Off the Cuff

The 2012 version of the AAA PetBook has hit AAA office shelves. Each year, AAA and Best Western hold a top dog competition awarding one lucky pup with a special feature in each year's edition.

Perhaps it’s the small windfall after tax season, or even that post-holiday stack of gift cards—whatever your reason in looking for new gidgets and gadgets may be, we’ve got the best time to buy in 2012.

I was watching PBS the other day… (It helps balance out some of my not so clever viewing choices, like the soapish ABC hit, “Revenge’.)…and learned that in the early ‘70s, Stephen Hawking had come up with a “simple” calculation to support his theory on black holes…

Try these traditional Alaskan recipes.

If you've ever wanted to go on an African Safari--but without the trip to Africa--Disney has made it easy for you. The Wild Africa Trek is a relatively new experience at Animal Kingdom, where you can walk through the Pangani Forest and onto the African savanna to see Disney's exotic animals up close and personal. Accompanying you on your trek are two Disney cast members: the first is your guide, to point out, teach and explain the many sights and behaviors you'll encounter with the animals. The second is your photographer, to document your journey across the park.

A long, long time ago...well, actually it was in late May in Florida when, after an 8 month hiatus, Star Tours reopened at Disney's Hollywood Studios. But it wasn't just a reopening, it was a reimagineering. Now billed as Star Tours: The Adventure Continues, the voyage to distant worlds features all new footage, stunning 3D graphics and a new (yet familar) pilot in the Star Speeder 3000. And with 54 possible ride scenarios, every trip could be new and different.

John T. writes...

We have arrived at The Springs Resort and Spa in Costa Rica. What an amazing hotel. The rooms are full of hardwood, from floors to cabinets and ceilings. Hammocks are waiting outside with a view of the Arenal volcano, one of the ten most active in the world!

I learned my lesson the hard way. My family and I were going on a 10-day Mediterranean cruise. Breaking every rule in the book, we packed like carnivores at an all meat buffet. Our oversized bags included stuff for every possible scenario—every on except the airlines losing all of our checked luggage. Yep, 10 days, no luggage.

Florida is the only state that does not have a child passenger safety law to protect children three and older—despite the fact that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children this age.

Bacon lovers unite. I've just learned that Denny’s has created 7 “Baconalia” dishes to choose from...even a Maple Bacon Sundae. That smell will hit you the minute you hit their door. My family and I have always been big Denny's fans. Imagine my surprise when I learned that you can get a 10% discount (off the entire meal, plus beverages!) just by showing your AAA card.

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”

                                    ~ Robert Frost

 Roads are driven on, paved, destroyed, and created everyday. We all have the choice to pave our own path like Mr. Frost and take the road less traveled by or, we can not try and take the easy way out.

There's a popular gift that high school and college graduates receive in mass every year. It's the children's classic Oh, the Places You'll Go! by none other than Dr. Seuss.

Congratulations! Today is your day. You're off to Great Places! You're off and away!

They drove by me one after the other, their eyes glazed over and minds oblivious to what was around them. They hadn’t noticed me yet and then… then… sorry, my husband just sent me a text message and well, I forgot what I was doing… I mean what I was saying.

The answer, according to our recent and completely unscientific poll of co-workers, is that women love it, men tolerate it. Surprised? Probably not.

As the midwest and New Yorker's were buried under ice and snow, over in Punxsutawney, PA, thousands waited with bated breath to see if our weather predicting groundhog would forecast an end to the winter. Great news! He did...and so meterorologists around the world took note to revise their own predictions for spring. Okay, maybe not. It's all in good fun, but this year, I think many were secretly hoping that there is truth to our furry friend's prediction.

The Ken® doll, boyfriend of Mattel’s curvy Barbie®, is turning 50. Ken was first introduced by Mattel in 1961. Even then, he was the official designated boyfriend of Barbie, the “Teen-Age Fashion Model”.  Ken Carson (yep, he does have a last name) was named after the son of Mattel’s co-founders, Ruth & Elliot Handler, who was named Kenneth. Check out Ken’s timeline, trivia and more.

