Sunday Signal 011523

The Year Ahead in Entertainment

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

The New Year offers a variety of new entertainment options in 2023 from concerts to film to theater and beyond. It’s time to start planning your special event or date night calendar so you don’t miss the entertainment events you’ll want to catch.

Awards Shows and Film Festivals

The Golden Globes have come and gone, yet there are plenty of other awards shows waiting in the wings.

The 65th Annual Grammy Awards will air live Sunday, Feb. 5, on CBS. Trevor Noah has been tapped to host.

The Screen Actors Guild Awards are set for Sunday, Feb. 26, however the guild has yet to find a TV home for the 29th annual ceremony.

The 95th Academy Awards will air live Sunday, March 12, on ABC. Jimmy Kimmel will return as Oscar host.

The 76th Annual Tony Awards will air live Sunday, June 11, on CBS from the United Palace in New York City.

The 75th Annual Emmy Awards will air in September, but no date, or host, has been announced.

Concerts

Southern California will host a wide variety of concerts that should offer something for everyone’s musical taste.

The one concert you’ll need a fat wallet and good luck to score tickets for is Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour coming to SoFi Stadium in August. Tickets sold out in minutes for Swift’s five shows. Always use caution when buying concert tickets on the secondary market.

Stevie Nicks and Billy Joel Friday, March 10 at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood.

Reba McEntire Saturday, April 1 at Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles.

Dead & Company May 19-20 at Kia Forum, Inglewood. The rock band comprised of original members of Grateful Dead, Bob Weir, Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann, and joined by John Mayer, Oteil Burbridge and Jeff Chimenti have toured since 2015 but they’re hanging it up in 2023.

Shania Twain Sunday, May 28 at Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles.

Foreigner British-American rock legends are hanging it up and in 2023 will be out on The Historic Farewell Tour. Monday, Aug. 21 at FivePoint Amphitheatre, Irvine.

Metallica Friday, Aug. 25 and Saturday, Aug. 26 at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood.

Ed Sheeran Saturday, Sep. 23 at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood.

Movies

The slate of “most anticipated” films expected in 2023, tallied from a host of critics and film review platforms, relies heavily on superheroes, sequels, prequels, follow-ups, remakes and … you get the idea. The “opening” dates for some of these films may be “tweaked” as the year progresses.

‘80 for Brady’ Opening Feb. 3. Rita Moreno, Sally Field, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, whose love for the legendary, seven-time Super Bowl Champion quarterback Tom Brady cuts so deep, they embark on a quest to Houston to see the New England Patriots play the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl 51.

‘Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania’ Opening Feb. 17. Delayed a year, but Paul Rudd is back with Bill Murray joining the cast in this third film of the series.

‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ Opening: May 5. The gang’s back together including “Groot.”

‘Fast X’ Opening May 19. Part one of the 10th installment of the “The Fast and the Furious” film franchise. Part two, rumored to be the last in the series, expected in 2024.

‘The Little Mermaid’ Opening: May 26. Live-ac-

tion remake of Disney’s fish-out-of-water favorite. ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ Opening: June 2. The Oscar-winning animated “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” was a big hit with critics and audiences.

‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ Opening June 9. The Transformers franchise takes another step back in time to the mid-’90s.

‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’ Opening June 30. Harrison Ford reprises his Indian Jones persona, but this will be the first time a person not named Steven Spielberg directs an Indiana Jones film, the long-awaited follow-up to 2008’s “Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.”

‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One’ Opening July 14. Expect Part Two in 2024. When this film opens Tom Cruise will have played Ethan Hunt for 27 years.

‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’ Opening Nov. 17. “Hunger Games” prequel.

‘Wonka’ Opening: Dec. 15. Willy Wonka origin story.

‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ Opening Dec. 25. Jason Momoa returns to the world of Atlantis.

Theater Pantages Theater

Feb. 2 - March 26 ‘Disney’s The Lion King.’ The World’s #1 Musical.

July 11 - 30 ‘Beetlejuice The Musical.’ Based on Tim Burton’s 1988 film.

Ahmanson Theater

April 5 - May 7 ‘1776.’ A revolutionary new production with a cast that reflects multiple representations of race, gender and ethnicity.

June 27 - July 30 ‘Into the Woods.’ Direct from Broadway the critically acclaimed production of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Tony-winning triumph is coming to the Ahmanson with the Broadway cast. 

PHOTO CREDITS MATTHEW MURPHY AND EVAN ZIMMERMAN, TAYLOR SWIFT TOURING, IMDB, THE PANTAGES

FREE MUSEUM DAYS

By Doña Uhrig Sunday Signal Editor

After two years of cancellations, the annual 2023 SoCal Museums Free-for-All Day is returning on Sunday, Feb. 5. The list of participating museums has not yet been announced, so keep a look out on their page at socalmuseums.org/annual-free-forall-23 for specifics.

Meanwhile, there are many museums in Los Angeles that are either free or offer free days on a regular basis. So, if the rain is keeping you more inside, you can still enjoy a museum.

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Youth 17 and under always free 6067 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles 90036 Info www.academymuseum.org/en/

Dedicated to the art and sciences of movies, the Academy Museum celebrates the past, present and future of moviemaking. If you’re a longtime LA resident, you’ll remember the redesigned building as the May Company. Today it houses the 288-seat Ted Mann Theater, the Shirley Temple Education Studio, the 1,000-seat David Geffen Theater and the rooftop Dolby Family Terrace.

Agriculture Museum Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. always free 926 Railroad Avenue, Santa Paula 93060 Info venturamuseum.org/visit-agriculturemuseum

Just down the road in Santa Paula is the Agriculture Museum that tells the story of the rich farming and ranching history of the area. It is housed in the landmark 19th century Mill Building and features hands-on activities for children, a living beehive and a collection of tractors.

California Science Museum

General admission always free 700 Exposition Park Dr., Los Angeles 90037 Info californiasciencecenter.org

General admission is free, although there is a donation box. Some exhibits require a special ticket.

‘Fire! Science and Safety’ is one of the free exhib-

its where you can explore Casa Del Fuego, Apartment 911 as a fire danger detective. Your task is to seek out hazards so you can keep your family and pets safe. There are hands-on interactives that will allow you to safely create a fire and then practice fire-fighting skills with a fire extinguisher.

