Sunday
California’s Spring Food Festivals
By Michele E. Buttelman
Sunday Signal Staff Writer
Despite the loss of several California “famous signature” food festivals in recent years, including the Gilroy Garlic Festival, the Castroville Artichoke Festival and the California Nut Festival in Chico, it’s still a good time to be a “foodie” in the Santa Clarita Valley.
Not only is the historic Original Pantry Cafe in downtown Los Angeles reopening in April with many of the same employees and menu, but the city of Los Angeles will offer the inaugural VendorFest Night Market at Gloria Molina Park on March 28.
Both of these locations are reached easily by taking a Metrolink train from any of the SCV’s four stations to the historic downtown Union Station and transferring to the light rail, skipping the need to use your car.
The reopening of the Original Pantry Cafe, an iconic, century-old eatery, is particularly significant. Open since 1924, the 24-hour restaurant routinely attracted lines of diners until new ownership closed the doors in early 2025 due to labor issues.
Now, not only will the Original Pantry Café, be returning with a nearly identical menu, prepared by longtime returning employees, it will be operated in partnership with the nonprofit Hope the Mission, with earnings used to support homeless shelters and services.
There are also many other fun foodie adventures in Southern California this spring, including the SCV’s signature foodie event, Taste of the Town. Bring your appetite.
SeaWorld San Diego Seven Seas Food Festival
Now through April 26
500 Sea World Drive, San Diego, Info seaworld.com/san-diego/events/seven-seasfood-festival
The festival, which runs on Friday, Saturdays and Sundays, features a new menu with an expanded culinary lineup. Sample flavors of Latin America, the
The historic Original Pantry Cafe in downtown Los Angeles reopening in April with many of the same employees and menu ©THE ORIGINAL PANTRY
Caribbean, France, Tuscany, Asia, Polynesia and the Mediterranean. More than 150 offerings of fresh, global cuisine with craft beer and fine wines. Park admission required. Food and beverages sold separately.
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival
Now through April 27
1313 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim 92802
Info disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/ disney-california-adventure/food-and-wine-festival
This annual spring event features eight festival marketplaces serving California-inspired small plates and specialty drinks. Purchase a 4-entitlement Sip and Savor Pass for $34, or 8-entitlement Sip and Savor Pass for $64. Park admission required, food/ beverage tastings sold separately.
VendorFest Night Market
Saturday, March 28, 6-10 p.m.
Gloria Molina Grand Park, 200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles
Info grandparkla.org/vendorfest/
The inaugural VendorFest Night Market at Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles will offer foodies a free celebration with food for purchase from dozens of street food vendors and local artisans.
The evening will feature street vendors operating from colorful, custom-designed carts and local artisans who sell handmade goods and original designs. Music by DJ Butchona will bring a festive air throughout the evening.
Guests will also be able to view large-scale visual art that will illuminate the façade of the historic Los
Angeles County Hall of Records, which will showcase works by dozens of L.A.-based artists and community members.
Knott’s Boysenberry Festival
March 13-April 12
8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park
Info www.sixflags.com/knotts
This food and wine festival highlights the boysenberry with over two dozen unique food offerings, craft beers and a variety of wines. Festival free with park admission, food and beverages sold separately.
Knott’s Boysenberry Festival celebrates the park’s historic roots by highlighting the berry that started it all, the boysenberry. The historic Knott’s Berry Farm, operated by Walter and Cordelia Knott, was established in 1920 when the Knotts began farming 10 acres of land in Buena Park. In the late 1920s, the Knott family sold berries, preserves and pies from a roadside stand.
In 1932, the Knotts cultivated the Boysenberry after being given the last six wilted plants by Rudolph Boysen, which became the cornerstone of the farm’s popularity. To boost income, the Knotts began serving fried chicken dinners in 1934, which became very popular, serving over 265,000 dinners in their first year.
Taste of the Town
Sunday, May 3, 1-4 p.m.
SoCal Innovation Park, 25141 Rye Canyon Loop, Valencia
Info www.tasteofthetown.com
Child & Family Center invites guests to experience an afternoon filled with unlimited tastings from the SCV’s favorite restaurants, caterers, breweries and wineries, all coming together for a celebration of food and community. Live musical entertainment by Mark LeVang and Friends. Founded in 1988, it is the SCV’s longest-running annual “foodie” event. General admission tickets are $125 each.
FoodieLand Night Market
May 1-3, Friday 3-10 p.m., Saturday 1-10 p.m., Sunday 1-10 p.m., May 1-3
Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar
Info foodielandnm.com/city/san-diego
This event is produced by FoodieLand, a company that stages food festivals throughout the United States. It features more than 250 food and merchandise vendors, food trucks and games. Tickets $12 per person.
California Strawberry Festival
May 16-17
Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura
Info castrawberryfestival.org
The festival is located beachside with stunning views. The location is off the 101 freeway with parking, free shuttles and the nearby Amtrak/Metrolink station offering easy access. Indulge in your favorite strawberry treats like build-your-own shortcakes, strawberry nachos, strawberry pizza, strawber-
All kinds of asparagus can be found at the
ry funnel cake, strawberry chimichangas, chocolate-dipped strawberries, deep-fried strawberries, berry kabobs, strawberry tamales, strawberry beer, margaritas, smoothies and strawberry popcorn. More than 50 food vendors, live music and arts and crafts booths. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors 62+, $8 children age 5-12.
The 40th San Joaquin Asparagus Festival
April 24-26
San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, 1658 S. Airport Way, Stockton
Info www.sanjoaquinasparagusfestival.net
This vibrant Stockton-based festival is focused on local agriculture and gourmet food. The event includes entertainment, carnival and chef demos. Tickets: Adults 18-64, $17.04, children 6-17 and seniors 65+, $11.74. Separate food and beverage purchases.
Child & Family Center invites guests to experience an afternoon filled with unlimited tastings from the SCV’s favorite restaurants, caterers, breweries and wineries on Sunday, May 3 at SoCal Innovation Park. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO
San Joaquin Asparagus Festival. ©ADOBESTOCK
Craving Solitude? Consider a Visit to Pine Grove
By Kate Orlando Only in California
Those who seek peace and calm can find it in Pine Cove, California. Located just a few miles north of Idyllwild, this peaceful and unassuming mountain village often flies under the radar. Although neighboring towns may attract more tourists looking for music festivals, Pine Cove offers the cool mountain air and instant access to miles of hiking trails for those seeking solitude and forest therapy. Escape from that bustling city life and enjoy your new favorite hideaway — Pine Cove.
