The Kruth Talks:
May 5

The Dalai Lama will arrive in Northwest Arkansas on Tuesday, May 10. Two events will be held on May 11.

The first, a panel discussion focused on nonviolence, still has tickets available.

The second, the keynote address by the Dalai Lama sold out the first day tickets were available. Several security measures have been outlined for all attendees. Listed below are a few highlights. For complete details visit dalailama.uark.edu.

• No cameras, recording devices or computers
• No backpacks or large purses
• No food or beverages
• No fliers, flags or banners

Doors open at 7 a.m. for the panel discussion and noon for the keynote address.

Olivia Sordo Jewelry Closing

After 27 years of business, Olivia Sordo is retiring from her jewelry business and closing the doors to her design studio.

A local provider of distinct and precious jewelry, Olivia will list her inventory on discounted rates until her shop is closed. The last day of operation will be June 30. Repairs will be taken in through the beginning of June.

The store is located at 2367 N. Green Acres Road in Fayetteville.

Gas Cheaper For Cash

Notice that sign glowing neon with an increasing cost for gas? Another thing that should stand out is the word “cash” next to that price.

Most gas stations need to keep a competitive cost margin, particularly as prices rise and people seek out the bargain station, so many pass on some of the fees to the consumer. Most gas stations list one price for cash on the large street sign, but charge 5 to 6 cents per gallon more for debit or credit purchases.

The cost for card purchases is often listed on the pump, so look closely before filling up.

A Kruth Talks Revelation

I shaved my head to save the ta-tas.

Sounds like a T-shirt slogan, but it’s more than that, and it’s more than just for the ta-tas. I did it for the gonads too. I did it to raise awareness in the battle against cancer — all cancers.

Although at first personally satisfied with my soft and fuzzy skull and its subtle similarity to those electric balls at science museums, I became increasingly self-conscious as I went out into public and into my familiar social environment. I contemplated how I would feel if it wasn’t a choice. It’s like adding insult to injury. But a sense of confidence, forced or determined, is eminent with a truly exposed face.

Cancer could be our generation’s AIDS. Our generation may discover the cause and vaccination for this cellular terror. To the survivors, the families of those who have passed away and to the dedicated souls who battle and treat cancer, we are in this together. This is our fight. We will overcome.

The Kruth Talks: April 14

If you aren’t a regular reader of Northwest Arkansas Newspapers, you may have missed the coverage of a local scramble to secure $3.2 million of federal grants to construct the Razorback Greenway pedestrian and bike trail that will connect Fayetteville to Bentonville.

Ron Wood, reporter for the Northwest Arkansas Times, wrote on Saturday, April 9 about the project and the efforts of “regional planners, the Federal Highway Administration, the Arkansas Historic Preservation Office, Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service” to get the grant proposal approved before the final budget cuts were defined. Wood reported, “By getting the agreement signed before a new budget resolution or government shutdown, the federal transportation money is considered obligated.”

Only a portion of the estimated $40 million required for the project, this grant will likely be supplemented by other donations, including a $15 million match by the Walton Family Foundation.

Razorback Spring Weekend

This weekend, April 15-17, is the 2011 Woo Pig Spring Weekend, featuring softball, baseball, tennis and the spring football game. The annual “Red and White” football scrimmage will take place at 3 p.m. Saturday and for the first time will be televised on ESPN.

General admission for the football game is free and students can access all events at no cost, but for $35, Razorback fans can get reserved seating to all three baseball games, general admission to all three softball games and seating in the South Outdoor Club for the football game. In addition to the sporting events, the seventh annual Razorfest for kids will run from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, contact the Razorback box office at 800-982-4647.

Women’s Football

There are 18 teams in 16 states that are contributing to what may become the first National League of Women’s Football.
The Women’s Spring Football League has an official logo, ball sponsorship and even a supporting insurance agency offering medical insurance to the players for as low as $15 a month. Our home state is privileged to represent the league as the Arkansas Rampage. As a nonprofit group, the ticket prices are low: $20 for adult season pass, $10 for children 6-12. Single game prices are $8 and $4, respectively. The season will last from May 7 to June 25. Learn more at ladytuskersfootball.com or wsflfootball.net.

U.S. Budget Showdown Busted

Last week the U.S. government reached the deadline for agreeing on a budget.

There was a colossal showdown of where and how much would be trimmed from national expenditures. It became a bipartisan trial of stubbornness, jeopardizing the stability of the nation. Budget cuts to nationally funded programs such as Planned Parenthood and Medicaid were fiercely protected by Democrats, while Republicans pushed to reduce government spending as much as possible.

Nearing the 11th hour, the bargaining table reached stand-off before an agreement was made to cut nearly $39 billion, down from $61 billion the House passed earlier this year.

Crown Pub Soon To Be Gone

The Crown Pub on Dickson Street posted to its Facebook page that it will be shutting its doors on May 1 or perhaps a few days before. Apparently the landlords denied a renewal of the lease, and the local niche bar will be seeking a new location.

