Sunday Signal August 22, 2021

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AUGUST 22, 2021

Al Fresco Dining in the SCV Page 5

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A DRIVING TOUR OF SCV MOVIE MAGIC

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AU G U S T 22, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

THINGS TO DO

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NEWS FEATURES

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FROM THE CITY MANAGER

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4 Grab some sun for a Labor Day getaway 5 Changing spaces at familiar dining places 6 A driving tour of ‘Hollywood North’ 8 A world of possibilities await in Seasons Magazine

Ridgeline Home

ENTERTAINMENT 9 9 ‘Magnificent Coloring World’ is pure ‘Chicago Vibe’

FOOD 11 1 1 Fun, on-the-go health hacks Sweet and savory curried popcorn Crunchy popcorn trail mix Grab and go pizza popcorn

GARDENING 14 14 Cut blooms from your garden that will last

KIDS & FAMILY

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1 7 Donna’s Day: Fabric blooms brighten back-to-school wardrobe Junior Whirl

Top of the Mountain — Ridgeline Home Tick Canyon Rd. 3 bed 3 baths 2840 sq. ft.

Lot Size Approximately 10 Acres 1/2 to 1 acre flat Vast 360-Degree Views Broker Associate • DRE # 01059833 Realty Executives SCV

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PUZZLES 18 OPINION 19 SPORTS

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CANYON COUNTRY | NEWHALL | SAUGUS | VALENCIA | STEVENSON RANCH | CASTAIC | VAL VERDE | AGUA DULCE

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AU G U S T 22, 2021

THINGSTODO

Grab some sun and fun for a Labor Day getaway

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

W

here did the summer go? Labor Day is around the corner and it’s time for one last summer California getaway.

South Lake Tahoe

The Labor Day holiday is the perfect time to enjoy South Lake Tahoe before the winter brings the annual avalanche of skiers and snow enthusiasts. Hike your heart out and explore the many South Lake Tahoe beaches.

There are beaches with restaurants, with marinas and water toys, beaches with live music and secluded beaches that offer quiet relaxation in the sun.

Included, at no charge, are views of spectacular Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Water sports are available nearly everywhere. This might be a good time to learn to paddleboard.

For history buffs, visit Zephyr Cove Resort, built in 1900 in response to the Comstock silver-mining boom, or Camp Richardson Resort offering city folk a lake front retreat since 1924.

Vikingsholm Castle, a grand estate of the 1920s, is located at the head of Emerald Bay, one of the most photographed spots in the United States.

This magnificent structure, now a national and California landmark, is considered one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture outside of the Nordic countries.

Labor Day is a perfect time to enjoy South Lake Tahoe before the annual avalanche of skiers and snow enthusiasts. PHOTOS COURTESY VISIT CALIFORNIA

Van Sickle Bi-State Park

Info parks.nv.gov/parks/lake-tahoenevada-state-park-3 Van Sickle is one the most accessible parks in the Tahoe Basin. A short climb from the trailhead quickly

transports visitors to the serenity of the forest. The park’s easy to moderate trails are studded with rock outcroppings that present grand views of the largest alpine lake in North America and the surrounding peaks.

The Rim Trail Connector provides a tie-in to the famed Tahoe Rim Trail, designated by National Geographic Adventure magazine as one of the nation’s top ten trails. The park is open to hikers, bicyclists and equestrians.

Paddleboard

Info tahoecitykayak.com or tahoeadventurecompany.com Paddleboard on the crystal-clear waters of South Lake Tahoe. There are dozens of places perfect for paddleboarding and beautiful scenery and interesting sights to see.

There are many places to rent paddle boards.

Food and refreshments Houseboats have been part of Sausalito’s waterfront since the 1880s. After WWII, the houseboats began to attract a free-spirited Bohemian crowd and flotillas of houseboats became vibrant artists’ colonies.

Info tahoesouth.com/eat Eat, drink and be merry in the many restaurants and craft breweries that dot the South Lake Tahoe landscape.

From mountain resort dining to lakefront cafes, you can find a unique dining experience for every meal.

Sausalito

Sausalito is a picturesque seaside town near San Francisco with the ambience of a European vacation resort.

Offering quaint boutiques, upscale art galleries, a scenic waterfront walk and yacht-filled marinas this is the perfect Labor Day getaway.

Even locals from San Francisco feel they are “getting away” when they spend an afternoon here, although it’s just a few miles away.

Sausalito has been a favorite retreat of San Franciscans since the advent of passenger boat service in 1868. Visitors can see elegant houses nestled on wooded hillsides and can arrive the way wealthy Victorians once did, by boat.

The ferry ride across the bay offers a spectacular approach to Sausalito, with marvelous views of the Golden Gate Bridge along the way.

See GETAWAY, page 16

AU G U S T 22, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

N E W S F E AT U R E

Changing spaces at familiar dining places

By Caleb Lunetta Signal Senior Staff Writer

W

hen COVID restrictions forced restaurants to pivot, many made outdoor dining space —whether on a sidewalk or part of a newly partitioned parking lot — part of their new normal.

As the vaccine distribution grows daily and the city of Santa Clarita looks to eventually move things back toward pre-pandemic rules, it’ll be interesting to see how the dining experience adjusts as restaurants return to their regular space.

Local restaurateurs have noted that many have preferred the change in atmosphere, and while some have been able to expand their space as a result of the new regulations, everyone’s no doubt looking forward to a day when such spacing dining choices can be completely optional.

In June, the state of California announced that restaurants would be allowed to return to 100% indoor capacity. And while restaurants were reportedly pleased with the development, after having spent the last year at a fraction of their staff and seating, Jason Crawford, economic development director for the city of Santa Clarita, said the city and the restaurants wanted a period of transition for the restaurants who would need to tear down their temporary outdoor dining experience.

After Aug. 17, about two months out from when the state allowed the new capacity rules, the tables in parking spots, the tents blocking traffic and all other temporary apparatus that were allowed in recent months as a result of COVID and the need for social distancing must be taken down.

“After this expires Aug. 16, you’ll still be able to go sit on the patio at any of the restaurants, on say, Main Street, but you just won’t be able to go out and sit in a parking space,” said Crawford. “During COVID, we allowed restaurants to expand even further into sidewalks and parking spaces. And that was on a temporary basis when they couldn’t be fully occupied indoors.”

