Politicker.com -- Arkansas News

[Arkansas Times] The Thanksgiving thread

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 07:49:00 -0500

Some serious entries follow on the blog, but I'll be busy like many others today cooking for family and friends.

An interesting article in the NY Times shows how regional differences in taste can be tracked by web traffic on a popular recipe site. The big action was on Wednesday:

At Allrecipes.com, pie searches got the most action on Wednesday morning. But by 10 a.m., people began earnest hunts for sweet potato casserole and stuffing recipes. By noon, 100,000 people had searched for mashed potato recipes.

The real outlier is gravy. If this Thanksgiving Day is anything like last year’s, most searches will slow by 10 a.

[Arkansas Times] Thanksgiving eve visitor

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 07:40:00 -0500

I got an e-mail overnight that an SUV had joined the party inside the Cregeens, the Irish pub on Main Street, NLR.

Not quite, Scott Miller's Argenta News reports. He has the news and photo, as ever on top of all things Argenta.

[Arkansas Times] Got a country?

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 07:26:00 -0500

Be thankful.

Millions of others have risked passage to a separate, unauthorized life in a foreign land to provide for their families. Be thankful, too, that Arkansans are working in the interest of such people and mobilizing for immigration reform in the U.S.

Read on for details of a vigil Monday night in Little Rock as part of the movement to support Obama administration reform efforts.

[Arkansas Times] Got shelter?

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 07:20:00 -0500

Be thankful if you do.

Eric Francis directs me to a fine LA Times feature on the desperate lives and violence that preys on homeless who camp along the Los Angeles River.

Nearby lives Sarah Lomeli, an Arkansas woman in her mid-40s who said she keeps a machete or a Louisville Slugger close by and is terrified when her husband, Omar, wanders from their camp on the eastern bank. "I cry every day," she said. "I hate being scared all the time."

[Arkansas Times] Got health care?

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 07:10:00 -0500

Be thankful if you do.

I got an e-mail last night from Dr. Ralph Friedin of Lexington, Mass., a primary care doctor who participated in last Saturday's free clinic. He's written an article about his experience. He's seen above in a brief clip taken at the clinic.

What, he asks, is wrong with a country that cares so little about the small person. Why so much talk about the cost of reform and not the cost of failure to act?

[Arkansas Times] Targeting Walmart

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 07:00:00 -0500

This Business Week cover story is of interest as Black Friday approaches.

Is the stylish discounter Target aping its larger rival, Arkansas-based Walmart, with heavier emphasis on low prices and groceries? Is it changing its corporate identity in desperation?

Little Rockers who welcomed Target as anchor to revitalization of University Avenue might now wonder if completion will bring only a discount city where University Mall once stood. From the article:

Now the charge is that Target is copying its archrival, and its executives are bristling. They insist they provide a superior store experience. Nor have they any plans to abandon their 15-year-old slogan: "Expect more, pay less.

[Arkansas Times] The faces of hate

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 21:41:00 -0500

The pharmacy lobby ads that have overrun the airways hating on Rep. Vic Snyder and Sen. Blanche Lincoln have, I admit, made me consider buying a can of whupass to spray on the grating whine of those cranky old coots saying they won't forget our congresspeople's votes for better health care for our fellow Americans. A Blog reader of long association offers the following telling commentary on the 60 Plus (pill pusher lobby) ads:

The Jim Elliott in the TV ads against President O's health plan is a retired State Police captain. What does he know about how poor elderly folks are suffering? IF...that's IF...he kept his State Police med plan when he retired, he has one of the best health plans in Arkansas! So, what's his beef?

Jim, you out there? Got affordable health coverage courtesy of a gubmint-provided insurance plan? You're welcome, very much.

[Arkansas Times] The Thanksgiving line

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:12:00 -0500

Be thankful out there, y'all.

To help: In case you missed it on our video player, Gerard Matthews has a film piece on some folks' favorites for the day.

[Arkansas News: The Political Buzz] STATE PRISON CHIEF TO RETIRE

Admin — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:35:00 -0500

[Arkansas Times] Judicial name dropping

Admin — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:37:00 -0500

Recent news articles have reported on the slow pace of President Obama in nominating candidates to fill federal judicial openings. Arkansas has three openings, with another on the way in Fort Smith from a coming retirement.

U.S. senators have sent three nominees for each of the openings, but no action has followed from the White House.

Now comes word that the White House might be willing to consider more candidates, particularly for at least one of the two openings in the Eastern District of Arkansas. Racial diversity seems to be the issue.