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June 22, 2006

Vol 4 • No 23

Lord's Ranch at the legislature

The Lord's Ranch -- provider of jet service to the governor and an $8.5 million-a-year state Medicaid contractor of residential treatment for youth -- is up for questioning at a legislative hearing at 1 p.m. today.

The estate tax is back

We'd gotten a tip last night that House Republicans were now willing to settle for a huge reduction in the estate tax rather than outright repeal.

Acxiom action

The LR-based data company is in the news. For one, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette's Brian Baskin reported that Acxiom is trying to put the lid on public records of flights of company jets.

Speak loudly, carry big Bible

Springdale's Ronnie Floyd, pastor of First Disneyland Baptist Church, may have gotten whomped for president of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Armadillos in Blytheville?

Today is the first day of summer, and it's hot. It's been hot for a while, actually.

Whose side are you on?

The Reublican Senate today beat an increase in the minimum wage. Over in the House, Republicans are blocking renewal of the voting rights act.

Treating kids - UPDATE

Other commitments have kept us away from the Blog today. They also kept me away from all but a few minutes of the legislative hearing related to the Lord's Ranch and other residential treatment centers for kids with emotional problems.

Let's loose the dogs of war -- UPDATE

A reasonably reliable Republican of our acquaintance (yes, there are some and, yes, they sometimes even talk to me -- you should have seen who I had lunch with today), offers this from the Hutchinson camp.

Let's loose the dogs of war -- UPDATE

A reasonably reliable Republican of our acquaintance (yes, there are some and, yes, they sometimes even talk to me -- you should have seen who I had lunch with today), offers this from the Hutchinson camp.

Paron demagogue

The chief cheerleader for small town basketball, Paron defender Ron Crawford, is on Pat Lynch tomoro. At 10 a.m.

Downtown dealing

Re: Max Brantley’s column on the proposed sale of the Metrocentre Improvement District parking deck to a condo developer: Bingo! It’s a matter of principle (making informed decisions) and sound public policy (gifting public assets away).

This Modern World

Words

Not pleasing to the pallet.

Trojan man

In the four weeks since Jim Holt secured the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor, political partisans have been arguing about whether or not he is actually a “radical” or “extremist.”

The Observer

The past week has been quite an exciting (and exhausting) one for The Observer. Not only did we get to play host to our colleagues from around the country and enjoy an afternoon with former President Clinton, but we finally finished recovering from (and b

Editorial cartoon

'Fire in the vein'

Though victims’ rights advocates have long complained that execution by lethal injection is too placid a death for convicted killers, a federal civil rights lawsuit filed by an Arkansas inmate argues the procedure can conceal an agonizing demise.

Smart Talk

This week: Arkansas style; doping the governor's race; a new home for Pat Lynch; a proud Peacock.

A new caper

Restaurateur Mary Beth Ringgold (Capers, Cajun’s), apparently will be invading the downtown market before long.

Pryor's dilemma

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist promised another stab at repealing the estate tax and announced that by the Fourth of July the 90-year-old tax on great inheritances would be history. That ought to show the gentleman whose most famous words, “all men a

The week that was June 14-20

IT WAS A GOOD WEEK FOR … BILL CLINTON. He put on a two-hour-plus display of his encyclopedic knowledge in a speech before a convention of nearly 500 weekly journalists in Little Rock. They likely went home with plenty of good Arkansas stories to tell.

The enemy within

Desecrating the Bill of Rights is a far more terrible thing than desecrating the American flag.

The stupidest remark ever

The conservative press was abuzz last week over a quotation from Bro.-Gov. Mike Huckabee concerning how he planned to raise money for his presidential campaign. Here’s the quote: “I’ve got a map of 7-11s, a bunch of blue-steel revolvers, and some ski ma

Out of control in Lonoke County

No cop wants to arrest a fellow officer. But when Lonoke County Sheriff Jim G. Roberson served Lonoke Police Chief Ronald Jay Campbell with a warrant, it didn’t break Roberson’s heart.

Orval

Thousands to take in taekwondo

Local stars Starkz ready for stardom

Don’t wait until Saturday, June 24, to decide to see modern-rock band Starkz at Juanita’s. Past performances indicate that tickets likely will be gone well before Saturday night’s show, which Starkz headlines with Shadowline and Failsafe.

