Arkansas Times

ARKANSAS’S WEEKLY NEWSPAPER OF POLITICS AND CULTURE ■ june 10, 2010

www.arktimes.com

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egyptian show leaves Arts Center With Colossal debt. by leslie newell peacock page 10

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The INsIder

Check almost in the mail

n Repayment of an $8 million state loan to the Safe Foods Corporation of North Little Rock is taking longer than expected, but the firm is now profitable and plans to have the loan paid off “in a few years,” according to a Safe Foods executive. Public interest in the loan apparently was stimulated by the U.S. Senate candidacy of Curtis W. Coleman, former president and chief executive officer of Safe Foods and still a member of the board of directors. Last month, Coleman finished fifth of eight candidates in the Republican primary, won by U.S. Rep. John Boozman. Coleman resigned as president last year to make the Senate race, and was succeeded by Rush Deacon.

Founded in 1999, Safe Foods makes a spray to kill bacteria that contaminate food.

In 2005, Safe Foods received an $8 million loan, half guaranteed by the Arkansas Development Finance Authority and half by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. As of last month, the company still owed $6,677,463. Gene Eagle, a vice president of ADFA, wouldn’t say when the loan was and is supposed to be repaid, saying the information was exempt from the state Freedom of Information Act. On his Senate campaign website, Coleman said that Safe Foods had little to no revenue for most of its existence, a circumstance he blamed on government bureaucracy and international trade barriers. The company is now making money, according to Deacon.

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n A group called the Center for Consumer Freedom sent us a news release saying, among other things, “Humane Society of the United States Shortchanges Arkansas Pet Shelters ... Data Show HSUS gave Arkansas shelters only $31,000 Over Three-Year Period,” even though HSUS raises millions of dollars in contributions nationwide.

Despite its name, the CCF was not founded nor is it financed by consumers, or by animal lovers, either. It’s a front group for restaurant, meat and other industries and was founded by a much-criticized Washington lobbyist named Rick Berman. It battles animal-rights and consumer groups.

It’s true, though perhaps irrelevant, that HSUS does not hand out large sums of money to local animal shelters. Jordan Crump of HSUS said that was not the group’s mission. HSUS does more handson animal sheltering than any other group, she said, but “We also work on issues that local groups can’t do. We have sanctuaries across the country for exotic animals. We provide low-cost veterinary service in lowincome areas. We rescue pets from puppy mills, and after natural disasters like hurricanes. We run spay-neuter programs.”

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www.arktimes.com • june 10, 2010 3

Smart talk

Contents

8 Olympic hopeful

Dillard’s beats Walmart

Arkansas native Christal Ransom is on higher ground in Colorado these days, training to represent the U.S. in judo at the next Olympic games.

— By David Koon

10 What now

for the Arts Center?

brian chilson

n Consumer Reports released results last week of a survey of 30,000 readers on the shopping experience at 11 national chains. Interesting results: Costco, the wholesale store known for sprinkling big specials and high-end items throughout the store, finished No. 1. It is not in the Arkansas market on account of Walmart’s local dominance.

But No. 2 was the Dillard’s department store chain, based in Little Rock. An article on the survey said Dillard’s stood out for knowledgeable service, along with value and good offerings in men’s, women’s and children’s clothing. Walmart finished 10th, barely ahead of Kmart. Those surveyed said they found comparable values at other stores, but also had many complaints about Walmart service and the stores themselves.

TRYING HARDER: Dillard’s was No. 2 in consumer survey.

The color of Arkansas justice

A generally peaceful Riverfest

n A new study by the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, Ala., finds that Arkansas and seven other Southern states still have problems with prosecutors systematically excluding blacks from juries, though dismissals theoretically must be only for race-neutral reasons. In Alabama, the ELECTED PROSECUTOR: study found racially discrim- Carlton Jones. inatory jury selection in 25 death penalty cases. The study noted 10 cases in which the Arkansas Supreme Court found discrimination sufficient for reversal. But it also said the law in Arkansas gave prosecutors too much discretion for peremptory challenges that could mask racial motive. At the time of the study, it noted Arkansas has no black elected prosecuting attorneys. But Carlton Jones of Texarkana will change that when he takes office in January.

n Riverfest drew record crowds over the Memorial Day weekend to downtown Little Rock and the combination of heat, beer and people produced a few calls for the law — remarkably few given the crowd.

Many were buzzing afterwards about hearing gunshots following the closing night’s fireworks show and concert, but they must have been firings of the celebratory variety. Police could confirm no actual gunshots fired nor could they find anyone injured by gunshot wounds. Other police actions: • A DWI arrest of a man who drove through a street barricade.

• The arrest of a man attempting to sell counterfeit Riverfest admission buttons. He was also charged with public intoxication.

• Several fights broken up, including one disturbance in which an unruly juvenile was arrested.

• A street vendor reported an attempted robbery of his merchandise.

• 48 arrests for either being a minor in possession of alcohol or for furnishing alcohol to a minor.

The financial failure of an Egyptian exhibit raises a host of questions about how the Arkansas Arts Center will go forward.

— By Leslie Newell Peacock

15 Dip your chip here

A locally made documentary on that favorite Arkansas food, cheese dip, catches a political columnist’s fancy at the Little Rock Film Festival.

— By John Brummett

Departments

3 The Insider

4 Smart Talk

5 The Observer

6 Letters

7 Orval 8-13 News

14 Opinion

17 Arts & Entertainment

31 Dining

37 Crossword/ Tom Tomorrow

38 Lancaster

Words VOLUME 36, NUMBER 40

n Gordon Fisher writes concerning our May 20 discussion of knuckleheads: “As I recall, it was a frequent term used on the 3 Stooges, who were at their peak in the late 30’s and early 40’s. I’m not sure whether they invented it, but I wouldn’t be surprised.”

The overbearing Moe was the one who said it most, I’ll bet. As in, “Spread out, you knuckleheads.” n The April 29 seminar on bar/borrow/ barrow pits drew a comment from Wayne Boyce: “Here is my bit to the Bar Pit confusion. The most likely derivation is from ‘bear,’ meaning to carry something. In this context, it connotes ‘carry away.’ The earth has been carried away, thus creating the pit. A wheelbarrow might be used to create 4 june 10, 2010 • ARKANSAS TIMES

Doug smith doug@arktimes.com

a ‘Bar Pit.’ This illustration gains credence when one remembers that in local speech the cart with one wheel and two handles is frequently pronounced ‘wheelbar.’ ” n Mike Wilson found a new verb in the Arkansas Times, of all places: “The UA Board of Trustees bonused him $225,000 in deferred compensation.”

If they asked him to take more responsibility, I guess you’d say they onused him.

n Ray White waxes wroth (and that wroth needed a good waxing): “I hate it when, as they did tonight after wind damaged Greers Ferry Lake properties, the TV newscasters fall all over themselves to make the point that despite the damage, it wasn’t a tornado but ‘straight-line winds.’ Why not just say high winds? Straight-line winds is probably less descriptive than simply saying high winds. Those winds probably weren’t all that straight. . . . If they wanted to be accurate they could call it a ‘downburst,’ which is the actual name of the phenomenon of very cold air suddenly dropping, hitting the ground and spreading out in all directions as damaging winds, or a ‘gust front,’ the name for high winds in front of a thunderstorm.”

ARKANSAS TIMES (ISSN 0164-6273) is published each week by Arkansas Times Limited Partnership, 201 East Markham Street, 200 Heritage Center West, P.O. Box 34010, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72203, phone (501) 375-2985. Periodical postage paid at Little Rock, Arkansas, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ARKANSAS TIMES, P.O. Box 34010, Little Rock, AR, 72203. Subscription prices are $42 for one year, $78 for two years. Subscriptions outside Arkansas are $49 for one year, $88 for two years. Foreign (including Canadian) subscriptions are $168 a year. For subscriber service call (501) 375-2985.

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The Observer often sees

it on our stroll to the Fortress of Employment: a 1970 or ’71 Chevrolet Camaro, our favorite car in the whole world, with the egg crate grill and the back window inspired by Ferrari, built in the days before the Camaro got elongated and Brut-scented and ridiculous around 1975. You don’t see that species much in the wild anymore — especially in the South.

Most of them took the off ramp for the Benton Speedbowl twenty-five years ago; were driven into piles of scrap by rednecks with dirt track dreams.

This example is getting there, slowly but surely. The faded brown paint and scabby rust blend almost seamlessly together. All the overhangs and sharp corners are punched through with ragged moth holes. The long, hotrod nose has been crumpled repeatedly, to the point that the snout looks like a sneer. One eyebrow has been so thoroughly wadded that the peeper it cradled has been replaced by what appears to be a light from a farm-implement store, the rusty chrome stalk of the rusty chrome bucket bolted slapdash to the crooked lip of the bumper. The hood is held on by a kudzu of bungee cords, and the rear noticeably sags.

The Camaro looks so bad that we’ve entertained the idea that it’s supposed to be some kind of art car — the driver’s statement about a world full of jellybean-shaped rolling coffins, ferrying their culture-obsessed occupants to days of soulless toil. On the other hand, The Observer has been around automobiles our whole life, and knows better.

In the days when we were content to have a wrench in our hand and burnt motor oil in every crack and crevice of our body, we pulled transmissions and engines and carburetors in the dead of night; rooted around in their guts; added; subtracted; regasketed; rebored; reringed; reshoed; reinstalled.

We know all about what kind of blood, sweat and tears it takes to get a 40-year-old car rolling and keep it rolling. And the car guy in us says that it isn’t some hipster’s sense of ironic self-satisfaction that’s keeping that Camaro on the road. There’s

love there. There’s long hours spent standing in line at the parts counter.

There’s someone’s days spent flat on his back with dirt in his eyes, muttering “lefty-loosey-righty-tighty.” There’s a story — the tale of a promise to someone or something. We’d bet our busted knuckles on it.

So, in short: here’s to you, Camaro Guy, from one car dude to another.

Keep on truckin’.

Every time we see that car at the curb, so different from the silver/tan/ white blobs around it, we feel young again. It takes us back to the days before mortgage and responsibility, when all we cared about was the sweet, deep burble of a well-tuned V-8, getting the grease out from under our fingernails by Saturday night, the song on the radio, and the wind in our hair.

Something about this

political season has worn The Observer plum out. There’s the robocalls, the mailers, the constant attack ads. We’re just about sick of it, to tell you the truth.

But what’s worse than the same old rhetoric (think “Washington Insider,” or phrases like “Arkansas values”) is the disrespect it shows to the common voter.

People always wonder why Americans are so sick of politics, but they don’t look very far for an answer. Campaign ads with outrageous, misleading claims or a mailbox full of lies and deceitful accusations tell voters, “We think you’re so dumb, you’ll believe whatever’s in this ad.” And people don’t like being called stupid.

The Observer was on hand

to watch the unveiling of the new sign for River Market Avenue (the old Commerce Street) in downtown Little Rock the other day. Mayor Mark Stodola talked about the improvements in the River Market district and called it a “21st century revitalization.” All true, we thought. The area is great for tourism and gets cooler as time goes by.

It was kind of funny, however, that as he talked about the area’s improvements, a police siren screamed in the background and not three days prior the mayor’s car had been stolen in that very same part of town.

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Letters arktimes@arktimes.com

Park planner Here’s an idea for the Zoo and the golf course (and the Stadium, later). First we find good zoos for all the animals, maybe see if San Diego would take them, though they might have to be Californicated with better social skills, how to share, express their inner feelings, honestly enjoy tofu, then we level the area and build really nice public housing. The golf course would be a park for the public housing residents and everyone else. We keep the green space.

It’s just common sense. The housing would be close to everything, hospitals, downtown, the interstate, schools. Just look at what the city did with that old drug-infested slum off 12th St., Highland Courts. How many people does the golf course serve, anyway? And for what reason? Television and sponsors like Nike have sold golf to the world as legitimate exercise. In my world in order to be allowed to play golf a person would have to shoot close to par seven times out of ten rounds played. If not, you would be denied admittance. Gradually there would be no need for golf courses. With public housing close by, the city could build a good-sized playground and a day-care center so moms

could work. Hire people to make sure the whole area is secure. Here’s a campaign slogan for some lucky candidate: No to the Zoo and the Golf Course Too! A sure vote-getter.

Finally, the city stealthily takes over War Memorial Stadium, first the land around it and since there would be no room to park, no one would come anymore.

We demolish the Stadium to make room for a laundry, a food co-op, a teaching restaurant-kitchen and a school to teach kids a marketable trade — heating and airconditioning, automobile repair, roofing, plumbing, carpentry. This will work. This is America, by god. The people rule.

Ed Gray Little Rock

Disappointed

I thought The Observer column May 27, was disappointing when discussing the requirement for a voter to provide ID. The author’s discussion leads the reader to think those working in the election don’t have appropriate procedures — they do.

It would have been appropriate, at the end of the discussion, for the author to conclude the requirement to produce ID is the “right thing” to do but not necessarily a prerequisite to vote except: when the poll book indicates the voter “Must show ID.” Even then, if no ID is presented, it’s possible for the individual to vote, except

it’s called a provisional ballot that must be authenticated by the election commission before it’s counted. If the author of the column had called the Pulaski County Election Commission, I’m sure they would have provided the correct information.

T.P. Williams Chief Judge, Precinct 50 Little Rock

Dreams of war

I had a dream the other night. I was taking one of those tours of famous World War II battlefields. My tour ended on the island of Okinawa. It was then I began a search for my tree. It was a very important tree, as it probably saved my life. June 16, 1945, the war had not yet ended. I was standing beside my company commander when he was shot by a Japanese machine gunner. We scrambled for cover behind the nearest tree which was no more than two feet in diameter. The sniper just kept on firing, tearing all the bark off our tree.

The next day I would have gone looking for the tree that had saved my life, as I was sure it would be filled with bullets, but then it was my turn to be wounded and I was soon evacuated from the island. In my dream my tree had disappeared. There was no tree, no battlefield, just freeways and high-rise buildings. Someone had stolen my war! That moment may have just been a grain of sand in WW II, but to me it was

a monstrous sand dune.

Who are these people that sneak in after the battle, plant the grass, give the place a name and place all those white crosses, with no mention that the real terror of war lay six feet below each cross? Just the sight of that cemetery is supposed to give us pause and keep us from ever going to war again. It doesn’t work.

I continued to dream. Could we avert wars if we left the D-Day landings at Normandy intact? Not to change one thing.

Leave the sand blood-stained; leave all the thousands of bodies where they had fallen; let everyone see the bodies rolling in and out with the tide, in blood red water; all the detritus of war banked up; pile upon pile of destroyed boats, tanks, trucks..... A nation’s lost treasure on display. When the sightseers come to stroll the beach and ask the guide what that strange piece of meat is that’s lying in the sand, he tells them, “it looks like the larynx that’s been torn out of a throat.”

We must leave Hiroshima just as it was on Aug. 6, 1945, when one bomb left the ground littered with thousands of charred bodies.

My dream has become a nightmare and I am jarred awake, joining all the people who have never known war. The world’s blackboard has magically been erased, only to await a new entry.

Gene Forsyth Hot Springs

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June 2-8, 2010 It was a good week for …

FILM LOVERS. The Little Rock Film Festival drew huge crowds and screened enjoyable movies big and small. If there was any complaint, it was the success of the event. Some who stood in line for long periods couldn’t make it into screenings of some offerings.

DESPERATION. Last-minute election pleas, mostly in the form of oversized mailbox stuffers, grew ever more shrill. Do people really read these expensive things?

The ECONOMY. State revenue was up slightly in May, including in important sales tax and wage withholding categories. Sign of a turnaround?

Everyone hopes so.

It was a bad week for …

GARLAND COUNTY. The election commission there reduced polling places from 40 to TWO for the runoff, even with three statewide races on the ballot. It was a huge burden and disincentive to voting for many in the county.

MAYOR MARK STODOLA. Out for a Friday night dinner in the River Market neighborhood, he left his keys in his 1993 Ford Explorer and came outside to find it stolen.

JIM KEET. Surely, at this time, the Republican nominee for governor could have found somebody less embarrassing than Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour to come to town to help him raise money. Barbour is infamous as an apologist for BP and defender of the Gulf drilling industry.

The STATE LOTTERY. Because of employee grumbles, the Lottery Commission will undertake a study of personnel issues. The complaints have been marked by a noticeable lack of transparency about the lottery’s internal workings, contrary to what has been solemnly promised.

NOTE: As usual, the Arkansas Times went to press at mid-afternoon Tuesday.

That prevented us from including runoff election results in this week’s print edition. But remember that our website, arktimes.com, covers breaking news around the clock.

8 june 10, 2010 • ARKANSAS TIMES

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 ■

■­

■

To the mat NLR native ranked high in women’s judo.

By David Koon

n At age 28, Christal Ransom is still a very young woman. But as an athlete, she’s beginning to feel the physical strain of a life spent committed to a very physical sport. One of the world’s best in women’s judo, Ransom missed out on the 2008 Olympics because of a last-minute change. Now aiming for the 2012 Games in London, she says that it’s make or break.

Originating in Japan, judo is a grappling martial art, in which contestants try to throw each other to the mat, then get their opponent to “tap out” by using a series of crippling scissor locks, choke holds and arm bars. It’s not for the faint of heart. While your average martial art involves speed of fists and feet, Judo doesn’t allow punches or kicks. Given that, it’s often about brute force — about making your body overcome and subdue the body of the opponent in the most literal way possible.

Christal Ransom doesn’t look like the kind of woman who’d be involved in such a rough-and-tumble sport. Now living in Colorado Springs to be closer to the U.S. Olympic Team training facility there, she said a passion for the ice during her days at Horace Mann Junior High led her to the judo mat. “I got started when I was about 14,” she said. “I actually used to play ice hockey in Little Rock. I was the only girl and I needed more balance. So I just kind of picked up judo. I didn’t even really know what it was.” Since graduating from Central High School, she has committed herself to the sport. In May, she won the Judo Senior National Championship in her 63-kilogram weight class, and is a favorite to make the Olympic national team for 2012.

Her rise to the top hasn’t been without some setbacks. In the summer of 2002, Ransom’s ankle was shattered when a friend’s Corvette crashed. That injury, which had her hobbling on an ankle full of pins for months, set her back far enough that it likely cost her a spot on the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team. In 2008, Ransom qualified for the U.S. Olympic Team, but saw her dreams of a gold medal in Beijing stymied when her weight class was dropped from the competition.

“It’s kind of a confusing situation,” she said. “I kinda made the Olympic team, but didn’t get to go, so it doesn’t really count ...

It’s depressing. It makes you feel like you’ve wasted a ton of time.”

Ray Ransom is Christal’s dad. He attends many of her matches. A former

submitted photos

The WEEK THAT was

about keeping her champion wrestler eyes on the prize at Jacksonville High and her fingers School back in the crossed that her early 1960s, he underweight class makes stands his daughter’s it to the London drive to win. “Man, games. She trains you cannot believe twice a day, seven the kind of shape days a week, alterthat child’s in,” he nating between said. “She gets that scissor lock around Judo queen: Christal Ransom is weights and cardio. their neck and she’s attempting to make the 2012 U.S. Olympic In between, she trains constantly put two girls uncon- team. at throws, choke scious. If they don’t holds and leg locks. When interviewed, she pat out, they go to sleep… If you don’t pat had just got back from a meet in London, the mat, she’s not going to turn you loose and was jetting out two days later for until you do. You might get up and kick her another competition in Brazil. She said the butt, so she’s gonna leave you down there.” next Olympics will be extremely hard to He said that even though Christal is one of qualify for, with only the top 14 women and the most successful women in her sport, the top 22 men in the U.S. being allowed to she keeps things in perspective. “She just go. Whatever happens in 2012, she admits it lets her fighting speak louder than words,” will likely be the end of her career in judo. he said. “She’s a very humble young lady.

“I’ll always do something,” she said. “I’ll Now, every time she gets a medal, she always stay in shape. I might start playing comes over and hangs it around my neck pickup hockey again... I’m sure I’ll do someand says, ‘Dad, this is for you.’ I think that’s thing, but something where you don’t get great.” beat up so bad, that’s for sure.”

For Christal, the next two years are all

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brian chilson

Arts Center works to dig out from under ‘Pharaohs’ debt.

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B y L e s l i e N e w e ll P e ac o c k

oney woes at the Arkansas Arts Center brought on by its exhibit “World of the Pharaohs: Treasures of Egypt revealed” are ancient history — or at least no longer news. It was April when a headline in the Democrat-Gazette declared the state’s top arts institution “toppled” by a show that cost a lot of money and didn’t generate a lot of revenue.

With the Arts Center’s books seeing more sunshine than they have in 40 years, an examination triggered by questions following the sudden resignation of the Arts Center’s director, the public now knows the Arts Center has a budget deficit of some $1.6 million. It owes its foundation, created to grow its endowment, $2.2 million. It will be in a hole for some time to come.

The Arts Center’s leadership — board and interim director — is moving forward. A new deputy director of operations is working on next year’s budget and a plan to pay back the 10 june 10, 2010 • ARKANSAS TIMES

foundation. The schedule of upcoming art exhibits and theater productions is firming up. Members of the board express optimism and recount expressions of support from friends anxious to put things right again.

But the financial curse of the “Pharaohs” lingers: Publicity about the Arts Center’s financial affairs has harmed development, board treasurer Mary Ellen Vangilder reported at a meeting of the board in May. Clay Mercer, the development director, whose job it is to get sponsorships for exhibits, elaborated. “We promised things we did not deliver on,” Mercer said, namely inflated attendance figures. “That’s been publicly acknowledged and we’ve lost credibility.”

But Lisa Baxter, who is organizing the Arkansas Center’s biannual blowout fund-raiser Tabriz, said information can be a good thing for the public, “if we want them to feel ownership.”

With ownership comes support. The Arts Center needs the public’s embrace. And the public needs the Arts Center.

brian chilson

BIG DRAW FOR SCHOOLKIDS: But full-price paying adults came in lesser numbers to “Pharaohs.”

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he “Pharaohs” exhibit, from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and Arkansas’s first dedicated to ancient Egypt, was supposed to lead the Arts Center out of the financial desert in which it had been wandering and create a cushion for its future.

On the eve of the opening of the Arts Center’s most expensive show ever — budgeted at $1.7 million — last August, Executive Director Dr. Ellen (Nan) Plummer likened the show to a “rocket engine” that would launch the AAC to being a “bigger and better art museum.”

The rocket, it was thought at one time, would be powered by an estimated $2.6 million profit from the sale of 300,000 tickets and gift shop goodies. The show, planned since 2006, had done well in Canada and Idaho, the two stops that preceded the Arts Center’s. Egyptomania, as materials prepared for potential sponsors called it, would surely spread to Arkansas.

But even as she predicted that the Arts Center was on the road to greater things, Plummer, and others paying attention to the region’s museum-going climate, must have been worried that the rocket might fizzle. Because of the serious financial straits people were finding themselves in, the marketing department had as early as January 2009 begun to rethink how many tickets it might sell to out-of-towners. Then in May, the Dallas Museum of Art had

closed its “Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs” (“golden” being the operative word) with an attendance of around 620,000, far short of the 1 million it expected. Though the museum declared the show an educational success, Dallas arts writers made much of the shortfall. Golden sandals and other gilded goodies had not brought foot traffic to a big tourist city.

The Arts Center had based its “Pharaohs” projections in part on the Dallas museum’s expectations.

Though “Pharaohs” opened with a bang its first night, in January of this year, three months into the exhibit’s run (which ends July 7), Plummer reported to her board that only 39,000 tickets had been sold, that accounts payable stood at $468,015, and that the museum had cut operating hours, cut 18 temporary staff positions, eliminated five permanent positions and gotten rid of the big circus tent — a $55,000 expense itself — at the entrance that it thought it would need to handle the crowds.

Bills were high, attendance low and on top of that, the Arts Center had gotten stiffed on a pledge of $500,000 it was counting on to pay its bills. It had been so sure of the pledge that it included it as revenue on its 2009 balance sheet, a legal practice that turned out not to be a hot idea. The check from Dubai businessman “His Essence, Mohammed bi Ali Abbar” was always in the mail. For months, Plummer had been

imploring, diplomatically, board member Elgin Clemons, a Little Rock lawyer and Ali Abbar’s contact, to hurry up the gift. In April 2009, nearly five months before “Pharaohs” opened, Plummer wrote Clemons that cash flow was “dreadful,” the Arts Center had not been able to pay down its lines of credit from the Arkansas Arts Center Foundation, and “the arrival of Mohammed’s gift would be a key factor in breaking even for the year.”

Nearly every subsequent month brought promises from Clemons and Ali Abbar’s agents that the money was in the U.S. and on its way to Arkansas. Finally, when the money didn’t show up Feb. 1 of this year — and when Clemons, too, dropped out of sight — the Arts Center’s board of directors wrote off the gift.

As of June 1, 83,760 visitors had gone to see the “Treasures of Egypt Revealed,” a number due in large part to the huge numbers of schoolchildren that turned out. Jeane Hamilton, a prime mover in the development of the modern Arts Center, told the Arts Center’s board of directors in May that she hoped the press would take a positive note on their attendance. “These children are the ones who’ll support the Arts Center in years to come.” However, schoolchildren paid less to see the show than adults, meaning lower ticket revenues than expected. The show cost $1.9 million to put on; it had earned $1.2 million by the end of May, and donor contributions attributed to the show

were nearly $150,000. “Pharaohs” had this success: It brought in 764 new members, increasing the Arts Center’s membership by nearly 400 and bringing the total close to the level of membership in 2002, after the new galleries and atrium opened. A total of 349,980 people came through the doors in fiscal year 2010, around 80,000 more than the year previous.

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he Arts Center’s finances were already on shifting sands, analysts for the Arts Center Foundation determined after the Arts Center asked for an additional loan to pay its bills. After years of balanced budgets under former Director Townsend Wolfe, economic hard times had begun to erode the Arts Center’s fiscal strength. Cash flow was so poor after the market crash in 2008, with development receivables at an all-time high of $400,000, that Plummer and members of the Arts Center’s board of directors went to the Arkansas Arts Center Foundation, a non-profit that endows the Arts Center and owns its art works, to increase a line of credit it had by $600,000 to $1 million. Plummer said their message to Warren Stephens, foundation chair, would be “Foundation, the AAC is a good investment for you. Please be our banker.”

