Driving home from work early Sunday morning, the radio was playing “It Ain’t Necessarily So” from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. The tenor’s voice was to-the-back-of-the-hall soaring, precise in enunciation and emoted with the sass the song demands but rarely gets. This was public radio’s Jazz Profiles with Nancy Wilson, who said it was Cab Calloway. …
Monthly Archives: December 2007
Benazir Campaigns in Fayetteville
The week of October 21, 2002, was extraordinary in Fayetteville. This is a vibrant college town so prominent lecturers shouldn’t be that unusual but to have three in a week was special. Bill Clinton coming up was not unusual; he’s probably here about once a year. On Monday the 21st, though, he helped dedicate a …
Dial a Compass
Two years ago I read a profile of Philip Pullman in The New Yorker (I don’t get this magazine for the articles but to look at the pictures, except sometimes) that inspired me to get the audio editions of the three volumes of the British children’s author’s His Dark Materials, a phrase from the Protestant …
I Saw a Real Santa
Taking a note from a weekend column, I spent an hour at Northwest Arkansas Mall, about 4:30 to about 5:30, on Christmas Eve, to enjoy the crowds without being a part of them, (Phil’s father in the essay, having gifts all bought, enjoyed the spectacle), though if something caught my eye for My Beloved, I’d …
Stone Picnic
The Fayetteville newspaper reported recently that a tombstone was found at a just-vacated rent house. The marker is of a woman who died two years ago. The rental management company phoned police. The Times’ print edition treats us to a photo of the flat marker. Later in the week the Times reported it reached the …
Dim These Bulbs?
The Demzette reported Monday that the downtown Fayetteville annual Christmas lights this year cost $93,884. The little city foresees budget problems in 2008, and this certainly looks expendable. Of course it is. Twinkly lights as opposed to road repair and police patrols? It’s a wonder it’s lasted this long without being privately funded by donors, …
The 4 Gram Coat
Copyright 2007 Ben S. Pollock It’s overeating season, followed by Resolve Month beginning on New Year’s Day. I eat healthier than some but know I fall short. Dr. Arthur Agatston emphasizes whole carbs and not too many of them, especially the simple or sweet ones, and his South Beach Diet has been the easiest plan …
Brows Beaten
DATELINE FAYETTEVILLE — Masons working overtime to install the fireplace at the University of Arkansas’ $2.77 million chancellor’s residence suffered singed eyebrows Tuesday night when the gas logs erupted into flame even though the line hadn’t been hooked up yet, and white smoke billowed from the chimney as high as Old Main: A Razorback football …
Frank Broyles, American Idol
Copyright 2007 Ben S. Pollock The athletic department of the University of Arkansas has become its own reality series, one where everyone is trapped in a house or on a desert island, or maybe at the same time one of those talent shows, the one with dancers or the one with singers. Athletic directors moving …
Old Is the New New
I wish the Toyota Prius wasn’t so ugly. I wish it wasn’t so expensive, either. Some cars are ugly-fun, like the old Beetle and the new Beetle. The PT Cruiser has the charm of a friendly bull terrier. Yet in another year or two I’ll be forced to buy a Prius; my car will have …
