Home & Garden |
Renovating for comfort: Creating cozy spaces in your home

Karl Solano/PEXELS

SNS - Creating cozy spaces in your home transforms it into a sanctuary of comfort. Warm, inviting areas make a house truly feel like a home in Champaign-Urbana. It’s essential for both your mental and physical well-being.

Here are some great ideas to help guide you through renovating your place with coziness in mind. From understanding what comfort means to practical tips on furniture arrangement, learn how to assess your current place and plan effective renovation and turn your home this winter into the coziest of havens and make you home the place friends and family love to gather.

Understanding Comfort and Coziness

Creating a cozy space goes beyond aesthetics; it evokes feelings of warmth, safety, and ease. Comfort and coziness in home design are crucial in how we experience our living place. A cozy room invites you to relax, unwind, and feel at ease, providing a refuge from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

On the other hand, comfort is about meeting our physical needs and ensuring our surroundings serve us well. These two elements create an environment that supports our well-being and promotes relaxation. When our homes cater to our needs and appeal to our senses, they contribute significantly to our happiness and contentment.

Assessing Your Space

Starting with a fresh perspective, look around your home. Ask yourself: Does it evoke comfort? Think about the areas that feel cold or unwelcoming. An inviting place often stems from its functionality. Consider if every piece of furniture serves a purpose. Could a corner benefit from a cozy reading chair? Or perhaps a barren wall from some soft lighting?

Next, take note of elements that may disrupt comfort. Harsh lighting or clashing colors can easily turn a place from cozy to chaotic. Also, reflect on the textures present. Soft, warm materials can elevate a room's coziness factor instantly.

Finally, sketch a rough layout of your rooms. Think about flow. The way spaces connect can either enhance or diminish a sense of comfort. Be open to rearranging. Sometimes, moving a piece of furniture can transform the whole vibe of a room.

Planning Your Renovation

Planning your renovation demands a well-thought-out strategy, particularly if creating cozy spaces in your home is the goal. Start with a clear vision of what you want to achieve. Consider the feelings you wish to evoke and the activities that will take place in each room. Draft a detailed plan that outlines every aspect of the project, from design concepts to materials and finishes.

Setting a realistic budget is crucial. Research costs thoroughly and allocate funds wisely to avoid financial stress. Remember to include a contingency fund for unexpected expenses. Equally important is establishing a realistic timeline. Plan each renovation phase meticulously, allowing extra time for potential delays.

Choosing materials and finishes that contribute to a cozy atmosphere is essential. Opt for warm colors and soft textures that invite relaxation. Pay attention to lighting; soft, layered lighting creates a welcoming ambiance. Flooring also plays a significant role; consider plush carpets or warm wood tones for added comfort.

Your plan should also reflect a balance between aesthetics and functionality. Ensure that every element you choose serves a purpose while also contributing to the overall coziness of the space.

Utilizing Space Effectively

Maximizing the potential of every nook and cranny is crucial in creating a comfortable, cozy place. Start with a smart layout, arranging furniture to make rooms feel open yet inviting. Incorporate multi-functional furniture, like ottomans with storage or sofa beds, to save space and add utility.

For effective storage solutions, US Moving Experts have a few tips. They suggest using vertical space with shelves and hooks, keeping floors clutter-free. Utilize under-bed storage and choose furniture with built-in storage. That keeps belongings organized while maintaining a tidy, cozy atmosphere. Avoid crowding rooms with too much furniture. Instead, opt for pieces that provide comfort and serve multiple purposes. Embrace natural light and use mirrors to create the illusion of a larger space. A cozy place is not necessarily a small one.

Incorporating Comforting Elements

Creating a cozy and welcoming place involves integrating comforting elements throughout your home. Start by selecting plush furnishings that invite relaxation.

Think soft sofas, overstuffed chairs, and cushioned benches. Incorporate soft textiles like fluffy throws and plush pillows for added warmth. Opt for warm colors in your décor to enhance the sense of coziness. Shades of red, orange, and yellow evoke feelings of warmth and comfort.

Lighting plays a crucial role as well; choose soft, ambient lighting over harsh, bright lights. Candles and string lights can add a gentle glow, creating a tranquil atmosphere. Integrate natural elements like wood and stone for warmth and grounding.

Don’t overlook the power of scent; fragrant candles or essential oil diffusers can contribute significantly to a cozy ambiance.

Personalize your space with meaningful décor, such as family photos or treasured mementos, to make it your own. Photos and paintings from local artists are always a sure hit. Have kids that play sports? Mounting and framing 16x20 or larger, high-quality action photos of your sports prodigy or grandchild will give your room a since of pride. These elements will transform your space, making it the perfect retreat for relaxation and comfort.

Ready for Creating Cozy Spaces in Your Home?

Focusing on comfort significantly enhances cozy spaces in your home. Understand, plan, and implement the right elements for transformation. Cozy furnishings, warm colors, and effective space use are key. Your home should be a sanctuary of comfort and warmth. Start now and enjoy a cozier, more comfortable home.

