Sunday Signal January 17, 2021

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JANUARY 17, 2021

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J A N UA RY 17, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES

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FROM THE MAYOR

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4 Looking at career-growth industries 5 Natural remedies can be found in your home 6 Conversations from one of California’s darkest chapters 7 Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

FOOD 8 8 Taste, nutrition with comforting dairy dishes Cauliflower ‘Risotto’ with Shrimp and Peas Broccoli Cheddar Skillet Strata

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

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9 Make managing eczema easier with this new app

ENTERTAINMENT 10 10 ‘Tiger’ doc, ‘Pieces of a Woman’ get top reviews

SENIOR LIVING

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11 Can isolation lead to solitude?

HOME 12 12 Nature-inspired paint trends

HOBBIES 13 13 Hobbies relieve stress, promote personal growth

GARDENING 14 14 Plenty of garden work to do this winter

FINANCE 15 15 Saving on family expenses

PETS 17 1 7 Is your pet giving your eye allergies the blues?

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KIDS & FAMILY

1 8 Donna’s Day: Transform photo cards into a game for toddlers Junior Whirl This Day in History: January 20

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4 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 17, 2021

N E W S F E AT U R E

Looking at career-growth industries in 2021

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

A

s we enter a new year, many are making changes in their lives, including in career goals.

This year, those goals, like much else, are most likely affected by the pandemic, as many are shifting their priorities.

“There are opportunities that have surfaced because of the impacts of the pandemic,” said Catherine Grooms, director of COC’s Small Business Development Center. “Oldschool ideas are becoming current, as people are thinking about doing things in a different way, or have the opportunity to do things in a different way.”

Here in the Santa Clarita Valley, College of the Canyons is assisting its students in doing just that.

Back to the basics

“I would say that one trend is that people are going back to the basics — they’re thinking about what their skills are and how can they be a service to others,” Grooms said.

With that, there has been a resurgence of service-based activities, whether it was something people did a while ago and shifted from or something the pandemic has made them realize the need for.

“Some just want to be in the position to help others, and I think it’s because people are realizing that there are more people in need,” Grooms added. “The pandemic has changed many people’s perspective … and has helped to strengthen the sense of community.”

The health care sector has evidently seen a dramatic increase in demand.

“People who may have had an interest in the medical field, but not had a sense of urgency, (now there’s an) increased desire,” Grooms said.

While health care is most obviously on the rise, there also has been an increased demand for non-medical, caring types of services, where individuals are in need, meaning they don’t have to have a particular license, Grooms added.

“Everybody does not have access to someone in their family or people

around them that may or (may) not be willing to provide those services,” Grooms said, adding that these services even include delivery or rideshare drivers. “People are becoming drivers out of necessity and out of need, (as it) may be one of only sources of income they have available right now.”

Temporary jobs remain in demand

Temporary jobs are in high demand right now, as many job markets continue to rebound from the pandemic shut downs.

These types of jobs include construction, food processing and preparation, manufacturing and production, sanitation, as well as skilled trends workers, according to PeopleReady.

“The reality is that the full-time jobs many people have lost are the slowest to recover. Whereas, following an economic downturn, temporary jobs are added at a faster rate — meaning there are temporary jobs available right now to help job-seekers start the new year off right,” Taryn Owen, president of PeopleReady, said in a prepared statement.

“Temporary jobs can provide reliable and necessary income for job seekers while also offering them greater flexibility and freedom.”

This is something Harriet Happel, COC’s dean of career education and integrative services, encourages people not to be discouraged or disheartened about.

“My philosophy is: Find something that you think is going to fit so that you can meet your basic needs because if your basic needs are being met, then that gives you the freedom to explore other opportunities,” Happel said.

A significant increase in technology-based needs

With many services transitioning online rather than in person, there’s an increased need for accessibility.

“Segments of the population may have been resistant (to going online), but it has become a lifeline, and I don’t know that that’s going to disappear,” Grooms said. “There’s new opportunities to embrace (technology), which is beneficial for everybody.”

While not surprising after the year we just experienced, the workforce is seeing a rise in demand for health care and lab-related employees. PHOTO COURTESY COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS

In addition, the pandemic has allowed people to do an assessment of their skills, with the opportunity to gain access to the knowledge for free or at a lower cost online.

There’s also an ongoing demand for content creation, as people are consuming content more and more.

With so many platforms available, there’s a lower cost of entry into the market, allowing people to develop and produce content independently, Grooms said.

‘The perfect storm’ in shifting careers and skills

“In this whole realm of careers, we’re in a perfect storm,” Happel said, explaining that Industry 4.0, or the current trend of automation, has been transitioning to 5.0 over the last year across all careers, as machines have continued to take over jobs that humans have done.

“There’s a lot of myths about automation, because most people perceive that automation … is going to take jobs away from people, and that’s really not the case,” Happel added. “It’s not that we’re going to reduce the amount of jobs that will be available, it’s that we’re going to have a revolution of what jobs are going to

look like for people.”

Happel believes this transition will allow people to do the jobs they were meant to do, rather than those that cause suffering, such as back pain, carpal tunnel, etc.

Instead, they’ll do jobs using the four Cs: Communication, Collaboration, Creativity and Critical thinking.

“Because the reality of it is a machine cannot critically think, a machine cannot be creative — those are unique skills that only humans can do,” Happel said.

That being said, the focus has shifted from specific career training to skill training.

“What we’re finding is that with how rapidly automation is really changing the nature of the workplace, there are basic skills that the employer is looking for,” Happel said.

“Employers have gone from really looking at disciplines to looking at a skill-based orientation. … They want evidence of a skill set.”

These are skills that go across all disciplines, including project management, scheduling, logistics management and accounting, for example. 

J A N UA RY 17, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

N E W S F E AT U R E

Natural remedies can be found in your own home

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

W

e all know that chicken soup isn’t only good for the soul, but also for helping relieve cold and flu symptoms. And what many might not realize is that there are plenty of other things we may already have lying around the house that can help remedy these, as well as other ailments.

We asked holistic medical experts which home remedies and cures they believe work and compiled a list of their suggestions for things you may already have at home or can easily get at a local store.

Coconut oil

You can rub coconut oil into sore and tired muscles for pain relief, according to Dr. Randy Martin, doctor of holistic medicine and certified classical homeopath.

Crystal Blair and Anita Gage are wellness consultants at the Valencia Wellness Center, and they suggest using coconut oil as a face wash and makeup remover. This can help with acne, wrinkles, dry skin, eczema, sun spots and more, according to Blair, who is also manager of the center.

Gage also suggests using coconut for “oil pulling” to remove bacteria and improve dental health. To do so, swish a tablespoon of the oil in your mouth, spit it out (don’t swallow) and rinse thoroughly.

Turmeric

Using turmeric in your cooking or taking it as capsules can help with pain, inflammation and congestion, says Martin. You can also get it as a topical ointment to rub it into your sore joints.

Magnesium

According to Gage, magnesium is one of the minerals Americans are most depleted in and is constantly being depleted when we stress or eat wrong.

