Sunday Signal December 19, 2021

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DECEMBER 19, 2021

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WHAT DO CHEFS EAT?

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D E C E M B E R 19, 2021

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D E C E M B E R 19, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES 4 4 What SCV chefs are cookin’ at home this holiday 5 Finding fun in the snow 6 Keeping kids happy at holiday get-togethers 7 Safely bringing home new pets this holiday FROM THE CITY MANAGER 8 8 The ‘Best of 2021’ HOLIDAY 9 9 Pouring a bit of holiday cheer ENTERTAINMENT 10 10 ‘Being the Ricardos:’ Drama and an essence of truth FOOD 11 11 It’s gingerbread time!

Soft Glazed Gingerbread Cookies CELEBRITY EXTRA 12 GIFT GUIDE 13 SENIOR LIVING 17 17 A Second Wind: Passing the Christmas Traditions torch HOME 18 18 Tips for planning a remodel HEALTH 19 19 What causes headaches?

KIDS & FAMILY 21 21 Donna’s Day: Get the kids involved in house cleaning Junior Whirl • Did You Know? • This Day in History PUZZLES 22 OPINION 23 SPECIALIZING IN PRECISION ELECTRONIC TUNE-UPS, FUEL INJECTION, IGNITION, SMOG CHECK, GENERAL AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR

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661-259-1234 The entire content of the Sunday Signal is copyrighted 2021 by Paladin Multi-Media Group, Inc. All submitted letters and columns are strictly the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of the publisher. All rights are reserved and no part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. If you would not like this delivered to your home, please call (661) 259-1000.

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D E C E M B E R 19, 2021

N E W S F E AT U R E

What would you find on these chefs’ holiday tables?

El Pueblo Restaurant Chef Estella Garcias

By Jose Herrera Signal Staff Writer

T

he holidays are upon us, and whether it’s a special meal with your family for Christmas or gatherings with friends for an unforgettable New Year’s party, food is an essential part of the experience, according to chefs in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Cherie McGraham

Smokehouse on Main owner Cherie McGraham worked as a Realtor before becoming the owner of the restaurant in 2018. She’s lived in the Agua Dulce community for more than 17 years.

She said she occasionally assists in the kitchen, and her signature dish for the holidays is a Mexican chicken corn chowder.

“I’m one of those people that doesn’t like traditional turkey for Christmas,” McGraham said.

“Everybody does it for Thanksgiving, and I don’t understand why everybody does it again for Christmas.”

Every year, she makes her chowder for a family and friends open house Christmas party at the Smokehouse. She has a section of the restaurant open for customers while another section is solely for her invited guests.

“People can come all day and all night,” McGraham said. “They can just stop by for an hour while they’re shopping or do something else, and have food and drinks.”

The chowder is like a soup, or almost like a stew, and she finishes it up with a garnish, she added.

“It’s just a big pot of chicken. If you can picture, a corn chowder that’s a little spicy and then after they serve it, we garnish it on top with chips, cilantro, onion and cheese. And there’s a lot of cheese in it,

Le Chene Owner Juan Alonso

Smokehouse on Main Owner Cherie McGraham

in the soup. It’s just really good,” McGraham said.

Aside from the chowder, McGraham includes a variety of dishes for her Christmas party, such as teriyaki chicken, and different types of soups, stews and meats.

“It’s different dishes that are appetizers, just so that (my guests) can have a little bit of a lot,” McGraham said. “People look forward to it and that makes my day.”

The Christmas party works great for McGraham because people trickle in throughout the day, and that gives her time to sit and talk with them.

“It makes it really nice for me not to have a roomful of people that all came at 1 p.m. and then I don’t have time to talk to them,” McGraham said.

Smokehouse on Main is located at 24255 Main St., Newhall 91321. For more information, visit smoke houseonmain.com.

“I feel happy and content (when I’m cooking with my family) because everyone’s there. My kids, my family is there,” Garcias said. “We are so ready for the holidays. We are more than prepared because it’s less than a week away.”

El Pueblo Restaurant is located at 24400 Walnut St, Newhall 91321. For more information, visit elpueblorestaurant.net.

Estella Garcias

Estella Garcias, a four-year chef at El Pueblo Restaurant, said she’s ready for the holiday parties.

Garcias cooks for the restaurant, which specializes in Mexican food. There she helps make a little bit of everything including tamales, different types of moles, huevos a la Mexicana, champurrado, gelatinas, panes (Mexican sweet bread), tortias hecho de mano, and enchiladas.

“When we first got this place, it was slow, but little by little we are getting clients,” Garcias said.

“Thank God, it’s getting better. With the food we are making, people are coming in.”

For the holidays, she and her family make homemade tamales, champurrado (a chocolate-based atole, a warm and thick Mexican beverage), atole de maiz (a traditional hot corn- and masa-based beverage) and other recipes.

Juan Alonso

Le Chene French Cuisine owner Juan Alonso purchased the restaurant in 1987. Since then, the already prominent restaurant has been a go-to special occasion restaurant for SCV residents and beyond.

“When I cook here, I have to follow certain guidelines, but when I cook at home I can go to the market and pick up anything. I can try new things,” Alonso said.

For the holidays, he cooks on a whim. He could go the market and pick up anything including chicken, rabbit, beef, pork and whatever his family wants to eat, he’ll make it.

“We try to eat something new every time,” Alonso said. “My goal is to make everybody happy.”

At home, there are no constraints, and “I’m free to experiment,” Alonso added.

This holiday season, chefs encourage others to cook with their families and try making their favorite, traditional meals or experiment, and enjoy the experience of it.

Le Chene is located at 12625 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita 91390. For more information, visit lechene. com. 

Photo credits from left Jose Herrera, Signal File and Jose Herrera.

D E C E M B E R 19, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

N E W S F E AT U R E

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Senior Staff Writer

A

s temperatures begin to cool — even if only slightly — and the leaves start changing color, it’s clear the beginning of the snow season is upon us, especially with the latest snowfall.

While it may seem as though winter is taking a bit longer to arrive this year, there are still a number of options nearby for those interested in going skiing and snowboarding or who simply want to sled and have some snowball fights.

Frazier Mountain

For those of you looking to simply get a bit of time in the snowy mountains, Frazier Mountain is the perfect day trip getaway.

