Sunday Signal 073023

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

Whether it’s soaring over the ocean in a seaplane or doing aerobatics over vineyards in a biplane, river rafting, rock climbing, bungee jumping or auto racing, California offers more than its fair share of stimulating activities for the thrill-seeking traveler.

Of course, what one traveler considers to be a thrilling adventure, another might see as boring as a “day at the office.” Thrill-seeking is all in the eye of the beholder.

Today’s travelers, of all ages, are increasingly seeking out activities that provide a “thrill,” or the “rush,” of being alive.

Seaplane Tours

Seaplane tours add the excitement of sightseeing from the air to the unique thrill of taking off and landing on water.

Seaplane Tours of San Francisco offers a Champagne Sunset Tour that includes not only flutes of champagne with a San Francisco sunset, but also views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline. seaplane.com.

San Diego Seaplanes offer tours of San Diego from the air departing from San Diego Bay. It also offers seaplane flight lessons. Visit www.sandiegoseaplanes.com.

Biplane Adventure

Don your flying helmet and ride shotgun in a 1941 World War II open cockpit biplane. Prepare to soar over the vineyards and rolling hills of the Sonoma Valley. Enjoy breathtaking views of fields and vineyards while you fly only hundreds of feet in the air. For the truly adventures you can also choose the option to add aerobatic maneuvers to your flight. www.vintageaircraft.com.

Helicopter Tours

There are dozens of helicopter tours, offered by a variety of companies, throughout Southern California. Choose a tour of downtown Los Angeles, coastal beach communities or Southern California landmarks, see your home from an entirely new perspective.

A helicopter tour can be a romantic date night experience or a birthday or anniversary gift. If photography is your hobby, a helicopter tour gives the opportunity for once-in-a-lifetime photos.

Los Angeles Helicopter Tours offers a variety of tour packages from three SoCal airports, Van Nuys Airport, Burbank Airport and El Monte Airport. los-angeles-helicopter-tours.com, Los Angeles Helicopters offers 13 different tour packages including a Downtown Lights Tour where you can see Los Angeles illuminated, a SoCal Surf Tour that also includes Hollywood landmarks and the LA Live Tour which includes not only down-

town L.A. landmarks but also the home of the Goodyear blimp. www.lahelicopters.com

Skydiving

After former President George H.W. Bush celebrated his 90th birthday in 2014 with a tandem parachute jump in Maine, a feat he also accomplished at age 85, skydiving was added to many “must do” life experience lists.

In Southern California there are several popular options for making this “bucket list” experience a reality.

Sky Dive Santa Barbara, offers first time skydivers the same kind of tandem jump experience enjoyed by the former president with beautiful views of the Central Coast. The company offers first-time jumpers the option of jumping from either 18,000 feet, 13,000 feet or 8,000 feet along with a short training session and a jump video. skydivesanta barbara.com

At Sky Dive San Diego you can bring family and friends to celebrate your jump in a special spectator zone just feet from where you land. Tandem jumps and video packages available. skydivesandiego.com, Located at Camarillo Airport, Skydive Coastal California is less than an hour drive from the Santa Clarita Valley. It offers tandem skydives for beginners with 45 seconds of freefall from two miles high. www.skydivecoastalcalifornia.com.

See EXTREME, page 7

Midsummer Road Trip Time

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

It’s hot. No, it’s really hot. It’s that time of year in the Santa Clarita Valley when everyone seems to either be in the pool, at the coast or flying away on vacation. If the lure of the open road catches your fancy, there is nothing quite as idyllic and magical as a California summer road trip.

Where to go? Perhaps one of these “off-the-beaten-path” destinations will scratch that “road trip itch.”

Bruce Munro: Light at Sensorio is an immersive walkthrough outdoor exhibit. Two new installations have recently been added to the exhibit. Munro: Fireflies is a whimsical work made up of some 10,000 flickering points of light. Gone Fishing is a playful representation of the contemplative act of standing by a stream.

These exhibits complement the current Munro exhibit Field of Light and Light Towers.

The Central California destination was launched in May 2019 with Field of Light. The Light Towers were added in 2021. The two newest exhibits were unveiled on May 19.

A new inaugural special event will be held on Sunday, Sept. 24 at Sensorio. This event offers guests a unique look at Sensorio as the sun rises in the east painting the sky with the colors of the dawn. The exhibit will be open from 4:30- 7:30 a.m. with coffee and pastries provided. Sunrise tickets are $22-$40.

While in Paso enjoy the delights of wine country with more than 250 wineries across seven growing regions.

been to Baywood-Los Osos? Offering breathtaking sunsets and year-round beauty Los Osos is a perfect road trip destination.

Once you arrive you can ride horses on the beach, kayak in the bay or relax on a sprawling green golf course.

One of the rare jewels of California is the majestic Montaña de Oro State Park on 3550 Pecho Valley Road. It is a geologist and naturalist’s playground.

Montaña de Oro is defined by its rugged cliffs, tucked-away sandy beaches, coastal plains, streams, canyons and hills, with spectacular scenery produced through millions of years of volcanic activity, plate tectonics and erosion.

This 8,000-acre state park is one of California’s largest. From eucalyptus groves to wildflowers, tidepools to towering dune mountains, Montaña de Oro always offers more to discover. Hike one of multiple trails here, like the serene Bluff Trail that takes in the coastline, or the challenging Valencia Peak trail, which summits at 1,347 feet.

Explore the tidepools along the shore that are rich with marine life.

Your ultimate destination is an ancient oak grove called the Elfin Forest, which is home to trees that grow only 4 to 20 feet tall.

46

Info sensoriopaso.com

Sensorio was created by Paso Robles locals Ken and Bobbi Hunter as a destination for entertainment, exploration, meditation, adventure and delight, honoring the natural topography of the landscape and intended to offer a wide range of amusing, mystical and kinetic experiences. They commissioned internationally acclaimed British artist Bruce Munro to create a sensory experience that goes beyond visual artistry to offer visitors a walkthrough kinetic adventure.

The 90-acre natural area belonging to San Luis Obispo County Parks and California State Parks offers plant communities that include coastal brackish marsh, riparian woodland fringe, pygmy oak woodland, maritime chaparral, coastal dune scrub and an oak and manzanita complex.

The El Moro Elfin Forest supports more than 200 species of plants, 110 kinds of birds, 22 species of mammals and 13 species of reptiles and amphibians. It is home to rare plants, butterflies, snails and birds. Chumash middens occur throughout the park.

Docent-led nature walks focusing on different topics are held monthly. The walks usually begin at 9:30 a.m. and last 1-1.5 hours.

Bruce Munro: Light at Sensorio, 4380 Highway

East, Paso Robles 93446

PHOTO BRUCE MUNRO: LIGHT AT SENSORIO

PHOTO EL MORO ELFIN FOREST. North end of 11th Street to 17th Street, Baywood-Los Osos 93402

Reconsider That Fixer Upper

For younger homeowners and first-time homebuyers in particular, money is likely to be tight. When most available cash is directed to the best possible down payment to secure a home in a desired neighborhood, there’s often little left for improvements.

According to a Profile of Buyers’ Home Feature Preference Report from the National Association of Realtors, 53% of homebuyers took on a home improvement project within three months of buying with kitchen projects being a priority for 47% of those surveyed. However, when buyers finance a home renovation into their mortgage application, they can broaden their options of available properties to include fixer-uppers that can be upgraded prior to move-in.

