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Sports Memorabilia: Authentication and Value
Trivia: Who championed the 1980s anti-drug slogan “Just Say No”?
RetireHub
November 15, 2025
Rise and shine, RetireHub community! ☀️ Your Saturday newsletter is here!
Today we’re sharing smart tips on Sports Memorabilia: Authentication and Value, along with the best deals, fun trivia, and more!
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Top Deals From Around The Web
We find the best daily online deals so you don’t have to!
🥣 30% OFF – Rubbermaid Brilliance 5-Piece Food Storage Set (Airtight, Leakproof, BPA‑Free)
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What We’re Reading
Get these e-book deals before they’re gone.
 | By: Nyssa Cowles Contractor Mia Fernandez’s latest job means working with reformed rockstar Duke Jackson—the brother of the man who broke her heart. But as they rebuild a barn and broken dreams, sparks fly, and Mia discovers the right Jackson is right by her side. |
On this day in 1920, women in the United States exercised their right to vote for the first time nationwide, following the ratification of the 19th Amendment earlier that year. Their participation helped reshape American politics, society, and expanded civic engagement across the country. Today, November 15 reflects both a milestone in equality and a reminder that democracy thrives when everyone’s voice is heard.
Sports Memorabilia: Authentication and Value
Collecting sports memorabilia can be a rewarding hobby—and even a smart investment—but understanding what makes an item truly valuable takes a little insider know-how. First, authenticity is everything. Savvy collectors rely on trusted third‑party services, like PSA, Beckett, or JSA, to verify that autographs or game‑used items are genuine. Authentication often involves ink‑analysis, material checks, and even database verification; once certified, items usually receive a tamper‑evident hologram and documentation.
Next, condition and provenance play key roles in value. A signed baseball in pristine condition will fetch far more than one with smudging, fading, or obvious wear—even if it’s from the same player. Provenance—proof of an item’s history and how it came to be—is equally important. Collectibles tied to major events (e.g., a Super Bowl helmet) or endorsed by respected authentication services tend to draw higher bids.
But what do these processes cost? Authentication services often charge based on the item’s declared value and the number of signatures. For example, basic autograph authentication might cost only $20, but multi‑signed or high‑value items can face fees of hundreds to thousands of dollars.
What about fake memorabilia? Sadly, the market is rife with counterfeits. The majority of fraudulent items found in some sectors lack credible verification or tamper‑proof credentials. That’s why many reputable collectors avoid items that only come with a paper certificate of authenticity without a corresponding hologram or database link.
For collectors seeking value, keep these practical tips in mind: always verify the authentication number if provided, research the item’s sales history (comparable items in similar condition help establish market value), and store your memorabilia properly—out of direct sunlight, in a low‑humidity environment, and ideally in a display case or protective sleeve. High‑grade items in excellent condition with valid certification have sold for millions of dollars—one record‑setting baseball card fetched over $12 million.
Whether you’re collecting for sentiment, legacy, or investment, taking the time to authenticate and understand value can boost enjoyment and protect your purchase. After all, a certified jersey from your favorite team not only celebrates the game—it also stands the test of time.
Yesterday’s Poll Results: What’s your biggest ergonomic challenge at home?
Most respondents are feeling pretty good when it comes to home ergonomics—a solid 77% reported no major issues in their setups. But for others, trouble spots remain: 40% said bending or reaching in the kitchen or laundry is their top challenge, while 23% struggle with either uncomfortable chairs or eye-straining lighting. Surprisingly, fewer folks flagged their desk or screen height, suggesting many have already adjusted for digital comfort. Whether it’s posture tweaks or better task lighting, small changes can go a long way in boosting comfort and energy.
TOP COMMENTS
“I've been making adjustments as I find them necessary. My wife, after 4 back surgeries, makes adjustments constantly. We both have to change them frequently, what feels great today, hurts tomorrow.”
“Any bending is tough. Knees just do not work anymore. And painful to kneel for any reason.”
“Blessed at 79 to be comfortable, moving, and doing things I enjoy. We have many younger friends who are in very.bad health, and it makes me appreciate totally how blessed we are.”
“As I've gotten older, I find reaching and bending and getting down close to the floors is the most difficult thing for me to do part of that is because a lot of what has been designed gave no thought to having to bend down.”
“A few years ago ago I got rid of my chest freezer for an upright that I didn’t have to defrost. My chest freezer is where I wrapped my Christmas gifts. I now struggle each year finding a spot that is large enough that I don’t lose my scissors and I that I don’t have to bend and hurt my back.”
“I ordered a stand-up desk for my laptop then discovered I didn't want to stand up at my laptop!”
“Haha! All of the above are challenges for me as I am short. My feet don’t touch the floor when sitting on the couch, counter and desk heights are never right for me, and I can never reach things on the top shelf in the kitchen without a stool or a grabbing tool.”
Redefining the Holiday Table: When Family Keeps Growing—Not Shrinking
As our lives grow and change, so do our family gatherings—sometimes expanding into multiple tables, households, and blended relationships. The article reflects on how holiday meals evolve when exes, step‑grandchildren, and new partners become part of the scene, and why the most meaningful role may now be: to stand beside everyone rather than try to hold the whole thing together. It celebrates the way love stretches to include new branches of the family tree, offering hope that even after loss and change, we can build something lasting, wide‑hearted, and beautifully new.
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Slang Phrase of the Day
Phrase: Suss out
Meaning: To “suss out” means to investigate, figure out, or get to the bottom of something—usually by careful observation or intuition. It’s often used informally and comes from British slang, originally short for “suspect” or “suspicion.”
In a sentence: "Before I commit to that new bridge club, I think I’ll attend a meeting or two to suss out the vibe and see if it’s a good fit."
Good News of the Day
Unlocking the Power of Languages: Speaking Multiple Tongues May Help Slow Aging
New international research reveals a compelling connection between how many languages a person speaks and how gracefully they age. In a study of over 86,000 adults aged 51–90 across 27 European countries, participants who spoke two or more languages were about half as likely to experience accelerated biological aging compared to those who spoke only one. Even more striking: the protective effect increased with each additional language—trilinguals and polyglots showed the strongest signs of aging more slowly, even after accounting for health, lifestyle, and social differences.
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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 championed the 1980s anti-drug slogan “Just Say No”? |
Who wrote The Old Man and the Sea (1952)? |
Which artist released the 1984 album and film soundtrack Purple Rain? |
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