Creating a cozy and welcoming place involves integrating comforting elements throughout your home. Start with a clear vision of what you want to achieve. Cozy furnishings, warm colors, and effective space use are key.

Photo: Donald Tong/PEXELS

Four signs you need a new roof over your head

A roof is one of the most important components of any home. It protects the structure and its inhabitants from harsh Illinois weather, debris, and even pests. However, over time, roofs can become damaged due to age or extreme conditions. Knowing when it’s time to re-roof your house can save you money in the long ...

Designing your study space for success, start the new school year off right

Are you embarking on the next leg of your academic journey? Your environment plays a pivotal role and it's essential to carve out a space that enhances focus. By choosing to create a productive study ...

Guest Commentary | An attitude of thanksgiving is a good way to live

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator

Here are some tips for Thanksgiving. Be Thankful. Thanksgiving season is a good time to say thanks but we need to make it a lifestyle.

An attitude of thanksgiving is a good way to live. When you are daily thankful for your food, shelter, and the simplest things it elevates your sense of well-being. We devalue our well-being when we spend all of our time looking at what others seem to have. Others may seem to have such great lives that we start missing our own blessings.

The greatest blessings in life are: the ability to walk across the floor; take yourself to the bathroom; enjoy a car ride; feed yourself; have meaningful conversations with other people; enjoy whatever income you have; walk through the grocery store; go to church or enjoy watching television.

Be wise. Don’t kill yourself eating.

Too often we get depressed and bogged down with worries and cares that aren’t worth worrying about.

Give thanks today for everything and anything. Say thank you often. They are good words to say. Teach your children and grandchildren to say thank you and to say it often.

Be helpful. Thank all the cooks several times. Help out in any way you can. Cleaning up is a big job. Be active in clearing the table and offering to wash dishes and put stuff away. An ounce of effort goes a long way. Don’t eat two plates of food and then go into a hypnotic state staring at the football game. Don’t leave all the mess for the person who spent days cooking your meal.

Be wise. Don’t kill yourself eating. If you gain ten pounds in November and December then it will take you two to three months to lose the weight, if you are lucky. It’s tough to lose a pound a week. Do you want to be fat all the way into April? If you can’t wear your clothes now then adding ten more pounds will not do anything to enhance your mood and sense of well-being.

Be safe. Millions of people are traveling. If you have to travel don’t push it. Slow down and enjoy the drive. Leave an hour early and take your time. If you don’t have to go anywhere then be glad and relax.

When Jesus healed ten men with leprosy as described in Luke 17: 11-19, only one of the healed men returned to Jesus to say thanks.

Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? But only this one has returned to say thank you? Jesus said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

This scripture demonstrates the power of a thankful spirit. This man’s life was changed even more because he was thankful. It’s easy to see ungratefulness all around us. The vast majority of those healed were ungrateful. Let’s not live like the majority. Let’s be like the winner of this story. He was the person who gave thanks.

-----------------------------------------------------------

He is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Okonkwo misses cut to advance at Urbana challenger

URBANA - Oliver Okonkwo hits a monster forehand shot during his match against Hunter Heck at the Paine Schwartz Partners Challenger held at Atkins Tennis Center. After winning their first match on Sunday, the two current University of Illinois teammates battled for spot into the round of 32 at this year's professional tennis tournament in Urbana. Okonkwo, a graduate student at the Illinois who is currently 7-3 in collegiate play, fell 7-6(2), 6-2 to Heck.

Kirchheimer defeats Karlovskiy, advances to round of 16 at Urbana challenger

URBANA - Strong Kirchheimer stretches out as he goes for a shot into the ad court during his first-round match against Evgeny Karlovskiy at the Paine Schwartz Partners Challenger earlier today. After taking the first set, 7-5, Kirchheimer, ATP ranked at 401, advanced to the next round after Karlovskiy retired the match down one game, 5-4. He will play the winner of Tuesday's match between Ethan Quinn and #3 seed Emilio Nava.

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

SJO volleyball head coach inducted into Hall of Fame

Normal - St. Joseph-Ogden volleyball head coach Abby McDonald was honored this past Saturday during the year's IHSA Volleyball State Finals with her induction into the Illinois Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Having won more than 400 matches during her coaching career, St. Joseph-Ogden head coach Abby McDonald has become a member of the IVCA Hall of Fame. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Under her leadership, the SJO volleyball program collects 20-win seasons like Halloween candy. Earlier this season McDonald earned her 400th career coach win. A mere 1,432 days earlier, the Spartans celebrated her 300th coaching victory in 2019.

McDonald, a second-grade teacher by trade, took over the head coaching position at St. Joseph-Ogden High School in 2008. Since then, the Spartans have won nine IHSA regional titles, two sectional, and two supersectional titles. In 2016, finished as runner-up in the IHSA Class 2A state tournament and she led the program back again in 2019, when the finish third in the state.

