Sunday Signal April 18, 2021

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APRIL 18, 2021

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THE OSCARS ARE ALMOST HERE

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

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A P R I L 18, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES

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4 Experts share advice on pandemic-related tax situations 5 SCV’s animated ties to Academy Awards continues 7 The 411 on the COVID-19 vaccines

THINGS TO DO

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FROM THE CITY MANAGER

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SENIOR LIVING

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6 Oh, the things you can do at the library 8 Even more Santa Clarita CAN DOs this spring 9 A Second Wind: Senior travel surges

ENTERTAINMENT 10 10 ‘Chad’ is a ‘cringe-inducing’ comedy

FOOD 11 1 1 Fast, flavorful meals when you’re short on time Brown and Wild Rice Bowl Beef and Broccoli Garlic Rice

SignalSCV.com Presents Podcasts

SCV Leadership and Business Solutions with Lisa and Paul Raggio Helpful advice on life and business

HOME 12 12 DIY ideas that could increase your home value

GARDENING 13

Selina Thomas SCV’s HR Guru

13 Information and inspirations for your gardens

HEALTH 14 14 New guidance could change how you control asthma

PETS 15 15 Tips for moving pets across town, across country

KIDS & FAMILY

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1 6 Donna’s Day: Repurpose bottles for Earth Day fun Junior Whirl • Did You Know?

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TECHNOLOGY 17 17 Handy apps to keep your busy family on track

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4 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

A P R I L 18, 2021

N E W S F E AT U R E

Experts share advice on pandemic-related tax situations

I

n 2020, Americans experienced firsts across virtually every aspect of life. Now, with an extended tax deadline of May 17 approach­ ing, the implications for such an unusual year have some people wondering how all those changes might affect their tax refund.

From job loss to new tax breaks for unemploy­ ment benefits, plus three economic stimulus pay­ ments, many Americans will see an impact to their tax refund. According to a survey by H&R Block, most tax filers have more questions about taxes than they did last year. The No. 1 concern on most taxpayers’ minds is how stimulus checks will im­ pact their refunds (52%), followed by questions re­ lated to unemployment.

If you haven’t filed your taxes yet, you can find answers to some of this year’s most pressing tax questions with help from the experts at H&R Block.

Stimulus payments

The first thing to know about the 2020 stimulus payments is they are not taxable income, so you don’t need to report them as income on your tax return.

However, some life changes could mean even more money for you through the Recovery Rebate Credit. If you added a child to your family in 2020 or you’re filing taxes for the first time on your own, not as a dependent, you may be eligible for an addi­ tional stimulus payment when you file your return.

There’s also good news if your stimulus payments were too high because your income increased, or your kids turned 17 in 2020. You do not have to

repay any overpayments and your refund won’t be reduced.

For the third stimulus payment, there are two ways you could receive additional stimulus mon­ ey. Depending on when or if your 2020 tax return was processed, your third stimulus payment might not have reflected a new child or significantly low­ er income from 2019 to 2020. This could be fixed through a “plus up” payment later this year or on your 2021 return.

For the “plus up” payment, the IRS will re-de­ termine your eligibility for an additional payment after you file your 2020 tax return. If you are due more, you’ll receive another payment from the IRS for the difference.

When you file taxes next year, you could receive an additional payment on your tax return with the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit if in 2021 you have a child, your income drops significantly or you file for the first time.

Unemployment income

The American Rescue Plan Act passed by Con­ gress in March gave tax breaks to the record num­ ber of people who received unemployment income in 2020. You can exclude up to $10,200 of unem­ ployment benefits as income if your household in­ come is less than $150,000.

If you already filed your 2020 taxes and your re­ turn included unemployment income, there is no need to file an amended return in most cases.

In May, the IRS will begin calculating and issu­ ing refunds for overpayments. However, because everyone’s situation will be unique, this bene­

fit may make some people eligible for additional credits or deductions, including the Earned In­ come Credit.

Working with a tax professional to evaluate if you have become newly eligible for a credit or to understand if your state tax return(s) will be im­ pacted will help you know what actions you may need to take to ensure the best tax outcome.

Newly self-employed

Many Americans got creative to overcome uncer­ tainty in 2020 and generate more income. You may not realize it, but if you earned money through gig work last year, like driving for a ride-sharing app, you’re likely self-employed.

It might surprise you to learn that unlike a pay­ check from an employer, no taxes are withheld from income received from gig work. That means federal income taxes and self-employment taxes are due on your self-employment income and you are responsible for paying estimated payments or face penalties.

Getting help

With so many changes in the past year and many people experiencing firsts like unemployment or gig work, it is important to understand your situation and file an accurate tax return. Getting help is easy with H&R Block, whether you prefer filing on your own or working with a tax pro — virtually, online or in-person. If you’re used to meeting your tax pro­ fessional in person but want to stay socially distant, there are digital tools available.

Visit hrblock.com for more help navigating this tax season. (Family Features) 

A P R I L 18, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

N E W S F E AT U R E

SCV’s animated ties to Academy Awards continue

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

T

he SCV’s close ties to the entertainment industry could often be noted through the locally filmed productions nominated each year for the Academy Awards.

In recent years, the Oscar-nominated movies with Santa Clarita scenery include “Ford vs. Ferrari,” “A Star is Born,” “LA LA Land,” “Whiplash,” “Titanic,” “American Sniper” and Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon A Time in Hollywood” and “Django Unchained,” among others.

This year, however, the COVID-19 pandemic-related halt to production left the Santa Clarita Valley without major ties to a local nominee — at least not for ties from the valley’s unique settings.

However, the Santa Clarita Valley community of artists, and its world-famous arts college, California Institute of the Arts, once again contributed to the list of nominees. CalArts alum not only comprise many of those working on and off camera to make our favorite live films, it also has an animation program that’s contributed to some of the industry’s biggest animated films.

This year was no exception: The Best Animated Feature category had two of the five nominated films directed by CalArts alumni.

CalArts alum and director Pete Docter received a nomination with fellow producer Dana Murray for the Pixar feature “Soul,” a comedy-drama that was also nominated for Best

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In the Pete Docter and Glen Keane film “Soul,” Joe Gardner (voiced by Jamie Foxx) is a middle-school band teacher who gets the chance of a lifetime to play at the best jazz club in town, when things don’t go as planned. PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY

Original Score and Best Sound.

This nomination marks Docter’s fourth in the category, a record for Best Animated Feature, which was introduced by the Oscars 20 years ago.

In fact, since the category was introduced at the Academy Awards, 13 of the winning films were directed, produced or written by CalArts alumni, with the last nine consecutive Animated Feature Oscars going to CalArts alumni.

