Category Archives: Weekly News Columns

My Favorite Float

By Mark Hopper jesus-float

My wife and I always enjoy the Rose Parade.  We have actually attended the parade a few times but most years we watch it on TV.

It is amazing to see the floats close up.  Their size and the colors are amazing.  But, there are some advantages to watching them on TV.  You usually get to see the floats from a variety of angles and perspectives.   And the TV commentators provide the history and the story behind each float.

Each year several judges present different awards for outstanding floats.    There are a variety of categories and I’m sure it is a special honor to be recognized by the distinguished panel.

As we watched the Rose Parade at home this year,  one particular float caught my attention.  The title of the float was “Celebrate Jesus”.  It was a colorful float with an image of Jesus standing at the door of a church.

The float was decorated by volunteers who are called “Petal Pushers”.  This is an organization that sends volunteers from all over the country to help decorate a number of parade floats.

I actually met some of these energetic people near LAX as they were getting ready to leave and return home to Iowa.  They represent a broad age group from teens to senior adults.

The “Celebrate Jesus” float was sponsored by the “Lutheran Hour Ministries”.  It was the only religious float in the parade this year.  The Lutherans have sponsored a float in the Rose Parade since 1951 –  over sixty years!

The float commemorated the 500th anniversary when Martin Luther posted his “95 Theses” on the door of a church in Wittenberg, Germany.  This was the beginning of what became known as the Protestant Reformation.

There were three large bells on the float.  They were beautifully decorated with bright colored flowers.  On each bell was one of these phrases: “Faith Alone”, “Grace Alone”, and “Scripture Alone”.

These three statements summarize what Martin Luther believed and what he began to teach 500 years ago.  They remain the bedrock of the Christian faith today.

I am thankful that the Lutherans continue to sponsor a float in the Rose Parade each year.  I’m glad that the organizers of the Rose Parade include religious floats and that they never have the parade on Sunday.

And, I am thankful for the hundreds of “Petal Pusher” volunteers that help decorate many of the Rose Parade floats.

I don’t know if the Lutherans received an award for their float this year, but it was my favorite float!

 

Skin care: 5 tips for healthy skin

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Don’t have time for intensive skin care? You can still pamper yourself by acing the basics. Good skin care and healthy lifestyle choices can help delay the natural aging process and prevent various skin problems. Get started with these five no-nonsense tips.

  1. Protect yourself from the sun

One of the most important ways to take care of your skin is to protect it from the sun. A lifetime of sun exposure can cause wrinkles, age spots and other skin problems — as well as increase the risk of skin cancer.

For the most complete sun protection:

  • Use sunscreen.Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Apply sunscreen generously, and reapply every two hours — or more often if you’re swimming or perspiring.
  • Seek shade.Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest.
  • Wear protective clothing.Cover your skin with tightly woven long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats. Also consider laundry additives, which give clothing an additional layer of ultraviolet protection for a certain number of washings, or special sun-protective clothing — which is specifically designed to block ultraviolet rays.
  1. Don’t smoke

Smoking makes your skin look older and contributes to wrinkles. Smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin, which decreases blood flow. This depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients that are important to skin health.

Smoking also damages collagen and elastin — the fibers that give your skin strength and elasticity. In addition, the repetitive facial expressions you make when smoking — such as pursing your lips when inhaling and squinting your eyes to keep out smoke — can contribute to wrinkles.

If you smoke, the best way to protect your skin is to quit. Ask your doctor for tips or treatments to help you stop smoking.

  1. Treat your skin gently

Daily cleansing and shaving can take a toll on your skin. To keep it gentle:

  • Limit bath time.Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from your skin. Limit your bath or shower time, and use warm — rather than hot — water.
  • Avoid strong soaps.Strong soaps and detergents can strip oil from your skin. Instead, choose mild cleansers.
  • Shave carefully.To protect and lubricate your skin, apply shaving cream, lotion or gel before shaving. For the closest shave, use a clean, sharp razor. Shave in the direction the hair grows, not against it.
  • Pat dry.After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on your skin.
  • Moisturize dry skin.If your skin is dry, use a moisturizer that fits your skin type. For daily use, consider a moisturizer that contains SPF.
  1. Eat a healthy diet

A healthy diet can help you look and feel your best. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. The association between diet and acne isn’t clear — but some research suggests that a diet rich in vitamin C and low in unhealthy fats and processed or refined carbohydrates might promote younger looking skin.

  1. Manage stress

Uncontrolled stress can make your skin more sensitive and trigger acne breakouts and other skin problems. To encourage healthy skin — and a healthy state of mind — take steps to manage your stress. Set reasonable limits, scale back your to-do list and make time to do the things you enjoy. The results might be more dramatic than you expect.

 

Did You Know?

Tips to Save and Spend Wisely in 2017 

By StatePoint

Did you get carried away with the holiday spirit this past season? On the heels of hefty spending, the New Year is the best time to take stock of personal finance habits and make beneficial changes for the year ahead.

Here are some useful tips and tricks to spend and save wisely in 2017. 

