text:
Tasmania – UnderDownunder
Othello – Marrakesh to Porto
Lionheart – Venice to Paris
Allies – Normandy to The Rhine
Hannibal – Barcelona to Rome
Venetians – Venice to Dubrovnik
Che – South America
Why Bike Odyssey?
What is in a logo?
Our Rental Bikes
BBC's On Hannibal's Trail
Hannibal Bike Tour Overview
European Bike touring at its best....Cycle from Spain to France and into Italy in the footsteps of Hannibal, one of history's greatest military commanders. From Barcelona to Rome, experience some of Europe's most beautiful and breathtaking routes and infamous climbs. Dive into the diverse gastronomy of Spain, France and Italy, cultures famous for their cuisine. Sommeliers, picnics sourced from local fromageries, boulangeries and boucheries, and hand-picked restaurants will excite your taste buds daily.
Immerse yourself in the landscape, history and culture of the places we visit as we ride this inspirational trail. The terrain is best seen from the small roads we hand pick, maximising cycling pleasure and safety. Staying in monasteries, castles and agriturismi you will relax and refresh each evening in unique and exceptionally interesting places with a masseuse on hand.
In 2019 we have fully updated the route.
Click here to read our blog about all the improvements
We created this route for the BBC back in 2009 and have run this tour since 2012 - it is an amazing journey. However, it was time for an update so we have reviewed, re-shaped, revamped and rescouted every section of the journey - routes, restaurants, sites and experience. There are better locations to visit - Florence, Siena, Cortona and Les Plus Beaux Villages de France such as La Grave. Better roads to ride - Col du Télégraphe, Lacets du Montvernier and more of the Chianti hills and Val d'Orcia. Better food to eat - Michelin star restaurants in France and Italy. Better rest days - UNESCO Carcassonne, Villa Sparina, Renaissance capital Florence. More optional cycling challenges - A 5 day Pyrenean start for the climbing keen and at the opposite end of the scale a full non-rider partners itinerary. Lastly, better history - In consultation with the L'Association HANNIBAL BARCA we have adjusted our route - we now ride ever closer to Hannibal's route - our Apennine crossing now reflects this and as ever you will have archaeologist Sam Wood's Hannibalic story telling to accompany your journey.
Enter your details below to receive the full Hannibal Odyssey Catalogue:
Sam Wood - Tour Leader
Sam is the founder of Bike Odyssey. He is a Roman archaeologist by trade and worked in Pompeii and for the British Museum, London before cycling historical trails to create documentaries for the BBC. He created 'On Hannibal's Trail' for the BBC in 2010. He has now has now run it as a guided tour for the last 7 years as it was too good not to share!
HANNIBAL BIKE TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Stage 1 - Barcelona -> Carcassonne -> Avignon
Explore Barcelona, the city which never sleeps
Start the tour by descending from the Montseny National Park at 1000m elevation all the way down to the Mediterranean!
Exceptional Catalonian hilltowns as we ride north towards the lower Pyrenees.
Experience the essence of the road less travelled as we cycle tour through Cathar country past Chateau Queribus and Peyrepertuse.
NEW IN 2019 - Rest day at, and tour of, stunning Carcassonne (Pyrenean group joins)
NEW IN 2019 - Villeneuve-les-Avignon - an idyllic location to prepare for the Alps
A gastronomic Odyssey as we traverse from Catalonian Spain over the Pyrenees through southern France.
A wine connoisseurs dream as we ride between the vines of some of European's great wine producers.
Pyrenean Stage 1 - Tramcastilla -> Carcassonne -> Avignon
This alternate Pyrenean Stage 1 runs at the same time as the Stage 1 Barcelona departure. This option is for the serious climbers.
A true climber's start to Hannibal as we take on the best the Pyrenees has to offer - Col de Pourtalet, Col d'Aubisque, Col du Soulor, Col du Tourmalet, Col d'Aspin & Col de Peyresourde.
Spectacular scenery throughout, compare the rugged beauty of the Pyrenees to the peaked majesty of the Alps!
Tour de France routes many times over including in 2018 all the way to Carcassonne.
Cathar country past another of their amazing fortresses Chateau Montségur.
Regroup in Carcassonne.
Stage 2 - Avignon -> La Grave -> Gavi
Start in UNESCO heritage listed Avignon, once home to the Popes and location of the stunning Papal Palace.
Ride into the Alps on Hannibal's trail and find out why and how he crossed this immense mountain range.
Iconic climbs through the Alps - Mont Ventoux, Alpe d'Huez, Col du Galibier, Col d'Izoard and now NEW IN 2019, the option of Col du Télégraphe, Col de la Croix de Fer and Col du Glandon.
NEW IN 2019 an interlude in the stunning 'Les Plus Beaux Villages de France' La Grave and one of our favourite hotels with access to some of the best riding in the Alps and also one of its best wine lists!
NEW IN 2019 - Michelin Star dining in the Alps then ascend France's Col Agnel (2744m) and then descend 50km down into Italy!
Follow the tire tracks of the greatest Italian cyclist, Fausto Coppi through the Langhe and Monferrato
Ride the stunning ridge lines of the Langhe hills through some of Italy's most prestigious vineyards and NEW IN 2019 stay in our most popular hotel on tour for an extra night on our rest day - the spectacular Villa Sparina
Stage 3 - Gavi -> Florence -> Rome
Italy's most renown regions - Piedmont, Emilia Romagna, Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio.
New IN 2019 we now take Hannibal's most likely route over our 3rd mountain range the Apennines!
Sleep through history with castles, monasteries and borgo's among our accommodation choices.
NEW IN 2019 Fiesole and the capital of Renaissance Italy Florence for our stage interlude
NEW IN 2019 Tuscan and Umbrian hilltown gems - UNESCO recognised Siena, exceptional Cortona, Idyllic Pienza and Umbrian's best - Todi.
Compare the finest of Italy's wine – Barolo or Brunello?
Italian's finest gastronomy through its most famous foodie regions.
NEW IN 2019 Atmospheric Lake Trasimene explored with local experts where Hannibal's superior tactics destroyed a complete Roman army.
Cycle into the heart of Rome along the banks of the River Tiber.
NEW in 2019 we have the Non-Riders itinerary
Some couples have a partner who thinks cycling is just downright not for them! Fair enough, but why not still enjoy a holiday together?
One on a bike while the other enjoys the cultural side of things – guided tours, village wanders, tastings (olive oil, wine, cheese….), gallery visits, exploration of castles and historic villages, coffeeing in France's andItaly's most beautiful villages, revelling (and shopping if you wish!) in the local markets: the options are virtually endless! Then meet up for an aperitif and dinner together in our hand-picked unique accommodation and restaurants where you can swap stories of your day's adventures – the best of both worlds, enjoyed together.
We already have a handful of non-riders signed up for the 10 year anniversary Hannibal in 2019 so we have dedicated a guide and vehicle to make the best of every day on tour. So, for example, while the riders are working their way on Day 1 from Montseny to the Mediterranean coast we will be exploring the Dali Musem in Figueres then enjoying the beachfront at our amazing Hostal Empuries…or exploring the ancient ruins of Empuries with an expert guide. And when the riders are climbing Mont Ventoux we will be visiting the amazing Cistercian abbey Notre-Dame de Senanque then enjoying an amazing lunch and wine tasting at the beautiful village of Crillon-le-Brave (which has a great view of Mont Ventoux!). If this sounds like your ideal trip (or your partner's while you get to ride!) then get in touch and we will send you both the cyclists full itinerary and the non-riders full itinerary. The best of both worlds.
2019 Hannibal Bike Tour Dates and Prices
Days/Nights
Grading*
Cost (Euros)
Stage 1. Barcelona-Carcassonne-Avignon 24 August-2 September 10/9 770km / 481mi €3,700
Pyrenean Stage 1. Tramcastilla-Carcassonne-Avignon 24 August-2 September 10/9 813km / 508mi €3,700
Stage 2. Avignon-La Grave-Gavi 2-11 September 10/9 786km / 491mi €3,700
Stage 3. Gavi-Florence-Rome 11-23 September 13/12 958km / 599m €4,925
Odyssey. Barcelona to Rome 24 August-23 September 31/30 2545 km / 1590 mi* €12,250
Rates are based on twin share. Single supplement = €65 per night.
For bike rental options please click here.
*Odyssey full distance based on 'standard' Hannibal. The Pyrenean version adds 40km but 4000 metres of climbing!
Please note these kms are full for the full day's ride. Options are available every day for shorter and longer distances and support is always at hand if you ever want a lift or break!
Stage Stage 1.
Avignon Pyrenean 1.
Tramcastilla
Avignon Stage 2.
Gavi Stage 3.
Rome Odyssey.
Dates 24 Aug-2 Sep 24 Aug-2 Sep 2-11 Sep 11-23 Sep 24 Aug-23 Sep
Days/Nights 10/9 10/9 10/9 13/12 31/30
Distance 770km / 481mi 813km / 508mi 786km / 491mi 958km / 599m 2515 km / 1572 mi*
Grading* 4 x 5 x 5 x 4 x 5 x
Cost €3,700 €3,700 €3,700 €4,925 €12,250
*Odyssey full distance based on 'standard' Hannibal. The Pyrenean version adds only 40km but 4000 metres of climbing!
Stage 1. Barcelona-Carcassonne-Avignon 31 August - 9 September 10/9 770km / 481mi €3,700
Pyrenean Stage 1. Tramcastilla-Carcassonne-Avignon 31 August - 9 September 10/9 813km / 508mi €3,700
Stage 2. Avignon-La Grave-Gavi 9 - 18 September 10/9 786km / 491mi €3,700
Stage 3. Gavi-Florence-Rome 18 - 30 September 13/12 958km / 599m €4,925
Odyssey. Barcelona to Rome 31 August - 30 September 31/30 2545 km / 1590 mi* €12,250
Dates 31 Aug - 9 Sep 31 Aug - 9 Sep 9 - 18 Sep 18 -30 Sep 31 Aug-30 Sep
The BBC Documentary
In 2009 Sam rode the Hannibal tour route for the BBC making the documentary On Hannibal's Trail. From this the Hannibal tour was born....
On Hannibal's Trail is a six part BBC documentary filmed in Spain, France, Italy and Tunisia. The adventure involved Sam, Ben and Danny Wood bicycling more than 3,500km / 2,200miles on the trail of the Carthaginian commander who fought ancient Rome. The show was broadcast on BBCFour in 2010 and and on BBC2 in 2012. The first episode aired on BBC2 in January 2012 it was viewed by more than 1.5 million people. Due it's popularity, it has been broadcast in over 70 countries by National Geographic Channel and Viasat.
Watch the introduction to the documentary below. Note that on the tour there are no panniers or races this was just for entertainment! If you'd like to watch more get in touch with us - hello@bikeodyssey.cc or the check out the BBC On Hannibal's Trail page here.
Hannibal Bike Tour Accommodation
On my BBC documentary, we pitched tents every night….. as much fun as that was, I really wanted to make this tour as comfortable as it could possibly be. After a day in the saddle, I think a fantastic dinner and a very comfortable place to relax and sleep is essential to getting the most out of the tour. Thus, we have chosen places which are authentic and unique. They are always commented on as an exceptional part of the tour. Whether it be a castle, a monastery or an agriturismo, I guarantee you will love the places we stay in each night as much as the rides we do in the day. Here are a few to whet your appetite...
Hostal Spa Empuries, Spain.
This beautiful, classy hotel overlooks the Mediterranean where we will certainly enjoy a swim after our first day in the saddle! Hannibal also set up camp here on his route north, a fact attested to by the ancient ruins next door to the hotel.
Villa Sparina, Gavi Italy.
An 18th century farmhouse surrounded by the panoramic vineyards of Monterotondo, in the region of Piedmont, we sample it's own wines in what is one of the best evenings of the trip.
Castello di Tabiano, Italy.
Built in the 11th century for its strategic hill top position this hotel is an exceptional stop with a lovely Spa and pool looking down the valley - but the description should warn you it is at the top of a solid climb!
Do you fancy a massage?
What could be better after a long day's ride than to have your weary legs massaged back to health? When our groups reach 18 Carla our Soigneur joins the group and every guest will experience this ecstasy 2-3 times a week as part of your tour.
Hannibal Bike Tour Food and Wine
The Hannibal is more than a European bike tour, it is a true culinary odyssey hence our samples coming from the great foodie regions of Catalonia, Spain, Languedoc, France and Emilia Romagna, Italy. So much great and well earned food to enjoy!
Can Roura, St Marti, Spain
After a beautiful walk along the Mediterranean past the ruins of Empuries we find ourselves in the tiny village of Sant Marti where we enjoy the 'Chef's Table' for genuine Catalan fair on our last night in Spain.
Fleurs D'Olargues France
One of our favourite stops. This family run hotel and restaurant in an exceptional setting under the Pont du Diable in Olargue. The degustation menu never fails to impress, especially the deserts!
Rivalta Castle, Italy
After an aperitif overlooking the River Trebbia, where Hannibal had his first major battle (and victory of course) against the Romans we enjoy fantastic local Emilia-Romagna cuisine - a exceptional Italian feast!
Read more about the regions we ride through and the food and wine they offer us on tour
Spain: Catalonia
Catalan food, on the whole, is excellent and very healthy. It is part of the famed Mediterranean diet that is rich in beans, pulses, fish (sardine, anchovy, tuna, and cod), pork prepared in as many ways as you can imagine, vegetables (especially tomato, garlic, eggplant, aubergine, capsicum, artichokes and mushrooms), and olive oil. The essence of all good Catalan food lies in its range of exceptional sauces for fish and meat. And there is always paella. This dish famous all along the coast, is presented in a different way every single time you have it. It is filling and delicious, whether you like it with fish, meat or just vegetables.
The Catalan region of Spain has a long winemaking tradition and was the birthplace of the sparkling wine Cava. It was invented in the early 1870s by Josep Raventos of Codorniu Winery in Sant Sadurni d'Anoia. At the turn of the 20th century, the Catalan wine industry led Spain's emergence as a world leader in quality wine production. The area is also an important cork producing region, with output aimed primarily at the local Cava houses. Who does not love a glass of bubbly at the end of a day's ride?
France: Languedoc-Roussillon & Provence
A strong Catalan influence can be found in the Languedoc-Roussillon region, so you will see a lighter style of eating here than in the rest of France. This influence can be found in the regional dishes here such as Brandade which is made from a purée of dried cod wrapped in beet leaves, Crème Catalane (cream with lemon, vanilla and fennel seed) and Morue à la Catalane, a cod dished served with tomatoes and pepper and anchoïade (anchovies with garlic and olive oil). Snails are plentiful and are also prepared in a specific Catalan style known as a Cargolade – grilled in their shells with salt, pepper, and herbs.
Seafood forms an important part of the local diet, especially sea bream, mussels, red mullet and squid and are usually flavoured with locally produced olive oil, tomatoes, garlic, onions and aromatic herbs. A regional delicacy from the Languedoc-Roussillon include oysters from Etang de Thau, a spicy fish with aioli, which leaves your mouth tingling with pleasure. For the heartier meal, Gardiane is popular, a beef stew with red wine and served with rice. Fabulous goats cheeses, mushrooms, chestnuts, berries, honey, lamb, game, sausages and pâtés are all local and fresh produce from this area, perfect for picnics on a bike ride.
Provençal cooking is naturally tasty and flavoursome, due to the sun-kissed produce that is readily available in this region. The food here resembles more closely the sumptuous cuisine of Italy than Parisian meat-and-potatoes bistro fare. With emphasis on super ripe fresh vegetables, seafood, fresh herbs and a liberal helping of olive oil in every dish, traditional Provencal cuisine blends intense flavors and simple ingredients. Provence is the birthplace of three world renowned dishes: salade Nicoise, bouillabaisse and ratatouille. The first, literally meaning "Nice-style salad," is an elaborate, layered entree with crisp greens, tomatoes, boiled potatoes and haricots verts dressed with vinaigrette, hard-boiled eggs, olives and seared tuna steak. Bouillabaisse, a saffron-infused seafood stew, combines freshly caught Mediterranean fish and shellfish in a luscious tomato broth. It is usually served with a toasted baguette slathered in aioli, a traditional creamy garlic sauce. Ratatouille is simply stewed vegetables, but there is nothing simple about its taste. Usually tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini and onion softened in fruity, garlic-tinged olive oil, it is a dish bursting with deep rich flavours of the vegetables.
