Sunday Signal July 10, 2022 by Signal

JULY 10, 2022

Roadtrip: Rim of the World Page 4 Your News, Entertainment & Lifestyle Source

SUPPORT VS SERVICE DOGS

SOCIAL MEDIA FOR SENIORS

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J U LY 10, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES 4 4 Road Trip: Rim of the World 5 The Difference Between a ‘Service’ and ‘Support’ Animal 7 Differences Between ‘Refurbished’ and ‘Brand New’ FROM THE CITY MANAGER 8 8 Concerts in the Park FOOD 9 9 Cook with a Healthy Heart in Mind Grilled Tequila-Lime Chicken Frozen Yogurt Bark ENTERTAINMENT 11 11 ‘‘The Forgiven’ Will Hold You Until the End GARDENING 12 12 Keep Your Garden Safe in Summer Heat Waves SENIOR LIVING 13 13 Social Media Isn’t Just for Kids HOME 14 14 Turn Your Home into an Oasis HEALTH 15 15 Different Types of Sweats PETS 16 16 Things to Do if Your Pet Gets Lost KIDS & FAMILY 17 17 Donna’s Day: Keep Your Library Card Handy Junior Whirl PUZZLES 18 OPINION 19 David Hegg

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR LANDSCAPE IN A DROUGHT STAGE 2 EFFICIENT IRRIGATION PRACTICES • THE TIME OF DAY YOU WATER MATTERS. Early morning (midnight to 9 a.m.) or late at night (8 p.m. to midnight) will keep more water on your landscape, rather than evaporating in the heat and wind. • HOW LONG YOU WATER MATTERS. Much of our SCV soil is clay, which means there is typically runoff after 5 minutes of traditional irrigation. By breaking the 10-minute watering time into two 5-minute or less cycles, your landscape will soak up more of the water it needs. • YOUR IRRIGATION ZONES MATTER. Two 5-minute cycles are allowed per irrigation zone. Meaning, each section of your groundcover, shrubs or other landscaped areas can be watered a maximum of twice a day, no more than 5 minutes each time. If you need to hand-water brown spots, use a hose with an automatic shutoff nozzle. This smart practice is more efficient than increasing running sprinklers.

EXEMPTIONS

Watering day and time limits do not apply to: SINCE 1919

SignalSCV. com

Richard Budman Doña Uhrig Tim Whyte

Publisher Sunday Signal Editor Signal Editor

• Landscape irrigation zones that use drip irrigation or high efficiency sprinkler nozzles with low precipitation rates (equal to or less than 1 inch per hour). • The hand watering of established trees as well as fruits and vegetables for human consumption.

Sales Representatives Maureen Daniels • Jennifer Ramos • Barbara Ward 25060 Avenue Stanford, Suite 141

| Valencia, CA 91355

661-259-1234 The entire content of the Sunday Signal is copyrighted 2022 by Paladin Multi-Media Group, Inc. All submitted letters and columns are strictly the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of the publisher. All rights are reserved and no part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. If you would not like this delivered to your home, please call (661) 259-1000.

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J U LY 10, 2022

N E W S F E AT U R E

Road Trip: Rim of the World Scenic Byway

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

short drive from the hustle and bustle of the Santa Clarita Valley, an entirely different landscape emerges in the mountains, lakes and scenery of the Inland Empire. Head east from the SCV and take a California road trip along the 110-mile-long Rim of the World Scenic Byway, for its stunning views along the cliffs of the San Bernardino Mountains. Here are a few stops to make along the way, culminating at Big Bear Lake. This is a beautiful road trip you can make year-round and see new sights in every season. Just remember to pack your chains in the winter.

Embark on the Rim of the World

The Inland Empire byway begins at Cajon Pass, on State Highway 138 between the San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains. From the SCV take the Antelope Valley Freeway to state Route 138 east to the Interstate 215 at Cajon Junction. Continue on Highway 138 to the Summit Scenic Overlook on your left. This unpaved overlook offers views of Cajon Pass, home to Interstate 15 and four railway lines. This location is popular with railroad fans. The California Southern Railroad, a subsidiary of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, was the first

railroad to use the Cajon Pass as a route through the mountains. The rail line through the pass was built in the early 1880s. Today, the Union Pacific Railroad and BNSF Railway, the successor to the Santa Fe, use this pass to access Los Angeles and San Bernardino. At this overlook you can view a high volume of trains and noteworthy scenery; it is a popular location for railfanning. At 12077 State Highway 138 in Hesperia, you will find the Silverwood Country Store. A great stop for bait, ice, gas and snacks. Make the most of photo-op-ready turnouts, like Silverwood Lake Overlook off State Highway 138, which offers a view of the sparkling lake.

Silverwood Lake State Recreational Area

13990 Sawpit Canyon Road, Hesperia 92345 The area offers fishing, swimming, boating, camping and a marina for visitors. It is a popular destination during summer weekends.

Recharge at Lake Arrowhead

Take a detour on State Route 173 to relax in this quaint town with a deepblue mountain lake. Stay the night at Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa, where you can kayak across the lake, roast s’mores on the shore, or get a massage. You can also find many cabins, or vacation homes for rent, many with spectacular lake views. Nestled in the magnificent San Ber-

Trainspotting in Cajon Pass is a popular activity at the Summit Scenic Overlook of Highway 138. PHOTO COURTESY VISIT CALIFORNIA

nardino National Forest, surrounded by pine, cedar and dogwood, Lake Arrowhead is at an altitude of 5,100 feet. The area is described as the “Alps of Southern California,” and known as “the best kept secret on the West Coast.” It is a stunningly beautiful, cozy mountain resort paradise featuring hiking, backpacking, camping, bicycling, lake tours, water and snow skiing, ice skating, fishing, horseback riding and more, depending on the season. Hike a stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail, about 7 miles from the lake, or take a steamboat ride on the Arrowhead Queen to view the lakefront homes and learn about the history of the area.

