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Fiercely designed from headlight to taillight, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA delivers raw power for thrilling drives.
Drive the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE, an all-electric sedan with a thirst for power.
The Golden Chain Highway: Whitewater and Mining
By Visit California
TStop 1
ravel back to the Gold Rush era on Highway 49, where charming mining towns are surrounded by panoramic vistas of the Sierra Nevada foothills
Nevada City
317 W Broad St, Nevada City 95959
This forest-wrapped hamlet of handsome Victorian-era homes and tree-lined streets 60 miles northeast of Sacramento is one of the Gold Country’s prettiest towns. Originally settled in 1849 as a mining camp, Nevada City features a well-preserved core of historic buildings. This includes California’s oldest operating structure originally built for performances, the 1865 Nevada Theatre, with past performers ranging from Mark Twain to Mötley Crüe.
Just around the corner, on Main Street, a bell-towered firehouse with a Victorian gingerbread front is the site of a compact history museum where the intricate cooking baskets made by native Nisenan Indians are exhibited alongside the artifacts of early residents and Chinese pioneers. Impeccable 19th-century buildings with wooden balconies are now the home of restaurants, gift shops (look for nature-lover treasures at The Earth Store), wine-tasting rooms, and antiques shops.
Stop 2
Empire Mine State Historic Park 10791 E Empire St, Grass Valley 95945
Get a one-two punch of experiences with a visit to Grass Valley’s remarkable Empire Mine State Historic Park. At the visitor center, learn about one of California’s oldest, largest, deepest, longest, and richest gold mines. In the course of a century, 5.6 million ounces of gold were mined. To get a sense of the size of the mine, see the scale model representing the mine’s five-square-mile network, then walk outside to the entrance of the actual shaft — a tiny peek into a staggering underground maze of 367 miles.
Shift gears with a tour of Bourn Cottage, a magnificent country estate, where no expense was spared to create a two-story stone citadel patterned after the noble estates of 19th-century England.
Stop 3
Auburn 11106 B Ave, Auburn 95603
Auburn has plenty to enjoy — Gold Rush history, great food and wine, and the outdoors — claiming to be home to the most challenging endurance sports events in the world, like the prestigious 100mile Western States Endurance Run. The area also draws mountain bikers, hikers, and horseback riders, all taking advantage of trails lacing the Auburn State Recreation Area, which protects the confluence of the North and Middle Forks of the Ameri-
can River (two popular whitewater rafting destinations.)
As more vintners join the “Gold Crush” — a local reference to Placer County’s growing number of wineries — so does the chance to relax at nearby tasting rooms, where the guy pouring the wine is often the winemaker too. Good wines attract good restaurants, and Auburn’s Old Town is lined with them. Art galleries and antique shops abound. And get your citrus fix at the annual Mountain Mandarin Festival, held late fall at Auburn’s Gold Country Fairgrounds.
Stop 4
Marshall Gold Discovery State Park
310 Back St, Coloma 95613
Driving the sleepy stretch of winding Highway 49 between Auburn and Placerville, it’s hard to believe the region was the booming heart of one of the most significant events in California history. Here, in a stretch of the snowmelt-fed American River that slides past the don’t-blink town of Coloma, a sawmill employee named James Marshall first discovered glints of the precious metal in the river’s silt. The 1849 Gold Rush was on.
Coloma mushroomed into a town with some 10,000 people, and up went a schoolhouse, a general store, and a tin-roofed post office. These and other historic buildings are now protected as part of Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. There’s an interesting Gold Discovery Museum, and kids can give gold-panning a try. Follow leafy trails along the river to find a shady picnic spot.
Stop 5
South Fork American River Pilot Hill 95664
The most popular whitewater-rafting river in the West, the American River tumbles through Gold Country, an inviting jumble of churning rapids, deep pools, and tumbling cascades. While remnants of old mining equipment still poke up in or near the river, the rush for gold has mostly been replaced by the rush for adrenaline. Each of the American’s three forks serve up their own style of watery fun, and outfitters offer everything from family-friendly half-day floats to white-knuckle multi-day adventures.
South Fork is the most popular, with Class II-III
rapids perfect for families and first-timers. While day trips are always a blast, there is nothing quite like spending the night alongside the river, trout rising on the surface of the silvery water as evening falls and a frieze of stars paints the night sky.
Stop 6
Plymouth
9426 Main St, Plymouth 95669
California produces 81% of U.S. wine, so it should come as no surprise that there are dozens of compelling wine destinations throughout the state. A number of Amador County wineries near Plymouth have been creating award-winning vintages in unpretentious wine country dating back to the 1850s. An explosion of tasting rooms and restaurants has added a jolt of grape-fueled energy to the Gold Country foothills, where wineries, many of them family owned and operated, now produce a wide range of varietals, most notably Zinfandel. To sample the new boom, head to Plymouth for stylish tasting rooms and sleek restaurants like Taste.
Stop 7
Columbia State Historic Park
11255 Jackson St, Columbia 95310
Columbia State Historic Park presents the Gold Rush in living, breathing color. Costumed docents do more than lead tours of this carefully preserved Mother Lode town; they actually live and work here in a variety of period-appropriate shops and trades. Catch a ride on an authentic stagecoach, order a cold, locally made sarsaparilla in a Western-style saloon, or feel the heat in a working blacksmith’s forge. There’s also a Wells Fargo express office and other relics of California’s early mining days. The town even sounds authentic—no cars allowed here, though you will hear the clipclop of horses.
Free historical tours depart from the museum weekends at 11 a.m. (weekdays too, mid-June until Labor Day). Gold Rush Days take place on 2nd Saturday afternoons; costumed docents lead hands-on crafts and special tours, and kids can try their hand at gold-panning. Summer can get hot and weekends become crowded, so aim for early mornings during the week if you can.
©ADOBE STOCK
September is National Preparedness Month
By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer
September is National Preparedness Month, an annual campaign to remind everyone that preparing for emergencies and disasters can keep them, their families and their communities safe.
For residents of the Santa Clarita Valley, emergency awareness often focuses on what to do in case of a natural disaster such as an earthquake, brush fire, flood or landslide. Home fires and power outages are also dangerous.
The 2024 Theme: Start a Conversation
Talking about a disaster or emergency isn’t always easy. We may think we’re protecting the people we love by avoiding these conversations, but acknowledging the fact natural disasters, home fires and power outages happen, is the first step to becoming prepared and safe.
Families should take steps to make sure every family member knows what to do in case of an emergency.
Because of hectic schedules families may be apart when an emergency strikes.
How can family members find each other if there is a major emergency when they are at scattered locations throughout the SCV?
Make sure every family member carries a portable power supply and a way to recharge a cell phone in case you become separated in an emergency.
Cell towers often are out of service or jammed with calls during an emergency. Make sure you have a central meeting place designated in case you need to meet up away from home.
If you are evacuated because of earthquake damage or a brush fire, choose a well-known landmark (like a library or Santa Clarita City Hall) as a meeting place.