Wine in Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence. In both these regions, you will have wine aplenty to accompany the delights of their gastronomy. Languedoc-Roussillon wine region has around 700,000 acres (2,800 km2) under vines and is the single biggest wine producing region in the world, being responsible for more than a third of France's total wine production. In 2001, the region produced more wine than the United States.
The history of Languedoc wines can be traced to the first vineyards planted along the coast near Narbonne by the early Greeks in the fifth century BC. Along with parts of Provence, these are the oldest planted vineyards in France. Aesthetically, Languedoc- Roussillon wines unquestionably have a personality of its own - wild, unpredictable, characterful, ripe, and lush, with some of the headiest and most captivating aromatic profiles in France.
The Provence region sits along the Mediterranean coast of France and is blessed with a fantastic climate for grapes. The region gets lots of sunshine and not too much rain with warm days and cool evenings. The Mediterranean moderates the temperatures and the famous "Mistral" wind keeps the vineyards dry, free of pests and the skies clear. Wine has been made here for over 2600 years with their focus on Rosé and is home to the only research institute dedicated to the style.
Italy: Piedmont, Lombardy, Emilia Romagna, Umbria, Tuscany and Lazio
Piedmont's cuisine is famous for the immense variety of antipasti. The famous bagna càuda begins the meal with pieces of raw vegetables served with a heated sauce of garlic and anchovies in mixed olive oil and butter. The local variation of fonduta is an egg yolk enriched fondue made with Fontina cheese, milk, plenty of butter, and sometimes garnished with shaved white truffle. There is no better way to start a meal.
Moving into Lombardy, you will find its cuisine has roots in many different cultures, resulting in extravagant dishes. Lombardia cooking traditionally uses generous amounts of butter, cream and lard, making everything exceptionally yummy! To counter this richness, they eat lots of rice, both in risotto and in soups. The classic dish for Lombardy is the decadent Risotto alla Milanese. This creamy rice dish is heavily enriched with plenty of dairy butter and grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and its golden tint is provided by saffron, the most expensive spice in the world.
Emilia Romagna region is considered by many to be the culinary heart of Italy. Wheat is grown in abundance here to make a soft wheat, the base for the highest quality homemade pasta. Tortellini, lasagne verdi, gramigna and tagliatelle in Emilia Romagna is unparalleled throughout Italy. You can eat this pasta all by itself, but if you want a local speciality, try Garganelli pasta drizzled with Modena Balsamic and a sprinkle of beautiful Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. You cannot imagine how amazing this simple dish tastes here.
In Umbria you have the opportunity to gorge on gelato, and I mean real gelato. Gelaterias using natural products, no artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors. The gelato here is not going to be bright red or purple, unless it is due to fresh fruits. "Gelati d'Italia ("Ice cream in Italy") is a festival in Umbria that runs for 4 months celebrating the Italian tradition of homemade ice cream, hosting tastings, cultural events, exhibitions and social events in the streets. Match that enthusiasm with a morning on the bike and I know what will be the perfect cool pick up at coffee time.
When you arrive in Tuscany you will be faced with only one doubt about the food and that is "What are the foods I can't miss, what will I regret not having eaten?" So, this is the one dish that is an absolute non-misser for me: Castagnaccio. It is a traditional cake made by a dough of chestnut, water, olive oil, pine nuts,and raisins and baked and is best served with ricotta, chestnut honey or sweet wines such as Vin Santo. It is very common to the Apennine mountainous area of Tuscany. It can be eaten all year round because it's good both warm and cold, but is a typically autumnal dessert, perfect for our trip through on Hannibal. Do not miss this!
The hills in Lazio are rich and fertile making it easy to grow vegetables of all types, making up an important part of the cuisine in this area. Wild vegetables and herbs are gathered eagerly in the countryside along with snails which are a popular dish. They are cooked with liberal amounts of oil, herbs and garlic and more often than not a good portion of anchovies. Pasta features strongly but the bigger, chunkier types such as bucatini and conchiglie are favoured and are not to be missed. The popular pasta sauce arrabbiata, which means 'angry', comes from this region also and is so named because of the flakes of hot peperoncino that are in its rich tomato sauce. If you have tried it elsewhere, try it here too, it will surpass any before it.
Italy is home to some of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, and Italian wines are known worldwide for their broad variety. Romans started the winemaking was prolific and well-organized, pioneering large-scale production and storage techniques like barrel making and bottling.
Over 2000 years later, Italy stilI is leading the way. It is the world's largest wine producer by volume, representing about ⅓ of global production. Grapes are grown in almost every region of the country and there are more than one million vineyards under cultivation. The sun-drenched North-South peninsula embodies pockets of geographical, geological, and climatic perfection for the production of quality wine. Over the last thirty years, some of the best wines ever produced anywhere have come out of Italy: Amarone, Barolo, Brunello di Montalcino and Passito di Pantelleria. Italian wine information and experiences now sit amongst the most coveted wine regions of the world.
Hannibal Bike Tour History
Hannibal Barca is one of the greatest military commanders of all time. As a leader of the ancient superpower, Carthage, he waged a lifelong war against the Romans and nearly destroyed them. And yet, today we know very little about Hannibal or his people: the Carthaginians. What we do remember is one of his amazing feats: to fight the Romans on their own turf, Hannibal led an army that included nearly forty elephants, over the frozen mountain tops of the Alps and into Italy.
That achievement, leading the largest land animal over one of the biggest mountain chains, was just part of an incredible journey that took Hannibal and his force of sixty thousand men from southern Spain, through France, into Italy via the Alps and finally, over the sea and back to the now Tunisian city of Carthage. For Hannibal Barca this was a very personal conflict - a family affair. As a boy he'd sworn to his father Hamilcar that he would fight Rome to the death and his top generals were his two brothers, Hasdrubal and Mago. Their struggle was the main event during the biggest and bloodiest conflict of ancient times, the century long Punic Wars (264-146 BC). With Hannibal as commander, it really looked as if Carthage was going to win. European civilisation came so close to being something very different – Rome-free, and yet Rome totally dominates our imagination when we think about the ancient world. When Hannibal lived, things were very different.
Organising a custom tour in a foreign country where you are not fluent in the language can be intimidating as you are always trying to consider your groups individual needs and abilities, Getting to know Sam and then working with Bike Odyssey is so refreshing in that they were able to provide a very high end experience, while feeling like it was effortless on our end. The team was always working hard in the background to make sure our customised Hannibal adventure unfolded seamlessly and going by the feedback from our group and the sign up for Lionheart it's clear they were effective.
Sam's approach is calm and confident and the route choice as well as accommodation was memorable. I would highly recommend engaging Bike Odyssey as your choice.
Paul Traynor
The cycling routes, guides, food, wine and accommodation were all great. Such a memorable trip. I highly recommend bike odyssey
Sarah Armstrong
Thank you Max for being such an excellent guide during our Hannibal Tour. Your infectious enthusiasm was invaluable and the way you supported the whole group throughout each day was fabulous. I felt very safe with you as our tour leader during the first few days and appreciate your motivating and fun loving personality from the beginning to the end of the trip. And last but not least, your Spanish mints (with accompanying jingle) each morning were vital to a good start to the day.
Megan Rigney
I felt that all the guides and their contributions were extraordinary all went over and above to ensure that we were in the right place, their individual and team contributions were excellent as was their personal skill sets all were able to walk the talk with no trouble.
Martyn Smith
The guides were amazing…..excellent in fact. Particular mention has to go to Mark. He is as solid and reliable and friendly as you could ever wish for. Nothing was too much for him – even with a stinking cold towards the end, he was ever present and friendly. The image of him at the top of Col Agnel in gale force words and horizontal rain, packing bikes into the trailer will stay with me for a long time.
The other guides were all excellent and genuinely could not do enough. They made the trip very easy and all we had to do was concentrate on riding our bikes.
Pat Marshall
As a 65 yr old with 2 metal hips, I joined Sam's very first Hannibal tour, with some appreciable trepidation. But any misgivings I might have entertained dissipated quickly. Stunning views, friendly and ever helpful guides, scrumptious local fare and excellent accommodation more than compensated for the fading grumblings of an initially reluctant body. By the 3rd day all fatigue was forgotten as I made friends with riders from very different backgrounds, learnt some useful lingo and soaked up sights, smells and history of a most interesting part of the World.
Bob Hofman
Sam did a faultless job running the tour from the hotels to the food, the support, the hire bikes and the incredible history of Hannibal along the way, I cannot imagine how it could have been executed any better. The guides were professional, dedicated, friendly and supportive. Their experience shone through and is their greatest asset.
I already have my next epic tour planned, and it wont be the last.
Jason Langer
The Hannibal Expedition has been the major riding highlight of my 20-year riding career. The scenery, food wine and accommodation were something I have no hesitation in recommending. For me, the greatest plus was achieving the challenge the Hannibal Expedition's thoughtfully crafted route provides. Plenty of personal challenge, in beautiful and historic countries, with almost no traffic. What more could you ask for.
Stephen Seymour
What an amazing holiday! You can eat and drink as much as you like and you still go home fitter and trimmer than when you left! Wait till Woman's Weekly or Cosmo hear about this holiday! You guys'll be booked solid till early retirement. This was undoubtedly the best long weekend of my life so far. I'll be back next year for at the very least a full stage, if not more! My legs look forward to cashing this cheque which my hand is currently writing!
Will Wetherall
The guides on the Hannibal Expedition were excellent. They are excellent organisers, who think ahead, and are always looking to make the best possible experience for the riders, whether this be making sure the bikes are in top condition, or the picnics lunch is in "the spot", or the evening meal is an experience to remember. The guides are happy to answer to questions on the route, and change things as weather or circumstance require. Sam's historical knowledge and has willingness to share this knowledge really added to the trip.
I am very much looking forward to riding with them again.
This was by far the most fun I have had on a bike. It was a pretty stern physical test for me, and thus perfect. I eyed off the van once or twice but never had to get in it. Lovely places and lovely routes that you would never find by yourself, and all fully supported.
Ted Robinson
Hannibal Barca, the wily Carthaginian General, was a fine strategist and leader. His attempt to conquer Rome by taking war elephants across the Alps was a real feat. If you wish to ride across the Alps, in fine style, without the support of war elephants, then you should sign up for this tour. They are great operators and their tour is first class.
Roddy Johnson
It is a rare thing to experience something that changes your perspective on life permanently, even more rare when that something is a choice, and not a challenge that life has forced upon you.
The Hannibal Tour did just that, it changed my perspective on life. I started the tour with very high expectations, to see the best of Europe, to make friends, to challenge myself physically. What it achieved was well beyond this. The Hannibal Tour covered some of the most extraordinary landscape I will ever see, including times when I truly was on top of the world. Meeting the physical challenge of 26 days of cycling when I have never in my life before been a cyclist has left me with an incredible belief that anything is possible in life. I have made lifelong friends from across the globe. On this tour, I felt more alive than I had since I was a kid. We all laughed hard, ate and drank like kings, and at the top of the Alps I cried with joy. And all this, from the seat of a bicycle.
Sam had obviously put a lot of time and effort into researching and organising the Hannibal Epic. The detail in the planning is obvious from the start and resulted in a magnificent experience every day. The hotels, restaurants, routes, lunch stops including several picnics, coffee breaks and extras such as wine tastings and farmhouse meals were superb. An added feature of their tours is the historical aspect which was regularly explained to us in regard to our location. I feel very lucky to have found this tour and to have been able to participate as it was challenging, unforgettable and a great opportunity to meet other like minded cyclists and create new friendships. It was hard coming home after such a unique experience. Thank you Sam.
Kay Jacob
To go on a trip that has congruency with the challenge of the ride -the epic and the history, gastronomy, the culture, the landscapes and to provide such intelligent support is amazing . I loved it, felt challenged, gave myself to the whole experience and have no criticisms, just grateful for a marvellous trip.
Bernadette Redfern
The 25 days I spent on the road with Sam was the best month I have had in my life. To be able to travel through Spain, France and Italy, and to see, do, eat and enjoy so much, was a real privilege. Sam eliminates any stress that may come with such a huge undertaking. Really, all you have to do is keep pedalling and not lose control of your bike when you pinch yourself to check you are not actually dreaming.
Felix Lowe
See all our testimonials
Hannibal Bike Tour Light Reading
Ben Kane at his best! Ben has ridden Hannibal before and knows his stuff. Excellent historical fiction for a great introduction to Hannibal.
Hannibal by Serge Lancel is perhaps the foremost historical work on the topic. A must read for anyone interested in the period.
The most reliable ancient source, who lived in Rome soon after Hannibal's time. He also walked Hannibal's route and met eye witnesses to the history
Cottrell
This fun account of Leonard Cottrell's trip in a campervan over Alps in Hannibal's footsteps back in the mid 20th century is a great and entertaining read.
Felix Lowe road Hannibal with Sam in 2014. This lively account of the trip is an excellent read an introduction to life on tour!
Search Bike Odyssey
Bike Odyssey Blog
On Hannibal's Trail
Underdownunder Cyclist
Cycle Tooth
Australia Office: +61 (02) 8007 3339
USA Office: +1 (206) 462-5027
Australia Mobile: +61 412 540 984
Skype: BikeOdyssey or samfwood
Email: hello@bikeodyssey.cc
Tour Gradings
Why Bike Odyssey
Bike Odyssey - - Berry, Australia - - Barcelona, Spain - - Kansas City, USA - - Santiago, Chile.
All content Bike Odyssey. All rights reserved. Terms and Conditions
Bike Odyssey - - Berry, Australia | Barcelona, Spain | Kansas City, USA | Santiago, Chile.
Please enter your email address to receive our latest news, offers and bike tour information.
We usually add a bit of history too!


