For well over the past eighty years Citizen has been producing high quality watches. Many of their watch models have introduced features that had never been used for watches previously. Citizen has changed our perception as to what watches are to be used for. Their voice recognized watches were the first of there kind for example. The revolutionary Lithium-Ion powered rechargeable battery stores energy to power the watch.

These Citizen models are under the Eco-Drive brand and are solar powered. With one charge of just a few hours, the watch can run for months without the need to be recharged again. Eco-Drive Aqualand diver’s chronograph was the first of its kind watch including light powered with an electronic depth sensor for scuba-diving. This particular model is water resistance up to 200 meters and a depth display up to 125 feet. Other features include lowest water temperature display, dive log memory up to twenty dives, current water temperature display and surface interval measurement. Once someone goes beneath four meters in the water, the watch will autonomously switch to dive mode.

Citizens Watches can range in price from the low one hundred dollar rage to a little over five hundred dollars. Of course those prices can vary per distributor, sales, discounts etc. However, that seems to be the average high and low prices for Citizen Watches. New Citizen Watches brought from a reputable dealer should include the manual, original Citizen box and a warranty from Citizen.

Even though Citizen Watches aren’t overly priced, there are inexpensive replica Citizen’s on the market. You may want to do a watch comparison between an authentic Citizen and a replica before you decide which one to buy. In many cases people just like the way a watch looks and if they can get a replica at a lower price they will. Usually there are differences though that may affect the overall quality of the watch in addition to the price.

Men’s and Women’s Citizens watch models:

Eco-Drive Solartek/ Skyhawk/ Bracelet/ Leather Strap/ Diver’s/ Titanium/ Chronograph/ Perpetual Calendar/ Digital, Analog/ All Men’s Watches/ Eco-Drive/ EcoDrive Diamond/ Ultra-thin eco-drive/ Swarovski Crystal/ Stiletto/ Bracelets

Citizen Watch movements may be based on quartz, chronograph or solar powers. If you have a Citizen Watch that requires batteries, you will be pleased to know that replacement batteries are very inexpensive and readily available. I was able to locate batteries for many Citizen brands for under ten dollars. Batteries can even be purchased based on the model you have so you don’t have to worry about a conflict in parts that could damage your watch. Since the majority of the newer Citizen brands are solar powered, this won’t even be an issue for most. Some common Citizen Watch features may include slide rules, alarms, water resistance, calendars and tachometers for most models.

As the owner of a Citizen Kinetic energy watch, I would personally recommend the Citizen brand. After over five years of having the watch it just keeps right on ticking with no need to ever change the battery! This is because kinetic energy uses your body motion to power the watch. The two tone gold and silver has yet to wear off or fade. Anytime I do wear the watch I always get compliments on it and people really think that I spent thousands of dollars on it when it really only cost a few hundred dollars.

At BestSwiss you will find high quality Replica Watches including but not limited to Replica Rolex’s.

Notorious and Deadly

The city night lights are pulsating and the bars are crowded with young college men and women, or office workers off from the day’s work. How many of them are going to see the daylight the following day and how many will disappear from the face of the earth. No can afford to be too safe anywhere especially in big cities. Young street criminals are all over the place ready to rob, kill, or maim and their monstrous acts are replayed on closed circuit television somewhere.

If you are a true blue New Yorker or a visitor to any of New York’s boroughs, take extra care not to be caught in drug turf wars, or catch the eye of criminal elements stalking male college students and young women. Even if there are closed circuit television in hot spots, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Closed circuit television systems in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Brooklyn have caught on tape some members of the following notorious gangs represented by members with multi-ethnic backgrounds:

* Latin Kings in Buffalo’s West Side

* African Americans of the Bloods

* Crisp

* People Nation

* Cobra Stones

* Latin Dragons

* Spanish Lords

* Gaylord’s

* Insane Popes

* Tongs

* Flying Dragons

* Ghost Shadows

Closed circuit television show young criminals in the act of brutalizing the elderly, forcing victims into their cars, withdrawing cash using stolen ATMs, robbing mom and pop stores, and vandalizing public property.

Criminals in Waiting

These gangs primarily prey on rival gangs but won’t hesitate to hurt innocent people if they believe that due respect is not given them. New recruits are the most violent in their eagerness to show proof they can commit atrocious crimes.