A finance option like the Guaranteed Rate Home Renovation Loan allows homebuyers to visualize the home they want versus the one that’s listed. By rolling renovation costs into their mortgage, buyers can enjoy a home tailored to their vision while paying a little extra each month for upgraded windows, siding, decks, kitchens, bathrooms or a walk-in closet. In many cases, the project can be completed after closing but prior to moving in with contractor commitments to stay within budget.

If cosmetic or structural improvements are needed when prospective homeowners find a property worth bidding on, they can work with a licensed loan officer to secure a home renovation loan. The borrower’s choice of contractor that meets the lender criteria submits an estimate that’s reviewed and validated by the lender. Once approved and the mortgage is closed, the renovation can begin with costs paid upfront, added to the loan and repaid as part of the mortgage.

Consider renovation projects like these: Luxury Renovations are geared toward the enjoyment of a home. They might be as easy as updating an entertainment room or reworking existing landscaping or as complex as adding a swimming pool, hot tub, outdoor kitchen or fitness area.

Structural Renovations affect load-bearing elements like posts, beams or even the foundation or walls of the home. Some examples include adding a garage, raising a roof, converting rooms or adding square footage to the house.

Non-Structural Renovations do not affect load-bearing elements and are often more cosmetic, including remodeling kitchens or bathrooms, repainting, replacing siding and upgrading for accessibility.

Consider the out-of-pocket costs of similar non-structural renovation projects according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2023 Cost vs. Value Report when compared with the monthly price of financing via a Guaranteed Rate Home Renovation Loan based a sample mortgage payment of $2,525/ month*.

• Bathroom remodel: $24,606 out of pocket versus $127 per month financed

• Hardwood flooring: $4,900 out of pocket versus $25 per month financed

• Finished basement: $18,400 out of pocket versus $95 per month financed

• Kitchen remodel: $77,939 out of pocket versus $402 per month financed

• Solar panels: $20,000 out of pocket versus $103 per month financed

Find more solutions to make the home renovation process easier at Rate.com.

Note that example portions of payments allocated to renovation costs are based on a purchase price of $388,800, down payment of 20%, 30-year [fixed] rate mortgage at a rate of 6.69%/7.364% annual percentage rate (APR) and 360 mortgage payments of $2,525. FICO score and lock days based on 740 FICO and 45-day lock. Advertised rates and APR effective as of 05/25/23 and are subject to change without notice. (Family Features) 

Financing option makes home improvement more attainable

Continued from page 4

Bungee Jumping

Bungee jumping may be one of the most adrenaline-filled adventures available, and surprisingly, like parachuting, is on many “bucket lists.”

Bungee America offers bungee jumping from the historic Bridge to Nowhere located in San Gabriel Canyon, 30 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles. The company offers daytime and nighttime jumps. bungeeamerica.com,

Bungee Adventures offers jumps from bridges, trees, dams and rocks in locations that include near Sacramento, in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of northern California close to: San Francisco, as well as Napa, Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park. bungeeadventures.net

River Rafting

River rafting trips can be found for all ages and all skill levels.

Redwood Rides Outfitters located in Hiouchi, in the far reaches of Northern California, offers what is described as “the best overall single-day whitewater trip in the U.S.”

Raft the North Fork of the famous Smith River in the Class IV whitewater rapids adventure. The water on this river can become so clear that many have described it as looking like you’re floating on air. This experience offers rafters amazing canyon scenery, rare carnivorous plants and dozens of waterfalls, including one you can paddle under to

ROAD TRIPS

Continued from page 5

miles

reach “the grotto.”

This trip offers several Class IV rapids (which occasionally turn into Class V rapids) and many more Class II and III rapids. redwoodrides.com.

Race Car Driving

You Race LA located at Irwindale Speedway, is a 50-minute drive from the SCV on the I-210 freeway. Drive a stock car on the Speedway’s track, or choose a ride-along experience. The speedway features banked, paved 1/2- and 1/3-mile oval tracks and hosts NASCAR short track racing. youracela.com,

Racing Adventures offers drives the chance to drive a supercar (Cobra, Corvette, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, etc.) on the famous Willow

Springs International Raceway in Rosamond. This is the race track automotive journalists often use to test new cars. racingadventures.com/los-angelessupercar-experience,

Rock Climbing

California Rock Guides is one of the oldest rock guiding companies in California, (established in 1981), with rock climbing venues from the Southern Sierra Nevada to Castle Crags next to Mount Shasta. californiarockguides.com

Rock n Rope Adventures touts the thrill of Los Angeles area rock climbing offering outdoor climbing routes for all ages and skill levels, from firsttime beginners to advanced climbers. ,www.rock nropeadventures.com

Arcata’s Community Forest, 14th and Union Street, Arcata 95521

Info www.cityofarcata.org/197/TrailMaps

This trip will take you to the far north of California. Arcata, located in Humboldt County, is adjacent to Arcata Bay and home to Humboldt State University.

A former logging town, Arcata survived to become one of California’s most charming towns, however it’s rarely on anyone’s list of “must see” places.

One of the big attractions of Arcata is its proximity to the Redwoods National Forest. With the bay to one side

featuring spectacular Pacific Ocean views and the majestic redwoods to the other, the town is surrounded both by ocean and forest.

Explore the coastline or hike through the trails winding among the redwoods. Once back in town, have a coffee in the plaza, the heart of Arcata. Enjoy the green grass and restored historic buildings, like the Pythian Castle, or hit the beach.

Arcata’s Community Forest at 14th and Union Street, is a redwood forest just blocks from downtown Arcata. With approximately 790 acres of woodland recreation and an exceptional network of developed trails for

PHOTO CREDIT ©RICK SARIA hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding the forest offers a number of bridges, stairways and cordu-

roy roads that allow the trails to cross steep ravines and traverse forested hillsides. 

PHOTO IMAGE BY LUKAS PRUDIL FROM PIXABAY

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Stay Safe This Fire Season — Ready! Set! Go!

By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager

Last year, California had nearly 7,500 wildfires with over 330,000 acres burned in total. Considered a “quiet” year compared to years past, 2022 still had significant wildfires that raged across the state, burning 876 structures and risking the lives of thousands of firefighters. With an unusually wet winter and spring this year, Santa Clarita’s beautiful green hillsides have turned into dry vegetation. This is a stark reminder of just how easily one spark can cause catastrophic consequences. Our community is no stranger to severe heat and wildfires, so it is crucial for our residents in Santa Clarita and the surrounding neighborhoods to be prepared for emergencies.

The City is proud to work closely with our Los Angeles County Fire Department, which has developed the Ready! Set! Go! initiative. This potentially lifesaving program aims to educate and empower residents to take appropriate actions to protect themselves, their families and their properties in case of fires and evacuations. The Ready! Set! Go!

plan consists of three essential steps: “Ready,” “Set” and “Go.”

The “Ready” phase emphasizes the importance of creating a defensible space around homes by removing combustible materials and vegetation, such as dry leaves and shrubs, from the immediate vicinity. Inside, be sure you have a working fire extinguisher on hand and train your family how to use it. Additionally, install smoke alarms on each level of your home and be sure to test these monthly and don’t forget to change the batteries twice a year.

