As the year comes to a close, it’s worth nothing that 2011 was a tough one for many fan-favorite businesses in Arizona, and the East Valley in particular.

"The Wedding of River Song" was a rollercoaster ride through alternate (or simultaneous) time, and a climactic end to Doctor Who's sixth season.

Batman relaunch artist Greg Capullo will be a guest at the Amazing Arizona Comic Con, Jan. 6-8 at the Mesa Convention Center.

Quoth the raven:

A message from Nerdvana's founder, Jayson Peters.

McDonald's may not want anyone crusading against dirty play equipment in its Arizona stores -- they banned a Chandler woman who teaches at ASU from several local restaurants after she garnered national attention for her videos and research on filthy conditions. But they're not letting that get in the way of rolling out their new, healthier Happy Meal at Arizona restaurants on Friday.

U.S. Egg recently opened a fourth Valley location in Chandler. The family owned and operated restaurant concept is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and already had locations in Tempe, Scottsdale and Phoenix.

A Mesa eyesore is coming back to life. The vacant retail center on the northeast corner of University Drive and Greenfield Road once housed a Fry’s grocery, but the 100,000-square-foot site has been vacant and quiet for years. Come Nov. 4, the corner will be home to a new 38,000-square-foot Goodwill thrift store.

AT&T says the activation of two new cell sites in Mesa will lead to faster mobile downloads in the areas around the intersection of Adobe and Mountain roads and the intersection of Revere and Eighth Street.