A popular special free exhibit is the Space Shuttle Endeavour. The Endeavour completed 25 missions, including the first service mission to the Hubble Space Telescope.

Descanso Gardens

Free for all Tue, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free for children 12 and under Mon and Wed–Sun, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada Flintridge 91011 Info www.descansogardens.org

Descanso Gardens offers a unique landscape with its botanic collections and rare natural beauty. January blooms should include Camellias, toyon berries and winter annuals while February should bring magnolias, cherry trees and daffodils.

“Shiki: The Four Seasons in Japanese Art” exhibit will open on February 18 and last until May 21. “This exhibition from the Scripps College collection in Claremont, features common seasonal motifs, from a bowl with wisteria blossoms gracing the interior to maple leaves embellishing a kimono,” according to the gardens.

FIDM Museum and Galleries

Always free when there are exhibitions 919 South Grand Avenue. Los Angeles 90015 Info www.fidmmuseum.org

If you love fashion and design, check out the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Museum. FIDM, the school, was founded in 1969. Staff from the design department assembled a “study collection” for class room use in 1973. Five years later, the museum and library was established. Today, the museum holds more than 15,000 fashion objects dating from the 18th century to the present. There also are 200,000 special collection artifacts.

Hammer Museum at UCLA

Always free 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90024

Info hammer.ucla.edu

The Hammer Museum is dedicated to art and artists who, as the museum says, “challenges us to see the world in a new light, to experience the unexpected, to ignite our imaginations and inspire change.”

Some of its current exhibitions include “Joan Didion: What She Means” and “Eric-Paul Riege.” The Didion exhibit is a narration of the life of one artist by another and features around 50 different artists. Artist Eric-Paul Riege uses natural and synthetic materials to create woven sculptures that reflect on Navajo everyday life.

La Brea Tar Pits Wednesdays are free for LA County residents, 3-5 p.m. 5801 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90036 Info tarpits.org

When is the last time you’ve visited the La Brea Tar Pits? Given the success of the tv show ‘La Brea,’ maybe now is a good time to visit it for the first time or reacquaint yourself with the “gateway to the Ice Age.”

Located in Hancock Park, the museum was selected last October as one of the first 100 heritage sites by the International Union of Geological Sciences.

In addition to the actual pits, you will be able to discover some of the artifacts that have been excavated there. At the Fossil Lab, visitors can watch volunteers and scientists clean and conserve fossils.

Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust Always Free

100 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles 90036 Info http://www.lamoth.org/

This museum is the oldest survivor-founded Holocaust museum in the nation and houses the West Coast’s largest collection of Holocaust-era artifacts.

It was founded in 1961 by local Holocaust survivors with the purpose of commemorating those who perished and educating future generations.

There are docent-led tours on Sunday afternoons at 1:30 p.m. and Holocaust survivor talks at 3 p.m. 

PHOTO COURTESY FIDM

PHOTO COURTESY HAMMER MUSEUM PHOTO COURTESY HOLOCAUST MUSEUM

Celebrate the Lunar New Year The Year of the Rabbit

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

In October Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law making the Lunar New Year an official state holiday in California. AB 2596 recognized Lunar New Year as one of the most important festivals celebrated across Asian countries and Asian communities. Festivities can last up to two weeks.

The holiday falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice on Dec. 21. The date changes each year and usually falls sometime between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20.

This year the Lunar New Year will begin on Sunday, Jan. 22, and last until Feb. 5, the date of the rising of the full “Snow Moon.”

The law gives California state employees the option to use eight hours of vacation, annual leave or compensating time off in lieu of receiving eight hours of personal holiday credit to observe the Lunar New Year.

“Recognizing this day as a state holiday acknowledges the diversity and cultural significance Asian Americans bring to California and provides an opportunity for all Californians to participate in the significance of the Lunar New Year,” said Newsom.

Year of the ‘Water Rabbit’

On Jan. 22 we will say goodbye to the “Year of the Water Tiger 2022” and transition to the “Year of the Water Rabbit” according to the Chinese Zodiac.

The Lunar New Year celebrates a chance to leave behind the troubles of the past year and invite prosperity and good luck moving forward.

The sign of Rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace and prosperity in Chinese culture. People born in a year of the Rabbit are called “Rabbits” and are believed to be vigilant, witty, quick-minded and ingenious.

The year 2023 is seen to be a year of hope.

How to Celebrate

More than a billion people celebrate Lunar New Year each year with fireworks, parades and with the exchange of red envelopes filled with money.

Different cultures celebrate the Lunar New Year in different ways. Known as Lunar New Year, Chinese New Year or Spring Festival the celebrations often include dragon dances, remembering ancestors and family reunions. The celebrations often conclude with a lantern festival.

The Lunar New Year’s Eve reunion dinner is a “must-do” dinner with all family members reunit-

ing. It is common for family members to travel long distances to be with family for this important holiday.

Traditional Food

Dishes associated with luck, wealth, family and longevity must be included in the dinner. Food such as fish, dumplings, Nian Gao (a sticky rice cake) and spring rolls are believed to bring good luck for the coming year.

Many Lunar New Year foods are symbolic and how the food is served, such as a whole fish, or a whole chicken is important.

Serving fish, dumplings, fruit, a whole chicken, spring rolls, steamed pork belly and various vegetables are symbolic of increased wealth and prosperity. Long, uncut noodles are a symbol of a long life. Eating sweet rice balls is believed to bring family unity. Displaying and eating tangerines and oranges is believed to bring good luck and fortune.

SoCal Lunar New Year Celebrations Disney California Adventure Park 1313 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim 92802 Info disneyland.disney.go.com

Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit at Disney California Adventure Park from Jan. 20 through Feb. 15. This joyous celebration commemorates traditions of Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures, with Disney characters featuring Mulan, Mushu, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their festive attire, plus “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession,” two new culinary marketplaces (for a total of six), kid-friendly crafts, the Lucky Wishes Wall, and the return of “Hurry Home – Lunar New Year Celebration” presented prior to “World of Color.”