Think Long-Term

Don’t neglect the future. It’s never too early to save for retirement. In fact, the sooner you start, the better off you will be. Invest through a company-sponsored plan if possible. If not, look into IRAs that can help you grow your wealth exponentially.

Create Categorized Funds

Consider the 52-week savings challenge. In the first week, save $1, followed by $2 the second week, all the way through week 52, when you put aside $52. Sticking to this plan results in $1,378 saved at the end of the year, as well as any interest you’ve earned.

Creating a savings account for a specific purpose is a perennially sound savings strategy. Look for banks that are fee friendly, such as Ally Bank Member FDIC, ally.com, which allows you to open an Online Savings or Money Market account with no minimum and no monthly maintenance fee. You can deposit money easily through e-check deposit, direct deposit and you’ll earn interest compounded daily on your savings. In addition, putting this money in a separate account allows you to track your spending against the account balance.

Use Shopping Apps

It is incredibly easy to save money with a little online research. With a few minutes effort, you’ll find discount codes, loyalty programs or cashback websites that track your purchases and reward you for the extra step of navigating through their shopping portal instead of going straight to the big name retailers’ websites.

Reap Rewards

While no personal finance expert would advocate running up credit card bills one can’t afford, savvy consumers know how to take advantage of credit card reward programs for hotel points, airline miles or just straight cash in their pockets.

“Use credit cards that reward you for the things you buy the most,” says Diane Morais, chief executive officer and president of Ally Bank, the direct banking subsidiary of Ally Financial Inc.

There are often offers for opening a new credit card with a minimum spend, such as the Ally CashBack Credit Card, which provides a $100 bonus when you make $500 in eligible purchases during the first three billing cycles, and offers two percent cash back at gas stations and grocery stores, and one percent cash back on all other purchases — as well as 10 percent bonus on rewards that are deposited into an eligible Ally Bank account.

If you don’t want to open a new account, check your current credit cards for promotions or cash back offers, which can add up quickly on everyday purchases.

With a little homework, savvy consumers can make 2017 the year they spend strategically and save more.

Recent Recalls

Staff Reports

  1. Mikesell’s Potato Chip Company– its 2.25 oz. Nacho Cheese Tortilla Chips because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
  2. Crossbows- The crossbow can fire unexpectedly when the safety is engaged, posing an injury hazard to the user or bystander.
  1. King Meat Services, Inc., a Vernon, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 50,991 pounds of beef products due to misbranding.
  1. Piccadilly Fine Foods, a Santa Clara, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 144 pounds of beef products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens.
  1. Kraft Heinz Company, a Fullerton, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 959 pounds of ready-to-eat "Lunchables Ham and American Cracker Stackers" packaged lunch products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens.
  1. Kiwi Care Package Company, a South Tahoe, Calif., establishment, is recalling approximately 90 pounds of Wattie’s canned spaghetti with sausage that was not presented at the U.S. point of entry for inspection and was received from a New Zealand establishment that was not eligible to export product to the U.S.
  1. Joyrider three-wheeled scooters- The front wheels of the scooter can detach when riding, posing a fall hazard.
  2. KingQuad 750 all-terrain vehicles (ATVs)- The ATV’s battery can fail and cause the engine to stop running while in use, posing a crash hazard.

recalls-atv

 

scooters1-recalls

Rapid Maple Balsamic Chicken

RAPID MAPLE BALSAMIC CHICKEN

with Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli

By Hello Fresh 

Cooking Time: 20 min.

Servings: 2

Nutrition: 567 cal, Fat: 22 g, Sat. Fat: 10 g, Protein: 46 g, Carbs: 48 g, Sugar: 15 g, Sodium: 268 mg, Fiber: 8 g

Ingredients:

  • Broccoli Florets- 8 oz.
  • Sweet Potatoes- 2
  • Chicken Breasts- 12 oz.
  • Balsamic Vinegar- 2 TBSP
  • Maple Syrup- 2 tsp
  • Sweet and Smoky Spice Blend- 1 tsp

Preparation:

  1. Preheat oven and roast broccoli. Wash and dry all produce. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place broccoli florets on a baking sheet. Toss with a drizzle of oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Roast until crispy and lightly browned, about 15 minutes.
  2. Microwave sweet potatoes. Meanwhile, prick sweet potatoes all over with a fork. Put on a plate and microwave on high until very tender, about 10 minutes.
  3. Sear chicken While broccoli and sweet potatoes cook, heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over mediumhigh heat. Season chicken all over with salt and pepper. Add to pan and cook until browned and no longer pink in center, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from pan and set aside.
  4. Make glaze. Add balsamic vinegar to pan and simmer until thickened but not completely evaporated, 1-2 minutes. Add 3 tsp maple syrup (we sent more) and simmer until very thick and sticky, about 1 minute. Add ½ TBSP butter and stir until melted. Return chicken to pan and toss to coat.
  5. Split sweet potatoes. Split sweet potatoes down the middle and season with salt and pepper. Top each half with ½ TBSP butter and sprinkle with a pinch of sweet and smoky spice blend (to taste). Lightly mash with a fork to incorporate.
  6. Serve. Arrange sweet potatoes on plates with chicken and broccoli. Drizzle over any remaining glaze.

