ARKANSAS’S WEEKLY NEWSPAPER OF POLITICS AND CULTURE ■ MARCH 16, 2011
www.arktimes.com
SHIPPING NEWS
Container homes, UA designs part of CDC’s Pettaway plan. BY LESLIE NEWELL PEACOCK PAGE 10
IT’S EASY TO FIND QUALITY HEALTH CARE. TURN HERE. Front: Martha Rueda, M.D., Camille Braswell, M.D. Back: Gil Foster, M.D., Stephen Humbard, M.D., Srinivasan Ramaswamy, M.D., Steve Simpson, M.D.
St. Vincent facilities can be found throughout central Arkansas. So no matter where you live or work, there’s a St. Vincent location nearby, fully staffed, and ready to care for you and your family.
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THE INSIDER New mound at Toltec n The superintendent at Toltec Mounds State Park, a prehistoric ceremonial site, says what’s believed to be a previously undetected mound has been discovered. The small, leaf-covered bump was found in woods outside the embankment, a low earthen wall that surrounds the ceremonial area, where 18 mounds are located. Park Superintendent Stewart Carlton said the possible 19th mound was found by park interpreters searching for buckeye seeds to use in programming. State Archeologist Ann Early said the rise, about 30 feet across and 2 feet high, was a “definite maybe.” She said park staff found a potsherd on the mound, evidence of Native American activity in the area.
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Budget crunching
n Belt tightening is still the order of the day at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences campus. Dr. Debra Fiser, dean of the College of Medicine, sent word around last week that department heads had learned the UAMS campus budget would be $5 million short in fiscal 2012, which begins July 1, and the College of Medicine would be expected to produce $2 million worth of the savings to close the gap. This is on top of news from Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Fiser said, that it might cut contracts for physician support by roughly $2 million, for a total $4 million “hole” in the College of Medicine budget. Nothing is final and talks continue. However, cost-cutting is the order of the day. The best idea from every department for saving $5,000 or more a year – and which is actually implemented – will be rewarded with a $100 gift card. Unfortunately, the dean added, “it will be legally taxable as income to the individual.”
Crawford ties one on
n U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford of Jonesboro got a little attention in The Hill newspaper for dandifying his office. Crawford has instituted a “bow tie Tuesday” at his office. “Bow tie Tuesday is something different to break up the monotony of the day and give the office something to look forward to,” Crawford told The Hill. “It’s also a great conversation piece on the House floor.” Women are joining by wearing bows in their hair. Crawford said he’d long been a fan of bow ties over long ties, telling The Hill,”You’re less likely to get an errant splash of chili or marinara sauce on yourself.” www.arktimes.com • MARCH 16, 2011 3
Smart talk
Contents
Treatment for gamblers n State Sen. Sue Madison of Fayetteville has filed legislation aimed at taking $3 million in unclaimed lottery prize money to pay for problem gambling prevention, treatment and education. The current law requires the commission to spend $200,000 on compulsive gambling treatment and education programs, but says nothing about prevention. The new bill would also require educational programs for adolescents to be carried out independently of the Arkansas Lottery Commission. Lottery spokesperson Julie Baldridge says taking away $3 mil-
lion in unclaimed prizes would ultimately hurt scholarship funding. “Most of the unclaimed prize money goes to scholarships,” she says. “The amount that we get to keep for advertising, according to another bill that’s been introduced, is not going to change because of this $3 million. This will be $3 million that would just dig deeper and that’s going to come from the scholarship fund. That’s just a policy decision that the legislature is going to have to make.” David Colbert, an advocate for problem gambling prevention, says the bill is badly needed and will protect Arkansans with gambling problems as the lottery continues to grow.
10 Bringing back
Pettaway
Container homes and UA designs are part of efforts to revive a downtown neighborhood. — By Leslie Newell Peacock
18 A get-down
in Spa City
The Valley of the Vapors Independent Music Festival returns with a broad array of acts from around the world. — By John Tarpley
AREA Kazakhstan
29 A wine bar
Arkansas
done right
New River Market space hits all the right marks — Dining
500 km 300 mi
POPULATION
= approximately 48,600 people
Arkansas
Kazakhstan
STACKING UP: Arkansas and Kazakhstan share similar GDPs, but that’s about it.
Arkansas measures up to Kazakhstan, Mauritania n We’ve always heard that if California and Texas were on their own they’d rank among the biggest economies in the world. Using 2009 data, The Economist has not only determined where those states fit globally, it’s paired every U.S. state with the 500 km nearest comparable GDP of300amiforeign country. The nearest equivalent to Arkansas? Former Soviet bloc country Kazakhstan, whose 2009 GDP was $107.89 billion, about $6 billion more than Arkansas’s. Beyond GDP, it’s hard to find much common ground. Kazakhstan is the world’s ninth largest nation in terms of geography, and its population is about five and a half times larger than Arkansas’s. Per capita GDP in 2009 in Kazakhstan was $12,000; Arkansas’s, meanwhile, was $32,191, 47th worst in the US. As for population, again according to 2009 data, Arkansas most closely compares to Mauritania, a Western Africa nation that borders Algeria.
GET ENGAGED: Looking for a new patch to sew on your rebel uniform? It won’t be easy, but here’s how you can get the patch above, or a commemorative coin if you’d rather, offered by the Department of Arkansas Heritage’s Civil War Sesquicentennial Passport Program: You take your official Sesquicentennial Passport and visit 23 Civil War-related “stamping sites,” from Pea Ridge National Military Park in the Northwest (near Garfield, Benton County) to Lakeport Plantation in the Southeast (Lake Village, Chicot County). There are 35 other “associated sites,” including battlefields and cemeteries; no word on what bounty might be yours if you go to all 58 sites touched by the war. Passports are available at all Arkansas Welcome Centers, the stamping sites or by writing the Sesquicentennial Commission at 1500 Tower Building, 323 Center St., Little Rock 72201.
Words n “I’m throwing a big dinner party for a bunch of people from Conway and I want to send a note about it to the society editor. My problem is I don’t know what to call a bunch of people from Conway. Please advise.” – Hallie Towsis Had Hallie sent her plea a little earlier, I would have been hard-pressed to help. (That sentence sounds like it could have come from “My Fair Lady”: “ ’ad ’allie sent ’er plea a little earlier, I would ’ave been ’ard-pressed to ’elp.”) But thanks to Gerard Matthews, writing in the March 2 Arkansas Times, I now know the answer: “The Conway Post, as it will be called when it launches in May, will serve as an alternative news site for Conwegians ...” I might have guessed Conwayans or Conwayers, but those are too pedestrian 4 MARCH 16, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES
DEPARTMENTS
3 The Insider 4 Smart Talk 5 The Observer 6 Letters 7 Orval 8-15 News 16 Opinion 18 Arts & Entertainment 29 Dining 31 Crossword/ Tom Tomorrow 38 Lancaster
VOLUME 37, NUMBER 28
Doug S mith doug@arktimes.com
for the Athens of Faulkner County. n The daily paper quoted a rock singer replying to criticism on his website: “I know there are people who drove here from Memphis and Oklahoma, been in there cars all day driving and dealing with this s***** weather, the same as me and my band have the whole tour. You so called ‘fans’ on my website b****in and moanin and saying i’m greedy can go f*** yourselves,
plain and simple.” I assume it was the newspaper and not the singer that put the asterisks in. In the case of bitch, there was no need to. While son of a bitch is still considered “vulgar” or “taboo” by mainstream authorities, bitch as a verb meaning “gripe, complain” has long been considered acceptable – slang, but not offensive. I heard son of a gun, a euphemism for son of a bitch, in an old movie on TV recently. It’s been many years since I heard it in real life. Euphemisms have declined in popularity. P.S. Last week, I noted a news release from the secretary of state’s office that was rife with misspellings. I’m now told they got the name of a worker wrong too.
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The Observer’s son comes to
little life back to a place that had been The Fortress of Employment from time saddled with a For Sale sign for way too to time to hang out after school. It’s long. One of the things we didn’t mengood, we think, to introduce him early tion is their car. to the fast-paced world of international In one of those sweet coincidences commerce (that’s called sarcasm, son. that only seems to happen to us, our new You’ll learn it someday). neighbors own the exact same car that Last week, with all the computers in Spouse owned when she and The Obthe office occupied and having just fin- server started dating: a forest green 1993 ished the book he’d been working on for Toyota Tercel two-door coupe. Same awhile, Junior was bored stiff by 3:30. interior, same pinstripe, same wheels, The Observer, being the Tolerant same everything. Spouse bought hers Parent (Spouse would probably call us brand new a few weeks before our first the Reckless Parent), suggested that he date — a plain Jane model that didn’t take our cell phone and walk the three even include a radio. blocks to the Central Arkansas Main LiThat Toyota was the car we really brary Building. He’s almost 12. fell in love in; the car that ferried us to When The Observer was that age, New Orleans on our first road trip as a we loved the downtown library on Lou- couple; the car she drove to both our isiana Street, and would college graduations; the come up with almost car that took us away “Dad,” said any excuse to get there. from the church on the the apple of When The Observer’s day we were married; mother was 12 or so, the car we drove on our our eye, “do her own parents would honeymoon; the car that you WANT me routinely kick her and moved us to two years of to wake up in her siblings out of their graduate school in froLittle Rock bungalow on zen Iowa, and braved the a small room summer mornings and drifts to carry us through with a bucket tell them to not come two Midwestern winters; to poop in?” knocking until lunchthe car that brought us time. They’d take the back home again to Arbus downtown and have kansas. the run of the city until noon — and Spouse’s Toyota was sold off years sometimes until dinner if they had a few ago after getting drilled in the rear quarbucks for a Royal Crown Cola and a ter panel by a cell-phoning SUV pilot. Moonpie. Ah, the good ol’ days. It was long in the tooth by then, usThis is a different age, of course, ing too much oil and leaking too much though The Observer knows from hard water. It has probably long since been crime statistics that the city is no more melted down to become tin cans, or dangerous for ’tweens today than it was an I-beam, or maybe even the car that in 1969 or 1979 or 1989. Junior, how- features in someone else’s dreams. But ever, is a child of this worry-wort age. it is no exaggeration to say that it lives When we made our suggestion to Ju- on; that it features somehow in every nior, he looked at his Old Man like we memory of The Observer’s twenties — had just suggested he go down to the including our earliest days as a husband zoo, slather himself in steak sauce, and and father. climb in the lion cage. We can’t tell you how lovely it is “Dad,” said the apple of our eye, “do to walk outside The Observatory every you WANT me to wake up in a small morning to get into our latest ride and room with a bucket to poop in?” see that Toyota sitting there in the sun, These kids today. paint faded but still green as new grass. We can’t tell you how lovely it is to A few weeks back, The think, just for a second, that we’re 22 Observer wrote about our new neigh- again instead of closing in on 40, with bors, who bought the house next door everything still ahead of us like open to us down in Capitol View, bringing a highway. www.arktimes.com • MARCH 16, 2011 5
Letters arktimes@arktimes.com
Predictions I have a prediction to make about Charlie Sheen. I predict that Charlie will get a call from Rupert Murdoch and get his own TV show on Fox News. Murdoch likes to collect the insane and egomaniacs on this planet, so Charlie will fit right in with O’Reilly, Beck, Hannity and the like. I also predict that his co-host will be that blond bimbo, the one that looks like Andy Dick in drag, oh yeah, Anne Coulter. Butch Stone Maumelle
Save the Mary Woods Lack of maintenance may have led to the sinking of the Mary Woods No. 2 riverboat at Jacksonport State Park. The workboat leaked and sank. We are told it is too far gone to be saved. Sounds like the statement of a quack doctor who wants to bury the patient quickly, telling us it was God’s will. Instead of being good stewards and rebuilding the riverboat, the state promises us a visitor’s center. This follows bad news with the losses of other riverboats: the Admiral, the Mississippi Queen and the Becky Thatcher. Yes, restoring the Mary Wood would take money, and get this... imagination. If we want to ride a riverboat, I guess we can always go to Disneyworld and ride that replica on underwater rails. Why go to Arkansas? To visit ...a visitor’s center? Steven Lindsey Keene, N. H.
To the attorney general I write Attorney General Dustin McDaniel to explain the position his office recently took opposing additional DNA and other scientific testing in the West Memphis Three case. These cases have been a subject of public controversy for over 18 years now, with more and more questions being raised almost every day, it seems, about the legitimacy of the convictions. Indeed, the Arkansas Supreme Court recently found new DNA evidence in the case to be important enough to warrant a new full hearing on whether Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jesse Misskelley deserve new trials. Why has McDaniel’s office come out against testing the remaining evidence in the case? As I understand it, the defense has offered to pay for such testing so no state funds are needed. As I also understand it, the new hearing will not be held until late fall so no delays in the processing of the case should result from the new testing. So what is the objection? State officials truly interested in the pursuit of justice should want this addi6 MARCH 16, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES
tional testing to be done. Maybe the new testing requested will show that someone other than Echols, Baldwin and Misskelley committed these murders. Maybe it will not. Maybe it will show nothing. But shouldn’t we at least find out what such testing does show given that a man’s life hangs in the balance on death row? As a representative of the people and the State of Arkansas, McDaniel’s interest should always be in favor of DNA and other testing that might shed light on the integrity of convictions obtained in the state’s criminal justice system. Capi Peck Little Rock
The Turk plant After reading Lt. Gov. Mark Darr’s article in support of the John W. Turk plant in Hempstead County — I thought it’s time to let my thoughts be heard. Coal plants provide dirty energy. The Turk plant would emit over 5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide each year into OUR atmosphere. We already have a natural gas plant owned by the Entegra Power Group of El Dorado, less than 100 miles from Turk — a much cleaner alternative that is operating at only 25 percent capacity. We’d be polluting OUR air, OUR water and OUR communities to
produce energy where the majority will be sent to Texas and Louisiana, not even used by OUR residents — at a cost of almost $2 BILLION dollars. Once completed, the plant will only employ 110 people. Do the math, that’s $15 million for each job created. Surely, we can attract jobs, green jobs, that will serve the residents of our state on an ongoing basis at a much lower cost per job ratio! SWEPCO first proposed this new plant to be built in Texas, but they didn’t want it in their state. So jump the state line where it was thought approval (EPA, ADEQ, etc) would be easier. Well ... seems so. We’re still fighting to get the original air permit revoked, which I might add SWEPCO took its pre-construction air samples from the Shreveport Airport and used those samples in its air modeling. SWEPCO defended its air sampling techniques claiming that the buildings of an airport mimic the trees in the forest on the Turk site. This would be a blight in an otherwise, beautiful and healthy area that sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts have enjoyed for decades not to mention, we just don’t need it anyway. Michelle Snyder Maumelle
Fracking My wife and I live in a small rural town in Central New York State. Every day we see slick advertising extolling the patriotism of shale gas extraction and we read accounts of industry pressuring our elected officials to allow the use of modern hydro fracking in our state. Lately, much of the PR campaign has focused on industry claims that they have “solved” the problem of drilling waste disposal. In Pennsylvania, they tell us, they are now recycling 100% of the toxic waste generated from each well and they are using it as frack fluid for the next well to be drilled. If this recycling technique is the industry’s “best practice,” why aren’t they using it in Arkansas where waste disposal injection wells are suspected of causing the recent swarm of earthquakes? Why is industry vowing to fight the ruling to stop using injection wells when folks from the same industry are telling us here in New York State that injection wells are not even necessary? Whenever they deny responsibility for the harm they’ve caused, industry representatives like to say that we should base our public policy decisions on science and not on unfounded speculation. Why, then, is the gas industry fighting tooth and nail to limit the EPA’s scientific study of shale gas extraction? Are they afraid of what the science will show us about the use of injection wells for waste disposal? Bob Applegate Virgil, N.Y.
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THE WEEK THAT WAS MARCH 9-15, 2011 IT WAS A GOOD WEEK FOR …
HYPOCRISY. Republican legislators who profess to believe in smaller government lined up time and again behind handouts for corporate Arkansas, making government even more expensive for the little guy. See John Brummett.
The Arkansas Reporter
Phone: 501-375-2985 Fax: 501-375-3623 Arkansas Times Online home page: http://www.arktimes.com E-mail: arktimes@arktimes.com ■
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Hope for Camden pellet plant dies Project’s promoters charged, one convicted of tax evasion. BY DOUG SMITH
GAS COMPANIES. Caterwauling legislators from the Fayetteville shale zone, mostly Republicans, led the defeat of a bill to amend the gas severance tax so that gas drillers will pay a bit more, but not all, of the cost of fixing the roads they are destroying with their drilling rigs. Instead, the small government crowd has endorsed a plan to let the rest of Arkansas pay. IT WAS A BAD WEEK FOR …
PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Lobbying by a dedicated group of billionaires pushed legislation through a Senate committee to remove the cap on open enrollment charter schools in Arkansas. This, despite a new study showing charter schools have been no more effective at improving students’ test scores than conventional public schools. SEN. MARY ANNE SALMON. Though representing a school district already hurt and sure to be hurt more by white flight charter schools, the North Little Rock legislator provided the critical vote for the bill to lift the charter school cap. The LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT. The state Board of Education approved expansion of the eStem charter school, soon to be a freestanding school district of some 1,500 in the middle of Little Rock. Funded by the same billionaires pushing charter school expansion, it will continue to draw dedicated parents and whiter and more economically advantaged students into a taxpayer-funded alternative to an increasingly disadvantaged public school district. The STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. In a public meeting, its recalcitrant staff demonstrated what Little Rock school lawyers have been saying all along: they simply do not want to gather and provide the information on charter school cream-skimming of better students from magnet schools and other programs the state vowed to support in ending the desegregation case. They seem to be in the pocket of the billionaires, too. 8 MARCH 16, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES
n An update: The outlook for the proposed wood-pellet, clean-energy plant at Camden is no brighter than when the Times reported last summer. If anything, the shadows have lengthened. “Nothing’s happened on the Phoenix plant,” Camden Mayor Chris Claybaker said in a telephone inverview last week. “I’m not really expecting anything.” Some 400 people attended a groundbreaking in 2009 for a Phoenix Renewable Energy plant at Camden, a city badly in need of new industry. Nearly a thousand Camdenites had lost their jobs when International Paper Company closed its plant in 2005. A $180 million Phoenix plant was supposed to be built on the old IP site. Promoters said the plant would produce wood pellets for Continued on page 15
ONCE THERE WAS CHEERING: Mayor Claybaker speaks at the groundbreaking. Rep. Mike Ross and Sen. Mark Pryor are seated behind him.
Are the courts coddling injured workers? The Chamber of Commerce thinks so, and wants it stopped. BY DOUG SMITH
n The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce is ordering the courts and the Workers Compensation Commission to get out of town. A bill backed by the Chamber (HB 1840) would in essence undo decisions favorable to injured workers that have been made by the courts, the Commission and the Commission’s administrative law judges since 1993, when the Chamber last “reformed” the state workers compensation law. HB 1840 says that since passage of Act 796 of 1993, the law judges, the commission and the Arkansas courts “have continually broadened the scope and eroded the purpose of the workers’ compensation statutes of this state. … In the future, if such things as the statute of limitations, the standard of review by the Workers’ Compensation Commission or courts, the extent to which any physical conditions, injury, or disease should be excluded from or added to coverage by the law,
or the scope of the workers’ compensation statutes need to be liberalized, expanded, broadened, or RICE: Not forthnarrowed, those coming. things shall be addressed by the General Assembly and should not be done by administrative law judges, the Workers’ Compensation Commission, or the courts.” Rep. Terry Rice, R-Waldron, is the lead sponsor of HB 1840. He didn’t return telephone calls from a reporter. Rep. Mark Perry, D-Jacksonville, second on the list of sponsors, said he was co-sponsoring the bill at the request of the Chamber of Commerce. Perry is the only Democrat among the bill’s five sponsors. Under the workers compensation
law, employers buy insurance that makes standardized payments to workers injured on the job. In return, the individual workers give up the right to sue. Because the workers comp law is an initiated act, approved by the voters, any change by the legislature requires a two-thirds majority in each house. The two-thirds is easily attainable when, as frequently happens, labor and management agree on changes. But sometimes they don’t agree. In 1993, the Chamber said that employers were concerned about the rising cost of workers comp insurance, and the chamber won passage of a bill that was fiercely resisted by labor. Management has much more influence with the legislature than does labor. Today, the employers again express alarm over the cost of insurance, and the two sides couldn’t agree on changes to the workers comp law. “They’re looking at dollars, and we’re looking at injured workers,” says Alan Hughes, president of the Arkansas State AFL-CIO. “They want to undo all the pro-worker court decisions since 1993.” The employers are particularly upset that injuries suffered by employees while taking a break have sometimes been declared compensable injuries. HB 1840 is in the House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee.
BRIAN CHILSON
TOWARD A MODEL NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown Little Rock CDC Director Scott Grummer shows a mock-up of cantilevered house that U of A architecture students are building for the Pettaway neighborhood.
