Hearing loss happens gradually over time, often going unnoticed – and untreated – until it becomes severe. But difficulty to hear can set off a cascade of issues, including loneliness, fatigue and reduced job performance.

The inability to understand a loved one’s words or to participate in a casual conversation with friends can lead to social isolation, and when diminished hearing makes it difficult to communicate with doctors or hear an alarm, the effects can be downright dangerous.

Furthermore, research shows that hearing loss can be connected to depression, heart health and forms of dementia, so it’s important take your ear health seriously.

Hearing Loss and Dementia

What many considered an inevitable yet mostly frustrating part of the aging process was cast in a new light when Johns Hopkins School of Medicine research by Dr. Frank Lin showed hearing loss as a risk factor for dementia.

Researchers tracking adults over time found that moderate hearing loss tripled the risk for dementia, while those with severe hearing loss were five times as likely to develop the condition. While the link between the conditions is still being explored, the social isolation that stems from hearing loss may be a factor, as it is known to be associated with an increased risk of dementia.

About 48% of Americans experience some level of hearing loss, but most do not seek treatment right away. With an average of 7 years passing before an individual seeks help for diminished hearing, the data suggests a missed window during which individuals might be able to delay or avoid cognitive decline. The use of hearing aids and other hearing loss treatments could prevent or interrupt the complex process that links the conditions.

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The Connection to Heart Health

As the leading cause of death in the United States, heart disease claims a life every 36 seconds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So how does your heart affect your ears? It’s all about good circulation. When your blood is flowing properly, your ears are getting what they need to stay healthy.

Sudden hearing loss can be an early sign of vulnerability to stroke, one of the most common forms of cardiovascular disease. Studies also suggest that low-frequency hearing loss could be an indicator of current or potential disease.

Listen to what your ears are telling you. If you or a loved one experiences sudden hearing loss or the onset of low-frequency hearing loss, have a doctor evaluate the situation as soon as possible.

Hearing Loss as a Side Effect of Cancer Treatment

Age is the strongest predictor of hearing loss, with the greatest amount of loss experienced by those in the range of 60 to 69 years, but other causes include noise exposure, auditory tumors and drug side effects.

Treatments such as chemotherapy and head or neck radiation used to combat cancer can lead to sensorineural hearing loss, the kind that occurs when there is an issue in either the inner ear or the auditory nerve that delivers sounds to the brain. A landmark study revealed that 61% of patients ages 8 months to 23 years receiving cancer treatment reported hearing loss. If you are being treated for cancer, make sure to monitor ear health to catch hearing loss early.

Reduced Job Performance

Struggling to hear a coworker in a meeting and finding it difficult to communicate effectively at work can lead to distress and impact job performance, particularly when left untreated. This can lead to irritability and a diminished sense of well-being.

As workers age, they may acquire hearing loss, but the connection between hearing and job performance isn’t restricted to older workers. Young people are exposed to potentially damaging noise from loud concerts, sports events and the improper use of audio devices. Certain occupations such as working in public safety, manufacturing and the military come with a greater likelihood of dangerous noise exposure while on the job, making it especially important to wear proper ear protection.

Fatigue From Struggling to Hear

While it’s common to feel tired after listening to someone speak for a long time in a meeting, fatigue sets in much faster when any level of hearing loss is present. Listening requires more cognitive resources when hearing is diminished, and that allocation of brainpower can be greater when conditions aren’t ideal. Being in a noisy environment or sitting through a conference may require more effort, tax the brain, and therefore lead to more tiredness.

An audiologist can help to break this cycle and ease fatigue by providing you with a solution to treat your level of hearing loss and make listening easier.

A Link to Depression

Those who experience hearing loss or know someone with hearing problems may observe how isolating it can be to face the constant challenge of being unable to communicate well. During a free-flowing exchange, topics change quickly and voices come from multiple directions.

The inability to participate in fluid conversations about everyday life can lead to anxiety about social gatherings and avoidance of them in the future, leaving those with hearing loss feeling deep loneliness.

The Importance of Early Treatment

With connections to dementia, decreased well-being, and serious illnesses such as depression, hearing loss can clearly take a mental and physical toll if left untreated. Related cognitive decline and other unwanted conditions may be delayed or avoided with early treatment, such as the use of hearing aids. Rather than accept hearing loss as a natural part of the aging process, have an audiologist assess your hearing as the first step.

Learn more about hearing loss solutions.

Durante más de un siglo, mujeres y hombres de Latinoamérica han marcando el rumbo en el mundo de la industria automotriz, tanto en sentido figurado como literal. Si bien muchos de ellos no son muy reconocidos, todos han alcanzado metas que nadie esperaba y han inspirado a futuros innovadores.

Desde una empresaria al mando de la industria automotriz hasta un ingeniero que acerca los vehículos de pasajeros a las personas, sus historias de pasión, orgullo y perseverancia son trayectorias que vale la pena celebrar.

Tatiana Calderón: Una carrera hacia podio

Hija de una familia de vendedores de automóviles, en 2002, a la tierna edad de nueve años, la colombiana Tatiana Calderón hizo su aparición en el circuito automovilístico. Tras superar una de las tantas señales de alto y así poder avanzar en su carrera profesional, se convirtió en la primera campeona nacional de go-kart tanto en los Estados Unidos como en Colombia. Desde estos primeros triunfos, esta conductora nunca ha hecho marcha atrás. Su lista increíblemente extensa de distinciones en el mundo del automovilismo y las pruebas de manejo sigue creciendo, al igual que los modelos y las marcas que la contratan como piloto. En 2018, Calderón se convirtió en la primera latina en conducir oficialmente un automóvil de la Fórmula Uno actual.

Juan Alberto Grieve: Diseño de un medio de transporte para las masas

Con la llegada del siglo XX a Perú, los automóviles no solo se convirtieron en un gran lujo, sino estrictamente en un asunto extranjero. Solo aquellos muy adinerados podían pagar automóviles importados de Europa, y estos eran sobre todo para pasear por la ciudad. No obstante, el ingeniero peruano Juan Alberto Grieve tuvo la visión para inventar un vehículo personal más democrático que pudiera usarse en los accidentados terrenos rurales de Perú. Luego de haber construido el primer motor de combustión interna de Sudamérica en 1905 y haber formado el primer club de automóviles de Lima un año más tarde, Grieve estaba preparado para desplegar su vocación. En 1908, presentó el primer automóvil diseñado y construido en el continente, y lo vendió a la mitad del precio de un modelo europeo similar. Lamentablemente, este espíritu emprendedor fue aplastado por el presidente de Perú, quien consideraba que los automóviles solo debían ser fabricados por países “avanzados”. Sin embargo, Grieve sigue siendo una referencia histórica en el amor latinoamericano por la industria automotriz.

Gregorio Ramirez Gonzalez: Inventor del “hecho en México”

El emprendedor mexicano Gregorio Ramirez Gonzalez nació en 1913 en una familia muy modesta. Luego de tener que dejar sus estudios a los 10 años, tuvo varios empleos y finalmente abrió su propia tienda de camiones con acoplado en 1946. Con el ingenio para armar prototipos de camiones a partir de vehículos militares estadounidenses descartados, presentó una línea de camiones fuertes y robustos. El emprendimiento se convirtió en la primera empresa de fabricación de automóviles de México: Grupo Industrial Ramirez. Este importante grupo también produjo las primeras camionetas y furgonetas hechas en México. En 1961, comenzó a fabricar la Rural Ramirez, un camión pequeño que fue el primer vehículo del país sin piezas importadas. Con el pasar de los años, cerró muchas operaciones conjuntas con automotrices gigantes como General Motors, Ford y Nissan. De humildes inicios a pionero de la industria automotriz.

Patricia Salas-Pineda: Potencia en la industria automotriz

Patricia Salas-Pineda nunca se conformó con ser la primera en ninguna etapa de su carrera de 30 años en la industria automotriz. Esta pionera también trabajó sin descanso para expandir la presencia latinoamericana en las categorías más elevadas de la industria estadounidense. Californiana de nacimiento y graduada en Derecho en la UC Berkeley, en 1984 se unió a la incipiente empresa New United Motor Manufacturing y colaboró para convertirla en una planta automotriz de USD 4,500 millones. Luego se convirtió en vicepresidente del grupo y abogada general de Toyota North America, y su ejecutiva latina de más alto rango. Antes de jubilarse en 2016, había liderado el Hispanic Business Strategy Group durante tres años. Desde entonces, ha trabajado en diferentes juntas corporativas apoyando las voces latinoamericanas en la industria y otros ámbitos.

Ernesto Ancira Jr.: Hablando de automóviles…

En 1972, Ernesto Ancira compró una concesionaria de Chevrolet en San Antonio, Texas. En las décadas que siguieron, convirtió a Ancira Auto Group en un pequeño imperio que se adjudica varias innovaciones en los Estados Unidos: el primer grupo hispano de concesionarias, la primera concesionaria con personal hispanohablante y la primera concesionaria dirigida por una minoría. En la actualidad, la cadena cuenta con más de 750 empleados en seis sucursales que venden las 11 marcas más importantes de automóviles. Ernesto aún está a cargo de la empresa, mientras que una de sus cinco hijas, April Ancira, es la vicepresidente. La orgullosa y próspera empresa familiar es una historia inspiradora en la herencia latinoamericana más reciente.

Luca Cafici: Reinvención del comercio de automóviles

Siguiendo los pasos de los innovadores latinoamericanos de la industria automotriz, nos encontramos con el emprendedor argentino Luca Cafici. En 2015, cofundó la incipiente empresa InstaCarro en San Pablo, Brasil. Cubrió una necesidad en el tercer mercado automotriz más grande del mundo: conectar rápidamente a personas que venden automóviles usados con concesionarias de todo el país. El mercado digital ha ganado tanta popularidad, en especial durante la pandemia, que ahora se precia de la posibilidad de vender automóviles en menos de una hora. Gracias a una reciente ronda de financiamientos, el director ejecutivo Cafici planea expansiones en otras cinco ciudades brasileñas en 2021.

It’s no secret that Massachusetts is home to breathtaking foliage in the fall. Hikers can find fantastic natural views by perusing the many trails that wind around North Central Massachusetts’ mountain ranges, waterfalls and woodlands

Check out this list of some of our favorite hiking spots, and consider visiting North Central Massachusetts during the fall for an outdoor adventure and prime leaf peeping opportunities.

Brooks Woodland

Petersham, Mass.

There are tons of things to see at Brooks Woodland Preserve in Petersham. This 693-acre preserve offers miles of footpaths. Spot remnants of old stone walls from early-19th-century farmsteads as you travel through the forest. Tree varieties include hemlocks, red oaks and white pine, making for beautiful foliage hikes during autumn.

There’s plenty of wildlife to see as well. Along parts of the Moccasin Brook, Roaring Brook and Swift River, beaver dams can be found. Glacial boulders provide dens for porcupines.

