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August 22, 2012

Vol 38 • No 50

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Affirmative action on Arkansas campuses may end

It could have a huge impact, not just on colleges and universities but on American society at large.

Texas' 10-percenters

The lawsuit challenging affirmative action in higher education would not have been filed, at least not by Abigail Fisher, if she'd graduated in the top 10 percent of her high school class. She just missed.

UPDATE II: Echols blasts Baldwin in new book

We got an advance copy of Damien Echols' new book "Life After Death" (due Sep. 18 from Blue Rider Press) the other day, and probably shouldn't have read the ending first.

It was a good week for challengers

It was also a good week for Mitt Romney and drought aid. It was a bad week for scofflaw petition gatherers.

Better ways to spend $50K

Mitt Romney is scheduled to attend a private reception and dinner Wednesday, Aug. 22, at the Capital Hotel, at which couples can pay $50,000 to break bread with the presumptive Republican nominee.

Razorback football preview, part three

November has been kind to the Hogs recently, but it may also be the month that causes more fretting than usual this fall with Bobby Petrino's steadying hand being notably absent.

Arachnophobia and an anniversary

The Observer's pal and sometime deputy got bit by a spider recently. We're not talking about one of those helpful little critters that skitter around the barn, building webs, keeping flies out of the sugar bowl and teaching curious little pigs touching life lessons. No, this was apparently one of the nasty ones: a brown recluse possibly.

Cole's 'Empire' still relevant

I made a point to visit the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville because of the special exhibit there organized by the New York Historical Society, "The Hudson River School: Nature and the American Vision." I knew that several paintings by one of my favorite artists, Thomas Cole, would be there, but I never dreamed that I would see "The Course of Empire" (1836).

48 Hour Film Project screenings

Plus, Jim Mize.

Lyons: Romney's bold-faced lie

People who lie a lot also tend to whine a lot, particularly when their prevarications are exposed. As a presidential candidate, Mitt Romney gives the impression of never having been in a fair fight. He's remarkably thin-skinned for somebody in public life.

Echols blasts Baldwin

We got an advance copy of Damien Echols' new book "Life After Death" (due Sep. 18 from Blue Rider Press) the other day, and probably shouldn't have read the ending first.

In which Honey's prostate falls out

Our topic today is how it's hard to think about the one without either immediately or even simultaineously thinking of the other.

Teaching on the cheap

Colleges and universities lean heavily on part-time faculty.

Fayetteville Roots Festival kicks off

Plus Australia's Thunder from Down Under at Electric Cowboy, These United States at Stickyz, 'Fat Kid Rules the World' at Rave, The Canehill Engagement at Maxine's, Paul Wall at Discovery and 2012 First Security Kick-off Classic at War Memorial.

Grumpy old men

Washed-up action stars shoot things in 'Expendables 2.'

Bad moon

Tampa authorities have reported seeing a sizeable number of automobiles with dogs strapped on top, apparently early arrivals for the Republican National Convention.

District 35: Moderate v. wing nut

It's a race between a woman who's taken some unpopular positions while serving in the state House and a man whose every conversation while courting votes follows a "Groundhog Day" formula of us v. them.

Splish, splash

Children enjoy the cool water of War Memorial Park's water feature.

Taking it downtown

Bray has big shoes to fill, but it's getting there.

Digital film at Pulaski Tech

New production classes.

The medical marijuana surprise

One proposal was lost in the flurry of petition-gathering this summer for initiatives ranging from ethics reform to casinos. Advocates for the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act — which would make Arkansas the 18th state, and the first in the South, to legalize personal use of marijuana for the purposes of medical relief — got an early start, but have had little visibility over the past few months.

Nells and Dolls

Seeing an obituary for Nellie Gray, who was identified as a leader of the anti-abortion movement, I thought "This would be an appropriate time to use the old saying, 'Goodbye, Nellie Gray,' " and I started wondering where the expression came from, as it obviously predated the lady who had just died. Close research revealed that it didn't come from anywhere, that there was no such expression, that my head was inappropriately positioned.

GOP euphemisms

The Muse

If Akin should quit, why shouldn't Ryan, plus a primer

It's confusing, this Republican call for Rep. Todd Akin to quit his race for Senate.

Todd to turn in 100,000 additional signatures for casino initiative

In a statement, business woman Nancy Todd said that she plans to submit over 100,000 signatures today to the Secretary of State in support of her ballot initiative, a constitutional amendment to give her group four exclusive casino licenses in Arkansas.

Message from Odessa

What lunch in Odessa looks like.

Hillcrest HarvestFest gets the cheese dip going

Fall is cheese dip season in Arkansas.

Arkansas GOP on abortion: Never

In case you were wondering how the state Republican platform varies from the no-exception no-abortion stance of the national party, it doesn't.

