Sunday Signal 080722

Valencia | Saugus | Newhall | Canyon Country | Stevenson Ranch | Westridge | Castaic | Val Verde

AUGUST 7, 2022

Scenic Road Trips Page 7

Your News, Entertainment & Lifestyle Source

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FINDING THE RIGHT DOCTOR

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MAINTAINING BRAIN HEALTH

16

FITNESS PLATEAU?

PLUS : CITY NEWS | OPINION | SCHOOL | ENTERTAINMENT | CALENDAR | HEALTH & FITNESS

AU G U S T 7, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

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HOW TO PROTECT YOUR LANDSCAPE IN A DROUGHT STAGE 2 EFFICIENT IRRIGATION PRACTICES • THE TIME OF DAY YOU WATER MATTERS. Early morning (midnight to 9 a.m.) or late at night (8 p.m. to midnight) will keep more water on your landscape, rather than evaporating in the heat and wind.

• HOW LONG YOU WATER MATTERS. Much of our SCV soil is clay, which means there is typically runoff after 5 minutes of traditional irrigation. By breaking the 10-minute watering time into two 5-minute or less cycles, your landscape will soak up more of the water it needs.

• YOUR IRRIGATION ZONES MATTER. Two 5-minute cycles are allowed per irrigation zone. Meaning, each section of your groundcover, shrubs or other landscaped areas can be watered a maximum of twice a day, no more than 5 minutes each time.

If you need to hand-water brown spots, use a hose with an automatic shutoff nozzle.

This smart practice is more efficient than increasing running sprinklers.

EXEMPTIONS

Watering day and time limits do not apply to: • Landscape irrigation zones that use drip irrigation or high efficiency sprinkler nozzles with low precipitation rates (equal to or less than 1 inch per hour).

• The hand watering of established trees as well as fruits and vegetables for human consumption.

AU G U S T 7, 2022

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES 5 5 Stuntmen Lilley and Scott Talk Careers, Lives, Friendship 6 Five Steps to Find the Right Doctor 7 Super Scenic California Road Trips FROM THE CITY MANAGER 9 9 Keep Your Family, Home, Property Safe from Wildfires SENIOR LIVING 10 10 Maintaining Brain Health ENTERTAINMENT 11 11 Old-Fashioned Entertainment about the Real-Life Heroes FOOD 12 12 Kid-Friendly Recipes Lentil Bolognese with Veggie-Based Penne A Heaping Serving of Homework Motivation S’mores Skillet HOME 14 14 Prep for Clean Paint Lines HEALTH 16 16 You’ve Hit a Fitness Plateau - Now What?

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661-259-1234 The entire content of the Sunday Signal is copyrighted 2022 by Paladin Multi-Media Group, Inc. All submitted letters and columns are strictly the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of the publisher. All rights are reserved and no part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. If you would not like this delivered to your home, please call (661) 259-1000.

AU G U S T 7, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

N E W S F E AT U R E

Stuntmen Lilley and Scott Talk Careers, Lives, Friendship

By Michael Picarella Signal Staff Writer

T

he two friends couldn’t really remember how and when they met. Their friendship’s been such a constant in their lives that they said they might as well have always known each other.

Stunt legends Jack Lilley and Walter Scott, both Canyon Country residents, seated at a small table in the shade of fully-grown trees on a recent hot July morning outside Lilley’s house, spoke with The Signal about their careers, their lives and their longtime friendship.

Cowboys, Lilley said, are a tight bunch — like family.

“If they’re friends and you know him,” he added, “you’ll go out of the way to go and visit him.”

Lilley, 88 years old and a second-generation stunt performer, has an impressive list of film and TV credits, including “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” (1962), “Rawhide” (1959-1964), “Blazing Saddles” (1974), “Three Amigos!” (1986), “Army of Darkness” (1992) and “Planet of the Apes” (2001).

He came to Los Angeles from Texas as a kid when his dad got into the business of renting horses to movie studios. By the very nature of his work, particularly his work with horses on westerns, Lilley’s dad soon

found himself doing stunts in those movies. Lilley, who helped with the business, would follow in his father’s footsteps.

But keeping horses in L.A. grew difficult as the city developed over the years. The Lilley family had to keep moving north to where there was more open space for the animals.

Eventually, as Lilley got older, married and found his way to the Santa Clarita Valley. In 1958, Lilley and his wife, Irene, moved to the home where they currently reside. And they still have horses and other animals on the property.

Scott, who just turned 82 on July 20, also has an impressive resume.

His film and TV credits include “Dirty Harry” (1971), the “Back to the Future” trilogy (1985-1990), “Die Hard with a Vengeance” (1995), “True Blood” (2008), “Django Unchained” (2012) and “Santa Clarita Diet” (2018).

He said he got into stunts in the early 1960s when, coming from Blythe, California, he learned quickly that working as an actor didn’t pay near as much as what stunt performers were making.

“I met all these guys like Jack and other people around,” Scott said, “and I was about to get under contract at Warner Brothers for $125 a week.

Well, these (stunt) guys were making $80 a day … And I said, ‘Well, I don’t know, I’m a pretty good cowboy.’ You

Second-generation stuntman Jack Lilly has passed his passion for stunts along to his children who are in the business.

Jack Lilley (left) and Walter Scott grew up in the stunt business and have remained friends ever since. PHOTOS BY MICHAEL PICARELLA / THE SIGNAL

know, every studio had five or six westerns.”

Scott, like Lilley, got into the business by way of westerns because of his cowboy background and abilities.

“I grew up chasing wild horses and wild burros and wild cattle with my dad as a young man,” Scott said.

“I learned my craft from my dad at home, like how to swim horses across the Colorado River, and head-and-tail horses together, and rope wild cattle, and bring him out of the brush.”

At the time those skills, Lilley and Scott agreed, were in high demand.

According to numerous sources, the golden age of westerns took place between the 1930s and 1960s. In a June

17, 2014, article by Noah Gittell in The Atlantic about the western genre, studios released up to 140 westerns each year between 1940 and 1960.

Scott and Lilley said that while their riding, roping and wrangling abilities got them plenty of work on the number of westerns being produced, it was in doing the bigger stunts that allowed them to profit.

