• Q&A Disney's tunesmith
• NEWSFLASH: Our home insurance rates have dropped in California
• CHECKLIST: How to buy a car
• MYTH BUSTER: Warming up your engine
• NEWSFLASH: Now is the time to save on Alaska cruises
• MILESTONES: The history of insurance
• NEWSFLASH: We're searching for the picture-perfect pet

Q&A
Disney's tunesmith

By Nino Padova

When Walt Disney needed a sound track for his new ride at the 1964 New York World's Fair, he called on the Sherman brothers. Richard and Robert Sherman—whose songs set audiences humming in Disney classics such as Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, and The Parent Trap—came up with "It's a Small World (After All)." Walt was so happy, he paid it his highest compliment: "That'll work." It became one of the most translated and performed songs ever. We recently talked with younger brother Richard.

Q What's the secret to writing a pop song?
A Three things: Make it simple, singable, and sincere. Do that and stay original and you can make it in this business.

Q What was it like working with Walt?
A The man was such a creative genius. He had a way of visualizing a story in his head that I've never seen before.

Q Have you taken a ride on It's a Small World?
A Are you kidding? Till this day, it's our very first stop every time we bring the family to the park.

Q Is it still a small world?
A Oh, smaller than ever. Which is why the song's message is still so relevant. "There's so much that we share / That it's time we're aware." You know? So let's not blow each other up.

The newly face-lifted It's a Small World reopens in November. To save on Disney vacations, call (888) 586-4222 or visit AAA.com/travel.

NEWSFLASH
Our home insurance rates have dropped in California

We've recently lowered our rates on homeowners insurance by an average of 11 percent for most policy-holders. We also offer exclusive benefits including up to $3,000 in flood emergency assistance and mold coverage up to $10,000. To learn more, call (800) 922-8228 or visit AAA.com/insurance.

CHECKLIST
How to say good buy

By Adam Ashton

Record-high gas prices have car shoppers asking an extra question: What can I afford to fuel? First, check the EPA mileage ratings; then follow up with these tips to settle on a car that's kind to you. For more details, visit AAA.com/auto and click on "Buying a Car."

▪ Know what you want It's easy to fall for a seductive set of wheels. Make sure the vehicle you choose fits your lifestyle. Long commute? Think hybrid. Got kids? Test a station wagon.

▪ Hit the books At AAA.com/auto, you can compare vehicle safety ratings, get Kelley Blue Book pricing, and find a list of AAA-approved auto dealerships in your area.

▪ Drive it Don't baby the model you want during a test drive; treat it as if you owned it. Better yet, rent one for a weekend.

▪ Reject lemons Use Carfax through AAA.com/auto—where you'll save 20 percent of the fee—to track a used car's history.

▪ Not interested in haggling? Look into our Vehicle Purchasing Service at AAA.com/auto, which pairs buyers with dealers who offer prenegotiated prices.

Now that you're breathing that new-car smell, check out our new low auto insurance rates at AAA.com/insurance.

MYTH BUSTER

Myth On cold days, you should let your engine warm up before driving.

Reality Cars built during the last 20 years are designed to be driven immediately after starting. So save your gas—and your time.

To learn how you can find the least expensive gas wherever you are, visit AAA.com/gasprices.

NEWSFLASH
Now is the time to save on Alaska cruises

Enjoy a free show while you learn about the fun of cruising our 49th state at the live presentation On Stage Alaska. Hosted by AAA Travel and Holland America Line, this one-hour program highlights Alaskan culture and beauty. Book a cruise while at the show and you'll receive up to $300 in shipboard credits. For dates and locations, contact your local AAA Travel Agency or visit AAA.com/travel.

MILESTONES
Rest insured

By Richard O'Brien

Since ancient times, a little insurance has been a wise policy. The philosopher William James wrote, "It is only by risking . . . that we live at all." Right. And would you want to ride in a car with him driving? If you did, wouldn't you want to make sure your assets were covered?

1750 B.C.
Babylonian code talks of bottomry, whereby one sending goods on a ship—the "bottom"—could borrow money, with loan forgiven if ship is lost.

700 B.C.
On the island of Rhodes, shippers are reimbursed if any of their cargo is jettisoned at sea. Rhodes scullers not covered.

1668
After the Great Fire of London, English economist Nicholas Barbon founds the first fire insurance company.

1850
Franklin Health Assurance Co. of Massachusetts offers coverage against railroad and steamboat accidents.

1898
UDr. Truman J. Martin of Buffalo, N.Y., buys the first auto liability policy in the United States, paying $11.25 to cover his 3-horsepower Oldsmobile. Friends urge him to shop for a better rate.

1920s
Cross-eyed silent film comedy star Ben Turpin takes out a $20,000 policy in case his eyes go straight. Visionary move is first in long line of policies covering celebrity body parts, including Betty Grable's legs, Jimmy Durante's nose, and Gene Simmons's tongue.

To learn how you can save on auto, home, and life insurance through AAA, call (800) 922-8228 or visit AAA.com/insurance.

NEWSFLASH
We're searching for the picture-perfect pet

AAA is on the lookout for a new kitty or pooch to grace the next edition of Traveling with Your Pet: The AAA PetBook. The winner receives a $350 Visa gift card and five copies of the book. Entries must be received by November 30. No purchase necessary. For details and to enter, visit AAA.com/petbook. The AAA PetBook is available at AAA branch offices, select bookstores, and online at AAA.com/barnesandnoble.