They murder, steal, sell drugs, rob, and maul their victims. Some of them have been identified in lineups because of the evidence in closed circuit television viewing. If not for these surveillance cameras, the identities of the attackers would never be known.

These crimes are required to prove that the recruit is not a member of the local police force. Membership in any of these gangs boosts self-esteem and is often as an honor and a badge of courage. The muggings may or may not occur where there are hidden closed circuit television networks.

Keeping Safe

The number one rule to keep safe is never go out alone at night or have too much to drink. As an additional precaution, keep these tips in mind when larking about in NYC:

* Go out and go home in groups after a good time at bars or clubs.

* Avoid going to the poorer sections of the different areas.

* If it cannot be helped, rent a car to your destination because taxis do not like to venture into those places. Avoid deserted street when waiting for a ride.

* Do not bring all your money or travel documents when shopping.

Lastly, always make sure is a closed circuit television is at work where you are going. You came to New York to have fun so take care.

Closed circuit television and high resolution CCTV security cameras hooked up to an efficient CCTV system are perfect for keeping an eye on public safety. Why not have a system in your own home or office? Ask advice from Video-Surveillance-Guide.com today.

This article discusses business and romantic relationship forecasts for the different zodiac signs.

For Sagittarius people in 2008, it is a year of more opportunities in all aspects of life. It is best to invest in months of April until August. A good business opportunity is real estate. Joint businesses are bound to have conflicts. December can be unstable and would need a lot of patience to survive. Love life is full of surprises and happiness. Single people have greater chances of meeting a new partner.

For Scorpio people, 2008 is a requirement for more hard work to overcome obstacles. Unluckily domestic affairs may experience problems. So in trying to attain success they should be more passionate and serious this year. Love life is also full of excitement and passion. This is a good year for singles to look for a partner.

For Libra people, 2008 is a good year in terms of financial aspects particularly in months of July to November but they have to be judicious this year in terms of making decisions. Responsibility and accountability are two important concepts for them. Love life is positive since singles are bound to meet partners and possibility of marriage for those who are in relationships.

For Virgo people, 2008 is a year of financial gains, success, and new friendships. Though a warning on financial control, this means overspending issues. This year is also a let go year for them which means they should be able to leave past issues and old things or in simple terms the “forgive and forget” mantra. There’s a possibility of promotions and new ventures as long as they maintain high energy levels.

For Leo people, 2008 is a year of obstacles and they will only expect changes starting November. Possible business opportunities are expected in retail properties from April to August. Love life is a steady year especially those with relationships.

For Cancer people, 2008 is a year of emotional issues and they are bound to be moody. The second quarter will be a better time for them. Financial aspects will be smooth after the first quarter but it’s important to make investments only after reviewing finances and weighing advantages and disadvantages.

For Gemini people, 2008 is a challenging year because it brings two phases: the good and the bad. Good means the good opportunities can be expected while bad means certain problems can be experienced. They should be able to balance fun and seriousness in all the aspects of their lives. Profitable business opportunities can be a success and definitely a good time for a career change. Love life is a year of serious commitment this year.

For Taurus people, 2008 is a year of progress and success. It is also a good time for marriage for those who are single. While for married couples, it is a year of disagreements and confusions.

For Aries people, 2008 is a year of good opportunities in terms of career. Financial investments in real state are favorable. Love life is focused on re arranging and re evaluating the relationships of couples.

For more information on Horoscope Astrology please visit our website.

Polygamy has been around since ancient times. It was lived by Jews, Muslims and Christians alike. It flourished in ancient Greece in the form of concubinage. In Macedonia it was acceptable for a man to have several wives to ensure that there was a choice of a male heir. This was particularly true of royalty and the ruling classes of aristocracy. In ancient Greece there was a tolerance of diverse sexual relationships including homosexuality. In the past, polygamy and its variants have always been cultural or social in practice and not religious. Although monogamy was also practiced it was romanticized or literally Romanized during the conquest of Greece by the Roman Empire in the first century B.C.