In the stunt business, according to Rick Barker, known for his work on movies like “Armageddon” (1998), “Dumb and Dumber” (1994) and “Repo Man” (1984), stunt performers would receive daily or weekly rates for essentially being on set. But they See STUNTMEN, page 8

PHOTOS COURTESY IMDB

6 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

AU G U S T 7, 2022

N E W S F E AT U R E

W

hether you’re rarely sick or have multiple conditions that require frequent visits to the doctor, having a trusted and skilled health care provider is an important step in protecting your health.

A health care provider helps you maintain good health by recommending preventive services like screenings and vaccines. He or she can treat many problems directly and refer you to a specialist for more help with specific issues, as necessary.

Any number of reasons can result in needing to find a new doctor, such as moving to a new community, changes to your insurance, your old doctor retiring or needing a specialist, for example.

Finding a health care provider requires research and careful consideration. These suggestions from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) can help you be more efficient and thorough as you look for a doctor who is right for you.

Ask for Recommendations

Talk to friends, family members, neighbors and coworkers about whether they have a provider they like. An endorsement from someone you know may give you greater confidence you will have a similar positive experience. If you’re looking for a new provider because of a move or retirement, you can ask your current doctor for a recommendation. If you need to make a change with your primary care doctor but see specialists or other medical professionals you like and trust, you can also request referrals from them.

Check with Your Insurance Company

If you have health insurance, you may need to choose from a list of doctors in your plan’s network. Some insurance plans may let you choose a doctor outside your network if you pay more of the cost.

To find a doctor who takes your insurance, call your insurance company and ask for a list of doctors near you who are in-network or use the insurance company’s website to search for a doctor. It’s also a good idea to call

Preparing for Your First Visit

A the doctor’s office and ask for confirmation they take your plan. You should have your insurance, Medicare or Medicaid card handy in case the office needs your plan details.

Narrow Your Options

In addition to checking on insurance coverage, you can gather some information that helps narrow your options. Some of the providers you consider may not be viable options for simple reasons, like their practice isn’t currently taking new patients or they don’t have office hours matching your schedule. You can also consider questions such as hospital affiliations and whether other providers can help if you need emergency care and your doctor isn’t available.

Take a Deeper Look

Online research can tell you a great deal about potential doctors, from biographical information and credentials to ratings by former patients.

When searching for a new provider, another important area to consider is financial relationships. One resource patients can consider is Open Payments, a national disclosure program within CMS that provides visibility into financial relationships between drug and medical device companies and physicians, and teaching hospitals.

The government requires pharmaceutical companies, device manufacturers and group purchasing organizations to report funds they give health care providers in the form of

meals, entertainment, travel, gifts, consulting fees, research payments and more, promoting transparency and helping uncover potential conflicts of interest.

It’s important to know most health care providers receive payments. Just because financial ties are reported does not mean anyone has done anything wrong.

However, patients can use the information to talk with their provider about why they recommend certain medications or treatments, including asking about generic options, which are equally as effective as name brands but typically less expensive.

It’s also an opportunity to start a discussion with a provider about areas of professional interest and expertise based on research or consulting.

Listen to Your Gut

If you’re undecided, request an introductory appointment with a provider you’re considering. The way you feel when you interact with the doctor and staff can tell you a lot about whether the office is the right fit. Look for a clinic where you are treated with respect and the doctor, as well others on the medical team, listen to your opinions and concerns.

You should feel comfortable asking questions, and the doctor needs to be able to explain things in ways you understand.

Find more resources for your health care needs at cms.gov. (Family Features) 

n initial appointment with a new provider can be intimidating.

You’re meeting someone for the first time and likely have several topics to discuss.

Help keep your nerves under control and get your questions answered with these steps: Introduce yourself. When you see the doctor and office staff, introduce yourself and let them know by what name you prefer to be called.

Ask how the office runs. Learn what days are busiest and what times are best to call. Ask what to do if there is an emergency or if you need a doctor when the office is closed.

Share your medical history. Tell the doctor about any illnesses, operations, medical conditions and other doctors you see. You may want to ask the doctor to send you a copy of the medical history form before your visit so you can fill it out at home, where you have the time and information you need to complete it.

Make a list and prioritize your concerns. If you have more than a few items to discuss, put them in order and ask about the most important ones first.

Take information with you to the doctor. Some doctors suggest you put all your medications in a bag and bring them with you.

Others recommend bringing a written list. You should also have your insurance cards, names and phone numbers of other doctors you see and your medical records if the doctor doesn’t already have them.

Consider bringing a family member or friend. Your companion can remind you what you planned to discuss with the doctor if you forget. He or she can also take notes for you and help you remember what the doctor said. 

AU G U S T 7, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

Super Scenic California Road Trips mud pots and steaming geysers of:

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

T

he Highway 1 Pacific Coast Highway road trip that passes through Big Sur on California’s Central Coast is perhaps the most famous scenic drive in the Golden State. But it’s not the only beautiful and unforgettable road trip in California by far.

Consider one of these five classic road trips, rich with magical scenery like pounding surf, rolling hills, waterfalls and plenty of wineries.

Redding to Lassen Volcanic National Park

Length 188 miles Prime Seasons Spring and Summer The northeastern Shasta Cascade region reveals a lot of California’s best-kept secrets. Start in Redding and head up I-5 and drive past the 14,162-foot Mount Shasta; seeing it for the first time, John Muir once wrote, made his “blood turn to wine.”

While you’re in the area, don’t miss the spires at: Castle Crags State Park, 20022 Castle Creek Road, Castella 96017 After viewing the dramatic 6,000feet tall granite spires of the park, which are more than 170 million years old, head back to I-5 and head south on Highway 89, which is part of the 500-mile Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway and visit: McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, 24898 CA-89, Burney 96013 The park is home to the 129-foot, fern-draped Burney Falls. The popularity of these spectacular springfed falls means weekend access to the park in summer is often limited due to crowds of visitors. It’s best to visit during a weekday. Visit parks.ca.gov /?page_id=455.

Finish your trip at the bubbling

Lassen Volcanic National Park, Loomis Museum, 29489 Lassen National Park Hwy, Shingletown, 96088 Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, 21820 Lassen National Park Hwy, Mineral 96063 Most first-time visitors to the park begin by driving the 30-mile park highway. Begin your drive at the Northwest or Southwest entrance.