CalArts alum Glen Keane also received a nomination in the category for “Over the Moon,” an animated musical produced by Netflix, with producers Gennie Rim and Peilin Chou.

In the Short Film (Animated) category, another CalArt alum, Madeline Sharafian, was nominated with Michael Capbarat for “Burrow,” a Pixar short film.

The Legend of Room A113

he 2021 Academy Award nominees Pete Docter and Glen Keane are part of a legendary cohort that’s studied in CalArts’ storied Classroom A113. The famed room has hosted countless animation classes on the Valencia campus, and as a result, has been responsible for spurring some of the greatest names the industry recognizes today, including: John Lasseter (“Toy Story,” “Cars,” “Frozen”); Brad Bird, (“The Incredibles,” “Ratatouille”); Tim Burton, (“The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “Batman”); Michael Peraza (“The Fox and The Hound,” “The Little Mermaid”); and Joe Ranft (“Toy Story,” “Cars”) among many, many others. As a result, A113 appears as an “Easter egg,” or hidden insider reference, in a number of animated shows, as well as in Pixar movies.

The legend is explained here in this Vulture Video recently shared by the Cal Arts blog 24700: youtube.com/watch?v=Pfhr3oCddXs

“I’m thrilled for Pete Docter and Glen Keane on their feature film nominations for ‘Soul’ and ‘Over the Moon,’ and Maddie Sharafian for her short film ‘Burrow,’” CalArts President Ravi Rajan said. “These three alums attended CalArts at three different moments in time, with Maddie most recently finishing in 2014, demonstrating our history in animation and our continued prominence in the field.”

Founded by Walt Disney himself, CalArts’ Experimental and Character Animation programs are unrivaled in the world, educating successive generations of filmmakers who define the industry, whose level of talent Maija Burnett, director of the Character Animation program, considers simply remarkable.

“Even though I’m director of the program, I’m ultimately just a fan of the students and the faculty and the staff and how everyone works in concert to create films,” Burnett said. “It’s amazing to see the alumnus get out into the world and how they collaborate for decades to come.”

In fact, many of the Oscar-nominated films were worked on by a number of CalArts alumni, such as “If Anything Happens I Love You,” another Oscar-nominated, animated short film, which though wasn’t directed by CalArts alumni, the film’s animated director Youngran Nho and animators, HaeIn Michelle Kim and Julia Rodrigues, were all CalArts grads.

“This was one of the first professional productions they’ve been on,

and … it goes to show these collaborations and friendships that happened in the program really then help to spur what one does outside of the program,” Burnett added.

While COVID-19 might have impacted the film industry, resulting in a majority of animated film nominations, these films have actually been in the works for years.

“It all really comes down to just really hard work. Animation is a ton of hard work, frame by frame, and all the technological wrangling that has to happen,” Burnett said. “There are so many moving parts and to just have audiences see, appreciate and enjoy (the films) is the biggest thrill because the sheer process of putting it all together is so complicated.”

Nevertheless, since the shutdown, filming has quickly begun to ramp up and return to the SCV, with Evan Thomason, an economic development associate who leads the city’s Film Office, saying that it’s been going “really strong” in recent months.

“We’re seeing a lot of activity in our local studios and movie ranches, in addition to location filming,” Thomason added. “Episodic television has traditionally been the bulk of the filming we see in Santa Clarita, but with a backlog of projects waiting to get off the ground, I wouldn’t be surprised if the next year sees a lot of activity for both film and television production in Santa Clarita.”

The 93rd Oscars is scheduled to air 5 p.m. Sunday, April 25, on ABC. 

6 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

A P R I L 18, 2021

THINGSTODO

Oh, the things you can do at the library

Book clubs

The city library offers several different adult book clubs, including: The Paper Hearts — A Romance Book Club that virtually meets the third Wednesday of the month from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

The Worlds of Whimsy — A Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Club meets the 1st Wednesday of the month from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

For more information, visit the library’s book clubs page at www.santaclaritalibrary.com/books/ book-clubs.

Grab-and-go craft kits

There is a variety of Grab-and-Go craft kits targeted to adults, teens and kids. The kits can be picked up at 10 a.m. on Mondays from any of the Santa Clarita public libraries and are available until supplies are gone.

The teen craft has instructional videos on the library website, www.youtube.com/user/ scvpubliclib/videos.

For a video on how to use curbside pickups, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlyUPAPrtvg&ab_ channel=SantaClaritaPublicLibrary.

Weekly Zoom events

These sessions require preregistration and the signing of a waiver. The waiver can be found at forms.santa-clarita.com.

Story time for preschool and toddlers 9:30 a.m.

Mondays and Wednesdays (English) Tuesdays and Thursdays (Spanish and English) Teen Talks: Earth Day Tuesday, April 20, 3:30 p.m.

Join the Santa Clarita Public Library and presenters from the Los Angeles County’s Smart Gardening Program for a special Earth Day event. The first 25 registrants will be able to pick up a special gardening gift.

Tuesdays Homework help, 3 p.m.

Library staff and volunteers will help answer questions or refer students to HelpNow, a free on

ANTA CLA

RITA

HangOUT, 4:30 p.m.

Teens, friends and allies in the LGBTQIA+ community are welcome to join the @SCVPublic Library and @QueerSCV mentors to chill on Zoom.

Wednesdays Teen Game Day, 4 p.m.

Stop by the Zoom room and play some fun online games with your friends and the library. Each week is a different game from Trivia to Drawful 2 and other JackBox games. Be sure to invite your friends.

CIT Y OF S

F

inding productive ways for adults and children to fill their time has been an ongoing issue. As libraries begin to open and gradually expand capacity, there are several ways to take advantage of online activities and some onsite fun.

The Santa Clarita Public Library offers several online and in-person activities. There is something for everyone including weekly Grab-and-Go Kits for all ages, online story times, teen game days, teen hangouts, teen talks and family game nights.

Here are a few upcoming events.

line tutoring database that can be used with a library card.

PHOTOS C OURTESY

By Doña Uhrig Signal Staff Writer

Colorful Relaxation, 6:30 p.m.

Adults and seniors join in to listen to soothing music while participating in colorful art projects.

Copies of the weekly coloring page are available during the library’s curbside service hours and online by visiting the library’s sign-up calendar at santaclaritalibrary.evanced.info/signup/calendar.

Click on the Colorful Relaxation event for the day you want to join and follow the instructions.

Thursdays, 2nd and 3rd weeks of the month Family Game Night, 6:30 p.m.

Family and friends of all ages are welcome to join the library for game night as they host a variety of virtual games, such as Kahoot! and JackBox games.

Fridays Storytime Starters, all day Check out Facebook and Instagram for a list of books, songs and home activities.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SCVPublicLibrary/ Instagram: instagram.com/scvpubliclibrary/ Sidewalk Stories, 9:30 a.m.