Lake Arrowhead Queen Cruises

The Arrowhead Queen boat tour is a fun way to learn the history of the area and see spectacular scenery. PHOTO COURTESY ARROWHEAD QUEEN BOAT TOUR

Purchase tickets at LeRoy’s Boardshop, located dockside in Lake Arrowhead Village near the boarding area for the boat tours, 28200 CA189, Lake Arrowhead 92352. Tickets: $26.95 per adult, $24.95 per senior (65 and older), $19.95 per child (2-11 years old), free age 1 and younger. Weekday departures 11

a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Weekends are every hour on the hour 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Play at Big Bear Lake

Return to State Route 18 and head toward Big Bear Lake Village. Embrace the Alpine scenery on the western side of the Rim of the World Byway. There are many lodgings available at Big Bear Lake, as well as a wealth of activities. Visit www.bigbear.com for information on everything to see, where to stay, where to eat and what to do. Order a free visitor’s guide on the website. Big Bear Lake likes to remind visitors it offers “Four Seasons of Recreation.” Snow sports dominate the winter but depending on the season, a few other Big Bear Lake activities include:

Big Bear Speedway & Ropes Course

42825 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake 92315 The ropes course is a new aerial adventure where you balance on ropes, See GETAWAY, page 6

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N E W S F E AT U R E

The Difference Between a ‘Service’ and a ‘Support’ Animal Signal Staff Writer

f it seems like there are more service dogs than ever before accompanying their owners into coffee shops, grocery stores and restaurants, it’s because there are. A 2015 study at the University of California, Davis found number of assistance dogs registered by animal control facilities in California has increased by 1,000% between 2002-12. The Americans with Disabilities Act states that service animals are allowed to accompany their owner anywhere that the public is normally allowed to go.

But what exactly is a service dog?

Over the years, dogs have been filling a growing number of jobs supporting people with various disabilities, both visible and invisible. John Anthony, a cynologist and the director of training at Redemption Road K9, a working dog company, has studied dog emotion and cognition, as well as animal behavior, and says a dog can be trained to do almost anything. Whether it’s sniffing out allergens, alerting a diabetic to changes in their blood sugar, calming someone with autism or anxiety, or guiding the blind or deaf, service dogs are trained to complete specific tasks according to their owner’s needs. Dogs can also help alleviate symptoms of emotional or mental distress. Through companionship and affection, dogs can support those with mental disorders like depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and panic disorders, according to Dr. Kathy Peters, a local vet. “What most don’t know is that there’s a difference — and it’s a big one,” Peters said. Emotional support animals (ESA) and therapy dogs do not receive the same protection under the ADA and therefore are not considered service dogs. The ADA limits the definition of a “service animal” to dogs that are trained to “do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.” The act also states that “dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.” “This means that a dog that is trained to calm someone suffering from an anxiety attack is considered a service dog, while a dog whose mere presence calms a person is not,” Peters said. “The bottom line is that if the dog has been professionally trained to assist its owner, it’s a service dog.” Deputy Kevin Duxbury of the Los Angeles County Sheriff ’s Department says he has often responded to calls concerning whether ESA have the same rights as service dogs. “The fact is that they don’t,” Duxbury said. “It’s something you see around town quite a lot, and the difference is that service animals have extensive training and costs thousands of dollars while com-

Tanya Yarbrough and her service dog Rambo, a Chihuahua and Rat Terrier mix. Rambo has been trained to sniff out gluten for Yarbrough’s celiac dIsease. PHOTO COURTESY TANYA YARBROUGH

fort animals are classified as pets.” Tanya Yarbrough, a dog trainer and the owner of Kazzi Dog Training, says the amount of training required for a service dog is tremendous. It takes at least 18 months to properly train a dog obedience and socialization while also preparing them for the numerous distractions they will face, Yarbrough said. Whether it’s someone who legitimately has an ESA or someone who pretends their pet is a service dog so they can bring them everywhere, both can cause damage and harm to service dogs and their reputation.

Is it really illegal?

Laws are changing nationwide to combat the growing number of “fake” service dogs, but they have yet to change in California. In fact, they’ve been the same since 1995. Penal Code 365.7 states that those pretending to be the owner of a service dog is a criminal misdemeanor with a penalty of up to $1,000 or six months in jail. Effective Jan. 1, a new law protects emotional support animals. The law is the first in the nation to crack down on “fradulent practices concerning emotional support animals, while protecting public access” for those with legitimate service dogs, according to Canine Companions, an advocate for the service dog industry. Governor Gavin Newsom approved AB 468 ESA law, in response to “an increase in the fraudulent selling and subsequent misrepresentation of emo-

tional support dogs as service dogs,” according to ESA Doctors, that works with individuals in obtaining an ESA designation. The law was also intended to stop businesses that “sell various misleading ESA-related certificates and merchandise that inaccurately imply that ESAs have the same legal rights” as service dogs, it said.

What’s the harm?

Acquiring a service-dog vest is simple. They can be bought on Amazon or at a pet shop, and because the ADA does not require any registration, licensing or documentation of service animals, it’s hard to know for sure if the dog is actually a service dog. “People can buy these fake certificates online and show them as “proof ” that their animal is a service animal,” said Julie Jones, the owner of service dog Bumble Bee. “It causes uneducated employees who don’t know the laws to think that a certificate is required for anyone with a service dog, and because I don’t have one, I’ve been turned away.” Bumble Bee, a 5-year-old Cane Corso, is a trained service dog who is able to retrieve medication, do deep-pressure therapy during panic attacks and calmly block people from getting too close to Jones while she’s having an attack. Jones says she and Bumble Bee have been denied access to numerous places. “They either weren’t sure if it was okay to allow us or they didn’t want to allow us due to previous experiences they’ve had with poorly behaved “service” dogs,” Jones said. “I’ve also been denied access See ESA, next page

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N E W S F E AT U R E

ESA

Continued from previous page

before due to my dog’s breed, size and intimidating appearance even though any breed of dog can be a service dog if they have the right temperament, drive to work and training.” Rambo, a Chihuahua, Rat Terrier mix who had been trained to sniff out gluten for Yarbrough’s celiac disease, has also been denied access because of his size. “They don’t even ask anymore, they just assume that you’re lying,” Yarbrough said. “It was only after the security guard saw my dog in a down stay next to sliding glass doors that kept opening and closing — and she didn’t move — that he realized that she was a service dog.” Just hours after getting his new service dog Lazarus, a purebred West German Shepherd, Anthony was also faced with a public access challenge at a grocery store. He says he was accused of lying about why he had the dog with him in the store. “He flat-out called me a liar and not only kicked me out of the store, but called the police and had them write me and Lazarus a ticket for trespass-

Service dog in training Lazarus (left) and search and rescue dog in training Crixus during training session at Redemption Road K-9 in Agua Dulce. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

ing,” Anthony said. “The dog hadn’t made a peep the entire time. She was quiet and attentive as officer after officer showed up.”