Highway 1 from San Francisco to Fort Bragg

Length 175 miles Prime Season November through April This stretch of the highway offers windswept beauty and dramatic ocean views. It starts when you cross the Golden Gate Bridge into Sausalito and Marin County, where you’ll encounter the coastal hills and redwoods of: Muir Woods National Monument, 1 Muir Woods Road, Mill Valley 94941 You will need parking reservations to visit at gomuirwoods.com. There is no cell phone service at the park.

Continue by the dramatic sea cliffs and remote beaches of: Point Reyes National Seashore, Bear Valley Visitor Center, 1 Bear Valley Road, Point Reyes Station 94956 From there, cruise through the rolling vineyards of Napa Valley and Sonoma County’s wine country.

Then explore the seemingly untouched beauty of the North Coast, from the craggy coastline at: Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands, Lighthouse Road, Point Arena 95468 www.blm.gov/visit/point-arenastornetta-unit Visit the rugged terrain of: Mendocino Headlands State Park,1000 Brewery Gulch Road, Mendocino 95460 www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=442 Be sure to visit the quaint, Victorian-style town of Mendocino.

Next, head north on Highway 1 for

20 minutes to Fort Bragg and explore: MacKerricher State Park, 24100 Mackerricher Park Road, Fort Bragg 95437 At the park see seals, migrating whales (from November through April) and Glass Beach, which looks like it’s covered with jewels.

Sierra Vista Scenic Byway

Length 90 miles Prime Season June through October Glass Beach. PHOTO COURTESY VISIT CALIFORNIA While scarred by reMost famous for its summer flower cent fires this drive along forest roads fields, Lompoc also is known for exoffers a window into what the High cellent Pinot Noir. You’ll find numerSierra looked like roughly a centuous wine tasting rooms along your ry ago, which means you’ll traverse a route. few dirt roads, too.

Beach-to-Desert Drive from San Start on Forest Road 81 near the town of North Fork, 45 miles northDiego east of Fresno and follow the route for Length 90 miles about 90 miles.

Prime Seasons Late Winter and Views include plenty of peaks, Spring granite domes, and conifer forests; Bounce from the coast to the prime stops include Jesse Ross Cabin, mountains and then the desert in this which dates back to the 1860s and scenery-packed trip across Southern the 2,700-year-old Bull Buck Tree, California. one of the world’s oldest sequoia From the beaches of La Jolla or Del trees: Nelder Grove, Sky Ranch Road, Mar, take State Road 56 east to HighOakhurst 93644 way 67, which winds through rural Ramona, dotted with farm stands.

Highway 101 from Malibu to Then turn onto Highway 78 and Lompoc into the Cuyamaca Mountains toward Length 120 miles Julian, the mountain town known for Prime Season: Year-round This stretch of Highway 101, which its apple crops.

Reward yourself with a slice of pie overlaps with parts of Highway 1, at: gives you a greatest-hits road trip of Julian Pie Company both beach and wine country.

2225 Main St. Julian 92036 Start in iconic Malibu, where the Then ease back down the road’s highway runs along the base of the twists and turns into the desert. Visit rugged Santa Monica Mountains bethe 600,000-acre Anza-Borrego Desfore passing through Oxnard, Ventuert State Park: ra and idyllic Santa Barbara.

200 Palm Canyon Drive, Look west, out over the water, for Borrego Springs 92004 signs of Channel Islands National The park is home to an explosive Park and walk in the sand on one of Santa Barbara’s local beaches, such as wildflower bloom every year, around February and March.

El Capitán, Refugio or Gaviota.

Borrego Springs is an International The highway then turns inland Dark Sky Community known for its through rolling ranchlands, bound epic stargazing.  for Lompoc.

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AU G U S T 7, 2022

N E W S F E AT U R E

STUNTMEN

Continued from page 5

could get an adjustment or added pay, he said, for performing a particular stunt or stunts. That adjustment, Barker added, is based on the danger or difficulty involved.

Scott recalled one particular movie he did as a stunt coordinator with director Clint Eastwood where the stunts paid especially well.

“On ‘Outlaw Josey Wales,’ (Eastwood) gave me two or three days to go set up the last battle scene,” Scott said. “We rehearsed it all, and when he came to shoot it, we shot this whole battle in a half a day. Because it was all set up. Clint, when it was over, he’s shaking my hand and (saying), ‘Thank you, boys. You did a great job.’

And all the stunt guys are standing there, and I’ve got the list — I’m making out the adjustments for everybody. And (Eastwood) said in front of everybody, ‘Whatever he gives you guys, double it.’”

Regular cowboy stunt work, how-

ever, didn’t last forever, and the stunt performer’s job took on different forms as the business changed.

“You evolved,” Scott said. “The westerns died out. In the ‘80s, there were no more westerns. We were all scrambling. You’re learning to drive the cars, you’re learning to do the 180s. We were all going out and renting cars and learning to drive and do other things.”

Scott talked about his transition from doing westerns to doing a film like 1991’s “Backdraft,” where he knew nothing about fire but had to learn. He and others were learning on the fly, he said, as he did with that particular film.

Asked if they were ever scared or hesitant about the work they did, both Scott and Lilley said they wouldn’t do a stunt if it was too dangerous. Stunt performers typically aren’t afraid, they added, because they know how stunts work.

To illustrate the point, Lilley recalled a story about a particular stunt driver he and Scott knew who was

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Stuntman Walter Scott discusses how he had to evolve into other stunts when westerns died out.

once tasked with tipping a car on its side and having it end up in a general area for the camera to capture on film. The stunt driver responded.

“He reached into his pocket,” Lilley said, “took out a coin and flipped it over. He said, ‘My head will hit right there.’”

Lilley added that the driver did just what he said, landing exactly where he said he’d land. These guys were that good, Lilley continued, and they knew from experience what they could and couldn’t do.

To know what was possible, however, it was the stunt coordinator that a director would rely upon to plan a scene. But that position didn’t exist until the 1960s, according to Lilley and Scott. With a stunt coordinator, they said, gone were the days when the director or first assistant would order a stunt performer to do something a bit too dangerous or sometimes just plain stupid. “(The stunt coordinator had) the authority to say, ‘No, you can’t do that that way. We do it this way, and we won’t hurt anybody,’” Scott said. “And most of your coordinators have to have been stuntmen so that they have the knowledge of how to do it.”

