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MARCH 20, 2022

Everyone Loves BBQ Page 5

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M A R C H 20, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES 4 Great BBQ in Southern California 5 The Sunset Strip Still Rocks 6 Visit the Missions this Spring Break FROM THE CITY MANAGER 8 Vista Canyon Park is the City’s 36th SENIOR LIVING 9 A Second Wind: A Hopeful Spring ENTERTAINMENT 10 ‘The Adam Project’ FOOD 11 Easy and Delicious Ethnic Dishes Kimchi Fried Rice with Fried Egg Thai Cashew Chicken Fried Rice GARDENING 13 Gates: Even ‘Experts’ Get it Wrong HOME 14 Create an Inviting Refuge with Color HEALTH 15 Easy Ways to Enhance Digestive Health KIDS & FAMILY 17 Donna’s Day: Puff Pancakes Junior Whirl • U.S. Fact PUZZLES OPINION David Hegg SPORTS

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M A R C H 20, 2022

N E W S F E AT U R E

Who Says You Can’t Get Great BBQ In SoCal? By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

or decades the narrative on quality barbecue restaurants in the United States was mostly limited to establishments in Texas and St. Louis. Then came regional barbecue favorites with huge followings like Alabama, Carolina and Memphis style. However, in the last decade the story has changed and Southern California is now entering the serious barbecue conversation. There are dozens of great barbecue places in southern California, but here are my top five joints to indulge in some authentic ‘Q.

Dr. Hogly Wogly’s Tyler Texas BBQ 8136 Sepulveda Blvd., Van Nuys, 91402 Info (818) 780-6701 or visit hoglywogly.com Open Sunday-Friday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Dr. Hogly Wogly’s in the San Fernando Valley is old school all the way. It is an icon of the smoked-meat era with its semi-retro interior and a menu of sauced beef ribs and country sides. This is wood pit barbecue at its finest. Founded in 1969 by Johnny Greene, they still slowly smoke high-quality meats in a traditional brick pit smoker using 13 different spices in their dry rub. Most of the pitmasters and cooks have worked at this joint for more than 20 years. There are no burgers, no salads, just amazing “wet BBQ” with a secret house marinade and tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs and authentic Texas brisket. All dinners are served with a half loaf of home baked bread, barbecue sauce and a choice of two sides: barbecue beans, coleslaw, macaroni salad, potato salad or French fries. There’s pulled pork, barbecue chicken, ham and hot links, too. Finish your meal with sweet potato pie or pecan pie.

Spring Street Smokehouse BBQ 640 N. Spring St. Los Angeles 90012

Spring Street Smokehouse near Chinatown in downtown L.A. offers beautifully lacquered ribs, hickory-smoked meats and surprise sides like hot and crackling pork rinds. PHOTO COURTESY SPRING STREET SMOKEHOUSE

Info (213) 626-0535 or visit www. sssmokehouse.com Open Wednesday-Sunday 11:30 a.m.8 p.m. The Spring Street Smokehouse opened at the edge of Chinatown in 2005. It soon became a local favorite for its all-American vibe and its lacquered ribs, burnt ends, Texas hot links and other classic barbecue meats. All meat is hickory-smoked from four to 12 hours. The wonderfully smoky meat also includes beef and pork ribs, brisket and pulled pork available in plates and sandwiches. For something different try the fried shrimp po’boy. In addition to the down-home sides of mac and cheese, beans and cornbread, there are also surprises including fire roasted veggies, two kinds of coleslaw, hot and cracking pork rinds, smoked hot wings and chicken stuffed with peppers, onions and cheese, then wrapped with bacon and pit-smoked. The Carolina-style sauce has the traditional apple cider vinegar base and is served warm over the meats. Dessert includes bourbon bread pudding and peach cobbler.

Swinging Door BBQ

11018 Vanowen St., No. 6313 North Hollywood, 91605 Info (818) 763-8996 or visit bbqnorthhollywood.wixsite.com/ swingindoor Open Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-

8:30 p.m., Friday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday noon-9 p.m. and Sunday noon8 p.m. This is authentic Texas-style high-quality barbecue made with love. Meats available daily include tritip, brisket, pork ribs (baby back and St. Louis spare ribs), chicken, sausage and pulled pork. Traditional homemade sides include barbecue baked beans, coleslaw, mac and cheese, red skin potato salad, cornbread muffins, garlic herb mashed potatoes, French fries, garlic rolls, braised greens and side salad. You can’t go wrong with ordering a side of fries — there are cheese fries, brisket fries and garlic herb fries. Order a combo plate or a sandwich with your favorite meat and sides. Dessert options include deep-fried Twinkies or deep-fried Oreos.

The Bear Pit

10825 Sepulveda Blvd. Mission Hills, 91345 Info (818) 365-2500 or visit bearpitbbq.com Open Sunday-Thursday 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Santa Clarita Valley residents might be surprised to learn the Bear Pit in Mission Hills was founded in the late 1940s when original owner Ben Baier moved from Missouri and started a small barbecue shack in Newhall. His food became so popular he de-

cided to relocate to the San Fernando Valley. He constructed a brick oven, called a pit, and used local hardwoods to slow smoke beef, pork, spareribs and chicken. His unusual vinegar-based coleslaw and sweet barbecue bean recipe became the backbone of his menu. After Baier retired and sold his restaurant, new owners have maintained most of his traditions, but also added improvements like barbecue turkey, beef back ribs, baby back pork ribs and Louisiana hot links.

The Memphis Grill

5759 Lankershim Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601 Info (818) 738-9993 or visit www. thememphisgrill.com Open Wednesday-Sunday Noon-8 p.m. For a taste of authentic Tennessee-specific barbecue, visit the Memphis Grill. A relatively new player on the southern California barbecue scene, this restaurant offers brisket, pulled pork, tri-tip, chicken, hot links and baby back ribs. Homemade sides like coleslaw, barbecue smoked beans and potato salad are joined by Memphis greens, candied yams, Memphis Mac and corn muffins. Buy barbecue meats by the pound or choose a plate or sandwich. The Memphis Sweet Tea is reason enough to pay them a visit. 

M A R C H 20, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

The Sunset Strip is Still a Rockin’ Place

N E W S F E AT U R E

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

unset Boulevard stretches from the Pacific Coast Highway in Pacific Palisades east to Figueroa Street in downtown Los Angeles. The entire length of the fabled roadway is 27.5 miles. But only 1.6 miles of this legendary road is known as “the Sunset Strip.” Located in the heart of West Hollywood there was a time when it was known as the playground to oldguard Hollywood elite like Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, Greta Garbo and the home of infamous nightclubs and bars like Ciros and Mcambo. However, the “Strip” might be most famous as the home of the most iconic rock and comedy venues in the world that are still entertaining crowds of customers almost every night.