Leominster State Forest 

Westminster, Princeton, Leominster, Fitchburg and Sterling, Mass.

Located on Route 31, Leominster State Forest is a nature enthusiast’s dream. Hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and fishing are all welcome activities.

This 4,300-acre, oak-hardwood forest features wooded roads and footpaths leading throughout, including the 95-mile Midstate Trail. A segment of the Midstate Trail traverses Crow Hill’s rocky ridge, where there are views of ponds, wooded hills and Wachusett Mountain.

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Jacob’s Hill Reservation

Royalston, Mass.

Jacob’s Hill Reservation features two vistas with panoramic views across Tully Valley and the steep cascades of Spirit Falls, which are especially picturesque after an autumn rain. Across the valley, Tully Mountain rises in the town of Orange, where ledges provide a striking view of the region, including Mount Monadnock, Wachusett Mountain and Mount Watatic.

The entrance is on Route 68 in Royalston. The reservation may also be reached via the Tully Trail from Long Pond.

Midstate Trail 

Massachusetts and Rhode Island

This scenic footpath is located in Worcester County, 45 miles west of Boston. The 92-mile hiking trail extends from Rhode Island, crossing the gentle hills of Central Massachusetts and eventually connecting to the Wapack Trail in New Hampshire. The Midstate Trail is highly accessible, easy to hike and the best way to enjoy the natural side of the region.

Monoosnoc Ridge

Leominster, Mass.

This loop hike is moderate in difficulty and home to two great viewpoints – one overlooking Pierce Pond and the other looking toward Mt. Monadnock. Hiking, observing wildlife and geocaching are all welcome activities.

Monoosnoc Ridge extends from Route 2 south to Sholan Farm in Leominster. The Blue-Blazed Monoosnoc Trail and other paths lead to views of the North and South Monoosnoc Hills, babbling brooks and an orchard. Trailheads include West Street at the north end, and Elm and Wachusett streets.

Mount Watatic

Ashburnham, Mass.

One of the most-visited mountains in Central Massachusetts, Mount Watatic welcomes a variety of non-motorized recreational activities including hiking, nature watching, mountain biking and more. Leaf peeping is great in the fall thanks to Mount Watatic’s panoramic views, encompassing the Boston skyline, Mount Wachusett, Mount Monadnock and the Wapack Range.

Mount Watatic is located at the southern end of the Wapack Mountains on Route 119 in Ashburnham. The combined Midstate and Wapack trails lead over the summit and to another vista at Nutting Hill.

Doane’s Falls & Coddings Meadow 

Royalston, Mass.

Fed by Lawrence Brook, Doane’s Falls features multiple waterfalls, including a dazzling 200-foot drop to the Tully River. For hikers, there’s also a gorgeous half-mile of woodland trail. Visitors can enjoy the sound of the water as they make their way through colorful fall foliage.

For even more natural beauty, there’s a ¾ mile-trial across Athol Road from the parking area. Paralleling a quiet section of Lawrence Brook, this trail leads to the tranquil Codding’s Meadow.

Tully River Valley

Royalston, Mass.

Royalston, Athol and Orange offer many options for hikers, bikers and paddlers. The Tully River Valley is home to a 4.5-mile footrail that loops around Tully Lake and the quarter-mile cascades of Doane’s Falls. A 7.5-mile mountain bike and hiking trail circles the adjacent Long Pond, passing by red maple trees that offer vivid foliage along the water’s edge starting in late September.

Access is available at Tully Lake Recreation Area on Route 32 as well as Tully Lake Campground and Doane’s Falls Reservation on Doane Hill Road.

Nashua River Rail Trail

Ayer, Mass.

The Nashua River Rail Trail is an 11-mile bike trail, but it is also open to walking, rollerblading and horseback riding from sunrise to sunset. Dogs are allowed and the trail is wheelchair accessible as well. Foliage is beautiful in the fall.

Parking and access points to the trail are located in Ayer, Groton and Dunstable.

Wachusett Mountain

Princeton, Mass.

At 2,006 feet tall, Wachusett Mountain is this region’s highest peak, boasting 360-degree views from Boston to the Berkshires. The surrounding 3,000-acre Wachusett Mountain State Reservation features a 17-mile biking and hiking trail network, including direct routes to the summit along with longer circuits combining multiple paths.

The main entrance is located on Mountain Road off Route 140 in Princeton, and other trailheads are located on nearby roads. Wachusett Summit Road is open from 9 a.m. to sunset from Memorial Day weekend to the last weekend in October.

Fans of foliage and hiking can’t go wrong with a trip to North Central Massachusetts in the fall. If you’re new to hiking, check out this essential checklist for beginners before heading out.

What are your favorite Massachusetts hiking trails in the fall? Tell us in the comments. 

Funded by the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism.

It’s storm season, and power is a precious commodity. When you could lose power at any moment, how do you make sure that your life can go on as normal? Heating, cooling, lighting and even some cooking all depend on having access to a power source. Here in the Northeast where we occasionally face extreme weather, a backup generator could be a wise investment.

Storm Season

For the Atlantic, hurricane season begins June 1 and ends November 30. But for the Northeast, the highest potential for hurricanes and storms begins in August and stretches until late fall. After that, of course, the blizzards and winter storms set in.

Wind storms, hurricanes, floods, nor’easters, blizzards and heat waves are just some weather events that can cause power outages. Outages can last anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks. And from food spoilage to costly flooding and water damage due to unpowered sump pumps, the effects of power outages can be serious and costly.

How long do you think you could last without electricity? Without your TV, your refrigerator, your phone charger, your Wi-Fi, your air conditioning or even your hot water? When the lights go out, there’s nothing you want more than for them to go back on.

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Getting a Generator

If you have a backup generator, you don’t need to worry about the power going out. Backup generators like the Briggs and Stratton generators provided by Petro can help you stay up and running no matter what the weather looks like outside.

A backup generator is an electrical system that supplies your house with power in the case of a power outage. Most such generators run on natural gas, liquid propane gas or diesel. Briggs and Stratton generators are there to give you peace of mind, and scheduled tune-ups will make sure that they’re always ready when you need them.

There are two types of generators: portable generators and standby generators. Portable generators are smaller and run at a lower capacity. They can be suitable for powering your home temporarily during an outage, but there are some safety concerns related to generators like these. If used improperly, such as placed inside a house or garage, they could cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

Standby generators are more powerful, reliable and safe than portable generators. Standby generators sense when your home has run out of power, and will turn on to provide you with power automatically. Once the main utility power is restored, the generator shuts down. A standby generator is permanently installed outside the home. There are, of course, still some safety tips you need to keep in mind while operating your standby generator.

Standby Generator Safety

When you first get your generator, make sure to read the manual. It can help you practice good generator safety, identify potential problems, and verify that the generator has been installed correctly.

If you intend to power your home with your standby generator, do not backfeed its power source into the power system it’s supposed to be supporting. If you just plug your generator into a wall outlet in your home, you can break your generator, start a fire or worse. Isolate your backup generator by installing a transfer switch, which removes your home from the power system and helps regulate generator power properly.

Like portable generators, standby generators should never be installed indoors. They should always be installed outdoors and away from enclosed spaces to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Do not install your generator near doors, windows or vents that are likely to be opened. Plus, make sure that you have a carbon monoxide detector installed in your home no matter what. Keep a fire extinguisher in your home and easily accessible.

When you’re dependent on a generator, it’s best to minimize your use of electricity and electrical appliances. This ensures that you’ll get the most you can out of your generator.

Which Generator Is Right for You?

When you’re choosing a generator, make sure it’s powerful enough to meet your energy needs. Small to medium sized homes don’t have the same energy needs as larger homes; while most small homes can use a 12kW standby generator, larger homes will usually need a 20kW standby generator.

Other important questions you should consider are whether anyone in your household has a medical need for power, like people who use electronic medical devices. Do people in your household need a large amount of power to do their work or hobbies? Or are you a pretty low energy consumption household to begin with?

When you’re installing a generator, it’s always best to seek a professional opinion. They’ll know what’s best for your home and how to install it safely and securely. The highly trained and experienced generator installation technicians at Petro Home Services can help you handle your generator installation, upkeep and any other questions you might have. Make sure you keep your generator in good working order with annual maintenance check-ups.

AAA members who sign up as a new customer with Petro Home Services can receive special offers including $200 off any new heating or AC system. Learn more. 

Do you have a backup generator? Tell us in the comments. 

It’s easy to overlook and underappreciate the roads that crisscross our towns, states and country. After all,  they are usually what separate us from where we want to be – the more pavement behind us, the closer we are to our stop. But sometimes, the road itself is the destination. Sometimes, cruising along a winding byway is the best part of your trip. Such is the case with the most scenic roads of the Northeast.

Note: Due to the ever-changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, please see official websites before visiting to check for restrictions or closures.

Maine: Park Loop Road

We’d be remiss if we didn’t include a drive through Acadia National Park, the sole national park in the Northeast. Park Loop Road leads travelers on a 27-mile journey around the eastern edge of Mount Desert Island. It might seem like a short trek, but it’ll take longer than you expect. There are countless areas to pull over and get an even closer look of the area’s ponds, mountains and shoreline.

Want to extend your drive? Turn onto U.S. Route 3 to discover more of the island’s coastline.

New Hampshire: Kancamagus Highway

While we could never pick a favorite, New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway is certainly one of the most scenic roads of the Northeast. And though the area’s natural beauty makes it a worthwhile destination any time of the year, at least one visit during the fall is a must. 

The 34.5-mile National Scenic Byway cuts through the heart of the ​​White Mountain National Forest, making it one of the country’s ideal spots for fall foliage viewing. Speaking of mountains, “The Kanc” winds its way up to an elevation of nearly 3,000 feet, providing visitors with breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Much of the route’s path downward runs parallel to the rolling waters of the Swift River.

While you don’t need to leave your vehicle to enjoy the sights of the Kancamagus Highway, there’s even more picturesque sights just off the paved path, including waterfalls, gorges and covered bridges.

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Vermont: Green Mountain Byway

Vermont’s Route 100 runs north to south nearly the entire length of the state, but it’s a small, 11-mile stretch between Waterbury and Stowe that has earned special designation. The Green Mountain Byway travels between its namesake mountain range to the west and the ​​Worcester Range to the east. Along the way, it winds past 4,395-foot Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak. Visitors will also be greeted with the picturesque backdrop of meadows, farmland, forests and historic residences.

Although it’s a short drive, travelers can easily spend a full day in the area. The local towns and villages are home to an array of attractions, including the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory.

Massachusetts: The Mohawk Trail

Completed in 1914, the Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway is one of the country’s oldest auto-touring roads. The route covers nearly 70 miles across western Massachusetts and takes visitors to dense forests, waterfront vistas and historic towns. In total, the byway runs parallel or crosses five major rivers. For a one-of-a-kind sightseeing stop, pull over in the town of Shelburne Falls to get a firsthand look at the Bridge of Flowers. This historic crossing, which traverses the Deerfield River, is covered with thousands of flowers and shrubs. The roadway is also home to more than 100 other attractions, including everything from old Pilgrim churches to state parks.