LA Zoo Lights and Lunar New Year

Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles 90027 Info www.lazoo.org

The Los Angeles Zoo is celebrating Lunar New Year as part of its L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow event. Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, through Jan. 22 the Zoo will host special activities including a glow-in-the-dark dragon dance parade, lion dance show, kung fu showcase and acrobatics, fan dancers, calligraphy, a Wall of Well Wishes, food trucks and more.

Golden Dragon Lunar New Year Parade Starting at Broadway and ending at Hill Street, Los Angeles 90012

Info culturela.org/event/golden-dragon-lunarnew-parade

The 124th Golden Dragon Parade will be held Jan. 28 from 1 - 5 p.m. presented by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles. This colorful celebration along North Broadway in Chinatown has become the premiere cultural event in the Southern California Asian-American community. The Golden Dragon Parade remains the longest-running Lunar New Year parade outside China. The parade initially started in the late 1800s as a government response to help bridge racial divides and invoke greater understanding for the Chinese immigrants who came to Los Angeles.

O.C. Lantern Festival 2023 Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa 92626 nfo www.pacificsymphony.org/lantern-festival2023

Free family event Feb. 18, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Lantern Festival, which can be traced back 2,000 years, marks the return of spring and the reunion of family. The act of lighting and appreciating lanterns is a way for people to let go of the burdens of their old selves and express their best wishes for themselves and their families for the future.

Pacific Symphony and South Coast Chinese Cultural Center/Irvine Chinese School join in presenting this free family-friendly festival with music, dance, art making, riddles and food.

Admission is free, but tickets are required. Select General Admission $0.00 ticket when asked to choose your seating section. 

SCV Speed Dating: The Fast Way To Meet Your Match

not

By Rylee Holwager Signal Staff Writer

Approaching someone at the bar in a flirtatious manner is nerve-wracking. Swiping right and talking to someone for weeks to then learn they weren’t the person they were online is disappointing. Going on a date to then discover immediately there is no connection leaves you stuck with them for hours.

Knowing all the struggles of dating, Breanne DeMack and Ivan Pecel brought back something from the 1990s — speed dating.

“People were just complaining about not being happy with online dating, and we were just like, ‘Why don’t we just start speed dating?” said DeMack.

DeMack and Pecel worked together, using DeMack’s marketing skills and Pecel’s social ability, to co-found SCV Speed Dating.

“It was a way to bring people back to in-person dating,” said DeMack. After the COVID-19 pandemic,

the co-founders and daters at their event noticed a big shift in the world of dating.

People were forced to meet people online, but coming out of the pandemic, people are still utilizing dating apps as their reliable source of dating.

“Nobody goes to the clubs and bars,” said aspiring dater Veronica Morales. “If you’re gonna have a drink or dinner with friends that’s fine, but you don’t go thinking you’ll meet ‘him.’ It’s not the same anymore.”

DeMack and Pecel saw a problem, want and demand, and felt that there was nothing like their vision in Santa Clarita.

SCV Speed Dating hosted its first event in November and continuously sells out of spots.

There are two gender categories — male and female — with three age categories: 25-39, 35-49 and 45-59. The age categories are not definitive and participants can choose whichever age category they want. For each age category, there are six to 10 participants per gender.

Participants are given a free first drink, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, a mini notecard and, for the men, four unique questions that are completely different from everyone else, to ask if they wish.

Each participant will get to meet every participant of the opposing gender. The date lasts five to six minutes until the men rotate while the women stay seated.

“We’ve heard a lot of horror stories about really bad first dates and if one of these dates goes bad, it’s five minutes then the next,” said Pecel.

While rotating, participants can take notes on their date and check “yes” or “no” if they would like see their date again.

DeMack and Pecel take the cards at the end of the night and send emails to connect those who mutually answered “yes.”

“You need to make sure you invite us to any of your weddings,” said DeMack and Pecel to the participants.

This dating model takes away a lot of the nerves with the initial approach.

“This is appealing because it makes the approach a whole lot easier,” said participant Joshua Bevan. “There’s no rejection.”

“We’re getting a bunch of people that want to date,” said Pecel. “We are marketing this as, ‘What do you have to lose?’ You have everybody here that wants to meet you.”

DeMack and Pecel have been met with many compliments about their new business venture. They said that they have seen participants talking after the event up until they leave, heard participants going on multiple dates and see them coming back to meet more people.

“It was a lot of fun. I’ve never done that many dates in a day,” said returning, aspiring dater Marisela Morales.

The only “complaint” they have received is that there should be more time. But that’s not the point of speed dating, is it?

For more information, to view upcoming events and purchase a spot, visit www.scvspeeddating.com.

During the event, couples meet for five to six minutes. The women stay seated while the men rotate. Participants make notes on cards and indicate whether or

they are interested in meeting a person again. SCV Speed Dating Co-owners Ivan Pecel and Breanne DeMack give instructions to participants during a speed-dating session held recently at Lucky Luke Brewing Company in Santa Clarita. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager

Anew destination playground is now open for people of all ages and abilities in Santa Clarita to explore — the West Creek Park Inclusive Play Area! The City Council officially cut the ribbon to welcome the community to the new play area this past week. I encourage you to check it out for yourself and explore all it has to offer.

This new space is the second inclusive play area that the City of Santa Clarita has built, joining the one at Canyon Country Park that opened in 2020.

For those who may be unfamiliar with the term, an inclusive play area is one that features elements designed to allow all children to play together, including those who may have mobility limitations or need a more sensory-friendly environment.

When you visit the West Creek Park Inclusive Play Area (24247 Village Circle Drive in Valencia), you will notice a bevy of new amenities for the community to enjoy. Take a moment to enjoy the main playground structure which offers a series of ramps in addition to stairs, allowing those with wheelchairs to access various play stations with their friends. A roller slide has been installed,

which eliminates static electricity build-up and allows those with cochlear implants to slide without having static electricity discharge into their hearing device.

A We-Go-Swing and a We-Go-Round offer an accessible, no-transfer swing and merry-go-round with ample room for multiple users at once. A dual-track inclusive zipline, similar to the one at Canyon Country Park, is sure to be a favorite as well. There is also a smaller play structure for younger children to enjoy.

In addition to the play area, West Creek Park now includes an outdoor fitness zone with wheel-

chair-accessible stations. Next to the existing basketball court you will also find a Bankshot Playcourt, which is sure to bring out players of all skill levels for a fun and interesting challenge.

