Arkansas Times

ARKANSAS’S SOURCE FOR NEWS, POLITICS AND ENTERTAINMENT ■ JULY 6, 2011

www.arktimes.com

WHEN THE

FREEDOM RIDERS CAME TO LITTLE ROCK

A 50th anniversary look back at a forgotten Civil Rights stand.

BY JOHN A. KIRK PAGE 10

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6/6/11 1:38 PM

THE INSIDER 1st District politics

n Evidence grew in the last week that Democrats hope to retake the District 1 congressional seat held by freshman Republican Rep. Rick Crawford of Jonesboro.

Three names were linked to the race, all from Jonesboro.

Steve Rockwell, member of a Corning-based publishing family, told a crowd at the Corning Fourth of July picnic that he was considering the race.

Prosecuting Attorney Scott Ellington told the Blue Arkansas blog he was giving some thought to the race. Finally, Chad Causey, the former aide to retired Rep. Marion Berry who lost to Crawford in 2010, said he’s thinking about another race.

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n Readers of the Arkansas DemocratGazette might have noticed a bit of a shake-up over the holiday weekend as two fairly significant changes were announced: Jay Grelen’s thrice-weekly column “Sweet Tea” will be no more and Linda Caillouet’s “Paper Trails” column will make only one weekly appearance instead of three. Caillouet will also write for the feature’s department.

Deputy editor Frank Fellone told the Times the decision had nothing to do with space issues or economic considerations.

“I would say that it would be unseemly for me to describe in too great of detail how this played out,” Fellone said. “But let me just say that nothing lasts forever, including me. They both wrote a column for seven or eight years. That’s a pretty long stretch in the newspaper business, I think.”

Grelen was “given the opportunity to move to the copy desk,” where he spent some time during a sabbatical from his column, Fellone said, and took it. “He’s a very good copy editor,” Fellone added.

Caillouet noted in her Monday column the declining number of full-time columnists at newspapers across the country. Fellone said people who have a variety of skills are becoming more and more valuable in the newspaper business.

“Someone like Linda, who can write a column once a week and also excel in feature writing, is valuable. We seem, all, not just at this newspaper – and in fact probably less here than at some others – to be doing a little more of everything. I don’t think that’s unusual. It’s probably that way at a lot of businesses, I feel certain. In a way we’re throwing back to two or three decades ago where people did more than one thing in a newsroom.” www.arktimes.com • JULY 6, 2011 3

Smart talk

Contents

10 When

Sneering at traffic safety

freedom rode

n A Longview, Wash., teenager is leading a campaign to get rid of the city’s cameras that catch people running red lights, and an Associated Press article about the campaign mentioned that nine states have banned red-light cameras statewide. Arkansas is one of the nine. The others are Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Hampshire, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Evidently, red-light runners have a strong lobby in Little Rock, or perhaps the legislators themselves enjoy flouting traffic laws. A couple of them were caught in that sort of activity during the legislative session earlier this year.

Act 1451 of 2005 prohibits “the use of automated enforcement devices to enforce traffic laws.” It was sponsored by Sen. Jimmy Jeffress of Crossett, whose motive is unknown. He doesn’t return calls from the Arkansas Times to talk about it. Presumably, Crossett doesn’t have big traffic problems, but Little Rock does, and at one time was seriously considering the installation of cameras at intersections. Many cities have such cameras and report they’re effective in reducing the running of red lights.

In 2001, the city caved in to pressure from red-light runners, and before the issue could be revisited, Jeffress had passed his anticamera law, possibly at the behest of Little Rock legislators who didn’t want their own names on what might be a controversial piece of legislation.

Hot Springs data n The Times’ collection of searchable databases, which already includes salary information on all Little Rock, Pulaski County and Fayetteville government employees and lists of state agency cell phone expenditures and license plate numbers for all state legislators and constitutional officers, continues to expand at www.arktimes.com/data. There you’ll also find salary and

A look back at the largely forgotten history of the Freedom Riders visit to Little Rock 50 years ago. — By John A. Kirk

19 The man

comes around

Have you seen this ex-con? n Given how expensive it can be to keep a person in prison, it’s understandable that a lot of counties in Arkansas are looking at parole and probation for non-violent offenders rather than spending more money to feed, shelter and clothe them in the hoosegow. The problem is: We aren’t doing a stellar job at keeping tabs on the parolees we’ve got. According to the Department of Community Correction, there are currently around 9,200 people on parole or probation in Pulaski County. Of those, 1,460 are in “abscond status,” meaning they haven’t made contact with their parole officer for 30 days or more — 910 on probation and 553 on parole. Some of the missing cons have literally been in abscond status for years, and many of them aren’t spending their extra time going to choir practice and learning how to type. Example: Marie Ashford, a 2005 parolee who was arrested in the fatal stabbing death of her boyfriend in North Little Rock recently, has been the subject of an active absconder warrant in Pulaski County since August 2006.

employment information for the city of Hot Springs, with opportunities to browse the top 50 city salaries, see an overview of the maximum and median pay of each city department, and search for any employee’s pay, title, department, gender, date hired and more. Another new wrinkle on all of our salary databases: All are now available for download in Excel format to better aid citizen journalists and researchers. Let us know what you find.

An excerpt from the new book “Johnny Cash’s American Recordings” examines the Man in Black’s final days. — By Tony Tost

33 Not just pizza

OW pasta, salads and sandwiches delight too. — By Arkansas Times staff

DEPARTMENTS

3 The Insider

4 Smart Talk

5 The Observer

6 Letters

7 Orval 8-15 News

16 Opinion

19 Arts & Entertainment

29 Dining

31 Crossword/ Tom Tomorrow

38 Lancaster

Words VOLUME 37, NUMBER 44

n Oh you beautiful moll: “Bulger’s Moll a Loyal Cohort … From an early age, Catherine Elizabeth Greig knew the life of a moll.”

It’s good to see a moll in the headlines again. They used to be plentiful, but now they’re scarce as ivory-billed woodpeckers.

And newspaper headlines are duller because of it. “Trade pacts clear House GOP hurdle”? Ho-hum.

A moll, sometimes referred to as a gun moll or a gangster’s moll, is “a female companion of a criminal.” I think it’s understood that the moll and the criminal are not married, so it would be technically incorrect to refer to Mrs. Madoff as a moll, or Mrs. Blagojevich. Moll dates from the early 20th century. The origin is unclear.

In the old days, you’d sometimes find a moll in the company of a yegg, but the 4 JULY 6, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES

Doug S mith doug@arktimes.com

yeggs have diminished in number too. A yegg is a safecracker. Modern criminals don’t bother with creeping in at night and stealthily, skillfully opening a safe. They walk in with guns in broad daylight and make someone else open the safe. Unpleasant sorts; no wonder they can’t get a moll. n “The murders of St. Petersburg, Fla., police officer David Crawford and Norfolk, Va., officer Victor Decker were celebrated in guttural language by one of the racist blogs in the National Black Foot Soldiers

Network.” Guttural is an adjective, but it’s not an adjectival form of gutter. Note the u instead of e.

Guttural has to do with sound (“harsh, throaty”) not substance. The blogger in question used obscene language. n “Is the plural rights of way or right of ways? I checked one dictionary, which says either is acceptable.”

The first one I checked said the same thing. But there’s no such pussyfooting for Garner’s Modern American Usage, which lists a number of compound nouns and hyphenated terms that “make their plurals by adding –s to the main word,” among them brothers-in-law, courts-martial, holes in one and rights-of-way. (Garner uses hyphens with right-of-way. Random House doesn’t.)

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

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

©2011 ARKANSAS TIMES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

FOR INFORMATION OR SUBSCRIPTIONS CALL 501-375-2985

The Observer frets about the teen-agers of this world, their eyeballs and fingers glued as they are to all kinds of electronics. The post-alphabet generation shuns talk for text, personal encounters for those of the Facebook kind.

So imagine our thrill when on the Fourth of July we saw three young men labor mightily, in the great outdoors of Murray Park, to launch a baseball with a weapon once used in the 13th century.

Until some years ago, we thought trebuchet was simply the name of the font that we are writing this column in. But, as was so often the case when our own teenager was young, we learned from a children’s book that a trebuchet was a contraption that launched heavy stones and other dangerous items up and over castle walls.

The boys had built their trebuchet over a period of weeks in a backyard. The father of one suggested they might use it to storm that medieval stronghold being constructed up near Lead Hill (with tickets at $17 a pop, that might be a good way to see it). But first, the engineers of summer had to test it.

On the first launch, the counterweights — bags of concrete soaked in water — slid off their platform so quickly that the baseball just skittered out of its blue-jeansand-duct-tape sling. Undaunted, the three put their heads together, secured the counterweights again, launched again. After three tries, they got the ball to fly forward.

It didn’t travel quite as far as any of the three could probably throw it, though the action was impressive.

As other children in the park began to gather around, the boys kept making adjustments to the device. Then, one of them did the 21st century thing: He pulled out his cellphone and called for backup.

The Observer has been with the Arkansas Times for many a year now, and so the dispatch above couldn’t help but remind us of a newsroom memory.

We’re chock full of ’em, and we’ve spent enough time hanging around here that we’ve pretty much got an inside-baseball recollection for every occasion at this point.

A few years back, The Observer, long a tinkerer, built our own trebuchet in the mad scientist laboratory that abuts The Observatory. It was a beaut: all quarter

sawn white oak with brass fittings; maybe two-and-a-half feet tall when the throwing arm was at the top of its arc; just the right size to strike fear into the hearts of a battalion of green plastic army men.

Even weighted with a sack full of BB’s, it didn’t seem all that powerful, but we were proud enough of it when finished that we brought it in to The Fortress of Employment one slow Thursday to share with others, partially to prove that our offhours aren’t filled solely with bad television and rum punch.

The trebuchet sat on The Observer’s desk all day, and we got enough questions about it that we started demonstrating it in the newsroom, using jawbreakers from the gumball machine outside, which were just the right size and weight for its tiny, duct-tape sling. We’d all stand back, pull the brass pin with a long trigger string, and the trebuchet would lob the jawbreaker into the corner of the newsroom, where it would drop with a thump on the carpet near Leslie Peacock’s door; an arcing, underhanded pitch that made us think of medieval sieges or yore. The kudos were thick.

A little after 1 p.m., the room mostly empty, Leslie and Max Brantley came in, full from lunch. While Max settled himself at his desk to blog, Leslie, always the curious sort, asked for an explanation/ demonstration. We loaded up the jawbreaker we’d been using all day, stood back, and pulled the pin.

We don’t really understand what happened next, and still don’t. Possibly we had the sling situated just right for once, or else some God of War decided it was high time to teach us a lesson about getting our jollies tinkering with the pintsized machinery of death. For whatever reason though, this time — instead of that gentle lob into the corner — the jawbreaker came out of the sling like it’d been shot from a rifle. The cannonball blurred into something like a brightly-colored laser beam as it flew 30 feet across the newsroom, then hit the brick wall next to Leslie’s door hard enough that the jawbreaker literally exploded, showering Max and his nearby desk with sugary shrapnel. He was, in a word, displeased.

And so ended The Observer’s miniature warmaking — at the office, anyway.

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Letters arktimes@arktimes.com

On Brantley I read with great joy of Max Brantley’s “retirement” from that awful liberal rag and so-called “alternative” paper, which has long been the mouthpiece of whacko, left-wing, anti-business, pro-commie, gayloving, anti-God, progressive trash.

Art, some would call it (those folks tend to stay in Hillcrest).

Journalism, a claim made by even fewer, at least no one in God’s Country of West Little Rock, where the skin is white and the living is easy, and the signs in the yards every other year yell “NO TAXES” and “VOTE for a Christian [with some fish symbol to illustrate something that still escapes me].”

Informative, I guess. (I must be careful with what I’ll admit in writing. You understand.)

Entertaining? Only if you like to watch some rich, powerfully corrupt asshole squirm and dodge and dance and hide and run and rant.

Brantley says he’ll spend his time now on the “blog.” Well, that’s good, but what he’s got there isn’t a blog. Blogs are for mommies who whine and over-share the content of Junior’s shitty diaper. Right?

His so-called “blog” is really just a porn site. Don’t tell anyone you know this: As a baby, raised in the morning with the Gazette, and balanced with an afternoon pickup of my grandfather’s Democrat, I had a well-rounded education with varying viewpoints. But the Arkansas Times (magazine) was off limits. I was taught a healthy loathing for its form of outrageous lies.

So imagine the difficulty with which sneaking peaks at your news stand pornography was for me? Skulking into some patchouli-soaked, liberal hide-out, late at night, busting up meetings of Future Socialists of America with my uniform of khakis, loafers and golf shirts, to secretly grab an ink and paper version of your words, reporting and editing.

Man, it was a tough life. Then you started the “blog,” so upstanding Pro-God and Country citizens such as myself could access your porn properly, as all porn is to be consumed, online, in the dark of night, in the privacy of our own homes.

So to hear Brantley is going to be spending even more time and energy on this endeavor is like an answer to my prayers. I wish him continued good health, fine sources and sharp thoughts.

As a young journalism student, I was asked if journalism is something I did or was a journalist what I was. I answered it was who I was, Simon Lee, journalist. Despite leaving the paper business years ago, I’ve remained a journalist, a reporter and info junkie whose secret highs come from reading the likes of Brantley. And always 6 JULY 6, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES

learning new tricks for the craft from him.

He’s never officially been my editor, but he always has been.

Much love to him and his family, the real one at home and the real one in the newsroom.

Simon Lee Little Rock

PD needs to slim down I first want to say that I am a supporter of a tax increase if it is dedicated to increasing salary for policemen, firemen and other lower paid city employees. The recent proposals for use of the tax revenue tend to have many pork barrel projects, the only

purpose of which is to attract votes for the tax increase and not stick to basics as most of us want.

Next, the police department needs to get its house in order before making a case for additional staff and funds. A few months ago I was watching a news report of a murder, and the patrol officers were standing around when a supervisor’s car arrived on the scene. The cameraman focused on that car as the driver was having great difficulty in exiting. Finally, a young patrolman stepped up and helped the supervisor out of her car, and then camera showed that she was so heavy below the waist that she could barely walk. She even had to be boosted

up a slight incline to view the body on the ground.

Thereafter, I took the time to look at a few police department award ceremonies on the public access channel and was dismayed by the number of supervisory police personnel that were just plain obese. As taxpayers, we have the right to insist that our taxes be spent on well-conditioned police personnel, and not upon those who can’t move out of a fast shuffle. Further, the many young, wellconditioned police officers need to have an avenue to promotion that is now clogged by the physically handicapped older officers.

Before they ask for more money, the drones that are the butt of jokes need to be purged from the force.

Tom Ferstl Little Rock

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Everyone in the state knows that before Stanley Reed was for the state felony animal cruelty bill, he was against it for over a decade. Indeed, the Arkansas Farm Boys took credit for blocking the legislation year after year. It is ironic that now they want to take credit for its passage.

Suzanne Hamilton Little Rock

The rich and the rest It is time for Americans to realize the very rich are waging class warfare against the rest of us, and they are using their puppets in Congress to do it. Since the election of Ronald Reagan, they have systematically lowered their share of the financial cost of running our nation. When their icon was elected in 1980, the tax rate paid by the wealthiest Americans was 70 percent. Today it is half that. They have also created so many loopholes and tax dodges for themselves that many pay less taxes than the average middle class citizen. Those who have perpetrated this fraud have told us lowering taxes on the wealthy will ultimately create more jobs and thus more taxable wealth, as the wealth “trickles down” through the economy. They call this “supply side economics.”

Does it look like it works to you?

After 30 years of this nonsense, surely it is clear to any thinking person that the experiment has failed! Our nation is in terrible debt, yet the leaders of the Right in Congress refuse to even consider raising taxes on their wealthy bosses. They instead want to destroy our government’s ability to do anything other than wage war, while they tell us it’s for our own good.

This is nothing less than a lack of patriotism. If those on the Right love this country as they claim they do, then the time has come for them to step up and pay their fair share to get the country back on a sound financial footing. If they continue to refuse, then they should be shamed and shunned as the true haters of America they are.

Todd Hall North Little Rock

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501.804.2633 Voted Arkansas Business “Best Realtor in the State” 2010 www.arktimes.com • JULY 6, 2011 7

THE WEEK THAT WAS J U N E 2 9 - J U LY 5 IT WAS A GOOD WEEK FOR…

DR. JERRY GUESS. The state Department of Education hired Guess, 60, to run the Pulaski County School District for $215,000 a year. He leaves Camden Fairview, where he successfully managed a federal court desegregation order.

SHANE BROADWAY. Gov. Mike Beebe elevated the former state senator from interim director of the state Higher Education Department to director of the department.

MIREYA REITH. Gov. Beebe picked the Fayetteville consultant to the United Nations Development Programme for the state Board of Education. Reith has been involved in discussions about whether a Hispanic majority legislative district could be created in Northwest Arkansas.

ECONOMIC RECOVERY. The state revenue report for the fiscal year ending June 30 shows net income for the year up by almost $250 million, or 5.8 percent more than the previous year, and 2.1 percent above forecast.

ARKANSAS TAXPAYERS. The trucking industry lobby said it will support the repeal of a sales tax exemption on truck and trailer sales enacted in the state General Assembly, a measure passed on the condition that the lobby would support a diesel tax increase to pay for highway repair. Last month, the lobby said it was reluctant to support an election because early polling indicated an anti-tax mood.

IT WAS A BAD WEEK FOR…

YARNELL’S ICE CREAM. The Searcy company closed abruptly last Thursday after nearly 80 years in business, leaving more than 200 employees out of work and some $3.5 million in public debt behind. Fans of Homestyle Vanilla will never be the same. State Republicans blamed the closure — and other job losses throughout the state — on state and national Democrats.

GOV. MIKE BEEBE. The governor attended a meeting of Stonewall Democrats and told the gay rights group he opposes gay marriage and civil unions. He argued that his position was “appropriate societal judgment.”

He also claimed he didn’t know that law in Arkansas allows employment discrimination against gay people.

8 JULY 6, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES

The Arkansas Reporter

Phone: 501-375-2985­ Fax: 501-375-3623 Arkansas Times Online home page: http://www.arktimes.com E-mail: arktimes@arktimes.com ■

■­

■

California Blue Shield promises break to policyholders No promise yet forthcoming in Arkansas.

BY DOUG SMITH

n Under criticism for raising health-insurance premiums, Blue Shield of California has made an unusual public pledge to limit its profits to 2 percent of revenue, and to use any income above 2 percent for the benefit of its policy holders and the public in general. A spokesman for Arkansas’s comparable health insurer, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, said she knew of nothing similar planned in this state, noting that all the state Blue Cross and Blue Shield affiliates are separate companies, operating independently of each other.

Some of the criticism in California came because the CEO of California Blue Shield was making $4.6 million a year while the company was raising health insurance premiums. The CEO of Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield makes only $750,000 a year, while the company has been raising premiums. Last year, Arkansas BCBS had revenues of $1,197,934,306, and net income of $63,342,814, a return of about 5.3 percent.

“Net income” is the figure that California Blue Shield called “profit” and has promised will not exceed 2 percent in the future.

Technically, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies are “nonprofit,” meaning that they’re owned by policy holders rather than stock holders. But even “nonprofit” companies are sometimes accused of spending excessive amounts on administrative costs, including salaries, overhead and marketing.

Bruce Bodaken, chairman and CEO of Blue Shield of California, revealed his company’s new policy in a column he wrote for the San Francisco Chronicle. “We are living in incredibly challenging economic times,” Bodaken wrote. “At Blue Shield of California, we believe we have an obligation to tighten our budget, just like everyone else. ...

First we will limit profits for our company.

Specifically, we will cap our net income at 2 percent of revenue. If at the end of any year our net income is more than 2 percent because medical costs were lower or investment income was higher than we had projected, we’ll return that amount to our members and the community. This is a longterm commitment and, we believe, the first of its kind in the country.” He said that his company was committed to the 2 percent

Some of the criticism in California came because the CEO of California Blue Shield was making $4.6 million a year while the company was raising health insurance premiums. The CEO of Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield makes only $750,000 a year. pledge “so long as our board of directors determines that Blue Shield remains financially solvent, with sufficient funds to make the investments needed to stay competitive.” “[W]e will apply this new policy beginning with our income in 2010, the year health reform was enacted,” Bodaken wrote.

