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The World’s Most Desired Golf Courses

By Grahm Green

Augusta National is the most popular golf course in the world among golfing fans, according to a new study conducted by premium hi-tech golf apparel brand Galvin Green.

At a time when interest in golf has reached record levels across the world, Google Keyword Planner and Instagram data were analyzed to determine which courses and prestigious clubs have attracted the most golfers to their landing pages and social

the most.

following over the past year. The study combined 12 common search terms related to golf clubs to reveal the global average monthly search volume for every course and the number of hashtags for each location.

Augusta National takes the top spot with the highest combined golf index score of 98.62 out of 100. This is due to the highest combination of Instagram hashtags and search volume. Augusta National is searched 54,050 times on average each month globally and has over 100,000 posts (107,199) on Instagram under the hashtag #AugustaNational. Based in Georgia, the site is famous for hosting The Masters.

Home of The Players Championship, TPC Sawgrass is the second most popular course among golfing fans. Each month, there an average of 73,717 searches from across the world for visiting and playing at TPC Sawgrass — the highest number of any course analyzed. There are also 56,552 Instagram posts using the hashtag #TPCSawgrass, the second highest amount, leading TPC Sawgrass to have a golf index score of 95.26 out of 100.

St Andrews Old Course ranked in third with more than 55,317 monthly searches. Often hailed as the “Home of Golf,” pictures of St Andrews Old Course have also been posted on Instagram 45,658 times, resulting in a golf index score of 92.39.

With more than 10,000 average monthly searches (10,650), Emirates Golf Club is the fourth most-

Pebble Beach Golf Links. PHOTO CREDIT CJMCCAY FROM PIXABAY

Augusta, Sawgrass & St Andrews are the courses golf fans want to play at

St Andrews Golf Club in Scotland. PHOTO CREDIT WOLFGANG CLAUSSEN FROM PIXABAY

The Top 10 Golf Courses

searched-for golf course in the world. The 36-hole golf course in Dubai has a golfing index score of 81.02 out of 100, due to its combination of high search volume and 26,650 Instagram posts under the hashtag #EmiratesGolfClub.

In fifth place is Pebble Beach Golf Links. The Californian course is searched 18,325 times on average each month and has been posted 12,015 times on Instagram. This volume of interest gives the famous Pacific coast course an index score of 79.01 out of 100.

The sixth most popular golf course among golfing fans is Bandon Dunes with an index score of 76.78 out of 100. This score is based on an average monthly search volume of 25,625 per month and 5,352 Instagram posts for the respected Oregon facility that boasts six courses designed to reflect the true spirit of Scotland’s ancient links.

Abu Dhabi Golf Course and Turnberry (Ailsa course) rank seventh and eighth respectively. The Abu Dhabi Golf Course has a golf index score of 74.56 out of 100 with 8.675 Instagram posts and an average search volume for the course being 5,200. There are 9,514 Instagram posts under the Turnberry (Ailsa) hashtag, as well as 3,700 average monthly searches for the course, giving the course in Scotland an index score of 70.83.

Commenting on behalf of Galvin Green, Global Marketing Manager Annelie Backgård Ginstman said: “There are so many fantastic golf courses around the world and the top 10 courses in our survey would grace any golfer’s bucket list. What this study shows is just how much interest there is in these top-quality golfing locations and the extent to which golfers want to share their appreciation of them with others.” 

Left: Augusta National Golf is famous for hosting The Masters. Right: TPC Sawgrass is Home of The Players Championship. COURTESY PHOTOS

Demystifying Insurance to Ensure Proper Coverage

Home and auto insurance are among the things many people buy but hope to never use. Proper coverage provides peace of mind that an accident, weather event, natural disaster or unexpected injury or illness won’t cause financial ruin. However, many Americans are uninsured, underinsured or paying too much for coverage.

Data from the Insurance Research Council cited by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners shows 12.6% of U.S. motorists are uninsured — approximately 1 in 8 cars on the road. For uninsured drivers, plus those involved in accidents with them, fender benders or worse can result in out-of-pocket costs.

Homeowners need to be properly insured, as well. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, the U.S. has experienced more than 350 weather events or natural disasters since 1980 that have caused more than $1 billion in damage. Even small thunderstorms can send tree branches into homes, causing thousands of dollars in damage. For home and auto insurance, consumers should be sure their policies cover replacement and repair costs at today’s market rates in addition to liability coverage for personal injury and other damages.

Insurance helps bridge these gaps, but it’s common for people to renew policies without checking them. Because insurance policies are often seen as complex and confusing, that may prevent people from purchasing proper coverage.

A 2022 survey from realtor.com found only 56% of homeowners knew what to look for in their homeowners insurance policy when they bought their homes, and 15% didn’t have any idea what to check. In addition, Forbes Advisor reported 40% of drivers believe they had coverage that doesn’t even exist.

Consider these challenges consumers face when

shopping for and comparing insurance policies and providers:

Industry Jargon and Lingo When you visit a website or talk to an insurance agent, you may feel like you’re speaking a different language with terms like “deductible,” “premium,” “co-pay,” “additional insured,” “aggregate limit” and “co-insurance.”

Bait and Switch Insurance carriers sometimes advertise low rates, but your rate may be higher than expected when you apply, often with no explanation.

Fine Print “Sorry, that’s not covered.” These can be chilling words to hear when you’re hoping your insurance policy comes through for you in a time of need. An explanation may be deep within the policy, but you may need a magnifying glass to find it.

Transparency Many decisions that affect rates and coverage may seem to be done behind a curtain, such as rates in comparison to neighbors, remodel-

ing impacts on rates, rate changes based on age and more.

Apples to Oranges With many moving parts within the average policy, it can be difficult to compare rates and coverage.

Improved technology is helping solve some of these issues and deliver an improved experience. A decade ago, the only way to compare insurance rates was to make phone calls, meet with agents and read brochures. Even with the internet, you still need to visit multiple websites and take notes, often entering the same personal information time and time again.

Today, insurance marketplaces, like the flagship platform from Guaranteed Rate Insurance, make it easy to compare multiple carriers, all at once, with a single application. Customers enter basic information to receive quotes for home and auto insurance coverage from more than 50 top-rated carriers, allowing for a quick, side-by-side comparison of coverage options.

