Turkey is notorious for making people tired. How can you make sure you’ll make it through the after-dinner clean up and, even better, dessert?
A lot of people blame the post-Thanksgiving lethargy or “food coma” on tryptophan, an amino acid in turkey meat. When we eat turkey, our bodies turn the tryptophan into serotonin, which can make us feel calm, restful and even sleepy. But, according to doctors, that’s not really the case.
Tryptophan can make you drowsy, but only if it’s consumed on its own, without any other amino acids. Eating a turkey dinner shouldn’t knock you out. Besides, a lot of other foods like chicken, dairy, seafood, nuts and legumes contain tryptophan and don’t have the same reputation for making people sleepy.
So, why does Thanksgiving make you sleepy? Are your family members just trying to get out of chores? Probably not. It’s more likely that eating any sort of big meal will make you feel tired, as your body increases blood flow to your stomach to help digest the meal. This leaves your brain with a little less blood flow than before, which can cause you to feel sleepy. It could also be that eating a lot of carbohydrates and sugar can temporarily spike your insulin levels, leading to a spike in serotonin and melatonin.
Combine those factors with the work of preparing the meal, the excitement of a family get-together and even a few adult beverages and you have a surefire recipe for drooping eyelids.
How to Handle a Food Coma
If you don’t have time to deal with the routine Thanksgiving food coma (there are Black Friday deals to get to, after all!), there are a couple of things you can try before and after your meal to put some extra pep in your step.
Stay hydrated. It’s always good to hydrate, and a glass of water or a cup of tea can help relieve any bloated feelings that can come with a food coma after a big meal.
Eat a balanced breakfast beforehand. Some people skip breakfast on Thanksgiving Day to save up room for the big meal. That’s a mistake. In order to fight the food coma, have a breakfast of healthy fats, lean proteins and whole grain carbs. It sounds like there’s avocado toast in your future.
Load up on colorful, fibrous foods. Your Thanksgiving table shouldn’t be all one color! Make sure there’s variety and fiber in the side dishes. Carbs and sugar shouldn’t be verboten, but they shouldn’t be the only things on the table either. Add some salad, roasted vegetables or nuts to your spread.
Take an after-dinner walk. After the turkey, take some of your family members out for a stroll around the neighborhood. The crisp fall air and activity will have you feeling awake in no time. Plus, it will aid in digestion.
Are you looking for ways to mix it up in the kitchen on Thanksgiving and beyond? HelloFresh is a subscription service that delivers the ingredients and recipes necessary for delicious weekly meals. With fresh, pre-portioned ingredients, seasonal recipes and over 30 fresh meals to choose from every week, it makes dinner exciting. Try recipes like cranberry thyme chicken, one-pot Italian vegetable soup, homestyle turkey and biscuit pot pie and more. AAA members cansave on their HelloFresh subscription.
What do you do after Thanksgiving dinner? Do you take a walk, clean up in the kitchen or go straight for dessert? Let us know in the comments below!
The celebration, the pageantry, the fanfare – it all makes for an eye-catching event that has spectators lining the streets time and again. While marching bands, balloons and other components certainly have their draw, what would a parade be without floats?
In one way or another, parade floats have existed for thousands of years. Only in the last century or so, however, have they become the intricately decorated showcases we know today.
Many of today’s parade floats are fully computerized animatronic structures. While this evolution has ratcheted up the spectacle factor, it’s also created some logistical hurdles. Most notably in moving the float along.
So, how exactly do parade floats operate? Let’s start at the beginning.
Pasadena Board of Trade float by Isabella Coleman, Tournament of Roses, about 1913.
When Did Parade Floats Begin?
The origins of parade floats can be traced back to ancient Greece when statues of gods were pulled on carts. They became increasingly common in the Middle Ages, often used in plays or to celebrate kings and rulers.
Parade floats first appeared in the United States in the early 1800s. They became mainstays by the mid-century when, in 1857, New Orleans held its inaugural Mardi Gras parade. This marked the first time floats were used to celebrate the annual holiday.
A major development in parade-float history occurred in California before the end of the century. In February 1890, members of Pasadena’s Valley Hunt Club organized an athletics competition to help promote their city. Many members had previously lived on the East Coast and invited their former neighbors to the event. To showcase the region’s balmy winter weather to its guests, the club held a parade prior to the event.
“In New York, people are buried in snow,” club member Charles F. Holder said at the time. “Here our flowers are blooming and our oranges are about to bear. Let’s hold a festival to tell the world about our paradise.” Parade entrants decorated carriages with hundreds of flowers. The spectacle led organizers to rename the celebration The Rose Parade.
Floats made a prominent appearance on the East Coast in 1924. That’s when Macy’s, which had just expanded its flagship Herald Square store to cover an entire city block, put on a Thanksgiving Day Parade to get locals in the shopping spirit. To complement its nursery rhyme-themed window displays, Macy’s created floats featuring The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe, Little Miss Muffet and Little Red Riding Hood.
Santa Claus float by Tony Sarg, Macy’s Christmas Parade, 1924, New York Times.
How Are Parade Floats Made?
Parade floats have gone from decorated carriages to works of design and technological marvel. Today’s floats feature computer-operated animatronics and intricate decorations. Some can take up to a year to construct.
Assembling a float begins with constructing a self-propelled chassis that will support and move the structure. The float’s metal framework is built and welded to the chassis. Once the bones are in place, the entire structure is covered with aluminum wire screen and then sprayed with a plastic liquid that forms a hard skin when it dries. Any characters or props are usually made of Styrofoam and papier-mâché.
When it comes to decoration, float makers employ a wide variety of materials, including paper, wood and flowers. The Rose Parade, home to the most spectacularly decorated parade floats, requires every inch of every float be covered in a natural material.
While the emphasis is on flowers, participants often get creative. Crushed walnut shells and cornmeal, for example, can be used to replicate skin tones. Palm fibers and dried oatmeal can replicate animal fur.
How Do You Drive a Parade Float?
We’re often too mesmerized by the pageantry of a parade float to stop and think, “Wait, who is driving that thing? And how do they drive it?”
Some floats, like those appearing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, are pulled along by pickup trucks. Others, like those in the Rose Parade, are self-moving, controlled by a driver stationed within the bowels of the float.
Operating a float in this latter scenario is no easy job. Just getting inside is a tricky task that usually requires crawling through a hatch. Once in position, the fun begins.
There are no windshields on these vehicles. In fact, there aren’t any windows or direct views of the outside at all. Instead, cameras installed around the float feed images of the road to a screen located in front of the driver’s seat. The operator is also equipped with a headset, through which they can get instructions from spotters on the outside. These spotters walk alongside the float for the entirety of the parade.
But driving is just one aspect of operating a float. There are often a whole host of buttons, gears and switches that control different aspects of the mobile structure. The good news for the driver is that operating these is usually the responsibility of other crew members. The bad news is that as many as five people may need to squeeze into the cozy confines of the float’s chassis to get the job done.
Parade Float Factoids
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade’s character balloons were inspired by the Balloonatics float that appeared in the 1926 parade.
Macy’s floats are built and stored in New Jersey. They must be broken down to travel through the Lincoln Tunnel to get to Manhattan.
When filled with performers and guests, Macy’s Parade floats can weigh up to 8 tons.
The longest and heaviest single-chassis parade float in the U.S. appeared at the 2017 Rose Parade. The Lucy Pet Products’ Gnarly Crankin’ K9 Wave Maker weighed more than 137,000 pounds and was over 125 feet long. It featured a 5,000-gallon water tank onboard. Eight dogs surfed in the pool as the float traveled along the route.
Each year, it takes roughly 900 volunteer members 80,000 combined hours to construct the Rose Parade floats.
A large Rose Parade float could contain as many as 60,000 roses.
Floats typically travel approximately 2.5 mph.
The iconic parade scene in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off in which Matthew Broderick sings on top of a float was shot during an actual parade.
For news, notes and backstories on all things four-wheeled, visit our Auto History page.
You probably know by now that your AAA Northeast membership entitles you to discounts and rewards on everyday purchases, theme park tickets, movie nights, restaurant outings and more. But there are some activities you may not have even thought of. Whether they’re close to home or far away, these are some of the most unique experiences that you can have with AAA discounts.
Unique Experiences in the Northeast
Salem Ghosts
We all know Salem, Massachusetts, as the site of the historic (and horrific) Salem Witch Trials, and its memory still lingers. On Salem Ghosts, you can tour the town’s most haunted locations, hear chilling ghost stories and maybe even spot a ghost yourself! This tour mixes frightening ghost stories with real historic tales, so there’s a little something for everyone.
Urban Adventure Quest offers a variety of fun and engaging scavenger hunts in cities across America, including New York City and Boston. All you need is your smartphone, some friends and a sense of adventure. Your phone will lead you on a walking tour of the city, while you have to solve clues and complete challenges to get points and move forward in your quest.
