GRAND OPENING IN VALENCIA!
implant advertisements these days. It can be confusing. Where do you go? Who can you trust?
If you are suffering from missing teeth, failing teeth, or ill-fitting traditional dentures, GPS can navigate you to the smile of your dreams with dental implants.
Great News for the Valley! All Santa Clarita Valley patients will receive a discount to celebrate the Grand Opening of our seventh Southern California Center.
Now is the time to come in and visit with your local dental implant specialists and learn what we can do to change your life with affordable dental implants.
Why Dental Implants?
Dental Implants are the gold standard of care today to fix teeth that are terminal or missing. Dental Implants replace the roots of missing teeth. Our Dental Implants GPS bridge™ is secured to the implants giving you a life-long, beautiful, zirconia smile. GPS patients tell us,
“I can eat whatever I want now, so I couldn’t be happier! Thank you GPS!” – Mark
they wish they would have done it sooner.
+ Dental Implants can last a lifetime with proper care
+ Dental Implants look and feel most like natural teeth
+ Permanent Dental Implants are stable and fixed in place
+ The roof of your mouth is open so you can taste your food
+ Dental Implants can give patients the ability to eat, smile, laugh and socialize again
Where You Go for Treatment DOES Matter!
There are a lot of dental
The Specialist Doctors at Dental Implants GPS are a trusted partner to hundreds of California dentists who refer their patients and loved ones to our state-of-the-art dedicated implant centers.
9 out of 10 dentists and dental providers surveyed, chose Dental Implants GPS as the right choice. Why?
Our doctors are Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Medical Physicians, and Pros–thodontists who have decades of experience redesigning and creating amazing smiles for over 20,000 local patients.
When you know you need to replace all of your teeth, you want to make the right choice for your dental, medical, and financial situation. The GPS team is called in to handle the most difficult cases or to fix dental implant cases that were botched by overseas dentists or those with much less experience.
If you are suffering with your smile, call the team that over 300 dentists and 20,000 patients trust.
SHERRY’S STORY: Palmdale patient, Sherry thought she found a dentist in Mexico who could give her a fullmouth restoration. Sadly, she’s had major complications.
When she came to Dental Implants GPS, she was chewing using the abutment on the metal implants. Three of the Mexico implants had failed and needed to be replaced.
After surgery at GPS, Sherry is smiling and eating normally again for the first time in two years.
“I suffered because of my decision. Don’t risk your health or your happiness. I highly recommend the amazing Specialists at Dental Implants GPS.”
How to Be a Part of the Hollywood Magic
By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer
In the Santa Clarita Valley, we are fortunate to be able to attend live tapings of many of television’s most popular programs. If you grew up in southern California, you probably remember standing in line to see tapings of your favorite shows.
While television has changed dramatically over the years, the opportunity to watch tapings is still there. Here are some tips to make the experience memorable.
Audience Tips
Be sure to get there early if you want a good seat (or any seat at all, as studios overbook the tickets).
Expect to stay at least three hours, especially for sitcoms, which can take a long time as scenes get reworked and reshot. Bring a snack, water and a book for downtime. At longer tapings, audience members might be treated to pizza, but don’t count on it. Bring a sweater; studios are kept notoriously cool to compensate for the hot lights on stage.
Many, if not all, shows require you to leave cellphones, cameras, backpacks or other items at home or you will need to check those items with security and retrieve them as you exit.
How to Get Tickets
The best way to get tickets is to seek out the show you want to see online and see if they have a direct ticket portal. However, most television programs now use online ticket reservation sites to attract audience members and game show contestants.
On-Camera Audiences, Inc. is one of the largest companies involved in finding audiences for popular shows.
For tickets to the following visit on-cameraaudiences.com/us if you are looking for tickets to: America’s Funniest Home Videos, America’s Got Talent, American Idol, American Ninja Warrior, Beat Shazam, Big Brother, Card Sharks, Celebrity Big Brother, Celebrity Family Feud, Dancing with the Stars, I Can See Your Voice, Jeopardy!, MasterChef, Password, Press Your Luck, Snake Oil, So You Think You Can Dance?, The Masked Singer and The Price is Right.
Visit the following sites for tickets to the individual shows.
NBC sitcom Lopez vs. Lopez 1iota.com/ show/1317/lopez-vs.-lopez.
CBS sitcom George & Mandy’s First Marriage 1iota.com/show/1744/georgie-&-mandys-firstmarriage.
NBC sitcom Night Court 1iota.com/show/1735/ night-court---season-3
Other shows visit 1iota.com
L.A. Based Talk Shows
There aren’t as many Los Angeles-based talk
shows as there used to be, but there are still shows worth attending.
The Jennifer Hudson Show
Tickets visitburbank.com/blog/jennifer-hudsonshow-tickets
A one-hour show that films five times per week at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank.
The Talk
Tickets
1iota.com/show/164/the-talk
Led by TV personalities Amanda Kloots, Akbar Gbajabiamila, Natalie Morales, Jerry O’Connell and Sheryl Underwood. The show tapes at the Radford Studio Center in Studio City.
Jimmy Kimmel Live
Tickets
1iota.com/show/1/jimmy-kimmel-live
For day-of-taping tickets, a standby line forms in front of the studio about 90 minutes before call time. Taping times are typically Monday–Thursday, at 3:45 p.m. at the El Capitan Entertainment Centre, 6840 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles 90028. Tapings typically last about 90 minutes
After Midnight
Tickets 1iota.com/show/1646/after-midnight
You’ve likely seen comedian Taylor Tomlinson’s Netflix stand-ups, now, she’s the late-night host of CBS’ After Midnight that pokes fun at what captures the internet’s attention. Tapes at Paramount Studios on Gower Street in Los Angeles.
Real Time with Bill Maher
Ticket information (323) 575-7800
If you enjoy politics, current affairs and entertainment join Maher and his guests. Tickets are only available in person and distributed at three locations near Television City, on the street outside Television City on Beverly Boulevard, outside Whole Foods on Fairfax and 4th and outside the AC Hotel by Marriott Beverly Hills on Wilshire and La Jolla.
Game Show Casting
Before applying for any game show be aware that
you cannot be related to anyone who works for the game show, or the network or production company involved with the show. With so many residents of the SCV involved in some facet of “the business” you might have connections to a show and not realize it. Do your research before applying. Here are a few game shows you might want to check out:
Let’s Make a Deal The casting application is available at www.lmadcasting.com.