The veteran coach has amassed 417 wins against just 95 losses and looks to continue to build on her coaching legacy.

McDonald knows volleyball.

She graduated from Hoopeston Area High School in 2001. She was a three-sport athlete earning ten varsity levels. After a two-year stint at Danville Community College where she was team captain, All-Conference, and the team's MVP, she also ranked in the top 10 in the nation for assists per game. After two years, McDonald transfered to University of Illinois-Springfield where she quickly found herself back in her leadership role as a team captain and starter for the Prairie Stars.

State Champions! Once again Unity cross-country program captures Class 1A title

Unity's Emily Decker runs in the Class 1A championship race at the IHSA State Cross Country State Finals on Saturday. Decker was the third Rocket to cross the finish line, finishing her race in 18 minutes and 22.60 seconds.

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Class 1A Final Standings

1. Unity 109
2. Anna-Jonesboro 157
3. Peoria Notre Dame 224
4. Eureka 231
5. Knoxville 270
6. Chicago Christian 274
7. Shelbyville 278
8. Father McGivney 319
9. Williamsville 331
10. Herscher 347

Peoria - Two weeks ago, the Unity girls cross country program cemented their place in prep sports history as a downstate running dynasty. The Rockets tallied 109 points, 48 points less than their nearest competitor to bring home the Class 1A state title for a third consecutive season.

Led by sophomore Mackenzie Pound and Erica Woodward, who finished their individual race under the 18 minute mark, Unity's three-peat performance moved the school to #5 on the IHSA's list for most-consecutive title wins.

Pound was the tenth runner in the small school race to cross the finish line at 17:36.87. Woodard, a senior, also earned All-State status, crossed over at 17:45.26.

Unity's #3 runner, Emily Decker, finished 30th behind Clinton senior MaKayla Koeppel (18:18.41) and Christ Our Rock Lutheran's Sarah McKowen, senior, at 18:20.41. Earning her third team medal, Decker turned in a time of 18:22.60.

Running neck and neck to the finish line, Ashlyn Denny held off Princeville's Bethany Sennett, who finished six-hundreth of second ahead of her stopping her race clock 18 minute, 53.38 second.

Almost a second and half later, Rocket senior Olivia Shike closed out her prep cross country career at 18:54.89 to close out the top five runners to cross the finish line.

Over the past nine season, except for a two-year hiccup from 2018 to 2019, the Class 1A state championship trophy was brought home by either Unity or St. Joseph-Ogden. Unity now ranks second in program state title victories, behind Winnebago's 13 state title, with five. Surpassing St. Teresa's four titles, Unity has won four previous state championships in 2015, 2017, 2021, and 2022. The Rockets also were runner-up back in the one class system in 1988 and again in the three-class championships in 2016.

This championship squad included:
10. Mackenzie Pound 17:36.87
14. Erica Woodard 17:45.26
30. Emily Decker 18:22.60
52. Ashlyn Denney 18:53.38
55. Olivia Shike 18:54.89
63. Camryn Reedy 19:00.12
73. Reagen Stringer 19:07.77

Local union to host ribbon-cutting ceremony at new training facility in Savoy

SAVOY - UA Local 149 will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony tomorrow at their new training center for area plumbers, pipefitters, and HVAC technicians.

Elected officials and union leaders from across Illinois will be in attendance at the grand opening event starting at 4:30pm at the UA Local 149 Training Center, located at 1005 N. Dunlap Ave. in Savoy. In addition to presentations made by state and local officials, as well as Local 149 leadership, several Champaign-area business leaders will also be recognized at the event as part of a celebration of National Apprenticeship Week.

Local 149 apprentices spend five years learning as they are earning, spending 240 hours in class and 1,700 hours on the job each year, working for local contractors. They make $22.66 an hour on day one, with guaranteed hourly raises each year to $42.80 in their fifth year, after which their total hourly package is $73.60 as journeymen.

The grand opening will also feature demonstrations by apprentices on the new equipment and tours of the new facility.

On Wednesday from 9am to 12 pm, there will be an open house to welcome interested applicants to tour the facility and apply to join Local 149, which represents more than 600 workers across East Central Illinois.

Those who apply are invited to take an entrance exam and in-person interviews before possibly being offered a position in the union.

Education leaders seek more funding for Black community colleges

by Mark Richardson
Illinois News Connection

Chicago - Historical and predominantly Black community colleges often get overlooked when it comes to funding for higher education. However, leaders nationwide are seeking ways to improve support for these institutions.

Complete College of America and Lumina Foundation organized a webinar recently to discuss the needs of these colleges and their crucial role in promoting equal opportunities for Black students.

Brandon Nichols, senior vice president for academic affairs at Olive-Harvey College, a historically Black community college, emphasized the need for funding to provide wraparound services to under-resourced students.

