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Whether it's your first date or your thousandth, you always want to go somewhere that's fun for both you and your significant other. Although a shopping mall doesn't seem like the ideal place to rekindle the flame, Bassett Place in El Paso isn't your average mall. With plenty of dining and entertainment options, you'll quickly find out that Bassett Place makes a spectacular date destination. See a Movie Premier Cinema and IMAX Theater The jury is still out on whether a movie is the best or the worst first date idea, but for couples that have been together for awhile, it's always a treat to see a movie you'll enjoy with someone you love. The Premier Cinema and IMAX Theater at Bassett Place has 17 theaters and one IMAX theater for your viewing pleasure. The theater shows all the latest Hollywood releases, as well as the occasional local or indie film. You can even book your ticket online to avoid the lines and guarantee your choice of seat. more Eat and Play at Dave & Buster's If you're into good food, sports, video games, or all three, you need a dose of Dave & Buster's in your life. The restaurant portion of Dave & Buster's has wall-to-wall television screens, so you can catch all the action of your favorite team or a rivalry game if you and your love don't see eye-to-eye. Once you're done dining, grab an adult beverage and head to the giant arcade room. This room features hundreds of games ranging from classic arcade games, like Ms. Pacman and Whack-a-Mole, to all the most modern releases. Certain games also allow you to earn tickets so you can buy your special someone a hilarious novelty gift, or if you're a skilled player, maybe something a bit more valuable. Grab Some Grub When you want to grab a meal, Bassett Place has more than enough options, ranging from budget to upscale. El Taco Tote is a fresh, fast, casual Mexican restaurant that's perfect for a younger crowd. The food is fresh, delicious, and all the burritos are served on fresh tortillas made in-house. If you just got done seeing a movie, playing games, or grabbing a bite to eat, there's no better way to end a date than by grabbing some frozen yogurt. At Yogoberry, you can find delicious frozen yogurts, bubble teas, and fresh fruit smoothies. It's not heavy enough to put you in a coma, and it's just refreshing enough to keep you motivated to head somewhere out on the town or engage in a bit of romance. To set the mood, ask for a cup of yogurt and two spoons. Just remember to pick out a flavor that you both can enjoy. Bassett Place is proof that a shopping mall is more than just a place for seniors to get exercise or people to indulge in some retail therapy. It's also the perfect place for date night, regardless of your interests. Popcorn by Holedulidu is licensed under CC0 Creative Commons

As of May 2017, over 107 million Americans currently have an auto loan. In order to get the car of your dreams, you need financing; in order to get financing, you need good credit. Experian estimates that 30 percent of Americans have poor or bad credit, ranging from 300 to 600. If your score falls within this range, don't fret. With a different shopping approach, you can still get behind the wheel of the car you want. Clean Up Your Credit Three months before you plan on buying your car, clean up your credit. Online sites and credit card companies now offer free copies of your credit report, so it's easy to see where you can improve. Start by paying down any outstanding loans or credit cards, get yourself out of collections, dispute any fraudulent charges, and pay back any charge-off items. more In three months, following these steps may boost your credit score just enough to decrease your car loan's interest rate. Save Some Cash Saving money is not easy to do, especially when you're paying down debt, but if you can manage to save some cash for a down payment, you increase your chances of finding a willing lender. A down payment has two major benefits. You won't have to borrow as much money, and you also give the lender some peace of mind. Both of these aspects work in your favor: even making a small down payment will pay dividends now and down the road. Shop Around for the Best Rates If you have poor credit, you will automatically fall into the high interest rate category because of the perceived risk to the lender, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't shop around. Some lenders are more accepting of borrowers with bad credit, but beware: these lenders might take advantage of you and offer predatory rates. The dealership you choose might not have the best interest rates, especially used car dealerships that advertise bad credit financing. Instead of getting suckered into these loans, check with a reputable dealer, bank, or credit union to see what they have to offer. Know What You Can Afford If everyone could have the car they wanted, the roads would be jammed with Lamborghinis and Porsches. Unfortunately, that just isn't the case. Remember that all lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio, which is all your monthly debt payments divided over your monthly income. If your ratios is over 40 percent, you won't get the loan in most cases. Push the numbers to see what you can afford, and even if you're approved for more, don't fall into the trap--signing for a loan you can't afford could put you in collections later on. Bad credit doesn't have to be a hindrance. After financing your car, make an effort to improve your credit score. Pay down any credit card debt, pay off any charged-off accounts, and avoid the temptation to spend outside your means, and you should be on your way to better credit in the future. MDX by Acura