Connecticut: State Route 169

State Route 169 runs north-south through the state’s northeast corner, known to locals as the “Quiet Corner.” As the moniker implies, driving along this byway is like traveling back to a much simpler time. This 36-mile strip of pavement leads travelers past picturesque villages, farmsteads and historic Colonial structures, as well as scenic woodlands and photo-worthy foliage.

As for activities, visitors can hike at the nearby ​​Natchaug State Forest, visit one of the countless museums lining Route 169, or have a family picnic at Mashamoquet Brook State Park.

Rhode Island: Ocean Drive

Rhode Island isn’t nicknamed the Ocean State for nothing, and there’s no better way to witness the seaside beauty than by cruising along Ocean Drive. This 10-mile shoreline drive runs along the southern tip of Newport. Along the way, travelers are greeted by unmatched views of the city’s surrounding waters, islands and bridges. The area is also home to Newport’s historic Gilded Age mansions. As you reach the eastern end of Ocean Drive, feel free to travel by foot along the famed Cliff Walk. This 3.5-mile path gifts visitors with a front row seat to Rhode Island’s natural beauty.

New York: Upper Delaware Scenic Byway

When it was constructed in 1939, New York state Route 97 was proclaimed “The Most Scenic Highway in the East.” While plenty of roads have been paved since then, few compare to this spectacular drive. Known today as the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway, the thruway runs alongside the Delaware River for roughly 70 miles. Twisting and turning hundreds of feet above the river, the scenic byway provides breathtaking views of the surrounding valley and cliffs. The serpentine stretch isn’t the fastest route from point to point, but the journey is well worth it.

New Jersey: Palisades Scenic Byway/Henry Hudson Drive

Beginning at the George Washington Bridge and traveling north, these two roadways run parallel to each other along the Hudson River. Along the way, they climb New Jersey’s Palisades cliffs. The elevated height provides stunning views of New York City and there are several designated outlooks along the byway. Both roads run through the lush Palisades Interstate Park, which offers visitors 2,500 acres to explore.

When it comes to choosing your path, know that Henry Hudson Drive is closer to the water but often filled with cyclists and hikers, making it a slightly more challenging drive.

Need a ride to enjoy these scenic Northeast drives? AAA members can save up to 20% on Hertz rentals.

What are your favorite scenic roads in the Northeast? Tell us in the comments. 

The other night, I got a strange phone call. The number had my same area code, and a lot of other digits that were similar to my phone number.

“Hello,” said the voice on the other end. “This is Kate, I’m calling about a significant problem with your health insurance.”

Something didn’t seem right.

“Sorry,” I said, “This seems like a robocall.” I wasn’t sure why I was talking to a robot. Maybe I was too polite.

There was a pause on the other end of the line. Then Kate finally answered. “…No,” she said in a slightly monotone voice. “Do you want to solve the significant problem?”

At this point, I hung up. I couldn’t believe I’d almost been fooled. I should have known better. But robocalls are designed to scare you into answering – into interacting in any way. These scams can be especially dangerous for seniors, who usually haven’t had as much experience dealing with bots.

Robocalls are typically scams targeting seniors. That’s because seniors usually have landlines (which are more susceptible to robocalls), they answer unknown numbers more often (not having grown up with caller ID) and they have less experience with the world of internet scams.

With just a little bit of background knowledge, you can be savvier about how to avoid robocalls and other scams targeting seniors.

Why Robocalls?

The internet has made scammers and con artists a lot sneakier than they used to be. It’s also made it a lot easier to run thousands of automatically-dialed robocalls at once. Don’t have your number in the phone book? It doesn’t matter – that’s not what these phone farms are relying on. They can scrape phone numbers from almost anywhere, across the internet and beyond.

Think you’re getting more robocalls than you used to? That’s because you are. According to the Federal Communications Commission, U.S. consumers received nearly 4 billion robocalls per month in 2020.

Scammers want to lure you into revealing private information. They do this by scaring you into going along with their schemes. Robocalls prey on common anxieties and desires among Americans, like health insurance, COVID-19, student loans, Social Security, tax errors, interest rate scams and get-rich-quick schemes. Robocalls are one of the main ways that telemarketing scammers prey on their victims. They are depending on you being naïve and unaware of their tricks.

How Do I Avoid Scams Targeting Seniors?

Caller ID can be helpful when you’re trying to avoid phone scams targeting seniors. Be wary of unknown numbers. Not every unfamiliar number is dangerous, but there are some red flags you should be looking out for. Exercise caution when the number is unfamiliar to you or is simply marked “unknown.”

Many phone scams rely on “spoofing,” which means that the number you see on your Caller ID might not be the actual number that is calling you. Spoofed numbers will usually look very similar to your own phone number – down to minute differences like one or two different digits. Spoofed numbers are trying to trick you by throwing you off with a number that is familiar to you. They’re hoping you’ll answer – at least out of curiosity, if nothing else.

Not all robocalls are bad, however. Some robocalls could be your pharmacy notifying you of a new prescription, or an automatic system notifying you of an upcoming appointment at the dentist. If you have any doctors, pharmacies or other services that use automated calls, save their numbers in your phone so that you know they’re safe to answer.

It’s not the end of the world if you accidentally answer a robocall – but it does mean you’ll most likely get more of them. Whenever you answer a spam call, you are filed as an “active phone number,” which means that the scammers know there’s someone who will pick up at the other end of the line. Answering robocalls only begets more robocalls.

What if I Answer?

Answering a call doesn’t automatically mean you’ve fallen victim to the scam. When you pick up the phone, just be vigilant.

Phone bots don’t sound the same as they used to. Most of them sound almost like real people. Sometimes they’re prerecorded tracks from actors, making it even more difficult to tell.

The best way to tell if someone is really a robot is to be familiar with what modern phone bots sound like. Phone bots are often incapable of answering questions that their programmer hasn’t anticipated. That’s why, when I said “This seems like a robocall,” Robot Kate said “No.” I wasn’t technically asking a question, and “No” didn’t technically answer. Kate was almost there, but she didn’t quite make sense.

Phone bots will often take a couple more seconds than the average person to reply to what you’re saying. This is because it has to understand what you have said, then choose from a script what the best answer would be. They usually can’t keep up with the pace of a normal conversation.

Do not give out any personal information to a stranger who has called you unexpectedly over the phone. You don’t know what they’re planning on doing with it. This includes your name, birthdate, passwords and other sensitive information.

Avoid saying the word “Yes.” Scammers have been known to record your “yes” response and use it as proof that you agreed to something that you didn’t, like a credit card charge. Do not press any buttons that the bot might ask you to press (like to speak to a human being, for example). It’s a trick.

If you feel that a call is suspicious in any way, go with your gut. The best thing you can do to combat scams targeting seniors is to hang up.

Keep a close eye on your personal information with identity theft monitoring and protection from ProtectMyID.^® The Essential plan is free for AAA members. Enroll now.

Learn more about common scams and how to protect yourself. You can report phone scams to the Federal Trade Commission, robocalls and unwanted telemarketing to the Do Not Call Registry and Caller ID spoofing to the Federal Communications Commission.  

Have you ever gotten a suspicious robocall? What did you do? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!

The Boy Who Shopped 

Wizards, witches and muggles, rejoice. You can now sidle up to a butterbeer bar and order a tankard of the frosty brew, craft your very own magical wand, and treat yourself to chocolate frogs and Bertie Bots Every Flavour Beans right here in New York City. 

The Harry Potter New York flagship store recently opened in the Flatiron District, and its three floors are packed with fantastical props, clothing, gifts, books – of course! – the aforementioned butterbeer bar, a wand station, and plenty of selfie spots, including a bright-red London phone box, a life-size replica of Fawkes the phoenix and a giant Nagini slithering around the Dark Arts section.  

Luxury Treatments, Bar None 

The Spa at the Hotel Hershey is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. We crunched some of the (tasty) numbers. Since its opening, it’s provided 1.7 million treatments and served 896,000 guests, all in its luxurious 40,000-square-foot spa. Sounds divine – and delish! 

Boston Garden 

Through September, the main lawn of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, will be transformed into a garden of sunflowers and traditional Native American crops of corn, beans and sedges. Two gardens will frame the bronze statue Appeal to the Great Spirit, which portrays a Native American man on horseback: Ekua Holmes will plant 3,000 sunflowers as part of “Radiant Community,” while Elizabeth James-Perry’s “Raven Reshapes Boston: A Native Corn Garden at the MFA” will feature plantings of corn, beans and sedges in the shape of a horseshoe crab.  

Find more #trending stories at AAA.com/Trending.

Maybe you haven’t been on the road much these past 18 months. Or maybe you’ve been on the front lines of the pandemic since the beginning.   

Whatever the case, you can depend on AAA Northeast to help keep your auto in tip-top shape – and to get you there safely.   

If it’s been a while since you last had your car serviced, you may want to take it in for a tune-up. AAA has a network of more than 7,000 Approved Auto Repair facilities that have been inspected and adhere to AAA’s rigorous standards. Plus, you’ll get 10% off labor costs as a AAA Northeast member. Find a shop near you at AAA.com/Approved.   

It’s also a good time to get your battery checked before winter sets in. Our technicians will come to you and test your battery. If it needs replacing, we’ll do it right on the spot. You’ll find all the details at AAA.com/Battery.  

And don’t forget about our world-class roadside assistance. Whether it’s a drained battery, a flat tire or a locked-out vehicle slowing you down, AAA has your back. Just head to AAA.com/GetMoving, submit your issue and your vehicle’s make/model and location, and a qualified AAA roadside technician will be on the way.   

You’ll get real-time text updates on your phone and be able to track the service vehicle as it makes its way to your location.  

For more than 119 years, AAA has been a beacon of safety and security for our members. And we’ll continue to be alongside you, every step of the way, on the winding road ahead. 

Contrary to popular belief, the Northeast corridor isn’t the only place to find American foliage. America is full of unexpected and wonderful places to witness the magic of autumn. As the blanket of fall covers North America, trees and other flora across the country turn into brilliant shades of yellows, oranges, purples and reds.

While the fall foliage in the Northeast is typically situated in dense forests or amid New England architecture, the fall foliage in other areas of the country is often juxtaposed against sweeping mountains, stark plateaus, red clay and wide plains.

Whether you’re a die-hard adventurer or a cross-country leaf-peeper just looking to diversify, these unexpected American foliage locations are not to be missed.

Note: Due to the ever-changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, please see official websites before visiting to check for restrictions or closures. 

Sedona, Arizona

Mid-October is peak foliage season for the leaves in Sedona. The elevation in Sedona makes the change in color far more dramatic than it is in most other areas of the Southwest. The best place to catch the vibrancy of the fall in Sedona is at the iconic Oak Creek Canyon. Red leaves dominate the canyon, with occasional, dramatic pops of wild yellows and oranges. Along the popular West Fork of Oak Creek hiking trail, you’ll find maples, oaks, and dozens of other deciduous trees. If you want to get some spectacular panoramic shots of American foliage, Oak Creek Vista is the perfect vantage point. You can also take a scenic drive through the canyon along Highway 89A.

