We’re counting down the top stories of 2011. Check back daily for what you missed loved this past year on DLT. Happy New Year! We’ll see you in 2012!

As chosen by you, here are the most popular stories OF ALL TIME (or at least since we launched way back in 2010).

As we get ‘Gleek-ed’ up for the return of “Glee,” we’re bringing back this Q&A with everybody’s fav cheerleader and former ASU student, Heather Morris (aka Brittany).

While in town for the launch of Glee Live, Heather Morris, aka the dippy cheerleader, Brittany, took a few minutes to swap some one liners with us. As ASU’s favorite drop-out and a former back-up dancer for Beyonce, Morris dished about her lack of party skills, as well as preserving her perfect make-out record when she smooched a local youngin. Interview after the jump.

»READ MORE

We know that when the challenges in our lives become too much to endure (the holidays have taken quite a toll) there is nothing like a little retail therapy to put the spring back in our step and the glow back into our perfect skin. But driving to the mall involves putting on clothes, getting done up, and walking-just a whole lot of work that frankly, we just don’t want to go through. And the crowds! Shopping is supposed to be relaxing. That’s why lately we’ve been getting our retail fix through the ‘Net.

It used to be just the big name department stores who offered this service, but lately smaller stores have come to the realization that physically going to the mall can be a real time consuming chore, and have set up places online where you can peruse their best stuff right from the comfort of your favorite sitting spot.

Lisa Looney, owner of the fabulous Chandler boutique, KatyBug Faye, just recently opened up an online shop, and so far it’s working out great. We at DLT got to sit down with her and talk about the latest expansion of her boutique. Find out how taking to the internet is working for her local retail shop:

»READ MORE

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

DJ Manifesto is mixing at The Mint in Scottsdale tonight. We caught up with the mix master on how his career picked him and what he likes best about bringing the music to the people. Check him out tonight at The Mint’s Pre-Thanksgiving Party from 9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. 

DLT: When did you become a DJ?

DJ Manifesto: I was 11 years old when I bought myself my first set of turntables (vinyl) and a rotary mixer. Then making a makeshift studio in my walking closet and spending hours after school teaching myself how to spin.

More from DJ Manifesto, after the jump:

2. What prompted your DJ career?

Well it’s a long story. I used to be into extreme skating and my local YMCA would take weekly summer trips to the skate park out of town. »READ MORE

Now open across the pond, famed Chris Bianco of Pizzeria Bianco and Pane Bianco in Phoenix has opened “Union Jack’s” in London with British top chef Jamie Oliver. UJ focuses on pizza and flatbreads with a British twist stating on their website, “wood-fired flatbreads meet great British flavours. At Union Jacks, we want to take you on a journey of discovery through Britain and reintroduce you to familiar flavours, cooked and presented the Union Jacks way.”

Read more about the collaboration by clicking here.   

Image via Spot On

Once again, our fearless leader here at DLT has dazzled his way into the national media. The official blog of Tory Burch, featured DLT owner John McDonald in “10 Minutes with an Entrepreneur” on Monday, even giving DLT a little shout out in the intro stating, “We spent 10 minutes with the restaurant and media entrepreneur.” The “media” part – that’s us.

Check the article, with some fashionably smart business tips from the fashionably dressed John by clicking here.

The Outlets at Anthem will light the tallest Christmas tree in the nation on Saturday, November 19 with their annual free gala event from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Standing at 114 feet, the tallest tree harvested from California will be decorated with three miles of LED lights, more than 6,000 ornaments and bows and a 3-foot-tall copper star tree topper hand wrought by Outlets staff. But the event topper, the headlining star of the evening, performing a selection of her hits and new songs, will be Sedona-native Michelle Branch.

Branch, in town this weekend to kick-off the tree lighting as well as her own Thanksgiving holiday, chats with us about her hometown holiday fun and the not-s0-fun break up of her Grammy and CMA nominated duo, The Wreckers and more after the jump: »READ MORE

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

Next on the clock is one of our all-time favorite local news anchors, Tara Hitchcock. Fresh from her departure from her morning gig at Ch. 3, she’s hosting the “8th Annual Best Buddies Spirit of Friendship Awards Prom Night” this Friday, October 28th. We chat with the bright-eyed beauty on her senior prom and what’s on the horizon for her.