Anthony says he almost returned the dog, but decided to keep her and vowed to learn everything he could about service dogs so that would nev-

er happen to him again and so that he could help other people like him who just wanted help living a normal life. There are rules for a reason and when it comes to service dogs, those rules are in place not only to protect the humans, but also the dogs. “I’ve seen so many aggressive, out of control, freaked out dogs trying to be passed as service dogs,” Yarbrough said. “It’s cruel to take an untrained animal who is unable to handle the distractions of urban life and put them in a store where they are being set up to fail.” Although Yarbrough believes that most people love their dogs, and their intent isn’t malicious or meant to be hurtful, she says that it doesn’t help the acceptance of legitimate service dogs. “The people who own businesses and are in charge of making sure everyone is safe are forced to question the dogs legitimacy, which put the people with disabilities under more stress,” Yarbrough said. “This does not help their condition at all and is an extra stress that they don’t need to have.” 

GETAWAY

Continued from page 4

cross bridges and climb through obstacles. The gokarts reach speeds of up to 30 mph on a 1/5-mile open-air racetrack filled with hairpin turns and S-curves.

Pleasure Point Marina

603 Land Lock Landing, Big Bear Lake 92315 This is a favorite destination for family fun on Big Bear Lake. Rentals include pontoon boats, kayaks, pedal boats, fishing boats, stand-up paddle boards and jet skis.

Gold Rush Mining Adventures

40016 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake 92315 Family fun where you can pan for gold and gemstones, dig for fossils, experience the “cosmic cave” and more.

Before You Go, Hike Castle Rock Trail

Before heading home to the SCV, get one more awesome view in the Big Bear area on the popular Castle Rock Trail, a sometimes-steep 3-mile hike. The forest-lined walk takes you past huge granite boulders as you ascend through Ponderosa pines, white firs and incense cedars to get a panoramic view of Big Bear Lake. 

Water sports are a popular activity on Big Bear Lake. PHOTO COURTESY VISIT CALIFORNIA

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N E W S F E AT U R E

Differences Between ‘Refurbished’ and ‘Brand New’ By Jim Walker Signal Staff Writer

e all love to own things that are brand, shiny new, and that goes doubly for electronics. Gently encouraging these out of their multiple layers of protective packaging brings forth a feeling like Christmas and Fourth of July fireworks combined, with the added belief that, at least in this purchase, you are, more or less, on the advanced edge of technology. You have faith that your device, be it smartphone, laptop, desktop or game console, is pristine and will operate perfectly – and all backed up by a warranty. So why would anyone buy electronics that are not brand, shiny new?

NEW

REFURBISHED

What Constitutes Refurbished

When a device is refurbished, or reconditioned, it means that formerly new device was returned to the retailer or manufacturer for reasons you don’t know. Maybe the previous owner merely opened the box and then changed his or her mind. Maybe that owner found a minor defect in the device, or maybe something not so minor. While those who sell refurbished products are not allowed to call them “new,” they can describe them as “like new,” “gently used,” “used” and so on. And while refurbishing might return the device to like-new condition, unless it comes with a warranty of some type, function is not guaranteed. The refurbisher might not test the device after repair. It’s hard to go wrong purchasing devices that were refurbished by the original manufacturer. They will have the right parts and know-how to get it to like-new condition. And this is where the term “factory-certified” comes in. On the other hand, third-party refurbishers might make the same high-quality repair for significantly less. “We work with third-party providers to offer certified refurbished electronics,” said our Walmart spokesperson. “The products go through numerous steps before being released for sale, so customers can enjoy the reassurance of getting a properly working item. They must receive a grade-A rating that includes having a nearly perfect appearance, so customers can be proud to own them.”

Refurbished Can Mean Less Cost

In most cases (but not always), buying “refurbished” electronics can offer you significant savings compared to purchasing brand new. But you have to weigh the savings, the big pro, against a greater or lesser number of cons. Here we present the most important things to consider in the refurbished vs. new quandary, and include a few thoughts from Walmart Media Relations. Walmart sells both new and refurbished electronics. “Buying refurbished items allows our customers to upgrade their tech at affordable prices, while

TOP OF THE LINE SHOP IN THE STORE OR ONLINE!

being assured what they’re purchasing looks and works like new,” said our Walmart spokesperson. As noted, purchasing refurbished doesn’t automatically guarantee savings. There might currently be special deals on new devices of that type that get you brand new for a refurbished price, or even less. Do your research.

Accessories

When purchasing refurbished, you need to make sure that all important accessories, such as batteries, chargers, keyboards, cords, etc., come with it. If not, you’ll have to purchase them separately. “Our refurbished products also come with original accessories, so buyers don’t have to track down peripheral items to be able to use our them,” said Walmart.

Warranty

When the device was new, it most likely had a warranty. This might not carry over after it is refurbished, or the warranty might be significantly altered. Be sure you find out where you stand on warranty – exactly what is warranted and for how long. Without a worthy warranty, the money you

saved buying refurbished might be wasted. “Our refurbished products come with a 90-day minimum warranty,” said Walmart.

Return Policy

It is also very important to determine the refurbisher’s return policy. How long do you have to “test drive” the device and still return it for full refund? You’ll probably want two weeks to a month. If the refurbisher says the sale is “final,” you might be purchasing at a drastically reduced price, but you are also taking a huge chance. Many electronics manufacturers refurbish their own products, as do major retailers and phone carriers. And there are also companies that only sell refurbished devices. It’s all in who you trust, cost vs. confidence. Research online. Walmart representative noted, “We want to give our customers options at Walmart, and offering new and refurbished electronics gives them the flexibility to purchase quality electronics no matter the price point.” 

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J U LY 10, 2022

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Concerts in the Park — The Soundtrack to Our Summer By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager

• arrive early to claim your preferred spot in the grass, and

t’s a time-honored tradition that generations of residents in Santa Clarita know and look forward to each year. Loading up the car, arriving at Central Park and finding the perfect spot on the grass on a Saturday night can only mean one thing — it’s time for another summer of Concerts in the Park! The annual Concerts in the Park series, presented by Logix Federal Credit Union, is more than just a fun and free way to spend an evening with friends and family. It is also a chance to make memories with the ones you love that will last a lifetime. Whether you are an empty nester looking to lounge while listening to your favorite era of music, have a teen who just wants to hang out with friends during the show or are a new parent introducing your little one to your favorite bands, Concerts in the Park is the ultimate family destination. Concerts take place every Saturday night from July 9 through August 27 and feature a new performer and genre each week. The show starts at 7 p.m. at Central Park, located at 27150 Bouquet Canyon Road.

