Rumor has it that Dunkin Donuts has its eye on Arkansas. Our reputation as a slovenly, malnourished people may finally land Arkansas one of the nation’s best franchises. The only drawback I see right now is that a Dunkin’ franchise could lead to
commercials featuring their spokeswoman Rachael Ray. If I hear her voice while driving, I may very well end up in the Arkansas River.
Archive for the ‘News’ Category
Waistlines Beware
Posted by Brett Kincaid on July 26, 2010
Posted in News | 5 Comments »
Northwest Corridor Report for 7/23/10
Posted by Jeff on July 23, 2010
Kids, don't do drugs or you'll end up running for public office under the delusion that non-mushroom-eaters will vote for you.
Former Green Party candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives Abel Tomlinson is running for the District 92 seat to the Arkansas House of Representatives. Tomlinson has had some run-ins with the law including his most recent which included him leaving his running car on College Avenue and climbing a tree in front of the Washington County Courthouse. I can’t make this up.
"I'll make Fayetteville as popular as the NFL on Fox!"
Fayetteville’s city council voted this week to pay $19,800 to be featured on “Today in America,” hosted by Terry Bradshaw. The five minute spot will be similar to a short infomercial.
The UofA is expecting record enrollment this fall and because of it, they are looking for beds for kids to sleep in.
The City of Springdale will no longer require victims of graffiti to clean it up. Instead the city will do it for them.
It’s over. Fired Washington County jailer, Jessie Lunderby did not appeal her termination for posing nude for Playboy.com.
It’s not over. Benton County Judge Dave Bisbee wants the county to pay his attorney fees for defending himself against charges that he hired his own company to do county work.
President Clinton will be returning to Arkansas in August for a speech in Springdale.
Enjoy your weekend!
Posted in News | 3 Comments »
Hogs Take The Stand at SEC Media Days
Posted by Adam Butler on July 22, 2010
and they said all the right things. Here are the transcripts for UA Head Coach Bobby Petrino, QB Ryan Mallett, Defensive End Jake Bequette and Tight End D.J. Williams (transcripts for Bequette and D.J. are combined).
See below for some of my favorites. Oh, and I love Petrino’s swagger. He isn’t afraid to take on the golden calf of the league, (now that College Football Baby Jesus Tim Tebow has ascended a Mile High to the NFL) Bama Head Coach Nick Saban.
From Mallett:
Q. Talk about the expectations this season and how well do you think this offense can click? Do you think it’s going to be just as good as last year’s offense? RYAN MALLETT: You know, obviously, especially in the state of Arkansas, the expectations are really high. We have even higher expectations of ourselves as a team.
As far as the offense, we lost some great players and we also got some players coming back and incoming freshmen that are going to help. You look at the defense, they’re going to be better. We got guys coming in on the defense that are going to help the defense be better. We’re going to gel better, especially during camp, is really when we’re going to gel. I feel like this is the closest team I’ve ever played on, especially the three years I’ve been here. Really my whole life, this is the closest group of guys, especially as many of us as there are, that I’ve ever been a part of.
and Coach Petrino:
Q. There have been a lot of comparisons made between the expectations for Arkansas this year and Ole Miss last year. Have you used Ole Miss as an example with your players of how to handle or not handle expectations?
COACH PETRINO: No, not at all. We always try to worry about ourselves. I like the high expectations. I think that’s why you’re in the profession, is you want to have people think that you’re gonna be good. You want our players to understand we have an opportunity to be good, and our coaches to really be driven by that. It’s taken us a while to get to the point where we have high expectations as a university and as a fan base and players. I think it’s a good thing. I think the one thing we can’t do is shy away from it. Let’s embrace it, let it motivate us, then let’s go out and do everything we can to make ‘em come true.
The SEC Has Addressed Its Horrible Officiating Situation by Hiring Phil Fullmer?
and another
Q. With your brief experience in the NFL, Coach Saban was talking a lot about how he thought the NFL Players Association and the NFL commissioner should get involved in the agent process in regard to the student-athlete. What is your take on that?
COACH PETRINO: You know, I think that’s wishful thinking. I think what we have to do is just do something my mom taught me a long time ago, and that’s worry about the things we can control. So it’s up to us to control the education, the decision making, to help the young men.