Morf Media Inc., developer of Morf Playbook™ talent development, skill-building and compliance training platform for use on mobile devices and PCs, today launched its latest online course, 2016 HIPAA Best Practices. Updated with latest guidance on National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Information and on cybersecurity best practices, the interactive course provides a clear, effective approach to correcting and preventing mistakes and leaks in confidential medical information.
The 2016 HIPAA Best Practices course shows healthcare providers how to lower the risk of regulatory action through up to date HIPAA compliance training. Recent legislation, specifically expectations regarding electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI) and Electronic Health Records (EHRs), implemented stricter privacy regulations when storing and transferring patient information. Complete training in the details of these new guidelines helps companies avoid steep fees and legal issues.
On Jan. 4, 2016 HHS released a final rule (federalregister.gov) that modifies the existing HIPAA Privacy Rule to clarify that it is not a privacy violation to report certain information to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
Importantly, the rule does not apply to most health care professionals and does not allow diagnostic, clinical or other mental health treatment information to be reported.


text:
Orange County Commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and the Orange County Regional History Center recently hosted a ceremony to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The observance served as a public remembrance of the milestone legislation that greatly expanded civil rights protections, outlawed racial segregation in public places and encouraged desegregation in…
ABAV Expo: 42nd Brazilian Travel Agencies Congress presents 10 of its speakers
Brazil's main forum for discussions on tourism issues will bring renowned professionals to share the latest trends in the sector during the ABAV – International Tourism Expo. The definition of a grid strategically planned to meet the demands of professionals of the travel and tourism sector, foster market innovation and contribute to the development of…
Caroline de Maigret Lancome's New Parisian Muse
Lancome is pleased to announce an unprecedented form of collaboration with Caroline de Maigret, an icon of French chic. NEW YORK, July 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Lancome has decided to team up with a creative figure of many talents. In addition to being a model and music producer, Caroline de Maigret is one of the most…
Launch Party for the New Chloé Fragrance: Chloé Love Story
A night in Paris. Sparkling lights and music. A crowd. And her. The Coty Prestige fragrance company hosted a cocktail party on the rooftop of l'Institut du Monde Arabe to present the new Chloe Love Story fragrance to the international press, VIPs and influencers.
Gogo Teams up with Chevrolet to Give Free Access to Facebook on Select Flights through July 20
Gogo (NASDAQ: GOGO), a leading global aero communications service provider, announced today that it has partnered with Chevrolet to offer passengers free access to Facebook through Gogo on select Gogo equipped flights through July 20.
Chick-fil-A Invites Customers to Show Their Spots, Eat for Free on Friday, July 11
In 2013, more than 900,000 customers visited Chick-fil-A restaurants dressed as cows for Cow Appreciation Day. "Every year we are amazed at the number of new customers who participate in Cow Appreciation Day, as well as the customers who make it an annual tradition with their families,"said Steve Robinson, chief marketing officer for Chick-fil-A, Inc….