“The primary benefit insurance delivers is peace of mind,” said Jeff Wingate, executive vice president and head of insurance for Guaranteed Rate. “If the relationship between an insurance provider and customer begins with stress, confusion and frustration, the provider isn’t delivering the desired service. That’s why we made it easy for consumers to make informed decisions about rates and coverage from trusted and reliable providers.”

Life insurance, umbrella, jewelry, flood, pet, landlord and earthquake policies are among the other coverage options available for comparison. Coverage benefits are easy to read with clearly explained terminology and experienced agents standing by to answer questions or assist with purchasing a policy.

To find more information and explore the insurance marketplace, visit rate.com/insurance. (Family Features) 

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES

Cooking Clean

With many people focused on achieving a cleaner and healthier lifestyle, taking actionable steps such as recycling, using less hot water and eating nutritious foods can help lower your carbon footprint. Another step for a clean lifestyle: cooking with an environmentally friendly, clean energy source like propane.

Propane is already powering more than 12 million homes with reliable energy people can count on. Plus, gas-powered cooktops are preferred by 96% of professional chefs, including nutritionist and chef Dean Sheremet of “My Kitchen Rules,” who partnered with the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) to educate homeowners on the benefits of cooking with gas.

“There is a lot of misinformation about cooking with gas in the news,” Sheremet said. “It’s important to remember, the act of cooking itself impacts indoor air quality, regardless of the energy that powers the stove. Having a qualified technician install and perform regular service for the stove, maintaining proper ventilation using a hood or opening doors or windows and following common sense safety measures can ensure the safe use of any stove.”

Because ventilation when cooking is key, it’s important to note that cooking with propane results in lower carbon dioxide emissions than electric cooking, on average. That’s because more than 60% of electricity production comes from natural gas or coal generation plants, which release more CO2 emissions as part of the generation process.

Beyond the environmental benefits, propane-powered cooking appliances provide convenience, modern design and performance in kitchens, allowing home chefs to prepare healthy meals for their families in a short amount of time. Sheremet values the efficiency of a propane cooktop when creating nutritious meals like Skirt Steak with Salsa Verde and Spaghetti and Clams, which can be whipped up in minutes using a clean energy source.

“Chefs, and parents like me, prefer gas for a variety of reasons,” Sheremet said. “My son, Atlas, is often in the kitchen when I’m cooking, and we know sometimes kids don’t listen when we tell them to not touch a pan or the stove. Propane cooktops allow for greater control of heat levels and their instant flame turnoff capabilities help them cool faster than traditional electric stoves, which can remain dangerously hot for a period after they have been turned off.”

Learn more about cooking with propane and find recipes from Sheremet at Propane.com/ChefDean.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cooking with Gas

Cooking with a reliable and environmentally clean energy source like propane can take your home chef skills to the next level. However, there are steps to take to ensure safety while maximizing the benefits of cooking with your gas range.

Do:

• Follow the manufacturer’s installation and operating instructions.

• Keep pot handles turned inward to protect against accidents like knocking the pot off the stove or little ones reaching for the handles.

• Keep the range surface clean.

• Keep flammable materials away from burner flames.

Don’t:

• Do not cover the oven bottom with foil as it can restrict air circulation.

• Never use gas ranges for space heating.

• Do not allow children to turn burner control knobs.

• Do not leave food unattended on the cooktop.

Spaghetti and Clams

Salt

8-12 littleneck or other small clams in shell, scrubbed

1/4 pound spaghetti noodles

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/2-1 garlic clove, minced

1/2 dried red chile pepper

1/3 cup vermouth or white wine

1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley

Bring large pot of lightly salted water to boil. Soak clams in cold water.

Add spaghetti to boiling water and cook until slightly underdone. In large saucepan over medium-low heat, add olive oil, garlic and chile pepper. Saute gently, reducing heat, if necessary, so garlic does not brown.

Add vermouth and clams; cover. Clams should open in about 2 minutes. Add hot drained pasta, cover and shake pot gently. Simmer 1-2 minutes until spaghetti is cooked to taste.

Discard unopened clams. Add half the parsley and shake pan to distribute evenly. Transfer to plate or bowl and sprinkle with remaining parsley.

Skirt Steak with Salsa Verde

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

2 thinly sliced scallions

3 tablespoons capers, drained and roughly chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional, to taste, divided 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus additional, to taste, divided

1 1/2 pounds skirt steak

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint, divided 1/4 cup pistachios

1 romaine heart

1 radicchio

1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese

Whisk olive oil, vinegar, scallions, capers, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Pour about 1/3 of dressing (about 1/3cup) over steak and turn to coat.

Add parsley and 1 tablespoon mint to reserved dressing; stir and set aside until ready to use. Cover and refrigerate steak 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.

In small saute pan over medium heat, toast pistachios, tossing often, until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Set aside.

Set grill to medium-high heat or heat grill pan on stovetop over medium-high heat. Grill steak about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to plate and rest 10 minutes.

Cut romaine hearts lengthwise into quarters. Arrange romaine and radicchio in layers on large platter, leaving room on one side for steak. Sprinkle with goat cheese, pistachios and remaining mint.

Slice steak into 3-inch pieces then slice against grain to cut steak into wide strips. Add sliced steak to platter. Drizzle reserved dressing on romaine and steak. (Family Features) 

Skirt Steak with Salsa Verde

Spaghetti and Clams

Honoring Lives Lost: Evening of Remembrance

By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager

You’ve no doubt noticed the unique area at Central Park, tucked behind the fields, where tree stumps circle around a center monument. This special place is the Youth Grove and every year we gather there for the Evening of Remembrance to honor the young lives lost in traffic-related incidents within our community.

This year’s Evening of Remembrance will take place on Wednesday, August 23 at 7:15 p.m., beginning with the Walk of Remembrance, where we walk together in solidarity, offering support and solace to the families who have endured unimaginable loss. The Walk of Remembrance will begin and end in the Youth Grove, where families will gather for an impactful and moving ceremony that pays tribute to the lives of these young individuals,

as well as promoting consciousness about the significance of staying attentive and considerate while on the road.

When you enter the Youth Grove, you will see 119 pillars, shaped like tree stumps. These pillars represent the 119 young lives lost in Santa Clarita due to traffic incidents.

The likeness of the tree trunks demonstrates a life cut too soon. Throughout the year, the Youth Grove remains a place for contemplation, to share stories of those who have been lost and to renew our collective dedication to traffic safety.

