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'Terrifying' Brawl Takes Place On Mt. Everest After Famed Climbers Allegedly Ignore Instructions Of Local Sherpas

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A mountaineer on Everest described the "terrifying" scene of two famous European climbers fighting with Nepalese guides in a high-altitude brawl that has sparked a police investigation.

Ueli Steck, a Swiss national who holds climbing records, and Simone Moro of Italy, who has climbed Everest four times, were approaching the 7,470-metre (24,500 feet) Camp Three on Saturday when the bust-up occurred.

The American eyewitness, speaking to AFP by telephone and on condition of anonymity, said Steck and Moro were asked to wait on the mountain while a group of Nepalese rigged up some ropes.

The Europeans, accompanied by a photographer recording their attempt to climb the 8,848-metre (29,029-foot) mountain by a new "undisclosed" route without supplementary oxygen, ignored the request and carried on, the eyewitness said.

"The Sherpas told the team not to climb above them while they were fixing the ropes but they did it anyway. Then some ice fell and hit the Sherpas, which made them angry," he said.

Later in the day, a furious mob of Nepalese stormed up towards the climbers' tents and pelted them with stones until the men came outside, after which a loud argument ensued and punches were allegedly thrown.

"After a while the mob left, and the climbers packed up and walked past us down -- as far as we knew they were leaving the mountain," the eyewitness added. "It was terrifying to watch -- they nearly got killed."

Police near the world's highest mountain are investigating the incident, local officials told AFP.

"We were told our clients disagreed with the instructions of the Sherpa guides and went ahead over some icy terrain," said Anish Gupta of Cho-Oyu Trekking, the Kathmandu-based company that organised the Europeans' expedition.

"We understand that at some point the foreign climbers kicked some ice back and it hit one of the Sherpa guides, causing the fight to start," Gupta told AFP.

According to the climbing company, the men have since descended from the upper stretches of the mountain.

Raj Kumar, a police constable in Lukla, told AFP that Steck spent the night at a hospital near the airport in the town but was "totally normal" and did not show any sign of injuries.

On Monday morning Steck flew in a helicopter back to Everest's base camp to rejoin Moro, who had remained on the mountain. The pair are reportedly mulling whether to try again to reach the summit.

AFP was unable to reach the European climbers for comment. Their trekking company said they did not have mobile phones.

More than 3,000 people have climbed Everest, which straddles Nepal and China, since it was first conquered by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953. Every year hundreds more set out in April to attempt the climb.

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The 20 Most Bike-Friendly Cities In The World

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biking bike washington dc style man

[Editor's note: Copenhagenize is a consulting and communications company that specializes in all things cycling-related. The company gave Business Insider an exclusive first look at its new ranking of the world's most bike-friendly cities.]

There are lots of cities where it's good to be a cyclist, but some are truly two-wheel paradises.

The newly released Copenhagenize Index 2013, produced by the Copenhagenize Design Co., ranked 150 cities around the world on 13 parameters, including cycling facilities, culture, sharing program, gender split, politics, and traffic calming.

It also gave bonus points for categories like political leadership.

Here are the top 20 cities, each with a score out of 100 points.

The list starts at number 14, since there are a few ties.

14. Hamburg, Germany

Score: 54

2011 Rank: 13

Why It Works: The Index always offers up surprises. More often than not it is when cities show up on the list. To be honest, we were surprised that Hamburg made the cut and clung onto the last spot in the Top 20.

In a global perspective, Hamburg is a premier league player, no doubt about it. The city's modal share has been steady and is slowly rising. The citizens are returning to the bicycle, especially in the neighborhoods.

The city's planners haven't really realized that it's a new millennium and much of their infrastructure is sub-standard. But it's there. Ready to form the foundation for more, better protected cycle tracks.

Fixes: If Hamburg gets the right political leadership, the city will blossom as an urban cycling paradise. The need for infrastructure that adheres to best practice is becoming more and more apparent.

The 20th spot on the Copenhagenize Index is a fragile position to be in what with so many other cities making impressive efforts and eager to move up the list. Get with the global programme or get left behind. You're snuggled in between Copenhagen and Amsterdam.

Figure it out.

Scoring: Cities were given between 0 and 4 points in 13 categories, with a potential 12 bonus points for particularly impressive efforts or results, for a maximum of 64 points. The final score was adjusted to be out of 100. Categories included advocacy, bicycle culture, cycling facilities, infrastructure, bike share program, gender split, modal share, modal share increase since 2006, perception of safety, politics, social acceptance, urban planning, and traffic calming. See the full index at Copenhagenize.



