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Bike! A Tribute to the World's greatest bike designers £25.00
A triumph and worth every penny... even with the exclamation mark
Weight 1500g Contact www.aurumpress.co.uk
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What do you get if you gather together some of the leading cycling journalists and ask them to contribute to an in depth historical encyclopaedia of cycling hardware? You get Bike! by Aurum Sports Press.
Weighing in at a hefty 1.5kgs, Bike! is a beautifully designed and researched history of the most significant marques in cycling manufacturing - alphabetically listed from Atala (who in 1948 sponsored a certain Giovanni Pinarello for the Giro) through Colnago, Cervelo, Flandria, and a wealth of bike building history - to close with Wilier Triestina. Yes - that Wilier - who surprise, surprise are Italian not German as I and probably many of you have long assumed. Wilier it seems is an acronym of the phrase 'L'Italia liberata e redenta' with 'W' as an abbreviation of 'Viva' at the front which, as all you fluent in Italian know, means "Long live Italy, liberated and redeemed." Oh, and Cannondale are named after a small railway station in Connecticut...There you go. Just a few snippets that illustrate the richness of Bike!
The quality of writing is superb: A forward by Robert Penn, introductions by Richard Moore and Daniel Benson and then a wealth of considered bike building history - including the key moments and photos of the legends that rode them. From end to end it's a cycle nerd's oily dream come true.
For those of you with the Cyclopedia app for iPad the quality of the bike photography will be familiar. Late at night, curled up in bed with 'Bike!', rain lashing against the winter windows, you can almost feel the 1950's Italian sun on your face and the scent of Adriatic orange blossom radiating off the page as you ogle Coppi's famous Bianchi frame in glorious close up, reach out to stroke that beautiful glossy Bianchi bottom bracket and..Sorry. Where was I..?
Clever touches abound: the small coloured tags to link images to text rather than the 'Top L, Bottom R' system works well (unless you're unfortunate enough to be colour blind) and every page has been considered alongside it's neighbours to produce harmony and balance throughout. There isn't one badly designed spread or mediocre image in the whole 352 pages. The book concludes with a full list of TDF winners by name, frame maker and group set - which should finish the Campag v Shimano argument once and for all. Shimano need another 17 TDF wins to equal Campagnolo - so stuff that up your Dura-Ace and smoke it.
The editors have chosen well. The bespoke frame building geniuses Pegoretti and Masi (who have built frames for champions such as Pantani and Merckx plastered with the decals of different sponsorship manufacturers) sit alongside modern mass market technological giants like Cervelo, Trek and..er..Giant. It's not just frame manufacturers - the history of Campagnolo, Shimano, Sram, and Mavic are covered in full. For anyone like me who's had a pair of those very useful Cinelli Spinacci bars hanging up in the shed for the past 15 years the full tale of how the bars were passed by the UCI and then banned by Jean Marie LeBlanc in 1997 is here. Since Jean Marie has now passed away - can I put them back on the bike again? They were brilliant.
The book's only fault is the vulgar exclamation mark in the title. In a Lynn Truss type fit I'm currently taking a black marker pen to the hardback cover of my cover and tippexing the white pages. I wouldn't want to tell teach such fine writers their business but an exclamation mark (unless following a verbal scream: eg: 'Aaaeeiii!!') is a desperate bid for attention - something this very fine book doesn't need. Did Enzo need 'Ferrari!' or Ernesto 'Colnago!' I rest my case. I imagine Aurum wanted to guarantee attention on the book pile for Christmas by shouting! about their product. 'Bike' would have been enough and as classy as the book itself. 'Bike!' is still a triumph and worth every penny.
A triumph and worth every penny... even with the exclamation mark
road.cc test report
Make and model: Bike! A Tribute to the World's greatest bike designers
Size tested: n/a
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Well, from a book point of view probably the most technical thing I can tell you is this...
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?
I'd give it a 9.5 (4 and three quarter stars if I could) and it would be close to a 10 if I wasn't so exclam allergic
About the tester
Age: 48
I usually ride: Dolan Prefissio - winter bike My best bike is: Condor Moda Ti - summer bike
I've been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, Dabble in Triathlon
Brilliant book.I was afraid when I first got it that it would be a coffee-table book- all stylish pics and no substance- but was very glad to be proved wrong.
posted by Otis Bragg [170 posts]
18th November 2012 - 1:18
"The book concludes with a full list of TDF winners by name, frame maker and group set"
Can anyone tell me what a full list of Tour de France winners is now please?
Looks nice though.
Exercising my rights by taking them cycling
posted by pedalingparamedic [94 posts]
18th November 2012 - 12:01
Big mass market manufacturers like Trek. Erm, sorry, but trek is just a brand, their bikes are actually made by giant. Not sure but suspect cervelo are probably made by someone else.
posted by joules1975 [281 posts]
18th November 2012 - 21:31
Um, Trek's carbon frames are definitely made by Trek, at their HQ. No third party/OEM involved there.
(disclaimer/how I know this for a fact: I work in research for the company that supplies them with carbon)
posted by Al__S [891 posts]
19th November 2012 - 9:28
I suspect most brands have a mix of manufacterurs for their bikes. Pinerello make their alu bikes in Italy, but their carbon machines are made in China. Specialized has the majority of their bikes made by part owner Merida. Al__S, you may be right about some of Trek's carbon models being made in US, but I suspect this will only be the high value ones, and may only be the R&D, but I guess you'd have an idea of the quantities of Carbon they order.
Ultimately, there are only two main brands that actually make all their own bikes. Merida and Giant. For everyone else, unless it specifically states where the bike was made, you can be pretty sure it wasn't the name on the frame, and that it was in Taiwan or China.
posted by joules1975 [281 posts]
19th November 2012 - 10:29
i guess the sub-title is saying 'designers' and not 'manufacturers' otherwise it would be 5 pages long.
posted by Cervelo12 [78 posts]
19th November 2012 - 13:21
The Madone (and Domane) carbon frames, every single one, are made in Wisconsin at HQ. I think their high end metal frames are made there too.
All the low end stuff is far east, yes.
posted by Al__S [891 posts]
19th November 2012 - 13:43


