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Color Your Hydrangeas

No Comments 25 June 2009

Garden Clock

By Pauline Keegan

I have heard that certain fertilizers can change the color of hydrangeas. Can you tell me how this can be done?

The color of hydrangea blossoms can be manipulated to be either pink or blue. Adding aluminum sulfate to make the soil more acid, will turn the flowers blue. Adding lime to make the soil more alkaline, will make the flowers pink. These fertilizers should be applied in the spring for next year’s growth.

My tomatoes are not setting buds. I have fertilized them and they get morning sun. Can you tell me what’s wrong?

There are two things that can cause tomatoes to not bloom. Too much fertilizer is one. Nitrogen promotes healthy green foliage instead of blooms. Phosphorus promotes blooms. Try using a bloom booster type fertilizer or no fertilizer at all. Another thing essential to tomatoes blooming is sufficient light. At least six hours of sunlight is required. Try to improve the light situation. A mulch of white paper or aluminum foil will reflect some light. Remove any limbs that shade the plants. Mirrors placed in strategic places is rather extravagant, but it all depends on how much you want homegrown tomatoes.

I am growing asparagus for the first time, when should I harvest it?

Asparagus started from seed should not be harvested for two seasons. Asparagus started from crowns can be harvested the second season. Harvest lightly for three or four weeks. Plants harvested too heavily will not develop a strong root system and the crowns will become spindly and may never recover. When the asparagus plants are in their fourth season, they may be harvested for four to six weeks per year. Harvest daily during this time. Having an attractive plant and harvesting a delicious fresh vegetable are worth the wait. The mature plants will last for many years.

Can daffodils be transplanted to a new location now?

Daffodil bulbs can be transplanted anytime after they bloom, as long as the foliage is left in tack until it withers and falls off. The foliage of spring bulbs is long gone by now. It is OK to transplant your bulbs, the only problem will be in finding them. Dig them carefully to not destroy the fine roots. Replant them immediately so that they don’t dry out.

Send your gardening and landscaping questions and tips to Washington County Master Gardeners, 2536 N. McConnell Ave., Fayetteville, AR 72704 or call 444-1755.

Features

It's Rodeo Time

No Comments 25 June 2009

Rodeo of the Ozarks had a shaky start, but now it’s one of the best in the nation

Dilynn Dodd, Miss Rodeo of the Ozarks 2007 carries the U.S. flag

into the arena during the Grand Entry on July 4, 2008

By Maylon T. Rice

Historians of The Rodeo of the Ozarks will recall a “shaky start” to one of the longest running events in Northwest Arkansas. The 65th edition of Rodeo of the Ozarks is set for July 1-4 at Parsons Arena in Springdale. The event has grown well beyond what veteran rodeo organizers like Tex Holt, dreamed possible.

Back in 1945, when the first Rodeo of the Ozarks debuted, some wondered if there would ever be another.

First, on July 1, the opening night, rain fell, so the event was delayed a day. Then on the final night, July 4, the north side bleachers collapsed sending 300 people to the hospital. Luckily, no one was seriously injured. On the bright side, a hometown cowboy, Springdale’s Glenn “Pup” Harp, won the steer roping competition.

The Rodeo of The Ozarks hasn’t looked back on that shaky start, and has charged ahead to become part of the cultural and entertainment fabric of Springdale and all of Northwest Arkansas. And it is ranked as one of the best by the prestigious Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

Tex Looks The Part

Holt, a longtime spokesman and savvy media magnet for the event in his white hat and well-appointed cowboy shirt, looks the part of a cowboy, even though despite the name Tex, he spends most of his days hawking insurance policies.

Holt has served on the Rodeo Of The Ozarks board for the last 28 years and shows no signs of slowing down or any lack of enthusiasm about the event.

“This event — and it is well beyond a four-day event these days — is just phenomenal,” Holt said. “I mean that given our history of leasing a piece of ground for $50 and putting on a rodeo with hand-built bucking shoots and a temporary corral, this is something else these days.”

Holt and the other 11 members of the Rodeo of The Ozarks board, the group responsible for the rodeo, all say they could not put on the event without their legion of volunteers.

“I have no way of knowing how many people help out behind the scenes and do it with very little recognition. I mean there are people who just show up each and every year to take care of a particular part of this rodeo that they love and they come back year after year after year. Many of these people go out on their own and recruit others to work. I can tell you this, our community and the region is blessed by the volunteers who made this rodeo what it is and that is one of the best in the country. Holt should know.

One Of The Best

After decades of improving the rodeo each year, the Rodeo of the Ozarks has been recognized as one of the top five PRCA outdoor rodeos. That’s awfully tall cotton to be in, Holt says. Others agree.

Holt credits the rodeo’s founder, Shorty Parsons, and a litany of other Springdale and Northwest Arkansas businessmen and professionals for carrying on the mantle of making the rodeo the best it can be.

“I can tell you when I came on the board 28 years ago there were businessmen like Don Harp, Harvey Jones, Mace Howell, well I can name names all day, but this core of businessmen took this rodeo and they each and every year looked for ways to improve it.

This year the event is expecting 500 top competitors in seven PRCA events such as steer wrestling, barrel racing, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, team roping and bull riding.

And don’t forget the very patriotic Grand Entry each evening at 7:30 p.m. signaling the start of the rodeo events.

99 Percent Fun Camaraderie

Holt says serving on the Rodeo of The Ozarks board is time consuming, but “about 99 percent fun and builds lifelong friendship and camaraderie for doing something good for the community.”

During all those years, Holt says the Springdale Benevolent Foundation and the people of Springdale and Northwest Arkansas have been the constant winners in all this volunteer work and effort.

“The Springdale Benevolent Association works with the Springdale Public School and the youth of Springdale in lots and lots of programs,” Holt said.

“The schools teach a course on the economic impact of the rodeo in dollars spent in our community,” he said. The end result is a “stick horse” race every spring. First graders in Springdale get to come to the rodeo arena and participate in activities that for many is their first contact with livestock and the rodeo.

Holt said the organization also supports activities of the Springdale Riding Club, The Ozark Junior Rodeo Association, the Springdale High School Rodeo and area 4-H Clubs. One of the most publicized events during rodeo week is the “Special Rodeo” for special needs children from the area, Holt said.

A youngster participates in the Mutton Bustin competition

July 4, 2008, at the Rodeo of the Ozarks

Mutton Bustin’, An Idea From Texas

Holt said one of the signature events at the rodeo is the Mutton Bustin’ event for the little cowboys and cowgals. Mutton Bustin’ starts each night at 6:30 p.m. Trophies are awarded to the best in mutton bustin’ on the final night of the rodeo.

“If you want to know what are the two events most people come to see, well let me tell you, it’s bull riding and mutton bustin’, and I’m not sure which is really No. 1,” Holt said laughing.

“I mean when the little fellers get out there on them sheep the crowd really comes alive,” he said.

Holt said he’s ordered about 25 sheep as rodeo livestock for this year and about 20 little cowboys will be riding each night.

Rules have changed little for the event, Holt said. Riders must be less than 50 pounds and be 4-, 5- or 6-years old. “… and you gotta dress to ride,” Holt said. Each contestant has to have on boots, jeans and a long-sleeved shirt.

