Arkansas Times

ARKTIMES.COM / NOVEMBER 21, 2012 / NEWS + POLITICS + ENTERTAINMENT

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201 East Markham Street 200 Heritage Center West P.O. Box 34010, Little Rock, Arkansas 72203 www.arktimes.com arktimes@arktimes.com @ArkTimes www.facebook.com/arkansastimes PUBLISHER Alan Leveritt EDITOR Lindsey Millar SENIOR EDITOR Max Brantley MANAGING EDITOR Leslie Newell Peacock CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Mara Leveritt ASSOCIATE EDITORS Cheree Franco, David Koon, Bob Lancaster, David Ramsey, Doug Smith ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Robert Bell EDITORIAL ART DIRECTOR Kai Caddy

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VOLUME 39, NUMBER 12 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.

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NOVEMBER 21, 2012

3

COMMENT

Going wet The era of “we will remain pure and in poverty” is over. The era of treating adults like children is over. The era of sacred wet ground vs. sacred dry ground is over. The grasp of the drive-in window Baptists controlling the world is over.

We can shop 24-7 without blue laws except for liquor and beer and we should quit restricting booze on Sunday because it’s a 19th century idea whose time is over. We can expect a lot less GOD in our government in the future and I thank Allah for that … no actually I don’t believe in Allah either… I’ll just thank my lucky stars!

I have seen our outdated liquor laws at work first hand and know they’re so FK’ed up in order to deliver great wealth to the few while extracting larger amounts of money from our pockets. It’s that way in all of our 50 states for the exact same reason. Time to scuttle all that with advanced apologies to the monopoly booze distributors who art in LR. Everyone in Pulaski County who wants to drink is already drinking. All 75 counties should be wet in order to enjoy the profit and advancement that comes with an equal playing field. Why force your population to dump their money in the next county over or in southern Missouri or Roland, Oklahoma or Tunica, Mississippi? Let us all share the wealth! I’ll drink to that!

Death by inches

smokescreen for anti-women-, antisex-, anti-reproductive-science and health care. The church will obfuscate and lie to hide these ugly facts.

Cardinal Trujillo, deceased, is a hideous case in point: supporting the Catholic Church’s anti-condom-distribution policy in Africa and falsely claiming that latex condoms are permeable to the HIV virus (they are not).

Result? The former president of the Royal Society of Britain (oldest continuing scientific body on earth) stated that this Catholic anti-condom-distribution policy resulted

in between 20 million to 60 million deaths in Africa from AIDS. These policies … have nothing whatever to do with ethics, science or medical care. They are religious dogma, pure and simple. They must be shunned completely by any ethical health treatment facility.

Management solutions, if needed, must be sought elsewhere. Because, again repeatedly, the Catholic church has demonstrated time and again that it will LIE to preserve its dogma.

Yes, it’s that clear and simple. And ugly.

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ARKANSAS TIMES

Seeking out the rarest booze in Central Arkansas that ain’t wine or scotch.

BY DAVID KOON

ruffles aren’t really that good, you know. They just taste better because some Frenchman’s pig had to be talked into sniffing them up in the middle of nowhere, and it’s hard to talk a pig into doing anything. People love rarity. Ditto on rare cars, rare comic books, rare baseball cards, rare anything. It’s all neat to have, but when you get right down to it, nobody wants Superman No. 1 because of its riveting storyline. People want it because every other guy on the block can’t have it.

Which brings us to rare hooch. In Central Arkansas, because of a number of factors — from seasonal offerings, to small-batch craft beers, to persnickety Arkansas liquor laws that only allow one distributor to handle each brand — there are some things that you’re just not going to find with any regularity in your corner package store. With that in mind, here are a few of the rarities

that probably aren’t coming soon to a liquor cabinet near you.

WHAT IS IT? Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve bourbon WHO MAKES IT? Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery, Frankfort, Ky. WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL? Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve — named after the long-gone father of the current owner of Kentucky’s Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery and available in 15-year, 20-year and 23-year-old varieties — is consistently ranked as one of the best whiskeys in the world. It’s crazy rare, with very low production numbers and a rabid online following of fans who trade leads about availability and are willing to drive hundreds of miles on a “might have.” Only a few bottles make it into Arkansas every year, and those that do get snapped up quickly by collectors and whiskey geeks. If you ever see a bottle anywhere, wrestle it away

Thinking about beer

from the guy next to you and stash it back for a bender on your deathbed.

WHERE CAN I TRY IT? One of the very few reliable hookups for a glass of Pappy Van Winkle’s is at the Capital Bar and Grill, but even they sometimes run dry.

WHAT IS IT? Yuengling beers WHO MAKES IT? Yuengling Beer Co. of Pottsville, Penn.

WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL? Yuengling is distributed widely, but only east of the Mississippi. Out here in flyover country, we’re a Yuengling wasteland, with Arkansas devotees forced to stop for a case or two anytime they’re on the far side of Old Man River and then — in the grand tradition of Coors and “Smokey and the Bandit” — truck the suds back to their home base in Arkansas while being relentlessly pursued by Jackie Gleason. Beyond the rarity-fueled covet bump, though, it’s apparently pretty standard stuff, coming in seven

In response to David Koon’s article about rare booze in the Oct. 24 issue.

As someone who grew up just a few miles to the Yuengling brewery (evidently America’s oldest, or so they claim), I’m surprised to see it cited as coveted, but it certainly is rare in these parts. Their lager is the original and best, IMO. It’s so prevalent anywhere in PA that if one walks into any bar in Philadelphia and simply requests a “lager,” they are guaranteed to receive a Yuengling, typically in a longneck bottle … . Great, now I’m craving a lager. Thanks.

Superdan 16

OCTOBER 24, 2012

ARKANSAS TIMES

As has been noted before in these pages, too many employers are finding ways to avoid paying full wages or provide benefits. They are happy to allow government (in other words, all the rest of us) to subsidize their business acumen with food stamps, Medicaid, EITC and other humanitarian programs, but they are first in line to complain bitterly about government spending. It is galling to only be allowed to work one or two hours below the full-time schedule for years alongside full-time workers doing the same job who are getting full pay and benefits. The high unemployment rate has been a bonanza for employers, allowing them to tell employees to be grateful for what they have, while finding new ways to “get more for less” from their employees.

YossarianMinderbinder

While it is true that public schools have often failed to do their job in Arkansas, it is also true that the public has not worked to fix the problem.

Charter schools are one more way to run away from seeking a solution. Hiring another consultant is also a ruse.

White flight has benefited the counties around Pulaski, and that too is a dilemma. It is past time to face the music and address the basic causes.

Verla Sweere

4

RAIDERS OF THE LOST BAR T

Business hypocrisy

Public schools

It is BEYOND clear that the Catholic Church values its religious dogma over human life. It’s been repeatedly demonstrated in similar situations in Catholic-run hospitals wherever they operate. Its supposedly “pro-life” stance behind “religious freedom” is no more nor less than a

varieties including a porter, lager a black and tan.

WHERE CAN I TRY IT? Put that hamm down and give it hell to Memphis a points east, son. The shelves are ap ently awash in Yuengling there.

BRIAN CHILSON

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WHAT IS IT? Abita Strawberry Harv WHO MAKES IT? Abita Brewing Co Abita Springs, La. WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL? One of Abi three “harvest beers,” Abita Strawbe Harvest is a pilsner to which fresh L isiana strawberry juice is added a the filtration process, giving it a sw flavor. It’s a seasonal offering, and l most seasonals, it’s a limited edit John Crow, the owner of 107 Liq in Sherwood, said Strawberry H vest has been made even more rare recent years due to Abita’s “tenu relationship” with its Arkansas tributor, Glazer’s, so that Abita sen only a smidgen of the coveted spr time brew to Arkansas (it’s fairly e to get in other places when it’s in son, he said, noting that he got his fi taste at a friend’s house in Los Ange The local rarity in the state never f to set off a phone-tag scramble amo beer fans when it’s released.

WHERE CAN I TRY IT? Unless you’ve a generous friend with a Strawbe Harvest tucked in the back of the fri better luck next year. This year’s sm allocation to Arkansas liquor stores appeared about the time the regio strawberries did.

WHAT IS IT? Rock Hopera Imperial I WHO MAKES IT? Vino’s Brewpub in Li Rock (or at least they do sometime WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL? Available irre larly, only at Vino’s, and only serv in very limited quantities when has been available in the past, Vin Rock Hopera Imperial IPA — de oped by former Vino’s brewmaster Riffle — won a gold medal in 2008 the Great American Beer Festiva Colorado and has since develope near-mythical reputation among lo beer fans, scoring a 92 out of 100 the website ratebeer.com. “John Beer Snob” Wells, who runs the b geek newsletter “The Official Siz Weight E-beer E-news E-mail” fr

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NOVEMBER 21, 2012

5

EDITORIAL

EYE ON ARKANSAS

Obamascare

For Smith The Arkansas Times has endorsed Joe Smith in the runoff election for mayor of North Little Rock. Early voting is under way. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 27.

6

NOVEMBER 21, 2012

ARKANSAS TIMES

BRIAN CHILSON

O

n hearing that Texans had proposed secession from the United States of America, one’s first thought was “A dream come true.”

Who among the other 49 states has not observed, at one time or another, “This would be a pretty good arrangement if we could drop Texas”? Arkansans, because of proximity, have been particularly observant in this regard. Even Lincoln, dying in Ford’s Theater, was heard to say “I should have let Texas go.”

Loud, pretentious, greedy, vengeful — that’s the better class of Texan. The worse — the George W. Bushes, Dick Cheneys and Rick Perrys — are still further down the social ladder. Not our crowd, for sure.

Gov. Perry has talked openly for some time about the possibility, if not the desirability, of secession, and now, at last count, some 83,000 Texans have signed a petition to the White House seeking permission to withdraw from the Union. It’s not clear whether they want to be a separate country or revert to Mexican rule — Mexican administration would be more efficient, and more just, probably — but either way, we wish them Godspeed.

Always high-strung, the Texans have been spooked into even more confused belligerence by the re-election of President Obama. To be fair, they are not the only ones inexplicably alarmed by the prospect of another four years under the leadership of this bland executive. There could hardly be a less likely tyrant, yet here is U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, Republican of Pennsylvania, near hysteria over the contraceptive coverage in Obama’s Affordable Care Act: “I know in your mind, you can think of the times America was attacked. One is Dec. 7, that’s Pearl Harbor Day. The other is September 11, and that’s the day the terrorists attacked. I want you to remember August 1, 2012, the attack on our religious freedom. That is a day that will live in infamy, along with those two other dates.” (He may be confusing Obama with Osama. Pennsylvania is Rick Santorum’s home state.)

A date that would truly live in infamy would be the day Arkansas turns its old people out of nursing homes to forage for themselves, rather than expand the state’s Medicaid program, as the Affordable Care Act calls for. State Sen. Michael Lamoureux of Russellville, who will be president pro tem of the new Republican-majority Senate, says that day won’t come, even though Republicans are cool to Obamacare. But Lamoureux is reputed to be nearreasonable, a member of a splinter group in his party.

What do the Raperts and Hollands say?

Gov. Mike Beebe is gamely trying to persuade Republican legislators that the state’s impoverished elderly are worth a few dollars more alive than dead.

Quite a lot more, if intangibles are factored in. Sentimental value, you know, that sort of thing.

ON ICE: Carson Bridges, Tanner Edwards and Brody Morehead take to the ice rink at the River Market this past weekend. The rink is open through Jan. 6, 2013.

A turkey for North Little Rock

N

orth Little Rock voters who are able to wobble to the polls the Tuesday after Thanksgiving may set the table for another sort of feast in the mayor’s office.

A runoff is set matching Joe Smith, current chief of staff to retiring Mayor Pat Hays, against state Rep. Tracy Steele.

Steele, with 48.2 percent of the vote, very nearly won over Smith, with 41.1 percent, without a runoff. He’s a charismatic candidate. Smith is not. Steele, who is black, has built a biracial coalition, helped enormously by North Little Rock School District supporters. They organized mightily, with Steele’s backing, for a big and important tax increase to rebuild the school district while the Hays administration sat on the sidelines, huffy about the district’s rejection of the mayor’s scheme to finance downtown redevelopment with school property taxes.

Steele, clearly the favorite, has been helped by voters’ short memories and the failure of the press to refresh them. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, for example, editorially endorsed Steele. It lauded his “record of accomplishment” and his “leadership.”

Some record, as clips in the very same newspaper attest.

Steele’s time as executive director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Commission was a perpetual cat fight.

The Commission tried repeatedly to fire him. It became such a roiling mess that legislation had to be introduced to reconstitute the agency.

Part of the objection to Steele came in having a member of the state legislature heading a state agency financed by the body in which he sat. Yes, he lobbied the legislature for money for the commission, all the while proclaiming there was no conflict. He also solicited money from private sources to pay for King activities.

Those sources included entities with interests before the legislature.

There was a time when this double-dip bothered the Democrat-Gazette. On an occasion when Steele was using his senatorial power to block the appointment of a foe to the commission that employed him, the

newspaper editorialized about Steele’s citation of a statute that allowed him to be both a senator and hold a state agency job.

Wrote the newspaper: “The question isn’t whether MAX he can hold both jobs; the quesBRANTLEY maxbrantley@arktimes.com tion is whether he should.”

Do-right rule questions arise with Steele repeatedly.

• Steele threw in with corporate power player Deltic Timber in 2005 to gut watershed protection for Lake Maumelle, which provides drinking water to North Little Rock. Central Arkansas Water figured out how to get to Steele’s heart several years later. It hired a firm headed by Steele’s brother to do PR and ad work.

That firm has, coincidentally, benefited in other ways from state business during Steele’s legislative tenure. A newspaper Steele headed, Stand News, benefited from state agency advertising. Deltic advertised there, too.

• Since departing the M.L. King Commission, Steele has led the nonprofit Stand Foundation, which is said to put on leadership programs for youth. Roughly one of every two dollars raised by the foundation pays Steele’s $77,000 salary, a large percentage for a nonprofit. The best nonprofits spend 80 percent of their money on direct services, not including the boss’ pay.

• The Stand Foundation depends on private contributions. Steele has solicited money from corporate lobbyists as a legislator. It also depends on government grants. It got about $8,500 in the current year, from such places as the Department of Workforce Services and the Department of Human Services. Has Steele ever filed the required disclosure form when he votes on legislation on which he might be perceived as having a financial interest — such as appropriations to agencies that contribute to the kitty from which he’s paid? There is no disclosure form currently on file for Steele on any topic, a House spokesman said.

Supporters of Steele say the Hays administration plays politics the same way. Faint praise.

BRIAN CHILSON

OPINION

Vote suppression’s new form: the I.D.

A

rkansas has a long, sordid history of crooked elections and also of voter apathy, and it’s impossible to know if one follows the other or if both just go with the geography and the culture.

So the Republican movement to suppress voting in the guise of election reform, which will be coming to the Capitol when the legislature convenes in January, might find an attentive audience — or not. Obviously, most people do not care since they do not bother to vote.

But if people did care very much they would be hostile to the idea. Arkansas already has about the lowest level of voting of all the states — Texas has the lowest.

Unless it is to race Texas to the bottom, why would we want to discourage more people from voting?

I helped the late Justice Tom Glaze, a lifetime scourge of election fraud, write a book last year recounting his battles in the 1960s and 1970s to stop the perennial ballot thievery in a dozen or so counties and his efforts in the attorney general’s office and the Supreme Court to perfect the laws that are supposed to guarantee an honest vote.

I did a few appearances around the state to promote his book, Justice Glaze being

too ill, and there were questions about whether Glaze’s experiences ought to fortify the Republican campaign to require ERNEST DUMAS voters to have an official photo identification — typically a current passport or photo driver’s license — before they can get a ballot.

If Glaze’s suits in Conway and Searcy counties and elsewhere and the election code he wrote, which was partially enacted by the legislature in 1969, did not curb the abuses, a Republican legislator asked me, wouldn’t requiring voters to have a photo ID stop a lot of illegal votes? The bill he described, which failed in 2011, will be introduced in January with a Republican majority in both houses.

In my humble and nonprofessional opinion, the legislature cannot constitutionally impose more requirements for voting beyond those in Amendment 51, which is that people meet the qualifications in the amendment and that they register. A voter’s registration and right to vote can never be taken away unless she or he is convicted, dies, moves or fails

The swings swung

T

hose of us who teach Arkansas politics have to rewrite some lecture notes after Election 2012. No matter the ultimately hairsbreadth GOP margin in the state House of Representatives, the key region in determining the outcome of statewide elections in Arkansas appears to have finally swung in a markedly Republican direction. This outcome has decisive implications for the future of electoral politics in the state.

This small state is composed of five distinct regions when it comes to its electoral politics. Two of those regions are now reliably Republican in their voting patterns — the historically Republican Northwest Arkansas region where GOP sentiments going back to the Civil War era have been emphatically reinforced by the monstrous growth in the contemporary era, and the donut of counties surrounding Pulaski County where a combination of “white flight” and white collar arrivals have created a second fast-growing Republican region. Together, these areas now account for about 40 percent of the Arkansas vote.

A combination of African-American voters and white progressives makes Pulaski County a third distinctive “region”

that skews Democratic in its voting patterns. Joining it on the Democratic side is the swath of counJAY ties to the southBARTH east covering the Arkansas Delta where white voters are typically overwhelmed by reliably Democratic African-American voters to create a second Democratic-leaning “region.”

These two groups of counties compose about one-third of the state’s electorate.

Because neither set of regions achieves a majority of the state’s electorate, modern state elections have been decided in the 25 or so predominantly white, sparsely populated, culturally conservative “rural swing” counties running diagonally from the southwest corner of the state to the northeast corner skipping over the Little Rock metropolitan area. Their role in close state-level contests has been decisive, often delivering wins to Democratic and Republican candidates in the same year as they did for Mark Pryor and Mike Huckabee in 2002. They are counties where Mike Beebe’s populist message (pro-min-

persistently to vote. But the legislature can pass any law it wants and let the courts decide if it is legal.

The better answer to the question from a journalist whose legal opinion was worth nothing but who had followed elections at close hand for 50 years was that the photo ID would stop no voting fraud — none. A photo ID might stop someone from casting a vote for another registered voter who happened not to go to the polls that day but there is no history of that happening, at least on any scale that should worry us. There has never been even a serious suspicion that sizable numbers of people were pretending to be someone else — someone who had registered to vote but who would not be at the polls that day.

All the election fraud in the state’s history — the casting of illegal ballots or the failure to count legal ones — was committed by election officials, not individual voters pretending to be someone else. It is committed by people who are in charge of the voting, counting and custody of ballots and, of course, the people who appoint or supervise them.

But throwing up new barriers to voting is not merely an empty gesture. It is baneful to democracy. The sponsors of such legislation sometimes are merely naïve, but the purpose is malevolent. It is to make it harder for certain people to vote. They are minorities, the poor, the disabled and elderly, those who are not

apt to have a passport or even a driver’s license.

In this instance, “those people” tend to vote more often for Democrats than Republicans, although elderly voters in Arkansas and the rest of the South have shifted sharply to Republicans the past four years.

Courts blocked parts of Republican vote-suppression laws this fall in a few Southern states and elsewhere because they violated the Voting Rights Act by being aimed at restricting voting of certain groups, a violation of equal protection. The Republican majority on the U.S. Supreme Court next year is apt to finally invalidate the provision of the Voting Rights Act that requires changes in voting laws to be pre-cleared by the Justice Department. It will say that states covered by the act — Arkansas is not among them — no longer discriminate.

By abolishing the poll tax and opening its primaries to black voters Arkansas had stopped official suppression shortly before the Voting Rights Act passed.

Although unlike other Southern states Arkansas did not erect barriers like literacy tests, some of our work was just as ugly. After Reconstruction, we used beatings, threats and even murder to discourage voting by newly franchised blacks.

A photo ID card and shorter voting hours would demonstrate progress in the fight to suppress votes. We have found a more civilized way to do it.

imum wage laws yet pro-gun) led to overwhelming margins in both 2006 and 2010.

In presidential elections, these counties swung hard for the “states’ rights” campaign of George Wallace in 1968, against George McGovern in 1972, and back again for Jimmy Carter in 1976. They swung wildly again for Ronald Reagan’s reelection in 1984 and George Bush in 1988, back again to Arkansas’s own Bill Clinton in 1992 and 1996, and back the other direction for George W. Bush in both 2000 and 2004.

In 2008, of course, it is these counties that so fervently rejected Barack Obama as “not one of them” culturally or racially.

The first four groups of counties remained generally stable between 2008 and 2012. But, the “rural swings,” having already swung emphatically against Obama in 2008, took their rejection of the president to a new level in 2012.

Indeed, many of these counties outpaced more cosmopolitan areas in the suburbs around Little Rock and those in Northwest Arkansas in their support for GOP nominee Mitt Romney. For instance, Pike County — the Southwest Arkansas county home to Arkansas’s diamond mine and a classic rural swing county (“dry,” over 90 percent white, and with no town larger than 2,000) — went for Romney by greater than three to one, besting by

nearly 20 points George W. Bush’s margin there in 2000.

This year’s battle for control of the General Assembly was also fought out in counties like this. In these elections, state Democrats clearly outperformed Obama, but the GOP success in tying Democrats to the president decided control of the legislature. For instance, the House district in Northeast Arkansas where the recount occurred that determined control of that body cut across a swath of rural swing counties that would have traditionally favored any Democrat until the last two election cycles.

The decisiveness of the Republican gains in these counties in 2012 suggests that they may have swung so hard that, combined with the other two GOP-leaning regions, there is now a comfortable Republican advantage in all statewide elections. The statewide elections in 2014 will test this hypothesis. Probable Democratic gubernatorial nominee Dustin McDaniel may be able to bring some of the rural swing counties in the northeast part of the state back into play for his party, but the Obama-era gains up and down this spine of rural counties suggests that they have left behind their populism of the past and may well quash Arkansas Democratic hopes in the future. www.arktimes.com

NOVEMBER 21, 2012

7

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ARKANSAS TIMES

s the final hours of a cruel, miserable 2012 football season tick away, the time is nigh for Pearls to shift focus.

No need to dissect the Mississippi State beating, a 45-14 affair that roughly matched the boilerplate that has developed the past few weeks. It was a thoroughly ridiculous and undisciplined performance by a fragile team. Five turnovers, nine penalties and a generally unkempt defensive showing against a team that had lost three consecutive games and basically reverted to its preDan Mullen doldrums once competition got fierce. Anyway, give Mullen credit for having an inexhaustible supply of visors and a shred of ingenuity from a playcalling standpoint, because a few dark weeks this autumn have reminded us just how lost that art really is.

With certitude, Pearls declares that the LSU game will be the least compelling Battle of the Boot since that gaudy trophy was forged in the great smelting plant between Eudora and Lake Providence (this is a complete fabrication).

In a year pock-marked by horrendous timing, the decision to shift the game to Fayetteville will not bear immediate fruit, as there will assuredly be a slew of empty seats in Reynolds Razorback Stadium. A loss to the Tigers cements the Hogs’ worst single-season winning percentage since 1990, and we’ve previously noted the similarities between this team and that fated one before: experienced quarterback returns to the helm, but coaching upheaval taints the pool and a string of listless blowouts ensue.

That’s all about to change, in theory.

The rumor mill is so furiously overcharged right now that the gears are plumb stripped. For Pearls to even reference a single name being bandied about would be foolhardy, which is hardly an impediment to message board lackeys who purport to have spycams trained on every seafood restaurant and speakeasy in a 50-mile radius of the Broyles Athletics Complex. The candidates to replace John L. Smith and relegate 2012 to the dustbin may or may not be numerous, but one thing we’ve seen from Jeff Long in his five-year stint as athletic director is that he doesn’t appear to cast a very wide net in coaching searches. It will be tightly focused, unapologetic in its intensity, and hopefully will yield the kind of candidate that the vast majority of this wounded fan base can embrace, even begrudgingly.

Regardless of where Long’s crosshairs ultimately settle, the frustrat-

ing aspect of our overly connected populace is that fanciful theories without wings can still take flight BEAU and glide awfully WILCOX far. One such belief is that the Razorback Foundation can simply buy its way into whatever coaching icon Long elects to put tracers on. That’s the biggest fallacy in a sea spilling over with them.

The human impulse for riches is strong but coaches are far more complex than the mass media dares to dream. Nick Saban didn’t take the Alabama job because it would make him filthy rich, and Bobby Petrino didn’t flee Atlanta for Fayetteville under nightfall for pecuniary reasons. Both were getting disgusting compensation for ordering a bunch of grown men around for a few months, and elected to return to the college game because of the challenges it presented. Both absorbed sizable pay cuts and public derision for “bailing” on pro jobs.

So when this name or that name is mentioned as a candidate to take over the Arkansas program, why do so many vacillate toward the tired standby “we can pay him whatever he wants” position? This kind of logic reduces an enormously weighty decision to something inappropriately base. Yes, a coach wants to be paid handsomely, but the competitiveness that nests in the souls of the best coaches simply does not permit them to take payola and not perform.

What should concern Hog fans more is that any likely successor to Smith is going to have to conduct a quick but comprehensive assessment of how much damage the 2012 season has done to the program. We may have worn blinders about Petrino’s underwhelming recruiting during his tenure because the team rapidly progressed in spite of it. Now that he is gone and the meat of those very capable 2010-11 units has trickled out, does [your preferred successor here] have the desire to take legions of two- and three-star players into battle next fall? Will a hard barnstorming through Texas, Florida, and other amateur-rich states leading up to Signing Day 2013 be productive enough to inflate our sagging expectations for next season?

Jeff Long isn’t just buying a coach this fall. He’s selling a program. And Hog fans have to cling to hope that the events of the last eight months haven’t voided the warranty.

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www.arktimes.com

NOVEMBER 21, 2012

9

W O RDS

GIF sneaks up

we have an appetite for restaurant insurance

“It’s been delighting people around the world for 25 years but now formally holds an honored place in the cultural lexicon: ‘GIF’ has been chosen as word of the year by the Oxford American Dictionary. ‘GIF celebrated a lexical milestone in 2012, gaining traction as a verb, not just a noun,’ said Katherine Morris, head of the U.S. dictionaries program at Oxford. ‘The GIF has evolved from a medium for pop-cultural memes into a tool with serious applications including research and journalism, and its lexical identity is transforming to keep pace.’ GIF is, in fact, an abbreviation of three separate words: Graphics Interchange Format. It was first released

by CompuServe in 1987 but has experienced a dramatic cultural resurgence in recent years, most commonly used to make humorous commentary on topics ranging from sports to the 2012 presidential election.”

It may have been delighting others for 25 years, but I never heard of it until I saw this item on Yahoo news a few days ago.

