:40, 7:55.

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.

Regal McCain Mall 12: 3929 McCain Blvd., 7531380, www.regmovies.com.

MOVIE REVIEW

Keep away from ‘Keeps’ Latest Gerard Butler vehicle is a dud.

BY SAM EIFLING

“P

laying for Keeps,” the perfectly harmless if cloyingly banal semicomedy that just wafted into theaters, has the sort of plot that does not, alas, attract much attention to the screenwriter at rooftop cocktail parties.

Aspiring starlet: “And what do you do?”

Robbie Fox, screenwriter: “I write the movies.”

A.S.: “Oh! Really. What have you written?”

Fox: “Well, I wrote ‘So I Married an Axe Murderer.’ ” A.S.: “Doesn’t ring a bell.”

Fox: “It starred Mike Myers? Came out in — oh, 1993. Probably before your time.”

A.S.: “No, I was born in 1989, so not quite. Anything more recent?”

Fox: “Yeah! OK, yes, it’s, uh, it’s a soccer movie. Basically Gerard Butler, the Spartan king in ‘300,’ that guy, he’s a washedup soccer star. He’s Scottish but he’s living in Virginia, near his ex-wife, Jessica Biel. They’ve got a 9-year-old son, but the retired athlete, George, has never really been much of a father. So he coaches the kid’s soccer team and tries to fend off all the single soccer moms and then tries to get back together with Jessica Biel before she gets married to a guy with no discernable personality whatsoever.”

A.S.: (blank stare) Fox: “It’s a family comedy, but you also get to see Uma Thurman in her underwear. Also George is trying to get a job as a sportscaster. Because he’s broke.” … So you’re hooked, right? Because what could go wrong with a movie about watching Gerard Butler run little kids around cones while he waddles through a midlife crisis, weaving in and out of romantic scrapes?

As it turns out, plenty. For starters, the guy who six years ago was screaming “Spartans never retreat! Spartans never surrender!” at a pack of bloodthirsty, spearwielding Abercrombie models is now telling a pack of rugrats to bring it in for a chant of “one, two, three, Go Cyclones!” and if you remember listening to Nine Inch Nails’ “Just Like You Imagined” over the trailer for “300,” this is an altogether unforgivable situation. (YouTube it. Seriously.)

Even if it’s terribly small-bore, you have to give “Playing for Keeps” this much: It seems earnest in its apparent attempt to sandwich a family drama around the for-

READERS CHOICE AWARDS

‘PLAYING FOR KEEPS’: Gerard Butler stars.

mer soccer great and the woman with whom he couldn’t hold it together. Alas that leaves director Gabriele Muccino flinging Butler (b. 1969) in the general direction of Biel (b. 1982) for most of the film while a cougar brigade that includes Uma (vamping), Catherine Zeta-Jones (panting) and Judy Greer (cringe-inducing) fling themselves at Butler. Dennis Quaid also shows up as a greasy high-roller soccer dad, turning in probably the film’s best performance. But even he isn’t funny.

No one here is. The basics here are often amiss. The tone’s mottled. The dialogue is rote. Even if you’re not the sort of person who notices cinematography, you’ll find yourself wondering why some key shots are full of the backs of people’s heads.

Butler’s clearly trying to balance his age against the types of roles he can expect at his age. (He also has a producer credit in “Playing for Keeps,” so this really is his baby.) It can’t all be “300” and “Machine Gun Preacher” and “RocknRolla” forever, even when you’re 40-something and still have abs like a marimba. You have to show leading-man range. Unfortunately this fellow George, this protagonist, he is something of a non-character. He’s a nice guy, and he tries to do the right thing. But there are precisely three phases of life in which a man is at his most vapid. They are: When he tries to get a job doing television news.

When he tries to talk his way out of women’s romantic advances. When he tries to talk his way back into the life of his aboutto-be-married ex. Alas, Butler is all three in this movie, and at no point does he say anything particularly memorable, interesting or inspiring. This. Is. Not. Sparta.

DEADLINE TO VOTE IS JANUARY 7.

All proceeds benefit the Little Rock Zoo

It’s Back!

Monday, December 31, 2012 8:00 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.

Food, drinks, music, parking, noisemakers, hats — EVERYTHING included for $75 per ticket Info and tickets online at http://www.showclix.com/event/ZooYearsEve2013 BUY BY 12 p.m., DEC. 25 and get TWO TICKETS FOR $75 (Limit 2 discount tickets per transaction) #1 Zoo Dr., Little Rock, AR www.littlerockzoo.com

www.arktimes.com

DECEMBER 12, 2012

31

Where Medicine Lives and TeamTreatment Begins.

32 DECEMBER 12, 2012 ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO ARKANSAS TIMES

©PHOTOS.COM, JUPITERIMAGES

HOW TO PREVENT AND SURVIVE NUMEROUS LIFE-THREATENING ILLNESSES. ADVERTISING E T N SUPPLEMENT P L M T TO O

Weight Control Works Prevention Wonders

A

Dramatic results with the UAMS Weight Loss and Metabolic Control Program.

t 448 pounds, Daniel Moix, 32, knew he needed “a multifaceted approach to weight loss.”He found it at the UAMS Weight Loss and Metabolic Control Program.

Moix is one of about 250 active patients in the program that’s been a fixture at UAMS for nearly 20 years. The success stories are a result of the many experts at UAMS who understand the long-term benefits a healthy lifestyle and weight can have on patients.

The UAMS plan consists of Health One Meal Replacements, weekly classes in nutrition and behavior modification taught by regis-

tered dietitians and nutritionists, and regular visits with a board-certified endocrinologist.

The UAMS Weight Loss and Metabolic Control Program helps patients: Lose weight Improve their health Maintain their weight loss Enhance their chances for longevity

T

he program gives the patient knowledge and tools to succeed by aiming to permanently change unhealthy lifestyles and eatCONTINUED ON PAGE 34

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO ARKANSAS TIMES DECEMBER 12, 2012

33

“Many

people get

caught up in

losing weight as quickly as

possible and

don’t have an

understanding

of the dangers

of fad diets

and drugs.”

HEALTH CHECK

Exercise— for mind and body

W

e’ve heard all along that exercise is good for your body, but a recent study shows that it’s good for your brain function, too.

In the study, sedentary adults completed four months of high-intensity interval training, and according to results presented at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress in October showed their ability to think, recall and make quick decisions improved significantly.

“If you talk to people who exercise, they say they feel sharper. Now we’ve found a way to measure that,”Dr. Martin Juneau, director of prevention at the Montreal Heart Institute, said in a press release. The test subjects’ average age was 49, and they were overweight and inactive.

Juneau said the increase in cognitive ability was proportional to the changes in exercise capacity and body weight.

Other studies have shown that stress hormones can damage brain cells – even kill them, and one of the most recommended stressreducers is physical exercise, so it’s not surprising that exercise can have a positive impact on brain function.

Health professionals have long touted exercise as a way to combat chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Combined with these recently discovered effects exercise can have on the brain, it should be more than enough motivation to hit the gym, right?

For some people, it seems like there’s not enough time to exercise, or they’re too tired once they get home after a long day at the office to get on the treadmill. For others, all of that seemingly complicated gym equipment can be more than a little intimidating.

Fortunately, if you live or work downtown or in West Little Rock, then there’s a Snap Fitness facility near you.

Snap Fitness is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and has the best exercise equipment in the business, including Cybex weight machines. They have treadmills, elliptical trainers and stationary bikes, along with a free weight area and an open area for body-weight exercises, stretching or yoga.

The downtown facility is on the ground floor of the Victory Building, a convenient distance from the state Capitol, Arkansas Children’s Hospital and surrounding offices. You can fit in a 30-minute workout

Exercise can combat chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity. during your lunch hour and still make it back to the office on time.

