Arkansas Times - March 12, 2015

NEWS + POLITICS + ENTERTAINMENT + FOOD / MARCH 12, 2015 / ARKTIMES.COM

CASTING OUT DEMONS Why Justin Harris got rid of kids he applied pressure to adopt

BY BENJAMIN HARDY

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MARCH 12, 2015

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3

COMMENT

From the web Online comments from readers on last week’s cover story on state Rep. Justin Harris’ rehoming of his adopted girls to a man who turned out to be a pedophile:

It is evil, Rep. Harris “In February, the Arkansas Times asked Rep. Harris to comment on the case and explain what became of the girls he and his wife had adopted. He refused, and stated that the Times was attempting to ‘smear’ him. ‘It’s evil,’ he said, becoming visibly upset.”

Harris’ conclusion is absolutely correct, but it has nothing to do with the article. It IS evil. You don’t like your new kids which you’ve adopted? Well just give ’em away to somebody. Give them to a potential sex abuser. I’ll give Harris the benefit of the doubt on this because, at the time, he might not have known this could happen. Maybe, maybe not.

Harris has some questions he needs to answer about precisely why Francis was fired. In other words, what did Harris know and when did he know it? Was there more to this than Francis’ punctuality?

Either way, Harris shouldn’t be eligible to serve on any public body or in any civic capacity. Giving your unwanted children away to somebody is despicable according to anybody’s religious beliefs whether it’s technically illegal or not. Add to that, Harris is always putting himself up as a paragon of “Christian” virtue — quoting scripture to the Times for example. Obviously, a righteous man such as he would not make a decision such as “rehoming” your children without a lot of prayer. They all say this, all the time. So who’s he gonna blame for the tragedy which followed?

God? Probably not. Justin Harris? CERTAINLY not.

Well, who does that leave? I guess that leaves the Arkansas Times for revealing the story. Short of a libel lawsuit, he can’t do anything about that. So who will he punish, who will he lash out out [at] — other than liberals in general?

Everybody needs to pay close attention to what happens at DHS. They appear to be the main one in the line of fire.

Let’s also watch for who defends him in state government. The voters might catch on some day …

Olphart

quately investigate what happened after the adoption because the court case file is sealed and not available to the press or the general public.

DHS will be hesitant to investigate this because they could easily end up with a lot of egg on their face and because Justin Harris is an incumbent House member.

I’m wondering if the adoption was subsidized by the state? If so, did the subsidy continue after the adoption and did Justin Harris and his wife continue to receive those subsidy payments after they no longer had physical custody of

the children? If so, there could be some criminal fraud involved there. Some of those subsidy funds are federal dollars, so maybe the state needs to ask the feds to help investigate this matter.

I agree, Benjamin Hardy has done a good job here, but I think he’s just found the tip of the iceberg so far. I’d be willing to bet a large sum of money there’s a heck of a lot more to this story that may never see the light of day.

What we do know at this point is that Justin Harris and his wife in effect abandoned those children they had adopted.

At least one of those children was sexu-

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MARCH 12, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

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Pets treated better Some pet rescue organizations take adoption more seriously than our state laws do.

When children are legally adopted as these children were, that means you are their Mom and Dad (or Mom and Mom or Dad and Dad as may be the case in more enlightened places). You can’t walk away from that morally even if you can legally.

Years ago, acquaintances in California adopted a brother and sister, aged 4 and 6. The adoption agency had not disclosed how severely abused the children had been nor the psychological damage they bore as a result of that abuse. My friends, who were not particularly religious, never faltered. The next 15 years of their lives were a living hell. THEY NEVER GAVE UP. If Justin and Marsha Harris ran a kennel, I would not board my three furry best friends with them! If this is an example of their attitudes toward children, imagine their attitude toward animals.

The Outlier

B.S.

DHS secrecy There are lots of problems with this matter. The news media can’t ade-

ally abused and will now have to live with the effects of that for the rest of her life.

Yes Justin Harris, there is something evil about this. I would suggest you will see it along with a Teapubliban hypocrite every time you look into a mirror.

RYD

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Tube

Threats of possible abandonment charges?

What utter bullshit. Is that why they were forced to continue cashing checks from the state?

They can hire an attorney to defend abandoning those babies by rehoming them, but they couldn’t stand up to “threats of abandonment charges” from the state?

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Harris — This is not about you. THIS IS NOT ABOUT YOU. It’s about those little girls, but then it was never about those little girls with y’all, was it? It was about you and how wonderful it was supposed to make you look by filling your quiver.

Time to resign, dude. Get it over with. You’re digging yourself in deeper with every breath you take. Threats of charges over abandonment don’t happen when you try and work with DHS, so the only explanation is that you did not want to work things out.

Vanessa

2015 ARKANSAS TIMES

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MARCH 12, 2015

5

EYE ON ARKANSAS

WEEK THAT WAS

“We believed that if we continued to show love and affection, the situation would turn out OK. We were wrong.”

— State Rep. Justin Harris (R-West Fork), speaking at a press conference at the Arkansas State Capitol on March 6.

The press conference was held to allow Harris to tell his side of the story — first revealed by Arkansas Times — about his “rehoming” of two little girls he and his wife, Marsha, had adopted. One of the girls was later raped by the man to whom Harris had chosen to hand the girls. At the press conference, Harris claimed the decision to move the girls to the home of Eric Cameron Francis, now serving 40 years for rape, was made because at least one of the girls, who was no older than 5 while in his home, was violent to the point that it made Harris fear for the safety of his family. Read more about Harris and the adoption fallout on page 14.

School inc.

Legislation filed March 6 by Rep. Bruce Cozart (R-Hot Springs), the chair of the House Education Committee, would set up an “Achievement School District” that would allow the state education commissioner to operate a school or district in academic distress in conjunction with an outside nonprofit.

If passed, House Bill 1733 could potentially open the door for some of Arkansas’s most troubled schools — up to and including the Little Rock School District — to become a Petri dish for charter school experimentation by the state’s ever-willing crop of wealthy education tinkerers.

That includes the charter-loving Walton Family Foundation, allied with state Education Commissioner Johnny Key. Among other things, the bill allows the commissioner to waive the Teacher Fair Dismissal Act in “Achievement District” schools, which would allow teachers in those districts to be fired with little or no cause. During this week’s meeting of the Arkansas Legislative Black Caucus, Rep. 6

MARCH 12, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

BRIAN CHILSON

Quote of the Week

WHIRR: More than 50 high school teams from the U.S. and Canada participated in the finals of the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics regional competition held Saturday, March 7, at Barton Coliseum.

John Walker (D-Little Rock) called HB 1733 an attempt to do away with teachers’ unions, and “a blatant attempt to re-segregate schools and do it in a way that will pass constitutional muster.” On March 9 over 200 people turned out to oppose the bill at Little Rock’s Calvary Baptist Church.

of the Arkansas State Capitol. Never fear, though. Rapert said that this monument would be identical to one held constitutional in a 2005 Supreme Court decision. On the upside, Rapert’s effort will hopefully spawn some of the same hilarity seen in Oklahoma, where members of the Satanic Temple hope the state capitol’s Ten Commandments monument will soon to be joined by a monument to their chosen religion: a massive bronze likeness of the goat-headed Pagan god Baphomet.

Poor Tom Not everybody is in the Sen. Tom Cotton Fan Club, it seems. On March 10, the day after Cotton penned a letter — later signed by 46 other Republican senators — to the nation of Iran saying that any agreement forged by the Obama administration to stop Iran from building a nuclear bomb could be undone by the next president “by the stroke of a pen,” the cover of the New York Daily News looked thusly.

Yes, that’s the Distinguished Gentleman from Arkansas, second from right. The Daily News (which, it should be noted, is an openly right-wing newspaper, owned by a neoconservative, and which backed Mitt Romney in the last election), twisted the knife by saying Cotton and the other 46 signers of the letter were “engaged in treachery by sending a letter to the mul-

lahs aimed at cutting the legs out from under America’s Commander-in-Chief” before adding: “They are an embarrassment to the Senate and to the Nation.”

The same day, the Daily Kos blog noted that the Twitter hashtag #47Traitors was trending worldwide.

Behold, his mighty hand!

Just when we thought Sen. Jason Rapert (R-Conway) couldn’t waste any more taxpayer dollars fighting patently unconstitutional laws in court, here he comes with more ACLU-bait: Senate Bill 939, which would authorize a monument to the Ten Commandments on the grounds

Sniffin’ out cancer Everybody loves a dog story, and this one is a humdinger: UAMS recently released research on Frankie, a German shepherd mix rescued from an animal shelter, who has been trained to detect thyroid cancer by sniffing urine samples.

In clinical trials, the researchers said, Frankie detected the presence of thyroid cancer 88.2 percent of the time, an accuracy rate approaching that of surgical biopsy. Lead researcher Dr. David Bodenner said dogs like Frankie could someday be used to detect thyroid cancer at an early and more treatable stage.

That’s a good dog! GOOOOD DOGGIE!

OPINION

The education legislature

R

epublican political control in Arkansas means many things: lots of gun bills, lots of anti-abortion bills, lots of efforts to make religious belief law, such as discrimination against gay people.

Moneyed interests must be served, of course. Gov. Asa Hutchinson has pointedly omitted the working poor — the third of the Arkansas population earning less than $21,000 a year — from income tax cuts. This week or next, the legislature will restore all of a 2013 capital gains tax cut, including a total exemption for profits over $10 million.

But something much larger is at work in education.

The legislature has gutted the law that required consolidation of school districts that fall below 350 students. The inability of small districts to offer a full range of courses is evident in other legislation to allow districts not to offer courses required by the state curriculum if no

one wants to take a course. You can easily imagine a school district discouraging a single student from MAX signing up for, say, BRANTLEY physics if it meant maxbrantley@arktimes.com hiring another teacher.

The state has made no headway at teacher health insurance matching that of other state employees. The huge teacher cost diminishes the value of teacher pay, which in turn makes it harder to hire good teachers.

This legislature doesn’t think any testing is necessary of homeschoolers. And it wants to junk a national test of the Common Core curriculum (which also might get junked, along with new science standards and full U.S. history instruction.)

The commitment to the equality and adequacy standards of the landmark Lake

Cotton ploy result: Iran gets the bomb

S

en. Tom Cotton’s big grandstanding play against President Obama may not produce the war with Iran or some other Muslim country that he seems to want, but it might give us the next worst thing, a nuclear-armed Iran.

Cotton wrote a letter to Iran’s leaders and got 46 other Republican senators to sign it, warning the country that if it reached a nuclear-proliferation agreement with the United States and other world powers that the United States would break the agreement as soon as a Republican president took office, in 2017. He suggested that the agreement would not be worth the paper it was written on because only he and his colleagues in the Senate could ratify an enforceable treaty. Seven Republicans who chose to stick with the ancient ideal of restraining domestic politics at the ocean’s edge wouldn’t sign Cotton’s letter.

House Speaker John Boehner had signaled that the old bipartisan policy was over when he invited Israeli ERNEST Prime Minister DUMAS Benjamin Netanyahu, a few weeks before Israeli elections, to address Congress and the American people to condemn the president’s effort to get an international agreement. But, if it’s possible, Tom Cotton’s design was even more sinister and reckless. His letter was met with anger in the administration, consternation among the other negotiating nations, bewilderment by others in Congress and ridicule by Iran.

Cotton’s purpose was not subtle — to encourage Iran not to sign an agreement this month with the United States, France,

View decision is waning. And there’s no concern from the governor down about the erosion of support for pre-K education.

Then, late last week, House Education Chair Rep. Bruce Cozart, a conservative Republican, filed a bill supported

by Walton Family Foundation-financed charter school lobbyists — Gary Newton of Arkansas Learns and Scott Smith of the Arkansas Public School Research Center. Cozart’s bill would provide the tools to end the Little Rock School District and abolish its teachers union. It would establish an “achievement school district” in which schools or whole districts taken over by the state could be placed. Once there, no rules — including the fair dismissal law — would apply.

The state could contract with unaccountable private organizations to operate the schools. Newton and Smith are also lobbying against a bill to make the open records law apply to such contractors.

The Little Rock School District, taken over because six of its 48 schools were judged in academic distress, could be placed in this “achievement district.” The union would be gone. All teachers would be fire-at-will employees. There would be no school board ever again. The high Little Rock property tax millage would be given to the private companies. Vot-

ers would have no say.

It’s a nuclear bomb drop on democracy.

In 10 years, the placement of New Orleans schools in a similar “recovery” school district has been a failure. There are a few good charter schools, some rotten ones and a mishmash of operators.

The schools generally remain just about the worst in the state.

Reports are also negative about a Tennessee “achievement” school district.

Gov. Hutchinson apparently is on board with outsourcing public schools to private operators. He wants Johnny Key, a former senator with no schooling or experience in public education, to run the Education Department. Key is qualified by alliance with the Walton Family Foundation and the other wealthy Arkansans, such as Democrat-Gazette publisher Walter Hussman, who want to destroy the Little Rock School District and take local tax millions to use 25,000 students as lab rats for their pet school notions.

They will find that quite a few people in Little Rock don’t have as low an opinion of local schools as the billionaires do (having put their kids in them) and would prefer to run them themselves.

Local control? Republicans like it except when they don’t.

Britain, Germany, Russia and China that would limit Iran’s ability to enrich weapons-grade uranium and allow international inspections. Cotton promised Iran that the United States would not live up to its end of the bargain.

If Iran turns down an agreement, as Cotton implored it to do, it would deny Obama a great triumph in his last two years in office, the senators’ purpose, but also leave the United States with only two options: to bomb Iran’s nuclear facilities with the attendant risk of war and international condemnation or else leave Israel to do the bombing with our backup. Israel is supposed to have 80 nuclear warheads that it could use if conventional bombs couldn’t get it done.

That puts it more starkly than Cotton, Netanyahu or any of the other hawks will articulate, but it is the essence of their stance. None has offered an alternative to preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, other than tougher sanctions (Iran has ignored all sanctions) and threatening Iran with certain destruction (Obama has only implied it) if it continues its nuclear development. Netanyahu wants the United States to do the dirty business of bombing, but he has announced that Israel will go it alone if it has to. Naturally, it expects the United

States to back it up if its attacks lead to war.

Many Americans, probably most of the multitude who voted for Cotton last November, love the jingoistic talk but they don’t like what it portends, another long and costly war in the Middle East.

The politics of the senators’ letter is understandable, preventing another achievement by the hated president, but here is the danger: By telling Iran that the agreement is not enforceable and will be freely violated by the United States, they assure the Iranians that they are equally free to ignore the agreement when they wish. No one can be sure if the Iranians are truthful or lying when they say they intend to use nuclear power only for electricity and medicine (Iran’s supreme leader says nuclear weapons violate Islamic law), but you can be sure if they scrap or flout the agreement they will recite Cotton’s letter, signed by just short of a majority of the U.S. Senate, as condoning it.

Cotton’s letter lectures the Iranians on U.S. constitutional law, explaining that only two-thirds of the U.S. Senate can ratify a treaty and make it enforceable.

The Iranian foreign minister, a U.S. graduate, knew more about the U.S. Constitution and international law than Cotton does. The Senate does not ratify treaties.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 23 www.arktimes.com

MARCH 12, 2015

7

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here Hillary Clinton is concerned, nothing ever changes.

The National Bitch Hunt has been going on for more than 20 years. As a personal matter, the inimitable Camille Paglia set the terms in a longago essay in The New Republic portraying Clinton as a “man-woman … bitch goddess,” and “the drag queen of modern politics.”

Crackpot New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd has taken up the theme with a vengeance, writing literally scores of columns depicting the former Secretary of State as a cunning schemer. One week Clinton’s a Stepford wife, then she’s Glenn Close in “Fatal Attraction,” next evil Joan Crawford of “Mommie Dearest.”

This is what happens when the Heathers at the Cute Girls lunch table suspect you’re smarter than they are.

Paglia’s particularly troubled by “the brittle brilliance of Hillary’s calculating, analytical mind.”

I’m betting they’ve never met.

Meanwhile, here’s a Washington Post headline to ponder: “New scandals and reasons to wonder if Hillary is hiding something.”

Quick now: Whitewater, White House Travel Office or the more contemporary “emailgate”?

It’s Eugene Robinson, March 10, 2015. As the immortal Yogi Berra used to say, déjà vu all over again.

The Washington press clique’s standard story hasn’t changed for two decades. They can type it up in their sleep. “Washington may now have reached the state-of-the-art point of having a cover-up without a crime,” the Post editorialized back in 1994. By arranging to have Whitewater documents delivered to the Independent Counsel instead of the inept reporters who created the bogus scandal, the White House made “it appear as if the Clintons have something to hide.”

Back then, Time magazine columnist Michael Kramer spoke for them all. Writing entirely in the subjunctive mood — “if,” “may have,” “even if,” “might not” — Kramer confessed he couldn’t make heads or tails of the swirling allegations. Even so, “How is it possible,” he demanded, “that two respected lawyers like Bill and Hill-

ary Clinton don’t possess a paper trail capable of proving their innocence? [my emphasis]” GENE Many years, LYONS millions of dollars and scores of accusatory headlines later, of course, it turned out that they did. Even so, Hillary Clinton’s been living in a Kafka novel ever since.

Her guilt is primal, like Original Sin. The bitch has to prove her innocence over and over again.

Never mind that no Secretary of State previous to Clinton ever used a government email address. Nor that inadequately protected State Department computers have been repeatedly hacked by Wikileaks and others. Nor even that, contrary to insinuations in the New York Times report that started the latest festival of speculation, the Obama administration law requiring a state.gov address wasn’t enacted until two years after Clinton left the State Department.

People expecting bombshell revelations must think that Clinton’s not only a cunning Machiavelli scheming her way into the White House, but also as dumb as a box of rocks. Whatever you think of her politics, realistically what do you think are the odds that somebody with her unique experiences connived to hide her torrid love affair with Vladimir Putin or her secret membership in the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Muslim Brotherhood, and wrote it all down in an email?

Again, love her or don’t, but here’s the thing about Hillary Clinton: Paglia’s right, she’s seriously smart, diligent and she always does her homework. Certainly smart enough to understand Rule One about cyber communications: If you don’t want to see it in the newspaper or on Fox News, don’t text it, tweet it, put it on Facebook or send it in an email.

During her March 10 press conference, Clinton casually allowed as how she never sent or received classified information via email. That alone should dampen the enthusiasm of Republicans on the latest House Benghazi committee who leaked this overblown story to the media in the CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

8

MARCH 12, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

Seeds of a progressive rebirth

T

he 2014 elections provided clarity about the present state of Arkansas politics.

While many persist in labeling themselves “Independents,� a reliable Republican majority electorate now exists in Arkansas. These voters combine a deep cultural conservatism and aggressive foreign policy views with a more hands-off streak regarding the role of government in citizens’ economic lives.

This ensures that — for the near future, in both statewide and legislative elections — thoroughly conservative Republicanism will drive the state’s politics.

