Sunday Signal 010123

Tender Loving Canines Searching For Puppy Raisers

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Senior Staff Writer

As the holidays fast approach, Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines 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.

“Maintaining an adequate supply of puppy raisers is always a challenge,” said Stephanie Colman, GDA | TLC’s puppy program coordinator. “It’s not your garden variety volunteer gig … but really, it’s an opportunity to give your time in a way it’s going to transform the lives of somebody living with a disability.”

These puppies grow up to lead the blind, provide a sense of safety and security to veterans, open doors of possibility for children on the autism spectrum or serve a variety of vulnerable populations, Colman said.

When the pandemic left many at home, GDA | TLC saw a boost in puppy-raiser applicants. However, as many began to return to work, the shortage began and has since become more pronounced as the holidays approach.

As the demand for service dogs surges, GDA | TLC is on track to graduate 80 working teams annually in the coming years, which is around 20 more than its annual average.

“If you ever dreamt about a puppy for Christmas, well, here’s your chance,” Colman said. “A puppy adds even more joy to holiday festivities and giving one’s time in raising a puppy to change the life of

someone with a disability is perfect for this season of giving.”

Becoming a puppy raiser

For a little over a year, volunteers not only provide puppies with a loving, stable home but also teach basic obedience and house manners, with training assistance from GDA | TLC.

No experience is necessary, as puppy raisers receive full support from the organization through regional puppy classes and meetings, cohorts of fellow raisers, meet-ups with GDA | TLC’s professional training staff and more.

Puppy raisers are also tasked with incorporating the dogs into the activities of daily life to socialize them.

“We want them to be exposed to much of what the world has to offer so that it’s somewhat familiar and also so that they have opportunities to practice their obedience and being calm and confident in this wide variety of different circumstances,” Colman said.

“The biggest need for us is someone who has the time and the willingness to be consistent in their training,” Colman added.

GDA | TLC welcomes puppy raisers from all lifestyles: families, single people, homeowners, apartment dwellers and homes with resident pets, among other situations.

“People often say they’d love to raise a puppy but can’t imagine having to ‘give it back,’” Colman added. “You aren’t giving the dog back, you’re giving it forward, as a gift of confidence, independence and mobility. It’s life-changing — for both the clients and the puppy raisers, especially when they meet the recipient of the dog they raised.”

Colman compared the dogs’ return to sending a

child off to college, as it’s just as rewarding to see the dogs be assigned to either the guide dog or service dog program.

The organization covers all veterinary care, and puppy raisers pay for food, toys and flea/tick preventatives purchased at cost through the organization, while out-of-pocket expenses are tax-deductible.

For more information, visit www.guidedogsofamerica.org or call (818) 362-5843. 

Puppy Raiser Orientations

If you are interested in the puppy raiser program, there are two upcoming orientations you can sign up to attend.

The orientation is held from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Visitor Education Center, 13479 Glenoaks Blvd., Sylmar 91342.

For more information, call Jessica Calderon at (818) 833-6447.

Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023

Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023

PHOTOS COURTESY GUIDE DOGS OF AMERICA | TENDER LOVING CANINES

Five Ways to Manage Your Weight

For many people who wish to work toward a healthier weight, one of the greatest obstacles is figuring out where to begin. These tips from SlimFast consultant and registered dietitian Maryann Walsh show it doesn’t take a drastic lifestyle overhaul to make an impact.

Eat Mindfully

Many people who struggle with their weight benefit from being more conscious about what they’re eating and why. For example, consider your eating habits, such as eating even when you’re not hungry whether that’s because it’s mealtime and you think you should eat, you’re satisfying a craving or using a tasty snack to cope with stress.

Recognizing why you’re eating is an important step toward correcting destructive eating patterns, but so is paying attention to the other details of the eating experience, including what you eat and how it makes you feel.

Ultimately, this may allow you to choose healthier foods that nourish your body for the long-term, rather than the brief satisfaction that comes with less nutritious choices.

Consider Intermittent Fasting

One weight-loss method many people find success using is intermittent fasting, which involves abstaining from all food and beverages for a specified time period each day or week.

While going too long without food can sometimes lead to excess hunger then overeating later, in shorter, controlled fasting timeframes one can

often more easily achieve a caloric deficit, which is required for weight loss.

Prepare for your fasting phase by choosing foods that support satiety. Options like SlimFast’s Intermittent Fasting line of meal bars and protein shakes can help avoid a sense of deprivation with tasty flavors like the Vanilla Cupcake Snack Shake Mix and Vanilla Almond Crunch Complete Meal Bar.

The shake mixes deliver 15 grams of slow-digesting protein, compared to whey protein, to help curb hunger, along with more than 20 vitamins and minerals. The meal bars clock in with 15 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber.

Manage Stress

When you’re stressed, your body produces corti-

sol, which also raises insulin and can drive hunger and trigger cravings for comfort foods. In fact, that’s the very reason people tend to overeat when they’re under pressure. Light exercise and meditative practices can help you manage your mental strain. You might also consider talk therapy with a friend or professional or spend time unwinding with a book or music.

Get Proper Sleep

Poor sleep habits affect your weight in numerous ways. One is that when you’re feeling tired, your hunger and satiety hormones, ghrelin and leptin, can be affected, leading to an increase in caloric intake and subsequent weight gain. Additionally, when you’re tired, you’re more likely to take shortcuts like skipping workouts or opting for unhealthy convenience foods. All are reasons to make better rest a bigger priority.

Track Eating and Exercise

If you’re new to the idea of intermittent fasting, these tips can help you find greater success so you can see results.

Pace yourself Make a gradual transition so your body gets used to going without food for shorter periods of time before you work up to extended fasting periods.

Stay hydrated Avoid confusing thirst for hunger by upping your fluid intake. Staying hydrated and energized while you fast helps keep fatigue and brain fog at bay. Options like fruit-flavored SlimFast Intermittent Fasting Energizing Hydration Supplement Drink Mix won’t break your fast and can help you add variety as a flavorful alternative to water. They can provide the energy and focus you need between meals and are perfect for those who feel groggy or run-down while fasting.

Set goals Know what you want to achieve and why, so your “why” can keep motivating you to follow your intermittent fasting plan even when you’re tempted to quit. 

When you’re not paying attention to what you eat and how you move, you may not even realize how your habits are affecting your health. Logging what you eat, especially if you use a tool like an app that helps you see the nutrition breakdown, may give you a clearer idea of the quality and quantity of your intake.

Similarly, when you’re specifically writing down the time you’re committing to physical activity, you’ll find it easier to identify patterns and pinpoint where you can make adjustments to increase your exercise.

Visit SlimFast.com to find more resources on weight management and intermittent fasting. (Family Features)

-tastic

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

Weather forecasts are encouraging for an improved winter snowpack this season, which means that California ski areas may expect new dustings of fresh powder at higher elevations.

Snowboarders and skiers can expect a “robust” snow season according to numerous “powder chaser” reports.

The best resource for determining where and when to hit the slopes remains the daily California Snow Report found at onthesnow.com/california/ skireport

The California Snow Report shows the snow cover in California. For each ski resort you will find the essential information from its snow report: snow depths, open slopes and lifts, date of the last snowfall, today’s weather. All the information you need to choose the right ski resort for you in California. Click on the name of a resort to obtain its complete snow report. You’ll never have to wonder

if it’s snowing in California again.