During the Evening of Remembrance ceremony, Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station Captain Justin Diez will deliver poignant opening remarks and heartfelt musical performances will honor the youth.

The annual “Forever Young” slideshow presentation serves as a stark reminder of the vibrant lives lost and an impactful message that this is more than a memorial event: it is

a call to action. As a community, we take the vow to “Know More” about the consequences of unsafe driving and pledge to ensure “No More” deaths occur due to traffic-related incidents. This vow is a reminder that traffic safety is a shared responsibility that requires vigilance from every driver, pedestrian and cyclist.

The Evening of Remembrance is a powerful reminder that we must continue these conversations, con-

sistently reinforcing the importance of traffic safety with our loved ones. In doing so, we pave the way for a safer Santa Clarita. It is also strongly encouraged for parents to participate in the Evening of Remembrance whether you have a child approaching driving age or already have a license. By attending, you will have the opportunity to unite with other residents in paying tribute to the individuals commemorated in the Youth Grove. Additionally, this event serves as an impactful notion of the significance of driving safely and without distractions.

To learn more about the Evening of Remembrance and the Santa Clarita Youth Grove, please visit the City’s website at santa-clarita.com/YouthGrove.

Ken Striplin can be reached at kstriplin@santa-clarita.com. The views expressed in his column are those of the City and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal. 

How to Enjoy Fresh Maine Lobster this Season

Tips and tricks from a 4thgeneration lobster family.

As people look to change what’s on their plates, it can be tough to know where to begin. From social media-inspired recipes to trendy menu offerings, there are many options.

That’s why restaurant owners Katie and Thom Werner are recommending a staple that’s sustainable, fresh and versatile: Lobster. The Werners own the popular Island Lobster Co. restaurant in Peaks Island, Maine where Thom works as a commercial fisherman and supplies most of the lobster served.

The Werner family is well versed in the iconic Maine Lobster fishery, coming from a long line of generational fishing families, with Thom having fished since he was 6 years old. They know lobster can be intimidating for home cooks, but as people familiar with the product, they emphasize lobster is easy to prep, delicious and supports communities up and down the coast.

“Lobsters are always sustainably harvested and handled with care by the fishery,” Katie said. “It’s so important to know where your food comes from and with local lobster, it’s something you can feel great about enjoying that also directly benefits so many families like ours.”

For those looking to enjoy a simple and classic version of lobster, the Werners recommend a tried and true method.

“Steamed with some melted butter is always perfect,” Thom said. “You can’t beat the sweet, succulent flavors of fresh lobster with that punch of salty butter.”

For those looking for a fresh twist, Katie suggests trying her favorite recipe at Island Lobster Co.: the BLT Lobster Roll.

“It’s a savory and sweet combination of crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes and tender lobster meat, all served on a buttery roll,” she said. “It’s a great way to enjoy sustainable trap-to-table fare.”

No matter what recipe people go with, the Werner family hopes everyone can partake in enjoying a staple of their heritage.

“To me, Maine Lobster is a taste of home,” Thom said. “I’ve always enjoyed it with friends and family. Now I get to share that legacy with my own kids and our community at the restaurant. I feel incredibly lucky, and I hope everyonewhether you’re a Mainer or on the opposite side of the country - can enjoy it as a celebration of such an iconic industry.”

To learn more about the Werners’ story, find recipes and look for ways to support the industry, visit lobsterfrommaine.com.

(Family Features)

BLT Lobster Roll

Recipe courtesy of the Werner family of Island Lobster Co. on behalf of the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative Yield 1 roll

3 slices bacon

1/4 pound fresh lobster meat (or meat from 1-pound lobster)

1 tablespoon butter

1 brioche bun, halved

1 tablespoon mayonnaise

3 tomato slices

1 large leaf romaine lettuce or butter lettuce

Preheat oven to 400 F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange bacon slices on top. Cook 10-15 minutes, or until desired crispiness.

Prepare large pot with 2 inches of salted water and bring to rolling boil. Add lobster and steam 12 minutes. Halfway through,

lift lid carefully and shift lobster to cook evenly.

Break down lobster and remove meat from shell, yielding about 4 ounces of cooked meat. Chop meat into bite-size pieces. In large skillet or griddle over medium heat, warm butter to coat pan.

Place both pieces of bun cut sides down on pan and cook about 30 seconds until golden. Remove buns from pan and set aside.

In bowl, toss chopped lobster meat with mayonnaise and set aside.

Assemble cooked bacon, tomato, lettuce and lobster mix on toasted bun. 

082023 Golf Desired Top Ten

ENTERTAINMENT

‘Painkiller’ is About the Sackler Family and Purdue Pharma

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘Painkiller’

 1/2 (out of four)

A six-part series Thursdays on Netflix

The premiere episode of the gripping and stylishly rendered Netflix limited series “Painkiller” begins in documentary fashion, with a woman named Jen Trejo telling us, “This program is based on real events. However, certain characters, names, incidents, locations and dialogue have been fictionalized for dramatic purposes. What wasn't fictionalized is that my son [Christopher], at the age of 15, was prescribed OxyContin. He lived in years and years of addiction … and at the age of 32, he died, all alone in the freezing cold in a gas station parking lot, and we miss him.”

ries begins with tragic testimony from someone who has lost a loved one to opioid addiction, and it shakes us to the core. We're then plunged into a story that is fictionalized but carries the ring of essential truth. Based on Patrick Radden Keefe's New Yorker article “The Family That Built an Empire of Pain” and Barry Meier's “Pain Killer: An Empire of Deceit and the Origin of America's Opioid Epidemic,” with all six episodes directed by Peter Berg (“Friday Night Lights,” “Deepwater Horizon,” “Patriots Day”), this is a well-plotted and expertly acted story outlining how the Sackler family and Purdue Pharma created the pain-relieving prescription drug OxyContin.

August 20-24, 2023

Each of the six chapters in the se-

Seemingly out of nowhere, the prescription pain reliever spread across the land like a raging wildfire, due in large part to marketing and promotion efforts, with salespeople engaging in boots-on-the-ground (or often, highheels-on-the-ground) campaigns to get doctors to prescribe Oxy as a new and improved and more beneficial ap-

proach to alleviating pain.

