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Music Issue

Music Issue

November 26, 2015

Vol 42 • No 12

Read the print version

The rise and fall of Pup Dog Records

Little Rock's greatest rap label.

A forum on the future of the Little Rock music scene

'What would it take?'

Music issue 2015

J Fernandez, Pup Dog Records, improving the Little Rock music scene and artists to watch in 2016.

Obama's sins, real and imagined

Whatever happened to the land of the free and the home of the brave?

A monument to Rapert

Legal fees 25 percent in main part of savings bond case, worth $40 million potentially

Lawyers in the state's lawsuit seeking custody of unclaimed U.S. savings bonds face a long and uncertain legal fight, but at the end of it could lie a $40 million fee award.

Lyons: Whatever happened to home of the brave?

Gene Lyons marks down President Obama for tone in comments after the French attacks, but otherwise wonders whatever happened to America, home of the brave.

Visiting a prison? A word about dress codes

A dress code update for visitors to Arkansas prisons means no underwire bras or see-through blouses.

I miss Bill. Notes on a Clinton riff in Little Rock last night.

Amid the antics of the Republican presidential primary race — full of overheated rhetoric, exaggeration, talking points and little by way of facts

Baxter County will go secular with courthouse Christmas display, no Nativity scene

Baxter County Judge Mickey Pendergrass announced today that the county will remove religious symbolism from the annual Christmas display on the courthouse lawn.

Mike Huckabee in Little Rock today for knee surgery

Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee will spend Thanksgiving recuperating from knee surgery today in Little Rock.

Mayor Stodola in line to lead national city lobby

Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola recently was elected second vice president of the National League of Cities at the city lobby's annual meeting in Nashville. That's an election with several implications.

Arkansas Travelers with Hillary in New Hampshire

ABC checks in with 18 Arkansas Travelers working New Hampshire for Hillary Clinton as a similar group did for Bill Clinton in 1992.

Thanksgiving eve open line

Here's an open line and today's video roundup.

The Thanksgiving Eve Edition

Corporate welfare to a Chinese company, a legal case involving same-sex couples and their children’s birth certificates, state Auditor Andrea Lea’s bid to take possession of unclaimed matured U.S. savings bonds, the legacy of President Clinton and Thanksgiving tradition — all covered on this week's edition of the podcast.

Two children killed in handgun accidents

Also, Gov. Hutchinson gets served, Louisiana turns purple, Mike Huckabee gets sued and a better highway plan, by the numbers.

Tim Kidd comes to the Loony Bin

Also, Vino's screens the 1943 black-magic noir "Dead Men Walk."

Still good after 30 years

Graffiti's knows comfort Italian food.

Artists to watch in 2016

For those of you who haven't gotten out much lately, here are a few of the emerging Arkansas musicians we're expecting great things from in coming months.

A Q&A with J Fernandez

Little Rock native gains international critical acclaim as singer/songwriter.

The Diamond pipeline

Cutting through watersheds, aquifers.

Trump and terror

Former John McCain adviser Steve Schmidt has aptly summed up the appeal of Donald Trump, saying in August that Trump says in public those things that many Republican voters "across this country are yelling at their televisions."

How do you say thanks in Chinese?

Some seasonal cheer.

Seeking wisdom

The Observer had to go in last week to get the last wisdom tooth out, the humdinger that we'd been putting off forever.

Can't let up against Missouri

After maddening loss against Mississippi State.

Open letters to Governor Hutchinson

As a proud Arkansan, Hog fan and former refugee, it's very upsetting to see Gov. Asa Hutchinson turn his back on people who are not much different from me.

Utility seeks hike for little guy

You may remember that Act 725, obviously designed by Entergy, slid through the legislature last spring with virtually no stir or debate.

The glare of the 'Spotlight'

With Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams and Mark Ruffalo.

Twista comes to Envy on Thanksgiving

Also, "The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical" at the Studio Theater, Dikki Du and the Zydeco Krewe at White Water, Vino's 25th Anniversary, Arkansas Justice Reform at the Clinton School and Ryan Bingham at Revolution.

City Board to consider hotel tax vote

The Little Rock City Board of Directors is set to consider next week a two-cent increase in the sales tax on hotel rooms and to call an election on pledging the money to a bond issue for improvement and expansion of the Arkansas Arts Center. The meeting is at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

And a happy Thanksgiving to you

Some Thanksgiving thoughts — grateful and otherwise. But there will be a feast.