Time to enter the Delta Exhibition

The 55th annual Delta Exhibition will be held Jan. 18-March 10 next year.

Pew Research: Middle class size, income shrinks

The non-partisan Pew Research Center has released a report headlined "The Lost Decade of the Middle Class: Fewer, Poorer, Gloomier," that finds the last decade has seen the largest decline in family incomes since the end of World War II.

Hays, developer tied?

KARK, Channel 4, has put up a teaser on its Facebook site about North Little Rock's proposal to sell the rock quarry beneath Emerald Park that says Mayor Patrick Hays "has a business relationship" with the developer.

Dee's not gonna take it, no, he ain't gonna take it

Dee Snider has denounced GOP vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan's use of the Twisted Sister song "We're Not Gonna Take It."

First West Nile fatality in Arkansas reported

An Arkansan has died of the West Nile virus, according to the Arkansas Department of Health.

Medical marijuana initiative qualifies for ballot

The secretary of state's office today said that Arkansans for Compassionate Care has turned in a sufficient number of signatures to qualify its proposal to allow Arkansans with qualifying medical conditions to purchase marijuana from non-profit dispensaries.

Protesters welcome Romney

Mitt Romney is due to arrive in Little Rock any minute now for a fundraiser that includes a $50,000-per-couple dinner at the Capital Hotel. Protesters are on the scene.

Have at it

Talk, talk.

Lilly's Dim Sum, Then Some offers some dim sum and a lot of "then some"

Lilly's Dim Sum, Then Some offers some dim sum and a lot of "then some"

How retrograde are Todd Akin's ideas?

Two centuries ago an Arkansas court called them nonsense.

There's a new Bruno's in town

A new restaurant named Bruno's opens at the former home of Bruno's Little Italy, a Little Rock Italian favorite.

Damien Echols responds to Baldwin

On Tuesday, The Arkansas Blog reported on passages from "Life After Death," the new memoir by Damien Echols, that look very much like Echols throwing Baldwin under the bus over Baldwin's brief stand against accepting the Alford Plea that freed the three men because it would require them to plead guilty.

Cantrell Gallery celebrates the Buffalo

Paul Caldwell's photographs go on exhibit tomorrow (Friday, Aug. 24) at Cantrell Gallery in a show called "A Photographic Celebration: The 40th Anniversary of the Buffalo National River."

Kebab House announces free tasting today

Kebab House, which officially opens Monday, will offer free samples today from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Another Home Plate Hero image: update

From Rex Deloney.

Lansky, Lott file suit: UPDATE

Adam Lansky and Kaitlin Lott, whose petitions to run for seats on the Little Rock City Board were ruled insufficient by the city clerk, have filed suit in Pulaski Circuit Court asking the court to compel the clerk to certify Lansky and Lott as candidates.

"Poetic Transformations" video

When things calm down around here, I am heading to this exhibition at UALR.

Mary Steenburgen channels her inner Jan Brewer

Mary Steenburgen stars as Jan Brewer in this Funny or Die! video.

Mary Steenburgen stars as Jan Brewer in tonight's open line

Talk, talk.

Gorilla baby born at zoo; shower set

The Little Rock Zoo announced today that Sekani, 21, a lowland gorilla, gave birth Sunday to an apparently healthy baby, sex not yet determined.

Broadway Bridge public hearing

The Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department held an open-forum public meeting about a replacement span for the Broadway Bridge this evening in North Little Rock.

Empire State Building Shooting this morning

A gunman shot up to nine people outside of the Empire State Building this morning.

More is less at Bleu Monkey Grill

A widely varied menu means nothing is ever perfected.

Judge to make decision on Lansky, Lott by Friday

The city attorney and the attorney representing Kaitlin Lott and Adam Lansky in their effort to be included on the Little Rock Board of Directors ballot agreed before a hearing today in Circuit Court that their names would be included in the drawing for ballot position.

Check out this new Pepperboy video

Pepperboy's new video, "Felon," came out yesterday.

Dump Huck, Dems urge GOP

American Bridge PAC is urging the GOP, with an online petition promoted by the Twitter hashtag #DropHuck, to remove Mike Huckabee from the convention's speaker lineup next week for the Huck's support of Todd "legitimate rape" Akin.

Here are the semifinalists for Spin Off: Battle for the River

Spin Off: Battle for the River is Sept. 1 at Revolution.

Fran Drescher to Clinton School Sept. 14

Fran Drescher is scheduled to speak at the Clinton School Sept. 14.

Win tickets to see Ralphie May

Wanna win tickets to see comedian Ralphie May?

Tossed $1 mil ticket lawsuit gets a trial date

A new trial in a lawsuit over a $1 million dollar scratch-off lottery ticket that wound up in the trash — only to be picked up by the woman who eventually claimed the money — has been set.

Friday night heights

Odds and ends to ponder as your weekend starts.