But, a natural phenomenon politely termed “generational replacement� by social scientists (that is, old people going to that polling booth in the sky and being replaced by younger voters) is another key source of electoral change. Nationally, younger voters are a decidedly progressive lot as compared with older voters.

While slow to identify with any political party, the Republican Party’s brand is thoroughly toxic among voters below the age of 35. Moreover, on issue after issue — both social and economic — these voters choose the more progressive stance by broad margins and are comfortable terming themselves liberals.

What about the political predispositions of the millennial generation in Arkansas? A former student who is smack-dab in the middle of the millennial generation wrote last week to ask what recent polling is telling us about that question. In terms of partisanship, ideology and stances on key issues, are they more like their peers elsewhere in the nation or more like older Arkansans?

Because Arkansas voters were polled nonstop in the 2014 cycle — no fewer than 36 statewide polls in the U.S. Senate race between Mark Pryor and Tom Cotton are recorded by the poll aggregator Real Clear Politics — we have been provided a tremendous opportunity to examine the political predilections of subgroups of Arkansans, including the youngest group of voters who will drive Arkansas political outcomes for decades to come. (Admittedly, traditional phone-based polling strategies are creating real challenges for pollsters with younger folks; it’s a key reason Talk Business/Hendrix College,

"QSJM

Rodeo in the Rock

in collaboration with Impact Management Group, are trying some experimental survey techniques JAY this year.)

BARTH First, in terms of partisanship, Arkansas’s youngest voters seem to be dubious about existing political institutions with national millennials. In the last Talk Business & Politics/Hendrix College poll before the 2014 elections, just under half of those under 30 termed themselves either an independent (32 percent) or identified with a third party (a fairly amazing 16 percent). Moreover, the Republican Party’s national brand challenges also seem to be expressing themselves with younger voters in Arkansas; only 19 percent of the sub-30 electorate was willing to identify with the GOP. So, while only a third of this age group call themselves Democrats (about the same as among older Arkansas voters), comparatively the party is doing well with millennials. On election day in 2014, the only sliver of hope (and it was, indeed, a sliver) came among those youngest voters; both Cotton and Gov. Asa Hutchinson just reached 50 percent with this youngest group, according to exit polls, while winning more than six in 10 votes among seniors.

Second, just as is the case nationally, it is also true that millennials are the most progressive age group in the Arkansas electorate, though in a decidedly more muted form. According to the 2014 Arkansas Poll, just at half of Arkansas millennials describe themselves as either moderate or liberal. Older Arkansans are more likely to embrace a self-description of “conservative.�

Finally, on most key issues, millennials in Arkansas are, indeed, more progressive than those whom they will replace in the electorate but not as progressive as others around the nation. On the legal recognition of same-sex relationships, while nearly 70 percent of millennials nationally now support marriage equality, less than one-third of Arkansas’s young voters do.

Still, a majority of younger Arkansans now support either marriage or civil unions, according to the 2014 Arkansas Poll; the

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 23 www.arktimes.com

MARCH 12, 2015

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MARCH 12, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

s I craft this week’s Pearls, the news that Arkansas sophomore wunderkind Bobby Portis was correctly tabbed SEC Player of the Year has crept across my metaphorical ticker (i.e., Facebook news feed, blissfully interrupting the already-welcome public reproach being foisted upon our buffoonish freshman U.S. senator’s hate mail campaign), and I’m quite relieved. That tidbit gets this column off to a much more pleasant start than I anticipated.

Portis, no doubt, earned the honor.

In fact, the fear in recent weeks has been that in a year with Kentucky mowing down opposition in nearhistoric fashion, there would be an inescapable impulse among the voters to bestow such accolades on a Wildcat. Of course, the name that was drawing the most buzz was Willie Cauley-Stein, the angular center for Kentucky who undoubtedly impacts the game at both ends, but is a marginal scorer (9 ppg) and poor shooter.

With Kentucky being so balanced, and presumably so deadly and deep even if the likes of Cauley-Stein or any of its other 19 Gatorade All-Americans weren’t on the roster, Portis was the clear-cut favorite due to the raw importance his presence gives to the Razorbacks. It’s the very reason Hog fans are nervously hoping the softspoken Little Rock Hall product will bring his wares back to Fayetteville for one more go-round this fall. Sure, he’s the league’s preeminent offensive skill player, and a fine rebounder already, but the strides he made from freshman stud to sophomore leader were enormous and suggestive that even bigger things are in store for him with another year of college seasoning.

The real reason to want Portis to return was showcased in the final week of the regular season. After getting waylaid at Rupp Arena, Arkansas had two final chores to do for theoretical seeding boosts in Sunday’s NCAA bracket announcement. The first was the Hogs’ final road trip before the conference tournament, and it was easily the most bizarre contest in a season laden with them. Against seemingly hapless South Carolina, on a Senior Night that more closely resembled a senior citizens dance hall given the lax crowd, the Hogs bolted to a 20-point lead on the strength of Portis. The offense worked seamlessly

through him, and he validated the game plan with 13 points over the first 14 minutes.

Then, as BEAU they’ve often WILCOX done for stretches in this otherwise overwhelmingly successful campaign, the Hogs started flubbing it. Portis disappeared, by no act of his own or even due to any tangible adjustments by the Gamecocks, and over roughly 20 minutes of game action there was a 31-point swing that seemed almost incomprehensible even as it transpired. Down 71-60 now, and looking like a shell of a squad, the juice kicked in at the right time and Portis again became the focal point down the stretch. His six points over the final 1:49 vaulted the Hogs to a 78-74 victory.

There would be no such rescue against LSU in the finale at Bud Walton on Saturday. Despite a zealous sellout crowd and steady efforts from seniors Rashad Madden and Alandise Harris in their emotional final home game, a buzzer-beating three from Keith Hornsby over Michael Qualls’ outstretched hand gave the Tigers a win that was probably more critical to their tournament chances than it was crippling to the Hogs. It was also a pretty healthy dose of karmic payback since the Hogs had claimed five of their six away wins by a combined 14 points.

Again, though, the offensive scheme was at its pinnacle when it flowed through Portis, and faltered badly when he was less involved.

With a 21-point, 15-rebound effort in that loss, he put his stamp on the award he would claim three days later, but most importantly he sent the message that if this squad hopes to crest the 25-win mark for the first time in two decades, he will shoulder that burden unapologetically and fiercely. After all, he’s got a professional future riding on how he performs in these very scenarios.

For Mike Anderson, he needs a taste of victory in Nashville, too. The conference tourney has bedeviled him so far here, but he shepherds a much more battle-hardened group to Nashville this time around, with Portis clearly the identifiable and now adorned lead dog.

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THE OBSERVER NOTES ON THE PASSING SCENE

Every secret thing

T

he Observer came into the office on Tuesday morning, not quite bright-eyed or bushy tailed thanks to Daylight Savings Time jetlag, to find our colleague Benji Hardy conked out asleep in yet another colleague’s office, Benji having pulled an all-nighter to bring you, Dear Reader, this week’s cover story.

Benji has been pitching a no-hitter in recent weeks, not a false or unsupported note to be found, on this train wreck of a story about Rep. Justin Harris (R-West Fork), in which a state legislator known for his Bible-beating ways unloaded his adopted daughters on a near-stranger when the going got tough — as things often do with kids who wind up in the foster system, raked as they tend to be by not only the troubles that landed them in foster care in the first place, but also by the terrible fear that no one will ever want them; that no one will ever stay. Do we have to say that one of the girls later wound up getting raped by that nearstranger, who is now a long-term guest of one of Arkansas’s finer Ironbar Hotels?

You probably already know that bit of this sordid tale, but do we have to say it? Please don’t make us say it again. It leaves the bitterness of secret and terrible agonies in our mouth. It makes us lose another microscopic diamond chip of our faith in the idea that all things spin in the direction of goodness and love instead of chaos and despair, and The Observer’s supply of faith was already perilously low.

As terrible as the tale is, it’s been inspiring for an old fart, our all-nighters mostly behind us, to see Benji doing a mule’s work, upholding the great traditions of this profession we love.

He has spent weeks now doing the backstroke in the septic tank, diving down through some of the ugliest stuff imaginable in order to get at the truth, and to try and make sure this kind of thing never happens again. We’ve been there, friend. Too old and cynical for that now mostly, but we’ve been there, and so we know how hard it can be.

Not physically hard — not shoveling

gravel hard or hauling hay hard. Not working on the road crew in August hard. But mentally hard. Heart hard.

Hard as in checking and rechecking and re-rechecking every line, name spelling, punctuation mark and fact, then checking them again. Hard as in: By the time you lay down your head at night, you feel like your heart and brain has been wrung out like a kitchen sponge, eyes thrumming like a taut wire, the worry of having gotten something wrong following you down and down, even into the crevasse of sleep.

And here is the prayer you say before sleep then, Dear Reader: The Journalist’s Prayer, Ecclesiastes 12:14: “God shall bring every work into judgment, every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”

Here’s the weirdest part of it, though.

As hard as that can be to do this job well, once you’ve done it awhile, you start to crave it, especially if you’re eventually able to see the needle squeak even one bare degree in the direction of progress when all is said and done. You know that scene at the end of “Rocky II” where Rocky has had his face beaten to steak tartare, but hoists the championship belt and says: “Yo, Adrian! I did it!”? Yeah.

That. That’s it exactly.

So if you see Benji Hardy out there on the streets of Little Rock in the next few weeks, give him a pat on the back (though not, please, while he’s riding his bicycle in traffic). Hell, do that for any journalist whose work has moved you, because Lord knows there are plenty of hardworking reporters in this town who could use it. But do The Observer a favor in the short term and extend the hand of backslapping to Benji. Tell him what a good job he’s done. Tell him it wasn’t just bird-cage liner to you. Tell him it mattered. Imagine him curled up asleep on unpadded carpet the color of a dirt-dobber’s nest, heart wrung out like a sponge, even the float-a-pistol newsroom coffee not keeping him upright anymore.

Tell him: Yo, Benjamin. You did it.

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425 West Capitol Avenue #300 Little Rock, AR 72201 501.375.3200 flake-kelley.com www.arktimes.com

MARCH 12, 2015

11

Arkansas Reporter

THE

IN S ID ER

Overcoming the test The legislature is fixated on test scores.

Schools that don’t hit the proficiency mark can be taken over by the state. Sen. Jimmy Hickey (R-Texarkana) doesn’t want to give Arkansas Lottery scholarships to anyone who doesn’t score at least a 19 on the ACT test for college applicants.

So Rep. John Walker’s (D-Little Rock) last-minute bill to require a 16 ACT by all superintendents or interim superintendents of school districts with more than 1,000 students seemed a fit for the times.

But it was also a personal dig at Walker antagonist Dexter Suggs, who was inexplicably left in charge as interim superintendent of the Little Rock School District after the state took it over for academic failure.

The state Board of Education did fire the school board, but not Suggs.

The backstory on the Walker bill is a deposition he took from Suggs in a lawsuit over a Suggs personnel decision. The questioning got into Suggs’ academic qualifications.

In the questioning, Suggs said he’d planned to play football in college but had to sit out his first year.

“Q: Why were you required to sit out a year in order to play football?

A: Academic ineligible.

Q. I’m sorry?

A. I didn’t meet the testing requirements of the ACT. Q. What was your test score?

A. 13, 15 — something like that.

Q. You tested 13 — between 13 and 15 on the CT? ACT? A: Yes.” A perfect score on the ACT is a 36. Today, the ACT says a 13-15 composite score would rank a student in the bottom 7-17th percentile of test takers. Suggs went on to take the Graduate Record Exam. He told Walker he got a “close to perfect” score on the GRE and later earned a doctorate.

If Suggs can overcome a 13, or 15, ACT score, maybe Hickey should rethink the poor kids he’s holding back by depriving lottery scholarships to those scoring less than 19. There might be another school superintendent among them.

Bell damns reporter to hell This week, Benjamin Hardy follows up on last week’s cover story concerning the “rehoming” of a child originally adopted by state Rep. Justin Harris (R-West Fork) and his wife, Marsha; the child was then sexually abused at the second home.

The story was picked up by dozens of

WILDE AT WORK: Researcher Susan Wilde handles a hydrilla-loving coot.

Eagle killer identified Invasive-plant-loving algae suggested as culprit.

BY LESLIE NEWELL PEACOCK

I

t has been a decade since the bald eagle was taking its life in its own talons by choosing an Arkansas lake to winter on. The once endangered species was locally threatened again starting in 1994 and 1995, when 29 eagles at DeGray Lake died. Whatever was ailing them caused the birds to have difficulty flying and swimming — they were observed “wobbling like a sick dog” and doing backflips off their perches before death. Distressed biologists from state and federal agencies tried to figure out what was killing the birds. Tests of DeGray Lake for insecticides, arsenic, pesticides and other contaminants turned up nothing.

Coots — little black duck-like birds that eagles like to feast on — were also dying, and scientists knew there was a connection, but weren’t sure what it was. In the next eight years, Arkansas’s

eagle death toll rose to 68; nationally, hundreds have died.

Necropsies of the birds discovered microscopic lesions in the eagle brains that explained their uncoordinated behavior, and eventually the disease had a name: avian vacuolar myelinopathy (AVM).

Nearly a decade later, a South Carolina researcher into algae believed she’d found the answer: a life form growing on invasive plants that occurred in Lake Strom Thurmond, on the border of Georgia and South Carolina; DeGray Lake and other lakes where eagles, coots and other birds were dying.

Now, researchers have determined that the cyanobacteria is a species previously not known to science, and hence were able to name it: Aetokthonos hydrillicola. Eagle killer that lives on hydrilla.

The eagle die-off on Lake Thurmond started in 1998, two years after the invasive plant hydrilla, an old-world plant brought into the United States by the aquarium industry because it thrives submerged in water and by other means, was discovered. When the number climbed to 17 in September 2001, Dr. Tom Murphy, an eagle researcher now retired from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, called on Susan Wilde, who had been studying cyanobacteria in the coastal ponds and waters of South Carolina. He said, “Let’s look in these places where eagles are dying and see if you can find a toxic algae,” she recounted.

A month later, Wilde was out on Thurmond with Murphy, where they observed a lone Canada goose sitting on the water, calling. It did not move as they approached. It was blind. AVM lesions had affected its optic lobe.

At the same time, Wilde was working with a Clemson University team studying hydrilla to see if it would cause AVM in mallards.

Clemson sent her a batch, with the caveat from a researcher there that CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

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MARCH 12, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

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THE

BIG PICTURE

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

Available on iTunes & arktimes.com

INCONSEQUENTIAL NEWS QUIZ Play at home!

INSIDER, CONT.

The day before Valentine’s Day, two men were arrested in Benton County after police noticed something odd about the vehicle they were driving. What was the issue?

A) Motorized parade float featuring a paper mache Mt. Rushmore, stolen from behind the local Future Farmers of America clubhouse.

B) Wingless Cessna airplane, which they’d taken on a joyride while working on it at the local airport.

C) Black 1974 Trans Am running as a “blocker” for a semi-truck full of Coors beer.

D) Ford Crown Victoria that had been made over into a fake police cruiser, complete with a black and white paint scheme, “Police” stickers on the doors and a red-and-blue light bar.

Sen. Jason Rapert (R-Conway) recently made a modest proposal on his Facebook page about how the U.S. should combat the terrorist group ISIS. What was his suggestion?

A) Ship all of Arkansas’s gay people to wherever ISIS is so he doesn’t have to spend yet another summer constantly watching them gay it up in their mesmerizingly gay way.

B) Proposed we should “annihilate their strongholds” with “a strategically placed nuclear weapon.” Because, you know, nothing would help the situation more than for the U.S. to fire a tactical nuke at an Islamic country.

C) Rapert will move to Iraq, at which point ISIS will flee in disgust.

D) Transvaginal probing for all members of ISIS, regardless of gender.

UAMS recently published the results of groundbreaking research involving a dog named Frankie.

What’s so special about Frankie?

A) By sniffing urine samples, she can detect thyroid cancer 88.2 percent of the time, a rate only slightly less accurate than surgical biopsy.

B) Generates enough power to operate an MRI machine via the static electricity from vigorous tummy rubs.

C) Taught to speak, but quickly encouraged to shut up after revealing what her owner does when nobody else is home.

D) Source for a New England Journal of Veterinary Medicine article called: “ ‘Because It Stinks in Here’: Why Dogs Hang Their Heads Out the Car Window.”

*

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee recently criticized Hillary Clinton for using personal email while at the State Department, saying that her unwillingness to use her State Department email address — which will keep the public from seeing her correspondence — will place a “shadow of a doubt” on her campaign if she decides to run for president. What was one of Huckabee’s last official acts as Governor of Arkansas?

A) Test of manhood in which he jumped from the roof of the Governor’s Mansion holding an umbrella, shattering his pelvis on the barbecue grill below.

B) Ordered the hard drives from his office crushed in an industrial press to make sure the information contained on them was never revealed to the public.

C) Secret gastric bypass operation in Mexico.

D) Forced State Police protective detail to learn the zombie dance from “Thriller.”

State Rep. Nate Bell (R-Mena) contacted Arkansas Times reporter Benji Hardy just before we ran Hardy’s explosive cover story on the “rehoming” of three little girls adopted by Rep. Justin Harris of West Fork — one of whom was later raped by the man Harris left her with. Why did Bell contact Hardy?

A) To thank him for upholding the standards of journalism in the 21st century.

B) To give Hardy a “Deep Throat”-style tip on Harris.

C) To say that he would personally investigate the matter and help bring any wrongdoing to light.

D) To literally damn Hardy to hell for writing and publishing a story about Harris and his wife dumping their adopted daughters after promising them a “forever home,” with Bell advising Hardy to “invest in asbestos” and saying he’d seek harassment charges if Hardy ever contacted him again.

Answers: D, B, A, B,D

* Not Frankie

national outlets. Responses poured in to the Times. Foster and adoptive parents have written noting their difficulties in dealing with the state Department of Human Services before, during and after adoptions. Advocates from other parts of the child welfare and mental health systems have given their input. So far, we haven’t seen anything rebutting or refuting the facts stated in the article, or critiquing its basic points.

With one exception. Last Tuesday morning, as we were triple- and quadruple-checking the story, before it was ever published, Hardy got a text from a colleague of Harris — Rep. Nate Bell (RMena). He informed Hardy that he would burn in hell for writing the article exposing Harris, who he describes as “a good man ... who has given [his] life to helping vulnerable children.” Hardy, on the other hand, is described by Bell as “the lowest fork [sic] of muckracking slime on earth.”

“Hell has a special corner for the merciless. You’re headed there. Invest in asbestos,” he said, before threatening Hardy with harassment charges should he dare to contact him “again.”

We placed “again” in quotes because Bell initiated this text exchange with Hardy. Again, before the article was ever published. Before he or anyone else had read it. The Times followed up with Bell in an email after the story was published to see if he stood by his words. No response has been forthcoming.