Wheel of Fortune The casting application is available at www.wheeloffortune.com/join/be-acontestant.
If you want tickets to attend a Wheel of Fortune taping visit tickets.wheeloffortune.com.
Lucky 13 castingwithjoy.com/lucky13
Lucky 13 is a new game show that features Shaquille O’Neal and Gina Rodriguez. Kevin Bacon is the executive producer. Contestants are challenged with 13 true-or-false question. But there is a twist.
Seat Fillers
In addition to audience members for sitcoms and game shows, seat-fillers are needed for many award shows. When the winner waltzes up to the stage to accept their award someone needs to take their seat so the audience always looks “full” when the camera shows audience reaction shots.
OS/LA Productions is a professional audience and seat filler company. Among the shows it “casts” are the Golden Globes, Critic’s Choice Awards and The ESPYS. To get on their list, visit oslaproductions.com.
Another company that provides seat filler services is seatfillersandmore.com
Among their clients are The Grammy Awards, The Emmy Awards, The BET Awards, BET Hip Hop Awards, NAACP Image Awards, Survivor Finale, Miss America Pageant and Billboard Music Awards.
Left: Get tickets to see “The Price is Right” and you may be spinning the wheel to play for prizes. PHOTO COURTESY CBS. Right: To get on list, to be a seat filler for the Golden Globes, visit oslaproductions.com. PHOTO COURTESY NBC.
WHALE WATCHING
By Michele E. Buttelman, Signal Staff Writer
Doña Uhrig, Sunday Editor
Southern California is blessed with an amazing climate, stunning mountains and the beautiful and majestic Pacific Ocean. It should be no surprise that the throngs of people who inhabit the area are joined by resident pods of whales who live off-shore year-round.
Minke Whales
So, what kinds of whales are available to see? October to December, is the best time to see Minke whales, even though they are considered a yearround visitor in Dana Point, says Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari. In fact, they are so common, they are considered residents of the West Coast from California to Washington.
Minke whales are a smaller whale with slender, streamlined bodies. According to Harbor Breeze Yacht Charters and Cruises, Minke whales are “relatively elusive and are not often seen by whale watchers. However, their distinctive vocalizations can sometimes be used to locate them.” If you are fortunate to hear one, they can be spotted by the white bands on their flippers.
Humpback Whales
Humpback whales are found all over the world, but are most common off the coasts of California, British Columbia and Hawaii, according to Dolphin Safari. In California, they can be spotted from April through November.
Humpbacks are highly migratory and travel long distances for feeding and breeding. They are known for their social behavior and are often seen in groups of up to 15. They are also known for their curiosity and will approach humans and boats.
Gray Whales
Gray whales can be seen off the coast of California in December and January as they migrate south and again between March and May on their way north, according to The Marine Mammal Center. Since the whales migrate close to shore, they are often easy to spot.
Grays are so named by their gray and white patters that are unique to each whale. Their white patches are mostly made up of barnacles and lice. “In fact, gray whales can carry over 400 pounds of barnacles and whale lice,” according to the center.
Orcas
Orcas, also known as Killer Whales, are actually a species of dolphin. They can be spotted throughout the year off the coast of California, but mostly in the summer and fall months.
Like the Humpback, Orcas are highly social and mostly seen in pods of up to 40 individuals.
Dana Point
Dana Point claims to be the “Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World.” It is also the first Whale Heritage Site in the Americas. The designation by the World Cetacean Alliance recognizes Dana Point’s respect for all cetaceans, which are whales, dolphins and porpoises.
The spectacular show of sea life makes any day of the year the best time to go whale watching in Southern California. For a daily tally of sightings, visit dolphinsafari.com/sightings-log.
Santa Barbara
The Santa Barbara channel is one of the most ecologically diverse hotspots on the West Coast. The nutrient rich waters are derived from the California current. Cold water from Alaska rushes past
the coast and creates a bloom of life. Pair this with turbulent winds that bring the cold water from the depths of the ocean to the surface, and it creates a perfect oceanic feeding ground. Humpback whales, orcas and countless sea lions have been spotted here in just the past few weeks.
From late November through April, thousands of Pacific gray whales migrate through the Channel first heading south to the warm water lagoon s of Baja California. On their return in the spring many gray whales, especially mothers with newborn calves, hug Santa Barbara’s coastline heading to their eventual summer home in the Bering Strait off Alaska.
When visiting Santa Barbara during whale migration season enjoy the many leisurely trails along the scenic bluffs that also double as perfect vantage points to sit and watch for these magnificent creatures heading north.
Late spring through early fall, the Santa Barbara Channel offers regular sightings of humpback whales and the largest mammal on earth, the massive blue whale. You might also spot the shy minke whale, fin whale, Pacific white-sided dolphin, coastal bottlenose dolphin and other dolphins.
From Ventura to Newport
Newport Landing is one the most popular whale watching destinations. See giant blue whales, finback whales, gray whales and many more in their natural habitat. One the largest marine protected parks in California lies just outside of Newport Bay and whales and dolphin of all types can be viewed as soon as you leave the bay.
PHOTOS ©ADOBE STOCK
Humpback whales were on the brink of extinction until a moratorium on commercial whaling in 1985. Today, they live in all oceans around the world. They have one of the longest migrations of any mammal on the planet. Some swim 5,000 miles from tropical breeding grounds to more productive feeding grounds.
Orcas, also known as killer whales, are actually the largest member of the dolphin family. They are found in every single ocean and are easy to spot with their black and white coloring. Orcas are highly intelligent and fast. They are also able to coordinate their hunting.
Tour Operators
There are hundreds of whale watching tour operators along the coast of California. Here are some of the most popular.
Island Packers
1691 Spinnaker Drive #105B, Ventura 93001; (805) 642-1393
Info islandpackers.com
Island Packers’ Gray Whale Watching departs from both the Channel Islands and Ventura Harbors. This 3 to 3.5-hour cruise takes you to the Southern California waters of the Santa Barbara Channel. Whale watching dates are December through mid-April.
Newport Coastal Adventure
309 Palm St. #A, Newport Beach 92661; (949) 922-8784
Info newportcoastaladventure.com
Receiving five-star reviews across multiple platforms Newport Coastal Adventure has operated since 2014. The company specializes in “small boat” open air, limited group size excursions.