Have you ever wanted to step back in time? At Medieval Times, you can dine on a four-course meal while watching a joust and cheering on your favorite knight. You’ll see jousting, sword fights, hand-to-hand combat and falconry as the knights battle to see who is worthy enough to protect the Queen.
Take a multisensory journey through planet Earth at Arcadia Earth in New York City. Arcadia Earth is a fully immersive experience that combines augmented reality, virtual reality, interactive environments and projection mapping. As you wander through the beautiful underwater worlds and immersive art installations, you’ll also learn about the beauty of our planet and the importance of keeping it safe.
You and your friends are locked in a room for an hour, and the only way out is to solve a series of puzzles and clues. The time is ticking! Will you beat the game? The Escape Game New York offers a variety of different games with themes like pulling off an art heist, escaping from prison, striking rich during the Gold Rush and more. Don’t live near New York City? No worries, there’s also a virtual option.
If you have a kid that loves construction trucks, Diggerland is the place to be. Diggerland in West Berlin, New Jersey, is the only construction theme park in the country. Kids and grownups alike can ride construction themed rides in the theme park and water park, and you can even drive, ride and operate real machinery.
Experience the sensation of jumping out of a plane without actually jumping out of a plane. iFLY is an indoor skydiving experience that uses the power of wind to simulate free-fall conditions that will make you feel like you’re flying. Available in a variety of cities, including San Diego, Orlando, Chicago and more.
Ever wanted to meet a dinosaur? This traveling attraction for the young and young-at-heart includes life-size dinosaur animatronics, walk-around puppets, ridable dinos, a fossil-digging experience, crafts, museum-quality exhibits and more.
If you’re in Florida, you should see some gators, preferably in a safe space. Gatorland in Orlando, Florida, is the place to come face-to-face with some of the most fearsome alligators, crocodiles and critters around. And there are so many ways to see them! Gatorland offers ziplines, off-road tours, wildlife shows and even some close encounters. It’s a wild time.
Thanksgiving is a contemplative time for many of us, often filled with thoughts of appreciation and how to give back to our loved ones and communities. Along with those important considerations, there’s never been a better time to embrace sustainable traditions.
There are many ways you can have a more environmentally friendly Thanksgiving, beginning with mindful choices about travel and food. Engaging in thoughtful and meaningful acts to celebrate in a sustainable manner can be as joyful as the holiday meal itself.
Sustainable Travel Choices
Thanksgiving is historically one of the busiest times of the year for airports and airlines. And along with all those flights comes a tremendous amount of carbon impact on the planet. The airline industry is responsible for almost one billion metric tons of CO2 emissions annually from burning jet fuel.
Avoiding airline travel for your Thanksgiving holiday, when possible, can be one of the most significant ways to embrace sustainability and minimize your carbon footprint.
“Perhaps the biggest thing you can do as a traveler to contribute to a more sustainable Thanksgiving celebration is to choose to travel by train or bus instead of a plane or a car,” says Sebastian Modak, editor-at-large for Lonely Planet and a well-known sustainable travel advocate.
If you need to travel by car, consider renting an electric vehicle if it’s an option, or carpooling.
“Finding friends or family to carpool with is not only more environmentally responsible, but it can also contribute to less congestion and might even make the hours pass more quickly,” adds Modak. “If you need a reminder of how much fuel we burn unnecessarily, next time you’re in traffic, take a look around and see how many cars are filled with exactly one person.”
Offset Your Flights
When flying can’t be avoided, consider some of the ways you might lessen your impact as you take to the skies.
There’s been much debate about whether carbon offsets – a financial contribution to specific projects or organizations that work to lower or sequester CO2 emissions – are truly useful. While not a complete solution, taking this step can be helpful.
“By buying offsets from a reputable organization, you can contribute something, however small, to counteract the large carbon footprint of flying,” says Modak, who recommends Green-e as one resource where travelers can vet and learn about reputable carbon offset programs.
While you’re at it, you might also reconsider the type of route you choose when flying, to help further decrease your impact, says Modak. “Taking off and landing burn the most fuel, so a nonstop flight, without any stopovers, is going to be more environmentally friendly than one with layovers,” he explains. “Similarly, according to some studies, a business class seat equates to about three times the carbon emissions of an economy class one.”
Sustainable Food Selection
Gathering with loved ones to enjoy a meal is the very heart of the Thanksgiving tradition and history. And here too, it’s possible to celebrate the holiday with sustainability in mind.
There are many steps in the food process where this can be accomplished, beginning with shopping for organically grown food to create your feast. Organic farming has less of an impact on the planet because it involves less pollution and does not use pesticides, which can be harmful to birds, animals and even people living around farms.
Sourcing your food locally is another important choice, one that decreases the carbon emissions involved in food transportation.
“Sourcing close to home supports your local farmer, keeps your money within your own community and ensures that your Thanksgiving food wasn’t sitting on a diesel-burning truck for thousands of miles. As a bonus, your food will likely be more fresh and tastier,” adds Seferian.
When it comes time for clean-up and disposal of waste, composting food is far more eco-friendly then putting it in the trash. Food scraps such as fruits and vegetables can easily be composted. You might also invite your guests to bring take-home containers for leftovers, to further eliminate waste.
Plant-Based Options
Indulging in turkey is a long-cherished part of the American Thanksgiving tradition from coast to coast. But research has shown that animal-based food production generates an enormous amount of greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to land change degradation and water scarcity. Opting for a plant-based meal can lessen these impacts.
“The most eco-friendly action hosts can take this Thanksgiving is to forego the turkey,” says Seferian. “Eating an animal-based diet has countless deleterious effects on the planet and so any steps we can make toward a plant-based lifestyle is profoundly sustainable.”
Thanksgiving tables often have plenty of sides which, together, make a filling meal, Seferian suggests transforming some of your Thanksgiving favorites into plant-friendly options. For instance, mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes can be prepared with vegan butter or nut-based milk and carrots can be glazed with honey instead of butter.
Giving Back to Your Community
Amid all the hustle and bustle of traveling and celebrating time with loved ones, it’s important to remember the spirit and history behind the Thanksgiving holiday. It’s about helping others. And for many, the holiday continues to be a time to engage in thoughtful acts and deeds.
Some of the ways you might consider doing this include donating money, food or clothing to a local charity or church, or giving your own time volunteering at a food bank, shelter or soup kitchen. These are especially wonderful traditions to begin with children and pass down to future generations.
And perhaps, closest to the theme of Thanksgiving of all, you might consider inviting those who will not be celebrating with friends or family to join your gathering.
AAA’s sustainable travel series is written in partnership with Kind Traveler, a women-and-veteran-owned sustainable travel platform empowering travelers to make a positive impact in local communities, and contributing writer, Mia Taylor.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which became a federal law in August, addresses topics such as clean energy and taxes on large corporations. But it also contains changes that could benefit individual taxpayers. So how can the Inflation Reduction Act impact you? We looked to the experts at TaxAct to find out.
Clean-Energy Tax Credits
The Inflation Reduction Act includes clean-energy tax incentives and rebates for people who make more environmentally friendly choices for their homes. This could include installing energy-efficient windows, doors, HVAC systems and even green sources of energy, like solar panels. You can check to see if your home improvement plans are covered here. Some of the new and expanded tax credits in this category include the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, the Residential Clean Energy Credit and electric vehicle tax credits.
The electric-vehicle tax credits now include any “clean vehicle,” like electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. It also includes used electric vehicles purchased after 2022. If you’re looking for more information on electric vehicles, we have everything you need to know about EVs right here.
Increases in IRS Funding
The IRS is receiving a boost in funding of about $80 billion over the next 10 years. It’s intended for the IRS to hire more employees and modernize its old computer systems. According to TaxAct, individuals who earn less than $400,000 should now be less likely to be audited, due to system improvements.
Extension of the Affordable Care Act Subsidy Program
Part of the Inflation Reduction Act extends the Affordable Care Act subsidy program through 2025. This program offers premium tax credits to low- and middle-income households, which are federal subsidies designed to help them afford health insurance coverage. The premium tax credit is a refundable tax credit. Under this extension, you can claim the premium tax credit if your household exceeds 400% of the poverty line and you meet all other qualifications. You are also eligible if your cost of health insurance premiums exceeds 8.5% of your household taxable income.
From horseless carriages to self-driving transports, the past century-and-change has seen cars in every imaginable size, shape and form. But during that time there have been only a few vehicles that have transcended automotive history and entered into cultural history, making them iconic cars.
Status is by and large subjective, but there’s no arguing that these automobiles are as recognizable – both by name and design – and influential as any other four-wheelers that have crossed our paths.