Another Bell in government Meanwhile, Phyllis Bell, Republican state Rep. Nate Bell’s wife, has a fulltime job as legislative liaison for Gov. Asa Hutchinson. The pay is $50,000 a year.

Liaisons communicate between the governor’s office and legislators. They are essentially lobbyists.

We’ve written before about some other legislative liaisons — they included former Sen. Tracy Steele before he got a state agency director’s job. They were making $200 to $250 a day.

Phyllis Bell lost a race in 2014 for Polk County assessor. Rep. Bell turned up at the top of the pay list the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette compiles every year on cumulative pay and expenses for legislators — at almost $63,000. He’s said he won’t seek re-election in 2016 because time away cuts into his income from raising chickens and other enterprises.

Many rumors have circulated, however, about Rep. Bell’s reported interest in appointment by Hutchinson to a state job. The fact that his wife is now working here full time lends some credence to the idea. www.arktimes.com

MARCH 12, 2015

13

The dispossessed

Rep. Justin Harris blames DHS for the fallout related to his adoption of three young girls, but sources familiar with the situation contradict his story and paint a troubling picture of the adoption process and the girls’ time in the Harris household.

BRIAN CHILSON

BY BENJAMIN HARDY

BLAME GAME: Rep. Justin Harris, with his wife, Marsha, said DHS threatened abandonment charges when he asked for help with his adoptive daughters. He then gave them to another family, where one of them was raped.

14

MARCH 12, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

A

n emotional Rep. Justin Harris (R-West Fork), his wife at his side, told reporters at a press conference last week that he sent his two adopted daughters to live with another family, where one of them was later sexually abused, because he would have faced abandonment charges by the state.

Responding to the Arkansas Times’ report that uncovered Harris’ “rehoming” of his children, the state legislator said he was “failed” by the Department of Human Services when he told employees the girls were too difficult for the family to handle. He said DHS’ threat to charge him with abandonment could have cost him custody of his three biological sons (and, though he did not say so, could have cost him his business as well, Growing God’s Kingdom preschool). The lawmaker also said DHS “misled” him about severe behavioral issues with the girls. He said they suffered from reactive attachment disorder, a condition sometimes occurring among children with unstable backgrounds that results in severe emotional and social problems.

Harris spoke for the first time of a third, older sister that he said DHS made him adopt before he could take the younger sisters into his home. The Times had reported on the third sister before the press conference, held Friday afternoon in the old Supreme Court chambers in the state Capitol. The older girl, who would have been about 6 years old at the time she entered the Harris household, presented an imminent danger to his older three sons, Harris said. DHS ultimately placed the child into a hospital after just a few months of living with the family, and the Harrises did not proceed with the planned adoption. He also said the younger sisters, ages 4 and 2 when they entered the Harris home, were violent. He said one of the girls — the implication was the middle sister — had to be medicated to stop hurting her sister, and that he was advised by therapists to treat her RAD by removing toys and other belongings from her room.

After one of the two younger girls crushed a family pet to death, Harris said, he and his wife were advised by “a therapist, a psychiatrist and a pedi-

atrician” to remove the children from the Harris home. He said he sought DHS assistance at that time but was given none. He said he thought he’d found the “perfect solution” in handing the girls over to Stacey Francis, a longtime friend of his wife’s, and her husband, Eric Cameron Francis.

Eric Francis is serving 40 years in prison on charges of raping the child the Harrises rehomed and sexually assaulting other children.

This story will refer to the three girls taken in by the Harrises by pseudonyms: We will call the oldest sister Jeannette, the middle sister Mary and the youngest sister Annie. When they began living with the Harrises in 2012, Jeannette was around 6, Mary was 4 and Annie was around 2.

Demons

Nearly a dozen people interviewed by the Times tell a different story of Justin and Marsha Harris’ dealings with DHS and their relationship with the three young girls. Among them: two foster families who cared for the girls prior to the Harris adoption, the girls’ biological mother, a former DHS employee familiar with the proceedings and a former babysitter at the Harrises’ West Fork home.

Cheryl and Craig Hart, an experienced foster couple who housed Mary and Annie for a year and a half before their adoption by the Harrises, said they tried to talk the Harrises out of adopting the sisters.

The Harts said that a local team working on the adoption — including themselves, DHS caseworkers, adoption specialists, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and therapists from Ozark Guidance, a mental health provider — made the Harrises fully aware of the girls’ history of neglect and sexual abuse and cautioned them that they were unprepared to handle children from such a background, especially considering their home included young boys.

The former DHS employee confirmed this account.

The Harts also said the adoption was allowed to proceed despite their objections because of the direct intervention of Cecile Blucker, head of the Division of Children and Family Services, the arm of DHS responsible for child welfare. They say Blucker

“We are deeply grieved over Justin Harris’ accusations toward our daughters in order to self-protect; it is inexcusable. ... Our daughters are a precious gift from God and truly a blessing to each one of our lives and our extended family and friends. ...We choose to forgive the Harrises and hope they will truly follow Christ in humility and repentance for the mistakes they made in our daughters’ lives.” ­—The adoptive parents of "Mary" and "Annie" exerted pressure on the Washington County DHS office on behalf of Justin Harris to facilitate the adoption.

The former DHS employee confirmed this information as well.

Chelsey Goldsborough, who regularly babysat for the Harrises, said Mary was kept isolated from Annie and from the rest of the family. She was often confined for hours to her room, where she was monitored by a video camera. The reason: The Harrises believed the girls were possessed by demons and could communicate telepathically, Goldsborough said. Harris and his wife once hired specialists to perform an “exorcism” on the two sisters while she waited outside the house with the boys, she said.

Multiple sources who interacted with the family confirmed Goldsborough’s account that the Harrises believed the children were possessed, and another source close to the family said that Marsha Harris spoke openly about the supposed demonic possession.

The Harrises deny those claims.

Their attorney, Jennifer Wells, said in a statement: “Exorcisms and telepathy are not part of the Harrises’ religious practice. They followed the techniques in a book called ‘When Love Is Not Enough, a Parent’s Guide to Reactive Attachment Disorder’ by Nancy Thomas, who is

a recognized expert on therapeutic parenting techniques.”

Mary and Annie stayed in the Harris home for no more than 14 months (not two years, as Harris said at the Friday press conference).

For about half of that time, from the end of 2012 to summer 2013, Goldsborough would babysit the Harris boys, Annie and, in an unconventional sense, Mary. Goldsborough said she would watch Mary on a monitor linked to a camera in her room, but usually only entered the room to provide food or water. Goldsborough, who is now a college student in Bentonville, said she would stay at the Harris house for three to four hours after school many days during the spring semester of her senior year of high school.

“The first night I was over there, I just broke down and cried with this little girl because I just felt so bad for her,” Goldsborough said.

According to Goldsborough, the two girls were kept in separate rooms that were outfitted with locks, alarms and video cameras. They were not allowed to be around each other because of the Harrises’ belief in demonic possession and telepathy, she said.

While Annie would be allowed to roam the house and interact with other family members, Mary was often confined to her room, GoldsCONTINUED ON PAGE 16 www.arktimes.com

MARCH 12, 2015

15

borough said.

“We couldn’t ever take [Mary] out.

I’d watch her from a camera. I think it’s crazy. They were adopted, so they’re going to want TLC.” Goldsborough said the “exorcism” was performed by specialists from Alabama who came to the house to orchestrate the event. Other sources confirmed to the Times that Marsha Harris told them at least one “exorcism” was performed on the girls.

Goldsborough said the Harrises showed her “a picture of [Mary] where they’re like, ‘You can see the demon rising from her back,’ and it just looked like a little 6-year-old to me.” [Mary was 4 or 5.] The separate source close to the Harrises reported seeing a video that Marsha Harris said showed a demon interacting with one of the girls. The source said demons were an “obsession” with Marsha Harris.

“They consider it to be spiritual warfare,” the other source said. “I’m a Christian, and I have these beliefs, but this was completely beyond anything I’ve ever seen or heard about.”

Goldsborough said the reason the family removed Mary’s toys was “because a demon told [Mary] not to share. … Demons told her to not appreciate [her toys] and all that, so they took away all the toys and her colored clothes.”

Although she was disturbed by what she saw in the household, Goldsborough said she felt compelled to continue babysitting for the sake of the girls. “I think everything happens for a reason, so I feel like I was there for a reason,” she said. “In some ways I did break the rules and give [Mary] attention. When it was just me and her one night, I took her on a walk down the street to hang out and took her to the playground.”

When asked whether either of the girls displayed any signs of violence, Goldsborough said, “Yeah — they’d throw a fit sometimes if I made them eat their broccoli. They were like any other kid I watched.”

At the Friday press conference, Justin Harris said he and Marsha had their biological sons sleep in their room for “their protection” from the young sisters. The source close to the Harrises said the pet — a guinea pig belonging to one of the boys — was killed not by Mary, but by the old16

MARCH 12, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

est sister, Jeannette, who had long since left the home by the time the Harrises, allegedly on the advice of therapists, rehomed the girls with the Francises.

Asked about the death of the g uinea pig, Wells, the Harrises’ lawyer, said via email, “A family pet, which was a guinea pig, was crushed to death by one of the children. Another pet, which was a hamster, was hurt but not killed by another child. We don’t want to identify exactly which child did what. It may be in the report you have, but just in case the minors’ identities are known, we don’t want to be specific for their own protection.”

The lawyer had not responded to a long list of other questions from the Times by midday Tuesday.

Goldsborough said Mary and Annie were moved to the Francis home in Bella Vista months after she moved away for college. “But I knew they had talked about it, they were going to rehome them,” she said.

“They were looking for a new house because Marsha had gotten sick.”

Doctors found that Marsha Harris had a possible cancerous mass sometime in 2013; Goldsborough believes that’s why the Harrises eventually sent the girls away. “She just felt tired all the time, and she went in [to the doctor] and they found something and she said, ‘I just don’t know if I can handle all this.’ ” Justin Harris said they took Mary’s toys away from her at the suggestion of professionals from Ozark Guidance. But Dr. Peter Jensen, acting director of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, said that did not sound like an appropriate therapy for RAD. Children with RAD may be successfully treated, especially if reached at an early age and placed in a stable, loving home, Jensen said. But “parents cannot use normal parenting. ... They have to learn skills most parents don’t have — such as how to talk a child down.” Therapists need to become involved. “You can have a degree in child development, but that’s not a degree in child development run amok, gone wild.”

To allow a child with RAD to emotionally attach to her new caregivers requires a focus on positive reinforce-

ment; any punishment must be kept gentle, Jensen said. Attachment to a mother or father figure is “a deep, biological need and necessary for normal social development,” Jensen said. With attachment comes a sense of security; without it, a child may experience a heightened wariness of his or her environment, become withdrawn, and be unable to respond to attempts at comfort.

“We see this happening in orphanages and kids moved into foster care at a young age. … Basically, they haven’t had their emotional needs met, or they’ve been taken away,” Jensen said. When a child has repeated changes of caregivers, “that child is learning that the world is not to be trusted and there is no one there for me at a critical time, and I might be bounced out at any moment,” he said.

Taking toys away for long periods of time — “that’s just the wrong thing,” a naïve idea, Jensen said.

“Sometimes you see kids put in a safe environment and all hell may break loose. Now it’s safe for them to show all the disturbance that has been hidden,” Jensen said. But “even that can be treated.”

‘This was my winning battle’

“All I wanted to do was to make sure my girls were safe and in a good home, you know? To at least keep them together, instead of DHS taking my rights,” said Sarah Young, the biological mother of the three sisters, in an interview with the Times.

That is why, in 2011, Young approached the Harrises and asked them to adopt her daughters, then in foster care. She said she was originally introduced to the Harrises by a former friend. After Friday’s press conference, Justin Harris gave a lengthy interview to a KARK-TV, Channel 4, reporter in which he told a similar story about how his troubled adoption began.

“A mother … heard that we were wanting to adopt,” he said. “[She] heard about us … through the church on Dickson Street [in Fayetteville] where they gave free meals. So she called us out of the blue, the mom, and said ‘Will you take my three girls? Because I’m about ready to lose them to DHS.’ ”

The girls had been taken into DHS custody in early 2011 after suffering through a staggering sequence of chaos and abuse. First, Young discovered her husband sexually assaulting Jeannette, the oldest of the three girls, and turned him in; he is now in prison. (Other sources claim Young waited for days to turn the husband over to the police.) Young then became involved with a man who cooked and sold methamphetamine; a fire started by his meth lab provoked a police investigation that sent that man, too, to prison. The child abuse hotline soon thereafter received a call from an individual concerned for the girls’ safety, and investigators found the children in the care of a woman in a house with multiple adults who tested positive for meth; one man at the home had been sexually abusing both Jeannette and Mary, and he is now serving a 120-year sentence. When DHS collected the children, the eldest was 5, the middle girl was 3 and the youngest was under a year old.

The two youngest girls were taken into the Harts’ foster home. “We got the little one first; I’m pretty sure it was the first weekend of March 2011,” Cheryl Hart said. “The middle girl came maybe two months later — she had a potential adoptive family that for some reason changed their minds very suddenly and said she had to be out right away, so we took her, too.”

The Harts kept the two younger sisters until October 2012, and their descriptions of the girls’ behavior throughout those 18 months stands in stark contrast to the harrowing picture painted by Justin Harris.

“They were not a challenge compared to a lot of kids we’ve had, but we were familiar with their kinds of behaviors,” Cheryl Hart said. The girls had regular counseling at Children’s House in Springdale, a center specializing in mental health treatment for young victims of abuse.

“They got therapy every day — play therapy, occupational therapy, anger management.”

With 15 years fostering some 70 children, the Harts were veterans at living with tough kids. Mary, they said, had some problems at preschool — tantrums and occasional inappropriate behavior. She “didn’t have boundaries,” Cheryl Hart recalled.

CHRIS CLANTON

“If the checker at Walmart asked if she wanted to go home with her, she would. They were thrown in with a lot of transient people in their lives before us.

“But she was such a sweet little girl.

We could reason with her and talk to her. The neighbor kids liked her. She loved to dress up.”

Craig Hart objected strongly to Harris’ implication that the girls were dangerous. “Our friends, our neighbors, our church — we can get as many character witnesses as you want for those girls,” he said. “And also, they’re both small children for their age. Unless he gave them guns, they weren’t dangerous.”

He felt especially offended at Harris’ statement in the press conference that they had to “medicate” the middle child to prevent her from “hurting her sister.” He said Mary displayed only affection and kindness toward her younger sister. “They loved each other. The older one was very protective of the younger one.”

“If they were violent [in the Harris home], they were taught violence. We had a dog, a little Bichon, that they were around all the time and there was never once any issue with her abusing an animal. ... They thrived in our home,” Cheryl Hart said.

Kyra Guthrie, a Fayetteville resident and friend of the Harts, sometimes provided respite care for the foster family. “I knew the two girls for over a year and spent many hours with them,” Guthrie told the Times.

“They’re just normal little girls. They were very delightful, fun, energetic ... never an ounce of threat from them. They played with my adopted son in my home.”

But what of Jeannette, the oldest daughter and the first to be taken in by the Harrises, who the lawmaker said “sometimes spent about eight hours every day screaming and in a rage” and threatened violence upon his sons?

After Jeannette entered DHS supervision in early 2011, she bounced around between foster care and inpatient psychiatric treatment before landing in a therapeutic foster home in May 2011. The mother in that household, who asked that her name not be used in this story, still refers to the girl as “my daughter” and describes her as simultaneously

THE BABYSITTER: Chelsey Goldsborough said she was disturbed by the Harrises’ treatment of their adopted daughters.

one of the most disturbing casualties of sexual abuse she’s ever encountered and a remarkable, resilient child who she grew to love as deeply as her own biological son.

“Now, I’m really good with kids with sexual trauma. But this kid was so sexualized, I’d never seen anything like it,” the therapeutic foster mother said. “My husband was so worried of any allegations that he wouldn’t go down the hall to her room.

“I had a big dog outside, and I caught her trying to stick a stick up the dog’s nose. So you think of the typical labels these kids get, like ‘Oh, they’re a sociopath,’ but when I asked her what she was doing she said, ‘I was trying to get him to kill me, so I could go to heaven.’ It wasn’t about controlling an animal — she was so sad about everything that happened to her, she really wanted to die.”

Therapeutic foster parents are trained to deal with the intense demands of traumatized children and nudge them toward healing and bonding with intentional, careful steps. Gradually, the foster mother

said, this troubled girl’s behavior began to change.

“She did so good. It was hard. She was the toughest kid I ever had, but when she finally came through and I realized I could take her to our homeschool co-op, she was just like a normal kid. She’d get overexcited or scared, and we’d come back out and she’d calm down with me. I’d take her to parks and she wouldn’t run off or act all crazy or beat other children to death — she was just another kid.”

Meanwhile, Sarah Young, the biological mother, had made a plan of her own. When DHS takes children from a home, it’s usually assumed to be temporary — the eventual goal being reunification with the birth family — but the agency will move to terminate parental rights if it determines the birth parents are unfit.

Given the abuse the kids had endured while entrusted to her care, Young believed that it was unlikely a judge would return her children.

She mistrusted DHS and disliked the foster system. She told the Times that she wanted to get the girls into a

permanent home — and to keep the three of them together, above all else — in large part because of her own unhappy childhood spent in foster care in Minnesota.

“When I was a child, I was abandoned, then adopted, and then my adopted mom threw me back in the foster system because she didn’t want me. Because of my behavior, my problems. That’s something I didn’t want for my girls. I knew how foster homes are — some are good, some not.” And then, she found the Harrises.

Justin and Marsha Harris always evinced a keen, sincere interest in helping vulnerable kids. In the KARK interview, Justin Harris noted that he and his future wife met at Children’s House. She was a volunteer and he an intern, confirmed a source familiar with the Harrises. They married four months later.

“We had wanted to adopt from the very beginning. … We had decided to add on to our house in order to expand the family, and we couldn’t have any more children, so at that point we had decided we were going CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 www.arktimes.com

MARCH 12, 2015

17

The adoption “Our idea was going to be to have a private adoption,” Harris said in the KARK interview. “[The biological] mom wanted to have control of what happened to the children … and Marsha and I said we didn’t want to go through DHS because of some issues we’d had with them in the past.”

(Roughly around this time, in late 2011, the Harrises were feuding with DHS over an investigation involving Growing God’s Kingdom that found the school included overtly Christian instruction despite receiving public money.)

DHS, Harris said, would not let

MARK HIRSCH

to adopt. We just always kept that in our mind,” Harris said.

To both Young and the Harrises, it must have seemed like providence.

Here was a young, desperate mother pleading for help, seeking a home for her three little lost girls. And here was a stable family with a successful business, the father a state representative, seeking new children.

“Marsha was showing me these really beautiful pictures of these rooms that they had supposedly set up for the girls,” Young recalled.