Whisky a Go Go

8901 Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood 90069. whiskyagogo.com On Jan. 16, 1964 a small club on the Sunset Strip opened its doors for the first time. Johnny Rivers headlined the opening night concert. It was The Whisky a Go Go, the first live music venue to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and perhaps the most iconic club on the Strip. A DJ named Joanie Labine played records in a booth that was suspended to the right of the stage in between Johnny Rivers’ sets. Labine entertained the crowd by dancing and the idea of the go-go dancer was born. In its nearly 60-year history The Whisky a Go Go has played host to some of rock ‘n roll’s most important acts including The Doors, Janis Joplin and Led Zeppelin. The Doors begin their run as the house band at The Whisky a Go Go opening for every group to play there from May 23 to Aug. 21, 1966. Artists like Frank Zappa, Neil Diamond, Guns N’ Roses and Mötley Crüe were launched at the Whisky.

The Roxy

9009 Sunset Blvd. Hollywood 90069 www.theroxy.com The Roxy Theatre opened its doors in 1973. Founded by Lou Adler and Elmer Valentine, with help from original partners, David Geffen, Elliot

The Whisky a Go Go has played host to some of rock ‘n roll’s most important acts including The Doors, Janis Joplin and Led Zeppelin. PHOTOS COURTESY WHISKY A GO GO

Roberts and Peter Asher. On Sept. 20, 1973 the now famous music venue opened its door with a three-night performance by Neil Young. The first year featured headliners such as Cheech and Chong, Jerry Lewis, The Temptations and Frank Zappa. Other headlines from the early 1970s included Joe Cocker, Billy Joel, Smokey Robinson, Hall & Oates, Bruce Springsteen and the Ramones. The Roxy was not only a stage for musicians but also for comedians and actors. During the first few years the opening acts mainly consisted of emerging comedians including Jay Leno, David Letterman and Arsenio Hall. In 1981, The Roxy took a chance on little known comedian Paul Reubens and his eccentric character Pee Wee Herman. Numerous “live” albums were recorded at The Roxy, some of the titles include: 1973 Linda Ronstadt: Live at The Roxy 1973 Genesis: Live at The Roxy 1974 Frank Zappa: Roxy & Elsewhere 1976 Patti Smith: Live at The Roxy 1978 Bruce Springsteen, The Boss: Live at The Roxy

The Viper Room

8852 Sunset Blvd. Hollywood 90069 www.viperroom.com Far removed from rock’s heyday of the 1960s and 1970s The Viper Room opened its doors in 1993.

It was owned by actor Johnny Depp and Sal Jenco who starred in “21 Jump Street” with Depp. At Depp’s request, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers performed on the club’s opening night. The Viper Room became a prominent hangout spot for Hollywood’s most famous young actors and musicians. Adam Duritz, the lead singer of Counting Crows, worked as a Viper Room bartender in late 1994 and early 1995 to escape his newfound fame. The Pussycat Dolls performed there from 1995 to 2001. Other performers have included Stone Temple Pilots, Bruce Springsteen, Natalie Cole, Lenny Kravitz, Pearl Jam and Iggy Pop. Keanu Reeves performed there in 1997 with his band Dogstar. Sadly, the Viper Room won’t live to see its 30th anniversary. On March 3 it was announced the iconic Viper Room will be demolished in favor of a 12-story high rise, with construction beginning in 2023. It will become a residential building with restaurants, cafes, a luxury hotel, music venue and recording studio with original Viper Room memorabilia featured throughout the building. However, there is still time to see the iconic Viper Room in action. Shows are scheduled through April.

The Comedy Store

8433 Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood 90069

thecomedystore.com The Comedy Store will celebrate its 50th anniversary on April 7, 2022. It was founded April 7, 1972, by comedian Sammy Shore, his wife Mitzi and comedy writer Rudy DeLuca. It started because Shore needed a place to work out when he wasn’t on the road. He was the longtime opening act for Elvis Pressley. It was the first all stand-up comedy nightclub in the world. Famous comedian friends of Shore, such as Redd Foxx, Tim Conway, Buddy Hackett and Jonathan Winters could “work out” new sets at The Store. Among the many comedians who launched careers at The Store in the 1970s were Robin Williams, David Letterman, Jay Leno, Garry Shandling, Paul Mooney, Jimmie “J.J.” Walker, Andy Kaufman and Michael Keaton. In the 80s and 90s the Store’s new voices included Howie Mandel, Louie Anderson, Jim Carey, Arsenio Hall, Sam Kinson, Sandra Bernhard, Bill Hicks, along with Roseanne and Whoopie Goldberg. The 2000s saw Joey Diaz, Bobby Lee, Steve Ranazzisi, Sebastian Maniscalco, John Caparulo, Whitney Cummings and Chris D’Elia take over the Stores famous stages. 

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M A R C H 20, 2022

N E W S F E AT U R E

Learn About California’s Mission by Visiting Them

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

of thirty books in 1778. It is the burial place of St. Junipero Serra.

or decades, fourth-grade students in California traditionally made models of a California mission to fulfill the California history curriculum requirement mandated by the state Department of Education. However, the new educational framework adopted by the state Department of Education is sending the annual mission model project into the dustbin of history: “Attention should focus on the daily experience of missions rather than the building structures themselves. Building missions from sugar cubes or popsicle sticks does not help students understand the period and is offensive to many,” said the new History-Social Science Framework adopted in 2016. “Missions were sites of conflict, conquest and forced labor. Students should consider cultural differences, such as gender roles and religious beliefs, in order to better understand the dynamics of Native and Spanish interaction.” California missions remain an influential part of the state’s history. The surviving mission buildings often have beautiful architecture and include some of the oldest buildings in California. Spring break will occur April 4-8 in the William S. Hart Union High School District, Sulphur Springs School District and Castaic School District. Saugus School District break is from April 1-8 and Newhall School District break is from March 31 to April 8. Make history come alive this spring break and visit a California mission. Hours, accessibility and fees vary from mission to mission, so visit the mission websites for details.

Mission San Antonio de Padua

History of the Missions

There were 21 missions built in California, the earliest missions

End of Mission Road, Jolon Info missionsanantonio.net

Founded in 1771, this mission was strategically chosen as a key central California location by Spanish Mexico. One of the first known marriages in early California was celebrated here in 1773.

Mission San Gabriel Arcángel

428 S. Mission Drive, San Gabriel Info www.sangabrielmissionchurch. org

Mission San Carlos Borroméo del río Carmelo is the only one of the missions to have its original bell tower dome. PHOTOS COURTESY VISIT CALIFORNIA

were built between 1769 and 1777. The missions were constructed by Franciscan padres in order to “colonize” the territory of Alta California, which was “discovered” by Spain more two centuries earlier. Franciscan padres were motivated primarily to undertake the effort because of the opportunity to convert the Native Americans to the Catholic faith. St. Junipero Serra (sainted in 2015) founded the first California mission and a total of nine of the 21 missions before his death.

Mission San Diego de Alcalá

10818 San Diego Mission Road, San Diego Info missionsandiego.org

This was the first California mission founded by Saint Junipero Serra in 1769. The location was chosen to provide easy access by sea to Alta California from Spanish Mexico. Tours available by advance request.

Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Río Carmelo

3080 Rio Road, Carmel-By-The-Sea Info carmelmission.org

The second of the California missions was founded in 1770. The mission built the first library

The fourth California mission was founded in 1771. More than 6,000 Native Americans were buried on mission grounds. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the mission was known for its vineyard and wines.

Mission San Luis Obispo

751 Palm St., San Luis Obispo Info missionsanluisobispo.org

Established in 1772 the mission vineyard became so productive by the 19th century wine was exported to Russia and Great Britain

Mission San Francisco de Asís and Mission Dolores 3321 16th St., San Francisco Info missiondolores.org/64

Established in 1776 at the conclusion of the American Revolutionary War, the mission was named for Catholic saint Francis of Assisi. Mission Dolores is the oldest intact building in the City of San Francisco and the only intact Mission Chapel in the chain of 21 missions.

Mission San Juan Capistrano 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano Info missionsjc.com

Founded in 1775, the chapel built by St. Junipero Serra, though enlarged, is still original and the only one surviving in which Serra is known to have celebrated Mass. The mission church’s original altar came from Barcelona, Spain. The mission is famous for celebrating the annual return of the swallows

Mission San Juan Capistrano has the distinction of being home to the oldest building in California still in use, a chapel built in 1782.

to Capistrano on March 19.

Mission Santa Clara de Asís 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara Info scu.edu/missionchurch

Founded in 1777 the mission is located next to the oldest university in California, the University of Santa Clara. The Franciscans used colorful cactus-based paint to create a vibrant chapel.

Mission San Buenaventura

225 E. Main St., Ventura Info sanbuenaventuramission.org

Founded in 1782, this mission is known for beautiful gardens and is one of the most-visited missions. An easy drive from Santa Clarita, the mission is open daily with self-guided tours.

Mission Santa Barbara

2201 Laguna St., Santa Barbara Info santabarbaramission.org

Founded in 1786 it is known as the “Queen” of the missions and the 10th California mission. It is home to a community of Franciscan friars, a church with a large and active parish; a museum and gift shop; a cemetery and mausoleum and 12 acres of gardens.

Mission La Purísima Concepción

2295 Purisima Road, Lompoc Info lapurisimamission.org

Established in 1787 the mission was best known for its hides and blankets, and at its peak inhabitants herded as many as 24,000 cattle and sheep. Today, it is managed

M A R C H 20, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

N E W S F E AT U R E by the California State Parks as La Purisima Mission State Historic Park.

Mission Santa Cruz

144 School St., Santa Cruz Info holycrosssantacruz.com/ mission-santa-cruz/

Established 1791 the mission is now managed by the California State Parks as Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park. It is a popular wedding site.

Mission Nuestra Señora de La Soledad 36641 Fort Romie Road, Soledad Info missionsoledad.com

Founded in 1791 by Father Fermin Lasuen, this is the 13th mission founded in California. It is nestled in the heart of wine country and is only 50 minutes from Monterey Bay.

Mission San Jose

43300 Mission Blvd., Fremont Info missionsanjose.org

This mission was also founded by Father Fermin Francisco de Lasuen, who founded nine of the 21 California missions after the death of St. Junipero Serra. Before the mission, it was the Ohione Village of Oroysom.

Mission San Juan Bautista

406 Second St., San Juan Bautista Info oldmissionsjb.org

Mission San Buenaventura is the ninth Spanish mission and it was founded on March 31, 1782. It was the last to be established by Father Junípero Serra.

The church’s appearance today is much the same as when it was built. The inside of the church has never been repainted. The wall frescos are the originals that were painted by Salinan artists under the direction of Esteban Munras.

to honor Saint Ferdinand III, King of Spain. It is the closest mission to the Santa Clarita Valley and is open daily.

Mission San Fernando Rey de España

Established in 1798, this was considered the “king” of California missions because of its large size. The first known pepper tree planted in California is found here.

15151 San Fernando Mission Blvd., Mission Hills Info californiamissionsfoundation. org/mission-san-fernando

Founded in 1797, this is the 17th California mission. It was named

Mission San Luis Rey de Francia

4050 Mission Ave., Oceanside Info sanluisrey.org

Mission Santa Inés

1760 Mission Drive, Solvang

Mission San Juan Bautista was established on June 24, 1797. It has the only original Spanish Plaza remaining in California. When visiting the Mission, pay special attention to the church floor tiles. There are animal prints in the tiles that were made while the tiles were left outside to dry in the sun. Also, note the “Cat Door” carved into the blue side door in the Guadalupe Chapel. This allowed cats access at all times to catch mice that used to munch on mission crops stored inside.

The last of the southern California missions was built in 1804. The mission’s nearby town, Solvang, was founded by Danish settlers. The Mission museum displays four bells. The 1804 Juan Baptisia bell is the oldest. The Ave Maria Purisima bell was cast in 1807. Still hanging in the top arch of the bell wall is the 1818 Lima bell which was recast in 1953. The 1912 St. Agnes bell was used for the dedication of the new tower that same year.

Mission San Rafael Arcángel 1104 Fifth Ave., San Rafael Info www.saintraphael.com/

Constructed in 1817, no structures from the original mission still exist, however the Hearst Foundations rebuilt the razed original buildings in 1949.

Mission San Francisco Solano 114 E. Spain St., Sonoma Info www.missionscalifornia.com/ missions/san-francisco-solano

Mission San Miguel Arcángel 775 Mission St., San Miguel Info missionsanmiguel.org

Founded in 1797 this is a state and federal historical landmark.

Info missionsantaines.org

Mission Santa Barbara was founded on Dec. 4, 1786 and was the 10th of the 21 missions founded by the Spanish Franciscans.

The final California mission was built in 1823. The location of the mission in Sonoma intersected many mission trails in northern Alta California. When California declared independence from Mexico in 1846, the new flag was hoisted over Mission San Francisco Solano. 