Ford Model T
It’s impossible to formulate a list of the most iconic cars in history without starting off with the Model T. Henry Ford’s creation went beyond transforming the nascent automotive industry: It also had an indelible effect on American society.
First sold in 1908, the Model T was not the first automobile available for purchase in the U.S. It was, however, the first that most people could afford to buy. By revolutionizing mass production through assembly line manufacturing, which substantially lowered the cost to make the car, Ford was able to sell the Model T starting at $260, roughly $8,000 today. By the 1920s, more than half of the world’s registered automobiles were Fords. Closer to home, mass ownership of the vehicle helped connect rural Americans to the rest of the country and eventually led to the introduction of the numbered highway system.
The Model T was more than just the first mass-produced car. It was also revolutionary as an automobile in and of itself. It was the first to have a steering wheel on the left side (previous models had it in the center) and to offer a windshield. That’s not all. According to the Ford Motor Company, “The vehicle was also the first to have its engine block and the crankcase cast as a single unit, the first to have a removable cylinder head for easy access, and the first to make such extensive use of the lightweight but strong alloy known as vanadium steel.”
One characteristic the Model T is often thought to have lacked is color. It’s commonly believed that the vehicle was only offered in black. However, this was only true from 1914-1925. Before and after that time, it was available in several different colors including blue, red, grey, and green.
Ford last made the Model T available in 1927, replacing it the following year with the Model A. All told, more than 15 million Model T’s were sold.
Ford F-Series
If you stick to the roads of the Northeast you may be surprised to learn that the Ford F-Series is the best-selling vehicle in the country – and has been for decades. The truck is the most popular car in a majority of states, including nearly every one in the South and Midwest.
A few years after Ford debuted the Model T, customers began asking for a vehicle capable of hauling heavier loads to help them with work and deliveries. The company responded with 1917’s Model TT, which had the Model T’s cab and engine but a heavier-duty frame.
Following decades of commercial use, the first consumer F-Series debuted in 1948. “After the war, a lot of rural Americans moved to urban and suburban centers looking for work, and many took their Ford pickups with them,” said Ford historian Bob Kreipke. “Ford saw this as an opportunity, and began work on the next generation of trucks for 1948, what came to be known as F-Series Bonus Built trucks.”
Over the decades, the truck merged its utilitarian nature with improved aesthetics and creature comforts like two-tone paint, automatic transmissions, armrests, sun visors and improved heater and radio. It soon became a vehicle that fit in just as well on the farm as it did on Main Street. Today’s F-Series trucks are nearly as luxurious as any luxury car – but far more popular.
Volkswagen Beetle
There is not a more recognizable car in automotive history than the Volkswagen Beetle. Behind that famous bulbous shape is a fascinating story filled with twists and turns. Ironically, although it rose in prominence in the U.S. during the flower power days of the 1960s and ’70s, the car was first commissioned by Germany in the lead-up to World War II. The vehicle was meant to provide German citizens with transportation much like the Model T did in America, but as the war ramped up, production was put on hold.
The first Beetle exported to the U.S. arrived in 1950 and by 1968 America had become Volkswagen’s largest foreign market, accounting for 40 percent of the company’s produced cars. The Beetle’s unique shape – designed by Porsche founder Ferdinand Porsche – and bright colors attracted Americans looking to bask in the post-war glow. It remained popular when drivers began buying smaller, more compact vehicles and got a cultural boost when the car was featured prominently in Disney’s “The Love Bug.” In 1972, the Beetle passed the Model T as the bestselling car of all time.
In the 1990s, Volkswagen unveiled a sleeker, modernized version of the Beetle. This model was sold for the next 20 years until the marquee ceased production of the Beetle in 2019.
Ford Mustang
The mid-20th century was an exciting time for automobile enthusiasts. It was during this period when the idea that cars could be more than just a mode of transport – namely, they could be stylish – took hold.
Ford Motor Company took that concept to a new level when it unveiled the Mustang at the 1964 World’s Fair. The vehicle’s debut was featured on the covers of Newsweek and Time magazines. The publicity worked. With its long hood and short rear deck, the world’s first pony car had a look unlike any other, and consumers lined up. In its first year, the Mustang sold 400,000 units; in the first three years, 1.7 million. This made the Mustang Ford’s most successful vehicle since the Model A.
In case it needed more of the limelight, a green 1968 Mustang 390 GT was famously featured in the movie “Bullitt,” starring Steve McQueen. This helped launch the coupe from popular car to cultural icon.
Today, the Mustang remains as popular as ever. It has been the world’s best-selling sports car each of the past seven years.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is so ubiquitous on American roadways that it’s seen more as an everyday vehicle rather than an iconic car. But it’s precisely that popularity that makes the Corolla one of the most iconic cars in history.
At the time the Corolla was first produced in 1966, car ownership in Japan was still something the general public aspired to. Toyota allowed them to reach that goal by creating a car designed as not just a utilitarian form of transportation, but something owners could be proud of, while still being affordable.
“The market has demanded attractive vehicles – vehicles that don’t seem inferior when compared to others and even appear somewhat luxurious” said former Corolla development leader Tatsuo Hasegawa. As such, the car was given great attention to detail and came equipped with new technology and innovative features only seen in higher-end vehicles. These included a revolutionary engine, floor-mounted gear lever, separate bucket-type front seats, armrests, as well as a center console box, radio and heater.
The Corolla also holds an important place in American automotive history. The car was first introduced stateside in 1968 and became the first Japanese automobile to have a major footprint in the United States. Today, America imports more cars from Japan than nearly any other country, roughly $30 billion worth.
As you can observe on your daily commute, the Corolla is still around and still very popular. Through half a century and 12 model generations it has become known as the epitome of automotive efficiency and reliability. That has translated to sales of more than 50 million, making the Toyota Corolla the best-selling car of all time.
Chrysler Minivans
The minivan may not be the sexiest automobile in history, but when they were unleashed onto the public, these family mobiles were downright revolutionary. A van that could drive and handle like a consumer car was an idea that had never been broached.
In the mid-1970s, Ford Motor Company president Lee Iacocca felt the brand needed a family van model. A team of engineers developed a prototype, which Iacocca kept hidden out of fear that the project would get killed off my his boss, Henry Ford II.
A few years later, Iacocca left Ford to join rival Chrysler and was allowed to take his minivan idea with him. By 1983, the idea had finally come to fruition and the van was ready. Sold under two monikers, the Plymouth Voyager and Dodge Caravan, the vans were an immediate hit with consumers, selling 290,000 units in the first year. People loved the extra cabin room, sliding door, and car-like maneuverability. It was particularly popular with suburban families who could drive their kids around in one vehicle and still be able to fit that vehicle in their home garage. In no time at all, Chrysler had created a new segment in the auto market and other manufacturers followed suit, creating their own van models.
Toyota Prius
Electric vehicles are the wave of the future and it may not be long before they’re the only cars on the road. It may be difficult to imagine a time without clean-energy cars, but it wasn’t all that long ago – and it was the Prius at the helm of ushering in the automotive trend.
In the 1990s, Toyota set its sights on developing cars with better fuel efficiency. The result was 1997’s Prius, which first reached the U.S. in 2000. The car’s hybrid power system utilized regenerative braking that converts energy into electricity. Interestingly, the futuristic first-generation model was not a hit. Toyota’s designers went to work and came up with a completely redesigned Prius in 2003. The car got boasted an Environmental Protection Agency-estimated rating of 46 combined mpg.
The Prius exceeded expectations by selling hundreds of thousands of units internationally and quickly became one of the most talked about cars on the market. As time went on and climate change became more of a concern, the vehicle grew in popularity to the point where there was a waiting list just to buy one.
Now up to an estimated 58/53 mpg, the Prius remains one of the bestselling hybrids. Toyota has since introduced a plug-in hybrid model capable of 133 mpg equivalent.
Tesla Sedans
While Prius created the electric vehicle market, Tesla has taken it by storm. It started in the early aughts when a team of engineers formed Tesla, Inc. and set out to produce an electric vehicle that could not only meet the performance and capabilities of gas-powered cars, but surpass them, all while producing zero emissions.
Their first attempt was the Roadster sports car, which in many ways was an incredible success. It achieved 245 miles on a single charge, an unheard of range for EVs at the time, accelerated from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than four seconds and reached a top speed of 125 mph. But with a price tag north of $100,000, the Roadster was prohibitive to most customers.
The team went back to the drawing board and in 2012 unveiled the Model S, which immediately raised the EV bar. According to Tesla, the sedan boasted “the longest range of any electric vehicle, over-the-air software updates that make it better over time, and a record 0-60 mph acceleration time of 2.28 seconds.” Just three years after its release, the Model S was already the top-selling battery electric vehicle.