“We talked to some of our restaurants and we came up with a two-

Outdoor diners in the Beer Garden at Brewery Draconum on Main Street in Newhall enjoy a meal during one of August’s cooler days earlier this month. After Tuesday, the city reverted back to normal spacing rules for restaurants, but the changes prompted a number of restaurants to create original dining alternatives that patrons have enjored. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

month transition back rather than just having it end abruptly,” Crawford added, saying that about 100 local restaurants took the free permit to expand their outdoor dining. “The restaurants have had a really hard time over the last year and half, so it was important to us to work with them.”

But just because the expanded outdoor eating will be reigned back in slightly, Crawford said that the city continues to support outdoor dining. From Main Street to the Valencia Town Center, from Stevenson Ranch to Canyon Country, from family-friendly to intimate experiences, Crawford said a number of local establishments have permanent outdoor dining setups that will be available even after the tent setups were brought down this past week.

Why outdoor dine?

Naturally, the weather plays a role, one manager pointed out.

“I think the larger parties are more into it,” said Ryan Wilkonn, the manager at Rattler’s BBQ when discussing why he thinks people enjoy the outdoor dining option so much. “It gives you more space to yourself, and, depending on the weather, people will be enjoying that when it’s 75-80 degrees.”

Rattler’s BBQ had a patio before COVID-19 that could fit roughly 35 people and when COVID struck, they were allowed to expand that outdoor capacity, they doubled that number.

“They’re not really in a rush as much,” said Wilkonn when asked why someone would, when it is an option, choose outdoor over indoor dining.

“People that are sitting outside are taking their time to enjoy their meal.”

Caroline Law, co-owner of Draconum brewery, said the outdoor dining experience at Draconum, since its original design, has been set up so that the beer garden makes you feel like you’re in Europe, or somewhere that has a tavern feel.

“Even back to the original design and concept, we wanted picnic tables because that also opens up an extra social experience; it allows for people to have bigger parties that allows for a whole group to come together and hangout or just one family.”

“The people who want to hang, they know that all the games are outside,” Law added.

What is a part of the outdoor dining experience?

“We are finding that guests want to be able to connect for a dining experience in a safe, but comfortable space,” said Jeffrey Compton, general manager at Lazy Dog restaurant in Valencia. “Our customers really appreciate our expansive outdoor patio featuring comfortable table settings that are shaded by umbrellas during the day and made warm with extra heaters at night.

“Our laid-back atmosphere and dog-friendly patios also makes the setting very approachable and keeps

our guests wanting to come back,” he added.

Law agreed with Compton that the outdoor dining experience is different than having a meal indoors because the activities that are part of experience differs from place to place.

“It does allow for the bocci ball, it does allow for cornhole, the Giant Jenga,” said Law. “There’s a lot of entertainment value.”

And for those with children, dining outdoors can be fun for people of all ages, and there’s something for everyone available, the experts said.

“They come in and they know it’s the place where they can come and sit and really just enjoy some craft beer and some good elevated, pub-style food,” said Law. “So, I think that’s what (outdoor diners) have come to know and love and expect … it’s that sort of unique “It’s your backyard, but not your backyard” feel.”

Following COVID-19, and the lessons learned plus the positive feedback they received from customers experiencing outdoor dining for the first time, Rattler’s, for instance, is thinking of changing it up from their previous style, despite the changes to the laws.

“We’re thinking of making it a bigger part of it, because a lot of the outside tables that we didn’t have before did really well, people really seemed to like that,” said Wilkonn.

“So, we’re keeping five of the tables that we put out there.” 

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AU G U S T 22, 2021

N E W S F E AT U R E

A driving tour of ‘Hollywood North,’ aka the SCV

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Senior Staff Writer

S

ince the days of Western stars William S. Hart and Gene Autry, screen legends have flocked to the Santa Clarita

Valley.

Yet, it’s not just the people themselves that are renowned, but the place, as over the years, the SCV has become a popular filming destination for a number of productions.

Evan Thomason, an economic development associate with the city of Santa Clarita, said the SCV is often considered “anywhere America,” adding, “There are older neighborhoods and there are newer neighborhoods, so they can double as just about anywhere.”

With its diverse landscape, productions can begin their day filming the wild West, head to the suburbs, then to the Middle East, and finish off their day on Mars — all while staying within the SCV. “They can travel all around the world without going 20 miles away from their stages,” Thomason added.

“And that’s a valuable thing because time is money, and when you can keep things to a tight schedule, not have to go that far for a completely different look, and do four or five locations in a day or two, that’s a huge thing for productions, so it’s all part of Santa Clarita’s charm with the film industry.”

While residents have often caught glimpses of the SCV in movies, there are a number of locations many don’t realize are popular, so here are some

The Waitress (2007)

The Halfway House is an iconic filming location in the Santa Clarita Valley with more than three dozen film credits to its name alone. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL. INSET PHOTOS COURTESY IMDB

of the SCV’s most popular film locations.

Vasquez Rocks

The 932-acre Vasquez Rocks Natural Area in Agua Dulce is one of the SCV’s most famous film locales due to its unique rock formations, which can be seen from Highway 14.

From doubling as Bedrock in “The Flintstones,” to almost every iteration of “Star Trek,” and to being featured in South Korean boy band BTS’ music video “On,” Vasquez Rocks’ unique rock formations can be seen in hundreds if not thousands of mov-

Vasquez Rocks is a popular location for a space settings, as well as Westerns.

PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL. INSET COURTESY IMDB

ies, TV shows, music videos and even some video games.

Residents can visit the park to hike or camp, and learn more about how the area took shape in the Nature Center, which showcases various exhibits and interactive displays with information on the movie filming done on-site, reptile exhibits, geological information and more.

Vasquez Rocks is located at 10700 Escondido Canyon Road in Agua Dulce.

Old Town Newhall

It’s no surprise that Newhall, home of the Walk of Western Stars, makes the list as one of the SCV’s most filmed locations.

Old Town Newhall itself is a filming hot spot and can be seen in popular TV shows, such as “S.W.A.T.” and “Goliath.”

Anything from restaurant interiors to car chase scenes have been filmed on Main Street, while the surrounding area is also frequently showcased.

