Two state lawmakers weigh in on the debate about proposed expansions to the state's Medicaid system as the 89th General Assembly begins its second week in session. The unemployment rate for the state rose in December, but a state economist says the increase is not statistically significant. And 2012 housing sales figures for Northwest Arkansas have been compiled; overall sales and median home prices are up in some areas, but not all.
Ozarks At Large

We welcome back our tech ambassador to discuss this month’s Consumer Electronics Show, the annual showcase for what’s next in the digital world.

Here's the list of our presidential songs, quotes and miscellany for our montage:
- President Dwight Eisenhower's farewell address on television on January 17, 1961
- President John F. Kennedy's inaugural address three days later.
- James Brown sings "Funky President."
- President Franklin Roosevelt's first fireside chat on radio on March 12, 1933.
- The band They Might Be Giants performing the catchy (and educational!) song "James K. Polk."
- Ronald Reagan speaks on June 12, 1987.
- Johnny Cash performs the standard "Mr. Garfield."
- Henry Fonda predates Daniel Day Lewis by more than 70 years in Young Abe Lincoln, directed by John Ford.
- The song "Peaches" by the band . . . The Presidents of the United States of America
- Herbert Hoover addresses voters in 1928. (bonus points if you knew that one)
With all of the acts announced for this year's Wakarusa music festival on Mullberry Mountain, Kevin Kinder of NWA Newspapers gives us his thoughts on this year's lineup.

Thursday is Arkansas Clarinet Day. As part of the celebration, the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith will host internationally acclaimed clarinetist Guy Yehuda. Ozarks at Large's Christina Thomas speaks with him prior to his recital and master class.
Latest Edition of Ozarks at Large
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Ahead on this edition of Ozarks at Large,a report on former president Bill Clinton's address on the Affordable Care Act from his Presidential Library yesterday. And, we visit a local bike shop to learn what it takes to get back on a bicycle after not riding for years.
Nashville-based musician Kevin So headlined an all-ages show last night at Teatro Scarpino in Fayetteville. While he was in town, he stopped by the Firmin-Garner Performance Studio.
To see Kevin perform the Victor Wu Medley from his musical Great Wall, click here.
For more information on this artist, visit www.kevinso.com.
It’s a cheap way to make a house. You’ll need some dirt, some bags and some barbed wire. Zan Jarvis has the details.
Here are some websites about earthbag houses: www.earthbagbuilding.com www.earthbagbuilding.wordpress.com www.earthenhand.com/portfolio.html
A video by the Majors who are featured in the story is at www.youtube.com/user/ardomeTV
Instructions on building an earthbag home can be found at www.youtube.com/user/festismr
The University of Arkansas Theater presents Tom Stoppard’s Arcadia beginning tonight. The play takes place in two different centuries and embraces math, philosophy and laughs.
“Lucky Charm” by Apples in Stereo
A longtime friend of Ozarks at Large drops by to help explain just a bit about the math in the play opening tonight at the University of Arkansas.
Books on the subject: “Fearful Symmetry” by Ian Stewart and “Fermat’s Enigma” by Simon Singh
“Intoxica” by Man or Astro-Man