Reports on Arkansas students

Arkansas elementary students are hungrier than ever. Arkansas high school students are testing better.

Saturday open line

Talk.

Another cheek

Nephew of former owner of Hope hospital charged with stealing beds and furniture for use in a different hospital.

Clueless duo: Romney and McCain

On Fox TV's early Sunday news show, Mitt Romney said he was "sad" that President Obama and Democrats have made an issue of Rep. Todd Akin's remarks on "legitimate rape."

Slow day closing down

Slow on this end, at least. Have at it!

The Villa Marre Opens for Business

This historic gem located in the Quapaw district of downtown Little Rock has made a triumphant return as an event space.

In case you are wondering ...

What the Villa Marre ad below is about: Starting today, the blog will include advertising posts that, like news content, will scroll down as news is posted and which you can comment on and share.

Homicide overnight

Another homicide last night, 26-year-old Courtland Duggar of Little Rock, who was apparently shot at a Valero gas station at 7200 W. 12th Street.

Nothing cookie-cutter about Kris and Sam's Cookie Store

Nothing cookie-cutter about Kris and Sam's Cookie Store

"Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry" coming to LR: Correction

Documentary on Chinese dissident is coming to Market Street.

Crawford comes out against renewable fuel

The Blue Arkansas blog notes a story in the Paragould Press last week in which Rep. Rick Crawford said he favors the elimination of renewable fuel standards — which would require 36 billion gallons of grain-based ethanol to be blended into gasoline by 2022 — and goes on to admit that eliminating the RFS would hurt corn prices on the commodities markets.

Walton Foundation pledges $1 million to Arts Center

Arkansas Arts Center Director Todd Herman announced today that the Walton Family Foundation will make a donation of $1 million to the Arts Center over 10 years.

Here's some Guardian Alien for your Monday afternoon

No Arkansas connection here, just a bit of jarringly psychedelic trance rock from the band Guardian Alien to brighten up — or at least WTF-ify — your Monday afternoon.

State Police ID vehicle type in hit-and-run fatality

Arkansas State Police investigators have identified the make and model of the car that struck and killed a woman near Lonoke on Friday night as a GMC Denali built between 1999 — 2002.

J.R. Howard retiring from State Police

There will be a press conference today to announce the retirement of Col. J.R. Howard, director of the Arkansas State Police.

Walton gift to AAC: $1 million

The Walton Family Foundation will give the Arkansas Arts Center $1 million over 10 years, executive director Todd Herman announced at the Arts Center's annual meeting today.

Late open line

Sorry for the delay.

It’s Time to Start Planning your Holiday Parties

With Halloween decorations already being displayed in stores, it won’t be long before the 2012 Holiday Season is upon us, bringing with it yuletide, cheer and the much awaited holiday parties.

The premium products of Kent Walker Artisan Cheese

The premium products of Kent Walker Artisan Cheese

Romney, race baiting and the mainstream media

Why the media won't acknowledge Romney's racism.

Court reduces damage awards in Alamo case

The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals today reversed the punitive damages awarded to two men who had sued Tony Alamo (Bernie Lazar Hoffman) and remanded to the district court a verdict imposing $12 million in damages for each plaintiff, "despite the exceptionally reprehensible nature of Alamo’s conduct."

Madonna at the zoo

Gorilla family go on first outing.

Arts Council fellows: Norris, Pierce, Wilkinson

Winners in visual arts category for 2013 individual artist awards.

Mark Darr: He's sick of "green" (environment, that is)

Our Lt. Gov., who knows a thing or two about pizza but whose politics are half-baked, issued a fairly silly diatribe today against the environmental movement, saying it was costing jobs.

Here is your 2012 Arkansas State Fair musical lineup

Here's the music lineup for the 2012 Arkansas State Fair.

Rogers Archive acquires filmmaker's trove

The Rogers Photo Archive in North Little Rock has purchased the library of documentary filmmaker David Hoffman.

Bonnie Montgomery to tour with Gossip

It's a White County, Ark. power tour.

Busy day

Talk

Secret UAMS-St. Vincent plan

The Arkansas Times has been told by an anonymous source that the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and St. Vincent Health System are in negotiations involving a partnership in clinical care, and that details of the proposed association have gone to the governor’s office for consideration.

Plan on a party with the Villa Marre

Historic homes make up some of the most beautiful and interesting venues to plan events, as guests are able to marvel at the period architecture while being entertained by your impeccable party planning skills.

The Villa Marre Opens for Business

This historic gem located in the Quapaw district of downtown Little Rock has made a triumphant return as an event space.

It’s Time to Start Planning your Holiday Parties

With Halloween decorations already being displayed in stores, it won’t be long before the 2012 Holiday Season is upon us, bringing with it yuletide, cheer and the much awaited holiday parties.
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