What’s New

This winter, you’re likely to find upgrades, renovations and enhancements at your favorite resort, including higher capacity chairlifts, more efficient snowmaking equipment, a speedy new gondola and even expanded terrain.

Base to Base Gondola Palisades Tahoe

The long-awaited Base to Base Gondola opened Dec. 17 at Palisades Tahoe. The Alpine Lodge and The Village at Palisades Tahoe will now be connected by a 16-minute ride across stunning views of the Sierras and Lake Tahoe. Spanning 2.4 miles and 2,000 vertical feet, the ride will be one to remember.

Skiers and riders will now have uninterrupted access to all 6,000 acres of terrain at both Alpine Meadows and Palisades Tahoe in addition to one more way to access the steeps and chutes off of KT22. You no longer have to choose between Alpine or Palisades — explore both mountains with easy access to epic terrain.

Comstock Express Lift at Northstar

Northstar is celebrating its 50th anniversary and is marking the occasion with the new and improved Comstock Express lift, a high-speed six-person chair.

As one of the mountain’s most popular lifts, the improvement turns the four-person chair to a six-person high-speed lift. The updated lift will offer shorter wait times and more uphill capacity.

The new Comstock lift will be the third lift to have this alignment at Northstar.

Mt. Shasta Ski Park

Mt. Shasta completed construction on its new Gray Butte chairlift. The fixed quad lift gives skiers access to higher-elevation terrain and five new runs, including a three-mile-long cruise from top to bottom. The lift provides access to nearly 100 acres of intermediate, advanced, and expert terrain.

The newly opened slopes include the park’s first-ever double-black-diamond run. The ski park has also invested in high-performance rental equipment.

People have been clamoring for additional terrain at Shasta for a long time. Skiers and snowboarders are getting what they want, said Mt. Shasta officials.

“The new lift and new terrain are going to make skiing and riding a much better experience up there.”

Mammoth Mountain

The resort has invested $5 million in new, energy-conserving snowmaking equipment. For non-skiers, Woolly’s Tube Park will offer expanded tubing lanes, better snowmaking capabilities, a new elevated conveyor lift, expanded parking, and a larger snow play and sledding area.

In January, Top Chef alums Michael and Bryan Voltaggio will open Vulcania, an American-Italian eatery, in The Village at Mammoth.

The long-awaited Base to Base Gondola at Palisades Tahoe is open. PHOTO COURTESY PALISADES TAHOE

PHOTO COURTESY VISIT CALIFORNIA

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

If the recent 80-degree holiday weather made you long for cooler winter family fun, it’s time to plan a trip to one of many California mountain destinations.

Before heading off into the mountains make sure your vehicle is equipped with tire chains and you’ve checked the road conditions. Make sure your tires are not worn and have the proper tire pressure.

Because Mother Nature can be fickle, be sure to check your destination before heading off in search of winter adventure. Snow can melt, even at higher elevations, if the winter weather conditions change.

Mammoth Mountain Snowcat Tours

Info Reservations (800) 626-6684, mammoth mountain.com/things-to-do/activities/snowcattours

Take a ride in a snowcat for one of the most unique excursions in the Eastern Sierra. Visit one of Mammoth’s most scenic spots, Minaret Vista, where you’ll see unparalleled views of Mammoth Lakes’ signature skyline and take in the spectacular views of Mammoth Mountain, the Minarets, Ritter Range and beyond.

Snowcat tours are operated by Mammoth Mountain and offer visitors the chance to experience the backcountry from the heated comfort of a luxury snowcat. Each snowcat holds up to 12 people.

Mammoth Mountain offers two times for tours on the weekends Friday-Sunday. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance for Mammoth Mountain snowcat tours. All tours are approximately two hours.

Choose from a Mid-Day Tour at 11:30 a.m. or an Aprés Tour at 3 p.m. Child tickets are available for ages 12 and under.

In addition to the views, you’ll also be treated to a light meal.

Snowdrift Snow Tubing Park

34600 State Highway 18, Running Springs 92386

Four miles east of the town of Running Springs Info (909) 867-2640, www.snowdrift.net

Snowdrift Snow Tubing Park is an outdoor family recreation attraction located in the San Bernardino National Forest and listed in the AAA tour guide as a Southern California Recreational area. Snowdrift is Southern California’s largest and oldest snow tubing park.

The park touts itself as being a place where families and people of all ages can enjoy clean mountain air and have a great time.

Snowdrift offers snowy slopes for downhill rides on individual snow tubes that are specially designed with a belly strap and handles. Beginner, intermediate and advanced slopes are available. At 6,500 feet above sea level, it’s a great place to enjoy a day of clean, crisp mountain air.

Admission is $20 per person per hour, cash only , and includes the use of a snow tube. Children 36” tall or under are free if accompanied by a paid adult. Parking costs $10 per vehicle. In season op-

erating hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Yeti’s Snow Play at Mountain High 24510 CA-2, Wrightwood 92397 Info (888) 754-7878, www.mthigh.com/site/ mountain/events-and-activities/yeti-snow-play

Make it a “Snow Day” at the Yeti’s Snow Play located at Mountain High in Wrightwood. Slide down the tubing lanes, meet the Yeti and his friends or have lunch at the Grand View Lodge located at an elevation of 8,200 feet.

Open daily through Jan. 8. After Jan. 8 Yeti’s will be open weekends and holidays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

With up to 12 different lanes, two moving carpets and custom tubes, Yeti’s Snow Play is the largest park of its kind in Southern California and offers an easy day of fun in the snow.

Yeti’s Snow Play offers tubing, sledding, snow play and scenic sky chair rides.

Remember to dress warmly, bring your gloves and appropriate shoes. Parking is $20.

Yeti’s Snow Play at Mountain High in Wrightwood offers tubing, sledding, snow play and scenic sky chair rides.

PHOTO COURTESY MOUNTAIN HIGH

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

If the recent 80-degree holiday weather made you long for cooler winter family fun, it’s time to plan a trip to one of many California mountain destinations.

Before heading off into the mountains make sure your vehicle is equipped with tire chains and you’ve checked the road conditions. Make sure your tires are not worn and have the proper tire pressure.

Because Mother Nature can be fickle, be sure to check your destination before heading off in search of winter adventure. Snow can melt, even at higher elevations, if the winter weather conditions change.

Mammoth Mountain Snowcat Tours Info Reservations (800) 626-6684, mammoth mountain.com/things-to-do/activities/snowcattours

Take a ride in a snowcat for one of the most unique excursions in the Eastern Sierra. Visit one of Mammoth’s most scenic spots, Minaret Vista, where you’ll see unparalleled views of Mammoth Lakes’ signature skyline and take in the spectacular views of Mammoth Mountain, the Minarets, Ritter Range and beyond.

Snowcat tours are operated by Mammoth Mountain and offer visitors the chance to experience the backcountry from the heated comfort of a luxury snowcat. Each snowcat holds up to 12 people.

Mammoth Mountain offers two times for tours on the weekends Friday-Sunday. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance for Mammoth Mountain snowcat tours. All tours are approximately two hours.

