I have to admit that this column is going to have few readers. For one thing, here is the only mention it will have of the name Jodi Arias. That’s it. Sorry.

I just bought a new car. I didn’t want to. I hate the process. But after months of my old van giving me signals it was time, I finally decided I had to cut its financial life support and move on. I spent hours comparing, emailing, researching, traveling, negotiating and complaining about how much I didn’t like doing any of it.

Screening the film adaptation of George Orwell’s “1984” isn’t exactly the most festive way to celebrate one’s upcoming birthday, but after reading the Tribune’s “Nerdvana” column’s recommending it this coming Friday, I couldn’t help but reserve a seat.

About 15 years ago I had what I believed to be the solution to our incredibly poor record of electing government officials of — how do the appliance makers refer to it? — quality and reliability:

Mark was on the verge of losing it. A deadline was approaching for an important client and the success of the project was hinging on his teams activities.

“Attention drivers in Gilbert and Chandler: there is a useful accessory included on your car and truck. (It’s) that thing sticking out of the left side of your steering column ... the TURN SIGNAL. Please try it.”

“Hi, I’m Rachel from card member services.”

I find it interesting the number of Arizona folks who are captivated and fascinated with sex crimes. It’s like they can’t get enough of it. I hear constant talk about the media-created, soap-opera-like atmosphere surrounding the Jodi Arias murder trial. People are fascinated with the sex talk and titillating tales of what Arias and Travis Alexander did before she admittedly murdered him.

On March 6, Rod Livdahl wrote a full column with all the answers. Only thing is he quoted the wrong facts. He writes all about the presidents in office as the debt mounted. The big problem is the president can only veto bills, not write them.

Sounding the alarms before you answer that cry for help

The Husband is Jewish and I am his shiksa bride. As young marrieds, we ignored both traditions equally. But when we had children, we began celebrating Jewish and Christian holidays alike, so that as the kids matured they could naturally gravitate to the rituals that moved them the most.

Editor's Note: Our sibling site, YourWestValley.com, recently produced this series (story, column and video) on Sun City resident Jerry Zwack and his unorthodox new ride: a motorized tricycle he made from his couch.

On a normal day, thirsty revelers easily drain two kegs of Guinness at Boston's Black Rose tavern. Come St. Patrick's Day — an official holiday in Bean Town — and they'll plow thorough 55 kegs.

If you’re a commuter who endured one of the four recent massive traffic back-ups on Valley freeways thanks to serious accidents involving big rig trucks, no doubt you spoke words you’d never say in front of your kids.

‘If it sounds too good to be true’... you know the story

“The Mesa Public Library requires photo identification to renew a library cards but no ID is required to vote.”

Through struggles on the court and in the foul column, Gilbert Christian kept hoping and waiting for someone to fill Sam Jones' void.

The NRA and their willing allies — denial, deception, and deflection — are working overtime in the nation’s newspapers, and our Valley dallies are no exception.

It’s very rare that I’m motivated to write a follow up column, but the dangers generated by alcohol’s sacred position in our society demands more attention. Nothing is better to use as comparison than the uproar about the private ownership of guns and the dangers of both.

OK, the big question for most of us — employees excepted — is how will the merger between US Airways and American Airlines affect the price of a ticket?

Q: Is there an easy way to see if I have a hidden keylogger on my Windows 7 computer before I start doing my taxes? — Don

It was 10 years ago that Colorado filmmaker Larry Cappetto first came to the East Valley to interview combat veterans for his series of World War II documentaries.

“There ain’t nothin’ more powerful than the odor of mendacity!”