But knowing the boundaries of stunt work and feeling safe about what they were doing didn’t mean Lilley and Scott were going to let their kids become stunt performers. In fact, as their kids got older and interested in the business, Lilley and Scott encouraged them to get behind the cameras instead. They were unsuccessful.

Lilley has two sons, Clint Lilley and

Clay Lilley, who both got into stunts.

And Clint’s son, Cash Lilley, has been carving out a niche for himself in the business as well.

Scott also has children who are stunt performers. His son, Wesley Scott, and his daughter, Ann Scott, both work in the business. Stunt work, it seems, is in the blood, and Lilley and Scott seemed proud when speaking of their accomplishments.

During the conversation with The Signal, Lilley and Scott laughed, recounted old times and old friends, some who they said had passed on, and they talked about how so much in life has changed over the years.

It’s a different world, they added. Even the neighborhood reflects a shift — Lilley’s ranch, which you could picture being out in the middle of nowhere at one time, is now surrounded by suburbia, several neighborhoods having sprung up around the place during the course of growth in the valley.

The film and stunt business has no doubt changed, too — computer animation is filling in for many stunts these days, and skills like “falling a horse” are becoming a thing of the past.

One thing, however, still remains constant: Lilley and Scott have been friends through it all, always there for each other — like going out of the way to bring the other onto a show he’s doing if the other was ever in need of a job. Their friendship is something they’ve never taken for granted. It’s something you can tell, to this day, the two cowboys absolutely cherish. 

AU G U S T 7, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Keep Your Family, Home, Property Safe from Wildfires! not for the heroic efforts of firefighters and first responders, I could not imagine just how much more damage our community could have potentially seen. Understanding that the climate and conditions for fires to thrive already exist in our region emphasizes the importance of being cautious and prepared.

As we enter fire season, we must do our part to protect our property, which in turn protects our community. Checking for flammable items in your home and regularly maintaining your smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and home landscaping, all contribute to your home’s safety.

CAL FIRE recommends creating a defensible space of 100 feet around your home by clearing dead trees, brush and vegetation. You can also protect your home by taking precautions such as clearing any debris on your roof, using emberand flame-resistant vents and having a fire extinguisher readily available. Following these essential guidelines can aid in keeping you and your neighbors safe when the next wildfire strikes.

In addition to preparing your home, I urge each of you to put together an emergency supply kit or if you already have one packed, make sure the items have not expired. These types of kits and

By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager

H

istorically, California has been the most wildfire prone state in the United States. In 2021, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), reported over 4,000 fires that burned 60,507 acres. Just in Los Angeles County, there were 10 reported fires, two being the North Fire and Towsley Fire, which together burned nearly 900 acres.

This year, there have been more than 3,500 fires throughout the state. This is mostly due to the current drought, historically low rainfall and extreme heat. For this reason, we must stay informed on fire safety tips to support the Los Angeles County Fire Department and to keep our community safe.

Our City is no stranger to the impact fire can cause to a community. In 2019, we had the largest evacuation in City history, with 40,000 Santa Clarita residents fleeing the flames of the Tick Fire. When the smoke finally cleared, 4,615 acres were burned and 22 structures were destroyed. If

backpacks should include items such as a flashlight, change of clothing, non-perishable food, water, prescriptions, first aid kit, sanitation supplies, cash and any other essentials for you and your loved ones to stay safe.

And don’t forget about your four-legged family members — our pets rely on us to care for them.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department makes preparation easy for residents by providing Ready!

Set! Go! action plan templates and resources that can be downloaded at fire.LACounty.gov/RSG. Waiting until a wildfire begins is often too late to make a plan. So prepare your home, emergency kits and evacuation plan now. We are well within fire season and, as Santa Ana winds pick up in the fall, the likelihood of a fire increases. For this reason, take the time to educate yourself, your family and your loved ones on fire prevention and preparedness today. In prioritizing fire safety and education, we also support the firefighters and first responders who work tirelessly to protect our lives and the Santa Clarita community.

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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AU G U S T 7, 2022

SENIORLIVING

Maintaining Brain Health

M

any people are fearful of developing Alzheimer’s disease, especially those with a family history of the condition. Researchers are investigating innovative treatments for Alzheimer’s and other dementias, but no cure currently exists.

There are steps people can take, however, to help maintain and support their brain health. These activities often help with physical and emotional health and are generally positive habits to foster, especially as people age. In fact, a report from “The Lancet” found the risk of dementia is lower among people who adhere to these healthy habits:

Get Physical

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According to Harvard Medical School, exercise keeps the brain healthy by helping release chemicals that support the development of new nerve cells and connections between brain cells. Exercise also improves mental health, blood pressure and the regulation of blood sugar, all of which can impact the development of cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Staying physically active can become more difficult if someone’s health declines, but doctors and other medical providers can share ways to maintain physical activity even if mobility is limited.

Keep Your Brain Active

Engaging in mentally stimulating activities may help keep the brain fit and potentially stave off dementia or other types of cognitive decline. For example, people who have cognitively demanding jobs (like accountants or math teachers) or who engage in cognitively stimulating activities (like learning a second language or how to play a musical instrument) may be at lower risk for developing cognitive decline and dementia, according to Harvard Medical School.

Activities like these and more can also decrease feelings of depression, isolation and loneliness, which occur more frequently as people age and are also associated with an increased risk for developing dementia, according to the National Institute on Aging.

Get Help Early

One way to detect changes in brain

health is to track memory and other thinking skill performance over time. Detecting changes in memory is critical to slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s, which can begin 1520 years before the onset of obvious symptoms.

Some changes in mood or memory that may raise red flags are often noticed by other people, not by the individual experiencing the changes, making it important for older adults who live alone or who do not have large social circles to track their own brain health.

One option for tracking brain health is the Alzheimer Prevention Trials (APT) Webstudy, funded by the National Institutes of Health, which monitors an individual’s brain health through regular online memory testing that can be completed anywhere, anytime from a computer, laptop or tablet.