It was the Roman Empire that introduced the concept of monogamy or exclusivity in relationships. Christianity adopted monogamy from the Greco- Roman ideals and ultimately established the current monogamist standard. It was also the first time that monogamy became a religious issue thus increasing problems concerning adultery and divorce of royalties that were subject to papal approval. Polygamy afforded an emperor or kings the assurance of an heir to the throne. The enforcement of monogamy by the Catholic Church resulted in such barbarism as the beheading of Anne Boylen by King Henry the VIII in his desperate attempt to secure a son for the throne. The institution of marriage and how it is defined has been a major player in establishing social and cultural standards around the world for centuries and continues to challenge societies today.

Historically, marriage has been both economic and social in nature and is intrinsically tribal. It has distinct survival motivations. Marriages, particularly arranged ones, allowed a family of lower status the opportunity for greater wealth and position in the community. A tribal system does not support individualism which is a threat to the survival of the tribe. In an egalitarian society, marriage is not necessary for survival for each member of that society has equal rights and opportunities. With the advent of democracy came the birth of individualism and the right to autonomy. Therefore the question must be raised, is polygamy incompatible with democracy?

Polygamy outside of religion can be seen as a form of free love, not restricting men or women in their marital relationships. Patriarchal polygamy initiates the first hierarchal tendencies, diminishing equality among parties. Religious, patriarchal polygamy by its very design is tribal. Obviously, organized religion, polygamy or patriarchy can co-exist separately within a democracy but the combination of all three abridges freedom and obliterates individuality.

Mormon fundamentalism has never been openly practiced in a democratic society. In 1852, when Mormons first practiced polygamy openly it was outside the United States in the then Utah Territory. Brigham Young was governor of the Territory as well as President of the church and had created a virtual theocracy. There were three factors at play. One was the establishment of a religion; the second was the patriarchy that was inherent to that religion and the third element was the installment of polygamy as a tenet necessary for salvation of the soul. These factors supported the control the church exercised over business as well as personal affairs. The early Mormon Church had begun democratizing when the United States government separated church and state after the death of Brigham Young. But it wasn’t until the Church gave up one of these three elements; a public renouncement of polygamy in a manifesto, that they were allowed statehood in 1896. This is when the LDS Church and Mormon fundamentalism parted ways.

Mormon fundamentalism as it stands today is incompatible with democracy because of these three combined elements; polygamy, patriarchy and organized religion. The secretive nature of these communities adds to the incompatibility. Any one of these can separately exist within a democratic system but combined into one, becomes forcefully opposed to democracy.

Here is the paradox: Only in America can a radical fundamentalist religion survive because of the free environment that supports it. But it cannot survive forever.

Consider the slavery question during the formation of our country and its constitution. What if slavery had been posed as a religious right guaranteed by the first amendment? What then? As it was it could not be resolved because it violated the freedom of states’ rights but it also violated the declaration of independence at the same time. The founding fathers’ solution was a slow and gradual end to slavery. It was a risk that resulted in the cessation of states and the Civil War. Without regulation on the treatment of slaves and the buying and selling of human beings the issue quickly became so deeply rooted in the fabric of our new nation that it required bloodshed to end it and another hundred years before the civil rights movement began to open doors for a truer equality. History has shown that freedom and equality is not the same thing but without freedom equality is impossible. This is the conflict and governmental concern surrounding the FLDS and other splinter groups of Mormon fundamentalism. How can a system that violates individualism and equality continue unabated in America? It cannot.

When one is free, that freedom can be used to enslave others. But to take away one person’s freedom in exchange for another person’s freedom ends in a catch 22. The freedoms to practice polygamy, to live a patriarchal law and teach religious doctrine are all freedoms that must be preserved. But the freedom to deny a person the right to choose a spouse, the opportunity for education and many of the smaller but no less significant freedoms that are taken away in the name of another person’s freedom to live his/her religion violates that foundation on which the original freedom stands. This cannot remain so. In the current climate of our country there is far too much exposure and after the Eldorado Texas incident and the FLDS exposing their culture on YouTube and CNN, can never return underground and survive as it has in the past. Mormon fundamentalism cannot ask the constitution of the United States to uphold its right to religious freedom without also upholding the freedoms of its members that the constitution guarantees to them.