So here’s how it works. We fire off questions, Tara answers and bam, we post them on the interwebs for the world to see. Let’s begin.

DLT: How long have you been involved with Best Buddies?
Tara Hitchcock: I’ve been involved with Best Buddies for about 8 years now!

»READ MORE

Sports icon and entrepreneur Jerry Colangelo announces partnership today with Grand Canyon University to relaunch the Colangelo School of Sports Business in Phoenix. Leading with the Colangelo Guest Lecture Series that will bring top leaders from pro sports, college athletic departments and leading sports companies to the campus, the programs at the school will emphasize sports entrepreneurship and ethics.

»READ MORE

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

From starting his own foundation benefiting childrens’ charities, to opening a designer shoe store and starting his own clothing line it seems like Adrian Wilson has a lot underfoot these days. This, of course, is in addition to starting his 11th season with the Arizona Cardinals after being named one of the Top 100 players in the NFL by his peers. We got a chance to talk with the Pro Bowler about the ups and downs of owning High Point Shoes, what’s hot in back-to-school kicks and what it’s like to finally join the twitterverse. Read our full interview to get all the details and how to get a killer deal on some sweet sneaks.

»READ MORE

From starting his own foundation benefiting childrens’ charities to opening a designer shoe store and starting his own clothing line, it seems like Adrian Wilson has a lot underfoot these days. This, of course, is in addition to starting his 11th season with the Arizona Cardinals after being named one of the Top 100 players in the NFL by his peers. We got a chance to talk with the Pro Bowler about the ups and downs of owning High Point Shoes, what’s hot in back-to-school kicks and what it’s like to finally join the Twitterverse. Read our full interview to get all the details and how to get a killer deal on some sweet sneaks.

What are you most looking forward to in your 11th season with the Arizona Cardinals?
I have been here for so long that I just really love to see how its changed over the years and how the talent has changed and evolved. We’ve worked really hard and getting the talent we have now is a step in the right direction.

During the lockout, what did you fill your time with?
I spent a lot of time working out and getting mentally prepared for the season. Everybody knew it was going to happen, we just didn’t know how long it was going to be so I spent a lot of time getting focused. I spent a lot of time in my store, too, and working on the private label I have that’s in the store now. I got my hands in a lot of things and I was really just trying to stay on top of everything.

Private label?
Yeah, it’s called Dearly Departed and we sell it in High Point and twelve other vendors around the country. I started this two or three years ago and it started off small, but since then I have just told the guys to do whatever design-wise and creatively and I oversee the business.

You are very involved with charity work and the Adrian Wilson Foundation. Could you tell our readers what it’s about?
I have always been active in the community. The fans have been good to me so I really felt the need to give back. Our main focus is fundraising for children and we try to find causes that relate to that.

Not many people know that High Point Shoes is your store, but the name comes from your hometown in North Carolina. What made you want to open a shoe store and name it after the place you grew up?
To be honest, I wanted my store to be named High Point because it’s where I came from, where I grew up and I wanted to recognize that. I also said that when I started my own business, I would be at a high point in my life, so it has that double meaning.

What have been the best things and worst things about owning your own clothing/sneaker business?
The best thing is the free clothes, obviously. For me, that is number one. But also, I kind of proved to myself and others that I can do something other than just play football. I wanted to think outside of the box and do something that I am not comfortable with. It takes a lot of time and patience and I was happy to do it that way because it was something new. I would say the worst part is trying to stay focused with the economic times we have now by doing things the right way and not getting over my head and really giving the consumer what they want without falling behind.

With school back in session, what would you recommend for kids who want the trendiest shoe? How about the kids who just want the classics?
Trendiest shoes, I would say, are the Retro Jordan’s. They are always a really hot item. For the kids who want classics, you can’t go wrong with Vans. Everyone can afford them and they are just a classic shoe.