Located in the nearby Los Padres National Forest just off Interstate 5, this is the closest place to enjoy the snowfall.

This area has always been popular for families, with some good-sized hills to go sledding or tubing, or just to play in the snow and make snow angels.

Frazier Mountain, about an hour away north on the I5, is located off Frazier Mountain Road near Frazier Park.

Mt. Waterman

While on the smaller side of things as ski resorts go, Mt. Waterman, located in the nearby Angeles National Forest, is one of the closest ski resorts to the Santa Clarita Valley.

It relies entirely on natural snow, so its season usually starts in January, and can go until April.

Chairs 1 and 2 are ready to go, but Chair 3 is being repaired and is set to be running by next sea-

son, 2022-23, according to resort officials.

Though no sledding is allowed, the resort does offer scenic lift rides for those who don’t ski or snowboard.

There are no gas stations or gear rental on the mountain, so be prepared before heading up.

Mt. Waterman is located about 60 miles away off Highway 2 in La Cañada Flintridge. For more information, visit mtwaterman.org or call (818) 7902002.

Mountain High

Also located in the Angeles National Forest, Mountain High offers skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snow play and scenic chair rides.

The resort is now open for the winter season, and while there might not be much natural snow on the mountain this early in the season, its snowmaking system covers 80% of the mountain, and they make snow most nights to create the best possible conditions.

Mountain High is about an hour away, located off Highway 2 in Wrightwood. For more information, visit mthigh.com or call (888) 754-7878.

Snow Valley

Snow Valley, located in the San Bernardino National Forest, has plenty of options for some snow play, as well as two mountain areas for snowboarders and skiers and night skiing on certain days.

The resort offers Southern California’s only chairlift-serviced snow play and sledding area on weekends, with snow play still available on weekdays by walking up the hill.

Snow Valley has expanded its snowmaking system as it heads into its 84th season in the San Bernardino Mountains and hopes to open later this month as soon as conditions allow.

Snow Valley is about one hour and 45 minutes away, located off Highway 18 in Running Springs.

For more information, visit snow-valley.com or call (909) 867-2751.

Big Bear Mountain Resort (Bear Mountain / Snow Summit)

PHOTO COURTESY MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN RESORT

Big Bear Mountain Resort, also located in the San Bernardino National Forest, has two separate ski areas 3 miles apart — Bear Mountain and Snow Summit.

Snow Summit is known for being a family-friendly resort with its Grizzly Ridge Tube Park for those non-skiers or snowboarders, while Bear Mountain is recognized for its extensive terrain

parks for varying ability levels with some of California’s only halfpipes.

Each winter, both resorts often host a number of family-friendly events, such as live music performances, on-hill competitions and New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade, most of which are free to attend.

Both resorts are currently open and are located about two hours away. Bear Mountain is located at 43101 Goldmine Drive in Big Bear, and Snow Summit is located at 880 Summit Blvd. For more information, visit bigbearmountainresort.com/winter or call (844) GO2BEAR (402-2327).

Mammoth Mountain

With the highest summit elevation among California ski resorts, Mammoth Mountain averages 400 inches of snow each year and remains open more than half of the year.

Mammoth offers 3,500 skiable acres and plenty of other winter activities for those who prefer not to ski or snowboard, like tubing at Woolly’s Tube Park, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or even renting or taking a guided tour on your choice of snowmobile or snowcat.

Mammoth Mountain is now open for the winter season and is located just over four hours away at 10001 Minaret Road in Mammoth. For more information, visit mammothmountain.com/winter or call (800) MAMMOTH (626-6684). 

Preparing for the Snowy Weather

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ear appropriate clothing for the cold temps, including gloves or mittens and boots.

Layers are key, as they can be added or removed as needed. Also, packing extra clothes can come in handy after some wet snow play.

Make sure your car is ready for the ice with either chains or snow tires. Slow down when driving in the snow. Black ice patches can be difficult to see, and snow itself can reduce tire traction. Leave extra time to get where you need to be, as driving in snowy conditions means you will drive slower than normal.

Believe it or not, you can get a sunburn, even when it’s cloudy out, especially in higher altitudes, so bring sunscreen and lip balm. 

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D E C E M B E R 19, 2021

N E W S F E AT U R E

Create More Fun During Holiday Get-Togethers

By Caleb Lunetta Signal Senior Staff Writer

I

t’s that time of year again when the Christmas trees come in, the lights go up and the family comes home.

While often thought of as a fun, festive and, depending on who you are, stressful time of year, it can often be unknown what to do with the little ones running around while all the preparations and hosting activities are being completed.

Needing something for the kids to do during the annual holiday party, many people turn to crafts or creative tasks for their children.

But what do the experts say this year are the best ways to entertain your child or give them something creative to do to mark the season?

Constructive Crafts

In an article published by Michigan State University, and in conjunction with another analysis done

by Pennsylvania State University, author and extension educator Michelle Neff discusses the importance of holiday crafts for young children and how they can lead to an opportunity to develop creativity, and cognitive and physical skills.

“The holiday season is a great time for families and parents to provide a time for youth to do arts and crafts projects,” the Michigan State article reads. “Talking with them about what to do with their projects is also helpful and provides youth opportunities to think of ways to brighten people’s day.”

Through the process of picking colors, supplies and what to create, Neff says it is important to observe and guide children, but not tell them what to do.

“It is important we allow youth to express their ideas as their own and not change their mind,”

Neff said. “Also, using open-ended questions like, ‘What do you think you can do with the yarn?’ are great ways to start getting youth thinking.”

In terms of cognitive skills, arts and crafts can help youth gain strong decision-making skills, Neff writes.

“From deciding on colors or maybe when the project is done, this is all part of youth learning cognitive skills,” Neff wrote. “Youth are also able to plan, experiment and problem-solve when a craft doesn’t go as planned.”

And, finally, physical skills — according to the Michigan State writer — such as when using scissors, assist in the development of fine motor skills.

The Art of Crafts

Liza Purdy, senior librarian with the city of Santa Clarita, described herself while growing up as someone who would not be considered an “artsy person,” adding that she might be made fun of for her artistic abilities when she was growing up.

However, that has not stopped her from devoting much of her time to creating and providing children of all ages the opportunity to participate in creative endeavors because, as she’ll tell you, crafts teach important skills and are easy to set up for your children.

