Shocking. The media beatings continue for our poor state as national outlets such as Gawker report “Arizona Now Charging $25 for Prison Visits” to help cover the maintenance costs of prisons and what-nots. Prison rights groups and family members are furious at the possible one-time fee. More commentary from TIME’s “Cashing in on Crime.”

Image via Arizona Daily Star

Back in March, The Arrogant Butcher in Downtown Phoenix ran a straw poll asking guests to make their choice in Phoenix’s mayoral race. It turns out the Butcher’s boozers nailed the top two vote-getters, Greg Stanton and Wes Gullett.

As Stanton and Gullett continue their battle for mayor, The Arrogant Butcher is once again running a straw poll before the November 8th run-off election. The straw poll will run for two weeks starting Tuesday, September 6, so make sure to grab a vodka then vote and see if the Butcher’s soothsayers can accurately predict the outcome once again.

While you’re there, be sure to chow down on the DLT-favorite appetizer house soft pretzels with provolone fondue.

President Obama has made the most epic gaffe in United States presidential history, just a little while ago. During his visit to Westminster Abbey today, he signed the guest book along with the date “24 May 2008.” Not only did he not write “May 24″ like a Real American would’ve, but he was also off by a year or two — at least.  (click on image to enlarge)

[Gawker]

Meghan McCain, the famously outspoken daughter of Cindy and Senator John McCain is making headlines again, this time for appearing ‘topless’ in a TV commercial. Of course, it’s nowhere near as racy as it sounds, as she’s actually one of several minor celebs who (tastefully) flash some skin to promote skin cancer awareness. Click here to see the 100% safe for work video yourself.

The issue is a personal one for Meghan, as both her parents have suffered from outbreaks of skin cancer, with Senator McCain still sporting a scar on his face from a melanoma cancer that had to be surgically removed. But that hasn’t stopped the talking heads in the media from freaking the F out, including the walking-talking windbag that is Glenn “buy gold coins” Beck, who made vomit sounds while watching the clip on his show and suggested Meghan needed to wear more clothing, maybe even a ‘burka,’ or a head-to-toe Muslim robe.

Which infuriated both of the McCain women, with Cindy lashing out on Twitter and Meghan penning a searing response essentially calling Beck a fat, sexist, a-hole. »READ MORE

Look, we can all agree that AZ’s politicians are about as bad as it gets. Let’s run down the list: morally corrupt, drunk driving, machine gun loving, mustache wearing, soft porn scribing, hooligan son raising, girlfriend brawling? Check, check, check, check, check, check and check! But hey, that’s no reason to go all Frankenstein-mob-style and break out the torches and pitchforks, right?

Well, not if this Kingman, AZ resident has his way. Meet the (awesomely-named) Mervin Fried, who was just cleared of trespassing charges after trying to pitchfork his way into a Mojave County administration building.

Image via Daily Miner

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If there’s a grain of truth in every stereotype, then this one’s more like a mountain. Tempe’s A-Mountain that is. Yes, the trendy gossip/news site, Gawker just posted another story poking fun of AZ’s latest political fiasco. Something about guns and circumcisions. We so wish we kidding.

All of which was catnip for the site’s famously-snarky commenters. But for once, they weren’t focused on making fun of us desert dwellers. Instead they were too busy chiding the writer for confusing UofA with ASU, when he said …

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2 Arrested in Death of Girl Who Fell From SUV [AZ Central]

Glen Beck and Fox News Agree To Part Ways [Daily Beast]

Bacon Prices Soar in Arizona, Farm Bureau Reports [Phx New Times]

Get ready to boo, Sandra Bullock fans. Yes, the celebrity we all love to hate, Jesse James, is crash-landing into the Valley this weekend. It seems the infamous Reality TV star/ex-Hollywood househusband, who was last seen skulking out of the spotlight after he was busted cheating on America’s Sweetheart with a variety of tattooed freakjobs, has a new gig. Yes, James has joined Scottsdale-based Potts Racing and will be driving in this weekend’s big race at Firebird International Raceway.

According to the press release, James says, “I’m at a point in life where all I want to do is race. … I am thankful Potts Racing has given me the opportunity to be part of their team.”

We say racing should be left to the true professionals unqualified hacks, like our editor or local food blogger, Eric Eats Out (who will be taking the same 4×4 bad boys that James is going to drive for a spin tomorrow morning. Pray for them.)

Image via Us Weekly

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