Join library staff at each of the library locations for preschool storytime. Registration is required as there are limited places available.

Locations

Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Library 18601 Soledad Canyon Rd. (661) 259-0750 Old Town Newhall Library 24500 Main St. (661) 259-0750 Valencia Library 23743 W. Valencia Blvd.

(661) 259-0750 The libraries are open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 75% capacity. And, residents will be able to browse book collections and use the computer lab. Curbside services are still available Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

For more information, visit the City of Santa Clarita Public Library website at www.santaclarita library.com. 

The Paper Hearts Romantic Book Club

A P R I L 18, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

N E W S F E AT U R E

The 411 on the vaccines in the fight against COVID-19

By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

T

here are three forms of the COVID-19 vaccine, two of which remain in active use as of the publication of this article: Moderna and Pfizer.

The third, Johnson & Johnson’s inoculation effort, is now under a new microscope that’s been discussed by local, state, national and world health officials, due to the widespread demand for vaccines.

Here’s some information to help understand the differences, some of the possible side effects and why there’s been concern for the effects of a vaccine that’s caused a severe reaction in only the tiniest percentage of its recipients.

Moderna & Pfizer

Moderna and Pfizer have both developed vaccines that require two doses of the shot, and both work in similar ways, according to the experts.

“The Moderna and Pfizer are called mRNA vaccines,” said Dr. Elizabeth Hudson, the chief of infectious diseases for Kaiser Permanente Panorama City Medical Center. “The J&J vaccine is an adenovirus vector vaccine.”

The difference?

“The way that the technology is, is that the mRNA is a sequence of a protein that basically tells the body how to make the ‘spike protein’ of the Coronavirus, and they wrap that information in a liquid molecule and put it in the vaccine and then they give it to you through a shot,” said Courtney Mattley, the pharmacy clinical coordinator for Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. “Ultimately, your body is making the spike protein of the Coronavirus, which is the little spikes you see on the outside of all these pictures of the Coronavirus.

“So, that’s your body, making a piece of the virus so that eventually, if you actually get the real virus, they can acknowledge what that is and know what to do,” she explained, “because you’ll have already been exposed to it.”

It is through this creating of a small version of the disease within you that, according to the experts, results

in arm pain, or even what is known as “a classic presentation.” The first dose is generally associated with the arm pain, while the second dose can sometimes result in flu-like symptoms in some patients.

“It’s your immune system being exposed again and actually mounting an immune response, so you feel almost as if you were exposed to something that makes you sick, because you’re making that same reaction,” said Mattley. “But you’re not actually having an infection.”

Johnson & Johnson

Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine is not an mRNA vaccine, but rather, as previously mentioned, is an adenovirus vector vaccine.

In layman’s terms, this roughly equates to meaning that it is a traditional virus-based technology that delivers instructions on how to defeat COVID-19. However, it cannot replicate in your body, and will not give you an infection.

“Johnson & Johnson is linked to a different virus, like a weakened virus that cannot affect you,” said Mattley.

“Ultimately, you get the same result — you get the spike protein being made by your body, and then your body knows what to do as far as antibodies and what to do if exposed to the real virus.”

Both injections of the Moderna and Pfizer contain the same exact solution within them, with the body experiencing equal exposures both times.

Johnson & Johnson differs in that it is one shot, but because of its approach, it’s easier to store and allows for people to be fully vaccinated if they are at risk of not returning for a second shot.

Yale Medicine officials released a report in February comparing all three vaccines and their ability to produce to the desired effect of immunization, stating Pfizer has a 95% efficacy of preventing infection; Moderna has 94.1% in people before infection; and Johnson & Johnson has 72% overall efficacy. It’s important to note that all three of these vaccines are highly effective, according to officials. The differences in reported effectiveness are due to the different locations and time of the

Intensive Care Unit nurse Kathy Brady receives one of the first doses of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, which were given out at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital in Valencia back in December. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

pandemic that the vaccine trials were held.

Rare concerns

On Tuesday, both the Centers for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration recommended a pause on the administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in order to conduct further investigation.

“It’s a rare blood clot that also is associated with low platelets which is a strange thing to happen, so that basically means you’re (at a) higher risk of clotting and high risk of bleeding at the same time, which is what makes it a special circumstance,” said Mattley. “So, that’s why they’re giving it more attention than just a normal blood clot.”

“There was just as many people who disagree with pausing the vaccine because six is extremely, extremely rare out of 7 million, I mean that’s such a low number,” she added.

“But because of the fact that it’s such a rare circumstance of the type of blood clot that that it is, and the fact that we’re doing this mass vaccination across the world, they’re just not wanting to take the risk.”

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP, of the

CDC has yet to issue an update about when the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine might resume.

Myths

There are a number of myths circulating around the vaccines, from the vaccines causing a change in your DNA to it resulting in infertility.

“It’s literally scientifically impossible for mRNA to be incorporated into your own body’s DNA,” said Mattley. “It does not enter the nucleus, which is where our DNA is, and it also gets broken down extremely, extremely fast by our own body, which is why you have to freeze it at these ultra-low temperatures to make it stable.”

The second rumor that she and her colleagues have been trying to put down is a potential fertility issue.

“Now, of course, we have no longterm data, but we have no scientific reason to believe that it would cause infertility,” said Mattley. “There’s a ton of people in the studies who have become pregnant while they were getting studied or as soon as the study was over.” 

8 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

A P R I L 18, 2021

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Even more Santa Clarita CAN DOs this spring

By Ken Striplin City Manager

L

ast fall, the City of Santa Clarita launched the CAN DOs campaign, focusing on health and exercise and highlighting all of the activities residents can safely participate in during the COVID-19 pandemic. From the opening of the Trek Bike Park of Santa Clarita in September to the development of the 35 Parks Challenge, individuals and families were able to stay active — in a fun, positive way — while also ensuring public health protocols were followed to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

With the encouraging news that case counts are falling as vaccination numbers increase, the State of California and Los Angeles County Department of Public Health have started to ease restrictions on what residents can and cannot do.

In the past few weeks, we have seen the return of youth and adult sports programming, indoor dining and the opportunity to visit entertainment centers and theme parks.

Driving throughout Santa Clarita this last week,

I was encouraged to see the number of people shopping at local retailers and dining at Santa Clarita establishments. Softball teams are back competing, parents are taking their kids to their nearest Santa Clarita Public Library branch and we are beginning to see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel.

As public health restrictions are eased, more activities become part of the Santa Clarita CAN DOs. This past Monday, the City celebrated the official ribbon cutting and grand opening of The Cube. This ice and entertainment center on Smyth Drive in Valencia brings ice back to Santa Clarita and will be home to ice skating, hockey, special events and more.

