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Folk Music Instruments Made Simple
Trivia: Which Shakespeare play features the line, “All the world’s a stage”?
RetireHub
September 13, 2025
Rise and shine, RetireHub community! ☀️ Your Saturday newsletter is here!
Today we’re sharing fun tips on folk music instruments made simple, along with the best deals, fun trivia, and more!
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What We’re Reading
Get these e-book deals before they’re gone.
 | By: Phillip L. Wray Musketeer cadet Charles de la Forêt's first assignment is the transfer of a quadruple murderer to Paris for trial. In a rural village far from Paris, he finds the residents ready to take justice into their own hands. Worse, they may be seeking vengeance against an innocent man. He must solve the mystery of the killings before mob rule prevails. |
On this day in 1990, Law & Order premiered on NBC, introducing viewers to its now-iconic “ripped from the headlines” format. The show blended police investigations with courtroom drama, offering a fresh take on crime television. Over the years, it not only spawned multiple spin-offs but also became one of the longest-running series in U.S. TV history—shaping the landscape of procedural dramas and leaving a lasting cultural legacy.
Folk Music Instruments Made Simple
Folk music has a way of weaving stories, carrying history, and bringing people together. But one of the things that makes it especially inviting is that many of its instruments are simple, portable, and approachable—even for beginners who may not think of themselves as “musical.” You don’t need years of training to pick up a tune or add your own rhythm.
Take the ukulele, for example. With only four strings and soft nylon frets, it’s easy on the hands and quick to learn. A few basic chords can unlock dozens of well-loved folk songs. Similarly, the harmonica fits right in your pocket and can add a soulful, bluesy sound with just a little practice. Its portability made it a favorite among travelers and folk musicians who valued the freedom of making music anywhere.
Then there’s the dulcimer, often called the “people’s instrument.” It rests on your lap, and its gentle strumming produces a sweet, calming sound that feels both old-fashioned and timeless. Because it’s tuned to a scale that naturally sounds harmonious, even beginners can create music that feels rich and rewarding.
Rhythm also plays a big role in folk traditions. Instruments like the tambourine or a simple hand drum can carry the beat and get a group clapping or singing along. No sheet music required—just a good ear and a sense of joy.
For those who love storytelling, folk instruments are more than just tools for music—they’re companions in expressing emotion, memory, and connection. Whether it’s the sound of a fiddle echoing through a gathering, the pluck of a banjo sparking a smile, or the hum of a harmonica at dusk, folk instruments remind us that music doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful.
If you’ve ever wanted to bring a little music into your life, folk instruments are a gentle, welcoming place to start. They’re forgiving, fun, and often affordable. And perhaps best of all, they invite participation—whether you’re playing, singing, or simply tapping your foot along with the tune.
Music, after all, isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection. And folk music, in its simplicity, keeps that truth beautifully alive.
Which Folk Instrument Would You Be Most Excited to Try? |
Yesterday’s Poll Results: How do you most enjoy staying connected?
It looks like the heart-to-heart connection still reigns supreme—most of you (63%) love staying close through phone or video calls with friends and family. Casual chats with neighbors (28%) and joining community groups or classes (18%) also stood out as meaningful ways to feel connected. And while volunteering, social media, and “other” options had smaller slices, they show that connection can take many forms. However we choose to reach out, these results remind us that staying connected doesn’t always require grand gestures—sometimes it’s as simple as picking up the phone, waving to a neighbor, or sharing a smile.
TOP COMMENTS
“I enjoy staying connected in a variety of ways, but one of my favorites is a monthly lunch with a group of former colleagues. Each month, we choose a new venue for the following month's gathering. It’s been a wonderful opportunity to stay in touch, catch up on each other’s lives and families, and continue the camaraderie we built while working together for several years.”
“Daily trips to the dog park!”
“My calls with my 2 adult children are priceless, but I also enjoy my volunteer work, church groups, our social club and sharing memes with my girlfriends. Connection is so important.”
Restful Nights, Brighter Days: How Quality Sleep Eases Chronic Pain Over 60
Chronic pain affects over half of adults aged 60 and above, and its impact extends beyond physical discomfort—it can disrupt sleep, leading to a vicious cycle where pain and poor sleep feed into each other. This cycle not only diminishes quality of life but also increases the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
Quality sleep is essential for healing and managing chronic pain. When we sleep well, our bodies repair tissues, regulate inflammation, and process pain signals more effectively. Conversely, inadequate sleep can heighten pain sensitivity, impair immune function, and elevate stress hormones, making pain feel more intense. This interplay between sleep and pain underscores the importance of addressing sleep issues as a primary step in chronic pain management.
Improving sleep hygiene can significantly enhance sleep quality. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding stimulants like caffeine and electronics before bedtime can promote better rest. Additionally, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) has been shown to be effective in treating sleep disturbances without medication. Engaging in regular physical activity and relaxation techniques can also contribute to improved sleep and pain management.
By prioritizing quality sleep, individuals over 60 can break the cycle of pain and poor rest, leading to better pain management, improved cognitive function, and a higher quality of life. Addressing sleep issues not only alleviates pain but also supports overall health and well-being.
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Slang Phrase of the Day
Phrase: It girl
Meaning: An It Girl is someone who exudes effortless style, charm, and charisma, often becoming a trendsetter or a cultural icon admired by others. While the term originally referred to young socialites or actresses, it can now describe anyone—of any age—who radiates confidence, flair, and a magnetic personality.
In a sentence: "Even in her seventies, Gloria remained the It Girl of her walking group, always arriving with impeccable style, a warm smile, and stories that left everyone enchanted."
Good News of the Day
Rolling Relief: Indian Officer Transforms Train Car into Mobile Hospital
In a remarkable initiative to bridge healthcare gaps in remote regions, Ity Pandey, a seasoned railway manager in Bhusawal, Maharashtra, has repurposed an old train carriage into a fully-equipped mobile hospital. This innovative "hospital on wheels" is designed to serve over 25,000 railway workers and their families, many of whom reside in isolated areas with limited access to medical facilities.
The converted train car, affectionately named "Rudra," boasts essential medical amenities, including ECG stations, lab equipment, and treatment rooms. On its maiden journey, Rudra provided healthcare services to 259 individuals, diagnosing common ailments such as anemia and high blood sugar. Each patient receives a unique ID, ensuring continuity of care and streamlined follow-up at the main divisional hospital in Bhusawal.
This initiative not only addresses immediate healthcare needs but also exemplifies resourcefulness and compassion in overcoming infrastructural challenges. By bringing medical services directly to underserved communities, Rudra is setting a precedent for innovative solutions in healthcare delivery.
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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:
Which ancient city is known for the first system of written law, the Code of Hammurabi? |
Who was the first woman elected mayor of a major U.S. city (Bristol, Pennsylvania)? |
Which Shakespeare play features the line, “All the world’s a stage”? |
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