What’s your favorite sneaker at High Point right now?
Nike has a shoe called the Toki. I probably have about ten colors of those right now.

On a day off, what would people see you walking around in?
Pharell Williams has a line called BBC Ice Cream and I pretty much live in that. My favorite pair of jeans right now are James Shop Jeans and of course anything Dearly Departed. You can see me in that stuff everyday.

You recently joined twitter (@adrian_wilson24). How do you feel about the wonderful world of social media thus far?
It’s crazy. The social network is crazy period, but I am enjoying it. It gives you an up close and personal view of the fans and its also a good way to connect with the them. I think it’s entertainment, but then you have the people who take twitter so seriously and it’s really not that serious so I try to be careful in that aspect.

Get in any really good tweets so far?
I try to tweet relevant things and try to interact make it fun for the fans and the people who follow me. I also like to interact with my teammates and goof around.

Any parting words?
I am really excited about the season. It has been awhile since all of us have played together so we are just excited to be back and working together as a team.

Retweet this article and receive 15% off at High Point Shoes.

Adrian has been sidelined with an injury. We wish him a speedy recovery.

Images by J2 Productions

Remember wayyyy back in May of last year when we stumbled across a little blog called 101 Uses for My Ex-Wife’s Wedding Dress? Well not only has Tucson resident Kevin Cotter achieved 101 uses (his favorite being the Darth Vader scarecrow), but he’s also secured a book deal. The story of “how one man took an awkward situation and made it hilarious and practical,” is currently available for pre-order from Amazon here. We’re seriously wishing we could see his ex-wife’s reaction, because really, this is infuriatingly awesome. 

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

The last time we wrote about mixologist extraordinaire Jason Asher, he was “turning beets into gold” having recently come off a win at Bombay Sapphire and GQ’s Most Inspired Bartender competition. My… how things have changed!Having left Sanctuary’s Jade Bar (where his expertise revolutionized their cocktail culture) you can currently find him slingin’ drinks behind the bar at Mabel’s on Main. But that too, is about to change as Jason recently landed (so recent in fact that upon completion of our interview he had to ‘make a few phone calls’) every barman’s dream job.

But first, a little background info. Did you know that Arizona is the only state in the U.S. where all the country’s top five liquor and wine distributors operate compete? Recently, RNDC and Young’s Market (two of the top dogs) merged to form Youngs Market of the Southwest, and Jason Asher is their secret weapon.

So what will he be doing? Exactly what he does best, cultivating cocktails and making sure they’re perfect by overhauling their cocktail portfolio (you know when you go to a sports bar and their ‘cocktail list’ is just…awful? Yeah, those are portfolio cocktails), works with liquor reps to develop strategy, in store set-ups, and individual bar clients to keep staff on point. He’ll be an essential part of all aspects of the new venture’s state-wide beverage program overhaul. As Jason says, “it’s a career move, it’s all about the bigger picture.”

So what does this mean for Scoop Factory sippers? First, stop by Mabel’s and order a drink from Jason… or three. Secondly, cocktail quality in Arizona is about to get better. Wayyyy better. And despite losing one of our favorite bartenders, who are we to complain about that?

Image via

The last time we wrote about mixologist extraordinaire Jason Asher, he was “turning beets into gold” having recently come off a win at Bombay Sapphire and GQ’s Most Inspired Bartender competition. My… how things have changed!Having left Sanctuary’s Jade Bar (where his expertise revolutionized their cocktail culture) you can currently find him slingin’ drinks behind the bar at Mabel’s on Main. But that too, is about to change as Jason recently landed (so recent in fact that upon completion of our interview he had to ‘make a few phone calls’) every barman’s dream job.

But first, a little background info. Did you know that Arizona is the only state in the U.S. where all the country’s top five liquor and wine distributors operate compete? Recently, RNDC and Young’s Market (two of the top dogs) merged to form Youngs Market of the Southwest, and Jason Asher is their secret weapon.

