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| Anyone looking to find a bit of rustic romance or a taste of history will find Galena, Illinois, the perfect fit. Located in the Northwestern corner of the Prairie State, Galena is a preserved treasure of the kind of old West where John Wayne drew his guns for a shootout. This quaint town of less than 5,000 is situated along the Galena river, nestled among lush valleys and hills, providing one of the most stunning natural scenes of the Midwest. Families in need of breaking the mundane routines of soccer practices and dinner in front of the TV or couples looking for a private and serene weekend away can take advantage of Galena’s scenery as well as its renowned architecture and history.
Historic Galena: Like the Wild, Wild West
Galena attracts over one million tourists a year to the historic lead-mine town founded by the Sac and Fox tribes. As the rural farming community developed industries over the centuries, it began boasting impressive architecture and history. With over 85% of the entire city of Galena listed in the National Register of Historic Places, don’t miss out on the Dowling House, Galena’s oldest home and original trading post, or the Galena History Museum, and experience the civil war and steamboat exhibits. If you are into the supernatural, the Annie Wiggins Ghost tour will send shivers down your spine as you explore cemeteries and hear ghastly tales of Galena’s past. If you are looking for a more relaxing Galena experience try the Galena Trolley Depot Theatre with some of the community’s most talented actors or a tour through BRIO Art Gallery featuring original work from local artists. For a bite to eat Galena offers a variety of cuisines ranging from American to Italian to International, all sure to water your taste buds.
Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or a trip down American history, Galena is sure to offer beautiful scenery and a friendly environment. Plan out the perfect family vacation or a romantic weekend getaway today—don’t forget to look for the best hotel rates and tour packages available.
07/03/2009 04:18 AM
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| MFT (marriage and family therapists) continuing education is an effective method for professionals to stay abreast of the latest advancements in their fields. As the field of therapy expands and progresses, it is becoming eminently clear that the family plays a profound role in a person's psychology. A person's childhood can affect their mental health as an adult to such a degree that therapy may be necessary to address the deep-seated issues.
However, MFT continuing education deals with a variety of subjects much wider than the dynamic between parent and child. Indeed, as the divorce rates continue to rise in the United States, it is not surprising that an ever increasing number of couples are seeking marriage counseling, and this has led to quick developments in the field. Thus, any therapist who specializes in marriage counseling should seek continuing education in this complex field of therapy in order to stay up-to-date on all the latest techniques.
MFT Continuing Education Online
For the busy professional, it can be difficult to find time to take continuing education classes. If the demands of a busy practice have prevented one from attending such classes before, one should be happy to realize there are now alternative educational avenues available. Online continuing education courses make it easy to fit classes into an already full schedule.
Online education can work in a variety of manners. Many websites offer audio tapes and other mediums of instruction, which can be sent to one's home or place of business to be finished at one's leisure. After the courses have been completed, the student takes an exam, submits it online, and then receives their certification for the particular course. If you are a professional whose licensing renewal requirements are looming in the near future, consider enrolling in an online MFT course. No matter what state requirements are necessary for your license renewal, chances are you can find the appropriate instruction online.
05/26/2009 04:35 PM
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| History does not tell us the origin of candles. It is thought they were originally developed and utilized by Ancient Egyptians in the form of torches, made by soaking molten tallow. This in part, is supported by the first record we have of any candles and clay candle holders found in Egypt dating back to the fourth century B.C. Early man did not use wicks.
Since that time candle making has come a long way beginning with the Romans, who are recognized for developing the wick candle. Like the Egyptians, Romans used tallow as their primary ingredient. The candles were made by the candle maker, whose job it was to flatten the tallow with his hands as it was poured over the pith of rushes hanging from a parallel rod. The Romans used candles for traveling at night, lighting their homes and for religious purposes.
Man Has Found Different Materials for Candle Making
Through the ages, man has found all sorts of materials to make candles. Insects and seeds were once used by the Chinese and Japanese for wax they would then mold into paper tubes. In India, the people would skim the wax from boiling cinnamon and then make tapered candles for the temple. Native Americans are known to have made the first candle in America by burning oily fish (candlefish) lodged into a two pronged stick. Later, missionaries traveling the Southwest United States boiled bark from the Cerio tree to make wax. New England colonists used this same method, but from Bayberries.
Beeswax was introduced in the middle ages as an ingredient for candle making. Compared to tallow, this was a vast improvement. The only drawback to these candles was the cost. Only the very wealthy could afford them.