Connect with The Cube on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and visit TheCubeSantaClarita. com for the latest news and facility schedules.

Now that the weather has warmed, it is the perfect time to make progress toward completing the 35 Parks Challenge.

The challenge is simple — download a Challenge checklist and visit each of the City of Santa Clarita’s 35 parks. Take photos to post on social

media and submit your completed checklist to redeem a prize! Get started at santaclarita.com/CANDOs. Are you ready to push yourself to the limit physically and mentally in a new adventure competition? The Incredible Chase, a local twist on CBS’ “The Amazing Race,” pits teams of two against each other in a variety of challenges throughout the month of May. After each leg, teams will be eliminated until just one remains to claim the grand prize. You’ll want to choose your teammate quickly, however, as registration for The Incredible Chase closes Monday, April 19. Learn more and sign up today at santa-clarita.com/IncredibleChase.

There is so much to do and discover in Santa Clarita. To see everything you CAN DO and plan your next family outing, please visit santa-clarita. com/CANDOs. Ken Striplin can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita.com. The views expressed in his column are those of the City and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal. 

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A P R I L 18, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

SENIORLIVING A SECOND WIND

Senior travel surges

By Mary Petersen Signal Staff Writer

L

ike so many of our friends, my husband and I have received vaccinations (both of them) and are starting to think about life after a year of living distantly, about things we will be able to do in the post-vaccine era. Inoculation feels like a celebratory event, and one way people like to celebrate is to travel.

Pre-Covid, we celebrated our retirement by taking a road trip. The following year we spent two weeks in China where I facilitated a teacher training workshop. The next spring we visited family in England and then enjoyed a trip to Dubai that dropped into our laps (long story). But for the last year, our most common travel destination was the backyard patio.

The drop in demand for air travel, cruises and hotels sent prices plummeting during the pandemic.

It was cheap, but traveling was restricted, and few people, especially seniors, felt comfortable venturing out during spikes in Covid cases and increased hospitalizations.

Since the vaccine rollout, people are feeling less fearful about the threat of Covid. As more people get vaccinated, they have renewed confidence in traveling.

A survey by Deloitte of 1,000 consumers in the U.S. indicates that of those fully vaccinated, 54% felt safe flying and 70% felt safe staying in a hotel.

“The vaccine was definitely a game-changer,” said Rabia Shahenshah, a travel adviser with Tzell Travel Group.

It might surprise you that the demographic leading the surge in new travel bookings is people over

65. Although they were the most vulnerable, they have been among the first to receive Covid vaccinations.

All over the country, people 65 and older are starting to look for travel destinations and actively make travel plans. The tourism industry, battered by the pandemic, is now getting a much-needed boost from senior travelers.

“There’s a lot of pent-up desire among seniors,” said Jeff Galak, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business.

“It might be the ticking of the clock that is motivating seniors to book as soon as an inoculation makes it safe. It may be that seniors are eager to get back out and reclaim their golden years.”

In any event, cruise lines and travel companies are responding by rolling out new programming and features geared to attract their oldest demographic.

Of course, the pandemic has been unpredictable and any recent progress could disappear with a surge in Covid cases.

Health officials advise people to take precautions, follow health guidelines for masking and social distancing and choose destinations that have not been overburdened by the pandemic.

Vaccines are likely to increase travel demand. As demand for travel climbs, prices are expected to follow suit, especially for summer, according to industry experts. For now, travelers are taking advantage of the lower rates before demand begins to surge.

The good news is that we can begin to travel again. The bad news is that the price of travel is going up. But that’s a price I’m willing to pay.

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

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A P R I L 18, 2021

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

‘Chad’ is a ‘cringe-inducing’ comedy that’s worth a look

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘Chad’

 (out of four) Tuesdays on TBS.

T

he thing about Chad is, he’s the worst. This 14-year-old might tell himself he has the best of intentions, and in fact, he does have a sweet side that bubbles to the surface on rare occasions, but consider just a few anecdotes from the life of Chad: • When Chad’s braces are removed after seven long years, he tells his orthodontist, “Doctor Tony … I don’t know who encouraged you into this damn field, but you’re a terrible orthodontist.”

• After learning his divorced mother has begun dating a Muslim man named Ikrimah, Chad freaks out. His mother says, “You do realize technically WE’RE Muslim?” Chad replies, “Yeah, we’re Muslim enough, we don’t need people thinking that’s like our whole thing!”

• When Chad’s little sister gives him a hard time, he says, “Nikki, no offense, but you are a whore.” (Mom: “Chad!”

Chad: “I said no offense! God!”) • When Chad sees his friend Denise, he asks, “You still have chronic fatigue syndrome?” Denise says, “It’s CHRONIC, so yeah,” to which Chad replies: “That sucks so hard. If it makes you feel better, there are a lot of people who say it’s not even real.”

On Chad’s first day of school, he manages to insult and offend a number of new classmates before the start of first period and later spins wild tales about having had sex over the summer in order to impress the cool kids. That evening, when Chad meets Ikrimah, the new boyfriend, he has a total change of heart about the man being Muslim because he’s Black.

Chad asks Ikrimah to drive him to school the next morning and cranks up the music as they pull up, in a blatant effort to demonstrate his “cred” or some such thing.

Jeez. Come on, Chad.

This is the setup for the new TBS series “Chad,” a cringe-inducing comedy in the vein of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” only instead of Larry David

PHOTO COURTESY IMDB

playing a fictionalized and misanthropic version of himself, 39-year-old “Saturday Night Live” alum Nasim Pedrad is playing Ferydoon “Chad” Amani, a teenage boy. Though the hair and makeup are impressive and Pedrad delivers a razor-edged, all-in performance, we never quite buy her as a late-blooming and socially uncomfortable adolescent, but the writing is so crisp and funny, and the situations in this sitcom so ridiculously hilarious, we can suspend our disbelief and go with it. (That Chad himself is in such an awkward phase helps Pedrad sell the performance under the oversized polo shirts and baggy jeans.)

As Chad gets into one excruciatingly humiliating situation after another, often because of his offensive takes on race and society, I was actually reminded of Michael Scott on “The Office.” If we saw a “Young Michael”-type show about his teenage years, it probably wouldn’t be all that different from “Chad.”

Every episode made me laugh out loud more than once. Every episode also made me want to look away out of horror for what Chad had wrought upon himself.

‘Thunder Force’ 1/2 

Netflix presents a film written and directed by Ben Falcone. Rated PG-13 (for some action/violence, language and mild suggestive material).