• have a great time!

If you’ve been to Concerts in the Park in the past, you know the memorable impact that rocking out or singing along with thousands of your neighbors can have. When I think back to the many Concerts in the Park events I have attended, I remember not just the great performances but also the wonderful feeling as a father seeing my kids enjoying a summer night out at our amazing Central Park. What if you have never been to Concerts in the Park? There are just three things you need to know: • Bring your chairs and blankets

You can bring your dinner and snacks with you to enjoy a picnic, purchase a meal from an onsite food truck or have a delivery service bring food from your favorite Santa Clarita restaurant. There is another outstanding performer lineup this summer, which features brand-new groups taking the stage and fan favorites returning to Central Park. No matter what style of music you prefer — from rock and roll to country to R&B to disco — there is a concert on the schedule just for you. I hope you will join us for another summer of unparalleled entertainment at Concerts in the Park and take advantage of a great opportunity to have fun with your family and friends. You can learn more about Concerts in the Park and see the full lineup of performers this summer by visiting the City of Santa Clarita online at santa-clarita.com/ Concerts.

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. 

J U LY 10, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

FOOD

Cook with a

Healthy Heart in Mind

ealthy eating doesn’t have to be difficult or require you to take favorite meals off your family’s menu. In fact, making smart choices when cooking at home can give you more control over the types of tasty, heart-healthy dishes you put on the table. High cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for heart disease and stroke, with about 38% of American adults diagnosed with high cholesterol, according to the American Heart Association. These cooking tips can help you prepare heart-healthy meals that could help improve cholesterol levels by reducing excess saturated fat and trans fat.

Grilled Tequila-Lime Chicken with Grilled Asparagus

Cook Fresh Vegetables the Heart-Healthy Way

In small bowl, stir tequila, lime zest, lime juice, garlic, chipotle pepper and adobo sauce. Pour into large resealable plastic bag. Add chicken and seal bag tightly; turn bag to coat. Refrigerate 2-12 hours.

Roasting, steaming, grilling or baking can help bring out the natural flavors of vegetables. Adding herbs and spices can also help make veggies tastier, including combinations like basil with tomatoes, oregano with zucchini, dill with green beans or rosemary with peas and cauliflower.

Reduce Saturated Fat in Meat and Poultry

The amount of saturated fat in meats can vary widely, depending on the cut and how it’s prepared. Opt for poultry and fish over red meat and look for lean cuts of meat with minimal visible fat, which should be trimmed away before cooking. Also limit processed meats such as sausage, bologna, salami and hot dogs, which are often high in calories, saturated fat and sodium.

Use Liquid Vegetable Oils in Place of Solid Fats

Some fats are better for you than others. Liquid vegetable oils such as canola, safflower, sunflower, soybean and olive oil can often be used instead of solid fats, such as butter, lard or shortening. If you must use margarine, try the soft or liquid kind. Find more heart-healthy recipes and tips for lowering cholesterol at heart.org/cholesterol.

Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association Servings: 4 1/4 cup tequila or white vinegar 2 teaspoons lime zest 1/2 cup fresh lime juice 2 medium garlic cloves, minced 1 tablespoon chipotle pepper canned in adobo sauce, minced, plus 2 tablespoons adobo sauce 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, fat discarded nonstick cooking spray 3 bunches asparagus spears, trimmed 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided 2 tablespoons canola oil or corn oil

Grilled Tequila-Lime Chicken with Grilled Asparagus

to spread yogurt over entire bottom of dish. Pour chopped nuts over yogurt. Use fingers to slightly press into yogurt. Top yogurt with mango, blackberries and blueberries and slightly press into yogurt.

Cover with plastic wrap or foil and place in freezer overnight. To serve: Lift parchment paper from baking dish onto cutting board. Use hands to break bark into pieces. (Family Features) 

Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Lightly spray grates with nonstick cooking spray. In large dish, sprinkle asparagus with salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Drizzle with oil. Turn asparagus over to coat. Remove chicken from marinade. Discard marinade and wipe most of it off chicken. Sprinkle chicken with remaining pepper. Grill 8-12 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink in center. Transfer to plate and cover with aluminum foil. Place asparagus on grill, facing opposite direction of grates. Grill 7 minutes, or until tender crisp.

Mexican Grill & Bar Explore Our

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Serve asparagus with chicken.

Frozen Yogurt Bark Servings: 8 1 1/2 cups 2% low-fat plain Greek yogurt 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons chopped, unsalted almonds 1/2 cup chopped mango 1/4 cup blackberries or raspberries 1/2 cup blueberries I n medium bowl, mix yogurt and honey. Line 9-by-13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Use spatula or knife

Also inquire about special events, banquets and fund raisers.

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

Riders on the Storm — Robby Krieger

he Doors guitarist Robby Krieger is a rock ‘n roll legend. His love for music started as a child, when he listened to his favorite record (Peter And The Wolf) until it broke. His musical tastes matured, and by the time he was a teenager he began seriously playing the guitar — Mexican Flamenco style. But his love for the blues and jazz eventually led him to rock ‘n roll, and sub-

sequently to a place in history. Krieger wrote or co-wrote many of The Doors’ songs, including “Light My Fire,” “Love

Me Two Times,” “Touch Me,” and “Love Her Madly”. You can see Robby Krieger live at The Canyon Santa Clarita on September 16. Tickets are available online through AXS, over the phone at (888) 645-5006, and in person at the Canyon Santa Clarita box office. For more information, visit www.wheremusic meetsthesoul.com. 