13. Paris, France (tie)

Score: 55

2011 Rank: 7

Why It Works: The second global mega-city on the list after Tokyo, Paris continues to impress. If every city had political vision like Paris, regarding liveable cities, the world would be a better place.

Paris has left London and New York in the dust over the past six years. In particular, New York is making efforts to catch up, but Paris' commitment to improving conditions for Citizen Cyclists remains strong.

The city's bike share system remains a success and an impressive number of stretches feature bicycle infrastructure.

With 30 km/h zones and the removal of archaic expressways along the river, bicycle traffic will benefit. The fantastic role of the bike share system in the nightlife shows that the citizens are embracing the bicycle for all purposes. Nobody would have thought that Paris could have done all it has done but the city continues to pinch us to tell us we're not dreaming.

Fixes: Planners have been searching for space for bicycle infrastructure and Paris has some unique solutions. They are, however, solutions that are not sustainable in the long run.

It's time to up the stakes and go after a more permanent solution with the creation of more protected cycle tracks. The success of the bike share system is impressive but better maintenance is required, as well as increasing the number of stations at both transport hubs and popular nightlife neighborhoods.

Scoring: Cities were given between 0 and 4 points in 13 categories, with a potential 12 bonus points for particularly impressive efforts or results, for a maximum of 64 points. The final score was adjusted to be out of 100. Categories included advocacy, bicycle culture, cycling facilities, infrastructure, bike share program, gender split, modal share, modal share increase since 2006, perception of safety, politics, social acceptance, urban planning, and traffic calming. See the full index at Copenhagenize.



13. Budapest, Hungary (tie)

Score: 55

2011 Rank: 10

Why It Works: Budapest continues to build upon the successes of the past few years, although we fear the pace may have slowed. The city's force remains visionary advocacy and the social acceptance of the bicycle.

One of the leaders among Emerging Bicycle Cities, Budapest is getting it's brain wrapped around infrastructure and development of a sensible network for bicycle users.

A city that can gather 50,000-80,000 for peaceful bicycle rides has some golden opportunities that can and must be exploited.

Fixes: Like every other city on the planet, it's all about the infrastructure. The city has brilliant advocacy, but it is now time to push for more protected cycle tracks. Paint ain't the same.

Budapest is a regional leader in bicycle culture but without political will and a modern desire for mobility change, their role will be overtaken by others. The upcoming bike share system, if implemented correctly, will be a game-changer for the city.

More infrastructure should be in place before the bike share system starts up.

Scoring: Cities were given between 0 and 4 points in 13 categories, with a potential 12 bonus points for particularly impressive efforts or results, for a maximum of 64 points. The final score was adjusted to be out of 100. Categories included advocacy, bicycle culture, cycling facilities, infrastructure, bike share program, gender split, modal share, modal share increase since 2006, perception of safety, politics, social acceptance, urban planning, and traffic calming. See the full index at Copenhagenize.



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Frank Lloyd Wright-Designed Auto Showroom Demolished In New York City

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mercedes showroom demolishedIn late March, one of the few Frank Lloyd Wright designs in New York City was demolished quietly at 430 Park Avenue.  

This seldom-noticed interior retail space was home to the Hoffman Auto Showroom for over five decades and just as it was considered for preservation by the Landmark Commission, the owners of the building applied for its demolition.  

For many people, this may seem like an act of corporate greed or “corporate vandalism” and it may be so, but the landmark designation for interior spaces applies strictly to public space only according to NYC’s landmark laws.  

So was this space ever anything more than private property? Aside from having been designed by one of America’s most famous architects, did the design have “special historical, architectural or cultural significance”?

The Hoffman Auto Showroom was designed and built in the mid-fifties for Mercedes-Benz importer Maximilian Hoffman.  The original design for the 3,600 square foot space featured a turntable as its center piece and a winding ramp that served as a display area.  The ramp was reminiscent of the Guggenheim in New York City, which was being designed and built concurrently.  

While the space was still “quintessentially Frank Lloyd Wright” , Ada Louise Huxtable criticized the design in a 1966 book, writing “The spiral ramp motif … which was to be so beautiful an element in the Guggenheim, is employed here, though far less effectively, in part because of the low ceiling and partly because the cramped, abrupt turning motion all too clearly recalls the ramps of multi-floor parking garages.” (Crain’s New York)

If the LPC was able to designate Wright’s showroom as a landmark, it would have preserved a space that had already been altered from its original form.  In 1982, the showroom went through some renovations that incorporated mirrors on the ceilings and an addition of the Mercedes three-pointed star.  