The Grand Canyon

When you imagine the Grand Canyon, one of the most iconic vistas in America, you don’t usually picture its trees. But the Grand Canyon is full of them, and they come alive with color in the fall. The leaves of birches, oaks, and quaking aspens blush in harmony with the red canyon walls.

The best place to view this treasure of American foliage is from the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, which has an elevation of over 8,000 feet. The colors of the leaves hit their peak from late September to early October. Hurry up, though, because at the end of October, the North Rim closes. From the North Rim you can see trees of every shade and size. Sometimes you can even see a majestic roaming bison.

Zion National Park, Utah

Utah’s first – and most visited – national park is a wonderful place to experience American foliage. Zion National Park is already famous for its red rocks, but the colors of the park get even more dramatic in the fall. That’s when Zion lights up with red sawtooth maples, yellow Fremont cottonwoods, and a myriad of other trees. Trees gather around the curve of the Virgin River and at the foot of Angel’s Landing, and extend all throughout the vast park.

The best time to see the fall foliage in Zion would be in October and November, though altitude plays a major role in what time trees turn. The higher you go, the earlier the foliage peak is. In November, however, the park allows private vehicles to travel along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. If you want, you can even stay at one of their campgrounds, sleeping among the trees.

Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska

One of the most amazing and unexpected spots to see fall foliage is the wilds of Alaska, but that’s exactly what’s in store at Denali National Park and Preserve. Denali is a national park that spans 6 million acres of Alaska. Since it’s so far north, its peak fall foliage season is from late August to mid-September. It’s a short window, but an incredibly colorful one.

During this time, the park empties out most of its tourists. The animals are also more active and easier to spot. While you’re out looking for leaves, you can also see bears, moose and caribou. In the day you can enjoy the colors of the trees, and at night you can enjoy the colors of the northern lights.

Hawaii

I know what you’re thinking: “Hawaii?” Hawaii doesn’t really have seasons, per se, other than “wet” and “dry,” but it does have some of the most beautiful American foliage. Some of Hawaii’s flowering plants and trees even resemble the colors we might see in a mainland forest in autumn. You could easily mistake groves of gold trees in bright yellow and royal poinciana trees in red for deciduous trees in autumn. African tulip trees also have large, orange clumps of flowers adorning their branches. And the very bark of the rainbow eucalyptus tree looks like autumn itself. It’s striped in green, orange, red, gold and purple all year long.

Yosemite National Park, California

Due to its extreme range of elevations, the state of California has the longest American foliage season, and the most varied change in fall colors in all of North America. One of the best places to see some of that amazing American foliage is in Yosemite National Park.

The park is densely populated with dogwoods, aspens, deer brush, white alder, cottonwood, poison oak, bigleaf maple and Yosemite’s perennial favorite: The violently red sugar maple. Leaves reach their peak from late October to early December. Sometimes, there will even be a light snowfall while there’s still some lingering autumn color.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park is full of a wide range of deciduous trees like maple, oak, narrowleaf cottonwood and balsam poplars. However, their most iconic deciduous tree is the quaking aspen, which blankets the park in golden yellow every fall. The thin, round leaves of the aspen shake in the wind, making the tree appear as though it’s quaking.

A great way to see the foliage is by taking a drive down Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in North America. With a maximum elevation of 12,180 feet, you’ll be sure to get some breathtaking views. You could also take a kayaking tour through a lake canopied with a kaleidoscope of American foliage.

If you want to see the colors at their peak, you’ll have to head to the park in mid-September. During that month you can also attend the nearby Estes Park Autumn Gold Festival, which celebrates fall in the Colorado Rockies.

To book a bespoke foliage adventure for yourself, visit AAA.com/Travel. 

¿Quién sabe qué características del automóvil les parecerán nostálgicas a los adolescentes de hoy cuando recuerden sus primeros coches? Quizá echen de menos cuando los vehículos no eran tan “inteligentes” y no se conducían solos. O tal vez echen de menos cuando conducir significaba realmente ruedas en la carretera.

Nadie sabe hasta qué punto cambiarán los automóviles en el futuro. Pero sí sabemos lo mucho que han cambiado desde su invención e incluso en los últimos 30 años. He aquí 10 características de los automóviles que ya no existen en los vehículos nuevos.

Señales de giro sonoras

¿Le parece que cada vez hay más gente que conduce durante kilómetros con los intermitentes encendidos, aparentemente planeando hacer un giro a la izquierda que nunca se materializa? Hay una razón para ello. Muchos automóviles modernos están eliminando las señales de giro sonoras. Aunque esos ruidosos clics pueden parecer molestos después de un tiempo, eso es precisamente lo que los hace útiles: te recuerdan que debes apagar las señales de giro.

Llaves

En la mayoría de los automóviles de alta gama, las llaves de metal estampadas se están convirtiendo en algo del pasado. En su lugar, los sistemas de arranque y apagado y los llaveros electrónicos se han convertido en la nueva norma. Las puertas del vehículo se desbloquean automáticamente cuando el llavero registrado está cerca, y una vez dentro, basta con pulsar el botón para arrancar. Es un gran cambio con respecto a los encendidos de llave en mano a los que la mayoría estamos acostumbrados. Fabricantes de automóviles como Mazda y Ford han creado incluso aplicaciones para ¡arrancar y desbloquear el coche a distancia mediante una aplicación de smartphone!

 Controles Simples

Enviar mensajes de texto y conducir es extremadamente peligroso, y un sistema de control complicado podría ser igual de molesto. En un estudio de AAA en 2015, los resultados mostraron que las distracciones mentales podían durar hasta 27 segundos después de utilizar los comandos de voz en determinados sistemas del automóvil. Con muchos automóviles nuevos utilizando controles de pantalla táctil, las cosas podrían ser aún más complicadas. La AAA sugiere ajustar los controles de climatización, las emisoras de radio, el GPS y otras configuraciones antes de conducir.

Maleteros Amplios

Hemos recorrido un largo camino desde las enormes moles de acero sólido de Detroit que solíamos llamar automóviles. Ahora los modelos son más elegantes y aerodinámicos que nunca. Pero eso también significa menos espacio. Muchos de los propietarios de automóviles actuales no conocen el significado de un maletero espacioso. Y a no ser que compre una minivan, puede tener que cargar algunas de esas compras semanales en el asiento trasero.

Neumáticos Extra

Esta es una característica del automóvil que muchos echamos de menos. Algunos automóviles ya no vienen con ruedas de repuesto de tamaño normal porque los maleteros son cada vez más pequeños. Otros fabricantes de automóviles intentan reducir el peso de los vehículos. Sea cual sea la causa, comprar un vehículo nuevo con una rueda de repuesto de tamaño completo es algo raro hoy en día. De hecho, los neumáticos de repuesto han sido sustituidos por kits de inflado de neumáticos en 29 millones de vehículos en los últimos 10 años. Pero si tiene la suerte de conseguir uno, los diminutos neumáticos tipo donut de hoy en día sólo están diseñados para ser utilizados en distancias cortas y a menos de 50 millas por hora. Incluso con neumáticos desinflados, comprar un neumático nuevo o conseguir un parche se convierte en algo bastante urgente.

Ceniceros

Equipados con encendedores eléctricos y ceniceros dentro del tablero, los automóviles antiguos eran el paraíso de los fumadores. Esos ceniceros en el automóvil eran incluso geniales para los no fumadores como el mejor compartimento para las monedas. Sin embargo, la mayoría de los fabricantes de automóviles han renunciado a los ceniceros y han optado por instalar elementos del vehículo más centrados en la tecnología, como los cargadores de teléfonos.

Antenas de Radio

Si usted recuerda cuando los coches tenían ceniceros, probablemente recuerde cuando los coches solían llevar antenas de tipo látigo. ¿Eran antiestéticas? Bastante. Pero la mayoría de la gente utilizaba esas largas antenas de radio como una oportunidad para dar a sus vehículos un poco de chispa. En su día, se podían ver innumerables colas de mapache, pelotas con caras sonrientes y otras baratijas en la parte superior de esas enjutas amenazas. Ahora la mayoría de los automóviles tienen antenas fijas mucho más cortas.

Ventilaciones

Las lunetas de ventilación o ” aletas” son otra de esas características de los vehículos más antiguos. Las pequeñas ventanillas triangulares se encontraban tanto en el lado del conductor como en el del pasajero y podían girarse hacia dentro para obtener aire fresco. En los días que no hacía demasiado calor, se podía omitir la apertura de la ventana principal y seguir ventilando sin despeinarse. Entonces, ¿qué pasó con todas las lunetas de ventilación? Dos palabras: aire acondicionado

Ventanillas con Manivela

Los adolescentes de hoy en día probablemente no sepan lo que es una ventana manual. Pero sí, en un momento dado, la gente tenía que subir y bajar las ventanillas manualmente. Esta característica del coche es casi imposible de encontrar hoy en día y eso es probablemente porque la mayoría de la gente no los echa de menos. De hecho, los propietarios de vehículos nuevos pueden alegrarse del poder del cierre de las ventanillas. ¡Ningún niño jugará con las ventanillas traseras ante nuestra mirada!

Asientos Corridos

Antes de que se incluyeran los cinturones de seguridad en los coches, los asientos corridos permitían que tres personas cupieran cómodamente en la parte delantera de la mayoría de los vehículos. Incluso podría caber un cuarto pasajero si fuera lo suficientemente pequeño. Los niños de hoy nunca conocerán la sensación de ir apretados delante con mamá, papá y sus hermanos, pero los coches modernos son definitivamente mucho más seguros.

Whether you’re looking to cut out dairy milk completely or supplement with plant-based milk to reduce calories, avoid allergens or be more green, there’s a nondairy milk option to suit your needs.

Check out this guide to the world of plant-based dairy alternatives.

Why Go for Plant-Based?

People are choosing to drink less – or completely cut out – cow’s milk for a variety of reasons, including allergies, dietary restrictions, intolerance, personal preference or ethical concerns.

Breaking Down Dairy Milk

Traditional dairy milk was once an American staple, but consumers have been buying less and less of it over the years.

“Weekly average purchases of cow’s milk declined 12% from about 0.41 gallon per household per week in 2013 to 0.36 gallon per household per week in 2017,” according to the USDA. “By contrast, purchases of almond, soy and other plant-based products increased 36% from 0.028 gallon to 0.038 gallon per household per week.”

Dairy milk is a good source of calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12. One cup of cow’s milk also has about 12 grams of carbs, 2 to 8 grams of fat – depending on whether it’s whole milk, 1%, 2% or skim – and 8 grams of protein.

However, drinking too much cow’s may have adverse effects on the body.

