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Digital Reading vs. Print: Finding Your Balance
Trivia: Who composed “Rhapsody in Blue,” premiered in 1924?
RetireHub
October 15, 2025
Rise and shine, RetireHub community! ☀️ Your Wednesday newsletter is here!
Today we’re sharing smart tips on Digital Reading vs. Print: Finding Your Balance, along with the best deals, fun trivia, and more!
Top Deals From Around The Web
We find the best daily online deals so you don’t have to!
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What We’re Reading
Get these e-book deals before they’re gone.
 | By: Dale Mayer Welcome to Hathaway House, a heartwarming series from USA TODAY best-selling author Dale Mayer. Here you’ll meet wounded warriors as they’re given a second chance at happiness and love at a special physical rehab facility, including heroes from Dale’s other books as they continue on their journeys. Magic happens here! |
Dear Joanne
Your questions, her wisdom — Joanne’s here with thoughtful advice, warm humor, and a listening ear for whatever’s on your mind.
Hello Dear Friends! The more I receive emails from members of this group, the more I find new pen pals and growing friendships. Keep those emails coming! As a side note, when you write, please let me know where you are from! I’d love to have a pen pal from every state!
This week, I would like to talk about a habit that has almost become extinct - - the art of sending thank you notes. I am pretty sure that people in our generation wrote thank you notes, not only as an obligation, but as a true measure of showing appreciation for a gift or kindness that was placed upon us. I cannot even think of a reason why this would not be proper!
On a personal note, I have experienced the following: I attended a wedding shower, a wedding, a baby shower and the birth of a baby, giving gifts for each event – all to the same family. Not once did I receive a written acknowledgement. Sometime after the wedding shower and wedding, I talked to the mother of the groom and mentioned that I hadn’t received any notes from the happy couple. She could not explain why, only saying “you know how kids are these days”. At first, I had sworn off buying any other gifts, but the invitation to the baby shower came along and I wanted to go to the gathering, of course bringing a gift. When the baby was born, I thought about not buying anything but really wanted to make the visit to see the bundle of joy, of course not wanting to go empty handed. When the next baby was born, by that time I felt so unappreciated that I chose to ignore the event, sending verbal congratulations through family members.
How and why has this tradition changed over time? Certainly, texts and emails have taken the place of a handwritten note. I do love getting texts from anyone and try to always respond. But when I get an envelope in the mail, I still get very excited! It also makes me feel very appreciated.
The “experts” say that sending thank you notes should be written within one to two weeks of receiving a gift. In this day and age of busy lifestyles, I could see maybe even a little longer, but not too much longer. My limit would be a month. Thoughts?
When I look at my own boys, I think I have failed in stressing the importance of this tradition. Is it because they are boys?
My granddaughter is now 12 years old. I thought she is now old enough to understand the joy of receiving a thank you note. So, upon receiving a gift from my grandkids, I send them a thank you note in the mail. Here is the feedback I received. My son called and said when my granddaughter got home, he told her she received mail. Curiously, she picked up the envelope and saw my name as the return address. She asked: “Why would Grandma write me a letter?” My son said he didn’t know, so she should open it. After she read it, she immediately called me to tell me she got my letter. I was happy she called, but sad that she had no idea why I sent it.
I am now committed to sending notes for gifts and acts of kindness that are placed upon me. I truly am grateful so why shouldn’t I express that gratitude? Maybe if people receive enough letters and notes through the mail, the tradition will again catch on.
In addition, I do save every card ever given to me by family members. I am committed to gathering these in one place and placing a delightful ribbon around them. Eventually I will pass these on to future generations so we can read them together and maybe laugh or shed a few happy tears together. Unlike texts which typically disappear at some point, handwritten notes are personal keepsakes. They make the receiver feel truly appreciated, even after years have passed.
Writing thank you notes may seem old fashioned, but in our new digital age, I believe they have a profound benefit on our emotional and psychological spirit.
Send a note to someone today! Then email me and tell me about it. I promise it will make at least three people happy: the receiver, the writer, and me when you tell me about it.
Have a great week! Don’t forget to email me at [email protected] with your thoughts, experiences and suggestions.
Ciao for now!
Joanne
With regard to thank you notes: |
On this day in 1951, "I Love Lucy" premiered on television, forever changing the landscape of American comedy. Starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, the show became an instant hit for its clever writing, groundbreaking use of a live audience, and hilarious depiction of everyday married life. Decades later, I Love Lucy remains a cultural touchstone—celebrated for its timeless humor and for paving the way for generations of sitcoms to come.
Digital Reading vs. Print: Finding Your Balance
For book lovers today, reading no longer means choosing just one format. Whether you’re turning the pages of a beloved paperback or scrolling through an e-book on your tablet, the modern reader can move fluidly between print and digital. The question isn’t which is better—it’s how to find the balance that fits your lifestyle, habits, and goals.
Print books have a magic that’s hard to replicate. There’s the comforting weight of the paper, the faint scent of ink, and the satisfaction of seeing a well-loved bookshelf grow over time. Many readers say they concentrate better with physical books—less distraction, no screen glare, and a deeper sense of connection to the story. Studies even suggest that people tend to retain more information when reading on paper, perhaps because the tactile experience helps the brain anchor the material.
Yet digital reading has its own undeniable appeal. E-books and audiobooks make it easier to read anywhere—on a plane, in line at the pharmacy, or in bed with the lights off. Adjustable fonts, built-in dictionaries, and note-taking features make reading more accessible and customizable than ever. Plus, digital formats save space, reduce clutter, and can often be more affordable. For travelers, commuters, or those managing vision changes, e-readers can be a game-changer.