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AT&T is soon coming out with the Unlocked Samsung (Captivate) and is soon to be followed by the release of the new entrant into the Android market, the AT&T Dell Streak which will soon hit the stores on sale. While some of its specs are pretty cool and it has a big screen of around 5 inches, the fact that it will carry only Android 1.6 is a bit of a downer as this may just be a factor which dissuades a few people from buying this phone. We honestly feel that Android 1.6 will not really cut it in today's market. Anyway let us see what the specs are on this one in general.
Dell's new Android phone however will be getting an update of the Android 2.2 the Froyo but sadly the timeframe has not been set yet and this could be a deciding factor. The phones both have pretty big displays. Captivate comes with a 4 inch display and the Dell Streak carries a 5 inch display. However the Captivate scores much higher as it comes with the excellent new super AMOLED which means that this phone will so easily score more than the Streak among the people who want a better picture quality on their phone. Nonetheless the competition is pretty good and both phones are up to the mark in their certain way. The Streak unlike the captivate has two cameras which means that you can have some video chat going on and therefore the multifunctional aspect of this phone does score somewhat.
These two ones are by far the best Android phones that have come up from the house of AT&T like Motorola Backflip Unlocked handset and we do think both are pretty worthy competitors in the smartphone market. However, in spite of everything, we would like to recommend the Captivate over the Streak.