A Quiet Mountain Community
Pine Cove is far more of a residential mountain community than a traditional town. Surrounded by vast stretches of forest, the population rests around 1,000. The roads are quiet, deer wander up and down the front lawns, and the nights are enveloped by stillness. There is no busy main street or popular cafes, but that’s part of the magic. Pine Cove is a destination for people who want to unplug, take a deep breath, and fully release.
Just about 6,200 feet above sea level, Pine Cove offers a cooler climate year-round compared to the valleys below. It provides a cooler retreat from the summer heat and snow-dusted treetops during the winter months. The clean mountain air feels worlds away from the city’s traffic and concrete.
Hiking Right Outside Your Door
For hikers, Pine Cove is the ultimate base camp.
Located right on the edge of the San Jacinto Wilderness and the San Bernardino National Forest, this is instant access to the best trails in the region. Many routes begin within walking distance of the homes scattered throughout the area, allowing you to step into the wild, pine-scented trails.
A short drive away is the Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail, an easy path that showcases views of Tahquitz Rock and Suicide Rock as it twists and turns through beautiful manzanita groves. Advanced hikers can tackle the Devil’s Slide Trail, which features a steep ascent that connects to a network of trails eventually leading to San Jacinto Peak.
Staying in Pine Cove
Made up of almost entirely vacation rentals and
The nearby town of Idyllwild offers casual restaurants and a small grocery store. More importantly, Idyllwild also serves as a starting point for several other trails to experience the San Jacinto wilderness. These include Devil’s Slide, Willow Creek and the Caramba Trail to Skunk Cabbage.
©LUKE BURKHART ALLTRAILS
privately owned cabins, Pine Cove has all the aesthetics you crave, from off-grid cabins to polished homes with modern amenities. Many places offer hot tubs, hammocks, and decks that are ideal for stargazing. Since there are no corporate hotels or resorts, Pine Cove is a peaceful and residential location for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Essentials Just Down the Road
While Pine Cove may not have restaurants or shops, less than 10 minutes away is Idyllwild, where you’ll find all the items you’ll need before hunkering down for your getaway. Coffee shops, casual restaurants, and a small grocery store complement the quiet nature of Pine Cove, without overwhelming the area. And if you are looking for a bit of noise, there is usually live music happening somewhere in Idyllwild on weekends.
Pine Cove offers a serene, authentic mountain experience that still feels like you’re in on a secret. Take a weekend to slow down, breathe deeply, and notice the rhythms of life in the forest. Here is a place that delivers something increasingly rare: true peace.
The magnificent view of Tahquitz Rock from Devil’s Slide Trail. © JAMES VANGERPEN ALLTRAILS
Four Travel Safety Tips for Your 2026 Getaway
From beach escapes to international adventures, travel is still a top priority for millions of Americans, particularly during the warm-weather seasons. However, in light of evolving global events — and the changing travel advisories that often accompany them — preparation and awareness are key.
Travel planning should be exciting, and being a prepared traveler ensures you can focus on making memories rather than managing surprises. That means doing your homework before you go, remaining cautious and aware while you’re there and being ready to respond should the unexpected happen.
As you pack your bags, the experts at ALG Vacations recommend taking proactive steps like these to stay informed, protected and confident no matter where your adventures take you.
Research Your Destination
Familiarize yourself with local customs, transportation options and any travel advisories tied to your destination, which often vary by region, not country. If you’re heading abroad, consider enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) offered by the U.S. State Department. The free service provides real-time, destination-specific updates about health, weather, safety and security, and makes it easier to contact you in case of an emergency.
Consult with a Travel Advisor
One of the most effective safety measures is working with a professional travel advisor. Advisors monitor travel advisories in real time, understand geographic nuances and regional differences within destinations and can provide verified information directly from destination partners. If plans need to change, your advisor can recommend alternatives and help manage rebooking options.
Consider Travel Insurance
Preparation also means protecting your investment. Unexpected events — from flight cancellations and changes in advisory level to medical emergencies and weather delays — can happen at any time. Travel insurance adds an extra layer of protection, helping cover eligible expenses and providing peace of mind. If you elect coverage, review policy options carefully to understand what is and isn’t
covered by your plan.
Share Your Plans with Someone at Home
Before departing, provide a trusted friend or family member with copies of your itinerary, lodging information and contact details. This ensures someone knows where you are and how to reach you in case of an emergency, flight disruption or unexpected change in plans.
To find more tips, or to connect with a travel advisor and benefit from personalized expert guidance on your spring excursion, visit TravelAdvisorsGetYouThere.com.
FAQs About Safe Travel to Mexico
Many of Mexico’s popular beach destinations — including Cancun, Riviera Maya, Costa Mujeres and Tulum — are operating as normal and welcoming visitors under a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory, which encourages travelers to remain aware of their surroundings and follow standard safety precautions, but does not discourage travel. Stay informed of changes to advisory levels through official updates from the U.S. Embassy and the STEP program and consider these questions frequently asked to ALG Vacations travel advisors
when planning your trip.
Is it safe to travel to Mexico right now?
Travelers should follow the U.S. State Department’s official guidance. If visiting a destination in Mexico under the Level 2 advisory, which is a common advisory level globally that also applies to destinations such as France and Italy, exercise standard travel precautions.
Has the Puerto Vallarta shelter-in-place order been lifted?
Yes, the shelter-in-place guidance affecting Puerto Vallarta has been lifted. However, travelers should regularly monitor official sources for updates or changes.
Are Cancun, Riviera Maya, Costa Mujeres or Tulum experiencing disruptions?
Airports in Cancun, Cozumel and Tulum are operating normally. Hotels, cruise ports and tourism services are also fully operational.
Are Los Cabos operations impacted?
Los Cabos tourism operations remain fully operational, including airport activity, ground transportation and hotel and resort operations. (Feature Impact)
Why you need dental insurance in retirement.
Many Americans are fortunate to have dental coverage for their entire working life, through employer-provided benefits. When those benefits end with retirement, paying dental bills out-ofpocket can come as a shock, leading people to put off or even go without care.
Simply put — without dental insurance, there may be an important gap in your healthcare coverage.