“A lot of our customers live in Cabot, Bryant or Benton,” Bill Rahn, owner of Little Rock’s Snap Fitness facilities, said. These customers work out at the gym after work, which helps them avoid the rush hour traffic on the way home, it makes it more likely that they will exercise regularly.

“They say once they get home, they don’t want to go anywhere after a long commute,” he said.

Snap Fitness also offers personal training sessions, and trainers can provide a 60-minute session to test your strength, flexibility and endurance – what the gym calls your Fitness Score. The score, along with a review of your medical and exercise history, help the trainer develop a workout plan customized for your unique goals and needs.

The West Little Rock location is at 400 N. Bowman Road, and members can use either facility at any time, which is especially convenient for people who live in West Little Rock and work downtown, or vice versa, Rahn said.

If you want to join a gym but don’t know where to begin, Rahn is offering a free personal training session for new members who mention reading about Snap Fitness in the Times. So now there’s no excuse – there are many reasons to visit Snap Fitness. You may have a lot (of weight) to lose, but there’s so much more to gain – your physical and mental health.

HEALTH CHECK

From a good source

Central Arkansas has some of the best water in the country – straight from the tap

A

ccording to the U.S. government, up to 60 percent of the human body is composed of water, with the brain made up 70 percent water and the lungs coming in at 90 percent. Needless to say, clean, fresh water is the most important substance for life and health.

For those of us in Central Arkansas, we are fortunate to have an abundant supply of high-quality drinking water.

“We have really good drinking water from a well-protected source,” Randy Easley, director of water quality at CAW, said, adding that it’s important to protect the source water from further degradation.

CAW draws water from Lake Maumelle and Lake Winona, which is directed to Jackson Reservoir, a regulating reservoir located within the Little Rock city limits at Reservoir Park. From there, the water is piped to one of two water treatment plants in the city.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets and monitors water quality standards for all public drinking water suppliers in the U.S. At the state level, this authority is delegated to the Arkansas

34 DECEMBER 12, 2012 ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO ARKANSAS TIMES

Department of Health. EPA’s primary standards for drinking water deal limiting the amounts of water contaminants, such as microbial substances, organic and inorganic chemicals, radioactive substances and pesticides. Secondary standards relate to what Easley called aesthetics – how the water looks and tastes.

Since the federal Safe Water Drinking Act was enacted in 1974, Central Arkansas Water (CAW) has never had a violation of water quality standards, according to its 2011 annual water quality report.

Easley said that in addition to monitoring for contaminants as mandated by the federal government, CAW’s commitment to water quality extends to monitoring other potential contaminants that, while not regulated, have been found in some drinking water supplies in the United States. This emerging group of constituents includes pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals.

“We monitor on a regular basis, so we’re ahead of the game when something happens” such as regulation changes, he said.

©PHOTOS.COM, CATHERINE YEULET

ing habits, said clinic coordinator Betsy Day. Getting participants to reach their ideal weight is accomplished through a documented, medically proven strategy.

“Many people get caught up in losing weight as quickly as possible and don’t have an understanding of the dangers of fad diets and drugs that often are more risky than being overweight or obese,”Day said.“The key part of any rational diet includes behavior modification to avoid regaining the lost weight as soon as previous eating habits resume. Cancer, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension would all decrease tremendously by a 20-25 pound weight loss in some patients.”

Elizabeth VaughnN e e l y, w h o h a s reached her goal and is on the maintenance plan, says learning how to keep track of what she eats has helped. She lost 132 pounds and eliminated blood pressure medication and having to prick her fingers because she is no longer diabetic.

“I feel it! My blood pressure is now 101/62!” she said.

Besides the formal education classes, patients take field trips to grocery stores and restaurants to test their new skills. They learn practical guides, such as a 3-ounce serving of meat is the same size as a deck of playing cards, not the oversized portion served in restaurants.

Patients also look to each other for inspiration, support and understanding when they may encounter what Moix calls “lapses, relapses and collapses.” As a self-proclaimed data nerd, Moix manipulates his weight statistics in a spreadsheet and has shared his ups and downs on an informative and entertaining blog. As a sedentary child of an obese parent, the native Arkansan weighed 165 pounds in the third grade. By high school, he could no longer find a scale to accommodate his size.

He’s lost 173 pounds so far, but measures his progress in real “a-ha” moments.

“I simply didn’t fit through the vessel’s water-tight doors,” Moix says about the USS Razorback, a World War II-era submarine at the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum.

A recent photograph captures a beaming Moix fitting through the door. “Serving as a motivator to my peers both in-person and through my blog is rewarding,” said Moix. “Finally, being able to do the things that I want to do makes it all worth it.”

©PHOTOS.COM, COMSTOCK

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

HEALTH CHECK

HEALTH CHECK

Be heart smart

A private matter

By J. Douglas Holloway, M.D., FACC, Arkansas Cardiology

“H

eart disease” typically refers to coronary artery disease, which is blockage of the blood vessels feeding the heart muscle. This results in heart attack, the No. 1 killer in our country. The standard recognized risk factors for heart disease are: smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and family history.

Additional contributors include obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. While we can’t control our genetic makeup, much of our risk for heart disease can be controlled. Our diet is a big factor. Generally, we simply eat too much, taking in far more calories than we burn off each day. As a result, two-thirds of Americans are overweight, and one-third are frankly obese. Obesity is a major cause of diabetes, and contributes to high blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides. Risk factor management should involve the health care provider, and drug therapy may be needed to help manage blood pressure or cholesterol levels. However, there’s no such thing as a pill that the doctor can prescribe to eliminate the risk of heart disease. It’s up to us individually to take care of ourselves, ensuring that we eat right and exercise regularly. Thirty minutes of vigorous exercise five to six days a week is important in maintaining heart health, although it is not a substitute for eating in a healthy manner.

A healthy eating plan first should emphasize portion control. Eating out is very common in this country. Portion sizes at restaurants are often far too large, and, as a result, our bodies become “super-sized” as well. We need to learn to not always“clean our plate” when we eat, or take food home from restaurants to save for our next meal. We don’t have to completely deprive ourselves of treats, but perhaps limit desserts to once a week, for example. Our diet should focus on vegetables, whole grains and healthy protein sources such as fish or nonmeat sources. Limiting our red meat intake to once or twice a week

“There’s

no such thing

as a pill that the doctor

can prescribe to eliminate

the risk of

heart disease.

It’s up to us

individually

to take care of

ourselves.”

is advisable, due to high cholesterol content.

Additionally, we need to emphasize grilled or baked foods eliminating fried foods from our diet. Soda intake should be strictly limited.

At home, there are many ways to convert standard recipes into more healthy versions. For example, consider substituting plain yogurt for sour cream, which will substantially reduce fat content and calories.

When recipes require one egg, use two egg whites instead. Pasta is a significant source of calories. Consider putting your sauce over spaghetti squash or sliced, sautéed zucchini. Instead of butter and bacon bits slathered on your baked potato, try spooning on some salsa.

Dr. Holloway is board certified in cardiology and internal medicine. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine and is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology, the American College of Chest Physicians and the American College of Physicians. He is a member of the Society of Nuclear Medicine, the Arkansas Medical Society, the Pulaski County Medical Society and the American Heart Association.

Cioppino (Seafood Stew) This is a simple, hearty, healthy wintertime recipe.

2 tsp. minced garlic 3 tsp. olive oil 1 large onion, diced 2 large celery stalks, diced 1 package frozen bay (small) scallops, thawed 2 packages frozen medium-large shrimp, peeled, deveined, thawed 1 package frozen halibut (or similar white fish), thawed, cubed 1 32-ounce container chicken stock 2 15-ounce cans diced tomato 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce 1 small can tomato paste 1 tbsp. Old Bay seasoning 2 tbsp. fish sauce (or one bottle clam juice) ½ tsp. ground black pepper In a large Dutch oven, cook the onion, celery and garlic in the olive oil over medium heat for two minutes, or until softened. Drain the thawed seafood and add to the Dutch oven. Add all other ingredients and cook until the seafood is done.