Taking magnesium supplements can not only help healthwise, but can also lessen feelings of anxiety or depression, Gage said.

Epsom salt

Taking a bath with Epsom salt can be very soothing for colds and flus as

it will help detox your body and can also help with pain and inflammation, Martin said.

Baking soda

Blair recommends mixing baking soda with water and then washing your hair can help get rid of chemical build up and oils on your scalp.

Holistic Healing Heart Center’s Dr. Cynthia Thaik, a cardiologist and integrative functional medicine doctor, and Dr. Barbara Rush, a naturopathic doctor, agree that baking soda can help cure athlete’s foot. Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda into a basin of warm water and soak your feet for 20 minutes. When done, dry your feet thoroughly and do not rinse.

Thaik and Rush also suggest drinking a small amount of baking soda to relieve heartburn. Put 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of aluminum-free baking soda in a shot glass, add just enough water to dissolve the baking soda and drink it. Then, refill the glass with just enough water to clean out the container and drink that.

Castor oil

Apply organic castor oil to sore or painful joints for pain relief, and according to Martin, applying it to any nodules or lumps you may have will also help dissolve them.

Castor oil can also be an easy fix for hair loss or help when hair is receding, according to Gage.

Apple cider vinegar

Drink a couple spoonfuls of apple cider vinegar with honey to improve immunity and help with the absorption and digestion of food or nutrients by the body, say Martin and Blair.

Mixing two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with water and drinking it about 10 minutes before eating can also help with fat break down and weight loss, according to Thaik and Rush.

Lemon

Drinking warm or hot water (like a tea) with half a lemon daily can improve digestion and balance your body’s pH levels, according to Martin and Blair.

Wet socks

It may sound odd, but Blair suggests wetting a thin pair of socks with cold water (the colder the better),

Diatomaceous earth, apple cider vinegar, essential oils, Epsom salt, bentonite clay and baking soda — the perfect ingredients for a detox bath. PHOTO COURTESY CRYSTAL BLAIR / VALENCIA WELLNESS CENTER

ringing them out gently and putting them on. Then, put a thicker pair of socks (preferably cotton) over the wet pair and keep them on overnight as you sleep.

According to Blair, because the bottom of your feet have pores, this helps your body detoxify by acting like a pulling agent, which can also help with congestion, a cold or flu, and insomnia.

And although there are a lot of things that can be used on their own, there are some great recipes that are easy to put together as well.

Sore throat or cough

Mix honey, lemon and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with warm or hot water (like a tea) to help with a sore throat and to break up mucus, according to Gage and Blair.

Martin, Thaik and Rush all agree that gargling can help with a sore or raspy throat. While Martin suggests gargling with salt water, Thaik and Rush suggest mixing 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar and 1/4 cup of water and gargling for at least 30 seconds.

Foot soak

Fill a large bowl with warm water, 1 cup of apple cider vinegar and 1 cup of Epsom salt. Soak your feet for about 20 minutes and pat dry. Then, lightly coat them with coconut oil and slip on some socks. This will make your feet soft and clean, accord-

ing to Thaik and Rush.

Detox bath

A detox bath can shorten the duration of a cold or flu, and you don’t need all the ingredients to make it effective, according to Gage and Blair.

Mix 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup Epsom salt, 1/2 cup diatomaceous earth, 1/4 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup bentonite clay in the tub and optionally add some essential oils like tea tree or lavender.

Make sure to mix well, then relax in the bath for 30 minutes. Then rise with soap and water. Be sure to hydrate so that your body can flush out toxins.

Itching

Mix apple cider vinegar with water and apply to the itchy area with a clean cotton ball, then repeat as necessary, according to the experts.

Although these are all great home remedies, be sure to still go to your medical doctor to be certain your problem isn’t something more serious and in need of medical attention, Martin said.

Valencia Wellness Center is located at 23550 Lyons Ave., Newhall. The phone number is (661) 255-6217. The Valencia office of Holistic Healing Heart Center is at 23501 Cinema Dr., Suite 117. The phone number is (661) 417-0712. Dr. Randy Martin can be reached at (661) 312-9868. 

6 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 17, 2021

N E W S F E AT U R E

Conversations from one of California’s darkest chapters

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

I

t’s been 50 years since Charles Manson, who’s been described as an American cult leader, was put on trial for the murders that his followers, known as the “Manson Family,” committed in the summer of 1969.

The trial made Manson one of the most notorious murderers in American history, though ironically there was never any evidence he had ever killed anyone with his own hands.

While many don’t know the whole story, Manson’s name and reputation captured the attention of many over the decades that followed, including longtime Newhall resident Michael Channels.

What started it all

For as long as Channels can remember, he has been a fan of scary things.

“Me and my dad used to watch horror films, and I love horror,” Channels said, adding that when true crime documentaries became popular in the 90s, he was hooked. “I was hooked on serial killers, basically.”

Soon, Channels, who’d been collecting autographs since he was a kid and was even writing for an autograph magazine at the time, was determined to get an autograph that would come to change his life: Charles Manson’s.

“I wrote him a lot, I wrote a series of over 50 letters before he ever wrote back,” Channels said. “The first letter (I got back), it sparked a bigger fire in me.”

Not just another fan

In his first response after 50-plus letters, Manson told Channels that he didn’t have a lot of time to write letters. “‘You’re in prison — what’re you doing in there?’ is what I thought,” Channels said, chuckling.

Manson actually received hundreds of letters, cards, gifts and more from fans through the years, Channels said.

“Sitting in there with him over time, he would tell me people would write him letters, and he would answer them, but people would say, ‘I can’t read your writing. You spell like a little kid.’ And it hurt his feelings,” Channels explained.

If that was the case, then what

Charles Manson’s friend and collector Michaels Channels sits with boxes containing hundreds of personal correspondence with Manson and collected items in his living room in Newhall. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

made him trust Channels?

“If you think about it, if you were to sit down and write to me, you don’t know me, so what are you going to say? All you can do is tell them about yourself, so I did,” Channels added.

Channels began to write Manson about his life, starting from his childhood, growing up along the Ohio River, until present.

Soon, letters turned into phone calls, and after 10 years, Channels met Manson face-to-face, visiting him in the Corcoran State Prison in the Central Valley in 2002.

“That’s how long it takes to build that trust,” Channels said. “When I first went in, I thought, ‘Wow, this guy controls people’s minds. That’s cool. He’s ‘The Boogeyman’ — I’ve got to meet the boogeyman.’”

Yet when Channels finally met the “boogeyman,” he began to realize he wasn’t really the boogeyman, and in fact, was a lot like himself.

“I grew up along the Ohio River, I went to a Nazarene church. Well, Manson grew up along the Ohio River

about 30 miles away from where I did, he went to a Nazarene church,” Channels said. “So everything I was telling him reminded him of himself because I was at the same place he was.”

Though Channels said he had no clue his and Manson’s histories were so intertwined while writing those letters, the similarities continued.