When you’re comparing plans ...
Look for coverage that helps pay for major services. Some plans may limit the number of procedures — or pay for preventive care only.
Look for coverage with no deductibles. Some plans may require you to pay hundreds out of pocket before benefits are paid.
Shop for coverage with no annual maximum on cash benefits. Some plans have annual maximums of $1,000.
Medicare doesn’t pay for dental care.1
That’s right. As good as Medicare is, it was never meant to cover everything. That means if you want protection, you need to purchase individual insurance.
Early detection can prevent small problems from becoming expensive ones.
The best way to prevent large dental bills is preventive care. The American Dental Association recommends checkups twice a year.
Previous dental work can wear out.
Even if you’ve had quality dental work in the past, you shouldn’t take your dental health for granted. In fact, your odds of having a dental problem only go up as you age.2
Treatment is expensive — especially the services people over 50 often need.
Consider these national average costs of treatment ... $274 for a checkup ... $299 for a filling ... $1,471 for a crown.3 Unexpected bills like this can be a real burden, especially if you’re on a fixed income.
1 “Medicare & You,” Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2025. 2 “Aging changes in teeth and gums”, medlineplus. gov, 4/17/2022. 3 FairHealth, Inc. National average dental fees. Data current as of July 2025; subject to change.
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SENSES Block Party
By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager
For many residents, SENSES Block Parties have become a seasonal tradition, a monthly night out that marks the start of spring and carries the community through summer. For those who have never attended, 2026 is the year to experience it for the first time. In less than one month, the 2026 SENSES Block Party season begins in Old Town Newhall. On the third Thursday of each month, April through September, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., SENSES turns Main Street between Market Street and Sixth Street into a lively community gathering space.
ditions inspired by historic medieval festivals. Participate in activities such as archery, skill-based challenges and quest-style experiences inspired by historic festivals.
SENSES continues with Honey, I Shrunk SENSES on June 18, bringing an 80s-inspired experience to Newhall, with oversized games and larger-than-life props that shift perspective and invite play.
On July 16, Santa’s coming to town early for Christmas in July SENSES, blending holiday traditions with tropical summer energy, complete with a mechanical surfboard for all the Santa surfers in town. If you’re counting, July 16 is precisely 162 days away from Christmas.
One of the highlights of SENSES is its immersive, multi-sensory themes, designed to engage all of your senses, and the 2026 lineup is especially creative. The season begins on Thursday, April 16, with the On the Ranch SENSES Block Party, marking the official start of the 30th Anniversary Cowboy Festival, which takes place over the weekend on April 18-19. The event will feature live music, interactive games, classic rope-trick performances and western-inspired activities designed to set the tone for the weekend ahead. Test your skills at axe-throwing or take a turn on the mechanical bull to see who can hold on the longest. Grab your cowboy hats, dust off your boots and join us for this kick-off event.
The season continues with a variety of thoughtfully planned themes. On May 21, Medieval Quest SENSES offers an opportunity to explore tra-
If it feels like time is flying by, Time Machine SENSES takes over on August 20 with a mash-up of decades and historical periods for the ultimate time machine trip. The SENSES season concludes on Thursday, September 17, with Oktoberfest SENSES, bringing traditional German-inspired festivities to Santa Clarita, with activities like Stein Holding and Barrel Rolling challenges. Each SENSES Block Party features live music, food trucks, themed activities and an on-street bar throughout the evening.
I look forward to seeing the community come together once again for this much-anticipated event series. To learn more about SENSES, including themes and activities, please visit OldTownNewhall.com.
Ken Striplin is the City Manager for the City of Santa Clarita and can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita. gov.
Entertain With These Easy Bite-Sized Appetizers
By Delish.com
Sure, fine, we are by no means scientists here, but we know one thing is 100% fact: When it comes to appetizers, we say the smaller the food, the tastier it is. Could this be why we love pigs in a blanket so much? Probably! When you can eat these appetizers in two bites, it means you and your guests can eat lots of pumpkin spice hot honey brie bites, bang bang shrimp and baked caprese bites.
Pumpkin Spice Hot Honey Brie Bites
Cooking spray
1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
2 Tbsp. heavy cream
1 Tbsp. store-bought or homemade hot honey, plus more for drizzling
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
6 oz. Brie, cut into 24 (1/2”) cubes
2 Tbsp. finely chopped roasted salted pecans
2 tsp. finely chopped fresh thyme
Arrange a rack in center of oven; preheat to 400°. Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray.
Cut puff pastry into 24 rectangles (in a 6 x 4 grid). Press rectangles into bottom and up sides of prepared cups.
In a medium bowl, using a handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat pumpkin puree, cream, hot honey, salt, and pumpkin pie spice until light and fluffy, about 1 minute.
Divide pumpkin filling among pastry cups (about 2 tsp. each). Top each with 1 cube of Brie. Bake bites until edges are deeply golden brown and Brie is starting to look glossy, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes.
Transfer bites to a platter. Top with pecans (if using) and thyme. Drizzle with hot honey.
Bang Bang Shrimp
For Shrimp
2 cups panko bread crumbs
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp. garlic powder
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 large eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 lb. raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
Freshly chopped cilantro, for garnish
For Bang Bang Sauce
4 Tbsp. mayonnaise
4 Tbsp. sweet chili sauce
2 Tbsp. sriracha
Juice of 2 limes
2 tsp. honey
Kosher salt
Preheat oven to 400° and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a shallow bowl, stir together bread crumbs, oil, and garlic powder and season with salt and pepper. In another shallow bowl, whisk eggs. Put flour in a third bowl. Using tongs, dip shrimp first in flour, then egg, then panko mixture, and transfer to prepared baking sheet.
Continue until all shrimp are coated. Bake until shrimp are crispy and golden, 13 to 15 minutes.
Make Bang Bang Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and honey and season with salt.
Drizzle Bang Bang Sauce over shrimp and garnish with cilantro before serving.
Baked Caprese Bites
Cooking spray
1 sheet frozen puff pastry (one 14-oz. pkg. or half of a 17.3oz. pkg.), thawed
6 oz. fresh mozzarella, cut into chunks
12 cherry tomatoes, halved
Extra-virgin olive oil and store-bought balsamic glaze, for drizzling
Flaky sea salt
1 Tbsp. thinly sliced fresh basil
Arrange a rack in center of oven; preheat to 400°. Grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray.