“I can tell you that event is one that after a hard day at work can sure help you laugh and have a good time,” Holt said. “The sheep and the riders, they are something else to watch.”

The mutton bustin’ event came from John Reddish, the current Rodeo of The Ozarks board president and Don Harp.

“They had been down in Texas scouting out some other rodeos about our size here in Springdale and they came back and told us about this mutton bustin’ thing,” Holt said. “When we first had it, only a few kids were in it. Now we have to almost turn ‘em away we have so many.”

The Rodeo of the Ozarks has perfected that Texas event, Holt said. “The first couple of years we had to hold the sheep, let the rider lay down on its neck and turn the sheep loose. While that was still fun, it’s much better today.”

Today there is a special chute and a short harness so the little cowboys can sit up and ride. Holt says there is nothing like the competition that goes on between friends, parents and grandparents for this event.

“I mean to tell you, I know of some parents who have gone to renting or getting sheep in here to practice ride. Some of the outfits on these little cowboys are really nice, too. Lots of parents sure get into these events, but it is the little cowboys that make it go,” he said.

Top Purses

Although the Rodeo of the Ozarks is one of 65 PRCA rodeos going on during the July 4th weekend, the Springdale event draws some of the nation’s best competitors. Holt said the winners purse is why some of the nation’s top cowboys and cowgirls flock here.

“There is over $100,000 in prize money to be won here,” he said. “And we are one of the first events of the rodeo season, so just getting started out with a big win here means money in the bank for a cowboy just getting started on his 2009 prize winnings.”

Holt said as an incentive to get the best competitors to come to Springdale, the board pays the entry fee for some of the top 15 competitors in particular events.

“If you are among the best and can ride for free here with a chance to make money, that’s a win-win for the cowboy,” Holt said.

For Holt, working on the rodeo is a win-win as well. He said he has made lifelong friends while serving on the rodeo board and he enjoys seeing friends who are regular rodeo fans each year.

“We have people who tell me year after year what this rodeo means to them and they will be back next year. You can set your watch by that, too,” Holt said. “No matter how shaky the start, the Rodeo of The Ozarks got started. It’s going now and well into the future.”

Need To Know

Everyone age 2 or older must have a ticket. No exceptions.
Gates open at 6 p.m.
No pets allowed, except for certified service dogs.
No outside food or drink. A variety of concessions are available.
No strollers, since there is not room in the seating areas for strollers.
There is limited parking on the rodeo grounds for $3 per vehicle. Free parking is available at the Jones Center and the Springdale Airport and shuttle buses will be available.
Still cameras are allowed, but video cameras, recording devices and cell phones that have the ability to record motion are not allowed at the rodeo or the concerts.
All bags, purses, jackets, etc., can be searched upon entry as a safety precaution.
Prohibited items include bottles, cups, food, weapons (including knives) and laser lights.
Tickets are $6-$33.

Rodeo Of The Ozarks Goes ‘Pink’

Are you tough enough to wear pink? Well lots of cowboys and cowgals will be on July 2 at the Rodeo of The Ozarks. That night has been designated as “Tough Enough To Wear Pink Night” in an effort to raise funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer. This will be the fourth year The Rodeo Of The Ozarks has participated in this national campaign. With the support of Packaging Specialties of Fayetteville, the local sponsor, winners wearing pink will receive a $100 bonus. The Rodeo Of The Ozarks will also make a donation to the local affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Those attending the rodeo on July 2 are encouraged to wear pink.

David Ball

Concerts Coming To The Rodeo

A trio of concerts will follow the first three nights of the rodeo and will feature some well-known names.

David Ball will perform after the Wednesday night rodeo, The Bellamy Brothers will follow the July 2 rodeo and Buddy Jewell will follow the July 3 rodeo. Rodeo ticketholders can stay for the concerts at no additional charge.

“We hope the community will recognize this is a two-fer deal,” said Rick Culver, vice president of the Rodeo of the Ozarks board. “They really don’t have to leave their seats to stay for the concert.”

Adding three nights of concerts is new to the Rodeo of The Ozarks. But thinking outside the traditional rodeo box is nothing new for the Northwest Arkansas rodeo.

“The Board looked at adding something after the rodeo performance that folks would like to experience in the cool of the evening,” Culver said. “A concert seemed like just the thing to have. We hope and expect it to go off well.”

The rodeo board saved the biggest bang for after the July 4 rodeo: the annual fireworks show.

“We know people like that and will stay seated for that performance,” Culver said. “They always do.”

8 Days A Week Calendar

Calendar

No Comments 25 June 2009

All events listed in 8 Days a Week are open to the public. To submit a listing, send to FFW, 203 N. College Ave., Fayetteville, AR 72701, or fax to 444-7289, at least two weeks prior to event. Submissions are printed as space allows. Photographs and art are also considered.

Special Events

RED, WHITE & BABY BLUE: 7 p.m. Friday at the Garden Room, 215 W. Dickson St. in Fayetteville. Music by Leah & The Mojo Doctors. Food, beverages, silent auction. Benefits the Jackson L. Graves Foundation, aiding in comfort, care and support for the sickest of infants and their families. $25. jacksongraves.org or 466-6103.

PRIDE WEEKEND: Celebrate diversity in Northwest Arkansas this week. For a schedule of events see “Highlights.” nwapride.com or 935-6080.

SPAY ARKANSAS BENEFIT: 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Smiling Jack’s, 262 N. School Ave. in Fayetteville. With musician Candy Lee. spayarkansas.org.

RODEO OF THE OZARKS: Wednesday through July 4 at Parsons Arena in Springdale. rodeooftheozarks.com or 877-927-6336.

Stage & Screen

NUNSENSE: 7:30 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at Northwest Arkansas Community College White Auditorium in Bentonville. Fundraiser for the Village Players scholarship program. bvvillageplayers.org or 876-1481.

BLEACHER BUMS: 8 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville. Directed by Kate Frank. 575-4752.

MOVIE JEAN DRAPER: At noon Friday at Crystal Bridges at the Massey, 125 W. Central Ave. in Bentonville. Bring your lunch and learn about fiber artist Jean Draper. Free. massey.crystalbridges.org or 418-5700.

MISERY: Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Rogers Little Theater. $7.50-$42. RogersLittleTheater.com or 631-8988.

OUTDOOR MOVIE “SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE”: At dusk Sunday at 1 N. Main St. in Eureka Springs. Gates open at 7 p.m. Music by Opal Fly & The Faery Pranksters. $1-$3. BYO seating. lucky13cinema.org.

JOHN MUELLER’S WINTER DANCE PARTY: 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Walton Arts Center. $10-$35. waltonartscenter.org or 443-5600.

DAN’S PARTY LIVE COMEDY IMPROV: July 2 at Teatro Scarpino in Fayetteville. scarpino.com or 409-3772.

FRISCO FILM NIGHT: Dusk Tuesdays through July 28 in Frisco Park in Rogers. Free; BYO seating. mainstreetrogers.com or 936-5487.

BART ROCKET MAGIC SHOW: 3 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays through Aug. 14 at the Basin Park Hotel in Eureka Springs. 877-643-4972.

Words

BOOKSIGNING BY THEA PHIPPS: 10 a.m. Saturday at Nightbird Books, 205 W. Dickson St. in Fayetteville. nightbirdbooks.com or 443-2080.

