Redefining fully loaded.
Fiercely designed from headlight to taillight, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA delivers raw power for thrilling drives.
Drive the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE, an all-electric sedan with a thirst for power.
Photo by Tim Hauf
Photo by Lotti Keenan
Summer Camp with Grandma and Grandpa
By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writers
Summer has arrived and millions of grandparents across the United States are giving their children a break by hosting the grandkids for a special summer getaway.
Traditionally, the grandchildren’s time at Nanas and Papa’s house in the Santa Clarita Valley can include days frolicking in the pool, quick trips for ice cream and the always anticipated excursions to Southern California theme parks.
A Magic Mountain/Hurricane Harbor, Disneyland/California Adventure, Legoland, Knotts Berry Farm and/or Universal Studios Hollywood day-trip is always fun, but perhaps it’s time to add something different?
Be sure to plan age-appropriate activities, some
children may be interested immediately, some may chaff at the disruption of the usual summer routine and some children may become more interested as they explore new experiences.
Genealogy Exploration
Depending on the age of your grandchildren it might be fun for them to learn who they are, where they came from and an understanding of their ancestry and ancestors.
A great place to start this journey is by crafting a family tree together.
One of the best places to begin your search is at the Valencia FamilySearch Center sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 24443 McBean Parkway, Valencia 91455.
Established in 1978, it is open to the public. For information, call (661) 259-1347.
The all-volunteer staff of research experts assist interested patron in finding their roots. In addition to providing personal assistance, the center’s equipment includes computers with free access to premium websites, a printer, scanner and a book library.
You can bring your grandchildren to the center while you get help with your family history. There is a children’s center where children 3-11 years of age can learn about their ancestors with books, games, stories, etc.
Take a Personal Journey
Have your grandchildren ever visited the places where you or their parents grew up?
Take a personal journey to your hometowns and show your grandchildren where you went to college, where you worked, where you grew up. Describe how different things looked to you as a child. Show them the hospital your or their parents were born. Show them the elementary and high schools you attended. Have discussions on how different school was for you compared to your grandchildren’s current experiences.
See how far back you can trace your ancestors and travel to the towns and cities where they once lived.
It’s a great way to explore the United States and broaden your grandchildren’s life experiences. Explore old family photo albums and compare the photos with what the locations look like today.
This kind of travel can help your grandchildren know you, their parents and themselves better.
It can open up lines of communication and give you a true insight into your grandchildren’s thoughts and feelings.
Look through some old family pictures and work on a family tree.
Trip Down Memory Lane
If you grew up in the Los Angeles area, you may have spent time at the historic Grand Central Market at 317 South Broadway. When it opened in October 1917, it was billed as the largest and oldest public market on the Pacific Coast.
Take the grandkids downtown to experience the historic flavor of Los Angeles. It’s open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
While you’re downtown, why not stop in at the historic Angels Flight Railway. The lower entrance is at 351 South Hill, across the street from Grand Central Market. The Railway’s top station is located at California Plaza, 350 South Grand Avenue.
Angels Flight has been featured in many movies and you can ride it for only $1 each way. Its a short trip. In fact, it is the world’s shortest railway.
State
and U.S. History
Find out what your grandchildren are studying in their history or social science classes. Perhaps learn what the curriculum will be in these classes for their next school year. For example, fourth-grade students study California history and learn about the various regions of California. Older children may learn about more general U.S. history.
Learn from your children what places in history they may be interested in exploring. Or take them to some of the places they may be studying in the next year so they can tell their teacher and classmates about their visit to the location they are learning about in their textbook.
If you’re interested in the local area 1880s oil boom, you should visit Mentryville, which is located at 27201 Pico Canyon Road in Newhall. For information, visit mrca.ca.gov/parks/park-listing/ mentryville.
Not only is Mentryville a piece of California history, it is also known for its paranormal happenings.
Presidential Libraries
For students studying U.S. history a visit to the presidential libraries of Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan might help your grandchildren with the upcoming school year.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is located at 40 Presidential Drive in Simi Valley. Visit, www.reaganfoundation.org.
The Defending American and the Galaxy-Star Wars and SDI exhibit ends Sept. 8, so there is plenty of time to explore both the real-world technology of SDI, as well as items from the movie phenomenon “Star Wars.”
The exhibition will include original items from SDI including an authentic Command Launch Equipment Console, as well as props, costumes and concept art from the “Star Wars” franchise, including a Landspeeder made for “A New Hope,” master replicas of Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber made from the original mold of “The Last Jedi” and an original script signed by Dave Prowse, the actor who portrayed Darth Vader in the original trilogy.
The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum is located at 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd in Yorba Linda. Visit, www.nixonlibrary.gov/visit/ visit-museum
Learn about Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the United States. The library is constructed on the original site of Nixon’s birthplace home.
The 13-room house of Charles Alexander Mentry in the ghost town of Mentryville. PHOTO CREDIT WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Historic Angels Flight Railway. CREDIT ADOBE PHOTOS
Camulos Ranch was established by Ygnacio del Valle in 1853. It was located at the western boundary of the rancho and was originally a Tataviam Indian village known as Kamulus. For more information, visit ranchocamulos.org. PHOTO COURTESY RANCHO CAMULOS MUSEUM.
The birthplace and final resting place of former President Richard Nixon is located on the grounds of the Nixon Presidential Library. CREDIT ADOBE PHOTOS
Five Tips to Help Reduce Health Care Costs
Do you fully understand what your doctor tells you during a checkup? If you don’t, you’re not alone.
A recent UnitedHealthcare study found that two out of three people don’t understand all their doctor’s instructions, diagnoses and recommendations. If that’s the case for you, it may not just affect your health — it could also impact your bank account.
The Center for Health Policy Research at George Washington University found “inadequate health literacy” — not quite getting health-related information or what your doctor is telling you — can cost up to $238 billion annually in higher health care costs.
“Empowering yourself with knowledge about your health is key to maintaining or improving your well-being — and managing your health care costs,” said Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer of UnitedHealthcare’s commercial business.
“Better understanding your conditions and treatments can help you make more informed decisions, which can support your physical, mental and financial health.”
Dr. Randall offers these tips to help bridge the knowledge gap and help you save money on health care.
Make the most of your yearly checkup.
Regular preventive visits are generally covered by your health insurance plan and can play a crucial role in early disease detection. That can be a winwin for your health and your pocketbook. That’s because identifying issues as early as possible may lead to more effective treatments and can also help avoid more costly services in the future. But here’s part of where that “understanding” piece is critical. Come to your doctor visit with a list of questions and let him or her know if you have any health concerns. Take notes to make sure you’re getting all the information you need and review them once you return home.
Understand your plan and health care costs.