The “Set” phase advises residents to create their own Wildfire Action Plan. This includes establishing a communication plan with family members and creating an emergency supply kit. Residents should pack essentials such as water, non-perishable food, medications, important documents and a first aid kit. An easy way to prepare your kit is to think of the six “P’s.” This includes people and pets, papers and phone numbers, prescriptions, pictures, personal computers and “plastic,” meaning credit cards and cash. Another part of being “Set” is to have an evacuation plan in place, identifying multiple evacuation routes and designating an emergency meeting location.

In the event of a wildfire, the “Go” phase is activated. This stage urges residents to heed evacuation

BEST IN CLASS SPECIALTY CARE

Right Here in the SCV

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.

orders promptly and evacuate without delay. It is crucial to prioritize personal safety and evacuate to a safe location away from the fire zone. We urge residents to stay informed about fire conditions by following the City’s social media platforms and checking the City’s Emergency Blog. Each of these resources will provide the most up-to-date and accurate information for residents. By following these steps, residents in Santa Clarita can significantly reduce the risk to themselves and the burden on emergency responders during a wildfire event.

The dangers of fire in Southern California, particularly in Santa Clarita, are unfortunately a constant threat, but by implementing the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Ready! Set! Go! plan, residents can become prepared if an emergency arises. By taking proactive measures and staying informed, you can minimize the devastating impact of wildfires and protect what matters most.

Ken Striplin can be reached at kstriplin@santa-clarita.com. The views expressed in his column are those of the City and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal. 

Highly Rated Diets to Support Heart Health

Eating healthy is an important goal for people looking to maintain or improve their physical health, particularly as it relates to the heart. With often conflicting information available online, it may be difficult or downright confusing to find the eating plan for you.

To help navigate the maze of information — and misinformation — experts assessed and scored the heart healthiness of several popular diets. Each diet was evaluated against the American Heart Association's guidance for a heart-healthy eating pattern, which emphasizes eating a variety of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, non-tropical plant oils and minimally processed foods; avoiding added sugars, salt and alcohol; and sticking to this guidance even when you're eating away from home.

Diets received a rating between 0-100 and were ranked, with the resulting analysis published as an American Heart Association scientific statement in the journal Circulation.

"If implemented as intended, the top-tier dietary patterns align best with key features of heart-healthy eating and may be adapted to respect cultural practices, food preferences and budgets to enable people to eat this way for the long term."

Tier 1 Highest-Rated Eating Plans (scores higher than 85)

The four patterns with the highest ratings align best with heart-healthy guidance, are flexible and provide an array of healthy foods to choose from.

DASH With a perfect score by meeting all guidance, an eating pattern similar to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension plan emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, low-fat dairy, lean meats, poultry, fish and non-tropical oils. Nordic and Baltic diets are also examples of this eating pattern, which is low in salt, added sugar, alcohol, tropical oils and processed foods.

Mediterranean This pattern limits dairy while emphasizing fruit, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, fatty fish and extra-virgin olive oil. Because it includes moderate alcohol drinking, rather than avoiding or limiting consumption, it scored a few points lower than DASH.

Vegetarian/Pescatarian A plant-based eating pattern that

includes fish.

Vegetarian/Ovo/Lacto Plant-based eating patterns that include eggs (ovo-vegetarian), dairy (lacto-vegetarian) or both (ovo-lacto vegetarian).

Tier 2 Vegan and Low-Fat Diets (scores 75-85)

These eating patterns mostly align with heart-healthy criteria and emphasize important food groups but fell short of reaching the top tier due to limitations.

Vegan A plant-based eating pattern that includes no animal products. Restrictions in this plan may make it more difficult to follow long term or when dining out. Following a vegan eating pattern increases the risk of some nutrient deficiencies, which may be overcome by supplements or fortified foods.

Low Fat A diet that limits fat intake to less than 30% of total calories, including the volumetrics eating plan and therapeutic lifestyle change plan. These types of plans often treat all fats equally while the American Heart Association's guidance suggests replacing saturated fats with healthier fats such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Those who follow low-fat diets may overconsume less healthy sources of carbohydrates, such as added sugars and refined grains. However, these factors may be overcome with proper counseling and education from a health professional.

To find the full results and learn more about heart-healthy eating, visit Heart.org. (Family Features) 

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

Recipe courtesy of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Prep time 10 minutes

Cook time 30 minutes

Servings 4

Sauce

2 tablespoons ketchup

2 tablespoons light soy sauce

2 tablespoons honey

2 teaspoons orange juice

1 teaspoon garlic (about 1 clove), minced

1 teaspoon ginger, minced

12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 2 large breasts), cut into 1-inch cubes (about 24 cubes)

1 cup fresh pineapple, diced (about 24 pieces)

8 wooden skewers (6 inches each), soaked in water

To make sauce Combine ketchup, soy sauce, honey, orange juice, garlic and ginger; mix well. Separate into two bowls and set aside.

Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Preheat oven to 350 F.

Alternately thread three chicken cubes and three pineapple chunks on each skewer.

Grill skewers 3-5 minutes on each side. Brush or spoon sauce from one bowl onto chicken and pineapple every other minute. Discard remaining sauce from first bowl.

To prevent chicken from drying out, finish cooking to minimum internal temperature of 165 F in oven. Using clean brush or spoon, coat with sauce from remaining bowl before serving. (Family Features) 

PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES

ENTERTAINMENT

‘Theater Camp’ is an ‘Affectionate’ and ‘Bittersweet Satire’

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘Theater Camp’

 (out of four)

Searchlight Pictures presents a film directed by Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman and written by Gordon, Lieberman, Noah Galvin and Ben Platt. Rated PG-13 In theaters.

For the instructors and students who gather every summer at AdirondACTS Theater Camp in upstate New York, the camp isn’t everything — it’s the only thing. As the longtime teacher Rebecca-Diane says to the small group of pupils who have been cast in the camp’s showcase production, “You guys are so talented, so unbelievable, this will break you, this will fully destroy you.”

Wait, what?

It’s lines like that gem that keep “Theater Camp” from becoming too treacly, too precious, too much of an extended insider’s joke aimed only at those who are hardcore theater fans and/or spent some of the summers of their youth at theater camps. (I don’t think I even heard of a theater camp when I was growing up, although we would re-enact scenes from Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris movies in somebody’s backyard from time to time. I guess that was kind of theater camp-ish, eh?)

Born of a years-long collaboration by Ben Platt, Molly Gordon, Noah Galvin and Nick Lieberman (which included a proof-of-concept short film), with all four writing the screenplay and Gordon and Lieberman co-directing, “Theater Camp” is an affectionate and winning yet sometimes bittersweet satire created by a talented quartet who clearly know the territory quite well. (As part of the backstories for their respective characters, we even see home movie footage of Platt and Gordon, who have known each since they were kids, performing together.)

Told in a mockumentary style, “Theater Camp” feels like a direct descendant of Christopher Guest’s 1996 cult classic “Waiting for Guffman,” with a little bit of the 2003 film “Camp” sprinkled in as well, as we’re introduced to a collection of the-

ater-loving adults and children who might seem unusual or different to judgmental outsiders but have found a place where they can embrace their creativity and express themselves with joy and passion — a place called AdirondACTS. (We don’t see glimpses of the students’ lives during the regular school year, but we get the sense they cannot WAIT for summer and the return to theater camp.)