So one day in late 2011, a few months after they were first introduced, Young met with the Harrises. “Their attorneys pulled up all the paperwork for me. They came in to one of the church lunches and had me go to the bank with them to have it notarized and all that stuff to take it back to their lawyer.

“DHS was still trying to go after me, and when they talked about terminating my [parental] rights, I said, ‘I don’t have any rights. I turned them over to these people,’ ” Young said.

“I never signed any parental rights away to DHS. I figured this was my winning battle. … I felt it was better.

It was the only chance I had to keep my girls together. This was my last effort at being a good mother.”

FOSTER PARENTS: Craig and Cheryl Hart, who now live in Peosta, Iowa, were foster parents of ‘Mary’ and ‘Annie’ before they were adopted by Rep. Justin Harris and his wife, Marsha.

him and Marsha adopt the girls privately — that is, via the legal documents drafted by their attorney attempting to transfer custody from Young to their family. Instead, “they wanted us to do it through the system.” Even once the couple began the lengthy process of adopting through DHS, though, he said the agency “fought us the whole way. … They felt like we had an ulterior motive to wanting these children in the first place.”

But it was not just DHS. The two foster families themselves strongly objected to the Harris adoption, whether done privately or through the system. When the therapeutic foster mother argued that troubled Jeannette in particular should not

be placed into the Harris home, she said, Justin Harris waved away her concerns.

“She was a kid that needed an experienced family,” the mother explained.

“The problem was simple hubris. He saw it as, ‘I’m with God. God’s going to solve this.’ ... There are lots of children you could adopt — you don’t need to take the most traumatized ones out of the system. He was told by many people in DHS, ‘These are not the kids you want to just jump into.’ … That’s why I’m angry. I knew [Jeannette] wouldn’t last five minutes there.”

But Justin Harris now says he and Marsha were pressured to take Jeannette against their wishes. He said at the Friday press conference

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ARKANSAS TIMES

that they wanted only to adopt the younger sisters but were forced to accept the eldest as part of a package deal: “Marsha and I always planned to have five children. … We decided to adopt two girls. After initiating a private adoption, we were informed in a meeting with DHS, CASA, the attorney ad litem, and Ozark Guidance that we could not adopt the two children unless we also took their older sibling.”

Harris contradicted himself in the KARK interview later that same evening, stating that Sarah Young asked him, “ ‘Will you take my three girls?’ … and we said, ‘Yes, we will take your three girls.’ ” Cheryl Hart also vividly remembers t he rou ndt able meet i ng

one testifying before the judge had stipulations, like ‘To be followed up,’ ‘To cont inue t heir t herapy at Children’s House,’ but nobody would say, ‘We really don’t think this is a good idea.’ ” The Harts believe Blucker’s inf luence made the adoption happen. They said she exer ted pressure on people in the local DHS team on Harris’

behalf.

DHS can’t comment on specific cases, but when the Times previously asked DHS spokesperson Amy Webb whether senior agency officials at the state level ever override the recommendations of a local adoption team, she said, “I’m sure that’s possible that’s happened. That’s part of the process

you want. That’s why we have supervisors and area managers … because you want as many eyes as you can to help make sure we make the best, most appropriate decisions for those kids. So, sure, higher-ups will get into discussions about what is best and what is not.”

However, a source familiar with

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described by Harris, which she said occurred on Valentine’s Day 2012.

What she recalls is that Justin and Marsha Harris did not heed the warnings of person after person familiar with the sisters’ special needs, who uniformly counseled against placing troubled girls in a home with young boys and busy parents.

“We tried to sort of put all our cards on the table and say why this was a bad idea,” Cheryl Hart said.

“But the Harrises were hell-bent on having it happen. … Organizations, counselors, therapists, caseworker af ter caseworker told them, you don’t know what you’re get ting into. They just were in denial the whole time about how troubled these g irls were. … They repeatedly told us they had deg rees in early childhood development, they had therapists there at their preschool, and they had God to help them through this.

“I asked them point blank, ‘Why would you put your sons through that?’ Because [Jeannette] at the time was agg ressive — that’s how she learned to get things in her life.

And they knew [Mary] had been sexually assaulted, and she would have some anger issues.” The former DHS employee the Times contacted for this story independently confirmed this account of the Valentine’s Day meeting.

Cheryl Hart also remembers Justin Harris often mentioning the name of DCFS director Blucker, the person ultimately in cha rge of adoption and foster care for the state of Arkansas. As a leg islator, Harris knew Blucker personally — and has some inf luence over her budget. “ In most conversat ion s w it h us, [Harris] would mention Cecile’s name. ‘Well, Cecile said this, Cecile sa id t hat,’ ” Cher yl Hart said. It is her opinion the Harrises called Cecile Blucker “to expedite things.”

That summer, the adoption case went before 4th Circuit Juvenile Court Judge Stacy Zimmerman in Washing ton County. And in court, Cher yl Hart recalled, something stra nge happened: Ever yone on the DHS team that had previously opposed t he adopt ion cha nged their recommendations. “Ever y-

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“The failed adoptions that we have seen are parents who think they can love their child into being good. ...

Adoptive parents don't believe us. They think their family is different. They think they are the fairy godmother, and their charity is to save themselves a Cinderella ... But DHS has a long history of avoiding, lying or otherwise hiding kids' behaviors in attempts to place children quickly.”

—Anonymous child therapist familiar with DHS

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the workings of state-level DHS informed the Times that Blucker supposedly remarked in 2012 that “Harris threatened to hold up the budget for the division if he didn’t get to adopt those girls.”

Justin Harris suggested he used his influence to obtain the three girls during the adoption hearing, according to Cheryl Hart.

“At the hearing, the ad litem attorney — you know, the one who is representing only the interests of the children — said, ‘When we met less than a couple of days ago, everyone’s recommendation was for these kids to not go to this home. Now, what has happened in the last 24 hours that everyone’s recommendation has changed?’

“Harris’ face was getting all red,” Cheryl Hart added. “And the ad litem asked him, ‘Did you make calls?’ And he finally said, ‘I did what I had to do to get these girls.’

I expected the judge would [stop the adoption] but she gave them the oldest girl.” The younger two sisters soon followed.

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The Harts reject Harris’ claim that the family didn’t want the oldest child. “They said the whole time in court they wanted all three, and that’s why they were chosen [to adopt] … They fell on their knees when they were told they could take her.”

As for the transfer itself, Craig Hart said, “It was not the process normally followed when we had kids go into an adoption situation … the court said there should be a transitioning period between us and them, and we saw them only once after they moved in [with the Harrises]. We still are in contact with a lot of our former fosters who have been adopted. They cut us off completely, quickly — they just thought they knew so much.”

Cheryl Hart said their offers of respite care — that is, extended childcare to allow parents time away from diff icult kids — went unanswered. “ We offered to be respite for them, to give them relief, to help out any way that we could because we’d been liv ing w it h

[Mary and Annie] for a year and a half. They never once called us.”

Faith and forgiveness

The Harrises sent Mary and Annie to live with the Francises in October 2013, just a year after they had taken them into custody. The girls remained with the Francises until February or March of 2014 — a month or two after Francis stopped working at the Harrises’ daycare.

In the interview with K ARK last Friday, Harris said Francis left to spend more time studying for a seminary degree and that the parting was amicable. When news of the rape came out in April 2014 and Harris was questioned about his former employee, he told the Times he’d fired Francis for a poor work record. The lawmaker did not reveal at the time the child Francis raped was Harris’ own.

For unknown reasons, Mary and Annie left the Francis home in early 2014 to live with yet another family, where they remain today. This couple, the girls’ fourth set of parents in two and a half years, has now legally adopted them.

Although they still decline to share the full circumstances of their adoption, the parents said they felt compelled to respond to the statements Justin Harris has made this past week that portray the girls as dangerous and violent.

“We are aware of the very public conversation going on about events pertaining to our daughters,” they said in an email to the Times. “We are deeply grieved over Justin Harris’ accusations toward our daughters in order to self-protect; it is inexcusable.

Like the Harts, we also have two small dogs and the girls have only been gentle towards them. These girls are happy, healthy children who have gone through things no child should ever have to endure.

Since they have been home with us, they have adjusted beautifully and are thriving in our home with unconditional love and patience.

We are truly amazed at our daughters’ ability to love and bond with us, given all they have experienced.

They are both extremely protective toward each other and love each other with all their hearts.

They are a beautiful example to us of God’s amazing grace and the power of love to heal the broken heart. Our daughters are a precious gift from God and truly a blessing to each one of our lives and our extended family and friends. We love them deeply and are committed to do everything we can to help them live healthy, happy lives.

“We choose to forgive the Harrises and hope they will truly follow Christ in humility and repentance for the mistakes they made in our daughters’ lives. Due to the sensitivity of our daughters’ story, and out of respect for them, we are asking the public for privacy during this time.”

(Jeannette was eventually adopted by a therapeutic foster family and is said to be doing well.

That family could not be reached by the Times.)

Craig Hart also raised the issue of faith when addressing Justin Harris’ comments about the girls.

“We started through our church.

I know that the Harrises talk a lot about Christianit y, but we’re Ch rist ia ns. We [sta r ted fostering] because of our Christianit y.

We took all of the kids we had to church and Sunday school. We kept a loving Christian home for them to be a part of it. It really repulses us what he said. It’s really upsetting.”

If Harris’ account of the girls as violent and threatening holds little water, however, the other half of his narrative presents a more immediately sympathetic defense: DHS is not a friend to parents in need. “ We ca re deeply for the g irls but we were failed by DHS,” Harris said at his press conference.

“Despite what you may have read, we reached out to DHS numerous times and were met with nothing but hostility.” He grew emotional describing his dilemma: “We were t hreatened w it h possible aba ndonment charges and potentially losing our own boys as well if we returned the girls to DHS custody.

In fact, a past DHS employee at the time came to us and confirmed that the plan at DHS was to seek abandonment charges if we returned the girls.”

Harris later suggested in the K ARK interview that the agency was threatening him because of

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MARCH 12, 2015

21

THE DISPOSSESSED, CONT.

his political beliefs. “I hold DHS accountable … And I’m not sorry for doing it,” he declared.

He also mentioned Cecile Blucker’s name, but this time not in a congenial context. “Cecile Blucker knew where the kids were. They kept up with the kids,” he said, referring to the rehoming. On Tuesday, shortly before this story went to print, Harris sharpened his accusations, telling KTHV-TV, Channel 11, that Blucker — the state’s top official for child welfare — knew he gave the girls to another family and did not report it. A source familiar with DHS indicated that there may be at least some truth to that claim. The rehoming of Mary and Annie officially came to the attention of DHS on March 28, 2014, thanks to an anonymous call to the child abuse hotline operated by State Police. But the source told the Times that Blucker was made aware that the girls had been rehomed days before the call was received by the hotline. According to the source, Blucker made contact with Harris, who agreed to return the girls to DHS custody at a specified time, but Harris did not show up at the office — and Blucker did not notify State Police that the girls’ wherebouts were unknown.

When asked if Blucker had prior knowledge of the rehoming, Webb, the DHS spokesperson, said the agency could not comment due to the confidentiality of adoption cases.

Because adoption proceedings are so closed, it is nearly impossible for Blucker or DHS as a whole to refute Harris’ statements that the agency (or individuals within it) provided

insufficient support, threatened him and ultimately turned a blind eye to the rehoming. Webb did offer this statement after Harris’ press conference, however: “Though Rep. Harris is talking about this adoption, by law we cannot do so and are concerned about the very sensitive and protected information that has been released about vulnerable children.

We also are prohibited from clarifying any inaccurate information.”

While Harris slings barbs at DHS, Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson has ordered a review of the agency’s practices regarding adoption. Three separate bills have now been filed in the legislature to prohibit rehoming, and the governor is supporting such legislation. Harris has said that he will support rehoming legislation as well, although if such a law had existed when he sent his daughters to live with Eric and Stacey Francis in October 2013, he would have been committing a felony. For the most part, Harris’ peers in the legislature are keeping quiet about the controversy, but the public at large is paying attention to the story. As of Tuesday, a Change.org petition calling for Harris’ resignation had garnered 5,000 signatures.

While some individuals from West Fork had nothing but harsh words for the Harrises, both Chelsey Goldsborough and the source close to the Harrises said they took no joy in speaking out against the couple.

“It’s odd, because they’re not bad with children,” said Goldsborough, relating how the Harrises had her

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I'm not trying to devastate them … but people should know what they’ve done to these poor little girls. They genuinely had a commitment, I think, but it wasn't near as easy as they thought that it was going to be. … I was shocked they seemed to have that mentality that they could fix these girls in a short amount of time and have a big happy family.

—A source close to the Harrises watch educational videos about child development before she baby sat.

“It’s just — I don’t know. Something somewhere along the line got them out of hand with their own children.”

The unnamed source close to the Harrises felt torn about speaking up. “I’m not trying to devastate them … but people should know what they’ve done to these poor little girls. They genuinely had a commitment, I think, but it wasn’t near as easy as they thought that it was going to be. And I’m shocked, because they did work with these children at Children’s House, and they saw how difficult foster parents have it with little kids who have mental issues. You don’t just change them in a couple of weeks to be the way you want. I was shocked they seemed to have that mentality that they could fix these girls in a short amount of time and have a big happy family.”

One of the many people who contacted the Times after the original story broke was a therapist who works with children with reactive attachment disorder and who is familiar with DHS. Speaking anonymously, she expressed frustration with both adoptive parents and DHS. “The failed adoptions that we have seen are parents who think they can love their child into being good,” the therapist said. “In a good disclosure meeting, all the child’s current and potential behaviors are discussed in depth and there is a clear road map of what it will take to make this adoption successful. …

Adoptive parents don’t believe us.

They think their family is different.

They think they are the fairy god-

mother and their charity is to save themselves a Cinderella.”

But regardless of the facts of this particular case, DHS is often culpable in failed adoptions, she said.

“DHS has a long history of avoiding, lying, or otherwise hiding kids’ behaviors in attempts to place children quickly. There are far too few foster parents, and children often end up having to stay at the DHS overnight with a worker, sometimes for several days on end because there are no placement options.

They get desperate. It is not OK, but I understand. Some adoption specialists do a hell of a job. The ones that are good, that is their life.”

Others, she said, don’t care.

“Without significant support and education, parents grow to dread and then hate their child. In weak moments a parent might feel like the child is less than, not deserving of compassion and basic dignities (albeit these thoughts happen mostly after much physical agg ression, sexually acting out towards parents and kids, homicidal thoughts or statements, hourslong tantrums, etc.).

“I do have compassion for parents in the throes of dealing with this.

Our whole staff does and understands that it just isn’t always going to work out. But we also know this for sure: There is nothing more traumatic for a child than losing their birth parents. Equally as painful is being promised a family that you will never have to say goodbye to and then losing them. Now imagine that happening three different times. I’d be pretty pissed off, too.”

DUMAS, CONT. It gives its advice and consent to the president, who then decides whether to formally ratify a treaty. The foreign minister observed that the United States could violate an international agreement if it chose but that it would violate international law.

Challenging the legitimacy of presidential accords is an old congressional battle, but nearly every president in the past 75 years has executed them, often over congressional criticism: wartime agreements by President Roo-

sevelt and subsequent ones by Truman, Nixon’s Vietnam truce in 1973, Gerald Ford’s Sinai agreements, and the list goes on. The biggest challenge was the series of Bricker amendments to the Constitution (named after Sen. John W. Bricker of Ohio) in the 1950s that would have outlawed presidential agreements. President Eisenhower fought his fellow Republican bitterly, declaring that the amendments would “cripple the executive power to the point that we become helpless in

world affairs.”

Memory is fleeting. How did North Korea, the craziest and most irresponsible regime in the world, get nuclear weapons when Cotton’s great war president, George W. Bush, was in charge? North Korea began developing nuclear weapons in the 1980s, to President Reagan’s mere chagrin.

President Clinton and other powers negotiated an agreement in 1994 to supply light-water reactors to the country in exchange for disarma-

ment. After President Bush listed North Korea, Iran and Iraq as “the axis of evil” in his State of the Union address in 2002 and then attacked Iraq, the North Koreans scrapped the agreement, resumed bomb-making and exploded their first nuclear device in 2006, putting America’s protectorate, South Korea, in instant peril.

There is no record of Republican senators, before or since, demanding that Bush take out their nuclear facilities or even threaten it.

LYONS, CONT. first place. Indeed that appears to be their motive. Evidence of the cover-up that conspiracy theorists have imagined turns out to be entirely lacking.

“We knew as of last summer that the secretary used a private email account,” said California Democrat Rep. Adam Schiff. “This is not some-

thing new. We knew also that she was cooperating. She was giving us everything that we asked for. Nothing changed except for the pressure on the Republican members of the committee this week became too great for them to resist from the Stop Hillary PAC people and the RNC

people, so they issued a subpoena for records that we already have.

“Now, the secretary has called for those records to be made public. Why isn’t the chairman doing that? Why aren’t we doing that? The reason is we’ve read them. There’s nothing in them. My colleague says,

“Well, how do we know we have them all?”

How, indeed? That too has been an unvarying feature of the National Bitch Hunt. The incriminating evidence remains forever over the event horizon, and tantalizingly just out of reach.

BARTH, CONT. bulk of older Arkansans — though a shrinking number compared with past surveys — oppose any legal recognition of same-sex relationships.

On medical marijuana, a majority (52 percent) of Arkansans under 30 expressed support in an April 2014 Talk Business & Politics/Hendrix College survey when it appeared the measure would be on the November 2014 ballot; all Arkansans were

evenly split on that proposal while, nationally, 69 percent of millennials favor wholesale legalization of marijuana according to a recent Pew Research Center survey. Similarly, younger Arkansans are decidedly more supportive of the statewide legalization of alcohol sales; the final post-election survey on the measure conducted by Talk Business & Politics/Hendrix College showed that

right at half of the youngest voters favored it while it trailed statewide by just at the margin by which it ultimately failed. Lastly, on another Arkansas-specific issue — the continuation of the “private option” — a healthy majority of the youngest voters support the plan while it leads with all voters 46 percent to 32 percent, according to a Talk Business & Politics/Hendrix College poll early in

the current legislative session.

All told, this overview of the political predispositions of Arkansas’s millennials is not the foundation for a full-scale Democratic comeback in The Natural State. However, for a political party needing a sense that tomorrow will be a brighter day, this data provides some evidence that the next generation will be a bit kinder to progressive’s fortunes.

EAGLE KILLER IDENTIFIED, CONT. she was unlikely to find anything but diatoms on the leaves, “but I was naïve and decided to look anyway,” Wilde said. She decided to put a hydrilla leaf under a microscope, mounted on a glass slide in a drop of water. The bacteria is indistinguishable from the leaf, and you can’t scrape it off. “It’s stuck on really, really, really well. The only way to see it is to mount it and look on the underside of the leaf,” Wilde said.

She shone an epifluorescent light on the sample and suddenly a leaf covered in glowing red filaments. “It was kind of dramatic,” Wilde said.

