Between Editions

Photo credit: Times Online

It’s been another slow news day. So here’s a picture of a python eating a ewe.

Got any news? We’d love to hear from you.

As of February, Arkansas is state number 17 to establish the 211 services phone number. 211 Arkansas is largely funded by the United Way, and offers a multitude of community services. According to the web site, services offered vary by location. Check out the Arkansas 211 site for more information.

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Union County and Union Parish, La. from 9:43 p.m. until around 11:30 p.m. Union County is also in a tornado watch until around 3:30 a.m., according to KNOE Channel 8 News.

 Is it just me, or has our neck of the woods become way more of a shooting gallery for dangerous weather this spring? Look to your right for information on local weather developments.

 Be careful out there, folks…

According to a video piece on CNN.com, many drivers in the US are trading in their gas-guzzlers for older rides that get better mileage. Learn more here.

Photo credit: www.superherohype.com

For those of you who can’t wait another day, Stars Cinema will be one of the theaters showing Iron Man starting on May 1 instead of May 2, the projected opening date. While I won’t be able to make it tomorrow, I’ll be there with bells on come Friday night.

Tickets are available at Stars.

The northern snakehead
State officials have confirmed the presence of the northern snakehead, an invasive species of fish, in Lee County. The snakehead, which is not native to Arkansas waters, was banned in Arkansas in 2002, but officials say the fish may have been brought into the state before the ban and cultivated as an Asian food species.

While there are no snakehead sightings on record for Union County or the rest of South Arkansas, other examples of areas where the species has reared its head indicate that population control is difficult, to say the least. According the Associated Press, Arkansas biologists are killing every confirmed northern snakehead they find, but officials say eradication will be difficult.

The fish is described by Game and Fish officials as a “top shelf predator” in Arkansas fisheries, with a fast reproductive cycle and the ability to survive outside of water for short periods of time, allowing the animals to move small distances over land.

“But they’re not some ‘Frankenfish’ that will attack people or chase them on land,” said Mark Oliver, assistant chief of fisheries for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, in an interview with the AP.

For information on the northern snakehead in Arkansas, head over to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s website.

According to a new article, New Zealand scientists have performed several autopsies on a colossal squid specimen found in February. This thing weighs over 1,000 pounds and has an eye the size of a soccer ball.

I don’t know about anyone else, but I love news like this. It gives me a great feeling to think that there are still things left to discover about our planet.

Learn more here.

It’s been a slow Blog-related news day, but around the office it seems like everyone’s been neck-deep in election-related this & that. Be sure to check out our election guide to stay informed and updated on who’s running for what in El Dorado, Union County, and beyond…

Photo credit: Larry Singer. News-Times employee Linda Rothwell lets it all hang out.

It seems like every car I’ve passed today had the windows rolled down to let in some of this wonderful cooler air we’ve enjoyed. And, to me, it’s been hotter than usual during the last couple weeks or so. Weather.com says it’ll get down in the mid-40’s tonight. I love cold weather, so I’ll be doing whatever I can to get outside tonight and enjoy a cool evening for what might be the last time until September or so. But, then again… this is Arkansas.

Look to the right of your screen for all your weather needs…

According to CNN.com, the federal government on Monday started depositing checks into the bank accounts of 800,000 Americans in the first installment in a weeks-long effort to boost the economy. These stimulus checks will be distributed to most tax-paying Americans. The U.S. Treasury will distribute more than $110 billion to 130 million taxpayers by July.

The government hopes to stimulate the economy by putting some extra cash in people’s pockets. Like you, I’m counting the days until my cash flow gets stimulated by the government. And, also probably like you, I’m wondering exactly how long I’ll have to wait before said stimulation shows up in my mail box.

According to the CNN article, the order in which tax filers will receive their rebates will be based on the last two digits of their Social Security numbers, when they filed their ‘07 tax forms and whether they opt for direct deposit. The Treasury Department said it hopes to get the first $50 billion out by the end of May. People who use direct deposit will get their payments soonest. By the end of next week, checks will have been deposited into the bank accounts of 7.4 million people. Most people will get their payments by July 11.

Sounds like a good way to start the summer…

I’ve seen several signs up across town, and I’m guessing everyone else has seen at least one, letting the public know that the South Arkansas Arts Center will be holding auditions for its summer musical, South Pacific, on May 19 & 20.
I’ve already done a preliminary interview with the show’s director, Clay Callaway, for a future feature piece, and, while the show is still a good ways off, he’s got some pretty cool ideas on the visual aspects of his version of South Pacific. A good friend of mine is also choreographing the show, and while she and I haven’t gotten into the particulars of what she has in mind, I know that the choreography is in very capable hands.
So, for those who are interested and haven’t seen a sign yet, auditions are May 19-20 at 6 p.m. at the SAAC.
For more information, contact the Arts Center at (870) 862-5474.