 The original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World were the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, the Colossus of Rhodes, and the Lighthouse of Alexandria.
Of those seven, only the Great Pyramid is still standing, so it is only fitting that on 7/7/07, a new line up of the “Seven Wonders of the World” was determined via global online voting. Over 100 million people voted on marvels as old as 5th century B.C. and as new as 1931 to declare the following winners.
Christ the Redeemer Statue
Situated in Rio de Janeiro on Corcovado Mountain, Christ the Redeemer is an Art Deco-style statue designed by Heitor da Silva Costa. Finished in 1931, this 130-foot concrete and soapstone icon is a widely recognized marvel in Brazil. The statue cost about $250,000 to build, an impressive amount of money for that era that was collected largely through donations.
Great Wall of China
Dating back to the 5th century B.C. and not fully completed until the 1500s, the Great Wall of China is the longest man-made formation in the world. Initially built as a fortification to shield the Chinese Empire from Mongolian invaders, the Wall is actually a chain of numerous walls that span roughly 4,000 miles.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is a marvelous granite city balanced between two Andean peaks in Peru that dates back to the mid-15th century of the Incan Empire. The fortress is thought to have functioned as an archaeological center for Cusco, the old Incan capital. Abandoned and undiscovered until 1911, Machu Picchu can still only be accessed on foot, by train, or via helicopter.
Petra, Jordan
The city of Petra is one of the most ancient of the new “7 Wonders of the World.” Dating back to 9 B.C. under King Aretas IV, Petra functioned as the capital of the Nabataean Empire, most likely until 40 A.D. The city is home to a variety of stone-carved structures impressive enough on their own, including a monastery and an amphitheater. With complex water chambers and tunnels, the remains of the city show how advanced this civilization was. In 1985, Petra was acknowledged as a world heritage site.
Chichen Itza
From all the Mayan treasures of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, the city of Chichen Itza is one of the most impressive. During its heyday between 800 and 1200, Chichen Itza served as the economic and political epicenter of the Mayan people. The most familiar ruin of this ancient trading center is El Caracol, which functioned as an astronomical observatory.
The Roman Colosseum
Perhaps one of the most recognizable ancient structures, the Roman Colosseum still impacts the construction of today’s amphitheaters. Dating back to 70 A.D., this elliptical icon held almost 50,000 spectators at one time. While its most famous use was for gladiatorial events, it was also used for animal hunts, battle reenactments, and executions. Earthquakes and robbers have left their toll on the Colosseum over the years, but tourists can still explore certain parts of the structure.
Taj Majal
The Taj Majal in Agra, India, is one of the most impressive representations of Muslim art. Constructed between 1632 and 1648 in white marble, this mausoleum combines Islamic, Indian, Persian, and Turkish architectural styles. The striking grounds include a reflecting pool surrounded by sunken flower beds and raised pathways.
Ever been to one of these landmarks? Let Nalley Acura know!
 The commercial drive to spend, spend, spend is all the more reason to really think about your mother in a personal way on her special day. Yes, flowers are always appreciated and thoughtful — even more so if you have arranged them or created a special container for their display. For any gift you buy, add personal touches that send a clear, caring message that you recognize your mother’s individuality. The following ideas from Nalley Acura are merely seeds that you can embellish to create your own unique gift or celebration.
Mother’s Day Meal
Whether you dine out or create a chef’s special brunch at home, your mother will love the attention and time you spend with her. If you go out, bring a little gift to place by her table setting. If she is fond of travel in France, for example, take her to a French restaurant or create a French masterpiece at home – cheese soufflé or bouef bourguignon? Don’t forget flowers for the table, French champagne, and chocolate éclairs for dessert! In other words, theme your celebration to match her interests. And if you’re not able to be with her, call her best friend and arrange for them to have lunch at their favorite restaurant.
Personalize a Purchased Gift
What interests your mother? If it’s family, create a family tree or a multi-photo frame with pictures of all of her grandchildren or nieces or any combination of family members. Make a card to go with your gift and include photos of different outings you have enjoyed. Comment under each — “Remember Jake’s baptism at the beach?” or “You looked so beautiful at Sarah’s wedding.” This is the type of gift that will give pleasure day after day. The same idea holds true for any interest, whether it’s golf, tennis, gardening, or church – you can always lift a purchased gift to personal level.
Special Interest Wreath
You will really hit the jackpot with this gift! Go to a craft store and find a straw or twig wreath for year-round display. Pick an elegant ribbon in her favorite color. Add ornate buttons, either elegant in design or brightly colored. Browse for items that reflect her life – a miniature clay pot, copper tea kettle, cookie cutter, or tiny tennis racket for example. How about a small car that replicates her favorite? You will be as pleased as your mother when you see the results of your labor pulled together in a decorative wreath.