“I went to the racetrack with my dad … Manson worked at that horse track,” Channels added. “It was like I was almost walking in the footsteps of his life.”

It was that upbringing that Channels believes not only made them relate to each other, but made Manson the way that he was.

“At one point, he was telling me, ‘I can look back on a point in my life. … If I would have taken that one Y in the road, I could be you,’” Channels said. “And it kind of related to me because he was probably right about that, but I made better rational decisions throughout (life) than he did.

I didn’t do things that he would, he would push things where I wouldn’t.”

Manson’s appeal

As Manson’s trial began 50 years ago, his notoriety for controlling the minds of his followers grew, and continued long after he was sentenced to life in prison.

“If you watch him in interviews, he controlled America’s minds for many years because of the way he talked,” Channels said. “There are people that are really charismatic, (where) you can just sit and listen to their stories — that’s him, that was Charles Manson.”

Channels went on to describe Manson as a motivator of even the most depressed person, as he pointed out their good qualities and allowed them to feel better about themselves.

“Before you know it, you’re like, ‘I need to be around this guy more, I need to cling on to this guy,’ because it’s like dope,” Channels added.

Through the years, Manson picked up ideas that Channels said he then made his own and used to inspire his followers.

See MANSON, page 16

J A N UA RY 17, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

F R O M T H E M AY O R

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

By Bill Miranda Santa Clarita Mayor

A

rguably one of the most influential individuals in our country’s history, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has left a legacy that has continued to inspire and bring together individuals of all races, backgrounds, socioeconomic statuses and beyond.

Every year, I look forward to reflecting on Dr. King’s wisdom and honoring the outstanding work he completed during his short time with us.

I hope that each of you will spend some time as well remembering the great efforts for unity and equality pursued by Dr. King tomorrow, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Most are familiar with Dr. King from his famous “I Have a Dream” speech delivered in 1963 during the March on Washington. However, this is just one of the countless society-changing contributions he made during his lifetime, that continue to

“

I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”

— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

positively impact generation after generation. Dr. King was a leader of the American Civil Rights Movement.

He was an advocate for non-violence, a pastor, a husband, a father and a friend. His profound approach to civil rights activism, along with his captivating words and commanding voice, captured the attention of the United States and progressed our country to greater racial equality.

Reflecting on 2020, I think we could all benefit from heading into 2021 following guiding principles similar to those of Dr. King, such as

positivity, peace and equality. We are all equal regardless of color, creed, gender and more.

As our country, and the world, continue to navigate through the coronavirus pandemic, let’s try to keep these principles in mind and treat each other with kindness and respect.

Another way we can honor Dr. King is by pursuing volunteer and or donation opportunities within our community, wherever you feel moved to do so.

I, joined by City Council, our Human Relations Roundtable and other

community members, will celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and wisdom in a virtual event tomorrow at 10 a.m. on the City of Santa Clarita’s Facebook Live and SCVTV. During this event, you’ll learn more about the life of Dr. King, recount some of his most inspirational words and hear what he means to members of the Santa Clarita community.

Additionally, viewers will get to know our Human Relations Roundtable members and have the opportunity to take on a list of Acts of Kindness and Service within our community.

I hope that you will take time out of your morning to join us in honoring Dr. King and continuing his missions for kindness, peace and equality within our own community.

Mayor Bill Miranda is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council and can be reached at bmiranda@santa-clarita.com.

The views expressed in his column are those of the City and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal. 

8 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 17, 2021

FOOD

Taste and nutrition with comforting dairy dishes

C

ooler weather calls for comfort foods, and it’s hard to top risotto for a heartwarming dish to share with the family on chilly days.

To achieve delicious taste without ditching your healthy eating plan, consider nutritionally balanced one-pot recipes like those from “Whole in One”

by Ellie Krieger, several of which call for dairy to help fuel your loved ones’ meals. Milk is commonly viewed as a versatile staple to have on-hand for cooking and a nutritious beverage for families with essential nutrients such as calcium that promote bone health in children and teens.

“I’m always trying to create recipes that make it easier for people to cook and eat well,” Krieger said.

“As a food lover and dietitian, I’m always looking for that amazing balance between health and taste.

Dairy really can help get you there because it provides you not only great nutrition, but also great taste, texture and satisfaction.

“Milk, cheese and yogurt all contain protein, and I think most people don’t realize that a cup of milk has 8 grams of high-quality protein, which is more than an egg,” Krieger said. “When I tell people that, it’s really news to them. Protein really is key in many ways because people are often looking to get more protein into their diets.”

Find more family meal solutions at milkmeans more.org. (Family Features) 

Cauliflower ‘Risotto’ with Shrimp and Peas Recipe courtesy of “Whole in One” by Ellie Krieger on behalf of Milk Means More Servings: 4 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 cup chopped shallot 3 cups cauliflower rice 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons, plus 1 teaspoon, all-purpose flour 1 3/4 cups 1% low-fat milk 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided 1 pound medium shrimp (26-30 count per pound), cleaned and tails removed 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen peas 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, cut into ribbons In large, nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add shallot and cook until softened, 2 minutes. Stir in cauliflower rice, 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper; cook 2 minutes.

Sprinkle flour over cauliflower and stir to incorporate then add milk and cook, stirring

occasionally, until it comes to gentle boil. Stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese until incorporated then add shrimp and peas.

Return to simmer. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until shrimp are pink and no longer translucent, and sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with additional salt, to taste, then garnish with basil and remaining Parmesan cheese 

Broccoli Cheddar Skillet Strata Recipe courtesy of “Whole in One” by Ellie Krieger on behalf of Milk Means More Servings: 4 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 3 cups whole-wheat baguette or other crusty bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes 1 small onion, diced 3 cups chopped broccoli (about 1/2 head), chopped into 1/2inch pieces 6 large eggs 3/4 cup low-fat or whole milk 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/2 cup packed, shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese Preheat oven to 450 F. In 10-inch ovenproof skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Add bread to

skillet and cook, tossing frequently, until golden brown, about 6 minutes. Transfer bread to plate and carefully wipe crumbs out of pan.

Add remaining oil to skillet then add onion and cook until softened slightly, 2 minutes. Add broccoli and cook, stirring frequently, until it begins to soften, 3 minutes.

In medium bowl, whisk eggs, milk, mustard, salt and pepper. Add cheese and bread; toss to combine then pour bread mixture over vegetables in skillet.

Cover with foil and bake 10 minutes then uncover and continue baking until strata is set in center, 5-8 minutes.

Remove from oven and let sit 5 minutes.

To serve, scoop out portions with large spoon or cut into wedges. 

J A N UA RY 17, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

H E A LT H & B E A U T Y

Make managing eczema easier with this new app

M

ore than 30 million Americans, including nearly 10 million children, have eczema, the umbrella term for a group of noncontagious, inflammatory and painful skin conditions marked by an itchy, rash-like appearance.

Because one of the most challenging aspects of eczema can be its unpredictability, the National Eczema Association, designed an app to help people and parents easily track what’s important and make sense of it.

