CALS encourages Winter reading

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Scott

The Central Arkansas Library System (CALS) invites you to snuggle up with a good book and participate in Hot Reads for Cold Nights, a winter reading program for adults.

Hot Reads for Cold Nights will run from Monday, January 9 – Saturday, February 25.

Participation is easy. Read or listen to a book, then complete a short review of the book. For each review that you turn in to the library, you are entered into a prize drawing.

Don’t know what to read? Your library branch has bookmarks that list 2011 prize winning books, books to help you go green, beach reads to take you away from cold nights, and many other topics.

In Memorium: W. Francis McBeth

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Scott

Former Arkansas Symphony Orchestra conductor W. Francis McBeth died late last week. A longtime member of the music faculty at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, his impact on instrumental music was felt throughout the state, nation and world.

When the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra was launched in 1966, it used guest conductors for the first several years. As one of Arkansas’ preeminent band and orchestra conductors and composers, McBeth was asked to guest conduct from time to time. In 1971, he was named Conductor of the ASO and served in that capacity until 1973. During his tenure, the Symphony hired its first full-time professional musicians. He also started the tradition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” being played at the top of the first concert of the season. At the time of his retirement from the ASO, he was designated with the title of Conductor Emeritus.

In 1975, McBeth was designated Composer Laureate of the Arkansas by Governor David Pryor. Arkansas was the first state to designate any individual a Composer Laureate.

McBeth retired from teaching at Ouachita in 1996 but continued to compose and conduct throughout the country until recent health developments curbed those activities.

Sculpture Sunday: Together

Posted on January 8, 2012 by Scott

A focal point of the revitalized Riverfront Park is Mark Leichliter’s Together. It was dedicated in 2008 in conjunction with the dedication of the Peabody Park play area. The piece was a gift from Longtime Little Rock banker Jack Fleischauer in honor of his three children Jennifer, Laura and Robert.

Mr. Fleischauer was battling a terminal illness when he worked with Dr. Dean Kumpuris and John Kinkade of the National Sculptor’s Guild in selecting Mark Leichliter to create this sculpture. He did not live to see the dedication, but his daughters were present at the ceremony.

The text of the accompanying plaque states:

Together.

It is in this place where we write the stories and create the dreams that will endure throughout our lifetime.

May we always cherish the spark of innocence that plays within us.

Presented to children of all ages by Jack Fleischauer in honor of his children Jennifer, Laura and Robert.

CALS – A Great Place for an Epiphany

Posted on January 6, 2012 by Scott

Today is Epiphany. As celebrated by Western Christian churches, it represents the date that the Wise Men visited the Christ Child.

Epiphany can also mean a realization or a grasping of a concept. It is a true Eureka! moment.

A great place to learn more and to have epiphanies is the branches of the Central Arkansas Library System.

The Wise Men are sometimes referred to as Kings. CALS is a great place to read books about Kings. In 2011, the Culture Vulture checked out at least three books from CALS which had “King” in the title. These “Three Kings” were Exit the King by Eugene Ionesco, King Hedley II by August Wilson and King Richard III by Shakespeare.

There are many books about Kings as well as Epiphanies.

Twelve 12s for Twelfth Night in ’12

Posted on January 5, 2012 by Scott

Today is Twelfth Night for 2012. In honor of Twelfth in ’12, today’s entry features 12 photographs of 12s found throughout Little Rock.

Hillcrest mailboxes

Detail of a room number at the Capital Hotel.

Reserved parking spot downtown

Detail of old Cave's Jewelers clock downtown

Detail of height restriction sign downtown

Payment slot at parking lot downtown

1200 block of West 12th Street

Detail of clock at River Cities Travel Center

Detail of a price sign at Heights Kroger

Parking lot sign at UALR

Detail of a merchandise sign at Barnes & Noble

Year sticker on license plate

iPhotos 2011: The Arty

Posted on January 4, 2012 by Scott

Like many people, the Little Rock Culture Vulture has an iPhone and takes many iPhotos. Yesterday, today and tomorrow, the entries highlight some of his favorite personal iPhotos taken in Little Rock during 2011. The are divided into the Good, the Odd and the Arty.

Today focuses on The Arty. These 11 from ’11 are presented chronologically. These were mistakes, but upon reflection some turned out interesting photos in their own right.

Rain reflected on the dashboard of the Culture Vulture's Vue - April 2011

Capital Hotel lobby - May 2011

Tired Rep carpet pre-renovation at last night prior to renovation - June 2011

Inside Clinton Library - June 2011

Little Rock Wind Symphony Flag Day Concert in MacArthur Park by MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History - June 2011

Downtown lights - July 2011

Light and shadow - Little Rock - October 2011

Wally Allen Ballroom at Statehouse Convention Center for 50th anniversary party of Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods - October 2011

John Willis and friends concert on UALR Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall stage - November 2011

Floor of Capital Hotel lobby - November 2011

Capital Hotel exterior decorated for Christmas by Tipton Hurst - December 2011

iPhotos 2011: The Odd

Posted on January 3, 2012 by Scott

Today focuses on The Odd. These 11 from ’11 are presented chronologically. None of these are staged or altered photos. They are just things witnessed.