Arkansas Times - December 10, 2015

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COMMENT

Square New Deal The foundation of all civilization is built on principles — chiseled from the bedrock of antiquity. It cannot blow away like a line in the sand, nor disappear in the tragedies, failures and disappointments of life. It endures even when the wall it supports is breached.

Here in Arkansas, the Barbarians (corporate oligarchy) long ago breached our walls. Today we continue to see firsthand how they operate, trampling the norms and standards by which civilized people function. Basic among these moralities is food security for the least among us.

For years we saw the Barbarians coming. We saw them gathering on the mountain range, watched as they crossed the plains, forded the river, and came right up to our wall. And at every stage along the way we jumped up and down, gnashed our teeth, wrung our hands, and shouted at each other the Barbarians are coming, the Barbarians are coming. Someone somewhere needs to stand up and stop them.

In March 2013, the 4th District congressman of Arkansas stated that he thought federal spending should shift “back towards the military, away from domestic programs.” These were words from a congressman who represented a district that has had chronic poverty and top-of-the-chart hunger for decades.

A few weeks before Rep. Cotton made this statement I was already thinking to myself, “When the last drop of grace and beauty, of gentleness and wonder is rendered from the fiery furnaces of the Barbarians, what shall we have left?”

And I had already decided to take action in the most logical way I could think of by running against Rep. Cotton in the 2014 election.

Today, our whole state in terms of hunger is known as “that dismal state” with the “least [food] secure population.” And at the same time we are home to some of the wealthiest multinational corporations in the world, in commercial sectors like, agriculture, retail, and investment banking. And whose state government for years, through corporate-backed Democratic and Republican rule, has served at the pleasure of the Barbarians.

Arkansas will continue to be subjugated by the forces of unbridled greed until we uncinch the corporate saddle from our back. But before we can uncinch that saddle, we have to sever the corporate made stirrups that guard the cinch.

There are incredible people in the 4

DECEMBER 10, 2015

state of Arkansas who are fighting to rid our body politic of these Barbarians.

They are organizing, and some good ideas are being tossed around. I realize that home and hearth, and making a living stymies most of us from any attempt at addressing the ever-increasing difficulties facing our state. But we have to find the time to voice ideas that may one day turn into action to counter what feels like the colonization of Arkansas.

Like Paul Spencer of Little Rock and others with the citizen’s group Regnat Populus who continue to try and restore our electoral system through ballot ini-

tiatives, or Kevin Bell from Alma who has an idea for a temporary political party. And yes, while political parties are temporary I get his point; they don’t set out to be temporary. Furthermore, whether this party takes root, or we continue the fight as individuals, or a loosely connected group, we will continue.

In studying all the ideas put forth so far it is clear that the first step all of us can take right now is to register our signature. Because in order to get a candidate, initiative, or referendum on the ballot that is not bought by the corporate elite, we the people have to register

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our name, and keep on re-registering it every time we move.

Incidentally, in giving Mr. Bell’s idea consideration I thought about the kind of short-term political party most Arkansans could back, and came up with the Square New Deal Party. The name and platform is from President Theodore Roosevelt’s Square Deal, and thirty years later his fifth-cousin President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal. The SND platform would be a combination of TR’s three Cs: Control of corporations, consumer protection, and conservation of natural resources, and FDR’s three Rs: relief, recovery and reform.

In addition, most Arkansans can pat their feet to TR and FDR’s sentiments on money’s influence in politics. TR: “To destroy this invisible government, to dissolve the unholy alliance between corrupt business and corrupt politics, is the first task of the statesmanship of the day.” FDR: “Government by organized money is just as dangerous as government by organized mob.”

In order to overcome the paralysis of indecision to fight back against the Barbarians remember this — we have all learned how to fight, and we have learned how to dance, and for the rest of our lives our greatest challenge will be in knowing who to fight beside and dance with. We who have pledged to fight the Barbarians would welcome you in the fight, if not today, then tomorrow, or next year, or a decade from now because this idea is not going away — and our principles endure.

Janis K. Percefull Hot Springs, Arkansas

From the web In response to a post on the Arkansas Blog about the long invocation on the state Capitol grounds after the Christmas parade by Jason Palermo, minister for a group that seeks to insert Christianity into government and the choice of Secretary of State Mark Martin to give the prayer.

Questions? Talk to a human: 501.260.7998

This type of stunt drives more people away from Jesus than it attracts. It’s all done for ego. “Look at me, look at me, I’m evangelizing! If you think it’s inappropriate, then it’s even better because the Bible says I’ll be persecuted for my faith. Jesus may have said it’s best to pray in private and not boast, but clearly he wasn’t talking about me.”

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I just love how Secretary of Religion Martin says there were no complaints.

Who would we complain to? Anyone watching AR politics these past few years has seen multiple Republicans commit multiple ethical (if not illegal) violations and they are never disciplined for it. We all know there is no one in our state government who seems to be able to rein in these right-winger evangelical types. Now I realize that they all run in the same pretend-Christian circles so they don’t see a thing wrong with this.

I complained and told the story on the AR Blog because I knew it was the only place where others would understand and care. Arkansas has got to do better in our next election. The fundies have got to go. numbernine In response to an Arkansas Blog post about American Electric Power leaving the right-wing-legislation churning group American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) because of ALEC’s opposition to action on climate change and renewable energy: Any time anyone or any group leaves ALEC, a young black man passes a heavily armed cop without a single bullet wound. Yes … it’s just that powerful!

ALEC isn’t ISIS, but it’s a darkly evil group that works to make life harder for the working man or woman on down to every poor person in the NRA-USA. I grapple to find a comparison. It’s the business version of the John Birch Society or maybe the KKK. Its specialty is writing bad bills for lazy or stupid legislators who can’t or won’t write a bill themselves. Thousands of these bad bills have been passed into law in every state and we let our legislators have a free pass when a private group does their work for them. Does this happen to you where you work? The answer is hell, no!

Why we let ALEC get away with what they do is a complete mystery to me. We ought to at least punish any of our legislators who let ALEC do their work … that we pay them to do, that we expect them to do themselves.

We need a list of American corporations who are still members of ALEC so we can work to never do business with them ever again. I can’t tell you the joy I feel every time I don’t buy something made by a company owned by the Koch brothers. It’s a small victory, but it’s a personal victory all the same. We must get these shadow groups out of our government from bottom to top.

DeathbyInches

In response to a Rock Candy riff about our “dangerous diamond mine” by Jeremy Brasher and Matthew Rowe ridiculing a marketing site that said Arkansas was “the most likely state to have violence occur over Black Friday sales”: This is cute, funny, etc.

It also reminds me of the constant refrain heard from Natural Staters whilst there: essentially admitting that objective observations about Arkansas (racist, misogynist, homophobic, impoverished, obese, Christianity-obsessed, “faith”-based, antiscience, provincial, resentful of “outsiders,”

resistant to change, ill-educated, dumb, “Good Ol’ Boys,” et al.) were true — by countering with the bullying loser phrase of final recourse: “If you don’t like it, leave.”

This superficially clever, funny piece about “dangerous diamond mines” boils down to one giant, “Yes, but ... “ ad hominem attack on outsiders’ journalism and widely acknowledged statistics as “Dumb. Lazy.”

Like so much else from so many Arkansans, it ignores facts with dismissive, defensive potshots — giving tacit permission to continue business as usual instead of ever addressing massive and historic root causes for Arkansas’s ongo-

Jessica Goforth Bryant

ing ranking at or near the bottom of the 50 states in desirable qualities … and at or near the top in undesirable ones.

It’s not “outsider” journalists or statistics that are “dumb,” “lazy” or “supremely stupid,” boys.

Your piece, once the self-satisfied fauxsuperior smirks die down, turns out to be just another self-serving anti-reality Troll Hit. Instead of what Andy Borowitz’s brilliantly crafted Tweets are to satire, you’re what Dennis Miller and Victoria Jackson are to comedy: laboring hard over ultimately dubious jibes in defense of the status quo.

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DECEMBER 10, 2015

5

WEEK THAT WAS

Quote of the Week: “You know how you make America great again? Tell Donald Trump to go to hell. … He’s a race-baiting, xenophobic, religious bigot. He doesn’t represent my party. He doesn’t represent the values that the men and women who wear the uniform are fighting for. ... He’s the ISIL man of the year. … He is empowering radical Islam.”

— GOP presidential candidate and U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on CNN on Tuesday, responding to Republican frontrunner Donald Trump’s extraordinary call for “a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States” after last week’s terror attack in San Bernardino, Calif., that left 14 dead.

Most other candidates of both parties also condemned Trump’s proposal. But then, Trump is polling around 30 percent nationally among Republicans; Graham’s numbers are between 0 and 1 percent.

etly explored the possibility of moving across the river to North Little Rock if that city provided sufficient tax dollars.

A full proposal from NLR failed to materialize, but the episode seems to have lit a fire under Little Rock leaders to take action on long-deferred renovations to the Arts Center’s current location.

The fall of Ted Suhl Last week, a federal grand jury indicted Ted Suhl, the one-time operator of two behavioral health companies, on multiple counts of bribery and related charges.

Suhl once wielded significant political influence. He ran an inpatient mental health center for youth known as the Lord’s Ranch — later renamed Trinity Behavioral Health Care — around which swirled allegations of physical abuse. During the Huckabee administration, Suhl sat on the state board that regulated mental health providers — including himself.

Last year, Suhl’s companies were cut off from state Medicaid funding after the indictment of former state Department of Human Services official Steven Jones (also a former state legislator). Though the federal court documents in Jones’ indictment didn’t mention Suhl by name, DHS said at the time that Suhl had been identified as the unnamed person who steered cash to Jones in return for inside 6

DECEMBER 10, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

assistance, including internal agency information. The wheels have turned slowly, but Suhl’s day in court is coming; his arraignment is scheduled for Dec. 15.

Your 2 cents on the Arts Center The Little Rock City Board last week approved ordinances to levy 2 additional cents on hotel receipts, intended to fund renovations to the Arkansas Arts Center and the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History. The city also scheduled a February referendum in which it will ask voters to approve using the new tax revenue to float $35 million in bonds, a sum that would be matched by private donations.

Readers may recall that earlier this year the Arts Center foundation qui-

Certified delivery Think the same-sex marriage issue is settled and done? Not quite yet. A skirmish is playing out in Arkansas over birth certificates issued to samesex parents, with the state dragging its heels every step of the way.

Last week, after Circuit Judge Tim Fox ordered that three plaintiffs be issued birth certificates immediately, the state Health Department issued documents to those parents … but refused to extend the courtesy to other same-sex couples. The Health Department this week gave some ground, saying it would issue birth certificates to same-sex couples who could show they were married before the birth of their child. At the same time, though, state Attorney General Leslie Rutledge

continues to seek a stay of Fox’s ruling from the Arkansas Supreme Court.

Four little words A careful reader sent the Times a note over the weekend pointing out a difference between an AP story on the Paris climate talks that appeared in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and another version of the same story that appeared in a different paper.

The original AP version includes this line: “For larger nations, the question is what’s realistic and what’s not when it comes to limiting global warming.”

The D-G’s version: “For larger nations, the question is what’s realistic and what’s not when it comes to limiting what some say is global warming.”

Of course, “some” — like the vast majority of the world’s scientists. The climate denialists must be appeased.

OPINION

The search for welfare fraud

A

major federal indictment last week passed with barely a peep from Arkansas politicians and scant notice from news media.

The feds finally turned loose an indictment of Ted Suhl, owner/operator of inpatient and outpatient companies for young people with mental health problems, for paying bribes to help his government-financed business.

Steven Jones, a former state legislator and high Department of Human Services official, had already pleaded guilty to taking bribes from an unnamed person that DHS acknowledged was Suhl when it cut his companies off from Medicaid reimbursement.

I’ve been unable to get a full accounting for Suhl’s time in Arkansas, but past reporting shows he’s reaped at least $150 million in federal and state payments for the inpatient facility in Randolph County once known as the Lord’s Ranch and from a string of community counseling operations.

Suhl’s been on my radar for a long

time. He was so close to Mike Huckabee during the Huckabee administration that he was appointed MAX to the board that BRANTLEY regulates facilities maxbrantley@arktimes.com such as his own.

He flew Huckabee to political events on his private plane. He lavished the Republican Party and state legislators with contributions. It wasn’t all about self-interest. Suhl also comes from the hard-right end of the religious spectrum.

The state board on which he sat tried, unconstitutionally, to ban gay people from being foster or adoptive parents.

He incorporated religion in his Lord’s Ranch, including alleged improper use of corporal punishment, until protests were made.

Until Huckabee came along, Suhl sometimes faced regulatory difficulties. But they eased during the Huckabee reign. It is perhaps coincidental that

The case for gun regulation

T

he U.S. Supreme Court may not for self-protection, follow the election returns, as Fin- are still on the ley Peter Dunne famously alleged, court. That was but it does follow the news, including the the first time the regular mass shootings and terror attacks law had been interover the past 20 years and the wave of preted as being ERNEST public fear that follows the worst ones. anything more DUMAS So lots of people on the liberal side of than an individual the 40-year-old war over limiting civil- right to have a gun to fulfill his duty to ian guns took heart when the court voted “bear arms” in conscripted militias. But 7-2 Monday not to review an appellate now three of the same five men, all concourt’s decision that a city ordinance servative Republicans, signed off on a banning semiautomatic assault weapons law that strictly forbids civilians to carry and large-capacity magazines was con- weapons capable of mass killings. Could stitutional. That leaves the lower court’s the slaughters at Colorado Springs and reasoning as the prevailing interpreta- San Bernadino have awakened the contion of the Constitution, a view, by the sciences of the surly men in robes, too, way, that prevailed before 2008 and the and, if so, might Congress and legislacourt’s landmark ruling in District of tures be close behind?

Columbia v. Heller.

Maybe not in the first instance and All five men who delivered the 2008 almost certainly not in the second. If decision, that the Second Amendment there is one answer to the mass gun killgave individuals the right to own a gun ings that ought to be universally accepted,

Suhl’s indictment says his bribes to Jones began about three months after Mike Beebe became governor. Perhaps Suhl decided he needed a Democratic friend in the new administration and turned to Jones. Beebe did not reappoint him to the child welfare board. Beebe also took some modest steps at reforming a system in which Arkansas spent a disproportionate amount compared with other states on expensive inpatient mental health treatment. Suhl was prepared to adapt with a growing community-based business. He adapted, too, by having friends in the system that made referrals for services.

It took a team of federal public corruption specialists to finally get prosecutable goods on Suhl, though there was ample reason to look closely at him, as investigative reporting over the years in the Times, particularly by Mary Jacoby in 2009, illustrated. But these days, legislators seem unconcerned about the Ted Suhls. Instead, they obsess that a poor person might have a few hundred dollars in assets and still get Medicaid. They also want to drug-test the poor wretches and submit them to work rules. People who draw tens of millions in state money suffer far fewer indignities.

DHS is the state’s biggest agency and the most difficult to run. Poor people — sick, disabled, dislocated — aren’t

easily repaired. People with the best of intentions — and these include the overwhelming majority of the thousands of people in the DHS system — make mistakes at times, or at least ill-fated decisions in cases where there are no good solutions. It is an agency, too, that must battle entrenched political interests — the agencies that are paid millions to do everything from feed poor kids in the summer to care for abused children, fractured families and the infirm aged.

DHS has no lobbyists with credit cards or money for campaign contributions. It must be sensitive to pressure-wielding legislators such as Rep. Justin Harris (R-West Fork), who committed what would now be a crime in giving away adopted children to the home of a sex abuser. He continues to get a decent living from government money paid to the religion-influenced daycare he operates.

DHS responds to criticism such as mine by saying 1) it tries hard and 2) it can’t have its inspectors in every school or clinic or residential facility at every minute. I know. And, believe me, the operators know it. The unscrupulous — think Ted Suhl and Justin Harris — take advantage. I don’t blame DHS for that. I blame legislators who worry more that a poor person might get undeserved alms than about Ted Suhl bribing a state legislator to get rich.

even cheered, it is that military weapons that are only useful for quickly killing large numbers of people should not be available across the land. They are not needed for personal safety off the battlefield unless you’re a lawman confronting people who have such weapons. As the federal appellate court said and seven of the nine supremes implied, the Constitution confers no right for people to keep weapons for mass killings.

No restrictions on guns and explosives or upon immigrants or the mentally disturbed can end murder and mayhem. We have always been a violent society and it has been made considerably more dangerous by the proliferation of handguns and military weapons since the 1960s. No gun regulation that is achievable will do more than slacken the mass slaughters that assault weapons and big magazines produce, but merely stifling the public unease that they can be gunned down in a hail of bullets at the mall or a concert is worth the game.

If Justices Anthony Kennedy, John Roberts and Samuel Alito were softened by the ambushes at Colorado Springs and San Bernardino, it had little or no effect on Congress, where last week every

Senate Republican except Mark Kirk of Illinois voted against legislation to prevent people on the FBI’s terrorist watch list from purchasing guns or explosives.

The NRA says it would be just a step toward confiscating your squirrel gun as well. The measure has been introduced repeatedly and defeated each time since 2007. The Government Accountability Office has documented hundreds of suspected terrorists on the watch list buying weapons. All four Republican senators running for president raced to Washington to vote against the bill and another that would have expanded background checks to gun shows and online firearm sales to screen out convicted felons and the mentally ill.

So, despite the 2008 ruling on individual gun rights, the deterrent to gun remedies is not legal but political. Still, Monday’s decision, or nondecision, on the Chicago ordinance is important. It would have been better if the court had accepted the review and removed any doubt about what the law is, that regulation of firearms is not only permitted by the Second Amendment but assumed.

Why they didn’t is left to conjecture.

Perhaps they are just weary of the fury CONTINUED ON PAGE 33 www.arktimes.com

DECEMBER 10, 2015

7

Ravings from the right

B

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8

DECEMBER 10, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

e afraid, be very afraid.

Along with watching cable TV news terrorism coverage 24/7, some people appear to think it’s your patriotic duty to run around with your hair on fire. It’s the American Way. Following the latest mass-shooting event in San Bernardino, Calif., President Obama gave a nationally televised address from the Oval Office. Because last week’s killers were a husbandand-wife team of deranged Muslims instead of the stereotypical lone male demento, the White House sought to offer reassurance.

As is his custom, Obama expressed calm determination.

“The threat from terrorism is real, but we will overcome it,” he vowed. “We will destroy ISIL and any other organization that tries to harm us. Our success won’t depend on tough talk, or abandoning our values, or giving into fear. That’s what groups like ISIL are hoping for.

Instead, we will prevail by being strong and smart, resilient and relentless.”

Among much of the electorate, however, calm and resilient have gone out of fashion. Overstimulated by a presidential race resembling a WWE promotion, they look for something along the lines of professional wrestling extravaganza, with heroes, villains, vainglorious boasting and hyperbolic threats.

The affiliation between Donald J. Trump and World Wrestling Entertainment head honcho Vince McMahon has been previously noted here. Indeed, the portly GOP candidate with the flowing hair has participated in WWE spectacles with former heavyweight boxing champion Muhummad Ali — to name just one Muslim-American athlete he was unable to recall after Obama’s speech. (Trump has also conducted a one-sided public feud with former NBA great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.)

Trump himself, however, was very far from the only GOP hopeful to respond to Obama’s speech with bombast. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, excommander of the Princeton University debate team, vowed to “utterly destroy” ISIS as president. Remember “Shock and Awe?” Like that. “We will carpet bomb them into oblivion,” Cruz promised. “I don’t know if sand can glow in the dark, but we’re going

to find out.”

Is he really threatening to nuke ISIS’s ragtag “Caliphate”?

And then GENE what? Reoccupy LYONS Iraq and Syria?

With whose army? For how long? The senator needn’t say. It’s simply a pose.

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio thinks Americans aren’t frightened enough.

He told a Fox News audience that “people are scared not just because of these attacks but because of a growing sense that we have a president that’s completely overwhelmed by them.”

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush also ran to a Fox News studio to denounce “the idea that somehow there are radical elements in every religion” as “ridiculous,” an argument Obama never made.

Indeed the president’s GOP detractors spoke as if confident their intended audience had no clue what his speech actually said — probably a good bet.

To Bush, as to all the rest, the president’s failure to pronounce the words “radical Islamic terrorism” has left the nation undefended. This odd bit of magical thinking has become an article of faith on the right.

Along with his race and his suspect parentage, it’s precisely Obama’s resistance to melodrama that makes this crowd think he’s weak.