The app, called EczemaWise, aims to revolutionize how people living with the condition manage it with a faster, more efficient tracking system that helps uncover trends and makes preparing for doctors’ appointments easier.

People with eczema tend to have an overreactive immune system that produces inflammation on the skin when triggered by a substance outside or inside the body, such as food or pollen, along with factors like stress and sleep. Experts say tracking and recording symptoms and possible triggers is key to managing the condition, but it can be time-consuming, and many people struggle to keep thorough notes in journals or on their smartphones.

• Skin symptoms using a body map to note affected areas • Stress on a scale of 0-10 • Sleep problems on a scale of 0-10 • Weather, which auto-populates using your location • Triggers, which track exposure to materials such as metals, chemicals, irritants and environmental allergies • Diet with tracking of water intake and foods • Treatments logged by time of day

“One of the best things out there to help keep track of your child’s eczema is EczemaWise because it’s so easy to use,” said Aisha Bryant, mother of a 3-year-old with eczema. “Within a few days of using it, I was able to identify that tomato sauce was causing my daughter to flare.”

The app can help track nine different disease and care factors, including: • Itch intensity on a scale of 0-10 • Pain on a scale of 0-10

The free app, which is available for Android and iOS as well as a web app, is designed to identify trends and patterns so people and their doctors can better determine the most effective treatments.

NEA recommends tracking a minimum of three times each week — and ideally daily. App users can also print their health data to share at doctors’ appointments.

“Using EczemaWise will empower patients with eczema,” said dermatologist Eric L. Simpson, MD. “The app allows them to communicate a much broader story about their disease than we can typically capture in a 15-minute visit.”

For more information, visit EczemaWise.org.

(Family Features) 

1 0 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 17, 2021

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

‘Tiger’ doc, ‘Pieces of a Woman’ get top reviews

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘Tiger’

1/2 (out of four) 

A two-part documentary premiering at Jan. 10 and 17 on HBO and available for streaming then on HBO Max.

W

atching the riveting two-part HBO documentary “Tiger,” one can’t help but be struck by the many similarities between Tiger Woods and one Michael Jordan. (You know, the guy who starred in “The Last Dance.”)

• Like Jordan, Woods was a once-in-a-generation athlete who was gifted with great talent but also pushed himself harder than just about anyone else in his sport.

• Like Jordan, Woods had an extremely close, best-friends relationship with his father, who was a constant presence in the early years of his superstardom.

• Like Jordan, Woods skyrocketed to fame and fortune in the 1990s, signing a mega-millions endorsement deal with Nike (among others) while carefully crafting a role-model public image that didn’t always jibe with his life behind closed doors.

• Like MJ, who was hypercompetitive to the point of manufacturing rivalries and perceived slights, Tiger was always looking for that extra edge against his foes, e.g., his resentment of the talented but more laid-back Phil Mickelson, who allowed himself an extra 20 pounds while Tiger was hitting the weight room.

• And like MJ, Tiger had a penchant for certain extracurricular activities that tarnished the reputation he had worked so hard to cultivate and revealed a much more complex and fallible human being than the ad slogans and the PR campaigns would have us believe.

In fact, there’s a moment in “Tiger” when we see Jordan, Woods and Charles Barkley hitting the town in Las Vegas. Whereas Jordan was at ease being the Alpha King on and off the court, Woods was at the time almost socially awkward.

What was he supposed to say to all these women hovering about?

“Tell ‘em you’re Tiger Woods,” was Jordan’s reply (as related by a journalist quoted in the film).

But as Woods would eventually learn, what happens in Vegas almost never stays in Vegas. It winds up in the tabloids and on the TV newscasts and becomes a staple of the late-night talk show monologues and results in life-shattering consequences, in a country and a culture that loves seeing heroes rise and takes almost equal delight

PHOTO COURTESY IMDB

in watching them crash. Few sports stars have experienced such a meteoric, game-changing rise, such a spectacularly terrible fall — and, against all odds, such an improbable comeback.

With a total running time of a little more than three hours, in two parts, “Tiger” is a must-see documentary, whether you’re a hardcore golf fan or you wouldn’t know a sand wedge from a driver.

Directors Matthew Heineman and Matthew Hamachek have pieced together the definitive filmed biography of Tiger Woods, even though Woods himself is conspicuous by his absence.

You get chills rewatching Woods’ most memorable triumphs on the golf course, when he’s wearing the famous blood-red Sunday Nike shirt on the 18th green as the fans roar in adoration.

You’re still stunned to see the police cam footage of a dazed Woods in custody after he was arrested with five drugs in his system.

“Tiger” tells its story through a treasure trove of archival footage dating all the way back to when the 2 1/2-year-old Tiger appeared with his father, Earl, on “The Mike Douglas Show” and demonstrated his already astounding prowess with a golf club, plus interviews with Woods’ first serious girlfriend, Dina Parr; golf great Nick Faldo; biographer Pete McDaniel; his former caddy, Steve Williams; a number of outstanding sports journalists, including Bryant Gumbel — and, speaking for the first time in public, Rachel Uchitel, who became globally infamous overnight when she was identified as Woods’ mistress.

The result is an informative, provocative, occasionally lurid but ultimately balanced treatment.

Before Woods turned pro, his father, Earl

Woods, was publicly touting him not only as a next-level golfer but as a transcendent figure, saying his son could have the same kind of impact on the world as Gandhi. Even with that kind of pressure from his father, and with Nike’s first ad campaign for Woods playing the race card, not to mention almost impossible hype about his actual game, Woods somehow managed to exceed expectations, winning the Masters in 1997 by a record 12-shot margin.

Woods was like a rock star, mobbed by fans everywhere, his privacy a thing of the past. And yet he recklessly engaged in multiple affairs, even after the National Enquirer came to a “catch and kill” agreement by which they wouldn’t run a story about Woods’ dalliances if he would agree to a cover story in a sister publication. To this day, it’s stunning to see footage of a number of Woods’ mistresses claiming they were in love with him, that he was going to leave his family for them.

Even Uchitel, who held her silence for all these years, says she believed they had a special connection that went far deeper than a sexual fling.

Things went from bad to worse when Woods was arrested for driving while impaired in 2017 and suffered a series of injuries that seemed to close the book on his career. Yet in 2019, there was Tiger Woods once again winning the Masters at the age of 44, besting the young pros half his age.

It’s all the stuff of movies, and “Tiger” does a splendid job of telling Tiger’s tale.

‘Pieces of a Woman’ 1/2 

Martha Vanessa Kirby Sean Shia LaBeouf Elizabeth Ellen Burstyn Netflix presents a film directed by Kornel Mundruczo. Written by Kata Weber. Rated R (for sexual content, brief drug use, language and graphic nudity). Running time: 126 minutes.

Available on Netflix.

I

n a stunningly authentic performance sure to garner an Oscar nomination, Vanessa Kirby plays a woman reeling from the tragic turn of her childbirth. This is a stark and unforgettable character study about love and loss, and what loss does to love, and how some tragedies are so devastating, so huge, the survivors will never be the same. 