If children are at school, the schools have emergency preparedness plans in place to care for children until parents can reach the school location.
It is important children know the phone numbers of other family members, such as grandparents, they can contact if unable to reach immediate family members.
Make sure phone numbers with names clearly labeled are loaded into cell phones.
Keep your emergency contact list updated. Practice with your child how to leave the house in case of an earthquake or fire.
City of Santa Clarita Resources
Roger Willcox, Emergency Operations Analyst,
for the city of Santa Clarita said the city has a variety of ways it can assist residents in an emergency.
“One of our programs is the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, which teaches residents basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, search and rescue and first aid,” he said.
For information about the class, residents are encouraged to visit bit.ly/4cNFD1u or contact Willcox at rwillcox@santaclarita.gov.
“We also offer a Nixle mass notification program so residents can receive emergency alerts from the city,” Willcox said.
To register for emergency alerts, residents can text SCEMERGENCY to 888777 on the device they would like to register.
“We also encourage following the city’s social media pages for additional information,” he said.
Willcox emphasized the need for families to prepare in advance for an emergency.
“We would like to remind our residents that it is essential to take steps to prepare prior to an emergency situation. We encourage residents to create an emergency kit with supplies for each member of their household, develop a family communication plan and stay informed about local hazards,” he said. For assistance developing emergency kits for you and your family, please visit bit.ly/4eaKk6m.
Prepare an Emergency Kit or Go Bag
All families should have an emergency kit, or “go bag” prepared in case you have to leave your home quickly.
Ready.gov is a national public service campaign designed to educate and empower people to prepare for and respond to emergencies and disasters.
A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:
• Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation).
• Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food).
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert.
• Flashlight.
• First aid kit.
• Extra batteries.
• Whistle (to signal for help).
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air).
• Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape (to shelter in place).
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities).
• Manual can opener (for food).
• Local maps.
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery.
• Experts also recommend including copies of passports, ID cards, important papers and a stash of cash.
Be sure to have a few days supply of important medications readily available or on your person if you need to leave quickly.
If you have small children, be sure to include a “comfort” item to reduce the child’s stress during the emergency.
Seasonal Readiness
“The city’s website is also a great resource for residents because we provide information related to emergencies that affect the city of Santa Clarita and hazard mitigation efforts we take as a city to address those emergencies,” said Willcox. “Additionally, we offer seasonal guidance that provides emergency tips for each season of the year. For information, we encourage residents to visit santaclarita.gov/emergency-management/ seasonal-guidance.”
Power outages are no joke, every year we read tragic stories of people who die in house fires because of the misuse of candles during a power outage or of carbon monoxide poisoning because of misused heat sources.
With the increased frequency of power outages in the SCV look into obtaining a portable generator, or make sure you have sufficient flashlights and batteries.
Learn more about safe heat sources at bit. ly/4e9tZix.
Don’t Forget Your Pets
Don’t assume a brush fire evacuation is “just a drill.” Always take your pets with you. Be sure you have leashes and carriers available to transport your pets, as well as a “go bag” of food and treats. A portable water bowl is also important.
©ADOBE STOCK
Curb Appeal
Exterior Renovations That Garner the Best ROI
Remodeling with a return on investment in mind can be a smart strategy for homeowners, whether one is thinking about moving in the next few months or further down the road. Though this approach is an inexact science, in many instances, it’s savvy for homeowners to consider what buyers may
1. Garage Door Replacement: 93.3% recouped of $4,041 cost
2. Manufactured Stone Veneer: 91.4% recouped of $11,066 cost
3. Siding replacement (Fiber Cement): 68.3% recouped of $22,093 cost
4. Window replacement (Vinyl): 67.5% recouped of $20,482 cost
5. Siding replacement (Vinyl): 67.2% recouped of $18,662 cost
6. Window replacement (Wood): 66.3% recouped of $24,388 cost
7. Deck addition (Wood): 64.8% recouped of $19,248 cost
8. Entry Door Replacement (Steel): 63.8% recouped of $2,206 cost
want when planning home improvements. Homeowners may be surprised to learn which renovations garner the best ROI at resale. The home loan and refinancing company RenoFi indicates that overall home improvement projects provide a 70% ROI on average.
Many high-ROI projects add functional space and improvement. The following are some exterior renovations that help homeowners recoup the most money at resale, according to Remodeling magazine’s “2022 Cost vs. Value Report.”
The majority of renovations on Remodeling magazine’s list of the best investments are exterior renovations, making this area of a home a particular point of interest for homeowners. The only interior project that cracked the Top 10 ROI for projects was a minor midrange kitchen remodel.
Exterior renovations perhaps add the most bang for your buck because they’re not only functional, but also because they add immediate curb appeal. Much in the way it has been said people eat with their eyes first — which is why chefs spend so much time on elaborate plating — buyers will judge a property by how it looks when they arrive, even before they’ve stepped inside a home. In essence, home buyers often judge a book by its cover. A worn exterior may indicate to potential buyers that the home was not maintained, however false that assumption may be.
It’s important for homeowners to consider all factors before beginning a renovation. Certain projects offer a stronger return on investment than others, and that’s a significant consideration for homeowners thinking of selling their homes. (MC)
Falling for Entertainment
By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer
After Labor Day it seems it’s just a hop, skip and jump before the holidays arrive and the New Year. However, there are still many entertainment events to look forward to before “The Nutcracker Ballet” or “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.”
The new Fall television season will bring back a host of returning favorites with new episodes and the fall film calendar looks promising.
California State Parks also gets in on the action with a surprise new tour experience at Hearst Castle.
Enjoy!
Fall TV Premieres
Returning favorites to network television.
CBS
Wednesday, Sept. 18
8 p.m. Survivor (two-hour Season 47 premiere).
Sunday, Oct. 13
8 p.m. Tracker (Season 2 premiere)
Monday, Oct. 14
8 p.m. NCIS (Season 22 premiere)
Tuesday, Oct. 15
8 p.m. FBI (Season 7 premiere)
9 p.m. FBI International (Season 4 premiere)
10 p.m. FBI Most Wanted (Season 6 premiere)
Thursday, Oct. 17
8:30 p.m. Ghosts (Season 4 premiere)
10 p.m. Elsbeth (Season 2 premiere)
Friday, Oct. 18
8 p.m. S.W.A.T. (Season 8 premiere).
9 p.m. Fire Country (Season 3 premiere).
10 p.m. Blue Bloods (return of remaining episodes of 14th and final season).