It would be something of an upset if we didn’t have Ben Platt in a movie like this, and Platt leans into his double-edged-sword persona of being insanely talented but also borderline irritating in the role of Amos, a senior counselor at the camp. Amos and his best friend and fellow counselor Rebecca-Diane (Gordon) didn’t get callbacks at Juilliard a decade prior, but they still dream, oh, do they dream, of making that leap to performing.

After a stroke leaves the camp’s beloved founder, Joan (Amy Sedaris), in a coma, it’s left to Joan’s clueless wannabe financial-bro son, Troy (Jimmy Tatro), to take over the wobbly financial reins, while Amos and Rebecca-Diane collaborate with returning staffers, including costume designer Gigi (Owen Thiele), dance instructor Clive (Nathan Lee Graham) and stage manager Glenn (Noah Galvin) in staging a number of productions, including an ambitious and original musical tribute to their mentor, titled “Joan, Still.” (She’s still Joan but she’s absolutely still, get it?)

Ayo Edebiri from “The Bear” (which also featured Molly Gordon in Season 2) has a brief but hilarious turn as a newcomer to the staff who talks her way into a gig teaching stage combat, even though she literally doesn’t know what that is.

With so many characters to juggle, “Theater Camp” accords relatively short shrift to the kids, though Luke Islam, Alexander Bello and Bailee Bonick demonstrate skills that indicate their characters may go further than any of the adults instructing them. At times, the editing and cinematography are a bit distracting in the efforts to remind us this is a “documentary,” and thus, the cameras are sometimes out in the hallway or eavesdropping on otherwise private conversations.

Also, I have a couple of questions that remain after the obligatory “Where Are They Now” closing titles: — Were Rebecca-Diane’s parents big fans of “Cheers,” naming her after the

10

Kirstie Alley and Shelley Long characters?

— Is the brief subplot involving a nearby and wealthier camp a nod to “Meatballs” and Camp North Star’s rivalry with the snooty Camp Mohawk?

Still, “Theater Camp” is consistently funny and carries a bite, as when costumer Gigi says to a camper, “It says here you’re allergic to polyester. WHY?” or when Amos tears into Troy, explaining that the camp is for outsiders and those who never felt like they were a part of something, and then proceeding to tell Troy he doesn’t belong there — thus doing the exact kind of bullying he just railed against. Even the original musical numbers in “Joan, Still,” while utterly ridiculous, aren’t bad. You can’t help but root for the students, and even the clueless instructors, in “Theater Camp.”

Copyright 2022 Chicago Sun-Times

Top 10 Movies

July 24, 2023

1. Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One (PG-13)

Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell

2. Sound of Freedom (PG13) Jim Caviezel, Mira Sorvino

3. Insidious: The Red Door (PG13) Ty Simpkins, Patrick Wilson

4. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (PG-13) Harrison Ford, Phoebe Waller-Bridge

5. Elemental (PG) Leah Lewis, Mamoudou Athie

Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One. PHOTO COURTESY IMDB

6. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (PG) Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld

7. Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (PG-13) Anthony Ramos, Dominique Fishback

8. No Hard Feelings (R) Jennifer Lawrence, Andrew Barth Feldman

9. Joy Ride (R) Debbie Fan, Kenneth Liu

10. The Little Mermaid (PG) Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

PHOTO COURTESY IMDB

Facts About Alzheimer’s

Of the roughly 55 million people around the world living with dementia, 60 to 70 percent are estimated to have Alzheimer’s disease, reports the Mayo Clinic.

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder marked first by mild memory loss that can worsen and lead to problems with communication and an inability to perform the activities of daily life. The condition is named for Dr. Alois Alzheimer. In 1906, Alzheimer noticed changes in the postmortem brain tissue of a woman who had died of unusual mental illness, which included symptoms of language problems, memory loss and unpredictable behavior. Her brain showed many abnormal clumps and tangled bundles of fibers. According to the National Institute on Aging, doctors now know those clumps are amyloid plaques and the tangles are hallmarks of the disease.

The National Institutes of Health says Alzheimer’s disease is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States and is the most common dementia among older adults. While most people are familiar with Alzheimer’s, there is much more anyone can learn. The following are some interesting facts about Alzheimer’s.

• The most common symptoms of Alzheimer’s involve a gradual decline in memory, reasoning, language, coordination, mood, and behavior.

• The Cleveland Clinic says the buildup of plaques and tangles from an overabundance of amyloid and tau protein production block the communication between nerve cells and cause brain cells to die, thus contributing to Alzheimer’s. Nerve cell death starts in the hippocampus, the area of

the brain that controls memory. Doctors are not entirely sure what causes this protein build-up.

• Many times family members are the first to recognize a friend or loved one forgetting newly learned information, especially recent events, places and names.

• Issues with thinking and reasoning may include not wearing the right clothes for the weather or not knowing to use oven mitts when taking hot items out of the oven.

• Changes in the brain can begin years before initial symptoms appear, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Age is the biggest risk factor for Alzheimer’s. Researchers believe that genetics may play a role, but a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s does not make it an inevitability.

• A healthy lifestyle, which includes adequate physical activity, a nutritious diet, limited alcohol consumption, and not smoking, may help people avoid Alzheimer’s.

• Alzheimer’s can rob a person of his or her personality. As the disease becomes more severe, mood swings, anger, depression, and anxiety may occur. This is combined with the patient forgetting who family members are and potentially lashing out or being disinterested in visitors.

• There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but doctors use medical management to improve quality of life for patients and their caregivers. Treatments may help maintain brain health and manage behavioral symptoms.

Alzheimer’s disease was first diagnosed at the start of the 20th century. Now, 117 years later, it remains a major health issue affecting millions of people worldwide. (MC) 

Sights, Sounds that Say Floors May Need Replacing

ice flooring draws immediate attention when entering a home. Natural wood floors tend to instantly impress, while the right kitchen flooring materials can create the welcoming feeling many homeowners strive to establish in the most popular room in the home.

Stunning floors are hard to miss, and floors that are well past their prime are equally noticeable. Aging floors may fall somewhere between fading and failing to live up to homeowners’ standards. Fading floors may not need to be replaced immediately, but the following are some signs that indicate existing floors are nearing their expiration date.

Soft spots A floor should not give when stepped on. Soft spots could be indicative of water damage caused by any number of factors. Some water damage is caused by mopping the floor with a soaking wet mop, while burst pipes also contribute to water damage that can cause soft spots. A single soft spot on the floor may necessitate a relatively simple repair, but various soft spots indicate extensive damage that might be affecting the floor, subflooring or both. In the latter instance, homeowners should consider a full floor replacement.

Creaking floors Creaking floors are among the more annoying issues that can arise in a home. In such homes, residents feel as though every step they or their housemates take is being announced. In addition, creaking floors can awake light sleepers, including young children. The floor experts at Discount Flooring Depot

note that uneven subfloor could be the culprit behind creaking floors. Though that does not necessarily require a floor replacement, it can be hard to lift existing floors and then refit them after the subflooring has

been addressed. That’s especially so if low-quality laminate flooring was installed. So while creaking floors may not require a full floor replacement, it’s an outcome homeowners who can no longer live with the noise can pre-

pare themselves for.