The explanation was little help. All right, it’s a picture format on the web, but does it have another definition in general usage?

How is it used as a verb? “I’ll GIF you, sucker”? A young colleague who knows computer jargon much better than I says that GIF has come into widespread usage

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REP. DAVY CARTER. A late and surprise entry to the race for Speaker of the House, Carter, of Cabot, was elected in a secret ballot vote over Rep. Terry Rice of Waldron, whose ascendance into the position was widely seen as a formality after Republicans won control of the state House of Representatives.

Chanukah Special Music, stories and schtick featuring the Two Jewish Guys, Phil Kaplan and Leslie Singer Reception: 6:30 p.m. Show: 7:00 p.m.

Admission: $4.99 (Such a deal!)

THE FIGHT FOR EQUALITY. A group called Arkansans for Equality filed incorporation papers this week for a campaign to overturn Arkansas’s constitutional prohibition against same-sex marriage.

Pre-paid reservations required www.kuar.org or (501) 569-8485 With thanks to our Chanukah Special sponsors: The Clinton Presidential Center and The Clinton Museum Store

JEFF HANKINS. As widely expected on campus, the former Arkansas Business publisher was chosen by Arkansas State University President Charles Welch as vice president for strategic communications and development.

The job, like that of the system president, is based in Little Rock. It pays $170,000.

Photo credit: Brian Chilson

LESLIE SINGER

10

NOVEMBER 21, 2012

ARKANSAS TIMES

The sinking of the Titanic was far too disastrous: “LONDON — Britain’s high court on Thursday blocked a U.S. government bid to extradite a sex criminal to Minnesota, saying the state’s restrictive treatment program for sex offenders was far too draconian.”

If it were just a smidgen draconian, would it be OK? I don’t think so. Draconian by itself doesn’t mean simply “harsh,” it means “very harsh.” It doesn’t go well with intensifiers. I suppose you could argue that “far too draconian” means “very, very, very harsh,” but that sounds like splitting hairs. Although we usually see draconian in the lower case these days, some people still capitalize it. It comes from the name “Draco.” He was a late 7th-century Athenian statesman noted for the severity of his code of laws.

WEEK THAT WAS

TWO Jewish Guys

PHIL KAPLAN

only in the last couple of years. He gave this example: “Will you GIF that for me?”

I’m also told DOUG that GIF is proSMITH dougsmith@arktimes.com nounced to rhyme with the peanut butter. I like the peanut butter better.

JEFF LONG. University of Arkansas Chancellor David Gearhart has proposed significant enhancements in the UA athletic director’s existing contract and an extension through 2017. The

deal must be approved by the UA Board of Trustees. It would move Long to $900,000 a year, which TV station KFSM reported would put him in the top 10 nationally and 3rd in the SEC, according to a USA Today survey.

THE FAMILY OF VICKIE LYNN FREEMYER. The Arkansas Claims Commission awarded $2.97 million to the family of Freemyer, who was killed by a speeding Arkansas state trooper, Andrew Rhew, who was responding to a call without warning lights or siren and driving 103 miles per hour a second before the crash.

It was a bad week for…

PUBLIC ART. Three sculptures were stolen from the VogelSchwartz Sculpture Garden in Riverfront Park, a combined theft of some $20,000 worth of art. Police fear the bronzes may have been stolen for scrap.

ALSO: Little Rock lawyer Chris Mercer, who was an NAACP field secretary during the civil rights struggles of the 1950s and ’60s and an advisor to Daisy Bates during the Little Rock school desegregation crisis, died at 88. He was the first black man named to be a deputy prosecutor in a Southern state.

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Thankful OVER THE WEEKEND, Junior — an avid young tubaist (Tubadour? Tuba Wrangler?) — was reading one of the online tuba forums (yes, they exist) and discovered that he’d been lax in bathing his tuba.

No, that’s not a euphemism for something unprintable. It’s apparently a real thing. A couple of times a year, you’re apparently supposed to strip your tuba down to its component parts, run a tub of lukewarm water — not hot, no never! — suds it up with some very gentle soap, and treat your horn to a relaxing spa day, replete with polishing and a warm oil massage at all its joints. At first, Junior was adamant that we should make a special trip to the store for some Ivory soap just like they said online, but Spouse happened to have a bottle of Dr. Bronner’s castile soap — the stuff with all the tiny, crazy writing about The Book of Revelations on the label. If it’s good enough to help spread The Word of The Almighty, Junior’s Old Man told him, it oughta be good enough for a dirty tuba.

While bathing a tuba is not the weirdest thing we’ve ever done, it is the weirdest thing we can mention in a public forum.

Junior gently placed Ol’ Beatrix in the bottom of the bathtub and we opened the taps. Then we stood back, the pair of us filling our phone-booth-sized bungalow bathroom, and watched the water slowly creep into the thicket of brass tubes, The Observer 38 years, three months and 28 days old for the only time we will ever be in our life, Junior 12 years 11 months and 11 days old for the only time he will ever be in his life. And oh, don’t these fragile, odd, beautiful, heartbreakingly lovely lives of ours slip away so quickly, especially if you don’t pay attention on the day you and your son bathe a tuba?

“Remember this moment,” we thought, as the gleaming bell slowly disappeared into the water like the prow of Captain Nemo’s submarine, “because you’re going to want it back someday.”

THESE MOMENTS CONTINUE INTO one’s child’s approaching adulthood. The Observer and daughter, 21, were walking slowly by masterpieces in a museum when we came across Rubens’ “The Judgment of Paris.” The Observer couldn’t remember the story but the child did and insisted that she learned it at The

Observer’s knee. You know, the Trojan Paris — on Mount Ida, by the way — offering the golden apple to Aphrodite for her beauty and winning the Grecian Helen, who happened to be another man’s wife. Hence the Trojan War. Well, The Observer couldn’t remember anything but the fake horse part of the story, yet the child insisted and insisted that it was her wise and brilliant parent that taught her the myth. Was the wise and brilliant parent really losing her mind?

Then, in the middle of the next gallery, the daughter stopped in her tracks. It wasn’t The Observer after all who passed on the knowledge! It was Wishbone, the dog, in the TV series of the same name that ran during the daughter’s elementary school years, who dressed up as heroes in classic tales. Suddenly, she remembered a decked-out Jack Russell terrier, the golden apple in its mouth, barking at Aphrodite. The “child” was relieved The Observer had not forgotten a tender moment of teaching after all. The Observer, more relieved than the daughter, heehawed far more loudly than is appropriate in a museum.

WHEN IT COMES TO YARD WORK, The Observer is a bit of a procrastinator.

This goes double for raking, an undertaking that is, in our humble opinion, just a notch above painful dental surgery on the unpleasantness scale. That said, we’ve always found leaf blowers — the modern-day answer to the humble rake — to be one of the most obnoxious of all gaspowered machines. After all, the idea of burning gasoline simply to blow some leaves around and thus make them someone else’s problem seems like a wasteful, bordering on brain-dead, way to deal with the relatively uncomplicated problem of leaves.

But the other afternoon, we got home from work to find that someone had used a leaf blower to round up all the dead foliage from the many nooks and crannies of our backyard into one enormous pile. We honestly have no clue who might have done this. But regardless, we swallowed our anti-leaf blower bias and got out the rake and the trash can, thankful to that anonymous helper for shaving an hour or so off of our afternoon chores.

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NOVEMBER 21, 2012

11

Arkansas Reporter

THE

IN S IDE R

St. Vincent Health System, in its effort to trim $12 million from its budget, laid off 29 employees last Thursday and Friday, CEO and President Peter Banko confirmed Tuesday.

The 29 were in addition to another 21 who left in November. Banko said none of those laid off were involved in patient care.

The layoffs accounted for about $2.5 million in the cuts; the remainder will come from changes in clinical care, patient length of stay and employed physicians, who are being scrutinized for efficiency and productivity. Banko called the cuts “precautionary,” thanks to uncertainty in Medicaid expansion in Arkansas and the “fiscal cliff” cuts that threaten to reduce federal dollars to hospitals.

Fans cry foul Travs’ president Russ Meeks refuses to answer questions about ousted top employees.

All wet Encouraged by positive elections for alcohol sales elsewhere in Arkansas, a drive is underway to make all of Pulaski County open to alcohol sales.

Terry Hartwick, president and CEO of the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, is leading the effort. It began with his attempt to revive past efforts to open a dry area along John F. Kennedy Boulevard in North Little Rock’s Park Hill to alcohol sales. Hartwick thinks the commercial strip could boom from restaurant development there.

But as he talked about it, he got encouragement from others in other parts of dry northern Pulaski County, including Jacksonville and area near Sherwood.

So the effort has expanded. A PR firm is on board and a lawyer has begun legal research.

The initial plan: To seek legislative approval of a statute that would allow a vote covering all, if not precisely, the territory in the four distinct, but now defunct, townships and precincts that have voted themselves dry since the repeal of Prohibition. A law change is needed because, as it stands, an area that has voted itself dry only can vote wet by a vote of the precise area. That would be a headache under precinct and jurisdictional lines redrawn since they went dry.

Wet/dry issues are always controversial because of entrenched religious opposition. If the state law passed, it would allow the county judge to call an election — in this case to make the balance of the county wet. The state law change also could be written to provide a solution for all the counties — there are 26 according to research Hartwick has obtained — CONTINUED ON PAGE 13 12

BRIAN CHILSON

St. Vincent lays off employees

NOVEMBER 21, 2012

ARKANSAS TIMES

BY LINDSEY MILLAR

T

he Arkansas Travelers fired two front office employees last week, a move that’s raised the ire of some fans who question the unchecked power wielded by the fan-owned team’s executive president, Russ Meeks.

Firings are a common occurrence in professional sports, but the team has been uncommonly mum about the recent departure of general manager Pete Laven and assistant general manager David Kay. Team officials have barely acknowledged that Laven and Kay are no longer with the orginization. There’s been no official statement from the Travs. Meeks hasn’t returned calls from the Arkansas Times.

When questioned, other team officials have repeated the same line, “It’s the policy of the Arkansas Travelers not to discuss personnel matters.”

The Times has confirmed that both were fired. Laven did not return a phone call from the Times. Kay refused comment.

Friends say their severance is conditional on their not speaking with the media.

Laven, 42, had spent much of his professional career with the Travs. He interned with the club right out of college, left for 10 years to work for minor league teams in Georgia and North Carolina and then rejoined the Travs as an assistant GM in 2004. He was named Texas League Executive of the Year in 2006. When longtime GM Bill Valentine stepped aside to become executive vice president of the

club in 2007, the year the team moved to Dickey-Stephens Park, Laven was promoted. Kay, who worked in game-day operations at Ray Winder Field from 1996 until 2002, rejoined the club in 2007 and was promoted to assistant general manager in 2008. His responsibilities included sponsorship, marketing and ticket sales.

Insiders say there was nothing awry with the team’s financial health. Under Laven’s leadership, the Travs had operated in the black. After drawing huge crowds in its first three seasons in DickeyStephens (a total of 372,475 in 2007, a total of 377,997 in 2008 and 346,635 in 2009), attendance had flagged (to 326,066 in 2010, to 300,594 in 2011 and to 308,109 in 2012).

But according to Thomas Kayser, the president of the Texas League in which the Travs play, it’s typical for attendance to go down in a new park before settling into a steady range. “Three hundred thousand is pretty doggone good,” he said. “Arkansas never had that in Ray Winder.”

The dismissal of Laven and Kay has upset John Crow, owner of 107 Liquor in Sherwood. Crow is a season ticket holder who has organized the Travs post-game concert series and advertised with the club. He sent an open letter to the Travs board of directors last week asking it to explain the move, and he’s organized a Facebook group called Take Me Out of the Ballgame that had 700 members on Tuesday.

Crow has a track record of riling opposition. He helped build a Facebook group to oppose a plan proposed by the city of North Little Rock to sell the approximately 40 acres that make up Big Rock Quarry below Emerald Park. The group swelled to some 1,500 and the proposal was quickly squelched.

In theory, what Crow and other Travs fans think about the way the team is run matters. Like the Green Bay Packers, the Arkansas Travelers is the rare professional sports team owned solely by its fans. The team is owned by Arkansas Travelers Inc., a corporation formed in 1960 and made up of holders of $5 shares. Since they were issued, the shares’ value has not changed.

All dividends go back into the organization.

According to the Travelers’ website, there are approximately 2,800 shareholders.

A large, self-perpetuating board of directors represents the shareholders.

During Bill Valentine’s more than 30-year reign as general manager of the club, longtime Travs insiders acknowledge that he ran the club as if he owned it. An executive committee of the board of directors rubberstamped his decisions and those board members not on the executive committee merely served honorary roles.

The dynamics of today’s Travs board are Byzantine by comparison though, by many accounts, the ultimate authority still rests largely in the hands of one man — executive president Meeks.

Meeks, a Little Rock lawyer, became president of the executive committee of the board in 2010. He leads a six-person executive committee that includes Bert Parke as president emeritus, Ben Scroggin as vice president, Dr. Charles Logan as vice president, Frank Thomas as treasurer and Bob Whisnant as secretary. Those six are part of a larger board that was recently winnowed from 26 members to 15 after a Meeks-appointed nominating committee determined that 15 was a more optimal number. Board member and nominating committee chairman Rex Nelson said many of those removed from the board were employees of the Travelers, and the nominating committee wanted to avoid a conflict of interest. Nelson said the membership of the broader board remains largely an honorary position. No board members are paid.

In a phone interview, Parke, who served as president of the executive committee for 30 years before stepping aside in 2010, said of Laven, “Pete did a good CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

LISTEN UP

PICTURE OF HEALTH Arkansas has one of the most restrictive Medicaid programs in the United States. Now, one in four Arkansans is uninsured. Unless pregnant or disabled, childless adults don’t qualify for Medicaid, even though they are destitute. Eighty-thousand low-income parents in Arkansas do not qualify for Medicaid. To qualify, parents must be supporting two children on an income of less than $2,996.

The federal government’s plan to expand Medicaid subsidies to the states would change that. It would raise income eligibility to 138 percent of the federal poverty level ($15,000 for individuals, $31,800 for a family of four), providing insurance to 211,970 Arkansans ages 18-64 who are currently uninsured. The new limit would help the working poor who, though they are employed — sometimes at more than one job — still can’t afford to buy a health insurance policy. The government pays for the extended coverage for the first three years; after that, the state will pick up 10 percent of the cost. Arkansas would save $350,000,000 between 2014 and 2025, according to the state Department of Human Services.

The plan requires legislative approval. Legislators may wish to consult the map here, showing county by county how many Arkansans would benefit from the Affordable Care Act’s move to reform Medicaid, before they vote.

THE

BIG PICTURE

NUMBER OF 18-64 YEAR OLDS WHO ARE UNINSURED AND WOULD QUALIFY FOR EXTENDED MEDICAID CARROLL 2,731

BENTON 13,266

WASHINGTON MADISON 16,775 1,385

BOONE 2,603

NEWTON 786

CRAWFORD 5,013 JOHNSON FRANKLIN 2,298 1,322

POLK 1,805

INDEPENDENCE 2,644

POPE 4,510

CONWAY 1,504

PERRY 700

GARLAND 7,638 MONTGOMERY 813

PIKE 983

CLARK 1,773

LONOKE 3,850

JEFFERSON 4,943

CLEVELAND 565

HEMPSTEAD NEVADA 2,149 OUACHITA CALHOUN 670 366 BRADLEY 1,884 1,217 MILLER 3,061

COLUMBIA 1,708

LAFAYETTE 654

300-1000

1001-2000

CRAIGHEAD 7,665

MISSISSIPPI 3,364

POINSETT 1,893

CRITTENDON 3,841

ST. FRANCIS 1891

MONROE 619

LEE 716

PHILLIPS 1,530

GRANT 962

DALLAS 580

GREENE 3,035

WOODRUF 629 PRAIRIE 662

SALINE 5,372

CLAY 1,219

CROSS 1,292

WHITE 5,375

FAULKNER 7,376

PULASKI 25,610

HOWARD SEVIER 1,402 2,131

JACKSON 1,484

CLEBURNE 1,885

HOT SPRING 2,146

LITTLE RIVER 927

STONE 1,107

VAN BUREN 1,272

YELL 2,206

SCOTT 1,072

SHARP 1,263 LAWRENCE 1,363

IZARD 1,044

SEARCY 882

LOGAN 1,451

SEBASTIAN 10,552

MARION 1,338

RANDOLPH 1,397

FULTON 980

BAXTER 2,764

UNION 2,820

2001-3000

ARKANSAS 1,329

LINCOLN 831

DESHA 1,173

DREW 1,384

ASHLEY 1,567

CHICOT 953

3000-6000

6001-26000

SOURCE: Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families (see more of their county-level breakdowns via http://bit.ly/ARMedicaid)

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

Available on iTunes & arktimes.com

INSIDER, CONT. that have similar circumstances. That would have both support and opposition in the legislature.

STAND without Steele?

The STAND Foundation — a nonprofit founded by State Representative Tracy Steele for the expressed purpose of offering leadership training for young adults in Arkansas — may be looking for a new executive if Steele prevails in his runoff election for North Little Rock mayor against Joe Smith on Tuesday.

After the announcement of his mayoral candidacy in August, Steele responded to a query from the Times’s Max Brantley that, if elected, he would not hold a paid position with STAND, a declaration he reiterated in a phone interview Monday. Asked about what that would mean for the leadership of STAND going forward, both Steele and Kasey Summerville, president of the STAND board, said that they would “cross that bridge when we come to it.”

According to the foundation website, STAND’s main initiative is a leadership institute that offers four day-long training sessions, Internetbased training, and online mentoring to participants. Steele stated that the leadership institute had more than 100 participants per year.

Steele has served as executive director for STAND, an acronym for “strive toward a new direction,” since its founding in 2006. According to publicly available tax documents, more than 40 percent of the donations raised by STAND between 2007 and 2010 went to Steele’s salary. In 2007, STAND received $114,860 in contributions and paid Steele a salary of $50,346; in 2008, it took in $157,573 in contributions and paid Steele $65,154; in 2009, it took in $156,984 in contributions and paid Steele $77,000, and in 2010, it took in $190,910 in contributions and paid Steele $77,000. The foundation reported that Steele, who was also serving in the legislature at the time, worked 55 hours per week for STAND. Steele is currently on leave from STAND to focus on the campaign, but stated that he directly contributes to program services in his role as executive director. “I have direct involvement with most every aspect of STAND,” he said, “including speaking and doing leadership training, getting the speakers we’ve had, and taking out the trash.” He added that any questions about his compensation should be directed to the board, but Summerville declined to comment on Steele’s salary.

The Times has previously reported CONTINUED ON PAGE 23 www.arktimes.com

NOVEMBER 21, 2012

13

PHILANTHROPY

BRIAN CHILSON

JIM AND JOYCE FAULKNER: Gave UA $6 million for performing arts center in the Old Field House.

SCARBOROUGH: Arkansas Children’s Hospital fund-raiser says the hunt for foundation dollars is more competitive.

DOLLARS FOR ARKANSAS 2011-12

Giving to medicine tops the list.

A

rkansas ranks 47th in the U.S. in the health of its people, so it needs every dime of the philanthropic dollars channeled to medical care every year. Announced individual gifts since November 2011 and foundation giving in 2011 and 2012 totaled at least $40 million dollars to public institutions alone — the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children’s Hospital and UAMS Northwest.

Arkansas Children’s Hospital bravely engaged in its largest capital campaign ever during these uncertain economic times, its $160 million “Century of Possibility” campaign. The campaign was quiet for several years, but went public in March.

“There’s never going to be an optimum time to be in a campaign,” Fred Scarbor-

14

NOVEMBER 21, 2012

ARKANSAS TIMES

ough, senior vice president of the ACH Foundation, said of the timing. “The needs for us are so pressing that we had to move forward.” It’s raised $115 million so far; the campaign ends in 2014.

A portion of the campaign helped fund the hospital’s new $121 million, 258,000-square-foot south wing. The dollars will also support autism and other research, work in genetics, Angel One transport and preventive care to address the thousands of child abuse cases reported in Arkansas every year, Scarborough said.

Scarborough’s experience — like that of fund-raisers across the country — is that grant-making foundations, which like individual investors, lost money in the economic downturn of 2008, are being more selective in what they fund and the

competition for their dollars is greater.

Still, Children’s has pulled in foundation gifts totaling $7.3 million in the last year. ♦♦♦

D

onations to colleges and universities were second only to medicine, and social services came in third, thanks to grants from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, which in 2011 channeled more dollars to Arkansas — $38.4 million — than the Walton Family Foundation, including Reynolds’ $11.8 million payment to UAMS toward a $27.9 million pledge made in 2009.

The arts did well, too, thanks to commitments to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville and a $6 million gift to the University of Arkansas by

Jim and Joyce Faulkner to turn the Old Field House into a performing arts center.

The Walton Family Foundation’s giving in 2011 was but a third of the total reported on its 2010 990 form, but that was because 2010 was an extraordinary year: The foundation gave $1.2 billion to Crystal Bridges, founded by Alice Walton, for art and endowment, and total giving was $1.5 billion. That made it the 2nd most generous foundation in the country, behind the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

In 2011, the Walton Family Foundation gave $487 million to causes nationally, including $159 million to K-12 education reforms it supports, such as charter schools and voucher programs, and $209 million to the Walton Charitable Foundation, which supports education initiatives. It made a total of $21.5 million in grants in Arkansas, gave $4.4. million to the Walton-founded Camp War Eagle and contributed $2.2 million to fund university scholarships.

The Walton Family Foundation also listed on its 990 IRS form $176 million in zero-interest loans it’s made, all to support charter schools (with the exception of a small loan to the Nature Conservancy).

The Foundation Center puts Arkansas’s largest foundation at 50th in terms of assets, but its data is based on the foundation’s 2010 figures. ♦♦♦

T

he following is a list of individuals and foundations that have made gifts of $250,000 or more to Arkansas organizations as reported by press releases since November 2011 and on the most recent 990 forms filed by foundations, which includes 2011 and 2012 awards. Because Walton Family Foundation gifts are so numerous, only those in excess of $500,000 are listed here.

Reynolds Foundation giving is for 2011.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

PHILANTHROPY

LURING IN THE MILLENNIALS

Fund-raisers look to new ideas to draw in young adults.

BY LESLIE NEWELL PEACOCK

A

ron Shelton, 28, and Alyssa Snyder, 29, are of the generation known as “Millennials,” young men and women who came of age in front of a computer and prefer to text their friends rather than make a call. When they want to know something, they turn to cyberspace, and when they learn something they pass it on through social media.

So when Shelton and Snyder graduated from the University of Arkansas’s Walton College of Business they knew their market. But they also knew they wanted to use their education “in a way that is meaningful,” Snyder said, rather than solely remunerative. How, they wondered, could they create a business that would help their generation get involved and provide a new tool to fund-raisers?

How to get younger people involved in philanthropy is a question that nonprofits everywhere are asking. There’s no substitute for the cultivation of personal relationship — that is the prime way major institutions get their significant support. But reaching a new audience? For that, non-profits large and small are getting creative. For Shelton and Snyder, it turned into a business. ♦♦♦

S

helton and Snyder let their business idea bubble in the back of their brains while they got

SHELTON AND SNYDER: They grew a business from their own experience as young people wanting to do good.

involved in their own charity work — tackling the problem of hunger in the area.

Fayetteville is booming; the fact that one in four adults and 37 percent of children live in poverty goes largely under the radar; it was certainly a surprise to Shelton and Snyder, who’d studied a variety of community needs before deciding on hunger.

They began with an awareness campaign, Seeds that Feed, setting up at the Saturday Farmer’s Market at the square.

That evolved into CareCropping, which Shelton described as “the antithesis of sharecropping.” They met with farmers and home gardeners to find surplus harvest — fresh produce that the farmers could neither use for their animals or themselves — that they could distribute

to the hungry. “It was a huge learning process for us,” Snyder said. Over six months, CareCropping grew to involve 40 suppliers whose surplus was enough to supply 10 to 12 food pantries on a regular basis and others irregularly. The vegetables “were exactly what [farmers] were selling to people shopping,” Snyder said. “They were so generous.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

www.arktimes.com

NOVEMBER 21, 2012

15

PHILANTHROPY

MOST GENEROUS ZIP CODE: 72223 Chronicle report drills down.

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rkansas’s giving as a percentage of discretionary income is the eighth highest in the U.S., according to the most recently audited income tax reports, a study released in August by the Chronicle of Philanthropy says. The state’s median charitable contributions — $3,554 — is the 5th highest in the nation.

The Chronicle gleaned the information from tax records of people who earned $50,000 or more in 2008.

The Chronicle drilled down to zip code level to compare philanthropy across neighborhoods. It found that, in general, rich people who live in wealthy neighborhoods give a smaller share of their income than wealthy people who choose to live in diverse communities.

Zip codes may not be the best way to measure that in Little Rock, however, with its lower population density. The most generous zip code in Little Rock was also its richest, 72223, which includes Chenal and luxe neighborhoods west of the city. Its total giving was $41 million, for a national ranking of 333 out of 28,725 zip codes. The median cost of a home in 72223 in 2012 was $300,000; the Chronicle put median discretionary income in that zip code at $99,508.

Second most generous was the 72212 zip code, with a total of $24.8 million and a national ranking of 1,035. The zip code includes Pleasant Valley, and the median home price is $200,000. Third was 72207 (the Heights, Cammack Village), where the median home price, $225,000, is higher than that in 72212, but where total giving was $22.8 million. Other zip codes: Fourth, 72116 in North Little Rock ($19.8 million); fifth, 72211 ($17.5 million); sixth, 72113 (Maumelle), $15 million; seventh, 72227 ($13.2 million); eighth, 72205 ($10.7 million), ninth, 72204 ($7.1 million) and 10th, 72206 ($5.9 million). The information can be found at philanthropy.com along with the article “How America Gives.”

The Chronicle study also found that middle-class Americans give a bigger share of their income to charity than the rich. Households earning $50,000 to $75,000 gave an average of 7.6 percent of their discretionary income; people earning $100,000 or more gave an average of 4.2 percent. Giving to churches accounts for the high per capita giving in Utah (No. 1) and Idaho (No. 6), where it’s Mormon tradition to tithe 10 percent of income, and the Bible Belt, which fills out the top 10 spots.

LURING IN MILLENNIALS

young adults — the Millennials — wanting to help but not quite knowing how find the groups that need them, from non-profits to school groups needing donations of time or money.

“If you’re not plugged in, into a community, there’s a barrier to getting involved,” Snyder said. SpareTime is an “interface that is attractive to young people. Young people tend to want to get involved visually, through social media networks” and easy-to-navigate websites.

