The Rolling Stones are still Rocking!

by Jim Runyan
Columnist

Full disclosure, I am a Rolling Stones fan and have been since the summer of 1978 when the album “Some Girls” came out. Now, some 45 years later, The Rolling Stones have a new album being released. On October 20th, Hackney Diamonds will be the 26th Rolling Stones album released in the United States, and it has been 18 years since they last released an album of original music (they snuck in an album of blues covers in 2016 called Blue and Lonesome).

In true Rolling Stones fashion, they announced the album with a worldwide event hosted by Jimmy Fallon. The event was streamed live around the world and could be seen locally at 8:30am on Wednesday, September 6th. You can watch a replay of the announcement at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSzJhzfDtS4.

The interview and event with Jimmy Fallon are fun to watch. The Rolling Stones consist of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood (80, 79, and 76 years old, respectively). Their longtime band mate, Charlie Watts, passed away in 2021 and Hackney Diamonds is their first album without him, although his work will be heard on several tracks.

The band seems relaxed, happy, and glad to be producing new material. They explain in the interview that “Hackney Diamonds” is slang for something like “smash and grab,” like when a windshield (or “wind screen” as Mick calls it), is broken and the bits of glass on the street are called “Hackney Diamonds.” Hackney is a district in London and the announcement came from the Hackney Empire Theater in East London. After all, as Keith puts it, “It’s a London band.”

Following the event came the debut of the first single and video from the album. “Angry” is a straightforward rocker with a classic Stones guitar hook, vocals about a confused lover whose partner, for unknown reasons, is angry with him, and of course, a bluesy, ripping guitar solo which is often a hallmark of Rolling Stones rockers.

As expected, the video for the song is done with high production value and is very clever. A woman (Sydney Sweeney) is frolicking on the back of a cherry-red Mercedes Benz convertible rolling down Sunset Boulevard while passing billboards that have come to life with Rolling Stones scenes and performances.

The classic theme of the billboards reveals a bit of history in that Rock & Roll billboards were once an iconic staple on the Sunset Strip in the late 1960s with the first one advertising The Doors’ first album. The older videos are synchronized to seem as if they are playing the current song and the whole thing comes together seamlessly and should appeal to tried-and-true fans and newcomers alike.

Overall, having a new Stones song, and a new Stones video, and a new Stones album just seems right. If nothing else, it is worth celebrating a band that has been in existence for 61 years (1962-present) and has seen a thing or two on their times around the block. Keep an eye on this space for a full review after the October 20th release of Hackney Diamonds.

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Jim Runyan is an avid tennis player, BBQ enthusiast and dart player. He enjoys craft beers and writing fiction and is the author of Ravage the Moon and Other Short Stories available on Amazon.

Stylish and sustainable: Eco-Friendly home makeovers for the back-to-school season

Photo:Pexels/Pixabay

Sentinel News Service - As the autumn leaves fall, the back-to-school buzz resounds. However, the season isn't just about new books or outfits. It's an opportunity to rejuvenate our living spaces. Ponder this: Why not intertwine style with sustainability? Delving into eco-friendly home makeovers can transform your space into a haven of responsibility.

Furthermore, embracing a green lifestyle during this season sets a precedent for the whole year. This post will journey through sustainable ideas that marry function with flair. After all, cultivating an eco-conscious abode not only benefits our planet but also nurtures our well-being.

Why Sustainable Makeovers Matter
Every design choice makes a ripple. Consider the environmental footprint of that trendy yet non-sustainable coffee table. It's alarming. Now, think about the perks of green makeovers. First off, eco-friendly designs slash our carbon footprint. Secondly, natural materials often translate to healthier indoor air — no sneaky chemicals or pollutants.

Moreover, this green switch promises financial savings. Imagine fewer replacements and lower energy bills. Therefore, sustainable transformations are more than just fashion statements. They're commitments — to the environment, our health, and even our wallets. To sum it up, sustainability is the new smart and something homeowners should champion.

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Organization is essential, especially in kids' rooms that can quickly resemble the aftermath of a mini tornado if not carefully managed.

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Room-by-Room Eco Makeover Tips
Embarking on an eco-friendly home makeover is more than just a design decision; it's a commitment to a healthier, sustainable lifestyle. Here's a look, area by area, of simple changes you can do to make your space more sustainable.

Living Area
Shifting our attention to the living area, our central hub of relaxation. Seating solutions like jute or hemp sofas make for stylish yet sustainable choices. Moreover, throw pillows made of organic fabrics can add a splash of color without compromising eco-values.

In terms of decor, recycled materials are your best allies. Old wine bottles can be transitioned into chic vases. Meanwhile, thrifted art or sculptures can be refreshing conversation starters.