Dated look Of course, some floors simply look like the product of a bygone era. Various factors, including location, affect the resale value of a home, but Realtor.com reports that hardwood floors are preferred by both home buyers and renters. In addition, Realtor.com estimates that wood floors could provide a return as high as 80% of the initial investment when homeowners sell their homes. If existing flooring looks dated, it might be time to bring it up to speed with something more modern. A home’s flooring is bound to draw the attention of residents and visitors alike. Homeowners who replace their flooring can ensure that attention is drawn for all the right reasons. (MC)

Wood Floor Cleaning Guide

Wood floors are coveted for a number of reasons, not the least of which is their aesthetic appeal. Many people prefer wood flooring because dust and dirt do not become trapped as they would in carpet fibers, seemingly making wood flooring easy to clean. Most floors endure a lot of wear and tear. However, with care, wood flooring may last for decades. Part of that care includes understanding how to properly clean and maintain wood floors so they look their best. The following are some steps for keeping wood floors as pristine as possible.

Remove Shoes It’s a good idea to remove shoes, particularly heels, when walking on wood floors. Sharp heels, cleats and other shoes can scratch or dent wood flooring. All shoes can track in excess dirt, which can contribute to a lack of luster as well.

Sweep or Vacuum Frequently The experts at The Spruce suggest sweeping, vacuuming or dust mopping wood floors daily. Dirt and dust make floors more slippery, and dirt or sand particles can lead to scratches on the floor. Learn Your Flooring Type Wood flooring is broken down into three main categories: solid hardwood flooring, engineered hardwood flooring and laminate wood flooring. Traditional hardwood is made of planks or strips of any hardwood covered in a wood stain. Engineered flooring is manufactured by gluing together several thin plies of hardwood. Laminate flooring looks like wood but generally is a veneer or a photographic image of wood covered by a thick layer of melamine resin over fiberboard. Skip Harsh Cleansers Regardless of flooring type, most are covered by a sealant that can become streaky or dull if the wrong cleanser is used. Avoid chlorine bleach, am-

monia, pine oil, or undiluted vinegar. Instead, choose a cleanser that is specifically recommended for the flooring type. Do not allow water or solutions to sit on the floor, as that can contribute to staining and warping. With laminate flooring, avoid wet mopping unless the flooring is specifically marked as being able to be wet. The underlayers of laminate flooring can warp if it gets wet.

Damp is Better than Wet When cleaning wood flooring, use a damp rather than a soaking wet mop. Better Homes & Gardens says standing water can damage wood surfaces.

Use the Hard Floor Setting When vacuuming, adjust the vacuum to a hard flooring setting, which will not engage the brush rollers on the vacuum head. Rollers can scratch wood and laminate flooring, advises The Home Depot. Use Repair Products as Needed Scratch and repair kits can fill in small scratches. Wood floor polish and wood waxes also can revitalize worn floors. Again, check that the product is safe for your particular flooring before use. Wood floors bring warmth to a home and are very popular. Cleaning them correctly can add to their appeal and longevity. (MC) 

Garden Expert Approved: New Trends and Plants

No matter where you live or how green your thumb, you can enjoy the beauty and bounty of gardening at home. Now is the ideal time to plan a spring garden that will be the envy of the neighborhood.

The experts at Ball Horticultural Company share their recommended plants, top topics and tips to set up every type of gardener for success this year.

Plants For Your Pocketbook

Creating a stunning garden doesn’t have to break the bank. To get even more bang for the buck, select hardy plants known to thrive through adversity or fast-spreading flowers that fill in quickly.

New Hula™ Spreading Begonia is a great example of a budget-friendly plant that quickly fills in garden beds with a blanket of high-impact color, covering the soil and discouraging weeds in minimal time. They’re bursting with eye-catching blooms, very forgiving for novice gardeners, and are also great for outdoor hanging baskets and mixed containers.

If heat, humidity or drought are a concern for you, opting for resilient flowering plants can help ensure greenery and blooms no matter the weather condition. Angelonia AngelDance™, for example, thrives even in harsh conditions like high heat, producing tall flower spikes that are perfect for that cottage garden vibe. Additionally, because the stems are flexible, they bring awesome movement to your garden and you don’t

have to worry about breakage.

Tropical Colors Delight

Tropical hues are trending, which is evident by the rich, pink shade of Viva Magenta selected as Pantone’s 2023 Color of the Year. From deep burgundies to bright, energetic pinks, you can use florals reminiscent of a south beach escape to turn your outdoor space into a personal oasis.

To add instant color to sunny spots, try all-season blooming Easy Wave® Burgundy Velour Petunias either solo or in mixed planters, baskets, gardens and window boxes. Brighten up shadier spots with the Glimmer™ Burgundy Double Impatiens, which produce beautiful, rose-like blooms that are easy to maintain, as the plant’s old blooms do not need to be removed as they fade.

If you live in climates that require low-maintenance plants that can withstand chillier temps, try Oscar® Cherry Velvet Dianthus, which has frost tolerance and a soft floral fragrance. Another hardy option in

a vibrant shade is the Sombrero Pocoâ„¢ Hot Pink Echinacea, a compact version of winter-hardy prairie coneflower, with bright, non-fading blooms. As an added bonus, the plant is known to be deer resistant and attract song birds and butterflies.

Impress with Vegetables

When you grow your own vegetables, you reap even more health benefits, including the positive emotional boost of being outdoors, plus you save money on groceries. This year, try unique homegrown choices that add fresh flavor to your meals and impress guests at your next gathering.

To upgrade your vegetable platter, check out Sun Dipper Tomatoes. Their unique, elongated shape makes them easy to hold and ideal for dipping into your favorite spreads and party dips. Another visually mesmerizing variety is the Mocha Swirl Snack Pepper from Burpee Plants. This sweet snacking pepper produces 4-inch fruits that ripen green and white at 50 days and then to rich

chocolate-red stripes at 70 days.

If you’re limited on space, you can still enjoy the benefits of growing your own fresh vegetables by exploring indoor, tabletop options. Kitchen Minis Quick Snack Cucumber are a restricted-vine crispy-and-delicious cuke that can be kept inside on a sunny windowsill or counter for a fresh harvest over a few weeks.

Living Color Indoors

Have you recently downsized, or do you live in an apartment, condo or townhome? No matter where you live, you can still enjoy the beauty and benefits of plant parenthood by exploring indoor-flowering varieties that brighten spaces and enhance interior design.

Yellow is reminiscent of sunshine and conveys positive emotions, which is why the ColorBloom™ Gerbera is such a happy addition to indoor spaces. Perfectly happy to grow in small indoor pots, you’ll enjoy long-lasting blooms when you place them in sunny locations throughout the home.

If you prefer leafy varieties in your home, try color- and texture-rich foliage plants, such as Jurassic Dino™ Rex Begonia. With bold patterns, including a beautiful rose-pink leaf color with green edges, white dots and a black leaf center, the plant sets the mood and accents any room.

From indoor tabletops to outdoor landscapes, porches and beyond, garden experts agree: There are plenty of plant options to help you create a stunning space this year. (BPT) 

Three Potentially Low-Maintenance Trees

Few things in nature are as breathtaking as a beautiful landscape. That beauty is perhaps one reason why many homeowners spend so much time and expend so much effort on their lawns and gardens.