I

t’s always a shame when a group of talented humans get together and deliver something that comes across as a halfhearted effort, even if they poured their

blood, sweat and tears into it. Such is the case with the alleged action comedy titled “Thunder Force,” and I’ll start with this: During one of the many lulls in the plot, co-stars Octavia Spencer and Melissa McCarthy get into a discussion about Glenn Frey and in particular his song “Smuggler’s Blues,” eventually singing along with the tune.

Later in the story, they hear “Kiss From a Rose” by Seal, and they sing along with THAT pop hit.

You know what’s kind of fun? Singing along to classic tunes. You know what’s almost never fun because it’s so overdone? People in a movie singing along to classic tunes.

The pop culture nods and the Chicago-centric references fly in “Thunder Force.” McCarthy does an Urkel impersonation and calls one overly serious female executive “Jodie Foster,” and there are numerous shoutouts to the Bulls and the Bears, and even “The Super Bowl Shuffle” and Jim McMahon’s sunglasses. (A cop also refers to a crime on “Grand Street” instead of “Grand Avenue,” sigh.) All well and good, but while “Thunder Force” is set in Chicago, it was filmed in Atlanta, save for a few establishing shots, and it looks like a Chicago-set movie that was filmed in Atlanta.

Geographical groans aside, it’s also a feeble superhero comedy with lazy, gross-out jokes, mediocre action sequences, some bad sitcom-level acting and the appearance of Jason Bateman as a criminal who has crab legs for arms, and you read that right: crab legs for arms. Imagine the hilarity, or lack thereof, when this guy goes out to dinner and the waiter suggests the seafood tower! SMH. “Thunder Force” kicks off with comic book-style graphics as we’re told: “In March of 1983, a massive pulse of interstellar cosmic rays struck the Earth [and] triggered a genetic transformation in a select few, unleashing unimaginable superpowers … unlocked in rare individuals who were genetically predisposed to be sociopaths.”

I hate when that happens.

After an overlong prologue set in the late 1980s, we pick up the story in present day, with Melissa McCarthy’s

working-class gal Lydia reconnecting with her estranged childhood best friend, Emily (Octavia Spencer), who runs a powerful tech company called Stanton 4.0. Ever since Emily was a little girl and her parents were killed in a CTA train explosion caused by a miscreant (that’s the name given to the evil mutants), she has devoted her life to receiving the education and training necessary to develop a genetic platform that will give ordinary, decent people superpowers so they can fight back against the miscreants.

Now, finally, Emily has achieved her goal, and that’s when Lydia bumbles her way into accidentally receiving the first treatment that will give her superhuman strength.

There’s no going back, so Lydia continues to receive the very painful (and painfully unfunny) injections to make her ultrapowerful, while Emily takes a series of pills that will give her the power of invisibility. Put the duo together and you have … Thunder Force! Capable of squeezing into a purple Lamborghini (cue the sight gags of McCarthy and Spencer struggling to get into and out of the car) and fighting crime all over Chicago/ Georgia!

Bobby Cannavale hams it up as “The King,” a psychopathic crime boss running for mayor who loses it every time someone calls him just “King.” And yes, Jason Bateman is “The Crab,” who became half-man, half-crustacean after a horrific accident and is conflicted about his life of crime, especially after taking a liking to Lydia. (On a dinner date, he tells her he’s actually just “half-creant,” which she mistakenly hears as “half Korean.” In case you didn’t cringe the first time, the alleged joke is repeated in a later scene.) I didn’t think it was possible to ever tire of Jason Bateman and his spectacularly unique way of putting the perfect spin on even the most innocuous of lines (a skill equaled only by Robert Downey Jr. and a handful of others), but it doesn’t take long for The Crab to grate on me to the point where I wanted him to buzz off, pincers and all. Like everyone else in “Thunder Force,” he’s mired in a thunderously bad film. 

Copyright 2020 Chicago Sun-Times

A P R I L 18, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1

FOOD

Fast, flavorful meals when you’re short on time

Q

uality meals don’t have to drain hours from your day; satisfying taste is possible in just minutes when you have a few strategies that can help make meal prep easier and the results more enjoyable.

Eat better with veggies

If eating better is your goal, explore veggie-based recipes that are hearty and filled with nutrients and vitamins. This Brown and Wild Rice Bowl with Veggie Burger is perfect for a meatless Monday or any other day when you need a fast, filling and flavorful meal in short order. If you don’t have veggie burgers at home, or simply prefer a meat-based option, a cooked frozen beef patty is a good time-saving alternative.

Make simple swaps for variety

When you find a dish that’s easy and tasty, you may find yourself falling back on the same thing again and again. Prevent taste bud boredom by mixing up your ingredients. You can transform a rice-based recipe by changing up the veggies, cheese, dressing and other toppings. Try pickled jalapenos for spice. Add corn if you like things sweet.

Swap a creamy dressing with a zesty vinaigrette for fewer calories and a whole new taste.

Shop for convenience

Takeout may let you skip prep time completely, but you can easily make versions of many favorite to-go meals at home in just a few minutes. This Beef and Broccoli Garlic Rice uses perfectly portioned Minute Ready to Serve microwavable rice cups that help you put together a delicious lunch or dinner without measuring or overeating. Choosing products like portion-controlled rice and other ready-to-serve ingredients can help shave time off your prep work.

Tempt your taste buds with more convenient meal ideas at minuterice.com. (Family Features) 

Brown and Wild Rice Bowl with Veggie Burger

2 tablespoons ranch dressing

Prep time: 5 minutes Servings: 1 1 cup Minute Ready to Serve Brown and Wild Rice 1 precooked veggie burger patty 1/2 cup shredded lettuce 1/2 cup halved grape tomatoes 2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese

Break veggie burger into large chunks and place in small, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high 60-90 seconds, or until veggie burger is heated through.

Prepare rice according to package directions.

Toss together rice and veggie burger. Top with lettuce, tomatoes and cheese. Drizzle with ranch dressing. 

Beef and Broccoli Garlic Rice Prep time: 5 minutes Servings: 1

1 cup Minute Ready to Serve Garlic and Olive Oil Jasmine Rice 1/2 cup fresh broccoli florets 1/2 cup sliced red bell pepper 2 tablespoons diced water chestnuts 3 ounces cooked beef, sliced into strips 3 tablespoons teriyaki glaze

soy sauce (optional) Heat rice according to package directions.

In large, microwave-safe bowl, combine broccoli, bell pepper and water chestnuts. Microwave on high 1 minute. Add beef and microwave on high 1 minute.

Stir in glaze and rice. Top with soy sauce, if desired 

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A P R I L 18, 2021

HOME

Do-it-yourself ideas to increase your home’s value

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ow as much as ever, your home may be a sanctuary for all kinds of expression, from thinking and dreaming to working and playing.

Over the past year, homeowners began to consider the intersection of function and design in new ways.