At the suggestion of Fayetteville designer Will Collins of Archetype Productions — himself a Millennial and entrepreneur — Shelton and Snyder decided to apply for a grant from ARK

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 Those who regularly sign up for local-food baskets will not be surprised that their first donation was 130 pounds of sweet potatoes, from Summer Kitchen Family Farm. Now they get “every vegetable you can think of.”

Six months into the project, they’ve distributed more than 16,000 pounds of food, or 47,000 servings.

With their experience in mind, Snyder and Shelton began to see how they could build a business that would help other community projects. Their idea: SpareTime, a website that would allow

BRIAN CHILSON

PHILANTHROPY

APPEALING TO NEW AUDIENCE: “Tattoo Witness” at the Arts Center.

Challenge, a tech business accelerator that would fund 15 startups. There were 83 applicants from 14 countries; SpareTime was one of the winners.

The $18,000 grant allowed them to quit their day jobs and focus on SpareTime, sharing workspace with other entrepreneurs in The Iceberg at 509 W. Spring St. SpareTime is similar to other fundraising websites like Kickstarter in that it connects non-profits with supporters. There are key differences, though.

SpareTime users will be able to create a site profile that will track where they’ve worked, who they’ve given to and what their interests are. Users can upload transcripts to the profile, so that it can serve as a resume. The site, by tracking user histories, will then be able to suggest to individuals projects they might like to get involved in.

SpareTime will also generate impact reports — what sorts of projects are getting what kind of traffic and by whom — information that should prove valuable to the non-profit community.

The user behavior tracking technology that SpareTime will use was developed by fellow ARK Challenge startup MineWhat, which won $150,000 in investment in the ARK Challenge competition held Nov. 1 in Bentonville.

SpareTime goes into Beta testing in January. When it goes online — Shelton and Snyder hope that will be later in the spring — non-profits can post their projects on the site for $5. If the posting fills a long-time position, SpareTime will get another $5. SpareTime will also get a transaction fee of 5 percent off donations. SpareTime can also create pages for non-profits, another revenue stream.

Snyder and Shelton have found a way to make money and satisfy their desire to get community projects more quickly off the ground.

♦♦♦

T

he Arkansas Arts Center was thinking outside the box when they decided to create the “Party in a Box” drive to attract a new crowd.

Here’s how it works: For $500 an Arts Center supporter can buy a party for 12 — details about the party come in a box — and the Arts Center takes care of the rest. The partying newcomers are welcomed with a reception, food and drinks and a tour of the galleries and the stacks with curators, for example, or a get-together with Museum School or Children’s Theatre staff — whatever the box buyer wishes. The idea, Arts Center Director Todd Herman said, is to “build relationships, so when people write those checks it’s not just to a brick building but people they’ve met, programs they now know about and spaces they’ve toured.”

A long overdue rehab of the Arts Center’s website will, like SpareTime, offer a personal member page that will keep a record of what classes you’ve taken, tickets you’ve purchased — “a personal account of your relationship with us,” Herman said. “It helps us know what you are interested in” and target pitches for support accordingly. The new website will, of course, have a blog that Herman and staff will contribute to, linked to Facebook.

Another new event — an adult evening for a children’s theater performance. This year, the Arts Center’s “Vampires, Bunnies and Bloody Marys” drew about 100 grown-ups who made merry and then who saw a “slightly altered” version of “Bunnicula,” the kids’ play about a vampire rabbit. A party tied to children’s theater was a membership lure for parents of youngsters who may CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

www.arktimes.com

NOVEMBER 21, 2012

17

BXS_ArkansasTimes_Oct2012.pdf

10/5/12

11:37:25 AM

PHILANTHROPY

FOUNDATION ASSETS AND GIVING The top 15 Arkansas grantmakers, by fair market value, and Arkansas foundations granting more than $1 million, according to 990 form tax filings for 2011.

FAIR MARKET VALUE OF ASSETS Walton Family Foundation Walton Charitable Support Foundation Arkansas Community Foundation Winthrop Rockefeller Trust Care Foundation Inc. Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation Charles A. Frueauff Foundation Inc. Windgate Charitable Foundation Inc. Ross Foundation Murphy Foundation Horace C. Cabe Foundation The Jesus Fund Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation Inc. Tyson Foundation Inc. The Schmeiding Foundation

$1,701,739,894 $400,346,481 $147,339,504* $126,098,474 $125,955,931 $125,737,289 $101,094,452 $98,466,812 $91,027,842 $71,258,377 $35,680,869 (2010) $35,009,636 $32,975,286 $27,525,960 $23,025,026

TOTAL GIVING

The Boys and Girls Club of Bryant cordially invites you to attend the

Walton Family Foundation $487,795,351 Windgate Foundation Inc. $24,620, 615 Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation Inc. $10,249,629 Arkansas Community Foundation $8,689,900 The Jesus Fund $4,910,417 Winthrop Rockefeller Trust $4,516,006 Charles A. Frueauff Foundation $4,166,370 Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation $4,054,692 Tyson Foundation Inc. $3,569,908 Care Foundation Inc. $3,266,209 Endeavor Foundation (Northwest Arkansas Community Foundation) $3,225,345 Murphy Foundation $2,726,123 Horace C. Cabe Foundation $1,727,140 Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation $1,396,081 The Schmeiding Foundation $1,071,744 *Assets minus liabilities.

a night of dinner and dancing to benefit the youth of our community Saturday, the First of December Two Thousand and Twelve at half after six o’clock in the evening The Center at Bishop Park • 6401 Boone Road • Bryant, Arkansas Presented by Landers of Benton in partnership with Chick-fil-A Reynolds Road semi-formal attire requested Starlight ticket(s): $50 each • Corporate table(s) of eight: $350 each For tickets or more information contact Cheryl Cook 501.316.5262 or ccook@penskeautomotive.com

HEIFER’S “BEYOND HUNGER” GALA: Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen were honored for their support of Heifer International.

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ARKANSAS TIMES

PHILANTHROPY

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SANDERS: Reaching out through “mommy blogs,” among other things.

LURING IN MILLENNIALS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 not be familiar with the Arts Center’s offerings. Feedback was great; the event will be repeated every season for one particular play.

The bi-annual Tabriz fund-raiser, a pricy, black-tie dinner and auction, will again target younger folks who can wear high heels but are not yet well-heeled with a late-night “studio party” following the big event.

Another new idea: An opening night lecture for every major exhibition, to make seeing the work a “more enriching experience.”

The Arts Center also reached out to a new audience this year with its “Tattoo Witness” exhibition, which brought in more inked skin that the center’s ever seen. It’s not known that new memberships were generated by the “Tattoo Witness” show, but the ticketed opening night lecture had a standing-room-only crowd of decorated Millennials and a local tattoo artist signed up for a class in the Museum School. Too, exposing more people to art in Little Rock has its own rewards.

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♦♦♦

T

he annual gala dinner has been around as long as fund-raising, right? But Heifer International, which got started with a shipment of 14 heifers from Mobile, Ala., to Puerto Rico in 1944 and now works to help people become self-sufficient in more than 125 countries across the globe, threw its first annual ticketed bash this year.

The “Beyond Hunger” gala was no small affair, but a $15,000-a-table event in Hollywood hosted by Jane Fonda, Diane

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NOVEMBER 21, 2012

19

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PHILANTHROPY

LURING IN MILLENNIALS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 Lane, Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt, Nina Jacobsen and Tracy Ullman and attended by llamas as well as the loaded.

Heifer is also reaching out in the cyber world, said Cathy Sanders, vice president of philanthropy, finding a way to reach young adults via so-called “mommy blogs” whose writers — like thirdeyemom — spread the word about Heifer’s mission and whose audiences are “highly educated ... and socially conscious.” Heifer’s World Ark magazine has been available in an iPad version since October and its online catalog is available at the Coffee Table shopping site, which also has an iPad app. Tweeting and Facebook are old hat by now. Founder Dan West would be astonished.

At a higher level, Heifer partners with multinational corporations like Dannon, which supports Heifer’s projects to help

DOLLARS FOR ARKANSAS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

MEDICAL

The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation gave $11.7 million to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences to replicate the Schmieding Home Caregiver Training Programs, in Little Rock, Hot Springs, Fort Smith and El Dorado.

The Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy at UAMS received anonymous gifts of $5 million, $2 million, $1.045 million and $1 million.

The estate of Thomas Stephens donated $2.2 million to Arkansas Children’s Hospital to fund vascular anomalies/cleft lip and palate, dental and ophthalmology programs, as well as the Angel One transport program.

Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc. gave $2 million to Children’s Hospital and $440,000 to UAMS’ Oral Health Center.

The Walton Family Foundation gave $1.4 million to the University of Central Arkansas Foundation.

An anonymous donor established the Ben N. Saltzman Professorship in Rural Family Medicine at UAMS with a gift of $1.17 million.

The Jane Botsford Johnson Foundation donated $1.2 million to Children’s Hospital for autism research.

Sharon and John “Johnny” Hardin Bale Jr. have pledged $1 million to

farmers get milk to market, and is still working to get a Ben and Jerry’s ice cream brand. But the many small gifts, the $120 that folks give to Heifer to buy cows and pigs and chickens and bees and sheep and clean water and geese and stoves — you name it — in honor of friends and family at Christmas are important. This year, Heifer has added “Heifer at Hanukkah,” appealing to the Jewish tradition of philanthropy — tzedakah. You can see Ed Asner and Mark Feuerstein dressed in a cow suit doing a funny YouTube routine for Heifer at heifer.org/heifer-at-hanukkah.

Raising money the rest of the year is “where we have to do a better job,” Sanders said. Key is getting people to understand the “richness of our mission,” how labor intensive Heifer’s work is and “that it works.”

“And it’s more than a cow. It’s the cow, but also the change that goes on inside someone ... . I’ve seen it, man. You understand it when you see it.”

Children’s Hospital to support the fetal heart program, which will be named in their honor.

The Adams-Vine Foundation of Leachville gave $1 million to Children’s Hospital.

The Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation contributed $500,000 toward its $1.5 million to UAMS Northwest, $625,000 toward its $3.7 million pledge to UAMS’ Winthrop Rockefeller Cancer Institute, $750,000 to Washington Regional Hospital for its capital campaign and a challenge grant, $400,000 toward a $1.6 million pledge to Children’s Hospital’s capital campaign, $330,333 toward $1 million grant UAMS’ Jones Eye Institute and $333,333 toward $1 million to UAMS’ Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging.

The Schmieding Foundation endowed a chair in pediatric hematology/oncology with a gift of $1 million to Arkansas Children’s Hospital and pledged $800,000 to UAMS’ Reynolds Institute.

The Windgate Foundation gave $350,000 toward its pledge of $1.2 million to UAMS’ Reynolds Institute, Aging Research Fund and Cord Blood Bank.

An anonymous donor gave $1 million to the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute.

An anonymous donor made a gift of $500,000 to Myeloma Genetics Research at UAMS. The Walmart Foundation Inc. gave

♦♦♦

T

he younger staff members of the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Foundation, which is in the public phase of a $160 million capital campaign, are working on web-based initiatives to raise money from Millennials, senior vice president Fred Scarborough said.

“They understand that culture,” Scarborough said. At 48, Scarborough is barely a boomer, but he says he’s “more Motown” than Facebook. “We are having to be students. It’s an entire language and entire culture ... [we’re learning] how someone who gives online likes to be engaged.” He said the hospital, with the help of the Committee for the Future, reaches hundreds of young adults with its “Breakfast with Santa” event, which brings hundreds of families and healthy children to the hospital and financial gifts as well.

$435,000 to UAMS Northwest’s multispecialty outpatient clinic.

The Fashion Footwear Association and QVC gave $414,715 to the Rockefeller Cancer Institute for breast cancer education.

The Care Foundation Inc. gave $300,000 to the Reynolds Institute for the Schmieding C.A.R.E.S. Program.

Anonymous donors gave four gifts totaling $1 million to UAMS for hospital expansion, cardiovascular pharmacology research, the Myeloma Institute Research and the hospital’s art acquisition fund. Another anonymous donor made a planned gift of $252,450 to UAMS.

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

The Winthrop Rockefeller Trust gave $18.2 million to the University of Arkansas Winthrop Rockefeller Institute.

F. O’Neil “Neil” Griffin made an estate gift of $5 million to Arkansas State University to endow a scholarship for incoming freshmen. It is the largest endowed gift in the school’s history.

An anonymous donor gave John Brown University $4 million to fund construction of a new banquet hall and townhouse apartment buildings.

The Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation gave $1,007,500 toward its $4 million pledge to the New School in Fayetteville; $500,000 to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock for CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

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21

PHILANTHROPY

DOLLARS FOR ARKANSAS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 scholarships; $500,000 toward a pledge of $2 million to the UALR nursing program; completed a $2.3 million pledge to Hendrix College; gave $500,000 to John Brown University for scholarship support, $250,000 toward a $1 million pledge to the U of A Foundation for scholarship endowment and completed a $500,000 challenge grant to Harding University.

The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation gave $1.7 million toward a $10 million pledge for the Steven L. Anderson Design Center at the U of A. The Tyson Foundation gave $1,467,900 in scholarships to colleges and universities and $912,008 to the U of A Foundation.

The Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation gave $400,000 to UALR to expand the Reading Recovery program.

The Windgate Foundation made a gift of $200,000 toward its $500,000 pledge to the U of A Nursing Scholarship Challenge Grant, $190,000 toward its $380,000 pledge to John Brown University for its RENEW program for UMC ordained couples and $170,000 toward its $678,125 pledges to art programs, sculpture conservation and a residency at UALR; and gave $250,000 to Philander Smith College for its Endowed Leaders Scholarship Challenge.

The Care Foundation gave $420,000 to the University of Arkansas Foundation for health research.

The Bodenhamer Foundation gave $390,000 to increase funding for Bodenhamer Fellowships at the U of A over the next three years, boosting the fellowship from $12,500 a year to $17,500 a year.

Charlie and Cappie Whiteside donated $250,000 to establish the U of A Greek Life Leadership Center.

EDUCATION INITIATIVES

The Walton Family Foundation gave $1.8 million to Teach for Amer-

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NOVEMBER 21, 2012

ARKANSAS TIMES

ica-Arkansas, $986,558 to the Arkansas Public School Resource Center, $859,051 to Arkansas AIMS (Arkansas Advanced Initiative for Math and Science Inc.). Total Walton Family giving to Arkansas charter schools and charter school initiatives, public school districts, colleges and other educational support was $8.3 million.

The Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation made a grant of $300,000 to the Arkansas Humanities Council to support professional development for humanities teachers, $258,500 to the Arkansas Department of Higher Education to support career coaches and $250,000 to the Arkansas Advanced Initiative for Math and Science Inc.

SOCIAL SERVICES

The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation made two payments totaling $7.4 million toward its $10 million pledge to Arkansas Museum of Science and History for the Donald W. Reynolds Arkansas Children’s Discovery Network and for exhibit funding; made a $4.8 million payment toward its $10 million pledge to the Arkansas Foodbank Network and a $2.8 million payment toward its $13.5 million pledge to the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter and awarded grants of $1.9 million to the Baxter County Public Library Foundation, $1.3 million to the Committee Against Spouse Abuse in Pine Bluff; $1 million to the Fayetteville Boys and Girls Club and $869,446 to the YMCA of Warren and Bradley County Inc. The Walton Family Foundation gave $1.8 million to the Bentonville Child Care and Development Center.

The Care Foundation gave $500,000 to the Jones Center for Families and $500,000 to the Circle of Life.

The Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation gave the second grant of $250,000 toward its $750,000 pledge to Circle of Life Hospice and the fourth $250,000 toward its $1 million grant to the Children’s House in Springdale.

The Windgate Foundation made a $200,000 contribution toward its $300,000 pledge to Our House shelter for working families for its operating budget.

The Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation made a grant of $250,000 to Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families.

THE ARTS

Jim and Joyce Faulkner of Little Rock gave $6 million to the University of Arkansas to create a state-of-the-art music and theater venue in the Old Field House on Garland Avenue.

The Tyson family and Tyson Foods gave $1 million toward its commitment of $5 million to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art to establish Tyson Scholars and the Don Tyson Prize.

The Windgate Foundation made a gift of $500,000 toward its $2.5 million to John Brown University for renovation of its visual arts facilities, $1 million to the Arkansas Arts Center in a challenge grant (2011) and $856,000 to the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum for renovation completion.

The Walton Family Foundation gave $1.4 million to the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville.

The Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation gave $1.2 million to the Walton Arts Center and $1 million to Crystal Bridges, the second toward its $10 million pledge.

OTHER MUSEUM SUPPORT

The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation made a $7.8 million grant to the Mid-American Science Museum, a grant matched by pledges of $1.7 million, including $520,000 from the Hot Springs Advertising and Promotion Commission. The grant will be provided over five years.

The Walton Family Foundation gave $906,761 to the Peel Compton Foundation.

ATHLETICS

The Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation made two grants of $625,000 in 2011 and 2012 toward a $2.5 million pledge to Razorback athletics.

CONSERVATION

The Walton Family Foundation gave $761,086 to the Arkansas chapter of the Nature Conservancy.

The Windgate Foundation gave $500,000 to the Arkansas chapter of the Nature Conservancy (2011).

FOUNDATION SUPPORT

The Walton Family Foundation gave $209 million to the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation, $4 million to the Walmart Associates in Critical Need Fund, $1.5 million to the Foundation for the Mid South and $1.3 million to the Endeavor Foundation, a community foundation in Springdale.

The Winthrop Rockefeller Trust gave $4.45 million to the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation.

The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation gave $4 million to the Arkansas Economic Acceleration Foundation, which includes prize money for competitions in Arkansas, Nevada and Oklahoma.

The Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation gave $1,345,081 to the Arkansas Community Foundation.

The Care Foundation gave $510,165 to the Endeavor Foundation.

PUBLIC POLICY

The Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation gave $286,000 to the Arkansas Public Policy Panel and $259,000 to the Migration Policy Institute to update a profile of immigrants in Arkansas.

OTHER GIFTS

The Walton Family Foundation gave $4.5 million to Camp War Eagle, $1.5 million to Southern Bancorp Community Partners and $1 million to the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission.

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Fresh off a key role in an 11th hour effort by which a handful of Republicans and the Democratic caucus made Rep. Davy Carter the next House speaker, Rep. John Burris of Harrison is looking to increase his clout in Arkansas Republican Party politics.

He’s running for first vice chairman of the state party against Duane Neal of Benton County.

In a letter to state committee members seeking support, Burris said: “The position of 1st Vice-Chairman of the Republican Party of Arkansas is critical to our party’s success in 2014. This position is charged with chairing the Budget Committee, which means playing an integral role in the financial stability of the party. I believe my prior experience will help me perform

critical tasks, such as assisting with fundraising, preparing and monitoring the party budget, and ensuring we are compliant with all state and federal election law requirements.”

Burris, as House minority leader in 2012, led efforts to recruit and help the Republican candidates who won a onevote majority in the House in the November election. In response to a question, he said he would not expect a salary if elected party vice chairman. Good thing.

Otherwise, he’d be raising money from corporate donors with business before the legislature that would find its way back to his pocket. Merely soliciting this cash as a sitting member of the legislature might appear problematic to some.

Burris’ role in Carter’s election likely will be an issue — even if unspoken — in the election for first vice chair. Carter’s choice overthrew the expected election of Republican Rep. Terry Rice of Waldron to the speaker’s chair. Some of his supporters remain unhappy about it.

Burris has a way about turning up in ticklish ethical situations. He was an outspoken opponent of the Regnat Populus initiative to tighten the state ethics laws, including by ending lobbyist-provided freebies for legislators. He also was cleared last week by the state Ethics Commission of violating the rule against using campaign money for political contributions on others. The Ethics Commission bought his argument that buying tickets to campaign events of others, even at $250 a head, could be viewed as a legitimate campaign expense because a candidate might make important contacts there for his own campaign, including with other contributors.

The reasoning seems flawed: Burris had no election opposition and thus had no need to raise campaign money, except to build a carryover slush fund allowed incumbent legislators. Legislative candidates have also developed a habit of holding checkpassing events loosely described as official campaign functions attended primarily by other legislators bearing checks for those who need money.

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that Steele has sought contributions for STAND from corporate representatives who lobby the legislature. Steele said that there is “absolutely not” a potential conflict of interest.

“We do everything by the rules and regs since I’ve been there and that’s how it will always be,” he said. “The STAND foundation will stand.”

Non-profits are not legally required to disclose their donors and Summerville said that “we release what we’re required to release.” Steele said that any decision about releasing donor information was up to the board, but argued that the donors themselves “do not want their information public — it’s a private contribution. … I don’t understand why I am held to a different standard than other non-profits throughout this community, this state or this nation.”

In addition to the possibility of losing its CEO, STAND also has a hole to fill on its board. Carol Langston has stepped down as vice-president of the board, reducing the board to two members, Summerville and Treasurer Michael Williams. Summerville said that STAND does not yet have a replacement for Langston but that the board is working on it.

Pick UP Price

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Thomas did not return messages left by the Times.

Insiders who are sympathetic to Laven suggest the firing comes down to ego.

“Russ Meeks wants to be the face of the Travs,” said J.P. Flynn, who has worked in various capacities for the Travs for 20 years. According to Flynn and another source, Meeks was livid after Laven offered quotes to the Democrat-Gazette in September when the Travelers and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim agreed to continue their partnership rather than directing the Democrat-Gazette reporter to Meeks.

Flynn and others also suggest nepotism was at play in the Travs’ recent hiring of Rusty Meeks, Russ Meeks’ son, as director of merchandising, a newly created position. Asked precisely when Rusty Meeks joined the team, acting GM Paul Allen said by e-mail, “Unfortunately it is the organizations [sic] policy that we do not release details of employment.”

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job, but not good enough.” Pressed for what that meant specifically, Parke said the Travs hadn’t booked enough events in Dickey-Stephens during the offseason.

“It’s important to use the ballpark.”

But Parke acknowledged that attendance had been good and the financial picture was healthy. “This wasn’t my thing,” he said later, pointing a reporter to Meeks. Executive vice president Ben Scroggin, who said he’s been a member of the executive committee for “probably 35 years,” said he had no idea why Laven and Kay were fired. “I’m on the executive committee but not the personal committee,” he said. Executive secretary Bob Whisnant wouldn’t comment on the firings, but said he wasn’t on the personnel committee and didn’t know who was.

Parke, in a later interview, said he didn’t know what committee he was member of.

Nelson said he wasn’t aware of a personnel committee. Executive vice president Dr. Charles Logan and treasurer Frank

For additional information or questions contact us at Camp Aldersgate 501.225.1444, www.facebook.com/campaldersgateAR www.arktimes.com

NOVEMBER 21, 2012

23

Arts Entertainment

RETT PEEK

AND

ARKANSAS PRIDE: The Big Cats, from left, Josh Bentley, Colin Brooks, Burt Taggart and Jason White.

BIG CATS

FOR THANKSGIVING

Little Rock band celebrates release of triple LP.

BY ROBERT BELL

T

he annual Big Cats holiday show almost didn’t happen this year.

The longtime Little Rock band has a longstanding annual tradition of playing around Christmastime, when a good many Central Arkansas expats are back in town. Well, half of the band’s members live in Little Rock.

Bassist Josh Bentley and singer/guitarist Burt Taggart reside in Arkansas, while drummer Colin Brooks (who plays with Dan Zanes & Friends) lives in New York and guitarist Jason White (who’s also a member of Green Day) lives in California.

But White and his wife are expecting a child in January, which made traveling back to Arkansas for a Christmas 24

NOVEMBER 21, 2012

ARKANSAS TIMES

show a no-go. And Green Day is in the midst of releasing three new studio albums. However, Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong entered rehab back in September, so the band was forced to postpone any touring into some time in 2013.

“We were like, ‘OK, well would it be too much to ask if we could do something for Thanksgiving?’ ” Taggart said.

With White’s schedule suddenly open, the band booked a show on the Saturday after Turkey Day at White Water Tavern.

“There was a very real scenario that we were going to release a 25-song triple LP and then not play one goddamn show to support it,” Taggart said, laughing.

That album, “The Ancient Art of Leaving,” was just released on Taggart’s Max Recordings label. It came out in two parts on CD, the first installment in late 2011 and the second a few weeks ago. Taggart said despite the staggered release schedule, he thinks of the album as a single entity. The band thought of it that way too at the outset of recording.

“It wasn’t until we got a little bit further downstream that we kind of figured out, ‘Whoa, do we really want to release this at one time, or would it be better to do bite-sized pieces?’ ” he said.

“But now that I’m at the end of all that I think the way that I’ll forever think about this project is the vinyl version.”

And what a version it is. The packag-

ing is stellar — a triple gatefold album housing three 180-gram slabs of vinyl, containing 25 tracks of the sort of effortless-seeming power-pop brilliance that the Cats have mastered over many years.

There probably aren’t too many other triple LPs from bands that only play one or two shows a year. Hell, there aren’t too many other triple LPs from any other rock bands, period. So did comparisons to “Sandinista” — The Clash’s classic (but often misunderstood) six-sider — come up at all?

“Yeah,” Taggart said. “Collin was funny the other night, because we were talking about how proud of it we were because we’d finally gotten copies of it.

And he was like, ‘Yeah, there’s “Sandinista,” which basically bankrupted The Clash …’ ” Perhaps it’s fitting that The Big Cats would release such an uncommon format. After all, as was pointed out in a recent article on the band in the music magazine Magnet, The Big Cats have stuck it out for nearly two decades in the face of a number of tragedies and mitigating circumstances that have meant the end for countless other bands.

Original member Shannon Yarbrough died in a car crash in 2000, and Brooks and White had long had their hands full with musical commitments on opposite coasts. But Yarbrough’s death brought the band closer together, Taggart told Magnet’s Matthew Fritch.

“When Shannon died, I think it crystallized the fact that we were all in this together and that no matter where any of us lived, it was important to stay in better touch as friends and try to make new music whenever we possibly could,” Taggart told Fritch.

It’s going on two decades since The Big Cats formed, playing their first show at one of those raging New Year’s Eve parties at the storied Rice Street house. So does Taggart see the band staying together and releasing albums for another 20 years — or even longer?

“As long as it’s available to us, and we can eke it out, then I think it definitely fulfills something in all of us,” he said.

“We’re very thankful to have it.”

The Big Cats play at White Water Tavern Saturday. The first set is an all-ages show for $5, at 6 p.m., with The Bad Years. The second set starts at 9:30 p.m., $8, with the venerable Kevin Kerby opening.

ROCK CANDY

Have Your Christmas Party With Us! Enjoy our buffet dinner, then sit back and enjoy the side splitting comedy Pajama Tops.

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

A&E NEWS WHAT WITH WINTERTIME approaching and all, the folks over at the Root Cafe got to thinking maybe it would be a good idea to encourage the menfolk of Central Arkansas to keep their faces warm by growing big ol’ beards.