Car injuries in street fight prove fatal

Little Rock police say Brandon Joyner, 26, died last night from injuries Nov. 21 when he was struck twice by a car during what police described earlier as a street fight that evening in the 1200 block of South Pierce Street.

Hail, parsnips!

Max makes fun of me every holiday for preparing parsnips. This Thanksgiving it's parsnips and sweet potato puree. Come to my defense, parsnip lovers! Show Max I do not err when I serve parsnips! Share your parsnip dishes here on the blog!

Mike Huckabee shows off his bone chip

Mike Huckabee Facebooks on Thanksgiving post-knee surgery, including a photo of the bone chip removed from his knee Wednesday — small, but painful, and he's thankful to be rid of it.

High-dollar college sports: Columnist says it's time for Congress to take a look

A Washington Post columnist rips deficit spending by major college athletic programs. The University of Arkansas doesn't run a deficit, but Athletic Director Jeff Long seems to have seen red about a comment related to budget matters.

Wrong-way driver dies in I-440 collision

John B Collins, 45, died about 6:50 p.m. Thursday when his car, going the wrong way on Interstate 440 east of the airport, collided with another car.

Another side of Black Friday: Walmart protests

The traditional shopping rush today has another traditional element — the effort by OUR Walmart to use the day to demonstrate in its campaign to improve pay and working conditions at Walmart, the giant retailer.

Judicial election scorecard: Kemp raising money in Bentonville with Walton help

Here's an invitation to a fund-raising event for Circuit Judge Dan Kemp, opposing Justice Courtney Goodson for the open chief justice seat on the Arkansas Supreme Court.

UA campaign contributors prefer Democrats

The right-wing Daily Caller has analyzed political giving by university faculty and administrators to political candidates and found that the University of Arkansas givers are the "most liberal" — meaning most inclined toward Democratic candidates — in the SEC.

Nine hospitalized and shooter exchanging shots with officers at Planned Parenthood in Colorado Springs

Civilians and police officers were hospitalized after Colorado Springs police officers responded to a 911 call about an active shooter at a local Planned Parenthood location. The standoff has continued for hours, with nine people admitted to hospitals.

Woo pig open line

A cold and wet Hog win is the news in tonight's open line.

The latest face of terrorism in America: Robert Lewis Dear

Authorities have identified the suspect in the mass shootings at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado Springs as Robert Lewis Dear, 57. According to jail records, he's a 6 foot 4, 250-pound white male. Photographs from the scene shows he has a beard and wears glasses. Reports say he's had a variety of minor brushes with the law as a former resident of South Carolina.

Open line. Plus a movie recommendation

An open line and a recommendation on a movie to watch.

Republican paths to power in two states: Moderation and money

A look at a couple of Republican governors in traditionally Democratic states shows what a little moderation and a lot of money can do.

Police report homicide on Battery Street

LRPD says officers are on the scene of a homicide at 1406 Batter Street, the 28th homicide of the year.

Ex-Hog Darrell Walker spotlighted for collection of work by black artists

Former Razorback basketball player Darrell Walker and his art collection get a mention in today's New York Times in an article about the rising profiles and prices of black artists.

KARK: One dead in Princeton Street fire

KARK reports that a man is dead and a woman has been hospitalized after a fire today in the home of an elderly couple on Princeton Street.

The rainy open line

The rainy open line includes a forecast for more rain.

Poll: Register gun owners, not Muslims

Vox reports on polling that says a majority supports registration of gun owners, but not Muslims (though 40 percent would have a registry for Muslims, versus 21 percent for Christians and 19 percent for Jews.)

Discovery Channel "Moonshiners" star to appear at Colonial Wines & Spirits

Tim Smith of Discovery's "Moonshiners" will be in Little Rock this Friday.

Speaking of Sam Gilliam

Maybe you'd like to see work by Sam Gilliam, or Betye Saar, mentioned in a New York Times story that ran Sunday (its online version is terrific)? You're in luck. Hearne Fine Art has just opened the exhibition "Treasure," featuring works by not just Gilliam and Saar but Lawrence Finney, John Biggers, Samella Lewis, Alfred Conteh, Dean Mitchell, Phoebe Beasley, Bisa Butler and others.