"One of the things that we noticed was the food insecurities," he said. "So we actually have a pantry that is now on site for our students to have access to. And we know that our students come to school hungry, may not have had the resources or access to be able to go to the grocery store that impacts the level of success in the classroom."

Olive-Harvey College is part of the Chicago State University system, with more than 7,000 students enrolled in scientific, technical and liberal-arts courses. Nichols said because it is the only group of Historically Black Colleges in Illinois, they feel a special responsibility to offer support to their students.

Nichols pointed out that funding is crucial in supporting what he calls the school's "stranded workforce" - individuals striving for a degree but held back by financial obstacles or other responsibilities. He said a majority of students come from a low-income background, which makes college necessities such as books, laptops, child care and even food sometimes hard to afford.

"We want to make sure that we give our students the resources they need to be the most successful," he said. "Next aspect is that we want to make sure that our students and our community also reflect the faculty that we have that are teaching our courses. We're very intentional to ensure that we have faculty that reflect our students."

Advocates from other states also highlighted the essential resources that historically Black colleges offer to support first-generation students and emphasize the need for impactful research that reflects their community influence.

Support for this reporting was provided by Lumina Foundation.

Other News:

Young people should trust their gut when it comes to stomach pain

For years, colon cancer was believed by many to be an "old person’s disease." However, a study revealed that young patients ages 20 to 29 have recently seen the highest spike in rates of diagnosed colon cancer cases.

According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 18,000 people under the age of 50 will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year in the United States. Many of these cases are being diagnosed at late stages, which is believed to be ...

African-American women who use chemical relaxers suffer from hormone-related cancer more frequently

Deanna Denham Hughes was stunned when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer last year. She was only 32. She had no family history of cancer, and tests found no genetic link. Hughes wondered why she, an otherwise healthy Black mother of two, would develop ...

Protect yourself and family from holiday season scams

Jonathan Hammond /Pixabay

Statepoint Media - In today’s hyper-connected digital universe, cyber criminals have more information than ever before, with the ability to reach you through unsecure public Wi-Fi, your email inbox, via text message, and more.

According to a Scam and Robocall Report from T-Mobile, Americans lost an estimated $39.5 billion to phone scams in 2022. Lucky for you, there are several ways to protect and safeguard your personal information to help prevent scammers from scammin’ this holiday season.

1. Avoid Public USB Ports: Traveling by plane this holiday season? The FCC warns that cyber criminals can download malware to public USB charging ports to gain access to your information. Prevent this by using an AC power outlet instead.

2. Beware of Charity Scams: It’s the season of giving, but the FCC warns many cyber criminals take advantage by creating fake charities staged as real nonprofit organizations to gain access to your payment information. Woof. To prevent this, don’t click on suspicious email or text links and verify the organization is registered at the National Association of State Charity Officials or Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance before donating this holiday season.

3. Screen Your Calls: Scammers are continuously upping their game, with total robocall attempts up 75% from 2021 to 2022. Detecting whether an incoming call is a potential scam isn’t always easy, but T-Mobile’s Scam Shield app makes it simple. Free to all T-Mobile customers, Scam Shield enhances your scam-blocking protections so you can say goodbye to scam calls. In 2022 alone, Scam Shield identified or blocked 41.5 billion scam calls in the T-Mobile network. That’s a whopping 1,317 calls identified or blocked every second. With Scam Shield, when the network detects a potential scam call, it is flagged and displayed as “Scam Likely” on your device. Customers who want even more protection can download the Scam Shield app or dial #662# from their T-Mobile smartphone to enable Scam Block, which automatically blocks any calls that match the database of scam calls. Take that, tricksters. To learn more, visit t-mobile.com/scamshield.

4. Shop Smarter Online: According to Statista, 57% of holiday shoppers plan to use their smartphone to make holiday purchases this year, and scammers are onto them, ramping up activity during the two weeks before Christmas. To minimize any cyber Grinches trying to steal your personal info, monitor your financial accounts regularly for suspicious charges and sign up for your bank or credit card company’s text or email notifications to stay on top of fraudulent activity.

5. Use Secure Tools: Safeguard your online accounts with Multi-Factor Authentication, which requires users to enter two different kinds of information to log in, like a password and one-time PIN code. It’s like having a digital bouncer to make sure only you get into your accounts. Another protection is a password manager, giving you the ability to securely store passwords across multiple platforms and websites. The tool also provides an autofill password function and a new password generator.

To learn more about the industry’s top fraud trends and how to stay protected from scammers year-round, check out T-Mobile’s Scam Shield Report found at t-mobile.com/news.

While cyber threats are on the rise, you can sleigh scams by staying vigilant and incorporating these best practices into your life this holiday season.

Fighting Illini Women's 15K tournament schedule released

URBANA - Atkins Tennis Center announced the schedule for the Fighting Illini Women’s 15K Futures tennis tournament starting this Sunday. The event, which offers free admission to the general public, will run Sunday, November 5th through Saturday, November 11th.