“ISIL does not speak for Islam,” Obama insisted. “They are thugs and killers, part of a cult of death, and they account for a tiny fraction of more than a billion Muslims around the world — including millions of patriotic Muslim Americans who reject their hateful ideology …”

“That does not mean denying the fact that an extremist ideology has spread within some Muslim communities,” the president added. “This is a real problem that Muslims must confront, without excuse.”

Far from weakness, it’s precisely because he sees America and Americanism as infinitely stronger than ISIS that Obama retains the moral authority to speak such hard truths.

Led by Trump, Republican blowhards have thrown it away.

Rules of engagement

F

rom the fate of my mediocre fantasy football team to make the playoffs to the selection of jurors in criminal cases, the rules of the game are important in determining winners and losers in all aspects of life. As it now becomes increasingly likely that no candidate is going to run away with the 2016 presidential nomination in an emphatically factionalized Republican Party, the rules for determining the selection of convention delegates make it difficult for one candidate to claim a majority before the mid-July GOP convention in Cleveland.

Following the 2012 GOP nomination cycle, the rules for nominating the party’s presidential candidate changed in several important ways. First, the rules were altered to link the voting percentages gained in primaries and caucuses more tightly to the proportion of delegates a candidate collected from a given state (Ron Paul’s rabid supporters had stayed engaged and gained more delegates than deserved by controlling later state conventions where delegates were actually selected). Second, while contests through mid-March would use proportional representation rules for the allocation of delegates, the large (and expensive) states after that point would use “winner-take-all” rules to allow a front-running candidate to quickly put the contest away. Finally, the bulk of the selection process was moved earlier to ensure that the party’s presumptive nominee would not sit for months before the GOP convention when the national party could officially begin coordinating with their nominee’s campaign. (In 2012, the Romney campaign faced money challenges for a number of weeks before he officially became the party nominee; during that period, the Obama campaign effectively defined Mitt Romney as “out of touch” with middle-class Americans because of his past business practices.)

These rules reforms were responses to the challenges Romney faced in 2012 where a candidate was clearly on his way to a nomination but the rules kept more ideological opponents alive and distracted him from finishing up the nomination and moving to the general election campaign. Although it is still just under two months before the first votes are cast in Iowa, a key problem for

the GOP is that it appears increasingly unlikely that one candidate will be able to break from the pack JAY so that the rules BARTH could benefit the party in the way envisioned.

Instead, these rules will be applied to a nomination dynamic unlike anything that we’ve seen in the modern era: a still mammoth field of candidates, factions based on personality and ideology, and fast-changing world events that are accentuating those divisions rather than uniting the party. Last week’s horrific events in San Bernadino sadly provides even more fuel for an authoritarian Donald Trump candidacy; on Monday of this week, Trump’s call for the “total and complete shutdown of Muslims” coming into the United States is only the latest salvo in his increasingly extreme (and increasingly popular, among GOP activists) rhetoric. Also increasingly clear is that GOP mainliners are ready to move heaven and earth to keep Trump from that nomination.

Just as Trump’s rhetoric reached a new level this week, the criticisms of him from the mainline conservative candidates (Jeb Bush, John Kasich, Chris Christie and Lindsey Graham) and their surrogates also reached a new level of ferocity. Meanwhile, the two other viable candidates — Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Florida’s Marco Rubio — generally stayed away from the fray of that battle and instead focused their energies in criticizing one another on issues ranging from immigration to foreign policy.

The likely result is that Trump and representatives of the different factions of the party will survive until mid-March. Those candidates would then strategically focus their resources across the larger winner-take-all states that select their delegates in late March and early April. If they divvy up those state’s large delegations, no candidate would hold the majority necessary to lock in the nomination. Rather than providing the party a benefit, the short run-up to the convention would not allow the party time to overcome the division, making the 2016 GOP race the most likely in generations to produce a genuine “brokered convention.”

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DECEMBER 10, 2015

9

PEARLS ABOUT SWINE

Hogs trending up, down

G

iven that Arkansas is an indisputably intriguing team — who loses to Toledo at home and then wrecks Ole Miss’ charmed season seven weeks later? — the Hogs’ cemented bowl destination may come as something of a letdown. The Liberty Bowl does pay well, it provides the Razorbacks a Jan. 2 afternoon kickoff in a familiar and proximately fine location, and it affords the team a better than sporting chance at finishing with eight wins.

Kansas State is 6-6 and fortunate to have a record that good. The Wildcats got just fat enough on the dregs of the Big 12 and out-of-league opposition, then nudged into eligibility on Saturday by getting an admittedly impressive close-shave win over West Virginia. This isn’t venerable Coach Bill Snyder’s best team, nor is it his worst.

But the Razorbacks can most likely exploit the Wildcats’ most glaring weakness after the calendar flips to 2016. Kansas State’s soft, inexperienced defense yields a ton of points and yardage, even if it did steady itself somewhat against the likes of the Mountaineers, Kansas and Iowa State in the season’s final weeks.

The Wildcats conversely don’t alarm anyone with an offense that completes less than half its passes, lacks a true bellcow of a runner, and generally floundered against high-end competition.

In fairness, Kansas State’s tall but unorthodox quarterback, junior Joe Huebner, is akin to former Wildcat Collin Klein. He runs a little upright and isn’t blessed with throwing power, but he messes around and gets things done much of the time by being elusive and tough. Oddly, he was historically inept in the first half of the critical game against West Virginia, got banged up, and then yielded the floor to onetime emergency quarterback Kody Cook, whose arm and legs carried the Cats to a comeback 24-23 victory.

While Arkansas has had a mercurial year in its own right, the Hogs have always been competitive. The same cannot be said for K-State, which had what we will call a haiku-style season, with a 3-6-3 pattern. Three nonconference wins to open the campaign had the Wildcats feeling spry; six ensuing losses, a couple being ugly ones against Oklahoma and Texas, had them want-

ing the year to simply end. But to their credit, they displayed enough temerity and tenacity to BEAU vaporize two bad WILCOX teams and then fight back against bowl-bound West Virginia to get to Memphis.

This game will merit a more extensive preview in an upcoming Pearls, though. We’re a bit overdue in assessing the health of Hog basketball, or rather, we’ve put it off because nobody really wants to talk about it.

Let’s not mince words: This is a potentially lost 2015-16 season for Mike Anderson, which amplifies the gravity of Malik Monk’s decision to take his array of skills to the Bluegrass State. When the Hogs faced the grim reality of being without Bobby Portis, Michael Qualls, Alandise Harris and Rashad Madden, they also plugged in only a couple of worthwhile replacements, got a rough result with the recruiting of power forward Ted Kapita, and ended up attracting some head-scratching when it welcomed transfers from Texas Tech and Kennesaw State.

At 3-4, the Hogs have been nothing if not wildly erratic. They bombed a couple of forgettable opponents, but against three ostensibly decent teams (Georgia Tech, Stanford and Wake Forest) the results were decidedly poor. A huge lead disappeared in a crushing collapse against the Cardinal, and a late comeback against the Demon Deacons fell short.

The shortage of depth and seasoning leaves Arkansas dependent on players that haven’t proved themselves dependable (Anthlon Bell’s scoring is up and Moses Kingsley’s offensive progress is something to behold), and the newcomers like Dusty Hannahs, Jimmy Whitt and Willy Kouassi just haven’t forged any kind of consistency at both ends of the floor.

The result is a team that doesn’t lack heart, but is suffering from a dearth of on-court chemistry. It shows largely on the defensive end, where the Hogs are permitting 82 points per outing over their four losses. And opposing gunners are, yet again, finding too much space to stroke open long-range shots.

So what’s the short-term outlook?

CONTINUED ON PAGE 33

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DECEMBER 10, 2015

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THE OBSERVER NOTES ON THE PASSING SCENE

Worrysong

T

he Observer is typing this on the tiny, digital keyboard of our phone, sitting in a doctor’s office waiting room, waiting for the love of our undeserving life to emerge from the door. Fat fingers and little keyboarditis abound, but the time when you’re waiting in a doctor’s office pours out like cold caramel sauce, and we’d rather do this than bite our nails.

It’s not a big thing she found, not a lump or mass, not an angry black spot or simmering brown splotch. Just a pale spot, oblong, hard as a pebble, slightly raised but otherwise exactly the same color as the rest of her, hard to easily find unless you were looking for it. Enough, however, to cause a truckload of worry for us both, with weeks of waiting for an appointment, and right here at Christmastime.

Probably nothing. Even her regular doc said so before sending us here. But such anxiety in that “probably.” Probably is a thousandth of an inch from “nothing,” but that tiniest gap has been a yawning gulf her man has tumbled down some nights, when her own worried and troubled sleep has taken her beside me.

The waiting room is full. Other women, other men; other husbands and wives. The nurses appear and call: Bennett, Jones, Green, Bell, Curtis. Women rise and disappear through the doors, following her into the unseen world behind the wall, the most normal thing in the world, as it should be.

Downstairs in the lobby of the hospital as we write this, a choir has struck up, angelic voices, singing “All Through the Night,” folding into “Away in a Manger,” and we think about strength.

This is what it is to love someone, brothers and sisters: It is not roses and date nights. It is not clasped hands and whispers. Love is not the things we do in the dark. Love is this: that moment when you realize that the circle of your worry has broadened to encompass another; the moment when you realize that you would give any part of your life, even your life, to see that person spared from hurt or harm. And so it is with her, and

has been since soon after The Observer first observed her, and came to know her gentle heart, a feeling like coming home at last from the battlefield.

Probably nothing. Probably. But probably is not the full draught of nothing. Probably always has the blade of “maybe” broken off inside it. Probably is the Queen Bitch of the Kingdom of What Could Be, and that is a land of shadow.

And so one woman’s man waits here in this uncomfortable chair, waiting for her to emerge, and rides the haunted country of Maybe. The clock in the nurses station ticks, and we think of what it would be like to stand with her and fight the monster whose teeth we cannot break, whose eyes we cannot gouge, whose face we cannot crush into the dirt, relishing its pain, forcing that beast to beg her forgiveness with its forked tongue.

From behind the wall between us, she texts me that she’s still back there, waiting.

That she didn’t think it would take this long. Neither did her man. And so we wait.

We embroider this tiny keyboard with our nervous thumbs and wait. We think our self a jackass for making so much out of a spot we could easily cover with the tip of a single finger, and we wait. For the door to open. To see her face. To hear that the Queen Bitch will wait another day. To get the word that her man can put his sword back in the umbrella stand, and perch his war helmet back atop the bust of Pallas just above our chamber door, to gather dust again. But for now, we wait for another door to open and reveal her to us like a woman restored after being sawed in half in a magic act. Ta-da! But the wait is taking far too long.

And then, because this is 2015, the door doesn’t have to open. The door turns out to be this very phone, in our hand: “Ultrasound says it’s nothing. Just waiting for doctor to confirm.” And five minutes later, she emerges. And we walk to the empty elevator. And we step inside. And when the doors slide closed on Maybe, her man turns to her and kisses her like he has come home to her from the battlefield, from fighting the devils of his own heart.

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Arkansas Reporter

THE

No end in sight Governor says Arkansas has made progress on foster care, but the numbers tell another story.

BY BENJAMIN HARDY

T

Catholic High grad returns to 40th reunion as a woman The essay that follows was written

by Sarah A. Vestal following the 40th reunion of the 1975 class of Little Rock’s Catholic High School for Boys.

She was Charles Vestal in 1975 and at the 30th reunion in 2005. Photographs show Vestal, who now lives in Tulsa, today and before she began receiving female hormones: “My recent 40th high school reunion was my first public appearance in my hometown of Little Rock in almost a decade. I was a woman returning from transition exile in liberal queer San Francisco and walking into a full gymnasium of men as the first transgender female graduate of an allmale high school in a small Southern red state.

“At the preceding 30th reunion of Catholic High School for Boys, Class of 1975, I was the well-known local businessman — a 5th generation native. This time was quite different.

“As I pulled into the school driveway for the alumni dinner, students were directing traffic. ‘Picking up your 12

DECEMBER 10, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

his summer, the number of children in Arkansas’s foster care system rose to an unprecedented level, placing serious strain on the state’s already understaffed and overworked child welfare agency and resulting in an alarming shortage of foster homes in which to place those kids. A July report from an independent consultant commissioned by Gov. Asa Hutchinson to review the Division of Children and Family Services (a branch of the Arkansas Department of Human Services) found that there were about three kids for every two beds in DCFS’ statewide foster system, or an average 0.66 bedto-child ratio, with some parts of the state having much worse figures. At the time, Hutchinson called the situation a “crisis” and said he would take steps to address it.

Last week, when the governor attended the dedication of a new residential home for children in Charleston, he took the opportunity to issue a statement declaring headway has been made. “Since August, the state has increased its number of foster homes by 109 and increased its number of available beds for children by 232,” Hutchinson said. “We are making progress, but we must do better.”

But the governor’s statement did not mention the fact that the number of children in foster care has also increased over that same span of time.

In late August, there were 4,349 children in the foster system; as of Dec. 1, there were 4,615, according to figures requested from DCFS. So, over the past three months, the number of children in state custody increased by 266, which means the 232 new foster beds cited by Hutchinson falls just short of the number needed just to keep up with the increasing demand. The bed-to-child ratio has essentially remained unchanged, at 0.68 as of the beginning of the month.

Holding steady in a crisis state is dubious progress. When interviewed about the

situation earlier this year, DCFS Director Cecile Blucker said, “We’ve got more children in the system than the state has the capacity to serve. ... We’re just maxed.”

The consultant’s report delivered to the governor in July noted that DCFS caseworkers had caseloads “of nearly twice the national [recommended] standard.”

Swelling numbers of foster kids means caseworkers have even less time to keep track of individual children’s needs, therefore increasing the likelihood tragic errors will occur — whether that means children being left in a dangerous situation at home or children being placed in an inappropriate foster care setting.

To the governor’s credit, he dedicated $1 million in discretionary rainy day funds this summer toward hiring more hands at DCFS. The money will eventually pay for an additional 29 caseworkers, four supervisors and seven assistants, Blucker said. That’s not nearly enough to address the statewide shortage, and it’s only onetime money, but Hutchinson has said he’s committed to finding an additional $8 million in the state budget to patch holes in the agency. Unlike the $1 million in one-time rainy day funds, such money will require legislative approval. In the meantime, Hutchinson has stressed the role that nonprofits and the faith community play in the bigger child welfare picture, especially in recruiting more foster parents.

In his remarks last week, the governor said DCFS is addressing problems in increasing the foster parent pool. “The Division of Children and Family Services has made several procedural improvements and has expanded its statewide partnerships,” he announced. “In addition, DCFS has successfully eliminated the backlog of more than 1,200 foster parent inquiries.”

The Times reported earlier this year that many would-be foster families in Arkansas run into roadblocks with DCFS — lost paperwork, unreturned phone calls,

lengthy hang-ups on the background check process — resulting in a backlog of inquiries.

That fact seemed to fly in the face of Hutchinson’s call for more aggres- MIXED RESULTS: sive recruitment. Gov. Asa Hutchinson has appealed to faith Now, DHS spokes- leaders to recruit more person Kate Luck foster parents. said, the agency has responded to each of those 1,200 inquiries and has developed a tracking system to monitor the status of potential foster families.

“Basically, it’s a brand-new system. It allows us to track where applicants are in the process,” Luck said. Before, she said, DCFS couldn’t tell where the slowdowns in the system were occurring. “Now we can take a better look and see: Are we waiting on people to return paperwork to us? Or, are they stuck on the background check step of the process?” (Of course, better tracking will only improve things if the agency acts on the information it gathers.)

While Arkansas certainly needs enough beds to serve every kid in the foster system, there’s a more fundamental question: Why are so many more kids coming into DCFS custody recently?

Entering foster care is rarely a happy experience for children, even under the best of circumstances. It’s a safety net that should be employed only when necessary, and the continued uptick in kids in the foster system would be cause for concern even if there were two ready-and-willing foster families for every child. Will the state’s foster care numbers level off soon, or will they continue to increase into the next year?

In an email, Blucker said other child welfare systems nationally were also seeing more kids entering state custody.

“Drug use and the neglect that accompanies has been one contributing factor,” she wrote. “We have also seen the number of maltreatment investigations increase … [and] we have seen an increase in the number of calls related to neglect, physical abuse and substance misuse when looking at the increase in maltreatment investigations. We are hopeful the number will level off. However, we did not predict the increase we have seen in the last six months.”

BRIAN CHILSON

IN S IDE R

THE

BIG PICTURE

HOLIDAY COCKTAIL LIST

BRIAN CHILSON

e

Sebastian’s Holiday Sour

By Sebastian D. Yingling Raduno Brick Oven & Barroom

Y

ingling, the bar manager for Raduno, the South Main pizza place and hangout formerly known as Piro, calls his Holiday Sour “a simple twist on a classic holiday cocktail.” Scotch sours are popular these days, but Yingling trades Scotch for Reilly’s Rock & Rye Whiskey, infused with fresh natural ginger, which Yingling says “gives it a spicy kick.” He then adds Cardamaro (an aromatized wine amaro), Pimm’s No. 1, fresh lemon juice, an egg white (for the froth) and freshly grated nutmeg on top. “The Cardamaro adds a hint of seasonal spices, and the Pimm’s addition gives weight and richness to the cocktail,” Yingling says. “The finishing touches of egg white froth and fresh nutmeg round out a nicely balanced, easily enjoyable holiday cocktail.” Check out Raduno’s new winter cocktail and food menu at 1318 S. Main St.

1 oz. Reilly’s Rock & Rye Ginger 1/2 oz. Pimm’s No. 1 1/2 oz. Cardamaro 1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice (make four hours ahead of time to reduce sourness) 1/2 oz. simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heat till sugar dissolved and cool) 1 egg whole nutmeg (to be grated on top)

Smoked Caramel Black Apple Toddy

By Emily Lawson Owner of Pink House Alchemy and Fox Hole

I

t’s a busy time for Emily Lawson, the Fayetteville entrepreneur behind the wildly popular Pink House Alchemy, which specializes in high-quality syrups, shrubs and bitters for mixing with coffee, booze and other drinks. Her Pink House products are much in demand for gifts. Meanwhile, she has been busy opening a bar and coffee shop in downtown Bentonville. Fox Hole, scheduled to open before the end of the year, will serve Fayetteville Onyx coffee and “embrace the molecular [mixology] movement,” as Lawson told us in an Arkansas Times Visionaries profile from earlier this year. She said the vibe of Fox Hole would be “molecular dive bar.” Find her Pink House products in Central Arkansas at Eggshells, the Green Corner Store, Boulevard Bread and Holiday Pop Up Shop by Erin Lorenzen. Here is her twist on a hot toddy, featuring Pink House syrup made with Arkansas black apples:

1 cinnamon stick Take the egg, separate the white from the yoke, and place 2 oz. Calvados apple brandy the egg white in shaker. Add the simple syrup and dry 1 oz. Pink House Caramel Black Apple Syrup shake (no ice) for 30 seconds. Add the Reilly’s, Pimm’s, 1/2 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice (1/2 lemon) Cardamaro, lemon juice and ice and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Strain the contents of the shaker into a Flame the cinnamon stick and capture the smoke in coupe glass, or preferred drinking vessel. Grate nutmeg your mug. Add in brandy, syrup and lemon juice. Top with hot water. over drink. Drink, rinse, repeat.

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INSIDER, CONT. son, ma’am?’

“Many of my classmates knew of my transgender status for years, but Arkansas has never been known for progressive views. A few weeks earlier, the Vatican announced transgender folks were not morally capable of being godparents. The local Catholic bishop barring my entry in a George Wallace-style confrontation was my frequent nightmare. To complicate matters, I now saw my male classmates in a different light, as I felt they also did with me. When they previously knew me, I was a straight man and father of two daughters. Now, I am the straight woman feeling a sexual tension with my former male classmates for the first time. “ ‘You are hot, babe, really hot!’

Smile. Blush. ‘Thank you, Mel,’ was all I could reply. That same simple thank you, a hug, and tears were all I could manage in response to scores of supportive statements.

“Father George Tribou was the legendary headmaster, a strict disciplinarian and devout priest who required the boys to wear ties and keep their hair short during our turbulent early 1970s.

With many shared stories, fellow classmates and I visited his grave to pay our respects. While my classmates were joking about the ground not moving as I stood over him, I felt a deep connection. I recalled Tribou once telling me as a troubled boy, ‘Jesus will be with you no matter what.’ I left his grave believing Tribou would accept me today, despite the hateful dogma of the Catholic Church concerning transgender people.