Participants take no-cost, online memory tests quarterly that are automatically shared with researchers who track results over time. If changes in memory are detected, and a participant is close enough to a study site, he or she may be invited to an in-person evaluation and, if appropriate, given the option to join an Alzheimer’s clinical trial.

While researchers are working to advance treatments and find a cure for Alzheimer’s, it’s important that people practice healthy brain habits and monitor their brain health as they age to detect any changes in memory as early as possible. Without a cure, taking preventive measures and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are the best defenses against the disease.

Find more information at APTweb study.org. (Family Features) 

AU G U S T 7, 2022

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

‘Old-Fashioned Entertainment About the Real-Life Heroes’

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘Thirteen Lives’

 (out of four)

Prime Video and MGM present a film directed by Ron Howard and written by William Nicholson. Rated PG-13. In theaters and on Prime Video.

R

on Howard’s claustrophobically intense and captivating “Thirteen Lives” is one of those movies where you find yourself marveling at the daunting logistics involved in re-creating one of the most famed and complex rescue efforts in recent history — but with an excessive running time of 147 minutes, by the time the story wraps up, we’re almost too exhausted to fully appreciate what we’ve just experienced.

Almost. The always reliable Howard — who demonstrated with the brilliant “Apollo 13” all those years ago that he knows a thing or two about crafting riveting drama from a true-life rescue effort that has a particular numeral in the title — does a marvelous job of keeping us in the loop as the point of view shifts any number of times. We follow the efforts of hundreds upon hundreds of trained rescue workers and volunteers from nearby villages and across the globe as they race against time to save 12 teenage boys and their football aka soccer coach who were trapped deep inside a flooded cave in northern Thailand.

As you might recall from the global media coverage, this real-life drama occurred just four years ago, in the summer of 2018, but we’ve already had the pulse-pounding 2020 documentary “The Rescue,” and next week sees the release of the docudrama “Cave Rescue,” but Howard’s dramatic interpretation of events is by far the biggest and most ambitious telling of the tale, with Colin Farrell, Viggo Mortensen and Joel Edgerton lending their considerable star power to the production.

That might give you pause; why are so many white actors at the forefront of a film about a rescue that took place in Thailand? In truth, Farrell, Mortensen and Edgerton are play-

find the boys, as they have little or no the lives of those who are trapped and those who are risking everything to experience in cave diving and aren’t save them. familiar with the particular type of Farrell and Mortensen effortlessly breathing, swimming and navigating click together as the optimistic Volaninvolved with that specialty. Enter the British veteran cave divers Rick Stan- then and the crusty “I don’t even like ton (Mortensen) and John Volanthen kids” Stanton, who repeatedly engage in hours-long dives. (When they (Farrell), who are eventually joined emerge from the waters in their wetby another British diver, Chris Jewsuits and heavy equipment, we can ell (Tom Bateman), and Dr. Richard feel the physical and emotional toll Harris (Edgerton), a diver and aneseach dive takes.) thesiologist.

With the Thai cinematographer That last part of Harris’ resume Sayombhu Mukdeeprom deliverturns out to be key, because even after the 13 have been located, there seems ing awe-inspiring visuals on location Laemmle Theatres • Santa Clarita Signal in Thailand adsource@exhibitorads.com and Australia, “Thirto be no way to bring them back — teen Lives” is made for the big screen until Stanton hatches a plan by which p. 888.737.2812 f. 203.438.1206 3col (4.75”) x 5.9” (though it can be seen on Prime VidHarris will anesthetize them so they August 7-11, 2022 epic and intimate in Ad insertion date: Sunday-Thursday, eo). Alternately can be transported, one at time, like PHOTO COURTESY IMDB scope, thisAM is old-fashioned entertainThere’s a August strong chance theat 10:22:49 Ad creation/delivery packages. date: Tuesday, 2, 2022 CASCS_LEM0807-0811.qxp ment about the real-life heroes who boys and/or their coach will wake up ing real-life Brits or Aussies who left no rock unturned against seemalong the way, at which point they were central figures in the story, and ingly hopeless odds and pulled off will likely drown. Or the dosage will screenwriter William Nicholson and one of the great rescue stories of the be too powerful, and they’ll stop director Howard make sure to also ages.  breathing. Or one of myriad other focus on the intricacies of the Thai Copyright 2022 Chicago Sun-Times complications will arise, endangering culture, and storylines involving the governor of the province (Sahajak Boonthanakit); the parents of the trapped boys, including the mothTM er (Pattrakorn Tungsupakul) of the smallest and youngest of them, and the Thai Royal Navy SEALS and the Chiang Rai local farmers who make 22500 Lyons Ave. info Line 310.478.3836 sacrifices in the service of the greater mission.

“Thirteen Lives” begins with the Bodies Bodies Bodies E Thu: 7:20 PM look and feel of a sun-dappled, feelWhen a group of rich 20-somethings plan a hurricane party at a remote family mansion, a party game turns deadly in this fresh and funny look at backstabbing, fake friends, and one party gone very, very wrong. good sports story, as the Wild Boars Bullet train E 1:10 4:10 7:10 junior football players and their kindLadybug, an unlucky assassin determined to do his job peacefully after one too many gigs gone off the rails. Fate, however, may have other plans, as Ladybug’s latest mission puts him on a collision course with lethal adversaries from around the globe. ly coach (Teeradon Supapunpinyo) easter sunday C 1:30 4:30 7:30 celebrate a spirited game by riding Stand-up comedy sensation Jo Koy stars as a man returning home for an Easter celebration with his riotous, bickering, eating, drinking, laughing, loving family, in this love letter to his Filipino-American community. their bicycles for an ad hoc expediVenice: infinitely aVant-Garde Mon: 7:30 PM; Tue: 1:00 PM tion in the Tham Luang caves, which A tour of the magical city showcases masterpieces by Tiepolo, Canaletto, Rosalba Carriera and from Canova to Goethe, Lord Byron to are considered to be safe to explore Walter Scott, down to the great Hollywood stars drawn to its yearly Film Festival. dc leaGue of super-pets B 1:20 4:20 7:20 because it’s a few weeks prior to monInseparable best friends, sharing the same superpowers and fighting crime in Metropolis side by side. When Superman and the rest soon season. of the Justice League are kidnapped, Krypto must convince a rag-tag shelter pack to help him rescue the Super Heroes.

