When did being black turn from being a steep barrier to a decisive advantage in a presidential race, Mrs. Ferraro?
Geraldine Ferraro, a former Democratic vice-presidential nominee, said recently that leading Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama wouldn’t be where he is today if he wasn’t black.
She’s right, as far as she goes. Barack Obama wouldn’t be [...]

Growth, planning never easy
While the national economy has slowed, the “growing pains” of Northwest Arkansas are still being felt. Over the past decade growth has caused a lot of the cities in the Northwest Arkansas corridor to face planning projects well into the future. Some of these strategic decisions have been easier than others. Currently, [...]

The Bank Job
“The Bank Job” is not just another slick caper film. It’s robust, messy, cluttered, and a cut well above the average crime job.
“The Bank Job” tunnels its own distinctive way under the well-worn genre. It’s no cookie-cutter thriller.

Opening
Drillbit Taylor (PG13)Comedy. Kids hire a bodyguard to protect them from a bully. Owen Wilson. FS: 2:10, 4:55, 7:50, 10:15. R12: 1:05, 4:05, 7:05, 9:50. S9: 1:20*, 4:00, 7:05, 9:40*. PC: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:45.
Shutter (PG13) Horror flick. FS: 2:00, 3:55, 6:00, 8:00, 10:00. R12: 1:00, 3:05, 5:10, 7:20, 9:45. S9: 1:10*, 4:30, 7:20, 9:30*. [...]

Outformation
Former Widespread Panic lead guitarist, Sam Holt, left Widespread Panic last year to tour with Outformation, the band he formed in 2002 with bassist Grady Upchurch and drummer and singer Lee Schwartz. The Atlanta based band now also includes keyboardist C.R. Gruver and percussionist Jeff “Birddog” Lane. Outformation had a big year last year, playing [...]

SPECIAL EVENTS
JONES JUGGLEFEST today, Friday and Saturday at the Jones Center for Families, 922 E. Emma Ave. in Springdale. Free. jonesnet.org or 756-8090.
HUMANITARIAN AWARDS and Cultural Celebration honoring Becky Paneitz, Latrice Watkins, Jim Miranda and the Brian Buell family, at 6:30 p.m. today at the Walton Arts Center, 495 W. Dickson St. in Fayetteville. [...]

Thursday, March 20
Arsaga’s Crossover - Jazz jam
Bayou - Pope County Bootleggers
Bordino’s - Trio DeJaniero
Deja Vu - DJ Revellution
Electric Cowgirl - DJ Dayside
George’s - Monte Montgomery
Green Door - Jamie Hall & Bug Band
Ice House - SoundChild Crew
Tangerine - DJ Michael, Drag Show

More trends in blends
Hello Everyone,
This month we continue our look at current trends in winemaking, such as blending wines from different grape varieties, different vineyards or different regions. This week we’ll discuss a winery that uses grapes from different vineyards from within one famous valley to achieve a complexity of flavors that’s similar to the [...]

Resurrection Festival
This week is overflowing with festivals: Spring equinox and International Astrology Day with Virgo Moon on Holy Thursday; the Aries Full Moon Resurrection festival and Purim on Good Friday; Holi (Hindu Spring Festival) and United Nations World Water Day on Holy Saturday, and ending the 40 days of Lenten preparation and purification, Easter on [...]

The Natural State appears to be coming of age in literary fashion with internationally known authors descending upon the state during National Poetry Month in April.
Beginning with the Arkansas Literary Festival, April 3-6 in Little Rock, there will be several venues offering Arkansas literati, book lovers, readers and writers many opportunities to enjoy literature with [...]