Choose from a Mid-Day Tour at 11:30 a.m. or an Aprés Tour at 3 p.m. Child tickets are available for ages 12 and under.

In addition to the views, you’ll also be treated to a light meal.

Snowdrift Snow Tubing Park

34600 State Highway 18, Running Springs 92386

Four miles east of the town of Running Springs Info (909) 867-2640, www.snowdrift.net

Snowdrift Snow Tubing Park is an outdoor family recreation attraction located in the San Bernardino National Forest and listed in the AAA tour guide as a Southern California Recreational area. Snowdrift is Southern California’s largest and oldest snow tubing park.

The park touts itself as being a place where families and people of all ages can enjoy clean mountain air and have a great time.

Snowdrift offers snowy slopes for downhill rides on individual snow tubes that are specially designed with a belly strap and handles. Beginner, intermediate and advanced slopes are available. At 6,500 feet above sea level, it’s a great place to enjoy a day of clean, crisp mountain air.

Admission is $20 per person per hour, cash only , and includes the use of a snow tube. Children 36” tall or under are free if accompanied by a paid adult. Parking costs $10 per vehicle. In season op-

erating hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Yeti’s Snow Play at Mountain High 24510 CA-2, Wrightwood 92397 Info (888) 754-7878, www.mthigh.com/site/ mountain/events-and-activities/yeti-snow-play

Make it a “Snow Day” at the Yeti’s Snow Play located at Mountain High in Wrightwood. Slide down the tubing lanes, meet the Yeti and his friends or have lunch at the Grand View Lodge located at an elevation of 8,200 feet.

Open daily through Jan. 8. After Jan. 8 Yeti’s will be open weekends and holidays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

With up to 12 different lanes, two moving carpets and custom tubes, Yeti’s Snow Play is the largest park of its kind in Southern California and offers an easy day of fun in the snow.

Yeti’s Snow Play offers tubing, sledding, snow play and scenic sky chair rides.

Remember to dress warmly, bring your gloves and appropriate shoes. Parking is $20.

Yeti’s Snow Play at Mountain High in Wrightwood offers tubing, sledding, snow play and scenic sky chair rides.

PHOTO COURTESY MOUNTAIN HIGH

By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager

The new year is officially here, and with it comes many opportunities to enhance your quality of life by getting outdoors and getting active. As residents of Santa Clarita, we have the shared benefit of enjoying 36 beautiful parks that offer a wide range of amenities. Whether it’s going for a run, taking the dog for a walk or trying out a new sport (pickleball), our City parks are the ideal location.

Did you know that multiple park locations throughout Santa Clarita offer outdoor fitness zones? If you’re looking to shake-up your workout routine or just get a quick sweat in, the outdoor fitness zones give the user a comprehensive and complete workout. However, you always have the option to improve your cardiovascular fitness and take a walk or a brisk jog on local paseos. Tennis remains a popular sport in Santa Clarita and our residents continue to enjoy the lighted tennis courts at five local locations, which are accessible during the day and evenings. Pickleball continues to grow here in Santa Clarita and we are proud to

provide pickleball courts at five park locations as well.

If you’re a thrill seeker looking to catch some air, the Trek Bike Park of Santa Clarita is the perfect spot for mountain bikers of all skill levels. This exciting area features several single-track mountain bike trails, pump and BMX tracks and also includes an array of combination jumps. If you are looking for an easy, scenic ride — you can always enjoy the 100-plus miles of trails that connect throughout our City. Visit BikeSantaClarita.com for a complete list of trails and other cycling tips. Our parks system also offers leisurely activities

that are perfect for a weekend get together. You can have lunch at one of our many picnic areas, while younger family members can enjoy the interactive and engaging playground equipment. Residents can also enjoy our two inclusive play areas. One at Canyon Country Park and the newest one at West Creek Park that will be opening in just a few weeks. The new play area will feature amenities for residents of all abilities, while they further develop their cognitive, physical, social and sensory skills.

In addition to being a great area to exercise and spend time with loved ones, our parks give residents a place to come together and create lasting memories. As we begin the new year with resolutions of our own, please remember to visit your local parks. I’m confident that by visiting the City’s recreation areas, you can get active and develop healthy habits that will last far into the future. To learn more about our City parks system and to make picnic area reservations, please visit city. sc/parks to see a complete listing of our parks and helpful information to help prepare for your next visit. 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. 

Accomplish Health Goals with Better-for-You Family Meals

Setting out on a mission to eat healthier starts with creating goals and working to achieve them with those you love. To help make nutritious eating more manageable, call together your family and work with one another to create a menu everyone can enjoy while staying on track.

Connecting an array of recipes that all can agree on starts with versatile ingredients like dairy. Gathering at the table with your loved ones while enjoying delicious, nutritious recipes featuring yogurt, cheese and milk can nourish both body and soul.

For example, the key dairy ingredients in these recipes from Milk Means More provide essential nutrients for a healthy diet. The cheese varieties in Feta Roasted Salmon and Tomatoes and 15-Minute Weeknight Pasta provide vitamin B12 for healthy brain and nerve cell development and are a good source of calcium and protein, which are important for building and maintaining healthy bones.

To find more nutritious meal ideas to fuel your family’s health goals, visit MilkMeansMore.org. (Family Features)

Feta Roasted Salmon and Tomatoes

Recipe courtesy of Marcia Stanley, MS, RDN, Culinary Dietitian, on behalf of Milk Means More

Prep time 15 minutes Cook time 15 minutes Servings 4

Nonstick cooking spray

3 cups halved cherry tomatoes

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or dried dill weed

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper, divided

1 1/2 pounds salmon or halibut fillets, cut into four serving-size pieces

1 cup (4 ounces) crumbled feta cheese

Preheat oven to 425 F. Line 18-by-13by-1-inch baking pan with foil. Lightly spray foil with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

In medium bowl, toss tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, oregano or dill weed, salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

Place fish pieces, skin side down, on one side of prepared pan. Sprinkle with remaining pepper. Lightly press feta cheese on top of fish. Pour tomato mixture on other side of prepared pan. Bake, uncovered, 12-15 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with fork.

Place salmon on serving plates. Spoon tomato mixture over top.

15-Minute Weeknight Pasta

Recipe courtesy of Kirsten Kubert of "Comfortably Domestic" on behalf of Milk Means More

Prep time 5 minutes

Cook time 10 minutes

Servings 6

6 quarts water

16 ounces linguine or penne pasta

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 cup thinly sliced onion

1 cup thinly sliced carrots

1 cup thinly sliced sweet bell pepper

1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halved

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

1 cup reserved pasta water

1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

1/2 cup smoked provolone cheese, shredded

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional) Parmesan cheese (optional)

Bring water to rolling boil and prepare pasta according to package directions for al dente texture, reserving 1 cup pasta water.

In large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in onions, carrots and sweet bell peppers. Saute vegetables about 5 minutes, or until they brighten in color and begin to soften.

Add tomatoes, salt, pepper and garlic. Cook and stir 1 minute to allow tomatoes to release juices.

Pour reserved pasta water into skillet, stirring well. Bring sauce to boil.

Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 3 minutes. Taste sauce and adjust seasonings, as desired.

