New scammer calls warrant a closer look at how they work

It was a normal Monday summer night. I had finished my day’s work and gone for my usual run.

I was just about to relax when I received a call on my cell phone from a number that I didn’t recognize with a 646 area code (New York).

Definitely a telemarketer, I decided, and let it go straight to voice mail. I let the voice mail message record itself, and fifty-four seconds later, I gave it a listen.

Lifescapes: The top 8 sounds of summer

Let’s face it – summer has the best sounds of all the seasons. While some are super obvious seasonal fixtures, other sounds resonate on a more personal level. Maybe you will agree.

No problem — or is there?

Some things seem to be natural pairs: peanut butter and jelly, Bonnie and Clyde, stars and stripes, “thank you” and “you’re welcome.”

No problem here … or is there?

Five things you never knew about sparkling water until you became one of ‘those people’

I’m not quite sure when or why I become one of those people. You know, the ones you see at summer parties holding a colorful can of water, like a prop, a necessary part of their personal ensemble. Sparkling water isn’t a drink, it’s a lifestyle, they might say.

We have “fear of missing out” all wrong

Some people feel a sense of freedom when they do something exciting, like go skydiving, cut off all of their hair, or quit a job. The other day, I accidentally left my cell phone at home for about four hours, and I’ve never felt more liberated in my life.

This is what it feels like to be a morning person

One of my favorite parts of the day begins at 5:15 a.m. That’s when I like to wake up.

After feeding my cats and speeding through my scientifically cultivated morning routine, I grab my laptop and head out the door, still not completely removed from the night’s dream state.

The workday was over, I was making a sweet potato quiche for dinner, I had Sam Smith songs playing from my iPhone, and I had the house to myself.

60 years together: A New York love story

The love story of Lewis and Carole begins at a train station in New York.

“We used to see each other casually because, for some reason, we used to take the same train home. I used to see her on the platform, and she used to see me on the platform,” said Lewis. “Every Friday, I would get flowers for my mom, and she would see me with the flowers. So we got to talking, and I made a date with her.”

From here, Lewis and Carole’s story took a strange turn down an unexpected track.

What we don’t talk about when we talk about running

I have been a runner since I was in middle school. Although I never joined track or cross country, and I rarely participate in an organized race, I run almost every day. I run for the peace of mind, the endorphins, the challenge. I run because I love it.

The plate debate

Illinois license plates have arrived, and they’re already sparking debate.

Have you seen them yet?

Moon with a view [update]

On August 1, The Washington Post said it will be the most photographed and most internet-shared event in human history. Recently, Google created a map simply to chart the flood of search inquiries for this upcoming event. Even my most recent Uber driver and I had a conversation about it.

A Prime opportunity

When I finished writing my last column, I didn’t have any real plans to visit an Amazon Books store. I didn’t even know where in Chicago the Amazon Books store was.

A week later, after wandering around Chicago’s north side, I stepped out of an Uber with my friend at 3441 Southport Ave, Chicago, and there it was.

Amazon’s sales techniques have no ‘Borders’

In a world with increasing digitization, it’s always noticeable when trends go in the opposite direction.

Recently, Amazon opened its first physical bookstore in Seattle. This March, Amazon opened its first Chicago store, bringing the reality close to home: the internet and the real world continue to merge.

Step into spring

The Concert Band of Sun City has a spring in its step this season as the performers prepare for their upcoming performance.

According to Rose Kundich, President of the Concert Band, the concert will be an uplifting ode to the season.

Stepping away from the ordinary

If you’re anything like me, you love the comfort of routine: visiting the same coffee shop every morning, driving the same stretch of road to work, putting on the same jacket when you step out the door.

No milling around

Practicing extravagant tap dancing, incorporating live music, and sustaining a vibrant crew and cast, the Theatre Company of Sun City is as determined as Millie herself as they take on their spring production.

Disney movies can be my guest anytime

When you’re reading this, I’ll have already sat in the movie theater, sang along to “Be our Guest,” and re-experienced childhood all over again. Yes, I’m talking about seeing the much-anticipated remake of Beauty and the Beast. Confession: I’ve had my tickets since January.

Radioactive

You’ve seen them onstage, but now you can enjoy their performances from anywhere in the world.

The Radio Players are a new extension of the Sun City Theater Company, and their show, Vintage Voices, debuted its second season on Huntley Community Radio this month.

Goodnight, iPhone

Many of us are guilty of it.

Going to bed, but not really going to bed; there’s always that last-minute check on your phone or tablet, whether it’s to browse Facebook, check an email, or scan the news headlines one more time. And it never ends well.

Here’s what you can do while waiting for the chip reader

What did we do with all of our free time before the advent of the chip reader? Those extra thirty seconds of wait time while the machine reads the chip in your debit or credit card can seem endless.

12 things you didn’t know about the holidays

A few fun facts that you might not know about the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”

Laced dog treats in areas near Sun City spark concern

A recent dog treat scare in areas surrounding Sun City has raised concerns for residents and their canine companions in Del Webb.

You don’t have to be a sports fan to celebrate Cubs’ win

I’ll start by saying I don’t have a fondness for sports.

This might seem blasphemous with the Cubs’ World Series victory still lingering in everyone’s headlines and hearts. But wait, it gets better.

An open letter to those who need a little space

A few weeks ago, I gave my heart to a plain white desk I bought from Amazon Prime. It’s a tiny wooden one, and I had to “build” it myself when it arrived in the mail.

Coffee talk

Being a writer, I’m always on the hunt for creative inspiration. Being a latte-loving writer, I’m always at a coffee shop listening to what I hear going on around me, whether I want to or not.

The eight books I challenged myself to read this summer and why I’ll never do it again

This summer, I challenged myself to read at least eight books.

Why eight? The summer reading program at my library rewards you with one raffle ticket for every four books you read, and I thought that achieving two entries would be a lot more impressive than earning one lone chance at the grand prize. Confession: I’m not actually sure what the prize is, but I like a good challenge.

Everything in Pokémoderation

By the time you read this, many of you will already be familiar with the latest digital gaming craze. Maybe you’ll have heard about it from the news, or from the grandkids, or the internet. Or maybe you’ll have caught a few Pikachus yourselves.

Skipping a generation, but not a turn

They say some things skip a generation, and I think I’ve found one of them.

Proudly Serving the Community of
Sun City in Huntley

Kelsey O'Kelley