Update: Forum on criminal justice

You can watch live until 1 p.m. today on forum on criminal justice at the Clinton School. Participants include a legislative task force on criminal justice reform (how to deal with exploding prison populations, in other words) and the Coalition for Public Safety. Gov. Asa Hutchinson said disparate sentencing because of a lack of uniformity in applying sentencing guidelines needs a look from the legislature/

Fred Poe dies traveling at 81

Fred Poe, the world traveler who built the state's best known travel agency, died as he lived — on the road. He was in Vancouver.

Scott County deputy prosecutor arrested on DWI; released without posting bail

KFSM reports that State Police arrested Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Tom Tatum Sr. over the weekend on suspicion of driving while intoxicated and then released him without a bond after a breath alcohol test.

Alabama to pay legal fees for failed effort to defund Planned Parenthood

Alabama has agreed to pay $51,000 in legal fees to Planned Parenthood lawyers for that state's failed attempt to cut off Medicaid funding to the organization's clinics. Arkansas could eventually find itself in the same situation.

Does Arkansas have the most dangerous diamond mine in America?

Over the holiday, many on Arkansas social media have seen or shared an article, "The States Where You're Most Likely to Encounter Fights at Black Friday Sales." This article is dumb and lazy.

15-year-old dies in apparent accidental shooting in home

KARK reports on the death in Jonesboro of a 15-year-old in an apparent accident.

Rutledge approves form of four-year term for county officials; also rules on FOI access

Attorney General Leslie Rutledge signed off today on the form of a proposed constitutional amendment to give county officials four-year, rather than two-year terms. She also issued a Freedom of Information Act ruling that could create some delays on ready access to public information.

Giving Tuesday: It's the nonprofits' turn

This week, the Times will print its annual philanthropy issue, with features on worthy nonprofits and our annual Honor Roll of individuals and family foundations that have made major gifts to Arkansas institutions. But you don't have to be a Walton to be a philanthropist. Tomorrow, Tuesday, is Giving Tuesday.

Another week, another open line

Here's the Monday open line. Also, the daily video of news and comment..

Campaigning on Capitol grounds. Isn't there a law about that?

A relatively new state law in theory bans campaign ads on public officials' vehicle parked on the Capitol grounds. Or so I"m reminded by a photo snapped at the Capitol of a state senator's vehicle bearing a big window decal.

Auditor Lea begins attempt to claim U.S. savings bonds

State Auditor Andrea Lea has taken the next step in the state's quest to get potentially tens of millions in unclaimed U.S. savings bonds converted to state property.

Tamales: Great food, or greatest food?

Time for tamale talk, plus a few recommendations of local places serving up these tasty bundles of joy.

Jermain Taylor enters pleas in assault cases

Boxer Jermain Taylor entered negotiated guilty pleas this morning before Circuit Judge Leon Johnson in three cases.

UTC Aerospace to close NLR unit that employs 32

UTC Aerospace Systems is planning to close a North Little Rock facility that employs 32 people who make cabin electronics for private aircraft. The closure is anticipated by early 2016.

Mara Leveritt offers governor a symbol for sentencing reform

Gov. Asa Hutchinson said the state needs to get serious about sentencing reform if it is to cope with its exploding prison population.

A rainbow festivus pole for the Capitol?

I learn from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette that a Florida group called The Humanity Fund has asked Secretary of State Mark Martin for permission to erect a festivus pole symbolizing gay pride as a temporary Capitol grounds display along with the Nativity scene and the solstice display.

Texas moves towards home- and community-based services for disabled people, via Community First Choice

The Dallas Morning News reports on Texas' implementation of a Medicaid reform initiative that's been the subject of an ongoing, low-level battle in the Arkansas legislature: the Community First Choice Option, a program that would allow people in need of long-term care to get services at home or in their communities, rather than being institutionalized.

Tuesday's open line

Here's the open line and video news and comment. Slow day.

Pedestrian killed on Baseline Road

Police say a man was killed about 6:25 a.m. today when he stepped into the path of a Ford van in the 8800 block of Baseline Road, by the Dixie Cafe.