The only thing that threw the car from its throne was Tesla’s release of its Model 3. In 2018, its debut year, the smaller, less-expensive sedan moved 140,000 units – and the pace hasn’t slowed. Although it’s been around for less time than most of its competitors, the Model 3 has quickly outpaced the market and is currently the best-selling battery electric vehicle of all time with more than 1 million cars sold.
Tesla also produces two crossover models, the X and Y, but it’s the company’s sedans that remain most popular and iconic.
Have you driven any of these cars? How was the experience?
What other cars deserve a spot on this list? Let us know in the comments below!
A binge-worthy podcast is something you can really sink your teeth into – a show that you can put on for hours and get lost in. It’s an escape everyone can use now and then. Introducing, your next podcast obsessions.
“Radio Rental” is a podcast about real-life horror stories, told by those who lived them, produced by Atlanta Monster’s Payne Lindsey. Although the stories are real, the podcast is hosted by a video store clerk named Terry Carnation, played by Rainn Wilson. This framing device provides some much-needed levity when the stories get a little too close to home. “Radio Rental” is all about close calls, mysterious strangers, weird memories and last-minute twists.
What if the most widely-accepted version of the story, the story you’ve been hearing your whole life, just isn’t true? “You’re Wrong About” is a podcast about common misconceptions, the way stories get warped in the public eye. Host Sarah Marshall and her various guests take turns telling each other about things like the satanic panic, Anastasia Romanov, Koko the gorilla, Y2K and so much more. The podcast never stops surprising you.
“Rabbit Hole” is a podcast from the New York Times chronicling how the internet can change people’s minds and lives. From algorithms that point people toward more and more polarizing content to forums that stoke conspiracy theories, “Rabbit Hole” is true to its name. The podcast asks, “What is the internet doing to us?” Columnist Kevin Reese tries to find out. Whether you’re an internet expert or a newbie, “Rabbit Hole” will shock you.
On “Oh No, Ross and Carrie!,” Ross Blocher and Carrie Poppy investigate the fringes of belief – then take part in it themselves. The two embed themselves in self-help workshops, sample snake oil, attempt paranormal experiences and sit in on spiritual ceremonies. Listening to the two skeptics sharing their bizarre adventures is one of the most binge-worthy podcast experiences out there.
“You Must Remember This” by Karina Longworth is a beloved podcast all about Hollywood’s first century. This podcast boasts an incredible library of episodes all about the silver screen. Longworth’s meticulous research and soothing voice make “You Must Remember This” enthralling.
When comedian Jamie Loftus took the Mensa exam, she didn’t think she’d actually get in. But once she did, she uncovered an alt-right underbelly of this network of “geniuses.” “My Year in Mensa” recounts online harassment, the hidden world of Mensa Facebook groups and Loftus’ visit to the annual Mensa convention – after being blocked online by half of the people there. “My Year in Mensa” is as shocking as it is funny. Loftus’s creative editing techniques and storytelling skill will make you want to listen to the entire thing all at once. If you like “My Year in Mensa,” try Loftus’s other podcasts, “Ghost Church,” “Aack Cast” and “Lolita Podcast.”
Season one of “The Dream,” hosted by Jane Marie, is all about the world of multilevel marketing, or MLMs. Marie interviews a participant in the airplane game pyramid scheme of the 1980s, goes deep into multilevel marketing’s alleged ties to the White House and even has a former cosmetics marketer try (and fail) to make money selling makeup through an MLM. This show is shocking, funny and sometimes enraging. Season two explores the state of the wellness industry as Marie tries crystals, magnetic therapy, acupuncture and more. The personal connection that Marie brings to these stories, in addition to her and her team’s tireless research, make “The Dream” a must-listen.
We’re all familiar with the big news stories, the articles that change everything. But what happens to the stories that never get published? On “Killed,” Justine Harman brings dead stories back to life and tries to uncover why they were killed in the first place. The machinations behind these decisions are sometimes even more interesting than the stories themselves.
The publishing world is filled with scandal, gossip and juicy stories. On “Missing Pages,” literary critic Bethanne Patrick uncovers some of the industry’s most outrageous characters, from published plagiarists to industry scammers who built their entire careers on deceit.
What are your favorite binge-worthy podcasts to listen to? Let us know in the comments below!
Looking for even more shows to listen to? Check out all of our recommendations in Podcast Pulse.
The purpose of a life insurance plan is to provide your family with a safeguard against an uncertain future, but many people worry that the evaluation process for new policies might be too stringent and involved for them to qualify. While many factors help a provider decide whether to take on your case, one of the most influential elements is your medical standing. Let’s explore one of the industry’s greatest evaluation tools: the life insurance medical exam.
Once a life insurance company reviews your medical history, your assigned representative may decide to pursue a thorough medical examination before coming to a conclusion on your eligibility and, ultimately, deciding on your premium rate. Because it is requested by the provider, the exam is performed cost-free by a qualified medical professional. Depending on your provider and their associated examiner, this process could take place at a designated office location or even in the comfort of your own home.
The exam itself involves a fair balance of reviewing previously submitted information, such as your medical history, and a standard physical evaluation. After your vitals are taken, you’ll be asked to provide a urine sample and undergo some basic blood work to check your cholesterol, glucose and other routine health measurements. Ordinarily, the entire exam can be completed in just 30 minutes or so, but will involve additional testing for older applicants. Pending your test results and in-depth review by the provider’s representative over the subsequent few months, the insurance company will decide if it is willing to accept your application and provide the requested coverage.
Managing Expectations
Now that you have a basic understanding of how the life insurance medical exam works, you’re probably wondering what elements of your health the insurance companies are most interested in. In addition to your full medical history (including any chronic medical conditions and medications), expect many of the questions to focus on your lifestyle choices, such as smoking, drinking and exercise. The examiner will use these details to extrapolate a larger view of the risk you pose to the provider.
Because your medical exam is such a significant part of your life insurance application, it’s essential that you take any steps you can to provide the truest results possible.
Here are a few tips to consider as you prepare for your exam:
Avoid caffeine: Coffee and other caffeinated beverages can affect your heart rate, anxiety level and blood pressure. So it’s best to skip that morning cup of joe.
Don’t exercise: You might be tempted to schedule a workout the morning of your exam to convey your fitness level, but this can actually negatively skew the results. Skip a day.
Drink plenty of water: It’s important to stay hydrated prior to your exam, since this lubricates your body’s systems and provides optimal performance of your organs.
Avoid smoking and drinking: Regardless of how often you drink or smoke, indulging in either in the hours prior to your exam will only hurt your results.
Fast if necessary: They say you are what you eat, and when it comes to your medical exam, it’s somewhat true, especially since some foods can interfere with your vitals.
Get a good night’s sleep: Your body is at its best when you’re rested and therefore less anxious. Schedule your exam in the morning and get to it while you’re feeling fresh.
The Results
You’ll find out if you’ve been approved for a policy a few weeks after exam. But even if you aren’t accepted by a particular provider, it isn’t the end of the world. You could always request a copy of the exam results to determine the underlying reason behind the denial or verify that no mistakes were made. This may be a wise move if you suspect something went wrong, since these exams remain on your permanent medical record.
At the very least, a deeper dive could inform subsequent attempts to gain coverage elsewhere. If you decide not to pursue a policy at a particular insurance company, there’s no need to repeat the medical exam if you apply elsewhere in the next six months. Your results are just as applicable at other providers and can help facilitate future applications.
Life insurance plans that do not require a medical exam are available, including the Guaranteed Issue Whole Life and Rapid Issue Whole Life policies offered through AAA Life.
Schedule an appointment with a AAA insurance agent to find a life insurance policy that’s right for you.
Is it time to cut the cable cord? When you consider the choice of streaming services available on the market, cost savings and access to acclaimed streaming-only TV shows and movies, the switch is tempting.
Platforms like Disney+ and Apple TV+ are giving cable companies a run for their money.
“This really is the golden age of content,” said Seana Norvell, director of consumer public relations for Roku. “There’s an incredible amount of great content out there available to watch for free or on paid channels…you have the ability to customize your experience based on what matters to you.”
On the other hand, the bundles provided by cable companies, which consolidate TV, phone and internet to one bill, may be worth the added price for convenience.
Before you start shopping, consider the options.
Why Cut the Cable Cord?
If you’re thinking about cutting the cable cord, you’re not alone. Streaming and cord-cutting surged during the COVID-19 crisis for access to original content that couldn’t be found elsewhere and continues to increase.
But for many cable converts, the most common reason is to save money. Streaming services are available without expensive fixed-rate contracts. And as cable TV subscriptions fall, monthly costs are increasing. The average monthly cost for cable and internet in 2021 was $116 per household, according to a report by the bill payment company doxo.
Of course, as streaming services become more popular, their prices are increasing as well. “In the early days of live TV streaming … streaming [was] cheaper than cable,” says CableTV.com in their comparison. “With top services like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV regularly raising their rates, that price gap is closing. Side-by-side, though, live TV streaming still has the edge.”