Copyright 2020 Chicago Sun-Times

J A N UA RY 17, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1

SENIORLIVING A SECOND WIND

Can isolation lead to solitude?

By Mary Petersen Signal Staff Writer

L

alone. It is associated with being emotionally isolated, psychologically fatigued and apathetic.

When we experience the loneliness of being isolated, we lose our sense of well-being. We lose our emotional balance and struggle to find purpose. Time drags on interminably and we have little motivation for much of anything.

Solitude is distinctly different from loneliness. The word “solitude” has a positive connotation and suggests a voluntary and restorative experience. It evokes the peace of mind and contentment of being alone with our thoughts and

ike so many other people, I didn’t see my family this Christmas. My daughters each cooked their own Christmas meals. The wrapped presents remained unopened under our trees.

We had lots of Facetime calls, but no physical contact.

It was the first time in more than 30 years that I hadn’t hosted Christmas. On a day that has always been a feelings. It’s a time we can reflect on festive gathering at my house, it was our lives and cultivate self-awareness. eerie being alone (well, alone with my In the stillness, we gain clarity and insight. husband).

Although we feel For the past year, the alone as the pandemic pandemic has forced us Solitude is persists, collectively we to be more solitary. We a state of are not alone. People have maintained distance around the world are being alone from one another and experiencing this unifrequently confined ourwithout versal sense of isolation. selves to home. We have being lonely.

If there is a lesson the had to grapple with being pandemic has taught physically and emotionalme, it is that we have ly isolated. very little control over events outFor many people this created an adside of ourselves. Accepting that ditional stress. This isolation was not there is little I can change, allows something we chose but was thrust me to see what I do have control upon us as the pandemic worsened. of—my perspective. How I apForced isolation leads to feelings of proach being alone is determined loneliness, boredom and sadness. by my state of mind.

Although the isolation we are exIf I must be isolated, let me find periencing during the pandemic is the value of being alone. I can be not voluntary, there is a state of being grateful for the time to write, read, alone, a kind of voluntary seclusion, monitor my mental health and that is considered by psychologists to learn something new. (I learned to be positive and constructive. quilt!)

Solitude is a state of being alone I have been working to cultivate without being lonely. Solitude is asenergy, optimism and contentsociated with introspection, personal ment in the midst of seclusion, to growth, and emotional rejuvenation. transform isolation into solitude.

The ability to find joy despite It is an intentional detachment from being solitary is an asset that will the outside world. be valuable throughout life, long Being in solitude allows us to disafter the pandemic relinquishes its engage from the sometimes chaotic rhythm of daily life and the social de- grip on us. mands placed on us.

Mary Petersen is a retired COC The word “loneliness” has a negEnglish instructor, a 30-year SCV resative connotation and evokes the ident and two-time breast cancer survivor.  emptiness, pity and pain of being

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J A N UA RY 17, 2021

HOME

Nature-inspired paint trends for a calming home

W

hen it comes to home design, color can change everything.

From understated, clean hues and calming neutrals to soft greens and mid-tone colors with artistic qualities, a whole new style is just brush strokes away. With the right color palette, you can transform your space to highlight contemporary trends while creating your desired ambiance.

These curated Clark+Kensington color palettes, showcasing on-trend looks for 2021, are heavily inspired by nature and natural materials like raw cotton, linen, wood tones and soft, peaceful greens. The colors invite the best of the outdoors inside so you can design a personal refuge where you’re free to relax and unwind.

Mindful living

If you want to bring new layers of wellness to your life, the calming neutrals and soft greens that make up this refreshing and cleansing palette

ing sense of coziness while Smokey Taupe and Playas de Cancun provide alternatives to bring bolder, but still soothing, color to your space.

Understated impact

may be just what you’re seeking. The muted tone of Fair Isle is a soft neutral that pairs well with a wide range of colors, such as the inviting Blue Spruce green that resembles a richly treed mountainside. Additionally, Swiss Coffee and Natural White offer neutral options that lend a surpris-

If minimalism and clean lines reflect your desire to simplify your surroundings, you’ll likely be drawn to a “less is more” approach to design.

This uncluttered sensibility allows you to focus on key elements of a room that are impactful yet edited.

To achieve this look, build your palette around slate-like hues of gray and blue, such as Gothic Iron or a cooler take on slate with Magic Fountain. Options like Silent White and Abstract Gray lend neutral warmth while an earthy burgundy like Red Tulip or the deep, not-quite-black tones of Midnight Stroll are ideal for creating a focal point.

Creative escape

This palette of mid-tone colors with artistic qualities may be best suited for someone who embraces tradition-

al crafting techniques and delights in working with his or her hands. Striking slate blue Midnight Oil is reminiscent of waves crashing in the dark of night while Subtle Gray offers a softer take on the slate-like tones. As the name suggests, Fiddlehead Fern brings lush vegetation to mind while Act Naturally and Caramel Apple deliver pops of color consistent with streaks of an orange-kissed sunset.

Any color in these palettes can be selected and ordered from the comfort of your home online using in-store pickup, curbside pickup or delivery from your local Ace Hardware store.

Start with color samples to test your colors on your walls in different locations and under different lighting then order your gallons and painting supplies when you’re ready to complete your project.

Find more inspiration and all the supplies you need to transform your space with paint at acehardware.com.

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S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

HOBBIES

Hobbies relieve stress, promote personal growth

H

obbies can help people escape the daily grind. Though it’s easy to view hobbies as enjoyable ways to pass the time, they also can be vehicles that enrich your life.

They are especially good at helping people learn new skills. They also may help boost professional and personal development. Some hobbyists may be surprised to learn just how much their favorite form of escapism is benefitting their lives.

• Hobbies may help to relieve stress by keeping you engaged with something you enjoy. Reducing stress may help you remain calm and be more productive at home, at work and in school. Reduced stress also translates into improved health.

• People who engage in hobbies experience new things and may interact with different people through their interests. This can give you various topics to discuss in conversation and make you more interesting to others. Learning skills through hobbies also means you will obtain specialized knowledge that you can impart on people with similar interests.

• Hobbies can be creative outlets that take your mind off of other things. For people who have trouble with meditation and other mindful ways to shut off their brains, hobbies can be a form

of escapism that leaves you alone with your thoughts. According to the self-improvement resource Personal Growth, most hobbies actually have a meditative effect on your thoughts because, no matter what you are doing, your awareness becomes completely focused on the hobby.

• Hobbies can improve your social life and foster creative bonds with others, providing great ways to meet and get closer to people who share your interests.

• Hobbies can help stave off boredom, providing productive outlets when there is nothing else

available to fill the time. Hobbies can be more beneficial ways to spend your time than playing games on a phone or watching television.

• Hobbies also may be educational and enrich knowledge through skill building. People who start with one hobby may find connections to other ones, further developing their knowledge and skill sets.