It would be nice if everybody in America was 100% and we all hit it just right. The truth of the matter is, there’s going to be young men that don’t make the right decisions all the time. But we have to worry about what we can control, our educating, our continuing to work on the decision making, the understanding of what’s right and what’s wrong, not try to think that somebody else is going to handle it for us.
Posted in Commentary, News, Sports | 10 Comments »
But I’m a Cheerleader!
Posted by Brett Kincaid on July 21, 2010
Hey, Judge, can you do this?!
A Connecticut court today ruled that cheerleading is not a sport. The ruling comes after students at Quinnipiac University filed the suit when volleyball was scheduled to be dropped as a sport, and the university was going to claim cheerleading would satisfy its Title IX requirement.
The federal judge said no, stating that cheerleading was too “underdeveloped” to be considered a legitimate sport. Clearly this guy has never lived in The South, but I digress. It opens a lot of interesting questions, both legal and sports-related.
What makes a sport a sport? It’s a question that seems to argued every summer on sports radio since there is nothing else to discuss! Cheerleaders are definitely athletic. Most of ‘em could whup any of us pretty easily. There is a team element, they have competitions, and the team members are clearly athletic. So why is it not considered a sport?
I mean if NASCAR is a sport surely cheerleading is, right?
Having no dog in the hunt and never really thought about it, I guess I’m talking myself into disagreeing with the judge.
Posted in Commentary, News, Sports | 3 Comments »
Teen Denied Prom Due to Sexual Orientation Wins $35K from District
Posted by Jeff on July 20, 2010
Constance McMillen the Mississippi teenager who was denied the right to attend prom with her girlfriend has been paid $35,000 by the school district that discriminated against her. The Fulton (MS) School District agreed to pay the teen to settle the discrimination lawsuit that the ACLU had filed on her behalf. The district is also required to adopt a policy prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation.
The district eventually canceled prom completely. Their reasoning was based on ”the education, safety and well-being of [its] students.” Administrators are given a lot of leeway in order to promote a safe and drug-free school (see also Bong Hits 4 Jesus) but this discrimination based on sexual orientation is pretty blatant and does not appear on its surface to protect the safety of students.
Posted in Commentary, News | 2 Comments »
ESPN’s Erin Andrews Sues Hotels, Peeping Tom
Posted by Adam Butler on July 16, 2010
over secret tapings of her nude that were taken in the hotels by Michael David Barrett. (Not the hot-headed former Cubs catcher or the hot shot former Arkansas and NY Jets cornerback, but the hot and bothered Illinois weirdo).
Andrews, who was recently a contestant on the ABC show “Dancing with the Stars,” is asking for more than $1.2 million from the hotels and Barrett for “severe and permanent emotional distress,” according to the complaint.
Posted in News | Leave a Comment »
BREAKING NEWS–Hope for a Mississippi Rebels Landshark Lives!
Posted by Adam Butler on July 15, 2010
The Mississippi Mascot selection committee has cut the previous, stellar list of potential mascots down to five.
My excitement over the survival of the Land Shark is tempered only slightly by the elimination of the Rebel Blues Musician and the Rebel Mojo.
Nevertheless, say it again, all together now, ““Gooooooooo, Land Sharks!”
Posted in News, Sports | 8 Comments »
Former Hog Fullback Mark Pierce Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison
Posted by Adam Butler on July 9, 2010
for drinking and driving and causing a wreck in which a man died. It’s a sad, story (for the victim and his family and to a lesser extent, Pierce and his). Pierce’s dad died unexpectedly late in his career at Arkansas, and the younger Pierce went downhill from there. But, that’s no excuse. It should have never happened.