“Painkiller” features four primary storylines that occasionally intersect:

Fat h o m F i r s t : G o L D a C W e d : 4 : 0

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• In a powerful and resonant performance, the Emmy-award winning Uzo Aduba (“Orange Is the New Black”) is Edie Flowers, a doggedly determined, no-nonsense investigator for the U.S. Attorney's office who in the late 1990s becomes aware of a new pain-relieving drug that has sprung up like a million dandelions. Edie becomes our guide, explaining how the Sackler family developed OxyContin and managed to win the game-changing approval of the stubborn, real-life FDA medical officer Curtis Wright (Noah Harpster) — who then entered the private sector to work for … Purdue Pharma. Tyler Ritter also does stellar work as U.S. Attorney John Brownlee, who is convinced to go after Purdue Pharma.

• The wonderful Clark Gregg is the psychiatrist and family patriarch Arthur Sackler, an early pioneer in the field of medical advertising and the pharmaceutical revolution. An inspired piece of casting has one of the most likable actors of our time, Matthew Broderick, playing Arthur's nephew Richard Sackler, who marshaled through the development of OxyContin. Like most villains, Richard never sees himself as such. He believes, or at least tells himself, he's helping millions of Americans live better lives through pain management. Those troubling tens of thousands of opioid addiction deaths? Blame them on the abusers, not the supplier.

• On the sales side, Dina Shihabi is

the beautiful and manipulative Britt Hufford, a Purdue Pharma sales rep with an almost cultlike devotion to her job, who recruits former college athlete Shannon Schaeffer (West Duchovny) to join her on the road in her Porsche and go from hospital to hospital, doctor's office to doctor's office, medical conference to medical conference, to flirt with physicians and hand them samples and coupons and pitch them on the miraculous qualities of OxyContin, which Britt claims has an addiction rate of less than 1%. The early, nearly giddy scenes of Britt and Shannon living it up are like a cross between “The Wolf of Wall Street” and “Goodfellas,” with Shannon initially going all-in on the slick and aggressive sales style, and reaping the rewards in shoes, cars, cash and parties.

• Bringing it home: a storyline set in North Carolina, with Taylor Kitsch doing some of his best work as Glen Kryger, a mechanic, small-business owner and solid family man who sustains a brutal back injury on the job and is rendered nearly immobile by the post-surgical pain — until his friendly neighborhood doctor prescribes OxyContin, which produces such amazing results at first that Glen appears in a promotional film for Purdue Pharma. As addiction takes its hold on Glen, we see his family torn apart, pill by pill. (Carolina Bartczak also does fine work as Glen's wife, Lily. When Glen overdoses and a physician voices concern about possible addiction, Lily regurgitates the “1%” line and the doc replies, “I've got an ER filled with the 1%.”) In one of the most devastatingly effective scenes in the series, we cut back and forth between Purdue Pharma reps testifying to Congress that their product is safe, that it's not their fault that addicts and criminals are abusing it, and scenes of Glen resorting to buying Oxy on the street, crushing it and snorting it.

In later episodes, “Painkiller” at times veers into heavy-handed messaging, as we see how the respective main storylines play out as a kind of morality play. Still, this is an invaluable and, at times, heartbreakingly effective piece of work. 

Copyright 2022 Chicago Sun-Times

PHOTO COURTESY IMDB

Downshifting into Fall

By Mary Petersen Signal Staff Writer

Our grandson started kindergarten last week. There was plenty of fanfare preparing him for this momentous occasion.

New backpack, lunchbox, haircut, milestone photos. Despite the anticipation and apprehension (mostly on his mother’s part), transitioning to his first day of kindergarten went smoothly.

Not only is our little man facing a transition. We all are. It’s the end of summer. Despite the heat, vacation is over. It has been an eventful few months for us. Hectic and busy but also fun and exhilarating. We went whale watching in Baja, spent three weeks in Italy, and stayed a few days in Rosarito Beach. We hosted two international students in a cultural exchange program and celebrated seven family birthdays! In between, I did lots of babysitting as my daughter was teaching a summer school class. It was hard to catch my breath some days.

I shouldn’t complain about being too busy. It’s a good thing to have such a full life, overflowing with more activities than I can handle. Yet with such an intense schedule, sometimes I’m so busy I lose my balance (well, figuratively).

I thought, mistakenly, that as a retired person, I would have ample discretionary time each day to enjoy the things I like to do, but my jampacked summer schedule left me with little wiggle room. The quilt I started has been languishing on the dining room table for months. My garden needs trimming and fertilizing, and it took me a month to finish the book

I was reading. It’s even been difficult to squeeze in in time to write.

I think it’s the season. In summertime we fill our days with the activities we can’t do in other seasons. Especially with grandkids, we plan beach days and pool days, vacations and barbeques. We take them on excursions to recreational spots and activity centers. The sun sets later so we play until dark. We pack in as much fun as we can to take advantage of longer days and warm weather.

As joyful as it has been, I am looking forward to transitioning into fall and downshifting out of my frenetic schedule. Despite having to deal with fall’s ubiquitous pumpkin spice everything, it will be a welcome change from the wild ride that summer has been.

Professionals warn that the autumnal time change can disrupt our circadian rhythms, and it’s true that the earlier setting of the sun requires an adjustment. But I anticipate the pleasure of an early dusk, of slowing down and nestling in at home. Solitude helps me organize my days and thoughtfully consider my priorities. I may even finish the projects I have been putting off since spring.

At every stage in life, we face transitions, some joyous and some challenging. Sometimes the transition is a journey into uncharted territory. Sometimes it’s a recurrent, cyclical passage. Whether we are starting kindergarten, adjusting to retired life, or adapting to seasonal cycles, ideally, we disengage from previous routines, embrace what’s in front of us with openness, and make friends with change.

Mary Sortino Petersen is a retired COC English instructor, a 30-year SCV resident and two-time breast cancer survivor. She welcomes your comments at asecondwind.signal@gmail. com. 

•

Declutter Bathrooms in Six Simple Steps

Due to their small size and heavy usage, bathrooms can become messy, cluttered areas for many families. For those with smaller bathrooms, storage solutions can be even harder to find. Consider these organization tips to make your bathroom a clean and functional space for every member of the family:

Assess the Mess

Go through all the cabinets and drawers to clear out unused makeup, health care products and medications. Make sure the items you keep are used on a regular basis. Items used sparingly should be placed in an alternate location.

