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JANUARY 14, 2024

FOOD AND DRINK TRENDS

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TEACHING AS A SECOND CAREER

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J A N UA RY 14, 2024

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES

4 Self-Care for Sick Days

5 2024 Lunar New Year 6 Food and Drink Trends for 2024 CITY MANAGER 8 Join Us for the Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Unity Walk FOOD

ENTERTAINMENT

SENIOR LIVING

FINANCE

CELEBRITY EXTRA BOOK REVIEWS PETS

13 13 14

HOME

GARDENING

AUTOMOTIVE

PUZZLES OPINION David Hegg

18 19

9 Celebrate National Popcorn Day Old Fashioned Bourbon Maple Popcorn with Pecans Sugar and Spice Popcorn Mocha Popcorn

10 ‘All of Us Strangers’ 11 What to Know About Teaching as a Second Career 12 Using Home Equity Loans to Pay Off Credit Cards

14 What to Know About Pet Diabetes 15 Organize Your Kitchen 16 Bare Root Planting Season 17 Understanding Vehicle Mileage Checkups

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4 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 14, 2024

N E W S F E AT U R E

SELF-CARE FOR SICK DAYS

ooler weather inevitably means cough, cold and flu season isn’t far behind. Now is the time to take precautions and set yourself up with healthy habits. “As much as we try, avoiding viruses, bacteria and germs to prevent getting sick can be a challenge,” Dr. Tim Tiutan, MD, said. “However, being prepared with the right remedies, listening to your body and its symptoms and remaining diligent with a healthy routine is just as important as treating symptoms head on.” To help navigate this cough, cold and flu season, consider these tips from Tiutan and the experts at Mucinex.

Prepare and Prevent

You won’t find a foolproof way to keep germs away, but you can lessen your chances of getting sick and make sure you’re equipped to weather an illness.

Practice healthy habits. Keeping your body in prime condition can help ensure you’re in the best condition possible to fight back when germs attack. That means keeping up with exercise and ensuring you’re getting enough vitamins and nutrients through a well-balanced diet.

Get a flu shot. The flu shot gives your body a head start in fighting back against flu bugs. If you’re exposed to the flu after receiving the shot, your body can immediately go on the offensive against those germs. You may not stay completely symptom-free, but you’re more likely to experience a mild case and be back on your feet quicker. Restock the medicine cabinet. The start of cough, cold and flu season is an ideal time to dig through your medicine cabinet. Start by discarding any medications that are out of date and make a list of

COLD VS. FLU What is a Cold?

Generally, colds are milder than the flu, and more likely to cause runny or stuffy noses (while the flu can cause stuffy or runny noses, it’s less likely to do so). You won’t feel good, but you’ll probably be able to do some or all of your daily tasks. The flu typically hits harder, making it difficult to go to work or follow your usual routine.

What is the Flu?

The flu often feels worse than a cold; you might experience the same symptoms but amplified. The flu comes with more pain and fever than a cold. Common flu symptoms include sore throat, chills, fever, runny or stuffy nose, muscle fatigue or aches and headaches. The flu can also develop into more serious conditions and complications, making it more dangerous than the average cold. While the common cold is rarely serious, the flu can be dangerous

for young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems.

Treating a Cold vs. Flu

You can be vaccinated against the flu. There is no such vaccine for common colds. If your provider recommends it, getting the flu vaccine each year can go a long way toward preventing sickness. Whether you have a cold or the flu, symptom relief is largely the same. Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids and take overthe-counter medicines to relieve symptoms. Stay home to avoid spreading sickness. Wash your hands frequently and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Watch for shortness of breath, chest or abdomen pain, confusion, sudden dizziness, severe or persistent vomiting and flu symptoms that improve then return with fever and worse cough. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a doctor. 

anything you need to replenish. Be sure to include pain relievers, fever reducers, decongestants, antihistamines and cough syrups to fight symptoms. It’s also a good time to restock items like tissues, cough drops, hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial soap.

Treat Symptoms

Although the flu can hit fast, it’s often hard to tell at first whether your symptoms are due to a simple cough, cold or a case of the flu. Either way, managing symptoms like a cough can bring relief and help you keep comfortable and get plenty of rest. Give your body time to heal. Sleep plays an important role in your overall health, especially when you’re under the weather. On average, you need 7-9 hours each night to give your body enough time to fully recharge. When you’re sick, you likely need even more, and it’s a good idea to dial back your activity level, too. Pushing your physical limits often only delays your recovery time.

Take medications as directed. Nagging symptoms can often keep you from getting the sleep you need. One way to give your body the break it needs is to effectively manage symptoms. A hacking cough is a common symptom that can be painful and disrupt your sleep.

Consider an option like Mucinex DM 12-Hour, a cough suppresent which relieves chest congestion and thins and loosens mucus, giving you an extended reprieve. It’s clinically proven to last up to 12 hours, provides relief for chest congestion and makes coughs more productive.

Prevent Spread

Getting sick may be beyond your complete control, but you can take steps to protect others from germs when you’re feeling ill. Keep germs to yourself. Washing your hands often, covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and sneezing into your elbow if you don’t have a tissue are simple ways you can limit the spread of germs, especially within your home or workspace. Frequently wiping down high-touch surfaces can also help reduce the spread of germs. Skip socializing. If you’re feeling under the weather, stay home. Even a mild cold can easily spread, and an illness that affects you mildly could cause significant distress for someone else. Avoid unnecessary errands and take advantage of services like curbside pickup if you must get out. Also check with your employer about working remotely if you’re up to it. Find more ways to stay healthy and limit symptoms by visiting Mucinex. com. (Family Features) 

J A N UA RY 14, 2024

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

N E W S F E AT U R E

2024 LUNAR NEW YEAR The Year of the Dragon By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

unar New Year, or more familiarly Chinese New Year, will fall on Saturday, Feb. 10. The New Year celebrations culminate with the Lantern Festival on Feb. 24.

Year of the Wood Dragon

It is the year of the Wood Dragon according to the Chinese Zodiac. Beginning on Feb. 10 with Chinese New Year and ending on Jan. 28, 2025 on Chinese New Year’s Eve. The luckiest Chinese zodiac signs in 2024 are Monkeys, Roosters and Pigs. Then, with not quite so much luck, come Rabbits, Goats and Dogs. The Dragon symbolizes power, nobleness, honor, luck and success in traditional Chinese culture. The Year of the Dragon symbolizes strength, health and good luck. Each New Year also is associated with one of five elements: fire, earth, water, wood or metal. These are derived from the Five Elements Theory, or Wu Xing, a philosophy used to describe the relationship and interdependence between all things. The Year of the Wood Dragon is believed to foster growth, progress and abundance. The year will be good to build a solid foundation for something new with long-term potential. Theme parks, gardens, Los Angeles’ Chinatown and other areas in Southern California will offer a variety of ways to celebrate the Lunar New Year in 2024.

