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The History of Los Angeles Freeways

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

Los Angeles is famous for its freeways. If you were born and raised in Los Angeles County you have probably been driving the L.A. freeways your entire life. But what do you know about these legendary roads many used by Santa Clarita Valley residents?

Freeway Syntax

When referring to freeways Southern Californians use either its formal or colloquial name, such as the Antelope Valley Freeway, the San Diego Freeway or the Simi Valley Freeway. When locals use a freeway number it is always preceded by the word “the.” The I-5, the 14, the 10 is a habit unique to Southern California. The rest of the country, including Northern Californians, use the freeway number without using “the” in front of the number.

The First L.A. Freeway

The first Los Angeles freeway was the Arroyo Seco Parkway. It opened in 1940 and is one of the oldest freeways in the United States. This six-lane, eight-milelong road linked Pasadena and downtown Los Angeles.

Now it is referred to as the Pasadena Freeway by Southern Californians. Its formal name is State Route 110 and the road remains largely as it was on opening day, though the original plants in its median gave way to a steel guard rail and most recently to concrete barriers.

The Arroyo Seco Parkway was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2011.

In downtown Los Angeles State Route 110 becomes Interstate 110, the Harbor Freeway which ends in San Pedro. The entire freeway length from Pasadena to San Pedro is 32 miles.

The Antelope Valley Freeway

The Antelope Valley Freeway, State Route 14, was built in sections from 1963 to 1975. It is a 117-mile state highway that begins in the Newhall Pass and ends at US Route 395

near Inyokern.

The first section of freeway, from just west of Sand Canyon Road to Ward Road, opened on Oct. 15, 1963.

An official grand opening ceremony was held on Aug. 23, 1963. The day’s event began with a helicopter ribbon cutting at Sand Canyon. Nearly 2,500 SCV residents lined the Sand Canyon overpass as then Los Angeles County 5th District Supervisor Warren Dorn rode in the helicopter and local beauty queens held the ribbon across the width of the freeway so the helicopter could slice through it during the ceremony.

The official dedication concluded under the freeway overpass at Ward Road in Acton with political speeches, including one by Los Angeles City Mayor Sam Yorty.

The last segment of SR-14, from San Fernando Road to I-5, opened in 1975.

Plans call for the last sections of two-lane roadway on the Antelope Valley Freeway, between Red Rock Canyon and the east State 178 junction to be upgraded to expressway status. This will make SR14 at least four-lanes for its entire length.

The Golden State Freeway

Locals call Interstate 5 the Golden State Freeway, a holdover from US 99 which was known as the Golden State Highway. I-5 follows much of the route of the old US 99. I-5 was originally created in 1956 as part of the national Interstate Highway System

I-5 runs 1,381 miles from the Mexican boarder to Canada. Much of I-5 was completed in stages from 1954 to 1970.

The route through California’s Central Valley was the last section of I-5 to be constructed, it opened to traffic near Stockton on Oct. 12, 1979.

The I-5 corridor forms part of the West Coast Electric Highway, a partnership between the states of California, Oregon and Washington to build and maintain a network of charging stations for electric vehicles. The pact was formed in 2009 and the first charging stations, spaced 25 to 50 miles apart, opened in 2011.

In 2019, the three states broke ground on a similar charging network for electric trucks along I-5 called the West Coast Clean Transit Corridor Initiative.

The San Diego Freeway

Interstate 405, which is known as the San Diego Freeway, branches off the I-5 to the south near San Fernando and merges back into the I-5 at the “El Toro Y” in Irvine. It actually never reaches San Diego. The most notable feature of the 72-mile-long freeway is the Sepulveda Pass, which recently received a five-year, $1.6 billion upgrade.

The first section of the I-405, north of Los Angeles International Airport, was built between 1957 and 1961. The section of the freeway through Sepulveda Pass was dedicated on Dec. 21, 1962. Additional sections were completed in 1962 and 1963.

The final section of I-405, which leads to the I-5 in Irvine, took 13 years to build. It was dedicated on Dec. 6, 1968, and opened to traffic in January 1969.

The Foothill Freeway

In 1958, construction began on Interstate 210, which is also called the Foothill Freeway. The first section, starting at the eastern end of Foothill Boulevard in what is now La Cañada Flintridge to Canada Avenue in Pasadena, was opened in 1966; it was then designated SR-118.

Construction on the portion from La Cañada Flintridge to the junction in Sylmar occurred between 1971 and 1977. At Sylmar is where the Foothill Freeway meets the I-5.

However, the portion between Sunland Boulevard and Wheatland Avenue was not fully completed until 1981. From 1976 to 1980, the uncompleted section of the I-210 was rented by MGM Television for the filming of the television series “CHiPs.”

Additional eastern sections of the freeway were constructed until the final link east to San Bernardino opened on July 24, 2007. The I-210 is a combination of the interstate highway as well as State Route 210. It is hoped that the entire 85-mile length of the freeway will carry the I-210 designation in the near future. 

From left: The San Diego Freeway (1964). PHOTO COURTESY LOS ANGELES EXAMINER COLLECTION, USC LIBRARIES. The opening of the first section of the Antelope Valley Freeway. Beauty queens flank then LA County Supervisor Warren Dorn. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO. The 14 freeway. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

Anyone who has lived in Southern California for an extended period usually believes they know all the interesting places to visit and take vacating friends and family.

However, Los Angeles has a large number of offthe-beaten-path sights to intrigue even the guest who thinks they’ve “seen it all.”

Phantasma Gloria

648 Lemoyne St 90026

Randlett King Lawrence is by trade a set and prop builder who has worked on numerous Hollywood films including David Lynch’s “Mulholland Drive” (2001) and “Child’s Play 2.”

However, his neighbors in Echo Park know him as the man who built the “Phantasma Gloria,” the name he has given the massive installation of steel rebar and more than 1,000 colorful glass bottles that soars above the front of his home on Lemoyne Street.

He welcomes locals and strangers from around the world to see his work, but encourages visitors to come at sunset to see the sun shine through the bottles.

Lawrence has been building “Phantasma Gloria” for more than two decades. He has built and rebuilt the sculpture several times.

As of 2023, “Phantasma Gloria” stands at about 30 feet tall and 90 feet long. And, it is easily visible from the street.

