So, despite my best efforts to resist self-improvement (I bought a self-help book on how to avoid it), I finally had to bite the bullet one day and address my weight when I realized that: a) I was 53 years old; b) my knees were making funny popping noises when I walked up stairs; and c) me in a bathing suit currently violates six zoning ordinances.

In recent years, there have been some really good Oscar hosts like Hugh Jackman, some acceptable hosts like John Stewart, some disappointing hosts like Steve Martin & Alec Baldwin, and some flat-out horrendous hosts like James Franco & Anne Hathaway. Despite the best efforts of some, none have come close to capturing the same wit, timing, and showmanship of reoccurring hosts like Bob Hope, Johnny Carson, or Billy Crystal. At the 85th Annual Academy Awards ceremony however, Seth MacFarlane of “Ted” and “Family Guy” emerged as the single most entertaining first-time Oscar host of the 21st century.

In recent years, there have been some really good Oscar hosts like Hugh Jackman, some acceptable hosts like John Stewart, some disappointing hosts like Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin, and some flat-out horrendous hosts like James Franco and Anne Hathaway. Despite the best efforts of some, none have come close to capturing the same wit, timing, and showmanship of reoccurring hosts like Bob Hope, Johnny Carson, or Billy Crystal. At the 85th Annual Academy Awards ceremony however, Seth MacFarlane of “Ted” and “Family Guy” emerged as the single most entertaining first-time Oscar host of the 21st century.

It's a Saturday afternoon, and a multitude of fans – 25,000 total throughout a day defined by a peek-a-boo sun – meander underneath Chase Field's retractable roof for the annual D-Backs annual FanFest. The day is a prelude to the upcoming season – an opportunity for the Diamondback faithful to snag a few autographs, take a few cuts against a wiffleball-lobbing Wade Miley and, most importantly, bask in the glow of the lovely optimism that comes before the realities of a 162-game season commence.

The Texas Rangers had been to two straight World Series and the Los Angeles Angels brought in Albert Pujols.

It’s Saturday afternoon, and a multitude of fans — 25,000 total throughout a day defined by a peek-a-boo sun — meander underneath Chase Field’s retractable roof for the annual D-Backs FanFest.

It’s tough to get a word in as longtime Ahwatukee Foothills residents flip through old photo books and compile memories of the early days of Ahwatukee.

IF YOU GO

On numerous occasions this season, Desert Vista coach Dan Hinds said quarterback coach Matt Young as a student of the game and how it was like having another coach on the field.

According to a survey of student loan applicants by loan provider Nellie Mae, 83 percent of college undergrads use credit cards and the average card debt was $2,327 in 2001. Furthermore, the college students surveyed steadily increased usage rates and balances. From freshman to senior year, the average debt load more than doubled and number of cards held nearly tripled.

According to a survey of student loan applicants by loan provider Nellie Mae, 83 percent of college undergrads use credit cards and the average card debt was $2,327 in 2001. Furthermore, the college students surveyed steadily increased usage rates and balances. From freshman to senior year, the average debt load more than doubled and number of cards held nearly tripled.

Superman may be the most iconic of superheroes, providing people with a symbol of hope and setting an example for all mankind. But if you asked anyone who is the more interesting superhero, Batman or Superman, they would likely reply, “Batman,” in a heartbeat. But what is it that makes Batman so much more compelling than not just Superman, but Green Lantern, The Flash, Wonder Woman and various other superheroes? Is it because of his tragic past, dark persona, lack of superpowers, or endlessly impressive rouge gallery? That all certainly contributes to Batman’s appeal. On the whole though, Batman is all about great character development and storytelling. This is what has made Batman such an eternal character, from his first appearance in the comics to Christopher Nolan’s latest “Dark Knight” trilogy.

Superman may be the most iconic of superheroes, providing people with a symbol of hope and setting an example for all mankind. But if you asked anyone who is the more interesting superhero, Batman or Superman, they would likely reply, “Batman,” in a heartbeat.

LOS ANGELES — With "The Imposter," director Bart Layton takes a non-fiction subject — the disappearance of a 13-year-old boy and the emergence of a man who claims to be him years later — and depicts it with all the tension, twists and turns of a gripping mystery. He accomplishes much of this feat through clever use of reenactments — a tactic the great Errol Morris used to revolutionize documentaries decades ago.

Don’t you hate it when your bratty kid won’t listen to you and then they sneak off and consult a witch who gives them a curse that turns you into a bear – just to shut you up? That’s the premise of the very fun and entertaining new Pixar animated film, "Brave", but I don’t know if it’s a good idea to give kids these kinds of ideas.

Don’t you hate it when your bratty kid won’t listen to you and then they sneak off and consult a witch who gives them a curse that turns you into a bear – just to shut you up? That’s the premise of the very fun and entertaining new Pixar animated film, "Brave", but I don’t know if it’s a good idea to give kids these kinds of ideas.

This year of re-envisioned fairy tales on TV and film continues with the release of "Snow White and the Huntsman," the darkest Snow White of them all.

Recently, three competitive bicyclists training in the far East Valley were run into and critically injured by a driver who was reportedly adjusting her GPS device. As a bicycling advocate, I’m very upset by this. But, this story and situation is much larger than cycling. It’s about attitudes and behavior behind the wheel.

Recently, three competitive bicyclists training in the far East Valley were run into and critically injured by a driver who was reportedly adjusting her GPS device. As a bicycling advocate, I’m very upset by this. But, this story and situation is much larger than cycling. It’s about attitudes and behavior behind the wheel.

Every year for the last 20 years, Jack Heidemann has kept up a tradition of doing something his mind and body tells him he still can do, even if he knows it's not quite on the same level as it used to be.

It's that time of year again -- time for the annual gridiron spectacle.

It's that time of year again -- time for the annual gridiron spectacle.

The skills and experience you develop through student activities can be what puts you ahead of your competition in applying and interviewing for schools and for jobs.