Our constitution promises freedom of religion and the expression thereof. In the case Reynolds versus the United States in 1878 the Bigamy Act was challenged. What followed was indictment for Reynolds who was convicted, imprisoned and fined. The court determined that the first amendment protected the rights of belief and opinion versus the rights of conduct. The argument was that ancient religions also espoused human sacrifice for example, and must the first amendment allow that kind of violation of freedoms in the name of freedom of religion? Some have scoffed at the comparison of Mormon fundamentalism and human sacrifice but the similarities are eerily familiar. Individuality and freedom are laid upon the altar, the sacrifice of personal will and the right to make choices becomes a requirement.

Mormon fundamentalism in its original form is opposed to a true democracy. The foundation of democracy rests on a single notion: that the individual matters. Mormon fundamentalism denies the individual rights in order to preserve the principles of the religion itself. Then individuality becomes a threat and is snuffed out in the hearts and minds of the youngest members before it has a chance to take root thereby ensuring another generation who will follow the hierarchy of power and authority without question. Individuality wanes in preservation of the whole and what almost inevitably results is the worship of leaders. A democracy is designed to eliminate the pitfalls of leader worship because the individual having sacrificed their identity find it within the leader. As long as a people worship their leaders a true democracy cannot exist.

But the US government cannot shove democracy down the FLDS community throat with SWAT teams and CPS officials. You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink as the old aphorism goes. Yet, there is conflict because of the inherent nature of abuse and inequality that exists in these communities. So are citizens of the United States free to create a hierarchy that discredits and cancels the systems that allows it? This is why the problem is yet to be solved.

If you look at history for answers it seems there is only one obvious solution; a revolution. Mormon fundamentalism is in need of its own little revolution. And who can perform this task? Only the lowest and most oppressed of its members: the women. There are a few splinter groups that are considered more mainstream who have evolved into a somewhat more democratic system who have accomplished this and they are not the target of media attention and tell-all books. But there are others such as the FLDS that have become more radical and more hierarchal with time. All systems will either evolve or regress and history proves this again and again.

Mormon fundamentalist women need not abandon a single aspect of their faith to demand democracy. Let those great ones that founded our country be the teachers and examples for those women who are willing to take that first terrifying step forward. It can be accomplished and must be accomplished, in true democratic form, one individual at a time.

Susanna Barlow is the 23rd child of 46 children, the quintessential middle child. Her fundamentalist religious upbringing shaped her life, her values, and her views on literally everything. Though no longer affiliated with polygamous groups on a religious level, she is surrounded by family & friends who practice polygamy. For more information, visit: Susanna Barlow.

What should I know about finding a coat?

When looking for a coat at Carhartt Coats, you need to ask yourself some questions. What do I need the coat for? What purpose is it to serve? What materials is it made out of? Is it washable? What size do I need? Does it come with a hood or without? These are just some of the questions that you will need to ask. Our Carhartt Coats are made to fit many different sizes from small to 3 X, so there is a good many coats that will fit most men easily. We also have the gloves and headgear that go with these jackets and coats and most connect with a simple snap system for ease of use.

What do I need to look for as far as sizing is concerned?

When looking to coat size, you should always fit a coat to your size. You can figure out your coat size by making a measurement of the fullest part of your chest. The resultant measurement should give you an idea of what size that you need to look for in a Carhartt Coats selection. This is to be done, if you have no idea of what size to wear. For other sizes, you simply would need to match one of our Carhartt Coats to your size. Usual sizes are S, M L, X-Large, 2X and 3X. Some of our lines do not carry the full range of sizes, so go up to the next size.

How do I choose the length?

The length of our Carhartt Coats is waist length, so there is no need to decide what length to choose from. Our waist fitting coats are the most popular coat that we sell. We don’t sell dusters, only waist length coats. The reason why we do not sell any other length is simply put, our Carhartt Coats are work coats and another length would just be ridiculous to sell. It is easier for a coat to be waist length, especially if it is a work coat. Anything longer would get in the way and possibly cause an accident when working. That is not what anyone would want in a working coat.

How Do I Choose The Type?