The Arts Center now has three unpaid lines of credit from the foundation that add up to $2.2 million.

Continued on page 12 www.arktimes.com • june 10, 2010 11

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here “Pharaohs” first went wrong, a survey commissioned by the Arts Center suggested, was the ticket price,

NAN PLUMMER: Her resignation in April triggered flood of information about Arts Center’s financial condition.

brian chilson

Lord Carnarvon, it is said, was cursed when he excavated in King Tutankhamen’s tomb; he died shortly after its discovery. No one has perished at the Arts Center, where Hetep-Bastet and another mummy wrap up the exhibit in the final gallery of the “Pharaohs” tour. But director Plummer has resigned; Rocky Nickles, the deputy director for operations who the board now says was not giving it accurate information, was fired.

That the board is still looking into Nickles’ accounting raises the question: Is there more to the problem than cost overruns from an expensive show at a financially shaky time? Is there money missing from the Arts Center’s account?

Bob Birch, who has acted as a spokesman for the Arts Center’s board of directors since Plummer’s resignation and subsequent revelations, answered, “We don’t see anything significant.” But, he added, “We’re still looking.”

Some knowledgeable with how nonprofits work have suggested that the board bears some of the blame for the Arts Center’s financial situation. But Birch said the board had done its research on how “Pharaohs” played in other markets and was led to believe the show would be a success. And there was no way, he said, the board could have predicted the “severity of what happened” on Wall Street at the end of 2008.

an off-putting $22 for adults. The Arts Center didn’t need a survey to tell it that; marketing director Heather Haywood, concerned that the show was not “crazy busy” in its opening days, in October contacted the marketing head at the Dallas Museum of Art about the “Tut” attendance. Dallas’ response: They should have offered ticket discounts earlier in the run of the show. The Arts Center followed suit with its own ticket discounts, on weekday afternoons and with

coupons available online.

Several people have told the Times — though all off the record; lips have been sealed tighter than the tomb when it comes to comment on the Arts Center’s situation — that they’d already seen the “Tut” exhibit, which has made two national tours, and that had made “Pharaohs” less compelling. Others — including some of the Arts Center’s biggest supporters — expressed a belief that “Pharaohs” just didn’t fit the

Little Rock venue.

But, interim director Joseph Lampo said, there was good response in 2005 to an exhibit based on history, “In Stabiano: Exploring the Seaside Villas of the Roman Elite.” He said “Pharaohs” offered “an opportunity to provide education about something people have been intrigued about since Napoleonic days.”

Just not intrigued enough. While “Tut” was an elaborate take on a celebrity — the mysterious Boy King — and his gold, “Pharaohs” is less sexy, with a scholarly focus on the daily life of the ancient Egyptians. Much of its artifacts are diminutive — amulets, scarabs and statue fragments — that are beautiful, but not showy. “We may not have had the bling of King Tut,” Lampo acknowledged, but the Arts Center’s show offers more in the way of information, with artifacts that span 3,000 years of Egyptian dynasties and accompanying lectures by archeologists and historians.

Salima Ikram of Cairo, an authority on animal mummification who spoke in April at the Arts Center, told Lampo that the “people of Egypt would be clamoring to see some of the things in the show,” he said.

As exquisite as some of the artifacts are — and there are truly some treasures in “Pharaohs” — the Arts Center found the exhibit lacking something the public here would demand: Mummies. Lampo arranged to supplement “Pharaohs” with two, from museums in Canada and Oklahoma. What

brian chilson

FRONT MEN: Bill Birch of the Arts Center’s board of directors, and Joe Lampo, interim director, have fielded questions about the Arts Center’s past and future.

12 june 10, 2010 • ARKANSAS TIMES

the show lacked in gold would be made up for with bodies and sarcophagi.

WARREN STEPHENS: As head of its foundation, he’s seen as one of the most influential people involved in the Arts Center.

brian chilson

I

t is not the first time the Arkansas Arts Center has been in trouble. Winthrop and Jeannette Rockefeller almost singlehandedly supported the Arts Center after its transformation and expansion in 1960 from the former Museum of Fine Arts to an Arts Center with a theater and museum school. The Rockefellers began to pull the plug in 1967 when the Arts Center’s budget exceeded its income by more than $100,000, a huge sum for the time. There was talk that the Arts Center would close unless it could get public support. At a press conference in 1968, board member Jeane Hamilton announced that it was “neither desirable nor proper” that the Arts Center had been financed by one family to the extent the Rockefellers had and it was time for the public to pay their way.

At the suggestion of Jeannette Rockefeller, the Arts Center hired Townsend Wolfe — who had traveled from his teaching job at the Memphis Academy of Arts to teach a watercolor class to several women of influence once a week — as its new director in 1968. Wolfe brought the budget in line and expanded the Arts Center’s reach into the community. A Southerner who knew how to engage the rich, Wolfe turned the Arts Center around. He took risks, with avant-garde theatrical productions and art exhibits that a few considered provocative, and made the Arts Center inclusive, reaching across racial lines. He built the Arts Center’s collection of works on paper, one of the strongest in the country and a smart strategic move financially as well as culturally, and he defined the Arts Center as a place that promoted contemporary fine crafts as well.

In the 1990s, the Arts Center embarked on its largest capital campaign ever, raising $21 million to boost its endowment, renovate its building, update its theater and add three new galleries. The new gallery opened in February 2000 with more than a week of festivities and exhibits celebrating the Arts Center’s rich repository of drawings (“Without Parameters: Reinstallations of the Arts Center’s Permanent Collection”) and its growing commitment to craft (“Living with Form: Art and Furniture from the John and Robyn Horn Collection.”) More than 1,000 people joined the Arts Center that year.

The new wing proved to be such a hit that in January 2001, Becki Moore, then the Arts Center’s top marketer, began to worry about how to sustain the buzz. She asked the board of directors, “Where do we go from here? How do we keep our members? How do we manage our success?”

Wolfe retired in 2002, at a time the Arts Center was taking a hit from the market plunge triggered by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. His was a tough act to follow for Nan Plummer, who came to town from Toledo with no Southern drawl, no penchant for Tiparillos (Wolfe’s trademark), at a tough time. Over the next eight years, the city’s contribution fell from $480,000 to

$200,000. She had to close the Decorative Arts Museum in the Terry Mansion, where significant craft exhibits had found a home.

During her tenure, the country suffered its greatest economic crisis since the Depression.

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he Stephens family — first Jackson T. Stephens and now Warren and Harriet Stephens — are as closely associated with the Arts Center now as Townsend Wolfe and the Rockefellers were. Jack Stephens gave some much needed juice to the Arts Center’s capital campaign in the 1990s with a $5 million donation, and loaned 21 pieces of French impressionist art from his own collection to hang in what would become the Jackson T. Stephens Gallery. His son, Warren Stephens, CEO of Stephens Inc., has been chair of the Arkansas Arts Center Foundation for the past 8 years. In 2008 and 2009, when Nan Plummer wanted help for the Arts Center, she contacted Warren directly. Harriet and Warren Stephens were the presenting donors of “Pharaohs,” with a gift of $250,000. The Capital Hotel, owned

by Stephens, was a lead sponsor (the only other was the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau, which contributed $50,000 and an equal amount in in-kind services). So it’s not a surprise, perhaps, that Stephens is sometimes thought to be calling the shots at the Arts Center.

The board of directors says he’s not, and interim director Lampo describes the Arts Center’s relationship with the Stephenses a “partnership,” one it enjoys with all its major donors. The foundation “really tries to stay out of the operational issues” of the Arts Center, Stephens said.

At a recent board of trustees meeting, one member said she believes that people don’t understand that the foundation is separate from the Arts Center. She said she’d been asked why the Arts Center, for instance, was paying former director Wolfe $150,000 a year. It’s not — the foundation is, as Wolfe’s retirement.

The foundation, created in 1972 and doubled during the Arts Center’s capital campaign a decade ago, owns the art collection of the Arts Center and provides a

yearly contribution to the arts center for operations, including curation. Its marketable assets — which do not include the artwork, Stephens said — stand at around $21 million.

Stephens said that at one time the foundation’s yearly contribution to the Arts Center was not sustainable — 10 percent of its value. In recent years, giving has been at 6 percent. Stephens said it should be around 5 percent.

The Arts Center is a political subdivision of the city of Little Rock, its board of directors a city commission whose member appointments are rubber-stamped by the city’s board. The city also owns MacArthur Park and the oldest part of the Arts Center’s building. That relationship — and the fact that the city donates a sum of taxpayer money to the Arts Center every year — makes the Arts Center subject to the Freedom of Information Act, which rubs the board and foundation the wrong way. Because city support has become so slim, Stephens said “separation from the city would make sense at some level.” He said the Arts Center might be eligible for more foundation grants without city ties, and would be relieved of having to comply with FOI requests, which has kept Arts Center staff hugely busy the past two months and made the Arts Center’s problems public. But he doesn’t foresee any moves right now to change the relationship. “We’ve got more pressing issues. We’ve got to focus on shortterm stuff that needs to get done.”

Stephens noted that attendance at the Arts Center has grown steadily in the past years and financial support has been significant. Its problems “are not much ado about nothing — there are definitely some issues there — but it’s not anything that would make me feel differently about the future of the Arkansas Arts Center.”

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tephens Inc. analysts have drawn up a payback plan that Warren Stephens says will make the foundation whole in under five years. Now, the Arts Center needs to figure out how to fill what looks like a half-million-dollar hole in the budget it’s working on for the year that starts July 1.

One option: Impose an admission fee.

Half the museums in the country charge some kind of admission. At home, the Museum of Discovery charges an admission fee, and the Historic Arkansas Museum charges a fee to tour its 19th century buildings. An admission fee is being debated at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, which Alice Walton is building in Bentonville, though spokesman Kendall Curlee said, “I can assure you that every effort will be made to keep any costs as low as possible.”

A fee makes financial sense: The American Association of Museums reported in 2007 that the median admission fee to American art museums was $7, but the median cost for each visitor was $35.98.

But the Arts Center was created to bring culture to a state that had little in the way of fine art and theater. “It has been an important part of our mission for a long time to be free and open to the public,” interim director Lampo said, and he does not see that changing any time soon. “This is an art museum for the state of Arkansas. To be that and to be effective at that, we need to be free.”

Another option: Add to the Children’s Theatre lineup. The Children’s Theatre, though it was slightly over budget last year, is successful and an extra play might bump up revenues, director Birch said. Also: Bring in exhibits that will actually make money and cancel those that don’t. The Arts Center has, in fact, canceled art exhibits in the past because of budget considerations. But in choosing what to show, Birch said, the Arts Center can’t compromise its artistic integrity; its mission is to broaden horizons, not generate revenues.

Curtis Finch, a former board member whose own art collection is likely to go to the Arts Center one day, said the Arts Center should “focus on our strength” — its contemporary drawings. “We can’t be a big regional museum,” Finch said. “In the past few years we have not done as well at building our collection of drawings as we did in the past under Townsend.” Finch’s sentiments were echoed by everyone interviewed for this story: The Arts Center must play to its strengths. Wolfe: “I hope they will continue to develop exhibits exploring their collection of drawings, help demonstrate the quality of what’s there.”

The Arts Center must also find new givers. “There has always been somebody out there we never heard of,” Wolfe said.

If donors from Northwest Arkansas start devoting their dollars to Crystal Bridges — Walton has told that region’s bigwigs that she expects them to donate — then “find them in the Northeast,” Wolfe said. “They pop up out of nowhere.”

What sort of person should the Arts Center hire to replace Nan Plummer?

“Somebody with a very high energy level who has a reputation of total trust,” Wolfe said. Who’ll make “quality expenditures,” and “take the hard road,” staging exhibitions that will “cause real thought.” And “somebody who will work their ass off.” www.arktimes.com • june 10, 2010 13

e y e on ar k ansas

Editorial

n South Carolina was the first state to secede from the Union; let it now be the first ejected. Once again, and once too often, the Palmetto State has violated American standards of honesty, fair play and racial tolerance in the conduct of its politics.

These resemble rioting in the streets more than democracy in action, and embarrass our country in the eyes of the world.

Somali politicians are refined by comparison.

The late Lee Atwater, a South Carolinian, practically invented the vicious, racist politics on which the modern Southern Republican Party is based. His successors surpass him. An adulterous South Carolina governor lies about where he is and what he’s doing during his long absences from the office, and forces taxpayers to subsidize his philandering.

During a presidential address to Congress, a hateful South Carolina congressman screams that the commander-in-chief is a liar, slang for “the commander-in-chief is black,” and the congressman is lionized by South Carolina Republicans.

The woman leading the field in the Republican primary for governor is accused of infidelity by two Republican political operatives who claim to have slept with her. A Republican state senator calls the same woman, the daughter of Sikh parents, a “raghead,” and charges that she’s part of a Sikh plot to take over South Carolina’s government. (If only.) President Obama is a raghead too, the senator says, for good measure.

We say expel South Carolina, and build a wall to keep its residents behind. (Republicans are the big problem, of course, but denying citizenship to them while granting it to South Carolina Democrats could cause administrative problems, and might raise constitutional questions as well.) Maybe South Carolinians’ deportment would improve over time and they could petition for re-admittance to the USA. If not, the cost of redesigning the flag would be small.

Keep it clean

n If you think the oil spill in the Gulf is not disaster enough, take heart. The Senate is expected to vote today on a bill to gut the Clean Air Act, inviting further environmental degradation by allowing automobile manufacturers, oil refineries, coal plants and other polluters to foul the air as much as they please. What they please is whatever is profitable. If this bill passes, people will be falling like pelicans. Arkansas Sens.

Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor must vote against the bill, of course, even though Lincoln has signed on as a co-sponsor with Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). Regardless of how the Democratic primary turned out Tuesday, Lincoln is senator today, and service to the people of Arkansas outweighs any considerations of senatorial courtesy.

201 East Markham Street, 200 Heritage Center West, P.O. Box 34010, Little Rock, Arkansas 72203 Home page: http://www.arktimes.com • E-mail: arktimes@arktimes.com Publisher Alan Leveritt editor

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brian chilson

Throw ’em out:

ALL EYES ON ARKANSAS: Arkansas’s Democratic runoff for the Senate garnered a lot of national media attention. Candidates Blanche Lincoln (left) and Bill Halter were able to squeeze in some last-minute campaigning at festivals around the state.

Mayoral might n You have your strong mayors and you have your strong mayors.

In Little Rock Monday, Mayor Mark Stodola led a news conference to announce three blocks of a street had been renamed (Commerce to River Market Avenue; it won’t change your life much). Then he scuttled away quickly from the news conference. No need for more embarrassing talk about his car — stolen in this very neighborhood Friday night. The mayor, following practice, had left his keys in the vehicle.

Over in North Little Rock, Mayor Pat Hays was continuing his high-pressure campaign to get the North Little Rock School Board to fold its lawsuit over an improvement district he formed at the midnight hour in 2008 so he could steal school property tax from a big apartment project to finance a hotel parking garage. I don’t like his idea much, but you can’t say Hays lacks for aggressiveness.

I’ve been down this path before.

Love or hate his decisions, Hays is the directly elected chief of a city where aldermen are elected democratically, by wards. He schemes, he maneuvers, he builds alliances and he gets many things done (some inadvisable). He’s been helped by some highwealth investors who conveniently share his vision (or he theirs?) for reviving the city’s historic core.

Stodola is in his first term as the city’s “strong mayor,” one half of the two-headed stepchild we created that combines a city manager government with a mayor with some executive power. A part of the city board is still elected at large, to ensure that the same old power brokers still have final say over city government. The suits do love to when their status is quo.

Stodola needs six votes to pass anything and there’s been the devil in his first term of doing much exciting. He can fairly claim money is short, but it’s not nearly as short as it is in North Little Rock, where Hays’ sometimes improvident spending, the decline of

Max brantley max@arktimes.com

profits from the city electric company and a precipitous drop in sales tax revenue have truly created a financial problem.

Sure, Stodola is going to do something about parking cars in yards. And he really thinks there should be an advisory policy against smoking in the Zoo. But “thank you for not smoking” does not strong mayoral results make.

Between Stodola and City Manager Bruce Moore, taxpayers are spending $350,000-plus in pay, fringes and expenses. I think the average citizen would be hard-pressed to say what he’s getting for this. There’s the decaying former baseball park. There’s the continued subsidy of the anti-labor, anti-health care Chamber of Commerce by a city that is laying off vital workers and falling short in everything from solid code enforcement to neighborhood renewal.

Stodola can cobble up all kinds of figures about crime fighting, his own little car theft notwithstanding.

But can he cobble up a bold and aggressive vision of what Little Rock is or should be? And what has our investment in his heightened power delivered?

The questions are timely. Stodola will be on the ballot this year and a challenger may pose these questions. As in years past, some people are considering making a race against him in the fall. The suits’ money likely will discourage many of them.

I hope there’s a credible challenge. Stodola is a pleasant person with good instincts, even if he is not yet the “strong mayor” voters somewhat unrealistically envisioned, given structural limits. A challenge, however, could make him stronger. More like, yes, Pat Hays.

What socialism? n Scary times always breed popular delusions and this season’s is socialism.

Creeping government control demolished the economy and now the socialists are using the crisis to finish the conversion from capitalism to a socialist state.

The letters to the big newspapers are full of this nonsense, and it is the mantra of Republican candidates for everything from county judge to Congress. Up in Northwest Arkansas, Republicans are accusing each other of being “incremental” socialists. John Boozman, the bland GOP nominee for the U. S. Senate, is supposed to be one of those — he voted for the big bank bailout, is a ravenous pork barreler and supports big subsidies for rich farmers — although he has declared himself foursquare against socialism.

The oldest definition of socialism is government ownership of the means of producing goods, and an advanced form of it would include the means of distributing the goods.

The truth of our circumstances is exactly the opposite if the opposite of socialism is corporatism, which is management of the economy and society by large industrial and commercial organizations. That is the drift of modern U.S. history, at least the

Ernest Dumas past 30 years, and it has come at the hands of Republican and Democratic administrations and Congresses. It proceeds at only a slightly diminished pace under President Obama, who is accused of being a socialist agent.

Corporate money, in the form of political contributions and lobbying, is the dominant influence on public policy. It still is even amidst the popular hysteria against Wall Street, bankers everywhere and the two automakers that got the big government rescue in 2008 and 2009. What else would explain Congress’s refusal last month to close a giant tax loophole that allows hedge-fund and private-equity managers, some of the richest corporate profiteers in the world, to treat their massive earnings as capital gains and pay a rate less than half of what ordinary people pay in federal income taxes? The Senate caves in because Republicans and Democrats get huge sums from hedge-fund managers and other financiers who benefit from it.

Little Rock’s essence?

It’s cheese dip

n My first wife, and this was long ago because we married much too young and split predictably and quickly, brought to our otherwise ill-advised union a recipe for cheese dip.

It tasted much like the classic signature dish of Little Rock’s Mexico Chiquito restaurant, which, I am now told, may well qualify as the world’s original cheese dip.

Little Rock’s culinary culture may be defined not by catfish or barbecue or the plate lunch, but by cheese melted with peppers and spices.

Anyway, my childhood sweetheart departed for unknown points west and I lost the recipe.

I’ve spent four decades, nearly, trying to duplicate it. I know all the ingredients.

I know the process. I just don’t know the amounts — of cumin, chili powder, paprika, dry mustard, garlic powder, ketchup and ... well, I’m telling too much.

I can get mighty close. It’s tasty nearly every time, unless I get it a tad floury.

You need a double-boiler. You make kind of a roux. You top it off with jalapeno peppers.

One trick is getting the heat just right for the next application.

And it is a common misconception that

John brummett jbrummett@arkansasnews.com

cheese dip: It all started in Little Rock. you must use Velveeta. A block of Kraft Deluxe American Cheese, shredded, does the melting and absorption trick better than Velveeta.

You can’t really shred Velveeta, its being such a processed glob. The best thing to do with Velveeta is to compress it into a little ball and throw it at somebody.

You wondering where I’m going with this. So I’ll tell you.

I’m going on October 9 to DickeyStephens Park in North Little Rock to the

Is this a coincidence? The big beneficiaries of tax favors and the general largesse of government subsidize the propaganda about rampant socialism, including its peak during the crusade against elements of the health-care reform legislation last year, mainly the public option to private health plans.

What about the health reform law?

Socialism? Obamacare, as the Republicans like to call it, is the corporate solution to the health crisis, and it has been since 1974, when Presidents Nixon and Ford and the Republican congressional leadership proposed it. The central feature is that people who don’t have health insurance will be herded into buying it from the insurance industry. There is a little bit of social planning in the law — the companies will have to spend 80 to 85 percent of the premiums they collect from people on actual health care and give the money back to people if they spend less. The industry has one big hang-up with the law. Insurance companies don’t think it imposes a stiff enough penalty on people to make them buy policies from each state’s menu of commercial plans, and they may be right. They would like a stronger government hand.

The economic crisis, now two and a half years old, is the product not of advancing government control but the gradual surrender of every kind of government supervision of financial activity that

kept the country on a stable path for the half-century after the Great Depression.

The gargantuan deficit that scares the daylights out of the tea party? Same story: Corporate dictated tax cuts that lowered marginal rates on the wealthy to the next lowest level since the 1920s, two costly wars that produced the greatest corporate profiteering in history and an expensive Medicare expansion written to help the big drug companies and insurance companies and deplete the Medicare trust fund.

The most hair-raising evidence of the trend is the day-to-day destruction of the Gulf of Mexico, the result of a hands-off policy by the government that put the corporate needs for profits, in this case poor British Petroleum, over the health of the environment. The Interior Department under George Bush and, yes, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, approved a categorical exclusion from environmental scrutiny for deep-water wells that would do little for the nation’s economic vitality but put the sea and everyone around it in great peril.

The evidence is everywhere. The “socialist” Obama submitted legislation that is apt to result in the privatization of public housing in America, a potential bonanza for private developers and banks.

That is the conservative ideal: No public good, just private goods.

That, not socialism, is the truth of things in America.

first annual world championship cheese dip contest, underwritten by Kraft Velveeta and Ro*Tel, the classic combination for quickand-easy cheese dip.

I don’t so much care for it, having been exposed to the greater virtue of Mexico Chiquito’s and a home-cooked imitation.

I don’t intend to enter. I simply want to revel in this historic celebration.

What happened was that I ventured out the other evening to the 4th annual Little Rock Film Festival for a showing of short Arkansas-made documentary films, one of which — titled “In Queso Fever: A Movie about Cheese Dip,” was young lawyer Nick Rogers’ 31-minute exploration.

He’d grown up in Little Rock absorbed in cheese dip, then ventured elsewhere in the country to learn, as many of us have learned, that this culinary icon was much harder to find the further you got from his hometown.

His research led him to assert, until someone proves otherwise, that the first commercial cheese dip ever concocted and served took place in the early 1930s at a dirt-floored Mexican establishment in Prothro Junction called Mexico Chiquito.

What apparently happened after that was that Little Rockians, addicted to this stuff, came to believe that cheese dip was a Mexican staple, and newcomers to the Little Rock Mexican restaurant scene were obliged to offer the dish.

But it’s not really Mexican. It’s not actually Tex-Mex. It’s Ark-Mex. To be more precise: It’s more a Little Rock thing than

an Arkansas thing.

Nachos, chips slathered in cheese sauce, came along much later, in the 1940s.

So Rogers’ movie research led him to the headquarters of Kraft and Ro*Tel, which, prompted by his queries, decided to promote the joint use of their products by favoring him with seed money to throw this first world cheese dip contest right here on the Arkansas River.

There’ll be cheese dip judging, salsa tasting, chip-making, live music, festivalstyled exhibits and the Arkansas-Texas A&M football game blazed on the ballpark’s big screen.

It could become — and should become — the quintessential Arkansas event.

By the way: Rogers’ movie is very nearly stolen by editor Max Brantley of the Arkansas Times. He has a certain exuberant eloquence when it comes to food and he applies it here in a near-poetic description of the act of plunging the sturdy scoop-shaped Frito chip into a dense cheesy substance.

For more about the movie and the festival, just go, of course, to cheesedip. net.

I should mention that any cheese dip contest proceeds will go to an organization sponsoring free health services for poor people.

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 • june 10, 2010 15

egant

With Arkansas’ Own Dave Rogers Trio Featuring the Sultry Sounds of Ms. Genine LaTrice Perez And other musical guests

Evening of

azz 2010

FATHER’S DAY Sunday, June 20, 2010 UALR Music Theatre 5:30 pm Reception 6:30 pm Show Concert Info: jazz@sdpentertainment.com www.sdpentertainment.com Benefitting The Black Stallion Literacy Project & SDP Preservation of Jazz & Folk Music, Inc. This Event is Part of the Arkansas Jazz Concert Series

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!

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WEEKLY ROCK CANDY

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EATARKANSAS DIGEST

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arts entertainment

This week in

and

Jesus Christ at Weekend Theater

Whitewater welcomes Cheap Girls

Page 18

Page 19

to do list

18

calendar

20

Movies

26

Dining

31

Soak

it up Magic Springs to further entice the hordes with new wave ride.

By Bernard Reed

J

une is barely upon us, and already that sick-of-summer, middle-ofAugust heat has us chained to our air conditioners. Funny, how it’s customary to complain about our Arkansas weather, with its 100 degrees and oppressive humidity, as if this climate took us completely by surprise.

Sizzling as it is, summer should nonetheless be stress-free. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the heat and keep the important stuff, like global warming and oil spills, off your mind. For instance, Crystal Falls at Magic Springs: Ever pushing the boundaries of poolside fun, the water park right outside Hot Springs opened a new attraction last week.

The Boogie Blast is a ride meant to simulate surfing and boogie boarding.