A Bankshot Playcourt is a series of basketball hoops that are set at varying heights. Each basket has a backboard that may be oddly shaped or angled in a certain way and allows individuals to try out different shots and tricks to get the ball into the hoop. The Bankshot Playcourt at West Creek Park includes 13 different stations!

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that the Inclusive Play Area includes sensory elements throughout the space that appeal to a child’s senses of sight, hearing and touch. Taken together, the amenities at this park enable children to develop their cognitive, sensory, physical and social skills in a fun and engaging way.

I was absolutely blown away walking through the West Creek Park Inclusive Play Area this past week and I hope that you and your family will add it to your list of must-visit parks.

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. 

The Health Benefits of Popcorn

Many people will say that no movie marathon is complete without a big bowl of popcorn. Movies and popcorn have been linked for decades, but popcorn is more than just a must-have on movie night.

Popcorn lovers may be surprised to learn just how healthy this beloved snack can be.

• Popcorn can help lower cholesterol. Like many other foods, popcorn is full of fiber. Fiber attaches to cholesterol particles and helps prevent them from entering the bloodstream and traveling to other parts of the body, according to Verywell Health.

• Popcorn promotes healthy digestion. The same fiber that helps reduce cholesterol also promotes healthy digestion. Popcorn is a whole grain and

the high fiber content in popcorn can alleviate constipation by stimulating the peristaltic motion of the smooth intestinal muscles and the secretion of digestive enzymes.

• Popcorn can help regulate blood sugar. The fiber in popcorn can regulate the release and management of blood sugar and insulin levels, potentially helping people with diabetes.

• Popcorn has disease-fighting properties. OrganicFacts.net says popcorn has polyphenols that act as antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants reduce oxidative stress and can fight against the development of chronic diseases. They also may prevent the development of age-related symptoms like age spots and wrinkles.

• Popcorn is a low-calorie snack. A cup of airpopped popcorn comes in at just around 30

Birthday Cake Popcorn

Ingredients

1 bag light butter popcorn

1 c. white chocolate chips

2 tbsp. vegetable oil

3 tbsp. Funfetti or vanilla cake mix

1/4 c. rainbow sprinkles

Pop the popcorn according to the package’s instructions. Set aside.

Combine the white chocolate chips and vegetable oil in a small, microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted. Stir in the cake mix.

Place the popcorn in a gallon-sized resealable bag—being careful to exclude any kernals—and add the white chocolate mixture and sprinkles. Seal and shake until the popcorn is coated.

Spread onto a baking sheet in an even layer and top with additional sprinkles, if desired. Chill in the refrigerator for 20-25 minutes before serving.

Movie-Night Mix Popcorn Ingredients

1/2 c. dark brown sugar

1/2 c. unsalted butter

12 c. popped popcorn

2 c. salted pistachios

6 tbsp. Unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tsp. ground cinnamon

2 tsp. sea salt flakes

Start with 1/2 cup popcorn kernels (which will yield about 12 cups popped popcorn) and cook it however is easiest for you:stovetop, air popper, or microwave.

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Stir sugar into butter until dissolved.

In a large bowl, combine popcorn with remaining ingredients. Add sugar mixture, tossing to coat.

Spoon mixture in a single layer onto 2 rimmed baking sheets; bake 3 minutes, until mixture is warm and dry.

calories. That means you can overindulge a bit on popcorn and it won’t lead to overconsumption of calories. One serving of popcorn has five times fewer calories than one serving of potato chips.

January 19

• Popcorn keeps you feeling full. Thanks to its high fiber content, popcorn can fill you up and stave off hunger pangs.

Popcorn has plenty of hidden benefits that make it a healthy snack. (MC)

Taco Night Popcorn Ingredients

1 bag light butter popcorn

2 tbsp. butter, melted

1/4 c. crushed Doritos (pulse in the food processor until finely ground)

1 tbsp. freshly chopped cilantro Juice of 1 lime

Pop the popcorn according to the package’s instructions.

Place the popcorn in a gallon-sized resealable bag and add remaining ingredients. Seal and shake to coat, then serve.

While the following may not be so healthy for you, they are delicious. So, try out these special popcorn recipes from Delish.com.

ENTERTAINMENT

Fall in Love with the Grumpiest Man in America

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘A Man Called Otto’ (out of four)

Columbia Pictures presents a film directed by Marc Forster and written by David Magee, based on the novel “A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman. Rated PG-13. In theaters.

Seems like only yesterday (because it was only yesterday) that we were writing our review of “Living,” a small and warmhearted gem starring one of our finest veteran actors in a well-crafted and emotionally involving remake of a film about a widowed curmudgeon who begins to grow and change after experiencing some major life setbacks.

it wins us over in the end, thanks in large part to Hanks delivering the umpteenth memorable performance in his remarkable career, and some breakout supporting work from the crackling-good supporting cast.

With both films, we’re pretty sure where the story is going to take us almost from the get-go, and yet the journey is filled with wry humor, universal insights into the human condition, and a number of moments when you’ll have to dry your eyes and shake it off.

Not that Otto plans to be long for this world; we learn he has purchased that stretch of rope because he intends to hang himself. Since the recent passing of his beloved wife, Otto has lost the will to go on.

Director Forster and screenwriter David Magee weave in a number of supporting players (maybe one too many, as the subplots sometimes take us away from the main themes) and fill in Otto’s story via flashbacks, with Hanks’ son Truman playing the young Otto and Rachel Keller sparkling as Otto’s wife, Sonya, who clearly brings out the best in Otto.

PHOTO COURTESY IMDB

change after experiencing some major life setbacks.

HEY.

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Now comes “A Man Called Otto,” a small and warmhearted gem starring one of our finest veteran actors in a well-crafted and emotionally involving remake of a film about a widowed curmudgeon who begins to grow and

In many cases, e.g., when Otto gets into a dispute at a big-box hardware chain store over a ridiculous corporate policy about the pricing of a few feet of rope, Otto isn’t wrong — but you want to take him aside and say: Otto, just let it go. It’s not worth it, man.