subset: commoncrawl


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Find a seat or leave. No hitting on strangers. No fights. No drunks served. One at a time in the bathroom. Don't yell. And lastly, "no name dropping, star fucking or excessive whining."
Call his seven rules a tribute to the recent past when, Knox recalls, this neighborhood was a place to enjoy a low-key night—not get trashed at the meat markets that now dominate Old Town.
"There's not a lot of places left that aren't overwhelmed with douchebaggery," Knox laments.
You've seen them waiting in line outside Dixie Tavern, brawling outside Dirty and puking at Barracuda: punch-throwing, Axe body-spraying dudes from Beaverton and their Grey Goose-guzzling girlfriends who can't walk in heels.
But Knox struck a blow against overinflated egos and suburban trash culture with Central, the bar he opened last year next to Dan & Louis Oyster Bar.
View Ankeny Alley in a larger map
Last November, The Oregonian ran a front-page story about the fact that Central has no sign. But more than being what the daily dubbed a "secret bar," Central is ground zero in a fight to liberate this part of downtown from the weekend warriors.
"They see downtown as a place to go and raise hell," Knox says. "I'm completely sure that I want to alienate a certain culture of behavior."
John Papaioannou, co-owner of Berbati's, says he's on Knox's side in this battle over the mix of downtown night life.
Across the street from Central, Papaioannou owns the former music club Berbati's Pan. Inside, now, is a construction zone Papaioannou aims to reopen in June as Ted's—a downsized venue for cabaret and burlesque, named after Papaioannou's recently deceased brother and business partner.
Berbati's Pan was a pioneer venue when it opened in 1994. It closed on New Year's Eve this year due to competition from new clubs on the east side, Papaioannou says.
When Ted's opens on the corner of Southwest 3rd Avenue, along with a newly expanded Voodoo Doughnut next door, Papaioannou hopes it will help revitalize the street where he's been doing business for 24 years. (The Papaioannous opened Berbati's bar on the other side of the block, at Southwest 2nd Avenue and Ankeny Street, in 1987.)
"Dustin and I are on the same page," Papaioannou says. "We could create a lot of traffic."
But first, Papaioannou says, they need the city to get out of their way.
The narrow block lined with brick (and also home to the venerable bar Valentine's) offers more Old Town charm than most stretches of the city center. Knox and Papaioannou want the option of setting up tables to serve their respective specialties—crêpes and gyros.
But the sidewalks are too narrow.
So long as the city continues allowing auto traffic, the car-free promenade Knox and Papaioannou picture is just a dream.
"We have been fighting to close this alley for 20 years," Papaioannou says. "Why won't the city do it?"
Papaioannou suspects revenue from on-street parking is the answer. But Kevin Brake, senior project manager for the Portland Development Commission, says there was no money to redesign Ankeny when the city recently redeveloped the area around Saturday Market.
"It's been discussed on and off for quite a while," Brake says of making Ankeny foot traffic only. "It is not closed as an opportunity, but the business owners need to take the lead."
Brake suggests they begin by contacting the city transportation bureau. Papaioannou says he may do so. He pictures a European-style block with lighting strung overhead and the paving ripped out to expose the original cobblestones.
Knox says he'll continue fighting the douchebags his own way at Central.
"I could make twice as much money if I changed my business plan, but I'm more interested in bringing change and culture," Knox says. "I really want to take back the alley."