It’s essentially a stationary wave with

soft padding underneath, allowing the rider to surf around on his stomach until — with one wrong move — he’s sent spinning out of control. Only two people can go at a time, but fortunately half the fun is watching others try their hand at a sport that’s thoroughly un-Arkansan (in other words, there’s a lot of wiping out).

A stage area is also built into the Boogie Blast, which will host DJs and local bands during special events.

On the day it opened, professional surfer Leah Dawson was around to promote the ride and demonstrate how it worked. She admitted that the Boogie Blast, once you got the hang of it, wasn’t so different from riding an actual wave.

Perhaps. But if you’re going to be standing around getting sunburned and you’re tired of the rest of the water slides, you might

as well hop on a boogie board and pretend like you’re carving a wave in the direction of an unspoiled Hawaiian beach.

Not that the water slides ever really get old. There’s something pleasantly regressive about spinning around in a bright yellow tube for 45 seconds, then lining up for 20 minutes to do it all over again. One might think the water was incidental, especially with the Ouachita Mountains rolling in the distance. Magic Springs may in fact be a frontrunner in the battle against obesity — just a few hours of sliding and Boogie Blasting is exhausting, and once you’re inside the park, it’s hard to sit still.

For those who don’t want to get their feet wet, there are always the thrill rides, including The Gauntlet, a wooden rollercoaster that helped the park’s yearly

attendance surge to over 400,000 when it was added in 2004. Of course, as long as you have a shirt and shoes, you can move freely between both sides of the park.

Also, on many Thursday and Saturday evenings throughout the summer, the park hosts national acts, including REO Speedwagon and Joe Nichols, in its Timberwood Amphitheater. A reserved seat will cost you $5 to $10 above admission price.

Last week, the debut of the Boogie Blast was exciting but not too crowded — school wasn’t out yet, and it was the first time Magic Springs had been open during the week. But the lines were still long, suggesting that by the time August has us gasping for breath, there’ll be a lot of people who want to get global warming off their mind. www.arktimes.com • june 10, 2010 17

interpretation, expect for JCS classics like “I Don’t Know How To Love Him” and “Everything’s Alright” to fill the stage space during its run. Jesus, Judas, Mary and the whole dang gang will rock out every weekend through July 3.

S AT UR DAY 6 /1 2

LR WIND SYMPHONY: ‘STARS AND STRIPES’ 7 p.m., MacArthur Park. Free.

n Fourteen years strong, the Little Rock Wind Symphony’s annual Flag Day concert has become a patriotic tradition.

This year, the LRWS is blasting out a slate of marches, suites and patriotic show tunes by everyone from John Philip Sousa to John Williams. The shebang kicks off at 7 p.m. with presentation of colors by the U.S. Air Force Color Guard from Little Rock Air Force Base, but for the early birds, the MacArthur Museum will be open for patrons to browse their current exhibits, including war photography from World War II and Vietnam. Also, the museum invites concert goers to bring their tattered American flags for a proper flag disposal ceremony later in the year.

RECKLESS KELLY/ HWY. 5 9:30 p.m., Sticky Fingerz. $20.

J.C. SUPERSTAR: (Clockwise from top left) Caiaphas (Byron Taylor), Judas (Darren Drone), Jesus (Jeremy Ricketson), Mary Magdalene (Sarah Scott Blakey).

■ to-dolist

By John Tarpley

TH U R S D AY, 6 / 1 0

JOE / MINT CONDITION

7:30 p.m., Robinson Center Music Hall. $34-$69.

n Joe. Just “Joe.” He’s a Grammynominated hip-hop heavy hitter worthy of a greatest hits compilation culled from eight albums and 26 singles. When it comes to grind jams, all breathy and ready made for 1,500-thread-count sheets, the man’s nothing short of a veteran. He’s no stranger to the radio waves, either. “I Wanna Know” is a classic high school dance throwback jam for thousands, and you might remember him taking chorus duties for Mariah Carey and Nas in 2000’s “Thank God I Found You.” He’s joined

by Mint Condition, another old-school Discman standard known for its panty18 june 10, 2010 • ARKANSAS TIMES

dropping prowess. Since 1991, MC’s been a back-to-basics R&B outfit, not scared of combining saxophone solos and vocal gymnastics with Latin and obscure African rhythms. All things considered, this should be the best night of soulful torch songs and nostalgic bump and grinders that we’ll see in a good while.

single used record store you’ll ever visit.

This month, the Weekend Theatre invites the musical into its home, with director Jamie Scott Blakey placing the 25 actors in the production into a more “political than spiritual” angle. Regardless of

n As far as Austin roots-rockers go, Reckless Kelly is about as rambunctious and unhinged as they come. The band’s sound is eyes-forward, grip-the-wheel, red dirt country, but its songwriting finds itself miles more provocative than its sonic ilk. In 2008, the group released its eighth album, “Bulletproof,” a seemingly straightforward country album that happens to be, lyric for lyric, more politically righteous than nearly any other LP released during the Bush years.

The best track on the album, “American Blood,” brandishes lyrics like “the brass

FRI D AY, 6 /1 1

‘JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR’

7:30 p.m., Fri.-Sat; 2:30 p.m. Sun; Weekend Theatre. $18.

n Despite being widely panned by religious groups for being, in their eyes, sacrilegious, during its 1971 debut, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s biblical rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar” has been running strong for 39 years, enjoying loads of Tony awards, inestimable numbers of productions and the guarantee that at least 20 copies of the soundtrack lurk in the permanent collection of every

ROOTS ROCKIN’: Austin country act Reckless Kelly comes to Sticky Fingerz this weekend.

of Errors,” one of the Bard’s earliest, goofiest pieces about long-lost twins, “Alice in Wonderland,” the ever-trip-y children’s classic and “Dracula,” the grandpappy tale to today’s blood-lusting soap operas. Founding artistic director Matt Chiorini is again helming the festival while following in the footsteps of Lawrence Olivier and Kenneth Branagh by pulling double duty as both director and lead in “Henry V.” Curtains go up Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. for “Comedy of Errors,” which repeats on Thursday before handing the stage over to King Henry and his soldiers on Friday and Saturday. The festival has also lowered ticket prices from seasons previous in hopes of keeping the seats full in spite of the recession, even taking a cue from The Rep with “pay what you can” rates on Sundays. Bunnies, brothers, bites and battles — all for your budget.

GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS: Michigan throwback indie takes a trip to Little Rock. ain’t fighting, but they’ll sure as hell have to take a stand/and they’ll have to live with American blood on their hands.” Still, Reckless Kelly isn’t above getting edgy and goofy: Just take a peek at “Ritalin and Wiggles,” an “I have a crush on you, so let’s do drugs together” song as funny and strangely touching as you’ll find anywhere. And judging from the band’s expansive repertoire of covers, its ears are scholarly, to boot. They seamlessly jump from covers of near-canonized British songwriter Richard Thompson’s “1952 Vincent Black Lightning” to fellow Texan Alejandro Escovedo’s classic “Castanets.”

Hwy. 5, long-time regulars on big time Texan stages, opens the show, sporting a new lead singer in Arkie newcomer Jesse Davis of Glenwood.

TU E S D AY 6 / 1 5

CHEAP GIRLS/ O! PIONEERS

stabbing guitar riffs and rhythmic vocal barks harken back to the same era. It’s power chords, it’s lyrical manifestos, it sounds like the Little Rock of yore.

W ED N ES DAY 6 /1 6

ARKANSAS SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL 7:30 p.m., UCA Campus, Conway. $10-$20.

n Bill the Bard is back. Going strong in its fifth year and enjoying a recent mention in the New York Times, Arkansas’s take on the omnipresent summer Shakespeare festival returns to UCA with four plays in 13 days, arranged in six weeks by a 70-person crew of performers, designers and craftsmen from Arkansas and beyond. This year, the repertory tackles “Henry V,” the bloody war drama set in “the vasty fields of France,” “Comedy

MOVIES IN THE PARK: ‘THE BLIND SIDE’ 9 p.m., Riverside Park. Free.

n The second week of the summer’s ongoing Movies in the Park series brings last year’s feel-good surprise smash of a movie, “The Blind Side.” The plot points are pretty cut-and-paste: A troubled innercity gentle giant is adopted by a well-to-do family of right-wingers who bring out his full potential as a person and an athlete, so on and so forth. Spoiler alert: He gets drafted by the Ravens at the end. Despite opening to mixed reviews, it’s become a cult movie for middle-aged Southern women, was nominated for Best Picture and put an Oscar in Sandra Bullock’s hands for her leading role. Anyway, what makes this movie interesting for us Arkies is the presence of local Ray McKinnon as a Tennessee high school football coach and a cameo from Houston Nutt as, well, himself. Expect cheers for the former from the local film fans and boos for the latter from the Five Percent Club.

9:30 p.m., White Water Tavern. Donations.

n Quick: Deconstruct your idea of “pop punk.” Forget about Blink-182 and the lipringed bands in the latter ‘90s that brought the tag to the fore and let’s get back to basics. Think, instead, The Lemonheads and, heck, The Replacements — the men who took that old punk tone and bent pop melodies about its frame. Cheap Girls did. Distorted and unabashedly hooky, this Michigan trio harkens back to the halcyon days when Clinton was freshfaced in D.C. and Smoking Popes was in your tape deck. The band’s co-headlining buddies, O! Pioneers (no, fellow kindadyslexics, that’s not “Opinioneers,” as awesome of a band name as that would be), jet through that same vein, but sprint about with a bit more yelp. The group’s

■ inbrief

THURSDAY 6/10

n Little Rock’s dukes of deconstruction, The Rockin’ Guys, are busy not rockin’, so we have Frontier Dan, Red Neckerson, Lightnin’ Lou and Wylie Peyote of The Frontier Circus to fill their space, subverting 45 RPM classics thrillingly. They play White Water Tavern with local popcrafts Big Silver, 10 p.m., $5. Electric country act from Nashville, The Dirt Drifters, ramble back into town after their last visit, a sell-out show with Stoney LaRue; they take to Sticky Fingerz, 9:30 p.m., $5.

After an omnipresent run on the radio around the turn of the millennium, Train is back with a new hit single in “Hey, Soul Sister” and a show in Hot Springs. The band plays Magic Springs’ Timberwood Amphitheatre, 8 p.m., $29.99-$44.99.

FRIDAY, 6/11

n After a great show at Vino’s in March, one of the best bands from New Jersey, Screaming Females, take to the ACAC alongside enduring locals The Thing That Always Explodes, Fayettevillebased harmonic power popsters The Rox and anti-folk Oklahoman Dave Dean’s Musical Forklift, 9 p.m., $7.

Midtown Billiards books a welcome duo of twisted local acts for its weekly, late-night show: local stalwarts Hector Faceplant and the “Apocalypse Now”quoting Outstanding Red Team, 12:30 a.m., $5 non-members. After a night of storms and tornados in March flooded Juanita’s and canceled its much anticipated show, local soul-rock gods Velvet Kente and self-proclaimed dictionary rapper 607 switch venues to play what’s sure to be a packed house at White Water Tavern, 10 p.m. The Peabody Rivertop Party soldiers on for another Friday night shindig, this time with music by hugely popular road warrior party band, The Venus Mission, 8 p.m., $5.

SATURDAY, 6/12

GO SEE ‘BLIND’: Movies in the Park brings “The Blind Side” to Riverside Park.

n Local promoter/producer Ras Levi celebrates his birthday at Revolution with a night of hip-hop and reggae from Butterfly, Dexter Peters, Nicky Parrish, DJs K-One and Boone and more, 8 p.m. At Downtown Music Hall, local metal heroes Rwake play a rare show alongside Memphis hard bluesrockers The Dirty Streets, 8 p.m., $7. Dreamland Ballroom’s drive-in movie series continues with canonized zombie classic “Night of the Living Dead,” 8 p.m., $5 per person or $20 per carload. At Discovery, visiting DJ Steven Oliveri works the crowd in the disco while the man who needs no introduction, g-force, takes it to the lobby, 9 p.m., $10. www.arktimes.com • june 10, 2010 19

www.arktimes.com

afterdark

calendar

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.

THURSDAY, JUNE 10 Music

Clutch, Bakerton Group, Lionize, Never Get Caught. All ages. The Village, $20 adv., $24 d.o.s. 3915 S. University Ave. 501-570-0300. www. thevillagelive.com.

Dr. Rex Bell Jazz Trio. The Afterthought, 8 PM, $6. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www. afterthoughtbar.com.

The Frontier Circus. White Water Tavern, 10 PM, $5. 2500 W. 7th. 501-375-8400. www.myspace. com/whitewatertavern.

Jim Dickerson. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room, 7 PM. 500 President Clinton Ave. 501-324-2999. www.sonnywilliamssteakroom.com/.

Joe: Mint Condition. Robinson Center Music Hall, 7:30 PM, $34-$69. Markham and Broadway. www.littlerockmeetings.com/conv-centers/ robinson.

Strangelove (headliner), Josh Green (happy hour). Cajun’s Wharf, 5:30 and 9 PM, $5 after 8:30pm. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501-375-5351. www.cajunswharf.com.

Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 5 PM. 111 W. President Clinton Ave. 501-374-7474. www. capitalhotel.com/CBG. The Dirt Drifters. Sticky Fingerz Rock ’n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 9:30 PM, $5. 107 Commerce St. 501-372-7707. www.stickyfingerz.com/ StickyFingerz.htm.

Thirsty Thursdays. 21 and up. Juanita’s, 8 PM. 1300 S. Main St. 501-372-1228. www.juanitas.com.

Train. Magic Springs-Timberwood Amphitheatre, 8 PM, $29.99-$44.99. 1701 E. Grand Ave, Hot Springs.

‘THEY’RE COMING TO GET YOU, BARBARA’: The granddaddy of all zombie movies, “Night of the Living Dead,” still stands as one of the scariest movies ever made. Dreamland Ballroom screens the original classic as part of their Drive-In Movie Series this Saturday night at 8 p.m., $5 per person, $20 percar load.

Arkansas Skatium, 6 PM, $5. 1311 S. Bowman Road.

FRIDAY, JUNE 11 Music

10 Years, Silverstone, Finding Jimmy Hoffa. Juanita’s, 9 PM, $15 adv., $18 d.o.s. 1300 S. Main St. 501-372-1228. www.juanitas.com/.

Big Magic Fest with Screaming Females, The Thing That Always Explodes, Pallbearer and more. ACAC, 7 PM. 900 S. Rodney Parham Road. 244-2974. myspace.com/

acacarkansas.

Boom Kinetic. Sticky Fingerz Rock ’n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 9:30 PM, $5. 107 Commerce St. 501-372-7707. www.stickyfingerz.com/ StickyFingerz.htm.

Brian & Nick. Flying Saucer, 9 PM. 323 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-7468. www.beerknurd.com/ stores/littlerock/.

Bugs Henderson and The Shuffle Kings.

Denton’s Trotline, 9 PM. 2150 Congo Road, Benton. 315-1717.

Dave Griffin Band. Markham Street Grill And Pub, 9 PM. 11321 W. Markham St., (501-224-2010. www.markhamst.com/.

coMedy

Louis Johnson. The Loony Bin, 8 PM; 6/11, 8 and 10:30 PM; 6/12, 7, 9 and 11 PM. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road. www.loonybincomedy.com.

dance

Ballet Arkansas Teacher Training. Ballet Arkansas, Through 6/11. 2024 Arkansas Valley Drive #205. www.balletarkansas.org.

Lectures

Elizabeth Boris. The director of the Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy at the Urban Institute lectures on the impact of the economic recession on the nonprofit sector in Arkansas. Sturgis Hall, Clinton School of Public Service. 6 PM, free.

683-5239.

sports

Arkansas Travelers vs.

Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Dickey-Stephens Park, Through 6/12, 7:10 PM, $6-$12. Dickey-Stephens Park, -12, 7:10 PM. 400 W. Broadway St., NLR 6641555. www.travs.com/.

Benefits

Super Summer Skate Extravaganza.

Fundraiser for PEACE’s first annual Epilepsy Walk.

20 june 10, 2010 • ARKAnSAS TIMeS

Ed Burks. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room, 7 PM; 6/12, 7 PM. 500 President Clinton Ave. 501-3242999. www.sonnywilliamssteakroom.com/.

Embrace the Crash. Cornerstone Pub & Grill, 9 PM, $5. 314 Main St. 501-374-1782. cstonepub. com.

Festival Chamber Players Potpouri II. Hot Springs First Presbyterian Church, 7:30 PM, free.

213 Whittington Ave. Festival Symphony Orchestra. Hot Springs Fieldhouse, 7:30 PM, free. 228 Orange St. Grayson Shelton. Cregeen’s Irish Pub, 9 PM, $5. 301 Main St., NLR. 501-376-PINT (7468). www. cregeens.com.

Heal Over Heal. Reno’s Argenta Cafe, 9 PM. 312 N. Main St., NLR. 501-376-2900. www. renosargentacafe.com.

Hector Faceplant, Outstanding Red Team.

Midtown Billiards, 12:30 AM, $5. 1316 Main Street.

501-372-9990. midtownar.com.

Memphis Yahoos (headliner), Carl & Mia (happy hour). Cajun’s Wharf, 5:30 PM, $5 after 8:30pm. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501-375-5351. www. cajunswharf.com.

Neckbroke Entertainment’s Juvenile Cancer Benefit with Out of Ashes, Intoxx, Driven to Madness and more. Downtown Music Hall, 8 PM. 215 W. Capitol. 501-376-1819. downtownshows.homestead.com.

OFFS, Through the Looking Glass, Deadfall Rd. The Exchange, 10 PM. 100 Exchange St., Hot Springs. www.myspace.com/theexchangevenue.

Pop Tart Monkeys. West End Smokehouse And Tavern, 10 PM; 6/12, 10 PM, $5. 215 N. Shackleford.

501-224-7665. www.westendsmokehouse.net.

Rivertop Party with The Venus Mission.

The Peabody Little Rock, 8 PM, $5. 3 Statehouse Plaza. 501-906-4000. www.peabodylittlerock.com.

Sad Daddy, Harper Family. Maxine’s, 9 PM, $5. 700 Central Ave, Hot Springs. maxinespub. com.

Taylor Made. Fox And Hound, 10 PM, $5. 2800 Lakewood Village., NLR 501-753-8300.

Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 9 PM. 111 W. President Clinton Ave. 501-374-7474. www. capitalhotel.com/CBG. Tonya Leeks & Co. The Afterthought, 9 PM, $7. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www. afterthoughtbar.com.

Tragikly White. Revolution, $6 early admission.

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

Velvet Kente, 607. White Water Tavern, 10 PM, $3. 2500 W. 7th. 501-375-8400. www.myspace. com/whitewatertavern.

Voodoo Sauce. Town Pump, 10 PM, $5. 1321 Rebsamen Park Road. 501-663-9802.

coMedy

Louis Johnson. The Loony Bin, 6/10, 8 PM; 8 and 10:30 PM; 6/12, 7, 9 and 11 PM. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road. www.loonybincomedy.com.

dance

Ballet Arkansas Teacher Training. Ballet Arkansas, Through. 2024 Arkansas Valley Drive #205. www.balletarkansas.org.

events

Cruisin’ in the Rock. River Market Pavilions, 6-9 PM. River Market Pavilions, 6 PM. 400 President Clinton Ave. 375-2552. www.rivermarket.info.

sports

a w a r d

w i n n i n g

New Orleans Cuisine aT LITTLE ROCK PRICES! STEAKS • SEAFOOD CREOLE SPECIaLTIES

The Faded Rose

®

LITTLE ROCK’S bEST fOOd vaLuE 400 N. Bowman Road 501-224-3377 • 1619 Rebsamen Road 501-663-9734

Arkansas Travelers vs.

Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Dickey-Stephens Park, Through 6/12, 7:10 PM, $6-$12. Dickey-Stephens Park, 6/10-12, 7:10 PM. 400 W Broadway St., NLR 664-1555. www.travs.co/.

SATURDAY, JUNE 12 Music

Adrenaline. Flying Saucer, 9 PM. 323 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-7468. www.beerknurd.com/ stores/littlerock.

Badhand, Jonathan Wilkins, The Reparations. 18 and up. Juanita’s, 9 PM, $5.

1300 S. Main St. 501-372-1228. www.juanitas. com.

Big Magic Fest with Karoshi, Pezz, Imperial Can and more. ACAC, 2:45 PMmidnight. 900 S. Rodney Parham Road. 244-2974. myspace.com/acacarkansas.

Bigstack. Denton’s Trotline, 9 PM. 2150 Congo Road, Benton. 315-1717.

UpcOMiNg EvENTS Concert tickets through Ticketmaster by phone at 975-7575 or online at www.ticketmaster.com unless otherwise noted.

JUNE 16-JULY 3: Arkansas Shakespeare Festival. The annual festival presents “Comedy of Errors,” “Henry V,” “Dracula” and “Alice in Wonderland.” $20. UCA, Conway. 501-2694815, arkshakes.com.

JULY 15: Robert Plant and Band of Joy. 8 p.m., $65-$85. Robinson Center Music Hall, 7 Statehouse Plaza. 666-1761, ticketmaster.com.

JULY 29: Justin Bieber, Sean Kingston.

7 p.m., $31-$51. Verizon Arena, NLR. 800-7453000, www.ticketmaster.com.

JUNE 21-23: “The Wizard of Oz.” Dorothy and friends hit the stage in this adaptation of the movie classic. 7:30 p.m., $27-$52. Robinson Center Music Hall, 7 Statehouse Plaza. 2448800, celebrityattractions.com JULY 20: WWE Smackdown. 6:30 p.m., $17-$62. Verizon Arena. 800-745-3000, verizonarena.com.

AUG. 10: Built to Spill. 8:30 p.m. The Village, 3915 S. University. 570-0300, thevillagelive. com.

SEPT. 30: Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato.

7 p.m., $40-$93, V.I.P. Verizon Arena, NLR. 800745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.

OCT. 7-9: Arkansas Blues & Heritage Festival. B.B. King, Dr. John, Taj Mahal and many more. $25. Downtown Helena. bluesandheritagefest.com.

Bipolar. Reno’s Argenta Cafe, 9 PM. 312 N. Main St., NLR. 501-376-2900. www.renosargentacafe. com.

Duquette Johnson and The Rebel Kings, Blue Screen Skyline. Maxine’s, 9 PM, $5. 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs. maxinespub.com.

DJ Steven Oliveri (disco), g-force (lobby).

Discovery Nightclub, 9 PM, $10. 1021 Jessie Road.

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

Ed Burks. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room, 7 PM. 500 President Clinton Ave. 501-324-2999. www. sonnywilliamssteakroom.com.

Grant Garland. Fox And Hound, 10 PM, $5.

2800 Lakewood Village, NLR. 501-753-8300.

Jawbone & Jolene. Town Pump, 10 PM, $3.

1321 Rebsamen Park Road. 501-663-9802.

Living Daylights (headliner), Grayson Shelton (happy hour). Cajun’s Wharf, 5:30 and 9 PM, $5 after 8:30pm. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501375-5351. www.cajunswharf.com.

Penguin Dilemma. Markham Street Grill And Pub, 9 PM. 11321 W. Markham St., 501-224-2010. www.markhamst.com.

Pop Tart Monkeys. West End Smokehouse And Tavern, 6/11, 10 PM; 10 PM, $5. 215 N. Shackleford.

501-224-7665. www.westendsmokehouse.net.

Ras Levi Gemini Birthday Bash with Butterfly, Dexter Peters, Nicky Parrish, Tim Anthony, Ricky Stereo, DJs K-One and Boone. Revolution, 8 PM. 300 President Clinton Ave. 823-0090. revroom.com.

Reckless Kelly, Hwy 5. Sticky Fingerz Rock ’n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 7:30 PM, $20. 107 Commerce St. 501-372-7707. www.stickyfingerz.com/ StickyFingerz.htm.

Rep the Rock Rite Nite wtih K-Toomer, D-Mite, Natrul, Lil B and more. 8 PM. Cornerstone Pub, 314 Main St., NLR. Runaway Planet. The Afterthought, 9 PM, $7. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www. afterthoughtbar.com.

Rwake, The Dirty Streets, Sayonara, Nine Worlds. Downtown Music Hall, 8 PM, $7.

215 W. Capitol. 501-376-1819. downtownshows. homestead.com.

A Stars and Stripes Celebration. Presented by the Little Rock Wind Symphony. MacArthur Park, 7 PM, free. 503 East Ninth Street. 501-6660777. www.lrwindsymphony.org.

Steve Bates. Cregeen’s Irish Pub, 9 PM, $5.

301 Main St., NLR. 501-376-PINT (7468). www. cregeens.com/.

Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 9 PM. 111 W. President Clinton Ave. 501-374-7474. www. capitalhotel.com/CBG.

The Trustees. Grumpy’s, 9 PM. 1801 Green Mountain Drive. 225-9650.

Comedy

Louis Johnson. The Loony Bin, 6/10, 8 PM; 6/11, 8 and 10:30 PM; 7, 9 and 11 PM. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road. www.loonybincomedy.com.

events

Arkansas Women’s Show. All ages. Features fashion shows, shopping, health and finance information, and a filmed cooking show with chef Paula Deen. Verizon Arena, 10 AM-6 PM; 6/13, 10 AM-6 PM, $15-$150. 1 Alltel Arena Way. 501-9184573. www.arkansaswomensshow.com.

Asian Fest 2010. All ages. Mosaic Church, 10 AM-6 PM, Adults, $3; free for under 12, over 65, military, law enforcement and firefighters.

6420 Colonel Glen Road. 501-562-3336. www. arasianfest.com.

Civil War Memorial Concert. A celebration of civil war era music with Whoa Mule!, Audrey Gilliam, Dave Smith, Joe Jewell and more. Ozark Folk Center State Park, 7 PM, $6-$10. 1032 Park Ave. “Defending the American Dream” Summit.

Wall Street Journal editor Stephen Moore, Americans for Tax Reform’s Grover Norquist and Fox News contributor Herman Cain speak. Robinson Center Music Hall, 9 AM. Markham and Broadway. www. americansforprosperityfoundation.org.