The competition begins on Sunday at 10am with the qualifying draw of 32 women vying for a spot into the main draw, which will commence on Monday after the conclusion of the qualifying matches. In addition competing for WTA and ITF rating points, the top finishers share a total purse $15,000.

Last year's doubles champions, Megan Heuser and Kate Duong, are back looking to repeat finish. The field of competition will feature rising international players from the United States, Great Britain, Germany, China, and other countries around the globe.

The brackets for the qualifying round are expected to released on Saturday.

Tournament Schedule:

Sunday, November 5th: Qualifying draw of 32 players will begin at 10 a.m
Monday, November 6th: Qualifying draw finishes. Main draw matches to follow, 10 a.m. start
Tuesday, November 7th: Main draw match play will resume with a 10 a.m. start
Wednesday, November 8th: Main draw match play will resume with a 10 a.m. start
Thursday, November 9th: Doubles semi-finals and Singles quarter finals 10 a.m. start
Friday, November 10th: Doubles final and Singles semi-finals, 10 a.m. start
Saturday, November 11th: Singles final at 10 a.m.

Brem Foundation announces new breast cancer screening tool

Photo: Leeloo Thefirst/PEXELS

by Brett Peveto
Illinois News Connection

CHICAGO - October has been Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in the wake of a recent study showing an increase in the incidence of cancer at younger ages, the Brem Foundation has announced a new online resource to help women assess their cancer risk.

The study, published in August, found from 2010 to 2019 the incidence of early onset cancer increased in women mainly because of cancers of the uterus and breast. The Brem Foundation has released a new online tool called CheckMate, a quiz to help women assess their breast cancer risk and determine if they should seek additional screening.

Dr. Rachel Brem, co-founder and chief medical officer at the foundation, said many women may underestimate their risk for breast cancer.

We have many things in our tool chest that can find early curable breast cancer, like screening breast ultrasound, or MRI.

"We know that the average age of breast cancer is significantly decreasing," Brem pointed out. "So that we really have to get this interactive, easy, quick tool into the hands of everybody, including younger women, because the incidence of breast cancer is happening in younger and younger women."

In the past, the only tool for finding breast cancer early was X-ray mammograms. Brem noted in recent years, many advances in screening technology have taken place and now early detection is far better.

"We have many things in our tool chest that can find early curable breast cancer, like screening breast ultrasound, or MRI," Brem outlined. "The reason that's so important is because 95% of women with early breast cancer survive and thrive five years and more."

She added finding breast cancer early not only improves survival rates, but also allows for less difficult treatments.

While mammograms are a reliable screening tool for many women, some women in higher risk categories including those with dense breast tissue often need more advanced screening methods. Brem emphasized CheckMate was developed by a panel of national experts to help address different risk factors among varying racial and ethnic groups.

"Higher risk groups like black American women, like Ashkenazi Jewish women, where breast cancer does occur younger and more aggressively, CheckMate can be a lifesaving tool to find out if they have an increased risk of breast cancer and whether they need more screening to find early curable breast cancer," Brem stressed.

Young people should trust their gut when it comes to stomach pain

African-American women who use chemical relaxers suffer from hormone-related cancer more frequently

In-Review: Hackney Diamonds, 12 tracks add to Rolling Stones goodness

by Jim Runyan
Columnist

The new Rolling Stones album was released on October 20 th and it is truly a love letter to Stones fans everywhere. Hackney Diamonds is the 26th Rolling Stones album released in the United States and the first album of original material released by the band in 18 years.

A full-fledged marketing blitz ushered in the release. They really checked all the boxes on this one:

Worldwide live album announcement with Jimmy Fallon (check);
Star-studded musical collaborations (check);
Two successful singles released in the weeks leading up to the release (check);
Band members appearing on talk shows, Saturday Night Live, and making themselves available for multiple interviews (check);
A myriad of special album colors and cover versions (check):
Teaming up with Major League Baseball with special album art for each MLB team (check);
Surprise gig at an intimate New York hotspot on the eve of the release (check).

You can almost hear Mick Jagger in a marketing meeting asking, “What else can we do?”

Ok, so what? Is the music any good? Yes, it is. It is exceptionally good in fact.

The Stones have been around so long that their catalog of music includes many genres of music. There’s Rock and Roll, of course, but you will also find blues, gospel, reggae, psychedelic, punk, country, pop, R&B, and yes, even disco.

A great Rolling Stones album typically has a mix of several of these elements and this one does not disappoint. There are happy love songs and angry love songs, soaring gospel voices, punk-tinged rock and rollers, classic blues, harmonicas, horns, and more.

You know Keith Richards is going to sing a song with his raspy and gravelly voice. He does, and it’s wonderful.

You know Ronnie Wood is going to add some Steel Guitar twang to at least one song. He does, and it’s wonderful.

You know Mick Jagger will sing his heart out. He does, and it’s wonderful.