The nearby Veteran’s Historical Plaza has been a featured park in “NCIS,” while the infamous The Original Saugus Cafe down the road, which is the oldest restaurant in Los Angeles County, has featured in numerous western films, as well as more

recent TV and movie scenes, with Hollywood legends such as William S. Hart, Clark Gable, John Wayne, Frank Sinatra, Charlie Chaplin, Harry Carey, Hoot Gibson and even President Theodore Roosevelt having reportedly visited the cafe.

The city of Santa Clarita even has an app dedicated to touring the area, called the Newhall Walking Tour, where residents and visitors alike can check out the various historic locations, along with filming locations in the area, with information on was filmed there, like Ricardo’s Auto Upholstery, for example, was featured in the popular 2011 feature-film “Bridesmaids.”

Old Town Newhall is located on Main Street and the surrounding area.

For more information on the Newhall Walking Tour app, visit walkingtour. oldtownnewhall.com or search for the app on your smart device.

College of the Canyons

The College of the Canyons campus has always been among one of the most filmed spots in the SCV, whether it’s their sports fields, various architectural building styles or interiors, as it can double as nearly “anywhere in America,” according to the SCV Film Office.

AU G U S T 22, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

N E W S F E AT U R E The campus purposefully does not have a lot of signage with its mascot or school name, to make it more film-friendly.

“It’s not uncommon to have two or three things filming over there at the same time, and they have doubled as just about everywhere, from foreign planets to CIA Langley,” Thomason said.

Some of the most popular productions featuring the COC campus are “The Girl Next Door,” “NCIS,” “CSI” and “Weeds.”

College of the Canyons is located at 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road in Valencia.

SCV’s movie ranches

The SCV is home to a number of movie ranches that while unfortunately aren’t typically open to the public, are some of the most popular filming destinations for some of the most popular productions, like “Westworld,” much of which was filmed at Melody Ranch, and “American Sniper,” where the Ramadi scenes were filmed at Blue Cloud Ranch.

While Disney’s Gold Oak Ranch is not quite visible from the outside, visitors can catch a glimpse of some of its iconic building’s rooftops from Placerita Canyon Road.

Walt Disney first leased the ranch in the late 1950s to film segments of “The Mickey Mouse Club,” but because of its setting in such a natural area, the studio went on to purchase the property and acquire more land over the years, bringing its total size to around 900 acres.

Some of the Disney productions that have shot at the ranch include “Old Yeller,” “The Parent Trap,” and more recently, “Pearl Harbor,” “Princess Diaries 2” and the second and third “Pirates of the Caribbean,” according to the ranch’s website.

Disney’s Golden Oak Ranch can be seen from Placerita Canyon Road near Highway 14. For more information on the ranch, visit goldenoakranch.com.

L.A. Film Locations

While L.A. Film Locations typically represent properties across the SCV, whether residential, commercial or industrial, its Newhall office has actually been featured in some shoots itself.

Monica Harrison, the owner of L.A. Film Locations, says that because the

The corner of Market and Main streets in Newhall works as a popular “Main Street, USA” setting for many commercials, TV shows and movies, as well as local restaurants nearby, like the Saugus Café. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL. INSET PHOTO COURTESY IMDB

office actually looks like a bungalow, it’s been a popular choice among some productions, for not as an office, but as homes, as well, including several independent films, pharmaceuticals commercials and popular episodic TV shows, which cannot be named due to nondisclosure agreements.

The L.A. Film Locations office is located at 24367 Walnut St. in Newhall.

The Halfway House Cafe

Occupying a building that has been around since the early part of the 20th century, it’s also not a shocker that The Halfway House Cafe in Canyon Country has been showcased in dozens of productions.

While Clint Eastwood filmed a scene there for “Heartbreak Ridge” in 1986, its old-timey diner look is still popular today, and the locale has been featured in films such as “Space Cowboys,” “Waitress,” “The Twilight Zone,” “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” and “Every Which Way But Loose,” among others.

Plus, the restaurant has rarely, if ever, changed its menu or how it prepares food, so its classic, made-fromscratch food isn’t too bad either.

The Halfway House Cafe is located at 15564 Sierra Highway in Canyon Country.

actually a high-profile filming destination.

Countless productions including “NCIS”, “Parenthood,” “CSI: NY,” “Make It or Break It,” “Las Vegas,” “Big Love,” “The Unit,” and “Little Miss Sunshine” have filmed at the Hyatt in the Vines Restaurant, the lobby, banquet rooms, pool area, gardens, hotel rooms and the exterior front entrance.

It also served as the “hiding spot” for Bella in the first “Twilight” movie, was where the vampire/werewolf convention in “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” was filmed and was featured as the Tallahassee hotel where a special team from “The Office” stayed to participate in Sabre’s “new project,” according to the SCV Film Office.

Most recently, the hotel was rented out by “Reno 911,” and the cast and crew were embedded into the hotel during the pandemic, using it as their “bubble” to both stay in the hotel and film there, according to Thomason.

Or enjoy a round of golf at Vista Valencia, another popular film production spot in the SCV, which has been featured in shows like “NCIS,” “CSI,” “JAG,” “The Office” and “Yes Dear,” along with feature films “G-Force” and “Starsky & Hutch.”

Hyatt Regency Valencia is located at 24500 Town Center Drive, while the Vista Valencia golf course is located at 24700 Trevino Drive.

To learn more about what’s filming or has filmed in Santa Clarita, visit FilmSantaClarita.com. 

Valencia locales

Another surprising locale is the Hyatt Regency in Valencia, which is

Disney’s Golden Oak Ranch. PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY

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AU G U S T 22, 2021

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

A world of possibilities await in Seasons Magazine

By Ken Striplin Santa Clartia City Manager

E

ach quarter, Santa Clarita residents are able to explore the pages of Seasons Magazine to discover recreational programs, educational classes, events and enrichment opportunities offered by the City.

As you may know, Seasons is mailed free of charge to every residence within City limits. A limited number of copies are also available at City Hall for residents located in the surrounding unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.

A digital version can also be found at santa-clarita. com/Seasons.

When the fall edition of Seasons is mailed out and published on the City’s website this week, I invite you to flip through its pages or read it online because you are likely to find a class or program for everyone in the family to participate in this year.

There are a number of exciting opportunities I want to highlight for you to add to your calendar.

A wide range of classes are available to fill your weeks, including beginning gymnastics for chil-

dren, adult open-play water polo at the Aquatic Center and guitar lessons for ages 5 and up. You can also sign up for dance classes, learn how to meal prep in bulk and take the first steps in writing a book.