And seeing as how competition and prizes can elevate even the most ordinary, everyday activities to the level of foaming-at-the-mouth blood-sport (which builds character, btw), they decided it would be cool if this beard-growing thing was competitive in nature. They asked the Times to be a part of it and we were like, “Yeah, we’re down.”

So here’s what you’ve got to do if you wanna get in on all the fuzzy-faced action: You’ll need to go into The Root to be certified clean-shaven on Dec. 1 between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Here are the categories for the First Annual Beard-Growing Contest: Longest beard; Thickest beard; Most original beard; Best Abraham Lincoln (no mustache). The beard judges will deliver their verdicts at the South Main Mardi Gras celebration on Saturday, Feb. 9.

Questions? Call 501-414-0423 or e-mail theroot@therootcafe.com.

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CODY BELEW RECENTLY PROMISED VIEWERS OF “THE VOICE” a performance that was “going to be like the Grammys threw up everywhere.”

That was no idle threat. Belew had a crew of swivel-hipped backup dancers decked out in combat boots and black leather, while he rocked a one-armed leather jacket that looked like Grace Jones had been digging through Lemmy’s coat closet — his version of the Beyonce hit “Crazy in Love.”

A grinning Adam Levine said “Cody, you’re awesome. You’re so cocky, in the best way man. You make me look humble.”

Blake Shelton looked like he didn’t quite know what to say. “Is this the same guy that sang ‘Jolene’ earlier in the show?” he pondered. “I really enjoyed that and I’m confused in a good way.

But I guarantee you everybody back in Arkansas right now are going, ‘Did we raise this boy? Did we raise this guy?’

This was a really big night for you, Cody.”

Christina Aguilera last week told Belew that she wanted to see “a little more uptempo.” That’s exactly what she got from the Arkansas singer last night, seeming truly impressed. “Cody, you worked it like a true diva,” she said.

Belew’s coach, CeeLo Green, was his normal, charmingly effusive self. “Cody man, you just bring me so much joy,” he said, also pointing out correctly that “that’s a badass leather jacket.”

Belew’s fate is once again in the hands of the American voter. Live results were Tuesday night, after the Times press deadline. Check Rock Candy on Wednesday to find out if Belew made it to the top eight.

www.arktimes.com

NOVEMBER 21, 2012

25

THE TO-DO

LIST

BY ROBERT BELL, CHEREE FRANCO & DAVID RAMSEY

THURSDAY 11/22

GUCCI MANE

9 p.m. Metroplex. $25-$75.

Barring any unforeseen illnesses or disasters, you’ll have many more Thanksgivings to spend in the comfort of your home, surrounded by family and loved ones, all planted on the couch in a football-and- stuffing-andturkey-and-Wild Turkey-induced stupor.

How many more opportunities will you get over the rest of your life to spend Thanksgiving with Gucci Mane? One? Maybe two, if you’re lucky? Gucci’s latest mixtape is last month’s “Trap God,” which he announced via Twitter would be “My Biggest Mixtape EVER!!!!!!!!!” For a guy who’s released like 50 mixtapes a year for the last several years, that’s saying something. “Trap God” isn’t a radical departure of any sort, but you’ve got to give the man credit for making sure his listeners don’t go without. Besides, I get the feeling Gucci fans aren’t exactly waiting with bated breath for his full-band rock album (lookin’ at you, Lil Wayne’s “Rebirth”).

Instead, you get 20 tracks with a veritable cornucopia of collaborators, including T-Pain, Future, Rick Ross and longtime Gucci associate Waka Flocka Flame. RB

MANE ATTRACTION: Rapper Gucci Mane plays at the Metroplex on Thanksgiving.

FRIDAY 11/23

SATURDAY 11/24

JAZZ VS. HIP-HOP V: ‘THE BLACK OUT’

7 p.m. Low Key Arts. $7.

9 p.m. Twelve Modern Lounge. $10-$15.

The “Jazz vs. Hip-Hop” series continues with a fifth installment, featuring trumpeter Rodney Block & The Real Music Lovers (Oliver “OT” Thomas on bass, Sam Carroll on keys and drummer Michael Chandler) playing live onstage with MC and producer Kwestion, of Little Rock collective LabRatz, and D-Dirt a.k.a. Lil Rock Obama, founder of the label Tho’d Studios Ent. (and of the “Hottest in the Rock” rap battle series at Cornerstone Pub & Grill). There’ll be individual and collaborative performances from everybody. Block is fresh off of a solo album with last month’s “Steel,” and Tho’d released the mixtape “Who Tho’d Vol. 3: End Of The World Edition” a few weeks back, boasting a ton of Arkansas talent, including Aye Tell Em JT, Arkansas Bo, Yung 2, Ball Jones and many more. Kwestion’s released the “Greater than Great: 2nd Quarter” mixtape this year, along with “Please Turn it the Phuck Up,” 19 tracks showcasing his production chops. RB 26

NOVEMBER 21, 2012

ARKANSAS TIMES

QUINTRON & MISS PUSSYCAT

New Orleans is rightfully famous for offering spirited good times, and one of its secrets is that the city’s biggest weirdoes own the dance floor. Which helps to explain the cult status of husband-and-wife team Quintron and Miss Pussycat, the crown prince and princess of New Orleans avant-garde.

Quintron offers up campy electro-boogie — or psych-soul, or swamp-tech, pick your hyphenated poison — and Miss Pussycat puts on trippy puppet shows; the result is a sweaty, thumping sensory overload that’s about as good (and strange) of a live show as I’ve seen in the Crescent City or anywhere else. Would that all performance art was this funky. This show will be a special treat as it also includes the world premiere screening of Miss P’s “Trixie and the Treetrunks: Mystery in Old Bathbath,” the latest installment in her delightful puppet soap opera chronicling the misadventures of various felt-and-knickknack creatures, a surprisingly immersive arts-and-crafts universe. DR

MISFIT TOYS: Quintron and Miss Pussycat bring their bizarre, New Orleans-flavored charm to Low Key Arts on Saturday evening.

IN BRIEF

WEDNESDAY 11/21

SUNDAY 11/25

MOSCOW BALLET’S ‘THE NUTCRACKER’

3 p.m. Robinson Center Music Hall. $37-$191.

NEW JOINT PRODUCTION: The Main Thing unveils its newest two-act original comedy, “A Fertle Holiday,” Friday at The Joint.

SATURDAY 11/24

THE MAIN THING’S ‘A FERTLE HOLIDAY’ 8 p.m. The Joint. $20.

With Election Day 2012 now thankfully in the rearview mirror, the folks behind The Main Thing (The Joint’s in-house comedy team) have retired their recent “Electile Dysfunction” play and are unveiling what is sureto-be a witty homage to the Christmas season, “A Fertle Holiday.” The two-act original comedy will probably hit a little close to home for those of us here in the hinterlands who have family residing on one of the coasts. It concerns the Fertle Family Reunion in tiny, fictional

Dumpster, Ark. The Fertles are hosting their well-to-do kinfolk from way out west in San Diego, Californey. In a feat of multi-role madness that would make Eddie Murphy proud, the cast of The Main Thing — Vicki and Steve Farrell and Brett Ihler — will perform all 15 roles between the three of them. In addition to politics, the holidays are one of the mother lodes of comedy gold — fertile ground, if you will. If past shows are any indication, The Main Thing’s take on the holiday season will be a family-friendly one that doesn’t sacrifice on the funny. “A Fertle Holiday” runs Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 29. RB

I have only vague childhood memories of what happens with the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Mouse King in the Land of Sweets (seriously, “The Nutcracker” must be our most psychedelic of holiday traditions), but Tchaikovsky’s gorgeous score is still stuck in my head all these years later. The familiar music, lavish costumes, and kitschy production make for a family favorite that’s more spectacle than high art, and the Moscow Ballet, on tour with its 20th-anniversary production of “The Great Russian Nutcracker,” has a rep for going allin on the Christmas schmaltz.

In addition to the Russian pros, local student dancers from DanceArts Studios will be on stage as various mice, snow maidens, butterflies, and the like. DR

SUNDAY 11/25

BIG DAM BRIDGE FULL MOON WALK

6:30 p.m. Big Dam Bridge. Free.

OK, odds are that by Sunday, you’ll have had three full days of cramming into your gullet a ridiculous amount of turkey, ham, stuffing, green bean bundles, mashed potatoes and gravy, potatoes au gratin, cranberry sauce, rolls, pies and other desserts of various types. Also: you’ve probably spent some time sitting on the couch watching football or a “No Reservations” marathon or something. I

know that once Thanksgiving is over, it’s really easy to just acquiesce to the Holiday Slide and eat however much you want of whatever you want. It’s hard, I know.

Right now there’s probably a casserole dish half-full of something delicious and not-so-nutritious just sitting there, on the counter, waiting. But how about taking the holiday season equivalent of a mid-meal minute, and doing something healthy for a change. That’s what’s in store at the Big Dam Bridge Full Moon Walk. There’ll be local dignitaries on hand, such as First Lady Ginger Beebe, who’ll discuss the

benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Both sides of the bridge will host health fairs, where you can get a variety of health screenings, information and more. Take note: there are no pets, bicycles, skates, skateboards or rollerblades allowed. One other thing to note: If you’re going to attempt to actually do a full moonwalk all the way across the bridge, keep an eye out, or better yet, have a friend help you out by walking forwards behind you so you don’t run anybody over.

There will be shuttle services from Murray Park and Crystal Hill Elementary running people back and forth starting at 5 p.m. RB

TUESDAY 11/27

CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE

7:30 p.m. Robinson Hall. $25-$68

It’s like Cirque du Soleil, the kiddie version, except that it’s not Cirque du Soleil at all — it’s Cirque Dreams, the American answer to Soleil, and Holidaze is one more in a list of similar projects that creator Neil Goldberg has been cranking out since 1993. Holidaze

Jazz trio Handmade Moments — which shares members with Don’t Stop Please — plays a show at The Public Theatre that will be recorded for a live album, 8 p.m., $5. Revolution hosts an 18-andolder show with heavy alt-rockers Nonpoint and openers Throw the Fight, 8:30 p.m., $15. White Water Tavern has Manitoban singer/ songwriter Scott Nolan, who’s earned nods from the likes of Gurf Morlix and Hayes Carll, 9:30 p.m.

Over at Stickyz, you can check out The Revolutioners, Amore and Flint Eastwood, 18 and older, 9 p.m.

THURSDAY 11/22 If you’re looking for an excuse to get out of the house on Thanksgiving, you can check out the new restaurant and venue Montego.

It’s in the former Porter’s Jazz Cafe location on Main Street, and they’re hosting Rodney Block & The Real Music Lovers with Tawanna Campbell and Jeron Marshal, 9 p.m. The Third Annual Cabot Community Thanksgiving Feast offers a free dine-in or carry-out Thanksgiving meal, Cabot United Methodist Church, 11 a.m. You can do some ice skating at River Market Pavilions, 5-9 p.m., $9.

FRIDAY 11/23 White Water Tavern hosts the Velvet Kente Dance Party, with DJ Prophet and DJ Swift, 10 p.m., $7 with winter clothing donation, $10 without. The Stephen Neeper Band plays an 18-and-older show at Stickyz, 9 p.m. It’s Reggae Night at Montego, Little Rock’s newest restaurant and venue. Performers include Changus B, Neff and DJ HY C, 9 p.m. San Antonio-based electro-rockers Pop Pistol are back in Spa City, with Fossils of Ancient Robots and The Empty Boat People Band, Maxine’s, 8 p.m., $5 adv., $7 door. Lord T & Eloise, the nation’s foremost practitioners of “Aristocrunk,” are back for an 18-and-older show at Revolution, 9 p.m., $10 adv., $12 day of. If your Black Friday could use a little funky jam-rock, check out FreeVerse at The Afterthought, 9 p.m., $7. Conway classic rock revivalists Neon Skin play Juanita’s, with 5 Point Cove and Gone Was Here, 10 p.m., $8 adv., $10 day of.

SATURDAY 11/24 is the proverbial tale of beloved objects coming to life — in this case, ornaments flipping off the tree and crash-landing into our hearts. The whole thing seems a touch trite — a familiar cast of whirling Santas, toy soldiers and rag dolls, executing some serious acrobatic trickery on a high-tech glittering stage, to an original soundtrack that

elevates cheese to a whole new strata.

But hey, ’tis the season — our defenses are low, our sentimentalism is high, and there’s nothing like high-flying holiday acrobatics to awe the wee ones. Anyway, I’d guess that Holidaze will be a lot less painful than much of the other holiday-related fare that might awe the wee ones. CF

If you missed The Alpha Ray’s album release show a couple weeks ago, here’s a chance to check out the band’s soaring, sophisticated guitar rock. Opening the show are Collin Vs. Adam and Ezra Lbs., Maxine’s, 8 p.m., $5 adv., $7 door.

If you need a Dead fix, longtime tribute act The Schwag has your bag, with an 18-and-older show at Stickyz, 9 p.m., $10.

www.arktimes.com

NOVEMBER 21, 2012

27

AFTER DARK FRIDAY, NOV. 23

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.

MUSIC

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 21

MUSIC

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

Brian & Nick. Cajun’s Wharf, through Nov. 28: 5 and 9 p.m., $5 after 8:30 p.m. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501-375-5351. www.cajunswharf.com.

Grim Musik. Cornerstone Pub & Grill, 8:30 p.m.

314 Main St., NLR. 501-374-1782. cstonepub. com.

Handmade Moments. Concert will be recorded for a live album. The Public Theatre, 8 p.m., $5.

616 Center St. 501-374-7529. www.thepublictheatre.com.

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

Karaoke at Khalil’s. Khalil’s Pub, 7 p.m. 110 S. Shackleford Road. 501-224-0224. www.khalilspub.com.

Karaoke with Big John Miller. Denton’s Trotline, 8 p.m. 2150 Congo Road, Benton. 501-3151717.

Michael Carenbauer and Bill Huntington. RJ Tao, 7 p.m.; Dec. 5, 7 p.m.; Dec. 12, 7 p.m.; Dec. 19, 7 p.m.; Dec. 26, 7 p.m. 5501 Kavanaugh Blvd.

501-603-0080. www.rjtaorocks.com/.

Nonpoint, Throw the Fight. 18-and-older show.

Revolution, 8:30 p.m., $12 adv., $15 day of.

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

Pickoids. Thirst n’ Howl, 6:30 p.m., free. 14710 Cantrell Road. 501-379-8189. www.thirst-n-howl. com.

The Revolutioners, Amore, Flint Eastwood.

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

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

Scott Nolan. White Water Tavern, 9:30 p.m.

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

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

TEXAN TROUBADOURS: Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights bring their swaggering, soulful classic rock to Revolution Saturday, 9 p.m., $10, 18-and-older. streets. 501-350-4712. www.littlerockbopclub.

EVENTS

“Lights in the Landscape.” Holiday lighting display. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Garvan Woodland Gardens, through Dec. 31, 5 p.m., $5-$10. 550 Akridge Road, Hot Springs.

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

River Market ice skating. River Market Pavilions, through Jan. 6: 10 a.m. p.m., $9. 400 President Clinton Ave. 375-2552. holidaysinlittlerock.com.

POETRY

Wednesday Night Poetry. 21-and-older show.

Maxine’s, 7 p.m., free. 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs. 501-321-0909. maxineslive.com/shows. html.

SPORTS

UALR Men’s Trojans vs. Jacksonville. Jack Stephens Center, UALR, 7:30 p.m., $5-$38.

2801 S. University Ave. UALR Women’s Trojans vs. Oral Roberts. Jack Stephens Center, UALR, 5:15 p.m., $5-$38. 2801 S. University Ave.

THURSDAY, NOV. 22

MUSIC

Gucci Mane, DJ Deja Blu. Advance tickets available at Ugly Mike’s, Uncle T’s, Sophisticated

Urban in Little Rock and Hot Springs, The Record Rack in Pine Bluff and Urban Swag in Conway. Clear Channel Metroplex, 9 p.m., $25-$75. 10800 Col. Glenn Road. 501-944-7869. www.clearchannelmetroplex.com.

Rodney Block & The Real Music Lovers with Tawanna Campbell and Jeron Marshal.

Opening night for the new restaurant and venue Montego. Montego, 9 p.m. 315 Main St. 501372-1555. www.montegocafe.com.

EVENTS

“Lights in the Landscape.” Holiday lighting display. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Garvan Woodland Gardens, through Dec. 31, 5-9 p.m., $5-$10. 550 Akridge Road, Hot Springs. 501-262-9300. www.garvangardens. org.

River Market ice skating. River Market Pavilions, through Jan. 6: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; noon-8 p.m., $9. 400 President Clinton Ave. 375-2552. holidaysinlittlerock.com.

“Thanksgiving on the River.” Includes full Thanksgiving meal. Arkansas Queen, 12:30 and 4:30 p.m., $25-$40. 100 Riverfront Park Drive, NLR. 501-372-5777. www.arkansasqueen.com.

Third Annual Cabot Community Thanksgiving Feast. Free dine-in or carry-out Thanksgiving meal. Cabot United Methodist Church, 11 a.m. p.m., free. 2003 S. Pine St., Cabot. 501-843-3541. www.cabotfeast.com.

COMEDY

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

Michael Brown, Loony Bin Locals. The Loony Bin, 7:30 p.m., $7. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-228-5555. www.loonybincomedy. com.

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

DANCE

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

Do you come from a family background...

...then you’ll get every joke in...

Fertle Holiday

A

– an original 2-act comedy about a Christmas reunion in the tiny town of Dumpster, Arkansas.

Performed by The Main Thing comedy trio FRI & SAT, Nov. 23 – Jan. 12 at 8pm Reservations 372-0205

301 Main Street • North Little Rock 28

NOVEMBER 21, 2012

ARKANSAS TIMES

Club Nights at 1620 Savoy. Dance night, with DJs, drink specials and bar menu, until 2 a.m.

1620 Savoy, 10 p.m. 1620 Market St. 501-2211620. www.1620savoy.com.

D-Mite and Tho-d Studios presents Hottest in Da Rock. Cornerstone Pub & Grill, 9:30 p.m. 314 Main St., NLR. 501-374-1782. cstonepub.com.

Dan & Chris. Flying Saucer, 9 p.m., $3. 323 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-8032. www. beerknurd.com/stores/littlerock.

DJ Entertainment (headliner), Richie Johnson (happy hour). Cajun’s Wharf, 5 and 9 p.m., $5 after 8:30 p.m. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501-3755351. www.cajunswharf.com.

FreeVerse. The Afterthought, 9 p.m., $7. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.afterthoughtbar.com.

Friday night at Sway. Sway, 9 p.m. 412 Louisiana.

501-907-2582.

Lord T & Eloise. 18-and-older show. Revolution, 9 p.m., $10 adv., $12 day of. 300 President Clinton Ave. 501-823-0090. revroom.com.

Mr. Happy. West End Smokehouse and Tavern, 10 p.m., $5. 215 N. Shackleford. 501-224-7665. www.westendsmokehouse.net.

Neon Skin, 5 Point Cove, Gone Was Here.

Juanita’s, 10 p.m., $8 adv., $10 day of. 614 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-1228. www. juanitas.com.

Pop Pistol, Fossils of Ancient Robots, The Empty Boat People Band. Maxine’s, 8 p.m., $5 adv., $7 door. 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs. www.maxinespub.com.

Reggae Night with Changus B, Neff and DJ HY C. Montego, 9 p.m. 315 Main St. 501-3721555. www.montegocafe.com.

Rodney Block & The Real Music Lovers with D-Dirt and Kwestion. Twelve Modern Lounge, 9 p.m., $10-$15. 1900 W. Third St. 501-301-1200.

Stephen Neeper Band. 18-and-older show.

Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 9 p.m. 107 Commerce St. 501-372-7707. www.stickyz.com.

Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 9 p.m., free. 111 Markham St. 501-374-7474. www. capitalhotel.com/CBG. Tragikly White. Denton’s Trotline, 9 p.m., $10.

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

Velvet Kente Dance Party with DJ Prophet and DJ Swift. White Water Tavern, 10 p.m., $7 with winter clothing donation, $10 without.

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

White Chocolate. Thirst n’ Howl, 9 p.m., free.

14710 Cantrell Road. 501-379-8189. www.thirstn-howl.com.

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

COMEDY

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

Tim Gaither. The Loony Bin, Nov. 23-24, 7:30 and 10 p.m., $10. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road.

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

DANCE

Little Rock Salsa night. Juanita’s, 10 p.m., $5.

614 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-1228. www. juanitas.com.

EVENTS

LGBTQ/SGL Youth and Young Adult Group.

Diverse Youth for Social Change is a group for LGBTQ/SGL and straight ally youth and young adults age 14 to 23. For more information, call 244-9690 or search “DYSC” on Facebook. 800 Scott St., 6:30 p.m. 800 Scott St. “Lights in the Landscape.” Holiday lighting display. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Garvan Woodland Gardens, through Dec. 31, 5-9 p.m., $5-$10. 550 Akridge Road, Hot Springs. 501-262-9300. www.garvangardens. org.

River Market ice skating. River Market Pavilions, through Jan. 6: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; noon-8 p.m., $9. 400 President Clinton Ave. 375-2552. holidaysinlittlerock.com.

SATURDAY, NOV. 24

MUSIC

Almost InFamous. Markham Street Grill And Pub, 9 p.m. 11321 W. Markham St. 501-2242010. www.markhamst.com.

The Alpha Ray (album release), Collin Vs. Adam, Ezra Lbs.. Maxine’s, 8 p.m., $5 adv., $7 door. 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs. www. maxinespub.com.

Apocalypse Now —The Last Stand.

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

The Big Cats. White Water Tavern, 9:30 p.m.

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

Big John Miller Band. Montego, 9 p.m. 315 Main St. 501-372-1555. www.montegocafe.com.

Brandon Peck, DJ Kramer, Vicious Vic, New York City, Moist Music, Caffeine, Lawler, Big Brown, Ewell. Featuring Dominique Sanchez and The Discovery Dolls. Discovery Nightclub, 9 p.m. 1021 Jessie Road. 501-664-4784. www. latenightdisco.com.

Charlie Woods (album release). The Afterthought, 9 p.m., $7. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.afterthoughtbar.com.

Club Nights at 1620 Savoy. See Nov. 23.

Colt and The Old 45s. Woodlands Auditorium, 7:30 p.m., $18. 1101 De Soto Blvd., Hot Springs Village. 501-922-4231. www.hsvwoodlands.com.

DJ Entertainment (headliner), Rob & Tyndall (happy hour). Cajun’s Wharf, 5 and 9 p.m., $5 after 8:30 p.m. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501-3755351. www.cajunswharf.com.

The Freds. Denton’s Trotline, 9 p.m. 2150 Congo Road, Benton. 501-315-1717.

Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights.

18-and-older show. Revolution, 9 p.m., $10.

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

Karaoke at Khalil’s. Khalil’s Pub, 7 p.m. 110 S. Shackleford Road. 501-224-0224. www.khalilspub.com.

Karaoke. Casa Mexicana, 7 p.m. 6929 JFK Blvd., NLR. 501-835-7876.

Karaoke with Kevin & Cara. All-ages, on the restaurant side. Revolution, 9 p.m.-12:45 a.m., free. 300 President Clinton Ave. 501-823-0090. revroom.com.

K.I.S.S. Saturdays. Featuring DJ Silky Slim. Dress code enforced. Sway, 10 p.m. 412 Louisiana.

501-492-9802.

Knee Deep, Enchridian. Downtown Music Hall, 8 p.m., $5. 211 W. Capitol. 501-376-1819. downtownmusichall.com.

Matthew Dickson, Chris Parker and Ted Seibs.

1620 Savoy, through Dec. 29: 10 p.m., free. 1620 Market St. 501-221-1620. www.1620savoy.com.

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

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

Quintron & Miss Pussycat. Film screening and live performance. Low Key Arts, 7 p.m., $7. 118 Arbor St., Hot Springs.

Reggae, Hip Hop, Old School Party Cruise.

Arkansas Queen, 10 p.m., $25. 100 Riverfront Park Drive, NLR. 501-372-5777. www.arkansasqueen.com.

Rip Van Shizzle. Thirst n’ Howl, 9 p.m., free.

14710 Cantrell Road. 501-379-8189. www.thirstn-howl.com.

Rodge Arnold. Flying Saucer, 9 p.m., $3. 323 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-8032. www. beerknurd.com/stores/littlerock.

The Schwag. 18-and-older show. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 9 p.m., $10. 107 Commerce St. 501-372-7707. www.stickyz.com.

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

Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 9 p.m., free. 111 Markham St. 501-374-7474. www. capitalhotel.com/CBG. Thread. West End Smokehouse and Tavern, 10 p.m., $5. 215 N. Shackleford. 501-224-7665. www.westendsmokehouse.net.

COMEDY

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

Tim Gaither. The Loony Bin, 7:30 and 10 p.m., $10. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-2285555. www.loonybincomedy.com.

DANCE

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

EVENTS

Argenta Farmers Market. Argenta, 7 a.m.-12 p.m. Main Street, NLR. Falun Gong meditation. Allsopp Park, 9 a.m., free. Cantrell & Cedar Hill Roads.

Handmade for the Holidays. Handmade craft fair. Artchurch Studio, Nov. 24, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Nov. 25, noon-5 p.m., free. 301 Whittington Ave., Hot Springs. 501-318-6779. www.artchurch.org.

Hillcrest Farmers Market. Pulaski Heights Baptist Church, 7 a.m.-12 p.m. 2200 Kavanaugh Blvd.

“Lights in the Landscape.” Holiday lighting display. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Garvan Woodland Gardens, through Dec. 31, 5-9 p.m., $5-$10. 550 Akridge Road, Hot Springs.

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

River Market ice skating. River Market Pavilions, through Jan. 6: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; noon-8 p.m., $9. 400 President Clinton Ave. 375-2552. holidaysinlittlerock.com.

Winterfest Fine Art and Craft Sale/Show. Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center, Nov. 24, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Nov. 25, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 207 W. Van Buren, Eureka Springs.

SPORTS

UALR Women’s Trojans vs. Rice. Jack Stephens

Center, UALR, 12 p.m., $5-$38. 2801 S. University Ave.

KIDS

Saturday Story Time: “Beauty and the Beast.”

Pyramid Art Books and Custom Framing, 10 a.m. p.m., free. 1001 Wright Ave. 501-372-6822. hearnefineart.com.

SUNDAY, NOV. 25

MUSIC

Fire & Brimstone Duo. Performing on the patio or inside restaurant. Revolution, through : 6 p.m., free. 300 President Clinton Ave. 501-8230090. revroom.com.

Gorilla Music Battle of the Bands. Downtown Music Hall, 4 p.m., $7 adv., $9 day of. 211 W. Capitol. 501-376-1819. downtownmusichall. com.