Many people find the ideal approach is a hybrid one: print for pleasure and focus, digital for convenience and travel. Some even use e-books to preview new titles before deciding whether to buy a physical copy for their shelves. The real key is to pay attention to how each format makes you feel. If digital helps you read more consistently, embrace it. If print helps you slow down and absorb, honor that.
Ultimately, reading is less about the medium and more about the moment. Whether you’re flipping pages or tapping a screen, what matters is that the story finds its way to you—and that you make time to enjoy it. A balanced reader uses the best of both worlds, blending nostalgia and innovation to keep the joy of reading alive in any form.
How Do You Prefer to Read Most Often? |
Yesterday’s Poll Results: What’s the First Smart Device You’d Add to Your Home?
Our recent poll asked, “What’s the first smart device you’d add to your home?” and the results revealed some clear favorites. Smart lights and plugs topped the list, chosen by 23% of respondents for their convenience and energy-saving potential. Close behind, 22% of voters selected smart thermostats—showing a strong interest in comfort and efficiency. Security devices also ranked high: 18% would add an indoor or outdoor camera, while 16% preferred a smart lock or video doorbell as their first upgrade. Voice assistants like Alexa or Google Home were the starting point for 14% of participants, and 6% chose something entirely different under “Other.” Whether starting small or planning a full tech transformation, these results suggest that many readers are excited to explore smart home tools that offer safety, savings, and ease.
TOP COMMENTS
“Guess our home isn’t “smart” as we have none of these.”
“I would have to know that the possibility of being hacked has been taken care of. I've looked into security cameras, but they are still too expensive. I installed several solar security lights, which appear to have done some good.”
“We don’t have wi-fi, so our house is dumb and quiet. We are ok with that.”
“We have everything including a smart auto cat feeder. My husband band is notified when our cat jumps up to the feeder. He can see and talk to her.”
“We already have most of these, but one that surprised me is that our new washer and dryer come with smart features. What is most valuable to me is the data it features, telling me about possible maintenance issues, but also giving me energy usage information! I love being able to see how many kWh my washer or dryer used as we are trying to reduce our electricity usage.”
“Wasn’t into clapping to turn my lights on, but that smart thermostat really did it for me. I even used it to help decide whether or not to replace my hvac. When I saw the running costs for my 15 year old unit handling a third of the house against my other newer unit, replacing it vs fixing it was a no brainer last month.”
Midlife Is Not the Decline — It’s Standing Tall on New Ground
If you’re somewhere between your mid‑40s and mid‑60s, you might already sense you’re on top of the hill—not over it. This stage of life, often dismissed by old scripts as a decline, is in fact rich with clarity, confidence, and possibility. Rather than seeing midlife as the start of “the sunset years,” many are redefining it as a vibrant chapter of growth, reinvention, and joy.
We’ve lived enough to know what truly matters: relationships, health, purpose, and legacy. These priorities guide us more than the chase for status or approval. And now, with decades of experience behind us, we can lean into new chapters—returning to unfinished dreams, exploring careers we never thought possible, or simply embracing a more authentic pace.
This stage even has its own name: Middlescence. Like adolescence, it’s a time of re‑evaluating who we are now—what to let go, what to refine, and how we want to “grow up” all over again. It’s not about erasing or disrespecting the life we’ve built; it’s about layering new stories on top of them.
Some people go back to school. Some start businesses or take on volunteer roles. Others shift focus toward creativity, connection, or mentoring. What unites them is courage: the willingness to step beyond old expectations and live in alignment with what now lights them up.
Yes, this phase carries its challenges (what doesn’t?). But it also comes with special gifts: increasing happiness, gained wisdom, and a freedom that didn’t exist when we were younger. We have more to give, more to share, and the time to do it on terms that feel true to us.
Midlife isn’t about fading—it’s about rising. It’s not about being over the hill, but rather being firmly planted on it, with a view that spans both the past and the future. For those open to it, the years ahead can be the most thrilling, meaningful ones yet.
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Slang Phrase of the Day
Phrase: Skrrt
Meaning: “Skrrt” (pronounced like skurt) is a playful slang term that mimics the screeching sound of car tires suddenly stopping or turning. It’s often used to express a quick change of direction—literally or figuratively—or to signal excitement, surprise, or a dramatic exit. Originally rooted in hip-hop culture, it's now used more broadly, especially online.
In a sentence: “Diane was halfway to buying another air fryer during the sale, but when she saw her credit card bill—skrrt!—she put it right back on the shelf!”
Good News of the Day
Richmond’s Beloved Lowe’s Cat Found After Hitchhiking 85 Miles
Francine, the cherished store cat at a Lowe’s in Richmond, Virginia, has made a safe return after disappearing for over two weeks. Surveillance footage revealed that she had boarded a delivery truck—and ended up at a Lowe’s distribution center in Garysburg, North Carolina, about 85 miles away.
After an intensive search involving thermal drones, security cameras, and humane traps, Francine was finally lured from hiding and reunited with staff who drove to bring her home. She was in good health, received a warm welcome back at her home store, and resumed her familiar role greeting customers and wandering store aisles—this time with a tracking harness for added safety.
Francine’s return was celebrated not just by store employees, but by the wider Richmond community. Her story captured hearts far beyond the hardware aisles—reminding us all how sometimes, hope and compassion travel longer distances than we expect.
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RetireHub Trivia
Want more trivia? Play our “Nostalgia Trivia Game” on our site! We add fresh questions daily, so there’s always something new to test your knowledge.
Not into trivia? No worries! We’ve got plenty of other fun games to enjoy, like:
Among the big cats, which species uniquely lives in social groups called prides? |
What is the world’s highest national capital by elevation (seat of government)? |
Who composed “Rhapsody in Blue,” premiered in 1924? |
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