Children’s Projects
Your children will shine when it comes to creating gifts for mother and grandmother. Glue a photo or imprint a handprint on a clay flower pot. Finish with a spray-on glaze to protect their handiwork.
Kits are favorites, too. One unique one is an octagonal stone covered with a mosaic of cut tiles and glass – yes, this one requires your guidance. You mix the cement-like base, and your child lightly presses colorful pieces on top. When it dries, the stone makes a beautiful decoration for the garden or porch. Both mother and child will enjoy a perfect blend of pride, love, and generosity.
A Recording or Movie
Plan ahead a bit and “script” your piece to include highlights with your mother. If making a movie, take your children to the park “just like you always did, Mom!” Fill your film or recording to underscore how mom’s activities and traditions are being passed along each and every day. The happiest mothers look back most fondly on all of those special moments – at the PTA performance, the dance recital, the walks on the beach, or cub/girl scouts. Those are all of the threads that created the fabric of her family. Show her that the same is true for your family and will be so for your children’s families.
 Details about the upcoming 2013 RDX model
If you’ve been reading the Nalley Acura newsletter, you know that the Detroit Auto Show gave us our first real look at three new Acura vehicles, including the 2013 Acura RDX. While an RDX came out just last year, don’t expect the familiar with the new 2013 model. For one thing, the 2013 Acura RDX is ditching its turbo four-cylinder in favor of a new 3.5-liter 273-horsepower V6 engine, generating 33 more horsepower than before.
Despite the powerful engine, Acura’s commitment to the environment is still present, and the 2013 RDX impresses with best-in-class fuel economy. Acura says the front-drive 2013 RDX will have an estimated 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway, a notable leap from the 2012 RDX’s 19/24 mpg.
Available features on the 2013 RDX will include a multi-view rear camera, power tailgate, and voice recognition controls, in addition to standard luxury options. Audio fans will also have options to choose from. The all-new Acura RDX will feature an available Acura/ELS Surround® Premium 10-speaker Sound System with HDD media storage. When you want to hear your favorite driving songs in stunning clarity, this sound system is a must.
Where to learn more about the Acura RDX
The 2013 Acura RDX isn’t available yet, but you can now “Get on the List” to be one of the first to own the new model. Head to the Acura homepage to find the link to sign up. Just enter your name and contact information, and you’ll receive exclusive details about the new RDX before they’re released to the public. Plus, an authorized Acura retailer will contact you to provide more information closer to the on-sale date. They’ll even help you set up a reservation to see the new model!
Signing up is not a commitment to purchase an RDX, and you can step out of the process at any time. If you’re ready to learn more about the 2013 RDX, then make sure that you “Get on the List.” For information on the RDX and other upcoming models as it is released, make sure that you also look out for upcoming editions of the Nalley Acura monthly newsletter.
We take our work seriously at Nalley Acura. Your car is one of the most important investments you’ll make, and we hold our responsibility in that process with the highest regard. That’s why we are so proud and honored to have once again received Dealership of Distinction status, the most prestigious and coveted honor that Acura can grant to its dealerships. This status recognizes those dealership teams that demonstrate “superior achievement in customer satisfaction, sales and service training, customer follow-up, and business management.” Acura dealerships are given the year to achieve the rigorous set of objectives and prove they are worthy of Acura’s most prestigious award. All criteria are established to enhance the client experience, and most measures are based on actual client feedback and survey scores. To achieve success in the program, a total commitment to excellence by the entire dealership team is required. More than 267 Acura dealerships participated in the 2010 Precision Team program and only 103 earned the 2010 Dealership of Distinction status. This is the ninth time overall and fifth consecutive year we have received this recognition.
Learn more about this honor here, and come see what makes Nalley Acura such an outstanding dealership by visiting us in person.
 Got a question for our service specialists here at Nalley Acura? Leave us a comment, Facebook us, send us an e-mail or let us know at the dealership, and we’ll answer them here each month. This month’s topic is the stuff of urban legend.
Q: Can I really burst into flames if I talk on my cell phone while I pump gas?
A: We’ve all seen the little plaques at the gas station warning us to turn off our cell phones. Or, at the very least, we’ve received a foreboding e-mail forwarded from one of our dear friends warning us that cell phones and gas pumps don’t mix. The e-mail might have even had a warning from Shell Oil or a news story about some poor motorist who met an untimely end when his cell phone caused a flash fire. We’ve all been trained to turn off our cell phones before we start refueling. But is there any reason we should? Not really.