To see “Phantasma Gloria” schedule a visit by sending a message to Randy King Lawrence on Instagram. See his Facebook page under the name Randyland. Type Randyland Los Angeles in the Facebook search field.

Stone

Gates

of Hollywoodland

2695 N. Beachwood Drive, Los Angeles 90068

If you know anything about the iconic Hollywood Sign you know it started life as a real estate

So, You Think You Know Los Angeles?

advertisement to lure buyers to a tract of homes, Hollywoodland, to be built in Hollywood.

The real Hollywoodland still exists, after a fashion, and these stone gates stand as a testament to that Los Angeles subdivision.

The gates, built in 1923, still stand at the entrance of the 500-acre upscale “Hollywoodland” real estate development.

The French Norman-styled towers were designed by architect John DeLario, who also designed several homes in the neighborhood.

The stonework was constructed by Italian immigrant masons.

The original intention was to have armed guards stand watch at the gates, but that never happened.

The western half of the gate has a belfry which is closed to visitors, a non-functioning chimney, a heavy, locked oak door, a working gilded clock face and a bronze plaque from 1923 welcoming visitors to “Hollywoodland.” Other notable details include the wrought iron-barred windows and stone planters detailed with goat heads.

In 1963 the gates were declared Historic Cultural Monument No. 20 by the Cultural Heritage Board, Municipal Arts Department, city of Los Angeles.

Ennis House

2607 Glendower Ave. 90027

The weirdness that is the Ennis House has proved to be the perfect face for a variety of Hollywood projects.

The exterior and interior of the house have been used in multiple film and TV productions. In 1959 the exterior was featured in the spooky “House on Haunted Hill” starring Vincent Price. The 1975 production of “Day of the Locust” also used the location as a private residence. The house became legendary as the inspiration for the apartment of Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) in Ridley Scott’s 1982 film “Blade Runner.

The exterior was also featured in the TV series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” as the home of Angelus, Spike and Drusilla.

The Ennis House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and built by his son, Lloyd, is the last and largest of the elder Wright’s four “textile block” houses done in Mayan Revival style in the Los Angeles area.

The Ennis House was designed for Charles and Mable Ennis in 1923 and completed in 1924. It is located on a highly visible lot in the Los Feliz hills. The house was designated as a Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument in 1976. It is a private residence rarely open to the public, but can be seen from the street.

Garden of Oz

3040 Ledgewood Dr. 90068

Hollywood resident Gail Cottman purchased a small plot of land directly beneath her Hollywood Hills house in 1991. Originally intended to house a patch of roses, Cottman’s flower garden soon grew into the Garden of Oz.

Cottman’s contractor, Manuel Rodriguez, placed her roses in a bed of concrete that he decorated with tiles and beads.

Cottman reportedly said it reminded her of Munchkinland in the “The Wizard of Oz.”

She decided to expand on that theme and now the yellow-tiled path twisting through the Garden of Oz forms the “Yellow Brick Road” which also includes a landscape of thousands of shining tiles and an assortment of “throne” sculptures. The Garden of Oz also features a crystal ball, the “Wall of Toys” and a mailbox where you can send a letter directly to Oz. The project features hundreds of plants, tiled staircases and towering mosaics.

In June 2011 this folk art ensemble was designated Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument, No. 996. The garden is only open to the public 10 a.m. to noon on Thursdays (if the gardener shows up), but can easily be viewed from the street.

The Last Bookstore

453 S. Spring St. 90013

The Last Bookstore is an iconic Los Angeles bookstore in downtown Los Angeles housed in the grand atrium of what was once a bank.

The marble pillars and mile-high ceiling of the 100-year-old former bank remain, now home to bookshelves that line the walls and displays of artful whimsy.

It is the largest new and used bookstore in California and encompasses 22,000 sq. feet with a record store, comic book store, five art studios, an epic yarn shop, a famous book tunnel and unexpected nooks of wonder. 

The “Corporate Head” statute is located at 725 S. Figueroa 90017. PHOTO COURTESY ATLAS OBSCURA

Garden of Oz. PHOTO COURTESY ATLAS OBSCURA The Last Bookstore. COURTESY PHOTO

How Test Screenings Saved

By Joshua Hack Special to The Signal

Last month marked the 40th anniversary of the release of “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” the iconic comedy directed by Harold Ramis and written by John Hughes. The film introduced audiences to bumbling patriarch Clark W. Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) who embarks with his family on a disastrous cross-country road trip to a California theme park.

Vacation’s blend of relatable family dysfunction, slapstick comedy, and satirical undercurrents was a hit with audiences. The film opened at number one, became the 10th highest grossing release of the year, and launched a franchise comprising three sequels, one spin-off and a 2015 reboot.

A key ingredient of the original film’s success and enduring popularity is the Griswolds’ ultimate destination: Walley World, a fictionalized version of Disneyland.

Indeed. The results of a new National Research Group poll, conducted among 2,000 Vacation viewers, reveal that the family’s final escapades in Walley World top the list of favorite moments from the film.

But what if I told you that the most memorable part of Vacation almost didn’t make it into the film? It’s true — after screening a preview cut for audiences, the filmmakers were inspired to scrap the last 20 minutes and shoot an entirely new ending which Ramis said “saved the picture in a big way.”

In this article, we’ll take a look in the rear-view mirror of the Griswold’s Family Truckster to understand the role that audience research played in rethinking the end of the film, and some lessons on how to nail an ending that are still relevant four decades later.

Back to the beginning.

Before we can unpack how the film ended, we

‘I think you’re all f’d in the head. We’re ten hours from the f’in fun park and you want to bail out. Well, I’ll tell you something. This is no longer a vacation. It’s a quest. It’s a quest for fun. You’re gonna have fun, and I’m gonna have fun … We’re all gonna have so much f’n fun we’re gonna need plastic surgery to remove our g*ddamn smiles!’

— Clark W. Griswold

have to know where it all began. “National Lampoon’s Vacation” started out as a short story called “Vacation ‘58” that John Hughes published in the National Lampoon magazine in 1979.

In the ending to the short story, the Griswolds arrive at Disneyland only to find it closed for repairs. Clark snaps and drives to a sporting goods store to buy a gun. With the help of a Map to the Stars’ Homes, he tracks down Walt Disney’s mansion in Beverly Hills.