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M A R C H 20, 2022

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Vista Canyon Park is the City’s 36th Park By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager

he City of Santa Clarita is constantly thriving to provide our residents with the highest quality of life. One of the ways we encourage this high quality of life is through our vast outdoor recreational offerings. Our community is home to over 12,000 acres of open space, an extensive network of trails, well-maintained paseos and beautiful parks. Residents have the opportunity to enjoy pickleball in Central Park, witness public art in Fair Oaks Park, utilize the inclusive playground at Canyon Country Park and countless other activities. I am grateful that our City Council prioritizes these efforts in the continual pursuit of open space and the evaluation of new park sites. This was seen recently at the ribbon cutting celebration for the City’s 36th park. Earlier this month, our City Council was joined by local dignitaries, City staff and the public to officially open Vista Canyon Park, marking it as the

36th Santa Clarita park for residents and visitors to enjoy within our City. As someone who both lives and works in Santa Clarita, it brings me tremendous joy to add yet another park to our growing community. The new facility offers residents 11-acres — inclusive of a playground, pickleball courts, tennis courts, a basketball court, shaded seating areas, unique bike racks and much more. Another amenity of this park that I expect to become a community favorite, is the historic Mitchell River House. The picturesque home was inspired by the Mitchell Family’s home, which was built in 1888. It features exposed wood beams and natural lighting — making it the perfect site for small gatherings and a beautiful spot to hold a wedding. One of my favorite aspects of the home is its detailed history depicted on the walls of the entrance. With the official opening of Vista Canyon Park, residents may now inquire about renting the Mitchell River House facility too. The park is located within the City’s new caroptional Vista Canyon community. The Vista Canyon development is home to residential,

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commercial and entertainment offerings along with the Envision® Verified Vista Canyon Regional Transit Center which will open later this year. This is a wonderful addition to our community and greatly enhances accessibility for commuters. In addition to Vista Canyon Park, the development will offer 10 miles of planned trails for hikers, cyclists and equestrians alike. Thanks to the partnership of the City and Vista Canyon team we are encouraging outdoor recreation and enhancing Santa Clarita’s exceptional quality of life. We have accomplished so much as a community in just the first quarter of 2022. Additionally, we now have one more park in our community to add to your list to visit. Plus, did you know that today marks the first day of Spring? There is no better time to enjoy sunny weather and cool breezes in our City parks. Stop by with your friends, family and loved ones to take advantage of one of Vista Canyon Park’s many amenities. Ken Striplin can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita.com. The views expressed in his column are those of the City and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal. 

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M A R C H 20, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

SENIORLIVING A SECOND WIND

A Hopeful Spring at the loss of moral values. Disillusioned, Eliot depicted the ills of the world: fractured relationships, loss of t’s Spring! When nature refaith in humanity, alienation, spiritual vives after the emptiness. cold winter His rebuke of “April” was an expresmonths. Trees sion of his despair, but his feelings blossom, daffodils may resonate in today’s world. shoot up to surprise Despite describing a futile modern us and birds chirp existence, Eliot ends the poem with as they prepare the possibility of hope. In the last nests. It’s a time of renewal, rebirth, and reinvigoration. lines, he suggests that wholeness can be achieved by embodying the wisSo why doesn’t it feel that way? dom inherent in three Sanskrit words This year lacks the cheerfulness and optimism of a traditional spring which translate to “give, have comawakening. A melancholic pall hangs passion, and show self-control.” over this season with the exhausting This is as good advice as any to reordeal of the pandemic and now the store fertility to the barren land. It is troubling war in Ukraine. not a novel idea that giving In the midst of this, can in service of others brings we muster the motivation “Hope is the gratification and peace for spring cleaning, garthing with of mind. Compassion redening or taking a trip? stores fractured relationfeathers When the time changes, ships and kindles empathy That perches in we lament that lost hour for the plight of others. until we gain it back in the soul, Exercising inner restraint October? and self-awareness in our And sings the Sociologist Corey Keyes words and actions contune without describes our reaction to nects us to a larger purthe current set of cirthe words pose. cumstances as the feelAnd never stops Perhaps a helpful metaing of “languishing.” He at all.” phor this spring, to countdescribes languishing as a sense of stagnation, — Emily er barren hopelessness, is the songbird that has sluggishness or dwindling Dickinson endured isolating winters motivation. It’s a feeling and fierce storms. Emily of muddling through at half-capacity. Hardly the Dickinson writes in her poem, “Hope uplifting rejuvenation associated with is the thing with feathers/That perchspring. es in the soul/And sings the tune A century ago, T. S. Eliot utilized without the words/and never stops at spring as a metaphor for hopelessness all.” in his epic poem “The Wasteland.” Practicing gratitude, inward reflecUnlike ancient times, when spring tion and service to others resurrects was honored with rituals performed hope, and hope allows an awakening to ensure prosperity, crop growth and from emptiness and disillusionment. fertility, in his poem Eliot proclaims The seeds of resilience and empowthat April is the cruelest month. erment that we thought were buried Spring signifies coming out of were actually planted and now burst darkness and brings hope of new life, forth. We find a way out of the darkbut in “The Wasteland,” nothing can ness and embrace the joy and beauty be crueler since hope only leads to associated with spring. disappointment. April is most cruel By Mary Petersen Signal Staff Writer

by luring us with possibilities that can no longer be realized. Granted, the poem was written just four years after WW I with anguish

Mary Petersen is a retired COC English instructor, a 30-year SCV resident and two-time breast cancer survivor. 