“The major reunion event was a Saturday night dinner at one of the city’s finest restaurants and included the 1975 graduating class of the corresponding all girls high school. With my heightened concern over my male classmates’ reactions, I did not anticipate the kind and unconditional support I received from my female high school friends, many of whom I either dated or wished I had dated over the years as a man.”

“Acceptance was summed up by a classmate’s subsequent Facebook posting: ‘You were brave, but as it turned out, we’re a pretty accepting group of guys. As I told someone, having adult children makes a difference in what is a big deal and what isn’t.

Proud of you; and proud of my class.’

“Recognized authenticity is a wonderful experience.” www.arktimes.com

DECEMBER 10, 2015

13

THREE SPIRITS

The Arkansas Times’ Observer busts the usual box to deliver a rambling Christmas prayer, possibly more gravy than grave.

T

he Observer doesn’t get out of our little 800-word box over on page 11 very often, and we’re cool with that most weeks. As you know if you’ve been paying attention, little boxes are one of the sole remaining products made right here in the good ol’ U.S.A.: snug little boxes for people and snug little boxes for ideas, boxes for what makes a woman and what makes a man, for what makes a success and what makes a failure, for what makes love and what makes hate. But here we are, Dear Reader, busted out of our own little box, proof in the puddin’ that one can escape the neat little compartments others build for us in their heads and hearts.

While all that sounds inspiring, the truth is, we didn’t make the Great Escape, jumping our stolen Nazi dirt bike over column inches like Steve McQueen, to demonstrate the triumph of the human spirit. Koon flaked,

14

DECEMBER 10, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

we heard, too strung out on narcotic goofballs after some kind of wisdom tooth-related catastrophe to get his shit together. Lindsey Millar is in his office listening to incomprehensible hip-hop at high volume and nursing the bum knee he FUBARed awhile back in the midst of trying to show his kid some sweet skateboarding flipz or trix or routinyz, whatever the appropriately rhadikal skateboarder misspelling is these days, not recalling that his bones are no longer made of teenage rubber but of cut-rate dollar-store porcelain like the rest of us old farts. Benji Hardy is down in the basement with his miner’s hat on, steadily digging sweet dirt on scumbag politicians of all stripes. Will Stephenson is blotting tears, counting the days until vacation and pining for his Georgia home. Leslie Peacock is up on the roof with her big U-boat hunter binoculars, scanning the horizon for the prophesied return

THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

The Observer was born here in Little Rock in the sweltering depths of July 1974, but we grew up from the age of 11 — the part of growing up that’s worth a damn — out in the wilds of Saline County.

Don’t tell Boss Millar, but the truth is: The Observer doesn’t remember the specifics of very many of our Christmases. Not the stuff people want to know, anyway, what was said around the dining room table beyond pass the biscuits, or our Christmas spirit or lack of. For The Observer, the holiday has

become — as it has undoubtedly become for many of you — the blur of Thanksgivingchristmasnewyear, full of colored lights and the taste of chocolate, the sound of tearing paper, the taste of apple pie, the smell of pine.

The oranges, however, we remember in particular: the pasteboard box full of beautiful orbs of California sunshine, bought in bulk by The Observer’s Pa every Christmas. They were a nod to his hand-to-mouth childhood down in the broken heart of College Station, where he clawed to manhood before The Observer’s mother found him and they saved each other. Some years when he was a boy, Pa said, he received not a lot more for Christmas than an orange.

And so, when he was himself a father, he bought his children oranges by the dozens — so many that we got sick of them long before Christmas, mouths full of acid burns, the last of those beautiful fruits eventually gone moldy in the dark corners of the box.

The Old Man, 15 years now in his grave in Upchurch Cemetery, but no Scrooge he, worked hard to reach escape velocity from his own bitter Christmases. And so The Observer grew up in what surely would have seemed splendor to that boy from College Station. The stretchy, mile-long knit sock we used as our Christmas stocking was always swollen as a newly fed

python on Christmas morning, jumbo apple tucked snugly into the toe, followed by the handful of mixed nuts we’d later shatter on the porch with a hammer after unsuccessful attempts with Pa’s boot, the Lifesavers Candy Books and cassette tapes of whoever Ma heard was rhadikal with the youngsters that year; the Hot Wheels cars, the shining Case knives, the decks of marked cards when we took a liking to magic but before we realized our hands were too clumsy for it; the keyfobs and fancy chrome valvestem caps when we turned our attention to cars.

Around the tree, the piled gifts: toy trucks giving over to radio-controlled boats giving over to books. The bushelbasket-sized car stereo speakers that we thought we needed one year and which our old ears still regret every time Spouse has to ask us to turn down the TV. The coveralls and mechanics tools we used to poke at the mysterious mechanical guts of things. The bottles of horrendous cologne with which we tried, mostly unsuccessfully, to attract something other than the pimpled nimrods we hung out with. One year, a flush year, a Browning 12-gauge shotgun, beautifully engraved, so nice that we shot a half box of shells through it, cleaned and oiled it within an inch of its life, then cocooned the perfect walnut and steel in its suede-lined case, where

BRIAN CHILSON

of the Orange-Breasted Merkinlark or something bird-related. Brantley’s packing his bags for a month in picturesque Pago Pago or dumping his Pago Pago-stinking laundry into the hamper back in Arkansas, one or the other. And so it falls to Yours Truly to crank out a cover story for once; to pull our weight instead of just phoning in another 700-worder about the weather, our cat or somebody farting in line at the grocery store.

“Just riff,” said Millar, rubbing his robotic knee and wincing. “Get your sweater with the reindeer on it out of the closet and write something about Christmas.” And so, we shall. A tripartite riff, then, a naked ripoff of our ghost-haunted favorite of olde.

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DECEMBER 10, 2015

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WE’RE SHOWING

The Last Picture Show

it stayed until The Observer’s brother ing toward some unknown point. Beard needed money bad and it was all we had fully gray and mustache catching, hair to give him to sell. At 13, The Observer’s salt and pepper at the temples, face as first word processor, a replacement for lined as a butcher block. Every time we the balky Royal whose keys madden- see that someone has dropped dead, The ingly stuck, a gift that we know now Observer can’t help but take their age and was really a gift for Ma and Pa, who had do the simple arithmetic: 59 = T-minus surely grown tired of their middle child 18 years. 62 = T-minus 21 years. T-minus sitting up to all hours, clack-clack-clack- 10 years if the hammer of What Can Go ing his heart onto a page, Machine-Gun Wrong With a Body falls and we go out Kelley style, laboring over those round like our own father, gone at 51. Thinkkeys long after such instruments had ing like that makes you appreciate things, become curiosity and paperweight for including the ticking clock on the wall, the rest of the world. Seated before that every second a second closer to the Wile machine, and the word processor, and E. Coyote splat. the keyboard of a very heavy computer There is, by luck and coincidence, that came a few Christmases later, we almost exactly the same age difference learned the joy of words and construc- between Junior and his Old Man as tion. That love that has persisted up to, there was between The Observer and in fact, this very moment. our own dad. Junior turned 16 last week, And every Christmas, the family a December baby, whose birthday prestrip to the state Capitol, to look at the ents always come wrapped in candy-cane lights; to pass through the tunnel below paper. Standing before the burning canthe steps and venture inside to see the dles, listening to Spouse warble “Happy great tree trucked in from Way Yonder Birthday” to him while The Observer and hauled into the building by con- provided weak and tone-deaf baritone, victs. It was our one yearly chance to we thought of our father at 41 and Yours walk the acres of citizen-owned marble; Truly at 16, a smug and selfish boy who the place where we saw, at 11, a man couldn’t have found his ass with both we have always assumed was a ghost: hands, but who thought we knew everyelderly, bald, brown oxfords and old- thing. We thought of The Old Man, and timey tweed suit, a man who stepped thanked him, and saved a bit for our self. around a column and seemed to disOverall, The Observer has developed appear into thin goddam air, like he’d as dim a view of The Holidays as the one dropped down a trapdoor. once held by our own Dear Ol’ Dad — not As an ink-swilling wretch for many a the spirit of it, which is still mostly good, year, we’ve come to know the state Capi- just the craven and naked consumerism tol for what it really is: the wind-pow- of it all. Journalism keeps the lights on by ered gristmill that grinds good inten- selling ads that push craven and naked tions, millions of dollars and a generous consumerism, of course, so we won’t scoop of ego into flour of questionable make a fool of our damn self by decryquality, from which we all must bake ing the evils of bread and butter. But we our daily bread. As a boy, however, at can tell you that if the world was ours, Christmas, it was The Seat of Wisdom, there would be a Constitutional amendthe place where the learned Leaders ment requiring that every Christmas gift elected from among us met in steady cost less than $20 total, including tax counsel to decide What Was Best. It and maybe the gas it takes to get to the was there, outside under the lights in store. People would spend a lot less, and the cold December dark, walking the maybe make a lot more Christmas gifts. lovely and deserted corridors with our Wouldn’t you rather have a $20 someparents, that The Observer came to see thing made by your mom’s own hands service as love. than some $200 electro-doo-dad that’s That didn’t stop us, however, from going to end up in a landfill in a year and a telling Junior at 4 years old that the half? Wait. Don’t answer that, especially great domed building on the hill was if your mom is within earshot.

Our wish for wishlist simplification the Summer Villa of Santa Claus, a fib that we never took back, and which may notwithstanding, The Observer is also a live in his heart to this day. It seemed so slave of expectations, and so we saddle up with Spouse to brave the mall every right to do it at the time. year. Endless circling for a parking spot.

THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT Slamming doors. Santa bored and frownForty-one, brothers and sisters. Not ing, waiting for the next young’un to be 39, on the edge of something. Not 40, on shoved into his lap, the next snap, every the precipice. Forty-one, having dropped one closer to the moment when he can silently from the ledge and now freefall- lose the itchy suit and become flesh and

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ARKANSAS TIMES

blood again. The low din of hundreds, fretting. The pushy perfume girls with their cards, purring the names of celebrity smell-goods. The cash register ring in your head, even though cash registers don’t ring anymore. The hiss of plastic through the swipe slot. The smell of coffee from the kiosk. The cheery drone of Christmas music everywhere. The angular bulk of boxes inside plastic bags. The bank account balance tumbling down and down, the credit card balance spiraling up and up. And back home, the wrapping paper sliced and flaps taped down, the remnants cleaned up, the presents around the tree like sandbags waiting for the explosion, counting down until Christmas: 10, 9, 8 … And still, looking at it, asking the question: Is it enough? Can it be enough? How can one buy enough to represent the love in a human heart?

Whatever we get, it is always enough for The Observer, who can think of absolutely nothing we want or need most Christmases, a fact that drives Spouse all kinds of crazy. Junior is the same way, even at 16, though in recent years, nuts for gaming, his wish list has consisted entirely of mysterious electronic boxes to be installed inside other mysterious electronic boxes and never seen again.

This year, all The Observer wants is a pair of boots, something we can wear for a good long while. That’s it. Beyond that, we’re happy to see others do the gettin’. May your life and heart be so full that it’s true of your own life, friends.

There is, however, one thing we must buy every year: a silver spoon, engraved with the year. If you’ve watched The Observer’s usual space for a while, you know that we’ve been giving those to Spouse every Christmas since the first we were together, a tradition left over from the years when Yours Truly was so damn broke that we couldn’t do much more; a symbol that we would never let her go without, come hell or high water, even if we had to beg on streetcorners or knock over liquor stores with a squirt gun.

She’s getting close to having 20 spoons now, polished to mirror shine when she gets them, but soon gone black in a cup in the cabinet. They come back out at Christmas, polished again.

As we strolled the aisles of an antique mall in the weeks leading up to Christmas this year, looking for another to complete the wish of the heart of the young man we once were, we thought: What a foolish boy you were, my friend.

What a romantic idiot. What a lovely and courageous and incorrigible sap.

The old graybeard you became touches your dewy face, son, and smiles.

THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS FUTURE

There is a reason why The Ghost of Christmas Future is the most terrifying of the three spirits in every version of “A Christmas Carol” ever produced: cloaked, mute, pointing a long and skeletal finger through the moonlit dark toward Scrooge’s lonely and unmourned grave. No language needed. Just a long finger, pointing toward the inevitable if he did not change his ways. The future, friends, can be terrifying. Unknowable. Unfathomable. Impossible to see unless Jacob Marley comes to visit you on Christmas Eve, dragging his cash boxes and muttering dire warnings of impending ghouls.

The Observer is no oracle, and so we can’t see our own Christmases to come, nor yours. How many more we’ll get. How many more will be spent in joy instead of simply being endured. It is the way with all days, of course, but especially the big ones: birthdays and Christmases. Days are scary once you start thinking of them as the ticking of that doomsday clock we talked about.

T-minus to liftoff.

Junior will be out of the house in a few years, and that will be hard. A very smart friend told us once that the relationship between parent and child is the only one in your life that must eventually break apart a bit in order to be successful (no offense to folks living in Mom and Dad’s back room or basement), and so we know he will pack his bags someday and ship out. There will likely be some stark-naked dancing on the living room rug by two old farts when that happens, but eventually we’ll come back to earth, put our britches on, and accept the new normal: that the chick has flown and that, while our work for him is not done by a long shot, it is mostly done, Junior having received the best we can give him and off to make his own way.

The Observer, trying to stare into the crystal ball with some trepidation, imagines those Christmases then: Junior coming in with bags of laundry and a two-day beard. Junior coming in trailing a significant other by the hand.

Junior coming in, and he and his old man sitting up late, drinking the good Scotch from the back of the cabinet before the Christmas tree and talking about maybes. Junior coming in with a diaper bag and bundle in a carrier. Junior coming in with a boy or girl with The Old Man’s blood in those veins, to be scooped up and tummy raspberried to within a centimeter of meltdown. And, yes, there will be some Christmases when Junior may not come in at all, maybe too hung

up on the other side of the world with unfathomable business that he simply cannot make it, other than to call and wish his love to the two old grayheads who pushed him out the door in the first place. Those will be hard, but we will take what we can get. And as for you — yes, you, reading this — would it kill you to call your mother or father, if they’re still with us?

The Observer, if we can, tries not to live with an eye on the unknowable future. A long while back, Uncle Max taught Yours Truly never to assume, to check it out, to make sure, then For Damn Sure. Trying to see into the future is the worst brand of assumption, based on nothing more than hopes and good intentions. Too, living in the future is no way to live, one ear always listening for the thud of the other shoe, dropped by The Man Upstairs, instead of to the lovely music of life swirling about us, even now, even as you read this. But today we must. And so we shall.

If the Good Lord wills it, The Observer sees himself years from now, sitting before the fire of some unknowable house, where the stockings hang from the mantle. We see the drifts

of wrapping paper about our feet on the floor. We feel our old bones. We see Junior, grown to man’s face and a father’s respect. We see the little hands, unwrapping. We see the girl we married, face lined and hair gray, but still The Fairest of Them All because The Observer was smart enough to fall in love with the eyes first.

And then, because we are still a father’s son, we will dip a shivering old hand into a nearby box, and take out an orange. We will peel that lovely, golden orb of sunlight in the frozen heart of December, the warm scent of summer rising. We will break apart the wedges inside one by one, and we will eat them one by one. And as we do, we will remember all the good days and bad days — the weddings and funerals, births and deaths, the featureless blur and those moments when time stopped and let us get a look at her shining clockworks. We will remember this life, and we will be thankful for all the days that brought us to that moment, so far from where it all began, no matter how many more remain.

The Observer smiles upon you, and hopes the same for you, Dear Reader.

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19

Arts Entertainment AND

THE TIMES’ 2015 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE A Christmas catalog for the discerning (or desperate) Arkansan.

BY JO GARCIA, BENJAMIN HARDY, LINDSEY MILLAR, LESLIE NEWELL PEACOCK, DAVID RAMSEY, MICHAEL ROBERTS AND WILL STEPHENSON

Chocolates from Cocoa Rouge Christmas is one of those times when folks won’t look at you funny for eating four pieces of pie in one sitting, even if you pile them up one on top of the other like a delicious pastry Jenga tower and shovel the lot into your needy gob with a garden trowel. The important thing is to not sully this opportunity to gorge with impunity with inferior foodstuffs.

One way to avoid that is by picking up a box or 10 of assorted artisan chocolates from Cocoa Rouge out of Saline County.

Each of these bite-sized delicacies is painstakingly handcrafted and made with the highest quality chocolate and other ingredients. Add to this some of the most attractive packaging around, and you’ve got a gift of distinction. MR “My Name Is Doug Hream Blunt” ($11.99) In October, Luaka Bop, the world music record label founded by Talking Heads front man David Byrne, released this reissue of Arkansas native Doug Hream Blunt’s 1980s bedroom pop LP “Gentle Persuasion,” which has been cited as a favorite by artists like Ariel Pink and Dam-Funk. The record is available on LP, CD and MP3, and the release features liner notes by writer Amanda Petrusich. Learn more (and buy a copy) at Blunt’s new website: doughreamblunt. com. WS 20

DECEMBER 10, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

Simple syrups, shrubs and bitters from Pink House Alchemy There are so many great flavors of syrups, shrubs and bitters from Pink House Alchemy, and all of them are perfect for the cocktailian in your life.

Invent new spins on classic cocktails, create delicious sparkling soda treats — or just let your imagination run wild with ways to use these flavorful concoctions. And for an exciting look at the personality behind the product, check out our profile of Pink House owner Emily Lawson, who the Times named as one of our 2015 Visionary Arkansans. MR Spotify Premium ($10/month) Buy a year’s subscription to Spotify Premium for your older relatives. This is like the Netflix subscription of years past: a gentle holiday nudge toward new services that technophobe grannies will never take up on their own. It always turns out that the late adapters love it the most — no one loves Netflix today more than folks who said, once upon a time, “I don’t see what’s wrong with the VCR!” Likewise, I suspect Spotify’s most devoted fans will soon be those who are replacing their heavily thumbed Case Logic books of CDs. The holiday spirit of receiving a gift gives courage to those taking the plunge into the new (well, new to them). Plus you get some nice bonding time showing them how it works, followed by a flood of emails titled “just found this on Spotify!” Proselytize, robots. DR R2D2 fridge I don’t want a lot for Christmas.

There is just one thing I need and that is Haier Asia’s Life Size R2-D2 Robot Refrigerator. There isn’t a single person on the planet that wouldn’t benefit from this beauty. It’s perfect. When you get thirsty in the middle of a Star Wars marathon, all you need to do is call your good old friend R2D2 over and he will bring you a cold one.

No more asking your significant other — no more favors owed.

The force will be with you always: Thirsty never will you be!

JG Cool children’s books Getting to read to your kids is one of the great joys of parenthood — perhaps second only to finding books that will keep them occupied for more than five minutes on their own while you stare at a wall or do whatever it was you did before you had kids. To that end, some recommendations for beautifully and intricately designed children’s books that everyone in the family will enjoy: Everything that Aleksandra and Daniel Mizielinski put out is essential.

The young, prolific Polish husband and wife are the authors and illustrators of “Maps,” a whimsical and richly detailed atlas that’s full of illustrations of cultural, historical and zoological facts about dozens of countries. It’s not comprehensive, but there’s plenty to keep kids’ attention for years. One of mine first looked at it just to pick out his favorite animals. Now he knows his continents. Countries and capitals next.

The Mizielinksis are behind the “Mamoko” books (“Welcome to Mamoko,” “The World of Mamoko in the Time of Dragons,” “The World of Mamoko in the Year 3000”) that track dozens of anthropomorphic animals and monsters in wordless adventures through strange lands. It’s one of those reader-becomes-the-narrator series that kids can have fun with on their own.

“Sky High” by Swiss author and illustrator Germano Zullo is about neighboring rich guys who get caught up in a race to build the tallest and most ornate mansion-skyscraper. It’s delightfully absurd

and beautifully designed. Plus, it offers a fitting lesson for the season about the perils of conspicuous consumption.

For really young kids, you can’t get better number, shape and letter books than the collections by minimal realist illustrator Charley Harper. LM Skull ($24.99) and Coup ($14.99) For those who love the rush of a poker bluff but hate losing money, I recommend Skull or Coup, two very different strategy board games built on logic, deception and just enough randomness to piss everyone off.

In Coup, two to six players assume shifting roles to vie for political dominance in a sleekly dystopian future, although the game creators wisely keep the focus on strategy and human interaction, not hokey world-building. It therefore takes only about 20 minutes to play, a blessed departure from those threehour Risk or Monopoly sinkholes. Allegedly descended from a West Coast biker gang ritual, Skull (three to six players) distills bluffing to its most elegant form.