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When you inherit the impeccable genes of '80s style icon Lisa BonetÂ--The Cosby Show actress is known for her earthy, bohemian sensibilitiesÂ--and music legend Lenny Kravitz, you're bound to have noteworthy personal style, and for Zoë Kravitz, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. The Venice Beach-native has repeatedly inspired us with her eclectic taste and the way she effortlessly mixes vintage-y, rock'n'roll essentials with hippie-luxe items and pieces from emerging designers. Plus, Kravitz's appreciation for offbeat headwear and whimsical accessories is totally memorable too, and can be spotted in almost every one of her uniquely assembled off-duty outfits. But the noteworthy ensembles don't stop there! Kravitz easily flips the switch and turns up the glamour for fancier affairs with sophisticated red-carpet attire that includes everything from floor-length gowns to buzz-worthy mini dresses.
So why is this stylish rising star suddenly on our radar anew? Well, besides all of the wardrobe accolades, this 22-year-old multihyphenate has a number of interesting projects coming to fruition right now. In addition to fronting the New York/Philadelphia band Elevator Fight and being the fall face of T by Alexander Wang, this month she's back in spotlight for her role in the coming-of-age comedy It's Kind Of A Funny Story opposite Zach Galifianakis and Emma Roberts. The combination of these interesting professional developments plus our personal fondness for Kravitz's fashion sensibilities means it's the perfect time to dedicate today's installment of What Would She Wear to her incredible street-chic appeal. So get ready to channel our subject du jour, because we've sought out the perfect selection of items for your perusal! From an earthy cardigan to must-have nail polish, we have everything you need to capture Kravitz's downtown sartorial savvy!
1. Topshop Felt Floppy Hat ($50)
As mentioned earlier, today's style muse has an appreciation for whimsical boho accents, which means her wardrobe includes plenty of headbands and oversized hats. Accordingly, we could see Kravitz giving her earthy ensembles some additional free-spirit flair with this chocolate brown topper. Although floppy hats are usually considered a summer essential, this one can be just as practical during the autumnal months. The next time you have some weekend errands to run, simply throw on this hat, add a maxi skirt or dress and a cozy sweater, and you've got a great, fuss-free look!
2. Rescue Beauty Lounge Nail Polish ($18) in Catherine and Anne
When it comes to nail color, Kravitz tends to favor luscious reds and darker neutral huesÂ--a reflection of her darkly romantic tastes, no doubt. Bearing this in mind, we selected two excellent polish choices from Rescue Beauty Lounge's new fall collection. The shades were inspired by Henry VIII's wives, but of the four options, we like Catherine and Anne the best. The former is a splendid choice for fall with its deep royal purple hue and slight blue and fuchsia shimmer. But if that's not your cup of tea, try the more dynamic Anne. It's an alluring olive green color blended with a pink iridescence, making it the perfect varnish for autumn's neutral ensembles.
3. Winter Kate Jasmine Velvet Cardy ($350)
When the chilly weather calls for an extra layer, but you want to avoid the bulkiness of a chunky knit sweater, answer with the Jasmine Velvet Cardy. It's the perfect throw-on-and-go pieceÂ--ideal for the airport or a shopping expeditionÂ--plus the purple velvet is spot-on with this season's obsession with texture. We think our style muse would be drawn to its gypset vibe and would pair it with a floppy hat and ankle booties for her next outing.
4. Forever 21 Pull-On Ruched Utility Pants ($23) in Olive
These utility pants are a prime example of the kind of wardrobe staple we can expect Kravitz to wear. The olive green hue is in perfect with the ongoing military trend, while the skinny fit mimics her preferred style for casual outings. We suggest pairing them with black lace-up wedges or utility ankle boots for a directional afternoon look.
5. Alexander Wang Willow Frame Messenger ($925) in Oxblood
Kravitz has a knack for picking no-fuss carriers that exude a subtle bohemian spirit, so when we spotted Alexander Wang's memorable and modern bag, we knew it would be an ideal finish for our subject's Janis Joplin-meets-Vivienne Westwood street style. Not only does the chain-link shoulder strap suit Kravitz's hands-free purse preferences, the deep red pebbled leather (also available in black) ties in nicely with her usual Goth-glam color schemes.
6. Charles David Rally Booties ($230)
Kravitz is a boot fanatic and incorporates a variety of silhouettesÂ--ranging from classic knee-high styles to rugged motorcycle options to casual lace-up bootiesÂ--into her daily rotation, hence our inclusion of Charles David's Rally Boots. The ankle-grazing cut and broken-in brown leather is a perfect match for her vintage rock sensibilities, while the comfortably low heel would be an optimal choice for our muse's next Elevator Fight show.
7. Bassike Circle Organic Cotton Top ($125)
Bassike is one of those great go-to labels for easy-to-wear wardrobe staples, and the fact that they use eco-friendly materials is an additional plus in our book! Though it's difficult to select our favorite piece, we think the brand's Circle Organic Cotton Top is the perfect pick for today's style subject. The oversized fit speaks to Kravitz's casual and relaxed off-duty attire, while the soft organic cotton lends itself to being a highly covetable t-shirt option. We could see Kravitz teaming this shirt with a pair of dark jeans and motorcycle boots, but you could also wear it with skinny cargos and a shearling jacket for an impressive model-off-duty ensemble.
8. Pamela Love Single X Bracelets ($363-$605)
Pamela Love jewelry is innately cool and intriguing, so it never fails to bring to another element of intrigue to an ensemble. This fall, Love delivered yet another nuanced collection, incorporating such themes as folklore tales, Mexican mythology, and Southwestern cultures. We happen to have our eye on the Single X Rope Bracelets and think Kravitz would share a similar affection for their rustic spirit. You can always wear the Sterling Silver ($605) and Bronze ($363) on their own, but they look just as cool stacked together up your wrist.Â--Jessica Baker


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Programs for Organizations
Columbia Business School Executive Education's custom programs blend scholarly research and practical approaches to address your organization's specific challenges. We see custom programming as a partnership, leveraging collaboration to create an effective experience.
Faculty members play a key role in program development. At the earliest stages of consultation, faculty directors delve into the problem that needs to be solved and develop cutting-edge strategies and tactics to address it.
Specific Solutions
Custom programs often deliver a diverse mix of case application, role-plays, group discussion, and short, focused lectures. The process is iterative: whether it is adjusting the program's length or shifting content focus, our faculty members members are experienced in fine-tuning programs to respond to an organization's specific parameters and goals. Columbia Business School Executive Education's custom programs help organizations and individuals navigate the leadership development journey, in ways that address both immediate and long-term challenges.


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LINCOLN — The Community Against Bullying in Schools will hold its Let Kindness Bloom fundraising gala on Thursday, March 14 at Kirkbrae Country Club, 197 Old River Road, Lincoln, from 6 to 10 p.m.
The event will feature a dinner prepared by Kirkbrae chefs, a silent auction, a display of student anti-bullying artwork, guest speakers, and music by entertainer Matty B.
Proceeds from the gala will go toward the organization's main objective: to keep bullying out of the schools and provide students with a safe learning environment, free of abuse and ridicule. The organization supports and has participated in the Third Eye Youth Crime Watch.
"Our organization is built to give people tools to end bullying," said Deborah Michalenka of Lincoln, one of the organizers for the Community Against Bullying in Schools. "These tools can make schools safer and more enjoyable for students. We teach them to treat others the way they would like to be treated. 'Kindness' is our motto."
The Community Against Bullying in Schools was established by a group of concerned parents after Deborah and Peter Michalenka lost their son, Jeffrey, in 2006. He took his life a week after his 16th birthday. Jeffrey suffered relentless bullying in school and online, according to his parents, who joined the organization shortly after Jeffrey's death.
Tickets to the gala are $65 and can be obtained via the organization's website CABINSRI.org or by emailing email@example.com [2]. Tickets are available until March 1 and may be purchased through PayPal.
[1] http://www.pawtuckettimes.com/sites/default/files/Community_Image_3.gif
[2] mailto:firstname.lastname@example.com