“Our net income last year exceeded the 2 percent target by $180 million. As a result, we will give back $180 million this year: $167 million to our policyholders; $10 million to physicians and hospitals that invest in new ways to coordinate care through accountable care organizations; and $3 million to the Blue Shield of California Foundation to support the safety net [for people who need help to pay for health care]. “[W]e will put first our customers who need help the most,” Bodaken said. “Last year, we unfortunately had to raise premiums to keep up with the rising cost of hospitals, physicians and prescription drugs, particularly for our individual and family plan members. Those customers, who pay 100 percent of their premiums without help from an employer, will receive a 30 percent credit on one month’s bill – an average of about $80 for an individual and $250 for a family of four.”

Arkansas Insurance Commissioner Jay Bradford said of the California Blue Shield plan, “I think it’s a great gesture.” He noted that under the new federal health-care legislation, all health insurers will eventually be held to a certain percentage of profit. The state Insurance Department will set that percentage in Arkansas, if the legislature gives the Department the authority, which the legislature has not yet done. If the state agency isn’t authorized to set the percentage, the

2010 COMPENSATION OF ABCBS BOARD MEMBERS Robert L. Shoptaw, retired CEO of ABCBS $135,116 George K. Mitchell, a physician and retired CEO of ABCBS $60,814 Ben Owens of Jonesboro, president of St. Bernard’s Healthcare $55,944 Hayes C. McClerkin of Texarkana, a lawyer $53,923 Mahlon O. Maris of Harrison, a physician $51,788 Robert V. Brothers of Bentonville, president and CEO of Arvest Bank $50,796 Patty F. Smith of Texarkana $50,230 Bradley D. Jesson of Fort Smith, a lawyer $49,381 Mark Greenway of Lowell $48,727 Carolyn Blakely, dean of the Honors College at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff $46,221 Dan Nabholz of Conway, retired from Nabholz Construction $45,955 James Leslie Wyatt of Jonesboro, former president of Arkansas State University $44,105 James V. Kelley of Tupelo, Miss. $42,217 Susan Brittain of Malvern $42,051 Sherman Tate of Little Rock, vice president of telecommunications for Verizon Wireless $41,620 Marla Johnson Norris of Little Rock $41,157 J. Thomas May of Pine Bluff, chairman and CEO of Simmons Bank $37,037

federal government will do it under the new federal law. (But the law is being challenged in Congress and in court, so all that could change.)

Filings with the Arkansas Insurance Department show that Mark White was paid $717,971 as president and CEO of ABCBS in 2010 ($500,095 in salary, a $134,853 bonus, and $83,022 in undefined “other compensation”). White also was paid $36,308 to serve on the ABCBS Board of Directors, a group that includes educators, lawyers, physicians and business executives.

The state Insurance Department has regulatory authority over Blue Cross rates for individual insurance, but not for group insurance. Group rates are set by the market. Before Bradford was appointed insurance commissioner in January 2009, ABCBS rate requests for individual coverage were routinely approved as submitted, often without hearings. Under Bradford, hearings are sometimes held, and ABCBS has sometimes gotten less than it asked for. In 2009, for example, ABCBS asked for a 27.3 percent increase in a certain line of insurance, and Bradford approved an 11 percent increase.

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A forgotten freedom summer Fifty years ago, the Freedom Riders came to Little Rock.

BY JOHN A. KIRK

The following is an excerpt from UALR history department chairman John Kirk’s article “Battle Cry of Freedom: Little Rock, Arkansas, and the Freedom Rides at Fifty” to be published in the Arkansas Review in August.

A

t 7:45 p.m., on Monday, July 10, 1961, a bus bound for Houston carrying five Freedom Riders pulled into Little Rock’s Midwest Trailways station at Markham and Louisiana Streets. The Freedom Riders were all on a sponsored journey by the St. Louis branch of the civil rights organization the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) from St. Louis to New Orleans to test court-ordered desegregation in Trailways bus and Illinois Central Railroad terminal facilities.

The Riders’ journey had begun that morning, with an itinerary that wound from St. Louis to Little Rock, then on to Shreveport, and finally on to New Orleans, with a planned return leg by train through Mississippi, Tennessee, and Illinois, arriving back in St. Louis on Sunday, July 16.

The head of the CORE Freedom Riders group was 30-year-old African-American Rev. Benjamin Elton Cox, a native of Whiteville, Tenn., a minister at Pilgrim Congregational Church in High Point, N.C., and a CORE field secretary. Cox was a veteran of the very first Freedom Ride, which had been held in May earlier that year. Cox’s fellow Riders were 23-year-old Bliss Ann Malone, an African-American public school teacher from St. Louis; 18-year-old Annie Lumpkin, an African-American student from St. Louis; 27-year-old John Curtis Raines, a white pastor from Setauket Methodist Church in Long Island, N.Y., a former Fulbright scholar; and 23-year-old Janet Reinitz, a white artist and homemaker from New York City.

In December 1958, Bruce Boynton, an AfricanAmerican Howard University law student, had been arrested for refusing to leave the white section of a

10 JULY 6, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES

JOHN CURTIS RAINES: Being questioned.

bus terminal restaurant in Richmond, Va., while on an interstate bus journey from Washington, D.C., to Alabama. When his case reached the U.S. Supreme Court on appeal, the Court extended its earlier Morgan ruling to include the desegregation of interstate transportation terminal facilities as well as interstate carriers. James Farmer, national director of CORE, proposed to revisit an earlier Journey of Reconciliation after the Morgan ruling with a “Freedom Ride”

to test the new law at Southern bus terminals.

The five St. Louis CORE Freedom Riders headed to Little Rock on one of a number of further Freedom Rides held in the summer of 1961 aimed at testing bus terminal facilities across the South and keeping the issue in the headlines. News of their arrival, publicized in advance, had already provoked discussion and debate in the city.

The bus company said that it would make no spe-

BLISS ANN MALONE: Being arrested, along with John Curtis Raines.

cial provisions for the Riders’ arrival. Little Rock Police Chief Robert E. (Bob) Glasscock ambiguously stated that his men would uphold law and order.

Gov. Orval E. Faubus, who had made international headlines in September 1957 when he had called out the Arkansas National Guard to prevent the desegregation of Little Rock’s Central High School, was questioned by the press about the Riders’ imminent arrival. Faubus recommended simply ignoring them, saying that would “be the worst disappointment they could have.”

The advance warning of the Riders’ arrival encouraged a crowd of 300-400 people, many of them

teenage boys and girls, to gather at the Midwest Trailways bus station. At first, people began to line up on a wooden catwalk on Louisiana Street across from the bus station. As the crowd grew it spread out onto the sidewalk in front of the Hotel Marion on Markham Street. Police Chief Glasscock cruised the area in a patrol car, with two uniformed officers and five plainclothes policemen dotted about the station.

The crowd was largely silent in anticipation, but as the time drew near for the arrival of the Riders’ bus, a crush of cars and people in the area ratcheted up the tension.

When a bus pulled in to the station just a couple

of minutes before the Riders’ bus was due, the crowd surged in, mistaking it for the vehicle they were waiting for. Around a dozen uniformed officers who were now on the scene ushered them back, but the performance was soon repeated when the Riders’ bus pulled into bus terminal Dock 3 shortly after. Several minutes elapsed as other passengers were allowed off the bus to collect their luggage. Only then did the first of the Freedom Riders, Cox, emerge. A white teenage girl rushed toward Cox, mockingly thrusting a pencil and paper at him and asking for his autograph. Police Chief Glasscock sternly ordered the girl back. A more menacing cry of “nigger” pierced the air.

www.arktimes.com • JULY 6, 2011 11

50th anniversary events T

o mark the 50th anniversary of the five Freedom Riders’ attempt to integrate interstate bus terminals in Little Rock, UALR’s new Institute on Race and Ethnicity will host a pair of events this weekend. On Saturday, July 9, it teams with the UALR History Department to present a symposium called “Freedom Rides, Sit-Ins and Beyond: Direct Action and the Civil Rights Movement in Arkansas in the 1960s” at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center. The event is free and open to the public.

On Sunday, July 10, the institute hosts a commemorative event at the Old State House beginning at 2 p.m. The agenda includes the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, a ribbon cutting for the Arkansas Civil Rights Heritage trail and a performance by the United Voices of Gaines Street Baptist Church.

John Curtis Raines, one of the five Freedom Riders arrested in Little Rock in 1961, will participate along with a number of former members of the Arkansas Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in both events. Arsnick, as it was called, played a pivotal role in desegregation efforts in the state.

John Kirk, Donaghey professor of history and chair at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, is co-editor along with Jennifer Jensen Wallach of “Arsnick: The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in Arkansas,” which was recently published by the University of Arkansas Press. Both Kirk and Wallach will serve as moderators at the symposium. Below is a schedule of the Saturday event.

9 a.m.-10:30 a.m: “From Sit-Ins to Freedom Rides: Little Rock, 1960-1962.” With John Kirk as moderator and Frank James, Worth Long, Freedom Rider John Curtis Raines and Bill Hansen as panelists.

10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: “SNCC in Arkansas: Little Rock and Pine Bluff.” With John Kirk as moderator and Bill Hansen, Robert Whitfield, Jim Jones and Howard Himmelbaum as panelists.

2 p.m.-3:30 p.m.: “SNCC in Arkansas: Forrest City and West Helena.” With Jennifer Jensen Wallach, assistant professor at University of North Texas and co-editor of “Arsnick: The Student the Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in Arkansas,” as moderator and Michael Simmons, Dwight Williams and Bryan Rybolt as panelists.

3:45 p.m.-5:15 p.m.: “SNCC in Arkansas: Gould.” With novelist Sanderia Smith as moderator and Lucy Whitfield, Marion Cox, Kenneth Harris, Laura Foner and John Walker as panelists.

12 JULY 6, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES

RAINES: Booked.

The Riders were dropped off just a few feet from the bus terminal doors, which were guarded by police officers.

With the help of a police cordon, the Riders pushed their way through the crowd to the terminal.

The Freedom Riders all headed for the white intrastate waiting room.

Bliss Malone and Janet Reinitz took seats in the terminal and lit cigarettes while Rev. Cox placed a call from a nearby payphone to St. Louis. The police guarding the bus terminal doors managed to keep most of the white crowd outside, although some people did manage to slip inside. After placing his call, Cox held an impromptu press conference, telling gathered reporters that the Riders intended to stay “one or two nights” lodging with a local African-American family before continuing their journey on to Shreveport.

Police Chief Glasscock approached the now four seated Riders (the fifth Rider, Annie Lumpkin, was standing just outside the terminal observing the proceedings) and told them, “You are ordered to leave because you are threatening the peace.” The four silently remained where they were.

Glasscock asked them to move a second time. They refused. Glasscock announced, “I’m going to arrest all of you.” Whites inside and outside the bus terminal broke out in cheers and applause. As he had already previously agreed with city prosecuting attorney

John Jernigan, Glasscock arrested the four Riders under Arkansas Act 226, passed in the 1959 Arkansas General Assembly, which forbade threatening to breach the peace or an actual breach of the peace. The Act had been drawn up specifically to deal with direct action protests and had already been used against African-American student sitin demonstrators from Philander Smith College the previous year.

The four Riders were booked at the Little Rock City Jail in the Police and Courts Building with their bonds set at $500. Little Rock African American attorney Thaddeus D. Williams arrived to confer with Cox. Afterwards, Williams told the press that the Riders intended to stay in jail overnight and to plead not guilty to the charges in Little Rock Municipal Court.

At the trial, Judge Quinn Glover admonished the Freedom Riders for having “traveled a long way to disregard our laws and customs.” Glover continued: “Some people in Little Rock are tired of the turmoil and tumult we have had and want to return to a peaceful way of living. The most embarrassing aspect is the premeditation which preceded this whole affair. You deliberately came this way, which amounted to waving the flag in the face of our people. It is my honest opinion that the people of Arkansas are debating in their hearts and minds whether to accept the new and if it is accepted to find

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out how to lay aside the old. That will not take a matter of moments.” Glover then criticized the crowd as an “unlawful assemblage in violation of the law,” and expressed his sympathy with the police who, he said, were placed in a difficult situation.

Glover dismissed the Freedom Riders’ attorneys two main arguments that their clients’ arrest violated the U.S. Constitution’s interstate commerce clause and that Act 226 was unconstitutional. Glover pointed out that the Riders were arrested under Arkansas Act 226 and that therefore the case was a local and not federal matter. But, Glover said, the Riders did not appear willing to “wait until the Arkansas Supreme Court [has] ruled on the validity of [Act 226].” Glover handed each arrested Freedom Rider the maximum allowed fine of $500, together with the maximum allowed sixmonth prison sentence. Nevertheless, mindful of community sentiment outside the courtroom, Glover offered to cut the Riders a deal. If they agreed to “leave the state of Arkansas and proceed to their respective homes” he would suspend their sentences. The Riders discussed the deal with their attorneys for almost an hour in the judge’s conference room, where they also placed a long-distance call to the St. Louis CORE branch. When they finally emerged, the Riders accepted Judge Glover’s deal and they were released.

Later that afternoon, after further consultation with the St. Lois CORE branch, the Riders decided that they could not accept Glover’s deal. There had been, Cox told reporters, a “misunderstanding as to our destination after we were released.”

While they were happy to leave Arkansas and continue on their journey to New Orleans, they had not fully comprehended that Glover had intended for them to literally return to their own doorsteps in St. Louis and New York respectively and to abandon the Freedom Ride altogether.

John Raines noted that press coverage of events appeared to convey the message that, “We came here, got spanked and are going back home.” They could not countenance that since, he said, “We don’t feel that way. We don’t want to create that impression.”

At 6:20 p.m. that evening, attorney Thad Williams phoned Judge Glover to tell him that the Riders could not accept his deal. Glover responded that if the Riders couldn’t accept his terms

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COX: Being placed in a police car.

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and wanted to go to jail instead, “that’s all right with me.” Glover revoked the agreement and ordered the Riders back into custody.

The Freedom Riders were in a defiant mood when they faced the press.

Cox told them, “Before I will be a slave to segregation, I would much rather be dead and in my grave and for my spirit to go home to God. And because the judge is putting us back in jail, I shall go on hunger strike of only one cup of water a day in protest to this injustice.” Cox further explained that, “We will be glad to leave Arkansas as we had planned anyway. The judge only had jurisdiction to make us leave Arkansas and not to make us go home.”

At 6:57 p.m., less than seven hours after they had left, the Riders returned to Little Rock City Jail. As they were checked in by the desk sergeant, Cox continued in his dialogue with reporters saying that, “This is not a struggle between black and white — it’s a struggle between justice and injustice.” Just then, an officer referred to Cox as “Boy,” further infuriating him. “See what I mean — injustice?” Cox said. “A grown man, 30-years-old —‘Boy!’ ” After conferring with Police Chief Glasscock in court for 10 minutes, Glover spoke with the Freedom Riders. He admitted that he did not have the legal

University of ArkAnsAs At LittLe rock

institUte on rAce And ethnicity Presents July 10, 2011 • 2 p.m.

Old State House Museum

 Freedom Rides Commemorative Marker Unveiling  Arkansas Civil Rights Heritage Trail Ribbon Cutting authority to prevent them from continuing on the Freedom Ride and told them that they were free to go. “I have turned the other cheek in this matter, hoping it to be for the good of all,” Glover declared magnanimously.

At 4:15 the next morning, Friday, July 14, the four arrested Freedom Riders quietly left town on a Trailways bus.

They went on to become the first group of Riders to successfully desegregate bus terminal facilities in New Orleans.

Fifty years after the Freedom Riders came to Arkansas, their story has been largely forgotten. Very likely, in the 50th anniversary commemoration of the Freedom Rides this year, what happened in Arkansas will remain an obscure footnote to the events in Alabama that garnered national headlines. Remembering the local story helps to remind us that Arkansas had an important role to play in the civil rights movement beyond those more-publicized and fateful events of the 1957 Little Rock school crisis.

Bus terminal facilities finally desegregated in Little Rock and in many other cities after an Interstate Commerce Commission order came into effect on Nov. 1, 1961.

John A. Kirk, Ph.D., is Donaghey professor of history and chair at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

 Address from Freedom Riders and Dignitaries  Gospel Choir Performance  Refreshments Photo courtesy Special Collections, University of Arkansas Archives, Fayetteville

Join us July 10 for a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Freedom Rides to Little Rock and the kick off for the Arkansas Civil Rights Heritage Trail.

LRfreedomriders.org

Free Civil Rights Symposium “Sit-ins, Freedom Rides, and Beyond: Direct Action and Civil Rights in 1960s Arkansas”

9 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. • Saturday, July 9 Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, 501 West 9th St., Little Rock First-hand accounts of the civil rights movement from activists around Arkansas and members of the Congress of Racial Equality and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee.

Presented by UALR Department of History • Contact amparker@ualr.edu or 501-683-7245 www.arktimes.com • JULY 6, 2011 15

EYE ON ARKANSAS

Editorial n Who wouldn’t want to watch Sarah Palin put her refudiation hold on Michele Bachmann? The latest Republican presidential primary will be scary for sure — they all are — but this one may be scary in an entertaining way, “Mama Grizzly v. Mad Michie.” Bachmann just got through confusing John Wayne with John Wayne Gacy, the multiple murderer from her hometown (and if Bachmann is elected president, Gacy will be only the second-worst thing to come out of Waterloo, Iowa.), and identifying John Quincy Adams as one of the Founding Fathers, or was that John Gacy Adams? Palin is equally addled.

In her version of American history, Paul Revere rides out to warn the British that the Americans are here, and the Founding Fathers, whoever they are, recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Ronald Reagan didn’t know Grover Cleveland the president from Grover Cleveland Alexander the pitcher, even though he’d played the latter in a movie. In the heat of competition, Bachmann and Palin can beat that, we imagine. Moderator: Why do we revere Abraham Lincoln? Bachmann: He made an expensive car for Republicans to drive. Palin: And he drove it to warn the British they were on the wrong side of the road. These will be debates worth watching.

Ghost passers in the sky n Preston Carpenter, who caught it, and Buddy Benson, who threw it, are both gone now, and even those who remember it are declining in number. Carpenter’s death last week, at 77, is reason enough for old-time Razorback fans to once again celebrate the 66-yard touchdown pass that beat Ole Miss in 1954 and more or less began the modern — that is, “successful” — era of Arkansas football. Benson died earlier this year. People who’d never followed the Razorbacks became fans in ’54. The national media, which usually covered only Notre Dame, took notice of Arkansas for the first time. Younger Hog fans can’t recall the passion of the Texas rivalry, much less that before Frank Broyles came to Arkansas, Ole Miss, not Texas, was our bitterest enemy. Arkansas football was different after 1954, not that we haven’t suffered the occasional disappointment since.

Just a few years later, an official awarded the Ole Miss game to the Rebels though they missed the “winning” field goal. A few years later still, his brother-in-law arranged a Tennessee “victory” in the Liberty Bowl. There was the pooch kick. And just last January, Ohio State profited from its use of ineligible players. But cheaters never really prevail, and the games that count are those won honestly: Arkansas 6, Ole Miss 0, 1954.

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BRIAN CHILSON

History, look out

GOING, GOING ... : Yarnell’s ice cream was disappearing from store shelves last week after the company abruptly ceased operation Thursday after 78 years in business.

Beebe’s place in history n Gov. Mike Beebe last week spoke to Stonewall Democrats, whose money he rejected in 2010 because the group represents gays and lesbians in Arkansas. He told them he opposed same-sex marriage and civil unions. He tacitly supported Arkansas law that allows discrimination against homosexuals in housing and employment. The only thing missing was his endorsement of the successful efforts to defeat hate crime legislation in Arkansas, a law that failed because it included homosexuals in its protection. He also lectured the group on its need to be tolerant of its oppressors.

I was going to write something about this shocking performance, but Ginna Wallace, a recent graduate of UALR, sent me a letter she’d written to the governor. I give her the floor.

Governor Beebe, You need to hear a story my father tells me about my grandmother, for whom I am named. It was a day in September 1957, and he was in the kitchen, watching my grandmother do the dishes. She looked out the window and saw a line of military vehicles passing in front of the house. She became enraged.

She threw down her dishtowel and ran outside with her apron on to shake her fist angrily and yell at the passing vehicles.

The vehicles carried troops of the 101st Airborne, on their way to help the Little Rock Nine attend Central High School, where the Nine’s very lives were in danger from people like my grandmother because they simply wanted equality.