The cyanobacteria’s pigment allows the cyanobacteria to photosynthesize in the low light that reaches the underside of the leaf.

“I said, oh, my gosh, there’s so much of this that coots are eating. …

Coots love hydrilla. They will even dive to get it. If you’re looking for hydrilla beds, you just look for coot.”

The coots were eating hydrilla; the eagles were eating coots. “I felt pretty strongly this was a good possibility” for whatever was killing the eagles, Wilde said.

Wilde then got information on the Arkansas die-off and the Corps of Engineers shipped Wilde some hydrilla from DeGray. “The leaves had the same characteristic spots [under the microscope] on the leaf.

I thought, oh, my gosh, this looks like the same species.”

That kicked Wilde into high gear, she said, and she began to gather samples of hydrilla from 10 other lakes where bird deaths from AVM had been documented, and as a control, hydrilla from lakes where no deaths had occurred. The cyanobacteria and the eagle deaths correlated.

Wilde published a paper on the “eagle killer that lives on hydrilla” last fall; the University of Georgia, where she is now on faculty, put out

a news release in February.

So is Aetokthonos hydrillicola something that has been present in the mud just waiting for the right host — hydrilla (or Egeria, much like hydrilla and the invasive on DeGray in the mid-’90s before hydrilla edged it out) — to come along so it could multiply? Or is it the abundance of the hydrilla? What exactly is the toxin it produces, and how does that toxin kill the birds?

Many questions remain unanswered.

While eagles are still dying on Lake Thurmond, DeGray Lake has had no deaths since 2002, and Arkansas has Game and Fish Commission biologists, the Corps of Engineers, grass carp and a fly larvae to thank. The carp, an introduced species, chomp down the submerged part of the hydrilla plant with tooth-like gills in the back of their throats. The larvae (Hydrillia pakistanae) burrow into the leaves

at the top of the water column and kill them. Game and Fish nongame migratory species biologist Karen Rowe said the hydrilla is “considered eradicated” on DeGray, though there are still infestations on Lake Ouachita.

Rowe is happy that DeGray is no longer a threat to coots and eagles, but she’s moved on to other worries. “It’s really sad, but comical … when you deal with declining species you go from one problem to the next.” Right now, Rowe is working to persuade rice farmers to flood their fields after harvest to provide habitat for shorebirds, which have been declining as wet fields decline.

She’s also worried about the decline of the King Rail because of the disappearance of emergent marshes.

A survey in 2012 found only “three or four.” She’s trying to convince the Corps of Engineers to modify its wetland mitigation practices. www.arktimes.com

MARCH 12, 2015

23

Arts Entertainment

BRIAN CHILSON

AND

DEM BONES: Bobby Missile, Ashley Hill and Ryan Jolly.

GHOST BONES FOR THE WIN

In the 2015 Arkansas Times Musicians Showcase.

BY WILL STEPHENSON

T

he winner of Friday night’s showcase finals, and by extension the winner of the whole prestigious and remunerative proceedings, was Hot Springs band Ghost Bones, who were thrilling to watch and easy to like. They played coiled and neurotic mutant-disco, punk rock unafraid to incorporate the notion of rhythm. They were great. They are great. They remind me of Pylon, who is nice to be reminded of, and they sing songs about “diving to the bottom of the ocean.” I’ll give judge Mitchell Crisp the last word, because she’s earned it: “This

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ARKANSAS TIMES

band is for throwing TVs out of three-story windows, sleeping under dirty sheets in a room lit by Christmas lights, drunk on cheap wine with a boy you just met but have seen around for a long time.”

The prize package for the Showcase includes money as well as the following: a set on the main stage of Riverfest, a spot at Valley of the Vapors, a set at the 2015 Arkansas State Fair, four hours of recording time at Blue Chair Studio, a $350 gift certificate to Jacksonville Guitar, a T-shirt package from States of Mind Clothing, a gift certificate to Trio’s Res-

taurant and a celebration party (and drink named after them) courtesy of Stickyz and Revolution. A drink! I don’t know what will be in the “Ghost Bones,” but I somehow suspect it will include gin.

“We need more smoke,” said the front man for Open Fields, the Little Rock psych-rock band who played the night’s first set. There was already quite a lot of smoke. They were setting a mood, though, playing droning non-melodies in a kind of hallucinatory orchestra tune-up, building up slowly while the fog machine rebooted behind them. “We just want you all to know that we love you,” he said.

For most of their set, their drummer was more or less invisible, drowned in smoke effect and neon lighting that made the stage look like the aftermath of an explosion. They played slow, sad, satisfied ’60s pop, with jarring abstract solos that didn’t stop so much as just drift off and become something else.

The night’s guest judge, singer Sean Fresh, called them “angelic.” “I find myself getting lost,” judge Derek Brooks wrote. “They sound like walking through Berkeley, Calif., in 1970,” judge Mitchell Crisp added. “I’m inspired to quit my job and live off champagne and popsicles.”

Here are some terms and phrases

used by various judges to describe the band Becoming Elephants: “jazz group,” “prog rock meets Pat Metheny,” “the gift of music,” “angst, sorrow, vindication,” “a real crowd pleaser,” “God created and crafted them,” “smug,” “Anglo-Santana.”

There is some truth in all of these. The band is far and away Faulkner County’s best instrumental metal group featuring a saxophone player.

Crisp compared the experience of listening to American Lions to “dating a guy who has already graduated when you’re in 10th grade.” Judge Joe Holland, front man for last year’s Showcase winner Mad Nomad, wrote, “I love how they showed up, said, ‘This is our fucking rock-n-roll,’ and put it in our faces to digest however the fuck we saw fit.”

The rest of the panel was equally appreciative, to say nothing of the audience, who seemed on board.

The crowd reached peak enthusiasm for Little Rock metal band Enchiridion, seeming to double its numbers and telegraph excitement through sheer volume. The band was big and brash and voluble and angry and impressive. Fresh claimed they had won him over before they even started playing. “By this point,” reasoned Crisp, “everyone is drunk, rowdy and ready for some metal.”

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A&E NEWS MARK YOUR CALENDAR: NEXT UP for the monthly Arkansas Times Film Series on Friday, March 20, at the Ron Robinson Theater: A special presentation of short films and music videos from Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Benh Zeitlen and others from Court 13, the film and arts collective that Zeitlen co-founded in college and is now based in New Orleans.

We’re screening three of Zeitlen’s short films, including “Glory at Sea,” the 25-minute short film he made right before “Beasts of the Southern Wild” in post-Katrina south Louisiana. It was a SXSW award-winner in 2008. Plus, two shorts from another Court 13 co-founder, Ray Tintori, including “Death of a Tin Man,” which won an honorable mention at Sundance. AND music videos from MGMT and Big Freedia directed by Tintori and others.

Court 13’s Casey Coleman and Nathan Harrison will be there for a postscreening Q&A on the films and what Court 13’s all about. Coleman heads up Court 13 Arts and is currently producing “¡Brimstone & Glory!,” a documentary about fireworks and the cosmos by friend of the Times Viktor Jakovleski (it’s going to be awesome). Harrison is a producer for Court 13 and is currently heading up “a vast casting operation in South Louisiana and beyond.” Both Coleman and Harrison worked on “Beasts of the Southern Wild.”

Tickets are $5. Screening starts at 7 p.m.

SEVENTIES ROCK LEGEND TODD Rundgren, who as we mentioned last month will be playing in Little Rock at the Rev Room on April 19, announced last week that he’ll be making an in-store appearance at North Little Rock institution Arkansas Record-CD Exchange to celebrate Record Store Day, which falls on April 18. He’ll be signing copies of his records that Saturday between approximately 12:30 and 2 p.m., according to the store.

Rundgren, who in addition to his solo output has produced records by Patti Smith, The Band, New York Dolls and Hall and Oates, has actually planned a three-day series of Little Rock events for his tour stop here, an itinerary he’s dubbed “Rockin’ Little Rock.” Will he be branding each individual tour stop? It’s not clear. Other scheduled events include a presentation at the Spirit of Harmony Foundation symposium Saturday night at the Clinton School of Public Service. Rundgren is apparently the president of the foundation, which aims “to provide opportunities for personal development and self-expression through the support of music and music education.”

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MARCH 12, 2015

25

3/6/15 9:58 AM

THE TO-DO

LIST

BY LESLIE NEWELL PEACOCK AND WILL STEPHENSON

THURSDAY 3/12-SATURDAY 3/14

FANTASTIC CINEMA FILM FESTIVAL Studio Theater. $7-$40.

The Fantastic Cinema Film Festival is a new event sponsored by the Film Society of Little Rock, a set of feature and short films that gravitate around, the film society says, “a select group of genres that includes fantasy, science fiction, action, horror, and crime/suspense.”

Out of “more than 115 entries from more than 24 countries,” they’ve assembled a program that includes Mexican horror, martial arts epics, several blocks of shorts, Skype Q&As with filmmakers, local presentations and a retro screen-

ing of “Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter” (starring Crispin Glover). “I think what’s actually the best part of this festival,” programmer Josh Harrison says, “is how it combines two elements we don’t see much of in this region: foreign films and independent genre films. You’ll get to see fresh and inventive works of art from other countries that you otherwise would not encounter.” Individual screenings are $7, day passes are $15 and full festival passes are available for $40 (at fantasticcinema2015.bpt.me). Check the full schedule at their Facebook page (facebook.com/FantasticCinemaFilmFestival). WS

FRIDAY 3/13

2ND FRIDAY ART NIGHT

5-8 p.m., participating downtown galleries.

PSYCHEDELIC SWAMP: Dr. Dog plays at Hendrix College on Thursday at 8 p.m., $10.

THURSDAY 3/12

DR. DOG

8 p.m. Hendrix College. $10.

Dr. Dog is a band from West Grove, Pa., who for several years has made a kind of mellow, vaguely uplifting, ramshackle indie rock, adopting the tone and atmospherics of early aughts freak-folk but without ever straying too far into uncomfortable or experimental territory. They are bright and earthy and danceable, cheery and novel enough to be conducive both to car commercials and psilocybin mushrooms. They are a quintessential college rock band, a festival group whose records instantly evoke glow-stick necklaces and face paint and the dying 26

MARCH 12, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

It’s the 10th anniversary of 2nd Friday Art Night on Friday, the monthly downtown gallery stroll and trolley event, and to mark the milestone, galleries are participating in a food drive for Arkansas Foodbank. The Foodbank was chosen as a way to honor Debra Wood, a founder of 2nd Friday as the owner of erstwhile gallery ArtSpace and now with the relief nonprofit. Others being honored: Louise Terzia, who is retired from the Historic Arkansas Museum and is now with Argenta Gallery, and Reita Miller, the former arts administrator at the Central Arkansas Library System. Participating

venues are the Old State House (Arkansas Chamber Singers will perform at 7 p.m.); the Cox Creative Center of CALS; the Butler Center Galleries (new show by the Arkansas Society of Printmakers); the Arkansas Capital Corp. Group (showing work by Neal Harrington, Tammy Harrington and David Mudrinich); HAM in association with the Downtown Partnership (“Recent Acquisitions,” beer provided by Ozark Beer Co.); Gallery 221 & Art Studios 221; and the River Market.

Foodbank needs include canned goods, canned or packaged meals, soup, peanut butter, cereal, 100 percent juice, powdered milk, diapers and bath tissue (no glass jars or homemade food, all nonperishable). LNP

FRIDAY 3/13 embers of mp3 blogs. Fans say they sound like The Beatles, when what they really mean is that they sound like Fleet Foxes. Championed early on by august institutions such as My Morning Jacket and the New York Times (headline: “Amid Harmonies and Chaos, a Young Band Starts to Find Its Way”), they’ve stepped up their production values and improbably sustained a huge fan base despite the gradual disappearance of most of their peers. On Thursday they’ll play at Hendrix College sponsored by student-run radio station KHDX-FM, 93.1 (“A limited number of tickets will be available to the public,” their website warns). WS

BOMBAY HARAMBEE, GHOST BONES, FAUX FEROCIOUS 10 p.m. White Water Tavern.

“Little Rock is a treasure, but sometimes you have to know where to look.” That’s what Bombay Harambee front man Alexander Jones told the Times in an interview in January, and we more or less agree. One place you might look this Friday is White Water Tavern, where Jones and his band will be celebrating the release of their new vinyl single “Check, Check, Checkmate,” which we premiered on our culture blog, Rock Candy, last September. Their Little Rock show, to

be followed by a Fayetteville set at the Smoke and Barrel the next night, marks the culmination of a winter tour that led them from Memphis up to Brooklyn and back down south through Lexington, Ky. Along the way they picked up Nashville garage punk band Faux Ferocious, who makes what CMJ calls “scrunchy, strutting trash-pop” (and who cites UGK and “Amish Mafia” as influences), and most recently Hot Springs post-punk band Ghost Bones, who just last week won the Arkansas Times Musicians Showcase and who we are therefore contractually (and happily) bound to recommend forever. WS

IN BRIEF

THURSDAY 3/12

TUESDAY 3/17

FIRST EVER 12th ANNUAL WORLD’S SHORTEST ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE 6:30 p.m. Hot Springs. Free.

The First Ever 12th Annual World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a glorious march along all 98 feet of Hot Springs’ famous Bridge Street,

the world’s shortest in everyday use according to very-reliable-source Ripley’s Believe It or Not. This year’s Celebrity Grand Marshal is NASCAR legend (and Batesville native) Mark Martin, once described by ESPN as “the best driver to never win a championship.” (Former Grand Marshals include Bo Derek, Jim Belushi and Mario Lopez.) Also on hand: The

World’s Largest Leprechaun, Irish Elvis impersonators, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, belly dancers, floats, Irish wolfhounds and bagpipes.

The parade will be followed by a free concert from Oklahoma country duo The Swon Brothers, who once won third place on “The Voice” and have been touring with Brad Paisley ever since. WS

The Bazaar of Tabriz, Little Rock’s oldest silent auction and a benefit for the Arkansas Arts Center, kicks off at the Arts Center at 6 p.m., $50.

The Ron Robinson Theater screens music comedy classic “Annie” at 7 p.m., $5. Comedian Greg Morton is at the Loony Bin through Saturday, March 14, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, $7; 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, $10. Knoxville metal band Whitechapel plays at Juanita’s with More Than Sparrows and Abandon the Artifice, 8 p.m., $15.

Point Blank is at Vino’s with Inrage and Terminal Nation, 9 p.m., $5.

Jazz-fusion group Stellar Way is at White Water Tavern, 9:30 p.m.

FRIDAY 3/13 Antonia Hernandez, president and CEO of the California Community Foundation, speaks at the Clinton School for Public Service’s Sturgis Hall at noon. The Arkansas Chamber Singers perform their Spring Concert at the Old State House Museum 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, free. The Muses present their “Celtic Spring” concert at the Second Baptist church, 7 p.m., $15. Comedy troupe The Main Thing presents “Frost Bite Me!” at The Joint Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., $22. Waco, Texas, country singer Wade Bowen is at Revolution with Brandon Lay, 9 p.m., $15.

Americana collective The Giving Tree Band performs at Stickyz with Old Salt Union, 9 p.m., $8 adv., $10 day of.

SATURDAY 3/14 CINEMA VERITE: “National Gallery,” the latest from documentary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman, screens Wednesday night at the Ron Robinson Theater, with Wiseman in attendance.

WEDNESDAY 3/18

‘NATIONAL GALLERY’

6 p.m. Ron Robinson Theater.

Frederick Wiseman is a legend in documentary film, one of the only living directors mentioned in the same breath as Robert Flaherty and Jean Rouch — a roll call of pioneers that seems to get smaller every year (Albert Maysles died just last week).

Having emerged in the 1960s, the era of “observational cinema,” Wiseman specializes in subtle and powerful profiles of institutions, giving his films deliberately bland titles as if to signify their universality: “High School,” “Hospital,” “Racetrack,” “Zoo.” He calls them “voyages of

discovery,” an inspiring, Herzogian phrase that suggests something of the obsessive quality of his approach.

Wiseman isn’t in front of the camera like Michael Moore, interrogating subjects like Errol Morris or even holding the camera like Maysles — Wiseman handles the sound. As he put it in an interview with the online magazine Notebook: “I do the sound, and I lead the cameraman with a mic and there’s a third person who carries the equipment around and what I try to do, in all the films, is just get a sense of what is going on at the place.” Not that he aims for objectivity. “Documentaries, like theater

pieces, novels or poems, are forms of fiction,” he’s said elsewhere. He makes carefully edited, personal portraits out of observed encounters with place, and his latest, “National Gallery,” focuses on the art museum in London’s Trafalgar Square, the fourth most visited art museum in the world. The New York Times calls it “at once specific and general, fascinating in its pinpoint detail and transporting in its cosmic reach.”

The Clinton School of Public Service and the Little Rock Film Festival will screen the film Wednesday night at the Ron Robinson Theater with Wiseman in attendance. WS

The Junior League of Little Rock hosts the Downtown Dash 5K and 10K, beginning at 8 a.m. on Cumberland between Fourth Street and Capitol Avenue. This year’s 16th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, sponsored by the Irish Cultural Society of Arkansas, begins in front of Dugan’s Pub at 1 p.m., with floats, clowns, antique cars and more.

The Ron Robinson Theater hosts a Celtic Cultural Celebration, featuring the Lyon College Pipe Band, at 7 p.m., free. Little Rock metal band Snakedriver plays at Revolution with Apothecary and Lifer, 9 p.m., $8. Collins Vs. Adam is at White Water Tavern with American Lions and Midwest Caravan, 9 p.m., $6. Alt-pop group X Ambassadors headline at Juanita’s with Cruisr, My Brother My Friend and The Federalis, 9 p.m., $8. Louisville garage punk band White Reaper is at Stickyz, 9 p.m., $7.

www.arktimes.com

MARCH 12, 2015

27

AFTER DARK 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, MARCH 12

MUSIC

Dr. Dog. Hendrix College, 8 p.m., $10. 1600 Washington Ave., Conway. www.hendrix.edu.

Even Odds (headliner), R&R (happy hour).

Cajun’s Wharf, 5:30 and 9 p.m. 2400 Cantrell Road. 501-375-5351. www.cajunswharf.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. 501-907-2582.

Irish Traditional Music Sessions. Dugan’s Pub, 7-9 p.m. 401 E. 3rd St. 501-244-0542. www. duganspublr.com.

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

Live music. No cover charge Sun.-Tue. and Thu. Ernie Biggs. 307 Clinton Ave. 501-372-4782. littlerock.erniebiggs.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.

Peter Read Benefit Show. Another Round Pub, 8 p.m. 12111 W. Markham. 501-313-2612. www. anotherroundpub.com.

Point Blank, Inrage, Terminal Nation. Vino’s, 9 p.m., $5. 923 W. 7th St. 501-375-8466. www. vinosbrewpub.com.

RockUsaurus. Senor Tequila, 7-9 p.m. 10300 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-224-5505.