Jan. 23-Feb. 18

Disney California Adventure Park 1313 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim 92802 Info disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/ lunar-new-year/ Bring family and friends together at California Adventure Park during this multicultural celebration filled with auspicious wishes for health, luck and prosperity throughout the new year. Event highlights include: • Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession. • Vocal Seoul at Sonoma Terrace. • Special appearances by some popular Disney Characters dressed in colorful attire. • Commemorative festive merchandise. • Hurry Home – A Lunar New Year Celebra-

tion pre-show. • Festive décor and more. • Hurry Home — A Lunar New Year Celebration pre-show. Stop by the Lunar New Year Wishing Wall located in Paradise Gardens. It’s where Lunar New Year magic begins! Guests of all ages are welcome to add their own special message of hope, health and happiness for the upcoming year.

Jan. 27-28

Monterey Park 2024 Lunar New Year Festival East Garvey Avenue between Garfield and Alhambra Avenues, Monterey Park 91755 Info www.montereypark.ca.gov/669/LunarNew-Year-Festival The largest Lunar New Year Festival in Southern California is held in Monterey Park. It will feature vendors with unique gifts and specialty items, food boths, rides and lots of entertainment. Event hours ar Saturday, Jan. 27, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 28, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Admission is free. The traditional New Year lion and dragon dancers will kick off the festival Saturday morning.

Weekends in February

South Coast Botanic Garden 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula, 90274 Info southcoastbotanicgarden.org/lunarnew-year-celebration-at-south-coast-botanicgarden The South Coast Botanic Garden will host its Lunar New Year Celebration every weekend in February. All activities are included in general admission, $15 adults, $11 seniors. Winter blooms and green foliage are a picture-perfect backdrop to usher in the Year of the Dragon, complete with red lanterns and festive activities. Every Saturday and Sunday, the Garden will host two 30-minute live performances at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Both shows feature lion dancers, folk dancers, martial arts demonstrations and drummers. There will also be all-day activations taking place on the Lower Meadow from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as well as classes that can be purchased for an additional fee.

Saturday, Feb. 17

The 125th Golden Dragon Parade Ord Street/North Hill Street, LA 90012 Info www.lachinesechamber.org/125th-gdp In celebration of the Lunar New Year of the Dragon the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles, established in 1898, will celebrate on Feb. 17 by hosting the 125th Annual Golden Dragon Parade. Tens of thousands of visitors are expected to gather and line the streets in the five-block radius in downtown Los Angeles starting on North Hill Street and Ord Street in Chinatown. The parade route will follow Hill Street to Bernard, right on Bernard, right on Broadway to Cesar Chavez Boulevard. The parade will include marching bands, kung fu performers, lion dancers and the newly crowned Miss Chinatown Los Angeles and her Royal Court. The parade begins promptly at 1 p.m. and lasts until 4 p.m. It is free to view and open to the public, prime seating in the grandstand can be purchased at bit.ly/3TTQ4ut. 

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J A N UA RY 14, 2024

N E W S F E AT U R E

FOOD AND DRINK TRENDS FOR 2024 By Mackenzie Filson Delish.com

hat’s in (and out) for next year? The experts have weighed in. With the door closed on 2023, we’re looking into our crystal balls (or tea leaves or pasta-themed tarot decks) to predict what food and drinks will be trendy in 2024. There are plenty of food trends we hope pick up speed in 2024 (or kindly fade away), and we know we’ll never quite predict them all. Think of it this way: This year already gifted us things that were decidedly not on our 2023 bingo cards, like robot waiters and caffeinated lemonade lawsuits. Plus, Grimace made a comeback (and everyone was not okay with it, clearly). So, are we really ready for 2024? Who knows. Just be sure to save some room for these food and drink trends.

Fancy Faux Fish

No, that’s not tinned crab or tuna you’re seeing here. It’s Seed to Surf ’s plant-based tinned “snow crab” and “whitefish” made entirely from enoki mushrooms and celery root. Consider this the delightful, eco-conscious lovechild of 2023’s trend of Mushrooms Being EverySEED TO SURF where and the “treat yourself ” little luxury of tinned fish, especially as consumers are reportedly flirting more and more with plant-based items. Mushroom crab cakes, anyone?

Galaxy Quest

Not all of us will be able to realize our space-travel dreams, so Torani Puremade Galaxy Syrup is bringing the experience back to earth as their 2024 flavor of the year. Torani says that since “47% of Americans reported that they did at least one TORANI ‘space-related activity’ in the last year, now is the perfect time for this flavor

to have its moment in the spotlight.” As part of the development process, Torani conducted hours of market research and consulted with an astronomer to create a taste of space and the molecular structure of dust clouds. It apparently tastes like raspberries and dark rum.

Vinyl Bars Are Back

Vinyl bars, while not necessarily new, sadly took a major step back during Covid, as most places turned into the town from Footloose, so to speak. Thankfully, vinyl bars all around the country are popping back up (like Le Fantastique in San Francisco) or becoming more GOLD LINE BAR popular (like Gold Line Bar in LA), as trend forecasters have noted that consumers are craving a bar-hopping experience in less-traditional spaces.

Creste di Gallo Pasta

Elbows? So 1998. Bucatini? Big snooze. 2024 is reportedly all about a new pasta shape: Creste di Gallo. Meaning “crest of the rooster” or “coxcomb” in Italian, the noodle resembles the ruffled crest on top of a rooster’s head. In LA TUA PASTA pasta form, these ridges and folds are prized for how well it holds sauce, and will remind you of another popular noodle shape, cascatelli.

New Age Grocery Stores One of the trends I’m most excited for? Grocery stores going way into the future. Pop Up Grocer is the latest to make the chore of grocery shopping feel like an epicurean excursion. According to Aishwarya Iyer, founder of Brightland, “The consuer appetite for unique,

POP UP GROCER

high-quality products is reshaping the grocery landscape” leading to a wave of “Shoppy Shops” and shopping platforms for expertly foraged wild foods (as is the case of Foraged).

Pizza Vending Machines

This trend feels like part fever dream and part what I’d promise my class mates if they elected me class president in middle school. That being said, I’m a total fan and really hope I can have a Pizzaforno vending machine in my area very soon. Plus, even DiGiorno is testing out their PIZZAFORNO own pizza vending machine prototypes to further blur the lines of their “It’s not delivery” tagline.

Garleek

According to ButcherBox’s Chef Ashley Lonsdale, 2024 will shine a spotlight on a new, hot vegetable: garleek, a cross between garlic and leeks that’s created through responsible seed breeding. Lonsdale predicts that garleek will become more mainstream as consumers are keen to support these types of hybrid vegetables.

Walk-In Reservations

ROW.7 SEED CO.

Anna Altieri, the Executive Culinary Director of Spiegelworld, has maybe my favorite prediction of them all: the return of walk-in reservations. “Restaurants are realizing that while packing your books full months in advance could be more METRO predictable, it removes the whimsical nature of dining,” says Altieri. “I am loving the new restaurants that opt to leave a percentage of their tables open for the folks that just

J A N UA RY 14, 2024

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

N E W S F E AT U R E don’t know they need spicy rigatoni 90 days ahead of time.” As a last-minute diner myself, I couldn’t agree more.

Sleepy Drinks

Honk-choo, honk-choo, mi mi mi mi mi. Oh sorry, I just had one of a variety of sleep-centric drinks you can now stock at your house for beddy bye time (like Apothekary’s Dream Team which features their “Chill the F* Out” powAPOTHEKARY dered supplement or Som’s canned sleep drinks). Thanks to the popularity of the viral TikTok recipe for “sleepy girl mocktails,” trend forecasters are noting how consumers are more focused (focuzzzed?) than ever on maintaining proper sleep hygiene.