Newport Whales
309 Palm St. #A, Newport Beach 92661; (949) 675-0551
Info newportwhales.com
Cruises are offered seven days a week. A variety of excursions are offered including general whale watching cruises to luxury cruises with fewer people. To see a report of daily marine life sightings, visit newportwhales.com/whalecount.html.
Capt. Dave’s Dana Point Dolphin, Whale Watching Safari 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point 92629; 949) 577-8403,
Info www.dolphinsafari.com
Capt. Dave’s is a dedicated eco-friendly Dana Point whale watching tour group and are dedicated to providing only sustainable wildlife viewing. Serving Dana Point, Oceanside, Anaheim, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Clemente, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach and Newport Beach areas.
The Minke whales are not endangered but they are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The Minke is the smallest of the baleen (great whale family) whales. They can be spotted alone or in groups of 2-3. They are know to vocalize and create sounds such as clicks and grunts.
Gray whales were once very common in the Northern Hemisphere. Today, however, they are mostly only found in the North and western North Pacific. Despite over hunting before a mid-1980s moratorium, Gray whales are known for their curiosity toward boats.
Keep Busy Kids Focused on Heart Health
The American Heart Association says staying active, eating healthy and getting plenty of sleep can help kids stay healthy now and for a lifetime.
With kids back in the classroom, it’s important to recognize how young people spend their free time could impact their heart health, according to the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all. Too much screen time and unhealthy on-the-go eating habits could make for some hard lessons in poor heart health in the future.
In a 2022 study in the journal Circulation, researchers reported that most children and adolescents in the U.S. scored poorly for overall cardiovascular health. Less than 30% of kids ages 2 to 19 met high healthy heart standards according to American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 metrics that define levels of heart health based on diet, physical activity, cigarette smoking, body mass index, total cholesterol, blood pressure, blood glucose and quality of sleep.
The study showed that heart health decreased considerably as kids got older, with high cardiovascular health reported in
• 56% of two-to-five-year-olds;
• 33% of six-to 11-year-olds; and
• 14% of 12-to-19 year-olds.
Overall, kids were experiencing higher body mass index and increased blood pressure and eating less nutritious foods, all risk factors for poor heart health. Obesity, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, continues to be a major public health threat for children in all age groups, and, according to the American Heart Association’s 2023 Heart and Stroke Statistical Update has nearly quadrupled from about 5% in the 1970s to 14.5% in 2020.
At the same time, school-aged children are surrounded by sedentary entertainment options from video games on their smartphones to shows on television. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, they spend between six and nine hours in front of screens each day, reducing time being physically active.
“Our habits in adulthood begin in childhood, and we know that a sedentary lifestyle that’s spent in front of screens and not being outside, having fun with friends and being physically active puts children at a variety of health risks,” said Federico Asch, M.D., a volunteer member of the American Heart Association’s Science Advisory and Coordinating Committee, a cardiologist at MedStar Health and a professor of medicine at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
“Once the school year starts, kids tend to have less free time and may navigate toward less ac-
tive habits such as watching TV and playing video games. This is especially true as kids get older and no longer have scheduled gym classes or recess and don’t take part in organized or school sports.”
Federal guidelines recommend children and teens ages 6 to 17 get at least an hour of moderate to vigorous activity a day, including more intense activities at least three times a week.
Healthy eating is also important for growing kids. Once the busy school year starts, many may skip breakfast in the morning and if the family doesn’t have a scheduled mealtime, they may be grabbing unhealthy snacks on the go after school and munching on junk food while engaging in that screen time in the evenings.
Even sleep can significantly impact a child’s health. Adequate sleep promotes healing, improves brain function and reduces the risk for chronic diseases. Children require more sleep than adults, with recommendations for kids including
• 10-16 hours for ages 5 and younger, including naps;
• 9-12 hours for ages 6-12; and
• 8-10 hours for ages 13-18.
The American Heart Association suggests a few tips for helping keep kids heart-healthy:
Schedule family time for physical activity Weather permitting, go outdoors for a walk, a hike or even just some backyard games. Indoor activities can actually incorporate active screentime, like playing a dance-off or interactive sports video game.
Plan a weekly menu and prep your meals
Encourage kids to help with meal planning and even grocery shopping. Make sure you have on hand foods they will eat that are also healthy for
them. Taking the time to prepare for the week ahead — even cutting up fruits and veggies for healthy snacks — can help improve overall diets. Simplify your family’s schedule In today’s society we’re expected to do it all. But this type of non-stop lifestyle isn’t sustainable or healthy. Try prioritizing your activities and see what you can do without so you’ll have more time for the things that matter. You can also work on ways to manage stress.
Set a regular bed time — and wake-up time Develop bedtime routines to wind down after a busy day. While it may be unrealistic to expect older kids to turn in early, have them to turn off their phones and other devices prior to bedtime. Encourage them to develop their own rituals for a good night’s sleep — and trying to catch up on the weekends doesn’t count.
Live by example Be a role model for healthy behaviors. It doesn’t mean you have to change-up everything at once, set goals and take baby steps. Teaching your kids about heart health now will help them live longer, healthier lives for their own future.
“It can be a challenge for busy working parents to find ways to keep their kids active and help them develop healthy habits. We know lifelong heart health begins in childhood, so it’s important to make the effort,” Asch said. “Switch off the TV and limit video game time and instead go outside to toss a ball or take a walk. Schedule regular family dinner time as often as possible and encourage your kids to help in the meal planning. Simple steps can make a big difference and will set them up for a lifetime of good health.”
Learn more about the importance of heart health at heart.org. (American Heart Association)
FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Make Your Plan to Vote!
By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager
Propositions, ballot measures, judges, City Councilmembers, state assembly, Congress, Senate and of course, the President — as November 5, 2024, approaches, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With just days remaining until the election, now is the time to ensure you have a solid voting plan in place. These choices will shape our future, so being prepared is more crucial than ever.
The most important step in the voting process is to be informed. Casting your vote isn’t just about making a choice — it’s about making a knowledgeable decision that reflects your values and what you believe is best for your community. Along with your mail-in ballot, you should have received your Official Voter Information Guide. This guide is a critical resource, providing detailed descriptions of the ballot measures, summaries of the candidates’ platforms and explanations of how each proposition might affect our City, state or Nation. It’s not enough to simply gather information — active citizens and leaders turn their knowledge into action! Voting is
the most impactful way to participate in democracy and help shape the future of your community.