Cargo cult comes to town Container houses steel Pettaway’s housing boomlet. BY LESLIE NEWELL PEACOCK
10 MARCH 16, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES
V
alarie Abrams’ first home of her own is going to be a steel box, maybe the first steel box residence in Little Rock, maybe the first green steel box in the U.S.A. Sixty percent of the home, coming from Smart Structures of Little Rock, will be made of recycled materials — including the home itself, four 8-by-32 foot shipping containers (“one-trippers” emptied of cargo at American docks) that will be assembled into a nearly 1,300-square-foot home. The walls and ceilings will be insulated so well that Abrams’ utility costs should be minimal; the floors will be bamboo; the appliances energyefficient. There will be a rain barrel in front and back to catch runoff from the flat roof. The house will be LEED-certified, the builder’s green gold medal. Abrams’ house will go up at Twenty-first and Commerce and a second container home will be built on an adjacent lot. North of Abrams’ home, at 1805 Commerce, a cantilevered house — a two-story of rectangular units set at right angles designed by fourth and fifth year students at the University of Arkansas’s Fay Jones School of Architecture — is already under construction in Fayetteville and should be ready for assembly in Little Rock in a couple of months. It will be the second UA-designed prefabricated house for the Pettaway neighborhood east of Main Street, which one day may be defined by its diversity
CONTAINS A HOME: A computer image of Valarie Abrams’ house coming to 21st and Commerce. of architecture, people and a sense of cooperative community. Nearly 20 years ago, what distinguished Twenty-first Street was not its architecture but the gang that took its name from it — the Twentyfirst Street Posse. The neighborhood, its original residents dying out, was riddled with empty lots and abandoned houses and prostitutes; preschoolers once lined up at a fence of the now-defunct Montessori Cooperative School at Twenty-first and Main to watch a prostitute bust. Longtime residents like Bertha Vault, who lived at 519 E. 21st St., in the home built by the man the neighborhood is named for, Rev. Charles D. Pettaway, and Priscilla Boyle, who still lives in the neighborhood, were instrumental in turning things around, said Maggie Hawkins, who now works as facilitator at the Alert Center on Twenty-first. Hawkins and Boyle served on the first board of the Downtown Little Rock Community Development Corp., which, with a little money and a lot of persistence, has been building new, affordable housing in the neighborhood. The DLRCDC, in its East of Main project, has navigated rough economic waters and complex financing in its effort to rebuild the Pettaway neighborhood “one house at a time,” as its saying goes. The CDC’s first project, in 1995, was to clear out the drug dealers and ladies of the night from apartments on Main, which were rehabilitated and renamed the Mahlon Martin Apartments. Two years later the CDC was the non-profit sponsor for the Kramer School Lofts. It then began to focus on the area east of Main and south of I-630, selling six homes in 2001. But that spurt of activity was followed by a lull not broken until last year, when the DLRCDC built three new homes and renovated two with new private partners. The nonprofit expects this year to put families in seven more new or renovated houses this year.
The housing stock in Pettaway is modest, though there are many grand older homes to be found on its fringes. The January 1999 tornado that leveled a Harvest Food grocery store on Main Street took out many houses; others have declined through neglect and absentee ownership. Scott Grummer, executive director of the CDC and someone who gets a lot of praise, if not huge financial remuneration, for his leadership, says the CDC’s burst of activity in 2010 and this year was ignited by an improving economy, good working relations with Centennial Bank, the ability to work with the Neighborhood Assistance Corp. of American (NACA), which has a less than 1 percent foreclosure rate, and private partnerships. Downtown Little Rock CDC Board President Stacy Williams, addressing the group’s first Community Luncheon a couple of Saturdays ago, drew attention to the fact that he had on a red sweater and Judge Marion Humphries, whom he’d just introduced, was wearing blue. That morning, getting dressed, Williams said, “I thought about the neighborhood” and the color he’d chosen to wear, getting a laugh from the audience who knew exactly what he was talking about. “These days it’s about Kenneth Cole and Old Navy.” He was referring, of course, to the Crips and the Bloods, gangbangers whose 1990s rivalry gave downtown Little Rock a reputation as being seamy and dangerous.
G
rummer says the goal of the LRCDC is to “reweave the fabric of the neighborhood,” and on that loom are the wood-frame homes of the 19th century and the steel and insulated block homes of the 21st. Hawkins said that’s what Pettaway Park is about: cooperative diversity.
When Grummer first told Hawkins about the idea for the U of A’s “Design/Build” program to construct a house in Fayetteville and move it to the Pettaway neighborhood, “I thought, I don’t want to see that,” Hawkins told the lunch crowd. But her opinion changed, she said, thanks to Grummer and the “youth, vigor, ideas and imagination” of the U of A architecture students who last year helped place a house of their own design and construction at 1519 S. Commerce St. The low-slung one-story, which wouldn’t look out of place on “The Jetsons,” features doublepaned glass walls, cedar slats forming a rain screen, soy-based insulation and high-efficiency appliances. The students prefabricated the 1,200-squarefoot house in four modules in a warehouse in Fayetteville (one design parameter was that the modules had to be able to easily travel through the Bobby Hopper tunnel on Interstate 540) and then moved the parts to Little Rock to finish out. Gov. Mike Beebe, Mayor Mark Stodola and other dignitaries were on hand for a ribboncutting ceremony in May at the house, the home of Stephanie and Quincy Scott. Cost to the Scotts: $109,500. Carrie Young, former president of the Pettaway Neighborhood Association, praised Grummer for the CDC’s outreach about the “Design/ Build” project, which included a neighborhood meeting to discuss the design and answer questions. Grummer “works at making sure there’s a sense of team work,” said Young, who owns one of the first houses built by the CDC, at 2017 Cumberland in 2001. “To actually set up a meeting, invite all of the neighborhood … let them see displays, mini-designs … he is that kind of leader. He wants to make sure the community he’s involved with is actually excited about” the CDC’s moves, she said. She gave much credit for Pettaway’s revival to www.arktimes.com • MARCH 16, 2011 11
the residents, who she said are “staying on top” of things and calling in suspicious activity “day or night.” She said it appeared to her that landlords were also doing better by their renters with fixes and updates. he immediate area around the Scotts’ UA house at 15th and Commerce will encapsulate the architectural variety the neighborhood could come to be known for. Next door to the UA-prefab is a home constructed of energyefficient Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) built last year by the CDC in a traditional style. (The ICF house looks just like any house except in its interior door jambs, which reveal the thickness of the walls, Grummer said.) Going up across the street is a modernized 20-by-80-foot shotgun designed by downtown developer-architect collaborators Paul Page Dwellings/GUS. As unique as the architecture is the financing that is making it possible for Abrams, 51, who is raising three children on her salary as an administrative assistant, and Juanita White, 44, who works for Goodwill Industries and is going to school at night, to buy their first homes. Through the CDC, they are able to get $20,000 HOME loans, federal housing money that the city grants, and NACA grants to help them buy down the interest in their mortgages. For the Paul Pagedesigned house, White will pay $626 a month for her $135,000 house, an interest rate of only .875 percent. Abrams, an administrative assistant raising three children, will pay $120,000 for her history-making home; her mortgage rate will be only .25 percent. After White and Abrams stay in their homes for 10 years and make all payments, their HOME loans are forgivable. Abrams and White credit their discovery of the DLRCDC, which matched them with houses they could afford, to “divine intervention,” as Abrams put it. Shown the design for the house designed by Paul Page Dwellings, which has privately developed several other modern homes in the neighborhood, for the CDC’s lot at 1518 Commerce, White thought, “Gosh, that looks funny … like a shotgun house way back in the day.” But, she added, “I looked at it, prayed over it [and decided] this house was meant for me.” Abrams said when Grummer showed her the plans for the shipping container home he warned her, “I don’t know if you’re going to like this.” “I was like, ‘OK’,” she said, grinning, “especially when he told me I might never have a light bill over $40.”
LESLIE NEWELL PEACOCK
T
BEFORE: The CDC bought this house at 613 E. 16th St. to renovate.
BRIAN CHILSON
I AFTER: Kwadjo Boaitey, his wife Karama Neal and their daughter Ayoka on the porch of the renovated 16th Street home. 12 MARCH 16, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES
t was the look of the UA-designed house that inspired Kwadjo Boaitey and his wife, Karama Neal, to consider the Pettaway. Boaitey, who works with the Arkansas Fair Housing Commission and who recently moved to Little Rock with Neal, an Arkansas native, from Atlanta, said the couple was unsure about the house the CDC showed them: Its first rehabbed offering, a two-story 19th-century home at 613 E. 16th St. that the non-profit had bought for $8,000 and put around $160,000 into fixing up. It didn’t have the modern appeal that the UA house did, and at 1,700 square feet, it seemed
BRIAN CHILSON
ON A MISSION: Second Baptist minister of outreach Chris Ellis moved to Pettaway because he wanted to live where he worked. a little small to Boiatey and Neal, who have a 4-year-old daughter, Ayoka. But when he walked in the house, Boaitey said, “it was like, ‘Wow!’ ” The high ceilings, the gleaming new kitchen, the finished-out attic, and their desire to be part of the neighborhood convinced them. Unlike Abrams, White and the Scotts, Boaitey and Neal got a conventional loan for the home, the first the DLRCDC’s sold at a market rate. Though the CDC’s primary aim is to provide affordable housing, its sale of homes at a market rate allows it to make a small profit that it can then invest in the affordable homes, which the CDC sometimes builds at a loss. The Boaitey-Neal family paid $185,000 for their new house, where Ayoka (her
name means “bringer of joy” in Yoruba) delights in her fairy-tale gabled bedroom. The block isn’t fairy-tale perfect. The house across the street sits empty, damaged by a fire. But a lot east of the house is another CDC restoration, a Craftsman-style one-story that will also be sold at market rate. A lot in between has been cleared and will also be developed by the CDC. And the street leads to the entrance of Rockefeller Elementary and Early Childhood Magnet School, one of the neighborhood’s great assets. “We’ve already met all our neighbors,” Boiatey said. Did he worry about the safety of the area before moving in? “I didn’t really,” he said, but added, laughing, “I’ve certainly lived in much
more hard core spots.” Instead, Boiatey feels “a little current” of life in Pettaway.
C
hris Ellis, minister of mission and outreach for Second Baptist Church downtown, and his wife, Elizabeth, were the first of several couples from the church to move to the neighborhood. They worked with the CDC to locate a lot and were able to design their affordable home, a one-story, traditional home at 1814 S. Rock St. Because of Pettaway’s identification as a lowincome census tract, the Ellises were able to get a Bank of America loan that didn’t require mortgage insurance.
Come ride our trolley or march in the
happy hour in The heiGhTs sT. paTrick’s day parade for faMilies and peTs! Thursday, March 17 aT 6:30pM! MeeT aT The corner of r & GranT sTreeTs
Decorate yourselves, your children, your pets on leashes, floats, wagons, bikes, trikes and golf carts in Irish green! The Charlotte John Company voted Best Arkansas Real Estate Company in 2010 by Arkansas Business 501.664.5646 • www.charlottejohn.com www.arktimes.com • MARCH 16, 2011 13
LESLIE NEWELL PEACOCK
LESLIE NEWELL PEACOCK
BEFORE AND AFTER: The DLRCDC’s renovation in progress at 1605 Scott St. “I wanted to live where I worked,” Ellis, a Florida native, said. “I love diversity, people of different ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. I wanted to be part of something new.” The Ellises, now parents of two young boys, Silas and Micah, took their future family into account when they put bare concrete floors in the 1,440-square-foot house. Their kitchen has IKEA fixtures; a porch and porch swing front the street. Since they moved in 2005, a friend from the church moved next door (in a private transaction, not through the CDC). “I didn’t know what a sense of community I would find down here,” Ellis, who now sits on the CDC board, said. Pettaway is a place people have moved intentionally, and their commitment to the area is “palpable,” he said. “We love walking to the Green Corner Store,” an “eco lifestyle” store carrying clothing and gifts at 15th and Main, Ellis said. By summer, he hopes, he, his wife and the boys will be eating at the Root Cafe at the southwest corner of that same intersection, in an erstwhile drive-in dairy bar. Two blocks up, at 1701 Main St., a sizable new USA Drug opens Thursday, March 17.
“Things are moving so quickly now,” Ellis said.
A
t present, the DLRDC owns enough land in the Pettaway area to build 15 more single family units. Much of the nonprofit’s land was obtained from the state land commissioner’s office; the CDC’s cost is in clearing up liens. All donated land is used for affordable housing development, and the CDC has a deadline to meet on developing such properties. Other properties, such as two historic houses in the 1600 block of Scott Street, directly behind the new USA Drug, were bought from a landowner who’d been in environmental court for failure to keep the properties up; the CDC spent $20,000 on each home, both of which are being renovated and one of which is in the process of being sold at a market rate. Developing the neighborhood is complex enough, what with the need to clear up liens, work with clients who qualify for affordable homes and work with the lenders. A recent spate of vandalism — the theft of copper wiring from one house under renovation and a destroyed condenser unit at another last week — has presented other challenges to the tightly-budgeted non-profit.
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LET’S CLEAR THE AIR
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As their development increases, the CDC has begun to think outside the steel box, considering its business plan. It’s analyzing the big-picture dynamic its construction brings to the Pettaway housing market, “and its impact on other developments in the area,” Grummer said. “Since the subsidies are typically not picked up by appraisers and realtors looking for comparable sales, it can lead to inaccurate comps, so making sure that these professionals are doing their due diligence is an important part of what we do.” While its mantra will still be building Pettaway “one house at a time,” the nonprofit is also open to finding new ways to lift the neighborhood, including partnering with the South Main Street (SoMa) project to strengthen economic development. The CDC hopes to break ground on the shipping-container home in May, which won’t come a day too soon for Abrams, who has been waiting for almost a year for details to be worked out with banks and the container company. The complexity of financing meant she missed out on last year’s $8,000 tax credit for new homebuyers. “But when you look at all the benefits I will receive,” Abrams said, “all I can say is ‘Thank you, Jesus.’ ”
Walker to another company controlled by Walker, Renaissance Holding Group Continued from page 8 …” Some of Phoenix investors’ money went to pay people who’d invested in fuel. It would employ up to 60 people, the ballpark project, the suit said. backers said, and create 450 more jobs Phoenix investors were not told, in related industries in the area. But by the suit said, that “Walker had been June of 2010, the project was faltering charged in June 2008 in Garland Counbadly. The date scheduled for constructy, Arkansas, with the crime of theft of tion to begin passed uneventfully. The property by deception; that the theft state securities commissioner found by deception occurred when Walker, that Phoenix was selling stock in violathrough fraudulent means, entered into tion of state law and ordered it to stop. a real estate contract and took $250,000 Mayor Claybaker had been an early from an individual for the purchase of and enthusiastic booster of the Phoereal property that Walker did not own; nix project. Even as storm warnings or that the money from the real estate appeared, “I tried to be optimistic,” he investor was not returned by Walker.” said. “Even up Nor were investo a month ago, I tors told that was being given Walker had filed encouragement for bankruptcy, The securities that it was still the suit said. happening. But The state commissioner said that I haven’t heard securities comanything since missioner canmoney intended the new Secunot file criminal for the Camden plant rities Departactions. He can, ment complaint however, refer instead went and the guilty suspected crimiplea by [Stenal violations to a proposed phen] Walker.” to the appropriBack in May ate prosecuting baseball complex of 2010, state attorney. A Sein North Little Rock. Securities Comcurities Departmissioner A. ment spokesIt wasn’t built either. Heath Abshure man declined to had ordered comment on that Phoenix; its subject. chief operatU.S. attoring officer, Stephen R. Walker of Hot neys can file criminal actions for violation of federal laws, however. At about Springs, and its chief executive officer, the same time Abshure was filing his Samuel L. Anderson Jr. of Hot Springs, civil suit in Little Rock, Walker was to stop selling unregistered securities pleading guilty to tax evasion in fedand stop making fraudulent use of ineral District Court in Hot Springs. Tax vestors’ money. evasion carries a maximum penalty of On Feb. 28, 2011, Abshure filed five years. U.S. District Judge Robert suit against the same three in Pulaski T. Dawson will sentence Walker after Circuit Court, saying, in effect, that the completion of a pre-sentence inveshis earlier order had been flouted. He tigation, which usually takes about six asked the court to order the three deweeks. fendants to stop engaging in fraudulent “It’s really disappointing,” Mayor activity and stop selling unregistered Claybaker said of Phoenix. “I liked securities. According to the suit, Walkthose guys and I thought they had a er, Anderson and Phoenix told invesgood idea.” tors their money was needed to help He sees a silver lining. Because of build the wood pellet plant in Camden, the Phoenix project, Claybaker said, but a portion of the money was used inthe old International Paper property, stead to pay old debts owed by Walker now owned by the Camden Area Inand by an entity known as America’s dustrial Development Corporation, Past Time Park of North Little Rock has been enrolled in the state brown(APPNLR). field program, which encourages new “APPNLR was created by Walker in industry to use old industrial property 2007 for the stated purpose of developinstead of green space. “I think that ing a baseball park complex in North will open up the property for some new Little Rock, Arkansas,” Abshure’s industry,” Claybaker said. suit says. “Although Walker obtained Actually, according to a spokesman over $500,000 from investors to build for the state Department of Environmena baseball park complex, no land was tal Quality, a little work remains to be ever purchased, no baseball fields were done by the owner before the property is built, and a large amount of the invesgiven final brownfield approval. tors’ money was given or directed by
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www.arktimes.com • MARCH 16, 2011 15
EYE ON ARKANSAS
Editorial n The Supreme Court has said that corporations are people just like you and me. The Arkansas legislature seems to think that corporations are better people than you and me. Much of the current legislative session has been devoted to efforts to keep the living easy for corporations, or in some cases to make it even easier. Making life easier for them usually means making it harder for the undeserving rest of us. A bill that would make multistate corporations pay their fair share of state income taxes, as individuals and small businesses must, didn’t make it out of a House of Representatives Committee, the committee members staunch in protecting Walmart and Walgreen from bullying by Arkansas tax collectors. Sixteen legislators have banded together in a caucus to protect natural gas drilling companies from regulation and taxation, and perhaps even from criticism, if the caucusers can figure out a way around the First Amendment. There has never been a caucus formed to protect injured workers, so HB 1840 likely will sail smoothly through the legislative process. HB 1840 is a Chamber of Commerce bill that would undo all pro-worker decisions by courts and regulators since 1993, when the corporations won passage of a strong antiworker bill that they now fear is being weakened by soft-hearted judges. Organized labor is resisting the new bill, but labor resisted the ’93 bill, too, and was overcome. The legislators are not Johnnies-come-lately to the cause of corporate preservation. Corporations don’t live by denying benefits to injured workers alone, however. They crave tax breaks too, and legislators are eager to provide them. Bills have been introduced to grant tax exemptions for the fuels used by manufacturers, for equipment used in timber harvesting, for materials used in construction projects, and for agribusiness equipment, among others. Conspicuously missing from the session, because it might offend corporations presumably, is legislation such as has been introduced in Vermont, a resolution calling for an amendment to the United States Constitution that would overturn the U.S. Supreme Court’s perverse Citizens United decision, which allows corporations to spend unlimited amounts of money to influence elections. The Court said these expenditures were a form of “free speech” for the “corporate person.” Justice John Paul Stevens replied in memorable and sensible dissent, “Corporations have no consciences, no beliefs, no feelings, no thoughts, no desires. … [T]hey are not members of ‘We the People’ by whom and for whom our Constitution was established.” But Stevens was in the minority. Corporatocracy is coming unless we the people stand up to stop it, but Arkansas legislators remain firmly in their seats.
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BRIAN CHILSON
Crazy for corporations
SPRING IN THE AIR: A young girl picks daffodils at the Wye Mountain Daffodil Festival on March 12.
Republican branding n I thought it nutty when Jill Dabbs, a candidate for Bryant mayor, and Heather Kizer, candidate for Bryant clerk, filed suit last year to have their names listed on the ballot as Republican Jill Dabbs and Republican Heather Kizer. They lost the lawsuit, but they won elections to the non-partisan offices. And maybe it wasn’t so nutty. Bryant is a growing Republican enclave and they wanted the partisan branding. The lawsuit was cheap publicity to achieve it. What Dabbs and Kizer have done to the Republican brand since then is another matter. The latest controversy was Dabbs’ decision that she and Kizer weren’t paid enough. Bryant has a somewhat curious pay policy that provides up to 15 percent in pay enhancement for the mayor and clerk based on education and experience in elective office. Dabbs was informed of this after election by the city’s human resources employee. Her pay began at the level she’d been told to expect. When Dabbs realized this was less than that paid the previous mayor (who’d served many years in the legislature), she wasn’t happy about it. She ordered a new payroll employee (Dabbs fired the human resources employee shortly after taking office) to increase her and Kizer’s pay. That was worth an extra $400 a month for Dabbs, whose base pay should have been $65,604 annual, and an extra $140 a month for Kizer, whose base pay should have been $39,312. Dabbs didn’t inform the City Council of this decision. She didn’t seek an attorney general’s opinion. She just did it. Then Bryant Alderman Danny Steele, acting on tips, began making FOI requests. Dabbs had second thoughts. She rolled back the raises after three rounds of increased paychecks. She then issued a news release saying the pay reduction was unfair and not allowed by a state law that she contends prohibits reductions in city official pay. She said she’d seek an attorney general’s opinion. Rear-covering, in other words. Steele thought the record was clear. Dabbs had
Max Brantley max@arktimes.com
authorized pay for herself and her friend Kizer not authorized by the City Council. He complained to Ken Casady, the Saline County prosecutor, another Republican. Casady wasn’t interested, Steele said. It’s only the latest political hubbub. Dabbs had already been cautioned by the state Ethics Commission for improperly using campaign funds for 1) a lawsuit she filed over city water rates and 2) the lawsuit to get her name on the ballot as Republican Dabbs. She paid the money back. The politics are incestuous, too. Dabbs’ husband and Kizer’s husband are both members of the Saline County Quorum Court. Dabbs has hired Kizer’s husband as the interim Bryant police chief. The previous chief was one of at least seven high Bryant officials who either resigned expecting trouble or were fired by Dabbs. City employees, by the way, include Dabbs’ daughter, hired as a lifeguard at the city aquatics center. Speaking of swimming: The Bryant Council recently received a batch of proposals from high school and club swim teams to use the aquatics center. A sharp-eyed Council member noticed a significant difference in the proposal for the Bryant Barracudas. Under it, the city would provide three paid swimming instructors for the team. The mayor’s daughter swims on the team. The mayor is a former president of the club. Bryant has no community newspaper. It needs one. I could barely stay off the phone after a blog post last weekend on muscle-flexing Mayor Republican Dabbs. Something tells me she’s not through building her brand. From what I hear, some Bryant Republicans wish she’d pick a different nickname.
