"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on My account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:10-12).

I did it. Even though it might make me the last person in Ahwatukee over the age of 9 to do so, I have a smartphone. It was not a case of desire; the screen on my “vintage” phone was so scratched I couldn’t see it, and it turned out I could get the smartphone and pay $10 less per month. I suspect the kid that sold it to me was like a seedy, back alley pusher — “come on, its even cheaper” — and that a smartphone is gateway technology.

The gentleman produced a well-written, cogent commentary (“Can anyone seriously argue that the Iraq War was truly justified?” AFN, March 27) on the wisdom of the Iraq War. However, isn’t the Iraq War old news? Unless, perhaps, one wants to review the Iraqi constitution, which is a perfect example of a theocratic state. That constitution specifically says Islam is the national religion. Somewhat contrary to our Constitution, which supports religious freedom. How is it possible to have a free democracy when the government tells you who to worship as your spiritual savior?

In a week when North Korea posted a homemade video showing the U.S. Capitol building being destroyed by a missile, what more logical response could Hollywood offer than a macho thriller about a Secret Service agent who takes on North Korean terrorists who attack the White House? The first of two similarly themed action dramas set for this year ("White House Down" arrives in June), "Olympus Has Fallen" will put to the test the question of whether American audiences are ready, 12 years after 9-11, to watch, strictly as disposable popcorn entertainment, a film in which the United States and some of its most prominent landmarks are devastated by foreign terrorists.

Gordon Michael Garlock, predeceased by his parents, Col. Carlton and Guelda Garlock of Marysville, Calif., passed away at home on Jan. 31 in Phoenix where he had lived for 23 years He is survived by eight brothers and sisters, 13 nephews and nieces, and 16 great-nephews and nieces and his uncle, Harold Allen, who lives in Hamburg, N.Y.

A recent article in another local newspaper about a sub-police station being located on a school campus — in housing provided by the school — reminded me of something I have been advocating for the United States since the 1960s: adopting Japan’s Koban system in all urban areas.

What does “military style” mean? The specific make and model of firearm used by the military? Or the types of actions used in military firearms? Or the gun’s rate of fire? Are we going to define “military style” narrowly or broadly?

James Hasse, 67, of Ahwatukee peacefully passed away on Jan. 4 after a courageous battle with cancer. His fortitude and strength will forever be an inspiration to his family and friends.

Sonoran Science Academy in Ahwatukee Foothills is hosting its fourth International Food and Culture Day near the end of the month.

For 30 years, longtime Ahwatukee Foothills resident Lois Britland has stood behind a project to bring a high-definition camera to the Arizona-Mexico border, an effort she said needs support.

Arizona is once again becoming a popular place for tourists.

Presidents of member institutions of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) elected GateWay Community College President Eugene Giovannini to its board of directors, effective July 1.

Presidents of member institutions of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) elected GateWay Community College President Eugene Giovannini to its board of directors, effective July 1.

Feed My Starving Children is touted as a efficient and worldly charity that has another thing going for its volunteers — it’s fun, too.

The Honorable Janet Napolitano says that this whole thing (the Secret Service, prostitutes, and the military) is “inexcusable”. Probably so. Not too many people would raise their hand, stand up, and try to make excuses for bad behavior. Not me.

I would sure like to see people working together to find common ground and move the country forward for the good of all! We are better than this, or at least we can be. While we throw grenades across the aisle, other countries (China, India, Korea, etc.) are moving forward. It is somewhat shocking to students of democracy and capitalism that China's GDP (under a centrally-managed economy) has been growing substantially faster than ours. Is our in-fighting messing things up that badly?

I would sure like to see people working together to find common ground and move the country forward for the good of all! We are better than this, or at least we can be. While we throw grenades across the aisle, other countries (China, India, Korea, etc.) are moving forward. It is somewhat shocking to students of democracy and capitalism that China's GDP (under a centrally-managed economy) has been growing substantially faster than ours. Is our in-fighting messing things up that badly?

Text of President Barack Obama's State of the Union address, as provided by the White House:

Text of President Barack Obama's State of the Union address, as provided by the White House:

As an aircraft mechanic, Nicholas Camarillo thought it was kind of ironic that his homecoming flight from Japan to Phoenix was delayed two days due to mechanical reasons.

With the first budget surplus in years, Gov. Jan Brewer said Friday she wants lawmakers to restore funding to promote tourism.

It has been in the works for four years now, but the board of directors for Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) recently made the Tempe packing location its sixth permanent site in the U.S., and the only one outside of Minnesota and the Chicago-metro areas.

It has been in the works for four years now, but the board of directors for Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) recently made the Tempe packing location its sixth permanent site in the U.S., and the only one outside of Minnesota and the Chicago-metro areas.

Where's one of the best places in the world to learn reading and math?

Where's one of the best places in the world to learn reading and math?