After hopping the fence, Clark confronts Mr. Disney (“You closed your fantasy park and that was a mistake! You can run or I can blast your ass right here!”) and ultimately shoots Walt’s dog as well as Walt himself.

The satirical story ends with Clark arrested for attempted murder and the rest of the family on a

flight back home to Chicago.

How did the film originally end?

Since the original ending has never been released, there’s a lot of misinformation about what exactly transpired and how much it borrowed from the source material. To uncover the truth, I spoke with Dana Barron, who played daughter Audrey in the film and is one of the few people with a copy of the original shooting script.

According to Barron, in the original ending they filmed, Clark buys a BB gun and goes with the family to the home of Roy Walley (the film’s fictionalized version of Walt Disney).

Unlike the short story, Clark doesn’t shoot Roy but instead takes him and his executive’s hostage, forcing them to sing and dance for the family to get their taste of “family entertainment, Roy Walley style.”

When a SWAT team arrives at the mansion to arrest the family, Roy has a change of heart. He realizes that Clark’s done this out of love for his family and agrees to take the Griswolds to Walley World. The film then cuts to the family on a plane headed back home with everyone wearing “moose” hats from the park. In a final unlucky twist, they realize they’re on the wrong flight.

The test screenings that changed everything.

According to Ramis, the ending with Clark taking Roy Walley hostage fell flat with test audiences. “The audience was hysterical watching the film in our test market screenings all the way up to that moment, and then they went strangely quiet and did not laugh again for the rest of the picture.”

Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Anthony Michael Hall and Dana Barron in “National Lampoon’s Vacation” (1983) PHOTO CREDIT IMDB

‘National Lampoon’s Vacation’ (1983)

Beyond the humor of the final 20 minutes not landing, Ramis realized the film was also underdelivering on a key expectation from audiences. “It occurred to me that they’d now invested about 70-75 minutes on the way to Walley World, and they really expected to get to Walley World and here we were denying them the payoff to the whole trip.”

As a result, Ramis asked John Hughes to write a new ending where the family makes it into the park. “We had to end the movie a different way. We don’t have to hijack Roy Walley, we have to hijack Walley World.”

Adventures in Walley World

The cast and crew reassembled for three days of reshoots at Six Flags Magic Mountain, with the California theme park standing in for the inside of Walley World. A telltale sign of the new scenes is the sizable growth spurt exhibited by son Rusty. Anthony Michael Hall has said that, by the time they regrouped six months after wrapping production, “Puberty had kicked in, so I’m four inches taller.”

In the new ending, Clark uses the BB gun to force a security guard (played memorably by John Candy) to let them into the closed park. They make their way across Walley World, enjoying ride after ride, and we get point-of-view shots of multiple thrilling roller coaster experiences.

A SWAT team eventually arrives, along with Roy Walley, to arrest the family, but the park’s owner has a change of heart after empathizing with Clark’s desire for a perfect vaca-

tion. The film ends with the Griswolds (along with Roy and the SWAT team) riding a roller coaster together.

According to Ramis, when they re-screened the film, the audience response was “through the roof.” Viewers got to vicariously experience Walley World and see the Griswolds finally win after more than 2,000 miles of travel tribulations. They had their new ending.

Three lessons on how to nail an ending.

“National Lampoon’s Vacation” is a powerful reminder that an ending can make or break a film. A strong ending can help compensate for a lackluster beginning or middle, while–as was the case with Vacation–a weak ending in a strong film can retroactively undermine the rest of the experience for viewers.

Audience expectations can differ for an adaptation. What works well as an ending in one medium (a short story, book, video game, graphic novel, etc.) may not have the same effect when adapted into a film or series. Don’t be surprised if audiences need an adaptation to deliver a somewhat different flavor of resolution than the source material.

An ending shouldn’t necessarily give viewers exactly what they want, but it should provide the satisfaction that comes from delivering on the promise made at the beginning of the film. In the case of Vacation, this meant getting to experience the joys of Walley World.

Carefully monitor the tone. Com-

edies need consistent laughs all the way up to the end and Vacation’s filmmakers went to great lengths to course correct on the amount of humor in the film, including paying John Candy $1 million for three days of work on the new ending.

However, the success of the new conclusion did not come from simply delivering a “happy” or “funny” ending. Ramis and Hughes were careful to retain the edgy style of humor that permeated the rest of the film. Yes, the Griswolds make it to Walley World, but it’s at gunpoint and Clark ends up shooting Candy’s character in the backside with a BB gun. The filmmakers listened to audience feedback while still ensuring tonal consistency with what came before.

Leave the audience exhilarated. The

exact type of exhilaration will vary by genre but, for a broad comedy like Vacation, it was crucial to end on a fun and upbeat note. For Hughes, it was important that his films delivered a positive resolution, even when this wasn’t always true to life. His subsequent works were sometimes criticized for their sentimental endings, but Hughes was always adamant that this was by design. “There’s no way I’m ever going to end a movie on a negative note.”

As for Dana Barron, she’s “glad that people walked away feeling rejuvenated” by the new ending. It’s that feeling that has undoubtedly contributed to the film’s longevity and legacy.

Joshua Hack is head of Global Content Insights for nrg. 

Chevy Chase and Anthony Michael Hall at Walley World. PHOTO CREDIT IMDB

The new ending involved a three-day shoot at Six Flags Magic Mountain. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Maintaining and Renovating Our Parks

By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager

Our City of Santa Clarita takes great pride in being an active, thriving community with a wide range of recreational opportunities. Thanks to the leadership of our City Council, Santa Clarita now boasts 37 parks, more than 13,000 acres of open space and more than 100 miles of off-street trails.

As the fall recreation season approaches, we will begin to see the return of more field-heavy sports, such as football, soccer and lacrosse. Due to the impact on the multi-purpose fields, staff has been hard at work prepping parks City-wide to ensure the grass stays thick by over-seeding worn areas, and in some cases, adding brand new sod. Football and soccer cleats are great for our young athletes, but notorious for ripping through the field, so it is incredibly important to keep our grass healthy to continue to provide a good playing surface.

