Sunday Signal September 5, 2021

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Labor Day Menu Guide for the Grill

SEPTEMBER 5, 2021

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S E P T E M B E R 5, 2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS HOLIDAY 5 5 Labor Day BBQ 14 What is Rosh Hashanah

NEWS FEATURES

6

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

9

6 Are you ready for some football (parties)?

7 Supporting community growth through gardens 8 Getting charged up about electric vehicles 9 No plans? Have a Labor Day staycation

FOOD 11 1 1 Flavor and nutrition despite busy schedules Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese Chopped Chicken Taco Salad

20 0 2

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S E P T E M B E R 5, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

H O L I D AY

L

For your Labor Day BBQ

abor Day 2021 is finally here and grills and smokers are ready to get fired up.

Here are a few great recipes to celebrate all the hard work of the past year. Look for more reciples on Delish.com.

top with a slice of provolone.

3. Grill until burger is cooked, 30 minutes for medium.

4. Serve on buns with lettuce and tomato.

freshly chopped chives

Ranch, for drizzling Directions 1. Heat grill to medium high. In a small bowl, stir together butter and ranch seasoning and season with pepper. Rub ranch butter on corn.

2. Grill until lightly charred, 10 minutes. Top with cheddar and cover grill to melt, 2 minutes.

Beer Can Burgers

Grilled Ranch Potatoes

Yields: 4

Yields: 8

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

Ingredients

Toppings

1. Preheat grill to medium heat. In a large bowl, toss potatoes with olive oil, lemon juice, and ranch seasoning. Season with salt and pepper.

2 lb. ground beef 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp. garlic powder 1 beer can kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper 8 slices bacon 4 burger buns 4 slices tomato 4 pieces lettuce 2 c. cubed cheddar 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced 1 bell pepper, sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced 4 slices provolone

Directions 1. Heat grill to medium. In a large bowl, season beef with Worcestershire and garlic powder.

Roll into ½-pound balls, then place a beer can in the middle to shape into a bowl. Press beef up the sides of the beer can. Gently twist beer can to come out of burger bowl and season with salt and pepper.

2. Wrap two slices bacon around the bowl. If stuffing with cheddar and jalapeño, top with cheese and jalapeños. If stuffing with peppers and onions, stuff with peppers and onions and

3. Top with cooked bacon and chives and drizzle with ranch.

2 lb. baby potatoes, halved 1/4 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

Juice of 1/2 a lemon 1/2 packet ranch seasoning kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper Ranch dressing, for drizzling

Chopped fresh chives, for garnish Directions

2. Thread potatoes on skewers and grill until tender and lightly charred, 15 minutes.

3. Drizzle with ranch and garnish with chives.

Cheddar Bacon Ranch Corn Yields: 10 Prep Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

1/2 c. (1 stick) Butter, softened 1 packet ranch seasoning

Freshly ground black pepper 10 ears corn 2 c. shredded Cheddar 6 slices cooked bacon, finely crumbled

Sweet Tea Sangria Yields: 6 servings Prep Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

1 750-ml. bottle white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc 4 c. sweet tea 1/4 c. triple sec 2 c. sliced frozen peaches 2 c. raspberries 1. In a pitcher, combine wine, sweet tea, triple sec, frozen peaches and raspberries and stir until combined. Refrigerate until chilled.

2. Serve garnished with mint.

See BBQ, page 14

6 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

S E P T E M B E R 5, 2021

N E W S F E AT U R E

Are you ready for some football (parties)?

By Caleb Lunetta Signal Senior Staff Writer

T

hey say football stole Sunday from the church, so it’s best to make your NFL season kickoff party count.

This year, the National Football League is starting its season Sept. 9, so whether you’re gearing up for a weekday party or a weekend-long celebration that starts with Friday night lights, the time is almost upon us. And the time to start getting ready is now.

As the coolers emerge, the party trays are taken from storage and televisions are re-aligned, be prepared for when guests come over.

Invitations

According to local party planners, nothing says “we’re having a great event” like sending out invitations beforehand, regardless of if you’re sending them to fellow supporters of your team or fans of your arch-rivals.

“First of all, you’re not going to want to send your invitations out a week before, you want (your guests) to know more than a week in advance,” said Ali Brown, the owner of Touch of Gray Event Rentals & Design.

“Invitations in advance, especially whether or not they’re more decorative,” said Amy Spalding, owner of Event Highlights. “Or if you really want to go all out, ask people to dress for their teams, give out a prize for the biggest fanatic at the party.”

The invitation, Brown said, not only lets people know what to wear, but it also alludes to a far more important detail: food and drink.

“The difference is in terms of the formality of the event — not meaning necessarily that this is a formal event — but when you’re sending out an invitation, you’re now hosting the party,” said Brown, went commenting on the difference between creating an invitation and sending it out versus is sending out a text message to some friends in a group chat. “You are now the host and in my professional opinion, you’re then providing everything for the party; guests are just showing up to have a nice time.”

“If you’re just sending out a group message, it’s much more casual,” Brown added. “Maybe you’re bringing a six pack of beer, they’re pitching in maybe on providing food, bringing some snacks.”

The invitations play into the next two portions, according to the experts: pulling the theme through and being prepared.

Preparation and Theme

“Pull your theme all the way through, meaning if it’s going to be based on the color of your favorite team, you can pull that all the way through with small details,” said Brown. “In your bathroom, if you have like colored napkins or a colored floral arrangement or something in there is a nice tough. If you have a little bar, have a bar sign with just kind

Throwing a good football party starts with the invitation, according to the experts, especially at a time when people are especially cautious and concerned about gatherings. It’s also vital to make sure all your snack bases are covered. (MC)

of what you have available.”

“You’re pulling the theme all the way through from start to finish, from the invitation all the way through down to the smallest detail,” said Brown.

Additionally, this theme can be present even in the presentation around the living room and television.

“If you’re going to decorate, keep it simple,” said Jeannie Wagner, a former party planner in the Santa Clarita Valley. “Put a couple of maybe some footballs on the table, maybe some mini footballs sprinkled around.”

Preparation, according to Brown, is critical in order to get the job done and “pulling the theme through.”