Stellar Way. White Water Tavern, 9:30 p.m. 2500 W. 7th St. 501-375-8400. www.whitewatertavern.com.

Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 7:30 p.m., free. 111 Markham St. 501-370-7013. www.capitalbarandgrill.com.

Whitechapel, More Than Sparrows, Abandon the Artifice. Juanita’s, 8 p.m., $15. 614 President Clinton Ave. 501-372-1228. www.juanitas.com.

COMEDY

Greg Morton. The Loony Bin, 7:30 p.m., $7.

10301 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-228-5555. www.loonybincomedy.com.

Too Long Didn’t Read (TL;DR). Rescheduled from last week due to weather. The Joint, 8 p.m., $7. 301 Main St. No. 102, NLR. 501-3720205. thejointinlittlerock.com.

FILM

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

Fantastic Cinema Festival. The Studio Theatre, through Mar. 14, $7-$40. 320 W. 7th St. fantasticcinema2015.bpt.me.

BENEFITS

The Bazaar of Tabriz. Little Rock’s oldest silent auction, a benefit for the Arkansas Arts Center.

6 p.m., $50. Arkansas Arts Center, 501 E. 9th St. 501-372-4000. www.arkarts.com.

HALF BAD: Louisville garage punk band White Reaper is at Stickyz 9 p.m. Saturday, $7.

FRIDAY, MARCH 13

MUSIC

Alex Summerlin. Another Round Pub, 9 p.m. 12111 W. Markham. 501-313-2612. www. anotherroundpub.com.

All In Fridays. Club Elevations. 7200 Colonel Glenn Road. 501-562-3317.

Arkansas Chamber Singers Spring Concert.

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

Bombay Harambee, Faux Ferocious, Ghost Bones. White Water Tavern, 10 p.m. 2500 W. 7th St. 501-375-8400. www.whitewatertavern.com.

Buffalo Hustle, Man’s Red Fire. The Lightbulb Club, 9 p.m. 21 N. Block Ave., Fayetteville. 479444-6100.

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

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

The Giving Tree Band, Old Salt Union. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 9 p.m., $8 adv., $10 day of. 107 River Market Ave. 501-372-7707. www.stickyz.com.

Live music. No cover charge Sun.-Tue. and Thu. Ernie Biggs. 307 Clinton Ave. 501-372-4782. littlerock.erniebiggs.com.

The Muses Presents: “Celtic Spring” Concert.

Second Baptist Church, 7 p.m., $15. 222 E. 8th St. 501-374-9284. www.2bclr.com.

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

Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 9 p.m., free. 111 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.

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ARKANSAS TIMES

COMEDY

“Frost Bite Me!” An original comedy by The Main Thing. The Joint, 8 p.m., $22. 301 Main St. No. 102, NLR. 501-372-0205. thejointinlittlerock.com.

Greg Morton. The Loony Bin, 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m., $10. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501228-5555. www.loonybincomedy.com.

DANCE

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

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

501-221-7568. www.blsdance.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

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 244-9690 or search “DYSC” on Facebook. LGBTQ/SGL Youth and Young Adult Group, 6:30 p.m. 800 Scott St.

FILM

Must be 18-64 years of age & good health • Have valid picture ID, proof of Social Security number & current residence postmarked within 30 days

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Wade Bowen, Brandon Lay. Revolution, 9 p.m., $15. 300 President Clinton Ave. 501-823-0090. www.rumbarevolution.com/new.

Fantastic Cinema Festival. The Studio Theatre, $7-$40. 320 W. 7th St. fantasticcinema2015. bpt.me.

LECTURES

  Come celebrate

Antonia Hernández. Presentation by the president and CEO of California Community Foundation. Sturgis Hall, noon 1200 President Clinton Ave. 501-683-5200. clintonschool. uasys.edu.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14

MUSIC

Arkansas Chamber Singers Spring Concert.

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

Blackhole, No X Thanks, Raw Head, Dead Weight. Vino’s, 8 p.m., $5. 923 W. 7th St. 501375-8466. www.vinosbrewpub.com.

Celtic Cultural Celebration. Featuring the Lyon College Pipe Band. Ron Robinson Theater, 7 p.m., free. 1 Pulaski Way. 501-320-5703. www. cals.lib.ar.us/ron-robinson-theater.aspx.

Chris DeClerk, Bluesboy Jag. Another Round Pub, 6 p.m. 12111 W. Markham. 501-313-2612. www.anotherroundpub.com.

Club Nights at 1620 Savoy. See Mar. 13.

Collin Vs. Adam, American Lions, Midwest Caravan. White Water Tavern, 9 p.m., $6. 2500 W. 7th St. 501-375-8400. www.whitewatertavern.com.

Crash Meadows (headliner), Trey Johnson (happy hour). Cajun’s Wharf, 5:30 and 9 p.m.

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

Daniel Romano and The Trilliums, Keyless Gentry, Willi Goehring. The Lightbulb Club, 8 p.m. 21 N. Block Ave., Fayetteville. 479-4446100.

Kari Faux. Sway, $7. 412 Louisiana. 501-907-2582.

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 Clinton Ave. 501-372-4782. littlerock.erniebiggs.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.

Snakedriver, Apothecary, Lifer. Revolution, 9 p.m., $8. 300 President Clinton Ave. 501-8230090. www.rumbarevolution.com/new.

Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 9 p.m., free. 111 Markham St. 501-370-7013. www.capitalbarandgrill.com.

That Arkansas Weather. South on Main, 10 p.m., $10. 1304 Main St. 501-244-9660. southonmain.com.

White Reaper. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 9 p.m. 107 River Market Ave. 501-3727707. www.stickyz.com.

X Ambassadors, Cruisr, My Brother My Friend, The Federalis. Juanita’s, 9 p.m., $8.

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

COMEDY

“Frost Bite Me!” An original comedy by The Main Thing. The Joint, 8 p.m., $22. 301 Main St. No. 102, NLR. 501-372-0205. thejointinlittlerock.com.

Greg Morton. The Loony Bin, 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m., $7-$10. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road.

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

DANCE

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

EVENTS

AGFC Family Fair Centennial Celebration.

The Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center, 1 p.m. 602 President Clinton Ave. 501907-0636. www.centralarkansasnaturecenter. com.

Downtown Dash 5K/10K. Junior League of Little Rock, 8 p.m. 401 S. Scott St. 501-3755557. www.jllr.org.

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. 501-6137001.

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.

Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. Dugan’s Pub, 1 p.m.

401 E. 3rd St. 501-244-0542. www.duganspublr. com.

FILM

Fantastic Cinema Festival. The Studio Theatre, $7-$40. 320 W. 7th St. fantasticcinema2015. bpt.me.

SUNDAY, MARCH 15

MUSIC

Arkansas Chamber Singers Spring Concert.

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

Chuckie Campbell and The Phactions, Fresh Kils, G-Premacy, Justin Booth, Dylan Jackson. Vino’s, 7 p.m., $5. 923 W. 7th St. 501-375-8466. www.vinosbrewpub. com.

Irish Traditional Music Session. Hibernia Irish Tavern, first and third Sunday of every month, 2:30 p.m. 9700 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-246-4340. www.hiberniairishtavern.com.

The Last Bison, Cereus Bright. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 8 p.m., $8. 107 River Market Ave. 501-372-7707. www.stickyz.com.

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

MONDAY, MAR. 16

MUSIC

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

Live music. No cover charge Sun.-Tue. and Thu. Ernie Biggs. 307 Clinton Ave. 501-372-4782. littlerock.erniebiggs.com.

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

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29

AFTER DARK, CONT.

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.

LECTURES

“Run Mitch, Run.” Lecture by Don Cogman.

Sturgis Hall, 6 p.m. 1200 President Clinton Ave. 501-683-5200. clintonschool.uasys.edu.

TUESDAY, MARCH 17

MUSIC

J Kutchma, Adam Faucett. White Water Tavern, 9:30 p.m. 2500 W. 7th St. 501-375-8400. www. whitewatertavern.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.

Joe Hertler and The Rainbow Seekers.

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

Live music. No cover charge Sun.-Tue. and Thu. Ernie Biggs. 307 Clinton Ave. 501-372-4782. 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. 501-372-0205. thejointinlittlerock.com.

DANCE

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

EVENTS

12th Annual World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Featuring NASCAR Legend Mark Martin, The Swon Brothers and the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Hot Springs Convention Center, 6:30 p.m. 134 Convention Blvd., Hot Springs. 501-321-2027. www. hotsprings.org.

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

FILM

“The Thing With Two Heads.” Vino’s, 7:30 p.m., free. 923 W. 7th St. 501-375-8466. www. vinosbrewpub.com.

LECTURES

“The Politics of Health: From the ACA to ACOs.” Lecture by Michael Sparer. Sturgis Hall, noon. 1200 President Clinton Ave. 501683-5200. clintonschool.uasys.edu.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18

MUSIC

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

TABRIZ TIME AGAIN: There are still tickets available to the Arkansas Arts Center’s biennial two-night auction fund-raiser Thursday, March 12, and Saturday, March 14. Thursday night’s silent auction Bazaar (“hot dog night” it’s called) is 6 to 9 p.m. with an after-party with a DJ at 9 p.m. and tickets are $50. Saturday’s gala black-tie event is 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and tickets are $750. Purchase tickets at arkansasartscenter.org/Tabriz.

BoyMeetsWorld. Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 8:30 p.m., $8 adv., $10 day of. 107 River Market Ave. 501-372-7707. www.stickyz.com.

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

Drageoke with Chi Chi Valdez. Sway. 412 Louisiana. 501-907-2582.

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

John Bush Group. South on Main, 7:30 p.m., free.

1304 Main St. 501-244-9660. southonmain.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 Clinton Ave. 501-372-4782. 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.

Roy Hale. Another Round Pub, 5:30 p.m. 12111 W. Markham. 501-313-2612. www.anotherroundpub.com.

Ted Ludwig Trio. Capital Bar and Grill, 7:30 p.m., free. 111 Markham St. 501-370-7013. www.capitalbarandgrill.com.

The Uh Huhs, Advaeta, Tropical Body. White Water Tavern, 9 p.m. 2500 W. 7th St. 501-3758400. www.whitewatertavern.com.

COMEDY

Dante. The Loony Bin, Mar. 18-21, 7:30 p.m.; Mar. 20-21, 10 p.m., $7-$10. 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road. 501-228-5555. www.loonybincomedy.com.

The Joint Venture. Improv comedy group.

TheJoint, 8 p.m., $7. 301 Main St. No. 102, NLR. 501-372-0205. 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.

FILM

“Lioness.” MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History, 6:30 p.m. 503 E. 9th St. 3764602. www.arkmilitaryheritage.com.

“National Gallery.” With an appearance by director Frederick Wiseman. Ron Robinson Theater, 6 p.m. 1 Pulaski Way. 501-320-5703. www.cals.lib.ar.us/ron-robinson-theater.aspx.

LECTURES

Brown Bag Lunch Lecture: “Civil War Archaeology.” Old State House Museum, noon, 300 W. Markham St.. 501-324-9685. www. oldstatehouse.com.

POETRY

Wednesday Night Poetry. 21-and-older show.

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

ARTS

THEATER

Dr. Seuss’s “The Cat in the Hat.” Arkansas Arts Center, through March 29: Fri., 7 p.m.; Sat., Sun., 2 p.m., $12.50. 501 E. 9th St. 501-372-4000. www.arkarts.com.

“Last Summer at Bluefish Cove.” The Weekend Theater, through Mar. 28: Fri., Sat., 7:30 p.m., $16. 1001 W. 7th St. 501-374-3761. www.weekendtheater.org.

“Mary Poppins.” Arkansas Repertory Theatre, through April 4: Fri., Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m.; Wed., Thu., Sun., 7 p.m.; Sat., 2 p.m., $35. 601 Main St. 501-378-0405. www.therep.org.

NEW GALLERY EXHIBITS, EVENTS ARKANSAS ARTS CENTER: “Tabriz,” two nights of auctions to benefit the Arts Center, 6-9 p.m. March 12 (“hot dog night,” with DJ afterparty at 9 p.m., $50) and the gala at 6:30-10 p.m.

March 14 (black tie, $750), www.arkansasartscenter. org/tabriz for tickets.

ARKANSAS CAPITAL CORP. GROUP, 200 River Market Ave., Suite 400: Works by Tammy Harrington, Neal Harrington and David Mudrinich, 5-8 p.m. March 13, 2nd Friday Art Night.

BUTLER CENTER GALLERIES, Arkansas Studies Institute, 401 President Clinton Ave.: “A Different State of Mind,” exhibition by the Arkansas Society of Printmakers, loft gallery, reception 5-8 p.m. March 13, 2nd Friday Art Night, with talk by artist Warren Criswell at 6 p.m., show through June 27; “Captured Images,” photographs from the permanent collection; “Reflections on Line and Mass,” paintings and sculpture by Robyn Horn, through April 24; “Echoes of the Ancestors: Native American Objects from the University of Arkansas Museum,” Concordia Gallery, through March 15. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 320-5790.

GALLERY 221, Pyramid Place, Second and Center streets: Abstract paintings by Christopher CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

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MARCH 12, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

MOVIE REVIEW

BEING ‘CHAPPIE’: A sentient robot tries to make his way in an ugly world.

Cool toy, bad dialogue ‘Chappie’ will wow the 11-year-old set.

BY SAM EIFLING

I

t’s rare nowadays to find a movie like “Chappie,” a robot-cop action romp set in a nasty near-future South Africa, only in that it carries an R rating and yet feels designed to appeal directly to 11-yearolds. Everyone has these movies growing up, violent or sexy flicks that become young favorites, but rarely are their central characters so obviously geared toward kids. Sharlto Copley, playing the robot’s moves and voice from behind layers of digital wizardry, comes off as a bit of a dork who is actually stealthy-cool because he’s, duh, a robot who talks and gives dap and throws ninja stars with spooky accuracy.

This year kids waaaaaay too young to see this movie are going to be Chappie for Halloween. At least it’s better than, say, dressing up your rugrats as a Predator.

The childlike robot at the heart of this one begins as an infant artificial intelligence, the breakthrough for the engineer who designs him, Deon (a mostly annoying Dev Patel). He’s also born into the waiting arms of some gangsters, played by hip-hop duo Die Antwoord (Yolandi Visser and Ninja) reaching the edge of their range as characters called “Yolandi” and “Ninja.” They raise Chappie over one very fast-learning week but as well try to enlist him to pull a big heist, so as to pay off and not be squashed by a raging warlord named Hippo (Brandon Auret).

Chappie, thrown into battle as he’s still figuring out how to talk, makes an affable

and innocent cracker of skulls. He’s eager, a quick learner, kind of adorable. If he had hair, you’d want to tousle it.

There’s some seriously cool stuff in here, lots of quality explosions and futuristic weapons and bombastic Die Antwoord on the soundtrack. Hugh Jackman plays a frustrated ex-soldier at Deon’s company who is tired of watching the robot cop program suck away all the oxygen from his own pet, a hulking war machine they call Moose. That machine is such a “RoboCop” throwback that it might as well wear a nametag reading ED-209. Chappie’s analogue would be the cyborg in that classic, but he owes more to Johnny 5 of “Short Circuit” and maybe even Wall-E as friendly, resourceful movie bots built with apparent Happy Meal stardom in mind.

Director Neill Blomkamp (“District 9,” “Elysium”) spins a fantastic visual creation with Chappie, an utterly convincing on-screen toy. He learns to move and talk with the swagger of his gangstertwit adopted dad (again, weirdly cute) and evinces curious talent every so often, such as his landscape-painting technique apparently cribbed from an inkjet printer.

This is a character study of a unique and, in his way, convincing protagonist. But the script can’t break free of its strangely infantile underpinnings, in which rappers and other mediocre actors are talking to a robot as if he were a toddler. Quality

fighting! Top-notch robot! The bug-eyed antics of South African rap stars! Blah dialogue, and a story that you can punch holes in like a soft fog. Other than that, this is a shameless crowd-pleaser.

Listen, though, if a bumbling story doesn’t trip you up? Say, if you’re an 11-year-old kid whose parents do the math on what a babysitter costs and decide to drag you to the movies anyway, without looking at things like R ratings and the fact that people get, like, chopped in half and perforated with

bullets in a movie with a friendly name?

Then “Chappie” is going to be your cup of whatever it is kids drink these days, probably some metastasized brand of Mountain Dew full of party drugs and urine-staining food dye. You’re going to love “Chappie,” and when your dad remarks, still shuddering, on how much violence there was in it, you should just nod and say you hear that the original “RoboCop” was better, if we could please add it to the Netflix queue when we get home.

www.arktimes.com

MARCH 12, 2015

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AFTER DARK, CONT.

REVELATION: Warren Criswell’s etching is part of “A Different State of Mind,” an exhibition by the Arkansas Society of Printmakers at the Butler Center opening Friday, March 13, for 2nd Friday Art Night, when organizers will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the downtown gallery walk/trolley event. This Friday, bring along canned goods to the galleries: The anniversary event honors founders Debra Wood, Louise Terzia and Reita Miller with a food drive for the Arkansas Foodbank, where Wood now works. Other participants: Arkansas Capital Corp., the Cox Creative Center, the Historic Arkansas Museum, Gallery 221 & Studios 221, the Old State House and the River Market.

Brandon Williams, also works by Tyler Arnold, Kathi Couch, Jennifer “Emile” Freeman, Greg Lahti, Sean LeCrone, Elizabeth Nevins, Mary Ann Stafford, Gino Hollander, Siri Hollander and metal and jewelry artists, reception 5-8 p.m. March 13, 2nd Friday Art Night. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. gallery221@ gmail.com.

HISTORIC ARKANSAS MUSEUM GALLERIES, 200 E. 3rd St.: John Harlan Norris: “Recent Acquisitions,” objects acquired between 2012 and 2014, including a Niloak punch bowl and cup set, 1890 portrait of Sitting Bull, 1860s derringers and more, reception 5-8 p.m. March 13, 2nd Friday Art Night, beer provided by Ozark Beer Co.; “Public Face,” through May 3; Lisa Krannichfeld: “She,” through May 3; “Capturing Early Arkansas in Depth: The Stereoview Collection of Allan Gates,” through April 5; “The Great Arkansas Quilt Show 3,” juried exhibit of contemporary quilts, through May 3; “Arkansas Made,” ongoing. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Mon.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. 324-9351.

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MARCH 12, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

RIVER MARKET: Group exhibition, 5-8 p.m.

March 13, 2nd Friday Art Night.

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT LITTLE ROCK: “UALR Student Competitive Show,” March 18-April 19, Gallery I; “Scholarship Exhibition,” through March 19. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sat., 2-5 p.m. Sun. 569-3182.

BENTONVILLE CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART, One Museum Way: “Van Gogh to Rothko,” masterworks from the Albright-Knox Gallery, through June 1; “The Lady Painter: Joan Mitchell,” lecture by author Patricia Albers, 4-5:30 p.m. March 15; American masterworks spanning four centuries. 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.