Milk and other dairy products are the top source of saturated fat in the American diet, according to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. Studies have also linked dairy to an increased risk of breast, ovarian and prostate cancers.

Additional Health Reasons

People are giving up dairy milk for a variety of health-related reasons. One of the biggest is intolerance.

65% of the global population has some degree of lactose intolerance in adulthood, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Ingesting dairy milk when you have an intolerance can lead to symptoms like abdominal bloating, cramps and pain, nausea, gas and diarrhea.

Another reason is public perception that plant-based milks are a healthier alternative to cow’s milks, since most plant-based milks have fewer carbs and less fat compared to dairy milk. Some people also want to avoid the antibiotics and hormones associated with some cow’s milk.

Environmental Concerns

An additional cause for the rise in nondairy milk options are environmental concerns. Many consumers are looking for products that require the least amount of resources to make – think water and land use – while producing less waste/pollution.

Cows produce a lot of methane. “Methane from livestock is the second largest source of methane emissions in the U.S., and dairy cattle alone accounted for 26% of total enteric emissions,” according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Raising cows also takes a lot of space – 1.5 miles to make just one cup of cow’s milk. Growing almonds, oats and soybeans only takes about 0.09 square miles per glass.

Dairy milk also uses a considerable amount of water, 30-plus gallons per glass, compared 18 gallons for almond milk. Soy and oat milks require even less water to grow – only 1 to 3 gallons per cup.

Which Nondairy Milk Option Is Right for You?

You should decide on a nondairy milk by reading the nutrition facts and making sure the milk fits your needs. Many plant-based milks are fortified with vitamins and minerals they’re otherwise missing – like calcium – providing anywhere from 10% to 45% of your daily value.

Nutritional value and calories vary by type and brand of milk. Do your research and compare products. Finally, conduct a taste test to find your perfect glass of plant-based milk. Or try making plant-based milk at home to avoid preservatives and control sugar and salt levels.

Types of Plant Milk

Almond Milk

There are a variety of nutty, milk-like beverages to choose from – including those made from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, peanuts and walnuts – though almond milk is currently one of the most popular.

One cup of unsweetened almond milk contains about 30 to 50 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, 1 gram of protein and 1 to 2 grams of carbohydrates, according to Healthline.

Pros: low-calorie, low-carb, good source of vitamin E

Cons: low-protein, environmental impact (water)

Other Nut Milks

If you’re looking for a nut milk with a bit more sustenance, peanut milk has more protein than almond milk – 6 grams per cup – followed by hazelnut and walnut milk, which each have 3 grams. However, peanut milk has more calories (about 150) and fat (11 grams) and little additional nutritional value, while walnuts boast omega-3s and hazelnuts have vitamin B and E.

On the other end of the spectrum, there are lower-calorie options like cashew (25 calories) and macadamia nut milks (50-70 calories). These also have a gram or less of protein and carbs and between 2 and 5 grams of fat – but you’ll also find some calcium and vitamin D.

*Nut milks should not be consumed by anyone with a nut allergy.

Coconut Milk

Despite its name, coconut is actually a fruit, making this milk a safe option for those with nut allergies. Coconut milk can be thick or thin and come in a can or a carton.

Nutritional value depends on how much water is added. Traditional, undiluted coconut milk is high in calories – mostly from fat – and a good source of vitamins and minerals like copper, iron and manganese. One cup of the thinner, more drinkable coconut milk provides about 45 calories, 4 grams of fat and little to no carbs or protein, according to Healthline.

Pros: low-calorie, low-carb (for thinned milk), relatively low water and land use

Cons: low-protein, higher in saturated fats, environmental impact (transportation)

Soy Milk

If you’re looking for the closest thing to dairy milk in terms of nutrition, soy milk is a good choice. Soy milk has all nine amino acids and as much protein as cow’s milk. It’s also a good source of potassium.

One cup of unsweetened soy milk contains 80 to 90 calories, 4 to 4.5 grams of fat, 7 to 9 grams of protein and 4 grams of carbs, according to Healthline.

Pros: complete protein, potassium, relatively low emissions and water usage

Cons: more fat, environmental impact (deforestation)

Oat Milk

Oat milk has beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that plays a “beneficial role in insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension and obesity,” according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

One cup of oat milk contains 140 to 170 calories, 4.5 to 5 grams of fat, 2.5 to 5 grams of protein and 19 to 29 grams of carbohydrates, according to Healthline.

Pros: second most protein after soy milk, little water and land use, low emissions

Cons: higher calorie, more fat

*If you have celiac disease or are gluten-intolerant, make sure your oat milk is certified gluten-free, as not all varieties are.

Rice Milk

Rice milk is the least allergenic nondairy milk, according to Healthline, making it an option for those with an intolerance to dairy, gluten, soy and/or nuts. However, it’s also the highest in carbohydrates and can raise blood sugar quickly.

“Rice milk has also been shown to contain high levels of inorganic arsenic, a toxic chemical found naturally in the environment,” according to Healthline.

One cup of rice milk contains 130 to 140 calories, 2 to 3 grams of fat, 1 gram of protein and 27 to 38 grams of carbohydrates, according to Healthline.

Pros: least allergenic, low-fat

Cons: arsenic, high-carb, low-protein, environment impact (water)

*Drinking too much rice milk is not advised, especially for young children and pregnant women.

Making a Decision

The secret to eating healthy is making sure your diet is well-balanced. If you choose to switch to dairy-free milk options entirely, consider eating plenty of leafy greens and other vegetables that contain calcium, vitamins and other nutrients your body needs.

There’s also no rule limiting you to just one type of nondairy milk. As long as you’re avoiding allergens, try switching up your plant-based milks from time to time to get a variety of nutritional benefits. Also, go for organic products to avoid pesticides and herbicides – a healthier and more environmentally-friendly choice.

Looking for more content like this? Check out our guide to plant-based meat alternatives.

What’s your favorite nondairy milk option? Tell us in the comments. 

If you want to save some cash, shopping at a wholesale club is a great way to do it. But in order to save big time, you need to have some know-how. Here are a few tips and tricks to get the most for your money.

What Is a Wholesale Club?

A wholesale club is like a giant grocery store that sells their items in bulk. They also usually carry non-grocery products, like televisions, furniture, clothes, books and more. Customers pay an annual membership to shop at the wholesale club and gain access to their lower prices and bulk options. Many wholesale clubs look like giant warehouses, filled with pallets of different products. If you know what you should and shouldn’t buy, an annual membership will pay for itself.

Buying in Bulk

The main way customers save money at a wholesale club is by buying products in bulk bundles. Usually, buying in bulk is more cost-effective than paying the regular unit price of an item. But you should always check. When you buy something in bulk, make sure to compare the bulk price to the unit price to see how much money you’re actually saving. This will give you a better idea of which products are worth the bulk order.

Buying in bulk is a great opportunity to stock up on household essentials and dry goods. Load your cart up with cleaning supplies, paper towels, toilet paper, soap and toothpaste. Don’t forget dry pasta, dry beans, rice, sugar and other shelf-stable necessities.

Shelf stability is important to consider when you’re buying in bulk. Avoid bulk buying items with nearby expiration dates – or any expiration date at all, if it’s an item that you use infrequently. Some things, like meat, can be frozen and saved for later, but not everything. Don’t buy something in bulk unless you’re sure that you’re going to use all of it. That’s the only way that you’ll get your savings.

Before you decide which bulk items to take with you, make sure you have adequate storage space at home. Sometimes the savings aren’t worth it if the products are going to clutter up your house.

Buying What You Need

One of the best ways to save at any wholesale club (or any store at all) is to write a shopping list and stick to it. Don’t get side-tracked by anything you didn’t come to the club to purchase. You can cut down on unnecessary spending by doing one big monthly trip to the club, rather than a series of smaller trips. This will help you focus on what you need for the month, and limit the amount of impulse purchases.

Another great way to curb impulse buying is by learning the layout of the store. This might take you a few visits, but it’s so worth it. Many stores, wholesale clubs included, will scatter essential grocery items in far-flung corners so that customers are forced to browse aisles of products that they don’t need. You might be on your way to get the eggs, but there are a whole lot of TVs that you have to pass first. When you know the store layout, you can go straight to the products you want and avoid being tempted to waste your time or money on anything else.

Wholesale clubs want you to linger for a long time, browsing their shelves and spending more money. That’s why many clubs offer low-price concession stands or restaurants for members – they don’t even need to leave the store for lunch! Eating before you go will help you resist the siren call of the cheap hot dog and soft drinks.

More Ways to Save

• Too many bulk items that you would never use all by yourself? Try splitting the cost. If you have a friend or family member who shops at the same wholesale club, you can save even more money by splitting the cost of wholesale items with them. You get half of the products, and they get the other half. Everyone wins, and nothing goes to waste! This is a great way to buy items that you otherwise would avoid due to expiration dates.

• Research the different rewards that you may qualify for with the credit card you’re shopping with.

• Don’t forget the store brands. In wholesale clubs, store-brand items are usually of the same or similar quality as their branded counterparts – and they come at a much lower price.

• Get gas there! Gas can be expensive, but many wholesale clubs now have their own gas stations attached to the store. These gas stations often offer lower prices to wholesale club members. If you’re stopping by to do some shopping, definitely don’t forget to fill up your tank before you leave.

• Learn about the different membership tiers that your wholesale club offers. Some of them offer different rewards and better deals. Getting the cheapest membership might not always be the best option for you.

• Check to see if your wholesale club has a pharmacy department. You could be able to save on your medications. Do you wear glasses? Your wholesale club might sell them at a discounted price. Many wholesale clubs have in-store optometrists and eyeglass retailers available for their members.

• Before you purchase a big-ticket item like a flat-screen TV or a set of outdoor furniture, do a little comparison shopping at other stores. Wholesale clubs are great for discounts on grocery items, but they don’t always have the best prices when it comes to their more expensive products. 

How do you save money at your wholesale club? Which club is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

We all know that our friends across the pond drive on the left side of the road. But the practice is not solely British — roughly one-third of the world’s population drives on the left side of the road. In fact, traveling on the left was common dating all the way back to the Roman Empire.

The question that begs answering isn’t why do we drive on the right side of the road, but rather why did we stop traveling on the left? A quick history refresher shows why most of the world made the shift and why certain countries have not.

Early Travelers Stayed to the Left

Traveling on the left side of the road began before there were paved roads or cars – or even the thought of paved roads or cars, for that matter. Archaeological evidence suggests the ancient Romans drove carts and chariots on the left, likely so they could hold a weapon with their dominant right hands and more easily reach an enemy. The practice was kept alive in Europe all the way through the Middle Ages.

Up until the 1700s, traveling on the left side was customary, but neither exclusive nor mandatory anywhere in the world. That began to change in the second half of the century when, in 1773, the British government passed the General Highways Act, which encouraged driving on the left. The practice became law with the enactment of the Highway Act of 1835.