Tamarind

Yes, brands are hedging their own bets on what flavors will be big in 2024. As for spice maker McCormick, they’re predicting one flavor to be the spice you turn to most next year: Tamarind. You know (and likely love it) when it’s stirred into your pad Thai or Indian curries, tamarind has a sweetness and a tang MCCORMICK that makes it ideal for marinades and BBQ sauces and for classic drinks like a Mexican agua de tamarindo. Get you a spice that can do both!

Elderflower Everywhere Let’s be real, if you were out at a bar or hanging around your friend’s bar cart this summer, you were likely sipping a St. Germain spritz. The St. Germain spritz had us in a choke hold and it’s starting a wave of plenty adding more elderflower elements to other drinks, according to Yelp’s Food & Drink Trends Report.

ST. GERMAIN

Tsukemen (Chilled Ramen)

Being hot and cold is now a very, very good thing, thanks to spicy cold ramen (aka tsukemen). Combining a cold noodle base + spicy heat (like the ultra-popular spicy chilled ramen on offer at Ra-

RAMENTATSU_YA

men Tatsu-Ya), tsukemen is a summertime delight of brothy noodles, crisp toppings (like corn and squash), and proteins like chicken and pork. No need to blow on your bowl to get it to cool off. Just dive right in.

Carbon Negativity

The only negativity we’ll be allowing in 2024 is carbon negativity, especially as climate change is front of mind for many people. And thanks to brands like Air Company, there’s now a carbon negative and impurity-fee vodka on the market that removes one pound of carbon dioxide from the air, per bottle. That vodka-soAIR VODKA da of yours? It’s saving the world (a little bit)? We’re fans.

More (Way More) Mushrooms

Make room for mushrooms, because they will be everywhere in 2024. As shoppers and chefs are moving further away from alternative meats like Impossible and Beyond, they’re focusing on putting the “plant” back in “plantbased” by using mushMEATI room’s savory-meaty capabilities, like Meati’s line of mushroom-based jerky (pictured), cutlets, bites, and steaks.

Tomato Cocktails

Bloody Marys and Micheladas aren’t the only tomato-based cocktails out there. As “tomato girlies” head to the bar, they want more options than the brunch-time standbys. Expect to see Instagram-able tomato drinks like the Caprese Martini (pictured JAC’S ON BOND here at Jac’s on Bond in New York), the briny Tomatini, and even a Tomato Top Negroni.

Carajillos

Espresso martini? She’s a bit played out. No, 2024 will be all about another coffee-based cocktail: the Carajillo (pictured here at Bar CDMX). Think of it as a more simplified (and less fussy) espresso martini, as the Spanish-Mexican CaraWONHO FRANK LEE jillo only requires two ingredients (espresso or coffee and Licor 43). It’s such a

beloved drink you might see this flavor profile elsewhere (Kellogg’s apparently makes Carajillo-flavored cereal).

Sparkly Syrups

2024, to me at least, feels like it’ll have many examples of how social media is changing what we see IRL, namely Tiktok-friendly dishes and drinks. In this case, what has more of that “Oh my god I have to try it now” quality than something made with edible glitter and sparkles? Mixing up glittery cocktails is just one way to use Runamok’s Sparkle Syrup. RUNAMOK It’s also amazing on pancakes so you can feel like a sparkle-pony-unicorn-fairy pretty much any time of day (the dream).

Seacuterie Boards

Merging together the powerful pull of 2023’s food media darlings (tinned fish and charcuterie boards), you’ll get the newest snacking craze: seacuterie boards. And no, it’s not just straight up fish fillets that you’ll be finding on your boards, either. “Concepts like shellfish sausages, octopus salami, and swordfish ham are ALVARO FERNÁNDEZ gaining popularity,” says ECHEVERRIA / 500PX//GETTY IMAGES Stephen Toevs, Senior Director of Culinary, US and Canada, Marriott International.

What’s Out in 2024? Here’s Our Wishlist • QR code menus • Cottage cheese • Serving pasta straight from a wheel of parm • Not tipping at least 20% at restaurants (we’ve already gone over this!) • “Functional” beverages that are mostly, well, snake oil • The “Girl —” trend naming convention (except “Girl Math,” which rules) 

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J A N UA RY 14, 2024

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Join Us for the Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Unity Walk By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager

oin us on Monday, January 15, as we commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a time to reflect on and celebrate Dr. King’s enduring legacy of promoting civil rights through peaceful activism. In Santa Clarita, we are proud to honor his vision with our annual Unity Walk, an event demonstrating our community’s commitment to his ideals. This annual event will be held at Central Park, located at 27150 Bouquet Canyon Rd., and will commence at 9 a.m. The event will kick-off with a brief program focusing on Dr. King’s legacy and contributions to our Nation, all centered around this year’s theme — “It Starts with Me: Shifting the Cultural Climate Through the Study and Practice of Kingian Nonviolence.” The program will explore how each of us can play a pivotal role in creating a more harmonious and understanding community by delving into the principles of Kingian Nonviolence, a philosophy that Dr. King championed. This theme underscores the idea that real change begins at an individual level, and through studying and

practicing Dr. King’s teachings, we can collectively contribute to shifting the cultural climate towards greater peace and equality. In the true spirit of Dr. King’s call to service, this year’s walk coincides with the National Day of Service. To make a tangible impact in our community, we are integrating a food drive during our event. We encourage you to bring non-perishable food items to donate, which will go a long way in supporting those in need within our community. Dr. King’s legacy calls on us to carry on the spirit of unity and generosity throughout the year. I hope you can use MLK Day as a starting point to begin engaging in acts of service year-round. By extending our commitment to service beyond a single day, we contribute to building a stronger and more

compassionate community. I also encourage you to give back through volunteer work. Engaging in community service is a great way to promote collaboration and make a positive impact on the lives of others. Whether it’s lending a helping hand at a local food bank, participating in neighborhood clean-ups or supporting educational initiatives, every act of service contributes to the betterment of the community. A great way to get started is to connect with a local nonprofit that aligns with your beliefs and find out how you can help support them. If you are struggling to find nonprofit opportunities, you can always volunteer through the City’s volunteer program. For more information regarding our volunteer program or to see what opportunities are currently available, please visit SantaClaritaVolunteers.com Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be a day of reflection and action. The MLK Day Unity Walk and community service provides tangible ways for individuals to honor Dr. King’s legacy. By coming together as a community, we can amplify the impact of our actions and create positive change together. Ken Striplin is the City Manager for the City of Santa Clarita and can be reached at kstriplin@ santaclarita.gov. 

J A N UA RY 14, 2024

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

FOOD

Warm, Pop-able Treats for

n a cold winter night, there’s nothing quite like the combination of playing games and indulging in delicious popcorn treats. Fuzzy blankets and a roaring fire can create a warm, inviting ambiance that inspires loved ones to settle in for some time together. The friendly competition of a classic board game or thrilling virtual reality battle can generate energy and excitement while the smell of freshly popped popcorn heightens the atmosphere. Plus, its the perfect time to celebrate National Popcorn Day on Jan. 19. For added ambiance, pull out your cocktail glasses for a clever way to serve Old Fashioned Bourbon Maple Popcorn with Pecans. Accented with bourbon, orange and bitters, this maple-glazed popcorn is a fun cocktail-inspired snack for sharing with or without the alcohol. There’s nothing quite like coffee to warm up a winter day, and when combined with cocoa, it creates a perfect snack that’s both sweet and surprising in this Mocha Popcorn. For another easy treat that turns up the temperature, consider this Sugar and Spice Popcorn that combines sweet and heat in a craveable winter mix. Explore more ideas to warm up your winter entertaining at popcorn.org.