Karaoke with DJ Sara. Hardrider Bar & Grill, 7 p.m., free. 6613 John Harden Drive, Cabot.

501-982-1939 .

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

DANCE

Moscow Ballet’s “The Nutcracker.” Robinson Center Music Hall, 3 p.m., $37-$191. Markham and Broadway. www.littlerockmeetings.com/ conv-centers/robinson.

EVENTS

The Big Dam Bridge Full Moon Walk. Includes health fairs on both sides of the bridge and presentations from local dignitaries. No bicycles, pets, skateboards or skates allowed. Big Dam Bridge, 5 p.m. 7600 Rebsamen Park Road. www. bigdambridge.com.

Handmade for the Holidays. Handmade craft fair. Artchurch Studio, 12 p.m., free. 301 Whittington Ave., Hot Springs. 501-318-6779. www.artchurch.org.

“Lights in the Landscape.” Holiday lighting display. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Garvan Woodland Gardens, through Dec. 31, 5-9 p.m., $5-$10. 550 Akridge Road, Hot Springs. 501-262-9300. www.garvangardens. org.

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

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

River Market ice skating. River Market Pavilions, through Jan. 6: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; noon-8 p.m., $9. 400 President Clinton Ave. 375-2552. holidaysinlittlerock.com.

Winterfest Fine Art and Craft Sale/Show. Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center, 11 a.m. p.m.

207 W. Van Buren, Eureka Springs.

MONDAY, NOV. 26

MUSIC

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

Gerald Johnson and Co.. The Afterthought, 8 p.m., free. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.afterthoughtbar.com.

Gospel Cruise Dinner. Southern style Gospel CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

www.abwholesaler.com

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

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

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

NOVEMBER 21, 2012

29

AFTER DARK, CONT.

The Arkansas Times & the Root Café proudly present Little Rock’s

Music performed by “The Hannah’s”. Arkansas Queen, 6 p.m., $35, $22 for children. 100 Riverfront Park Drive, NLR. 501-372-5777. www. arkansasqueen.com.

Irish Traditional Music Session. Hibernia Irish Tavern, Fourth and second Monday of every month, 7 p.m. 9700 N Rodney Parham Road.

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

Khalil’s Pub, Fourth Monday of every month, 7 p.m. 110 S. Shackleford Road. 501-224-0224. www.khalilspub.com.

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

EVENTS

NothiNg Weird about a beard!

3 Lives Blood Drive. Part of Remington College’s 3 Lives campaign, an effort to increase the number of minority blood donors. Remington College-Little Rock, 8 a.m. p.m. and 4 p.m. 19 Remington Drive. 501-312-0007. www.remingtoncollege.edu.

“Lights in the Landscape.” Holiday lighting display. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Garvan Woodland Gardens, through Dec. 31, 5-9 p.m., $5-$10. 550 Akridge Road, Hot Springs. 501-262-9300. www.garvangardens. org.

River Market ice skating. River Market Pavilions, through Jan. 6: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; noon-8 p.m., $9. 400 President Clinton Ave. 375-2552. holidaysinlittlerock.com.

TUESDAY, NOV. 27

MUSIC

C at e g o r i e s Longest beard, Thickest beard, Most original beard & Best Abraham Lincoln (no mustache)

Participants must be certified clean-shaven on December 1st, 2012 at the Root Café between, 8am and 3:30.pm.

Judging will be held at the South Main Mardi Gras celebration Saturday, February 9, 2013.

Prizes for w i n n e r s!

Shaving permits for non-participants available at the Root Cafe.

a r k t i m e s.C o m/b e a r d More Info: Phone: 414-0423 Email: theroot@therootcafe.com

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NOVEMBER 21, 2012

ARKANSAS TIMES

Arkansas River Blues Society Blues Jam. Thirst n’ Howl, 6 p.m., free. 14710 Cantrell Road. 501379-8189. www.thirst-n-howl.com.

Booyah! Dad, Brother Andy, Poor Ol’ Uncle Fatty & The Freedom House 4. White Water Tavern, 10 p.m. 2500 W. 7th. 501-375-8400. www. whitewatertavern.com.

Heavy Metal Karaoke. Downtown Music Hall, Nov. 27, 8 p.m.; Dec. 4, 8 p.m.; Dec. 11, 8 p.m.; Dec. 18, 8 p.m., free. 211 W. Capitol. 501-3761819. downtownmusichall.com.

Jeff Long. Khalil’s Pub, 6 p.m. 110 S. Shackleford Road. 501-224-0224. www.khalilspub.com.

Jim Dickerson. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room, Nov. 27-29, 7 p.m. 500 President Clinton Ave. 501-324-2999. www.sonnywilliamssteakroom. com.

Karaoke Night. Cornerstone Pub & Grill, 8 p.m.

314 Main St., NLR. 501-374-1782. cstonepub. com.

Karaoke Tuesday. Prost, 8 p.m., free. 322 President Clinton Blvd. 501-244-9550.

Karaoke Tuesdays. Cornerstone Pub & Grill, through Dec. 17: 8 p.m. 314 Main St., NLR. 501-374-1782. cstonepub.com.

Karaoke with Big John Miller. Denton’s Trotline, 8 p.m. 2150 Congo Road, Benton. 501-3151717.

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

Michael Carenbauer. RJ Tao, Nov. 27, 6:30-9 p.m.; Dec. 4, 6:30-9 p.m.; Dec. 11, 6:30-9 p.m.; Dec. 18, 6:30-9 p.m.; Dec. 24, 6:30-9 p.m. 5501 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-603-0080. www.rjtaorocks. com/.

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

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

Touch, Grateful Dead Tribute. Bring a hula hoop

for dancing. Ernie Biggs, 8 p.m. 307 Clinton Ave. 501-372-4782. littlerock.erniebiggs.com.

Tuesday Jam Session with Carl Mouton. The Afterthought, 8 p.m., free. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.afterthoughtbar.com.

DANCE

“Latin Night.” Revolution, 7 p.m., $5 regular, $7 under 21. 300 President Clinton Ave. 501-8230090. www.revroom.com.

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

EVENTS

Civil War Roundtable of Arkansas. David Casto presents “The 8th Missouri Volunteer Cavalry and a Forgotten Skirmish Near Augusta.”

Second Presbyterian Church, 7 p.m. 600 Pleasant Valley Drive.

“Lights in the Landscape.” Holiday lighting display. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Garvan Woodland Gardens, through Dec. 31, 5-9 p.m., $5-$10. 550 Akridge Road, Hot Springs. 501-2629300. www.garvangardens.org.

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

“A Night at the Rep.” Silent auction and reception followed by a performance from The Rep’s upcoming musical, “White Christmas.”

Arkansas Repertory Theatre, 5 p.m., $40. 601 Main St. 501-378-0405. www.therep.org.

River Market ice skating. River Market Pavilions, through Jan. 6: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; noon-8 p.m., $9. 400 President Clinton Ave. 375-2552. holidaysinlittlerock.com.

Science Cafe. “The Science of Beauty” will feature panelists from L’Oreal, Power Technology Inc. and UAMS. The Afterthought, 7 p.m., free.

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

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

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

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

Wiggle Worms: “Local Foods Local Foods with Argenta Market.” Museum of Discovery, 10:30 a.m., $8-$10, free for members. 500 Clinton Ave. 396-7050, 1-800-880-6475. www.amod.org.

LECTURES

Dr. Joe Thompson. Arkansas’s surgeon general will discuss the impact of expanding Arkansas’s Medicaid program under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Clinton School of Public Service, 12 p.m., free. 1200 President Clinton Ave. 501-683-5239. www. clintonschool.uasys.edu.

THIS WEEK IN THEATER

“A 1940’s Radio Christmas Carol.” Comedy about a live radio broadcast that’s plagued with all manner of complications. Nov. 15 is pay-what-you-can night. Bring a gently worn pair of running shoes to donate and receive $1 off admission. The Public Theatre, through Nov. 24, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 2, 2 and 7:30 p.m., $14-$16. 616 Center St. 501-374-7529. www.thepublictheatre.com.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze. Robinson Center Music Hall, Nov. 27-28, 7:30 p.m.; Thu., Nov. 29, 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., $25-$68. Markham and Broadway. www.littlerockmeetings.com/ conv-centers/robinson.

“Pajama Tops.” Farce in which a would-be philandering husband gets a surprise when his wife

AFTER DARK, CONT. secretly invites the girl he’s been seeing on the side to spend the weekend with them. Murry’s Dinner Playhouse, through Dec. 30: Tue.-Sat., 6 p.m.; Wed., 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., $15-$33. 6323 Col. Glenn Road.

501-562-3131. murrysdinnerplayhouse.com.

GALLERIES, MUSEUMS

NEW EXHIBITIONS, EVENTS

More art listings can be found in the calendar at www.arktimes.com ARKANSAS ARTS CENTER, MacArthur Park: “Toys Designed by Artists,” Nov. 21-Jan. 6; “50 for Arkansas,” work donated by Dorothy and Herbert Vogel, through Jan. 6; “Multiplicity,” exhibition on printmaking from the Smithsonian American Art Museum, through Jan. 6. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sun. 372-4000.

GALLERY 360, 900 Rodney Parham Road: “Code,” abstract paintings by Kelley Naylor Wise, opens with reception 7-10 p.m. Nov. 23 with music by Rural War Room, show through December. 360gallery.blogspot.com.

HAYS SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER, 401 W. Pershing Ave.: “The Art of Music,” photographs, LP art, posters and other artwork, through Nov. 30. 975-4297.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT LITTLE ROCK: Work by seniors Logan Hunter, Daniel “Skye” Huggins, John Daniel Slaughter, Hwang Young Min, Ariel Mattive, Hannah May, Savana Matton, Gallery III, through midDecember; “Photographing the Landscape,” work by Jay Gould, Frank Hamrick, Chad Smith and Luther Smith, through Nov. 29, lecture by Smith 6:30 p.m. Nov. 29; “BA and BFA Senior Exhibitions,” Gallery III, through mid-December.

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. 569-3182.

FAYETTEVILLE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS: “SOLO Show,” plastic dinnerware reconfigured by Kelly Brenner Justice, Anne Kittrell Art Gallery, Nov. 26-Jan. 31, reception 6 p.m. Nov. 26; “Topiary: The Art of Improving Nature,” nine etchings by Louise Bourgeois from the Louise Bourgeois Studio, through Dec. 13, Fine Arts Center gallery. 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 2-5 p.m. Sun. 479-575-7987.

HOT SPRINGS ARTCHURCH STUDIO, 301 Whittington Ave.: “Handmade for the Holidays,” art, crafts, jewelry, decor, edibles from local artisans, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 24, noon-5 p.m. Nov. 25.

501-655-0836.

CALL TO ARTISTS

The Walton Arts Center is seeking proposals from visual and performing artists for nature-themed work for its 2013 Artosphere: Arkansas’ Arts & Nature Festival.” Up to three Artosphere Partner Grants worth up to $6,000 will be awarded for projects. Deadline to submit is 11:59 p.m. Jan. 7, 2013; award announcement Jan. 31, 2013. More information under the Get Involved tab at www.artospherefestival.org.

The Fine Arts Center of Hot Springs has issued a call to artists for its “Wintertide Exhibit” in December. There is no entry fee, but a $10 hanging fee for the juried show. For more information, call Donna Dunnahoe at 501-624-0489 or e-mail donna@hsfac.org. Artworks should be submitted in jpeg form to info @hsfac.org.

CONTINUING EXHIBITS

THE ART LOFT, 1525 Merrill Drive: Work by

Dan Thornhill, Catherine Rodgers, Rosemary Parker, Kelly Furr, Melody Lile and others, with music by Rico Novales. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sat. 251-1131.

BOSWELL-MOUROT FINE ART, 5815 Kavanaugh Blvd.: “Structure,” oils and mixed media by Jason McCann, sculpture by Roy Burcham and pastels on paper by Dennis McCann, through Dec. 1. 664-0030.

BUTLER CENTER GALLERIES, Arkansas Studies Institute, 401 President Clinton Ave.: “From the Vault: Works from the Central Arkansas Library System’s Permanent Collection,” including historical paintings by Donald Draper, works on paper by visionary artist Arthur Grain, sculpture

by Mary Cockrill and more, through March 23, 2013, Arkansas League of Artists exhibition, through Jan. 26; “Solastalgia,” work by Susan Chambers and Louise Halsey, through Jan. 26.

9 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 320-5700.

CANTRELL GALLERY, 8206 Cantrell Road: “The Story Teller,” paintings by John Deering, through Dec. 24. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 2241335.

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.

CHRIST CHURCH GALLERY, 509 Scott St.: “The Watercolor Series of Kuhl Brown,” through Dec. 14. 375-2342.

COX CREATIVE CENTER, 120 River Market Ave.: “Equinox,” work by UALR students. 320-5717.

GALLERY 221, 2nd and Center Sts.: “Works on Paper.” 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri. 801-0211.

GALLERY 26, 2601 Kavanaugh Blvd.: 18th annual “Holiday Art Show,” work by 60-plus artists, through Jan. 12. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tue.-Sat. 6648996.

GORRELL GALLERY OF FINE ART, 201 W. 4th St.: Work by established and emerging artists, including Doug Gorrell. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Fri., noon-4 p.m. Sat. 607-2225.

GREG THOMPSON FINE ART, 429 Main St., NLR: “Southern Abstraction,” work by Pinkney Herbert, James Hendricks, Robyn Horn, Sammy Peters, Robert Rector and Shannon Rogers.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Fri., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. 664-2787.

HEARNE FINE ART, 1001 Wright Ave.: “American Spring: A Cause For Justice,” quilts dealing with societal issues such as racism, civil rights, violence, discrimination, social justice and intolerance, in partnership with Fiber Artists for Hope and Sabrina Zarco, through November (more at the Central High School Museum Visitors Center); “And the Band Played On,” mixed media paintings and sculpture by Kevin Cole, through Jan. 7. 372-6822.

J.W. WIGGINS GALLERY, Sequoyah National Research Center, 500 University Plaza: “Indian Ink: Native Printmakers in the J.S. Wiggins Collection of Native American Art,” curated

by Bobby Martin, art professor at John Brown University, through Dec. 14. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.Fri. 569-8336.

LAMAN LIBRARY, 2801 Orange St.: “Norman Rockwell’s Home for the Holidays,” exhibition from the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Mass., through Dec. 9. 758-1720.

L&L BECK GALLERY, 5705 Kavanaugh Blvd.: “Still life,” through November. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Tue.-Sat. 660-4006.

M2GALLERY, 11525 Cantrell: “Holiday Show,” work by Dan Holland, Suzanne Koett, Charles Henry James, Dan Thornhill and Jason Gammel.

10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tue.-Sat. 225-6257.

PAINT BOX GALLERY AND FRAME SHOP, 705 Main St., NLR: Paintings by Karlyn Holloway.

374-2848.

PULASKI TECHNICAL COLLEGE, 3000 W. CONTINUED ON PAGE 33

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31

AFTER DARK, CONT.

BENTON DIANNE ROBERTS ART STUDIO AND GALLERY, 110 N. Market St.: Work by Chad Oppenhuizen, Dan McRaven, Gretchen Hendricks, Rachel Carroccio, Kenny Roberts, Taylor Bellott, Jim Cooper and Sue Moore.

10 a.m.-9 p.m. Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. 860-7467.

BENTONVILLE CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART, 600 Museum Way: “See the Light: The Luminist Tradition in American Art,” light in art from the 19th century through today, through Jan. 26, “Moshe Safdie: The Path to Crystal Bridges,” through Jan. 28; permanent collection of American masterworks spanning four centuries. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon., Thu., Sat.-Sun.; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Wed.-Fri. 479-418-5700.

CALICO ROCK CALICO ROCK ARTISTS COOPERATIVE, Hwy. 5 at White River Bridge: Paintings, photographs, jewelry, fiber art, wood, ceramics and other crafts. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tue.-Thu., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri.-Sat., noon-4 p.m. Sun. calicorocket.org/artists.

CONWAY UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS, Baum Gallery: “The Final Show,” BA/BFA juried senior exhibition, through Dec. 7. McCastlain Hall.

501-450-5793.

FAYETTEVILLE WALTON ARTS CENTER, 495 W. Dickson St.: “20 Years,” commissioned installation by Kathy Thompson, “My Folklore: The Art of Letitia Huckaby,” both through Jan. 13. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Mon.-Fri., noon-4 p.m. Sat. 479-443-5600.

HARRISON ARTISTS OF THE OZARKS, 124 ½ N. Willow St.: Work by Amelia Renkel, Ann Graffy, Christy Dillard, Helen McAllister, Sandy Williams and D. Savannah George. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thu.-Sat., noon-4 p.m. Sun. 870-429-1683.

HEBER SPRINGS BOTTLE TREE GALLERY, 514 W. Main St.: Work

by Maeve Croghan, Jonathan Harris, George Wittenberg. 501-590-8840.

HELENA DELTA CULTURAL CENTER, 141 Cherry St.: “Maude Schuyler Clay: Revisiting the Mississippi Delta,” photography, through Dec. 8. 870338-4350.

HOT SPRINGS ALISON PARSONS GALLERY, 802 Central Ave.: “Journeys in the Art of Clay,” sculptural ceramics by Lori Arnold; also work by Alison Parsons. 501-625-3001.

BLUE MOON, 718 Central Ave.: Work by Randall Good, through November. 501-318-2787.

FINE ARTS CENTER, 626 Central Ave.: “Nature Transformed,” quilts by Martha Maples, fiber art by Donna Dunnahoe, glass and multi-media

by Patty Collins, opens with gallery walk 5-9 p.m., through November. 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tue.-Sat. 501-624-0489.

GALLERY CENTRAL, 800 Central Ave: Blown glass and personalized Christmas ornaments

by James Hayes, “Spiritiles” by Houston Llew.

501-318-4278.

GARVAN GARDENS: Work by Bob Crane, through November. 501-262-9300.

JUSTUS FINE ART, 827 Central A: New work

by Robyn Horn, Dolores Justus, Steve Griffith and others. 501-321-2335.

TAYLOR’S CONTEMPORANEA, 204 Exchange St.: 501-624-0516.

MOUNTAIN HOME A R K A N S A S S TAT E U N I V E R S I T YM O U N TA I N HOME, 1600 South College St.: Artists-in-education exhibition by Cheryl Blasdel, Noel Cole, Steve Hargett, Anieta England, Clint Pevril, Dana Johnson, Jo Rowell and others, through Nov. 26, The Sheid, Dale Bumpers Great Hall. 870508-6162.

PERRYVILLE SUDS GALLERY, Courthouse Square: Paintings

by Dottie Morrissey, Alma Gipson, Al Garrett Jr., Phyllis Loftin, Alene Otts, Mauretta Frantz, Raylene Finkbeiner, Kathy Williams and Evelyn Garrett. Noon-6 p.m. Wed.-Fri, noon-4 p.m.

Sat. 501-766-7584.

PINE BLUFF ARTS AND SCIENCE CENTER: “Jazz with Class: Pine Bluff High School Annual Art Exhibition.”

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 1-4 p.m. Sat. 870536-3375.

RUSSELLVILLE RIVER VALLEY ARTS CENTER, 1001 B St.: Work by 40 area artists, through November.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Thu., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fri. 479-968-2452.

ONGOING MUSEUM EXHIBITS

ARKANSAS INLAND MARITIME MUSEUM, NLR: Tours of the USS Razorback submarine. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 1-6 p.m. Sun. 371-8320.

ARKANSAS SPORTS HALL OF FAME MUSEUM, Verizon Arena, NLR: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 663-4328.

CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL MUSEUM VISITOR CENTER, Bates and Park: “American Spring: A Cause For Justice,” quilts dealing with societal issues such as racism, civil rights, violence, discrimination, social justice and intolerance, in partnership with Fiber Artists for Hope and Sabrina Zarco, through November (more at Hearne Fine Art); 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.: “Dorothy Howell Rodham and Virginia Clinton Kelley,” through Nov. 25; permanent exhibits about policies and White House life during the Clinton administration. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. $7 adults; $5 college students, seniors, retired military; $3 ages 6-17. 370-8000.

HISTORIC ARKANSAS MUSEUM, 200 E. Third St.: “Beyond the Expected: Norwood Creech, Paulette Palmer and Edward Wade Jr.,” through 9-Feb. 3, 2013, “Jared Hogue: Mini Faces,” through Jan. 6, 2013, “Barbie Doll: The 11 ½-inch American Icon,” through Jan. 6, 2013; “A Collective Vision,” recent acquisitions, through March 2013. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. 324-9351.

MacARTHUR MUSEUM OF ARKANSAS MILITARY HISTORY, MacArthur Park: “Vietnam: America’s Conflict,” other military CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

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Scenic Drive: “It’s About Time,” work by Warren Criswell,” through Dec. 15, Bank of the Ozarks exhibition space, Ottenheimer Library. 8122200.

STUDIOMAIN, 1423 Main St.: 2012 AIA Design Awards. www.studio-main.org THEA FOUNDATION, 401 Main St., NLR: “Arkansas Champion Trees: An Artist’s Journey,” large colored-pencil drawings by Linda Palmer, through Nov. 30. 379-9512.

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Arkansas Times 11-21-12.indd 1

NOVEMBER 21, 2012

33

10/25/12 4:03 PM

Whatever The Time of Year .

MOVIE LISTINGS

NOV. 23-24

Market Street Cinema times at or after 9 p.m. are for Friday and Saturday only. Rave showtimes are valid for Friday only. Lakewood 8 and McCain Mall showtimes were not available by press deadline.

Find up-to-date listings at arktimes.com.

When you need us, we’ll be here for you.

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(501) 565-4644 7700 Highway 107 Sherwood, AR 72120 ©adfinity

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NEW MOVIES 28 Hotel Rooms (NR) — An adulterous couple grapples with the complications their infidelity causes. Market Street: 2:15, 4:30, 7:15, 9:00.

Life of Pi (PG) — Based on the smash-hit book of the same name, from director Ang Lee. Breckenridge: 1:15, 4:20, 7:25, 10:20 (3D).

Chenal 9: 4:30, 10:30 (2D), 10:30 a.m., 1:30, 7:30 (3D). Rave: 9:45 a.m., 12:40, 3:40, 7:05, 10:10 (3D XTreme), 10:40 a.m., 4:40, 11:10 (3D), 1:40, 8:05. Riverdale: 9:10 a.m., 11:50 a.m., 2:30, 5:10, 7:50, 10:30.

Red Dawn (PG-13) — Not so much a “remake” as an act of cinematic necrophilia — and an unnecessary one at that. Breckenridge: 1:25, 4:40, 7:20, 9:55. Chenal 9: 10:20 a.m., 1:20, 4:20, 7:20, 10:20. Rave: 10:35 a.m., 11:35 a.m., 1:30, 2:30, 4:35, 5:25, 7:30, 8:30, 10:20, 11:20.

Riverdale: 9:10 a.m., 11:20 a.m., 12:20, 1:30, 3:40, 5:50, 8:00, 10:10.

Rise of the Guardians (PG) — Animated adventure story about a group of heroes who protect the imaginations of children from an evil spirit who wants to take over the world. Breckenridge: 10:45 a.m., 1:35, 4:45, 7:40, 10:05 (2D), 10:15 a.m., 12:45, 3:35, 7:05, 9:35 (3D). Chenal 9: 10:15 a.m., 1:15, 7:15 (2D), 4:15, 9:45 (3D). Rave: 11:30 a.m., 2:00, 4:30, 7:00, 9:30 (2D), 10:00 a.m., 12:30, 3:00, 5:30, 8:00, 10:30 (3D). Riverdale: 9:15 a.m., 11:25 a.m., 1:35, 3:45, 5:55, 8:05, 10:15.

This Must Be the Place (R) — Sean Penn plays an aging Robert Smith-type goth rocker who goes hunting for the Nazi who persecuted his father at Auschwitz. Not kidding. Market Street: 2:00, 4:30, 7:00, 9:15.

Wuthering Heights (NR) — Artsy, “minimalist” version of the Bronte novel. Market Street: 1:45, 4:15, 6:45, 9:15.

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

Breckenridge: 1:20, 7:35. Riverdale: 1:05, 3:45, 6:20, 8:55.

Atlas Shrugged II (PG-13) — Based on the utter fiction of “writer” Ayn Rand, starring a bunch of people you never heard of. Movies 10: 2:20, 7:10.

Brave (PG) – Animated fantasy tale of a Celtictype girl who must save her kingdom from something or other. Movies 10: 12:20, 2:40, 5:05, 7:25, 9:50.

Cloud Atlas (R) — Based on the sci-fi novel, with Tom Hanks and Halle Berry. Riverdale: 9:00 a.m., 12:25, 3:50, 7:15, 10:40.

The Details (R) — A family of raccoon invaders hilariously disrupts the suburban drudgery of Toby Maguire and Elizabeth Banks. Market Street: 2:00, 7:00.

Easy Money (R) — Scandinavian crime thriller about the tangled connections between various underworld elements. Market Street: 4:20, 9:00.

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

Flight (R) — Denzel Washington is a pilot with a substance abuse problem, from director Robert Zemeckis. Breckenridge: 12:40, 3:40, 7:10, 10:15. Chenal 9: 10:10 a.m., 1:10, 4:10,

34

NOVEMBER 21, 2012

ARKANSAS TIMES

TIGER BY THE TAIL: “Life of Pi,” starring Suraj Sharma, is based on the bestselling book about a boy stranded at sea with a tiger.

7:10, 10:10. Rave: 9:45 a.m., 12:50, 4:00, 7:20, 10:35. Riverdale: 9:00 a.m., 11:50 a.m., 2:45, 5:40, 8:35, 11:25.

Fun Size (PG-13) — A smart-alecky high school senior loses her younger brother while trickor-treating, then she has to find him and this is supposed to be funny. Movies 10: 12:30, 2:45, 5:10, 7:30, 10:00.

House at the End of the Street (PG-13) — Bunch of terror happens to “Hunger Games” star Jennifer Lawrence. Movies 10: 12:40, 3:05, 5:25, 7:50, 10:15.

Ice Age: Continental Drift (PG) – Latest iteration in the series about a crew of wacky animated animals. Movies 10: 12:05, 2:30, 5:00, 7:20, 9:35.

Jab Tak Hai Jaan (PG-13) — Final film from the late Bollywood giant Yash Chopra. Rave: 9:10 p.m.

Lincoln (PG-13) — Steven Spielberg’s biopic about Abraham Lincoln, with Daniel Day Lewis and Sally Field. Breckenridge: 12:35, 3:50, 7:15, 10:25. Chenal 9: 10:05 a.m., 1:20, 4:35, 8:00.