With a history stretching back as far as 1680, El Paso has one of the most diverse and lengthy cultural backgrounds in the country. While this interesting background is still seen today in El Paso's food and culture, the city also has some of the most beautiful buildings in the Southwest. If you're an architecture buff, make sure to take a look at some of these amazing and iconic El Paso buildings. St. Patrick Cathedral Located in downtown El Paso, St. Patrick Cathedral is one of the El Paso's most recognized historic landmarks. Designed by the St. Louis architectural firm Barnett, Haynes, and Barnett, the cathedral's construction started in 1914 and was completed on Thanksgiving Day in 1917. Built in a blended style of Byzantine and Romanesque styles, the cathedral is unlike any other building in the city. more Inside, it features ornate stained glass windows, marble altars, a pipe organ with 2,500 pipes, and a 300-year old painting of the Virgin Mary given by an anonymous donor in 2002. The cathedral is open for visits from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day, although attending a mass in either English or Spanish makes this work of art come alive. Lhakhang Cultural Exhibit Built in 2008 for the Smithsonian's Folklife Festival, the Lhakhang Cultural Exhibit went through an interesting series of events to end up on the campus of UTEP. The interior of Lhakhang was constructed in Bhutan and sent to the States where it was assembled by a team of American and Bhutanese workers. After the festival ended, the plan was to throw the building away, but UTEP had other plans. In 1916, UTEP was known as the Texas State School of Mines and Metallurgy. Looking to expand the campus, the dean wanted to build something memorable, and asked his wife Kathleen Worrell, for suggestions. Inspired by photos of Bhutanese architecture in National Geographic, Worrell suggested the Bhutanese theme, which can still be seen in buildings today. The Lhankang was purchased and assembled on campus a few years later and is officially listed as a gift from Bhutan to El Paso. Casa de Azucar The Casa de Azucar, or Sugar House, is the painstaking work of one of El Paso's residents. Started in 1973, Rufino Loya decided to make something to show his love for his wife that would last forever. To achieve this labor of love, he built small pillars of concrete inspired by traditional Mexican churches outside his home. Over the next 25 years, Loya spent thousands of hours sculpting the concrete masterpiece. The centerpiece of this sculpture is the altarpiece that marks the entrance to his home. Adorned with flowers, pineapples, vines, and other natural motifs, the altar took nearly 300 hours to complete. Few other cities can boast the architectural achievements of El Paso, and with many of the buildings in close proximity to one another, it's easy to form your own walking or driving tour. If you're in town for a visit, make sure to make this self-guided journey a part of your trip. Visit El Paso by VisitElPaso is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Few automakers venture into the luxury hybrid SUV market, yet the 2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid shines in its class. Not only is it an excellent vehicle for urban professionals, but families will find that its offerings are ideal for their needs. With tons of entertainment and convenience options, a sizeable cabin, and an efficient hybrid powertrain, the Acura MDX Sport Hybrid is sure to please parents and kids alike. Go Further on a Tank of Gas Without Sacrificing Power Your kids may not have learned the value of a dollar, but you certainly have. Because of this, you'll appreciate how much further you can go on a single tank of gas in the 2017 MDX Sport Hybrid. The best part is that you don't have to sacrifice power to do it. more Behind a 3.0-liter V6 engine that pairs with three electric motors and a 1.3-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the MDX delivers 321 horsepower and up to 289 pound-feet of torque. This propels the MDX from zero to 60 in just 5.8 seconds while delivering a top speed of 110 mph. Even with this power, you don't have to worry about the powertrain gobbling down gas. You'll still get an estimated 27 mpg on the highway, 26 mpg in the city, and 26 mpg combined. When coupled with a 19.4-gallon gas tank, you can go up to 523 miles, which is excellent for a summer vacation or a road trip to grandma's house. Rule the Carpool If you have several kids or you've just signed up for a local carpool, you need room to pack all the children in the car for your daily commute. The MDX Sport Hybrid answers the call with available seating for six or seven passengers depending on the configuration. If it's science fair day or you need to bring sporting equipment, the rear still has 14.9 cubic feet of space. When that's not enough room, fold down the seats to reveal a total cabin space of 90.9 cubic feet. Reap the Benefits of AcuraWatch When it comes to protecting your family, you can't spare any expense, and that's what makes the MDX Sport Hybrid so amazing. Each trim of the SUV receives the AcuraWatch system, which is a comprehensive suite of driver-assist safety features. Armed with these amenities, you can avoid accidents before they