Spoiler alert: Otto never just lets things go, whether he’s barking at a woman for letting her dog urinate on his lawn, chastising a neighbor for his too-tight exercise outfit, yelling at a delivery truck driver for unauthorized parking — or telling a stray cat to leave him alone, and we all know that stray cat isn’t going to leave him alone.

Recently forced out of his managerial engineering position and now retired, Otto has nothing but time on his hands, and he spends much of that time patrolling his gated neighborhood in an unnamed Rust Belt town (“Otto” was filmed in Pittsburgh), growling about bicycles that aren’t parked in the rack, garbage that hasn’t been properly sorted into the recycling bin, etc., etc.

In present day, Otto can’t escape the constant visits from his new neighbors, Marisol and Tommy (Mariana Trevino and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), who have two adorable young daughters and are expecting a third child.

Otto can’t even find the right moment to kill himself, what with these pesky people constantly stopping by to enlist his assistance or to drop off a homemade Mexican dish.

Occasionally we get some hints Otto has some unenlightened views on race and culture, but that’s quickly dismissed when we learn Otto’s real intolerance is reserved for those who won’t help others, who judge and condemn people who aren’t like them. There’s nobility deep inside him.

One of the joys in “Otto” is seeing how most of the people Otto growls at, from his colleagues on his last day of work to the Generation Z employees at that big-box store to his neighbors old and new, refuse to take the bait and do battle with Otto. They react to his sharp edges either by shrugging it off or refusing to believe that’s the real Otto. (This, of course, drives Otto crazy.)

The Mexican stage and screen actress Trevino is spectacularly good as Marisol, who at first glance might seem like an unorganized mess but is actually a brilliant, vibrant, loving, constantly-in-motion life force. Even though Marisol is the one asking Otto to borrow a ladder or teach her to drive or watch the girls so she and Tommy can have a date night, she doesn’t need Otto’s help, not really. She’s saving him. 

Copyright 2022 Chicago Sun-Times

SENIOR LIVING

Whether we’re reading a favorite book, taking in the smell of fresh-cut grass or savoring an old family recipe, we use our senses every day to experience and understand the world around us. But while it’s clear that our senses are an important part of our lives, they’re often something we take for granted.

The difficult reality of sensory loss is no more apparent than on the demographic that experiences it most: seniors. Nearly 83% of older adults in the United States are living with at least one diminished sense, according to a new survey by Home Instead, Inc.

“As we age, it’s normal to experience some changes or decline in our five senses,” says Lakelyn Hogan, gerontologist and caregiver advocate at Home Instead Senior Care. “Early detection and empathy can significantly increase the ability to manage symptoms and help create a supportive environment at home that allows you or your loved one to continue living a normal, fulfilling life.”

Hogan recommends the following tips:

Stay active Making time for physical activity, even a few times a week, can be greatly beneficial for your senses and overall health. Whether you’re taking part in online fitness classes, walking around the subdivision or practicing simple movements in your living room, it’s important to keep your body moving.

Regular exercise has been shown to increase cognitive function, prevent common diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, strengthen bones — and even increase blood flow to important areas such as the eyes.

Create healthy eating habits A well-balanced diet does more than make us feel better — it provides us with the vitamins and minerals needed to maintain and enrich our senses. Whenever possible, plan nourishing and healthy meals that include proteins, grains, fruits and vegetables. The more colors on your plate the better. If you’re unable to visit

the grocery store or feel stressed in the kitchen, consider making use of delivery services like Instacart and Uber Eats, or taking advantage of the free tips and recipes available at www. FoodForSeniors.com.

Turn down the volume If you don’t want to keep cranking up the volume as you get older, turn it down now. Consider taking a break from loud noises every 15 minutes and wearing ear plugs when necessary to minimize the risk of hearing damage.

Protect your eyes and vision According to the survey by Home Instead, Inc., vision is the most feared sense to lose. Unfortunately, it is also the most prevalent. Take advantage of the many low-cost items available to help preserve your eyesight. Make it a habit to regularly wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, or blue-light filtering glasses to help minimize the eye strain associated with increased screen time use.

Ask for help You don’t need to endure sensory loss alone. Establish a network of doctors you trust and schedule routine check-ups. Regular visits, even online video appointments, can help a general practitioner or geriatrician stay on top of symptoms and pinpoint important changes in sensory loss.

Consider seeing a specialized health care professional, such as an ear, nose and throat doctor or an occupational therapist, depending on the cause and severity of the symptoms you’re experiencing.

Visit www.AgingSenses.com for more information about sensory loss, or contact your local Home Instead Senior Care office. (NewsUSA) 

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2023 TRAVEL TRENDS

Travel in 2023 will be about saying “no” to normal, breaking routines and searching for experiences without compromises. Whether it’s flying to those once-in-a-lifetime events or hosting group celebrations at a vacation rental home, travelers are no longer adapting to the next new normal, but creating their own status quo altogether.

“We see a detailed and robust picture of travel into 2023,” Expedia Brands President Jon Gieselman said.

“We’re seeing a surge in trips to culture capitals, a new wave of interest in wellness retreats and a spike in demand for outdoor destinations beyond just beaches and mountains. It’s

not a new normal so much as people branching out to unexpected trends in what we’re calling the ‘no normal.’”

A close look at these trends suggests there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to travel in 2023. Insights sourced from the company’s first-party data, and from custom research of thousands of travelers and industry professionals across 17 countries, show food, abundant space and unconventional destinations are influencing travel choices.

Consider these conclusions from the experts at Vrbo:

Foodie-Menities

Kitchen credentials are a must with travelers looking to plate up at their own convenience in a private vacation home. Outdoor kitchens, pizza ovens and air fryers are the top three foodie-menities travelers crave. Additionally, nearly half of U.S. travelers (43%) use cooking to cut down on costs.

Travelers are looking for amenities in their vacation rentals rather than focusing on location. In fact, more than half (57%) of travelers would rather book a unique vacation home to be with their people in a lesser-known destination than a less interesting, less equipped vacation home in a popular area.

Cowboy-Cations

Rustic getaways are on the rise as travelers crave private vacation homes with abundant space and exhilarating views. Cue the cowboy-cation, offering an intimate escape in the rugged wilderness. Demand for homes in western destinations increased by more than 30% from September

2021-August 2022. Plus, 42% of U.S. travelers find inspiration in outdoorsy destinations and landscapes that include log-lined cabins, flickering fires and sweeping vistas.