The Santa Clarita Public Library staff has put together a fun and exciting lineup of events for parents and children to take part in each week. Beginning Sept. 13 and running through Nov. 19, you can enjoy stories, activities, songs and much more.

Sidewalk Stories at the library enable you to read, sing and dance outside. Bilingual versions will also take place once a week at the Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Library and the Old Town Newhall Library.

See the full schedule of library events at Santa ClaritaLibrary.com.

Over the past year, residents of all ages have taken to the City’s parks and open spaces to complete challenges and become Agents of Discovery.

Agents of Discovery is a free mobile game that uses augmented reality to provide both an educational experience and a trivia challenge for players.

This fall, the City has joined with other municipalities and the U.S. Forest Service to connect its Agents of Discovery missions to the SoCal Explor-

er Program, which rewards players for completing missions in different cities throughout the region.

Finish missions locally in Old Town Newhall and Towsley Canyon and then explore other cities you visit in Southern California to earn exclusive rewards!

Finally, in-person shows are returning to The MAIN in Old Town Newhall. Experience the new “Locals Only!” music series to see bands from the Santa Clarita Valley (Sept.18, at 8 p.m.) and get your tickets early for three late-night screenings of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (Oct. 29-31).

You can also kick-off your winter holiday season with “Comedy Is Coming to Town” Dec. 10-12.

Learn more at AtTheMain.org.

These exciting opportunities and more await you this fall in Santa Clarita. I invite you to pore over the pages and discover something new!

Ken Striplin can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita.com. The views expressed in his column are those of the City and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal. 

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AU G U S T 22, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

SENIORLIVING A SECOND WIND

Never too old to set a goal

By Mary Petersen Signal Staff Writer

Is it time to see an audiologist?

P

eople who reach retirement age have often completed careers, raised families or achieved goals that they set in their earlier years.

Many are ready to kick back and relax. They’ve earned it after decades of hard work.

But that didn’t happen with Santa Clarita resident Donna Murren. At 60 years old, Donna has embarked upon a new set of goals and retirement is anything but a time to veg out on the couch.

Donna is one of the top-rated CrossFit competitors in her age group.

She recently competed at the CrossFit Games in Madison, Wisconsin, where she placed 16th in the world.

Over the course of 3 days, she completed tasks like climbing a 20 foot rope, doing 15 pull-ups, running 3 miles, and holding a 70 pound sandbag on her shoulders while doing 30 squats and then carrying it 84 feet.

Despite this impressive feat, Donna says that she was not always this motivated or goal-oriented. In fact, Donna says that when she began doing CrossFit 10 years ago, she weighed 210 pounds, lacked energy and had no focus.

“It was a dark time,” she says. “I had been forced into retirement due to an injury. Our 4 kids were grown and didn’t need us anymore. I felt lost and questioned what I was supposed to be doing.”

Donna’s youngest son was concerned about how inactive his mom had become and encouraged her to go with him to the gym. This was her introduction to CrossFit. Donna says she was not capable of doing most of the skills but she just scaled down the movements to her level. She started with modest goals that were realistic and achievable.

Even though she lacked confidence, she had the support of coaches and was encouraged by others.

Donna, who has competed in 2 international competitions, laughs that

Santa Clarita resident Donna Murren started cross-fit training 10 years ago.

At 60, she is a top competitor in her age group. PHOTO COURTESY DONNA MURREN

she went from being 50 years old and 200 pounds to becoming a CrossFit athlete and a coach.

Donna says, “Not everyone needs to be training to compete, but you should never have the attitude that you are too old to stay active.”

Research shows that the human body adapts to physical challenges with increased efficiency and capacity.

Regardless of physical restrictions, there are many different programs and forms of exercise to stay healthy and maintain optimal quality of life.

When asked what motivates her, Donna quips, “Preserving life is a good motivation! I won’t compete forever, but it’s a good way to maintain mobility and flexibility and add longevity.”

Donna says that some days when she doesn’t feel like going, she goes anyway. “Some days I’m only functioning at 70%. But I give 100% of that 70%.” Just committing to get up and move is what’s important.”

Donna’s passion is CrossFit, but she encourages seniors to find their own passion, stay active and connect with a supportive exercise community that has like-minded goals.

Achieving your goals at any age gives you a feeling of accomplishment.

Donna says, “If a sentence starts with ‘I’m too old for that…,’ it’s probably not true.”

Mary Petersen is a retired COC English instructor, a 30-year SCV resident and two-time breast cancer survivor. 

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1 0 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

AU G U S T 22, 2021

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Every inch of ‘Magnificent Coloring World’ a ‘pure Chicago vibe’

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘Magnificent Coloring World’

 1/2 (out of four)

House of Kicks presents a film directed by Jake Schreier and written by Chance the Rapper. No MPAA rating.

In theaters.

blessings come down Are you ready for your miracle?

Are you ready?

We are at a concert, but it feels like church.

Already this summer we’ve had a couple of great documentaries capturing the concert experience. The brilliant “Summer of Soul” took us back to 1969 and the Harlem Cultural ven if you’re not familiar Festival, where the likes of Sly and the with the stylings of Chance Family Stone, the Staples Singers and the Rapper and your Stevie Wonder electrified the crowds. musical tastes run more Meanwhile, HBO’s “Woodstock 99” along the lines of “Take a Chance on showcased performers such as the Me” by ABBA or “Chances Are” by eatres • Santa Clarita Signal adsource@exhibitorads.com Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica and Johnny Mathis or “While You See a Alanis Morissette — but the real story p. 888.737.2812 f. 203.438.1206 Chance” by Steve Winwood, I urge was the nightmare unfolding beyond you to watch Chance’s performance August 22-26, 2021 date: Sunday-Thursday, the stage, where things got ugly. of “Blessings” in the theatrical PHOTO COURTESY IMDB Now comes Chance the Rapper’s delivery date: August 17, 2021 at 11:11:58 AM CASCS_LEM0822-0826.qxp release ofTuesday, “Magnificent Coloring “Magnificent Coloring World,” which World” and I think you’ll thank me, I gon’ praise Him, praise Him ‘til offers a very different experience — a for it is a transcendent and beautiI’m gone … unique, ultra-cool, visually striking ful thing to behold. With Chance When the praises go up, the and musically uplifting journey, every backed by a jazzy band and a full blessings come down inch of it with a pure Chicago vibe. choir of young people singing to the Are you ready for your blessings?

