Most of us already realize “normal” is relative. Yet, we are only human. And as such, we can scarcely stop ourselves from the very-human behavior of seizing every available opportunity to try to quantify and define the term.

If you’ve been considering making a move, how do you know when it’s the right time to sell your home? It’s an age-old question and one that seems to be at the forefront of many people’s minds these days as home prices continue to climb and the market regains strength.

Here’s an interesting fact: it’s possible to purchase a more expensive, newer home and achieve the same annual operating costs associated with owning an older, existing home.

Students in Canyon Del Oro High School’s forensics class may have a bit more experience than their competition when they head to Phoenix on April 19-20 to compete in the annual state forensics competition.

Pastor Adam Mueller has a smart phone, a sleek laptop and a bells-and-whistles loaded desktop computer, the digital complements of today’s click-and-go world. But when it comes to his ministry, the newly-installed pastor at Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church in Marana’s Continental Ranch prefers front-porch preaching.

Northwest Medical Center (NMC) last week broke ground for a $46 million expansion that will deliver a new surgical wing and add four minimally invasive operating room (OR) suites to the existing dozen ORs in the hospital.

Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment is proud to announce the hiring of Andy Asselin as its new Chief Executive Officer. His appointment follows an extensive nationwide search by the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise for the top executive talent in the gaming business.

Billy Crystal proved earlier this year that he’s still more than capable of hosting an Oscar telecast. The question that remains is whether or not the 64-year-old comedic legend still has what it takes to carry a feature-length film.

Earlier this month, two schools within the Marana Unified School District and one within the Amphitheater School District were recognized by the National Center for Educational Achievement (NCEA) as 2012 NCEA Arizona higher Performing Schools.

The oldest sport in America is as fresh as ever in Northwest Tucson.

The Metropolitan Pima Alliance presented Pima County a Common Ground Award for The Loop and Share Use Path Extension and Underpass at Cortaro Road. The underpass provides easy off-street access to Wade McLean Park and El Rio Park in Marana. The County received the award in the Public Works category.

Citing too many questions, costs with the State Health Exchange, Gov. Jan Brewer notified the Obama Administration on Wednesday that the State of Arizona will not pursue the creation of a state-based Health Exchange.

As election coverage continued late into the night on Nov. 6, and results were confirmed, NBC’s Brian Williams said it appears to be a “status quo” election. Given the winners and losers of state and national races, I can’t agree more.

(BPT) - This time of year, homes across the country are bustling with friends and family celebrating the holidays with festive foods and drinks. Dairy products like butter, milk, cheese and cream are standard ingredients in celebratory dishes, but one area where dairy can play a starring role is often overlooked – the cocktail glass. Instead of just offering wine or beer, the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) has put together cocktail tips and tricks for making every gathering a happy hour at home.

The San Diego Padres and Tucson Padres have announced a new manager with strong Arizona ties. Pat Murphy, who for 15 seasons was the Arizona State University baseball coach, is the new manager of the Tucson Padres. Murphy managed the Padres Short-Season affiliate in Eugene, Oregon each of the past two seasons, posting the Northwest League’s best overall record in both 2011 and 2012.

Grammy Award-winning DJ and producer Afrojack bring his massive dance beats and electrical new stage show to Kino Sports Complex on Friday, Oct. 26 as part of his 13- city North American “Jacked” tour.

An UnAmerican thing to say

Everyone was excited at Marana’s Homecoming celebration on Oct. 5, as the Tigers won big. The fans were excited, the players were ecstatic, and even the coaches were more than elated afterwards.

Growing up, I was always a huge fan of cartoons.  Among my favorites were “Dexter’s Laboratory,” “Samurai Jack” and, dare I say it, “The Powerpuff Girls”.  There was always something about the writing that I enjoyed, and something about the animation style that 7-year-old me found aesthetically pleasing. 

Advance Wristbands are now on sale for $8 at Zia Records for the Tucson Weekly’s Fall Club Crawl taking place on Saturday, Oct 6.  It’s Tucson’s largest Music Festival with more than 25 stages of live music and will feature one of the top touring indie bands, DeVotchKa playing at the Rialto Theatre 11:30-1 a.m.  The band won a Grammy Award in 2006 for performing all the music for the hit movie “Little Miss Sunshine.”  DeVotchKa returns to Tucson after playing for capacity crowds at both the 2010 HOCO Festival and at the Rialto Theatre in 2009.