Old Fashioned Bourbon Maple Popcorn with Pecans Servings 4-6 8 cups popped popcorn 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans 1/3 cup maple syrup 1 tablespoon bourbon 2 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon orange zest 1 dash bitters

JANUARY 19

Old Fashioned Bourbon Maple Popcorn with Pecans Place popcorn and pecans in large bowl. In small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine maple syrup, bourbon and butter; bring to boil. Cook, swirling pan, 3-5 minutes, or until mixture thickens to corn syrup consistency. Stir in orange zest and bitters. Drizzle maple syrup mixture over popcorn; toss to evenly coat. Cool completely and serve. Tips: Substitute bourbon with rye or whiskey. For “mocktail” popcorn, substitute with non-alcoholic bourbon or whiskey.

Sugar and Spice Popcorn 2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 teaspoons chili powder 2 teaspoons paprika 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 quarts (8 cups) air-popped popcorn butter-flavored nonstick cooking spray In small bowl, combine brown sugar, chili powder, paprika and cumin; mix well. Place cooked popcorn in separate bowl; spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray and sprinkle with spice mixture. Toss to mix until kernels are coated. Store in airtight container.

Mocha Popcorn Yield: about 6 quarts 6 quarts popped popcorn nonstick cooking spray 3 cups sugar 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted 1 tablespoon espresso powder or instant coffee granules 1 cup milk 1/4 cup powdered sugar Place popcorn in large bowl sprayed with nonstick cooking spray; set aside. Line baking sheet or work surface with waxed paper or foil. In large saucepan, stir sugar, cocoa, instant coffee and milk. Cook until mixture registers 250 F on candy thermometer, stirring occasionally. Pour hot mixture over popcorn; stir to coat popcorn completely. Spread popcorn onto prepared surface and allow to cool. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Sugar and Spice Popcorn

Mocha Popcorn

Break into pieces to serve. Store in airtight container. (Family Features) 

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J A N UA RY 14, 2024

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

‘Strangers’ is Part Psychological Thriller and Much More By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

rector’s Andrew Haigh’s elegant and startling and ambitiously spiritual “All of Us Strangers,” and I ask you ‘All of Us Strangers’ to trust me when I tell you this is no (out of four) major spoiler (it’s spelled out in the Searchlight Pictures presents a film press materials and in virtually evwritten and directed by Andrew ery review and story about the film), Haigh. Rated R. In theaters. and that I’ll refrain from revealing f you lost your parents when the major, big-swing twists and turns they were relatively young, that lead up to a couple of big reveals there comes a time when you that will either shatter your heart or hit a milestone and realize have you thinking: Of course. I knew that you’re now older than they that was coming. were when they passed. If that isn’t Or both. unsettling enough, imagine if you Part psychological thriller, part eatres • Santa Clarita Signal adsource@exhibitorads.com found yourself in the home where moody thought piece, part royou grew up — and your parents mance, “All of Us Strangers” feels p. 888.737.2812 f. 203.438.1206 5.9” are there, apparently frozen in time, like a feature-length update of a January 14-18, 2024 date: Sunday-Thursday, maybe 10 years younger than you classic “Twilight Zone” episode, PHOTO CREDIT IMDB are now and seemingly unfazed and we mean as a high complidelivery date: Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 10:41:25 AMthat CASCS_LEM0114-0118.qxp by the fact you can see each other, ment. In fact, Haigh is adapting the and making the main character gay while centering on a passionate and communicate with each other, hold 1987 novel “Strangers” by the Japaeach other. Maybe they’re ghosts; nese author Taichi Yamada, keeping tumultuous and loving queer romaybe they’re not. They seem real, some core elements but also making mance. Andrew Scott plays Adam, a and of this time and place. major changes, including moving screenwriter in his 40s who is strugthe story from Tokyo to London This is what happens in writer-digling with a script set in the 1980s. At first, we wonder if Adam is living in some sort of post-apocalyptic TM version of London, given the highrise he lives in seems to be nearly vacant. Turns out it’s only recently completed, and Adam is one of the 22500 Lyons Ave. info Line 310.478.3836 first new tenants, along with a dashing and seemingly dangerous man named Harry (Paul Mescal), who THE BEEKEEPER E Sun & Mon: 10:20 1:20 4:20 7:10; Tue to Thu: 1:20 4:20 7:10 shows up at Adam’s door drunk In The Beekeeper, one man’s brutal campaign for vengeance takes on national stakes after he is revealed to be a former operative of a powerful and clandestine organization known as “Beekeepers”. and horny and practically pushing MEAN GIRLS C Sun & Mon: 10:20 1:30 4:20 7:20; Tue to Thu: 1:30 4:20 7:20 himself on the far more reserved New student Cady Heron is welcomed into the top of the social food chain by the elite group of popular girls called “The Plastics,” ruled by the conniving Regina George and her minions Gretchen and Karen. However, when Cady makes the major misstep of falling for Regina’s ex-boyfriend, she finds and guarded Adam, who declines herself prey in Regina’s crosshairs. Harry’s advances, if somewhat reNIGHT SWIM C 1:30 4:30 7:30 Ray Waller, a former major league baseball player forced into early retirement due to a degenerative illness, moves into a new home with his family. luctantly. Secretly hoping to return to pro ball, That soon changes. Adam and THE BOYS IN THE BOAT C Sun & Mon: 10:00 1:00 4:00 7:00; Tue to Thu: 1:00 4:00 7:00 This inspirational true story follows a group of underdogs at the height of the Great Depression as they are thrust into the spotlight and take on elite Harry enter into a wild and intense rivals from around the world. romance, with each revealing seTHE CRIME IS MINE Sun & Mon: 10:30 AM After a struggling actress stands trial for the murder of a lascivious movie producer in 1930s Paris, she ascends to scandalous stardom. A new life of crets to the other and each beginfame, wealth, and tabloid celebrity awaits her - until the truth comes out. ning to believe they might have FERRARI E Sun & Mon: 10:00 AM It is the summer of 1957. Behind the spectacle of Formula 1, ex-racer Enzo Ferrari is in crisis, with bankrupcy threatening his factory and a strained finally found someone to truly care marriage further impacted by the loss of their son a year earlier. Meanwhile, his drivers’ passion to win pushes them to the edge as they launch into a treacherous 1,000-mile race across Italy. about — someone who will also ANYONE BUT YOU E 1:10 4:20 7:10 care for them. In the meantime, Bea and Ben look like the perfect couple, but after an amazing first date something happens that turns their fiery hot attraction ice cold - until they find theselves unexpectedly thrust together at a destination wedding in Australia. So they do what any two mature adults would do - pretend to be a something incredible and fantascouple. tic and inexplicable has happened WONKA B 1:20 4:10 7:20 An origin story that explores the vivid, mythical beginnings of the imaginative young inventor before he becomes the renowned scrumdiddlyumptious to Adam. When he takes a train to Mozart of chocolate the London suburb where he grew ANSELM 3D Sun & Mon: 10:10 AM Past and present are interwoven to diffuse the line between film and painting, allowing the audience to be completely immersed in the remarkable up, he runs into his late father (Jaworld of one of the greatest contemporary artists, Anselm Kiefer mie Bell), who seems pleased and AMERICAN FICTION Sun & Mon: 10:10 1:00 4:00 7:00; Tue to Thu: 1:00 4:00 7:00 Jeffrey Wright stars as author Thelonious "Monk" Ellison in this smart comedy that marks acclaimed writer Cord Jefferson's (Watchmen, Master of None, grateful to be reunited with Adam Succession) feature directorial debut, based on Percival Everett's award-winning novel Erasure. but not particularly overwhelmed FOR 1/14/20241/18/2024 ONLY WWW.LAEMMLE.COM or confused. He brings Adam home,