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M A R C H 20, 2022

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

‘The Adam Project’ — A Winning Blend of Comedy, Thriller, CGI Action

edy, thriller and CGI actioner, and he’s in prime quip-and-rip form. But the breakout star of “The Adam Proj‘The Adam Project’ ect” is young Walker Scobell, who (out of four) plays the adolescent version of ReynNetflix presents a film directed by olds’ character and does a remarkable Shawn Levy and written by Jonathan job of capturing Reynolds’ trademark Tropper, T.S. Nowlin, Jennifer Flackspeech mannerisms and rapid patter. ett and Mark Levin. Rated PG-13. This is a fully realized performance Available on Netflix. that goes beyond the novelty of a kid doing a stunt impersonation of a fahen you travel back mous actor, as Reynolds and Scobell in time, the one thing display true buddy-movie chemistry. you must not do is Let’s go back to the future for the make contact with beginning of our story. The year is your younger self, because if you do 2050, and the title card tells us, “Time atres • Santa Clarita Signal adsource@exhibitorads.com … I don’t know, worlds collide and Travel Exists. You Just Don’t Know the timeline fractures and both verp. 888.737.2812 f. 203.438.1206 5.9” It Yet.” The Spencer Davis Group’s sions of you will probably just ex“Gimme Some Lovin’” is blasting on March 20-24, 2022 date: Sunday-Thursday, plode and DON’T ASK ME FOR PHOTO CREDIT IMDB the soundtrack, and hotshot rogue piSPECIFICS, MAN!March 15, 2022 at 9:41:04 AM CASCS_LEM0320-0324.qxp delivery date: Tuesday, lot Capt. Adam Reed has stolen an Nevertheless. First we saw LeBron the breezy, offbeat, time-bending and airship that penetrates a wormhole James kicking it with his younger self mind-bending Netflix action/comedy that catapults him … somewhere. in that Super Bowl ad, and now Ryan “The Adam Project.” Cut to the year 2022, as a 12-yearReynolds — who should know betReynolds re-teams with his “Free old kid races through the halls of his ter, what with being Deadpool and Guy” director Shawn Levy for a secschool before his tormentors catch all — teams up with a mini-R.R. in ond straight winning blend of comup with him and the lead mean kid punches him and says, “Oh, I’m going to enjoy this.” “Who talks like that?” says the kid. TM “Did you go to like a Bully Starter Kit on Amazon or something? I mean, do you even hear yourself?” Only a harsh punch to the gut silences the 22500 Lyons Ave. info Line 310.478.3836 little wisecracker. Yep, that 12-year-old is young Adam Reed, and as we learn when X E 1:30 4:30 7:30 Adam’s mother, Ellie (Jennifer GarIn 1979, a group of young filmmakers set out to make an adult film in rural Texas, but when their reclusive, elderly hosts catch them in the act, the cast find themselves fighting for their lives. ner), picks him up at school, it’s been THE BATMAN C 1:40 6:45 just a year since Adam’s dad died, and When a killer targets Gotham’s elite with a series of sadistic machinations, a trail of cryptic clues sends the World’s Greatest Detective he’s obviously having a tough time on an investigation into the underworld. and getting into bad scrapes. (“He’s CYRANO C Sun: 1:00 4:00 7:00; Mon: 1:00 4:00; Tue: twice your size!” Ellie says of Adam’s 4:00 7:00; Wed & Thu: 1:00 4:00 7:00 Cyrano de Bergerac dazzles with his wit and swordplay, but feels his physical limitations render him unworthy of love of his friend bully, to which Adam retorts, “EveryRoxanne - who falls for the handsome Christian, wooing her with Cyrano’s won words. one is twice my size. I’ve seen babies DOG C Sun to Tue: 1:20 4:10 7:20; Wed: 1:20 4:10; Thu: bigger than me!”) 1:20 4:10 7:20 Later that same evening, while ElDOG is a buddy comedy that follows the misadventures of two former Army Rangers paired against their will on the road trip of a lifetime. lie is out on her first date since her UNCHARTED C 1:20 4:20 7:15 husband passed away, the family dog Treasure hunter Nick Drake, a descendent of explorer Sir Francis Drake, learns the whereabouts of El Dorado, the fabled South American golden city. chases something he hears in the woods, which leads young Adam to DEATH ON THE NILE C 1:10 4:15 7:20 Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot’s Egyptian vacation aboard a glamorous river steamer turns into a terrifying search for a murderer his late father’s garage/workshop — when a picture-perfect couple’s idyllic honeymoon is tragically cut short. and there’s grown-up Adam, badly inEXHIBITION ON SCREEN: FRIDA KAHLO Mon: 7:30 PM; Tue: jured and wearing a flight suit. Look 1:00 PM Frida Kahlo was a prolific self-portraitist, using the canvas as a mirror through all stages of her turbulent and, at times, tragic life. how Hawking the dog (the dog has Guided with interview, commentary and Frida’s own words, EXHIBITION ON SCREEN uncovers that this, however, was not a life defined by tragedy. to be named after a scientist in movies like this) nuzzles up to this strangTALK TO HER E Wed: 7:00 PM Two characters knonw as Benigno and Marco both interact with two women, a nurse and a ballet student, after a Pina Bausch Dance er, and that’s because Hawking is the Recital.The lives of these four characters flow in all directions — past, present and future — leading all of them to an unexpected destiny. first to figure it out: These two Adams FOR 3/20/20223/24/2022 ONLY WWW.LAEMMLE.COM are the same guy, 28 years apart. By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

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NEWHALL

Bringing the Finest in Film to the SCV!

Once young Adam processes the mind-boggling reality that his grownup self has accidentally crash-landed in 2022, we learn Adam had a wife named Laura (Zoe Saldana) who was killed, and he had been trying to go back in time, not to 2022 but to 2018, in order to alter the course of certain events. Also, Adam’s dad’s former friend, business partner and financial backer, Maya Sorian (Catherine Keener), got rich off his time-travel tech (known as the Adam Project) after he died and turned into some sort of ruthless villain, and she WILL be pursuing Adam, no matter what time he’s in. It’s complicated. ALL time travel movies get complicated. After Laura rescues Adam(s) in a rousing laser battle sequence set to the sounds of “Good Times, Bad Times” by Led Zeppelin, she reminds Adam he shouldn’t be hanging out with younger Adam: “Parallel contact, babe?!” and Adam says, “Well, you always said you wished you had met me earlier.” The two Adams team up to timejump back to 2018, even though they and Laura realize this will set off a chain of events that will mean Adam and Laura will never meet. Once we’re back in 2018 (Look, Hawking is just a puppy!) we meet Adam’s dad, the work-consumed professor Louis Reed (Mark Ruffalo, in classic distracted-genius form), who also scolds the Adams (“You can’t be anywhere but your own timeline!”) before agreeing to help them set things right and defeat Maya, who, of course, exists on this timeline as well. This allows for something of a father-son do-over, in which past misunderstandings can be cleared up, and how about Mark Ruffalo and Jennifer Garner once again playing a couple some 18 years after “13 Going on 30,” which had its own supernatural element involving an adolescent and their adult self? With echoes of “Back to the Future,” “The Terminator” and even a little of “Heaven Can Wait,” this is a consistently entertaining comedy-actioner with a lot of heart — and the perfect ending. Fine work, Adam(s). 

M A R C H 20, 2022

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Easy and Delicious Ethnic Dishes

FOOD

hen tried-and-true family favorites turn stale and boring, digging through cookbooks and sorting through blogs for new recipes may seem far too time-consuming for your busy evenings. However, a simple ethnic twist in the kitchen can turn bland dinners into exciting meals. You don’t need a plane ticket to explore international cuisines. Start with a versatile ingredient like rice, one of the most common kitchen staples around the world. It can transport you to another country in recipes like Korean-inspired Kimchi Fried Rice Bowl with Fried Egg, which provides a savory blend of veggies, basmati rice, soy sauce, sesame oil and more. A quick and easy recipe complete in less than 30 minutes, it’s a simple option for exploring new flavors and encouraging kiddos to expand their horizons. For a spicy take on ethnic cuisine, you can push mealtime over the top with Thai Cashew Chicken Fried Rice, ready to eat in half an hour. Aromatic jasmine rice is cooked to fluffy perfection then cooled before being combined with sauteed chicken, sugar snap peas and garlic. The dish gets a kick from a Thai red chili pepper, which offers a moderate to hot level of spice; simply omit if spice isn’t nice for you or your loved ones. Mix in soy sauce and a sprinkle of cashews for a truly traditional Thai flavor. Ready in just 10 minutes, Success Rice’s no measure, no mess, boil-in-bag options make these recipes and other delicious ethnic staples possible with perfectly fluffy rice and quinoa. As a foolproof solution for dishes worth savoring, it takes all the guesswork out of making rice and gives home cooks more time to focus on the rest of the recipe and dinner together as a family.

Find more family meal ideas with an ethnic twist at SuccessRice.com.