BRIAN CHILSON
Glenn Beck, meet Coin Harvey n For every great national agitation, history provides generous lessons if not always solace, and so it is with the tea-party madness. If we can define the reactionary movement in Washington and in many statehouses, including our own, by its loudest and nuttiest pleaders, the tea-partiers, it has an almost perfect model in the free-silver delirium of the 1890s. Maybe we can draw some inspiration or hope from it. The parallels are uncanny, and they offer the added delight of an Arkansas angle. The intellectual virtuoso of bimetallism—the Glenn Beck of the day—was William Hope “Coin” Harvey, who spent his most glorious and saddest years in Benton County, Ark. He constructed a magnificent temple of doom around a lagoon there, where people in the millennium could unearth his freesilver tracts and discover the folly of 20th century Americans. The federal government that Harvey hated and feared drowned the monument in 1962 under Beaver Lake after his bones were moved to higher ground. The political sovereign of Coin’s frenzied movement was William Jennings Bryan, who was not quite elected president three times, most famously at the height of
Ernest Dumas the silver pandemonium in 1896. It remains to be seen who his heir in 2012 will be. Sarah Palin? Michelle Bachmann? Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker? Mike Huckabee maybe? The paranoid movements occur in moments of great economic distress: the depressions of 1873, 1893, 1929 and, finally, 2008. There have to be scapegoats, conspirators who are plotting to lead the country and civilization to ruin and have led it into its current plight. In the 1873 and 1893 panics, the evil-doers were the goldbugs—New York and London bankers and other assorted conspirators who were keeping the money supply suppressed by keeping it tethered to gold. The cry of the 1893 panic was the free coinage of silver. The solution to economic devastation was a bimetal monetary system. Coin Harvey popularized the insanity and
Beware of the yahoo busybody n You may find this farcical. I admit it seems counter-intuitive. But I am serious when I assert that I am a genuine small-government conservative. And I am serious still when I assert that these yahoo busybodies in the state legislature, whether tea party or regular Republican or rural Democrat, and no matter how much they profess otherwise are not. They are big-government wolves clad as small-government sheep. These big-government activists have filed more than 2,000 proposed new laws in this madness of a legislative session. Would you care to know how many new laws the genuine small-government conservative columnist thinks the state needs? Just enough appropriations to keep government running at a continuing or reduced level and maybe the governor’s bill to rework the sentences for nonviolent crimes and thus slow the bankrupting trend of our imprisoning practices — that is all. The balance of all that inessential legislating taking place under the Capitol dome tends to fall generally in these categories of hyperactive and indeed intrusive state government:
John Brummett jbrummett@arkansasnews.com
• Imposition of personal religion in defiance of our U.S. Constitution. • Similarly unconstitutional interposition against federal laws. • Worshipful big-government partnership with big business by which the little man’s money is transferred to arrogant corporations with good lobbyists. • Allegiance to the bogus notion that it is the bait put out by the government, not the daring of smart people, that creates jobs. Somebody e-mailed me the other day to say that I had started to sound like a grouchy, stingy, old-style New England Republican. I appreciated the compliment. Republicanism was useful when it was of the New England variety, about efficiency, restraint, separation of church and state and civil rights advocacy. What ruined it was the cynical and purely exploitative Southernizing and religionizing of it by
gave Bryan his platform, forever celebrated by his Cross of Gold speech at the Democratic convention in 1896. Harvey was born in West Virginia, where he got a grade-school education. He failed at one quixotic scheme after another, including silver mining in Colorado and a Mormon Mardi Gras in Utah before moving to Chicago in 1893 to set up a publishing company. There, in 1894, he wrote a little paperback book called Coin’s Financial School. It was the single success of his life, selling millions and terrorizing the political and financial establishments. The book’s protagonist was a 10-yearold kid named Coin, who conducted a series of monetary lectures at the Chicago Art Institute, which was attended by the prominent bankers of the day and President McKinley’s future secretary of the treasury. The little tapper in knee breeches (the book was illustrated with cartoons) lectured the financial titans on the monetary history of the world and the remedy of bimetallism. They tried to trap him but one by one he demolished them. Coin’s Financial School was entirely fictional history and was rife with monumental errors (he maintained as fact that all the gold in the world could be squeezed into a 22-foot cube) and dazzling irrelevancies. But it was the perfect tract for the time. Unemployment had hit 20 percent and farmers were starving. Millions were ready for the message—as Richard Hofstadter described
it, the fierce logic of the one-idea mind, the firm assurance that complex social and economic issues can be unraveled to the last point and solved by the simplest of means. Today, the simple remedies are to cut rich people’s taxes, stop government spending, punish immigrants, circulate more guns, scourge science and teach the Bible in the schools. Then everything else will take care of itself. Before the election of 1896, President Grover Cleveland had a showdown with Coin’s disciples. He called Congress into special session and repealed the Sherman Silver Purchase Act over cries of betrayal and treason from the people who had taken over his party. (The health-insurance reform act of its day perhaps?) Coin moved the next year to Benton County, built a magnificent resort, which he called Monte Ne, erected a pyramid to reveal the nation’s folly to a future civilization and continued his jeremiads against the infidels who were destroying America. He organized the Liberty Party in 1932 and ran for president, collecting the votes of 1,049 Arkansans. In a severe drought, the tip of Coin’s pyramid will still rise from Lake Beaver to remind us of his folly. Oh, a lesson. In the silver pandemonium and with previous and subsequent economic crises, things got much better without the nutty panaceas, and the movement died or became irrelevant. We’re on that path.
Nixon and then Reagan, which gave rise to this modern version, the yahoo busybody. You can trace to that shift most of America’s current woes — tax-cutting and freespending budget irresponsibility, liberally unregulated greed in the high-finance sector, wars galore and callous discrimination toward immigrants and homosexuals, even still toward blacks. Here are a few things being sought in Little Rock by big-government activists posing as small-government conservatives: 1. Outlawing abortion at the point a fetus feels pain. Government has enough trouble communicating effectively with actually born beings. I do not trust its ability to converse meaningfully with a fetus. 2. Assigning the government’s schools to instruct our children in the Bible. 3. Putting up administrative barriers by which the state would strengthen its government for the expressed purpose of impairing the imposition of the new federal health care law. A state cannot haul off and unilaterally defy the federal government. See Faubus. 4. Cutting a well-to-do man’s capital gains tax while advancing a scheme to tax the working man even more on his sales tax, the latter to build a statewide four-lane highway network on the wholly unsupportable premise that more of government pavement between ghost towns would bring jobs. 5. Giving local governments the option to propose tax increases to build infrastructure specifically to benefit an economic
development prospect. First we want to tax the working man’s essential retail purchases for a lonely four-lane highway. Then, on the outside chance that an industrial prospect actually comes to the working man’s town on account of this four-lane highway, we want to tax that working man again to build the industrial prospect a private driveway connecting to that four-lane highway. 6. Conspiring with big business to preserve liberal corporate tax loopholes so that corporations may continue to pretend to shelter income in subsidiaries and avoid the kinds of comprehensive tax obligations the working man is still being made to bear. 7. Taxing everyone’s cell phones so that AT&T can retain its current subsidy. 8. Resisting new efficiencies in our Medicaid payments to doctors, thus favoring liberal government subsidies for physicians — socialized medicine, you could call it — over diligent tax stewardship. And, finally, the grouch’s pet peeve: Standing idly by while the Highway Department hoards $45 million in our roaduser taxes to replace the Broadway Bridge, which is so structurally at risk that we sent thousands of marathoners running across it just the other day without life vests. John Brummett is a columnist and reporter for Stephens Media’s Arkansas News Bureau. You can read additional Brummett columns in The Times of North Little Rock. www.arktimes.com • MARCH 16, 2011 17
arts entertainment
This week in
Patti LaBelle plays Convention Center
and
John Sinclair to White Water PAGE 21
PAGE 20
TO-DO LIST 20
CALENDAR 22
MOVIES 26
DINING 29
S G N I R P S T O HGETS THE S R O P A V VOV Independent Music Festival returns.
S
XAR: That’s the colloquialism for the string of Arkansas shows the weeks before and after the SXSW (read: “South by Southwest”), when hundreds upon hundreds of touring bands tear up and down Interstate 30 on the way to Austin’s stalwart music festival. Sure, the annual festival is a reliable blast, but it can also be alienating for musicians, as legions of both music industry men and those foul, disdainful creatures known as rock critics come out in droves to capitalize, bash or butt-sniff nearly anyone toting a guitar. Arkansas’s venues, bookers and music fans yearly pride themselves on providing a little Southern hospitality in contrast to the temporary Texas chaos. And anyone would be hard pressed to find a better example of that SXAR friendliness than Hot Springs’ annual Valley of the Vapors festival. Founded in 2005, the week-long festival has earned a unique reputation amongst the SXSWbound as an idiosyncratic, grassroots palate cleanser. “Going to a festival where there are more porta-potties than stages — or people, even — it really takes out a lot of the personal experience,” says Bill Solleder, who co-founded the VOV in 2005 with his wife, Shea Childs. A musician himself, known far and wide for his time fronting ’90s ska-core radicals Blue Meanies, Solleder understands the appeal of the VOV’s homespun intimacy. “There’s 10,000 bands there [at SXSW] all trying to get someone’s attention, so they can take another step in the industry, and we’re here, giving them homemade food and hospitality.” It’s that hip cordiality that’s largely responsible for the growth of the festival.
18 MARCH 16, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES
BY JOHN TARPLEY
“The amount of bands writing and calling, saying they heard about us from their friends, saying they want to play, has forced us to expand it into a seven-day festival,” he says. While the week’s lineup is lengthy, no doubt, it packs a punch as well, sporting no shortage of big names in independent music. “I keep throwing these names out and … and it’s ridiculous,” laughs Solleder. “Japanther, Surf City, A Place to Bury Strangers. I mean, bands like Parts & Labor, who are a top-of-the-bill name at SXSW, are having to take second-billing!” Another festival highlight: Nora O’Connor of Chicago, who has collaborated with Andrew Bird, Neko Case and Jakob Dylan and recently provided all of the backup vocals for Mavis Staples’ most recent album, “You Are Not Alone,” which was produced by Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy and took home this year’s Grammy award for Best Americana Album. More than shows, the festival also offers film screenings at the historic Malco Theater, lectures at the Garland County Library and a number of music workshops, including an effects pedal-building session led by Oliver Ackermann, guitarist for A Place to Bury Strangers and pedal engineer for Nine Inch Nails and U2. The week’s festivities begin on Sunday, March 20, with what’s being billed as “The All-Day Band Blitz,” an 11-band marathon that kicks off with popular Ozark country act Big Smith at 1 p.m. and, throughout the day, gets more experimental, culminating with A Place to Bury Strangers, the roundly-praised noise-rock outfit from Brooklyn known as one of the outright loudest bands of all time and the most distinguished act of the festival. For more information and a complete lineup, visit valleyofthevapors.com.
VOV TIME: Painted Face (top), A Place to Bury Strangers (middle) and Nora O’Connor (bottom) highlight the seven-day festival.
■ to-dolist BY LINDSEY MILLAR AND JOHN TARPLEY
WEDNESDAY 3/16
AUSTIN LUCAS
10 p.m., White Water Tavern.
n How does one become, well, not only an alt-country singer but something like an underground twang-punk cult figure? For Austin Lucas, it’s a long, strange road that starts in Bloomington, Ind., shining at choral music and, of all things, classical opera at the prestigious Jacobs School of Music. All of this before moving to punk and hardcore as a young teen-ager, then moving, literally, to Prague to play crust punk and thrash metal. While Lucas may have traded in doom-and-gloom lyrics for some verbose whiskey-and-nostalgia free-verse poetry, he’s held on to his guitar stylings, ferociously shaking and abusing the poor thing to impressive effect. This show marks a stop on a grueling schedule to release not one, but two, albums this Wednesday at White Water Tavern: the first, a special, early debut for “A New Home in the Old World,” which doesn’t hit stores until April 4; the other, a CD release of Lucas’ installment in Last Chance Records’ “Live From the White Water Tavern” series, previously only available on vinyl. Also playing: Drag the River, the Fort Collins band with a big, dedicated following in the smokier corners of Little Rock’s bar scene. JT.
GRAND MARSHAL: TV star John Corbett leads Hot Springs’ St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
THURSDAY 3/17
FIRST EVER EIGHTH ANNUAL WORLD’S SHORTEST ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
6 p.m., Bridge Street, Hot Springs. Free.
n The hoopla surrounding Hot Springs’ biggest annual PR stunt started earlier in the week. On Monday, there was a 20 MARCH 16, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES
PATTI’S BACK: Certified diva and R&B icon Patti LaBelle visits the Statehouse Convention Center for a hit-filled “Vegas revue.” wreath ceremony to honor one of the few two-time Congressional Medal of Honor winners, John King, an Irish American buried in Hot Springs. And on Tuesday, baseball historian Bill Jenkinson measured what he believes is the length of a nearly century-old Babe Ruth home run that “altered the course of baseball history.” But the party really starts on Thursday, when something called “Romancing the Stone” that involves “smooching the Arkansas Blarney Stone” kicks off at 4:30 p.m. Official parade ceremonies begin at 6 p.m. “The World’s Tallest Leprechaun” will be milling about and around 6:25 p.m., the 98-foot route will be measured. At 6:30 p.m., the parade begins, celebrity grand marshaled by “Sex in the City” star John Corbett, whose self-described “good country rockin’ bar band” The John Corbett Band will play a free concert post-concert. There’ll be food and green beer for sale, too. Read a Q&A with Corbett on our entertainment blog, Rock Candy. LM.
PATTI LABELLE
7:30 p.m., Statehouse Convention Center. $43.50-$61
n Anyone would be hard pressed to name more than a handful of R&B singers with careers as active and downright long-lasting as the Creole Lady Marmalade. Since first stepping into the studio, Patti LaBelle has belted her way through church choirs, girl bands, doo-wop groups, feathery space funk, ’80s R&B, quiet storm, a duet with Big Daddy Kane, gospel — you name it. Heck, she consistently stole the show from The Who while they toured together
COMIN’ OUT HARD: 8Ball & MJG, two architects of the Southern rap sound, return to Revolution for a special spring break night of swaggering, syrupy hits. in the early ’70s. The erratic topography of her 50-year career pretty much tells the story of the diva since the term “diva” was minted. But she’s remembered most fondly for her ’80s output: synthy anthems like “New Attitude” and “On My Own,” her duet with all-time yacht rock captain, Michael McDonald. Now, she’s 66 — and the first person to tell you she’s 66 — and still strutting and belting out Philly soul like women a third of her age. Longevity is one thing, but consistency is a whole other game. And it’s one that LaBelle is setting the pace for. Thursday night, the Wally Al-
len Ballroom gets treated to her “Vegas revue.” Expect a career-spanning retrospective with all the hits; hope for her to revisit that crazy cover of Gil Scott Heron’s “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” she did as a b-side back in 1972. JT.
FRIDAY 3/18
8BALL & MJG
9 p.m., Revolution. $30 adv., $35 d.o.s.
n Speaking of long-tenured genre icons,
■ inbrief THURSDAY 3/17
SIR SMOKE-A-LOT: They don’t get much wilder than John Sinclair, the activist, poet and beatnik legend who returns to White Water Tavern for a night of experimental, spoken-word jazz. this year marks the 21st year for 8Ball & MJG, the Memphis rap architects whose loose, swaggering releases in the early ’90s brought some well-deserved, long overdue attention to the mid-South, provided some of the major building blocks of Southern rap and helped open the door for all of the Master Ps, Three 6 Mafias and Outkasts to come. During their last visit to town in October 2009, the duo brought Hill Country Revue, the blues two-piece, to act as a genre-smashing backing band. This time, however, it’s bringing a busload of opening acts from the relatively familiar (Lil Wil from Memphis has made waves on regional radio with his new single “My Dougie”) to the up-and-coming (Mr. Pookie & Mr. Lucci) and a parade of randoms with awesome names (King Kong Cotton, Stubbalean). For guys of a certain age who grew up not too far away from Memphis — this writer definitely included — 8Ball & MJG are nothing short of dirty ridin’, syrup slurpin’ superheroes. And you never get too old for a little “Space Age Pimpin’.” The bill is rounded out by Big Doughski G, Stoney Crook Family, Hot Rod D’conte, Adam Bomb, Lilo Eskimo and DJ Mike Blaze. V.I.P. tickets are available for $75. JT.
SATURDAY 3/19
ARKANSAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: ‘ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION’ 8 p.m., Robinson Center Music Hall. $30-$48.
n This weekend, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra offers up a helping of Ireland by way of Alabama with Mithril, a world-
traveled four-piece whose traditional Celtic roots get spun into a completely different sound thanks to progressive influences, from Middle Eastern sounds to Tin Pan Alley Americana. With a load of wild Irish instruments like the bouzouki (a primitive lute/mandolin hybrid) and the bodhran (yeah, that’s just a drum), the quartet joins the ASO for a slate of jigs and folk songs, even taking a musical detour for a performance of “Arkansas Traveler.” The program returns the following day at 3 p.m. JT.
JOHN SINCLAIR
10 p.m., White Water Tavern
n Famously, John Sinclair bounded through the ’60s fueled by radical idealism and hay bales of marijuana, creating the White Panther Party and writing reams of Delta blues-inspired beatnik poetry before famously being bulldozed to jail with a 10-year sentence tied onto him for giving an undercover narc two joints. Soon after, Sinclair became not only a marijuana martyr, but his case became one of the most visible causes celebres of the era, culminating in the “Free John” benefit concert, public co-signs from Stevie Wonder, Allen Ginsberg and, most famously, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, who penned the brilliantly catchy sing-song, “John Sinclair.” Hours after the concert, the Michigan Supreme Court overturned the ruling and, after two years in the pen, Sinclair was released. (Come to think of it, it’s pretty astounding that his tenure as the manager for MC5 is one of the least fascinating things about him.) What I’m trying to say is: This guy is a living legend who has lived legendarily and with a lot to say. And not only is it worth listening to, it’s a blast to hear. Last year, I had the pleasure of moderating a talk with the man at the Clinton School of
Public Service. He turned Sturgis Hall into a standing room-only affair before packing out White Water Tavern hours later and keeping a reverent crowd engrossed, enchanted and, occasionally, in stitches with his beatnik spoken word blues, like some kind of a pothead Mark Twain. He returns to the Tavern once again with friend, cocollaborator and Pan prince of Delta blues, David Kimbrough Jr. JT.
SUNDAY 3/20
DALE EARNHARDT JR. JR. 8:30 p.m., Stickyz. $8.
n That sprawling, frustrating terrain we call the “blogosphere” has been abuzz for months praising the lush harmonies and crunching synths of Detroit’s Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. Like an electro-fixated Beach Boys, the duo produce opulent, experimental indie pop from a labyrinth of pedals, drum machines and other disparate bedroom gadgetry. The guys’ shtick of suiting up in full-body NASCAR driver uniforms (one plugging Lysol; the other Cheerios) and decking out their stage in the stars and bars would be a bit grating in less-talented hands, but their intricate pop is strong enough to upstage any unsolicited goofiness. Come to think of it, you may just leave loving the damn suit; the angle certainly grew on me, for one. Bottom line: There are too many Internet buzz acts not worth the hype, but these guys are endearing, accessible, clever and maybe one of the few real deals. The jury’s still out on the name, though. Also playing: fellow hype band from Athens, Ga., Reptar, who returns to town with a whole mess of heady, hyperactive party jams. JT.
n St. Patty’s Day pops off at the Irish anchor of the River Market District when Dugan’s Pub hosts electric rock from Filthy Horse Band, traditional Irish sounds from Cup ’o Tea, step dancers from McCafferty’s School of Irish Dance, a whole mess of bagpipes and a host of sing-along covers (or, as they should be called today, “shanties”) from Penguin Dilemma, 4 p.m. until close. The psychobilly rockers Josh the Devil and the Sinners leave the smoky bars behind for an evening at The Afterthought, 9 p.m., $7. Mediums Art Gallery decides to “Go Green” with the smoky jazz and R&B of Rodney Block and Friends, 9 p.m., $5 early admission, $10 after 10 p.m. And for you literate leprechauns, Mary Angelino and Angie Macri read their work at the R.J. Wills Lecture Hall of Pulaski Technical College for this year’s “Best New Poets” program, 6:30 p.m.
FRIDAY 3/18
n Hill music gets weird when Mockingbird Hillbilly Band teams up with the wild, woolly Bloodless Cooties side project of The Ugly Stuff at The Afterthought, 9 p.m., $7. Reno’s Argenta Cafe hosts an evening of loud, melodic rock from local mainstays Whale Fire and the mod-heavy new jacks of The Yipps, 10 p.m. Midtown Billiards regulars Joey Farr and the Fuggins Wheat Band bring guitar wizardry and a stillfunny name to the late-night bar, 12:30 a.m., $12 non-members. Jeff Coleman tickles the ivories for his stint at Sonny Williams’ Steak Room, 7 p.m. In Hot Springs, the Big John Bates Grindshow offers up a night of menacing punk Americana, complete with a live pin-up side show, at Maxine’s Pub, 8 p.m., $6 adv., $8 d.o.s. Local author Phillip McMath’s new Civil War espionage drama, “The Hanging of David O. Dodd,” returns for another two-day run at The Weekend Theater, 7:30 p.m., $14.
SATURDAY 3/19
n Dreamland Ballroom hosts the “Bringing Back the Ballroom” concert/dance party/fundraiser with twangy Southern sounds courtesy of Big Smith and Johnson’s Crossroads, followed by a late-night, old school dance party spun by local soul music guru DJ Seth Baldy, 7:30 p.m., $10 adv., $14 d.o.s. The Afterthought offers up a night of smooth blue-eyed crooning from local soulman Cody Belew and his crack backing band, The Mercers, 9 p.m., $7. And downtown, Heifer Village hosts Family Saturday, an all-day event with animals, crafts, activities and more to celebrate the beginning of spring, 10 a.m. www.arktimes.com • MARCH 16, 2011 21
www.arktimes.com
afterdark
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.
EVENTS
MUSIC
COMEDY
Bud Anderson. The Loony Bin, 8 p.m.; March 18, 8 and 10:30 p.m.; March 19, 7, 9 and 11 p.m., $6-$9. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-228-5555. www.loonybincomedy.com.
EVENTS
Valley of the Vapors: Drum Clinic. Tom Tom Magazine and Painted Face (Washington, D.C.) discuss beatmaking using Logic software. For more information, visit valleyofthevapors.com. Star Gallery, 6 p.m., donations. 610-A Central, Hot Springs.
LECTURES
Maj. John P. Ringquist. Professor of history at the U.S. Military Academy delivers his lecture, “Whose War Was It? The Influence of Race on War in Western Arkansas and Indian Territory (1863-1865).” Arkansas Studies Institute, 12 p.m., free. 401 President Clinton Ave. 501-320-5792. www.arstudies.org.