Though plenty of homeowners love spending time in the yard, others may not be so inclined. For the latter group, low-maintenance trees can be just what the doctor ordered. Low-maintenance tress can provide the beauty nature-loving homeowners desire without all the extra work of more needy plants. It’s always best to consult a local landscaping professional prior to planting to ensure a tree will thrive in a given climate.

1. Jacaranda: Instantly identifiable by its purple

blooms, the jacaranda tree is native to South America, which makes it ideal in warm climates. The jacaranda tree is considered a shade tree and if or when it sheds it leaves, those leaves can typically be mowed, saving homeowners the work of raking them. However, the online home and garden resource The Spruce notes that jacaranda trees can require substantial maintenance when planted near surfaces where people walk, such as driveways and patios. So when planting jacaranda trees, it’s ideal to do so in locations where falling leaves will land exclusively on grass.

2. American arborvitae: The Arbor Day Foundation¨ notes that the American arborvitae requires almost no care when it’s used as a hedge or a

screen. That’s a popular use for this versatile specimen with a narrow, pyramid shape. Though it does not provide the bright blast of color offered by the jacaranda, the American arborvitae creates an elegant look that offers considerable privacy as well.

Japanese red maple: The Home Depot notes that the Japanese red maple are very low-maintenance trees that can adapt to various soil types and grow in an assortment of light conditions. During dry periods, however, the ADF notes the importance of keeping soil consistently moist. Various types of soil can accommodate the Japanese red maple, so this is a consideration for any homeowner looking to add some color to their lawns without a lot of extra work. (MC) 

Steps to Take Before Applying For a Mortgage

Ahome is the single biggest purchase most people will ever make. That’s perhaps become even more true in recent years, when the cost of homes has increased dramatically.

The sticker price of a home may come as a shock to first-time buyers, but few purchase their homes in cash. Mortgages are a vital component of home ownership for the vast majority of buyers. Mortgages are loans obtained through the conveyance of property as security. When homeowners pay off their mortgages, the title of the property officially transfers to them from their lenders.

Though most homeowners use mortgages to buy, that does not mean the process is the same for everyone. A host of factors affect mortgage terms, and there’s much prospective homeowners can do to secure the best agreement possible.

• Recognize why a low interest rate is important. Mortgage interest rates have drawn considerable attention in recent years, as rising inflation has led to rates that have reached their highest point in more than a decade. Even a seemingly small difference in interest rates can save or cost homeowners thousands of dollars, if not tens of thousands, over the course of a loan. For example, the financial experts

a 5.5% interest rate and a 6% interest rate on a $200,000 mortgage is roughly $64 per month. That might not seem like a lot, but over the course of a 30-mortgage the borrower who gets the 6% loan will pay in excess of $23,000 more in interest than the borrower who secures the 5.5% loan.

• Work on your credit score. So how can borrowers get the best possible rate? One way to go about it is to improve credit scores. Average mortgage interest rates vary significantly by credit score, with higher scores earning borrowers significantly lower rates.

According to data from FICO, as of mid-February 2023 borrowers with a FICO score of 760+ earned an average interest rate of 6.06%, while those with scores between 620-639 secured an average rate of 7.65%. By bolstering their credit scores before applying for a mortgage, prospective homeowners can improve their standing in the eyes of mortgage lenders, which can potentially save them tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.

• Identify how much you want to spend. Prospective home buyers may be approved to borrow much more money than they think they will qualify for. That’s because lenders do not consider factors like utilities, insurance, day care, or other expenses everyone has. That means it’s up to borrowers to determine how much those expenses will be, and how much they should be spending on a home. Though it might be tempting to borrow up to the amount lenders approve you for, in general it’s best to stay below that amount so you can capably meet all of your additional obligations.

Mortgages enable millions of people to buy homes each year. Some simple steps before applying for a mortgage can help prospective homeowners secure the best terms. (MC) 

4:20 7:30

nsp red by the c assic theme park attrac tion Haunted Mans on is about a woman and her son who enl st a motley crew of so- cal ed spiritual exper ts to help rid their home of supernatura squatters

Ta l k To M e E 12:50 3:05 5:20 7:35

When a group of fr ends discover how to conjure spir ts using an embalmed hand they become hooked on the new thr ll, unt l one of them goes too far and unleashes terrify ng supernatural forces

Ba r B i e C Sun: 10:10 1:00 4:30 7:25; Mon to Thu: 1:00 4:30 7:25

To l ve n Barb e Land s to be a per fec t being in a per fec t p ace Un ess you have a fu l- on ex stentia cr s s Or you’re a Ken o p p e n h e i M e r E 12:50 3:45 7:10

Written and direc ted by Christopher No an, Oppenheimer is an IMAX®-shot epic thri ler that thrusts audiences into the pu se -pound ng paradox of the enigmatic man who must r sk destroying the world in order to save t

T h e M i r aC l e C lu B C Sun: 10:30 AM

A group of Ir sh ladies embark on a dream trip to Lourdes, France but tens on arises when they re o ned by an acqua ntance who recent y returned home after after decades n the US

M i s s i o n: i M p o s s i B l e - d e a d r e C ko n i n g pa r T o n e C Sun: 10:00 1:00 4:10 7:20; Mon to Thu: 1:00 4:10 7:20

n M ssion Imposs b e - Dead Reckoning Par t One, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his MF team embark on the r most dangerous m ssion yet To track down a terr fying new weapon that threatens a l of humanity before it fa ls into the wrong hands

i n d i a n a j o n e s a n d T h e d i a l o f d e s T i ny C Sun: 10:00 12:55 4:05

Strokes are Rising in Young Populations

Often times stroke is associated with older populations, but many people are unaware that it can occur at any age. In fact, one out of five people who have a stroke are under age 55.

A stroke is a brain attack that occurs when blood vessels in the brain are blocked or burst. Strokes can cause long-term disability, impair a person’s ability to speak, see or move, and can even result in death.

While you can lose everything to stroke, taking quick action at the first sign can help with recovery and have a lasting impact.

Unfortunately, almost 30% of adults younger than 45 don’t know the five most common symptoms of a stroke, according to research published in The American Heart Association’s “Stroke.”

At the same time, stroke is on the rise in that age group.

“Young people who are not familiar with the most common signs of stroke are at risk of inaction at a

time when every second matters,” says Sheryl Martin-Schild, MD, PhD, stroke medical director at Touro Infirmary.

“Both stroke survival and recovery are possible with the right care at the right time.”

Immediate medical attention is dependent on everyone learning and being able to recognize the sudden onset of the BE FAST signs and symptoms of a stroke in themselves and others and calling 911 immediately. BE FAST stands for Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, Time and refers to these signs of stroke:

Balance Sudden loss of balance

Eyes Loss of vision in one or both eyes

Face Face looks uneven or droopy

Arm Arm or leg is weak or hanging down

Speech Slurred speech, trouble speaking or seems confused

Time Immediately call 911

What to Know about AFib

The heart has been characterized as the engine that makes the human body run. If that metaphor is not exactly spot-on, it still serves as a good indicator as to just how vital a healthy heart is to the human body.

Despite the importance of a healthy heart, diseases that affect the heart remain the single greatest cause of death across the globe. According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally, claiming roughly 18 million lives each year. Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common form of arrhythmia, and it behooves anyone to gain a greater understanding of this condition.