It was also during the Middle Ages that candles became known for their use in religious ceremonies. Beeswax candles were especially popular among priests who used them for their rituals. Even with beeswax however, candle making still hadn't advanced very far. The candles were made similar to the Roman method, where it was poured over a wick material.
During this same time, candles began to grow in demand among Pagans as well. King Edward the IV loved candles so much he had a servant for this purpose only. The servant's responsibility was to make sure there was a supply of grease and fat for use in candle making.
Modern Candles Offer More Alternatives
During the 13th century chandlers started traveling door to door, making dipped tapers from beeswax or tallow supplied by the customer. This practice came closer to resembling modern day candles then anything before it. Hence, this period was really a new beginning for candle making.
The practice of using molds for candle making started in 15th century France. The first molds were empty open-ended tubes. Each one included a cap with a small hole in the center where candle makers could place a wick.
By the 19th century candle making had taken a definite turn, as paraffin wax forever replaced tallow. The first candle making machine was introduced by inventor Joseph Morgan, in 1834. Still, hand made candles, required in many religious ceremonies, remained popular among many groups.
With the introduction of the light bulb in 1879 the candle making industry began to see a downturn. Candles found a new surge in popularity at the turn of the century when it became the latest rage. This time, however, the public wanted candles for different reasons than before.
Of late, the 20th century has seen new developments in the candle making industry with items such as gel wax. Technology has also changed candle making, giving us better machines, new additives, and improved ingredients.
While candles no longer serve as our only source of artificial light, they are an art form we still enjoy today. Whether we are using them as a decorative item or to set the mood for a romantic evening, candles seem to enhance our environment. Rich in symbolism and full of historical significance, candles continue to grow in popularity and use--today a representation of celebration, spirituality and romance.
05/13/2009 01:23 PM
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| Beautiful art can be the focus of any room in the home, or it can be just the right accent to complete your interior design theme. Framed art is also ideal for decorating businesses. The ambience of your workplace is important for both the clients who come in to visit and for the employees who work there. Utilizing large prints that are full of light and soothing colors can not only enhance the openness and overall atmosphere, but also motivate and inspire.
Original artwork is not always accessible to everyone, as some pieces can be quite pricey. As an alternative, you can decorate as many rooms or offices you like with prints of the original art. Your choices for this are limitless, as countless works of great diversity are available to you. There are no rules when it comes to choosing art for the purpose of decoration. You simply select the prints that strike you and that you feel will add to the beauty of the environment you are trying to create.
Cover Your Walls is a company that focuses on providing you with fine quality prints that are both affordable and excellent representations of magnificent art. We use a texturing technique on some of the prints to give them an oil painting appearance. They are then framed with the utmost care and craftsmanship to create art that can vividly complete any environment. One of the things that sets us apart from our competitors is that our pool of choices is meant to provide numerous options to fit any style of interior design.
Art Prints and the Focus of Design
Fine quality prints of this magnitude are ideal for adding space and light to any room or simply celebrating what the wondrous gift of creativity can do. Art prints can contribute to the overall interior design, but the most interesting aspect is how this actually works. Various works can add dimension to a room. You can choose pieces with strong tones of color to create a mood. For example, blue can be soothing, and greens and yellows can inspire growth and rejuvenation.
05/13/2009 01:23 PM
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| Many of us at some point in our lives may decide to upgrade our cars. There are a number of reasons why we may choose to do so. Perhaps the car has a mechanical defect we must necessarily repair in order for our car to run. We might wish to enhance the look of our car in order to keep up with current automobile fashion trends. Or, perhaps, one might desire extra power or handling for drag racing down at the local track.
A Recurrence of Racing
Racing, both street and drag, is reemerging as a popular sport among young people. Popularized by several current movies and television shows, racing and car improvement trends are on the rise. In order to meet the growing demands for racing products, most major auto manufactures are retooling production lines to meet the needs of their customers.
Street racing, albeit illegal, is now a popular pastime for young adults. With so many options for speed and customization, its no wonder so many people engage in this late night quest for glory. Once uncommon products such as spoilers, body kits, and nitrous injection systems have become commonplace.
Drag racing, popularized in the seventies, as well as NASCAR racing, have both experienced a resurgence of attendance and participation. These legal outlets are also popular for young adults with customized cars. Drag tracks have sophisticated measurement equipment, allowing the driver to really get a feel for how the car is performing.
Form Versus Function
In the world of car upgrades we usually look at two basic fields of improvement. One side of this world tends to focus on function. Upgrades of this nature include products such as headers, exhaust systems, and performance clutches.