Conceived and written by Chance and skies, the song goes, in part: When the praises go up, the directed with cinematic style and a smooth, flowing rhythm by Jake Schreier, “Magnificent Coloring World” TM is not a filmed concert but a mappedout, intricately planned concert film, and the difference is striking.

This is not a recorded documentation of a typical concert stop, with 22500 Lyons Ave. info Line 310.478.3836 cameras capturing a live performance in real time; it was a singular event, filmed on five specially constructed stages at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios back on April 8, 2017, with an audience of 1,500 specially selected Confetti RespeCt C Chance fans who knew they were 1:30 7:10 attending some sort of Chance-relat1:00 4:10 7:00 ed event but didn’t know it was a live performance until they entered the DemoniC E concert space.

Jungle CRuise C (The initial plan was to stream the 4:40 7:30 film, but Chance decided to hold 1:00 4:00 7:00 on to the project because he wasn’t the night house E happy with the edit. Some four years later, he made a direct deal with the 1:20 4:20 7:30 stillwateR E AMC Theaters chain.)

Clocking in at a little more than an ReminisCenCe C hour, “Magnificent Coloring World” 1:10 4:00 kicks off with interviews with Chance 1:30 4:20 7:10 and a number of behind-the-scenes contributors, from the tour manager le BonheuR (1934) I fRee guy C to the choreographer to the production designer. That’s all interesting 1:40 4:30 7:20 Wed: 7:00 PM enough — but the real fun kicks off FOR 8/22/2021 - 8/26/2021 ONLY WWW.LAEMMLE.COM when the live performance begins,

E

L L A H W E N

The “New” Laemmle NEWHALL Bringing the Finest in Film to the SCV!

with Chance at the piano with his lifesize puppet friend “Wendy,” doing a duet of “Same Drugs.” Microphones were placed above the audience, and before we even see the crowd, we hear them singing along — something that happens throughout the performance, with Chance’s encouragement.

As the show continues with one song morphing directly into the next, director Schreier’s cameras swirl about and pull back to reveal various sets and scenarios, e.g., a storefront for “Sunday Candy,” a group of clubgoers being told to go home in “All Night.”Chance has a veritable army of backup, from the tight band featuring the pace-setting rhythms of drummer Gregory “Stix” Landfair and the outstanding and piercing trumpet work by Nico Segal; to a small orchestra with woodwinds and strings; to the smiling, energetic and gloriously lush-sounding young singers of the Chicago Children’s Choir, to a set of wonderfully kinetic Broadway-style dancers in denim overalls who add to the theatricality of the experience.

All manner of musical genres influence Chance’s work, but gospel is dominant, and he wears his faith on his sleeve, at one point exclaiming to the crowd, “Y’all know it’s Palm Sunday tomorrow, right?” There are times when his vocals show the strain of his all-out style as he swirls about while working through some intricate and tricky and funny and insightful lyrics, but the choir and the audience are always there to flesh out the sound. On a number of occasions, the cameras pull back to reveal the entirety of the performance area, including the band, the choir, the dancers and the mini-orchestra — as well as the adoring, tightly packed crowd that seems to almost float against a stark black backdrop. In “All We Got,” Chance raps: “I get my word from the sermon, I do not talk to the serpent, that’s the holistic discernment, Daddy said I’m so determined … You gotta fight for your way, and that don’t take nothing away, cause at the end of the day, music is all we got …”

Great music, plus some memorable visuals. That’s more than enough. 

Copyright 2020 Chicago Sun-Times

AU G U S T 22, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1

FOOD

A

s many people start getting back into normal routines, they’re returning to familiar on-the-go lifestyles by heading back to work, traveling to new destinations and enjoying time with loved ones.

While you get out to explore and gather with family and friends again, remember you’ll need fuel for your adventures. According to a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, most Americans fail to get enough whole grains each day, opting instead for mostly refined grains.

Foods like tasty whole-grain popcorn offer an easy health hack so you can make every bite count. Try getting in the habit of popping 9 cups of popcorn in the morning and dividing it into two containers. Season one container with salt and herbs, the other with a pinch of sugar and cinnamon so you can alternate between sweet and salty throughout the day. Bringing delicious options like these while on the go can help satisfy hunger pangs while adding the fiber your body needs.

Because mouthwatering whole-grain popcorn is versatile and 3 cups is equal to one serving of whole grains, it’s a simple yet flavorful option for meeting dietary recommendations. It can be a breeze to add it to snacks like Blueberry and Pomegranate Power Bars, Crunchy Popcorn Trail Mix or Sweet and Savory Curried Popcorn. You can even satisfy kids’ cravings with Grab and Go Pizza Popcorn, a six-ingredient recipe made in a matter of minutes.

Visit popcorn.org to find more nutritious snack ideas. (Family Features) 

Sweet and Savory Curried Popcorn Yield: 8 cups 8 cups unsalted, unbuttered popped popcorn 1/3 cup ghee (clarified butter) or coconut oil 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon curry powder 1/2 teaspoon cumin 2 teaspoons flaked sea salt

Place popcorn in large mixing bowl.

In saucepan over medium heat, melt ghee, brown sugar, honey, curry powder and cumin; stir until dissolved. Bring to light boil; remove from heat.

Toss ghee mixture and salt with popcorn; transfer to serving bowl. 

Crunchy Popcorn Trail Mix Yield: 9 cups 5 cups popped popcorn 3 cups whole-grain oat cereal 1/3 cup raisins 1/3 cup peanuts or other nuts 1/3 cup sunflower seeds 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine 6 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons light corn syrup In large, microwavable bowl, stir popcorn, cereal, raisins, nuts and seeds; set aside.

In small saucepan, heat butter, brown sugar and corn syrup until boiling; cook 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Pour over popcorn mixture, stirring to coat evenly.

Microwave 3-4 minutes, stirring and scraping bowl after each minute.

Spread onto greased cookie sheet; cool.

Break into pieces and store in airtight container. 

Grab and Go Pizza Popcorn Yield: 6 quarts 6 quarts popped popcorn

olive oil cooking spray 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 teaspoons garlic salt 2 teaspoons paprika 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning Place popcorn in large, sealable plastic container or 2 1/2-gallon plastic sealable bag.

Spray popcorn lightly with olive oil cooking spray.