Northwest passage

UAMS is considering expanding to Northwest Arkansas, Stephens Media reports.

Line of credit

Stephens Media has a snippet on something one of our readers mentioned yesterday, some more borrowing by the state Democratic Party.

Correcting the record

Brummett today revisits an earlier column on A$a's position on abortion and makes a correction.

Smell test

House Speaker Dennis Hastert flunks. Any theories on whether there's an Ark. angle to the name under which he did his get-rich-quick land deal, the Little Rock Trust?

Chicken hawks on the attack

The Rove cut-and-run speech was, of course, part of a coordinated Republican campaign to make the war the defining issue of the fall election.

Chicken hawks on the attack

The Rove cut-and-run speech was, of course, part of a coordinated Republican campaign to make the war the defining issue of the fall election.

Beer at the ballpark

Hmmm. Morning News follows yesterday's D-G report on pastor Ronnie Floyd's pullback from an endorsement of the Springdale ballpark tax on account of the possibility of beer sales at the venue.

Local angle

Hooo boy. Shazam.

Local angle

Hooo boy. Shazam.

Casino amendment proposal pulled until 2008

Michael Wasserman, the Texas businessman who was leading a campaign to legalize casino gambling in Arkansas, just told us over the telephone that he will officially abandon his effort tomorrow.

And American football lives on ....

This push by the soccer lovers to make it the grand sport in America like it is all over the rest of the world has taken a major setback today, with the incredibly overrated U.S. team being eliminated by Ghana 2-1 in the World Cup.

And American football lives on ....

This push by the soccer lovers to make it the grand sport in America like it is all over the rest of the world has taken a major setback today, with the incredibly overrated U.S. team being eliminated by Ghana 2-1 in the World Cup.

Asa: illegal immigration a state issue

Republican gubernatorial candidate Asa Hutchinson today is announcing that he thinks the state needs to be more involved in fighting illegal immigration.

Asa: illegal immigration a state issue

Republican gubernatorial candidate Asa Hutchinson today is announcing that he thinks the state needs to be more involved in fighting illegal immigration.

Poll news

A reader sends this along (we checked the link and it's legit, though the A$a! people see no poll that has them trailing as legit):

Ark. senators split

Pryor voted with Republicans and Lincoln with Democrats on the consensus Democratic resolution on the war in Iraq.

A look back at Juneteenth

All I know about last weekend's Juneteenth celebration at Riverfest Amphitheatre is that traffic on Markham Street downtown was incredible (in other words, barely moving) throughout the night.

U.S. House votes to cut estate tax

U.S. Reps. Marion Berry, John Boozman and Mike Ross this afternoon voted with the majority to significantly cut the estate tax.

U.S. House votes to cut estate tax

U.S. Reps. Marion Berry, John Boozman and Mike Ross this afternoon voted with the majority to significantly cut the estate tax.

To do Thursday: Street Party in Argenta

Join us on the other side of the river around 6 p.m. (or even a little later because it's always cool to be fashionably late, right?)

To do Thursday: Street Party in Argenta

Join us on the other side of the river around 6 p.m. (or even a little later because it's always cool to be fashionably late, right?)

Beebe responds to Asa on immigration

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mike Beebe sends this response to Asa Hutchinson's call to get state government more involved in fighting illegal immigration:

Beebe responds to Asa on immigration

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mike Beebe sends this response to Asa Hutchinson's call to get state government more involved in fighting illegal immigration:

Smoking in the ballpark

The Travelerocity blog continues to be all over Arkansas Traveler news, today with all kinds of details from GM Bill Valentine on the new park to open next year, including important draft beer details.

Smoking in the ballpark

The Travelerocity blog continues to be all over Arkansas Traveler news, today with all kinds of details from GM Bill Valentine on the new park to open next year, including important draft beer details.

Midtowne line-up plumbed

But there’s another reason beside cool weather to look forward to fall this year: The planned opening of two new shopping centers in Little Rock. One, the Pleasant Ridge Towne Center on Highway 10, promises a new department store, Parisian, which I’ve sho

Grab the kids, see these shows

Last summer’s appearance by “1964” The Tribute was so well received by a near full house at Robinson Center Music Hall, Larry Payton of Celebrity Attractions decided to bring the Beatles imposters back this year.