Farmers Market. River Market Pavilions, 7 AM-3 PM. 400 President Clinton Ave. 375-2552. www. rivermarket.info.

Flag Day concert with Little Rock Wind Symphony. MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History, 6:30 PM, free. 503 E. 9th St. 3764602. www.arkmilitaryheritage.com/.

Little Rock Farmers’ Market. River Market Pavilions, Through 10/5: 7 AM-3 PM, Free. 400 President Clinton Ave. 375-2552. www.rivermarket. info/farmers_market.aspx.

Statehood Celebration Living History.

Visitors will have an opportunity to explore the past-times of Arkansans and experience live music, theater, gambling, religious fervor, and public justice as forms of entertainment. Old State House, 10 AM. 500 Clinton Ave. 324-9685. www.oldstatehouse. com.

Film

Dreamland Drive-In: “Night of the Living Dead”. Dreamland Ballroom, 8 PM, $5/person, $20/car. 800 W. 9th St.

sports

Arkansas Travelers vs.

Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Dickey-Stephens Park, 7:10 PM, $6-$12. 400 W. Broadway, 664-1555. www.travs.com/.

Books

Alan Lowe. The author of “Ghosts of Little Rock: Tales of the City’s Most Haunted Places” speaks and signs books. WordsWorth Books & Co., 1 PM. 5920 R Street Little Rock.

SUNDAY, JUNE 13 musiC

Allstar Weekend, School Boy Humor.

All ages. The Village, 7 PM, $10 adv., $13 d.o.s.

3915 S. University Ave. 501-570-0300. www. thevillagelive.com.

Harper Blynn, Both/And. Revolution, 8 PM, $6. 300 President Clinton Ave. 501-823-0090. revroom.com.

Sunday Jazz Brunch with Ted Ludwig and Joe Cripps. Vieux Carre, 11 AM. 2721 Kavanuagh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.vieuxcarrecafe.com/.

Unknown Legends Fundraiser Show with Four on the Floor, Afrodesia, Joe Pitts Band, Mojo Depot. Sticky Fingerz Rock ’n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 6 PM, $5. 107 Commerce St. 501372-7707. www.stickyfingerz.com/StickyFingerz. htm.

events

Arkansas Women’s Show. See June 12.

MONDAY, JUNE 14 musiC

Child Bite, Ginsu Wives, Sohns. The Exchange, 10 PM. 100 Exchange St., Hot Springs. www.myspace.com/theexchangevenue.

Me Talk Pretty, Always April, Out of Ashes.

Revolution, 8 PM, $5 regular, $7 under 21. 300 President Clinton Ave. 823-0090. revroom.com.

Monday Night Jazz. The Afterthought, 8 PM, $5, $1 for jammers. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501663-1196. www.afterthoughtbar.com.

Richie Johnson. Cajun’s Wharf, 5:30 PM, $5 after 8:30pm. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501-375-5351. www.cajunswharf.com/. th’Empires, The Dyes. Maxine’s, 10 PM, free.

700 Central Ave., Hot Springs. maxinespub.com/.

Traditional Irish Music Session. Khalil’s Pub, 7 PM, free. 110 S. Shackleford Road. 501-2240224. www.khalilspub.com.

Live Music Thursday, June 10 THe FRoNTieR CiRCus Big siLveR Friday, June 11 veLveT KeNTe 607 Tuesday, June 15 CHeap giRLs (LaNsiNg,MiCHigaN)

events

Passion for Fashion. Arkansas Repertory Theatre, 6:30 PM, $75. 601 Main Street. 501-3780405. www.therep.org.

TUESDAY, JUNE 15 musiC

Karaoke with DJ Debbi T. Town Pump, 10 PM, free. 1321 Rebsamen Park Road. 501-6639802.

Brian & Nick. Cajun’s Wharf, 5:30 PM, $5 after 8:30pm. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501-375-5351. www. cajunswharf.com.

Cheap Girls, O Pioneers. White Water Tavern, 10 PM. 2500 W. 7th. 501-375-8400. www.myspace. com/whitewatertavern.

Jim Dickerson. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room, 7 PM. 500 President Clinton Ave. 501-324-2999. www.sonnywilliamssteakroom.com.

Karaoke with Big John Miller. Denton’s Trotline, 8 PM. 2150 Congo Road, Benton. 3151717.

Two Choices, Last November, Madison Street. Maxine’s, 10 PM, free. 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs. maxinespub.com.

Tuesday Jam Session with Carl Mouton.

The Afterthought, 8 PM, free. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.afterthoughtbar.com.

Wednesday, June 16 KRisTy KRugeR (DaLLas,TX)

myspace.com/whitewatertavern Little Rock’s Down-Home Neighborhood Bar

7th & Thayer • Little Rock • (501) 375-8400

danCe

“Latin Night!”. Revolution, 7 PM, $5 regular, $7 under 21. 300 President Clinton Ave. 823-0090. www.revroom.com.

events

Little Rock Farmers’ Market. River Market Pavilions, Through 10/5: 7 AM-3 PM, Free. 400 President Clinton Ave. 375-2552. www.rivermarket. info/farmers_market.aspx.

BeneFits

Hope for Makenna Fundraiser with McCuin. Juanita’s, 7:45 PM. 1300 S. Main St. 501-372-1228. www.juanitas.com/.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16 musiC

Karaoke with DJ Debbi T. Counterpoint, 10 PM. 3605 MacArthur Drive. 501-771-5515. www.facebook.com/pages/North-Little-Rock/ Counterpoint-Nightclub/.

Boris Pailiard. Maxine’s, 10 PM, free. 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs. maxinespub.com.

Crash Meadows Duo. Cajun’s Wharf, 5:30 PM, $5 after 8:30pm. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501-3755351. www.cajunswharf.com/.

Jim Dickerson. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room, 7 PM; 7 PM; 7 PM. 500 President Clinton Ave. 501324-2999. www.sonnywilliamssteakroom.com/.

Karaoke with Big John Miller. Denton’s Trotline, 8 PM; 8 PM. 2150 Congo Road, Benton.

315-1717.

Kristy Kruger. White Water Tavern, 10 PM. 2500 W. 7th. 501-375-8400. www.myspace.com/ whitewatertavern.

Lucious Spiller Band. Sticky Fingerz Rock ’n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 9:30 PM, $5. 107 Commerce St. 501-372-7707. www.stickyfingerz.com/ StickyFingerz.htm.

Ol’ Puddin’head. Town Pump, 5:30 PM, free.

1321 Rebsamen Park Road. 501-663-9802.

Reggae Night with Darril “Harp” Edwards.

The Afterthought, 8 PM, $5. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd.

501-663-1196. www.afterthoughtbar.com.

Steele Jessup. Grumpy’s, 9 PM. 1801 Green Mountain Drive. 225-9650.

Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 5 PM. 111 W. President Clinton Ave. 501-374-7474. www.capitalhotel.com/CBG/.

Continued on page 23

ARKANSAS’ BEST LIVE MUSIC THU 6/10 THU 6/10

THIRSTY THURSDAY

@ REV 9PM

DIRT DRIFTERS

@ SF 930

STICKY FINGERZ 10TH ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND! FRIDAY 6/11

BOOM KINETIC DANCE PARTY!

SATURDAY 6/12

RECKLESS KELLY

HWY 5 DAVE RAYMOND & PRESENT COMPANY

TRAGIKLY@ REV

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930PM

SAT NIKKI PARISH / BUTTERFLY @ REV 6/12 1ST IMPRESSIONS & MORE 8PM THE UNKNOWN LEGENDS MUSICIANS RELIEF FUNDRAISER featuring SUNDAY 6/13 FOUR ON THE FLOOR STICKY FINGERZ JOE PITTS BAND 5PM - ?

MOJO DEPOT / AFRODESIA RUNAWAY PLANET

SUN 6/13

HARPER BLYNN BOTH / AND

ME TALK PRETTY

@ REV 830

MON @ REV 6/14 ALWAYS APRIL / OUT OF ASHES 8PM

501-372-7707 / STICKY FINGERZ.COM 501-823-0090 / RUMBAREVOLUTION.COM

www.arktimes.com • june 10, 2010 21

s ntheaterreview cajun’ ‘Smokey Joe’s Cafe’ wharf presents

FRIDAY, JUNE 11

Memphis Yahoos SATURDAY, JUNE 12

Living Daylights THURSDAY, JUNE 17

Tragikly White

live music every night Big Swingin’ Deck Parties on Thursdays

cajunswharf.com

mon-sat from 4:30 p.m.

2400 cantrell road • on the arkansas river

375-5351

drivers Please be aWare, it’s arkansas state laW: Use of bicycles or animals

Every person riding a bicycle or an animal, or driving any animal drawing a vehicle upon a highway, shall have all the rights and all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle, except those provisions of this act which by their nature can have no applicability.

overtaking a bicycle

The driver of a motor vehicle overtaking a bicycle proceeding in the same direction on a roadway shall exercise due care and pass to the left at a safe distance of not less than three feet (3’) and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken bicycle.

yoUr cycling friends thank yoU! http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/ Go to “Arkansas Code,” search “bicycle” 22 june 10, 2010 • ARKAnSAS TIMeS

Arkansas Repertory Theatre, June 4

n “Smokey Joe’s Cafe,” the new jukebox musical at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, is pure music machine. The show lets very little stand in the way of 30-plus songs of Jerry Lieber and Mike Stoller, songwriters who had their heyday in the 1950s and ’60s. A cast of nine backed by a six-piece band puts a gentle theatrical sheen on songs like “Jailhouse Rock” and “Spanish Harlem” to name a few.

The set by Rep’s Mike Nichols is more or less a riser with a set of stairs backed by a screen that changes colors depending on the mood. Even Ron Hutchins, carrying the title of director and choreographer, doesn’t fuss up the proceedings with over-elaborate stage business.

But sitting through the entirety of “Smokey Joe’s Cafe” gives you an appreciation, most of all, of Leiber and Stoller’s catalog. The pair didn’t write every song you love on classic radio, but it’s hard not to feel like it when the show is over. There’s a point there in the second act where you want to go “Wow, they wrote that one, too?” and they haven’t even hit “Stand by Me.” Leiber and Stoller were songwriters in the glorious old-fashioned sense. They wrote novelty songs (“Charlie Brown”), straightforward romances, hot rock numbers and tunes for all types of performers be they black or white.

The cast tackles the songs and the many dance numbers that go with them with the enthusiasm that you expect from young pros. Eric LaJuan Summers not only sings his lungs out on “I (Who Have Nothing)” but also plays in winning fashion the closest the show has to a recurring character — a man who’s had a few too many — in two songs at the end of the first act. Krisha Marcano has two solos — “Don Juan” and “Some Cats Know” — that SINGING SONGS YOU KNOW: Terrence Clowe, aren’t Leiber and Stoller’s Eric LaJuan Summers, Alexander Elisa and Darius most well known songs, Harper star in ‘Smokey Joe’s Cafe’ at The Rep. but she makes them show age of the Greeks has embraced various standouts. Alltrinna Grayson entertainments that often look and sound would likely be considered the star, as nothing like straightforward drama. One she possesses a voice that’s unnaturally might wish that somebody could connect powerful. Her rendition of “Hound Dog” the dots that seem to be there in Leiber and is sass personified. But Grayson and Stoller’s songs (there is a lot of stardust others in the cast with her sometimes and wanderlust in their songbook) and mistakenly equate vocal power and make for a more substantial evening. volume with greatness.

But “Smokey Joe’s Cafe” has succeeded It’s likely some theater buffs will in the past and will likely do so here in be put off by “Smokey Joe’s Cafe” 2010 in Little Rock because it doesn’t altogether. pretend to be anything but what it is — However much the Rep dresses it up, memorable songs sung well. it’s just a series of songs. But it is also — Werner Trieschmann good to remember that theater since the

nmusicreview

grandiosity tailor-made to elicit a chill, but employing little more than cowboy chords and economic language. In fact, this largely unsentimental music critic finally realized the etymology of “tug at the heartstrings” during the song with the wholly unfamiliar sensation of something tangling all the tendrils in my chest.

Maybe not all reactions were as accidentally sublime, though. While the infamous John Prine Whistler of 2008 (bit.ly/prinewhistler) was gratefully absent, his protege, an interpretive dancer who would “throw [his] hands in the air” during “Bruised Orange,” treated the show like a midnight showing of “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” even reeling in an imaginary fish and whistling during “Fish and Whistle.”

But almost no amount of idiocy can distract from a live John Prine show.

Playing a two-hour set of his best, including “Grandpa Was a Carpenter,” “Sam Stone,” “In Spite of Ourselves,” “Angel From Montgomery” (maybe his single greatest) and ending at 11 p.m. with “Paradise,” it was as good as a show gets: a genius, playing his finest and doing it well for a loving audience.

— John Tarpley

John Prine

Robinson Center Music Hall, June 4 n The man of the night moseyed around stage stiff-legged, unassuredly, a tad twitchy. When he spoke, he did so a bit nervously, eyes darting about, unable to settle his hands. He wore a sharp suit, all black and with the best of intentions, but ended up looking like an antebellum Kim Jong-Il. But that was just John Prine’s erudite goofiness shining through. The man’s one of the most enduringly likeable musical geniuses since the advent of recorded sound, and he certainly didn’t do anything to tarnish that reputation last Friday.

After Memphian and Prine collaborator Keith Sykes finished a five-song opening set full of ruralized jazz chords and occasionally plagiarized one-liners (“You can lead a horticulture but you can’t make her think” is a Dorothy Parker quip, Sykes), Prine took to stage, backed only by bass and guitar, for a jaunty take on “Spanish Daydream” and a perfectly

mumbled run through of “Crooked Piece of Time.”

His third song, another from his debut album, saw a backing guitarist take a tasteful few notes to a melodica while the bassist worked a bow on his upright bass for “Six O’Clock News,” one of John Prine’s most beautifully desolate and unceasingly ironic songs.

Now, I’ve listened to that track dozens of times — and it was as beautiful as ever — but upon seeing the aging man croak up the lyrics he wrote as a kid, now with years upon years of wisdom at his back, the relatively raucous crowd calmed to an awed stillness and, upon the last chord, joined in a communal shudder to rub down their goose bumps.

It was the highlight of the night and exemplified one of the consistent wonders of John Prine. He can draw out legitimate physical reactions from even the most reserved of listeners, not using any epic

calendar

Continued from page 21

Film

Movies in the Park — “Twilight”. Park opens at 6:30 p.m. Riverfront Park, Free. 400 President Clinton Ave. www.moviesintheparklr.net.

THURSDAY, JUNE 17 music

Thirsty Thursdays. 21 and up. Juanita’s, 8 PM. 1300 S. Main St. 501-372-1228. www.juanitas. com/.

Brian Martin. Maxine’s, 10 PM, free. 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs. maxinespub.com.

Brian Ramsey. Town Pump, 10 PM, $5. 1321 Rebsamen Park Road. 501-663-9802.

House Arrest. Electric Cowboy, 10 PM. 9515 Interstate 30. 501-562-6000. www.electriccowboy. com.

Jim Dickerson. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room, 7 PM. 500 President Clinton Ave. 501-324-2999. www.sonnywilliamssteakroom.com.

Kevin Gordon. White Water Tavern, 10 PM, $5.

2500 W. 7th. 501-375-8400. www.myspace.com/ whitewatertavern.

Lovedrug, Bear Colony, All the Day Holiday.

Juanita’s, 9 PM, $10 adv., $12 d.o.s. 1300 S. Main St. 501-372-1228. www.juanitas.com.

Michael Burks. Denton’s Trotline, 9 PM. 2150 Congo Road., Benton. 315-1717.

R.E.O. Speedwagon. Magic SpringsTimberwood Amphitheatre, 8 PM. 1701 E. Grand Ave., Hot Springs Ryan Couron. Grumpy’s, 9 PM. 1801 Green Mountain Drive. 225-9650.

Tragikly White (headliner), Rob & Tyndall (happy hour). Cajun’s Wharf, 5:30 and 9 PM, $5 after 8:30pm. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501-375-5351. www.cajunswharf.com/.

sports

Bowling for Rhinos. A benefit for rhinoceros preservation by the Little Rock Zoo chapter of the American Association of Zookeepers. Millenium Bowl, 6 PM, $20. 7200 Counts Massie Road. www. littlerockzoo.com.

THIS WEEK IN THEATER “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s first Broadway collaboration uses rock opera to follow the last seven days in Christ’s life. The Weekend Theater, Through 7/3: Fridays, 7:30 PM; Saturdays, 7:30 PM; Sundays, 2:30 PM, $18. 1001 W. 7th St.. 501-374-3761. www.weekendtheater.org/.

“Smokey Joe’s Cafe.” A Tony award-winning musical revue, celebrating the ‘50s pop classics of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, through June 27. 8 p.m. Thu.-Sat.; 2 p.m., 7 p.m. Sun., 7 p.m. $20-40. Arkansas Repertory Theatre, 601 Main St. 378-0405, therep.org Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Through 6/27. 601 Main Street. 378-0405. www. therep.org/.

“Squabbles.” A happy, successful couple, Jerry and Alice, find themselves in a madhouse after taking in Alice’s cranky father, Abe, and Jerry’s mother, Mildred. Harding University, Thu 6/10, 6:15 PM, $25. 900 East Center Avenue. 501-279-4580. www.hardingtickets.com.

GALLERIES, MUSEUMS New exhibits, upcoming events ARKANSAS ARTS CENTER COMMUNITY GALLERY, Terry House, 7th and Rock Sts.: “V.I.T.A.L. Artists Collective Inaugural Exhibit,” work by Melverue Abraham, Rex Deloney, LaToya Hobbs, Ariston Jacks, Kalari Turner and Michael Worsham, June 11-Aug. 28, artists’ reception 5-8 p.m. June 11. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m.5 p.m. Sun. 372-4000.

OLD STATE HOUSE, 300 W. Markham St.: “Statehood Celebration,” music, theater, public justice, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 12; “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

2011. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. 3249685. n Bentonville CRYSTAL BRIDGES AT THE MASSEY, 125 W. Central: “Transforming Tradition: Pottery from Mata Ortiz,” Field Museum exhibit, June 11-Aug. 29, reception 5-7 p.m. June 11.

479-418-5700. n Hot Springs MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART, 425 Central Ave.: “Just a Way Out,” new photographs by Thomas Petillo, June 12-Aug. 1, opening reception 6:30-9 p.m. June 12, afterparty at Maxine’s, 700 Central Ave., with music by Hammock; photographs by Ansel Adams, through Aug. 1. $5. $5, $4 for seniors. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thu.Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun. 501-609-9955. n Yellville P.A.L. FINE ART GALLERY, 300 Hwy. 62: Keith R. Probert, photographs, through June, reception noon-2 p.m. June 12. 870-405-6316.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tue.-Sat.

GAllEriEs, onGoinG Exhibits.

ARKANSAS ARTS CENTER, MacArthur Park: “The Miniature Worlds of Bruce Metcalf,” through Aug. 22; “World of the Pharaohs: Treasures of Egypt Revealed,” artifacts from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, through July 7, $22 adults, $14 students; “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.

ARKANSAS STUDIES INSTITUTE, 401 President Clinton Ave.: “Book Arts,” books transformed into art, through June. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. 320-5792.

ARGENTA ART MARKET, 510 Main St., NLR: Outdoor artists and crafters market, 8 a.m. to noon every Sat. BOSWELL-MOUROT FINE ART, 5815 Kavanaugh Blvd.: Diana Ashley, sculpture; Anne Haley, watercolor and block prints; Judith Hudson,

pastels and oils, through June 26. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Tue.-Sat. 664-0030.

CANTRELL GALLERY, 8206 Cantrell Road: “Let’s Eat!” paintings of the top chefs and restaurants in Little Rock by Carole Katchen, through June 19. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 224-1335.

CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 509 Scott St.: “Passing on Our Gifts,” work by Melverue Abraham, Mary Shelton, LaToya Hobbs, Delita Martin, Austin Grimes, David Mann, Sofia Calvert, Kathryn Grace Crawford, Aaron Izaquirre Dusek and Rebecca Alderfer. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Thu., 9 a.m.-noon Sun. 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.

GALLERY 26, 2601 Kavanaugh Blvd.: “A Couple of Cut-Ups,” recent works by Amy Edgington and Byron Werner, through July 10. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Continued on page 25

Fridays May 14 - June 25

Tragikly White CRISIS Boom Kinetic DJ G-Force Epiphany The Venus Mission DJ’s Kookieman & Tre’ Day

Rock on the River.

8 p.m. until after midnight * $5 cover

THE PEABODY LITTLE ROCK • THREE STATEHOUSE PLAZA • LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS 72201 • 501-399-8059 • RIVERTOPPARTY.COM • MUST BE 21 & UP

www.arktimes.com • june 10, 2010 23

From the Arkansas media world.

by Gerard Matthews

n Well, it’s been a long time coming, but the Times’ new website is finally here. It’s taken a couple of years to get all of the necessary changes made so the site will function more intuitively and better serve readers but it was worth the wait. As of this writing, over 270 members, new and old, have created profiles and started to comment on blog items.

The new site is the result of the work of many, but the Times’ Lindsey Millar deserves most of the credit for spending long hours working with the web designers and slogging through the minutia of the site to make sure everything worked the way it was supposed to.

It doesn’t look much different but frequent users will find the new www. arktimes.com easier to navigate and search. The site also allows readers to share content with their friends or other on-line communities through Facebook, Twitter, Digg and Reddit, among others. If you’ve got an opinion, complaint or compliment for a local restaurant, there’s a place for

24 june 10, 2010 • ARKAnSAS TIMeS

that too. The site’s Restaurant Guide allows users to upload reviews and photos and will hopefully become the go-to spot for restaurant information in Central Arkansas.

We’ve always looked at the website as a community, a place to engage with readers and those who actively comment on the site’s content. The new site enhances this aspect, allowing readers to create their own profiles, “friend” each other and list their favorite places around town. So far, we like it. We hope you do too. n In other nothing-stays-the-same news, Arkansas Business lost a talented writer last week when media reporter Sam Eifling left his post to set off on a summer hiking adventure before beginning graduate school in Canada in the fall.

Eifling’s work has been featured here in the Arkansas Times. He also writes for the Oxford American from time to time and has an extremely readable website, sameifling. com.

His work at Arkansas Business — even

n You might remember when former president Bill Clinton came to town a couple of weeks ago to campaign for Sen. Blanche Lincoln CORRALLED: Media kept at bay during Clinton/ (forgive me for being late, but this Lincoln event. column only runs every other week).

Jason Tolbert of The Tolbert Report blog Clinton’s visit made big headlines and stirred was able to squeeze into the first couple of up a storm of media coverage but the event rows and ask the former president about his left a lasting impression upon the journalists role in Obama administration discussions who were there covering the event. with Pennsylvania Rep. Joe Sestak about After Lincoln finished her speech, the forgoing a race for Senate. (He didn’t.) crowd pushed forward to shake hands Tolbert claimed, conveniently, that he was with the former president or get their not a member of the press, but a blogger, picture taken with Lincoln. Camera flashes though he has joined media at other events. speckled the stage and cell phone and Flip I don’t care whether he asks a question camera screens lit up with images of the or not, or whether he is or isn’t part of the senator and the former president. The press, media. That’s another column. What I do however, was told to stay back in the ropedcare about is a political campaign making off area where we had watched the speech. the decision that the press is no longer part The Secret Service, we were told, had of the public and, as such, cannot get close asked that members of the media be kept to a candidate and must stay in a roped-off in their corral. A few of us pushed forward area in the back like obedient supplicants. anyway and were met by Lincoln campaign Lincoln’s people finally agreed to a press volunteers who told us we had to get back. availability but the damage had already One even told us to leave. When asked been done. why members of the public could step At press time, the Lincoln campaign forward and snap pictures but professional had not responded to our request for photographers could not, no good answer comment. was ever provided.

bRIAn chilson chIlSon brian

nmedia News and notes

when dealing with subjects as dry as diversification accounts or local news ratings — was always a pleasure to read and he will be missed.

JUNE 10-16

TRUE BLOOD HBO, 8 p.m. Sundays n “True Blood” found its footing last season by doubling down on just about everything — camp, horror, sex, vampire metaphors. The terrible accents. Vampire Bill’s grating antebellum earnestness. The general tedium of vampire civil rights issues. Turns out none of that mattered much with a lot more blood and skin in the mix. Last season’s new characters — among them an orgy-inducing pagan sex goddess, a Ralph Reed cartoon hell-bent on bringing vampires “into the light” and a redheaded vampire nymphet — didn’t hurt matters either. By the time season two reached the height of its narrative arc, “True Blood” looked everything like the greatest whacked-out soap this side of “Twin Peaks.” Then came the Scooby Doo-style foiling of the wicked witch and the ho-hum disappearance of the vampire boyfriend. But, the promise

“Housewives” — not in the sense in which we use those words on this planet anyway.

Mostly they’re about following a group of underfed and overpaid shrews from various high-profile places (Atlanta, New York, Orange ‘TRUE BLOOD’: Anna Paquin and Alexander Skarsgard County, California and New Jersey) as star. they scheme on how to transform the lives is still there, friends, particularly if of the other Botox-junkies in their clique you’ve seen the trailer for season three. into a living hell. Just how much of all Because it features a tremendous amount that bickering and bitching is done for of murder, mayhem and supernatural dramatic effect is a good question, but the sex. And werewolves. And maybe, just bigger question is: Why do we want to maybe werepanthers. watch this crap? Maybe it’s just the myth — Lindsey Millar behind the American Dream: that one day, if the poor slobs in Flyoverville work BETHENNY GETTING MARRIED? hard and sweat and save, we too can be Bravo, 9 p.m. Thursdays living in a gilded penthouse overlooking Central Park, feeding our miniature n This is a strange country we live in. teacup Shitzapoodehuahua primo caviar For whatever reason, middle class folks for dinner twice a day. In the new spinoff in Arkansas, Mississippi, Indiana and “Bethenny Getting Married?” Bethenny other places that don’t even seem to Frankel — one of the more obnoxious be on the same continent as New York stick figures from the NYC show — City tune in, week after week, to watch decides whether she can go through with Bravo’s “Real Housewives of…” series. getting hitched.