But when intense rains unexpectVenGeance E Sun: 1:30 7:30; Mon: 1:30 PM; Tue: 7:30 PM; Wed: 1:30 7:30; Thu: 1:30 PM edly come pounding down, the boys A darkly comic thriller about Ben Manalowitz, a journalist and podcaster who travels from New York City to West Texas to investigate and their coach are trapped deep in the death of a girl he was hooking up with. the flooded and labyrinthine pasnope E 1:00 4:00 7:00 The film reunites Peele with Oscar® winner Daniel Kaluuya who is joined by Keke Palmer and Oscar® nominee Steven Yeun as sageways. In one of the most heartresidents in a lonely gulch of inland California who bear witness to an uncanny and chilling discovery. breakingly effective scenes early in Mrs. Harris Goes to paris B 4:15 PM Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris tells the story of a widowed cleaning lady in 1950s London who falls madly in love with a couture Dior the film, when the boys don’t show up dress. She works, starves and gambles to raise the funds, then embarks on a life-changing adventure in Paris. for a birthday party, their parents race WHere tHe craWdads sinG C 1:00 4:00 7:00 Kya, an abandoned girl who raised herself to adulthood in the dangerous marshlands of North Carolina, finds herself drawn to opens to the entrance to the cave and see a herself to two young men from town. row of bicycles — and no sign of their tHor: loVe and tHunder C 1:10 4:10 7:10 children.

“Thor: Love and Thunder” finds Thor on a quest for inner peace. But his retirement is interrupted by a galactic killer, Gorr the God Butcher, who seeks the extinction of the gods.

Even the best open-water divers in FOR 8/7/20228/11/2022 ONLY WWW.LAEMMLE.COM the world fall short in their efforts to

NEWHALL

Bringing the Finest in Film to the SCV!

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AU G U S T 7, 2022

FOOD

Kid-Friendly Recipes

A

menu of filling, delicious recipes is just what your family needs to make each school day a successful educational adventure. Satisfying lunch and dinner ideas can give loved ones the fuel they need while delicious desserts provide motivation for growing minds to get homework finished before enjoying a treat.

When weeks get hectic due to busy schedules, these recipes offer simple solutions to make cooking easier while limiting time spent in the kitchen.

Keep your family full and energized each school day with more recipe ideas at Culinary.net.

Weeknight meals are all about putting tasty dishes on the table in a short amount of time so you can share precious moments together despite busy schedules.

In a matter of minutes, you can prepare this Lentil Bolognese with Veggie-Based Penne for a quick yet flavorful recipe that can be enjoyed by little ones and adults alike. Featuring Veggiecraft Farms Cauliflower Penne as its key ingredient, this family meal makes it easy to incorporate vegetables without sacrificing taste. Available in popular shapes like penne, spaghetti and elbow, and made with lentils, peas and cauliflower, zucchini or sweet potato, the veggie-based pastas are gluten-free, nonGMO, vegan, Kosher and good sources of protein and fiber.

Visit veggiecraftfarms.com for more information and family-friendly recipes. (Family Features)

Lentil Bolognese with Veggie-Based Penne

red pepper flakes Cook lentils according to package directions. Drain then return to pot and add marinara and vegetable broth. Stir well and simmer over low heat about 10 minutes.

1 cup dry French green lentils or brown lentils 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce 1/2 cup vegetable broth 1 box Veggiecraft Farms Cauliflower Penne Toppings:

fresh basil

Parmesan cheese

A Heaping Serving of Homework Motivation

Heading back to school doesn’t have to mean forgetting the fun of warm weather treats. Once the homework is done and you’ve enjoyed dinner with loved ones, turn your attention to a dessert that tastes like it was prepared by a professional baker.

This S’mores Skillet starts with a sweet brownie base made with Domino Light Brown Sugar and is then infused and topped with traditional s’mores ingredients. Just combine in a skillet then bake – or grill for that familiar outdoor feel – until warm and gooey.

Find more dessert ideas to sweeten up back-to-school season at DominoSugar.com.

S’mores Skillet

Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 6 8 tablespoons unsalted butter 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips, divided

Cook penne according to package directions.

Top cooked pasta with lentil Bolognese, fresh basil, Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes.  2 1/4 1 1/4 2 1/2 1 1 6

ounces unsweetened chocolate cup all-purpose flour teaspoon baking powder teaspoon salt large eggs cup Domino Light Brown Sugar teaspoon pure vanilla extract cup mini marshmallows, divided graham crackers, roughly crumbled, divided

Preheat oven or grill to 350 F. Place medium heat-proof bowl over medium saucepan simmering with water. Add butter, 1/4 cup chocolate chips and unsweetened chocolate; melt. Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool 15 minutes.

In small bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt.

In large bowl, mix eggs, sugar and vanilla. Add chocolate mixture and mix until well combined. Stir in flour mixture. Add 1/4 cup chocolate chips, 1/2 cup mini marshmallows and three graham crackers to batter.

Pour mixture into 8-inch skillet. Top with remaining mini marshmallows, chocolate chips and graham crackers. Grill or bake 10-12 minutes. Remove from grill. Cool 10 minutes and serve. 

AU G U S T 7, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

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

The Legends Come To Santa Clarita - The Immediate Family The Immediate Family (the modern iteration of a legendary studio ensemble known as “The Section”) is a rock and roll band composed of four of the most recorded, respected and sought-after players in modern music: Danny Kortchmar (guitar and vocals), Waddy Wachtel (guitar and vocals), Leland Sklar (bass), Russ Kunkel (drums) and the addition of prominent touring, session guitarist

and songwriter Steve Postell (guitar and vocals).

Frequent collaborators both in the studio and on-stage, their work can be heard on albums from Jackson Browne, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Stevie Nicks, Keith Richards, Warren Zevon, Graham Nash, Neil Young, David Crosby and many, many, many more. Kortchmar, Sklar and Kunkel have worked togeth-

er since the early 70s and made up three-quarters of The Section, best known for both their studio and live work in support of some of the top selling singer/songwriters and solo singers in the history of music, as well as their own acclaimed instrumental albums. (By mid 70s, they were later joined by Wachtel). Collectively, these musicians helped define the sound of a generation.