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

‘The Forgiven’ Holds You in its Grips Until the Very Last Frame

something straight out of the 1940s. It’s a wonderful movie about mostly terrible people who treat the death ‘The Forgiven’ of a local boy as an inconvenience 1/2 (out of four) that interrupts their weekend getRoadside Attractions and Vertical away and must be dealt with, and Entertainment present a film written what a bother the whole thing is — and directed by John Michael Mcand it’s that kind of attitude that can Donagh, based on the novel by Lawlead to some dire comeuppances. rence Osborne. Rated R. In theaters. Shot on location in Morocco (with a six-month pause in production due ot only are “The Forto the pandemic), based on a 2012 given” leads Jessica novel by Lawrence Osborne, and Chastain and Ralph Filensed in beautiful fashion by direcennes among our very tor McDonagh and cinematographer best actors, but they have a timeatres • Santa Clarita Signal adsource@exhibitorads.com Larry Smith, “The Forgiven” begins less quality that leads one to believe p. 888.737.2812 f. 203.438.1206 5.9” with the American writer Jo Henthey’d be stars in any era. I can easily ninger (Chastain) and her British picture Fiennes in a supporting July role 10-14, 2022 date: Sunday-Thursday, doctor husband of 12 years, David in, say, “Casablanca” (1942), while delivery date: (Fiennes), sniping at one another as Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at 6:21:53 PM CASCS_LEM0710-0714.qxp PHOTO COURTESY IMDB Chastain would seem right at home they embark on a trip to North Afin a picture such as “Gilda” (1946) or Michael McDonagh’s dark and lurid rica. Moroccan film noir “The Forgiv“House of Strangers” (1949). David winces at Jo’s prattling and Chastain and Fiennes are perfectly en,” which is set in present day, but calls her “shrill,” while Jo calls David if we take out the cellphones and a cast as a privileged married couple a “highly functional alcoholic” as he few other modern touches, this, too, who might still love each other but empties another bottle of wine and clearly can’t stand each other in John has a timeless quality and feels like makes disparaging remarks about the tourists at a posh hotel where they’re biding time before setting out TM on a long nighttime drive through winding desert roads in order to reach a lavishly renovated ksar in the High Atlas Mountains. This former village is now a kind 22500 Lyons Ave. info Line 310.478.3836 of fortress/hotel owned by their wealthy and hedonistic friend Richard (Matt Smith), who, with his THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER C Sun to Wed: 1:00 4:10 6:30 7:15; Thu: 1:00 4:10 7:15 outrageously awful boyfriend Dally “Thor: Love and Thunder” finds Thor on a quest for inner peace. But his retirement is interrupted by a galactic killer, Gorr the God (Caleb Landry Jones), is hosting an Butcher, who seeks the extinction of the gods. THE FORGIVEN E Sun: 1:10 7:10; Mon: 1:10 PM; Tue: 7:10 PM; opulent weekend gathering. Wed: 1:10 7:10; Thu: 1:10 PM By this time, we’ve also met a boy Speeding through the Moroccan desert to attend a weekend party, wealthy Londoners David and Jo Henninger are involved in a tragic accident with a local teenage boy. named Driss (Omar Ghazaoui), who, MINIONS: THE RISE OF GRU B 1:00 3:10 5:20 7:30 like many of the locals, carves out a A young Gru joins forces with his new Minion friends to take on the supervillain supergroup The Vicious 6. living by digging up fossils, paintMR. MALCOLM’S LIST B 1:20 4:00 Julia is a society lady jilted by London’s most eligible bachelor Mr. Malcolm, when she fails to meet one of the items on his list of ing and mounting them and selling requirements for a bride. them to Westerners. With a drunken ELVIS C 1:30 6:45 “Elvis” is Oscar-nominated filmmaker Baz Luhrmann’s musical drama about the life and music of Elvis Presley, seen through the David behind the wheel in the dark prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker of night, Driss steps in front of the OFFICIAL COMPETITION E 4:20 PM Penélope Cruz and Antonio Banderas star as two egomaniacs commissioned by a millionaire to make a movie together in this sharp Henningers’ car and is struck and comedy skewering wealth, art, and pride. killed. JURASSIC WORLD DOMINION C 1:10 4:00 7:10 Dinosaurs now live - and hunt - alongside humans all over the world. This fragile balance will reshape the future and determine, The Henningers arrive at the reonce and for all, whether human beings are to remain the apex predators on Earth. sort and almost casually inform POMPEII: SIN CITY I Mon: 7:30 PM; Tue: 1:00 PM Richard that there’s a dead body in An exploration of Pompeii, a city cloaked in mystery and depicted through images and words by the great artists and writers who experienced and imagined it over the course of history. their car. While David and Jo wash TOP GUN: MAVERICK C 1:05 4:10 7:15 up and change and then indulge After more than thirty years of service as one of the Navy’s top aviators, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell is pushing the envelope as a courageous test pilot. in a late dinner, Richard contacts WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING Thu: 7:20 PM the local authorities, who rule the Kya, an abandoned girl who raised herself to adulthood in the dangerous marshlands of North Carolina, finds herself drawn to opens herself to two young men from town. boy’s death an accident. All will COSPLAY UNIVERSE Thu: 7:30 PM be smoothed out, it seems — unFOR 7/10/20227/14/2022 ONLY WWW.LAEMMLE.COM til Driss’ father, Abdellah (Ismael By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

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Kanater), arrives at the gates of the resort and requests/demands that David accompany him and the boy’s body to their village. This seems fraught with peril — “They could be ISIS!” wails Jo — but David agrees to accompany Abdellah, along with the driver-translator Anouar (Said Taghmaoui), who will act as the go-between and perhaps peacemaker on this long and dangerous journey. The crisp editing takes us back and forth between David’s journey, in which he begins to see the locals and their culture as more than just background scenery for his vacation, and the nonstop partying back at the lavishly appointed castle resort. Jo feigns worry over David while embarking on an openly flirtatious assignation with a sexed-up financial analyst named Tom (Christopher Abbott), eventually dressing up in a bondage outfit, snorting cocaine and getting down to frisky business with him. The out-of-control Australian model Cody (Abbey Lee) gets so wasted she wakes up in the desert, hundreds of yards from the resort, while a French photographer from the New York Times Style Section chronicles the debauchery while we’re pretty sure she thinks Richard and his friends are shallow, narcissistic fools. (She’s … not wrong.) “The Forgiven” exists in a world where the Westerners might as well be Imperialists, as they flaunt their excessive ways in view of staffers and locals who follow an entirely different way of life. Thanks to the nuanced performances by the ensemble cast and the rich writing, certain characters who seem to be narrowly defined become something more complex as the story unwinds. From the moment of the accident, David says he’s sorry for what happened, but mostly because it’s such a damn imposition. That changes along the way. Whether or not there’s time and room for David to be forgiven — I’ll leave that for you to discover. Suffice to say “The Forgiven” holds us in its grips until the very last frame. 