How to Cut the Cord
Keep in mind that if you want to cut the cable cord completely, you will still need to pay for internet. If you are currently paying for a cable bundle that includes TV, phone and internet, think of how much you will save just by cutting out the non-essentials.
Fast and reliable internet is key to taking your cord-cutting experience to the next level. Ask yourself if your internet connection is fast enough to stream content. If it seems slow, reevaluating your internet power and Wi-Fi set up can help you get a better sense of how much broadband you need for your household.
Then it’s time for the fun part: customizing your content. Try to mimic the things you like about cable TV, while removing the things you don’t. You’ll also discover a lot of new things to love, like original series and movies exclusive to certain streaming services. If you are new to streaming and want to explore what’s available, many services like Netflix, Hulu and YouTube Premium offer free 30-day trials.
If you don’t want to lose live TV channels, some streaming devices have free TV streaming options, such as The Roku Channel. Services like SlingTV and YouTubeTV also offer skinny bundles, a customized cable TV package that usually includes major broadcast networks like ABC, NBC, Fox and more.
If you’re looking for an easy way to compare streaming services and TV and internet plans and providers, sites like CableTV.com and Allconnect are great examples of free services that allows you to review all your options in one place and find what works best for you.
Popular Streaming Devices
Once you’ve committed to cutting the cord, assessed your internet speed and have picked picked the streaming services that you want, you’ll need a device to stream on. Streaming devices allow you to access all of your favorites in one place by simply plugging into the HDMI port of your TV. They are generally inexpensive and once you buy it, you own it – no monthly rental fee.
Consumers with smart TVs may be surprised to learn that their device already supports all streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV+, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and more.
You can also watch most streaming services from your phone, tablet or computer.
Roku
Roku offers an impressive selection of streaming services and even more through the Roku Channel, while remaining an affordable alternative to cable. Their most inexpensive model, the Roku Express, is under $30. To start streaming, you can get a Roku device that connects to your current TV or opt for a Roku TV with Roku streaming services built right in.
Amazon
From the Fire TV Stick to the Fire TV Cube, Amazon’s streaming devices are the most versatile on the market, offering a range of features at an affordable price. Amazon’s streaming devices have some of the top apps for gamers and moviegoers alike, with Alexa integration via the remote – that means you can check the news, weather and sports scores using your voice. The Fire TV Stick has been one of Amazon’s bestselling products for years.
fuboTV
fuboTV is a live streaming television service that you can watch on your phone, tablet, computer or television. If the big game is on, fuboTV has a wide variety of sports channels to choose from. They also have a bevy of lifestyle entertainment channels to choose from, including the Hallmark Channel, Showtime, IFC or FX Movies. There’s also an on-demand section that you can browse.
Apple TV
Looking to bring cinematic value to everything you watch? Look no further. The Apple TV 4K delivers the best picture and sound quality today for those willing to spend a bit more. You can stream TV shows, movies and get access to Apple Originals in a clean and crisp 4K format. Plus, the Siri voice option and sleek design of the Apple TV remote offer an attractive interface. Don’t have a 4K television? Don’t worry. It’s is also compatible with HDR and Dolby Vision TVs. Available in two storage sizes.
Have you cut the cable cord? Are you still undecided? Tell us in the comments.
There’s nothing better than taking a vacation, though the anticipation leading up to one is a close second. Dreaming and planning out the details of your trip is exciting, but can feel overwhelming at times. Where should you stay? What should you eat? What attractions can you absolutely not miss? A great way to make vacation planning fun is to use Trip Canvas, AAA’s free travel planning tool. Trip Canvas lets you research, plan and book vacations all in one place. Plus, you get access to AAA’s travel expertise, savings and discounts.
How to Use Trip Canvas
Where do you want to go? Trip Canvas can help you figure that out. When you open the site, you’re greeted with the top trending destinations, tours, hotels, experiences and more. You can browse around and see what’s hot, or you can type in your desired destination in the search bar. I’ve decided to go to Japan.
When I search for “Japan,” Trip Canvas shows me a map of the country, as well as areas of interest and icons to show how many different experiences are offered here.
I can see information like how many cruises stop here, how many vacation and tour packages include Japan, how many hotels I can book through the site and how many things there are to do.
I choose a destination that I want to visit – Tokyo – and I skip the prompt that asks me when I’ll be going, because I’m not sure yet. Trip Canvas is flexible for any stage of planning, from the blue-sky daydream to the brass tacks decision-making. Next, I can choose from a series of inspiration prompts to tailor the results to me, personally.
Sounds good! I’m going to go with Adventure, Nature, Foodie and History, Art & Culture. Now, I can view all of the different experiences, tours, restaurants and hotels to inspire my trip. I can even open a map to see how close all of my different options are.
By adding a heart to one of my options, I’ve added it to my trip. Soon, I have my very own vacation planned and ready to book! And if I have any questions, I can even share my trip with a AAA travel agent through the website so they can see what I’ve planned.
When I’m done planning my trip, I can save it to my AAA account or to my email, and I can share it with my friends to entice them to come with me.
Get Inspired
Trip Canvas is built to help you dream, plan and book trips all around the world, whether they’re a couple states away or across the world. When you’re using Trip Canvas, you can rest assured that your plans all meet AAA’s high standards. Here are some Trip Canvas experiences you can find in some of the world’s most popular vacation locations.
Take a vacation down to America’s playground with Trip Canvas’s help. At the Walt Disney World Dolphin, AAA members can stay on Disney property and still save money. Or you could try the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Orlando. You could visit one (or a few) of the area’s many theme parks, take a sunset airboat ride through the Everglades or even meet a manatee. After your adventure, have dinner with a show.
If you’ve got a song in your heart, you’ll love Music City, USA. Music lovers will never run out of things to do in Nashville, from a backstage tour of the Grand Ole Opry House to the Country Music Hall of Fame. You can even take a line dancing class to really enjoy the local culture. Hungry? You’d better be. Nashville’s food is just as good as its music, with restaurants that offer farm-to-table Southern cooking and authentic seafood dishes.
So many things to do in Paris, so little time! Trip Canvas is the perfect way to make sure you don’t miss a thing in the City of Light. You can do some wine tasting, take a historic walking tour of the city center and even propose! Stay in luxury near Notre Dame or at a quiet boutique hotel. And don’t forget to eat! A great way to sample all the city has to offer is to take a food tour guided by a local foodie.
The past and present mix in Rome, also known as the Eternal City. With Trip Canvas, you can make plans to tour the city by Vespa, get access to Rome’s underground secrets and learn the ancient art of mosaic. When you’ve worked up an appetite, eat like a local! You can enjoy some of the best food in the world, from delectable street food to restaurants in historic locations.
With Trip Canvas, you can instantly become an expert in planning vacations all around the world – you have all the resources you need right at your fingertips. So what are you waiting for? Start planning now!
Hawaii’s second largest island offers experiences to satisfy every type of traveler, from beaches and world-class golf courses to historical cowboy towns, dramatic waterfalls and a slumbering volcano called Haleakala that dominates the landscape.
Drive
Traverse crazy curves and 59 bridges along the 64-mile Road to Hana in eastern Maui. Your reward is Instagram-worthy panoramas of East Maui’s black lava coastline and waterfalls. You can even sample the spring water. (Warning: It’s not very tasty).
Giddyup
Stop at the cowboy town of Makawao, and don’t miss the cream puffs at T Komoda Store and Bakery. At night, head to Lahaina to dine on traditional poi, poke and laulau, while watching hula dancers.
Get Wet
Enjoy swimming, snorkeling and other watersports in Maui’s western resort area. Choose Ka’anapali for family fun, Wailea for its beaches and golf courses or upscale Kapalua for romance and pampering.
Dine
For farm-totable dining, try Merriman’s Kapalua. Get your sushi and sashimi fix – with a Hawaiian twist – at Sansei. For a front-row seat at sunset, book a table on the patio of Pacific’o in Lahaina.
Stay
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa has a lagoon-style pool and a nightly sunset cliff -diving ritual. Andaz Maui, known for contemporary decor and local cuisine, and Ritz-Carlton Kapalua have AAA Four Diamond amenities.
Featured image: Road to Hana (Wingmar / Getty Images)
Most Americans searching for European vacation ideas dream about winding cobblestone alleys, sidewalk cafes and ancient town squares, and then automatically think of the continent’s big five: London, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam and Barcelona (or Madrid). All are world-class cities that should be on your bucket list. However, once you’ve crossed them off, it opens up an unlimited number of possibilities for your next destination.
To help narrow things down, we’re offering up European vacations that need to be on your agenda for someday (hopefully, soon).
Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, Italy. (Sorin Rechitan / EyeEm / Getty Images)
Exploring the History of Italy
Hundreds of years before the ancient Romans came to dominate the Western world, the Etruscans and the Greeks shared the Italian peninsula. And for hundreds of years after the empire’s decline, successive societies rose and fell again. From the Stone Age to the Renaissance, each left an indelible mark that is still apparent up and down the boot.
Besides the eternal allure of Rome, an abundance of signs pointing to former glory linger in Florence, Milan and Venice, which all experienced a measure of dominance at some point throughout the centuries. All of the cities are easily reached by train, but it’s just as enjoyable to wind through the hilly countryside in a car.
Walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain
Camino de Santiago, the famed pilgrims’ trail, runs from the French border in the Pyrenees for more than 300 miles through northern Spain to the city of Santiago de Compostela, where legend says the bones of St. James are buried. Along the way, you pass through medieval villages and breathtaking landscapes, a journey that has inspired hundreds of books, including tomes by actors Shirley MacLaine and Andrew McCarthy.
Most people start in the city of Sarria, which is about a five-day walk from the end. Regardless of where you begin, it’s an indescribable experience.
The beach at
Lion-sur-Mer in Normandy, France. (Chris McLoughlin/ Getty Images)
Eating Your Way Through the French Countryside
Paris eternally tops every traveler’s wish list, for good reason, but the undeniable romanticism of the French way of life might be more easily found in the countryside than in the bustling city. From tiny neighborhood boites to palatial chateaus, the savory tradition of long, paced meals lives on in restaurants where the wine flows as freely as the friendly smiles.
Besides having charming bed and breakfasts near the beach, the idyllic town of Lion-sur-Mer is one of the best European destinations you never knew you wanted to visit. It provides a good home base for World War II buffs interested in learning about the D-Day invasion and the liberation of Europe.
A mesmerizing aurora in Stokksnes, Iceland (Posnov / Getty Images)
Driving Through Mysterious Iceland
A relative newcomer to the tourist trail, remote Iceland has surged in popularity in the last decade, partly because its national airline offers free multiday stopovers in the capital of Reykjavik on the way to another destination.
On the Ring Road that circles the island, travelers will find hot springs, volcanoes and dramatic mountain backdrops under spectacular displays of the northern lights. Highlights can include descending 400 feet into a dormant volcano, climbing onto a glacier and swimming in the vivid Blue Lagoon. Perhaps not surprisingly, the ice cream scene in Iceland is special, with unique flavors like birch, dandelion and multiple varieties of licorice.
Cruising Along the Danube River
Another of history’s great empires, the Austro-Hungarian, lived and died along the storied Danube River, which flows through some of central Europe’s most photogenic cities. The architecture in the biggest cities – Vienna, Austria, and Budapest, Hungary – exudes all the pomp and circumstance of the Hapsburgs. The same sense of history can be found in the quirky smaller cities that you might never think to visit, like Nuremberg, Germany; Bratislava, Slovakia; and Belgrade, Serbia.
And thanks to competition from several luxury river cruise lines, it’s a great way to experience some of the best European vacations in comfort with high-thread-count sheets and premium dining options to go along with the beautiful views.
When you are ready, AAA travel advisors are available to help you plan for your future dream trips.
Featured image: Old Nuremberg, Germany. (Sakchai Vongsasiripat / Getty Images)
You’re looking into retirement (hooray!), which likely means you’ll no longer be covered under your employer’s dental insurance (boo!).
You may not know where to start when deciding which dental coverage is best for you. Luckily, Altus Dental makes it easy for AAA members in Massachusetts to find quality, affordable dental care.
Here’s what you should know before choosing how to go about this important next step in your health journey.
Fact 1: Most dental care isn’t covered by Medicare.
Many folks assume that once they retire, their Medicare plans will cover dental work like cleanings, fillings and dentures, but that is not the case. Medicare will only cover certain dental procedures that you’d receive in the hospital, leaving your basic oral health in limbo.
With an individual plan through Altus Dental, you can get coverage that compares to employer-sponsored insurance.
Fact 2: Oral Health is important for your overall wellbeing.
It’s no secret that taking good care of your teeth and gums keeps them healthy, but how does a healthy mouth affect the rest of your body? In many ways, bad oral health can be the catalyst for troublesome health issues, as it’s been linked to both heart disease and diabetes. Some studies have even shown a correlation between gum disease and Alzheimer’s.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 68% of people ages 65 and older are affected by gum disease, a condition that can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Clinical research shows gum health and mouth bacteria are associated with conditions including:
Heart disease and stroke.
Diabetes.
Pulmonary disease.
Osteoporosis.
Bacterial pneumonia.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
By maintaining dental insurance through your retirement, you’re taking an important step in making sure your overall health is protected, too.
Fact 3: Those with dental insurance get checked regularly.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, folks with dental insurance are much more likely to visit a dentist on a consistent basis than those without, as paying out-of-pocket can be costly. Easy accessibility to routine dental care through individual dental insurance is the simplest way to maintain your healthy smile – and be prepared for the unexpected.
Fact 4: Retirees face unique dental needs.
Dental expenses can increase with age due to the kinds of services and procedures seniors may need like tooth extractions, implants and dentures. Offsetting these costs with individual dental insurance ensures that you get the care you need, so you can keep enjoying your retirement.
Fact 5: Altus Dental can help you stay covered and worry-free.
With Altus Dental through AAA Northeast, AAA members living in Massachusetts can get quality care and coverage, making oral health a breeze.
As a holiday all about gratitude, there seems like no better day than Thanksgiving to celebrate friendships old and new. Any excuse to get your chosen family together and share a meal is prime memory-making material. Here are a few Friendsgiving ideas to help you kick off the holiday season.
Schedule a Convenient Date
Scheduling your event before Thanksgiving generally works best. Not only will your friends be excited for the first festivity of the season, but they may also already be in town for the holiday. Find out when everyone will still be in the area and pick a date accordingly. The weekend before Thanksgiving is one of the best times for your celebration, but you can even consider a mid-week meal.
Make the Turkey or Main Dish if You’re Hosting
Since Friendsgiving generally is held before Thanksgiving, no one will be tired of turkey just yet. If you’re hosting a traditional dinner, plan to make one. While the rest of the dishes typically arrive potluck-style, no one wants to be responsible for transporting a turkey in their car or – even more perilously – on public transportation.
As the host, it’s gracious to prepare the turkey or another main dish of your choosing. Setting a gorgeous bird or other homemade dish on the table ensures that there will be plenty of food to go around. As guests arrive, the table will fill up even more.
For the many Thanksgivings and Friendsgivings ahead, get yourself a good roasting pan. We recommend this All-Clad best-seller.
Ask Friends to Sign Up for a Potluck-Style Feast
While there are no rules for Friendsgiving, guests might be disappointed if there are ten versions of sweet potato pie but no stuffing on the table. Rather than assigning a specific dish to each person, distribute a spreadsheet via Google Docs or another file sharing service listing major categories such as appetizers, vegetable side dishes, grain side dishes and desserts. This allows your friends to see the gaps in the feast and specify the dishes they want to bring to round out the meal.
Prepare the Bar Area and Include Non-Alcoholic Options
Whether you opt to serve bottles of wine or cocktails, it’s a good Friendsgiving idea to have a variety of non-alcoholic options as well. Planning a mocktail that includes holiday flavors such as apple, cinnamon and cranberry ensures that everyone has a tasty drink in hand.
Designate a corner of the dining room or a section of kitchen counter as the bar area, and stock it with ice, glasses and bottle openers. You might even ask guests to bring a wine or spirit that pairs well with their potluck dish.
Create a Playlist
With the right tunes playing, your guests will fall into the holiday spirit in no time, plus every party needs a playlist.
Consider the preferences of your friends when choosing songs that will carry you from appetizers to dessert to lounging and chatting through the evening. Make sure to mix up genres and include enough variety to prevent your background music from becoming monotonous.
Express Gratitude in Creative Ways
While you certainly could go around the table and ask everyone to share what they’re grateful for, it’s possible to capture the spirit of the holiday in more creative ways.
Set out colorful calligraphy pens and allow friends to write their thoughts on a craft paper table runner or tablecloth. Alternately, you could ask them to share their wishes for the upcoming year. This kind of activity allows people to opt in or out as they feel comfortable.
Ask your guests to fill up a gratitude or memory jar and share the notes later in the day. Use this cute gratitude jar and notepad set, then give it away to the person with the best story.
Let Your Friends’ Talents Shine
There is no better time than Friendsgiving to let your loved ones know how much you appreciate their talents. If you have a friend who makes floral arrangements that would make anyone on Instagram swoon, ask them if they would like to create centerpieces. Your friend who just took an online course in calligraphy might be the perfect person to create place cards for the table. Wherever your guests’ strengths lie, think of ways to incorporate their talents in the holiday.