Many employers now offer innovative health plans designed to drive a more affordable, simplified experience. UnitedHealthcare’s Surest health plan, for example, eliminates deductibles and offers clear, upfront pricing in advance of treatment. According to a new third-party study, Surest led to lower claim costs exceeding $400 per member per year.
Many health plans also offer incentives that reward you for taking healthier actions, such as completing a health survey, exercising, or avoiding nicotine. It’s also important to understand your deductible, your out-of-pocket expenses, and other
‘Inadequate health literacy’ can result in higher healthcare costs.
specifics of your health insurance plan. This glossary defines thousands of health care terms to help you make informed decisions.
First make sure your pharmacy is in your insurance plan’s network, otherwise you might have to pay more for your prescriptions. Then, do some comparison shopping. You may be surprised at how much variance you’ll find from one pharmacy to another in terms of prices of the medications you may need.
Also, investigate generic options for those prescriptions, which are usually less expensive than brand-name versions. And look into online pharmacies, which ship nationally and, because they have less overhead than brick-and-mortar stores, may offer better prices.
Depending on your situation, you may not need to seek additional behavioral health support with a care provider if your EAP offers personalized guidance. Many EAPs also offer financial resources and tools, which may include guidance for tax planning, student loans, debt management, home purchases, and savings and insurance coverage.
These programs typically offer confidential services that relatively few employees take advantage of. For example, people who get UnitedHealthcare insurance through their employer can call in to speak with a master’s level behavioral health clinician to receive support as many times as needed, in real-time, and around the clock — even if it’s 2 a.m. on a Saturday.
Virtual visits have emerged as a go-to option to remotely access medical services, including primary, urgent and specialist care. Not only are these visits typically more convenient than in-person options, but they may also be available through your health plan.
Virtual visits can help with the treatment of allergies, urinary tract infections, flu, rashes and more, from the comfort of your home without the hassle of sitting in an urgent care waiting room. Of course, there are times when an in-person visit is necessary, especially for chronic or complex conditions, emergencies or issues requiring hands-on exams, lab tests or X-rays. Check your health plan to determine what kinds of virtual care resources may be available to you.
It all boils down to gaining a greater awareness of your options and understanding your own health. Using that knowledge may help improve health outcomes and enable you to save on health care costs, creating a true win-win! (BPT)
California State
By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer
It’s time for a Sacramento road trip! The California State Fair is happening July 12-28. For 170 years the California State Fair has showcased the best of California.
It you’ve never attended the California State Fair it is an expansive experience offering all the things you love about county fairs and more.
Expect big name concerts and entertainment, agricultural education, art exhibits, horse racing, cooking demonstrations, wine and beer competitions, traditional carnival thrill rides, fireworks and the popular food festival.
The fair is located at Cal Expo 1600 Exposition Blvd, Sacramento. For information, visit calexpostatefair.com
Food
Who doesn’t love fair food? From cheesecake to cheese nachos the California State Fair food offers something for everyone, even if you want to eat healthy.
Enjoy your deep-fried favorites as well as cool, refreshing ice cream treats.
Just a few of the items available at the fair: Funnel cakes, hot Cheetos fries, pulled pork sliders, Dippin’ Dots, deep-fried potstickers, pizza, Dole Whip, tacos, hot dogs, corndogs, roasted corn, deep-fried Oreos, shave ice, churros, chocolate dipped banana, pancakes-on-a-stick, kettle corn, Italian ice and cotton candy.
The 2024 Best of California Brewfest will be held Friday, July 19, 4 p.m. Tickets are priced $25-$60. Savor and taste award-winning flavors of California’s craft beer scene.
Fun
There are many fun events to enjoy at the fair. Fireworks light up the sky on Friday and Saturday nights at 10 p.m. This dazzling display can be enjoyed from various vantage points throughout the fairgrounds.
On Tuesday, July 23 at 2 p.m. the Pie Eating Challenge begins. Participate in a good old fashioned pie eating contest during your visit. California’s own Save Mart Supermarkets will provide cream pies for contestants to devour.
The contest is open to all fairgoers who think they have what it takes to gobble down their slice of pie the fastest. With multiple divisions for adults and children, there’s a chance for everyone to compete.
Carnival rides are a fair staple. Butler Amusements will provide the rides at the fair. Carnival and Skyride Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 2 p.m. – 11 p.m., Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
There are rides suitable for all ages including: The King XXL, Turbo Speed, Inversion, Vertigo, Pole Position Coaster, X Scream Machine Coaster, Zipper, Mega Flip, Super Shot Drop Tower, White Water Log Flume, Ring of Fire, Starship 3000, 1001 Nachts, State Fair Slide, Bumper Cars, Hawaiian Express, Wave Swinger, Grand Carousel, Giant Wheel, Century Wheel, Zombie Carnival Welcome to my Nightmare, Kite Flyer, Alien Invasion, Big Foot Trucks and Tilt-A-Whirl.
Exhibits
Numerous exhibit halls will feature everything from agriculture to wine. Enjoy the bounty of California with educational exhibits as well as arts, crafts and vendors.
Among the exhibits: High Speed Rail Exhibit, Rustic Charm Marketplace Exhibit, Fine Art and Photography Exhibit, California Cannabis Exhibit,
California Fresh Exhibit, Animation Academy, California Authors Booths and more.
Horse Racing
Live Thoroughbred Horseracing and wagering takes place at the Michelob Ultra Grandstand during the fair. All horse races are free with Fair admission. Horse racing bets are cash only. ATMs are available nearby.
Post time starts 5 p.m. Horse racing will be held Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, July 12-14, July 1921 and July 26-28.
Animals
The California State Fair Open Livestock Competition is a premier event celebrating the finest livestock from across the state. The Junior Livestock is home to the best of California’s youth Future Farmers of America programs. Many of the winning livestock entries will be on display in the animal exhibits area of the fair.
Animal exhibits in the A Tractor Supply Co. Big Barn, L1 include alpacas, llamas, cattle and dogs.
Exhibits in the Tractor Supply Co. Big Barn, L2 include birds, goats, rabbits, guinea pigs (cavies), rabbits and sheep.
Concerts
All Toyota Concert Series on the Golden 1 Stage shows are free with a California State Fair admission ticket.
Fair-goers can line up at the back of the Golden 1 Stage venue starting at 5 p.m. for first-come, first-served seating in the area behind the General Admission seating area. The free seating area is limited to the first 700 guests.
Reserved seats for the Toyota Concert Series on the Golden 1 Stage are available starting at $25.
FROM THE CITY MANAGER
2024 Public Opinion Poll
By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager
Santa Clarita consistently earns recognition as one of the best places to live in the nation, boasting a high quality of life, strong safety record and a business-friendly atmosphere. Our City Council achieves these accolades by listening to the community’s voice and focusing on feedback. This dedication to resident input ensures that our policies and initiatives reflect the needs and desires of our community.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of our residents’ satisfaction, priorities and concerns, the City conducts a Public Opinion Poll every two years. The insights gathered through this scientific survey, are an invaluable resource for guiding the City’s strategic planning and decision-making processes.