“It’s always about preparation, preparing things in advance, so that you’re able to enjoy your own event, which I think is the hardest thing for people to do when they throw an event,” said Brown. “It’s because people are always busy working getting the food ready and things like that. So have everything prepared in advance so you’re not trying to cook or make food while you’re trying to enjoy the party.”

Food & entertainment

No party for the big game is really complete without some offering of food — whether it be chips or hors d’oeuvre with a main course. And for those old enough, beer and alcohol can be synonymous with having fun during the game, should it

be enjoyed responsibly.

“I will tell you that for any Super Bowl party (or game day party), food and lots of alcohol,” said Wagner. “I would say you do chips, chili dips, bowls of whatever, have it out for people to snack on.”

Wagner also suggested, in addition to finger foods, make sure there’s games such as cornhole or foosball or other types of alcohol and entertainment available so that those that aren’t necessarily engaged with the game can still have fun.

Brown even suggested searching out for companies that rent out those types of outdoor games, and Spalding suggested making themed foods and deserts.

“My family, there are a lot of University of Nebraska fans, and so we do a lot of red Rice Krispies treats, just to make it fun and everything,” said Spalding.

Other suggestions for a fun party included coming up with a betting pool, having game prizes throughout, and putting television(s) were everyone can see them easily while still being able to enjoy the game at the level they want to.

But whether using a cooler or a fridge, chips or steak kebabs, watching the game or not, keep the food refrigerated until ready to eat, the beer cold and make sure people get home safely.

Because it’s game time. 

S E P T E M B E R 5, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

N E W S F E AT U R E

Supporting community growth with gardens

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Senior Staff Writer

M

any at-home hobbies like baking and sewing started to see a resurgence as the last year’s quarantine got underway, more and more are also getting outside in their homes with gardening.

As the economy reopens and many get back to work and school, however, it looks like the gardening trend is here to stay.

Bringing a school’s garden back to life

It was after Valencia High School junior Connor Lee saw the school’s garden was in disarray that he knew he had to do something.

Connor’s brother Tim created the garden as his Eagle Scout project a couple of years ago, so Connor said he was disappointed to see it with vandalized fences and plant beds unkept, after the pandemic left the school grounds closed for about a year.

“I wanted to get it ready for the first day of school,” Connor said, adding that he hoped it could once again provide fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as be a place for both staff and students to come relax.

Connor broke ground on the project July 3, working hard over the next month in order to get the garden ready before school began Aug. 10.

While Connor did most of the work himself, he also had some help from his family, including Tim, his sister Emily and parents Susan and Mark.

“We didn’t go to Hawaii, but our whole family got tan,” Susan said, joking, adding that she was very proud of Connor’s hard work.

Overall, Connor put in additional drainage and irrigation, built new raised planters with galvanized metal and redwood, re-stained the fence and installed pavers donated by Marina Landscaping.

“We made it more of a ‘garden’ … (but) my product was a rough draft and his was the final draft,” Tim said of his brother’s completed renovation.

“I’m proud of him. … He’s put a lot of work in. When I started the garden, I never thought it would come out to look so professional like something you see on HGTV.”

Tim Lee, right, assists his younger brother Connor at the Valencia High School garden (inset) that Connor renovated over the summer. PHOTO BY BOBBY BLOCK / THE SIGNAL

Through the process, teachers and staff who were getting ready for school to start motivated him to keep working with their encouraging comments, Connor added.

“A lot of teachers have ideas for what’s going to happen … like the culinary teacher came by and really likes the idea of growing a lot more fresh produce for the students to use,” Connor said.

Of those supporting Connor’s work was Assistant Principal David Miles, who said it’s great to see a student put forth so much dedication.

“I just think it’s really cool how his family’s gotten involved on campus, and the product is fantastic — even better than we could have imagined,” Miles said.

Miles said the garden will be valuable to the whole school, both students and staff.

“I just really appreciate the vision for a space that people can go and just relax,” Miles added. “I think at schools it’s tempting to look at spaces just to be functional … but to have a space where it’s functional for the ability to grow things, but also to have a space for reflection is just so important and powerful right now.”

It’s the support Connor received from both his family and school staff

that helped to push him, he said, adding, “I’m extremely proud of this. I learned a lot of different lessons.”

Of those lessons was perseverance to keep going, though tired both mentally and physically of working on the garden in the triple-digit, summer heat, Connor added.

And it’s some of these lessons Connor hopes to take with him as he starts his junior year and begins to focus on preparing for college.

Digging into gardening

As Connor tackled the garden renovation, he sought advice and inspiration from the Community Gardens of Santa Clarita, located at Central Park, which is another local gardening asset to the SCV. The 1.29-acre garden has been around for more than 10 years, and is a great asset for the community, especially those with small yards, consisting of 144 plots of 10-by-20-foot plots cut in half to accommodate more gardeners, of which the garden has 70 or 80, according to Mark Hershey, president of the Garden Council.

The garden and its council strive to create a community facility where individuals can come together to promote the benefits of locally grown, organic food, Hershey explained.

“The garden’s very productive,” Hershey said. “It’s wonderful out there.”

The garden has two growing seasons, and is currently coming to the end of the summer season and is set to transition to winter crop soon.

While there are tools and other supplies available to gardeners, each gardener is responsible for taking care and choosing their own crops, of which more than 50% are simply required to be vegetables, as well as amendments.

Gardeners are also required to do 12 hours of volunteer work at the garden per year, such as watering, weeding, mulching or digging holes for pipes.

The garden is typically locked, but the public is welcome to visit and are allowed in by gardeners, when possible.

Additionally, the garden has two tool sheds, a greenhouse, small orchard of fruit trees, butterfly garden, chicken coop with 20 range-free chickens, owl and bluebird boxes, as well as two outreach plots where everything grown is donated to the SCV Food Pantry.

Interested gardeners are invited to join the waitlist on the garden’s website at communitygardensofsantaclarita. org. 

8 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

S E P T E M B E R 5, 2021

N E W S F E AT U R E

Getting charged up about electric vehicles

By Kev Kurdoghlian Signal Staff Writer

D

on’t let the silence fool you. Electric vehicles (EV) may not make a lot of noise, but they do pack a lot of fun.