Go Vertical

Medicine cabinets can quickly get stuffed when combs, toothpaste and other toiletries are stored horizontally. Use organizer cups with suction adhesives to contain items vertically and save space.

Hang Up in Style

Old coat racks and ladders make perfect solutions for larger families to hang multiple towels. Snag an old one from a thrift store and paint it a bright hue, like red or turquoise, for a stylish bathroom accent piece.

Avoid Spills and Squirts

Hair products, such as gels, mousses or hairsprays, can create sticky, toughto-clean messes if liquid escapes the container in a drawer or cabinet. Avoid such mishaps by placing these types of items in plastic tubs instead of directly in the drawer or on a shelf.

Divide and Conquer

Bathroom drawers can become unruly if not organized. To keep items separate and tidy, insert dividers, such as those used for kitchen utensils. These often come in fun materials, such as bamboo or stainless steel,

to add a fresh look.

Assign Cabinets or Drawer

Try to use a large enough cabinet so each member of the family has his or her own space or drawer. This can help limit the amount of items high-maintenance family members can bring into the small area. Plus, it makes it easier for everyone to find their things.

Find more tips to transform your bathroom into a clean, organized environment, regardless of its size, at eLivingtoday.com. (Family Features) 

Prevent Slips and Falls in the Bathroom

Bathrooms can serve as sanctuaries, providing a warm tub to soak in after a long, weary day or a private place to retire for a few minutes of peace and quiet. Bathrooms also can be dangerous places, as various groups warn that most slip and fall accidents that occur at home will happen in the bathroom.

The combination of hard surfaces and moisture from sinks and showers can create dangerous conditions. Furthermore, bathrooms tend to be small spaces, so should a fall occur, it’s more likely a person will hit various surfaces on the way down.

Bathrooms can be made more safe in a few simple ways.

• Keep the bathtub clean

• Declutter the space

• Choose the right bath mat

• Limit moisture

• Improve bathroom lighting

• Wear non-slip shoes

• Install a walk-in shower or bathtub

Any individual with a health condition that causes vision disturbances or difficulties with balance should work with a doctor to find a resolution. These conditions may contribute to falls. (MC)

Attract Backyard Birds with the Right Seeds

While almost all bird seed may look pretty much the same to you, it doesn’t to the birds you’re feeding. Knowing what kinds of seeds different birds like can help you attract a variety of fine feathered friends to your feeders.

Consider these popular seed types and the common backyard birds they attract:

Sunflower Black sunflower seeds attract blue jays, goldfinches, woodpeckers, purple finches, chickadees, titmice and nuthatches.

Striped sunflower seeds appeal to chickadees, doves, grosbeaks, northern cardinals, nuthatches, titmice and woodpeckers.

Sunflower hearts (also known as “hulled sunflower” and “sunflower chips”) attract chickadees, common redpolls, juncos, doves, finches, goldfinches, grosbeaks, nuthatches, pine siskins, titmice and woodpeckers.

Nyjer These lightweight, tiny seeds are a favorite of goldfinches. Put nyjer seeds in a hanging feeder with tiny holes so the small seeds won’t get blown away. Nyjer also attracts redpolls, juncos, doves, indigo bunting and pine siskin.

Safflower These white seeds are slightly smaller than black sunflower seeds. Because they are bitter, grackles, blue jays, starlings — and squirrels — don’t like them. However, they do attract doves, purple finches, chickadees, titmice and

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downy woodpeckers.

White millet Good for scattering on the ground, white millet attracts ground feeders such as juncos, sparrows, indigo buntings, towhees and mourning doves.

Cracked corn These are also opular with ground feeders, cracked corn appeals to doves, crows, jays, sparrows, juncos and towhees. Avoid getting finely cracked corn as it’s vulnerable to rot and can quickly turn to mush.

When choosing a bird seed mix, pay attention to the ingredients list on the package. Bird seed is required by law to list ingredients in order of content. Some cheaper mixes have filler seeds such as wheat, red milo, red millet or “assorted grain products.” Most backyard birds won’t eat those, and your seed mix could end up wasted on the ground.

Learn more about making your backyard an oasis for birds of all kinds at eLivingtoday.com. (Family Features) 

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNSPLASH

AUTOMOTIVE

Getting Young Drivers Road Ready this School Year

Do you remember the excitement of getting your driver’s permit and license? For teens, driving represents freedom and independence. However, they must understand it’s a privilege with serious responsibilities.

Before letting your teenager behind the wheel, check out these tips that can help them get ready to hit the road.

Drill the Basics

Before you hit the road, train your teen on the basics. Show them how to adjust the seat, steering wheel and the side and rearview mirrors to suit their needs. Make sure they can locate the car registration, insurance card and car manual and discuss situations they’ll need to pull them out.

Review Rules and Responsibilities

Talk with your teens about the rules and responsibilities of driving so they can get themselves and passengers safely from Point A to Point B. It’s es-

pecially important to emphasize that driving requires their full attention and that removing or reducing distractions is essential.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a teen’s chances of crashing increase six times when dialing a phone and 23 times when texting. Meanwhile, State Farm’s 2023 Distracted Driving survey found that drivers who had their license for five years or less were significantly

more likely to use smartphone apps and record and watch videos while driving than drivers who had been licensed for more than 10 years.

Practice Driving at Night

Experienced drivers know driving at night is more difficult than during the day. Practice is essential to staying safe while driving in the dark.

More than half of the State Farm survey respondents did not have

nighttime driving practice while learning to drive. Make sure your young driver gets some night-driving experience so you’re both more comfortable with evening outings.

Be a Good Role Model

Your teen’s driving education starts at home. You can’t rely solely on driver’s education class to teach your teen the rules of the road and safe driving practices. Model safe driving practices by remembering to buckle up and always keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.

Also, when you’re in the driver’s seat use the trip to explain the choices you’re making behind the wheel. You can also share tips you learned from your driving experiences that may not be covered in class.

Be proactive and get your teen road ready this summer. Using these four tips and other Teen Driving 101 tips from State Farm, you can ensure your teen is prepared to get behind the wheel. (BPT) 

Workday Reset — Break Away From Your Desk

When the sun is shining and comfortable weather is calling you outdoors, focusing on tasks at work can become a challenge. Workdays are often long and strenuous, making that blue sky and fresh air all the more tempting.