Travelers can live out their western fantasies by booking a luxurious lodge, ranch retreat or farmhouse that fits the whole crew. Destinations across Montana, Colorado and other western states spring to mind, but the cowboy-cation is not confined to the U.S.

For a home on the range in Europe, travelers are booking converted barns and farmhouses in Italy, Spain, France and the United Kingdom. Thrill-seekers can also embrace their inner cowboy in Australia, where farmhouses in the outback overlook acres of wineries and wild brush.

Hidden Gems

Travelers are exploring unassuming locales and new places. Top hidden gems in the U.S. have one thing in common: beautiful lakes where travelers can take in tranquil views. Demand for private vacation homes in these unconventional destinations has increased by 30% or more since September 2021:

• Nampa, Idaho

• Greensboro, North Carolina

• Layton, Utah

• Irmo, South Carolina

• Oneonta, New York

• Hampton, Virginia

• Bristol, Rhode Island

• Spokane, Washington

• Las Cruces, New Mexico

• Missoula, Montana

Find more ideas to plan an adventure that’s uniquely your own at Vrbo. com or by downloading the app. (Family Features) 

America’s homeowners can expect to shell out more cold cash to keep warm this winter as they face the highest home heating costs in more than a decade — making optimal energy efficiency more essential than ever.

Here are the financially frostbiting facts: The average cost of home heating is expected to increase by 17.2% since last winter from $1,025 to $1,202, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association. Those who heat with natural gas will confront the largest spike, with their cost predicted to soar 34.3% over last year. Conversely, homeowners who use electric heat are forecasted to see the lowest increase at 6.9%.

The good news is that families can prevent a utility bill blitz by following a few simple tips. With home heating and cooling accounting for nearly half of home energy use, small steps can go a long way.

Ease Into Electric According to Columbia University’s Earth Institute, electric systems are a solution to decarbonize home climate control. Among the most energy-efficient heating and cooling products, electricity-powered ductless mini-split systems, offered by companies including Fujitsu General America, can save as much as 25% on your energy bill. Plus, they are effective with temperatures as low as -15⁰F.

Mini-splits use thin copper tubing to pump refrigerant from an outdoor compressor directly into an indoor air-handling unit, where the air is quietly distributed to the interior space.

Get “Smart” About Climate Control When it comes to smart home temperature control, there are Smart HVAC Systems and Smart Thermostats. Smart HVAC systems have built-in internet capability and can be controlled directly without additional equipment.

Smart Home Thermostats create “smart” systems by enabling remote temperature control via a mobile or Internet-connected device or voice-operated home automation system.

Voice Your Preference Take control of your comfort. Most HVAC manufacturers offer apps that enable systems to be controlled from anywhere using a mobile device.

Voice-control capability uses digital assistants, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home, to verbally dictate home temperatures. Easily controlling the temperature more closely allows homeowners to be more comfortable and improve energy savings.

Find Your Efficient Comfort Zone

Many of us live in homes designed for bigger families, but have yet to downsize. If you find yourself using a fraction of your home on a regular basis, consider upgrading to a zoned ducted, or ductless, system. This will allow you to save energy by not heating and cooling spaces where you and your family don’t spend a lot of time. With the need for less cooling and the gain from a more efficient system in the spaces you do still use, you can multiply your savings.

Try Low-Tech Fixes Simple changes can have a big impact. Take advantage of the sun’s energy to heat your home by opening your south-facing curtains at sunrise to make best use of “passive solar gain.”

Denser, cooler air stays closer to the ground, and warmer air rises. Force it downward with a low-speed fan. Another change you can make is to insulate and fill the gaps. Warmed air leaking out around poorly sealed window frames, power sockets, recessed light fittings, and other gaps is a big source of heat loss in homes. Additionally, thick curtains help to insulate glass at windows.

If you’re looking to freeze out these record-breaking bills, a ductless heat ing and cooling system is definitely a worthwhile investment. Many Fujitsu systems with the Energy Star rating are more than twice as efficient as the minimum standard set by the govern ment.

To learn more or find a contractor near you, call (888) 888-3424 or visit www.constantcomfort.com. (NewsU SA)

GARDENING

Did you know that the collective noun for these unique creatures — just like a gaggle of geese or a flock of birds — is charm? So yes, hummingbirds are charming.

There are more than 330 varieties of the species Trochilidae. And they are mostly found in the estern Hemisphere.

When one sees a hummingbird, it’s a stunning, stop-in-your-tracks sight. Their brilliant throat color is actually a result of the iridescence in the arrangement of their feathers, not color pigment. Light level, moisture, angle of viewing and other factors all influence just how bright and colorful their throats may appear. Perhaps you’ve heard them, too — the name hummingbird comes from the buzzing sound of their fast-flapping wings.

Hummers are migrant birds, so although many stay close to the equator, lots of varieties travel this time of year, so there may be a ‘charm’ coming to your backyard soon. If you have the desire to see one up close or are curious about how to attract them to your yard, the folks at Cole’s Wild Bird Feed Co have got you covered. They have engineered an elegant, deceptively simple, easy-to-use (and easy-to-clean!) feeder.

The patented Hummer High Rise has a clever design that offers a stress-free position for your charming guests to get their fill, a fantastic 360-degree vista, all the while keeping other unwanted creatures at bay.

Hummingbirds also feed on those annoying garden insects and pests. For their small size, hummers eat a lot. They are voracious eaters, feeding on mosquitoes, gnats, spiders, aphids and other six-legged creepy crawlers. But, besides pests for protein, their primary ‘food group’ is nectar, which

they get in by flitting from flower to flower and using their long beaks and equally long tongues to get their fill. All that flitting is exhausting!

Since hummingbirds drink up to half their body weight a day of nectar you can help them out by keeping your High Rise fully stocked, for a one-stop fill of their favorite nectar treat.

If you want these Disney-esque caricatures to delight you on a regular basis with their wonder — and bring their distinctive song to your yard — there is something you can buy: the creme-de la creme of what these charmers crave: Nature’s Garden from Cole’s.