That’s according to David Jay. The Canyon Country resident started driving his Tesla Model 3 three years ago, after waiting two years for his new car to arrive.

“It’s been worth the wait,” Jay remembered thinking after receiving his first electric vehicle in 2018.

“I mean this car is amazing.”

Jay said the Model 3 is fast — a point he uses to explain the benefits of driving an electric vehicle to others.

“All I have to do is give them a ride in my car and they’re sold,” he said, noting that his passengers are impressed by the car’s torque. “There’s some people who say ‘I like the growl of an engine,’ and then I give them a ride in my car and they’re all ‘screw the growl of the engine.’”

Maintenace, Jay said, or rather the lack of it, is another benefit.

“The only maintenance that it has is like windshield wiper fluid, tires and brakes, and that’s it.

There (are) no oil changes, there (are) no smog checks. It’s zero maintenance,” he said.

Transitioning to sustainable transportation is important to Jay, too. He said he has solar panels and Tesla batteries on his home, which allows him to charge his Tesla without relying on a polluting non-renewable energy source.

“I grew up at a time, in the 70s, when I went to elementary school and ... they would actually cancel recess and they would have recess inside because of third stage smog alerts in Los Angeles,” he said.

Recalling memories of brown skies making it difficult to breathe and blurring views of the downtown Los Angeles skyline, Jay said he’s glad emissions standards have improved.

“Over the years emissions have gotten a lot better, but zero emissions are way better,” he said.

Reaching zero emissions has recently gotten attention at the national level.

President Joe Biden announced this April “a set of initial steps on the path (to) the President’s goal of a national network of 500,000 chargers to support convenient and affordable travel by drivers of zero emission vehicles across the whole country.”

Sales of hybrid electric vehicles, which use both gasoline and electricity for power, have climbed from 9,350 cars in 2000 to 400,476 cars sold in 2019, with a peak of nearly 500,000 cars in 2013, according to data from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Plug-in electric vehicles sales, meanwhile, have grown from 17,763 cars in 2011 to 326,644 in 2019, with a peak of 361,315 cars sold in 2018. California alone makes up 42% of all registered electric vehi-

Frontier Toyota carries a number of hybrid vehicles in its line, including the Corolla (pictured) Prius, RAV 4, Camry, Highlander, Avalon, Sienna and Venza. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

cles in the country, as of Dec. 31, 2020.

Jay is part of that growing community, which has local support in Santa Clarita. He’s a member of the Santa Clarita Electric Vehicle Group, a Facebook community answering questions and sharing information about electric vehicles and working to add more electric charging stations.

As of Aug. 1, the Tesla Owners Club of Santa Clarita Valley became an officially sanctioned club

by Tesla, thanks to Jay and six others. Jay said the group is holding its first EVs and coffee event on Sep. 18.

“It’s not going to be for Teslas only. We’re going to welcome all EVs, because it’s our main goal to promote EV adoption and accelerate the transition to sustainable energy,” he said.

Frontier Toyota has played a significant role in that transition since the first Toyota hybrid vehicles arrived at the Valencia dealership in 2000.

“We were early adaptors, if you will, and it’s been great to watch,” said Bob Corson, the general manager of Frontier Toyota. “It’s amazing technology.”

Corson said he currently carries several hybrid models, including the Prius, Corolla, RAV 4, Camry, Highlander, Avalon, Sienna and Venza.

“Up until now, the demand for the hybrid seems to be the prevailing wish for a customer because of the fact that they weren’t completely reliant on electricity only,” he said. “But now that demand is

starting to shift a little bit more toward all-electric vehicles.”

Corson said all-electric vehicles have become more acceptable, noting Santa Clarita has been ahead of the curve in accepting hybrid and electric vehicles.

“We’re expecting — hopefully more than a few options — full electric vehicles within the next year,” he said.

Nationally, the hybrid Toyota RAV 4 alone made up nearly a quarter of hybrid vehicle sales in 2019, and the Toyota Prius Plug-in Electric Vehicle was second only in sales to the Tesla Model 3.

“The technology is very well tested and true Toyota was the first to come up with hybrid technology,” Corson said. “It’s extremely safe, extremely reliable and extremely efficient.”

Learn more about the electric vehicle community in Santa Clarita by searching for Santa Clarita Electric Vehicle Group (EV) on Facebook. The Tesla Owners Club of Santa Clarita Valley is on Facebook @TeslaSCV and Twitter @TeslaOwnersSCV. Frontier Toyota is located at 23621 Creekside Road, Valencia, CA 91355. They can be reach online at FrontierToyota.com or by phone at (877) 5999961. 

S E P T E M B E R 5, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

No plans? Have a Labor Day staycation

By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager

W

ith Labor Day being tomorrow, the unofficial end of summer has finally arrived. Residents throughout Santa Clarita are coming back from one last vacation or trip to see family and friends before fully settling back into a daily school and work routine. If you opted to stay local for the long holiday weekend, there is still plenty to do right here in our City.

While the temperatures have been lingering around the 100-degree mark for much of the summer, it is always a chilly 54 degrees inside The Cube. Why not cheer on the competitors in the 2021 Summer Youth Hockey Tournament?

The USA Hockey sanctioned event is in full force this weekend, with final games taking place today and Monday, Sept. 6. The event features some of the best youth hockey teams (8 and under through 16 and under) from throughout the region and beyond.

You can head on over to The Cube to catch some of the action and cheer on these talented athletes, especially those playing for our local Santa Clarita club teams!

You can check the schedule of games at TheCubeSantaClarita.com/LaborDay. The Santa Clarita Aquatic Center will be open on Labor Day for recreational and mid-day lap swim. Beat the heat by splashing around in the dive pool or take a turn on the waterslide during recreational swim or reserve a block of time to get a refreshing workout in the lap pool.

You can see the full schedule for Labor Day and register in advance by visiting santa-clarita.com/ Aquatics.