If embracing new hobbies is on your list of resolutions for the upcoming year, individuals can rest assured that engaging in hobbies promotes personal growth in various ways. (MC) 

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J A N UA RY 17, 2021

GARDENING

Plenty of garden work to do this winter

By Jane Gates Signal Staff Writer

N

ow, here’s a gardening break from all the holiday activity!

Unlike much of the country where folks are shuttered indoors with frosty weather, we Santa Claritans can enjoy some of the best working weather for gardening.

We may not be building snowmen, but we can bask in sunny, crisp days outdoors and finally take those first steps to make our landscapes better than ever for the new year.

How about gifting yourself a decorative rain chain? It channels rain from your gutters into a decorative container to use later, or into a drainage area.

After last year’s lack of rain, this season will hopefully be more promising. Stormy weather is much needed and we gardeners can make those indoor days productive by flipping through paper or online catalogs for gifts for others, and some well-deserved ones for ourselves.

Now’s the time to order, tools, flower, vegetable and hard-to-find seeds, started plants and trees. Also look for items — or just ideas — for décor, outdoor furniture and practical structures like storage or potting sheds, trellises or shade covers.

Pruning and shopping time

It’s time to cut back woody plants and trees. Sap is slowing, and plants will bleed less from any major pruning that is necessary. It’s also the time to start planting large shrubs and trees.

Now that the Christmas trees have vanished from garden centers, look for the best selections (and the best prices) for fruit trees and decorative shrubs. They’ll likely be displayed for sale in January.

This will be the beginning bareroot season: a short period in winter when stores carry these woody plants un-potted. You won’t get better deals or wider choices any other time of year. What’s more, buying plants when they are dormant and their roots encased in bags, makes carting them from store to planting area delightfully easy on the back.

While you are picking through the bare-root plants, don’t forget to look for onion and garlic sets, strawberry, rhubarb and asparagus roots all becoming available. There should also

be a nice selection of spring-blooming flower bulbs available. Bulbs only bloom for a short time, but they make up for it with dazzling flower displays. And they will keep the garden colorful while the sleepier garden members are still waking up.

Big and little jobs to do

Keep blown leaves scooped out of ponds and water features. We are not done with windy weather. If you haven’t done it yet, consider turning off your pump for the winter and save on electricity. Do not feed fish.

They don’t digest food well in winter.

Instead, they’ll be hanging out at the bottom in a semi-dormant state waiting for their liquid homes to warm up in the spring.

Weather is now cool and comfortable for doing big jobs in the garden. The winter months are handy for building and remodeling your garden — whether it is just one area or the whole landscape. One caution: Avoid working soil right after rain as it will compress valuable air out of the wet soil. And who needs all that mud stuck to your shoes and tracked everywhere, anyway?

Gardens will appreciate a little extra help when frosty nights are in store.

Add compost and other top-dressings as mulch to retain soil moisture and keep roots warm. Drape material like burlap or shade cloth over any tender plants if a freeze is predicted.

Set up rain barrels or other water collection tubs to reuse rainwater in the garden during dry periods. I just added two rain barrels to my landscape. The water will be used to top up my pond in dry periods. It will not

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Rain barrels blended in with a container garden become both practical and decorative.

only save me on water consumption, but it will circumvent the potentially deadly chloramine in our city water that can injure or kill fish. To make my barrels blend with the landscape, I’ve planted pots of dangling strawberry plants on the top. The barrels now create their own ornamental (and tasty, nutritious) container garden.

Continue to cut back on lawn watering. You can even let your lawn go dormant for the winter to save on maintenance and water use. Or, as I always recommend, replace some of your lawn with something more useful, like decorative, drought-resistant gardens, tasty fresh edibles, or a colorfully graveled, low-maintenance seating or play area.

Planning saves time and money

Now is the perfect time to sketch out plans for re-designing your garden so you can get the most beautiful landscape possible to fit with your lifestyle and budget. Call in professional help if you want it done for you or just want some feedback on your own designs. I can’t emphasize enough how important planning is. It gives you an overall layout so you can work on your garden over time and it can save you from making very costly mistakes.

For more information about gardening in the Santa Clarita Valley, visit Jane Gates on YouTube at https://you tube.com/user/Janieg8s. 

J A N UA RY 17, 2021

FINANCE

Saving on family expenses

2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

PROFESSIONAL PROFILES Readers of The Signal and signalscv.com want to learn about your business and the More than professionals they can count on for 200,000 readers will see this expert advice. Tell them about your magazine both practice and the people that work there. Perfect for doctors, dentists, online and in print attorneys and other professionals.

T

he current pandemic blindsided much of the world.

Since the World Health Organization declared a pandemic in March, millions of people across the globe have lost their lives, while hundreds of millions more have lost their livelihoods.

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates the unemployment rate in the United States, which was lower than 4% in the weeks prior to the WHO’s pandemic declaration, was nearly 15% by mid-May. While that figure dropped to less than 9% by the end of last summer, many families are still confronting financial challenges stemming from the pandemic. Some parents may still be out of work, while others are working on reduced salaries as their employers try to overcome these economic challenges.

No one knows when the pandemic will end and life will return to normal, so families facing financial uncertainty can benefit from tightening their belts for the long haul. Thankfully, there are various ways for families to cut costs that won’t adversely affect their quality of life.

Plan more meals

Impulse buying is one of the most costly ways that families overspend.

A 2018 survey from Slickdeals.net found that the average consumer in the United States spends $5,400 annually on impulse buys. More than 70% of impulse spending goes toward food.

Families looking to cut costs can plan more meals so they know what they need when they visit the gro-

cery store, which should reduce the amount of money they spend on spur-of-the-moment purchases.

Simplify special occasions

It can be fun to go a little overboard for birthday parties, anniversaries and holiday gatherings. However, such spending should be seen as a luxury during a recession. Momentous occasions can be both special and inexpensive.

Birthday picnics in the park or at the beach can be just as unique and memorable as more elaborate parties, and they won’t cost nearly as much.

Parents can agree to forgo gift-giving on anniversaries or birthdays, opting instead for romantic homemade dinners.

Think of new ways to get away Many families canceled or postponed vacations in 2020 as travel restrictions and social distancing guidelines greatly limited travel options. While it might be possible to travel safely again in 2021, families still dealing with the fallout from COVID-19 may be hesitant to plan traditional vacations.

Thankfully, there are ways to get away without breaking the bank.

Many campsites are free or charge nominal fees to use their facilities, and such excursions can be great ways for families accustomed to flying and five-star hotels to enjoy new experiences.

The current health situation has posed financial challenges for millions of families. But there are ways for families to reduce their spending without cutting back on their quality of life. (MC) 

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J A N UA RY 17, 2021

N E W S F E AT U R E

MANSON

Continued from page 6

After a number of letters, the convicted murderer opened up. This began the yearslong correspondence with Newhall resident Michael Channels, who learned he was from the same Midwestern town as Charles Manson, in addition to a few other coincidences.

“Charles Manson is like a parrot,” he added. “He picks up good (concepts) over time and parrots them back to you.”