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Indexing earnings
Eligibility and indexing
An individual's earnings are always indexed to the average wage level two years prior to the year of first eligibility. Thus, for a person retiring at age 62 in 2015, the person's earnings would be indexed to the average wage index for 2013 (44,888.16). Earnings in a year before 2013 would be multiplied by the ratio of 44,888.16 to the average wage index for that year; earnings in 2013 or later would be taken at face value.
A person's indexed earnings are used to calculate an average indexed monthly earnings (AIME) amount. We use this AIME amount to compute the person's primary insurance amount.
Year of eligibility


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The Creative Assembly • Page 2
First of five add-on packs for Alien: Isolation lands next week
Corporate Lockdown is the first of five add-on packs for Alien: Isolation and it releases next week.
Watch London circa 395 AD burn in this Total War: Attila video
Londinium, or London as it was known to the Roman Empire when established in AD 50, is featured in the latest video for Total War: Attila.
Alien: Isolation concept art is a precursor of horrors and calamities
Most reviewers praised Alien: Isolation for many reasons, but the game's style was chief among them. Mainly for how it succeeded in matching the aesthetic of the original film. We've got some early concept art for the game to demonstrate why.
Some users are having issues with Alien: Isolation pre-order DLC on PS4
Some players who pre-ordered Alien: Isolation are reporting that DLC codes that came with their copies are not not working, developer Creative Assembly is on the case.
Here's how to enable Oculus Rift support for Alien: Isolation
Alien: Isolation was believed to have Oculus Rift support at one point, it was even demoed with the VR headset, but publisher Sega later said it was just a prototype. Talented PC modders have dug into the files and found out how to re-enable it.
Alien: Isolation reviews round-up - all the scores
Is Alien: Isolation the game Alien fans want, and more importantly, is it the game they deserve? Find out in our reviews round-up below.
You can pre-download Alien: Isolation on Xbox One from today
Those planning on purchasing Alien: Isolation on Xbox One can now pre-download and pre-order the horror title from The Creative Assembly.
Total War: Attila announced by The Creative Assembly - out in 2015
The Creative Assembly announced during its EGX London 2014 session Total War: Attila.
Using Misdirection in Alien: Isolation will help you survive because Nowhere is Safe
Two new shorts in the Alien: Isolation series "How Will You Survive" have been released. Find out how to make it out of the space station in one piece below.
Bioware, Turtle Rock, Supermassive sessions announced for EGX 2014
Bioware, Turtle Rock, The Creative Assembly and other developer sessions have been announced for EGX London.
Alien: Isolation Survivor mode revealed, get the first look
Alien: Isolation developer The Creative Assembly has revealed Survivor mode, the survival challenge mode for Alien: Isolation.
Next Total War game to be announced at EGX 2014 this month
The Creative Assembly will announce the next entry in the Total War series during EGX 2014 later this month.
You don't have to kill anyone in Alien: Isolation
Alien: Isolation players don't have to take pot shots at enemies if they'd prefer to use stealth.
Yes, you can get Alien: Isolation's awesome pre-order DLC after launch
Alien: Isolation has such awesome-sounding pre-order bonus DLC that it's ignited the whole "pre-order bonuses are teh debbil" debate. But don't fret! You'll be able to obtain it through other means.
Alien: Isolation is not coming to Oculus Rift after all
Alien: Isolation is not coming to Oculus Rift, crushing our various hopes and dreams.
Alien: Isolation will run at 1080p on both PS4 and Xbox One
Alien: Isolation is bucking the next-gen trend by presenting "no noticeable" difference between the PS4 and Xbox One versions.
Alien: Isolation is "a bit like a Metroidvania game"
Alien: Isolation's lead game designer Gary Napper has likened The Creative Assembly's horror title to Metroidvania titles. As it happens, players will be able to back-track and re-explore previous areas for secrets at will.
Total War: Rome 2 Pirates & Raiders DLC has been revealed
Total War: Rome 2 developer The Creative Assembly has announced the strategy game's latest DLC pack Pirates and Raiders.
Alien: Isolation video focuses on using dynamic sound to create fear - watch
Alien: Isolation has received a new trailer out of The Creative Assembly, this time focusing on how the game uses sound to keep you on edge, along with some insight into the music process.
Alien: Isolation dev explains how it'll sustain fear through whole experience
Alien: Isolation developer The Creative Assembly is taking the horror approach to its licensed tie-in. Senior designer Gary Napper and art lead Jude Bond have discussed how the team has worked to sustain a feeling of fear and dread throughout the whole experience.
The Creative Assembly Latest
Yes, you can get Alien: Isolation's awesome pre-order DLC after launch
Alien: Isolation video focuses on using dynamic sound to create fear – watch
Alien: Isolation dev explains how it'll sustain fear through whole experience
Alien: Isolation – forget everything you think you know about stealth games
Total War: Rome 2 dev responds to accusations of holding back content for DLC
Total War: Rome 2 'Beasts of War' DLC out now, adds killer camels & more – trailer
Alien: Isolation screens show dead androids, new gadget & more
Alien: Isolation devs discuss Colonial Marines backlash & why horror was the right way to go
Alien: Isolation playable at EGX Rezzed on Xbox One, PS4 & PC
Alien: Isolation was born from the desire to make an Alien game Creative Assembly wanted to play
Total War: Rome 2 – beta version of Assembly Kit now available through Steam
Total War: Rome 2 patch 8.1 now available, adds a more "aggressive and tactically-focused AI"
Alien: Isolation co-op was considered, but won't feature in final build
Alien: Isolation Wii U version isn't on the cards, says Sega
Alien: Isolation gameplay and screens reveal Amanda Ripley & her xenomorph nemesis
Alien: Isolation's survival horror format brings the fear factor – interview & impressions
Alien: Isolation product listing appears on Xbox.com with synopsis & screens
Alien: Isolation screenshots leak online, Sega declines to comment
Alien: Isolation concept art surfaces for The Creative Assembly's tie-in


