Arkansas Times

ARKANSAS’S WEEKLY NEWSPAPER OF POLITICS AND CULTURE ■ february 25, 2010

www.arktimes.com

July 12, 2007

black history?

You want

LR’s Annie Abrams has lived it.

By Leslie Newell Peacock

page 11

IN THE WORLD OF NEUROSCIENCES, ST. VINCENT IS THE LEADING DESTINATION. ANNOUNCING THE ARKANSAS NEUROSCIENCE INSTITUTE AT ST. VINCENT

Some of the most respected neurosurgeons in the world have created a unique resource in partnership with St. Vincent – one with a truly international scope: the Arkansas Neuroscience Institute. These skilled physicians and their colleagues are experts in a variety of neurological conditions and advanced treatment options. Working together, we’re attracting patients from around the globe – and generating opportunities for the brightest minds – right here in Arkansas. By providing this level of expert care, St. Vincent is once again demonstrating our dedication to serving our community and the world.

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A judge thinks the state Game and Fish Commission should get to keep the millions it’s received in gas lease revenues, rather than share the bounty with the state.

James Dockery of Little Rock filed suit in Pulaski Circuit Court last year, saying Game and Fish had no right to lease state lands and that the $32.2 million Chesapeake Energy paid Game and Fish should go into the state general revenue fund. Chesapeake paid the money for drilling rights on 11,500 acres in the Petit Jean and Gulf Mountain wildlife management areas. Game and Fish agreed to set the money aside in a special fund and not spend it until Circuit Judge James Moody Jr. entered a final order in the case.

Game and Fish lawyer Jim Goodhart said Monday that Moody has asked the agency to draw up a proposed order to dismiss the case. A hearing was held on the agency’s motion to dismiss on Dec. 7. The agency is drafting the order now and expects to file it by week’s end or next week. An appeal in the case is likely.

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U.S. attorney coming

Little Rock lawyers have been contacted by the Justice Department in what appears to be the final vetting process leading up to the nomination of Michael Barnes to be U.S. attorney in Little Rock.

He’s a lawyer with Wright, Lindsey and Jennings and son of a federal judge. No word yet on a nomination from the president for the U.S. attorney opening in the western district of Arkansas. Three federal judgeships in Arkansas also are awaiting nominations.

The missing divorces

Inquiring minds want to know why the list of Pulaski County divorces has been absent from the pages of the Arkansas DemocratGazette. Deputy Editor Frank Fellone assures it’s not a product of space reductions and that the feature will be returning.

“I am told by one of our city editors that the county is using a different system to organize that information,” Fellone says. “I don’t know if it’s hardware or software, but apparently our clerks are having trouble accessing the divorces. The change-over has flummoxed us a bit, but we expect to figure that out pronto and get those divorces back in the paper and, in fact, we’ll backtrack a little, because it’s been awhile.”

The list of failed marriages is “avidly read,” Fellone said. “People probably read them for the same reason people slow down to look at a car accident on the side of the road.”

Scott Price, Pulaski County chief deputy clerk, says there have been some delays in getting all the data converted to the new Contexte software system, but they should be resolved by the end of this week.

Grease and oil build up is responsible for 70-80% of dry weather overflows, and we are providing aluminum cans with heat-resistant liners for the residents to dispose of their grease and oils.

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When it’s full, close the bag and dump it in the trash can.

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Never flush, rinse or wash this stuff down the drain: n Medication (pills, creams, etc.) n Most automotive fluids n Car wax n Most paint, glue, and thinner n Poison and/or insecticide n Kerosene and/or lighter fluid n Oven, floor and furniture cleaner n Primer n Fertilizer n Nail, shoe and/or metal polish n Battery acid n Fiberglass Epoxy n Photographic chemicals n Moth balls

Little Rock residents can request a free Can the Grease© starter kit by calling 501-688-1400 For more information contact Brenda Willis at 501-688-1490 or Joseph Schaffner at 501-688-1449 or email us at customerassistance@lrwu.com www.arktimes.com • february 25, 2010 3

Smart talk

Contents A whiter shade of pale

hot ticket: Fillie faceoff at Oaklawn.

Winning tickets at Oaklawn n Excitement is huge about the April 9 Apple Blossom Stakes at Oaklawn Park thanks to the $5 million purse Oaklawn owner Charles Cella has put up to match the country’s top fillies, Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta.

Some lucky ticket holders are already cashing in on the race. They are people holding $2.50 grandstand seats for that racing day, the second to last of the live racing season. EBay auctions for the seats have been lively, with the first 36 closed deals recorded on eBay reflecting an average ticket price of $225. Many tickets remain on offer, some with owners seeking $500 and $600 each. You can still count on watching the race from the rail, if you’re pushy enough, for $2.

The wisdom of Wooldridge n A liberal blog, Blue Arkansas, couldn’t help but notice First District congressional candidate Tim Wooldridge’s tout of his board membership in the Families First Foundation.

It’s supported by Church of Christ congregations and crusades on a variety of social issues — abortion, gambling, alcohol and same-sex marriage. Its aversion to homosexuality includes a statement endorsing “wise, informed discrimination” against homosexuals. In employment? Housing? Association? Criminal prosecution? The statement doesn’t specify, but it’s unpleasant to contemplate. Says Families First: “Are Christians guilty of discrimination because of a refusal to tolerate homosexuality? No. There is a difference in wise,

9 New look

n Obituaries for segregationist Jim Johnson, who took his life last week at 85, noted the name he’d given his Beaverfork Lake home, Whitehaven. WHITEHAVEN: The Clintons’ D.C. home.

It was a thumb in the eye of critics of his politics, Johnson said, a way to tell them “to kiss my ass.”

Who knew that another famous Arkansas politician of decidedly different political stripe occupied a home known as Whitehaven? We are indebted to UCA archivist Jimmy Bryant for this information. In 2000, President Bill and Hillary Clinton bought a home for post-presidential occupation in Washington near Embassy Row for $2.85 million. It, too, is known as Whitehaven. Not to worry about messages. The home is on Whitehaven Street and journalists long ago concluded that was the obvious derivation of the home’s name.

Clinton probably is safe from criticism, too, for having lived in the White House.

informed discrimination and prejudice! Discrimination against what is bad is necessary for the preservation of good. Did past cultures that practiced discrimination know something the current culture should learn? Unless truth has surfaced to discount the social policies of the past, then a similar discrimination against homosexuality and for heterosexuality appears needful for the social good.”

Wooldridge is the former legislator who once introduced a bill to bring back public hangings — a youthful indiscretion, he now says. He’s also a paid lobbyist for the Arkansas Association of Public Universities. Members include the University of Arkansas, which has an explicit policy AGAINST discrimination on account of sexual orientation. Doesn’t apply to contractors like Wooldridge, presumably.

3 • The Insider

4 • Smart Talk

5 • The Observer

6 • Letters

8 • Orval 9-14 • News

16 • Opinion

23 • Arts & Entertainment

37 • Dining

45 • Crossword/ Tom Tomorrow

46 • Lancaster

A University of Arkansas architecture project, combined with neighborhood redevelopers, is bringing a contemporary modular home to the Quapaw Quarter area. — By Leslie Newell Peacock

10 Busy is as busy does

Annie Abrams might be the Forrest Gump of contemporary Arkansas black history. She’s seen it all. And at 78, she hasn’t slowed down. — By Leslie Newell Peacock

37 American as a bar and grill

Rockston’s American Bar and Grill is Jerry Barakat’s latest try at restaurant diversity and it lives up to its name. — Dining

Departments

Words n “After spending five nights in jail, the Jaguars cut Jones on March 16.” The jail must have been crowded, with a whole football team in there.

This is an example of a misplaced modifier, or dangler, as it’s sometimes called. The writer intended to say that after Jones spent five nights in jail, the Jaguars cut him. (A pretty rough week for Jones.) But the modifying phrase isn’t properly attached to the noun it’s supposed to modify.

Garner’s Modern American Usage gives an example of a dangler – “Watching from the ground below, the birds flew ever higher until they disappeared.”

“Usually,” he says, “recasting the sentence will remedy the ambiguity, illogic, or incoherence: ‘Watching from the ground below, we saw the birds fly higher until they disappeared.’ ” 4 february 25, 2010 • Arkansas Times

Doug s mith doug@arktimes.com

Garner says further that “In the normal word order, a participial phrase beginning a sentence (‘Walking down the street’) should be directly followed by the noun acting as subject in the main clause (‘I saw the house’). When that word order is changed, as by changing the verb in the main clause to the passive voice, the sentence becomes illogical or misleading: ‘Walking down the street, the house was seen.’ ” n A letter to the editor of the ArkansasDemocrat Gazette, concerning preserva-

tion of Bobwhite Quail, took an unexpected turn.

Arkansas’s early history shows the need to protect native species, the writer says. Arkansas was once home, “to an estimated 25 million Common Snark,” he says. “These birds suffered due to over hunting, predation and habitat destruction.” No longer, he says, can we “thrill to the sight of waves of these vermillion birds darkening the sun as they fly to roost.”

The only snark I know of is the one created by Lewis Carroll in his 19th century poem, “The Hunting of the Snark.”

And it was decidedly uncommon. “They sought it with thimbles, they sought it with care, they pursued it with forks and hope; They threatened its life with a railway share, they charmed it with smiles and soap.”

VOLUME 36, NUMBER 25 ARKANSAS TIMES (ISSN 0164-6273) is published each week by Arkansas Times Limited Partnership, 201 East Markham Street, 200 Heritage Center West, P.O. Box 34010, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72203, phone (501) 375-2985. Periodical postage paid at Little Rock, Arkansas, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ARKANSAS TIMES, P.O. Box 34010, Little Rock, AR, 72203. Subscription prices are $42 for one year, $78 for two years. Subscriptions outside Arkansas are $49 for one year, $88 for two years. Foreign (including Canadian) subscriptions are $168 a year. For subscriber service call (501) 375-2985.

Current single-copy price is 75¢, free in Pulaski County. Single issues are available by mail at $2.50 each, postage paid. Payment must accompany all single-copy orders. Reproduction or use in whole or in part of the contents without the written consent of the publishers is prohibited. Manuscripts and artwork will not be returned or acknowledged unless sufficient return postage and a self-addressed stamped envelope are included. All materials are handled with due care; however, the publisher assumes no responsibility for care and safe return of unsolicited materials. All letters sent to ARKANSAS TIMES will be treated as intended for publication and are subject to ARKANSAS TIMES’ unrestricted right to edit or to comment editorially.

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FOR INFORMATION OR SUBSCRIPTIONS CALL 501-375-2985

The Observer went in search

of the Mifflin Gibbs exhibit at the Arkansas Studies Institute last week, and with the help of a kind person there found our way to a hidden mezzanine gallery. It’s too bad it was hard to find — though maybe it was our own ditziness that was the trouble — because we discovered a nice little package of print and art that informed us about the prominent black citizen of 19th century Little Rock and we would hate for folks to miss it.

Mifflin Wistar (or “Whisker,” as a young student understood) Gibbs was more a citizen of the world, of course, which is what “Local History Goes to School: Traveling the World with Mifflin Wistar Gibbs” is all about. Gibbs students studied about and wrote up the text for panels about Gibbs. They wrote poetry and made drawings and clay figurines to illustrate the story of the man their school is named for. We knew next to nothing about Gibbs before we went to the exhibit, but the elementary schoolkids of Gibbs taught us a few things.

We learned that the native Philadelphian (born free in 1823, when Southern African-Americans were slaves, and mentored by the abolitionist Frederick Douglass), took a steamboat to California to make his living; then moved to British Columbia, where he made a fortune; and then moved to Little Rock in that brief enlightened period after the Civil War, where he practiced law. He lived, according to an Arkansas Gazette article of the time, in one of the finest houses in the city and was the speaker at a banquet held in President Ulysses S. Grant’s honor. He was appointed consul to Madagascar in 1897 by President William McKinley.

The panels of information are punctuated by the students’ relief prints of steamboats, pen and ink wash drawings of the First Missionary Baptist Church in Little Rock, stunning pen and watercolor scenes of the Madagascar jungle (see “Rainforest” by Evan Greenfield and “Mother Earth” by Julian Kresse), and, in a long-standing Gibbs’ art class tradition, a wonderful banquet scene crafted in clay, with figures representing events and people in Gibbs’ life — Douglass, his family, Gibbs’ dog, President Grant, at round tables set with little clay plates of clay food. The scene was a group project by Susan Purvis’ fifth grade art students, another in a long line of terrific

projects celebrating various cultures. Dr. Kristin Dutcher Mann, a mom who is also a history professor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, wrote a grant for funding. Students, teachers, parents, art, history … there’s some smart stuff going on over at Gibbs.

(Now, what was that you said about art education? That it’s a frill? This exhibit will change your mind.)

Maybe it’s the fact that The

Observer became accustomed to (not to mention pretty good at) sliding across ice in order to navigate The Observatory driveway. Or maybe it’s because we spent an inordinate amount of time behind a shuffleboard table in our old college days. Regardless, we’ve found ourselves strangely — and helplessly — drawn to Olympic curling over the last two weeks.

And it seems we’re not the only ones. According to a press release by adbuying firm Magna Global, curling was the most watched sport on cable television last week. This, thanks in very, very small part to the dedication of The Observer and neighborhood friends.

But our addiction to the sport may be getting out of hand. The more we watch the tense, hypnotic event, the more we want to try it for ourselves.

We called our Canadian friend who has extensive experience on the ice (and even more experience in the penalty box) for his take on curling.

“Oh yeah. I tried it once. We thought it’d be a blast, but after an hour my buddies and I were just sore and angry: our shoulders were inflamed from the sweeping and we were irritated with each other for not being able to land a single shot. You guys can’t even drive in the snow, much less play shuffleboard on it. Stick to kickball, Arkie.”

We then reminded him that USA beat Canada 5-3 in hockey, but it was okay because they’re a shoo-in for men’s figure skating gold. Then he muttered a cuss word and hung up.

Next we called Arkansas Skatium on Bowman to see if they had any leagues.

Or, for that matter, any interest in them as of late. They said there have been “a few” calls, but no curling leagues “yet.”

In the meantime, The Observer will invest a bit of hope in that well placed “yet.”

Watch out, 2014.

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Letters arktimes@arktimes.com

LR drivers Tommy Durham’s cartoon Feb. 4 depicts issues that are raw nerves for most Little Rock drivers. Over the past few years I have driven in several cities including New York, Atlanta, and Houston. I put Little Rock second on my list of unpleasant places to drive.

Houston is on the top. It seems to me that on I-430 and I-630 NASCAR rules apply.

If a driver can squeeze a bumper in front of a car then he (or she) has the right of way.

If a driver puts a turn signal on, indicating a wish to change lanes, this only incites the desire of nearby drivers to cut them off.

It’s worse here than NASCAR. NASCAR drivers don’t spit or throw fast food rubbish out of their windows while playing bumper tag at 180 mph. Big SUVs and high-end sedans seem to be the cars that I dislike the most; especially when I see them 12 inches off my rear bumper.

Three weeks ago I was trying to go from I-430 to I–630 and got caught out in the center lane and figured I would have to go up to Rodney Parham and come back.

Part of the NASCAR rules forbid giving a person a break even if their turn signal is on and they obviously need to change lanes.

A big Escalade that was behind me slowed down and gave me space to move into the

turn lane. Kudos to you, polite driver!

Later I was going south on I-430 and wanted to get off at the Col. Glenn exit.

Again I had not made my move soon enough. A lady in a big new Cadillac sedan slowed down to let me in. Kudos to her! Last week I was desirous of turning left across Markham from a parking lot and the situation seemed hopeless. I could feel the drivers behind me getting impatient as if they were waiting for the green flag to drop at Daytona. A man driving a Navigator slowed down to let me out. Kudos to him!

Each of these drivers turned a frustrating situation into a pleasant one. I’ve tried to pass the good feelings along as I wait to see the driver of a Hummer make someone’s day a little better.

Ralph Hammond Little Rock

Peace by Piece I have been following from afar the news articles about the Peace by Piece Conference in Searcy. As a former Arkansas native and a Christian fellowshipping with folks of the Churches of Christ, I would like to make a few observations.

The Harding administration, it seems to me, has not done anything to criticize in declining to host the conference. If the conference organizers had insisted that a synagogue or mosque provide a venue for this, no one would question those communities of faith having a right to decline,

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based on philosophical differences.

The student organizers said a lot about differences in goals and the lack of understanding on the part of the administration.

Perhaps that goes two ways. This and other Christian colleges have promoted helping the poor and daring to live out Jesus’ words. Thirty years ago, I remember college students from a Church of Christ school who were encouraged to work at Camp Shiloh in New York state with inner city kids. The counselors decided these kids needed more than a one- or twoweek good experience, so they moved into these kids’ dangerous neighborhoods. One of these young persons was murdered as they came home from work one day. This sounds to me very much like what Peace by Piece organizers want their college mentors to encourage.

I have known Harding faculty (and employees of other Church of Christ colleges) who have gone and lived what these students are talking about doing. Because of them, I myself moved to a third-world country for a few years and worked. I remember first coming to Pleasant Valley Church of Christ in LR as a teen and being blown away by the wonderful example of many adults who practiced what they preached. In the almost 40 years I have been associated with the Churches of Christ I’ve seen numerous acts of generosity, practical loving action, and sacrifice.

I hope that these student organizers of

the Peace by Piece Conference go on to do many of the great things they planned.

But I hope they will not take piecemeal Jesus’ teachings — throwing away knowledge of God and salvation — which are foundational to the peace, love and justice they wish to promote.

Nancy Mullen Westport, Mass.

Dishonest TV ads You might have seen television ads sponsored by a group called the Committee for Truth in Politics. The ad is against H.R. 4173, and claims that it gives Wall Street and big banks $4 trillion in bailouts. I was appalled. Fortunately, I had access to the Internet and looked up what this dreadful H.R. 4173 actually said. I was surprised to find it was the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2009. It’s the legislation that protects consumers from being ripped off by credit card companies and puts restrictions on the banks and Wall Street to make it illegal for them to play fast and loose with depositors and investors funds.

The ad is a total lie.

I looked up information about the Committee for Truth in Politics. They won’t reveal who or what footed the bill for dozens of TV ads that attempt to mislead people.

Do you think it might be Wall Street, the big banks and the credit card companies?

Janet King Mountain View

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8 february 25, 2010 • arkansas Times

The WEEK THAT was Feb. 17-23, 2010

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 ■

■

■­

It was a GOOD week for …

BLACK FARMERS. The government has agreed to pay $1.25 billion to settle a long-running discrimination suit against the USDA. PROSECUTOR STEVE OLIVER of Hot Springs. He reiterated that he intends to charge a Garland County man in the fatal shooting of a man he said was riding off on his ATV. Citizeninitiated capital punishment for theft is still not allowed in Arkansas, no matter what many who’ve commented on the case think.

The state BOARD OF EDUCATION. It declined to approve an expansion of an elementary charter school (e-Stem in Little Rock) that was on the academic watch list for insufficient scores for black and poor students. That’s what accountability is supposed to be about.

Shame on board members who want to rubberstamp anything that has the word “charter” on it.

It was a bad week for …

The UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS FOR MEDICAL SCIENCES. Officials told the legislature that the university’s new hospital is still running in the red after a number of cost cuts and needs to hire a consultant to figure out a way to operate profitably.

JOHN MILLS, the former CEO of now-defunct Affiliated Foods, who pleaded guilty to a check kiting scheme aimed at keeping the grocery wholesaler in business.

JOHN DAVID LINDSEY. The son of former Hog football star and prominent developer Jim Lindsey filed a personal bankruptcy with liabilities of $100 million to $500 million, ten times his assets. The tangle of business deals, when disclosed, seems likely to reveal a trove of information about the Northwest Arkansas boom and bust.

REP. KEITH INGRAM. The West Memphis lawmaker proposed to slash Lt. Gov. Bill Halter’s budget and force him to lay off three of four staff members. He was just doing dirty work, most likely, in behalf of U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln, who might face a challenge from Halter. Known mostly for his special interest local legislation, Ingram had a lot of nerve.

NEW LOOK: A contemporary look for an older neighborhood.

Up with Pettaway UA students design home for downtown CDC.

By Leslie Newell Peacock

soy-based insulation from a Fayetteville n The Pettaway neighborhood south of company, and double-paned glass from MacArthur Park will, within a matter Ace Glass in Little Rock. All that glass of months, get a taste of Frank Lloyd means the Scotts won’t have to use as Wright. A couple will get an affordable, much electricity to light the house. Their energy-saving new house. University of appliances will be high-efficiency, their Arkansas architecture students will see a water heater an on-demand type. A white year-long project come to fruition. And roof will reflect the sun in summer. the Downtown Little Rock Community The house should be finished out in Development Commission, the prime May. The Scotts will pay mover in the downtown $109,500. rehabilitation project, The goal was to Scott Grummer, hopes to repeat the process next year, too. teach students DLRCDC director, said the house is one of four Quincy and Stephanie to design a the CDC is currently Scott’s home at 1519 sustainable, building in the neighCommerce St., being borhood. One is going sold to them by the urban house DLRCDC, is being fabthat was small up across the street from the Scott lot on Comricated in modular form enough to save merce and the CDC in a Fayetteville warehouse. Fourth and fifth on utilities but will break ground on a year Architecture School designed to feel house next door to the Scott lot. A third, at 510 students, working with “gracious.”

E. 18th St., a couple of the homeowners, came blocks away, is being up with a 1,200-squarefinished out now. foot wood-and-glass contemporary simiThat’s a change of pace for the CDC, lar in overall shape to a cereal box on its which under previous directors had built side. Spaced slats on the side and top of a only six houses over seven years. Grumdeep front porch let in light but keep out mer said the CDC is now aligned with rain; half the porch is screened by more the Neighborhood Assistance Corp. of tightly placed slats for privacy and accesAmerica, which does credit counseling, sible only from inside the house. Front home ownership education and budgetand back walls are glass, revealing the ing with the CDC’s clients. NACA also living area (and making it impossible to underwrites the mortgages, made by the approach the house unobserved). BuildBank of America. The CDC uses federal ing materials include local Eastern cedar,

grants made available by the city to buy down the interest on the mortgages at the front end, so that interest rates over the 30-year term of the mortgage are as low as 1 percent. Centennial Bank is providing the construction loan on the UA house.

The DLRCDC does not limit its work to low-income buyers. “We’re no different than any other developer out there,” Grummer said. “We can build any type of house we want to.”

The lot at 1519 Commerce St. illustrates the difficulties in getting clear title to vacant lots or abandoned homes and get released from liens. The state Land Commissioner donated the lot to the DLRCDC, which then, with the help of state and federal relief and state agencies, was able to lift $500,000 in liens attached to the land.

Michael Hughes, the associate architecture professor at the UA who led the students, said the goal was to teach students to design a sustainable, urban house that was small enough to save on utilities but designed to feel “gracious.” Working with the Scotts, who wanted a contemporary home, students collaborated to come up with the home’s key feature, a combined living, dining and kitchen area that is 20 feet wide and 38 feet long.

The home will also have a courtyard in back and be landscaped with native and drought-tolerant plants in a way that ties into the neighborhood “so it doesn’t feel like it was dropped there,” Hughes said.

The modular scheme used to build the Scotts’ home plan can be modified — stacked for a narrow lot, added on to for a larger home. “Our goal in the partnership [with the DLRCDC] is to do one of these a year,” Hughes said. www.arktimes.com • february 25, 2010 9

Italy 2010

Paul’s Journey to Rome Rome • Vatican city • assisi • FloRence • Venice • siene • Pisa • VeRona

Join Pastor Steven Tiner on a 10-day journey to Italy. Our journey begins on Sept. 14, 2010.

For brochures or information, contact steventiner@levybaptist.com or call (501) 753-7347

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10 february 25, 2010 • arKaNSaS TIMeS

Sarah gets her gun And a ricochet to history.

By Jaman matthews

his eponymous firearm, the first practical n Sarah Palin has another gun—a Henry lever-action repeating rifle, in 1860. This Big Boy .44 Magnum lever-action rifle, is true. The mistake is to infer a direct linstamped with a unique serial number: eage between the 19th century inventor PALIN-001. Engraved with the words, “Presented to Sarah Palin, February 16, 2010, Arkansas Republican Party,” the rifle was a gift to the former Alaska governor, who headlined a Republican Party fundraiser last week at Verizon Arena in North Little Rock.

Palin made note of the gift in the opening lines of her speech. “I scored a .44 Magnum.

