What happens when you combine a retired person with construction skills, an abandoned pickup tuck and a passion for childhood toys? You get a Radio Flyer that flies down the highway. Meet Fred Keller and Judy Foster, an Alaska couple who spent 11 month turning a 1976 Mazda pickup into a giant (and street legal) red Radio Flyer.

[AP]

You know how BBQ restaurants like to come up with cutsie slogans like ‘You don’t need no teeth to eat our meat’? Well, the Cave Creek Smokehouse might want to get right on that after its BBQ proved irresistible to a certain four-legged customer.

Yes, a bobcat popped by the restaurant’s ‘Pour House Patio’ last night. According to CBS 5, this friendly feline sauntered right through the restaurant’s back door, “and then made himself at home in the front patio area. He hung out for a while and then left out the same back door.”

Good thing this wasn’t Mesa, or he might have ended up on the menu.

Here at DLT, we always get a sprinkling of free books sent our way in hopes that we’ll write about them. Don’t be jealous, we’re more than happy to pass our copies of Stitch-opedia, Love that Dog Training Program or Rick Springfield’s autobiography to the first person who claims ‘em in our comments board. That said, one oversized and stunningly-photographed coffeetable tome really caught our eye.

Entitled The Colorado River: Flowing Through Conflict, it tells the startling story of how this mighty river has been practically bled dry by a combination of population growth, interstate squabbles and poor environmental stewardship.

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Some might argue that we’re a little too obsessed with Sprinkles Cupcakes in Scottsdale. To which we say, we can;t hear you over the sounds of our own oohing and awing as we much down another of these fluffy, frosted little tastes of heaven. More important, this Saturday Sprinkles will be giving away these gourmet sugary delights absolutely free!

Yes, Sprinkles Scottsdale is turning three this Saturday, May 7, and is celebrating by offering free cupcakes to the first 100 guests who walk in the door. Even cooler, if your birthday is also on May 7, Sprinkles will treat you to a free box of one dozen cupcakes. Simply flash your ID and all that cream-topped goodness is all yours, lucky Taurus.

We have bad news for all you gentlemen out there (and the women who love dress them). Your pants are lying to you. You know how you’ve been magically squeezing into size 36 pants since high school, even though you’ve packed on more than a few pounds over the years? Well, the truth is clothing manufacturers have been secretly adding a few extra inches to their waistlines for decades. It’s called Vanity Sizing, and you can read all about it in this Esquire expose that shows how a pair of size 36 Gap pants are really 39-inches around, while the same sized Old Navy slacks are actually a beer-belly-hiding 41 inches.

So what can you do about it? (You know, besides exercise and eat healthier?) Well, you can start buying clothes that are actually cut to fit you and flatter your unique body shape. Enter Button Co. of Scottsdale, a bespoke clothing company specializing in custom (and surprisingly affordable) suits and casual wear.

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We’re not sure exactly how you use these headphones, but they sure look … Wait. What? Teapot? OK, like we were saying, this stunning Sorapot teakettle is crafted with an acrylic tube so you can watch the tea leaves steep and swirl. The shell and handle, meanwhile, are made with untreated stainless steel, allowing this architectural appliance to develop a unique color and patina over time. $200 – $250.

OK, this one’s not really AZ-related, but it’s just too cool to not write about. Meet Gary Weddle, a 50-year-old substitute teacher in Oregon who hasn’t shaved or even trimmed his beard since September, 11 2001. It all stems from a pledge he made to his students nearly 10 years ago to not cut his beard until Osama bin Laden was captured or killed.

Needless to say, Weddle broke out the razor last night and is now clean shaven. Click read more to see what he looks like now.

All images via the Daily Astorian

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Excuse us while we toot our own horn, but little old DLT just made it all the way to the bright lights of NYC. Yes, our exclusive expose on H&M’s Scottsdale’s Lanvin fashion fiasco was just reprinted on the national style site, Racked.com. Deets after the jump.