The mechanics are so ingeniously simple that Skull could be replicated with index cards, coasters or just about anything, but the art is entrancing enough to make it worthwhile to purchase. A game takes 30 to 45 minutes.

Skull and Coup can be ordered through Little Rock retailer Game Goblins, and even if you buy both, that’s probably cheaper than a bad night of Texas Hold ’em`. BH Oxford American Georgia Music Issue ($15.95) The Oxford American magazine’s annual music issue, on newsstands now, focuses this year on the state of Georgia. There are features on the Allman Brothers, OutKast, Little Richard, the Athens music scene, swing music pioneer Fletcher Henderson, country music pioneer Fiddlin’ John Carson, Janelle Monáe, Blind Willie McTell, Killer Mike and Johnny Mercer, plus less known but seminal moments from the state’s music history, like the Cabbagetown indie rock scene of the 1990s and the Savannah metal scene of recent years. (I contributed to the issue, as did former Times associate editor David Ramsey). There’s also a 25-song CD compilation. WS

A&E NEWS NOT K-POP: “Enassamishhinjijweian”

by Tom Uttech.

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

Posters It used to be that a dorm room wasn’t complete without a poster of a goldenphase painting by Gustav Klimt. Now, my own daughter’s dorm room walls (and now her apartment walls) were covered with posters of various Korean pop groups, but had I gone to 1000museums.com and bought her Klimt’s “Fulfilment,” or Tom Uttech’s “Enassamishhinjijweian” (the bear and birds in the American north woods), or maybe that Alfred Maurer painting “Girl in a Red Dress” that looks like me so she wouldn’t forget her mother, she would have put them up, too. Well, maybe not the Maurer. Or maybe you are buying a poster for yourself? There are a zillion posters to choose from at 1000museums, or, if you want to narrow down the selection some, go to crystalbridges.org and order one from the museum’s collection that you have admired. The dealer is the same in both instances, so the prices are the same: $49 for unframed and $215 for framed. I have no idea where K-Pop posters come from. LNP Catfish & Co. Plug, plug: The Arkansas Times has an online store filled with all sorts of awesome T-shirts, back issues and books. You’d be hard pressed to find more entertaining histories of Arkansas than the books Bob Lancaster put together for us in the ’90s (“A History of Arkansas: In Stories and Pictures” and the “Almanac of Arkansas History”).

And surely you know someone who needs our new Arkansas Times “vintage” T-shirts with the logo from the era when the Times was battling the Dixie mafia and writing a lot about sexy camping.

You’ll find that and much, much more at arkcatfish.com. LM Little Rock gear If you’re shopping for someone from Little Rock or who has a strong affinity for Little Rock and this person doesn’t look silly in a hat, it’s hard to go wrong with a Little Rock “LR”

New Era cap. It’s a great, iconic design that’s available in fitted and snapback varieties. Rock City Kicks, with locations in Little Rock, Conway and Fayetteville and online at rockcitykicks.com, has the most variety and, new this year, the same design in red and black toboggans with knit poms on top. You can also find them at the Arkansas Travelers gift shop and elsewhere. For those with hometown pride who can’t pull off a hat, Domestic Domestic (online at domesticdomestic. com or in the Heights) sells black-andwhite LR socks. LM Local hooch Sometimes the holidays need a little lubrication to get everyone to drop the cares of the world into a nice haze of peace on earth and good will toward men. Lucky for us here in Arkansas, we’ve got a wide variety of potent potables available, so no matter what tastes you’re catering to during the season, there’s no reason that what you’re pouring should have anything other than Arkansas on the label. Craft beer from the likes of Ozark Beer Co., Moody Brews, Diamond Bear and Core Brewing are all worthy of a spot in your fridge, even if you have to take one for the team and eat that entire sweet potato casserole in order to make room. Drink your holiday dessert with Rock Town Distillery’s Apple Pie lightning, or treat the whiskey lover in your life to Arkansas’s own award-winning craft whiskey. And of course our wineries have been making vino for over a century, so raise a glass to them, too. MR

world, and some of them are in Haddenham, Buckinghamshire, England, at Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital.

Perhaps you remember Beatrix Potter’s Mrs. Tiggy-winkle, the hedgehog washerwoman? Her namesake hospital treats injured wild animals, from hedgehogs (lots of hedgehogs are injured in Britain, for some reason) to badgers to owls to deer. The website, sttiggywinkles.org.uk, will make you feel all happy inside, with its pictures of little hedgehogs with tiny casts on one leg, and you can donate or buy a virtual gift, like a bucket of maggots for £16. There will always be an England, right? And to top things off, you can also buy a hedgehog ornament at Box Turtle, 2616 Kavanaugh Blvd., for $13. LNP “My Struggle” books 1-4, by Karl Ove Knausgaard ($9-$16) For a certain reader, nothing says holiday cheer like a death-obsessed Norwegian recording minute details of his everyday life over the course of 2,000 pages (another 1,000 pages are on the way; volumes 5 and 6 await publication in English translation). As Knausgaard takes a maximalist approach to memoir, this is the maximalist approach to gift-giving; instead of the lagniappe of a single novel, go all in with four volumes of immersive, often tedious, addictive Knausgaard. This gift will either deepen your bond with the recipient or end it forever. DR

THE ANNUAL ARKANSAS TIMES Musicians Showcase returns, with performers competing for an array of prizes worth over $2,500. Acts must perform 30 minutes of original material with live instrumentation. All styles are welcome. To enter send a link for Facebook, Reverbnation, Bandcamp or Soundcloud to showcase@arktimes. com and include the following: Band name Hometown Date band was formed Age range of members (all ages welcome) Contact person Phone Email The submission deadline is Dec. 31, 2015. Semifinalists will compete the last week in January and throughout February at Stickyz. Weekly winners will then face off in the finals at the Rev Room in March.

NEXT UP IN THE ARKANSAS TIMES Film Series, we’re screening Peter Bogdanovich’s 1971 classic “The Last Picture Show,” starring Jeff Bridges, Cybill Shepard, Ellen Burstyn, Cloris Leachman and Timothy Bottoms. Shot in hypnotic black-and-white, and nominated for eight Academy Awards, the film is a coming-of-age story based on the novel by Larry McMurtry, following a small north Texas town over the course of a year in the early 1950s.

Newsweek called it “not merely the best American movie of a rather dreary year [but] the most impressive work by a young American director since ‘Citizen Kane.’ ” Pauline Kael, in the New Yorker, called it “a movie for everybody,” and in the Village Voice, Jonas Mekas called it “a perfectly beautiful movie.” We’ll show the film at the Ron Robinson Theater at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, $5.

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21

THE TO-DO

LIST

BY LINDSEY MILLAR, LESLIE NEWELL PEACOCK AND WILL STEPHENSON

THURSDAY 12/10-SATURDAY 12/12

‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’ & ‘HOME ALONE’ 7 p.m. Ron Robinson Theater. $5.

HOLIDAY DOUBLE FEATURE: The Ron Robinson screens “It’s a Wonderful Life” Thursday and “Home Alone” Saturday.

It seems fitting that “It’s a Wonderful Life” (7 p.m. Thursday) was based on a story originally published in the form of a Christmas card mailed to family and friends of the author Philip Van Doren Stern, who had previously tried and failed to publish the short story in a magazine.

It seems fitting, too, that the film wasn’t well received commercially — in fact it was an enormous box office disappointment that appeared to confirm, to Hollywood studios, that director Frank Capra had passed his prime. “The weakness of this picture,” the New York Times wrote, “is the sentimentality of it.” (The FBI agreed, issuing a report objecting to the film’s negative depiction of bankers — “a common trick used by Communists.”) The film’s legacy was salvaged

by TV networks, which began airing it over the

FRIDAY 12/11

holidays in the late 1970s. Like George Bailey himself, the film was a failure that only realized it was a success after it had earned some much needed time and perspective.

Not so for “Home Alone” (7 p.m. Saturday), which was the No. 1 film at the box office for 12 consecutive weeks, the rare Christmas movie to stay in theaters well into the following February. (It’s in the Guinness Book of World Records now as the highest-grossing live-action comedy ever made.) The film raises several interesting questions. For instance, do you know where your kids are? And what happened to Joe Pesci?

And, more abstractly, what are the comedic limits of physical cruelty? Is pain — inflicted with Rube Goldberg degrees of complexity — always inherently funny, or only sometimes?

Upon its release, the Washington Post judged it “too crass, too loud and too violent to be added blithely to Christmas viewing traditions.” Never trust newspapers, is my point. WS

FRIDAY 12/11

2015 CELEBRITY KARAOKE

7 p.m. Verizon Arena. $20-$40.

Years ago, I was in the Capital Bar & Grill about 9:45 p.m. when Ned Perme strolled in, tan and Mr. Wicks-dapper as ever, stood at the bar for about five minutes, no doubt drinking some sort of brown liquor, before coolly heading back up the street to confidently tell the state that it would not be snowing anytime soon. I remember it as vividly as the time I met Merle Haggard, or saw Mario Lopez on my honeymoon.

In other words, local celebrity is a thing that captures people’s imagination.

Perhaps nowhere is that more in evidence than the Buzz’s annual Christmas karaoke event, which began in a local club, but now attracts enough people to warrant Verizon Arena. This year’s celebrities are radio and TV person-

alities, former Razorbacks and Republican politicians, which sounds about right. That includes pretty much everyone who works at the Buzz — Tommy Smith, David Bazzel, Roger Scott, Justin Acri, Pat Bradley, Matt Jones, et al. — KATV’s Jason Pederson, Alyson Courtney, Melinda Mayo, Scott Inman and The Ned Perme Band; FOX 16’s Donna Terrell; KARK’s D.J. Williams (a former Razorback); Attorney General Leslie Rutledge, and Gov. Asa Hutchinson.

Here are a couple of suggestions for the latter pair: For the AG, how about a medley of “Fancy,” the Reba McEntire version and then the Iggy Azalea one? And the governor seems like he was born to do a sort of country-gospel version of “Don’t Worry Be Happy.” Or anything from Adele. Proceeds benefit Youth Home. LM

11TH EVER NOG-OFF

Eggnog and Christmas. Christmas and eggnog. There’s no other time of year when we mortals dare imbibe the traditional concoction of cream and eggs and sugar and bourbon with abandon. With just a sip, visions of sugarplums and colored lights begin their dance; with more than just a sip, you’ll see those sugarplums double.

The HAM’s annual competition lets you sample all manner of nog — HAM Director Bill Worthen’s ancestral recipe; Cache Restaurant’s hip version; Loblolly Creamery’s millennial style; John Selig and Lea Elenzweig’s fatherdaughter nog; Stone’s Throw Brewing’s, perhaps with beer (?); and the punchbowl secrets of Heritage Grille,

One Eleven at the Capital Hotel and Rock City Eats. Will the conjured visions differ depending on whose nog you drink? Will Nicholas Peay’s (Bill Worthen’s standby) conjure early 19th century tavern jollity? Empty your cup, dream your dreams, cast your votes and listen to live music by Heather Smith.

You’ll have to put your cup of kindness down in the galleries, where Arkansas artist Ray Parker’s larger-than life portraits will be on exhibit, along with works by Kat Wilson, Joe Barry Carroll, crafts by Arkansas Living Treasures and more. It’s 2nd Friday Night, which means there will be after-hours gallery events also at Arkansas Capital Corp., the Butler Center Galleries, Gallery 221 & Art Studios 221 and the Cox Creative Center. LNP

amateurish.” About its composer there were also serious reservations. Gay, deeply depressed and highly sensitive to criticism, Tchaikovsky was often dismissed as unserious, unambitious, too Western (which didn’t play well in Russia’s nationalist climate). The fullfledged American revival of the ballet

didn’t really get going until the early 1960s, and it’s been a lucrative staple of most ballet companies’ holiday programs ever since. This weekend Ballet Arkansas will present its production with help from the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra at the ASO’s temporary home base in Maumelle. WS

5-8 p.m. Historic Arkansas Museum.

FRIDAY 12/11-SUNDAY 12/13

‘THE NUTCRACKER’

7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; 2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Maumelle Performing Arts Center. $20-$52.

Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” premiered in St. Petersburg in 1892 to middling reviews. Critics called it “completely insipid” and “lopsided” 22

DECEMBER 10, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

and “ponderous” and insufficiently faithful to the source material (an eerie story by the German Romantic author E.T.A. Hoffmann). “One cannot understand anything,” one reviewer wrote of the choreography. “Disorderly pushing about from corner to corner and running backwards and forwards — quite

IN BRIEF

THURSDAY 12/10

SATURDAY 12/12

WINTER MARKET AT TWO RIVERS PARK 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

The 1,000-acre Two Rivers Park at the confluence of the Little Maumelle and Arkansas rivers is a joint city-county venture that celebrates nature's riverside-grassland-swamp habitats, and its connection to Little Rock’s River Trail by pedestrian/bike

bridge has added to its already substantial popularity. Etsy, on the other hand, celebrates the human-made, the artisanal and artistic, connecting artists directly to buyers. Now, the county and Team Etsy have joined up to hold the first Winter Market at Two Rivers Park, a benefit for the park. There will be vintage gifts, gifts to wear, art, ornaments and more; and since you’ll

need sustenance for outdoor shopping, there will also be food trucks and a beer garden. All vendor spaces are gone, so it ought to be big fun: Christmas shopping, biking, hiking, naturewatching and beer-drinking all rolled into one. All proceeds from sales at the day-long market will go to the Friends of Two Rivers Park for park improvements. LP

SATURDAY 12/12

DAN THE AUTOMATOR

8 p.m. Smoke & Barrel, Fayetteville. $25 adv., $30 day of.

Daniel Nakamura is a legend to a specific subset of hiphop fans — crate-diggers, turntablists, indie rap champions, cerebral futurists. He came up in the Bay Area DJ scene that also spawned peers like DJ Shadow and Kid Koala, both of whom he’s worked with or released records by (via his late ’90s label 75 Ark).

His most prominent projects, though, have been his collaborations with Kool Keith (as Dr. Octagon), Del tha Funkee Homosapien (as Deltron 3030), Prince Paul (as Handsome Boy Modeling School) and Blur front man Damon Albarn (as Gorillaz). Most of these are united by a visual aesthetic of comic book kitsch — wild sound effects and animated alter-egos and elaborate back-stories. For me, the Dr. Octagon stuff holds up best of all, because it’s such an original and organic extension of Keith’s persona (1996’s “Dr. Octagonecologyst” is a landmark for loopy, time-traveling weirdo-rap). In recent years Nakamura has more or less left rap behind, working with rock groups Kasabian and Exodus, as well as the actress Mary Elizabeth Winstead (with whom he has an indie-pop duo called Got a Girl). WS

The Little Rock Wind Symphony presents its Christmas Concert at Second Presbyterian Church at 7:30 p.m., free. Comedian Todd Rexx is at the Loony Bin at 7:30 p.m., $7 (and at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, $10). Birmingham roots-rock group Banditos plays at the White Water Tavern with locals Swampbird, 9 p.m.

FRIDAY 12/11 The National Circus and Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China performs at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, $15-$35. The Arkansas Chamber Singers ensemble performs its Winter Concert at the Old State House Museum at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. The Arkansas Sounds Holiday Concert is at the Ron Robinson Theater featuring the Dave Rosen Big Band and the Maumelle High School Jazz Band, 7 p.m., free. Country singer Canaan Smith plays at Revolution with Russell Dickerson, 8:30 p.m., $10 adv., $15 day of. Austin country group Mike & The Moonpies plays at White Water with Bonnie Montgomery, 9 p.m., $7. Local metal band Mothwind plays at Maxine’s in Hot Springs with Enchiridion and Becoming Elephants, 9 p.m., $5. Rodney Block & The Real Music Lovers play at South on Main at 9 p.m., $15. Stephen Neeper & The Wild Hearts play at the Afterthought, 9 p.m., $7. Grammy-nominated country singer Will Hoge plays at Stickyz with Devin Dawson, 9 p.m., $12 adv., $15 day of.

SATURDAY 12/12

JACQUEES: Singing wildly and unpredictably.

SATURDAY 12/12

JAQUEES

9 p.m. Envy (formerly Elevations). $20.

Rodriquez Jacquees Broadnax is a Decatur, Ga.-born R&B singer associated with Rich Gang and Cash Money Records. His career arc has been sudden and sort of inexplicable — it seemed to lack an up-and-coming first act, making him one of those mysteriously fully formed successes that give rise to conspiracy theories about “industry plants.” Where did Jacquees come from?

Why was T.I. on his first single? How did an unproven singer even get in the same

room with T.I.? Or, for that matter, Chris Brown, Rich Homie Quan, August Alsina, Travis Porter, Trinidad James or any of the other huge artists he’s recorded with? We may never know, but I’ll support him in his endeavors so long as he keeps singing as wildly and unpredictably as he does on Young Thug’s “Amazing.” His most recent single, “B.E.D.,” suggests that he will — it’s as steely smooth and implacable as Jeremih’s “Late Nights,” and as unstable and desperate as the Rich Gang material that introduced him. WS

The Argenta Farmers Market presents its annual Christmas Market beginning at 10 a.m. Science with Santa, featuring science demonstrations (with Kevin Delaney), Santa photo-ops and a hot chocolate bar, is at the Museum of Discovery at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. The March for Welcoming Syrian Refugees is at the Arkansas State Capitol at 1 p.m. The Clinton School for Public Service hosts the presentation “Celebrating 50 Years of AmeriCorps VISTA” at 2 p.m. in Sturgis Hall. The Gaither Christmas Homecoming is at Verizon Arena, 6 p.m., $29-$74. Stickyz hosts Christmas Karaoke, a benefit for The Van, at 8 p.m., $10. Redefined Reflection plays at Vino’s with 3 Miles and Charon Creek.

TUESDAY 12/15 The Joint, in Argenta, presents Stand-Up Tuesday at 8 p.m. $5. Austin singer-songwriter Ian Moore plays at Juanita’s at 9 p.m., $12. Kevin Kerby plays at White Water with Nick Brumley and Jacob Furr, 10 p.m. www.arktimes.com

DECEMBER 10, 2015

23

AFTER DARK Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 8 p.m., free. 111 W. Markham St. 501-370-7013. www. capitalbarandgrill.com.

Third Degree (headliner), Richie Johnson (happy hour). Cajun’s Wharf, 5:30 and 9 p.m.

2400 Cantrell Road. 501-375-5351. www.cajunswharf.com.

Upscale Friday. IV Corners, 7 p.m. 824 W. Capitol Ave. Will Hoge, Devin Dawson. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 9 p.m., $12 adv., $15 day of. 107 River Market Ave. 501-372-7707. www.stickyz. com.

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

THURSDAY, DEC. 10

MUSIC

COMEDY

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

EVENTS

#ArkiePubTrivia. Stone’s Throw Brewing, 6:30 p.m. 402 E. 9th St. 501-244-9154.

FILM

“It’s A Wonderful Life.” Ron Robinson Theater, 7 p.m., $5. 1 Pulaski Way. 501-320-5703. www.cals. lib.ar.us/ron-robinson-theater.aspx.

FRIDAY, DEC. 11

MUSIC

Abandon the Artifice, Take Over And Destroy, Goat Pope, Lament Cityscape, Senior Fellows.

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

All In Fridays. Envy. 7200 Colonel Glenn Road.

501-562-3317.

Arkansas Chamber Singers Winter Concert.

Old State House Museum, 7 p.m. 300 W. Markham St. 501-324-9685. www.oldstatehouse.com.

Arkansas Sounds Holiday Concert. Featuring the Dave Rosen Big Band and the Maumelle High School Jazz Band. Ron Robinson Theater, 7 p.m., free. 1 Pulaski Way. 501-320-5703. www.

24

DECEMBER 10, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

COMEDY

“A Fertile Holiday.” An original production by The Main Thing. The Joint, 8 p.m., $22. 301 Main St. No. 102, NLR. 501-372-0205. thejointinlittlerock.com.

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

DANCE

MATT WHITE

Banditos, Swampbird. White Water Tavern, 9 p.m. 2500 W. 7th St. 501-375-8400. www.whitewatertavern.com.

“Inferno.” DJs play pop, electro, house and more, plus drink specials and $1 cover before 11 p.m.

Sway, 9 p.m. 412 Louisiana.

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

John David Salons. Afterthought Bistro & Bar, 9 p.m., $5. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.afterthoughtbistroandbar.com.

Karaoke. Zack’s Place, 8 p.m., free. 1400 S. University Ave. 501-664-6444.