Kimchi Fried Rice Bowl with Fried Egg Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 4 2 bags Success Basmati Rice 2 tablespoons canola oil 1/2 pound mushrooms, sliced 1 onion, diced 1 cup kimchi, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon ginger, minced 4 cups baby spinach

2 tablespoons soy sauce 4 teaspoons sesame oil 4 eggs, fried Prepare rice according to package directions. In large wok or skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Stir-fry mushrooms and onions 3-5 minutes, or until softened. Stir in kimchi, garlic and ginger; stir-fry 1-2 minutes, or until well coated. Stir in rice, spinach, soy sauce and sesame oil. Stirfry 2-3 minutes, or until spinach starts to wilt and rice is heated through. Divide rice between four bowls and top each with one fried egg. (Family Features) 

Thai Cashew Chicken Fried Rice Prep time: 20 minutes

cool completely.

Cook time: 10 minutes

In large wok or skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Season chicken with salt. Cook chicken, stirring, 3-5 minutes, or until starting to brown. Stir in sugar snap peas, garlic and chili pepper, if desired. Cook, stirring, 3-5 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and snap peas are tender-crisp.

Servings: 4 2 bags Success Jasmine Rice 2 tablespoons canola oil 1/2 teaspoon salt 3/4 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed 1/2 pound sugar snap peas, trimmed 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 1 Thai red chili pepper, thinly sliced (optional) 3 tablespoons soy sauce 1/3 cup roasted cashews Prepare rice according to package directions. Let

Stir in rice. Cook 2-3 minutes, stirring to combine. Stir in soy sauce. Cook 2-3 minutes, or until rice is heated through. Sprinkle with cashews before serving.

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M A R C H 20, 2022

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Mamma Mia, Here We Go Again! — ABBA Tribute by FABBA

ormed in 1996, FABBA continues to be the most exciting tribute to the ABBA of the seventies and eighties. With a dynamic live show, placing the emphasis on natural performance, the six members have created the opportunity to become the ‘rock and roll’ band that ABBA truly was. FABBA will thrill you with inspired versions of the well-known hits as well as opening up a whole new world of Abba songs you may not have heard before. FABBA has appeared on numerous ra-

dio and television shows including “Children In Need” and “Style Challenge” for the BBC, Channel 5’s “Exclusive,” “Five’s Company” and “Night Fever,” FABBA tours world-wide, playing festivals and theater shows as well as rock venues and corpo-

rate events, and with their superb rhythm section, powerful vocals, roaring guitars and rocking piano, FABBA will help keep the ABBA legend alive in the 21st Century. You can see FABBA live at The Canyon Santa Clarita on March 25. Tickets are available online through Ticketmaster, over the phone at (888) 6455006, and in person at the Canyon Santa Clarita box office. For more information, visit www.wheremusic meetsthesoul.com. 

M A R C H 20, 2022

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GARDENING

Nobody’s perfect — Not even the gardening ‘experts’ By Jane Gates Signal Staff Writer

e like to believe that the garden experts (yeah, like me) who write the books we buy, direct us with what we should do on television or on the internet, and write knowledgeable articles will always give us the right information. We forget that people are only human and can make mistakes, too. So, what are some of the more common misconceptions or poor advice I’ve run into from experts I’ve worked with? Here are some that surprised me. “What has grown well for the experts will grow well for you.” Or maybe not. I’ve spoken with a couple of top garden book writers who are positive which plants will grow well and which won’t — anywhere. Yet after gardening for many decades, I can say for certain that just because a plant flourishes in one area does NOT guarantee it will be happy even in an area that appears to be similar. You can underline that for Santa Clarita! One expert — with several top-selling garden books — assured me that a plant I know will not grow well here, MUST thrive because it does so well in the inland San Diego area. This person is highly respected in professional gardening circles — and wrong! But then, she’s never lived and gardened in Santa Clarita. “Famous landscape designers and architects don’t make big mistakes.” Most of us who design gardens work hard not to make mistakes. A good designer or professional gardener will stand by his or her work and make right any errors. But things happen. There are a few designers who are highly esteemed (and extremely well paid) who prefer to keep up the illusion they know everything. I have been called in to fix these mistakes all too many times. I do not know if they genuinely believe themselves to be perfect or that is part of their effort of branding themselves. Just don’t buy into the illusion. People with talent and a lot of experience will likely perform way better than those without.

Here’s an example of a happy accident. This Salvia canariensis self- seeded itself at the base of a fig tree. They now grow together making the plain green fig tree look showy with Salvia blooms. Nature follows her own rules. PHOTOS BY JANE GATES / THE SIGNAL

But nobody’s perfect! “Aphids have spindly legs and cannot climb back up stems once washed off with water.” I have been guilty of giving out this advice myself since it has been chanted by garden gurus forever. While washing off some aphids in my greenhouse a friend pointed out several of the little insects boldly trundling straight up her arm. “Those legs seem to be climbing up just fine on me,” she observed. I had to agree. “Ladybugs will solve all your aphid problems.” I was directly assured this by arguably the best known television garden celebrity some years ago. Ladybugs (and their immature forms) are excellent control for eating pests like aphids. They have ravenous appetites for many insects and are great garden helpers. Still, not only do they tend to miss insects hidden in tight folds of leaves, but they often fly off to other feeding areas before finishing at yours. Enough pests can be left behind to spawn a new infestation all too soon. This is also true for other natural predators, too, like the praying mantis. Welcome nature’s helpers, but don’t expect magic! “My gardener can prune my trees.” Trees are large and special organisms. Proper treatment and pruning is a Yellow aphids with “spindly legs” on milkweed plants.

science. If you want yours to grow strong and healthy, lasting for many decades, spend the extra to hire a good arborist. There is a reason these people spend years in their specialty. It may look easy to just chop off limbs, but trees take a long time to mature and how they grow can impact their health and the safety of your house and family. Just because someone is willing to climb your tree with a saw does not make him or her into a tree expert. “Nurseries know all about the plants available.” Most nurseries do know about the plants they stock, but they can’t know everything. A very fine tree grower recently assured me that the ultra-dwarf fruit tree variety I have doesn’t exist. Happily ignorant of this misinformation, my fruit tree

is thriving, fruiting and growing just fine as the tree it really is. “If you follow the rules, your garden will always look great.” First of all, rules are always changing. Secondly, all living things are always changing. Even plants need to take a rest every now and then when they don’t look their best. Nature makes her own rules and will always send the unexpected — and often uncontrollable — bit of weather, genetic weakness, pest attack or plain old serendipity to interrupt your plans. Love your garden for the amazing, constantly-changing beauty it has to offer. Nature doesn’t do “perfect” either! Speaking of “perfect” gardens, don’t be fooled by photos of all those fabulous gardens seen in print and online. I remember seeing a garden with awesome looking garden photos. But on close examination you could see spring and autumn flowering plants blooming side by side in the same picture. And on further scrutiny, a shot of a gorgeous pond revealed plastic pond lilies growing in non-existing colors! Horticultural photographers will take pictures of the best areas of landscapes and individual plants when they are in their prime. A properly maintained garden with good design will show well year round despite the fact that some areas may look better than others at times. Even glamorous public gardens with a full-time staff of gardeners occasionally must close off areas for renovation! The moral of this story is you need to do your homework. Research your questions. Experts are people who have put much of their life into learning their trade. But they are not infallible. So get multiple answers when you have questions and accept that much of the fun of gardening is in the experimentation and the lessons you can learn from trial and error. Use advice from others for guidance (most of it is very helpful), then focus on your own learning journey as a gardener. Experimentation can be fascinating. And fun! For more information about gardening in the Santa Clarita Valley, visit Jane Gates on YouTube at https://you tube.com/user/Janieg8s. 