I wonder if you think what my grandmother did was wrong. I wonder if you can imagine the shame I feel when I tell this story. My memories of my grandmother are good ones. She was always so kind.

She was the perfect example of a Southern belle to

Max Brantley max@arktimes.com

me. She also went to her grave holding on to her racist beliefs.

It’s easy to say, “But that’s just how things/people were back then.” But that is the wrong answer. Without the people who stood up to question that type of behavior, we would never have had positive change.

I tell you this story, Governor Beebe, as a warning. My shame will become your grandchildren’s shame if you do not change your words and your actions. When you spoke in front of the Stonewall Democrats, you told them that you do not believe they deserve the same rights afforded their heterosexual neighbors. You told them that not only should they accept their second-class status, but that they also should refrain from being visible and active in demanding change.

You have a choice, governor, in the same way that Gov. George Wallace had a choice. He chose to change from the easy answer to the right answer. Sixteen years after his 1963 inaugural speech in which he spoke of segregation today, tomorrow and forever, he said: “I was wrong. Those days are over and they ought to be over.”

Hear me when I say, Gov. Beebe, that if you do not open your eyes and realize you are wrong just as Gov. Wallace was wrong, just as my grandmother was wrong, that your grandchildren will remember you with shame in their hearts. I pray for you just as I pray for my grandmother.

Susan Virginia Wallace

BRIAN CHILSON

Republicans want it both ways n Nine years ago, in one of his liberal phases, Gov. Mike Huckabee offered a proverb that describes perfectly the dilemma or the strategy of hisparty today.

“It’s the old classic,” Huckabee said on his radio call-in show. “Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die.”

Angry callers were giving him fits.

He had been re-elected a couple of weeks earlier after campaigning as a tax-cutter, and then a few days after the election announced that taxes had to be raised to avert big reductions in services to the aged and disabled and other programs. He wanted to raise the sales tax five-eighths of a percent.

Huckabee aimed his riposte at callers who did not want to pay more taxes but did not want health services cut or prisoners released and also at legislators who had reacted negatively to his tax proposal. They couldn’t have it both ways.

The petulant behavior that Huckabee described in 2002 now describes his party, both the local and national versions.

They oppose raising taxes on the rich and corporations and, in fact, want to reduce or eliminate them, but they do not want to cut significant spending or else they want the president or the governor to do it and take the blame. As Huckabee might say, if he were not now in their corner, they want

Ernest Dumas heaven on earth.

Congressional Republicans, joined by all the party’s candidates for president, oppose restoring even a dollar of taxes on people with high incomes or closing even one loophole that allows big corporations and hedge funds to sequester billions in taxable profits. To close the mammoth deficit their policies produced, Republicans have proposed spending cuts in marginal programs like energy and environmental regulation and some medical services, but they demand that President Obama offer cuts in the big spending programs, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, national security and education. Yes, they did propose to change Medicare so that the program would end for elderly and disabled people with modest incomes sometime after 2021. Those people couldn’t afford the private insurance that would replace the government program.

But Arkansas Republicans the other day illustrated Huckabee’s maxim even more vividly. Tax receipts are falling below levels that would fund the tight budget that Gov.

Fayetteville’s snow day goes to high court n That snow-day controversy in Washington County Circuit Court in Fayetteville has now been elevated to the Arkansas Supreme Court.

The case presents a worthy issue: May a judge banish a lawyer he doesn’t like from his court?

You’d think not.

Let’s refresh our memories from a column in this space in early March.

They got 23 inches of snow one day in February in Fayetteville. But Circuit Judge William Storey, a judge for more than two decades, had a big procedural day planned the next morning.

Because he wanted to be accessible to any petitioners who might have come to town for the occasion, he held his court open despite the conditions.

This judge handles about 85 percent of the criminal cases in Washington County.

On Facebook the day before, a deputy public defender, Julie Tolleson, com-

John Brummett jbrummett@arkansasnews.com

plained about this holding of court. She wrote that nobody in power gave a rat’s behind about poor people who could not easily get themselves transported safely to court in such conditions. She wrote that the policy of holding court on such days was irrational.

Storey is not a Facebook guy, but a friend of his was, and this friend informed the judge of Tolleson’s post.

Storey did not like what he read. He does not take lightly, he told me, allegations that he doesn’t give a rat’s posterior about people and that he is irrational.

(For the record, Tolleson referred generally to people in power not giving a rat’s

Beebe submitted and that was approved by the legislature after it had cut a bunch of taxes. President Obama’s stimulus money, which has propped up Medicaid and other state programs for two years, is running out.

Except for the Public School Fund, state agencies had to make spending cuts across the board and Beebe’s Human Services Department made its savings where it thought there would be the least suffering, special aid to 250 foster parents who care for children with behavioral problems.

Republicans howled about the governor’s cruelty. Beebe said cuts had to be made somewhere because the legislature had slashed a bunch of taxes against his advice. He had told them that the tax cuts, including a gift to manufacturers who now don’t have to pay the same sales taxes on electricity the rest of us do, would force reductions in programs.

Rep. Donna Hutchinson, R-Bella Vista, said Beebe was playing “the Scrooge game.” She said the cuts should have been made instead to a program that makes gays, lesbians and transgendered people feel better about themselves. The government operates no such program.

These social service programs, like aid for troubled youngsters, are programs that Republicans oppose as socialism — Medicare and Medicaid are the big national examples — until they are in place and then they denounce Democrats when bad times force cuts in them.

Since we dragged Huckabee into this argument, we should recall what he did in direr circumstances. It is instructive, mainly about how far principle and debate have

eroded in only eight and a half years.

Tax collections slumped badly in Arkansas in the two years after the short George Bush recession in the spring of 2001. Bush and the GOP Congress slashed taxes on the rich and corporations. That did not produce the big leap in investment and jobs they predicted and, moreover, it hamstrung the state by robbing it of its estate taxes. Huckabee had added to the problem by signing a bunch of tax exemptions and reductions for various businesses, including taxes on betting at the racetracks.

Like Beebe this year, Huckabee had to find social service and medical programs to cut and he decided to cut a high-priced therapy program for disabled children.

When parents protested, he backed off and said he would find a way out of the jam.

Beebe, a state senator, and Shane Broadway, the Democratic House leader, produced a package of funding shifts that saved him.

A year later, the state was in much worse trouble. That is when Huckabee said he wanted to raise the sales tax. He talked about closing state tax loopholes for rich multinational corporations.

Republicans and Democrats revolted the next month at the regular session and it ended without a tax increase. Huckabee promptly called them into special session and pleaded with them to raise taxes— the sales tax, the personal income tax, corporate taxes, cigarette taxes, anything.

They raised all of them.

“Pragmatist” the editorials called Huckabee. “Socialist” is what his party would call him now.

behind and to the irrational nature not of the judge himself, or altogether, but of this particular court-holding policy.)

The first thing Storey did was say he’d disqualify from all cases in which Tolleson brought a case into his court, thus severely impairing her ability to do her job. But then he delivered an order to the head public defender directing him not to assign Tolleson to any matters that would bring her into his line of sight.

So let’s get to the update: Tolleson went out and got herself a Little Rock lawyer, Jeff Rosenzweig, who asked Judge Storey for a hearing on this presumed banishment. Hearing nothing from the judge directly, and learning only that Storey had sent a letter to the state Supreme Court asking it to appoint a special judge, Rosenzweig decided late last week to go straight to the Supreme Court himself.

He filed a petition in Tolleson’s behalf asking the high court to take a brief hiatus from summer vacation and issue one or more of assorted writs. One would direct Storey not to ban Tolleson from his court, but to disqualify himself if he was the one with the problem. Another would mandate a local hearing on the matter and

appoint a special judge for the purpose.

In support of the argument that a judge may not simply banish a lawyer otherwise in good standing, Rosenzweig cited the seemingly crystal-clear precedent of a previous Supreme Court case — his own, from 1988, when Pulaski Circuit Court Judge Floyd Lofton presumed to tell Rosenzweig he never wanted to see him in his court again.

The Supreme Court said at that time that it “goes without saying” that a judge could not do that.

A special factor, Rosenzweig told me, is that Tolleson is the only Spanish-speaking deputy public defender in Washington County.

My conclusions are the same as before: A judge should not hold court with 23 inches of snow on the ground; a judge ought to rise by principle to tolerate lawyers he can’t stand in the greater interest of justice for the persons represented by those lawyers, and deputy public defenders ought to be careful what they post on Facebook.

John Brummett is a columnist and reporter for Stephens Media’s Arkansas News Bureau. www.arktimes.com • JULY 6, 2011 17

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arts entertainment

This week in

Blake Shelton to Magic Springs

and

PAGE 20

Fantasia visits Robinson Center PAGE 21

TO-DO LIST 20

CALENDAR 22

MOVIES 26

DINING 29

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The last days of Johnny Cash An excerpt from ‘Johnny Cash’s American Recordings’ examines the Man in Black’s domestic life.

BY TONY TOST

W

hen Johnny Cash married June Carter in 1968 shortly after proposing to her onstage in Ontario he wed himself not only to his steadfast guardian angel, not only to the disarmingly attractive and intelligent woman who co-wrote the country standards “Ring of Fire” and “Kneeling Drunkard’s Plea,” and not only, as his daughter Rosanne Cash noted, to the grand tradition to which she was heiress; he also married himself to her unwavering faith. It would be tested. “I spoke to Johnny maybe a halfhour or an hour after [June] passed away,” Rick Rubin said, recalling the severe pain Cash suffered upon the death of his wife in 2003, just months before his own death, “and he sounded, by far, the worst I’d ever

heard him. He sounded terrible. He said that he’d experienced so much pain in his life and that nothing came anywhere near to how he was feeling at that moment.”

When Rubin asked whether Cash would be able to find some sliver of faith inside him still, Cash “became a different person.

He went from this meek, shaky voice to a strong, powerful voice, and he said, ‘my faith is unshakable!’”

Though it was unexpected that June Carter would die before her husband who had been so famously ailing and recovering for so many years, it now seems inevitable that in his very last recordings Cash would be left in irreconcilable solitude, left alone with his past and his work, that he would not be able to pin all of his earthly

redemption on the woman who, under the unceasing pressure, herself finally broke.

The unwavering faith that Cash asserted so strongly when talking to Rubin signified a fidelity to June’s memory that it seems Cash was not often able to maintain when June was alive, despite the public fable to the contrary (there is a reason why the movie didn’t wade too far into their marriage). If many of Cash’s songs attesting to his love for his wife and family had a disappointing schmaltz about them, a sort of patriarchal sanctity and repose, then the songs he sang after June’s final departure—most especially his cover of Hank Williams’ “On the Evening Train” on “American V” — captured all the stoic longing and loss that permeate his finest recordings. But prior to June’s death, and aside from the fiery duet “Jackson” that they recorded before they were even married, the domestic songs Cash wrote and recorded for “American Recordings” were about as good as he got on the topic.

Continued on page 24

Tony Tost is a poet and former Arkansan now living in Seattle.

His first collection of poetry, “Invisible Bride,” won the Walt Whitman Award. “Johnny Cash’s American Recordings” is part of Continuum’s 33 1/3 series. It’s $12.95 in paperback.

GET ON THE CASH BUS The Times has chartered a bus to Jonesboro for the Johnny Cash Music Festival on Thursday, Aug. 4.

Roseanne Cash, Kris Kristofferson, George Jones and Rodney Crowell are headlining what promises to be an evening of fantastic music. And the show is a fundraiser for a good cause: Arkansas State University has purchased and plans to restore Cash’s boyhood home near Dyess in Mississippi County. For $99, you can secure a seat on the bus, admission to the show, dinner in Jonesboro, complimentary beer on the bus and an en-route concert from Bonnie Montgomery. The bus departs Little Rock at 2:30. Call 501-375-2985 to reserve your seat. www.arktimes.com • JULY 6, 2011 19

the Faces. Koch’s singing has an appealing swagger to it that fits well within the songs. This is a record release show for his band’s new album, “Excruciating Circumstances.”

F R I D AY 7 /8

TWO RIVERS BRIDGE DEDICATION 11:30 a.m., Two Rivers Park. Free.

n Undoubtedly you’ve noticed the construction over the last couple of years of Two Rivers Bridge, which spans the Little Maumelle River, connecting Two Rivers Park with Little Rock’s River Trail. At 11:30 a.m. Friday, Pulaski County will host a ceremony dedicating the bridge with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. The bridge doesn’t open to the public until July 23, but it will be accessible for a couple of hours after the ceremony for a sneak peek. The ceremony is open to the public, but parking is limited, so carpooling is recommended.

SCREAMIN’ THE BLUES: Bernard Allison lights up the Rev Room’s stage with his crunchy, funky, electrified blues.

S AT U R D AY 7 /9

■ to-dolist

SONNY BURGESS & THE LEGENDARY PACERS

BY ROBERT BELL

W EDN E SD AY 7/ 6

8 p.m., Maxine’s. $8 adv., $10 door.

n Sadly, there just aren’t that many members of rockabilly’s first class left with us. Of those early originators who are still going (and at the risk of forgetting anybody) there are three from Arkansas: Ronnie Hawkins of Huntsville, Smackover’s Sleepy LaBeef and Newport native Sonny Burgess, who way back in 1956 cut two Sun Records sides that many rockabilly buffs consider to be among the wildest numbers ever put to tape. Burgess’s debut (Sun 247, August 1956) featured “Red Headed Woman” b/w “We Wanna Boogie.” It’s a classic slab of primordial rock ’n’ roll that’s lost none of its power or appeal over the decades (and fetches big bucks, especially the 78 format). Nigh on 55 years later, octogenarian Burgess is still rocking, along with original piano pounder Kern Kennedy. Anybody with even a passing interest in rockabilly should not pass up this show.

BERNARD ALLISON 9 p.m., Revolution. $10.

n There was probably no question that Bernard Allison was going to be a bluesman.

His father was Luther Allison, a native of Widener in St. Francis County and one of the many Southerners who left the South for the relatively friendlier climes of Chicago in the 1940s and ’50s. The elder Allison played with heavyweights like Muddy Waters and Elmore James, and naturally, Bernard was steeped in the blues as a kid. He played in his father’s band in later years, but got his start playing guitar for Koko Taylor when he was just a teen-ager. Allison, now based in Paris, plays electrified crunchy, funky blues with the not-so-occasional screaming solo. The dude is a stone shredder (“Voodoo Chile” is a staple of his live show), and his good-time tunes bridge the gap between postwar Chicago blues and the in-your-face flair of wailers like Stevie Ray Vaughan. If you dig modern blues, this will probably be one of the better shows to come to Little Rock all year.

THU R SD AY 7/ 7

ARKOPOLIS

10 p.m., White Water Tavern. $5.

n You probably know Stephen Koch as 20 JULY 6, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES

‘HILLBILLY BONE DOWN DEEP INSIDE’: We’ve all got one, according to country music star and “The Voice” judge Blake Shelton, who plays Timberwood Amphitheater Saturday night. the host of Arkansongs, the indispensable radio show (and cause of many driveway moments for public radio listeners across the state) that’s devoted to exploring every inch of Arkansas’s rich musical history.

Koch has highlighted scores of Natural State musicians over the years, but here’s your chance to hear him play his own tunes. Arkopolis has a sound that’s rooted

in the past, but is in no way wedded to it. Many of the band’s bluesy numbers are shambolic to the point of threatening to fall apart. At times, the album sounds like Pavement circa “Wowee Zowee” got themselves on a real good drunk and took up a Hammond and a bunch of banjos and fiddles and acoustic guitars and harmonicas and set about trying to sleaze it up like

BLAKE SHELTON

8 p.m., Timberwood Amphitheater, Magic Springs. $22.50-$55

n If you’re male and happen to see Blake Shelton wandering around Magic Springs pre-concert on Saturday, and you have the urge to grab his ass, best keep your hands to yourself, as Shelton advised back in May via Twitter. The tweet in question included this tremendously witty rewriting of some lyrics from “Any Man of

enormous appeal. For a few years there, you literally (literally!) could not escape from “Santeria” or “What I Got” no matter where you tried to hide. No longer the exclusive domain of goateed guys in baggy shorts with evil clown tattoos and wrap-around shades, Sublime’s aggressively laid-back So-Cal jams were blasting out of the speakers of lowriders and duelies alike. It was really too bad that singer and bandleader Brad Nowell died of a heroin overdose in 1996, right before their biggest album, “Sublime,” was released. It went on to sell 5 million copies, and Sublime earned the true sign of legendary status: a tribute band, which you can hear on Sunday at Juanita’s.

FOR LOVERS ONLY: R&B stars Tank and Fantasia play what will be a sure bet for date night Saturday at Robinson Center Music Hall.

M O N D AY 7 / 1 1

Mine” by Shania Twain: “Any man that tries touching my behind, he’s gonna be a beaten, bleedin’, heaving kind of guy.” He later issued one of those it-was-all-a-bigmisunderstanding, non-apology apologies. So if all you guys out there can manage to keep your hands off Blake’s keister, the country music titan will probably put on a hell of a show for you, playing any one of his nine No. 1 hits or his eight other hit singles.

SCREAM THE PRAYER

TANK AND FANTASIA

8 p.m., Robinson Center Music Hall. $62.

n This, ladies and gentlemen, will be one for the lovers, an evening of steamy R&B from these big-time co-headliners.

Tank started off as a background singer for Ginuwine (and is also in super group TGT with Ginuwine and Tyrese Gibson), but has since emerged as an R&B force in his own right, earning four Grammy nominations and several top 10 singles.

Sample lyrics from his leave-little-tothe-imagination slow jam “Sex Music,”

which hit No. 20 on the Hot Adult R&B chart last year: “We don’t need no clothes for this / Baby on the floor for this / All up on the pole for this / Dropping down low for this.” Fantasia, of course, was the season three winner of “American Idol” and has gone on to release several hit singles and albums, earning three Grammy nods in 2008 and a win last year for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. She’s fresh off a very well-received performance at the 2011 Essence Music Festival in Los Angeles. Gentlemen: your special lady deserves a special evening. You know what to do.

S U N D AY 7 / 1 0

40 OZ. TO FREEDOM

9 p.m., Juanita’s. $12 adv., $15 door.

n Sublime was one of those ’90s bands that outgrew — or at least expanded on — their earliest skate-punk leanings, included some other influences in the mix, and in doing so gained an oppressively

3:30 p.m., Riverfest Amphitheater. $18$22.

n Much like capitalism, Christianity has a tendency to assimilate subcultures that once would have been considered completely antithetical to its core values. Take heavy metal, punk rock and hardcore. All of these genres were once seen as inherently opposed to religion of nearly any type, but now there are enormous Christian metal, punk and hardcore scenes. This is really nothing new, but it continues to amaze those of us who grew up in strict conservative Christian environments that would have never countenanced such music, even if its message was in line with what was being emitted from the pulpit. So if scream-y, metal-ly Christian hardcore is your bag, this annual extravaganza is not to be missed.

This year’s tour includes: Norma Jean, Sleeping Giant, The Chariot, War of Ages, Close Your Eyes, I The Breather, The Great Commission, As Hell Retreats and Sovereign Strength.

■ inbrief THURSDAY 7/7

n In the mood for moody, heavy modern rock? Check out Dark From Day One, Obsidian and Judgemental at Juanita’s, 9 p.m., $8 adv. or $10 at the door. Daryl Hance, guitarist for blues/ soul/jam outfit JJ Grey & Mofro, takes his Hendrix- and Sly Stone-inspired act to Stickyz, with funky fusionmeisters 1 oz. Jig opening the show at 9 p.m., $5. Jeff Coleman plays jazz at The Afterthought at 8 p.m. Iowa’s The Poison Control Center probably can’t help you if you’ve done gone and drank paint thinner, but if you’re looking for some upbeat indie pop, you’re in luck; Sterlington Louisiana’s And We Were Saints opens the show at 8 p.m. at Maxine’s, and it’s all free.

Searcy Summer Dinner Theater’s production of “Christmas Belles” returns to the Ulrey Performing Arts Center, 6:30 p.m. through Sunday, $25. Opera in the Ozarks presents “The Nozze di Figaro” at 7:30 p.m., $20-$25.