For Manson, Channels wasn’t like the rest of his friends, whom he called “mymes,” which meant that everything he said, they would parrot back and essentially believe, according to Channels.

“I thought it was an insult at first, but he told me one day, ‘You’re not a myme, you’re a you-you, and I have no use for you-yous, but I like you because you’re like me. I’m a you-you,’” he said.

Another trial, 50 years later

As their relationship continued to blossom, Channels received an envelope from Manson that contained his will, which bequeathed him with Manson’s entire estate.

Once Manson died in 2017 after spending more than four decades in prison, a fight for his property ensued, involving numerous kin coming out of the woodworks to stake their claim, including Jason Freeman, who claimed to be Manson’s grandson.

A court battle followed, where Channels said he was immediately labeled as a pen pal by the media.

“That really kind of blew it for me and my reputation,” Channels added. “This is the same thing Manson said in his trial, too. … The media called him the hippie cult leader. So it was like, ‘Wow, I know what he’s saying now,’ because the same thing happened to me.”

As the trial began, many already were in that

mindset, thinking of Channels as the pen pal — even the judge, he said.

“He was looking at me like I was Manson almost because I was a friend of his, or a follower,” he added.

Although some raised questions about whether Freeman was really Manson’s grandson, Freeman won the initial court battle.

Channels didn’t give up though, calling for Freeman to undergo a DNA test to prove his relation to Manson.

“If you look at it from the start to finish, it’s mind boggling,” Channels said. “It went from the pen pal and the grandson to now it’s Manson’s friend and the guy claiming to be his grandson.”

The probate case for Manson’s estate is now set to be heard early next year.

“Part of the evidence was going to be the DNA of alleged grandson Jason Freeman, but Freeman, who said he would comply with the order of the court for DNA, instead has appealed and so it is unclear if the DNA issue will be resolved before trial,” said Tim Lyons, lead counsel in the case.

“Either way, Mr. Manson executed a valid will leaving everything to Michael Channels and so we are confident the court will find Mr. Channels is the rightful heir to Charles Manson’s estate and not a purported grandson who will not even submit to DNA evidence.”

While Freeman has called the Manson will a

forgery, Channels’ counsel is confident they will win, with or without the DNA evidence.

“The DNA results have little weight as to Michael Channels’ case,” former Santa Clarita resident and co-counsel on the case David Baldwin added.

“Charles Manson’s will expressly disinherits Mr. Freeman’s alleged father, Charles Manson Jr. aka Jay White. His estate is to be left to our client, Michael Channels.”

The will has also been evaluated by a handwriting expert, who has determined Manson’s signature is valid, according to Baldwin.

“We are set to proceed and are confident that Michael Channels will faithfully execute the wishes of the decedent,” Baldwin added. “Charles Manson is an infamous person, but a human nonetheless.

Manson had a legal right to see his final wishes carried out per his will.”

For Channels, it’s never been about the money he could make, nor the fame — it’s been about protecting Manson’s legacy.

“It’s really about not letting anybody that didn’t know him in the first place and really has no right to do (things) to him or monetize him, making him the bad guy while they cash in on it,” Channels said. “It’ll always be about (the fact that) he was my friend and you just don’t do that to my friend.” 

J A N UA RY 17, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 7

Is your pet giving your eye allergies the blues?

T

he pandemic has caused pet adoptions and sales to soar because who doesn’t want a cute, furry friend for extra snuggles during this time?

What some might be noticing is that those snuggles from a cute pup or kitty come at a cost — itchy allergy eyes. If you are experiencing irritated, itchy eyes since bringing home your furry friend, you might be allergic to pet dander and animal hair.

Before you make plans to send your new best friend back to the shelter, there might be help.

Dog owner and New York University Langone Health allergist-immunologist Dr. Tania Elliott understands these unpleasant allergy symptoms all too well and has some ideas on how to keep your allergies under control when you are sharing your home with a pet.

“Eye allergies can either be seasonal or perennial and can be triggered by indoor or outdoor allergens.

If you tend to get itchy eyes around the same time every year, you may be suffering from seasonal allergies,” says Elliott.

“Seasonal allergies are most common in the spring, summer and fall when the pollen count is higher and people tend to spend more time outdoors. Unlike seasonal allergies, perennial or year-round allergies may occur at any time of the year or last all year long.”

P

twice a month to help minimize allergic triggers in my home,” says Elliott.

Look for over-the-counter options to help you find relief

PHOTO CREDIT MC

See a doctor to confirm if your pet is causing your symptoms

Although you may think that your new pet is the culprit for your eye allergies, your long outdoor walks with your furry friend could also be exposing you to outdoor allergens, such as pollen or ragweed.

“As soon as you bring a new pet home, it’s important to monitor your symptoms and write everything down,” says Elliott. “Once you’ve monitored your symptoms, you can make small changes to see if that helps with your itchy eyes.

“If your symptoms do not subside, then you should visit your allergist or eye doctor to determine the cause.”

of skin shed by animals with fur or feathers. These particles are so small that they can end up airborne and may cause itchy, red eyes. To minimize the spread of pet dander, it is important to bathe your pet once to twice a month, if not more.

“As a dog owner myself, I make sure that my dog is bathed at least

Give your pet regular baths

Pet dander is made up of tiny flecks

cause an issue.

The result is a fight-or-flight response to these noises, along with physical tension, disproportionate anger and possible hatred or disgust toward the person or animal responsible for the trigger noise.

While studies into misphonia are in their juvenile stages and only recently gained traction, symptoms are thought to begin in childhood or adolescence and increase in severity.

Treatment for misphonia is varied, but if aversion to the noise a pet is making can be alleviated by addressing the pet’s underlying issue, then people’s misphonia may be alleviated as well. (MC) 

20 0 2

ets groom themselves to stay clean, but when allergies are present, dogs and cats may spend extended periods of time scratching, licking and biting.

While these actions can be problematic for the animals themselves, for those sensitive to sounds, the repetition may induce unsettled feelings.

Psychology Today says “misphonia” is an extreme emotional and physical response to seemingly innocuous, repetitive sounds. While chewing and lip-smacking are common triggers, noises made by pets (like barking or licking) also can

PETS

Avoiding exposure to the allergen that triggers you can keep eye allergies at bay, but Dr. Elliott knows that is not always possible. Luckily, for both indoor and outdoor allergy sufferers, finding relief from itchy allergy eyes can be as simple as heading online or to the store shelf. Pataday® Once Daily Relief and Pataday® Twice Daily Relief feature the ingredient doctors prescribed most for eye allergy itch relief without the need for a doctor’s visit or prescription.

The takeaway

If you think your new pet is the cause of your itchy allergy eyes, try these tips to get relief. If your symptoms do not improve after making these small changes or trying Pataday®, then visit your doctor to determine the source of your symptoms.

(BPT) 

1 8 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 17, 2021

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Transform photo cards into game for toddlers

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

T

urn holiday photo cards into a matching game for toddlers and preschoolers.