On the other side of the issue are body adaptations for your car. These types of upgrade include products such as fog and taillights. Other upgrades in this category include body kits and lowering springs.
Many upgrades are designed for specific cars. Popular upgrades for specific models include VW performance parts and Honda Prelude turbo kits. These cars are popular choices on the drag racing circuit, and as such demand specific upgrades.
A Little Bit for All
No matter what your choice of car enthusiasm, there are products and services designed to meet your needs and tastes. This growing trend will no doubt only be getting bigger in the future.
05/13/2009 01:23 PM
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| Souping up your Subaru with quality, racetrack ready parts is a great way to improve road performance. Whether you're looking for a new headlight assembly to highlight and streamline your car's facade or for an STI engine upgrade to give your car that extra kick, you can find parts to meet your needs. So what are some of the more potent Subaru racing parts?
Advanced brake pads, like the ones made by Carbotech, allow you to grip the road tightly, even when you're in the midst of endurance driving. Quality Subaru brake pads--such as Bobcat Carbotech pads--are also perfect for street use. Bobcat brakes contain a compound that maintains a steady coefficient of friction as long as you stay within a designated temperature range. You can take Bobcat pads up to 900° Fahrenheit without degradation in quality.
Quality Discount Subaru Parts to Make Your Vehicle Run Better
In terms of Subaru taillights, you might want to try out the IPCW and APC headlights. IPCW and APC manufacture a number of exciting bulb types, beam patterns, and reflectors. You can experiment with various configurations of front and rear lighting. If you live in a fog-prone area where you need powerful night vision for your Subaru, you can upgrade to Plasma Beam fog lights.
Another great touch to consider is high-quality Berber floor mats for your Subaru. These carpets feature all yarn construction, border trim, and rubber matted soles. You can find Berber floor carpets in a range of colors and styles, from black to beige to gray. Some even come with heeled pads near the accelerator pedal to accommodate for the wear and tear of heavy use.
Turbocharging Your Subaru Engine
Although Subarus come equipped with highly functional and durable parts, many owners have complained about their windshields. Indeed, one online poster claimed than he had to change his Subaru wiper blades five times within the first year of use. To supplement your winter weather protection, you might upgrade to more powerful and durable Subaru wiper blades.
In terms of engines, consider turbocharging your Subaru. Not only do turbo engines deliver more horsepower and faster acceleration, but they also assist with achieving better gas mileage. When you compare the turbocharged Subaru STI with its standard counterpart, for instance, the turbo beats the standard engine by two mpg for both city and highway driving.
Finishing Off with an Exterior Upgrade
After you've souped up your interior--including your brake pads, exhaust system, struts, CV joints, pumps, and radiator--you might want to look into aesthetic upgrades for your exterior. Subaru rims, such as the stylish components produced by ProDrive, wear well and add style to your vehicle. CD and radio player upgrades are also available, and you can equip your onboard radio with satellite capacity.
While you may need a mechanic's assistance to install many of these parts, you don't have to pay top dollar to accessorize your Subaru. Indeed, plenty of online merchants carry Subaru parts at a discount. Since they don't have to pay for retail advertising costs and maintenance, they can sell parts to you at or near wholesale prices.
05/13/2009 01:23 PM
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| Many people panic at car buying time. They believe that they know so little about how to get the best deal from a professional car salesperson that they don't stop to think about the basics of negotiating. Let's face it, buying a car is a huge investment, and every percentage point off the interest rate and every dollar off the price can mean a huge difference in the final cost of a car.
At the other end of the spectrum are those who believe they can control the automobile salesperson by being aggressive, by badgering, and by cajoling. Generally, sales people love to deal with these people who are more focused on the interaction than the results. Somewhere in the middle are those who took the time to find out how to negotiate with a car dealer so that they come out with a great car at the best price.
Know Before You Go
There is a little pun in the heading, but it is intended to reach those buyers who decide they want a particular car with a specific package of features, and possibly, in a specific color. While this approach works if you have $50,000 to spend, it can be a real problem when the dealer won't lower the price of the car to the buyer's expectations.
The best way to get the best deal is to do some research before negotiating. If a buyer is set on owning a specific car, she should check out what that car is selling for at several different dealers within about a 50-mile radius. In addition, she should check out the price of the car online. Car dealers in metropolitan locations are sometimes forced to get more per car in order to cover higher taxes, higher showroom costs, and more. If a buyer can find the car she wants 50 miles away for $3,000 less than she would pay locally, it is well worth the trip.