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China's astronomic rise in economic, military, and diplomatic strength poses numerous challenges to American interests on both the domestic and international fronts. China's support of regimes and international actors hostile to American interests overseas (such as Sudanese leader Omar Hassan Al-Bashir and Syrian ruler Bashar Al-Assad) has been well-documented for several years; however, evidence has recently emerged pointing to growing ties between the People's Republic of China and Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist party classified as a terror group by the U.S. State Department and European Union.
An investigation recently undertaken by the Israel Law Center Shurat haDin yielded proof that the Bank of China (BOC), China's third largest lender by assets, bears direct responsibility for offering financial assistance to Hamas in the form of executing wire transfers of several millions of dollars since 2003. Based on this evidence, Shurat haDin filed a billion-dollar lawsuit on Tuesday, October 23 against the Bank of China for intentionally providing banking services to Hamas through their New York City branch.
"The banking giant knowingly assisted the Islamic group to carry out [a] Jerusalem attack with the full approval of the Chinese government," said Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, the group's chief counsel and director.
Hamas leaders regularly withdrew amounts of around $100,000 in cash from the Bank of China, usually within one day of a deposit, over a period of years, the case alleges, and the Bank of China "was under an obligation to monitor, report, and refuse to execute such suspicious and irregular banking transactions," but did not, the complaint reads.
The lawsuit, brought to the New York State Supreme Court, is on behalf of five families who lost loved ones in a terror attack at Jerusalem's Merkaz haRav Yeshiva, an institute of advanced Jewish learning in the Kiryat Moshe neighborhood, on March 6, 2008. Eight students were killed in the attack, and 11 more were wounded at the hands of 26-year-old Hamas gunman Alaa Abu Dhein.
Click here to read the entire article.
Photo of Hamas: AP Images


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- Overview
- Specs
- Reviews
Yakima SuperJoe Pro 2-Bike Trunk RackThe SuperJoe Pro trunk rack with 2-bike capacity comes fully assembled and features a new QuickTrigger hub system for fast and easy installation to your trunk or hatchback. Durable steel construction looks snazzy and guarantees years of reliable service.
- Redesigned geometry for better fit and more stability
- QuickTrigger hub system makes installation fast and easy
- Easy-to-use knobs adjust arm angle and fit
- StableCradles hold bikes firmly in place and eliminate bike-to-bike contact
- Labeled strap system eliminates any confusion
- One-piece padded feet and padded metal buckles protect your vehicle's paint job and add stability
- Narrow arm design fits a wide variety of bike frames
- Integrated bottle openers
- Includes Glass Hatch hooks for glass trunks or gate mounts
- Compatible with most factory spoilers
Yakima SuperJoe Pro 2-Bike Trunk Rack
- number of bikes:
- 2 Bikes (60lbs)
- rating:
- 5