FRIDAY 7/8

n Little Rock VJ g-force keeps things bumping at Deep Ultra Lounge starting at 9 p.m. Studly local supergroup The Year of the Tiger makes its first ever White Water Tavern appearance, alongside Glittercore and Matt Anders, 10 p.m., $5. It’s a bevy of Central Arkansas favorites at Stickyz, which hosts Bear Colony, This Holy House, Catskill Kids and Belair, starting at 9 p.m., $8. Pop-rock party-starters Boom Kinetic shake the room at Revolution, 9:30, $10. Opera in the Ozarks’ production of Strauss’ “Die Fledermaus” returns at 7:30 p.m., $20-$25. The multi-instrumentalists of St. Louisbased Theodore play Maxine’s, along with Thrift Store Cowboys and All The King’s Men, 8 p.m., $5 adv., $7 at the door.

SATURDAY 7/9

HARDCORE PRAISE: Norma Jean headlines the Scream the Prayer tour, which includes a boatload of Christian hardcore bands and stops off at Riverfest Amphitheatre Monday.

n The Blue Party brings its blend of Americana, pop and dance music to Stickyz, 9 p.m. Michael Prysock takes to the stage at White Water Tavern to play his understated, finger-picking blues, 10 p.m., $5. Kingsdown and Se7en Sharp amp things up with some glammed-out, swaggering modern rock ’n’ roll at Revolution, 9 p.m.

The Stumpwater Bluegrass Band plays the “Trailer Trash & Bluegrass Bash,” a benefit for Community Theatre of Little Rock, Vino’s 8 p.m., $10 adv., $15 d.o.s. Trio Arkansas, featuring Kimberly Fitch, performs works

by Iannis Xenakis, Zoltan Kodaly and Brahms at UALR’s Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall, 7:30 p.m., with another performance Sunday at 3 p.m. www.arktimes.com • JULY 6, 2011 21

www.arktimes.com

afterdark

All events are in the Greater Little Rock area unless otherwise noted. To place an event in the Arkansas Times calendar, please e-mail the listing and all pertinent information, including date, time, location, price and contact information, to calendar@arktimes.com.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 6

COMEDY

The Sandman. The Loony Bin, 8 p.m.; July 8, 10:30 p.m.; July 9, 7, 9 and 11 p.m., $8-$13. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-228-5555. www.loonybincomedy.com.

EVENTS

Arkansas Poker Championship. The build-up to the $25,000 Arkansas Poker Tournament began June 13 with the first of 20 qualifying rounds to be held over the course of 10 weeks. Oaklawn Park will host a poker tournament every Monday and Wednesday through Aug. 17. The top 60 qualifiers will go headto-head in the final set for Wed., Aug. 24. The final will offer $25,000 in guaranteed prize money with at least $10,000 going to the winner. Oaklawn, through Aug. 17: 5:30 p.m., $60 buy-in amount. 2705 Central Ave., Hot Springs. 501-623-4411, ext. 602. www.oaklawn. com.

SPORTS

Ben Davis Do Life 5K Tour. AllSport GPS will sponsor the Ben Davis Do Life 5K Tour, part of a 31-city tour to promote good health and exercise.

Murray Park, 6:30 p.m., Free. Rebsamen Park Road.

THURSDAY, JULY 7 MUSIC

“BLISS.” Music by DJ Greyhound. Deep Ultra 22 JULY 6, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES

COMEDY

The Sandman. The Loony Bin, through July 8, 8 p.m.; July 8, 10:30 p.m.; July 9, 7, 9 and 11 p.m., $8-$13. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-2285555. www.loonybincomedy.com.

EVENTS

Fleur Delicious. A French-themed celebration of the senses, with food, music, art, films, ballet and a variety of other events. Pine Mountain Village, July 7-10, 7 a.m. 2075 E. Van Buren, Eureka Springs.

479-253-6807.

Hillcrest Shop & Sip. Shops and restaurants offer discounts, later hours, and live music. Hillcrest, first Thursday of every month, 5-10 p.m. P.O.Box 251522.

501-666-3600. www.hillcrestmerchants.com.

SPORTS

MUSIC

Acoustic Open Mic. The Afterthought, 8 p.m., free.

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

Alternative Wednesdays. Features alternative bands from Little Rock and the surrounding areas.

Mediums Art Lounge, through Aug. 17: 6:30 p.m., $5.

521 Center St. 501-374-4495.

Bernard Allison. Revolution, 9 p.m. 300 President Clinton Ave. 501-823-0090. revroom.com.

Bolly Open Mic Hype Night with Osyrus Bolly and DJ Messiah. All American Wings, 9 p.m. 215 W. Capitol Ave. 501-376-4000. allamericanwings.com.

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

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

Karaoke. Hibernia Irish Tavern, 9 p.m. 9700 N Rodney Parham Road. 501-246-4340. www.hiberniairishtavern.com.

Karaoke with Big John Miller. Denton’s Trotline, 8 p.m. 2150 Congo Road, Benton. 501-315-1717.

Mayday By Midnight. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 9 p.m., $5. 107 Commerce St. 501-372-7707. www.stickyfingerz.com.

Steve Bates. Cajun’s Wharf, 5 p.m., $5 after 8:30 p.m. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501-375-5351. www.cajunswharf.com.

Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 5 p.m., free.

111 Markham St. 501-374-7474. www.capitalhotel. com/CBG.

The Poison Control Center, And We Were Saints. Maxine’s, 8 p.m., Free. 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs. maxinespub.com.

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

Raising Grey (headliner), Isaac Alexander (happy hour). Cajun’s Wharf, 5 and 9 p.m., $5 after 8:30 p.m. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501-375-5351. www. cajunswharf.com.

Satisfaction -- The Rolling Stones Experience.

Revolution, 9 p.m., $8. 300 President Clinton Ave. 501-823-0090. revroom.com.

Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 5 p.m., free.

111 Markham St. 501-374-7474. www.capitalhotel. com/CBG.

Arkansas Travelers vs. Midland Rockhounds.

Dickey-Stephens Park, 7:10 p.m., $6-$12. 400 W Broadway St., NLR. 501-664-1555. www.travs.com.

FRIDAY, JULY 8 MUSIC

DJ Silky Slim. Top 40 and dance music. Sway, 9 p.m., $5. 412 Louisiana. 501-907-2582.

VJ g-force. Deep Ultra Lounge, 9 p.m. 322 President Clinton Ave.

SATISFACTION GUARANTEED: Are you feeling torn and frayed and in need of an emotional rescue? “Satisfaction – A Rolling Stones Experience” might just save you from your 19th nervous breakdown. But don’t wait on a friend to decide to go. This could be the last time you’ll ever get the chance. Time is on your side. Let it loose for $8 Thursday night at the Rev Room, 9 p.m.

Lounge, 10 p.m. 322 President Clinton Ave. “Sway’s Summer Cure.” DJs Sleepy Genius and Silky Slim play pop, electro, house and more, plus drink specials. Sway, 9 p.m., $5. 412 Louisiana. 501-9072582.

Arkopolis, Buck Bell. White Water Tavern, 10 p.m.

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

Dark From Day One, Obsidian, Judgemental.

Juanita’s, 9 p.m., $8 adv., $10 door. 614 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-1228. www.juanitas.com.

Darryl Hance, 1 oz. Jig. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 9 p.m., $5. 107 Commerce St. 501-372-7707. www.stickyfingerz.com.

“Hip-Hop Night.” Vino’s, Every other Thursday, 8 p.m., $5. 923 W. 7th St. 501-375-8466. www.vinosbrewpub.com.

Jeff Coleman. The Afterthought, 8 p.m. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.afterthoughtbar. com.

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

Karaoke. Zack’s Place, 8 p.m. 1400 S. University Ave. 501-664-6444. www.zacks-place.com.

Ol’ Puddin’haid. Thirst n’ Howl, 7:30 p.m., free.

14710 Cantrell Road. 501-379-8189. www.thirst-nhowl.com.

MUSIC

And We Were Saints, Blackberry Wednesday.

Vino’s, 9 p.m., $8. 923 W. 7th St. 501-375-8466. www. vinosbrewpub.com.

Bear Colony, This Holy House, Catskill Kids, Belair. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 9 p.m., $7. 107 Commerce St. 501-372-7707. www.stickyfingerz.com.

Big Daddy O. O’Henry’s, 8 p.m. 283 Hwy. 365, Conway.

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

Boom Kinetic. Revolution, 9:30 p.m., $10. 300 President Clinton Ave. 501-823-0090. revroom.com.

Chris Henry. Flying Saucer, 9 p.m., $3. 323 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-7468. www.beerknurd.com/ stores/littlerock.

Darryl Brooks and Taken. Oaklawn, July 8-9, 9 p.m. 2705 Central Ave., Hot Springs. 501-623-4411. www.oaklawn.com.

Eclipse The Echo. West End Smokehouse and Tavern, 10 p.m., $5. 215 N. Shackleford. 501-2247665. www.westendsmokehouse.net.

FreeWorld. Midtown Billiards, 12:30 a.m., $5. 1316 Main St. 501-372-9990. midtownar.com.

Funky Motif. Cajun’s Wharf, 5 and 9 p.m., $5 after 8:30 p.m. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501-375-5351. www. cajunswharf.com.

Matthew Huff. Capi’s, 8 p.m. 11525 Cantrell Suite 917. 501-225-9600. www.capisrestaurant.com.

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

Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 9 p.m., free.

111 Markham St. 501-374-7474. www.capitalhotel. com/CBG. Theodore, Thrift Store Cowboys, All The King’s Men. Maxine’s, 8 p.m., $5 adv., $7 door. 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs. maxinespub.com.

Thomas East. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room, July 8-9, 7 p.m.; July 29-30, 7 p.m. 500 President Clinton Ave. 501-324-2999. www.sonnywilliamssteakroom. com.

VooDoo Sauce, Charlie Woods. The Afterthought, 9 p.m., $7. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.afterthoughtbar.com.

Year of the Tiger, Glittercore, Matt Anders.

White Water Tavern, 10 p.m. 2500 W. 7th. 501-3758400. www.whitewatertavern.com.

COMEDY

The Sandman. The Loony Bin, through July 8, 8 p.m.; July 8, 10:30 p.m.; July 9, 7, 9 and 11 p.m., $8-$13. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-2285555. www.loonybincomedy.com.

EVENTS

Fleur Delicious. See July 7.

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.

SPORTS

Arkansas Travelers vs. Midland Rockhounds.

Dickey-Stephens Park, through July 12: 7:10 p.m.; July 10, 6 p.m., $6-$12. 400 W Broadway St., NLR. 501-664-1555. www.travs.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 9 MUSIC

Blake Shelton. Magic Springs’ Timberwood Amphitheater, 7:30 p.m., $5-$10. 1701 E. Grand Ave., Hot Springs.

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

Darryl Brooks and Taken. Oaklawn, 9 p.m. 2705 Central Ave., Hot Springs. 501-623-4411. www. oaklawn.com.

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

FreeVerse. Midtown Billiards, 12:30 a.m., $5. 1316 Main St. 501-372-9990. midtownar.com.

“Inferno” with DJs SilkySlim, Deja Blu, Greyhound. Sway, 10 p.m. 412 Louisiana. 501-9072582.

Josh Green. Flying Saucer, 9 p.m., $3. 323 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-7468. www.beerknurd.com/ stores/littlerock.

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

Kingsdown, Se7en Sharp. Revolution, 9 p.m. 300 President Clinton Ave. 501-823-0090. revroom.com.

Michael Prysock. White Water Tavern, 10 p.m. 2500 W. 7th. 501-375-8400. www.whitewatertavern.com.

Mr. Lucky (headliner), Tiffany Christopher (happy hour), DJ g-force (between sets). Cajun’s Wharf, 5 and 9 p.m., $5 after 8:30 p.m. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501-375-5351. www.cajunswharf.com.

Sonny Burgess and the Legendary Pacers.

Maxine’s, 9:30 p.m., $8 adv., $10 door. 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs. maxinespub.com.

Tank & Fantasia. Robinson Center Music Hall, 8 p.m., $62. Markham and Broadway. 501-719-8388. www.littlerockmeetings.com/conv-centers/robinson.

Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 9 p.m., free.

111 Markham St. 501-374-7474. www.capitalhotel. com/CBG. The Freds. West End Smokehouse and Tavern, 10 p.m., $5. 215 N. Shackleford. 501-224-7665. www. westendsmokehouse.net.

Thomas East. Sonny Williams’ Steak Room, through July 9, 7 p.m.; through July 30, 7 p.m. 500 President Clinton Ave. 501-324-2999. www.sonnywilliamssteakroom.com.

“Trailer Trash & Bluegrass Bash.” Enjoy The Stumpwater Bluegrass Band, plus a trailer trash costume contest, the winner of which receives two free tickets to Community Theatre of Little Rock’s “The Great American Trailer Park Musical.” Vino’s, 8 p.m., $10 adv., $15 d.o.s. 923 W. 7th St. 501-410-2283. www.ctlr-act.org.

Trio Arkansas featuring Kimberly Fitch.

Featuring performances of works by Xenakis, Kodaly and Brahms. UALR, Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall, July 9, 7:30 p.m.; July 10, 3 p.m. 2801 S. University Ave. 501-569-8977.

William Staggers. The Afterthought, 9 p.m., $7.

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

COMEDY

The Sandman. The Loony Bin, 7, 9 and 11 p.m., $8-$13. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-2285555. www.loonybincomedy.com.

EVENTS

Arkansas Farmers Market. Locally grown produce. Certified Farmers Market, 7 a.m.-12 p.m.

6th and Main, NLR.

Falun Gong meditation. Allsopp Park, 9 a.m., free.

Cantrell & Cedar Hill Roads.

Farmer’s Market. River Market Pavilions, through Oct. 31: 7 a.m. 400 President Clinton Ave. 375-2552. www.rivermarket.info.

Fleur Delicious. See July 7.

“Garden Gourmet” Chef Series. Celebrating sustainable food and culinary traditions, the series features Little Rock chefs demonstrating their use of fresh, local ingredients. River Market Pavilions, through Oct. 8: second Saturday of every month, 9 a.m. 400 President Clinton Ave. 375-2552. www.rivermarket. info.

Helena Second Saturdays. Enjoy art and live usic along Cherry Street. Cherry Street, July 9, 5 p.m.; Aug. 13, 5 p.m.; Sept. 10, 5 p.m.; Oct. 8, 5 p.m.; Nov. 12, 5 p.m. 223 Cherry St., Helena.

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

LECTURES

Freedom Rides, Sit-Ins and Beyond: Direct Action and the Civil Rights Movement in Arkansas in the 1960s. This symposium includes lectures and presentations from several people involved in the sit-ins and Freedom Rides launched as part of the civil rights movement in the 1960s.

Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, 9 a.m. 501 W. 9th St. 501-376-4602. www.mosaictemplarscenter.com.

Good Gardens presents Jody Hardin. Jody Hardin, co-founder of the Argenta Market and the Argenta Farmers Market, talks about what it means to be “locally grown” in Arkansas. Laman Library, 10 a.m. 2801 Orange St., NLR. 501-758-1720. www. lamanlibrary.org.

SPORTS

Arkansas Travelers vs. Midland Rockhounds.

Dickey-Stephens Park, through July 12: 7:10 p.m.; July 10, 6 p.m., $6-$12. 400 W Broadway St., NLR. 501-664-1555. www.travs.com.

BENEFITS

Twilight 5K and Fun Run. The Arkansas Foundation for Skin Cancer and the Big Dam Bridge Foundation will host the Twilight 5K and Fun Run. Events begin at 5:30, the race will run at 7:30 pm.

Includes food, drinks, live music and activities for children and free skin screenings to help Arkansans detect possible skin cancers. Register online at www.ArkansasRunner.com Murray Park, 5:30 p.m.

Rebsamen Park Road. 501-860-0187.

CLASSES

Fiddle workshops. Fiddle workshops for all levels with master fiddler Megan Lynch. Wildwood Park for the Performing Arts, 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., $35-$60. 20919 Denny Road.

“Good Gardens.” A monthly garden program.

Laman Library, through Oct. 6: second Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. 2801 Orange St., NLR. 501-758-1720. www.lamanlibrary.org.

SUNDAY, JULY 10 MUSIC

40oz. to Freedom. Sublime tribute. Juanita’s, 9 p.m., $12 adv., $15 door. 614 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-1228. www.juanitas.com.

Casting Call, Giants At Large. Downtown Music Hall, 7 p.m., $7. 211 W. Capitol. 501-376-1819. downtownshows.homestead.com.

Frans Schuman. Artchurch Studio, 4 p.m., $5.

301 Whittington Ave., Hot Springs. 501-318-6779. www.artchurch.org.

Karaoke. Shorty Small’s, 6-9 p.m. 1475 Hogan Lane, Conway. 501-764-0604. www.shortysmalls. com.

“Margarita Sunday.” With Tawanna Campbell, Jeron, Dell Smith, Cliff Aaron and Joel Crutcher.

Juanita’s, 9 p.m. 614 President Clinton Ave. 501-3721228. www.juanitas.com.

Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 9 p.m., $10. 107 Commerce St. 501-372-7707. www.stickyfingerz.com.

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

Trio Arkansas featuring Kimberly Fitch.

Featuring performances of works by Xenakis, Kodaly and Brahms. UALR, Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall, 3 p.m. 2801 S. University Ave. 501-569-8977.

EVENTS

Arkansas Civil Rights Heritage Trail inauguration. This event will commemorate the historic

integration bus ride and honor the Freedom Riders who helped integrate the Trailways Bus Terminal. A marker will be unveiled at the site of the old depot to inaugurate the Arkansas Civil Rights Heritage Trail.

Old State House Museum, 2 p.m. 500 Clinton Ave. 501-324-9685. www.oldstatehouse.com.

Fleur Delicious. See July 7.

SPORTS

Arkansas Travelers vs. Midland Rockhounds.

Dickey-Stephens Park, through July 12: 7:10 p.m.; July 10, 6 p.m., $6-$12. 400 W Broadway St., NLR. 501-664-1555. www.travs.com.

MONDAY, JULY 11 MUSIC

Alps. Super Happy Fun Land, 9:30 p.m. 608 Main St. Karaoke. Thirst n’ Howl, 8:30 p.m. 14710 Cantrell Road. 501-379-8189. www.thirst-n-howl.com.

Scream the Prayer Tour. Christian metal extravaganza features Norma Jean, Sleeping Giant, The Chariot, War of Ages and several more. Riverfront Park, 3:30 p.m., $18-$22. 400 President Clinton Avenue.

Steve Struthers Trio. The Afterthought, 8 p.m. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.afterthoughtbar. com.

Traditional Irish Music Session. Khalil’s Pub, Fourth and second Monday of every month, 7 p.m.

110 S. Shackleford Road. 501-224-0224. www.khalilspub.com.

Vanessa Lively. Cajun’s Wharf, 5 p.m., $5 after 8 p.m. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501-375-5351. www.cajunswharf.com.

EVENTS

Arkansas Poker Championship. See July 6.

SPORTS

Arkansas Travelers vs. Midland Rockhounds.

Dickey-Stephens Park, 7:10 p.m., $6-$12. 400 W Broadway St., NLR. 501-664-1555. www.travs.com.

TUESDAY, JULY 12 MUSIC

And Then There Was Bear. White Water Tavern, 10 p.m., Donations. 2500 W. 7th. 501-375-8400. www. whitewatertavern.com.

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

Brian Martin. Maxine’s, 8 p.m., Free. 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs. maxinespub.com.

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

Karaoke Night. Cornerstone Pub & Grill, 8 p.m. 314 Main St., NLR. 501-374-1782. cstonepub.com.

Karaoke Tuesday. Prost, 8 p.m., free. 120 Ottenheimer. 501-244-9550.

Karaoke with Big John Miller. Denton’s Trotline, 8 p.m. 2150 Congo Road, Benton. 501-315-1717.

Lucious Spiller Band. Copeland’s, 6-9 p.m. 2602 S. Shackleford Road. 501-312-1616. www.copelandsofneworleans.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. 501-823-0090. www.revroom.com.

EVENTS

Charity Bingo Tuesday. ACAC, 6:30 p.m. 608 Main St. 501-244-2974. acacarkansas.wordpress.com.

Farmer’s Market. River Market Pavilions, through Oct. 31: 7 a.m. 400 President Clinton Ave. 375-2552. www.rivermarket.info.

Tales from the South. Authors tell true stories; get schedule at www.talesfromthesouth.com. Dinner served 5-6:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m. Reserve at 501-372-7976. Starving Artist Cafe, 7 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. 501-372-7468. www.beerknurd.com/ stores/littlerock.