CALL FOR ARTISTS The Batesville Area Arts Council is accepting submissions through March 13 for its third

annual “National Juried Exhibition,” a show of 2D media. The show will run April 28 through June 13 at the BAAC Gallery on Main Street. For more information, go to batesvilleareaartscouncil.org.

The Arkansas Arts Council is accepting applications for its 2015 Individual Artist Fellowships program. Up to nine fellowships worth $4,000 each will be awarded in screenplay writing, choreography and sculpture or installation art. Deadline to apply is April 17. Applications are available at www. arkansasarts.org or call 324-9766.

CONTINUING GALLERY EXHIBITS ARKANSAS ARTS CENTER, MacArthur Park: “Mid-Southern Watercolorists 45th Annual Juried Exhibition,” through April 12, Strauss Gallery; “Humble Hum: Rhythm of the Potter’s Wheel,” recent work by resident artist Ashley

Morrison, Museum School Gallery, through June 21. 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. GROUP, 200 River Market Ave., Suite 400:“Life by Design,” paintings by Elizabeth Weber, Dan Thornhill and Ashley Saer. 374-9247.

CANTRELL GALLERY, 8206 Cantrell Road: Figurative paintings by Sandra Graves (R.S. Perry), through March 14, 70 percent of sales go to Central Arkansas Rescue Effort for Animals (CARE). 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 224-1335.

COX CREATIVE CENTER, 120 River Market Ave.: Arkansas Society of Printmakers exhibition. 918-3090.

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.

THE EDGE, 301B President Clinton Ave.: Paintings by Avila (Fernando Gomez), Eric Freeman, James Hayes, Jerry Colburn, St. Joseph Thomason and Stephen Drive. 992-1099.

AFTER DARK, CONT. ESSE PURSE MUSEUM & STORE, 1510 S. Main St.: “Common Threads,” art, fabric crafts, button and notions collection by Donna Ward and Florine Thomason, mandalas by Pamela Nelson, steel wire replicas of sewing machines by Chelsye Mae Garrett, through March; “What’s Inside: A History of Women and Handbags, 1900-1999,” vintage purses and other women’s accessories. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tue.-Sat., $8-$10.

916-9022.

GALLERY 26, 2601 Kavanaugh Blvd.: Amy Edgington, Sulac, recent work, through March 14. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tue.-Sat. 664-8996.

GALLERY 360, 900 S. Rodney Parham Road: “Poison Into Medicine,” work by Melissa “Mo” Lashbrook and Kelley Naylor Wise. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Mon.-Fri, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat. 663-222.

GINO HOLLANDER GALLERY, 2nd and Center: Paintings and works on paper by Gino Hollander.

801-0211.

GREG THOMPSON FINE ART, 429 Main St., NLR: “20th Anniversary Show,” work by William Dunlap, Rebecca Thompson, Pinkney Herbert, John Harlan Norris, Glennray Tutor, Sheila Cotton and others, through March 14.

664-2787.

J.W. WIGGINS GALLERY OF NATIVE AMERICAN ART, 2801 S. University: “Inuit Sculpture from the Top of the World,” carvings in antler, stone, whale bone and ivory, through April 3. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. 658-6360.

L&L BECK ART GALLERY, 5705 Kavanaugh Blvd.: “Potpourri,”paintngs by Louis Beck, through March; giclee giveaway drawing 7 p.m. March 19.

LAMAN LIBRARY ARGENTA BRANCH, 506 Main St., NLR: “The Art of Arkansas,” photographs by Mike Anderson, through March 16.

10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 758-1720.

LAMAN LIBRARY, 2801 Orange St., NLR: “Mail Call,” Smithsonian traveling exhibition that tells the history of the military postal system with artifacts, including a “Victory Mail” kit, through April 15. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Thu., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Fri.-Sat. 758-1720.

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

M2GALLERY, 11525 Cantrell Road (Pleasant Ridge Shopping Center): “M2 8YRS,” gallery’s 8th anniversary show includes work by new gallery artist Sabine Danze, V.L. Cox, Dan Holland and others. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tue.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. 944-7155.

RED DOOR GALLERY, 3715 JFK, NLR: Paula Jones, new paintings; Jim Goshorn, new sculpture; also sculpture by Joe Martin, paintings

by Amy Hill-Imler, Theresa Cates and Patrick Cunningham, ornaments by D. Wharton, landscapes by James Ellis, raku by Kelly Edwards and other works. 753-5227. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. STUDIOMAIN, 1423 Main St.: “Designs of the Year,” AIA, ASLA and ASID design awards. facebook.com/studio.main.ar.

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 21C MUSEUM HOTEL, 200 N.E. A St.: “Duke Riley: See You at the Finish Line,” sculpture; “Blue: Matter, Mood and Melancholy,” photographs and paintings. 479-286-6500.

CALICO ROCK CALICO ROCK ARTISAN COOPERATIVE, 105 Main St.: Paintings, photographs, jewelry, fiber

art, wood, ceramics and other crafts. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tue.-Thu., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri.-Sat., noon-4 p.m. Sun. calicorocket.org/artists.

CONWAY ART ON THE GREEN, Littleton Park, 1100 Bob Courtway: Paintings by Kristen Abbott, Eldridge Bagley, Nina Ruth Baker, Elizabeth Bogard, Steve Griffith, William M. McClanahan, Mary Lynn Nelson, Sheila Parsons and others.

501-499-3177.

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS: “Annual Student Art Competitive,” through March 19, Baum Gallery. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thu. uca.edu/art/baum.

FAYETTEVILLE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS: “New Faculty Exhibition,” works by David Chioffi, Dylan DeWitt, Sean King, Marty Maxwell Lane, Mathew McConnell, Marc Mitchell and Sean Morrisey, through March 27, Fine Arts Center Gallery. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 2-5 p.m. Sun. 479-575-7987.

WALTON ARTS CENTER, 495 W. Dickson St.: “Our Fragile Home,” installation by Pat Musick and Jerry Carr, Joy Pratt Markham gallery, through March. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri., noon-4 p.m. Sat. 479-443-5600.

FORT SMITH REGIONAL ART MUSEUM, 1601 Rogers Ave.: “The Orlanda Series,” printmaking by Anne Reichardt, through May 24; “Apron Strings: Ties to the Past,” vintage and contemporary aprons, through March 22. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tue.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. 479-784-2787.

HARRISON ARTISTS OF THE OZARKS, 124½ N. Willow St.: Work by Amelia Renkel, Ann Graffy, Christy Dillard, Helen McAllister, Sandy Williams and D. Savannah George. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thu.-Sat., noon-4 p.m. Sun. 870-429-1683.

HEBER SPRINGS BOTTLE TREE GALLERY, 514 Main St.: New silver collection by Mary Allison; also work by George Wittenberg, Judy Shumann, Priscilla Humay, April Shurgar, Julie Caswell, Jan Cobb, Johnathan Harris, Antzee Magruder, Ann Aldinger, Sondra Seaton and Bill and Gloria Garrison. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Tue.-Sat. 501-5908840.

HELENA DELTA CULTURAL CENTER, 141 Cherry St.: “House of Light: The Art and Photography of Hugo and Gayne Preller, 1894-1950,” photos taken along the White and Mississippi rivers, through April 4, Visitors Center. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tue.-Sat. 870-338-4350.

HOT SPRINGS ALISON PARSONS GALLERY, 802 Central Ave.: Paintings of thoroughbreds by Alison Parsons, sculpture by Lori Arnold, through March. 501625-3001.

FINE ARTS CENTER, 626 Central Ave.: Arkansas Sculptors Guild, through March. 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tue.-Sat. 501-624-0489.

GALLERY CENTRAL, 800 Central Ave.: New work by Bill and Gloria Garrison, through March.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 501-318-4278.

HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK CULTURAL CENTER, Ozark Bathhouse: “Arkansas Champion Trees: An Artist’s Journey,” col-

ored pencil drawings by Linda Williams Palmer, through August. Noon-5 p.m. Fri.-Sun. 501620-6715.

JUSTUS FINE ART, 827 Central Ave.: Robyn Horn, wood sculptures and mixed media paintings, through March. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed.-Sat. 501-321-2335.

NATIONAL PARK COMMUNITY COLLEGE, 101 College Drive: “The Lost Highway,” scale models of roadside architecture of the 1950s by David Rose, library, through June. 501-760-4222.

PERRYVILLE SUDS GALLERY, Courthouse Square: Paintings

by Dottie Morrissey, Alma Gipson, Al Garrett Jr., Phyllis Loftin, Alene Otts, Mauretta Frantz, Raylene Finkbeiner, Kathy Williams and Evelyn Garrett. Noon-6 p.m. Wed.-Fri, noon-4 p.m. Sat. 501-766-7584.

PINE BLUFF ARTS AND SCIENCE CENTER FOR SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS GALLERIES, 701 S. Main St.: “Familiar Figures: Drawings by Alonzo Ford,” through May 16; “Bombs, Bones and Bacteria,” mixed media by Robert Reep and Tom Richard, through June 20. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tue.-Fri., 1-4 p.m. Sat. 870-536-3375.

CONTINUING SCIENCE, HISTORY EXHIBITS ARKANSAS INLAND MARITIME MUSEUM, North Little Rock: The USS Razorback submarine tours. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 1-5 p.m.

Sun. 371-8320.

ARKANSAS NATIONAL GUARD MUSEUM, Camp Robinson: Artifacts on military history, Camp Robinson and its predecessor, Camp Pike, also a gift shop. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Mon.-Fri., audio tour available at no cost. 212-5215.

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

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

CLINTON PRESIDENTIAL CENTER, 1200 President Clinton Ave.: “Pigskin Peanuts,” Charles Schulz’s football-themed “Peanuts” cartoons, and “Heartbreak in Peanuts,” lovethemed cartoons, plus 5-foot sculptures of Charlie Brown and Snoopy and ephemera, in partnership with the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center in Santa Rosa, Calif., through April 5; permanent exhibits on the Clinton administration. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

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

HISTORIC ARKANSAS MUSEUM, 200 E. 3rd St.: Historic tavern, refurbished 19th century structures from original city, permanent exhibits on the Bowie knife and Arkansas’s Native American tribes (“We Walk in Two Worlds”), also changing exhibits. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. 324-9351.

MacARTHUR MUSEUM OF ARKANSAS MILITARY HISTORY, MacArthur Park: “Waging Modern Warfare”; “Gen. Wesley Clark”; “Vietnam, America’s Conflict”; “Undaunted Courage, Proven Loyalty: Japanese American Soldiers in World War II. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.Sat., 1-4 p.m. Sun. 376-4602.

MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY, 500 President Clinton Ave.: “Wiggle Worms,” science program for pre-K children 10 -10:30 a.m. every

Tue. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Sat., 1-5 p.m.

Sun., $10 ages 13 and older, $8 ages 1-12, free to members and children under 1. 396-7050.

OLD STATE HOUSE MUSEUM, 300 W. Markham: “Different Strokes,” the history of bicycling and places cycling in Arkansas, featuring artifacts, historical pictures and video, through February 2016. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. 324-9685.

WITT STEPHENS JR. CENTRAL ARKANSAS NATURE CENTER, Riverfront Park: Exhibits on fishing and hunting and the state Game and Fish Commission. 907-0636.

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

ENGLAND TOLTEC MOUNDS STATE PARK, U.S. Hwy. 165: Major prehistoric Indian site with visitors’ center and museum. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun., closed Mon. $3 for adults, $2 for ages 6-12. 961-9442.

JACKSONVILLE JACKSONVILLE MUSEUM OF MILITARY HISTORY, 100 Veterans Circle: Exhibits on D-Day; F-105, Vietnam era plane (“The Thud”); the Civil War Battle of Reed’s Bridge, Arkansas Ordnance Plant (AOP) and other military history.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. $3 adults; $2 seniors, military; $1 students. 501-241-1943.

MORRILTON MUSEUM OF AUTOMOBILES, Petit Jean Mountain: Permanent exhibit of more than 50 cars from 1904-1967 depicting the evolution of the automobile. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 7 days.

501-727-5427.

PINE BLUFF ARTS AND SCIENCE CENTER FOR SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS, 701 S. Main St.: “Exploring the Frontier: Arkansas 1540-1840,” Arkansas Discovery Network hands-on exhibition; “Heritage Detectives: Discovering Arkansas’ Hidden Heritage.” 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tue.-Fri., 1-4 p.m. Sat. 870-536-3375.

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

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

ROGERS ROGERS HISTORICAL MUSEUM, 322 S. Second St.: “Rebels, Federals and Bushwackers,” through Dec. 6; “Here Comes the Bride,” objects from the museum’s collection tell the story of the changes in weddings from the 1870s through today, through May; “IMAGINE: A NEW Rogers Historical Museum,” conceptual designs of new exhibition areas to be built. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon., Wed.-Sun., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tue. 479-6210-1154.

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

MARCH 12, 2015

33

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’ STICK A FEATHER IN YOUR HAT APRIL 11 for the inaugural Mac N Cheez Mania, a fundraiser and food fest organized by Trinity United Methodist Church. There will be play areas, T-shirts, music and lots of macaroni and cheese prepared by pros ($40 to register) and amateurs ($20 to register). The event starts at 11 a.m. at War Memorial Stadium. Proceeds go to organizations that promote children’s wellbeing. Admission is $10, and kids 12 and under will get in free.

DINING CAPSULES

AMERICAN

ACADIA A jewel of a restaurant in Hillcrest.

Unbelievable fixed-price, three-course dinners on Mondays and Tuesday, but food is certainly worth full price. 3000 Kavanaugh Blvd. Full bar, CC. $$-$$$. 501-603-9630. D Mon.-Sat. 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 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. BOSTON’S Ribs and gourmet pizza star at this restaurant/sports bar located at the Holiday Inn by the airport. TVs in separate sports bar area. 3201 Bankhead Drive. Full bar, All CC. $$.

501-235-2000. LD daily.

BOUDREAUX’S GRILL & BAR A homey, seat34

MARCH 12, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

WHOLE ENCHILADA: Darin “Harpo” Harper, meat department manager, shows off some of the fare available at the “barbecue bar” in Whole Foods.

It’s a grocery store, it’s a bar It’s Whole Foods, keeping it real.

W

e never thought we’d be heading to a Whole Foods for a dining review, but after a few visits to its new-and-improved Bowman location, we realized that while this place still sells groceries, prepared food is star attraction.

It’s a smart marketing decision by the Austin-based grocer — it once ruled the organic and health food grocery market, but now that big boys like Walmart and Kroger have multiple organic options, the pricier Whole Foods brand needed something to keep it relevant. Given our experience at the new store, they have succeeded admirably.

And let’s just get this out of the way right here at the top: This is a grocery store with a bar. A full, honest-to-hops bar decked out in attractive reclaimed wood with tables, stools and a friendly employee who will pour you a selection of beers by the glass to be enjoyed in the bar area or by the growler

for home consumption. We saw Lost Forty beers on tap as well as national brands, and the idea of popping into our local grocer for dinner ingredients and a pint seemed so wonderfully revolutionary that we drank two just to make sure it was real.

After our drink at the bar, we made our way to the back of the store to take a look at the “barbecue bar,” a self-serve saladbar-style table that was full of pulled pork, smoked chicken, sausages, ribs and smoked baked potatoes. Grab what you want in the recycled-material containers and then weigh it out — you can mix and match what you want for $10.99 per pound. The store is smoking its meat onsite, which both surprised and impressed us.

The ’cue itself wasn’t gourmet but we still thought it was quite tasty. The pulled pork was tender and had a good smoky flavor, and while we were worried that

its time in the holding pan would leave it dry, it was perfectly moist — it’s a perfect pulled pork to feed a bunch of folks for relatively cheap. The chicken was also tasty, and again our fears of a dry product were laid to rest by the first bite. At the suggestion of a staff member, we also sampled a sausage called Atomic — and while it wasn’t overly spicy, it was also a really good smoked sausage.

At this point, having had beer and barbecue at a store with a reputation more for soy milk and granola, we decided to head home and lie down for a while to ponder a world that was drastically different than the one we thought we knew. And then the next day, we went back.

Our second trip took us through the expanded cheese counter, where the knowledgeable staff was more than willing to talk about their various cheeses and cut sample pieces of anything to try. As tempting as it was for us to just hang out and eat Humboldt Fog and imported Stilton, we knew there was more to see. We passed by a case of build-your-own sushi kits which include pre-cut slices of sashimi grade fish and made a solemn vow to any deity that might be listening that we were going to return for that at a later date.

Not being in the mood for beer that day

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

DINING CAPSULES, CONT. (yes, we were shocked, too) we decided to head over to the coffee and juice bar. A perfectly acceptable cafe au lait ran $3.50 for a 20-ounce cup, and while we did not sample any of the juice, we did notice the spicy green fragrance of wheat grass floating all around as one of the baristas prepared a bright green shot for another customer. It wasn’t for us, but anyone into that sort of thing would likely be pleased with the finished product.

What is our thing is pizza, and Whole Foods knows this because they installed a pizza bar selling slices for $3.50 each or $6 for two. We selected a slice of veggie pizza … and discovered the best bite we’d had yet.

The crust is good, light with a good texture, and the toppings were nicely balanced — not so heavy as to overwhelm everything else, but not so sparse as to not be present at the party. Pair a slice of this pizza with a bowl of the $8.99 per pound salad and you’ve got quite a lunch.

This new appeal to customers is a stroke of genius. There are tables scattered around for diners to use, and we saw at least two dozen people enjoying lunch just like they were at a cafe. The sturdy containers the store uses make it great for takeout, and we imagine that there are more than a few West Little Rock commuters who stop in to grab a tasty dinner for the family that doesn’t require cooking. With the organic market getting more crowded, Whole Foods deserves some credit for expanding what it does — and with everything we ate making the grade, it seems to be bringing some skills to the expanded store. Of course, we still can’t get over drinking a beer at the grocery store.

Whole Foods

501 Bowman Road 501-312-2326 www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/littlerock www.facebook.com/wholefoodsLTR QUICK BITE Did you know that Whole Foods has concierge service? You can call or email your shopping list to the store, and for a small fee the employees do the shopping for you and have your order ready for pickup when you walk in the door.

HOURS 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.

OTHER INFO All major CC, beer and wine.

yourself Cajun joint in Maumelle that serves up all sorts of variations of shrimp and catfish. With particularly tasty red beans and rice, jambalaya and bread pudding. 9811 Maumelle Blvd. NLR. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-753-6860. LD daily.

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. $-$$. 501-301-7728. LD Mon.-Sat. BROWN SUGAR BAKESHOP Fabulous cupcakes, brownies and cakes offered five days a week until they’re sold out. 419 E. 3rd St. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-372-4009. LD Tue.-Fri. (close at 5:30 p.m.), L 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. CAMP DAVID Inside the Holiday Inn Presidential Conference Center, Camp David particularly pleases with its breakfast and themed buffets each day of the week. Wonderful Sunday brunch. 600 Interstate 30. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-975-2267. BLD daily, BR Sat.-Sun. CAPERS It’s never been better, with as good a wine list as any in the area, and a menu that covers a lot of ground — seafood, steaks, pasta — and does it all well. 14502 Cantrell Road. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-868-7600. LD Mon.-Sat. CHEDDAR’S Large selection of somewhat standard American casual cafe choices, many of which are made from scratch. Portions are large and prices are very reasonable. 400 South University. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-614-7578.