In addition to these renovations, I would like to highlight a couple of improvements at Bouquet Canyon Park and Valencia Heritage Park. At Bou-

quet Canyon Park (28127 Wellston Drive), irrigation valves were causing uneven ground in an active play area of the softball field. City staff relocated the valves to an outer area, giving players a much smoother and more level surface for play. At Valencia Heritage Park (24155 Newhall Ranch Road), both of the existing fields were replaced with a new hybrid Bermuda grass sod, which will greatly increase the quality of play.

Due to the ongoing construction of the Central Park Buildout, the 9-hole south disc golf course required removal and relocation. Now, a new 18hole disc golf course at Central Park (27150 Bouquet Canyon Road) was redesigned with input from the community and now resides on the north

end of the park. This recreational course has fun and challenging elements for all skill levels, and features elevated tee pads and basket locations, island holes and unique terrain, just to name a few. Discs are available for use in the Adult Sports office and play is free for the public, with no reservations required.

National Disc Golf Day was on Saturday, August 5 and residents got the chance to try out their skills on the new course. Family and friends came to Central Park to enjoy a morning filled with music, games and prizes. It was an excellent opportunity to experience the sport of disc golf, for beginners and long-time players alike. Disc golf has always been a popular activity at Central Park and it is exciting to see this new course being enjoyed by our residents.

It brings me great joy that our community continues to utilize and take advantage of all the incredible amenities our parks have to offer. For a full list of these amenities and more, please visit santa-clarita.com/Parks.

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. 

Homemade Ice Cream Delights

Iscream, you scream, we ALL scream for ice cream, and it’s easy to see why: It’s the perfect dessert whether you’re turning it into a sundae, eating it alongside a fruity cobbler or pie, or enjoying it all on its own (with sprinkles ofc, we’re not monsters).

The one issue? Making it at home can be intimidating. We get it, but we’re here to tell you—not only is it completely doable, it’s also SO worth it. From no-churn to completely from scratch, with a few showstopping ice cream cakes thrown in for good measure, we’ve got something here for everyone. (Delish.com)

Coffee Cookies ‘N’ Cream Ice Cream

You don’t need a machine to make a homemade batch of ice cream — just a strong arm and some imagination.

Yields 8

Prep Time 5 hrs 30 mins

Ingredients

3 c. heavy cream

1 (14.5-oz) can sweetened condensed milk

2 c. chopped Oreos

2 tbsp. instant coffee

1/4 c. caramel sauce

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with a whisk attachment, beat heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold in sweetened condensed milk, Oreos and instant coffee, then very gently incorporate caramel sauce.

Transfer mixture to a 9"-x-5" loaf pan and freeze until firm, at least 5 hours.

Let soften at room temperature for 15 minutes before scooping.

Red Velvet Ice Cream

A cream cheese frosting is crucial to red velvet, so we added a swirl of the frosting throughout and crumbled some red velvet cake in too so you get bits in every bite. You can make your own cake or buy a few cupcakes from a local bakery to make it even easier.

Yields 8-10

Prep Time 10 mins

Total time 7 hrs 30 mins

Ingredients

2 c. heavy cream

1 c. buttermilk

1 c. (200 g.) granulated sugar

1/4 c. (20 g.) Dutch process cocoa powder

2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. kosher salt Red food coloring

6 oz. cream cheese, softened

3/4 c. (85 g.) powdered sugar

2 c. crumbled store-bought or homemade red velvet cake

In a large bowl, whisk cream, buttermilk, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt. Slowly add food coloring until desired color is reached. Refrigerate until well chilled, at least 1 hour or up to 3 days.

Meanwhile, freeze bowl of ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions.

In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.

Stir chilled ice cream base and add to bowl of frozen ice cream maker. Churn according to manufacturer’s instructions until base is creamy and smooth and the consistency of soft serve.

Spread about one-third of ice cream in a 9”-by-4” loaf pan. Dollop one-third of cream cheese frosting over and gently swirl into ice cream. Sprinkle with one-third of red velvet cake. Repeat to make two more layers.

Tightly cover in plastic wrap and freeze until solid, at least 6 hours or up to 1 month.

Reese's N'ice Cream

Yields 6 - 8

Prep Time 10 mins

Total time 4 hrs 10 mins

Ingredients

8 large ripe bananas. sliced into coins

1/2 c. smooth peanut butter smooth peanut butter, plus 1/4 c melted peanut butter

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1 c. chopped Reese's, plus more for topping

1/4 c. melted chocolate

Freeze bananas until frozen, about 2 hours.

In a food processor, blend together bananas, 1/2 cup peanut butter, and vanilla. Pour mixture into a loaf pan and fold in Reese’s. Drizzle top with melted chocolate and melted peanut butter then scatter more Reese’s on top. Freeze until solid, about 3 hours.

Sparkling Ice Cream

This Ice Cream Really Sparkles! Make your ice cream as fancy as you are.

Yields 6 - 8

Prep Time 20 mins

Total time 5 hrs 20 mins

Ingredients

2 c. heavy cream

1 (14.5-oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

2 tbsp. honey

2 tbsp. Prosecco Gold and silver sprinkles, for garnish

In a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, or using a hand mixer, beat heavy cream until stiff peaks form, 5 minutes. Fold in sweetened condensed milk and honey until fully combined, then fold in prosecco.

Transfer mixture to a 9-x-5” loaf pan and top with sprinkles. Freeze for 5 hours. When ready to serve, let soften 10 minutes. Serve in flutes with more Prosecco if desired. 

ENTERTAINMENT

‘Twisted Metal’ has a ‘Dark and Cheerfully Violent Tone’

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘Twisted Metal’

 (out of four)

A 10-episode series on Peacock.

In the second episode of the 10-part Peacock series “Twisted Metal,” we see two men who have their hands tied as they sit in metal tubs, bickering about how they landed in this predicament.

Their banter is interrupted when the man standing above them berates a colleague, saying, “Why did you season both meatbags in Teriyaki sauce? We talked about diversifying flavors.”

“Fine,” comes the reply. “I'll cover the thick one with lemon pepper.”

That's right: The dudes in the tubs are about to be cooked up and served for dinner to a bunch of, well, cannibalistic heathens. I won't spoil what happens next, except to say it's quite the bloodbath — and this scene is

indicative of the dark and cheerfully violent tone that permeates “Twisted Metal,” a live-action adaptation of the long-running Sony PlayStation combat video game series that retains the action flavor of the games as well as many of the most popular characters, while expanding on the premise to create an engrossing journey.