The shows, if you haven’t watched them, — David Koon have nothing to do with either “Real” or

calendar

Continued from page 23 Tue.-Sat. 664-8996.

GREG THOMPSON FINE ART, 429 Main St., NLR: Matt McLeod, paintings, through July 10.

10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat. 6642787.

HEARNE FINE ART, 1001 Wright Ave.: “Collaborations,” paintings and sculpture by Kevin Cole, Benny Andrews, Kennith Humphrey, Tonia Mitchell, Marjorie Williams-Smith, photographs by Ernest C. Withers, and other work. 372-6822.

HEIGHTS GALLERY, 5801 Kavanaugh Blvd.: Arkansas artists. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10 a.m.5 p.m. Sat. 664-2772.

KETZ GALLERY, 705 Main St., NLR: “Creative Expressions,” paintings by Dan Thornhill. 5296330.

LOCAL COLOUR GALLERY, 5811 Kavanaugh Blvd.: Work by artists in cooperative. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 265-0422.

LAMAN LIBRARY EXHIBIT HALL, 2801 Orange St., NLR: 758-1720.

M2 GALLERY, 11525 Cantrell Road: Work by new artists Danny Broadway, Todd Williams, David Walker, Char Demoro and Morgan McMurry. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 225-5257.

RED DOOR GALLERY, 3715 JFK, NLR: Work by Twin, Robin Steves, Brady Taylor, Georges Artaud, Lola, Jim Johnson, Amy Hill-Imler, James Hayes and Theresa Cates. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. 753-5227.

SHOWROOM, 2313 Cantrell Road. Work by area artists, including Sandy Hubler. 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Mon.-Fri. 372-7373.

STEPHANO’S FINE ART GALLERY, 5501 Kavanaugh Blvd.: “The North/South Show,” work

by Matt Gore, Jim Jolly, Stephano, Mary Anne Erickson, Alexis Silk and G. Peebles. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tue.-Sat. 563-4218.

THEA FOUNDATION, 401 Main St.: “Through Our Eyes,” student photography exhibit.

Continued on page 29

www.arktimes.com • june 10, 2010 25

Friday, June 11 -Thursday, June 17

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June 11-13

The SecreT In TheIr eyeS – r 1:45 4:00 6:45 9:00

Academy Award Winner – Best Foreign Language Film

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harry Brown – r 2:00 4:20 7:15 9:20 Michael Caine, Emily Martimer

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The A-Team (PG-13) –- Four former Special Forces soldiers look to clear their name with the U.S. military after finding themselves framed and on the lam. Breckenridge: 11:05, 1:50, 4:35, 7:20, 10:10. Chenal 9: 11:25, 2:10, 4:35, 7:30, 10:20.

Lakewood: 10:50, 1:45, 4:30, 7:25, 10:00. Rave: 10:55, 11:25, 12:45, 1:45, 2:15, 3:35, 4:05, 4:35, 5:05, 6:25, 6:55, 7:25, 7:55, 9:15, 9:45, 10:15, 10:45.

Harry Brown (R) – A Marine veteran and modest Brit seeks vengeance after his best friend is murdered by a pack of thugs. Market Street: 2:00, 4:20, 7:15, 9:20 (Fri.-Sat. only).

The Karate Kid (PG) – A reboot of the 1985 classic sees the Kid as a Detroit-transplant in China, learning kung fu from the hand of his apartment maintenance man. Breckenridge: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 10:00. Chenal 9: 11:00, 1:45, 4:30, 7:15, 10:00. Lakewood: 10:55, 1:25, 4:15, 7:00, 9:45. Riverdale: 12:30, 3:35, 6:40, 9:45. Rave: 11:30, 12:30, 1:15, 3:30, 4:00, 4:30, 6:45, 7:15, 7:45, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00.

The Secret in Their Eyes (R) – A federal justice agent finds himself rapt by a missing person case from the 1970s in this, the Oscar winner for this year’s Best Foreign Language Film. Market Street: 1:45, 4:00, 6:45, 9:00.

RETURNING THIS WEEK Alice in Wonderland (PG) — Tim Burton’s 3D sequel to the Carroll classic finds Alice back in the rabbit hole as a rebellious 19-year-old. Movies 10: 11:00 (Thu.); 11:00, 7:00 (Fri.); 1:00, 3:00, 7:00 (Sat.).

Animalopolis (NR) — A half-hour film of goofy animals being goofy in enormous 3D. Aerospace IMAX: 11:00, 7:00 Fri.; 1:00, 3:00, 7:00 Sat. Babies (PG) — Four babies from different parts of the globe are documented from birth to first birthday. Market Street: 2:15, 4:20, 7:15, 9:20 (Fri.Sat. only).

The Bounty Hunter (PG-13) — A down and out bounty hunter lands a dream job when he’s assigned to track down his ex-wife, a bail-hopping crime reporter. Movies 10: 7:00, 9:40.

Chloe (R) — When a doctor suspects her husband, a professor, of infidelity, she hires an escort to seduce him and report back. Movies 10: 12.20, 2:40, 4:55, 7:10, 9:45.

Clash of the Titans (PG-13) — Perseus, son of Zeus, leads a band of warriors into uncharted dimensions while attempting to defeat the evil Hades, God of the Underworld. Movies 10: 12:10, 235, 5:10, 7:35, 10:05.

City Island (PG-13) — An overly secretive, dysfunctional family finds itself tangled in a comedic web of half-truths and alibis. Market Street: 4:15, 9:20.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid (PG) — Greg, a 6th-grade runt, can’t stand the ceaseless bullying, wedgies and swirlies he puts up with at school, so he retreats to his journal and his imagination. Movies 10: 1:00, 3:15, 5:30, 7:55.

Furry Vengeance (PG) — An Oregon real estate developer’s plans to erect a subdivision go awry when forest creatures take to action. Movies 10: 12:45, 3:00, 5:15, 7:25, 9:35.

Get Him to the Greek (R) — A dopey record company intern finds himself caught in a drug and sex-fueled caper as he tries to bring an unruly British rock star to America. Breckenridge: 11:30, 2:00, 4:50, 7:45, 10:20. Chenal 9: 11:20, 1:45, 4:05, 7:20, 9:50. Lakewood: 10:55, 1:40, 4:10, 7:15, 9:55. Riverdale: 11:30, 1:55, 4:20, 6:45, 9:10.

Rave: 12:10, 1:10, 2:50, 3:50, 5:30, 6:30, 8:10, 9:20, 10:50.

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (R) — When a shabby pair of investigators look into a decadesold missing person case, they discover grotesque family secrets. Market Street: 1:30, 4:15, 7:00.

Hot Tub Time Machine (R) — Four best friends, bored with adult life, take a ski vacation only to find

IF YOU CAN FIND THEM, MAYBE YOU CAN HIRE…: “The A-Team,” Face (Bradley Cooper), Murdock (Sharito Copley), Hannibal (Liam Neeson), and B.A. Baracus (UFC fighter Quentin ‘Rampage’ Jackson) get a silver screen update as the beloved ’80s action show returns for a new generation. After the four Iraq War veterans are framed for a crime they didn’t commit, they become mercenaries, escaping a military prison intent on clearing their name. themselves transported back to 1986. Movies 10: 10:15.

How to Train Your Dragon (PG) — A timid young Viking, raised to slay dragons by his heroic father, ends up befriending one he tried to slay.

Riverdale: 11:00, 1:10, 3:20, 5:30, 7:40, 9:50.

Iron Man 2 (PG-13) — The libertine superhero returns, facing off with an evil Russian copycat, an old rival and the government. Breckenridge: 11:00, 1:45, 4:30, 7:15, 10:15. Chenal 9: 12:00, 2:30, 5:00, 7:45, 10:25; 9:15 (IMAX). Lakewood: 9:40.

Rave: 1:05, 4:25, 7:35, 10:25. Riverdale: 11:00, 1:40, 4:20, 7:00, 9:35.

Kick-Ass (R) — Teen-age wannabe superheroes turn their aspirations into reality and take to the streets in spite of having absolutely no superpowers. Movies 10: 12:40, 4:20, 7:05, 9:50.

Killers (PG-13) — Years after an undercover assassin settles down in the suburbs, he and his wife discover a plot to kill him. Breckenridge: 11:20, 1:40, 4:10, 7:30, 9:50. Chenal 9: 11:15, 1:40, 4:20, 7:10, 9:30. Lakewood: 11:05, 1:35, 4:25, 7:10, 9:50. Rave: 11:10, 1:40, 4:15, 5:10, 6:40, 7:40, 9:10, 10:10. Riverdale: 11:30, 1:50, 4:10, 6:30, 8:50.

The Last Song (PG) — Miley Cyrus and Greg Kinnear star in this father/daughter tale in which an alienated teen is forced to spend a summer in Georgia with her pianist father. Movies 10: 12:30, 2:55, 5:20, 7:45, 10:10.

Letters to Juliet (PG) — An American in Italy takes it upon herself to help a number of anonymous, lovelorn women who left letters at the fictional Capulet courtyard in Verona.

Breckenridge: 11:35, 2:05, 4:45, 7:35, 9:55. Rave: 12:40. Riverdale: 11:45, 2:05, 4:25, 6:45, 9:05.

Looking for Eric (NR) — A postman on the verge on a nervous breakdown receives some life coaching from his hero, Eric Cantona, the soccer great in a role as himself. Market Street: 1:45, 7:00.

The Losers (PG-13) — After escaping an assassination attempt in the Bolivian jungle, elite U.S. agents vie for revenge. Movies 10: 1:05, 3:20, 5:35, 7:50, 10:20.

Marmaduke (PG) — The funny pages’ Great Dane turns his family’s cross-country move into a never-ending series of disasters. Breckenridge: 1:35, 4:25, 7:10, 9:20. Chenal 9: 11:10, 1:25, 4:25, 7:15, 9:20. Lakewood: 11:10, 1:20, 4:05, 7:10, 9:30.

Rave: 11:20, 12:15, 1:35, 2:40, 5:00, 7:10, 9:40.

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (PG) — A dyslexic, ADHD high school student discovers he’s a descendant of Poseidon and finds himself entangled in a war of mythical proportions. Movies 10: 1:15, 4:15.

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (PG-13) — A prince must band with a rival princess to stop

an angry ruler from unleashing a deadly, magical sandstorm. Breckenridge: 11:10, 1:55, 4:40, 7:25, 10:05. Chenal 9: 11:00, 2:00, 4:30, 7:25, 9:55.

Lakewood: 10:50, 1:30, 4:15, 7:20, 10:00. Rave: 11:15, 2:00, 4:40, 7:30, 10:20. Riverdale: 11:15, 1:50, 4:25, 7:00, 9:35.

Robin Hood (PG-13) — The legendary marksman and people’s hero leads a gang of marauders against corrupt governmental heads.

Breckenridge: 1:05, 4:05, 7:05, 10:05. Rave: 3:25, 6:50, 10:05. Riverdale: 11:30, 2:30, 5:35, 8:40.

Sex and the City 2 (R) — The four feisty Manhattanites take to Abu Dhabi to ward off midlife crises. Breckenridge: 1:10, 4:20, 7:50. Chenal 9: 12:00, 3:50, 7:05. Lakewood: 1:15, 7:00. Rave: 12:35, 3:45, 7:00, 10:35. Riverdale: 12:20, 3:30, 6:45, 9:45.

Shrek Forever After (PG) — The final movie of the series has the ogre stuck in Far Far Away, in which ogres are hunted and Rumpelstiltskin is king. Breckenridge: 11:15, 1:30, 4:15, 6:55, 9:30. Chenal 9: 11:05, 1:35, 4:15, 7:00 (IMAX).

Lakewood: 11:00, 1:15, 4:00, 7:05. Rave: 11:05, 11:35, 1:20, 2:35, 3:40, 6:35, 9:35. Riverdale: 11:05, 1:10, 3:15, 5:20, 7:25, 9:30.

Splice (R) — Ignoring ethical boundaries, two young scientists create a monster by splicing together human and animal DNA. Breckenridge: 11:40, 2:10, 4:55, 7:40, 10:25. Chenal 9: 10:05.

Lakewood: 11:00, 4:20, 10:05. Rave: 11:15, 2:45, 5:25, 8:05, 10:40.

Why Did I Get Married Too? (PG-13) — When four couples get together for their annual vacation in the Bahamas, their rest and relaxation is interrupted by an ex-husband determined to reunite with his remarried wife. Movies 10; 1:20, 4:34, 7:15, 9:55.

Wildfire: Feel the Heat (NR) — Discover how firefighters all over the planet fight the biggest, hottest fires on the planet. Aerospace IMAX: 12:00, 2:00, 4:00, 8:00 (Sat.).

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.

IMAX Theater: Aerospace Education Center, 3764629, www.aerospaced.org.

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.

Dickinson Theaters Lakewood 8: Lakewood Village, 758-5354, www.fandango.com.

.EVERY MAN HAS A BREAKING POINT.

“

A smartly done killer thriller!

”

– Betsy Sharkey, LOS ANGELES TIMES

“

Caine is extraordinary!

”

– David Denby, THE NEW YORKER

© 2009 HARRY BROWN FILM LIMITED AND UK FILM COUNCIL. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

‘AMERICAN: THE BILL HICKS STORY’: Winner of the $10,000 Oxford American prize for Southern Film.

STARTS FRIDAY, JUNE 11 SmallTown

Little Rock Film Fest 2010

Festival is a huge success in fourth year. n The Little Rock Film Festival was an almost unmitigated success in year four.

The crowds swelled — to 25,000, up 25% from last year and almost 10 times the audience of year one. The programming throughout the five-day whirlwind was strong and, as we’ve come to expect, thrillingly diverse. More filmmakers than ever before attended, which meant that most screenings were followed by edifying panel discussions. A new partnership with the Oxford American and a strengthened one with the Clinton School helped the festival draw an array of exciting Southern films and documentaries. Even the parties, not to mention the after parties and afterafter parties, were bigger and better this year.

The night after the festival ended, executive director Jack Lofton already was talking about ways to improve next year’s event.

“We’re aiming for a 100% attendance rate: bringing in a filmmaker from each of the 100-plus films we screen. We want to increase the prize money and provide a monetary award for the Golden Rock awards in order to get bigger films, more world premieres.”

But with expansion comes its own share of problems, like venue capacity.

Festival goers were turned away from the opening night film and many of the other high profile films were so crowded there were a number of people standing.

Lofton says he’s looking at different options, but remains intent on keeping everything downtown to retain the urban feel of the festival and to showcase both Little Rock and North Little Rock.

Yet even with expansion and improvement, Lofton maintains that the festival will place the same emphasis on one of its original tenets: affordability. The basic five-day festival pass cost $30 this year.

“We do this with a fraction of what other film festivals spend,” says Lofton.

“Hotels, printing, event spaces, they’re all

TH

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donated; we’re tremendously lucky to have such a supportive downtown and such loyal attendees. As a non-profit, our budget is dedicated to bring in filmmakers.” Confirmation #: So the festival is a success. It might even be a regional juggernaut. But for it to it to rise to the national level, it’s going to have to not just bring in more directors and actors, but bring in more directors and actors who’re well known. Billy Bob Thornton and Ryan Gosling narrated high profile docs that screened this year. Actors of their stature need to be in attendance if the festival’s to create a buzz that really resonates within the industry and national media. That might take a few years. In the meantime, someone needs to build the festival a permanent home in either downtown Little Rock or North Little Rock, something akin to the Malco in Hot Springs, where the LRFF can base its operations and screen special programming throughout the year. Make this happen, movers and shakers.

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Prize winners and more

If you followed our preview coverage of the festival in last week’s paper and on the web, you got the heads-up on all the films that won awards. “Winter’s Bone,” which we called a prohibitive favorite to win the Oxford American Southern Prize, didn’t take home the $10,000 award; instead it took home the festival’s top general prize for narrative, the Golden Rock. But we were just as happy to see “American: The Bill Hicks Story,” which we put on our cover last week, take the prize.

Constantly engaging, moving along from Hicks’ typical childhood in Houston, through his battles with (and celebration in) booze and coke and, ultimately, to his early death as a 32-year-old here in Little Rock, “American” treats the comedy cult hero with equal parts reverence and familiarity and succeeds in spades. Played on Thursday to a standing-room-only house of Hicks fans, the vaguely familiar and, hopefully, the newly familiarized, “American” sent Continued on page 28 www.arktimes.com • june 10, 2010 27

film fest

Continued from page 27 the audience jumping from hysterics to admiration; when it ended, the audience was either too hushed or too shaken to applaud. Half a minute later, the hands began to clap and a number of the audience rose up for a standing ovation.

“Winter’s Bone,” you might guess, strikes a wholly different mood. If you’ve driven down a lonely road in, say, Boone or Carroll Counties, near Christian and Taney counties in southern Missouri where the film is set, you’ve glimpsed the backwoods detritus that provides the film’s setting — truck corpses, single-wides in traction, an old tractor part angling to become one of the weeds. And you’ve probably come across the people: proud, sullen, with permanently furrowed brows or sunken cheeks.

The film, which follows a 17-year-old girl (Jennifer Lawrence in a career-making performance) on a quest to find her reprobate father, who’s put his family’s house and land up for bond, lives and breathes these people, that setting. And as much as we’ve seen their cinematic cousins, you’ve probably not glimpsed them this round, this imbued with human qualities. Which is not to say that the film doesn’t work on the same kind of elemental, terrifying level as those cousins.

It’s plotted slow, but the meth-addled and thick-bearded are just as terrifying, if not more. We can’t imagine seeing something as bleak, yet still heartening all year.

We missed the Golden Rock winner for documentary “Restrepo” because we wanted to catch Davis Guggenheim’s “Waiting for Superman,” a much-hyped documentary about public education. As it gains wider release, it’s likely to gain a lot of attention. And it’s certainly provocative; scenes filled with teacher ineptitude, bureaucratic impediments and elementary school kids crying because they didn’t win a lottery to go to a magnet or charter school would make just about anyone alternately angry and sad. But by glancing over the poor track record of charter schools and wholly vilifying teachers unions, the doc is more agitprop than journalism, not our preferred approach when it comes to something as complex as public education.

The short narrative “Antiquities,” this year’s Charles B. Pierce Award for Arkansas film, was on the opposite end of the spectrum. The story was as simple and lighthearted as they come. A shy guy who works at a flea market tries to muster up the courage to ask a co-worker for a date on her last day at work. But young filmmaker Daniel Campbell has a knack for filming comedy. And he gets one of the funniest performances we’ve seen in ages from Roger Scott (famous to listeners of “The Buzz”) as a bullying manager. Hopefully, Campbell, who told us in a Q&A on Rock Candy that he admires Wes Anderson, has found his Bill Murray.

“Spanola,” the latest collaboration 28 june 10, 2010 • ARKAnSAS TIMeS

between Graham Gordy and Ray McKinnon, didn’t compete in the shorts completion; the filmmakers missed the entry deadline. But it, like “Antiquities,” seems likely to gain traction on the national festival circuit. Gordy, known mostly for his screenwriting, plays the film’s only character, a north Louisiana dandy named Tookie Spanola, who’s presiding over a withering hot sauce empire in a dying town.

In a story that takes a seriously whackedout turn, Gordy always stays in the pocket, delivering a performance that’s slyly comic and full of pathos, a tough combo, rarely pulled off as well.

Speaking of strange combinations: Toeing the line between documentary and narrative film, “Alamar” follows an actual father in real life circumstances as he takes his five-year old child to an Eden-like sea with his fisherman father before his ex-wife returns to her native Rome with their son.

With a graceful yet unhurried pacing and what must have been the most gorgeous cinematography of the entire festival, it stunned, even silencing the audience in our screening and continued its streak of winning over film festival audiences with a simple, gorgeous character study of family, masculinity and nature.

Visually, “Arcadia Lost,” the only film to world premiere at the festival, is phenomenal — filmed in Greece, it’s a slow whirlwind of gold, blue, white, and yellow, sifting through a sun-drenched Mediterranean landscape. The camera lolls around the characters and drifts across the ancient topography, giving the audience the sensation that they are watching a memory.

It’s a soothing thing to look at, a balm for the eyes.

But one vice of beauty is that it is very often boring. Only the first 20 minutes contain enough intrigue of plot to match the film’s prettiness. The 16-year old protagonist grieves the loss of her father and is dissatisfied with her mother’s marriage to a new man. She is a sly Lolita, lazily promiscuous, snappy and incorrigible.

Her stepbrother cannot figure out how she wants to be treated, so he hides behind his Pentax and innocently follows her around.

The story meanders around the girl’s ennui and seductiveness until a car crash strands her and her stepbrother in the desolate, rocky countryside. Nothing much else happens, really. They wander around, pick olives, meet an Australian, roll around in the grass.

“Arcadia Lost” falls into a trap that catches so many other indie films — it tries to rely too much on profoundness, on its hope to enlighten and inspire the audience, and in doing so forgets that a movie is meant also to entertain.

Luckily, that wasn’t a problem for much else in the festival program.

— Lindsey Millar, Bernard Reed and John Tarpley Visit Rock Candy (www.arktimes.com/ blogs/rockcandy) for more on the festival.

calendar

Continued from page 25 TOBY FAIRLEY FINE ART, 5507 Ranch Drive, Suite 103: Contemporary Arkansas artists.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tue.-Fri. or by appointment.

868-9882.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT LITTLE ROCK: “2nd Congressional District Art Competition: An Artistic Discovery,” Gallery III, through June 4. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. 5698977. (For contest information, 324-5941.)

UALR BOWEN SCHOOL OF LAW: “Law in a Land Without Justice: Nazi Germany 19331945,” World War II artifacts, through July. 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Mon.-Thu., 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun. n Benton DIANNE ROBERTS ART STUDIO AND GALLERY, 110 N. Market St.: Area artists. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. 8607467. n Fayetteville FAYETTEVILLE UNDERGROUND, 1 E. Center St.: “Django,” paintings by Leilani, Revolver Gallery; “We’ve Been Holding This Moment for You,” photographs by Sabine Schmidt, Hive Gallery; Ed Pennebaker, glass, E Street Gallery; Chris Mostyn, drawings, Vault Gallery. 479-3871534. n Hot Springs ALISON PARSONS GALLERY, 802 Central Ave.: Paintings by Parsons. 501-625-3001.

ARTISTS WORKSHOP GALLERY, 810 Central Ave.: 501-623-6401.

AMERICAN ART GALLERY, 724 Central Ave.: Jimmy Leach, Jamie Carter, Govinder, Marlene Gremillion, Margaret Kipp and others. 501-6240550.

ATTRACTION CENTRAL GALLERY, 264 Central Ave.: Work in all media by Hot Springs artists. 501-463-4932.

BLUE MOON, 718 Central Ave.: Cassie Edmonds, mosaics, stained glass, through June.

501-318-2787.

CAROLE KATCHEN ART GALLERY, 618 W. Grand Ave.: Paintings, pastels, sculpture by Katchen. 501-617-4494.

FINE ARTS CENTER, 626 Central Ave.: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Wed.-Sat. 501-624-0489.

FOX PASS POTTERY, 379 Fox Pass Cut-off: Pottery by Jim and Barbara Larkin. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tue.-Sat. 501-623-9906.

GALLERY 726, 726 Central Ave.: Emily Wood, paintings; Ken Vonk, turned wood, through June.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Sat. 501-624-7726.

GALLERY CENTRAL, 800 Central Ave.: Sandy Hubler, paintings, and work by other Hot Springs artists. 501-318-4278.

HOT SPRINGS CONVENTION CENTER: “Hot Springs: Baseball’s First Spring Training Town,” 24 photos from the early part of the 20th century.

JUSTUS FINE ART, 827 A Central Ave.: Michael Ashley and Dolores Justus. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed.Sat. 501-321-2335.

LINDA PALMER GALLERY, 800 B Central Ave.: Linda Palmer, Doyle Young, Ellen Alderson, Peter Lippincott, Sara Tole and Jan Leek. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 501-620-3063.

RICIANO ART GALLERY, 833 Central Ave.: Riciano, Lacey Riciano and other artists. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. 501-339-3751.

TAYLOR’S CONTEMPORANEA, 204 Exchange St.: Area and regional artists. 624-0516.

MUSEUMS, ongoing ExhibitS

CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL MUSEUM VISITOR CENTER, Bates and Park: Exhibits on the 1957 desegregation of Central and the civil rights movement. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily. 374-1957.

CLINTON PRESIDENTIAL CENTER, 1200 President Clinton Ave.: Exhibits about policies and White House life during the Clinton administration.

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. $7 adults; $5 college students, seniors, retired military; $3 ages 6-17. 370-8000.

HISTORIC ARKANSAS MUSEUM, 200 E. Third St.: “John Chiaromonte and Maribeth Anders: The Responsibility of Internal Forces,” “National League of American Pen Women Juried Exhibit,” sculpture and painting, through June 6.

324-9351.

MacARTHUR MUSEUM OF ARKANSAS MILITARY HISTORY, MacArthur Park: “Warrior: Vietnam Portraits by Two Guys from Hall,” photos

by Jim Guy Tucker and Bruce Wesson, through November; 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: Exhibits on AfricanAmericans in Arkansas, including one on the Ninth Street business district, Dunbar High School, entrepreneurs, the Mosaic Templars business and more. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Sat. 683–3593.

MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY, 500 President Clinton Ave.: “Alice’s Wonderland,” hands-on science, math exhibit featuring characters fromC Lewis Carroll’s story, for ages 3 to 10, through Sept. 15; interactive science exhibits. 9 a.m.-M 5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. Admission: $8Y adults, $7 children ages 1-12 and seniors 65 and up, children under 1 free, “Pay What You Can”CM second Sunday of every month. 396-7050. www.

MY museumofdiscovery.org.