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Do you love Champagne and quick-witted conversations? Of course you do. What a silly question. What we meant was, do you love Champagne, snarky satire and are you single? Well then, have we got a fun fête for you. Hosted at the super-stylish Narcisse Champagne Lounge & Tea House inside the Scottsdale Quarter, we’re holding our first-ever speed dating event this Thursday, April 28, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. And not only is it free to attend, but we’re going to help get the conversations rolling with a free glass of bubbly for every dater.

But wait, there’s more.

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If you’ve never made it to Blissful Yoga Studio in Glendale, don’t worry, they’re coming to you. Yes, this sleek sanctuary in the northwest Valley’s Arrowhead neighborhood has already expanded to north Phoenix and (eventually) Scottsdale.

So, what makes Blissful different from other yoga studios, and what’s with the upside-down ladies pictured above? First of all, Blissful offers nearly 20 different types of classes, including both traditional and hot room yoga available in two separate rooms of the studio. Each new studio will also be built with bamboo floors, low emission paint, energy efficient lighting and heating/cooling, and plenty of natural light. Finally, all locations will house the only wall of its kind in Arizona, the Great Yoga Wall. This specialty apparatus, complete with straps and bars, “is used to deepen and engage yoga postures as well as provide a therapeutic support that allows students to open deeper, invert easier and create more space within their bodies.”

It’s no wonder why the famed St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix has partnered with Blissful to create a private studio inside the medical complex, where employees will be able to relax and unwind by using the hospital’s exclusive studio during a variety of classes that will be offered throughout the day.

Quick: what’s the world’s most-used Microsoft Windows application? Word, Excel, Outlook, that obnoxious paper clip thingie? Nope it’s Solitaire, aka the biggest computer game of all time.

Even weirder, the classic version of the workplace time-waster (pictured) was designed by Anne Kane, best known for creating Apple’s original Mac computer icons. Plus, the game was originally programmed to have a “boss key” that would flip to an image of important-looking docs with the press of a button, but those stiff suits at Microsoft shot it down.

[Kotaku]

Sounds like somebody’s got a cause of the Mondays. May we prescribe this ridiculously-cute video of a penguin being tickled? For no other reason than it’s damned adorable.

You may no go back to mindlessly filling out TPS Reports and yelling at the office printer.

While there’s a lot to love about living in the Valley of the Sun (aka the world’s largest suburb), sometimes we find ourselves missing that certain big-city vibe. You know, catching a free concert in a subway station, or beaching the SUV and actually walking to lunch. So when our toes get to tapping “New York, New York,” we know it’s time to head down into the dank bowels beneath the streets of Phoenix.

OK, so it’s actually really beautiful and light-filled, but the Camelback Pedestrian Underpass is easily the Valley’s most faux-urban hotspot.

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It’s not often that you hear the words “free” and “The Phoenician” in the same sentence, so you’re definitely going to want to check out this weekend’s Yoga event at this posh resort. Named Phoenician Rising, this complimentary outdoor class is led by Lisa Cohen, a master teacher in Flow Yoga. Hosted on the grass-lined Casita Lawn, attendees will enjoy a blend of vinyasa flow, power yoga, whimsical philosophy and music. Not to mention, stunning views of Camelback mountain.

Speaking of cutesy consignment shops, we just discovered a new hotspot for foodie flip-flopping. Yes, Kitchen Switchin’ is a darling boutique specializing in high-end cookware and appliances. Housed inside a handsome old home in central Phoenix (so cute that we don’t even mind the kitschy missing ‘g’ on switching), it’s the perfect place to feed your inner foodie for less.

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Historic downtown Glendale has always been a charming, pedestrian-friendly respite from the Valley’s sea of cookie-cutter strip malls. However, aside from a few hepcat furnishings shops and the classic Cerreta Candy Shop, there really wasn’t much to get our fashion-loving hearts a’racing. Until, that is, a reader tipped us to the chic, carnation-colored clothing co-op that is the Pink House.

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OMG cuteness! What do you get when you combine a battery-powered VW bus with a built-in speaker and an imbedded record needle? Only the coolest coverstion starter ever. Meet the Sound Wagon, a portable record player that makes sounds by driving in circles around your fav vinyl records.

Click here to see it in action.