“So, like a holiday card, for instance, you’re going to stick out a bunch of stuff — stuff that you might have around little bits and bobs you know that we all have kept away in a drawer somewhere — and just stick that out with some glue and some crayons and markers or paints or whatever nice paper and let the kids have at it,” said Purdy.

“That is going to be more satisfying to them. It’s going to use way more creativity than if you were to say, you know, here are the three circles that are

pre-cut out for you. And you need to paste them in this order and that will make a snowman and you can draw on them.”

Regarding the question of giving explicit instructions or not, Purdy seemed to side with the position of those from Michigan and Pennsylvania.

“You want it to be open-ended,” said Purdy. “You want to start out providing materials and then brainstorming together.”

Purdy did say that providing some structure could be helpful.

“You can show ideas: ‘Here’s how mom would make it, kids,’” said Purdy. “And that’s another really important thing is creating alongside your child ... it’s going to model sticking with a creative process when you hit a wall, which we all eventually do.”

Depending on the age of the children involved, crafts can vary, from keeping it fun but pretty simple with the 5 year olds and younger crowd, to an increased intricacy in design once you reach upper elementary, to even asking teenagers what they’d like to do.

“I think the key with teens is everything to do with relationships,” said Purdy. “Asking them what they want to do, making it something that is of interest to them and also having that relational aspect to it, then all kinds of things can be fun.”

Purdy said some ideas the library was suggesting for families included bookmarks, holiday cards and snowflakes for kids, while teenagers can use sewing machines, 3-D and other high-tech printers to create.

For ideas and crafting events coming to the library, visit the library’s website at www.santaclaritalibrary. com. 

D E C E M B E R 19, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

Safely Bringing Home Fur Babies at the Holidays

N E W S F E AT U R E

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Senior Staff Writer

M

ore families bring a new pet home during the holiday season than at any other time of the year.

And while some may even choose to give a pet to a loved one as a gift, this could prove to be challenging, as they may not be able to care for said pet.

In fact, many of the local animal rescue organizations brace for an influx of dogs after the holidays, according to Mardi Rivetti, founder of Rescues on the Runway.

That being said, there are a number of steps new pet owners need to take to ensure those animals don’t return to the shelter.

Here are some tips and tricks to remember in order to make the transition easier for your new, four-legged friends from Rivetti, along with The Brittany Foundation Animal Sanctuary founder Nancy Anderson and Castaic Animal Care Center volunteer Terra Dispirito:

Meet the Candidates

While technology has made it more convenient to fall in love with an animal virtually, it’s still important to make sure that connection translates when face to face.

Setting up a meet and greet at the rescue or shelter allows you to meet the animal and find out if it is truly the right fit for you and your family.

The most important thing to do is involve every member of the family, including any other animals you may already have, to make sure you find the perfect fit, so instead of putting a puppy in a box under the tree, maybe get a gift certificate or IOU to a shelter so you can head over and make the decision together.

Practice Makes Perfect

Make sure that your holiday plans include plenty of time at home. You want to have ample time to get to know your pet and provide the necessary behavioral training.

It’s also important to remember to take into consideration how these new family members will adjust when the time comes for you to get back to your normal routine after the holidays, whether that means work or school.

Training should start within the first couple of weeks of bringing your new animal home, but new parents should be patient and give the animal time to adjust.

In fact, this should be your top priority, as it typically takes an animal two to four weeks minimum to decompress and adjust to their new surroundings.

Get them into a Routine

Setting a routine for the animal can also help ensure they are prepared for when the holidays are over and you need to return to your normal schedule.

There are several things to think about before adopting a pet this holiday season, including acclimating your new family member to your home.

Start by leaving them alone for a couple of hours, then working up to longer stints, which can help to housebreak them and prevent from having accidents indoors as well.

For this reason, you should also consider adopting after the holidays in order to properly transition your new animal into your home after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is over.

Before leaving your animal unsupervised, it’s also important to do a walk-around, identifying things around the house that they could eat, as well as ways they could escape, when left alone.

You should also consider getting them some toys, which can not only keep them occupied and distracted, but also help make them feel comfortable in their new surroundings.

Get Your Puppy Kiss Fixes in Other Ways

There are many ways to give back if you aren’t ready to take the plunge and adopt an animal of your own, such as volunteering at a shelter or rescue.

Volunteering before adopting can not only be a rewarding way to celebrate the season by giving back, but it can also give you a sneak peek into the personalities of different animals.

Additionally, you can volunteer to foster or maybe to be a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines, who are in search of Santa Clarita Valley residents to open their hearts — and homes — to a puppy-in-training.

The local guide dog and service dog program has been facing an extreme shortage of volunteers this winter to help raise five litters of Labrador retrievers and Labrador/golden crosses who are scheduled to move into their puppy raisers’ homes through December and into January.

Two-year-old Scooter (above) and one-year-old Teller were at a recent Castaic Animal Care Center adoption event. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

For more information, visit https://www.guidedogs ofamerica.org.

A Call to Pet Owners

Local rescues are also working to prevent those who already have pets from surrendering as they return to work or begin to travel again.

Rather than surrendering your pet, consider looking for boarders or pet sitters if you’re traveling during the holidays.

And if you cannot keep the pet, search for a reputable rescue to take them to or try to rehome the pet yourself.

The Castaic Animal Care Center is waiving fees, which include the adoption, microchip, spay/neuter and vaccination, for dogs in care for 10 days or longer and all cats this month through Dec. 31.

The center is located at 31044 N. Charlie Canyon Road in Castaic and can be visited by appointment only due to COVID-19. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit animalcare.lacounty. gov or call (661) 257-3191. 

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D E C E M B E R 19, 2021

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

The City of Santa Clarita’s ‘Best of 2021’

By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager

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nother year has flown by, Santa Clarita. Local businesses are getting back to normal operations, local youth are engaging in competitive sports again, community-favorite events are returning and much more. Despite ongoing challenges, the City is moving full steam ahead in completing the plans and initiatives outlined in the Santa Clarita 2025 Strategic Plan. Under the guidance of the Santa Clarita City Council, we have completed outstanding work throughout 2021, always with the intention of meeting the needs of both residents and businesses in our community.