Our 2024 survey revealed positive feedback in regards to the quality of life in Santa Clarita. In fact, 85 percent of participants rated Santa Clarita favorably as a place to raise a family and 83 percent rated it favorably as a place to live. In addi-
tion to these positive rankings, we also want to know what our residents see as the top issues in our City. This year’s survey showed the most important issues to our community are public safety, followed by overdevelopment and traffic congestion. The top concerns have remained consistent with the findings in the 2022 survey, with only marginal changes in percentages. These concerns are also consistently addressed by your City Council through prioritizing budget spending, enacting initiatives and working with staff to find innovative solutions.
To ensure Santa Clarita remains one of the safest cities in the nation, we increased the budget for our Sheriff’s contract to approximately $33 million. To combat traffic congestion, our traffic Safety Team constantly monitors traffic patterns, optimizing streetlights and signage. Additionally, thanks to Senator Alex Padilla and Congressman Mike Garcia, our City received $1.5 million in federal funding to improve traffic circulation and pedestrian safety. These improvements will help alleviate known chokepoints during peak hours, reduce delays for motorists and increase pedestrian safety along our roads.
Beyond identifying areas for improvement, the
BEST IN CLASS SPECIALTY CARE
Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital and Keck Medicine of USC are partnering to bring advanced services — cancer care, breast health, colorectal surgery, and specialty urology — to our community in the Santa Clarita Valley.
Keck Medicine’s USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center brings the latest innovations in cancer detection, prevention, and treatment to help you get the care you need close to home.
Public Opinion Poll also provides direct feedback on resident satisfaction with City services and customer service. Most residents expressed high satisfaction, citing a clean City and high-quality, responsive services. Additionally, 93 percent of participants rated City staff as professional and 89 percent found them easily accessible.
Overall our City has once again received high marks from the community we serve. As a City Manager — this is what I strive for day in and day out. I am proud that our City employs great staff who diligently work hard each day, often behind the scenes, to provide outstanding customer service and beautiful, well maintained parks and facilities, programs and learning opportunities, activities and events. I want to thank residents who took the time to participate in our 2024 Public Opinion Poll. If you would like to review all the data collected, please visit SantaClarita.gov/CityHall/Public-Opinion-Polls. By staying informed and engaged, residents can play an active role in shaping the future of Santa Clarita.
Ken Striplin is Santa Clarita’s City Manager and can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita.gov.
Cool, Creamy Favorites that ELEVATE Entertaining
Those summer nights when a cool breeze replaces the warmth of the day have arrived. Gather your family, friends and loved ones, and elevate your entertaining with in-season California avocados for a backyard celebration featuring small bites and sweet treats.
Share a new favorite recipe with this simple dip that calls for just three pantry staples and fresh produce. California Cowboy Caviar includes beans, corn, olives, green onions, crisp cucumber and creamy California avocado for a tasty salsa everyone can enjoy with tortilla chips or served in lettuce cups.
For a cool nightcap, California Avocado Coconut Ice Cream provides an extra-creamy tropical delight with a base that takes mere minutes to make. Put your own spin on this summertime dessert by topping with coconut flakes, sprinkles, caramel or fudge.
Locally grown, sustainably farmed and ethically sourced, California avocados make entertaining easy with recipes like these as an in-season fruit perfect for those craving local produce. The California farmers who grow them prioritize premium quality with a focus on responsible, sustainable farming practices, worker well-being and community support. Grown in rich soil warmed by sunshine, cooled by gentle breezes and tended to by dedicated growers, this delicious fruit can make it from the grove to your table in just a few days.
Mostly sold on the West Coast, just look for California on the label so you can feel good about supporting local farmers and their sustainable growing practices, all while enjoying this delicious, premium-quality fruit. Make sure to pick up some Cal-
California Avocado Coconut Ice Cream
ifornia avocados while they are in season through late summer.
To find more mouthwatering recipes to make entertaining a breeze all summer long, visit CaliforniaAvocado.com or follow along at Facebook.com/ CaliforniaAvocados and Instagram.com/ca_avocados.
California Cowboy Caviar
1 can (15 ounces) white beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (11 ounces) shoepeg or sweet corn, drained
1 can (4 1/4 ounces) chopped California black olives
California Avocado Coconut Ice Cream
1/2 cup sugar
1 pinch salt
2 large, ripe, Fresh California Avocados, seeded, peeled and quartered
1 can (13 1/2 ounces) coconut milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
toasted coconut flakes, for garnish (optional) sprinkles, for garnish (optional) caramel topping, for garnish (optional) fudge topping, for garnish (optional)
In blender or food processor, combine sugar, salt, avocados, coconut milk, cream and
California Cowboy Caviar
3 green onions, diced
1 cucumber, diced
1 large, ripe, Fresh California Avocado, seeded, peeled and diced scoop-shaped tortilla chips or lettuce cups, for serving
Mix beans, corn, olives, green onions and cucumber. Gently fold in avocado and serve with tortilla chips or spooned into lettuce cups.
Variations: Use fresh corn instead of canned. Add heat with minced chiles like serranos or jalapenos.
lemon juice. Use smoothie, puree or frappe setting, if available, and blend 2 minutes. If necessary, stop blender and carefully stir ingredients then blend again until smooth.
Follow manufacturer directions on ice cream maker to churn ice cream, including time to chill blended ingredients, if necessary.
For soft serve ice cream, serve immediately after blending. For firmer ice cream, spoon into freezer-safe container, cover with lid and freeze 2 hours.
Garnish with toasted coconut flakes, sprinkles, caramel topping or fudge topping, if desired. (Family Feateures)
ENTERTAINMENT
‘Kindness’ is Aggressively Wierd and Wickedly Funny
By Richard Roeper
Signal Contributing Writer
‘Kinds of Kindness’
(out of four)
Searchlight Pictures presents a film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and written by Lanthimos and Efthimis Filippou. Rated R. In theaters.
Even if you used one of those magnificent telescopes that can observe objects millions of miles away, you still might not be able to detect even a hint of kindness in “Kinds of Kindness,” a pitch-black anthology of aggressively weird and wickedly funny stories from the wonderfully warped minds of director Yorgos Lanthimos and Lanthimos' co-writer and frequent collaborator, Efthimis Filippou. A less ironic and more appropriate title might have been something along the lines of “Weirds of Weirdness,” or “Kinks of Kinkiness.” This is the kind of film
Sunday-Thursday, July 14-18, 2024
/ 9 / 2 0 2 4
that will send some viewers to the exits by the halfway point, while others surely will hail the bold genius of Lanthimos' absurdist flourishes.