FILM

“Airplane.” Market Street Cinema, 7 p.m., $5.

1521 Merrill Drive. 501-312-8900. www.marketstreetcinema.net.

LECTURES

Meet the Author Series: Sandy Longhorn.

Longhorn will read from her work and discuss her recent book of poems, “Blood Almanac,” Which wond the Anhinga Prize for Poetry. Laman Library, 6:30 p.m. 2801 Orange St., NLR. 501-758-1720. www.lamanlibrary.org.

SPORTS

Arkansas Travelers vs. Midland Rockhounds.

Dickey-Stephens Park, 7:10 p.m., $6-$12. 400 W Broadway St., NLR. 501-664-1555. www.travs.com.

CLASSES

Beginners Genealogy Workshop. Learn the basics of family history research, including how to fill out pedigree charts, finding sources and searching records. Faulkner County Library, through July 26: 2 p.m., Free. 1900 Tyler St., Conway. 501-327-7482. www.fcl.org.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 13 MUSIC

Acoustic Open Mic. The Afterthought, 8 p.m., free.

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

Alternative Wednesdays. Features alternative bands from Little Rock and the surrounding areas.

Mediums Art Lounge, through Aug. 17: 6:30 p.m., $5.

521 Center St. 501-374-4495.

Bolly Open Mic Hype Night with Osyrus Bolly and DJ Messiah. All American Wings, 9 p.m. 215 W. Capitol Ave. 501-376-4000. allamericanwings.com.

Darryl Edwards. Cajun’s Wharf, 5 p.m., $5 after 8:30 p.m. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501-375-5351. www. cajunswharf.com.

Jack’s Mannequin, Steel Train, Lady Danville, River Jam. Revolution, 8:30 p.m., $20. 300 President Clinton Ave. 501-823-0090. revroom.com.

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

The Jukebox Romantics, Thera. Maxine’s, 8 p.m., Free. 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs. maxinespub.com.

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

Karaoke. Hibernia Irish Tavern, 9 p.m. 9700 N Rodney Parham Road. 501-246-4340. www.hiberniairishtavern.com.

Karaoke with Big John Miller. Denton’s Trotline, 8 p.m. 2150 Congo Road, Benton. 501-315-1717.

Mayday By Midnight. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, through Aug. 31: 9 p.m., $5. 107 Commerce St. 501-372-7707. www.stickyfingerz.com.

Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 5 p.m., free.

111 Markham St. 501-374-7474. www.capitalhotel. com/CBG.

EVENTS

Arkansas Poker Championship. See July 6.

FILM

Movies in the Park: “Dirty Dancing.” Riverfest Amphitheatre, 8 p.m. 400 President Clinton Ave.

THIS WEEK IN THEATER Improv at the Library with Armadillo Rodeo.

High school students from Central Arkansas perform in this improv troupe. Faulkner County Library, Wed., July 6, 7 p.m. 1900 Tyler St., Conway. 501-327-7482. www.fcl.org.

“Christmas Belles.” The Futrelle sisters are trying to pull off a perfect Christmas program, but things get Southern crazy with squabbling sisters, family secrets, a surly Santa, a vengeful sheep, and a reluctant Elvis impersonator. Part of the Searcy Summer Dinner Theatre at Ulrey Performing Arts Center. Harding University, through July 9, 6:30 p.m., $25. 900 E. Center Ave., Searcy. 501-279-4580. www.hardingtickets.com.

“Cinderella.” Royal Players present Rodgers & Hammerstein’s TV musical adapted for the stage.

Directed by Duane Jackson with music direction by Dawne Carroll and choreography by Jenny Johnston and Laura Stilwell. Royal Theatre, July 7-9, 7 p.m.; Sun., July 10, 2 p.m.; July 14-16, 7 p.m.; Sun., July 17, 2 p.m., $12, $10 seniors, $5 students. 111 S. Market St., Benton. 501-315-5483.

“Everybody Loves Opal.” A comedy about three con artists who attempt to take out a hefty life-insurance policy on wacky recluse Opal Kronkie and then speed her demise, only to be thwarted by her oddball antics. Murry’s Dinner Playhouse, through July 9, 6 p.m.; Wed., July 6, 11 a.m.; Sun., July 10, 5:30 p.m.;

Continued on page 24 www.arktimes.com • JULY 6, 2011 23

CASH

Continued from page 19

SHAKESPEARE FOR THE PEOPLE: Dan Matise as Jacques in the Arkansas Shakespeare Festival’s “As You Like It.”

■ theaterreview ‘As You Like It’

Argenta Community Theater, July 1

n Shakespeare, for being the untouchable granddaddy of English-speaking arts and culture, can be remarkably lowbrow. For some, his name makes them yawn and think of incomprehensible soliloquies to skulls and a confusing mess of “thees” and “thous,” highfalutin drudge much like opera or Russian literature. Of course, back in his day, the bard wasn’t thinking about academic immortality or what Harold Bloom would eventually say about him. He was a simple playwright with the rabble of Renaissance London to entertain — no doubt a tough crowd.

Therein lies the amusement of “As You Like It,” which has remained a crowdpleaser since 1600 or so. Much like traveling thespians of yore, the Arkansas Shakespeare Festival took its production of this comedy from Conway to the Argenta Community Theater in North Little Rock for its final weekend of shows.

It’s a lively, fast-faced production, with a crew of bumbling, romantic characters who are all ironically fated to go head over heels for each other. Orlando (David Huynh), appropriately wide-eyed and optimistic, is a gentleman of the kingdom who is tormented by his older brother. After defeating the court wrestler in an uproarious and anachronistic showdown, Orlando is exiled by Duke Fredrick (Roert Dillon) and must flee his home into the Forest of Arden, but not before falling in love at first sight with Rosalind (Amy Fritsche), the daughter of a usurped duke. Conveniently, and without reason, Rosalind is likewise banished shortly after. She and her cousin, Celia (Christa Whitlow), along with a bouncy court fool, make haste as well to the Forest of Arden. For protection (but really to line up your typical genderbending, mistaken-identity Shakespearian gags) Rosalind assumes a man’s disguise, adopting the name Ganymede.

Superbly acted and directed, the rest of “As You Like It” is the typical lighthearted pastoral romance. “Ganymede” does 24 JULY 6, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES

“his” merry best to unite a pair of lovesick shepherds, one of whom falls in love with “him” instead. Ganymede also runs into Orlando, who unwittingly confesses his love for Rosalind. An assortment of other forest characters, blessed with their author’s sharp-tongued wit, amorously pursue each other, while back in the kingdom Duke Fredrick calculates his revenge against all those characters in the play who are having more fun than him. Finally tiring of her charade, Rosalind drops her disguise and works on making sure that everyone ends up coupled and happy.

Spoiler alert — everybody gets married in the final scene.

As enjoyable as he can be, Shakespeare is also dauntingly complex — one wrong move can make him boring and impenetrable. Although at times a bit lightning-quick, this is not a trap that the Shakespeare Festival falls into; it’s a gracious romp on the playwright’s more highspirited side. Instead of pondering “To be, or not to be,” they frolic in the good news that “All the world’s a stage”— a monologue that in this production is both melancholy and humorous, not forgetting its comedy with the fame of its lines.

Unless you’re an actor, you may hesitate to say that any work of Shakespeare’s is fun; most of the time, that doesn’t seem quite the word. But this production of “As You Like It” could be described as such.

The actors seemed to be genuinely enjoying themselves, delivering their speeches and asides as much for the audience as for themselves. Scattered with references to the modern day, as well as a live soundtrack of a few eighties pop classics, a purist might not have been amused; but what is Shakespeare if not eternally accessible? It is for the people, the hardscrabble crowds that thronged the Globe Theatre to stand in the mud and get drunk. If Harold Bloom doesn’t like it, that’s because he was never supposed to.

— Bernard Reed

A modest composition, “Like a Soldier” gestures backwards at Cash’s great trials and misadventures. “The wild road I was ramblin,’” he sings, “was always out there callin’/and you said a hundred times I should have died.” Cash was drawn to images that resonated with his seeming domestic happiness, famous past wildness and sung history all at once; it is as though the mature Cash’s artistic struggle was to find ways to sing of home without having to hang up his spurs and tie on an apron, to pull his emblematic self indoors and into the proximity of other selves without extinguishing all of its lonesome strength.

Perhaps this is why the late Cash kept dredging up his lawless past, tying it to his present tameness by claiming that the wild road was the one that brought him to June.

In the liner notes to “Unchained,” Cash recalled how he and the Tennessee Three had pushed June too far while out on tour and she lashed back, disciplining them. “So beginning that night, she began the long, slow process of trying to tame me, and how sweet it was,” Cash wrote. “But that streak was hard to get me off of.” In “Like a Soldier,” that wild streak reveals itself as the war, the lawless ways and the crazy days he no longer had to live up to, but: “Sometimes at night,” Cash also wrote in those liner notes, quoting the lyrics of a Bob McDill song he once recorded with compadre Waylon Jennings, “when I hear the wind, I wish I was crazy again.”

It is in such bittersweet maturity that the late Cash sounds most fully like himself, able to acknowledge and thereby overcome the temptations of his past while also finding a small tragedy hidden inside that very overcoming. “Like a Soldier,” though, treads a thin line between celebration and gloating, threatening to dry out inside its rarefied happiness, up where catharsis no longer needs to exist. Listening now, however, after both Johnny and June have passed on, a new pathos is present in the song, one that was not there while they were alive. The impermanence of Cash’s victory comes through, casting a different kind of light on the song’s victory march.

Cash wrote “Like a Soldier” as though his battle were over, as though his decades with June were not filled with addictions, betrayals, near divorces and ostrich attacks (Cash was nearly killed on their property after picking a fight with an angry ostrich that leapt up and brought its razor sharp foot down Cash’s belly, nearly disemboweling him). But now, after their deaths, the fairy-tale marriage Cash so publicly promoted sounds like a necessary stay against chaos, a calmness circled by oblivion. The haunting that Cash sang about—“there are faces that come to me/in my darkest secret memories/faces that I wish would not come back at all”—now seems like a flipped

negative of the last few months of his life, when Cash was so near to blindness that he had a large portrait of June painted inside their home so her face would remain present for him, keeping him company. “Back in his office, the pictures of June’s warm face around him, he would grieve,” writes Michael Streissguth. “He picked up the telephone and pretended to talk to her.” As Streissguth describes it, each evening arrived with a melancholy ache: At night, his darkness was filled with her elusive image. He dreamt that she was calling him, that she was next to him. Sleeping alone in their room disquieted him, so he moved to a small hospital bed in his small book-lined office. There his daughters could hear his muffled sobs. “I would think I heard him calling me or something,” says Cindy, “and I would go in there and he would be, ‘I miss her.’ Just like a child.

He would talk to her. It was devastating.”

Inevitably, his spirits collapsed as the sun fell. The gloaming, he’d say, invoking the Scottish term for evening, was the hardest part of the day.

When Cash died soon thereafter, American culture itself began to will that he and June be reunited, if not on some distant eternal shore then at least in film and in song. Shelby Lynne, who played Cash’s mother in “Walk the Line,” wrote the song “Johnny Met June” on the day of Cash’s death. “Today it occurred to me as the daylight sky shone blue,” she wrote, “today’s the day that Johnny met June.”

Others imagined Cash as an otherworldly avenger. In 2006, Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees purchased Cash’s Tennessee home for several million dollars and began restoring it, hoping to use the famous house as an inspirational site for his own songwriting. During restoration efforts the following year, the house caught fire, burning to the ground. Gibb, perhaps spooked by the fiery judgment placed upon his plans, publicly announced that he would build his home “on the higher ground surrounding the Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash home” and that “the original foundations shall be kept intact and preserved.” In 2008, George Strait and Patty Loveless recorded a duet called “House of Cash,” a song in which the posthumous Cash expresses his displeasure over Gibb’s purchase of his home. “Goodbye Johnny, Goodbye June, goodbye fancy living room,” the chorus goes. “No one sleeps in Cash’s bed/except the Man in Black and the woman he wed.”

The song is both corny (“that yard looked like a funeral hall/without the pies and casseroles”) and perfectly attuned with Cash’s own self-mythologizing. “And the ring of fire comes full circle,” Strait and Loveless sing, “and the ring of fire comes all the way around.” For love or for solitude, for redemption or for casseroles: from here on out, it seems clear that The Man in Black will always be conscripted to fight.

Continued from page 23 through July 16, 6 p.m.; Wed., July 13, 11 a.m.; Sun., July 17, 5:30 p.m.; through July 23, 6 p.m.; Sun., July 24, 5:30 p.m., $23-$33. 6323 Col. Glenn Road.

501-562-3131. murrysdinnerplayhouse.com.

“Guys & Dolls.” Frank Loesser’s classic musical about the seedy side of 1940s New York. Walton Arts Center, Sat., July 9, 2 and 8 p.m., $30-$43. 495 W. Dickson St., Fayetteville. 479-443-5600.

“Gypsy.” Based on the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, the famous burlesque striptease artist, whose mother, Rose, became synonymous with the “ultimate showbusiness mother.” The Weekend Theater, through July 10: Fri., Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m. 1001 W. 7th St. 501-374-3761. www.weekendtheater.org.

Opera in the Ozarks: “Die Fledermaus.” Johann Strauss’ operetta, to be sung in English. Arend Arts Center, Sun., July 10, 4 p.m., $20-$25. 1901 S.E. J St., Bentonville. 479-253-8595. www.opera.org.

Die Fledermaus (The Bat) is an operetta composed

by Johann Strauss II to a German libretto by Karl Haffner and Richard Genée. It will be sung in English.

Inspiration Point, Fri., July 8, 7:30 p.m.; Fri., July 15, 7:30 p.m.; Thu., July 21, 7:30 p.m., $20-$25. 16311 Hwy. 62 W., Eureka Springs.

Opera in the Ozarks: “Le Nozze di Figaro.” One of Mozart’s most famous operas recounts a single “day of madness” in the palace of the Count Almaviva near Seville, Spain. It will be sung in Italian, with translation presented. Inspiration Point, Thu., July 7, 7:30 p.m.; Tue., July 12, 7:30 p.m.; Thu., July 14, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., July 16, 7:30 p.m.; Wed., July 20, 7:30 p.m., $20-$25.

16311 Hwy. 62 W., Eureka Springs. 479-253-8595. www.opera.org.

Opera in the Ozarks: “Little Women.” Mark Adamo’s work based on Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel. Inspiration Point, Wed., July 6, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., July 9, 7:30 p.m.; Wed., July 13, 7:30 p.m.; Fri., July 22, 7:30 p.m., $20-$25. 16311 Hwy. 62 W., Eureka Springs. 479-253-8595. www.opera.org.

GALLERIES, MUSEUMS NEW EXHIBITS, EVENTS

BUTLER CENTER GALLERIES, Arkansas Studies Institute, 401 President Clinton Ave.: “Renee Williams: New Works,” acrylic on paper, reception 5-8 p.m. July 8, 2nd Friday Art Night, with music by the Winston Family Orchestra; “The Art of Robin Tucker,” Atrium Gallery; “V.I.T.A.L. (Visual Images that Affect Lives),” work by Melverue Abraham, Rex Deloney, LaToya Hobbs, Ariston Jacks, Kalari Turner and Michael Worsham, Concordia Hall, through Aug. 27; Arkansas Art Educators’ “State Youth Art Show 2011,” through July 30, Main Gallery. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 3205791.

CHRIST CHURCH, 509 Scott St.: Work by students of the Arkansas Arts Center Museum School, reception 5-8 p.m. July 8, 2nd Friday Art Night. 375-2342.

HEARNE FINE ART, 1001 Wright Ave.: “Poetry — Works on Canvas and Paper,” charcoal studies and paintings by Lawrence Finney, through Aug. 15, open 5-8 p.m. July 8, 2nd Friday Art Night, artist talk 2 p.m. July 9. 372-6822.

HISTORIC ARKANSAS MUSEUM, 200 E. Third St.: “Playing at War: Children’s Civil War Era Toys,” from the collection of Greg McMahon, through Jan. 10; “Forgotten Places: Rhonda Berry and Diana Michelle Hausam,” photographs, through Aug. 7; “Mid-Southern Watercolorists 41st Annual Exhibition,” through Aug. 13, Trinity Gallery; “Reel to Real: ‘Gone with the Wind’ and the Civil War in Arkansas,” artifacts from the Shaw-Tumblin collection, including costumes and screen tests, along with artifacts from the HAM collection, including slave narratives, uniforms and more; through April 30, 2012. Open 5-8 p.m. July 8, 2nd Friday Art Night, with music by the Bank Lauck band. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. $2.50 adults, $1.50, $1 children for tours of grounds.

324-9351.

SALVATION ARMY, 1515 W. 18th St., NLR: Dream Big free art classes for children in grades K-6, 10-11:30 a.m. July 9, 16, 23, 30, parental consent required, sponsored by the Thea Foundation. 3799512.

THEA FOUNDATION, 400 E. Main St., NLR: Thea’s Art Camp, “Time Travel Adventure,”

classes taught by North Little Rock and Pulaski County school district teachers, July 11-14, 1821 (9-11 a.m. 3-6th graders, 2-4 p.m. 7-9th graders). $75. 379-9512.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT LITTLE ROCK: “Advancing Tradition: 20 Years of Printmaking at Flatbed Press,” July 10-Oct. 2, Gallery I, Fine Arts Building. 569-8977.

r eA d b ! n d re fi n he o M er iA e d b

CALENDAR

ONGOING EXHIBITIONS

ARKANSAS ARTS CENTER, MacArthur Park: Work from the permanent collection. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tue.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. 372-4000.

CANTRELL GALLERY, 8206 Cantrell Road: “20th annual Mid-Southern Watercolorists Open Membership Exhibit,” through July 16. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 224-1335.

CHROMA GALLERY, 5707 Kavanaugh Blvd.: Work by Robert Reep and other Arkansas artists.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat. 6640880.

GALLERY 26, 2601 Kavanaugh Blvd.: Amber Uptigrove, Sulac, new work through July 9. 10 a.m.6 p.m. Tue.-Sat. 664-8996.

GREG THOMPSON FINE ART, 429 Main St., NLR: “Best of the South,” paintings by Carroll Cloar, William Dunlap, Glennray Tutor and others.

664-2787.

KETZ GALLERY, 705 Main St., NLR: Tim Jacob, “puddle paintings,” through mid-July. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Fri., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat. 529-6330.

L&L BECK GALLERY, 5705 Kavanaugh Blvd.: “Pick Your Favorite,” paintings by Louis Beck, through July. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tue.-Sat. 660-4006.

LAMAN LIBRARY, 2801 Orange St.: “Feelin’ Groovy: Rock and Roll Graphics, 1966-1970,” through Aug. 21. 758-1720.

LOCAL COLOUR GALLERY, 5811 Kavanaugh Blvd.: Art and jewelry by members of artists’ cooperative. 265-0422.

M2GALLERY, 11525 Cantrell Road (Pleasant Ridge Town Center): “Westland: The Life and Art of Tim West,” artwork by West, photographs by Diana Michelle Hausam. 225-6257.

RED DOOR GALLERY, 3715 JFK, NLR: Buddy Whitlock, featured artist, also work by Lola Abellan, Mary Allison, Georges Artaud, Theresa Cates, Caroline’s Closet, Kelly Edwards, Jane Hankins, James Hayes, Amy Hill-Imler, Morris Howard, Jim Johnson, Annette Kagy, Capt. Robert Lumpp, Joe Martin, Pat Matthews and others.10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. 753-5227.

REFLECTIONS GALLERY AND FINE FRAMING, 11220 Rodney Parham Road: Work by local and national artists. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat. 227-5659.

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

Mon.-Fri. 372-7373.

STATE CAPITOL: “Arkansans in the Korean War,” 32 photographs, lower-level foyer. 7 a.m.-5 p.m.

Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat.-Sun. STEPHANO’S FINE ART, 5501 Kavanaugh Blvd.: New work by Stephano, Thom Bierdz, Tony Dow, Kelley Naylor-Wise, Michael A. Darr, Mike Gaines, G. Peebles, Steven Thomas, Alexis Silk, Paula Wallace and Ron Logan. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tue.Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. 563-4218.

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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.