Perhaps the biggest highlights of 2021 would be our new City facility openings. First, in April 2021, the City opened The Cube — Ice and Entertainment Center. Thanks to Santa Clarita’s passionate residents and supportive City Council, we were able to purchase the former Ice Station, rebrand and revamp the facility and reopen it for public enjoyment.

Months later, in October, we officially complet-

ed work on the new Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station on Golden Valley Road. The new 46,552 square-foot station comes as a much-needed upgrade for our local sheriff ’s deputies, offering the latest technology and resources to enhance public safety in Santa Clarita.

At the end of October 2021, we welcomed the brand-new Canyon Country Community Center.

The state-of-the-art Community Center features a Grand Room for events, classrooms, a gymnasium, outdoor event space, a playground, public art installations and countless other amenities.

In addition to Santa Clarita’s newest facilities, 2021 also saw a continued pursuit of open space preservation for our community. As our community grows and more individuals and businesses plant roots here, it is crucial to maintain and preserve the open space that adds to the beauty of Santa Clarita.

The acquisition of the Gates Family Wildlife Preserve in the Newhall Pass Open Space in July serves as an example of the City’s preservation efforts. Not only does this addition of open space add to the greenbelt surrounding our City, but it also forms a vital portion of the future Crest to Coast Trail, which will run from the Pacific Crest Trail in Agua Dulce to the Ventura County Line, and even-

tually connect to the Pacific Ocean.

Another thrilling aspect of 2021 was the return of events. It has been wonderful to see countless popular community events returning in full force.

Throughout the summer, we saw Concerts in the Park back in action at Central Park. In Old Town Newhall, residents flocked to Main Street for the always entertaining SENSES Block Parties.

The Santa Clarita Public Library also hosted fun events like the launch of Trail Tales in Duane R. Harte Park and the Family Literacy Festival. Plus, we saw the return of one of my favorite City events: Light Up Main Street. Witnessing the lighting of the Christmas tree in front of the Old Town Newhall Library alongside City Council, colleagues, friends and loved ones was a highlight of my year.

I am grateful for another successful year for our City. It is due to our resilient residents and businesses, dedicated City Council and hard-working City staff that Santa Clarita continues to receive accolades and award recognition. Have a safe and happy new year, Santa Clarita.

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. 

D E C E M B E R 19, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

H O L I D AY

Toast to good health with traditional wassail

T

he practice of wassailing is a time-honored tradition that has spanned centuries. When wassailing, people go door-to-door, singing and offering a sip of drink from something called a wassail bowl.

Most do it to spread holiday cheer and wish good health on their neighbors.

The word “wassail” is derived from the Anglo-Saxon phrase “waes hael,” which loosely translates to “good health” or “be whole.” Wassailing remains popular in some communities, though caroling has overtaken it as a way to spread cheer through singing.

Wassail drink was originally made from mulled ale, curdled cream, roasted apples, eggs, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and sugar, according to the holiday customs and traditions resource WhyChristmas. Most wassails are now mulled ciders, which are popular in late fall — notably around Thanksgiving. Wassail was traditionally enjoyed on Twelfth Night (January 5 or 6), but it can be used to toast to good health and merriment at any time during the holiday season.

There are many versions of wassail beverages, including this “Traditional Wassail,” courtesy of “The Farmer’s Almanac.”

Traditional Wassail

Serves 8 to 12 5 to 6 large baking apples, peeled and cored (such as Baldwin, Gravenstein, McIntosh, or Stayman Winesap) 1 cup sugar 2 quarts beer or ale 2 cinnamon sticks, broken in half, or 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground ginger

Zest of 1 lemon 11/2 cups sherry or sweet red wine Preheat oven to 400 F. Cut the apples into thick slices, and arrange in layers in a covered casserole dish, sprinkling a few teaspoons of sugar over each layer. Cover and bake for 30 minutes. (The apples will get puffy and soft.)

While the apples bake, combine the beer, spices, lemon zest, and remaining sugar in a large saucepan. Heat slowly, bringing just to a simmer. (Don’t let the mixture boil.) When it is hot, add the sherry and keep heating until the mixture reaches a simmer again, still not boiling. Place the hot baked apples in a punch bowl, and pour the hot wassail over them. Serve hot. (MC) 

Make Your Own ‘Peppermint Mocha’

T

he holiday season is steeped in tradition. Many traditions are decades if not centuries old, while others do not have such lengthy his-

tories. One younger tradition that many people cannot go without during the holiday season is centered around a wildly popular beverage made at an equally well-liked coffeehouse chain.

The peppermint mocha was introduced to Starbucks® customers during the 2002 holiday season. The beverage became something of an instant classic and is now served at more than 30,000 stores across the globe.

Holiday hosts can bring the peppermint mocha into their own homes this holiday season thanks to Starbucks®.

Though Starbucks® notes the following DIY recipe for the “Peppermint Mocha” isn’t the official recipe,

it can help holiday hosts impress their guests and satisfy their cravings for this beloved beverage should families find themselves snowed in during their holiday gatherings this year.

DIY Peppermint Mocha Makes one 12-ounce beverage 1 fluid ounce coffee or 1 shot espresso, such as Starbucks Christmas Blend or Starbucks Espresso Roast Coffee 1/2 cup milk (or dairy alternative) 2 tablespoons peppermint-flavored syrup 3 tablespoons mocha sauce

Whipped Cream

Dark chocolate or shaving 1. On a stovetop, heat milk on medium setting. Whisk the milk to make foam about 30 seconds.

Set aside. (Or, use an electric milk frother at home if you have one.)

2. Pour two tablespoons chocolate sauce and two tablespoons peppermint syrup into bottom of 12-ounce or larger coffee mug.

3. Add one shot of brewed espresso.

(Don’t have an espresso machine?

Make concentrated coffee by using less water in an alternative brewing method.)

4. Fill mug with steamed milk.

5. Top with whipped cream and garnish with chocolate shavings.

Preparation time: 10 minutes (MC) 

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D E C E M B E R 19, 2021

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

‘Being the Ricardos’ is a work of drama, the essence of truth

groundbreaking 1950s sitcom “I Love Lucy” averaged an astounding 60 million viewers a week and to this day is ‘Being the Ricardos’ hailed as one of the best and most in 1/2 (out of four) fluential TV comedies of all time.

