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Literary Festivals Worth Traveling For
Trivia: Who was the first American woman in space?
RetireHub
August 20, 2025
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Rise and shine, RetireHub community! ☀️ Your Wednesday newsletter is here!
Today we’re sharing fun tips on literary festivals worth traveling for, 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: B. Ward Powers Roger hadn't arrived back from Mars – though she saw his shuttle come in. His boss claimed he didn't know he was married – but the call to go on the mission to Mars had come during their honeymoon! There are other people in her room – the hotel records show she booked a single in her maiden name. The Roger that arrives next day isn't hers... |
Dear Joanne
Your questions, her wisdom — Joanne’s here with thoughtful advice, warm humor, and a listening ear for whatever’s on your mind.
I am sure the majority of us lead very busy lives. For those that are retired, the hours that used to be dedicated to work are now filled with many things… babysitting our grandkids, golf, volunteering, shopping, organizing, cleaning, meeting with friends, attending the local community gatherings. I could go on and on, and plan on having a future column detailing interviews I am having with some of you detailing what keeps you busy these days.
I am having the pleasure tonight of date night. Not my typical date night with my husband, which is always fun. But this particular night I am having date night with my oldest son and his son (my grandson). Not only am I excited, but in this instance, it will bring back special memories.
When my son was little, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were just becoming popular. We had all the toys, clothes, sneakers, VHS movies (if you can remember what VHS was), and most fun was the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles live concert we attended in Toronto! Life was so much fun and simpler in those days. But now, the TMNT creators have reincarnated the original Turtles and have come up with a new adaptation of the old favorites. When the movie was announced, my oldest son called me and said “Mom, we have to go!”. What a thrill that he remembered doing something that he and I shared when he was a little boy. And now, to put the icing on the cake, my 10 year old grandson gets to experience that as well. We leave in a couple of hours, and I can barely wait!
Oh, but how times have changed. My son called and said “I bought the tickets online” so we are all set. Remember when we used to have to wait in line for things like that? It has been a long time since I attended a movie in a movie theater. We typically watch movies at home on the hundreds of options we get on our streaming apps. More often than not, we watch the same couple of movies (The Godfather, Rocky I, II, III, etc.).
Since he bought the tickets, I am volunteering to buy all of the snacks. I am planning on junk food galore! Who can go to the movies without buttered popcorn in the traditional theater? Then Twizzlers, Junior Mints, M&Ms, chocolate covered raisins, Snow Caps, Whoppers (not sure if they even make these anymore), and of course, something to drink. I am a Diet Coke/Diet Pepsi person myself - - yes you can laugh at me drinking Diet Coke when I am eating ten thousand calories in candy and buttered popcorn.
Once I buy everything that everyone wants, I’m sure I am going to spend a good $20. OK – STOP LAUGHING! I know it will put a dent in my wallet MUCH larger than that. I guess that is another thing that has changed after all these years.
I am hoping my grandson will look back on this and other similar occasions and remember good old family times. I am most grateful that my son remembers.
My son is too young to read RetireHub.org, but I am going to send him a copy of today’s column so he knows how much I appreciate that he remembers, and how much more I appreciate the invite to attend tonight.
To all my sons to each inspire me in their own ways, life would not have been nearly as enjoyable or full of love without each and every one of you!
I hope you get to spend some memorable time with each of your children, no matter how far in miles they reside.
With all of that said, I’m off on my date, hair down and no makeup. But I know they will love me just because I am “Mom” and “Grandma”.
Until next time, where every goodbye is just a promise of a new hello,
Joanne
PS: If you would like to talk to me or have me interview you for a certain topic, please respond to this newsletter and provide me with your email address or contact information. I would love to meet each and every one of you!
On this day in 1977 – NASA launches Voyager 2 into space. Voyager 2, one of the most ambitious space missions ever undertaken, was launched from Cape Canaveral to explore the outer planets of our solar system—and eventually interstellar space. Although it launched before its twin Voyager 1, it took a longer route, making historic flybys of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Over four decades later, it continues to send data back to Earth from beyond the influence of our Sun, making it one of humanity’s farthest and longest-operating spacecraft.
Literary Festivals Worth Traveling For: Where Words Come Alive
There’s something magical about being surrounded by people who love books just as much as you do. Literary festivals offer the perfect escape for readers, writers, and curious minds—a place where storytelling, big ideas, and cozy conversation come together. Whether you're seeking spirited author talks, writing workshops, or the thrill of discovering your next favorite book, here are some literary festivals around the world that are truly worth the trip.