In conjunction with Mick, Keith, and Ronnie, there is some serious talent on this album. Paul McCartney rips one of the coolest (albeit short) bass solos you will ever hear and Stevie Wonder and Lady Gaga lend their talents to the instant gospel classic, Sweet Sounds of Heaven. Elton John tickles the ivories on Live by The Sword - does that make three knights on this album?.

Ex-band member Bill Wyman lends some bass and even the beloved Charlie Watts adds drums, may he rest in peace.

All that being said, I’m coming back to Ronnie and Keith. The Rolling Stones have always had great guitar tracks and this album is full of them. Ronnie and Keith really deliver here and their guitar weaving and riffs are superb. From the opening chords of Angry to the closing blues of Rolling Stone Blues, guitar fans will be happy and satisfied.

Hackney Diamonds track list:

1. Angry
2. Get Close
3. Depending on You
4. Bite My Head Off
5. Whole Wide World
6. Dreamy Skies
7. Mess It Up
8. Live by the Sword
9. Driving Me Too Hard
10. Tell Me Straight
11. Sweet Sounds of Heaven
12. Rolling Stone Blues (Muddy Waters Cover)

This all adds up to approximately 48 minutes of Rolling Stones goodness.

If you’re looking for something new and fresh from a band that’s been around for over sixty years, go ahead and give this one a spin, preferably with headphones on to really soak it all in. There’s a lot going on here and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

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.

Heart disease is a risk for women transitioning through menopause

by The American Heart Association

DALLAS — Medical experts note that hormone and body composition changes during the transition to menopause can increase the risk of developing heart disease after menopause.^[1] The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, offers tips to support women’s heart health during this transition.

“More women in the U.S. are living longer, and a significant portion of them will spend up to 40% of their lives postmenopausal,” said Brooke Aggarwal, Ed.D., M.S., F.A.H.A., assistant professor of medical sciences in Cardiology at Columbia University Medical Center and a volunteer for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women™ movement.

As women grow and change so does their risk for cardiovascular disease. Go Red for Women, the Association’s premier women’s movement, addresses awareness and clinical care gaps of women’s greatest health threat, and is a trusted source for health and well-being at every age, stage and season.

“Navigating through menopause isn’t one-size-fits-all, and neither is the journey to good heart health,” she added. “This makes it even more important to focus on heart and brain health at all stages of life.”

The best defense against menopause-related changes is working with your doctor to make sure your key health numbers are in a healthy range, and understanding which healthy habits you can fine tune to boost your heart health. These tips can help:

Health by the numbers: Blood pressure, blood sugar and body mass index should be monitored yearly. More often if your numbers are out of range. Cholesterol level is also important, and healthy numbers are more individualized based on your other risk factors. Your doctor can help you figure this one out.
The best way to eat: No single food is a miracle-worker for health. Instead, look at your overall pattern of eating. Experts at the American Heart Association rated 10 popular eating patterns and the DASH-style and Mediterranean-style way of eating rose to the top as having the most heart-healthy elements: high in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, healthy fat and lean protein; and low in salt, sugar, alcohol and processed foods.
Exercise that does double-duty: Strength and resistance training is one of the four types of exercise in a general workout routine along with endurance, balance and flexibility. Strength and resistance have the added benefit of increasing bone strength and muscle mass. As women enter menopause, bone density may take a hit and body composition tends to shift to lower muscle mass. Strength training at least twice a week can help your bones and muscles maintain strength and density.
Protect your sleep time: Healthy sleep is part of the 8 essential elements of heart health called Life’s Essential 8, but the transition to menopause comes with myriad interruptions to a good night’s rest – nightly restroom trips, night sweats, insomnia. Do whatever it takes to get your Z’s because better sleep has great health benefits: stronger immune system, better mood, more energy, clearer thinking and lower risk of chronic diseases. A few habit changes can improve sleep, like setting a notification or alarm to remind you it’s time to wind down, then shutting down electronic devices at that time. For stubborn sleep problems your doctor may be able to help.

Myths about hospice care: A bunch of things people think that aren't true

Hospice is intended to provide comfort and support to patients at the end of their life so that they can experience their remaining time in the best ways possible. Experts say that unfortunately, ...

SAD: Do you get the seasonal blues, here's a tip on what might help

Now that Labor Day has come and gone, so have the days of summer sun into the evening hours. While this is a typical sign of changing seasons, it can also come with a change in mood for those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.

Illini women crush Truman State at home, 121-60

Illinois' Adalia McKenzie fires a shot above Truman State's Emma Bulman. McKenzie finished the team's only exhibition game of the season with nine points and was 3-for-3 from the free throw line on October 30.

Photo: University of Illinois Athletics/Eleanor Guinan

CHAMPAIGN - Every player on the Illinois women's basketball team saw at least two minutes of playing time in the Illini's opening exhibition match against Truman State. Eight players finished the night in double figures for the #23 ranked that rolled over the visiting Bulldogs 121-60 on Monday.