Of course, open space in the City of Santa Clarita is also ripe for exploration, whether you are on foot, two wheels or horseback. There are thousands of acres of open space and dozens of miles of trails throughout the hills that surround the Santa Clarita Valley.

Trails range in length and intensity, so there is something for everyone, allowing you to get unrivaled views of the City and the surrounding area.

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Please ensure you pack adequate supplies, including snacks, water, a hat and sunblock so that you can remain hydrated and energized while protecting yourself from the heat and sun.

Please remember to follow all posted signage and trail etiquette. Motorized vehicles are prohibited at all times and dogs must remain on a leash.

When it comes to sharing the trail, cyclists must yield to hikers and both groups must always yield to equestrians.

Learn more and map out your next adventure at HikeSantaClarita.com.

Most importantly this weekend — stay safe and have fun! Do something that you and your family love to do while also keeping in mind that your friends and neighbors are doing the same. This means that you should expect more people out and about, walking and driving in Santa Clarita.

With all there is to do in Santa Clarita this Labor Day, I hope that you and your loved ones have a safe and enjoyable weekend.

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. 

1 0 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

S E P T E M B E R 5, 2021

SENIORLIVING

Studies: Bone health goes beyond just calcium

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E

xperts have found better alternatives to increasing bone density than calcium alone.

Approximately half of all adults aged 50 and older are at risk of breaking a bone, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

Even seemingly safe activities such as exercising and driving can become troublesome for individuals with osteoporosis. Debilitating fractures and long-term issues are frequent outcomes of weak and brittle bones.

In fact, 50% of people who break their hips never fully heal, 10% end up in nursing homes, and 33% die within a year of their initial fracture Rheumatologist and internist Dr. Adam Kreitenberg explains, “Many people don’t realize they have bone density issues until they experience a fall or fracture. The goal is to build strong and healthy bones before it’s too late.”

Calcium’s benefits, such as gaining bone mass and increasing bone density, have been well-documented for many years. So, why are recent studies revealing an increase in osteoporosis in the United States, particularly among women?

According to a recent clinical study published in The Journal of Orthopaedic Science, calcium needs to combine with vitamin D3 and other key nutrients in order to support bone density.

However, not just any calcium will do; a highly absorbable form of calcium, such as calcium hydroxyapatite, is recommended since it is bioidentical to the calcium already found in your body.

When calcium hydroxyapatite is combined with vitamin D3, studies show that bone density is increased and the rate of bone loss is reduced.

It may also aid in the prevention of osteoporosis.

Hogne Vik, M.D., scientist and chief medical officer of NattoPharma, has also been working on cutting-edge research surrounding the role of vitamin K2 in helping support bone health.

Dr. Vik explains, “Countless clinical studies are showing that our bodies require the presence of vitamin K2 to absorb calcium properly. That’s because Vitamin K2 is the only compound that can direct calcium to the appropriate places: your bones and teeth.”

Nattopharma created a patented and effective version of MK-7, MenaQ7® — the only clinically studied form of vitamin K2 available on the market that delivers optimal bone health support.

In one study, healthy postmenopausal women took a daily 180mcg dose of MenaQ7 over a 3-year period.

Participants experienced a significant improvement in bone mineral content and density. Their rate of bone degradation slowed by about 50%.

“In my rheumatology practice, I combine complementary treatments, such as diet and weight bearing exercises with an advanced medicinal treatment, OsteoMD,” Dr. Kreitenberg explains. “This is a powerful bone support therapy based on emerging clinical data, and my patients are already noticing the difference it is making in their day-to-day lives.” (BPT) 

S E P T E M B E R 5, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1

Flavor and nutrition despite busy schedules

A

s kids and parents return to busy schedules full of sports, homework and weeknight activities, building a plan for nutritious and easy meals can be challenging. Piecing together a menu that fuels active minds without spending hours in the kitchen is a common goal for many families.

These recipes require minimal prep and call for on-hand ingre­dients like dairy food favorites that provide nutrients people of all ages need to grow and maintain strong bodies.

Whether you enjoy it together in the morning before getting the day started or mix it up with breakfast for dinner, this Sustainable Frittata is called “sustainable” because you can use leftover cheeses, veggies, ham, sausage and more to recycle ingredients you already have on hand.

For a customizable kid-pleaser, turn to Chopped Chicken Taco Salad and garnish with your family’s favorite toppings. Make supper a cinch with Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese, which lets you put the work in the hands of your slow cooker for a versatile dish that can be served when homework is finished.

Visit milkmeansmore.org to find more recipes perfect for bringing loved ones together. (Family Features) 

Chopped Chicken Taco Salad Recipe courtesy of Megan Gundy of “What Megan’s Making” on behalf of Milk Means More Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Servings: 4

Dressing

1 cup plain Greek yogurt 1/3 cup buttermilk 1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed lime juice 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro 2 tablespoons taco seasoning

Salad

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts 2 tablespoons taco seasoning 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 head leaf lettuce, chopped 1 avocado, chopped into bite-sized pieces 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed 1 cup corn 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, chopped 1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Mexican)

tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips, for topping To make dressing In small bowl, stir yogurt, buttermilk, lime juice, cilantro and taco seasoning until combined. Taste and adjust lime juice and cilantro as needed. If dressing is too thick, add buttermilk 1 teaspoon

Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese Recipe courtesy of Rachel Gurk of “Rachel Cooks” on behalf of Milk Means More Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 2 hours Servings: 8 16 ounces elbow pasta

FOOD

at a time until desired consistency is reached. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

To make salad Season chicken on both sides with taco seasoning. Heat large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Add chicken to pan and cook on both sides until outside is golden brown and chicken

4 tablespoons butter 3 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese 2 cups whole milk 12 ounces evaporated milk 1/2 cup light sour cream 2 large eggs, beaten 3/4 teaspoon ground mustard

pepper, to taste 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese 8 ounces grated provolone cheese Cook pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain and pour into large slow cooker.

In small saucepan over medium heat, whisk butter and cream cheese until melted. Stir in milk, evaporated milk and sour cream; whisk until combined. Remove from heat; whisk in eggs, ground mustard and pepper, to taste.