Sunday, Oct. 20
9:30 p.m. The Equalizer (Season 5 premiere)
NBC
Monday, Sept. 23
8 p.m. The Voice (Season 26 premiere)
Wednesday, Sept. 25
8 p.m. Chicago Med (Season 10 premiere)
9 p.m. Chicago Fire (Season 13 premiere)
10 p.m. Chicago P.D. (Season 12 premiere)
Friday, Sept. 27
9 p.m. Dateline NBC (season premiere)
Thursday, Oct. 3
8 p.m. Law & Order (Season 24 premiere)
9 p.m. Law & Order SVU (Season 26 premiere)
Tuesday, Nov. 19
8:30 p.m. Night Court (Season 3 premiere)
ABC
Tuesday, Sept. 17
8 p.m. Dancing with the Stars (Season 33 premiere, simulcast on Disney+)
Wednesday, Sept. 18
8 p.m. The Golden Bachelorette (series premiere)
Friday, Sept. 20
9 p.m. 20/20 (Season 47 premiere)
Thursday, Sept. 26
8 p.m. 9-1-1 (Season 8 premiere)
10 p.m. Grey’s Anatomy (Season 21 premiere)
Sunday, Sept. 29
7 p.m. America’s Funniest Home Videos (Season 25 premiere)
Wednesday, Oct. 9
9:30 p.m. Abbott Elementary (Season 4 premiere)
Friday, Oct. 18
8 p.m. Shark Tank (Season 4 premiere)
FOX
Monday, Sept. 23
8 p.m. 9-1-1 Lone Star (Season 5 premiere)
Wednesday, Sept. 25
8 p.m. The Masked Singer (Season 12 premiere)
9 p.m. The Floor (Season 2 premiere)
Thursday, Sept. 26
8 p.m. Hell’s Kitchen (Season 23 premiere)
9 p.m. Crime Scene Kitchen (Season 3 premiere)
Fall 2024 Films
Sept. 6 “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”
Michael Keaton, Catherine O’Hara, Jenna Ortega and Winona Ryder star in this “Beetlejuice” sequel. Sept. 13 “The Killer’s Game”
Dave Bautista, of “Guardians of the Galaxy” fame, is an assassin with a terminal illness who commissions a hit on himself so he can go out in style, but discovers his diagnosis was actually a doctor’s mistake.
Sept. 20 “Wolfs”
Brad Pitt and George Clooney star in this film as competing professional “fixers” that both show up to clean the grisly crime scene in “Pulp Fiction.” Hilarity ensues in this action comedy.
Sept. 27 “The Wild Robot”
From DreamWorks Animation and the director of Lilo & Stitch, this movie follows a robot who winds up stranded in the wilderness. Though she’s in an unfamiliar environment, she slowly begins to befriend the animals, even if that’s against her direct orders.
Oct. 4 “Joker Folie à Deux”
Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga star as Joker and
Harley Quinn. This sequel to 2019’s Joker reunites that movie’s writer and director, Todd Phillips, with star Joaquin Phoenix in the role that won him an Oscar.
Nov. 27 “Moana 2”
There’s another angry nature god on the loose, but this time, it looks like Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) and Maui (Dwayne Johnson) have picked up allies to help them.
Hearst Castle After Dark
750 Hearst Castle Rd., San Simeon 93452 Info HearstCastle.org
There are many types of entertainment, travel is immersive entertainment where the participant must be “in the moment” for maximum enjoyment. Offered this fall there is a new way to look at the famous Hearst Castle in San Simeon.
California State Parks has announced a new limited series of evening tours at the iconic Hearst Castle.
The “Art Under the Moonlight” tours will offer guests a unique opportunity to explore William Randolph Hearst’s world-renowned art collection like never before, under the enchanting glow of the moon.
These guided tours will be available on select Fridays and Saturdays from Oct. 4 through Nov. 16. Due to the limited availability, reservations are highly recommended.
The new tour offers a rare chance to view illuminated outdoor works of art while learning about their significance through time and enjoying their beauty as one of Hearst’s honored guests would have done in the 1930s. Inside the historic castle, guests will get an intimate look at the art collection that the influential media mogul amassed during his time there.
“This is an incredible opportunity to be under the moonlight on the same path that Mr. Hearst and his guests strolled while smelling the fragrant blooms and hearing the calming sound of the hilltop fountains,” said San Luis Obispo Coast District Superintendent Dan Falat. “The evenings are magical here, and this one-of-a-kind art collection is shown off in the best lighting.”
The tour will involve navigating 160 stairs and will take moderate effort. An ADA-accessible version of the tour that involves no stairs and can accommodate up to four people per tour is also available.
Visit HearstCastle.org or ReserveCalifornia.com to make a reservation. The tour lasts 100 minutes.
PHOTOS COURTESY IMDB
FROM THE CITY MANAGER
The Green Revolution in Santa Clarita’s Energy Practices
By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager
You may have noticed that things look a little different around our City. Maybe you noticed the motion sensor lights at our parks, or the solar panels being installed in City parking lots. As a forward-thinking community, we embrace cutting-edge technologies and practices to enhance sustainability and reduce our environmental footprint. From implementing state-of-the-art energy-saving solutions to exploring new methods for optimizing resource use, the City strives to use energy efficiently.
upgrade of the City’s energy efficiency systems across various facilities and parks. The program had clear objectives. First, it aimed to revitalize aging infrastructure to ensure reliability and efficiency. Second, it sought to enhance economic vitality by addressing and mitigating the impact of rising utility and operating costs. Third, it focused on promoting sustainability through the adoption of renewable energy sources and smart technologies.
City’s sustainability goals and operational effectiveness.
In November 2021, the City of Santa Clarita took a significant step toward modernizing our infrastructure by partnering with Climatec, LLC to design and implement a comprehensive
Following the award of the contract, City staff and Climatec swiftly initiated a thorough evaluation of the City’s utility usage and infrastructure. This comprehensive assessment focused on several key areas, including heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, both interior and exterior lighting, sports field lighting, Building Automation Systems (BAS), windows and roofing. By systematically reviewing these critical components, the team aimed to identify opportunities for modernization and efficiency improvements that would support the
The City’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond energy efficiency to encompass vital water conservation efforts and advanced technologies. Key initiatives include optimizing irrigation systems to reduce water waste, implementing efficient pool management practices and incorporating solar energy solutions to harness renewable resources. Additionally, the City is investing in battery storage systems at certain City facilities to ensure reliability during outages and to further enhance energy resilience. These measures collectively aim to conserve resources, minimize environmental impact and support a sustainable future for our community.
The initial phases of the project focused on crucial upgrades, including the installation of new irrigation controllers, replacement of existing lighting with energy-efficient LED fixtures and the implementation of solar thermal pool heating. These early im-
provements set the stage for a broader series of enhancements designed to optimize resource use and reduce operational costs.
Over the following months, the scope of work expanded to include additional upgrades such as applying heat-reducing window film to all windows at City Hall, modernizing HVAC equipment across various City facilities and installing solar canopies at multiple City locations. These efforts are part of a comprehensive plan slated for completion by the end of this year. The total lifetime savings for our City, for utility costs and operational costs, is estimated to be $46,592,955.
If you would like to learn how you can implement energy efficiency projects in your own home or learn more about conserving energy, please visit SCE.com, SoCalGas.com or GreenSantaClarita.com.
Ken Striplin is the City Manager for the City of Santa Clarita and can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita. gov.
ENTERTAINMENT
‘Sign Stealer’ Connor Stalions Tells His Story
By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer
‘Untold: Sign Stealer
(out of four)
Netflix presents a documentary directed by Micah Brown. No MPAA rating. Now streaming on Netflix.