LD daily.

CHICKEN KING Arguably Central Arkansas’s best wings. 2704 MacArthur Drive. NLR. No alcohol, CC. $-$$. 501-771-5571. LD Mon.-Sat. 5213 W 65th St. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$.

501-562-5573. LD Mon.-Sat. CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

T

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MARCH 12, 2015

35

DINING CAPSULES, CONT.

hearsay ➥ The second annual Wine and Art Party benefiting the Children’s Tumor Foundation (CTF) is scheduled for 6:309:30 p.m. March 14 at Southwest Energy in Conway. Hosted by Hosted by Larry and Dr. Anne Trussell, the event will feature original artwork by artists Steve and Vivian Griffith, who are featured in galleries throughout the United States. The Griffiths are painting 100 original 8-by-10-inch pieces of artwork, which will be available to the first 100 people who purchase a ticket for $100.

(You do not have to be present to receive your artwork).

There will be food from multiple local restaurants; wine and beer provided by Clark Trim and Henrik Thostrup, owners of Colonial Wine and Spirits; music by Slings and Arrows; and a silent auction. In addition, Steve Griffith will have an opportunity for audience participation in a masterpiece that will then be up for live auction. All of the event’s proceeds go to the Children’s Tumor Foundation, and will be matched by longtime CTF supporters Jim Bob and Lauree Moffett.

Regular tickets (without art) are $25 each and are unlimited in number. For more information or to purchase tickets, email trussell42@gmail.com or visit the Trussell’s donor page at ctf.kintera.org. ➥ Cantrell Gallery is hosting a special exhibit by local artist Sandra Graves, painting as R.S. Perry, to benefit CARE for Animals. Now through March 16, 70 percent of the purchase price of Graves’ artwork from the exhibit will be donated to CARE. Have the folks at Cantrell Gallery frame the piece for you, and they will donate 20 percent of the framing cost. The exhibit runs through March 16. ➥ Feel like heading out of town once you thaw out from all the ice and snow? Consider making a trip over the border to Oklahoma and check out the upcoming shows at the Choctaw Casino in Durant.

Rob Thomas of Matchbox 20 will perform March 14 and Vince Gill will be there April 10. For more information, visit choctawcasinos.com.

Advertising Supplement 36

MARCH 12, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

COAST CANTINA A variety of salads, smoothies, sandwiches and pizzas, and there’s breakfast and coffee, too. 400 President Clinton Ave. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-371-0164.

LD Mon.-Sat. COMMUNITY BAKERY This sunny downtown bakery is the place to linger over a latte, bagels and the New York Times. But a lunchtime dash for sandwiches is OK, too, 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 OF LITTLE ROCK 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. 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. $$. 501-374-9463. D Tue.-Sat. DAVE’S PLACE A popular downtown soupand-sandwich stop at lunch draws a large and diverse crowd for the Friday night dinner, which varies in theme, home cooking being the most popular. Owner Dave Williams does all the cooking and his son, Dave also, plays saxophone and fronts the band that plays most Friday nights. 201 Center St. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-372-3283. L Mon.-Fri., D Fri. DAVID FAMILY KITCHEN Call it soul food or call it down-home country cooking. Just be sure to call us for breakfast or lunch when you go. Neckbones, ribs, sturdy cornbread, salmon croquettes, mustard greens and the like. Desserts are exceptionally good. 2301 Broadway. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-3710141. BL Tue.-Fri., L Sun. DELICIOUS TEMPTATIONS Decadent breakfast and light lunch items that can be ordered in full or half orders to please any appetite or palate, with a great variety of salads and soups as well. Don’t miss the bourbon pecan pie — it’s a winner. 11220 N. Rodney Parham Road. No alcohol, All CC. $$. 501-225-6893. BL daily.

DIZZY’S GYPSY BISTRO Interesting bistro fare, served in massive portions at this River Market favorite. 200 River Market Ave. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-375-3500. LD Tue.-Sat. THE FADED ROSE The Cajun-inspired menu seldom disappoints. Steaks and soaked salads are legendary. 1619 Rebsamen Park Road. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-663-9734. LD daily.

FLYING SAUCER A popular River Market hangout thanks to its almost 200 beers (including 75 on tap) and more than decent bar food. It’s nonsmoking, so families are welcome.

323 President Clinton Ave. Full bar, All CC. $$.

501-372-8032. LD daily.

FOX AND HOUND Sports bar that serves pub food. 2800 Lakewood Village. NLR. Full bar, All

CC. $$. 501-753-8300. LD daily.

FRANKE’S CAFETERIA Plate lunch spot strong on salads and vegetables, and perfect fried chicken on Sundays. Arkansas’ oldest continually operating restaurant. 11121 N. Rodney Parham Road. No alcohol, All CC. $$. 501-2254487. LD daily. 400 W. Capitol Ave. No alcohol, All CC. $$. 501-372-1919. L Mon.-Fri. 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. GADWALL’S GRILL Once two separate restaurants, a fire forced the grill into the pizza joint.

Now, under one roof, there’s mouth-watering burgers and specialty sandwiches, plus zesty pizzas with cracker-thin crust and plenty of toppings. 7311 North Hills Boulevard #12. NLR. Beer and wine, All CC. $-$$. 501-834-1840. LD daily.

GARDEN SQUARE CAFE & GROCERY Vegetarian soups, sandwiches and wraps just like those to be had across the street at 4Square Cafe and Gifts, plus a small grocery store.

4Square does unique and delicious wraps with such ingredients as shiitake mushrooms and the servings are ample. A small grocery accompanies the River Market cafe. River Market. No alcohol, All CC. 501-244-9964.

GIGI’S CUPCAKES This Nashville-based chain’s entries into the artisan-cupcake sweetstakes are as luxurious in presentation as they are in sugar quantity. 416 S. University Ave., Suite 120.

No alcohol, All CC. $. 501-614-7012. BLD daily.

GRAMPA’S CATFISH HOUSE A longtime local favorite for fried fish, hush puppies and good sides. 9219 Stagecoach Road. Beer and wine, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-407-0000. LD Tue.-Sat, L Sun. GUILLERMO’S GOURMET GROUNDS Serves gourmet coffee, lunch, loose-leaf tea, and tapas. Beans are roasted in house, and the espresso is probably the best in town. 10700 Rodney Parham Road. CC. 501-228-4448. BL daily.

HONEYBAKED HAM CO. The trademark ham is available by the sandwich, as is great smoked turkey and lots of inexpensive side items and desserts. 9112 N. Rodney Parham Road. No alcohol, All CC. 501-227-5555. LD Mon.-Sun. (4 p.m. close on Sat.).

IZZY’S It’s bright, clean and casual, with snappy team service of all his standbys — sandwiches and fries, lots of fresh salads, pasta about a dozen ways, hand-rolled tamales and brick oven pizzas. 5601 Ranch Drive. Beer and wine, All CC. $$. 501-868-4311. LD Mon.-Sat. LITTLEFIELD’S CAFE The owners of the Starlite Diner have moved their cafe to the Kroger Shopping Center on JFK, where they are still serving breakfast all day, as well as plate lunches, burgers and sandwiches. 6929 John F. Kennedy Blvd. NLR. No alcohol. 501-771-2036.

BLD Mon.-Sat., BL Sun. MAGGIE MOO’S ICE CREAM AND TREATERY Ice cream, frozen yogurt and ice cream pizza. 17821 Chenal Parkway. No alcohol, All CC. $. 501-821-7609. LD daily.

MARKHAM STREET GRILL AND PUB The menu has something for everyone, including mahi-mahi and wings. Try the burgers, which are juicy, big and fine. 11321 W. Markham St. Full bar, All CC. $-$$. 501-224-2010. LD daily.

MCBRIDE’S CAFE AND BAKERY Owners Chet and Vicki McBride have been serving up delicious breakfast and lunch specials based

on their family recipes for two decades in this popular eatery at Baptist Health’s Little Rock campus. The desserts and barbecue sandwiches are not to be missed. 9501 Baptist Health Dr #105. No alcohol, All CC. $. 501-3403833. BL Mon.-Fri. MOOYAH BURGERS Kid-friendly, fast-casual restaurant with beef, veggie and turkey burgers, a burger bar and shakes. 14810 Cantrell Road, Suite 190. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-8681091 10825 Kanis Road. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-313-4905. LD daily.

NEWK’S EATERY 314 S. University Avenue, Suite 180. Beer, All CC. 601-982-1160.

OLD MILL BREAD AND FLOUR CO. CAFE The popular take-out bakery has an eat-in restaurant and friendly operators. It’s selfservice, simple and good with sandwiches built with a changing lineup of the bakery’s 40 different breads, along with soups, salads and cookies. 12111 W. Markham St. #366.

No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-228-4677. BL Mon.-Sat. BR Sun. RED DOOR Fresh seafood, steaks, chops and sandwiches from restaurateur Mark Abernathy.

Smart wine list. 3701 Old Cantrell Road. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-666-8482. BL Tue.-Sat. D daily.

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 BAKERY Full service bakery with ready-made and custom order cakes, cookies and cupcakes. Plenty of in-store seating. 8210

DINING CAPSULES, CONT. 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.

TRIO’S Fresh, creative and satisfying lunches; even better at night, when the chefs take flight. Best array of fresh desserts in town. 8201 Cantrell Road Suite 100. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$.

501-221-3330. LD Mon.-Sat., BR Sun. WHOLE FOODS MARKET Good sandwiches, soups and hummus to go; an enormous number of hot and cold entrees from the deli; extensive juice bar. 10700 N. Rodney Parham Road. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-221-2331.

BLD daily.

WILLY D’S DUELING PIANO BAR Willy D’s serves up a decent dinner of pastas and salads as a lead-in to its nightly sing-along piano show.

Go when you’re in a good mood. 322 President Clinton Ave. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-244-9550.

D Tue.-Sat. 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. $-$$. 501-6646444. LD Mon.-Sat. ZIN URBAN WINE & BEER BAR This is the kind of sophisticated place you would expect to find in a bar on the ground floor of the Tuf-Nut lofts downtown. It’s cosmopolitan yet comfortable, a relaxed place to enjoy fine wines and beers while noshing on superb meats, cheeses and amazing goat cheese-stuffed figs. 300 River Market Ave. Beer and wine, All CC. $$-$$$.

501-246-4876. D daily.

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. $-$$. 501-374-5105. L Mon.-Sat. CHI’S CHINESE CUISINE No longer owned by Chi’s founder Lulu Chi, this Chinese mainstay still offers a broad menu that spans the Chinese provinces and offers a few twists on the usual local offerings. 5110 W. Markham St. Beer, All CC. $-$$. 501-604-7777. LD Mon.-Sat. CRAZY HIBACHI GRILL The folks that own Chi’s and Sekisui offer their best in a three-inone: tapanaki cooking, sushi bar and sit-down dining with a Mongolian grill. 2907 Lakewood Village. NLR. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$. 501-8129888. LD daily.

FANTASTIC CHINA The food is delicious, the presentation beautiful, the menu distinctive, the service perfect, the decor bright. 1900 N. Grant St. Full bar, All CC. $$. 501-663-8999. LD daily.

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.

KEMURI Upscale Japanese from Little Rock restaurateur Jerry Barakat features entrees grilled on robatas (charcoal grills), sushi bar and other Asian dishes, plus American favorites

given a pan-Asian twist. You’ve never had baby back ribs likes these cooked on a robata. 2601 Kavanaugh Blvd., No. 2. Full bar, All CC. $$-$$$.

501-660-4100. L Mon.-Fri., D 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.

VEGGI DELI A small cafe in the back of the massive Indian and Mediterranean supermarket Asian Groceries, where vegetarian chat (South Indian street food) is the specialty.

Let no one complain about our woeful lack of vegetarian restaurants before trying the food here. 9112 N. Rodney Parham. No alcohol, All CC. $-$$. 501-221-9977. LD Tue.-Sun. (closed at 7:30 p.m.).

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. PIT STOP BAR AND GRILL A working-man’s bar and grill, with barbecue, burgers, breakfast and bologna sandwiches. 5506 Baseline Road.

Full bar, No CC. $$. 501-562-9635. LD daily.

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.

TAZIKI’S MEDITERRANEAN CAFE Fast casual chain that offers gyros, grilled meats and veggies, hummus and pimento cheese.

8200 Cantrell Road. Beer and wine, All CC. $$.

501-227-8291. LD daily. 12800 Chenal Parkway.

Beer and wine, All CC. $$. 501-225-1829. 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

BRAVO! CUCINA ITALIANA This upscale Italian chain offers delicious and sometimes inventive dishes. 17815 Chenal Pkwy. Full bar, All CC. $$$. 501-821-2485. LD daily. BR Sun. BRUNO’S 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 CAFE Thin, crunchy pizza with just a dab of tomato sauce but plenty of chunks of stuff, topped with gooey cheese. Draft beer is appealing on the open-air deck — frosty and generous. 1517 Rebsamen Park Road. Beer and wine, All CC. $-$$. 501-664-6133. LD daily 14710 Cantrell Road. Beer and wine, All CC. $$-$$$.

501-868-2600. LD daily.

WORK DOWNTOWN? TRY SNAP FITNESS!

AFFORDABLE SMALL GROUP PERSONAL TRAINING snapfitness.com/littlerockdowntown

In the Victory Bldg 1401 W. Capitol 246-8266 www.arktimes.com

MARCH 12, 2015

37

Ride the ARKANSAS TIMES

BLUES BUS APRIL 11, 2015

TO THE JUKE JOINT FESTIVAL IN CLARKSDALE, MS

IT'S ALL ABOUT

THE DELTA!

Enjoy small stages with authentic blues during the day and at night venture into the surviving juke joints, blues clubs and other indoor stages.

Reserve your seat by calling 501.375.2985 or emailing Kelly Lyles at kellylyles@arktimes.com BUS TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED BY ARROW COACH LINES

$125

PRICE INCLUDES: + + + + +

Round-trip bus transportation Live blues performances en route Adult beverages on board Lunch at a Delta favorite Wristband for the nighttime events

BUS LEAVES AT 9 A.M. FROM IN FRONT OF THE PARKING DECK AT 2ND & MAIN STREETS IN DOWNTOWN LITTLE ROCK AND RETURNS LATE NIGHT.

The Arkansas Times Blues Bus is a Related Event and not affiliated with Juke Joint Festival or the non-profit Clarksdale Downtown Development Association.

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MARCH 12, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES

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CUSTOM SUITS & ACCESSORIES

ARKANSAS TIMES MARKETPLACE BRAIN IMAGING RESEARCH STUDY FOR NEW MOTHERS • Mothers ages 15-45 years • Full term delivery of baby within the past 8 weeks • Involves a brain imaging scan and questionnaires • All responses are kept confidential • Must be medically healthy • Monetary compensation provided Contact Dr. Lisa Brents at 501-413-6058 psychiatry.uams.edu/research/birc

FULL SERVICE TAILORING FOR MEN & WOMEN FREE TAILORING ON IN-HOUSE PURCHASES

The CITY OF MAUMELLE announces Civil Service examination for the position of entry level Police Officer will be given on Saturday, May 2, 2015.

PICK UP & DELIVERY AVAILABLE 417 President Clinton Ave, Little Rock, 501.244.9670

NOTICE OF FILLING APPLICATIONS FOR RETAIL BEER PERMIT OFF PREMISES Notice is hereby given that the undersigned has files an application with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division of the State of Arkansas for a permit to sell beer at retail for consumption off the premises described as: 5412 Baseline Road, Little Rock, AR 72209, Pulaski County. Said application was filed on February 13, 2015. the undersigned states that he/she is a resident of Arkansas, of good moral character; that he/she has never been convicted of a felony or other crime involving moral turpitude; that no license to sell alcoholic beverages by the undersigned has been revoked within five (5) years last past; and, that the undersigned has never been convicted of violating the laws of this State, or any other State, relative to the sale of controlled beverages.

Name of Applicant: Raul Narvaez.

Name of Business: LA POTOSINA. Sworn to before me this 4th day of March, 2015. Linda L. Phillips, Notary Public. My commission Expires: September 28, 2016. #12350768.

MAUMELLE CIVIL SERVICE ENTRY LEVEL POLICE EXAM

QUALIFICATIONS FOR TAKING THE EXAM ARE:

C U S T O M F U R N I T U R E tommy@tommyfarrell.com ■ 501.375.7225 Calling All UBER DRIVERS! Contact Robert Combs to see a demonstration and sign-up for your free recording dash-cam system, (501) 563-2197 RkimC@hotmail.com.

Share this information with all your Uber Driver friends, supply is limited to the first 100 Uber drivers who sign-up.

ARKANSAS TIMES

MARKETPLACE TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SECTION, CALL LUIS AT 501.375.2985

1- Be a United States Citizen 2- Be the age of 21 on date of the exam (Police Exam) 3- Be able to pass a background check, a drug test, and/or physical examination 4- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent 5- Possess a valid Arkansas driver’s license Beginning salary is $30,334.00 per year; the City offers an excellent employee benefit package.

The application process will begin immediately. For additional information visit www.maumelle.org.

“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) 851-2784, ext. 233 or at vernon@maumelle.org.

www.arktimes.com

MARCH 12, 2015

39

Van GoghO’Keefe Kahlo PicassoDali WarholRothko Van Gogh Dali Kahlo Van Gogh Rothko Rothko O’KeefeDali Warhol RothkoO’Keefe TO

MASTERWORKS FROM THE

ALBRIGHT-KNOX ART GALLERY

76 ARTWORKS • 73 ARTISTS FROM THE LATE 19TH CENTURY TO THE PRESENT Experience these masterpieces through the

ARKANSAS TIMES ART BUS TRIP to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

MAY 2, 2015

149

$

per person

Price includes: Round-trip tour bus transportation Boxed lunch Tickets to the Van Gogh to Rothko exhibit at Crystal Bridges Dinner at The Hive restaurant

PLUS A special dinner by Award-Winning Chef Matthew McClure at The Hive restaurant inside the 21C Museum Hotel

AND See the two current exhibits on display at 21C Museum Hotel: Duke Riley: See You at the Finish Line • Blue: Matter, Mood and Melancholy

RESERVE YOUR SEAT BY CALLING 501.375.2985 OR EMAILING KELLY LYLES AT KELLYLYLES@ARKTIMES.COM

ARKANSAS TIMES

Round-trip bus transportation provided by Arrow Coachlines.

Admission into Crystal Bridges Museum of Modern Art is free.

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MARCH 12, 2015

ARKANSAS TIMES