(Scottsdale, Arizona - July 18, 2008) - Richard Louv is an author and futurist focused on nature, family and community. His most recent book, "Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder," has stimulated an international conversation about the future relationship between children and nature, and has helped spawn a movement that is now moving into the international sphere.

According to Louv's testimony to the Department of the Interior in February, "Only 6 percent of children from nine to thirteen-years-old play outside on their own. Research indicates there is a dramatic decline in outdoor activities such as swimming and fishing and camping is down." Louv goes on to explain that both urban and rural parents cite reasons such as disappearing natural areas, competition from electronics, dangerous traffic, homework and other pressures. Of course the physical benefits of being in an outdoor environment for children are obvious, but other benefits are subtle, such as the development of cognitive functioning.

The California Department of Education found that students in outdoor science programs improved their science testing scores by 27 percent.

Louv will be speaking in conjunction with the 2008 Arizona Parks and Recreation Association (APRA) Conference held at the Camelback Inn in Scottsdale from August 25-29, 2008.

In addition to keynote speakers Richard Louv and Robert Martin, some of the most influential people in their fields, there will also be more than 50 breakout sessions from national and local speakers including, "School Discipline and Effects on our Youth," "Youth Development and Community Nature," "Managing Parents Fear," "Unique Fitness Activities for Afterschool Programs," and "Arizona's Five Keys to Youth Success." For more information about Richard Louv or to attend visit www.azpra.org or call (602) 335-1962 or (800) 335-PARK. For information about Arizona State Parks call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703) or visit the website at www.azstateparks.com.

COMEDYSCHOOLS.COM COMEDIAN SCOTT SHAPIRO WINS "BEST LOCAL
PERFORMER" IN AZCENTRAL.COM BEST READERS CHOICE AWARDS POLL
 
Tony Vicich and His Comedy School Help Another Arizona Comic Achieve Fame through Laughter
 
May 15, 2008- Scottsdale, AZ - Tony Vicich and ComedySchools.com are having the last laugh again, as student and regular Entertainment Alley performer Scott Shapiro wins an award for being the Best Local Performer on Azcentral.com's Best of 2008 Readers Choice poll.
 
Shapiro, who is a regular stand-up comedian at various Valley venues, is best known for his witty jokes, observational humor and tremendous stage presence. After training with Vicich, Shapiro's tell-it-like-is brand of comedy is getting noticed by his growing following of fans. In 2008 Shapiro booked shows at The Comedy Spot, Entertainment Alley, Space 55 and co-hosted The Phoenix Improv Festival along with The Apprentice star Jenn Hoffman.   Scott Shapiro is also well known in Phoenix as an on air member of "The Dave Pratt in the Morning Show" on KMLE Radio.
 
This is not the first one of Vicich's Comedy School students to earn  recognition. Other notable students include Josh McDermitt, who appeared on NBC's Last Comic Standing, and Cody Copp and Chris Bennet who appeared on the Jimmy Kimmel Show this January. Tony Vicich is a veteran of all sides of the comedy business, and he brings a unique perspective to the fledgling stand up super star of tomorrow. His classes help aspiring comics uncover what they think is funny, maximize their talent and help them take it to the stage.
 
Shapiro already had a strong background in comedy as a radio host, improv troupe member and sketch comedy writer/actor, but his Comedy School training helped him take his unique brand of humor to the stage. Scott's stand up success and his blossoming career as a radio host both contributed to his notoriety as an entertainer, and winning this award.
 
Voting for The Best 2008 Reader's Choice Awards took place March 2008-  April 17, 2008, which coincidentally is Scott Shapiro's birthday. For more information about Scott Shapiro including appearances, events and bookings please visit www.scottshapirolive.com. For info about Tony Vicich and Comedy School visit www.comedyschools.com
 
For more information or to interview or book Scott Shapiro, please contact Lindsey Reisack at Cinzia Designs, lreisack@cinziadesigns.com or 480.951.2149

Arizona Department of Public Safety arrests Earl Simmons aka "DMX" for criminal speeding on the Loop 101

Cave Creek, AZ - On May 6^th at about 3:00pm Arizona Department of Public Safety Officers arrested Rapper/Actor Earl Simmons better known as "DMX" at his residence in Cave Creek on charges of racing on a highway, reckless driving, two counts of endangerment and three counts of criminal speed and driving on a suspended license.

