For free and festive light displays Ahwatukee Foothills residents don’t have to go too far. Many residents have decorated their homes with lights and inflatables to bring in the holiday spirit.

A major fundraiser to support cancer research and programs for the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Phoenix Children’s Hospital is continuing to build on its holiday tradition.

Gift giving feels good, and can feel even better if you know your purchase is helping those less fortunate. Luckily, a number of home décor retailers partner with charitable organizations; many do so year-round, with additional initiatives during the holiday season.

A TV show DVD set represents more than a holiday gift that’s easy to wrap. It also demonstrates respect: you know the recipient is mentally fit and couch-ready for a viewing marathon of “Dr. Who” or “House.”

Kids are often enthralled with the wild kingdom, so it’s fun to do their rooms with animal-themed decor.

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.

Seeing a sequel to an animated film might have felt surreal a long time ago. But in the past 20 years or so, every animated feature has become obligated to produce a sequel. Even the Disney classics from the golden age of cinema aren’t safe from the sequel treatment. Does anyone else find it sad that the 1950 version of “Cinderella” is now being marketed with its strait-to-DVD sequels as a trilogy? Every now and then an animated sequel comes along that tries to be as strong as the first, like “Shrek 2” or “Kung-fu Panda 2.” Once in a blue moon, there’s even a great animated trilogy such as “Toy Story.” For the most part though, these animated sequels are just unnecessary money-grubbers. The “Madagascar” series is a prime example.

Jennifer Leon was teaching in Mexico when the idea for a children’s book sparked within her.

Jennifer Leon was teaching in Mexico when the idea for a children’s book sparked within her.

As superhero summers go, this one is truly super.

As superhero summers go, this one is truly super.

Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne and 15 other state attorneys general filed a lawsuit last week against three of the nation’s largest book publishers and Apple for conspiring to raise the retail prices of electronic books.

Kindergarten teachers Michelle Willis and Denise Johnson wanted to get their students' families a little more involved, and have some fun in the process.

Hollywood is respecting the environment and recycling - again.

Hollywood is respecting the environment and recycling - again.

Martha Stewart has suggested that this year's Christmas tree reflect the décor in my home. And I'll achieve that by putting our gifts under a dwarf Japanese pine.

Abandoned at a pet store, Crosby is approximately 5 years old, white, with blue eyes. He will watch sports or anything else with you, is a great cuddler, super affectionate and a talker. Crosby is fixed, tested and has all his shots. He's just waiting to meet you and your couch!

‘HAPPY FEET TWO'

‘HAPPY FEET TWO'

Countless children are reaching that age where they're old enough to go to their local cineplex and have a significant movie-going experience. Unfortunately, many kids growing up in our contemporary society have to settle for "Mr. Popper's Penguins" and "Zookeeper" as a first outing to the movie theater. Remember in the era prior to home video when Disney would re-release one of its various classics into theaters, allowing every generation a chance to experience a great children's film on the big screen? In an age dominated by DVD and Blu-Ray, it seems like the only way one of Disney's classics can get a re-release into theaters is if it's in 3D.

Countless children are reaching that age where they're old enough to go to their local cineplex and have a significant movie-going experience. Unfortunately, many kids growing up in our contemporary society have to settle for "Mr. Popper's Penguins" and "Zookeeper" as a first outing to the movie theater. Remember in the era prior to home video when Disney would re-release one of its various classics into theaters, allowing every generation a chance to experience a great children's film on the big screen? In an age dominated by DVD and Blu-Ray, it seems like the only way one of Disney's classics can get a re-release into theaters is if it's in 3D.