This is apparently a chain, but I am apparently juvenile

I took a brief business trip to Arkansas, which was lovely and wide open, even in the relatively busy area in which I found myself. I couldn't resist taking a few "huh?" culture-shock pictures, but don't want them to imply I'm looking down on Gooberville or anything; my granny's from Paragould so it was nice to be the first family member back to that state since she moved 70 years ago.

Yes, I am a Southerner by blood!

What's a trip to Arkansas without a trip to the controversial Walmart?

I ate in a place that was said to have the best burger in town, but not eating meat I had to settle for a pretty good chicken sandwich instead. I have to admit it shocked me they were still harping on the whole "freedom fries" thing. Were they hoarding duct tape like Tom Ridge once implored, too?:

FOX News was on the entire time I was there. Indi-GEST-ion.

The local Hastings bookstore had a huge display hyping up the (fading) Glenn Beck:

But other than a few quirks, everyone was really nice and friendly. So much so, I'd walk into a room and people, even guys, would openly make eye contact—and it wasn't to flirt, it was just to see who was coming in and to offer a big smile. In NYC when that happens, they're wondering if you have a place.

The only bummer of my trip was having to take connecting flights both ways, and very nearly being stranded in Fayetteville on my way out due to torrential rains. But I made it back, only to find that in my absence, my blog had had its #1 and #2 days of all time thanks to Zac Efron (maybe) holding a guy's hand and Whitney's daughter (definitely) snorting some coke.