2017 The Magic Year

By Nancy Stoops

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Happy New Year to all of you wonderful beings. Yes it’s a new beginning for us all.   It’s a chance to start fresh and finally become who you are meant to be. The New Year brings unlimited possibilities and new energy that helps us believe, the sky is the limit.  The New Year gives us hope and many new chances.  I say take these chances and make this year, the best one ever!

Start this process by setting some small very obtainable daily goals.  Once you’re in the groove and have met the daily goals, now it’s time to set a realistic goal for the year.  You may or may not ever meet the year end goal but it’s all about the steps or the process that we take in our attempt that cause us to change.  That’s what I want you all to focus this year.  So what if you never get there all the way, you’re certainly moving in the right direction. Be proud of what you are able to do in 2016 and don’t beat yourself up for what you couldn’t do.

I hope you will be good to yourselves this year and finally work toward who you are meant to be.  I want you to remember it’s all here for you and all you have to do is believe in yourself and go and get what you deserve.  So I dedicate this to all of you in hopes that this will be a magical year. I wish for all of you that you will get out there and find all the greatness that exists in you and our very wonderful world.  It all starts by believing in you and I believe in all of you and want you to be the very best you can be.  Make 2017 a magical year, the best year of your life!!!!!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  Nancy is now accepting new clients.  She also works as a motivational speaker.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups for teens and can handle many court mandated needs.  For more information about any of these services contact Nancy at (909) 229-0727.  You may e-mail Nancy at nancyjstoops@verizon.net. You may purchase Nancy’s books Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.

 

Little Red Caboose

By Mark Hopper 

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

Our grandchildren have learned a lot of songs from my wife.  She has a song for just about every occasion and the grand kids love them.

One of those songs is about a little Red Caboose that is pulled along behind a train.

This Christmas the grand kids got to see this first hand.  My daughter encouraged me to get the box down from the garage that contained my old Lionel train so I could show it to the grandchildren.

I didn’t know if it would even work.  We actually found two trains in the box.  One was lighter and is made of plastic. The older one is much heavier and is made from metal.

The track was slightly corroded and  discolored when we laid it out on the floor.  I used a rag to try to clean it up a little.

The transformer control for the heavier train did not work.  The wires were brittle and old.   But the transformer for the lighter train worked and soon the little Red Caboose was being pulled behind the train!

I looked on the internet and found a model train store in Costa Mesa on Baker Street. When I brought the old heavy engine and transformer in for repair, I was delighted to learn that it could be fixed at little cost.

The store owner lubricated the engine and verified that it was in good condition.  I left the transformer at the train store and purchased a tool so I could properly clean the track at home.

A few days later, we picked up the transformer and put the train track around the Christmas Tree.  We were ready to send the locomotive down the track pulling a little Red Caboose!

The grandchildren were delighted and their grandpa was pretty proud that his childhood train was back in service.

I was given that Lionel train when I was very young.  I remember playing with that train with my father and grandfather.  Now, that same train was being enjoyed again by my grandchildren and their grateful grandfather!

I wonder if you have some treasures hidden in your garage? You may have some model airplanes or some wood working tools.  Maybe there is a stamp or coin collection?  Maybe there are some hobbies from your past that would interest others.

It may be a little late for Christmas, but let me encourage you to take the time to get those boxes down and share some memories with the younger members of your family.  They will be glad you did and you will too!

 

History 101

Columbus mistakes manatees for mermaids

By History.com

On this day in 1493, Italian explorer Christopher Columbus, sailing near the Dominican Republic, sees three “mermaids”–in reality manatees–and describes them as “not half as beautiful as they are painted.” Six months earlier, Columbus (1451-1506) set off from Spain across the Atlantic Ocean with the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria, hoping to find a western trade route to Asia. Instead, his voyage, the first of four he would make, led him to the Americas, or “New World.”

Mermaids, mythical half-female, half-fish creatures, have existed in seafaring cultures at least since the time of the ancient Greeks. Typically depicted as having a woman’s head and torso, a fishtail instead of legs and holding a mirror and comb, mermaids live in the ocean and, according to some legends, can take on a human shape and marry mortal men. Mermaids are closely linked to sirens, another folkloric figure, part-woman, part-bird, who live on islands and sing seductive songs to lure sailors to their deaths.

Mermaid sightings by sailors, when they weren’t made up, were most likely manatees, dugongs or Steller’s sea cows (which became extinct by the 1760s due to over-hunting). Manatees are slow-moving aquatic mammals with human-like eyes, bulbous faces and paddle-like tails. It is likely that manatees evolved from an ancestor they share with the elephant. The three species of manatee (West Indian, West African and Amazonian) and one species of dugong belong to the Sirenia order. As adults, they’re typically 10 to 12 feet long and weigh 800 to 1,200 pounds. They’re plant-eaters, have a slow metabolism and can only survive in warm water.