Governor touts foster home recruitment, but intake of children increases equivalently

At an event today, Gov. Hutchinson said the state had seen an increase of 232 foster beds since this summer. But during the same time period, the number of Arkansas children in foster care increased by about 266, meaning the scope of the crisis essentially remained static.

Surprise: Voters want a free lunch highway plan

Surprise. Voters like Gov. Asa Hutchinson's free lunch highway program. Take money from somebody else to build better highways. Don't raise taxes.

City board OKs two cents for Arts Center renovation

The City Board approved ordinances tonight to levy two new pennies on hotel receipts and a resolution to call a referendum in February to all the city to spend the new revenues to renovate the Arkansas Arts Center and make improvements to the MacArthur Museum of Military History.

That's some DINO they elected governor of Louisiana

Evidence mounts that the new Democratic governor of Louisiana, John Bel Edwards, can't be dismissed as a Democrat in name only.

Students successfully oppose loss of polling places in Conway

A student protest apparently short-circuited a proposal by the Faulkner County Election Commission to remove election day polling places from Hendrix and the University of Central Arkansas. This was part of a plan to create 24 "voting centers" for the election March 1.

Life in Arkansas in WW II internment camp: Hot, ptomaine poisoning

A new exhibit at Yale on the internment of Japanese Americans in World War II includes a diary kept by a young man confined to a center in Jerome, Ark., for three years.

Lost Forty celebrates its first anniversary

It's been almost a year since Lost Forty Brewing joined the growing craft beer scene in Little Rock. And they're throwing a party to celebrate.

Father arrested for death of Malik Drummond, Searcy two-year-old missing since 2014

Searcy police have arrested Jeffery Leroy Clifton, 43, on suspicion of capital murder in the death of his son, Malik Drummond, a two-year-old missing since he reportedly wandered from his Search home Nov. 23, 2014.

UPDATED: Couple with court order gets birth certificate; others turned away

A same-sex couple that won a court order that their names should appear on their children's birth certificate went to the state Health Department today to get the birth certificate. That couple succeeded, but two other couples who were not plaintiffs in the case were not given birth certificates.

State tax take drops in November

State tax revenue in November overall wwas $462.9 million, which was $1.7 million below the amount collected in the same month last year, though above forecast. The shortfall against last year came despite a one-time $4.45 million infusion from a lawsuit settlement.

Boozman: No qualms about tossing people off health insurance

Democrats think Republican senators could hurt themselves by ending the expansion of health insurance coverage of Obamacare. Republican Sen. John Boozman says he has no qualms about throwing people off health insurance. Politically, he might be right, cold as that view is.

Kanis Road death under investigation

Little Rock police are investigating the case of an unidentified woman found fatally injured on Kanis Road about 11 p.m. Tuesday.

Governor moves to correct welfare benefits enrollment procedure

Gov. Asa Hutchinson released today a review of the process by which Arkansas enrolls and determines eligiblity of people for government assistance. You perhaps remember it's been a budget-busting mess. He recommends some steps to improve things.

Kick off the Christmas season with Rock Town Distillery

Rock Town brings a heaping helping of holiday cheer in the form of Arkansas craft whiskey.

Wednesday's open line

Here's the open line and news headlines so far today.

Cotton and Boozman fight clean energy

Funny. Sens. Tom Cotton and John Boozman have put a hold on an Obama administration nominee for an Energy Department position because they don't have the answers they want on a power line proposed to carry clean wind-generated energy to and through Arkansas.

Police say 14 dead and 17 wounded in mass shooting in San Bernardino

Police say 14 are dead and 14 injured in a shooting in a social services center in San Bernardino, Calif. A search is on for suspects, who fled the scene.

Tie One On, at Our House

This week's issue of the Times, our annual philanthropy issue, has a story on Our House, which provides shelter and wraparound services to the working poor. Here's a way to help Our House and keep your clothes clean while you cook: The 2015 Tie One On, Our House's live and silent auction of aprons designed by Arkansas artists paired with themed packages,6 p.m. to 9 p.m. tonight (Dec. 3) at Pavilion in the Park. Tickets are $55.

Ted Suhl, mental health agency operator, named in six-count bribery indictment

Ted Suhl, once the operator of a multi-million-dollar health care organization that had powerful political influence in Arkansas, has been indicted for bribery by a federal Grand Jury in Arkansas.
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