Transfer drained pasta to skillet along with lemon zest and smoked provolone cheese, tossing well to coat. Serve immediately with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.

ENTERTAINMENT

A Few of Roeper’s Favorite TV Series of 2022

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

When compiling the list of my favorite TV series of 2022, I’ve opted not to include continuation seasons, e.g., “The Crown,” “Ozark,” “Better Call Saul,” “Only Murders in the Building,” “The White Lotus,” in favor of spotlighting shows that debuted this year. (If not, we’d have an awful lot of repeat titles on the list year after year.)

al,” “Loot,” “Mind Over Murder,” “Ms. Marvel,” “Dirty Daddy,” “Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey.”

Also:

“The Lincoln Lawyer,” “Candy,” “A Friend of the Family,” “The Staircase,” “Under the Banner of Heaven,” “Gaslit,” “Outer Range,” “61st Street,” “Tokyo Vice,” “The Girl From Plainville,” “The Dropout,” “Winning Time,” “Murderville,” “The Afterparty.”

Fine works, one and all — but these are my Top TV Series of 2022.

‘Pachinko’ (Apple TV+)

novel by Min Jin Lee, “Pachinko” is a triumphant work with gleaming performances by the great Youn Yuh-jung (Oscar winner for “Minari”), Lee Min-ho, Minha Kim, Soji Arai and Jin Ha. Very specific to one family and yet universally relatable, “Pachinko” is a breathtakingly original treasure.

‘Somebody Somewhere’ (HBO)

“The General” Manfredi, who finds himself exiled to Tulsa in a classic fish-out-of-water setup. The 75-yearold Stallone remains a formidable physical force and still has a gift for light comedy, as Dwight alternates between knocking out his foes and quipping about this strange new world he’s found himself in.

‘House of the Dragon’ (HBO and HBO Max)

a t r e s • S a n t a C l a r i t a S i g n a l 5 . 9 ” d a t e : d e l i v e r y d a t e : B A BYLO N E 1:30 7:00 From Damien Chazelle, BABYLON is an original ep c set in 1920s Los Ange es A tale of outsized ambit on and outrageous excess, it traces the rise and fall of multiple charac ters during an era of unbr dled decadence and deprav ty in early Holly wood W H I T N E Y H O U S TO N: I WA N N A DA N C E W I T H S O M E B O DY C 1:05 4:15 7:20 Naomi Ackie stars as Whitney Houston in the musical biopic, which is based on the epic life and music of the iconic s nger The film wi l take audiences on an emotional, energet c journey through Houston’s career and music P U S S I N B O OTS: T H E L A S T W I S H B Sun to Wed: 1:20 4:30 7:30; Thu: 1:20 7:30 Puss in Boots discovers that his passion for peril and disregard for safety have taken their toll Puss has burned through eight of his nine lives, though he lost count along the way Getting those l ves back wi l send Puss in Boots on his grandest quest yet AVATA R: T H E WAY O F WAT E R C 1:00 2:00 6:00 7:00 “Avatar The Way of Water ” begins to tell the stor y of the Sul y family (Jake, Neyt ri and their kids), the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive and the traged es they endure E M P I R E O F L I G H T E 1:20 4:20 7:30 Set in an English seaside town in the early 1980s, EMPIRE OF LIGHT is a power ful and poignant stor y about human connec tion and the magic of cinema T H E FA B E L M A N S C 1:00 4:00 7:10 A coming- of-age stor y about a young man’s d scover y of a shattering fam ly secret and an explorat on of the power of movies to help us see the truth about each other and ourselves

a d s o u r c e @ e x h i b i t o r a d s . c o m p . 8 8 8 7 3 7 2 8 1 2 f . 2 0 3 4 3 8 1 2 0 6 Tu e s d ay, D e c e m b e r 2 7 , 2 0 2 2 a t 1 0 : 1 5 : 4 4 A M C A S C S L E M 0 1 0 1Sunday-Thursday, Januar y 1-5, 2023 TM NEWHALL FOR 1/1/20231/5/2023 ONLY

Among the fine efforts that didn’t quite make the cut but are worth your time if you’re up for some holiday season catch-up viewings: “George & Tammy,” “Welcome to Chippendales,” “Fleishman Is in Trouble,” “The English,” “Spector,” “Cabinet of Curiosities,” “Alaska Daily,” “Eat the Rich,” “American Gigolo,” “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law,” “Wednesday,” “Five Days at Memori-

22500 Lyons Ave. info Line 310.478.3836 Bringing the Finest in Film to the SC V! WWW.LAEMMLE.COM

Set in Kansas but filmed in Chicago suburbs including Lockport and Warrenville, this is that rare comedy-drama that is equally superb in both genres, with the life force that is Bridget Everett drawing on her own experiences to create Sam, a smart and dryly funny and cynical and insecure woman in her 40s who has returned home following a family tragedy and is navigating tricky waters on a number of fronts. In addition to the earthy, grounded drama and humor, we’re treated to Everett belting out numbers such as Peter Gabriel’s “Don’t Give Up” and Janis Joplin’s “Piece of My Heart” with such power and passion that it makes our hearts soar.

‘The Bear’ (Hulu)

The buzziest new series of the year makes great use of its Chicago setting as showrunner Christopher Storer creates an instantly believable and incredibly frenetic universe set in and around a family-run Italian beef sandwich joint that is going through some MAJOR changes. We already knew Jeremy Allen White was a singular talent from his work on the Chicago-set “Shameless,” but White reaches genuine star status with his blazing performance as an award-winning chef who returns home from New York under the most trying circumstances and takes over the ramshackle family joint. The entire supporting cast is Emmy-worthy, with Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ayo Edebiri and Abby Elliott creating characters so indelible they could each have their own series.

‘Tulsa King’ (Paramount+)

Just as Kevin Costner found the perfect television vehicle in “Yellowstone,” Sylvester Stallone is tailor-made for the role of recently paroled New York Mafia capo Dwight

Few series in the history of television have faced as much advance scrutiny and pressure as this prequel to “Game of Thrones,” set some 172 years before the death of the Mad King, Aerys, and the birth of his daughter, Prince Daenerys Targaryen. It took a while to sort out all the players and how they relate to one another (as it did with “GOT”), but “House of the Dragon” immediately captivated us with its lush location shots and elaborate interior sets, a brilliant score from “GOT” composer Ramin Djawadi, and some wild, racy and violent storylines. Matt Smith, Paddy Considine, Rhys Ifans, Graham McTavish, Emma D’Arcy, Olivia Cooke and Fabien Frankel were among the standouts in the ensemble.

‘Bad Sisters’ (Apple TV+)

Oh, how I loved every minute of this sly and dark Irish comedy, and how thrilled I am it’s coming back for a second season! Sharon Horgan, Anne-Marie Duff, Sarah Greene, Eva Birthistle and Eve Hewson are a marvel together as the Garvey sisters, who are extremely tight and do just about everything together -- and that might include the murder of Grace’s husband, the abusive and manipulative and cruel and absolutely hiss-worthy John Paul (Claes Bang). “Bad Sisters” begins with a body in a coffin and works its way backward, as John Paul survives more attempts on his life than Rasputin, until he doesn’t.