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NEWHALL

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where Adam’s mother (Claire Foy) is equally happy but also not particularly shocked by this reunion. Has Adam time-traveled back to the 1980s? Are his father and mother “real” and living in some kind of suspended-time afterworld, or are they apparitions, or pure figments of his imagination? These questions hover about, but neither Adam nor his parents seem all that concerned about answering them, at least not for now. Adam’s parents were killed in a horrific auto accident before he had a chance to come out to them, so he takes advantage of the opportunity. His mother seems confused when he tells her he’s gay, (“As in homosexual?”) and worries that Adam will get AIDS; Adam explains that many things have changed since the 1980s. As for Adam’s father, he acknowledges that he probably would have been like the bullies who tormented Adam and expresses his deep regret that he never did anything when he heard Adam sobbing in his bedroom. What beautiful writing by Haigh in these sequences, and what a feat of acting pulled off by Bell and Foy and Scott. Here’s a grown man in ridiculous boy’s pajamas standing in the house he knew as a boy, and his parents are younger than he is, and yet their dynamic remains the same. That’s their boy. They’re his parents. Still, there are disturbing and alarming moments, often involving a glance into the mirror or a look through the windows of a seemingly empty home. Also, and of equal importance: Where does Harry fit into all of this? We’ll say no more, other than offering kudos to Haigh and to the quartet of fine actors who pour themselves into this material. Even if you’re not buying every reveal in the final act, it’s impossible not to admire how they’ve served up a banquet of food for thought.  Copyright 2022 Chicago Sun-Times

J A N UA RY 14, 2024

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1

SENIORLIVING

What to Know About Teaching as a Second Career

ARE YOU READY? LET US HELP YOU HEAR BETTER IN

s seniors live longer, they may have opportunities to explore completely new career paths. After retirement, older adults may want to explore second careers that help them inspire a new generation of people. Teaching is one such career. A person is never too old to teach if he or she feels capable. In fact, more mature teachers may be coveted because they could bring life experience, social skills and flexibility to school districts. While there are certain protocols in place to become qualified to teach, thanks to teacher shortages brought on by the recent global pandemic, many states now offer shorter routes to classrooms with alternative teacher certification programs that may not require master’s degrees. There are various reasons seniors may want to consider becoming teachers, and there are many teaching positions and opportunities for their consideration.

Substitute Teacher

Seniors can begin their pursuits as substitute teachers. This option may not require any certification, and substitutes may only need to undergo background checks for eligibility to work in schools. Substituting enables individuals to work only as much as they desire.

Adjunct Professor

Certain colleges and universities hire professionals to teach industryspecific college courses. For example, a certified public accountant may teach an introductory accounting class. Adjunct professors typically are

those who are still employed in their fields, but it may be possible to do this as a second career as well. This could be an option for someone who would like to devote more time to teaching at an advanced level.

Elementary or High School Teacher

These positions will require the most dedication and potentially certification in a specific area, such as grade level or coursework. General education teaching requires a term commitment commensurate to the school year. And that commitment will be five days per week. There may be more flexibility if one were to teach a specific special concentration class, such as a foreign language or art. However, certain school districts require such educators to float from school to school in the district during the week.

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J A N UA RY 14, 2024

FINANCE

Should Home Equity Loans Be Used To Pay Off Credit Card Debt?

redit card debt could be compromising the financial security and well-being of millions of individuals. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Americans’ total credit card balance in the second quarter of 2023 was more than $1 trillion. And LendingTree reports that the average credit card balances among U.S. cardholders in December 2022 was $7,279. Effective credit utilization is a vital component of long-term financial health. The average credit card balances in both the U.S. and Canada suggest many consumers are putting their financial futures in jeopardy by relying too heavily on credit to fund their lifestyles. The good news is consumers tend to have a sense of self-awareness regarding their credit usage, as a recent NerdWallet survey of more than 2,000 adult consumers found that 83% of respondents acknowledged they overspend. Recognition of an over-reliance on credit

What are the risks?

could be a solid first step toward eradicating debt, and consumers who own their homes may consider home equity loans or lines of credit in an effort to tame their debt once and for all.

What is a home equity loan?

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau notes that a home equity loan allows homeowners to borrow money using the equity in their home as collateral. Equity is the amount a property is currently worth minus the amount currently owed on a mortgage. So if a home is worth $500,000 and homeowners have a mortgage balance of $300,000, then their equity is $200,000.

Why consider home equity

loans to pay off debt?

One of the biggest concerns when consumers wrack up lots of credit card debt is the likelihood that they will end up paying substantial amounts of interest on that debt. That’s because credit cards typically have high interest rates. Indeed, the LendingTree reports that even consumers with good credit may have an APR around 21% on their credit cards. That figure only grows for consumers with lower credit scores. Bankrate notes that the average interest rate for a home equity loan is typically much lower than the rate on credit cards, so homeowners can theoretically save a lot of money by paying off their credit card debt with a home equity loan.

Though lower interest rates and consolidated debt are two advantages to paying off consumer debt with a home equity loan, this option is risky. Perhaps the biggest risk associated with this approach is the potential of losing a home. Individuals with substantial credit card debt should know that a lack of discipline when using a home equity loan to pay off debt could result in foreclosure. If homeowners cannot make their monthly loan payments on time, they could lose their home. In addition, Bankrate notes that if a home is sold with an outstanding home equity loan balance, that balance must be repaid at once. Home equity loans can help homeowners consolidate and ultimately eliminate their credit card debt. However, this approach carries a level of risk, so homeowners may benefit from working with a financial advisor to determine the best way to pay off their existing debts. (MC) 

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J A N UA RY 14, 2024

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

CELEBRITYNEWS

character. Is this still happening? — A.P. According to Casey Bloys, CEO and chairman of HBO, there are several “GoT” spinoff series in development, but none is “close to a green light or anything … but we are always working on different scripts and ideas.” That doesn’t sound too promising, but an article on TVLine assures us that a series based on Jon Snow starring Kit Harington is one of those projects “in the works.” Meanwhile, “House of the Dragon,” a “GoT” prequel series, will be back on HBO for its second season this summer. One of the characters from that show is being given his own series — Corlys Velaryon, played by Steve Toussaint. Titled “Nine Voyages,” the series was originally going to be live-action, but will now be animated due to the “budgetary constraints” involved in filming a show that takes place at sea with “different ports each week.” “GoT” author and “House of the Dragon” creator George R.R. Martin says that there are actually three additional animated series in the works. He added: “There’s a whole world out

A is Jeremy Renner doing Q How since his terrible leg injury? Is

he going to continue acting soon? — D.N.