On a work surface, roll pastry to a 10” square. Cut into 5 (2”) strips, then cut each strip into 2” squares. Transfer squares to prepared tin, making sure bottom is flat.
Divide mozzarella among cups. Top with a tomato half, cut side down.
Bake puffs until pastry is golden brown and cheese is bubbly, about 20 minutes.
Drizzle with oil and balsamic glaze. Sprinkle with sea salt and top with basil.
The Latest News on What’s Happening In Hollywood
By Tony Rizzo
Move over, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Jacob Elordi! The new 007 front-runner is 36-yearold British actor Callum Turner Turner starred in “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindlewald” (2018), which grossed $654.9 million, as well as “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” (2022), which grossed $408 million. He also starred in “The Boys in the Boat” (2023), the miniseries “Masters of the Air” (2024), and the rom-com “Eternity” (2025) with Miles Teller and Elizabeth Olsen. In addition, Turner has an upcoming role in the tragicomedy thriller “Rosebush Pruning,” with Riley Keough, Jamie Bell, Elle Fanning and
Pamela Anderson. Then he has the rom-com “One Night Only” with Molly Ringwald, which is about strangers who find love on one night a year when premarital sex is legal. It’s due in August.
Turner is currently coupled up with Brit singer Dua Lipa.
Sunday-Thursday, March 15-19, 2026
Everything old is new again! Austin Butler (“Elvis”) will probably be Sonny Crockett to Michael B. Jordan’s (“Sinners”) Rico Tubbs if Universal Pictures has their way with the new reboot. (It is set for an August 2027 release.) The first “Miami Vice” film reboot in 2006 starred Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrell; it only grossed $164.2 million against its $135 million cost.
Also unswayed, Fox has ordered a 12-episode reboot of “Baywatch” with Stephen Amell as David Hasselhoff’s
Top Movies
March 9, 2026
1. Scream 7 (R) Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox
2. GOAT (PG) Caleb McLaughlin, Gabrielle Union
3. Wuthering Heights (R) Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi
4. Twenty One Pilots: More Than We Ever Imagined (NR) Josh Dun, Tyler Joseph
AVEST AC T IS TRUTH Sun: 1 00 PM At 15, Herber t escaped the Auschwitz-B rkenau death march, carr y ng the we ght of s lence for six decades When he finally breaks that s lence he forms a l fe -sav ng bond w th Abby, a troubled teenager confront ng her own pa n
HOPPERS B Sun: 1:15 4:00 7:00; Mon 1:10 4:00 7:00; Tue to Thu: 1:15 4:00 7:00
Sc entists have discovered how to “hop” human consciousness into ifelike robotic an mals, a lowing people to commun cate with animals as anima s! The adventure introduces Mabel an animal over who se zes an oppor tunity to use the technology, uncovering myster es w thin the anima world that are beyond anything she could have imagined
PEAKY BLINDERS: THE IMMORTAL MAN E 1:15 7:00 B rm ngham, 1940 Amidst the chaos of WW I, Tommy Shelby is dr ven back from a se f- mposed exi e to face his most destruc t ve reckon ng yet W th the future of the family and the countr y at stake, Tommy must face his own demons, and choose whether to confront his egac y, or burn t to the ground. By order of the Peaky Blinders
THE BRIDE! E Sun: 4:10 7:10; Mon to Thu 1:10 4:10 7 10
A lonely Frankenstein travels to 1930s Chicago to ask groundbreaking sc entist Dr Euphronious to create a companion for him The two revive a murdered young woman and The Bride is born What ensues is beyond what either of them imagined: Murder! Possession! A wild and radical cultural movement!
EPIC: ELVIS PRESLEY IN CONCERT C 4:00 PM EPiC features long-lost footage from Presley ’s legendar y Las Vegas residenc y n the 1970s, woven together with rare 16mm footage from E vis on Tour and precious 8mm from the Graceland archive WUTHERING HEIGHTS E 1 00 4:00 7 10 Emerald Fennell s “WUTHER NG HEIGHTS” stars Margot Robbie as Cathy and Jacob Elordi as
character, Hobie Buchannon. Hobie is now a lifeguard captain whose undeclared daughter shows up to become a lifeguard. Amell, 44, starred in the series “Arrow” (2012-2020), Hallmark’s “When Calls the Heart” (2013), “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows” (2016), “Calamity Jane” (2024), NBC’s “Suits LA” (2025), and the Canadian series “The Borderline.”
The 2017 “Baywatch” film, starring Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron and Alexandra Daddario (with cameos from David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson), cost $65 million and only earned $177.9 million. Amell has already buffed up for the beach!
This past year, ABC tried rebooting “The Love Boat” as “Doctor Odyssey,” but it was dumped after one season. Similar reboots include “Bionic Woman” (2007-2008), “Knight Rider” (2008), “Melrose Place” (2009), “Charlie’s Angels” (2011), “The Muppets” (2015-2016), and “Charmed” (20182022).
Still, reboots like “Doctor Who,” “Queer Eye,” “One Day at a Time,” “Fuller House,” and “The Conners” did beat the odds!
Alexander Skarsgard has played
5. EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert (PG-13) Elvis Presley
6. Crime 101 (R) Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo
7. I Can Only Imagine 2 (PG) Arielle Kebbel, Milo Ventimiglia
8. Send Help (R) Rachel McAdams, Dylan O’Brien
9. How to Make a Killing (R) Glen Powell, Margaret Qualley
© 2025 King Features Synd., Inc
Tarzan (in 2016), done battle with Godzilla and Kong (in 2021), been a Viking prince in “The Northman” (in 2022), portrayed a gay biker in the newly released “Pillion,” and even starred as a teenage girl on a recent episode of “Saturday Night Live” (which he hosted). Next, he will become a man who is woven from straw by Peter Dinklage as a companion for a lonely Olivia Colman (Best Actress Oscar winner for “The Favorite” in 2018). Colman proclaims, “I think it’s in my top three favorite scripts I’ve ever read!” If it doesn’t get pulled off, it could be her last straw!
© 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
Actor Callum Turner (“Eternity”). DEPOSITPHOTOS
Safe and Easy Ways for Seniors to Lose Weight
The prevalence of obesity among adults 60 and older is significant. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 39% of adults 60 and over met the criteria for obesity over a two-year period between August 2021 and August 2023.
