Lifestyle

KIA’s NEW 2021 SELTOS

a bold entry into the SUV MAR KET

Positioned between the Soul Crossover and the bold-appearing Sportage, the allnew 2021 Seltos is Kia Motors latest entry in this popular fast growing sport utility segment.

Imported from Korea, Seltos includes a welcomed level of ruggedness and basic refinement within the subcompact SUV category. Offered in five trim levels: LX, EX, S 2.0L, S 1.6T and SX, the Seltos LX includes all-wheel-drive with a base price point of $22,000.

Similar to Kia’s larger three-row, awardwinning Telluride, the design theme is an engineering blend of their bold appearance footing which helps set it apart from other rivals such as the: Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, Nissan Kicks, Fiat 500X, Hyundai Venue, Jeep Renegade, Chevy Trax and the Mini Countryman.

The vehicle’s expressive presence is further defined by Kia’s signature tiger nose front grille. The side view includes a distinctive, fairly-modern profile that tends to form a streamline appearance. If “offroading” is something that appeals to you, the lower front has 7.2-inches of ground clearance. The factory’s optional, two-tone roof layout gives Seltos an added layer of head-turning coolness and character. Additional key aspects include the vehicle’s fairly long wheelbase, large engine hood cover, full LED headlights (depending on the trim) aggressive front bumper design, front and rear protective underside skid plates and black wheel arch cladding. Red wheel center caps are included as are dual-exhaust outlets with chrome trim pieces and a uniquely engineered tailgate housing that connects the rear tail lamps to create a sense of width and overall stability.

And depending on the option packaging, you’ll discover either their standard 17-inch alloy wheels and tires or their attractive 18-inch tire and wheel combination. Powering this sub-compact SUV is a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter four cylinder engine. A more robust and spirited 1.6-liter Turbo engine is also within the product mix. The 2.0-liter, multi-port fuel injected engine, produces 146 horsepower. Its EPA rating for city/highway is 27/31 MPG. It’s matched with a Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission on the LX, S and EX models. The Turbo 1.6-liter gas direct injected engine has an output of 175 horsepower and reflects 25-MPG city/30-MPH highway. It’s paired with a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission on the S and SX variances.

Also standard is keyless entry, tinted privacy glass, eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear camera with parking guidance, one USB port and a dual level rear cargo storage floor. Under the heading of safety technologies: six airbags with rollover sensors are standard as is electronic stability control, traction control system, tire-pressure monitoring and downhill brake control.

The interior cabin comes with a wide and sophisticated instrument panel. It has a high-tech feel with an asymmetrical, easy-to-interrupt design. The spacious interior within has notable hip, shoulder, leg and head room in both rows. Two-stage reclining rear seats enhance the second row comfort. I also uncovered dubious exterior road noise at highway speeds and some of the interior “touch points” have hard-surface materials. The vehicle’s strong and rigid body is composed of 61 percent advanced high-strength steel. Seltos is packed with technology features including the “Kia Drive Wise” suite of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems as well as a choice of three drive modes – Normal, Eco, Sport – each using specific settings for powertrain, drivetrain and steering. Also optional is an eight-speaker Bose premium sound system. The Kia warranty consists of 10-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty and five-year/60,000 mile limited basic warranty. Also included is their five-year/60,000 mile roadside assistance. The Turbo S model I drove had a sticker price of $26,740 after the shipping charges of $1,120. Currently, there are some 800 Kia dealers here in the U.S.

BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN David Finkelstein is a Master/ Skill Automotive Service Technician and a shop owner. He’s also invented garage service tools for mechanics and has served on both National and local Automotive Trade Industry Boards. He pioneered “Car Talk Radio” starting out with KMOX/CBS Radio and hosted “Auto Talk” on KFTK/FOX News Radio for 15-years. David tests and evaluates new vehicles weekly and does some consulting with various auto manufacturers.

REMEMBERING Robin Williams

Prolific director, producer and writer Garry Marshall introduced an alien character on his popular 1970’s sitcom “Happy Days” in Season 5 that became a sensation. Robin Williams, who had appeared on “The Richard Pryor Show” and a reboot of “Laugh-In,” played Mork, an alien from Ork who wanted to take Richie Cunningham (Ron Howard) to his home planet. Williams’ manic energy was captivating, extremely funny and led to the spinoff series “Mork & Mindy.”

Williams passed away in 2014, but his legacy lives on in reruns, comedy specials and a long list of movies. He starred in “Popeye,” a 1980 live-action adaptation of the popular cartoon and comic book hero. Williams’ comedic talents helped him morph into the spinach-eating sailor and Shelley Duvall played Olive Oyl, the woman who became his girlfriend. Robert Altman directed this adaptation and it is a fun film to watch if you come across an old DVD or see it on a streaming service.

“Good Morning, Vietnam,” a film based on the experiences of Adrian Cronauer, a disc jockey for the Armed Forces Network, was a solid vehicle for Williams. In character as Cronauer, he unleashes an unrelenting barrage of jokes, humorous voices as well as some great rock-n-roll tunes for the Vietnam troops. Williams acting ability and improvisational skills earned him critical praise as well as several award nominations and wins. 1993’s “Mrs. Doubtfire” almost compels you to watch it when it shows up on cable. Based on “Alias Madame Doubtfire,” it tells the story of Daniel Hillard (Williams), a voice actor who abruptly quits his job. After his wife files for divorce, Daniel disguises himself as a proper English housekeeper to be closer to his children. “Mrs. Doubtfire” has a plethora of memorable scenes, especially the one where Daniel transforms into his alter-ego and back again several times in a restaurant bathroom.

