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Lest we forget
This monument at the Cleveland County Courthouse in Rison remembers Arkansas’ fallen soldiers from four wars. The inscription reads, “The Citizens of Cleveland County have caused this monument to be erected not to glorify war but forever to serve the cause of peace.
100 days
I am driving to work today in pretty much the same situation I found myself in last week. I have a column deadline and have not even started. I have a lot to say, but haven’t decided exactly what I want to say.
I was listening to the news on the way into downtown and started thinking about 100 days and what it meant. Not so much what it meant for the president. Instead, I was looking back at the first 100 days of my year to see what kind of grade I would get for what I have accomplished to this point. Then, it dawned on me that it wasn’t the 100th day of the year, it was closer to 120. One-third of the year has passed. I give myself a C+.
Eighth Circuit Recent Decisions
Joy King v. Michael J. Astrue, No: 08-1833 (8th Cir. Apr. 28, 2009)
In this case where a claimant for Social Security benefits alleged a severe mental impairment as the reason why she could not return to her past relevant work, the Eighth Circuit held that the administrative law judge (“ALJ”) erred in applying the Medical-Vocational Guidelines at Step 5 of the analysis instead of taking testimony from a Vocational Expert. Accordingly, the Court remanded the case for further proceedings.
Court summaries
Goodman v. State, No. CACR08-967, Ark. App. April 8, 2009.
This appeal comes from the Pulaski County Circuit Court, Honorable John Langston presiding.
Jonathan Goodman offered his co-worker, LaToya Franklin a ride home after they worked late one evening. Instead of driving her directly to her home, Goodman drove to a location by the river and began to touch Franklin inappropriately. When she protested, Goodman forced himself upon her, engaging in sexual intercourse. Goodman then drove Franklin home, and she recorded their conversation on her cellular phone. The recording revealed her repeatedly asking Goodman why he “kept going” when she “said no,” to which he responded, “Yeah, I should have stopped.” Goodman was charged with rape, and a trial court sentenced him to fifteen years in prison. He appealed the conviction to the Arkansas Court of Appeals.
Letter to the editor
“The question is, are we happy to suppose that our grandchildren may never be able to see an elephant accept in a picture book?” — David Attenborough
Two of the most mesmerizing and extraordinary animals at the Little Rock Zoo are Ellen the elephant and her companion, Mary. So much so that Arkansans and frequent travelers to the natural state know them by name. When guests enter the doors of our state’s only accredited zoo they don’t ask “where are the elephants?” Rather, they ask “where are Mary and Ellen?”
Insurance Insights
More highlights from the department’s Omnibus Bill
Act 726, the Arkansas Insurance Department’s Omnibus legislation, makes a few changes that affect adjusters. Ark. Code Ann. § 23-64-209(d) currently allows an adjuster without an Arkansas license to come into the state and act on behalf of an insurer for losses resulting from a common catastrophe. No notice to the Commissioner is required under this provision. The new language adds a provision in subsection (d), making notice a requirement, but the language is not so stringent as to delay adjusters who wish to assist following a catastrophe.
Are We There Yet?
Not the sharpest tools
Due to some traveling the past week, from the Ozarks to the Delta and back, as well as trying to battle what I hope isn’t some kind of hog flu, I have nothing new to share. Actually I probably do, but it’s late and my editor is giving me that “past deadline” look of hers. So to keep from incurring any injuries I’m turning in something old and unoriginal.
Kay's Cooking Corner
Caribbean dining at its best!
Not to brag – but... this week I am writing my article sitting out on the balcony of my little beach hut in St. Thomas. Yes, it is wonderful! There is nothing like the sound of the ocean waves rolling in and out on the shore to totally renew your mind. And we are having tons of fun, even though we suffer at night with tropical sunburns. Nothing comes easy!
Brainbuster
1. Who pays the highest taxes in the world? French; Swedes; Americans; Brits; Canadians; Danish?
2. In the movie “Clue” (1985), just after Mr. Boddy was found dead, someone speculated that maybe he was poisoned. Mrs. Peacock, who had just sipped from Mr. Boddy’s glass, began screaming hysterically. Which character ushered her to a seat, and then slapped her, and what room where they in?
I Swear...
Mylar balloon update and more
About that list of questions last week—it didn’t work. Steph Curry declared for the NBA lottery the day before the column ran.
But, yes, I did get a copy of it circulated and into his realm well before that. It was actually written weeks ago and circulated among an e-mail list of Davidson alumni, one of whom sent it to the coaching staff.
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