It’s beautiful, and I thank you,” she told the crowd, as if the people of Arkansas IN NLR: Sarah Palin speaks to GOP fund-raiser in NLR. themselves had bored and the 21st century gun maker. the barrel, carved the stock and engraved Henry Repeating Arms only started the brass receiver. business in 1996. Imperato agreed that The man responsible for the donatthere was no specific family connection ed rifle was a New Jerseyite, Anthony back to the rifle maker of the 1860s. “It Imperato, president of Henry Repeating was a name that was laying there dorArms Company in Bayonne (his family mant,” Imperato said of the Henry name. once operated an arms company in Jack“We didn’t have to purchase it. We just sonville). He presented the one-of-a-kind trademarked the name because nobody gun to Palin in a backstage ceremony had the rights to it.” before her speech.

Firearms historian Tim Garrett put it There was at least one other gun in the more bluntly in an e-mail: “The only relabuilding that night. On one of the silenttion that current Henry brand rifles have auction tables flanking the speaker’s dais, to the originals is their name and the shiny past a photo of Ronald Reagan and a brass finish.” photo of Palin framed together and titled When companies engage in this sort “Voices of Conservatism,” was another of historical elision, it’s called branding; Henry rifle. It was exactly like Palin’s but when political parties do it, it’s called with its own distinct serial number: GOPrevisionist history. When individuals do 001. it, it’s called wishful thinking. The idea Backstage before the speech, Imperais to associate a noble pedigree, omitting to stood at a waist-high cocktail table in references to contradictions and gaps in the windowless VIP area, waiting for his the record. chance to present the rifle to Palin. Asked Palin’s speech Tuesday night was an why he was donating the guns, Imperato exercise in wishful thinking. She cited said, “I’m just a nice guy.”

Teddy Roosevelt and Reagan as her An event volunteer, Patrick Rhodes, political ancestors, and constructed a stepped in to steer Imperato’s answer. “If personal narrative that glossed over her I could put words in your mouth, ‘What abbreviated governorship and yet still better way to emphasize our support of put her in the camp of the “real, hardthe Second Amendment?’ ” working Americans.” If anyone can Between the two of them, they went on appreciate Henry Repeating Arms’ linkto link Palin to Abraham Lincoln, “who age with a noble past for current gain, was a Republican” and who also owned a it’s Palin.

Henry rifle (serial number 006).

The gift was a double-barreled sucHere, the genealogy gets tricky. Leave cess in that way. Henry now can claim aside the differences between the Repubboth Palin and Lincoln as part of its herilican Party of Lincoln’s day and the modtage. Palin was provided a rifle with both ern Republican Party and stick with the stopping power and a link to Honest Abe, Henry rifle even if the route there was not exactly Imperato, and the company’s Web site, straight shooting. say that Benjamin Tyler Henry invented

miss annie advises: Gov. Beebe, at Kitchen Express; President Obama, at Beebe fundraiser; and Blanche Lincoln, at the Martin Luther King Day Marade.

Living witness When it comes to Arkansas black history, Annie Abrams has just about seen it all.

By Leslie Newell Peacock

I

n an illustrated history of signal African-American events in the past half century, one person would be always in the picture: Annie Mable McDaniel Abrams.

She’d be by Daisy Bates’ side in a tableau of the 1957 crisis. Presenting Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller a gift of buttermilk in 1971. In Little Rock’s Martin Luther King Marade, which she founded in 1986. Whispering into Bill Clinton’s ear, as she was in an Associated Press photograph. Whispering into Blanche

Lincoln’s ear, in another. And Gov. Mike Beebe’s, in a third.

At age 78, retired from a career in education for 17 years, she’s still very much on the scene, representing the Coalition of Greater Little Rock Neighborhoods at Little Rock Board of Directors meetings, challenging state Lottery Director Ernie Passailaigue at a Political Animals lunch, attending benefits for Our House, on whose board she sits. At lectures at the Clinton School of Public Service, where she’s known as Little Rock’s Helen

Thomas because she’s sure to ask a question. (She's known as "Miss Annie" otherwise.)

You can find her in video form, as well, throwing her support to Democrats seeking state and national office, on their campaign websites.

Abrams is herself a walking, talking history book. It’s history in an often circuitous form — this reporter recently asked her something about the Democratic Black Caucus and got a lecture on how political interest groups evolve before the caucus came back into the conversation.

(She often recalls how her late husband, Orville, used to remark on how she could pick up where she left off after long digressions.)

But Abrams doesn’t live in the past.

She’s current on the issues of today, and the go-to person for state and local poliContinued on page 12 www.arktimes.com • february 25, 2010 11

abrams

Continued from page 11 ticians. Like Mayor Mark Stodola, who says she’s refreshingly “engaged.” While some who fight the good fight burn out, “she’s just the opposite.”

As Rodney Slater, her friend and former Secretary of Transportation in the Clinton administration, says, she’s got a finger “on top of the pulse of the community.”

If it’s hard to point a finger to Abrams’ individual achievements, it’s because her impact has been as a voice, expressing, in every forum, the many concerns of the people. Perennially described as an “activist” and a “neighborhood leader” in newspaper articles (or “Little Rock’s own dear Annie Abrams” on the Democrat-Gazette editorial page), Abrams says her real contribution is communicating “the big picture, the long-term impact on future generations” of today’s actions.

“It’s very hard to reduce Annie to the written page,” said Kathy Wells, a long-time activist who will succeed Abrams as president of the Coalition of Greater Little Rock Neighborhoods. “She is a treasure that is not sufficiently recognized in the work of improving our community.” Wells’ word for Abrams: “In all capital letters, FACILITATOR.” Another word would be advisor. She once told Stodola, who was coming up against resistance during a meeting about the city’s neighborhood revitalization plans, to calm down. She told in geneva: Abr ams represented the YWCA of N him, Stodola recalled, “You were orth American at the U.N. in 19 getting angry. Your face has turned red 78. and you need to stop that.” treat, where president Dale Charles said Governor Beebe, shown getting an he first stop on the tour would be she did a “phenomenal job” in relating the earful from Abrams over lunch at the the foyer of Abrams’ 100-year-old history of the organization and its value.

Kitchen Express, said, “Her leaning over house on Wolfe Street, where photoThe PTA Founder’s Day Luncheon (she and whispering is typical of our relationgraphs of President and Michelle Obama was the first black president of Central’s ship … She’s not bashful about offering and an invitation to a “non-partisan luau” PTA). The King/Kennedy event, where advice and it’s usually good.” He de47th birthday party she threw for Obama the Annie Abrams Community Service scribed her as a “mother tiger. She dewith the help of contributions, including Award would be presented. A racial and fends her cubs, whoever she thinks they some from “rich Republicans,” are discultural workshop, something at the Moare, no matter their color or station. She’ll played on a velveteen settee. But before saic Templars, a ceremony at the Fire Dejump on me and then turn around and dewe started the tour, Abrams talked about partment to honor an old friend, a meeting fend me as one of her cubs.” her personal history. with David Margolick, who’s writing a Abrams says she may be one of the Holding her now-worn baby picture, book about Elizabeth Eckford and Hazel few people to see Beebe cry. She’d told a small snapshot of her in a bonnet and Massery and the famous 1957 photohim he didn’t need to bring up his mothfancy dress, she talked about her grandfagraph. And she had to cook a chicken for er’s hardships on the campaign trail. ther, who raised her after her father died church. after a truck crash on the way to his CCC But somehow, this reporter got in hen you call Annie Abrams on job, and her mother, who sent her to Little the door, and was ushered to the dining the phone, you’re likely to get a Rock at age 13 to get a good education at room table, which is perpetually set with recording, since she’s always out. “Hello, the all black Dunbar High School. china but laden not with food but docuthis is me, Annie Abrams,” she sings out.

Abrams’ grandfather, James Arnold, ments and photographs and other various “Service is the rent we pay to stay on who during his life was a farmer, sawmill ephemera. Abrams had put together a God’s earth. I’m paying my rent. Do you worker and domestic help for two “old folder, and across the top sheet was writhave rent to pay today?” maids, white women,” lived in the black ten “A short introductory tour of Black She’s so busy paying rent that it was Clark County community of Happy Hill History in the private museum home of hard finding a time to meet. There was as a young man. As his granddaughter Annie Mable McDaniel Abrams.” This the Arkansas Fair Housing retreat, the would be, he was a proponent of educareporter isn’t one to turn down an idea on Complete Count Committee of the U.S. tion, persuading the local school board how to structure a story, so we went with Census Bureau meeting, the NAACP reto build a schoolhouse in Happy Hill the flow.

T

W

12 february 25, 2010 • ARKANSAS TIMES

and loaning his mule to teachers to bring them there. “Papa” was himself illiterate; Abrams eventually taught him how to spell his name. One of the women he worked for was a member of the Arkansas Education Association, as Abrams would be one day, a fact she delights in, an illustration of how history turns the tables. “It all comes full circle,” she says.

In 1978, when Abrams was getting ready to go to Geneva, Switzerland, to represent the North American chapter of the YWCA, “Papa” fell ill. He told her to go ahead and go abroad. Abrams says he told her, “My prayers are that you will be somebody someday.” He died shortly after her return.

Abrams might never have been a member of the YWCA, or risen to an elevated status within it, or had a 25-year career with the AEA (after its merger with the black teachers’ group, the Arkansas Teachers Association) or been considered for a job with the National Education Association (one she said Sen. John McClellan put her up for), had her mother, Queen Victoria Annie Katherine Reed, not sent her away from Arkadelphia to Little Rock to attend Dunbar Junior High.

In Arkadelphia, the young Annie had been called out of middle school to substitute when the elementary school’s teachers fell ill. “Mother knew that wasn’t good for me,” Abrams said. So at age 13, Annie McDaniel was sent to live with Herbert Denton, the principal of the old Stephens Elementary, and his wife, Lucille, who was her cousin, in their Ringo Street home. As part of the arrangement, she helped take care of the Dentons’ son, Herbert Denton Jr., who attended Harvard and became the first black city editor of the Washington Post before he died of AIDS in 1989.

Abrams got involved with the YWCA, then at 10th and Gaines streets. “Lucille Gaines thought that was a quality that I needed for social development,” Abrams said. Soon, Abrams said, “I was known as a little leader.” Twenty years later, Abrams would sit on the board of the YWCA, during its big integration push in the 1970s.

I

n 1952, two years after she graduated from Dunbar High, Abrams graduated from Dunbar Junior College and was offered a scholarship to attend Brandeis University in Massachusetts, but it was still too expensive. Instead, she moved to Marianna, where she taught elementary students in a three-room school. The

Brickeys unit of the state’s Department of Correction is there now; there are probably 700 inmates there, Abrams said as an aside, “that can read no more than my third graders.”

Abrams returned to Little Rock in 1956 to work for the Arkansas Teachers Association. She married Orville Abrams and had four children — and then enrolled in Philander Smith. She quickly became involved in Democratic politics, and in the mid-’60s joined a Democratic women’s group campaigning for Republican Winthrop Rockefeller for governor.

Abrams had a story about Rockefeller.

When he left office in 1971, the women Democrats presented him with a cut glass decanter. Abrams didn’t like the gift herself, because she thought it would hurt him to give him something so obviously related to whiskey, which the governor was famously fond of and criticized for.

And when he was presented the decanter, still in its box, he did look pained, guessing at what it contained. Then, Abrams said, she stepped forward and said, “Governor, we’ve filled it with your favorite drink. It’s Bulgarian buttermilk, isn’t it?”

That’s what she’d put in it.

Years later, Abrams got to know Lt. Gov. Winthrop Paul Rockefeller. Lucille Denton, her cousin, had once cared for his son over a weekend when he was little and had taught him to bless his food before a meal. Abrams asked the lieutenant governor to tell that story to disadvantaged parents in a program she coordinated at the Little Rock School District headquarters and though he was painfully shy, he agreed. (District officials, who’d shunted her group from the board room into a downstairs lounge, were shocked when they saw him arrive at the office, she added.)

Sounding a lot like a former president, but infinitely more sincere, Abrams said, “I feel people’s pain.”

Jane Wolfe, the former world president of the YWCA and onetime resident of Little Rock, was instrumental in Abrams’ climb in the Y organization in the 1970s.

“She was just a shining light,” Wolfe said.

Her most notable characteristic was her “enormous love of people and her absolute compassion.”

N

ext to the photograph of President Obama on the settee in the foyer was an autographed reproduction of the front page of a 2004 Chicago Tribune, which featured a large photograph of Barack Obama speaking at the Democratic National Convention. Also on the cover: Annie Abrams’ picture, with a story on delegates to the convention. It was the fifth convention she’d attended. At her first, in 1972, she’d voted for Shirley Chisholm. In 2008, she voted for Obama.

She believes those votes are among the most important things she’s ever done.

Another would be caring for her husband, Orville Abrams Sr., who suffered a

massive stroke in 1970, when their oldest child was only 13. Abrams cared for her husband at home for 25 years; he died in 2000.

Orville Abrams had been a bartender at the Riverdale Country Club, where he’d waited on some of the leaders of the time. One night, she said, the men in the bar were telling University of Arkansas Athletic Director Frank Broyles he was going to lose games unless he put a black man on the Razorbacks team. Broyles told them there was no way he’d do such a thing.

“My husband never forgave Frank Broyles,” Abrams said, though Broyles would eventually relent to the tide of desegregation.

But Orville Abrams had a better relationship with another famous white man he’d see in the bar: Orval Faubus.

Because of their names, Faubus called Orville Abrams “namesake.” After his infamous decision to block the desegregation of Central High School, Faubus told Orville Abrams he was the only bartender he could trust to make his martini without spitting in it.

When Orville Abrams Jr. was born in 1961, his parents gave him the middle name “Eugene.” Abrams says she wasn’t naming her son for the governor, but the coincidence caused him a lot of grief at school.

In the Abramses’ foyer: A copy of “Down from the Hills,” Faubus’ autobiography, a gift from Orville Jr. Abrams said Faubus hoped to go on television in Little Rock to endorse Jesse Jackson for the Democratic National Convention in 1988. But, on the way to the Fayetteville airport to travel to Little Rock, Faubus’ truck broke down and he couldn’t get a ride. “He had a moment to redeem himself,” she said, “but no one would help.” She was sorry about that.

A

brams often grabs a prop from her “private museum” to make a point when she’s talking. She pulled an Obama yard sign from behind a bookcase in the foyer when she explained why she campaigned for Obama rather than Hillary Clinton, though she admires Clinton and would have been pleased to see a woman win the presidency.

“I knew both were capable,” Abrams said. But she thought Hillary Clinton’s campaign was an effort by former President Clinton to go for another four years.

Obama’s election would prove to the world, she said, how far the United States has come.

But Abrams has supported white candidates for public office over blacks, and come in for some criticism as a result. Her support for Jay Barth in his race for the District 34 state Senate seat held from Joyce Elliott has gotten a cool reception by his primary opponent, State Rep. Linda Pondexter Chesterfield, chair of the Continued on page 15

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Continued from page 13 Democratic Black Caucus.

When Abrams endorsed Gov. Mike Beebe’s appointment of Phil Kaplan to chair the Martin Luther King Commission, “People jumped on me because my governor appointed a white man to take a black man’s place,” Abrams said. But Kaplan, a Jew, “knows something about discrimination,” she said.

She defended making the mayor’s job an elected one with real authority, though some thought it would spell the end of City Manager Bruce Moore.

And so she’s been called, she said, an Aunt Nellie, the feminine form of Uncle Tom. But, she added, “at times they think I’m Malcolm X … a militant.”

And there are those who say, she acknowledged, who might say “ ‘I can’t stand her. She’s everywhere. Why does she get so many awards?’ ” There are many who sing her praises, including City Manager Moore. He described her as a “tremendous asset not only to the city but to the state of Arkansas. She approaches everything, whether political topics or community issues, by first looking through the lens of history. … It’s almost a teaching moment in many instances with her.”

Moore threw a party for Abrams on her 78th birthday last year, on Sept. 25. It happens to be his son’s birthday as well.

There were two cakes at City Hall.

At the King/Kennedy dinner of the Black Caucus last week, it fell to Chesterfield to present the Annie Abrams Award for Community Service. It went to Theodoshia Cooper. It all comes full circle.

N

ext on the museum tour: Abrams’ living room, where a television is always on, just as it is in her bedroom.

One is tuned to Fox, the other to CNN. Crowded together on the mantel and other available surfaces are awards — an acrylic pyramid embedded with the Liberty Bell, the “Making of the King Holiday Award,” presented to her by Coretta Scott King in 1993. The Father Joseph Biltz Award of the Just Communities of Central Arkan-

O

munity Development Corp. and the Civil Rights Working Group of the FBI. In a room off the kitchen, Abrams pulls out a drawer in a chest to reveal hundreds of funeral programs. She keeps the program for every funeral she attends, has written many of them, she says. Next drawer, business cards from everyone she’s ever known. In the hallway, an 80-gallon plastic tub full of photographs. Someday, she says, she’s going to write on the back of them so folks will know who’s in the picture. So she doesn’t have to remember where she’s been, she keeps stationery from every hotel she’s stayed in. In a cabinet, old tapes of a Comcast public access channel broadcast of “The State Press in Review.” “I was the Oprah Winfrey of the State Press,” she laughs. abrams at home: Ph otos of the president are pro pped on her couch and hun Come on, she gestures. In a back g from the walls. sas. The Brooks Hays Award for Civil bedroom is another chest of drawers, was, of course, Daisy Bates, the leader Rights Champions. The Philander Smith one each containing her memorabilia in the fight for the integration of Central College Community Service Award. The from cherished trips to Ghana, Hawaii High, and Abrams’ close friend. Abrams Democratic Party Chairman’s Heritage and Egypt. She hopes to go to Japan — supported Bates through thick and thin, Award. A framed thank-you, from Dr. but that will mean a new drawer. the thinnest being the end of her life when Carolyn Ann Smith, the Republican canThere are T-shirts from every poan impoverished Bates was, according to didate for state House District 34. She litical event on the planet. Little Rock Abrams, both exploited and ignored. Afcalled on Abrams for advice, even though school directories (with the exception of ter the ceremony at a scholarship banquet she’s a Republican and won’t get Abrams’ the 1957 directory, which went missing where an award named for Bates was support. The thank-you features a reproduring the time she spent working on presented, Abrams was indignant that the duction of the AP photo capturing Abrams the 40th anniversary of Central High’s centerpiece was presented to the youngholding Bill Clinton’s face in her hands desegregation and turning the old Mobil est attendee. She asked the young man if and giving him a talking-to. (Abrams says gas station in front of the school into a she could have the flowers — they were it was taken at a Democratic rally after museum). Woe be to the archivist who daisies — and he agreed. Abrams took the Clinton had spoken at length, and she was may someday go through the mountains flowers to Bates in her Southwest Little telling him to quit talking about himself of photographs and other ephemera in Rock nursing home. and focus on the candidates.) the Abrams “museum.”

“When she lay in state in the State Her coffee table is stacked high in “Anybody who’s writing about the Capitol,” Abrams said, Abrams leaned books, from “Say It in Swahili” to “100 history of Little Rock in the second part over the coffin for a last word. “I said, People Who Are Screwing America.” On of the 20th century has to go to her when ‘Remember when you couldn’t even the floor, a stack of African-American it concerns matters of race,” “Elizabeth come in here? Now you are the first black themed board games for children who and Hazel” author Margolick said. Yes, to lie in state here.’ ” Full circle. might drop by. On a table, copies of the ask Abrams a question and you’ll hear a U.S. Constitution, next to a photograph “torrent” of words. But listen and learn, of Gov. Jim Guy Tucker, who appointed n to the back of the house on Wolfe he says: She’s “insightful and intelligent.

Abrams to the Arkansas Sentencing Street, into a large sunny kitchen … She’s a very wise woman.”

Commission. “Who would have dreamed where Abrams methodically stacks newsHanging from the door frame in nearly that he would end up a felon?” she said. In papers going back 60 days. Stacked on every room is an outfit in a dry cleaning a bookcase, a pamphlet she created years the washing machine are binders of inforbag. You never know, she says, when ago for Carter Magnet Elementary about mation for some of the boards she sits on, the television or press will come calling. famous black Arkansans. One of them including the Central Little Rock ComShe’ll be ready. brian chilson

abrams

O

ur mission is to graduate

academically accomplished students, grounded as

advocates for social justice, determined to change the world for the better.

www.philander.edu

Salutes

Annie Abrams ‘72 in her continual quest to www.arktimes.com • february 25, 2010 15

e y e on arkansas

Editorial n Bugsy Siegel said of his fellow gangsters that “We only kill each other,” and he may have said it in Hot Springs. Wherever, he intended to assure law-abiding, church-going, tax-paying Americans that they weren’t in danger from the Mob, or at least not in danger of being killed. (Siegel himself was very much in danger, and had scarcely uttered his self-fulfilling epigram before he was blown away by person or persons unknown.)

A lot of concealed weapons were carried in Hot Springs National Park in the ’20s and ’30s when Hot Springs was a favorite vacation spot for big-time gangsters from Chicago.

And the record shows that the visitors largely refrained from scragging the locals. In Hot Springs, in fact, the Capones and Morans didn’t even use their weapons on each other, though they were locked in mortal combat back home. Local officials who profited from Hot Springs vice extracted a promise from their high-spirited guests that everyone would be on good behavior while they were in town, and in exchange they wouldn’t be badgered by local cops. Carrying a concealed weapon, though illegal, was an easy charge to overlook, and the Hot Springs police overlooked it. Eventually, Las Vegas started getting all the better gangsters, and the number of armed people on the streets of Hot Springs declined sharply.

Now gats are back at the spa. The Scalia family in Washington has fixed it so visitors to Hot Springs can legally carry their weapons in the park, fully loaded, as long as they have a concealed-weapon permit, widely available.

We’re fearful that the new Hot Springs carriers will not be so amenable as the old. Bands of Tea Baggers and Palinistas have been spotted, and there’s a native neo-Confederate movement in the area. These are headstrong people, ideologically fixated, and unlikely to be swayed by reasoned debate or even threat of retribution. The rest of us may long for the days when we had only Machine Gun Jack McGurns and Pretty Boy Floyds to deal with.

Speaking of the Scalias, here is Robert Weissman, president of Public Citizen, on the Supreme Court decision that corporations can spend as much as they want to influence elections: “The court has invented out of whole cloth the idea that corporations have First Amendment rights to influence election outcomes. Corporations are state-created entities; not real people. They do not have expressive interests like humans; and, unlike humans, they are uniquely motivated by a singular focus on their economic bottom line.” They’re impervious to gunshot wounds, too. The parks are still safe for corporations.

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AN EYE PASSES: Gene Prescott, who turned his photographer’s eye on events in Arkansas for 38 years as an Arkansas Gazette photographer, died last week at 86. He’s shown here at the 50th anniversary of the Central High crisis, an event he photographed along with famous Razorback games, fires, car wrecks, Kiwanis Club officers and all the other work big and small of a daily newspaper staff photographer. A Marine veteran of World War II, he survived the attack on Pearl Harbor and was remembered by reporters as a man whose genial and soft-spoken disposition belied true grit in the face of truculent news figures.

Political potpourri n The Democrats have been trying to counter Republican attacks on stimulus spending with a “hypocrisy” charge.

Where, for example, does U.S. Rep. John Boozman get off griping about stimulus money (and voting against the legislation) while his district rakes in money for the likes of work on the long-sought Bella Vista bypass?

It would, of course, be silly to fight legal appropriations for your district as a matter of principle.

(Striking though it might be.) It would punish your constituents relative to other U.S. citizens.

I do think, however, that good manners should dictate that it’s bad form to continue to complain about a host’s Karo nut pie while cramming it down your pie hole. n Has the voter-mandated “fiscal” session of the legislature accomplished anything? More per diem and staff expenses, I guess. Is that fiscally responsible? More lobbyist expenditures on fine dining.

That’s good for the economy, I guess. n Former Gov. Mike Huckabee, who barely registered in the recent Conservative PAC’s straw presidential poll during a Washington convention, ripped CPAC later as a group of libertarians and scoffed at the significance of the vote. (He’s right, by the way.) He interviewed First Lady Michelle Obama last weekend and later defended her as a pleasant sort in an interview with Fox News colleague Sean Hannity. Hannity is still intent on painting her as a bitter anti-American radical You’d have to conclude Huckabee is a man currently more interested in his prosperous and growing media career than in strictly partisan politics.

In the political arena, Republicans are not allowed to speak mildly about an Obama or ill of each other.

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16 february 25, 2010 • ARKANSAS TIMES

n Gov. Mike Beebe helpfully told reporters during a meeting of the National Governors Association last weekend that he thought U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln

Max brantley max@arktimes.com

would beat Lt. Gov. Bill Halter in a Democratic primary, should he challenge her. Asked about rumors of cool relations with the lieutenant governor, Beebe responded that they were “cordial.” Just like Kenneth Starr was always cordial with Bill Clinton.