So what will he be doing? Exactly what he does best, cultivating cocktails and making sure they’re perfect by overhauling their cocktail portfolio (you know when you go to a sports bar and their ‘cocktail list’ is just…awful? Yeah, those are portfolio cocktails), works with liquor reps to develop strategy, in store set-ups, and individual bar clients to keep staff on point. He’ll be an essential part of all aspects of the new venture’s state-wide beverage program overhaul. As Jason says, “it’s a career move, it’s all about the bigger picture.”

So what does this mean for  Scoop Factory sippers? First, stop by Mabel’s and order a drink from Jason… or three. Secondly, cocktail quality in Arizona is about to get better. Wayyyy better. And despite losing one of our favorite bartenders, who are we to complain about that?

Image via

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

We couldn’t help but smile chuckle laugh hysterically after reading that Scottsdale’s “Dirtiest” duo was going to star in their own reality show revolving around the city’s social hierarchy. The show, entitled “Hot Desert Nights”, will follow around “The Dirty” pot stirrer, Nik Richie and his new wife, former reality star Shayne Lamas-Richie as they do… whatever it is they do. Interested? Well, they are looking for some of the city’s finest to join the controversial pair in what is sure to be an eye-opening look at the scandalous lives of Scottsdale’s self-proclaimed “elite”. Read all about what what it takes to make the cut after the jump.  »READ MORE

We couldn’t help but smile chuckle laugh hysterically after reading that Scottsdale’s “Dirtiest” duo was going to star in their own reality show revolving around the city’s social hierarchy. The show, entitled “Hot Desert Nights”, will follow around “The Dirty” pot stirrer, Nik Richie and his new wife, former reality star Shayne Lamas-Richie as they do… whatever it is they do. Interested? Well, they are looking for some of the city’s finest to join the controversial pair in what is sure to be an eye-opening look at the scandalous lives of Scottsdale’s self-proclaimed “elite”. Read all about what what it takes to make the cut after the jump.  »READ MORE

While it has not yet reached the brutally hot phase that we all understand is only a blink away, we still wish we were in Cannes at this very moment. Yes, we are jealous, so let’s poke some fun! [Gawker Slideshow]

Maria Shriver taps into Oprah power to help her deal with The Terminator’s love child, plus Kelsey Grammer and Camille love to keep fighting, Jessica Alba has a loser ex-boyfriend, Jennifer Aniston’s dog died, and more more more…[Gawker]

Looks like someone here in the Valley may have invested with convicted swindler, Bernie Madoff, and his $50 billion Ponzi Scheme. But fear not, it looks like they still had enough money left to pay $25 for a personalized Arizona Highways Magazine license plate.

Click here to see more funny license plates

As chosen by you, here are the most popular stories OF ALL TIME (or at least since we launched way back in 2010).

As we get ‘Gleek-ed’ up for the return of “Glee,” we’ve bringing back this Q&A with everybody’s fav cheerleader and former ASU student, Heather Morris (aka Brittany).

While in town for the launch of Glee Live, Heather Morris, aka the dippy cheerleader, Brittany, took a few minutes to swap some one liners with us. As ASU’s favorite drop-out and a former back-up dancer for Beyonce, Morris dished about her lack of party skills, as well as preserving her perfect make-out record when she smooched a local youngin. Interview after the jump.

»READ MORE

Although we’re still seven months away from the latest outbreak of Twilight mania, when the latest movie movie “Breaking Dawn Part 1″ hits the big screen on November 18, Valley author and Chapparal High graduate, Stephenie Meyer is still making history. That’s because, for the second straight year, Isabella and Jacob are the most popular baby names in America. Names shared by two of the main character’s in Meyer’crazy-popular series of vampire books. Plus, one of the trendiest new names is Kellan, apparently inspired by actor Kellan Lutz, who portrays Emmett Cullen in the blockbuster series of movies based on the Meyer’s books.

Craziest of all, Meyer isn’t the only pop culture phenomenon inspiring moronic American parents. According to MSNBC, the two names that saw the biggest increases in popularity are Maci and Bentley. Named that were featured on MTV’s horrifying “Teen Mom” reality series, which follows the trials and  travails of under-aged mothers as they learn the joys parenthood drink and brawl with their baby-daddys.

