Recently, I had a meaningful and slightly curious experience.

Hale Centre Theatre’s farcical stroll through Hitchcock’s thriller takes viewers on a journey through England and Scotland as hero Richard Hannay tries to clear himself of murder charges and find the real killer.

Phoenix FC, Arizona’s professional soccer franchise, announced recently that it has signed its first player to a one-year contract for the team’s upcoming inaugural season in former Aberdeen FC forward Darren Mackie.

Ahwatukee resident Hayden Innes, 13, earned a place in the European Golf Championship held by U.S. Kids Golf after being named player of the year on the Utah junior tour this summer.

The wonderful thing about discovering an author you enjoy who writes a series is the anticipation of the next book ... just knowing that as you turn the last page there is another good book on the horizon. And if you discover them after the series has been around a while, you can eagerly go from one book to the next with the characters you have come to love.

When Pixar was given the opportunity to make a feature-length animation in the early ’90s, they strived to distinguish themselves from Disney by not telling a fairytale. The studio has maintained this custom for almost two decades with unique stories about monsters, toys, superheroes, and so on. Among all the Pixar films, “Brave” is certainly the most loyal to the Disney fairytale formula. The movie comes equipped with several familiar themes, such as a princess who wants more, a disapproving parent, and witchcraft. It’s interesting to see Pixar tackle a more Disney-like story and for the most part “Brave” is executed quite nicely.

When Pixar was given the opportunity to make a feature-length animation in the early ’90s, they strived to distinguish themselves from Disney by not telling a fairytale. The studio has maintained this custom for almost two decades with unique stories about monsters, toys, superheroes, and so on. Among all the Pixar films, “Brave” is certainly the most loyal to the Disney fairytale formula. The movie comes equipped with several familiar themes, such as a princess who wants more, a disapproving parent, and witchcraft. It’s interesting to see Pixar tackle a more Disney-like story and for the most part “Brave” is executed quite nicely.

Pixar is long overdue for a feature with a strong female character at its center. Now that she's arrived, it's clear that she deserves better.

Pixar is long overdue for a feature with a strong female character at its center. Now that she's arrived, it's clear that she deserves better.

When Pixar was given the opportunity to make a feature-length animation in the early '90s, they strived to distinguish themselves from Disney by not telling a fairytale. The studio has maintained this custom for almost two decades with unique stories about monsters, toys, superheroes, and so on.

When Pixar was given the opportunity to make a feature-length animation in the early '90s, they strived to distinguish themselves from Disney by not telling a fairytale. The studio has maintained this custom for almost two decades with unique stories about monsters, toys, superheroes, and so on.

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.

LOS ANGELES — The boozy, blustery Scottish people are getting a Hollywood close-up with "Brave," the latest adventure from the animators who brought you "Toy Story," ''Ratatouille," ''Finding Nemo" and "Up."

LOS ANGELES — The boozy, blustery Scottish people are getting a Hollywood close-up with "Brave," the latest adventure from the animators who brought you "Toy Story," ''Ratatouille," ''Finding Nemo" and "Up."

In schools and backyards, for their birthdays and out with their dads, kids are gaga for archery weeks into the box office run of “The Hunger Games” and just a few months before the London Olympics.

In schools and backyards, for their birthdays and out with their dads, kids are gaga for archery weeks into the box office run of “The Hunger Games” and just a few months before the London Olympics.

Hollywood is respecting the environment and recycling - again.

Hollywood is respecting the environment and recycling - again.

Victim, think of a victim, think of what it means to be victimized, think like a victim - why? You can be a victim of circumstance. You can be in the wrong place at the wrong time. There are so many opportunities to fall into the victim-role, but you do have a choice. You can be victim or victor - how would you like to see yourself?

It's exciting to travel lightly with just a passport, a toothbrush, and a couple changes of clothes - planning as you go and moving between places nimbly. This is exactly what I did going to Seville.