Sprinkle cheese, garlic salt, paprika and Italian seasoning over popcorn and shake to distribute evenly.

To serve, scoop popcorn into reusable plastic cups. 

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AU G U S T 22, 2021

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Get the beat — the English Beat at The Canyon

T

he English Beat is a band with an energetic mix of musical styles and a sound like no other. The band’s unique sound has allowed it to endure for nearly three decades and appeal to fans, young and old, all over the world.

The Beat first came to prominence as founding members of the British Two Tone Ska movement, with their classic first album “Just Can’t Stop It”

fitting squarely in that genre. Along with their contemporaries The Specials, The Selecter, and Madness, the band became an overnight sensation and one of the most popular and influential bands of that movement.

However, band leader Dave Wakeling never felt constrained by the movement. Dave has always viewed ska as a springboard, not a straight jacket.

Indeed, the band’s sound continued to evolve over their first three studio

albums, through the General Public era (a band formed by Dave with Ranking Roger, the toaster from The Beat), and has continued it’s evolution with the English Beat album “Here We Go Love”, a PledgeMusic crowd-funded album released in 2016. Consummate showman that he is, Dave Wakeling has continued to keep The Beat alive and strong.

Dave continues to tour the world

as The English Beat with an amazing all-star ska backing band playing all the hits of The Beat, General Public, and songs from his album “Here We Go Love.”

You can see English Beat live at The Canyon Santa Clarita on Aug. 28. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. For more information, visit www.wheremusicmeetsthesoul. com. 

AU G U S T 22, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

THE BEST PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY 13 0 2

20 0 2 21 0 2

RJK

L A W

O F F I C E

O F

R OBERT J. K A I S ER PERSONAL

INJURY

ATTORNEY

“Proud to be at your service”

Free Consultations

Thank you, Santa Clarita for voting us Best Personal Injury Attorney for six years!

661.253.3293 www.robertjkaiser.com

23550 Lyons Ave., Suite 203, Santa Clarita, CA 91321

1 4 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

AU G U S T 22, 2021

GARDENING

Cut blooms from your garden that will last the longest

F

lowers may look beautiful in gardens and even when snipped and brought inside to brighten up a mantel or dining table. Unfortunately, cut flowers have a finite shelf life.

While cut blooms can’t live forever, certain varieties will outlast others.

Choosing flowers wisely for wedding centerpieces or keepsakes can help couples enjoy selected flowers longer.

Peonies Peonies can last for about a week or two when brought indoors. HGTV says to snip the stems when the buds are tight, wrap them in newspaper and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to arrange.

Zinnias These bright blooms can last for three to four weeks and are best harvested in summer. Related to the sunflower, zinnias are available in a wide range of colors.

Chrysanthemums Widely referred to as “mums,Ó these midsummer to late-fall flowers can last between

three and four weeks after being cut.

Mums can be used to fill out floral displays because they tend to be inexpensive but durable flowers.

Coneflower The purple coneflower is popular, but coneflowers are available in many colors aside from purple. Coneflowers attract butterflies and are beautiful in cut displays.

Ranunculus Ranunculus mimic the look of roses and display layer after layer of silky, crepe-like petals.

These blooms can last a week or more in vases if they’re put in water right after being cut.

Carnations Another budgetfriendly flower, carnations are popular from early spring until late summer. Available in many hues, they can be used in conjunction with other blooms to create well-rounded floral displays that may last between two and three weeks.

Lilies Lilies are traditional flowers that are beautiful to behold. Lilies are

available in various sizes and colors and can be bought fresh year-round.

Lilies often last longer than a week after being cut. Look for lilies with tight buds, as such flowers tend to last the longest.

Gladioli The lovely flowers of the vertical-growing gladiolus, which is sometimes referred to as the “sword lily,” are available in yellow, peach, pink, white, and other hues. These bulb-based plants can last up to two weeks after being cut and add variety

and texture to floral displays.

Although advice varies on how to keep cut flowers fresh the longest, veteran florist Nic Faitos, senior partner at Starbright Floral Design in New York, who has provided his floral expertise for Reader’s Digest, says the best approach is to keep vase water clean. In addition, ProFlowers suggests keeping cut blooms in a cool room away from direct sunlight and heat. (MC) 

SCV Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery We want to thank you personally for supporting us here at SCV Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

We would also like to thank you for your Patience and understanding as we continued our operations through the pandemic.

While the last year and half has presented all of us with many challenges and stresses, we want you to know that we are committed to your health and safety.

Our office staff and medical assistants have worked tirelessly to ensure your experience is positive, while complying with local and state regulations.

Our number one goal here is to provide the best possible care. While our response to that COVID-19 measure remains vigilant, you and your family are at the center of our focus, and we commit to you that you can always expect a professional, safe and healthy environment for your oral surgical needs. We thank you for trusting us with your care.

Robert Mower, DDS APC, Ryan Colleta, DDS APC and Luiza Portnoff DDS 

AU G U S T 22, 2021

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S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

F E AT U R E

Robert J. Kaiser

hank you, Santa Clarita, for voting us Best Personal Injury Attorney for the sixth time! Helping accident victims maximize their recovery is what we do best, and we are honored to receive this award from our profound community.

Nobody plans on being injured in an accident. But, when it happens, victims often find themselves managing insurance claims, potential repairs, and other issues with little time to actually recover. Victims face frugal insurance companies and welltrained professional claims representatives who do not have their best interest at heart. At the Law Office of Robert J. Kaiser, we fight these battles for you so you can focus on what is most important — your own well-being.

Because we take pride in help-

ing those who need it most, we offer FREE CONSULTATIONS for accident victims and work on a NO RECOVERY — NO FEE basis on cases that we accept. So, we provide all accident victims with access to the courts when they might not be able to afford an attorney otherwise. Additionally, there is no upfront out-ofpocket expense to hire attorney Robert J. Kaiser.

We are so grateful for your continued support and will always provide the best service to Santa Clarita.

Our office is conveniently located on Lyons Avenue. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, do not hesitate to call the Law Office of Robert J. Kaiser at (661) 2533293 to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney — FOR FREE. 

Ernie Bolanos State Farm

T

hank you for voting us Best Insurance Agency in Santa Clarita — Ernie Bolanos, State Farm. We’re humbled and honored to have received your vote for best three years in a row.