happen, as well as keep yourself free from distractions. Enjoy the Entertainment Kids can't always behave themselves on long trips, especially if they're close in age. Fortunately, the MDX Sport Hybrid solves this situation with the available entertainment package. With the push of a button, your bundles of joy can enjoy two programs simultaneously on the massive 16.2-inch display screen. If you've had enough extraneous noise, you can also opt for the available headphones, giving you the peace and quiet you want and need. With so many family-centric amenities, excellent styling, and loads of other benefits, the 2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid is an SUV that both parents and kids will love. If you're serious about taking the next step to ownership, schedule a test drive with us today. MDX by Acura

Your car engine is a work of art and ingenious design. Using hundreds of components, it gets you to your destination just by pushing a pedal to the floor. Unfortunately, its strong performance can't last forever, and one day, you may be driving only to notice your temperature gauge shoot to "H" and steam or smoke billowing from under the hood. Even with proper maintenance, these problems aren't always preventable. By knowing what causes them, you can have a better idea of how to amend the problem at the right price. Cracked Radiator A radiator is one of the most vital aspects under the hood of your car, and it's the first place you should check if you notice your engine overheating. However, it's important to understand the role that a radiator plays in keeping your engine at optimal temperatures. more Without getting into mechanical jargon, think of a radiator as a type of heat exchanger. It helps circulate a liquid coolant through the engine. This coolant then heats up and is only cooled by air that passes through the grille into the radiator. If the radiator fails or gets a crack, the coolant leaks and can't cool the system properly. To see if your radiator is the problem, you can usually do a visual inspection. When you pop the hood, the radiator is closest to the grille and easily identified by the radiator cap on the top. Typically, you can find a crack along the top, but if not you may need to check the radiator fluid. Never open a radiator cap when the engine is hot or still running, as this can blow boiling hot liquid in your face. Instead, wait until the engine cools and top it off with coolant or antifreeze. If it's consistently running out of coolant, fill the radiator and take your car in for service. Water Pump A water pump works hand-in-hand with your radiator, forcing the coolant through the engine. When it breaks, the coolant has no pressure to run through the system, and your engine will overheat within a few minutes of running. Unfortunately, this problem isn't easy to diagnose, and while you can look underneath the car to see if it's leaking coolant, it's hard to differentiate between a faulty water pump and a leak in the radiator. Coolant Problems Even if your water pump and radiator reservoir are in tip-top condition, you can still have coolant problems that cause your engine to overheat. If you mix a coolant concentrate with the improper amount of water or you use the wrong coolant, you'll definitely see some engine problems. If you can, buy pre-mixed coolant to avoid a wrong mix. If you've already poured the wrong mix, bring it in for a coolant flush. An overheating engine is no laughing matter, causing you stress and time as long as it remains in disrepair. With FOX Acura of El Paso, you always have an expert mechanic that's ready to tackle the problem at the source. If you notice any of these problems, schedule a service appointment with us as soon as possible. temperature by wynpnt is licensed under CC BY 2.0

How a Car Battery Works Your vehicle uses tons of power to start the ignition and other accessories in your car. Because it drains so much energy, a normal battery couldn't handle the workload. Instead, vehicles use a rechargeable battery in conjunction with a charging system. Every battery has a pair of lead plates within the core, which are then immersed in a mix of distilled water and sulfuric acid. Each of the plates is connected to a terminal, which has a metal nub or attachment on the top, which you use to connect your battery cables. more The initial jolt of electricity when you start your car causes a chain reaction within the battery that generates electricity. To keep this process running continuously, the car uses an alternator which acts as a generator and is one of the main components of your car's electrical charging system. Powered by a belt, it uses an electromagnet to keep the battery powered and your charging system working properly. Battery Maintenance Unlike many other parts in your car, the battery doesn't require as much attention. However, you always need to pay attention to the lifespan of the battery you choose. Keep a mental note or write down the mileage of when you might need to replace it. When it gets close to the end of the battery's life, you may be able to prolong its usage by having an inspection. During this check, inspect the electrolyte level and the specific gravity. When these two aspects aren't right, it can cause significant problems even if the battery isn't close to its end. If you leave your lights on overnight, this may adversely affect the ability of the battery to power your vehicle. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that your battery is kaput. Instead, use an external charger or a jump from a friend's car to power the battery, then drive around for about 15 minutes. Hopefully, your battery will hold this charge and still have thousands of miles on it. If you return after the drive and your engine doesn't turn over or your accessories don't work, your battery was almost dead, to begin with, and a replacement is necessary. If you find that your battery isn't supplying the charge you need or you need to turn the key several times to start your vehicle, it could mean that it's time for a new battery. For excellent service and a quick battery change or diagnostic, schedule an appointment with our service department today. Image via Pixabay.com

