Of all the ways we interact with music, the playlist stands as one of the most personal and powerful. It is a modern-day mixtape, a curated collection that transcends a simple sequence of songs to become a narrative, a mood, or a dedicated soundtrack for a specific moment in time. More than just a convenience feature on streaming platforms, the act of creating a playlist is an act of celebration itself—a way to honor an artist’s entire discography, to commemorate a road trip with friends, or to craft the perfect ambiance for a solitary evening. This digital assemblage allows us to become DJs, archivists, and storytellers, using the universal language of music to express what words alone often cannot.
A well-made playlist can elevate a gathering, provide solace during heartache, fuel a workout, or serve as a personal time capsule, instantly transporting us back to a specific feeling or era. It is how we share our tastes with the world and connect with others through shared sonic journeys. Ultimately, playlists are a testament to music’s enduring role in the human experience, proving that while a single song can be powerful, a thoughtfully assembled collection can create a celebration all its own.
Check back often if you like what you hear. We are always exploring new genres, and our favorites. Drop a suggestion in the comments. Whatever your style turn up the volume and enjoy….
On February 27, National Retro Day takes us back to a time before smartphones and the internet.
Every generation looks back and asks, “Remember when?” This celebration indulges our love for the good ol’ days while remaining in the present.
No matter the decade, pick a point in time where people talked more face to face than text to text, had dinner at home around the table and the kids played games that didn’t require internet.
What’s your retro? On National Retro Day, swoop the hair into a mile-high beehive or strut those eight-inch bell bottoms. Can you maximize the curls for a stellar Afro? Don’t hesitate to break out the old roller skates and see if you still have those mad skills. Tie the hair up with a polka dot bandana and strike muscle pose like Rosie the Riveter. Maybe you prefer a moonwalk, a leather jacket, and a single glove.
With no smartphones, internet, and social media, we spent more time focused on each other when we were together. Each moment recorded in memory for us to look back retrospectively and not for the whole world to see.
Some of us can even pass on reasons we survived before smartphones and I’m older than Google. The cool kids in my high school had pagers and used payphones. Good luck finding one today…
NATIONAL RETRO DAY HISTORY
Hermelinda A. Aguilar and Robert and Tina Duran founded National Retro Day to take a look back at how life was before social media, the internet and smartphones became a necessity of our daily lives.
January is National Hobby Month, the perfect time of year to pick up a new hobby, or get back into an old one that you haven’t thought about in a while! The great thing about having a hobby is that it can take your mind off the pressure of work or other daily stresses. Sit down and think about what you really love to do. What are you passionate about in life? What sparks your interest the most? What are you curious about? What are your goals? Finding a good hobby and giving yourself time to take part in it on a daily or weekly basis is sure to make you happier, and maybe even healthier.
“It can be coins or sports or politics or horses or music or faith… the saddest people I’ve ever met in life are the ones who don’t care deeply about anything at all. Passion and satisfaction go hand in hand, and without them, any happiness is only temporary, because there’s nothing to make it last.” -Nicholas Sparks, Dear John
Use #NationalHobbyMonth to post on social media. Talk about a new hobby you’ve picked up or better yet, post a photo or video of you doing it to get others inspired to do the same! If you’re having trouble thinking of a hobby to get into, we’ve put together a list of some healthy activities for you to consider.
Get to the gym 5 days a week. Running on a treadmill, lifting weights, or taking workout classes are great hobbies to take up because they are sure to improve your quality of life, both physically and mentally.
Try gardening. It stimulates your mind, involves a little physical activity, and it’s rewarding. Research shows gardening can even help improve your mood almost instantly, can lower your risk of dementia, and relieves stress.
Start cooking at home more often. If you can learn to cook wholesome, nutritious meals for yourself and your family, you’ll save money and have a healthier lifestyle. Cooking can also be therapeutic in itself, and will allow you some alone time to create beautiful dishes!
Take up yoga. No matter your age, gender, or level of physical fitness, yoga will increase your strength and flexibility. It also gives people clarity, peace of mind, and is overall a big stress reliever for anybody.
If you have the time, money, and are willing to add a responsibility to your life… Buy a pet! Animals have been proven to improve mental health for many people. Research shows owning and bonding with a pet decreases the risk of depression, anxiety, and stress.
Volunteer. Being a part of your community and lending a hand without getting paid in return has shown to incredibly improve mental health and give people a sense of fulfillment.
Give reading and/or writing a try. Picking up a good book, journaling, and blogging are all great ways to help clear your mind. They can temporarily take you to another place or time, allow you to express your thoughts freely, and even improve your vocabulary.
Finally… Travel! Take a week or two off work and go experience another culture. Whether you go on a tropical vacation and spend days on the beach, or head to the cold snowy mountains to hit the slopes, traveling helps to shift your perspective, and can even help you discover yourself.
…And if you’re really lucky, you can find what you love to do and turn it into your career. You know what they say. If you make your hobby your job, you’ll never have to work a day in your life.
