We wish Amare Stoudemire never left town.  Well he was back last night (out of uniform due to injury) and after his team took down the Suns with a buzzer beating hoop he rolled in his old watering hole MercBar in the Esplanade.  At least he had something to celebrate, we just wish Sarver would figure out what he’s doing with our own team.

Its been a tough couple of years for Valley urbanists as several high profile ‘live/work/play’ projects ground to a halt. However, we’re happy to report that things are finally looking up as both Safari Drive in Downtown Scottsdale and the 44 Monroe tower in Phoenix have been rescued from bankruptcy. This on the heels of the news that the all-but-abandoned Centerpoint Condos hulking over Mill Ave have been transformed into luxury rentals (and renamed West Sixth Street).

In fact, after attending the Safari Drive grand reopening, we’re happy to report that the real estate crash must officially be over, because they partied like it was 2005. There were red carpets, fine foods, classy parting gifts and even aerialists pouring Champagne while twirling through the night sky. That said, one thing was definitely 2011: the prices.

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In honor of Amar’e homecoming tonight in Downtown Phoenix, his friend and confidant, David Zimmerman, has this remembrance of Stoudemire’s eight great years here in the desert. See a full slideshow of images and out-takes from Amar’e's Nike ad campaign:

The return of Amar’e Stoudemire to the desert
I should be elated, but truthfully I’m left with a lot of mixed emotions on his return. Don’t get me wrong, I’m excited to have my friend back in town; I’m excited to sit courtside tonight and watch him play at what I’m sure will be one of his best performances of the season; and I’m also  happy for him and all of his newfound success in NYC.

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In honor of Amar’e homecoming tonight in Downtown Phoenix, we’re re-running this piece by his friend and confidant, David Zimmerman, creative Director of the award-wining The Family ad agency in Scottsdale.

This is my favorite photo of Amar’e Stoudemire. It was taken a few years back and was a collaboration between myself and my good friend and renowned photographer, Kurt Iswarienko.

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As chosen by you, here are the most popular posts of ALL TIME! (last week):

Calling all gossip girls and dirty laundry-loving dudes, introducing DLT’s column dedicated to the Valley’s juiciest rumors, spottings and innuendos. Check in regularly for the latest (unconfirmable), but too-good-to-not-be true tidbits.

A little birdie told us that former Phoenix Suns star, Amar’e Stoudemire has officially flown the coop. His posh fourth-floor condo in the heart of the Biltmore area, that is.

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Calling all gossip girls and dirty laundry-loving dudes, introducing DLT’s column dedicated to the Valley’s juiciest rumors, spottings and innuendos. Check in regularly for the latest (unconfirmable), but too-good-to-not-be true tidbits.

A little birdie told us that former Phoenix Suns star, Amar’e Stoudemire has officially flown the coop. His posh fourth-floor condo in the heart of the Biltmore area, that is.

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So where does NBA Superstar Amare Stoudemire say goodbye to friends before he jets off to NYC to begin a new chapter?  Our DLT spies report that it was at_____________________ »READ MORE

In case you were busy grilling and chilling this weekend, you might have missed Amar’e final shououts to Phx Suns fans. Per his Twitter feed:

“I want to say thanks to all my SUNS Fans. Thanks to my PHX SUNS teammates, an the Coaches. I love you guys, sorry It didn’t work out. Gone!”

“Again, I would love 2 take the time 2 say thanks,2 all the Fans of PHX. You guys where great. I hope that U all remain fans of mine. Thanks”

(AP Photo/ Louis Lanzano)

Stoudemire, Knicks Make Deal [SI]

George Michael Arrested for Driving Car Through a Storefront [FOX News]

DBacks’ Dontell Willis, Former Baseball Phenom and His Sad Fall [Yahoo]

The 4th of July weekend just got a lot less sunny here in Suns land. Looks like ‘your Phoenix Suns’ are moving forward without their All-Star big man. Word broke this morning that Suns owner Robert Saver Sarver has grown tired of waiting for Amar’e Stoudemire to respond to his latest contract offer. Instead the Suns overpaid locked up fan fav, Channing Frye with a 5 year $30M contract. However, the real news is they have signed a big-time replacement for the high-flying Stoudemire …

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Yahoo Sports is reporting that Amar’e Stoudemire has opted out of the final year of his contract with the Phoenix Suns. According to Amar’e's awesomely-named agent, Happy Walters, Stoudemire and the Suns were still discussing a possible contract extension late Tuesday night, but Walters said: “The offer isn’t where it needs to be yet, but we’ve had a good open, cordial dialogue with the Suns … we’re exercising the opt out and we’ll see what presents itself for Amar’e on the market.”

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Sarah Palin’s Hometown Produces Salmon Flavored Vodka [Gawker]

Phoenix Suns Active in GM, Free-Agent Hunts [AZ Central]

Naomi Campbell‘s Bad Hair Day [Radar]

Unfortunately, it’s in a Hindenburg (or maybe a Richardson’s) sort of way. Just a few weeks removed from a stunning run to the Western Conference finals, Suns fans are feeling a little shell-shocked as the team seems to be crumbling from the top down. We all knew Amar’e might fly the coop if the Suns didn’t show him the money.

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It’s turning out to be a not-so-quiet offseason for the Phoenix Suns. Aside from the drama surrounding soon-to-be free agent Amar’e Stoudemire, comes the surprising news that GM Steve Kerr suddenly stepped down today. Reports are that he’s leaving to return to his old gig as a TV announcer. On the brighter side, the Suns continue to rack up the wins. Off the court that is. »READ MORE

Wonder if this has anything to do with Twitter turning into a giant Fail Whale today? Phoenix Suns superstar, Amar’e Stoudemire, is taking career advice from his Twitter followers.

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Amar’e Stoudemire struts his stuff on the popular (and super-trippy) kid show, Yo Gabba Gabba

According to one local barfly, that is. Spotted on AZ Central was this tip from someone named “slambright”:

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Don’t miss the debut of the “Life of Amar’e Stoudemire” on @FoxSportsAZ after our game: http://tinyurl.com/y6r5wae

Number 1 has had a remarkable life and much more to come starting with the current playoff run.   Game two tonight.

[via Suns Twitter]

[Amare Stoudemire]

Click here for a special Amare Stoudemire exclusive deal [Facebook]

Take a break from work today and put on your headphones. Enjoy the force that is “1.”