Incorporate some of these Friendsgiving ideas or use them as inspiration for your own creative spin on this popular gathering. and don’t forget to send all your friends home with to-go containers filled with leftovers!
Paired perfectly with pumpkin patches, meandering through apple orchards and Thanksgiving turkey, apple cider is a signature fall flavor. But have you ever wondered how apple cider is made? We visited Jericho Cider Mill in Jericho, N.Y., where they have been making cider for 200 years, to find out.
How to Make Apple Cider
Located alongside busy Jericho Turnpike, Jericho Cider Mill beckons passersby to stop in. The scent of apples being freshly pressed and baked into pies surrounds the roadside farm stand, stocked with pumpkins, gourds, and bin after bin of apple variety. If you can’t make it to the apple orchard to pick your own this year, you’ll find plenty here.
Inside the store, you can fill your basket with jugs of cider and baked goods prepared on site, from pies to turnovers, and of course, apple cider doughnuts. If you have time to spend, take your treats to one of the picnic tables outside to enjoy with a coffee, hot apple cider or frozen apple cider slushie.
In the back, hundreds of New York State apples are turned into cider. Two-thousand gallons are made per day, every day during the busy season, according to Kerry Ketsoglou, general manager of the mill. On a quick walk-through of the facility, Ketsoglou took us through the basic steps of the cider-making process.
Cider Basics
While not quite the same sweet drink we associate with fall festivals and farmers markets, people have been enjoying cider for centuries. History shows that our ancestors sipped on a boozy variety, brewed to make bitter apples more palatable.
Prohibition put a halt to production of alcoholic apple cider, and though it took a while to bounce back, hard cider has made a serious comeback. Take a look at our favorite Northeast cideries, where you can sample some of the best around.
So, what makes cider, cider? Unlike apple juice, the fresh-pressed juice used for cider is not filtered and has no water or preservatives added. That’s what gives sweet apple cider its unadulterated apple flavor, like biting directly into the fruit.
See How Apple Cider Is Made at a Cider Mill Near You
Besides drinking it straight, there are lots of delicious ways you can use apple cider. Once you’re all stocked up from the nearest cider mill, here a few recipes to get you inspired.
Enjoyed warm and mulled with spices or straight from the fridge, apple cider is the kind of drink that makes you feel cozy and festive, perfect for when the crunching leaves beneath your feet signal chillier days ahead.
What is you favorite local cider mill? Tell us in the comments.
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your puzzle playing experience. Good luck!
Since our members are the root of everything we do, your feedback is important to us. Let us know if you run into any issues while playing, or share your ideas for future puzzles by emailing us.
It’s been said that danger lurks around every corner. This is never more true than on the road. Crashes can, and do, occur on any street, regardless of location, condition and speed limit. But not all roads are created equal. While some may have danger around the corner, others have danger all around. All this danger can make for some hair-raising drives.
Roads can be scary for a variety of reasons. Some travel through hazardous terrain, while others are so flat and straight they become breeding grounds for speeding and unsafe driving. You’ll find dangerous roads from coast to coast, in crowded metropolises and areas so remote they’re difficult to access.
Here’s a look at some of the scariest, nerve-racking roads in America.
Drivers will find steep elevations and hairpin turns on Colorado’s Million Dollar Highway.
Million Dollar Highway, Colorado
Officially known as U.S. Route 550, local legend says Colorado’s Million Dollar Highway got its moniker after an early traveler proclaimed she’d have to be paid $1 million to drive it again.
Winding through Red Mountain Pass in the San Juan Mountains, the roadway is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking in the country. But those stunning views don’t come easily. You’ll encounter steep cliffs and hairpin turns as you climb the highway more than 11,000 feet above sea level. If that’s not unnerving enough, the road, carved into the side of the mountains, has no guardrails. Throw in some harsh Colorado weather and the occasional rock slide and you have one of the most dangerous roads in the country, according to a list compiled by USA Today.
U.S. Route 1, Florida
Florida doesn’t have Colorado’s mountains, but it does have another lurking danger: It’s one of roughly half the country’s states without a full ban on using a handheld cellphone while driving. That might help explain why a recent study found that 17 of the 100 deadliest roads in America were in the Sunshine State, the most in the country. The research, which looked at death totals from 2015 to 2019, found Florida’s section of U.S. 1 to be the country’s second deadliest road. In total, 87 people died there over that time.
Most of the route up the eastern coast is straight as an arrow, inviting drivers to reach dangerous speeds. The southern end, known as the Overseas Highway, connects the Florida Keys to Miami. It consists of miles and miles of bridge driving, something many people find distracting or unsettling.
The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is the world’s longest bridge over water.
Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, Louisiana
At nearly 24 miles long, the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway holds the Guinness World Record for longest bridge over water. Depending on how you feel about driving for a half-hour suspended over a lake, the causeway can be a thrilling or nerve-racking experience. When you get toward the middle of the bridge, where dry land is completely out of view, it will likely veer toward the latter.
Being surrounded by water also leaves drivers open to the elements: The causeway can become enveloped in fog so thick that police have to usher drivers across the lake.
I-4, Florida
Interstate 4 between Tampa and Daytona Beach was once found to be the deadliest interstate in the country, recording 1.41 fatalities per mile. One explanation for the road’s high incident rate could be its route directly through Orlando, one of the country’s premier tourist destinations. “What’s the first thing they do when they get off the plane?” Glenn Victor of the Florida Safety Council asked Fox 35 Orlando. “They rent a car that they’re not familiar with and they’re on their GPS, so they’re looking at the phone and their GPS which, of course, is a distraction while they’re driving.”
I-45, Texas
Some roads are innately dangerous because of how they were designed or the terrain they traverse. Others are dangerous simply because of how many drivers use them – and the number of ensuing crashes they cause. The congested Galveston to Dallas section of I-45, which runs through downtown Dallas, was recently named the deadliest road in America by Budget Direct. Citing heavy traffic and driver complacency, the company found I-45 averages 56.5 fatal accidents for every 100 miles of roadway.
I-10, Arizona
Interstate 10 spans the width of the country, stretching from Jacksonville, Fla., to Santa Monica, Calif., but it’s the roughly 300-mile stretch through Arizona that has proven most foreboding. The highway’s long straight stretches through the desert are hot spots of high speeds, aggressive driving, illegal passing and inattentive drivers. Nearly 500 fatalities were recorded on Arizona’s I-10 over a recent six-year period.
One study found I-15, shown here in Las Vegas, to be one of the country’s most dangerous roads.
I-15, Nevada and California
The 181-mile stretch of Interstate 15 connecting Las Vegas and Los Angeles is a straight, well-maintained roadway, conducive to safe traveling. And yet, it routinely ranks as one of the country’s most dangerous roads.
The problem isn’t the road – it’s the drivers. Motorists often speed on I-15 while traveling through the openness of the Mojave Desert. The fact they are likely coming or going from the party city of Las Vegas doesn’t help either. One study found that nearly a quarter of the crashes occurring on that section of the I-15 involved a drunk driver.
I-285, Georgia
Atlanta’s I-285 is known as “The Perimeter” because it circles the city in a 64-mile loop. It connects all the area’s interstates and highways and, in doing so, welcomes an onslaught of traffic, including tractor-trailers. The combination of congestion, sharp turns, interchanges and large trucks has turned I-285 into a lethal stretch of pavement. In 2015, Vox calculated the road’s fatality rate at 3.5 per every 10 miles, which, at the time, made it the country’s deadliest interstate.
U.S. Route 17, South Carolina
Winding through forests, marshlands and oceanside towns, South Carolina’s Highway 17 is one of the most scenic drives in the southeast. But looks can be deceiving. The road is filled with an endless number of sharp, blind turns and narrow lanes. The area is also home as well as an abundance of wildlife, creating other potential driving hazards.
All told, U.S. 17 in South Carolina is one picturesque – but perilous – drive. In fact, one study named it the country’s most dangerous highway for summertime travel.
Alaska’s Dalton Highway has been immortalized in the hit television show “Ice Road Truckers.”
Dalton Highway, Alaska
The James Dalton Highway stretches 414 miles through the Alaskan wilderness from Fairbanks to Deadhorse, located on the shores of the Arctic Ocean. The dirt-and-gravel roadway was constructed in 1974 to help facilitate the oil industry and to this day is mostly used to transport oil.
The Dalton traverses through some of Alaska’s most treacherous terrain, including forests, tundras, steep grades and the Yukon River. Traveling along the road is so dramatic, in fact, it’s the focus of the hit television show “Ice Road Truckers.” But what makes the Dalton Highway particularly dangerous is its remoteness. There are only three towns along the entire route, which includes a 240-mile stretch without a single gas station or rest stop. Should something happen to you along the way, it may take a long time to get help.
