- RetireHub
- Posts
- Video Chat Made Simple: A Guide for Better Virtual Gatherings
Video Chat Made Simple: A Guide for Better Virtual Gatherings
Trivia: Which famous artist was once employed as a window washer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art?
RetireHub
May 11, 2025
Rise and shine, RetireHub community! ☀️ Your Sunday newsletter is here!
Today, we’re sharing fun tips on video chats made simple, 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!
🐾 $40 OFF – PAWZ Road 4-in-1 Flower Cat Tree Tower
Treat your feline friend to this adorable multi-level cat tree featuring cozy perches, scratching posts, and a flower-themed design. It’s perfect for play, lounging, and keeping claws off your furniture—all in one charming package.
🔦 $23 OFF – Juyafio 150,000 Lumen Rechargeable Flashlight
Light up the night with this ultra-bright handheld torch designed for serious illumination. Ideal for camping, hiking, or emergencies, it’s USB rechargeable, water-resistant, and built to shine in any condition.
🍟 $50 OFF – TaoTronics 14.8-Quart 5-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven (Stainless Steel)
Crisp, roast, and bake your way to healthier meals with this extra-large countertop air fryer. With multiple cooking modes and a spacious interior, it’s a versatile kitchen upgrade perfect for busy households.
What We’re Reading
Get these e-book deals before they’re gone.
 | By: Tess Thompson Dr. Jackson Waller is stunned to find his high school sweetheart, Maggie Keene, alive at the grave that falsely bears her name—ten years after he thought she had died. Maggie, who fled Cliffside Bay as a teen, returns home to discover her father faked her death, shattering her world all over again. As long-hidden secrets emerge, Maggie and Jackson are forced to confront the heartbreak and unanswered questions that tore them apart. Their love still lingers, but with fresh revelations threatening to undo everything, they must choose whether to rebuild or walk away again. |
 | By: SL Beaumont Jessica McDonald’s perfect life unravels after surviving a terrorist bombing in London and losing her father soon after. A cryptic trail of clues left behind by her father leads her into a dangerous conspiracy with both personal and global stakes. As she flees to the Scottish coast, Jessica must unravel the truth and stop a plot that could shake the very foundations of the political world, and put her in grave danger. |
On this day in 1997, IBM's supercomputer Deep Blue defeated world chess champion Garry Kasparov in a six-game match, marking the first time a computer had beaten a reigning world champion in a standard match.
Video Chat Made Simple: A Guide for Better Virtual Gatherings
Video chatting has become an essential part of modern life, helping us stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues no matter the distance. Whether you're hosting a virtual family reunion, attending an online book club, or just catching up with grandkids, a few simple tips can make your virtual gatherings smoother, more enjoyable, and more meaningful.
1. Choose the Right Platform
There are many video chat services available, each with its own strengths. Zoom is popular for group calls and larger events, while FaceTime is great for one-on-one chats with Apple users. Google Meet and Microsoft Teams also offer solid options for easy group communication. Choose the platform that works best for your needs and comfort level—and don’t be afraid to ask others to help you get started.
2. Set the Scene
Good lighting and a quiet environment go a long way in improving video chat quality. Sit near a window for natural light or use a lamp to brighten your face. Try to minimize background noise and position your camera at eye level so others can see you clearly. A neutral background also keeps the focus on your smiling face.
3. Test Your Tech
Before any virtual gathering, it’s a good idea to test your internet connection, microphone, and camera. Most platforms have a “test call” or settings area where you can do a quick check. Keep your device charged or plugged in, and consider using headphones for better sound quality and less feedback.
4. Plan with Purpose
Even casual chats can benefit from a little planning. For larger calls, consider assigning a host to keep the conversation moving or create a loose agenda. Fun themes, games, or shared activities—like trivia or virtual tours—can make your gathering more engaging.
5. Embrace the Moment
Not every call has to be perfect. Someone’s camera might freeze, a grandchild might wander into view, or a pet might steal the spotlight—and that’s okay! The heart of virtual gatherings is about connection. Be patient, laugh off the glitches, and enjoy the moments together.
Video chatting doesn't have to be intimidating. With a bit of preparation and a focus on connection over perfection, virtual gatherings can be just as warm and memorable as those in person. So go ahead—click that link, join the call, and make some new memories from wherever you are.
💻 What's your go-to video chat platform for connecting with loved ones? |
Yesterday’s Poll Results: What’s your go-to wine vibe?
Looks like patio season is calling—crisp whites are the clear favorite among readers, offering a light and refreshing sip perfect for warm evenings and easy conversations. Bold reds still have a strong fan base, especially for those who love a rich glass with dinner, while non-alcoholic options are making a solid showing too. Bubbles and organic wines round out the mix, proving that when it comes to wine, there's no one-size-fits-all. 🍷✨ Many of you shared that you just don’t like wine, and we say that’s just fine! Whatever your pour, there's a vibe for every palate!
TOP COMMENTS
“We are not that picky when shopping for wine. We normally go to Trader Joes and look for interesting labels under $10.00 and select a red, white and blush to enjoy with our dinners.”
“In general I prefer a white, Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio but on the infrequent occasions I go out for a steak I choose a Pinot Noir.”
“I haven't been a fan of wine since drinking too much Boone's Farm in my younger days.”
Strong Bones, Stronger You: Simple Steps to Boost Bone Health and Prevent Osteoporosis
Maintaining bone density is crucial for overall health, especially as we age. Incorporating weight-bearing exercises, such as strength training and impact activities, can help strengthen bones and slow bone loss. Additionally, ensuring adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, staying hydrated, and consuming a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables support bone health. Regular check-ups to monitor vitamin D levels and bone density can aid in early detection and prevention of osteoporosis.
Follow us on Social Media!
Join an online community thriving in retirement! Find us on:
Every day we post retirement tips, highlights from our newsletter so you can comment and discuss in the community, and some fun retirement-themed motivation!
Slang Phrase of the Day
Phrase: Vanilla
Meaning: Ordinary, boring, lacking special features.
In a sentence: "The movie was entertaining, but the plot was pretty vanilla—nothing unexpected or exciting happened."
Good News of the Day
Sisters Reunited After 57 Years: A DNA Test Unveils a Long-Lost Family Connection
Trish and June, now in their 60s, spent decades searching for their older sister, Geraldine, who was more than a decade their senior. Their quest began after discovering that Geraldine had been adopted out during a time when forced adoptions were prevalent. The breakthrough came when they took a DNA test, leading them to a match with Geraldine's daughter, confirming the long-lost sibling connection. The reunion not only answered questions but also shed light on the history of forced adoptions, bringing a sense of closure and joy to the sisters.
Other Publications We Like
Check out these other email newsletters we think you’ll enjoy!
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 famous artist was once employed as a window washer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art? |
What is the name of the world's largest living organism? |
Which country was the first to grant women the right to vote? |
A QUICK ASK: First off, thank you for reading RetireHub every day. It fills our cup that so many thousands of people get joy from our little publication.
As you know, good content costs money. In order to continue supporting ourselves and to continue delivering the content you enjoy every day, we need to pay our writers. If you can, we ask you to subscribe to our paid account (for $5/month - less than a cup of coffee!) below.
If you choose to purchase a paid subscription, please know you’re supporting not only our publication, but tens of thousands of other 50+ year old Americans that get joy, entertainment, financial tips, and more from RetireHub every single day.
If you don’t join the paid plan (or can’t), no worries at all. We know times are tough. Thank you for being a part of our tiny, joyful part of the Internet.
- Jay
**RetireHub may receive affiliate compensation for links clicked within this newsletter.
***RetireHub may share poll results with advertisers.