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

CLINTON PRESIDENTIAL CENTER, 1200 President Clinton Ave.: “Elvis,” memorabilia from films, including Elvis’ red MG from “Blue Hawaii,” through Aug. 21; “Elvis at 21, Photographs by Alfred Wertheimer,” 56 black and white images taken in 1956 by RCA Victor photojournalist, through Sept.

11; free Super Summer Saturdays, kids’ activities, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. through Aug. 20; 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.

MacARTHUR MUSEUM OF ARKANSAS MILITARY HISTORY, MacArthur Park: Exhibits on Arkansas’s military history. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat., 1-4 p.m. Sun. 376-4602.

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2 FREEWAY DR. | LITTLE ROCK | 501.666.7226 www.pettusop.com www.arktimes.com • JULY 6, 2011 25

CELEBRATING OUR 11th YEAR!

HELP WANTED ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

Friday, July 8 – Thursday, July 14

Rejoice and Shout PG 2:00 4:20 7:15 9:15 Smokey Robinson, Mavis Staples, Willa Ward the aRt of GettinG By PG13 2:15 4:00 4:10 7:10 9:10 Freddie Highmore, Emma Roberts, Blair Underwood cave of foRGotten dReamS G 2:15 4:25 7:00 9:00 Werner Herzog, Dominique Baffier, Jean Clottes midniGht in PaRiS PG13 1:45 4:00 7:00 9:15 Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates Directed by Woody Allen Free Wi-Fi in the meek’S cutoff PG 2:00 6:45 lobby Michelle Williams, Bruce Greenwood, Paul Dano Independent Spirit Awards, Venice Film Fest incendieS R 4:15 9:15 Lubna Azabal, Melissa Desormeaux-Poulin, Maxim Gaudette Academy Award Nominee

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See reSultS!

IF HE COULD TALK WITH THE ANIMALS: Kevin James plays a zookeeper whose animals must teach him how to woo a female in “The Zookeeper.”

JULY 8-10

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

Showtimes for Breckenridge, Lakewood, Movies 10 and Rave were not available at press time. Check www.arktimes.com for updates. Market Street Cinema showtimes at or after 9 p.m. are for Friday and Saturday only.

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

NEW MOVIES Horrible Bosses: (R) A trio of frustrated friends take advice from an ex-con and hatch a plan to permanently rid themselves of their awful bosses.

Chenal 9: 10:20 a.m., 1:35, 4:35, 7:40, 10:05. Riverdale: 11:40 a.m., 2:05, 4:30, 7:30, 10:15.

Rejoice and Shout (PG) – This documentary traces the history and evolution of gospel music throughout the decades. Market Street: 2:00, 4:20, 7:15, 9:15.

The Zookeeper: (PG) – Kevin James is a zookeeper who is so beloved by his furry charges that they decide to break their longtime code of silence and talk, teaching him the rules of courtship. Che-

nal 9: 10:40 a.m., 1:20, 4:05, 7:10, 9:50. Riverdale: 11:25 a.m., 1:50, 4:40, 7:05, 9:35.

RETURNING THIS WEEK The Art of Getting By (PG-13) – A high school senior with a fatalistic outlook starts to change his view of the world after meeting a free-spirited classmate. Market Street: 2:15, 4:00, 4:10, 7:10, 9:10.

Bad Teacher (R) – Cameron Diaz plays a bad teacher who suddenly becomes motivated to improve her students’ test scores through the magic of incentive pay. Riverdale: 11:45, 1:45, 3:55, 6:05, 8:05, 10:10.

Cars 2 (G) – A group of animated talking cars travel abroad for the inaugural World Grand Prix in this Pixar sequel. Riverdale: 11:20 a.m., 1:40, 4:05, 6:30, 9:05.

Cave of Forgotten Dreams (G) — Werner Herzog films some of humanity’s oldest pictorial creations inside the Chauvet caves in southern France

in this documentary. Market Street: 2:15, 4:25, 7:00, 9:10.

Incendies (R) – After the death of their mother, a brother and sister embark upon a journey to the Middle East and uncover truths about their family’s mysterious past. Market Street: 4:15, 9:15.

Larry Crowne (PG-13) — Tom Hanks stars in this Tom Hanks-directed rom-com as a victim of corporate downsizing who decides to enroll in college, where he meets Julia Roberts. Breckenridge: Chenal 9: Rave: Riverdale:12:00 p.m., 2:45, 5:25, 7:45, 10:00 Meek’s Cutoff (PG) – Michelle Williams stars in this tale of a group of westward voyagers led astray by their guide in the high plains desert. Market Street: 2:00, 6:45.

Midnight in Paris (PG-13) — Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams hang out with literary heavyweights of the 1920s in Paris. Market Street: 1:45, 4:00, 7:00, 9:15.

Monte Carlo (PG) — Selena Gomez and Leighton Meester go to Europe, flirt with young bachelors and party on yachts. Riverdale: 11:05 a.m., 1:25, 3:50, 6:20, 8:45.

Mr. Poppers Penguins (PG) — Jim Carrey plays a businessman whose life takes a turn for ridiculous after he inherits six penguins. Riverdale: 11:00 a.m., 1:05 p.m., 3:10, 5:20, 7:35, 9:45.

Super 8 (PG-13) – After a group of friends films a train wreck in a small Ohio town, inexplicable things begin happening around the crash site and locals start to disappear into thin air. Directed by J.J. Abrams. Riverdale: 11:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 4:25, 6:45, 9:10.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon (PG-13) Robots disguised as cars and planes and such try to blow each other up. Again. Riverdale: 11:50 a.m., 2:55, 6:15, 9:30.

X-Men: First Class (PG-13) – Professor Xavier’s gifted students explore their new-found powers as the Cold War reaches a fever pitch. With James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender. Rave: Riverdale: 11:15 a.m., 1:55, 4:35, 7:15, 9:55.

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

Cinemark Movies 10: 4188 E. McCain Blvd., 9457400, www.cinemark.com.

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

Market Street Cinema: 1521 Merrill Drive, 3128900, www.marketstreetcinema.net.

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

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

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call Kaytee Wright 501-607-3100 For more information and the Women’s Boot camp calendar, visit www.northsidefitness.net

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FitNess 26 JULY 6, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES

I THINK THE HR MANAGER MIGHT HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THIS: Charlie Day (“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”) plays a dental hygienist who, along with his friends, hatches a plot to kill his boss, played by Jennifer Aniston, in “Horrible Bosses.”

SUBLIME. ONE OF THE MOST SHEERLY ENJOYABLE FILMS OF THE YEAR.

“

Whatever your spiritual beliefs, you will come out of it completely uplifted and revivified.”

– David Noh, FILM JOURNAL

YOUR RELIGION OR LACK OF ONE DOESN'T MATTER.

“

At some point while watching the film, you may feel that music is God, or if not, a close approximation of divinity.”

– Stephen Holden, THE NEW YORK TIMES

‘TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON’: Shia LaBeouf and Rosie HuntingtonWhiteley star.

■ moviereview ‘Transformers’ on auto-pilot Acting terrible, but visuals great. n Hardly a minute passes in “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” without something visually astonishing appearing on screen, and for that, we must give director Michael Bay his due. He’s always beating us over the head with robot battles, or Chicago getting trashed like a frat house during a kegger, or a Victoria’s Secret model playing Shia LaBeouf’s girlfriend (an upgrade on Megan Fox, if such things were thought possible), or classic cars, or the awe-inspiring Milwaukee Art Museum, or wing-suited paratroopers, or more giant robots fighting and knocking over skyscrapers — on it goes. It looks fantastic.

Where you’ll find yourself hating it is in every line delivered by John Turturro, reprising his role as a Transformers-obsessed scientist, and by Frances McDormand, almost unbearable as a grating Secretary of Defense. That’s when you’ll realize, too, that you’re getting riled over clunktastic performances in what is in essence the fanciest toy commercial ever.

We start with the premise that the entire Apollo space program was a cover to investigate an alien ship crash-landing on the back of the moon, so Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong are dispatched to beat the Ruskies to the alien paydirt. By this, the second “Transformers” sequel, the Autobots have saved Earth twice from the Decepticons and have been integrated into the U.S. government as some kind of stealthcar task force that rolls in and beats up bad guys. The investment and refinement in the Transformer effects — especially in, you know, transforming — have gone from quite good in the 2007 “Transformers” to virtually seamless in this third installment.

Early on, when the Decepticons lure the Autobots into an ambush at Chernobyl, you’ll truly believe that enormous mecha-

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Win a $50 Gift Certificate Anyway, the Autobots finally learn of arktimes.com/ just by checking-in at your the crashed ship — one of theirs, from ALL.RAS-A1.0706.ATEMAIL ben-e-keith favorite restaurants! eons ago — and head to the moon to pick AM AM ES ES up some gadgetry and an old Autobot.

(Sentinel Prime, voiced by Leonard Nimoy, who, besides his “Star Trek” fame, will be recalled by nerds as Galvatron in the 1985 “Transformers: The Movie.”)

Things don’t turn out as they’d hoped, and it appears the human species may soon be enslaved. LaBeouf, back (for a final time, he has said) as Sam Witwicky, struggles through a demeaning life not saving the world with the Transformers until he realizes that he needs to help the Transformers save the world again. His slimy boss is played by John Malkovich, his girlfriend Carly (yuk, yuk) is the constantly ogled Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and her slimy boss is Patrick Dempsey. Present-day The Sprinkler Smart program can help you save money, water and your landscape.

Buzz Aldrin is played semi-convincingly Avoid watering between 5:30 am and 7:30 am. by present-day Buzz Aldrin.

Learn more at www.carkw.com/or There’s plenty wrong with the script www.uaex.edu • 501-340-6650 (you can imagine its bard, Ehren Kruger, The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, disability, exclaiming, “This thing writes itself!”) and marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. with the overall toneSprinkler of the movie, which The Smart program can help you save money, water and University of Arkansas, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and County Governments Cooperating devolves into slapstick at the worst times: Avoid Avoid watering between 5:305:30 amam and 7:30 am. watering between and 7:30 am. right before (and even during) murders, for Learn more at www.carkw.com/or www.uaex.edu • 501-340-6650 instance. Surely some of the humor is there Learn more Extension at www.carkw.com/or The Arkansas Cooperative Service offers its programs to leaven a bleak storyline in what is ostento all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, www.uaex.edu • 501-340-6650 sibly still a kids’ movie; the result is a beige The Sprinkler Smart program can help you save money, water religion, gender, disability, marital or veteran status, or and any your otherlandscape. emotional smoothie. This “Transformers” The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons of race, Avoid watering between 5:30 am and 7:30regardless am. legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/ color, national orig installment reminds us that dying and digimarital or veteran status, or any other legallymore protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Learn at www.carkw.com/or Equal Opportunity Employer. tizing the alien-robot takeover of the world www.uaex.edu •Agriculture, 501-340-6650 of Arkansas, U.S. Department and County Governments University of Arkansas, U.S. of Department of Agriculture, and Cooperating are easy; comedy is hard. If you can stom- University

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The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, disability, ach fine actors slogging through leaden County Governments Cooperating marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. performances, though, the indulgent specUniversity of Arkansas, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and County Governments Cooperating tacle in this sucker is so, so worth it.

— Sam Eifling

www.arktimes.com • JULY 6, 2011 27

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■ booknotes Jo McDougall’s latest n Better known as an accomplished poet, Jo McDougall has turned her considerable talent to writing a memoir about the vibrant rice farm where she grew up in Southeast Arkansas. While “Daddy’s Money: A Memoir of Farm and Family” (The University of Arkansas Press, $19.95, paperback) may look like a tribute to rural America, don’t bet the farm on it. McDougall writes eloquently about her early life, but it includes a sad refrain, about the fate of the family farm and her own trouble with her younger sister, over control of the family estate.

In between, however, McDougall serves up some tantalizing homegrown memories of the farm community around DeWitt, where she grew up with the rituals of early rising, working until dark and knowing all the neighbors for miles around. She recalls the inescapable sounds of a huge pump near her house that ran non-stop to keep the rice fields irrigated and the way the dirt smelled as it was churned up each spring.

The homeplace was built in 1910 by her paternal grandfather, Peter Garot, an immigrant of Belgium. Her father, Leon Garot, later took over the 1,110 acres when Peter Garot was lured into retirement by the sparkling waters of Hot Springs.

As a girl, McDougall learned how to snap the head off a chicken but was otherwise not required to work much around the farm. Daddy’s money was paying her way. For the better part of the last century, McDougal’s family thrived on rice farming and it provided them with an abundant life.

Still, there was the constant undertow of worry about growing conditions and the farmers’ utter dependence on the weather. Too much rain? Too little?

Will the bane of all rice growers — the deadly white tip disease — show up to ruin everything? All this caused strain in the household as her father routinely complained to her mother about the season’s crop. McDougall writes: “It never occurs to either of them, I suppose, to pursue another way of making a living. They are beholden to the spreading sunsets of this forever landscape, to the smells of water irrigating a dry field.

To the color of rice at harvest, like burnt butter. They are beholden to the dirt.”

Near the end of the book, McDougall takes her grandchildren for one last look at the farm, now deserted, where she spent her early years. Pulling on the rotting door of a barn, she is aware that the “old homeplace looks like the setting for a Tennessee Williams play: genteel decay in the Old South.”

July Books Calendar

19 Janie and Wyatt Jones (“Arkansas Curiosities”), 6:30 p.m., LL. 19 Jenny Wingfield (“The Homecoming of Samuel Lake”), 5:30 p.m., TBIB. 19 Cookie’s Bookclub discusses Karl Marlantes’ “Matterhorn,” 7 p.m., TBIB. 22-24 FOCAL Book Sale, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Fri.-Sat., 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Sun., ML. 23 Alan Sargent (“Changing Your Stars: Empowerment for a Different Destiny”), 3 p.m., WW. 28 Jo McDougall (“Daddy’s Money”), 5 p.m., Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas, Dewitt.

29 Jo McDougall (“Daddy’s Money”), 6 p.m., Grand Prairie Center at Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas, Stuttgart.

Benefit for the Museum of the Grand Prairie, $10 charge.

30 Karen Gammons (“Prince Andy and the Misfits”), 1-3 p.m., WW. 30 Jo McDougall (“Daddy’s Money”), 2 p.m., Butler Center for Arkansas Studies, Arkansas Studies Institute, Room 124.

Area bookstores, libraries and venues: CS: Clinton School of Public Service, Sturgis Hall, 1200 President Clinton Ave., 683-5200.

FCL: Faulkner County Library, 1900 Tyler St., Conway, 501-327-7482.

LL: Laman Library, 2801 Orange St., North Little Rock, 501-758-1720.

ML: Main Library, 100 Rock St., 918-3000.

TBIB: That Bookstore in Blytheville, 316 W. Main St., Blytheville, 870-763-3333.

WW: WordsWorth Books & Co., 5920 R St., 663-9198.

This book is a little unsettling at times: There is a painful scene in which McDougall bids against her sister at a courtordered, “closed” liquidation of the family estate for possession of the red wagon of their childhood. Otherwise, “Daddy’s Money” imparts a broad connection to family that is sweetened by McDougall’s eidetic memory for the rich details of her youth.

McDougall, the author of five books of poetry, includes several new poems in this book that help punctuate the moods of her story. Characteristically, her words are always carefully planted and pruned. They never fail to provide an abundant harvest.

— Rod Lorenzen

n The owners of the month-old Banana Leaf Indian food truck — which received good marks from the Times in last week — got an unwelcome surprise just before the July 4th weekend: a visit from Little Rock code enforcement, and the news that the lot where they’ve been set up since they opened isn’t properly zoned.

Shan Pethaperumal, husband of Banana Leaf’s owner Poorni Muthaian, said that the owner of the salon at 201 N. Van Buren St. where the truck has been parked assumed the property was zoned for commercial use. After Pethaperumal applied for an electrical hookup at the site, however, he was informed by the city that the lot had actually been a commercial property for so long — over 35 years, according to the owner — that it pre-dated city zoning restrictions and had been “grandfathered in.” According to the City of Little Rock’s peddler’s regulations, a mobile food truck can set up with the permission of the owner in any paved lot that’s zoned C-3, C-4 or “Urban Use” — classifications that include most city businesses.

“The owner is working to get it rezoned, so that is no issue,” Pethaperumal said. “I’m trying to communicate this to the city and get some more time.” He said he hopes to get an extension that will allow them to continue operating there while the issue is sorted out.

Mike Juiliano, owner of the popular cart Hot Dog Mike’s, said he hasn’t had any problems from zoning issues since starting his business a year ago. Juiliano said he works to stay within the city’s rules.

Juiliano said that regulations, if they’re followed, are good for business.

Though the idea of a food truck freefor-all might sound like a good idea to foodies, Juiliano said that in cities like New York, which has very few restrictions on mobile food sellers, carts and food trucks often set up in the street in front of brick-and-mortar restaurants.

That’s bad for both civic harmony and businesses.

“It’s just a matter of doing your homework and figuring out how to make it work for you,” he said. “There’s laws with everything ... Is there room for change? Always. But let’s do it smart and let’s get together and try to stay within what the city asks us to do.”

Correction n Shan Pethaperumal’s name was misspelled in last week’s review.

■ dining OW Pizza adapts The Third Street pizza joint continues to impress. n We were concerned about the closing of the OW Pizza location off Highway 10 a few months ago. Successive visits to the original location just north of the state Capitol have convinced us that OW still has appeal.

For starters, it’s hard to go wrong with Uncle Ellen’s meatballs. They come in either beef and pork or only beef versions, with fresh herbs grown at the restaurant.

They’re relatively low on filler. We’ve tried them as an appetizer ($5) and as a component in a calzone ($8.25 for up to three toppings), and enjoyed both.

The appetizer we like best, though, is the Mediterranean Bread ($4.10). Forgoing the traditional, OW uses feta along with mozzarella on the dish, pairing the cheese with chunks of fresh tomatoes and its housemade basil pesto on toasted French bread for a startlingly bright dish. It’s served up with the house marinara — fresh tomato chunks with an overload of fresh oregano, basil and garlic. We’d eat that marinara on crackers if that was all that was available.

There’s also the pesto pasta ($7.25), a blend of tri-color rotini with basil-heavy pesto. For $1.50 more you can add one meat or up to four vegetables. We recommend artichoke hearts and mushrooms for a tart delight. We’ve also tried it with tomatoes, green olives and onions. The pasta is baked together with the ingredients and cheese on a pizza pan. It’s a substantial amount of food.

OW’s Old World-style sauce has a garlic oil base with tomatoes and garlic; the New World-style is marinara. We’ve sampled several of the pizzas (sometimes by ordering a half-and-half), and our favorite is Jeannie’s Famous Veggie Pie ($6.99 personal to $19.95 for a 16-inch pie). Served up with the olive oil base, it’s great with chunky artichoke hearts, mushrooms, green pepper and onions. The Butcher Block runs a close

Restaurant capsules Every effort is made to keep this listing of some of the state’s more notable restaurants current, but we urge readers to call ahead to check on changes on days of operation, hours and special offerings. What follows, because of space limitations, is a partial listing of restaurants reviewed by our staff. Information herein reflects the opinions of the newspaper staff and its reviewers. The newspaper accepts no advertising or other considerations in exchange for reviews, which are conducted anonymously. We invite the opinions of readers who think we are in error. Restaurants are listed in alphabetical order by city; Little Rock-area restaurants are divided by food category. Other review symbols are:

B Breakfast

L Lunch

D Dinner

$ Inexpensive (under $8/person)

$$ Moderate ($8-$20/person)

$$$ Expensive (over $20/person)

CC Accepts credit cards

KAT ROBINSON

what’scookin’

GREAT BALLS OF MEAT: Uncle Ellen’s meatballs at OW Pizza. second. It’s overloaded with two types of sausage, bacon, Canadian bacon, beef and pepperoni. The meat is so dense a fork is required.

Old World has also started offering a selection of cold salads. We like the tuna salad with a side of potato salad for a light lunch.

The tuna salad is almost creamy in consistency, with finely chopped bits of onion and whole salty capers. Though the croissant is nice, we prefer it on wheatberry bread.

The potato salad is skin-on red potatoes and mayo with a nice dose of fresh dill, a simple yet hearty side item. Chips are also available.

The Caribbean chicken salad is a bright combination of red grapes, Craisins, peanuts and Granny Smith apples; despite the latter, it borders on the rim of being too sweet. There’s also the unusual turkey and cheddar sandwich, which comes with a cranberry relish and a layer of fresh spinach — every food group in a hand-held package. It’s got almost too many flavors.