But other corners of Europe seemed to prefer keeping to the right. In pre-revolutionary France, the aristocracy rode on the left, with the peasantry to their right. Once the revolution started, however, nobles wanted to hide their identities and joined their fellow countrymen and women on the right side of the road. Right-side traveling became the law in Paris before the close of the 18th century.

Colonialism Spreads Driving Customs

Both Britain and France, and their respective invasions and colonialism, would prove to have an enormous effect on driving habits around the world. When Napoleon was in charge of the French army, he ordered newly conquered countries to stay to the right. (There’s a theory he preferred this method because he was left-handed.) France’s conquests covered large swaths of Europe including nations like Belgium, the Netherlands, Austria, Germany, Poland and Spain.

Great Britain was busy expanding its empire at this time, as well. As a result, it brought its left-side practice to all corners of the globe, including Australia, New Zealand, India and the West Indies. (Britain also later influenced Japan to travel on the left when British engineers helped build the country’s first railways in the late 1800s.)

Why Do Americans Drive on the Right Side of the Road?

It would be easy to think the practice of driving on the left side came over the Atlantic in the 1600s with the early European settlers. After all, America’s first Colonists in Jamestown and Plymouth were from England. But that doesn’t seem to have been the case. Albert C. Rose, who served as “unofficial historian” of the U.S. Bureau of Public Roads during the agency’s early years, found that “all available evidence seems to indicate that the RIGHT-HAND travel predominated in Colonial America from the time of the earliest settlements.”

One possible reason early Colonial Americans eschewed the left-side rule was due to, as Rose describes, a “smoldering opposition to customs of the Old World.” Remember, many English settlers were escaping persecution in their home country. Additionally, other European countries were establishing settlements in America and implementing their own practices.

But the most significant impetus for traveling on the right in America came the following century with the introduction freight wagons. These vehicles were pulled by a team of horses and usually didn’t have a driver’s seat. Operators typically sat on the rear left horse, in order to hold a whip in their right hand and be able to reach the other horses. Over time, wagon drivers naturally began to gravitate toward the right side so they would be positioned closer to the center of the road. This gave them a better view of oncoming traffic, reducing the likelihood of a collision.

By the late 1700s, staying to the right was common practice in America, yet there was still no rule or law dictating it. The first known legal requirement to do so came in 1792, when Pennsylvania enacted legislation to build a turnpike from Lancaster to Philadelphia. The document stated traffic must travel on the right side of the road. Twelve years later, New York became the first state to require right-hand travel on all public highways.

Driving on the Right, Sitting on the Left

By the start of the Civil War, the right-hand rule was followed in every state, according to the Federal Highway Administration. However, many drivers of light horse-drawn wagons both drove on the right and sat on the right side of their vehicles. They did this in order to get a better view of another potential danger: roadside ditches. Indeed, many considered running into these ditches to be more dangerous than colliding with another vehicle.

When automobiles were first introduced in the late 1800s, they were thought of as horseless wagons. As such, most American cars produced before 1910 had steering wheels on the right side of the vehicle.

It wasn’t until Ford released the Model T in 1908 that operating a vehicle while positioned on the left side began to become common practice. The revolutionary car was one of the first automobiles to have a left-side steering wheel. Within a few years, the Model T had become so popular nearly every other automobile manufacturer was putting the driver’s seat on the left. More than a century later, the practice remains.

Want more automotive history? Head to AAA.com to learn about the origins of everything from stop signs to car horns.

A home renovation, be it a single room or a complete overhaul, can do a wonder of good. Not only can you create a space with the utmost comfort and efficiency, but you can also significantly increase the resale value of your home.

But renovations are notoriously expensive and it’s easy to let them spiral out of financial control. Don’t let that happen. There are a number of ways to save money on your home renovation. Here are five strategies to consider.

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Invest Some Sweat Equity

It will always be cheaper to do something yourself than pay someone else. The more of the renovation you can handle, the more money you’ll be able to save. Exactly how much of the project you can DIY will vary considerably based on your skillset and the scale of the remodeling, but even the least handy homeowners can find a place to pitch in.

The best places to focus on are the front and back ends of the projects that don’t require skilled, licensed professionals. For instance, most people are likely capable of doing some demolition work. Similarly, you might be able to handle some of the renovation’s finishing touches, such as painting or landscaping.

Two things to consider when taking on home renovation projects. First, if you have the willpower but lack the tools, you can usually rent them from hardware stores. This will prevent you from having to purchase items you may never use again. Second, if your project requires a permit, you’ll need it in hand before you start tearing down walls.

Do Your Own Transporting

If you’re not up for any home demolition work, you can get involved in your home renovation — and save some money — simply by driving. Retailers and contractors usually charge a material delivery fee for getting the necessary supplies to your house. You can eliminate this extra charge by picking up the items yourself. If you don’t have a vehicle large enough to haul the construction material and can’t borrow one, you can always rent a truck or trailer. While this may cost you a bit upfront, if you use it for a few trips, it can more than pay for itself.

Leave the Sink, Take the Savings

If you’re doing a kitchen or bathroom renovation, you may be tempted to move the location of the sink, bathtub or toilet. Unfortunately, this will be a costly move. Plumbing can often be one of the largest expenses in a home renovation. Not only will you need to pay for materials, you’ll have to hire a professional plumber to do the work.

Unless your heart is dead set on a design that requires moving one of these large features, keep them where they are and work your renovation around them. You may find that you can make other changes, like opening up a wall, that may yield greater results for a lower price tag.

Add Light Without Windows

Natural light is a big selling point with homes, but cutting a hole in your house to add a new or larger window can be pricey. You may find adding a feature such as a skylight or light tube, which funnels sunlight down into the living space, to be less expensive than adding a window.

But there are tricks to brightening a room without any construction. Painting the space bright white or eggshell will reflect more light around the room. Adding a mirror or two will do the same. Even something as simple as changing the lightbulbs can help. Full spectrum bulbs are designed to emulate midday sunlight.

Shop Recycled and Reused

Few savings methods are as effective as purchasing reused items over new ones, and this strategy can reap big financial rewards on your home renovation. Resale shops, salvage yards, material auctions and the like all sell new and gently used building supplies for a fraction of the cost of major retailers. You can also check selling sites like eBay to see what people are offering. You never know what you can find!

A great place to start your shopping is at a local Habitat for Humanity ReStore. The non-profit operates more than 900 of these locations across the country. Customers can purchase everything from appliances to building materials to furniture for below retail prices. Even better — all the money goes toward helping Habitat for Humanity continue its incredible work.

Whether you’re ready to do the work now or need a bit more time to plan, it’s always a great time to start saving.

Aparte de los conductores agresivos y los atascos de tráfico, es difícil nombrar algo más molesto que intentar desempañar los cristales durante un largo viaje al trabajo.

El vaho de las ventanas dificulta la visión de la carretera y, como una molesta abeja a una lata de refresco, siempre vuelve.

Afortunadamente, los expertos en automóviles saben cómo eliminar los cristales empañados del vehículo. Sigue leyendo para saber cómo desempañar los cristales y algunos consejos para hacerlo más rápido.

Cómo desempañar los cristales en un día frío

La niebla que se forma en un parabrisas es la condensación, que se crea cuando el vapor de agua en el aire cerca del cristal cae por debajo o por encima de una determinada temperatura, conocida como punto de rocío. Cuando la temperatura del habitáculo de un coche es más cálida que la del exterior, es cuando la humedad de nuestro aliento y de nuestra ropa se condensa en el interior del parabrisas y las ventanillas.

Cuando el parabrisas se empaña, muchos conductores recurren al desempañador, utilizando el calor más intenso y el ajuste más fuerte para limpiar el cristal. El aire caliente del desempañador ayuda a evaporar la humedad cerca del parabrisas, pero es sólo una solución temporal.

Si quiere evitar que se forme el vaho, los expertos recomiendan utilizar aire frío para bajar la temperatura del interior del cristal. Puedes conseguirlo soplando aire fresco por el desempañador, encendiendo el aire acondicionado (que actúa como deshumidificador) o abriendo las ventanas, si puedes tolerar una breve descarga de aire frío.

John Paul, Doctor de Automóviles de la AAA, recomienda apagar el botón de “recirculación” de su coche (simbolizado por un coche con una flecha en bucle dentro). Cuando está apagado, el coche aspira aire seco del exterior para limpiar el parabrisas, en lugar de utilizar el aire húmedo del interior del coche, que es lo que causa el problema en primer lugar.

“El otro problema que provoca la humedad en el interior del coche son las alfombras húmedas”, dijo Paul. “Siempre es una buena idea aspirar la humedad del vehículo después de una semana de entrar y salir del mismo con las botas nevadas”.

Cómo desempañar las ventanas en un día caluroso

Deshacerse del vaho en el exterior del parabrisas cuando se pone en marcha el aire acondicionado en primavera es mucho más fácil: basta con utilizar las escobillas del limpiaparabrisas. Haga clic aquí para obtener consejos sobre cómo hacer que sus limpiaparabrisas duren.

Pero si la humedad del exterior del coche hace que se empañen los cristales laterales, prueba a utilizar la lógica contraria a la que se debe hacer en un día frío. Es decir, utilizar el aire caliente, o el ajuste de refrigeración menos potente, para elevar un poco la temperatura del interior del habitáculo. Así no tendrás que subir y bajar las ventanillas cada cinco minutos o apagar y encender los limpiaparabrisas durante todo el viaje.

Otros consejos y trucos para los cristales del automóvil empañados

Limpiar el interior de su parabrisas le ayudará a prevenir la niebla antes de que ocurra, dijo el portavoz de AAA Northeast, Robert Sinclair Jr. Es más difícil que se forme niebla en una superficie limpia, y más fácil que se forme en la suciedad y en la película que deja el tabaco, por lo que recomienda dedicar un par de minutos a solucionarlo durante el fin de semana. Para limpiar correctamente, utilice amoníaco sin espuma (asegúrese de abrir las ventanas mientras lo hace para no inhalar el producto).

Otro consejo, más inusual, proviene de YouTuber DaveHax, que recomienda mantener un calcetín lleno de arena para gatos en el tablero o cerca de él. La arena es muy absorbente y puede ayudar a contener parte de la humedad en la cabina.

Además, mantenga en el maletero las pertenencias húmedas, como un paraguas recién usado o la ropa sudada del gimnasio, si quiere reducir la cantidad de humedad dentro de su automóvil (todo ayuda).

Qué no hacer

Por último, la mayoría de la gente lo sabe, pero no está de más repetirlo: Evite limpiar los cristales del automóvil empañados con las manos. Las manos llevan aceites que se transfieren al cristal, por lo que, aunque podría desempañar temporalmente las ventanas del coche, sólo podría empeorar el problema más adelante. Mantenga un paño de microfibra dentro de su vehículo por si tiene que limpiar el parabrisas en un momento de apuro.