Early detection and treatment are vital when dealing with testicular and prostate cancer

I

t’s been well-documented that men are more reluctant to see a doctor when they’re sick and are often embarrassed to talk about their health problems, especially when it comes to aspects of their reproductive health. But the fact is, testicular cancer is the most common cancer in American males between the ages of 15 and 35, according to the Movember Foundation, which estimates “8,590 men will be diagnosed with the disease in 2012 and 360 will die.” Additionally, one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

In order to address this important issue, we talked to the experts at Arkansas Urology about prevention and screening for prostate and testicular cancer.

Health Check (HC): At what age should a person start getting screenings prostate cancer? How often should they be done after the first screening?

Arkansas Urology (AU): Men 50 and older should begin receiving prostate cancer screenings annually. Men who are at an increased risk for prostate cancer should begin screening earlier. African-American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer should begin screening at age 40.

HC: Can you briefly describe the preventive screening processes for prostate and testicular cancer?

AU: Two tests are commonly used to help detect prostate cancer: one is the digital rectal exam (DRE), in which a doctor physically examines the prostate to find hard or lumpy

areas, known as nodules, on the prostate.

The other is a blood test used to detect the prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a substance made by the prostate. Elevated PSA readings can be an indicator of prostate cancer.

Most testicular tumors are discovered during self-exams or physician exams.

Diagnosis of testicular cancer involves a patient history to evaluate risk factors; a physical examination to check for lumps, swelling or enlarged lymph nodes; and diagnostic tests. These tests help rule out other causes of symptoms, and determine the location, size and stage of the tumor.

To sum it up, an annual physical exam is extremely important for monitoring and maintaining your genitourinary health.

HC: What are the risk factors for these cancers? Do any of them have a genetic component?

AU: Different cancers have different risk factors. Both genetics and environmental factors, such as smoking, can contribute to the risk of developing certain cancers.

Some risk factors include family history, race or ethnicity, nationality, diet and obesity.

HC: Are there early warning symptoms for any of these cancers that a person should pay attention to?

AU: Early warning symptoms of testicular and prostate cancer are not always noticeable. If a person experiences blood in the urine, painful or frequent urination, a lump in the abdomen, painful swelling of the testes, pain in the lower back or loss of appetite, they should seek a physician.

©PHOTOS.COM, CATHERINE YEULET

Help control your risk for heart disease with a healthy diet

Men 50 and older should receive prostate cancer screenings annually.

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Diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cirrhosis of the liver are impacted by drug and alcohol abuse

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ccording to a five-year national study by the National Center on Addiction and Drug Abuse at Columbia University, “addiction treatment is largely disconnected from mainstream medical practice,” which is problematic, considering 16 percent of Americans age 12 and over are addicted to nicotine, alcohol or other drugs.

“Historically, one perception of addiction is that it was a moral issue,” Carole Baxter, executive director of Oasis Renewal Center, said. “But it really isn’t. It’s a chemistry issue in the brain. It plays a role in a person’s overall health.”

Baxter said studies have shown that chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cirrhosis of the liver are impacted by drug and alcohol abuse, and those with mental illness have a higher risk of addiction as a result of their impaired brain function or because they try to self-medicate.

But there is a movement in medicine to incorporate use of evidence-based tools for addiction screening and treatment into daily medical practice.

“More medical schools are encouraging their students to recognize that its inappropriate not to ask about alcohol and drug use,” Baxter said.

Once a person’s addiction is identified,

it’s important that they receive proper treatment. Baxter said Oasis Renewal Center, which is run by Recovery Centers of Arkansas, is a private, secluded residential treatment facility located on 50 acres just outside of Little Rock. This exclusive, upscale facility values its clients’ privacy and ensures confidentiality, she said.

The services Oasis provides extend beyond a person’s stay at the facility.

“Treatment is not just a one-time deal,” she said. “Just as a person with diabetes has to learn to manage their disease, people with a substance use disorder need continuing care until they are gradually less dependent on treatment programs and build their own support systems.

“We have a wonderful recovery community in Little Rock, and have strong relationships with local AA and other groups.

Together, we support [the client] and show them how to navigate daily life without addiction.”

One facet that distinguishes Oasis from other addiction treatment programs is its work with families and friends of clients.

“Addiction doesn’t happen to someone in a vacuum,” Baxter said. “We work with the families intensively, often before the client enters the facility.”

HEALTH CHECK

Take care of your (mental) health

W

ith fewer hours of daylight and the stress of the holidays, depression and feelings of the“winter blues�become more pronounced for some people. And with the new year just around the corner, a lot of people are making commitments to improve their physical health. Now is also a good time to take stock of yourself and the ones you love and make sure your mental and emotional health is in shape.

The first step is to be aware of the signs and symptoms of depression. “All of us feel sad at times for short periods,�

Rivendell Behavioral Health chief executive officer Duane Runyan, PhD, MBA, said. “True clinical depression is something different. It is a serious medical condition that interferes with everyday life for weeks or longer.�

In order for someone to be diagnosed with depression, they must have five or more of the following symptoms for at least a twoweek period: ■Depressed mood most of the day ■Diminished interest or pleasure in all or most activities ■Significant unintentional weight loss or gain ■Insomnia or sleeping too much ■Agitation or psychomotor retardation noticed by others ■Fatigue or loss of energy ■Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt ■Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness ■Recurrent thoughts of death Runyan said children and adolescents may not react to depression in the same way as adults. “In children and adolescents, symptoms

Experience Rivendell

“True clinical depression is a serious

of depression are similar but can look somewhat different,� he said. “For example, children who are depressed may not report a depressed mood.

They are more likely to report insomnia, fatigue or other physical complaints (dizziness, headache, stomachache). At school, depressed children may have difficulty concentrating and their school performance will deteriorate. Social isolation from family and friends is not uncommon.

Lastly, there is the potential for an increase in dangerous behaviors, such as alcohol or other drug use, which may lead to potential harm or even death.�

So when should a person seek treatment from a mental health professional for themselves or someone they love? “Sooner is always better,� Runyan said, but “care and discretion should be used in addressing this issue with a loved one who is experiencing depression. There is no one right way to address this issue.�

He said that in general, adults who may meet criteria for clinical depression often have some level of awareness of their situation, and they sometimes need loving support in reaching out for treatment.“Intervention may be met with understanding and acceptance; however, it may also be met with anger and resistance,� he said. “It can be particularly

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medical

condition that

Serving Adults, Adolescents and Children

interferes with

everyday life for weeks or longer.�

CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

1-800-264-5640 1-8 800-264-5640 5LYHQGHOO 'ULYH ‡ %HQWRQ www.rivendellofarkansas.com We accept Arkansas Medicaid (AR KIDS 1st “A�) ages 20 and under, most private insurances, as well as Adult MEDICARE. Call for questions on eligibility.

ARKANSAS TIMES READERS HAVE

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76% OF OUR READERS HAVE SOME TYPE OF HEALTH CARE INSURANCE

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BAPTIST HEALTH IS AMONG THE NATION’S BEST FOR TREATING HEART ATTACKS. Baptist Health was named a Top Performer for treating heart attacks by the Joint Commission, an honor designated to the very best health care programs around the country. We are the only full-service medical center to be given this distinction in Central Arkansas. Which means when you trust your heart with Baptist Health, you’re cared for by the Nation’s best.