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J U LY 10, 2022

GARDENING

How to Keep Gardens Safe in Summer Heat Waves

ummer is a season to relax and enjoy the warm weather. Basking in the summer sun is a great way to relax, but only when the temperatures are safe. Summer heat waves can compromise the health of human beings as well as their pets. Gardening enthusiasts also may need to go the extra mile to keep their plants and gardens from wilting under harsh summer sun. Extreme heat stress can be very harmful to plants. The online gardening resource Gardening Know How notes that some plants can withstand summer heat waves better than others. For example, succulents conserve water in their leaves, helping them to withstand heat waves when the dog days of summer arrive. But succulents are unique, and many plants will require a little extra help to withstand a heat wave.

Take a proactive approach with mulch.

Gardeners need not wait until the heat arrives to protect their plants from searing summer heat. The sustainable living experts at Eartheasy recommend utilizing light-colored mulch during heat waves. Such mulch will reflect the sunlight and help to maintain cooler surface soil conditions. Eartheasy even notes that grass clippings, once they’ve turned

from green to light brown, can make for the perfect mulch to protect plants from the heat. Clippings also are free, making them a cost-effective solution.

Water wisely.

evaporation as possible. When watering during a heat wave, do so by hand rather than through a sprinkler. Hand watering allows gardeners to direct all of the water onto the plants that need it most during a heat wave.

Let your plants pitch in.

The horticultural experts at Yates Gardening note that water only helps plants withstand heat waves if it’s applied effectively. If water is only applied in short bursts and not long enough so it can penetrate all the way to the root zone, roots will then stay near the surface. In such instances, roots will dry out during a heat wave and plants won’t make it through the season. Timing also is essential when watering. Eartheasy recommends watering in the morning to avoid heat scald and also ensure as little water is lost to

When planting new plants, it’s important that gardeners recognize it takes time for these plants to establish their roots so they’re strong enough to withstand heat waves. In the meantime, strategic planting can help them make it through their first heat waves unscathed. Eartheasy notes that planting by taller, more established plants can provide new plants with shade that can help them survive heat waves. Just make sure new plants can still get the sun they need to thrive. Heat waves are inevitable and potentially harmful to gardens. Gardeners can help their plants beat the heat in various ways. (MC) 

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S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

SENIORLIVING

Social media: It’s Not Just for Kids Anymore

Are you worried someone close to you is losing their memory? It’s Possibly

Dementia.

erhaps due to the popularity of social media among a generation of young people who grew up with it, platforms such as Instagram and Facebook are often associated with people born in the 21st century. However, a 2018 study from the Pew Institute found that 65% of adults between the ages of 50 and 64 used Facebook and 68% used YouTube. Social media is often on the receiving end of negative attention, but it’s also a potentially valuable tool that can help men and women over 50 stay connected with their communities. That’s not always so easy for adults who no longer have children at home. And as its name suggests, social media can help users connect with others who share their interests. Such connections also can be hard to make for adults over 50. Adults over 50 may be more comfortable with social media now than they were a decade ago, but it’s still a good idea to brush up on basic security measures that can help men and women protect their privacy as they utilize platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Protect your personal information.

No social media user has the right to access your personal information, including your address, date of birth or other data unique to you. Avoid interacting with anyone who requests personal information, employing the function to block such users from connecting with you when possible. It’s also important to keep informa-

tion about travel plans private. For example, sharing details of an upcoming vacation can serve notice to potential criminals that no one will be in your house, making it a potential target for burglars.

Aim for quality, not quantity.

Avoid accepting friend requests from individuals you don’t know. Cyber criminals often gain access to victims via social media, so limit your social media network to people you know and trust.

Turn off location information.

The technology behind social media is impressive and even makes it possible to determine where users are when they tweet or post to other platforms. But many users, especially those concerned about their privacy, don’t want to share location information with anyone, much less strangers. Turn off location information and routinely double check to make sure it’s still turned off.

Discuss others’ privacy concerns before posting. Social media isn’t for everyone, and some people may not want photos of themselves or their children posted to platforms like Facebook or Instagram. Prior to posting pictures or information about other people, confirm that they’re OK with you doing so. Adults over 50 are engaging with social media. But no matter how comfortable users become, it’s still best to keep various social media safety protocols in mind. (MC) 

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J U LY 10, 2022

HOME

Turn Your Home Into Your Personal Oasis This Summer

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ummer is here, and people are getting out of the house — hanging by the pool, at the beach or in parks — to enjoy the warm weather. All that time outside is fun, but you don’t want to go back to a hot, stuffy home when you’re ready to cool off. Your home should be your retreat from the summer heat so that you can relax and recharge. Check out these five ways to turn your home into the ultimate oasis to stay cool and comfortable all summer long.

Close the Curtains and Blinds

The simplest way to cool down your home is to close the windows, blinds and curtains. While you may want to indulge in direct sunlight inside your home, it continues to heat your space. During the sunniest times of the day, keep your curtains drawn or blinds closed to reflect the heat. You can even buy thermal shades or blackout curtains to keep light and heat from sneaking into your cool spaces.

Try a Window Air Conditioner

Not all homes have central air conditioning, especially older homes and apartments built without ductwork. Luckily, you can still beat the heat by installing window air conditioners. Window air conditioners are easy to install in most windows and quickly cool down the rooms in your home. The LG dual inverter smart window air conditioner provides exceptional cooling power to keep the summer heat at bay all season long. This window unit provides optimal low noise performance so you can relax in your home comfortably.

Use Breathable Bed Sheets

If you have difficulty falling asleep

when you feel hot, it might be time to buy lighter, breathable bed sheets. Linen, cotton, bamboo and satin sheets help you regulate your body temperature and are soft to the touch. You can sink into your bed at night and enjoy the cooling comfort of these lightweight, breathable materials.

Invest in an Air Purifier

To ensure optimal home comfort, don’t forget to invest in your indoor air quality. High temperatures can lead to poor air quality, increasing the amount of pollution that finds its way into your home every time you open a door or window. By investing in a quality air purifier, you will improve air quality, so you can breathe easier and achieve maximum home comfort.