Highway 2, Montana
Montana is the country’s fourth-largest state by size but has the eighth smallest population. This means you can drive for a quite some time before coming across anyone else. Open roads can lead to pleasant drives, but they can also be quite dangerous. Nowhere is this more true than on Montana’s Highway 2, which stretches east-west across the northern end of the state.
The roadway maintains a 70 mph speed limit, even as it winds through some mountainous regions. And while the scenic nature may be eye-popping, it also means you’re far away from the nearest help. In 2021, the median EMS call in Montana took a total of nearly 45 minutes. That number only gets higher when first responders have to travel to and from remote Highway 2.
Road to Hana, Hawaii
Driving around the islands of Hawaii seems like a journey through paradise, but be careful what you wish for, especially if you’re traveling along Maui’s Road to Hana.
The 52-mile road connects Kahului to Hana along the island’s rugged eastern shoreline. And though the highway offers picturesque views of mountaintops, lush greenery and crashing waves, the Road to Hana is far from a luxurious drive. Along the way, you’ll encounter a whopping 620 turns and 59 narrow bridges. The route requires such caution it takes motorists anywhere from two to four hours to complete. That’s why the Hawaii Tourism Authority recommends traveling with a permitted tour company instead.
Have you driven on any of these dangerous roads? Tell us in the comments below.
If you want to keep your smile in good working order, it’s important to have dental insurance, even if you no longer have employer-sponsored coverage.
Oral health is an essential part of overall health, and seniors face unique challenges when it comes to teeth.
Fortunately for AAA Northeast members living in Rhode Island, Delta Dental makes it easier than ever to find an affordable coverage plan that offers a range of benefits and is widely accepted by dentists throughout the state.
Regular dental visits help mitigate and prevent the oral issues older adults are more susceptible to.
Seniors are more prone to plaque and tooth decay, and are especially vulnerable to dry mouth and subsequent bacteria buildup, often caused by taking medications. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 68% of people ages 65 and older are affected by gum disease, a condition that can lead to serious health complications if left untreated.
Clinical research shows gum health and mouth bacteria are associated with conditions including:
Heart disease and stroke.
Diabetes.
Pulmonary disease.
Osteoporosis.
Bacterial pneumonia.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
The risk of oral cancer also increases for people ages 60 to 70, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
Dental insurance offsets the cost of preventative care like checkups, cleanings and major procedures, so you don’t have to hesitate to see a dentist and continue routine appointments to stay ahead of your oral health.
How to Prepare Your Smile for Retirement
There’s plenty you can do to keep your teeth strong and healthy well into your golden years. Delta Dental of Rhode Island recommends the following tips:
Maintain good oral health habits. In addition to brushing two times a day and flossing daily, eat a well-balanced diet, avoid tobacco products and limit alcohol consumption. If you wear dentures, remove and clean them daily.
Do monthly self-exams for oral cancer. Look for unusual sores or swelling, white or reddish patches and changes in your lips, tongue and throat that last more than two weeks. Early detection can save lives.
Continue to see a dentist regularly, even if you have lost your teeth or wear dentures. Discuss replacement options such as dentures, implants and bridges to help restore your smile.
Consider the perks of a Health Savings Account. When you are planning to retire, take advantage of your employer’s HSA. Your contributions to the account are tax-deductible and can earn interest or investment gains over time. The money is yours to keep and can be used to fund out-of-pocket medical and dental expenses in retirement.
Always have dental coverage. Whether it’s through a Medicare Advantage Plan, Medicaid or individual coverage, it’s a good idea to research your options and enroll in a dental insurance plan that can cover the increased dental expenses that come with age.
Delta Dental offers a variety of individual plans for retirees to choose from, covering common procedures like dentures, cleaning, scaling, root planing, tissue grafts, veneers and more. With the largest network of dentists nationwide, it’s easy to find a dentist office near you.
AAA Northeast members in Rhode Island can get quality care and coverage at exclusive rates. Start searching.
How often do you go to the dentist? Let us know in the comments below.
With more and more drivers getting behind the wheels of EVs, you may have begun researching the price of these vehicles yourself. But before you calculate your budget and head to the dealership, know that EVs come with additional expenditures that can drive up the overall cost of ownership.
On the other hand, numerous lesser-known financial incentives exist that can help reduce this cost. These monetary bonuses, coupled with a growing number of convenience perks, can make owning an EV more achievable and appealing.
Hidden Costs
Higher Insurance Rates
You can expect to pay a higher insurance rate for an EV compared to a similar model gas-powered car. This is primarily the result of the higher price tags attached to EVs. These vehicles also have expensive parts that can lead to costly repairs should they break.
Additional Registration Fees
To make up for lost gasoline tax revenue, many states have enacted laws requiring additional registration fees on EVs. Currently, 32 states have such fees for plug-in electric vehicles, and 18 also have additional fees on plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Lower Resale Value
When the time comes for you to move on from your old EV, you may choose to resell it. If that’s the case, your car might fetch a lower price than you expected.
Because EVs are evolving rapidly, older models quickly become outdated. This results in a faster depreciation than gas-powered cars. AAA’s “Your Driving Costs” study, found that, on average, EVs lose more than $5,000 in value each year. Gas-powered sedans and SUVs, however, depreciated between about $2,500 and $4,000. Hybrids also lose their resale value quickly, with an average annual deprecation of $3,800.
Home Charging Stations
While EVs can be plugged into a standard home outlet, many owners opt to use a home charging stations. These units can charge an EV significantly faster. However, this upgrade will cost you. The station itself can cost between $350 and $2,000. Installation will likely set you back at least $1,000, up to $5,000 depending on home electrical service capacity. On the bright side, a growing number of states are offering EV owners financial incentives for installing home charging units, which can help reduce the out-of-pocket costs.
Higher Repair Costs
EVs have fewer moving parts than a gas-powered car, which lessens the chance of something breaking or wearing down. When an EV does need a repair, however, it is often more expensive than one for a traditional car. Replacing a battery pack after its warranty has expired, for example, can cost thousand dollars. As an example, a battery for a Chevrolet Bolt could cost $8,000 and a battery for a Tesla could cost $12,000-$18,000. You may also be limited in your repair shop options, as not all repair technicians are familiar with EV repairs.
Perks
Local Financial Incentives
Federal, state and local governments provide rebates and/or tax credits to citizens who purchase an EV. These typically range from several hundred to several thousand dollars.
Parking Advantages
A growing number of public and private entities are working to attract EV owners through parking perks. More and more private lots are becoming equipped with EV chargers, allowing drivers to charge their vehicles while away from home. Furthermore, these chargers are often located in convenient spots close to businesses.
Additionally, many cities are now offering free or discounted EV parking at municipal lots, according to UPenn’s Kleinman Center for Energy Policy.
HOV Lane Access
Several states across the country allow battery electric and hybrids access to high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, regardless of the number of passengers in the car. Exact rules and regulations vary from state to state.
(To identify your vehicle as eligible for HOV lane use, you may need to receive a special license plate, decal or register your toll transponder. These steps might require an annual or one-time fee).
Toll Discounts
Another hidden EV perk you might experience on the roadway is discounted toll fares. A growing number of states are offering owners of battery electric and hybrid cars reduced toll fares. New York’s Green Discount Plan, for example, gives EV owners a 10% discount on their E-ZPass rate. Similar programs exist in states across the country.
Bidirectional Charging
The batteries in EVs can receive a charge, of course, but many can also redirect that charge in order to power an external device. This capability, known as bidirectional charging, allows the EV to essentially act as a generator. It’s perfect for use in an emergency or any other time you find yourself away from an electrical source and in need of power.
America’s national parks are national treasures. Dedicated to the protection and conservation of history and nature in our country’s most spectacular open spaces, they belong to all of us to discover and enjoy.
Thank You for Participating! (Session Closed)
Browse through the photos we received for the September/October National Park-themed Photo Session in the slideshow below, and don’t forget to check our social media channels, where we will be sharing some of our favorites. Select photos may also appear in an upcoming issue of Your AAA magazine.
For more inspiration for your next trip, see these pro tips for amazing national park photos.
Sunset in the Adirondack Park. Huletts Landing, N.Y. (Cindy Rogers)
Sanson's Peak, Banff National Park. (Christopher Garamella)
Yellowstone Falls, Wyo. (Caroline Stella)
Sunrise at Grand Canyon National Park.
(Vicki Hammer Rosenkrantz)
Buffalo Bill at Theodore Roosevelt National Park.(Ronald Laventure)
Milky Way over Ouray, Colo. (Rich Comito)
Glacier National Park. (Linda Zanetti)
Passaic River cascading over the Paterson Falls at the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, N.J. (Joan Tabor)
Did you know? AAA was instrumental in creating the National Park-to-Park Highway. A major stride for the American road trip, the route was established in 1920 to connect what was then all 12 national parks through 11 states of the American West.