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


UKSSSC has released the exam call letter for the post of Cartographer & Draftsman . Candidates who have applied for the post code 04, 07, 45, 58 now they can download their admit card. UKSSSC is going to conduct Cartographer & Draftsman exam on date 25 JUNE 2017.


Identifying the type of brain tumor helps doctors determine the most appropriate course of treatment. Brain tumor diagnosis usually involves a neurological examination, brain scans, and/or an analysis of the brain tissue. Nowadays, the biopsy, although it is a very invasive procedure, is the most accurate method of obtaining a diagnosis. It would be very important to find alternative non-invasive methods which would also provide a reliable diagnosis, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) may have a significant role to play here as they provide the metabolic profile of these abnormal masses in a non-invasive manner. Moreover, the used of contrast agents may further improve tumor classification. Within this framework, in this study we evaluated DMSO as a potential contrast agent for detecting brain tumors. DMSO was administrated to normal and tumor-bearing mice and they were investigated by MRS and MRSI. Differential DMSO accumulation and wash-out kinetics were observed in normal versus tumor-afflicted brain parenchyma. MRSI maps of time-course DMSO changes revealed clear hot-spots of differential spatial accumulation even in tumors that did not enhance in T1w-images post gadolinium injection. Our results indicate a potential role for DMSO as a contrast agent for brain tumor detection, and possibly for monitoring their heterogeneities, for example due to progression or to therapy response.
© 2012, Silvia. All rights reserved by the author(s) and Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona except for texts and images already copyrighted by third parties (e.g. journal publishers) and used here under the fair use provision.


Add tags for "Supportive care in cancer.". Be the first.
<http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/640904158> # Supportive care in cancer.
schema:publisher <http://experiment.worldcat.org/entity/work/data/5218569380#Agent/springer> ; # Springer.
schema:workExample <http://worldcat.org/issn/0941-4355> ; # Supportive care in cancer.
schema:workExample <http://worldcat.org/issn/1433-7339> ; # Supportive care in cancer.
umbel:isLike <http://worldcat.org/issn/1433-7339> ; # Supportive care in cancer.
umbel:isLike <http://worldcat.org/issn/0941-4355> ; # Supportive care in cancer.
<http://worldcat.org/issn/0941-4355> # Supportive care in cancer.
<http://worldcat.org/issn/1433-7339> # Supportive care in cancer.
schema:about <http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/640904158> ; # Supportive care in cancer.
schema:organizer <http://experiment.worldcat.org/entity/work/data/5218569380#Agent/springer> ; # Springer.


text:
You are searching for "art-entertainment-media" in www.tuugo.ph
Companies in Art, Entertainment & Media, Davao Del Sur Philippines
Search in: Davao Del Sur, Art, Entertainment & Media
Home Art, Entertainment & Media Agriculture, Fishing & Forestry (11) Apparel & Accessories (3) Art, Entertainment & Media (3) Automotive (17) Business & Professional Services (102) Construction & Renovation (28) Education (24) Family & Community (3) Finance & Legal (10) Food & Beverages (17) Health & Medicine (11) Home & Garden (11) Industrial Supplies & Services (28) Personal Care (6) Real Estate & Insurance (10) Shopping & Speciality Stores (9) Sports & Recreation (2) Technology (19) Transportation (18) Travel & Lodging (8) | Davao Del Sur Abra (31) Agusan Del Norte (2) Agusan Del Sur (2) Aklan (3) Albay (1) Batanes (2) Batangas (4) Benguet (2) Bohol (3) Bukidnon (2) Bulacan (8) Cagayan (1) Camarines Norte (1) Camarines Sur (3) Cavite (20) Cebu (32) Davao Del Norte (2) Davao Del Sur (3) Davao Oriental (1) Iloilo (7) Isabela (4) La Union (1) Laguna (15) Lanao Del Norte (5) Leyte (3) Maguindanao (1) Metro Manila (332) Misamis Occidental (2) Negros Occidental (1) Negros Oriental (4) Nueva Ecija (2) Nueva Vizcaya (2) Occidental Mindoro (1) Oriental Mindoro (1) Palawan (1) Pampanga (11) Pangasinan (3) Quezon (37) Rizal (13) Romblon (1) Samar (1) Sarangani (1) Tarlac (2) Zambales (5) Zamboanga Del Norte (1) Zamboanga Sibugay (1)
Art, Entertainment & Media
Art, Entertainment &...
JK Buymore Prints and More
Kabataan Center Village Bago Gallera | 8000
t shirt printing design, printed shirts, T-shirt Printing Business, custom t shirt printing, how to print shirts, Personalized Mugs, water bottles, Bag Tags
Mindanao Travel Channel
Amaara Center Building, 3rd and 4th Floor, 1045 Emilio Jacinto Ext, Poblacion District, Davao City,
Travel, Tours, Tours And Travel
Exarcha Philippines
Door 8 2/F Condo 1 Apartment, Davat Bldg., Villa Abrille St. Davao City 8000 | 8000
SEO, Social Media Management, Web Design, Web Development, E Commerce, seo philippines


Our policy lasts for 14 days from delivery and signed acceptance of your item. If 14 days have gone by after your purchase has been delivered and signed for, unfortunately we cannot offer you a refund or exchange unless in exceptional circumstances agreed by management.
After the 14 day period from purchase returns or exchanges are not valid for all made to order bespoke items.
Beddings/Soft Furnishing item(s) [i.e. Kylie At Home Bedding or Curtains, By Caprice Home Bedding], we cannot accept a return or exchange for these items if the item(s) have been removed or opened from the original packaging for hygiene regulations.
PLEASE ENSURE TO CHECK YOUR ITEMS BEFORE ACCEPTING DELIVERY** [2 man delivery] Once your item(s) arrive, you have 15 minutes to check your House of Sparkle item(s). As soon as you have signed for your item(s) you have accepted the condition they have arrived to you. Therefore, we cannot accept any returns/exchanges if reported damaged/imperfect. So please ensure to allow time to check your purchase.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging. If within the allotted time period and boxed up in its original packaging, we will organise the return at the most competitive cost available for the item, in the case of larger HO Sparkles items a collection fee will be incurred. However, should you not meet the above terms and conditions, we reserve the right to charge you for the cost of specialist courier collection and new packaging which will be deducted from any agreed refund by HO Sparkles LTD.
- With obvious signs of use.
If you are approved, then your refund will be processed, and a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or original method of payment, within a certain amount of days, minus any delivery costs incurred in returning the item.
Refunds take 7 working days to process.
If you've done all of this and you still have not received your refund yet, please contact us at customerservice@hoshome.com.
We only replace items if they are defective or damaged. If you need to exchange it for the same item, send us an email at customerservice@hoshome.com.
Eligible returns accepted at the discretion of HO Sparkles LTD are free within at 14 day period of signing for the item. After that time, should a return or exchange be accepted by HO Sparkles LTD at their discretion you will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund.


Who ever said being a stay at home wife and mother is not a job clearly has not lived in my home. I stay so freaking busy just trying to keep this house up. Today is no different. Somehow the 2nd floor isn't near as bad as the first floor and normally its the opposite.
I will have to admit today has been a little nicer because I am not having to clean around a houseful of boys. They have no problems sitting around watching me clean while they play video games. Scott does help some but he makes a lot of messes too.
I still have at least another hour to go but I needed to sit down and take a break. Jackson just got home with a bunch of homework.. he's got a whole page of crazy math problems that I will probably struggle with! I can't count to save my life.
Scott won't be home till around 8 tonight. I am sure he is going to be tired.. he got up at 630 and have been going every since.. I got a 2 hour nap from 10-12 but he sure didn't. I do have to say, it feels so much better that he is not at that other dealership. The only good thing was is the location but it feels really good that he's not there anymore. I just hope he feels the same!
Well.. I am busy washing bedding and I still have the kitchen to clean up. I leave that to last and clean it while I cook dinner. I really needed to run to the store but I am finding something out of the freezer for dinner. After all this cleaning the last thing I want to go do is shop. That can wait till tomorrow.
I plan on doing more blogging later this evening.. I just want to get the house done first! =) I also having a Monday Movie Review coming up soon too!
Hope you are having a great Monday.
1 comment on "Busy Monday.."
Your days sounds a lot like my days. lol.


text:
Q: RestAssured + Java - how can I save to string or to file the Request that sent to the server? Using intellij, Java and restassured:
I am sending the request as needed and I added this to my code:
    public static Response PostInstinctQuery() throws IOException, ParseException {
    PrintStream fileOutPutStream = new PrintStream(new File("request_log.txt"));
            config = config().logConfig(new LogConfig().defaultStream(fileOutPutStream));
            RestAssured.baseURI = BASEURI;
            RequestSpecification request = RestAssured.given();
            //Headers
            request.header("Key",key);

            request.body(getJson());
            request.log().all();
            Response response = request.post(PATH);
            return response;
}

That is save the request in "request_log.txt" file.
so what is the problem ? the file shows the same request over and over.
If I use TestNG diff data then I would expect that the file will contain all the diff request.
And I really want the request to be able to save in a String variable for assert / report purposes also.
Thanks!