Manatees live an average of 50 to 60 years in the wild and have no natural predators. However, they are an endangered species. In the U.S., the majority of manatees are found in Florida, where scores of them die or are injured each year due to collisions with boats.

 

Magnesium the Magnificent!

By Clark’s Nutrition of Chino

Medieval Latin named it “magnesia”, a white lodestone mineral that was highly magnetic and very highly prized by the 15th century alchemists. This group of protoscientists aimed to purify base metals into gold and craft elixirs of mortality, and believed magnesium deposits could be used to craft the mythical “philosopher’s stone”. While unsuccessful in their pursuit, this historically significant movement produced many writings that would eventually be of benefit to geologists, architects, physiologists and biochemists. Today, we know magnesium to be one of the most important, most studied, and most dynamic nutrients in our bodies. As a major mineral, magnesium assists the body in carrying out over 300 enzymatic reactions, stabilizing our cell’s energy currency, and helping our muscles and nerves relax. Individuals with physiological appropriate levels of magnesium tend to suffer less from conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and hypertension. But the benefits do not end there, magnesium may also improve short and long term working memory by improving the density and strength of our nerve network. Luckily, nature has made magnesium ubiquitous and easy to ingest, no matter the eating philosophy, dietary needs, or food selection of even the most finicky eater. Good sources of magnesium are green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds, dairy, fish, and legumes (magnesium is mostly synonymous with high fiber foods). As easy as finding and ingesting magnesium should be, there are still large swaths of the population that are in deficiency states. Individuals in chronic unmitigated high-stress lifestyles, alcoholics, caffeine abusers, those engaging in long periods of sweating without proper hydration (exercisers), and individuals eating a highly refined “fiber-less” diet are most at risk for a magnesium deficiency.

Inadequate magnesium may also exacerbate the following conditions:

  • Depression- by reducing serotonin levels. Serotonin positively affects almost all of our 40 million brain cells by regulating sleep, mood, sexual desire, appetite, and learning and social behavior.
  • Heart health- low levels of magnesium may lead to heart arrhythmia (irregular heart beat) in combination with calcium.
  • Diabetes- magnesium helps to regulate the effects of blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity.
  • Osteoporosis- 50-60% of our body’s magnesium (~25 grams total) are found in our bones.

Magnesium recommendations are 310 milligrams for women and 420 milligrams for men. This dose may be increased in times of acute deficiency with one caveat, high doses of magnesium may cause loose and watery stools (which may be the desired effect for those suffering constipation). Upper tolerable levels for daily use are between 800-1200 milligrams for up to three months. Magnesium can interfere with some medications therefore it is imperative that individuals currently taking any medication discuss magnesium dosing with their doctor.

Magnesium is found in powder form, which can easily be mixed into a drink as well as capsules and liquid. Taking 100 milligrams (up to 250 mgs may be well tolerated after a ramp up period) an hour before bed may help to relax muscles and increases the function of GABA receptors (GABA is a calming “inhibitory” neurotransmitter). If the alchemists taught us one thing, it is our interaction with minerals may greatly influence our longevity and health span. As always, have a healthy day.

C Doussett MPH, RDN

Recent Recalls

Staff Reports 

  1. Herrs Foods Inc. has announced a voluntary recall of some chipotle-flavored potato chips due to possible salmonella contamination. The recall covers Herr’s smoked chipotle-flavored kettle cooked potato chips and Peddler’s Pantry smoke-dried chipotle-flavored kettle cooked potato chips.
  1. King Meat Services, Inc., a Vernon, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 50,991 pounds of beef products due to misbranding.
  1. Continental Tire the Americas, LLC is recalling certain Crosscontact LX20 tires, size P275/55R20 111S, manufactured May 3, 2015, to May 9, 2015. The tires, sold as replacement tires as well as original equipment on certain General Motors full size trucks and SUVs, may have insufficient adhesion within the belt package, resulting in tread wear, vibration, noise, or bulging areas on the tire.
  1. Kia Motors America is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to August 25, 2016, and 2017 Sportage vehicles manufactured December 10, 2015, to August 26, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, ” Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.”
  1. Qbit strollers– A gap in the stroller’s folding side hinge can pinch a caregiver’s hand during unfolding, posing a laceration hazard. In addition, the stroller can fold unexpectedly during use, posing an injury and fall hazard to the caregiver and child. recall-stroller-pic

 

LASD C.A.R.E.S

By Walnut/DB Sheriff’s Station
If you are feeling depressed or having psychological problems, you don’t have to feel alone. LASD C.A.R.E.S. in conjunction with the LA County Department of Mental Health would like to provide you with the following resources:
Life Threatening Emergency- Dial 9-1-1

Call 24 hours a day in case of an extreme emergency if you, your loved one and/or the public are facing an imminent threat.