Saxy Sanborn leads Jazz Festival

David Sanborn, the smooth jazz saxophone great, will headline the Little Rock Jazz Festival on Friday, June 23, at the Riverfest Amphitheatre.

TV highlights June 22-28

THE OX-BOW INCIDENT (1943) 4:30 a.m. Saturday, June 24 AMC (Comcast Ch. 31) AMERICA UNDERCOVER: SKINHEAD NATION A&E (Comcast Ch. 61) 7 p.m. Monday, June 26 TERMINATOR 2: JUDGEMENT DAY (1991) 6 p.m. June 24 Sci-Fi (Comcast Ch. 36

Pass on the ‘Nacho’

Sadly, a really funny idea — and a stellar cast — goes to waste in the new film “Nacho Libre.” Unable to decide who its audience is — adults or kids — what could have potentially been a clever romp instead spins off into pointless, cartoon goofiness.

Mexi-Cuban down by the riverside

Rumba, the new restaurant in the River Market area, says that its fare is “Mexi-Cuban.” We can’t vouch for the authenticity of that claim, having never eaten in a Mexi-Cuban restaurant before, but we can say that Rumba is pretty good and likely to get bet

What's cooking/Capsule reviews June 22

What's cooking: Crew Restaurant and Bar, Mama Bea’s Big Burgers Capsule reviews: Rumba, Browning's Mexican Grill

Saxy Sanborn leads Jazz Festival

David Sanborn, the smooth jazz saxophone great, will headline the Little Rock Jazz Festival on Friday, June 23, at the Riverfest Amphitheatre.

Making his Case

Little Rock native Case Dillard is neither a department store scion or gay. He is Bobby in the Rep's production of "A Chorus Line."

Mercy names St. Joseph's Dodd Regional Director

Marlena Dodd, a 17-year St. Joseph’s Mercy Health Center co-worker who has spent the last four years with Education Services, was recently named Regional Director for Leadership Development of the Sisters of Mercy Health System’s (Mercy) Arkansas Center f

Austin veteran songwriter Smith has a style like Hiatt, Clark

In a city where singer/songwriters are as common as the rows of acoustic guitars in hock at the pawn shop, Austin, Texas’ Darden Smith has never slowed his work schedule nor lost any of the following that he built through 20 years of performing.

‘Carmen’ electric

Wildwood Park’s production of “Carmen” was engaging and exciting to listen to.

The 'burbs boom

Stephens Media offers some interesting info on population growth the last five years. Leaders are, naturally, in Northwest Arkansas and suburbs of LR, such as Maumelle and Cabot.

The conduct of war

An Arkansas voice -- Hendrix faculty member Alex Vernon, a Desert Storm vet -- writes an op-ed in NY Times today about atrocities of war and training of soldiers for the immense pressures they face.

Sleazebag

Former Christian Coalition director Ralph Reed. 

The day's demagoguery

A$a's get-tough-on-aliens initiative draws criticism from Hispanics and skepticism from cops and others. But so what.

Idle gossip

What independent polling exists (Rasmussen, Zogby) puts Mike Beebe in the lead over A$a in the race for governor.

Friday's random thought

This morning I came across a blog item about Doug Duncan, a county executive in Maryland who just dropped out of that state's race for governor.

Should Democrats forget the South?

Today's news of fast-growing suburban populations in Arkansas fits well with an ongoing debate happening within the Democratic Party:

Say it ain't so

Wash. Post columnist works out on a study that supposedly says watching the Daily Show can make you cynical about politics.

Stodola, Heights oppose nightclub

Little Rock attorney Mark Stodola this week wrote a letter to the state alcohol beverage control board in behalf of the Heights Neighborhood Association to express opposition to a liquor license application for a proposed nightclub at University Mall.

Ho hum

Another day, more erosions of liberty. Like government use of data brokers to get telephone records without warrants.

TV tonight

This month's edition of Unconventional Wisdom airs tonight on AETN at 6:30 p.m. The roundtable segment of the program will focus on faith and politics, including a discussion of the recent attempt to pass the federal marriage amendment, which would have defined marriage in the U.S. Constitution.

How others see us

Hey, do this. Go here.

Elsewhere in blogland

Amy After Dark, in which our Amy Brawner, makes some suggestions for after work. How about the Al Gore movie at Market Street?

Progressive tax ideas for Arkansas

Today the Center for a Better South released a new book, "Doing Better: Progressive Tax Reform for the American South," which suggests eleven ways Southern lawmakers can improve their state tax systems.