When it comes to submitting your ballot, you have several options. You can return your mail-in ballot by placing it in a mailbox (no postage needed), as long as it’s postmarked by election day on November 5. Alternatively, you can drop off your ballot at any official drop-off location or vote center before or on election day. With that being said, knowing where to vote is crucial.
In Santa Clarita, one of the main voting centers is The Centre, located at 20880 Centre Pointe Pkwy. For additional drop-off locations within the City or Los Angeles County, visit Locator.LAVote.gov.
This year, voting for City Council seats in Santa Clarita will look a little different due to the City’s new district-based elections. For the first time, only one-fifth of the City’s residents will have the opportunity to vote for a City Council candidate.
In the 2024 election cycle, only voters in District 1 will be electing a City Councilmember. District 1 begins at the southernmost point of Santa Clarita, covering Old Town Newhall and extending eastward along Soledad Canyon Road into central Canyon Country.
Although two City Council seats were slated to be on the ballot this year, only one will be contested. Councilmember Jason Gibbs, the sole candidate to file for District 3, was appointed by the City Council to a four-year term. As a result, there will be no election for District 3 this November. The remaining three districts — 2, 4 and 5 — will hold elections in November 2026. For a detailed map of the district boundaries and more information on the City’s shift to district-based elections, visit SantaClarita.gov/District-Elections.
To learn more about the upcoming City elections, visit SantaClarita.gov/City-Clerk/Elections. Your participation is crucial — by casting your vote, you contribute directly to the direction of our community. Don’t miss this opportunity to have your voice heard!
Ken Striplin is Santa Clarita’s City Manager and can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita.gov.
GARY MARTIN
ENTERTAINMENT
Greek (Life) Tragedy of a Propulsively Brutal Cautionary Tale
By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer
‘The Line’
(out of four)
Utopia presents a film directed by Ethan Berger and written by Berger and Alex Russek. No MPAA rating. In theaters.
College sophomore Tom Backster comes from a relatively hardscrabble background, and he believes with all his heart and ambition that the fraternity life is his ticket to the firmament of society, and that is the Greek (life) tragedy of the propulsively brutal cautionary tale that is “The Line.”
Sunday-Thursday, November 3-7, 2024
We watch with an increasing sense of foreboding as this smart and seemingly decent young man loses himself in the rampant toxicity of the frat life, making one poor choice after another, oblivious to the cliff in front of him until it’s too
late and he’s in midair, destined for a horrific crash landing.
Director and co-writer Ethan Berger frames “The Line” as a kind of elevated horror film — but the monsters aren’t supernatural, they’re privileged, misogynistic, bigoted, coke-snorting fraternity
H E R E C Sun: 10:10 1:30 4:30 7:20; Mon to Thu: 1:30 4:30 7:20
Here is an original film about multiple families and a special place they inhabit
CO N C L AV E B Sun: 10:00 1:10 4:10 7:10; Mon to Thu: 1:10 4:10 7:10
Conclave follows one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events - selec ting the new Pope
V E N O M: T H E L A S T DA N C E C Sun: 10:20 1:20 4:10 7:30; Mon to Thu: 1:20 4:10 7:30
Hunted by both of their worlds and with the net closing in, Eddie and Venom are forced into a devastating decision
S M I L E 2 E Sun: 10:10 1:00 4:00 7:00; Mon to Thu: 1:00 4:00 7:00
About to embark on a new world tour, global pop sensation Skye Riley begins experiencing increasingly terrifying and inexplicable events
W E L I V E I N T I M E E 1:10 4:10 7:10
Almut and Tobias are brought together in a surprise encounter that changes their lives
LO O K BAC K Sun: 10:30 AM
Popular, outgoing Fujino is celebrated by her classmates for her funny comics in the class newspaper
T H E W I L D RO B OT B Sun: 10:20 1:20 4:20 7:00; Mon to Thu: 1:20 4:20 7:00
A robot is shipwrecked on an uninhabited island and must learn to adapt to the harsh surroundings.
T H E S U B S TA N C E E Sun: 10:00 AM
Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself? You Only better in ever y way You’ve got to tr y this new produc t It changed my life
L E F T B E H I N D C 1:00 3:10 5:15 7:30
While the world reels from a cataclysmic event, one man bands with others who have been “left behind” to discover who or what is responsible
brothers at a Southern university who believe the world is theirs for the taking, and anyone who doesn’t conform to their warped belief system is an outsider, a loser, a nobody. It’s not that we haven’t seen this type of frat-life social commentary before, but Berger and the outstanding ensemble infuse his film with a docudrama authenticity. This is a not a movie you can easily shake off.
Alex Wolff (“Pig,” “A Quiet Place: Day One”) does nuanced and compelling work as the aforementioned Tom, a working-class kid who has affected an accent his mother (Cheri Oteri) dubs as “faux Forrest Gump,” the better to fit in with his “brothers” at the fictitious Kappa Nu Alpha fraternity. Tom rooms with the odious Mitch Miller (Bo Mitchell), who gets away with all manner of piggish behavior because his wealthy
Top 10 Movies
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2. The Wild Robot (PG) Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal
3. Terrifier 3 (NR) Lauren LaVera, David Howard Thornton
4. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (PG13) Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder
5. We Live in Time (R) Andrew Garfield, Florence Pugh
6. Joker: Folie à Deux (R) Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga
7. Piece by Piece (PG) Pharrell Williams, Morgan Neville
8. Transformers One (PG) Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry
9. Saturday Night (R) Gabriel LaBelle, Rachel Sennott
10. The Nightmare Before Christmas (PG) Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon
© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.
father (John Malkovich), who has the unforgettable name of Beach Miller, throws money at problems to make them disappear. (Denise Richards plays Mitch’s mother, and she and Malkovich are so good in a dinner scene that we’d watch an entire movie about their relationship, which seems right out of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”)
“The Line” is filled with memorable supporting players, including Lewis Pullman as Todd, the casually arrogant fraternity president; the late Angus Cloud as a particularly hard-partying KNA brother; Austin Abrams (recently stealing scenes in “Wolfs”) as Gettys O’Brien (again with the names in this movie), a charismatic and rebellious pledge who becomes Mitch’s sworn enemy; and Halle Bailey as Annabelle Bascom, a free spirit who becomes Tom’s love interest.
