On paper, J.J. Abrams’ 2009 “Star Trek” is one of those movies that should have crashed and burned. A reboot of a beloved franchise with younger, lesser-known actors stepping into the shoes of an iconic cast of characters. The fact that Abrams went on record stating that he was never a huge “Star Trek” fan didn’t bode well either. Against all odds, though, Abrams not only produced a great “Star Trek” picture, but quite possibly the best “Star Trek” ever made. That’s right, even better than “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.”

Jerome; Willcox; Mormon Lake

If any piece of classic American literature should be depicted on film with wildly decadent and boldly inventive style, it's "The Great Gatsby." After all, who was the character of Jay Gatsby himself if not a spinner of grandiose tales and a peddler of lavish dreams?

A smattering of butterflies have flitted through my yard this spring, loitering briefly around the lantana and aloe stalks before moving on to lusher landscapes. Those fleeting backyard glimpses are nothing compared to the up-close and personal look you get at hundreds of butterflies inside The Marshall Butterfly Pavilion at Desert Botanical Garden.

Being a person of faith isn’t like being a football player or a plumber. In those cases, everyone knows the rules, the skills and who qualifies. Christians don’t even have universal agreement of what it means to “belong” or “get in” the club, let alone answers to life’s most pressing questions.

Being sick — taken out of the game of life’s commitments — is so tough. But sometimes that’s what it takes for God to show us that He’s working through us, in us, and even in spite of us.

He is Risen, Indeed!

Arizona grocery magnate, education advocate, philanthropist, and one-time gubernatorial candidate Eddie Basha, Jr., passed away Tuesday afternoon.

Setting bold new standards for digital searches, a federal appeals court ruled Friday that Border Patrol agents need "reasonable suspicion'' a crime has occurred before delving into the hidden files on someone's computer.

America has almost 12 million illegal immigrants.

The tale of two Americas. We have the America which is comfortable with the collective government control of production through socialism or communism, plus all of the misery which goes with collectivism. On the other hand, we have the America which wants liberty for the individual to control the means of production and all of the benefits which derive from the spirit of the free man.

Arizona is facing a literacy crisis and it begins in early childhood.

If you’re looking for a meatball sandwich or fettuccine alfredo, you won’t find it here.

Samson is a gentle boy who loves to spend time walking, running and playing outside. He is also very curious and amiable: he loves to say hello to people, dogs and just about any bush or tree that he passes. He is a happy boy — his tail never stops wagging on walks. He would be a super buddy for an energetic person. This outgoing, active, handsome, affectionate guy is a great dog, now he just needs a family of his own to make him complete. He is looking for an active home, with daily morning walks or jogs — weekend hikes would be a big bonus. While he could live without another dog it would be ideal for him to have another young, active dog for him to play and romp with so he can burn off some energy. Samson will need help with his leash manners and not jumping on folks to greet them.

In Netflix’s bid for a flagship original drama of its own — a “Sopranos” to its HBO — the subscription streaming service is presenting a high-class adaptation of a British political thriller offered up all at once, with its first season immediately ready for TV-viewing gluttony.

TUCSON - Ah, the Caballero.

LongHorn Steakhouse entered the Arizona market in December of 2012 and is expanding quickly throughout the next two years, including opening one location just outside of Ahwatukee Foothills.

If you’ve got your decor looking just about right but want that extra “wow” factor, consider painting interior doors.

The first time I had to test a recipe for steamed fish was back in the ’80s, when I was working in the test kitchen at Gourmet magazine. And truthfully, the very idea seemed preposterous.

The biggest trend in fashion for the new year might just be that there isn’t anything especially trendy.

Wild boar — a tasty way to do a good deed.

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.

If you are returning to the dating world after a long time away or if you have not had the dating life you hoped for, maybe it is time to try something different. Reflect on and apply these rules and goals for dating and see if you experience more success and happiness in your dating life. More details and specifics about how to apply these rules are in “The Dating Coach Workbook.”