WITT STEPHENS JR. CENTRAL ARKANSASCY NATURE CENTER, Riverfront Park: Exhibits on wildlife and the state Game and Fish Commission.CMY n Calico Rock K CALICO ROCK MUSEUM, Main Street: Displays on Native American cultures, steamboats, the railroad, and local history. www. calicorockmuseum.com. n England TOLTEC MOUNDS STATE PARK, State Hwy. 165: Major prehistoric Indian site with visitors’ center and museum. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun., closed Mon. $3 for adults, $2 for ages 6-12. 961-9442. n Jacksonville JACKSONVILLE MUSEUM OF MILITARY HISTORY, 100 Veterans Circle: Exhibits on D-Day; F-105, Vietnam era plane (“The Thud”); the Civil War Battle of Reed’s Bridge, Arkansas Ordnance Plant (AOP) and other military history.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. $3 adults; $2 seniors, military; $1 students. 501-241-1943. n Morrilton MUSEUM OF AUTOMOBILES, Petit Jean Mountain: Permanent exhibit of more than 50 cars from 1904-1967 depicting the evolution of the automobile. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 7 days. 501-7275427. n Rogers ROGERS HISTORICAL MUSEUM, 322 S. 2nd St.: “Buried Dreams: “Coin Harvey and Monte Ne,” photographs; “Rogers Auto-Biography: An Automotive History of Rogers,” through 2011; “Of Promise and Pain: Life Between the Wars,” through June. 479-621-1154. n Scott PLANTATION AGRICULTURE MUSEUM, U.S. 165 S and Hwy. 161: Artifacts and interactive exhibits on farming in the Arkansas Delta. $3 adults, $2 ages 6-12. Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. 501-961-1409.

SCOTT PLANTATION SETTLEMENT: 1840s log cabin, one-room school house, tenant houses, smokehouse and artifacts on plantation life. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thu.-Sat. 351-0300. www. scottconnections.org. n Springdale SHILOH MUSEUM OF OZARK HISTORY, 118 W. Johnson Ave.: “Answering the Call,” history of the Springdale Fire Department, through Sept. 18; “Carl Smith’s Fayetteville,” photographs from the 1910s-1950s, through Aug. 21; “All Dressed Up,” men’s, women’s and children’s fancy clothing, through January 2011. 479-750-8165.

Call for artists The Fine Arts Center of Hot Springs announces a June 16 deadline for artists wishing to be in its “The Sea of Love” water-themed show. The show is open to both two-dimensional work and sculpture. There is no entry fee, but there will be a $10 hanging fee for all pieces accepted into the show. To apply, e-mail The Fine Arts Center at hsfac610@sbcglobal.net. CDs can be mailed to The Fine Arts Center, PO Box 6263, or entries can be dropped off at our new gallery at 626 Central Ave. For more information and/or to download the prospectus visit www. hsfac.com.

Friday, junE 11 5-8 pM The

2FAN June 10 press.pdf 1 6/3/2010 1:04:13 PM n Downtow ck Little Ro .

5-8 p.m

Mid-Southern Watercolorists 40th Annual Juried Exhibition

Arkansas Studies Institute, Main Gallery Located in downtown Little Rock’s River Market District For more information, visit www.butlercenter.org/art

Judy Honey, Open Doors Arkansas Studies Institute - Central Arkansas Library System BUTLER CENTER The Butler Center for Arkansas Studies - www.butlercenter.org/art

FOR ARKANSAS STUDIES

Opening reception for

YOU FIT INTO ME Works by David Carpenter and Lindsey Maestri Live music by

Haunted Pontiacs

200 E. Third Street 501-324-9351 www.HistoricArkansas.org

Grunt (at the turn of her hips) by David Carpenter

Summer Reflections

Second Friday Of Each Month

These venues will be open late. There’s plenty of parking and a free trolley to each of the locations.

Don’t miss it – lots of fun!

FREE PARKING at 3RD & CUMBERLAND FREE STREET PARKING ALL OVER DOWNTOWN AND BEHIND THE RIVERMARKET (Paid parking available for modest fee.)

SponSored by

Acrylics & Pastels

Susan Harris & Lois Davis Artists’ Reception June 11, 5 - 8 p.m.

Christ Episcopal Church 509 Scott Street | 375.2342 www.christchurchlr.org

Gypsy Bistro Featured artist: roB Walker 501.375.3500 200 S. CommerCe, Ste. 150 river market DiStriCt (olDvermillion loCation)

angela d. daviS

Featured artist: Char deMoro Oil landscape and abstract artist

Oil painting

gabriel SoliS Oils and mixed media 5 till 8 405 President Clinton Ave (501) 244-2622

300 Third Tower 501-375-3333 coppergrillandgrocery.com

www.arktimes.com • june 10, 2010 29

¡Novedoso Portal el latINo! ¡Noticias de ÚLTIMA HORA a Cada Hora!

El sitio www.ellatinoarkansas.com en la Internet es donde los latinos pueden dar ahora a conocer sus opiniones al resto de la comunidad Ahora los lectores de EL LATINO obtendrán minuto a minuto las últimas noticias de Estados Unidos, México, Centro y Sur América y el mundo: política, deportes, entretenimiento, economía, y mucho más transmitidas por el servicio de noticias EFE. Además, leerán las noticias más importantes de Arkansas preparadas por el equipo profesional de EL LATINO y en el blog PULSO LATINO compartirán sus opiniones e inquietudes con el resto de la comunidad.En un sólo portal, minuto a minuto TODA la información de Arkansas y del mundo:

www.ellatinoarkansas.com 30 june 10, 2010 • ARKAnSAS TIMeS

what’scookin’

n Jerry Barakat’s reputation for constantly opening and closing restaurants remains intact after the restaurateur shut Rockston’s American Bar and Grill earlier this week after opening it not six months earlier. An update on the restaurant’s Facebook page promises “exciting updates of what’s to come” in the space. n In other news of restaurant woes, Juanita’s has announced that it will soon cut back its hours. Starting on Monday, June 21, the venerable Tex-Mex cantina will serve lunch Monday through Friday and dinner Thursday through Saturday.

The restaurant’s website explains the decision. “[O]ur operating costs have consistently outweighed our sales figures on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights for some time, with few exceptions. We decided that our efforts would be better spent making your dinner experience excellent three nights a week than it would be to continue trying to attract dinner customers early in the week, when fewer people are out for dinner.”

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

APPLE SPICE JUNCTION A chain sandwich and salad spot with sit-down lunch space and a vibrant box lunch catering business. With a wide range of options and quick service. Order online via applespice.com. 2000 S. University Ave. No alcohol. CC $-$$ 663-7008 L Mon.-Fri. ARTHUR’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE Restaurateur Jerry Barakat brings the classic New York steakhouse formula to Chenal Valley. The main event is prime beef, or even more expensive Australian wagyu beef. The steak’s crusty on the outside, just right on the inside. There’s a wide choice of seafood, too. The truffle fries are spectacular. Good wine list. 27 Rahling Circle. Full bar. CC $$$ 821-1848 D Mon.-Sat. ASHLEY’S Perfect seafood, unusual ingredients, careful cooking and gorgeous presentation make meals here a feast for eyes, mind and stomach. Incredible wine list.

Capital Hotel. Full bar. CC. $$$. 374-7474 BLD Mon.-Sat. B Sun. BONEFISH GRILL A half-dozen or more types of fresh fish filets are offered daily, grilled (perfectly in our experience) over a wood fire. Several sauces are available, but the fish is good enough on its own. Shrimp, mussels and scallops

Continued on page 32

primo pasta: Bravo Cucina Italiana’s Chianti-braised beef ravioli.

■ dining Bravo!

New upscale Italian chain impresses. n We rarely go to a restaurant on its opening weekend; there are usually far too many kinks to be worked out. But the buzz for Bravo Cucina Italiana was strong and, since it’s a chain, where, presumably, the processes have been honed over the years, we decided to go ahead and give it a shot.

As you might expect, there were kinks in the service, all hazards of a brand new crew working together for the first time. Despite reservations we had to wait 10 minutes when we arrived.

There was some table confusion as to where we were to be seated, and it took some time for our dessert course to arrive. That said, despite the crowd of more than 200 there when we arrived, we were quite pleased.

After our server delivered bread and olive oil (tinted a paprika red), we ordered up the grilled steak flatbread ($7.99) for an appetizer. It’s large and tasty enough to be a nice lunch by itself.

The long rectangular crispy bread was very light, almost the consistency of a cracker, yet with the texture and taste only a wood fired oven can provide. The steak slices were very thin and matched well with the arugula. We adored the caramelized onions that brought up the sweetness quotient.

We also tried the lobster bisque ($5.49 on its own, $3.99 with a meal), which

had a nice savory and slightly cheesy broth filled with substantial chunks of lobster meat, with just a little spiciness left on the tongue at the end. And the insalata rustica was a great little salad with pears and dried fruit and pancetta and spicy pecans ($5.99 on its own, $2.99 as a side).

The grilled tilapia with crab ($19.99) was one of the best tilapia dishes we’ve had in a long time. The fish was perfectly cooked, topped with a nice mixture of crabmeat and spices. We were especially surprised by the crispy potatoes that came with the dish — very crispy, but with an impossibly creamy center that almost made us wonder if the potatoes were mashed and reformed before frying.

The Chianti-braised beef ravioli ($12.99) was our favorite, not just for the incredibly soft pasta surrounding neatly shredded and strongly flavored beef bits, but also for the paired cubes of sweet potatoes that were sauteed with sage and brown butter—a deliciously salty and sweet combo.

Our indecisive party ended up deciding on the tres dolci plate instead of a single dessert, thinking that smaller desserts might not explode us. We were intrigued by the slightly maple taste to the otherwise average tiramisu, and pleased by the almost-too-sweet choco-

late cake topped with vanilla gelato. But it was the berry cake that made us the happiest. The light sponge cake dotted with raspberries and blackberries with more of that gelato on top made a great ending to a near perfect meal.

Mind you, it wasn’t a cheap meal.

Dinner for two ran in the $70 range.

For those on a budget, after scanning the menu and finding many of the same favorites there we’d encourage you to try Bravo Cucina Italiana out for lunch.

Bravo Cucina Italiana 17815 Chenal Parkway (Promenade at Chenal) 821-2485 Quick bite

We were shocked over the size of the kids meal pizzas. For $4.50, we were expecting something in the five to six inch range. Instead a 10” round of cheese pizza was delivered to the table. Other nearby tables with children shared the shock, especially the one with four kids right next to us.

Quite massive — and if you look at the deals offered by the big pizza chains, quite competitive.

Hours

Sun.-Thu. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.11 p.m.

Other info

Full bar and a large wine list. Credit cards accepted. www.arktimes.com • june 10, 2010 31

Elections are over!

Now IVANABITCH! Ivanabitch Gin also available.

NWiNe & SPiriTS D eighborhoo

4526 Camp Robinson Road North Little Rock • (501) 791-2626 Next to HOGGS MEAT MARKET

Come See our New DeCk! outdoor seating now available.

Just off JFk Blvd.

7311 North Hills Blvd.

834-1840 • www.gadwallsgrill.com

32 june 10, 2010 • ArkAnsAs Times

Restaurant capsules Continued from page 31 star on the appetizer list and there’s plenty of meat and chicken for those who resist seafood. 11525 Cantrell Road.

Full bar. CC $$. 228-0356. D daily.

BONNIE’S BUFFET Small buffet teeming with homecooked classics. Friday is catfish day, a big draw.

8622 Chicot Road. No alcohol. CC $-$$ 565-5604 LD Mon.-Fri. BRAVE NEW RESTAURANT The food’s great, portions huge, prices reasonable. Diners can look into the open kitchen and watch the culinary geniuses at work slicing and dicing and sauteeing. It’s great fun, and the fish is special.

2300 Cottondale Lane. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 663-2677 L Mon.-Fri., D Mon.-Sat. THE BUTCHER SHOP A lot has changed since 1981, when the Little Rock location in this four-location, otherwise Tennessee-based chain debuted: the menu has expanded, and people almost never cook their own steaks. No biggie on either count. Choose steak – not chicken, seafood or pasta – and let the pros cook it. You’ll be glad you did.

10825 Hermitage Road. Full bar. CC $$$ 501-312-2748 D daily.

CAMP DAVID Inside the Holiday Inn Presidential Conference Center, Camp David particularly pleases with its breakfast and themed buffets each day of the week.

Wonderful Sunday brunch. I-30 and 6th Street. Full bar.

CC $$-$$$ 975-2267 BLD daily.

CAPI’S Sophisticated yet friendly, the latest offering from the folks who created Trio’s features easy to share small bites in larger than expected portions. Selections range from the expected to more unconventional fare. Don’t skip one the fresh desserts offered each day. 11525 Cantrell Suite #917 (in the Pleasant Ridge Town Center). Full bar.

CC $-$$$ 225-9600 LD daily.

CAPITOL BISTRO Breakfast and lunch items, including quiche, sandwiches, coffees and the like. 1401 Capitol Ave. No alcohol. CC $-$$ 371-9575 BL Mon.-Fri. CAPITAL HOTEL BAR A watering hole with mouthwatering food, swished-up Southern style — pork confit, smoky gumbo, homemade Moon pies. Capital idea: Sit by the big windows that look out on Markham with an organic martini and maybe some country pate and pumpkin jam..

111 W. Markham St. Full bar. CC $$ 370-7013 LD daily.

CHEEBURGER CHEEBURGER Premium black Angus cheeseburgers, with five different sizes, ranging from the Classic (5.5 ounces) to the Pounder (20 ounces), and nine cheese options. For sides, milkshakes and golden-fried onion rings are the way to go. 11525 Cantrell Road. No alcohol. CC $$ 490-2433 LD daily.

COCK OF THE WALK Yes, the chicken and shrimp are great, but go for the unbeatable catfish. Plus, we say the slaw is the world’s best. 7051 Cock of the Walk Lane, Maumelle. Full bar. CC $$ 758-7182 D daily. L Sun. CORNERSTONE PUB Numerous beers and heavier drinks along with regular live music make this a fine stopping-off spot, but it succeeds on the food end as well with the usual pub selections and sandwiches. We like this version of the muffaletta, though it’s lighter than the soakedwith-olive-oil kind they love in N’awlins. 314 Main St., NLR. Full bar. CC $-$$ 374-1782 LD Mon.-Sat. CREGEEN’S IRISH PUB Draft pints, fine single-malt Irish whiskey and a choice of food from American (chicken wings) and Irish (fried Irish camembert) pub favorites to burgers, Irish stew, fish and chips and even broiled salmon for the health-conscious. 301 Main, NLR. Full bar. CC. $-$$.

376-7468 LD daily.

DAVID FAMILY KITCHEN Call it soul food or call it down-home country, the food here ― neckbones, ribs, sturdy cornbread, mustard greens and the like ― is good, the desserts especially so. 2301 Broadway. No alcohol. CC $ LD Sun.-Fri. 371-0141.

DELICIOUS TEMPTATIONS A great variety of sandwiches, meal-sized salads and homemade soups, many of the items heart-smart. Great desserts, too. 11220 Rodney Parham Road. Beer and wine. CC $$ 225-6893 BL daily.

EJ’S EATS AND DRINKS This hoagie shop serves up generous burgers, sandwiches, homemade soups, salads and homemade potato chips. Vegetarians can craft any number of acceptable meals from the flexible menu. 523 Center St. (corner of Center and Sixth). Beer and wine. CC $ 666-3700 LD Mon.-Fri. FADED ROSE The Cajun-inspired menu seldom disappoints. Steaks and soaked salads are legendary. 1615 Rebsamen Park Road, 663-9734; Bowman Curve, 224-3377. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ LD daily.

FLIGHT DECK A not-your-typical daily lunch special highlights this spot, which also features inventive sandwiches, salads and a popular burger. Central Flying Service at Adams Field. Beer and wine. CC $-$$ 375-3245 BL Mon.-Sat. FLYING FISH The fried seafood is fresh and crunchy and there are plenty of raw, boiled and grilled offerings, too.

The hamburgers and fish tacos are big hits. It’s counter service; wander on through the screen door and you’ll find a slick team of cooks and servers to get you in and out in good time. 511 President Clinton Ave. Beer and wine. CC $-$$ 375-3474 LD daily.

FROSTOP A ’50s-style diner has been resurrected, with big and juicy burgers, great irregularly cut fries, and a selection of Greek dishes as well. 4517 JFK Boulevard., NLR.

CC $ 758-4535 B Mon.-Sat., LD daily.

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. 7311 North Hills Blvd., Sherwood. NLR, 834-1840. Beer and wine. CC $-$$ LD Mon.-Sat. HOMER’S Great vegetables, huge yeast rolls and killer cobblers. Follow the mobs. 2001 E. Roosevelt Road. CC $$ 374-1400 BL Mon.-Fri. JASON’S DELI A huge selection of sandwiches (wraps, subs, po’ boys and pitas), salads and spuds, as well as red beans and rice and chicken pot pie. Plus a large selection of heart-healthy and light dishes. 301 N. Shackleford Road.

Beer and wine. CC $-$$ 954-8700 BLD daily.

JIMMY’S SERIOUS SANDWICHES Consistently fine sandwiches, side orders and desserts. Chicken salad’s among the best in town. Get there early for lunch. 5116 W. Markham St. No alcohol. No CC $ 666-3354 L Mon.-Sat. LOCA LUNA Grilled meats, seafood and pasta dishes that never stray far from country roots, whether Italian, Spanish or Arkie. “Gourmet plate lunches” are good, as is Sunday brunch. 3519 Old Cantrell Road. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 663-4666 L Sun.-Fri., D daily.

LONE STAR STEAKHOUSE AND SALOON Dark imitation roadhouse, with cowboy paraphernalia and the soft glow of beer signs. Cowboys will feel at home with the beef, which is good enough, but more like range beef than the rich, marbled stuff of high-dollar steakhouses. Big salads, too. 10901 N. Rodney Parham Road, 227-9989. Full bar.

CC $$ LD daily.

MADDIE’S PLACE A broad selection of familiar but not boring Cajun-Creole staples, all well prepared and reasonably priced. Among the highlights: po’ boys made on the same bread, and with the same care, as most of New Orleans’ most revered joints, gooey bread pudding and chicken-andouille gumbo with a lusciously dark roux.

1615 Rebsamen Park Road, Little Rock. Full Bar CC $$ 660-4040. LD Tues.-Sat. MASON’S DELI AND GRILL Heaven for those who believe everything is better with sauerkraut on top. The Reuben is among the best in town. There are wraps and chicken strips on the menu, too. Ottenheimer Hall, River Market. No alcohol. CC $$ 374-0000 L Mon.-Sat. NEW GREEN MILL CAFE A small workingman’s lunch joint, with a dependable daily meat-and-three and credible cornbread for cheap, plus sweet tea. Homemade tamales and chili on Tuesdays. 8609-C W. Markham St. No alcohol.

No CC $ 225-9907 L Mon.-Sat. OZARK COUNTRY RESTAURANT Football-sized omelets filled with the same marvelous smoked meats and cheeses that are heaped on sandwiches at lunch. Great biscuits and gravy, bacon, homestyle potatoes and a daily plate lunch special to boot. 202 Keightley Drive. No alcohol.

CC $ 663-7319 BL Tue.-Sun. RENO’S ARGENTA CAFE A vast selection of sandwiches, from Cuban pork to French dip to a muffaletta, plus gyros, wraps and specialty pizzas. 312 Main St., NLR. Full bar. CC $$ 376-2900 LD Mon.-Sat. RIVERFRONT STEAKHOUSE Steaks delivered fresh from Chicago twice a week are salted, peppered, seared in an infra-red oven and then buttered for a meat-eater’s dream chowdown. There’s more to like also: crab cakes and shrimp bisque and chops and chicken and lobster tail. 2 Riverfront Place, NLR. Full bar. CC $$$ 375-7825 BLD daily.

SATELLITE CAFE This Heights techno-pop coffee shop offers fresh breads and fruits all day. Sandwiches are trendy and good. Kavanaugh and University. CC $$-$$$ 663-6336 BL daily.

SONNY WILLIAMS’ STEAK ROOM Steaks, chicken and seafood in a wonderful setting in the River Market.

Steak gets pricy, but the lump crab meat au gratin appetizer is outstanding. Give the turtle soup a try. 500 President Clinton Ave. Full bar. CC $$$ 324-2999 D Mon.-Sat. SPECTATOR’S GRILL AND PUB Burgers, soups, salads and other bar food, plus live music on weekends. 1012 W. 34th St., NLR. Full bar. CC $-$$ ($2 cover) 791-0990 LD Mon.-Sat. SUFFICIENT GROUNDS Great coffee, good bagels and pastries, and a limited lunch menu are at the downtown location. 1 Union Plaza. No alcohol. CC $-$$ 372-1009 BL Mon.-Fri. TERRI-LYNN’S BAR-B-Q AND DELI High-quality meats served on large sandwiches and good tamales served with chili or without (the better bargain). 10102 N. Rodney Parham Road. No alcohol. No CC $-$$ 227-6371 LD daily.

TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE Besides the 45 different smoothies on the menu, the cafe also serves wraps and sandwiches (many of them spicy), salads and “tortizzas.”

Good food, healthy drinks, long line at lunch but it moves fast. 12911 Cantrell Rd. #19 224-1113. Creekwood Plaza (Kanis and Bowman). No alcohol. CC $-$$ 221-6773 BLD daily.

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. CC $$-$$$ 663-1196 LD Mon.-Fri., D Sat., BR Sun. WILLY D’S DUELING PIANO BAR Willy D’s serves up a decent dinner of pastas and salads as a lead-in to its nightly sing-along piano show. Go when you’re in a good mood.

322 President Clinton Ave. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 244-9550 D Tue.-Sat.

WINGSTOP It’s all about wings. The joint features eight flavors of chicken flappers for almost any palate, including mild, hot, Cajun and atomic, as well as specialty flavors like lemon pepper and teriyaki. 11321 West Markham St. Beer.

CC $-$$ 224-9464 LD Mon.-Sun.

ASIAN BANGKOK THAI CUISINE Get all the staple Thai dishes at this River Market vendor. The red and green curries and the noodle soup stand out, in particular. Ottenheimer Hall, River Market. No alcohol. CC $-$$ 374-5105 L Mon.-Sat. BENIHANA — THE JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE Enjoy the cooking show, make sure you get a little fillet with your meal, and do plenty of dunking in that fabulous ginger sauce. All-you-can eat sushi specials daily. Riverfront Hilton, NLR. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 374-8081 LD Mon.-Fri. D Sat.-Sun. CHI’S CHINESE CUISINE A huge menu spans the Chinese provinces and offers a few twists on the usual local offerings, plus there’s authentic Hong Kong dim sum available daily until 3 p.m. Multiple LR locations, including 5110 W. Markham St., 604-7777, with delivery; a Chi’s Express at 17200 Chenal Parkway, 821-8000, and the original at 6 Shackleford Drive, 221-7737. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 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. CC $ 663-8999 LD daily.

HUNAN ORIENTAL CUISINE Old favorites, such as orange beef or chicken and Hunan green beans, are still prepared with care in very nice surroundings out west.

11610 Pleasant Ridge Drive. Full bar. CC $$ 223-9966 LD daily.

IGIBON It’s a complex place, where the food is almost always good and the ambiance and service never fail to please. The sushi is good, while the Bento box with tempura shrimp and California rolls, and other delights stand out.

11121 N. Rodney Parham Road. Beer and wine. CC $$-$$$ 217-8888 LD Mon.-Sat. KOTO Sushi and upscale Japanese cuisine. 17200 Chenal Parkway Suite 100 Full bar CC $$-$$$ 821-7200 LD daily.

NEW CHINA 8 A burgeoning line of massive buffets, with hibachi grill, sushi, mounds of Chinese food and soft serve ice cream. 201 Marshall Road, Jacksonville. 982-8988.

4617 JFK Blvd., NLR 753-8988, No alcohol, CC, LD all week, $-$$.

PANDA GARDEN Expansive buffet with sushi and a dessert bar. 2604 S. Shackleford Road. CC Beer and wine $$ 224-8100 LD daily.

P.F. CHANG’S Make a reservation to get seated immediately and enjoy some terrific flavors and presentations. 317 S. Shackleford Road. Full bar. CC $$ 225-4424 LD daily.

SAKURA Standard Japanese steakhouse and sushi fare; it’s hard to go wrong choosing from the extensive menu. 7307 Alcoa Road, Bryant, 778-9585. E. Kiehl Ave., Sherwood. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 834-3546 LD daily.

BARBECUE 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, 954-7427; 2947 Lakewood Village Drive, NLR, 753-3737. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ LD daily.

CROSS-EYED PIG Huge portions of marvelous barbecue, including amazingly tender pulled pork; lean-and-meaty, fall-off-the-bone-tender ribs; and crusty-brown, juicy halfchickens. 1701 Rebsamen Park Road. Full bar. 265-0000.

L Mon.-Fri, D Tues.-Fri.; 6015 Chenonceau Blvd. Beer and wine. 227-7427. LD daily. CC $$.

JO-JO’S BAR-B-Q The delicious, smoky aroma of Jo-Jo’s standard ’cue, once a Levy standard, has shifted to Sherwood. 117 Country Club Road, NLR. Beer, wine.

CC $-$$ 834-9696. LD Mon.-Sat. SMOKEY JOE’S BAR-B-QUE A steady supplier of smoked meat. With catering. 824 Military Road, Benton.

CC $-$$ No alcohol. 315-8333. L daily D Mon.-Sat.

EUROPEAN / ETHNIC AMRUTH AUTHENTIC INDIAN CUISINE Nice spicy Indian dishes in a small but shiny storefront and at a price you can afford. Lunch specials, available weekdays, are only about $6.50. Lamb and shrimp dishes accompany any number of vegetarian delights. 11121 N. Rodney Parham Road, 224-4567. LD daily, hours vary. CC. $$.

No alcohol.

GEORGIA’S GYROS Good gyros, Greek salads and fragrant grilled pita bread highlight a large Mediterranean food selection, plus burgers and the like. Lively atmosphere and friendly folks. 2933 Lakewood Village Drive, NLR. Full bar. CC $-$$ 753-5090 LD Mon.-Sat. LAYLA’S HALAL Delicious Mediterranean fare — gyros, falafel, shawarma, kabobs, hummus and babaganush — that has a devoted following. All meat is slaughtered according to Islamic dietary law. 9501 N. Rodney Parham Road. No alcohol CC 227-7272 $-$$ LD daily (close 5 p.m. on Sun.).

