Feb. 17 In Blogs: Nova M, Wenches, Whisky and More

We understand that in the 24-hour news cycle it can be difficult to keep up. Worry not! We have the solution. Check back on Valley Fever every evening for highlights from each of New Times’ blogs. Today’s entries: Valley Fever: “TheEroticReview.com” Founder David Elms Arrested in Phoenix, Suspected of Trying…

State Treasurer Dean Martin Says Arizona Refund Checks Will Spend Just Fine

California nearly faced a revolt last month when officials announced that state tax filers would get IOUs instead of refunds.Arizona residents, however, can expect to receive state refund checks that banks will cash, says State Treasurer Dean Martin. Click here to read an MS Word version of Martin’s news release.Like…

Phoenix Suns Owner Robert Sarver — Your Public Money at Play

Forget the expensive business conferences: The greatest example of government bailout excess may just be Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver, whose banks have taken $140 million in Troubled Asset Relief Program funds.Yeah, it must be nice to be the CEO of a couple of banks that need massive public assistance…

Jeff Hatch-Miller Named State Lottery Director

Former state legislator and corporation commission member Jeff Hatch-Miller has been appointed director of the Arizona Lottery. (Click here for a MS Word version of the news release from Governor Jan Brewer’s office). Hatch-Miller replaces Art Macias, who had in the position since 2005.Hatch-Miller’s fortune comes in the wake of…

Grant Woods, the Internet Jay Leno?

I don’t think Carson Daly or Jay Leno’ll be breaking a sweat over this one any time soon, but I just got a little promo e-mail in my in-box announcing the launch of ex-Arizona Attorney General Grant Woods’ “new interactive website and online talk show” grantwoods.com. What’s next, Terry Goddard…

Janet Napolitano, Barack Obama’s Token Nativist

With every statement uttered from her perch as Homeland Security czar, in every action she takes each day her fanny remains in its cozy D.C. seat, ex-Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano reaffirms that she’s Barack Obama’s token nativist. Best to think of her as a chunky, skunk-haired version of the Child…

Weekend Sweep by Devils and ‘Cats of LA Schools Sets Up Monster Matchup

What was most (maybe the only thing) memorable about last night’s Pac-10 slugfest between ASU and Southern Cal happened with about a minute left. USC head coach Tim Floyd (the oddly gesticulating gent in the photo) took such umbrage with a pivotal call against his squad that he felt compelled to whirl like…