Urgent Questions-call the DMH ACCESS Center (800)854-7771

If you need help with a situation that seems to be getting worse, but hasn’t turned into an emergency, call the DMH Access Center. They will discuss resources and if necessary, may send a Psychiatric Mobile Response team to your location to help evaluate the situation. However, the Response Team won’t come out right away; it may take a few hours, so if the situation changes to an emergency, dial 911 immediately.

Start a Caregiver Plan- Dial 2-1-1

211 LA County provides access to comprehensive social services and disaster support for Los Angeles County residents. They work closely with the DMH ACCESS Center on mental health resources. They can help you with questions about your loved one’s behavior such as suicidal thoughts, hallucinations or what to do when your loved one becomes gravely disabled. After a series of telephone prompts, you will speak to a live person.

Who Qualifies for a ‘5150’ Hold?

Under certain circumstances, officer can place your loved one a 5150 hold. This means a mentally ill person is held for at least 72-hours at a hospital while being evaluated. This can be done when (1) the individual presents a danger to himself or others, or (2) a person is so disabled that he or she cannot take care of daily life activities (for example, has stopped eating for days and won’t come out of the bedroom). However, this is a very difficult standard to meet. In most cases, the LASD cannot take your loved one to a hospital against his or her will.
Crisis Lines:
Suicide Prevention and Survivor Hotline (24 hours/7 days)
Calling from the Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, San Bernardino, Riverside and Imperial Counties:

  • English: 877-727-4747
  • Spanish: 888-628-9454

Calling from outside the above counties:

  • 310-391-1253

Substance Abuse Hotline:
800-564-6600
Veteran’s Services:
877-452-8387
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
800-950-NAMI (6264)
www.nami.org
Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center:
323-993-7400

Chicken Satay Skewers

CHICKEN SATAY SKEWERSrecipe-cropped

with Sriracha and Peanut Sauce

By Hello Fresh

Cooking Time: 35 min.

Servings: 2

Nutrition: 632 cal, Fat: 16 g, Sat. Fat: 4.5 g, Protein: 50 g, Carbs: 74 g, Sugar: 8 g, Sodium: 507 mg, Fiber: 5 g

Ingredients:

  • Wooden Skewers- 4
  • Garlic- 1 Clove
  • Lime- 1
  • Jasmine Rice- ¾ Cup
  • Chicken Tenders- 12 oz.
  • Coconut Milk- ¼ Cup
  • Soy Sauce- 2 tsp.
  • Justin’s Peanut Butter- 2 TBSP
  • Sesame Oil- 1 ½ tsp
  • Snow Peas- 8 oz.
  • Sriracha- 1 tsp

Preparation:

  1. Preheat and prep. Wash and dry all produce. Preheat broiler to high or oven to 500 degrees. Put skewers in a large bowl and cover with water to soak. In a small pot, bring 1½ cups water and a pinch of salt to a boil. Mince or grate garlic. Halve lime.
  2. Cook rice. Add rice to boiling water, cover, and reduce to a simmer until tender, 15-20 minutes.
  3. Make satay skewers. Toss chicken in a large bowl with TBSP coconut milk (we sent more), a big squeeze of lime juice, 1½ tsp soy sauce, half the garlic, and ½ tsp sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Thread chicken onto skewers. Place on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Broil until cooked through, about 15 minutes.
  4. Make peanut sauce. In a medium bowl, stir together peanut butter, 1½ tsp sesame oil, ½ tsp soy sauce, 1 TBSP coconut milk, 2 TBSP water, ½ tsp sugar, and as much remaining garlic as you like (add a pinch and go up from there). Taste and adjust flavor with a squeeze of lime or a pinch of salt, if desired.
  5. Cook snow peas. With 5 minutes left to go on chicken, spread snow peas on top of baking sheet (you may need a second sheet) and drizzle with oil. Season with salt and pepper. Return to oven and bake until snow peas are tender and lightly crisped, 3-5 minutes.
  6. Plate. Serve satay skewers on a bed of rice with snow peas. Drizzle with peanut sauce and sriracha.

What is the Real Christmas Magic?

By Nancy Stoops

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Every time I see the look on my grandson’s face when he sees all the lights,  I feel the Christmas magic.  I feel the hope that the lights seem to bring.  That is the real Christmas magic.  Every time I wish somebody happy holidays and they light up and smile I feel the Christmas magic. We seem to be able to bring others joy a little easier this time of year.  I think this is the real Christmas magic. Every time I see somebody opening a door or displaying an act of kindness which seem to happen more this time of year I feel the real Christmas magic.

I love this time of year because people in general seem to just be kinder towards each other.  To me the definition of real Christmas magic is the love we feel this time of year towards each other.  We become the people we were destined to be when we had the honor of being put in this world. For me this is the real Christmas magic.  It’s never been about all the chasing around to find the perfect gift because in feeling and sharing the love we have the ultimate perfect gift.