The National Council on Aging notes the importance of maintaining a healthy weight as you age. Seniors who qualify as obese, which occurs when a person’s body accumulates and stores excessive amounts of body fat, carry a higher risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
The NCOA also notes that excess body weight puts a strain on the joints, increasing the risk for osteoarthritis and making daily movements more difficult. People with obesity also are more likely to develop asthma and sleep apnea.
Seniors diagnosed with obesity are urged to seek safe and healthy ways to lose weight. Fad diets and other means to quick weight loss can be dangerous, but the NCOA notes simple lifestyle changes and healthy habits can help
seniors safely lose weight.
Consume Nutrient-Dense Foods
Lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables offer plenty of vitamins, minerals and fiber but tend to be low in calories. That makes them ideal options for people looking to lose weight, as they contribute to feelings of fullness without consuming a lot of calories.
Physical Activity
Exercise can pose problems for older adults who qualify as obese. The joint issues that can affect older adults with obesity can make traditional exercise regimens that incorporate strength training and moderate to vigorous aerobic activity very difficult, and maybe even dangerous.
But the NCOA notes that exercise need not be intense to be effective. Walking is a great physical activity for older adults. Swimming is also excellent, as it provides a full-body workout that’s easy on the joints.
Don’t Sleep on Sleep
Sleep can be an effective ally for seniors looking to lose weight. The
NCOA notes that seven to nine hours of sleep per night helps support a healthy metabolism and regulate hunger. Seniors who have trouble falling asleep at night can try various strategies, from avoiding caffeine from the afternoon on to avoiding screens after dinner, to prepare their bodies to get better rest at night.
Combat Stress
The NCOA reports that stress is a contributor to weight gain. And stress and disorders linked to it are perhaps more common among adults 60 and over than people realize. In fact, ac-
Sleep Needs Change as Adults Grow Older
Adults know much about their health changes as they grow older, but health experts note that sleep requirements generally remain the same throughout adulthood. According to the National Institute on Aging, older adults need roughly the same amount of sleep as all adults.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that the recommended amount of sleep for adults is at least seven hours each day, and various organizations recommend adults get between seven and nine hours of sleep per night.
Those recommendations can promote optimal
cording to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders, which are a notable source of ongoing stress, are the most widespread mental health condition among older adults. Sufficient sleep, meditation and deep breathing exercises can help seniors combat stress, and that in turn may help older adults avoid excess weight gain.
Obesity is a problem among older adults. Finding safe ways to lose weight can have a profound effect on seniors’ short- and long-term health. (MC)
health into one’s golden years, but that advice is not being heeded by a significant portion of the adult population.
The CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System tracked the sleeping habits of men and women between 2013 and 2022 and ultimately found that 37.5% of men and 36% of women were not getting enough sleep during that time period.
The percentage of individuals not getting enough sleep was particularly high among adults between the ages of 39 and 64, among whom nearly four in 10 were falling short of the recommended daily amount of sleep. (MC)
Simple lifestyle changes and healthy habits can help seniors safely lose weight. ©ADOBESTOCK
Curate Your Routine with Cult-Favorite Lifestyle Staples
Cult-favorite products acquire that status for a good reason. They’ve already been purchased, tested and adored and by other consumers. The good news is that identifying the fan favorites that can help you revamp your routine doesn’t have to require hours of research. Simply looking for The Product of the Year red seal of approval when shopping means the product has the thumbs-up from consumers like year.
The 2026 Product of The Year Awards is the nation’s largest consumer-voted awards program dedicated to recognizing product innovation. Winning products were selected based on the opinions of 40,000 American shoppers through an independent national study conducted by Kantar, a leading global research firm.
As you shop, consider these Product of the Year home/lifestyle winners:
Bathroom Cleaning Scrubbing Bubbles Easy Clean
Make cleaning your bathroom the easiest job in the world with products perfect for quick cleaning between deep scrubs. The Multi-Purpose Foam Trigger and no-fatigue Continuous Spray dissolve tough bathroom stains in seconds. And the Foaming Toilet
Powder easily removes limescale, leaving a fresh scent.
Bathroom Tissue Charmin Forever Roll
With 1,700 sheets of two-ply softness, the Forever Roll lasts up to one month in a household of two, so you can ditch the frustration of changing the roll daily. The Forever Roll Starter Kit comes with two 12-inch rolls and a stainless-steel stand.
Dog Treat Chewsday Dental Chews
Bringing innovation to dog dental care, these chews’ powerful enzymes make it easier to remove plaque and tartar. The unique shape features textured nubbins for daily scrubbing and an easy-to-hold handle for paws.
Home Cleaning LYSOL Brand New Day
Bringing a fresh twist to disinfecting, each formula kills 99.9% of germs when used as directed and tackles grease, grime and everyday messes on over 100 hard surfaces. Convenient wipes, sprays and multipurpose cleaners in appealing fragrances make cleaning feel effortless.
Home Décor WoodWick Renovation Candle
An optimized formulation that’s focused on a premium plant wax blend
and an engraved lid represent the fragrances and colors seen in nature.
Home Fragrance Yankee Candle Large Original Jar
The iconic Yankee Candle large jar now has a new look and premium plant wax blend for more fragrance. A fresh, modern design and over 95 crafted scents help elevate your day.
Lawn Fertilizer Spectracide Lawn Fertilizer
This ready-to-spray solution makes fertilizing a breeze. Its QuickFlip nozzle attaches directly to your hose, providing a fast green and long-lasting color. Use it on all grass types any time of year.
Laundry Tide Original Liquid Detergent
The brand’s biggest upgrade in 20 years, this boosted formula is designed for all fabrics, machine types, and wash temperatures, and has 25% more grease- and stain-fighting power, plus 40% more odor-fighting surfactants for a deeper clean, even in cold water.
Oral Rinse TheraBreath Oral Rinse
When you swish twice daily for 1 minute with this alcohol-free dentist-formulated anticavity fluoride rinse, it delivers six powerful benefits in one: it fights cavities, freshens breath, kills bad breath bacteria, cleans the whole mouth, strengthens teeth and helps rebuild enamel.
Outdoor Mosquito Repellent OFF! Area Repellent
When you don’t want to wear repellent on your skin, simply spray around the perimeter of the area you’re looking to protect to keep mosquitoes 6 feet away for up to six hours.