Rave: 10:05 a.m., 12:25, 1:20, 3:55, 4:55, 7:25, 8:20, 10:50, 11:35.

Looper (R) — Time-travel action thriller with Bruce Willis and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Movies 10: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:45.

The Man with The Iron Fists (R) — Martial arts action flick, directed by and starring RZA, from producer Quentin Tarantino. Riverdale: 1:35, 3:45, 5:55, 8:10, 10:25.

The Odd Life of Timothy Green (PG) — Basically it’s Cabbage Patch Kids the Movie, but with just one Cabbage Patch Kid. Movies 10: 12:25, 2:50, 5:15, 7:45, 10:10.

Pitch Perfect (PG-13) — Competitive groups of singers have singing competitions and so forth.

Breckenridge: 4:25, 10:10.

The Possession (PG-13) — A family must confront a terrifying something or other but more importantly, this stars Matisyahu. Yes, really.

Movies 10: 12:10, 4:55, 10:05.

Samsara (PG-13) — Visual poetry on 70mm, from the cinematographer of “Koyaanisqatsi,” meaning you can practically smell weed smoke just from watching the trailer. Market Street: 1:45, 4:00, 6:45, 9:00.

The Sessions (R) — Helen Hunt is a sex surrogate who helps the seriously disabled John Hawkes.

This has gotten universally great reviews. Rave: 9:55 a.m Silent Hill: Revelation (R) — Just what in the Sam Hill are Ned Stark and Jon Snow doing in this cheesy-looking horror flick about Hell or something? Movies 10: 12:35, 3:00, 5:20, 7:40, 9:55.

Skyfall (PG-13) — An aging Bond still can’t be beat. Breckenridge: 12:30 (open-captioned), 1:05, 3:30, 4:05, 7:05, 7:35, 10:05, 10:30. Chenal 9: 10:00 a.m., 1:05, 4:10, 7:20, 10:30 (IMAX), 4:25, 10:15. Rave: 9:50 a.m., 11:20 a.m., 12:10, 1:05, 3:30, 4:25, 5:35, 6:55, 7:40, 10:25, 10:55, 11:30.

Riverdale: 9:05 a.m., noon, 2:50, 5:35, 8:25, 11:15.

Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2 (PG-13) — Vampire movie sequel starring the girl who cheated on the guy, plus the other guy, the werewolf one. Oh yeah, get this: It’s the last one in the series! Breckenridge: 10:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00, 1:30, 4:00, 4:30, 7:00, 7:30, 10:00, 10:35. Chenal 9: 10:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:00, 1:30, 4:00, 7:00, 7:30, 10:00. Rave: 9:45 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 11:15 a.m,. 12:45, 1:15, 1:45, 2:15, 2:45, 3:45, 4:15, 4:45, 5:15, 6:45, 7:15, 7:45, 8:15, 8:45, 9:45, 10:15, 10:45, 11:15. Riverdale: 9:10 a.m., 11:35 a.m., 12:05, 2:00, 4:25, 7:05, 9:30.

Wreck-It Ralph 3D (PG) — Animated movie about a video game character. Breckenridge: 10:20 a.m., 1:10, 4:35, 7:45, 10:15. Chenal 9: 10:25 a.m., 1:25, 4:25, 7:25, 10:00. Rave: 10:30 a.m., 1:25, 4:10, 7:10, 9:50 (2D), 9:55 a.m., 12:35, 3:30, 6:30 (3D). Riverdale: 9:05 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:25, 3:35, 5:45, 7:55, 10:05.

Chenal 9 IMAX Theatre: 17825 Chenal Parkway, 821-2616, www.dtmovies.com.

Cinemark Movies 10: 4188 E. McCain Blvd., 945-7400, www.cinemark.com.

Cinematown Riverdale 10: Riverdale Shopping Center, 296-9955, www.riverdale10.com.

Lakewood 8: 2939 Lakewood Village Drive, 7585354, www.fandango.com.

Market Street Cinema: 1521 Merrill Drive, 312-8900, www.marketstreetcinema.net.

Rave Colonel Glenn 18: 18 Colonel Glenn Plaza, 687-0499, www.ravemotionpictures.com.

Regal Breckenridge Village 12: 1-430 and Rodney Parham, 224-0990, www.fandango.com.

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

MOVIE REVIEW

Social Media We can help you use it.

Businesses in Arkansas

‘LINCOLN’: Daniel Day-Lewis stars.

Living history

Businesses in Arkansas, large and small, use social media to connect with customers and sell their products and services.

‘Lincoln’ is high drama.

BY SAM EIFLING

“L

incoln” is the story of a vote more than it is the story of a man.

Abe was America’s Christ, dying for the country’s original sin, but in Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece biopic, which you should run out and see and then dawdle in the hallway so you can sneak back into and see again, he is more politician than martyr.

Based on part of Doris Kearns Goodwin’s “Team of Rivals,” about the 16th president’s Cabinet, this “Lincoln” follows the final few months of his life, during which time he guided the Union to the end of the Civil War and concurrently, against reasonable expectation, dragged the 13th Amendment through the House of Representatives like a broken-legged mule. The movie’s climax is a series of “aye”s and “nay”s, and it plays as a true cliffhanger.

You know how this story ends because today in the United States of America the ownership and sale of human beings is no longer legal, and Lincoln is on your $5 bills and your pennies, and the first line of the Declaration of Independence, that quaint bit about all men being created equal, doesn’t make you laugh with contempt. “Lincoln” describes how this country, awash in its sons’ blood, began living up to its founding ideals. Between the elegant screenplay by Tony Kushner and the stunning ensemble led by Daniel Day-Lewis as the president, it feels nothing shy of living history.

Per Lewis’ habit, he possesses Lincoln so as to disappear inside the man, who himself at times retreats, contemplatively, from the raging storm. The beginning of 1865 finds Lincoln weary, popular but nonetheless aware that he’d assumed nigh-dictatorial powers during the war that might not stand after its onrushing conclusion. Top of his mind was the Emancipation Proclamation, enacted in 1863 as a war measure. The 13th Amendment, ratified by the Senate, stood to make abolition permanent, if it could gain

two-thirds majority passage in a divided, Republican-majority House. Audiences are sure to find the early going in “Lincoln” a bit talky (it wouldn’t hurt to brush up on your Civil War history before diving into this 2½-hour tour) but the major premise is simple enough: Lincoln committed to every measure shy of outright bribe (and even that’s debatable) to wangle the 20ish Democratic House votes he needed to pass the amendment. Along the way he slowpedaled a much sought-after Confederate surrender that would end the war but undercut the tactical support for such an amendment. In this a giant man squeezed through a miniscule political seam.

If at times “Lincoln” veers into the dry, its cast rescues it. Lewis’ performance is nuanced, engrossing and altogether stunning; Tommy Lee Jones’ turn as (Wikipedia-worthy) abolitionist Thaddeus Stevens is nearly as remarkable. Sally Field as Mary Todd Lincoln, David Strathairn as William Seward, Jackie Earle Haley as Confederate vice-president Alexander Stephens (in a rather spooky resemblance, actually), and Hal Holbrook, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, James Spader and John Hawkes all supporting — it’s an embarrassment of riches. The sets are immersive; the costumes, a continual source of joy. It is in sum a tsunami of a film. To date, only three movies have won 11 Oscars apiece.

“Lincoln” may give that record a run.

The film closes with Lincoln’s second inaugural address, the only event in the film taken out of chronology. Along with his Gettysburg Address — delivered early on, in one of the blessedly rare overcorny moments — it bookends the film as a paean to Lincoln’s astonishing abilities as a writer. Throughout, his words astound and enrapture. This was the challenge, and ultimate success, of “Lincoln,” to feed lines to one of the greatest wordsmiths American politics has ever known. It bears repeat listens.

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NOVEMBER 21, 2012

35

AFTER DARK, CONT.

T-SHIRTS!

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argenta film series

HANDMADE: Fiber artist Lia Cook, who uses a computerized loom to weave tapestries, will give a lecture at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at the Arkansas Arts Center as part of the Friends of Contemporary Craft Lecture Series. Admission is $15 for FOCC members, $20 nonmembers and includes a light dinner after the talk. A reception at 5:30 p.m. precedes the talk. exhibits. 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: “A Voice through the Viewfinder: Images of Arkansas’ Black Community by Ralph Armstrong,” through Jan. 5, 2013; permanent exhibits on AfricanAmerican entrepreneurial history in Arkansas.

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Sat. 683–3593.

MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY, 500 President Clinton Ave.: “GPS Adventures,” ages 6 to adult, through April 1; “Wiggle Worms,” science program for pre-K children 10 a.m.-10:30 a.m. every Tue., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Sat., 1-5 p.m.

Sun., $10 ages 12 and older, $8 ages 1-11, free under 1. 396-7050.

OLD STATE HOUSE MUSEUM, 300 W. Markham: “Battle Colors of Arkansas,” 18 Civil War flags; “Things You Need to Hear: Memories of Growing up in Arkansas from 1890 to 1980,” oral histories about community, family, work, school and leisure. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. 324-9685.

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

CALICO ROCK CALICO ROCK MUSEUM, Main Street: Displays on Native American cultures, steamboats, the railroad, and local history. www.calicorockmuseum.com.

paradise lost:

the child murders at robin hood hills

december 12

7pm

argenta community theater

with special guests Jason baldwin, Joe berlinger and mara leveritt admission free courtesy of William laman library

seating is limited, rsvp at lrff.eventbrite.com

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.

HAMBURG ASHLEY COUNTY MUSEUM, 302 N Cherry St.: “Small Works on Paper,” through Nov. 30. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wed. and Fri. 870-853-2244.

HOT SPRINGS MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART, 425

36

NOVEMBER 21, 2012

ARKANSAS TIMES

Central Ave.: New work by Carole Katchen, through Dec. 21. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tue.-Sat., noon-3 p.m. Sun. 501-609-9966.

JACKSONVILLE JACKSONVILLE MUSEUM OF MILITARY HISTORY, 100 Veterans Circle: Exhibits on D-Day; F-105, Vietnam era plane (“The Thud”); the Civil War Battle of Reed’s Bridge, Arkansas Ordnance Plant (AOP) and other military history. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. $3 adults; $2 seniors, military; $1 students. 501241-1943.

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.

POTTSVILLE POTTS INN, 25 E. Ash St.: Preserved 1850s stagecoach station on the Butterfield Overland Mail Route, with period furnishings, log structures, hat museum, doll museum, doctor’s office, antique farm equipment. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Wed.-Sat. $5 adults, $2 students, 5 and under free. 479-968-9369.

ROGERS ROGERS HISTORICAL MUSEUM, 322 S. Second ST.: “To Cap It All Off,” hats from the late 19th century to 1960, through June 29, 2013. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 479621-1154.

SCOTT PLANTATION AGRICULTURE MUSEUM, U.S. 165 S and Hwy. 161: Artifacts and interactive exhibits on farming in the Arkansas Delta. $3 adults, $2 ages 6-12. Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. 501-961-1409.

SCOTT PLANTATION SETTLEMENT: 1840s log cabin, one-room school house, tenant houses, smokehouse and artifacts on plantation life. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thu.-Sat. 351-0300. www.scottconnections.org.

2012 Neighborhood Dining Guide THE

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO ARKANSAS TIMES

NOVEMBER 21, 2012

37

New Italian Chinese Japanese Mexican “Fun” Indian Other Ethnic Food Truck Vegetarian/Vegan

Barbecue Breakfast Brunch Catfish Fried Chicken Deli/Gourmet to go Hamburger Pizza

Go to arktimes.com/readerschoice13 to vote for your favorite restaurants in all categories in the Little Rock area and throughout the rest of the state. Users can only vote once.

One rule to keep in mind: If you don’t specify the location of restaurants with multiple locations, your vote will not be counted.

Votes must be cast by Jan. 7.

Seafood Buffet Steak Desserts Coffee Home Cooking Place for Kids Romantic Gluten Free Business Lunch Yogurt Wine List Server Chef

ONLINE VOTING ONLY

Overall

Bakery

Arkansas Times once again presents its Readers’ Choice restaurant poll. Yes, it’s time to cast votes in the state’s longest-running annual assessment of the best places to eat in Arkansas.

www.arktimes.com/readerschoice13

READERS CHOICE AWARDS

LITTLE ROCK

REST OF STATE

BEST RESTAURANTS IN THE AREAS AROUND

Benton/Bryant_________________________________ Conway_________________________________________

Eureka Springs_________________________________ Hot Springs_____________________________________ Fayetteville/Springdale/Rogers/Bentonville__________________________________________________________

31 NOVEMBER 9, 2011 ARKANSAS TIMES

RSARY CELEBRAT E V I NI

N! O

AN

30 Year

The Butcher Shop offers a warm “old world” steakhouse setting - and great steaks.

T

hank Goodness, Arkansas has a remarkable variety of quality, locally owned and operated restaurants. There’s no reason to be bored with dining in the central Arkansas area.

Between lunch and dinner, why not try a new restaurant every couple of days or so? Our handy neighborhood guide makes it simple to dine around town. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite restaurants using the “official ballot” found online at www.arktimes.com/ readerschoice13 (see page 38 for more information). Your votes determine the winners in the 2013 Arkansas Times Readers’ Choice Restaurant Awards.

DOWNTOWN/RIVERDALE

BOSCOS RESTAURANT AND BREWING COMPANY • A popular, neighborhood gathering place k nown for awardwinning, handcrafted beers and cuisine.

The menu includes fresh seafood, steaks, pastas, signature appetizers, entrees, and gourmet, wood-fired brick oven pizzas. Boscos has a full bar, extensive wine list, and a wonderful selection of

Come Help Us Celebrate!

Tuesday & Wednesday, November 20 & 21 Only

Any Larger Steak Dinner - $23.95 Any Smaller Steak Dinner - $18.95 As Well As Our Amazing Full Menu!

Locally Owned & Operated Open for Dinner: Mon-Fri 5pm, Sat & Sun 4:30pm West Little Rock at Shackleford & Hermitage Road 501-312-2748 thebutchershoplittlerock.com

Cast Ballots For Best Steak!

2

34

Can For $ .99 Dine For a Limited Time You can enjoy the food you love with the ones you love at a great value!

About The Cover Artist

Choose 1

CAROLE KATCHEN Hot Springs resident Carole Katchen has been a professional artist for more than 40 years. Her joyous, expressive oils and pastels have been exhibited at Tainan County Cultural Center and Chang Hua Telecom World Headquarters in Taipei, Taiwan; Centro ColomboAmericano in Bogota, Colombia; The Original Song Gallery and the Pudong Exhibition Hall in Shanghai, China; and in galleries and museums throughout the United States.

Her awards and honors include designing a US Postal Service Cancellation Stamp, Guest Lecturing at the University of Shanghai, being named Outstanding Working Woman by the US Department of Labor and being listed for 25 years in Who’s Who in American Art. Her 14 art books have been published in English, French, German, Dutch and Chinese.

Public collections that have selected Katchen’s art include Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, Little Rock, AR; Angel Gallery and Museum, Taipei, Taiwan; Heifer Foundation, Little Rock, AR; Northwest Community Hospital, Arlington Heights, IL; Ping Tung College of Education, Ping Tung, Taiwan; Baptist Health Center, Little Rock, AR; Genecodes Corp., Ann Arbor, MI; Children’s Hospital, Little Rock, AR; St. Joseph’s Hospital, Hot Springs, AR; Penrose Community Hospital, Colorado Springs, CO; and Lake Hamilton Animal Hospital, Hot Springs, AR. Her art can be seen at www.carolekatchen.com.

APPETIZER

ARTICHOKE & SPINACH DIP

Choose 2

ENTRÉES CRABCAKES & SHRIMP ALFREDO Dessert

Choose 1

DESSERT

AL’S FAVORITE HOMEMADE CREOLE CHEESECAKE

Start a new tradition Not valid with any other offers or promotions.

3HACKLEFORD #ROSSING s 3HACKLEFORD ) www.copelandsrestaurantlittlerock.com ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO ARKANSAS TIMES

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Neighborhood Dining Guide â– 2012

Fresh, Delicious Mediterranean Cuisine Gyros • Hummus • Tabbouleh • Baba Ghanoush Pizzas • Calzones • Salads

Little Rock Locations 8201 Ranch Blvd.

868.8226 9501 N. Rodney Parham 227.7272

Conway

Boscos in the River Market District

713 Oak St. 205.8224

regular, seasonal, and cask conditioned beers, brewed daily.  Come experience our patio overlooking the Arkansas River and join us for our Sunday Brunch! Open daily including late night. Mon-Thurs, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-midnight; Sun10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Located in Little Rock’s River Market, 500 President Clinton Ave. Call 907-1881 or visit www.boscosbeer.com.

www.laylasgyro.com Best Other Ethnic

BRAY GOURMET DELI & CATERING • Offering breakfast and lunch Monday-Friday, Bray Gourmet is one of the newest eateries to open in Little Rock. Chris Bray, owner, has developed four recipes for his Turkey spreads that can be bought in bulk or served on a sandwich – original, jalapeno, Cajun and dill. The homemade pimiento cheese is also a signature item at the delicatessen, which serves sandwiches, wraps, daily soups, stuffed potatoes and salads. Arkansas Fresh Breads supplies the bread and the olive oil sourdough is an exclusive. Bray Gourmet offers lunch catering and delivery and is sure to be a favorite among the downtown crowd. Hours are 7:30 to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. 323 Center Street.  353-1045

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40 NOVEMBER 21, 2012 ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO ARKANSAS TIMES

BUFFALO GRILL • A local favorite for years.

A friendly staff coupled with a comfortable, casual atmosphere makes you and your family feel right at home. American-style menu offers tasty cheese dip for starters.

Great salads, tuna sandwich, plate dinners and more.  The great, crispy-off-the-griddle cheeseburger and hand-cut fries star at this family –friendly stop.  The Burgers and the fries continue to be winners in The Arkansas Times annual Readers Choice awards. The original location is in full force in Riverdale with a spacious deck and outdoor dining. A second location in west little rock also has roomy outdoor dining. LD  open 11a-9p Sun - Thurs. Fri & Sat. 11a-10p 7 days a week.

Full- bar. 1611 Rebsamen Park, 296-9535;Â 400 N. Bowman, 224-0012.

COMMUNITY BAKERY • Having served central Arkansas for more than 60 years, Community Bakery provides quality, variety, convenience and affordable prices. Working on-site at our downtown location, our bakers make hundreds of items from scratch every night. As a full-line bakery, we offer tasty treats from donuts to tiramisu to cakes for celebrating events from birthdays to weddings.With seasonal specialties including sweet potato pie, apple, and mincemeat pies, Community Bakery is a crowd pleaser. Convenient and accessible, both of our locations have drive up windows and plenty of parking. Our downtown store, located in the historic Cohn Building, is a pleasant place to meet and eat with free WiFi, comfortable indoor seating and sidewalk area seating available.

We can handle your needs – whether it’s a treat for 1 or 100. Call us today to place your order, or come by one of our locations.

And – we do deliver, every day. Call us for more information. 1200 Main St., 375-6418.

DIZZY’S GYPSY BISTRO • Garden and Gun magazine’s pick for the Best Cheese Dip in the South in 2011, Winner of the World Cheese Dip Festival for 2011 and 2012 as well as Winner of the Arkansas Times Readers Choice Awards for most Fun Restaurant, Dizzy’s Gypsy Bistro’s nomadically inspired menu smacks of vagabond travels and deliciously straightforward abroad to southern fusion interpretations. All of which makes Dizzy’s the perfect candidate to be representing Arkansas at Road Food Festival in New Orleans next spring. From the “Pasta Athenaâ€? to “Gabrielle’s Black Bean Soup,â€? original entrees are created one by one, from scratch. The 15 ingredient Chicken Spaghetti is handcrafted one bowl at a time, on the sautĂŠ line; this is naughty upscale southern food at it’s finest, ya’ll.

However, if you are trying to watch that caloric intake, Dizzy’s is also the health conscious, salad lovers, paradise with it’s

ARKANSAS’S

list of 11 “Ridiculously Large EntrĂŠe Saladsâ€? that run the gamut on what one can do with greens and dressings. For example: Zilphia’s Persian Lime Salad, featuring a grilled turkey breast, tomato, cucumber, onion and lime and buffalo mozzarella over romaine. If sandwiches and fries are more your fancy try Aimee’s Turkey Pesto on crisp toasted rye and the Stillwell Wedge or if your are really hungry indulge in the massive Angus Burger prepared French Style, topped with a plethora of creative ingredients that will make a regular of the most jaded business diners. For dessert, Dizzy’s famous “White Wedding Cake,â€? with Madagascar vanilla bean and butter cream icing, has been rumored to cause riots when in short supply! and is the perfect parting kiss until next time. TuesThur 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fri - Sat 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Location: 200 River Market Ave. DizzysGypsybistro.net.facebook.com/ DizzysGypsybistro. 375-3500.

DOE’S EAT PLACE •The go-to for great steaks, buxom burgers and signature homemade tamales and chili. It’s the atmosphere and history of Doe’s that lures visitors from all over the country and locals who fill the nostalgic checkered tables to eat, drink and make a memory or two. Now serving 8 oz. Filets. Now taking reservations for Christmas parties.

1023 W. Markham St, Little Rock. 376-1195 doeseatplace.net

IL A LARGIOENSUTNDTEREOQNU E RO CT SELE

OF

130+ Tequilas All 100% AGAVE Gourmet Cuisine With South Of The Border Flavor

HAPPY HOUR Mon, Tues, Fri 2pm-6pm

BEST TEQUILA SELECTION BEST MARGARITA

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If you’re not dancing, you’re not buying from us.

DUGAN’S PUB • Dugan’s Pub is located on the corner of 3rd and Rock St. in the River Market District. Dugan’s offers a broad menu featuring “Traditional Irish Favoritesâ€? such as Shepherd’s pie served with Irish soda bread and the Dubliner Irish Beef Stew made with lean beef and vegetables in a savory stew, as well as classic crowd pleasers with many burgers choices and appetizers. A Toast of the Town Winner for Best Sports Bar, Dugan’s offers live music in a non-smoking venue from local and national acts. Dugan’s boasts flat screens across the restaurant to watch your favorite team while enjoying good company, great food, and an extensive bar.  401 E 3rd Street. 244-0542 FADED ROSE • Little Rock’s most awardwinning restaurant. Authentic New Orleans at its best! For 30 years recognized as one of Little Rock’s best steak places along with great seafood and other Creole/ Cajun dishes in a casual fun atmosphere.

1619 Rebsamen Park Rd., 224-3377, www. thefadedrose.com THE HOP DINER • Looking for a REAL oldfashioned diner? The Hop specializes in hot off the grill hamburgers and cheeseburgers and also offering chef salads, hot dogs, gourmet sandwiches, homemade tuna and

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ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO ARKANSAS TIMES

NOVEMBER 21, 2012

41

200 S. RIVER MARKET AVE, STE. 150 TUE - THU: 11AM - 9PM FRI - SAT: 11AM - 10PM

G Y P SY B I ST R O 501.375.3500 DizzysGypsyBistro.net facebook.com/DizzysGypsyBistro Campy, funky and interactive, Dizzy’s is a refreshingly engaging blend of unique, from scratch international and southern comfort foods, craft beer, world wines, art and music.

Home of

MOST FUN - 2011/2012 /

BEST BUSINESS LUNCH 2012 BEST SERVER 2011/2012 Aimee Stockton

Mr. Chen’s Authentic A uthentic Chinese Chinese Cooking Cooking

LIVE MUSIC!

2011/2012

Neighborhood Dining Guide ■2012 chicken salad, onion rings, and wonderful Homemade Soups. Don’t forget about the BEST shakes in town, which were awarded in The Arkansas Times Best of awards. Daily plate lunch specials. For a treat, Hop on in.

Lunch served 10am-close. Closed Sundays.

201 E. Markham 244-0975.

Lunch: Monday–Friday 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; Closed Saturday Lunch; Sunday Brunch 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner: Sunday–Thursday 5:30 to 9:00 p.m.; Friday–Saturday 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Happy Hour: Monday–Friday 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. 3519 Old Cantrell Road, Little Rock, AR 72202. 663-4666 www.localuna.com

GUSANO’S CHICAGO STYLE PIZZERIA • If you are looking for a perfectly prepared Chicago Style Pizza that consists of all the essential ingredients; a made-from-scratch crust seasoned with herbs and spices, mildly spiced homemade sauce, the finest toppings from Chicago, and premium mozzarella cheese, look no further than Gusano’s.

Located in the River Market, Gusano’s is one of Little Rock’s premiere sports bars and is considered by many to be Central Arkansas’s Razorback game Headquarters.

If you are looking for somewhere to catch the big game, stop by Gusano’s and watch it on one of their 20 HD Plasma TV’s. The restaurant oozes with team spirit and is one of the few venues in Little Rock that has both the NFL Sunday Ticket as well as the NBA League Pass. Gusano’s is also a great place for families as it is a smoke free environment and has a kid’s menu as well as video games, which they will love! So the next time you are planning on eating out, stop by The River Market’s family friendly Pizzeria. 313 President Clinton Ave. Little Rock, AR 72201. Call 374-1441.

RED DOOR • Welcome to Mark Abernathy’s Red Door Restaurant. Red Door is the place in Arkansas for modern southern cuisine.

It’s a cool, casual, popular, fun, and relaxing atmosphere where folks can come for the best food in the state. Features a menu offering a delicious mixture of grilled meats, steaks, the freshest seafood and hearty soups, creative salads, along with fabulous appetizers and desserts‌all at moderate prices. Breakfast: Tuesday–Friday 7:00 to 10:00 a.m.; Saturday Brunch 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Lunch: Tuesday-Friday 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; Saturday Brunch 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 – Closed Sunday and Monday Breakfast and Lunch only, Dinner: Sunday–Thursday 5:00–9:00 p.m.; Friday–Saturday 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. Happy Hour: Monday–Friday 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. 3701 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, AR 72202. 666-8482. www.reddoorrestaurant.net

LOCA LUNA • One of Arkansas’ most celebrated restaurants. In addition to scores of local dining awards and glowing Four Star Reviews, Loca Luna has been nationally recognized in Southern Living, Gourmet, USA Today, Food Arts, New York Times, The Atlanta Journal and many others. Bon AppĂŠtit called Loca Luna one of “America’s Best Neighborhood Restaurants.â€? Dress is whatever you feel good in and the prices are moderate with Lunches around $7.00 – $8.00 and Dinners around $12.00 to $19.00.

Sun-Thur: 11am-9pm Fri-Sat: 11am-9:30pm 4 6OJWFSTJUZ "WF t -JUUMF 3PDL 501.562.7900

Impeccable, Friendly Service

SONNY WILLIAMS STEAK ROOM • Steaks are what Sonny Williams’ Steak Room is all about. The restaurant serves only the finest steaks cut from aged Angus beef, fresh seafood and game, complimented by a Wine Spectator award winning wine list. Sonny Williams boasts a renowned chef, Clay Sipes who creates new menus seasonally for the restaurant.

