Once again I am obliged to my regular contributor and archivist (unpaid), 'JK', for sending me a link to the 'Arktimes' in a comment thread below. To be honest, JK, I couldn't work out what was in the link that pertained to the subject under discussion in the comment thread but it doesn't matter because that single page opened my eyes to life in deepest Arkansas - and it rather surprised me.
First of all there was a quite severe criticism of a local restaurant which is not something you usually expect in a local newspaper where all local businesses are praised indiscriminately - well, just in case they have advertising budget to spare - know what I mean?! However, in 'Arkieland' they obviously tell it the way they see it!
Then there was an article on WWI posters which had been carefully preserved by a local resident. Gosh, that gal has legs up to her armpits!
This warrior isn't actually collecting heads, just helmets, thank goodness!
After the Art we moved on to: The Oxford American, the quarterly literary magazine based in Little Rock and its newly appointed editor, Ms. Eliza Borné.
What?! A French intellectual deep in the heart of Arkansas? And with what appears to be the highest of high brows. Sorry, JK, but your image of 'Arkieland' as a place where "men are men and the wimmin are double-breasted" is taking a bit of a knock. The whole place seems more effete than Highgate!
Still, it's good to see that some things never change. From a story in the side-bar:
Sen. Jake Files paid off a $6,868.16 hot check the same day he got a $30,000 loan from lobbyist Bruce Hawkins, records obtained by the Arkansas Times show.
Good ol' Jake, what would he do without his lifetime buddy, Bruce, who only lends the Senator the odd buck, or two, or 30 thousand, on the basis of a long and true friendship and nothing more.
Meanwhile I have made my reservation at the Revolution restaurant for Sunday brunch because they assure me in their ad that their Bloody Marys are the very best - so who cares what the food's like? It is situated on President Clinton Avenue so I bet the waitresses are hot - can't wait!
Arkansas is a neat place. It is many states combined into one. The Ozark hill country is much to my liking as it has many qualities similar to my eastern side of the Appalachian mountains. I have met a lot of story book people there over the years--some down right cosmopolitan high brows and then some old time back slappers that make up the best literature for us outsiders to read. One town, Searcy Arkansas, stands out for me. I was there on "business" in the late 70s. Right quick I learned just who ran what and who could make a phone call and problems just evaporated. Sometimes difficult people were known to leave town. It was not the mayor performing these things. David or anyone, if you get a chance to visit the state-do so.
Posted by: Whitewall | Thursday, 29 October 2015 at 12:36
BTW, the motto for Arkansas is true especially about the "wimmin". The motto for West Virginia is "where the men are men and the sheep are nervous". I would hate for a visitor to mix them up.
Posted by: Whitewall | Thursday, 29 October 2015 at 12:39
Well, I see in the OxAm we get a mention.
Posted by: Whitewall | Thursday, 29 October 2015 at 13:50
Whitewall?I "get it" that Searcy "stood out" for you but I have to ask, exactly which way did you take to get there? Did you come up from the south, from Little Rock way or down from the north - via Beebe Arkansas?
If'n you came from the northern route via Beebe I can only wonder why Searcy featured more prominently over Beebe? Towns're a mere nine miles apart ...
http://malcolmpollack.com/2011/01/03/something-fishy-in-arkansas-fowl-play-suspected/
***
You did David, take the time to watch the TV show trailer featuring "the Lathams of Osceola" I sincerely hope? During the day the family runs the largest funeral home/embalming service (they even got the State of Arkansas' Medical Examiners contract - via the Arkansas State Police).
But by night the Lathams put on the goldarnest rasslin' show this side of Memphis! "The family that wrassles together stays together" is on their coat of arms (in French I think).
(Rasslin'/Wrassling is the clue to the Frog etymology - them French is allus adding extra alphabits.)
http://www.arktimes.com/RockCandy/archives/2014/11/11/wrestling-with-death-the-next-great-insane-arkansas-reality-tv-show
Posted by: JK | Thursday, 29 October 2015 at 14:19
JK, I drove over from Memphis.
If by French you mean Cajun-French...they can sure put a spin on good ole English. Takes getting used to.
Posted by: Whitewall | Thursday, 29 October 2015 at 14:25
Well yeah Whitewall, or more properly, Coon-Ass French (don't y'all be muttring about me being denigratin' that's what they call theyselves)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coonass
An' bar in mind "Osceola" is a Seminole word.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGoBQIhyFFM
Posted by: JK | Thursday, 29 October 2015 at 14:45
Figgered I might better come back an' esplain somethin' for yer benefit David, that "Sorry, JK, but your image of 'Arkieland' as a place where "men are men and the wimmin are double-breasted" is taking a bit of a knock."
Is a kint ofa misleader ter anyun unakennen the way God Hisself laid out Arkansas.
Off to the right note the pitcher labelled "Natural Divisions Map" and click that. Note the greeniest area towart the north then as it gets lighter further south - where it goes to bein' *puke green* is whereabouts the adjective in your following sentence, "The whole place seems more effete than Highgate!" has mor'en perhaps sums applicability.
http://www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/entry-detail.aspx?search=1&entryID=401#
Posted by: JK | Thursday, 29 October 2015 at 15:22
There is no doubt, Whiters, that were I to visit the USA again, Arkansas would be my first stop. Courtesy mainly of JK I have seen various photos of the landscape and it is simply superb. Of course, I might have to stay a while in order to learn the language first!
JK, I will try your various links later on. I must say that the notion of 'wrestling undertakers' adds a new dimension to my life - and perhaps, one of these days, to your death should you choose to use them!
Posted by: David Duff | Thursday, 29 October 2015 at 17:32
Eh Whitewall?
Since I know you've been known to run around these here hills just a word of advice ... When in Batesville .. Be Nice.
http://www.arkansasmatters.com/news/local-news/batesville-police-to-receive-automatic-rifles
Posted by: JK | Thursday, 29 October 2015 at 18:14
By any chance, JK, would Batesville be the location of Bate's Motel? Jest askin'!
Posted by: David Duff | Thursday, 29 October 2015 at 18:24
Batesville is where a lot of caskets and burial vaults are made I think.
Posted by: Whitewall | Thursday, 29 October 2015 at 20:16
Hmm, Batesville Indiana. I think I mixed them up.
Posted by: Whitewall | Thursday, 29 October 2015 at 23:36
Not to worry Whitewall. (An' I saw that over here.)
As you probly know ... anytime a sentence carries a "I think ..." Proper Hillbilly acknowledges an implicit ... well it's like a 50% weather forecast from the Gubmint for rain.
Or ... winning Powerball.
Posted by: JK | Friday, 30 October 2015 at 10:54
Well ... the link does mention
"Watching the local newscast is well worth it, if only for the unique cultural experience ..."
http://indefinitelywild.gizmodo.com/the-biggest-rattlesnake-youll-ever-see-1741987485
Posted by: JK | Thursday, 12 November 2015 at 11:50
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=14094454
Just so y'all know we do Science too !!!
Posted by: JK | Thursday, 12 November 2015 at 12:09