Two decades later, the display room was expanded and completely renovated.  In its state at the time of demolition, it is unclear how much of the showroom was in its original condition to warrant preservation.  Of course, the designation process would have taken these conditions into consideration when making its final decision, and in the wake of the demolition, the architecture community laments the lost opportunity.

via Crain’s New YorkSalon.comHyperAllergic.com

SEE ALSO: 50 New York City Buildings That No Longer Exist

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One Of London's Most Glamorous Hedge Fund Galas Has Been Cancelled

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kate middleton prince william

A lavish annual hedge fund charity gala dinner in London has been called off this year. 

Hedge fund correspondent Sam Jones at the Financial Times reports that the ARK Gala Dinner, a $15,500-per-ticket event attended by financiers, celebrities and royalty, will not be happening.

It seems some felt the ostentatious event was out of step with the current economic conditions.  

From the FT: 

"It was all getting to feel a little bit 1788 and all that," said a person connected with Ark, in a comparison of the gala to the court of Louis XVI on the eve of the French Revolution.

The annual dinner raised funds for ARK (Absolute Return for Kids), a charity co-founded founded by London-based French hedge fund manager Arpad Busson. 

Guests at past dinners have included the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Madonna, Bill Clinton, Pierre Lagrange (co-founder of GLG Partners), Louis Bacon (Moore Capital) and Kevin Spacey, according to Dealbook's Julia Wedingier. 

It's unclear if there will ever be more annual ARK gala dinners in the future. 

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How Anyone Can Train To Run A Half Marathon

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girl running outsideThere are dozens of signs that herald the arrival of spring — floral prints, cute flats, breezy dresses — but none so omnipresent as the thousands of runners, from novices to lifers, who take to the streets once the weather warms up.

Coupled with the dozens of 5Ks, 10-milers, and half- and full marathons that happen this time of year, the allure of challenging yourself to complete a race is hard to resist. 

But, before you lace up your sneakers and hit the road, there are some things the novice runner should know — and there's no better way to teach than by example, right? In that spirit, I — your humble D.C. editor and basically the least athletic person around — signed on three months ago to run the Nike Women Half Marathon.

Along the way, I've gotten some expert advice from local and national running professionals, struggled through an injury, and logged more than 100 miles, in the hopes of completing my first-ever race on Sunday, April 28, alongside 15,000 other runners. Read on for the ultimate real-girl crash course for finishing your first race.

First things first: If you're serious about running, there are some basic mechanics you'll need to master, and the best way to do that is to enlist a running coach. Mike Hamberger, a professional coach and a 10-year competitive runner, notes that as a beginner, it's crucial to determine your foot strike before you start training.

While it seems like everything is up for debate in the running world, a mid-foot strike is considered ideal — this means that when your foot touches the ground, the point of impact is somewherebetween the ball of your foot and your heel. Heel-striking, or landing directly on your heel as your foot comes down, can lead to injury (hello, epic knee pain!) and a slower pace.

Utilizing a running coach is the most effective way to determine where you're striking. "Normally, we have better foot strike when we run at faster speeds, because there is such a thing as running too slowly," Hamberger says. "A lot of magazines tell runners that they should run slower, pace themselves, and so on. But, if you watch someone run at a very slow pace, you see that it's like a fast walk — and walking is heel-striking."

The takeaway? Figure out your "first gear" — i.e., a fast walk/jog — then your second and third gears, and try to do most of your running in second-gear pace. "This prevents you from running too slowly, and gets your foot higher off the ground," Hamberger says, "which gives it more time to come down and hit the ground on the mid-foot instead of the heel." And, lest you think a running coach is an expensive luxury, you can snag a Running 101 session with Hamberger for just $35. 

Once you've mastered a proper foot strike, you can focus on your form. Hamberger recommends a tall posture ("not 'computer posture'"), with shoulders down and relaxed, chin down, arms softly bent at 90 degrees, and hips perpendicular to the ground, not angled forward or arched back. Now that you've got the basics down, it's time to hit the road and start logging some miles.

As you train for a race, it's important to remember that you're not just getting in shape for a run, but also developing a routine for race day. "The first (and most important) rule of endurance medicine is 'don’t do anything new on race day,'" says Dr. Lewis Maharam, medical director of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training program and author of Running Doc's Guide to Healthy Running.

This means that, while you're training, you should test sports drinks (especially the drink that will be provided on the course); determine how long you can run before you need to hydrate; and figure out the best pre-race breakfast or snack that keeps you fueled. 