Choosing a Carhartt Coats coat is up to you as far as what type you should get. Bear in mind that all of our coats can be used in the winter. It depends on what types of temperatures that you will be in and personal preference. If you want an insulated coat, then the Arctic line is your best bet. If you are working in extreme conditions, then our Carhartt Coats Extreme line is for you. These rugged coats hold up well in extreme weather. If you want an all purpose coat, then our Fleece line is the best for you. So it is dependent upon the weather and what you will be doing as far as making a coat choice from our coat line.

Workwear 1 is the sponsor of this article. You can visit us on the web at http://www.workwear1.com for Carhartt Outerwear. Get set for the fall and winter with Carhartt Coats.

Clairvoyants are people who can see their surroundings clearly through the eyes of the mind. Clairvoyant reading does not necessarily refer to a reading of the future. Although it does include some elements of predicting the future, clairvoyance is about seeing clearly; images, events and people through the mind’s eye on the basis of the past and what is happening in the present. The past and the present play an important role in the analysis of clairvoyant reading.

Clairvoyance can be discovered in any person at any stage of their life. While some may think it is a curse, others consider it to be more of a gift. If you are a clairvoyant, chances are that there was someone in your family tree who had this ’sixth sense’ as well. The power of clairvoyance occurs in different degrees and in different ways.

There is a belief among many that every individual is born with the power of clairvoyance. But as we learn the norms of the society into which we are born, this power is forgotten and remains undeveloped. However, they can still be realized through some exercises and meditation techniques which have been proven to be useful in reviving the power of clairvoyance. Rediscovering the power of clairvoyance is an enriching and life enchanting process that will bring you immense joy.

Clairvoyance is said to be a spiritual gift and has been known to develop with patience and practice. Avoid forcing things, is a very good tip to note down. Instead incorporate the exercises into your daily routine and try to broaden your thoughts, develop your intuition and let clairvoyance develop naturally.

Here are some ways through which you can determine whether you are a clairvoyant:

* If your dreams or parts of your dream predict something that comes true.

* If you can communicate in any way with someone who has crossed over.

* If you have visions that result in the occurrence of the exact event.

* If you have visions at a scene of a crime about who was involved and how it all happened, you can be quite certain that you have clairvoyant abilities.

The ability of clairvoyance is not discounted by the government. For several years, the CIA conducted a ‘remote viewing’ program with people who had psychic powers and they were made to describe the streets, buildings, events and sometimes even the topography of a designated area. The citizens are still in the dark about this program. Rumour has it that the program now no longer exists.

A clairvoyant has the rare gift of seeing clearly, those things that cannot be perceived by the senses. Very few people have this gift and it is a comforting thought to know that at least there are some people who can help you understand the things that are happening around you when you get confused. A clairvoyant can also help you gain perspective which will allow you to see and think a lot more clearly than before.

Keith Ward is the Founder and Director of the Circle of Professional Clairvoyants, which offers Psychic Readings with fully qualified Senior UK Clairvoyants and Psychics.

The word ‘gypsy’ originates from the name given to the inhabitants of an area called Little Egypt when they migrated to the land of the Romanic people in Southern Balkan. The term is loosely referred to the nomadic tribes who used to roam all over Europe during the Middle Ages. The gypsies were wandering tribes who lived and travelled by caravans in large groups.

During the 15th and 16th century the usual dress of the gypsy woman consisted of a simple robe gathered at the neck. It was worn over an under gown made of chemise. They would also drape a cloth behind their backs, cross it at the front and tie it at the shoulder in the fashion of the toga which the Romans wore. They also wore a turban on their heads.

In time, however, fashions changed and the gypsies began to adapt to the local culture of the places they went. Usually they dressed themselves as the local peasants of the area. Most of the Gypsy fashion which we understand and recognize today probably originated from the Renaissance period. The idea of the so called “gypsy life” was popular and “gypsy clothing” such as laced vests, flounced skirts, men’s breeches and pirate shirts were considered the height of fashion.

Fortune telling

Fortune Telling is a mystical practice which deals with the prediction of future through supernatural means and is usually done for commercial gain. Western Fortune telling mainly concerns future romances, financial predictions and those related to child birth. Fortune tellers are also sought to help in the decisions of jobs, illness, marriage or divorce.