I watch all the Christmas movies and the ones that really speak to me are showing the true meaning of the holidays, sharing the love.  They are about helping the less fortunate and about slowing down to spend quality time with family and friends. Take a moment and feel the Christmas magic through your entire body and soul and embrace the sense of gratitude it makes us feel. My wish for you is that you embrace the real magic of the holidays and you give yourself the gift of being who you are indented to be!!!!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  She has a private practice in Diamond Bar and is currently accepting new clients; she is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups on how to manage anger.    For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909) 229-0727.  You may e-mail Nancy at nancystoops@verizon.net. You may purchase Nancy’s books Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.

 

A Simple Solution

By Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

My son owns a newer Honda Accord.  Over the past few years, the plastic shield that is under the radiator and the front of the car came loose and began to hang down from the car.

I noticed it was hanging down but didn’t know what to do about it.  I was sure it would be expensive to have it repaired at the car dealer.

As more time passed, the plastic guard hung further down from the car until it began to drag on the street.  Sometimes I would hear it scrap on the ground as he pulled in and out of the driveway at our house.

Finally he asked me if I could help him fix this problem. I got down on the pavement and slid under the car.  I noticed that some of the plastic fasteners that held up the shield were missing.

I drove his car to a local auto parts store and asked for their help.  They suggested that I remove one of the remaining fasteners so we would know what kind to purchase.

I was amazed to see how many different fasteners they had available, but we finally found some that matched the one I had removed from his car.

With the new fasteners in hand, I drove back to our house and used them to repair the plastic shield. They fastened it securely to the car frame.  The under-shield was properly restored and the problem was solved!

I was surprised that the solution was that simple.  I expected it would be difficult and expensive.  But it was relatively simple and inexpensive.

I wonder if you have put off dealing with a problem because you thought is would be too difficult or too expensive?  Maybe you have a dripping faucet or a broken sprinkler.  Maybe you have a strained or broken relationship that needs to be mended.

Let me encourage you to not put off dealing with a problem or difficult situation.  Don’t assume it will be to difficult or too expensive to fix.  Take the first step.  Give it a try.  It may be easier and cheaper than you think!

 

Ask Clark’s

 “I have noticed that lots of foods say low cholesterol. What is cholesterol and why is this important? And should I only eat low cholesterol foods?” "ask clarks" header

-A question from Vivian of Corona

Cholesterol is a natural substance manufactured in the body and consumed in foods. As you might already know, blood cholesterol is typically monitored by your doctor during regular visits. The process of monitoring your cholesterol is done through blood testing. There are different types of cholesterol. The most commonly talked about are LDL (low-density lipids) and HDL (high density lipids). Why are these so important? Cholesterol levels, when elevated and out of balance are considered a warning sign of cardiovascular disease. Typically a good blood value level is considered to be 200 or less for total cholesterol. The LDL cholesterol is considered to the ‘bad’ guy, while HDL cholesterol is considered to be the ‘good’ guy. LDL and HDL cholesterol is manufactured in your body for various reasons. These include hormone production, lipid (fat) transport, cell membrane, vitamin D production and many other reasons. LDL cholesterol is a carrier of fats to cells but can, under certain conditions, deposit fat into arteries causing plaque buildup. Elevated LDL cholesterol is also strongly linked to cardiovascular disease. Certain foods elevate LDL cholesterol including trans-fats, saturated fats and cholesterol to a lesser extent. The most dominant in this area is trans fats (found in baked goods like cakes, cookies, doughnuts, and hydrogenated margarines and oils), and saturated foods (typically animal foods including eggs, meats and milk). Some saturated fats (such as coconut and palm oils) have a much lower effect on blood cholesterol and cholesterol levels overall. The amount of cholesterol recommended to be consumed daily is 300mg. Saturated fat total is suggested to be10% of total calories so a 2000 calorie diet would have 20 grams total. So what is a low cholesterol food product?  A low cholesterol food contains 20 milligrams or less per serving of cholesterol while having 2 grams or less of saturated/trans fats. Cholesterol free foods have less than 2 milligrams of cholesterol and 2 grams or less of saturated/trans fats. Less cholesterol foods have 25% or less cholesterol and 2 grams or less saturated/ trans fats total than the comparison food(s) (ie cookies with ‘Less Cholesterol’ compared to another product that has higher cholesterol). Also, please remember that including healthy fats in your diet helps in the equation of balanced HDL/LDL cholesterol. Good heart healthy fats include monounsaturated fats from avocadoes, flaxseeds, olive and peanut oils. Omega 3 fats are beneficial in helping to maintain good HDL cholesterol balance. These fats are found in fish (mackerel, salmon and sardines being most abundant), flaxseed, canola oil and walnuts being a good starting place. Omega three fats help to lower triglycerides (linked to high LDL), while having many heart protective factors as well. Fat balance is the biggest thing to remember for your diet. Foods that have fats are needed and are essential but having an abundance of bad fats including too much cholesterol is where problems can start.

Have a health related question?

Send us your question, your first and last name, and the city you live in to: askclarks@clarksnutrition.com

Due to the number of responses, we will only be able to answer published questions.