Be Ready to Walk
Buyers who are looking for a particular car can learn one easy lesson that can save them money. Besides knowing the average price of that car, the buyer should also be ready and willing to walk away from an unacceptable deal. That can be hard if the buyer wants to own a specific make and model used car because used cars are where many dealers make the most profit.
Dealers can set their own mark-up on used cars, so there is often plenty of room for negotiation. At the same time, if the dealer won't come down to what the buyer wants to pay, there is almost always another one of that exact car for sale somewhere. It doesn't make sense to pay an extra $4,000 or a higher interest rate to get a specific car if that amount is more than the buyer can afford. The buyer should be ready to walk away from the deal, seriously, no trying to bluff the salesperson. It's amazing how often the manager will be willing to meet the buyer's offer at that point.
End of the Month
Some buyers think that the advice about buying a car on the last day of the month is not serious. In fact, almost all car dealers and car salespersons are working to meet a monthly quota. A job can be on the line, and a salesperson is more likely to try to get the car sold in the last couple of days of every month than at any other time. Everyone in sales understands that concept; the beginning of a new month is usually the time to relax a little. The end of the month is crunch time.
The steps are simple. Do the research. Know how much you can afford. Do not be so focused on a specific car that you spend more than you intended to. One final point: when the salesperson discusses monthly payment amounts, ask about the interest rate. That is another area in which dealers make money off their sales. It's not a bad idea to ask for a lower interest rate as well.
05/13/2009 01:23 PM
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| Few things are as devastating and unexpected as car accidents. Even the most minor fender-benders can cause persistent medical problems, insurance rate hikes, and many other costly inconveniences. Severe auto accidents--those that result in critical injuries, death, and major loss of property--are tragedies for everyone involved.
There are more than six million reported auto accidents in the United States every year, resulting in roughly 50,000 annual deaths and nearly three million injuries. Most auto accidents are preventable, however. Statistics show that drivers involved in accidents are most often fatigued, distracted, or under the influence of alcohol.
To avoid potentially dangerous distractions on the road, it is recommended that cell-phone use be discontinued and stereo volume be kept at a moderate level. More and more automobile accidents are caused by drivers who are operating CD players, MP3 devices, and cellular phones. The best advice for drivers is to keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road.
Despite our best efforts to avoid accidents, we are always at the mercy of other drivers as soon as we pull out of the driveway. Statistically, every American will be involved in at least one automobile accident in his or her lifetime. Therefore, it is very important to take the proper steps to lessen the consequences of auto accidents, should they occur.
The Importance of Safety Belts
Safety belts should be worn at all times during the operation of a motor vehicle. It is estimated that traffic fatalities are reduced by nearly fifty percent due to the use of safety belts. Seat belts are particularly effective at preventing fatalities in accidents that involve rollovers. Likewise, children under the age of ten should always be properly secured in a car seat. Car seats prove most effective when they are fastened to the rear passenger seat, directly behind the driver.
Every year, advances are made in automobile safety. Most cars built by major automobile manufacturers are equipped with driver- and passenger-side air bags, which are particularly effective at preventing injuries caused by head-on collisions. Many cars also come with side-curtain air bags that deploy from door panels, protecting passengers from side impacts. New car buyers should spend time considering these safety features before buying a car.
Anti-lock brake systems (ABS) and computer intelligence systems do much to contribute to collision avoidance. In emergency braking situations, ABS allows drivers to maintain maximum steering and deceleration control by regulating wheel speed and brake fluid pressure. Many vehicle manufacturers additionally offer cars equipped with all-wheel drive--a further aid in vehicle stability, traction, and handling.
Beyond posing serious physical risks to passengers, an auto accident can take a huge financial toll and leave its victims without means of transportation. Therefore, it is important to consider buying a good auto insurance policy. Many insurance plans, beyond covering liability and collision-repair claims, provide for costs incurred by emergency roadside assistance, including towing and locksmith fees, and replacement rental vehicle charges.
05/13/2009 01:23 PM
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| Rockport Shoes have been around for quite a while. The company started in 1971 as a father and son team. Saul and Bruce Katz created the shoes and sold their very first pairs out of the back of their van. Rockport shoes were intended to combine the traditional shoe styling with the advanced technologies and materials of the day.
By 1985, the company had produced a specific walking shoe, the first biomechanically based shoe on the market. The company saw rapid expansion after the initial sixteen years. They began selling their products internationally in 1987 and by 1994, thirty countries had Rockport shoes pounding the pavement. One of the most innovative products that Rockport has designed is its boat shoe. It combines the technology used in the walking shoe with the performance standards of a boat shoe.