Amazon Studios presents a film There was a lot of clucking on Twitwritten and directed by Aaron Sorkin. ter about the casting of Javier Bardem Rated R (for language). In theaters and Nicole Kidman in the lead roles, and Dec. 21 on Prime Video. but Bardem does a solid job of capturing Arnaz’s charismatic stage presence, he prolific and uniquebusiness acumen and duplicitous ways ly talented writer-direcwith the ladies, while Kidman is outtor-producer Aaron Sorkin standing at reminding us there were is fascinated with the intwo Lucys: the comedic genius who ner workings of television, as eviknew how to get maximum laughs denced by the TV series “Studio 60 out the simplest line of dialogue or atres • Santa Clarita on the Sunset Strip,Signal ” “Sports Night” adsource@exhibitorads.com some perfectly crafted bit of physical and “The Newsroom,” and even a p. 888.737.2812 f. 203.438.1206 shtick, and the hard-nosed, indepenstage production of his unproduced dent-minded woman who took guff screenplay “The Farnsworth InvenDecember 19-23, 2021 date: Sunday-Thursday, PHOTO COURTESY IMDB from no one and would fight tooth tion,” which was about one Philo delivery date: Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at 10:30:01 AM CASCS_LEM1219and nail for what she believed in. It’s Farnsworth, an early pioneer who fictional, Sorkin employs his tradenot an impersonation so much as it is developed the technology that almark stylized and “Sorkin-ized” apa fully realized characterization. lowed for some of the very first TV proach to the real-life foundation of Flashbacks take us back to the transmissions. material in “Being the Ricardos,” a 1940s, when Lucy was a secondary Whereas the aforementioned drawhip-smart, cheeky, sepia-toned rematic series were inspired by real-life imagination of the story of Lucille Ball player under contract at RKO Studios and could never quite break through networks and shows but were purely and her husband, Desi Arnaz, whose to the A-list. Lucy meets Desi on the set of a lousy musical called “Too Many Girls,” sees through his playboy TM persona and believes there’s something deeper there — and off they go on a whirlwind romance in which they always seemed to be “tearing each other’s heads off or tearing each 22500 Lyons Ave. info Line 310.478.3836 other’s clothes off,” as a writer on “I Love Lucy” recalls. The back-story sequences are well-filmed and add context to the story, but “Being the Ricardos” is much more compelling The MaTrix don’T look up E in the sequences set during a week that starts off with a tense table read, resurrecTions E 4:15 PM as a contentious Lucille butts heads Wed & Thu: 12:45 4:00 7:15 with her head writer, Jess Oppenheimer (Tony Hale), and staff writers WesT side sTory C Madelyn Pugh (Alia Shawkat) and nighTMare alley E Bob Carroll (Jake Lacy).

12:45 4:10 7:15 In that same week, a gossip rag 1:00 4:10 7:20 does a cover story about Desi’s alleged philandering, and although spider-Man: no Way encanTo B Desi is a master at explaining away everything, Lucille knows the truth hoMe C deep down. In any case, confronting 1:20 4:20 7:30 Desi will have to wait until later in the 1:00 4:00 7:10 week, because there’s a much bigger scandal looming after a gossip colharper I Being The ricardos E umnist drops a bombshell implying Lucille is a Communist, much to the 1:10 7:30 Sun to Tue: 1:30 4:30 7:10 horror of the CBS network execs and FOR 12/19/202112/23/2021 ONLY WWW.LAEMMLE.COM the even more powerful board memBy Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer



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bers of Phillip Morris, the sponsor of the show. Oh, and let’s not forget Lucille has just learned she’s having a baby — and rather than engage in the cliched moves of having Lucy hide behind laundry baskets and furniture through the duration of the pregnancy, Lucille is demanding rewrites for the rest of the season that will make her pregnancy Lucy’s pregnancy.

In classic Sorkin fashion, “Being the Ricardos” makes room for some juicy supporting player opportunities, and J.K. Simmons and Nina Arianda are sensational as William Frawley and Vivian Vance, who played the Ricardos’ landlords and best friends Fred and Ethel Mertz. As played by Simmons, the old-school vaudevillian actor Frawley was even crabbier and more emotionally constipated than his onscreen counterpart — but in a key scene late in the story, when the walls are closing in on Lucille, we see the human side of Frawley, and we also come to appreciate how seriously he takes his craft, despite the drinking and the cynical off-camera wisecracks. Arianda brings great humanity to the character of Vivian Vance, who was playing the least interesting of the four main characters on the show and found herself torn between loyalty to Lucille and the realization Lucille didn’t want her to lose too much weight or become too attractive, lest she steal some of the spotlight.

We also get small but valuable contributions from John Rubinstein, Linda Lavin and Ronny Cox, who play older versions of Oppenheimer, Pugh and Carroll, respectively, giving talking-head interviews as they share recollections of that one crazy week.

It should hardly come as a surprise that the true-story timeline doesn’t match the dramatic license on display in “Being the Ricardos” — that the reveal of Lucille’s pregnancy and the twin tabloid controversies and Lucille confronting Desi about his philandering and the fights over this particular script didn’t all transpire over the course of five days but were in fact spaced out over a few years. There’s life, there’s TV — and there are movies about TV, and though “Being the Ricardos” is a work of drama, it has the essence of truth. 

Copyright 2020 Chicago Sun-Times

D E C E M B E R 19, 2021

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It’s Gingerbread Time! radition plays a big role during the holiday season. Food is at the center of many families’ traditions, which may include big family dinners and Sunday brunches

together.

Holiday baking sessions also hold a sacred spot in many households. Such sessions are a great opportunity for adults and children to have some fun in the kitchen and create some tasty treats the whole family can enjoy.

Baked goods devotees may find it hard to imagine the holidays without gingerbread, and this recipe for “Soft Glazed Gingerbread” from Elisabeth M. Prueitt and Chad Robertson’s “Tartine” (Chronicle Books) can ensure the whole family enjoys this holiday season staple.

Soft Glazed Gingerbread Yields 12 to 20 cookies

Dough

3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon cocoa powder 4 teaspoons ground ginger 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 1 large egg 1/2 cup blackstrap or other dark molasses 2 tablespoons light corn syrup

Glaze 1 2

cup confectioners’ sugar tablespoons water

To make the dough, stir together the flour, cocoa powder, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Set aside.