Electronics play a vital role in our daily unwind ritual. Hence, when purchasing, consider energy efficiency ratings. An energy-saving television or sound system reduces electricity consumption, ultimately trimming your bills.

Bedrooms
Venturing into the bedroom, especially for kids, the realm of imagination meets reality. Firstly, ensure their beddings are made from materials like organic cotton or bamboo. Soft, hypoallergenic, and environmentally sound. Perfect for a restful night after school shenanigans.

Regarding furniture, upcycled pieces reign supreme. Seek out pre-loved treasures at local thrift stores. Repainting or reupholstering can breathe new life into them. Furthermore, when painting the walls or furniture, aim for eco-friendly paints. They lack harmful chemicals, safeguarding both the environment and your child's health.

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An old wooden crate, for instance, can be upcycled into a stylish bookshelf. It's about blending functionality with sustainability.

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Organization is essential, especially in kids' rooms that can quickly resemble the aftermath of a mini tornado if not carefully managed. Using old tins for stationery, mason jars for small treasures, or vintage suitcases for toys sparks creativity and is an eco-friendly exercise for youngsters. As you introduce these sustainable practices, it's a great opportunity to help your child get organized and teach them to keep it neat in the middle of their daily activities. Instilling the habits of organizing their room early on shapes future eco-conscious and organized adults.

The Study Space
At the heart of every academic triumph is a conducive study space. Let's initiate our eco journey there. Start with a sustainable desk, perhaps one crafted from bamboo or reclaimed wood. Not only are these materials eco-friendly, but they're also durable. Transitioning next to lighting, opt for LED lights. Bright, energy-efficient, and perfect for those long study hours.

And don't forget about indoor plants. Beyond their aesthetic value, they purify the air. Succulents, for instance, are low-maintenance choices. Also, consider ferns for that touch of greenery, aiding concentration as well.

Storage is key. And when selecting storage solutions, think of repurposed materials. An old wooden crate, for instance, can be upcycled into a stylish bookshelf. It's about blending functionality with sustainability.

DIY Sustainable Decor Ideas
Crafting our own decor brings personal flair to eco-friendly home makeovers. First off, consider reusable fabric bunting. Bright, festive, and zero-waste. Perfect for any celebration or as a whimsical touch in kids' rooms. Moreover, upcycling old containers introduces a creative twist. Those discarded jars? Now, they're quirky vases or candleholders.

But there's more. Nature provides a plethora of craft materials. Take pinecones, for instance. Gathered and arranged, they transform into rustic centerpieces. Similarly, dried flowers encapsulate beauty without the environmental toll of plastic decor. So, let's recap. Making our own sustainable decor champions the environment and ignites our creativity.

Encouraging Sustainable Habits Post-Makeover
So, your home now sparkles with sustainable charm — what’s next? Maintaining these eco-friendly strides is crucial. Firstly, integrate recycling into your daily routine. Easy access bins can make a world of difference.

Composting? That's a game-changer, especially for organic waste. As you bask in your green haven, consider embracing minimalism. Fewer items often mean less waste. And when shopping, remember: quality trumps quantity. Teach your kids this ethos, too. By doing so, you're planting seeds of sustainability in their minds.

The eco-makeover journey doesn't end with decor. It's an ongoing commitment, a lifestyle. Let’s keep the momentum going and inspire others along the way. Green living? It's the gift that keeps on giving.

Eco-friendly home makeovers offer more than aesthetic appeal. They intertwine style with responsibility. Such makeovers go beyond trends; they reflect conscious choices for a healthier planet. Each sustainable touch in your home echoes a commitment to tomorrow.

So, as we've journeyed together through these green ideas, remember the lasting impact. Small changes, when collectively embraced, pave the way for significant transformations. So, why wait? Dive into the world of sustainable decor. Inspire, get inspired, and watch as your home evolves into an eco-haven. Together, we craft a brighter, greener future, one room at a time.

Volleyball milestone reached, SJO's McDonald reaches the 400th match win

Members of the St. Joseph-Ogden volleyball program pose for a group photo with head coach Abby McDonald after her 400th win on Monday. The milestone came after the Spartans defeated Hoopeston Area at home in two sets, 25-13, 25-22. Under McDonald's leadership the program has also won nine regional titles, two sectional sectional plaques, and two state trophies, one in 2016 and another three years later in 2019.

Modest about her accomplishment, she said the credit goes to all the players who contributed to the program's success. "Honestly, it's just a number on paper. What I hope it does is inspire them to continue the tradition that not only they have been a part of - this is going to age me - but also the hundreds of girls before them."

Now in her 18th year with SJO, 16 as head coach, with the exception of the abbreviated 2021 season, her teams have posted 20-plus wins every year. SJO is eight wins away from another 20-win season heading into Wednesday night's non-conference home match against the Danville Vikings.

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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