One of these is not like the other. So here’s a snapshot of our Marketing Manager’s email inbox. See if you can spot the subject line that caught our eye. Hint, it’s not the one about Scoop Factory ads or the MercBar’s New Chef Menu.

Read the full “Vagina Tune Ups” pitch yourself after the jump. If you dare.

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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

Aye aye aye, what’s going on with the weather in the Old Pueblo? For the second time in two months, two children were injured in Tucson after a bounce house was swept up into the air. According to KGUN TV, this latest scary incident occurred on Saturday as two children were trapped in a jumping castle after a dust devil suddenly sucked it off the ground and carried it over a fence and into midtown traffic. Fortunately, the children, who were attending the annual Children’s Festival at The Arabian Oasis, survived, although they both suffered serious injuries.

Meanwhile, the previous incident took place at a backyard party in Marana, where two sisters were carried up to 100 feet before landing on a rooftop.

So, um, yeah. We actually have nothing snarky to say.

Image via KGUN

Aye aye aye, what’s going on with the weather in the Old Pueblo? For the second time in two months, two children were injured in Tucson after a bounce house was swept up into the air. According to KGUN TV, this latest scary incident occurred on Saturday as two children were trapped in a jumping castle after a dust devil suddenly sucked it off the ground and carried it over a fence and into midtown traffic. Fortunately, the children, who were attending the annual Children’s Festival at The Arabian Oasis, survived, although they both suffered serious injuries.

Meanwhile, the previous incident took place at a backyard party in Marana, where two sisters were carried up to 100 feet before landing on a rooftop.

So, um, yeah. We actually have nothing snarky to say.

Image via KGUN

Just in time for swimsuit season, Cadillac Ranch is hosting a 2nd annual “Hooked On Chili Cook Off” Saturday, April 2 at Tempe Marketplace. So grab your spoon and savor a full day of chili slurping, cold drinks, live music and an ice cream eating contest. Even better, your expanding waistline will also benefit a great cause, the Phoenix chapter of the Texas Exes Scholarship Fund.

Held from 10 am – 4 pm at “The District” main stage inside Tempe Marketplace, admission is free, but unless you’re some kind of stomach sadist, you’ll want to kick in $10 for chili tasting privileges.

Consider this sign of the apocalypse #12,276. The uber-prestigious Library of Congress has acquired the entire Twitter archive. Yes, every bitchy thing you wrote about that Starbucks barista or your roommate’s lack of personal hygiene is now permanently stored alongside the Nation’s most important records and cultural touchstones.

No word on whether there will be a wing devoted to Charlie Sheen.

[USA Today]

This is the coolest, most inspirational story we’re seen in along time. This weekend, while you were still recovering from your St. Paddy’s Day hangover, one extraordinary local college athlete was wrapping up an undefeated senior season by winning a national wrestling title. But what makes this story so moving is that ASU wrestler, Anthony Robles, was born with only one leg.

According to media reports, Robles secured the 125-pound title at the annual NCAA Wrestling Tournament with a 7-1 win over defending champion Matt McDonough of Iowa. Robles, who also won the tourney’s Outstanding Wrestler award, used crutches to climb onto the elevated platform before ditching them and hopping out into position on the wrestling mat. Ironically, it’s those same crutches which Robles credits for the unusually strong gripping power that leaves opponents pinned to the floor.

More important, Robles credits the inspiration he receives from his family and the feedback he gets from young students and others who post on his Facebook wall.

Image via USA Today

So we’re all for going green, especially on St. Paddy’s Day, but this is ridiculous. Meet Dave Rittinger, an artist, blossoming fashion designer and amateur model, who’s designed an entire line out of leaves. Not faux leaves, or leaf-printed fabric. But leaves, like the kind you’d pick up in your yard. You know, if we didn’t live in a desert.

Hey Dave, the Jolly Green Giant called, he wants his tunic back.

[Fashionista]

While we were sad to see the Tiki-tastic Drift Lounge close in Scottsdale, we have to admit this new party pool looks pretty cool. Check out this new pic from Spanish Fly, the new Mexican Beach Resort coming to Old Town (only without the whole resort part).

Click here to learn more, and until then, keep your shirt on.