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium-high speed until creamy. Slowly add the granulated sugar and mix on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and soft. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Add the egg and mix well.

Add the

FOOD

a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and water until smooth.

Soft Glazed Gingerbread Cookies molasses and corn syrup and beat until incorporated. Stop the mixer again and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the flour mixture and beat on low speed until a dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl and all the ingredients are well incorporated. Remove the dough from the bowl, flatten it on a large piece of plastic wrap into a rectangle about 1 inch thick, cover the dough with the plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper on a nonstick liner.

Unwrap the dough and place on a floured work surface. If using a plaque with a design, roll out the dough 1/3-inch thick, lightly dust the top with flour, press your cookie molds over the dough, and then cut out the shapes with a small knife and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Alternatively, using the mold as a guide, cut around it with a small knife, flip the mold over so the design is facing you, and place the dough over it, pressing it into the design. Unmold the shapes onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between them.

If using a patterned rolling pin, lightly dust the lined baking sheet with flour and transfer the dough to the pan. Lightly dust the top of the dough with flour and roll it into a rectangle about 1/3-inch thick with a plain pin. Then, using the patterned pin, roll over the dough with enough pressure to ensure a clear impression of the design.

Trim the sides with a small knife. It is not necessary to cut into smaller sizes before baking.

Bake the cookies until lightly golden along the sides but still soft to the touch in the centers, 7 to 15 minutes. The timing will depend on the size of the individual cookies, or if you have made a single large patterned piece that will be cut after baking.

While the cookies are baking, prepare the glaze. In

When the cookies are ready, remove from the oven and let cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Then, while the cookies are still warm, using even strokes, brush a light coat of glaze on the top of each cookie, evenly covering it. Let the cookies cool completely. When the glaze dries, it should leave a shiny, opaque finish. If you have used a patterned pin to make a single large plaque, cut into the desired sizes with a small, very sharp knife. The cookies will keep in an airtight container in a cool place for about 2 weeks. They do not freeze well, however, as the glaze becomes watery when they are thawed. (MC) 

Gingerbread Goodness

G

ingerbread is a broad term that can describe anything from a firm and crispy cookie to a moist, soft cake.

Traditionally, gingerbread is seasoned with ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and other aromatic spices. Molasses and brown sugar counteract the spice with sweetness.

North Americans have been baking gingerbread in various shapes or forms for more than 200 years, and the recipes even pre-date the American revolution. However, gingerbread dates back even further to the Shakespearean era, with The Bard having mentioned it in one of his plays. Gingerbread’s name can be trace to medieval England and once referred to any kind of preserved ginger.

The term went on to reference ginger-flavored cakes in the 15th century, and gingerbread eventually became popular throughout the world. Even though gingerbread cakes and cookies have been made for centuries, Germans are often credited with creating gingerbread houses, according to Smithsonian. They were probably modeled after the witch’s candy cottage in the German fairy tale, “Hansel and Gretel.”

Even though gingerbread can be made any time of year, it is particularly associated with the Christmas season, with gingerbread men and other fanciful shapes turning up on cookie platters. (MC) 

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D E C E M B E R 19, 2021

CELEBRITYNEWS

Q I recently saw the movie “House of Gucci.” I always wonder how accurate these biographical films really are and

what the family must think of how they are portrayed. Did they have any input on the making of the movie?

— R.V. A According to USA Today, the Gucci family hasn’t been involved in the Gucci fashion house since 1993, when Maurizio “sold his remaining stake to the Bahrain-based company Investcorp” and was later bought by the French group Kering.

In the movie “House of Gucci,” Lady Gaga plays Patrizia Reggiani, who hired a hitman to murder her husband, Maurizio Gucci, played

by Adam Driver. The Gucci family issued a statement recently saying that the film is “anything but accurate” and that they were not consulted at all before or during production. Director Ridley Scott defended his film, stating that he tried to be

“as respectful as possible by being as factual as possible.”

The reviews have been mixed, with audiences enjoying the film more than critics, but both groups seem to agree that Lady Gaga’s performance will likely result in another Oscar nomination for the talented singer/ actress. © 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.

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SENIORLIVING A SECOND WIND

Passing the Torch of Christmas Traditions

By Mary Petersen Signal Contributing Writer

M

y husband and I finished decorating our home for Christmas. The outside lights, the inside lights, the bags of artificial greenery, the boxes of treasured ornaments.

We hoisted eight totes down from the rafters in the garage, he balancing at the top of a ladder. I too spent days climbing up and down stools, decorating cabinets, tabletops and chandeliers.

He brought his train down from the attic and set up the tracks for its traditional excursion around the tree.

Soon we will be wheeling in the totes of Christmas cups and plates, service for twelve.

For decades we have celebrated Christmas with passion and vigor.

For many years we cut down our own Christmas tree at one of the local tree lots. The kids loved that. It was a big event to choose just the right tree, tie it onto the roof of the car, bring it home, and set it in water (after sawing a fresh cut).

It’s a three person operation to balance the tree in the tree stand. One holds the tree, one winds the little screws in the stand until the tree sits vertical and one views it from a distance to determine that the tree looks symmetrical from all angles.

Then the lights. At least one string per season goes dark. We fidget and finagle and rattle each bulb, cursing and thinking of Chevy Chase all the while.

I love these quirky traditions and look forward to them each year.

But last month when we stopped at Home Depot, we found ourselves browsing the artificial trees, something unthinkable just years ago.

This week we gazed up at our second floor roof which each Christmas has been festooned with lights. My husband, who will soon graduate from

ARE YOU READY? LET US HELP YOU HEAR BETTER IN

2022! the ranks of the sexagenarians, has climbed that roof each holiday season for over thirty years. We decided against it this year.

The signs are here, inklings that the transition is coming. We’re getting older and slowing down. I greet it with wistful nostalgia, the ache of resisting what is inevitable. “Not yet!” the inner voice screams.

Columnist Marni Jameson of the Denver Post says about the unavoidable passing of time, “You can either go lightly, with the grace of a ballerina, or stubbornly, ungainly as a goat, but go you will.”

My inclination is to go fretfully, clinging to the past. It’s hard work embracing change with flexibility and gratitude. Releasing cherished rituals is a gentle reminder that all things pass.

This year, however, we will again host a candlelit Christmas dinner as we have for decades.