BOOKSIGNING BY JANINE PARRY: “Readings in Arkansas Politics and Government” at 6 p.m. Saturday at Nightbird Books, 205 W. Dickson St. in Fayetteville. nightbirdbooks.com or 443-2080.

OZARK POETS & WRITERS COLLECTIVE: 7 p.m. Tuesday at Nightbird Books in Fayetteville. Featuring octogenarian Oda Mulloy. Open mic after the reading.

BEYOND WORDS: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Arsaga’s on Crossover Road in Fayetteville. arsagas.com or 527-0690.

LeAnn Rimes will perform at 6 p.m. Saturday at the outdoor music venue

The Amp, at the NW Arkansas Mall. Tickets are $15-$85 at arkansasmusicpavilion.com

Music

OPERA IN THE OZARKS: through July 17 at Inspiration Point, U.S. 62 West in Eureka Springs. “Manon” by Massenet, “Albert Herring” by Britten, “Pagliacci” by Leoncavallo and “Hansel & Gretel” by Humperdinck. opera.org.

BRUCE BARTH & STEVE WILSON JAZZ: 7 p.m. Friday at Teatro Scarpino in Fayetteville. With Claudia Burson, James Greeson and Darren Novotny. Benefits Jazz Scholarship Program. $25-$40. digjazz.com or 225-2306.

LEANN RIMES: 6 p.m. Saturday at the Arkansas Music Pavilion at the Northwest Arkansas Mall. $15-$85. arkansasmusicpavilion.com.

DEL MCCOURY BAND AND LONESOME ROAD: 7 p.m. Saturday at The Civic in Neosho, Mo. Tickets $15-$25 at www.theneoshocivic.com or 417-592-2521.

NWA SACRED HARP SINGERS: 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the Shiloh Museum. springdaleark.org/shiloh or 750-8165.

OPAL FLY & THE SWATTERS: 2 p.m. Sunday outside at the Fayetteville Public Library. Free. faylib.org or 856-7250.

LATE GERMAN ROMANTIC MUSIC CONCERT: 3 p.m. Sunday at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 224 N. East Ave. in Fayetteville. music.uark.edu or 575-4701.

RED, WHITE AND BLOOMS: Arkansas Winds Community Concert Band at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, 4703 N. Crossover Road in Fayetteville. bgozarks.org or 750-2620.

Learning

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS CIVIL WAR ROUNDTABLE: 7 p.m. today at the Shiloh Museum. springdaleark.org/shiloh or 750-8165.

QUILT: With speaker Donna Thomas at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Holiday Inn in Springdale. quiltguildnwa.org or 273-7153.

OZARK WIRELESS SOCIETY: 10 a.m. Saturday at the Shiloh Museum. springdaleark.org/shiloh or 750-8165.

STILLS IN THE HILLS: 8:30 p.m. Saturday at Devil’s Den State Park in West Fork. Susan Young talks about moonshining in the Ozarks. Free. arkansasstateparks.com or 761-3325.

SALSA, SWING AND OTHER DANCE LESSONS: 8:30 p.m. Fridays at Teatro Scarpino in Fayetteville. With Adam Richardson. $10-$15. scarpino.com or 409-3772.

Mind, Body, Spirit

ENERGY MEDICINE WORKSHOP: 11 a.m. Saturday at White River Yoga, 1 S. Main St. in Greenland. Dissolving disfunctional power cords with Joy Caffrey. $45. joymatters.com or 409-4912.

FAYETTEVILLE FREE THINKERS: 2 p.m. Saturday at the Fayetteville Public Library. fayfreethinkers.com or 442-6738.

HAPPY HOUR AA GROUP: 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 9:30 a.m. Sundays at the Alano Club, 568 W. Sycamore St. in Fayetteville. 927-8815.

BUDDHIST MEDITATION: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Arkansas Yoga Center in Fayetteville. 422-6526.

DHARMA TALK: 11 a.m. Sundays at Dramis Hardwood Floors, 2275 S. School Ave. in Fayetteville. With Tibetan Buddhist Monk Ven. Geshe Thupten Dorjee. tcia.com or 587-8920.

Outdoors

BOAT RENTALS: 7 a.m.-9 p.m. daily at Loch Lomond Marina in Bella Vista. 855-8182.

FAYETTEVILLE FALL ADULT SOFTBALL LEAGUE REGISTRATION: Monday through July 29. Season runs Aug. 17-Oct. 5; $425 per team; competitive and recreational leagues available. accessfayetteville.org or 718-7681.

WILSON PARK POOL: 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and 1-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through Aug. 16 in Fayetteville. $1-$2 per day or $35-$85 for season passes. Swimming lessons are $35. accessfayetteville.org or 444-3471.

FAYETTEVILLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays on the Fayetteville Square. Sunday Market 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks on Crossover Road. Evening market 4-7 p.m. Thursdays at the Mill District on the corner of School Avenue and Sixth Street. fayettevillefarmersmarket.com or 236-2910.

ROGERS FARMERS MARKET: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays and 4-7 p.m. Mondays at Frisco Park. 636-1743.

WEST FORK GARDEN MARKET: 7:30 a.m.-noon Saturdays and 3:30 p.m. to dusk Wednesdays on the Green on Arkansas 170 and Campbell Road in downtown West Fork. 225-1611.

Minor Matters

TEEN FLICKS: “Style Wars” 3 p.m. today at the Fayetteville Public Library. Next week “Camp” (PG13). Free; for grades 6-12. Popcorn provided. faylib.org or 856-7170.

FRIDAY MORNING MOVIES: “Tale of Despereaux” 10 a.m. Friday at the Fayetteville Public Library. Free. faylib.org or 856-7170.

STITCHES AND SIGNALS: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the Shiloh Museum. Fiber arts and ham radios. Free; for families. springdaleark.org/shiloh or 750-8165.

“THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE”: 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Fayetteville Public Library. With Tricycle Theatre for Youth. faylib.org or 856-7170.

MIKE’S MAD MURAL MASH-UP: 2 p.m. Saturday, Monday and Tuesday at the Fayetteville Public Library. Design a public mural for Scull Creek Bike Trail with Mike Anderson. For teens; registration required. faylib.org or 856-7170.

BRIAN & TERRI KINDER: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Fayetteville Public Library. For Preschoolers. faylib.org or 856-7170.

PAINTING IN WATER MEDIA: 1-2 p.m. Tuesday at the Arts Center of the Ozarks, 214 S. Main St. in Springdale. With Jennifer Schell. For ages 8-15. 8 sessions. $90-$95. artscenteroftheozarks.org or 751-5441.

PET SHOW: 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Fayetteville Public Library. For elementary kids. faylib.org or 856-7170.

MALCO KID’S SUMMER FILM FEST: 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays through July 29. Different shows at each location each week. Portion of proceeds benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital and the Variety Club. $2. malco.com.

Seniors

BRANSON TRIP: Saturday with the Springdale Senior Activity Center and the Fayetteville Senior Center. 571-2920.

FOURTH OF JULY PARTY: 9:30 a.m. July 2 at the Fayetteville Senior Center, 945 S. College Ave. Elvis is back by popular demand. 571-2920.