There’s just no evidence that a cell phone has ever caused a fire at a gas station– and it’s not for lack of trying. Those industrious Mythbusters from the Discovery Channel have tried and tried to no avail. They even damaged the battery hoping it might be the cause. But no matter what they did, they just couldn’t get a fire to light.
In fact, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) even issued this consumer advisory: “Scientific testing… has not established a dangerous link between wireless phones and fuel vapors.”
There is a tiny, remote, soupçon of a possibility that something could go wrong. It it’s better to be safe than make the evenings news. But cell phones are really the least of your worries at the pump. Static electricity, now that’s a different story.
 One of the most eye-catching things in your home can be a tropical fish tank. So many bright, vibrant, beautiful colors…it’s like Disney’s “Finding Nemo” come to life in your living room. However, tropical fish are not the easiest to care for – especially those that must live in a salt water tank. Here are a few tips from Nalley Acura before purchasing tropical fish as pets.
Saltwater aquariums are a lot more work and more expensive to up keep than freshwater tanks, so you’ll need to think long and hard about whether or not you want to put in the time and the effort it’s going to take to maintain this fish tank. The equipment for a saltwater tank is large and expensive. You’ll also need water testing equipment, adjustment chemicals, protein skimmers, hydrometers, salt and a special saltwater test kit.
Next you’ll have to consider what you plan to have in your fish tank. Will you have just tropical fish or fish with live rocks and reefs? Keep in mind that tanks that contain reefs are the hardest to maintain.
While tropical fish are very beautiful, they are hard to care for. Many tropical fish are actually caught out in the wild and carry diseases and parasites. Before you bring a new fish into your aquarium, you’ll have to isolate the new fish for a bit. Tropical fish are also more sensitive to pH shifts.
Also keep in mind that tropical fish are very expensive. Consider whether or not you want to pay that fee every time one of your fish dies.
If a saltwater aquarium with tropical fish is too much for you to take care of but you still would like a tropical fish for a pet, you could purchase a Betta fish, also known as a Siamese fighting fish. These aggressive fish come in a number of beautiful colors and need to be kept in their own separate tanks. The males are the ones with the most vibrant colors.
The Betta fish requires a tank that can hold three or four gallons of water and that has a lid. They have been known to jump out of their tanks. You may also need to purchase a heater for your tank, as Betta fish are used to swimming in waters at the temperatures of 70-80 degrees. If you don’t want to clean the tank all the time, you might want to purchase a filter.
 After the chill of winter, nature begins her march toward a colorful spring. Bright green new growth carpets landscapes, and bulbs and plants deliver a riot of color, awakening flower beds and along walkways. Now is the time to welcome the season with dazzling spring flower arrangements. Bulb flowers that deliver vibrant color include tulips, crocus, daffodils, and hyacinths. Place a large bouquet of multi-colored tulips in front of a mirror, and you’ll double the accent to cheer your room. Here are some suggestions from us at Nalley Acura.
Gifts
A gorgeous bouquet for gift-giving or your own pleasure mixes a variety of flowers and colors -blue iris, snapdragons, fragrant Stargazer lilies, and whimsical white daisies. For pure simplicity, though, a few white lilies with mixed greens fills the air with a delightful scent, and the buds open at different times to extend your enjoyment of the bouquet.
For Joy and Cheering Up
Welcome home the spring baby and new mother with baby’s breath (what else?!) and fresh budding red, white, and pink roses. Or deliver a vivid yellow rose bouquet to cheer a friend or loved one. For a different experience, gather a few tulip and hyacinth bulbs in a basket to enjoy their opening over time, each day delivering a new burst of color.
Field Flowers
For a natural “country field” feeling, arrange a medley of spring flowers, mixing roses and button spray chrysanthemums, carnations, and asters. For a soft, subdued look, choose a rich blend of purple, pink and mauve gerbera daisies, snapdragons and mini carnations. Gerberas also stand alone quite well with touches of fern or eucalyptus tips.
Don’t Forget the Fillers
Various grasses, ferns, and sprigs from everyday shrubs fill in a cheerful spring bouquet. Arrange with button pompons, roses, pink freesia and carnations and allow the grasses to spill over the side of your vase. Another spring favorite to dress the breakfast table or bedside is a pretty basket filled with white daisies and purple carnations.
Finally, set a sophisticated mood with deep purple lisianthus, white roses, purple and white lilies, lavender freesia and natural greens. Arranged in a simple glass vase, the remarkable contrasts of purple and white make a stunning display.
A Chinese Proverb offers excellent advice: “When you have only two pennies left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one, and a lily with the other.”