The major reason as to why people come to card readings is to know whether or not they will be happy. Fortunately, more often than not, cards bring joy and hope into their lives. However, along with predicting our client’s happiness we also have to explain the essence of the Fortune card. Fortune telling can only show us the source of our happiness while it is our responsibility to recognize, capture and protect it.

The Fortune card shows Fortune walking daintily over the planet with the cornucopia in her hand, distributing gifts. If we observe closely we will realize that Fortune never looks down on us but instead it gives away a random gift which makes them even more valuable and worth cherishing.

When fortune is seen as in a spread it indicates the advent of great happiness and joy. When there is the promise of such a gift we are left in a dilemma as to whether we should act or merely sit back and watch? We are justified if we choose to sit back since, after all, destiny cannot be hindered and events must take their own natural course. However, we must also understand that good fortune is the result of a certain rhythm of destiny and total inactivity maybe destructive since destiny requires our active participation to keep functioning in its proper rhythm and balance.

Keith Ward is the Founder and Director of the Circle of Professional Clairvoyants, which offers Psychic Readings with fully qualified Senior UK Clairvoyants and Psychics.

Patients don’t often consider a visit to the dentist any kind of relaxing treat. In fact, the anxiety over having dental work done can be reflected in the fewer than two-thirds of adult Americans who report visiting a dentist during a twelve-month period (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). In light of these kinds of statistics, dentists are turning to the way of the spa to offer dental experiences that are more relaxing for their patients. It may seem hard to believe, but these days a visit to the dentist might even have you emerging more relaxed than ever.

A fairly new trend, spa dentistry combines spa and dental treatments to varying degrees. Some dentistry practices are infusing treatments such as reflexology, a strategic food massage, to help calm anxious patients. Other practices might offer more indepth spa treatments alongside dental procedures, such as aromatherapy, massaging dental chairs, paraffin wax hand treatments, and scented neck pillows. Patients also enjoy gourmet refreshments like coffee, herbal tea and fresh baked cookies. Spa dental offices may also offer concierge, mineral essential facials, and even virtual reality glasses to view movies during dental treatments. Cascading water fountains and soothing music bring a sense of calm to some of these more posh environments.

In one New York City dental practice, services can also include botox treatments, offered through a certified plastic surgeon. Patients like the fact that they can check a six-month cleaning off their list while also further enhancing their appearance. Considered a natural extension of dental work, botox improves a smile and overall patient satisfaction.

An Irving, Texas dentistry has adopted a philosophy of making the patient feel like they are anywhere but the dental office. To that end, the practice provides diversions for squeamish patients, including a large selection of music to create an ambient atmosphere; massage mats remotely controlled by the patient; spearmint pressure point cream massaged into the temples to ease stress; and lifescape glasses. A Baskin Robbins milkshake, hot towel, lip balm, and ibuprofen are even made available to patients who have had their mouth numbed.

Patients of a practice in Seattle, Washington, are tucked beneath a fuzzy blanket while heated lavender-filled pillows prop the neck and back. Instead of avoiding bright lights, patients rest their eyes under a lavender eye mask, and their hands receive a skin-softening treatment in lavender-scented mittens. Male patients prefer the movies through virtual-reality glasses. The relaxation techniques are effective for making the anesthetic work better and easing any pain associated with the dental treatments.

All this frou-frou treatment is more than some Manhattan socialite’s idea of “me-time.” Both relaxation techniques and oral health have proven to be important for patients at risk for conditions like heart attack or disease. As the dentist treats potential gum disease, a massage therapist helps patients overcome anxiety through massage.

Stress reduction techniques are especially imperative for patients with known heart disease. In fact, the American Dental Association recommends not only these kinds of techniques but also shorter dental appointments early in the day to reduce heart attack risk. For example, patients who have undergone heart value replacement are at higher risk for a rare life-threatening condition called bacterial endocarditis. Dentists working with heart patients may find relaxation techniques and monitoring for complications could prove to be a life saver.

Geologix Inc. manufactures products using a proprietary formula featuring 34 natural minerals contained in the ancient sea water from the famous Michigan Basin — a concentration of minerals higher than that found in any known body of water in the world. Mineral Essentials focuses on spa, skin care, and massage products to moisturize and provide anti-aging protection for great skin. Mineral Essentials

Once considered an indulgence, spa treatments are quickly becoming a necessity to wellness. As more and more Americans take preventative health care seriously and consider how to achieve overall well being, spa treatments are beginning to find their way into the overall maintenance and care of one’s self.