Personal Care Kit Bikini Zone Flow Shaving System
Travel light with this shaving system offering salon-quality results. The innovative razor head attaches directly to a shave gel tube, which acts as both handle and gel dispenser. No separate bottles, mess or fuss.
Pest Control Zevo Compact Flying Insect Trap
This updated version of the brand’s
PHOTO
Signs Three Common Insects are Infesting a Lawn
Well-maintained laws are a byproduct of hard work. That hard work is a point of pride for homeowners who spend countless hours throughout spring, summer and fall tending to their lawns. All that hard work can be compromised when uninvited guests, namely insects, show up in a lawn. Insect infestations can turn a normally pristine and lush green lawn into a brown and sickly eyesore. Identifying which type of insect is damaging a lawn is the first step toward returning that lawn to its green glory. These are three common lawn insects and signs that they’re infesting a lawn.
Grubs
Grubs like to feast on the roots of grass right below the surface. Michigan State University Extension Turf & Landscape reports that grub damage can appear from March to early May or from mid-September to early November. The lawn and garden experts at GardenTech® note that wilted grass blades are often the first indicator of a grub infestation, which is followed by patches of brown turf and eventually death. Crows, skunks and moles eat grubs, so the sight of them in a lawn could indicate an infestation.
Chinch bugs
The experts at BobVila.com report that chinch bugs are not necessarily problematic when their populations are limited to around 10 to 15 bugs per square foot of lawn. In such instances, chinch bug populations are generally controlled by ants and la-
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number one selling Flying Insect Trap discreetly fits into tight spaces. Its blue and UV light attract and trap flying insects 24/7, while its sleek design keeps captured flies out of sight.
Weed Killer Spruce Weed & Grass Killer
This worry-free weed and grass killer features an innovative formula that is safe for use around people, pets and bees when used as directed. Delivering visible results in as little as an hour, and dead weeds in one day, Spruce makes weeding simple.
dybugs. However, extreme heat and drought, problems that have plagued various regions in North America in recent years, reduce the populations of bugs that feed on chinch bugs, thus increasing the population of these unwanted guests that feed on grass. GardenTech® indicates that damage from chinch bugs is most visible between June and September. That damage begins with grass taking on a purple tinge before it turns yellow and then brown after wilting.
Cutworms
The lawn care experts at Scotts® note that cutworms are moth larvae that hide in the thatch layer
Additional winning items include:
Baby Carrier TushBaby 2-in-1 Combo Carrier
Brain Health Supplement Neuriva Memory 3D
Children’s Health Mucinex Children’s Mighty
Chews Cold & Flu
Energy Supplement Mojo Energy Pouches
Hand Soap Dial Antibacterial + Hydrating Liquid
Hand Soap, Shea Butter
Itch Relief Cortizone-10 Bug Bite Relief Stick
Joint Health Proactive Support from the Makers of TYLENOL
of a lawn during the day before emerging at night to feed on grass blades. Patches of brown grass between one and two inches in width is a sign of cutworm infestation. Homeowners who notice a growing number of birds pecking away in their lawns may have a cutworm infestation, which can be confirmed by peeling up a section of damaged grass and looking for cutworms, which are brown, gray or black and tend to be around two inches long. The good news is that grub, chinch bug and cutworm populations can be controlled. Local turf specialists can recommend strategies to curtail such populations and help homeowners restore their lawns to full health. (MC)
Menopause Support E.P.T. Menopause Test
Smokeless Tobacco FRE Lush 15mg Mega Pack
Toothpaste TheraBreath Toothpaste
Topical Pain Relief TYLENOL PRECISE Nighttime Pain Relieving Cream
For more information and the complete list of this year’s winners, visit productoftheyearusa.com. Being an informed shopper can help you optimize your daily life. Thankfully, great resources make narrowing in on the best lifestyle essentials simple. (SPT)
Stacking Healthy Habits for Progress, Not Perfection
Despite the best of intentions, it’s common for plans to build healthier habits to fall flat. Often, the culprit isn’t a lack of motivation or discipline; rather, it’s unrealistic expectations.
Overhauling your lifestyle requires a level of commitment that isn’t always practical. Understanding your personal health needs and the challenges you must overcome can help give you a more realistic roadmap toward better health.
Tools to Guide You
Every plan needs a starting point and there are many reputable sources that can help guide you toward a plan that addresses your personal health needs. For example, the American Heart Association introduced My Life Check,
a simple, free tool to help individuals understand their heart health and what’s driving it. Users answer simple questions about their daily habits and health factors to get a personalized Heart Health Score in minutes.
The results are private and downloadable, giving you full control of your information. The tool turns big goals into small, specific actions you can start
right away. Knowing your numbers relative to your heart health can help you decide how to build a better map to get you where you want to be.
While the report is customized to each individual, no personal data is stored and answers are only used to calculate health scores and provide personalized recommendations and practical steps to improve your health, so you can use your results to focus on what matters most to you. Every small step you take, such as moving more, eating smarter, sleeping better or managing stress, can add up over time.
Finding Your Path
Once you’re armed with data and know where you stand on your heart health numbers, small steps become clearer and more manageable. That
knowledge makes it easier to choose one area to focus on, such as getting more sleep, taking daily walks or adding more color to your meals.
Healthy changes don’t need to be expensive or complicated. The best habits are ones that fit real life when every action you take moves you closer to your goals.
Staying motivated and on track is also easier when you can check back in, see your progress and realize the steps you’re taking are making an impact. Checking in every few months to see how you can grow gives you the chance to celebrate your progress, learn from challenges and keep building lasting habits that feel good.
To get started with personalized tips to set your own health goals, visit heart. org/mylifecheck. (Feature Impact)
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
What to Know Before Co-Signing a Loan
Ahelping hand every now and again is vital as people pursue a wide range of goals. Financial assistance can be particularly helpful in modern life thanks to the significant increase in traditionally high-priced items like vehicles and homes.
A recent analysis from Kelley Blue Book found that the average sale price of a new car in September 2025 exceeded $50,000, marking the first time that threshold had ever been crossed. Home prices also have soared over the last half decade, and the analysts at Cotality anticipate an average home price increase of 3.9% between July 2025 and July 2026.
As the cost of automobiles and homes rise, older individuals who are comfortable financially may be asked by their grown children or adult relatives to co-sign loans for these big-ticket items. While co-signing a loan is a selfless gesture, it’s important to recognize the stakes of such decisions.