Genesis Bryant led the Illini's offensive effort with a team-high 18 points. Jada Peebles entered the game to drop 15 points on TSU, while Kendall Bostic, who hauled down ten rebounds, contributed another 14 points.

"Overall, it was a good outing. Obviously, we shot the ball really well, but on defense, we need to be sharper," said second-year Illinois head coach Shauna Green. "We need to be able to string more possessions together. That's a work in progress. We will continue to get better, but there were too many times where we got beat off the bounce way too easily."

The Illini snagged 11 steals and made 21 out of 27 free throws.

From beyond the arc, Illinois drained 54% of their shots, making 14 out of 26 attempts. Eight of 14 3-pointers found their way through the net in the first quarter.

"It makes us really hard to guard when everyone is shooting threes and knocking them down," Bryant said. "If we could shoot like that all the time, we would be very hard to beat. It's just fun, especially when teammates are knocking them down."

Truman State was paced by freshman Molly Joyce, who came off the bench to score 18 in her college debut. Teammate Lexie White kicked in another 14 points, and Madison Niemeier, a 6-2 junior, added another seven to round out the top scorers for the Bulldogs.

St. Joseph-Ogden product Ella Armstrong saw eight and a half minutes of playing time under the dome against the Illini. The Truman State sophomore hit a field goal against the Big Ten host.

Upcoming Illinios Womens Basketball Schedule

Home games listed in bold

TUESDAY NOV. 7
MOREHEAD STATE STATE FARM CENTER 6 PM

Saturday Nov. 11
at Marquette Milwaukee, Wis. (Al McGuire Center) 2 PM

WEDNESDAY NOV. 15
SAINT PETER’S STATE FARM CENTER 11 AM

Saturday Nov. 18
vs. Notre Dame # Washington, D.C.

SUNDAY NOV. 26
CANISIUS STATE FARM CENTER 1 PM

WEDNESDAY NOV. 29
CENTRAL CONNECTICUT STATE STATE FARM CENTER 6 PM

Dodds Tennis Center offers tennis workouts throughout the week

Champaign - Like the flocks of geese that fly south for the winter and Snowbirds that trek to Florida for the winter months, it is time for tennis players to migrate from outdoor courts to the more comfortable environment provided by indoor tennis facilities.

Whether you are a seasoned competitor or an avid recreational player, Dodds Tennis Center, located at 2802 Farber Dr, Champaign, offers several drop-in workout sessions to help keep your level of play in top form during the winter months.

Ian Wang hits the ball back over the net while playing mixed-doubles this past summer back in late August. Now that temperatures have dipped below 50º recently, most tennis players have started playing indoors to enjoy the sport.

Photo: PhotoNews Media

Workouts and additional drop-in programs are available for everyone, from beginners to competitive weekend warriors.

For more information and program placement, contact Yuri Sohn at yuri.sohn@champaignparks.org or at (217)819-3993.

The park district also announced that Discounted Court Rates promotion will be back again for the Christmas Holiday season, starting Sunday, December 17, through Sunday, December 31. Bring family, friends, or guests in town for a little holiday fun at Dodds Tennis Center. Random court time rentals are just $21 per hour.

Winter Workout Schedule

Monday Lunch Club Workout 12-1:30pm
Level: Players 3.5 & Up
Member Fee: $13/visit
Guest Fee: $16/visit

Wednesday Ladies Day 9:30-11am
All Levels
Member Fee: $13/visit
Guest Fee: $16/visit

Thursday Intermediate Workout 5:30-7pm
Level: Players 2.5 & Up
Member Fee: $13/visit
Guest Fee: $16/visit

Thursday Late Night Workout 7-9pm
Level: Players 3.5 & Up
Member Fee: $17/visit
Guest Fee: $20/visit

Saturday Morning Workout 9-11am
Level: Players 3.0 & Up
Member Fee: $17/visit
Guest Fee: $20/visit

Sunday Morning Workout 9-11am
Level: Players 3.0 & Up
Member Fee: $17/visit
Guest Fee: $20/visit

Your guide to playing outdoor tennis in the Midwest this winter

This winter, climatologists predicted an El Niño weather pattern for the Midwest. Usually means above average temperatures ...

Fighting Illini Open women's tennis tournament starts November 6

Atkins Tennis Center, located on the University of Illinois campus, will host the area's final women's professional tennis tournament of the year on November 6-13. The Fighting Illini Open will be a unique opportunity for central Illinois tennis players and fans to see rising stars on the ladies' side of the sport and top players from all over the world. Thirty-two singles players and 16 double pairs will compete for a $15,000 purse during the first full week of November.

Guest Commentary | Some people try to forgive, but they never forget

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator

Some people try to forgive but they never forget.

The people of Israel will never forget the October 7th massacre by Hamas which barbarically took the lives of over 1400 people. The goal of Israel now is to eliminate Hamas by whatever means it takes.