Copyright 2022 Chicago Sun-Times

SENIOR LIVING

“D

anger” might not be the first word to come to mind when individuals consider their bathrooms, but perhaps it should be? After all, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that each year more than 1.5 million aging adults visit emergency rooms for fall-related injuries, many of which occur in the bathroom.

Many falls and spills that occur in the bathroom can be prevented. Seniors or their loved ones can make some minor adjustments to bathrooms so falls are less likely to happen.

• Install grab bars in the shower and bath and elsewhere, as necessary. Grab bars make it easier for aging men and women to get into and out of the shower or the tub by giving them something to hold onto. This can be especially helpful for seniors who must step up and over their tubs to bathe. Though they’re primarily used in showers and tubs, grab bars also can be installed alongside toilets for seniors who could use a little help sitting down and getting up from their toilets.

AARP notes that sheltering arm grab bars provide the best support around toilets. Such grab bars come around both sides of the toilet and look similar to armrests.

• Install LED lighting. Poor lighting in a bathroom can make it hard for seniors to see, which can make them more vulnerable to slips and falls. That’s especially so for seniors who find themselves making frequent bathroom visits overnight.

Even bathrooms with seemingly adequate lighting may be dangerous if they feature dated light fixtures that rely on incandescent bulbs to light the room. Incandescent bulbs burn out with greater frequency than LED alternatives, which can last for years. The longer bulbs last, the less often seniors need to change them, which also reduces their risk for injury. In addition to replacing traditional fixtures with LED alternatives, individuals can plug in LED night lights that make it easy to see when making nighttime visits to the bathroom.

• Utilize non-slip bath mats. Nonslip bath mats often utilize rubber-backed liners to ensure the mats stay put even when floors get wet or damp from condensation after a hot bath or shower. Non-slip mats can be placed where individuals will enter and exit the shower and even by the toilet and sink so individuals always feel steady on their feet.

• Clean bathrooms regularly. Bathroom surfaces can grow slippery from soap scum, condensation and previous spills. Prompt and routine cleaning can reduce the likelihood that seniors will fall in their bathrooms. Seniors who have difficulty keeping up with household cleaning can hire a cleaning service or ask a younger relative to help them keep their bathrooms clean and safe.

Seniors can fall anywhere in a home, but may be more likely to do so in a bathroom. Various measures can help make bathrooms safer for aging individuals. (MC) 

NEWS FEATURE

SKIING

What’s New SoCal

Mountain High, Wrightwood Mountain High has invested more than $1 million in improved snowmaking capabilities. Night skiing and snowboarding will be offered Wednesday through Sunday during peak season.

Big Bear Mountain Resort, Big Bear Lake Big Bear’s two jointly managed mountains, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, completed a $2 million upgrade to Laybacks Bar at the Bear Mountain base area and a $1.2 million upgrade to the ski rental shop, and added 10 acres of remote parking.

Top 8 California Ski Resorts

Big Bear Mountain Resort Info www.bigbearmountainresort. com/winter

Big Bear Mountain Resort at Big Bear Lake includes two major ski ar-

SNOW FUN

eas with one entry ticket valid at both Bear Mountain offering 748 acres of skiable terrain and Snow Summit, with 240 skiable acres. Known for its state-of-the-art facilities, Bear Mountain resort has 27 trails accessed by eight lifts.

Mountain High Info www.mthigh.com

This award-winning resort is the most popular ski area in Southern California. Three ski resort areas are available to skiers, with the same entry ticket.

The West Resort offers a wide variety of runs, including technical trails used for contests.

The East Resort has the longest runs, jaw-dropping viewpoints of the Mojave Desert, and expert slopes with challenging moguls.

The North Resort is well suited for families and newbies learning to ski. It features 70 acres of beginner-level runs.

Palisades Tahoe Info www.palisadestahoe.com

This premier resort boasts some of

the longest ski runs in North America. Palisades Tahoe hosted the 1960 Olympic Winter Games and since then has been known for its advanced terrain and excellent ski conditions.

Heavenly Ski Resort Info www.skiheavenly.com

Heavenly features 34 miles of groomed trails covering 4,800 skiable acres, making it the largest ski resort in the Lake Tahoe area.

Mammoth Mountain Ski Area Info www.mammothmountain.com/ winter

Mammoth Mountain is one of the largest ski areas in California, with three base lodges, more than 3,500 acres of skiable terrain and 25 lifts that provide access to 175 trails.

Northstar California Info www.northstarcalifornia.com

Northstar is the most family-friendly ski resort in Lake Tahoe, thanks to its kids’ activities, ski school and extensive network of wellgroomed trails. Many of the runs have lovely views and traverse pris-

5293 ext. 5, www.mammothmountain.com/thingsto-do

tine pine forests. The ski resort covers 3,170 acres, with 100 runs that are accessed by 20 chairlifts.

Sugar Bowl Info www.sugarbowl.com

Established in 1939, Sugar Bowl is one of California’s most legendary ski resorts: the first ski area in the state to install a chairlift and the first in the West to install a gondola. Walt Disney was one of the original investors in the Sugar Bowl ski resort and one of the resort’s mountain peaks is named after Disney.

Mt. Shasta Ski Park Info www.skipark.com

Mt. Shasta has added terrain and upgraded equipment this year.

Adventurous snowboarders love the terrain parks: Silvertip Terrain Park for beginners and intermediate-level riders, and the more advanced Revolution Terrain Park.

Cross-country skiers will find plenty of picturesque terrain to explore at Mt. Shasta Ski Park, along with ski rentals and lessons. 

Snowshoeing Yosemite

Badger Pass Ski Area

All Day Tubing, Sledding, Snow Play and one Scenic Sky Chair Ride is $79. All Day Tubing, Sledding and Snow Play, (no Scenic Sky Chair Ride) is $59. Scenic Sky Chair Ride only is $35. Open to guests 36” or taller.

Snow Play only is $30 and open to guests 32” or shorter. Reserve your tickets in advance. Tickets are $10 more at the ticket windows.

Mammoth Snowshoeing, CrossCountry Skiing

163 Twin Lakes Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

Info Trail and Snow Report Hotline: (760) 934-

Set out for an all-ages scenic family adventure and explore the Mammoth Lakes Basin on cross-country skis or snowshoes across 19-plus miles of secluded, groomed world-class trails. Rentals, lessons, guided tours and season passes are available from the Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Center, located at Tamarack Lodge.

Explore all the miles of groomed cross-country and snowshoe trails, plus the free Public Access Trail that runs along Lake Mary Road. Be sure to check the trail status and conditions before heading out on your adventure.

7082 Glacier Point Rd, Yosemite National Park 95389

Info www.travelyosemite.com/winter/badgerpass-ski-area/snowshoeing

All ages can enjoy Yosemite National Park’s snowshoe trails. During the winter months, snowshoeing is an absolute highlight of any trip to Yosemite National Park. Strap on a pair of high-tech snowshoes, rentals are available for modest all-day or half-day fees, and start making big tracks up and down the marked trails of Badger Ski Pass with your family.

A great way to snowshoe Yosemite is to join a guided tour.

Any families with younger children are welcome to book a private snowshoe hike by calling the Nordic Center at (209) 372-4996 or the Mountaineering School at (209) 372-8344 or emailing yms@ aramark.com.