You might remember the monologue in “Pulp Fiction,” when John Travolta’s Vincent explains Amsterdam’s marijuana laws to Samuel L. Jackson’s Jules:
basically the football version of the laws laid out in Vincent’s monologue: precise, but also just a tad ridiculous. Arriving just in time for the college football season, the latest episode of the excellent “Untold” documentary series is a deep dive into the sign-stealing scandal at the University of Michigan. For the first time, Connor Stalions speaks in great detail about being the central figure in the controversy, and it makes for fascinating viewing.
Sunday-Thursday, September 1-5, 2024
“It’s legal, but it ain’t a hundred percent legal. … It’s legal to buy it, it’s legal to own it, and if you’re the proprietor of a hash bar, it’s legal to sell it. It’s illegal to carry it, but that doesn’t really matter … ‘cuz if you get stopped by the cops in Amsterdam, it’s illegal for them to search you.”
As we learn in the timely and debate-stirring “Untold: Sign Stealer” on Netflix, the NCAA rules about swiping your opponent’s signals were
The documentary lays out the facts in a journalistically sound manner, and the interviews with some the key players in the story are insightful and illuminating, giving both sides of the argument a whole new playbook of ammunition to make their case.
(Spoiler alert: Jim Harbaugh, now the coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, did not participate. )
Director Micah Brown and his team include a bounty of archival footage, interviews with a host of
R E AG A N C Sun & Mon: 10:00 1:00 4:00 7:00; Tue to Thu: 1:00 4:00 7:00 From dusty small-town roots, to the glitter of Holly wood, and then on to commanding the world stage.
W E W I L L DA N C E AG A I N Sun: 1:00 PM
A music festival symbolizing peace, freedom, and eternal love transforms into a horrifying nightmare of terror
B E T W E E N T H E T E M P L E S E Sun & Mon: 10:10 AM
Ben is a for ty-something cantor losing his voice and possibly his faith.
B L I N K T W I C E E Sun: 4:20 7:30; Mon to Thu: 1:20 4:20 7:30
When tech billionaire Slater King meets cocktail waitress Frida, sparks fly
T H E F O RG E B Sun & Mon: 10:10 1:10 4:10 7:20; Tue to Thu: 1:10 4:10 7:20
A year out of high school with no plans for his future, Isaiah is challenged by his mom.
A L I E N: RO M U LU S E Sun & Mon: 10:15 1:00 4:00 7:00; Tue to Thu: 1:00 4:00 7:00
While scavenging the deep ends of a derelic t space station, a group of young space colonizers come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe
IT ENDS WITH US C Sun & Mon: 10:00 12:55 4:00 7:10; Tue to Thu: 12:55 4:00 7:10
Lily Bloom overcomes a traumatic childhood to embark on a new life in Boston and chase a lifelong dream of opening her own business
DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE E Sun & Mon: 10:00 1:10 4:10 7:10; Tue to Thu: 1:10 4:10 7:10
Wolverine is recovering from his injuries when he crosses paths with the loudmouth, Deadpool
D I D I E Sun & Mon: 10:30 AM
An impressionable 13-year- old Taiwanese American boy learns what his family can’t teach him: how to skate, how to flir t, and how to love your mom
S A M U E L: H O L LY WO O D VS H O L LY WO O D 1:20 4:20 7:10
top-tier journalists as well as friends and associates and family members of Stalions — but this meme-friendly, sometimes convoluted and darkly funny story is told primarily through the viewpoint of the sign stealer himself. Stalions was a diehard Michigan fan from the moment he could say “Hail! To the victors valiant” and aspired to become a coach by the time he was a teenager. “When I was in high school, I began to research coaching,” says Stalions, “and 15 of the top coaches of all time … served in the military. That’s why I began to pursue the Naval Academy.”
Stalions was a student coach at the U.S. Naval Academy, where he first started deciphering opponents’ signals. He eventually joined Michigan’s staff as a low-level, unpaid volunteer and started working his way up the ladder as he devoted nearly every waking moment to immersing himself in the culture of college football intelligence operations. “I recorded myself doing probably two to three thousand signals,” says Stalions, who says he memorized every single picture and created an extensive database that became known as his manifesto, and that’s truly impressive and also kind of bonkers.
“Connor has a mind that is almost like a ‘Rain Man’-ish kind of thing,” notes his father, Brock.
By 2021, Stalions was a paid staffer. In 2022, his sign-stealing skills were so appreciated that he was awarded a game ball after Michigan beat Iowa.
Which brings us to why I was reminded of that “Pulp Fiction” monologue. According to NCAA rules, it breaks down like this:
You can decode signals from a TV broadcast.
You can decode signals from watching game film.
You can learn about a team’s signals by gathering information from someone whose team had played that team two weeks ago.
What you CANNOT do is any kind of advanced, in-person scouting of signals.
That seems … inconsistent. Why does that last practice cross the line? Is it really that much more egregious than all the other methods of sign-stealing? After all, it’s called sign
STEALING. It’s all a bit shady.
Deep into the 2023 season, with the Wolverines eyeing a national championship, news reports said Stalions had paid Michigan operatives to attend games of upcoming Michigan opponents so they could videotape opposing coaches. Not long after, we saw the infamous visuals showing someone purported to be Stalions in disguise on the sidelines at a Central Michigan game.
“I don’t even think this guy looks like me,” says Stalions as he holds up a picture of Sidelines Man. Uh-huh.
“Untold: Sign Stealer” takes us through the next steps of the scandal, which remains an open NCAA investigation. Stalions left a paper and digital trail of his numerous purchases of tickets on or near the 50-yard line for games — tickets he would then send to friends and associates. He was suspended with pay, and eventually left the program. Linebackers coach Chris Partridge was fired. Harbaugh was suspended for three games, though the NCAA reported finding no direct connection between Harbaugh and the sign-stealing. An undeniably great Michigan team was accused by many of cheating to gain an unfair advantage. (My two cents: They would have won the whole thing anyway.)
Stalions became a viral “star” and went into hiding — but the documentary cameras follow him as he makes the drive to Houston and sits high in the NRG Stadium stands at the national championship game, where Michigan emerged victorious. A close-up shot shows Stalions near tears, soaking it all in.
Stalions continues to maintain he never did any advanced scouting and says, “I would do the same thing over again.” He’s now the defensive coordinator, a volunteer job, at Detroit’s Mumford High School.
As for those rules about sign-stealing: If you watched any of the handful of “Week 0” games on Aug. 24, e.g., Florida State v. Georgia Tech, you saw evidence of the Connor Stalions Effect. The NCAA is now allowing in-helmet communications, effectively making sign-stealing a thing of the past. Copyright 2024 Chicago Sun-Times
Go MEATLESS on MONDAYS
Getting back into a routine during the fall can be a struggle. Consider a schedule that dedicates more nights to long-term wellness with easy, nutritious recipes.
