
The line is open. That photo? It's the cover of the latest Farm Bureau magazine. Not black prison inmates toiling in a field next to a headline about watermelon recipes. We presume the cover shot goes with the photo contest winners, not the wild game recipes.
Also:
Hold up on that baby lotion. Johnson and Johnson has ordered a recall of Aveeno Baby Calming Comfort Lotion because of possible "excess bacteria," which makes you wonder what bacteria isn't excessive.
* HATE CRIME — Sentencing today in cross burning case:
Texas on my mind today, I guess: The New York Times reports that Texas has been paying $400,000 a month for Gov. Rick Perry's security while he traveled around the country campaigning.
Aside from President Obama, Mr. Perry — the only sitting governor in the 2012 race — has the largest security contingent, and apparently the only one on the Republican side financed by taxpayers.Weeks before he officially announced his presidential bid, Mr. Perry said it was appropriate for the Texas Department of Public Safety to pay for his security and called any criticism of his government-provided protection a “diversion.” He also said that Texans would benefit from his travels. “I’m going to be promoting Texas,” Mr. Perry said in July, as he began to traverse the country. “I’m going to be traveling to places where the Texas story needs to be told, and we will tell it.”
Takes you back, doesn't it? Read here about the erstwhile Arkansan who liked to travel on the state's dime.
AR Dem-Gaz, paraphrasing Bloomberg News headline: "U.S. economy grew less than forecast in fourth quarter"
Washington Post: "U.S. GDP grew at fastest pace in 1.5 years in fourth quarter 2011"
Back in November, the Times reported about local entrepreneur Frank Fletcher's purchase of Ferneau. Fletcher made it pretty clear that there wouldn't be major changes to the restaurant. The restaurant will continue to host live music regularly on Fridays and Saturdays, and plans are in the works to have music on Thursdays as well, said bartender Peter Webre.
Webre said some customers had assumed that the restaurant and bar would be closing earlier under the new owner, but that Ferneau will stay open until 2 a.m. on Friday and 1 a.m. on Saturday "as long as we have people."
Ferneau hosts Richie Johnson tonight and Chris Henry tomorrow night. Webre said he's aiming to have a monthly show from Amasa Hines as well. The music starts at 10 p.m. and there's no cover charge.

The Arkansas Repertory Theatre's current show, "To Kill a Mockingbird," has been pretty popular. In fact, all the shows are sold out, so The Rep is adding two additional matinees on Feb. 4 and Feb. 11 at 2 p.m.
From The Rep:
"In response to overwhelming demand, the theatre has opened two additional matinee performances February 4 and 11. These added performances will open for public sale this Saturday, January 28 at 9:00 a.m. Tickets are $30-$40.
"The Rep will also sell Standing Room Only tickets to sold out performances throughout the run starting Saturday, January 28. SRO seating may include bench seating in the back of the theatre, open seating that has become available for that evening, or actual standing areas in the back of the theatre. A limited amount of SRO tickets will be available for sale in person only, one hour before curtain. SRO tickets for To Kill a Mockingbird are $30 for all performances through Feb. 12."
The Holy Shakes impressed the judges last night. In fact, the band was the No. 1 pick of every judge, decisively taking Round 1 and moving on to the finals, Fri. March 2 at Revolution.
Guest judge Mary Chamberlin: "True Punks. Flippant disregard for 'coolness,' studied but unique." and "My record collection called, it wants The Holy Shakes."
Epiphany "knew that frontman had to come out of that leather jacket sooner or later because he was putting in work."
Perhaps Cheyenne Matthews put it best: "... more like Holy Shit! Holy Shit!!!"
Photos after the jump.
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