You can see The Immediate Family live at The Canyon Santa Clarita on November 12th. Tickets are available online through AXS, over the phone at 888-645-5006, and in person at the Canyon Santa Clarita box office. For more information, visit www.wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com.

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AU G U S T 7, 2022

HOME

Prep for Clean Paint Lines

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home painting project can be overwhelming, especially if you’re a beginner.

However, if you do the right prep work, the painting process doesn’t have to be so intimidating.

By following these steps, you’ll set yourself up for clean paint lines and amazing results, no matter your skill level.

Purchase Proper Supplies

Before the prep work can even begin, it’s vital to purchase the proper supplies. Create your list by considering the steps you’ll take to complete your project: Cleaning the wall surface Taping off edges Applying paint As you shop, remember that affordability doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality tools.

Use new sandpaper and sponges so the surface is smooth and clean to start. Fresh brushes and rollers will lead to professional-looking results, and a high-quality, cost-effective painter’s tape, like Duck Brand Clean Release, will help with achieving clean paint lines.

Despite what many DIYers believe, using a primer is a necessary step, and shouldn’t be considered optional.

Primer acts as a barrier and prevents old paint from showing through, so it really can make all the difference. In most cases, you’ll only need one coat of new paint if the surface is properly primed.

Once you’ve chosen your primer, don’t forget the paint! Select the color and finish you prefer; then, purchase a sample and paint a small area to ensure it meets your expectations.

Declutter the Space

Once you’ve grabbed your supplies and decided on the paint color and finish, remove as much out of the

room as possible to avoid any damage during painting.

Small, easy-to-move furniture should be temporarily relocated to another space. Heavy, hard-to-move furniture can at least be pushed away from the wall and protected with covers.

Switch plate covers, window treatments and light fixtures can be removed and stored until your paint has dried.

Clean and Smooth Surface

For the perfect smooth finish, start by lightly sanding your walls to eliminate any existing imperfections. This will likely cause dust and debris to fall throughout the room, so vacuum and wipe down walls after you’re finished sanding, as the paint will apply more evenly if the surface is clean.

The walls can be wiped with a sponge and a mixture of dish soap and warm water.

Tape and Protect

The final step to prepare your room for paint is to tape the walls and protect the floors and any other areas you want to keep paint-free. When applying Duck Brand Clean Release or other painter’s tapes, keep the pieces one to two feet in length for the easiest application and securest seal.

For an extra-tight hold, use a tool such as a putty knife to smooth down the edges and help prevent paint bleed. As for the floor, cover the surface with an old sheet or protective film to catch any paint drips or spills, taping down the edges if needed to make sure no paint leaks through the edges.

Once you’ve followed these steps, you’re set up for success and prepared to begin painting! Time to pick up your brush and start that room transformation. (BPT) 

AU G U S T 7, 2022

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AU G U S T 7, 2022

H E A LT H

You’ve Hit a Fitness Plateau — Now What?

E

How to overcome a plateau?

ach individual has his or her own fitness goals when beginning an exercise regimen. Perhaps the plan is to lose a set amount of weight or lift a certain amount of weight? Goals help people assess their workouts whether or not they are achieving the desired results.

At some point in just about everyone’s fitness routine, it may seem like progress has stalled.

Changes in the body may no longer be noticeable or the scale says the same weight each week. It’s easy to grow discouraged when exercise gains plateau. But recognizing this phenomenon can help people get their workouts back on track.

The American Heart Association says one way to overcome a plateau is to follow the F.I.T.T. principle of exercise. This stands for Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type. Once a plateau has been reached, a person will have to change one or more components of F.I.T.T. to once again get desired results.

That may mean increasing frequency and/or intensity, spending more time in an exercise session, or changing the type of workout.

If the plateau involves a lack of weight loss, then tracking food for a week or two can show just how many calories are going in versus how many are expended. Often, hitting a plateau can be traced to dietary changes.

What is a fitness plateau?

The exercise resource GymBet says a fitness plateau is a phase when the body adjusts to a workout routine and stops progressing further.

The body has become accustomed to the stress and changes an exercise routine has put on it in order to grow muscles, reduce fat or improve in training.

What causes a plateau?

The human body is incredibly resilient and can adapt to the physical demands of a workout. That means a workout initially can produce notice-

Banish boredom. able results. But over time, the body will adapt and something that was challenging will become easier.

As a result, a familiar and once effective workout will no longer produce the desired results.

Some call this General Adaption Syndrome. Even though hitting a plateau may seem frustrating, it is a good sign that an individual is making progress in a fitness program.

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Another factor in hitting fitness plateaus that people may not realize is mental motivation. An individual who is becoming bored in a workout may not put forth the same level of effort, and that can manifest itself in a lack of results. Modifying the workout or attending a new program can be a small trigger to reach a new fitness level.

A fitness plateau is something active people need to consider. Modifications can be made to get progress back on track. (MC) 

AU G U S T 7, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 7

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Have Fun With the Kids — Blow a Bubble Card

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

I

f your young kids and grandkids like blowing bubbles, they’ll love this activity. When the colored bubbles dry on construction paper, they will become the eye-catching background for a one-of-a-kind work of art.

Here’s the stuff you’ll need: Pie pan or wide-mouth cup

Liquid poster paint Liquid dishwashing detergent and water or commercial bubble-blowing solution Markers or crayons White or light-colored construction paper or cardstock Drinking straws Paper to cover work table Now, here’s the fun Cover your work surface with newspaper or butch-

Remember to keep your library card handy this summer.

Five-year-old Joshua Adams creates a bubble-art greeting card.

er paper. In the pie pan or cup, stir together one cup water, two to three tablespoons of paint and one tablespoon of detergent. Or, add paint to the bubble-blowing solution.

Place a straw in the mixture and blow into the straw to create colored bubbles billowing over the edge of the container. Remove the straw.

Fold a piece of construction paper

in half to form a card, or use the front of the card on top of the bubbles and hold it in place until several colored bubbles have popped and transferred their shapes onto the paper. Continue the process with different colors, if you wish. Set aside to dry. (If the bubble prints are not as dark as you’d like, add more paint to the mixture and blow again.)