LITTLE ROCK/ N. LITTLE ROCK AMERICAN ADAMS CATFISH CATERING Catering company with carry-out restaurant in Little Rock and carry-out trailers in Russellville and Perryville. 215 N. Cross St. All CC. $-$$.

501-374-4265. LD Tue.-Sat. ALL AMERICAN WINGS Wings, catfish and soul food sides. 215 W. Capitol Ave. Beer. $-$$. 501-376-4000.

ALLEY OOPS The restaurant at Creekwood Plaza (near the Kanis-Bowman intersection) is a neighborhood feedbag for major medical institutions with the likes of plate lunches, burgers and homemade desserts. Remarkable Chess Pie. 11900 Kanis Road. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-221-9400.

LD Mon.-Sat. ATHLETIC CLUB What could be mundane fare gets delightful twists and embellishments here. 11301 Financial Centre Parkway. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-312-9000.

LD daily.

B-SIDE The little breakfast place in the former party room of Lilly’s DimSum Then Some turns tradition on its ear, offering

OW Pizza

1706 W. Third Street 374-5504 Quick bite

OW’s often overlooked Homemade Brownies ($1.75) are unique. The dense chocolate brownies are saturated with cinnamon for Mexican touch.

They are a little on the crusty side, but taken a la mode ($2.75) they make a comforting coda to a good meal.

Hours

11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Other info

Beer and wine. CC accepted.

If there is anything we have questions about, it’s the gumbo. While one dining companion adored the Italian sausage, clam and shrimp concoction, another decided it was just way too much for his liking. Considering how well the other items we tried on our successive visits went over, we can’t really fault for a difference in opinion here.

French toast wrapped in bacon on a stick, a must-have dish called “biscuit mountain” and beignets with lemon curd. Top notch cheese grits, too. 11121 Rodney Parham Road. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-554-0914. B Wed.-Fri.; BR Sat.-Sun. BIG WHISKEY’S AMERICAN BAR AND GRILL A modern grill pub in the River Market with all the bells and whistles: 30 flat screen TVs, boneless wings, whiskey on tap. Plus, the usual burgers, steaks, soups and salads. 225 E. Markham. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-324-2449. LD daily.

BOBBY’S COUNTRY COOKIN’ One of the better plate lunch spots in the area, with some of the best fried chicken and pot roast around, a changing daily casserole and wonderful homemade pies. 301 N. Shackleford Road, Suite E1. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-224-9500. L Mon.-Fri. BOGIE’S BAR AND GRILL The former Bennigan’s retains a similar theme: a menu filled with burgers, salads and giant desserts, plus a few steak, fish and chicken main courses.

There are big screen TVs for sports fans and lots to drink, more reason to return than the food. 120 W. Pershing Blvd.

NLR. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-812-0019. D daily.

BUFFALO GRILL A great crispy-off-the-griddle cheeseburger and hand-cut fries star at this family-friendly stop.

1611 Rebsamen Park Road. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-296-

Continued on page 30 www.arktimes.com • JULY 6, 2011 29

Live Music

tHuRSDAy, JuLy 7 Arkopolis Record Release Show w/ BuCk BeLL SAtuRDAy, JuLy 9 michael Prysock (Dallas, tX) tueSDAy, JuLy 12 And then there was Bear

Restaurant capsules Continued from page 29

9535. LD daily. 400 N. Bowman Road. Full bar, Beer, All CC. $$. 501-224-0012. LD daily.

CAFE 201 The hotel restaurant in the Crowne Plaza serves up a nice lunch buffet. 201 S. Shackleford Road. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$. 501-223-3000. BLD daily.

CATFISH CITY AND BBQ GRILL Basic fried fish and sides, including green tomato pickles, and now with tasty ribs and sandwiches in beef, pork and sausage. 1817 S. University Ave. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-663-7224. LD Mon.-Sat. CHEERS IN THE HEIGHTS Good burgers and sandGyro Sandwich, FrieS & drink $6.65 wiches, vegetarian offerings and salads at lunch and fish oFFer expireS 08/3/11. specials, and good steaks in the evening. 2010 N. Van Buren.

CHeCk Out ADDitiONAL SHOwS At gyros • hummus • tabbouleh • baba ghannouj Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-663-5937. LD Mon.-Sat. 1901 pizza • calzone • mediterranean salad Club Manor Drive. Maumelle. Full bar, All CC. 501-851-6200.

LD daily, BR Sun. myspace.com/whitewatertavern fresh, delicious Mediterranean cuisine CORNERSTONE PUB & GRILL A sandwich, pizza and 9501 N. Rodney Parham • 227-7272 Little Rock’s Down-Home Neighborhood Bar beer joint in the heart of North Little Rock’s Argenta district.

314 Main St. NLR. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-374-1782. LD Bryant: 612 Office Park • 847-5455 7th & Thayer • Little Rock • (501) 375-8400 Mon.-Sat. CRACKER BARREL Chain-style home-cooking with plenty of variety, consistency and portions. Multiple locations statewide. 3101 Springhill Drive. NLR. 945-9373. BLD. DAVE AND RAY’S DOWNTOWN DINER Breakfast buffet daily featuring biscuits and gravy, home fries, sausage and t he right wine, t he right t ime made-to-order omelets. Lunch buffet with four choices of meats and eight veggies. All-you-can-eat catfish on weekend YOUR STORE NAME HERE nights. 824 W. Capitol Ave. No alcohol. $. 501-372-8816.

BL daily. ➤➤➤ Kat Robinson’s Eat Arkansas Blog is all FORKS, CORKS E’S BISTRO Despite the name, think tearoom rather than AND MORE @ arktimes.com things food. Contributing writers include bistro — there’s no wine, for one thing, and there is tea. But ARKANSAS there’s nothing tearoomy about the portions here. Try the local chefs, foodies and an assortment of hot stuff happens heaping grilled salmon BLT on a buttery croissant. 3812 JFK @ people that just love to eat out. The Eat Boulevard. NLR. No alcohol, All CC. $$. 501-771-6900.

Arkansas email newsletter is delivered each FLIGHT DECK A not-your-typical daily lunch special highlights this spot, which also features inventive sandwiches, Thursday with an eclectic mix of restaurant salads and a popular burger. Central Flying Service at Adams reviews, restaurant openings, great new Field. Beer, Wine, All CC. $-$$. 501-375-3245. BL Mon.-Sat. dripripple menus and other eating and drinking news.

GREEN CUISINE Daily specials and a small, solid menu of SUSHI42 coffee & Tea • Lor autatincil dolutpat. Anklnmlae lkdnm dkdoe dkoaioe. vegetarian fare. Try the crunchy quinoa salad. 985 West Sixth S U B S C R I B E The perfect foodie newsletter!.

• Lske kci Lor autatincil dolutpat. Andre dunt utpat.

DAILY St. No alcohol, CC. $-$$.

UPDATE • Aclken eknos lciiine autatincil dolutpat. Andre dunt utpat.

WEEKLY JIMMY JOHN’S GOURMET SANDWICHES Illinois-based • Lor autatincil dolutpat. Anklnmlae lkdnm dkdoe dkoaioe.

ROCK CANDY TO-DO LIST SubScribe for thiS sandwich chain that doesn’t skimp on what’s between the WEEKLY EATARKANSAS DIGEST • Lor autatincil dolutpat. Anklnmlae lkdnm dkdoe dkoaioe. local newS email!

• Lske kci Lor autatincil dolutpat. Andre dunt utpat. buns. 4120 E. McCain Blvd. NLR. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$.

SEE WEEKLY UPDATE • Aclken eknos lciiine autatincil dolutpat. Andre dunt utpat.

WHAT’S ➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤➤ 501-945-9500. LD daily.

• Lor autatincil dolutpat. Anklnmlae lkdnm dkdoe dkoaioe.

HANGIN’ ARKANSASBLOG AROUND KITCHEN EXPRESS Delicious “meat and three” restaurant AT • Lor autatincil dolutpat. Andre dunt utpat.

• Lske kci Lor autatincil offering big servings of homemade soul food. Maybe Little the • Lor autatincil dolutpat. Andre dunt utpat. dolutpat. Andre dunt utpat. kitchen Rock’s best fried chicken. 4600 Asher Ave. No alcohol, All CC. • Lor autatincil dolutpat. Andre dunt utpat. store $-$$. 501-666-3500. BLD Mon.-Sat., LD Sun. • Lor autatincil dolutpat. Andre dunt utpat.

LETTI’S CAKES Soups, sandwiches and salads available at this cake, pie and cupcake bakery. 3700 JFK Blvd. NLR. RIVERMARKET BAR & GRILL No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-771-2837. LD (closes at 6 p.m.) | UNSUBSCRIBE | Mon.-Fri. L Sat. LYNN’S CHICAGO FOODS Outpost for Chicago specialties like Vienna hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches. Plus, other familiar fare — burgers and fried catfish, chicken nuggets and wings. 6501 Geyer Springs. No alcohol, All CC. $. 501-5682646. LD Mon.-Sat. MADDIE’S If you like your catfish breaded Cajun-style, your grits rich with garlic and cream and your oysters fried up in perfect puffs, this Cajun eatery on Rebsamen Park Road is the place for you. 1615 Rebsamen Park Road. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-660-4040. LD Tue.-Sat. MR. BELL’S SOUL FOOD Rose City soul food spot owned

by Leon and Loreta Bell serves typical meat-and-two options: smothered pork chops, pigs feet, yams, greens. The desserts are delectable; the dinner menu includes an all-you-can eat choice (as long as advance payment is made and no doggy bags are expected). 4506 Lynch Drive. NLR. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-945-9000. LD Sun.-Fri. (closes at 6 p.m. Sun. and 7 p.m. Mon.-Fri.).

PHIL’S HAM AND TURKEY PLACE Fine hams, turkeys and other specialty meats served whole, by the pound or in sandwich form. 11121 N. Rodney Parham Road. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-225-2136. LD Mon.-Fri. L Sat. RESTAURANT 1620 Steaks, chops, a broad choice of fresh seafood and meal-sized salads are just a few of the choices on a broad menu at this popular and upscale West Little Rock bistro. It’s a romantic, candlelit room, elegant without being fussy or overly formal. 1620 Market St. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$.

501-221-1620. L Mon.-Fri., D Mon.-Sat., BR Sun. SADDLE CREEK WOODFIRED GRILL Upscale chain dining in Lakewood, with a menu full of appetizers, burgers, chicken, fish and other fare. It’s the smoke-kissed steaks, however, that make it a winner — even in Little Rock’s beefheavy restaurant market. 2703 Lakewood Village. NLR. Full bar. $$-$$$. 501-812-0883.

SAY MCINTOSH RESTAURANT Longtime political activist and restaurateur Robert “Say” McIntosh serves up big plates of soul food, plus burgers, barbecue and his famous sweet potato pie. 2801 W. 7th Street. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$.

501-664-6656. LD Mon.-Sat. L Sun. SIMPLY NAJIYYAH’S FISHBOAT AND MORE Good catfish and corn fritters. 2900 S. University Ave. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-562-3474. suN – THurs 10am-10pm • FrI – saT 10am-11pm SLICK’S SANDWICH SHOP & DELI Meat-and-two plate lunches in state office building. 101 E. Capitol Ave. 501-375(501) 562-1233 • 4918 BasELINE rd LITTLE rock ar 72209 3420. L Mon.-Fri. SPECTATORS GRILL AND PUB Burgers, soups, salads

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and other beer food, plus live music on weekends. 1012 W. 34th St. NLR. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-791-0990. LD Mon.-Sat. SPORTS PAGE Perhaps the largest, juiciest, most flavorful burger in town. Grilled turkey and hot cheese on sourdough gets praise, too. Now with lunch specials. 414 Louisiana St. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-372-9316. L Mon.-Fri. STARVING ARTIST CAFE All kinds of crepes, served as entrees or as dessert, in this cozy multidimensional eatery with art-packed walls and live demonstrations by artists during meals. The Black Forest ham sandwich is a perennial favorite with the lunch crowd. Dinner menu changes daily, good wine list. “Tales from the South” dinner and readings at on Tuesdays; live music precedes the show. 411 N. Main St. NLR. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-372-7976. L Tue.-Sat., D Tue., Fri.-Sat. SUFFICIENT GROUNDS Great coffee, good bagels and pastries, and a limited lunch menu. 1401 W. Capitol. No alcohol, All CC. $. 501-372-1009. BL Mon.-Fri. THE TAVERN SPORTS GRILL Burgers, barbecue and more. 17815 Chenal Parkway. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-8302100. LD daily.

VICTORIAN GARDEN We’ve found the fare quite tasty and somewhat daring and different with its healthy, balanced entrees and crepes. 4801 North Hills Blvd. NLR. $-$$.

501-758-4299. L Tue.-Sat.

ASIAN BENIHANA - THE JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE Enjoy the cooking show, make sure you get a little filet with your meal, and do plenty of dunking in that fabulous ginger sauce. 2 Riverfront Place. NLR. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-374-8081.

L Sun.-Fri., D daily.

CHI’S DIMSUM & BISTRO A huge menu spans the Chinese provinces and offers a few twists on the usual local offerings, plus there’s authentic Hong Kong dim sum available. 6 Shackleford Drive. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-2217737. LD daily. 17200 Chenal Parkway. No alcohol, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-821-8000.

FAR EAST ASIAN CUISINE Old favorites such as orange beef or chicken and Hunan green beans are still prepared with care at what used to be Hunan out west. 11600 Pleasant Ridge Drive. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-219-9399. LD daily.

FU LIN Quality in the made-to-order entrees is high, as is the quantity. 200 N. Bowman Road. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-2258989. LD daily.

HUNAN BALCONY The owner of New Fun Ree has combined forces with the Dragon China folks to create a formidable offering with buffet or menu items. 2817 Cantrell Road. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-666-8889. LD. IGIBON JAPANESE FOOD HOUSE It’s a complex place, where the food is almost always good and the ambiance and service never fail to please. The Bento box with tempura shrimp and California rolls and other delights stand out. 11121 N. Rodney Parham Road. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$. 501-2178888. LD Mon.-Sat. KOBE JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI Though answering the need for more hibachis in Little Rock, Kobe stands taller in its sushi offerings than at the grill. 11401 Financial Centre Parkway. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-2255999. L Mon.-Sat. D daily.

PANDA GARDEN Large buffet including Chinese favorites, a full on-demand sushi bar, a cold seafood bar, pie case, salad bar and dessert bar. 2604 S. Shackleford Road. Beer, Wine, All CC. $-$$. 501-224-8100. LD daily.

PEI WEI Sort of a miniature P.F. Chang’s, but a lot of fun and plenty good with all the Chang favorites we like, such as the crisp honey shrimp, dan dan noodles and pad thai.

205 N. University Ave. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$. 501-280-9423.

LD daily.

SUPER KING BUFFET Large buffet with sushi and a Mongolian grill. 4000 Springhill Plaza Court. NLR. Beer, Wine, All CC. $-$$. 501-945-4802. LD daily.

VAN LANG CUISINE Terrific Vietnamese cuisine, particularly the way the pork dishes and the assortment of rolls are presented. Great prices, too. Massive menu, but it’s userfriendly for locals with full English descriptions and numbers for easy ordering. 3600 S. University Ave. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-570-7700. LD daily.

BARBECUE CAPITOL SMOKEHOUSE AND GRILL Beef, pork, sausage and chicken, all smoked to melting tenderness and doused with a choice of sauces. The crusty but tender backribs star. Side dishes are top quality. 915 W. Capitol Ave. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-372-4227. BL Mon.-Fri. CROSS EYED PIG BBQ COMPANY Traditional barbecue favorites smoked well such as pork ribs, beef brisket and smoked chicken. Miss Mary’s famous potato salad is full of bacon and other goodness. Smoked items such as ham and turkeys available seasonally. 1701 Rebsamen Park Road. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-265-0000. L Mon.-Sat., D Tue.-Fri. 6015 Chenonceau Blvd. Beer, Wine, All CC. $-$$. 501-227-7427.

LD daily.

FATBOY’S KILLER BAR-B-Q This Landmark neighborhood strip center restaurant in the far southern reaches of Pulaski County features tender ribs and pork by a contest pitmaster.

Skip the regular sauce and risk the hot variety, it’s far better.

3405 Atwood Road. No alcohol, All CC. $$. 501-888-4998.

LD Tue.-Sat. HB’S BAR B.Q. Great slabs of meat with fiery barbecue sauce, but ribs are served on Tuesday only. Other days, try the tasty pork sandwich on an onion roll. 6010 Lancaster. No alcohol, No CC. $-$$. 501-565-1930. L Mon.-Fri.

No. 1014

MICK’S BBQ, CATFISH AND GRILL Good burgers, picnic-worth deviled eggs and heaping barbecue sandwiches topped with sweet sauce. 3609 MacArthur Dr. NLR. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-791-2773. LD Mon.-Sat. SIMS BAR-B-QUE Great spare ribs, sandwiches, beef, half and whole chicken and an addictive vinegar-mustard-brown sugar sauce unique for this part of the country. 2415 Broadway. Beer, All CC. $-$$. 501-372-6868. LD Mon.-Sat. 1307 John Barrow Road.

Beer, All CC. $-$$. 501-224-2057. LD Mon.-Sat. 7601 Geyer Springs Road. Beer, All CC. $$. 501-562-8844. LD Mon.-Sat.

ITALIAN DAMGOODE PIES A somewhat different Italian/pizza place, largely because of a spicy garlic white sauce that’s offered as an alternative to the traditional red sauce. Good bread, too. 2701 Kavanaugh Blvd. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-664-2239. LD daily.

6706 Cantrell Road. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-664-2239. LD daily. 10720 Rodney Parham Road. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-664-2239. LD daily. 37 East Center St. Fayetteville. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 479-444-7437. LD daily.

GUSANO’S They make the tomatoey Chicago-style deep-dish pizza the way it’s done in the Windy City. It takes a little longer to come out of the oven, but it’s worth the wait.

313 President Clinton Ave. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-374-1441. LD daily. 2915 Dave Ward Drive. Conway. Beer, All CC. $$. 501-329-1100. LD daily.

LARRY’S PIZZA The buffet is the way to go — fresh, hot pizza, fully loaded with ingredients, brought hot to your table, all for a low price. Many Central Arkansas locations. 10312 Chicot Road. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-565-6006. LD daily. 12911 Cantrell Road. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-224-8804. LD daily.

LUIGI’S PIZZARIA Excellent thin-crust pizza; whopping, well-spiced calzones; ample hoagies; and pasta with tomatoey, sweet marinara sauce. 8310 Chicot Rd. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$. 501-562-9863. LD Mon.-Sat. NYPD PIZZA Plenty of tasty choices in the obvious New York police-like setting, but it’s fun. Only the pizza is cheesy. Even the personal pizzas come in impressive combinations, and baked ziti, salads are more also are available. Cheap slice specials at lunch. 6015 Chenonceau Boulevard, Suite 1. Beer, Wine, No alcohol, All CC. $-$$.

501-868-3911. LD daily.

PALIO’S Not quite artisan-grade, but far better than the monster chains and at a similar price point. With an appealingly thin, crunchy crust. 3 Rahling Circle. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$. LD daily.

VESUVIO Arguably Little Rock’s best Italian restaurant is in one of the most unlikely places – tucked inside the Best Western Governor’s Inn within a non-descript section of west Little Rock. 1501 Merrill Drive. Full bar, All CC. $$$. 501-225-0500. D daily.

VILLA ITALIAN RESTAURANT Hearty, inexpensive, classic southern Italian dishes.

12111 W. Markham St. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-219-2244. LD Mon.-Sat.

■ CROSSWORD

KHALIL’S PUB Widely varied menu with European, Mexican and American influences.

Go for the Bierocks, rolls filled with onions and beef. 110 S. Shackleford Road. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-224-0224. LD daily. BR Sun. THE PANTRY Owner and self-proclaimed “food evangelist” Tomas Bohm does things the right way — buying local, making almost everything from scratch and focusing on simple preparations of classic dishes. The menu stays relatively true to his Czechoslovakian roots, but there’s plenty of choices to suit all tastes. There’s also a nice happy-hour vibe. 11401 Rodney Parham Road. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-3531875. LD Mon.-Fri., D Sat. STAR OF INDIA The best Indian restaurant in the region, with a unique buffet at lunch and some fabulous dishes at night (spicy curried dishes, tandoori chicken, lamb and veal, vegetarian). 301 N. Shackleford. Beer, Wine, All CC. $$. 501-227-9900. LD daily.