What explains this coolness? I still wonder. Halter is brainy, ambitious and cocksure. It’s not always a popular combination in good-ol’-boy Arkansas. But he’s no threat to Beebe. And he wasn’t much of one even in 2006 when he came home from a Washington stint with the idea of running for governor. He rapidly recognized Beebe’s advantage and lowered his aim. n Filing hasn’t begun, but Republicans make a plausible case for measurable gains in both the state House and Senate in this year’s elections. Term limits have shrunk the pool of available candidates in many places, for one thing. And the GOP has rounded up some candidates who clean up pretty good. They’re mostly just as bad on virtually every issue as nuts like Jim Holt, but they appear more thoughtful and focus publicly mostly on financial issues. They save red meat stuff like gay-bashing for their private cell meetings. The shred of good news is that Republicans will be lucky to have one seat on the three-member Board of Apportionment (governor, attorney general, secretary of state) that will draw up new legislative districts in 2011. Most likely none. n A Tea Party activist from Northwest Arkansas this week plugged a candidate for state Supreme Court.

I don’t have the explanation yet for this affinity so I don’t want to say more, but it can’t possibly be a good development.

Let’s talk deficits n Thanks nearly altogether to Republicans, the stars are aligned for the voters this year to get a treat they’ve never before enjoyed, a healthy ventilation of the issue of federal budget deficits.

That does not mean they will get it because it would assume a measure of candor by politicians, which is no more in vogue than it ever was. But a frank colloquy on deficits and their causes might be unavoidable this year because the economic crisis and the frenzied teabagger movement have put deficits and the debt on the front burner of the election season. Everyone seems suddenly to be alarmed by the deficits and the potential for havoc if the world loses confidence in the ability of the United States to pay its bills.

When Republican leaders cajoled Rep. John Boozman into giving up his comfortable sinecure in the House and running for the Senate, they made the Arkansas Senate race the perfect venue for the deficit debate — but in the Republican primary, not the general election. Boozman and Senator Blanche Lincoln are hardly distinguishable on the issue of deficits; she has a trifle better record on holding down deficits, but they have voted in sync on all but a handful of the issues that brought on the avalanche of debt since 2001.

If you cut taxes and revenues but

Ernest Dumas don’t cut spending it produces deficits.

Republicans never acknowledge that truth but the voters will get it if there’s a good debate. Boozman and Lincoln voted for the big tax cuts of 2001, 2002 and 2004; he also voted for the big tax bonanza for investors in 2003 but she at least could not stomach that one, and by 2005, with the deficit ballooning, she began to vote against renewal of some the tax cuts for the rich and corporations. Boozman voted for every one of them.

Meantime, both voted for the Middle East wars and the huge military expenditures financed by borrowing, and both voted to greatly expand Medicare benefits and insurance subsidies without paying for them either through taxes or spending cuts. Both voted for the big bank bailout but because it was going to save the jobs of union workers they voted against the bailout of the automakers. Both voted for the George Bush stimulus program in 2002 but they split on the Barack Obama stimulus plan of 2009, she for it and Boozman against it.

A Boozman-Lincoln race will be a snoozer, and especially if they talk about

Educate, medicate, incarcerate, ingratiate n It’s happened several times. I’m in some small to midsize Arkansas town to talk to the Democratic women or even the Republican women or the chamber of commerce. We gather in some sparkling little building with a meeting room adjoining a kitchen.

The local legislator smugly explains to me that we are assembled in a fine community center he or she got built by coming home from a legislative session with a share of surplus money for local capital projects in what’s called the General Improvement Fund.

The point, you see, is that I’ve spent many words and much energy bellyaching over the years about how state legislators are so small-minded that all they want to do with their state legislating careers is come home with money from this GIF for these kinds of projects — playpretties, I like to call them — when, in fact, the state would be better off reserving these funds for legitimate statewide needs.

John brummett jbrummett@arkansasnews.com

I’ve also insisted repeatedly that, to the extent that state government can and should expend money for local projects, it ought to be done when tax collections are bountiful — as they most certainly are not right now.

I’ve also contended that local projects ought to be pre-audited rather than plugged into this General Improvement Fund willy-nilly by legislators.

I’ve even gone so far as to say there ought to be some local match for these funds.

The truth is that, while the community center is indeed nice, we could have had our little meeting at the school cafeteria or in the back room behind the folding doors at the Sizzlin’.

None of this endears me to state legis-

deficits. The Republican primary should be different.

Until Boozman got in the race, the huge Republican field was mostly a Greek chorus, chanting the same platitudes about deficits, taxes and big government. But now they have a target, though it could be a tar baby. All of them, including Boozman, are on the same page in their aversion to immigrants, gays, union workers, environmentalists and abortions, but on deficits they can show some separation, if they dare.

First, they will have to get around a few historical facts. Deficits, at least for the past half-century, have been largely Republican phenomena. Here is the record of the average yearly deficit recorded by each administration since 1961. I’ve helpfully put the Democrats in italics.

Kennedy-Johnson: $8 billion.

Nixon-Ford: $34 billion Jimmy Carter: $58 billion Ronald Reagan: $192 billion George W. Bush: $310 billion Bill Clinton: $92 billion George W. Bush: $610 billion Those were the real or on-budget deficits, before Social Security and Medicare surpluses were subtracted.

So the candidates can have but one effective strategy, which is to show how they would have behaved differently from Boozman or Lincoln, who contributed to George W. Bush’s record deficits. (As a member of the House, Lincoln voted for the measures that dramatically trimmed the deficits and produced four

surpluses under Clinton, but that’s ancient history.)

They will not want to criticize Boozman for voting for tax cuts for the rich and corporations, which were the principal causes of the exploding deficits between 2001 and 2008, and probably not for voting for wars since they are all for war, but won’t they be all over him for domestic spending like expanding Medicare to cover drugs and subsidize insurance companies’ lucrative Advantage plans?

The easy ones will be earmarks, the congressional pork projects every member of Congress loves to announce. For 2008-09 alone Boozman sponsored $101 million in earmarks, often in league with Senator Lincoln. Gilbert Baker and Jim Holt have already announced they wouldn’t allow any projects for Arkansas if they go to the Senate, although as a state senator Baker has gotten far more than his share of earmarks. Holt and Curtis Coleman would eliminate or cap farm subsidies.

Boozman and Lincoln are champions of subsidies; Boozman’s campaign treasurer, Stanley Reed, personally took more than $5 million in government assistance over 10 years.

Only Jim Holt has seized the opportunity. He said over the weekend that he would oppose all federal spending except warmaking and interstate highways. No more Social Security, Medicare, primary and secondary highways, school aid, deposit insurance, financial regulation, law enforcement, farm aid — nothing. That’s a real choice, not an echo.

lators, particularly rural ones, who decry that liberal you-know-what in Little Rock who writes for the newspaper and resents tax money being returned to needy folks out in the country.

But I’m just being fiscally conservative. And I’m just saying taxpayer money doesn’t belong to legislators.

And I’m just saying there ought to be some local responsibility to go with local control.

And I’m just saying that, when times are tough for state government, as they are now, we need to fall back on that old maxim that state government’s job is to “educate, medicate and incarcerate,” meaning spend for schools, Medicaid and on prisons, not to placate or ingratiate.

So you can imagine that I’m worked up about what happened last week at this fiscal session of the legislature.

Expecting state budget constraints in the troubled economy, Gov. Mike Beebe last year managed to get $15 million that would normally go to this “legislative side” of GIF set aside for reconsideration in this fiscal session in case he might need it for one-time shortfalls in the regular state budget.

So now he says he needs it, or some of it. Counties deserve reimbursement from the state for holding state prisoners. It’s a

sure-enough state obligation, one that relieves local governments.

But legislators don’t want to give up their play-pretties. So they have negotiated with Beebe and extracted this: If the governor takes any or all of this $15 million, they can replenish it at the end of the state fiscal year June 30 from state agency fund balances.

There’ll always be extra dollars since state agencies can’t spend to the penny over a year’s time. In the past, that money has always been held in time deposits, earning interest, to be made available at the next session for the next GIF. State legislators now propose to tap that money immediately, losing the interest earnings and using now what they always previously saved for later.

Sen. Jim Luker of Wynne, a fine fellow who once told me at the Clarendon Chamber of Commerce banquet that I was all wrong on these local projects, did warn his colleagues that they were “eating our own seed corn.”

But, hey, they’re hungry.

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 • february 25, 2010 17

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Hey, Do tHis! Food, music, entertainment and everythinG else that’s Fun

anterns!

L wildwood illuminated

all aGlow this weekend

PLUS Glorious at the rep

presented by

aso does “porGy and bess in concert” smoke on the water barbecue championship in nlr

2010 Annual Rock to North Little Rock St. Patrick’s Day Parade Saturday, March 13 at 1 pm

A dv e rt i s i n g d e pA rt m e n t

To enter a float or marching unit, visit IrishArkansas.org or call 501.868.6416

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE ARKANSAS TIMES

FORECAST

Exciting ArkAnsAs EvEnts on thE horizon n Wildwood Park for the Arts presents LANTERNS! February 26-28, marking the second year of the family festival celebrating the first full moon of the lunar year. Visitors will embark on a mystical voyage – complete with fire pits and luminaries – around the world with eight unique cultures and locations represented: Shakespearean England, Venice, Asia, Morocco, Egypt, old Americana, Mexico and even the moon. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12 and free to children under 5. Hours are 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. on Sunday. Food and drinks are available at an additional cost. Purchase tickets in advance online at www.wildwoodpark.org or by phone at 501-821-7275.

wanted to be a great operatic diva despite having one of the worst singing voices in history. On Wednesday, March 10, the Rep’s popular Brew Ha Ha returns as Brew Two. This event includes beer, appetizers and a 7 p.m. advance screening of Glorious! for $25.

On Thursday, March 11, there is a special preview performance with a 45-minute preshow discussion with the director. Friday, March 12 marks opening night of the show and includes a champagne reception and meet-and-greet with the cast. The production runs through Sunday, March 28. For tickets, call the Box Office at (501) 378-0405 or buy tickets online at www.therep.org. n As part of the ACXIOM Pops Live! concert series, conductor Geoffrey Robson leads the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s “Porgy and Bess In Concert” on Friday, March 12 at 8 p.m. at Robinson Center Music Hall. This month’s River Rhapsodies Series presents “Bach, Bartok, Britten and Beethoven” on Tuesday, March 2 at 7 p.m. in the Great Hall of the Clinton Presidential Center.

Visit the ASO Box Office online at www.

ArkansasSymphony. org or call 501-6661761 for more information.

n The Peabody Little Rock hosts the Diamond Chef Arkansas preliminaries on Wednesday, March 3. Chefs Brian Deloney (Maddie’s Place), Jason Godwin (Simply the Best), Timothy Morton (1620) and Donnie Ferneau (Ferneau) are just some of the many local talents going head-to-head.

There’s no entry fee, so just come on in and cheer on your favorites. Also this month, spend St. Patrick’s Day at O’Mallards Bar at the Peabody Hotel, and receive 50 percent off cigars with the purchase of an Irish whiskey. For more information, call 501-906-4000 or visit The King is alive in Travis Ledoyt who www.peabodylittle- performs at Murry’s Dinner Playhouse March 12-14. rock.com. n The Van Dells return to Little Rock at Murry’s Dinner Playhouse. They are an oldies show group showcasing the best of 50s and 60s rock music. Catch the five-piece band on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 9-10. Elvis is in the building for three nights only, March 12-14. Travis Ledoyt, a dead-ringer for the King, puts on an incredible performance complete with Elvis’ looks, moves and vocals.

Tickets are $30, Sunday evening through Thursday; $32 on Friday and Saturday; and $28 for matinees and preview performances.

Price includes dinner, show and tax. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. with the curtain at 7:45 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday evenings.

Dinner begins at 11 a.m. with a 12:45 p.m. curtain for matinees and special Wednesday shows. On Sunday evenings, dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. with a 6:45 p.m. curtain. Murry’s is located at 6323 Colonel Glenn Rd. and is a non-smoking facility. Call 501-562-3131 for reservations. Visit www.murrysdinnerplayhouse.com for more information.

ARKANSAS TIMES READERS CHOICE AWARDS

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n Glorious! opens this month at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre. Nominated for the 2006 Laurence Olivier Award as Best New Comedy, Glorious! is based on the true story of Florence Foster Jenkins, the legendary New York heiress and socialite who

n On Saturday, March 13, bust out your brightest green jeans and shamrock sweaters, and hit the streets of downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock for the 11th Annual Rock to North Little Rock St. Patrick’s Day Parade, sponsored by the Irish Cultural Society of Arkansas. It is a true celebration of Irish-American music, dance and culture. The kid-friendly event begins at 1 p.m. For a map of the parade routes, visit www.irisharkansas.org. n Smoke on the Water Productions and the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce present the 2nd Annual USA Barbecue Championship on Friday, March 19 and Saturday, March 20 at the Downtown Riverside RV Park in downtown North Little Rock. With a guaranteed purse of $100,000, it is considered one of the world’s richest barbecuing contests. Payouts include top ten overall and through forty places in all four categories.

Register your team by Wednesday, March 3 for your chance at cash, prizes and bragging rights. For more information and online registration, visit www.smokeonthewaterbbq. com. There are plenty of things to see and do if you aren’t competing in the BBQ showdown. A kid-friendly carnival kicks off on Thursday, March 18. For $15, you can ride all the rides, all day long. Weekend entertainment includes hot air balloons, antique car and motorcycle shows plus two stages for live music by Mr. Happy, CRISIS, Colt Ford, LoCASH Cowboys and more.

ON THE ROCKS GREAT FUN AT THESE BARS AND RESTAURANTS ALL AROUND THE CITY!

n After an impressive night of music at NoMarch 13. Raunchy rocker Joe Buck returns vember’s Wild Turkey Wigout, Dawes returns to on Friday, March 19 with Iron Tongue. Atlanta Sticky Fingerz on Tuesday, March 2 with critically pop rock band Gringo Starr plays on Saturday, acclaimed artist Cory Chisel in tow. Johnathan March 20. J. Roddy Walston & the Business Tyler & Northern Lights hit the stage on Satbring back their pretty piano and big guitars urday, March 6. Elvis by Matt Joyce enters the on Sunday, March 21. For more information, building on Sunday, March visit www.myspace.com/ 7. Experimental indie rock whitewatertavern. band Xiu Xiu makes their first appearance in central n This month at Vino’s Arkansas on Tuesday, March Brew Pub, catch The Mon9 in support of “Dear God goloids and Jungle Juice I Hate Myself” their forthon Thursday, February 25 coming release on Kill Rock The Juke Joint Duo returns to and 3 Miles from ProviStars. Little Rock favorites White Water Tavern on March 11. dence, Wishtribe and Altus The Gettys play on SaturPocket on Friday, February day, March 13. A staple on the New York dance 26. Pop Fest featuring Thrill of a Dog Fight, rock scene Tigercity returns to Sticky Fingerz For the Day, Bring Victory, Embrace the Crash on Tuesday, March 16. Two-time Grammy nomiand Box Wine which takes place on Saturday, nee John Lee Hooker, Jr., plays a rare show March 6. Vino’s hosts a metal rock show featuring on Saturday, March 20. For a complete list of The Sleeping, The Gun Show, Die To Yourself events, visit www.stickyfingerz.com. and Little Monsters on Wednesday, March 10.

Indie rockers Flight, Frow’n Pow’r, Baleance n The legendary T Model Ford shares the stage and Composure and Where Land Meets the with Jim Mize on Saturday, March 6 at White Sea share the stage on Friday, March 19. AweWater Tavern. The Juke Joint Duo, the blues some Color, Tyvek and The Buttons perform brainchild of Cedric Burnside and Lightnin’ on Monday, March 22. Vino’s host a Hope for Malcolm, returns on Thursday, March 11. Dave Haiti benefit concert on Saturday, March 27 with Raymond and Present Company celebrate performances by Rivalry for Ruin, Hi Five City, the release of their debut album on Saturday, Our Friends Fall Silent and others.

road trip!

Destination: Hot Springs n The First Ever Seventh Annual World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade takes place on Wednesday, March 17 on historic Bridge Street in downtown Hot Springs. This year’s celebrity Grand Marshal Bo Derek, who will serve as the parade’s first Bo Derek female grand marshal. Along with the famous parade, festivities include green fireworks, Irish belly dancers, floats, Irish Order of Elvi (a group of Elvis look-alikes), marchers, Irish Wolfhounds and the everpopular Pub Crawl. For more information, visit www.hotsprings.org. n Rod’s Pizza, home of the Godfather pizza, is a fixture in Hot Springs, providing fine foods and service since 1975. Rod’s menu includes pizza, pasta dishes, salads and sandwiches. Rod’s dough is made fresh daily, cheeses are sliced on-site and sauces are cooked in small batches for quality and freshness. Rod’s serves pizza and beer. For entertaining, there are TVs and free games for kids. Visit www.rodspizzacellar.com to view the complete menu. Rod’s Pizza Cellar is located at 3350 Central Avenue.

Call 501-321-2313 for directions and hours of operation.

n Cajun Boilers is open for lunch and dinner and is the place to eat when you’re looking for kicked-up Cajun cuisine. Cajun Boilers offers fresh seafood, steaks, chicken and sandwiches plus a large selection of appetizers and desserts. Beer and wine are available. Ask about Cajun catering for your next family get-together or sports party. Cajun Boilers is located at 2806 Albert Pike Road.

Call 501-767-5695 for more information or visit www.cajunboilers.com. n On your way to or from Hot Springs, Denton’s Trotline is worth a try. The Benton catfish joint is known for its buffet. Whether you prefer chicken to catfish, shrimp to crab legs, you’ll find something to your liking. The portions are generous, and the price is always right. On any given Friday and Saturday night, Denton’s hosts the best in local music. Third Degree plays on Friday, March 5, and Little Creek performs on Saturday, March 6. Dry County plays on Saturday, March 13. Michael Burks returns on Friday, March 19. The Joe Pitts Band stops by on Friday, March 26. For more information, befriend Denton’s Trotline on Facebook at www.facebook.com.

SEE YOU

AFTER THE

RACES! HOME OF THE FAMED “GODFATHER” PIZZA

3350 Central Avenue Hot Springs National Park

Share the Road For Cyclists Share the Road

501-624-RODS www.rodspizzacellar.com

Tips for SAFE cycling on the road.

• Bicycles are vehicles on the road, just like cars and motorcycles. Cyclists must obey all traffic laws. Arkansas Uniform Vehicle Code #27-49-111 • Cyclists must signal, ride on the right side of the roadare andvehicles yield to traffic normally.

Bicycles on the road, Code #27-51-301/403 just like cars and motorcycles.

• Bicycles must have a white headlight and a Cyclist should obey traffic laws. red tail light visible fromall500 feet and have a bell or warning device for pedestrians.

Arkansas Uniform Vehicle Code #27Code #27-36-220 49-111 • Make eye contact with motorists. Be visible. Be predictable.

Head up, think Cyclists should signal, ride onahead. the • On the Big Dam Bridge... go slow. right side of the road, and yield to Represent! traffic like other • As younormally pass, say “On yourany left... thankroad you.” vehicle.

CodeTrail... #27-51-301/403 • On the River use a safe speed, don’t Share the Road intimidate or scare others.

Watch for dogs Give 3 feet of clear space when and For leashes. Cyclists

Tips for PREVENTING injury or death.

passing (up acycling $1000 on fine!)

Forto more information...

Tips for SAFE the road.

Bicycle Advocacyonofthe Arkansas • Bicycles are vehicles road, just like Code #27-51-311 www.bacar.org cars and motorcycles. Cyclists must obey

League of American Bicyclists Cyclist lawArkansas can not rideVehicle on the allwww.bikeleague.org/programs/education trafficbylaws.

Uniform Code #27-49-111 in some areas, some bikes sidewalk • Cyclists must signal, ride on the right side can only handle smooth roads of the road and yield to traffic normally. (no potholes, trolley tracks).

Codecracks, #27-51-301/403 LR• Bicycles Ord.#32-494 must have a white headlight and a

red tail light visible from 500 feet and have a

Make contact cyclists. bell or eye warning devicewith for pedestrians.

Code #27-36-220

Drive • Makepredictably. eye contact with motorists. Be vis-

ible. Be predictable.

Head up, think ahead.

Please prevent ghost bikes.

• On the Big Dam Bridge... go slow. www.ghostbikes.org Represent!

• As youmore pass, say “On your left... thank you.”

For information: • On the River Trail... use a safe speed, don’t BicycleorAdvocacy Arkansas intimidate scare others.ofWatch for dogs and leashes.www.bacar.org For more information...

League ofAdvocacy American Bicyclists Bicycle of Arkansas www.bacar.org www.bikeleague.org/programs/ League of American Bicyclists education www.bikeleague.org/programs/education

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arts entertainment Wildcard This week in

joshua

Tattoo you

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and

to do list

24

calendar

26

Movies

34

Dining

37

Underclaire takes the final semi-final round; four bands fight for your vote on Thursday.

By Lindsey Millar

brian chilson

n Like I’ve said before, we call it the Musicians Showcase for a reason. If you’ve come out these four weeks, I hope you’d agree that Arkansas’s got talent. Perhaps in no week was the variety of that talent on display like it was last Thursday. Ryan Couron kicked it off with radio-ready new country, and Iron Tongue closed it out with throwback metal. In between, Outstanding Red Team offered rowdy barroom rock (and got a cocktail glass hurled at them in exchange) and Underclaire tore through smart, wrenching alt-pop. It was a great night for folks with catholic taste in music. But the judges judged and Underclaire came out on top.

It was obvious from the first couple of bars Underclaire is practiced. The four-piece, together almost a decade longer than most other Showcase acts, plays with a precision rarely seen in local bands. Which is not to say that you’d be just as happy sitting at home listening to their latest CD. Nope, Underclaire’s live show is dynamic. Mike Mullins and Edison DeLeon kick out striking guitar lines that weave and build and crash together anthemically. Bassist Rob Brackett looks like he just started driving (so do I, Rob), but reels off prog-y bass lines. And Bryan Baker’s totally earned his way into the pantheon of Showcase drummers (say hi to Velvet Kente’s Jamal Lee and Jonathan Wilkins and the Reparations’ Will Boyd). On a scaled back kit, he stayed as busy as any drummer in town — he plays a lot of fills — yet always remained within the song.

Underclaire sounds like a lot of early indie-rock, pop-punk … OK, emo: Braid, The Deftones, The Dismemberment Plan. But like my colleague JT Tarpley pointed out, the band’s grown beyond its influences,

Who? Lead singer/songwriter in last year’s winner, Velvet Kente.

On Underclaire. Absolutely superb musicianship. Strong melodies and headnodding polyrhythms. Very apparent attention paid to song structure and composition.

Rocketboys to Stickys

round four winner: Underclaire. rather than simply Xeroxing them. Can’t wait to catch ’em in the finals.

If you’re a fan of contemporary country and you’ve somehow managed to miss Ryan Couron, who gigs just about three days a week in Central Arkansas, you’ve

Leigh Wood

Who? Director of the Arkansas Community Arts Cooperative (ACAC).

On Underclaire. I deem this nu emo. The vocal effects, the drumming, the power chords — it all equals emotional, tailored semi-rock.

The chicks dig it, but it’s just not my bag.

Greg Spradlin

Who? Local guitar god and vocalist.

On Underclaire. We haven’t seen this level of performance thus far. Great songs done well. Really top notch.

been blowing it. Because he’s got mad national potential. Tall and with a strong country tenor, the young singer/songwriter and his studio-grade backing band sticks close to the Music Row formula — mixing a hearty bit Continued on page 28

Kathryn Heller

Who? Local music geek and proxy judge.

On Underclaire. Tuned-in and talented musicians.

Jeff Riggs guest judge

Who? Host of “Arkansas Showcase,” Fridays noon-2 p.m. on KABF 88.3 FM. On Underclaire. Well controlled rock.

Definitely a group to see.

www.arktimes.com • february 25, 2010 23

larly sunny disposition. I’ll admit that when the Dawes buzz reared its head, I dismissed it, ended up straggling behind the bandwagon and, honestly, was the worse for it. But enough of my devotional: Dawes are legit. They specialize in dreamy, country-dusted California pop that hangs somewhere between America, Dr. Dog and the late, great Beachwood Sparks. These guys are writing some of the most melodious songs around today. It’s new-folk, it’s dad rock, it’s dreamy and if you’re not careful, it’s liable to send you dashing to your car for an impromptu road trip to whatever coast you’re the farthest from. Cory Chisel & the Wandering Sons open along with Jason Boesel. JT

WE DNE SDAY 3 /3

VETIVER

9 p.m., Juanita’s. $2.

