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.

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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.

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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

We probably wouldn’t hire this young man, but we are impressed by his brutal honesty (and moonwalking/Super Nintendo skills).

Oh, who are kidding? Anyone who can craft a pun about his cat-like reflexes that reads, “now you see me, meow you don’t” can write for us any day. And it’s not like we pay our writers anyway, right Eric Eats Out and Andrew from AZ?

See a full-sized image after the jump.

[Huffington Post]

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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

Most second graders have lofty aspirations of becoming astronauts, veterinarians or movie stars, but it was an early encounter with Frank Baum’s Wizard of Oz series that prompted New York Times best-selling author, J.A. Jance, to dream of being a writer. A few obstacles, lots of early morning writing sessions and 40 something published works later, it’s safe to say that her dream has been realized. Jance’s latest book, Fatal Error, hits shelves February 1 and DLT had a chance to interview the incredibly successful author herself. Get the full Q&A after the jump.

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Remember last summer when Will Ferrell was spotted filming all over North Central Phoenix, including the longtime Mexican joint, Aunt Chiladas? (If not, click here to get the scoop.) Well, it looks like the movie, named “Everything Must Go”, is finally ready to hit the big screen. Watch the preview below, including Ferrell rocking a UofA cap and a cameo appearance by Scottsdale’s finest.

On behalf of nerds everywhere, we’d like wish William Shatner a happy 80th birthday. Yes, the man who gave us such memorable characters such as Captain Kirk, TJ Hooker and, um, the Priceline Negotiator, is still living large all these years later. But don’t take out word for it, check out this hilarious list of “80 Reasons Why William Shatner is Awesome.” Hint: anyone else out there been immortalized with a custom ketchup bottle?

With March being National Kidney Month, we felt it appropriate to share this heartwarming tale of one local man’s generous donation and how it helped to save the life of a not-so-complete stranger. Introducing Ryan Perkins, a 23-year-old Phoenix resident who was so inspired the live-saving abilities of organ donation, that he decided to have himself tested as a potential kidney donor. And wouldn’t your know it, Perkins was a perfect match for a ’30 Rock’ star, Grizz Chapman (pictured), who had been diagnosed with kidney failure as a result of uncontrolled high blood pressure. Chapman had shed more than 160 lbs to be eligible for a transplant and endured two years of dialysis treatments while awaiting the operation.

Get the full story and interviews after the jump and learn how you can help the National Kidney Foundation raise awareness and money this April 2. »READ MORE

Once again, those list-lovers at Forbes magazine have rolled out their rankings of the World’s Billionaires (all 1,210 of them). And for the second year in a row, the World’s Richest Man is not named either Gates or Buffett. Yes, Mexican mogul (and owner of the world’s skinniest mansion), Carlos Slim is the leader in the clubhouse with an estimated personal fortune of $74B. Meanwhile, poor Billy Gates (pictured) had to settle for the number 2 ranking with a mere $56B in crappy software profits.

But what’s the fun of hating on jet-setting international billionaires, when you can hate on our own local robber barons? Meet your friendly neighborhood billionaires after the jump.

All images via Forbes

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Meet Joel Schwartz, owner of Arizona’s original tobacco shop. A lot has changed since the tobacconists at Ford & Haig first hung up their shingle in downtown Scottsdale back in 1958.

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Well, it’s the third Monday first Tuesday of the month. Which means it’s time to talk money (and the joys of nuclear radiation) with CEO and blogger, Nathan J. Reis. This month: Fear Insurance on Sale.

Get Rich by Selling Bomb Shelters in a Down Economy.

Shortly after the banking crisis hit in October of 2008, everyone thought the world was coming to an end. At the peak of the crisis, our sales staff of 60 people started hearing a new objection, and nobody knew how to handle it. Now my world was coming to an end …

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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.

What does it take to get a national talk show host to hone in on our little piece of paradise? To put it simply, the human dunk machine that is Nick Corrales. In case you missed it, this Phoenix Suns performer literally dunked himself through a basketball hoop. Totally a freak accident, one which will be attempted by hundreds of young rebels (ER doctors, consider yourself warned). Check out the video here or simply tune in to The Ellen DeGeneres today at 4pm (KPNX-TV Channel 12). »READ MORE

Phoenix resident and former “Malcolm in the Middle” star, Frankie Muniz has been splashed across the front gossip pages ever since word broke on his gun-filled altercation with longtime gal pal, Elycia Turnbow. Now Radar Online has obtained the actual call Muniz placed to Phoenix 911, and it’s pretty … sad. Hear the call yourself after the jump!

»READ MORE