Several years ago, Cheryl Reid, owner of a New York City public relations firm, launched Spa Week, the successful national event which offers $50 discounted spa treatment to the consumer. What started out as an exciting spa event turned into a mission to shape the future of the spa industry for both the spas and the consumer.

Reid and her staff believe it’s all about educating consumers and spa owners regarding the benefits of a spa lifestyle. The Spa Week mantra is twofold: introduce a new generation of Americans to the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, and to open up the spa industry to the masses. In light of the country’s health epidemic, Spa Week is taking a leadership position in the campaign to change the unhealthy course the country is navigating.

Their hope is that Spa Week will educate new and existing clients that treatments, such as massage and facials, combined with a healthier lifestyle, can have a profound and long-lasting affect on long-term health. And unlike a trip to the physician, the spa lifestyle is not only a welcome method of prevention, it can be a cost-effective.

For instance, therapeutic massage can help reduce the negative affects of everyday life before they escalate to a point where a physician visit is required. Massage has proven to be effective in the relief of conditions such as fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s disease, headaches, and lower back pain. A regular massage program can become a very cost effective for of health care. Facials that incorporate lymphatic drainage, exfoliation and aromatherapy aid in detoxification, stress relief, fluid retention and the regulation of the immune system. Body wraps, rich in iodine, mineral essentials, and vitamins A and C, can help enhance immune functions while relaxing and rejuvenating the body’s systems.

For those interested in taking advantage of Spa Week, the event takes place in spring and fall in many of the U.S. and Canada’s major markets. Participating spas offer select spa treatments for just $50. Participating cities include New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, Washington, D.C., Detroit, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, Denver, Seattle, L.A., San Diego, San Francisco, and Toronto. Each spa chooses two or three treatments they want to offer during the promotional event such as a facial, massage, body polish, or microdermabrasion.

While not every spa in a city will participate in Spa Week, those that do hope to attract new and existing clients who will enjoy their Spa Week experience and return again for full-price treatments. Some of these treatments, such as light therapy or mircrodermabrasion, achieve the best benefits through a series, and spas are hoping clients will sign up for that series.

Clients may try as many treatments as they want for the $50 offer, but keep in mind it would not be advisable to receive two facials or microdermabrasion sessions in one week. Instead, spa-goers should consider trying treatments that complement one another, such as a facial and body treatment.

To take advantage of the $50 spa treatments, consumers can register at the Spa Week Website to get access to the listings, which are listed a few weeks prior to Spa Week. After login, consumers may choose their city or state to see a list of participating spas and the treatments they offer, and then call the spa directly to make a reservation.

Geologix Inc. manufactures products using a proprietary formula featuring 34 natural minerals contained in the ancient sea water from the famous Michigan Basin — a concentration of minerals higher than that found in any known body of water in the world. Mineral Essentials focuses on spa, skin care, and massage products to moisturize and provide anti-aging protection for great skin. Mineral Essentials

Creating what is to become one of the most powerful marketing tools for the spa industry, SpaFinder launched its first-ever Spa Experience in Fall 2007 at Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall. The inaugural, four-day event showcased beauty and spa treatments, luxury travel, and product demonstrations from more than 50 leading spas and spa beauty companies.

The enthusiastic turnout for the event confirms that a growing number of consumers are eager to incorporate elements of the spa lifestyle, such as travel, wellness, and beauty, into their everyday lives. “The success of The Spa Experience represents a powerful new marketing tool in terms of how the spa industry interacts and connects with consumers,” said SpaFinder COO Sallie Fraenkel. “Our exhibitors saw first-hand that consumer events like The Spa Experience can help them expand their audience and grow their businesses.”

Grand Central Terminals’ Director of Marketing Karen Weber confirmed the event’s success. “The Spa Experience was one of our best attended events and its unique nature made it an instant hit. We are looking forward to making this an annual event at Grand Central Terminal.” The Hall is adjacent to the world’s busiest Terminal with more than