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Smart Lighting: Convenience and Security
Trivia: Which iconic movie star was known as “The King of Hollywood” in the 1930s and ’40s?
RetireHub
June 03, 2025
Rise and shine, RetireHub community! ☀️ Your Tuesday newsletter is here!
Today we’re sharing excellent tips on smart lighting and all of the convenience and security that comes with it, along with the best deals, fun trivia, and more!
Thanks to everyone who chimed in on our trivia yesterday! You were right—“Dy-no-mite!” became famous on Good Times, not Sanford & Son. Fun fact: Jimmie Walker first ad-libbed the line while warming up audiences on Sanford & Son, but it was his role as J.J. Evans on Good Times that made the phrase legendary.
Top Deals From Around The Web
We find the best daily online deals so you don’t have to!
🍳 $155 OFF – Carote 19-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set in Taupe
Cook like a pro with this stylish, non-stick cookware set that works on all stovetops—including induction! The sleek taupe finish adds a modern touch, and the easy-clean surface means less scrubbing and more savoring.
🚴 $281 OFF – 5TH WHEEL W17B Electric Bike for Adults (500W, 7-Speed)
Get around in style with this powerful electric bike featuring a 36V removable battery and 7-speed gear system. Whether you're cruising through the neighborhood or hitting a bike trail, this UL-certified ride delivers comfort, speed, and eco-friendly fun.
🎨 $11 OFF – ANUNU 80-Count Alcohol-Based Art Marker Set
Unleash your creativity with this vibrant set of dual-tip art markers! With a wide range of bold, blendable colors and a convenient carrying case, it's perfect for artists, hobbyists, or anyone who just loves to color outside the lines.
What We’re Reading
Get these e-book deals before they’re gone.
 | By: B.K. Baxter A woman inherits a house in small-town Louisiana, only to find her new life complicated by a judgy cat, quirky neighbors, and a local murder mystery. When the town’s beloved Beauty Queen turns up dead and an innocent man is framed, she’s reluctantly pulled into the case. With the help of her oddly insightful cat—and a book club full of suspects—she dives into a literary-tinged whodunit filled with charm, clues, and bayou secrets. |
On this day in 1976, Queen's iconic song "Bohemian Rhapsody" was certified gold in the United States. This milestone marked a significant achievement for the band, as the song's unique structure and style captivated audiences, solidifying its place in rock history. "Bohemian Rhapsody" continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest rock songs of all time.
Smart Lighting: Convenience and Security at the Flip of a Switch
Gone are the days of fumbling for a light switch or leaving lights on all day while you're away. Smart lighting has revolutionized the way we illuminate our homes—offering both convenience and an added layer of security with just a tap or voice command.
At its most basic, smart lighting refers to lighting systems that can be controlled remotely via a smartphone, tablet, or smart home assistant (like Alexa, Google Home, or Siri). With features like scheduling, dimming, color changing, and motion detection, these lights do more than brighten a room—they help simplify daily routines and give peace of mind.
Convenience at Your Fingertips
Imagine walking into your kitchen and the lights automatically adjust to a soft morning glow, or setting the mood for a movie night without getting up from the couch. Smart bulbs like Philips Hue or LIFX let you program lighting scenes for reading, relaxing, or entertaining. You can even control them while you’re away from home—perfect for turning on your porch light before you arrive or double-checking you didn’t leave the bathroom light on.
For added comfort, smart switches can be voice-controlled, making them especially helpful for individuals with mobility challenges or vision issues. And with customizable timers, your lights can follow your routine, whether you wake up at dawn or read before bed.
A Bright Idea for Home Security
Beyond convenience, smart lighting adds a layer of home protection. When you're on vacation or out for the evening, a smart lighting system can simulate your presence by turning lights on and off in different rooms, deterring potential intruders. Motion-activated lights—whether indoors or outdoors—also enhance safety by lighting walkways or alerting you to movement near doors or windows.
Many systems can be integrated with security cameras and alarms, creating a comprehensive home security setup that’s easy to monitor from anywhere.
Getting Started is Easy
Whether you want to dip a toe in with a single smart bulb or outfit your whole home, there’s a smart lighting option for every budget and tech comfort level. Most systems are compatible with existing lamps and fixtures, and many don’t require complicated installations.
In short, smart lighting makes daily life easier and your home more secure—proving that sometimes, the best tech upgrades really do start with a lightbulb moment.
💡 How “Smart” is Your Lighting? |
Yesterday’s Poll Results: How are you planning for retirement?
Most people are feeling confident about their retirement plans, with over half already retired and enjoying the fruits of their labor. A strong portion of respondents are playing it safe by having both a pension and a 401(k), covering all the financial bases. Meanwhile, a smaller group is still figuring things out—reminding us that it’s never too late to start planning for a secure future.
TOP COMMENTS
“Having a pension gives assurances and calm, whereas our 401ks are more subject to the political climate and I'm glad we're not banking on just that. We'll probably travel less until things settle down. Lol”
“Unfortunately I made bad (unwise!) life decisions and am now living solely on Social Security benefits. Thank goodness I at least own my own home and am pretty much a hermit!”
“My plan was to live on SSA, which I do. I didn't start drawing until I was 70, and I worked at fairly high paying jobs, so I get more than the average amount. Now if the government doesn't just screw everything up...”
Mastering the Art of a Sincere Apology
Apologizing isn't just about saying "I'm sorry"; it's about acknowledging your actions, expressing genuine remorse, and taking steps to make amends. A heartfelt apology involves being specific about what went wrong, avoiding excuses, and committing to change. By doing so, you not only mend relationships but also foster personal growth and trust.
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Slang Phrase of the Day
Phrase: Squad
Meaning: A close-knit group of friends or companions who share a strong bond and often do things together.
In a sentence: Every Thursday, my squad and I meet for bingo night — nothing beats good friends, good laughs, and a little friendly competition!
Good News of the Day
Historic Electric Ferry Makes Eco-Friendly Voyage
The Candela C-8 electric ferry completed a landmark trip from Spain to Morocco, crossing the Strait of Gibraltar in just one day. Using cutting-edge hydrofoil technology, it lifts above the water to cut drag and slashes energy use by 80%, consuming only about $10 worth of electricity for the journey. This breakthrough shows electric boats can offer a smooth, low-emission alternative to traditional ferries, marking a big step forward for greener travel on the seas.
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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:
What toy, popular in the 1980s, consisted of small, colorful beads arranged on a pegboard then melted with an iron? |
What year did the first Apple iPhone hit the market? |
Which iconic movie star was known as “The King of Hollywood” in the 1930s and ’40s? |
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