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M A R C H 20, 2022

HOME

An Inviting Refuge

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4 Ways Color Can Make Your House a Haven

f ever there was a need to create a tranquil escape from the chaos of the world, the time is now. Converting your living space into a soul-soothing refuge may be easier than you think as a serene color palette is often all you need to shift the mood of your home. For many people, the home is a personal sanctuary, and through thoughtful color design, you can discover a renewed sense of balance and ease each time you walk through your front door. Incorporating colors inspired by simplicity and serenity can create spaces that transform the home into a soothing and comfortable space. A restorative style starts with soft and natural colors; simplicity, approachability and comfort are also essential. Softened tones keep things easy and uncomplicated for spaces that feel balanced and meaningful. To start creating a peaceful refuge within your home, consider these tips from the experts at HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams to discover how to use color to paint a sense of calm for all who enter.

Peace on the Porch

Fuss-free styling on the front porch sets a tone for the ambiance inside. Make sure all who enter know this is a place of calm and comfort by using soft, subtle colors. A fresh coat of exterior paint - or a new shade on the front door - can help freshen and brighten the space while purposeful, understated furnishings and accessories lend themselves to a graceful welcome.

Balanced Bedroom

There’s no space quite like the bedroom to command a peaceful presence. A curated palette like the HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams 2022 Color Collection of the Year offers multiple options that exude peacefulness and facilitate tranquility. The Softened Refuge Collection, available exclusively at Lowe’s, is composed of 10 soft and simple tones that can be mixed and matched in any combination for a perfectly cohesive look. One highlight is the 2022 Color of the Year, Aleutian, a washed indigo that is grounded by the warmth of See COLOR, page 16

M A R C H 20, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

Five Easy Ways to Enhance Digestive Health

s your social schedule picks up steam and you attend more social gatherings and celebrations, you may find yourself with an unexpected issue: digestive troubles. Problems like this can have a negative impact on your overall wellness, so it’s important to make healthy digestion a priority. According to Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of how to live long and be healthy, the health of the digestive system is the core of optimum health. Ayurvedic medicine asserts the digestive system is based on the strength and balance of its Agni (fire), which enables the body to absorb, digest and assimilate food. The teachings suggest an imbalanced Agni creates undigested residues, which form toxins that create imbalances and can lead to disease. Some of the dietary guidelines for healthy digestion and strong Agni include: • Allowing 4-6 hours between meals • Avoiding eating between meals • Avoiding foods with cold, wet and heavy qualities • Drinking ginger tea or hot water to stimulate the Agni • Starting a meal with pungent (hot), sour and salty flavors

• Consuming a small amount of bitter taste before a meal to increase the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach Take steps to protect and nurture your digestive health with these tips:

Add Fiber to Your Diet

Plant-based foods that are high in fiber fill you up faster, so you’re less likely to overeat, and they also help with digestive regularity. Increase your intake of high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds. Take a gradual approach to avoid upsetting your digestive tract and bump up your water intake as you go since fiber will absorb it and decrease the likelihood you experience gas or cramping.

Stay Hydrated

Keeping your body well hydrated is like making sure your car’s engine is well lubricated. It keeps all your moving parts in sync and operating for top performance. Some fluids can also help with detoxification, which can be especially beneficial when your social calendar is full and your opportunities to overindulge are greater. Eat Slower In today’s busy world, it’s easy to scarf down a meal in record time. However, slowing down gives

H E A LT H

your body more time to process food. You’ll give your brain more time to communicate with your stomach and be more aware of when you’ve satisfied your hunger.

Start Exercising

If you need one more reason to get moving, your digestive health could be it. Regular physical activity promotes better digestion. However, if you jump into a workout too quickly after eating, you could actually do the opposite. Eat light before exercising then have a protein-rich balanced meal for recovery afterward.

Manage Stress

Too much stress can manifest multiple physical problems, including interrupting your digestion. Try mindful meditation or another method of relaxing and relieving stress. Getting plenty of rest can also help keep stress in check. If you’re looking for a good night of sleep, consider Buddha Teas’ CBD Sleepy Buddha Blend. Herbs for calming and relieving stress are paired with organic, water-soluble, THC-free CBD to leave you feeling restored and rejuvenated. Find more solutions for enhancing your digestive health at buddhateas.com. (Family Features) 

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M A R C H 20, 2022

HOME

COLOR

Continued from page 14

its red undertones and bridges the gap between warm and cool tones. It pairs beautifully with wood tones so you can easily incorporate practical furnishings that lend to an aura of relaxation and comfort.

Laid-Back Living Room

Color that mimics the hues found naturally outdoors tend to soothe the soul. Introduce natural calm to a place your family enjoys congregating by updating walls to a sophisticated organic green that is rooted in nature. Carry the relaxed mood throughout the room with complementing nature-inspired neutrals for your furniture, window treatments and accent pieces.

Subtle Kitchen Spice

A stark white kitchen may feel crisp and clean, but it lacks the character that color brings. You can keep that airy feeling while infusing some gentle, welcoming warmth. Painted cabinets are on trend, so this is a perfect place to play with color. Use a light neutral taupe for the cabinets then balance with a warm, creamy white on the walls. If you’re worried the space may be dull, infuse a bit of color with a neutral blue on the backsplash. The soft hues work harmoni-

ously for a simple but stylish space. “The Softened Refuge palette is designed to simplify color selection for a perfectly coordinated home design,” said Ashley Banbury, HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams senior color designer. “Color combinations within the Collection can easily be used to craft spaces that help promote positive physical and mental well-being.” Find more ideas for creating a sanctuary at home at hgtvhomebysherwin williams.com. (Family Features) 

M A R C H 20, 2022

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K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Puff Pancake Makes for a Dramatic Breakfast By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

ake weekend breakfasts extra special when you put this delicious puff pancake on your menu. Also called a Dutch baby, this version of the recipe is simple to prepare with kids, and dramatic to serve piping hot, right out of the oven. Believe me, mouths will be watering when it arrives at the table. Take a bow, and then serve with fresh fruit or other favorite toppings.