Little Rock Wind Symphony Christmas Concert.

Second Presbyterian Church, 7:30 p.m., free. 600 Pleasant Valley Drive.

Live music. No cover charge Sun.-Tue. and Thu. Ernie Biggs. 307 President Clinton Ave. 501-3724782. littlerock.erniebiggs.com.

Mister Luckey (headliner), Brian Ramsey (happy hour). Cajun’s Wharf, 5:30 and 9 p.m.

2400 Cantrell Road. 501-375-5351. www.cajunswharf.com.

Open Jam. Thirst n’ Howl, 8 p.m. 14710 Cantrell Road. 501-379-8189. www.thirst-n-howl.com.

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

Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 8 p.m., free. 111 W. Markham St. 501-370-7013. www. capitalbarandgrill.com.

ANOTHER ONE FOR GOOSE: On Saturday, Dec. 12, White Water Tavern hosts its second annual One for Larry “Goose” Garrison, a combo party, auction and concert, the proceeds from which go to a foundation family and friends created to honor the legacy of Garrison, the long time White Water owner who died in 2014. Each year the foundation doles out money to support local musicians. This year’s musical lineup includes Bad Match, Spero, Isaac Alexander, Amy Garland and Nick Devlin, Lucious Spiller, Texas Rikki D and more.

The festivities begin at 4 p.m. with the concert part of the night really getting going around 9 p.m. cals.lib.ar.us/ron-robinson-theater.aspx.

Buzz Celebrity Christmas Karaoke 2015.

Verizon Arena, 7 p.m., $20-$40. 1 Alltel Arena Way, NLR. 501-975-9001. verizonarena.com.

Canaan Smith, Russell Dickerson. Revolution, 8:30 p.m., $10 adv., $15 day of. 300 President Clinton Ave. 501-823-0090. www.rumbarevolution.com/new. #Glitterrock: “Reductive.” Sway. 412 Louisiana.

Live music. No cover charge Sun.-Tue. and Thu. Ernie Biggs. 307 President Clinton Ave. 501-3724782. littlerock.erniebiggs.com.

Manchild, High Lonesome. The Lightbulb Club, 9 p.m. 21 N. Block Ave., Fayetteville. 479-4446100.

Mike & The Moonpies, Bonnie Montgomery.

White Water Tavern, 9 p.m., $7. 2500 W. 7th St. 501-375-8400. www.whitewatertavern.com.

Mothwind, Enchiridion, Becoming Elephants.

Maxine’s, 9 p.m., $5. 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs. www.maxinespub.com.

“The Nutcracker.” Presented by Ballet Arkansas and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra.

Maumelle High School, 7:30 p.m., $20-$52. 100 Victory Drive. 501-851-5350.

Odysssey. Markham Street Grill And Pub, 8 p.m., free. 11321 W. Markham St. 501-224-2010. www. markhamstreetpub.com.

Rodney Block & The Real Music Lovers. South on Main, 9 p.m., $15. 1304 Main St. 501-244-9660. southonmain.com.

Route 66. Agora Conference and Special Event Center, 6:30 p.m., $5. 705 E. Siebenmorgan, Conway.

Stephen Neeper & The Wild Hearts.

Afterthought Bistro & Bar, 9 p.m., $7. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.afterthoughtbistroandbar.com.

Every Day SALE!

BASIL HYDEN’S

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3 LTR BOTA BOX

$18.99

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MOTHER SPRING NOW TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS CRAFT BEER $8.29 6/$7.29 Wednesday is Wine Day 15% off • Wine Case Discounts Every Day • We Gladly Match Any Local Ads

MARTEL VS DON JULIO BLANCO JIM BEAM SINGLE BARREL CAPTAIN MORGNA SPICED 360 VDK BOOKER BRBN

Every Day SALE! $29.99 $27.99 $36.99 $29.99 $32.99 $24.99 $12.99 $8.99 $19.99 $18.99 $56.99 $45.99

LITTLE ROCK • NORTH LITTLE ROCK FREIXNET 4PK BRUT FREIXNET BRUT, EXTRA DRY HEINEKEN BEER SAMUAL ADAMS WINTER FRANCISCAN MERLOT

Every Day SALE! $11.99 $8.99 $12.99 $8.99 $14.99 $13.99 $8.49 $6.99 $22.99 $17.99

WEDNESDAY IS WINE DAY 15% OFF • WINE CASE DISCOUNTS EVERY DAY

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LITTLE ROCK: 10TH & MAIN • 501.374.0410 | NORTH LITTLE ROCK: 860 EAST BROADWAY • 501.374.2405 HOURS: LR • 8AM-10PM MON-THUR • 8AM-12PM FRI-SAT •NLR • MON-SAT 8AM-12PM

Ballroom dancing. Free lessons begin at 7 p.m.

Bess Chisum Stephens Community Center, 8-11 p.m., $7-$13. 12th and Cleveland streets. 501221-7568. www.blsdance.org.

Contra Dance. Park Hill Presbyterian Church, 7:30 p.m., $5. 3520 JFK Blvd., NLR. arkansascountrydance.org.

“Salsa Night.” Begins with a one-hour salsa lesson. Juanita’s, 9 p.m., $8. 614 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-1228. www.littlerocksalsa.com.

EVENTS

11th Ever Nog-off. Historic Arkansas Museum, 5 p.m., free. 200 E. 3rd St. 501-324-9351. www. historicarkansas.org.

LGBTQ/SGL weekly meeting. 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 501-2449690 or search “DYSC” on Facebook. LGBTQ/ SGL Youth and Young Adult Group, 6:30 p.m.

800 Scott St. The National Circus and Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China. Walton Arts Center, 7:30 p.m., $15-$35. 495 W. Dickson St., Fayetteville. 479-443-5600.

SATURDAY, DEC. 12

MUSIC

Arkansas Chamber Singers Winter Concert.

Old State House Museum, 7 p.m. 300 W. Markham St. 501-324-9685. www.oldstatehouse.com.

Christmas Karaoke. A benefit for The Van. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 8 p.m., $10. 107 River Market Ave. 501-372-7707. www.stickyz.com.

Gaither Christmas Homecoming. Verizon Arena, 6 p.m., $29-$74. 1 Alltel Arena Way, NLR. 501975-9001. verizonarena.com.

Hardy Winburn. Afterthought Bistro & Bar, 9 p.m., $7. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.afterthoughtbistroandbar.com.

Jacquees. Envy, 9 p.m., $20. 7200 Colonel Glenn Road. 501-562-3317.

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

Karaoke. Casa Mexicana, 7 p.m. 7111 JFK Blvd., NLR. 501-835-7876. Zack’s Place, 8 p.m., free.

1400 S. University Ave. 501-664-6444.

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

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

501-492-9802.

Live music. No cover charge Sun.-Tue. and Thu. Ernie Biggs. 307 President Clinton Ave. 501-3724782. littlerock.erniebiggs.com.

“The Nutcracker.” Presented by Ballet Arkansas and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra.

Maumelle High School, 7:30 p.m., $20-$52.

100 Victory Drive. 501-851-5350.

One for Goose: Bad Match, Spero, Isaac Alexander, Amy Garland. Preceded by a silent auction at 4 p.m., proceeds benefiting the Larry “Goose” Garrison foundation. White Water Tavern, 9 p.m. 2500 W. 7th St. 501-3758400. www.whitewatertavern.com.

Pamela K. Ward (headliner), Greg Madden (happy hour). Cajun’s Wharf, 5:30 and 9 p.m.

2400 Cantrell Road. 501-375-5351. www.cajunswharf.com.

Pickin’ Porch. Bring your instrument. All ages welcome. Faulkner County Library, 9:30 a.m. 1900 Tyler St., Conway. 501-327-7482. www.fcl.org.

Redefined Reflection, 3 Miles, Charon Creek.

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

Smoke & Barrel 7th Anniversary: Dan the Automator. Smoke and Barrel Tavern, 8 p.m., $25 adv., $30 day of. 324 W. Dickson St., Fayetteville. 479-521-6880.

Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 8 p.m., free. 111 W. Markham St. 501-370-7013. www. capitalbarandgrill.com.

Urban Pioneers, Michael Leonard Witham.

Maxine’s, 9 p.m., $5. 700 Central Ave., Hot Springs. www.maxinespub.com.

Comedy “A Fertile Holiday.” An original production by The Main Thing. The Joint, 8 p.m., $22. 301 Main St. No. 102, NLR. 501-372-0205. thejointinlittlerock.com.

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

EVENTS

Argenta Certified Arkansas Farmers Market.

Argenta Farmers Market, 10 a.m. 6th and Main St., NLR. 501-831-7881. www.argentaartsdistrict. org/argenta-farmers-market.

Celebrating 50 Years of AmeriCorps VISTA. Sturgis Hall, 2 p.m. 1200 President Clinton Ave. 501-683-5200. clintonschool.uasys.edu.

Falun Gong meditation. Allsopp Park, 9 a.m., free. Cantrell and Cedar Hill Roads.

Hillcrest Farmers Market. Pulaski Heights Baptist Church, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. 2200 Kavanaugh Blvd.

Historic Neighborhoods Tour. Bike tour of historic neighborhoods includes bike, guide, helmets and maps. Bobby’s Bike Hike, 9 a.m., $8-$28. 400 President Clinton Ave. 501-613-7001.

K.I.D.S. Volunteeer Day. Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, noon 501 W. 9th St. 501-6833593. www.mosaictemplarscenter.com.

March for Welcoming Syrian Refugees.

Arkansas State Capitol, 1 p.m. 5th and Woodlane.

The National Circus and Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China. Walton Arts Center, 7:30 p.m., $15-$35. 495 W. Dickson St., Fayetteville. 479-443-5600.

Pork & Bourbon Tour. Bike tour includes bicycle,

guide, helmets and maps. Bobby’s Bike Hike, 11:30 a.m., $35-$45. 400 President Clinton Ave. 501-613-7001.

Science with Santa. Museum of Discovery. 500 Clinton Ave. 396-7050, 1-800-880-6475. www. amod.org.

FILM

“Home Alone.” Ron Robinson Theater, 7 p.m., $5. 1 Pulaski Way. 501-320-5703. www.cals.lib. ar.us/ron-robinson-theater.aspx.

SUNDAY, DEC. 13

MUSIC

Arkansas Chamber Singers Winter Concert.

Old State House Museum, 3 p.m. 300 W. Markham St. 501-324-9685. www.oldstatehouse.com.

Irish Traditional Music Session. Hibernia Irish Tavern, 2:30 p.m. 9700 N. Rodney Parham Road.

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

Jim Brickman. Walton Arts Center, 4 p.m., $20$52.50. 495 W. Dickson St., Fayetteville. 479443-5600.

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

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

501-982-1939.

Keith Harkin. Juanita’s, 8 p.m., $35. 614 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-1228. www.juanitas.com.

Keys, Guitar Rippers, Supreme Percussionist Christmas Special. Revolution, 8 p.m., $10.

300 President Clinton Ave. 501-823-0090. www. rumbarevolution.com/new.

Live music. No cover charge Sun.-Tue. and Thu. Ernie Biggs. 307 President Clinton Ave. 501-3724782. littlerock.erniebiggs.com.

“The Nutcracker.” Presented by Ballet Arkansas and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra.

Maumelle High School, 2 p.m., $20-$52. 100 Victory Drive. 501-851-5350.

EVENTS

Art of the Bar Holiday Market. South on Main, 4 p.m. 1304 Main St. 501-244-9660. southonmain.com.

Artist for Recovery. A secular recovery group for people with addictions. Quapaw Quarter United Methodist Church, 10 a.m. 1601 S. Louisiana.

MONDAY, DEC. 14

MUSIC

Highly Suspect. Juanita’s, 8 p.m., $15. 614 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-1228. www. juanitas.com.

Live music. No cover charge Sun.-Tue. and Thu. Ernie Biggs. 307 President Clinton Ave. 501-3724782. littlerock.erniebiggs.com.

Monday Night Jazz. Afterthought Bistro & Bar, 8 p.m., $5. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.afterthoughtbistroandbar.com.

Open Mic. The Lobby Bar. Studio Theatre, 8 p.m. 320 W. 7th St. Richie Johnson. Cajun’s Wharf, 5:30 p.m. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501-375-5351. www.cajunswharf. com.

SONOS Handbell Ensemble. Walton Arts Center, 7 p.m., $10-$26.50. 495 W. Dickson St., Fayetteville. 479-443-5600.

CLASSES

Finding Family Facts. Rhonda Stewart’s genealogy research class for beginners. Arkansas Studies Institute, second Monday of every month, 3:30 p.m. 401 President Clinton Ave. 501-320-5700 ‎. www.butlercenter.org.

TUESDAY, DEC. 15

MUSIC

Home Free. Walton Arts Center, 7 p.m., $20$42.50. 495 W. Dickson St., Fayetteville. 479443-5600.

Ian Moore. Juanita’s, 9 p.m., $12. 614 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-1228. www.juanitas.com.

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

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

Karaoke Tuesday. Prost, 8 p.m., free. 322 President Clinton Blvd. 501-244-9550. willydspianobar.com/prost-2.

Karaoke Tuesdays. On the patio. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 7:30 p.m., free. 107 River Market Ave. 501-372-7707. www.stickyz.com.

Kevin Kerby, Nick Brumley, Jacob Furr. White Water Tavern, 10 p.m. 2500 W. 7th St. 501-3758400. www.whitewatertavern.com.

Live music. No cover charge Sun.-Tue. and Thu. Ernie Biggs. 307 President Clinton Ave. 501-3724782. littlerock.erniebiggs.com.

Music Jam. Hosted by Elliott Griffen and Joseph Fuller. The Joint, 8-11 p.m., free. 301 Main St. No. 102, NLR. 501-372-0205. thejointinlittlerock.com.

Tuesday Jam Session with Carl Mouton.

Afterthought Bistro & Bar, 8 p.m., free. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.afterthoughtbistroandbar.com.

COMEDY

Stand-Up Tuesday. Hosted by Adam Hogg. The Joint, 8 p.m., $5. 301 Main St. No. 102, NLR. 501372-0205. thejointinlittlerock.com.

DANCE

“Latin Night.” Juanita’s, 7:30 p.m., $7. 614 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-1228. www.littlerocksalsa.com.

EVENTS

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

FILM

“Nightmare Castle.” Vino’s, 7:30 p.m. 923 W. 7th St. 501-375-8466. www.vinosbrewpub.com.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 16

MUSIC

Acoustic Open Mic. Afterthought Bistro & Bar, 8 p.m., free. 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-1196. www.afterthoughtbistroandbar.com.

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

Chris Milam. South on Main, 7:30 p.m., free.

1304 Main St. 501-244-9660. southonmain.com.

The Dizzease, Midwest Caravan. White Water Tavern, 9:30 p.m. 2500 W. 7th St. 501-375-8400. www.whitewatertavern.com.

Drageoke with Chi Chi Valdez. Sway. 412

Shop shop LOCAL ARKANSAS TIMES www.arktimes.com

DECEMBER 10, 2015

25

AFTER DARK, CONT.

ARKANSAS FAMILY CAREGIVERS DESERVE OUR SUPPORT. More than 450,000 Arkansans care for older parents or loved ones, helping them live independently and safely at home — where they want to be. But these caregivers often lack the resources and support they need to provide that care. That’s why our state needs to support family caregivers and provide services for seniors at home and in their communities.

Louisiana.

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. MUSE Ultra Lounge, 8:30 p.m., free.

2611 Kavanaugh Blvd. 501-663-6398.

Live music. No cover charge Sun.-Tue. and Thu. Ernie Biggs. 307 President Clinton Ave. 501-3724782. littlerock.erniebiggs.com.

Open Mic Nite with Deuce. Thirst n’ Howl, 7:30 p.m., free. 14710 Cantrell Road. 501-379-8189. www.thirst-n-howl.com.

The Sword, Royal Thunder. Juanita’s, 9 p.m., $12. 614 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-1228. www.juanitas.com.

COMEDY

Learn more about how AARP is fighting to support family caregivers and their loved ones.

Visit aarp.org/ar Facebook.com/AARPArkansas @ARAARP aarp.org/AR

Claude Stuart. The Loony Bin, Dec. 16-19, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 18-19, 10 p.m., $7-$10. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-228-5555. www. loonybincomedy.com.

The Joint Venture. Improv comedy group. The Joint, 8 p.m., $7. 301 Main St. No. 102, NLR. 501372-0205. thejointinlittlerock.com.

DANCE

Little Rock Bop Club. Beginning dance lessons for ages 10 and older. Singles welcome. Bess Chisum Stephens Community Center, 7 p.m., $4 for members, $7 for guests. 12th and Cleveland streets. 501-350-4712. www.littlerockbopclub.

EVENTS

Lucie’s Place Grand Opening. Lucie’s Place, 5:30 p.m. 300 Spring Street, Suite 803.

POETRY

Ring in the New Year NEW YEAR’S EVE OVERNIGHT PARTY PACKAGE

$235.89 per couple • Includes two champagne flutes, dinner for two, admission to the party and lodge accommodations at DeGray Lake Resort State Park Wake up to beautiful lake views, and enjoy a New Year’s Day breakfast, guided 1st Day Hike and Eagle Lake Cruise. (Reservations required for Lake Cruise. Space is limited.)

DANCE PARTY

9 p.m. – 1 a.m. • Thursday, December 31

Live music by Redd Tape, heavy hors d’oeuvres, champagne toast and more • $35.52 per person • Wine & Beer Bar (at additional cost) Guests must be 21 and older.

RSVP at 800-737-8355

I-30 Exit 78 at Arkadelphia • DEGRAY.com 26

DECEMBER 10, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

Wednesday Night Poetry. 21-and-older show.

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

ARTS

THEATER

“The Foreigner.” The award-winning play by Larry Shue. The Weekend Theater, through Dec. 20: Fri., Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m., $12. 1001 W. 7th St. 501-374-3761. www.weekendtheater.org.

“The Gingerbread Man’s Excellent Christmas Adventure.” Arkansas Arts Center, through Dec. 20: Fri., 7 p.m.; Sat., Sun., 2 p.m., $12.50.

501 E. 9th St. 501-372-4000. www.arkarts.com.

“The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical.” The Studio Theatre, through Dec. 13: Fri., Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m., $18. 320 W. 7th St. “The Little Mermaid.” Arkansas Repertory Theatre, through Jan. 3: Wed.-Sun., 7 p.m.; Sat., Jan. 2, 2 p.m. 601 Main St. 501-378-0405. www.therep.org.

“Out of Order.” Murry’s Dinner Playhouse, through Dec. 27: Tue.-Sat., 6 p.m.; Sun., 5:30 p.m. 6323 Col. Glenn Road. 501-562-3131. murrysdinnerplayhouse.com.

“Peter and the Starcatcher.” Walton Arts Center, through Jan. 3: Sat., Sun., 2 p.m., $10-$25. 495 W. Dickson St., Fayetteville. 479-443-5600.

NEW GALLERY EXHIBITS, EVENTS ARKANSAS ARTS CENTER, MacArthur Park:; “Lecture and Late Night” with glass sculptors Einar and Jamex de la Torre, 6 p.m.

Dec. 10, lecture hall, $10 nonmembers; glassblowing demonstration 4:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 12; Friends of Contemporary Craft Conversation with the de la Torres, 5 p.m. Dec. 13, $5 for FOCC members, $10 for nonmembers, free for students; “Feed Your Mind Friday,” walk through “Life and Light: Photographic Travels through Latin America with Bryan Clifton,” with the artist, noon Dec. 11, show through Feb. 14; “Our America: The Latino Presence in American Art,” 93 works by 72 artists from the Smithsonian American Art Museum, through Jan. 17. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

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

Sun. 372-4000.

ARKANSAS CAPITAL CORP., 200 River Market Ave., Suite 400: “Longevity,” artworks by Emily Wood, Melissa Gill, Joli Livaudais and Sandra Sell, 5-8 p.m. Dec. 11, 2nd Friday Art Night. www.arcapital.com.

BUTLER CENTER GALLERIES, Arkansas Studies Institute, 401 President Clinton Ave.: “Earth Work: Photographs by Gary Cawood”; “Arkansas Pastel Society National Exhibition,” both through Feb. 27; “Photographic Arts: African American Studio Photography,” from the Joshua and Mary Swift Collection, “Gene Hatfield: Outside the Lines,” both through Dec. 26, open 5-8 p.m. Dec. 11, 2nd Friday Art Night, with music by Paul Morphis. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 320-5790.

