I love the character of Superman, and although he may not be my favorite comic-book hero I still admire what he symbolizes and his rich pop culture history. So needless to say, I had very lofty expectations for Man of Steel, the latest movie redux of the Superman mythos. Unfortunately, my dreams of an exciting reboot of the film franchise, one that might potentially lead to aJustice League movie, have been laid lower than an ant in the miniature city of Kandor.

Pet  Adopt-a-thon  Month is an initiative developed by North Shore Animal League America that brings together international pet shelter and rescue communities in order to raise awareness about the plight of homeless pets worldwide and to find them loving and permanent homes. The 2012 Pet Adopt-a-thon included nearly 3,000 participating animal shelter and rescue groups in 50 states (plus Puerto Rico and DC) and 10 countries, resulting in more than 30,000 shelter pets being placed in permanent homes. 

 

The Hermitage will kick off their June adopt-a-thon month with their ”Black and Tan” special.  For the first four weekends of the month, any black cat and tan tabby cat can be adopted together for just $40.00.

 

Next, June 24 through 30 is the “9 Lives for $9.00” special.  Any lucky cat over 9 months of age can go home with a new family for just $9.00.

 

Finally, to find homes for the many playful and adorable kittens, The Hermitage is hosting a “Kitten Shower” June 29 and 30 in which the adoption fee for one kitten will be $15.00 and just $25 for two kittens.

 

Executive Director Joe Sprague says, “The staff at The Hermitage is excited about our June adoption specials and we look forward to assisting each adopter with finding the perfect match for their living situation.  All cats and kittens are spayed or neutered and vaccinated to ensure their optimum health.”

 

For more information, contact Executive Director, Joe Sprague at 520-344-7288.

 

**Note: The Hermitage will begin new adoption hours June 3. They are:Monday thru Tuesday – closed; Wednesday thru Friday - open 12:00 noon to 7:00 pm; Saturday thru Sunday - 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm.

 

Pet Adopt-a-thon Month is an initiative developed by North Shore Animal League America that brings together international pet shelter and rescue communities in order to raise awareness about the plight of homeless pets worldwide and to find them loving and permanent homes. The 2012 Pet Adopt-a-thon included nearly 3,000 participating animal shelter and rescue groups in 50 states (plus Puerto Rico and DC) and 10 countries, resulting in more than 30,000 shelter pets being placed in permanent homes.

In 1998 NBA Finals, the most monumental athlete in sports history, Michael Jordan, executed a perfect crossover jump shot that sealed his sixth NBA title, and became the perfect send-off for his last ride into the sunset. All that remained were memories, record books rewritten, and an uncertain future over who would carry the torch as the NBA’s new model champion. Jordan’s retirement birthed the rise of a new champion, albeit a different one: The San Antonio Spurs. 

We are getting increasingly closer to finding out who is the best basketball team in the world. Down to the conference finals, two teams remain in the East, the Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers, and two teams are left in the West, the San Antonio Spurs and Memphis Grizzlies. In these best of seven series’, home court advantage could make all the difference. 

Although we are only in the NBA conference semi-finals, it already feels like the finals with tempers flaring, elbows swinging and fines being dished out. Each matchup is different and there is little consistency of play, however there is a pattern emerging in this round of the playoffs.  

Even though “The Great Gatsby” has gotten the movie treatment several times in the past, no film adaptation has ever really stood out as the definitive version of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s celebrated novel. Director Baz Luhrmann’s film is certainly the most visually arresting interpretation of “The Great Gatsby” ever produced. Catherine Martin, who previously worked with Luhrmann on “Moulin Rouge,” “Romeo and Juliet,” and “Australia,” deserves multiple Oscar nominations for her hyper sets and eye-popping costumes. As wonderful as Luhrmann’s “Great Gatsby” is to look at, the enchanting visuals are also ironically the movie’s downfall. In the midst of the art direction, costumes, and music, the story and characters that made Fitzgerald’s book a classic, become a mere afterthought. 