While a few may still believe Elvis Presley is a alive and well, and working as an undercover DEA agent, most of us feel that he died on that fateful day on August 16, 1977. What is agreed is that we lost one of the world’s most influential entertainers in the history of rock-n-roll. Elvis was born on January 8, 1935 to Vernon and Gladys Presley in a modest two-room house in Tupelo, Mississippi. Check out some videos and photos that mark the history of this remarkable legend. 

Over the holidays, my family agreed that one of our goals for 2010 was to get our finances in shape. But taking that a bit further, we talked about what our families would do if something happened to us. Would they have any idea have to unravel our complicated lives? My mom, always the smart one, created a “red” file folder that had everything in it, from wills to insurance, bank accounts, car registrations, you name it. Here's some handy information (and a printable PDF) detailing everything you should compile…just in case.

Tis The Season...To Go Bowling!

Traveling to see you favorite team?  Does your bowl game have you headed to a city you haven't visited before?  See how AAA can help make this a bowl to remember!

Kick off the holidays with AAA's $3,000 Match & Win Sweepstakes.  It's easy, just match some of the cool shopping sites that have partnered to reward AAA members just for shopping online. Increase your chances to win and enter daily! After you've entered, start earning rewards. AAA's new Dollars program is just in time for all the great holiday deals. Earn AAA Dollars just by shopping via AAA.com's Shopping Mall at your favorite stores.

Guest Blogger: Glen Abbott, an avid biker and writer.

“Old School” is a phrase thrown around a lot in biker circles these days. Often you’ll hear it used to describe a modern-day chopper or bobber with old-time styling. Andy Anderson has been riding Harley-Davidsons for 49 years. He’s been “Old School” since “Old School” was new and has little patience for the “new school” of “Old School” bikes and bikers.



With the year winding to a close, the sounds of bells chiming signals the inevitable—the holidays are upon us. Bring on the good times with friends and family, delicious holiday treats that compromise our waistline, and all the holiday cheer you can consume.

This year, before you start making a list and checking it twice, take time to remember those in your own community who face this holiday season without the means to celebrate.

I’d like to pitch some tomatoes but I think that my target might be the organizers of a tomato-throwing fundraiser held in Reno last month. Yes, it raised $20,000 for the American Cancer Society. But to do so wasted 150,000 pounds of edible food - about 60 pounds for each participant in the event. Yes, I know it’s modeled after the big tomato fight in Spain. That doesn’t make it any less insensitive.

It’s that dreaded time in every parents life. The time that you must watch your teenager get in the driver’s seat…and drive away. Luckily for you (and your teen!), AAA is excited to share a new site for everything you need to know about teen driver safety. The site www.TeenDriving.AAA.com brings you the know-how and all else to prepare you for the road ahead.

Stretching almost 590,000 square miles and encompassing 1/5 of the size of the continental U.S., Alaska’s scope ranges from great to greater.

After my remarkable week cruising Alaska’s Prince William Sound, I wanted to see more of what this destination had to offer. I knew that simply traveling by sea couldn’t do the state justice, so I embarked on a land tour.

I recently read an article by Erica Silverstein offering her Top 10 reasons to cruise. I’ve included her Top 10 below and added my own two cents!

I have always loved going to the Norfolk Military Tattoo for the U. S. Military bands, the great singing, and the entertainment from different parts of the world. When I was told the 2010 AAA Chairman’s Cruise was going to stop in Edinburgh for their Tattoo, I was thrilled. This years Tattoo celebrated its 60^th anniversary with a production featuring amazing performances from a number of many countries. The pipes and drums, along with military bands served as a great sample of Scottish military musical history.

I used to think there were not enough foods offered on a stick. After reading this story in the Chicago Tribune today, I’m revisiting that position. The practical issues with getting Irish Stew to actually stay on a stick seem quite daunting.

However, I am intrigued by deep-fried stuffing on a stick after reading that the Lt. Governor of Maryland once made it for Thanksgiving. It’s a Paula Deen specialty, apparently.

Labor Day weekend (Sept 4-6) marks the unofficial end of summer and, for many Americans, the last chance for a family vacation before cooler weather arrives. A wide array of choices in family-friendly hotels makes it easy to find suitable accommodations. AAA polled its professional inspectors to name their favorite places for family getaways. Discover the top 10 picks below and, for even more great ideas, here’s a complete list of their favorites.