1. Hay Festival – Hay-on-Wye, Wales
Often called “The Woodstock of the Mind,” this charming festival transforms the tiny book-loving village of Hay-on-Wye into a buzzing hub of ideas. With global thinkers, poets, novelists, and comedians on the lineup, it's an ideal retreat for anyone who enjoys deep conversation and rolling green hills.
2. Brooklyn Book Festival – New York, USA
This free, urban literary festival gathers top-tier writers and publishers for a week of events in the heart of Brooklyn. Expect powerful panels on fiction, memoir, politics, and social justice. It’s a great choice for readers who like their literature bold, contemporary, and socially engaged.
3. Ubud Writers & Readers Festival – Bali, Indonesia
Set against a lush Balinese backdrop, this international event celebrates the power of storytelling across cultures. It’s known for its intimate atmosphere, unique cultural experiences, and focus on Southeast Asian voices. You’ll leave not only inspired but spiritually recharged.
4. Edinburgh International Book Festival – Scotland
Held every August, this world-renowned festival features hundreds of events in a tented village in Charlotte Square Gardens. From Nobel laureates to debut authors, it offers thought-provoking sessions in a charming and historic city—ideal for literary travelers.
5. Tucson Festival of Books – Arizona, USA
One of the largest book festivals in the U.S., Tucson’s event brings together over 300 authors and 100,000 visitors each spring. Panels, signings, and literary fun for all ages take place under the desert sun. Bonus: proceeds support local literacy programs.
Whether you're craving the energy of a city festival or the quiet inspiration of a countryside retreat, literary festivals offer something special. They're a chance to celebrate the written word—and maybe even start a new chapter of your own.
Yesterday’s Poll Results: Do You Use Keyboard Shortcuts?
Turns out most of us are at least dabbling in the shortcut life! A solid 40% of respondents say they regularly use a few trusty commands—like copy and paste—to get things done. Another 26% have gone full pro-mode, zipping through tasks with an arsenal of shortcuts at their fingertips.
Still, not everyone’s aboard the Ctrl+Train just yet: 15% admit they’ve heard of shortcuts but haven’t really adopted them, while 6% are brand new to the concept and curious to learn more. And 11% are sticking with their trusty mouse for now.
So whether you're shortcut-savvy or just starting out, it's clear there's interest in making digital life a little easier!
TOP COMMENTS
“The head secretary at the special school I worked at for 43 years before I retired, taught them to me and I still use them!!”
“Now that you've printed them out in a chart format, I'll save them and be able to get (just a little) more done. Thank You!”
“And if you cut and paste this list of shortcuts and put it in your notes file, then you'll be able to find it when you need it. That's another shortcut.”
From Flat Tire to Freedom: Outgrowing the ‘Unfairness Trap’ After Divorce
Feeling frozen by the unfair parts of a divorce—even when you’re well past 50—is completely natural. The article gently reframes that sense of injustice as a “flat tire” holding you back, and offers a kind, compassionate guide to getting unstuck—starting with acknowledging what felt unfair, then turning that into something actionable. The message is empowering and clear: You may have been wronged, but you’re not powerless—it's time to change direction, heal, and start walking forward like the resilient, amazing woman you are.
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Slang Phrase of the Day
Phrase: Giggle loop
Meaning: A giggle loop is a psychological phenomenon where, in a serious or solemn situation (like a memorial service or a quiet meeting), the urge to laugh becomes stronger precisely because you know you're not supposed to. The more you try to suppress the laughter, the more intense the urge becomes—often triggering uncontrollable giggles at the worst possible moment. The term was originally coined in the British sitcom Coupling.
In a sentence: “During the moment of silence at our retirement center’s board meeting, Marlene accidentally dropped her crochet hook with a loud clang—and just like that, my giggle loop kicked in and I had to pretend I was coughing into my scarf for five whole minutes.”
Good News of the Day
Frost, Frugality & Fresh Deals: UK Shoppers Get Real-Time Alerts on Marked-Down Frozen Foods
In a smart move against food waste, the UK frozen foods chain Iceland has teamed up with the apps Olio and Gander to send shoppers instant alerts whenever an item is marked down with a yellow sticker across 900 stores nationwide. This sustainable initiative allows users to save money while helping the planet—Gander alone has already helped rescue over 39 million items from going to waste since its launch.
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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:
Who was the first American woman in space? |
Which North Atlantic sea has no land boundaries and is defined entirely by ocean currents? |
What was the first commercially available single-chip microprocessor (released in 1971) |
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- Jay
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