Who cares now?
Even in the face of seeming despair of high gas prices, a looming debt crisis and the ongoing Great Recession, a good number of young folks in Arkansas are just as motivated and positive as ever about the future.
Vol 37 • No 46
Read the print version
The Tuesday line
It's open. Final thoughts:
* GOVERNMENT BY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: Please note an update on my earlier post about Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce control of Little Rock government.
Self-professed budget hawk Crawford really a big spender
Rick Crawford, whose personal financial disrepair was an issue in his election as Republican congressman from the 1st District, is a professed spending hawk. But according to a new report by the transparency website Legistorm, Rep. Crawford's words don't match his actions.
Remembering Civil Rights battles
As golden jubilees go, the gathering of the '60s Freedom Riders and lunch-counter demonstrators over the weekend was unexceptional: the usual hugs, mutual compliments, nostalgia and jokes about the ravages of age.
Read their lips: No new taxes
What has happened over the past four of five days in Washington is instructive. What has happened over the last three or four days in Little Rock has been unsettling.
Vacation notes
Avoid Bryant, where deadly Sydney Funnel Web spiders have been reported.
Socialist Arkansas
Evidence mounts that the business community has sold the public on socialism.
At least Beebe won't attend Perry's homophobia-fest
It won't end the criticism for his recent unsympathetic remarks to a gay political organization, but Gov. Mike Beebe has at least declined to attend or endorse Texas Gov. Rick Perry's gay-bashing extravaganza, scheduled for Houston next month.
Unto the breach
New director to tackle debt, identity crisis at Arts Center.
Workmanlike funn
'Horrible Bosses' doesn't dig deep, but that's OK
The kids will be alright
The Observer took Junior to the first day of his summer program last Monday: UALR's Summer Laureate University for Youth — SLUFY — now in its 31st year.
Behind the demise of Blue Hog
Matt Campbell and Jeff Woodmansee, creators and coauthors of the progressive blog Blue Hog Report, were making waves. Big ones. That's exactly why the state Republican Party tried to shut them down.
Ship him Down Under
After years of unprincipled money-grubbing, of banishing truth from his media outlets, of turning good newspapers into bad ones and making bad ones worse, what could Rupert Murdoch do that would lower him even further in the estimation of his fellow man? Now we know.
B-52s, 3 Doors Down, John Paul Keith and the One Four Fives
Plus Jack's Mannequin, Velvet Kente, Fat Tire Festival and "The Night of the Hunter"
Passive resistance not the path
If GLBT people do not stand for their rights who will stand for them? The governor who was elected to lead this state? I think not.
Mark Jungers plays White Water Tavern
Plus The Wealthy West, Runaway Planet and the Miss Arkansas Finals.
Taking Root, at last
After some three years in the works, Jack and Corri Bristow Sundell's Root Cafe is finally open. It was worth the wait.
Cornbread Festival coming to the Bernice Garden
Plus, a new location for Sushi Cafe.
Today's traveling medicine show
The Get Motivated! Business Seminar, featuring Laura Bush, Bill Cosby, Rudy Giuliani, Lou Holtz, Colin Powell and other muckety-mucks is coming to Verizon Arena on Aug. 30, and it's only $1.95 per person or $9.95 for an entire office. That's a steal, right?
Judge won't budge
Although the federal courthouse at Little Rock has been expanded and renovated in recent years, at considerable expense, Judge Morris S. Arnold of the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals continues to rent space in a private office building. Public money pays the rent.
Lottery shortfall
A new report on the amount of revenue the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery will be able to pass on to Arkansas college students this year finds the final tally is near $4 million dollars less than the revenue projection made by lottery director Ernie Passailaigue in late June on the day of the end of the lottery's fiscal year.
Walmart in Riverdale
The former Harvest Foods building in the Riverdale shopping center will be branded as a Walmart Neighborhood Market, but will be more than 50 percent larger than the usual 40,000-square-foot model. It will have some 20,000 square feet of general merchandise, sort of a mini-Supercenter.
New on Rock Candy
Ronnie Brewer hosts a birthday party, Pretty Lights comes to Verizon Arena and the Ozark Foothills FilmFest is accepting submissions.