So, um, congratulations.  Were sure that will work out just swimmingly, says the guy who had to share his name with the main character from Dawson Creek for seven annoying years.

See the full list after the jump.

Just a few short weeks ago, Japan’s devastating earthquake, tsunami and pending nuclear disaster were the center of the 24/7 media circus. However, with everything going on in the world, it’s easy to lose track of yesterday’s headlines.

That said, the Japanese people are still facing an ongoing tragedy of epic proportions. Which is why 12 News personality, Tram Mai has teamed up with Four Seasons Scottsdale chef, Mel Mecinas for a charity dinner benefiting relief efforts. Hosted inside the resort’s high-tech demonstration kitchen, this intimate four-course experience will be paired with tea-based cocktails. Furthermore, everything will be personally cooked ‘a la minute’ by chef Mecinas, who along with Mai will be interacting with the guests in casual conversation.

Friday, May 6 from 6:30-9:30 pm; tickets are $125 a person and $250 a couple with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross. 480-513-5085.

From left: Kim Lewin, Raquel Miller, Pat Smith, Tina Majerle and Lori Citron

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

[Update] We just received a Tweet (pictured below) from Fox 10 producer, Emily Graham, asking Real Housewives head honcho, Andy Cohen, to confirm the rumor, and he wrote “No Truth.” So we’ll just have to see on this one.

Great scoop out of AZ Foothills, as it looks like the long-rumored “Real Housewives of Scottsdale” is coming to a TV screen near you. We’ve heard that the show will start filming this week at the VIP opening of the trendy DryBar hair salon in North Scottsdale. More important, the cast will feature local ladies-who-lunch such as Tina Majerle Dwyer (ex-wife of longtime Phoenix Suns star, Dan Majerle), Lori Citron, wife of anesthesiologist Gregg Citron, and Kim Lewin, pictured together a few years back at a private brunch inside Louis Vuitton at Scottsdale Fashion Square.

»READ MORE

Our very own Meghan McCain sat down with crazy pseudo Presidential candidate for a rather long Q and A.   Click on through for the transcript.  (The Daily Beast)

Scottsdale’s fav scumbag, Nik Richie is expecting a child with his fellow psuedo-celebrity wife, Shayne Lamas. So, um, congratulations? Richie (real name Hooman Karamian) is infamous for creating a just truly awful website called The Dirty, where he and other fine folks post pics of club chicks and Jersey Shore dudes and then make fun of them. Weee. Formerly based in Scottsdale, Richie slimed his way over to the bright lights of LA a few years back. But that didn’t stop him from creating a minor hullabaloo a few month back when he revealed that one of The Dirty’s first sleeziod contributors was none other than Ben Quayle, aka AZ’s newly elected US Congressman.

Shayne Lamas, meanwhile, is best known for being the spawn of somewhat-famous TV actor, Lorenzo Lamas, as well ‘winning’ The Bachelor a few years back. Needless to say, her TV engagement did not stick. However, it appears she’s found true love with Hooman, whom she married after partying with him in Vegas for a few hours.

Mazel Tov, kids.

From left: Kim Lewin, Raquel Miller, Pat Smith, Tina Majerle and Lori Citron

[Update] We just received a Tweet (pictured below) from Fox 10 producer, Emily Graham, asking Real Housewives head honcho, Andy Cohen, to confirm the rumor, and he wrote “No Truth.” So we’ll just have to see on this one.

Great scoop out of AZ Foothills, as it looks like the long-rumored “Real Housewives of Scottsdale” is coming to a TV screen near you. We’ve heard that the show will start filming this week at the VIP opening of the trendy DryBar hair salon in North Scottsdale. More important, the cast will feature local ladies-who-lunch such as Tina Majerle Dwyer (ex-wife of longtime Phoenix Suns star, Dan Majerle), Lori Citron, wife of anesthesiologist Gregg Citron, and Kim Lewin, pictured together a few years back at a private brunch inside Louis Vuitton at Scottsdale Fashion Square.

»READ MORE