A: I think you can use RequestLoggingFilter to config one time, no need log().all().
OutputStream file = new FileOutputStream("request_log.txt");
PrintStream stream = new PrintStream(file, true);
RestAssured.filters(RequestLoggingFilter.logRequestTo(stream));

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Xamontarupt  est une commune française située dans le département des Vosges, en Lorraine, dans la région administrative Grand Est.

Ses habitants sont appelés les Rupéains ou les Xamontois.

Géographie
Adossé au massif très boisé du Fossard, le village est traversé par le ruisseau de la Cuve, sous-affluent de la Vologne par le Barba.

Hydrographie
La commune est située dans le bassin versant du Rhin au sein du bassin Rhin-Meuse. Elle est drainée par le ruisseau Le barba et le ruisseau de la Cuve.

Le Barba, d'une longueur totale de , prend sa source dans la commune de Liézey et se jette dans la Vologne à Docelles, après avoir traversé .

La qualité des cours d'eau peut être consultée sur un site dédié géré par les agences de l'eau et l'Agence française pour la biodiversité.

Urbanisme

Typologie
Xamontarupt est une commune rurale, car elle fait partie des communes peu ou très peu denses, au sens de la grille communale de densité de l'Insee.

Par ailleurs la commune fait partie de l'aire d'attraction d'Épinal, dont elle est une commune de la couronne. Cette aire, qui regroupe , est catégorisée dans les aires de  à moins de .

Occupation des sols

L'occupation des sols de la commune, telle qu'elle ressort de la base de données européenne d'occupation biophysique des sols Corine Land Cover (CLC), est marquée par l'importance des forêts et milieux semi-naturels (61,2 % en 2018), une proportion sensiblement équivalente à celle de 1990 (60,2 %). La répartition détaillée en 2018 est la suivante :
forêts (61,2 %), prairies (31,4 %), zones agricoles hétérogènes (7,5 %).

L'IGN met par ailleurs à disposition un outil en ligne permettant de comparer l'évolution dans le temps de l'occupation des sols de la commune (ou de territoires à des échelles différentes). Plusieurs époques sont accessibles sous forme de cartes ou photos aériennes : la carte de Cassini (), la carte d'état-major (1820-1866) et la période actuelle (1950 à aujourd'hui).

Toponymie
Chamontarus, Chamontaruz (1493) ; Chamontarux (1631) ; Xamontarupt (1751) ; Chamontaru (1768) ; Chamontarupt ou Xamontarupt (1779) ; Chamontarupt (1790).

Étymologiquement, le terme -mont- se réfère au sommet et le suffixe -rupt fait référence au ruisseau.

Histoire
 Occupation protohistorique : construction de pierres plantées, éclats de quartzite taillés.
 Se nommait Charmontaruz en 1656.
 Un houx, vieux d'environ 400 ans, peut être observé sur la route menant au maquis du Haut du Bois. Il s'agit probablement l'un des plus vieux houx d'Europe.

Lieux et monuments
 Stèle du maquis du Haut-du-Bois.
 Les morts de cette commune sont inscrits au monument aux morts de Docelles.
 Moulin puis minoterie-saboterie-scierie objet d'une inscription au titre des monuments historiques par arrêté du  dont l'activité a débuté en 1803.

Politique et administration

Budget et fiscalité 2014
En 2014, le budget de la commune était constitué ainsi :
 total des produits de fonctionnement : , soit  par habitant ;
 total des charges de fonctionnement : , soit  par habitant ;
 total des ressources d'investissement : , soit  par habitant ;
 total des emplois d'investissement : , soit  par habitant ;
 endettement : , soit  par habitant.

Avec les taux de fiscalité suivants :
 taxe d'habitation : 13,61 % ;
 taxe foncière sur les propriétés bâties : 14,93 % ;
 taxe foncière sur les propriétés non bâties : 20,33 % ;
 taxe additionnelle à la taxe foncière sur les propriétés non bâties : 38,75 % ;
 cotisation foncière des entreprises : 20,83 %.

Liste des maires

Démographie

Personnalités liées à la commune
 Jean-René Claudel, spéléologue et archéologue amateur, découvre des éclats de quartzite dans la région de Xamontarupt.

Pour approfondir

Bibliographie

 Inventaire national du patrimoine naturel de Xamontarupt : Espaces : Liste des espaces protégés et gérés, Liste des ZNIEFF, Liste des sites Natura 2000. Espèces : Liste des espèces recensées, Liste des espèces protégées recensées postérieurement à 1950, Statistiques sur le statut biologique des espèces recensées
 Chiffres clés publiés par l'institut national de la statistique et des études économiques (INSEE) : Évolution et structure de la population ; Couples - Familles – Ménages ; Emploi - Population active ; Caractéristiques de l'emploi ; Logement ; Diplômes – Formation ; Séries historiques des résultats du recensement ; Tourisme ; Démographie des entreprises en 2014 ; Naissances et décès 2007 à 2014 ; Caractéristiques des établissements en 2013 ; Revenus et pauvreté des ménages en 2012 ; Salaires et revenus d'activité ; Documentation.

Articles connexes
 Liste des communes des Vosges

Liens externes

 Site intercommunal
 Xamontarupt sur le site de l'Institut géographique national
 Xamontarupt sur le site de l'Insee
 Site de la Direction Régionale de l'Environnement, de l'Aménagement et du Logement (DREAL) et Carte globale Lorraine CARMEN - DREAL Lorraine
 Le patrimoine architectural et mobilier de la commune sur le site officiel du ministère français de la Culture (Bases Mérimée, Palissy, Palissy, Mémoire, ArchiDoc), Médiathèque de l'architecture et du patrimoine (archives photographiques) diffusion RMN, et service régional de l'inventaire général de la Région Lorraine

Notes et références

Notes et cartes
 Notes

 Cartes

Références

Commune dans le département des Vosges
Commune sans église en France
Villes et villages fleuris dans le département des Vosges

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Annabelle and Simon Hunton have completed a major refurbishment of The Platinum Pebble Inn (186 Belmont Rd., West Harwich; www.platinumpebble.com). This eight room luxury bed and breakfast, located close to the beach, now boasts completely refitted private bathrooms for each room and two exquisite garden suites with fireplace and cathedral ceiling. Simon and Annabelle have brought a European touch to the beautiful inn.


text:
Q: Monitoring console for Marklogic Access I need to know what all roles and privileges need to assign a user for access the Monitoring console and Monitoring History Dashboard.
Thanks in Advance
Regards,
Amit

A: The built in "manage-admin" role is what you are after.

A: While manage-admin should work, I think you only need manage-user. See the following:
http://docs.marklogic.com/guide/monitoring/intro#id_64051


People attend conferences for one reason: to gain access to information they can't find on their own. Will your conference fulfill that need? Although we have extensive experience in locating the best UK venues, we also have seen our fair share of conferences planned by our clients. Out of these events we've taken away an important lesson-failing to target your audience leads to poor outcomes. Before your event becomes another statistic, consider a few simple ways to identify and engage your audience clearly and correctly. Send Out Teaser Emails Data collection is a great place to start. Send out emails to your lead list and ask people to sign up for your event if they are interested. Online registration allows you to identify the demographics for your idea. You can then consistently feed these recipients information about the day and what they can expect. Building anticipation leads to a better turnout and knowing who plans to come gives you better data to work with. Connect On Social Media Similar to collecting data via email, send out a tweet about your conference and see who responds. Any action is positive, and allows you to see the scope of your audience. A little research can help identify what your audience wants to see and experience at your event. Incorporate Panel Discussions Expert panels are critical to your event. Of course, you'll also need an event space large enough to hold a panel of several experts in front of a couple hundred individuals. The Cotswold Conference Centre and the Kettering Conference Centre are a couple of excellent locations for this type of event. The key is to make the content worthy of sitting through. Comfortable Surroundings In addition to ample seating, it is important that your space also includes Wi-Fi, common areas for relaxing between presentations, and refreshments such as coffee and finger foods. Give your audience a reason to stay and make their time there as relaxing as possible. Figuring out who your audience doesn't have to be difficult. Use data from your email list and social media to base the content of your event on. From there, choosing from the best UK venues is made easy as you know what they want. Don't wait to start planning your conference. Forethought and planning go a long way towards making your event a true success.


text:
Steyr Scout Tactical Rifle (Swiss Variation)
Steyr Mannlicher produced an interesting special version of the Scout for sale in Switzerland where some Cantons mandate a minimum 20" barrel. This particular model is fitted with a 20" (50.8 cm) barrel with a 1:10" (1:25.4 cm) twist and its muzzle is threaded to accept sound suppressors which are legal for Swiss citizens to own. The 1:10 twist allows the stabilization of 200 and 220gr sub-sonic loadings. It is not, and most likely will not be, officially imported into the United States.
Limited firing with 1:10 twist rifle yielded the same sub-moa capability as the standard version using Federal 168gr Match ammunition, but it is really designed for optimum performance with the longer 180 to 220 gr bullets.
Swiss variation Tactical Scout fitted with a sound suppressor.
The Swiss variant Tactical Rifle, (front) with the standard Steyr Scout.
(Perspective make the Tactical Rifle look much longer, but
they are substantially the same length.)
Knurled muzzle thread protector and muzzle view of the
Swiss variant Tactical Rifle (left) and standard Scout (right). Note the slightly
heavier barrel of the Tactical Rifle.
Tactical Scout with suppressor © 1998 Steyr Mannlicher
All other photographs copyright © 1998 by John Schaefer
The Steyr Mannlicher Logo is the trademark of Steyr Mannlicher AG and is used with their permission.
Specifications for the Swiss Variant Steyr Scout Tactical Rifle
OAL: 40.57 inches (1.03 meters) with 2 butt stock spacers
Barrel: 20 inches (50.8 cm) hammer forged and fluted with 1-10" twist (1-25.4cm). Muzzle is threaded for use with a sound suppressor and equipped with a knurled ring to protect the threads when not in use. Barrel is slightly greater in diameter than the standard barrel.
Stock: Textured matte finished black Zytel with black panel inserts and integral bipod.
Weight: 7.3 pounds (3.3 kg) with scope, mount, sling, and 2 empty 5 round magazines
All other specifications are the same as the standard Steyr Scout
Email me by clicking here.
| Back to the Tactical Scout Page |
Neither Fr. Frog, the hosting service for these pages, nor this page is officially associated with Steyr Mannlicher or SteyrUSA. This page provided by Fr. Frog as a service to the friends of Jeff Cooper, the folks Steyr, and the shooting community. Fr. Frog is not responsible for any errors, omissions, nor your inability to hit what you aim at when using this rifle. As far as I know all the information presented is correct and I have attempted to ensure that it is. However, I am not responsible for any errors, omissions, or damages resulting from the use or misuse of this information, nor for you doing something stupid with it. (Don't you hate these disclaimers? So do I, but there are people out there who refuse to be responsible for their own actions and who will sue anybody to make a buck.)