THURSDAY, MARCH 17 MUSIC
Bart Crow Band. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 9 p.m., $5. 107 Commerce St. 501-372-7707. 22 MARCH 16, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES
COMEDY
Bud Anderson. The Loony Bin, through March 17, 8 p.m.; March 18, 8 and 10:30 p.m.; March 19, 7, 9 and 11 p.m., $6-$9. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-228-5555. www.loonybincomedy.com.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16 Acoustic Open Mic with Kat Hood. The Afterthought, 8 p.m. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-6631196. www.afterthoughtbar.com. Bolly Open Mic Hype Night with Osyrus Bolly and DJ Messiah. All American Wings, 9 p.m. 215 W. Capitol Ave. 501-376-4000. allamericanwings. com. Brian & Nick. Cajun’s Wharf, 5 p.m. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501-375-5351. www.cajunswharf.com. Conditions, Kink Ador, The Supporting Cast, Dreamfast. Juanita’s, 8:30 p.m., $7 adv., $10 d.o.s. 1300 S. Main St. 501-372-1228. www.juanitas.com. Drag the River, Austin Lucas. White Water Tavern, 10 p.m. 2500 W. 7th. 501-375-8400. www. whitewatertavern.com. Jim Dickerson. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room, 7 p.m. 500 President Clinton Ave. 501-324-2999. www.sonnywilliamssteakroom.com. Karaoke at Khalil’s. Khalil’s Pub, 7 p.m. 110 S. Shackleford Road. 501-224-0224. www.khalilspub. com. Karaoke. Hibernia Irish Pub, 9 p.m. 9700 N Rodney Parham Road. 501-246-4340. www.hiberniairishtavern.com/index.html. Karaoke with Big John Miller. Denton’s Trotline, 8 p.m. 2150 Congo Road, Benton. 501-315-1717. Lucious Spiller Band. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 9:30 p.m., $5. 107 Commerce St. 501-372-7707. www.stickyfingerz.com. Scott Lucas and the Married Men, Sean Ashby, The Summer Pledge. Maxine’s, 8 p.m., $3. 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs. maxinespub.com. Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 5 p.m., free. 111 Markham St. 501-374-7474. www.capitalhotel. com/CBG.
Patti LaBelle. Statehouse Convention Center, 7:30 p.m., $43.50-$61.00. 7 Statehouse Plaza. Penguin Dilemma, Hell’s Kitchen, bagpipers. Markham Street Grill And Pub, 4 p.m. 11321 W. Markham St. 501-224-2010. www.markhamst.com. Poor Paddy, Tulsin Troubadours. Maxine’s, 8 p.m., $5. 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs. maxinespub.com. Ringworm, Snakedriver, Jungle Juice, Motives, God City Destroyers. Downtown Little Rock, 8 p.m., $8. downtown. River City Tanlines, Sweet Eagle. White Water Tavern, 10 p.m. 2500 W. 7th. 501-375-8400. www. whitewatertavern.com. Symphony of Northwest Arkansas. Walton Arts Center, 7 p.m., $15-$35. 495 W. Dickson St., Fayetteville. 479-443-5600. Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 5 p.m., free. 111 Markham St. 501-374-7474. www.capitalhotel. com/CBG. Third Degree. Denton’s Trotline, 9 p.m. 2150 Congo Road, Benton. 501-315-1717.
RWAKE UP: Three veteran metal bands head to Juanita’s to celebrate a combined 50 years of service in shredding local ears. Rwake (above, est. 1996), Epoch of Unlight (est. 1993) and Vore (est. 1994) offer up a truly heavy golden anniversary this Friday, March 18. All ages, $7, 8:30 p.m. www.stickyfingerz.com. Burning Waco. West End Smokehouse and Tavern, 10 p.m., $5. 215 N. Shackleford. 501-2247665. www.westendsmokehouse.net. Central Arkansas Wind Ensemble: “Something Old, Something New.” Reynolds Performance Hall, UCA, 7:30 p.m., free. 350 S. Donaghey, Conway. The Compromise, During the Sermon, Old News, Jessye Trimble. Vino’s, 7 p.m., $7. 923 W. Seventh St. 501-375-8466. www.vinosbrewpub. com. “V.I.P. Thursdays” with DJ Silky Slim. Sway, 8 p.m., $3. 412 Louisiana. 501-907-2582. Filthy Horse, Cup ’o Tea, Step Dancers, Penguin Dilemma. Dugan’s Pub, 4 p.m. 403 E. 3rd St. 501-244-0542. www.duganspublr.com. The Gettys (headliner), Some Guy Named Robb. Cajun’s Wharf, 5:30 and 9 p.m., $5 after 8:30
p.m. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501-375-5351. www.cajunswharf.com. “Go Green” with Rodney Block & Friends. Mediums Art Lounge, 9 p.m., $5 early admission, $10 after 10:00. 521 Center St. 501-374-4495. Jim Dickerson. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room, 7 p.m. 500 President Clinton Ave. 501-324-2999. www.sonnywilliamssteakroom.com. Josh the Devil and the Sinners. The Afterthought, 9 p.m., $7. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.afterthoughtbar.com. Karaoke. Zack’s Place, 8 p.m. 1400 S. University Ave. 501-664-6444. www.zacks-place.com. Matt White, Brendan James, Lauren Pritchard. Juanita’s, 9 p.m., $10 adv., $12 d.o.s. 1300 S. Main St. 501-372-1228. www.juanitas.com. Ol’ Puddin’haid. Thirst n’ Howl, 7:30 p.m., free. 14710 Cantrell Road. 501-379-8189. www.thirstn-howl.com.
thurSDay, March 17 P a r t y O n
St. Patty’s Day! Live MuSic
Penquin Delima 4-7pm Step Dancers from McCafferty’s School of Irish Dance with Bagpipers 7-8pm • Hell’s Kitchen 9pm on • No Cover Charge! Lunch Specials Monday-Friday • Happy Hour 4-7pm Kitchen Open Till Midnight
Antique/Boutique Walk. Shopping and live entertainment. Downtown Hot Springs, third Thursday of every month, 4-8 p.m., free. 100 Central Ave., Hot Springs. Night on the Street. The Union Rescue Mission’s fourth annual event to help raise awareness and financial support for programming to help the homeless, domestically abused and addicted in Central Arkansas. For more information, call 370-0808 or visit urmission.org. River Market Pavilions, 6 p.m. 400 President Clinton Ave. 375-2552. www.rivermarket.info. St. Patrick’s Day Block Party. The River Market district celebrates with live music, beer tents, bag pipers and Irish dancers on Third Street between Rock and River Market Avenue. Downtown Little Rock, 4 p.m. downtown. Wine Tasting with Bruce Cochran. Afterthought hosts Little Rock wine expert. The Afterthought, 5:15 p.m., $10. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.afterthoughtbar.com. World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Actor John Corbett serves as Grand Marshal. On Bridge Street, downtown Hot Springs. 6 p.m.
LECTURES
“Conversation on Racial Attitudes in Pulaski County.” For more information, visit ualr.edu/racialattitudes. UALR, 8:30 a.m. 2801 S University Ave. 501-569-8977. Michael Monroe and Michael Peterson. Michael Monroe, co-curator of “Michael Peterson: Evolution/Revolution,” will have a conversation with the artist, Michael Peterson. Arkansas Arts Center, 5:30 p.m., $5. 501 E. 9th St. 501-372-4000. www. arkarts.com. “Who Walked Before Me: Women in the National Park Service.” A panel discussion featuring Polly Kaufman, Robin White, Josie Fernandez and Laura Miller. For more information or to RSVP, call 683-5239 or e-mail publicprograms@ clintonschool.uasys.edu. Clinton School of Public Service, 6 p.m. 1200 President Clinton Ave. 501-6835239. www.clintonschool.uasys.edu.
POETRY
“Best New Poets 2010.” Mary Angelino and Angie Macri read in the R.J. Wills Lecture Hall. Pulaski Technical College, 6:30 p.m. 3000 W. Scenic Drive, NLR.
SPORTS
Horse racing. Oaklawn, $2.50-$4.50. 2705 Central Ave., Hot Springs. 501-623-4411. www.oaklawn. com.
FRIDAY, MARCH 18 MUSIC
Fre WiFie 11321 W. Markham St. Ste 6 • www.markhamst.com We are smoke friendly, so 21 and up please.
8Ball & MJG. With Lil’ Wil, King Kong Cotton, Mr. Pookie & Mr. Lucci, Big Doughski G, Stoney Crook Family, Hot Rod D’Conte, Stubbalean, Adam bomb & Lilo Eskino and DJ Mike Blaze. Revolution, 9 p.m., $30 adv., $35 d.o.s. 300 President Clinton Ave. 501-823-0090. revroom.com. Big John Miller (headliner), Richie Johnson
UPCOMING EVENTS
Pub, 10 p.m. 11321 W. Markham St. 501-224-2010. www.markhamst.com.
Concert tickets through Ticketmaster by phone at 975-7575 or online at www.ticketmaster.com unless otherwise noted.
Bud Anderson. The Loony Bin, March 18, 8 and 10:30 p.m.; March 19, 7, 9 and 11 p.m., $6-$9. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-228-5555. www. loonybincomedy.com.
MARCH 27: Destroyer. 9 p.m., $10 adv., $12 d.o.s. Stickyz, 107 Commerce St. 372-7707, stickyfingerz.com. APRIL 6: Cage the Elephant/Biffy Clyro. 9 p.m., $20. Revolution, 300 President Clinton Ave. 823-0090, revroom.com. APRIL 29: James Taylor. 8 p.m., $47-$71. Verizon Arena. 975-9000, verizonarena.com. MAY 24-26: “Beauty and the Beast.” 7:30 p.m. Robinson Center Music Hall, Markham and Broadway. 244-8800, celebrityattractions.com. MAY 27-29: Riverfest 2011. Downtown Little Rock. riverfestarkansas.com. (happy hour). Cajun’s Wharf, 5:30 and 9 p.m., $5 after 8:30 p.m. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501-375-5351. www.cajunswharf.com. Big John Bates Grindshow, Prestor John. Maxine’s, 8 p.m., $6 adv., $8 d.o.s. 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs. maxinespub.com. Billy Jones. Town Pump, 10 p.m. 1321 Rebsamen Park Road. 501-663-9802. Brown Soul Shoes. Dugan’s Pub, 9 p.m. 403 E. 3rd St. 501-244-0542. www.duganspublr.com. JJ’s Grill and Chill, 10 p.m. 1010 Main St., Conway. DJ Ja’Lee. Sway, 8 p.m., $5. 412 Louisiana. 501-907-2582. Gin River Outlaws. West End Smokehouse and Tavern, 10 p.m., $5. 215 N. Shackleford. 501-2247665. www.westendsmokehouse.net. Jason Greenlaw & the Groove. Fox And Hound, 10 p.m. 2800 Lakewood Village, NLR. 501-753-8300. www.foxandhound.com/locations/north-little-rock. aspx. Jeff Coleman. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room, March 18-19, 7 p.m. 500 President Clinton Ave. 501-324-2999. www.sonnywilliamssteakroom.com. Joey Farr and the Fuggins Wheat Band. Midtown Billiards, March 19, 12:30 a.m., $8 nonmembers. 1316 Main St. 501-372-9990. midtownar. com. Josh Green. Flying Saucer, 9 p.m. 323 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-7468. www.beerknurd.com/ stores/littlerock. LaRue & Wagner. Grumpy’s Too, 9 p.m. 1801 Green Mountain Drive. 501-225-9650. Mare Carmody and Courtney Shelton. Capi’s, 8:30 p.m. 11525 Cantrell Suite 917. 501-225-9600. www.capisrestaurant.com. Michael Graves, Elies Davis. Juanita’s, 8:30 p.m. 1300 S. Main St. 501-372-1228. www.juanitas.com. Mockingbird Hillbilly Band, The Ugly Stuff. The Afterthought, 9 p.m., $7. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.afterthoughtbar.com. Nevertrain. Cornerstone Pub & Grill, 9 p.m., $5. 314 Main St., NLR. 501-374-1782. cstonepub.com. The Pink Floyd Experience presents “Animals.” Walton Arts Center, 8 p.m., $24-$60. 495 W. Dickson St., Fayetteville. 479-443-5600. Randall Shreve, Catskill Kids, Eureka Birds. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 9 p.m., $5. 107 Commerce St. 501-372-7707. www.stickyfingerz.com. Rob Moore. Cregeen’s Irish Pub, March 18-19, 9 p.m. 301 Main St., NLR. 501-376-7468. www. cregeens.com. Rotten Records Battle of the Bands. Downtown Music Hall, March 18, 6 p.m.; March 19, 4 p.m. 211 W. Capitol. 501-376-1819. downtownshows.homestead.com. Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 9 p.m. 111 Markham St. 501-374-7474. www.capitalhotel.com/ CBG. Travis Ledoyt. Elvis tribute act. Murry’s Dinner Playhouse, March 18-20. 6323 Col. Glenn Road. murrysdinnerplayhouse.com. Trey Hawkins Band. Vino’s, 9 p.m., $8. Vino’s, 9 p.m., $8. 923 W. Seventh St. 501-375-8466. www. vinosbrewpub.com. Typhoid Mary. Denton’s Trotline, 9 p.m. 2150 Congo Road, Benton. 501-315-1717. Whale Fire, The Yipps. Reno’s Argenta Cafe, 9:30 p.m., $5. 312 N. Main St., NLR. 501-376-2900. www. renosargentacafe.com. White Collar Criminals. Markham Street Grill And
COMEDY
EVENTS
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.
SPORTS
Horse racing. Oaklawn, $2.50-$4.50. 2705 Central Ave., Hot Springs. 501-623-4411. www.oaklawn. com. UALR Men’s Baseball vs. Arkansas State. UALR, March 18, 6 p.m.; March 19, 4 p.m.; March 20, 1 p.m. 2801 S University Ave. 501-569-8977.
SATURDAY, MARCH 19 MUSIC
Arkansas Symphony Orchestra: “St. Patrick’s Day Celebration.” Robinson Center Music Hall, March 19, 8 p.m.; March 20, 3 p.m. Markham and Broadway. www.littlerockmeetings.com/convcenters/robinson. Arlo Guthrie with the Burns Sisters. Walton Arts Center, 8 p.m., $26-$52. 495 W. Dickson St., Fayetteville. 479-443-5600. Ben Manatt. Town Pump, 10 p.m. 1321 Rebsamen Park Road. 501-663-9802. Beppe Gambetta. Little Rock Folk Club presents guitarist. $12, $6 for students. Unitarian Universalist Church, 7:30 p.m. 1818 Reservoir Road. 501-2251503. Big Smith, John’s Crossroads, DJ Seth Baldy. Dreamland Ballroom, 7:30 p.m., $10 adv., $14 d.o.s. 800 W. 9th St. 501-255-5700. Bill Halliquest (disco); Brandon Peck (hiphop); Brothers with Different Mothers (band); Kofi, Krystal Karrington, Veronica Duvall, Dominique Sanchez (theater). Discovery Nightclub, 10 p.m., $12. 1021 Jessie Road. 501-6644784. www.latenightdisco.com. The Blue Ribbon Healers. Markham Street Grill And Pub, 10 p.m. 11321 W. Markham St. 501-2242010. www.markhamst.com. Chris Knight. Revolution, 9 p.m., $12 adv., $15 d.o.s. 300 President Clinton Ave. 501-823-0090. revroom.com. Cody Belew & the Mercers. The Afterthought, 9 p.m., $7. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.afterthoughtbar.com. DJ Ja’Lee. Sway, 8 p.m., $5. 412 Louisiana. 501-907-2582. The Freds. West End Smokehouse and Tavern, 10 p.m., $5. 215 N. Shackleford. 501-224-7665. www. westendsmokehouse.net. Jeff Coleman. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room, 7 p.m. 500 President Clinton Ave. 501-324-2999. www.sonnywilliamssteakroom.com. John Sinclair. White Water Tavern, 10 p.m. 2500 W. 7th. 501-375-8400. www.whitewatertavern.com. Joey Farr and the Fuggins Wheat Band. Midtown Billiards, 12:30 a.m., $8 non-members. 1316 Main St. 501-372-9990. midtownar.com. Jovan Arellano. Grumpy’s Too, 9 p.m. 1801 Green Mountain Drive. 501-225-9650. Karaoke at Khalil’s. Khalil’s Pub, 7 p.m. 110 S. Shackleford Road. 501-224-0224. www.khalilspub. com. Nos Rebos, Moses Tucker, House of Melody Blues Band. Maxine’s, 8 p.m., $5. 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs. maxinespub.com. Ramona (headliner), Steve Bates (happy hour). Cajun’s Wharf, 5:30 and 9 p.m., $5 after 8:30 p.m. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501-375-5351. www. cajunswharf.com. The Rhythmistics. Vino’s, 8 p.m., $5. 923 W. Seventh St. 501-375-8466. www.vinosbrewpub. com. Rob Moore. Cregeen’s Irish Pub, 9 p.m. 301 Main St., NLR. 501-376-7468. www.cregeens.com. Rotten Records Battle of the Bands. Downtown Music Hall, 4 p.m. 211 W. Capitol. 501-376-1819. downtownshows.homestead.com. Shane Thornton. Fox And Hound, 10 p.m., $5.
2800 Lakewood Village, NLR. 501-753-8300. www. foxandhound.com/locations/north-little-rock.aspx. Subdue. Denton’s Trotline, 9 p.m. 2150 Congo Road, Benton. 501-315-1717. Sychosys, The Vail. Juanita’s, 9 p.m., $7. 1300 S. Main St. 501-372-1228. www.juanitas.com. Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 9 p.m. 111 Markham St. 501-374-7474. www.capitalhotel.com/ CBG. Tonya Leeks & Co. Dugan’s Pub, 9 p.m. 403 E. 3rd St. 501-244-0542. www.duganspublr.com. Trampled By Turtles, These United States. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 9 p.m., $10. 107 Commerce St. 501-372-7707. www.stickyfingerz.com. Travis Ledoyt. Elvis tribute act. Murry’s Dinner Playhouse, through March 20. 6323 Col. Glenn Road. murrysdinnerplayhouse.com. Unseen Eye. Cornerstone Pub & Grill, 8:30 p.m. 314 Main St., NLR. 501-374-1782. cstonepub.com. Will Gunselman. Flying Saucer, 9 p.m. 323 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-7468. www.beerknurd.com/stores/littlerock.
COMEDY
Bud Anderson. The Loony Bin, 7, 9 and 11 p.m., $6-$9. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-2285555. www.loonybincomedy.com.
EVENTS
Ballet Arkansas: “Come Dancin’.” Ballet Arkansas’s annual fundraiser returns with musical accompaniment by The Dizzy Seven, auctions, dinner and cocktails. For tickets or more information, call 223-5150 or visit balletarkansas.com. Argenta Community Theater, 6:30 p.m., $80, $600/table of 10. 405 Main St., NLR. 501-353-1443. argentacommunitytheater.org. Falun Gong meditation. Allsopp Park, 9 a.m., free. Cantrell & Cedar Hill Roads. Family Saturday at Heifer Village. Heifer celebrates the beginning of springs with animals, crafts, activities and more. For more information, visit heifer. org/heifervillage. Heifer Village, 10 a.m. 1 World Ave. 501-376-6836. heifer.org/heifervillage.
SPORTS
Horse racing. Oaklawn, $2.50-$4.50. 2705 Central Ave., Hot Springs. 501-623-4411. www.oaklawn. com. UALR Men’s Baseball vs. Arkansas State. UALR, March 19, 4 p.m.; March 20, 1 p.m. 2801 S University Ave. 501-569-8977.
SUNDAY, MARCH 20 MUSIC
Arkansas Symphony Orchestra: “St. Patrick’s Day Celebration.” Robinson Center Music Hall, 3 p.m. Markham and Broadway. www.littlerockmeetings.com/conv-centers/robinson. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., Reptar. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 8:30 p.m., $8. 107 Commerce St. 501-372-7707. www.stickyfingerz.com. Days of the New, A Faith Forgotten, At War’s End. Juanita’s, 10 p.m., $15 adv., $20 d.o.s. 1300 S. Main St. 501-372-1228. www.juanitas.com. Karaoke. Shorty Small’s, 6-9 p.m. 1475 Hogan Lane, Conway. 501-764-0604. www.shortysmalls. com. O’Brother, Death on Two Wheels, Silent Waits the Archer. Juanita’s, 9 p.m., $7 adv., $10 d.o.s. 1300 S. Main St. 501-372-1228. www.juanitas.com. The Red Chord, Trap Them, Gaza, Legions Await, From Which We Came. Downtown Music Hall, 6 p.m., $13 adv., $15 d.o.s. 211 W. Capitol. 501-376-1819. downtownshows.homestead.com. Stardust Big Band. Arlington Hotel, 8 p.m., $8 general, free for students. Arlington Hotel, 3 p.m. 239 Central Ave., Hot Springs. 501-623-7771. Sunday Jazz Brunch with Ted Ludwig and Joe Cripps. Vieux Carre, 11 a.m. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.vieuxcarrecafe.com. Travis Ledoyt. Elvis tribute act. Murry’s Dinner Playhouse, through. 6323 Col. Glenn Road. murrysdinnerplayhouse.com. Valley of the Vapors Independent Music Festival: All Day Band Blitz. With Big Smith, Theodore, Laura Stevenson & the Cans, Two Cow Garage, Cheap Girls, Chapel Club, Post Honeymoon, Pterodactyl, Parts & Labor, Blue Screen Skyline and A Place to Bury Strangers. Doors open at noon. For more information, visit valleyofthevapors.com. Low Key Arts, 1 p.m., $5. 118 Arbor St., Hot Springs.
SPORTS
UALR Men’s Baseball vs. Arkansas State. UALR, 1 p.m. 2801 S University Ave. 501-569-8977.