When my son-in-law considered remodeling their kitchen which would necessitate removing a wall and losing the dining room, I said, “You can’t. Someday I’m going to be eighty, and you’ll have to host Christmas in this dining room.” If I’m lucky, someday I will be eighty and will have transferred the duty of hosting to my daughters, just as my mother did with me.

Someday but not yet.

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

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Before beginning any project, homeowners should consider what projects they want to prioritize, what they can afford and smart financial solutions to pay for it all. This can help you complete the project on time, on budget and with less stress.

Do Your Research

Part of being prepared for a renovation project is doing your research.

That means considering design and material options that reflect your personal tastes and what might add the greatest value to your lifestyle and home. It’s also important to plan ahead for factors like long lead times for contractors or supplies.

Establish a Budget

Before you begin planning a project, determine what you can afford.

If your list of upgrades is larger than your budget allows, consider a shortterm budget and a long-term one so you can tackle some smaller projects more immediately and save the bigger renovations until you’ve had a chance to save or secure additional financing.

Set a Financial Strategy

Setting a budget and determining your financial strategy aren’t quite the same thing. Once you have a budget set, you’ll need to decide how to pay for the work. According to a survey by online lender LightStream, savings accounts provide at least some capital for about 66% of homeowners who plan to renovate. However, in today’s uncertain economy, depleting a savings account may make you nervous, especially if you’re tapping into an emergency fund.

Credit cards are a financial strategy about 30% of homeowners will use.

However, unless card charges are paid off quickly, you may end up carrying that debt for years, making your project much more expensive due to high interest rates over a long repayment timeline.

An unsecured consumer loan, like

those provided by LightStream, may be another financing option and can often save thousands in interest charges compared to credit cards.

Prioritize Projects

With your budget in mind, you can turn your attention to which renovations to prioritize. When possible, begin with your home’s most immediate needs, even if they may not be the most exciting projects. Go for lasting impacts rather than cosmetic fixes.

Repairing a leaky roof or crumbling foundation may not be as dreamy as creating a chef ’s kitchen, but it’s important to make sure the projects you elect to do sooner set you up for success — and improved home values — later.

Beyond critical repairs, the survey found the most popular projects homeowners planned this year include kitchen (38%) and bathroom remodels (32%). Building home offices also jumped in popularity as the pandemic drove a focus on upgrading remote workspace, doubling to more than 26% of planned projects.

Consider the Environment

For many homeowners, Mother Nature plays a role as to which renovations are prioritized.

About 35% of survey respondents said they plan to invest in projects that improve their outdoor living spaces. When it comes to indoor improvements, consumers are interested in incorporating eco-friendly and sustainable products such as smart systems, energy-efficient lighting, solar panels, air and water filtration systems, insulated windows and other money-saving, eco-sensitive products.

Find more advice to get your home improvement project underway at Lightstream.com/remodel. (Family Features) 

D E C E M B E R 19, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 9

H E A LT H

Simple Ways to be Kind to Yourself

P

racticing self-care is good for the mind, body, and spirit. There are several things you can do to put the mind-body connection to work for you. One example is to utilize mindfulness meditation, which can be as simple as remembering to take a deep breath before you answer the phone.

“Engaging in mindfulness meditation is something you can do when you have time and a few minutes to focus,” said Dr. Dan Bennett, chief of psychiatry at Kaiser Permanente’s Panorama City Medical Center. “The great thing about making this type of mind-body connection is that it doesn’t require a guide, a yoga mat or any special equipment.”

Here are some simple things you can do to boost your mood, beat stress, and enjoy life more. Each one takes just a little time and effort — and you’re worth it.

Take Up Meditation

Focus on your breath and being present in the moment. You might not experience instant inner peace, but a few minutes of quite meditation can hp clear your thoughts, calm your sense, and recharge your energy.

Sleep well — and sleep enough Lack of sleep can affect the way you feel mentally and physically. Limit bedtime distractions if you have trouble sleeping — you can’t leave the day’s stress at the door if you’re checking email, texting, or browsing online.

Socialize Face-to-Face

Connecting with others can do wonders for your physical and emotional wellness. Calls, texts, and social networks are great for staying in touch, but quality time together is what really helps people — and relationships — thrive.

For more information about the mind-body connection, visit the Kaiser Permanente website at kp.org/ mindbody. 

What Causes Headaches?

T

he exact causes of many headaches continues to confound medical researchers. Though the Cleveland Clinic notes that certain environmental factors, such as exposure to allergens or strong odors from household chemicals, can trigger headaches, the mechanism that causes muscles or blood vessels to swell or tighten remains something of a mystery.

During a headache, the mysterious mechanism activates specific nerves that affect muscles and blood vessels, and these nerves then send pain signals to the brain.

Harvard Medical School notes that tissues that surround the brain and

some major nerves in the brain also can signal pain. HMS also reports that while there are more than 300 types of headaches, only about 10% of them have an identifiable cause.

And what triggers a headache in one person will not necessarily do so in another.

However, HMS notes that people who suffer from migraines, an especially severe type of headache that can increase a person’s risk of heart attack, tend to remain sensitive to the same triggers. That’s good news, as it means that people who can identify their headache triggers can then take steps to avoid those triggers in the future in the hopes of reducing the frequency of their headaches. (MC) 

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K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Home-Cleaning Tips for the Holidays

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

“I

t’s dirty work, but someone has to do it!” Now that we’re in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, with guests coming and going in our homes, here are some practical and easy cleaning strategies for busy families:

Start with the Front Door

To keep dirt and grime out of the house before it gets tracked in, remind kids to leave their boots, shoes, and wet and muddy winter gear at the entryway. When guests pop by, I like to add a bit of humor and suggest that they do the “Cha, Cha, Cha” on the entry mat when they arrive.

After a few steps, wiggles and laughs, their shoes are clean before they step inside.

Think of Cleaning as Exercise

It can be hard to get everything you

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.

want done during these busy days, so make cleaning do double duty when you can’t squeeze in time at the gym.

An active 30 minutes of cleaning can get the blood pumping and heart racing. Add music to the mix, and it will be done before you know it.

Get Kids to Help

You don’t have to do all the tasks alone, especially kid-friendly jobs like shaking rugs, taking out the trash and cleaning the bathroom mirrors.

