It may not be as mainstream a form of expression these days as, say, Instagram, but poetry, that old-fashioned art of arranging language to create an emotional response through meaning, sound and rhythm, is alive and well.

Blake Hammond watched re-runs of the black-and-white television comedy series, “The Addams Family,” growing up. The series is based on the comic strips of the same name about an odd, spooky family that has become a part of pop culture. They’ve spawned not only a television series, but films, video games and most recently, a Broadway musical.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and on Friday, a wonderful sound will be coming from Casino Arizona at Talking Stick during what promises to be a festive event with maybe some surprises.

A man who died in a shooting between multiple people inside a Chandler apartment had spent nearly 20 years in prison for an armed robbery, but police have yet to reveal his connection to the men inside the apartment where he showed up late Thursday.

Police have identified a man who died in an apparent shootout Thursday night. Three others were hurt in the incident which took place at the Laguna Village apartments in Chandler.

British wit Graham Norton never set out to be a talk-show host.

Early on in “The Words,” the film’s protagonist is called into the office of a book publisher. The publisher compliments the struggling writer on his literary talent and the book he has submitted. Ultimately, however, the publisher tells him that his novel isn’t marketable. This scene will likely resonate with anybody who has ever poured his or her soul into a book, screenplay or television pilot only to face rejection. “The Words” has a lot to say about the labor of succeeding in a creative field and the price that comes with achieving fame. Regrettably, the film isn’t without some evident flaws.

For a movie about writing, about the transporting nature of a compelling narrative and the importance of crafting something timeless and true, "The Words" is needlessly complicated.

Early on in “The Words,” the film’s protagonist is called into the office of a book publisher. The publisher compliments the struggling writer on his literary talent and the book he has submitted. Ultimately however, the publisher tells him that his novel isn’t marketable. This scene will likely resonate with anybody who has ever poured his or her soul into a book, screenplay or television pilot only to face rejection. “The Words” has a lot to say about the labor of succeeding in a creative field and the price that comes with achieving fame. Regrettably, the film isn’t without some evident flaws.

Often when Ricky Gervais’ best friend, Karl Pilkington, calls, the conversation immediately begins with a random and innocuous question.

Often when Ricky Gervais’ best friend, Karl Pilkington, calls, the conversation immediately begins with a random and innocuous question.

Ernst Ulrik Persson was one of the greatest men Erika Will of Mesa and her sister Michelle Langowski never knew.

You may be a bigger fan of jazz than you think. This weekend’s Chandler Jazz Festival could expose you to the genre and get you to embrace your previously unknown fondness for it.

You may be a bigger fan of jazz than you think. This weekend’s Chandler Jazz Festival could expose you to the genre and get you to embrace your previously unknown fondness for it.

Eleven Arizona cities, including eight Valley-area cities received recognition as part of the 151 national Playful City USA.

For every summer that brings us a "Thor" or an "X-Men: First Class," there's a fairly standard superhero movie like "Green Lantern" in the mix. This isn't a bad superhero movie like "Ghost Rider" or the two "Fantastic Four" pictures. But "The Dark Knight," "Spider-Man 2," and "Iron Man" it is not. "Green Lantern" is bright, colorful, loud, mindless entertainment. You might be amused while watching the film. Just don't expect it to leave a lasting impression.

For every summer that brings us a "Thor" or an "X-Men: First Class," there's a fairly standard superhero movie like "Green Lantern" in the mix. This isn't a bad superhero movie like "Ghost Rider" or the two "Fantastic Four" pictures. But "The Dark Knight," "Spider-Man 2," and "Iron Man" it is not. "Green Lantern" is bright, colorful, loud, mindless entertainment. You might be amused while watching the film. Just don't expect it to leave a lasting impression.

Jeff and Cindy Hammond, formerly of Ahwatukee Foothills, announce the engagement of their daughter, Jenny Hammond, to Grayden Poper, son of Lee and Tina Poper of Corrales, New Mexico.

Jeff and Cindy Hammond, formerly of Ahwatukee Foothills, announce the engagement of their daughter, Jenny Hammond, to Grayden Poper, son of Lee and Tina Poper of Corrales, New Mexico.