As chosen by you, here are the most popular stories OF ALL TIME (aka last week). Just in case you missed it

In the least shocking news story of the year, the hilariously-outrageous food blogger, Eric Eats Out, was tossed from the set of News Channel 12′s fancy new studio in Downtown Phoenix late last week. So what outrageous on-air f-bomb did he drop to get himself escorted off the property?

He joked that he was going to earn the station an FCC fine, in a Tweet, the day before his appearance, and added the hashtag #wardrobemalfunction. Which was enough, apparently, to draw the ire of the corporate suits up on the ninth floor, who sent a producer down to personally yank him out of the pre-show green room (pictured), and have security hustle him out of the building.

Way to not overreact, News Channel 12 producers. That’s the sort of forward thinking that led your parent company to mothball your longtime HQ, cram you into the bottom floor of the AZ Republic building, and try to spin it as ‘creating corporate synergy.’

But why would we try to tell this surreal tale, when we can just let Eric get on his soapbox? And be warned, we did not edit one filthy-funny word.

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As chosen by you, here are the most popular stories OF ALL TIME (aka last week). Just in case you missed it

Call it the house that classified ads (and Sheriff Joe bashing) built. Yes, sources tell us that the owner of this sleek-yet-woodsy abode featuring million dollar views of the Phoenix skyline is none other than Michael Lacey, the famously hard-nosed editor/co-owner of the Phoenix New Times.

Perched on a rocky rise straddling the Paradise Valley-Phoenix border, this custom manse appears to be at least a $1-2M project. Which, crazy as it sounds, is just a drop in the bucket compared to the approximately $22M in fines Lacey and his Village Voice Media just paid out following a bitter court battle with a rival paper in San Francisco, in what media pundits are calling the Last Great Newspaper War.

After the jump, take in a full slideshow of what 40 years of sticking it to the man will buy you. Plus, learn a little more about how Lacey, an ASU dropout and self-described ‘foul-mouthed son of a sailor,‘ transformed a single newspaper into the nation’s largest chain of ‘alt-weekly’ newspapers once valued at $400M. All while giving away his products away for free.

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In what sounds like a fraternity stunt gone wrong, a driver in Tempe called 911 to report that a Kangaroo was spotted hopping around the streets of a neighborhood late Thursday. And despite their disbelief, officers responded to the call did in fact discover two-foot-tall Wallaby, or mini-kangaroo, wandering outside a residence, peeking in the windows at a dog living inside.

According to AZ Central, it was simply a case of a runaway pet, Wesley the Wallaby, who belongs to someone down the street. The Wallaby, described as “friendly, docile and very cooperative,” was loaded into a large dog kennel, and eventually returned to his owner, where Wesley was last reported doing keg-stands while a bunch of shirtless dudes wearing backward baseball hats shouted “chug, chug, chug!” OK, we made that last part up.

Fan Favorite Gets the Boot on Idol [CNN]

Hamster Dance Music Irks Students [AZ Central]

Royal Wedding Goes Off  Without a Hitch [Daily Beast]

It’s Friday, so you know what that means? We’re gettin’ fizzy with it. Yeah, we went there. Blame it on the Oxley Gin and Unfiltered Sake (that shiz is dangerous), but this drink is lovely, no? Throw one back at Sushi Roku or make one at home for a truly enjoyable Friday. After all, it’s gorgeous outside, the royal wedding is FINALLY over, you have a drink in your hand, the world is truly at peace.

2 Lemon Wedges (1/8)
4 Blackberries
3/4 Agave Nectar
1 oz. Unfiltered Sake
1 oz. Oxley Gin

In a mixing glass muddle 2 lemon wedges and 3 blackberries. Add ice, agave nectar, Unfiltered Sake, Oxley Gin and shake vigorously for 3 seconds. Strain over fresh ice in a 12oz glass. Garnish with blackberry.

We were going to start this week’s mix tape by asking if you liked music in dozens of languages, but sadly, America’s public education system failed us and our multilingual capabilities went by the wayside after they stopped playing Muzzy videos in kindergarten. The point was that today’s mix is (mostly) going abroad. Foreign songstresses and bilingual bands take center stage after the jump. Oh, and in case you forgot, The McDowell Mountain Music Festival is happening right now so you can get your local music fix while the sounds of far away lands (like Canada) pump through your stereo. »READ MORE

Happy one-year anniversary, Sticky Fingers. Don’t have any idea what we’re talking about? Why it’s only the Valley’s most muther-f’ing rock party. Hosted by DJ William F’ing Reed at Bar Smith in Downtown Phoenix, this hip-swiveling shindig celebrates a full-year of hot jams and cold drinks this Friday, April 28. As in tonight!