Shift the Leader

Brian Bailey, service manager for the Fayetteville Visitors Bureau and longtime contributor to the arts, entertainment and community development sector of Northwest Arkansas, announced he will be passing the torch to Tanner Montgomery. Brian was unreachable for details, but his advocacy for First Thursday on the Fayetteville square, his dedication and passion for this area and his commitment to get involved, listen and create action will certainly transfer over to his newest endeavors. I doubt it will be very long before you are hearing his name again.

Art Of Wine

Feeding off the frenzy of timed and creative cooking competitions, “Chopped in the Ozarks” will commence on Monday, April 11, at 6 p.m. in the Walton Arts Center’s Starr Theater.

Audience members will observe these “culinary artists open their baskets of unusual ingredients designed to challenge their creativity.” There will be a panel of judges who will eliminate one chef each round until a Grand Champion Chopper is announced.

The selected chefs are Jerrmy Gawthrop, owner of Greenhouse Grille in south Fayetteville; Dane Main, executive chef of Petit Bistro, a French-Mediterranean bistro and lounge in Bentonville; Chrissy Sanderson, longtime chef, former co-owner of Bordinos and current instructor at the NorthWest Arkansas Community College; and William McCormick, chef at Farrell’s Lounge in Fayetteville.

There will be several other highly anticipated events including The Guy Fieri Food Show, wine tastings and more. Check it out at www.waltonartscenter.org.

To Cap It Off

A few weeks ago I delved into a rant about recycling. Well, don’t expect that conversation to die down anytime soon. It’s a lesson we learned as children, in many ways and phrases: Clean up after yourself. Slow down and pay attention. Wipe your feet or remove your shoes before entering the house.

For every action there is an equal or opposite reaction. Do unto others as you would have them do onto you. Wash your own dishes; these things don’t clean themselves. Close the door behind you. Turn off the light when you leave a room. Brush and floss. OK, the last one seems a little less relevant to recycling and preserving the planet, although once your gums recede they never grow back.

So I ask you to just pause for a minute and think about how you are affecting the world, yourself and those around you. If a little thing like sorting plastic, glass and cardboard can’t be accomplished by a sophisticated, educated, cultured and intuitive species like ours, then we have no hope. Hope is the energy that helps us overcome the most insurmountable circumstances. That and a whole lot of other factors, like unity, integrity, diligence, sacrifice and practice will give us a fighting chance for survival.

So I’ve given this a lot of thought. It is sometimes the simplest of problems that have the most profound solutions. In regards to recycling, why aren’t the caps of plastic bottles recyclable? I have pondered this for a while now, thinking of a purpose for these caps. Maybe they should be pounded into Pogs? Remember those? If you have a better idea, please share. Write me at thekruthtalks@gmail.com.

Amber Kruth provides a local perspective on news briefs from around Northwest Arkansas — tidbits that make you think and keep you informed.

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Recycle

I have a request for the public service departments in the towns and cities of NWA: Recycle.

It breaks my heart that we strive to be green, conscientious and progressive but don’t fervently promote and support recycling.
My experience is particularly with the heart of Fayetteville, Dickson Street. Some, although very few, businesses have coordinated with their employees to gather the recycling and haul it down to the recycling center.

It takes cooperation from the customers as well, particularly in bars where patrons toss their own bottles. The lack of participation by some is shocking.

It is an expense that is for the benefit of our children and their future. It is a necessity of preserving this planet.

So I have a proposition. Use the profits from the new parking system to support financing for a business district recycling program. We don’t need another parking deck. The Underwood Building parking deck, Walton Arts Center parking lot, private lots surrounding Dickson Street and parallel parking along both sides of nearly every street isn’t enough? Do we really need more parking options, or do we need more incentive to carpool (the true benefit from the new metered parking system)?

If I may take my soapbox to church, I declare we use the finances raised from pay parking to build and sustain recycling for the bars and restaurants of downtown Fayetteville.

I don’t know much about policy or politics. I do believe that public service can be one of the most stressful, challenging, time consuming and all-encompassing jobs ever. Sure, there is red tape, more to the story and things beyond my comprehension, so I put faith in and encouragement towards those who have the influence to invest towards the greater good.

At the very least, do not suspend pay parking during Bikes, Blues & BBQ. It’s a charity event of great caliber that brings extraordinary outside revenue. I don’t understand the logic of turning away that kind of local stimulus.

I’m betting if the parking funds were contributing to support and maintain recycling that compliance, acceptance and even support for pay parking would result.

Now wouldn’t that be nice?

Rest In Peace, Bruce

Bruce Walker

Speaking of nice and parking, Sunday evening hosted a gathering of beautiful people at George’s Majestic Lounge in a tribute for Bruce Walker.

Bruce’s homestead, Flying Possum Leather, burned down last week, and although Bugsy, his canine guardian, made it out alive, Bruce did not.

Many area businesses contributed food, and local musicians took the stage to conduct a true community gathering with great energy and friendly faces.

About $17,000 was raised in donations for the Bruce D. Walker memorial fund.