Auditions, Call For Volunteers, Entries

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: To help clean up the downtown Rogers historic district on Saturday. Meet at municipal parking lot at Second and Elm streets. BYO gloves, brooms, dustpans and weeding tools. Trash containers provided. 936-5487.

BIKE RACK ART PROPOSALS: Due July 2. Racks are for new District Courts Building. For specifics and applications, accessfayetteville.org or 575-8269.

Art

ANNE KITTRELL ART GALLERY: Arkansas Union, Fayetteville. 575-5255. Campus Fashion Exhibit through Sept. 9.

ARTS CENTER OF THE OZARKS: 214 S. Main St., Springdale. artscenteroftheozarks.org or 751-5441. NWA Invitational Critique Group’s “Not Asleep at the Easel”, and “The Sublime Landscape” by Johnny Bowen through July 3.

CITIZENS BANK GALLERY: 116 E. Buchanan St., Prairie Grove. 790-0342 or 846-2738. Contemporary ceramics, sculpture, paintings, prints, photography and gifts.

THE COMMON GROUNDS: 412 W. Dickson St., Fayetteville. commongroundsar.com or 442-3515. Works by Jason Hudson, Kori Hudson and Mark Stavely through June 30.

CORNER GIFT SHOP: 3582 N. Arkansas 112, Fayetteville. 521-2674. Art by more than 30 local artists and craftsmen.

CRYSTAL BRIDGES AT THE MASSEY: 125 W. Central Ave., Bentonville. massey.crystalbridges.org or 418-5700. “Through the Needle’s Eye: The Embroiderers’ Guild of America’s 19th National Exhibit” through Aug. 9.

DDP GALLERY: 7 E. Mountain St., Fayetteville. ddpgallery.com or 442-0001.

FAYETTEVILLE UNDERGROUND GALLERY: East Square Plaza Basement, 1 E. Center St., Fayetteville. fayettevilleunderground.com or 422-8607.

FOUR SQUARE FINE ART GALLERY: 112 W. Center St., Fayetteville. FourSquareFineArt.com or 422-8607. Paintings by Timothy Tyler, Robert Andes, Golsa Yaghoobi, MM Kent, Robert Glick, pastels by David Mudrinich, Photography by Kirk Lanier and Illuminated Boxes by Tanya Johnston.

HEARTWOOD GALLERY: 428 S. Government St., Fayetteville. 444-0888. Jewelry, pottery, glass, handmade books, textiles, sculpture, photography, paintings, drawings, mixed media, music CDs, wood turnings. More than 30 local artists.

JULIE WAIT DESIGNS ART GALLERY: 318 S. First St., Rogers. juliewaitdesigns.com or 631-8706. Paintings by Judy Maurer through July 31.

OZARK NATURAL FOODS: 1554 N. College Ave., Fayetteville. 521-7558. Photos by Mike Flynn, Lovella Lindsey Norrell and Barbara Warner through June.

THE PERK: 3980 W. Wedington Drive, Fayetteville. 251-7375. Works by Dwayne Loughridge through June.

POOR RICHARD’S ART: 116 S. First St., Rogers. poorrichardsart.com or 636-0417. Works by Jan Ironside and Myron Williams for July. Works by Kas Taylor and Silas Byers through June.

ROGERS LITTLE THEATER: 116 S. Second St., in Rogers. RogersLittleTheater.com or 631-8988. Works by Kas Taylor and Silas Byers Tuesday through Aug. 12. “Have Easel, Will Travel” Plein Air Paintings by Joanne Hall through Tuesday.

TEATRO SCARPINO: 329 N. West Ave. in Fayetteville. scarpino.com or 409-3772. Paintings by Holly Harbin and Martin Newman through June.

TERRA STUDIOS, MUSE GALLERY & COFFEEHOUSE: 12103 Hazel Valley Road in Durham. 35 regional artists, 10-acre art park with murals and sculpture installations. Home of the original Bluebird of Happiness. terrastudios.com or 800-255-8995.

Museums

ARKANSAS AIR MUSEUM: Drake Field, 4290 S. School Ave., Fayetteville. 521-4947. Aircraft from all eras of aviation history.

CLINTON HOUSE MUSEUM: 930 California Drive, Fayetteville. clintonhousemuseum.org or 444-0066.

GRAVETTE HISTORICAL MUSEUM: 503 Charlotte St. SE, Gravette. 787-7334. Early 1900s restored home with displays representing Gravette’ history.

MUSEUM OF NATIVE AMERICAN ARTIFACTS: 202 S.W. “O” St., Bentonville. museumofnativeamericanartifacts.org or 273-2456. Free self guided audio tours of Paleo, Archaic, Woodland, Mississippian and tribal artifacts.

PEA RIDGE NATIONAL MILITARY PARK: 15930 U.S. 62, Garfield. 451-8122. Self-guided road tour, 10-mile hiking trail, Civil War museum and bookstore.

PEEL MANSION MUSEUM AND HISTORIC GARDENS: 400 S. Walton Blvd., Bentonville. 273-9664. 1875 Italianate mansion with historic roses and plants.

PRAIRIE GROVE BATTLEFIELD STATE PARK: 506 E. Douglas St., U.S. 62, Prairie Grove. 846-2990. Civil War battlefield with original buildings.

ROGERS HISTORICAL MUSEUM: 322 S. Second St., Rogers. 621-1154. rogersarkansas.com/museum. “Of Promise and Pain: Life Between the Wars”, “Virgil Lovelace and Life on the Farm”, and “Rogers Auto-Biography: An Automotive History of Rogers” through December. “1968 in America” through Aug. 8.

SHILOH MUSEUM: 118 W. Johnson Ave., Springdale. 750-8165. springdaleark.org/shiloh. Exhibits of early life in the Ozarks. Original buildings on the grounds. “Squeaky Clean” on the history of hygiene through Jan. 16, 2010. “Carry On” featuring baskets, purses, trunks and other artifacts for transport and containment through Sept. 26. “Bridging The Gap” featuring historic bridges in the Arkansas Ozarks through Aug. 8.

SILOAM SPRINGS MUSEUM: 112 N. Maxwell St., 524-4011.

Coming Soon

FIREWORKS & FESTIVITIES: 7 p.m. July 3 at Veteran’s Park in Rogers.

FIREWORKS & MUSIC: 7:30 p.m. July 3 at the Arvest Ballpark in Springdale. Pops & Patriot music with the Arkansas Philharmonic. $13-$15. nwanaturals.com, ArkansasPhilharmonic.org, or 927-4900.

HOLIDAY ISLAND FUN & FIREWORKS: 2 p.m. July 4 at Holiday Island. Vendors and entertainment. Fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. 253-7700.

OLD WEST FILM FEST: July 4 at the Shiloh Museum. Classic silent westerns. Free popcorn and lemonade. springdaleark.org/shiloh or 750-8165.

CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVISITED: 8 p.m. July 5 at Downstream Casino Resort in Quapaw, Okla. Rain or shine; gates open at 6:30 p.m. $20-$40. downstreamcasino.com or 866-977-6849.

LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL: 7 p.m. July 7-9 and July 12, 8 p.m. July 10-11 and 2 p.m. July 11-12 at the Walton Arts Center. $30-$65. waltonartscenter.org or 443-5600.