COX CREATIVE CENTER, 120 River Market Blvd. “Art Connection: Imagination Uncrated,” through December, open 5-8 p.m. Dec. 11, 2nd Friday Art Night. 918-3093.

HISTORIC ARKANSAS MUSEUM GALLERIES, 200 E. Third St.: “11th Ever Nog-off,” eggnog competition, with music by Heather Smith and the opening of exhibition of largescale portraits by Ray Parker, 5-8 p.m. Dec. 11, 2nd Friday Art Night; “Growing Up … In Words and Images,” paintings by Joe Barry Carroll, through Jan. 3; “Art. Function. Craft: The Life and Work of Arkansas Living Treasures,” works by 14 craftsmen honored by Arkansas Arts Council. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. 324-9351.

LOCAL COLOUR GALLERY, 5811 Kavanaugh Blvd.: “Fall and Holiday Show,” 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 11, with Jane Hankins sculpture, new works by Nancy Conley, Richard DeSpain, Bill Garrison and Richard Stephens. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 265-0422.

SOUTH ON MAIN, 1304 Main St.: “Art of the Bar,” art and crafts by 15 Arkansas artists for sale, cocktails by Davide Burnette, food by Matthew Bell and Matthew Lowman, music

by Bonnie Montgomery and and Amy Garland, 4-9 p.m. Dec. 13.

TWO RIVERS PARK: Etsy Winter Market, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 12, with food trucks, beer garden; all proceeds to benefit the park.

Fayetteville LOCAL COLOR STUDIO GALLERY, 275 S. Archibald Yell Blvd.: Drawings and paintings

by Diane Stinebaugh, reception 6-9 p.m.

Dec. 11. 5:30-8 p.m. Mon.-Fri. 479-461-8761.

CALL FOR ENTRIES The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program and the Arkansas Humanities Council are sponsoring a filmmaking contest for high school students. Films must be between five and 15 minutes long and be about an historic site (including archeological sites, buildings, or other places with historic significance at

least 50 years old or older) for AETN’s “Student Selects: A Young Filmmakers Showcase.”

Winning films will be screened in May 2016 at the Ron Robinson Theater. Deadline is March 18, 2016. Find more information at www.aetn. org/studentselects.

The Ozark Foothills FilmFest in Batesville is accepting submissions for the 15th annual festival scheduled for April 1-2 and 8-9 next year. Cash prizes will be awarded in several categories; entry deadline is Dec. 15. For more information, go to filmfreeway.com/ festival/ozarkfoothillsfilmfest.

CONTINUING GALLERY EXHIBITS ARGENTA GALLERY, 413 Main St., NLR: “Revelation,” 18 pastel and mixed media works by Virmarie DePoyster, through Jan. 4. 912-6567.

BOSWELL MOUROT FINE ART, 5815 Kavanaugh Blvd.: “Drawing Value,” trompe l’oeil charcoal drawings by Trevor Bennett, 20 percent of sales benefit the Friends of Contemporary Craft. 664-0030.

CANTRELL GALLERY, 8206 Cantrell Road: “In Arkansas Territory,” paintings by John Deering, through Dec. 24. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.Sat. 224-1335.

CHRIST CHURCH, 509 Scott. St.: Paintings, mixed media and printmaking by Diane Harper, through December. 374-9247.

CHROMA GALLERY, 5707 Kavanaugh Blvd.: Work by Robert Reep and other Arkansas artists. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Sat. 664-0880.

DRAWL, 5208 Kavanaugh Blvd.: “The Flatlander,” depictions of the Delta by Norwood Creech. 240-7446.

GALLERY 221, Second and Center streets: “Fall into Art Show and Sale,” annual gallery artists exhibition. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. 801-0211.

GALLERY 26, 2601 Kavanaugh Blvd.: 21st annual “Holiday Art Show,” work by 66 Arkansas artists, through Jan. 9. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tue.Sat. 664-8996.

GALLERY 360, 900 S. Rodney Parham Road: “Pressure,” printmaking by Nora Messenger, Christian Brown, Kristin Karr, Amery Sandford, Slade Bishop, Alli Thompson, Jack Sims, Emily Brown and Jennifer Perren, through Dec. 24.

GREG THOMPSON FINE ART, 429 Main St., NLR: “Charles Harrington — The Journey,” landscapes, through Jan. 9. 664-2787.

HEARNE FINE ART, 1001 Wright Ave.: “Treasure,” works by Mason Archie, Phoebe Beasley, John Biggers, Ludovic Booz, Bisa Butler, Robert Carter, Kevin Cole, Alfred Conteh, Chukes, Dean Mitchell, Lawrence Finney, Sam Gilliam, Samella Lewis, Betye Saar, MarjorieWilliams Smith and TAFA; “Contemporary Folk Art; Four Decades of Creativity: My Way,” works by Melverue Abraham, Willie Earl Robinson, Sylvester McKissick, Sondra Strong and Kennith Humphrey, receptions 5 p.m. Dec. 31, Kwanzaa “Kumba” Day of Creativity. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat. 372-6822.

L&L BECK ART GALLERY, 5705 Kavanaugh Blvd.: “Religious Art,” through December, drawing for free giclee 7 p.m. Dec. 17. 6604006.

LAMAN LIBRARY ARGENTA BRANCH, 420 Main St.: “36th Street Art Exhibition,” show and sale of work by the clients of the United Cerebral Palsy Education Center, through Jan. 1, reception 5-8 p.m. Dec. 18. 10 a.m.-6

p.m. Mon.-Sat. 687-1061.

LOCAL COLOUR, 5811 Kavanaugh Blvd.: Rotating work by 27 artists in collective. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 265-0422.

MATT MCLEOD FINE ART GALLERY, 108 W. Sixth St.: Work by McLeod, J.O. Buckley, Taimur Cleary, Kathy Strause, Alice Andrews, Max Gore, James Hayes, Harry Loucks and Angela Davis Johnson. 725-8508.

MUGS CAFE, 515 Main St., NLR: “Blue Lines and Black Ink,” original comic book art by John Lucas and Dusty Higgins, through Jan. 13. 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 960-9524.

RED DOOR GALLERY, 3715 JFK, NLR: New work by Matt Coburn, Paula Jones, Theresa Cates and Amy Hill-Imler, new glass by James Hayes, ceramics by Kelly Edwards, sculpture

by Kim Owen and other work. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. 753-5227.

STEPHANO AND GAINES FINE ART, 1916 N. Fillmore St.: Carved wood sculpture by actor Tony Dow, through Feb. 8. 563-4218.

TRIO’S PAVILION ROOM, 8201 Cantrell Road (Pavilion in the Park): “Wet Nose Series,” works

by Stephano Sutherlin.

ARKADELPHIA HENDERSON STATE UNIVERSITY: “125th Anniversary Alumni Art Exhibition,” work by Beverly Buys, Jonathan Cromer, Carey Roberson, David Dahlstedt, Meghan Hawkes, Sara Dismukes, Nicole Brisco, Lana Taliaferro, Chrystal Seawood and V.L. Cox, Russell Fine Arts Gallery. 870-230-5000.

BENTON DIANNE ROBERTS ART STUDIO AND GALLERY, 110 N. Market St.: Work by Dianne Roberts, classes. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. 860-7467.

BENTONVILLE CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART, One Museum Way: “Picturing the Americas: Landscape Painting from Tierra del Fuego to the Arctic,” more than 100 paintings

by Bierstadt, Church, Cole, Heade, O’Keeffe and others, from the Art Gallery of Ontario, Canada, through Jan. 18, “Alfred H. Maurer: Art on the Edge,” 65 works spanning the artist’s career from the Addison Gallery of Phillips Academy, through Jan. 4; American masterworks spanning four centuries in the permanent collection. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon., Thu.; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Wed., Fri.; 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sat.-Sun., closed Tue. 479-418-5700.

FORT SMITH REGIONAL ART MUSEUM, 1601 Rogers Ave.: “The Artist Revealed: Artist Portraits and SelfPortraits,” works by Milton Avery, Leonard Baskin, Edward Steichen, Norman Rockwell, Anders Zorn and Chuck Close, from the Syracuse University Art Galleries, through Dec. 20. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tue.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. 479-784-2787.

HOT SPRINGS JUSTUS FINE ART, 827 Central Ave.: “Delta in Blue,” photographs by Beverly Buys, also work by Dolores Justus, Laura Raborn, Tony Saladino, Rebecca Thompson, Dan Thornhill and others, through December. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Wed.-Sat. 501-321-2335.

JASPER NELMS GALLERY, Church Street: Work by Winston Taylor, Don Nelms, Pamla Klenczar and Scott Baldassari. 870-446-5477.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT TICKETMASTER.COM CHARGE BY PHONE AT 800-745-3000

: A BEAVER PRODUCTION :

UCA PUBLIC APPEARANCES PRESENTS:

on Tour is offering a chance to win two free tickets to this fantastic concert on Friday, January 22, 2016. Quantities are limited.

Musicians include:

• Raul Midon, vocals & guitar • Nicholas Payton, trumpet • Ravi Coltrane, tenor & soprano saxophone • Gerald Clayton, piano, music director • Joe Sanders, bass • Justin Brown, drums Send your entry via email to phyllis@arktimes.com with Monterey Jazz Fest Tickets in the subject line and include contact information. Winners will be announced and contacted on January 1. uca.edu/publicappearances www.arktimes.com

DECEMBER 10, 2015

27

Dining

Information in our restaurant capsules reflects the opinions of the newspaper staff and its reviewers. The newspaper accepts no advertising or other considerations in exchange for reviews, which are conducted anonymously. We invite the opinions of readers who think we are in error.

B Breakfast L Lunch D Dinner $ Inexpensive (under $8/person) $$ Moderate ($8-$20/person) $$$ Expensive (over $20/person) CC Accepts credit cards

WHAT’S COOKIN’ JUANITA’S CAFE AND BAR at 615 President Clinton Ave. is saying adios on Dec. 20, general manager James Snyder said Tuesday. He said he thought he should give the 30-year-old restaurant the “respect it deserves” by not abruptly shutting down but staying open through all its music bookings and to let people have a final meal.

The River Market district address was good for the shows but lousy for the lunch business, thanks to the difficulty of parking in the district, he said.

Juanita’s was located on South Main Street, where South on Main is located now, for 25 years, and there did a good lunch business.

“We hit a point where we feel like four owners in four years trying to keep [the restaurant] alive is wearing us out,” Snyder, a part-owner of the business, said. “We’re not restaurant people.”

Snyder has been in charge of booking the musical acts. He and Erin Hurley, the bar manager, who booked the musical acts for many years before Snyder took over, will move to the Metroplex at Col. Glenn and I-430 to book shows there. All 2016 acts booked for Juanita’s will be moved to the Metroplex.

Juanita’s is closing without debt.

“We didn’t want to get where we couldn’t pay our employees,” Snyder said. “We wanted to go out the right way.”

DINING CAPSULES

AMERICAN

BEST IMPRESSIONS The menu combines Asian, Italian and French sensibilities in soups, salads and meaty fare. A departure from the tearoom of yore. 501 E. Ninth St. Beer and wine, all CC. $$. 501-907-5946. L Tue.-Sun., BR Sat.-Sun. BIG ORANGE: BURGERS SALADS SHAKES Gourmet burgers manufactured according to exacting specs (humanely raised beef!) and properly fried Kennebec potatoes are the big draws, but you can get a veggie burger as well as fried chicken, curried falafel and blackened tilapia sandwiches, plus creative meal-sized salads. Shakes and floats are indulgences for all ages. 17809 Chenal Parkway. Full bar, all CC. $$-$$$. 501-821-1515. LD daily. 207 N. University Ave. Full bar, all CC. $$. 501-379-8715. LD daily.

BIG ROCK BISTRO Students of the Arkansas Culinary School run this restaurant at Pulaski Tech under the direction of Chef Jason Knapp.

Pizza, pasta, Asian-inspired dishes and diner food, all in one stop. 3000 W. Scenic Drive. NLR. No alcohol, all CC. $. 501-812-2200. BL Mon.-Fri. BJ’S RESTAURANT AND BREWHOUSE Chain restaurant’s huge menu includes deep dish pizzas, steak, ribs, sandwiches, pasta and award-winning handcrafted beer. In Shackleford 28

DECEMBER 10, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

SPAGHETTI CHITARRA: Egg noodle pasta tossed with sauteed shiitake mushrooms and finished table side in wheel of parmesan, topped with sauteed shrimp.

Vesuvio goes big Erupting with good food, good drink.

V

esuvio Bistro made a move from the tiny dungeon-like space at the Best Western Governors Inn to the one-time home of El Chico on Breckenridge Drive a while back, and from all indications the move was perfect for one of Central Arkansas’s consistently good Italian restaurants.

Vesuvio’s former dining room accommodated 70 diners who may have felt like they were dining on top of their neighbors. Vesuvio can now seat 180, with one section cordoned off with a windowed door for private dining.

Smack dab in the middle of the main dining area is a baby grand piano, which on busier nights is manned by a regular player. The bar at the back end of this main dining room is spectacular, well-lit and packed with every bottle imaginable.

Which is to say, you can sample any of 10 specialty martini drinks, or order a bottle of Italian wine, but it doesn’t have to stop there. A couple of Vesuvio regulars that joined us on a recent visit always start off their meals with madefrom-scratch margaritas. El Chico may

be long gone — only the shape of the now dark-red building might give away its former occupant — but sometimes you just have to start off a meal of Northern and Southern Italian cuisine with a new world drink. Vesuvio’s ownership (and hence, the old family recipes and cooking style) traces its roots back to the original Bella Arti in Hot Springs (and also at Pavilion in the Park) and Pompeii, two of our Spa City favorites over the past 20 years. One of our friends counts on the manicotti nearly every time he dines here, knowing he will get pasta pillows oozing of a silky ricotta and covered in a tomato sauce that is Vesuvio’s own.

While our friends enjoyed their margaritas ($9), we had the bartender whip up a Manhattan martini ($10.50), the rye and vermouth complemented by a large orange peel sliver. We’ve never much been into martinis but were willing to give this a try, and it succeeded in converting us.

While we chose the simple mixed spring greens salad off the menu, the

insalada tricolore, three others smartly went with the two off-the-menu special salads ($11.75) that were out of this world (at least we got to try a bite of them). One, a spinach and pear salad with goat cheese and a vinaigrette, was a large and perfect starter salad, and one we’re sure to try again. But don’t discount the other off-the-menu option, the Zorba, which naturally is Vesuvio’s version of a Greek salad with all the usual ingredients making a splendid combination.

Vesuvio’s regular tradition for starting a meal is to offer bread and a black

Vesuvio Bistro

1315 Breckenridge Drive 225-0500 vesuviobistro@gmail.com QUICK BITE Vesuvio will accommodate any tastes and any portions with its “create your own” antipasti menu of up to seven cheeses, seven types of salami and four styles of olives, or you can trust the kitchen with the Chef’s Choice plate ($30). Vesuvio offers takeout of its antipasti dishes as well, a good call during the holiday rush.

HOURS 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

OTHER INFO Full bar. Credit cards accepted.

BELLY UP Check out the Times’ food blog, Eat Arkansas arktimes.com

olive relish, and our expert waiter kept that and everything else replenished.

Another “only at Vesuvio” special that we can count on is the Spaghetti Chitarra ($19.95), which is noodles and shiitake mushrooms tossed and then finished inside a Parmesan wheel, creating a stunningly rich, creamy and filling plate of Italian goodness.

We also tried the Tilapia Picatta ($21.75), a lemon-and-capers take on the veal or chicken dish found in other restaurants. The fish was lightly breaded and pan-seared so as to not overwhelm the taste, and it hit all marks for greatness.

But the clear standout this night, also a special and not a regular menu item, was the veal with grilled shrimp on a bed of mashed potatoes and fresh asparagus ($32). The veal was hammered thin to exquisite tenderness, and a flavorful light gravy accompanied it.

Typically we might pass on dessert after all that food, but not at Vesuvio, which offered choices galore and nearly all of them made in-house — from the

usual Italian pastries to sorbet. We chose three ($6.50 each): a raspberry sorbet, a New York cheesecake and the cannoli.

None disappointed, but the first two did not reach the heavenly level of the cannoli, which reminded us of a true New York cannoli from the ever-shrinking Little Italy. The sweet, cheesy filling of mascarpone and ricotta was dotted with chocolate chips, the pipe shell was crusty and fresh and easy handled by hand (without crumpling) and each end was graced with a maraschino cherry.

When you go all out with cocktails, a bottle of wine (the restaurant has several monthly specials, including the 667 Pinot Noir we ordered for $30), salads, entrees and desserts, Vesuvio’s can be an expensive night out. And for that price, you expect to have enjoyed a wonderful experience, to be well served, to enjoy every bite, and to hope the day comes soon that you can afford to return. Vesuvio’s left us feeling that way, and then some.

NEW YEARS EVE WITH RAMONA SMITH

Gourmet. Your WaY. all DaY.

Ease into the new year with the sultry jazz vocals of Ramona Smith at Copper Grill.

Enjoy a special holiday menu accompanied by Ramona’s mellow rhythm and blues sound.

Performance from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Enjoy one of Little Rock’s best wine lists.

Call for reservations!

3rd & Cumberland Streets • (501) 375-3333 • CopperGrillLR.com

DINING CAPSULES, CONT. Crossing Shopping Center. 2624 S. Shackleford Road. Beer, all CC. 501-404-2000.

BLACK ANGUS CAFE Charcoal-grilled burgers, hamburger steaks and steaks proper are the big draws at this local institution. Now with lunch specials like fried shrimp. 10907 N. Rodney Parham. No alcohol, all CC. $-$$. 501-228-7800.

LD Mon.-Sat. BOBBY’S CAFE Delicious, humungo burgers and tasty homemade desserts at this Levy diner.

12230 MacArthur Drive. NLR. No alcohol, No CC. $. 501-851-7888. BL Tue.-Fri., D Thu.-Fri. BOULEVARD BREAD CO. Fresh bread, fresh pastries, wide selection of cheeses, meats, side dishes; all superb. Good coffee, too. 1920 N. Grant St. Beer and wine, all CC. $$. 501-6635951. BLD Mon.-Sat., BL Sun. 400 President Clinton Ave. Beer and wine, all CC. $-$$.

501-374-1232. BLD Mon.-Sat. (close 5 p.m.), BL Sun. 4301 W. Markham St. No alcohol, all CC. $$. 501-526-6661. BL Mon.-Fri. 1417 Main St. Beer and wine, all CC. $$-$$$. 501-375-5100.

BL Mon.-Sat. BREWSTERS 2 CAFE & LOUNGE Down-home done right. Check out the yams, mac-andcheese, greens, purple-hull peas, cornbread, wings, catfish and all the rest. 2725 S. Arch St. Full bar, all CC. $-$$. 501-301-7728. LD Mon.-Sat. BUTCHER SHOP The cook-your-own-steak option has been downplayed, and several menu additions complement the calling card: large, fabulous cuts of prime beef, cooked to perfection. 10825 Hermitage Road. Full bar, all CC. $$$. 501-312-2748. D daily.

CACHE RESTAURANT A stunning experience on the well-presented plates and in terms of

atmosphere, glitz and general feel. It doesn’t feel like anyplace else in Little Rock, and it’s not priced like much of anywhere else in Little Rock, either. But there are options to keep the tab in the reasonable range. 425 President Clinton Ave. Full bar, all CC. $$$. 501-850-0265. LD Mon.-Fri., D Sat. CAJUN’S WHARF The venerable seafood restaurant serves up great gumbo and oysters Bienville, and options such as fine steaks for the non-seafood eater. In the citified bar, you’ll find nightly entertainment, too. 2400 Cantrell Road. Full bar, all CC. $$-$$$. 501-375-5351. LD Mon.-Fri., D Sat. COMMUNITY BAKERY This sunny downtown bakery is the place to linger over a latte, bagels and the New York Times. But a lunchtime dash for sandwiches is OK, too, though it’s often packed. 1200 S. Main St. No alcohol, CC. $-$$.

501-375-7105. BLD daily. 270 S. Shackleford.

No alcohol, all CC. $-$$. 501-224-1656. BLD Mon.-Sat. BL Sun. COPELAND’S RESTAURANT The full service restaurant chain started by the founder of Popeye’s delivers the same good biscuits, the same dependable frying and a New Orleans vibe in piped music and decor. You can eat red beans and rice for a price in the single digits or pay near $40 for a choice slab of ribeye, with crab, shrimp and fish in between. 2602 S. Shackleford Road. Full bar, all CC. $$-$$$.