Don’t let a full to-do list bog you down. In fact, taking a break from your desk and averting your eyes from the computer may actually help you mentally reset and increase efficiency through the remainder of the day.

Consider these popular ways to disconnect for a short while so you can take on busy days without feeling overwhelmed.

Stretch After hours of sitting, stretching from head to toe can be a good way to get physically active if you’re short on time and stuck at your desk. Neck, shoulder, arm, back and leg stretches are all easy ways to stand up and disengage from the computer. Another trick: practice wrist exercises to avoid injury or strain from typing.

Go for a Walk If you have a few minutes to spare, leave the office or your desk at home entirely and head outside for a walk. A stroll through your neighborhood or the city sidewalks can provide the fresh air and physical activity your body craves.

Take Five Outside On hot days when a mid-workday walk might not be the right refresh, skip it and simply find a shady spot to sit down. You can enjoy the benefits of fresh air and sunlight without getting too hot.

Rest Your Eyes Follow the rule of 20s. If you’re working a computer job, eyestrain may be a serious concern. Give them a break by looking 20 feet away

for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.

Enjoy a Favorite Snack Push that office chair away from the computer and treat yourself to a bite of something you enjoy. For example, Nestlé rallies nut butter bombs are a perfect cure for those backto-back video calls, delivering a balance of permissibility and indulgence while helping you rally through your workday. Available in three craveable flavors — raspberry peanut butter, brownie almond butter and salted cashew butter — the chilled delights combine decadent chocolate and smooth nut butter for a rich burst of flavor with no preservatives, artificial flavors or artificial colors.

Check in with Friends Squeeze in a midday chat to catch up with a friend or coworker. Socializing is a feel-good way to take your mind off work even for just a few minutes.

Sip an Afternoon Coffee If caffeine gives you that much-needed jolt to finish out the workday, head to your favorite local shop for a refreshing iced beverage. Pair it with a chilled snack like Nestlé rallies nut butter bombs for a perfect sweet and savory afternoon pick-me-up.

Find more delicious ways to rally through the day by visiting nestlerallies.com. (Family Features) 

PETS

Five Tips to Help You Keep Your Pets Pest-Free

Naturally curious, many pets sniff and explore other animals and objects, unaware they may expose themselves to potentially harmful parasites and conditions. According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council, 1 in 100 dogs tested positive for heartworm in 2022, and more than 1 in 4 indoor cats were positive for heartworm infection.

External parasites — including fleas, ticks and mites found outdoors or on other animals — and internal parasites such as heartworms, roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms and whipworms can wreak havoc on your pet’s health and well-being. These parasites can feed on dogs and cats, causing health issues that range from minor skin irritation to severe organ damage and even death if left untreated. Some parasites can also be contracted by people, making diagnosis and prevention even more important. Though prevention is the best approach, treatment is sometimes required. Intervention is most effective when started immediately after a parasite is detected. Work with your veterinarian to tailor a program specific to your dog or cat’s breed, age, behaviors and environmental factors, and consider these tips from the experts at VCA Animal Hospitals, which has more than 1,000 locations across North America that cared for more than 4 million pets last year, to help prevent parasites in your pets. Provide preventative medications. Based on their specific risk factors, dogs and cats should be on yearround parasite control programs that

treat infections such as heartworms, intestinal parasites, fleas, ticks and more. Parasite prevention medication options range from topical to injectable and oral.

Visit the vet annually. Yearly visits allow your veterinarian to take note of changes in your pet’s health and alter his or her parasite control program as necessary. Your vet can tell you which parasites to watch for based on your location, how these parasites can be transmitted, and which preventative products are most appropriate. Additionally, newer, more accurate parasite tests can also identify parasite strains that may af-

fect people and pets. Remember, dogs and cats age faster than humans, so annual exams with diagnostic testing are the equivalent of humans visiting the doctor every 4-5 years.

Watch for warning signs of parasites. Some pets infected with a parasite don’t show any signs of illness. However, common signs of infection include diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite or blood in your pet’s stools. Coughing or difficulty breathing may also accompany heartworms. Also consult your veterinarian if your pet excessively scratches, chews or licks his or her coat or ears, or persistently shakes his or her head. Seeing

your vet as soon as possible can get your pet treatment and help prevent spreading the parasite to other animals. Puppies and kittens are especially at risk for parasites since most contract them from their mothers while nursing and their small size puts them at greater risk for severe illness.

Groom regularly. To reduce the risk of coat contamination and increase the likelihood of catching fleas, ticks and coat abnormalities quickly, be sure to periodically groom your pet, or have him or her professionally groomed. It is particularly important to inspect your dog or cat after playing outside or with other pets.

Clean up after your pet. Since most intestinal parasites spread through contact with feces, it’s crucial to dispose of any waste in your yard or pet’s litter box within 24 hours to avoid exposure and reduce the risk of environmental parasite contamination. A contaminated yard can be a source of exposure for many months as parasites can live in the soil for extended periods of time.

Find more tips for parasite prevention and treatment at VCAhospitals. com. (Family Features) 

BookTrib’s Bites

Self-Help, Mystery and More

Functional Architecture of the Human Mental

By Joseph J. Jean-Claude and Caroline Stamu-O’Brien

Millions of adult Americans suffer from serious psychological distress.

If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, hypomania, etc., or caring for a close one with psychosis, you’ve possibly tapped into numerous self-help books with theories about what you are feeling and facing, and how to cope.

Now there’s another book, referred to as “A Reference Psychophysics Treatise of Human Mentation and its Disorders.” It sits in the Health Sciences collections at Harvard, Cambridge, Oxford, Université de Paris, and many others.

A quintessential reference book dissecting every human mental condition — both current and comprehensive critical resource for clinical practice and beyond. This massive work exposes several decades of mathematical-physics research in human emotions, cognition, behavior, personality, and a multitude of psychiatric diagnostic entities.

The

Empty Kayak

By Jode Millman

For Detective Ebony Jones, crime is always personal. But this time, it strikes too close to home.

A pop-up thunderstorm marches its way across the Hudson River, ambushing a young couple’s kayaking trip. The woman miraculously makes it back to shore, but her fiancé remains missing. Ebony and her partner are the first responders who rush to the river to assist in rescuing the capsized boater.