Good week: The state budget
It was a good week for: the state budget, the University of Arkansas System, bikers and hikers, the UA Athletic Department and Joe Black. It was a bad week for transparency in the Arkansas Legislature.
When should the state step in?
In the wake of Yarnell's abrupt closure, questions about the state's role in propping the ice cream maker up
Golf courses guide
The public courses of Central Arkansas may be the greenest place to be this summer, and they welcome all kinds of players.
Walmart grocery expansion in Little Rock
More details in our Insider this week on Walmart's plans to put a larger-than-normal Neighborhood Market in the former Harvest Foods store in the Riverdale shopping center.
Taxes must rise
Hard to argue with the lead of this story:
Economists call a budget that covers soaring medical costs and pays for the world’s largest military with some of the world’s lowest taxes a free lunch.
Edwin Edwards: Still spicy at 83
Fans of Louisiana politics should appreciate this Times-Picayune article about former Gov. Edwin Edwards' first public appearance since completing his federal racketeering sentence.
Our Town Grant, from Fayetteville perspective
The press release from the University of Arkansas on the Our Town grant for a creative community in downtown Little Rock adds a bit more information.
Pressure continues on Murdoch empire
The criminal activities of Rupert Murdoch's newspaper employees has scuttled its bid to take over a British broadcasting company.
Gould Council bans citizens group
I'd heard recently about civic turmoil in Gould, to most people a blur on the highway between Pine Bluff and Dumas in Lincoln County.
Website targets legislative expense reimbursements
A group called Conservative Arkansas announces a new website delving into a worthy subject — the practice of nearly all state legislators to enhance their pay by nakedly unconstitutional payments masked (poorly) as expense reimbursements.
Eddie Griffin to Robinson
Eddie Griffin is coming to Robinson Center Music Hall.
American Princes release final EP
The American Princes final EP is out now on Reynolds Records.
Wednesday To-Do: Jack's Mannequin
Jack's Mannequin plays at Revolution tonight.
Thursday To-Do: B-52s
The B-52s play the Arkansas Music Pavilion Thursday night.
Passailaigue: $94.2m for higher ed a surprise
At this morning's meeting of the Arkansas Lottery Commission, Ernie Passailaigue said the news that the lottery would only be able to pass on $94.2 million — instead of his earlier projection of $98 million — to the Arkansas Department of Higher Education came as a surprise to him, even though he'd publicly quoted the $98 million figure as late as June 30 (which is the last day of the Lottery's fiscal year).
Democrats gloat over House 54 win
Given the blizzard of Republican Party and aligned media noise about this race, you can understand the Democratic Party's desire to gloat a bit with the statement on the jump on Hudson Halllum's victory in the special state House race from Crittenden County.
Thursday: Mark Jungers, Ty Mayfield, The Wealthy West
The Wealthy West and David Ramirez play a free show at Maxine's Thursday night.
'New low' in crime: Tip jar theft UPDATE
Little Rock Police Lt. Terry Hastings announces what he calls a "new low" in crime — theft of a tip jar from Starbucks about noontoday.
Republican soft money haul: Was it legal?
Michael Cook, the Democratic political operative now blogging at the Talk Business website, comments on a recent fund-raiser featuring U.S. Rep. Steve Womack.
UA Board hears 2 candidates for president UPDATE
The University of Arkansas Board of Trustees will interview two candidates today for president of the UA System — John Churchill, who heads the Phi Beta Kappa Society, and Donald Bobbitt, provost of the University of Texas at Arlington.
We're over the hump
It's Wednesday. The line is open.
Your tax dollars NOT at work at Highway Department
Thanks to a tipster for a newly released Legislative Audit report on the Highway and Transportation Department.In brief: The auditors will refer to the Pulaski prosecuting attorney their finding that employees in the department's legal division, headed by Robert Wilson, have been improperly getting a half-day off, with pay, every three weeks, and an additional two hours paid time off (it's not clear if this is every three weeks or more or less frequently) for doctors appointments and "personal errands."
Beebe files a Senate map
Stephens Media reports that Gov. Mike Beebe submitted a proposal for redrawing state Senate districts today.
Give I your attention
People get the idea that him and me are coarse, so they replace them with he and I even when him and me are correct.
Reshaping the legislature
Gov. Mike Beebe put out a state Senate map yesterday and the deeper analysis by the Democrat-Gazette shows about what you'd expect.