My reaction falls somewhere in
NEWHALL
M aXXX i n e E Sun: 1:30 4:30; Mon: 1:30 4:30 7:10; Tue & Wed: 1:30 4:30; Thu: 1:30 4:30 7:10
In 1980s Holly wood, adult film star and aspiring ac tress Maxine Minx finally gets her big break
S o u n d o f H o p e: T H e S To ry o f p o S S u M T roT C Sun: 10:00 1:00 4:00 7:00; Mon to Thu: 1:00 4:00 7:00
Possum Trot follows Donna and Reverend Mar tin as they ignite a movement of compassion in their East Texas church to adopt some of the most difficult-to -place kids in the foster system
d e S p i c a b l e M e 4 B Sun: 10:20 12:40 2:55 5:10 7:30; Mon to Thu: 12:40 2:55 5:10 7:30
Gru, Luc y and their girls welcome a new member to the Gru family, Gru Jr , who is intent on tormenting his dad
a Q u i e T p l ac e: day o n e C 1:20 4:20 7:00
Experience the day the world went quiet
H o r i zo n: a n a M e r i c a n S ag a c H a p T e r 1 E 12:40 3:30 6:45
Horizon: An American Saga explores the lure of the Old West and how it was won
T H e b i k e r i d e r S E Sun: 10:00 AM
THE BIKERIDERS, starring Austin Butler, Jodie Comer, Tom Hardy and Norman Reedus, follows the rise of a midwestern motorc ycle club, the Vandals.
T H e l M a C Sun: 10:10 AM
When 93-year- old Thelma Post gets duped by a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson, she sets out on a treacherous quest across the city to reclaim what was taken from her
i n S i d e o u T 2 B Sun: 10:30 1:00 4:20 7:20; Mon to Thu: 1:00 4:20 7:20
Return to the mind of newly minted teenager Riley just as headquar ters is undergoing a sudden demolition to make room for something entirely unexpec ted: new Emotions!
p r i n c e S S M o n o n o k e - S T u d i o g H i b l i f e S T 2024 C
D U B B E D; Sun: 10:00 7:00
S U BT I T L E D;Wed: 7:00 PM
Inflic ted with a deadly curse, the young warrior Ashitaka heads west in search of a cure
between. There are moments of pure pop entertainment thrills, e.g., the perfect use of the classic “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by Eurythmics (“Some of them want to use you, some of them want to get used by you …”) and that already famous (from the trailers and promos) scene in which Emma Stone, her hair the same color as her rust-colored pantsuit, dances as if she's been struck with a David Lynch Taser against the backdrop of a purple Dodge Challenger and someone in a wheelchair who appears to be unconscious. (When we find out the context of this scene, it's just … perfect. Bizarre and depraved, but great.)
Other segments, including a nauseating exploration of cannibalism that feels contrived and attention-getting, had me counting the moments until the next scene. On the whole, “Kinds of Kindness” is a mixed bag of tricks and treats.
Even with a running time of 2 hours and 44 minutes, “Kinds of Kindness” never stalls out or feels bloated, as we're actually getting three short-ish films, each featuring a deeply talented ensemble that includes Lanthimos returnees Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley and Joe Alwyn, as well as Jesse Plemons, Hong Chau and Mamoudou Athie, with each playing different characters in the three films. (The stories are not connected, though a character known as “R.M.F.” has a cameo in each tale, and certain themes and the New Orleans-area setting are constants throughout.)
As was the case with “The Killing of a Sacred Deer,” “The Favourite” and “Poor Things,” Lanthimos is clearly fascinated with (and perhaps a bit repulsed by) themes of control and manipulation, and the lengths to which people will go to either exert their domination or to please those who are pulling the strings.
In the first segment, titled “The Death of R.M.F.,” Plemons is Robert, a middle-management type whose entire life is controlled by his boss (Dafoe), from what he'll have for breakfast to when he'll have sex with his wife, Sarah (Chau). When Robert follows the instructions to the letter,
he is amply rewarded, often in the form of a piece of valuable sports memorabilia. When Robert balks at repeating a task that could result in harm to himself or another human being, not to mention a criminal indictment, things go sideways fast. “The Death of R.M.F.” plays like a smarter and faster take on the themes explored in “Don't Worry Darling.”
The middle section, titled “R.M.F. Is Flying,” is the least effective and most gratuitously grotesque of the triptych. It starts with an intriguing premise out of the Rod Serling playbook, with Plemons playing a police officer named Daniel whose researcher wife, Liz (Stone), goes missing on a desert island. When Liz returns, something seems off; her shoes don't fit, for one thing. Daniel becomes convinced this isn't his wife, it's ... something else. After some shock-for-shock-value scenes, including a home video of Daniel and Liz and their best friends (played by Athie and Qualley) engaging in a foursome, and a couple of forays into cannibalism, “R.M.F. Is Flying” ends on an incomplete and unsatisfying note.
“Kinds of Kindness” finishes strong with “R.M.F. Eats a Sandwich,” where we finally get to see Stone's Emily driving like a maniac in that purple Dodge Challenger and doing that bat-bleep crazy dance. Emily and Andrew (Plemons) are members of a bizarre sex cult run by Dafoe's Omi and Chau's Aka, who have tasked them with finding a young woman (Qualley) who has the power to raise the dead. This final segment is filled with effectively disturbing moments, as when Emily visits her estranged husband (Alwyn), who turns out to be something different from what we expected. “R.M.F. Eats a Sandwich” ends in hilariously dark fashion — we ALMOST feel guilty for laughing — and then, spoiler alert, that R.M.F. fellow actually eats a sandwich, which sounds mundane but is kind of brilliant when you see it in context. Good on you, R.M.F. Copyright 2024 Chicago Sun-Times
SENIOR LIVING
Overcome the Lack of Motivation to Exercise
Exercise has its fair share of devotees and millions of others who recognize its value but still struggle to include workouts in their daily routines. Motivation can be a significant hurdle when it comes to exercise, and recent studies are a testament to that difficulty.
In a 2021 survey from the global fitness brand Orangetheory™ Fitness and Kelton Global, 43% of respondents indicated they suffered from a lack of motivation to exercise. Lack of motivation can affect people of all ages, including seniors.
However, seniors may be uniquely positioned to overcome their lack of motivation to exercise, particularly if they’re retired and have time on their hands. Seniors who aspire to exercise more frequently can consider these strategies if motivation becomes an issue.
Exercise away from home. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, a phenomenon that has been characterized as “basement burnout” developed. That referred to the lack of enthusiasm to exercise at home when gyms and other fitness facilities were forced to close as a public safety measure.
Home workouts can become monotonous since most people do not have enough room at home to house the same array of equipment that’s available at their local gym.