The victim’s identity shocks Ebony. It’s Kyle Emory, ex-boyfriend of her estranged best friend, attorney Jessie Martin. The accident ignites a firestorm between the two friends, pitting them against each other in a race to discover whether Kyle’s death was an accident, a suicide, or murder. Along the way, they uncover lies and

betrayals, and gather a list of dangerous suspects all linked to the mysterious survivor.

After Here

By Dave Wolffe

For fans of Mitch Albom’s The Five People You Meet in Heaven, this book chronicles the journey of Joe Golden from his fatal car accident through Heaven. Joe meets people both familiar to him and those who are not, all the while on a mission to find his beloved wife who had passed away one year prior to Joe’s death.

This story brings to life the afterlife experience in rich, provocative detail, offering to readers who believe in the afterlife as well as those who do not have a means to envision a place where their deceased loved ones may be enjoying a peaceful existence. This message will bring deep comfort and encouragement to adult readers who have suffered the loss of a loved one or someone special in their lives.

I Will Take You Home

By Rebecca Cupcake Tinnes

This moving and inspiring collection of animal rescue stories begins in the late Nineties when Rebecca discovers a neighboring high-kill animal shelter. Her short, meaningful, and entertaining stories share how and why she created a nonprofit dedicated to saving cats and dogs at the Animal Adoption Center in Jackson Hole, WY.

Most importantly, her essays enlighten and invite readers to help our country become a no-kill nation. The stories fluctuate from experiencing overwhelming emotions in a high-kill shelter to the laugh-out-loud insanity of living with a houseful of animals.

These are the memorable, meaningful stories of one woman’s determination to make a difference for the cats and dogs on death row. The book is for everyone who loves animals and those looking for inspiration to do more.

BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com. 

fees from $25 (for Canada or contiguous U.S. travel) or from $50 (for all other travel) per person, plus applicable fare differential (certain changes involve prenotification deadlines). See General Disclaimer for additional information regarding air. *The value listed is per booking and equals the total of the Tropical Days offer plus the AAA Member Benefit2 Tropical Days Offer: Valid on new Hawai‘i, Mexico, Caribbean, and Continental United States bookings made July 23, 2023 – September 22, 2023, for travel July 23, 2023 – June 30, 2024. Minimum five nights’ accommodations at a participating Hawai‘i Mexico or Caribbean resort or hotel and round-trip airfare required (excludes Hawai‘i inter-island flights). Minimum two nights’ accommodations at a participating Continental United States resort or hotel and round-trip airfare required (excludes Hawai‘i inter-island flights). Savings of $150 is not reflected in rates shown and applies to Hawai‘i, Mexico, and Caribbean destinations with participating resorts. Savings of up to $100 is not reflected in rates shown and applies to Continental United States destinations with participating resorts as follows: $50 off 2–3-night stays; $75 off 4-night stays; $100 off 5-night stays or longer. AAA Member Benefit: Valid on new bookings made between July 23, 2023 – December 31, 2024, for travel through December 31, 2024. Minimum five-night stay at participating AAA Vacations® properties required. $50 activity voucher is nonrefundable, nontransferable, has no cash value and applies to the following destinations: Hawai‘i, Mexico, Central & South America and select Caribbean destinations. Savings not reflected in rates shown and applies to the following destinations: USA (excluding Hawai‘i), Canada – $25 savings; Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Asia, South Africa, select Caribbean destinations (Anguilla, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Curaçao, Dominica, Grand Cayman, Grenada, Martinique, St. Barts, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Martin & St. Maarten, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Turks & Caicos, and U.S. Virgin Islands), Tahiti (French Polynesia), Fiji and Cook Islands – $50 savings. Rate based on city view king room accommodations at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa on O‘ahu. Rate based on superior select club room accommodations at Sandos Caracol Eco Resort All-Inclusive in Playa del Carmen. Environmental Sanitation Tax of $27 Pesos per room per night will be collected by the hotel at check-out. Rate based on double room accommodations at Riu Bambu All-Inclusive in Punta Cana. 6Rate based on classic queen room accommodations at The LINQ Hotel + Experience in Las Vegas. Kids stay free in same room as adults using existing bedding at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. Occupancy limits apply. 8Riu Bambu resort credit is as follows: Valid on new bookings for travel through December 23, 2024. Includes a resort credit per room, per stay for guests 21 and older to be used towards Renova Spa (2 $20 coupons for 80 minute Renova Combination massage, 2 $25 coupons for 80 minute Ritual Punta Cana, 2 $10 coupons for 80 minute Stress Cure massage, 2 $20 coupons for Beauty Ritual, 2 $35 coupons for Ocean Harmony, 2 $10 coupons for Spa pedicure; limited to 1 coupon per service, per person; Scuba Caribe (2 $15 coupons for sailing lesson, 2 $45 coupons for PADI Open Water Diver Course, 2 $20 coupons for PADI Scuba Diver Course, 2 $15 coupons for PADI Discover Scuba Diving Experience; limited to 1 coupon per service, per person), Punta Blanca Golf (1 $85 coupon per golf round per person and includes: transfer from hotel to Punta Blanca Hotel, 18 hole golf round, practice balls, electric golf car, water, soda and cold tower at the end of the T-time. Extra discount in additional tee times: 5% on the second round, 10% on the third and fourth round and 15% on the fifth round onwards); Weddings by RIU ($100 coupon towards Royal & Caprice Collections), Photoventura ($50 coupon by purchasing Sea Photo Package), Europcar Rent-a-car (up to $105 coupons); Chocolateria (1 $4 coupon towards $25 purchase, 1 $8 coupon towards $50 purchase, $15 coupon towards $100 purchase and applies only for products signed with red code); Diamante Casino (1 $10 coupon; limited to coupon per person, per night). A 3 – 6 night stay is required. Resort credits are contactless and accessible through the RIU app. Resort credits are nontransferable, nonrefundable, non-combinable and cannot be used for future stays. Subject to change or may be discontinued without prior notice. Certain restrictions may apply. Based on double occupancy. The LINQ Hotel + Experience up to 20% savings is as follows: Save on stays of 1+ night. Blackout dates may apply. Not combinable with any other offer, unless otherwise indicated. For all offers, unless otherwise indicated: Rates quoted are accurate at time of publication & are per person, based on double occupancy. Gratuities, transfers, excursions and, for non-air-inclusive offers, airfare, taxes, fees & surcharges, are additional. Advertised rates do not include any applicable daily resort or facility fees payable directly to the hotel at check-out; such fee amounts will be advised at the time of booking. Rates, terms, conditions, availability, itinerary, taxes, fees, surcharges, deposit, payment, cancellation terms/conditions & policies subject to change without notice at any time. Cruise rates capacity-controlled. Advance reservations through AAA Travel required to obtain Member Benefits & savings which may vary based on departure date. Rates may be subject to increase after full payment for increases in government-imposed taxes or fees and, except for air-inclusive offers, for supplier-imposed fees. Blackout dates & other restrictions may apply. As to Air-Inclusive Offers Only: Other restrictions may apply, including, but not limited to, baggage limitations & charges for first & second checked bag, standby policies & fees, nonrefundable airfare/airline tickets, advance purchase requirements & supplier & airline-imposed