References

  1. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/AboutCholesterol/About-Cholesterol_UCM_001220_Article.jsp#.V7w8OpgrLIU
  2. Whitney, Understanding Normal and Clinical Nutrition, Wadsworth Cengage Learning, Belmount CA. 2012 pg. 57, 151-3
  3. Murray N.D., The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine third ed., Atria New York, NY. 2012. Pg. 680-

 

 

Recent Recalls

Staff Reports

  1. VanLaw Food Products, Inc. is initiating a voluntary recall of WinCo Brand Ranch Dressing with code date of Best By 08/23/17. The back label was mislabeled with WinCo Fat Free Ranch Dressing label, and in particular the label is missing an egg allergen declaration.
  1. Williams-Sonoma of San Francisco, CA is voluntarily recalling limited quantities of WILLIAMS-SONOMA MEYER LEMON POPPY SEED QUICK BREAD, as it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The ingredient supplier has issued a recall of the bulk milk powder.
  1. Houdini Inc. of Fullerton, California is recalling limited quantities of Blue Cheese Savory Twists, 7 oz box after the FDA found traces of Salmonella at the manufacturing facility of the ingredient supplier for the powdered buttermilk used to make the Blue Cheese seasoning in these products. Although no pathogenic bacteria have been found in the powdered products supplied to our Savory Twist supplier by the ingredient manufacturer, nor in any of the Blue Cheese Savory Twists themselves, we have decided out of an abundance of caution to recall products produced from the specific lots purchased from this ingredient supplier.
  1. Evenflo Company, Inc. is recalling certain Evolve 3-in-1 Combination Booster Seats, model number 34411700 manufactured February 26, 2015, to February 9, 2016 and model number 34411741 manufactured May 27, 2015, to February 9, 2016. The affected seats have a button for adjusting the harness tightness. The child in the seat can access this button and loosen the harness without the caregiver’s knowledge.
  1. Baby Jogger, LLC is recalling certain City GO Infant Car Seats (models BJ64510 and BJ64529), City GO Base for infant car seat (models BJ80400 and BJ61500); City Mini Infant Car Seat/Stroller Travel Systems (model BJ72510); and Vue Lite Infant Car Seat/Stroller Travel Systems (models BJ70411, BJ70424, and BJ70431). The affected child seats have information on the labels, instruction manual and registration card that is either the wrong size, has an incorrect background color, or is in the incorrect order or is missing. As such, these seats fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 213, “Child Restraint Systems.”
  1. Graco Children’s Products Inc. is recalling certain Milestone child seats, model numbers 1910130, 1923980, 1926538, and 1926539, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 213, “Child Restraint Systems.” The affected child seat have labels that are missing the required phrase “Secure this child restraint with the vehicle’s child restraint anchorage system (LATCH) if available or with a vehicle belt.”

Did You Know?

Holiday Travel Made Easy: Is Your Tech Ready? 

By StatePoint

As families prepare for the holiday season, they also prepare to make big family trips, so make sure not to leave home without the proper tech reinforcements this year!

These tips will ensure you can savor the sweet moments and avoid potential hiccups!

Drive smarter. Hitting the road? Apps like Waze, a community-based traffic and navigation guide, offer immediate information and alternate routes that save time when everyone is heading out of town. Other apps, like GasBuddy, compare pricing for nearby gas stations so you can fuel up economically, making the drive convenient and worry-free.

Beat boredom en route. Even in the air, there are ways to keep the family entertained. Inflight internet services, like Gogo, allow for texting and surfing the web, so kids can keep up with their Candy Crush game and mom and dad can hop online to research travel activities. And if you are a T-Mobile customer, you get a free hour of Wi-Fi on every domestic flight! Take connectivity to the next level by plugging into a portable charger to ensure all your devices are fully charged for the duration of your flight and after you land.

Find your travel Zen. Ever been on a long train ride with an unhappy baby or snoring fellow rider? Drown out unwelcome disruptions by turning up the volume, and streaming unlimited music from services like Spotify, Apple Music and Pandora with Music Freedom from T-Mobile.

Pro tip: Noise-cancelling headphones help too! Seek out a comfortable pair designed to fit the unique contour of your ears – they are ideal for lengthy trips.

Make the most of travel downtime. Dealing with a delay or adjusting to a different time zone? Use the unplanned time to catch up on your favorite shows. You can stream services like Netflix, Hulu and YouTube on your phone with T-Mobile’s Binge On and not only will you get through the series cliffhanger, none of your streaming will count against your high-speed data! Happy holidays indeed!

Stay connected even when abroad. Google’s 2016 travel trends show that 85 percent of leisure travelers decide on activities to do from their mobile phone after they’ve arrived at their travel destination. You can avoid roaming charges while you wander out of the country with services like Simple Global from T-Mobile. It provides unlimited data and texting in more than 140 countries around the globe.

For the 50 percent of Americans who regularly travel to Mexico or Canada, a travel offering that spans an entire continent, like Mobile Without Borders, will be welcome news. It ensures you can text and post photos of guacamole and poutine all day with no (data) consequences.