Seniors can overcome monotonous workouts by purchasing a gym membership at a local facility. Many clubs offer discounted rates to seniors and some even offer senior-specific fitness classes like yoga and Pilates. Employ the buddy system. Seniors also can enlist friends and family members to join them when they exercise. Encourage neighbors or friends to come along to the gym for a favored fitness class, or invite friends and family on hiking excursions or daily walks. The National Institute on
Aging notes that turning exercise into a social activity is a great way for seniors to maintain their motivation to exercise.
Track your progress and celebrate your successes The NIA touts the benefits of tracking progress when trying to stay motivated to exercise. As exercise efforts pay increasing dividends, seniors may find it’s no longer hard to stay motivated.
Success can be measured in various ways. Some might aspire to produce healthier blood test results at the doctor’s office, while others may hope to lose a few pounds.
However you define success, celebrate when you achieve your fitness goals. Rewards such as a spa day, a night out at the theater or a weekend getaway can provide all the motivation you need to stay the course.
Be flexible with your routine Mobility issues and other physical limitations may affect seniors. But such issues need not prevent aging men and women from exercising, even if it does mean they won’t be able to hit the gym four or five days per week. Mix up your routine so you can still exercise even if physical limitations make traditional workout routines more challenging.
Go for nature walks on days when your body needs a break from strength-training, and check the forecast at the start of each week so you can rearrange your routine if Mother Nature makes outdoor exercise impossible on certain days.
Many people find it hard to stay motivated to exercise. Seniors can try a few strategies to ensure they stay the course with their fitness routines. (MC)
Kitchen Renovations
Kitchens are often described as the most popular room in a home, and that’s not mere conjecture. A 2022 survey from House Digest asked participants to identify the room they consider most important in their homes, and roughly 41 percent chose the kitchen.
Residents tend to congregate in kitchens in the morning and then again in the evening when meals are prepared and, in homes without formal dining rooms, eaten. With so much time spent in the kitchen, it’s no wonder that the 2022 U.S. Houzz & Home Study: Renovation Trends found kitchens to be the most popular interior room to upgrade. With so many people interested in kitchen renovations, the following are four things homeowners should know about these popular improvement projects.
Expect to spend some money Most home improvement projects require a significant financial investment, but kitchen renovations are among the more expensive undertakings. The overall cost of a project will depend on a host of variables unique to each home, including homeowners’ preferences, but HomeAdvisor estimated the average kitchen remodel in 2023 cost between $14,611 and $41,432.
remodel provides a 96 percent ROI. A major kitchen remodel mid-range (49 percent) and a major kitchen remodel upscale (38 percent) did not provide as notable a ROI.
Expect the project to take some time Kitchens are large rooms with a lot of components, so renovating these spaces can take some time. Estimates vary depending on the size of the room, the scale of the remodel and the materials chosen, but Angi reports a kitchen remodel for most homes takes six weeks to four months. That’s a sizable window, and it reflects the likelihood that unforeseen issues like supply chain interruptions or the discovery of mold will arise at some point during the renovation. Though it’s impossible to determine precisely how long a project will take before it begins, homeowners renovating their kitchens may want to plan for the project to take two months if not longer.
Homeowners considering an upscale kitchen remodel may receive six figure estimates for such projects.
Expect a good return on investment If sticker shock settles in when receiving an initial kitchen remodel estimate, perhaps it can help homeowners to know that such a project may provide a strong return on investment (ROI). According to Remodeling magazine’s “2024 Cost vs. Value Report,” a minor kitchen
Expect to use your kitchen during the renovation If the timeline of a renovation is scary, homeowners should know they will likely be able to use their kitchen even after the project begins. Though the room might not remain a popular gathering space once the work starts, Angi notes kitchens are typically out of commission for around six weeks during a renovation. That still requires some pre-planning in relation to meals, but it also suggests homeowners won’t be without a kitchen for months on end.
Kitchen renovations are popular projects. Homeowners who know what to expect can make it through a renovation more smoothly.
No doubt you want your flowers to be lush and beautiful, and your vegetables bounteous and tasty. Beyond that, you want your environment to be safe — safe for you and your family, for your pets, for the birds and pollinators, and for the microscopic insects that live in your soil.
Organic gardening arose from such goals, and growing organically is one way you can be assured of the safety of your garden and its produce.
For commercial farmers, Certified Organic means that:
• Everything that goes onto the land is permitted for certified organic production. Included are soil amendments, fertilizers, potting media, pest control products, and more. The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) lists over 3,500 brand name products, and another 900 generic products that organic growers are allowed to use under the National Organic Program (NOP) rules. The product list is available at www.omri. org
• The land had not been treated with pesticides in the three years prior to the commitment to go organic.
For the home gardener, gardening organically simply means gardening without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. The soil is a living system, and the primary job of the organic gardener is to nourish it. Use this primary objective as a guiding principle and you won’t go wrong.
Here are a few questions answered:
QWhat’s the difference between conventional seed and organic seed?
Certified Organic seed is produced by a Certified Organic grower, without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or other substances that are not allowed under NOP rules. Even though most seed is not produced by a Certified Organic grower, it is safe to use in your garden, as long as it has not been treated by a chemical pesticide. Note that pelleting, an inert coating that aids germination, is becoming more common on seeds. This treatment is allowed in organic production.
QWhat does the “USDA Organic” seal mean? What about a seal indicating organic certification by a state?
Certification is intended to protect consumers from misuse of the term “organic.” In 2002, the USDA’s National Organic Program set strict standards for growing foods organically. Crops and land must be managed according to an Organic System Plan that is approved by the USDA, and regularly inspected by an accredited certifier. When a product has the “USDA Organic seal,” it is Certified Organic. The inspections are handled by state, non-profit, and private agencies that have been approved by the USDA—which is why state seals are used.
Q What about products with the seal “Certified Naturally Grown?”
“Certified Naturally Grown” is generally thought of as the grass-roots alternative to Certified Organic. A national certification organization, it is based on the same standards as the NOP, but is not affiliated with the USDA, and does not have the same rigorous inspection requirements.
CNG farmers don’t use any synthetic herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms.
QMust I garden with certified organic seeds to be truly organic?
No. In the home garden, you can rest assured that if your site is not contaminated, and you stay away from chemical pesticides and synthetic soil additives, your garden and your produce will meet (if not exceed) the standards of the organic produce you buy in the store.
Q Are hybrid seeds organic?
Hybrids seeds can absolutely be organic, though not all of them are. Hybrid seeds are developed when two different varieties of the same type of plant are crossed in order to improve a characteristic of the resulting plant, such as better yield, disease resistance, or improved color. Many types of hybrid seeds are currently being produced by Certified Organic growers.
QCan genetically engineered (GE) seeds be organic?