Posted in News, Sports | Leave a Comment »
“Four” Employees at KARK Channel 4 in Little Rock Make “1″
Posted by Adam Butler on July 9, 2010
really dumb series of decisions–namely spoofing their jobs and their disdain for them– in multiple explicit, profanity-filled (eventual youtube) videos. As you can imagine, they don’t have to worry about those jobs, anymore. Talk about a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Posted in Commentary, News | 1 Comment »
NWC Report for 7/9/10
Posted by Jeff on July 9, 2010
Sorry to interrupt the strange Cleveland Bandwagoneering but…
If you haven’t been on campus in a while then you probably haven’t seen the new parking deck / storefront on Garland Avenue. It is located where a girl’s dorm (Futrall Hall) and the FIJI house (for those of you old as me) used to be. On July 26th the University Bookstore and the Razorback Shop will move out of the student union and into this new facility. By the way if you think this deck looks weird, check out what they are doing to Vol Walker Hall (same link).
I'll use any excuse to get a picture of Emilio on this blog.
Rogers Mayor Steve Womack who probably does not need much help to win the Arkansas 3rd in November joined a group called the ‘Young Guns.’ No word yet if Emilio Estevez is his new campaign coordinator or if the campaign slogan will be, “I’ll Make You Famous!”
XNA is moving their luggage inspections into the back room. The ridiculous policy of tagging your bag then walking it backwards to the TSA line is finally done with.
The suspended Washington County Sherriff’s Deputy Jessie Lunderby is apparently moving on with her career. The issue is not settled but Lunderby has signed with a talent agency in Hollywood. (Link is on 40/29’s website but it may not be entirely work-safe.)
The UofA has added background checks for new employees, especially those who will have access to student living areas. This includes dorms, and Greek houses.
The Bentonville Police Department continues to make arrests in what seems to be a sizeable prostitution ring. Back in March they arrested the alleged ringleader who was also a volunteer football coach for a local high school. The latest round of arrests also includes an employee of a contractor for Wal-Mart.
Billy Wolfe was denied a new trial after losing his lawsuit against the Fayetteville School District. Wolfe made national news a few years ago when he claimed that he was bullied and sexually harassed as a student in the district.
When I look at this all I see is a condemned toilet.
The guys at Fayetteville Flyer did a Wing Test that’s a pretty fun read. What I want to know is why these guys didn’t use this as a perfect excuse to go to Hooters? Adam & Brett, why doesn’t BlogHawgs do this? Seriously. Maybe best pizza or best Fourth Meal? And we’ll go state-wide!
Posted in Commentary, News | 1 Comment »
Springdale Har-Ber Offensive Tackle Brey Cook Commits to Arkansas.
Posted by Adam Butler on July 6, 2010
Cook had a ton of offers, including ones from Alabama, Oklahoma and USC (West).
He is widely considered one of the best offensive tackle prospects in America and, along with fellow Sprindgdale native and massive OL prospect Mitch Smothers, undoubtedly makes up the first High School OL duo in awhile (if not ever….although surely there was a pair or 2 back before scholarship limits) to sport Alabama and Auburn offers while choosing to cast their lot with the Hogs.
Posted in News, Sports | 8 Comments »
Kidnapping Victim Jaycee Dugard Gets $20 Million from California Legislature
Posted by Adam Butler on July 1, 2010
to settle her claims against the state Department of Corrections. How’d you like to be the one person that voted against that appropriation? (It passed 30-1)
Dugard vanished in 1991 at the age of 11. She was found in August 2009, living in a shed in the Antioch, California, backyard of Phillip Garrido, a registered sex offender who had been on parole since January 1988. Investigators say Garrido fathered two children with Dugard during her captivity. He and his wife, Nancy, are charged with 29 felony counts in the case. Both have pleaded not guilty.
In a report issued in November, the state inspector general’s office found the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation failed to properly keep tabs on Garrido or properly supervise the officers assigned to his case.
Posted in News | Leave a Comment »
Elena Kagan Starts the “Charade”
Posted by Jeff on June 28, 2010
You ask. I don't tell.
Supreme Court Nominee Elena Kagan started the process of being confirmed to the United States Supreme Court. If confirmed she will become the third woman on the current court. In the first day, she sat through each member of the committee’s opening speeches. Late in the afternoon she gave her own opening statement.
Tomorrow Kagan will face questioning from the committee. She more than likely will have to face tough questions from ranking Republican Jeff Sessions who has already expressed that he feels she has less judicial experience than any nominee in 50 years. Kagan will also have to defend her actions as Dean of the Harvard Law School when she attempted to ban military recruiters due to her interpretation of a Harvard Policy that disallows groups that do not treat all people equally. She did this based on the military’s Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy which she called “a moral injustice of the first order.”