Stir in cheeses. Pour mixture over cooked macaroni and stir to combine cheese and pasta.

Cover and cook 2 hours on low. Switch to warm until ready to serve. 

is cooked through. Remove to cutting board and slice into strips.

On large platter, heap chopped lettuce. Sprinkle chicken over top. Add avocado, beans, corn, tomatoes and shredded cheese. Drizzle dressing on top and sprinkle with tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips. 

Roasted Red Pepper and Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe courtesy of Katie Serbinski of “Mom to Mom Nutrition” on behalf of Milk Means More 4 slices French or Italian bread 3 tablespoons prepared pesto 2 large roasted red peppers 4 slices mozzarella cheese 2 tablespoons butter, softened Preheat skillet or grill pan over medium-low heat.

Spread insides of bread slices evenly with pesto. Stack red peppers and mozzarella cheese.

Spread outer sides of bread with softened butter and grill until toasted and cheese is melted, about 5 minutes per side.

Rest 1 minute before cutting. 

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S E P T E M B E R 5, 2021

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

Martin, Short, Gomez shine in ‘Only Murders in the Building’

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘Only Murders In The Building’

(out of four)

A 10-episode series premiering with three episodes on Hulu.

I

t’s always pretty cool when they have one of those all-star, multigenerational sessions at the Kennedy Center Honors or the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony or the Grammys, with pop/rock/ soul pioneers from the 1960s and 1970s jamming with musicians half their age. They come from different generations and different worlds, but what they have in common is a love for what they do — and of course they can all play.

We get the acting equivalent of that in the 10-part Hulu comedy/drama crime series “Only Murders in the Building,” a whip-smart and wryly observational gem starring longtime amigos and frequent collaborators, the 76-year-old Steve Martin and the 71-year-old Martin Short, who are as sharp and funny and brilliant as we’d expect them to be. The two comedic legends are joined by Selena Gomez in what turns out to be inspired casting. The 29-year-old Gomez is a true co-star in the series and does a superb job of meshing with Martin and Short to form one of the more entertaining albeit unlikely friendship trios in recent memory. They’re just a ball to watch together.

The tone is set for “Only Murders” in the opening credits sequence, which looks like a series of New Yorker covers turned to animation.

Martin (who co-created the series with John Hoffman) plays Charles Hayden-Savage, who had a long and lucrative run as “Detective Brazzos” on a TV crime show in the 1990s, but hasn’t worked much since. Short is Oliver Putnam, a pompous theater director who had some hits back in the day but is best known for his notorious flop, “Splash! The Musical,” which had a disastrous opening when the hydraulics designed to open the stage and reveal a gigantic swimming pool failed — and the unwitting chorus dancers wound up landing with one splat after another

PHOTO COURTESY IMDB

on the stage. (Chorus dancers tend to blindly follow one another, notes Oliver.) Gomez is Mabel, a quirky loner who is haunted by her past.

They all live in the Arconia, a posh Manhattan co-op, but they don’t really know each other until a fire alarm evacuates the building and they wind up sitting at the same table in a restaurant across the street — and all three turn out to be huge fans of the sensational hit true-crime podcast “All is Not OK in Oklahoma” (the host is played by Tina Fey in a fantastic extended cameo). When it’s revealed a young man named Tim Kono has been found shot dead in his apartment in the Arconia, the police quickly rule it a suicide — but Charles, Oliver and Mabel think it could be murder, and they decide to team up to investigate the crime, and, of course, chronicle their adventures in their very own podcast.

Let the hijinks begin, with twists and turns around every corner.

Mabel is the best investigator of the bunch, coming up with some great clues and key pieces of evidence, while Oliver is more concerned with reviving his career as the producer of the podcast, with Charles as the narrator and Oliver giving him notes such as, “[This sounds] like a Ken Burns documentary on the history of boredom.” Meanwhile, the Arconia is filled with colorful characters who might also be suspects, including

Sting in a wonderfully self-effacing turn as, well, Sting; Nathan Lane as a chicken-wrap mogul who has bankrolled a number of Oliver’s stage productions and is now the sponsor of the podcast, and Amy Ryan as a bassoonist and possible love interest for Charles, who has been alone for many years.

The title of the series comes from an exchange when it’s learned there’s been a murder in the park and perhaps the podcast should expand to include that crime, but the trio decides the series must be about “only murders in the building.”

That kind of deadpan humor runs throughout the series, but there are also moments of genuine emotion and heart, as we learn the backstories of all three main characters. True, they didn’t meet under the best circumstances, but these were three lonely souls who found each other at just the right time — and now they’re podcast buddies, and maybe even crime-solvers as well.

‘Clickbait’



An eight-part series available now on Netflix.

T

here’s binge-watching, and there’s cringe-watching.

With binge-watching, you click on the first episode of “Mare of Easttown” or “Bridgerton” or “Euphoria” or “The Queen’s Gambit,” and you’re instantly drawn in by the production values, the quality of the writing, the excellence of the performances — and you’re rarely disappointed by the entire journey.

Cringe-watching is when you try out a series and it’s filled with implausible plot turns and soap-opera cliffhangers from the jump — but you can’t help it, you have to see this thing through. Sometimes you get a legit wine-and-popcorn, guilty-pleasure satisfaction from these shows.

Sometimes not.

In the case of the Netflix social media-themed series “Clickbait,” it’s a “not.”

Despite a gimmicky but admittedly attention-getting opening hook, some stylishly rendered visuals and the best efforts of the talented cast, this is the kind of show that grows

increasingly desperate to hold our interest until the mystery is solved — and then throws a cold towel in our face by revealing a major character made an absolute howler of a decision at a pivotal moment in the story, a decision so ridiculous it undercuts everything we’ve seen until that moment.

In the opening chapter of the eightpart series, handsome family man and good guy Nick Brewer (Adrian Grenier) and his lovely and sweet wife, Sophie (Betty Gabriel), along with their two teenage sons, Ethan (Cameron Engels) and Kai (Jaylin Fletcher), are celebrating the birthday of Nick’s mom at the Brewer home when Nick’s younger sister Pia (Zoe Kazan) makes a mess of things by showing up late, tipsy and confrontational. Fed up with years of Pia’s antics, Nick kicks her out of the house and says he wants her out of his life.