Amazon goes to war against sales taxes
Amazon is cranking up an initiative campaign in California to prevent application of sales taxes to any portion of Internet commerce.
Tommy Smith back on the air
The Buzz's Tommy Smith is back on the air after a stint in rehab following his arrest on a variety of driving charges and illegal possession of a prescription drug.
Burger joint of the week: Herman's Ribhouse
How often do you get cracked up by a restaurant? I mean, seriously laughing hard for a good reason or two? I have to say, I was more amused by Herman’s Ribhouse in Fayetteville than I have been by any restaurant in a long time. The fact they put out a damn good burger just enhances the restaurant’s esteem with me.
The next cheese dip competition
There are actually three of them this year — two preliminaries and the big show in Little Rock — for the World Cheese Dip Championship.
Argenta ArtWalk: Charles Harrington
"Charles Harrington: A Sense of Place" opens at Greg Thompson Gallery, 429 Main St., for the 5-8 p.m.
Twice-fired state trooper reinstated
An appeal hearing is underway today at the Arkansas State Police Commission for Andrew Rhew, the state trooper who was fired (twice) as a result of the fatal crash in which his patrol car collided in Manila with a car driven by Vickie Freemyer, a Blytheville teacher, while he was rushing to a call in Osceola.
Appeals court upholds work halt at SWEPCO plant
The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis today gave opponents of the SWEPCO coal-fired power plant in Hempstead County at least a small victory.
Final round of UA president search
The University of Arkansas Board of Trustees had a private interview session this morning with the third of four candidates for System president to succeed the retiring Alan Sugg.
Weekend To-Do: Eureka Springs Fat Tire Festival
The 14th annual Eureka Springs Fat Tire Festival takes pla
Argenta ArtWalk: John Kushmaul
At Ketz Gallery.
Dustin McDaniel's expensive movie
As I suggested the other day, a lot of people though Attorney General Dustin McDaniel had big-footed the State Police awards lunch the other day — some nonentity named Mike Beebe was the speaker — by insisting on airing a video of McDaniel, then in Hawaii, announcing that he was directing $700,000 from settlement of a lawsuit with drug companies to build a State Police classroom building at its shooting range in Wrightsville.
Friday To-Do: Velvet Kente
Velvet Kente and The Evelyns play aboard the Arkansas Queen Friday night.
Weekend: Tracy Ryerson, Runaway Planet, Miss Arkansas Finals
Community Theater of Little Rock kicks off its production of "The Great American Trailer Park Musical" at The Public Theatre.
Charge filed over access to candidate's criminal record
Jason Tolbert reports that the Sebastian prosecutor has filed a misdemeanor charge against State Police employee Chris Anderson for improperly accessing Arkansas Crime Information Center records on Tom Fite, a Republican candidate for state legislature.
Saturday To-Do: "The Night of the Hunter"
The Faulkner County Library will screen "The Night of the Hunter" and "Cape Fear" Saturday evening.
So simple... fried green tomatoes
Kat shows how to make them. It's pretty darn simple.
Argenta ArtWalk: V.L. Cox
V.L. Cox offers a new take on the flag in her show at Thea, open for Argenta Artwalk on Friday evening.
Response: Highway Department audit
I've been in and out all day, unable to get people on the phone, but here's a response from Randy Ort of the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department responding to written questions about the new state audit that found abuse of time off policies in the legal division of the highway department.
Inventors of esteemed 'crabcore' genre to play Juanita's in September
Attack Attack! plays Juanita's September 25. Tickets are $13 in advance or $15 at the door.
Thursday line
The line is open. Final notes:
* FEDERAL JUDGESHIP: No word yet from Sen. Mark Pryor's office, but he's said to be close to sending new names to the White House for an open federal judgeship.
Donald R. Bobbitt chosen as University of Arkansas president
was chosen late Thursday afternoon as president of the University of Arkansas System to succeed the retiring Alan Sugg.
Murdoch scandal deepens
More good news on the Murdoch front. Rebekah Brooks, chief executive of Murdoch's News International, has been forced to resign.
The U.S. gets to crazy
Krugman writes about Republican craziness on the debt ceiling, but wonders why anyone should be surprised.