What is AFib?

The Cleveland Clinic notes that AFib is an arrhythmia that begins in the upper chambers of the heart known as the atria. When a person has AFib, these chambers beat irregularly, and the American Heart Association reports that, when this occurs, blood pools in the area because not

enough blood is being pumped out of the atria. That pooled blood can clot and pose a serious threat.

What are the symptoms?

The Cleveland Clinic notes that some people with AFib experience no symptoms. Such is the case in people whose ventricles are beating at a normal or slightly elevated pace. When ventricles begin to beat faster, then individuals may experience symptoms that can include extreme fatigue, irregular heartbeat, heart palpitations, feeling of butterflies, dizziness or lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath or chest pain.

Can I lower my risk?

Some ways are to adapt a lifestyle that includes regular physical activity; a heart-healthy diet that is low in salt, saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol; controlling blood pressure; avoiding excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine; avoiding smoking; maintaining healthy cholesterol levels; and maintaining a healthy weight.

(MC) 

No matter a person’s age, understanding stroke risk factors is also vital, as some factors can be managed with lifestyle changes.

These risk factors include high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, poor circulation, lack of physical activity and obesity.

It’s important for everyone to talk to their health care provider about safely managing these factors through diet, exercise and smoking cessation, particularly for those at higher risk due to age (risk increases as you get older), race (African-Americans, Hispanics, and

Asian/Pacific Islanders have a higher risk of stroke than people of other races), sex (more women have strokes than men) and family history (risk is greater if a family member has had a stroke).

“According to the CDC, stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability. Therefore, it’s critical to learn the signs and take action right away,” says Dr. Martin-Schild. “It is far better to react than to regret.”

For more information and resources, visit strokeawareness.com, developed by Genentech Inc., a member of the Roche Group.

“BE FAST” was developed by Intermountain Healthcare, as an adaptation of the FAST model implemented by the American Stroke Association. Reproduced with permission from Intermountain Healthcare. © 2011 Intermountain Healthcare. All rights reserved. (SPT) 

By Dana Jackson

QWhatever happened to the older woman who was chosen as “The Bachelorette” and left early in the season because she found “the one”? Are they still together?

—

J.K.

AOnly in Hollywood is 39 considered old, but that’s how old Clare Crawley was when she was chosen by ABC to be their “Bachelorette” for season 16 of the show. She surprised viewers by quitting after just 12 days of filming because she said she already found her man — 31-year-old contestant Dale Moss. Alas, Crawley didn’t find her happily ever after with him.

The couple did get engaged, but had a rocky on- and off-again relationship, finally breaking up for good in September 2021. After getting her heart broken, Crawley found love the following year with

BOOK REVIEW

Mascot Sports CEO Ryan Dawkins. She told People magazine, “He’s not after fame and ... he is so consistent and so vocal about how much he loves me.”

Crawley won’t be competing on any reality dating shows anymore, since she happily said “I do” to Dawkins earlier this year and is expecting her first child, via surrogate, in January 2024.

QI’m really surprised Carol Burnett didn’t get nominated for an Emmy for “Better Call Saul.” Isn’t there a special category for guest-star parts? I thought she’d be a shoo-in.

—

G.M.

AComedy legend Carol Burnett did a spectacular job in her impactful role on the final season of “Better Call Saul.” However, according to Rolling Stone, she wasn’t eligible for the Outstanding Guest Actress category because she appeared in “one episode too many” and was thus submitted for consideration in the Supporting Actress category instead. Alas, that category was highly competitive and saturated with actresses from “The White Lotus,” leaving Burnett off the nominations list.

“Better Call Saul” aired its series finale right after voting ended for last year’s Emmys, putting it at a disadvantage for this year’s nominations. Bob Odenkirk and Rhea Seehorn are contenders in their respective acting categories, and the ceremony is expected to air on Fox this September.

QI just read that Margot Robbie has been married for several

BookTrib’s Bites From Video Development to World War II

I Got It from Here

By Francesca Miracola

Raw and illuminating, this is one woman’s story of saving herself and her children from the grips of a sociopath posing as a family man—and from the inherited trauma passed down by her own family of birth—while learning to trust in the inner voice that’s been trying to guide her all along.

Growing up in an Italian American family in Queens, NY, in the ’70s, the author was trained to keep up appearances — but her parents’ toxic marriage served as a blueprint for dysfunction. So when she meets Jason, she ignores all the red flags and dives right in, normalizing his emotional and physical abuse. She even marries and has two children But something clicks one night she decides she is done. Except Jason won’t let her go.

The Four Swords: A Parable of Leadership, Video Games, and Dead Dragons

By Paul Tozour

A unique leadership book written as a “leadership fable” in the style of Patrick Lencioni’s clas-

sic The Five Dysfunctions of a Team. The Four Swords was written to shine a light on the critical link between culture, values, and outcomes, and to illustrate how the values of an organization create that organization’s culture — and how that culture drives its outcomes.

It offers a gritty, in-the-trenches view of the harsh realities of modern video game development, as four hard-working game developers struggle with team dysfunction, obstinate leadership, broken tools and processes, difficult conversations, and personality conflicts. This is a book full of surprises, including countless plot twists and real-world

years. I’ve never seen her husband walking the red carpet with her at award shows. Who is he?

— O.T.

AThe twice-Oscar-nominated actress and star of the upcoming film “Barbie” has been quietly married since 2016 to film producer Tom Ackerley. They met a decade ago on the set of Robbie’s movie “Suite Francaise” where he was the assistant director. The two now own a production company and have produced several of Robbie’s films, including “I, Tonya.”

As for red carpet appearances, the couple did appear before photographers on the pink carpet at the world premiere event for “Barbie” at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. They’ll also be producing partners for her upcoming film, a yet-to-betitled “Ocean’s Eleven” sequel. At only 33 years old each, the couple will hopefully have many more years together conquering Hollywood.

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

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

violence. It works on its own as entertaining fiction.

Summons to Berlin

By Joanne Intrator

On his deathbed, Dr. Joanne Intrator’s father poses two unsettling questions: “Are you tough enough? Do they know who you are?”

Joanne soon realizes that these haunting questions relate to a center-city Berlin building that the Nazis ripped away from her family in 1938. But a decade is to pass before she will fully come to grasp why her father threw down the gauntlet as he did.

Repeatedly, Joanne’s restitution quest brings her into confrontation with yet another of her profound fears surrounding Germany and the Holocaust. Having to call on reserves of strength she’s unsure she possesses, the author leans into her professional command of psychiatry, often overcoming flabbergasting obstacles perniciously dumped in her path. In the end, Joanne proves tough enough to satisfy her father’s unnerving final demands.

BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

Margot Robbie stars as the title character in “Barbie” (2023). COURTESY OF WARNER BROS. PICTURES

How to Help Pets Shed Extra Pounds

Overweight and obesity can affect the family pet. Carrying excess weight has similar consequences for dogs and cats as it does for people, namely increasing risk for certain diseases. According to the pet retailer Chewy, being overweight can contribute to hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes, and even some forms of cancer.