The next morning, Nick goes missing — and he goes viral. Battered and bruised, he appears in an online video, holding up handwritten signs that say, “I ABUSE WOMEN” and “AT 5 MILLION VIEWS I DIE.” (In a later video, he holds up a sign saying, “I KILLED A WOMAN.”) Is it some sort of sick prank? A deepfake video?

Turns out Nick didn’t show up for his job as a physical therapist for a college women’s volleyball team in Oakland, and nobody has heard from him since he left a late-night message for Pia apologizing for his outburst and telling her they need to talk. Is it possible Nick really did hurt women and actually committed murder? Is this some sort of elaborate revenge plot by a crazed stalker? There’s no evidence of Nick straying from his marriage or hurting anyone, let alone committing murder — or is there?

It’s an intriguing setup, and we get the expected conversations about the sometimes-toxic nature of the internet, as the views start piling up and many commenters express their certainty Nick is guilty and should burn for his crimes. There’s even a plot involving a tracking app that allows for hundreds of citizen detectives to stake out various patches of land in Oakland and then ping that area if they don’t find anything, thus narrowing the search for Nick.

S E P T E M B E R 5, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

E N T E R TA I N M E N T Each episode of “Clickbait” follows the developing mystery from a different viewpoint. “The Detective” focuses on Roshan Amir (Phoenix Raei), a cop who becomes close with the Brewer family, even as he faces his own domestic strife. In “The Wife,” we learn Sophie’s relationship with Nick was far from perfect. “The Mistress” introduces one Emma Beesley (Jessica Collins), who claims she was in love with Nick, while “The

Reporter” is mostly about a tabloid “journalist” (Abraham Lim) who doesn’t think twice about breaking the law if it means he’ll get the scoop that breaks this case wide open.

It’s an interesting approach, with some storylines more intriguing than others — and some quickly falling by the wayside in red-herring fashion. At least a half-dozen possible suspects are introduced, as it appears Nick had multiple affairs

under assumed names via various online dating apps. Meanwhile, nearly every time there’s a sensational development and the police rush to a possible crime scene, the cops allow the hysterical and pesky Pia to accompany them, which would NOT happen in anything approaching the real world.

“Clickbait” has a suitably noirish look and a few neat wrinkles, but far too often, we branch out

and fall down too many different rabbit holes. There’s an abundance of characters, but many of them are thinly drawn or pop up out of nowhere in arbitrary fashion just to advance the storyline. The cast turns in solid work and we appreciate the ambition and scope and timeliness of the subject matter, but the payoff is delivered in currency that’s pure counterfeit. 

Copyright 2020 Chicago Sun-Times

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S E P T E M B E R 5, 2021

H O L I D AY

What is Rosh Hashanah?

R

osh Hashanah is an important holiday on the Jewish calendar.

According to the Jewish National Fund, Rosh Hashanah marks the Jewish New Year and is a celebration of the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve. Adherents to the Jewish faith wish each other a good, sweet year ahead on Rosh Hashanah, a day that is steeped in tradition.

One such tradition is the sounding of the shofar, which the JNF notes is representative of the trumpet blast that sounded the coronation of kings. The sounding of the shofar also symbolizes a call to repentance.

The shofar itself is a ram’s horn that calls to mind the story of the Blinding of

Isaac, an event that occurred on Rosh Hashanah and involved a ram taking Isaac’s place as an offering to God. Of course, no celebration of Rosh Hashanah, which takes place over two days, is complete without a festive meal.

Foods served during Rosh Hashanah celebrations tend to be sweet and are meant to symbolize hopes for an enjoyable year ahead.

In addition, the JNF says it is customary on Rosh Hashanah to eat foods with names that allude to blessing and prosperity. (MC) 

makes a tall cake and your springform should be deep enough to hold all of the batter. It also makes for easy slicing and no need to turn you cake upside down so that they beautiful apples are presented on top. Drizzle a little caramel on the slices or serve with freshly whipped cream.

Yields: 10 Servings Prep Time: 0 Hours 10 Mins Total Time: 1 Hour 30 Mins

Ingredients

Cinamon Apple Cake

T

his cake looks much more difficult to make than it actually is. Spiraling the apples on top will guarantee it’s the most elegant looking dessert in the room.

Slice the apples as thinly as you can, about 1/4” thick to make sure the apples are tender as they cake is cooked through.

A springform pan is very helpful here as this

Cooking spray 2 apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

Juice of 1/2 a lemon 1/2 c. lightly packed brown sugar, plus 2 tbsp.

1 3/4 c. all-purpose flour 3/4 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. kosher salt 2 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 tsp. nutmeg 1/2 c. (1 stick) butter, softened 1 c. granulated sugar 2 large eggs 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract 3/4 c. milk

Coarse sugar, for sprinkling

Fresh mint, for garnish

Directions

Preheat oven to 350° and grease a 9” springform pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl toss together apples, lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons brown sugar.

In a large bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

In another large bowl using hand mixer (or in the bowl of a stand mixer), beat together butter, granulated sugar, and remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time beating well after each addition. Add vanilla and mix until combined.

Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined. Pour in milk and mix until fully incorporated. Add remaining dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

Pour batter into prepared pan and arrange apples on top in a spiral, overlapping layers slightly. Sprinkle with coarse sugar.

Bake until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean, about 1 hour. Let cool 20 minutes

BBQ

Continued from page 5

Sticky Grilled Chicken Yields: 4 servings Prep Time: 10 minutes Set aside 1/4 cup marinade.

Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes

4. Add chicken to a large resealable plastic bag and pour in remaining marinade. Let marinate in the fridge at least 2 hours or up to overnight.

Ingredients 1/2 c. low-sodium soy sauce 1/2 c. balsamic vinegar 3 tbsp. honey 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 green onions, thinly sliced 2 1/2 lb. chicken drumsticks

Vegetable oil, for grill 2 tbsp. sesame seeds, for garnish

Directions 3. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, and green onions.