To do Friday: Al Gore's 'An Inconvenient Truth' debuts here

One of the more talked about films of 2006, the documentary "An Inconvenient Truth," about Al Gore's work on showing that global warming is happening, will debut in Little Rock tonight at Market Street Cinema.

Still a few kinks (UPDATE)

A couple of weeks ago, the Times' Insider column reported about a few kinks in the opening days of the state's new showcase lodge at Mount Magazine State Park.

Still a few kinks (UPDATE)

A couple of weeks ago, the Times' Insider column reported about a few kinks in the opening days of the state's new showcase lodge at Mount Magazine State Park.

Voting rights si!

A friend recommends this good column on the new-breed bigots who are blocking renewal of the voting rights act by invoking fear of people who don't speak English well.

Beebe v. A$a

The candidates for governor faced off before a luncheon crowd at the Arkansas Press Association convention in Hot Springs today.

More to do Friday: David Sanborn

David Sanborn is one of the best pop-jazz saxophonists in the business, and he's in Little Rock tonight to headline the Little Rock Jazz Festival, a show that also will promote some of the leading local and regional jazz performers, such as Dave Rogers.

Paron wins -- UPDATE

Judge Jay Moody has indicated he'll temporarily block the closure of Paron High School pending a trial on the merits of forcing the state to keep the high schol open.

Paron wins -- UPDATE

Judge Jay Moody has indicated he'll temporarily block the closure of Paron High School pending a trial on the merits of forcing the state to keep the high schol open.

'48-Hour Film' results are in

Results are trickling in to us from the "48-Hour Film Project," which wrapped up last night with the awards announcements.

Ronnie Brewer gets an invite to the NBA Draft

Of course the University of Arkansas's Ronnie Brewer is going to be draft next Thursday, but it's extra special when the league invites you to attend the draft in person, as ESPN's Andy Katz reports.

Looking for music tonight?

You can get the full scoop on the club scene from Amyb's new blog. One group we're interesting in checking out, having been passed along some information about them, is the Dallas-based act Max Cady, a loud riff-rock band that our contact says puts on a high-energy old-school rock and roll show complete with lights and haze.

Kool and the Gang loses co-founder

We're hearing elsewhere that Charles Smith, the co-founder and lead guitarist of classic R&B band Kool and the Gang, died earlier this week after a long illness.

Listen to Chris Henry, American Princes and Hannah Blaylock on our new Musician's Showcase

We're just in the startup phase of this, but we're' going to feature Arkansas musicians and their latest songs on this website.

Listen to Chris Henry, American Princes and Hannah Blaylock on our new Musician's Showcase

We're just in the startup phase of this, but we're' going to feature Arkansas musicians and their latest songs on this website.

Ah, so

Gov. Huckabee says he has a trade agreement with S. Korea. With all due respect to the governor -- and the Democratic and Republican governors before him who have signed such things previously -- eh. 

Ah, so

Gov. Huckabee says he has a trade agreement with S. Korea. With all due respect to the governor -- and the Democratic and Republican governors before him who have signed such things previously -- eh. 

The eagle flies

It's Friday night. You're on.

Free Clinical Breast Exams

The Cancer Support Home will offer FREE Clinical Breast Exams throughout 2006, at both the Bentonville Home and the Fayetteville Home.

Jim and Asa, the wedding

This afternoon just outside Jonesboro, at a fish fry near a lake, the wedding of the extreme Jim Holt and the mainstream Arkansas Republican Party will be performed. You might even say the marriage will be consummated.

Unity rally

The statewide Republican candidates embrace each other at a rally today. Brummett wonders if the marriage of A$a and Jim will be consummated.

The do-nothing Congress

As the Washington Post reports, the Republican majority in Congress doesn't really care if it passes anything.

Policing the web

Wall Street Journal writes about attorney generals in a couple of states pressing for more restrictions on the ability of young kids to access social networking sites like MySpace.

J.R and Henry on the demise of the USA team

J.R. and Henry: Nice work, Bruce.   What is it with American soccer?

Political correctness -- UPDATE

The Bush administration is P.C., it's just a different brand of P. As in scrubbing the name "internment" from a national park in Idaho created under Bill Clinton on the site of one of the camps where Japanese-Americans were interned in WW II.