SKYWARN® Recognition Day acknowledges the contributions of public service volunteers who provide essential weather information as it’s happening. Each year on the first Saturday in December, the day honors those volunteers who pay attention when the wind picks up, or the sky turns dark. Their efforts keep their communities safer by communication warnings to the National Weather Service.
The observance recognizes the vital public service contributions that Amateur Radio operators make during National Weather Service severe weather warning operations. It also strengthens the bond between Amateur Radio operators and the local National Weather Service.
Around the country, nearly 290,000 Skywarn® weather spotters volunteer their time. They identify severe weather that could potentially affect life and property. Spotters warn the National Weather Service of the threat of thunderstorms, tornados, and floods.
Skywarn® spotters complete training through a variety of formats and communicate through amateur radio. As members of their community, they’re vital resources both locally and on a national basis.
SKYWARN® RECOGNITION DAY HISTORY
The National Weather Service and the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) created SKYWARN Recognition Day in 1999 to recognize the importance that amateur radio provides during severe weather. Many NWS offices acquire real-time weather information from amateur radio operators in the field. These operators, for example, may report the position of a tornado, the height of floodwaters, or damaging wind speeds during hurricanes. All of this information is critical to the mission of the NWS, which is to preserve life and property. The special day celebrates these contributions by amateur radio operators.
If you are a SKYWARN radio operator, you can participate in SKYWARN Recognition Day by visiting a National Weather Service office or by contacting other radio operators. To learn more about becoming a SKYWARN spotter, go to skywarn.org. Use #SkywarnRecognitionDay to post on social media.
Some of the days in November carry the whole memory of summer as a fire opal carries the color of moonrise. ~Gladys Taber
November is the 11th month of the Gregorian calendar, with 30 days. Its name derives from the Latin word “novem,” meaning nine, as it was originally the ninth month in the ancient Roman calendar before January and February were added. It signals the transition toward winter in the Northern Hemisphere, often associated with harvest preparations, thanksgiving feasts, and a sense of reflection.
Season and Weather
In the Northern Hemisphere, November is the last full month of autumn, with days growing shorter and temperatures cooling significantly. Average weather varies by region: in much of the United States and Europe, expect highs ranging from 40–60°F (4–15°C) in temperate areas, with increasing chances of frost, rain, or early snow, especially later in the month. 16 Folklore warns that heavy November snow may persist until April, while mild conditions could lead to a muddy winter. 16 In the Southern Hemisphere, it’s spring, bringing warmer weather and blooming landscapes.
Sports
November is a peak time for several major sports seasons. American football is in full swing, with the NFL regular season heating up and college football games building toward bowl selections. The NBA basketball and NHL hockey seasons are well underway, featuring intense early matchups. Globally, soccer leagues like the English Premier League continue, and endurance events such as the New York City Marathon (typically the first Sunday) draw massive participation. Other highlights include tennis tournaments and the start of winter sports preparations.
Activities
Common activities in November revolve around autumn’s end and holiday prep. People enjoy leaf-peeping in colorful forests, harvest festivals, and outdoor pursuits like hiking or apple picking before colder weather sets in. Indoor tasks include gardening clean-up, such as using fallen leaves for mulch or marking plant locations for spring. Thanksgiving preparations dominate in the U.S., with cooking feasts, family gatherings, and shopping on Black Friday. Awareness campaigns like No-Shave November encourage beard-growing for cancer awareness. It’s also a time for community events, aviation appreciation, and stamp collecting hobbies.
Birthstones: Topaz (symbolizing friendship, often in yellow or orange hues) and citrine (a more affordable quartz crystal representing joy and success).
Flower: Chrysanthemum, from Greek roots meaning “golden flower,” symbolizing honesty, joy, and optimism.
Symbols: Zodiac signs are Scorpio (October 23–November 21, representing intensity and transformation) and Sagittarius (November 22–December 21, symbolizing adventure and philosophy). November is also linked to themes of preparation and somber reflection in folklore.
Famous Birthdays
November boasts many notable figures across history, science, arts, and entertainment. Some highlights include:
November 7: Marie Curie (1867), pioneering physicist and chemist who discovered radium.
November 10: Martin Luther (1483), founder of the Protestant Reformation.
November 11: Leonardo DiCaprio (1974), acclaimed actor and environmental activist.
November 14: Claude Monet (1840), influential Impressionist painter.
November 19: Indira Gandhi (1917), first female Prime Minister of India.
November 20: Robert F. Kennedy (1925), U.S. Senator and advocate for civil rights.
November 21: Voltaire (1694), Enlightenment philosopher and writer.
November 30: Mark Twain (1835), American author of classics like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
Important Occurrences from History
Two pivotal events stand out in November’s historical timeline:
November 11, 1918: The Armistice of World War I was signed, ending the devastating conflict at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, leading to celebrations worldwide and the basis for modern Veterans/Remembrance Day.
November 22, 1963: U.S. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, a shocking event that reshaped American politics and culture, with Lyndon B. Johnson sworn in as president shortly after.