We are dedicated to serving this community and making sure we provide you with superior service backed by the strongest insurance company in the nation. We continue to receive referrals from our customers and that generosity tells us we’re doing something right.

As a resident of Santa Clarita Valley, I take pride in where I live and work, and it is my goal to deliver the best possible State Farm experience.

The pandemic has shown a light on the importance of safety — feeling safe, and taking steps to ensure

our safety. State Farm is dedicated to providing insurance and other products to assist in keeping your home, cars, businesses and other areas of your life protected and secure.

One of our talented risk advisors in our office can assist you with making sure you’re properly protected from the unexpected.

Let us be good neighbors and contact us to ensure life goes right for you. For those of you who have heard about us, but haven’t yet reached out, we are here for you.

We invite you to contact us at (661) 200-7260, and ernie@ernieis myagent.com. For more information, please visit www.ernieismyagent. com. 

I love this town. and Fin Inc Svcs Inc BolanosBolanos Ins andInsFin Svcs Ernie Bolanos, Agent Ernie Bolanos, Agent Insurance Lic# 0M84485 Insurance Lic#: 0M84485 23822 Valencia Blvd, Suite 204 23822 Valencia, Valencia CA Blvd91355 Valencia, CA661-200-7260 91355 Bus: 8:30-5:30 Monday-Friday 8:30-5:30 Monday-Friday Evenings & Weekends Evenings & Weekends available by appointment available by appointment Hablamos Español Hablamos Español

1601480

Thanks, Santa Clarita.

I love being here to help life go right ™ in a community where people are making a difference every day.

Thank you for all you do.

State Farm, Bloomington, IL

1 6 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

AU G U S T 22, 2021

THINGSTODO

GETAWAY

part of Sausalito’s waterfront since the 1880s. After WWII, the houseboats began to attract a free-spirited Bohemian crowd and flotillas of houseboats became vibrant artists’ colonies.

Sausalito has around 400 floating home docks in five residential marinas. Many of the houseboats are colorful and feature whimsical exterior decor, with potted plants and artwork displayed on the decks.

Two interesting houseboat communities are at Galilee Harbor and Waldo Point Harbor. Visitors may take a self-guided tour around the houseboat docks, and on special occasions, some houseboats are open to the public for art viewings.

Continued from page 4

Ride a ferry

Info goldengateferry.org/schedules/ Sausalito.php Getting to Sausalito is more than half the fun, and this exciting 30-minute boat ride is the most dramatic way to arrive in Sausalito.

The ferry offers a fantastic scenic tour of the San Francisco Bay, with sailboats, commercial ships and flocks of seagulls and pelicans. The ferry passes Alcatraz Island and offers a breathtaking view of Golden Gate Bridge to the west.

Walk the scenic walk along Bridgeway. For magnificent views and photo opportunities, take a stroll from the center of town along Bridgeway, a scenic road with old-fashioned street lamps that hold decorative hanging pots of colorful flowers.

This waterfront pathway begins around the ferry landing and goes in two directions: north toward the yacht harbors with the marinas and

Sonoma County Sausalito offers quaint boutiques, upscale art galleries, a scenic waterfront walk and yacht-filled marinas.

Mount Tamalpais as a backdrop or south toward the Bay with San Francisco in the distance. Keep an eye out for the iconic bronze seal statue,

which is covered in water at high tide.

Houseboats and the Bohemian Artists’ Colonies are must-see sights in Sausalito. Houseboats have been

Just 45 minutes north of San Francisco, Sonoma County is one of California’s top food and wine destinations. It is home to more than 425 wineries. You can also find towering redwoods, visit inviting small towns and cruise along the rugged Pacific coastline.

Wine tasting

Info www.sonomacounty.com/ articles/most-beautiful-wine-castlessonoma Wine tasting is among the most popular activities in Sonoma County.

Visit beautiful wine castles and taste world-class wines.

Seek out and visit some of the small farms that dot the Sonoma County countryside. There’s even a map to help guide you on your way.

California Cheese Trail

Wine tasting is among the most popular activities in Sonoma County where you can visit beautiful wine castles and taste world-class wines

Info www.sonomacounty.com/ articles/california-sonoma-cheesetrail-and-map Explore the California Cheese Trail. Sonoma County’s distinctive, hand-crafted cheeses are a delight for “real cheese people.” The Cheese Trail winds through about a hundred miles of canyons, pastures and oak-covered hills, linking nearly 30 farms and creameries. Depending on the property, you can reserve full tours, cheese tastings and cheese-making classes, then visit with the farm’s goats, cows, sheep, or even water buffalo. Check out the Cheese Trail map for locations. 

AU G U S T 22, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 7

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Fabric blooms brighten back-to-school wardrobe

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

T

here’s flower power in kids’ and their moms’ imaginations. Just ask Robyn Anderson, busy mom of three active daughters.

“I love fabric and can’t get enough of prints, stripes and dots,” she said as she unveiled before me piles of trendy cotton yardage she has collected here and there.

“If I see clothing and accessories in the store that look simple and cute, I say to myself, ‘Now I can make that!’

Her latest inspiration blossomed when she and her 6-year-old daughter, Ocean, noticed flower-shaped fabric hair clips and embellishments in fall’s back-to-school fashion.

Layered petal-shaped fabric pinched together with buttons and an added clasp or pin on the back looked easy enough for them to make themselves, so they gave it a try. And yes,

the blooms were a snap to make.

Get started creating adorable oneof-a-kind flower accessories too, using these simple steps. You’ll soon discover that like flowers in nature, each one is unique.

Once you make a few, share the creativity with other moms and their daughters for a get-together of creative and fashionable fun.

Here’s what you’ll need for one flower hair clip or clothing accessory: Paper, pencil and scissors Four 5-inch-by-5-inch pieces of cotton fabric or felt pieces in contrasting colors Fabric glue Button Hair clasp or brooch pin, available in craft stores Needle and thread 1. Make patterns. First, draw a 3-1/2-inch-wide shape on paper that

resembles a three-leaf clover without the stem. (Pick clover from your yard for inspiration, or look for a perfect clover shape in a book or online. Notice that each leaf is heart-shaped as you begin drawing.) Draw two more shapes that are 2 1/2 inches and 2 inches in width.