501-312-1616. LD daily.

COPPER GRILL Comfort food, burgers and more sophisticated fare at this River Marketarea hotspot. 300 E. Third St. Full bar, all CC. $$-$$$. 501-375-3333. LD Mon.-Sat.

EVERYDAY SOMMELIER Your friendly neighborhood wine shop. #theeverydaysommelier

THE EVERYDAY SOMMELIER CAN HELP YOU CURATE THE PERFECT GIFT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. “Bespoke Gift Baskets, Client Gifts, Holiday and Event Planning are just a few of our specialties. Fast turn around, attention to detail, and encyclopedic knowledge of the beverage industry are hallmarks of the experience that we create daily for our guests. My co-workers are an amazing group of service professionals —their only goal is to provide outstanding service to our clients. Call, text, email, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or stop by soon to discover more. We want to become your Everyday Sommelier, I look forward to introducing myself to you very soon.”

– O’Looney

BEST LIQUOR STORE

Rahling Road @ Chenal Parkway • 501.821.4669 • olooneys@aristotle.net • www.olooneys.com www.arktimes.com

DECEMBER 10, 2015

29

MOVIE REVIEW

DINING CAPSULES, CONT.

‘TRUMBO’: Bryan Cranston stars.

To the blacklist and back Cranston carries ‘Trumbo.’

BY JOHN C. WILLIAMS

“W

hen you look back with curiosity on that dark time,” screenwriter Dalton Trumbo said of the Hollywood blacklist, of which he was perhaps the most prominent member, “it will do no good to search for villains or heroes or saints or devils because there were none; there were only victims.” The dramatized Trumbo punctuates this film with this speech, as if to drive home a message, but that message doesn’t seem to have entirely taken with the filmmakers. The members of the House Un-American Activities Committee and their sympathizers are unambiguously cast as villains and devils here. Fair enough. But once we know we’re on that orthodox turf, the subject matter hardly seems ripe for an especially inquisitive or challenging work. Thankfully, though, “Trumbo” stops short of becoming an overwrought, didactic period piece. For that, we largely have Bryan Cranston to thank.

Cranston plays the title character, whose membership in the Communist party and refusal to cow to congressional inquiry earned him a federal prison sentence and pariah status in Hollywood.

A particularly malign industry columnist (Helen Mirren) snaps her fingers and Trumbo’s highly remunerative gig 30

DECEMBER 10, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

at a major studio is gone. Trumbo is forced to take whatever work he can to make ends meet. Mainly he writes — and writes, and writes — B pictures like “The Alien and the Farm Girl,” whose plot is propelled by a “giant bug head shtupping a girl in a hayloft,” as his new boss (John Goodman) explains the treatment. Trumbo deals with this situation by enlisting his family into the business of delivering scripts and answering phones, all while holing himself up in the bathtub to churn out more pulp. This routine takes a toll, and Trumbo morphs into a dictator, barking commands to his family and ordering around the less-talented (but also blacklisted) filmmakers he’s enlisted in his screenplay assembly line. (Louis C.K. plays one of them, in a performance that falls somewhat flat; his principled Communism causes him to invest his own depictions of alien sex and the like with proletarian overtones).

For a minute I thought there might be some larger commentary in Trumbo’s decline. Perhaps his transition to tyranny is an indictment of pure ideological commitment and the havoc it wreaks on private lives and personal relationships. But that reading is implausible, for one thing because this is just not that kind of movie, and also because the film provides no real context for

Trumbo’s views on Communism. We get very little feel for who Trumbo was as an artist — we hear a few snatches of his written dialog, but that’s about it — or as a political thinker (if indeed he was that). There are many scenes of Trumbo pecking away at his keyboard with determination, but little indication of what’s coming out of it. Anyway, things lighten when Trumbo begins to emerge from the blacklist. The director (Jay Roach, best know for the “Austin Powers” and “Fockers” franchises) is free to return to silly depictions of old Hollywood stars such as John Wayne (shown as a villainous red-baiter) and Kirk Douglas (here a heroic supporter of Trumbo’s “Spartacus” screenplay).

These portrayals and various other insidery elements, not to mention the film’s positive tone and politically correct approach, make it seem like “Trumbo” is gunning for an Oscar. I wouldn’t be surprised if it got a nod in the lead-actor category. Cranston’s performance is truly striking and makes this movie worth seeing. He plays Trumbo with great range, imbuing him with both subtle humor and unsubtle rage. (He has good dialogue to work with, too.)

Ultimately, this is a one-man show.

The heavy screen time is a good thing, because Cranston’s acting is what elevates this movie from mediocre to good.

Deep down, “Trumbo” wants to be a run-of-the-mill historical drama. The use of fake news footage is hokey. References to important events of the era tend to lack real depth. Formally, there’s not much interesting going on here. When the film departs from its broader pretensions and focuses on the struggles of its main character, though, it becomes something more compelling.

CRACKER BARREL OLD COUNTRY STORE Home-cooking with plenty of variety and big portions. Old-fashioned breakfast served all day long. 2618 S. Shackleford Road. No alcohol, all CC. 501-225-7100. BLD daily. 3101 Springhill Drive. NLR. No alcohol, all CC. 501-945-9373.

BLD daily.

CRUSH WINE BAR An unpretentious downtown bar/lounge with an appealing and erudite wine list. With tasty tapas, but no menu for full meals. 318 Main St. NLR. Beer and wine, all CC. $$. 501-374-9463. D Tue.-Sat. FRESH: AN URBAN EATERY Sandwiches, salads and pizza, all made using quality ingredients. 1706 W. Third St. No alcohol, CC. $-$$.

501-319-7021. BL Mon.-Sat. FRONTIER DINER The traditional all-American roadside diner, complete with a nice selection of man-friendly breakfasts and lunch specials.

The half-pound burger is a two-hander for the average working Joe. 10424 Interstate 30. No alcohol, all CC. $-$$. 501-565-6414. BL Mon.-Sat. RENO’S ARGENTA CAFE Sandwiches, gyros and gourmet pizzas by day and music and drinks by night in downtown Argenta. 312 N. Main St. NLR. Full bar, all CC. $-$$. 501-3762900. LD Mon.-Sat. RIVERFRONT STEAKHOUSE Steaks are the draw here — nice cuts heavily salted and peppered, cooked quickly and accurately to your specifications, finished with butter and served sizzling hot. Also has incorporated some of the menu of Rocket Twenty-One. 2 Riverfront Place. NLR. Full bar, all CC. $$-$$$. 501-3757825. D Mon.-Sat. RIVERSHORE EATERY A River Market vendor that specializes in salads, sandwiches, wings and ice cream. 400 President Clinton Ave. No alcohol, all CC. $-$$. 501-244-2326. LD Mon.-Sat. ROBERT’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL If you’re looking for a burger, you won’t find it here.

This establishment specializes in fried chicken dinners, served with their own special trimmings.

7212 Geyer Springs Road. Full bar, all CC. $-$$.

501-568-2566. LD Tue.-Sat., D Sun.-Mon. SAMANTHA’S TAP ROOM & WOOD GRILL An eclectic, reasonably priced menu has something for just about everyone. Excellent selection of wines on tap and beers on tap. 322 Main Street. Full bar, all CC. $$-$$$. 501-379-8019.

LD Mon.-Sat. SHARKS FISH & CHICKEN This Southwest Little Rock restaurant specializes in seafood, frog legs and catfish, all served with the traditional fixings. 8722 Colonel Glenn Road. No alcohol, all CC. $-$$. 501-562-2330. LD daily.

SO RESTAURANT BAR Call it a French brasserie with a sleek, but not fussy American finish. The wine selection is broad and choice.

Free valet parking. Use it and save yourself a headache. 3610 Kavanaugh Blvd. Full bar, all CC. $$-$$$. 501-663-1464. LD Mon.-Sat., D Sun. STICKYZ ROCK ‘N’ ROLL CHICKEN SHACK Fingers any way you can imagine, plus sandwiches and burgers, and a fun setting for music and happy hour gatherings. 107 River Market Ave. Full bar, all CC. $-$$. 501-372-7707. LD daily.

SWEET LOVE BAKES Full service bakery with ready-made and custom order cakes, cookies and cupcakes. Plenty of in-store seating. 8210 Cantrell Road. No alcohol, CC. $-$$. (501) 613-7780. BL Tue.-Sat. TEXAS ROADHOUSE Following in the lines of those loud, peanuts-on-the-table steak joints, but the steaks are better here than we’ve had at similar stops. Good burgers, too. 3601 Warden Road. Full bar, all CC. $$. 501-771-4230. D daily, L Sat.-Sun. 2620 S. Shackleford Rd. Full bar, all

CC. $$. 501-224-2427. D Mon.-Fri., LD Sat.-Sun. TOWN PUMP A dependable burger, good wings, great fries, other bar food, plate lunches, full bar. 1321 Rebsamen Park Road. Full bar, all CC. $-$$. 501-663-9802. LD daily.

YANCEY’S CAFETERIA Soul food served with a Southern attitude. 1523 Martin Luther King Ave. No alcohol, No CC. $. 501-372-9292. LD Tue.-Sat. ZACK’S PLACE Expertly prepared home cooking and huge, smoky burgers. 1400 S. University Ave. Full bar, all CC. $-$$. 501-6646444. LD Mon.-Sat.

ASIAN

BANGKOK THAI CUISINE Get all the staple Thai dishes at this River Market vendor. The red and green curries and the noodle soup stand out, in particular. 400 President Clinton Ave. No alcohol, all CC. $-$$. 501-374-5105. L Mon.-Sat. CHI’S CHINESE CUISINE This Chinese mainstay offers a broad menu that spans the Chinese provinces and offers a few twists on the usual local offerings. 5110 W. Markham St. Beer, all CC. $-$$. 501-604-7777. LD Mon.-Sat. FANTASTIC CHINA The food is delicious, the presentation beautiful, the menu distinctive, the service perfect, the decor bright. 1900 N. Grant St. Full bar, all CC. $$. 501-663-8999. LD daily.

FLAVOR OF INDIA Southern Indian food, including chaat (street food), dosas with lentils, rice and other ingredients, lentil soup, coconut chutney, and northern dishes as well. 11121 N. Rodney Parham, Suite 40B. 501-554-5678.

GENGHIS GRILL This chain restaurant takes the Mongolian grill idea to its inevitable, Subwaystyle conclusion. 12318 Chenal Parkway. Beer and wine, all CC. $$. 501-223-2695. LD daily.

LILLY’S DIMSUM THEN SOME Innovative dishes inspired by Asian cuisine, utilizing local and fresh ingredients. 11121 N. Rodney Parham Road. Beer and wine, all CC. $$-$$$. 501-7162700. LD Tue.-Sun. MT. FUJI JAPANESE RESTAURANT The dean of Little Rock sushi bars offers a fabulous lunch special and great Monday night deals. 10301 Rodney Parham Road. Full bar, all CC. $$-$$$.

501-227-6498. L Mon.-Sat., D daily. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-227-6498.

OSAKA JAPANESE RESTAURANT Veteran operator of several local Asian buffets has brought fine-dining Japanese dishes and a well-stocked sushi bar to way-out-west Little Rock, near Chenal off Highway 10. 5501 Ranch Drive. $$-$$$. 501-868-3688. LD daily.

SKY MODERN JAPANESE Excellent, ambitious menu filled with sushi and other Japanese fare and Continental-style dishes.

11525 Cantrell Road, Suite 917. Full bar, all CC. $$$-$$$$. 501-224-4300. LD daily.

SUSHI CAFE Impressive, upscale sushi menu with other delectable house specialties like tuna tataki, fried soft shell crab, Kobe beef and, believe it or not, the Tokyo cowboy burger.

5823 Kavanaugh Blvd. Full bar, all CC. $$-$$$.

501-663-9888. L Mon.-Sat. D daily.

BARBECUE

CHATZ CAFE ‘Cue and catfish joint that does heavy catering business. Try the slow-smoked, meaty ribs. 8801 Colonel Glenn Road. No alcohol, all CC. $-$$. 501-562-4949. LD Mon.-Sat. CORKY’S RIBS & BBQ The pulled pork is extremely tender and juicy, and the sauce is sweet and tangy without a hint of heat. Maybe the best dry ribs in the area. 12005 Westhaven Drive. Full bar, all CC. $$-$$$. 501-954-7427. LD daily. 2947 Lakewood Village Drive. NLR. Full bar, all CC. $$-$$$. 501-753-3737. LD daily, B Sat.-Sun.

WHITE PIG INN Go for the sliced rather than chopped meats at this working-class barbecue cafe. Side orders — from fries to potato salad to beans and slaw — are superb, as are the fried pies. 5231 E. Broadway. NLR. Beer, all CC. $-$$.

501-945-5551. LD Mon.-Fri., L Sat. WHOLE HOG CAFE The pulled pork shoulder is a classic, the back ribs are worthy of their many blue ribbons, and there’s a six-pack of sauces for all tastes. A real find is the beef brisket, cooked the way Texans like it. 2516 Cantrell Road. Beer and wine, all CC. $$. 501-664-5025.

LD daily 12111 W. Markham. Beer and wine, all CC. $$. 501-907-6124. LD daily. 150 E. Oak St. Conway. No alcohol, all CC. $$. 501-513-0600.

LD Mon.-Sat., L Sun. 5107 Warden Road. NLR. Beer and wine, all CC. $$. 501-753-9227.

EUROPEAN / ETHNIC

CAFE BOSSA NOVA A South American approach to sandwiches, salads and desserts, all quite good, as well as an array of refreshing South American teas and coffees. 2701 Kavanaugh Blvd. Full bar, all CC. $$-$$$.

501-614-6682. LD Tue.-Sat., BR Sun. DUGAN’S PUB Serves up Irish fare like fish and chips and corned beef and cabbage alongside classic bar food. The chicken fingers and burgers stand out. Irish breakfast all day. 401 E. 3rd St. Full bar, all CC. $-$$. 501-244-0542.

LD daily.

GEORGIA’S GYROS Good gyros, Greek salads and fragrant grilled pita bread highlight a large Mediterranean food selection, plus burgers and the like. 2933 Lakewood Village Drive. NLR. Full bar, all CC. $-$$. 501-753-5090. LD Mon.-Sat. HIBERNIA IRISH TAVERN This traditional Irish pub has its own traditional Irish cook from, where else, Ireland. Broad beverage menu, Irish and Southern food favorites and a crowd that likes to sing. 9700 N. Rodney Parham Road.

Full bar, all CC. $$. 501-246-4340. D Mon.-Sat., LD Sun. LAYLA’S GYROS AND PIZZERIA Delicious Mediterranean fare — gyros, falafel, shawarma, kabobs, hummus and babaganush — that has a devoted following. All meat is slaughtered according to Islamic dietary law. 9501 N Rodney Parham Road. No alcohol, all CC. $-$$.

501-227-7272. LD daily (close 5 p.m. on Sun.) 6100 Stones Road. No alcohol, all CC. $-$$.

501-868-8226. LD Mon.-Sat. THE PANTRY CREST Czech and German comfort food with a great bar menu. 722 N. Palm St. Full bar, all CC. $$-$$$. 501-725-4945.

D Mon.-Sat. TAJ MAHAL The third Indian restaurant in a onemile span of West Little Rock, Taj Mahal offers upscale versions of traditional dishes and an extensive menu. Dishes range on the spicy side.

1520 Market Street. Beer, all CC. $$$. 501-8814796. LD daily.

THE TERRACE MEDITERRANEAN KITCHEN A broad selection of Mediterranean delights that includes a very affordable collection of starters, salads, sandwiches, burgers, chicken and fish at lunch and a more upscale dining experience with top-notch table service at dinner. 2200 Rodney Parham Road. Full bar, all CC. $$-$$$. 501-217-9393. LD Mon.-Fri., D Sat. YA YA’S EURO BISTRO The first eatery to open in the Promenade at Chenal is a date-night affair, translating comfort food into beautiful cuisine.

Best bet is lunch, where you can explore the menu through soup, salad or half a sandwich.

17711 Chenal Parkway. Full bar, all CC. $$-$$$.

501-821-1144. LD daily, BR Sun.

ITALIAN

Italian chain offers delicious and sometimes inventive dishes. 17815 Chenal Pkwy. Full bar, all CC. $$$. 501-821-2485. LD daily. BR Sun. BRUNO’S LITTLE ITALY Traditional Italian antipastos, appetizers, entrees and desserts.

Extensive, delicious menu from Little Rock standby. 310 Main St. Full bar, CC. $$-$$$.

501-372-7866. D Tue.-Sat. GRAFFITI’S The casually chic and ever-popular Italian-flavored bistro avoids the rut with daily specials and careful menu tinkering. 7811 Cantrell Road. Full bar, all CC. $$-$$$. 501-2249079. D Mon.-Sat. JIM’S RAZORBACK PIZZA Great pizza served up in a family-friendly, sports-themed environment. Special Saturday and Sunday brunch served from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Flat-screen TVs throughout and even a cage for shooting basketballs and playing ping-pong. 16101 Cantrell Road. Beer and wine, all CC. $$.

501-868-3250. LD daily.

OLD CHICAGO PASTA & PIZZA This national chain offers lots of pizzas, pastas and beer. 4305 Warden Road. NLR. Full bar, all CC. $$-$$$.

501-812-6262. LD daily. 1010 Main St. Conway.

Full bar, all CC. $$. 501-329-6262. LD daily.

PIZZA D’ACTION Some of the best pizza in town, a marriage of thin, crispy crust with a hefty ingredient load. Also, good appetizers and salads, pasta, sandwiches and killer plate lunches. 2919 W. Markham St. Full bar, all CC. $-$$. 501-666-5403. LD daily.

SHOTGUN DAN’S PIZZA Hearty pizza and sandwiches with a decent salad bar. Multiple locations, at 4020 E. Broadway, NLR, 945-0606; 4203 E. Kiehl Ave., Sherwood, 835-0606, and 10923 W. Markham St. Beer, CC. $-$$. 501-2249519. LD Mon.-Sat., D Sun.

VINO’S Great rock ‘n’ roll club also is a fantastic pizzeria with huge calzones and always improving home-brewed beers. 923 W. 7th St. Beer and wine, all CC. $-$$. 501-375-8466.

LD daily.

LATINO

CANTINA LAREDO This is gourmet Mexican food, a step up from what you’d expect from a real cantina, from the modern minimal decor to the well-prepared entrees. We can vouch for the enchilada Veracruz and the carne asada y huevos, both with tasty sauces and high quality ingredients perfectly cooked. 207 N. University.

Full bar, all CC. $$$. 501-280-0407. LD daily, BR Sun. LOCAL LIME Tasty gourmet Mex from the folks who brought you Big Orange and ZaZa. 17815 Chenal Parkway. Full bar, all CC. $$-$$$.

501-448-2226. LD daily.

LUPITA’S ORIGINAL MEXICAN FOOD Mexican, American food and bar specializing in Margaritas. 7710 Cantrell Road. Full bar.

PONCHITO’S MEXICAN GRILL Mexican food and drinks, plus karaoke on the patio 6-9 p.m.

Thursdays with DJ Greg, happy hour on beers weekdays. 10901 N. Rodney Parham Road. Full bar, Beer. 501-246-5282.

TACO MEXICO Tacos have to be ordered at least two at a time, but that’s not an impediment. These are some of the best and some of the cheapest tacos in Little Rock. 7101 Colonel Glenn Road. No alcohol, No CC. $. 501-4167002. LD Wed.-Sun. TACOS GUANAJUATO Pork, beef, adobado, chicharron and cabeza tacos and tortas at this mobile truck. 6920 Geyer Springs Road. No alcohol, No CC. $. LD Wed.-Mon.

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31

THEATER REVIEW

Lots of laughs, insight in ‘The Foreigner’ A smart comedy that forces us to take a look at ourselves.

BY JAMES MURRAY

lovin’ racist county property inspector, Owen Musser (Jeff Lewellen), to condemn the lodge so that he and David can purchase it for dirt cheap. Meanwhile, David continues to keep up the lie of loving Catherine long enough to get married and access her inheritance.

Through most of this, poor Charlie is merely a sounding board for others to voice their insecurities.

I was intrigued with the story and how people can be infantilized when they don’t understand the native tongue. Charlie goes from a largely silent figure who parrots a few English words here and there to a reasonably

E

avesdropping on private conversations may be easy if, because you don’t speak their language, you’re practically invisible to those around you. Larry Shue’s “The Foreigner” takes advantage of that fact to create a clever, extremely funny and profound play at the Weekend Theater.