Blog troubles

A caller roused me from my statutory Saturday afternoon nap to report blog posting problems.

Blog troubles

A caller roused me from my statutory Saturday afternoon nap to report blog posting problems.

High profile

Ben Hussman, the wife of Democrat-Gazette publisher Walter Hussman, celebrates her birthday each year with a big party, folks in from all over.

High profile

Ben Hussman, the wife of Democrat-Gazette publisher Walter Hussman, celebrates her birthday each year with a big party, folks in from all over.

Open line

Is the line open again? Try it and see.

Happy together

Here's the Jonesboro Sun's report on that Republican unity rally that Brummett mentioned yesterday. Eh.

Cat scratch fever

Our look at the Jonesboro Sun turned up a more important development than candidate posturing.

Bring 'em home

Is a Pentagon plan to sharply reduce U.S. troops in Iraq by the end of 2007 the same thing as cutting and running?

Horn tooting

Results of the annual Arkansas Press Association contest were announced yesterday in Hot Springs. The Arkansas Times picked up three first-place awards.

Horn tooting

Results of the annual Arkansas Press Association contest were announced yesterday in Hot Springs. The Arkansas Times picked up three first-place awards.

Listening in

As the Bush administration moves to ever-more intrusive surveillance of American citizens -- all the while insisting citizens can trust the Bushies not to misuse any information gathered -- it might be instructive to consider Italy.

Hey, A$a, get a load of this Rich stuff

It's a shame that the NY Times' Frank Rich is available only to subscribers. His Sunday column synthesizes so many things so well. Today's is so good, it might be worth signing up for a free trial on Times select.

Hey, A$a, get a load of this Rich stuff

It's a shame that the NY Times' Frank Rich is available only to subscribers. His Sunday column synthesizes so many things so well. Today's is so good, it might be worth signing up for a free trial on Times select.

For Ben Stein's money: higher taxes

Ben Stein, a comedian and a Bush-loving Republican, writes a weekly business column in the NY Times.

Blog rolling

A local blogger with an interest in joining our expanded blog page calls attention to his existing blog today.

Blog rolling

A local blogger with an interest in joining our expanded blog page calls attention to his existing blog today.

There she is ...

Someone tired of political folderol informs us that, though beauty pageants may be struggling for relevancy, the Miss Arkanas pageant rolls on and even has a website with a current photo and bio of the new Miss Arkansas, Amber Bennett of Carlisle -- UA Chi Omega, active in Ducks Unlimited, hostess in the chancellor's box at Razorback football games.

Still tone deaf

John Kerry a presidential candidate? Not a good one, writes Brummett.

Gifted

Here's a full account of Warren Buffett's decision to give away most of his fortune to charitable causes, principally the Gates Foundation.

Mighty oaks etc.

The NY Times features the national growth and influence of ACORN, the anti-poverty organization that started in Little Rock and is still led by Wade Rathke.

Remember lobby reform?

Not going to happen, looks like. Surprise. Members of Congress like their perks too much to quit them.

Acxiom volleying

Now it's Jeffrey Ubben, leader of an investors group with an eye on Acxiom, with a letter to company leader Charles Morgan.

All eyes on Blanche

Last week it was the Los Angeles Times. Today it is the Campaign for America's Future shedding light on U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln's willingness to put the interests of billionaires over the interests of the vast majority of Arkansans through her support of the estate tax repeal.

Adam Sandler: The $40 million man

Adam Sandler's "Click" led the national box office estimates for the weekend. Since 1997, Sandler has managed to open around $40 million in every movie his starred in except the abominable "Little Nicky."

Arkansas's changing face

We just got an e-mail about the Southern Regional Education Board's report on education progresss in the South.

Lawyer on

The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a lower court's decision denying unitary (desegregated) status to the Little Rock School District.

Hillary!

The Democrats have a candidate with an exclamation point, too. We've mentioned this visit before, but the Dem.

Hillary!

The Democrats have a candidate with an exclamation point, too. We've mentioned this visit before, but the Dem.

What happened to 'The Show With No Name' today?

Anybody know? We caught it after the 8 a.m. hour and after a few seconds of talk among Baz, Jimmy B and Joe Kleine that it was a show from May, just after the first round of the NBA playoffs.

What happened to 'The Show With No Name' today?

