dear OP
again, don't listen to the anti 3 degree crowd, and yes 45 degree entry is the thing to do (esp in USA).
You can be detailed and keep it simple. simple does not always mean short and forget something.
Working the radio is part of modern flying and being into the radio useage (esp after safe good flying skills are established) is important. Phoenix ain't some little flying field in scotland with a pub.
And where the weather is good much of the time, you get TRAFFIC and having landing light on is good for enhancing see and avoid. ALWAYS clear especially on base to final or you could find traffic on the wrong PATTERN side. NO CIRCUITS in the usa except in the radio. Always clear below too!