5. When ready to grill, heat grill to high. Oil grates and grill chicken, basting with reserved marinade and turning every 3 to 4 minutes, until charred and cooked through, 24 to 30 minutes total.

6. Garnish with sesame seeds before serving. 

S E P T E M B E R 5, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

H E A LT H & B E A U T Y

Contacts-related eye infections pose a significant threat

T

he contact lens industry is booming. According to the market research experts at Grand View Research, Inc., the global contact lens market size was estimated at nearly $13 billion in 2019, and that market is expected to expand significantly by 2027.

Contact lenses are an option for people who need corrective eyewear but don’t want to wear traditional eyeglasses.

Contact lenses have become so popular that it’s easy to overlook the risks they pose, and many wearers have acknowledged they routinely engage in behaviors that put them at risk of contact lens-related eye infection.

One study published in the Center for Disease Control and Prevention journal Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report in 2014 found that 99% of contact lens wearers reported at least one behavior that puts them at risk for an eye infection related to

their use of contact lenses. The CDC also notes that 20% of patients with contact lens-related corneal infections suffered eye damage as a result.

Two of the more significant threats to the eye health of contact lens wearers are microbial keratitis and corneal inflammatory events. Thankfully, adverse side effects like MK and CIEs are often preventable.

Proper handwashing prior to handling contact lenses is a simple and effective way for wearers to reduce

their risk for contact lens-related eye infections.

Proper handwashing involves washing hands thoroughly with a mild soap, rinsing them completely and then drying them with a lint-free towel prior to inserting or removing lenses from the eyes.

As simple as that may sound, many contact lens wearers have acknowledged they routinely disregard these guidelines when handling their lenses. In fact, a 2017 survey of 950

contact lens wearers sponsored by CooperVision found that while 88% of respondents believed bacteria on fingers could transfer to their eyes during lens insertion, 41% still did not wash their hands prior to insertion.

That’s a big mistake, as a 2015 study published in the visual science journal Eye found that the risk of MK was 13 times higher for wearers who didn’t wash their hands prior to handling their lenses compared to those who did. The College of Optometrists notes that MK is a potentially severe, sight-threatening condition, which underscores the importance of adhering to basic contact lens safety practices like handwashing prior to handling.

Many people who need corrective eyewear prefer contact lenses to traditional eyeglasses. Though contact lenses are safe, much of that safety rests in the hands of the wearers themselves. (MC) 

1 6 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

S E P T E M B E R 5, 2021

HOME

Illuminating ideas for hanging string lights in your backyard

S

o, you’ve created the backyard of your dreams and love everything about it — except that seeing your surroundings can sometimes be a challenge once the sun’s gone down. As the days grow shorter and we head into fall, it’s one of the best times of year to enhance your backyard life at night.

While hiring someone to install outdoor lighting can be really expensive and involved, patio string lights are a simple, cost-effective solution. Best of all, you can create a look that reflects your style using any number of patterns.

In a recent episode of “Done-In-A-Weekend Projects” called “Light Up Your Life,” expert landscape designer Doug Scott demonstrated how to hang string lights, as well as discussed what to consider before, and while, doing so. Here are his steps for adding fun, personality and light to your outdoor living and dining spaces: 1. First determine how long your string lights need to be and how many strands you’ll need. The only other materials you’ll need for this project are appropriate, outdoor-grade hardware (such as cup hooks or a similar fastener) and possibly an extension cord.

2. Next you’ll want to sketch your design to make

able to make light connections in discreet places, ideally where they connect to the wall, post or tree.

“Having a connection in the middle of a swag won’t be the end of the world, but you’ll want to minimize this as much as possible,” says Scott.

sure you capture what you’re going for and second, to ensure you’re purchasing the correct number and lengths of lights and hooks. For a more relaxed look, you may want a crisscross or free-form pattern. For a more uniform look, you can simply hang lights across the center or around the perimeter of the space.

“Regardless, just make sure your design represents you and how you want to live outside,” says Scott.

3. When measuring your lights, be sure to add a few feet on each pass to allow for slack. One other thing you’ll want to consider is whether you’ll be

4. Install your hooks according to your plan. Then, hang your lights with the bulbs removed to decrease your chances of breaking them. You’ll also want to make sure that your first strand reaches an outlet, or you have an extension cord that will.

Once you’re satisfied with your general look, install one bulb in each strand to test that everything is working properly. If all is good, install the rest of the bulbs, light them up, then kick back and enjoy.

Need some inspiration to get started? A free downloadable guide from Exmark, which provides helpful illustrations and brief descriptions of five commonly used string light patterns, can be found by visiting Exmark’s Backyard Life at Exmark.com/ backyard. There you can also access other original video series, including “Prime Cuts” and “Dream Yards,” to help you make the most of your backyard.

With a few supplies and a little creativity, brightening your backyard and enhancing your backyard life at night can be a simple DIY project.

(SPT) 

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S E P T E M B E R 5, 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

Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup for the fall

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts; or 1 pound for a less-dense soup

M

ention “slow-cooker meals” and your mind no doubt drifts to chilly fall and winter weather eating. Mine, too, until my oldest son, Bjorn, took charge of dinner a few nights ago and ladled up bowlfuls of his tasty slow-cooker chicken tortilla soup.

Topped with crisp bean sprouts from the Asian market, cilantro from the garden and a handful of grated cheese and crushed chips, his version of Tex-Mex/Asian fusion made for healthy family fare.

It even gets better when considering the three-minute prep-time factor. No need to saute the chicken or chop vegetables ahead of time.

Simply let your kids open five cans of basic ingredients while you unwrap a package of fresh chicken breasts.

Dump all the food in the cooker,

Toppings: Grated Cheddar cheese Cilantro Mung Bean sprouts Tortilla Chips, crushed 1. Place all soup ingredients in a slow cooker and stir together lightly.

Cover, set slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours.

Granddog Cali sniffs out a bowl of Chicken Tortilla Soup. PHOTO BY DONNA ERICKSON

turn it to low, and soup’s on in 6 to 8 hours. It doesn’t get much easier than that!