WEST TEXAS SHOEGAZE: The Rocketboys come to Sticky Fingerz. ing already played Little Rock a handful

of times, the band enjoys a sizable Little Rock following. Come out, join the local choir and count the dropping jaws in the crowd. Randall Shreve, Plu and Bonnie Montgomery open. JT 8 p.m., Robinson Center Music Hall, $35-

MASTERWORKS 5: “SIBELIUS’ NORDIC SPLENDOR.”

n What did Little Rock do to deserve such luck? The snow has melted, 60-degree temperatures are right around the corner, and we get to greet the springtime with a seasonal double header in Dawes and Vetiver. Fresh off its European tour supporting its fourth album, “Tight Knit,” Vetiver established itself years ago as the purveyor of 21st century folksiness with one foot in George Harrison’s countryside and the other in Vashti Bunyan’s shag carpeting. The band counts Bunyan, Joanna Newsom and Devendra Banhart as collaborators and especially vocal fans. You can’t argue with that kind of pedigree.

Know what else you can’t argue with?

The cover. Yeah. It’s really two dollars.

Go. JT

■ inbrief

THURSDAY 2/25

n Local songsmith Adam Fawcett joins Chicagoan Nathan Xander at White Water Tavern for a night of literate, dusty folk, 9 p.m., $5. The Tonya Leeks Jazz Band provides music for The Afterthought. 8 p.m., $5. Vino’s gets brash with a night of hardcore punk as Little Rock’s Jungle Juice opens for a big name, New Jersey’s The Mongoloids, 8 p.m., $7. J-One Productions hosts In Too Deep: the All Black Party for Black History Month in the River Market’s Deep Ultra Lounge, 7 p.m. Collin Miles and Mandy McBryde play a free show with Austin’s melodic three-piece The Blue Hit at Union, 9 p.m., free. In Hot Springs, the experimental ambient collective The CJ Boyd Sexxxtet visits Maxine’s with a few (possibly naked) surprises up their sleeve, 9 p.m.

FRIDAY 2/26

S U N D AY 2 / 2 8

n The monthly dance party Cool Shoes brings DJs Wolf-E-Wolf, Cameron Holifield and Risky Biz to Downtown Music for its February installment, 10 p.m., $5. Invisible Children, a charity benefiting Ugandan children, stops in Little Rock for a night for a fund-raiser with music by Falcon Scott, Free Micah, Listener, Badhand and Deas Vail at Revolution. 8 p.m., $5; a documentary about the cause screens pre-concert at 6:30 p.m. The ACAC hosts a night of local short films of every variety at the biannual Show Your Shorts night, 7 p.m., $7; there’ll be popcorn, beer and wine for donation. Parachute Woman’s Michael Goodrich joins Mammoth Orange to soundtrack Midtown Billiards with sweeping, cinematic guitar rock, 12:30 a.m., $5. At Maxine’s Pub in Hot Springs, reverb heavy garage blues band Brethern supports the legendary CeDell Davis, 9 p.m.

THE ROCKETBOYS

SATURDAY 2/27

$58.

n Led by guest conductor Andre Raphael Smith and featuring Grammy nominee Phillipe Quint, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra takes to Robinson for the fifth of its ongoing Stella Boyle Smith Masterworks series. The orchestra will perform Beethoven’s overture to “King Stephan,” Brahms’ “Symphony No. 1” and Sibelius’ “Violin Concerto.” For a hint of what’s to come, YouTube the Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra’s 1966 performance of the Sibelius piece. The ASO reprises the concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Same place and price. JT

TUESDAY 3 /2

DAWES

8:30 p.m., Sticky Fingerz, $10.

n Recently I’ve noticed that Dawes elicits a contagious evangelism in a huge number of people with a certain, simi-

7:30 p.m., Sticky Fingerz, $7.

n For such a young band, The Rocketboys (formerly Homer Hiccolm and the Rocketboys) have wasted no time getting established. Before releasing their first full-length album in last year’s “20,000 Ghosts,” the Austin-by-way-of-Abilene band dropped two EPs, two live DVDs, handily won over Paste Magazine and Stereogum — not to mention throngs of crowds — during SXSW and had a documentary made about them (“The Colder Nights of Texas”). And all without being signed. Ethereal, serious and with gravitas to spare, The Rocketboys do expansive West Texas shoegaze with a healthy twist of doe-eyed, lovelorn David Bazan influence thrown in for good measure. Hav-

INDIE FOLK FOR CHEAP: Vetiver comes to Juanita’s.

nVelvet Kente, 2009 Arkansas Times Musician’s Showcase winner, brings its crowd-pleasing soul rock act to White Water Tavern, 10 p.m., $7. The Jill Stringham Band, a local A.O.R. trio comes to Fox and Hound, 10 p.m., $5.

The Village brings popular metalcore band Atreyu, supported by Arkansas’s own My Hands to War and The Last Shade, 8 p.m., $16 adv., $20 d.o.s. St. Louis’ Fundamental Elements operate in college soul mode, a la Maroon 5, at Sticky Fingerz, 9 p.m., $5. New Conway restaurant/bar/music venue, Bear’s Den Pizza, brings Fayetteville riff rockers The Natural State and Little Rock’s harmony drenched popes of pop Whale Fire. 8 p.m., $5. www.arktimes.com • february 25, 2010 25

■ to-dolist

Hill’s arranged to have this double-bill recorded for release as live albums on his imprint. The headliner, Raleigh’s American Aquarium, specializes in big gesture roots rock ’n’ roll; think the Boss by way of Lucero. Hill hopes to put out American Aquarium “Live at White Water Tavern” this spring. Like we said in this space a few weeks back, Wilkins and the Reparations have lately emerged as one of the strongest local acts in town. You’ll have to listen closely to catch Wilkins’ folk-rock roots these days. A talking-blues-style phrasing here, a pithy political jab there — otherwise he and his mates, Matt Floyd and Will Boyd, are barroom rock at its best. Should make for a good live album down the road. At press time, Hill was unsure about a release date. LM.

By Lindsey Millar and John Tarpley

TH U RS D AY 2 / 2 5

‘STRANGE HUMORS’

7:30 p.m., Second Presbyterian Church. $5-$10.

n Are a few strands of seasonal affective disorder still hanging around? The Little Rock Wind Symphony says it has the cure for what ails ya in the form of effervescent classical pieces. On the bill: “Slava! A Political Overture” by Leonard Bernstein and excerpts from “The Threepenny Opera” by Kurt Weill. There’s even a Sousa piece. Also of note for the night — a bouncy tuba concerto by Christian Carichner, visiting professor of tuba at the University of Central Arkansas. JT

MARCY PLAYGROUND

STILL SMELLING ‘SEX AND CANDY’: With ’90s survivors Marcy Playground at The Village.

to three or four times, go. Regardless, as far as touring ’90s nostalgia acts go, you could do a lot worse. I’m looking at you, Tonic and Jimmy Ray. JT

ACH DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT

8 p.m., The Village. $10 adv., $15 d.o.s.

n The mid-’90s were halcyon days for alternative singles thanks mostly to the one-hit wonders that made them: Primitive Radio Gods, Deep Blue Something, Dishwalla and, maybe most notably, Marcy Playground. Admit it. You liked “Sex and Candy.” Everyone did. It spent 15 weeks atop Billboard’s Modern Rock chart. Fifteen friggin’ weeks. Heck, I’ll man up and say I still give it a spin occasionally. Anyway, the band’s playing at The Village Thursday night and I’m not sure what else to say about it other than if you want to hear Marcy Playground grit their teeth and go through the motions with their big single maybe upwards

FRI DAY 2/26

‘LANTERNS!’

5:30 p.m., Wildwood Park for the Arts. $5-$10.

n As if Wildwood wasn’t picturesque enough to begin with, all weekend the park’s celebrating the first full moon of the lunar year by turning the grounds into a nighttime Epcot. By navigating walking trails illuminated by fire pits and paper lanterns, visitors can stroll to Morocco for kabobs and fortunetellers, Venice for cognac at Carnivale, Shakespeare’s England for ale and theater, and — this

is really cool — the Moon for riddles and moon pies. A true outdoor spectacle and the picture of wholesome fun, “Lanterns!” is ripe for families, but fellas, if this isn’t a perfect little happening for a date, I’ll eat the keyboard I’m typing this on. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday. They close at 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 9 p.m. on Sunday. Food and drink will be for sale inside the park. JT

AMERICAN AQUARIUM / JONATHAN WILKINS AND THE REPARATIONS 10 p.m., White Water Tavern. $5.

n Last Chance Records head honcho Travis Hill is teaming with White Water Tavern for a new project. On Friday,

S AT UR DAY 2 /2 7

2 p.m., ACH East Campus Fitness Center. $5.

n It’s amazing how such a seemingly simple game can elicit feats of gymnastic virtuosity from the most unassuming of players. But watching an 8-inch-diameter rubber ball take a beeline towards your nose at 50 MPH can bring out the inner Olga Korbut in anyone. That said, launching said ball at an opponent is a stress reliever of the highest degree. This Saturday, medical fraternity Phi Delta Epsilon and The Buzz 103.7 FM host a dodgeball tournament to benefit Arkansas Children’s Hospital. With separate men’s, women’s and coed leagues, the dodgeball tournament should feature the steeliest, fastest and stealthiest. And hey, if you find yourself on the business end of a line drive, you’ll literally be surrounded by doctors.

Registration begins at 1 p.m. JT

BRAZILIAN MARDI GRAS 7:30 p.m., Revolution. $10 adv., $15 d.o.s.

LIVE AT WHITE WATER: Recording on Friday, American Aquarium and Jonathan Wilkins.

24 february 25, 2010 • ARKANSAS TIMES

n Carnaval’s over in Brazil — a parade featuring a disturbingly true-to-form Michael Jackson impersonator won the coveted top prize of the festival — but it rolls on in Little Rock with “Cultura Brasileira 101,” a survey of Brazilian culture at its flashiest. At 8 p.m., there’s live dance. If you like what you see, you can participate, for free at 8:30 p.m., in lessons and contests on bahia, capoeira (a fight dance) and samba. At 9 p.m., the Brasilcultura Carnaval Band plays batucada, a sub-style of samba built on quick, African-influenced rhythms.

Later, there’s samba and forro dance presentations and a “Carnaval Climax” that’s bound to feature dancing women in sequined bikinis and giant feathered headpieces. LM

LECTURES

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, FEB. 25 MUSIC

Adam Faucett, Nathan Xander. 9 p.m., $5.

White Water Tavern, 2500 W. 7th. 375-8400, myspace.com/whitewatertavern.

Arkansas Times Musician’s Showcase Wild Card Round with Bonnie Montgomery, Flash LaRue, Iron Tongue, Stella Fancy. 9 p.m., $5. Sticky Fingerz, 107 Commerce St. 3727707, www.stickyfingerz.com.

Ben & Doug (happy hour), Seven Toed Pete (headliner). 6 p.m. and 9:30 p.m, $5 after 8:30.

Cajun’s Wharf, 2400 Cantrell Road. 375-5351, www.cajunswharf.com.

Blue Hit, Collin Miles and Mandy McBryde. 10 p.m., free. Union, 3421 Old Cantrell Road. 661-8311.

Bop Dancing at the Legion. 7 p.m., $3. Legion Club, 315 E. Capitol Ave. 372-8762.

Cindy Woolf. 10 p.m., $3. Town Pump, 1321 Rebsamen Road. 663-9802.

The CJ Boyd Sexxxtet. 9 p.m. Maxine’s, 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs, 501-321-0909, www. maxinespub.com.

Crisis. 10 p.m. Electric Cowboy, 9515 Interstate 30. 562-6000, www.electriccowboy.com.

In Too Deep: the All Black Party. 9 p.m. Deep Ultra Lounge, 322 Clinton Ave. 244-9550, www.joneproductionsinc.com.

Jim Dickerson. 7 p.m., free. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room, 500 President Clinton Ave. 324-2999, www.sonnywililamssteakroom.com.

Karaoke. 8 p.m., free. Bogie’s, 3605 MacArthur Drive. NLR. 771-5515.

Karaoke with Big John Miller. Denton’s Trotline, 2150 Congo Road, Benton. 501-315-1717.

Life Size Pizza. 9 p.m. Smoke and Barrel Tavern, 324 W. Dickson, Fayetteville. 479-521-6880.

Marcy Playground, Falcon Scott. 8 p.m., $10 adv., $15 d.o.s. The Village, 3715 S. University.

570-0300, www.thevillagelive.com.

Memphis Pencils, David’s Pegasus, Hosta, Cntrl-Alt-Delete. 9:30 p.m. George’s Majestic Lounge, 519 W. Dickson St., Fayetteville. 479-5276618, www.georgesmajesticlounge.com.

The Mongoloids, Jungle Juice. 8 p.m., $7. Vino’s, 923 W. 7th. 375-8466, www.vinosbrewpub.com.

The Ted Ludwig Trio. 5 p.m., free. Capital Bar & Grill, 111 W. Markham. 370-7013, www.capitalhotel.com/CBG. Thirsty Thursday with Charlie Boy. 8 p.m. On the Rocks, 107 E. Markham St. 374-7625, www. clubontherocks.com.

Tonya Leeks Jazz Band. 8 p.m., $5. Afterthought, 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 663-4176, www. afterthoughtbar.com.

Uncle Kracker. 7 p.m, free. George’s Majestic Lounge, 519 W. Dickson St., Fayetteville. 479-5276618, www.georgesmajesticlounge.com.

COMEDY

Chris Porter. 8 p.m., $6. Loony Bin, I-430 and 26 february 25, 2010 • arKaNSaS TIMeS

BLACK FLAG, BLACK HUMOR: Talk show host, actor, author, radio personality, activist, borderline sociopath and punk rock god Henry Rollins brings his popular spoken word act to Juanita’s this Thursday night with “An Evening With Henry Rollins” 8 p.m., $18 adv., $20 d.o.s.

Rodney Parham, 228-5555, www.loonybincomedy.com.

EVENTS

607, Terri Guy. The Little Rock rapper speaks about his experience in the music business; teacher discusses the history of Delta Sigma Theta. 6 p.m., free. Laman Public Library, Argenta Branch, 504 Main St., NLR. 501-687-1061.

SPOKEN WORD

Andrea Hollander Budy. Reading from Arkansas poet. 7 p.m., free. Cone Chapel, Harding University, Searcy. 501-279-4421, www.harding.edu.

Henry Rollins. The punk stalwart delivers a spoken word performance. 8 p.m., $18 adv., $20 d.o.s.

Juanitas, 1300 Main St. 372-1228, www.juanitas. com. 18 plus.

Tassu Shervani. SMU professor delivers lecture, “Globalization: Its Impact on Business and Government Institutions.” 9 a.m., free. Sturgis Hall, Clinton School of Public Service. 682-5239, publicprograms@clintonschool.uasys.edu.

SPORTS

Oaklawn Racing. 1:30 p.m., $2. Oaklawn Jockey Club, 2705 Central Ave., Hot Springs. 501-6234411, www.oaklawn.com.

UALR Men’s Basketball vs. Troy. 7 p.m., $10$35. Jack Stephens Center, UALR. 565-UALR, www.ualrtrojans.com

FRIDAY, FEB. 26 MUSIC

3 Miles From Providence, Wishtribe, Altus Pocket. 9 p.m. Vino’s, 923 W. 7th St. 375-8466, www.vinosbrewpub.com.

American Aquarium, Jonathan Wilkins and the Reparations. Live recording. 9 p.m., $5.

White Water Tavern, 2500 W. 7th. 375-8400, myspace.com/whitewatertavern.

Beau Nixon. 9 p.m., Gusano’s, 2915 Dave Ward, Conway. 510-329-1100, www.gusanospizza.com.

Both/And. 9 p.m., $5. Cornerstone Pub, 314 Main St., NLR. 374-1782, www.cstonepub.com.

Brian and Nick (happy hour), Mojo Depot (headliner). 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m, $5 after 8:30.

Cajun’s Wharf, 2400 Cantrell Road. 375-5351, www.cajunswharf.com.

Brian and Nick. 9 p.m. Flying Saucer, 323 Clinton Ave. 372-7468, www.beerknurd.com.

Cedell Davis, Brethren. 9 p.m. Maxine’s, 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs. 501-321-0909, www. maxinespub.com.

Chris Denny. 9 p.m. Smoke and Barrel Tavern, 324 W. Dickson, Fayetteville. 479-521-6880 Cool Shoes with Wolf-E-Wolf, Cameron Holifield, Risky Biz. 10 p.m., $5. Downtown Music, 211 W. Capitol. www.coolshoesdanceparty.com.

Crisis. 8 p.m., Denton’s Trotline, 2150 Congo Road. 501-315-1717.

DJ Johnny Bailey. 9 p.m., $5. Bogie’s, 120 W. Pershing. 758-1851.

Electric Acid Theater, Tweakbird. 10 p.m. Juanita’s, 1300 S. Main. 374-2371, www.juanitas.com.

Final Fridays with DJ Greyhound. 9 p.m.

Khalil’s Pub and Grill, 110 S. Shackleford. 7737154, www.j-oneproductionsinc.com.

Free Verse, Interstate Buffalo. 9 p.m., $5.

Sticky Fingerz, 107 Commerce St. 372-7707, www.stickyfingerz.com.

Grayson Shelton. 8 p.m., $5. Cregeen’s, 301 Main St., NLR. 376-7468, www.cregeens.com.

Invisible Children Benefit with Falcon Scott, Free Micah, Listener, Badhand, Deas Vail. 8 p.m., free, $5 under 21. Revolution, 300 President Clinton Ave. 823-0090, www.rumbarevolution.com.

Jeff Coleman. 7 p.m., free. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room, 500 President Clinton Ave. 324-2999, www.sonnywilliamssteakroom.com.

Keia Johnson. 9 p.m., free. SpeakEasy, 412 Louisiana St. 374-2008.

Lyle Dudley. 8:30 p.m., free. Capi’s, 11525 Cantrell Road. 225-9600, www.capisrestaurant.com.

Mammoth Orange featuring Michael Goodrich. 12:30 a.m., $5. Midtown Billiards, 1316 Main St. 372-9990, www.midtownbilliards.com.

The Nexus. 10 p.m., $3. Town Pump, 1321 Rebsamen Road. 663-9802.

PG-13. 9 p.m., $5. Underground Pub, 500 President Clinton Ave. 707-2537, www.undergroundpub.com.

Ramona Smith and Carl Mouton. 9 p.m., $7.

Afterthought, 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 663-4176, www.afterthoughtbar.com.

Reckless Kelly. 9:30 p.m., $15. George’s Majestic Lounge, 519 W. Dickson St., Fayetteville. 479527-6618, www.georgesmajesticlounge.com.

Ryan Couron. 10 p.m., $5. Fox and Hound, 2800 Lakewood Village Drive, NLR. 753-8300.

The Ted Ludwig Trio. 9 p.m., free. Capital Bar & Grill. 111 W. Markham, 370-7013, www.capitalhotel.com/CBG. Unearth, Vail of Maya, Early Graves, Cruxx.

8 p.m., $15 adv., $18 d.o.s. The Village, 3715 S. University. 570-0300, www.thevillagelive.com.

Waiting For Brantley. 9 p.m., $5. West End Smokehouse Tavern, 215 N. Shackleford. 2247665, www.westendsmokehouse.net.

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

MARCH 5: Three Days Grace, Breaking Benjamin, Flyleaf. 7 p.m., $39.75. Verizon Arena. 800-745-3000, verizonarena.com.

MARCH 6: T-Model Ford. 9 p.m., White Water Tavern. 2500 W. 7th St. 375-8400, www. myspace.com/whitewatertavern.

MARCH 6: George Strait, Reba McEntire.

7 p.m., $81.25-$91.25. Verizon Arena, NLR. 340-5660, www.ticketmaster.com.

MARCH 7: George Thorogood and the Destroyers. 7 p.m., $25.50-$100.50. Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville. 479-443-5600, www. waltonartscenter.org.

MARCH 9: Xiu Xiu. 9 p.m., $10. Sticky Fingerz, 107 Commerce St. 372-7707, www.stickyfingerz.com.

MARCH 13: North Mississippi All Stars.

8 p.m., $20. Revolution, 300 President Clinton Ave. 823-0090, www.rumbarevolution.com.

MARCH 14: “Lord of the Dance.” 7:30 p.m., $27.95-$85.25. Robinson Center Music Hall, 7 Statehouse Plaza. 244-8800, www.ticketmaster.com.

Whitney Paige, Necole Luv Dupree, Missy Klein. 8 p.m. Pulse at Offcenter, 307 W. 7th. www. pulseatoffcenter.com.

COMEDY

Chris Porter. 8:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m., $9. Loony Bin, I-430 and Rodney Parham, 228-5555, www. loonybincomedy.com.

EVENTS

58th Annual Home Show. Noon, $8. Verizon Arena. www.hbaglr.com Aerospace Education Center Family Night.

6 p.m., free. Aerospace Education Center, 3301 E. Roosevelt Drive. 376-4629, www.aerospaced.org.

Arkansas Flower and Garden Show. 9 a.m., $7.50. Statehouse Convention Center, 7 Statehouse Plaza. 821-4000, www.arflowerandgardenshow.org.

Junior League Bargain Boutique. 8 a.m., free.

Junior League of Arkansas Building, 401 Scott St. 375-5557, www.jllr.org.

Lanterns: Wildwood’s Winter Festival. 6 p.m., $10 adults/$5 kids. Wildwood Park for the Arts, 20919 Denny Road. 821-7275, www.wildwoodpark.org

FILM

Show Your Shorts. Local filmmakers screen their short films. 7 p.m., ACAC, 900 S. Rodney Parham.

244-2979, www.myspace.com/acacarkansas.

SPORTS

Oaklawn Racing. 1:30 p.m., $2. Oaklawn Jockey Club, 2705 Central Ave., Hot Springs. 501-6234411, www.oaklawn.com.

SATURDAY, FEB. 27 MUSIC

American Aquarium, Monster Heart, Randell Shreve, Bobby Drivers, Jason Paul. 8 p.m. George’s Majestic Lounge, 519 W. Dickson St., Fayetteville. 479-527-6618, www.georgesmajesticlounge.com.

Apple and the Hoodoo Goddess. 10 p.m., $3.

Town Pump, 1321 Rebsamen Road. 663-9802.

Arkansas Symphony Orchestra presents “Sibelius’ Nordic Splendor.” 8 p.m., $35-$58.

Robinson Center Music Hall, 7 Statehouse Plaza.

376-4781, www.arkansassymphonyorchestra.org.

Atreyu, The Last Shade, My Hands to War. 8 p.m., $16 adv., $20 d.o.s. The Village, 3715 S. University. 570-0300, www.thevillagelive.com.

Brittney Paige, Kamrin Mikaels, Krystal Karrington. 8 p.m. Pulse at Offcenter, 307 W. 7th. www.pulseatoffcenter.com.

Brother Andy, The See, Magic Hassle. 9 p.m., $5. Smoke and Barrel Tavern, 324 W. Dickson, Fayetteville. 479-521-6880.

Eucharist, And The Angels Were Silent, Clever Vicious Circle, Poisonwood. 8 p.m.

Soundstage, 1008 Oak St., Conway. www.myspace.com/soundstage.

Fundamental Elements. 9 p.m., $5. Sticky Fingerz, 107 Commerce St. 372-7707, www.stickyfingerz.com.

Jeff Coleman. 7 p.m., free. Sonny Williams Steak Room, 500 President Clinton Ave. 324-2999, www. sonnywililamssteakroom.com.

Jill Stringham Band. 10 p.m., $5. Fox and Hound, 2800 Lakewood Village Drive, NLR. 753-8300.

John Calvin Brewer Band. 9 p.m., $5. Cornerstone Pub, 314 Main St., NLR. 374-1782, www. cstonepub.com.

Natural State, Whale Fire. 8 p.m., $5. Bear’s Den Pizza, 235 Farris Road, Conway. 501-328-5556.

Richie Johnson (happy hour), Notion (headliner). 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m, $5 after 8:30. Cajun’s Wharf, 2400 Cantrell Road. 375-5351, www.cajunswharf.com.

Rob Moore. 8 p.m., $5. Cregeen’s, 301 Main St., NLR. 376-7468, www.cregeens.com.

Rocket Queen, Even Heroes. 9 p.m. Maxine’s, 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs. 501-321-0909, www.maxinespub.com.