What does co-signing mean?
A person who co-signs a loan is agreeing to be responsible for the primary borrower’s debt should that individual prove incapable of repaying the loan on their own. The Federal Trade Commission notes that co-signers are responsible for making payments the primary borrower misses. A co-signer also is responsible for the balance if the loan defaults because the primary borrower stops making payments.
Which loans tend to require a co-signer?
The FTC notes just about any type of loan can be co-signed. But co-signers tend to be necessary when younger borrowers with limited or nonexis-
tent credit histories attempt to borrow money. Creditors who issue student loans, auto loans and mortgage loans may require young borrowers or applicants with checkered credit histories to find a co-signer before they will loan such individuals any money. The cost of higher education, automobiles and real estate is higher than ever, which underscores the gravity of the decision to co-sign a loan.
What can I do to safeguard myself as a co-signer?
The FTC urges prospective co-signers to read a document known as the Notice to Cosigner, which lenders must provide to anyone co-signing a loan. This simple notice spells out exactly what it means to co-sign a loan and urges co-signers to be certain they can afford to pay the loan if the primary borrower defaults.
Vetting the borrower is another vital step for co-signers. If asked to co-sign a loan, even if the request is made by a relative, it’s best to ask for documentation detailing the prospective borrower’s finances. An income statement, bank statements, an up-to-date credit report, and a list of existing financial obligations can give potential co-signers an idea of how capable the prospective borrower will be in regard to making each monthly payment on time and doing so without jeopardizing their co-signer’s finances. Does co-signing affect my credit?
The FTC notes creditors can report the loan to credit bureaus as the co-signer’s debt. Should that occur and the borrower misses payments, that could be a black mark on co-signer’s financial reputation. (MC)
Grand Alaskan
• Marvel at Alaska’s natural beauty in Denali National Park
• Visit Alaska’s the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
• Cruise Glacier Bay and Wrangell St. Elias National Park
• Travel through the legendary Inside Passage
• Visit must-see sights like the historic starting point of Route 66 in Chicago, the famous Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, and the “End of the Trail” sign in Santa Monica
• Explore natural wonders of the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest National Park, and the Painted Desert
• Discover Seligman, known as the “historic birthplace of Route 66,” and visit the vibrant Hotel El Rancho in Gallup, where Golden Age movie stars once stayed
What’s Trending in Travel for 2026
After years of fast-paced itineraries and social media-inspired vacations, travelers are looking to slow down in 2026, instead focusing on more personal, immersive experiences.
That’s not to say Americans will be looking to travel any less — just more intentionally. Despite economic, political and cultural shifts, travel shows no signs of slowing down this year. In fact, according to a survey conducted on behalf of ALG Vacations, 100% of respondents plan to take a vacation in the next year, with 97% likely to travel for leisure in the next 6 months despite those concerns.
Even with tightened budgets, 95% of those surveyed would still travel — even if it meant scaling back. To help travelers zero in on what they’re looking to experience in 2026, working with a travel advisor when starting to plan that annual getaway can make the process easier.
Additional survey data shows 7 in 10 travelers are turning to professionals to plan their next trips with the younger generations leading the way;
83% of Gen Z and 78% of Millennials are likely to turn to a travel advisor for help with planning and booking.
“What’s really interesting is that travel advisors are resonating with a new wave of travelers,” said ALG Vacations’ Travel Advisor Champion Carson Kressley, the renowned style expert and world traveler best known for his role on “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” and his current Emmy Award-winning judge role on “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” “They want help uncovering hidden-gem destinations and great-value packages, and a new generation of advisors is meeting them exactly where they are.”
In addition to booking your next excursion with the assistance of a travel advisor, consider these trends Kressley identified for the year ahead.
Space and Privacy
In 2026, spaciousness is an expression of luxury — private villas, low-density boutique resorts and nature-framed hideaways where quiet feels curated and beauty isn’t shared with the masses. As travelers prioritize serenity over scene, this trend reflects
an emotional need for clarity as they look for time to reset and environments that support genuine presence.
Immersion in Culture and Hyper-Local
Travelers desire authentic experiences shaped by local chefs, artisans and storytellers who bring a destination’s heritage to life. It’s no longer about observing culture from a distance; it’s about actively participating in it with the destination’s native citizens, reflecting a desire for meaning and perspective.
Longer, More Intentional Vacations
Instead of rushing through multiple destinations, travelers are embracing itineraries that allow them to breathe through longer stays and experiences that unfold naturally. From a lingering lunch to an unstructured afternoon, this shift toward savoring prioritizes depth and connection.
Transformational Wellness
As wellness continues to evolve into deeply personal territory, travelers seek experiences that restore mind, body and perspective such as sunrise
rituals, nature-led healing, cultural wellness traditions and programs designed for renewal.
Screen-Inspired Destinations
Pop culture continues to influence travel, but today’s travelers seek more than filming locations. In 2026, they’re searching for dramatic landscapes, atmospheric architecture, richly layered cultures and experiences that evoke emotion and capture the feeling of their favorite cinematic worlds. This evolution of set-jetting is about stepping into a story rather than tracing its steps.
Shared Multi-Generational Moments
Multi-generational travel is shifting toward more purpose-driven experiences — milestone celebrations, cultural reconnection trips and meaningful moments together. The emphasis is on togetherness, personalization and experiences that feel like legacy. To learn more and start booking your next adventure, visit traveladvisorsgetyouthere.com. (Feature Impact)
Online Grief Etiquette
News of a death can spread online in seconds — often before families have notified close family members privately. That’s why grief experts urge people to rethink how they share condolences, tributes and loss-related information on social media, particularly during the winter months when grief can feel especially isolating.
“Grief etiquette is about putting the needs of the grieving family first, not our urge to say something publicly,” said Dr. Camelia L. Clarke, National Funeral Directors Association spokesperson, funeral director and grief educator with nearly 30 years of experience. “Just because information can be shared instantly doesn’t mean it should be.”
Social media has become a common place for sharing condolences, tributes and memories. However, grief experts caution that, without thoughtful consideration, online posts can unintentionally cause harm. Knowing when to post, what to say and when to remain silent can make a meaningful difference for families experiencing loss. Consider this advice.