STAR OF INDIA People who don’t know if they like Indian food discover here that they do. It’s always one of Little Rock’s most highly regarded restaurants – great lamb, great curries, great chicken tandoori, great naan. The daily lunch buffet is a real deal. Don’t forget to try the Indian beer. 301 N. Shackleford Rd. Beer and wine CC $$-$$$ 227-9900 LD daily.

TAZIKI’S GREEK FARE A fast-casual chain featuring Greek salads, pitas, sandwiches and plate dinners. The food is better than the reasonable prices suggest. Great gyros and side dishes. 8200 Cantrell Road. Beer and wine.

CC. $-$$ 227-8291 LD Mon.-Sat. L Sunday.

TERRACE ON THE GREEN This Greek-Italian-Thai-andwhatever restaurant has a huge menu, and you can rely on each dish to be good, some to be excellent. Portions are ample. 2200 Rodney Parham Road. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 217-9393 LD Mon.-Fri. D Sat.

ITALIAN BOSTON’S Unremarkable chain fare—pizza, pasta, sandwiches and salads—out by the airport. 3201 Bankhead Drive. Full bar CC $$ 235-2000 LD daily.

CAFE PREGO Dependable entrees of pasta, pork and the like, plus great sauces, fresh mixed greens and delicious dressings, crisp-crunchy-cold gazpacho and tempting desserts in a comfy bistro setting. 5510 Kavanaugh Blvd.

Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 663-5355 LD Mon.-Fri., D Sat. CAPRICCIO GRILL ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE Large portions are the rule here, though the menu is not, as the name might suggest, exclusively Italian. Steaks, soups and seafood are good choices. 3 Statehouse Plaza. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 906-4000 BLD daily.

GRADY’S PIZZAS AND SUBS Pizza features a pleasing blend of cheeses rather than straight mozzarella. The grinder is a classic, the chef’s salad huge and tasty. 6801 W. 12th St., Suite C. Beer and wine. CC $-$$ 663-1918 LD Mon.-Sun. GRAFFITI’S The casually chic and ever-popular Italianflavored bistro avoids the rut with daily specials and careful menu tinkering. 7811 Cantrell Road. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 224-9079 D Mon.-Sat. LUIGI’S PIZZARIA Excellent thin-crust pizza; whopping, well-spiced calzones; ample hoagies; and pasta with tomatoey, sweet marinara sauce. 8310 Chicot Road. Beer and wine. CC $$ 562-9863 LD Mon.-Sat. NYPD PIZZA Plenty of tasty choices in the obvious New York police-like setting, but it’s fun. Only the pizza is cheesy.

Even the personal pizzas come in impressive combinations, and baked ziti, salads and more also are available. 6015 Chenonceau Blvd., Suite 1. No alcohol. CC $$ 868-3911 LD daily.

PIZZA D’ACTION Some of the best pizza in town, a marriage of thin, crispy crust with a hefty ingredient load.

Also, good appetizers and salads, pasta, sandwiches and killer plate lunches. 2919 W. Markham St. Full bar. CC $$ 666-5403 LD daily.

RISTORANTE CAPEO Authentic cooking from the boot of Italy is the draw at this cozy, brick-walled restaurant on a reviving North Little Rock’s Main Street. Let the chef entertain you with some exotic stuff, like crispy veal sweetbreads. Mozzarella made fresh daily. 425 Main St., NLR. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 376-3463 D Mon.-Sat. U.S. PIZZA AND SALAD EXPRESS A downtown offshoot off the original with a distilled menu that includes pizza, salad and sandwiches. Call in pizza orders early. 402 S. Louisiana St. No alcohol. $-$$ CC L Mon.-Fri. VILLA ITALIAN RESTAURANT Hearty, inexpensive, classic southern Italian dishes. Rock Creek Square, West Markham Street and Bowman Road. Full bar. CC $$ 219-2244 LD Mon.-Sat.

MEXICAN BLUE COAST BURRITO You will become a lover of fish tacos here, but there are plenty of other fresh coastal-Mex choices served up fast-food cafeteria style in cool surroundings. Don’t miss the Baja fruit tea. 4613 E. McCain Blvd., NLR. Beer only. $-$$ CC 945-8033 LD Mon.-Sat. L Sun. CANON GRILL Creative Southwest-flavored appetizers come in huge quantities, and the varied main-course menu rarely disappoints, though it’s not as spicy as competitors’. 2811 Kavanaugh Blvd. Full bar. CC $$ 664-2068 LD Mon.-Sat. COTIJA’S From the famed La Hacienda family tree comes a massive menu of tasty lunch and dinner specials, the familiar white cheese dip, sweet red and fiery-hot green salsas, and friendly service. Try the brochets (combo meatseafood cooked ka-bob style and eaten with tortillas). 406 S. Louisiana. CC $$ 244-0733. LD Mon.-Sat. EL DORADO More creative fare found here than at most of the locally owned restaurants, including a great chili verde and, occasionally, carnitas. Portions are huge, the cheese dip is tasty, the margaritas are great. 5820 Asher Ave. Full bar. CC $$ 562-1025 LD daily.

HAY CHIHUAHUA Fajitas cooked and spiced just right, served in portions large enough for leftovers. Ground beef burritos (or chicken) come with lettuce, tomatoes and a lot of sour cream and cheese, with plenty of bean and rice as side items. Hay chihuahua, it’s great! Seafood dishes and a large selection of $6.50 combos offered as well. 5500 MacArthur Drive, 753-5525. Full bar, CC $-$$ LD daily.

JUANITA’S Menu includes a variety of combination entree choices — enchiladas, tacos, flautas, shrimp burritos and such — plus creative salads and other dishes. And, of course, the famed “Blue Mesa” cheese dip. 1300 Main St., 372-1228. Full bar. CC $$ LD Mon.-Sat. LAS DELICIAS SUPER MERCADO Y TAQUERIA A Hispanic grocery store with a cluster of tables in a back corner, offering authentic, generous and cheap food. A surefire pick is the big burrito, stuffed with rice, beans, lettuce, avocado and a choice of meats. Tamales are made fresh, but heavier on the masa than those accustomed to Delta tamales will like. 3401 Pike Ave., NLR. Beer. CC $

812-4876 LD daily.

RUMBA Don’t forget that the popular bar and live music venue does a fine job with its creative, Latin-themed food – particularly the entrees. The “Ay Caramba” Mexican casserole is cheesy, just right greasy and easy to love.

300 President Clinton Ave. Full bar. CC. $-$$ L Mon.-Fri. D Mon.-Sun. BR Sat-Sun. SAN JOSE GROCERY STORE AND BAKERY This mercado-plus-restaurant smells and tastes like Mexico, and for good reason: Fresh flour tortillas, overstuffed burritos, sopes (moist corncakes made with masa harina) and chili poblano are the real thing. 7411 Geyer Springs Road. Beer.

CC $ 565-4246 LD daily.

Around ArkAnsAs BENTON/BRYANT

BROWN’S COUNTRY STORE & RESTAURANT The multitude of offerings on Brown’s 100-foot-long buffet range from better than adequate to pretty dadgum good.

Exit 118 on Interstate 30 in Benton. CC $-$$ 778-5033 BLD daily.

TA MOLLY’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT Huge platters of solid Tex-Mex served up in a pleasant environment at lower-than-usual prices. 206 West Commerce Drive. No alcohol. CC $-$$ 501-653-2600 LD daily.

TASTE OF D’LIGHT This oddly named Asian restaurant’s large menu matches the gigantic portion sizes served up.

We suggest sharing entrées with a friend. Try the overstuffed crab wontons. 3200 North Reynolds Road Bryant, AR. No alcohol. CC $-$$ (501) 847-6267 LD daily.

Stay in Little Rock. Dine in Rome.

Now Open!

Join us for Happy Hour!

Monday – Friday 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. & 9 p.m. to Close.

Brunch Every Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

CONWAY LOS AMIGOS Authentic Mexican food where everything is as fresh and tasty as it is filling. At lunch, go for the $4.99 all-you-can-eat special. 2850 Prince St. No alcohol. CC $-$$ 501-329-7919 LD daily.

MARKETPLACE GRILL Always draws a crowd for its flaming appetizers, prime rib, steaks, pasta in big ceramic bowls — all in a wide-open, loud dining area. One menu for all day means lunch can get pricey in a dinner kind of way. Interstate 40 and U.S. Highway 65. No alcohol. CC $-$$ 501-336-0011 LD Mon.-Sun. OLD CHICAGO Pizzas, pastas, calzones, sandwiches, burgers, steaks and salads and booze. The atmosphere is amiable and the food comforting. 1010 Main St. Full bar. CC $$ 501-329-6262 LD daily.

SMITTY’S Meat so tender it practically falls off the ribs, and combos of meat that will stuff you. Hot sauce means HOT. 740 S. Harkrider. No alcohol. CC $$ 501-327-8304 LD Mon.-Sat. STOBY’S Great homemade cheese dip and big, sloppy Stoby sandwiches with umpteen choices of meats, cheeses and breads. 805 Donaghey. No alcohol. CC $-$$ 501-32711572 BRV LittleRck ArkTimes6.9.indd 1 5447 BLD Mon.-Sat.

Reservations Accepted Call for BRAVO! To-Go!

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17815 CHENAL PARKWAY • LITTLE ROCK • 72223 (501) 821-2485

EUREKA SPRINGS CAFE LUIGI Homemade bread, pasta and red sauce make this a great Italian spot. 91 S. Main St. Beer and wine. CC $$-$$$ 479-253-6888 LD daily.

CAFE SANTA FE Well-prepared, generous servings of traditional and trendy Tex-Mex at this Arkansas-based chain that is growing quickly. 179 N. Main St. Full bar. CC $-$$ 479-253-9617 LD daily.

ROGUE’S MANOR Great food in gorgeous surroundings. Some say it’s the finest dining in Northwest Arkansas.

Bar and humidor, too. 124 Spring St. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 479-253-4911 D Mon.-Sat. SONNY’S PIZZERIA Home of some of the state’s very best pizza. Don’t miss the garlic knots ($2.50 for four) — fresh-baked wads of pizza dough, slathered with chopped garlic and a bit of olive oil, served with homemade marinara. 119 N. Main St. BYOB No CC $-$$ 479-253-2307 LD Wed.-Mon.

eat arkansas

6/7/10 12:04:13 PM

➤➤➤ Kat Robinson’s Eat Arkansas Blog is all things food. Contributing writers include local chefs, foodies and an assortment of people that just love to eat out. The Eat Arkansas email newsletter is delivered each Thursday with an eclectic mix of restaurant reviews, restaurant openings, great new menus and other eating and drinking news. The perfect foodie newsletter!.

t he right wine, t he right t ime

EAT

YOUR STORE NAME HERE

FAYETTEVILLE AREA BORDINOS Exquisite Italian food, great wines and great service in a boisterous setting. 324 W. Dickson St. Full bar.

CC $$-$$$ 479-527-6795 D Mon.-Sat. GRUB’S BAR AND GRILLE A commendable menu that includes pub fare and vegetarian both is full of tasty offerings. The Hippie Sandwich and the Santa Fe burger come to mind. But what’s really great about Grub’s is the fact that kids under 12 (with their parents) eat free, and there’s no stale smoke to fill their little lungs, thanks to good ventilation. 220 N. West Ave. Full bar. CC $$ 479-973-4782 LD Mon.-Sat. JAVA ROASTING ON THE SQUARE THE place to be in downtown Bentonville. Muffins are such standouts they’ll make you remember why you liked them when they weren’t on every menu. The lunch and dinner menu feature soups and sandwiches and quiches. 102 E. Central. CC $-$$ 479-657-6070 BLD Mon.-Sat. MARY MAESTRI’S Great homemade pasta, lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs, ravioli, chicken picatta and spumoni. U.S. Highway 412, Tontitown. Beer and wine.

CC $$-$$$ 479-361-2536 D daily.

MERMAIDS It’s seafood you’ll want here, of course — crab cake sandwiches, coconut-coated shrimp, smoked fish quesadillas and oyster and crawfish po’boys, tilapia, grilled salmon, yellowfin tuna, shrimp alfredo. The scaly girls serve up beef and pork for landlubbers and tempt all with huge desserts. 1815 Green Acres. Beer and wine. CC $$-$$$ 479-443-3737 LD Mon.-Sat.

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Food for Thought

a paid advertisement

To place your restaurant in Food For Thought, call the advertising department at 501-375-2985

AMERICAN

SEAFOOD rm

AT(spec ad)

Cajun’s Wharf

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.

Denton’s Trotline

Attention: Members and Guests. Denton’s Trotline is known for their award winning catfish and seafood buffet.

Outstanding appetizer menu. Family owned, featuring a newly remodeled building with live music. Full service catering available.

02/01/08

DENTON’S CaTfiSh & SEafOOD BuffET — 24 Years In Business —

We Cater • Carry-Outs available hours: Tues-Thurs 4:00-8:30pm • fri-Sat 4:00-9:00pm

315-1717

2400 Cantrell Road 501-375-5351

2150 Congo Rd. Benton, 501-416-2349 Open Tues, Wed & Thurs 4-9 Fri & Sat 4-11

BISTRO Lulav

220 West 6th St. 501-374-5100 Lunch Mon-Fri 11am-2pm Dinner Tues-Sat 5-10pm V Lounge til 1am, Thurs-Sat

2150 Congo Rd. • Benton from Little Rock to Exit 118 to Congo Rd. Overpass across i-30

YaYas

17711 Chenal Parkway, Suite I-101 501-821-1144

Dizzy’s Gypsy Bistro 200 S. Commerce, Suite 150 (501) 375-3500 Tues-Thurs 11am-9pm Fri & Sat 11am-10pm

1900 N Grant St Heights 501-663-8999

ARKANSAS TIMES PRODUCTION FAX

FROM: TO: CO.: Arkansas Times CO.: Prime aged beef and Fresh seafood specials every week.

PH: (501) 375-2985 ext. scrumptious dishes. Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, FAX: over 30 wines by the glass and largest vodka selection FAX: (501) 375-9565 downtown. Regular and late night happy hour, Wednesday AT to check 10/26 PUBLICATION:______________________ ISSUE DATE:____________ wine flights and Thursday is Ladies Night. Be sure out the Bistro Burger during lunch.

ES ARTIST:________

Ya Ya’s is both sophisticated and whimsical. Mosaic tile floors, stone columns and fabric covered wall panels while heavy beamed ceilings, hand blown chandeliers and curvy wroughtiron railings add a whimsical flair. The menu is inspired by a combination of Italian, French, Spanish and Greek cuisines.

Mediterranean Euro Delights share the menu with pizzas from our wood-burning oven, rich creative pastas and an array of the freshest of seafood dishes and innovative meat entrees.

Live music resumes on the patio this spring. Join us for live, local music through the week. Don’t forget our Sunday Brunch ($16.95 & only $13.95 for the early bird special, 10 am to 11 am). Reservations are preferred.

Casa Manana Taqueria

400 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-6637 6820 Cantrell Road • 501-280-9888 18321 Cantrell Road • 501-868-8822

Ump’s Pub & Grill

Whether the Travs are at home or on the road, come enjoy the unique Dickey-Stephens Park Atmosphere at Ump’s, an upscale sports pub and restaurant, featuring sandwiches, salads, steaks, seafood, good times and more! Come treat yourself to a meal prepared by Chef’s Ball award winning sous chef Richard Lindsey. Open 6 days a week for lunch, 11am-2pm. Open nightly for all Travellers home games. Regular dinner hours Friday and Saturday only.

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 & Grocery

An endless array of delicious dishes available in the Grill or grab your Gourmet-to-Go from the Grocery. Offering products by French Farm, Bella Cucina & Bittersweet Herb that promise to turn any recipe into a memorable masterpiece Copper Grill & Grocery is a wonderland for the gourmand.

Gadwall’s Grill

Still serving up high-quality burgers and home-made fries.

Enjoy good food in a relaxed setting. Now offering outdoor seating on the deck. Serving cheese dip, nachos, platter meals, sandwiches and fried pies. Happy hour domestic draft beer from 3-6pm.

SO

This is a first class establishment. SO has some of the best steaks and seafood in the city, including oysters from the east and west coasts. Their menu has been updated and features a fantastic selection of cheeses like port salut, stilton, murcia and pecorino. Don’t forget to check out the extensive wine list.

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.

Dickey-Stephens Park Broadway at the bridge North Little Rock T O (501) ❑ 324-BALL (2255) www.travs.com NP ❑

14502 Cantrell Road 501-868-7600

300 West 3rd Street 501-375-3333

7311 North Hills Blvd.

North Little Rock (501) 834-1840

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 Gadwall's Grill West 14710 Cantrell Road, Suite 1A turkey breast, tomato, cucumber, onion, lime and buffalo Little Rock, AR • 868-4746 mozzarella over romaine. For another: Mary Ann’s Dream, with grilled chicken breast, baby spinach, sun-dried Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. • Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. tomatoes, cranberries, mandarin oranges, bourbon pecans and bleu cheese. Don’t that sound good?

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. THIS AD HAS INCURRED PRODUCTION CHARGES

mexican

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.

10907 N. Rodney Parham Mon-Sat 10:30am-9pm 501-228-7800

chinese Fantastic China

Black Angus

Open daily. 11 am - close Sunday Brunch. 11 am to 2 pm 3610 Kavanaugh Blvd.

501-663-1464

Shackleford & Hermitage Rd. (501) 312-2748

I understand that this proof is provided so that I may correct any typographical errors. I have read and authorized this ad for publication. The Arkansas Times bears no liability. Production charges will be billed to me on my advertising invoice.

Hunka Pie

HUNKA PIE

ARKANSAS TIMES Voted Best Mexican 2007. Featuring authentic fare from Box 34010, Little Rock AR 72203 the Puebla region of Mexico, the selections seemP.O. 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.

St. North Little Rock (inside Galaxy Furniture Store) 501-612-4754 Mon-Sat 10am-6pm www. hunkapie.com www.facebook.com/ hunkapie

steak

asian Lilly’s Dimsum Then Some

Look no further…voted Best Asian again by the Arkansas Times readers. Lilly’s serves up extraordinary dishes made from the freshest, premium local and organic ingredients.

Also enjoy warm and inviting ambiance as you dine on any one of the tasty house specialties. Sundays are wine day: all wine by the bottle, half off.

Super King Buffet

One of central Arkansas’s largest Chinese buffets, we offer all your favorites with our sushi bar and Mongolian Grill included for one low price. Our dinner and all-day Sunday buffet include your lunch favorites as well as all-you-can eat crab legs, whole steamed fish, barbecue spare ribs, crispy jumbo shrimp and grilled steaks. Take-out buffet and menu available.

11121 Rodney Parham 501-716-2700

Super King Buffet

4000 Springhill Plaza Ct. North Little Rock (Just past Wal-Mart on McCain) 501-945-4802 Sun-Thurs 11am to 9:30pm Fri & Sat 11am to 10:30pm

Mediterranean star of india

North Shackleford Road 501-227-9900

Layla’s

9501 N. Rodney Parham 501-227-7272

Authentic North Indian Cuisine at its very best! Vegetable and Non-vegetable Buffet daily with Special. Saturday and Sunday Brunch. Mention this ad for a complimentary Indian Mango Drink.

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!

june 10, 2010 • advertising supplement to ARKANSAS TIMES

Hunka Pie specializes in premium hand-crafted pies. We welcome all pie lovers to come share a slice today! Call ahead for whole pie orders. Join us for Retro Mondays...

Slice of Strawberry Pie $2. Chocolate Peanut Butter, Velvet Lips Chocolate Cream, Strawberry Cream Cheese, Chocolate Pecan, Coconut Custard, key Lime, French Apple Pie & more.

Signature_______________________________________________________________Date__________________________ PLEASE RETURN THIS SIGNED PROOF PROMPTLY! 304 N. Main

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 - 11:00 pm PIANO BAR TUES - THU 7:00 - 11:00 pm FRI & SAT 7:00 - Late

400 N. Bowman 501-224-3377 1619 Rebsamen 501-663-9734 Open Sunday

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!

REAL ESTATE b

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June 10, 2010

Pleasant Valley home offers more space at a better price open Sunday

2 pm - 4 pm

This beautiful home at 7 Columbine Court is located in the Pleasant Valley neighborhood and has room for everyone. It sits on a cul-de-sac and has a stately exterior with beautiful landscaping in the front.

Entering the home, take in the marble tile and other extras. There are two living areas – the formal living room is to the left of the entry and the casual living room is to the right. The formal living room has been updated with fresh paint and twoinch wood blinds on the tall windows. The casual living room is the ideal spot for family time. There’s plenty of space around the fireplace in this warm and inviting room. There is also a formal dining room in this area. It has elegant wallpaper and large windows overlooking the wooded lot.

The kitchen is perfect. It has been updated and offers an open space for the whole family to gather. A 350-square foot bonus room is below the kitchen. It’s an excellent place for children’s toys, exercise equipment or a home office. An updated full bathroom and laundry room with sink are also on the first floor of the home.

All the bedrooms are upstairs. There are four and they are very large. The home has the perfect layout as the master suite is upstairs so parents can be close to small

The home has been updated with fresh paint.

The kitchen will be a gathering place.

children. An adorable bathroom is nestled between the three other bedrooms. There is good amount of storage in each bedroom closet as well as additional closets throughout the home. The upstairs also has its own private deck. Sit out amongst the trees and enjoy coffee in the morning or wine in the evening.

The home is on a slightly sloped lot with a two level deck. The bottom level is off the kitchen and is large enough to hold a full-size patio table, grill and smoker and still have plenty of space to move around on. A custom jungle gym and swing set will stay with the home. The backyard is fully fenced and is low-maintenance.

Living in the Pleasant Valley subdivision offers many great amenities for families.

At a low annual fee, get access to swimming pools, tennis courts and park areas.

Also, the Pleasant Valley Country Club and golf course is located in the center of the neighborhood. Another big selling point for families is that the home is zoned for Fulbright Elementary and Forest Heights Schools.

Come see this home and enjoy life with your family. It is offered for $345,700 and is listed with Stacy Johnson of Pulaski Heights Realty. An open house is planned for Sunday, June 13 from 2-4 p.m. or call Stacy for a private tour at 501-786-0024.

All the bedrooms are upstairs.

Enjoy the two-level deck. www.arktimes.com • june 10, 2010 35

REAL ESTATE by neighborhood TO ADVERTISE, CALL TIFFANY HOLLAND AT 375-2985

I want to be your realtor Buying or Selling, Call Me!

DOWNTOWN CONDO

LOTS FOR SALE - Greenbrier.

1/3-1/2 acres starting at $23K. Trees, all utilities. Just 8 miles from Conway. 501-472-5807

Foxcroft $212,000 Architectural design • Modern features • 12th Floor Skyline View Featured 4 times in At Home in Arkansas!

Call Gerald White, 680-3640 or Mary Johnson, 952-4318.

Visit www.LRCONDO.com for more pictures & info.

Gold Star Realty

STACY JOHNSON 501.786.0024

Land

stacy@pulaskiheightsrealty.com

Publisher’s Notice

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free 1-800-669-9077. The toll-free number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.

16 RIDING RD - Wonderful family home 5/6BR, in-law/nanny quarters. Walk to the Racquet Club - Jefferson Schools. K. Rector, CBRPM, 519-4439

Buying Lake Hamilton Condos!

501.664.6629

Arkansas times presents PULASKI COUNTY Real Estate sales over $100,000 Andrew Adkins, Jennifer Adkins to John N. Owens, L11R, Adkins Estates, $700,000.

Gary R. Parisi, Kelly A. Parisi to R. & S. Trust, Holly S. Hall, 7 Marbais Pl., $690,000.

Arkansas Riverview Development LLC to Michael D. Desselle, Susan T. Desselle, 5 Statehouse Plaza Unit 8A, $490,000.

Michael D. Desselle, Susan T. Desselle to Philip A. Shell, Leah Lasley Shell, 5 Berwyn Dr., $479,000.

Norman K. Woodruff, Robin L. Woodruff to Matthew S. Kessler, Amanda G. Kessler, 2 Frecourt Ln., $425,000.

EMW Construction Inc. to John W. McCray, 58 Epernay Cir., $325,000.

Ralph M. Burns, Candace W. Burns to Marion V. Gavin, L46, Candlewood No.2, $314,000.

BOE Acquisition Company, Inc. to Danny R. Whitlock, Kimberly A. Whitlock, 14006 Old River Dr., Scott, $304,000.

5600 JFK, LLC to Veronica D. Battaglia, Christi Willson, 610 N. Spruce St., $291,000.

Gina L. Fox to Alan York, Laura York, 28 Duquesne Dr., $277,000.

Katherine A. Callaghan, Josef E. Callaghan to Richard M. Aguirre, 810 Indian Bay Dr., Sherwood, $270,000.

Darrell L. Richey, Jane W. Richey to Jennifer M. Anderson, Daniel A. Anderson, 11517 Rocky Valley Dr., $255,000.

John Wright Construction Co, Inc. to Christopher Hodges, 122 Lucia Ln., NLR, $237,000.

ACE Construction LLC t o Geraldine Broadway-Powell, 1302 Lost Creek Dr., Jacksonville, $236,000.

Michael G. Shipman, Leigh A. Shipman to Mark A. Davis, Lisa G. Davis, 128 Nemours Ct., Maumelle, $235,000.

Donald Puckett, Diane L. Puckett to Terrence D. Pulliam, Peggy L. Pulliam, L10, Austin Lakes Pointe, $231,000.

36 june 10, 2010 • ARKANSAS TIMES

Billy R. Tucker, Nancy C. Tucker to Patrick L. Herrera, Angelica L. Herrera, 8415 Linda Ln., $230,000.

Nathan J. Storck, Marcy L. Storck to USA, US Army Corps Of Engineers, Fort Worth District, 2 Regal Cir., Maumelle, $230,000.