Left to right, top row: Jim Kizziar, M.D.; Steve W. Hutchins, M.D., FACC; Dwight Chrisman, M.D., FACC; Steve Greer, M.D., FACC; Carla Fort, RT; John Ransom, M.D.; Derlis Martino, M.D.; Alexander N. Orsini, M.D. Left to right, middle row: Thomas D. Conley, M.D., FACC; Jay D. Geoghagan, M.D., FACC; Jeffrey H. Neuhauser, D.O., FACC; David G. Jones, M.D., FACC; Doug Holloway, M.D., FACC; Robert A. Lambert, M.D., FACC; Perry Ballard, RN; Blake Norris, M.D., FACC Left to right, bottom row: Scott A. Davis, M.D., FACC; Brooke Schneider, RN; B.K. Singh, M.D.; Randy B. Minton, M.D., FACC; Thomas Rayburn, M.D.; Gary Collins, M.D., FACC

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37 challenging when alcohol or other drug use is involved. In those instances where your support is not well-received, please remember that symptoms associated with depression are painful and not to take any negative interaction personally.”

With children, it’s less likely for them to be aware that they are depressed, so it’s critical that parents are made aware of their child’s condition and the potential impact it may have on social and family relationships, academic performance and risky behaviors.

“Often with this knowledge, parents are more willing to reach out for assistance,” he said.

Medication and psychotherapy are the two most common treatments for depression, and are often combined, especially when the symptoms are more severe.

Sometimes people are reluctant to seek treatment because they’re afraid of what others may say or think of them.

“In some areas, there continues to be a perception that willpower is all that is necessary to ‘snap out’ of a psychiatric illness,” Runyan said. “The research clearly indicates that is not true with clinical depression or virtually any other psychiatric condition. Fortunately, there is a better understanding of this now than ever before. It will continue to take time for this stigma to disappear.”

In order to help dispel some of the negative attitudes regarding treatment for depression, the staff at Rivendell works with patients to educate them about the nature of depression.

“Additionally, we teach our patients how to manage mental health with sleeping, eating, exercising and eliminating alcohol (or other drug use) in order to create a life worth living,” he said.

From the despair of substance abuse... there is an Oasis Our focus is on recovery!

(501) 37- OASIS 14913 Cooper Orbit Road (501-376-2747) Little Rock www.OasisRenewalCenter.com SOURCE: THE MEDIA AUDIT, JAN. 2012

The Oasis also offers training and consultation services to help businesses identify and deal with substance abuse related performance declines.

More than 5,000 battles against prostate cancer

Depression risk factors

“Many researchers believe depression is caused by chemical changes in the brain,” Rivendell Behavioral Health chief executive officer Duane Runyan, PhD, MBA, said. “This may be due to stressful events or to genetic factors (e.g., a family history of depression). More than likely, it is a combination of both.”

Reducing the risks

While much depends on the specific risk factors, patients who have a strong family history for depression should try the following to reduce the likelihood of depression: ■ Be aware of healthy habits with eating and sleeping ■ Exercise regularly ■ Maintain positive social relationships ■ Avoid using alcohol and other drugs

You want to be your best, and so do we.

Through the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Center, Arkansas Urology provides the state’s most advanced care for men fighting prostate cancer. After more than 5,000 battles with this disease over the past decade, we’ve learned that each case – each life – is unique.

That’s why our highly trained and uniquely qualified physicians provide expert care using advanced robotic surgical techniques, cryotherapy, state-of-the-art radiation technology and watchful waiting. We recognize the importance of considering every available option. You deserve the treatment that’s best suited to your needs, because you aren’t satisfied with good enough. And neither are we.

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Call 877-321-8452 today to schedule an appointment at any of our eight convenient locations, or visit ArkansasUrology.com to learn more.

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hearsay ➥ When you’re looking for great deals at local retailers and restaurants, don’t forget to browse HALF-OFF ARKANSAS, where you can buy gift certificates at 50 percent of their value. Pick up a $25 voucher at Lulav for just $12.50. Participating restaurants and retailers include Sticky Fingerz, Lilly’s Dim Sum Then Some, Ava Bella Day Spa, Argenta Market and Cantrell Gallery. Visit www.halfoffarkansas.com. ➥ Don’t have time to cook for your holiday party or Christmas dinner? Then TERRY’S FINER FOODS can help you out. They have bone-in or boneless peppered hams, and a limited amount of free-range, all-natural turkeys available. Call 501-663-4152 to reserve yours. ➥ Downtown’s SECOND FRIDAY ART NIGHT, sponsored by the Times, is from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 14. The Old State House Museum, Gallery 221, the Historic Arkansas Museum and the Butler Center Galleries will all be open late. Free parking is available and you can grab a free trolley ride to each of the participating locations, which also include Copper Grill, Dizzy’s and Courtyard Marriott. ➥ Don’t forget the knife sale at KREBS BROTHERS RESTAURANT STORE. From now until Dec. 24, they have a buy one, get 50 percent off deal on knives that are in stock. Choose from American, German and Japanese brands. ➥ DREAMWEAVERS’ holiday outlet sale is on from now until Dec. 14. Check out their large selection of home decorating items and accessories. ➥ Help the HUMANE SOCIETY OF PULASKI COUNTY save homeless animals by purchasing their 2013 day planner. All of the proceeds will benefit the animals. Visit www.warmhearts.org for purchasing information. ➥ COLONIAL WINES AND SPIRITS has three days of events that will surely get you ready to celebrate the weekend. First, from 4-7 p.m. Dec. 12, Todd Dudley from New Belgium Brewing will be on hand for a tasting of seasonals and possibly something from their excellent Lips of Faith series. Wine guru Bruce Cochran from Custom Beverage will be there from 3-5 p.m. Dec. 13 for a tasting of some great wines and spirits. To wrap things up, Bryan Miller will be there from 4-6 p.m. Dec. 13 to host a tasting of the Nutcracker and Harvest Dance ales from Boulevard Brewing.

DECEMBER 12, 2012

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Stockingstuffer edition

t’s less than two weeks before Christmas, so you probably already have the big gifts bought, or at least decided on. But what about those stocking stuffers? You can’t just put oranges, nuts and candy in there. Here are a few ideas from out local retailers: Everyone loves U.S. PIZZA CO., and with their multiple locations, a U.S. Pizza gift certificate would be the perfect gift to give anyone of any age on your holiday shopping list — so stop by one of the locations and give the gift of delicious!

Okay, this won’t fit in an average stocking, but almost every kid – big or little – wants to see a shiny new bike under the tree on Christmas morning, and CHAINWHEEL has the best kids bikes from Cannondale.

Fun is on the agenda with these bikes, and they that come in street or trail models. And Sundays are the best day to visit Chainwheel — you can save 10 percent every Sunday until Christmas. They’re open from 1-5 p.m. on Sundays.

Be the guest everyone wants to invite with by bringing bottles of Almond Sparkling Wine from RAIMONDO WINERY. The winery, located on Lake Norfolk, is familyowned and specializes in Italian and Iberian wines, as well as boutique olive oils and vinegars. The Almond Sparkling Wine is a demisec sparkling wine with a delicate almond flavor layered over impressions of pear, green apple, and toasted vanilla. The winery sells direct to the consumer, and items also be purchased at Hillcrest Artisan Meat, Argenta Market, Sullivan’s Liquor and Eggshells Kitchen Co. For more information, call the winery at 870-467-5115.

Hillcrest Designer Jewelry Hillcrest Designer Jewelry has the perfect stocking gift for anyone. We’re now featuring the “Southern Gates” collection of silver, copper and bronze jewelry. These delicate designs were inspired by ornamental ironwork found on iron gates, grilles and balconies throughout the country. We have necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings with unique, yet familiar filigree and scroll patterns.

3000 Kavanaugh 501.246.3655 hillcrestdesignerjewelry.com

Help your loved ones prepare for the amazing round of authors visiting Little Rock in 2013 by picking up their books at PYRAMID ART, BOOKS AND CUSTOM FRAMING. Author Leymah Gbowee will speak at an event hosted by Arkansas WAND, and J.R. Martinez, Sampson Davis, George Jenkins and Rameck Hunt will be part of Philander Smith College’s Bless the Mic series. Also, don’t forget about Pyramid’s custom framing services.