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Italy is home to world-class cities such as Venice, Rome and Florence; it is home to monuments such as the Coliseum, the Sistine Chapel, birthplace of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, Vivaldi and Puccini; and, it is home to opera, ice-cream, pasta, and liters of fabulous wine.
Home to the rolling hills of Tuscany and Umbria, the picturesque ports along the Amalfi coast, to the glamorous island of Capri, the fashion capital that is Milan and the romantic lake district of the north.
Italy, if you have never visited before is a jewel waiting to be revealed - if you are a frequent visitor, you can rediscover favorite places and uncover new destinations, thanks to our deep knowledge of all our Italian ports-of-call.
Travel with us to Italy on our luxury cruise ships and you'll fall under the spell of Ancona, Bari, Catania, Rome, Genoa, Livorno, La Spezia, Salerno, Ravenna, Sorrento and Venice - just a handful of our destinations. Many of these cities act as a gateway to other great places further afield or inland, including Florence, Portofino and Urbino or the UNESCO heritage region of Cinque Terre.
A cruise to Italy lies at the heart of your vacation in Europe; let us unveil new sights and sounds through our dedicated day trip packages, where you can enjoy the best deals on our outstanding attractions and get under the skin of this country.
Find the best cruises to Italy with MSC cruises!


text: Composting lets you turn yard waste and kitchen scraps into homemade garden compost. We offer Compost Tumblers and Wire Bin Leaf Composters for continuous composting. The exclusive Gardener's Supply Deluxe Pyramid Composter, and popular name brand compost bins like the NatureMill Kitchen Scrap Composter and the Aerobin Composter complete the line. We even have bins for composting with worms.


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Submission Liberated Pixel Cup art contest launches->
paroneayea writes: "Liberated Pixel Cup has announced that the art contest phase has just started! Several other bits have been announced as part of the post, including prize amounts, and a style guide, asset directory, and interactive demo section. Let the liberated pixeling commence!"
Link to Original Source
Link to Original Source


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Best of News
Protestors hold banners featuring Georges Abdallah during a... News PhotoBanner - Sign,City,Demonstration,Holding,Horizontal,Photography,Politics,Politics and Government,Protestor,ReleasingPhotographer AFPCollection: AFP Protestors hold banners featuring Georges Abdallah during a demonstration to call for his release outside the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) French base on January 19, 2013 in the southern city of Deir Kifa. George Ibrahim Abdallah was sentenced to life imprisonment in France in 1984 for his part in the 1982 murders of two diplomats, Charles Robert Day, an American and Yacov Barsimantov, an Israeli, in Paris. AFP PHOTO MAHMOUD ZAYYAT (Photo credit should read MAHMOUD ZAYYAT/AFP/Getty Images)


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Irish Internet Radio and TV from Dublin, Ireland.
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Thanks indeed for your kind remark. This is a St. Brigid's cross made by my father-in-law for our home on Arranmore Island, Co Donegal. She was his favourite saint and this wee cross takes pride of place on our mantel-piece in memory of him, Jimi R.I.P.
© 2015