TAZIKI’S This sole Arkansas location of the chain offers gyros, grilled meats and veggies, hummus and pimento cheese. 8200 Cantrell Rd. All CC. $$. 501-227-8291.

LD daily.

Edited by Will Shortz

EUROPEAN / ETHNIC

Across 1 Soprano Nixon 6 Infieldersʼ stats, for short 9 Software prototype 13 Demanding instructorʼs cry 14 “Love the skin youʼre in” sloganeer, once 17 Part of DKNY 18 Make heads or tails of something?

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29 Turkish capital 31 Steering system part 34 Roman 209 35 Warren Buffettʼs sobriquet 39 Gazillions 40 Many a nursery chair 41 Racy, say 44 Line part: Abbr.

45 Blood-typing letters 48 Garden party?

49 Target of many a New Yorker cartoon 52 Sent 54 You need to raise your hand to receive this 56 Drunkard 59 Doesnʼt include 60 Pulitzer-winning novel by Willa Cather

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE O S C A R S

I T A L I A N

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11 Skater Babilonia 12 Author Rand 15 “The Makropulos Affair,” for one 16 “Oliver Twist” creep 20 Bay window 23 Composer with 20 children 24 Song on a stage 25 Top (out) 28 ___ Rabbit 30 1981 Chrysler debut 31 ___ Gallery 32 Tic-tac-toe line … and a hint to this puzzleʼs theme 33 R.A.F. awards 35 Patron saint of Norway

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Puzzle by Elizabeth C. Gorski

36 Repetitive learning

37 Vermont ski resort 38 Big bust

39 It might come after you

42 Tom Thumb, for one

43 Five to one, e.g.

45 Keys of music 46 Invite

47 “Potemkin” port 50 Olympic snowboarding gold medalist White

51 2009 U.S. Open winner Juan Martín del ___

53 “___ to Pieces” (Patsy Cline hit) 54 Cousin of an English horn

55 Suffix with song 56 Aegean tourist mecca 57 Fort Myers-toTampa dir.

58 Wide shoe spec

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.

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MEXICAN CASA MANANA Great guacamole and garlic beans, superlative chips and salsa (red and green) and a broad selection of fresh seafood, plus a deck out back. 6820 Cantrell Road. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-280-9888. BLD daily 18321 Cantrell Road. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-868-8822. BLD daily 400 President Clinton Ave. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-327-6637. L Mon.-Sat. CASA MEXICANA Familiar Tex-Mex style items all shine, in ample portions, and the steak-centered dishes are uniformly excellent. 6929 JFK Blvd. NLR. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-835-7876. LD daily.

COZYMEL’S A trendy Dallas-chain cantina with flaming cheese dip, cilantro pesto, mole, lamb and more. 10 Shackleford Drive. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-954-7100.

LD daily.

EL CHICO Hearty, standard Mex served in huge portions. 1315 Breckenridge Drive.

Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-224-2550. LD daily. 201 Skyline Drive. Conway. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-327-6553. LD daily.

EL PORTON Good Mex for the price and a wide-ranging menu of dinner plates, some tasty cheese dip, and great service as well. 12111 W. Markham St. Full bar, All CC. $$.

501-223-8588. LD daily. 5201 Warden Road. NLR. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-753-4630.

LD daily. 5507 Ranch Drive. Full bar, All CC. $$. LD daily.

EMMA’S TAQUERIA Try the torta hawaiiana — a pork sandwich with avocado, pineapple and onions — even more enticing. The homemade pickled cucumbers that come on the side of every order are reason enough to visit. 4818 Baseline Road. No alcohol, No CC. $. 501-310-1171. LD daily.

LA HACIENDA Creative, fresh-tasting entrees and traditional favorites, all painstakingly prepared in a festive atmosphere. Great taco salad, nachos, and maybe the best fajitas around. 3024 Cantrell Road. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-661-0600. LD daily. 200 Highway 65 N. Conway. All CC. $$. 501-327-6077. LD daily.

LAS DELICIAS Levy-area mercado with a taqueria and a handful of booths in the back of the store. 3401 Pike Ave. NLR. Beer, All CC. $. 501-812-4876.

MERCADO SAN JOSE From the outside, it appears to just be another Mexican grocery store. Inside, you’ll find one of Little Rock’s best Mexican bakeries and a restaurant in back serving tortas and tacos for lunch. 7411 Geyer Springs Road. Beer, All CC. $. 501-565-4246. BLD daily.

RIVIERA MAYA Typical Mexican fare for the area, though the portions are on the large side. 801 Fair Park Blvd. Full bar, Beer, Wine, All CC. $$. 501-663-4800. LD daily.

SAN JOSE GROCERY STORE AND BAKERY This mercado-plus-restaurant smells and tastes like Mexico, and for good reason: the resh flour tortillas, overstuffed burritos, sopes (moist corncakes made with masa harina), chili poblano are the real things. 7411 Geyer Springs Road. Beer. $-$$. 501-565-4246. LD daily.

SUPER 7 This Mexican grocery/video store/taqueria has great a daily buffet featuring a changing assortment of real Mexican cooking. Fresh tortillas pressed by hand and grilled, homemade salsas, beans as good as beans get. Plus soup every day. 1415 Barrow Road. Beer, No CC. $. 501-219-2373. LD and buffet daily.

TAQUERIA Y CARNICERIA GUADALAJARA Cheap, delicious tacos, tamales and more. Always bustling. 3811 Camp Robinson Road. NLR. Beer, All CC. $-$$.

501-753-9991. BLD daily. www.arktimes.com • JULY 6, 2011 31

For Sale in Central Arkansas?

find it at

arkansasautobuyer.com

7,158 New and Used Cars and Trucks Online This Week!

Photos! Descriptions! Prices! Only One Click Away!

JUNE 29, 2011

Ready, Set, Sale!

T

here’s little relief in these dog days of summer—except for the cool comfort of summer sales. Everywhere you turn, you’ll find retailers offering deep discounts to draw customers in during the oppressive heat. The promise of 50% off is enough incentive for most of us to overcome the summer inertia that can keep shoppers at home and pocketbooks snapped shut. The calendar that follows, though not comprehensive, highlights the sale status of some of CUE’s favorite shops ... so come sale away!

hearsay ➥ Big MAC news. MAC Cosmetics, available at DILLARD’S, launches a new collection on July 7! Inspired by bronzite, black tourmaline, gold pyrite and lilac lepidolite, MAC’s upcoming SemiPrecious Collection introduces new Mineralize Eye Shadows, Skinfinishes and Blushes along with wearable lip colors, two mineralize skincare formulas and four new, limited-edition split fibre brushes. ➥ Because life’s too short ... SISSY’S LOG CABIN is opening another store—this one in Jonesboro. They plan to have it ready by November to take advantage of holiday shopping. The Little Rock store, which opened in the spring of last year in the Heights, has performed well, as has the original Pine Bluff location. There are also plans underway to open a Hot Springs store, but those have been put on the back burner for the time being. ➥ Designers match wits—and swatches. Little Rock native Kellie Clements is a finalist on HGTV’S DESIGN STAR, which premieres at 8 p.m. on July 11. Raised in LR, the 33-year-old received her design degree from UCA. On the show’s sixth season, Clements, a mother of two who now lives in Oklahoma, will compete against 11 other designers on home-décor challenges. ➥ Thinking fall thoughts as the heat sets in ... The trends to keep this fall are: tweedy jacket, lacy top, clogs, neutral bag and jeggings. ➥ Summer fixins’. KITCHEN CO.’S summer cooking classes include Paula Deen’s Summer Recipes, July 7, and Short Ribs, July 8.

EGGSHELLS offers Kids Cook, Sushi, July 7. ➥ Gate closes. BEYOND THE GARDEN GATE in the Heights, previously featured in Shop Dogs, is closing its doors and going out with a big sale.

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE ARKANSAS TIMES • JULY 6, 2011 33

See-worthy summer ALL MONTH M2GALLERY 25% OFF custom framing for the month of July

ALL MONTH

6

JAZZERCISE $25 off the joining fee for July

JULY 6-9 REJUVENATION CLINIC

ALL MONTH VESTA’S Huge bedding sale now in progress. 25-75% off select linens and furniture.

Purchase $40 or more in Bare Escentuals cosmetics or skin care and receive an eye color of your choice!

(Limited supply, $13 value!)

ALL MONTH BARBARA GRAVES Great selection of swimwear, leisurewear, dresses, sundresses and accessories 30-40% off.

ALL MONTH BOX TURTLE 20%-75% OFF Spring & Summer Clothing & Accessories

ALL MONTH EVOLVE summer clearance sale 25% to 50% off all summer items, from lines like Ben Sherman, Penguin, Hudson, Joe’s Jeans, Toms, AG, JAC and Thomas Dean.

34 JULY 6, 2011 • ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE ARKANSAS TIMES

STARTING JULY 7 VESTA’S Clothing Sale 25-75% off spring and select summer merchandise.

Clothing, handbags, shoes.

ALL MONTH ARKANSAS ARTS CENTER MUSEUM SHOP Summer Sale — Up to 50% off select jewelry and other merchandise

21 ALL MONTH KEN RASH’S FREE 7 ½-foot umbrella with every Winston 5-piece patio set.

26 ALL MONTH LOCAL COLOUR GALLERY Christamas in July and Mary Allison Jewelry sale 20% off everything (excluding silver)

7

ALL MONTH TEN THOUSAND VILLAGES Clearance sale! The ongoing World Caravan Sale offers up to 75% off handmade gifts, jewelry, decor, art and more!

JULY 21-23 EGGSHELLS Neighborhood-wide sidewalk sale. The 21st is third Thursday with the Farmer’s Market.

20%-75%

sales

OFF

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Little Rock, AR 72211 501.225.2228

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STARTING JULY 8 SOLEMATES

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JULY 15-16 KREBS “Bag sale” 20% off total purchase excluding equipment and items already on sale.

22

Pleasant Ridge Town Center 11525 Cantrell Rd • 501.716.2960 M-F 10-6 • Sat. 10-5 solematesboutique.blogspot.com

501-225-M2LR M2LR.COM

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ALL MONTH PROPOSALS Spring and summer styles 30-50% off

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ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE ARKANSAS TIMES • JULY 6, 2011 35

NATIVES GUIDE Brunch

F

rom Southern classics to Latin-inspired dishes to Asian favorites, Central Arkansas restaurants offer a wide variety of choices for mid-morning weekend dining.

Hours refer specifically to when brunch is served.

B-Side. Chicken and waffles, a breakfast-style BLT and a sausage-gravy-covered creation called Biscuit Mountain dot the brunch menu for this breakfastonly joint in the Market Street Shopping Center. The Bacon-Wrapped French Toast on a Stick has become a thing of legend. 11121 Rodney Parham. 7162200. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. $6-$12.

Bar Louie. A bag of beignet-like doughnuts with three complimentary dips accompanies each weekend brunch. The selections range from eggs Benedict served with your choice of Canadian bacon, turkey or steak to the Hangover Helper, a skillet full of tater tots covered in chorizo, red bell peppers, green onions, sausage and cheese dip. Unlimited mimosas are available for $12.99. 11525 Cantrell Road. 228-0444. barlouieamerica.com. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sat.-Sun. $7-$15.

Capi’s. The South-of-the-border inspired menu here includes Huevos Montulenos — corn tortillas topped with black beans, eggs, an avocadotomatillo salsa verde and smoked salsa roja — as well as a potato-chorizo hash called El Charro and non-Latin 36 JULY 6, 2011 • ARKANSAS TIMES

GRAV WELDON

Red Door. For Saturday brunch you’ll find four egg omelets, homemade granola and all the other great items on the restaurant’s weekly breakfast menu, plus a selection of sandwiches and salads. The cheese grits are amazing. 3701 Old Cantrell Road. 666-8482. reddoorrestaurant.net. 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sat. $4-$10.

GRAV WELDON

Ashley’s at the Capital. Shrimp bisque with tarragon cream. Fried green tomatoes with goat cheese and pepper jelly.

Ham hocks, spinach and mushroom omelet with mascarpone and potato hash. Is your mouth watering yet?

Ashley’s unique take on Southern classics shines at its Sunday-only brunch, a re-invigorated classic in Central Arkansas. The three-course prix-fixe menu offers a wide array of choices in an elegant atmosphere. Charming desserts included. 111 W. Markham St. 374-7474. capitalhotel.com. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sun. $29.

choices in this champagne brunch, and a brilliant Bloody Mary to boot. 3519 Old Cantrell Road. 663-4666. localuna. com. 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sun. $7-$15.

Riverfront Steakhouse. A classic Southern brunch buffet featuring a carving station, omelet station, waffle station, fried chicken and other entrees plus fruit and cheese. Inside the Wyndham Riverfront. 375-7825. frankfletcher. com/steakhouse. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sun. $14.95.

BAR LOUIE

B-SIDE plates like pancakes and crepes. 11525 Cantrell Road (Pleasant Ridge Towne Center). 225-9600. capisrestaurant.net.

11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat.-Sun. $6-$12.

Forty Two. Shredded pork fajitas, freshmade waffles, salads and a carving station are among some of the many rotating items offered in this fine-dining experience at the Clinton Presidential Center. Champagne, available and there’s a dessert table that will impress you. 1200 President Clinton Ave. (inside the Clinton Presidential Center). 5370042. dineatfortytwo.com. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $28.95.

FuLin. Chinese brunch? Yes sir! One of the oldest Chinese restaurants in Arkansas opens up a brunch buffet on Sundays serving lo mein, shrimp and classic Chinese dishes along with breakfast and fruit items. A real steal of a deal from a place you might not

associate with brunch. 200 N. Bowman Road. 225-8989. 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sun. $6.95.

The House. A selection of Benedicts — including the traditional, a salmoncaper version, a Florentine version with spinach and an asparagus-red pepper version served on risotto cakes — all shine on this brunch menu. The Hillcrest Breakfast, with a choice of two eggs, fresh fruit, breakfast meat and fresh bread, hits all the right notes, too. 722 N. Palm St. 663-4500. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sat.-Sun. $6-$15.

Loca Luna. Mexican-inspired breakfast favorites meet brick oven pizzas and calzones on this creative brunch menu.

Choose from selections such as Fresh Spinach and Ozark Shiitake Mushroom Cheese Quesadillas, a Poke Meat and Maters Delight pizza or the Old Arkansas Country Breakfast. Dozens of

Victorian Garden. Low Country grits topped with shrimp and bacon, quiche and other breakfast favorites served up almost universally with fresh fruit and focusing on reduced fat options, this North Little Rock secret also serves up Dijon Brisket and Victorian Chicken on its brunch menu. 4801 North Hills Blvd.

758-4299. victoriangarden.biz. 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sat. $5-$12.

Vieux Carre. Cajun-inspired breakfast classics such as Crab Cake Benedict, a French Quarter omelet filled with crabmeat and asparagus with brie and savory brunch crepes. This jazz brunch is the closest you’ll get to Louisiana on a Sunday morning without hitting the interstate. 2721 Kavanaugh. 663-1196. afterthoughtbar.com 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sun. $8-$20.

Ya Ya’s. Pizza, prime rib, seafood and salads are served alongside eggs, breakfast meats and some of Ya Ya’s signature entree favorites. Two dollar mimosas and Bloody Marys have made this buffet a recent hit with Central Arkansas brunchers. 17711 Chenal Parkway (Promenade at Chenal). 821-1144. yayaslittlerock.com. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sun. $18.95 ($15.95 10 a.m.-11 a.m.)

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Jean-Michel Cousteau travels with his son and daughter, Fabien and Celine, and team to the high Arctic to discover why some beluga groups are thriving and others are disappearing.

Wednesday, July 13, at 9 p.m. www.aetn.org

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Be more

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

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

overtaking a bicycle

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

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anD cyclists, Please remember...

You’re vehicles on the road, just like cars and motorcycles and must obey all traffic laws— signal, ride on the right side of the road and yield to traffic normally. Make eye contact with motorists. Be visible. Be predictable. Heads up, think ahead. www.arktimes.com • JUly 6, 2011 37

Odd days in Little Rock n One day in Little Rock a bluejay ate the only tomato on the only backyard tomato plant I’ve ever grown. I don’t normally avenge wrongs committed against me by creatures doing what comes naturally. But this whorehopper had attitude, and had it coming.

One day in Little Rock state Sen. Mutt Jones of Conway gave me a personal seminar on the life and works of a Belgian historian named Hendrik Willem van Loon. I didn’t know at the time that Mutt and Hendrik were both Loons. I suspected it, but didn’t know.

One day in Little Rock I asked Anita Bryant, then at the top of her game, if she ever doubted the righteousness of her cause.

In response, one of her handlers pulled me aside and said, “Let me ask you something.

Are you saved?”

One day in Little Rock the late, great George Fisher entertained creative-writing students at a big writers’ conference at Hall High School. He drew them take-home cartoons of celebrities and of themselves, and played the guitar and sang mountain folk songs and had them sing along. They had a high old time. When George left the stage, I came on to talk to the same audience about

Bob L ancaster writing essays.

One day in Little Rock, Gerald L.K. Smith told me with a companionly chuckle that when he and his goons took over they’d have me in a concentration camp before sundown. If that came to pass, I told him, I wouldn’t want to be found anywhere else.

One day in Little Rock I insulted a blind professional-rassling promoter who retaliated by renaming the fattest, most disgusting slob in his stable “Bruiser Bob Lancaster,” putting him in pink tights, and having his entire sweathog drove, pretty boys and villains alike, beat him senseless with piledrivers, clotheslines, ringside tables and folding metal chairs. This was the main event on their weekly TV show.

One day in Little Rock Joe Wirges, the police beat reporter, yelled across the newsroom at the Arkansas Gazette to ask an editor if cocksucker was one word or two. The editor yelled back that you couldn’t use that

word in the Gazette, and Joe replied: “Oh, it’s all right. It’s in a direct quote.”

One day in Little Rock some hustings acquaintances came to town for an elegant, romantic anniversary dinner. All duded up, and whetted for prime rib, they were inside the Carriage House with somebody asking “Can I hep y’all?” before they realized it wasn’t a restaurant but a furniture store.

One day in Little Rock the power windows and door-locks on my car went crazy and I had to take it to the dealership, then owned by and named after a famous Arkansas basketball player. “Somebody done put the hoodoo on it,” the repair technician explained. “Oh,” I said, as if I understood.

Only cost $1,800 to get it fixed. Including Marie Leveau’s hex remover, and the chicken foot.

One day in Little Rock a former waitress watching the demolition of the Hotel Marion told me the most famous person she’d served coffee to there was the swayve and deboner actor Walter Pidgeon, a fair-tomiddling tipper.

The worst tippers then, she said, were judges.

One day in Little Rock an innocent bystander got beat up by a stick-swinging gang of state troopers when civil rights protesters tried to desegregate the cafeteria in the basement of the State Capitol. I was that innocent bystander. Got whomped pretty good, although in later years I didn’t suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

C

One day in Little Rock, at the State Fair, I saw Jo-Jo the Dog-Faced Boy, not the original certainly, not even a good knockoff, and decades beyond boyhood, but arguably dogfaced, at least as much so as Dwayne Chapman, taking a break from the freak booth, waiting patiently in line to order a corndog.

One hot summer day in southwest Little Rock I set the all-time record for cherry snow-cones purchased and consumed by one person in one day at Ethel’s Sno-Cone House.

One day in Little Rock I stood out watching and waiting for the airliners to come crashing into our skyscrapers. And they did.

In a way, they did.

One day in Little Rock I saw my brother stepping off a red train at Union Station, home from World War II. First time I’d ever seen him, and him me. My second earliest memory if I’m not mistaken.

One day in Little Rock, Bill Clinton, all sweaty from jogging, flopped down on an expensive leather chair in my office and just ruined it. I was royally p.o.’ed. No, wait, that was Jim McDougal’s office, and it was Jim who was p.o.’ed. That must’ve been the case because I had no office, and my cubicle lacked furniture except in a certain laughable sense.

One day in Little Rock I saw the old America. Didn’t know it’d be the last time, but reckon I wouldn’t have done anything different if I had known. Maxie going out of business.

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www.arktimes.com • July 6, 2011 39