On the Adventure Snowshoe Hike to Dewey Point with the Yosemite Mountaineering School & Guide Service, your guide will lead you through some of the most breathtaking scenery Yosemite has to offer, with views that include El Capitan, Half Dome and the Clark Range.

If you’re lucky enough to be in the park on a night when conditions permit, the Full-Moon Snowshoe Hike is particularly popular and a favorite for amateur photographers. 

Take a ride in a Mammoth Mountain snowcat for one of the most unique excursions in the Eastern Sierra. Visit one of Mammoth’s most scenic spots, Minaret Vista. PHOTO COURTESY MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN

As we start the new year, many people will begin considering their resolutions. Some will choose to focus on setting health and fitness goals, while others may identify DIY projects to improve and organize their homes. Check out five home projects that can be easily be competed this month.

Refresh the Wall Paint

If there’s one area in desperate need of a refresh, painting is a great place to start. With the right planning, you can easily paint a room in a day.

Purchase the materials you need, including primer, the paint color of your choice, brushes and rollers and a high-quality painter’s tape such as FrogTape Multi-Surface painter’s tape. Made with PaintBlock Technology, FrogTape ensures crisp and professional paint lines, so there will be no time wasted on touch-ups.

Once you have your supplies, tape the walls, apply primer and paint away. In just one day, a fresh coat of paint will have the room feeling brand new.

Enhance the Entryway

Your entryway should give your guests a warm welcome. A few simple solutions for sprucing up this area are organizing shoes, hanging up coats and adding a pop of color by laying a rug at the door.

If you have the space, time and budget, you could consider larger improvements such as adding a bench, shoe storage or a coat rack. Complete the look by adding decorative pillows to the bench or adding frames to the wall.

Bathroom Accessories

One way to make a space look more contemporary is to update the hardware and fixtures. This works particularly well in bathrooms where showerheads, faucets, towel bars and cabinet handles can be swapped out for matching, on-trend matte black or gold finishes.

Other small, easily replaced items include shower curtains, towels, bathmats, soap dispensers and toothbrush holders. These swaps may seem minor to make, but they can make a big

HOME

difference in the look and feel of the room.

Clear Clutter and Organize

Once the hardware has been replaced on cabinets and drawers, open them up and get things in order. Start by going through what you have and deciding what can be eliminated.

Clearing out clutter is particularly important for open shelves that are visible in the room. Once you’ve decided on what to keep, replace items in an organized manner so they’re easy to find going forward. Sorting out these small spaces can help keep things running smoothly into the new year.

Rearrange a Bedroom

Sometimes you just need to look at what you already have with a fresh perspective. Rearranging the furni ture in a room can make it feel brand new.

It can be as easy as switching which side of the bed the nightstand is on or moving the dresser to another spot on the wall. Best of all, this approach doesn’t require spending money on new items or supplies – all you need is your creativity and imagination!

With so many DIY projects that can be done in just one day, there’s no need to wait to far into 2023 to give your home the refresh it deserves.

For more DIY inspiration, visit frog tape.com. (SPT) 

GARDENING

Lessons from the Garden for the New Year

By Jane Gates Signal Staff Writer

Some of us have made new year resolutions we hope will change our lives. Some have made less formidable promises to ourselves. Others have decided to ignore the calendar as much as possible or just sit back and see what fate will bring.

I suspect my garden is in the third category and has paid as little attention to the human labeling of time as did my dogs to their dinner time after Daylight Savings Time rolled in.

For most other living creatures on this planet, time is not something to measure or categorize. But we humans tend to circumscribe our whole lives by years, months, minutes and sometimes even seconds. I guess it’s a control thing.

And maybe that’s one of the reasons I value my garden so much. It is a wise teacher. It teaches me that time will continue on no matter what I do or what beliefs I cling to — political, religious, economic or anything else. Seeds will sprout, leaf out and flower; fruit will drop seeds and die as newly formed seedlings sprout again.

I will make splendid plans and the weather or the wildlife will ignore them. And I will continue ageing no matter how well I eat and exercise until the day I stop altogether.

So I have a choice. I can choose to feel badly about my short, egocentric period on this earth, or I can celebrate what a magnificent gift it

is to be here and experience being a unique part of the awesome living tapestry of life. Considering how bleak the first choice is and how much fun the latter one is, why not go for the joyful one?

After all, the truth of the matter is that I can spend every day learning new things and passing them on.

This makes me feel even more a part of the complex dance of life. I can make someone smile, rescue a worm stranded on the sidewalk, pat a pooch and give a plant a happy home.

These are lessons my garden has shown me in so many ways. I don’t have to be rich, famous or admired to do something that makes a difference. I just need to participate in experiencing and honoring the magical life on this awesome planet!

So, now that I realize I have every-

thing I need to be happy and relevant in the coming new year, I’m gonna arm myself with shovel, fork and trowel, and I’m gonna go out there and do some good.

I can help people plan their gardens to feed their souls while doing my best to help balance our human use of soil, water and air with the harmony needed to care for the planet.

I can plant California natives where they will create homes and food for the local fauna. I can make a special area for amending soil so I can grow fresh healthy food and pretty flowers for cutting without using excessive water.

I can enjoy every day in the gentle air, the soft winter sun, the stimulating seasonal rains, and be thankful for having the daily reminder in my garden of what is truly important about being alive. And you can do the same.

Okay, now that I’m done with my proselytizing, here are some things we can all do at this time of year to feel fulfilled in the garden:

• Plan to redesign your garden for more fun and productive beauty. Draw it out rough-sketched on paper, computer or formally measured and mapped so you can catch mistakes before they become expensive.

• Soil can be prepped for the spring. Amendments can be added where more organics are needed or soil

needs to be aerated.

• Winter is the perfect time to fix or change irrigation systems.

• To keep weed germination down in open areas you will not get around to planting for a while try covering the soil with black plastic. It heats up in the sun and effectively kills many weeds germinating beneath. Just pull it off when you are ready to plant.

• Plant low-water lawns, trees and shrubs during winter months.

• Most of your pruning can be done at this time of year as well.

• Keep hoeing and pulling weeds as they sprout.

• Sprinkle wildflower seeds to bring riotous color to open areas.

• Plant drought-tolerant plants and low ground-covers to save water and defend from wildfires.

There are boundless opportunities to work with your landscape in January. You can use inclement days for shopping and designing. You can also just enjoy wandering through your landscape and watch the shows nature is presenting everywhere you look.

So, I wish you all a Happy New Year and lots of fun, healing and healthful gardening. It’s never too late to start learning all the lessons the garden has to teach. Just step outside, look, listen and learn! 

Health Resolutions Doctors Encourage You Make This Year

The New Year represents a fresh start and is the perfect time to invest in your health. However, you may be unsure what resolutions will have the biggest impact. Doctors say that the easy, tangible actions you take are some of the most important.

“Many people kick off the start of each new year with big-picture health resolutions,” says Jack Resneck, Jr., M.D., president of the American Medical Association. “The good news is that small, positive health choices made right now can have long-lasting effects.”

Want to get started today? Here are the 10 resolutions the AMA recommends top your list this year:

1. Exercise is essential for your physical and mental health, so get moving today. A good rule of thumb for adults is at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity.