Can’t party on such short notice? We have a solution for you. The Remix Artist Collective (RAC) is coming to Sticky Fingers in downtown Phoenix on Friday, May 6. If you aren’t familiar with the RAC, we won’t look down on you through our thick-rimmed hipster glasses, but these are the guys responsible for mixing songs from bands like Block Party, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Kings of Leon, Phoenix, Edward Sharpe, Temper Trap, Surfer Blood and huge names like The Who and Pink Floyd. There are some other details that involve distinguishing club mixes from these remixes, but too much explanation just clouds the real objective: great music. Shake up your schedule and check it out.

Looking for laughs this weekend? Head on over to Old Town and check out the chortle factory that is Stand Up, Scottsdale! (They added an exclamation point to the name, so you know it’s awesome!) Housed inside the former Anderson’s Fifth Estate, this new comedy club features top touring comedians performing twice-nightly every Friday and Saturday. There’s even an open-mic night every Wednesday for all you wannabe stand-up comedians out there (we’re talking to you, Eric Eats Out.) This weekend, catch a performance by famed goatee aficionado, Craig Gass, best known for his role on as Tom “Big Boned” from Sex in the City, as well as appearances on The King of Queens, Family Guy and Howard Stern.

Admission is only $15, but there’s a two-drink minimum. (Which sounds like a challenge we’re willing to take on.)

Homeless Bank Robber Passes Out Stolen Money on a Bus [Gawker]

Cupcake Vodka: Have We Brought This on Ourselves? [Phx New Times]

Obama Tours Wreckage of Deadly Storms [NY Times]

Oh, Greek food, how do we love you? Let us count the ways. Savory kabobs and gyros, hearty pastichio (aka Greek lasagna), salty kalamata olives and decadent Baklava pasties (pictured). Not to mention, goaty goodness such as feta, halloumi and saganaki cheeses; the last one is actually a battered and deep-fried cheese that’s doused in brandy and set on fire. Best. Thing. Ever!

But don’t take our word for it. Soak in the sights, the sounds and the flavors of this Mediterranean gem all weekend long as the annual A Taste of Greece festival sails into Tempe Beach Park. Starting today through Sunday, drop by and enjoy food, beer and wine, dance performances and vendor booths selling traditional Greek arts and crafts. (Not into festivals? Drop by the family-owned Greekfest in Phoenix for the finest Greek fare this side of Mykonos.) Opa!

Corporation Wants Settlement Meant For Paralyzed Child [CBS 5]

Feuding Couple Who Built Wall Dividing House Finally Divorced [MSNBC]

Mesa Riverview Owner Plans to Raze Part of Shopping Center [EV Trib]

Longtime foodie favs, Postino and Barrio Cafe are coming to Downtown Gilbert

Oh happy day for foodies in the far East Valley. It looks like both Postino Wine Cafe and Barrio Cafe will be opening new locations next to Liberty Market in Gilbert’s Heritage District.

Created by the husband and wife team, Kris and Craig DeMarco, Postino has been an immediate smash hit since it opened inside a remodeled Post Office some 11 years ago. More recently, the couple opened a second location inside the former Katz Deli in Uptown Phoenix, as well as both a gastro-pub and an old timey ice cream shop just across Central Avenue.

Barrio Cafe, meanwhile, has been both a critical and popular favorite since 2002, thanks to chef Silvana Salcido Esparza’s modern take on Latin American classics.

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Brings back some memories. See how many celeb cameos you can spot in their new video.

It’s the musical that just won’t die. The musical with songs so infectious, they will creep into the darkest corner of your memory and play on a loop until all of your dreams seem to feature melodies and beats reminiscent of ABBA with you as a sequin-clad disco star. It is also a musical so loved by the public, it was transferred to the big screen in a mediocre adaptation starring Academy Award Winners Meryl Streep and Colin Firth (we don’t hold it against you guys, we just pretend it never happened).

That’s right, it’s Mamma Mia! and it’s back at ASU Gammage for eight shows May 17-22. As one of Broadway’s top selling musicals, Mamma Mia! has been seen by 45 million world wide and now, you can join them. Spend your Money, Money, Money to get your tickets and go ahead, Take a Chance On Me it.