After being persuaded by his sick wife who finds him boring, Charlie Baker (Duane Jackson) agrees to go on a trip with his friend Froggy LeSueur (Jacob Sturgeon). The two British gents end up in rural Georgia where military man Froggy visits the local army base to conduct field operations in demolitions.

For their stay, Froggy has set them up in a fishing lodge, but facing the prospect of his unfaithful wife dying, Charlie can do without the small talk of provincial life. Froggy’s solution is to exploit small town insularity and ignorance by mentioning to Betty Meeks (Roben R. Sullivant), the lodge owner, that Charlie is a foreigner who doesn’t understand English. Absurdity ensues as a mentally challenged guest, Ellard Simms (Drew

ENGLISH LESSON: “The Foreigner” is funny and meaningful.

Ellis), takes up the project of teaching English to Charlie. The introduction of Ellard’s sister, Catherine (Larissa Garvin), reveals a Machiavellian subplot as her fiance, David (Chad Fulmer), a minister, schemes with the ’Murica-

eloquent fellow by the end of the play.

Playing the role of Charlie required Jackson to show a character incrementally maturing in language and understanding of his society, while at the same time reminding us that he

is fully aware of what’s going on — a play within a play. Roben Sullivant is exceptional as the lodge matriarch.

Her boisterous voice and sarcasm in exchanges with Charlie is memorable, especially when juxtaposed to her character’s more anxious and uncertain side.

The stage set for the fishing lodge is homey, with worn furniture, which seems like a metaphor for many of the characters — comfortable with their ignorance, provincial and an aversion to difference. The sofa and kitchen table props add to the unique dynamic that exists between the characters.

For example, Ellard and Charlie are placed face-to-face at the table when Ellard gives him his “English lesson” as Charlie looks on with feigned interest. Charlie sits side by side on the sofa with Catherine, the two looking more like good friends or lovers, as she asks him questions about his past and home country. The play’s use of lighting is especially notable when we come across America’s most notorious homegrown terrorist group, the Ku Klux Klan. Initially presented to the audience in the dimly lit lodge — the people have turned out the lights in the hope the Klan will pass them by — when the sheeted men are visible in the fully lit lodge, they are run off by fear of Charlie’s “magic powers.”

Culturally in the dark, placing them in the light showed that they are as afraid of the people they’re committed to scaring as those people are of them.

“The Foreigner” forces us to look at ourselves and see the ridiculousness of how we may treat those not like us.

And for this, we should take the time to laugh at ourselves.

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ARKANSAS TIMES

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DUMAS, CONT. that attaches nowadays to all these issues on all sides, from guns to abortion to immigration to religious establishment to Obamacare, and they decided to take a powder.

What we have is the two raging dissents by Clarence Thomas and, more interestingly, Antonin Scalia, who penned the 2008 order that the Second Amendment conferred an individual right to weapons aside from the military purpose spelled out in the prefatory clause “a well regulated military being necessary to the security of a free State ... .”

Preserving the militias that Southern states thought were threatened by the new Constitution’s grant of power to create a federal army might have been the primary reason for an arms amendment, but not the only one. Scalia’s opinion in 2008 was a lengthy linguistic disputation on what an independent clause means and how the term “keep and bear arms” should mean “for self-defense in

the home” as well as for military action.

But at the end of the treatise, Scalia softened on the key issue, regulation.

People rightly should be alarmed by all the gun slayings, Scalia said then, and the government at all levels is perfectly right to seek antidotes, including sensible regulation of firearms. He said he didn’t want to spell out the kind of regulations that would be permissible, as the dissenting justices said the court should do, but leave that to a line of future cases — like, perhaps, the suburban Chicago ordinance.

Nothing in Scalia’s angry dissent Monday suggests that he would find bans on assault weapons and big magazines permissible if the case were actually before him, but you never know. The good thing is that if and when politics returns to a marginally rational state, the Supreme Court has sent a gesture if not an order that you can legally do something about mass slayings.

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BARTH, CONT. In his appearance at the annual J.N. Heiskell Lecture at the Central Arkansas Library System on Monday evening, ABC White House correspondent Jonathan Karl noted that elites in the GOP are now actively preparing for such a possibility, while hoping that a candidate (named neither Trump nor Cruz) will emerge with a majority support in advance of next summer. Most interestingly, Karl noted that, under GOP convention rules, as the highest ranked Republican elected official in the coun-

try, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan would chair the convention, making key parliamentary decisions. In short, the mainliners would once again be in control of the action, likely to Donald Trump’s detriment.

This election cycle is already one of the most extraordinary electoral adventures in decades. When big personalities and big issues are front and center, mundane rules are often lost. But it is those rules that will have much to say about separating success and failure.

PEARLS ABOUT SWINE, CONT. Well, the Hogs welcome Evansville and Tennessee Tech this week to Bud Walton Arena, and, while those teams are a combined 14-3, they clearly present chances for the hosts to revive themselves after rough outings away from the state. Then there’s the impending return of point guard Anton Beard, who is a clear impact player and a clear risk given the offseason forgery charge that nearly waylaid his promising career. Provided that a mature, contrite, and determined Beard is who takes the court come Dec. 19 against Mercer in North Little Rock, this is the one thing that augurs well for SEC play

for this team. Backcourt personnel for the Hogs is lacking but there’s enough of a scoring threat presented by Whitt, Bell, Hannahs and Manuale Watkins that Beard’s contributions and steadying hand at the point could be the kind of thing that salvages if not strengthens the season.

Christmastime does afford us all the chance to see the team a little more clearly than we typically do when football games are drawing our attention. If fans will turn out for these home games and give the group a buoying presence, it could be instrumental for their fate once the quality of competition steps up.

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DECEMBER 10, 2015

33

Tis the Season T

here are only 15 days until Christmas! How are your lists?

2015 Holiday Gift Guide

If you haven’t made much progress, check out the items on the following pages for fabulous gift ideas.

Pawsome Pooch Presents

Our four-legged friends love presents just as much as everyone else so don’t forget about them this holiday season. The Green Corner Store has a full line of eco-friendly gifts for our furry loved ones like the Planet Dog recycleBALL®, chew toys and more.

Custom Pieces

Brandy McNair of Bella Vita Jewelry is doing big things with her jewelry. Find beautiful, one-of-a-kind necklaces, bracelets and earrings in store and online.

We’re excited about these custom pieces recently featured in “Southern Living” magazine.

F Finishing TTouches

A well-dressed man an is a good thing; a well-groomed mann w is an even better thing. Get to Barakat th kat BBespoke to find allll the tools needed th to put the finishingg touches on the to ggentlemen in yourr lilives. You can even en ccustomize your favorite products fa for The Gentleman’s fo n’s Gift Box. G

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DECEMBER 10, 2015 DECEMBER 10, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES ARKANSAS TIMES

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Fit for a King

Oregon’s King Estate produces some fantastic wines that are perfect for holiday gatherings.

The sale price makes the selection even better! “theeverydaysommelier at O’Lonney’s Wine & Liquor can help you making your selection.

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Let There Be Light

With a built-in USB charging cable, solar panel and hand crank, the bright and durable Goal Zero Torch 250 flashlight is a reliable emergency LED flashlight and charger for any situation. Find this and other items for the outdoor enthusiast at Ozark Outdoor.

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A Piece of History

Give the gift of history with this Anne Frank book and hand-crafted Anne Frank pin available exclusively at the Clinton Museum Store inside the Clinton Presidential Center. Both of these are ideal gifts for the history buffs on your lists and also make a wonderful Hanukkah gift.

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When thinking of gift ideas, jewelry is always the perfect option. Box Turtle features a range of jewelry for every budget, plus local and independent artisans. We’re especially fond of the pieces from local artist Mary Garrett.

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inside the Clinton Presidential Center

Shop Today!

1200 President Clinton Ave. • www.clintonmuseumstore.com ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT www.arktimes.com www.arktimes.com

DECEMBER 10, 2015 DECEMBER 10, 2015

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2015 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDEE Johnstons of Elginn cashmere scarves

A Good Read

Books always make great gifts and “Path to Peace”

by Angie Ransome-Jones is especially poignant this time of year. It’s a guide to managing life after losing a loved one. Order at Path-2peace.com or Amazon. com. Amazon Kindle unlimited subscribers read for free.

Dobbs hat

Classic sic Style

It’s not too oo late to stock up on these ese holiday favorites from Mr. Wicks for that dapper man in your life.

Hilts-Willard luxury driving gloves

Use the Force

The movie event of the year is right around the corner but, there’s no need to travel to a “galaxy far, far away” for great gifts. The Southern Fox has Star Wars trinkets for the fan on your list. From Obi Wan Kenobi to Chewbacca to Darth Vader, they have you covered with a huge collection of sterling silver authentic Star Wars rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

Quirky Cuteness Want to ensure a smile when your gift is opened? A fun, quirky piece from South Main Creative is just the ticket. This mixed media mosaic art piece on an old iron skillet is just what you need.

“PUNKIN” by Kandy Jones, aka “The Garage Sale Queen.””

Buy it! Find the featured items at the following locations: BELLA VITA Inside the Lafayette Building 523 S. Lousiana St., Ste. 175, 479.200.1824 bellavitajewelry.net BARAKAT BESPOKE 417 President Clinton Ave., 224.9670 barakatbespoke.com THE GREEN CORNER STORE 1423 Main St., 374.1111 thegreencornerstore.com

417 PRESIDENT CLINTON AVE LITTLE ROCK, 501.244.9670 36 36

DECEMBER 10, 2015 DECEMBER 10, 2015

CUSTOM SUITS & ACCESSORIES FULL SERVICE TAILORING AND ALTERATIONS BY MASTER TAILORS AUTHENTIC BESPOKE GARMENTS PICK UP & DELIVERY AVAILABLE

ARKANSAS TIMES ARKANSAS TIMES

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

SHOPPES ON WOODLAWN 4523 Woodlawn Dr., 666.3600 shoppesonwoodlawn.com O’LOONEY’S WINE & LIQUOR Rahling Road @ Chenal Pkwy., 821.4669 olooneys.com OZARK OUTDOOR SUPPLY 5514 Kavanaugh Blvd., 664.4832 ozarkoutdoor.com

CLINTON MUSEUM STORE 610 President Clinton Ave. and inside the Clinton Presidential Center, 748.0400 clintonmuseumstore.com BOX TURTLE 2616 Kavanaugh Blvd., 661.1167 shopboxturtle.com “PATH TO PEACE” can be found online at path-2-peace.com or amazon.com. Amazon Kindle unlimited subscribers can read for free..

KNIFE SALE

BUY 1 GET 1

HALF OFF

Sale begins on November 23rd & runs through December 24.

(501) 687-1331 4310 Landers Road, NLR M-F 8-5 Sat. 9-5

IT’S NOT JUST OUR NAME... WE LIVE IT!

n

, ”

.

Emile Henry pizza stone

Ooh La La O

Cast-iron “La Cocotte” (French Oven) by Staub Emile Henry ceramic tagine

T French are known for their cooking and Krebs Brothers offers you a way to bring a The llittle French inspiration to the chefs on your list with a wide range of French cookware.

Stop in for available items and colors.

YOUR SOURCE FOR GREEN GIFTING Jewelry • Apparel • Personal Care Food • Books • Pottery and More 1423 Main Street, Suite D · Little Rock (501) 374-1111 · thegreencornerstore.com

Cute & Chic hic

These canvas cosmetic bags from om Rhea Drug are thee perfect stocking stuffer. Not only are they cute andd chic, they’re fun and functional too! Rhea hea Drug has a wide range of gift ideass for everyone on yourr list.

Clothing & Accessories for Kids/Adults Candles, Gifts, Home Decor & Much More!

Under New Ownership

HISTORIC HILLCREST | 4523 WOODLAWN DRIVE LITTLE ROCK | 501.666.3600 | www.shoppesonwoodlawn.com RHEA DRUG 2801 Kavanaugh Blvd., 663.4131 facebook.com/rheadrug

MR. WICKS 5924 R St. • 664.3062 THE SOUTHERN FOX Inside Galaxy Furniture 304 Main St., NLR • 375.DESK (3375) SOUTH MAIN CREATIVE 1600 Main St. • 414.8713 KREBS BROTHERS RESTAURANT STORE 4310 Landers Rd., NLR 687.1331 • krebsbrothers.com

NOW OPEN

Aromatique Christmas Candles, Potpourri and Sprays Scarves, Hats & Gloves Jewelry & Accessories Leggings, Tunics, Piko, Boot Socks, Ponchos

SAVE THE DATE: HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE 12/12 Gift bags for each attendee, $15 value

304 MAIN ST. (INSIDE GALAXY FURNITURE) • 375-DESK (3375) ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT www.arktimes.com www.arktimes.com

DECEMBER 10, 2015 DECEMBER 10, 2015

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Learn to get the most from your Apple products at home or your office.

• Show how to build and maintain your own websites and social media.

• Guide you to the perfect Mac or device for your needs and budget.

• Everything Apple: Macs, iPads, iPhones, Apple TV and Apple Watch

• Data Recovery & troubleshooting • Hardware & software installations • Computer upgrades • Organize and backup all your documents, photos, music, movies and email on all your devices with iCloud.

ARKANSAS TIMES MARKETPLACE ASPEN COLORADO WINTER VACATION RENTAL

❤ ADOPTION ❤

Fantastic 2 bedroom 2 bath condo. New remodel.

Top of the line everything. Heart of downtown.

100 feet to gondola, walk to everything.

Best location in town available Jan 23- March7. $2500 week including tax.

Affectionate, Financially Secure Family Joyfully Awaits First Miracle Baby.

Excited Graparents too.

Expenses paid.

1-800-816-8424

501.772.8780

bit.ly/black-chat

Can ihelp you?

Follow @MovingtoMac on Twitter and Like Moving to Mac Facebook for news and deals.

Call Cindy Greene Satisfaction Always Guaranteed

MOVING TO MAC

www.movingtomac.com

ARKANSAS TIMES

MARKETPLACE TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SECTION, CALL LUIS AT 501.375.2985

cindy@movingtomac.com • 501-681-5855

Presents

IT CONSULTANT (Mult. Openings)

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORK

LITTLE ROCK, AR.

The City of Maumelle will be accepting applications for the position of Director of Public Works to oversee all aspects of the day-to-day operation of the Department of Public Works, Street, Sanitation and Animal Service.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Supervision of Department supervisors to ensure proper operation within the department. Assist street maintenance supervisor with reviews of construction plans and conduct pre-construction meetings, required inspections, and final construction inspections to the City. Ensure Maumelle Transfer Station has State and Federal required forms and bonds prior to street dedication. Maintain responsibility of Building Maintenance supervisor of proper operation of traffic signals on Maumelle Blvd., oversee construction and keep records of cost, employee, materials and equipment, design and construct all signage for City of Maumelle, perform traffic studies, and inspection of sidewalks, and handicap ramps in the construction phase to ensure compliance with ADA requirements. Responsible for funds, property and equipment and supervisory of employees in accordance with the City’s policies and applicable laws include interviewing, hiring, training, planning assigning and directing work. Complete other duties and tasks as needed or assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have an Associate’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or technical school; and seven (7) years related experience and/ or training or equivalent combination of education and experience, and four (5) years of managerial experience-governmental accounting experience is preferred.

STARTING SALARY: Commensurate with education and experience that exceed the minimum qualifications may be considered for a higher starting salary.

The application process will begin immediately. Applications must be received, post marked, email or fax dated no later than Friday, January 15, 2016.

NOTE: Online applications and Resumes will not be accepted by themselves. A City of Maumelle Employment Application must be completed.

Please go to the City of Maumelle web page (www.maumelle.org) and click on the Human Resources Department to print an application. Completed applications should be mailed to: City of Maumelle – Human Resources Department – 550 Edgewood Drive, Suite 555 – Maumelle, Arkansas 72113. For questions, you may contact the Human Resources office at (501) 851-2784, ext. 242 between the hours of 7AM and 5PM Monday-Friday .

EOE – MINORITY, WOMEN, AND DISABLED INDIVIDUALS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. This ad is available from the Title VI Coordinator in large print, on audio, and in Braille at (501) 851-2785, ext. 233 or at vernon@maumelle.org.

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DECEMBER 10, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

Directed by Matthew Mentgen

A Devilishly Clever Comedy

December 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 2015 Fridays & Saturdays // 7:30 pm // and Sundays // 2:30 $16 Adults, $12 Students & Seniors

The Weekend Theater // 501.374.3761 // www.weekendtheater.org

1001 W. 7th St., LR, AR 72201 On the corner of 7th and Chester, across from Vino's.

December 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20. 2015 7:30 pm Friday and Saturday 2:30 pm Sunday The Foreigner is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York.

Originally produced by the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

$16 Adults; $12 Students & Seniors

DIRECTED BY MATTHEW MENTGEN For more information contact us at 501.374.3761 or www.weekendtheater.org

1001 W. 7th St., LR, AR 72201 On the corner of 7th and Chester, across from Vino’s.

Support for TWT is provided, in part, by the Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of the DAH, and the NEA.

Needed for power generation & distribution company. Provide support & expertise on RTS specific applications for business units, including day to day support for host modeling & display building for our Transmission, Generation, & LBA EMS units. Requirements: MS, EE, Computer Engineering or closely related scientific discipline; alternatively BS in EE, Computer Engineering or closely related scientific discipline plus 5 yrs. progressive exp.; deep technical expertise w/respect to real time systems applications; good to excellent communication skills & exp.; good to excellent organizing skills; self-motivated & self-directed; able to recognize opportunities for process improvement & have the ability to enact change; must be available to work additional hours, alternate locations, and/or perform additional duties in connection w/exigent circumstances, power outages, or emergencies as deemed necessary by the company.

Employer: Entergy Services, Inc. Send CV & cvr ltr to Lori Hendler, 639 Loyola Ave., Flr. 22, New Orleans, LA 70113 w/in 30 days RE: Job #14305.

ARKTIMES.COM/RESTAURANTS16

SINCE 1981, ARKANSAS TIMES has asked readers to vote for their favorite restaurants.

Our annual Readers Choice Restaurant Awards are the first, and most renowned restaurant awards in the state.

We’re introducing new rules for the survey this year: From Nov. 19 through Dec. 16, vote online at arktimes.com/ restaurants16 for your favorite restaurants in Central Arkansas

and around the state in the 35 categories. You may only submit your votes once, but you can return to your ballot as often as you need during the voting period.

Only online votes will be accepted.

After Dec. 16, we will determine the top four vote getters for each category. Those four and last year’s winners will then advance to a final round of voting that will run Jan. 12 through Jan. 30.

in the March 17 issue of the Arkansas Times, and the awards party will be held on March 15 at the Pulaski Technical Culinary and Hospitality Institute.

We’re excited about this new voting system and look forward to your participation and the final results.

The winners will be announced www.arktimes.com

DECEMBER 10, 2015

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Landscape Painting from Tierra del Fuego to the Arctic

TAKE AN EPIC JOURNEY Travel across the hemisphere through a century of landscape painting in this exhibition featuring more than 100 artworks by artists from both North and South America.

ONLY U.S. VENUE

$10 , FREE for Members and youth ages 18 and under Reserve tickets online or call 479.657.2335

479.418.5700 CrystalBridges.org BENTONVILLE, ARK ANSAS

S P O N S O R E D BY

Terra Foundation for American Art Randy and Valorie Lawson/Lawco Energy Group Mark and Diane Simmons Charitable Fund

Harlan and Kathy Crow Westrock Coffee Company Christie’s

Organized by the Art Gallery of Ontario, Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo, and the Terra Foundation for American Art, which is also recognized for its generous support. TOP LEFT: Lawren Stewart Harris, Grounded Icebergs (detail), ca. 1931, oil on canvas. Collection of the Art Gallery of Ontario, gift from the Estate of R. Fraser Elliott, 2005, 2005/156. © Estate of Lawren Harris. TOP RIGHT: Frederic Edwin Church, Cotopaxi (detail), 1855, oil on canvas. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, museum purchase funded by the Hogg Brothers Collection, gift of Miss Ima Hogg, by exchange. BOTTOM LEFT: Albert Bierstadt, Yosemite Valley (detail), 1868, oil on canvas. Collection of the Oakland Museum of California, gift of Miss Marguerite Laird in memory of Mr. and Mrs. P.W. Laird. BOTTOM RIGHT: Martin Johnson Heade, Newburyport Marshes: Approaching Storm (detail), ca. 1871, oil on canvas. Terra Foundation for American Art, Daniel J. Terra Collection.

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