When it was announced “Twisted Metal” was going to become a TV series, a la “The Last of Us” and “Witcher” and “Halo,” some fans wondered how a game that revolved around vehicular combat tournaments but wasn't particularly invested in deep storylines would make the leap. Answer: Enlist a trio of talented creators to expand on the concept without sacrificing the elements that made it so entertaining in the first place.

Developed for TV by Rhett Rheese and Paul Wernick (co-writers of “Zombieland” and “Deadpool”) and Michael Jonathan Smith (“Cobra Kai”), featuring an outstanding cast led by Anthony Mackie and Steph-

anie Beatriz, and parceled out in fast-paced, 30-minute episodes, this is a screen-popping, wickedly funny, seriously twisted and action-jammed adventure that leaves us wanting more. Think “Mad Max” meets “A Clockwork Orange,” with a little bit of the aforementioned “The Last of Us” as well as “The Walking Dead” sprinkled in like so many scoops of lemon pepper.

cumstances relationship; when they're not pointing guns or knives at each other or cussing up a storm at each other, we can see the promise of some real chemistry.

“Twisted Metal” has first-rate production design and a fierce energy throughout, especially in the numerous chase sequences and battles, which result in much bloodshed, often in comedically horrific fashion. (Would I recommend eating a bowl of pasta while watching this series? I'm gonna say no.)

The main story arc involves an assignment John accepts from Raven (Neve Campbell), the COO of New San Francisco: He must travel to New Chicago, retrieve a package, and make it all the way back to New San Francisco. If he succeeds, Raven will allow John inside the walls of New San Francisco, where citizens enjoy a quiet, safe and peaceful existence.

to Thu: 1:20

After years of being sheltered from the human world the Tur tle brothers set out to w n the hear ts of New Yorkers through heroic ac ts They take on a mysterious crime syndicate, but soon get in over the r heads when an army of mutants s unleashed upon them T h e e s s e n T i a l c h u rc h C Sun: 10:10 AM

When governments use Cov d emergenc y ac t ed c ts to restric t the gathering and worship of the Church three pastors fac ng the risk of mprisonment take a courageous stand h au n T e d M a n s i o n C Sun: 10:10

Mon to Thu:

Inspired by the c ass c theme park attrac tion Haunted Mans on s about a woman and her son who enlist a motley crew of so- cal ed spiritua exper ts to help rid the r home of supernatural squatters

Ta l k To M e E Sun to Tue: 1:00 4:40 7:20; Wed: 1:00 4:40; Thu: 1:00 4:40 7:20

When a group of friends discover how to conjure spir ts us ng 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: 10:00 1:30 4:30 7:20; Mon to Thu: 1:30 4:30 7:20

To l ve in Barbie Land is to be a per fec t being n a per fec t place Unless you have a fu l- on existential cr s s Or you’re a Ken o p p e n h e i M e r E 12:50 3:30 7:00

Written and d rec ted by Christopher Nolan, Oppenhe mer is an IMAX®-shot ep c thri ler that thrusts aud ences nto the pulse -pounding paradox of the enigmatic man who must risk destroying the world n order to save it

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

A group of Irish ladies embark on a dream trip to Lourdes, France but tension arises when they re jo ned by an acquaintance who recently returned home after after decades in 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 12:55 4:00 7:10

In M ssion Imposs ble - Dead Reckon ng Par t One Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his IMF team embark on the r most dangerous miss on yet To track down a terr fying new weapon that threatens al of human ty before t fal s into the wrong hands pa s T l i v e s C Sun: 10:00 AM

Nora and Hae Sung two deeply connec ted ch ldhood friends are wrest apar t after Nora’s fam ly emigrates from South Korea Two decades later, they are reun ted n New York for one fatefu week as they confront notions of dest ny, ove, and the choices that make a ife T h e h e ro i c T r i o E Wed: 7:30 PM

The supernova star power of Hong Kong cinema cons Maggie Cheung, M che le Yeoh, and Anita Mui propels this glor ously unrestra ned ac tion ex travaganza from genre maestro Johnnie To, wh ch njec ts ts mar t al-ar ts mayhem with a blast o comic-book unac y

Set in the obligatory post-apocalyptic wasteland where the few surviving major cities have been walled off, and the rest of the country is unregulated, chaotic and extremely dangerous territory where various factions and gangs will kill you for whatever supplies you've scrounged up, “Twisted Metal” focuses on the daredevil exploits of one John Doe (Mackie). This lone traveler remembers nothing about his past, including his real name, and has attained near-legendary status as a milkman, i.e., a driver who delivers packages from one outpost to the other from behind the wheel of his beloved “Evelyn” — the name he has given to the modded Subaru he considers his only friend. (Hey. It's a really cool car.)

Through a series of brutal and tragic circumstances, John finds himself paired up with the tough and resilient Quiet (Beatriz), so named because she goes long stretches without talking. (What other reason would there be, right?) Mackie and Beatriz are electric in the classic thrown-together-by-cir-

Thomas Haden Church is perfectly cast as Agent Stone, a former Topeka police officer who is now the self-appointed chief of law enforcement for much of the land outside the walledin cities, and let's just say Agent Stone isn't too concerned about the rights of suspects and prisoners. Video game fan favorite Sweet Tooth is also along for the ride, with the wrestler known as Samoa Joe embodying the clownmasked psychopath while Will Arnett provides Sweet Tooth's voice. (In flashback sequences, we learn the origin stories of John Doe, Quiet, Sweet Tooth and Agent Stone, and what their lives were like before the unspecified cataclysmic event turned the world upside down.)

The talented likes of Chloe Fineman and Jason Mantzoukas play colorful characters who are introduced in later episodes; in the world of “Twisted Metal,” just about everyone has a nickname and creative outfit, and just about everyone will stab or shoot you in a heartbeat if it means surviving to the next day. Still, with all the bloodshed and the wisecracking, there's room for genuine relationships to develop, most notably between John and Quiet.

This could be a long and eventful ride. Hang on, and hold the lemon pepper.