Grief Etiquette in the Digital Age
Grief etiquette refers to the unspoken guidelines for how individuals acknowledge death, loss and mourning, particularly online.
According to Clarke, one of the most important principles is restraint.
“When a death is shared online too quickly, families can feel exposed and overwhelmed at a moment when they’re still processing the loss themselves,” she said. “Waiting is an act of compassion.”
Best Practices for Posting About Loss Online
As social media continues to play a
role in modern mourning, grief professionals encourage users to pause before posting and consider a few key guidelines:
Let the family lead Don’t post about a death until the immediate family has made it public.
Ask permission Obtain consent before sharing photos, stories or tributes. Reach out privately first A direct message, call or handwritten note can be more meaningful than a public comment.
Avoid speculation Don’t ask about or share details regarding the cause of death.
Offer ongoing support Grief extends far beyond the first days or weeks after a loss.
What to Say (and Avoid)
When expressing condolences online, experts recommend simplicity, sincerity and sensitivity. Messages that acknowledge loss without attempting to explain or minimize it are often the most supportive.
Helpful phrases include:
• “I’m sorry for your loss.”
• “Thinking of you and your family.”
• “I’m here if you want to talk or need anything.”
By contrast, well-meaning cliches can unintentionally cause harm. Phrases such as “They’re in a better place” or “Everything happens for a reason” may reflect the speaker’s beliefs, but they can feel dismissive to someone grieving.
“Grieving people don’t need answers — they need presence,” Clarke said. “Listening matters more than saying the perfect thing.” (Feature Impact)
PUZZLES
SOLUTIONS
Begging for Trouble?
Re: Jack Crawford, letters, Jan. 30, “Red-Tainted Lenses.”
I would sooner characterize Nicole Good and Alex Pretti as “weekend warriors” than peaceful protesters exercising their First Amendment rights. Why did all of this happen in one state even though Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are doing the same stuff in many others?
But let’s talk about the nurse. The shooting/killing of one Alex Pretti is much more complicated than meets the eye, or the camera lens. I think painting Pretti out to be an innocent and caring nurse at the Department of Veterans Affairs who merely wanted to see justice prevail is just too simple to be “entirely” complete or correct. So Pretti had a valid conceal and carry permit for his handgun and had the legal right to take his weapon wherever he went. So what? One must question the wisdom of someone carrying a loaded firearm into a situation as volatile and dangerous as an angry public protest. What reasonable person would do such a thing? I would not. He might even have seen himself as a sacrificial lamb, which seems to be going around in liberal circles. Anyone doing what Pretti did is just begging for trouble, and it is quite possible that’s what he had in mind.
Arthur Saginian Santa Clarita
Submit a Letter to the Editor Include name, address & phone. E-mail: letters@signalscv.com.
ETHICALLY SPEAKING
The Necessity of Beauty
By David Hegg
If we are not careful, the chaos and madness of our world can overwhelm our thoughts and leave us emotionally numb or worse. I feel it. We live each day with reports of a relentless onslaught of shocking criminal violence. We are deluged with political lies and opponent-bashing of our increasingly uncivil political actors. We are treated to news videos that catch property-destroying protests, followed by personal news testimonies of the wreckage left after horrible, raging fires, floods and ice storms. And, to top it all off, the ceaseless haranguing and pontificating of puny-minded social media pundits can push my buttons and bring about a combination of infuriation and despair. Add to that the daily tally of missiles, bombs, sunken ships and fatalities, and I find myself singing that old song, “stop the world, I want to get off!”
aging to a ravaged soul. Taking time to enjoy a forest, river, lake, or ocean can do wonders to remind me that this world is not completely mad.
Of course, there are other ways to infuse beauty into your life. I love music and find that music that has endured for centuries moves and nourishes the soul. Great music restores emotional balance, engenders both joy and sadness for the right reasons, and brings the kind of relaxation that enhances enjoyment of life.
Have you ever found yourself carrying a deep sense of anguish mixed with anger almost every day? Are you, like me, afraid your heart is building up a hard protective shell to keep the pain from becoming debilitating? I have, and it bothers me. I hate that there are times when I don’t feel as badly as I should when senseless murder, mayhem and tragedy dominate the headlines. I hate that wave after wave of misfortune can make my heart withdraw into a protective cave of non-feeling.
For me, the antidote is beauty. In the midst of pervasive gloom, an infusion of beauty can coax my heart out of the darkness and back into the vibrancy of human connectedness.
Beauty reminds me I am human, and, yes, I am my brother’s keeper, regardless of who or where my brothers and sisters may be. Here’s where I find beauty, and I offer these to you as suggestions for interjecting some of its heart-lightening properties into your everyday.
First and foremost is my relationship with my wife. Beauty begins with a satisfying, rejuvenating relationship with the one who knows me best and loves me the most. Just being together is the greatest reminder that life is to be lived with joy, regardless of external circumstances. We were created for relationships, and it is here we find that sense of beauty and normalcy that grounds a positive outlook on life.
Second, I find time appreciating natural beauty to be relaxing and invigorating. Sharing a glass of wine while watching the sun set as the heat of the day diminishes can be encour-
Why all this talk about beauty? From my vantage point, much of the rage and violence that has become commonplace in our world begins in hearts that just don’t see good anymore. They are fixated on what is broken and are largely blind to the good around them. This is not to say the brokenness doesn’t demand to be fixed. It does! But unless we approach the problems with emotional balance and a knowledge of what is truly good and right, we will forever be settling for immediate gratification, even if it is irrational.
It takes good people to solve bad problems. But we, the good people, must not succumb to the pervasive sentiment that doing bad can bring about good. Good people can only do good things if they remain good. While remaining unaffected by the hate-filled chaos around us is difficult, it is mandatory if we are ever to find common ground on the myriad problems we face. My point is simple. Don’t let the pain and anguish of senseless violence harden your heart and leave you emotionally numb. Stay alive, in every sense. Infuse your days with beauty, and refuse to allow circumstances to force you into the raging and nasty anger-filled vulgarity that has become so commonplace. We’re better than that! It will take us being better people who can face our deteriorating culture with courage and sympathy if we are to stem the billowing tide of anger and despair.
James, the brother of Jesus, put it this way: “... let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19,20). And adding some beauty every day can keep you emotionally and intellectually available to deal well with the circumstances that come your way, and be ready and able to help those around you realize that the sun will come up tomorrow.
Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.