Registered dietitian Alexis Joseph recommends Meatless Mondays, which help her family create fruit- and vegetable-forward dishes with nutrient-dense ingredients. One ingredient to consider is California grown prunes from Sunsweet — a good source of vitamins and minerals that help maintain bone and heart health, keep you feeling full and are an all-natural source of fiber and healthy fat.
Find more mealtime inspiration at sunsweet. com. (Family Features)
Cauliflower Tacos with Peanut Sauce
Cook time 30 minutes
Servings 4
1 medium head cauliflower, chopped into florets (about 6-7 cups)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
8 tortillas
chopped green onions, for garnish California grown prunes from Sunsweet, for serving peanuts, for garnish lime wedges, for serving
Cabbage Slaw
3 cups shredded red cabbage
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/3 cup cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
Peanut Sauce
4 California grown prunes from Sunsweet
1/2 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk
1/3 cup natural salted peanut butter
3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/2 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon minced ginger
1 teaspoon sriracha
2 tablespoons water, plus additional for thinning (optional)
Preheat oven to 425 F.
On large baking sheet, place cauliflower in single layer. Add olive oil and salt; toss well to combine. Roast 30 minutes, tossing halfway through.
To make cabbage slaw: In medium mixing bowl, add cabbage, carrots, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, maple syrup and salt. Toss to combine; set aside to soften.
To make peanut sauce: In blender, blend prunes, milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, maple syrup, ginger, sriracha and water until smooth. Taste and add more water, if desired.
Warm tortillas, fill with roasted cauliflower and top with slaw, peanut sauce, green onions, prunes and peanuts. Serve with lime wedges.
Veggie Stir Fry with Prune Teriyaki Sauce
Cook time 15 minutes
Servings 4
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1/2 large onion, diced salt, to taste, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon minced ginger
2 cups shredded carrots
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 medium zucchini, diced
8 ounces sugar snap peas pepper, to taste, divided
1/2 cup roasted salted cashews, plus additional for serving, divided
1 cup edamame
2-3 cups cooked jasmine rice, for serving
1/3 cup sliced green onions, for serving California grown prunes from Sunsweet, for serving
Prune Teriyaki Sauce
1 cup canned pineapple, plus 1/4 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup California grown prunes from Sunsweet (about 6 prunes)
6 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 garlic clove
1 teaspoon sriracha
In large skillet over medium heat, warm sesame oil. Once hot, add onion and pinch of salt; saute 5 minutes.
Add garlic and ginger; cook 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add carrots, bell pepper, zucchini, snap peas and pinch of salt and pepper. Saute 10 minutes, stirring often, until veggies are crisp tender.
To make teriyaki sauce: In blender, blend pineapple, pineapple juice, prunes, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, garlic and sriracha until smooth. Remove veggies from heat and stir in 1/2 cup cashews, edamame and teriyaki sauce to coat. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and serve on bed of rice garnished with green onions, prunes and additional cashews.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALEXIS JOSEPH
QMy mom loves watching Drew Carey host “The Price Is Right.” I told her that there used to be a funny sitcom he starred in, but I couldn’t find it on streaming or cable. Is there a way to watch it?
— K.L.
A“The Drew Carey Show” is one of those series that hasn’t been released on modern streaming services because there’s so much licensed music in it that hasn’t been cleared yet. However, a free streaming service (with ads) called Plex recently released all nine seasons with some changes to the music. For example, in one episode, some generic rock music was added to a scene that previously played Van Halen’s “Panama.”
The show was created by Carey and Bruce Helford (“Roseanne”) and aired on ABC from 1995-2004. It’s hilarious
BOOK REVIEW
ensemble cast included Diedrich Bader (“Veep”), Ryan Stiles (“Whose Line Is It Anyway?”) and former “Late Late Show” host Craig Ferguson.
Hopefully, they’ll eventually be able to get all the music rights cleared, and the show will eventually end up on an ad-free platform like Netflix. But in the meantime, Plex is a great app with a library of various popular TV shows and films. You just have to be patient and sit through some commercials.
BookTrib’s Bites
Childless Mother
By Tracy Mayo
1970, pre-Choice America. After their eighth move in her 13 short years, the lonely only child of a high-ranking naval officer and a socially ambitious mother, Tracy Mayo longed for a normal adolescence — to have friends, to feel rooted. What she got was a pregnancy at 14 and exile to a maternity home. There, she bore not only a child but also the weight of the culture’s shame. She was required to surrender her baby boy at birth and pretend it never happened.
Twenty-two years later, Tracy set out to find him — and perhaps, through her search, to reclaim herself. Are we moving back to a world where women have no agency, stripped of control of their bodies and their futures? More than 50 years after one frightened, grief-stricken young mother was ordered to forget, Tra-
QIs it true that the Disney series “Wizards of Waverly Place” is being rebooted? Is Selena Gomez starring in it, or is it a new, young cast?
— D.W.
ASelena Gomez and David Henrie, who played siblings in the hit Disney series “Wizards of Waverly Place,” are producing a sequel series called “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.” Gomez will star in the first episode, and Henrie will lead a new cast of youngsters through the rest of the season, including Billie, who is played by Janice LeAnn Brown (“Euphoria”) and has special powers.
The original series ended 12 years ago, and the new spin-off will begin airing later this year on both Disney Channel and the streaming platform Disney+.
You can also catch Gomez in the upcoming fourth season of “Only Murders in the Building,” which is currently on Hulu.
QWhich cast members from “Young Sheldon” will be on the first season of the new spin-off about his older brother? I really miss the
cy’s story is even more important to remember.
When I Stop Fighting
By Daryl Dittmer
“Just like water seeks its own level, so does everything else, including idiots. I was one of those at that point in my life.”
Here’s an eye-opening, honest, unapologetic take on life — about overcoming obstacles, overcoming addictions, and taking risks. The author is a regular guy with a regular upbringing. He was not living anything close to a productive, happy, fulfilling life. He was digging himself deeper into
show and hope it includes some of them. — P.T.
A“Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage” will premiere this fall on CBS, beginning Thursday, Oct. 17. It’ll be filmed in a traditional sitcom style known as the multi-camera format, and it’s produced by Chuck Lorre, who also produced “Young Sheldon” and its prequel series
“The Big Bang Theory.” Will Sasso (“Mom”) and Rachel Bay Jones (“The Good Doctor”) will reprise their “Sheldon” roles as Mandy’s (Emily Osment) parents.
The young couple will be living in the same town where “Young Sheldon” took place, so expect to see guest appearances by some of the cast you miss. For example, Georgie’s mom, grandma and sister (Zoe Perry, Annie Potts and Raegan Revord) are all expected to pop up at least once during the first season.
Send me your questions at New CelebrityExtra@gmail.com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
©2023 King Features Synd., Inc.
the quagmire of dysfunction, addiction to drugs and alcohol, hiding, fears, and dishonesty.
A moment of honesty and clarity shone a flicker of hope and opened his eyes to the potential for a different way of approaching life. This is a must-read if you or someone you know is struggling, stuck, scared, unsure, or in need of a brand-new way of perceiving themselves, their world, and this journey we call life.