Medlock Construction Co., Inc. to Davis E. Thompson, Laura L. Thompson, 2132 Miramonte, Sherwood, $230,000.

Karen Shelton Bell, Inc., Shelton Bell Custom Built Homes to Louis L. Pike, 2100 Meridian Dr., Sherwood, $229,000.

Melissa R. Christopher to Andrew Parker, 1023 N. Palm St., $229,000.

Keith R. McCain, Jennifer McCain to Rhonda Ladd, 1 Cape Cod Ct., $225,000.

Brian D. Sharp, Diane M. Sharp to Relocation Advantage LLC, 8 Saint George Ct., $218,000.

Kevin B. Edens, Jacqueline R. Edens to Mike Berg, Larita Berg, 160 Stonehill Dr., Sherwood, $216,667.

Modern Property Management LLC to Duane L. Cole, Enkeleda Dervishi, 15515 Hartford St., $214,000.

Garold L. White, Joyce J. White to Robert L. Franke, Alicia Franke, 18 Club Rd., Jacksonville, $209,000.

Dennis D. Prince, Gerri L. Prince to Brett L. Kennedy, Donna R. Kennedy, 1003 Foxwood Dr., Jacksonville, $209,000.

Jason A. Dare, Kerry A. Dare to Sam Ross, Maggie Ross, 100 Jasper Dr., Sherwood, $203,000.

Phyllis J. Blessing, Deborah L. Blessing to Ricky Fontenette, Jr., Michele Fontenette, 1222 Commons Dr., Jacksonville, $200,000.

Keith Hardin, Alana Hardin to Anne L. Michael, Edward J. Michael, 1701 Rebsamen Park Rd., $200,000.

Mary J. Willard to Byron J. Walker, 1019 N. Palm St., $198,000.

Timothy L. Myatt, Marilyn A.

Myatt to Frank E. McKenney, Anita J. McKenney, L12 B23, Lakewood, $195,000.

W. M. Roberts to Tiffany D. Williams, L23 B5, Walton Heights, $193,000.

MLL Properties Inc. to Sanchia N. McCall, L31, Otter Creek Phase 11, $190,000.

Deere Builders LLC to Michael P. Lane, Erin D. Lane, 9241 Wilhite Ln., Sherwood, $187,000.

Ronald Hendrix, Kimberly Davis to Wells Fargo Bank NA, 39 Wedgeside Dr., $186,818.

Deere Builders LLC to Elizabeth L. Patrick, L9, Hearndon, $184,000.

Garney H. Fendley to Hillary R. Hunt, 122 N. Cedar St., $182,000.

Carol J. Lundin, David W. Lundin to Arthur Palmer, 60 Woodbridge Dr., $180,000.

Lyle E. Davis, Emily E. Davis to Timothy A. Vandusen, Susan E. Vandusen, 18 Pamela Ln., Sherwood, $180,000.

Sean T. Conner, Daniella Conner to Lucinda D. Outlaw, Ellen T. Outlaw, 91 Westfield Loop, $176,000.

Jimmie L. Wilson to Tim Nordengreen, Angela Nordengreen, 13 Powder Horn Ct., $175,000.

Thomas J. Marbut, Betty Marbut to Mountain Investments LLC, NW SW 8-1S-13W, W/2 8-1S-13W, $175,000.

Jaye Shepherd, Walter C. Shepherd to James O. Howe, Hannah E. Kennedy-Howe, John T. Kennedy, 2516 Durwood Rd., $175,000.

Gary M. Kita, Jayne A. Kita to Grant Ponder, Jill Ponder, 7608 Tomahawk Dr., NLR, $174,000.

Ashley E. Johnston, Ashley E. Faust, Chris M. Johnston to Patrick Green, Amy Green, 78 Zircon Dr., Maumelle, $172,000.

Jerra L. Beasley, Jerra L. Hollinger, Andrew B. Hollinger to Willard Gatewood, L160, Colony West Second, $170,000.

James M. McCarty, Fonda J. McCarty to Robert W. Nance, Dawnne A. Nance, 54 Danube Dr., Maumelle, $168,000.

John L. Scott, Brenda Scott to William C. Bass, Jill S. Bass, 29 Stoneledge Dr., Maumelle, $167,000.

Ronald L. Williams, Janella C. Williams to Kevin C. Mandrik, Julie M. Mandrik, 1323 Country Club Rd., Sherwood, $165,000.

Lewis Home Builders Inc. to Jon Carnahan, Kelly Carnahan, L24 B85, Chenal Valley, $162,000.

Barbara A. Young to Brian Jansen, Rhonda Jansen, SW NW 13-1N-14W, W/2 SW 13-1N-14W, $160,000.

Doug Maglothin, Jr., Leigh A. Maglothin to Donnie D. King, Charlotte K. King, 9 Brickton Pl., $159,000.

Raymond O. Smith, Neva L. Smith to Mark E. Withee, Elizabeth M. Withee, 3100 Woodruff Creek Dr., Sherwood, $157,000.

James Bellamy, Simone Bellamy to Lynette Rancifer, Keith Rancifer, 34 Crape Myrtle Pl., $155,000.

David Lipke, Robin Lipke to Michael Tobias, Samantha Tobias, 1304 Gamble Rd., $154,000.

Penny Stanley to Marian C. Penix, Charles J. Penix, Clementine Infante, L404, Cambridge Place HPR, $150,000.

Kevin M. McNay, Edwayna C. Howard to Sharon C. Bass, 13310 Cedar Point Dr., $150,000.

Christopher T. Johnson, Tara M. Johnson to David M. Swanson, Donielle K. Swany, NW 10-1N-14W, $150,000.

Steven L. Hovater, Kelly A. Hovater to Dustin Hill, 15 Forest Cir., $149,000.

Elder Montagne LLC to Seth R. Seaton, 602 Tuscany Cir., Maumelle, $148,000.

Jerry Poole to Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, Bankers Trust Company, 48 Ophelia Dr., Maumelle, $145,456.

Grant S. Ponder, Jill L. Ballany, Jill L. Ponder to Christopher J. Cullen, Melissa J. Muncy, L30 B34, Indian Hills, $145,000.

William L. Prior, Janette E. Prior to Jeremy D. Geyer, 8300 Pennwood

Dr., Sherwood, $143,000.

Jared B. Crow, Jennifer C. Crow to Bryce M. Rogers, 28 Meadow Ridge Loop, Maumelle, $142,000.

Cherlette D. Bell, Clinton A. Bell to Robert B. Richard, 900 Green Hills Dr., NLR, $141,000.

Grant Grigg, Terra TitsworthGrigg to Austin R. Samples, Sarah J. Harris, 19 Ludington Cove, $140,000.

Billy Bennett, Laquita Bennett to John D. Adair, Meghan M. Matthews, 6300 Longwood Rd., Cammack Village, $140,000.

Jerry W. Jones, Teresa A. Jones to Holly A. Richards, 3 Park Ridge Dr., Maumelle, $139,000.

Sarah T. Thompson, Richard C. Downing to John M. Eagle, 5037 Lakeview Rd., NLR, $137,000.

MLL Properties Inc. to Karen E. Lee, 21 Red Oak Pl., Maumelle, $136,000.

Patrick Dudeck, Kerri Dudeck to Lee D. Schulz, 3023 Summit Ct., $133,000.

Nancy M. Sacino to Billenda S. Hemeyer, 33 Hampshire Cir., Unit 33, $132,000.

Newcomb Construction Company Inc. to Casey T. Clary, 48 Bracey Cir., $131,000.

Mosley Investments, LLC to Gina Robinson, Larry D. Robinson, 2112 S. Izard St., $130,000.

Yolanda Anderson to Federal National Mortgage Association, 9711 Herndon Rd., $126,281.

Daniel D. Jordan, Karen E. Jordan to Richard Duggan, 119 Willow Grove Ct., Sherwood, $126,000.

Rodger W. Rusher, Dana E. Rusher to Lindsey L. Lucas, Alejandro R. Alvarez, 604 Verona Ave., Sherwood, $126,000.

Long Tong, Brook Tong to Kevin Robbins, 321 E. C Ave., NLR, $126,000.

Kaiser, LLC to Lindsay Young, K a r e n Yo u n g , 6 2 1 4 H S t . , $125,000.

Kirsten P. Bartlow to Cynthia V. Wolfe, 307 Hiawatha Dr., $125,000.

Suzanne M. Hicks, David F. Hicks, Russell L. Matchett, Diane J. Matchett, Michael S. Matchett, Kathryn H. Matchett to Joshua R. Gresham, Shanna L. Weidl, 87 Broadmoor Dr., $120,000.

Amber C. Hall to James E. Lane, L5, Stacy, $120,000.

Carole G. Liles to Kathleen J. Boone, 4511 Greenway Dr., NLR, $119,000.

Reifsteck Family Trust, Dolores J. Reifsteck, Reifsteck Living Trust to Erica E. Young, 4000 Glenmere Rd., NLR, $117,000.

James E. Spencer, Jr., Kimberly Rice-Spencer to Joni L. Pippen, L7 B12, Indian Hills Phase III, $117,000.

RT Developers Inc. to Sherri D. Simancas, 404 Carpenter Dr., $116,000.

Pulaski County Neighborhood Alliance to Hazle M. Carpenter, L237, Cammack Woods, $115,000.

HSBC Bank USA NA to Accountable Property Management & Realty, L3, Edgewater Phase 1, $115,000.

Kirk D. Wasson, Doyalene Wasson to Stephanie A. Stclair, Charles A. Jackson, 32 Sierra Ct., NLR, $112,000.

Bertha K. Spicer to Megan N. Sawchuk, 29 Pin Oak Loop, Maumelle, $110,000.

Timothy A. Van Dusen, Susan E. Van Dusen to Jann H. Schuetzle, 14 Leacrest Pl., Sherwood, $110,000.

Edith Potts to Kristine Puckett, 280 Goshen Ave., NLR, $108,000.

Alex S. Baldwin, Kandace Baldwin to Shea R. Furr, Whitney E. Furr, 59 Pin Oak Loop, Maumelle, $108,000.

Susan C. Pass to Kevin D. Coleman, 3917 N. Cedar St., NLR, $107,000.

Rhonda R. Ladd to Connie B. Melton, Wayne B. Ball, 1824 N. Hughes St., Apt. 9, $103,000.

Triple J. Builders LLC to Rachel D. Monroe, 213 Saunders Dr., NLR, $100,000.

Capitol View/ Stiffts Station

DUPLEX - $179,900. Over 2700 total SF. Buy now & get $8K tax credit and have renter offset your mortgage payment. Main level is 2BR/2BA, 1500 SF. Upstairs studio rental is approx 550 SF ($515/mo.) Also, has 700+SF walkout basement. New Paint!

Owner is licensed agent. Call John, Pulaski Heights Realty, at 993-5442 for more info.

OPEN SUNDAY, 2-4 PM!

4006 SIERRA FOREST - $160’s.

Immaculate one owner home.

New appliances! 3BR/2.5BA, sep. LR, DR plus big den w/FP. D. Hastings, CBRPM, 680-5340 4403 STONE CREEK COVE - $260K. Custom built 2007 on 3.52 beautiful acres. 28’x24’ den!

Colonial Glenn to Lawson Rd. South approx. 6 mi. D. Hastings, CBRPM, 680-5340

Longlea 13518 CHRISTOPHER DR - $370’s.

What a deal! 4BR/3BA + 2 half baths. Lives like a one-level w/ media room up, 3-car garage, 3-level deck, beautiful yard! P. Raney, CBRPM, 831-7267

Pleasant Valley 7 COLUMBINE COURT - Beautiful home on a cul-de-sac! 4BR, bonus room, remodeled kitchen, two living rooms & twolevel decking on back. Many great neighborhood amenities!

Call Stacy Johnson of Pulaski Heights Realty at 786-0024.

Conway 4101 C ST - $229,000. 3BR/2BA, 1836SF. Recently renovated!

Enter MLS# 10255320 on www.

PulaskiHeightsRealty.com for more photos. John Selva, Pulaski Heights Realty, 993-5442

UALR Area/ Broadmoor 7001 BURTON DR - 3BR/1.5BA, one level brick w/open floor plan & beautiful hardwoods. Big backyard! Priced mid $90’s. P. Raney, CBRPM, 831-7267

West Little Rock

1313 SUNSET $92,000. Well kept and close to schools.

Surprisingly huge backyard.

Beautiful garden, covered patio.

MLS# 10257183 Linda Roster White Real Estate, 501-7301100 or 501-679-1103.

1440 BYRON $219,000. Spotless!

4BR/2BA, large family room, lots of counter space & cabinets. Awesome backsplash, gorgeous landscaping. MLS# 10252436 Linda Roster White Real Estate, 501-730-1100 or 501-679-1103.

edited by Will Shortz

Hillcrest

12 KINGS COURT - Tri-level on cul-de-sac street, 3BR/2.5BA, den w/FP, office, pool w/lots of decking - $150’s. Call today! K. Rector, CBRPM, 519-4439

■ CROSSWORD

123 N. SUMMIT - Rare find close to ACH, UAMS, & Hillcrest. 2 BRs and a separate office, 2050 SF. Totally updated including cherry wood laminate flooring throughout, all new plumbing & electrical wiring, new kitchen counters, sink & dishwasher, new tank-less H2’ 0 heater, wired for computer network, audio/video and IR remote, a deck, fenced yard and oversized 2 car garage. A 21X17.6 ft sunroom w/vaulted ceiling, tile floor, water proof walls, lots of windows and sunken Jacuzzi hot tub. Located in Union Depot next to AR School for the Blind.

Call Clyde Butler of CBRPM at 240-4300.

No. 0513

West Little Rock

Across 1 Archaeologists usually find things in this 5 Cutlass part 9 1992 Jack Nicholson title role 14 Asta in the book “The Thin Man,” e.g.

16 Pang 17 Instruction to an overexcited Frenchman?

19 Bartolommeo and Angelico 20 Call from the field 21 Common Hebrew name 22 Oriole or Tiger, informally 23 Really wet grass expected tomorrow morning?

27 Tattoos, e.g.

29 Hack 30 Wirers, say: Abbr.

31 Box office 33 Interruption causes 34 What quilting farmers do?

36 Restrictive wear 38 Auvers-sur-___, last home of Vincent van Gogh 39 Top of a suit?

42 Commodity for John Jacob Astor 43 Camera innovator George 45 Whitecaps next to an underpriced beachfront property?

49 Some jellied dishes 50 Oscars prop: Abbr.

51 Put in one s ___ 52 Date maker 53 Simplify things at a ricotta factory?

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE S T I G M A

G R A N G E R

I N C R O W D

M T S I N A I

N E G T S Y I T N A G R R O U T O M P E S E A L D I R E A S I T H E O S S E

A P R O N S

S P I K E

G A P L A D M G Y R R S

A P O B O Y S T H E N E L L A T E A S A Y O N T O N E E R G I T A N R A N D I R O E S U I T W S O A T S S T N I C A L E I T H R E A T C R O I D E R A L A G E E T A S E L F E R

S T E P S O N

K E W P I E

59 Old Dodge hatchbacks 60 Box office request 61 Henpeck 62 Hockey s Steve and baseball s Mel 63 Retired fleet Down 1 Missoula-toBoise dir.

2 Seal s resting place, perhaps 3 Great American Ball Park team 4 Heedless 5 Color 6 Suffix with color 7 Eager beaver s word 8 Some scouts 9 Dearborn ___, MI 10 “___ don t know about that” 11 Bronze statue on top of the U.S. Capitol 12 Bobbles 13 Lofty stronghold 15 Sounds of comprehension 18 Signal of comprehension 22 “The Simpsons” grampa 23 Tournament starting points 24 Jazzy James 25 They repeat whatever you say 26 “That s finally done!”

28 Realtors, e.g.

32 Musician Brian 33 Evaluate

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Puzzle by Patrick Merrell

34 Lemon ___ 35 Object of a French prayer 36 Beach locale of song 37 Gunning 39 Some Amys, Emmas and Mias 40 Least rocky

41 Not the longest dashes 44 Tempts 45 Victors cry 46 Salaam 47 Unsophisticated boob 48 London borough containing Wembley Stadium

52 Chum 54 Fashion model Carangi 55 Only 20thcentury prez without a coll. degree 56 ___ again 57 Mini-albums, briefly 58 Hi-___

For answers, call 1-900-285-5656, $1.49 a minute; or, with a credit card, 1-800-814-5554.

Annual subscriptions are available for the best of Sunday crosswords from the last 50 years: 1-888-7-ACROSS. AT&T users: Text NYTX to 386 to download puzzles, or visit nytimes.com/mobilexword for more information.

Online subscriptions: Today s puzzle and more than 2,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year).

Share tips: nytimes.com/wordplay.

Crosswords for young solvers: nytimes.com/learning/xwords.

730 SLOPE - $279,000. New - Must See! 4BR/3BA, gameroom, computer area, custom tile shower, granite countertops, wood & tile. MLS# 10251178 Linda Roster White Real Estate, 501-730-1100 or 501-6791103.

Greenbrier 17 WESTGLEN COVE - 3BR/2.5BA in Cherry Creek subdivision.

Two-story home on quiet cul-desac. Move-in condition, motivated seller! New floors, appliances, air & hardwood floors. Call Cornelia Rossi, Coldwell Banker RPM, 501-231-4226.

5 COUNTRY COVE - $375,000.

5BR/4.5BA country estate.

Perfect for horses! Den w/FP, granite counters in kitchen.

More land available. MLS# 10238516 Linda Roster White Real Estate, 501-730-1100 or 501-679-1103.

Apartment managers

Are first-time home buyers affecting your occupancy levels?

Advertise with Hip Apartment Living. 501.375.2985

REAL ESTATE

by neighborhood www.arktimes.com • june10, 10,2010 2010 37 37 www.arktimes.com • june

Where we’re at n The River City usage scolds have been asquawk lately about crimes against the mother tongue in the local media.

They’ve even cited ol’ moi for a couple of violations — me, a grammar-school salutatorian! — and herewith I rise on a point of personal privilege to demur. To argue that you just can’t go with Miss Thistlebottom every time and still be true to your Arkansas roots.

I’ve got a list of for-instances here to bolster my case, or buttress it, or some damned thing, and if you’ve got a minute you’re welcome to look it over, unless you’ve got more important things to do, like keeping track of trips to the bathroom by your 2,000 closest Facebook friends, and what they accomplished in there, or failed to. So many essential tasks here in Century 21.

What I’m saying, grammatical propriety is often mainly a matter of where you are.

Or, as you’ll see below, where you’re at.

Thus — We don’t have welts in Arkansas, we have whelps. Whelps can either be the little critters like the Duggars have about 40 of, or the hard places you get after a good whupping with a peach-tree switch.

In Arkansas, we don’t have people who are idiosyncratic; we have people who are peculiar. Or tetched.

We serve our holiday birds with dressing,

Bob L ancaster not stuffing.

We don’t worry in Arkansas about a thunderstorm approaching; we worry about a cloud coming up.

We don’t surmise, we reckon.

We don’t have relatives; we have kinfolks. Most of us have an immediate family but we don’t call it that; many of us call it “Momma ‘n’ ’em.”

We don’t look wan; we looked peaked.

Pronounced pee-kid. Similar to nekkid. As a jaybird. (See below.)

We don’t have bluejays. (See above.)

We don’t have opossums. And we usually de-rac our coons. Otherwise we’d have raccoondogs, which would be disconcerting.

Cattle here do not low.

We don’t have slacks; we have britches.

We don’t ask telephone callers where they are; we ask them where they’re at.

In Arkansas, we call our white bread light bread. And whole milk sweet milk.

We don’t have sofas; we have couches.

Pap called the only one he ever owned a

divanette, a diminutive of the old-fashioned divan, I suppose, and it didn’t sound like an affectation coming from him. Sounded sorta odd, though.

We have a lot of something in Arkansas that we call chicken fertilizer that people in other places usually call a synonym for cowardly.

You don’t stub your toe in Arkansas, you stump your toe.

We don’t have gazebos in Arkansas; we have sheds. We don’t have wetlands; we have bottoms.

We don’t get boils in Arkansas; we get risons.

When it’s lying in Arkansas, but it’s not very serious, and it doesn’t hurt anybody, we call it storying. Mommas often accuse their young’uns of storying.

A right smart of something is neither right nor smart.

We don’t have pecan pie; we have Karo nut.

We aren’t stubborn in Arkansas — but we can be contrary.

We don’t eat many of what are elsewhere called delicacies; we do often use them for fishbait, though.

People elsewhere have wakes; we have visitation.

We don’t have dentures in Arkansas; we have false teeth.

A winch in Arkansas is not a woman; it’s something you get your vehicle unstuck with.

The premier manufacturer of optical encoder-based positioning equipment for the space, military, and range/instrumentation markets, BEIPSSC‘s high-tech, state-of-the-art facility produces thousands of reliable sensor systems for critical applications each and every year.

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BOARD VACANCY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS CENTRAL ARKANSAS WATER The Board of Commissioners, Central Arkansas Water (CAW), is seeking letters of interest and resumés from North Little Rock residents interested in serving on the Board. CAW is the largest public water supplier in the state of Arkansas and serves the Greater Little Rock-North Little Rock area. The water commissioners have full and complete authority to manage, operate, improve, extend, and maintain the water works and distribution system and have full and complete charge of the water plan.

The governing board consists of seven members who serve seven-year terms in accordance with Ark. Code Ann. § 25-20301, the Board must consist of four residents of Little Rock and three residents of North Little Rock. The current vacancy is for a North Little Rock representative. CAW is committed to diversity and inclusiveness in all areas of our operations and on the CAW Board of Commissioners. All interested North Little Rock residents are encouraged to apply and should submit a letter of interest and resumé no later than 12:00 p.m. (noon) Monday, June 21, 2010 to: Board of Commissioners,Central Arkansas Water c/o Becky Wahlgreen, Director of Human Resources P.O. Box 1789 Little Rock, AR 72203 Telephone: 501-377-1357 june 2010 • ARKAnSAS TIMeS 38 June 10,10, 2010 • ARKANSAS TIMES

Employment Field Workers-2 temporary positions; approx 6 _ months; Duties: to operate tractors during the preparation and maintenance of the ornamental crop before, during and after the harvesting season. $9.10 per hour; Job to begin on 7/12/10 through 1/31/11.

3 month experience required in job offered. 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 Latiolais Farms of Parks, Inc. located in Breaux Bridge, LA. Applicants may send resume to Richard Latiolais at 337-442-6237using job order number 354407.

Field Workers-5 temporary positions; approx 10 months; Duties: to operate tractors during the preparation and maintenance of the crop fields before, during and after the harvesting season. $9.10 per hour; Job to begin on 7/7/10 through 4/1/11. 3 months experience required in job offered. 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 Wilson Terry Farms located in Franklin, LA. Qualified applicants may fax resume to Will Terry at 337-924-7275 using job #354382.

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Telecommunications Analyst

Heifer Int’l, a global, dynamic, non-profit org w/a compelling mission to alleviate world hunger & poverty is seeking an individual to review, analyze, evaluate & maintain the org’s telecommunication systems, Blackberry Administration & to ensure the integrity of all voice related equipment & its associated network connections; develop appropriate & cost-effective telecommunications solutions, assist with support calls; coordinate work changes; & administer telecommunications assets. Closing date 6/23. For more info about our org, this & other positions as well as online application visit blocked::http://www.heifer.org/careers.

HEIFER INT’L IS AN EOE/AA EMPLOYER BY CHOICE.

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LASSIFIED LASSIFIED

We have more yards than lawns.

Vehicles instead of automobiles.

Buzzards instead of vultures. Pastures instead of meadows. We don’t crouch near as much as we hunker.

You don’t get honoraria in Arkansas, but you might get a love offering if you tell ‘em what they want to hear.

We have both woodpeckers and peckerwoods, but only one of them is a bird.

We don’t have yens, we have hankerings.

We don’t have breakfast, lunch and dinner; we have breakfast, dinner, and supper — and while we don’t have tea-time, a lot of our eating places have the Early Bird.

We don’t have crayfish; we call them something else. Go into an Arkansas restaurant and order crayfish and two things will be assumed about you. (1)You’re gay. (2) You’re not from around here.

We have a place at an undetermined distance where a lot of things are located at. It’s called yonder. Another place often mentioned but apparently unmapped is tarnation. Somebody named Sam Hill or Sam Hell lives there.

We don’t admit to something; we own up to it.

Little people aren’t called shrimps as much as they’re called warts. People who worry a lot are worry-warts. And a person who pesters you is often said to be warting you, whether or not the pest is a little wart or a worry-wart or has warts.

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BEAUTIFUL, VACANT LOTS FOR SALE $35,000 EACH WEST CENTRAL LITTLE ROCK, AR

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KINSINGTON PLACE LOTS:(Regent Cir. Lot #101, next to 9924 Regent Cir) (Dartmouth Lot #108, next to 32 Dartmouth) (Dartmouth Lot #107, next to Lot 106) (Dartmouth Lot #108, next to Lot #107)(Dartmouth Lot #109, next to Lot #108) (Dartmouth Lot #110, next to Lot #109) (Dartmouth Lot #111, next to Lot #110) ((Dartmouth Lot #112, next to 48 Dartmouth) (Lichfield Lot #128, next to 10000 Lichfield) (Dartmouth Lot #143, next to 55 D a r t m o u t h ) ( 6 9 Dartmouth, Lot #195)(Sussex Lot $206, next to 3410 Sussex)(Sussex Lot #208, next to 3514 Sussex)(92 Dartmouth Lot #221). We also have lots available in TWIN LAKES: Leo Ct. 2517. (Lot#627); (Leo Ct. 2519, Lot #629) (Alicia Ct. 2513, Lot #665) (Lehigh Dr. Lot #683, next to 2507 Lehigh) (Lehigh Dr. & Lyndella Ct. Lot #684)(Lyndella Ct. Lot #691, next to 9204 Lyndella Ct.) Start building your dream home today.

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Arkansas Times • June 10, 2010 39