Tom’s fraternity brothers deride Annabelle as a “Black lesbian” and mock him for his interest in her, even though she’s clearly out of his league in every way imaginable and he should be thanking the stars she’s interested in him. It’s a sign of Tom’s woefully misguided sense of priorities that he’d rather spend his nights getting blasted with his fraternity brothers and hazing the incoming freshman class in a borderline cultish environment than in the company of Annabelle. What an idiot.
From the moment early in the film when we learn KNA has been cited in recent years for a total of 17 violations of student conduct codes, we know where this story is headed. Still, it comes as a stunning blow when the hazing rituals cross the line into potentially criminal behavior.
“The Line” ends on a telling note, with a news story playing on a TV in the background reminding us that the more certain things appear to have changed, the more they stay the same.
PHOTO COURTESY IMDB
Celebrate Cozy Season with Creamy, Comforting MealS
Asnug sweater, a crackling fire and a meal that warms you from the inside out are perfect ways to spend a cool autumn evening with the people you love.
Gather around the table for a hearty meal featuring some of the most comforting flavors of fall — pumpkin, apple and cinnamon — plus a special ingredient: pierogies. Found in the frozen food aisle, Mrs. T’s Pierogies are stuffed with creamy mashed potatoes, cheesy goodness and other big, bold flavors — a comforting addition to this Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Mini Pierogies.
Available in 13 flavors, including 4 Cheese Medley, Loaded Baked Potato, Broccoli & Cheddar and other varieties in both full and mini sizes, they can be boiled, baked, sauteed, air fried and even grilled, making them a versatile addition to seasonal dishes of all kinds.
To find more cozy recipe inspiration, visit mrstspierogies.com. (Family Features)
Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Mini Pierogies
Prep time 5 minutes
Total time 40 minutes
Servings 4
1 large shallot
1 large Honeycrisp apple (or 1 1/2 cups)
5 garlic cloves olive oil
2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, divided
2 cups canned pumpkin puree
2 teaspoons maple syrup pepper, to taste salt, to taste
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons heavy cream
Shepherd’s Pie
fresh thyme, to taste
1 box Mini 4 Cheese Medley Mrs. T’s Pierogies
Slice shallot, peel and cube apple and crush garlic.
In pot over medium-low heat, add drizzle of olive oil and saute shallots, garlic and apple 20 minutes, covered.
Let mixture slightly cool then add to blender with 1/2 cup broth and blend until fully combined.
In pot, add pumpkin puree; blended shallot mixture; maple syrup; salt, to taste; pepper, to taste; nutmeg; cinnamon; remaining broth; heavy cream; and thyme, to taste. Bring to low boil then add frozen pierogies. Boil 3 minutes.
Find Comfort in a One-Pot Pie
That first day of chilly weather always feels the coldest before you’re accustomed to it, and an easy, warm, filling meal can help hit the spot. Better yet, this rendition of Shepherd’s Pie is made with just one pot so cleanup can be a snap.
Visit Culinary.net for more onedish meal ideas that bring comfort to cool days.
Shepherd’s Pie
Servings 8-12
1 pound ground beef
6 medium potatoes, peeled
2 teaspoons thyme, divided salt, to taste pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1/2 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 bag (12 ounces) frozen mixed veggies
Heat oven to 350 F.
In Dutch oven, brown ground beef and drain fat. Boil potatoes until fork tender and mash them. Add 1 teaspoon thyme, salt and pepper, to taste, and set aside.
Place ground beef back in Dutch oven and mix in onion powder, tomato paste, beef broth, garlic powder, cream and remaining thyme. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Mix in frozen veggies.
Cover meat mixture with potatoes and bake 25-30 minutes.
QWhen is the new “NCIS” spinoff happening that centers around Mark Harmon’s character when he was younger? I hope they’re still going through with it.
— D.D.
A”NCIS: Origins” is a prequel series that takes place in 1991, when Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon’s character in the original “NCIS” series) is a newly minted special agent at Camp Pendleton. The series is produced by Harmon and his son, Sean. Sean actually played a young Gibbs in flashback scenes on “NCIS,” but he won’t be reprising the role in the new series. Instead, Austin Stowell (“Catch-22”) will star as Gibbs when the show premieres on Oct. 14 with a two-hour special event.
QI was a big fan of the show
“Castle” and the great chemistry between the two stars. I’ve been watching Nathan Fillion on “The Rookie” ever since, but what happened to Stana Katic, who starred opposite him in “Castle”?
— H.S.
AIt’s hard to believe that it’s been eight years since the humorous crime procedural drama “Castle” finished its run on ABC. Nathan Fillion struck gold with another hit series
BookTrib’s Bites BOOK REVIEW
Anela’s Club
By D.K. Yamashiro
A coming-of-age story about rising above tragedy and learning to view life through a lens of hope and love.
When Anela Lee’s brother, Jake, dies on the football field, her family is shattered. Her parents never wanted her, and without her biggest cheerleader, she withdraws into her pain and insecurities. Even school, once a refuge, means nothing anymore. Only one teacher refuses to give up on her, pushing her to enter an essay contest that gives her a shot at Harvard. Still, self-doubt holds Anela back.
Then a senator teaches her about the many world leaders who have used their childhood trauma to do great things. The hope that Anela can turn her pain into something beautiful gives her back her spark and en-
on the same network, “The Rookie,” while Stana Katic starred on the Amazon original series “Abstentia” for three seasons.
Most recently, Katic landed a guest-starring role in the new Fox series “Murder in a Small Town,” starring Rossif Sutherland (“Plan B”) and Kristin Kreuk (“Smallville”). According to her character’s description, Katic plays Zoe Strachan, a woman whose cool exterior hides a personality that can explode in sudden fits of temper. It’s possible that she could recur in more than one episode of the series.
One may wonder why Katic hasn’t guest-starred opposite her old castmate on an episode of “The Rookie.” During the filming of “Castle,” it was rumored that Fillion and Katic did not get along on set and that the network even made them go to counseling together, so it’s doubtful that we’ll see an onscreen reunion anytime soon.
QI saw a commercial for a new sitcom with Reba McEntire, called “Happy’s Place.” I thought her old show “Reba” was coming back. Is
courages her to enter the contest. But does she have the confidence to share her essay in front of an audience?
The Last Tale of Norah Bow
By J.P. White
In 1926, during Prohibition, Vital Bow is abducted at gunpoint during dinner at the family cottage in Rye Beach, Ohio. His intrepid fourteenyear-old daughter, Norah Bow, discovers her father’ s involvement in a rum-running gang operating on Lake Erie and determines to sail north to rescue him. En route, Norah rescues Ruby Francoeur, an enigmatic woman of easy virtue who conceals secrets
of her own.