Clear the Clutter

Just before guests arrive at a dinner party, wash and put away mixing bowls and utensils, and be sure the counters are sparkling clean. A clutter-free kitchen makes you feel organized and relaxed.

Save the Night with Candlelight

Perfection isn’t everything. If you throw a last-minute get-together, don’t worry about dusting every corner. Simply dim lamps and light candles. There is something about can-

Cleaning the house is easier when everyone gets involved. Keegan and her brother Trey step outside to shake rugs.

dlelight that makes everything glow.

Helpers ring in the new year When packing holiday decorations in boxes until next year, make it a family affair. Laugh together, tell stories and share cups of cocoa while you get another cleanup job done!

1154 Henry II of England is crowned at Westminster Abbey.

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SOLUTIONS

PUZZLES

D E C E M B E R 19, 2021

CROSSWORD TIME

D E C E M B E R 19, 2021

Opinion

S U N D AY S I G N A L · 2 3

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

Here’s a Ray of Sunshine I had just finished reading Gary Curtis’ letter (Nov. 3) on bereavement for abortion and was ready to write a letter of my own in response to it when I was hit with a bolt of lightning and just sat there for a few moments in a complete daze. When the fog cleared I saw what had hit me, and I could see that we had a much bigger problem on our hands.

I myself have pondered and even written my opinions on abortion, but it is a problematic topic. The main reason for that is humans are a problematic species. From my perspective, this discussion, like others that deal with the topic of abortion, hits only the leaves of the tree while ignoring the roots.

At the core of it all is a sad and unfortunate situation that is more zoological than it is moral, legal, ethical, political, personal, or financial. I can’t see any solution to this problem any more than I can see a solution to things like homelessness, illegal migrations, corrupt officials, pedophile priests, domestic violence, narcissistic leaders, needy followers... here, I have this long list of human frailties and their resulting stupidities.

This is like pumping water out of a ship that was designed and built with holes in it.

If we think we can discuss our way out of our "problems" or throw money at things that we see as unpleasant like so many "causes" that need attention then we are going to be here going around in circles forever. That is because we are the problem.

So how does one go about solving himself?

In other words, “Medice, cura te ipsum.” Look it up. We are all nailed to crosses of our own making and I can see very little if anything that can be done about it short of evolving into a different species. I’m not trying to solve any problems here, just trying to say that they are not solvable. I see no purpose to life other than to live it, and to somehow, in some way, try to enjoy living it, giving it whatever little meaning that we can. Beyond that there is nothing... really, there is nothing.

Nihilism at its best.

Arthur Saginian Santa Clarita Submit a Letter to the Editor

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

The Societal Necessity of Tolerance

By David Hegg

A

mong the long list of recognized virtues is that of patience. It also goes under the names of long-suffering, and tolerance. It is in this last guise — tolerance — that patience is making a name for itself in our day. And yet, ever so slowly, while the outer skin of this virtue remains intact, society is eating away at its core so that in practical terms, tolerance as a virtue barely exists.

To tolerate means, at its most basic core, to put up with the differences in those around us in such a way that ordered, civil discourse and relationship can be maintained. It is the virtue of being able to listen to the insights and beliefs of others without needing either to agree, or to silence them. To tolerate is to let those with whom you differ have a place, have a right, have a voice. Further, it is to insist that such practice is necessary for civilization and true freedom to exist.

Tolerance is the legal principle behind most of the freedoms we have in this country.

Of course, law exists to define what a society cannot, and must not, tolerate, for to do so would tear apart the very fabric of that society. What law does not forbid remains to be handled within society by its citizens, relying heavily on the presence of common virtues. These virtues form the essential, if unwritten, cultural code by which all great societies function and prosper. We simply cannot legislate everything. Most things that relate to the relationship of neighbor to neighbor, individual to society, and society to society are by necessity left to be governed by those individual virtues understood as the intrinsic managers of human interaction. There are many, but one of the most important is tolerance. Unfortunately, while we hear about it all the time, it is almost extinct in its historical form.

Simply put, tolerance is not acceptance. But it is almost universally understood today as just that. Today, too often to tolerate is to accept. If you don't accept my view, you are intolerant. If you disagree with my belief, my lifestyle, my actions, you are intolerant.

My concern is not only that a good English word is having its meaning sucked away and replaced. My great concern is that without tolerance our society falls apart. And if we redefine tolerance as agreement, we are left without a tool with which to manage the genuine differences that will always exist in a pluralistic society.

Tolerance presupposes differences. Tolerance never means acceptance. To tolerate, there has to be a difference of opinion that needs to be tolerated. If, through

dialogue and evidence, two parties come to agreement, there is no longer a need to tolerate simply because the gap between the two no longer exists. To equate difference with prejudice, and to further define tolerance as acceptance is not only to murder the English language but also to erode the very virtues our differences demand if we are to live in civilized society.

I'll go out on a limb here. I do not believe taking God out of the public square is either wise or profitable for our society and those who live in it. This is my belief. I base it on my understanding of history, the Bible, and my own experience of human nature. However, I am also called to love my fellow man and woman. I am called, biblically, to love my neighbor, as well as love my enemy. Clearly, that covers the whole of humanity.

You can disagree with my belief. You can try to mount evidence that contradicts mine, and even suggest that I am misguided or worse. But, as long as I consider that those with whom I disagree have a place, and a right to hold and voice their opinions, you cannot, and must not, say that I am intolerant. In fact, you ought to be glad that I am tolerant, for it is my tolerance that keeps me from forgetting the command of my Lord to love my those who decide my opinions are intolerable. Tolerance is simply self-control mixed with a conviction that my fellow humans are imbued with dignity and value as those created in the image of God, and deserve my respect.

My disagreement with those who would insist my biblical faith be kept quiet, and excluded from public discourse, is not intolerance, it is disagreement, and it is my duty to demonstrate tolerance for their opposing opinion. Of course this cuts both ways. Those desiring to be tolerated are ethically required to be tolerant in return. In our society, those who demand to be tolerated while refusing to tolerate others we call children.

Where our system of laws allows for individual beliefs and convictions, we will always be a society of differences. But each time an opposing belief system is labeled intolerant we erode both our language and our ultimate freedom. It's time we got out our dictionaries and became much more tolerant of the true definition of tolerance. Frankly, it used to be known simply as civility but it seems that is something else many today cannot tolerate.

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

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