About the book: Lana, a talented Ivy League artist, and Walt, a small-town farmer, couldn't be more different. She arrives in Bluegill, Idaho, ready to spend the summer painting, excited to study under Walt's grandpa, a brilliant but aging artist. The more she is thrown together with Walt though–and the more she spends time with him–the more she realizes her heart may be drawing up its own plans. As the weeks pass, Lana realizes she'll have to choose between following her dreams or following her heart.
My review: This book was so great! I loved Lana, in the first chapter of the book, you learn a lot about her and how she lives her life. She's at a beach wedding, but knows that kind of wedding isn't for her. Her best friend, Ingrid asks her what kind of wedding she'd have, but she doesn't ever really answer. She wants a wedding in a Temple, but she's a bit afraid to tell her friend about being a Mormon. I loved the way you see Lana change throughout the book. The girl who dances around questions like this disappears and a new girl takes her place.
I like the way we see things from Lana's perspective in this book, but I couldn't help but wonder how Ingrid's perspective would be different. Or maybe even Walt's. I wish I could have seen inside his head sometimes.
I thought the plot was well done. Lana thinks she's going to get one thing, but ends up getting thrown for a loop and ending up with such a completely different thing, she can't help but grow through the experience. I loved seeing her with LeVan, her kindness and compassion really come out around him. It was kind of sad though, the way she had to push Walt away to give LeVan what he wanted.
I really enjoyed everything about this book, the plot, the setting, the characters, the story line. So great!
About the author: Lisa Mckendrick has been published four times. Her most recent book was Letters to My Future Husband, which was published in 2015. Lisa is the mother of seven children and graduated from BYU with a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in English. Currently she lives in Florida.


· 2520 size, lightweight (0.02g) and ultra miniature SMD crystal filter. Just 0.9mm high.
· Excellent shock and vibration resistance.
*Consult our sales representative for other specifications about SMD Monolithic Crystal Filters .
*Specification above is listed as an example.


This is a placeholder page for Chris Gifford, which means this person is not currently on this site. We do suggest using the tools below to find Chris Gifford.
You are visiting the placeholder page for Chris Gifford. This page is here because someone used our placeholder utility to look for Chris Gifford. We created this page automatically in hopes Chris Gifford would find it. If you are not Chris Gifford, but are an alumni of South Eugene High School, register on this site for free now.


text:
How we could all learn something from Denmark's approach to their loved ones
Helen Russell
In the UK, our approach to family matters leaves a lot to be desired: visiting the in-laws is approached with a sigh, and, more often than not, we'd rather spend time in front of the telly than around a table of relatives - and even friends get short shrift after yet another exhausting day at work. Here, Denmark-based British journalist, Helen Russell, explains how your "family" - your closest loved ones - come first in Denmark, and why prioritising people is something we should all do more of...
Anyone arriving in rural Denmark after 2pm on a Saturday might be forgiven for thinking there had been some sort of nuclear apocalypse – with empty streets and shops boarded up. But far from indicating an alarming atomic incident, this is just the way locals like it. Because weekends are 'family time' in Denmark, with shops shut from Saturday lunchtime until Monday morning.
Studies show that having a close support network we see regularly makes us far happier than retail therapy ever can (harsh, but true) and Danes spend more time with their families than most other EU nations, according to the Happiness Research Institute. Which is great, for Danes.
But as a new arrival with no family in Denmark, I had to make my own. Slowly, tentatively, I navigated the delicate Fabergé eggs of female friendships to build a 'family' - a gang, to help me weather the storms. And there are plenty of these in Denmark.
It's so cold and dark October to March (think Lord of the Rings' Mordor…) that Danes couldn't survive winter historically without help from family and friends. Nowadays, there are supermarkets and radiators and Netflix - but there's still a cultural emphasis on being together. And so my newly adopted 'family' gave me a crash course in living Danishly and learning to prioritise the people I care about most.
"Eating together is an important part of life in Denmark."
With a short working week and a world famous work-life balance, loved ones come first in all aspects of Danish life.
New parents get 52 weeks leave to share between them and are given the day off if their child is sick, no questions asked. It's totally accepted that parents will leave work at 4pm to pick up their children from daycare and start making dinner (my son's nursery shuts at 4.45pm) - because eating together is an important part of life in Denmark, something else that makes us happier.
There are numerous public holidays, or 'stop what you're doing and eat cake' days, as they're known in our house, where again, the emphasis in on downing tools and hanging out with family and friends. Danes without relatives nearby are often 'adopted' for key calendar dates (thank you, Danish neighbours…) and it's traditional to invite someone into your home for Christmas who might otherwise be alone. Even exes are included.
Denmark has one of the highest divorce rates in Europe (42.7% according to Statistics Denmark) but because splits are so common, they're often amicable with families reuniting for bank holidays and special events. As my neighbour puts it: "I didn't like my husband enough to stay married to him, but he's okay for Easter."
In Denmark, new parents get 52 weeks leave to share between them
Come July, the entire nation shuts down as everyone takes summer holiday en masse. Studies from Sweden have shown that this 'collective restoration' as it's called, increases levels of wellbeing because everyone's off at the same time, doing the same thing - so there's none of the pressure of feeling as though you should be working, or that you must just reply to that last email. Instead, you're guaranteed quality time with your crew – and so the happiness cycle continues.
Holidays become bonding bootcamps in Denmark as a result, and I learned more about my in-laws during a seven-day visit than I have during the entire seven years I've been with my husband. I
discovered that my father-in-law can, left to his own devices, get through a pot of honey every two days and once built his own cage then sat in it for 12 hours in Newcastle's MetroCentre as a one-man protest for Amnesty International. I found out that my mother-in-law once created her own ice rink by flooding a car park during a particularly severe ground frost, because she really wanted to go ice skating.
And it turns out that familiarity actually breeds content – because if you're seeing family all the time, any resentments are aired as and when they arise, rather than rankling for months until Christmas/Easter/Uncle Mike's summer party (delete as applicable).
"Come July, the entire nation shuts down as everyone takes summer holiday en masse."
What helps is that Danes don't aim for idyllic, The Waltons-style family gatherings. The nation responsible for Nordic Noir and Marius-gate doesn't insist on happy endings – they're realists. They know it's not all going to be hugs and Hallmark-card harmony, so they plan accordingly.
In common with most areas of Danish life, there's a structure to family gatherings and everyone has a role to play. Children are expected to help out with washing up or tidying, and family members often take responsibility for different courses or chores to share the workload. When it gets too much, everyone is herded outdoors, come rain or sleet, to breathe some non-family air on a bracing walk or bike ride. And if things still feel strained? Well, then there's always schnapps.
Libertarian Danes are among the highest drinkers in Europe, so it's no surprise that alcohol is crucial to any social gathering. Shots of schnapps are taken with every mouthful of the traditional Danish smørrebrød open sandwiches, "to help the herring swim". This oils the wheels of conversation in no time (as I can hazily testify…).
"There's a structure to family gatherings and everyone has a role to play."
But you don't have to down hard liquor or emigrate to reap the rewards of 'family life', Danish-style. By making a few small changes, you can get in on the action, wherever you are. Here's how:
1) Prioritise Your People
Living Danishly means putting family and friends first – we're not talking exclusively blood ties here, but the people who matter most. Make time to see them and stick to it. The shops will always be around – your loved ones won't.
2) Breaking (Rye) Bread
Eating together and regular rituals have both been proven to make you happier and healthier, so try them. Pickled herring optional.
3) Ditch the Great Expectations
Forget fairytale endings and try appreciating your parents, siblings, in-laws, outlaws, and adopted waifs and strays for who they are.
4) Have a Plan (B)
If family gatherings leave you smørrebored, make like Danes and plan some activities. Give everyone a job; get outside; breathe some non-family air.
Photos: iStock
Helen Russell is a journalist and bestselling author. Formerly an (occasionally glossy) editor in London, Helen now lives in Denmark with her husband and three young children.
More from Helen Russell


text:
Extending the shelf life of the school library in the internet age
By Henrietta Cook
October 16, 2018 — 6.06pm
The school library is fighting for its survival.
In many Australian schools, libraries are being starved of funding and run by unqualified staff. Some new schools are even being built without libraries.
Australian Children's Laureate and best-selling author Morris Gleitzman is backing a new campaign that hopes to highlight these issues and educate people about the importance of school libraries.
Mazenod College has invested a lot of resources into its new library. Credit:Jason South
"School libraries represent the best and worst of libraries," he said.
"The best libraries welcome young minds and relate to those young minds on an individual basis... at the other end of the spectrum you have a cramped, dusty little space with some books where kids poke around."
Libraries are starved of funds and bypassed by educators who think the internet replaces books, according to experts.
Children's laureate Morris Gleitzman says school libraries can be the best or the worst. Credit:Tash Sorensen
"The current challenge is that most schools are under-resourced, particularly in the state system," Mr Gleitzman said.
"It is tragically short-sighted when poor beleaguered principals, who have a difficult job of stretching their dollars, make the mistake of thinking the teacher librarian is not as important as a new science teacher or new sporting equipment."
Mr Gleitzman has visited 2000 schools during his career and said those that put literature at the centre of learning achieve excellent outcomes.
"Good stories connect with creative thinking, the development of empathy, resilience and research skills," he said.
The Students Need School Libraries campaign is supported by seven Australian school library associations and encourages parents to ask about the resources at their child's school library.
Librarians against schools being built without libraries. Credit:Matt Golding
According to figures from the Australian Council for Educational Research, the number of teacher-librarians working in primary schools plummeted from 5600 in 2010 to 1300 in 2013.
School Library Association of Victoria executive officer Dr Susan La Marca said in an era of fake news, school libraries had become more important than ever before.
She said teacher librarians helped students use search engines, navigate the internet and separate fact from fiction.
"In a world where all sorts of information is flung at our children at a record speed, they need help to critically analyse it," she said.
A Victorian Education Department spokesman said libraries were integral to teaching and learning and an essential tool for the development of children's research and literacy skills. He said every new school built in Victoria had a library space.
However, The Age understands that when Coburg High opened in 2015, it didn't contain a library. Only recently, following a change in the school's leadership, has it secured funding for a library which will be built in coming years.
Mazenod College in Mulgrave only employs qualified staff in its new library, which opened earlier this year and was funded by the school community.
It's led by teacher librarian Camilla Elliott, who said it's her job to make the library inviting.
"If your library is dead and dingy and not an interesting place to be, then who would want to be there?" she said.
Students can nominate books they'd like the Catholic boys secondary school to purchase and Ms Elliott tailors texts to students' interests. For instance, if there's a reluctant reader who is passionate about fishing, she'll source non-fiction books about fishing.
The stock is constantly replenished, and Ms Elliott ensures all books are relevant.
"It's a bit like the supermarket," she said. "If you have a product that is sitting there and not doing much, it needs to be promoted. If it is still not doing anything, it has to go."
Henrietta Cook
Education Editor at The Age