Copyright 2022 Chicago Sun-Times

PHOTO COURTESY IMDB

Keep Your Home Office Organized

When temperatures creep up again, it signals time for an annual tradition: spring cleaning. While big projects like windows are hard to overlook, don’t forget smaller areas that need attention, too, such as your home office. Making sense of a year’s worth of paperwork and clutter can take some serious time, especially as many people have been working from home more than normal, but getting organized can help you tackle home management tasks more efficiently. Making the office a priority can reduce frustration when it comes to spending additional time in your office while working from home.

These five tips can help get you started:

1. Make sure you have furniture that can adequately store your stuff, including plenty of space for files, reference books and computer equipment. Pieces need not be costly to be functional and there are plenty of attractive options available online and at both small and major retailers.

2. Arrange the space with its intended use and your own work style in mind. For example, if you don’t need ample space to spread out over a large, flat work area, elimi-

nate that space - it’s simply an invitation for clutter.

3. Place items you rely on frequently, such as a calculator or ruler, within arm’s reach so they can easily be put away between uses. Capture these items in containers and bins to keep the space looking neat and free of clutter.

4. Establish a filing system that lets you keep track of important papers you need to keep and have a shredder handy to help you discard any sensitive documents. Whether you alphabetize, color code or use some other method, group paperwork into segments for categories such as bills, banking, health care, auto, insurance and so on for easy access in the future.

5. Tangled cords can make even the most organized spaces look messy, and they may pose a fire or tripping hazard. Get control of your cords by storing devices you don’t use regularly and securing the remaining cords with twist ties or clips. Remember to use a surge-protected power strip to minimize the chance of damage should a power surge occur.

Find more tips to make your workspace tidy and organized at eLivingtoday.com. (Family Features) 

Setting Your Kids Up for Back-to-School Success

Whether you’re dreading hectic school-day schedules or excited for kids to be back in the classroom, most parents agree the transition back to school can be a stressful time.

Change can be trying for kids and adults, but it doesn’t have to be if you tackle the season a little at a time - mentally, emotionally and logistically.

Consider these five school-readiness tips from KinderCare experts to help parents ease the jitters, prepare for school days and set goals to help ensure their children have great years.

Ease into School-Year Routines

Many children thrive on routines. Prep for the transition to a school-day schedule as early as possible by slowly moving your children’s bedtimes up a little each evening. You should also establish

school-year breakfast, lunch and dinner routines to help children adjust to regular mealtimes.

Trial Runs

Ask your children’s school if you can take an after-hours tour to increase familiarity and practice your routine. According to KinderCare’s Parent Confidence Report, 61% of parents believe being a parent means constantly thinking about child care gaps, so now is the time to make before- and after-school care arrangements and discuss them with your children.

Help ease their nerves by making sure they practice the little things like opening and closing lunchboxes, water bottles and backpacks, and finding their drop off and pick up locations then adjust as needed to make sure they feel confident in each of the tasks.

Start Back-to-School Conversations

Children sometimes experience big feelings, and they may not know how to explain what they’re experiencing. Whether it’s excitement, jitters or anxiety around the unknown, having open conversations at home about school can give children a comfortable space to share what they feel and help quell their nerves.

This is also a good time to gently remind your children about kindness and acceptance of others. During the school year, monitor your children’s behavior to better understand how they may be feeling.

Build Strong Partnerships

One of the best things you can do for your children is give them the resources they need for suc-

See SUCCESS, page 14

When is it Time to Seek the Help of a Tutor?

Busy schedules, hybrid learning and demanding coursework have affected students’ academic performance over the last couple of years.

A report from the Fairfax County Public Schools Office of Research and Strategic Improvement in Virginia found the number of middle and high school students with two or more failing marks increased by 83% in the first quarter of the 20202021 school year compared to the year prior.

Since many parents have not seen a periodic table or had to solve high school math problems in decades, tutors may be just what students need to regain their academic footing.

Failing grades are not necessarily the most notable indicator that students can benefit from the services of a tutor. The Princeton Review says 25% of high school students say homework is their biggest source of stress, and homework progress can help parents determine if it’s time to call in a tutor. Students who find their homework is taking too long, particularly double or triple the amount of time it once required, may need some extra help. Here are some additional indicators that a tutor may be needed.

Declining test scores Some students are simply

poor test takers, but a gradual or sudden decline in test scores may indicate students are having trouble mastering material. Teachers can pinpoint if certain concepts are overly challenging to students and notify parents if there are any problem areas.

Poor time management or focus Students who are struggling may have their attention drift or they

put off doing tasks because they don’t grasp the assignments.

Lack of homework help at home Parents may have prior commitments during the times of day when their children are doing homework. Even when parents are home, they may discover that

See TUTORS, page 14

SUCCESS

Continued from page 12

formal “getting to know you” email to your children’s teachers, consistent and effective communication is often beneficial when you face challenges or have questions down the road.

TUTORS

Continued from page 13 cess then support them along the way. One way to do this is by building partnerships with your children’s teachers to create a strong foundation for the entire school year. Whether it’s joining the local parent group at school, downloading a classroom app, following your children’s school social media pages or sending an in-

5. Set school-year goals. These don’t have to be formal; they can be impactful and fun, too. This may help your children understand what they’re working toward. Maybe they want to try a new sport or learn a musical instrument. Maybe they would like to increase their math competencies by a letter grade or demonstrate more patience while learning new things. Make a mental note to continuously revisit these goals throughout the year to celebrate progress and growth. Watch for ways you can help them accomplish these objectives with support from counselors, coaches and instructors as well as at home.

For more tips to help ensure a smooth back-to-school transition, visit kindercare.com. (Family Features) 

the concepts covered in school are not being taught in the ways parents learned them and they may have difficulty assisting their children.

Tutors can step in and help students when parents cannot. Learning disorder Certain students learn differently from others due to a diagnosed or undiagnosed learning disorder. A child who is struggling with reading, phonics, spelling, and writing may have dyslexia, according to the tutoring experts at Dyslexia Practitioner NJ. Tutors who specialize in learning disorders can assess and address learning conflicts and tailor instructions in ways that can help students overcome those challenges.

Students “shut down” or say they “hate” school Disinterest in school or expressions of hating going to school may be indicative of academic struggles in the classroom, says the Princeton Review. Some students get so frustrated they simply give up. Tutors can solve learning puzzles and help get students back on track and reignite their interest in school.