2. Vaccination is the best protection against a number of serious illnesses. To protect yourself and your family, get up to date on your vaccines, including the annual flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. Your doctor can let you know if you’re due for a COVID booster. If you have questions, speak with your physician and review trusted resources, including getvaccineanswers.org.

3. Get screened. Estimates based on statistical models show that since April 2020, millions of screenings for breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer diagnoses may have been missed due to pandemic-related care disruptions. Check in with your physician. If you’re due for preventive care, tests or screenings, make an appointment. These measures are designed to keep you healthy and help your doctor spot certain conditions before they become more serious.

4. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke, and it affects millions of Americans. Visit ManageYourBP.org to understand what your blood pressure numbers mean and what you can do to get your blood pressure under control.

5. One in 3 American adults has prediabetes, a condition that can lead to type 2 diabetes if left unmanaged. However, there are steps you can take that can help delay or even prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Learn your risk by taking a simple 2-minute self-screening test at DoIHavePrediabetes.org. This resource also features helpful lifestyle tips that can help you reverse prediabetes.

6. Whenever possible, drink water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages and replace processed foods — especially those with added sodium and sugar — with nutritious, whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, herbs and spices.

7. If consuming alcohol, drink only in moderation. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans defines that as up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men, and only by adults of legal drinking age.

8. Speak with your doctor or health care professional about quitting tobacco and nicotine use. Declare your home and car smokefree to eliminate secondhand smoke exposure.

9. Follow your doctor’s instructions when taking prescription drugs — especially opioids. Always store and dispose of these medications safely to prevent misuse. Whenever prescribed antibiotics, take them exactly as directed. Not taking the full course can lead to antibiotic resistance, a serious public health problem, and will not make you feel better if you have a virus, such as a cold or flu.

10. Invest in your mental health by managing stress, getting sufficient sleep, exercising and seeking help from a mental health professional when you need it.

If you don’t have health insurance, the AMA encourages you to sign up for coverage at healthcare.gov, which has new, affordable options. The enrollment deadline for 2023 coverage is Jan. 15, 2023.

Find more health resources at ama-assn.org. For a healthy 2023 and beyond, invest in your wellness with these doctor-recommended New Year’s resolutions. (SPT) 

By Dana Jackson

QWhat has Chris Rock been do ing since he was attacked by Will Smith at the Oscars? Does he talk about it publicly at all?

— E.M.

AActor/comedian Chris Rock has remained relatively quiet since Oscar-winning actor Will Smith smacked him in anger at the Oscars last year.

Rock has reportedly turned down offers to host the upcoming ceremony in 2023, choosing instead to focus on his roots: stand-up comedy. He was already set to tour when the incident happened — and ticket sales soared — but he told his audience in Boston last March, “I’m still processing what happened.”

On March 4 at 10 p.m. ET, sub-

scribers can watch a new Chris Rock comedy special in Netflix’s first ever live-streamed event.

I’m willing to bet he comments, or even jokes, about the slap, because he’s already referenced it in past performances in other cities.

For example, in Phoenix this past August, he told his audience that not

only did he turn down a chance to host the Oscars again, but that he also rejected an offer to appear in a Super Bowl commercial. He also admitted that the slap hurt, obviously, referencing how Smith once played Muhammad Ali in a movie.

QI really enjoy the Korean legal drama on Netflix about a lawyer named Woo. Is the lead actress autistic in real life, like her character?

— L.D.

A“Extraordinary Attorney Woo” stars Park Eun-bin as a young attorney named Woo Young-woo who is on the autism spectrum. She “boasts a high IQ, an impressive memory and a wonderfully creative thought process, but she struggles with everyday interactions.”

It’s not just a legal drama; it’s also very endearing and whimsical, making it more of a dramedy.

Park is not autistic in real life and initially felt conflicted about taking the role. She told ENA (the distributor of the series in Korea) that she “met with a professor to ask for advice … and learned some general characteristics of people with autism.”

Her talent is widely respected in her home country, having received Gallup Korea’s Actor of the Year award in 2022.

Viewers have been bingeing all 16 episodes of “Attorney Woo” and are asking for more. According to DigitalSpy.com, it’s the eighth most watched non-English series of all time on Netflix, and it’s expected to be renewed for a second season.

QIs it true that the actor who plays Rip on “Yellowstone” is a redhead in real life? Does he dye his

hair for the part, or does he wear a wig?

— L.E.

ACole Hauser has been around in Hollywood for decades, and those familiar with his work probably find him unrecognizable as Rip Wheeler on “Yellowstone.” The actor told Jenny McCarthy on her radio show that the decision to dye his hair and beard black was mainly because Beth (Kelly Reilly), his love interest on the show, “is a ginger, and I’m ginger as well.”

Q A good friend of mine was tell ing me that I’d probably like the Canadian detective series “Cardinal.” Where can I watch it if I live in the United States?

— H.C.

“Cardinal” aired on CTV out of Canada for four seasons, from 2017 to 2020, with six episodes in each season. It was a crime series based on the novels by Giles Blunt about a detective named John Cardinal, set in the fictional town of Algonquin Bay. The first season was based on Blunt’s novel, “Forty Words for Sorrow,” about the murder of a young girl. Subsequent seasons involve a different novel/mystery.

A:

Fans of British crime dramas like “Broadchurch” or the U.S.-based show “The Killing,” set in the Pacific Northwest, will likely find “Cardinal” right up their alley. It also stars Billy Campbell, who has been acting in Hollywood since the 1980s and also played Darren Richmond in “The Killing.”

I’ve always enjoyed watching a series or film set in a snowscape while I sit in my warm living room with a cup of hot tea, and “Cardinal” does not disappoint. Filmed on location in Ontario, temperatures dipped to -40 degrees F. Executive producer Julia Sereny told RadioTimes.com that it was so cold sometimes that the “sound recordist could not get his truck started” and that windows on vehicles cracked.

You can watch all four seasons of “Cardinal” currently on Hulu.

Send me your questions at New CelebrityExtra@gmail.com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Chris Rock

FINANCE

Resolve to Protect Your Finances and Your Family

After a holiday season spent racking up credit card bills, many Americans consider making financial resolutions in the New Year. However, now is the perfect time to not only reevaluate your saving and spending, but also commit to creating a more holistic financial plan designed to protect your finances and your family.

Consumers are seeking stability and preparedness in today’s uncertain economic environment, according to a recent Consumer Sentiment Tracker study by Lincoln Financial Group. With ongoing inflation and market volatility, 56% of respondents cited protection from risk as being most important to them.

When it comes to thinking about their finances, people said they have the greatest interest in protecting their family (39%) followed by their income (26%).

“Our research reinforced the importance of financial solutions that can help consumers navigate through market cycles and protect their loved ones,” said David Berkowitz, president, Lincoln Financial Network, Lincoln Financial’s wealth management business.

“People are not only concerned about having enough to pay their bills, but also saving for retirement and preparing for the unexpected. It’s important to have a well-rounded financial plan that can address those risks, protect assets and create positive outcomes for today’s families.”