El Paso Ballroom Dance Academy Ballroom dance in El Paso is about as far removed from its source as cowboys are to New York. Fortunately, the El Paso Ballroom Dance Academy can teach you all the moves you've craved since your last viewing of "Dirty Dancing" or "Footloose." With college-trained instructors with years in teaching or show business, you can make your one-two step finally look legit. more The academy also boasts dance for kids as well, ranging from ballet to hip-hop. When you come home from a long day at work, all you have to do is drop the kids off so they can get their groove on to a Tchaikovsky waltz or a Ludacris rhythm. Champion Dance Studio The standard view of your children might consist of your daughter doing dance and your boy playing baseball, but don't stymie either's creative juices. Male dancers that learn their craft early often can find ways to make cash in theater or other methods throughout their lives. Plus, if you're looking for a daughter-in-law, a son that's a great dancer is a way more eligible bachelor. At Champion Dance Studio, you can get the best of both worlds. Teaching both males and females of any age, this studio specializes in classical dance, as well as the tango, salsa, ballroom, and other forms of dance. Shundo Ballroom Dance Studio At some point, you might wise up and leave the kids at home. After all, you and your spouse deserve a night to yourselves. At the Shundo Ballroom Dance Studio, you don't have to worry about any little ones needing constant supervision. Instead, you can have a great date night learning how to dance to your favorite music. From country line dancing to hip-hop moves, this studio has just what you need to relax after days, months, or years of being a parent. Even if you aren't a parent, couples and those on a first date will still love what they can achieve here. You'll have an instructor guiding you through the process, and at the end of the day, you'll become closer and more flexible on the dance floor than ever before. If your boyfriend won't go to yoga, it's the next best thing. Whether you think of Britney Spears or Fred Astaire when dancing comes to your mind, make sure to get some dance lessons in El Paso. Your self-made signature moves might fly in the mirror, but who knows. You may have an undiscovered talent. Image via Pixabay.com

When you first sit down in the new 2018 Acura TLX, be prepared to fall in love. You’re going to enjoy the generous standard features Acura packed into this sporty, more aggressive-looking sedan. Don’t be fooled by the TLX’s below-average starting price either. With a base sticker price of $33,000, you won’t have to spend the kid’s college fund on this premium family car. Here are three things to love about the TLX. Interior and Cargo Space You will immediately notice the TLX’s comfortable interior with a steering wheel wrapped in leather that compliments the leather-trimmed upholstery. Gaze upon Acura’s high-quality materials like stylish wood trim, and contrasting piping for some added flair on the TLX’s top models. Load-up the car with friends and family in roomy front seats with space for five adults. Power-adjustable front seats with heat and ventilation, plus a driver's-side thigh extender round out this Acura’s cozy front cabin. more Acura’s LATCH child-seat system features lower anchors and upper tethers for your little one’s safety. 60/40 split folding rear seats and 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space makes it easy to fill up your new sedan with all the kid’s sports gear, groceries or whatever you need to haul around. You’ll also appreciate the added storage space inside the cabin for small items, like a diaper bag or your yoga mat. State-of-the-Art Technology Acura made significant upgrades to their software and displays, just for you. You’ll want to glide your hands over the easy-to-access 7-inch touch panel and glance over at the big, bright 8-inch information screen. The 2018’s infotainment system is 30 percent faster and more organized than last year’s model, and if you love a concert-like experience while driving, feel free to stream your favorite Aha stations and blast your tunes with the TLX’s 10-speaker sound system. You’ll enjoy the hands-free freedom of Siri Eyes Free that uses simple voice commands to operate your mobile devices, and rest easy knowing AcuraLink will be summoning help at the touch of a button if you get into trouble. Go ahead and use the TLX’s Apple CarPlay or Android Auto feature to use your phone while on the road safely. With the TLX, you can even unlock and lock your car right from your phone. TLX Performance When you start up the TLX, expect an adrenaline rush as this luxury car comes to life. It's in-line V-4 base engine puts out a respectable 206 horsepower, but it’s the optional V-6 that puts out a beefy 290 horsepower. Plan to drive right by the gas pump with the TLX’s excellent gas mileage of 23 city and 33 highway. Feel the power and traction of the TLX’s optional all-wheel drive and fully independent rear steering that guarantees terrific handling and a smooth ride that you’ll adore from your new Acura. As if you needed another thing to love about the TLX, don’t forget it is made right here in American. Test drive yours today! Image via Acura.com