Use markers to add drawings to the dried bubble prints, such as a jet flying through the bubble “clouds” for a “Bon Voyage” card. Write a message inside the card and sign it. Tuck into an envelope for a unique greeting or summer thank-you note to a friend or relative.

Note Remind children to be careful not to suck on the straw when blowing the bubble solution. If you clip two holes about halfway down the straw, children will be less able to suck in the bubbles.

Donna Erickson’s award-winning series “Donna’s Day” is airing on public 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.

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AU G U S T 7, 2022

PUZZLES

SOLUTIONS

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AU G U S T 7, 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

Tom Sawyer and the 3 Cults I am an everyday reader of The Signal. I read every opinion article and was inspired to write an opinion of my own after reading, “A Tale of Three Cults,” by Arthur Saginian, July 31. I look forward to his opinion pieces because I relate to his views more than any of the other usual Signal contributors. I read views of contributors from the “left” and sometimes agree. I read views of contributors from the “right” and sometimes agree. I read faith-based views and can favorably relate to many of the moral messages.

After reading Arthur’s piece, I was immediately reminded of lyrics from a song by Rush, “Tom Sawyer,” where the non-arrogant, non-conforming thinker is described: “His mind is not for rent to any god or government...”

When one blindly follows and solely subscribes to the “left” or to the “right” or to faith-based ideology, it’s as if one is wearing blinders and has closed his or her mind to competing points of view. One becomes lazy in their thinking because they allow pundits from one of the three “cults” to guide their own beliefs. One must take the initiative to research all the propaganda and make their own decisions based on their own beliefs and rational thinking. Free yourself from submitting to the talking heads of the three “cults.”

Reason-based, fact-based thinking would bring us all closer together. We would find that we all want similar things. We are all probably much more alike than we would sometimes like to admit.

John Hanks Valencia

Inflation Bathwater

Re: Kathryn Oliver’s letter, Aug. 3.

Sorry Kathryn, but you’ve been drinking the same bathwater as Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats!

Let’s look at this proposed bill. Note how cleverly it was renamed “Inflation Reduction” as a replacement for the outrageously expensive Build Better bill. Let’s not quibble about the individual worth of each item in the bill. Instead, look at what it does in the face of 9.1% inflation: Pours more money (gasoline) on the fire! There are nine grants, not loans, in the bill. Another examination of the details in the bill shows that spending starts almost immediately but new revenues come later. The Wharton School analysis shows the bill actually INCREASES the deficit in the early years. Not until 2027 does deficit reduction begin!

Finally, the idiotic 15% minimum corporate tax rate kicks in immediately. For an economy that is already retracting rapidly that is bad policy. Punishing corporations with high taxes and eliminating depreciation deductions will never help bring manufacturing back to the USA. Albert Bigelow Valencia 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

Death of the Common Good

I

f you’re like me, you have to wonder how certain decisions are made, how some views are held, and mostly, how some causes are granted priority status in our culture. What appears to me to be absurd at best and treacherous and evil at worst is often carefully presented and deeply believed by those around me.

For example, transgenderism, abortion and the separation of chromosomal sex from gender are, for many, clearly contrary to natural law. Yet, these same issues are passionately held and promoted by rational, clear-headed people. Both sides claim the truth and the moral high ground. Yet, those who have taken philosophy and logic understand that “A” and “not A” are opposites. Competing truth claims cannot both be right.

It all comes down to what we might call the “basis of authority.” What “truths” do each side hold as authoritative, as the basis for their belief?

Take the issue of transgenderism, for example. One side is certain that transgenderism is actually impossible given that human chromosomes don’t transition. As a human male, I have approximately 8 billion cells in my body, each of which has an X and a Y. No amount of personal feeling, or preference, or even surgery can change that. In this case, the “basis of authority” is the science of genetics, and personal feelings have nothing to do with it.

But, those who promote transgenderism argue that gender is not genetic. They believe the “person” is altogether a separate entity from the “body.” As such, each individual is free to create whatever gender identity most promotes their happiness and well-being based on how they feel. And they are free to present that identity in any form that pleases them. In this case, the “basis of authority” is one’s personal feelings, and genetics have nothing to do with it. Today’s philosophers have labeled this “the sovereignty of self,” and thus, the “sovereign self ” becomes the “basis of authority.”

As long as the two sides are arguing from different authority positions, there will never be agreement. But what is already happening is that we as a society are “going along to get along” lest the cancel culture shines its death ray our way.

But, take a moment to think about this seismic shift in how society understands “truth” and how that affects the way we operate.

We are already seeing how the personal feel-

ings of each sovereign self become the rule for what is acceptable and the consequences that brings.

Suddenly, scientific laws can be brushed aside. Historical cultural values can be mocked. Laws defining crime and mandating punishment can be ignored. More alarming, the authorial intent behind our Constitution can be radically reinterpreted, and any other reality or moral authority that attempts to restrain the expanding desires of the “sovereign self ” and the pursuit of personal happiness can and will be denigrated as dangerous and marked for destruction.

We see it all around us, and the consequences will be many. But I want to point out just one here. As we see the anarchy of sovereign individualism grow, we will experience the devastating reality that there no longer remains something we now call “the common good.”

In a world of self-serving sovereign individuals, the opposing values of others, the idea of self-restraint, and the discipline of self-denial in the service of God and country will be washed away by the tide of individual sovereignty. It will be each to his or her own and the death of common courtesy, as the last lights of a “love your neighbor as yourself ” culture fade away.

Admit it. We’re already seeing this all around us. We have become a “me first” society at a time when we desperately need to find and preserve the “common good.”

So, what do we do? First, commit to finding and holding to some timeless basis of authority that brings out the best in you, not your selfish desires.

Second, speak up. We all know about the little boy who shouted that the Emperor had no clothes. Let’s be that little boy. But, be a voice that not only calls out the absurdity of baseless pronouncements and beliefs but does so winsomely, confidently and unashamedly.

Lastly, seek out, join and support those individuals and communities that hold to your basis of authority. It’s where you’ll find camaraderie and a much-needed place to belong.

And if your basis of authority is God and his Word in the Bible, Grace Baptist Church will welcome you.

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