To achieve a stronger financial future, don’t neglect your finances in 2023 — instead, add a little TLC (Talk, Learn, Commit). Resolve to create a robust financial plan using these three tips from Lincoln Financial:

Talk About It

Financial conversations play a crucial role. Be transparent with your loved ones about financial priorities so you can set expectations and work toward your shared financial goals. Initiate ongoing discussions to stay on track with everything from saving for retirement to paying for a longterm healthcare event, which can happen suddenly and be very costly.

Also, consider talking to a financial

professional who can help identify solutions that best meet your individual needs, as well as drive better outcomes. Lincoln’s research found those who work with financial professionals are more likely to prioritize retirement savings (26% vs. 10%).

Tax-Deferred Investments

Learn more about tax-deferred investments. Life insurance can be more than just a death benefit, with some types of policies offering income replacement for unforeseen events.

It can also protect your financial security from the impact of taxes, market volatility and longevity. It’s not just for individuals and families either, but businesses too. Also, consider diversifying your portfolio with an annuity, which can provide protected growth and monthly lifetime income to help cover expenses in retirement and ensure you have a stream of income.

Workplace Benefits

Commit to maximizing your workplace benefits. Look into supplemental coverages like disability, accident and life insurance that may be available through your employer. Solutions like these protect against unexpected events that can disrupt your ability to provide for your family or drive you into additional debt.

If you have an employer-sponsored retirement plan, make sure you are contributing and getting a match, if offered. Tap into any financial wellness tools offered at work to help provide you with an accurate picture of your holistic financial situation and lower stress.

With a robust plan, you can help ensure a solid financial future for you and your family.

Visit www.lfg.com for more tools and resources. (SPT) 

Say "I Do" at the “BIG I DO”

Day Ceremony

The City of Santa Clarita’s City Hall Ceremonies presents The Big I Do event, an all-inclusive wedding ceremony, where 15 (or more!) couples will say “I do” at the same time! This inaugural event is part of the international award-winning City Hall Ceremonies program, which has married 186 couples since its inception in 2020.

Couples can now sign up to tie the knot at The Big I Do, which will take place on Valentine's Day, Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at one of the City’s amazing facilities. Loving couples will be able to skip the stress of wedding planning and leave all the details to our wedding experts. Each couple can invite up to six guests for a one-of-a-kind celebration which will include a marriage license and certificate, a private table for the couple and guests, brunch, a wedding cake, champagne toasts, a professional photographer, a dance floor, DJ and memories that will last a lifetime. The wedding price is all-inclusive, so couples can focus on each other and the love they share.

CROSSWORD TIME

PUZZLES

SOLUTIONS

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

ETHICALLY SPEAKING

READER LETTERS

A Pair of Paradoxes for 2023 Facts

Are Troublesome

It would appear that some people writing articles on here are having a very hard time separating facts from fiction because the facts just don’t fit their preconceived and VERY opinionated views.

And what I find most amusing is that this is true of people on both sides of the never-ending debate concerning viruses, vaccines, masks, social distancing, lockdowns, etc., etc.

Fact No. 1: To date no vaccines or other remedies/ treatments have proven to prevent people from being infected by these new strains of viruses.

Fact No. 2: To date the majority of healthy people under the age of 60 or so are not dying after being infected.

Like most other medical conditions, people with other preexisting conditions are FAR more prone to complications up to and including death when a new condition is introduced.

Fact No. 3: These vaccines DO NOT prevent infection or reinfection but they do tend to reduce the severity of the viruses if the person gets reinfected.

Fact No. 4: There is no study-based factual evidence that the immunity a person receives from getting one of these viruses naturally is permanent or that “natural immunity” to one strain will also provide immunity to other strains.

I personally know unvaccinated people who have gotten the virus multiple times just like I personally know vaccinated people who have had it multiple times.

Fact No. 5: These stupid, silly masks are absolutely useless and their use creates both physical and mental problems… especially in young children who need to see facial expressions in order to learn and interact with other children and adults.

Fact No. 6: Because the percentage of vaccinated people has obviously increased dramatically over the last three years, it should be no surprise that the number of vaccinated people who get reinfected also has increased because there are far more of them now than there were before.

The death rate in the Santa Clarita Valley from COVID-19 is 0.005%… not even in the top five causes of death every year.

Rick Barker Valencia

During one of our many family times enjoyed in Christmas seasons of the past, my eldest daughter, now a happily married woman and mother of two, expressed a very thoughtful sentiment.

She said, “It ought to be that we have a ‘build-down’ period after Christmas just like we have a ‘build-up’ period before it. That way we wouldn’t just go off a cliff when the everything is over and we all go back to our everyday lives.”

If only.

But life just doesn’t work that way. Time moves on, day after day, inexorably taking us away from the good times and leaving us with only memories. But there is something wonderful about the unstoppable surging of time. If we manage our lives well, there will be more and more good times waiting just around the corner.

So, here are some paradoxical suggestions for making the most of 2015.

Take the time to make some thoughtful plans. Sit down with your calendar and your family, and mark out some time for getaways, adventures, special meals, dates, outings and whatever else makes for good memories.

Here’s what I’ve learned: The appointment calendar is sovereign! If you get to it first, you can say “no” to other semi-obligatory things that may come up unexpectedly.

I’ve also found that having fun things to look forward makes them all the more beneficial. Knowing that I’ve got an outing planned to see the grandkids, or take in a movie, or barbecue ribs for friends, seems to be a pick-me-up all by itself. Try it. Make some plans and then look forward to seeing them come about.

Live in the moment. Yes, this is paradoxical to the previous suggestion. But I have found there are unexpected pleasures and joys inhabiting almost every hour of my day.

simple joy of rounding the corner and seeing my home after a taxing day of study.

While I love to make plans and look forward, I have also found it greatly therapeutic to notice the small joys and bits of beauty God sprinkles generously all around me.

Remember, each day is a 24-hour gift, wrapped up in fresh, daily circumstances, and offering a oncein-a-lifetime set of challenges, opportunities and adventures. You’ll never have another one just like it, so use it well, and face it with eyes wide open to its unique offerings.

Take care of yourself. As I age, I am finding that time spent on health is time wellspent.

Can we all agree that, after 50 we just can’t eat or act as we once did? It’s time we took the time to do what we all know we need to do, whether it is exercise, or practice the “10-finger push away” at the dinner table.

Forget about yourself. Yep, another paradox. Sure we need to look out for ourselves, but not at the expense of looking out for others. The greatest privilege in life is living beyond ourselves, getting over our inborn addiction to self in order to spend our lives making others better.

It is also clear that the best way to overcome personal pain is to find a way to alleviate someone else’s pain. Those who remain in their own pity party too long will find that they become addicted to their own discouragement, and then wear it like a badge of honor.

It is so much better to throw off what can’t be solved anyway, and find joy in serving others less fortunate.

So, bring on a New Year, and let’s make the most of it. After all, our days are numbered, and the years keep piling on.

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It could be finding that I put just the right amount of cream in my coffee, or reading an exceptional article, or even hearing about a colleague welcoming their first grandchild.

Sometimes it is an old favorite song playing on the way to work, or finding the perfect parking spot at the market, or the

The God who made us did so for noble purposes, the chief being to glorify him now so we may enjoy him forever. And that makes waking up, and getting up, and getting on a worthwhile proposition every day.

Happy New Year!

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