Tutors can be valuable resources for students who need some one-onone attention to master general learning concepts or reinforce skills for key tests or projects. (MC) 

How to Safely Garden in the Heat of August

By Jane Gates Signal Staff Writer

Did someone say summer and triple-digit temperatures?

Summer gardening in Santa Clarita can be a challenge. We have an astonishingly wide range of microclimates here. But being mostly an inland chaparral, there are commonalities that make gardening in this part Southern California harder in the summertime than the rest of the year.

Still, if you love gardening, you don’t have to hide indoors all summer; just plan for summer conditions. Keeping active in the garden will be good for you, your home, your garden and the environment. It gets hot!

The sun is intense in the inland chaparral and we experience wide temperatures ranges that allow cooling at night. Too much sun has been proven dangerous to our skin, and overheating can cause sun stroke.

What you can do Take advantage of our nighttime temperature drops by working during the cooler hours of early morning and early evening. Make working safer and more comfortable by wearing protection.

Add a hat, gloves and loosely fitted long-sleeved and leg-covering clothes. These will not only help protect you from sun, but from scratches and insect bites. Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated.

The land of wildfires!

We have had plenty of reminders of our vulnerability in the past few years — how quickly they spread, how greedily and cruelly they will consume anything they can, and how willingly they will invade even areas we might have thought safe.

What you can Clear any brush surrounding your home. Keep gutters, eaves, areas around your house and garden clean. Design your landscape for beauty, efficiency, productivity and safety. Include fire breaks in your design, choose your materials and their placement carefully, use low-profile plants, avoid highly flammable trees, and position irrigation and water sources wisely.

Wildlife invasions

Warming temperatures have increased insect infestations and other pest incursions. We are seeing mealy bugs, thrips, scale insects and more aphids than ever. Snails are invading northern and eastern Santa Clarita Valley and trailing into Agua Dulce. Raccoons are now seen up through Acton. Exploding populations of coyotes, gophers, mice, rats, tree and ground squirrels, and rabbits are now feeding off of our lush.

What you can do Clean your garden and take away litter where pests multiply. Using chemicals can encourage pests to build up a natural resistance. Those same chemicals can filter into garden soil and drinking water, entering our food chain and that of friendly wildlife like bees, birds and butterflies. Whenever possible, use physical barriers to deter pests. Try sticky traps, sound and odor deterrents.

Enjoy your garden

Despite summer challenges, the garden still has a lot to offer. Make time to use your garden. Grow edibles for fresher, tastier and healthier food.  Relax in the shade to reduce stress. Psychologically cool yourself with the refreshing water from a strategically located fountain or waterfall. Entertain friends during balmy evenings. There are plenty of jobs that can be done outdoors even during toasty August days.

For more information about gardening in the Santa Clarita Valley, visit Jane Gates on YouTube at https://youtube.com/user/Janieg8s. 

Foods to Avoid When Diagnosed with High Cholesterol

The foods people eat are one of two main sources of cholesterol in the blood. Elevated levels of cholesterol have been linked to a host of negative outcomes, including atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke, mini stroke (transient ischemic attack), and peripheral arterial disease.

The consequences of high cholesterol underscore the significance of a healthy diet and how important it is to avoid certain foods after being diagnosed with high cholesterol. The Harvard Medical School notes foods high in saturated fat are especially worrisome, as they can elevate cholesterol and lead to weight gain. Individuals diagnosed with high cholesterol are urged to work with their physicians and, if possible, a nutritionist to create a diet that can help them get on a healthy track. In the meantime, the following are some foods to avoid after being diagnosed with high cholesterol.

Red Meat

Harvard Medical School notes that red meat, which includes beef and lamb but also pork, tends to be high in saturated fat. That’s particularly so for hamburgers, ribs, pork chops, and roasts. Fish is a healthy alternative to red meat, but individuals who don’t want to cut red meat out of their diets entirely

should choose lean meats and consume them only on occasion in small portions (three ounces or less per serving).

Fried Foods

Foods absorb cholesterol, saturated and trans fats during the frying process, which makes them unhealthy for anyone, but especially people already diagnosed with high cholesterol. The Cleveland Clinic recommends baking instead of frying. Baking skinless chicken breasts and fries tossed in a small amount of olive oil is a healthy alternative to fried chicken and traditional French fries.

Baked Goods

Baked treats like cookies and pastries are some additional high-cholesterol foods to avoid. Harvard Medical School notes that such foods are typically made with large amounts of butter and shortening. However, individuals who like to bake don’t necessarily have to give up this beloved hobby. The right substitutions can help to make baked goods safer treats for people with high cholesterol. Nutritionists and physicians may recommend certain butter substitutions, which may include Greek yogurt, applesauce and bananas.

Processed Meats

Harvard Medical School notes that fatty cuts of meat tend to be used when making processed meats, which includes sausage, hot dogs and bacon. Turkey bacon is one alternative bacon lovers have looked to as a healthy option over traditional bacon. However, the Cleveland Clinic notes that turkey bacon is high in saturated fat and sodium, neither of which is good for anyone, much less people diagnosed with high cholesterol.

Many people are diagnosed with high cholesterol as a result of the foods they eat. Avoiding various foods can help lower cholesterol levels and steer clear of the potentially deadly outcomes associated with high cholesterol. (MC) 

Aphasia and Its Side Effects

Film fans were shocked to learn recently of the health struggles of beloved action movie star Bruce Willis. Willis’ health issues were made public in 2022, and since then the star has largely retreated from the public eye.

Willis was initially diagnosed with aphasia, a disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate. Aphasia affects speech , how people write and their comprehension of spoken and written language, according to the Mayo Clinic. For Willis, aphasia ultimately proved to be only one component of what was later diagnosed as frontotemporal dementia.

The Cleveland Clinic says aphasia can be a byproduct of illness, like dementia or injury, or a complication of a stroke or traumatic brain injury. When blood fails to supply cells in the brain with oxygen, those cells die and can produce deficits. Aphasia also may result from conditions that disrupt how the brain works, and those conditions may be temporary, like migraine headaches. While aphasia predominantly affects adults, it can affect children, too. The National Aphasia Association says nearly 180,000 Americans develop aphasia each year.

Families may feel that something is not right when a loved one has trouble finding words, reading or communicating effectively. There are dif-

ferent types of aphasia, and each kind can impact a different component of speech or understanding.