It is vital for pet parents to help their companion animals maintain a healthy weight. Despite this, Rover. com says more than half of America’s dogs can be classified as overweight. A healthy weight range varies depending on the breed and age of the pet. However, individuals can speak to their veterinarians to identify an ideal weight for their furry friend. In fact, it is always advisable to maintain a dialogue with a veterinarian regarding a pet’s weight, especially when the pet is a cat. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, feline physiology differs from humans and canine physiol-

ogy. If a cat does not eat for as little as two consecutive days, it can develop a life-threatening liver disease called hepatic lipidosis.

Pet owners can keep these tips in mind as they seek to help their companion animals lose weight.

• Get ready to count calories and adjust food accordingly to create a calorie deficit that is right for your pet. Most pets need less food than their owners may think. In addition, the food measurements on pet food bags tend to overestimate the amount of feeding. Determine calorie need and then measure carefully. Also, cut back on allowing animals to eat treats and table scraps.

• Consider a specialty food that is designed to balance nutritional needs. Many “diet” foods contain higher amounts of protein or fiber to help the pet feel fuller, rather than other foods that offer more carbohydrates and fillers. The food may be more expensive, but it will come with the

benefit of potentially helping your pet have a better quality of life after it loses excess weight.

• Introduce new foods gradually as many pets can be finicky eaters. VCA Animal Hospitals says to transition cats with one-quarter of the new food and three-quarters of the old one for four to five days, then slowly increase the proportion of new food. It may take cats between two and three weeks to start eating a new food. Wet foods tend to be more palatable to picky cats than dry foods.

• Use a slow feeder to help your pet drag out feedings to feel satiated with less food.

• Increase exercise by taking dogs on more walks and engaging in active play with cats whenever possible. Adding 30 to 60 minutes to walks can help, and using a laser pointer for cats to chase can help them burn energy and shed excess pounds.

• Move the food bowl around the house so that pets have to travel to

find it, thus exerting energy. Cats in particular may lounge near bowls for an easy meal.

• Rather than one large meal a day, split up feedings to two to three times per day to stretch satiety across the day.

• Keep the water bowl full. Sometimes dehydration can mimic the symptoms of hunger. Plenty of fresh water also can help pets feel full. These steps can help pets lose weight and feel better. Vets may suggest certain intervals for weigh-ins to monitor progress. (MC) 

SOLUTIONS

Could Trump Win in 2024?

Although Joe Biden got about 7 million more “popular” votes than Donald Trump in the 2020 general election, he became president by getting the “electoral” votes of just three states (Arizona, Georgia and Wisconsin).

BUT, he got those states by very slim margins. For example, Biden got Georgia by 11,779 votes out of over 5 million cast. That’s less than one half of a percentage point. No wonder Trump was looking for more votes in Georgia. It mattered.

Now, although I am not convinced that there was any voter fraud during the 2020 presidential election (there’s simply no proof or evidence of it) it is a lot easier to somehow “produce” 12,000 ballots than, say, 100,000 or 1 million. Notwithstanding, 12,000 votes out of 5 million puts you deep in the margin of error of most polls. In other words, it could have gone either way.

As far as I’m concerned, Joe Biden beat Donald Trump by sheer luck, but he might not be so lucky the second time around — Biden now has as much going against him as Trump does.

It’s really a toss-up because in my opinion Biden and Trump are both shysters so I honestly can’t tell which is better for this country, red crap or blue crap. I myself prefer purple crap. Whoever wins in 2024 may depend solely on which one’s stench you can more easily stomach.

Or, as George Carlin once noted, “Your own farts smell OK.”

Oh, and by the way, let’s say half the nation’s voters (those who voted for Trump and will vote for him again) are either evil, insane, or stupid. What can be done about that, ship 74 million people to Zanzibar? Better yet, how about a network of “political re-education” camps, sort of like a mass “conversion therapy?” No, wait, I’ve got it! We can “save” democracy by barring half the nation from voting. Yep, THAT should do the trick.

OK, we can’t really do that. God help us, but thanks to the 14th, 19th and 26th Amendments to the Constitution, nearly every citizen over the age of 18 can vote. I said “nearly” because there are some exceptions, and although they aren’t ALL convicted felons maybe Trump supporters can be legally barred from voting by being collectively adjudicated as incompetent — see U.S. Code, Title 52, Section 10101, Paragraph (c). It would, however, be the height of irony if we thus destroyed democracy by trying to save it.

Arthur Saginian Santa Clarita

ETHICALLY SPEAKING

We Need More Heroes

By David Hegg

Back in 1985, the film “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome” featured a song sung by Tina Turner declaring, “We don’t need another hero.”

In truth, I have no idea how that song, and especially that line, figured into a movie that was all about a hero doing heroic things. And just to be clear, we could use a bunch more heroes.

Every day we hear or read about heroes chasing down criminals, rescuing babies, protecting people and property, rushing into burning buildings, taking down active shooters, and any number of other heroic, lifesaving actions.

Every day our heroes are on their posts. Our law enforcement and fire service professionals, and our medical first responders, who constantly train and prepare themselves, stand ready to rush in – despite the risks and unknowns – to put their lives and knowledge at the disposal of those in need. They do it without thought to their own comfort, without regard for the dangers involved, and they do it well … again and again and again. And if you know one of these important individuals, you also know they don’t really think of themselves in heroic ways. So, why do they do it? Why put themselves at risk to help others?

As our society increasingly is becoming a mass of self-centered consumers driven to get more and more and more in a feverish rush for self-gratification, it is worth considering what drives our first responders to give their all to help those they don’t even know.

At the heart of it all is an intentional conviction that the lives and safety of others are worth putting their own lives on the line. We could simply say they live to serve others. They have chosen to dedicate their lives to making sure others are safe, and properly cared for. And even further down in their psyche is a belief that the lives of other people matter greatly, even more than their own if the situation calls for it. This kind of sacrificial thinking is humbling, rare, and absolutely essential to the existence of a well-ordered, noble and successful society. Frankly, we need more of this from all of us.

As a Christian pastor, my boss – a man named Jesus – understood the necessity

of self-denial as a prerequisite to being a benefit to the world around us. When he called those in the crowd to follow him he first demanded that they come to understand the value of denying self. That is, to stop living only for self, learn to live beyond their own interests, and find great purpose in serving others and looking out for their interests. One of his biographers would later write, “He didn’t come to be served, but to serve and give his life to rescue others.”

Much has been made about America’s “greatest generation,” those who left farm and family to battle the Axis powers, and then returned to build a great postwar nation. They were characterized by this same trait, sacrificial service to others. Even today when some of them are interviewed regarding their achievements, they simply remind us that they weren’t doing anything extraordinary. They were only doing what was right, and pouring their lives into what was best for their comrades, and their country.

While every tragedy is a reminder that we live in a broken world, it is also an opportunity to see how the attitudes that fight against this brokenness are still vibrant in the hearts of our heroes. And they set an example for us all.

What we need are more folks willing to look out for the interests of others, to consider others as more important than their own petty desires and conveniences.

America groans under the weight of a growing selfishness, a growing addiction to what is easy and convenient, all coupled to the thought that none of us is really responsible for our neighbor. But the reality is that, while my home is mine, and your home is yours, this land in which we live belongs to us all, and it is our privilege to serve one another in big and small ways, always striving to overwhelm our innate selfishness with the grand intention of sacrificial service.

Turns out we do need more heroes. In fact, if our society is to survive, we all need to be ready to deny our innate selfishness and live to serve the best interests of those around us.

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