Anybody know? We caught it after the 8 a.m. hour and after a few seconds of talk among Baz, Jimmy B and Joe Kleine that it was a show from May, just after the first round of the NBA playoffs.

It's officially a three-way

The secretary of state's office today said Rod Bryan, a Little Rock musician and record store owner, had gathered sufficient signatures to qualify as a candidate for governor as an independent.

From Seoul to Cedar Rapids

The governor may be in the Far East, but life in the U.S. goes on.

Asa and Mike meet again

Asa Hutchinson spoke last in the gubernatorial debate Friday before the Arkansas Press Association at the Arlington Hotel. That’s always an opportunity for a sucker punch, meaning an allegation to which your opponent can’t respond.

The heavyweight bout

The candidates are pounding each other in the race for governor. Here, the subject of the day is emergency preparedness.

Flag burning

The amendment moves to a Wednesday vote with close to enough votes to pass. The senior senator from Arkansas may be the swing vote on a measure that is both offensive to constitutional principles and pointless, but for its rank political dimension.

Sports Inc.

Bentonville High, which probably has the most expensive football coaching staff in Arkansas, naturally requires other athletic expenditures.

Read to your kids

The Rogers library has an idea on getting kids to read books -- read to them.

The fight for Dickson Street

NW D-G reports that the Fayetteville Planning Commission voted 5-4 against a high-rise hotel and condo on Dickson Street.

NLR meltdown

Can-do North Little Rock, the city that runs handsomely (a showcase park, sharp city services) on profits from its electric customers, seems to be facing a financial disaster, though the coverage this morning in Democrat-Gazette seemed remarkably restrained.

NLR meltdown

Can-do North Little Rock, the city that runs handsomely (a showcase park, sharp city services) on profits from its electric customers, seems to be facing a financial disaster, though the coverage this morning in Democrat-Gazette seemed remarkably restrained.

Ballot access (UPDATE)

After we left last night a fax from the ACLU rolled in announcing it would file its lawsuit on third-party ballot access this morning in federal court.

Boozman shines

U.S. Rep. John Boozman has distinguished himself on a ranking in Washington. Golf Digest lists him -- alone among Arkies -- among the top 200 golf handicaps in official Washington, including top lobbyists.

Boozman shines

U.S. Rep. John Boozman has distinguished himself on a ranking in Washington. Golf Digest lists him -- alone among Arkies -- among the top 200 golf handicaps in official Washington, including top lobbyists.

Rim shots

The latest from Gov. Huckabee's excellent Pacific Rim adventure is a report from his meeting with Sanyo executives in Japan.

Rim shots

The latest from Gov. Huckabee's excellent Pacific Rim adventure is a report from his meeting with Sanyo executives in Japan.

Haggard to receive the BMI Icon award

The BMI Icon award will go to country music legend Merle Haggard at the organization's 54th annual Country Awards on Nov. 4 in Nashville, it was announced today.

Donavan and Bryan's audio rarities air tonight

Catch Donavan Suitt and Byron Werner and their  "Rural War Room Radio's Reel Soundtrack Show" tonight on KUAR-FM (KABF-FM).

Donavan and Bryan's audio rarities air tonight

Catch Donavan Suitt and Byron Werner and their  "Rural War Room Radio's Reel Soundtrack Show" tonight on KUAR-FM (KABF-FM).

The circus is coming to town, Aug. 24-27

It's being billed as the "All New, All Live 135th Edition" as the  Bros and Barnum and Bailey Circus makes its way to Alltel Arena Aug. 24-27, arena officials announced today.

To do Tuesday: nothing, relax outside

Do not do anything this evening that constitutes going into an air conditioned room. Stay outside in your Adirondacks, or on a blanket with a picnic basket, or go look at the stars out at Pinnacle, or walk the river at Murray Park or Riverfront Park of the North Shore Riverwalk, or put the top down on the convertible and enjoy a slow drive through Hillcrest, or go watch a ball game at Junior Deputy's parks, or hit some golf balls, or dust off the tennis racket, or go for a nice run down Kavanaugh.

'Superman' sneak previews tonight

The official opening of  is Wednesday, but both the Rave Colonel Glenn 18 and the Riverdale 10 in Little Rock are offering 10 p.m. "sneak previews" of the movie tonight.

Mum's the word

Judicial nominations have often been hotly controversial during the Bush era, but not the latest one from Arkansas.

