RH Digest — May 27
"The Front Page for Retirement"
📗 e-Book Deals of the Day
Fatalities and Folios (Poe Baxter Books Series Book 1)
By: ACF Bookens
When Poe Baxter ditches academia for the thrill of rare book hunting, she expects adventure—but not a deadly one. A trip to Edinburgh should be the perfect start to her new career, but when questions about a mysterious book draw dangerous attention, Poe and her best friend Beattie find themselves tangled in a plot far darker than any novel.
Can they uncover the book’s secrets before they become the next chapter in a deadly tale?
Get it now for FREE on Kindle!
🎶 Listen In
🎹 Rufus Wainwright: A Melodic Journey at NPR's Tiny Desk
Step into the world of Rufus Wainwright, a Canadian-American singer-songwriter celebrated for his operatic pop and heartfelt ballads. Born into a musical family—his parents being folk legends Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle—Rufus has carved out a unique niche in the music world. His 2012 Tiny Desk Concert at NPR showcased his rich tenor voice and intricate piano work, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. In this intimate performance, Rufus delves into personal themes, offering a glimpse into his emotional landscape. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to his music, this session is a testament to his artistry and the power of live, unfiltered performance.
Enjoy this special performance and experience the magic of Rufus Wainwright's music firsthand.
🎨 Artist Highlight
Olafur Eliasson: Bringing Nature’s Wonders Into Art
Olafur Eliasson is a Danish-Icelandic artist known for creating breathtaking installations that connect us deeply with nature — even when we're indoors. One of his most captivating works, Your Glacial Expectations, invites viewers to experience the majestic beauty of glaciers right up close. This piece features real melting glacier ice, slowly changing as you watch, reminding us of the fragile balance of our environment.
Eliasson’s art isn’t just about looking; it’s about feeling the moment and reflecting on nature’s power and vulnerability. For seniors who appreciate thoughtful, immersive experiences, Your Glacial Expectations offers a moving reminder to cherish and protect the world around us. It’s art that touches the heart and sparks meaningful conversations about our planet’s future.
🕰️ Back in the Day
Razzles: The Candy That Became Gum—and a Time Machine in a Wrapper 🍬✨
Razzles burst onto the sweet scene in 1966 with a twist no one saw coming: they started as candy and magically turned into gum. Talk about having your cake and chewing it too! This quirky little treat got its name from a fictional flavor—“Razzleberry”—and though the flavor never actually existed, the name stuck, and Razzles quickly became a lunchbox legend.
Part of the fun (and nostalgia) of Razzles is the surprise element. Pop one in, enjoy the fruity, chalky crunch, and then—poof!—you’re chewing gum. It was a wild concept in the ’60s, and for many kids, it felt like edible alchemy. Over time, Razzles expanded from the original raspberry-ish flavor to include tropical, sour, and even fizzy versions. But it’s that original pink-and-blue pouch that still tugs at heartstrings.
For many boomers and Gen X-ers, Razzles bring back memories of roller rinks, movie matinees, and coin-operated candy machines. They were even immortalized in pop culture—remember 13 Going on 30? Razzles were the “official candy of their relationship.” Swoon.
Sweet, nostalgic, and a little bit magical, Razzles remind us of a time when candy was simpler, surprises were sweeter, and growing up came with a lot of sugar.
💭 Curiosity Corner: Origin Stories Behind Sayings
The Story Behind “Cost An Arm and A Leg”
You know that phrase, “cost an arm and a leg,” meaning something is really expensive? Well, its origins might sound a bit dramatic—but don’t worry, no one was actually losing limbs over shopping bills!
Back in the 18th century, portraits were the big deal—people wanted paintings to show off their wealth and status. But here’s the kicker: artists charged more money to paint more of the person’s body. Heads and shoulders? Not too pricey. But full-body portraits that included arms and legs? That was a whole different price tag. So, if a portrait “cost an arm and a leg,” it literally meant it was expensive enough to include the whole person!
Another fun theory comes from wartime stories, where soldiers might literally lose limbs, and the cost of such injuries—medical bills and all—felt like paying an arm and a leg. But the painting story is the one most experts lean toward.
Either way, the phrase stuck around, reminding us that some things come with a pretty hefty price—though thankfully, today’s bills don’t require quite that kind of sacrifice!
Recipe of the Day: 🍕 Zucchini Mini Pizzas
All the joy of pizza, with a garden-fresh twist!
These zucchini rounds are roasted to perfection, then topped with gooey cheese, rich marinara, and your favorite toppings for a bite-sized treat that’s big on flavor. Easy to make, fun to customize, and perfect for sharing—or savoring solo with a good book and a smile.
Ingredients:
2 medium zucchinis, sliced into ½-inch rounds
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp Italian seasoning
⅓ cup marinara sauce (low-sodium)
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Mini turkey pepperoni or chopped veggies (like bell peppers or mushrooms)
Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Arrange zucchini slices on the sheet, brush lightly with olive oil, and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
Bake for 5–6 minutes to soften slightly.
Remove from oven, add a small spoonful of marinara to each slice, sprinkle with cheese, and top with your favorite toppings.
Return to oven for 5–7 more minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm!
Why you’ll love it: Quick, flavorful, and fun to make—these zucchini mini pizzas are perfect for a speedy lunch, satisfying snack, or light dinner with a side salad. They’re easy to prep, easy to enjoy, and feel like a little celebration in every bite.
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- Jay
Got suggestions of what you’d wanna read about? Let us know in the comments!
— The RetireHub Team