Cook Less

Cooking and baking will quickly heat your home, making it difficult to enjoy your warm meal in a hot dining room. To cut down on how often you need to use your stove or oven, plan meals that require minimal or no cooking, such as salads and sandwiches. If you plan on cooking, try to cook in the morning, the coolest part of the day, and reheat your meals in the microwave. Or opt for using smaller, countertop appliances that won’t generate and spread as much heat, like slow cookers or microwave ovens. One of the best ways to serve up a hot meal without heating your home is to cook outdoors on a grill. Enjoy the sunshine while you grill up some burgers and brats and cool down in your home around the dinner table. Using these tips, you can keep cool, escape the heat, and turn your home into a comfortable oasis this summer. (BPT) 

J U LY 10, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

H E A LT H

Different Types of Sweats and Handling the Worst

hether it’s a hot day, you’re hitting the gym or you’re preparing for an upcoming presentation, many different things can cause you to sweat. Did you know there are different kinds of sweat and one type smells worse than the others? “There are millions of sweat glands all over your body. Although it may seem like a nuisance, sweating is an essential bodily function and with a few proactive steps, you can manage the body odor that results from sweating,” said Dr. Maiysha Jones, principal scientist at Secret. Jones explained there are three different kinds of sweat that come from two different sweat glands:

Heat Sweat Whether it’s a hot day or the temperature indoors is a little warmer than your liking, your body will self-regulate by sweating. This produces moisture on the skin that has a cooling effect. Heat sweat

comes from the eccrine glands and is made of mostly water. Exercise Sweat As you move, your body temperature rises and sweat glands react to cool you off. This occurs during intentional exercise or even when you’re moving in other ways, such as racing out the door for work in the morning or playing with your children. Exercise sweat also comes from the eccrine glands. Stress Sweat You don’t need to be moving or feel hot to experience stress sweat. Your body feels stress for any number of reasons and may react by sweating. This type of sweat comes from the apocrine glands which are found in the armpits and other hairy body sites. “Stress sweat smells the worst because it comes from apocrine glands, which produce sweat that contains food for the bacteria that lives on everyone’s skin,” said Jones. “When bacteria consume the components of stress sweat, they produce foul-smell-

ing gases that we perceive as body odor.”

How to Manage Stress Sweat

As the world continues to open back up again, you’ll likely be more active and in situations you may not have experienced in a while. This could lead to stress sweat and you may notice an increase in body odor due to stress. In fact, 35% of women have sweat and odor breakthrough up to two times a week, according to Secret research. So what are we to do?! “The first step is to use an effective antiperspirant that manages body odor from stress sweat,” Jones said. “Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspi-

rant is a great option. It provides 48 hours of sweat and odor protection, with double the sweat protection versus an ordinary antiperspirant.” Taking daily showers can help you stay fresh as well. Not only does a shower clean your body, but it can also be mentally relaxing, helping you to balance the stress in your life. Here’s a trick: Take a shower at night to relax and promote better sleep. Another trick: Put antiperspirant on at night after your shower rather than in the morning and it will be more effective. Why? Overnight, when your sweat glands are less active, your antiperspirant has time to more effectively block your sweat ducts. Finally, managing stress in general can help reduce stress sweat. Be aware of your body signals and when you need to take a break. Self-care is important and knowing when you need to pause — even for a five-minute break — can help you regulate your mind and body so you feel (and smell!) your best. (BPT) 

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J U LY 10, 2022

PETS

Actions You Can Take When Your Pet is Lost

ets are beloved members of the family. Pets provide unconditional love and companionship to their owners. When a pet goes missing, it can be devastating for their owners, who want to bring their companion animals home to safety as soon as possible. Lost Pet Research & Recovery and PurringPal indicate at least 14% of dog owners lose their pets in a fiveyear period, while 15% of cat owners lose their pets. The ASPCA indicates that around one in three pets will go missing in their lifetimes. While Lost Pet Research & Recovery says only 6% of dogs are not recovered, a much larger percentage of cats (34) are never found. Therefore, pet owners should take certain steps to prevent lost pets and to help recover them quickly.

Train Your Dog

Well-trained dogs who respond well to basic commands like “sit,”

Check with Shelters

“stay” and “come” may be recovered more easily. That’s because you can call for your dog — who may not have ventured too far — and have him or her return to you, according to Pasadena Humane. Also, people who come across your dog can offer simple commands to sit and stay, and then the dog can be safely leashed.

Pets can be picked up and brought to animal welfare organizations or even law enforcement agencies. Pets that are wearing tags or are microchipped may have their owners notified. Animals without identification will sit unless the owner comes to recover the pet. Check shelters every two days.

Update Identification

The more forms of identification a pet has, the better the chances for recovery. While a collar with ID tags is essential, microchipping is an additional safeguard. Be sure to routinely update the microchip database with your current phone number and address.

Act Quickly

Don’t waste hours or days waiting for a pet to return home. The sooner you begin searching the area, the better the odds of finding the pet. Start with the immediate area right outside your home and branch out from there.

Activate a Lost Pet Alert

Check Nooks and Crannies

Pets may become frightened of noises or escape homes to chase other animals. American Humane urges owners to look for places the pet may become trapped, such as in basements or garages. Other places to look include under vehicles. Pets may hide during the day, so return to areas at night. Bring along a toy or treat that may lure the pet out of hiding.

Pets can be registered with the microchipping service AKC Reunite. Pet owners can call 800-252-7894 to let the service know their pet is lost and to enable an operator to create a “Lost Pet Alert.”

Notify Locals

Place ads in local newspapers and offer a reward. Also check found animal ads that may be close to your pet’s description. Pets can go missing, but with fast action and advanced planning, they can be recovered. (MC) 

J U LY 10, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 7

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Your Summer Library Card: Don’t Leave Home Without It By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

And remember my tip — there’s no tab!

’m not a financial analyst, but one thing I do know for sure is that cash is flying out of my billfold. Today’s $75 tab to fill the tank in our family car and even more to fill the refrigerator were a clear sign that costs are rising before my eyes. But wait! There’s one place where the sticker price stays the same: FREE. Grab your kids and jump on your bikes today to check out your neighborhood library, the best deal in town. Apply for free library cards to discover how you can fill the summer months with reading and motivating literacy-based activities. It’s a deal you can’t afford not to invest in, where the dividends count more than dollars and cents. This summer’s theme at our local public library — “Look What’s

•

Read on the Go: Pack a book between the sandwiches and chips in your picnic basket. When you read “The Most Perfect Spot” by Diane Goode, the ants and mosquitoes at your spot won’t seem like such a nuisance.

Remember to keep your library card handy this summer.

Cookin’ at Your Library” — got me thinking of some of my favorite foodie-related children’s books and literacy ideas. Take a look at this menu of practical reading and writing activities you can stir up with your family this summer to keep minds sharp.

