There is no short answer to the question — one which is asked by almost every gun control advocate in the U.S.

Students of all ages were captivated by lively dance and folk songs from Russia. The dance ensemble was lead by “Misha,” a spirited master of ceremonies, who told folk stories and entertained while he also taught the students simple Russian phrases. The music and dance was a blend of old world traditional folk songs, as well as classical ballet. The ballet came in the form of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. In Russia, the bear is an important cultural and political symbol of statehood.

“A Good Day to Die Hard” marks the fifth entry to the “Die Hard” franchise and the third film to come out in the last two months about a butt-kicking senior citizen. The original “Die Hard” is a definitive action picture that can still make audiences cheer even after multiple viewings. Whether you love or hate “Die Hard 2” and “Die Hard with a Vengeance,” pretty much everyone can agree that John McClane made a welcome return in the sensational “Live Free or Die Hard” a few years ago. The previous “Die Hard” got just about everything right from the absurdly insane stunts, to the humorous dialog, to Bruce Willis’ committed performance. “A Good Day to Die Hard” has just enough fun moments for die-hard fans to take a gander. Regrettably, it remains the least impressive outing of this series.

“A Good Day to Die Hard” marks the fifth entry to the “Die Hard” franchise and the third film to come out in the last two months about an ass kicking senior citizen. The original “Die Hard” is a definitive action picture that can still make audiences cheer even after multiple viewings. Whether you love or hate “Die Hard 2” and “Die Hard with a Vengeance,” pretty much everyone can agree that John McClane made a welcome return in the sensational “Live Free or Die Hard” a few years ago. The previous “Die Hard” got just about everything right from the absurdly insane stunts, to the humorous dialog, to Bruce Willis’ committed performance. “A Good Day to Die Hard” has just enough fun moments for die-hard fans to take a gander. Regrettably, it remains the least impressive outing of this series.

Earlier this month, Mountain Pointe High School’s Academic Decathlon team snagged third place in a tough regional competition against more than 20 other high schools.

Unemployment rates fell below 7 percent in a majority of U.S. cities in November, evidence that steady job gains are benefiting most parts of the country.

The home-improvement and design shows make it look easy: Take a simple sheet of inexpensive plywood and presto! In a few minutes, you’ve got a table, a cabinet or a lounge chair.

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

We’re battle worn. The past two years of campaigns were no less hostile than Hurricane Sandy. Election pundits tell us we’re a nation divided and stuck in this place. All the while, the critical mass of the big government crowd has taken control. We’ve been told this day would come, and it has.

For many children, their first pet is a virtual one.

The Arizona Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Division is being recognized nationally after receiving top honors at the 2012 American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators conference, which took place recently in North Carolina.

Like a Hollywood star, Coronado’s 1.5 mile-long beach literally sparkles, thanks to the mineral mica glinting in its sand.

Like a Hollywood star, Coronado’s 1.5 mile-long beach literally sparkles, thanks to the mineral mica glinting in its sand.

Coronado, Calif. • Like a Hollywood star, Coronado’s 1.5 mile-long beach literally sparkles, thanks to the mineral mica glinting in its sand.

Coronado, Calif. • Like a Hollywood star, Coronado’s 1.5 mile-long beach literally sparkles, thanks to the mineral mica glinting in its sand.

Barack Obama’s open-mic comments to Russian President Medvedev gave us a terrifying insight into the true mindset of our president.

"Madonnas of Leningrad,” by Debra Dean, paperback 228 pages, is set in St. Petersburg, Russia. The main character, Marina, is a guide at the Hermitage Museum when war breaks out with Nazi Germany. She helps to pack and evacuate the million-plus paintings and art objects in the collection and then, during the first winter of the siege, lives in the cellars beneath the emptied museum, alongside other members of the staff and their families.

"Madonnas of Leningrad,” by Debra Dean, paperback 228 pages, is set in St. Petersburg, Russia. The main character, Marina, is a guide at the Hermitage Museum when war breaks out with Nazi Germany. She helps to pack and evacuate the million-plus paintings and art objects in the collection and then, during the first winter of the siege, lives in the cellars beneath the emptied museum, alongside other members of the staff and their families.

In order to understand Iran, we need some background. Dating to before World War II, Iran has attempted to balance the influences upon it from its neighbors, both Russia and the West. In 1941, Britain and the USSR invaded Iran to use Iranian railroad capacity. During World War II, the Shah (king) was obliged to abdicate in favor of his son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. At that time a relatively long-lived parliament had been governing Iran. However, its prime minister was assassinated in 1951 and was replaced by Dr. Mohammad Mosaddegh whose selection was ratified by Shah Reza Pahlavi. Enormously popular, Mosaddegh nationalized Iran’s petroleum industry, leading to President Eisenhower’s authorization of Operation Ajax in 1953, the first successful open US sponsored overthrow of an elected, civilian government, Cold War Democracy in action!

Editor's note -- An occasional look at statements by political candidates and how well they adhere to the facts.

Editor's note -- An occasional look at statements by political candidates and how well they adhere to the facts.

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:

Boarding an airplane has never been safer in the U.S., but there are still some corners of the world where flying is risky, including Russia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Somalia.