Weekend warriors are dedicating themselves to creating more organized living spaces and making their homes better places for learning, working and living. If you’re considering upgrades to your home, consider these DIY ideas from the experts at Royal Building Products that can increase beauty and resale value.

Home Office Spending more time at home may mean storage space is at a premium, especially if you’re relying on a makeshift home office. You can add a high-impact and functional element to your office with a builtin bookcase or workstation. Consider your materials carefully since they have a big impact on your final results. For example, a versatile alternative to wood is synthetic polyvinyl chloride (PVC) trim, which you don’t need to sand or prime before painting, ultimately saving time, energy and money. While PVC is slightly more expensive than some wood options, it also requires less maintenance long-term.

Bathroom By updating worn-out items, modernizing fixtures and creating a more functional space, you can expect to recoup up to 50% of a bathroom’s remodel cost, according to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. If you’re considering an on-trend look like shiplap, a practical solution like Royal prefin-

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Creating more organized living areas can make the space more usable and add value to your home.

ished PVC Shiplap can help create a clean, comfortable space. It’s waterproof, mold resistant, flexible and works well in spaces with many slants and angles. Plus, it’s lightweight and easy to install.

Entryway A home’s foyer offers the first impression of its interior, teasing the personality of architecture and decor found with each step deeper inside. Whether bold and dramatic, tranquil and serene, or something in-between, the entryway often sets the tone for a home’s ambience. Details like decorative molding and lattice trim can create a striking entryway for almost any home style.

Exterior Whether you’re sprucing up an outdoor living space or simply want to boost curb appeal, subtle enhancements can make a big impact.

For example, board and batten shutters offer an attractive, low-fuss way to highlight your home’s windows.

Painting the front door is another low-cost way to freshen up your exterior. Or invite a touch of nature by adding flower boxes to your front porch or windows.

Find more creative inspiration, tools, tips and practical steps for every level of DIY-er at buildroyaldiy.com. (Family Features) 

Select a Trim Style to Match Your Home Style

The right style of trim can transform a room into a whole new space. A good rule of thumb is to keep the style of trim consistent with your home style and from room to room.

Craftsman: The craftsman home style pairs well with simple, tailored and purposeful doors and minimally ornamented window casings while white, light beige and cream-colored crown moulding can create roomier spaces.

Colonial: This home style’s rustic simplicity and rich detail call for interior trim that lends a touch of stately courtliness. Choose multi-piece trim and wider baseboards, wainscoting and crown moulding to adorn family room floors, walls and ceilings.

Cape Cod: This practical and quaintly unassuming design can be accented by subtle interior trim such as transom windows and sidelights that surround multi-paneled entry doors, casings for double-hung windows, picture rails and frame walls.

Modern: The clean expansiveness of this home style lends itself to unadorned window and door casings as well as baseboards. You can go minimalist and use trim merely to protect walls and floors. Alternatively, you could rely on trim to create an appealing contrast with the wall colors.

Ranch: Open, informal and inviting, this style needs trim work that flows from room to room. Many styles work, from simple baseboards to more formal trimmed windows and cabinetry in the kitchen, fireplace mantels in the family room and passageway casings. (Family Features) 

A P R I L 18, 2021

G

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

Information and

ardening saw record growth in 2020 and experts expect many more people will be digging in the dirt again this spring. From “Victory” vegetable gardens to balcony containers, outdoor gathering spaces and mood-lifting landscapes, gardening is providing an outlet. Research conducted late last year found that 86% of homeowners plan to continue gardening in 2021. With all that expansion and enthusiasm comes the need for inspiration and advice.

Help for beginners

One source provides both inspiration and advice, with a goal of helping people feel more successful in their gardening endeavors. The National Garden Bureau was founded in 1920 in the wake of World War I, when an increasing number of suburbanites needed basic backyard gardening instruction.

The nonprofit organization’s mission is to provide education to motivate people to enjoy plants, from indoor houseplants to outdoor gardens.

Try something new

How do they do it? One way is with their ‘Year of ’ program. Each year the National Garden Bureau selects one annual, one perennial, one bulb

crop, one edible and one shrub as their ‘Year of the’ crops. “Our ‘Year of ’ program puts a spotlight on timely, interesting varieties,” says Diane Blazek, executive director of NGB. “Plants are chosen because they are popular, easy to grow, widely adaptable and versatile.”

One of the more popular picks for 2021 is The Year of the Sunflower. “If there was ever a time where we needed to add some sunshine to the world, it’s now,” adds Blazek. “Sunflowers add bright, cheery color to the garden, and they’re extremely easy to grow. They’re simple to start from seed, or you can purchase new potted varieties that promise multiple blooms throughout the season.”

2021 is also the Year of the Green Bean, Hardy Hibiscus, Hyacinth and Monarda.

A look into the future

“A big trend we’ve seen in our Future of Gardening survey is all about creating beautiful spaces,” says Blazek. “Planting sunflowers, hibiscus, hyacinth, monarda and other easy-to-grow flowers can help add color and curb appeal, but they also add natural beauty to outdoor gathering spaces.” Food gardens are also hot, especially with newer gardeners. “History shows that when there’s a national crisis, there is an increased interest in edible gar-

GARDENING

dening,” she says. “That’s why we’re including more info on growing vegetables.”

Learn from the experts

NGB’s members are horticulture experts who know gardening. The curated information the organization provides comes directly from those sources, offering new and experienced home gardeners advice they can count on to create great garden spaces. “The increased interest in gardening is great news,” adds Blazek. “Our goal as an industry is to keep people engaged in gardening even beyond this season. We feel an even greater need to provide quality information for new gardeners and exciting ideas for gardeners who want to take their experience to the next level.”

New plants for 2021

A popular area of NGB’s website is the New Plants section. In addition to searching by name, visitors to NGB.com can search by plant category, type and height to find the perfect variety for their garden.

NGB.com also provides inspiration for plant combinations, delicious new vegetable varieties and tips to keep plants thriving throughout the season.

Need more information or inspiration for your garden this year? Visit NGB.org. (BPT) 

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A P R I L 18, 2021

H E A LT H

New guidance may change how to control asthma

T

he National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health recently updated national guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and management of asthma.

The 2020 Focused Updates to the Asthma Management Guidelines aim to improve the care of people living with asthma. Together, people with asthma, their caregivers and health care providers can make informed decisions about asthma management based on this new guidance.

The guidelines contain 19 new recommendations in six key areas of asthma diagnosis, management and treatment.

For example, they suggest that people ages 4 and up with moderate to severe persistent asthma use a single inhaler that contains an inhaled corticosteroid and the bronchodilator formoterol.