No. The use of genetic engineering is prohibited in organic farming and, in fact, organic farmers must take preventive measures to ensure that the seeds they produce are not contaminated by GE crops (commonly referred to as GMOs) grown by neighbors. This can mean timing plantings to prevent cross- pollination by the neighbors’ crops, or des-
ignating the edges of their land as a buffer zone.
QWhy do organic seeds cost more than non-organic seeds?
You pay now, or you pay later. With organic seed production, weed control is more labor intensive, and methods of soil management more costly. In addition, more oversight is required to ensure that organic growers adhere to rules and regulations, which adds administrative costs. Long term, however, negative environmental costs — caused by fossil fuel use, or pesticide damage to non-target insects — are avoided on organically farmed land. (Home Garden Seed Association)
QWhen is “The Umbrella Academy” returning to Netflix? I thought the new season would have been here by now.
— V.W.
AThe fourth and final season of “The Umbrella Academy” will drop on Netflix on Aug. 8. It’s been over two years since the third season. Based on the comic book series of the same name created by Gerard Way, (lead vocalist of the band My Chemical Romance), the TV series has received much critical acclaim. It stars Elliot Page (“Juno”) and Tom Hopper (“Terminator: Dark Fate”) as two of the many Hargreeves siblings. They are former child heroes who must reunite as adults to save the world.
Alas, Steve Blackman, who created the series, has been accused of leading a toxic working environment.
BOOK REVIEW
Steve Blackman (Showrunner of “The Umbrella Academy”) © Charley Gallay
According to Rolling Stone, 12 former writers and support staff claim that their boss would “diminish the roles of, or outright fire, staffers who pushed back against his ideas.” Another charge is that he would “implement his writers’ ideas without giving them appropriate credit or promoting them.”
QIs “The Traitors” reality show filmed in a real castle? Or do
BookTrib’s Bites
The Unexpected Benefits of Being Run Over
By Naseem Rochette
Breaking doesn’t mean you’re broken.
In a pedestrian crosswalk on a quiet street, Naseem is hit and then run over three times. She hears her fate in her husband’s screams. Is he watching the mother of his children die?
Miraculously, she survives, yet she is no longer the person she was. Her “cracks” — the changes to her body and mind — initially feel impossible to accept. In learning to embrace this new, unrecognizable self, Naseem decides to celebrate the day she almost lost her life as the day she discovered her true strength — her Unbreakable Day.
In this unique memoir, equal parts heart wrenching and inspiring, Naseem lays bare the reality of personal trauma — and how we each have the
they show the outside of one, then film in a studio? Can tourists visit it?
— B.P.
ABoth the U.S. and U.K. versions of the hit reality show “The Traitors” is filmed inside the Ardross Castle in Scotland. According to Entertainment Weekly, the castle sits on over 100 acres of parkland space on the banks of the nearby River Alness. The original owner was the Duke of Sutherland from the late 1700s until 1845. A family by the last name McTaggart has owned the castle and its land since the 1980s.
The castle is reserved for weddings and business meetings — but at a premium cost. (Visit ArdrossCastle. co.uk/Contact-Us if you’re interested). No tour buses or Airbnb reservations are allowed.
No other series or movie has filmed at the castle or its grounds. You can watch all versions of “The Traitors” on the streaming platform Peacock. Look for the third season of the U.S. version in early 2025.
QWho is the guy with the long white hair in “House of the Dragon”? I know I’ve seen him on
power to reimagine our lives and find beauty in being both broken and unbreakable. Named Book of the Year in the Best Indie Book Award.
Daft Mejora’s Infinite Madness
By Karl Dehmelt
America, 2021: an alien known as the Daft One washes ashore in Florida, arriving on a particular planet undergoing strange times. The only knowledge the Daft One has of earth comes from the Internet, where daily life and technology mix in startling, violent ways. However, rather than finding existence “on the ground” to be more serene and logical, the Daft
One befriends the son of a Q-Anon supporting State Representative and finds himself in a country torn along political lines amidst conflicting realities.
When the Daft One saves the State Representative from a shooter, his launch to American stardom through his quick trigger finger and acerbic tongue catapults him and his friends through a world where the Internet and daily life merge, resulting in a terrifyingly real odyssey based in satire, celebrity, and connection, with consequences both shockingly absurd and stunningly human.
another show or movie. — J.S.
AThere are many characters with long platinum locks in the “Games of Thrones” spin-off “House of the Dragon,” but I’m going to guess you’re asking about Prince Daemon, played by Matt Smith. He’s most recognizable as one of the actors to inhabit the role of the titular character in “Doctor Who,” but you also may have seen him as Prince Philip in “The Crown” on Netflix.
Other recent projects the British actor has done recently are the horror film “Starve Acre,” the panned Marvel movie “Morbius” with Jared Leto, and the film “The Forgiven” with Jessica Chastain. Next up for Smith is another series called”The Death of Bunny Munro,” which is based on the novel of the same name by musician/writer Nick Cave.
Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
©2023 King Features Synd., Inc.
Crash Course
By Ricardo Jimenez
Nine times out of ten, the passionate, well-educated, semi-cocky entrepreneur with dreams of taking the market by storm … fails. But don’t we have as much or more to learn from entrepreneurs who have failed as we do the lucky few who actually make it?
Entrepreneur Ricardo Jimenez crawls out from under the wreckage of his failed startup and explores how his best-laid plans went so terribly wrong. With surgical precision, Jiménez studies every decision, meeting, step, and misstep that turned his international toy company into an expensive lesson in how not to succeed.
Jiménez puts his whole story on display — the good, the bad, and the terrible — with the hope that the next generation of startup entrepreneurs can learn from his mistakes and take a pain-free shortcut to the important lessons he had to learn the hard way.
BookBites is presented by BookTrib. com.
HEALTH
Taking The Mystery Out of Anxiety Disorders
It is normal to feel nervous from time to time, particularly when anticipating a potentially life-changing event. However, when nervousness is excessive, persistent and intense, or arises from seemingly innocuous stimuli, that could indicate the presence of an anxiety disorder.
What is anxiety?
The American Psychiatric Association says anxiety is a normal response to stress. Anxiety disorders differ from normal nervousness because they involve excessive fear. The APA also says anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorders and affect nearly 30% of adults at some point in their lives. It is time to seek help when anxiety interferes with your ability to function; you often overreact when something triggers your emotions; and you can’t control your responses to situations.
What contributes to anxiety disorders?
A combination of environmental factors and personality traits can increase the risk for developing anxiety disorders, according to the Cleveland Clinic. These include:
• Stressful or traumatic events in early childhood or adulthood.
• Certain personality traits like shyness or behav-
ioral inhibition.
• Family history of anxiety or another mental health condition.
• Physical conditions, including thyroid problems and heart arrhythmias.
• Being a woman, as researchers are still studying why women experience anxiety disorders in higher proportions than men. Some researchers suggest hormonal fluctuations in women are a possible explanation for the higher rates of anxiety.