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Sorry, but this World Class Driving event is no longer active. But don't worry; we're still cranking out the hits. Check out some of our other amazing exotic car driving events.
It's a match made in heaven. Three exotic cars. The Las Vegas Strip shimmering in the distance at sunset. With our Las Vegas Sunset Tour you'll drive three crushingly-brilliant exotic cars from Ferrari, Lamborghini, and more in a 50-mile tour around Las Vegas.
World Class Driving is the original exotic supercar tour. Since we launched in 2006, over 25,000 participants have trusted us to provide a memorable and thrilling supercar driving experience.
During this all-new Las Vegas driving experience, you'll arrive the World Class Driving Dream Garage on the Las Vegas Strip. After a short safety briefing from our instructors, you'll drive three high performance supercars on a guided road tour around Las Vegas - rotating through each supercar at checkpoints. In total, you'll drive approximately 50 miles (80.5km).
At the end of your experience, you'll have a chance to review your Las Vegas Sunset Tour with fellow enthusiasts.
Don't take our word for it! Find out why World Class Driving is the highest rated driving attraction on TripAdvisor:
Our exotic car tour fleet contains the latest models of the latest supercars on the market, such as the 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia, 2010 Lamborghini LP560-4, and the 2011 Audi R8 V-10 and more. (In the unfortunate event of mechanical malfunction, we may substitute a like supercar.)
The Las Vegas Sunset Tour is available for $599 (plus a $6 BLM Park Use Fee). Bring a guest/non-driving passenger for an additional $99. Or, bring an a second driver for an additional $149; you'll share the driving. (We suggest a spirited round of rock-paper-scissors.)
In addition, most other providers offer solo experiences. Our experiences are designed to comfortably allow you to bring a guest passenger on your experience. Your guest will ride with you for the entire experience. Share your passion!
Our Dream Garage is located at 4055 Dean Martin Drive, between the Rio All-Suites Hotel and the Las Vegas Strip.
You may also share the drive with someone else for an additional fee. During the shared drive, you and your friend will "split" the driving, with Driver 1 driving two vehicles, and Driver 2 driving the remaining vehicle(s). In the case of a three-car experience, we recommend a spirited round of rock-paper-scissors.
Don't take our word for it. Read the unbiased reviews from previous Sunset Exotic Driving Experience participants.
"It's a dream-come-true experience!"Kai L., Coquitlam, Canada
"Everything was perfect from the staff, to the cars, to the roads. You really get to see what the cars are capable of in a pretty controlled, but fun environment. The cars are incredible! "Justin F., Campbell, USA
"We were a group of 4 guys from Norway who had a great time in some amazing cars. We would highly recommend the friendly folks at WCD."Torleiv A., Kopervik, Norway
"Just PERFECT!"Felipe P. Bueno, Campinas, SP - Brazil
"Terrific experience, very well organized. Great cars. Luckily we had the chance to drive 4 cars—the Lamborghini LP570 Spyder Performante, Ferrari 458 Italia, Jaguar XKR-S, and the Audi R8 V10—as we had 4 people in our party. It was such a wonderful experience driving such powerful cars on the open road, something which we could never have done back in the UK."Ian D., Nazeing, United Kingdom
The Sunset Exotic Driving Experience will give you a new respect for the capabilities of the exotic car fleet. Here's a typical event schedule. Your actual event times depend on which time slot you reserve:
The experience begins with a welcome at the World Class Driving Dream Garage, where you'll check in.
You'll participate in a short safety briefing. We'll introduce our WCD driving professionals, who are dedicated to making your experience unforgettable.
We'll take you on a short shuttle ride to our starting location just east of the famous Red Rock Canyon west of Las Vegas, Nevada.
After a short instruction on the operation of the vehicles, you'll take a seat behind the wheel of your first supercar, and follow the lead car through a carefully selected desert road through the Red Rock Canyon area. At regular rest stops, you'll stop and be directed to your next car, rotating through each of the three cars over the 50 mile road tour. You'll enjoy panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip in the distance as the sun fades.
Bring your camera, as we'll make sure to point out some particularly photographic sections of the route.
Your drive concludes at the Dream Garage, just off the strip, where our shuttle will return you to your hotel.
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Sunshine House Junior Golf Tournament
The Sunshine House Junior Golf Tournament at Cobb's Glen Country Club. The tournament is a major fundraiser that supports the Anderson Sunshine House. Donations from sponsors as well as a small percentage of player's fees go directly to maintain the individual shelter houses where families stay together as a family unit.


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Attitudes of Europeans Towards Tourism - Flash Eurobarometer Report (March 2012) Paskelbta: 18/02/2013, Paskutinį kartą atnaujinta: 19/02/2013
- Autorius:
- TNS Political & Social.
This Flash Eurobarometer, "Attitudes of Europeans Towards Tourism" (No 334), was conducted at the request of the Directorate-General for Enterprise and ndustry in the 27 EU Member States and in seven additional countries: : Croatia, Turkey, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Norway, Iceland, the Republic of Serbia and Israel.
The objectives of the survey were to study:
- respondents' motivation for going on holiday in 2011,
- the types of research and modes of organisation that people use before taking a holiday,
- attitudes towards tourism ( e.g. preferred holiday destinations, and the types of holiday that respondents favour),
- respondents' travel profiles in 2011,
- the reasons why respondents did not go on holiday in 2011, including the potential impact of the current economic crisis and respondents' holiday plans for 2012
The interviews were carried out by telephone (fixed-line and mobile phone) between 10 and 14 January 2012 with nationally representative samples of citizens, in the 27 EU Member States, Croatia, Turkey, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Norway, Iceland, the Republic of Serbia and Israel.
The sample size varied between countries, ranging from about 500 in the smallest countries to about 1.500 in the largest (see section "Technical Specifications" in the Annexes where the actual sample sizes for the 34 countries are indicated).