Y cuando limpie el parabrisas, evite rociar un producto de limpieza directamente sobre él, ya que puede salpicar el tablero y otros lugares. Pulverice la solución en una toalla de microfibra y limpie de arriba a abajo y de lado a lado, dando golpes largos. A continuación, utilice otra toalla para limpiar el exceso de spray.

Ahora que ya conoce cómo desempañar los cristales, sabrá qué hacer la próxima vez que las cosas se empañen dentro de su automóvil.

¿Tiene otros consejos y trucos para solucionar el problema de los cristales del automóvil empañados? ¡Háganoslo saber en los comentarios!

The quiet, rural landscape of Delaware County makes it a year-round destination for those looking to escape the daily grind and get some fresh air, but it’s scenic mountain views and thriving farm country make it especially idyllic in the fall.

With covered bridges, farmers markets, cozy lodging and historic places to explore, this small slice of upstate New York offers everything you love about autumn.

Foliage Views  

City-dwellers that need a change of pace will certainly find it in Delaware County. This part of the Catskills is untouched by development, free of large retailers and box stores. Instead, you are invited to simply enjoy the great outdoors and the colorful show that nature casts onto the surrounding mountains. Whether hiking or biking along the Catskill Scenic Trail,  golfing, or paddling or fishing on a lake, there are plenty of ways to take in the view.

One spectacular outlook is at the top of Mount Utsayantha in Stamford. Climb (by foot or by car) to the top, bring a picnic and take a load off. If you are up for it, you can take the stairs to the top of the historic fire tower that sits at the summit for a 360-degree foliage-filled Catskills panorama.

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Stunning views, fresh mountain air, endless outdoor activities. Visit this fall.

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Craft Beverages and Farm-Fresh Food

Delaware County is known for its bountiful farmland. Throughout the end of October, you can scope out some of the many farmers markets available on the weekends and spend a quiet morning gathering farm- and garden-fresh goodies to take home with you. In Halcotssville, the Pakatakan farmers market takes place at the historic red round barn, one of the earliest and only remaining entirely round barns in New York State. See calendar of events for more.

Many of the restaurants in the area are also dedicated to bringing seasonal, locally sourced ingredients straight to your plate – and your glass! The growing craft beverage scene is something beer, wine, cider and spirit enthusiasts won’t want to miss. Visit a tasting room and sample your way through a flight or bottle of your choice.

History

While you are in the area, take note of the history all around.

For starters, the covered bridges in Hamden, Delhi and Downsville are what autumn dreams are made of. If you are nearby, don’t miss the photo-op.

Take a walk through the past on a hike through the trails at John Borroughs Woodchuck Lodge in Roxbury and learn about the famed naturalist’s life and contributions to conservation. The Lodge itself is open for guided tours the first weekend of each month, May through October.

First established in 1846, the Hanford Mill in East Meredith is home to one of the only water-powered mills in the country still in operation. See the working sawmill, gristmill and woodworking factory in action, then visit the gift shop for some mill-made crafts and products. Currently, only individual-guided tours of the property are available and booking ahead is recommended. Visitors are welcome to explore the natural and rail trails on the property and set up a picnic by the millpond.

Lodging Options

Whether you want luxury, casual or off-the-grid accommodations for your overnights, there’s something for every kind of traveler in this part of the Catskills.

The boutique Roxbury Motel is known for its whimsical, campy and over-the-top themed rooms, drawing inspiration from the “The Wizard of Oz” to coconut cream pie. The fun continues two miles away at its sister property, the Roxbury Stratton Falls.

If you want to spend your retreat lost in nature, set up camp at one of the many campsites. Some of the farms even offer lodging. And if you are bringing-along a four-legged friend, there are pet-friendly options as well.

Find your perfect stay here.

Start planning your Delaware County trip today.

Have you ever been to this part of upstate New York? Share your recommendations for your favorite things to do and places to stay in the area in the comments below.

As you probably know, virtually all credit cards in the United States are now equipped with EMV chips. EMV is short for “Europay, MasterCard and Visa,” the three companies who began the chip technology initiative. There are two main types of chip technology in credit cards – chip and signature and chip and PIN.

The technology has quickly become the gold standard for all credit card transactions. Here’s how it works – A small microprocessor is embedded in your credit card to store and protect your sensitive data. This information is used for all transactions, replacing the magnetic strip on the back of your credit card. The information embedded within the chip is encrypted, and therefore less vulnerable to counterfeiting and fraud.

Chip technology in credit cards has been around for a few years now, but merchants and consumers are still adjusting to the change. Here’s what you need to know about your EMV chip card.

Why is a credit card chip more secure?

EMV chip cards support dynamic authentication, which makes it much harder to copy and counterfeit. Data stored on traditional magnetic strips are static, making them much easier to skim with a card reading device. Dynamic information stored within your credit card chip must be verified by the point-of-sale device, ensuring its authenticity. Chip credit cards also generate a unique authentication code with each transaction.

In the United States, most cards use chip-and-signature technology – the secure chip in your card, combined with a signature for verification. For the added security of a signature, merchants must verify the signature on the card with the card holder’s on-site signature. This process can be subjective, based on the verification process. In many countries the EMV chip technology is used in combination with a PIN number. Because the chip-and-PIN system uses two types of objective verification, it is widely regarded as more secure than the chip-and-signature technology.

How is the EMV chip card used to make a purchase?

Instead of swiping your credit card through a card reader, the chip system requires you to insert your card into the reader, chip end first, and leave it there until your transaction is complete. For now, credit cards still have a magnetic strip on the back that can be used if the chip technology fails, but those strips will likely be phased out in the future.

Why do chip cards take longer to process?

Consumers who are used to the simple swipe they’ve used in the past may be wondering why the chip system takes so much longer. While you’re tapping your fingers on the counter waiting patiently for your transaction to complete, the microchip in your credit card is having an encrypted conversation with the card reader. The card reader then sends an encrypted message to the bank, which approves the transaction, and sends an encrypted message back.

The whole point of the new chip technology is the added security features, and it’s these features that slow down the process.

Are there security risks with chip credit cards?

While chip credit cards are far more secure than cards with magnetic strips, there are still risks you should be aware of. Because many chip cards still contain the magnetic strip on the back, the cards are still vulnerable to fraud. To prevent skimming, credit card issuers will have to totally eliminate the card’s magnetic strip.

The biggest risk for fraud and theft in the credit card industry today is through the internet. Card-Not-Present or CNP transactions continue to rise as the online shopping market grows. Credit card account information can be gleaned through a breach in a merchant’s online security, as well as phishing scams, or when the physical card is stolen. Because there isn’t a secure card reader available for online sales, internet fraud will become the easiest way for thieves to get ahold of sensitive information.

There is also an increase in application fraud – when a criminal uses your personal information to apply for a new credit card or take over existing accounts. Instead of counterfeiting the physical card, criminals are bypassing the card altogether. Once the account is created, it’s easy to have a new EMV card mailed to them.

The future of credit card security

In addition to EMV chip technology, Visa and MasterCard have implemented extra security protocols that send users an authentication code through their cell phone before they can make a CNP transaction online.

Many credit card companies have been testing and using biometrics as part of their security protocol for credit card use. Facial-recognition software, fingerprint scans, and voice authentication have all been tested for viability within the industry, but have not been implemented on a wide scale.

Because credit card fraud costs companies billions of dollars each year, new technologies are constantly being developed and tested to make transactions more secure for consumers, merchants and banks. Chip technology is our biggest leap forward in many years, but there’s certainly more changes to come.

Have EMV chip credit cards changed the way you make purchases? Are you satisfied with the new system? Let us know in the comments section below.

Looking for a show that will shock you? These podcasts are full of mind-blowing stories that will make you gasp in disbelief, rewind to listen again and question the narratives you’ve been hearing all your life.

You’re Wrong About

Do you know what you’re wrong about? “You’re Wrong About” is a podcast concerning common misconceptions and the way stories get warped in the public eye. Writers Michael Hobbes and Sarah Marshall take turns telling each other about things like Y2K, anti-vaxxers, O.J. Simpson, stranger danger and so much more. Don’t miss their deep dive “book club” episodes covering topics like infamous celebrity memoirs and not-so-accurate books about the satanic panic.

Recommended Episodes: “Political Correctness”, The Anti-Vaccine Movement, Halloween Special: Creepy Encounters, Wayfair and Human Trafficking Statistics, The Y2K Bug, The Wardrobe Malfunction

Maintenance Phase

It’s the wellness podcast to end all wellness podcasts. In “Maintenance Phase,” Michael Hobbes from “You’re Wrong About” teams up with writer Aubrey Gordon to tackle trends and debunk myths surrounding health and wellness culture. Covering topics like “The Biggest Loser,” anti-fat bias, diet pills and snake oil, it offers a mix of infuriating facts and the relief of laughing through the pain.

Recommended episodes: Snake Oil, The Biggest Loser, The President’s Physical Fitness Test, Fen-Phen & Redux, Anti-Fat Bias

The Dropout

Young entrepreneur Elizabeth Holmes seemed to emerge out of nowhere. She dropped out of Stanford after just a few semesters to found a revolutionary blood-testing company, Theranos, and quickly became the youngest self-made female billionaire of all time. But Holmes was not all that she seemed. Theranos claimed to run hundreds of tests with just one drop of blood, but was that really true? And why did employees seem to come and go so quickly? Also, why did Holmes allegedly dress like Steve Jobs and speak with a fake deep voice? “The Dropout” is more than a corporate scandal – it’s an indictment of the medical-industrial complex as a whole. To continue following the story of Elizabeth Holmes, check out “Bad Blood: The Final Chapter,” which begins Aug. 26.

Recommended episodes: Listen from beginning to end.

The Dream

Season one of “The Dream” by Jane Marie is all about the world of multilevel marketing, or MLMs. Marie interviews a participant in the “airplane games” 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 even enraging. Season two explores the state of the wellness industry as Marie tries crystals, magnetic therapy, acupuncture and more.

Recommended episodes: Listen from beginning to end.

Oh No, Ross and Carrie!

On “Oh No, Ross and Carrie!,” Ross Blocher and Carrie Poppy investigate the fringes of belief – then take part in it themselves. The two hosts embed themselves in self-help workshops, sample snake oil, attempt paranormal experiences and attend spiritual ceremonies. The two skeptics go through wild misadventures on their never-ending journey to find the truth.

Recommended episodes: Ross and Carrie Are Down to Earth (Part 1): Grounding Edition, Ross and Carrie Test Their Psychic Powers: Clair Edition, Ross and Carrie Meet Dr. Elizabeth Loftus: Bad Memory Edition

Stuff You Missed in History Class

On “Stuff You Missed in History Class,” Tracy V. Wilson and Holly Frey investigate the forgotten corners and obscure characters in the margins of history. This show has a huge back catalog to trawl through – with inside jokes that have lasted for years (like the fact that their subjects keep getting exhumed). Wilson and Frey meticulously research each episode, and their joint method of reporting these forgotten stories make each episode effortlessly enjoyable.