The guidance recommends this treatment both as a daily asthma controller and as a quick-relief therapy. Inhaled corticosteroids are medicines that help control inflammation in your airways over time, and bronchodilators help keep your airway muscles relaxed.

The guidelines also suggest that people ages 12 and up with mild persistent asthma may do well

with inhaled corticosteroids along with a type of medication called a short-acting bronchodilator for quick relief.

People who are sensitive and exposed to indoor allergy triggers, such as dust or animal dander, may find that these allergens affect their asthma. A few different strategies, used together, can help reduce symptoms. Using only one strategy often does not improve asthma outcomes.

For example, using a high-efficiency particulate air filtration vacuum cleaner along with pillow and mattress covers that prevent dust mites from going through them could benefit those sensitive to dust.

Using an integrated pest management plan may be helpful.

Talking with your health care provider about these and other updates to the asthma management guidelines is an important part of your asthma care and can help you make informed decisions about your treatment.

Asthma is a serious condition, but with the right treatment, it can be controlled. Work with your health care provider to develop a comprehensive prevention and treatment plan that includes: • Taking prescribed medications • Addressing environmental factors that worsen symptoms • Learning skills to manage your asthma on your own (such as with an asthma action plan) • Monitoring your care to assess how well it’s working and how to adjust, if needed If you have asthma and are concerned about COVID-19, talk to your health care provider. People with moderate to severe asthma may be more likely to get severely ill with COVID-19 as it can affect the respiratory tract and possibly lead to pneumonia and acute respiratory disease.

Read more about the updated guidelines and find asthma resources and information from NHLBI’s Learn More Breathe BetterSM program at www. nhlbi.nih.gov/LMBBasthma. (Family Features) 

A P R I L 18, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

PETS

Tips for moving pets across town or across the country

M

oving across the street or across the country can cause pets anxiety, so it’s best to learn some coping strategies for your furry friends.

“Relocating is stressful for pets,” said Kurt Venator, D.V.M., Ph.D. and chief veterinary officer at Purina.

“Planning ahead and making extra preparations can help your pet adjust to your new surroundings.”

Purina experts offer tips to help prepare pets for a stress-free move.

Practice run

If it is possible, take a ‘practice-run’ ahead of time. If you’re moving with dogs, let them explore the new neighborhood before you move. This helps them become familiar with the scents and sounds of the area.

For a cat, help them get used to their crate. Leave the carrier out with the door open for the cat to explore weeks ahead of time, making it an enticing place by putting favorite treats,

toys or a blanket inside. Take a few short practice drives so the cat is used to traveling in the carrier. This will reduce the stress of travel on moving day.

first; a new environment may bring out new skills you didn’t know your dog had like jumping over or digging under fences as an attempt to return to familiar ground.

Make a moving day plan

Consider your pets’ safety amidst the chaos of moving day. Keep cats in a space away from the moving process. A bathroom at your new home is an ideal spot to set up food, water and a litter box, so cats are out of the way and comfortable until the move is complete.

Dogs can be trickier. It’s best to assign a family member to care for them throughout the move or ask a trusted friend to pet-sit for the day.

Help curious cats settle in

It takes time for cats to become familiar with their new surroundings.

Make sure doors and windows are closed, as they may try to escape to find their old home. Cats may “disappear” into a hiding place like a closet to calm their nerves.

Moving far?

Let dogs sniff out their space

Allow dogs to use their natural instincts to smell and explore by walking them on a leash for their first tour around the house. The sooner they get used to the scents of their new environment, the sooner they’ll feel at home.

Maintain a regular routine and spend extra time with them at home to help them feel secure. Avoid leaving your pup outside unattended at

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If you’re moving far away, consider the different types of pet care services you’ll need to secure once you’re in your new city. You’ll have to find a new veterinarian, pet-sitting or walking services, plus pet-friendly parks.

Ask for recommendations from neighbors or online neighborhood sites, search for pet tips online at PetFoodInstitute.org or HABRI.org, or join a local pet meet-up group.

“After you move, give your pet extra attention,” advises Annie Valuska, Ph.D. and senior pet behavior scientist at Purina. “Your presence will have a calming effect and reassure them.”

Visit Purina.com/expertise for more tips on dog and cat health, nutrition, behavior and training. (BPT) 

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A P R I L 18, 2021

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Repurpose bottles for Earth Day fun

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

T

his spring, as we near Earth Day on Thursday, April 22, the thought hits me how I’m actually very grateful for recycling and the way my family, the neighborhood and our city has embraced it. It was so difficult when we started out, wasn’t it? But now, we do it as second nature.

I’m not sure if the world turns a little easier because I no longer toss soup cans, pickle jars and newspapers into the garbage bin. But the idea of recycling makes sense, because it causes each of us, as members of families and the larger community, to be responsible for what we consume.

When we’re not sorting the recycled items for curbside pickup, we’re scrubbing them out to be reused and repurposed. If it’s a plastic deli tub, it may end up in a lunch bag as a veggie

container. A half-gallon milk carton is easily transformed into a bird feeder, and cardboard egg cups are perfect compartments for growing seedlings that will be transplanted into the summer garden.

And then there are all those clear plastic bottles that juice, peanuts and flavored waters come in. Peel off the

labels, wash them inside and out, and make some fun! Here are some quick magnetic attractions that will captivate your preschoolers.

your toolbox (or pick one up at your local hardware store) and let your child discover the fun of moving the inside pieces around with a magnet from the outside of the bottle. Sometimes the pipe cleaner bits connect in clusters that burst out like fireworks.

Fireworks

Hide and Seek

Cut up brightly colored pipe cleaners into 1- or 2-inch pieces and drop them inside a bottle. Twist and glue the cap on tightly. Find a magnet in

Fill a bottle two-thirds with uncooked rice. Toss in several metal paper clips. Twist and glue the cap on tightly. Shake so that the paper clips hide within the rice. Move a magnet around the outside of the bottle, twisting and turning it slightly. The paper clips will come out of the rice as they are attracted to the magnet.

Drag the magnet this way and that, and challenge your child to collect them all.

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.

A P R I L 18, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 7

TECHNOLOGY

Handy apps to keep your busy family on track

M

any people resolve to be more organized at the start of a new year, but any time of year is a good time to get more organized.

Busy families often are pulled in many directions, so tools that make it easier to manage schedules, important documents and more can help people keep a clear head on hectic days.

Organization-based smartphone apps can help people keep pace. The following are some useful apps busy individuals may want to utilize.

Cozi Cozi is a website and mobile app designed with family organization in mind. It’s earned the distinction of being a three-time “Mom’s Choice Award” recipient.

The Mom’s Choice Awards¨ (MCA) program is globally recognized for establishing the benchmark of excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. The organization is based in the United States and has reviewed thousands of items from more than 60 countries.

