RH Digest — July 18
"The Front Page for Retirement"
📗 e-Book Deals of the Day
Melody's Christmas (Heartwarming Holidays Sweet Romance Book 1)
By: ID Johnson
Can a Christmas miracle help Melody hear the music again? Her father's death made her give up piano, but when Michael and his father Reid stumble into her life--and into her heart, Melody's reminded of the magic of Christmas and the song in her heart. A sweet, Christian small town romance.
Get it now for FREE on Kindle!
By: Penny Goetjen
A chilling death shocks the community.... In this richly atmospheric family saga, step into the storied streets of deceptively charming Charleston, South Carolina, where cobblestone alleys whisper buried secrets and the sweet scent of Magnolias mask something far darker. Perfect for fans of Harlan Coben with a Southern twist.
Get it now for $0.99 on Kindle!
📺 Watch This Tonight
"Amy Bradley Is Missing" – A Haunting Search for Answers
In 1998, 23-year-old Amy Lynn Bradley mysteriously vanished from a Royal Caribbean cruise ship while it was sailing toward Curaçao. Despite extensive searches and investigations, her disappearance remains one of the most baffling and chilling maritime mysteries. The Netflix docuseries Amy Bradley Is Missing explores the complex layers of this case through emotional interviews with Amy’s family, friends, and witnesses who provide insights and theories, including disturbing suspicions of abduction and human trafficking.
The series not only revisits the timeline of events but also shines a light on the broader issues of cruise ship safety and missing persons cases that often remain unresolved. Amy’s family’s unwavering determination to find answers brings a deeply human element to the story, making the series both a gripping true-crime investigation and a heartfelt tribute to a young woman lost too soon.
For anyone drawn to real-life mysteries, this documentary offers an intense, thought-provoking look at a case that continues to haunt many and a call to never forget those who are still missing.
🕰️ Back in the Day
A Glimpse into History: Woody Guthrie on BBC Children’s Hour
This rare and precious BBC Radio segment features folk legend Woody Guthrie in a brief but memorable interview on Children’s Hour. Recorded in July 1944 during his time as a Merchant Marine, Woody shares a bit of his journey from war-torn Europe back to the United States, and performs two classic railroad ballads, “The Wabash Cannonball” and “900 Miles,” accompanied by his guitar.
The recording captures a unique moment when Guthrie, amidst the turbulence of World War II, connected with audiences far from home through his storytelling and heartfelt songs. Even in this gentle radio appearance, you can feel the quiet conviction of a man who believed deeply in justice, dignity, and the everyday person. It’s a beautiful snapshot of a folk icon sharing his roots and resilience — a reminder that music can be both comfort and compass in times of great uncertainty.
🌿 Nature’s Whisper: The Secret Symphony of Plants
Discovering the Hidden Conversations Between Plants and Animals
Imagine a world where every leaf rustle, every root tremor, and every stem sway carries a message—a secret language of distress and survival. Recent studies have unveiled that plants, when under duress, emit ultrasonic sounds beyond human hearing, akin to the gentle popping of corn. These subtle signals, though inaudible to us, are perceptible to certain animals, creating an intricate web of communication across species.
In a groundbreaking experiment, researchers observed that female moths, upon hearing these ultrasonic distress calls from dehydrated tomato plants, chose to lay their eggs on healthier, silent plants. This behavior suggests that moths can interpret these plant emissions, guiding their reproductive choices to ensure the survival of their offspring. Such findings illuminate the profound connections within ecosystems, where every organism plays a role in the symphony of life.
This discovery not only deepens our understanding of plant-animal interactions but also opens new avenues for sustainable agriculture and pest management. By tuning into the hidden sounds of nature, we can learn to listen to the whispers of the earth, fostering a deeper connection with the world around us.
🌹 Remembering Connie Francis
A Timeless Voice That Touched Generations
This week, the world said goodbye to Connie Francis, the trailblazing singer whose voice filled countless hearts with joy. Born Concetta Franconero in 1937, Connie rose to fame in the late 1950s and 1960s with unforgettable hits like “Who’s Sorry Now?”, “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool,” and “Pretty Little Baby.” A true icon, she became the first woman to score a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and went on to sell well over 100 million records worldwide.
Connie’s story was one of resilience and renewal. Beyond chart success, she shared her warmth through film roles, multilingual recordings, and even returned to the spotlight late in life when “Pretty Little Baby” went viral on TikTok—introducing her to a whole new generation of fans. Through triumphs and trials—including deep personal losses—she always sang with a clear, heartfelt tone that made us lean in and listen.
She passed peacefully at age 87 on July 16, leaving behind a legacy that feels both grand and profoundly personal. A charismatic presence with a voice that bridged decades and defied time, Connie Francis reminded us all of the power of song to heal, connect, and uplift. Her music wasn’t just entertainment—it was a comforting echo of life’s sweetest moments.
To Connie Francis, we say thank you—for the melodies, for the memories, and for inspiring courage and joy. Her voice may be gone, but its echo will carry on forever.
Recipe of the Day: 🍅 Summer Tomato & White Bean Gratin
This rustic, nourishing dish brings out the best of ripe summer tomatoes. Creamy white beans, crusty breadcrumbs, and fresh herbs bake together in a savory olive oil base for a meal that feels like a warm hug.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 oz) can white beans (like cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
4–5 ripe tomatoes, sliced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ cup fresh breadcrumbs (or panko)
¼ cup grated parmesan (optional)
Chopped parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Sauté onion until soft (about 5–6 minutes), then add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Stir in the white beans, thyme, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
Spread the bean mixture in a small baking dish. Layer tomato slices over the top.
In a bowl, toss breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil (and parmesan, if using). Sprinkle over the tomatoes.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Let cool slightly and finish with fresh herbs.
Serving tip: Lovely as a light main with crusty bread or a simple green salad. Also pairs well as a side with grilled chicken or fish.
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— The RetireHub Team