Documents: Arpaio’s Aides Lied, Tried to Influence Election [AZ Central]

A Book Store. That’s Right. Book, Singular. [NY Times]

Structural Framework for Phoenix Sky Train Done [Fox 10]

Five years ago, you would have walked right by this home, designed by the late architect Alfred Newman Beadle, assuming it was just another Santa Fean monstrosity. But underneath it all, was a great home screaming for air. It was liberated by design + build firm, 180 degrees. (By David Tyda/Photography by Michael Baxter)

Who says the real estate crash didn’t have a sliver lining? As we celebrate the news that the planned demolition of the Scottsdale’s iconic Pinnacle Peak Patio has been put on indefinite hold, we’ve got a review of two of the Valley’s fav cheesy chophouses.

Look, we love nothing more than noshing on premium Prime steak at the Valley’s various highfalutin chophouses. From Mastro’s to J&G, Bourbon Steak to the iconic Durant’s, we’ve been there, loved that. But sometimes it’s just as fun to embrace the Valley’s touristy, cheese-a-riffic Wild West heritage. So round up the little buckaroos and pull up yer bootstraps, ’cause we’re hitting the trail to visit two of Scottsdale’s classic Cowboy steakhouses, pardner.

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Once again, the food gods giveth and the food gods taketh away. With dessert-loving Valley dwellers still in shock that Mary Coyle’s Ol’ Fashioned Ice Cream is melting away after 60 years, a sleek new shop is helping to satisfy their sweet tooth’s. Created by the husband and wife team behind Postino Wine Cafe, Churn is a handsome little ice cream shop housed inside a restored 1940s commercial building. Located on Central Avenue just north of Camelback, this marble- and tile-lined space is brimming with eight varieties of house-made ice cream, as well as a full coffee bar, decadent baked goods and a kaleidoscope of classic candies.

In other words, Churn is a charming throwback to the classic corner soda fountain, such as Mary Coyle’s, Sugar Bowl, and even the long-lost Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlours.

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Can I Close My Tab? Martin Cizmar Leaves as New Times Music Editor for Gig in Miami [Phx New Times]

Where to Watch the British Royal Wedding [AZ Central]

In Salts, a Pinch of Bali or a Dash of Spain [NY Times]

Here’s a film festival after our own hearts. The Second Annual Clips of Faith Tour, sponsored by New Belgium Brewing (makers of Fat Tire), combines the wonderful world of independent cinema with the even more wonderful world of beer. Not that hard-to-find, delicious crafty beer is necessary to watch the work of amateur film makers, but it certainly couldn’t hurt. Submissions for up-and-coming directors to have their films featured at the festival are due May 1 and will be reviewed by the experts at New Belgium with prizes for the top three submissions.

The tour kicks off on May 19 in St. Louis and hits Flagstaff July 8. And, if hanging out watching movies and drinking beer isn’t enough of an incentive, Clips of Faith also raises money for local, non-profit organizations with an emphasis on those that specifically support bicycling. Careful though, drinking and biking can still result in a DUI.

After virtually (get it?) depriving you of food last week, this week’s Chow Down run-down is looking to ease you back into the wonderful world of food porn by going veggie. Well, that is if you discount the mass of meatheads that are oiling up to venture down to The Old Town Group’s job fair happening right now, but we digress. Get your fibrous fill of delicious meatless eats after the jump.  »READ MORE

Scottsdale Man Arrested in Brutal Beating [AZ Central]

ASU’s Serial Flasher Exposes Self, Rips Off Woman’s Swimsuit [CBS 5]

City of Phoenix May Fire Encanto Park’s Amusement Park Operator [AZ Central]

Even find yourself craving an afternoon of hip and uniquely-soulful music, paired with gourmet food & drink selections and served in a spectacular mountainside setting? Who hasn’t, right? Well, what if we told you that you could savor all of the above at the posh Sanctuary Camelback Mountain in Paradise Valley, all for the rock bottom admission price of completely free?

Named Sundays in Paradise, this weekly concert series boasts live music by favorites such as Dennis Rowland, EastonAshe, Sugahbeat and the Walt Richardson Band, compliments of Sanctuary.

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Facebook Keeps Deleting Kate Middleton’s Account [Gawker]

Top 10 Mexican Restaurants [AZ Central]

Obama Releases Original Long-Form Birth Certificate [CNN]

To quote the famed thinker, Keanu Reeves in The Matrix, “Whoa!” Check out this amazing map of the world as defined by people’s Facebook connections. Created by an intern at Facebook, it’s intended to show: “how geography and political borders affected where people lived relative to their friends.” Which is truly amazing and awe-inspiring. I mean, our interns can’t even turn on the coffee machine. And don’t get us started on explaining what a fax is, never mind how it works.

See a large-scale image after the jump.

[Valleywag]
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