Recommended episodes: Operation Paperclip, L.L. Zamenhof and the Hope of Esperanto, 1918 Flu Pandemic, Revisited – Part 1, The Lost Cause, Public Universal Friend

My Year in Mensa

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.

Recommended episodes: Listen from beginning to end.

Dirty John

John Meehan seemed like the perfect guy – a single, attractive doctor who wanted to take Debra Newell out on a date. But Debra’s daughters were suspicious. What was John really after? Reported by Chris Goffard of the Los Angeles Times, “Dirty John” is one of the most mind-blowing podcasts out there. Just when you think the story is winding to an end, things get even weirder.

Recommended Episodes: Listen from beginning to end.

Looking for even more podcasts? Check out our list of the best podcasts about the internet and the most bingeworthy podcasts!

A recent AAA survey of electric vehicle owners found that nearly all (96%) would buy or lease another the next time they were in the market for a new car. And word has spread: Sales of EVs through the first five months of 2021 grew 150% compared to the same period last year. Even President Joe Biden voiced his support of the green technology by setting a national goal for EVs to make up half of all new vehicle sales by 2030.

Certainly, there could be no better seals of approval. Yet while buying electric cars has grown exponentially over the years, it still lags far behind that of traditional gas-powered cars. As of 2020, there were nearly 1.8 million EVs registered in the U.S., according to the Pew Research Center, three times as many as in 2016. That may seem like an impressive growth until you compare it to the 280 million cars in operation across the country. Indeed, EVs represented just 2% of the new cars purchased in the U.S. in 2020.

“Although 40 million Americans have shown interest in buying electric for their next car, actual adoption is happening at a much slower rate,” said Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of automotive engineering and industry relations.

The gap between interest in buying electric car and owning an electric car begs the question: What are the hurdles preventing the widespread adoption of EVs, and, more importantly, are they capable of being cleared?

Upfront Cost

There’s no getting around it: buying electric cars costs more, at least initially, than gas-powered cars. 

The high cost is largely a byproduct of the expensive process of manufacturing EV batteries. Fortunately, battery prices are dropping precipitously. Bloomberg found the average cost to be around $130/kWh as of late 2020, whereas they cost more than $1,000 just 10 years ago. The news outlet predicts batteries will drop to an average of $100/kWh by 2023. This number would represent an important milestone because at $100/kWh per battery, Bloomberg estimates that EVs can be manufactured and sold to a mass market at the same price as gas-powered cars.

The better news for potential EV owners is that the cost of the vehicles is already coming down. The average transaction price for all new vehicles in June 2021 was $42,282, according to Kelley Blue Book. The average transaction price for all electric vehicles was $49,766.

If consumers are able to overcome the initial higher costs, they should be able to make up that difference, if not surpass it, as EV ownership generally costs less than gas-powered cars. The money starts to come back in the form of tax credits. A federal tax credit of up to $7,500 per EV may be available depending on the model of EV as well as the owner’s tax liability. State governments also offer varying tax credits and other incentives that can further reduce the cost.

EV drivers will see additional savings over the lifetime of their ownership, as these vehicles cost less to both maintain and operate. (EVs don’t require oil changes or air-filter replacements, for example.) AAA research found, if maintained according to the automakers’ recommendations, annual EV maintenance costs $330 less than that of gas-powered cars. Then comes the all important factor of “fuel.” While electricity does cost money, it pales in comparison to the price of gasoline. As such, the power required to drive 15,000 miles per year in an EV costs an average of $546, according to AAA, less than half the price of the amount of gas required to travel the same distance.

All told, AAA found the total cost of an EV over five years and 75,000 miles of driving to be less than $600 more than owning a comparable gas-powered car.

Range Anxiety

A recent automotive survey conducted by Deloitte listed driving range to be the biggest concern amongst U.S. consumers regarding all-battery-powered electric vehicles.

This is one problem that, although valid, shouldn’t pose the level of concern that it does. While limited driving range used to be a major issue — not too long ago, it was difficult to find an EV that could travel more than 100 miles on a single charge — it’s becoming less so with each passing year. Today, there are numerous models that can travel 200 miles. Tesla cars, including the best-selling Model 3, feature batteries capable of more than 300 miles. The soon-to-be-released Lucid Air boasts a range of 500 miles.

Range anxiety is likely an effect of drivers simply overestimating how much power they really need. The previous year’s Deloitte survey found the majority of consumers expected EVs to travel more than 200 miles per full charge even though they traveled an average of 27 miles per day. “Range anxiety is generally only a concern to people who don’t drive electric,” said Anja van Niersen, CEO of European EV charging network Allego.

Be that as it may, driving range is still an issue for those who don’t have access to readily available EV chargers, which points to a much more significant barrier to widespread electric car adoption.

Lack of Infrastructure

The lack of public charging stations may just be the most significant hurdle to the widespread adoption of EVs in the U.S. The problem is most notable in two areas. First is with potential EV owners who don’t live in a single-family home, where most EV drivers charge their vehicles. Those who live in apartments don’t have this luxury and therefore have to charge their vehicle elsewhere. This can become a rather burdensome chore after time. Furthermore, apartment property owners are often hesitant at installing such infrastructure as it may be cost prohibitive.

Allowing the use of common outlets also poses problems. Because EV charging consumes more energy than most other residential uses, property managers would likely want residents to pay the electrical costs. This would require devising a way to monitor how much power is being used by each resident.

Regardless of living situations, public infrastructure is needed for all EV owners looking to make long-distance trips. There are more than 43,000 public EV charging stations in the United States, according to the Department of Energy. (If that seems like a large number, consider that there are nearly three times the number of gas stations.) But a 2019 study by the International Council on Clean Transportation found that this is just a fraction of the infrastructure needed. It estimated that 10,000 more charging stations will be required by 2025 to support EVs traveling between cities.

While EV infrastructure has a long way to go, local and federal governments appear committed to the trek. In 2019, two-thirds of U.S. mayors voiced their support of improving infrastructure even at the cost of additional parking space. More recently, a proposed trillion-dollar federal infrastructure bill is allocating $7.5 billion to fund the installation of 500,000 public charging stations across the country. If enacted into law, the legislation would be the federal government’s first-ever investment in EV chargers and, maybe, a sign of things to come.

Interested in purchasing an electric – or gas-powered – vehicle? Let AAA help get you in the perfect car for the right price with a low-interest auto loan.

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A medida que vamos retomando la idea de viajar, algo que probablemente todos buscamos son los espacios abiertos. Eso, por supuesto, significa los grandes espacios al aire libre. Y no hay mejor región para hacer turismo que el Noreste, donde los frondosos bosques cubren las onduladas colinas de cada estado y kilómetros y kilómetros de costa están cubiertos de pintorescas playas. He aquí algunos de los lugares más pintorescos del Noreste.

White Mountains

Las White Mountains (Montañas Blancas) cubren aproximadamente una cuarta parte del estado de New Hampshire. La región alberga el Parque Nacional White Mountain, así como varios parques estatales.

La cordillera contiene numerosas rutas de senderismo que pueden llevar a cascadas y vistas panorámicas o hasta la cima. Aunque se trata de algunas de las montañas más escarpadas del Noreste, la vista desde la cima merece el esfuerzo.

Si, por el contrario, le gusta quedarse con los pies en la tierra, conduzca por la autopista Kancamagus. Este tramo de carretera de 34 millas atraviesa las montañas y discurre junto a varios ríos.

Letchworth State Park

Cualquier lugar conocido como el “Gran Cañón del Este”, ciertamente tiene unos grandes zapatos que llenar. Pero Letchworth State Park, situado en el oeste de Nueva York, está a la altura.

En lugar del Colorado, es el río Genesee el que atraviesa el desfiladero, recorriendo tres grandes cascadas y alcanzando alturas de 600 pies. El parque cuenta con más de 60 millas de rutas de senderismo, lo que garantiza que podrá encontrar el mirador perfecto para presenciar las bucólicas vistas.

Heublein Tower

Heublein Tower se encuentra en la cima de Talcott Mountain en Simsbury, Connecticut. La estructura de 165 pies fue construida en 1914 y originalmente sirvió como casa de verano para una prominente familia local.

Hoy en día es conocido por ofrecer algunas de las mejores vistas del Estado de Nutmeg y más allá. Siendo una torre encaramada en la cima de la montaña de 1.000 pies de altura, los visitantes de Heublein Tower disfrutan de vistas panorámicas del valle del río Farmington, el estrecho de Long Island y los Berkshires. Incluso podrá vislumbrar el Monte Monadnock, a 80 millas de distancia, en New Hampshire.

Aquinnah Cliffs

Más allá de las casas de estilo pan de jengibre y de los centros de la ciudad con aspecto de postal, se encuentra una vista aún más hermosa en Martha’s Vineyard: Aquinnah Cliffs. La maravilla natural, tallada por los glaciares hace millones de años, se eleva desde la playa del extremo suroeste de la isla.

Los visitantes pueden caminar a lo largo de la playa para ver de cerca los acantilados de arcilla, que no se parecen a ningún tipo de formación que se pueda ver en una playa de Nueva Inglaterra. Los huéspedes también pueden tomar los senderos superiores para vislumbrar el Gay Head Light y las cercanas islas Elizabeth.

Berkshires

Berkshires, una región de montañas y bosques en el oeste de Massachusetts, es conocida desde hace tiempo como uno de los lugares más pintorescos del Noreste. Su mejor momento es cuando bajan las temperaturas, convirtiéndose en el principal destino del follaje otoñal. Su mejor opción para obtener vistas pintorescas es dar un paseo en auto por el Mohawk Trail. La carretera, ahora designada como ruta turística escénica, atraviesa las montañas Berkshire a lo largo de más de 60 millas.

Cadillac Mountain

Ninguna lista de los mejores lugares de interés turístico del Noreste está completa sin Cadillac Mountain, y por una buena razón. Durante varios meses del año, los visitantes que suben a la cima con suficiente antelación pueden ser los primeros en presenciar el amanecer en Estados Unidos.

Incluso si se pierde la luz de la mañana, un viaje a la cima de Cadillac Mountain es una expedición turística que merece la pena. Con sus 1.500 pies, es el pico más alto de la Costa Este. Los visitantes pueden disfrutar de una incomparable vista de 360 grados de la costa de Maine, junto con una exuberante vegetación y el vasto Océano Atlántico.

Lake Champlain

Puede que Vermont sea un estado sin salida al mar, pero una mirada al lago Champlain hará que se olvide del océano. Con casi 600 millas de costa y 71 islas, hay territorio más que suficiente para explorar y disfrutar de las vistas. Hay tres puentes que cruzan el lago y que conectan Vermont con Nueva York, creando la oportunidad perfecta para un viaje pintoresco.

La región circundante es igual de llamativa. Interminables árboles cubren las laderas y los cercanos Adirondacks se elevan al oeste. También hay kilómetros de senderos perfectos para una corta caminata. Los visitantes que llegan hasta el final son recompensados con vistas espectaculares hasta donde alcanza la vista.