With Ruby as crew, Norah enters an island-and-city world of eccentric and monstrous characters who test her resolve, strength, and knowledge as both a young woman and a skipper. Norah Bow is a coming-of-age story told by an elder Norah, a tale filled with characters steeped in betrayal, remorse, and a fierce desire for more lives. Norah Bow is a story about family secrets, self-reliance, and the complicated nature of memory itself.
Midnight Rider
By Quinn Miller
Rikki is generally content with his
this the same show?
A— A.K.
“Happy’s Place” is a new multi-camera-format NBC sitcom starring country music legend and actress Reba McEntire. No, this isn’t a spin-off or a reboot of her hit sitcom “Reba,” which ran from 20012007 on the WB network. In “Happy’s Place,” McEntire plays Bobbie, a woman who inherits her father’s restaurant and must work alongside her newly discovered, younger half-sister, played by Belissa Escobedo (“Hocus Pocus 2”).
One reason you may have thought this was a spin-off is because Melissa Peterman, who played Barbra Jean on “Reba,” is also in this show. Fans of “Young Sheldon” will recognize Peterman from her role as neighbor Brenda. McEntire had a recurring role as a hairdresser on “Sheldon,” too. “Happy’s Place” airs on Fridays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.
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.
life and the world in which he lives.
That is until the day a mysterious big cat emerges from living underground and reveals the hideous truth about Rikki’s society.
While Rikki trains his fire-breathing horse for a community event, the confused teenager must navigate a dark path of twisting and evolving morals. When the previously helpful cat suddenly becomes a violent predator, Rikki must either act in line with his own morals or witness his town succumb to the wrath of the beast.
Midnight Rider is the debut novel from a new YA fantasy writer. The author is an all-around intellectual who loves philosophy, drawing, and playing musical instruments in addition to writing–and hardly has time for the hobbies, there are so many of them!
BookBites is presented by BookTrib. com.
Austin Stowell plays Leroy Jethro Gibbs in “NCIS: Origins.” Photo Courtesy of CBS
Break the Cycle of Spiraling Before Bedtime
Sleep is a priority for holistic health, but many women aren’t getting enough of it. Not only does it affect your overall health, but stress-related sleep loss also makes it difficult to maintain focus and energy throughout the day.
Nearly half of women ages 40-60 lose more than two hours of sleep each night due to spiraling thoughts with 10% reporting losing more than four hours of sleep, according to Natrol’s Sleep Spiral Survey.
“Busy women often struggle with sleep due to lingering stress and anxiety from managing work, family and personal responsibilities, which can lead to spiraling thoughts, keeping the mind active at night,” said Dr. Shelby Harris, a sleep expert and director of sleep at Sleepopolis.
According to survey participants, personal finances are the top sleep disruptor, with 50% of women citing concerns over money. And, 45% of women cite anxiety about the future often keeping them from falling asleep.
Seasonal factors can also impact a good night’s rest. The holiday season is the most challenging time for sleep, with 51% of women experiencing increased late-night thoughts during this period.
Understanding the cause of your sleep disruption is an important step toward improving your sleeping habits, especially since one in three women have more difficulty sleeping now than they did one year ago.
Regain Control
Set the scene for sleep Harris recommends updating your sleep environment for better results.
“Avoid bright light and limit screen time at least an hour before bed and focus on creating a cozy sleep environment that suits your needs for quality rest,” she said. “Choose comfortable bedding, set the room to a cool temperature and incorporate soothing sounds like a white noise machine or fan to set yourself up for a good night’s sleep.”
Establish a consistent bedtime routine You can teach your body to anticipate bedtime and ease into better sleep. Begin preparing for bed at the same time each night and go through the same ritual. That might include grooming and self-care habits to help you wind down for the night. Consider a sleep aid supplement One in four women often simply give up trying to fall asleep when experiencing spiraling thoughts, with 89% at least occasionally giving up on sleep altogether and choosing to get out of bed. Melatonin supplements can help calm the mind before bed so you can
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fall asleep faster and stay asleep.† Consider Natrol’s selection of drug-free Melatonin Gummies, which can help manage occasional sleep disruptions and support quality sleep.
Take steps to manage stress Prioritizing stress relief can benefit your overall health along with helping you get better rest. Engaging in relaxing activities like reading, meditating or listening to music can be especially helpful in the evening to clear and soothe your mind before you head for bed.
Harris recommends talking with your doctor if you’ve tried various sleep hygiene strategies and find you’re still struggling to get restorative sleep.
“You can discuss whether a sleep aid such as melatonin is appropriate for you and align on the right amount and timing to address your sleep concerns,” she said.
Find more ideas to support better sleep health at Natrol.com. (Family Features)
PHOTO COURTESY OF SHUTTERSTOCK
Prep Perennials Now for Beautiful Spring Blooms
It’s a common misconception that once fall rolls around, perennials simply go dormant and don’t require maintenance until spring. But, fall is actually the perfect time to show perennials love.
In a recent Backyard Smart video, the lawn and garden experts at Exmark give the lowdown on prepping perennials for cold weather so you can enjoy beautiful blooms come spring. Here’s what to know:
The Benefits of Dividing Perennials
When plants become overcrowded, they compete for essential resources like water, air, and nutrients, which can hinder their growth. Dividing perennials helps distribute plants across your yard, maintaining a healthy size, preventing overcrowding, and reducing the risk of disease.
When to Divide Perennial Plants
Generally, fall’s the best time to divide perennial plants that bloom in spring and summer. But if you’re
planning on dividing in fall, don’t wait too long!
For zones 9-10, which is Santa Clarita, the best time to divide perennials is late summer or early fall.
How to Divide Perennials
Make the necessary preparations to ensure your perennials properly take to their new homes. First, thoroughly water your plants a day or two beforehand and cut them back so you can clearly see what you’re dealing with. Then, head out on a cloudy, dry day and get to work.
Dig up plants around the roots and gently lift them out of the ground, knocking away loose dirt and debris. For best results, dig outside the outermost part of plants that water drips from. You can either gently pull apart the roots with your hands, cut into them with a knife or spade, or use two gardening forks to wedge plants in half. Various perennials have different roots systems, so read up on the best method for the species.