Rodney Block. 9 p.m.., $10. SpeakEasy, 412 Louisiana St. 374-2008.

Strangelove, DJ Debbi T. 11 p.m. Counterpoint, 3605 MacArthur Drive, NLR. 771-5515.

Superstar Saturday. 8 p.m. On the Rocks, 107 E. Markham St. 374-7625, www.clubontherocks.com.

The Beginning Open Mic. 8 p.m., $5 adv., $10 d.o.s. The Land, 3700 W. 65th St. www.inhispresenceproductions.com.

The Breakthrough, Language Room. 9 p.m., $6. Juanita’s, 1300 S. Main. 374-2371, www.juanitas.com.

The Crumbs. 8 p.m., free. Denton’s Trotline, 2150 Congo Road, Benton. 501-315-1717.

The Ted Ludwig Trio. 9 p.m., free. Capital Bar & Grill. 111 W. Markham, 370-7013, www.capitalhotel.com/CBG. Tony Rulz (disco), g-force (lobby), TBA (theater). 9 p.m., $10. Discovery, 1021 Jessie Road.

664-4784, www.latenightdisco.com.

Typhoid Mary. 8 p.m., Denton’s Trotline, 2150 Congo Road. 501-315-1717.

Velvet Kente. 10 p.m., $7. White Water Tavern, 2500 W. 7th. 375-8400, www.myspace.com/ whitewatertavern.

Will Gunselman. 9 p.m., free. Flying Saucer, 323 President Clinton Ave. 372-7468, www.beerknurd. com.

William Staggers. 9 p.m., $7. Afterthought, 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 663-1196, www.afterthoughtbar.com.

COMEDY

Chris Porter. 7 p.m., 9 p.m., 11 p.m., $9. Loony Bin, I-430 and Rodney Parham, 228-5555, www. loonybincomedy.com.

EVENTS

23nd Annual Arkansas Glasshopper Inc. Depression Era Glass and Pottery Show. 10 a.m., $5. Dodge Hall of Industry, Arkansas State Fairgrounds, 2600 Howard St. 868-4969.

58th Annual Home Show. 10 a.m., $8. Verizon Arena. www.hbaglr.com.

“Unforgettable” bridal and formal fair. 10 a.m., $5. Pine Bluff Convention Center Arena, 500 E. 8th Avenue, Pine Bluff. 870-247-7072.

Arkansas Flower and Garden Show. 9 a.m., $7.50. Statehouse Convention Center, 7 Statehouse Plaza. 821-4000, www.arflowerandgardenshow.org.

Arkansas Second Amendment Rally. 11 a.m., $10 donation, $5 minors and seniors. Barton Coliseum, 2600 Howard St. 870-897-3300, sskill@ suddenlink.net.

Brazilian Mardi Gras. Samba, Capoeira dancing, Batucada drums and more. 7:30 p.m., $10 adv, $15 d.o.s. Revolution, 300 President Clinton Ave. 823-0090, www.rumbarevolution.com.

Chili With a Kick. 9 a.m., $10. Dickey-Stephens Park, 400 W. Broadway, NLR. 592-8298, www.chiliwithakick.com.

Junior League Bargain Boutique. 8 a.m., free.

Junior League of Arkansas Building, 401 Scott St. 375-5557, www.jllr.org.

Lanterns: Wildwood’s Winter Festival. 6 p.m., $10 adults, $5 kids. Wildwood Park for the Arts, 20919 Denny Road. 821-7275, www.wildwoodpark.org.

Nolan Richardson, Rus Bradburd. Presentation and book-signing for the new book “Forty Minutes of Hell: The Extraordinary Life of Nolan Richardson.” Pyramid Art, Books and Custom Framing, 1001 Wright Ave., Suite C. 240-2362, pyramidartandbooks.wordpress.com.

ReShonda Tate Billingsley. Author, journalist

and Smackover native speaks in the Millenium Education Music Project’s Black History 360 speaker series. 10:30 a.m., free. Quapaw Community Center, 500 Quapaw Ave., Hot Springs. www.emilleniumeducation.com.

Live Music

Thurs, Feb 25 ADAm FAucett & NAtHAN XANDeR

SPORTS

Arkansas Children’s Hospital Dodgeball Tournament. 2 p.m., $5 entry. Arkansas Children’s Hospital, East Campus Fitness Center. 7231595, phidedodgeball@yahoo.com.

Oaklawn Racing. 1 p.m. Oaklawn Jockey Club, 2705 Central Ave., Hot Springs. 501-623-4411, www.oaklawn.com.

UALR Men’s Basketball vs. New Orleans. 7 p.m., $10-$35. Jack Stephens Center, UALR. 565UALR, www.ualrtrojans.com.

SUNDAY, FEB. 28 MUSIC

Arkansas Symphony Orchestra presents “Sibelius’ Nordic Splendor.” 3 p.m., $35-$58.

Robinson Center Music Hall, 7 Statehouse Plaza.

376-4781, www.arkansassymphonyorchestra.org Counterpoint Karaoke. 9 p.m. Counterpoint, 3605 MacArthur Drive, NLR. 771-5515.

HaitI Relief Concert with Megan Prochka, Three Strikes, Shayne Evans, Devon Crenshaw, Riley Khoruy, H.A.H.A., Jack Bruno.

6:30 p.m., $5. Revolution, 300 President Clinton Ave. 823-0090, www.rumbarevolution.com.

Ivan Parker. 6 p.m. Sherwood First Nazarene Church, 8800 Hwy. 107, Sherwood. 835-2072.

Jazz Brunch with Ted Ludwig. 11 a.m., free.

Vieux Carre, 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 663-4176, www.afterthoughtbar.com.

Make No Mistake. 8 p.m., free. SpeakEasy, 412 Louisiana St. 374-2008.

Polyphonic Breakdown, Call Off Classic, In The Fade, Atma Anna Ruth, The Hippie Holler Band, Dark Embraces. 5 p.m., $12. Juanita’s, 1300 S. Main. 374-2371, www.juanitas.com.

Sunday Night Dancing with The Legion Band, Warren Crow and Co. 7 p.m., $5. Legion Club, 315 E. Capitol Ave. 372-8762.

The Rocketboys, Plu, Randall Shreve, Bonnie Montgomery. 7:30 p.m., $7. Sticky Fingerz, 107 Commerce St. 372-7707, www.stickyfingerz.com.

EVENTS

23nd Annual Arkansas Glasshopper Inc. Depression Era Glass and Pottery Show. 10 a.m., $5. Dodge Hall of Industry, Arkansas State Fairgrounds, 2600 Howard St. 868-4969.

58th Annual Home Show. 10 a.m., $8. Verizon Arena. www.hbaglr.com Arkansas Flower and Garden Show. 10 a.m., $7.50. Statehouse Convention Center, 7 Statehouse Plaza. 821-4000, www.arflowerandgardenshow.org.

Lanterns: Wildwood’s Winter Festival. 6 p.m., $10 adults, $5 kids. Wildwood Park for the Arts, 20919 Denny Road. 821-7275, www.wildwoodpark.org

SPORTS

Oaklawn Racing. 1:30 p.m., $2. Oaklawn Jockey Club, 2705 Central Ave., Hot Springs. 501-6234411, www.oaklawn.com.

MONDAY, MARCH 1 MUSIC

Chris James CD Release Party. 8 p.m., $10.

Afterthought, 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 663-1196, www.afterthoughtbar.com.

Texas Renegade. 9 p.m. George’s Majestic Lounge, 519 W. Dickson St., Fayetteville. 479-5276618, www.georgesmajesticlounge.com.

Venia, Kingdom Under Siege, Legend Has It. 8 p.m., $7. Vino’s, 923 W. 7th St. 375-8466, www.vinosbrewpub.com.

EVENTS

“First Persons: Stories of Hope.” Families, rescue workers and survivors tell their stories from the Oklahoma City bombing. 6 p.m., free. Great Hall, Clinton Presidential Center. 683-5239, publicprograms@clitonschool.uasys.edu.

LECTURES

Mary Wilson. The 17th president of the League of Women Voters of the United States delivers lecture, “2010: A Year of Celebration and Climate Concerns.” Noon, free. Sturgis Hall, Clinton School

Continued on page 29

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showcase Continued from page 23

But, at the same time, it’s not unrelenting or abrasive. There’s slow-grind sludge, but also plenty of almost stoner-rock riffage. The most obvious metal signifier is lead singer CT’s demonic, guttural holler. He’s terrifying. In fact, joshua said he could hear his songs in a reoccurring nightmare he’s been having about blue elves. Except, he said, there’s no way he’d let a tambourine — which CT shook oc-

of twang with arena rock flourish in songs about huntin’ and fishin’ and putting it on thick in ballads about girls who’re just like heaven. But that’s often what it takes to succeed in the business.

Outstanding Red Team, perhaps the newest band in the Showcase, offered a charmingly sloppy set. Like Greg Spradlin said, it’s a band that’s “refreshingly, artfully Stooge-y.” Which is to say that under all the hollerin’ and garage noise there’s some really cleverly wrought pop songs. None more so than “The Prize Winning Racehorse,” in which lead singer Brian Hirrel reels off a catalog of rapidly delivered sports references, and backing vocalists Slaughterhouse and Jimmy Young (who was celebrating his 40th birthday last Thursday) chime in with tremendously catchy vocal hooks. It’s definitely the single.

ORT’s frenetic set came to an equally harried end when some asshole, who perhaps had watched the flash larue: Competing in the wildcard round. cowboy club scene in “Blues casionally — in his heavy metal dream.

Brothers” one too many times, launched a This Thursday, once again at 9 p.m. at cocktail grass at Hirrel’s head. Luckily, he Sticky Fingerz, we debut a new wrinkle. ducked. And the asshole was brusquely The wildcard round pits the four second — but sadly not sleeper-hold-brusquely place finishers from the semi-finals in a — shown the door. battle to win your vote. Yup, the judges If you have a soft spot for the early get the night off and leave it to you. Evdays of metal, Iron Tongue’s your new eryone that enters will get a special ticket. favorite local band. This oddball fiveNear the Times table there’ll be a bucket piece, featuring more vets of pop-rock for each act. At any point during the night, and blues-rock bands than metal ones, is, you’ll be able to cast your vote by dropas guest judge Jeff Riggs said, “metal so ping your ticket into your band’s bucket. heavy it should be described in tonnage.”

28 february 25, 2010 • arKaNSaS TIMeS

So, yes, it could be simply a popularity contest, though if each of the participants brings a crowd like they did in the semifinals, they’ll all be on even ground. Also, hopefully, a few of you will come with an open mind.

Below, I’ve got refreshers on each of the wildcard acts and a case for each to win. n Stella Fancy, from round one, plays

rangements, their hooks, their wardrobe choices (suits last time), Jen Shaw’s voice — all pretty much irresistible. Don’t discount charm. n Bonnie Montgomery also came from round one. As the highest point getter among third place finishers, she fills a spot Big Boots won, but had to decline (Boots lead singer Mason Maudlin is in Vancouver watching the Olympics).

Fresh from several years in Nashville, the White County native writes folk-pop worthy of Music City and sings in a pitchperfect voice that’s a testament to years of studying opera.

Why she’ll win: Because Nashville and opera are an affecting combo. And her songs are that good. Plus, she’s a new commodity, and who doesn’t like to see a new face mix it up? n Flash LaRue, from round three, includes members of Notion and The Poeboy Society and specializes in a winning brand of big tent rock ’n’ roll. A lot of their shifting arrangements sound like contemporary indie rock, but at other times, they’re full tilt Southern rock.

Why they’ll win: Because they’re infectious. And even with all the stylistic shifts, they’re still the most straightforward rock ’n’ roll act in the wildcard round. Everyone loves the rawk.

an irresistible brand of garage-style bossa nova. The band’s been around for a while, but only since late fall in this incarnation.

The five-piece’s newness doesn’t show except that they’re playing new songs you probably haven’t heard. With Jen Shaw (vocals, guitar), JP Langston (guitar), Jon Bierman (bass), Damian Thompson (congas), Dan Huff (drums).

Why they’ll win: Because, like JT Tarpley said in his recap of round one, they’re impossible not to like. Their ar-

n Iron Tongue, of course, came from round four. I told you about them above.

Why they’ll win: Because throwback metal rules. And for sheer spectacle, Iron Tongue’s hard to beat.

UPCOMING SHOWCASE SCHEDULE

March 5: Bobby, Elise Davis, Brother Andy & His Big Damn Mouth, Underclaire

calendar

Continued from page 27 of Public Service. 683-5239, publicprograms@clitonschool.uasys.edu.

TUESDAY, MARCH 2 MUSIC

Blues Jam with The Cruize Brothers. 9 p.m., $5. Juanita’s, 1300 S. Main. 374-2371, www.juanitas.com. 18 plus.

Brugh Foster. 8 p.m. Cornerstone Pub, 314 Main St., NLR. 374-1782, www.cstonepub.com.

Dawes, Cory Chisel & the Wandering Sons, Jason Boesel. 8:30 p.m. $10. Sticky Fingerz, 107 Commerce St. 372-7707, www.stickyfingerz.com.

Feel Lucky Karaoke. 8 p.m. On the Rocks, 107 E. Markham St. 374-7625, www.clubontherocks.com.

Jam Session with Carl Mouton. 8 p.m., free.

Afterthought, 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 663-4176, www.afterthoughtbar.com.

EVENTS

Frank Jones. Folklorist talks about Ozarks storytelling. 7 p.m., free. Faulkner County Library, 1900 Tyler St., Conway. 501-327-7482,

LECTURES

Claiborne Deming. Former president and CEO of Murphy Oil will discuss his views on the national debate over climate change. Noon, free. Sturgis Hall, Clinton School of Public Service. 683-5239, publicprograms@clintonschool.uasys.edu.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3 MUSIC

Automatic Loveletter. 7 p.m., $8 adv., $10 d.o.s. The Village, 3715 S. University. 570-0300, www.thevillagelive.com.

Brian and Nick (happy hour). 5:30 p.m., free.

Cajun’s Wharf, 2400 Cantrell Road. 375-5351, www.cajunswharf.com.

Lucious Spiller Band. 9:30 p.m., $5. Sticky Fingerz, 107 Commerce St. 372-7707, www.stickyfingerz.com.

Sarah Hughes. 10 p.m., $3. Town Pump, 1321 Rebsamen Road. 663-9802.

The Ted Ludwig Trio. 5 p.m., free. Capital Bar & Grill, 111 W. Markham. 370-7013, www.capitalhotel.com/CBG. Vetiver. 9 p.m., $2. Juanita’s, 1300 S. Main. 3742371, www.juanitas.com. 18 plus.

COMEDY

The Midnight Swinger. 8 p.m., $6. The Loony Bin, I-430 & Rodney Parham. 228-5555, www.loonybincomedy.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 4 MUSIC

Ben & Doug (happy hour), Typhoid Mary (headliner). 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m, $5 after 8:30.

Cajun’s Wharf, 2400 Cantrell Road. 375-5351, www.cajunswharf.com.

Cadillac Sky, The Apache Relay, This Holy House. 9 p.m. Juanita’s, 1300 S. Main St. 3743271, www.juanitas.com.

Cody Belew Record Release Show. 9 p.m., $5. White Water Tavern, 2500 W. 7th. 375-8400, myspace.com/whitewatertavern.

Forever the Sickest Kids, School Boy Humor, EKG. 8 p.m., $15 adv., $18 d.o.s. The Village, 3715 S. University. 570-0300, www.thevillagelive.com.

Harp and Lyre, Alls Quite, Fit For a King, Legend Has It. 8 p.m., $7. Vino’s, 923 W. 7th St. 375-8466, www.vinosbrewpub.com.

Hot Club Arkansas. 7 p.m., free. Faulkner County Library, 1900 Tyler St., Conway. 501-3277482, www.hotclubarkansas.com.

Jerry Garcia Band featuring Melvin Seals.

9 p.m., George’s Majestic Lounge, 519 W. Dickson St., Fayetteville. 479-527-6618, www.georgesmajesticlounge.com.

Puddin’ Head. 10 p.m., $3. Town Pump, 1321 Rebsamen Road. 663-9802.

Sarah Wolfson. Soprano featured on PBS’ “American Masters.” 7:30 p.m., $20 regular, $10 students. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1000 N. Mississippi. 661-0520, www.chambermusiclr.com.

The Ted Ludwig Trio. 5 p.m., free. Capital Bar & Grill, 111 W. Markham. 370-7013, www.capital-

hotel.com/CBG. Thirsty Thursday. 8 p.m. On the Rocks, 107 E. Markham St. 374-7625, www.clubontherocks.com.

COMEDY

The Midnight Swinger. 8 p.m., $6. The Loony Bin, I-430 & Rodney Parham. 228-5555, www.loonybincomedy.com.

EVENTS

Hillcrest Sip & Shop. 5 p.m. Hillcrest. www.hillcrestmerchants.com.

InVerse Open Mic Poetry Night. 6 p.m., $5.

ACAC, 900 S. Rodney Parham. 244-2979, www. myspace.com/acacarkansas.

LECTURE

Dr. Alex Vernon. Professor and Tarzan scholar delivers lecture “Imagining Tarzan: Constructions of Race and Gender in a Twentieth-Century Icon.”

7:30 p.m., free. Mills Building, Lecture Hall “A,” Hendrix College, Conway. 501-450-1240, www. hendrix.edu.

SPORTS

Oaklawn Racing. 1 p.m. Oaklawn Jockey Club, 2705 Central Ave., Hot Springs. 501-623-4411, www.oaklawn.com.

THE WEEK IN THEATER “Dearly Beloved.” A Southern wedding brings together three estranged sisters’ gospel group. 8 p.m., $20. Fort Smith Little Theater, 401 N. 6th St., Fort Smith. 479-783-2966, www.fslt.org.

“Dying City.” A year after her husband’s death in Iraq, Kelly, a young therapist, confronts his identical-twin gay brother, Peter, who shows up at her apartment unannounced. Weekend Theater, 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., $10-$14. 7th & Chester. 374-3761, www.weekendtheater.org.

“Plaza Suite.” Neil Simon’s comedy about three different couples on three different occasions in the same room in New York City’s Plaza Hotel.

7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sun., $14 regular, $12 students and seniors. The Public Theater, 616 Center St. 6639494, www.communitytheatreoflittlerock.org.

“Second Time Around.” When two senior citizens decide not to marry in order to keep their social security benefits, their children hit the ceiling.

6 p.m. Tue.-Sat., 11 a.m. Sun. and Wed. $22-$30.

Murry’s Dinner Playhouse, 6323 Col. Glenn Road.

562-3131, www.murrysdinnerplayhouse.com.

gAllERIES New exhibits in bold-faced type ACAC, 900 S. Rodney Parham Road: Mural “La Pinche Situacion!” by CH3MEX, through Feb. 27; “Show Your Shorts,” films by Arkansans, 7 p.m. Feb. 26. 2-6 p.m. Tue.-Fri. 244-2979.

ARKANSAS ARTS CENTER, MacArthur Park: 52nd annual “Delta Exhibition,” juried show of work by Arkansans and residents of contiguous states, through March 14; “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.: “Local History Goes to School: Traveling the World with Mifflin W. Gibbs,” through Feb. 27, Concordia Hall gallery. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

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

BOSWELL-MOUROT FINE ART, 5815 Kavanaugh Blvd.: “The Delineations of V.L. Cox,” new paintings, also work by Steve Armstrong, Kyle Boswell, Frank Colcord, Carla Davis, Eleanor Dickinson, Hamid Ebrahimifar, Hans Feyerabend and others. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tue.-Sat. 664-0030.

CANTRELL GALLERY, 8206 Cantrell Road: “Stop the Presses,” work in various media by Arkansas Democrat-Gazette employees John Deering, John Sykes, Celia Storey, Philip Martin and others, through Feb. 27. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 224-1335.

CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 509 Scott St.: “Light Coming into the World,” work by Garrett Alderfer, David Bell, Lois Davis, Cornelia DeLee, Austin Grimes, Steve Grisham, LaToya Hobbs, Sr. Maria Liebeck, Mark Meador, Brittany Platt, Lenny Sheehan, A.J. Smith, Marjorie Williams-Smith, Brandye Snead and Dan Thornhill, through March.

FRIDAY, MARCH 5 VERIZON ARENA

Buy tickets at the Verizon Arena Box Office • All Ticketmaster Outlets 800-745-3000 • online at ticketmaster.com PRESENTED BY JAM PRODUCTIONS / FRANK PRODUCTIONS / LIVE NATION

Continued on page 32 www.arktimes.com • february 25, 2010 29

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48 HOURS MYSTERY: WM3 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27 CBS n Other than the Central High Crisis of 1957, it’s hard to think of a historical event that has given Arkansas a bigger black eye over the years than the arrest, conviction and ongoing incarceration of Jason Baldwin, Damien Echols and Jessie Misskelley, who have come to be known as The West Memphis Three. On May 5, 1993, three eight-year-old boys – Stevie Branch, Christopher Byers, and Michael Moore – went missing in West Memphis. The next day, their bodies were found trussed up with shoelaces and secreted in the bottom of a muddy creek. Misskelley, Echols and Baldwin were soon arrested for their murders, and following kangaroo court trials in which whispers of Satanism and witchcraft but little in the way of hard evidence was brought to bear, they were convicted.

Misskelley and Baldwin received life in prison, while Echols – who has since become the poster boy of the WM3 movement – was sentenced to death. Though many famous and not-so-famous supporters have rallied to their cause via the official website WM3.org and two award-winning documentaries about the case, Baldwin, Echols and Misskelley have been rotting in prison for 16 years, flinging themselves repeatedly against the brick wall of the Arkansas judicial system. Here, the CBS news magazine “48 Hours” takes a look at the case. If you’re a supporter of the WM3, chances are it won’t be anything you haven’t heard before – outrage after outrage, followed by a lot of head shaking over why the three were arrested in the first place, much less why they’re still in jail

after all these years. Featured is an appearance by the reclusive actor Johnny Depp, who intones in the preview posted on the CBS website: “I firmly believe Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley are totally innocent. It was a need for swift justice to placate the frightened community.”

00BAMA www.atom.com/channel/ channel_00bama/ n In a world where global warming, terrorism both foreign and domestic, double-digit unemployment and congressional gridlock threaten to dissolve the fabric of American reality itself, who can the people turn to? Why 00bama, of course – suave and dashing president by day, super-secret government spy by night. I ran across this very funny web series awhile back, and I’m completely hooked. James Jolly plays Barack Obama — though he goes the Chevy Chase-does-Gerald-Ford route instead of trying to do an impression of the Commander in Chief’s famously doctorial delivery. With the help of his loyal sidekicks Vice President Joey B. and Chief of Staff Rahm (who look and sound nothing like their real life counterparts), 00bama fights international terrorism the progressive way. Case in point from the first episode: 00bama and Rahm stand looking through a one-way mirror at a domestic terrorist, who has planted a bomb set to explode in 20 minutes. Rahm tells the president that maybe they should move to more aggressive interrogation techniques.

00bama shoots him a steely glance, then delivers this gem: “This is AMERICA, man. Save the aggressive techniques for the bedroom.” Yeah, I don’t care what your political leanings are, that’s funny.

While online series have been hit and miss so far, this is one that actually delivers the goods. Funny, smart and full of charm, it’s a great bit of TV that ain’t on TV – though I wouldn’t be surprised if some channel like Spike picks it up in the future.

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30 february 25, 2010 • arKaNSaS TIMeS

A& E N Ew s

New on Rock Candy Brett Anderson along with Sam Ein Local promoters and men-aboutfling, who’s writing about the nature of town Erin Hurley and Mike Brown Arkansas food for the have partnered to deissue. velop what they call • Martha Hall Little Rock’s first Foose, author of the “rock ‘n’ roll grofantastic cookbook cery and bodega,” “Screen Doors and where they’ll sell Sweet Tea,” and Kathstaple groceries; tourerine Whitworth, ist items; locally-protalking about food. duced clothing, art, • Lauren Hall, a and CDs; smoothies, former Little Rocker tickets to local conand a director of the certs and other sunDave Eggers-founddries. “It’ll be a little ed non-profit 826 store with a lot going Valencia, which reon,” Hurley said.

The future loca- green grass rock ’n’ roll- ally needs a branch in Little Rock. tion of Green Grass grocery Of all those slated Rock ‘n’ Roll Groto speak, Christian Lander, author of cery and Bodega, as Brown and Hurley the blog Stuff White People Like and are tentatively calling it, is 301 President a subsequent book version, is probably Clinton Ave., the former home of River the biggest name.

Market ArtSpace. The move comes as part of a sort of real estate hop scotch.