By identifying and harnessing the nutrients of the hummer’s favorite wildflowers, and tapping their vast store of wild bird knowhow, Cole’s has created the next-best-thing to actual flower nectar — a proprietary formula that’s far and away a cut above your ‘garden-variety’ sugar water.

Nature’s Garden is a healthy, all-natural alternative to homemade syrup, no mixing and no boiling required. It comes in an eco-friendly soft pouch; just shake and pour. You’ll be delighted with how easy it is to keep your hummer feeder filled and overjoyed at seeing hummers frequent your yard. Your neighborhood hummingbirds will love it, so they’ll keep coming back.

A natural predator to the hummingbird is the praying mantis. So if you find a mantis hanging around your High Rise, take care to evict it gently, to a lower piece of real estate and keep hummers safe. (NEWSUSA)

What Asthma, COPD Suffers Should Know About Whooping Cough HEALTH

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is an extremely contagious bacterial infection that can lead to severe, sometimes life-threatening health problems, such as exacerbation of chronic medical conditions — including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

It’s important to learn about your pertussis risk and how to get vaccinated to stay healthy and safe. Here’s what to know:

Pertussis usually begins with cold-like symptoms. It’s not until the disease progresses in severity that it can differentiate itself from other respiratory illnesses. After a week or two, a harsh repetitive cough may develop, sometimes accompanied by a “whooping” sound that happens when all the air is gone from your lungs and you inhale as you cough. These coughing spells, which can be so intense they can even break ribs, will often result in loss of bladder control, vomiting and exhaustion, light-headedness and headaches. The lips and areas around the lips may even turn blue due to lack of oxygen.

Treatment is easily available and highly encouraged. If started early, it can help reduce the severity and duration of illness and reduce the risk of complications. Once a diagnosis is made or suspected

exposure has been determined, you should start on antibiotics immediately.

Pertussis is often thought of as a childhood disease, however it also impacts adults.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the best way to protect against pertussis is by getting vaccinated. Childhood immunization reduces the risk of catching pertussis and there’s a vaccine for adults as well.

Unfortunately, only 30% of U.S. adults received a pertussis vaccine in the past 10 years, leaving many people vulnerable. Tdap, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, is covered free-of-

charge by most insurance plans. Recommended for people of all ages in the United States, it’s especially important for high-risk adults, such as those with asthma and COPD, and for older adults who will be in contact with babies less than 12 months old. Talk to your physician to find out if you are up to date on vaccination for pertussis.

Like many other infectious illnesses, having good health habits can reduce your chances of becoming ill with pertussis. Properly wash your hands with soap and water often, especially if you come into contact with an individual with a respiratory infection. Always cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and clean your hands afterward. Staying home when you’re sick will help prevent the spread of infectious respiratory diseases.

While anyone can get pertussis, adults living with asthma are at four times greater risk of infection and complications. For those with COPD, symptoms often worsen after a respiratory infection. Asthma and COPD both cause your airways in your lungs to swell, and pertussis can further increase airway swelling making breathing difficult. Speak with your healthcare provider to ensure your adult vaccinations are up to date. For more tools and resources, visit Lung.org/Pertussis. (SPT) 

BUSINESS

Building a small business from scratch can be an exciting endeavor that poses some significant challenges. With the right resources and support, entrepreneurs can turn their dreams into successful businesses.

The Small Business Administration identifies small businesses as those having fewer than 500 employees.

The process of starting a small business varies depending on the industry, location and other factors, but here’s a generalized look at the steps to be expected early on.

1. Figure out your idea and research it.

Coming up with a successful idea is one of the first steps to take when starting a business. It’s possible to take an existing type of business and customize it for a given community, or to create something new and innovative.

After the idea is put on paper, it’s important to research the potential competition and decide if the business will have a competitive advantage to survive. Market research is crucial.

2. Write a business plan.

A business plan helps formalize the ideas of the business and lists the necessary steps to take. By

thinking through the process methodically, a potential business owner can figure out where problems may turn up and where to devote the most attention to help make the business profitable.

It also helps if one thinks through how he or she will secure the capital for starting the company.

3. Choose the right time.

Prospective business owners need to assess whether the time is right for starting a business. While there may never be a perfect time, it’s best to engage when there are fewer obstacles in the way. You want to devote full attention to the business.

If that’s not possible, then it’s likely best to delay. Times when starting a business may not be ideal

a Start-Up

include when battling an illness, during a family move or right after the death of a loved one. Economic factors beyond your control, such as a downturn or recession, also may affect the potential success of a business venture.

4. Pick a business structure.

Involving a business attorney in this process would be in a person’s best interests. A business can be legally structured in certain ways, and how it is structured will affect registration requirements as well has how much a business owner pays in taxes.

The structure also can affect personal liability. Speaking with a lawyer will highlight the pros and cons of structuring and help a person make the best decision possible.

5.

Speak to other business owners

A potential entrepreneur can pick the brains of small business owners to figure out what worked and what didn’t when they were first starting out. This can help entrepreneurs avoid certain pitfalls and uncover proven paths to success.

Starting a business can be a worthwhile undertaking, especially when entrepreneurs consider a variety of factors before getting started. (MC) 

Electric vehicles are widely touted as the vehicles of the future. Despite the growing availability of such cars in the present day, for many drivers EVs remain a novelty. That means buying an EV for the first time is a wholly new and unique experience.

Tesla EVs might be the most visible electric cars on the road today, but most major auto manufacturers, including Nissan and Chevrolet, produce EVs as well. That means auto buyers have more EV options now than ever before, which can make the process of buying such a car more exciting, but also more difficult. Narrowing down a growing number of options may not come easy to firsttime EV buyers, who can keep these tips in mind as they begin this exciting journey.

Charging Stations

Get an idea of the accessibility of charging stations around your home. The number of public charging sta-

tions is on the rise, but there’s still a lot of work to be done in this area. In fact, research from McKinsey & Company indicates that nearly half of consumers in the United States indicate that battery or charging issues are their foremost concerns about buying EVs. The automotive resource Auto Trader notes that most EVs have enough battery range to cover more than the average daily commute

in America. But drivers who hope to use their EVs as their everyday cars that take them to work and help them run errands and get around town should confirm there are enough public charging stations to make that possible.