Prescription First, make sure your lenses are the right prescription. This means going to the eye doctor on a yearly basis, as most people’s eyes change prescription over time. This is the most important tip we can offer — if you aren’t wearing lenses with the right prescription, most of our other suggestions will be of limited use. You should get your eyes checked regularly and make sure that your glasses are the right match for you. more Lens Coating Many lens manufacturers are able to create lenses with an anti-reflective coating on them. This serves to reduce the glare presented by bright sunlight and the headlights of other vehicles, as well as the blinding shine that can occur on wet roads at night. This type of lens coating is especially effective for drivers who have difficulty discerning objects at twilight and nighttime. Another kind of available lens coating comes in the form of polarization filters. Lenses enhanced with this coating can improve contrast and make hazards on the road easier to identify. Sunglasses You may have observed that it’s difficult to wear sunglasses on top of your prescription glasses. Many drivers have attempted to circumvent this issue by purchasing clip-on sunglasses, which can be affixed to prescription lenses and flipped down when needed. While these are effective, some drivers may find them to be a hassle and may not use them when they need them. As such, drivers may benefit more from purchasing glasses with lenses that are capable of tinting in bright sunlight, essentially turning themselves into sunglasses when needed. This may come at an additional cost, but the added visibility certainly justifies the expense. Cleanliness Keeping your glasses clean is just as important as making sure your prescription is up to date. After all, if your lenses are smudged, you won’t be able to see the road in front of you. Some lens manufacturers have produced scratch-resistant lenses, which are less likely to become scuffed and will therefore offer clearer vision. While wearing glasses may present additional problems, such as compromised peripheral vision, these few tips will keep you safer on the road by ensuring that your glasses remain as functional as possible. At FOX Acura of El Paso, we’re committed to your safety. That’s why, in addition to providing useful safety tips like these, we would be happy to steer you towards a new vehicle that would let you travel in safety and comfort. If you are in the market for a new car, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today. Image via Pixabay.com

Loud Exhaust If your exhaust system is making an unusual amount of noise, this may be a sign that you have a break or crack in the exhaust pipes, or that you are at the risk of developing one. Another symptom of this problem is a pronounced hissing noise emanating from the exhaust, especially when the vehicle is accelerating. A cracked pipe can allow exhaust fumes to enter the cabin of the vehicle, so it’s very important to get this repaired at the dealership at the first sign of trouble. more Decrease in Vehicle Power A corroded exhaust pipe can lead to a leak, which in turn can cause performance issues to affect the vehicle. This is often due to the accumulation of rust, which may be the number one reason for damaged exhaust systems. When a corroded exhaust pipe breaks and leaks, the car may begin to experience a decrease in engine power, acceleration, and even fuel efficiency. You’ll have to fill up more often, costing you big at the pump. Hanging Exhaust Pipe This problem is easier to diagnose but may be more difficult to prevent. The roads that we drive on every day are occasionally cluttered with rocks and other loose debris, not to mention potholes, that may have a jarring effect on your vehicle. Additionally, the rubber brackets holding the exhaust pipes in place may degrade over time. The result is that you may experience pieces of the exhaust system hanging loose and dragging on the road. It is important to have this fixed right away to avoid further damage to the exhaust system. Wear and Tear The reality of car maintenance dictates that vehicle components break down over time. Unfortunately, they simply aren’t designed to last forever. As a result, you should have your exhaust system checked at a dealership at least every year or two, in order to diagnose potential problems that may have arisen through the simple wear and tear of daily driving. As with most mechanical issues affecting cars these days, there are a number of “home remedies” that an internet search would suggest you try. However, work on a vehicle’s exhaust system is best left to the qualified professionals at your dealership. Because exhaust fumes include carbon monoxide and can be very dangerous, you need to be one hundred percent certain that the problem has been fixed. Fortunately, the fully equipped service department at FOX Acura of El Paso is here to handle your car’s maintenance requirements. Image via Pixabay.com