text:
Africa Latest News, Videos and Opinions African Business News & Stories Local fishermen bemoan Seychelles' blue economy plans
East Africa Business News
Local fishermen bemoan Seychelles' blue economy plans
Small-scale fishermen on the largest Seychelles island of Mahe say further quotas will be disastrous for their already-struggling industry.
A handout picture taken and released by the Nature Conservacy agency shows fishermen pulling in fish caught in their nets off the coast of Mahe, in the Seychelles islands on February 21, 2018. – A vast new marine protected area has been created in the Indian Ocean around the Seychelle islands, the government announced on February 22, 2018. The 210,000-square-kilometre (81,000-square-mile) zone — an area equivalent to nearly half of the Black Sea — is intended to protect both the sea and the archipelago's economy, which relies on fishing and tourism. (Photo by Tate Drucker / THE NATURE CONSERVANCY / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / THE NATURE CONSERVANCY/TATE DRUCKER" – NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS
The Seychelles plans to develop a blue economy based on sustainable use of ocean resources, but not everyone is on board.
Local fishermen say new restrictions could destroy their traditional industry, which employs 17% of the country's population.
Seychelles' 115 islands add up to just 455 sq. km of land but its exclusive economic zone stretches to 1.4 million sq. km of ocean.
In February last year, the country designated a third of its waters as protected areas, aiming to ensure the longevity of its unique biodiversity.
The government signed a bill restricting nearly all human activity in the waters around Aldabra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, setting aside more than 210,000 sq. km as protected areas where fishing is now banned.
Your Friends Also Read: AfDB Appoints New General Counsel and Director of Legal Services Department
Malic Marguerite, 28, works out of Victoria fishing port, heading out in search of catches such as snapper or grouper, sometimes for ten to twelve days at a time.
"When I first started fishing, we usually came to port with 1,000kg of fish. Nowadays, it is very difficult to get 1,000kg," said Marguerite.
Keith Andre, chairman of the Fishermen and Boat Owners' Association (FBOA), an NGO, which represents Seychelles' fishermen, echoed his concerns. "I fear this will be a dying industry in Seychelles," he said. "If the trend continues, we are no longer attracting the youth, we will also, not attract professionals, so I feel we are being condemned to make way for fish farmers, to make way for fish ponds, to make way for aquaculture."
The treasurer of the FBOA, Beatty Hoaru, added that the voices of fishermen are not being heard. "Whenever we talk about the blue economy, we see all these personalities, presidents, former presidents, actresses, actors, you name it. All of them are on TV. None of these people have asked us fishermen, what we think, though?"
Your Friends Also Read: Visa And Mastercard Suspend Operations in Russia
Marine resources are critical to the Seychelles' economic growth.
According to the World Bank, after tourism, the fisheries sector is the country's most important industry, contributing significantly to its annual GDP with fish products making up around 95% of the total value of domestic exports.
In 2013, the Commonwealth's 53-member countries, including the Seychelles, signed the Blue Charter, an agreement to solve ocean-related problems and meet commitments for sustainable ocean development. According to the Commonwealth, the worldwide ocean economy is valued at about $1.5 trillion USD annually, making it the seventh largest economy in the world. That's expected to double by 2030 to $3 trillion USD.
Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Patricia Scotland had praise for small countries such as the Seychelles and their role in the development of sustainable ocean practices. "I think that larger countries could gain a great deal from looking at the selfless determination of these small states who say: 'We have to develop a blue economy, but we don't want to develop an irresponsible blue economy. We want that blue economy to give us sustainable oceans, which will benefit us, but also benefit our world".
Your Friends Also Read: Nigeria to sign military cooperation deal with Russia
Reliving the Sesotho geometric art of Litema
UN sends team to probe Mali massacre
Nigerians Lament as Naira Scarcity Lingers in Lagos, Other States
Residents of Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria, are currently stranded over the scarcity of both the old and the…
PayPal to Lay Off 7% of Its Workforce to Cut Costs
PayPal Holdings Inc announced on Tuesday that it plans to lay off 7% of its workforce, or around…
Central Africa News
IMF, Cameroon Reach $74.6 Million Staff-Level Agreement
The International Monetary Fund, IMF, and Cameroon have reached a staff-level agreement that, if the Board formally concludes…
Central Bank of Nigeria Extends Old Naira Deadline till February 10
The Central Bank of Nigeria has extended deadline for the swapping of old naira notes till February 10,…
byNasir Agbalaya


text:
Search (postcode or suburb)
Suburbs/Areas
Urban Centres
Postcode Lists
5345, SA
8060, VIC
2577, NSW
4412, QLD
Population: 278,773 *
Latitude: -32.926
Longitude: 151.781
Dialing Code: 02 (+61 2 from overseas)
Time Zone: AEST - Australian Eastern Standard Time (UTC+10), AEDT - Australian Eastern Daylight Time (UTC+11)
Current Time: 20/01/2020 10:28:37 am
* Source for population data: 2001 census figures
160km north of Sydney on the New South Wales coast lies Newcastle, the second oldest city in Australia and the second largest in NSW. First used as a penal settlement for convicts in the 1800s, Newcastle is now the world's largest coal export harbour.
The dominant sport in Newcastle is Rugby League and it's team the Newcastle Knights compete in the national league.
Newcastle boasts a large university, the University of Newcastle, with over 20,000 students.
• Hotels in Newcastle
• Other Urban Centres in New South Wales
• List of Urban Centres throughout Australia
Copyright © 2006-2020 postcodes-australia.com | Some data courtesy of GeoNames, used under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license | Privacy Policy


text:
Andrea Bocelli (60)
Andrea Bocelli (4)
Chris Botti (2)
Kenny G. (2)
Kenny G (2)
Elisa (1)
Heather Headley (1)
Classical Live Concerts (2)
Classical Artists (16)
Classical Vocal Crossover (9)
Opera/Operetta (7)
Classical Composers (6)
Classical Crossover (5)
Xmas Vocal (4)
Classical Video (2)
Latin Pop/Rock (1)
Xmas Classical Vocal (1)
NR (2)
Decca (20)
Verve (17)
Universal Latino (3)
Deluxe Editions (8)
This Just In (8)
Colored Vinyl (1)
Concerto: One Night In Central Park - 10th Anniversary
Genre: Vocal
Andrea Bocelli's One Night In Central Park concer Digitally remastered 10th Anniversary edition includes bonus track. Andrea Bocelli's One Night In Central Park concert is undoubtedly a seminal... more
Limited gold colored vinyl LP pressing including bonus DVD edition. Digitally remastered 10th Anniversary edition. Andrea Bocelli's One Night In Central Park concert is undoubtedly a seminal moment... more
Concerto: One Night In Central Park - 10th Anniversary [Fan Edition without poster]
Limited CD + DVD pressing. Digitally remastered 10th Anniversary edition includes bonus track. Andrea Bocelli's One Night In Central Park concert is undoubtedly a seminal moment in his career, the... more
Andrea Bocelli: Concerto: One Night in Central Park (10th Anniversary)
Andrea Bocelli, one of the most celebrated singers of all time, speaks emotively of a particularly poignant moment in his career, the One Night in Central Park concert. A childhood dream come true;... more
The world-renowned Italian tenor is on a mission, one that's of great value this year: to soothe our souls with the power and beauty of music. His new album features two duets with opera star Cecilia... more
Si Forever the Diamond Edition
Deluxe Diamond Edition. The million-selling 2018 album reimagined to include five brand new tracks and including duets with Ellie Goulding, Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, Matteo Bocelli, Jennifer Garner and... more
Bob Ezrin produced this greatly anticipated release: the first album of all-new material by the superstar tenor in 14 years. You'll also hear an appearance by Andrea's son Matteo; the lead single "If... more
Deluxe Edition. 2018 release. Andrea Bocelli has teamed up with some of the hottest musical stars on the planet for his album Si reuniting with his friend Ed Sheeran after their chart-topping... more
Romanza: 20th Anniversary Edition
Andrea Bocelli - "Romanza: 20th Anniversary Edition" Andrea Bocelli's Romanza is the bestselling classical crossover album of all time, having sold well over 17 million copies globally. To mark 20... more
In the wake of "Cinema" (his hit album of film themes), Bocelli returns to his first and foremost love: opera. The superstar Italian tenor takes the lead male role of Radamès, opposite American... more
Cinema Special Edition
David Foster, Humberto Gatica and Tony Renis—who worked together on all of Bocelli's most successful albums—reunite for this unique celebration of the greatest songs of cinema. Listen on CD or watch... more
My Christmas
Genre: Xmas Vocal
Limited double 180 gram vinyl LP pressing of this holiday album in a gatefold package with printed inner sleeves. Originally released in 2009, the first Christmas album from the superstar vocalist.... more
Limited double 180 gram vinyl LP pressing of this 2006 album in a gatefold package with printed inner sleeves. While creating the perfect track listing for Bocelli's first-ever album of popular... more
Limited double 180 gram vinyl LP pressing of this 1999 album in a gatefold package with printed inner sleeves. The Tuscan tenor's fourth U.S. release debuted at #1 on the Billboard World Music chart,... more
Limited double 180 gram vinyl LP pressing of this 1997 album in a gatefold package with printed inner sleeves. Romanza is the album that launched his career. The 12 songs include "Time to Say... more
Genre: Latin Pop/Rock
Spanish version. International superstar Andrea Bocelli returns with his eagerly awaited 2015 album Cinema. Cinema celebrates the greatest movie songs of all time and reunites a team of musical... more
Genre: Classical Artists
For his first new studio recording in more than two years, the superstar tenor reassembled his Amore team: David Foster, Humberto Gatica and Tony Renis. Bocelli pays stirring tribute to the great... more
The Complete Pop Albums Cd Box Set
Even when you're a revered classical artist, you also qualify as a pop star when you've sold more than 80 million albums worldwide. And this internationally adored Tuscan tenor has also spent much of... more
The perfect encapsulation of this classical crossover star's career. These performances in Italian and English positively burst with romance: Con Te Partiro; Canto Della Terra; Besame Mucho; Love Me... more
Bocelli, Andrea : Opera: The Ultimate Collection
The superstar tenor sings the arias that first drew him to opera like a magnet. Along with a new recording of Nessun Dorma from Puccini's Turandot, you'll hear his most masterful performances of... more
Puccini: Manon Lescaut
The story of the doomed heroine Manon Lescaut has inspired more than one composer, but is perhaps most passionately portrayed in Puccini's opera, written just ten years after Massenet's Manon. A grim... more


