Entertainment

Dear Amy: My best friend, “Maria,” and I are both 14 years old. Recently, Maria revealed to me that a tendency of mine annoys her.

The line between what constitutes a movie and a TV show was already blurry before the pandemic nearly erased it. As CO- VID-19 restrictions have eased some of the delineation has returned. Look, sorry, but Steven Spielberg wasn’t going to premiere “West Side Story” on your iPhone. But straight up made-for-TV series have been proliferating for a while now. Call it Peak TV, call it Another Golden Age, call it whatever you want. As long as you call it a lot. Too much, really, for one person to sift through. With unmanageable volume in mind, here’s a short list of shows we’re looking forward to in 2022, both new and returning. Complete? Hardly. Just intriguing. Note: Premiere dates aren’t available for all series, so be sure to check listings.

“Better Off Dead” by Lee Child, Andrew Child (Delacorte) Jack Reacher fans have a lot to be happy about these days. Lee Child and his brother, Andrew Child, have released the 26th novel in the series.

Try this super simple but deliciously creamy and tangy make-ahead Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip. It’s the perfect New Year’s Eve appetizer to serve your family and friends or take to a party. You won’t believe how good this dip is. I can’t help myself from grabbing a spoonful every time I walk by the refrigerator; it’s that good!

The latest TikTok trend involving warnings of potential violence at schools may have parents wondering how can they get a handle on their children’s social media usage. Experts say it’s not easy.

HELENA, Mont. – Helena Valley resident Fred Terry never aspired to be a published author, but he became one after writing a children’s book as a way to connect with his kids while deployed with the U.S. Army National Guard. His children’s book,

The cliché “easy as pie” needs to be modified. h “Easy as eating pie” is more accurate, because “easy as making pie” is an oxymoron. h I am solid in many immediate- and expert-level kitchen tasks. You want venison grilled to perfection, crispy fried chicken, moist baked or smoked salmon or brined brisket for old-school pastrami? I’m your cook. h I can peel a butternut squash in no time without slicing a finger or adjust the spiciness of a pot of chili to match any person’s heat tolerance. h But if you want to make me question my ability to succeed in the kitchen, give me a pie recipe.

1. “Here’s to Us,” by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera (Quill Tree Books, fiction) What it’s about: The authors of young adult romance “What If It’s Us” continue the story of former boyfriends Arthur and Ben, who are brought back into each other’s orbits.

The latest TikTok trend involving warnings of potential violence at schools may have parents wondering how can they get a handle on their children’s social media usage. Experts say it’s not easy.