CONTAGIOUS: 7 p.m. July 9 in Gulley Park in Fayetteville. Free. accessfayetteville.org or 444-3471.

QUARTERLY BUSINESS ANALYSIS BREAKFAST: 6:45 a.m. July 10 at the NWA Convention Center in Springdale. Highlights and trends of the current recession with Kathy Deck, director of the Center for Business and Economic Research. $35. Registration required by July 8. cber.uark.edu or 575-4151.

WILD HORSE & BURRO ADOPTION: 9 a.m. July 10 through 5 p.m. July 11 at Marchant Arena in Springdale. First come, first served. $25 adoption fee. wildhorseandburro.blm.gov or 888-274-2133.

2ND SATURDAY GALLERY STROLL: 6-9 p.m. July 11 in Eureka Springs. 253-7679.

BOBBY WATSON’S LIVE & LEARN QUARTET: 8 p.m. July 11 at the UA Union Theatre in Fayetteville. With Claudia Burson, James Greeson and Darren Novotny. $15-$20. digjazz.com or 225-2306.

SUNFLOWERS & SANGRIA: 6:30 p.m. July 15 at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, 4703 N. Crossover Road in Fayetteville. Casual attire, live music, appetizers. $15-$20. bgozarks.org or 750-2620.

FAT TIRE FESTIVAL: July 17-19 in Eureka Springs. Competitive and non-competitive mountain bike events. fattirefestival.com.

GRETCHEN WILSON: 8 p.m. July 17 at Downstream Casino Resort in Quapaw, Okla. Rain or shine; gates open at 6:30 p.m. $40-$60. downstreamcasino.com or 866-977-6849.

PETER FRAMPTON: 6 p.m. July 21 at the Arkansas Music Pavilion at the Northwest Arkansas Mall. $15-$50. arkansasmusicpavilion.com.

FULL HOUSE: 7 p.m. July 23 in Gulley Park in Fayetteville. Free. accessfayetteville.org or 444-3471.

FRISCO FESTIVAL: Aug. 28-29 in Frisco Park in Rogers. Rides, amusements, Chili-salsa-peno competition, Frisco Chicken BBQ, Frisco Idol, car show, Friday and Saturday night street dance. friscofestival.com or 936-5487.

KENNY ROGERS: 8 p.m. Aug. 28 at Downstream Casino Resort in Quapaw, Okla. downstreamcasino.com or 866-977-6849.

SECOND CITY ANNIVERSARY TOUR: 8 p.m. Aug. 28-29 at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville. $20-$32. waltonartscenter.org or 443-5600.

Risa's Astrology

No Comments 25 June 2009

Each new spirit entering earth comes through the waters of Cancer. Cancer is the crab living in both water and on land. Cancer represents our inner and outer home, our family, how we’re nurtured and, in turn, nurture. Cancer is our upbringing and conditioning which influences all aspects and choices of our life. Observe how crabs move. They scurry around their target testing whether their target is safe. Cancers are cautious and protective, sympathetic yet changeable, moody and touchy, loving and intuitive. Cancers love their home, creating a nest filled with containers – baskets, bowls, shells and things moon shaped. They can be conservative, solitary and in their nurturing, over-protective. Think of the shell above the crab protecting a very vulnerable body underneath. Cancers are the mothers of the zodiac along with Virgos. They are sensitive to others needs, especially family and close friends. Don’t tell a Cancer what to do. They, like Capricorn, must experience, learn and choose for themselves.

ARIES: Notice your many goals this past year. You’ve climbed the ladder to a pinnacle to reach those goals and have become very potent. Notice your new authority, one finer tuned, more responsible and aware of the importance to serve others. These are great accomplishments though they felt like great challenges.

TAURUS: You demonstrate your true self, which is an illumined leader and teacher many seek in these times of change. Actively pursuing a “call” you barely have time for other realities. Continue contacting those sharing your concern for humanity’s future. Use resources to help humanity in the challenging times to come. Create, then expand your unusual garden.

GEMINI: Offer praise and recognition for everything in your life. Each of us is blessed with creative gifts and abilities. Each of us has a group around us whose purpose is to help us grow. We contract with family and friends before birth to act in ways that helps us move forward spiritually. Because we don’t remember this, it often feels difficult.

CANCER: You feel your work takes you away from family. And then family feels like it takes you away from work. Your task and lesson, difficult as it may seem, is to balance the two. The more difficult this is, the greater the Initiation (greater awareness, greater responsibilities). Do you have visions and dreams for a different future? Or have you given up on dreaming? In between exhaustion and despair a glimmer of a future dream may occur. Watch for it.

LEO: Your life has taken on dimensions that at times seem overwhelming. So much to do, so many thoughts moving through your mind yet hidden behind a veil. This brings forth great emotions. As you try expressing yourself, you find communication difficult sometimes with sadness. The family is still here, but it needs communication. Is your love life assuming a new path?

VIRGO: An extraordinary creativity is building within. Perhaps you consider yourself not especially creative. This year creative ideas will appear in your mind. You’re being impressed from spiritual realms to bring your artist self forth through collecting, growing and building the life force within all kingdoms. You do this by expressing love to all. Clean and rearrange those crystals.

LIBRA: Thoughts from the past determine your actions. In therapeutic terms, you might change your thoughts. Are you living in the past or functioning under the dictates of another? You want freedom, but your beliefs hinder this. Read Gemini to understand spiritual contracts. Summon discrimination, have the intention to always radiate goodwill and love more. Your life will then uplift and change.

SCORPIO: Communication, so expanded, full and rich, remains internal. You need to communicate your thoughts to those who listen carefully, respond appropriately and maintain silence as you speak. Allowing those you trust to understand you strengthens your sense of security. You are not an island. Don’t keep secrets. Allow what you know to be shared. You’ll find those you can trust.

SAGITTARIUS: A new world stage is preparing itself for you. Sagittarians are publishers, world travelers, philosophers, standing in no one’s shadow. These adventurous warriors create shadows others stand in. You continue to be at the razor’s edge of change. However, that change is not quite prepared enough for you. Maintain your present direction and state of being. Doors open by themselves. The grass grows by itself.

CAPRICORN: Inner impressions from are informing you to take time alone and rest. You need to reorient, re-evaluate and unwind from your extraordinary state of responsibility. Observing your actions we award your constant far reaching standards of beauty applied to all areas of life. Relax and rejuvenate before your next tasks appear.

AQUARIUS: Realities begin with hopes, wishes, dreams and imagination. Form and matter are shaped by what we imagine until one day our dreams become concrete events and experiences. Attempt to clarify what is important to you, what you want to pursue, and who you want to be in the years to come. Sometimes this is difficult. Some of us live only in the moment. But within each moment there is a vision for our future. Try to capture it.

PISCES: You may have had plans for the immediate future. They may change. There is a collaboration occurring with you and another. Pursuing this will bring about a synthesis that will take you far into the future into a world very different than now. Understand the present planetary changes you “seek to serve and not exact due service. You seek to heal not hurt.” But at times you are hurting, which deepens compassion for your particular task.

Go to www.nightlightnews.com or e-mail Risa at risagoodwill@gmail.com.