Box-Top Reading: Start the day with some box-top reading and surprise each other with the new vocabulary words you pick up. Read ingredients and nutritional information listed on the side panels of cereal boxes, or the serving tips on the back of a frozen-waffle box.

•

• Eat and Read: Who doesn’t love savory spaghetti on Friday night

and a platter of pancakes on Saturday morning? Prepare these family favorites with your young kids, and then wind down the day with classic picture-book titles such as “Strega Nona” by Tomie dePaola and “Pancakes, Pancakes!” by Eric Carle. • Play With Food Words: Enjoy word play around the dinner table. See how many expressions you can think of that use food themes and then talk about them. For example: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” “Go bananas,” “Sour grapes,” “Bring home the bacon,” “Icing on the cake,” “That’s the way the cookie crumbles,” etc. • Grandparent Connection Tip: Share memories of a family recipe with your grandchild. WRITE a grocery list for the ingredients and shop for them together; then READ the directions aloud as you prepare the dish. Extra Tip Keep a basket near your door to corral library books and to store your library cards. Donna Erickson’s award-winning series “Donna’s Day” is airing on public television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, visit www.donnasday.com and link to the Donna’s Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.”  © 2022 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.

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J U LY 10, 2022

PUZZLES

SOLUTIONS

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J U LY 10, 2022

Opinion

S U N D AY S I G N A L · 1 9

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

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

READERLETTERS

Comments on Letters Comments on June 25 Letters to the editor: Max Morgan: Right on! Betty Arenson on Joe Biden: Couldn’t have been more perfect! Diane Zimmerman: Just sayin’... on and on and on! Great job! Bob Comer: Terrific! And lastly, a correction for my article: election of 2024, not 2022. A special “Attaboy” and “Attagirl” to all of you! Ronald Perry Canyon Country

All Persons Equal As I sit here on the 246th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence that set the stage for the creation of our great nation, I celebrate both that document and the later improvements by our maturing populace who have expanded the goal of the founders by the abolition of slavery, adopting universal suffrage and the recognition of the nations of indigenous people. A logical revised wording might read thusly: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all persons are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Only the italicized word differs from the original text. Unfortunately, there are many who follow the example of the Warren Burger Court and see a parenthetical phrase following the word “Life” in the above quote. To them that phrase might read, thusly, “(except for the unborn children who may be aborted by their mothers as a means of birth control or as an expression of the mother’s refusal to spend nine months protecting and nourishing their child or to eliminate a pregnancy that the mother or someone in her inner

circle considers inconvenient).” In order to prevent the intentional lack of recognition of the unalienable rights of the youngest Americans, a new Constitution Amendment is necessary: Amendment XXVIII Section 1. The fertilization of a human egg with human semen results in a unique human life. It is a unique person who, as a citizen of the United States of America, has all the rights afforded such citizens including but not limited to the right to Life. Section 2. No government entity shall pass any law or regulation that could deny such right to Life by assigning control of a citizen’s life to parents, health professionals, governmental agents, or any other entity. Section 3. Despite the prohibitions in Section 2, states may determine process in the case where it is impossible or implausible, according to a licensed physician, for a fetus to reach viability without causing potentially fatal harm to the hosting parent, the physician, in consultation with that parent, may humanely terminate the pregnancy. Kenneth Bloomfield Saugus

The Other Half Re: Lois Eisenberg, letters, July 6. I don’t believe Lois Eisenberg realizes that maybe half of her female readers do not agree with her. When she is through bouncing off the walls it may come to her that she could be wrong about her many mistaken assumptions. Bob Comer Valencia Submit a Letter to the Editor

Include name, address & phone; Anonymous letters aren’t printed; email: letters@signalscv.com. Mail to: Letters to the Editor, The Signal, 25060 Avenue Stanford, Suite 141, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.

Let’s Think About It

am becoming convinced we don’t think thinking is worth the trouble. Too often it is just too hard to think about things so we pay others to do our thinking for us. We listen to what the experts tell us because it is easier than figuring it out for ourselves. And when they tell us contrasting things within a month’s time, we often don’t realize their duplicity because we stopped thinking about whatever they’re saying long ago. It is time we once again elevated thinking to a priority, and took steps to sharpen our minds and analytical ability before we actually come to think sound bites and tweets are intellectual gold. What I’m talking about is a phenomenon Neil Postman called “amusing ourselves to death” in his groundbreaking book of the same title. In it he decried the fact that we are more prone to amusement than critical assessment, and it is killing us. That book was published in 1985 and largely predicted our predicament today. I’d like to adapt Postman’s mantra and suggest that today we’re “conveniencing ourselves to death.” In my view, convenience has made thinking for ourselves almost obsolete. Too many set themselves in front of their favorite pundit or expert or pastor, open their minds and mouths wide, and just remain still as someone’s opinions are chugged uncritically down their throats in a hurry. They get all they need in a few moments, and then proceed to live their lives in line with a few well-chosen slogans, aphorisms and clichés. In my world this is particularly devastating. As a pastor/preacher, I spend my days telling people how to think, and how to live. My life is spent teaching and leading in the most important areas of life and death, of sin and forgiveness, of judgment and redemption. And while I enjoy being listened to (who doesn’t?) it is important that those who hear me preach or read my

writings take the time to critically assess what I’m saying. There is a great text in the biblical book of Acts that describes an event at which the Apostle Paul preached to the people of Berea. After he finished, the author records that his listeners went home, and got out their Bibles, and assessed Paul’s teaching to see “whether what he taught was true.” Imagine! Hearing the greatest theologian/biblical scholar of the day and then running home to check it all out! Perhaps the real problem is that, for the most part, our society no longer has anything to check what we’re hearing against. It is as though we’ve lost our plumb line. We’ve largely lost any sense of absolute truth grounded in some authoritative source as the standard of what is right and wrong. We’ve become a severely nuanced society. Truth has become so squishy it is no wonder we have trouble thinking critically about what is right and what is wrong. What is wrong is easily spun into right, and right has become “just your opinion.” And all the while we are being sucked into the vortex of relativism from which it will be impossible to extricate ourselves. As someone somewhere has said, “We can’t do everything but we can do something; and what we can do, we must do.” What we must do is champion thinking. Our kids must be motivated to learn analytical and critical thinking skills practiced in areas that really matter. And most of all, we must reacquire a body of absolute truth against which every thought and action can be measured. I say we start with “In God We Trust.” Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays. 

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