You can typically get four to six new sections from a single plant. Just
make sure each division has three to five shoots and a substantial, healthy root system. Afterwards, you’re free to plant your new divisions, rearrange existing beds, or share new plants with family or friends!
Water and Cut Back
Even if you’re not dividing your perennials, it’s good to get one last thorough watering in before the first freeze. Leading up to that point, gradually wean perennials from regular watering to monthly watering throughout fall.
The general rule of thumb is to cut perennials back once they start to fade. However, there are exceptions. Some perennials should be left alone. Make sure you know what’s in your garden before beginning.
Feeding and Mulching
Once plants are situated, it’s time to layer up. Clear off old mulch so that the soil is exposed, and remove any weeds or grass peeking through. Then, spread on a 1-2-inch thick compost layer, followed by an equal-
ly thick mulch layer. The compost will gradually break down and release nutrients, promoting better root growth, better soil pH and hardier plants come spring. The mulch provides insulation while protecting soil from erosion and compaction.
Be
on the Lookout
Cold weather doesn’t necessarily mean pests take a break from making a meal of plants. Many — such as slugs — will chow down on anything your garden has to offer, so stay attentive! Before mulching, lay down slug bait to send them packing.
To view the video, visit Exmark’s Backyard Life, a multimedia destination that provides tips on everything from gardening to outdoor hosting at backyard.exmark.com.
“Perennials make every garden pop, providing beautiful blooms year after year. Spend some time this fall making your springtime even brighter,” says Jamie Briggs, director of marketing at Exmark. (SPT)
Some perennials you may want to divide now include the following. From left: Blue Salvia, Black-Eyed Susans, Hostas and the Blue Iris.
On-Trend Ways to Refresh Your House in 2025
Whether you’re looking to simply refresh your living space or planning a major home renovation, staying current with design trends not only enhances comfort and style but also boosts your house’s value.
As modern home design continues to evolve, trends are increasingly shifting toward long-term movements focused on versatility, sustainability and innovation. By embracing these elements in your 2025 updates, with these ideas from the experts at Westlake Royal Building Products — a leader throughout North America in innovation, design and production of high-quality, low-maintenance exterior and interior building products including siding, trim, mouldings, roofing, stone, windows, outdoor living and more — you can ensure your living space remains stylish and functional for years to come.
Incorporate Versatile Design Elements
Because homeowners’ tastes are continuously evolving, it’s important to take an adaptable design approach when creating unique and harmonious indoor and outdoor spaces. Using products that offer exceptional design versatility, including siding, trim, stone, roofing and other exterior elements, can allow your upgrades to transcend fleeting trends and maintain their relevance and appeal over time. Similarly, homebuyers are moving away from cookie-cutter designs, seeking bold aesthetics that enhance curb appeal and distinguish their homes from others on the block. This shift toward personalized spaces that reflect individual tastes requires mixing textures, finishes and colors to transform both exteriors and interiors to create visually dynamic and unique looks. Blending materials like brick with vinyl siding, stone with wood or modern siding with rustic stone veneer can add depth and character to facades.
Choose Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Design
Homeowners are increasingly focused on sustainable and eco-friendly home designs to reduce their en-
vironmental impact, save on energy costs and create healthier living spaces. Complementing this trend, biophilic design is also gaining momentum as it seeks to strengthen the connection between indoor environments and nature. This approach goes beyond simply adding greenery, focusing on the use of natural light, improved ventilation and materials that mimic organic patterns and textures. Features like large windows, living walls and the use of natural materials, such as wood and stone, have become popular choices, blending sustainability with a deeper connection to the natural world.
Eco-friendly materials that use fewer raw materials, generate smaller carbon footprints and conserve water play a vital role in sustainable design and are in high demand. For example, reclaimed wood, recycled metal and low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints are popular choices due to their reduced environmental impact. Innovative products can also help reduce energy consumption like US Tile Clay Roofing, which is natu-
rally reflective, 100% recyclable and, when paired with a cool roof system, can save homeowners up to 22% per year on heating and cooling costs compared to a standard composition asphalt shingle roof.
Seek Functional, Innovative Solutions
Driven by the evolving needs of homeowners, modular and easy-install systems, like panelized stone
siding, are gaining popularity due to their ability to simplify installation while mimicking traditional materials such as stone or wood. These functional systems save time and can empower homeowners to tackle projects themselves.
In addition, the rising frequency of severe weather events is increasing demand for smart, weather-resistant materials that enhance homes’ aesthetic appeal and offer superior protection against extreme conditions. An option like Versetta Stone, which delivers the authentic look and feel of stone in an easy-to-install panelized format, offers wind resistance up to 110 miles per hour and carries a Class A fire rating. The stone siding features a tongue-and-groove system for perfect spacing, has a built-in rainscreen and can be installed almost anywhere using screws or nails without additional footings for support. Find more home design trends and inspiration at WestlakeRoyalBuilding Products.com. (Family Features)
Injury Recovery Tips Specifically for Seniors
There is no escaping the fact that the human body changes as it ages. Some changes associated with aging are beneficial, such as increased wisdom and knowledge from past experiences. Others, particularly changes to health and wellness, can be disconcerting.
Generally speaking, recovering from any injury can be a time-consuming process. For those over the age of 60, the process of recovering from injury can be especially lengthy. According to Restorative Strength, a fitness and personal training service for seniors, elderly adults generally heal from injuries slower than young people. Caring Senior Services says there are a few reasons why healing can be delayed:
• Having diabetes is one of the most common reasons why seniors have delayed healing. The disease can negatively impact wound healing because elevated glucose levels nar-
row the blood vessels and harden the arteries.
• The inflammatory response in seniors drastically slows down as peo-
ple age. This response is the first phase when blood vessels expand to let white blood cells and nutrients reach wounds. When delayed, the wounds heal much more slowly.
• Reduced skin elasticity and diminished collagen fibers in seniors can contribute to the body’s tissues not being able to return to a normal state after injury.
• Sedentary seniors may have lost muscle mass and flexibility, which help physically active individuals regain mobility after an injury. Bones also may be more brittle, particularly if osteoporosis is present.
Although it’s impossible to reverse the hands of time, there are steps seniors can take to recover from injuries more quickly, and potentially
avoid them as well.
• Slow and steady physical activity: Exercise, including routine strength-training activities, helps strengthen muscles and bones. According to Pioneer Trace Healthcare & Rehabilitation, when complete bed rest is not advised after an injury, getting up and moving even just a little each day can jump-start recovery. Regular activity prior to any injury also may make the body stronger and more flexible to help reduce the likelihood of injuries.