Peach Tea Smash
By Laura Childs
Murder at an Alice in Wonderland–themed event threatens to send The-
odosia Browning through the looking glass in the latest entry in this New York Times bestselling series.
During the Mad Hatter Masquerade, a fundraiser hosted by the Friends of the Opera on the grounds of the old Pendleton Grist Mill, Harlan Sadler, husband of Cricket Sadler, the chairwoman, is killed. He’s been hit in the head with a croquet mallet, and his body hung on the chains and paddles of the grist mill.
Nobody can figure out why since Harlan was much beloved by everyone. It’s only after Cricket and Delaine beg Theodosia to investigate that she realizes the killer might have mistaken Harlan for his crazy son, Duke. After all, Duke is a slum landlord and recently injured a woman in a boating accident. Includes delicious recipes and tea time tips!
BookBites is presented by BookTrib. com.
Drew Carey (“The Price Is Right”) © Depositphotos
Variables That Could Elevate Your Risk For Stroke
The World Stroke Organization notes that more than 12.2 million individuals experience stroke each year across the globe. Perhaps even more telling, the WSO reports that, globally, one in four people over age 25 will have a stroke in their lifetime.
Stroke is indeed a threat to public health. However, despite the prevalence of stroke, individuals are not helpless against it. Various risk factors for stroke are within individuals’ control, and it’s never too early for adults to prioritize stroke prevention.
With that in mind, the following are some of the most common risk factors for stroke, courtesy of the WSO.
Elevated Systolic Blood Pressure
The American Heart Association notes that an elevated systolic blood pressure means the upper number on a blood pressure reading is between 120 and 129. Systolic blood pressure measures the pressure your blood is pushing against the artery walls each time the heart beats.
Individuals diagnosed with elevated systolic blood pressure are urged to discuss the ways to lower that number, as the American Stroke Association notes high blood pressure is the most significant controllable risk factor for stroke.
High Body Mass Index
A 2022 study published in the jour-
The World Stroke Organization reports that a person suffers a stroke once every three seconds across the globe each day. Globally, there are roughly 12.2 million new strokes each year, and one in four individuals age 25 and older will have a stroke at some point in their lifetime.
nal PLOS One found that body mass index was associated with stroke risk among diabetes patients. The study found that the risk of ischemic stroke, which occurs when a blood clot or fatty plaque blocks a blood vessel in the brain, was higher among obese patients compared to patients who are overweight or normal-weight.
Smoking
The WSO reports that someone who smokes 20 cigarettes a day is six times more likely to have a stroke compared to a non-smoker. One of the links between smoking and stroke risk surrounds carbon monoxide and nicotine.
Smoke from cigarettes contains both carbon monoxide, which reduc-
In its “Global Stroke Fact Sheet 2022,” the WSO reported that the number of individuals who will have a stroke in their lifetime had increased by 50% over the previous 17 years, which underscores a need for the general public to better understand stroke and its controllable risk factors.
Such variables include avoiding smoking, eating a healthy diet, minimizing if not eliminating alcohol consumption, and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle. (MC)
Alcohol Consumption
A 2022 study published in the journal Neurology examined the link between alcohol consumption and stroke. The study found that high levels of alcohol consumption are associated with a higher risk for all types of stroke, and even moderate intake, defined as between seven to 14 drinks per week for women and seven to 21 drinks per week for men, was associated with higher risk for all types of stroke.
es the amount of oxygen in a smoker’s blood, and nicotine, which makes a smoker’s heart beat faster. Those variables combine to raise blood pressure, which has already been noted as a significant risk factor for stroke.
These are not the only common risk factors for stroke. In fact, the WSO reports high fasting glucose, air pollution, low physical activity, poor diet, high LDL (i.e., “bad”) cholesterol, and kidney dysfunction are some additional common risk factors for stroke. Though stroke affects more than 12 million individuals across the globe each year, many of its more common risk factors are manageable. More information about stroke is available at stroke.org. (MC)
©ADOBE STOCK
Starting Your Fall Garden From Seed
The midday heat will chase even the toughest gardener indoors. But, this is the time to think about starting seeds. That’s right. Seeds started in the heat of summer will yield a second crop of greens, roots and other tasty vegetables that will often outperform the spring crop!
Vegetables to Start in Summer
Salad Greens Lettuce, Arugula and Spinach
Germinating lettuce and spinach outdoors in summer can be a challenge. Try starting them indoors, or in a sheltered spot in your garden that does not get hit with the heat of the afternoon sun. Sow seeds in August and transplant seedlings into the garden when they’re ready. Spinach seedlings transplant best when they have just two true leaves; lettuce is generally ready for planting three to four weeks after sowing. For an extended harvest, sow greens again directly in the garden when the weather cools.
Arugula, like other mustards, germinates well at a range of soil temperatures. Try sowing it in the shade of larger plants, like tomatoes and peppers.
Roots Beets, Carrots, and Salad Turnips
Loosen the soil to a depth of about
12 inches for your fall root crop. Add compost so that the soil will retain moisture in heat of late summer, and set up a soaker hose to give your seedlings a good start. Thinning is a must for beets and carrots; carrots should be thinned to 2 inches apart, beets to 4 inches.
Beets can be left in the ground for winter harvest in mild winter areas. In more northern regions, they tolerate some frost. Cover carrots with a thick mulch of straw and harvest them until the ground freezes. Salad turnips are best when harvested young, up to 2 inches in diameter.
Broccoli and Kale
the tendency to bolt, as a spring crop will do during an early heat spell. And it suffers far less from flea beetle damage, which can be a real problem in late spring. Start it directly in the garden or start seedlings, which transplant easily, on a sunny windowsill. Protect your bok choy crop if a hard frost threatens, or harvest it.
Tips for the Fall Garden
• If the soil is too hot or the weather too dry for good seed germination outdoors, start your seeds on a sunny windowsill.
Start broccoli, kale and other brassicas indoors, with a goal of getting your seedlings in the ground about 10 weeks before the first frost date. In cold winter areas where the ground freezes hard, that could mean starting them as early as June. In mild winter areas, sow brassica seeds in mid August. For an extended fall harvest, look for varieties with good cold tolerance.
• To calculate your seed sowing date, look at a variety’s “days to harvest” and count back from the frost date in your area, then add a week or two.
• Choose fast-maturing varieties of broccoli, cauliflower, and other slow-growing crops.
• Take advantage of breaks in the weather to sow greens and root crops directly in the garden.
Kale can also be sown directly in the garden in late summer, and harvested as baby salad greens.
Bok Choy
An excellent fall crop, bok choy matures so quickly that you may be able to get two crops in fall. It does not have
• Don’t forget flowers and herbs. Zinnias, calendula, and basil can be started in summer for a second round. For more gardening tips, visit www.ezfromseed.org. (Home Garden Seed Association)
Kale
PHOTOS ©ADOBE STOCK
Beets
Bok Choy
Warning Signs That Your Bathroom May Need Work
Homeowners know that the work involved to maintain a home is never done. The end of one project has a tendency to roll into the planning of another, and so it goes for years on end.