What
are the types of anxiety disorders?
Several types of anxiety disorders exist, but some are more common than others.
• Generalized anxiety disorder: GAD is persistent and excessive anxiety about activities or events, even routine tasks.
• Panic disorder: This involves sudden feelings of intense fear or terror about certain situations. These panic attacks may lead to concerns about recurrence.
• Social anxiety disorder: High levels of anxiety, fear and avoidance occur during social situations,
particularly fear of being judged or viewed negatively by others.
• Phobias: Major anxiety is tied to a specific object or situation and a desire to avoid it. There are phobias concerning heights, insects, leaving the home, and more.
Anxiety disorders also can develop in people dealing with substance abuse issues or certain medical conditions.
Treating anxiety disorders
It is important to note that anxiety disorders, while frightening and frustrating, are treatable. The APA says that while each anxiety disorder has unique characteristics, most respond well to psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications. They can be given alone or in combination. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a type of psychotherapy, can help a person react and think differently in certain situations so they feel less anxious. Medications often are prescribed to provide relief from symptoms. The most common medications used are anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants and beta-blockers.
Anxiety disorders affect millions of people. There is help to be had and many people can overcome anxiety over time. (MC)
PETS
Tips for a Dog-Friendly Vacation
Summer is the perfect season to hit the road! Whether you’re seeking sandy beaches or fresh mountain air, you can make your road trip even better with a furry co-pilot.
Traveling with your pup does require some preparation. To ensure a successful and stress-free journey with your four-legged friend this summer, check out these five helpful tips.
1. Safety first!
If you haven’t already, invest in a pet seat belt, car seat or travel crate so your dog can travel comfortably and safely. Not only will these safety products keep your pup safe, but they also prevent your pet from distracting you while driving. The best part? You can use these seatbelts, car seats and crates for everyday trips around town after your vacation.
2. Pack a Travel Kit
Put together a travel kit with your pet’s essentials. A travel kit should include items to help keep your furry companion comfortable, happy and safe while on vacation.
Besides water, food, treats, bowls and waste bags, make sure to include your dog’s favorite toys, bedding and grooming supplies. Don’t forget a leash and collar with ID tags just in case you get separated during your adventures.
3. Plan Pet-Friendly Stops
As you choose your route, research pet-friendly stops, such as rest areas
and parks that welcome pets. Plan to stop every 2-4 hours. However, you may have to stop more frequently if your pup has travel anxiety or becomes motion sick.
4. Exercise and Playtime
Stops aren’t just for meals and potty breaks. Just like you, your four-legged friend needs to stretch their legs and burn off some energy. During rest stops, take time to exercise and play with your pet.
If you stop at a park with trails or a lake, plan to go hiking and/or swimming. At a pet-friendly rest area, play fetch or simply run around. Whatever physical activities you decide to do, exercise and playtime during a long road trip will keep your dog engaged and entertained. You’ll get a workout, too!
5. Keep Cool and Hydrated
Summer road trips can get hot. Depending on where you plan to travel, your destination may get even hotter than what your furry family member is used to back at home.
Keep your pup cool and hydrated by offering plenty of fresh water during rest stops. Consider purchasing a cooling mat or vest for your pet to help them stay comfortable. Most importantly, never leave your dog in a parked car on a hot day.
Are you ready to hit the road with your best friend? Follow these five tips, and you’ll be well on your way to an unforgettable road trip with your dog. (BPT)
A New Shopping Experience is Coming
Can you imagine (or remember!) how grocery checkout worked before the UPC barcode became commonplace?
Clerks read price tags and manually keyed in numbers on cash registers that simply counted and managed money. At the same time, long lines of customers often wrapped around the aisles as they waited to buy their groceries.
All of that changed when the retail industry came together seeking a speedier checkout solution, inventing scanning technology and the iconic UPC barcode — a simple set of black lines and spaces that encode product information. The very first barcode scan happened 50 years ago on June 26, 1974, when a 10-pack of WRIGLEY’S® JUICY FRUIT® gum was purchased at a Marsh Supermarket in Troy, Ohio — the same year that the Uniform Code Council, now GS1, was appointed as administrator of the UPC barcode. This event marked the beginning of a new era in shopping.
The UPC barcode revolutionized inventory management and checkout speed, reducing errors and saving time. It enabled retailers to track sales more efficiently, manage stock better and streamline supply chains. Faster checkout meant reduced wait times for shoppers, which became a welcomed improvement in their experience.
Not many technologies have endured for as long as the UPC barcode. Half a century later, it continues serving its limited purpose very well. However, advanced digital technology has led to the development of newer barcodes with exponentially greater data capacity that offers the potential to forever change the way we shop, once again, while better serving the demands of increasingly sophisticated consumers. Enter the almighty QR code.
Empowering Consumers Through Information
How many times have you studied a product label only to find little or none of the information you were seeking? Have you ever wished you could quickly access reliable, detailed specifics about a product before you bought it - and after? If so, you’re not alone.
A recent survey by GS1 US, a standards organi-
zation best known for administering UPC barcodes, found that 77% of consumers believe product information is crucial when making a purchase. Additionally, 79% are more likely to purchase products with a scannable barcode/QR Code (via smartphone) that provides the additional product information that they would want to see. Yet many have experienced the frustration of shopping with insufficient facts and yearn for better clarity. In an age of digital technology and perpetual connectivity, it’s a reasonable expectation that brands and retailers are eager to meet.
In fact, many brands are creating new ways to provide easy access to the trusted product information shoppers want, exactly when they want it, by upgrading product packaging with new standardized QR codes designed for the digital age. Combining the functionality of QR codes and UPCs, shoppers will increasingly be able to scan these barcodes with their smartphones to get enhanced product information. Additionally, cashiers will soon be able to scan them at their registers, confirming the item and price with the familiar “beep,” since retailers have committed to implement QR code scanning at checkout by 2027. This integration will create a more seamless and enriched purchasing process, aligning with the growing expectations of consumers and current technology.
Brands are increasingly using these QR codes, powered by GS1, on their products to communicate directly with consumers, clearing the way for an entirely transformed future shopping experience to unfold with a myriad of benefits: Transparency and traceability Want to know where your product comes from? QR codes can reveal a product’s origin, manufacturing process and supply chain details. If you’re prioritizing healthy, ethical and sustainable purchases, this transparency is invaluable for understanding the qualities you care about.
Enhanced product information Scanning a QR code can provide instant access to a wealth of information, including nutritional facts, allergen
warnings, user reviews and usage instructions. This helps consumers make better-informed choices, catering to their specific needs and preferences while protecting consumer safety.
Shopper perks Discounted pricing, coupons and other engagement opportunities can be accessed via QR codes. Retail items can be labeled with links to promotions, recipes, instructions for use and more. The possibilities are endless, and progressive brands will soon be leveraging this capability to further solidify consumers’ relationship with their products.
