5/10 - Dave Pratt, Robert Danzinger, Karen Tack, Mike Bender,

 Dave Pratt -  "Dave Pratt, Behind the Mic: 30 Years in Radio"

Dave began his radio career at 16 years old on KELK in his hometown of Elko, Nevada. Dave loved growing up in a small ranch town where he lettered in baseball and basketball, and once rode a horse through a casino (it was a dare). It was 1978 when Dave performed his first air shift on KELK. This October, three decades will be celebrated with the release of his autobiography: Dave Pratt, Behind The Mic, 30 Years in Radio. The book will be released nationally from Five Star Publications. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Dave battled and triumphed over prostate cancer in 2005. After high school graduation he moved to The Valley to attend ASU. In 1981, Dave was hired by KUPD where he stayed for 2 decades and Dave Pratt in the Morning became America`s Longest Running Rock n' Roll Morning Show. In 2002, Pratt joined CBS Radio where today he hosts Dave Pratt in the Morning with Stacey Brooks on KMLE Country 108., which is now the Valley's longest running country morning show. Dave Pratt and his band have sold well over 100,000 albums and live home videos, and he has headlined to sold out shows in major venues throughout the state. He is also part owner of Alice Cooperstown in Downtown Phoenix and MyStreet.com. For three decades loyal Pratt listeners have raised millions of dollars for Arizona charities. In 1996, the Dave Pratt Dental Clinic for underprivileged kids was founded by The Boys and Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix. The clinic now serves over 6000 kids per year. Dave is thankful to his loyal listeners for an incredible ride, but he is most proud of his family including his wife of 19 years, Paula, and his 4 children.... David 14, Kyle 12, Sammy 9, and Madison 7. Dave and his family reside in Paradise Valley. Many years ago Dave promised his listeners that he would never leave Arizona. This is one Mayor who keeps a promise.

Karen Tack - "What's New Cupcake?"

The authors of Hello, Cupcake are back, this time with the promise of simpler recipes. Relying on doctored, store-bought cake mixes and the option of canned frostings, recipe time is used primarily for assembling and decorating cupcakes that take the form of animals, food items, and holiday-inspired scenes. The TOC may leave readers guessing recipe selections with chapter names such as I Thought You Ordered Chocolate Moose and The House that Boo Built, but the unconventional names embody the playful spirit of this title. Basic techniques, including filling cupcake liners and frosting cupcakes, are explained, and recipes are formatted into clear, easy-to-understand numbered steps accompanied by full-color photos. Kids and adults alike will find joy in the many artful creations, including a pizza supported by cupcakes and topped with fruit pepperoni; a banana split with cupcakes in the form of ice cream scoops, and Chinese takeout complete with Tootsie Roll broccoli florets. This is an innovative title that doesn't hold back.

Mike Bender - "AWKWARD FAMILY PHOTOS "

Based on the hit website, AwkwardFamilyPhotos.com (“painful, regrettable, horrifyingly awesome snaps of family bonding, you will laugh so hard that people in adjoining offices will ask what’s wrong with you”—Esquire), this full color book features never-before-seen photos and hilarious personal stories covering everything from uncomfortable moments with relatives, teen angst, sibling rivalry, and family vacations from hell. Cringe at the forced poses, bad hair, and matching outfits--all prompting us to look at our own families and celebrate the fact that we're not alone. Nothing says awkward better than an uncomfortable family photograph!


Robert Danziger   - "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Energy Independence"

Humorous adventure book takes readers on energy, environmental and musical journey  A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Energy Independence by Robert Danziger offers entertaining insight into how the author went from studio musician to a key player in the alternative energies industry . More or less nonfiction, this raucously funny book throws readers the insider’s curveball on oil embargoes, a space race to Uranus, and an elite think-tank that led the US effort on alternative energy. A key player in the alternative energy industry for over thirty years, Danziger was the first person to eliminate an entire class of pollutants from a working power plant. To date, his efforts secured the largest energy conservation and greenhouse gas reduction event in history. He has also produced six albums, including “Never Dreamed” and “1910 Nocturne,” which was on exhibit as a sound sculpture at the Monterey Museum of Art, and “Steinbeck’s Chinatown” which is currently on exhibit at the National Steinbeck Center. He was also awarded a gold medal for Best Original Music at the New York Film Festival, and the Clean Air Award by the South Coast Air Quality Management District. He lives in Carmel with his wife, who is an art historian.