Williams earned an Oscar for “Good Will Hunting,” a compelling film written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Damon plays Will Hunting, a janitor at M.I.T. who has a brilliant analytical mind. He quietly solves complex mathematical problems written on a blackboard in the hallway and catches the attention of Professor Gerald Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgard). Lambeau helps him stay out of jail and get into therapy to deal with his personal issues. Williams is outstanding here as Dr. Sean Maguire, the therapist who has incredible dialogues with the young genius.

No tribute to Robin Williams is complete without “Aladdin,” the 1992 Disney animated classic. He plays the fast-talking Genie whose newest master is Aladdin, a young man who lives on the streets. Suffice it to say, Williams steals the show as the funny, compassionate resident of the magic lamp. His energetic performance here is the perfect showcase for his boundless talent for comedy.

Rest in peace, Robin Williams. You always put a smile on people’s faces and still do.

BY STEVE BRYAN Born and raised in South St. Louis, Steve Bryan is now based in Anaheim, California, and has been allowed access to movie and television sets to see actors and directors at work. Though his writing has taken him far from St. Louis, Steve is, at heart, still the same wide-eyed kid who spent countless hours watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters.

(From top) ‘Mork & Mindy’, photo courtesy Paramount Television; ‘Mrs. doubtfire’ photo courtesy Twentieth Century Fox; ‘Good Morning Vietman’, photo courtesy Touchstone Pictures; ‘Popeye’, photo courtesy Paramount Pictures

Make a commitment to more family meals

Spending moments together with loved ones carries obvious benefits like time to catch up and opportunities to bond, but sharing meals actually provides definitive value for families. With restricted social interactions and confinement at home due to COVID-19, many families are facing meal challenges that have shifted from juggling busy schedules to seeking new ways to mix up the traditional menu or using digital solutions to reconnect at a virtual table.

A study published in the “Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior” funded by the FMI Foundation shows that more frequent family meals are associated with better dietary and family functioning outcomes. The results build on years of previous research studies to punctuate the creation of the Family Meals Movement, which encourages Americans to pledge to share one more family breakfast, lunch or dinner at home per week.

Consider these notable findings from the study: • Family meals improve fruit and vegetable consumption. Studies show a positive relationship between family meal frequency and fruit and vegetable intake when examined separately, but also when fruit and vegetable intake are combined. • Family meals improve family dynamics. Nearly all the studies included in the systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated a positive relationship between family meal frequency and measures of family functioning. Family functioning is defined as family connectedness, communication, expressiveness and problem-solving.

Find tips, recipes and ways to increase your family meal frequency despite COVID-19 circumstances at familymealsmovement.org. German Fruit Tart Recipe courtesy of Deanna Segrave-Daly on behalf of the FMI Foundation

Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup whole-wheat pastry flour 1/2 cup sugar 1 egg 1 tablespoon half-and-half or cream 1/8 teaspoon almond extract or 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 6

2

tablespoons unsalted butter, thinly sliced cornstarch sliced strawberries sliced kiwi sliced banana blueberries teaspoons turbinado or powdered sugar (optional)

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 F.

To make crust, beat together flours, sugar, egg, half-and-half and almond extract. Add butter slices and mix together until sticky ball of dough forms. Refrigerate 30-60 minutes.

On heavily floured surface, knead dough a few times and roll out to fit greased 10-inch tart pan.

Carefully spread dough into tart pan and bake 15-20 minutes, or until tart starts to turn golden brown. Remove from oven and cool.

Dust crust with cornstarch to help fruit stick to crust. Arrange strawberries, kiwi, banana and blueberries on top of crust; sprinkle with sugar, if desired.

Hawaiian Chicken Pizza Recipe courtesy of Toby Amidor on behalf of the FMI Foundation Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes Recipe courtesy of Lauren Harris-Pincus on behalf of the FMI Foundation Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6 Ingredients: powder In large bowl, combine oats, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, stevia, powdered peanut butter and vanilla protein powder. In separate bowl, combine almond milk, yogurt, egg whites, mashed banana and vanilla extract. Add oat mixture to wet ingredients and gently stir until fully combined.

Ingredients: Nonstick cooking spray 1 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken 3/4 cup barbecue sauce 1 ready-made pizza crust or whole wheat pizza crust (10 ounces) 1 cup canned or jarred tomato sauce 2

1 cups shredded mozzarella cheese or part-skim mozzarella cheese cup finely chopped fresh pineapple or canned pineapple tidbits packed in 100% juice

Directions: Preheat oven to 375 F. Coat pizza pan or baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

In medium bowl, combine rotisserie chicken and barbecue sauce.

Place pizza crust on pan and evenly spread tomato sauce over crust. Sprinkle evenly with cheese. Top evenly with rotisserie chicken mixture and pineapple.

Bake until crust is crisp and browned around edges, about 10 min

Peanut Butter Banana Protein Baked Oatmeal

2 cups old-fashioned oats 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 packets stevia (sugar substitute) or preferred sweetener 1/2 cup powdered peanut butter 1 scoop (1/4 cup) vanilla plant-based protein 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt 3 tablespoons liquid egg whites 1 ripe banana (4 ounces), mashed 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 ripe banana (4 ounces), sliced into 24 slices

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 F.

utes. Let pizza cool 10 minutes before cutting into eight slices. Line 9-inch brownie pan with parchment paper. Pour mixture into pan and spread evenly.

Top with banana slices in four rows of six slices each.

Bake 27-35 minutes, or until golden brown and set.

Let cool and cut into six rectangles. Wrap and refrigerate extras until ready to eat.