Safety and authenticity Concerned about counterfeit goods? Scanning a QR code can confirm the product’s authenticity, ensuring you’re buying the real deal. This technology is also applied to manage inventory and recalls, minimizing the spread of foodborne illness outbreaks. And if a product is recalled for health or safety reasons, the QR code can be scanned to obtain details, helping you determine whether a product is affected or if it is safe to use.
The Future of Shopping
Much has changed in consumers’ shopping habits, expectations and experiences in recent years. From booming e-commerce to self-checkout lanes and global product sourcing, it’s a new world that’s constantly changing with increased digital information capabilities.
From simple lines and spaces to complex QR patterns, the evolution of the barcode reflects broader technological advancements and a growing emphasis on consumer empowerment. Today’s advanced barcodes can help consumers make better, more-informed purchasing decisions, transforming the way we shop and interact with products.
In a world where knowledge is power, modern barcodes will provide the information you need to shop with confidence and ease, and the benefits of a tech-enabled, always-on, enriched shopping experience will soon be at your fingertips.
For more information, visit www.gs1us.org/50. (BPT)
SOLUTIONS
Opinion
READER LETTERS
In Case You Hadn’t Heard
France banned mail-in voting in 1975 due to fraud. Mexico banned mail-in voting (except for citizens living abroad) in 1992 due to fraud. Belgium banned mail-in voting in 2018. Sweden, Italy, Japan, Russia, Latin American countries and the Middle East do NOT permit mail-in voting. (Source: Atlas Society)
Please, remind us. Why do we allow mail-in balloting here in the United States of America?
Also: Did you know that the county sheriff, working with the county Board of Supervisors, has the power to STOP mail-in ballots, get rid of electronic voting machines, go back to paper ballots, and more? How are we going to be able to afford to pay for machines and the 29 days to vote before and 27 days after?
Show up at Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors meetings. Talk to the sheriff and the board as many times as it takes to get changes made before the November election.
Many counties across the United States are taking this on. If your county sheriff or Board of Supervisors are not aware of this, may I suggest they contact Chad Bianco, Riverside County sheriff. Or the Shasta County sheriff. Either one could help you learn “the ropes” on this oh-so-important issue.
Diane Zimmerman Valencia
Terminal Senility or ...?
Democrats will always proclaim President Joe Biden has the mind and body of a 30-year-old while Republicans will insist he is teetering on the grave with terminal senility. What is a voter to believe? The president should take a cognitive evaluation test and promptly publish the results, ending constant speculation. If he doesn’t, the only safe assumption is that he fears the test results will send him to pasture. The voters need to know!
Bill Lyons Santa Clarita
Selective Pink Hats
Leftists wholeheartedly believe 30-year-old rape allegations against Brett Kavanaugh and Donald Trump, without any evidence, but they disbelieve the videotaped attacks upon Jewish women by Hamas a mere six months ago.
These “believe all women” types also disbelieve the staffer whom Joe Biden accosted, even though she reported it to multiple authorities, friends and family at the time. And they disbelieve women who eschew men in their locker rooms today, as surely as they disbelieved Paula Jones three decades back.
And to think, their “Me Too” and pink hats were all the rage just a few years ago. Ah well, rest assured they’ll dust them off again if Trump wins in November.
Rob
Kerchner Valencia
ETHICALLY SPEAKING
That’s
a Lie!
By David Hegg
My journey with the self-esteem movement began when my children were in elementary school. We would attend their assemblies and witness every student being awarded in some way. This trend extended to the youth soccer league, where every child received a trophy and a stack of certificates praising their greatness. This way of thinking argues that compliments and affirmations of greatness are the keys to success. Its premise? Recognition, adulation and positive reinforcement should precede accomplishment because boosting someone’s self-esteem supposedly makes them powerful, successful winners in life.
goes out to the man or woman for their brilliance, passion, perseverance and sheer grit that brought about the triumph.
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The lie of self-esteem-fueled triumph has spawned several idiotic affirmations. For example, “If you can conceive it, you can achieve it,” “If it is to be, it’s up to me,” and the ever-popular “I can accomplish my dreams and create the life I desire.”
Today, this falsehood has permeated our national consciousness. It’s a refrain we hear repeatedly from adults: “I just want my kids to know that if they work hard enough, they can accomplish anything. Nothing is impossible.”
Is it really true that nothing is impossible? The self-esteem ideology conveniently overlooks the countless law school graduates who never pass the bar exam, the Ph.D. candidates whose dissertations are never accepted, the college graduates who never succeed in their desired fields, and the athletes who never make it to the professional ranks, despite all the self-affirmation they receive.
Nothing is impossible? This is hardly something a parent should ever tell their kids. Many things are impossible. It was always an impossibility for me to play in professional basketball or any other sport. It was always an impossibility for me to hold a world record in a track and field event. It was also impossible that I would ever teach university-level mathematics courses. And I could go on and on and on.
First of all, it is a lie that recognition and praise fuel accomplishment. It is simply not reasonable to believe that telling someone they are amazing will enable them to actually accomplish amazing things. The truth we should be shouting is that praise and reward must follow triumph. And frankly, what we praise and reward isn’t the result. Our praise
Second, believing in the power of self-esteem-raising mantras makes it seem as though success is something within the reach of all, regardless of ability or effort. The self-esteem movement turns out to have been the sneaky first installment in the much more far-reaching ideology of human equality. That is, everyone is equal, and consequently, every life must enjoy equal outcomes. But, the lie is exposed when, as we have seen, some need to be given priority in order to attain what others have accomplished through merit and perseverance. The simple fact is that success isn’t a matter of self-talk or well-meaning affirmations. Success comes when the natural gifts and abilities of an individual – both intellectual and physical – are combined with the passion and diligence necessary to enhance, shape and sharpen them to achieve greatness. And even then, some will reach higher levels of accomplishment than others, either because they began with more or they were able to multiply what they had been given by working harder, longer and smarter. And, yes, along the way, affirmation and support from those near them certainly helped keep them chugging along, but without some basic, foundational abilities, self-esteem-based confidence would not have fueled great success. I maintain that you can’t put in what God left out, but you and I can, through hard work, passion and perseverance, make the most of what he did put in. And, along the way, the caring support and necessary critique of those close to us can help keep us climbing in the right direction.
Finally, to declare and believe that “nothing is impossible” is nonsense. But, to maximize what actually is possible, to set our goals and aspirations high, and fight through rejection no matter how often it seems to be winning, is the model we must follow. Ultimately, success and achievement are not measured by what the world thinks of us. It is measured by how well we have worked to use all we’ve been given to benefit the world around us.
Now, that’s something we should be telling our children.
Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.