Located in the hip downtown River Market District, Sonny Williams features a grand piano bar where some of Little Rock’s finest players come to entertain.

Complimentary valet parking service is available. 500 President Clinton Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72201 324-2999 www. sonnywilliamssteakroom.com

Cheap, Fast And Delicious! â€œâ€Śone of the most exciting places to shop and eat in town.â€? — The Arkansas Times

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42 NOVEMBER 21, 2012 ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO ARKANSAS TIMES

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Make the trip over to the Whole Hog Cafe in North Little Rock for the great decor and incredible ribs.

Downtown’s new deli & catering spot!

Specializing in smoked turkey spreads, smoked meats, fresh salads, soups and desserts.

Stop by Gusano’s and watch your favorite game on one of their 20 HD Plasma TV’s.

ARGENTA/ NORTH LITTLE ROCK

RISTORANTE CAPEO • An intimate 77 seat restaurant located in the heart of the Argenta Historic District in North Little Rock. The ambient lighting and Italian architecture create an extremely romantic feel in this quaint space. Capeo is named after the restaurant in the Italian riviera where Chef Eric Issac trained. It serves some of the finest authentic cooking from northern Italy and it’s familiar pasta dishes are known to comfort diners. The crispy bay leaves served with tomato dipping sauce and the exotic veal sweet breads are a must.

So the next time you are in the mood for some exceptional Italian cooking stop by this cozy brick walled restaurant. Mon-Sat bar opens at 4p.m., Dining Room opens at 5p.m. 425 Main Street, North Little Rock, AR 72114. 376-3463 AMERICAN PIE PIZZA • Recognized by the readers of the Arkansas Times as one of the most family friendly restaurants in Central Arkansas for two years in a row. It is only at American Pie Pizza that on Mondays, kids can eat for free, while playing in the kids room or being dazzled by the magician that performs at their Lakewood Location. American Pie pizza has great handmade pizzas on perfect thin crust with a large assortment of toppings made from the freshest ingredients.

This pizzeria is also friend to gluten free folks and offers up some great gluten free crust along with gluten free beer. Stop by for Wacky Wine Wednesdays where all house wines are only $4 or for $2 Tuesdays, when you can get $2 pints of beer or $2 off your 14 inch pizza. If you want to show off that intellect and tickle those often forgotten brain cells stop by one of their Trivia Nights where competition is fierce and the food is phenomenal.

North Little Rock: 4830 N Hills Blvd. North Little Rock, AR 72116. 753-0081 Maumelle: 9709 Maumelle Blvd. North Little Rock, AR 72113. 758-8800 West Little Rock: 10912 Colonel Glenn Road #7000. Little Rock, AR 72204. 225-1900 SANTO COYOTE • Santo Coyote, which has been known for excellent authentic

Mexican fare, in North Little Rock, has added a new location in West Little Rock. It serves up some of the best Mexican food in the city with all the essential spices blended together in perfect proportions leaving each morsel oozing with flavor. Their large variety of tacos are a must try. The best part about the Pleasant Ridge location is its ambiance. Diners can choose between a seat at a cozy table or the perfectly lit bar area inside the restaurant, or on the sizable umbrella-shaded patio. The restaurant also has a wall of shutters that can be rolled up on those beautiful fall and spring days.

Stop by for ladies night on Thursdays for $3 Margaritas, cosmopolitans and house wines. 2513 McCain Boulevard  North Little Rock, AR 72116. 753-9800 11610 Pleasant Ridge Rd., Little Rock, AR 72212. 225-1300 www.santo-coyote.com WHOLEHOGCAFÉ&CATERINGCOMPANY • Starting with the freshest, premium cuts of meat, North Little Rock’s Whole Hog CafÊ hand rubs, trims and cures each piece then slow-smokes it over pecan wood until it’s perfect. Creating World Championship barbecue is what it’s all about. In Arkansas, pork is king. The pulled pork and ribs are classic and worthy of their many blue ribbons.

The beef brisket is cooked to perfection and not to be missed. A six-pack of sauces suites all tastes. Come in and ask for a Pit tour and see for yourself how the World’s Best Barbecue is made. Monday-Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Closed Sunday. 5101 Warden Rd., North Little Rock, AR 72116. 753-9227 www.wholehogcafenlr.com

HEIGHTS/HILLCREST

FANTASTIC CHINA • They’ve come a long way since first opening their doors 15 years ago. From a small table space to a restaurant twice it’s original size, Fantastic China has always remained consistent, serving made to order seasonal, fresh and healthy Chinese cuisine. The modern atmosphere, refined and sophisticated yet informal, is perfect for a relaxing family dinner or a night out with the girls. Fantastic China is the type of place where you are never a stranger and they always know your name, a friendly

SANDWICHES Ĺ­ WRAPS Ĺ­ SALADS & SOUPS Ĺ­ DESSERTS CATERING Ĺ­ DELI-TO-GO Ĺ­ boxed lunches .PO 'SJ Ĺ­ BN QN

We Deliver! “Come try Bray Gourmet for your holiday catering needs, business lunch or gourmet-togo. We’re now offering breakfast daily!� —Chris Bray, owner operator

(501) 353-1045 323 Center Street Ĺ­ Downtown Little Rock www.braygourmet.com

DOE’S KNOWS LUNCH & DINNER Lunch: Mon- Fri 11am-2pm Dinner: Mon-Thur 5:30-9:30pm • Fri & Sat 5:30-10pm FULL BAR & PRIVATE PARTY ROOM

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43

Neighborhood Dining Guide â– 2012

RELAX AND UNWIND! place that makes one feel right at home.

Full Bar. 7 days a week, lunch 11-2:30 Dinner 5-9:30Â Friday and Saturday nights open till 10. 1900 N. Grant Street. 663-8999.

NEXT BISTRO & BAR • This newly opened Hillcrest hotspot has gotten off to a good start. Owners Ashlee Long and Christy Smiley-France have transformed the space into a chic, comfortable venue. A limited menu is in place after the grand opening but expect European bistro-style food featuring seasonal items when the expanded menu becomes available Dec. 1. For now, the must try is the Next cheese dip featuring a blend of several cheeses, tomatoes and spicy seasonings. Other items currently on the menu are sandwiches, other dips and a yummy pumpkin pie sundae. Next has a full bar where the martinis are the star. TuesdayFriday 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. 2611 Kavanaugh Blvd. 663-NEXT (6398)

A BOLD ARKANSAS BISTRO 663-4666 localuna.com

LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM M OF CANTRELL HILL

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Morning, Noon & Night

666-8482 reddoorrestaurant.net

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Your Friendly Neighborhood Seafood Joint Since 1975

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GUMBO, ÉTOUFFÉE, RED BEANS & RICE, CREOLE OR CHICKEN GUMBO GUM WAITING FOR YOU

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44 NOVEMBER 21, 2012 ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO ARKANSAS TIMES

THE OYSTER BAR • Little Rock’s Original Oyster Bar has been serving up great food in the Capitol View/Hillcrest neighborhood since 1975. Sit back, put a quarter in the juke box, order a mug of the coldest beer in town and enjoy fresh seafood and authentic New Orlean’s cuisine in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. At this friendly neighborhood seafood joint there is something for everyone: fried, grilled or peel em’ and eat em’ shrimp, mahi-mahi, chicken and shrimp salads and the traditional favorites: red beans and rice (all you can eat on Mondays), oysters on the half shell, classic po’boys, shrimp gumbo catfish and etoufee. See the online menu for daily specials. They also have a kids’ menu. Don’t forget to save room for delicious homemade icebox pies. The Oyster Bar has a great private party room with a big screen TV. Call 666-7100 for details when planning your next office party, rehearsal dinner, birthday celebration, etc. Find out why The Oyster Bar is where the locals go year after year! LD Mon-Sat. 11-9:30MonThurs/11-10:30 Fri./noon-10 sat. Closed Sunday. Park behind the restaurant. 3003 W.Markham – beer and wine. 666-7100. www.lroysterbar.com RJ TAO • The Heights is serving up the exotic at the ultra sleek RJ Tao. Expect the unordinary when dining here. From the exotic meats, global cuisines to the steaks cooked on Himalayan salt blocks, you’ll find a dining experience not often experienced in the area. The impressive dÊcor will amaze and the covered patio is comfortable during all seasons. Other standouts include a gluten-free menu and late night dining. Beginning Dec. 3 they’ll expand their hours to include lunch Tuesday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner served nightly from 5 p.m. to close. 5501 Kavanaugh Blvd., Suite G 603-0080/0082 www.rjtaorocks.com

SUSHI CAFÉ • Extensive sushi offerings plus cafÊ specialties including American Kobe steaks are what sets Sushi CafÊ apart from others. The food is definitely what keeps people coming to this chic Heights location, but the in-depth wine and sake lists can’t hurt either. Inventive item names means you’ll have just as much fun ordering your food as you will eating it! Be sure to try Da Bomb or Spice Girls – two rolls out of many on the specialty rolls menu.

Consistently voted Best Sushi by Arkansas Times readers! The front patio is the perfect place to eat and watch the Kavanaugh Blvd. happenings. Lunch Monday-Friday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner Monday-Sunday, 5 p.m. to close. 5823 Kavanaugh Blvd.

663-9888/9887 www.sushicaferocks.com

WEST LITTLE ROCK

BUFFALO GRILL • A local favorite for years.

A friendly staff coupled with a comfortable, casual atmosphere makes you and your family feel right at home. American-style menu offers tasty cheese dip for starters.

Great salads, tuna sandwich, plate dinners and more. Â The great, crispy-off-the-griddle cheeseburger and hand-cut fries star at this family-friendly stop. Â The burgers and the fries continue to be winners in The Arkansas Times annual Readers Choice awards. The original location is in full force in Riverdale with a spacious deck and outdoor dining.

A second location in West Little Rock also has roomy outdoor dining. LD Â open 11a9p Sun - Thurs. Fri & Sat. 11a-10p 7 days a week. Full- bar. 1611 Rebsamen Park 2969535Â 400 N. Bowman 224-0012.

BUTCHER SHOP • Since 1982, for 30 years, The Butcher Shop has built its powerful

The interior of Mr Chen’s Authentic Cuisine stays true to what one would imagine seeing should they wander into a restaurant in China.

reputation by serving the finest hickory charcoaled steaks cut from the highest quality grain-fed beef direct from the Midwest. Beef at The Butcher Shop is aged four weeks before being skillfully hand cut by our “in house� butcher. Two inch thick 12oz. Filet Mignons, 25 oz. Porterhouses and 18 oz. perfectly marbled ribeyes are just a few of the tremendous steaks you’ll find in our steak display case placed in full view of you, our guest. In addition to tender and juicy steaks, The Butcher Shop offers fresh fish, 24 hour slow roasted Prime Rib, char grilled marinated chicken and fresh pasta. The Butcher Shop is ideal for private parties, business meetings, and rehearsal dinners. Party Room accommodates up to 50 people and is also available for private lunches, please call us for more information. Tremendous steaks, excellent service, fair prices and a comfortable atmosphere makes The Butcher Shop the prime choice for your evening out. Dinner Hours: MonFri 5:00 till close, Sat.-Sun.  4:30 till close.

10825 Hermitage Road, Little Rock, AR 72211. 312-2748. www.thebutchershoplittlerock.com COMMUNITY BAKERY • Having served central Arkansas for more than 60 years, Community Bakery provides quality, variety, convenience and affordable prices.

Working on-site at our downtown location, our bakers make hundreds of items from scratch every night. As a full-line bakery, we offer tasty treats from donuts to tiramisu to cakes for celebrating events from birthdays to weddings.With seasonal specialties including sweet potato pie, apple, and mincemeat pies, Community Bakery is a crowd pleaser. Convenient and

accessible, both of our locations have drive up windows and plenty of parking. Our downtown store, located in the historic Cohn Building, is a pleasant place to meet and eat with free WiFi, comfortable indoor seating and sidewalk area seating available. We can handle your needs – whether it’s a treat for 1 or 100. Call us today to place your order, or come by one of our locations. And – we do deliver, every day.

Call us for more information. 1200 Main St., 375-6418.

COPELAND’S OF NEW ORLEANS – LITTLE ROCK • Copeland’s Restaurant of Little Rock is the closest thing to New Orleans you’ll find this side of the bayou.

Let Copeland’s enhance your Little Rock dining experience with mouthwatering appetizers, outrageously delicious entrees and signature desserts. Selections resonate with the piquant spices and creamy sauces that made New Orleans one of the culinary capitals of the world. Copeland’s Famous Fried Seafood Platter is a mouthwatering dish of golden fried oysters, delicious shrimp, crawfish tails, mouthwatering crabcake and think crispy catfish. This specialty will never disappoint the seafood lover in you! Shackleford Crossing • Shackleford & I-430. www.copelandsrestaurantlittlerock. com. 312-1616 THE FORBIDDEN GARDEN CHINESE RESTAURANT • Ranked number one in a CNN article Titled“World’s 50 Most Delicious Foods,â€? no wonder the Matsaman curry beef was crowned by some authors as the most complex and time consuming curry to make.

The exotic Matsaman curry merges with rich Chinese spices and ingredients with the aroma of fresh basil and coconut milk as finishing touch - the perfect marriage between tradition and new idea. Matsaman curry beef is one of the most sumptuous, exciting, and flavorful dishes offered in Forbidden Garden.14810 Cantrell Rd. Ste. 140, Little Rock, AR 72223. 868-8149  LAYLA’S • Layla’s gives central Arkansas three locations to choose from (2 in  Little Rock and one in Conway). The location on Hwy 10 offers a more private and romantic setting that is set to the backdrop of harem music creating an ambiance that is perfect for dates or a quite dinner. As always Layla’s serves up a great selection of Mediterranean fare with a menu that includes mouthwatering selections such as gyros, shawarma, and kabobs. The baba ghannouj is the best on the planet. The lentil soup is a light, simple medley and the falafel, served with creamy and tart tzatziki, is a crispy, filling delight. Little Rock: Hours: Mon - Thur 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Fri - Sat 11 a.m. - 10p.m., Sun 11a.m. - 5 p.m. Location: 8201 Ranch Blvd. 868- 8226, 9501 N Rodney Parham Road. 227-7272.

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Neighborhood Dining Guide ■2012 LOGANBERRY SELF SERVE FROZEN YOGURT • Gourmet yogurt made locally at a boutique dairy farm in Russellville, ours is crafted with premium quality ingredients.

Real dairy, fresh milk, real fruit purees, and high counts of beneficial live yogurt cultures including probiotic set Loganberry apart. Serve yourself 12 creamy flavors with a choice of over 50 toppings including warm fruit cobblers. Designed by local artist Ron Logan, the atmosphere provides a chic getaway to warm up this winter with a cup of freshly steamed Hot Chocolate from their new HC bar. Taste the yogurt before you vote for the Best Yogurt! You’ll love it.

Located on Cantrell Road at the corner of Chenonceau Blvd., 868-8194 Facebook. com/loganberryfroyo NYPD • NYPD is where foodies go for the best Pizza. Praised by local food critics, award winning NYPD Pizza is Little Rock’s authentic New York Style Pizza. Offering the highest quality ingredients, all pizzas are hand-tossed with our freshly prepared unique dough, our specially spiced homemade tomato sauce and topped with 100% mozzarella cheese. Gluten Free diners will love our GF pizza crust which comes with any of our toppings. NYPD also offers a full menu of appetizers, pastas, calzones, fresh organic salads, specialty hot hero sandwiches. Be sure to try NYPD before casting your vote for Best Pizza and Best Gluten Free in the Times! Located on 17750 Cantrell Road at the corner of Chenonceau Blvd, 868-3911 Facebook. com/nypdpizzalittlerock PANDA GARDEN • Fresh, flavorful, all-youcan-eat sushi. With fresh and interesting Chinese dishes, nice decor, great dessert choices and really good sushi, Panda Garden raises the bar. With more than 30 hot items, including coconut shrimp and tender steak kebabs, a salad bar, a dessert bar and a sushi bar. They even offer kid pleasing alternatives and for dessert: fruit, cookies, cakes, and a variety of pies, a real treat!

11am-9:30pm. Saturday through Thursday; 11am-10pm.Friday. Shackleford Crossing Shopping Center 2604 S. Shackleford Road, Suite G. 224-8100.

SANTO COYOTE • Santo Coyote, who has been known for excellent authentic Mexican fare, in North Little Rock, has added a new location in West Little Rock. It serves up some of the best Mexican food in the city with all the essential spices blended together in perfect proportions leaving each morsel oozing with flavor. Their large variety of tacos are a must try. The best part about the Pleasant Ridge location is its ambiance. Diners can choose between a seat at a cozy table, the perfectly lit bar area inside the restaurant, or on the sizable umbrella-shaded patio. The restaurant also has a wall of shutters that can be rolled up on those beautiful fall and spring days.

Stop by for ladies night on Thursdays for $3 Margaritas, cosmopolitans and house wines. 2513 McCain Boulevard  North Little Rock, AR 72116. 753-9800 11610 Pleasant Ridge Rd., Little Rock, AR 72212. 225-1300 www.santo-coyote.com

SOUTHWEST LITTLE ROCK

MR. CHEN’S AUTHENTIC CHINESE CUISINE • Mr Chen’s Authentic Cuisine is a hidden gem in the University district of Little Rock. The interior of the restaurant is decorated in a very traditional manner with an elegant wooden false ceiling that has oriental lampshades built into it. The chef at Mr Chen’s is from the mainland and brings with him the expertise to cook traditional delicacies to perfection. The lobster with ginger and scallions, crispy garlic spare ribs and cumin lamb slice are must trys! If you really love fresh fish Mr Chen’s gives you the opportunity to hand pick the fish you want from the aquarium in the grocery store. So the next time you are looking for a place to eat, stop by Mr Chen’s and take in some of the most flavorful food that Little Rock has to offer. Located at 3901 S. University Ave, Little Rock. (501) 562-7900.

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It’s the return of the annual Arkansas Times Musicians Showcase with performers competing for an array of prizes. All acts that have at least four songs of original material are encouraged to enter. All styles are welcome.

The Holy Shakes 2012 Winner

search is on!

Semifinalists will compete throughout January and February at Stickyz.

Weekly winners will then face off in the finals at the Rev Room in March.

Check out arktimes.com/showcase for information on how to enter online and upload your files.

DEADLINE FOR ENTRY

Door prizes will be given away to fans in attendance.

FOR MORE INFO E-MAIL

ARKANSAS TIMES MUSICIANS SHOWCASE ENTRY FORM NAME OF BAND HOMETOWN DATE BAND WAS FORMED AGE RANGE OF MEMBERS (ALL AGES WELCOME) CONTACT PERSON ADDRESS CITY, STATE, ZIP PHONE E-MAIL SEND ENTRIES AND DEMO CD TO: Arkansas Times Musicians Showcase, PO BOX 34010, Little Rock, AR 72203

JAN. 7, 2013 robertbell@arktimes.com

Dining MAIN STREET’S NEWEST ADDITION, Montego Cafe, celebrates its grand opening Thanksgiving evening at 315 Main St., the space that once housed Porter’s Jazz Cafe. Montego is a Jamaicanthemed restaurant, overlooking a club that will feature local and national reggae acts booked by longtime promoter Chris Bowen.

The idea is that you come for dinner and stay, cover-free, or you come for the show only and pay cover. The mastermind behind Montego is Brad McCray, 29, who owns Bear’s Den Pizza in Conway and who owned On the Rocks (now closed) in downtown Little Rock. Montego will serve Jamaican classics, such as beef patties and curried meats, with a few salads and sandwiches thrown in for the vegetarians. McCray’s favorite is the jerk chicken with rice, peas and cabbage. The cuisine should be authentic, since Montego’s chef hails from Kingston.

In keeping with the island theme, the decor leans heavily on natural fibers such as burlap and jute, and features paintings by Pine Bluff artist Ariston Jacks.

Prices will range from $7-$16, with a 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. happy hour.

The restaurant hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday with a limited menu until 1 or 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.

After-dinner hours will be 21 and up.

DINING CAPSULES

AMERICAN

ACADIA A jewel of a restaurant in Hillcrest.

Unbelievable fixed-price, three-course dinners on Mondays and Tuesday, but food is certainly worth full price. 3000 Kavanaugh Blvd. Full bar, CC. $$-$$$.

501-603-9630. D Mon.-Sat. BIG ORANGE: BURGERS SALADS SHAKES Gourmet burgers manufactured according to exacting specs and properly fried Kennebec potatoes are the big draws. 17809 Chenal Parkway. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-821-1515. LD daily.

BOBBY’S CAFE Delicious, humungo burgers and tasty homemade deserts.

12230 MacArthur Drive. NLR. No alcohol, No CC. $. 501-851-7888. BL Tue.-Fri., D Thu.-Fri. BOSCOS RESTAURANT & BREWERY CO. Along with tried and true things like sandwiches, burgers, steaks and big salads, they have entrees like black bean and goat cheese tamales, open hearth pizza ovens and muffalettas. 500 President Clinton Ave. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-907-1881. LD daily. BR Sun.

50

NOVEMBER 21, 2012

ARKANSAS TIMES

JESS ROBERTS

WHAT’S COOKIN’

QUITE A PAIR: Baja Grill’s Cuban Taco and Baja Beef Taco.

Wish they all could be Baja Grill’s Benton truck serves great California-style tacos.

I

n our journeys through the small towns of Arkansas, we’ve been amazed time and again with the specialty restaurants and food vendors tucked away off the beaten path where only the locals go. Certainly, no one would peg Benton as a place serving up some of the best California-style tacos this side of the Golden State — but the locals know better, and when they get a craving for one-of-a-kind tacos and burritos, they head down to a little taco truck called Baja Grill. From their fresh-made salsas, hot sauces and queso to their focus on quality meats and fish, owners Craig and Melissa Roe have turned their little taco stand on Military Road into one of the hottest spots for great eating in Central Arkansas. We’ve eaten at Baja Grill more times than we can count, and every meal has been a celebration of fantastic taste, mammoth portions and excellent service.

Since Arkansas is the land of cheese dip, we always start off our meal with a small order of chips and queso blanco ($2.95), a smooth, white dip that clings to the chips nicely. The queso is liberally spiked with chunks of diced jalapeno that give it a nice kick. The chips are crisp and come out warm — something to be expected from a sit-down restaurant, but a nice surprise from the back of a taco wagon. The queso

Baja Grill

1130 Military Road, Benton 501-722-8920 eatbajagrill.com @eatbajagrill on Twitter QUICK BITE Follow Baja Grill on Twitter for regular specials, including Two-for-Tuesday taco specials and Way Back Wednesdays, which promises discounts in exchange for your delivering silly pop-culture sayings from the ’80s.

HOURS 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

OTHER INFO No alcohol, patio seating.

isn’t anything groundbreaking, but it’s a nice, tasty way to get the meal going.

Ordering a main dish always proves difficult, as each choice on the Baja Grill menu represents something delicious. Taco lovers will be impressed with the size of the specimens served here, and we’ve found several that keep us coming back time and again, like the Baja Beef and the Blackened Mahi Mahi. The Baja Beef ($3.25) is a generous portion of tender shredded beef topped with cheese, cilantro and some of the freshest tasting pico de gallo we’ve ever had. We were pleased at the

savory, slow roasted flavor of the beef and impressed with the way that the flavors all melded together to make each bite nicely balanced. This taco has a different flavor profile than your typical carne asada taco, but beef-fans should still find a lot to love about it. The Blackened Mahi Mahi Taco ($4.25) features large pieces of seasoned fish, slaw, mango salsa, tequila lime aioli and queso fresco. It’s a taco with a subtle play of spice, sweet, and savory, and that manages to be filling without weighing us down after we eat a couple.

Perhaps the best of the bunch, however, is the Cuban Taco ($3.25), a pork taco piled high with sour orange-red cabbage-jicama slaw, avocado, cheese, and chipotle aioli.

In addition to being one of the prettiest dishes we’ve ever had the pleasure to eat, the flavors of this taco were unlike any we’ve ever had, with rich, savory marinated pork complemented perfectly by the slightly crunchy slaw and a spicy sauce that was tempered by cool, creamy avocado. It took about three bites for us to declare it our new favorite taco. As with the beef, the pork was shredded, almost like pulled pork, subtly spiced. It’s a taco that walks the line between being good and almost too much.

If burritos are more your thing, Baja Grill will take any of their taco items (excluding seafood), add rice and black beans, wrap it in a large flour tortilla, grill it, and smother it in queso blanco. In the case of The Cuban, this transforms something beautiful into something transcendent, with smoky pulled pork blended with seasoned black beans and rice, all held together with a cheese-saturated flour tortilla and crunchy slaw on top. The marinated chicken, which adds some marinated onions to the mix just to change it up a little, makes a good burrito as well. There are burrito joints out there like Chipotle that pride themselves on huge burritos that are mostly rice and filler. Skip them and head to Saline County for a burrito the size of two fists filled with tender, fresh cooked meat, vegetables, and drenched in luscious cheese.

The folks running Baja Grill are friendly, and even though we were there during the Friday night rush, our orders came out quickly and were hot and fresh. We’ve not yet found an item we didn’t love. This is a food truck worth seeking out from anywhere in the area, and well worth a trip to Saline County — and there’s also a sno-cone stand next door if you need something cold to wash down your spicy tacos.

Information in our restaurant capsules reflects the opinions of the newspaper staff and its reviewers. The newspaper accepts no advertising or other considerations in exchange for reviews, which are conducted anonymously. We invite the opinions of readers who think we are in error.

BOULEVARD BREAD CO. Fresh bread, fresh pastries, wide selection of cheeses, meats, side dishes; all superb. 1920 N. Grant St. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$. 501-663-5951. BLD Mon.-Sat. 400 President Clinton Ave. Beer, All CC. $$.

501-374-1232. BL Mon.-Sat. 4301 W. Markham St. No alcohol, All CC. $$. 501-526-6661. BL Mon.-Fri. 1417 Main St. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-375-5100. BL Mon.-Sat. BUTCHER SHOP Several menu additions complement the calling card: large, fabulous cuts of prime beef, cooked to perfection.

10825 Hermitage Road. Full bar, All CC. $$$.

501-312-2748. D daily.

CAJUN’S WHARF The venerable seafood restaurant serves up great gumbo and oysters Bienville, and options such as fine steaks for the non-seafood eater. 2400 Cantrell Road. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-375-5351. D Mon.-Sat. CAPERS It’s never been better, with a menu that covers a lot of ground — seafood, steaks, pasta — and does it all well. 14502 Cantrell Road. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-868-7600.