Wine of the Week

The House Wine Of Vienna

No Comments 25 June 2009

E Wine of the Week

By Bruce Cochran

The House Wine Of Vienna

Hello Everyone,

Let’s take a look this week at an ideal wine for the hot sunny days we have ahead. Crisp, flavorful, not oaky, a bit of minerals and spice on the finish and it’s almost certain that you aren’t tired of it yet, because few Americans have had this wine, though it’s long been popular where it’s made.

Try a new wine this week!

Bruce

Oriel’s Ortolan Gruner Veltliner

Our topic this week could have been one of our Wine Century Club updates, since many readers probably haven’t tasted a wine made from the gruner veltliner grape variety. But, as is so often the case, it’s new to us, but very common in its home country, in this case Austria.

Gruner Veltliner is “the house wine of Vienna” Austria, one of my favorite countries to visit. For one thing nobody does schnitzel better. As a schnitzel fan (I’ve actually written articles about them), I prefer the Wienerschnitzel of Vienna (the city’s name is “Wien” in German, with the “w” pronounced like a “v”) to Germany’s Jaeger Schnitzel or Milan’s “Cotoletta alla Milanese.” All are breaded veal cutlets somewhat similar in preparation to our local chicken fried steak.

But back to the wine. Typically, Gruner Veltliner is a crisp, dry, unoaked white wine, known for both its spicy white pepper finish and for pairing well with vegetables, especially asparagus (one of the great challenges in the world of food and wine). It’s made in many of Austria’s wine regions, and can vary in style somewhat when grown in different climates. Those from hilly, cooler areas, such as those along the Danube River are livelier, crisper with a mineral finish, while those from lower, warmer places can exhibit riper fruit flavors.

Most Americans aren’t familiar with Austria’s varied wine regions, but a good wine book or Internet site can answer most questions quickly. And other words sometimes appear on Austrian wine labels that can really take some explaining, like steinfeder, federspiel and smaragd.

But for a good summertime wine, something food friendly and new (to us), a good Austrian gruner veltliner can be a fun new experience. Selection is rarely broad or consistent, but at this month’s eWine Sampling a lot of us enjoyed Oriel’s Ortolan. Ortolan is named for the songbird found in the Weinviertel region’s vineyards, whose melody is said to have inspired Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. It retails for around $15 to $20 per bottle.

Film, Film Review

'The Taking of Pelham 123'

No Comments 25 June 2009

On The Aisle

By Tony Macklin

“The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3” begins in disarray. The dialogue starts with a spate of obscenities, blank, blank, blankety-blank. Blah.

If the dialogue makes obscenity vapid, the style is spastic. The opening credit sequence jumps, zooms and goes on a wild ride of camera fidgets. Wham, bam, thank you cam.

It looks as though the film is going to take us on a tacky subway ride through the slums of language and style. But as undependable as director Tony Scott is, his two leading actors are not going to lose their way. Denzel Washington and John Travolta are rock-solid actors, and given a chance they will prevail.

Washington plays a New York City subway dispatcher. Travolta plays a hijacker who, with three henchmen, takes over the No. 6 train with 18 hostages and demands $10 million from the mayor (James Gandolfini).

Washington and Travolta have considerable chemistry together. Although most of it is over the phone, it’s palpable. A major problem with Washington’s chemistry with gifted Russell Crowe in “American Gangster” (directed by Tony’s brother Ridley Scott) was they didn’t come together until late in that movie. But in “The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3,” Washington and Travolta enhance each other.

Garber (Washington) is a flawed man, who has been demoted while under investigation about whether he took a bribe. Garber is cool, but like an average guy takes the subway to work everyday and brings home cartons of milk.

Ryder (Travolta) is a character who tries to enjoy himself immensely in the moment, but who also goes into sudden rages against authority. He adds an unpredictable edge to the dangerous happenings.

One theme in Brian Helgeland’s very uneven screenplay of John Godey’s novel is the different levels and classes of graft and crime.

They go from the mayor’s high-level shenanigans to Ryder’s sudden violence, to the working man’s weakness. But as in all of Scott’s movies, theme takes a backseat on the subway.

There are several scenes lacking credibility. They include Garber’s lollygagging conversation to his wife on the phone at a moment of severe crisis, the climax of the subway ride. Was something cut? And the crosstown money-ride that has taxi cabs flying through the air and multiple smash-ups and choreographed collisions. Neat but stupid.

If Scott has to choose between character and carnage, he chooses carnage every time.

And Helgeland (unlike the book) writes an ending that is unworthy of his actors. He turns everyman Garber into superhero-dispatcher, armed and racing through the streets of the city. Where’s his cape?

Scott is a director who simply can’t sustain his movies through to the end. What does Scott have on Washington? It must be something big, because they have collaborated on four movies.

The first “Crimson Tide” was excellent, although Scott deemphasized the racism theme. “Man on Fire” fell apart into brainless violence, ruining a movie whose first half was exceptional. “Deja vu” was mediocre, a waste of Washington’s talent.

When Scott has two gifted actors such as Washington and Gene Hackman playing adversaries as in “Crimson Tide” he is OK, but when he allows style to overwhelm character, which is his penchant, he’s a butcher.

Helgeland, who wrote the screenplays for such bombs as “Payback” and “The Postman,” does not help with the hackneyed ending of “The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3.”

In 1974, Joseph Sargent directed the original titled, “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three.” It was character-driven and ended with a nifty bit.

Scott never seems to trust character, so he wrecks his own movies. But Washington and Travolta refuse to capitulate as the wreckage flies around them. With their admirable talent, the two worthy actors prevent the careening train from going completely off track.

Advice Goddess

When Hairy Palms Met Sally

No Comments 25 June 2009

By Amy Alkon

I checked my boyfriend’s online history (OK, invaded his privacy) and saw he’d been looking up porn all day yesterday and the day before while home with the flu. I freaked! We’d talked about porn before. He said he watched it in his younger days, but didn’t anymore, so I was surprised. I confronted him, and he said he’d been bored and curious, but doesn’t watch porn regularly. I don’t know whether I believe him. I’ve heard people get addicted to porn. Beyond that, there are the unrealistic images of women. The fact that he initially lied makes me worry he has a problem.

— Smut Patrol

You thought you’d come home, ask what your poor sick bunny did all day, and learn that he was weak and feverish, but not too weak and feverish to spend eight hours straight picking out a ring and poring over all the great wedding gifts on Tiffany’s Web site. Whoops … it seems he was actually on the other Tiffany’s site — watching and rewatching “Tiffany Gives Heidi Her Sponge Bath.”

Yeah, right … he only watched porn in his “younger days,” like last week, when he was approximately five days younger. And then, wouldn’t you know it, he got “bored and curious,” as in, “Yawn … I wonder what really enormous fake breasts look like.” Bored? Sure. Curious? Right. What is he, an 8-year-old who has yet to hack through the parental controls on Mommy’s laptop?

Actually, he’s a man, with male sexuality, which evolved to be highly visual and variety-driven, probably because the more indiscriminate sex a guy had, the more likely he was to pass on his genes. Because women get pregnant and saddled with the kids, they evolved to be choosy and seek men who show a willingness to commit. Erotica targeted to each sex plays out along these lines, notes evolutionary psychologist Catherine Salmon. While men have nudie porn, women have commitment porn — the romance novel — with equally “unrealistic images” of male behavior. Yet, you don’t see men picketing the Harlequin rack at the grocery store, complaining that women will expect a dark, imposing prince to ride up on a white horse, pledge his everlasting love (while revealing some seriously ripped abs), and carry them back to his castle.