The former 3,800-square-foot ArtSpace storefront has been subdivided into two separate 1,600-square-foot spaces. Ten Thousand Villages, currently located at 305 President Clinton, will take the corner space, 301 B, and Green Grass will go in 301 A. And Ernie Biggs will expand into the old Ten Thousand Villages space.

Brown and Hurley plan, at least christian lander initially, to be open daily. They may n “The Last Ride,” a feature film stay open until 2:30 a.m. Wednesday about the mysterious final days of Hank through Saturday for special events.

Williams Sr., is currently filming in and In addition to smoothies, there’ll be around Central Arkansas. Henry Thomwhat Brown says is an “old-school soda as (familiar to most as Elliott in “E.T.”) fountain.” Yarnell’s ice cream and Diatakes the lead role and Jesse James (Helmond Bear root beer will be available. en Hunt’s sickly son in “As Good As It Hurley and Brown say they’ll continue Gets”) is Hank’s teen-age chauffeur. in their current jobs. Brown bartends at Arkansan Ray McKinnon and character Revolution and books the occasional actor Stephen Tobolowsky feature in asshow at the venue or elsewhere. Hurley of-yet unnamed roles. The movie marks books for Juanita’s. the directorial return of Arkansas native Harry Thomason (“Designing Women,” n The Arkansas Literary Festival “Evening Shade”). It’s his first trip back has announced its line-up for the sevto the director’s chair for a theatrical enth annual book event, April 8-11 in non-documentary since “The Day It the River Market district. No super Came to Earth” in 1979. stars but some good authors and programs are on the bill. Here are a few to n No big shock here, but the AP has reanticipate: ported that the Coen brothers will film • Nolan Richardson biographer Rus their Arkansas and Oklahoma-set adapBradburd. tation of “True Grit” in New Mexico, • Marjorie Rosen, author of “Boom land of opportunity and really good film Town: How Wal-Mart Transformed an incentives, beginning in March.

All-American Town into an International Community,” who had readings n Lost Highway released “American canceled in Bentonville and Rogers liVI: Ain’t No Grave,” the final chapbraries last year. ter of Johnny Cash and Rick Rubin’s • The Oxford American Southern “American” series, on Tuesday. At least Food Issue panel, which includes New at press time, it was selling for $3.99 in Orleans Times Picayune columnist Amazon’s MP3 store.

Lolis Eric Elie and restaurant writer

Pizza Café Wins Northern Italian Pepperoni Growers Association Award For Excellence!

PC The Pizza Café 1517 Rebsamen Park Road 501-664-6133 7 Days a Week• Heated Patio! www.arktimes.com • february 25, 2010 31

the man and his muse: McElroy and Warr.

I ❤ you, in tattoo Bro-love inking sweeps through the local music scene.

By Lindsey Millar

n A few weeks back, Travis McElroy, the 36-year-old owner and operator of Thick Syrup Records, lay flat on a fully-reclined black leather chair, his snap button shirt halfway open. “Me and Andy’s got a bromance,” he said, letting loose a full body laugh. Which broke a central rule for sitting for a tattoo, according to Brooke Cook, of Anchor Tattoo and Piercing in Benton, who had to stop work on a large tattoo on McElroy’s chest of Andy Warr, of local band Brother Andy & His Big Damn Mouth, to chastise: “Talk all you want, but no giggling!”

McElroy’s tattoo of Warr shows the musician in profile, the best angle to capture his flowing Moses-style beard. Laurels grow out of a circular border that frames the face, while the words “In Warr We Trust” float above. It’s McElroy’s fourth tattoo of a local musician, and the largest.

Warr’s face takes up a large part of McElroy’s chest (“He’s a big dude,” McElroy offers).

When I ask how many tattoos he has all together, he asks “What’s one tattoo? They all run together.”

McElroy lives for rock ’n’ roll. He works as a computer tech to pay his bills and insurance. Everything else, he says, goes into Thick Syrup. In just a few years, he’s grown the label from releases of local acts exclusively to material from Baltimore-based cult early adopter: David Slade.

32 february 25, 2010 • ARKANSAS TIMES

heroes David and Jad Fair. In the coming months, he hopes to release a compilation that’ll feature contributions from members of Pearl Jam and Teenage Fanclub.

But his tattoos aren’t merely an extension of Thick Syrup. Yes, he will corelease Brother Andy & His Big Damn Mouth’s debut. And, yes, he’s planning on re-releasing “Bars of Gold,” the debut EP from The See, whose eye-logo he has tattooed on his hand. But he has no business affiliation with American Princes’ Matt Quin and David Slade, who’re represented, as a zombie and in a heart, respectively, on his arm. They’re just buds.

In fact, the local musician tattoo trend,

which predates McElroy, but continues largely because of him, seems to be rooted on just that — good old-fashioned heterosexual bro-love.

The love started to spread several years back (no one we interviewed for this story was very good with dates) with “BURF.” That’s what ended up on Quin’s arm on $20 name tattoo day at the Parlor instead of the intended “BURT TAGGART,” a tribute to Max Recordings’ chief, who was instrumental in the Princes’ rise. (David Slade got one too, but it was spelled correctly.) After the tattoo artist mistakenly inked “BURR” and tried to correct it with a Gaelic “T,” Quin had to live with “BURF TAGGART” for a time. He’s since had it fixed. With arrows and a bass and treble clef around the name.

Taggart, Slade remembers, was not initially thrilled. “He could not have looked any more horrified. He didn’t say anything, but there was this look of total fear in his eyes.”

“It just freaked me out,” Taggart says today. He never thought he’d see his name on another guy’s arm. For a time, he says he thought seriously about reciprocating, but after several years passed and McElroy got his tattoos of Quin and Slade and both reciprocated, he says he figured the pressure was off.

Quin and Slade’s tattoos of McElroy heated things up. Both got variations on one of Thick Syrup’s logos — a representation of McElroy (who’s long cultivated a Rick Rubin-esque look) that’s a bushy beard and long hair, without a face. Quin placed the logo inside arrows shaped in a heart (all of his tattoos involve arrows).

And Slade got the word “OBEY” written under his logo, a reference to Shepherd Fairey’s famed “OBEY” Andre the Giant graffiti.

Then the floodgates opened. Tyler Nance, hirsute drummer for The See, got a plain McElroy logo. After it was often confused as a tattoo of himself, he added an eye patch. Joe Yoder, also of The See, got the logo with red sunglasses. Frown Pow’r’s Marshall Dunn got it in red, with lightning bolts underneath. “Dirty” Sean Causey, of The Weisenheimers, stuck a halo on top of his and Chinese characters below. Last Thursday, Eric Morris, of The See and Magic Hassle, claimed that he was getting the McElroy tattoo as a “tramp stamp,” on the small of his back, later this week.

All those tattooed who I talked to offered an explanation much like Matt Quin’s: “When your brother dies, you get his name tattooed, RIP and that stuff.

The way we’re doing it celebrates your friends while they’re alive. Like, ‘I love the shit out of you. I love you so much I’m going to get your name or face tattooed on my body.’ ” Go to Rock Candy (www.arktimes. com/blogs/rockcandy) for more pictures.

Continued from page 29

Dispersions,” multi-medial installation by Michael Wyshock, both through Feb. 25, Baum Gallery. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Tue., Wed.-Fri.; 10 a.m. -7 p.m. n Thu. 501-450-5793.

Fayetteville UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS: “Un-Natural Histories — Paintings of Invasive Species,” work by Kristin Musgnug, UA associate professor of art, through March 11. 479-575-7987. n Helena PHILLIPS COMMUNITY COLLEGE: “Retro Works,” works from Arkansas Arts Council’s “Small Works on Paper” shows 1989-1997, through March 20. n Hot Springs ALISON PARSONS GALLERY, 802 Central Ave.: Paintings by Parsons. 501-625-3001.

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

501-624-0550.

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

501-463-4932.

BLUE MOON GALLERY, 718 Central Ave.: Sculpture by Wayne Summerhill, through Feb-

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Thu. 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. 664-0880.

GALLERY 26, 2601 Kavanaugh Blvd.: Marcus McAllister and Janet Wilcox, paintings and drawings, through March 13. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tue.-Sat. 664-8996.

GREG THOMPSON FINE ART, 429 Main St., NLR: “Short Stories of the Sublime,” paintings by Mark Blaney, through March 13. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Tue.-Fri., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat. 664-2787.

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: Michael Landis, recent paintings, and work by Robin Hazard-Bishop, John Kushmaul, Marty Smith, Dan Thornhill and others. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tue.-Fri., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat. 529-6330.

LAMAN LIBRARY EXHIBIT HALL, 2801 Orange St.: “Enchanting Taiwan,” 38 photographs, through Feb. 28. 758-1720.

LOCAL COLOUR GALLERY, 5811 Kavanaugh Blvd.: Artists’ collective showcase. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 265-0422.

MARKET HALL WALL, River Market: Work by Diane Ziemski, through March, Boulevard Bread Co. 375-2552.

PYRAMID ART, BOOKS AND CUSTOM FRAMING, 1001 Wright Ave.: Book-signing of “Forty Minutes of Hell: The Extraordinary Life of Nolan Richardson,” with Richardson, 1-3 p.m. Feb. 27.

RED DOOR GALLERY, 3715 JFK, NLR: Work by Twin, Robin Steves, Brady Taylor, Georges Artaud, Lola, Jim Johnson, Amy HillImler, 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 ON EXHIBIT: New abstract paintings by North Little Road. Work by area artists, includ- Rock artist V.L. Cox, including “Brushy Creek” (above), ing Sandy Hubler. 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. are evocative of landscape in an exhibit at BoswellMon.-Fri. 372-7373.

STEPHANO’S FINE ART GAL- Mourot Fine Art, “The Delineations of V.L. Cox.” Cox, LERY, 5501 Kavanaugh Blvd.: whose work identified by elaborately textured surfaces Work by Jessica Smith, Robert and a subtle color sense, has work in public and private Nowlin, Robert Sherman, Alexis collections. The show runs through the month at the Silk and others. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Tue.-Thu.; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri.-Sat. gallery, at 5815 Kavanaugh.

563-4218.

TOBY FAIRLEY FINE ART, 5507 Ranch Drive, Suite 103: Contemporary Arkansas ruary. 501-318-2787. artists. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tue.-Fri. or by appointment.

CAROLE KATCHEN ART GALLERY, 618 W. 868-9882.

Grand Ave.: Paintings, pastels, sculpture by KatchUNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT LITTLE en. 501-617-4494.

ROCK: “Exquisite Corpse,” collaborative FOX PASS POTTERY, 379 Fox Pass Cut-off: sculpture by nine artists, to be revealed one day Pottery by Jim and Barbara Larkin. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at a time, Gallery II, through March 18,; “Kom FljuTue.-Sat. 501-623-9906. gandi/Flown In,” artists working in Iceland, through GALLERY 726, 726 Central Ave.: Work by Susan March 14, Gallery I; “Make Believe by John HartDee Hurst, through February. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.ley,” monoprints, Gallery III, through Feb. 28, artist Sat. 501-624-7726. talk 1 p.m. March 1. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 GALLERY CENTRAL, 800 Central Ave.: Arkana.m.-1 p.m. Sat., 2-5 p.m. Sun. 569-8977. sas artists. 501-318-4278.

UALR BOWEN SCHOOL OF LAW: “Law in a JUSTUS FINE ART, 827 A Central Ave.: New Land Without Justice: Nazi Germany 1933-1945,” paintings by Robin Hazard-Bishop, Dolores JusWorld War II artifacts, through July. 7 a.m.-11 p.m. tus and JoAnne Oliver, clay sculpture by Cynthia Mon.-Thu., 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat., Bowers, and other work. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed.-Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun. 501-321-2335. n Batesville LINDA PALMER GALLERY, 800 B Central Ave.: LYON COLLEGE: “2010 Small Works on Work by Linda Palmer, Doyle Young, Ellen AlderPaper,” Kresge Gallery, through Feb. 26. 8 a.m.-5 son, Peter Lippincott, Sara Tole and Jan Leek. 10 p.m. Mon.-Fri. a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 501-620-3063. n Benton PRODIGIOUS ART LTD., Hot Springs Mall: Work DIANNE ROBERTS ART STUDIO AND GALby Bryan Sink and local, national and international LERY, 110 N. Market St.: Area artists. 10 a.m.-9 artists. 501-520-0307. p.m. Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. 860-7467.

RICIANO ART GALLERY, 833 Central Ave.: n Bentonville Featuring work by Riciano, Lacey Alysse, Char CRYSTAL BRIDGES AT THE MASSEY, 125 W. DeMoro and other artists. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. 501Central: “Heroes of Horticulture,” landscape pho339-3751. tographs, through March 21. 479-418-5700.

TAYLOR’S CONTEMPORANEA, 204 Exchange n Conway St.: Work by area and regional artists. 624-0516.

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS: n Pine Bluff “Tagged, Stamped & Stenciled: Guerilla Art ‘Goes ARTS AND SCIENCE CENTER, 701 Main St.: Gallery,’ ” graffiti art by Mark Bode; “Polarized Continued on page 35

SHOP ‘N’ SIP First thursday HILLCREST SHOPPING & DINING

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Shop ’til 8pm and enjoy dining in one of the many area restaurants

LOTS OF NEW STUFF FOR SPRING. COME SEE!

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2616 Kavanaugh • 661-1167 M-F 10-6, SAT 10-5

Enjoy onE of our spEcialty drinks!

605 N. Beechwood

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www.arktimes.com • february 25, 2010 33

Friday, Feb 26-Thursday, March 5

HELP WANTED ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

The LasT sTaTion – R 1:45 4:15 6:45 9:15 Hellen Mirren, Christopher Plummer, James McAvoy, Paul Gimatti. 2 Oscar Nominations

CRazy heaRT – R 2:00 4:30 7:00 9:15

Feb. 26-28

movielistings All theater listings run Friday to Thursday unless otherwise noted.

Jeff Bridges, Maggie Gyllenhaal. 3 Oscar Nominations

DAN

a singLe Man – R 1:45 4:15 6:45 9:15 Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Nicholas Hoult . Oscar Nominee

The young ViCToRia – Pg 2:00 4:20 7:00 9:20 Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend, Paul Bettany. 3 Oscar Nominations

an eduCaTion – Pg13 2:15 7:15

Riverdale listings were not available at time of press. Movies 10 and Rave listings are valid Friday through Sunday only. Please visit www.arktimes.com for updates.

Carey Mulligan, Olivia Williams, Alfred Molina. 3 Oscar Nominations

The iMaginaRiuM of doCToR PaRnassus – Pg13 fRi: 4:20 9:20 Mon-ThuRs: 1:45 4:15 6:45 Heath Ledger, Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell. 2 Oscar Nominations

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NEW MOVIES Cop Out (R) – Two New York City police officers (Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan) try to track down the gangster who stole an exceptionally rare baseball card in this send up of 1980s buddy movies. Breckenridge: 1:55, 4:45, 7:30, 10:10. Chenal 9: 11:10, 1:55, 4:35, 7:20, 10:05. Lakewood: 11:00, 1:45, 4:25, 7:25, 10:00. Rave: 10:50, 1145, 1:30, 2:30, 4:15, 5:15, 7:00, 8:00, 9:45, 10:45.

The Last Station (R) — Helen Mirren and Christopher Plummer play Sofya and Leo Tolstoy in this historical drama about the Russian writer’s final year. Market Street: 1:45, 415, 6:45, 9:15.

The Crazies (R) — A rural town’s water supply is mysteriously contaminated, turning the residents into psychopaths. Breckenridge: 1:45, 4:30, 7:05, 10:00. Chenal 9: 10:50, 1:20, 4:00, 7:05, 9:50. Lakewood: 10:50, 1:15, 4:10, 7:05, 9:50. Rave: 11:15, 12:15, 2:00, 3:05, 4:45, 5:35, 7:30, 8:30, 10:15, 11:15.

RETURNING THIS WEEK Animalopolis (NR) — A half-hour film of goofy animals being goofy in enormous 3-D. Aerospace IMAX: 11:00, 7:00.

Avatar (PG-13) — A paraplegic ex-Marine war veteran is sent to establish a human settlement on the distant planet of Pandora, only to find himself battling humankind alongside the planet’s indigenous race. Breckenridge: 1:15, 4:40, 8:05. Chenal 9: 12:00, 3:0, 7:00, 10:30. Lakewood: 12:00, 3:30, 7:00, 10:15.

Rave: 11:00, 12:35, 2:50, 4:00, 6:45, 7:40, 10:30.

The Blind Side (PG-13) — A homeless black teen-ager is taken in by a family that coaches him into becoming a star studentathlete. Rave: 10:55 a.m.

Book of Eli (R) — Across the wasteland of what once was America, a lone warrior (Denzel Washington) must fight to bring civilization the knowledge that could be the key to its redemption. Breckenridge: 1:35, 4:50, 7:35, 10:15. Rave: 11:35, 2:10, 5:05, 7:50, 10:35.

Brothers (R) — A married soldier presumed dead finds his drifter brother has assumed his role in the family. Movies 10: 7:25, 9:55.

Crazy Heart (R) — Seeking redemption, fallen country star Bad Blake (Jeff Bridges) finds a friend and confidante in a struggling music journalist. Market Street: 2:00, 4:30, 7:00, 9:15. Rave: 1:10, 4:05, 6:50, 9:40.

Dear John (R) — An active soldier falls in love with a conservative college student

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34 february 25, 2010 • arKaNSaS TIMeS KAP 0210 004 Email_2.125x5.875.indd 1

2/15/10 10:19:54 AM

while on leave from Iraq in this adaptation of a novel by Nicholas Sparks. Breckenridge: 1:50, 4:25, 7:25, 9:55. Chenal 9: 10:45, 1:40, 4:15, 7:05, 9:45. Lakewood: 10:55, 1:30, 4:20, 7:10, 9:40. Rave: 1:40, 4:25, 6:55, 9:50.

Did You Hear About The Morgans? (PG13) — A New York couple (Hugh Grant, Sarah Jessica Parker) witnesses a murder and flees the assassin by relocating to a small town.

Movies 10: 4:45, 10:15.

Edge of Darkness (R) — A detective inadvertently uncovers a complex yarn of conspiracies while solving his daughter’s murder.

Breckenridge: 1:40, 4:35, 7:15, 9:50. Rave: 1:55, 4:05, 6:50, 9:40.

An Education (PG-13) — A teen with a bright future meets a charming but older suitor and gets an unforgettable taste of adult life. Market Street: 2:15, 7:15.

Extraordinary Measures (PG) — A father devoted to saving his terminally ill children joins forces with an unconventional scientist (Harrison Ford) to battle the medical and business establishments. Movies 10: 1:45, 4:30.

From Paris With Love (R) — James Reese (Jonathan Rhys-Meyers), a low level CIA operative, has a white-knuckle day alongside his new loose cannon of a partner, Charlie Wax (John Travolta). Rave: 11:50, 4:50, 9:55.

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (PG-13) — The leader of a traveling show who traded the soul of his future daughter to the devil thousands of years ago wagers the collection of five souls to prevent the devil from collecting on the deal. Market Street: 4:20, 9:20.

Invictus (PG-13) — After the fall of apartheid in South Africa, Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) tries to unite his countrymen and bring peace by bringing the rugby World Cup to his country. Movies 10: 1:25, 4:20, 7:15, 10:10.

It’s Complicated (R) — When Jane (Meryl Streep) and ex-husband Jake (Alec Baldwin) find themselves out of town for their son’s college graduation, an innocent meal together turns into an affair. Breckenridge: 1:30, 4:15, 6:50, 9:30.

Leap Year (PG) — When another anniversary passes without a proposal, Anna (Amy Adams) takes action through an Irish tradition that allows women to pop the question on Feb. 29. Movies 10: 1:35, 4:00, 7:05, 9:25.

Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs (NR) — Researchers and explorers piece together the past with the archeological and genetic clues from Egyptian mummies. Aerospace IMAX: 1:00, 9:00.

New Moon (PG-13) — Romance between mortal and vampire soars to a new level as Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) delves deeper into the supernatural mysteries. Movies 10: 1:20, 2:45, 4:10, 7:00, 8:35, 9:50.

Nine (PG-13) — Famous film director Guido Contini (Daniel Day-Lewis) grapples with epic crises in his personal and professional life.

Movies 10: 1:10, 4:35, 7:20, 10:05.

Old Dogs (PG) — A love-failed divorcee (Robin Williams) and fun-loving bachelor (John Travolta) have their lives turned upside down when they’re unexpectedly charged with the care of 6-year-old twins. Movies 10: 1:15, 3:25, 5:35, 7:55, 10:20.

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (PG) — A dyslexic, ADHD high school student discovers he’s a descendant of Poseidon, finds himself entangled in a war of mythical proportions. Breckenridge: 1:10, 4:10, 7:10, 9:45. Chenal 9: 10:35, 1:25, 4:10, 7:00, 9:40. Lakewood: 10:50, 1:35, 4:15, 7:10, 9:45. Rave: 11:10, 12:10, 1:45, 2:45, 4:35, 5:25, 7:15, 8:15, 10:00, 11:05.

Planet 51 (PG) — Animated alien adven-

ture comedy revolving around American astronaut Chuck Baker. Movies 10: 1:40, 4:05, 7:10, 9:30.

The Princess and the Frog (G) — A trumpet-playing alligator, a love-sick Cajun firefly and others spin a love tale on a mystical Louisiana bayou. Movies 10: 1:00, 3:15, 5:30, 7:45, 10:00 The Road — (R) — A father (Viggo Mortensen) and son make their way across a postapocalyptic U.S. in hopes of finding civilization amongst the nomadic cannibal tribes in the year 2929. Movies 10: 5:45.

Sherlock Holmes (PG-13) — The master detective and his stalwart partner Watson embark on their latest challenge. Rave: 11:20 a.m.

Shutter Island (R) — Two U.S. marshals travel to a secluded mental asylum to find an escaped patient and end up discovering a vast conspiracy. Breckenridge: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 10:05. Chenal 9: 10:30, 1:30, 4:30, 7:35, 10:35. Lakewood: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:55.

Rave: 11:25, 1:15, 2:25, 4:30; 5:20, 7:45, 8:45, 11:00.

A Single Man (PG-13) — Colin Firth plays an early ’60s college professor attempting to readjust to regular life after the death of his partner. Market Street: 1:45, 4:15, 6:45, 9:15.

The Tooth Fairy (PG) — A star hockey player (Dwayne Johnson) is temporarily transformed into a full-fledged tooth fairy as penalty for discouraging a young fan. Breckenridge: 2:05, 4:45, 7:00, 9:35.

2012 (PG-13) — Epic adventure about a global cataclysm that brings an end to the world. Movies 10: 1:05, 6:50.

Valentine’s Day (PG-13) — A gaggle of Los Angelenos make, break, and take hearts on Valentine’s Day in this ensemble movie.

Breckenridge: 1:20, 4:20, 7:20, 10:05. Chenal 9: 10:40, 1:45, 4:30, 7:10, 10:00. Lakewood: 10:55, 1:40, 4:10, 7:20, 9:50. Rave: 1:05, 2:40, 4:10, 5:30, 7:10, 8:10, 10:10, 11:10.

When in Rome (PG-13) — A lovelorn New Yorker (Kristen Bell) absconds to Rome, grabs a handful of coins from a “fountain of love” and finds herself the object of affection from the coins’ original throwers. Chenal 9: 10:55, 1:35, 4:20, 7:25, 9:40. Rave: 2:15, 7:25.

Wildfire: Feel the Heat (NR) — Discover how firefighters all over the planet fight the biggest, hottest fires on the planet. Aerospace IMAX: 10:00, 12:00, 2:00, 8:00.

The Wolfman (R) — In this reboot of the classic horror film, Benicio del Toro stars as the cursed werewolf, wreaking horror on late 19th century villagers. Breckenridge: 2:00, 4:55, 7:40, 10:15. Chenal 9: 11:05, 1:50, 4:25, 7:15, 9:55. Lakewood: 11:05, 1:25, 4:05, 7:15, 10:00. Rave: 11:30, 2:20, 5:10, 7:35, 10:25.

The Young Victoria (PG) — As the only legitimate heir of England’s King William, teenage Victoria (Emily Blunt) becomes caught up in the political machinations of her own family. Market Street: 2:00, 4:20, 7:00, 9:20.

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.

■moviereview Extra pulp

n Martin Scorsese, the director responsible for several cinematic masterpieces, has taken a number of unpredictable twists and turns over the course of his career. Most recently, he appears to have entered a badass-but-dopey period. His previous endeavor in this phase, “The Departed,” was a highly entertaining crime romp that whittled his trademark macho bravura down to its crackling essence. “Shutter Island,” his latest effort, doubles down on the trashy pulp, all swagger and light on emotional import; it’s as if Scorsese feels obligated to make up, film by film, for the mushy Oscar-bait (“The Age of Innocence,” “Kundun,” “The Aviator”) that befuddled many fans.