The brave new world of Mark Martin
Secretary of State Mark Martin (R-Pluto) is a continuing source of amusement, consternation or something.
Pieday: Blueberry cream at Mud Street Cafe
Sometimes you just luck into something fantastic — even when the folks who make it don’t realize how fantastic it is. That’s exactly the case that happened to me at Mud Street Café in Eureka Springs.
Tim Griffin rolling in money
U.S. Rep. Tim Griffin is no Vic Snyder. Griffin's predecessor didn't engage in year-round fund-raising as Griffin and most others do.
ACAC board dissolves organization
The ACACs board voted recently to dissolve the nonprofit.
Dustin McDaniel's $6,000 movie
I mentioned yesterday that Attorney General Dustin McDaniel's office had spent roughly $6,000 on a brief video by which he announced at a State Police awards ceremony his decision to take $700,000 won in a lawsuit against drug companies to a classroom building at the State Police shooting range.
Jimmy John's coming to downtown Little Rock
Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches is coming to Seventh and Broadway.
Grav Weldon, at Starving Artist July 16
It's appropriate that Grav Weldon, whose food photos have appeared on our Eat Arkansas blog, will be the featured artist at Starving Artist.
The Lemonheads to Little Rock
The Lemonheads are scheduled to play in Little Rock Sept. 30.
Republicans want to keep illegal money
Fine example being set by Arkansas Republican legislators. They got caught holding an illegal fund-raiser — using U.S. Rep. Steve Womack as a host to raise corporate money.
Saturday To-Do: 3 Doors Down
3 Doors Down plays at Magic Springs' Timberwood Amphitheater Saturday night.
Stanley Reed dies in auto accident
Stanley Reed, the Marianna farmer and lawyer who'd been a top contender yesterday for the job of University of Arkansas System president, died this morning in a one-vehicle accident on U.S. Highway 64 east of Augusta, about a mile east of Highway 33.
Saturday To-Do: John Paul Keith & The One Four Fives
John Paul Keith & The One Four Fives play White Water Tavern Saturday night.
Let's predict the winner of the Miss Arkansas pageant
Surveying the most compelling talents and platforms at this year's Miss Arkansas pageant.
Little Rock to sail the seas again
The Defense Department has announced plans to name the next freedom-class littoral combat ship (LCS) as the USS Little Rock.
Paul Bookout changes careers
Sen. Paul Bookout (D-Jonesboro), who's been a funeral director, is going to work for St. Bernards Healthcare in Jonesoboro as administrative director for system relations and government/public affairs at St. Bernards.
Harry gets his war on
The family and I braved the dead of night last night to attend one of the midnight showings of the final Harry Potter flick: "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2."
Porter's Jazz Cafe opening Aug. 3
Porter's Jazz Cafe is set to open Aug. 3 with an sponsors-only performance from jazz pianist Alex Bugnon.
Podcast: The Twice as Nice Edition
This week we're talking about the new UA System president, the latest in the legal battle over the SWEPCO coal fired plant, shortfalls at the Arkansas Lottery, the twice-fired State Trooper reinstated by the Arkansas State Police Commission, Dustin McDaniel's costly video blunder, state redistricting and, with A&E editor Robert Bell, the much-hyped US release of Spotify and the emerging landscape of digital music streaming.
Friday night line
The line is open. Final note:
* MORE HARD TIME: Federal Judge Bill Wilson today gave Cabot bookie George Wylie Thompson 103 months in prison for charges connected to gambling, a sham marriage and illegal firearms purchases.
Meghan McCain is in LR, looking for something to do
Conservative blogger/daughter of a famous person Meghan McCain and liberal comedian and actor Michael Ian Black are in Little Rock as part of their "Stupid for American" book project.
Candidate files for LR School slot
I know nothing beyond the name on the current list of candidates who've filed for local school board seats, but a candidate — Norma Jean Johnson — has filed for the Zone 1 seat on the Little Rock School Board held by long-time member Katherine Mitchell.
The silence of McDaniel
Attorney General Dustin McDaniel has at least three people on staff charged with handling press inquiries and developing media strategy and otherwise burnishing his image.
Arkies in D.C.: The empty suit club
John Brummett washes his hands of every single member of the six-man Arkansas congressional delegation for their total default on solutions for the country's financial ills.