BOX TURTLE has more than 100 stocking stuffers that range in price from $2-$20. Check out Cheeky Marshmallows, their kids’ area downstairs, where they have a great selection of Lego mini-figurines, retro toys, sharks’ teeth, minidinosaurs and jewelry.

HILLCREST DESIGNER JEWELRY has the perfect stocking gift for anyone, including the Southern Gates collection of copper, silver and bronze jewelry, whose designs are inspired by ornamental ironwork. These unique designs can be found on necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings.

RHEA DRUG has a great selection of stocking stuffers, as well as gourmet food items, including a variety of Arkansas-made products.

Box Turtle

Almond Sparkling Wine Our delicious sparkling wine with the essence of almond! A demi-sec sparkling wine with a delicate almond flavor layered over impressions of pear, green apple, and toasted vanilla. Natural almond essence is added to our sweet sparkling white wine to create this unique sparkler! A popular wine for wedding toasts and events of all kinds as it is a very good value.

Need a fun, quirky stocking stuffer?

Look no further than Box Turtle!

In addition to incredible jewelry, clothing and other accessories, there are lots of fun items in store like this crank music box or the slang flashcards where you can “get hip in mere days”. These little treats won’t break the bank and will bring a smile to everyone’s face come Christmas morning.

149 Country Road 820 Gamaliel, AR 870.421.2076 raimondowinery.com

2616 Kavanaugh Blvd.

Hillcrest 501.661.1167 shopboxturtle.com

Raimondo Winery

Leymah Gbowee J.R. Martinez

Pyramid Art, Books & Custom Framing Prepare the literary lovers in your life with great books from authors coming to Little Rock in 2013! Arkansas WAND is hosting Leymah Gbowee. Philander Smith College will feature J.R. Martinez in January for their Bless the Mic Series.

Pyramid Art, Books & Custom Framing is the perfect place for your literary needs. Preserve your holiday memories with quality conservation or decorative custom picture framing.

1001 Wright Avenue, Suite C 501.372.5824 pyramidbooks.org

Chainwheel The Chainwheel Holiday Sale Save 10% on Sundays until Christmas.

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DECEMBER 12, 2012

41

Dining WHAT’S COOKIN’ HISTORIC ARKANSAS MUSEUM’S “Eighth Ever Nog-off” is 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, part of 2nd Friday Art Night events downtown.

Capital Hotel bartender David Burnette, who has won for two years running, will defend his title.

Other competitors include Copper Grill, Le Pops, Loblolly Creamery, museum supporter Bridget Farris, Argenta Arts Foundation marketing manager Drue Patton and Historic Arkansas Museum director Bill Worthen. Worthen’s nog, a past winner, is made from a 185-year-old family recipe.

People’s Choice and Taster’s Choice winners will be announced the next Monday. Arkansas Times contributor Kat Robinson will be among the celebrity judges. Others are Phil Brandon of Rock Town Distillery and gardener/author/designer P. Allen Smith. Samplers must be 21 and will be asked to show ID if they look too young to nog.

HAM’s Nog-off is featured in the current issue of Food Network Magazine and David Burnette’s award-winning recipe is featured in Southern Living.

DINING CAPSULES

AMERICAN

ACADIA A jewel of a restaurant in Hillcrest.

Unbelievable fixed-price, three-course dinners on Mondays and Tuesday, but food is certainly worth full price. 3000 Kavanaugh Blvd. Full bar, CC. $$-$$$.

501-603-9630. D Mon.-Sat. BIG ORANGE: BURGERS SALADS SHAKES Gourmet burgers manufactured according to exacting specs and properly fried Kennebec potatoes are the big draws. 17809 Chenal Parkway. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-821-1515. LD daily.

BLACK ANGUS CAFE Charcoal-grilled burgers, hamburger steaks and steaks proper are the big draws. 10907 N. Rodney Parham. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$.

501-228-7800. LD Mon.-Sat. BOBBY’S CAFE Delicious, humungo burgers and tasty homemade deserts.

12230 MacArthur Drive. NLR. No alcohol, No CC. $. 501-851-7888. BL Tue.-Fri., D Thu.-Fri. BOSCOS RESTAURANT & BREWERY CO. Along with tried and true things like sandwiches, burgers, steaks and big salads, they have entrees like black bean and goat cheese tamales, open hearth pizza ovens and muffalettas. 500 President Clinton Ave. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-907-1881. LD daily. BR Sun. BOUDREAUX’S GRILL & BAR A homey, seat-yourself Cajun joint that serves up all sorts of variations of shrimp and catfish.

9811 Maumelle Blvd. NLR. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-753-6860. L Sat., D Mon.-Sat.

42

DECEMBER 12, 2012

ARKANSAS TIMES

Trio’s

8201 Cantrell Road Little Rock triosrestaurant.com

QUICK BITE Worth a visit alone: Trio’s desserts.

The menu includes a peanut butter pie, a key lime torte and raspberry cream pie that is surely one of the state’s finest.

HOURS 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

OTHER INFO CC accepted, full bar.

PLEASANT SURPRISE: Trio’s shrimp enchilada.

Not trendy but true Venerable Trio’s serves some of best food in town.

T

rio’s is not the swanky new kid in town. It’s not the latest hipster hangout. The clientele (generally speaking) aren’t donning skinny jeans, long scarves, thick-rimmed glasses or ironic mustaches. It’s more likely to be featured on the “Golden Girls” than parodied on “Portlandia.” Trio’s is, at least on the surface, not hip. But it has been around for 26 years, so it’s doing something right.

Today, the executive cheffing is left to Shanna Merriweather, who is putting out a regularly rotating menu to complement the hodge-podge of mainstays that have been engraved on Trio’s menu after years of favorable diner reviews.

We stopped in to Trio’s recently to sample what’s new as well as explore some of those long-time favorites. We were pleased with what Trio’s served.

We started with a duo of appetizers.

The first was a warm brie with mango chutney ($7.50) and almonds paired with green apple slices and water crackers. We’ve had this dish a number of times, and I typically find that it sounds better on paper than it actually tastes.

However, Trio’s version was quite the opposite. The cheese was perfectly soft and creamy on the interior with a slightly hardened rind. The sweet, gelatinous mango chutney and crunchy almonds added another layer of texture and flavor that made this dish one of the

SOLID STARTER: Warm brie with mango chutney.

greatest highlights of the night. It’s a substantial slice of brie, but, we assure you, we had no reservations about wiping that plate clean.

Secondly, we ordered a creamy white queso ($7.50). The luscious melted cheese was simply adorned with a garnish of diced tomato and salsa verde and paired with hot, thin tortilla chips. Again, what could have easily been a boring, uneventful dish turned out to be superb. The cheese was creamy and silky, not the gooey, sticky glob-like stuff some places serve

as cheese dip. Substandard cheese dip does not fly in this town.

Entrees continued to impress. As a rule, we avoid meatloaf, but Trio’s meatloaf ($14) was constructed using a blend of beef and chorizo, and chorizo is one pork product we cannot pass up. The result is a meatloaf that’s a far stretch from Grandma’s white bread and ketchup variety. This loaf was spicy, tender, moist and full of flavor. With the side of skin-on mashed potatoes, it was a wonderful spin on a classic recipe.

Lastly, we sampled one of Trio’s mainstays, the shrimp enchiladas ($14.95). With a menu that some would call unfocused, which spans cuisine rooted anywhere from Thailand to Texas, we were skeptical that this place could produce a decent Mexican dish.

However, we were pleased to find these enchiladas to be on par with many of the more popular Mexican joints in Central Arkansas. The shrimp were plentiful, plump, and tender, wrapped in two tortillas stuffed with jack cheese and topped with a jalapeño cream and chipotle pepper sauce. It was rich but not overwhelming, with the right amount of smoky heat contributed by the chipotle peppers. I’d have no problem ordering this dish again.

Chef Merriweather’s menu is eclectic and playful, but also skillfully done.