MONDAY, MARCH 21 MUSIC
Alan Storeygard Trio. The Afterthought, 9 p.m., $5. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www. afterthoughtbar.com. Bad Veins, Tristen, The Walking Lawsuits. Maxine’s, 8 p.m., $5. 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs. maxinespub.com. Cory Branan, Weinland. White Water Tavern, 10 p.m. 2500 W. 7th. 501-375-8400. www.whitewatertavern.com. The Funeral Pyre, The Secret, Shadowvein. Downtown Music Hall, 8 p.m., $8. 211 W. Capitol. 501-376-1819. downtownshows.homestead.com. Halo Stereo, Queen Anne’s Revenge. Juanita’s, 9 p.m., $5 adv., $7 d.o.s. 1300 S. Main St. 501-3721228. www.juanitas.com. Karaoke. Thirst n’ Howl, 8:30 p.m. 14710 Cantrell Road. 501-379-8189. www.thirst-n-howl.com. Steele Jessup. Grumpy’s Too, 9 p.m. 1801 Green Mountain Drive. 501-225-9650. Valient Thorr, Cerebral Ballzy, Iron Tongue. Revolution, 9 p.m., $8 adv., $10 d.o.s. 300 President Clinton Ave. 501-823-0090. revroom.com. Valley of the Vapors: Lost in the Trees, Grandchildren. Low Key Arts, 8 p.m., $5. 118 Arbor St., Hot Springs. White Hills, Liturgy, Birds of Avalon. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 8:30 p.m., $8. 107 Commerce St. 501-372-7707. www.stickyfingerz. com.
CLASSES
Sign Language Classes. Bonny Hill will teach classes on finger spelling, high frequency signs, key phrases, health, time, food, people and more. Faulkner County Library, 6 p.m. 1900 Tyler St., Conway. 501-327-7482. www.fcl.org.
TUESDAY, MARCH 22 MUSIC
J Roddy Walston and the Business, Wicked Good. White Water Tavern, 10 p.m. 2500 W. 7th. 501-375-8400. www.whitewatertavern.com. Jim Dickerson. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room, 7 p.m. 500 President Clinton Ave. 501-324-2999. www.sonnywilliamssteakroom.com. Karaoke Night. Cornerstone Pub & Grill, 8 p.m. 314 Main St., NLR. 501-374-1782. cstonepub.com. Karaoke Tuesday. Prost, 8 p.m., free. 120 Ottenheimer. 501-244-9550. Karaoke with Big John Miller. Denton’s Trotline, 8 p.m. 2150 Congo Road, Benton. 501-315-1717. Little Tybee, Grandchildren. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 9 p.m., $5. 107 Commerce St. 501-372-7707. www.stickyfingerz.com. Lucious Spiller Band. Copeland’s, 6-9 p.m. 2602 S. Shackleford Road. 501-312-1616. www.copelandsofneworleans.com. Of Mice and Men, I Set My Friends on Fire, Sleeping With Sirens, Woe Is Me, The Amity Affliction. Downtown Music Hall, 8 p.m., $8. 211 W. Capitol. 501-376-1819. downtownshows.homestead.com. Tuesday Jam Session with Carl Mouton. The Afterthought, 8 p.m., free. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.afterthoughtbar.com. Valley of the Vapors: PeeLander Z, The Jukebox Romantics, X-Ray Eyeballs, American Pin-Up. Low Key Arts, 8 p.m., $5. 118 Arbor St., Hot Springs.
DANCE
“Latin Night.” Revolution, 7 p.m., $5 regular, $7 under 21. 300 President Clinton Ave. 501-823-0090. www.revroom.com.
EVENTS
Charity Bingo Tuesday. ACAC, 6:30 p.m. 608 Main St. 501-244-2974. acacarkansas.wordpress. com. Science Cafe. “Chemistry: Then, Now and Green,” with panelists from Hendrix College, OBU and UALR, 7 p.m., Afterthought, 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. Valley of the Vapors: Bookmaking workshop. Hosted by Punk Rock Payroll zine and The
Continued on page 24
www.arktimes.com • MARCH 16, 2011 23
A&E NEWS
New on Rock Candy n In concert news, The Foo Fighters are coming to Verizon Arena on May 18 with special guests Motorhead. Tickets, which range from $25 to $49.50, go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, March 18, via Ticketmaster. Riverfest, May 27-29, has booked Widespread Panic for Friday night on the Clinton Center stage and Barenaked Ladies for Saturday night on the same stage. They’ll join previously announced acts Poison, REO Speedwagon, Charlie Daniels Band, Pat Green, Papa Roach, Digital Underground and Nelly. And Cherry Hill native and legendary jazz performer Bob Dorough is scheduled to
CALENDAR
Continued from page 23 Extraordinares (Philadelphia). For more information, visit valleyofthevapors.com. Star Gallery, 4 p.m., donations. 610-A Central, Hot Springs.
LECTURES
Jonathan Martin. Martin, a senior political writer for online newspaper Politico.com, will discuss the realignment of Southern state legislatures following last year’s elections. For reservations or more information, call 683-5239 or e-mail publicprograms@ clintonschool.uasys.edu. Clinton School of Public Service, 12 p.m. 1200 President Clinton Ave. 501-683-5239. www.clintonschool.uasys.edu.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23 MUSIC
Acoustic Open Mic with Kat Hood. The Afterthought, 8 p.m. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.afterthoughtbar.com. Bolly Open Mic Hype Night with Osyrus Bolly and DJ Messiah. All American Wings, 9 p.m. 215 W. Capitol Ave. 501-376-4000. allamericanwings.com. Brian & Nick. Cajun’s Wharf, 5 p.m. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501-375-5351. www.cajunswharf.com. Brother Andy and His Big Damn Mouth, Nightmare River Band. White Water Tavern, 10 p.m. 2500 W. 7th. 501-375-8400. www.whitewatertavern.com. G-Love & Special Sauce, The Belle Brigade. Revolution, 8:30 p.m., $20 adv., $25 d.o.s. 300 President Clinton Ave. 501-823-0090. revroom. com. Half-Handed Cloud, (clap!) Kidz Pop,
n After a few unfinished versions hit the net, the official first trailer to the Arkansasfilmed Hank Williams’ biopic, “The Last Ride,” has been released. See it on Rock Candy. As previously announced, the film will open this year’s Little Rock Film Festival.
FOO FIGHTERS: Set to play Verizon Arena on May 18 with Motorhead. play his first show in Little Rock in five years on Monday, April 18, at The Afterthought.
Cucurbits, The Each and Everys. ACAC, 9 p.m., $5. 608 Main St. 501-244-2974. acacarkansas.wordpress.com. Jim Dickerson. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room, 7 p.m. 500 President Clinton Ave. 501-324-2999. www.sonnywilliamssteakroom.com. Karaoke at Khalil’s. Khalil’s Pub, 7 p.m. 110 S. Shackleford Road. 501-224-0224. www.khalilspub.com. Karaoke. Hibernia Irish Pub, 9 p.m. 9700 N Rodney Parham Road. 501-246-4340. www.hiberniairishtavern.com/index.html. Karaoke with Big John Miller. Denton’s Trotline, 8 p.m. 2150 Congo Road, Benton. 501-315-1717. Lucious Spiller Band. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 9:30 p.m., $5. 107 Commerce St. 501-372-7707. www.stickyfingerz.com. The Poison Control Center, Brass Bed, Paleo. Maxine’s, 8 p.m., free. 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs. maxinespub.com. Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 5 p.m., free. 111 Markham St. 501-374-7474. www.capitalhotel.com/CBG. The Spring Standards, Dignan. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 9 p.m., $6. 107 Commerce St. 501-372-7707. www.stickyfingerz.com. Valley of the Vapors: The Extraordinaires, Guitars, Mr. Free and the Satellite Freakout, The Binary Marketing Show. Low Key Arts, 8 p.m., $5. 118 Arbor St., Hot Springs.
COMEDY
Drew Thomas. The Loony Bin, March 23-24, 8 p.m.; March 25, 8 and 10:30 p.m.; March 26, 7, 9 and 11 p.m., $6-$9. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-228-5555. www.loonybincomedy.com. Sommore, D.C. Curry, Damon Williams. Robinson Center Music Hall, 7:30 p.m., $35-$65. Markham and Broadway. www.littlerockmeetings. com/conv-centers/robinson.
n Cool news out of the old Malco Theater on Central Avenue: Beginning at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 2, the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival will host an “open screening” for area filmmakers, who are invited to screen “work in progress, recently completed short film, or even ‘found’ movies from thrift stores or grandma’s attic.” The organizers are allowing 10 movies to
FILM
Ozark Foothills Film Festival 2010. Batesville’s film festival celebrates its 10th year with screenings, workshops, visiting filmmakers and a special screening of the recently completed and restored Fritz Lang classic, “Metropolis,” with live musical accompaniment from Alloy Orchestra. For more information, visit ozarkfoothillsfilmfest.org. March 23-27. Valley of the Vapors: “The Last Waltz.” Directed by Martin Scorsese. 1978. For more information, visit valleyofthevapors.com. Garland County Library, 5 p.m., free. 1427 Malvern Ave., Hot Springs.
LECTURES
Valley of the Vapors: “What is Rock and Roll?” Singer/songwriter Andrew Anderson delivers a multimedia lecture and open discussion on the “essence of rock and roll rebellion.” For more information, visit valleyofthevapors.com. Garland County Library, 4 p.m. 1427 Malvern Ave., Hot Springs.
GALLERIES, MUSEUMS NEW EXHIBITS, EVENTS
ACAC, 608 Main St.: Beehive Design Collective collaborative image workshop, “True Cost of Coal” storytelling and discussion, 3-8 p.m. March 20, $3 all ages. info@acacarkansas.org ARKANSAS ARTS CENTER, MacArthur Park: “Michael Peterson: Evolution/Revolution,” wood sculpture, March 18-July 3; “Young Arkansas Artists 50th Annual Exhibition,” through April 17, Atrium, Sam Strauss and Stella Boyle Smith galleries; “Currents in Contemporary Art,” “Masterworks,” “Paul Signac Watercolors and Drawings,” ongoing. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. 372-4000. CLINTON PRESIDENTIAL CENTER, 1200 President Clinton Ave.: “The Secret Art of Dr.
be screened on a first-come, first-served basis. n After starring in a string of what have amounted to glorified B-movies, native son Billy Bob Thornton finally seems to be turning his talents towards projects that sound worthwhile, on paper at least. There’s “Jayne Mansfield’s Car,” a film Thornton co-wrote and will direct and star in along with Robert Duvall, and now comes word that “The King of Luck,” a documentary Thornton made about Willie Nelson’s touring support, is closing the SXSW Film Festival this weekend. Maybe the next stop will be the Little Rock Film Festival?
Seuss,” through May 22; program with curator Bill Dreyer, 6 p.m. March 16, Sturgis Hall, reserve at operationslr@clintonfoundation.org or 748-0425; Super Seuss Saturdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 19, 26; “Revolution and Rebellion: Wars, Words and Figures,” two original engravings of the Declaration of Independence produced by Benjamin Owen Tyler in 1818 & William J. Stone in 1823, through May 22; “Historical Figures of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars,” figurines by George Stuart, through May 22; 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. GALLERY 26, 2601 Kavanaugh Blvd.: Recent works of Dominique Simmons, David Warren, opens with reception 7-10 p.m. March 19. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tue.-Sat. 664-8996. GREG THOMPSON FINE ART, 429 Main St., NLR: “Benini: The Painter’s Journey,” works from his “Courting Kaos: Face of God” and “Riding Kaos: Truth and the Journey” series, opens with reception 5-8 p.m. March 18, Argenta Artwalk, talk by the artist 1 p.m. March 19, exhibit through May 18. 664-2787. HEARNE FINE ART, 1001 Wright Ave.: Stained glass by Charly Palmer, lithographs by Samella Lewis and others. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Thu., 9 a.m.6 p.m. Fri., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat. 372-6822. KETZ GALLERY, 705 Main St., NLR: Michael Lindas, paintings, March 18-April 11, open 5-8 p.m. March 18, Argenta ArtWalk. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Fri., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat. 529-6330. LAMAN LIBRARY, 2801 Orange St., NLR: “Visions of the Universe,” drawings and diagrams by Galileo and other astronomers, images by the Hubble Space Telescope, March 16-May 20.
Continued on page 28
Hilarious SouthernFried Farce Travis Ledoyt: “The World’s Best Young Elvis” March 18-20 (Two Shows OnThe 20th)
There is simply no way to describe his performance, except unbelievable!
Southern Hospitality March 22-April 23
The Futrelle Sisters beloved hometown, Fayro, Texas, is in danger of disappearing and it’s up to the sisters to save it from extinction. How the sisters and the citizens save the town is a recipe for total hilarity!
(501) 224-9079 littlerockgraffitis.net 7811 Cantrell Rd.
Colonel Glenn & University • murrysdinnerplayhouse.com • 562-3131 24 MARCH 16, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES
Mon - Thu: 5pm to 9pm Fri & Sat: 5pm to 9:30pm
■ media Laman enters wild world of eBooks CALS expanding digital offerings. BY LINDSEY MILLAR
n Earlier this month, William F. Laman Library began lending books in digital form. Which means that patrons of the library who’re willing to read a book on their computer or own digital readers or mobile devices can remotely download an eBook from Laman’s online catalog. Laman entered into the world of eBooks after a long reluctance to pick a horse in the race to control the format, according to executive director Jeff Baskin. “It’s very hard to see what the future is going to bring with this stuff. Everyone wants to control the medium, and not only the medium but how it’s transmitted and how it’s paid for. I think the industry is in turmoil over this.” To wit, major publishers MacMillan and Simon & Schuster refuse to sell eBooks to libraries, and last week HarperCollins began a new lease arrangement that requires libraries to re-purchase rights to a book after it’s been downloaded 26 times. The Central Arkansas Library System, which has offered eBooks since October 2009, will think long and hard before purchasing a HarperCollins book, according to Carol Coffey, who oversees tech services for CALS. Still, look for the library system to continue to expand its digital offerings, according to Susan Hill Gelé, assistant director for public relations at CALS. “I think that any way that a patron enjoys a book is a good thing. We’re embracing the eBook model.” CALS currently has 679 eBook titles in its collection and an additional 1,556 downloadable audiobook titles (it has duplicate copies of some titles as well). Of this year’s books budget, the library has earmarked 8.2 percent, or $170,000, for downloadable books, which means CALS will be adding new titles each month. Laman began its foray into eBooks with 390 earlier this month at an expense of $4,885.50, and already it has added new titles. Additionally, Laman offers 2,458 audio books for download. It’s budgeted $34,000 to spend this year on downloadable audio books. Both libraries distribute their digital books via OverDrive, which negotiates terms with book publishers and in turn offers libraries an array of titles from which
to choose. So far, among their relatively small number of titles, CALS and Laman both have fairly broad selections. A few titles that caught my eye at Laman: Kevin Brockmeier’s “The Illumination,” Jane Smiley’s “A Thousand Acres,” JayZ’s “Decoded” and Malcolm Gladwell’s “Outliers.” At CALS: Frank Bruni’s “Born Round,” Robin Becker’s “Brains: A Zombie Memoir” and David Sedaris’ “Naked.” To download a book, patrons are directed to either download Adobe Digital Editions or OverDrive Media Console, depending on what platform they’re using. Most platforms, including Mac, PC, most mobile devices and most digital readers aside from Amazon’s Kindle (which only reads proprietary material), support one of the free programs. Regardless of which program they use, patrons are also required to register for an Adobe ID. The process is a bit cumbersome, but I managed to successfully figure it all out and download a book to my iPad in about 10 minutes. Like physical books, the lending window imposed by both libraries varies, though usually it’s either seven or 14 days. During the lending period, an eBook is not available for download by another patron until it’s returned. Laman allows users to download four books at a time, while CALS allows its cardholders to download five. Frustratingly, those users who have to use the OverDrive Media Console can’t return books early, though the tech blog TidBits suggests that, for iPad users at least, another free reader called BlueFire allows that option. During the snow storms in January, CALS patrons downloaded 300 digital books, more than double the library’s daily average from 2010. Baskin said Laman has had nearly 100 eBook downloads since the service launched two weeks ago. Those numbers aside, he remains cautious. “We have to be careful because things are going to change very rapidly. And one of the interesting aspects of this whole thing is that the library is really buying nothing. We’re licensing it to pass on to other people. It’s not a physical object that you have to store. If we decide we’re no longer going to take that service, we essentially lose those titles.”
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‘PAUL’: Simon Pegg (left) and Nick Frost (right) of “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz” reunite as two hapless sci-fi dorks whose pilgrimage to Comic-Con in California takes them through Reno, where they meet Paul, a wise-cracking alien on the lam from a top-secret military base. Directed by Greg Mottola (“Superbad”).
MARCH 18-20
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Showtimes for Rave were unavailable at press time. Check www.arktimes.com for updates. Market Street Cinema showtimes at or after 9 p.m. are for Friday and Saturday only.
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NEW MOVIES Limitless (PG-13) – A metropolitan copywriter runs from a group of assassins after discovering and taking a top-secret drug that gives him superhuman abilities. With Bradley Cooper and Robert DeNiro. Breckenridge: 12:50, 4:45, 7:45, 10:15. Chenal: 11:15, 1:40, 4:05, 7:00, 9:30. Riverdale: 11:40, 2:20, 5:15, 7:35, 10:05. The Lincoln Lawyer (R) – A lawyer runs his firm out of the back of an old Lincoln while working on a high-profile case in Beverly Hills. With Matthew McConaghey and Marissa Tomei. Breckenridge: 1:35, 4:20, 7:35, 10:10. Chenal: 11:00, 1:35, 4:15, 7:15, 9:55. Riverdale: 11:55, 2:25, 4:55, 7:25, 10:10. Paul (R) – Two sci-fi geeks on a cross-country pilgrimage to Reno meet and befriend a wisecracking alien on the lam from a top-secret military base. With Nick Frost and Simon Pegg. Breckenridge: 1:15, 4:40, 7:40, 10:05. Chenal: 11:30, 2:00, 4:40, 7:30, 9:55. Riverdale: 11:50, 2:15, 4:50, 7:40, 10:15. Somewhere (R) – Sofia Coppola’s examination of a hedonistic actor trying to reconnect with his 11-year-old daughter. With Stephen Dorff and Elle Fanning. Market Street: 2:00, 4:00, 6:45, 9:00. RETURNING THIS WEEK The Adjustment Bureau (PG-13) – A man soon to be elected to the U.S. Senate falls in love with a ballet dancer, but mysterious men keep them apart. With Matt Damon and Emily Blunt. Breckenridge: 4:30, 7:25, 9:55. Chenal: 11:35, 2:05, 4:20, 7:25, 9:45. Riverdale: 11:20, 1:40, 4:20, 7:00, 9:25. Barney’s Version (R) – A hard-drinking, dirtymouthed television producer reflects on his life, his family and his many marriages. With Paul Giamatti. Market Street: 1:30, 7:00. Battle: Los Angeles (PG-13) – When Earth is brutally attacked by extraterrestrial forces, a platoon of Marines must defend Los Angeles, the final stronghold on the planet. With Aaron Eckhart, Ne-Yo. Breckenridge: 12:30, 4:00, 7:00, 9:40. Chenal: 11:00, 1:30, 4:10, 7:25, 10:00. Riverdale: 11:45, 2:10, 4:45, 7:15, 9:45. Beastly (PG-13) – A modern-day, teen-age retelling of “Beauty and the Beast,” using New York City as the backdrop. Breckenridge: 1:05, 4:40, 7:20, 9:30. Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son (PG-13) – FBI agent Malcolm Turner (Martin Lawrence) makes his son (Brandon T. Jackson) join him in going undercover in drag at a performing arts school.