Rupert Murdoch's ruin of Wall Street Journal
The Wall Street Journal was once a great newspaper — emphasis on "news," not the right-wing editorial page.
Mad at House Republicans yet?
Not mad yet? The first paragraph of James Stewart's Page One analysis in the NY Times today should do it:
The economy is still suffering from the worst financial crisis since the Depression, and widespread anger persists that financial institutions that caused it received bailouts of billions of taxpayer dollars and haven’t been held accountable for any wrongdoing.
Cop shoots armed man near River Market
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette is reporting that a Little Rock police officer shot a man pointing a gun at him about 2 a.m. this morning at Markham and Scott Streets.
Take it away
The Saturday line is over.
Murdoch scandal grows
Oh yes, Rebekah Brooks, former head of Rupert Murdoch's News International, has been arrested for allegedly conspiring to intercept communications.
Gripes mount on redistricting
Republican senators Fireball Holland and Death Star II Rapert lead the list of complaints in this Stephens Media article about the Senate districts proposed by Gov. Mike Beebe and Attorney General Dustin McDaniel, the Democratic majority on the state Board of Apportionment.
Brummett rises in defense of Ernie P.
John Brummett reviews the latest hiccups at the Arkansas Lottery Commission and seems to conclude, on balance, that director Ernie Passailaigue is doing a pretty good job, though better on the startup than ongoing management and likely to depart before too long.
Ex-ADEQ chief faces pollution reports
Here's a story from Channel 4 that deserves more attention. It's a report of illegal dumping of fracking sludge in White County.
Funeral arrangements for Stanley Reed
Funeral arrangements have been announced for Stanley Reed of Marianna. The 59-year-old former president of the Arkansas Farm Bureau died in an auto accident Friday near Augusta as he returned to his farm.
Sunday thoughts
Line is open. I loved the British Open as usual for the scenes of people bundled up against the chill, rainy wind.
Republican group targets Mike Ross
A Karl Rove choreographed Republican attack fund has U.S. Rep. Mike Ross on its list of 10 congressmen targeted with attack ads the next two weeks.
Murdoch's poisonous corporate culture
Don't let the Wall Street Journal (a shameful Murdoch tool now) or any of the Fox Nation blowhards fool you.
Teacher merit pay dropped in New York
Teacher merit pay — a cherished tool of the schol "reformers" before they began focusing like a laser on charter schools, particularly in urban districts — is being dropped in New York City.
Michele Bachmann is nuts
Let us pray for the U.S., John Brummett writes, so long as Rep. Michele Bachmann can credibly run for president.
Tuesday: Heartless Bastards
Austin's Heartless Bastards play Juanita's Tuesday night.
Mole rats, bush dogs on display at Little Rock Zoo
The Little Rock Zoo announces that some recent newborns are now old enough to be on display at the zoo — four particularly lovely naked mole rats and five bush dogs.
Change in Stanley Reed funeral time
I'm advised of a schedule change for the funeral Wednesday for Stanley Reed, the former Farm Bureau president, who died Friday.
A Bar Louie brunch
A bag of doughnuts, three dipping sauces and thou... what a way to start a weekend morning.
Evaluating the Tea Party
The Tea Party is an important force in Republican politics, but perhaps a negative one in national politics.
Muhammad murder trial underway UPDATE
The murder trial of Abdulhakim Muhammad is underway in Circuit Judge Herb Wright's court. He's repeated his desire to fire his lawyers, but the judge won't allow it.
Tonight: Illuminatour
The Illuminatour makes a stop at Juanita's tonight.
Two Rivers Bridge: Toll span? UPDATED
The rumor mill is buzzing that the new Two Rivers Bridge for pedestrians and bikers might land on property the county and city don't own.
Tonight: Bill Callahan
Bill Callahan is playing a last-minute show at White Water Tavern tonight.
Bobby Petrino's son arrested on drug charges
Scoop from 40/29: Arrest of Razorback football coach Bobby Petrino's 23-year-old son Dominic in Indiana.
LR cop shoots man after traffic stop
A Little Rock police officer shot a man who pulled a gun on him after a traffic stop in Southwest Little Rock about 1 p.m. today.