If you’re looking for more reasons to visit Trio’s soon, how about the promise of a grilled beef tenderloin with sugar-plum and Cabernet demi-glace, or roasted West Texas quail with Cointreau liqueur and navel orange glaze served with a savory mushroom bread pudding? Trio’s might not be the trendiest number in town, but it certainly scores high in our book.

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.

BOULEVARD BREAD CO. Fresh bread, fresh pastries, wide selection of cheeses, meats, side dishes; all superb. 1920 N. Grant St. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$. 501-663-5951. BLD Mon.-Sat. 400 President Clinton Ave. Beer, All CC. $$.

501-374-1232. BL Mon.-Sat. 4301 W. Markham St. No alcohol, All CC. $$. 501-526-6661. BL Mon.-Fri. 1417 Main St. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-375-5100. BL Mon.-Sat. BUTCHER SHOP Several menu additions complement the calling card: large, fabulous cuts of prime beef, cooked to perfection.

10825 Hermitage Road. Full bar, All CC. $$$.

501-312-2748. D daily.

CAJUN’S WHARF The venerable seafood restaurant serves up great gumbo and oysters Bienville, and options such as fine steaks for the non-seafood eater. 2400 Cantrell Road. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-375-5351. D Mon.-Sat. CAPERS It’s never been better, with a menu that covers a lot of ground — seafood, steaks, pasta — and does it all well. 14502 Cantrell Road. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-868-7600.

LD Mon.-Sat. COAST CAFE A variety of salads, smoothies, sandwiches and pizzas. 400 President Clinton Ave. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-371-0164.

BL Mon.-Sat. COMMUNITY BAKERY This bakery is the place to linger over a latte, bagels and the New York Times. But a lunchtime dash for sandwiches is OK, too. 1200 S. Main St. No alcohol, CC. $-$$. 501-375-7105. BLD daily.

270 S. Shackleford. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$.

501-224-1656. BLD Mon.-Sat. BL Sun. COPPER GRILL Comfort food, burgers and more sophisticated fare. 300 E. Third St. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-375-3333. LD Mon.-Sat. DAVE’S PLACE A popular downtown soupand-sandwich stop at lunch draws a large and diverse crowd for the Friday night dinner, which varies in theme. 201 Center St. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-372-3283. L Mon.-Fri., D Fri. DAVID FAMILY KITCHEN Neckbones, ribs, sturdy cornbread, salmon croquettes, mustard greens and the like. 2301 Broadway. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-371-0141. BL Mon.-Fri., L Sun. DIZZY’S GYPSY BISTRO Interesting bistro fare, served in massive portions. 200 River Market Ave. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-375-3500. LD Tue.-Sat. THE FADED ROSE The Cajun-inspired menu seldom disappoints. Steaks and soaked salads are legendary. 1619 Rebsamen Park Road. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-663-9734. LD daily.

FLYING SAUCER A popular hangout thanks to its almost 200 beers and more than decent bar food. 323 President Clinton Ave. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-372-8032. LD daily.

FRANKE’S CAFETERIA Plate lunch spot strong on salads and vegetables, and perfect fried chicken on Sundays. 11121 N. Rodney Parham Road. No alcohol, All CC. $$. 501-2254487. LD Mon.-Fri. 400 W. Capitol Ave. No alcohol, All CC. $$. 501-372-1919. L Mon.-Fri. FRONTIER DINER The traditional all-American roadside diner, complete with a nice selection of man-friendly breakfasts and lunch specials.

10424 Interstate 30. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$.

501-565-6414. BL Mon.-Sat. FROSTOP A ‘50s-style drive-in has been resurrected, with big and juicy burgers and great irregularly cut fries. 4131 JFK Blvd. NLR. No

BELLY UP

B Breakfast L Lunch D Dinner $ Inexpensive (under $8/person) $$ Moderate ($8-$20/person) $$$ Expensive (over $20/person) CC Accepts credit cards

alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-758-4535. BLD daily.

GADWALL’S GRILL & PIZZA There’s mouthwatering burgers and specialty sandwiches, plus zesty pizzas with cracker-thin crust and plenty of toppings. 12 North Hills Shopping Center. NLR. Beer, Wine, All CC. $-$$. 501-8341840. LD daily.

IZZY’S Wholesome, all-American food prepared with care, if rarely far from the middle of the culinary road. With full vegan and glutenfree menus. 5601 Ranch Drive. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$. 501-868-4311. LD Mon.-Sat. KIERRE’S KOUNTRY KITCHEN Excellent home-cooking joint for huge helpings of meat loaf and chicken-fried steak, cooked-down vegetables and wonderful homemade pies

Check out the Times’ food blog, Eat Arkansas arktimes.com

and cakes. 6 Collins Place. NLR. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-758-0903. BLD Tue.-Fri., BL Sat. MOOYAH BURGERS Kid-friendly, fast-casual restaurant with beef, veggie and turkey burgers, a burger bar and shakes. 14810 Cantrell Road, Suite 190. No alcohol, All CC. 501-868-1091.

RED DOOR Fresh seafood, steaks, chops and sandwiches. 3701 Old Cantrell Road. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-666-8482. BL Tue.-Fri. D daily. BR Sat. RENO’S ARGENTA CAFE Sandwiches, gyros and gourmet pizzas by day and music and drinks by night. 312 N. Main St. NLR. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-376-2900.

RIVERFRONT STEAKHOUSE Steaks are the draw here — nice cuts heavily salted and

peppered, cooked quickly and accurately to your specifications. 2 Riverfront Place. NLR. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-375-7825. D Mon.-Sat. ROCKET TWENTY ONE Great seafood, among other things, is served at the Ice House Revival. 2601 Kavanaugh Blvd. Full bar, All CC. $$$-$$$$. 501-603-9208. L Mon.-Fri., D Tue.-Sat. ROUTE 66 DINER Kid-friendly ’50s diner with a menu of classics, including chicken and waffles.

7710 Cantrell Road. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$.

501-223-3366. BLD Mon.-Sat. RUDY’S OYSTER BAR Good boiled shrimp and oysters on the half shell. Quesadillas and chili cheese dip are tasty and ultra-hearty. 2695 Pike Ave. NLR. Full bar, All CC. 501-771-0808.

LD Mon.-Sat. TOWN PUMP A dependable burger, good wings, great fries, other bar food, plate lunches.

1321 Rebsamen Park Road. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-663-9802. L Mon.-Sat. D daily.

VIEUX CARRE A pleasant spot with specialty salads, steak and seafood. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-663-1196. LD Mon.-Fri., D Sat., BR Sun. W.T. BUBBA’S COUNTRY TAVERN Sloppy Joe’s, a fried bologna sandwich, a nacho bar and burgers and such feature on the menu.

500 President Clinton Ave. Full bar, All CC. $$.

501-244-2528. LD Mon.-Sat. YOUR MAMA’S GOOD FOOD Offering simple and satisfying cafeteria food, with burgers and more hot off the grill, plate lunches and pies. 215 Center St. No alcohol, All CC. $. 501-372-1811. BL Mon.-Fri.

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CHI’S CHINESE CUISINE Offers a broad menu that spans the Chinese provinces and offers a few twists on the usual local offerings. 5110 W. Markham St. Beer, All CC. $-$$. 501-604-7777.

LD Mon.-Sat. CRAZY HIBACHI GRILL Tapanaki cooking, sushi bar and sit-down dining with a Mongolian grill. 2907 Lakewood Village. NLR. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-812-9888. LD daily.

FANTASTIC CHINA The food is delicious, the presentation beautiful, the menu distinctive, the service perfect, the decor bright. 1900 N. Grant St. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-663-8999. LD daily.

LILLY’S DIMSUM THEN SOME Innovative dishes inspired by Asian cuisine, utilizing local and fresh ingredients. 11121 N. Rodney Parham Road. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$-$$$.