“Shutter Island” opens with a pair of federal marshals (played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Ruffalo) on a boat bound for a mysterious island that houses a mental hospital … “for the criminally insane,” DiCaprio intones as

the ominous strings kick in, and one can almost imagine a hokey evil laugh as punctuation. The die is cast — B-movie schlock is not just the film’s tone, but its raison d’etre. Upon arriving on the island, we are treated to a sublimely shot (if cartoonish) gothic playground — a foreboding Civil War-era fort, leaky hallways, dark waves thrashing against darker rocks, various crazies leering creepily, and (of course) a lighthouse bearing ominous secrets.

The marshals are there to investigate the mysterious disappearance of one of the hospital’s patients, who has vanished from her room without a trace. Employing his supreme gift for menacing ambiguity, Ben Kingsley hams it up as the institution’s maybe-benevolent-maybeevil director. Dark secrets abound, and DiCaprio pinches his face inward in distressed confusion as he tries to navigate the maze (anguish, for this actor, is indistinguishable from constipation).

I shouldn’t divulge too much more about the plot, because the film hinges on its big twists. No matter, the story is largely beside the point. The setting and setup are in place merely to offer Scorsese an opportunity to play around with every trick in his bag.

And play he does. The old master is on showoff overdrive: heavy tracking shots, film-buff in-jokes, jump cuts and odd visual skips, haunting flashbacks, Lynchian dream sequences awash in fantastical color. Scorsese bombards us like a talented film student with ADD. Every idea and image comes crashing forth — frozen Holocaust victims, beautiful ghosts, graveyard hurricanes, a thousand rats parading out of a hole, a beautiful woman turning into ash amidst a man’s embrace, a Nazi slowly bleeding to death out of his face. The everythingand-the-kitchen-sink approach offers no pause, and the potential power of any one image is undercut by the totality of the barrage.

I should say, though, Scorsese still has chops and gusto. Visually and sonically, the film features any number of breathtaking and mind-bending moments; it’s just that it doesn’t add up to a film we emotionally invest in. Instead, it’s a tone poem that’s all tone and no poetry. The nonsensical patchwork of tension and stimuli is less like a genre film than a vapid music video (for a psychedelic death-metal band?).

For the forgiving viewer, the film’s sensory excess, incoherence and chaotic mish-mash of styles and cinematic references may register in the end as a vital part of the experience. With motifs of conspiracy, psychotropic drugs, insanity, fantasy and delusion, perhaps the film aims to make the viewer as disoriented as its protagonist. Unfortunately, the crazymovie-about-craziness approach offers diminishing returns on both insight and entertainment; after a while, it merely left me nauseous. Maybe it would have been terrifying or ecstatic if I was on some of the drugs mentioned in the film, but from my sober seat, it wasn’t a wild trip — by the end it was an eye-rolling slog.

— David Ramsey

calendar

Albright Collection,” more than 200 pins the former secretary of state wore during her diplomatic tenure, through June 1 (video at www.arktimes.com); 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.: “Stretched Foundations: Works by Lee Anthony, Jon Hayden and Mary Shelton,” through May 10; “Viewfinding: Photography by Brian Cormack,” through April 4. 324-9351.

MacARTHUR MUSEUM OF ARKANSAS MILITARY HISTORY, MacArthur Park: 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 African-Americans 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.: Hands-on science and technology exhibits. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. Admission: $8 adults, $7 children ages 1-12 and seniors 65 and up, children under 1 free, free second Sunday of every month. 396-7050. www.museumofdiscovery.org.

OLD STATE HOUSE, 300 W. Markham St.: “Badges, Bandits and Bars: Arkansas Law and Justice,” the state’s history of crime and punishment from pre-territorial days to the mid-1980s, through March 6, 2011. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. 324-9685.

WITT STEPHENS JR. CENTRAL ARKANSAS NATURE CENTER, Riverfront Park: Exhibits on wildlife and the state Game and Fish Commission. 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.

Scorsese’s B-Movie is a mess.

‘SHUTTER ISLAND’: Mark Ruffalo and Leonardo DiCaprio star.

Continued from page 33 “Expressions of African Culture,” masks, figures, thrones, clothing, musical instruments and more, through April; adult mask-making class 5:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 25; African Drum Ballet with Zinse Aggine 1-4 p.m. Feb. 27. 870-536-3375. n Russellville RIVER VALLEY ARTS CENTER, 1001 E. B St.: 23rd annual “Collegiate Competition,” through February. 479-968-2452.

MUSEUMS 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.: “Read My Pins: The Madeleine

n Eureka Springs EUREKA SPRINGS HISTORICAL MUSEUM: History of the Ozark Folk Festival, in photographs, programs, documents. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.Sat., 11 a.m. a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sun. 479-253-9417. n Harrison BOONE COUNTY LIBRARY: “Visions of the Universe: Four Centuries of Discovery,” drawings and diagrams from the time of Galileo and contemporary images of planets, stars and galaxies made by the Hubble Space Telescope, through March 25.

870-741-5913. n Hot Springs MID-AMERICA SCIENCE MUSEUM: Science exhibits. $8 adults, $7 seniors, military and youth.

9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. 501-767-3461.

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART, 425 Central Ave.: L.M. Chan, leather sculpture. $5, $4 for seniors. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thu.-Sat., noon-5 p.m.

Sun. 501-609-9955. n Jacksonville JACKSONVILLE MUSEUM OF MILITARY HISTORY, 100 Veterans Circle: Exhibits on DDay; 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 Lavaca MILITARY ROAD MUSEUM, 303 S. Main St.: Photos and artifacts tell the history of the town. 9 a.m.-noon Sat. 479-739-2482. 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. 501-727-5427. n Rogers ROGERS HISTORICAL MUSEUM, 322 S. 2nd St.: “Rogers Auto-Biography: An Automotive History of Rogers,” through 2011; “Of Promise and Pain: Life Between the Wars,” through June; “Virgil Lovelace and Life on the Farm,” through April. 479-621-1154. n Springdale SHILOH MUSEUM OF OZARK HISTORY, 118 W. Johnson Ave.: “All Dressed Up,” men’s, women’s and children’s fancy clothing, through January 2011; “Disaster! A Photo Exhibit of Crashes and Catastrophes,” through April 10. 479-750-8165. n Tyronza SOUTHERN TENANT FARMERS MUSEUM, 117 Main St.: “Interpretations of the Delta Landscape,” drawings and paintings by Norwood Creech, through February.

Announcements Proposals for sculpture for the Bernice Garden at the southeast corner of Daisy Gatson Bates and South Main Street are being taken through March 31. Individuals or teams may apply. Five sculptures will be selected; stipends of $200 for finalists’ models and $2,800 for construction will be awarded. Application packets are available at www.thebernicegarden.org; mail applications to 1716 N. Spruce St., Little Rock 72207.

The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program is holding an art contest for fifth- and seventhgrade students. Artwork should for work based on any Arkansas property that is at least 50 years old include an essay on how that property reflects on Arkansas history or why it’s important to save historic places. Entries must be postmarked by April 15. For more information, write AHHP Art and Essay Invitational, 1500 Tower Building, 323 Center St., Little Rock 72201 or call 324-9786 or e-mail rachelm@arkansasheritage.org. Winning entries will be displayed at the Old State House in May. The Shiloh Museum is asking patrons to select artifacts to be displayed in its October exhibit, “The Music of Our Lives.” The curator has selected 40 artifacts to choose from. Ballots are available at the museum or the museum’s website, www. springdalear.gov/Shiloh. Votes will be collected through April 30.

The Center for Artistic Revolution is again providing wooden hearts for use in its annual Corazon Mexican Dinner and Silent Art Auction, set for March 27. Hearts can be painted, collaged or otherwise decorated for the auction, which benefits the work of CAR to promote justice and equal rights. To get a heart, call CAR at 244-9690 or e-mail artchangesu@yahoo.com. Deadline is March 22. www.arktimes.com • february 25, 2010 35

Super King Buffet

Chinese Buffet with Japanese Sushi and Mongolian Grill Take-out available on buffet and menu items

EVERY DAY DINNER BUFFET & ALL DAY SUNDAY BUFFET

4000 Springhill Plaza Court North Little Rock (501) 945-4802 fax (501) 945-4807

Includes Crab Legs, Crawfish, Frog Legs, Whole Steamed Fish, Grilled Ribs, and Steaks Cooked to Order.

Open 7 Days A Week Sun. - Thur.

11am to 9:30pm Fri. & Sat. 11am to 10pm

Best Steakhouse 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008

Best Steak 2005-2010

36 february 25, 2010 • arKaNSaS TIMeS

2008 2009 2008

n Two Arkansas chefs are among the semi-finalists for the James Beard Awards, the Oscars of the restaurant world. Lee Richardson of Ashley’s in the Capital Hotel and Miles James of James at the Mill in Johnson are contending for top chef in the South. n More awards: The Junior League of Little Rock’s latest cookbook, “Big Taste of Little Rock,” won Best Fundraising Cookbook in the World at the Gourmand International World Cookbook Awards in Paris. n Correction: In last week’s What’s Cookin’, B-Side chef Jeffrey Moore’s name was misspelled.

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. $$$. 374-7474 BLD Mon.-Sat. B Sun. BONEFISH GRILL A half-dozen or more types of fresh fish filets are offered daily, grilled (perfectly in our experience) over a wood fire. Several sauces are available, but the fish is good enough on its own. Shrimp, mussels and scallops star on the appetizer list and there’s plenty of meat and chicken for those who resist seafood. 11525 Cantrell Road. Full bar. CC $$. 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

■ dining Barakat goes American With Rockstons bar and grill. n Jerry Barakat is known for opening restaurants that are a little bit different from the rest in Little Rock. With Rockstons, his newest, his idea is to do what others are doing, but do it better. The full name says it all: Rockstons American Bar and Grill.

Rockstons is a comfortable, attractive and roomy place, as a good American bar and grill should be. The big square bar in the middle of the room looks like it’d be a perfect spot to gather with friends, talk and maybe watch sports on TV. But Rockstons is not a sports bar as such, and the couple of TVs aren’t allowed to drown out the relaxed, old-fashioned music that’s playing — “Charade,” “Caravan,” that sort of thing, prime rib: And a lot of it, at Rockstons. though in versions you may but we didn’t know that when we went not have heard before. in, so we wound up with far more food Rockstons has plenty of meat on the than two people could eat. Some of it we menu: steaks, barbecued ribs, prime rib, took home. A pizza Florentine appetizer pork chops, and various burgers and other — a tasty combo of spinach, two cheeses, sandwiches. (The Smokey Burger, with jalapenos, tomatoes and green onions on toppings of Canadian bacon and smoked a flour tortilla — was more than enough gouda, sounds interesting.) for two people. We also tried a crispy fried We tried the prime rib, supposedly chicken salad (though we’d ordered the one of the house specialties. Our compligrilled chicken salad, but when the waiter ments to the waiter: When we ordered it offered to take the fried back, we said what medium rare, he advised that medium rare the heck). It was a good salad, a lot of stuff at Rockstons was rarer than some liked. We in it — mixed greens, tomatoes, egg, bacon took the medium instead and were glad of and avocado — and plenty for two. it. We were not glad that this large, handThe waiter rolled the dessert tray up some piece of meat was gristly. We found while we in mid-dinner — just to pique ourselves still eating the McDonald’s-type our interest, he said — but when the time fries after we’d put the prime rib aside. came for dessert, we were too full to order.

Our companion was pleased with her No surprises on the dessert menu: key lime grilled salmon served with sauteed vegepie, cheesecake, what looked like an apple tables — carrots, squash, etc. The salmon dumpling, and a brownie with whipped was $16, the prime rib $19. The most cream on it. expensive item on the menu, a “hand-cut A further word about our waiter: Not filet,” is $24. only did he give good advice on how Portions are more than ample here, brian chilson

what’scookin’

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, root vegetable pot pie, 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

to have our prime rib cooked, but when he was asked to recommend a wine, he recommended one that was both good and inexpensive. But he nearly drove us crazy with his constant attention; sometimes it was like there were three of us at dinner.

That may be because he hadn’t anything else to do. Rockstons hasn’t been open long, and the crowd was light.

Rockstons American Bar and Grill 11 Shackleford Drive 954-8787 Quick bite

A relaxed eatery with the kind of meaty entrees you expect at a bar and grill.

Hours

11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 to 10:30 Friday and Saturday, 11 to 9 Sunday.

Other info

Full bar. Credit cards accepted.

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 downhome 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

Continued on page 38

www.arktimes.com • february 25, 2010 37

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Bobby’s Country Cookin’

501-224-9500 • 301 N.Shackleford Road West Chase Plaza at the corner of N. Shackleford & W.Markham bobbyscountrycookin.com

Serving central Arkansas’ most exciting, contemporary Asian cuisine!

HEALTHY EATING MAKES YOU

happy

Market Place: 11121 N. Rodney Parham Rd. 501.716.2700 Mon-Thur 11-9, Fri-Sat 11-10, Sun 11:30-9 www.lillysdimsum.com 38 february 25, 2010 • arkansas Times

Restaurant capsules Continued from page 37 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 ASIA BUFFET Formerly Dragon Palace Buffett, with the delicious Mongolian grill, sushi, crab legs, and Asian and American items. Bowman Station, Hermitage and Bowman.

Beer and wine. CC $ 225-0095 LD daily.

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.

GAUCHO’S GRILL A real flesh-fest dining experience, introducing the area to upscale South American cuisine.

Stick with the chicken or red meat choices, pace yourself, and laugh when they suggest a rich dessert after partaking in this all-you-can-eat feast. 11 Shackleford Drive. Full bar.

CC $$-$$$ 954-8787 D Mon.-Sat. 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. 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 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 $$ 501-327-8304 LD Mon.-Sat. STOBY’S Great homemade cheese dip and big, sloppy Stoby sandwiches with umpteen choices of meats, cheeses and breads. 805 Donaghey. No alcohol. CC $-$$ 501-3275447 BLD Mon.-Sat.

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.

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. COPELAND’S New Orleans-based chain features tasty Cajun and Creole delights as well as top steakhouse-quality steaks. The top grossing restaurant in the market in 2003.

463 N. 46th St, Rogers. Full bar. CC $$$ 479-246-9455 BLD daily.

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. RIVER GRILLE Great steaks, fresh seafood flown in daily, and some out-of-this-world creme brulee. But though some pricy offerings are splendid, others are just average. Service is outstanding. Membership required. 1003 McClain Road, Bentonville. Full bar. CC $$$ 479-271-4141 LD. UNCLE GAYLORD’S The fare is billed as “variety,” but that description just gives the kitchen license to dabble in all of the great cuisines, and breakfast is fabulous, though the weekend offerings aren’t as elaborate as they once were. 315 W. Mountain St. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 479-4440605 BLD daily.

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

At Ya Yas, we have a great pride in offering a menu that’s exciting & distinctive, enticed by our cocktails made from our homemade infusions & creative wine list.

FORT SMITH/VAN BUREN BELLA ITALIA The owners’ culinary training in North Africa lends an indefinable flavor to most dishes, including the bread. 407 N. Eighth St. Full bar. CC $$ 479-785-1550 LD Mon.- Sat.

HARRISON

Located in the Promenade at chenaL

HOMEY HEARTH BAKERY This Amish-owned eatery offers a good and cheap lunch combo of sandwich, chips, drink and pie for $3.99. Great breads and rolls, too.

905 N. Main St. No alcohol. No CC $ 870-741-4690 LD Mon.-Sat.

Reservations Preferred 501.821.1144

HEBER SPRINGS

Hours: Sun. 10am- 9pm Mon. - Thurs. 11am- 10pm Fri. - Sat. 11am- 11pm

CAFE KLASER Cajun-leaning steak and seafood in spacious surroundings overlooking the Little Red. Desserts and bread homemade. 1414 Wilburn Road. Private club, full bar. CC $$-$$$ 501-206-0688 LD Mon.-Sat. RED APPLE INN Mouth-watering steak and prime rib in a romantic setting. 1000 Country Club Road, Eden Isle. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 501-326-3111 BLD daily.

HOT SPRINGS ARLINGTON HOTEL Massive seafood buffet on Friday nights, breakfast buffet daily, served in the splendor of a grand old hotel. 239 Central Ave. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 501-623-7771 BLD daily.

BRICK HOUSE GRILL Good steaks, burgers and a fresh seafood selection; kids’ meals, too. 801 Central Ave., Suite 24. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 501-321-2926 LD Mon.-Sat. CAJUN BOILERS Expertly prepared boiled shrimp, crawfish and such, served in a fun atmosphere. 2806 Albert Pike.

Beer and wine. CC $$-$$$ 501-767-5695 D Tue.-Sat. DOE’S Locally owned branch of the Greenville, Miss., icon offers the familiar steaks and soaked salad. The owners didn’t get the same tamale recipe, but they’re good, too.

Biggest difference from other Doe’s eateries: It’s strikingly clean. 4904 Central Ave. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 501-5258585 LD daily.

DON JUAN’S Mex-style enchiladas, runny white cheese dip, great guacamole and great service in strip-mall locale.

1311 Albert Pike Road, No. A. Full bar. CC $$ 501-3210766 LD daily.

HOT SPRINGS BRAU HAUS All the usual schnitzels are available, an inviting bar awaits as you enter, and the brickwalled place has a lot of history and coziness. 801 Central Ave. Full bar. CC $$-$$$ 501-624-7866 LD Tue.-Sun. HUNAN PALACE Dependable Chinese cuisine, good soups, nicely priced combos for two or three. 4737 Central Ave., No. 104. No alcohol. CC $$ 501-525-3344 LD Mon.-Sat. MCCLARD’S Considered by many to be the best barbecue in Arkansas — ribs, pork, beef and great tamales, too. 505 Albert Pike. Beer. No CC $ 501-624-9586 LD Tue.-Sat. MICKEY’S BAR-B-Q Tasty, meaty spare ribs, huge plates of sliced pork and beef, and decent chopped meat sandwiches, served cafeteria style. 1622 Park Ave. No alcohol.

Amex only $-$$ 501-624-1247 LD Tue.-Sat. POMPEII CAFE Bubbling over with gourmet pizzas, steaks and pasta. 2012 Central Ave. Full bar. CC $$ 501-318-3287 LD Tue.-Sun. ROCKY’S CORNER Knock-out pizza at a hopping eatery across the street from Oaklawn Park. 2600 Central Ave. Full bar. CC $$ 501-624-0199 LD daily.

SCHAPIRO’S ON CENTRAL Family-friendly spot specializes in smoked barbecue ribs and chicken, along with a tasty Reuben sandwich. Occasional live music. 510 Central Ave. Full bar. CC $-$$ 501-624-5500 LD Sun.-Thu.

“LAISSEZ LES BON TEMPS ROULLER”

- Let the Good Times Roll -

www.arktimes.com • february 25, 2010 39

2010 Addy Award Winners ®

Congratulations to the top award winners:

Best of Show:

Eric Rob & Issac Riverfest

Special Judges Award for Design/Presentation

2010 A

EXIT Marketing Women's Foundation of Arkansas

Best of Illustration

Emily Galusha Creative AAF Little Rock 2009 Addy® Awards Campaign

Special Judges Award: Most Memorable Broadcast Eric Rob & Isaac Conway Corporation

Best of Broadcast

Eric Rob & Isaac I.O. Metro

Best of Design

Arkansas Children's Hospital Scout's Honor: Arkansas Children's Hospital 2008 Annual Report

Best of Photography/Art Direction Arkansas Business Publishing Group Little Rock Soirée

arkansasadfed.org

presents

An Evening With Diane Rehm 7 p.m. Thursday, March 4 Embassy Suites, Little Rock

tickets $150 - to benefit the UALR Public Radio tower campaign www.kuar.org - 501.569.8485

40 february 25, 2010 • arKaNSaS TIMeS

L I TTL E ROC K

febru

Food for Thought

a paid advertisement

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

AMERICAN

SEAFOOD Cajun’s Wharf

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.

grampa’s catfish house

Central Arkansas’ oldest catfish restaurant. Serving all-ucan-eat catfish since 1970. A Family friendly restaurant… the place where you can walk in with a large group of folks without a reservation. Open 7 days for lunch and dinner.

Catering available.

2400 Cantrell Road 501-375-5351

rm

AT(spec ad)

02/01/08100

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

Shadow Oaks (501) 834-5400 • Sherwood 7 days: L 11-2 • D 4:30-9:30 9219 Stagecoach Rd (501) 407-0000 • Little Rock 7 days: L 11-2 • D 4:30-9:30

Denton’s Trotline

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

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.

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

OAK STREET BISTRO

713 Oak Street, Conway 501-450-9908 Lunch, M-S, 11-2 Dinner hours will be added after a January move to a new location.

Fresh seafood specials every week. Prime aged beef and scrumptious dishes. Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, over 30 wines by the glass and largest vodka selection downtown. Regular and late night happy hour, Wednesday wine flights and Thursday is Ladies Night. Be sure to check out the Bistro Burger during lunch.

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. Join us on the Patio, with live local music every Tuesday & Friday, or on Sunday for Brunch ($16.95 & only $13.95 for the early bird special, 10am to 11am). Reservations are preferred.

For the salad lover, Dizzy’s is an absolute paradise. Its list of eleven “Ridiculously Large Entrée Salads” runs the gamut of what you can do with greens and dressing. For example Zilpphia’s Persian Lime Salad, featuring grilled turkey breast, tomato, cucumber, onion, lime and buffalo mozzarella over romaine. For another: Mary Ann’s Dream, with grilled chicken breast, baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, cranberries, mandarin oranges, bourbon pecans and bleu cheese. Don’t that sound good?

With its exciting and creative dishes, it’s no secret why Oak Street Bistro has always been a Conway front-runner.

Interesting combinations of great ingredients lead to wonderful flavor profiles that leave you wanting more.

The menu has been expanded to feature some entrees in anticipation of its move at the beginning of the year. The desserts are decadent especially the Kentucky Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie.

chinese Fantastic China 1900 N Grant St Heights 501-663-8999

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.

mexican Casa Manana Taqueria

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

Voted Best Mexican 2007. Featuring authentic fare from the Puebla region of Mexico, the selections seem endless at your choice of 3 locations in the Little Rock area. You will find an array of dishes ranging from the salient Shrimp Veracruzana at La Palapa out west to great Guacamole in the River Market Taqueria. Or try tasty Tostadas that share the name of the original Cantrell location, Casa Manana.

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

Black Angus

Homemade Comfort Food Daily Specials • Monday: Spicy Shrimp Stir-fry. Tuesday: Pot Roast.

Wednesday: Meatloaf. Thursday: BBQ Plate or Shepherd’s Pie. Friday & Saturday: Fried Catfish.

Satellite Cafe

Satellite Cafe - Heights techno-pop coffee shop that serves up the best coffee and breakfast in town, along with great lunch options (dine in or to go). And dinner is served every night except Sunday. Half-off happy hour spot - 4 until 6:30. Remember the drive thru window, just call in and pick up!! BLD - Mon-Sat. B Sunday

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! Now open 7 days a week for lunch, and open all day sat. and sun during Football season. Closed on Tues & Wed nights since baseball season has ended.

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.

West End Smokehouse and Tavern

Happy Hour Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm. $1 off All Drinks and 1/2 Off Appetizers. Monday is Steak Night USDA Choice Aged 14oz Ribeye with 2 sides $13.99. Tuesday is Burger Night – Ultimate Burger with Fries just $4.99. Live Music Fri & Saturday!

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 person.

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

Kavanaugh and University, 501-663-6336

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

14502 Cantrell Road 501-868-7600

300 West 3rd Street 501-375-3333

215 N. Shackleford 501-224-7665 www.westendsmokehouse.net

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

501-663-1464

Shackleford & Hermitage Rd. (501) 312-2748

steak Sonny Williams

If you have not been to Sonny Williams lately, get there immediately and check out the martini/wine bar. Now you can enjoy 35 wines by the glass, 335 selections of wine, 6 single barrel bourbons and all different kinds of Scotch from the many regions of Scotland. Of course, don’t miss out on the nightly entertainment by Jeff at the piano. Sonny’s is a River Market mainstay and perfect for intimate private parties; free valet parking! As always, Sonny Williams has the best steaks in town along with fresh seafood and game. No Skinny Steaks… Call ahead for reservations (501) 324-2999

Faded Rose

Featuring the Best Steaks in town with a New Orleans flair from a New Orleans native. Also featuring Seafood and Creole Specialties. As Rachel Ray says “This place is one of my best finds ever.” Back by popular demand…Soft Shell Crab and New Orleans Roast Beef Po-Boys.