• Maintain a positive mindset. The mind has a role to play in injury recovery. Minimizing stress levels through meditation, and engaging in positive thinking techniques, can make healing and therapies more successful. Reducing stress can boost the immune system, which also will offer healing benefits.
• Improve diet. The body needs certain vitamins and minerals to function properly. Eating a well-rounded, healthy diet can provide fuel that facilitates healing.
• Work with a qualified professional. Seniors should not take on exercise or recovery efforts on their own. Exercising the right way and following prescribed guidelines can speed up recovery and potentially prevent future injuries.
Recovery from injury could take longer for seniors. But with exercise, positive thinking and guidance from health professionals, there are ways to speed up the injury recovery process.
(MC)
SOLUTIONS
Opinion
READER LETTERS
A Hitler Conundrum
We are told by those at the top of the Democrat Party that Donald Trump is just like Hitler. If so, why would assassinating him not be the moral thing to do? Two others have thought so. On the first attempt, had Trump not turned his head just as the shot was fired, he would be dead. On the second, the gun muzzle was, luckily, seen by an agent before a shot could be fired. Since the Secret Service, tasked with protecting him, is not up to the job, why are you so careless with your rhetoric, knowing there are those out there who take you literally? Or are the results of your rhetoric not unintended? If you don’t really believe Trump is just like Hitler, why do you vote for people who do? If they don’t believe it, they must think you can be convinced. Are they wrong?
Richard Bussell Saugus
An Unrivaled Inflation Record
Consumer prices have soared an astounding 20.2% in the short span of 42 months that Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden have been in charge, according to their own Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index. That is the worst inflation record for any president since Jimmy Carter. Harris gets mentioned here for a reason. As vice president, she set the all-time record for casting tie-breaking votes in the Senate on behalf of Biden’s partisan legislation, including some of the largest deficit spending bills in history. The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, passed with Harris’ tie-breaking vote shortly after taking office, is seen by economists as the key accelerant of our inflation. Inflation hasn’t just made things cost more; it’s shrunk real wages by 4% under Biden-Harris as well. In contrast, under former President Donald Trump, real average weekly wages rose by 8.2% and the cost of living was lower overall as well.
Rob Kerchner
Valencia
First Mexico, Then Us?
This is Mexico today! According to CNN: During campaign season, at least 34 candidates were assassinated by criminal organizations. The violence did not stop there. Just hours after Claudia Sheinbaum’s election, the woman mayor of a town in western Mexico was shot dead. According to a report by Integralia Consultants, criminal organizations in Mexico center politically motivated attacks at the municipal level because mayors can offer impunity due to their links with law enforcement and the local economy. It says criminal gangs often finance campaigns during election season, intimidating candidates and violently intervening to compel politicians to cooperate. With all of the illegal immigration our administration has allowed over the past three and a half years, millions of innocent people have come here, along with tens of thousands of gang members. Tomorrow this will be us!
Ron Perry
Canyon Country
Toward an Ethical Patriotism
By David Hegg
The past decade has been littered with changing views on patriotism. For some, it remains a devotion to love, support, and defend America, its people, and its interests. For others, it means quite the opposite, as in using whatever means necessary — including demeaning rhetoric and even violence — to tear down, obstruct, and replace whatever they believe restricts their personal views or freedoms.
American soil is always a treat. Yes, we need to improve many things, but let’s not fail to count our blessings.
Third, refrain from letting pundits and politicians do your thinking for you. A two-minute commentary or breaking news sound bite only provides some of what you need.
Submit a Letter to the Editor
Include name, address & phone. E-mail: letters@signalscv.com.
I often hear the strident voice of those who see themselves as the heirs to the radicalism of the Founding Fathers who fomented massive rebellion through acts like the Boston Tea Party and the use of firearms on the Lexington Village Green and the Old North Bridge in Concord.
Of course, we cannot escape the fact our country was, in some ways, birthed in insurrection and rebellion, even as we argue that throwing tea into the sea while masquerading as Native Americans was appropriate.
However, the simple question of ethical patriotism is at issue today. How do we support, defend, and love our country and its people ethically? How do we live out a reasoned and profitable patriotism that never becomes dangerously fanatical, either in blind support or barbaric opposition? Here are some suggestions.
First, make sure you know all the pertinent facts concerning what is happening. Be an educated, informed patriot. And yes, the tsunami, the combined power of both broadcast and social media, makes it much more challenging to know the truth about people, positions, and problems. So, that means we need to make more effort to get the truth.
I fear too many of us will become outraged and take inappropriate action before investigating and finding the truth. Such rash behavior is ultimately unhelpful, potentially dangerous, and not patriotic.
Second, be flexible on what needs change or repair. Instead, remind yourself often of all our advantages daily because we live in America. And lest some reading downplay those advantages or consider they do not benefit them, let’s get real. Whatever you may think of our freedoms, educational opportunities, public safety officials, and first responders, you must admit we have all these and more! Having traveled to several countries, I can testify that returning to
Patriotism has always demanded diligent effort, rational thought, and righteous activity. Don’t let someone else tell you how to think, what to think, or who to love. Do the work, and then do what’s best.
Fourth, understand there has never been the perfect human politician, leader, or teacher. Some are always better than others and offer us a great resource. But, no one will ever live up to the divine expectations we too often place on temporal beings. We can always expect to be disappointed at some level, so we must never pin all our hopes and dreams on a person or party.
Patriotism is grounded in the idea that we, the people, are the source of the American spirit and always will be. How we think, live, love, and address our challenges as citizens has always been the power behind constructive change and progress, and today is no different.
At the core of ethical patriotism lies our need to be moral people. To be ethical people, we need to limit our thinking to the essential absolutes every society has held. For America, those absolutes were initially distilled from the Judeo-Christian worldview, and they provided the means for patriotism to be widespread, even among those who disagreed on specific points and policies.
As we look around our country today, we can see the erosion of traditional values is rapidly occurring. Yet, few would say we are better as a society. Has the new sexual freedom created stronger families? Has the erosion of civility made us a more united country? And has pushing God to the margins made us more honest, faithful, and truthful? The answers are obvious.
We need a return to real patriotism, where we put God before country and country before self. Maybe there’s still time, but the clock is ticking.
Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.
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