Porn, like anything that rings bells in the brain’s pleasure center, can be addictive, but suspecting the guy’s addicted merely because he watches it is like suspecting he’s addicted to food because he ate a double cheeseburger.

OK, so he watched porn for two days straight while home with the flu. If he’s always out with “the flu,” yet his only symptoms are a really bad case of carpal tunnel and being too weak to have sex with you, that’s when you start worrying. Regardless, you don’t get to paw through his Internet history. Figure out whether you’re getting your needs met, and if you aren’t, tell him, and see whether he’ll do something to change that. Remember, there are men who never look at porn. You’ll find them where all the rapists are rich and handsome and where nobody ever gets knocked up by the bus driver; in other words, wherever books like Harlequin’s “Billionaire Prince, Pregnant Mistress” and “Pregnant with the Billionaire’s Baby” are sold.

Windbagging The Girl

I just learned my high school sweetheart is attending our 10-year reunion and is single. We never expressed our love sexually. I still think of her as a whole person, an attractive person, and wonder what she looks like in the nude. How might I tell her I’m interested in her, wanting to be physical, establish a bond and increase intimacy with her in a sexual way?

— Second Chance

It seems you’ve gotten your hands on the Kama Sutra, as translated by C-3PO: “I am wanting to be physical. Establish a bond. Increase intimacy with you in a sexual way.” Let’s get real: You never nailed her in high school, and you think she might get drunk and put out. And no, don’t say that either, but at least be honest with yourself. And then, when you see her, grab her some punch and just talk about life. Get a little nuzzly, put your arm around her, and if she doesn’t pull away in horror, keep going. Maybe you’ll score with her, maybe you won’t, but you’ll do much better with women in general if you keep in mind that seduction is an activity, not the transcript to an episode of Dr. Phil.

Commentary

Jones Television

No Comments 25 June 2009

By Jerry Oliver

It’s been 13 years since Jones Television began broadcasting through Cox Communications. Since then, Channel 22 has steadily gained loyal viewership and national recognition. Though few people know much about the TV studio in Springdale, that could change. Over the past few years, Jones Television has been on the cusp of greater things and now with a new executive producer, the little studio that can, is primed to become the little studio that does.

Tim Crane, the new executive producer, came to Jones TV last month. Crane was previously department manager of Wal-Mart TV. Even though he grew up in Chicago, Crane has been a resident of Northwest Arkansas since 1980.

“The community of Northwest Arkansas has a unique spirit and unique residents,” Crane said. “The diversity here makes it a more pleasant place to live and raise a family.”

Introducing a “corporate” player into a nonprofit position can be a bit of a culture shock, but Crane’s expertise may be the ingredient needed to expand the studio.

“Our mission is to serve the community. Nothing’s really changed, except we’re renewing the mission,” Crane said.

Jones TV is known for its original programming and for its work with other nonprofits. With the opening of the Center for Nonprofits in Rogers, the staff is sure to stay busy.

“Under the Jones Trust umbrella, the Jones Center for Families is the most familiar function,” Crane said. “Jones Television was founded to be the communication medium for the nonprofits in Springdale. Now we’ll be the mouthpiece for the nonprofits in Rogers as well.”

The station will continue to broadcast favorites like Family Health Today, All Pets Considered and Yoga with Andrea and add new shows like Community Central, The Scrapbooking Studio and Karrie on Canvas. The station also produces the Washington-Madison County Drug Court shows. But some shows, like Front Row, have been temporarily shelved due to lack of sponsorships.

“Though we’re nonprofit, it still takes money (to produce a show),” Crane said.

Sponsorships for shows are essential for the survival of the original programs that Jones Television produces. But in these economically difficult times it’s a tough sell. The crew in Springdale hopes that none of their shows will be canceled, but with only seven people on staff, finding time to beat the pavement for sponsorships is difficult.

The Jones Trust provides staff, equipment and the facility; however, recouping the costs of making a half-hour TV program is a new focus for Crane. But, Crane said Jones TV is always considering new programs and determining the value of a show and how it supports the mission of the Jones Trust is just as important as getting funding for the production.

In the past, TV viewers who didn’t live in the area or didn’t have Cox cable were unable to watch Jones Television. But now, viewers can catch many of the programs on YouTube. The YouTube channel (YouTube.com/jonestelevision22) was launched in January. Internet users can watch documentaries like “My Father’s War” and “The Fulbright Concerto Competition,” some of the regular programs and even new videos that don’t air on channel 22. For example, Front Row is posting music videos that were cut from TV shows due to time restrictions and videos for nonprofit like The Centers for Effective Parenting are being posted. Jones TV is also on Facebook, Twitter and MySpace.

“Internet promotion is important because so much information is gained online. It’s an information resource that everyone uses,” Crane said.

For more information, visit JonesTV.org, Twitter.com/JonesTelevision, Youtube.com/JonesTelevision22, facebook.com/pages/Jones-Television/92021753116 and Myspace.com/JonesTelevision22.

Jerry Oliver is a producer and director for Jones Television.

Book Review

'Brush Cat' & 'Funny Misshappen Body: A Memoir'

No Comments 25 June 2009

The Bookworm

By Terri Schlichenmeyer

‘Brush Cat’, By Jack McEnany

Audience narrow, but author has knack for storytelling

Have you used your fair share of wood products today? If that sounds like a personal question, well, it is. Even if you live in a high-tech steel-and-glass house, if your furniture is made of aluminum, your rug is made of wool, and you sleep on a cotton mat, you will still use your share of wood products today.

Don’t believe me? Take a look in your bathroom. That TP had to come from somewhere. In the new book “Brush Cat” by Jack McEnany, you’ll learn more about that paper, the New England logging industry and the men who make their livings sawing logs, literally.

In 1984, Jack McEnany rented a cabin in the New Hampshire woods and called a local “wood guy” to order some winter fuel. When the logs turned out to be too long, McEnany bought his first saw and was captivated, hook, chain and sinker.

In the ensuing 20-plus years, McEnany has had other chain saws and cut many a woodpile with them. He also hung out with Brush Cats, men who log independently and without million-dollar equipment.

Without much effort, you can probably give your surroundings a quick glance and spot a dozen products made of wood. We take for granted that we’ll always find paper at the store: one study shows that we use an average of 700 pounds of paper products per person, per year. Wood chips run electricity plants. That nondairy shake you slurped after lunch was partially made of bleached wood flour.

To get the wood you consume, a logger signs on for what the U.S. Department of Labor says is a job more dangerous than that of a commercial fisherman or a pilot. And although most loggers are careful and work as safely as possible, McEnany notes a fair number of fists without fingers. Sticks and stones do more than break bones.

Most Brush Cats, not surprisingly, are good stewards of the forest. They’re as concerned about the health and sustainability of woodlands as any ecologist. Because their livelihood depends on it, they’re careful to note decades-long changes in the forest. They know how things used to be, and they mourn the way things have become.