Bjorn’s Slow-Cooker Chicken

Tortilla Soup

2 (14.5-ounce) cans stewed tomatoes 1 (15-ounce) can black beans 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chili peppers 1 (15-ounce) can chicken broth

2. When ready to serve, remove the cooked chicken and shred into bite-size pieces with a fork. Place the shredded chicken back in the slow cooker and stir. Cook for another hour if you wish, or ladle in large soup bowls.

3. Add toppings according to taste.

Serve with a green salad and enjoy fresh fruit for dessert. Makes 6 to 8 servings 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

S E P T E M B E R 5, 2021

CROSSWORD TIME

S E P T E M B E R 5, 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.

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

READERLETTERS

‘I Have a Plan...’

On Oct. 15, 2020, Joe Biden tweeted the following: “We’re eight months into this pandemic, and Donald Trump still doesn’t have a plan to get this virus under control. I do.”

This is not necessarily an indictment on the man who made such an ignorant statement, but on those who believed him. Leftists blame Trump supporters while ignoring vaccination rates in Black and Hispanic communities. It would be comical were it not such a serious topic.

Brian Richards Stevenson Ranch

Religion Questions Religion: that which can unite, divide or confuse us. Like Arthur Saginian, I was once agnostic. Unlike him, I now believe in the Creator God. When I was an agnostic, I had lost trust in the Christianity I believed in and practiced with so passion for many years. Due to a series of events, I began to have doubts about the existence of Jesus or God. Like Mr. Saginian, I questioned religious leaders. I attended services of various beliefs and followed a variety of New Age gurus. When I found my way back, I realized there are many ways people practice their faith, all believing they are the only true one, and I wondered if it were not possible that the Creator, when He saw the condition of humans, might have sent to different parts of the world a variety of souls taking into consideration the difference in customs.

Are all the “isms” wrong?

Are some right? Are all right in different ways or do they have it all wrong? Certainly there are similarities in some and differences in others. Does just believing result in salvation? Does atonement give us a pass to the great beyond and a better future life? Is karma the an-

swer? Must we suffer here to repay our transgressions from another lifetime?

I know with a degree of certainty that Jesus existed. I know Moses existed and I challenge Mr. Saginian to do as I once did. While traveling in Japan years ago I saw their grave markers. For Jesus it was a simple marker on a dirt mound. I was in awe since Japan is primarily Shinto and Buddhist. Interestingly, in that area a number of people do not have characteristic Japanese features but rather are blue-eyed and exhibit non-Japanese speech patterns and customs. They claim to be descendants of the one enshrined in the small tomb. Why Japan? The story of how these markers came to be in Japan is told in the ancient Takenouchi documents. Are these to be believed?

I’ve come to realize we don’t know much of anything for sure, but I feel it is essential that we imperfect humans have faith in someone or something greater than ourselves. Looking at society today it’s obvious some change is needed. I concur with Pastor David Hegg that we have become a society that demands we think and believe as they do and adopt their ideals and beliefs or we are wrong.

Perhaps we could begin by developing behavior that focuses not on what serves our own ends, desires and “rights,” but rather that which makes our world a better place by listening to and focusing on the needs of others. That we learn to live in love and harmony, accepting our differences and applauding our sameness, realizing being different is not wrong. Perhaps this could satisfy the religious among us as well as the agnostics and Mr. Saginian.

Norma Lindemann Santa Clarita Submit a Letter to the Editor

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

Why Does Anything Exist?

By David Hegg

P

erhaps the most essential question of all is this one: Why is there something instead of nothing? We wake up in the morning, open our eyes and the world is there.

Even before we awake, even before our senses begin importing data from the room around us, we have an abiding consciousness that we exist, and so do myriad other things.

Even beyond the material world, we know things exist like emotions, ideas, principles and processes. That we exist and there is something rather than nothing is undeniable. But the question is, why?

The academic study of origins tackles this question in scientific and philosophical ways. I can’t begin to do justice to the many elements involved in the theories. My purpose here is to suggest that the way you answer this fundamental question will ultimately determine your ethical bent.

There are only two options, really. One answer is to say that, while something does exist, we can’t fully explain how it came into existence in the first place, and that it doesn’t really matter since we live now and just need to make the best of it.

But this is really a dangerous head-in-thesand mentality built on a half-truth. The reality is that it does matter, and here’s why.

The fact that immaterial things exist – like love and truth and ideas – demands that we explain how they came to be.

This is especially necessary in light of the fact evolutionary theory has long posited that physical processes can only produce physical results. You can’t mix chemicals in a laboratory and come up with a test tube full of love, or a beaker full of imagination. You can’t do a brain scan and find creativity, emotion or any number of other immaterial realities. While you can discern their effects on physical parts of the brain and body, these immaterial things don’t subject themselves to the same processes as do the material.

Chief among the immaterial — what

we might call spiritual — elements of personhood are the values we carry. In every society we find value judgments of what is right and wrong, what constitutes love and hate, acceptance and disdain. But where did they come from? I maintain that answering this question is every bit as important as any other question of origins.

There is a second way to explain the existence of all things, and it takes into account the Law of Causality. That is, every effect has a cause. If we trace cause and effect backward, we either are trapped by an infinite regress, or we must believe that in the beginning of everything there was an uncaused, self-existent cause. Without this we end up with an infinite set of “and what caused that?” questions.

Further, if we look with open minds at our world, we must admit we see an intricacy that can’t be accounted for through random processes. The uncaused cause must have a high level of intelligence. And if we agree that the presence of immaterial things like love and truth exist, then we must also accept the possibility that they flow from the morality of the uncaused, intelligent cause.

Here’s the point: If we decide it really doesn’t matter how the immaterial things, like right, wrong, good and evil, got here, then we should not be surprised if the moral climate of every society decays over time. If there is no basis, no standard for ethical living outside of ourselves, then we will ultimately bend social conscience to fit our selfishness.

But, if there is an uncaused, intelligent, moral cause that has brought all things into existence, then we are not gods unto ourselves, but are ultimately responsible to the One who is. My belief is we have more freedom and are more satisfied when we acknowledge this, bend our will to the will of God, and live according to his ways rather than ours.

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

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