A Test 19,340 Feet High
Not long thereafter, Rockport introduced a new line of shoes. This line, made up of traditional footwear (boots, sandals, and Oxfords), was created to carry the walker through various types of terrain. Be it rugged mountains, city streets, sand, or a forest, this line was meant to perform in any condition. To prove their point, Rockport employees climbed Mt. Kilamanjaro in Rockport shoes in 1993.
1996 saw Rockport opening a few retail stores on the East Coast. They used the stores as a tool to test products and services that had not yet been mainstreamed. During the same year, their website was launched and gave web surfers a place to read about foot well-being while also learning about the company's products.
Rockport's New Millennium
In 2001, the company decided that due to their growth, they needed to move to a larger headquarters. The move placed them at Reebok International's world headquarters in Massachusetts. A change in location also meant new ideas. A new children's line of shoes was designed and introduced to consumers in 2002. The line contains traditional children's shoes to small-scale versions of adult Rockport shoes.
The company did not stop with children's shoes, however. Rockport introduced an upscale product line in 2003 that provided consumers with the choice of footbeds that best reflected how they wanted the interior environment of the shoe to feel. Not only were these choices available, but another difference in these products was their modern styling and leather options.
Technological advances produced yet another new shoe in 2004. Rockport began making shoes that could withstand wet conditions due to their waterproof sealants and leathers. The shoes were touted to be breathable, stylish, and comfortable even in the worst weather conditions. The most recent product to be introduced is a washable leather boat shoe that can be cleaned safely in soap and water.
Rockport shoes have kept their products up-to-date throughout their history as a company. Consistently, Rockports have been known for their comfort and support, but have more recently been recognized for their style. The father and son team that sold out of the back of a van could probably have never imagined that their shoes would become so well-known. Needless to say, the reputation of the company's products is what has driven their success.
05/13/2009 01:23 PM
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| Unless you are a movie star or politician, you may only have the opportunity to wear a tux a handful of times in your life. The first time you enjoy the excitement and feel of sleek formalwear may well be your high school prom. Every subsequent experience, however--whether it be a wedding or your first art gallery opening--should be equally exciting. After all, the tuxedo is not a static fashion statement; it is dynamic.
Tuxedo Options
Take, for example, the concept of the tuxedo sock. Most specialists agree that when it comes to tuxedo outfits, your socks--as banal as this may seem--can often be a focal point for your creativity and individuality. Whether you opt for traditional black, plaid, or a bright color that matches your cummerbund, few formalwear opportunities combine subtlety and personality so well.
The opportunity to express yourself with a tux, however, does not stop with your socks. All manner of tuxedo accessories can help you to reveal your individualism, while still looking great. Cuff links, studs, lapels, bow ties--these items represent the proverbial icing on the cake. As long as the components of your formalwear fit together, there is no limit to the ways in which a tuxedo can tell those around you who you are.
The actual style of the tuxedo itself also presents a wide array of choices. Do you want a traditional or a more contemporary look? Do you want to wade through the crowd with the striking elegance of black tailcoat, white vest and white bow tie? Perhaps you would prefer a more modern tuxedo, featuring the very latest formalwear fashions. The choice is yours; when it comes to style, the choice is strictly a personal one.
A Few Tips on Tuxedo Shopping
Of course, it always helps to bring your friends along on a shopping excursion, particularly if you do not trust your own sartorial judgment. And if the event in question is your wedding day, it would be a good idea to include the future bride in the deliberations on your tuxedo. Your special day may not be the best time for the two of you to clash.
Those deliberations also need to begin fairly early on. In the case of a wedding, it is not premature to begin the process several months in advance. Discounts are sometimes available if you can get several men in your party to buy or rent their tuxedos from the same vendor. Often this means a free tuxedo rental for the groom. In the case of a high school prom, advance planning is also prudent. The prom season is pandemonium for tux vendors, and a wise junior or senior will avoid at all costs having to compensate for a shabby or piecemeal tuxedo with an apologetic offering of roses. The general rule for pick-up is true for proms; try to arrange to pick up your tux about two days in advance to make sure nothing goes wrong.
If you keep all these things in mind, you'll be one step closer to a gratifying tuxedo experience. Far from being stodgy or uniform, formalwear can actually be dynamic and enjoyable to wear. And who knows? Before long, you may well be arranging events just to have an excuse to put on a tuxedo one more time.
05/13/2009 01:23 PM
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