Breckenridge: 4:05, 9:35. Biutiful (R) – A man entrenched in the seedy underworld of modern-day Barcelona tries to reconcile his business with his role as a family man. With Javier Bardem. Market Street: 1:30, 4:15, 7:00, 9:30. Casino Jack (R) – Kevin Spacey stars as crooked lobbyist Jack Abramoff, whose taste for an expensive good time turns sour when he finds himself tied up in the mob. Market Street: 2:15, 4:25, 6:45, 9:00. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (PG) — The latest adaptation of the beloved C.S. Lewis fantasy series. Movies 10: 12:00, 2:35, 5:10, 7:45, 10:20. The Company Men (R) – An ultra-successful company man has to trade in his nice house and Porsche for a job in construction after a round of corporate downsizing. With Ben Affleck, Tommy Lee Jones. Market Street: 2:00, 4:25, 7:15, 9:15. The Eagle (PG-13) – A young Roman goes to Britain to find out who was behind his father’s disappearance. With Channing Tatum. Movies 10: 1:30, 4:30, 7:20, 10:05. The Fighter (R) — A look at legendary Irish welterweight Mickey Ward (Mark Walberg), his halfbrother and trainer, Dickey (Christian Bale), and their rise out of crime and drugs. Movies 10: 12:40, 4:00, 7:05, 10:10. The Green Hornet (PG-13) – Playboy Britt Reid (Seth Rogen) starts a new career as a crime-fighter with help from his kung-fu expert chauffeur, Kato (Jay Chou). Directed by Michel Gondry. Movies 10: 1:00, 4:00, 7:05, 10:10. I Am Number Four (PG-13) – A teen-age fugitive with special powers is on the run from agents trying to kill him. With Alex Smith and Timothy Olyphant. Chenal: 9:40. Just Go With It (PG-13) – On a weekend trip to Hawaii, a plastic surgeon convinces his long-time assistant to pretend she’s his wife in order to fool his younger girlfriend. With Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston. Chenal: 4:30, 9:50. The King’s Speech (R) – After being crowned George VI of an England on the verge of turmoil, “Bertie” (Colin Firth) works to fix his debilitating speech impediment with help from eccentric Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). Breckenridge: 12:35, 6:50. Chenal: 11:10, 1:50, 7:10. Riverdale: 11:25, 1:50, 4:15, 6:40, 9:05. Mars Needs Moms (PG) – A kid finds out how much he needs his supposedly annoying mom after she’s abducted by aliens to mother their kids. Voiced by Joan Cusack, Seth Green. Breckenridge: 1:30, 4:50, 7:30, 9:50. Riverdale: 11:10, 1:10, 3:10, 5:10, 7:10, 9:10. The Mechanic (R) – An elite assassin avenges his
murdered mentor with help from a young, impulsive rookie. With Jason Statham, Donald Sutherland. Movies 10: 12:20, 2:45, 5:05, 7:35, 9:55. No Strings Attached (R) – Two life-long friends discover that separating casual sex and romance is tougher than they thought. With Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher. Movies 10: 12:05, 2:30, 5:00, 7:25, 9:50. Rango (PG) – A quixotic chameleon has to succeed at being the daredevil he thinks he is after winding up in an old West town. Breckenridge: 1:00, 4:35, 7:15, 9:45. Chenal: 11:20, 1:55, 4:35, 7:35, 10:00. Riverdale: 11:00, 1:15, 3:30, 5:45, 8:00. Red Riding Hood (PG-13) – In a medieval village that’s haunted by a werewolf, a girl falls for an outcast orphan even though her parents arranged her to marry a wealthy young man. With Amanda Seyfried, Gary Oldman. Breckenridge: 12:40, 4:10, 7:05, 9:25. Chenal: 11:05, 1:45, 4:25, 7:20, 10:00. Riverdale: 11:30, 2:00, 4:30, 7:05, 10:00. The Rite (PG-13) – A seminary student studying exorcism under a legendary priest at the Vatican questions his future after being drawn into an extreme case. With Anthony Hopkins. Movies 10: 12:30, 4:10, 7:10, 9:45. Tangled (PG) — Daring bandit Flynn Rider, Princess Rapunzel and Rapunzel’s 70 feet of hair find adventure and romance during their journey through the outside world. Voiced by Mandy Moore. Movies 10: 12:45, 2:15, 3:20, 5:40, 7:00, 8:00, 10:25. True Grit (PG-13) — Rugged U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) helps a stubborn girl track down her father’s killer. Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. Riverdale: 11:35, 2:05, 4:40, 7:20, 9:55. Unknown (PG-13) – A man wakes up from a coma, discovers that his identity has been stolen and that no one believes he is who he says he is. With Liam Neeson and January Jones. Breckenridge: 1:25, 4:25, 7:15, 9:45. The Way Back (PG-13) – During the dawn of World War II, prisoners of a Soviet labor camp escape and flee across thousands of miles across Siberian terrain. With Ed Harris, Colin Farrell. Market Street: 4:15, 9:30. Yogi Bear (PG) — A devastating 4-hour epic about the decline of a 19th century Hungarian farm cooperative and the interpersonal complications that arise in its wake. Not really: It’s just Yogi Bear. Movies 10: 1215, 1:15, 3:15, 4:35, 5:25, 7:30, 9:25, 10:15. Chenal 9 IMAX Theatre: 17825 Chenal Parkway, 821-2616, www.dtmovies.com. Cinemark Movies 10: 4188 E. McCain Blvd., 9457400, www.cinemark.com. Cinematown Riverdale 10: Riverdale Shopping Center, 296-9955, www.riverdale10.com. Market Street Cinema: 1521 Merrill Drive, 3128900, 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.
with this, it’s mostly because I can’t understand why four seemingly-sane women couldn’t do better than this guy, or at least why they haven’t conspired by now to dump him in the desert two counties over with his testicles in his breast pocket. I absolutely hate myself for watching this show. But. I. Can’t. Look. Away. Resist! ‘BATTLE: LOS ANGELES’: Aliens attack.
■ moviereview Space invaders ‘Battle: Los Angeles’ gets its war on. n It’s sunny day at the beach, humans have made first contact with extraterrestrial life and Southern California is being obliterated. Somehow “Battle: Los Angeles” manages to turn this scenario into a downer. The film strands a platoon of overmatched Marines in the middle of L.A. during an alien invasion, and gets almost all of them killed. You can never really be sure who’s dying, how many have died, or what. The movie tells you the names of a few of them, but you’ll forget ’em, because you’re really just eager to skip ahead to more aliens. Bit of a bummer, that. If there’s one thing this alieninvasion movie needs, it’s more face time with the aliens. You will bother to remember one staff sergeant: Nantz, played by Aaron Eckhart (of “The Dark Knight” and “Thank You For Smoking”). He tries to retire a few hours before the alien invasion, but you know how it goes, end of the world and all. Trouble is everyone is aware that he got a couple of guys killed during his last tour of duty, including the brother of one of his current charges, so no one trusts that he won’t get them waxed, especially when the aliens start running roughshod over the earthlings. And those first moments are truly a lopsided romp, with aliens landing in the Pacific and storming beachheads with cannons blazing. The humans get smeared so quickly, you almost feel bad cheering for the aliens. Director Jonathan Liebsman doesn’t so much follow these soldiers as embed us with them, setting an urgent tone with tight framing, scribbly camerawork and a score pregnant with snare rolls and thunderbellied brass. What begins as a darker, less Will-Smith-y “Independence Day” soon swerves toward “The Hurt Locker.” Aside from an impromptu, grisly alien autopsy and some fleeting exposition via CNN (the aliens are here for our liquid water!) your imagination will go hungry. There’s none of the delightful complexity of the alien society from “District 9,” to choose
but one example of a sci-fi with more sci-. To put it another way: Liebsman’s “Battle: L.A.” aliens may as well be Spielberg’s “Saving Private Ryan” Germans. Really, you should just turn your brain to “lo” for these two hours. Suspension of disbelief is one thing. But there’s also the matter of some damn kids who turn up midway through the carnage. Their perpetual rescue gets tiresome. Come to think of it, this movie would be about a hundred times better if every scene of a child being told to be brave were replaced with one of Marines torturing rad space facts out of an alien POW. “Battle: L.A.” is not only a war movie, it is one of the most unabashedly promilitary movies made since the U.S. invaded Afghanistan almost 10 years ago. It was freak timing that this disaster flick, in which catastrophe rises from the ocean, opened on March 11, the date of the Japanese quakes and tsunami. Yet in the scenes of men in fatigues rushing to the aid of ruined cities, the parallels were hard to miss. Sometimes a military comes in damn handy. You simply can’t get ahold of this many working helicopters and tanks without buttering up the armed forces, and for sheer hooahism, “Battle: L.A.” is a veritable recruitment film. But if there’s one redeeming, semi-subversive thought undergirding this exercise in ka-boomery, it’s the disorienting sense of dread that comes with seeing technologically overwhelming foes through the eyes of the American military. The marines are fighting vastly superior aerial drones. They’re reduced to jerry-rigging roadside explosives. They rely on a wounded soldier’s blowing himself up in order to take out alien artillery — a suicide-bombing that makes a martyr. Combine that with the ubiquitous palm trees and smoldering rubble (Iraq, anyone?), and it becomes clear. These Marines are playing the role of insurgents. At last we have met the alien, and he is us. — Sam Eifling
SISTER WIVES: SEASON 2 TLC 9 p.m. Sundays n TLC is forging boldly ahead with its plan to become The Jerry Springer Channel, apparently never having met an obsessive-compulsive, 600-pound, birth-control-phobic grandmother it didn’t like. Now, the network seems to have a hit on its hands with “Sister Wives,” an exploration/exploitation of the often-complicated dynamics of the Brown family of Utah, a polygamist clan run by bottle-blonde nincompoop Kody Brown and (to a much lesser extent) his four wives. As with a lot of reality show television, I can’t stand “Sister
THIS AMERICAN LIFE 9 p.m. Mondays Current TV n As someone who loves great television, the documentary format and reporting in general, I hope and pray you’re lucky enough to have a television package that includes Current TV. If you don’t have it, look into getting a cable or satellite bundle that will give it to you, just so you can watch the transcendently good show “This American Life.” Based on the radio show of the same name from NPR (you know: those dastardly pinkos who are trying to bring down Glenn Beck’s beloved Amerikuh through unbiased news, book reviews, and “Car Talk with Click and Clack”), “This American Life” shares a lot with its radio cousin, including host Ira Glass and that beautiful sense that everything in the American experience is ‘SISTER WIVES’: One big happy family? emotionally connected in one way Wives,” but I can’t seem to look away. or another. I’ve long been a fan of the raKody, in particular, rubs me in all the dio show, spending many a night sitting wrong directions. He tries mightily to in the driveway with the motor running, come across as wholesome and familywaiting for some lovely bit of interview oriented, but his surfer-Ken locks, soul to be over so I could go inside. I stumbled patch, Aeropostale wardrobe and twoacross the TV show a few weeks back, seater Lexus roadster (which he drives and I am now a full-blown devotee. I even though he has 16 kids and his watch the new shows and reruns anytime wives mostly putter around in 10-yearthey’re on. Every one is a little 30-minold beaters that are missing hubcaps) ute jewel box of emotion, intelligence just scream “douchebag on the make.” and beautiful imagery, all built around a His default expression is “Michael broad weekly theme like stubbornness, Jackson at the circus,” except when going down in history, the underdog or one of his wives is crying or discussing respect. Recent episodes have included a the difficulties of having a plural marvisit to Marwencol (a scaled-down World riage (sometimes both), at which point War II-era French town built by a phohe puts on his “German Shepherd attographer who was left a brain-damaged tempting to comprehend algebra” face. amnesiac after being severely beaten); As if all that wasn’t enough, last season a conversation with a 14-year-old who he surprised his three 40-something has vowed to never fall in love; urban wives by bringing home a thin, much horsemen in Philadelphia, and devoutly younger girlfriend and holding hands religious people who think they can phowith her everywhere he went until they tograph the Virgin Mary by shooting a were married, at which point they jetpicture of the sun at a certain spot in the ted out for an 11-day beach-and-finedesert. Always beautiful, always clever, dining honeymoon to California, even always entertaining. If you get a chance, check it out. Warning: It’s addictive. though his other wives hadn’t been on — David Koon a trip in years. If I sound flabbergasted www.arktimes.com • MARCH 16, 2011 27
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CALENDAR
Continued from page 24 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Thu., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. 771-1995. LAMAN LIBRARY, Argenta Branch, 506 Main St., NLR: Collaborative mixed-media encaustic collage by Cathy Burns and Scinthya Edwards, 5-8 p.m. March 18, Argenta ArtWalk. 758-1720. M2GALLERY, 11525 Cantrell Road (Pleasant Ridge Town Center): “Fourth Anniversary Show,” new work by Michele Mikesell, Jason Twiggy Lott, William Goodman, Robin Tucker, David Walker, Nathan Beatty, Cathy Burns, Lisa Krannichfeld, Melverue Abraham, Selma Blackburn, opens with reception 6-9 p.m. March 18. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 225-6257. THEA FOUNDATION, 401 Main St., NLR: Diana Shearon, pastels and paintings, reception and artist’s demonstration 5-8 p.m. March 18, Argenta ArtWalk. 379-9512. n Hot Springs LEGACY GALLERY, 804 Central Ave.: Landscape paintings by Carole Katchen, opens with reception and artist’s demonstration, 6-9 p.m. March 18. 501-624-1044.
ONGOING EXHIBITS
ARKANSAS STUDIES INSTITUTE, 401 President Clinton Ave.: “Norwood Creech: Selected Works from the Northeastern Arkansas Delta,” through June 18, Mezzanine Gallery; “Book Arts,” handmade books and journals, through May 28, Atrium Gallery; “Anticipating the Future — Contemporary American Indian Art,” work from the collection of Dr. J.W. Wiggins. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.Sat. 320-5791. BOSWELL-MOUROT FINE ART, 5815 Kavanaugh Blvd.: Mixed media by Lisa Renz and Evan Pardue, ceramic vessels by Winston Taylor, through April 2. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tue.-Fri., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat. 664-0030. CANTRELL GALLERY, 8206 Cantrell Road: “Brazil: An Endangered Beauty,” watercolors and pastels by Kitty Harvill, through April 9, portion of proceeds to benefit Audubon Arkansas, Society for Wildlife Research and Mater Natura Environmental Studies Institute.10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 2241335. CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 509 Scott St.: Kathy Thompson, needlepoint, oils, watercolors and mixed media, through April 4. 375-2342. CHROMA GALLERY, 5707 Kavanaugh Blvd.: Work by Robert Reep and other Arkansas artists. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat. 6640880. J.W. WIGGINS NATIVE AMERICAN ART GALLERY, 5820 Asher Ave., Sequoyah Center: “Oklahoma Clay: Northeast Oklahoma Native American Pottery,” through March 25. 569-8336. LOCAL COLOUR GALLERY, 5811 Kavanaugh Blvd.: Art and jewelry by members of artists’ cooperative. 501-265-0422. MEDIUMS, 521 Center St.: “Splash of Rhythm,” paintings by Angela Green. 374-4495 or 612-4723. RED DOOR GALLERY, 3715 JFK, NLR: Buddy Whitlock, featured artist, also work by Lola Abellan, Mary Allison, Georges Artaud, Theresa Cates, Caroline’s Closet, Kelly Edwards, Jane Hankins, James Hayes, Amy Hill-Imler, Morris Howard, Jim Johnson, Annette Kagy, Capt. Robert Lumpp, Joe Martin, Pat Matthews and others.10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. 753-5227. REFLECTIONS GALLERY AND FINE FRAMING, 11220 Rodney Parham Road: Work by local and national artists. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat. 227-5659. SHOWROOM, 2313 Cantrell Road: Work by area artists, including Sandy Hubler. 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri. 372-7373. STATE CAPITOL: “Arkansans in the Korean War,” 32 photographs, lower-level foyer. 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat.-Sun. THEA FOUNDATION, 401 Main St., NLR: “Martin Luther King Elementary Exhibition,” “2011 THEA Visual Art Scholarship Competition.” 379-9512. STEPHANO’S FINE ART, 5501 Kavanaugh Blvd.: Paintings by new gallery member Eric Painter, also new series by Stephano, fused glass sculpture by Lisabeth Franco, paintings by Joy Schultz, Mike
Gaines, MaryAnne Erickson, Stephano and Alexis Silk, jewelry by Joan Courtney and Teresa Smith, sculpture by Scotti Wilborne and Tony Dow. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tue.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. 563-4218. UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT LITTLE ROCK: “Home Girl,” paintings by Liz Noble, UALR artist in residence, Gallery II, Fine Arts Center, through March 18; work by graduate students Emily Wood Moll, Endia Gomez, Lauren Sukany, Dan Thornhill, Ted Grimmett, Nida Javed, Nathaniel Roe, Sandra Sell, Gallery III, through March 18. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sat., 2-5 p.m. Sun. 569-8977. n Conway UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS: “Annual Student Competitive Exhibition,” through March, Baum Gallery. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Wed., Fri, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thu. n Hot Springs ALISON PARSONS GALLERY, 802 Central Ave.: “Daily Double” series, also at K.J.’s Grill, 1834 Airport Road. 501-625-3001. ARTCHURCH STUDIO, 301 Whittington Ave.: “Region 5 Students Art Exhibition,” through March 17. 501-282-8343. FINE ARTS CENTER, 626 Central Ave.: Works by area artists in all media. 501-624-0489. GALLERY 726, 726 Central Ave.: Work by new members Priscilla Cunningham and Pati Trippel. 501-624-7726. GALLERY CENTRAL, 800 Central Ave.: Paintings by Jan Gartrell and Sandy Hubler. 501-318-4278. JUSTUS FINE ART, 827 A Central Ave.: New suede on pastel paintings by Robin HazardBishop, new paintings by Dolores Justus, sculpture by Robyn Horn, paintings by Elizabeth Borne, and more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed.-Sat. 501-321-2335.
MUSEUMS, ONGOING EXHIBITS
ARKANSAS INLAND MARITIME MUSEUM, NLR: Tours of the USS Razorback submarine. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 1-6 p.m. Sun. 371-8320. CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL MUSEUM VISITOR CENTER, Bates and Park: Exhibits on the 1957 desegregation of Central and the civil rights movement. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily. 374-1957. HISTORIC ARKANSAS MUSEUM, 200 E. Third St.: “Signs and Signals: Claire Coppola, Michael Davis Gutierrez and Marilyn Nelson,” mixed media, through May 8; “Game Face Rituals,” paintings by Liz Nobel, through April 3. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. $2.50 adults, $1.50, $1 children for tours of grounds. 324-9351. MacARTHUR MUSEUM OF ARKANSAS MILITARY HISTORY, MacArthur Park: “In Search of Pancho Villa,” artifacts from soldiers of the period, medals and original sketches of the Mexican Punitive Expedition, the United States retaliatory action in 1916 against the Mexican general who attacked a small border town in New Mexico, through May; “Warrior: Vietnam Portraits by Two Guys from Hall,” photos by Jim Guy Tucker and Bruce Wesson, through April; exhibits on Arkansas’s military history. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat., 1-4 p.m. Sun. 376-4602. MOSAIC TEMPLARS CULTURAL CENTER, Ninth and Broadway: “Southern Journeys: African American Artists of the South,” works by 55 AfricanAmerican artists, including Romare Bearden, David Driskell, Jacob Lawrence, Elizabeth Catlett, Hughie Lee-Smith, Leroy Allen, Benny Andrews, Radcliffe Bailey, Richmond Barthé, Beverly Buchanan, Clementine Hunter, Faith Ringgold, Charles White and Dean Mitchell, through Aug. 11; exhibits on African-Americans in Arkansas, including one on the Ninth Street business district, the Mosaic Templars business and more. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Sat. 683– 3593. MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY, 500 President Clinton Ave.: “Illusion Confusion,” optical illusions, through March; interactive science exhibits. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. Admission: $8 adults, $7 children ages 1-12 and seniors 65 and up, children under 1 free, “Pay What You Can” second Sunday of every month. 396-7050. www.museumofdiscovery. org. OLD STATE HOUSE, 300 W. Markham St.: “Arkansas/Arkansaw: A State and Its Reputation,” the evolution of the state’s hillbilly image; “Badges, Bandits & Bars: Arkansas Law & Justice,” state’s history of crime and punishment, through March. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. 324-9685.
n Restaurateur Vince Schallenberg, until recently a partner in Corky’s BBQ, plans to open a new restaurant at 6813 Cantrell in early April. All Aboard will serve fastcasual food with a healthy tilt, Schallenberg said — grilled sandwiches, wraps, pitas, salads, soups, turkey burgers. Just how fast the food arrives to customers depends on All Aboard’s novel delivery system: Diners, Schallenberg said, will receive their meals via a train that will travel on two oval tracks six feet seven inches above 1800 square-foot dining room. Without ever stopping, the train will transfer orders to diners’ booths via a hydraulic mechanism. A logistics computer system will power the operation. Schallenberg said he plans to keep the restaurant open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. He plans also to serve beer and wine. n Big congrats to Times contributor Kat Robinson for winning a Henry Award at the annual Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism for Media Support last week. Robinson bested finalists Delta Crossroads Magazine and The Oxford American. In addition to contributing in print and to our food blog, Eat Arkansas, Robinson writes the travel blog, Tie Dye Travels (tiedyetravels.com), and appears regularly on “KARK News at Noon.” n OW Pizza, at 8201 Ranch Boulevard, has closed.
Restaurant capsules Every effort is made to keep this listing of some of the state’s more notable restaurants current, but we urge readers to call ahead to check on changes on days of operation, hours and special offerings. What follows, because of space limitations, is a partial listing of restaurants reviewed by our staff. Information herein 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. Restaurants are listed in alphabetical order by city; Little Rock-area restaurants are divided by food category. Other review symbols are: B Breakfast L Lunch D Dinner $ Inexpensive (under $8/person) $$ Moderate ($8-$20/person) $$$ Expensive (over $20/person) CC Accepts credit cards
LITTLE ROCK/ N. LITTLE ROCK AMERICAN 65TH STREET DINER Blue collar, meat-and-two-veg lunch spot with cheap desserts and a breakfast buffet. But hurry — breakfast closes down at 9 a.m. on the dot, and the restaurant doesn’t reopen until 10 a.m. for lunch. 3201 West 65th St. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-562-7800. BL Mon.-Fri. ACADIA A jewel of a restaurant in Hillcrest. Wonderful soups and fish dishes. Extensive wine list. Affordable lunch menu.
Continued on page 30
■ dining The wines of Zin The selection is broad and deep. n Eating, drinking and talking have always been our “core competencies,” “leveraged” to create an “end-to-end solution” that delivers supreme joy and a few pounds around the middle. Sorry to slip into corporate speak, but it automatically started flowing after enjoying several fine afternoons and evenings eating, drinking and talking at Zin, the super-cool newish wine and beer bar that sits in the shadow of Acxiom’s corporate headquarters. And nobody knows corporate speak like the Acxiom data masseuses who hopefully will make Zin their favorite after-work hangout. Zin is one of a growing number of establishments along a T formed by Third Street and River Market Avenue (formerly known as Commerce Street). With Copper Grill, Dugan’s Pub, Brown Sugar Bake Shop, Dizzy’s Gypsy Bistro and Zin all dotted along that stretch, there now is enough “critical mass” for a “holistic” off-ClinDIVINE: Dried figs stuffed with goat cheese. ton-Avenue River Market eating/drinking experience. The first thing you’ll notice about Zin dels flight. is the ambiance, an important ingredient As you might expect, the wines change many bar and restaurant owners overlook periodically at Zin, so we can’t swear all or underplay. From the cool wall treatof these will be there when you go, but if ments to the modern, upscale furniture, so, consider: the art, the music — all combine to create • J Lohr Arroyo Vista Chardonnay a hip vibe that isn’t overblown or preten($11) — high-dollar but worth it, a rich, tious. It feels good to be at Zin. well-balanced, upper-tier white from a reThe good feeling continues when you nowned California winery. see your wine selection is brought in top• Parallele 45 Rose ($8) — proof pink notch Riedel glassware. Yes, you might wine doesn’t have to be sweet; roses are drink wine from a Styrofoam cup at a tailcrisp, flavorful, refreshing, a great warmgate party, but it just isn’t the same. Ponyer-weather choice usually overlooked in ing up for this fine stemware is just one of these parts. many flourishes owners Michael Puckett • Coppola Director’s Cut Cabernet and Troy Deal saw fit to include, and Zin Sauvignon ($11) — a big, bold Napa cab; is a better place for all of them. great with food or solo. Zin has a broad and deep wine menu • Sean Minor “Four Bears” Caberthat omits the tired, tried-and-true choices net Sauvignon ($9) — tons of flavor, but you might find at a place that doesn’t fosmooth and not overly tannic. cus on wine. There are about 45 choices • Leese Fitch (any variety) — Zin’s spread across whites, reds, bubblies and house wine, available for $7 and reduced ports, with all but 10 or so available by to $5 at happy hour. These are solid, very the glass. There are a few “wine flight” drinkable California selections that won’t choices, which include three-ounce pours disappoint. of three wines. We adore the affordable, If you like to broaden your wine horifull-flavored wines from Alexander Valley zons, know that Zin on Wednesdays does Vineyards, one of the last family-owned 5 to 8 p.m. tastings that usually include major wineries in Sonoma County, and decent pours of five wines from a single enjoyed revisiting the cleverly named producer for a modest $15 charge. And Temptation, Sin and Redemption zinfanif wine’s not your thing, Zin features 10
bottled beers. Yes, you can get a Bud Light, but why not invest 50 cents more and try a Goose Island Honkers Ale? We now have three wine bars (Crush, By the Glass and Zin, in order of their openings), and all have chosen the same food approach: fine meats and cheeses, served with Boulevard’s unbeatable bread, with a few other items orbiting that center. Zin does it as well as any of them. We were particularly impressed with the spicy calabrese, a dry Italian pork sausage with a major kick and lots of flavor, and the Cotswold, which has chives and a bit of onion infused in Glouster, a semi-hard cow’s milk cheese. Both were divine. Choose three items among the five cheeses and three meats, served with bread and/or crackers, for $10. The unexpected treat was the stuffed figs ($7) — a beautifully presented plate of dried figs, stuffed with a light, creamy goat cheese, drizzled with a balsamic reduction and dotted with sprigs of basil. The balsamic gives the cheesy figs a hint of sweet that makes them dessert. Divine. Zin is open seven days, unlike many of its River Market-area brethren, and Sunday is a great time to wander down. Through March, a bowl of soup and a glass of the Leese Fitch is only $10. In April, the plan is to convert to a salad/wine combo for the same $10. We’ve so far enjoyed the Italian Wedding Soup and the Wisconsin Cheese. And, yes, we enjoyed the wine, too. BRIAN CHILSON
what’scookin’
Zin Urban Wine & Beer Bar
300 River Market Avenue (formerly Commerce Street) 501-246-4876 www.zinlr.com
Quick bite
Sunday is a great day to visit Zin. Not only is it one of a limited number of River Market spots open on the Sabbath, there also is a great $10 deal in place – a glass of house wine and a bowl of soup through March, and then wine and salad through the warmer months.