 The squat is widely considered the king of all exercises and for good reason. Using just your body weight, you can strengthen over a half dozen muscles with one exercise. A properly executed squat will work your quads, glutes, calves, hamstrings, hip flexors and lower back. Not too bad for something you can do anywhere, anytime. But before you start squatting, make sure you’re doing them right with these tips from Nalley Acura.
The Perfect Squat
The perfect squat is all about body position and balance. Start slowly, and if you know a trainer or exercise pro, ask them to supervise and share some tips.
- Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart, but make sure it’s a comfortable stance.
- Keep your feet in as much of a neutral position as possible. Angling your feet out or in can increase the stress on your knees.
- Slowly lower your body into a sitting position. Keep your head facing forward, eyes up. Staring at a point on the opposite wall can help.
- Your back should remain straight at all times. This is crucial to your form. Imagine your back has a metal rod in it. Resist the urge to slump forward.
- As you go down, your butt will stick out– that’s supposed to happen. Keep your weight back on your heels. Go slowly.
- Do not squat past 90 degrees. Imagine there’s a chair under your bottom – when you’ve gone down far enough to “sit,” it’s time to slowly rise back up.
Squat Tips
The squat is a deceptively tiring and dangerous exercise. It’s important to maintain good form throughout each repetition so you don’t hurt your back or knees.
- Do not let your knees extend over your toes as you squat. This will put too much strain on your knees.
- Use a chair to help you get a feel for the right squat depth.
- Contract your abs as you squat. This will give them a little workout and help to keep your torso straight and upright.
- Do not pause at the decline. Keep the movement slow and smooth.
- Keep your weight back on your heels. You may feel like you’re going to topple over backwards, but once you become more comfortable with the movement, you’ll gain confidence in the stance.
- Work squat repetitions into your routine two to three times a week. Start with two to three sets of eight to 16 reps, and increase reps as you get more advanced.
Advanced Squats
Once you’re comfortable with the squat and have mastered the body weight version, you can incorporate hand weights. You can hold the dumbbells at your side or up by your shoulders while performing a squat. Start with light weights. For more advanced squats, see a trainer and have them help you with the rack. The rack will allow you to do a squat with a weighted barbell across your shoulders for added resistance. As with any exercise, start with light weights and use a spotter as needed.
 Impressive savings for recent graduates
At Nalley Acura, we think that graduates should be rewarded for their work. The Acura Graduate Program is a special program from Acura Financial Services that makes the car-buying process easier for graduates entering the workforce.
How does it work?
Through the Acura Graduate Program, recent graduates are eligible for exclusive and flexible financing, leasing, and purchase-plan packages on new or Certified Used Acura Vehicles. Graduates can also opt for traditional financing plan with a deferred first-payment of 90 days—that’s 60 days with no interest.
How can you take advantage of it?
The Acura Graduate Program is open to those who have graduated with a master’s, bachelor’s, or associate’s degree in the past two years or are set to graduate in the next four months, and who also have verifiable proof of employment or a commitment from an employer with a start date within 4 months. The graduate must also have no adverse credit history. A 5% minimum down payment is required.
If you’ve recently graduated, congratulations on all of your hard work. Now is the time to take advantage of the Acura Graduate Program from Nalley Acura. Come in today to test drive a new or Certified Used vehicle and find the Acura that’s right for you.
 We at Nalley Acura of Marietta were excited to watch last month as Acura revealed three new models at the 2012 Detroit International Auto Show: the RDX prototype, the NSX concept, and the ILX concept. Each model offers innovative advancements and has its own unique appeal. Here’s a closer look at the exciting ILX Concept to help you determine if this new model is right for you.
The 2013 Acura ILX is an all-new compact sports sedan set to go on sale in spring 2012. The ILX will achieve two important Acura firsts: the sedan will be the first Acura model produced at the Greensburg, Indiana plant, and the ILX will be the first Acura model available with a hybrid gas-electric powertrain. The hybrid engine is paired with a sporty automatic transmission.
Two other powertrain options will also be available with the ILX. These include a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with Sequential Sportshift automatic transmission or a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with exclusive 6-speed manual transmission.
Luxury features will include Smart Entry and pushbutton ignition, a Pandora® Internet radio interface, and an SMS text message feature, further highlighting the ILX’s futuristic appeal. In fact, you may just feel like you’ve jumped forward in time when you sit down in the comfortable driver’s seat. Unfortunately, you can’t jump ahead to when the ILX is actually on sale—but with a release date of spring 2012, there’s not much longer to wait.
Keep an eye on upcoming Nalley Acura of Marietta newsletters for more information about the all-new Acura ILX.
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