She will also have to defend her (perhaps flippant) comment that SCOTUS hearings are a “hollow charade” and “ritual dance.” The toughest part of doing that will be the fact that she was critical of how little is brought out by the questions. Meanwhile she will more than likely avoid general case questions about things like abortion, gays in the military and gun rights.
In fact, today the Supreme Court struck down a 30 year old handgun ban in Chicago. Kagan will likely have to defer opinion on this case too. She will very plausibly state that she has not read the case or opinions.
Posted in News, Politics | 3 Comments »
Scotty Thurman to Join UA Basketball Staff?
Posted by Adam Butler on June 25, 2010
that’s a distinct possibility per Dudley Dawson of Hawgs Illustrated (on Bo Mattingly’s statewide radio program).
That would make me very happy. Scotty is my favorite basketball Hog of all time. And, he would bring some pride and swagger back–quickly.
Posted in News, Sports | 3 Comments »
The Barber of Debtville
Posted by Adam Butler on June 22, 2010
Brandon Barber–one-time NWA real estate magnate–(he of quick rise and quicker fall fame infamy) is in hot water, again.
It sure makes one contemplative. I mean, I am the same age as Barber and attended the U of A at the same time, and I haven’t even approached his highs and lows–not to mention my absolute inability to pull of any photo in which I look that happy, much less MULTIPLE mug shots in which I look that happy. In fact, I have….a blog–so you know I’m a loser.
Seriously, though, I know of, but don’t know Barber. However, self-indulgent, smarmy headline, blog post and accompanying mug shot (and plenty of less-than-flattering comments from others) aside, in many respects it is sad to see anybody with that kind of potential have things go south so quickly.
I am sure his creditors disagree, though, and think their secured claims were nothing but a Useless Precaution.
Posted in Commentary, News | 3 Comments »
South African Soccer Fan Killed for Changing the TV to
Posted by Adam Butler on June 17, 2010
See, England Goalkeeper Robert Green, it could be worse.
a World Cup game. If you had told me he was killed for turning the game off, I wouldn’t be that suprised. But, beaten to death by his wife and kids for turning the game on and a religious program off? Seems like an “Own Goal” to me. I guess they really couldn’t stand the vuvuzelas.
Posted in Commentary, News, Sports | 3 Comments »
BREAKING NEWS–Texas A&M to Join SEC
Posted by Adam Butler on June 11, 2010
The Bloghawgs have a source we believe in. You heard it here first.
Posted in News, Sports | 6 Comments »
NWC Report for June 11, 2010
Posted by Jeff on June 11, 2010
Image courtesy of NWANews.com
Benton County Judge Dave Bisbee’s trial ended in acquittal on two counts and a mistrial on the third. More interesting is Bisbee’s admission on the stand that he has troubles with literacy. Bisbee was soundly defeated in the Tuesday runoff by Bob Clinard.
Rogers Mayor Steve Womack defeated fellow Republican Cecile Bledsoe for the 3rd District seat to the House of Representatives. Rogers now needs a new mayor. My vote would be for Kelly Cradduck. He’s a cop’s cop.
The Federal Courthouse in Fayetteville was evacuated when an envelope containing white powder was discovered. The powder was soap and the sender is an inmate who has a history of sending similar packages.
Oh Judy, I WILL pee on your leg and I WILL tell you it's raining.
Drug Court’s Mary Ann Gunn might be the next Judge Judy. I have to admit it is hard to turn away from Drug Court. It’s compelling TV.
The Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Department is trying to set a Guinness World Record today.
Jon Williams reminisces about the passing of legendary UCLA Coach John Wooden while wondering if/when Arkansas’ legendary track coach will get similar renown.
Posted in Commentary, News | 1 Comment »
NJ Woman Looking to Become World’s Fattest
Posted by Adam Butler on June 10, 2010
At least she has goals. Kirstie Alley could not be reached for comment.
Posted in News | 1 Comment »
Happy 20th Anniversary to the Americans With Disabilities Act
Posted by Adam Butler on July 26, 2010
Posted in Commentary, News | 2 Comments »