Fortunate are the homeowners who get to choose when to begin a renovation project, but it’s far more common that homeowners spot an issue and then realize it’s time to renovate.
When it comes to bathrooms, which can be among the more expensive spaces to renovate in a home, homeowners can keep an eye out for various signs suggesting the room needs a remodel.
Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew is perhaps the most glaring sign a bathroom needs to be renovated or remodeled. Mold and mildew pose a notable threat to human health, as the United States Environmental Protection Agency reports that molds can cause allergic reactions.
Individuals sensitive to mold may develop symptoms that mimic reactions to outdoor allergens like pollen, including sneezing, runny nose, red eyes and dermatitis (skin rash). Mold also can trigger asthma attacks in people allergic to mold who have the condition.
Mold can grow in poorly ventilated bathrooms, such as those without a fan or ones in which fans are not working properly. Mold and mildew will return if it’s merely scrubbed away, so the underlying cause of mold must be addressed to prevent its return.
Small Signs of Fading
Stains, peeling paint, cracked paint, and gaps in grout are small signs of fading that indicate a bathroom is in need of renovation if not a complete remodel. These issues also can serve as warning signs of larger issues, such as water issues and structural problems, so they should not be merely written off
as minor problems or eyesores.
Rising Water Bills
Some signs a bathroom could use a little TLC are not necessarily confined to the room itself. If water bills are rising significantly and do not align with price increases or an uptick in water consumption, homeowners may have leaking pipes. Such pipes might be beneath a bathroom sink or behind tiled walls.
Discoloration on the walls, peeling paint or wallpaper and/or a musty odor may indicate leaks inside a bathroom wall. If coupled with rising water bills, these signs could be indicative of a significant issue that requires immediate attention.
Issues with Tiles
Cracked or damaged tiles in the shower and bathtub or even on the floor are unsightly and also pose a safety hazard. Cracked floor tiles can lead to slips and falls, which can be especially harmful to older residents. And cracked tiles within the shower and tub area can indicate water problems behind the walls or general disrepair. Such issues should be addressed before they escalate into something larger.
A Dated Vibe
Of course, some issues affecting a bathroom are not necessarily health or safety hazards but more an affront to homeowners’ grasp of current styles and trends. If walking into a bathroom unintentionally feels like stepping backward into a bygone era, then it’s probably time to consider a renovation or remodeling job.
Various signs can indicate to homeowners it’s time to consider a bathroom renovation.
(MC)
Renovations
Homeowners with an eye on home improvement projects should know that kitchens and bathrooms tend to be the most costly rooms to renovate.
An affiliate of the National Kitchen and Bath Association told Architectural Digest in 2023 that kitchens and bathrooms require the most labor-intensive renovations, which contributes significantly to the high costs of such projects.
Labor is indeed a significant cost when renovating a home, as the Construction Labor Market Analyzer indicates labor cost percentages in construction are between 20 and 40% of the total budget of a given project.
The final cost of any renovation project will depend on a host of variables unique to each home, including the square footage of the room being remodeled and the materials homeowners choose.
However, homeowners looking for less costly renovations may want to consider revamping their dining rooms and closets, each of which are projects that can make a difference and tend to require a less significant financial commitment than projects like kitchen and bath remodels. (MC)
PHOTOS ©ADOBE STOCK
AUTOMOTIVE
Choose the Right Tires For Your Ride
Many drivers have difficulty selecting the best tire for their vehicle and driving needs. For many, tire selection starts at the size then jumps to what’s in stock or what’s on sale. However, there are many factors to consider when you need new tires for your car, truck or SUV. Buying tires is an investment, so it’s important to make the right decision.
You may be surprised to learn determining the best tire is as much about the driver as it is the vehicle. Choosing the right tire requires considering where you drive, how you drive and what you drive. You can explore these and other factors in the Treadwell tire-buying recommendation tool, which is based on a decade of data and real-world test results.
This tire recommendation tool combines millions of data points from tire safety checks and Discount Tire’s own test track where intensive tests are performed on tires from all major manufacturers, along with the driver’s location, vehicle and driving
habits, to generate a selection of personalized tire recommendations from a variety of brands.
With more than 20,000 different models of tires available for the everyday driver, it’s no wonder tire-buying can be a mystifying process. However, tools like this can help drivers make the most informed choice while having access to the same information tire technicians use in-stores alongside their expertise. The result: empowering drivers with information and options tailored to their needs. If you think it may be time to replace your tires, start with the Treadwell tool and consider these five expert tips to simplify the process from the technicians at your local Discount Tire.
Driving Style
The type of driver you are, the kind of ride you want and how long you expect your tires to last are all factors in choosing the right tires. For example, thrill drivers might prefer tires with high levels of grip and responsiveness while those who stick to long road trips are better suited for long-lasting, smooth riding tires.
Budget
Purchasing tires is an investment. Drivers should look at the cost of their tires over time, rather than the cost up front. In the long run, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a
higher quality tire based on multiple factors like increased safety, improved handling and ride quality, as well as cost per mile.
Vehicle Specifications
Tire specifications can vary depending on the type of car you own. For electric vehicles and vehicles carrying heavy loads, it’s critical to know how much weight your tires can safely support. Only install tires that meet or exceed the load requirements for your ride.
Wear and Age
Two of the most important considerations when replacing tires are tread depth and tire age. Your tires’ tread depth directly impacts your vehicle’s ability to stop. Tires are reaching the end of their life at 4/32 inches of tread. However, your tires may be underperforming even if more tread remains, particularly in rain or extreme weather conditions. When it comes to replacing your tires, you should also consider their age. Because the materials used break down over time, experts recommend replacing tires that are six years or more past the date of manufacture. To access the tool and complete the online survey to determine the right tires for you, visit DiscountTire.com/ Treadwell. (Family Features)
Protect Your Hearing Over The Long Haul
Hearing loss is often seen as an inevitable part of aging. However, data from the National Institutes of Health indicates one in two people over the age of 85 has hearing loss, which suggests half of all individuals in that age bracket have no such issue. That should be encouraging to individuals concerned by the prospect of losing their hearing in their golden years.
The American Academy of Audiology notes that age-related hearing loss is known as presbycusis. Presbycusis can develop due to a combination of variables, including changes to blood flow and the structures of the inner ear as the body ages and shifts in how the brain processes speech and sounds. Certain medications and medical issues, including diabetes and poor circulation, also can exacerbate age-related hearing loss.
Though some hearing loss as individuals grow older may be related to age, Father Time cannot bear all the blame when individuals begin to lose their hearing. In fact, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, using data from the 2015-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, notes that roughly 5% of adults between the ages of 45 and 54 have disabling hearing loss. Such losses are unlikely to be
a byproduct of aging, and more likely indicative that individual behaviors can affect the degree to which a person loses or maintains his or her hearing.