Police vow to target street gatherings in River Market
A shooting early Saturday in the River Market neighborhood has prompted plans for increased police activity in the area this coming weekend, Lt. Terry Hastings said.
ADEQ proposes fine for former agency chief
The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality today announced an agreed settlement of multiple pollution violations by Poseidon Energy Services, a company headed by former ADEQ Director Marcus Devine.
New DNA tests exclude West Memphis 3
A court filing today provides information on new DNA testing on evidence in the West Memphis Three murder cases.
The line is open
It's Monday. Report.
Dustin McDaniel to Jon Hubbard: Stick it
Or maybe better headline phrase in this context: " ... tu madre, Juan." Attorney General Dustin McDaniel seems to unerringly choose a bad political direction from my point of view as he draws closer to a gubernatorial race in 2014.
More is less in redistricting
Don't be confused by Secretary of State Mark Martin's proposal to create more majority black districts when the state is redistricted for population shifts.
Watching Rupert sweat
Get your popcorn. Or doughnuts. Rupert Murdoch on the hot seat, live, getting the tabloid treatment.
Getting tough in school equals what?
A study from Texas raises questions about tough school discipline policies. New York Times reports:
Raising new questions about the effectiveness of school discipline, a report scheduled for release on Tuesday found that 31 percent of Texas students were suspended off campus or expelled at least once during their years in middle and high school — at an average of almost four times apiece.
Boozman joins small opposition to gay judge
The Senate confirmed President Obama's nomination of Paul Oetken to a federal judgeship, the first openly gay man to be confirmed, though not the first gay federal judge.
Asian... from scratch... for cheap
Mei Li Cuisine has brought great Asian food to Eureka Springs... at prices that would be hard to beat anywhere in the state.
State says student test scores improving
The state Education Department said today that 2011 benchmark test scores (math and literacy, grades 3-8; science grades 5 and 7) showed overall improvement.
The man behind the Main Street project
I walked around the 1897 Arkansas building at 6th and Main last night with Scott Reed, who plans to put artists studios on the first floor there.
Legislative maps due today
You can check the state Board of Apportionment today for final redistricting maps from Gov. Mike Beebe, Attorney General Dustin McDaniel and Secretary of State Mark Martin.
NASCAR track approved in Missouri
Did anybody really believe developers of a proposed NASCAR track had any interest in Arkansas except to leverage approval of their track in Missouri?
Michele Bachmann's migraines
Isn't health of a presidential contender a legitimate issue? This report on Michelle Bachmann's migraine episodes is worth a read.
Morning in America — the tweet update
What did we do before Twitter:
* Rupert Murdoch pied in the halls of parliament, after which his wife reportedly bitch slapped the pieman.
New wrinkle in Cabot prostitution case
Three people involved in a prostitution bust last year in Cabot have filed suit against Lonoke County and their sheriff's department for malicious prosecution, unlawful arrest and defamation, among other things.
Gould makes the big time
The town of Gould's adoption of an ordinance to prohibit formation of organizations without Council approval — aimed at shutting down a citizens group that has vexed some council members — has drawn feature attention in the New York Times.
Tonight: Dying Fetus, Powerglove, Fleshgod Apocalypse
A night of brutal metal awaits you at Downtown Music Hall.
Could a debt plan emerge?
President Obama says he sees promise in an emerging Senate fiscal plan. It would include: 1) spending cuts; 2) revenue increases, and 3) changes in Medicare and Social Security.
Those legislative district maps
Gov. Mike Beebe has released his legislative redistricting maps. Here's the House.
Tuesday night line
It's open. In conclusion:
* MAIN STREET REVIVAL: Good interview by Leslie Newell Peacock on her Eye Candy blog with the young man with a plan — and money already behind it — to revitalize Little Rock's Main Street with projects aimed at luring artistic residents.
Credit Mike Ross where due
The Three Mouseketeers of Arkansas — U.S. Reps. Tim Griffin, Rick Crawford and Steve Womack — voted to wreck America tonight by endorsing a gimmicky bill that, credible economists say, would drive America into a deep recession.
Wednesday To-Do: C.J. Ramone
C.J. Ramone plays Downtown Music Hall Wednesday night."
Wednesday To-Do: Sevendust
Sevendust plays Juanita's Wednesday night.