On January 21^st 2008 at approximately 8:24pm Simmons was photographed by stationary cameras on the northbound lanes of the Loop 101 driving a 1966 Chevy Nova II at a speed of 100 miles per hour.  One minute later as his car reached the Loop 101 at Cactus, cameras recorded Simmons speed at 114 mph.  Less than three minutes later Simmons was caught on camera at 101 miles per hour.  The posted speed limit is 65 miles per hour.

After a period of investigation, DPS Officers made the arrest of Simmons yesterday at his home.  Mr. Simmons was cooperative.  He was booked into the Scottsdale City Jail and bonded out today.  His case was forwarded to the Scottsdale City Prosecutor's Office.

"This is an important arrest.  Criminal speeding endangers the lives of everyone on the road.  Mr. Simmons wasn't signaled out because of his notoriety, we have made several arrests in the last few months of those people who flagrantly violate the speed limit and therefore endanger the lives of everyone else on the road. The photo enforcement program on the Loop 101 is making a difference with safety out on the highway," said Roger Vanderpool Director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

We still photos of Mr. Simmons caught by photo enforcement cameras. We will send them out separately upon request.

PHOENIX¿Governor Janet Napolitano's veto today of House Bill 2220 will likely result in the return of a $250 million property tax, for an average property tax increase of $100 per year for the Arizona homeowner. Combined with likely increases by city, county, and local special taxing districts, the Governor's tax increase may contribute to significant increases in the overall property tax bills of home and business owners.

There is still a small chance of repealing the $250 million state-imposed education equalization property tax, as a part of budget negotiations later in the legislative session. The Arizona chapter of Americans for Prosperity has vowed to keep up its fight on behalf of Arizona home and business owners. "We thank all of the taxpayer activists in Arizona who took the time to contact the Governor and the Legislature," said AFP Arizona director Tom Jenney. "Unfortunately, we are going to have to double our efforts and keep fighting. If we quit now, we will get stuck with a huge tax increase."

Although the Governor is reluctant to help Arizona property taxpayers, slim majorities in the Arizona House and Senate favor repealing the tax. In the House in March, 32 Arizona Representatives (31 Republicans and 1 Democrat) voted for the HB 2220 property tax relief bill. At the same time, 28 Representatives (26 Democrats and 2 Republicans) voted against HB 2220. Last week, 16 Arizona Representatives (15 Republicans and 1 Democrat) voted for HB 2220. 14 Arizona Representatives (12 Democrats and 2 Republicans) failed to vote to protect property taxpayers.

Contact: Tom Jenney, Arizona state director, Americans for Prosperity

tjenney@afphq.org (602) 478-0146

ARIZONA ARTIST LAUNCHES LTD. EDITION NUMEROLOGY T-SHIRT AND JEWELRY LINE

Life Path Tees Has Got Your Number, Baby!

Arizona artist and creative services business owner, Kristen Ernst, announces Life Path Tees; a company offering  a numerology based line of tee shirts and jewelry inspired by a person's Life Path Number.  There are 9 different custom designed tee shirts as well as sterling silver pendants etched by local jewelry artist & friend, Suzanne David-Vojnich.  Boldly designed tee shirts are marked with large, chunky numbers as well as the characteristics of each number whimsically wrapping around each design.  Pantone inks (for silk screening) were hand picked by the artist, specially chosen to also resonate with the Life Path number frequency, thus giving each tee an energy vibration that's out of this world!


Life Path Tees is located in Scottsdale, Arizona.  The company has an online retail store and will also be showing and throwing around the numbers at boutique trunk shows and art shows throughout Arizona and the U.S.  Life Path Tees plans on expanding their retail line this year with new products & styles including: hats, tees, hoodies, sweats, workout gear, and more!  You never know what your number may pop up on next - just wait and see!  Kristen also plans on offering numerology readings available for purchase on the website this fall.  Wholesale inquiries welcome.