text:
State Bank of India: Stop the loan to billionaire Adani!
Media reports the State Bank of India is considering giving Adani almost AU $1 billion for their climate-wrecking Australian coal mine.
New report: "Soft commitments, Hard lessons"
An analysis of the Soft Commodities Compact
Support the fight against the Line 3 Pipeline
Construction has started on the final stretch of the Line 3 Replacement Project, but Indigenous and environmental groups are still fighting to stop the pipeline. Find out how you can support their fight.…
ShareAction filed a climate resolution at HSBC - here's why
You are not having a deja-vu: ShareAction, together with over 100 institutional and private co-filers, is filing of a shareholder resolution concerning climate change at a UK bank
2021-01-11 | ShareAction
It is 2021, and we are asking HSBC to come clean on how the bank is planning to reduce its involvement with the fossil fuel industry. Your instant reaction to this may be "but hasn't the bank just announced that they will do just that as part of their commitment to Net zero by 2050?" And yes, they have. But while their commitment says they will reduce "the emissions [they] add to the atmosphere", they haven't told us how they are going to do that, not convincingly anyway. And that is the issue. Statements of ambition only go so far We saw a flurry of such announcements in 2020 – including a pledge to become carbon neutral from the world's largest fossil fuel financier, JP Morgan. But without concrete steps to back up these ambitions, including a commitment to reduce financing of key fossil fuel actors, they are nothing short of a PR exercise. No doubt others will follow in 2021. We believe it is healthy for investors to send the message that it is just not enough. Next you might ask "isn't HSBC doing a lot more than other banks regarding the greening of finance?" Again, yes, they are. Our own ranking of European banks last year put them near the top. The bank is doing well when it comes to governance structures and the provision of low-carbon financing. Unfortunately, the HSBC is also financing a lot of 'high-carbon' activity. HSBC and fossil fuels HSBC is Europe's second-biggest finance provider for the fossil fuel industry,…
New Report: Bankrolling Plastics - the banks that fund plastic packaging pollution
2021-01-07 | portfolio.earth
Between January 2015 and September 2019, banks provided loans and underwriting of more than USD 1.7 trillion to key actors in the global plastics supply chain, finds a new report from portfolio.earth. These loans went to 40 major companies involved in the global plastics supply chain, equivalent to USD 790 million per day. More than 60 per cent of all finance identified was provided by ten banks, and more than 80 per cent (USD 1.4 trillion) came from just 20 banks. Banks must no longer be able to evade responsibility for the role they play in enabling plastic pollution worldwide. View the key findings and download the report here.
27 groups oppose OCC rule forcing banks to lend to climate polluters
Public Citizen and more than two dozen groups submitted comments to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency opposing the deceptively titled Fair Access to Financial Services
2021-01-05 | Public Citizen
Public Citizen and more than two dozen groups on Monday submitted comments to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) opposing the deceptively titled Fair Access to Financial Services proposed rule. The rule would pressure and, in some cases, require banks to lend to fossil fuel companies, without regard to strategic or reputational risk. Yevgeny Shrago, policy counsel for Public Citizen's Energy and Climate Program, released the following statement: "The proposed rule flatly contradicts the OCC's mission by threatening the safety and soundness of banks seeking to mitigate climate-related risks. It twists the language of racial justice and redlining to justify pressuring banks to lend to the increasingly risky fossil fuel industry. "The rule also fails to consider the increasing credit and operational risks of the fossil fuel industry. Banks cutting ties with the industry are responding prudently to developments such as the rapid shift toward a low-carbon economy and the fossil fuel industry's disproportionate reliance on CARES Act bailouts. "The rule exceeds the OCC's legal authority and defines fair access to financial services in a way that could compel lending to risky, climate-harming industries. The OCC should withdraw this proposal and use its real legal authority to ensure that banks appropriately account for and reduce climate risk, including their own contributions to it. Banks continue to provide trillions in direct fossil fuel financing. The OCC must address climate…
EP4 disappointed, but better implementation could redeem the Principles
2020-12-22 | Nijmegen	| Hannah Greep – BankTrack
In a year in which the Covid-19 pandemic tore through our society, the importance of carefully assessing the impact of proposed infrastructure projects on communities, the environment and climate prior to a decision to proceed has never been clearer. However, although the Equator Principles (EPs) have been in place for seventeen years now, our research this year has shown there is still much work to do to improve their effectiveness in protecting the rights and interests of communities and preventing adverse environmental impacts. This year saw the launch of the newest iteration of the Principles, EP4 - the result of a review process which BankTrack, along with many other organisations that made up the 'Equator Banks, Act!' campaign coalition, pushed hard for. However, the revision made only minor improvements, falling far short of our vision of an EPs that finally deliver on protecting human rights and the climate. Since nobody will be contemplating drafting EP5 any time soon, in 2020 we refocused our efforts on assessing whether the Principles in place are effectively implemented, and what changes can be made within the scope of EP4 to make sure they meet the promise of ensuring large-scale project finance takes place with respect for the rights of affected communities. "Trust Us, We're Equator Banks" Part I & II Our research focused on two of the most significant commitments in the Equator Principles for safeguarding project-affected communities: ensuring they are adequately consulted (following…
Desjardins adopts a robust coal exit policy
2020-12-18 | Reclaim Finance
The Quebec financial group Desjardins has just published the details of its thermal coal policy. This policy covers all the essential exclusion criteria that will allow it to completely phase out coal by 2030 in the OECD and 2040 in the rest of the world. Desjardins becomes the 17th financial institution to adopt a robust coal exit policy and the 2nd outside France, after Italy's UniCredit. Upon adopting its first sector policy, Desjardins met all the criteria for a good coal exit policy. Desjardins takes note of the incompatibility of any new coal project with the objectives of the Paris Agreement and excludes all support for the expansion of the coal sector: Desjardins excludes all direct support for new mining, power plant and infrastructure projects (railways, export terminals, etc.), as well as for existing or renovation projects. Desjardins also excludes any support for the companies behind such projects. Desjardins thus becomes the 22nd financial institution to exclude all developers, not to mention infrastructure developers. In contrast, most financial institutions do not exclude any company because of their coal investment plans. This is the case, for example, for the Canadian bank RBC (Royal Bank of Canada), which financed four coal plant developers between 2017 and September 2019 to the tune of USD 728 million, according to the latest available financial data. Desjardins excludes all coal-producing companies and all companies…
Activists around the US join national day of action to end financing for tar sands pipelines like Enbridge's Line 3
2020-12-14 | Maaike Beenes – BankTrack
While the Paris climate agreement turned 5 this weekend and people around the world demanded action for the time lost and promises unfulfilled, across the US Indigenous and environmental groups took to the streets to demand banks stop funding Enbridge and Line 3. Actions were organised in over 50 cities across the country including Seattle, Portland, Washington, St Paul and Minneapolis, with activists delivering letters to the funders of Enbridge. Stop the Money Pipeline made this great video about the Day of Action. Just days earlier the Canadian company Enbridge started construction on the Minnesota stretch of the Line 3 replacement project. But although construction has now started, protests continue, there are still lawsuits pending, and Enbridge will face ongoing resistance. In the meantime, major banks are still funding Enbridge, facilitating the construction of Line 3. They too are under increasing pressure from activists including local Indigenous groups to end their financing of the Enbridge and all other tar sands projects. #Portland Oregon showed up outside Chase branches today with a fire truck hung with a banner, "Chase: We need action, not words! Defund Fossil Fuels!"#StopLine3 #StopTheMoneyPipeline pic.twitter.com/L80lkobNc0 — Stop the Money Pipeline (@StopMoneyPipe) December 12, 2020 Another problematic pipeline With the Line 3 Replacement Project, Enbridge wants to modernize the existing Line 3 pipeline, which transports tar sands from Alberta in Canada to Wisconsin in the US.…
2020-12-14 | Inclusive Development International
One of the largest banks in the Philippines has announced that it will no longer finance coal plants, becoming just the fourth bank in Southeast Asia – and the first in the Philippines – to exit the fossil fuel. Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) made the announcement after years of pressure from climate activists in the Philippines and an investigation of the bank's practices by one of its most prominent shareholders, the World Bank Group's International Finance Corporation. "No more coal. I'll say that slowly: no more coal," said the bank's president and CEO, Eugene Acevedo, at an event on Thursday. The announcement amounts to a radical departure for one of the leading financiers of a recent coal boom in the Philippines, an island nation that is extremely vulnerable to climate change. It came a month after the country's energy department announced that it will issue a moratorium on new coal-fired power plants, although the moratorium does not apply to some 22 proposed plants that have already been approved to be built. "This announcement, coupled with the Department of Energy's coal moratorium, heralds the end of coal in the Philippines," said Aaron Pedrosa, Co-Chair of the Energy Working Group of Philippine Movement for Climate Justice and Secretary-General of Sanlakas. "Big commercial banks like RCBC that have been aggressively funding coal projects have been recalcitrant in accepting…
Get BankTrack updates delivered to your inbox
RT @BankTrack: @cisl_cambridge published a report highlighting steps that banks can take to halt #deforestation following the end of the So…
@cisl_cambridge published a report highlighting steps that banks can take to halt #deforestation following the end… https://t.co/7T0soCwThE
Update Alerts
On 2021-01-08 11:03:32 we updated the Wells Fargo bank page.
On 2021-01-07 17:28:29 we updated the Coastal GasLink pipeline project page.
On 2021-01-07 16:12:36 we updated the UniCredit bank page.
Bank lending to plastics industry faces scrutiny as pollution concerns mount
Just Share's analysis of Standard Bank's new fossil fuels financing policy
Just Share
Malaysia's CIMB commits to phase out coal financing by 2040
BlackRock, Storebrand pressure Indian bank over coal mining loan