Doctors may discover aphasia when they are treating patients for traumatic brain injuries or by looking at images of the brain. If a physician suspects a patient has aphasia, the doctor may recommend a consultation with a speech-language pathologist, who can perform comprehensive examinations and testing.

Sometimes aphasia symptoms can start to resolve on their own without treatment. Others may need help regaining the ability to communicate through various methods, says Johns Hopkins Medicine. These can include:

• speech-language therapy

• nonverbal communication therapies, such as computers or pictures

• group therapy for patients and family members

• simplifying language by using short, simple sentences and repeating words or phrases as needed

Aphasia affects communication but it might improve over time. For those who are left with some loss of language skills, therapy may help to address those deficits. (MC) 

SOLUTIONS

READER LETTERS

Debunking Climate Hysterics

In my ongoing effort to debunk the nonsense peddled by climate zealots, I thought I would share some facts and context about CO2 production and absorption. Hostile readers to my thoughts will once again note that I provided proof of my claims. Should you feel so inclined to contest my conclusions, I would only ask you to stick to the points raised instead of challenging my credentials.

The United States produces approximately 5,900 million metric tons of CO2, or 13.2 trillion pounds. My source is the United States Environmental Protection Agency: tinyurl. com/3bkpv577.

A typical mature tree absorbs 48 pounds of CO2 in a given year. My source is the United States Forest Service: tinyurl. com/ynfd8pvf.

The United States has approximately 300 billion trees. My source is the United States Department of Agriculture: tinyurl.com/4zt84tat.

From these facts we can deduce that the trees in this country absorb more CO2 than we produce, around 14.4 trillion pounds to be exact. Furthermore, this number does not account for other plants or swamps.

Perhaps there is something more to the heated planet than CO2? Yes, the planet is warming slightly. Despite being called a climate denier, whatever that means, nobody I know doesn’t think the climate isn’t changing as it has always done. Perhaps it is CO2 to some small degree AND the natural rhythm of the planet as it warms and cools throughout a thousand millennia? There have been many times where the Earth has been hotter in our history where mankind (is that word still OK to use?) has had zero influence on CO2 production.

I’m not saying we shouldn’t try to reduce CO2 emissions, but we are talking about only 0.04% of our atmosphere, up from 0.03%. The reductions the United States has made are impressive, although at a cost of other environmental destruction. But that’s another topic. What the climate zealots never admit is that there could be other causes for our recent monthlong heat wave. They never admit that the Earth’s temperature has fluctuated tremendously throughout time with no help from humans. What they also will never admit is that many of us can remember a time during this debate when they claimed weather wasn’t climate. It’s ludicrous that they blame every event, good or bad, on humans and CO2 production. Forest fires? Climate change! Hurricanes? Climate change! No hurricanes? Climate change! It’s also preposterous to think that China, India and the rest of the developing world give a damn about CO2 production. Who would have thought they would want air conditioning, too?

Brian Richards

Stevenson Ranch

ETHICALLY SPEAKING

The Ethics of Free Speech

By David Hegg

In the recent Supreme Court decision in 303 Creative v. Elenis, the court, by a 6-3 vote, ruled that the First Amendment forbids government from forcing web designer Lorie Smith to say things she does not believe even when such speech is in the form of a work product. The court went on to say that the First Amendment protects both an LGBT website designer and a religious website designer like Ms. Smith.

In his majority opinion, Justice Neil Gorsuch put it this way: “The First Amendment envisions the United States as a rich and complex place where all persons are free to think and speak as they wish, not as the government demands.”

Of course, we all agree and appreciate that the First Amendment forms an essential part of the foundation of a free and democratic society. And, if we’re honestly viewing what speech has become in our national conversations and in everyday life, we also have to agree freedom of opinion and expression poses great harm if and when it is unrestrained. Yet, the amendment clearly states that government cannot generally be the restraining power. This being the case, what are we to do about the increasing amount of divisive, hate-filled, deceitful speech that has become so commonplace in our day?

The answer is found in this maxim: Internal compliance is always preferable to outward compulsion. Simply put, we as a people have to match the freedom we have to think and speak as we wish, with a self-controlling wisdom and love for fellow human travelers on the road of life. The only successful restraint on free speech is self-restraint. And this kind of self-restraint is the fruit of an ethical system that believes loving my neighbors rather than seeking to destroy them or their reputation is actually beneficial to the overall welfare of our society.

When the framers of our nation’s founding documents put the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights together, they did so influenced greatly by their ethical system. And while it has been ably demonstrated that America was never a “Christian Nation,” it is true that our founding fathers did see all of life through a theistic lens. That is, they infused our democratic system with a moral philosophy carried over from England often referred to as the Judeo-Christian system

of laws. They knew that self-control and love of neighbor, not governmental power, would have to play the dominant part in individual life so that a free speech society could evade the twin monsters of societal anarchy on the one hand, and governmental tyranny on the other.

Today, we are seeing the result of a diminished ethic of love for neighbor, and especially love for enemies. It is interesting to me that, while many today have determined religion to be a scourge on society, it is still true that parents tell their children to be nice to other people, to refrain from hurting others, and to do what they can to help those around them. Parents want their children to grow up to be honorable adults who can make positive contributions to society, and be those who “build up” rather than “tear down.” And regardless of why parents feel this way, the truth is that such desires spring from a common sense that there is right and wrong, and we want our kids to do and be and promote right.

And in every case, “right” starts with self-restraint. Yes, we are champions of the freedom to think and speak as we please. But the other side of the coin must be that just because we can, doesn’t mean we should. Freedom is just as much about what we can’t do as what we shouldn’t do. We are free but freedom comes with great accountability to use that freedom for good, to help not hurt, to persuade not pummel, and most importantly, to shut up when what we’re about to say is dishonorable.

Perhaps we can learn from the Apostle Paul in his letter to the church in Colossae. He wrote, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Colossians 4:6).

And maybe we should add a quote that has been variously attributed to Abraham Lincoln and Mark Twain: “It’s better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than open it and remove all doubt.”

Whatever your ethical system, whatever your creed or personal philosophy, our precious freedom of opinion and speech must be fenced in by our character, and our character shaped less by a selfish desire to blast away, and more by love and respect for those around us.

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