They’ll enjoy playtime trying to pair up the faces and settings in your colorful pictures that you cut in half and mount on boxes.

This mix-and-match game is a creative way to help kids become familiar with important people in their lives and where they live.

Plus, since they are matching the two parts of a photo card, they’ll be developing the important cognitive skill of observing details as they try to figure out how the two parts relate.

Exploring why they go together is important in developing basic skills for future reading when they’ll be matching alphabet letters to sounds.

Before you begin making the game, go through your holiday photo greet-

2. For each photo, trim off holiday

ings and choose cards you can cut in half with an individual or several people on each side.

greetings, then cut in two parts to fit the top of two boxes. Glue in place.

3. To play, mix up the boxes and start matching pairs. You might say the names of the people or locations to your child as you go, as well as how they are related. Share a story or two about them.

Note If you prefer not to cut the original card, make a photocopy to use for the game.

You’ll also want to start collecting empty single-portion cereal boxes or other cardboard boxes of a similar size before they hit the recycle bin.

When done, keep box pieces in an empty net bag. If you weave a string through the tops, you can hang them on a hook for easy storage between play.

Here’s what you’ll need for six sets of pairs:

;; 12 small, empty rectangular single-portion cereal boxes or similar size boxes ;; 6 holiday photo cards ;; paint or adhesive-backed paper ;; scissors ;; household glue or spray craft glue

;; empty grapefruit or orange net bag for storage (optional)

Here’s the fun:

1. Paint all of the boxes or cover with adhesive-backed paper.

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.”  © 2020 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.

J A N UA RY 17, 2021

Opinion

S U N D AY S I G N A L · 1 9

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

READERLETTERS

The Socialist States of America In response to Lois Eisenberg’s letter to the editor (Jan. 8): The new lows she talks about, describing Donald Trump’s pardons, could be applied to Barack Obama. His 1,927 pardons and commutations was more than the previous 13 presidents combined. Including the mastermind FALN terrorist.

Let’s not forget who soiled the Oval Office. Bill Clinton.

President Donald Trump has had nothing but attacks and negative press about him ever since he took the throne from Queen Hillary. Including the special counsel Robert Mueller investigation, which came up with nothing, and the fake impeachment, which was a sham. (And happened when law makers should have been dealing with the pandemic). The good our president has done is never reported, or is certainly under-reported. The Middle East peace treaty, unemployment best ever before COVID, and stock market highs.

The constant four-year attack by fake news called media is not something any president should have to endure.

Now it’s been reported, of course not by the major media, that the Biden family is under investigation for corruption and money laundering. If you look at any news source other than the mainstream press you’ll see all kinds of information before the election and the Ukrainians have just come out with information, documents and testimony from people about Hunter Biden and Joe Biden. Why was this not brought out before the election? Because the mainstream media had the information and covered up for Joe Biden. Shameful! If you think the mainstream media isn’t biased, try alternate sources and compare. You will get the facts. There are multiple places to find news. OAN, Epoch Times and Breitbart are a few.

We will now have a sitting president who is under the thumb of the Chinese communists. Make no mistake, they are the enemy! They are buying farms and business all over our country. Look it up. They are dealing with Jamaica in hopes to build a military base there.

And the Swamp is not the Trump administration as Lois referred to, it’s what he tried to drain.

Congratulations to the media and liberal leftists who got their guy elected! By whatever means!

Welcome to the new socialist-communist America, comrades!

Michael Molacek Saugus Submit a Letter to the Editor

Include name, address & phone; Anonymous letters aren’t printed; email: letters@signalscv.com. Mail to: Letters, The Signal, 26330 Diamond Place, Ste. 100, Santa Clarita, CA 91350.

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

The Great Ethical Dilemma

By David Hegg

Y

ou should know that, to keep up with the pressure of a weekly deadline, I usually write this column a week ahead just in case my schedule blows up on Thursday. So, I had no way of knowing that the unimaginable rioting and criminal activity that brought every reasonable American to tears on Jan. 6 would occur only days before my column hit your driveway. While I was calling for a revolution of kindness, hundreds of ethical infants were storming our Capitol, plundering its hallways, and desecrating the very core of our experiment in democracy.

Since Jan. 6 we have been inundated with pictures that will forever be seared on our memories. As well, we have been subjected to myriad politicians and pundits schooling us on why this happened, who is to blame, and how judgment must roll down on the bad people.

At the risk of muddying the waters even more, here’s my take. Our root problem in America is not political. It’s not financial, educational, racial, medical, or any other fancy descriptor ending in “al.” Those are all fruits of a rotten root and until we’re willing to acknowledge that our ethical roots have been rotting for years we will never recover.

Remember the Pledge of Allegiance? Yes, I know. Today we are told to honor those brave enough to take a knee rather than bow the knee in honor to our flag and the nation for which it stands. And God forbid we invoke the name of God. Yet, look what happens when God and honor are evaporated from our national scene.

The nation that no longer considers it necessary and profitable to be “under” the ethical standards of a theistic worldview will find itself … well … on the path we’re walking down today in the USA. Untethered from those undeniable standards of right and wrong that have historically flowed out of a belief that all are accountable to a transcendent God, a nation and its people will become more and more chaotic as everyone starts doing what is right in their own eyes.

And sadly, we’ve had a front-row seat to watch exactly that over the past months and years. What we all thought could never happen in America not only has happened, but also there are millions who are applauding it as both necessary and appropriate.

The Pledge of Allegiance reinforces the connec-

tion between theism and practical unity. The nation that is “under God” can remain “indivisible” even in times of disagreement because the manner of disagreement will be collegial, not combative, as love for truth and love for neighbor intertwine to bring about understanding and cooperation. Nothing is clearer than the fact that, having pushed God to the margins, we are watching our national unity dissolve.

And, sadly, the devolution of our national soul has allowed injustice and the erosion of freedom to become commonplace. In the pledge we declare that being “under” God guards us as “indivisible” while guaranteeing “liberty and justice for all.”

Voddie Baucham, an African-American Evangelical pastor, borrows from Jesus and states our predicament well: “We are not seeing terrible things in our culture because we vote the wrong way. We are seeing terrible things in our culture because men love darkness rather than light.”

The problem in America is not primarily political. The great problem is ethical. Whoever said “if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything” had it right. We’ve become a nation where too many believe liberty is personal freedom from all restraint, from all rules, from all accountability, and ultimately from all uncomfortable truth.

We live today in the absurd swamp of dynamic personalism, where the only dynamic that matters is one’s personal beliefs, desires and dreams. As an example, against all scientific evidence we now can pick our own gender from among the 70-plus choices. And it’s a short walk from that absurdity masquerading as truth to the absurdity that it is right to attack law enforcement officers, necessary to use violence to get our point across, and perfectly acceptable to allow evil impulses to overwhelm rational commitments to God, country, family and neighbor.

The big question before America now is this: Whose ethical standards will win the day? The only vote we can cast will be one of personal belief and behavior. May God reveal his truth to us all, and may God bless America as America realizes that it is our best option to be a nation “under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

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

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