Hours
4 p.m. until an unnamed closing time Monday through Saturday, 3:30 p.m. until close Sunday.
Other info
Credit cards accepted, beer and wine. www.arktimes.com • MARCH 16, 2011 29
■ UPDATE
Special
Gyro Sandwich, FrieS & drink $6.65 oFFer expireS 04/13/11.
gyros • hummus • tabbouleh • baba ghannouj pizza • calzone • mediterranean salad
fresh, delicious Mediterranean cuisine
9501 N. Rodney Parham • 227-7272 Bryant: 612 Office Park • 847-5455
Gather round the watering hole with us
The Faded Rose
®
LITTLE ROCK’S mOST awaRd wInnIng RESTauRanT
400 N. Bowman Road 501-224-3377 1619 Rebsamen Road 501-663-9734
y Happ
We will serve corned beef and cabbage March 17-19 KIDS EAT
FOR
JUstSoreTfo9r de9ta¢ils
see
TUESDAy NITE IS
SENIOR NITE
10% Discount! see store for detai
ls
Come See Us!
Burgers • Steak • Chicken 100% Real • Charcoal • Broiled
10907 N. Rodney Parham • 228-7800 • Mon-Sat 10:30am-9pm
GINO’S PIZZERIA & PHILLY STEAK Cheesesteaks here don’t match those deliciously greasy and gooey delights at Rocky’s Pub, but they’re not bad. Served heaping, as the Philly steak gods intended, with a thick layer of mayo and the option to include bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, onion and tomato, the sixinch ($5.99) included what surely was our weekly recommended amount of meat, griddle-cooked to near crispiness. We elected to get our sandwich without cheese (gasp!); it was plenty gooey and filling without it. Our biggest complaint was with the bread. It was run-of-the-mill hoagie bread, sufficiently thick, but utterly boring. Our companion judged his six-inch Monster Meatball ($4.99), slathered with marinara and cheese, similarly: fine, but not up to the standard of the area’s best meatball grinders (at Iriana’s and Rocky’s, for instance). An order of fries ($1.79) was big enough to share. That we didn’t finish them had more to do with their limp greasiness than the portion, though. An important note to lovers of massive amounts of corn syrup: the soda fountain here includes Coke and Pepsi products. 2000 Pike Ave., NLR. No alcohol. CC. 501-379-8410, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 12 p.m.-6 p.m. Sun.
Restaurant capsules Continued from page 29
3000 Kavanaugh Blvd. Full bar, CC. $$-$$$. 501-603-9630. LD Mon.-Fri. D Sat. BOSCOS This River Market brewery does food well, too. Along with tried and true things like sandwiches, burgers, steaks and big salads, they have entrees like black bean and goat cheese tamales, open hearth pizza ovens and muffalettas. 500 President Clinton Ave. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-907-1881. LD daily. BOUDREAUX’S GRILL & BAR A homey, seat-yourself Cajun joint in Maumelle that serves up all sorts of variations of shrimp and catfish. With particularly tasty red beans and rice, jambalaya and bread pudding. 9811 Maumelle Blvd. NLR. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-753-6860. L Sat., D Mon.-Sat. BOULEVARD BREAD CO. Fresh bread, fresh pastries, wide selection of cheeses, meats, side dishes; all superb. Good coffee, too. 1920 N. Grant St. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$. 501-6635951. BLD Mon.-Sat. 400 President Clinton Ave. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$. 501-374-1232. BL Mon.-Sat. 401 W. Markham St. No alcohol, All CC. $$. 501-526-6661. BL Mon.-Fri. BROWN SUGAR BAKESHOP Fabulous cupcakes, Presiden
t Clinton
brownies and cakes offered five days a week until they’re sold out. 419 E. 3rd St. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-3724009. LD Tue.-Sat. BUTCHER SHOP The cook-your-own-steak option has been downplayed, and several menu additions complement the calling card: large, fabulous cuts of prime beef, cooked to perfection. 10825 Hermitage Road. Full bar, All CC. $$$. 501-312-2748. D daily. CAJUN’S WHARF The venerable seafood restaurant serves up great gumbo and oysters Bienville, and options such as fine steaks for the non-seafood eater. In the citified bar, you’ll find nightly entertainment, too. 2400 Cantrell Road. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-375-5351. D Mon.-Sat. CAPERS It’s never been better, with as good a wine list as any in the area, and a menu that covers a lot of ground — seafood, steaks, pasta — and does it all well. 4502 Cantrell Road. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-868-7600. LD Mon.-Sat. COMMUNITY BAKERY This sunny downtown bakery is the place to linger over a latte, bagels and the New York Times. But a lunchtime dash for sandwiches is OK, too, though it’s often packed. 1200 S. Main St. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-3757105. BLD daily. 270 S. Shackleford. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-224-1656. BD Mon.-Sat. B Sun. COPPER GRILL Comfort food, burgers and more sophisticated fare at this River Market-area hotspot. 300 W. Third St.
Ave.
E. 2nd St
n o u B ! o t i t e p p A
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River Mar ket Ave.
E. 3rd St
Rock St.
Cumberla
nd St.
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St. Patrick’s Day Block Party March 17th, 4-10pm Beer Tent Live Music Brought to you by:
1501 Merrill Drive little rock, Ar 72211 501.225.0500 reservations recommended
A Party to Go-Go Brown Sugar Bakeshop Candy Bouquet Copper Grill Creative Instinct Dizzy’s Gypsy Bistro Dugan’s Pub Green Earth Pharmacy Hampton Inn & Suites
Bag Pipers Irish Dancers Historic Arkansas Museum Jasmine Nail Salon Joel’s Downtown Lulu’s Tanning Salon Moses Tucker Real Estate Physique Spa River Market Lofts River Market Massage Workplace Resource ZIN Urban Wine & Beer Bar
open Monday-Saturday For Dinner
www.ThirdStreetMerchants.com 30 MARCH 16, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES
No. 209 Edited by Will Shortz
Across 1 Grant for a movie? 5 Painterʼs preparation 10 Make lace 13 Succulent plant 14 Richard nominated for seven Oscars 15 Writer Umberto 16 *Cracker feature 18 1930s org. with a blue eagle logo 19 When repeated, a dance 20 Discourage 21 Pimply 23 How a hangover sufferer might feel 25 Scottish hillside 26 Was in charge 27 Springfield family name 30 Essential oil 33 *Union, e.g. 35 “There ___ ʻIʼ in ʻteamʼ”
■ CROSSWORD
Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-375-3333. LD Mon.-Sat. CRUSH WINE BAR An unpretentious downtown bar/lounge with an appealing and erudite wine list. With tasty tapas, but no menu for full meals. 318 Main St. NLR. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$. 501-374-9463. D Tue.-Sat. DAVID FAMILY KITCHEN Call it soul food or call it down-home country cooking. Just be sure to call us for breakfast or lunch when you go. Neckbones, ribs, sturdy cornbread, salmon croquettes, mustard greens and the like. Desserts are exceptionally good. 2301 Broadway. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-371-0141. BL Sun.-Fri. DIZZY’S GYPSY BISTRO Interesting bistro fare, served in massive portions at this River Market favorite. 200 River Market Ave. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-375-3500. LD Tue.-Sat. THE FADED ROSE The Cajun-inspired menu seldom disappoints. Steaks and soaked salads are legendary. Also at Bowman Curve. 1615 Rebsamen Park Road. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-663-9734. LD daily. 400 N. Bowman Rd. Full bar. $$-$$$. 501-2243377. LD daily. FERNEAU Great seafood, among other things, is served at the Ice House Revival in Hillcrest. With a late night menu Thu.-Sat. 2601 Kavanaugh Blvd. Full bar, All CC. $$$-$$$$. 501-603-9208. D Tue.-Sat. FRANKE’S CAFETERIA Plate lunch spot strong on salads and vegetables, and perfect fried chicken on Sundays. Arkansas’ oldest continually operating restaurant. 11121 N. Rodney Parham Road. No alcohol, All CC. $$. 501-225-4487. LD daily. 400 W. Capitol Ave. No alcohol, All CC. $$. 501-372-1919. L Mon.-Fri. GADWALL’S GRILL & PIZZA Once two separate restaurants, a fire forced the grill into the pizza joint. Now, under one roof, there’s mouth-watering burgers and specialty sandwiches, plus zesty pizzas with cracker-thin crust and plenty of toppings. 12 North Hills Shopping Center. NLR. Beer, Wine, All CC. $-$$. 501-834-1840. LD daily. HUNKA PIE A drive-up diner with burgers, salads, soups and a number of different pies, available whole or by the slice, fresh baked daily. 7706 Cantrell Road. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-612-4754. LD Mon.-Sat. (closes at 7 p.m.). OLD MILL BREAD AND FLOUR CO. CAFE The popular take-out bakery has an eat-in restaurant and friendly operators. It’s self-service, simple and good with sandwiches built with a changing lineup of the bakery’s 40 different breads, along with soups, salads and cookies. 12111 W. Markham St. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-2284677. BL Mon.-Sat. BR Sun. RED DOOR Fresh seafood, steaks, chops and sandwiches from restaurateur Mark Abernathy. Smart wine list. 3701 Old Cantrell Road. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-6668482. L Mon.-Fri. D daily. RIVERFRONT STEAKHOUSE Steaks are the draw here — nice cuts heavily salted and peppered, cooked quickly and accurately to your specifications, finished with butter and served sizzling hot. 2 Riverfront Place. NLR. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-3757825. D Mon.-Sat. STARLITE DINER Breakfast and the ice cream-loaded shakes and desserts star here. 250 E. Military Road. NLR. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-353-0465. BLD. STICKYZ ROCK ‘N’ ROLL CHICKEN SHACK Fingers any way you can imagine, plus sandwiches and burgers, and a fun setting for music and happy hour gatherings. 107 Commerce St. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-372-7707. LD Mon-Sat. TOWN PUMP A dependable burger, plus basic beer food. 1321 Rebsamen Park Road. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-663-9802. L Mon.-Sat. D daily. TRIO’S Fresh, creative and satisfying lunches; even better at night, when the chefs take flight. Best array of fresh desserts in town. 8201 Cantrell Road. Full bar. $$-$$$. 501-221-3330. LD Mon.-Sat. VIEUX CARRE A pleasant spot in Hillcrest with specialty salads, steak and seafood. The soup of the day is a good bet. At lunch, the menu includes an all-vegetable sandwich and a half-pound cheeseburger. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-663-1196. LD Mon.-Fri., D Sat., BR Sun. WHOLE FOODS MARKET Good sandwiches, soups and hummus to go; an enormous number of hot and cold entrees from the deli; extensive juice bar. 10700 N. Rodney Parham Road. All CC. $-$$. 501-312-2326. BLD daily. YOUR MAMA’S GOOD FOOD Offering simple and satisfying cafeteria food, with burgers and more hot off the grill, plate lunches and pies. 220 W. 4th St. No alcohol, All CC. $. 501-372-1811. BL Mon.-Fri. ZACK’S PLACE Expertly prepared home cooking and huge, smoky burgers. 1400 S. University Ave. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-664-6444. LD Mon.-Sat.
36 Some salamanders 37 Otologistʼs focus 38 Bethlehem ___ 39 Onetime hairremoval name 40 *Itʼs bad when it knifes 41 Much-advertised exercise program 42 Containing many items, as a bill 44 Actor Kilmer 45 “That is correct” 46 Certain tuna … or what this puzzleʼs 10 starred clues do 51 Emulated a wolf 53 “The Threepenny Opera” composer 54 Got the gold 55 Fraternity letter 56 *Flap 59 Na+, e.g. 60 Nasdaq company with an asterisk in its name
ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE L O B B E R
A T E A S E
I S S T M A J U T S
A S A P
S T A R T S
T I L T A T
S L A B T E T S I L A N D I L L E C E O R A N R L O I N G S C O I E D R
B L U E R A N D A S H E A M S S T A A U S G N E E R S L I A M E S S E G E S R O S I N G S N T T E S
D R O P R E P S S S H E S A A N T T E S A H I T G R E T S A N D E R B S O L A A N G E S M O L T S A R E T E H E R E S S S R S
61 Pitcher Hershiser 62 Image on the back of a dollar bill 63 Wee 64 Optimal Down 1 Cry after “Here!” 2 It may accompany waves on a Hawaiian beach 3 Palace-related 4 Word of affirmation 5 CNNʼs “Sanjay ___ MD” 6 Was off base 7 Make a mistake preparing James Bondʼs martini 8 “Sending out an ___” (repeated Police lyric) 9 Physical feature of Britainʼs Lord Nelson 10 *Danielʼs home 11 One of a thousand in a Jane Smiley title 12 *Natter, e.g. 14 Dalmatian or Pomeranian 17 Cow features 22 *Start of the name 24 *Necessitator 25 1988 Tom Hanks film 27 Bollywood costume 28 First-class aisle seat on most planes
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Puzzle by Victor Barocas
29 ___ contendere
30 Start of many dates 31 Abound 32 *Black
33 Airfare add-ons 34 Flight
38 Rice, for many
40 Go a-courting?
43 Bad thing to be over 44 Suffix in many place names 46 Four-door, often 47 Kind of pool or ride 48 Alert 49 Drinks in redand-white cans
50 Genuflected 51 *Distant relative of Monterey 52 Seafarerʼs greeting 53 Finish line marker 57 66, e.g.: Abbr. 58 Male swan
For answers, call 1-900-285-5656, $1.49 a minute; or, with a credit card, 1-800-814-5554. Annual subscriptions are available for the best of Sunday crosswords from the last 50 years: 1-888-7-ACROSS. AT&T users: Text NYTX to 386 to download puzzles, or visit nytimes.com/mobilexword for more information. Online subscriptions: Todayʼs puzzle and more than 2,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year). Share tips: nytimes.com/wordplay. Crosswords for young solvers: nytimes.com/learning/xwords.
ASIAN CHI’S CHINESE CUISINE No longer owned by Chi’s founder Lulu Chi, this Chinese mainstay still offers a broad menu that spans the Chinese provinces and offers a few twists on the usual local offerings. 5110 W. Markham St. All CC. $-$$. 501-604-7777. CRAZY HIBACHI GRILL The folks that own Chi’s and Sekisui offer their best in a three-in-one: 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. $$. 501-663-8999. LD daily. GENGHIS GRILL This chain restaurant takes the Mongolian grill idea to its inevitable, Subway-style conclusion. 12318 Chenal Parkway. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$. 501-2232695. LD daily. OSAKA JAPANESE RESTAURANT Veteran operator of several local Asian buffets has brought fine-dining Japanese dishes and a well-stocked sushi bar to way-outwest Little Rock, near Chenal off Highway 10. 5501 Ranch Drive, Suite 1. $$-$$$. 501-868-3688. LD. SUSHI CAFE Impressive, upscale sushi menu with other delectable house specialties like tuna tataki, fried soft shell crab, Kobe beef and, believe it or not, the Tokyo cowboy burger. 5823 Kavanaugh Blvd. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-663-9888. L Mon.-Sat. D daily.
BARBECUE CHATZ CAFE ‘Cue and catfish joint that does heavy catering business. Try the slowsmoked, meaty ribs. 8801 Colonel Glenn Road. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-5624949. LD Mon.-Sat. CORKY’S RIBS & BBQ The pulled pork is extremely tender and juicy, and the sauce is sweet and tangy without a hint of heat. Maybe the best dry ribs in the area. 12005 Westhaven Drive. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-954-7427. LD daily. 2947 Lakewood Village Drive. NLR. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-753-3737. LD daily, B Sat.-Sun. WHITE PIG INN Go for the sliced rather than chopped meats at this working-class barbecue cafe. Side orders — from fries to potato salad to beans and slaw — are superb, as are the fried pies. 5231 E. Broadway. NLR. Beer. $-$$. 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. A real find is the beef brisket, cooked the way Texans like it. 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. www.arktimes.com • MARCH 16, 2011 31
32 March 16, 2011 • ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE ARKANSAS TIMES
MARCH 16, 2011
Up-and-comer Kelvin Parker’s edgy and newsworthy designs, shown here, are sure to be a hit at this year’s show.
DESIGNER’S CHOICE FASHION SHOW RETURNS BY KATHERINE WYRICK
I
n the burgeoning local fashion scene, no event generates more excitement than the Designer’s Choice Fashion Show. Now in its fourth year, the show brings back Korto Momolu to host, this time with model/actor Boris Kodjoe (who starred in NBC’s “Undercovers”). Despite this star power, however, the focus remains on local designers, four of whom are featured here. They range from Dana Chaney, who creates comfortable clothing for the full-figured woman, to Kelvin Parker, a Savannah College of Art and Design graduate whose work pushes the boundaries of
design. In total, there are ten designers from Little Rock and surrounding areas and one celebrity designer, Reco Chapple, from Bravo’s “The Fashion Show.” Event planner Theresa Timmons, who also came up with the idea for Designer’s Choice, is proud of how it has evolved. “I get teary–eyed just thinking about it,” she says. “I started it because I wanted to give these designers a platform.” Looks like she’s done it. Don’t miss the big event on April 2 at the Clear Channel Metroplex. Continued on page 34
hearsay ➥ Hats off to BARBARA JEAN for four fabulous trunk shows in two days! March 17-18, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Salvatore Ferragamo, Christine Moore Hats, Peggy Jennings and Liz Logie. Christine Moore, Adam Sirak from Salvatore and John Jennings will all be present! ➥ Trump trunk show. CECIL’S FINE JEWELRY hosts an Ivanka Trump trunk show April 15-16. Sure to be glitzy and sparkly. ➥ You can see clearly now. PELLA WINDOWS AND DOORS is offering 25% off installation until April 12. ➥ No, you don’t put your weed in it. The new Herb-savor pod is now available at KITCHEN CO. Featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things for 2010, this product is a must have for the herb lover. Now your cilantro and parsley will stay fresh and fragrant. ➥ BAUMANS presents the Spring 2011 Collections from Ermenegildo Zegna and Brioni featuring their best clothing, furnishings, sportswear and made to measure at Pavilion in the Park, March 17, 3-7 p.m. Italian fare and wine tasting will be provided by Boulevard Bread Co. On March 18-19, 9-6 p.m. take advantage of these great incentives: $250 off suits, $150 off sportscoats and $50 off trousers.. ➥ B. BARNETT confirms that jewel tones are in this summer. Come see at the Rena Lange Spring ’11 trunk show. March 29, 10 a.m.-March 30, 5:30 p.m. Then on March 31, 10 a.m. - April 1, 5 p.m., B. Barnett introduces the resort collection of Trish McEvoy. National Trish McEvoy artists will be on hand to share all that’s new in the world of color. ➥ Happy B-Day, M2! Join M2 GALLERY for their 4-year anniversary show, March 18, 6-9 p.m. See new works by over 15 artists while enjoying the sounds of DJ Joey Smoke. ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE ARKANSAS TIMES • MARCH 16, 2011 33
DESIGNER’S CHOICE Continued from page 33
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DANA CHANEY Age: 44 Hometown: Sheridan, Ark. The secret to looking chic is ... being confident in the clothes you are wearing. The fashion designer I admire most is ... Coco Chanel. She is such a visionary. I couldn’t live without ... handbags. They are always a fun way to add colors that you like but wouldn’t necessarily be comfortable wearing. I like very bold colors like the bright green oversized bag I’ve been carrying for the past month or the bright pink ’50s style purse I have in my collection. I’m inspired by ... fabrics. I love the textures and designs of fabric. The feel of the fabric lets you know how to design it. The fabric you wear should reflect how you feel. Your look in five words or fewer: casual classic.
A plus-size model in Dana Chaney’s designs.