DRAMATIC PUFF PANCAKE 4 1 1 1 1/8 3

eggs cup skim or whole milk cup all-purpose flour tablespoon sugar teaspoon salt tablespoons unsalted butter

Topping 1 tablespoon powdered sugar and a squeeze of fresh lemon

This puff pancake is also known as a Dutch baby. PHOTO BY DONNA ERICKSON

1. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. Let one of your kids count and crack the eggs into a mixing bowl. Inspect it to be sure there are no remaining shells. Beat eggs with a beater until light and pale. 3. Another child may measure and gradually beat in the milk, flour, sugar and salt. 4. Meanwhile, place butter in a 10-

or 12-inch cast-iron or ovenproof skillet, or a 9-inch-by-13-inch oven-safe glass baking dish. An adult should place it in the oven until it is hot and the butter sizzles. Remove from oven and pour batter into the hot butter. Return to oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until puffy and golden-brown on the edges. (Keep oven door closed until done.)

television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, visit www.donnasday.com and link to the Donna’s Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.”  © 2022 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.

5. Squeeze lemon juice on top, dust with powdered sugar and serve tableside immediately. Serves 4. Serve with fresh fruit, such as berries, grapes and kiwi slices. Alternate blender method for steps 1-2: Put eggs in a blender and whirl for one minute. With motor running, add milk and slowly add flour, sugar and salt. Whirl for an additional 30 seconds. Proceed with step 3.

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SOLUTIONS

PUZZLES

M A R C H 20, 2022

CROSSWORD TIME

MA R C H 20, 2022

Opinion

S U N D AY S I G N A L · 1 9

Unless otherwise stated, the views and opinions expressed are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily represent the views of The Signal.

READERLETTERS

The Brilliance of Our Leadership As we gallop toward $6 gas, I know, I know, it’s not Joe Biden’s fault — it’s important to highlight the utter silliness and stupidity of our energy policies. The country is demanding that we stop importing Russian oil even though it’s a drop in the bucket accounting for only approximately 1% of our daily use. It appears the Biden administration is finally starting to open to this idea. Why it took so long is a mystery and another topic. The silliness comes in on who we’re asking to replace this oil. Various news reports have administration officials in Venezuela inquiring about getting oil from them to enhance our supply. Of course the old standby Saudi Arabia is also on the wish list. The most disturbing report is that we may actually start getting oil from Iran! Could we pick a more despicable three countries to do business with? I suppose, but I can’t think of any. Many will claim the decrease in domestic production has nothing to do with the Biden administration. If this is true, can someone explain to me what is the reason for the decrease? Is the answer the 10-dayold conflict in Ukraine as some on the left have started to assert? How preposterous! I realize the Keystone pipeline doesn’t have anything to do with decreased output, but there must be other reasons? Perhaps it’s cancelling new oil and natural gas leases on federal lands? Detractors to this point of view will claim that oil companies already have 9,000 leases that they can tap. This is a ridiculous response since it doesn’t account for the cost of extraction on those specific leases or even if they’re viable. The Biden administration has been outwardly hostile toward domestic energy production as opposed to the last administration, which embraced domestic energy production. We were on the verge of being a net exporter and now we may ask Iran for oil? There is no question our country, and the planet, must eventually get away from carbon-based energy. It’s unfortunate we’ve abandoned nuclear energy, but that too is another topic. However, we cannot abandon it today or tomorrow and while our carbon output has fallen over the last 50 years, we cannot hasten the decline on the backs of the poor, working class, and the economy as a whole (ourworldindata.org/co2/ country/united-states). Ironically as our output decreases and our share of worldwide output deceases, output from China and India has increased substantially, more than offsetting our decrease. It’s no secret that the goal of the “green energy,” a laughable moniker, is that the way to hasten our way to green energy nirvana is to make the price of energy so expensive that it becomes more economical to go green. Imagine the arrogance and indifference this philosophy has cost the poor and working class of America, the people the left pretends to care about most. Gas was $3.50 a gallon in January 2020. It may not be all Biden’s fault that it’s $5.50 now but his hostility to domestic energy production sure has a lot to do with it. There can be no doubt that one administration’s hostility versus another administration’s embrace can have a significant effect on domestic prices. Thankfully we at least don’t have mean tweets to deal with. Brian Richards Stevenson Ranch Submit a Letter to the Editor

Include name, address & phone; Anonymous letters aren’t printed; email: letters@signalscv.com.

E T H I C A L LY S P E A K I N G

Anyone Reading Anymore?

remember seeing a poster somewhere proclaiming, “Readers are Leaders.” Certainly, the basic truth here is evident but I greatly fear there is need for some additional specificity. I’d vote for expanding it to say, “Readers who read the right things are leaders.” Today we are being deluged with published sludge that neither informs nor tests the mind. We’ve become addicted to news that comes in a few hundred characters or less or can be compressed into a titillating paragraph with an attention-grabbing headline. Broadcast news has perhaps nourished us to this end with its reliance on a high-entertainment, low-content format. Throw in good-looking anchors with a penchant for shallow wit and you’ve got a Nielsen winner. One look at the publishing industry will confirm that the primary reason a submission becomes a book is the belief that it will make money. If someone will buy it, you’ll find it rolling off the press. The problem is, this makes the market sovereign over content. It was an essential axiom early on in the development of educational philosophy that reading was necessary for several reasons. First, it imparts knowledge in large doses and can be used as a delivery system for almost every subject. Second, it engages the mind, initially by making sense of the ink on the page, and then in linking word meanings together to make thoughts, which compound to bring ideas together for analysis and reflection. Reading is a monumentally important cerebral exercise even as it can be both entertaining, and mood regulating. Reading has intellectual benefit, but also can engage the emotions deeply so that, in essence, it can reach out and grab and hold and affect the entire person. But all this depends on what you’re actually reading. We need to rescue the novels that used language well from the discard pile labeled “classics.” We need to insist that our young people not only be taught but also forced to adhere to the rules of English grammar and style.

We need to show them that reading great literature and forcing ourselves to interact with the great ideas of great thinkers is not dry and dusty but rather invigorating and able to bring about mature intellectual muscle. Has anyone else noticed that the appreciation of grammar, capitalization, spelling, sentence structure, and overall communication has taken a societal nosedive corresponding to the rise in texting, email, and clever marketing slogans? The truth is we tend to write in the manner of the material we read. Unfortunately, we also learn to think in conformity to what we read. I greatly fear that truncated reading has led to shallow thinking, speaking, and – unfortunately – leading. I truly ache to hear some leader give a speech without hundreds of “uhs,” that truly uses language which makes spirits fly, and inspires those listening to resolute action. I’m talking Churchill, Roosevelt, Lombardi, King and Reagan. Of course, I must put in a plug for reading the No. 1 bestseller of all time, the Bible. And I’ll make a deal with you. If you read the Bible (I’d start with the Gospel of John, and once in a while read one of the Psalms) and you have questions about what you’re reading, I’ll be your “pocket-pastor.” Email me your question and I’ll do my best to get you an answer. This offer is good for all who are serious about getting real answers to real questions. Who is first? I believe those who read good literature learn not only facts but also how to think, analyze, reflect, and ultimately, lead their own lives and those around them. Let’s just hope that our nation, which has been accused of being the death of English, will not also put reading in the grave. Then again, given that you just read this column, maybe I’m just preaching to the choir. Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays. 