Along with Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight Rises,” “Iron Man 3” is one of the rare superhero threequels that doesn’t disappoint. While Jon Favreau remains an executive producer and co-star, he passes on the directorial duties to Shane Black of “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.” Black maintains all the action, humor, and character development that made Faverau’s first two films so enjoyable, while also incorporating his own unique signature. 

(BPT) - Warm weather brings everyone outdoors - grilling on the deck, playing on the lawn and savoring beautiful gardens. To create these beautiful outdoor spaces, the experts at Lowe’s offer four easy, affordable projects you can do yourself. Follow these tips to make sure your outdoor spaces are in tip-top shape by summer’s end.

A few weeks ago it was Ironwood Ridge’s Alex Rapp who slugged three homers out of the park. Then, Erin Rocker knocked two out of the park against Pueblo last Monday.

As the first round of the NBA playoffs are coming to an end, the picture of who will play in the finals is becoming remarkably clearer. With a few teams dominantly prevailing in the preliminary round, there is no doubt which teams are on a mission and which teams are just fighting to play another day.

(BPT) - A lot of things change when you become a parent. The shows you watch, the restaurants you go to and the concept of sleep as you once knew it all evolve when your family structure transforms from a “me” to a ”we.” And increasingly, personal gadgets like smartphones are following the same trend.

(BPT) - The inspiration for a great taco can be found in many places – from farmers markets to food trucks to upscale restaurants. All across the country, chefs and home cooks alike are reinventing the taco with global flavors and fresh ingredients.

Though Camp Conquistador will not be offered this summer, kids wishing to attend tennis camp at the El Conquistador Resort and Country Club may still do so.

Having led her team in points and assists from the top of the three-point line, senior Gabrielle Courtney had a reputation for having advanced basketball skills as well as vocal leadership on the Pusch Ridge Christian Academy girls’ basketball team last season. 

(BPT) - Opposites attract, and for couples who live together, compromising on personal style and design choices can be a difficult bridge to cross. Someone who wants a modern, contemporary vibe might not like the decor choice of someone who prefers a more traditional or rustic feel. What most people don’t realize, however, is that blending two opposing tastes can actually be more visually appealing than sticking with just one design style. And, more importantly, it can be done quickly and affordably.

(BPT) - Adding living space to your home can be an expensive prospect. However, creating an outdoor room is a budget-friendly option that gives you more square footage, as well as additional opportunities to enjoy the season. As an extension of the home, outdoor rooms with decks or pergolas can be personalized to truly bring indoor comforts outside for relaxation and entertaining.

(BPT) - A fresh coat of paint can give any room an instant lift, making it a great solution for converting a space from drab to fab.

(BPT) - Warm sun, fresh air, soft grass – the summer season is the perfect reason to plan a festive gathering with friends and family. Whether you’re celebrating a momentous occasion or simply spending time with the special people in your life, a few tips and tricks can help you plan a fun party without breaking the bank.

The Pima Community College women’s tennis team (13-4, 6-2 in conference) finished the regular season on a high note on Thursday defeating Paradise Valley Community College 9-0 at the Tucson Racquet Club.

The Pima Community College men’s tennis team (3-7, 2-6 in conference) dropped its final match of the regular season 5-4 at Paradise Valley Community College on Thursday.

(BPT) - With summer just around the corner, it’s time to get your car in tip-top shape to withstand hot days and long road trips. Summer driving requires your car to run differently; some adjustments and inspections are important to ensure your vehicle lasts season to season. Follow these five fast fixes and inspections to cruise through the summer and avoid roadside headaches.

By the bottom of the third inning, Canyon Del Oro’s Brandon Burke had grown tired of trading runs with the visiting inner-district rival Ironwood Ridge Nighthawks.

Forty-one VOSH (Volunteer Optometrists Serving Humanity) Arizona volunteers, including 11 students from the Arizona College of Optometry in Glendale, recently completed the organization’s 12th mission to provide eye care in Hermosillo, Mexico.