SOLUTIONS

Try This Thought Experiment

Imagine for a second what our news media would have done if Donald Trump Jr. smoked crack, photographed his genitals, had sex with his dead brother’s wife, cheated on his taxes, bought (and then lost) illegal guns, impregnated hookers, abandoned kids, and left behind a laptop full of porn and proof. Now imagine what they would have done if Junior were paid millions by foreign (often hostile) governments, without registering as a foreign agent, all so Daddy Trump would set favorable policy — among *many* other things, exerting pressure by withholding billions in U.S. taxpayer aid to remove a criminal prosecutor from investigating Junior’s company.

Next, imagine Donald Trump got a big fat cut, laundering it through shell companies, flying with his son on Air Force One to meet with the bribers, bragging on camera about crushing the prosecutor, saying his son was the smartest guy he knew, pretending they never talked business, while moving the newly minted/highly paid “artist” into the White House to avoid service on a paternity lawsuit regarding a grandchild he refused to acknowledge. Finally, imagine Junior was let off with a slap on the wrist by Daddy Trump’s Department of Justice, while the DOJ indicted his biggest political rival over “documents.”

We would hear about nothing else — 24/7, it would be the ONLY news...

Rob Kerchner Valencia

Put Your Money Where...

Recently, the topic of California’s deficit has been brought up as an inflammatory, allergic irritation to certain members of the local conservative cabal/tribal council (letters, Ron Perry, Aug. 10).

Government bureau policy is notoriously uncontrollable by the individual, so such irritation is a self-inflicted condition brought about by a failure to recognize what is under one’s control and what is not. As a potential salve to the dermatitis, I suggest that anyone suffering from the itchy malady put your money where your mouth is by exercising something that IS under your control in our capitalist economy. If you really believe there is folly and/ or danger ahead for California's finance or fiscal position, you can execute a short position on a California bond ETF. It is a way to collect on your wisdom and earn some bragging rights for your keen insight into the intractability of California finance. A good $50,000-$100,000 bet should pay off handsomely if you are right. Or you could lose that (and more) if you are wrong.

Christopher Lucero Saugus

ETHICALLY SPEAKING

Ethical Authenticity

By David Hegg

Aweek ago I read an article about a gentleman who spent thousands to become a dog. That’s right. He decided his authentic self was a collie, and spent an exorbitant amount to wear an authentic collie costume so his authentic “self” could finally engage the world around him.

My immediate thought was probably like yours: This is some kind of joke! Sadly, the man’s intentions were neither comedic nor motivated by a desire to make the news. Turns out he was just being carried downstream in the increasingly swift current of what I’m going to call “audience-participation authenticity.”

By “audience-participation authenticity” I mean the ideology sweeping our society that who I am, my “authentic self,” depends on how you see me. My authentic self is only real if you validate it. My happiness, my well-being, my belonging, and all the rest of my “me-isms” become real and authentic if, and only if, you look at them, agree with them, appreciate them, and then applaud them. You see, my authenticity actually becomes authentic only as the you – the audience around me – participate in, and thereby validate my charade. I guess the gentleman who wanted to live like a collie needed everyone to see him as a collie to finally “find himself.”

There are so many dangers in this “audience-participation” form of authenticity but here are the biggest ones. First, it doesn’t work. If my authentic self is ultimately something others have to validate, then it isn’t really authentic in terms of being organic, natural, and therefore, the true “me.” What happens if those who validate my “authentic identity” change their minds? Does that mean I’m really not a collie? And what about when I find that a dog’s life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be? Do I have to admit I’m really not a collie to escape the consequences of my “audience-participation authenticity?” Does my audience then have the right to mock and ridicule me, and cast aspersions on my motives? Bottom line, when my authenticity depends on others’ recognition and respect, I’ve abdicated any leadership in my own life, and that is never the road to happiness and well-being.

Secondly, “audience-participation authenticity” not only doesn’t work, it also is personally degrading. As mentioned, this ideology not only surrenders up the power of self-being to the

whims of others, but also is dishonest. It just isn’t ethical to declare as authentic that which can never be. And it says all the wrong things about those who try.

Can we really respect and think highly of someone who insists he is a dog? Would you want him teaching your children, handling your money, mowing your lawn? (I’ll stop short of asking if you’d want him herding your cattle!) It is so ironic that those who delegate the validation of their “authentic selves” are actually participating in the wilting of their own souls. They are actively debasing themselves even as they are declaring they’ve found their authentic selves. How sad.

Third, searching for authenticity outside of who we’ve been created to be effectively prevents us from actually finding it. Rather than look at who we actually are, so many chase after what they can never actually be. That is the saddest part of it all. To overlook who you really are because culture says you can find something better is one of the biggest lies concocted. My advice: Set your mind to be the best “you” you can be, and by the way, you’re the only “you” and that means you don’t have any competition. Take advantage of who you are, and become all you were meant to be.

I believe every human being is created by God as a unique, valuable person. As our fingerprints testify, we’re all “one of a kind,” endowed with our own set of skills, talents, loves, perceptions, tastes and myriad other categories that offer a lifetime of discovery and use. We are built for relationship, for service, for learning, for growing, for laughter and tears, and for so many other magnificent activities and experiences that line the path of life ahead of us. And, best of all, who we actually are is the sum and substance of our authenticity. We actually can’t escape that so we may as well maximize and optimize it.

The key to life isn’t manipulating your authentic self so others will accept and applaud some expression of you. It is digging down into who you are, building character and integrity, love and grit, courage and compassion, and making the most of who God made you so you can help those around you maximize their lives and abilities. God has made lots of dogs, so there’s no use being one. Besides, we love and need you!

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

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