Fortunately, two-time Oscar nominated actor Jeremy Renner will be able to work again after nearly losing his life this past year after being run over by a snowplow on his property. He suffered injuries to his chest and limbs, but has since made a substantial recovery. He recently appeared on CNN’s “New Year’s Eve Live” show and told hosts Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper that he’s due back on the set of his Paramount+ series “Mayor of Kingstown.” He said that he had a lot of loved ones to live for, including his 10-yearold daughter and the nephew he

Jeremy Renner in “Mayor of Kingstown” Photo Credit Paramount+

saved from being hit by the snowplow in his driveway. In addition to acting, Renner is releasing a song called “Wait” that is dedicated to his daughter. It’s the first single from his upcoming EP, “Love and Titanium,” which will be released on Jan. 19.

is the “Game of Thrones” Q When spinoff about Jon Snow coming out? I read a while back that Kit Harington will once again be playing the

there. And we have a lot better chance of showing it all with animation.” Why did “Jeopardy” get rid of Mayim Bialik as one of the hosts? She was my favorite. — Y.T. Mayim Bialik was dealt a double blow this past year. Her latest sitcom, “Call Me Kat,” was canceled by Fox after three seasons, and she also lost her job as co-host of the popular syndicated game show “Jeopardy.” According to TV Insider, Sony claimed that the decision to fire her was to “maintain continuity” for viewers by only having one host — Ken Jennings. However, rumor has it that Sony wasn’t happy with her when she refused to host the show during the writers’ and actors’ strikes. Hopefully, she’ll be returning to our screens soon. She’s reportedly been working on a reboot of “Blossom,” the sitcom that launched her career in the ‘90s. Send me your questions at New CelebrityExtra@gmail.com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.  ©2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

BOOKREVIEW

BookTrib’s Bites

From Historical Fiction to Pirates Clara’s Secret

Nightweaver

This critically acclaimed Amazon Bestseller begins with the captivating story of Clara Prinz, a remarkable woman forced to leave her native Berlin in 1939. As Clara embarks alone on a voyage into the unknown, she turns to memories of her adolescence during La Belle Époque — the Beautiful Era filled with optimism and cultural transformation at the dawn of the twentieth century. As Clara’s recollections unfold, readers are transported to a time of elegance and grandeur immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of the Prussian capital and invited to witness the pivotal moments that shaped Clara’s life. Through Clara’s encounters with luminaries from Mark Twain to Theodore Roosevelt, Clara’s Secret weaves an unforgettable tapestry of historical events. Clara’s Secret is ultimately a com-

Set in an alternate world that combines the Gilded Age with the Golden Age of Piracy, where what remains of humankind has been driven out to sea, Nightweaver tells the story of 17-yearold Violet Oberon, a cursed pirate with a mysterious past. After a lifetime of hiding from bloodthirsty monsters, Violet is captured and forced to team up with the notorious Nightweaver, Will Castor, a magic-wielding lord and the heir to the estate where Violet and her family are hired into service. Together, Violet and Will set out to hunt her eldest brother’s killer, a shadow creature known as an Underling. But when strange things start happening at Bludgrave Manor, Violet discovers the killer is already hunting her—and it’s leaving a trail of bodies in its wake. BookBites is presented by Book Trib.com. 

By Stephan R. Frenkel

By R.M. Gray

pelling story of the advancement of humankind and the survival of its decline. Described by Kirkus as “a tender personality-centered biography of golden age Berlin..

Blind Faith

By Patrick Girondi

In another riveting tale by entertainer and eccentric author and CEO Patrick Girondi, greed and desperation drive brother to challenge sister’s competency. Believers line up against non-believers in the circuit court in Chicago to decide if there is a God. Aaron needs Trish’s inheritance. As a blue blood, he knows the damage

created when important resources are not held by the cream of society. Trish taught retarded kids. When her boyfriend, Hat, dies in a car accident, she reverts to her hermit-like self. Who better to assist Aaron than Sebastian Sherwin, a famously unscrupulous, atheist attorney? Judge Cohen is up for re-election. There is zero public appeal gained by declaring a young woman incompetent. Unfortunately, the story is picked up by a blog and gains national attention. Overnight, his courtroom turns into an unruly zoo with believers and non-believers.

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J A N UA RY 14, 2024

PETS

What to Know about Diabetes in Cats and Dogs

iabetes mellitus affects scores of families, including the four-legged members of the household. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, diabetes is a common endocrine disease in dogs and cats, occurring in roughly one out of every 300 animals. Most cases of spontaneous diabetes happen in middle-aged to older dogs and cats. Diabetes occurs when the body cannot use glucose normally. Glucose is the main source of energy (sugar) for the body’s cells, and the body requires insulin to transfer glucose from the bloodstream to the cells that need it. If there isn’t enough insulin or the body is unable to use insulin properly, glucose accumulates in high levels in the blood, reports the American Veterinary Medical Association. PetMD says that there is not one single cause for diabetes in dogs and cats. For some, it is a genetic condition. Others may develop the disease due to an underlying medical condition or from being obese. Medications such as steroids also can induce diabetes in dogs and cats. Testing for diabetes is not routine during veterinary exams. Pet owners often stumble on a diabetes diagnosis after noticing some key indicators that something is amiss with their pets, which include: • Excessive consumption of water and increased urination that may result in accidents in a normally house-trained pet • Increased hunger

• Cloudy eyes, which occurs particularly in dogs • Recurring or chronic infections that can include the skin or urinary tract • Weight loss • Apparent weakness Standard bloodwork and urinalysis will confirm a diabetes diagnosis. If pet owners learn their companion animals have diabetes, they must learn to accept this is a lifelong condition that must be managed properly; otherwise, untreated diabetes can lead to liver dysfunction, kidney failure and a life-threatening condition called ketoacidosis. Treatment with insulin is the standard course for pets with diabetes. Carefully timed and measured feedings to help control the balance of insulin and glucose also will be necessary. Veterinarians can help design a diet to help with the management of diabetes. Insulin is generally injected twice per day, shortly after meals. It is very important to maintain proper insulin and feeding schedules and a proper appetite for the pet while on insulin therapy, says AVMA; otherwise, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can occur if the pet is not eating and absorbing enough sugar to balance the insulin injections. Vet-based and at-home monitoring of blood and urine glucose levels also is necessary. Pet owners who suspect their animals are diabetic should schedule a visit with a veterinarian immediately, as time is of the essence in managing the disease. (MC) 

J A N UA RY 14, 2024

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

Top Tips for a More Organized Kitchen

etter organization in the kitchen means spending less time searching for the right ingredient or tool so you can have more time for savoring meals with family and friends, and more time for personal pursuits. Whether you’re throwing together weekday lunches for the kids or hosting an elegant dinner party, here are some tips to keep your kitchen — and meal prep — organized.