In the process of Israel now avenging their rage, innocent civilian Palestinians are being killed by Israel’s aggression. Thousands are being killed. What is this doing to the minds of the Palestinians? Palestinians who survive Israel’s aggression will forever have an internal malice and hate toward Israel that will never be forgotten. Most likely many if not all of the Palestinians already hated Israel. If there were any Palestinians who had any love for Israel, they don’t have it any longer.

For years and ages to come there will be Palestinians who will hate Israel more than ever before. How many of these will act out their hate in terroristic ways? Israel will never forget, nor will the Palestinians. This is a lousy way for neighbors to get along with each other. The goal of Israel is to eliminate Hamas. Their goal is not to kill the Palestinians. Unfortunately, thousands of Palestinians are being killed.

Have you ever been to Pearl Harbor? Take the tour out to the USS Arizona where 1171 of our soldiers are buried there in a watery grave. Around Pearl Harbor there are other sunken ships and the remains of buried Americans. Even today it will invoke serious feelings of ill will toward the Japanese and what they did to us on December 7, 1941. We will never forget. Can you imagine how the Japanese feel about Americans? We obliterated Hiroshima and Nagasaki killing as many as 226,000 innocent civilians with our two atomic bombs on August 6 and 9, 1945. Do you think they will ever forget? Never. Our country and Japan have made great strides in international relations. However, nobody has forgotten what took place on both sides of the Pacific.

I often see shirt tags that say made in Vietnam. I have a hard time using anything made in Vietnam because of the thousands of American lives that were wasted in that country. It’s in the past but how do ever forget such a senseless war?

How do they people of Afghanistan and Iraq feel about America? They hate us Regardless of any good that we might have done they see us as a bunch of murderous thugs who don’t mind our own business.

Ukraine will forever hate Russia. Do you think Jewish people have feelings of love for the Germans and what happened to them during the holocaust?

We live in a world of an eye for eye and a tooth for a tooth and it isn’t changing or going anywhere. You can talk about forgiveness and loving your enemies until you are blue in the face but the world doesn’t operate this way. It’s wonderful if you have truly forgiven someone who has wronged or hurt you. When you allow that deep internal malice to dominate your mind it’s only eroding your well-being and life. Hate doesn’t hurt the other person unless you allow that hate to manifest itself in a violent way toward that person.

Hamas has demonstrated their hatred for Jewish people.

The Palestinians will hate Israel for ages to come. Israel cannot coexist with unrelenting evil whose mission is to torture and kill Jewish people. The result is an ongoing mess that will never go away.

This is not working for our planet. A world that is able to take care of billions of people is going to be destroyed. Our only hope is to put away our bombs and live in peace and love. As long as there is evil in this world then unfortunately for us all, it’s not going to happen.

-----------------------------------------------------------

He is the author of 13 books including UUncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Taking on one of personal care's least-talked-about problems

(PRNewswire) Chicago -- There are products for sweaty armpits, sweaty feet and sweaty faces. But when sweat shows up somewhere a little less comfortable to talk about, the options get limited fast.

Chicago-based Cheek Sheets is looking to change that.
Cheek Sheets today announced the launch of its namesake absorbent sheets, an ultra-thin, dry and discreet personal-care product designed to help absorb sweat and manage unwanted moisture between the cheeks before it becomes uncomfortable, embarrassing or funky.

Get the full story...

Home & Garden |
Renovating for comfort: Creating cozy spaces in your home

Related articles:

Guest Commentary | An attitude of thanksgiving is a good way to live

Okonkwo misses cut to advance at Urbana challenger

Kirchheimer defeats Karlovskiy, advances to round of 16 at Urbana challenger

SJO volleyball head coach inducted into Hall of Fame

State Champions! Once again Unity cross-country program captures Class 1A title

Local union to host ribbon-cutting ceremony at new training facility in Savoy

Education leaders seek more funding for Black community colleges

Other News:

Protect yourself and family from holiday season scams

More Sentinel articles
• • • •

Young people should trust their gut when it comes to stomach pain

Traveling with your pet? 6 things you will want to remember

• • • •

Fighting Illini Women's 15K tournament schedule released

Brem Foundation announces new breast cancer screening tool

Related articles:

In-Review: Hackney Diamonds, 12 tracks add to Rolling Stones goodness

Heart disease is a risk for women transitioning through menopause

Related articles:

Illini women crush Truman State at home, 121-60

Dodds Tennis Center offers tennis workouts throughout the week

Related articles:

Guest Commentary | Some people try to forgive, but they never forget

Taking on one of personal care's least-talked-about problems

More Sentinel Stories

On This Day

Photo Galleries

Varsity Snapshot

Top stories this year

Related articles:

Other News:

More Sentinel articles• • • •

• • • •

Related articles:

Related articles:

Related articles:

Taking on one of personal care's least-talked-about problems

More Sentinel Stories

On This Day

Photo Galleries

Varsity Snapshot

Top stories this year

More Sentinel articles
• • • •