AMANDA BABB GOODRUM Age: 43 Hometown: Kansas City, Mo. & Little Rock, Ark. The secret to looking chic is ... feeling comfortable in your own skin. Anything you wear—whether it be clothes, jewelry, accessories, or makeup—should be reflective of your personality and make you feel good. The fashion designer I most admire is ... Coco Chanel. Locally, Linda Rowe Thomas and Korto Momolu. I couldn’t live without ... my family and friends, my creative outlet, heels and lipgloss and my morning Starbucks. I’m inspired by ... the fashion industry and how you can take a timeless, classic piece of jewelry from any era and re-purpose it into a modern design. Your look in five words or fewer: classic and eclectic yet trendy. KELVIN B. PARKER, JR. Age: 21 Hometown: Little Rock, Ark. The secret to looking chic is ... wearing what makes you feel good when you look in the mirror and not wearing what makes others feel good when they look at you. The fashion designer I most admire is ... Elie Saab. I really admire his attention to detail and his fabric selection for the garments that he creates. I couldn’t live without ... a pen and paper to write poetry when I have time to myself. Writing poetry calms me and allows me, for the moment, to focus just on me and my feelings. As an emerging fashion designer, this is something that often goes unfilled with having to keep up with the latest trends and understanding your customers almost more then yourself. I’m inspired by ... the minimalism art movement, especially the artists Robert Morris and his felt pieces. I am also inspired a great deal by the human body. In addition, the poetry that I write often times inspires my creative process when designing. Your look in five words or fewer: original, poetic, elegant and daring. BRANDI “BNICOLE” TATE Age: 25 Hometown: Little Rock, Ark. The secret to looking chic is ... loving yourself and being confident in your own skin! What you wear is only an outward manifestation of how beautiful God has created you and how confident you are in you! The fashion designer I admire most is ... Korto Momolu. She is my favorite designer, mentor, sister and friend. I adore who she is, and her journey is very inspiring. She has taught me a lot about becoming a successful designer and a woman of God. I couldn’t live without ... God! He provides everything else I need in life. My look in five words or fewer: classy, chic, edgy, unique and anointed.
34 MARCH 16, 2011 • ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE ARKANSAS TIMES
Amanda Goodrum’s sparkly, sexy jewelry. A model in Brandi Tate’s striking, asymmetrical dress.
If you like it, then you better
put a ring on it
I
t’s the moment a girl’s always dreamed of—when the man she loves gets down on one knee and produces from his pocket an . . . iPhone? Well, maybe that’s not the traditional scenario, but today choosing an engagement ring is more collaborative effort than solo pursuit. Hence The Engagement Ring Finder, Tiffany & Co.’s first-ever iPhone application. Since its debut last summer, this app has continued to engage the interest of brides- and grooms-to-be. The first of its kind, it offers a new way to explore Tiffany’s iconic engagement ring collection. The app features a ring sizer which prompts users to place one of their own rings on the screen and align it with the correct circle in the guide to determine size. Users are then allowed to browse the collection according to preferences (by shape, setting, metal or design). A user can create and redesign his/her own unique style by mixing and matching diamonds of six different carat sizes and pairing the rings with wedding bands. If you still feel undecided, the app allows you to save and share your favorite styles via email, Facebook and Twitter, as well as the ability to make an appointment for a diamond expert consultation via phone or e-mail with the company. Looks like Apple+Tiffany=a marriage made in heaven. Visit www.tiffany.com.
SoHo Modern welcomes long-awaited additions
Sponsored by
Save the date Monday, april 18, 2011
6:00 p.m.
Wine & Light Bites
7:30 p.m.
Fashion Show with Barbara Graves on The Rep’s Hairspray set
tiCketS $75 Seating is limited. all proceeds go to the arkansas Repertory Theater. For tickets contact Bethany hilkert Phone: (501) 378-0445 ext. 203 email: bhilkert@therep.org
Chairs: Susan Cohen & Cathy hooker hostess Chair: Luann ashley
. s 4 2- pen p.m M O -9 w y6 o a Sh rid F s i Th
S
oHo Modern continues to be the store of choice for design savvy shoppers with modern tastes. There’s just no other place like it in this area. Owner Becca Hayley knows she fills a needed niche, which is why she doggedly continues to fight the good fight (against poor taste) in these tough economic times. We recently spoke to Hayley who’s very excited about some new additions to the store. She says, “I’m finally carrying things I’ve always wanted to carry: an Eames-style le chaise and reproductions of colorful Kartell barstools. ... I’ve wanted them forever!” Hayley also added another beloved piece to her inventory— a reproduction of the Phillipe Starck Mademoiselle Armchair. Its bold print and Lucite legs are enough to make one swoon, but then again so is any visit to Hayley’s stylish showroom.
Come See our New BagS! 2616 Kavanaugh Blvd. • Little Rock • 501.661.1167 • www.shopboxturtle.com ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE ARKANSAS TIMES • MARCH 16, 2011 35
Food for Thought
a paid advertisement
To place your restaurant in Food For Thought, call the advertising department at 501-375-2985
AMERICAN
SEAFOOD Cajun’s Wharf 2400 Cantrell Road 501-375-5351
Food and fun for everyone when you pair Cajun’s Wharf’s succulent seafood and steak with the ever-evolving live entertainment. Enjoy the fabulous fresh seafood or aged Angus beef while listening to the rolling Arkansas River on the famously fantastic deck! They also boast an award-winning wine list.
Black Angus
Homemade Comfort Food Daily Specials • Monday: Spicy Shrimp Stir-fry. Tuesday: Pot Roast. Wednesday: Meatloaf. Thursday: BBQ Plate or Shepherd’s Pie. Friday & Saturday: Fried Catfish.
Capers Restaurant
Indulge in the culinary creations and intimate environment that define Capers Restaurant. Food and wine enthusiasts agree Capers’ sophisticated approach to dining is key to it’s many accolades including receiving the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for six years running.
Copper Grill
Whether you’re looking for a casual dinner, a gourmet experience or the perfect business lunch, Copper Grill is the choice urban restaurant for Little Rock’s food enthusiasts. It’s where you can let go and relax in the comfortable dining room, enjoy a glass of wine at the lively bar or share a spread of appetizers outside on the street-side patio. No matter if you’re on the go or off the clock, Copper Grill is your downtown dining destination.
Butcher Shop
Tremendous steaks, excellent service, fair prices and a comfortable atmosphere make The Butcher Shop the prime choice for your evening out. In addition to tender and juicy steaks, The Butcher Shop offers fresh fish, pork chop, 24 hour slow roasted Prime Rib, char grilled marinated chicken and fresh pasta. Ideal for private parties, business meetings, and rehearsal dinners. Rooms accommodate up to 50-60 people.
Flying Saucer
“A great place to hangout, experience great beer and authentic German specialties”. The Flying Saucer definitely offers a unique range of domestic and international draft and bottled beers, carrying over 80 beers on draft and 120+ different bottled beers, many which are seasonal. Accompanying their unique beer line-up is a menu packed with flare. Bratwurst is the house specialty served with German coleslaw, or you can try Brat Con Queso or Beer Brat Nachos. Be sure to leave room for dessert: Young’s Double Chocolate Stout Ice Cream Float offers the best of both worlds.
Buffalo Grill
The crispy off the griddle cheeseburger and hand-cut fries star at this family friendly stop and will keep you coming back. The casual atmosphere will have everyone feeling right at home. The options are endless for whatever dining mood you are in. Grilled Tuna Steak sandwhich to a loaded foot long hotdog to the crispy chicken tender salad. Buffalo Grill does not disappoint. Fast and friendly staff. Very affordable prices!
10907 N. Rodney Parham Mon-Sat 10:30am-9pm Breakfast 6-10:30am 501-228-7800
BISTRO Lulav
220 West 6th St. 501-374-5100 Breakfast Mon-Fri 6:30 am -10:30 am Lunch Mon-Fri 11am-2pm Dinner Tues-Sat 5-10pm V Lounge til 1am, Thurs-Sat
Dizzy’s Gypsy Bistro
200 S. River Market Ave., Suite 150 (501) 375-3500 Tues-Thurs 11am-9pm Fri & Sat 11am-10pm dizzysgypsybistro.net
Fresh seafood specials every week. Prime aged beef and scrumptious dishes. Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, over 30 wines by the glass and largest vodka selection downtown. Regular and late night happy hour, Wednesday wine flights and Thursday is Ladies Night. Be sure to check out the Bistro Burger during lunch. Jump start your day with bistro breakfast from Lulav featuring scrumptious omlettes, pancakes and more. For the salad lover, Dizzy’s is an absolute paradise. Its list of eleven “Ridiculously Large Entrée Salads” runs the gamut of what you can do with greens and dressing. For example Zilpphia’s Persian Lime Salad, featuring grilled turkey breast, tomato, cucumber, onion, lime and buffalo mozzarella over romaine. For another: Mary Ann’s Dream, with grilled chicken breast, baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, cranberries, mandarin oranges, bourbon pecans and bleu cheese. Don’t that sound good?
chinese Fantastic China
Sharing good things with good friends is the motto at Fantastic China. A Central Arkansas favorite offering the Freshest Chinese Food in town. It’s made to order with 100% Vegetable Oil. The presentation is beautiful, the menu distinctive, and the service perfect. Fantastic China is one of the heights most reliable and satisfying restaurants and a local favorite. Full bar.
Hunan Oriental Cuisine
Hunan Oriental Cuisine is a Little Rock institution that has been serving great Chinese food for over 24 years. Come dine in a calm, relaxed atmosphere where the food can be enjoyed as it was meant to be enjoyed; fresh right out of the kitchen. Or, if you prefer to order takeout, be prepared to come pick up your food quickly, since most orders are ready in 10 to 15 minutes. Lunch Specials are available everyday. Try something different. You never know what you might come to like.
1900 N Grant St Heights 501-663-8999
Sunday 11:30 am to 9:30 pm Mon-Thur 11 am to 9:30 pm Fri 11 am to 10:30 pm Sat 11:30 am to 10:30 pm 11610 Pleasant Ridge Drive 501-223-9966
14502 Cantrell Road 501-868-7600
300 West 3rd Street 501-375-3333
Shackleford & Hermitage Rd. (501) 312-2748
323 President Clinton Ave 501-372-8032
mexican Casa Manana Taqueria
400 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-6637 6820 Cantrell Road • 501-280-9888 18321 Cantrell Road • 501-868-8822
Capi’s Nuevo Latino www.capisrestaurant.com
11525 Cantrell Rd, Suite 917 Pleasant Ridge Town Center 501.225.9600
Voted Best Mexican 2007. Featuring authentic fare from the Puebla region of Mexico, the selections seem endless at your choice of 3 locations in the Little Rock area. You will find an array of dishes ranging from the salient Shrimp Veracruzana at La Palapa out west to great Guacamole in the River Market Taqueria. Or try tasty Tostadas that share the name of the original Cantrell location, Casa Manana. New South of the border comfort food menu with Southwestern and authentic Mexican specialties. Quesos, enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas and tamales steamed in banana leaves. Eclectic brunch menu Saturday and Sunday. Creative cocktails, exceptional wine list. Live music Friday nights at 8:30. Serving Tuesday - Sunday 11:00 to close.
Brazilian Café Bossa Nova 2701 Kavanaugh Blvd 501-614-6682 Tues-Sat 11am-9pm Sunday Brunch 10:30-2pm
Try something different! Café Bossa Nova serves up cozy atmosphere and unique Brazilian dishes guaranteed to satisfy and served with that special Latin flare. Don’t deny yourself one of the delectable desserts prepared fresh daily or for an A+ apertif, drink in the authentic flavor of the country in the Caipirinha~a perfect blend of lime, sugar and Brazilian sugar cane rum. Dine with them tonight!
brew pub Vino’s Pizza•Pub•Brewery 923 West 7th Street 501/375-VINO (8466)
Beer, pizza and more! Drop in to Vino’s, Little Rock’s Original Brewpub! and enjoy great New York-style pizza (whole or by-the-slice) washed down with your choice of award-winning ales or lagers brewed right on site. Or try a huge calzone, our new Muffaletta sandwich or just a salad and a slice with our homemade root beer. The deck’s always open, you don’t have to dress up and the kids are always welcome (or not). Vino’s is open 7 days, lunch and dinner. You can call ahead for carry-out and even take a gal. growler of beer to-go. And guess what?? The bathrooms have just been re-done!
JAPANESE BENIHANA THE JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE
Enjoy the cooking show, make sure you get a little filet with your meal, and do plenty of dunking in that fabulous ginger sauce. Full bar.
2 Riverfront Place North Little Rock 501-374-8081 Lunch Sun.-Fri. Dinner daily
36 March 16, 2011 • ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE ARKANSAS TIMES
400 N. Bowman Rd 501-224-0012 1611 Rebsamen Park Rd 501-296-9535 11am-9pm 11am-10pm Friday & Saturday
steak Sonny Williams
If you have not been to Sonny Williams lately, get there immediately and check out the martini/wine bar. Now you can enjoy 35 wines by the glass, 335 selections of wine, 6 single barrel bourbons and all different kinds of Scotch from the many regions of Scotland. Of course, don’t miss out on the nightly entertainment by Jeff at the piano. Sonny’s is a River Market mainstay and perfect for intimate private parties; free valet parking! As always, Sonny Williams has the best steaks in town along with fresh seafood and game. No Skinny Steaks… Call ahead for reservations (501) 324-2999
Faded Rose
Featuring the Best Steaks in town with a New Orleans flair from a New Orleans native. Also featuring Seafood and Creole Specialties. As Rachel Ray says “This place is one of my best finds ever.” Back by popular demand…Soft Shell Crab and New Orleans Roast Beef Po-Boys.
500 President Clinton Avenue Suite 100 (In the River Market District) 501-324-2999 Dinner Mon - Sat 5:00 - 11:00pm Piano Bar Tues - Thu 7:00 - 11:00pm Fri & Sat 7:00 - Late
400 N. Bowman 501-224-3377 1619 Rebsamen 501-663-9734 Open Sunday
asian panda Garden
2604 S. Shackleford Road, Suite G 501-224-8100.
Fresh, flavorful, all-you-can-eat sushi. With fresh and authentic Chinese dishes, nice decor, great dessert choices and excellent sushi, Panda Garden raises the bar.
Mediterranean Layla’s
9501 N. Rodney Parham 501-227-7272
Enjoy regional specialties such as Lentil soup, a huge serving of yummy Hummus, Baba Ghannnouj or Tabbouleh. And don’t forget about the Gyros, they’re sure to be heroes in your book!
Travs 2011 Home Opener Thursday, April 14 vs.
March 18 IN THE ARGENTA DISTRICT 5-8pm the third friday of each month SPONSORED BY
check out the neighborhood!
Midland RockHounds
Come check out your new-look Arkansas Travelers as they debut their classic pinstriped home uniforms during another exciting season of Professional Baseball and World Class Entertainment in 2011!
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www.arktimes.com • March 16, 2011 37
Naming names n Today’s Arkansas history lesson is about place names. How we got them, whom or what they honor. Sadly, many of these once-thriving communities have vanished. Remembering them here is a kind of salute. Ashdown, Ark., was named for a loudmouth who during the community debate to select the town’s name told another loudmouth, “Why don’t you just go over yonder and set your ash down.” Aunt Bee, Ark., was named for that community’s prize-winning domestic pickle-maker. Beebe, Ark., was named for the air-rifle ammo that was always fixing to put somebody’s eye out. Ben Hur, Ark., was named for Charleton Heston, who in his twilight asked the town fathers to rename it Cold Dead Hand, Arkansas, but they wouldn’t do it. Board Camp, Ark., got its name because so many of the 19th Century church camp attendees there, bad spellers all, whined incessantly about being boared. Concord, Ark., was named for Concord, New Hampshire, which is where, according to Tea Party history, the shot was fired heard round the world. Crumrod, Ark., took its name from an old Welsh word that meant “having a very ugly and demoralizing surrounding land-
Bob L ancaster scape.” Dalark, Ark., was named for the one that sings at heaven’s gate in Cymbeline. Des Arc, Ark., was named for Noah’s Ark, which, according to state Sen. Denny Altes, brushed the top of Crowley’s Ridge in northeast Arkansas, thus causing the Marianna Trench, before finally coming to rest on Mt. Ararat in modern-day Turkey. De Valls Bluff, Ark., was named for a legendary roadhouse poker game there won by a gambler named De Valls, who knew when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em, which inspired a ballad by a singer that gave the town of Rogers somebody to name itself for. Dillweed, Ark., was an early name and apt characterization of Searcy. Dog Peter Gnat, Ark., was named for the insect bane of nearly all male frontporch canines in these latitudes. Do What Now, Ark., was named for the commonest interrogatory response you hear from Arkies who aren’t sure what you
meant by what you just said to them. Goobertown, Ark., was named by residents for themselves, and Jasper, Ark., was pretty much the same story. Grubbs, Ark., was named for the community’s favorite trotline bait. Hambone, Ark., was an all-black community named by Boss Man for a comic strip minstrel darkie whut talked lak dis. The panel ran in the old Arkansas Democrat back before it became the oldest newspaper west of the Mississippi. Hunky Dory, Ark., was said to have got its name because its inhabitants were the happiest bunch of people in the Bear State and wanted to be able to sing a Gilded Age popular song titled “Everything’s Hunky Dory in Hunky Dory.” Ink, Ark., got its name because the application form for a post office said “Write in Ink” so they did. Lake Dick, Ark., was named for the Arkansas-born crooner Dick Powell. (Admit it, you were thinking something ugly like you’ll be doing when we get down to Weiner, Ark..) Little Rock, Ark., was first named Arkopolis, but everybody agreed that that name sucked, although not quite as bad as Arkistantinople, which was also proposed. Marked Tree, Ark., was named for the tree that the first dog there used. Monkey Run, Ark., was Monkey’s Uncle, Ark., until the anti-Darwinists got it changed soon after the Scopes trial.
C
Nut House City, Ark., eventually thought better of it and took the moniker Benton instead. Pocahontas, Ark., was originally Sacajawea, Ark., but early residents didn’t know how to spell Sacajawea, so they went with the only other Indian woman any of them had ever heard of. Pitts, Ark., halfway between Uno and Chilson, would seem to be self-explanatory. Possum Innards, Ark., was named for what everybody there had for Saturday dinner. Rooster Poot, Ark., home town of TV news anchor Craig O’Neill, was named from the corruption of a group of Osage words that together meant, “Oh, Lord, they’re going to b---f--- the preacher on TV.” Salem, Ark., is the name shared by at least three communities. One was named for the menthol cigarette; one because they found and burned several witches there, and the third because it had a house with seven gables. (Actually, six; Salem thought seven might be considered ostentatious and had one removed.) Samples, Ark., was named for Junior. Sheep Shank, Ark., was thought to be the only Arkansas community named for a knot. Tontitown, Ark., was named for Jay Silverheels. Weiner, Ark., was named for the Supreme Court justice Felix Frankfurter.
S
LASSIFIED LASSIFIED
Field Workers-4 temporary positions; approx 9 _ months; Duties: to operate tractors in the fields during the preparations, planting and maintenance of the crop before, during and after the harvesting season. 3 months experience in job offered required. $9.10 per hour; Job to begin on 4/10/11 through 1/31/12. All work tools provided. Housing and transportation provided to workers who can not reasonably return to their permanent residence at the end of the work day; _ guaranteed of contract. Employment offered by Ross Frederick located in St. Martinville, LA. Worksite located in Cecilia, LA. Qualified applicants may call employer for an interview at (337) 845-5086 or may apply for this position at their nearest State Workforce Agency using job order # 376474. For more info regarding your nearest SWA you may call (501)682-7719. Machine Shop Manager. Production machinist, scheduling, programming, machine repair and maintenance (prefer Cincinnati machinery exp.) Must have held this position before or have 10 yrs. exp. Job location in NE Oklahoma. Must be willing to relocate. Salary DOE. Send resume to 522 N. Ash, Nowata, OK 74048 38 MARCH 16, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES 38 March 16, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES
Field Workers-5 temp positions10 months; job to begin 4/10/11 through 2/10/11; Duties: to operate tractors with the cutting of the hay fields; fluffing, raking, bailing and storing the hay. $9.10 per hour; 3 months experience in job offered required. All work tools provided. Housing and transportation provided to workers who can not reasonably return to their permanent residence at the end of the work day; _ hours guaranteedin a work day during contract. Employment offered by Mr. Money of Leesville, L.L.C. dba: Plantation Farms, located in Alexandria, LA. Qualified applicants may call employer for interview (318) 443-9143 or may apply for this position at their nearest State Workforce Agency using job order # 376443. For more info regarding your nearest SWA you may call (501) 682-7719. Paid In Advance! Make $1,000 a Week mailing brochures from home! Guaranteed Income! FREE Supplies! No experience required. Start Immediately! www.homemailerprogram.net\cf0 (AAN CAN)
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Legal Notices Notice of Filing Application for restaurant wine & beer permit. Notice is hereby given that the undersigned has filed with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division of the State of Arkansas applications for a permit to sell and serve beer and wine with food, only for consumption on premises, at:6813 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, Pulaski County. Said application was filed on March 9, 2011. The undersigned states that he is a resident of Arkansas, of good moral character; that he has never been convicted of a felony or other crime involving moral turpitude; that no license to sell alcoholic beverages by the undersigned has ever been revoked within five (5)years last past; and, that the undersigned has never been convicted of violating the laws of this State, or any other State, relative to the sale of controlled beverages. Vincent Schallenberg for All Aboard.
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Rentals LR-Auxora Arms Apts. An Affordable Housing Community is now accepting applications for 1, 2, and 3 BR Apts. Apply @ 9101 Auxor Rd. LR, AR 72209. 501-5628593, TTY: 800-567-5857, Equal Housing Opportunity Owner/Agent does not discriminate against person w/disabilities
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The To-do lisT
➤➤➤ The comprehensive list of everything worth doing this weekend from Times entertainment editor, Lindsey Millar. Whether it’s live music, dance, theater or an exhibit, Lindsey steers you to the best. The To-Do List email newsletter arrives in your in-box every Wednesday afternoon with an eye toward planning for your weekend. The To-Do List is a sure bet for your active life!
➤➤➤ The comprehensive list of everything worth doing this weekend from Times entertainment editor, Lindsey Millar. Whether it’s live music, dance, theater or an exhibit, Lindsey steers you to the best. The To-Do List email newsletter arrives in your in-box every Wednesday afternoon with an eye toward RIVERMARKET BAR & GRILL planning for your weekend. The To-Do List is a sure bet for your active life!
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www.arktimes.com • March 16, 2011 39