Laws and trusts can save woodlands, but they may not be able to save the Brush Cat way of life.

Although “Brush Cat” is a good book, I don’t think I’m going out on a limb by saying the audience for this book is narrow. Still, I liked it. McEnany has a knack for storytelling and can make his readers chuckle in one sentence and feel outrage two paragraphs later. This book highlights the romance, hardship and history of logging, but it’s not balsa-wood-light. McEnany weaves in danger (both to man and to tree) and hard data about legalities, conservation and ecology.

If you’re up for a rare look at an essential industry, if you’re “going green” or if you’re a logger yourself, get a copy of “Brush Cat.” This may be the most unique book you ever saw.

Panel To Panel

By Nathan Patton

‘Funny Misshappen Body: A Memoir’, By Jeffrey Brown

Some people immediately gravitate towards something in their lives, a hobby perhaps, that later becomes their career. Jeffrey Brown had a bit tougher time making his final decision.

In his second Touchstone-released graphic memoir (I only mention the publisher because it seems to mark a turning point in his career, like a band signing to a major label), Brown recounts his long journey to become the cartoonist he is today. And no creative beat in Brown’s life is left unexplored.

We see Brown’s love of comics blossom as a child and then fade as he grows older. We see him start out drawing superheroes and then turn to something more autobiographical. And we see him try every style of art he can get his hands on, from painting to illustrated poetry, just to see which one fits him. When he finally accepts something he seems to have known all along, that his heart belongs in comics, it’s at the perfect moment in the story. To use a music metaphor, it comes at the end of a long crescendo and resolves the notes fantastically.

But along the way to Brown’s realization there were many distractions. Brown was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at a young age and has had chronic stomach problems since then, as anyone familiar with his books will know. He recounts, for the first time, his diagnosis and learning to deal with the disease. It is not told in a somber, self-pitying way, but almost matter-of-fact. He also had an affair with binge drinking and a brief flirtation with substance abuse. Neither lasted very long but they serve to demonstrate how easy it is to get off course.

Brown also takes the time and space to address the two people in his life who seem to have given him the most encouragement, coincidentally, both guys named Chris. One was the manager of the comic book shop Brown frequented that turned him on to alternative comics and showed him that there were more than just men in tights lurking on those pages. And the other is a name that I’m sure will be familiar to most fans of alternative comics: Chris Ware (“Acme Novelty Library”). As Brown recalls it, Ware gave him encouragement to keep going when he felt unsure.

“Funny Misshapen Boy” is Brown’s most focused book and it delivers heart and humor in a way that only he can. Fans of Brown’s earlier work will absolutely love the ending. It’s so well done that, if he chooses, this would be the perfect ending for his entire career as a graphic memoirist.

Film, Film Schedule

Ice Age, Public Enemies

No Comments 25 June 2009

Films

Opening

Away We Go (R) An expectant young couple travels the U.S. trying to find the perfect home. Directed by Sam Mendes. John Krasinski, Maya Rudloph. R16. TC.

Brothers Bloom (PG-13) Con men chase an eccentric heiress around the world. Adrien Brody, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel Weisz. FS: 11:00*, 1:45, 4:35, 7:20, 9:50.

Ice Age (G) Animated kids comedy. FS: Opens Wednesday

My Sisters Keeper (PG-13) Film about family conflict that arises when a daughter is diagnosed with leukemia. Cameron Diaz, Abigail Breslin. FS: 10:50*, 1:25, 4:25, 7:25, 10:15. R16. S9. TC.

Public Enemies (R) Story of ’30s gangster John Dillinger. Johnny Depp, Marion Cotillard. FS: Opens Wednesday

Transformers: Rise of the Fallen (PG-13) Sci-fi action adventure. Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox. FS: 9:30*, 12:00, 12:30, 3:15, 3:45, 7:00, 7:30, 10:10, 10:40. R16. S9. PC.

Also Playing

Angels & Demons (PG-13) Tom Hanks as a symbologist in the adaptation a Dan Brown (The DaVinci Code) novel.FS: 10:35*, 1:30, 4:20, 7:10, 10:05. TC.

Dance Flick (PG-13) Comedy. Dance off showdown. Soshana Bush, Damon Wayans Jr. S9.

Drag Me To Hell (PG-13) Horror thriller. Lorna Raver, Dileep Rao, Alison Lohman. FS: 7:45, 10:00. TC.

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (PG-13) A bachelor is haunted by old girlfriends. Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner. TC.

The Hangover (R) Comedy about a bachelor party in Las Vegas. Brad Cooper, Ed Helms. FS: 11:20*, 1:55, 4:50, 7:35, 10:20. R16. S9. TC.

Hannah Montana (PG) Miley Cyrus visits her hometown. FS: 11:30*, 2:05, 4:40.

Imagine That (R) Eddie Murphy comedy. R16. S9. PC.

Land Of The Lost (PG-13) Will Ferrell sci-fi comedy. FS: 11:15*, 1:40, 4:30, 6:55, 9:40. R16. PC.

My Life In Ruins (R) Comedy about a Greek tour guide trying to get in touch with her roots. Nia Vardalos, Richard Dreyfuss. TC.

Night at the Museum 2: Battle Of The Smithsonian (PG) Comedy. The Smithsonian comes to life. Ben Stiller, Amy Adams, Owen Wilson. FS: 10:20*, 1:05, 3:40, 6:45, 9:20. R16. PC.

The Proposal (PG-13) Romantic comedy with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. FS: 11:05*, 1:35, 4:45, 7:20, 9:50. R16. S9. PC.

The Soloist (PG-13) A journalist discovers a talented Julliard trained musician living on the streets of Los Angeles. Robert Downey, Jr., Jamie Foxx. TC.

Star Trek (PG-13) The early years with a new cast. Leonard Nimoy as Spock Prime. Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto. FS: 10:30*, 1:15, 4:05, 7:50, 10:30. R16. PC.

The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 (R) A New York subway train is hijacked. Denzel Washington, John Travolta. FS: 10:55*, 1:20, 4:15, 7:10, 9:55. R16. S9. TC.

Terminator Salvation (PG-13) Sc-fi, action. Life after nuclear holocaust. Christian Bale, Helena Bonham Carter. FS: 11:25*, 2:15, 4:55, 8:00, 10:25. S9. TC.

Up (PG) Animated family action adventure. FS: 10:25*, 12:50, 3:00, 5:30, 7:40, 10:00. R16. S9. PC.

War Eagle (PG) Filmed in Eureka Springs. A buddy story with a message. Luke Grimes, Mary Kay Place. R16. PC.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine (PG-13) Action adventure sci-fi. Hugh Jackman, Liv Schreiber. FS: 10:45*, 1:10, 4:10, 7:05, 9:30. TC.

Year One (PG-13) Comedy set in Biblical times. Jack Black, Michael Cera. FS: 10:40*, 1:00, 3:35, 7:15, 9:25. R16. S9. PC.

FS — Fiesta Square, Fayetteville, 575-0393; R16 — Razorback 16, Fayetteville, 521-4080; S9 — Sunset 9, Springdale, 751-2600; PC — Pinnacle Cinema 12, Rogers, 631-5927; TC — Town Center, Rogers, 631-5927. *Early and late shows on select days.

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