Look into Subsidies

There are several incentives and rebates for Californians who purchase

or lease electric vehicles. For more information, visit afdc.energy.gov/laws/ all?state=CA.

Consider your Parking Situation

Homeowners who own single-family homes with a garage that can accommodate at least one vehicle can easily charge their EVs so long as they clear space in the garage where the car can be parked.

Auto Trader notes that some garages may need to be upgraded with a level two charger, and that can be expensive. Drivers who must park their EVs outdoors overnight should know that this, too, may require some additional funds for electric vehicle service equipment.

With each year, EVs are becoming the new norm, especially with states mandating green vehicles. Meanwhile, first-time EV buyers must consider a host of factors as they shop around for an electric car or truck. (MC)

CROSSWORD TIME

PUZZLES

SOLUTIONS

READER LETTERS

‘Trust Us’

When I read the names of Thomas Oatway and Lois Eisneberg signed to Signal letters, it has the same effect on me as watching Jen “Circle Back” Psaki and Karine “I Don’t Lie” Jean-Pierre give press briefings. In other words, like nails on a chalkboard. I’m sure I speak for the vast majority of Signal readers when I say, “OK, you two. We get it. You hate President Trump. Say it once and be done with it.” And while I’m at it, I would like to correct you. Both of you use the term “election denier” as a feeble way of condemning anyone who questions the veracity of an election. There is no such thing as an “election denier.” Nobody denies that an election occurred. Some people just question election results and want to find out if anything illegal or unethical influenced said results. You two would call these people Fox News-watching anarchists and insurrectionists. I would call them intelligent people who like to think for themselves.

After you remove your blood pressure monitors, consider this: Our government asks us to blindly believe everything they tell us. Their mantra is, “Trust us.” Inflation is just transitory. Trust us. President Trump colluded with the Russians. Trust us. The FBI didn’t tell social media that Hunter’s laptop was Russian disinformation. Trust us. Our exit from Afghanistan was honorable. Trust us. High gas prices are caused by Putin’s war. Trust us. The 570 riots during the summer of 2020 were peaceful protests. Trust us. Our southern border is not open. Trust us. Every congressman read all 4,100 pages of the omnibus bill before voting on it. Trust us. The Jan. 6 committee wasn’t a partisan kangaroo court. Trust us. The New York Times and CNN are balanced and objective in their reporting. Trust us. America does not have a crime problem. Trust us. The 87,000 new IRS agents will not be used to harass Republican voters or red states. Trust us.

You will have to pardon me if I don’t jump on the Government Trust Wagon. There is not room for three of us.

Larry Moore Valencia

Exposing Fascist Corruption

The left pretends it is anti-fascist by styling itself “Antifa,” but as Mussolini said, fascism is a merger of state and corporate power. And that is precisely what the left has been up to in American elections and governance with Big Tech. Twittergate was a digital insurrection far more consequential than Jan. 6; in fact, the former likely caused the latter. The left pretended they had to “save democracy” from Donald Trump but they interfered in an election and violated the free speech of others. And they can’t say “private company” because the government was literally telling them what and who to suppress.

This isn’t conjecture. It’s documented fact, and all because a billionaire vehicle maker had the means and motivation to buy one of their media vehicles and expose the fascist corruption.

Rob Kerchner Valencia

ETHICALLY SPEAKING

Evidences: Ethical Character

Ioften find myself asking the question “how do we recognize a person’s character and virtue?” What do we look at, look for, or measure to quantify someone’s ethical make-up? For me, one of the first texts is “does this person say what they mean, mean what they say, and act accordingly?”

But lately, I’ve taken to asking a second question. “Does this person readily admit his or her mistakes and take the necessary and proper steps to correct them?”

Many years ago I was part of a sales organization. I started off as a salesman with a local territory and after 3 years was made a regional sales manager. Dealing with the home office, the shipping department, my sales force, and our customers was like attending a post-graduate course in understanding people and their ways of handling mistakes. I learned that mistakes happen, and they happen frequently. Sometimes the consequences are minimal but often they create a big mess.

When a person makes the same mistake with regularity it usually means they are untrained, unmotivated, or unable. This becomes a personnel problem, and in some cases where training doesn’t solve the problem, it is often best solved through termination. But this may not tell us much about the person’s character. Good people with strong values may be unable to complete certain tasks.

Where we get a glimpse into character is watching the way a person admits the mistake, taking full responsibility, and then works to clean up the mess. I have found that when good people make mistakes, they own up to them, and get to work fixing them as best they can, even if it hurts. This takes character, and integrity, and a greater desire to be good than simply to look good.

eagle on a salmon, gripping it so tightly they seem both unwilling and unable to let go.

Sadly, this high cost of honesty has pushed many to develop ways of spinning the facts - even when their mistakes are obvious - in order to deflect any blame. A fascinating book on this is aptly titled “Mistakes Were Made But Not By Me.” It chronicles the steady push of our culture to defend, deny, or obfuscate the facts to the place where there is always some measure of plausible deniability. We see things go wrong everyday while at the same time we are told no one is responsible.

This being true, when someone stands up and admits an error, a mistake, or a poor decision, and is willing to work to clean up the mess or correct the situation, what we have is strong evidence of true character. Not only must we demand leaders who say what they mean and mean what they say, but we must also demand that they be honest about their missteps and work to alleviate any negative consequences. And until we become a nation of perfect individuals, we must continue to applaud those with a strong internal commitment to integrity and honesty rather than shoot them down with their own bullets. Honesty will only blossom where forgiveness is available.

Submit a Letter to the Editor

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

In our society the virtue of honesty in this regard is becoming more and more rare simply because the cost of being honest has risen dramatically. Today, admitting you made a mistake, or a bad decision, or acted in haste, immediately becomes ammunition for your opponents. They will seize upon the situation like an

We need leaders – parents, teachers, managers, pastors, civic leaders, politicians, etc – who are not afraid to tell us what they really believe, and are committed to acting in accordance with those beliefs. And when their actions turn out to cause a mess we need them to stand up and tell us so, admitting their error, and at the same time working hard to fix the problems they have caused. For our part, we need to be willing to admit our own foibles, and offer understanding and forgiveness to those whose sincerity, honesty, and ability to learn from their mistakes deserve it.

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

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