Within the Cozi app, appointments and activity calendars are kept all in one place; school events and class schedules can be tracked; grocery lists can be managed and shared; and todo lists can be shared as well.

Any.do For people who thrive in list-making, this app is an ideal fit.

Users make daily checklists and break

down bigger projects into smaller tasks.

Paprika This app is one of the many cooking idea and meal planners available. It enables users to cut recipes from blog posts and save them easily. Users can even create grocery lists within the app. That list can be shared with the family so anyone out doing the shopping can pick up items.

Genius Scan Keeping track of receipts, important documents and other paperwork can be challenging.

Genius Scan is a smart scanner for a phone that makes it easy to quickly scan a document on the go and export files as multi-page PDFs or JPEGs. Keepy Many parents keep a storage container of their children’s artwork. But storing years’ worth of school projects can take up valuable space. Keepy allows people to save childhood photos and artwork in an organized manner.

Dropbox: Dropbox can be used for business, pleasure or generalized organization. It’s an easy way to store files large and small and share photos and videos with anyone, including those who do not have Dropbox accounts.

Staying organized is easier when utilizing the various applications available for computers, tablets and smartphones. (MC) 

18 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

SOLUTIONS

PUZZLES

A P R I L 18, 2021

CROSSWORD TIME

A P R I L 18, 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

Who Is Running the Zoo? The commissioner of baseball moved the All-Star game out of Georgia. Bed, Bath & Beyond banned My Pillow products because they saw that Mike Lindell (the owner of My Pillow) supported Donald Trump in Trump’s election.

When did the crazies start running the nation? Are the foxes in the hen house or the animals running the zoo?

What ever happened to the right to pursue freedom and happiness and run your own business in this country without political interference? Or corporate bullying?

I recall several years ago Coca-Cola tried to tell the gents who ran the Masters in Georgia what they (Coca-Cola) wanted them to do and how to run the golf tournament. I can’t remember the Southern gentleman’s name who was in charge of the Masters at the time but he told the press that the Masters had more money than Coca-Cola and he would not put up with them telling them how to run the tournament. He ran them out of the Masters and the tournament has run smoothly ever since. They had true grit.

The commissioner of baseball buckled under to threats from corporate America instead of growing a pair and telling the corporate slugs to take a hike. To hell with the fans in Georgia.

Same thing for the corporate slugs who run Bed, Bath & Beyond. They folded and banned My Pillow from their stores. Reason? Lindell supported Trump in 2016. How trivial. How childish. How immature. I can’t believe these spineless slugs that start thinking that they can control the other businesses in America. Customers be damned!

These tactics remind me of the tactics of the Mafia, organized crime. Threatening them or there would be consequences. What has the U.S. come to? I wish the commissioners of all sports would stand up to these hoodlums and tell them to take a hike. Let American sports fans enjoy the sports the way they are supposed to. FANS FIRST! Not politics. The commissioners certainly do not earn or deserve the money paid to them by the teams.

Roger Goodell is another example of a spineless commissioner. It’s the reason I have not watched ANY games of any sport for the past two years. Socialism at work.

Believe it folks. College sports only for me. At least until corporate America starts to intimidate them.

One taxpayers’ opinion.

Dick Cesaroni Saugus Editor's note: In 2002, Augusta National, home of the Masters, canceled sponsorships with Coca-Cola and others over sponsors' demands that the all-male club allow women members. Augusta National began accepting female members 10 years later. The club does not routinely disclose member names, but it is believed there are about a half-dozen women out of approximately 300 total.

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

Ethics of Winning, Losing Editor's note: The following is a reprint of a column that originally appeared Jan. 3.

By David Hegg

M

any years ago when my son was playing at the highest level of the club soccer, he helped his team win a very prestigious national soccer tournament they had lost in the previous year. As we drove out of the parking lot after a victory in the championship match I asked him, “Is the joy of winning as intense as the pain of losing?”

He quickly responded, “No. Losing in a championship game stays with you forever.”

Of course, though he overstated the case, he did make an excellent point. Winning fills the heart with exuberance for sure, but the searing pain of losing, of living with “what might have been,” seems always to find a more permanent and intrusive place in our minds.

And that’s why thoughtful parents teach their children to be “good losers.” Dealing graciously and maturely with defeat, and its subsequent disappointment and anger, becomes one of the primary marks of great character. On the other hand, people who remain bitter, angry and marked by vitriolic reaction are seen as peevish children.

In the world of athletics we see both sides.

Most often we hear those on the losing side of a contest give respect to the winners, and take the blame for their own poor performance. That’s what mature people understand as the “high road.”

We also occasionally see losing players and coaches resort to blame-shifting, usually shooting hateful arrows at the officiating, their own teammates and even the fans. In the end we all understand the proper way to lose is to own the fact our side didn’t do enough right things to win, and the other side did. And though it is monumentally difficult to swallow losing, it is even more despicable to continue regurgitating the bile of anger and animosity.

Sadly, the inability to lose graciously is increasingly found in other areas of our society.

When that other guy glides into the parking space at the mall milliseconds ahead of us, or the other check-out line at the grocery moves much faster than ours, we Americans are much

more prone to grouse and gripe than admit we were second best.

After all, it is popular to say second place is really first loser, and we hate to lose … at anything.

I’ll be the first to say I hate to lose. Perhaps that’s because I’m in love with competition, and to really compete you have to hate losing. But hating to lose can never mean refusing to accept losing

graciously.

Civility on the athletic field, and in society at large, is built on an ethical foundation of common courtesy, respect for the opposition, and self-control, no matter the situation. When a nation allows, and even champions, inappropriate action by those on the losing side, it is only a matter of time before we end up losing all courtesy and respect in our public discourse. Oh, wait a minute … we’re already sliding down that slippery slope. Finger-pointing, blame-shifting, and a very real addiction to slinging outrageous insults apparently have become the new normal. And we put up with it because it makes for entertaining television.

Over the course of my own athletic career in school, I am sure we won more than we lost.

And, in my son’s case, winning a couple national championships capped a career that had him winning significantly more than losing.

Yet, I can safely say the lessons learned in losing efforts have honed his character every bit as much as did the hard work and discipline he pursued in order to succeed. He learned how to win the character battle even if the score didn’t go his way.

Losing is never easy on the heart. But demonstrating strong, ethical character by exhibiting a gracious and courteous response to the winners of the contest is a great win in itself. Frankly, our society is deeply engaged in a slide away from civility, honesty and the foundational character qualities that have made us great. We’re a great nation because we’ve displayed great character.

Now, that seems up for grabs.

Let’s make sure we compete strongly on the side of respect. This is one contest we can’t afford to lose.

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

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