SHORTCUTS: Crystal Bridges listed again, local comedy on the rise, and a Baum Stadium contraction project

The newly opened Crystal Bridges Overlook provides a multi-level stone seating area on the west side of the ravine overlooking the museum.

Photo: crystalbridges.com

NWA listed
Thanks to the recent opening of Crystal Bridges Museum, Bentonville was added to yet another list of must-visit destinations in 2012, this time from the Los Angeles Times. “New Yorkers may scoff at this distant town as a cultural destination,” writes Christopher Reynolds, “but we out west should be above that.”

NWA growing
Northwest Arkansas will see more job growth than any other region in the state this year making it the primary driver of the Arkansas 2012 economy, says economist Kathy Deck. (NWABJ)

NWA comedy
The Traveler’s Yani Ko takes a close look at the growing comedy scene in Fayetteville including Phunbags, Comedians NWA, and UARK Bowl’s new Sunday night comedian showcase.

Go Hogs
ESPN’s Mel Kiper revealed his list of the top 5 returning 2012 seniors in each college football position. The Razorbacks have a player in the top 5 at quarterback (Tyler Wilson, No. 3), running back (Knile Davis, No. 2), receiver (Cobi Hamilton, No. 4) and tight end (Chris Gragg, No. 1). As Chris Low put it, that’s a lot of returning firepower.

Speaking of the Hogs, a construction project at baseball’s Baum Stadium has workers moving the right-field fence 10 feet closer to the batter’s box. It’s “for recruiting more than anything,” says coach Dave Van Horn, particularly for left-handed prospects. (ArkansasSports360)