Delta dreaming

The rumor mill in Marion has it that Junichiro Koizumi, the prime minister of Japan, who'll be visiting Memphis Friday, might motor over the mighty Mississipp to eyeball the soybean fields that Arkansas is so desperately trying to market for a Japanese auto plant.

We mourn the passing of Moose (aka "Eddie")

Remember "Eddie" the Jack Russell terrier from "Fraser"? His real name was Moose, and he also starred in that damn tear-jerker of a movie "My Dog Skip," based on the Willie Morris story.

Flag amendment fails

The Republicans' favorite election-year ploy, a constitutional amendment against flag burning (in short an amendment to abridge the First Amendment in response to a non-existent problem), failed today by one vote.

Flag amendment fails

The Republicans' favorite election-year ploy, a constitutional amendment against flag burning (in short an amendment to abridge the First Amendment in response to a non-existent problem), failed today by one vote.

The road to the White House

The governor does the DMZ. He talked to Arkansas reporters by phone, too. Some of them, anyway.

Backatcha

Acixom boss Charles Morgan responds -- and responds and responds -- to raider Jeffrey Ubben's recent communication.

More good news

The Republicans have pulled back on a vote on the Welfare for Waltons bill -- the enormous cut in the estate tax.

The comeback kid

New Hampshire was critical to Bill Clinton. And he says he and his wife don't want to interfere with the Iowa caucus first,/N.H. primary second order of Democratic primary contests.

New find on Restless Legs Syndrome

The Arkansas Restless Legs Support Group, an all volunteer, self help support group, will present Dr. Paul Wylie, director of the Arkansas Center for Sleep Medicine in a free, public meeting.

Nominations sought for Amethyst Awards

Washington Regional is currently accepting nominations for its 11th annual Amethyst Awards. The Amethyst Awards recognize women and organizations that have enhanced the quality of life in our community.

Dog-peter gnats

I had intended this to be a column on baptism as the best of the Christian sacraments, the one offering the most bang for the buck. I saw the news reports about Pastor Floyd of Springdale getting whomped in his contest to head the Southern Baptist Con

The gang that couldn't shoot straight

No link available to D-G coverage, but the City Board made quick work of the Curran Hall controversy last night thanks to Skip Rutherford, dean of the Clinton School of Public Service. Rutherford withdrew an offer to lease the building for classroom space.

Minimum wage flip-flop

Wal-Mart Watch says the company is backing away from CEO Lee Scott's earlier support of an increase in the minimum wage.

Quickie review on 'Superman Returns': serious thumbs up

Trey Danaher of the Arkansas Times ad department saw one of the Tuesday "preview" screenings of "Superman Returns" and files this report:

Gerrymanders: mostly OK

The U.S. Supreme Court today upheld most of Tom DeLay's engineering of Texas congressional districts.

Gerrymanders: mostly OK

The U.S. Supreme Court today upheld most of Tom DeLay's engineering of Texas congressional districts.

To do Wednesday: Movies in the Park

Thanks to the River Market celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Movies in the Park series is an every-week thing now, and tonight's show (the movies are every Wednesday at Riverfest Amphitheatre) is the original "Star Wars" squel, or part 2, "The Empire Strikes Back."

Just in time for the dog days

The PSC granted Entergy a 9.9 percent rate increase today to cover rising generator fuel costs.

Just in time for the dog days

The PSC granted Entergy a 9.9 percent rate increase today to cover rising generator fuel costs.

Jail solutions

Remember DEE-wayne Graham? How could you forget?

The big story ...

and a story the press is mostly ignoring (an exception today being a lengthy report on NPR) is Bush's unprecedented use of "signing statements."  Dan Froomkin gives it a good loook in the Nieman Watchdog, a publication of the foundation that provides fellowships to top journalists.

The Huckabode: for sale UPDATE

Want to own a house once occupied by a future president of the United States?

Good investment

John Brummett today explores wacky Jim Holt's notion that pre-school education is somehow Soviet-style socialism.

Wild birds test positive for West Nile Virus

The Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health (DOH), announced West Nile Virus-positive wild birds have been identified in Boone, Faulkner, Marion, Pope, Pulaski, Sebastian, Madison, and Franklin Counties.

Arkansas's Clean Indoor Air Act on target

U.S. Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona today issued a comprehensive scientific report which concludes that there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke.
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