Declutter

Do you feel like you’re constantly battling clutter? Not only can clutter make you feel less comfortable, it can impact your efficiency. Take some time to sort through those areas of your kitchen that tend to collect unused food products, such as the pantry, the refrigerator door and the back of the fridge. You’ll be surprised how long certain items have been sitting there. Toss anything that has expired, and donate anything unopened and in good condition that you can’t or won’t use to a food pantry. Transferring items such as grains, sugar and flour to labeled containers of the same size makes for more uniform storage that can help you maximize shelving. You might also consider alphabetizing spices so they are easier to find and grab when you need them.

Upgrade Your Fridge

Improve Go-To Tools

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degrees. Or, if you want to uncork a perfectly chilled bottle of wine that evening, you can turn the temperature up to 41 degrees. This particular fridge also features three cooling zones with multiple evaporators that manage humidity and air transition between the fridge and freezer, keeping food fresher longer and ice odor-free. Plus, a unique glide-out tray, provides easy storage and access to party platters, cakes and other large items, making hosting a breeze. Additional features like a deli net, retractable shelf and dual icemaker represent some of the best of what you can expect of today’s refrigerators.

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lies on your go-to tools being in good working order. To that end, a knife sharpener can make a useful addition

HOME

to your kitchen, whether you opt for a simple sharpening stone or an electric model with different settings. If you’re low on counter space or would prefer having this task handled professionally, check your local hardware store. Many provide this service at an affordable cost. Other small items, such as can openers, zesters and peelers, are all prone to rust, which can make them difficult to wield over time. Likewise, plastic spatulas can become cracked and damage with use and wooden spoons can become splintered. Assess these items and replace them as needed with new tools that offer a better grip and smoother operation. With a few small tweaks and updates, your kitchen and all the items within it big and small, can make your life easier, more organized and more convenient. (SPT) 

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J A N UA RY 14, 2024

GARDENING

Don’t Miss Out On Bare Root Planting Season By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

outhern California bare root planting season runs from January through March. If you haven’t gotten your bare root plants into the ground yet, you still have time. The continuous cold weather alerts for the Santa Clarita Valley in recent months have also helped to extend the bare root planting season. It is best to plant bare root roses and trees after the last hard frost.

What is a Bare Root Plant?

Bare root plants, trees, roses and berries, are plants that are sold without any soil around the roots. Bare root plants are dug up when they are dormant. Any soil is removed by washing and the plants are kept cool and damp. When you buy these plants, they are usually wrapped in plastic and may have a material like sawdust or sphagnum moss around the roots to help keep them moist.

Bare root fruit trees, roses and berries are usually much cheaper to buy and plant. The plants are dormant and will usually “awaken” about six weeks after planting.

Why Plant Bare Root Roses, Trees or Berries?

Bare root plants experience less transplant shock than flowering roses or leafy trees. While everything has increased in price after the COVID-19 pandemic bare root plants are still significantly less expensive than flowering roses or fruit trees with leaves. During bare root season you usually can find a greater variety of roses, berries and fruit trees available then any other time of the year.

Planting Tips

Buy quality bare root plants. It is easy to pick up bare root plants and trees almost everywhere during bare root planting season, but often the plants you purchase from a big box store, grocery store or discount store are not successful because of lapses in care and lower quality product. Established nurseries in the Santa Clarita Valley or online nurseries offer better quality plants, often with guarantees. Soak the roots of your bare root plant in a bucket of water for 24 hours before planting. Do not let the roots of your bare root plant dry out. Help prevent “transplant shock” and encourage root growth by using one of many commercial products available when you plant your bare roots. There are numerous “root stimulator” products available. Ask your nursery which product they recommend. To encourage growth of your bare root plants, clip a small amount off the roots and the tips of the canes before planting. Anywhere from a 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch. Make sure you dig a big enough hole. One of the easiest mistakes that gardeners often make is not digging your planting hole deep enough, or wide enough. You want to make the soil soft and easy for

your new plant to spread its roots. Dig your hole 2 feet deep and 2 feet wide then build a cone in the bottom of the hole to spread the roots over. In the SCV it is important to amend the soil before planting any kind of bare root plant. Use a mixture of 50% composted manure (steer manure or chicken manure) and 50% native soil, or planting mix. Fill your hole with water before planting. This ensures your ground is draining properly, as well as giving your bare root plant additional moisture so it can start growing. If your bare-root roses are the type that are grafted onto a root stock, when planting the soil should be level with the bud union, where the rose is grafted onto the stalk. Do not bury your plant below the bud union, otherwise you will “smother” your plant. Do not crowd your roses. Roses really do need room to “breathe.” Plant most roses at least three to five feet apart. Climbing roses should be planted six feet apart. Miniature roses need to be planted two feet apart. After planting water your bare root plants and cover with mulch. Mulch helps protect your plant from extreme changes in temperature, as well as to keep in moisture.

When to Fertilize

It’s important to wait for bare root plants to begin producing leaves or other growth before fertilizing. For bare root fruit trees, it is not recommended to fertilize for at least a year after planting. During

this time the trees are establishing their root systems fertilizer, especially nitrogen which stimulates stems and leaves, is not needed. Let the plant develop a strong root system before encouraging growth of the entire plant. You can feed your new bareroot roses when they begin to leaf out which should be about four to six weeks after planting. Apply a well-balanced granular rose food according to the package directions and spread it evenly around the base of each plant. Make sure the bushes have been watered well the previous day before fertilizing.

Other Garden Tips

If you haven’t pruned your roses or fruit trees now is the time. It is important to prune before the plants “come to life” in the spring. For more information on gardening classes specific to the Santa Clarita Valley you can take advantage of free gardening and landscaping classes offered by the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency. For more information visit yourscvwater. com/gardening-classes. SCV Water also offers a pdf download of the Top 100 SCV Plant Guide, an indispensable reference for successful gardening in the SCV. Visit bit. ly/3HbvCxO The Santa Clarita Valley Rose Society also has a wealth of information at www.santaclaritarose.org. Green Thumb Nursery in Newhall offers a helpful plant library and gardening blog for SCV gardeners. Visit www.greenthumb.com. 

J A N UA RY 14, 2024

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 7

AUTOMOTIVE

What May Arise at Certain Vehicle Mileage Intervals

a significant variable affecting the life of the pads. Drivers who brake hard will likely need to replace their brake pads with greater frequency than drivers who brake slowly.

odern automobiles are technological marvels. As advancements in automotive technology have made cars more reliable than ever, drivers may feel as though vehicle ownership also is more hands-off than ever before. Though it’s true builtin diagnostic technology is designed to alert drivers when issues arise, it can still benefit motorists to recognize when certain issues may arise. Cars and the people who drive them are different, so mileage intervals are not always the best measuring stick for maintenance issues. However, the following rundown can serve as a guidebook for drivers who want to know what to expect at various mileage intervals. 30,000 miles The experts at Auto Trader note that disposable engine air filters usually last between 15,000 and 30,000 miles. If it’s been around 30,000 miles since the engine air filter has been replaced, now is a good time to replace this important part, which prevents components like dirt and debris from getting into the engine. This also might be a good time to replace the fuel filter, which prevents debris from clogging fuel injectors. 50,000 to 60,000 miles It’s around this time that drivers may need to replace their vehicle batteries.