LD Mon.-Sat. COAST CAFE A variety of salads, smoothies, sandwiches and pizzas, and there’s breakfast and coffee, too. 400 President Clinton Ave. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-371-0164. BL Mon.-Sat. COMMUNITY BAKERY This sunny downtown bakery is the place to linger over a latte, bagels and the New York Times. But a lunchtime dash for sandwiches is OK, too. 1200 S. Main St. No alcohol, CC. $-$$. 501-375-7105. BLD daily.

270 S. Shackleford. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$.

501-224-1656. BLD Mon.-Sat. BL Sun. COPPER GRILL Comfort food, burgers and more sophisticated fare. 300 E. Third St. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-375-3333. LD Mon.-Sat. DAVE’S PLACE A popular downtown soupand-sandwich stop at lunch draws a large and diverse crowd for the Friday night dinner. 201 Center St. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-3723283. L Mon.-Fri., D Fri. DIZZY’S GYPSY BISTRO Interesting bistro fare, served in massive portions. 200 River Market Ave. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-375-3500. LD Tue.-Sat. THE FADED ROSE The Cajun-inspired menu seldom disappoints. Steaks and soaked salads are legendary. 1619 Rebsamen Park Road. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-663-9734. LD daily.

FLYING SAUCER A popular hangout thanks to its almost 200 beers and more than decent bar food. 323 President Clinton Ave. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-372-8032. LD daily.

FRANKE’S CAFETERIA Plate lunch spot strong on salads and vegetables, and perfect fried chicken on Sundays. 11121 N. Rodney Parham Road. No alcohol, All CC. $$. 501-2254487. LD Mon.-Fri. 400 W. Capitol Ave. No alcohol, All CC. $$. 501-372-1919. L Mon.-Fri. FROSTOP A ‘50s-style drive-in has been resurrected, with big and juicy burgers and great irregularly cut fries. 4131 JFK Blvd. NLR. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-758-4535. BLD daily.

GADWALL’S GRILL & PIZZA Mouth-watering burgers and specialty sandwiches, plus zesty pizzas with cracker-thin crust and plenty of toppings. 12 North Hills Shopping Center.

NLR. Beer, Wine, All CC. $-$$. 501-834-1840.

LD daily.

HUNKA PIE A drive-up diner with burgers,

BELLY UP

B Breakfast L Lunch D Dinner $ Inexpensive (under $8/person) $$ Moderate ($8-$20/person) $$$ Expensive (over $20/person) CC Accepts credit cards

other sandwiches, onion rings and a number of different pies, available whole or by the slice, fresh baked daily. 250 East Military Drive. NLR. No alcohol, No CC. $-$$. 501-612-4754. BLD Mon.-Sat., BL Sun. IZZY’S Wholesome, all-American food prepared with care, if rarely far from the middle of the culinary road. With full vegan and glutenfree menus. 5601 Ranch Drive. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$. 501-868-4311. LD Mon.-Sat. MARKHAM STREET GRILL AND PUB The menu has something for everyone. Try the burgers, which are juicy, big and fine. 1321 W. Markham St. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-2242010. LD daily, BR Sun. RED DOOR Fresh seafood, steaks, chops and

Check out the Times’ food blog, Eat Arkansas arktimes.com

sandwiches. 3701 Old Cantrell Road. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-666-8482. BL Tue.-Fri. D daily. BR Sat. REDBONE’S Piquant Creole and Cajun food that’s among Little Rock’s best. The shrimp po-boy and duck and andouille gumbo are standouts. 300 President Clinton Ave. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-372-2211. LD daily.

RENO’S ARGENTA CAFE Sandwiches, gyros and gourmet pizzas by day and music and drinks by night. 312 N. Main St. NLR. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-376-2900.

RIVERFRONT STEAKHOUSE Steaks are the draw here finished with butter and served sizzling hot. 2 Riverfront Place. NLR. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-375-7825. D Mon.-Sat.

WHAT’S YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION? wine

/ dine / energize

ROCKET TWENTY ONE Great seafood, among other things. 2601 Kavanaugh Blvd. Full bar, All CC. $$$-$$$$. 501-603-9208. L Mon.-Fri., D Tue.-Sat. RUDY’S OYSTER BAR Good boiled shrimp and oysters on the half shell. 2695 Pike Ave. NLR. Full bar, All CC. 501-771-0808. LD Mon.-Sat. SO RESTAURANT BAR Call it a French brasserie with a sleek, but not fussy American finish.

3610 Kavanaugh Blvd. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$.

501-663-1464. LD Mon.-Sat., D Sun. TRIO’S Fresh, creative and satisfying lunches; even better at night, when the chefs take flight.

8201 Cantrell Road Suite 100. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-221-3330. LD Mon.-Sat., BR Sun. VIEUX CARRE A pleasant spot in Hillcrest with specialty salads, steak and seafood.

2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$.

501-663-1196. LD Mon.-Fri., D Sat., BR Sun. YOUR MAMA’S GOOD FOOD Offering simple and satisfying cafeteria food, with burgers and more hot off the grill, plate lunches and pies. 215 Center St. No alcohol, All CC. $. 501-372-1811. BL Mon.-Fri. ZIN URBAN WINE & BEER BAR Cosmopolitan yet comfortable, a relaxed place to enjoy fine wines and beers while noshing on superb meats, cheeses and amazing goat cheesestuffed figs. 300 River Market Ave. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-246-4876. D daily.

ASIAN

5501 Kavanaugh Blvd. Ste. g/In the heIghtS/501.603.0080 StartIng dec. 2012: lunch tueS-FrI 11-2/dInner tueS-FrI 5-cloSe/Sunday Brunch 11-2 SteaK SpecIalS every nIght!/Jazzzzy Jazz nIght Wed/happy hour tueS-Sat Live entertainment thur-Sat rJ tao Cover Bands, CeleBrity dJ’s & entertainment BIG BODACIOUS STEAKS | EXOTIC MEATS | FONDUES | PACIFIC RIM CUISINES | ULTRA LOUNGE

CHI’S CHINESE CUISINE Offers a broad menu that spans the Chinese provinces and offers a few twists on the usual local offerings. 5110 W. Markham St. Beer, All CC. $-$$. 501-604-7777.

LD Mon.-Sat. CRAZY HIBACHI GRILL Tapanaki cooking, sushi bar and sit-down dining with a Mongolian grill. 2907 Lakewood Village. NLR. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-812-9888. LD daily.

FANTASTIC CHINA The food is delicious, the presentation beautiful, the menu distinctive, the service perfect, the decor bright. 1900 N. Grant St. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-663-8999. LD daily.

LILLY’S DIMSUM THEN SOME Innovative dishes inspired by Asian cuisine, utilizing local and fresh ingredients. 11121 N. Rodney Parham Road. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$-$$$.

501-716-2700. LD Tue.-Sun. MT. FUJI JAPANESE RESTAURANT The dean of Little Rock sushi bars offers a fabulous lunch special and great Monday night deals. 10301 Rodney Parham Road. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$.

501-227-6498. LD daily. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-227-6498.

OSAKA JAPANESE RESTAURANT Finedining Japanese dishes and a well-stocked sushi bar. 5501 Ranch Dr. $$-$$$. 501-868-3688.

LD Sun.-Thu., D Fri.-Sat. SAIGON CUISINE Traditional Vietnamese with Thai and Chinese selections. Be sure to try the authentic pho soups and spring rolls. 14524 Cantrell Road. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-8687770. LD daily.

SUSHI CAFE Impressive, upscale sushi menu with other delectable house specialties like tuna tataki, fried soft shell crab, Kobe beef and, believe it or not, the Tokyo cowboy burger.

5823 Kavanaugh Blvd. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$.

501-663-9888. L Mon.-Sat. D daily.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 52

www.arktimes.com

NOVEMBER 21, 2012

51

CROSSWORD

DINING CAPSULES, CONT.

EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ Across 1 Mlles., across the border 6 Big bird 9 Clear up, in a way 14 Verb in “The Raven” 15 PC connection 16 Word on a lawn sign 17 Free from bondage 19 Send sky-high 20 Gore and Green 21 Cinema chain 22 Something that’s good to break 23 Handed down, as lore 25 Stops procrastinating 27 Frivolous gal of song 30 Aldous Huxley’s school 31 Collections of like objects

33 “Silas Marner” girl 36 Lapsed, as a subscription 37 Trademark of 1899 that’s no longer protected 40 Stirs up 41 Hit the gas 42 Atlas feature 43 Expose to UV waves, say 45 Connections to the WWW 49 S.S.S. part: Abbr.

50 Devotees: Suffix 51 Exactly right 53 Quizzical utterances 55 See 1-Down 57 Coach Parseghian 58 Hoops Hall-ofFamer Thomas 60 Italian P.M. nicknamed Divo Giulio 62 Uniform decoration

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE A G H A S T

B R I B E D

U S S T H E P T I O N S T S O

C O T H O D R A P J O I N S O R B E N E S S I C E S N A P E A S T U M P J U R E M O D G E P J A R S E I S F A N S P N N Y D

E R M A T S P P A G J U A N M P A I S T

A T H R O E L E D G A E R L S L I D L A P J E R S E O M E D

S H O P S

B A D J O K M E S S S S C H I O A C K S

A N G E L I N A

D E E T A T M

T I C K E R

S A Y S N O

63 Excessive detail, in a text 64 Mad magazine’s “___ Gang of Idiots” 65 Smart-alecky 66 Yet, in verse 67 Hamilton vs. Burr and others Down 1 With 55-Across, what the circled letters, reading clockwise, form 2 Brook 3 Throw in the direction of 4 Greek capital, to airlines 5 Intend to definitely 6 Sommer of film 7 Viruses, worms, etc.

8 Intl. peace and human rights grp.

9 Distant regions of the universe 10 First name in scat 11 Is intrepid 12 Thanksgiving mo., in Canada 13 Co. that merged into Verizon 18 Salted fish 24 Five Nations tribe 26 Spins, rolls or draws 28 Malaria symptom 29 Normandy vessels of ’44 31 Martini base, maybe

1

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BARBECUE

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31 34

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Puzzle by Peter Koetters

32 Ab ___ (from the beginning) 34 In a Victorian manner 35 Larklike songbird 37 Floor model caveat 38 Nimble for one’s age

39 August meteor shower 40 Suffix with serpent 42 “My treat” 44 Fill with gas 46 Center of many a plaza 47 Way in 48 Slimy pests

51 Orch. section 52 Pretentious sort 54 Lukas of “Witness” 56 Asgard ruler 58 Some AOL transmissions 59 Chantey subject 61 The Cowboys of the N.C.A.A.

For answers, call 1-900-285-5656, $1.49 a minute; or, with a credit card, 1-800-814-5554.

Annual subscriptions are available for the best of Sunday crosswords from the last 50 years: 1-888-7-ACROSS. AT&T users: Text NYTX to 386 to download puzzles, or visit nytimes.com/mobilexword for more information.

Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 2,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year).

Share tips: nytimes.com/wordplay.

Crosswords for young solvers: nytimes.com/learning/xwords.

THIS MODERN WORLD

CHATZ CAFE ‘Cue and catfish joint that does heavy catering business. Try the slow-smoked, meaty ribs. 8801 Colonel Glenn Road. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-562-4949. LD Mon.-Sat. CORKY’S RIBS & BBQ The pulled pork is extremely tender and juicy, and the sauce is sweet and tangy without a hint of heat. Maybe the best dry ribs in the area. 12005 Westhaven Drive. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-954-7427. LD daily. 2947 Lakewood Village Drive. NLR. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-753-3737. LD daily, B Sat.-Sun. WHITE PIG INN Go for the sliced rather than chopped meats at this working-class barbecue cafe. 5231 E. Broadway. NLR. Beer, All CC. $-$$. 501-945-5551. LD Mon.-Fri., L Sat. WHOLE HOG CAFE The pulled pork shoulder is a classic, the back ribs are worthy of their many blue ribbons, and there’s a six-pack of sauces for all tastes. 516 Cantrell Road. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$.

501-664-5025. LD Mon.-Sat. 12111 W. Markham. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$. 501-907-6124. LD daily 150 E. Oak St. Conway. No alcohol, All CC. $$. 501-513-0600. LD Mon.-Sat., L Sun. 5107 Warden Road. NLR. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$. 501-753-9227.

EUROPEAN / ETHNIC

CAFE BOSSA NOVA A South American approach to sandwiches, salads and desserts, all quite good. 2701 Kavanaugh Blvd. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-614-6682. LD Tue.-Sat., BR Sun. DUGAN’S PUB Serves up Irish fare like fish and chips and corned beef and cabbage alongside classic bar food. 401 E. 3rd St. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-244-0542. LD daily.

GEORGIA’S GYROS Good gyros, Greek salads and fragrant grilled pita bread highlight a large Mediterranean food selection. 2933 Lakewood Village Drive. NLR. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-753-5090.

LD Mon.-Sat. HIBERNIA IRISH TAVERN This traditional Irish pub has its own traditional Irish cook from, where else, Ireland. Broad beverage menu, Irish and Southern food favorites. 9700 N Rodney Parham Road. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-246-4340. D Mon.-Fri., BR, L, D Sat.-Sun. LAYLA’S GYROS AND PIZZERIA Delicious Mediterranean fare that has a devoted following. All meat is slaughtered according to Islamic dietary law. 9501 N. Rodney Parham Road. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$.

501-227-7272. LD daily (close 5 p.m. on Sun.).

TAJ MAHAL Upscale versions of traditional dishes and an extensive menu. Dishes range on the spicy side. 1520 Market Street. Beer, All CC. $$$. 501-881-4796. LD daily.

THE TERRACE MEDITERRANEAN KITCHEN A broad selection of Mediterranean delights. 2200 Rodney Parham Road. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-217-9393. LD Mon.-Fri., D Sat. YA YA’S EURO BISTRO Translates comfort food into beautiful cuisine.

Best bet is lunch, where you can explore the menu through soup, salad or half a sandwich. 17711 Chenal Parkway. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-821-1144. LD daily, BR Sun.

ITALIAN

BRAVO! CUCINA ITALIANA This upscale Italian chain offers delicious and sometimes inventive dishes. 17815 Chenal Pkwy. Full bar, All CC. $$$. 501-821-2485. LD daily. BR Sun. BRUNO’S ITALIAN BISTRO Traditional Italian antipastos, appetizers, entrees and desserts. Extensive menu. 315 N. Bowman Road. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-225-5000. L,D Mon.-Sat. GRAFFITI’S The casually chic and ever-popular Italian-flavored bistro avoids the rut with daily specials and careful menu tinkering. 7811 Cantrell Road. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-224-9079. D Mon.-Sat. RISTORANTE CAPEO Authentic cooking from the boot of Italy. 425 Main St. NLR. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-376-3463. D Mon.-Sat. ROCKY’S PUB Rocking sandwiches an Arkie used to have to head way northeast to find and a fine selection of homemade Italian entrees, including as fine a lasagna as there is. 6909 JFK Blvd. NLR. Beer, Wine. $$. 501-833-1077. LD Mon.-Sat.

LATINO

BUMPY’S TEXMEX GRILL & CANTINA The menu includes Tex-Mex staples but also baby back ribs, fried fish and a grilled chicken salad.

400 N. Bowman Road. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-379-8327. LD daily.

JUANITA’S Menu includes a variety of combination entree choices plus creative salads and other dishes. 614 President Clinton Ave. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-372-1228. LD Mon.-Sat. ROSALINDA RESTAURANT HONDURENO A Honduran cafe that specializes in pollo con frito tajada (fried chicken and fried plaintains).

3700 JFK Blvd. NLR. No alcohol, No CC. $-$$. 501-771-5559. LD daily.

TAQUERIA THALIA Try this taco truck on the weekends, when the special could be anything from posole to menudo to shrimp cocktail. 4500 Baseline Road. No alcohol, No CC. $. 501-563-3679. LD Wed.-Mon.

52

NOVEMBER 21, 2012

ARKANSAS TIMES

This Crystorama One Light Rose pendant with wet white finish, from the Cypress Collection, would be an excelent holiday lighting addition.

Lewis Lighting offers Christmas tree and door decorating services. They are taking orders now. They’ll decorate with what you have, add to, or bring new. The service is $75 an hour.

NOVEMBER 21, 2012

Light up your holidays

WE HAVE WEDGE BOOTS

BY JANIE GINOCCHIO

H

oliday decorating is one of those things you love or dread — you’re either putting up the tree and garland the day after Thanksgiving (or sooner) or you’re scrambling around three days before Christmas trying to get the lights up before the inlaws get there.

I’m more on the dread it side, usually because I find the whole thing more time-consuming than jolly. One year, the tree didn’t go up until Christmas Eve and didn’t come down until February.

Fortunately, Lewis Lighting and Home in Benton has a solution for people like me: Christmas tree and door decorating services. Their designers can either work with the decorations you have, create a mix of old and new or simply set you up with brand-new decorations. If you’re looking for convenience, they have four themes you can choose from: traditional (red, gold and green), woodland (think canoes and rustic, outdoorsy stuff), kids (nutcrackers

hearsay

➼ THE PROMENADE AT CHENAL kicks off a weekend of holiday fun with a special shopping night from 9 p.m. to midnight Nov. 30. Customers will also receive hot cocoa and cookies, along with a chance to enter a drawing for a $500 shopping spree. The shopping center’s fifth annual Celebration of Lights will be from noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 1. The arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus will begin the festivities, which also include lighting a 26-foot, musically animated tree at 6 p.m. ➼ Get into the holiday spirit with 10 of your gal pals at VESTA’S private afterhours shopping parties. You’ll get to shop while you sip wine and buy each other presents. To reserve a date, call Lila Ashmore at 501-375-7820. ➼ Want to know which PARK PLAZA stores will be open at midnight on Black Friday? Find out on the mall’s website: www.parkplazamall.com. Click on the sales and events tab.

and assorted toys) and nest (bird silhouettes, decorations with a vintage look). There are still appointments available through December, C.J. Ellis, a designer at Lewis Lighting and Home, said.

If you’ve got your tree and door wreaths under control, Lewis Lighting and Home has some fun light fixtures that can give your holiday dĂŠcor an especially wintry feel. The Crystorama brand fixture in the wet white finish “looks like ice or snow,â€? Ellis said. One particularly beautiful chandelier looks like a rose kissing ball. Other holiday lighting ideas include tying ribbons to the canopy of a chandelier or other hanging light fixture and let the ends stream down. You can also attach ornaments to the ribbon ends for extra sparkle.

If you love the warm lighting effect of candles but are concerned about the

➼ The ARKANSAS CRAFT GUILD’S 34TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS SHOWCASE will be Dec. 7- 9 at the Statehouse Convention Center. how hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 7, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 8 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 9, with an early bird shoppers’ special with free admission from 8-10 a.m. Dec. 8. More than 100 artists will have traditional and contemporary fine art and crafts for sale. Admission is $5 for adults; children 12 and under are admitted free of charge. ➼ Don’t forget to get your tickets for FESTIVAL AFTER DARK, part of CARTI Auxiliary’s Festival of Trees series of fund-raising events. Scheduled for 7 p.m. Nov. 30 at the Statehouse Convention Center, the event will feature live music and food from many of Little Rock’s finest restaurants. Tickets are $50. For more information, visit www. carti.com.

from

fire risk or melted wax on the furniture, Lewis Lighting and Home also carries electric candles, both the battery-powered and the corded variety.

Another way to add warmth through lighting is to use flicker bulbs, which mimic the warm glow of a fire and can be used in both indoor and outdoor fixtures.

To get more decorating ideas or to make a design appointment, contact LEWIS LIGHTING AND HOME at 501-315-2400 or visit WWW. LEWISLIGHTINGANDHOME. COM. If you’d like to visit the showroom directly, the address is 201 Edison Ave. in Benton.

2616 Kavanaugh | 501.661.1167 M-F 10-6, SAT 10-5

ARKANSAS TIMES READERS ARE GIVERS.

CORRECTION: In last week’s story, an information box had an incorrect date for the Curbside Couture fashion show at the Clinton Presidential Center. The event will be at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2.

CRAZY DAVE'S CARPET OUTLET

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53

Giving thanks, 2012

T

ime again to say grace over the bird.

Some possibilities to pick and choose from.

Thanks for drinking water that more and more often tastes like caught fish left in the livewell for about three days. In August.

Thanks for those on whose last nerve I didn’t this year get. Or who had the forbearance not to tell me if I did.

Thanks for those who showed us it could be done, even if we’ve meantime lost the knowhow. And most of the want-to.

Thanks for our U.S. exceptionalism, for our being better and more blessed in thy sight than nations and people elsewhere. We just get exceptionaler all the time.

Thanks for the impetus to so madly pursue whatever it is we are so madly pursuing.

Thanks for it no longer being considered a vulgarity when you call it poop.

Thanks for the progress we’ve made in minding our own business. Especially in the area of family planning.

Thanks for instant depreciation. Particularly the large kind that follows you off the car lot.

Thanks for the hectic pace where there used to be so much dawdling around.

Thanks for the ever intensifying blowhardery keeping our attention on important matters rather than letting it drift to quieter considerations expressed (if at all) in the

manner of old courtesies.

Thanks for purging our collective psyche of the foolish notion that for someBOB body somewhere LANCASTER some time or other enough might really be enough.

Thanks for the ubiquity, the indefatigability, the infernal whateverness of the dogpeter gnat.

Thanks for Bryant overtaking Cabot in the race for dillweed capital.

Thanks for the polar hot tubs that global warming turned the erstwhile polar ice caps into.

Thanks for overly familiar telephone robots. (“Can I call you Bob? If so, press 1.

If you would prefer ‘Mr. Lancaster,’ press 2.

If you’d rather I go perform a contortionist self-violation of the type that Veep Cheney used to prescribe for his detractors, press 3.” …Alas, there’s no Press 3 option. Just wishful thinking on my part.)

Thanks for the advent of political etcha-sketchery.

Thanks for it having come down to the nonsensical vs. the idiotic. Maybe corked Larry v. bonked Shemp.

Thanks for letting our rep win approximately seven-tenths of one per cent of the

time in the age-old battle of wits between the ues, the few thousand battered books, still turkey hunter and his intended prey with a mainly responsible for keeping the dark back. brain the size of a prune.

Thanks for all the vital computations havThanks for all the blackbirds coming ing been removed to an unspecific location down one more winter to serve as symbols on an imaginary cloud. or reminders of whatever it is they’re supThanks for a belief system of such frabjous posed to symbolize for us or remind us of. construction that it can see a dire threat to Thanks for the indignities that age visits its very existence in the far-off publication on a body. The expected ones and those we of a cartoon.

Thanks for the unopenable spill-guarannever would’ve guessed. The frivolity, the capriciousness of them contraindicating a teeing little plastic bag inside the cereal box.

Master Plan.

Thanks for all the new meds that are Thanks for what the social media have obliged in their advertising to list death as done for literacy. a possible incidental side-effect.

Thanks for one more cult thwarted.

Thanks for the Carolina Graham crackers.

Thanks for the gerbilizing of America, Thanks for one more demonstration that steadfastly treadmilling off the stockpiled tal- while most of it can be bought and sold, not low for lack of being able to think of a more all of it can be. Not yet. constructive or productive way of doing it, Thanks for a segment capable of hatchthe gerbil still better at it in that he or she ing the notion of an Agenda 21 and of giving doesn’t need the headphone music to scat- it immediate full credulity.

Thanks for the resiliency of torture, the ter the tedium — tedium, a certain dutiful uncomplaining blankness, being the gerbil’s resurgence of ebola, the dependable regularpreferred milieu, its what’s-happening and ity of copperhead ebeneezering. where-it’s-at, as it was for Old Man Rowdy Thanks for all the expressions of shame at the RNC, enrapt in bemused conversation and embarrassment from the bailed-out bigwith the empty chair. gies for the catastrophe their splurge of greed Thanks for Texas as a one-word encap- brought on. Thanks also for their classy show sulation of, or shibboleth for, a whole range of remorse in choosing to return, or refusing of insufferables. to accept in the first place, all the gigantic Thanks for all of it having happened laughably-called performance bonuses that their scuzzbaggery earned them. …What? … within a mere 6,000 years.

Thanks for pink slime and the pink slimi- Not a single one of them? …OK, never mind this one then. fication of the culture that it represents.

Etc. etc. and amen dig in.

Thanks for the two gross of broken stat-

ARKANSAS TIMES CLASSIFIEDS NATIONWIDE COMMERCIAL AUCTION

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Subject to auction terms and conditions. Auction.com, LLC, 1 Mauchly, Irvine, CA 92618 (800) 499-6199. AR RE Brkr PB00069447; Auctioneer Michael Eugene Carr 2241. The information being provided in connection with the auction is for informational purposes only. No representations or warranties are being made as to the accuracy or completeness of any information provided. Documents and pictures may not represent the current condition of the property at the time of sale. All properties, notes and/or loan pools are being sold “AS IS, WHERE IS, WITH ALL FAULTS AND LIMITATIONS” and all sales are “FINAL.” Prospective bidders are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence and investigate all matters relating to the properties, notes and/or loan pool that they are interested in purchasing. No prospective bidder may trespass on any property, disturb the occupants, or contact the borrowers, if any. It is recommended that prospective bidders seek independent advice, including legal advice, to perform due diligence and to fully understand the auction process in general.

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21, 2012 ARKANSAS TIMES 54 NOVEMBER 54 NOVEMBER 21, 2012 ARKANSAS TIMES

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, AR is seeking a candidate who will be responsible for enhancing software applications in front-end for users in the division & w/ collaborators at UAMS & elsewhere. Be responsible for programming & customization in numerous bioinformatics research initiatives, such as working w/other researchers on development, deploying & adoption of cancer Biomedical Informatics Grid (cdBIG), caBIG Clinical Trial Mgt sys (CTMS), NCI Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) stands version of customization, etc., by utilizing cutting edge software development technologies (e.g. Spring MVC, Globus/ CaGrid Services, J2EE, JBOSS, LAMPP, AJAX, XML, CSV, SQL server & SQL technologies, etc); Participate in National Children’s Study Informatics team to set up and operate Limesurvey instances on multiservers, as well as developing adaptive plug-in software components for LimeSurvey; Anal, design, maintain & optimize Server LAMP Stack Mgt & developing new components, & integrate w/online open-source applications w/high performance computing & various other technologies. Required: MS in Computer Science or a closely related field. Must know LAMPP, J2EE, AJAX, JSON, JQUERY, CSS, XML, MySQL, & PostgreSQL. Reference # 50051481 Send CV: T. Smith, Finance Mgr, TRI, UAMS, Jack Stephens Bldg. Rm 461, 4301 W. Markham St. # 577- 1 Little Rock, AR 72205

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www.arktimes.com NOVEMBER 21, 2012 55

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