501-716-2700. LD Tue.-Sun. MT. FUJI JAPANESE RESTAURANT The dean of Little Rock sushi bars offers a fabulous lunch special. 10301 Rodney Parham Road. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-227-6498. LD daily. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-227-6498.

OSAKA JAPANESE RESTAURANT Finedining Japanese dishes and a well-stocked sushi bar. 5501 Ranch Dr. $$-$$$. 501-868-3688.

LD Sun.-Thu., D Fri.-Sat. SAIGON CUISINE Traditional Vietnamese with Thai and Chinese selections. 14524 Cantrell Road. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-868-7770.

LD daily.

SUSHI CAFE Impressive, upscale sushi menu with other delectable house specialties like tuna tataki, fried soft shell crab and Kobe beef.

5823 Kavanaugh Blvd. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$.

501-663-9888. L Mon.-Sat. D daily.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

SOURCE: THE MEDIA AUDIT, JAN. 2012 www.arktimes.com

DECEMBER 12, 2012

43

CROSSWORD

DINING CAPSULES, CONT.

EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ

ACROS S

35 36 37 38

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46 47 48

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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: Today’s 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

CHATZ CAFE ‘Cue and catfish joint that does heavy catering business.

8801 Colonel Glenn Road. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-562-4949. LD Mon.-Sat. CORKY’S RIBS & BBQ The pulled pork is extremely tender and juicy, and the sauce is sweet and tangy without a hint of heat. 12005 Westhaven Drive. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-954-7427. LD daily. 2947 Lakewood Village Drive. NLR. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-753-3737. LD daily, B Sat.-Sun. WHITE PIG INN Go for the sliced rather than chopped meats at this working-class barbecue cafe. 5231 E. Broadway. NLR. Beer, All CC. $-$$.

501-945-5551. LD Mon.-Fri., L Sat. WHOLE HOG CAFE The pulled pork shoulder is a classic, the back ribs are worthy of their many blue ribbons, and there’s a six-pack of sauces for all tastes. 516 Cantrell Road. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$. 501-664-5025.

LD Mon.-Sat. 12111 W. Markham. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$. 501-907-6124.

LD daily 150 E. Oak St. Conway. No alcohol, All CC. $$. 501-513-0600.

LD Mon.-Sat., L Sun. 5107 Warden Road. NLR. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$.

501-753-9227.

EUROPEAN / ETHNIC

CAFE BOSSA NOVA A South American approach to sandwiches, salads and desserts, all quite good, as well as an array of refreshing South American teas and coffees. 2701 Kavanaugh Blvd. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$.

501-614-6682. LD Tue.-Sat., BR Sun. DUGAN’S PUB Serves up Irish fare like fish and chips and corned beef and cabbage alongside classic bar food. 401 E. 3rd St. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-244-0542. LD daily.

GEORGIA’S GYROS Good gyros, Greek salads and fragrant grilled pita bread highlight a large Mediterranean food selection. 2933 Lakewood Village Drive. NLR. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-753-5090. LD Mon.-Sat. HIBERNIA IRISH TAVERN This traditional Irish pub has its own traditional Irish cook from Ireland. Irish and Southern food favorites. 9700 N Rodney Parham Road. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-246-4340. D Mon.-Fri., BR, L, D Sat.-Sun. LAYLA’S GYROS AND PIZZERIA Delicious Mediterranean fare that has a devoted following. 9501 N. Rodney Parham Road. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-227-7272. LD daily (close 5 p.m. on Sun.).

TAJ MAHAL Offers upscale versions of traditional dishes and an extensive menu. 1520 Market Street. Beer, All CC. $$$. 501-881-4796. LD daily.

THE TERRACE MEDITERRANEAN KITCHEN A broad selection of Mediterranean delights. 2200 Rodney Parham Road. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-217-9393. LD Mon.-Fri., D Sat. YA YA’S EURO BISTRO Best bet is lunch, where you can explore the menu through soup, salad or half a sandwich. 17711 Chenal Parkway. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-821-1144. LD daily, BR Sun.

ITALIAN

BRAVO! CUCINA ITALIANA This upscale Italian chain offers delicious and sometimes inventive dishes. 17815 Chenal Pkwy. Full bar, All CC. $$$.

501-821-2485. LD daily. BR Sun. BRUNO’S ITALIAN BISTRO Traditional Italian antipastos, appetizers, entrees and desserts. 315 N. Bowman Road. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$-$$$.

501-225-5000. L,D Mon.-Sat. GRAFFITI’S The casually chic and ever-popular Italian-flavored bistro avoids the rut with daily specials and careful menu tinkering. 7811 Cantrell Road. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-224-9079. D Mon.-Sat. RISTORANTE CAPEO Authentic cooking from the boot of Italy. They make their own mozzarella fresh daily. 425 Main St. NLR. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-376-3463. D Mon.-Sat. ROCKY’S PUB Rocking sandwiches and a fine selection of homemade Italian entrees. 6909 JFK Blvd. NLR. Beer, Wine. $$. 501-833-1077. LD Mon.-Sat.

LATINO

BUMPY’S TEXMEX GRILL & CANTINA The menu includes Tex-Mex staples but also baby back ribs, fried fish and a grilled chicken salad. 400 N. Bowman Road. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-379-8327. LD daily.

CANTINA LAREDO This is gourmet Mexican food. We can vouch for the enchilada Veracruz and the carne asada y huevos, both with tasty sauces and high quality ingredients perfectly cooked. 207 N. University. Full bar, All CC. $$$. 501-280-0407. LD daily, BR Sun. JUANITA’S Menu includes a variety of combination entree choices plus creative salads and other dishes. 614 President Clinton Ave. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-372-1228. LD Mon.-Sat. ROSALINDA RESTAURANT HONDURENO A Honduran cafe that specializes in pollo con frito tajada. 3700 JFK Blvd. NLR. No alcohol, No CC. $-$$. 501-771-5559. LD daily.

SENOR TEQUILA Authentic dishes with great service and prices. 10300 N. Rodney Parham Road. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-224-5505. LD daily 9847 Maumelle Blvd. NLR. 501-758-4432.

44

DECEMBER 12, 2012

ARKANSAS TIMES

O

ICIA L

FF

!"#$%&'($)

It’s the return of the annual Arkansas Times Musicians Showcase with performers competing for an array of prizes. All acts that have at least four songs of original material are encouraged to enter. All styles are welcome.

The Holy Shakes 2012 Winner

!"#$%&'(!')*+ Semifinalists will compete throughout January and February at Stickyz.

Weekly winners will then face off in the finals at the Rev Room in March.

Check out arktimes.com/showcase for information on how to enter online and upload your files.

DEADLINE FOR ENTRY

Door prizes will be given away to fans in attendance.

FOR MORE INFO E-MAIL

,-.,/0,0'12340' 350262,/0'07896,04' 4/1-:';8-3 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

JAN. 7, 2013 robertbell@arktimes.com

Nine more days

T

here are things I’ve done that I’ve got to undo, and things I’ve left undone that I’ve got to do. And it’s a little more urgent for me than it was for St. Paul, because I have only nine days before the world comes to an end.

He had 2,000 years to dilly or dally in, to shilly or shally away, to put crap off until.

There are 5,000 books scattered around the house, and maybe 4,000 of them have never been explored. I don’t know if I can read 4,000 books in nine days, but I feel like I have an obligation to try. Several hundred of them I can throw out to start with — Rick Warren’s, Tim LeHaye’s, creationists’, books with vampires, books by ex-presidents, books by conspiracy-theory subscribers, history books by Arnold Toynbee and Will Durant and the Marxist revisionists, books by known plagiarists such as Doris Kearns and Stephen Ambrose, books from the Moody and Regnery Presses.

Great piles of worthlessness. I’d donate them to Farenheit 451 if they weren’t going to be gone in nine days without the bother, without me having to call a truck.