Little-used vehicles may need a new battery much earlier, as lengthy periods of little or no use adversely affect the life expectancy of vehicle batteries. Brakes also may need to be replaced around this time, as the experts at AutoZone™ note that most drivers get between two and five years out of a set of brake pads. If that sounds like a significant disparity, it is, and that’s because driver behavior is

50,000 to 90,000 miles As noted, there is no uniform guideline governing when vehicle components will need to be replaced. Hoses are a good example of that, as recommendations regarding when to replace hoses range from 50,000 to 90,000 miles. That’s a significant gap, but drivers can be on the safe side and start discussing the status of their hoses with their mechanics around the 50,000 mile marker. It’s unlikely the hoses will make it all the way to 90,000 miles before they need to be replaced, but drivers can keep that mileage marker in mind and aim to replace the hoses before that point even if no issue has arisen. Timing belts also tend to fail between 80,000 and 100,000 miles, so this is another part to consider replacing as a vehicle reaches this point. These mileage markers are not set in stone, and should only serve as a guideline for drivers who want to stay ahead of vehicle repairs. Drivers also are urged to discuss any additional changes that might be necessary with their mechanics during routine maintenance appointments. (MC) 

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J A N UA RY 14, 2024

PUZZLES CROSSWORD TIME

SOLUTIONS

J A N UA RY 14, 2024

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.

READERLETTERS

We Are Not Who You Think According to The Signal’s resident virtue signaler, Gary Horton (Jan. 3), liberals and Democrats have a corner on compassion, caring and love for all, no matter where they come from or how they got here. The MAGA/Deplorable crowd doesn’t need you to remind us the nature of our country is being changed by our porous border. We are not the xenophobic haters you claim us to be. We just favor common-sense, legal, sane immigration. Yes, we are aware almost of us are descendants of immigrants. And no, we don’t need you to quote Emma Lazarus to pull on our heartstrings. Immigration in the 19th century, when many of our ancestors arrived in the Land of Plenty, was legal immigration. It was a different world. Most immigrants made the journey on a slow-moving boat. The world population was much smaller. In 1880 the U.S. population was 50 million. Now it is 332 million. In 1880 Mexico’s population was 10.5 million. Now it is 130 million. Emma Lazarus didn’t see that coming. Now people from all over can hop on a plane, fly to Mexico, pay off a member of a cartel, and be bused to a city of their choice, after a brief stop at the border to receive a 2031 date for an immigration hearing. Few if any of these “huddled masses yearning to breathe free” are here legally. In Horton’s compassionate, liberal world, all Democrats in Valencia will welcome an immigrant family into their HOA-guarded homes. They will all gladly build ADUs in their back yards to house more immigrant families. Valencia will become a sanctuary city. How is that working for New York and Chicago? The brilliant British comedian, Romesh Ranganathan, recently had a series on PBS (love the programming, hate the politics) entitled “The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan.” Romesh traveled to countries the average traveler would never consider traveling to. His guide in each would try the best he could to paint that country in a positive light. Most of the time that was difficult. How do you put a positive spin on Haiti? Even Romesh and PBS couldn’t. The standard of living in every country he visited was far below that of the U.S. Do you think every one of Haiti’s 11.4 million residents, Sierra Leone’s 8.4 million and Ethiopia’s 120.3 million would jump at the chance to be one of Gary’s “wretched refuse”? You bet they would. Larry Moore Valencia Submit a Letter to the Editor

Include name, address & phone. E-mail: letters@signalscv.com.

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

The Tyranny of Subjectivity By David Hegg

irst, let me lay out what I mean by “subjectivity.” Subjectivity exists when my tastes, feelings, desires, or opinions define my assessment of the quality or reality of something. If I insist my column is the finest example of thoughtful writing in the world, you have every right to laugh, howl, and choke out, “That’s your subjective view, and you’re nuts!” We are inundated with the tyranny of subjectivity. All around us, people insist we affirm the meaning they have chosen in their lives. While claiming personal autonomy as masters of themselves, they have become slaves to the acceptance, approval and applause of the rest of us. Tragically, those whose search for personal meaning depends on the response of others are like parkgoers in Jean-Paul Sartre’s famous illustration in “Being and Nothingness” (1943). Suppose I’m walking through a park and see many things I can assign meaning to. I see flowers I can smell, pick, or ignore. I pass a bench I can sit on for a few minutes of rest, or jump up and walk on, or pass it by altogether. I can admire trees, or I can dislike them for dropping leaves all over the pathways and making a mess. In every case, they are objects of my subjectivity. I am assigning them meaning. What they mean to me is dependent on how I feel about them. That was Sartre’s point. But Sartre made a more significant point. What happens when another person comes around the path I’m on and now faces me? I feel her gaze. She is assessing, critiquing and measuring me against her own standards of meaning. Suddenly, I realize I’m no longer the source of meaning but am under the power of her subjectivity. She is assigning me her meaning! If you’ve read Sartre, you’ll remember he used this illustration to ground his view that existence is the foundation of meaning. It is from our existence that meaning exists. He put it this way in his play “Dirty Hands” (1948): “Life has no meaning a priori ... It is up to you to give it a meaning, and value is nothing but the meaning that you choose.” Sartre’s existentialism was grounded on the premise that, by existing, we are responsible for making our meaning. Yet, today’s followers of Sartre’s philosophy find that being the “meaning-makers” of their lives is more complicated than they thought. They, like Jean-Paul, have been unable to disconnect their sense of worth from the gaze of those coming toward them. While proclaiming to have found their “authentic selves,” they secretly understand their chosen reality is only a function of their subjective opinion. So, they

are driven to have their authenticity validated by the world around them. Ironically, their independence from the rest of us must be fed by affirmation. They are slaves to subjectivity. We learn from all this that real meaning must be grounded in objective truth, not subjective desires, trends, or wish dreams. That’s where Sartre made his grand mistake. He wrongly believed the park’s flowers, benches and trees were given meaning by those walking by them. This just isn’t true. Consider this: The true meaning of a bench is found in the purpose for which its builder created it. The bench doesn’t care if you sit on it; it’s still a bench. The same goes for flowers and trees whose meaning came from the landscaper who chose and planted them according to his plan. Smell or not, like them or not, they are still flowers and trees by nature, and their meaning and purpose in this world remain in place regardless of how passersby see and assess them. The same is true for us as well. Sartre was half right. Our existence grounds meaning, but he was wrong in believing our existence occurred through a combination of time and chance. Like the bench, flowers and trees, we’ve been crafted as human beings through the intentional action of a loving, intelligent, eternally existing and almighty God. As God’s creations, we bear his image, which makes human life sacred and filled with intrinsic dignity and meaning. But, since the day Charles Darwin declared he could account for reality apart from God, we have seen the steady disintegration of what it means to be human. Human life has been downgraded from a sacred possession to that which can be conveniently thrown away. Now we’re seeing the rapid acceleration of this disintegration. Those who have discarded our connection to a supernatural, personal Creator are unable to define what makes a woman a woman. We’re being asked to accept all kinds of untruths as truth simply because our subjectivity is crucial to another person’s false “authenticity.” Where do we go from here? Let me be clear. We must tell a better story, live out a better ethic, and do so winsomely. That means compassionately refusing to support another person’s addiction to what is false, with an intentional determination to be kind to all, patient when wronged, and gentle in dealing with those enslaved by this world’s subjectivity. It won’t be easy, but it is the loving and ethical thing to do. Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays. 

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