Preventive health care is vital to protecting the body long-term, and such maintenance can include steps to safeguard hearing over the long haul. The Hearing Health Foundation notes the following are some simple ways individuals can protect their hearing in the years to come.
Keep the volume down The HHF advises individuals listen to personal audio devices at 50 to 60% of maximum audio level. Some smartphones are pre-programmed to alert users when they attempt to exceed these levels, and users are urged to heed
BEST IN CLASS SPECIALTY CARE
these warnings when adjusting the volume Lower the volume the longer you listen Prolonged listening at high volumes can be especially harmful to hearing, even if users are listening at 50 to 60% of the maximum audio level. If you intend to listen for a long period of time, lower the volume even further. Take listening breaks The HHF recommends routine listening breaks from personal audio devices. Individuals who listen to personal devices throughout a workday are urged to take breaks at least once every hour.
Wear over-the-ear headphones The HHF recommends individuals choose over-the-ear, noise-canceling headphones over earbuds. Over-the-ear headphones are more effective at creating a seal that blocks out ambient sounds, which means users are less likely to turn up the volume on their headphones than they might be when using earbuds. Routine hearing examinations are an effective way to monitor hearing, and individuals are urged to make them part of their preventive health care regimen. When measures are taken to protect long-term hearing, individuals may find it easier to manage age-related hearing loss if they experience it. (MC)
©ADOBE STOCK
SOLUTIONS
Opinion
Unless otherwise stated, the views and opinions expressed are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily represent the views of The Signal.
READER LETTERS
Those Talking Cats, Though ...
I’ve been thinking about irrelevance. Unless I am watching a golf tournament, advertisers no longer target me. Even worse, I’ve apparently lost track of popular culture, no matter how fast I pedal to try and keep up. Recently, I received a People Magazine email headline, which stated Alexis Bellino and John Jenssen are engaged after nine months of dating. I have no idea who these people are. Do you? Apparently, they are famous. I’ve stopped visiting the TMZ web site, because other than Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, who are shockingly getting divorced, I don’t know most of the so-called celebrities they are talking about. Does all of this come with getting older, or is it now impossible to keep up with who’s the celebrity of the moment? Andy Warhol famously said, “In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes.” Today, virtually anyone can become famous for at least 15 minutes, maybe more, by posting a clip on TikTok, Reels or Instagram. Even animals other than racehorses can become famous. I watch videos of “talking” cats named Penny and Milo. Once upon a time, we had movie stars like Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn. Today, we have Penny and Milo.
Philip Wasserman Stevenson Ranch
The Point Being ...
In re: Sandy Cassidy, letters, “It Wasn’t About the Food Pantries,” Aug. 10. Ms. Cassidy, the point of my response was only to point out that whenever one relies on a government-run agency for ANYTHING you are subject to the whims of that agency and the politicians who control it and its funding. Your letter pointing out the huge cuts to the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center that provides meals to seniors in need was the perfect example of this.
Rick Barker Valencia
If This Be Treason ...
On May 29, 1765, Patrick Henry gave a rousing speech to the Virginia House of Burgesses. You may know Henry for his “give me liberty or give me death” speech in 1775, but this one came earlier — and it shook Virginians in pre-Revolutionary War America to their core. Virginians were trying to decide what to do about the controversial Stamp Act. Henry’s speech was nothing if not brazen. He compared King George III to Julius Caesar. “Caesar had his Brutus; Charles the First his Cromwell; and George the Third . . .”
At this point, Henry was interrupted by cries of “Treason! Treason!”
But Henry persevered in the face of these cries. “George the Third,” he said, “may profit by their example. If this be treason, make the most of it!”
From the “MAGA” perspective, President Joe Biden is former President Barack Obama's third term, who is now vying for a fourth through Vice President Kamala Harris. From that perspective, the executive branch has become King George III and Julius Caesar combined. From that perspective Biden/Harris already act as if they are above the law, as did Obama. From that perspective, democracy already has been destroyed, and they see it as their duty to restore it. From that perspective, former President Donald Trump is the equivalent of Patrick Henry, ushering in a new era of liberty and freedom from tyranny.
Say what you will, I just call it like I see it.
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ETHICALLY SPEAKING
Now, About Health Care
By David Hegg
Iimagine we’re all caught up in the great adventure of health care. We all need it, and it seems everywhere someone is telling me the price of staying healthy is increasing. We all have faced the horror of losing a job and realizing health care plans for the unemployed or underemployed take a lot of cash and don’t give much in return.
But recently, I’ve been concerned that an essential question has yet to be asked and answered. Here it is: Just what is “health?” Who gets to decide what “healthy” is, and even more importantly, what makes a “healthy” life?
One of the challenges is deciding what a "healthy" body is. For many, it has everything to do with how you look. Are you slim and trim and able to wear skinny jeans? Do you look good in jogging shorts? And how about when the sun is out and the surf’s up? Are you swimsuit healthy?
Those with a bit more sense insist that as long as your numbers are reasonable, you must be healthy … regardless of how you look in spandex. Is blood pressure OK? Cholesterol OK? Blood sugar where it should be? Congrats, you’re healthy!
Sadly, there are scores of folks with good bodies and good numbers who are just plain miserable. They look good, but their choices have left them with no one to love, and they’ve become addicted to the hypocrisy of trying to look happy. They’re ready to fake it until they make it. But the finest physique and latest fashion don’t make an emotionally healthy life.
So, what is health? There is no argument that it includes the proper physical functions of our bodies and the ability to do the things life asks of us. But those who think health is only a matter of physical processes don’t understand the realities of life.
is the one that so often determines the health of the first two. It is the moral core of the person. The ancients called it the soul. The soul is that immaterial part of us where consciousness and moral decision-making reside. Thomas Nagel persuasively argues that this leg of the human stool demonstrates the absurdity of a purely materialistic theory of origins and evolutionary progress. Purely physical processes can never produce the immaterial consciousness we all enjoy. And it is this part of the human organism that most needs to be healthy.
It is the soul that determines who we are and the choices we make. The soul archives our values, character, virtue and ethical paradigm. In the arena of the soul, we sift information, opportunities, and risks and then determine the course we will pursue. This is important because we all know physical and emotional health primarily results from excellent or notso-good choices. If you put dangerous substances into your body, you will adversely affect your physical health. If you fail to learn self-control and how to love someone sacrificially, you will damage your emotional health.
Arthur Saginian Santa Clarita
Health might be thought of as a three-legged stool. Each leg is necessary but insufficient alone. The first leg is the medical health of the body. The second leg is the emotional well-being of the person. The third leg
So, what about affordable health care? Here’s the deal: The most critical component of a healthy life can be improved without any insurance policy or professional help. Exercise your soul. Think deeply about the great questions of life. Who are you? Why are you here? Where are you going? What kind of person do you most want to be? I believe the answers to all these start with a recognition that our lives matter and are heading somewhere because Almighty God created us as his image bearers to bring him glory in all things and live out his truth and love in all directions. That keeps my soul healthy, my outlook joyful, and my life filled with real purpose. And it turns out that if you like God, you can keep him … forever!
Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.