500 President Clinton Avenue Suite 100 (In the River Market District) 501-324-2999 DINNER MON - SAT 5:00 - 11:00 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

Mediterranean star of india

North Shackleford Road 501-227-9900

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.

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!

EXARKTimes.psd @ 66.7% (RGB/8)

have fun. see results!

Northside WomeN’s Boot Camp is the QuiCkest, easiest Way to Jumpstart your FitNess program.

A specialized program of fitness instruction, nutritional counseling provided by Certified Class Instructor/ Personal Trainer Kaytee Wright.

Locations: Lakewood NLR 5:15am M,W,F Jacksonville 6:00pm M,T,TH NeW MeNs BootcaMp oFFered M,W,F at 6:30aM (laKeWood) Nlr NeW WoMeNs class at 10:15aM BriNg your child 2 aNd up.

Both startiNg april. 5th

call Kaytee Wright, 501-607-3100

For more information and the Women’s Boot camp calendar, visit www.northsidefitness.net

Northside a c h i ev e . B e l i ev e . s u cc e e d.

FitNess

sWiM suit seasoN is closer thaN you thiNK!! it is Not to late to get iN shape!

42 february 25, 2010 • arKaNSaS TIMeS

REAL ESTATE b

y

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e

i

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h

b

o

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h

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F e b r u ary 2 5 , 2 0 1 0

See this great family home in the heart of Robinwood open Sunday

2 pm - 4 pm

Located at 5 Berwyn in the very desirable Robinwood neighborhood, this spacious and beautifully updated home boasts five bedrooms and four bathrooms in the main house.

The newer detached two-car carriage house has a half bathroom, a finished upstairs area and is perfect as a study, guest overflow accommodations or teen hangout.

In the main house, your family will enjoy three separate living areas and a huge, inviting screened porch large enough for al fresco dining. Enjoy the view of the backyard filled with dozens of azaleas and featuring a Koi pond with fountain.

The kitchen has been updated with cutting-edge styling, including stained concrete counter tops, tumbled marble backsplash and stainless steel appliances. It opens onto an adjoining space with a custom island for lots of extra storage and is a great gathering spot for entertaining. The separate formal dining room with its rich Venetian plaster walls will transport you to Tuscany while you dine.

The downstairs bedroom is spacious and has a wall of French doors that lead out to a private brick terrace and the Koi pond. There is a full bath with a Tuscan flair adjacent to the downstairs bedroom, enabling the bedroom to be used as a downstairs

Rich Venetian plaster walls transform the dining room.

The family room is light filled.

master or guest suite.

Rustic detailing lends a warm, inviting feel to this home that must be seen to be believed. Original wide plank pine flooring and dark wood hewn beams throughout the downstairs will captivate you. The family room has vaulted ceilings with highly polished wood planks and stained and scored concrete floors. With two walls of windows and two walls of built-ins, this just may be your favorite room in the house.

Upstairs is a true master suite, outfitted for spa-style pampering, with a Jacuzzi tub, double sinks and a separate walk-in shower. Two large closets will accommodate all of your storage needs. Two additional large bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a smaller bedroom perfect as a nursery or study round out the upstairs floorplan. All rooms have wonderful windows allowing in tons of natural light.

Come see this home for yourself at the Open House this Sunday, Feb. 28, from 2-4 p.m. It is listed for $524,900. For more information, or a private tour call Susan Desselle at 772-7100 or visit www.SusanSellingLittleRock.com.

Rustic detailing creates a warm environment.

The kitchen has been updated. www.arktimes.com • february 25, 2010 43

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

Fantastic Hillcrest Hideaway Overlooks Allsop Park 4307 N. Lookout • $429,000

If you haven’t seen this home in the last week, then you haven’t seen this home! New paint and new carpeting downstairs and on the main level have just been completed. Updated and inviting with gorgeous contemporary styling, this 5BR/2.5BA home has an open floor plan and will work beautifully as a one level for empty nesters or as a two level for a large family. A huge multi-level deck overlooks the park and is ideal for entertaining. Floor-to-ceiling windows across the home will take your breath away. A semi-detached, two-car garage with a covered walkway is a rare find in Hillcrest. Listed with Susan Desselle. OPEN SUNDAY 2-4 PM.

For more info or a private tour contact Susan Desselle 772-7100 www.SusanSellingLittleRock.com

Downtown LAFAYETTE SQUARE One & two BR condos which feature open floor plans of 1,026 to 1,667 SF and are competively priced for lease and for sale.

Urban upscale living has never been so accessible and affordable. Each unit has large kitchens complete with marble counters, classic hardwood cabinetry & stainless steel appliances. Washers & dryers are included in every condo.

Building amenities include reserved gated parking, an exercise room & sauna, storage units and meeting/event space. Pricing starts at $145,900. Call Melissa Bond of the Charlotte John Company for sales inquires at 9600665.

QUAPAW TOWER Condo with architectural design, modern features and fabulous features. Shoji-style doors are a fantastic feature of the unit. Listed with Gold Star Realty. Call Gerald White at 501-680-3640 or Mary Johnson at 501-952-4318 for pricing or more info.

Midtown

Hillcrest

Open Sunday, 2-4 pm 16 RESERVOIR HEIGHTS CONDO $129,900. 2BR/2BA, 1384 SF. Great open floorplan and stress free living. Condo fees includes pool access.

Qualifies for $8K tax credit. Seller to pay $2500 towards closing costs and 6 months condo dues w/acceptable offer.

Call John, Pulaski Heights Realty, for showing at 993-5442.

Hillcrest DUPLEX - $175,000. 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 30 yr roof in 2003. Owner is licensed agent. Call John, Pulaski Heights Realty, at 993-5442 for more info.

211 ASH - $130,000. Investors Must SEE! HILLCREST OPPORTUNITY! Large 2BR that could have a 3rd BR or nice size office.

Homes is priced low to allow the new owner to make updates. Close to UAMS - Excellent purchase for a UAMS student or someone looking to rent to students.

Floored attic offers LOTS of storage. Call Stacy Johnson, Pulaski Heights Realty, for a personal showing. 501-786-0024

North Little Rock 6220 SOUTHWIND - $273,900. Spacious 3-4BR/3.5BA home with all the amenities you would expect in a newer home.

Just across I-430 from Maumelle, this home sits atop the ridge overlooking the ARkansas River Valley & the downtown Skyline. This immaculate home is located in an ideal location, hidden away but only minutes from Little Rock. Easy access to the Big Dam Bridge and the River Trail. Call Susan Desselle of the Charlotte John Company for a private tour. 501772-7100.

Conway 180 MERLOT $203,500. 4BR/2BA new construction in west Conway with fabulous split floorplan, tall ceilings, great room with FP and beautiful kitchen cabinets. Built by Boone Custom Homes.

MLS #10239659 Linda Roster White Real Estate Company, 501-730-1100 or 501679-1103

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.

Hers, inc. presents PULASKI COUNTY Real Estate sales over $100,000 Crestwood Manor Acquisition LLC to Crestwood Manor Property Investors LLC, LA, Allsopp Valley, SW NE 31-2N-12W, NW SE 31-2N-12W, Ls4-8, Hocott Park Manor, $7,100,000.

Commissioner In Circuit to Metropolitan National Bank, NW 29-3N-13W, E/2 30-3N-13W, Ls5 &16R B1, Ridgeview Phase I, $3,500,000.

John M. Rogers, Angelica N. Rogers to James Bottin, Ls5R & 6R B24, Sylvan Hills, $1,250,000.

Parham View Apartments Limited Partne to Stites & Morton Inc., 7821 W. Fifth St., $950,000.

Commissioner In Circuit to Regions Bank, Ls2, 4-5, 10-19 &21-35, Little North Fork, $516,000.

Sixth Hole Condos At Chenal LLC to Gail R. Jones, Jesse W. Mason, Jr., 121 Chenal Woods Dr., $507,000.

Anthony L. Tortorich, Torre K. Tortorich to Joey D. Hinkle, Jennifer L. Hinkle, 29 Auriel Dr., $460,000.

Commissioner In Circuit to One Bank & Trust, Ls1-12, St Clair HPR, $425,000.

Charles R. Porter, Elizabeth M. Porter to Randall T. Crowder, Kristin Crowder, 824 Beechwood St., $412,000.

Chenal Valley Construction Inc. to Owen P. Morse, Kellie R. Morse, 14002 Fox Field Ln., $394,000.

Woodhaven Homes Inc. to Narzell Davenport, Yvonne B. Davenport, 2401 Estates Ct., Jacksonville, $393,000.

Elder Custom Homes Inc. to Bernard

E. Maxwell, Tameka Maxwell, L65 B6, Maumelle Valley Estates Phase 13, $376,000.

Jeffrey H. Brooks, Robin Brooks to Christopher L. Palmer, L38 B51, Chenal Valley, $340,000.

180 Valley Club Circle LLC to Christopher Ivy, L16 B15, Pleasant Valley, $335,000.

Martin J. Dmytrack, Renee Dmytrack to Bac Home Loans Servicing LP, 2008 Broadway St., $296,583.

Kerri L. Russell, Kerri S. Fandrei, Charles P. Peden to Aaron Martin, Jennifer Martin, 5900 S. Country Club Rd., $290,000.

Larry Walden LLC to Jonathan Magee, Robin L. Magee, 2600 Whitewood Dr., Sherwood, $274,000.

Seaborn J. Bell, Jr., Patricia A. Bell to Alden Properties LLC, L6, Markham Heights Professional Park, $260,000.

Victor Montgomery, Leigh Montgomery, Leigh Carwell to Paul Evans, Victoria Evans, 58 Tallyho Ln., $256,000.

Spears Custom Homes LLC to Mark A. Harbison, Ronda A. Harbison, 9600 Del Rey Ln., Sherwood, $254,000.

Rhonda P. Morris to Amanda D. Winkley, L48, Garrett Glen Phase 2, $233,000.

Justin L. Diehl, Valerie A. Diehl to Phillip S. Postell, Allison S. Postell, L5 B5, Glenn Hills, $222,000.

Jason Garrett Construction Inc. to Michael Curran, Angela M. Curran, 405 Forest Glen Cove, Jacksonville, $218,000.

HERS, INC.

Bank Of Ozarks to William L. Prior, Janette E. Prior, 9300 Harmony Dr., Sherwood, $209,000.

Fitzhugh Construction Inc. to Fides Santiago, Michael Santiago, 204 Congressional Cir., $200,000.

Jennifer S. Anderson to Laura C. Bryan, L32, Jefferson Heights- Cammack Village, $190,000.

Brian L. Mueller, Ryoko Mueller to James A. McMinn, Tiffany J. McMinn, 2773 E. Maryland Ave., Sherwood, $190,000.

Terry Revocable Trust, Donald W. Terry, Sr., Elsie M. Terry to Vergil L. Wilkerson, Edith L. Wilkerson, 7609 Eagle Point Dr., NLR, $190,000.

James W. Watkins to Rhonda P. Morris, 12900 Misty Creek Dr., $185,000.

Cullen Richardson, Kathryn Richardson, Adam Richardson, Jamie Richardson to Douglas J. Benjamin, Angela N. Hunter, L3 B1, Plateau, $181,000.

Derek S. Burns, Tara A. Burns, Tara A. Hodor to Hodges Family Trust, David Hodges, Katherine Hodges, 216 Taylor Park Dr., $177,000.

Meredith Homes Inc. to One Bank & Trust, 13616 Hansfield Cir., NLR, $175,883.

Brave Investments LLC to Thomas P. Thrash, Toni A. Thrash, 6021 Longwood Rd., Cammack Village, $175,000.

Arkansas Federal Credit Union to Christopher E. Murfin, Lisa K. Murfin, L5, Crystalwood, $170,000.

US Bank National Association to Joseph F. Hail, Joyce A. Hail, L83, Riverland, $170,000.

James E. Franks, Linda B. Franks to Hong L. Wang, 2514 Riverfront Dr., Unit 2, $170,000.

Kenneth F. Prater, Sandra J. Prater to Whitney L. Prater, 110 Marble Dr., Jacksonville, $160,000.

Lisabeth Hall, Richard Hall to Lauren M. Frost, 810 Mellon St., $160,000.

Kay Billingsley to Taylor Mitchell, 146 Ridge Rd., $159,000.

Dirk Haselow, Tracy Haselow to Teresa K. James, 52 Woodlore Cir., $157,000.

Four Management LLC to Jason L. Grammer, 32 Meadow Ridge Loop, Maumelle, $156,000.

Jason Hollis to Tyler Henderson, Ashley Henderson, 118 E. A Ave., NLR, $155,000.

Jeffrey Watson, Cathy R. Watson to Laura K. Blackwell, L1 B3, Youngs Park, $155,000.

Michael K. Choat, Sandra L. Choat to Ingga R. Purkiss, Jonathan S. Purkiss, L4 B1, Sandpiper West, $148,000.

Robert H. Jaco to CitiMortgage Inc., 115 Hiawatha Dr., $146,831.

George T. Harris, Jr., Lasheryl Harris to Bobby C. Chaten, L230, Otter Creek Community Phase 2, $145,000.

Randy C. Hanson, Virginia G. Hanson to Karen Proetz Living Trust, Karen Proetz, 3712 Foxcroft Rd., $145,000.

Floyd L. Lee, Deborah Lee to Kay

Request an Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) Add up to $7,618 in Energy Improvements Home Energy Rating Systems Pay off with Utility Savings Certified Home Energy Rating Professionals

501-353-0605 44 February 25, 2010 • ARKANSAS TIMES

Matthews, Vera Massey, L3B, Quapaw Tower HPR, $142,000.

Prudential Relocation Inc. to Christopher A. Beaty, Susan C. Beaty, 8 Baywood Ct., $140,000.

JLN Properties LLC to Teresa L. Compton, L97, Berkshire Park HPR, $135,000.

L2 Investments LLC, 2 Investments LLC to Matthew J. Henry, Summer L. Turner, L76, Brookfield Section 3, $133,000.

Pamela S. Dowd to Timothy B. Shuman, 13 Cardinal Ln., Sherwood, $133,000.

James Throneberry, Karen Throneberry to Rebecca Jacobs, John T. Wilson, 1719 Calgary Trail, $130,000.

Bank Of Little Rock to Brittany M. Holland, 5605 Robin Valley Dr., NLR, $130,000.

John E. Freels, Michelle L. Freels to Bank Of New York Mellon Trust Company, 13808 Chesterfield Cir., NLR, $128,922.

Merle A. Horne to Lois J. Dillard, L10 B8, Ridgelea, $128,000.

Allen D. Hakins, David Hakins, Allen D. Hankins, David Hankins to Miranda B. Patton, L3, Markham Manor, $125,000.

James H. Wier, Mildred J. Wier to Rhonda K. Roberts, 1006 Bobbitt Ln., Sherwood, $124,000.

Timothy A. Jones, Tammy Jones to CitiMortgage Inc., 7205 Yorkwood Dr., $121,375.

G&K Home Solutions LLC to Stephen Brock, Jailea A. Brock, 2920 Romine Rd.,

$120,000.

Cherry L. Crayton to Robert M. Halcumb, Sydney R. Halcumb, 39 Cardinal Valley Dr., Sherwood, $120,000.

Martin Guardado, Martin Guarado, Leonor Guardado to Detrick B. Capps, 21210 Colonel Glenn Rd., $119,000.

Shawn P. Gilbert to Austin W. Patton, 41 Sheraton Oaks Dr., Sherwood, $118,000.

James Hill, Jr., Elizabeth Hill, Nancy Keeton, Ronny Keeton to James P. Wyerick, Kyle K. Kilgore, Catherine Kilgore, L29, Santa Fe Heights, $114,000.

John H. Larkan to Lachelle R. Martin, Joyce Martin, 10900 Lorie Ln., Mabelvale, $114,000.

Burnis D. Horton, Gregory D. Horton to Jason R. Smith, Ulonda S. Smith, 6508 Blackstone Dr., NLR, $110,000.

Amy E. Walker, Jeffrey Bailey to Jeffrey S. King, L2 B4, Glendale, $108,000.

Quincy D. Anderson, Amber Anderson to Federal National Mortgage Association, 3320 Lamar St., $107,628.

Marilyn A. Book to Michelle D. Hatch, 8708 Oakhaven Dr., Sherwood, $102,000.

Triple J. Builders LLC to Janis L. Hadley, L37 B2, Valle, $100,000.

Stephen C. Hartung & Holly G. Hartung Revocable Trust, Stephen C. Hartung, Holly G. Hartung to Byron Holmes, Terri S. Holmes, L14 B6, Royal Manor, $100,000.

First Time Buyer $8,000 Energy Improvements $7,600

NO ADDITIONAL DOWN PAYMENT! TOTAL Incentives

$15,600!

LIVING

Quiet... Stately... Historic...

OAKWOOD APARTMENTS

In Hillcrest next to Allsop Park Two Bedroom Apartments Spacious rooms, one bath, ample closet space, LR, DR, w/d connections, hardwood flooring, water and garbage paid. $800-$900, depending on size One Bedroom Penthouse Apartment Spectacular apartment overlooks Allsop Park. Open floor plan with vaulted ceilings, 7 skylights, built-in bookcases, large bathroom, washer & dryer.

Water and garbage are paid. $995

■ CROSSWORD

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If that’s your cup of tea, then perhaps you should check into our prestige Hillcrest complex that offers one and two bedroom units from $475 to $575 per month.

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edited by Will shortz

No. 0128

hip A P A R T M E N T

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For more information please call 501-658-3232.

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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 • february 25, 2010 45 ArkAnsAs Times • sepTember 4, 2008 45

Émigré n The discourse here in Century 21 USA has got just too stupid for me. It’s toxic and comprehensive, all stupid all the time.

It seeks to accomplish nothing, only to berate the efforts of the other guy, and the popularity of it has brought me down to the point that I was telling the boys at the House of Dominoes the other day, “I’m thinking about leaving it with all you hicks and rednecks and moving overseas.”

“Sure you are,” they laughed.

They wished me bon voyage and told me to not let the door hit me in the butt on my way out.

“No, listen, whoremongers, I’m serious,” I told them, and from that point the hilarity did a considerable taper.

Here’s the gist of what they told me.

This is the best country on earth. It’s the best country that ever has been, and anybody that’s here would have to be a fool, an aspiring terrorist, or an escaped convict to absquatulate with permanent intent. Think of all the illegals clawing all over one another just to get here.

How do they know this is the best country now and ever, I wondered. They just know, they said. “Some things you just know,” said the Mammoth Cod. Tater Boy said the reason he knew it was because he heard Sean Hannity say it on TV about 15 times a day and they wouldn’t

Bob L ancaster let somebody go on TV and just wear you out with something that wasn’t true.

“Surely you jest,” I said, and he said, “I jest what?”

The visiting celebrity domino player Muleshoe Jubilation (in reverse order, that’s his first name and his home town in Texas) looked me up and down contemptuously and said, “When you’re running down my country, hoss, you’re walking on the fighting side of me.”

We all recognized the theft of a good line from Merle H. — we’re not total rubes here in Slabtown — but we let the insult pass, me included. Because Muleshoe IS a celebrity, and it’s just common courtesy to let your visiting celebrity snoot a little.

“There’s got to be some place where all this stupidity that’s so proud of itself is on the wane instead of the wax,” I persisted.

“Where they haven’t fell in love yet with the Mucker Pose.”

Cotton Belt said, “You could go live with Santy at the North Pole,” and I saw his point — that there might not be a real-life place left

where the ill-mannered, grouchy and dumb are not ascendant. I had to admit that if there was such a place I hadn’t got a fix on it yet.

“There’s good points to a lot of them, but they all have drawbacks,” I shared.

Define “drawback,” they demanded.

Provide examples. The local-yokel domino master called Squirrel Turner said: “It’s a drawback to living here that we can’t concentrate on playing Moon for having some prick moan and groan about how stupid everybody but him is.”

I ignored that, and said: “Well, for instance, they say it’s impossible for an outsider to learn the language in Albania.

That’s a drawback. You wouldn’t know whether somebody that spoke to you was saying hidey or kiss my foot.”

“First thing you’d want to learn there is what their word for ‘duck’ is,” the ragman called Day Late said.

This is Day Late’s sidekick and so-called “executive assistant” Dollar Short speaking: “One time I thought of going and living in Mexico but I heard wadn’t nobody in their whole country can work on a car.

They can make one of these old run-down wore-out blue church buses run all right, but a pickup’s just a mystery to them.”

And this is Squirrel Turner again: “Good mechanic there gets overwhelmed and goes on to Costa Rica, they tell me.

Costa Rica got more good mechanics now than they do Polly Parrots.”

“Tell me,” Muleshoe threw in.

One good thing about the stupidity at the

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Introducing Rascal, a dog of questionable ancestry but unquestionably the most playful, friendly and intelligent dog I have ever met. We first met Rascal on the end of a three foot rope tied into a duct tape collar that was wrapped tightly around his neck. Rascal was skin and bones and as we later found out, had heartworms. Dr. Earl Smith on Shackleford Road gave us a cut-rate deal of $350 (his stray rate) to treat Rascal. He survived after a rough first week and is now certified HEARTWORM FREE. He is fixed, had all shots, is free of heartworms and is a bundle of energy and love. We need to recover $200 of our $350 medical cost or we will just keep him. I can’t stress what a great dog this is, particularly if you have another dog for him to play with.

House of Dominoes. It’s more interested in auto mechanics than in the contemporary partisan religio-political stupidities. As an intense and long-lasting discussion topic, auto mechanics just can’t be beat.

“I knew this old boy from Camden went to the country of Macedonia a while back,” Red on the Head said. “Intending on teaching ‘em Arkansas-style chicken farming. I don’t know as anybody has heard from him since he left.”

“Ain’t nothing to growing chickens,” said the Mammoth Cod. “Hell, I can do that.”

“One of Paul’s epistles was from Macedonia,” Day Late said.

“So was Alexander the Great,” I expostulated.

“I know Cecil Alexander,” Dollar Short said. “They probably kin somewhere back along the line.”

“Yeah, Dollar, they probably are,” I said, resisting the impulse.

I hoped nobody would mention it, and nobody did, that Macarthur left and never came back and all it did for him was turn him into the biggest horse’s ass that ever lived.

So I don’t know. It won’t be Mexico or Costa Rica or Macedonia, I’m sure of that. An acquaintance of mine was recently acting American ambassador in the African country of Equatorial Guinea, and his Malcolm Lowry-type letters gave me to know that Equatorial Guinea won’t be it, either. Nor Haiti. Nor Somalia. Nor Bangladesh. Nor with active volcano or permanent ice shelf.

Field Workers-8 temporary positions; approx 10 months; Duties: to operate tractors during the preparation and maintenance of thesugar cane crop before, during and after the harvesting season. $9.09 per hour; Job to begin on 4/1/10 through 2/1/11. 3 months experienced required in job offered. Must pass drug test. 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 A & M Farms, Inc. located in New Iberia, LA. Qualified applicants send resume to Guy Viator at (225) 766-0994.

Legal Notices

Cosmetologist Part-time for retail/cosmetology activities. Must love kids & good communication skills. Must be available for afternoons and weekends. Call 501-833-1000 for appt.

Miscellaneous SPA tub for sale. 5 person spa, purchased for $4,995, will sacrafic for $2,450 Never Used! 501881-4902, Richard

Adoption *Adopt* At-home mom & Loving attorney dad wil LOVE & CHERISH 1st baby forever! Expenses paid, Anthony & Lisa 1-800-816-8424

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS CIVIL DIVISION PHILLIP HERNDON, PLAINTIFF VS. CV-2009-6902-3SAMANTHA ANDERSON and THE TIRE SHOPPE, INC., DEFENDANTS WARNING ORDER The Defendant, Samantha Anderson, is warned to appear in this Court within 30 days from the date of the first publication of this warning order and answer the Complaint of the Plaintiff for damages caused by a motor vehicle collision that occurred on December 2, 2007, or face entry of judgment by default or be otherwise barred from asserting Defendant’ s interest. Witness my hand and seal of this Court on this 12th day of February, 2010.

Pulaski County Circuit Court Clerk By: Nancy L. Sadler, Deputy Clerk

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They protect. They pour. They partake. They are the many and the only New Belgium Beer Rangers. We salute their efforts in the field with the extra-hopinary Ranger IPA. Three pounds per barrel of Simcoe, Chinook and Cascade hops make this 70 IBU brew a thing of natural beauty. Seek out the Beer Ranger in your territory at newbelgium.com.