I’ve got to make a stand on the question of blue jeans with a U-shaped crotch vs. those with a V- shaped crotch. That’s

about the only substantive issue to come out of 2012 as far as I can tell, and my spirit wouldn’t rest if I BOB didn’t announce LANCASTER myself one way or the other while there are still crotches to U or V. I’m not studying this fiscal cliff, though. I don’t care about any fiscal cliff. Not in my gut. Not in the way I care about what’s the daily special on the lunch menu at Homer’s. Because this particular fiscal cliff is just a news construct, a metaphor hoked up to fill time or space between sales pitches for erectile dysfunction remedies. Nobody’s going over it if for no other reason than that the world’s going to end nearly two weeks before it first hoves into view, before it rears its ugly head, if cliffs had heads, and with the world ended there won’t be any cliff for us to go over, and no us to go over it. The fiscal cliff will be a little nothing out there in the middle of a bigger nothing. Nothing as far as the eye can see, if there were an eye left to see it.

Not an iguana’s eye; not Chicken Little’s

eye; not an eye-in-the-sky because they will all crash.

I’ve got to go on a diet. Surely I can sustain one for nine days.

There are riches to be got shut of within nine days. All of it has to go.

Down to the last dab. The CDs cashed in and given to the poor, the house sold with proceeds to the needy, the hundred shoes given to him with no feet. If you keep only enough to stay comfortable, you’ve kept far more than the Founder demanded from His would-be followers.

If you keep enough to know where your next meal is coming from, you’ve similarly failed the Means Test. You’ve no more chance of getting through that needle’s eye than a damned old camel does.

Less of a chance than a Camel cigarette.

Two objections to this. Your sacrifice won’t do the poor any good because the world will end for them, too. But the point is not their getting it; the point is your giving it away. Your willingness to.

Freeing yourself from the burden of it and taking the leap. Nobody said getting there would be easy.

The other objection is, you don’t get credit for the divestiture because you couldn’t take it with you anyhow. You can’t take it with you and there won’t be anybody left that you can leave it with.

It’ll become just more of the debris, the rubble, as you will, and your otherwise

heirs will, and the poor will, and the debris, the rubble, will white dwarf down to the very edge of Buffalo Bill defunctness.

In the alternative, you drag it into the hereafter like a heavy sack. Mitt drags his car elevators, the Koches drag their floor-warmers, Bro. Pat comes dragging his diamond mines, and Huckabee his new House Built upon the Sand, logrolling it along like the Easter Islanders, like the Stonehenge Druids, throwing offspring tublets out one by one along the way to lighten the load. A big sack heavy with the heaviness of doom. A dead giant bird hung around your neck, pulling you down like a weighed anchor into the black deep of Sheol. Your stash counting against you there in direct proportion to how much it counted for you back on this side. I don’t mean to sermonize. There’s been enough of that.

But just saying — Just as you can’t build anything — building something is always a collective effort —neither can you really own anything in this life. You can only rent it. You can claim custodial exclusivity but your mortality laughs at the claim.

Much to do and undo, and only nine days to do or undo it in. Further hindered by an ordinariness of mind and an enervated will, living in a bad century, lazy, stupid.

ARKANSAS TIMES CLASSIFIEDS

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AFTER DARK, CONT. COURTYARD MARRIOTT: Work by the ArtGroupMaumelle, featured artist VickieHendrix-Siebenmorgen, painting demonstrations, 5-8 p.m. Dec. 14, 2nd Friday Art Night.

GALLERY 221, 2nd and Center Sts.: 2D works by Mel Fowler, Glen Ledford, jewelry by Rae Ann Bayless, open 5-8 p.m. Dec. 14, 2nd Friday Art Night. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri. 801-0211.

HISTORIC ARKANSAS MUSEUM, 200 E. Third St.: “8th Ever Nog-Off,” eggnog competition by noggers Capital Hotel, Copper Grill, Bridget Farris, Loblolly Creamery, Drue Patton and Bill Worthen, with music by Lark in the Morning, 5-8 p.m. Dec. 14, 2nd Friday Art Night; “Beyond the Expected: Norwood Creech, Paulette Palmer and Edward Wade Jr.,” through Feb. 3, 2013, “Jared Hogue: Mini Faces,” through Jan. 6, 2013, “Barbie Doll: The 11 ½-inch American Icon,” through Jan. 6, 2013; “A Collective Vision,” recent acquisitions, through March 2013. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. 324-9351.

LAMAN LIBRARY, 2801 Orange St.: “All Aboard! Lionels at Laman,” annual model train exhibit, Dec. 13-31. 758-1720.

MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY, 500 President Clinton Ave.: “Grossology: The Impolite Science of the Human Body,” Dec. 15-May

26; “GPS Adventures,” ages 6 to adult, through April 1; “Wiggle Worms,” science program for pre-K children 10 a.m.-10:30 a.m. every Tue., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun., $10 ages 12 and older, $8 ages 1-11, free under 1. 396-7050.

OLD STATE HOUSE MUSEUM, 300 W. Markham: “Home(Brew) for the Holidays,” holiday beers from the Central Arkansas Fermenters Club and music by Mark Bileu and Cindy Woolf, 5-8 p.m. Dec. 14, 2nd Friday Art Night; “Battle Colors of Arkansas,” 18 Civil War flags; “Things You Need to Hear: Memories of Growing up in Arkansas from 1890 to 1980,” oral histories about community, family, work, school and leisure. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. 324-9685.

EL DORADO SOUTH ARKANSAS ARTS CENTER, 110 E. 10th St.: “Fall Student Showcase,” works by art students of Gay Bechtelheimer, Mike Means and Maria Villegas, Dec. 13-19, reception 5:306:30 p.m. Dec. 14. 870-862-5474.

HOT SPRINGS JUSTUS FINE ART, 827 Central A: New work

by Rebecca Thompson and Dolores Justus, along with jewelry and Christmas ornaments by

Kari Albright and Jay Justus. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Wed.-Fri. 501-321-2335.

YELLVILLE P.A.L. FINE ART GALLERY, 300 Hwy. 62W: “Holiday Open House,” 5-7 p.m. Dec. 14.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10 a.m.-noon Sat.

CONTINUING EXHIBITS

ARKANSAS ARTS CENTER, MacArthur Park: “44th Collectors Show and Sale,” through Dec. 30; “Toys Designed by Artists,” through Jan. 6; “50 for Arkansas,” work donated by Dorothy and Herbert Vogel, through Jan. 6; “Multiplicity,” exhibition on printmaking from the Smithsonian American Art Museum, through Jan. 6. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. 372-4000.

STUDIOMAIN, 1423 Main St.: 2012 AIA Design Awards. www.studio-main.org.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT LITTLE ROCK: “Developed and Less Finished: Painting the Everyday,” M.A. thesis exhibition

by Lauren Sukany, through Dec. 20; work by seniors Logan Hunter, Daniel “Skye” Huggins, John Daniel Slaughter, Hwang Young Min, Ariel Mattive, Hannah May, Savana Matton, Gallery III, through mid-Dec.. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Mon.-Fri. 569-3182.

BENTONVILLE CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART, 600 Museum Way: “See the Light: The Luminist Tradition in American Art,” light in art from the 19th century through today, through Jan. 26, “Moshe Safdie: The Path to Crystal Bridges,” through Jan. 28; permanent collection of American masterworks spanning four centuries. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon., Thu., Sat.-Sun.; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Wed.-Fri. 479-418-5700.

ONGOING MUSEUM EXHIBITS

CLINTON PRESIDENTIAL CENTER, 1200 President Clinton Ave.: Permanent 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.

MOSAIC TEMPLARS CULTURAL CENTER, Ninth and Broadway: “A Voice through the Viewfinder: Images of Arkansas’ Black Community by Ralph Armstrong,” through Jan. 5, 2013; permanent exhibits on AfricanAmerican entrepreneurial history in Arkansas.

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Sat. 683–3593. www.arktimes.com 2012 47 www.arktimes.com DECEMBER December 12, 2012 12,47