Be the all-star family photographer. Essential for capturing photos throughout the holidays, selfie sticks are this year’s unexpected travel necessity. Various types– compact, waterproof and Bluetooth enabled are available at a range of prices. Whether you are headed on a morning hike or prepping the holiday feast, you’ll capture memories the family will love for years to come.

 

 

Two Arrested For Multiple Burglaries

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By SBSD

Chino Hills- During an investigation of several commercial burglaries at the Lowe’s Home Improvement in Chino Hills, deputies from the Chino Hills Police/Sheriff’s Department identified the suspect as 30-year-old Dominic Adame. On Monday, December 19, 2016, deputies and detectives served warrants at Dominic Adame’s home in the city of Corona. The warrants were in reference to two burglaries which occurred at a Lowe’s home improvement store in Chino Hills, and several other similar burglaries committed in Lowe’s locations throughout Riverside County. A white older model Toyota Avalon was used during the burglaries. Adame would enter the Lowe’s locations, select combo tool kits, then exit without paying for the merchandise.
During the service of the warrants, deputies recovered stolen tools and several items consistent with a Methamphetamine Clandestine Lab. Adame and his girlfriend, Amber Buasen, were arrested and booked into custody in Riverside County for manufacturing and possession of narcotics for sales. During the investigation, it was determined Buasen conspired with Adame to commit burglaries at Lowe’s locations in San Bernardino and Riverside County.
Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact Deputy E. Bradshaw at the Chino Hills Police/Sheriff’s Department at (909) 364-2000. If you wish to remain anonymous you may contact WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME.

Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken

HONEY MUSTARD GLAZED CHICKEN

with Baked Veggies 

By Hello Freshau-honey-mustard-chicken-6728f818-1 

Cooking Time: 40 min

Servings: 2

Nutrition: 526 cal, Fat: 16 g, Sat. Fat: 2 g, Protein: 47 g, Carbs: 51 g, Sugar: 17 g, Sodium: 322 mg, Fiber: 7 g

Ingredients:

  • Red Onion- 1
  • Zucchini- 1
  • Sweet Potato- 12 oz.
  • Garlic- 1 Clove
  • Honey- 2 tsp.
  • Whole Grain Mustard- 1 TBSP
  • White Wine Vinegar- 1 tsp
  • Chicken Breast- 12 oz.
  • Parsley- ¼ oz.

Preparation:

  1. Preheat and prep. Wash and dry all produce. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Halve, peel, and cut red onion into wedges. Halve zucchini lengthwise, then cut into ½-inch-thick half-moons. Cut sweet potato into 1-inch cubes. Place veggies on a baking sheet. Toss with 1 TBSP olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Roast until tender and lightly browned, 25-35 minutes.
  2. Make marinade. Meanwhile, mince or grate garlic. Whisk garlic, honey, 1 TBSP whole grain mustard, 1 tsp white wine vinegar, and 1 TBSP olive oil in a medium bowl. Season generously with salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
  3. Marinate chicken. Place chicken in marinade and toss to coat.
  4. sear chicken Heat a medium ovenproof pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and sear in pan until no longer pink on outside, 2-3 minutes on each side. Brush chicken with marinade as it cooks.
  5. Bake chicken. Once chicken is browned and sticky, pour over any remaining marinade. (TIP: If you don’t have an ovenproof pan, transfer chicken and marinade to a baking dish.) With 8-10 minutes to go on veggies, transfer pan with chicken to oven. Roast until chicken is firm and juices run clear when cut.
  6. Divide chicken and veggies between plates. Drizzle with any remaining sauce from pan. Tear leaves from parsley and sprinkle on top.

A Gift from the Heart is Priceless

By Nancy Stoops

Times are tough for so many right now.  I know the media makes us feel like we show our love by spending lots of money.  It shows people giving diamonds and luxury cars and the message is that if you really love somebody you’ll give them this type of gift.  The truth is the most people don’t have that kind of money to spend on themselves much less somebody else.

Many people tell me they feel bad because they wish they had more money to spend this holiday season.  Maybe I’m wrong but the true meaning of the holiday is to spread love and kindness and those things are free.  There are many ways to show love and kindness.  This time of year is about reminding all the special people in our lives how very much we appreciate them.  I have many people every year besides my family and friends that I get a tiny gift for.  I don’t spend too much but they sure do appreciate my gesture.

I always love spending time with my family and friends but this time of year is special because we all have time off and we have more time to be together.  We love sharing meals together, singing songs, baking cookies, laughing, creating memories, taking pictures and getting all of the generations together.  For us the holidays are about having fun and just having more time to express our love for each other.  We make sure to always make time for lots of hugs and kisses as well.  Over the years I have made many gifts for friends and family.  We are all very sentimental so a gift from the heart is priceless in my family and doesn’t have to cost you a cent.  Just enjoy the holiday season!!!!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  Nancy is now accepting new clients.  She also works as a motivational speaker.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups for teens and can handle many court mandated needs.  For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909) 229-0727.  You may e-mail Nancy at nancyjstoops@verizon.net. You may purchase Nancy’s book’s Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.