2. Set patterns on fabric, outline with a pencil and cut out. You’ll want two 3-1/2-inch shapes.

3. Stack and arrange cut-out shapes from the two largest 3-1/2-inch shapes to the smallest to resemble a flower, gluing each layer in place at the center point. Let glue dry, then pinch the center a bit and sew a button on top through all slightly pinched layers.

4. Sew hair clasp or glue brooch pin to the center of the back of the base.

Tip Creating and crafting with school-age kids provides ideal opportunities for teaching and practicing

Robyn Anderson guides her daughter, Ocean, as she cuts out a pattern for back-to-school fabric hair clips. PHOTO

BY DONNA ERICKSON

new skills such as using sharp scissors or threading a needle.

Donna Erickson’s award-winning series “Donna’s Day” is airing on public television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, visit www.donnasday.com and link to the Donna’s Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.”  © 2020 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.

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1 8 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

SOLUTIONS

PUZZLES

AU G U S T 22, 2021

CROSSWORD TIME

AU G U S T 22, 2021

Opinion

S U N D AY S I G N A L · 1 9

Unless otherwise stated, the views and opinions expressed are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily represent the views of The Signal.

READERLETTERS

Yearning for the Carter Days?

As you get older you find you remember many more presidents than most people you meet. The first I remember is Dwight Eisenhower. “I like Ike, who do you like?” was the question asked when he ran for president. That was 13 presidents ago.

Looking back, the country has been through quite a bit but the present situation really stands out.

In eight months we have given up our energy independence, lost control of our borders, triggered rapid inflation, allowed government spending to go crazy and totally botched foreign policy. That's just the short list. On the plus side, the group we have running things now makes the Carter administration look like a group of geniuses!

Thomas Cadman Canyon Country

Thanks to Good Samaritans I wanted to offer my heartfelt thank you to the patrons and staff at a local restaurant who saw a need for assistance and immediately came to the aid of my adult great-grandson, who after finishing a birthday celebration dinner, stood up to leave, suddenly began to experience a medical emergency and needed immediate help from family and those nearby. They did not hesitate to assist when they saw what was occurring. His mother was able to administer his medication and, after several minutes, he was assisted to their car and was able to leave and arrive safely home, where he is recuperating.

Gerrie Currie Valencia

What About Survivors?

The county Board of Supervisors wants everyone to carry proof of vaccination cards to enter public buildings, including restaurants and stores.

They are saying only 60% have had the vaccination. What about the hundreds of thousands who got COVID-19 and survived? According to Anthony Fauci himself, people who have had COVID-19 and recovered are just as immune as those who got the shot. Why aren’t survivors included in the number of safe people? That would make a whole new set of statistics and the politicians would never stand for it.

Juanita Fitzgerald Santa Clarita Submit a Letter to the Editor

Include name, address & phone; Anonymous letters aren’t printed; email: letters@signalscv.com.

E T H I C A L LY S P E A K I N G

Your Screen Is Not Your Mind

By David Hegg

W

ith another school season upon us, educational institutions across our great land are battling issues surrounding one of the most elementary elements in our society: how to educate our kids.

To be clear, COVID-19 and all its variants have put pressure on educators in ways no one could have predicted.

But I want to state clearly that masks and distancing and Zoom education are not as big a problem as the encroachment of new ways of extending, receiving, analyzing and using data.

Tradition has it that the very best educational address ever delivered was by Winston Churchill, who is remembered as declaring, “Never, never, never give up,” and then sitting down to thunderous applause. Whether the cheers were for his sentiment or brevity I leave you to decide.

But there is at least one address that ought to be required reading for every student, and every American. Some years ago, Leon Wiesteltier, a man of letters, exhorted the Brandeis University graduating class to rescue the nobility of thinking from the ever-increasing swamp of information that is threatening to re-invent what we understand as knowledge.

Wiesteltier put it very simply: “We live in a society inebriated by technology, and happily, even giddily governed by the values of utility, speed, efficiency and convenience. The technological mentality that has become the American worldview instructs us to prefer practical questions to questions of meaning – to ask of things not if they are true or false, or good or evil, but how they work.”

There is no arguing against the reality that we are now more a society of data and information than of knowledge and wisdom. With our computers, smart phones and all the connected information sources at our fingertips, we encounter and process more new data than our forefathers did in decades.

I see three dangers we face as a result. First, with all this data, we have little time to think. Second, we have come to believe having information is the same as being knowledgeable. Third, and worst of all, we are more and more prone to reject as unneeded any data that doesn’t come with immediate usefulness.

When I talk about thinking what I really mean is the ability to take data, push it through the sieve of experience and discernment, and formulate a cohesive and ethical worldview. It once was essential to spend time thinking, reflecting, conversing, writing and reviewing in order to become knowledgeable,

not just about facts, but about life.

But we are quickly losing this value.

Our fast food nation has become a fast solution nation. We face a problem, dilemma, or question, and immediately ask Google, or Siri or Instagram friends for the answer. We erroneously consider it no longer necessary to build our own storehouse of wisdom given that the wisdom of the ages can be accessed on our iPad. The result is that we are losing that important characteristic that most separates us from the beasts and epitomizes the superior nobility of humanity. We are systematically undermining our minds, and their unique ability to synthesize data into knowledge, and knowledge into wisdom.

To understand the dangerous track we’re on will mean recognizing that data isn’t knowledge in the same way that bricks and boards are not a house. The basic materials have to be expertly arranged, according to a design, in order to build something useful.

Information informs, but it only becomes knowledge and wisdom through reflection, study, interaction with competing ideas, and finally, in correct behavior. A load of bricks does not a wise man make.

Lastly, our belief that information must be immediately useful has fostered our growing addiction to convenience. We’re increasingly committed to believing, “If it won’t help me now, I don’t need it.” I remember trying that on my algebra teacher in middle school. But Mr. Howson sat me down and gave me the “we’re training your mind to think here, and someday you’ll thank me.” And that day did come, even though for the life of me, I couldn’t solve for X right now. Algebra trained my mind then for what I do now. And while I’ve forgotten the algebraic facts, the patterns of knowledge they etched in me have been very helpful.

The point of all this is that we need to temper our infatuation with facts and go all the way to passionate thinking about meaning, about truth and error, about what brings real purpose and satisfaction and beauty into life. We must recover the humanity bound up in the study of humanities, while making the best use of the technologies available to us.

To reject innovation is not wise. But to replace real thinking with bits and pixels is to slough ourselves unknowingly down the path of cognitive suicide.

Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays. 