Maharam's book is chock-full of helpful info for runners — here are the Cliff's Notes for newbies:

1. Stick with water for shorter runs and exercise sessions under 30 minutes. Switch to using sports drinks exclusively for longer endurance training. Mixing the two can decrease your body's ability to handle physical stress. 

2. Don't carbo-load. Sure, it's pretty awesome to eat a pile of fettucine alfredo and not feel guilty, but once again, you don't want to do anything before the race that you haven't been doing all along. Stick to normal amounts of healthy foods. "This is not your last meal," Maharam notes, "and if you eat differently than usual, you may feel sick on race day." 

3. If you've been training hard, you've likely been on a regimen of pain medication to deal with sore muscles. Twenty-four hours before a race, you should stop taking Advil, Motrin, Aleve, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory meds, as they can put you at risk for hyponatremia, a serious kidney issue. You can continue to use acetaminophen (Tylenol) as needed. 

4. After finishing your race, you might feel like a bowl of Jell-O, but it's important to keep walking for 10 to 15 minutes, to allow time for blood flow to go from your legs back to the rest of your body (i.e., keep yourself from passing out). Start with a sports drink to restore electrolytes and sugar, then have a meal with plenty of carbohydrates. 

5. Try to maintain or slow your pace as you enter the final mile. It may seem the like appropriate moment to channel Chariots of Fire and push yourself hard, but you'll be less likely to injure yourself if you stick with the pace you established during those weeks of training.

And now, here's my story. 

I've never been athletic — far from it — but I've always fantasized about crossing a finish line in a blaze of glory. (Blame it on years of watching Ironman races on TV.) I ran in my 20s only when I felt frustrated or upset; running was a way of "getting my demons out," more punishment than pleasure.

There was no conditioning, no training, no attention to my nutritional needs — just 30 minutes of unbridled adrenaline, emotion, and ultimately, pain. Turns out, I was going about it completely wrong. Here, seven crucial steps to finally learn how to love running, from a born-again road warrior: 

1. In order to become a runner, you have to want to be a runner. That may seem obvious, but running — especially for a beginner — has its own particular set of hardships, and knowing deep down that this is something you truly want to succeed at will keep you motivated. 

2. Get the right shoes — not the most expensive or trendy. Contact your local run clubs and find out which stores they recommend; choose a store where you can have a gait analysis done and get personalized attention to find the right fit. Keep in mind that your running shoes should be at least a size bigger than your normal shoes (for example, I wear a size 9, but run in a size 10 or 10.5). A properly fitted shoe can cut down or even totally eliminate shin splints and blisters. 

3. There's nothing worse than feeling dehydrated during a run — pretty soon, all you're thinking about is how excruciatingly thirsty you are. I gave up coffee and alcohol for the 12 weeks of training and devoted myself to water and Gatorade. The result? Better endurance, faster recovery, and the best skin of my life. 

4. Give yourself a deadline. Follow a "couch to 5K" program, or check out Nike's phenomenal training program for a variety of race lengths. For a deadline-oriented person like myself, having a structured plan where I could track my progress week by week made a once-crazy goal feel attainable. 

5. Repeat this mantra: "It takes three weeks to teach your body something new." Don't be too hard on yourself during the first month of your training. After all, you're asking your body to do something new and difficult, so give yourself a three-week grace period to get conditioned. I swore my heart would explode after one lap around a football field, but after three weeks, the conditioning kicked in. 

6. Buy a foam roller. I struggle with ITBS (a common injury associated with the muscle that connects your hip and knee), and while the foam roller routine can be painful, it's essential for working out the kinks and staying loose. Also, reward yourself every six to eight weeks with a professional massage — either the cheap mall-kiosk variety or a real-deal spa treatment. Your next run will feel much easier. 

7. Get the gear. (Seriously, don't overlook this step, because it's the most fun.) It may sound superficial, but having workout clothes that are designed for your activity and make you feel like a proper athlete can be really motivating. I'm a huge fan of these Nike tights and these C9 by Champion t-shirts.

SEE ALSO: The Best New Bicycles For Every Kind Of Rider

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What $500,000 Buys In Housing Markets Around America

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house 15In Michigan, $500,000 buys a 6,600-square-foot home on a three-acre lot.

But in Seattle, the same amount will get you a 1,750-square-foot home on about a quarter of an acre.

Our friends at Zillow helped us compile a list of homes on the market for $500,000 around the U.S.

EL DORADO HILLS, CA: $500,000 gets you a 3,105-square-foot, 4-bedroom home with granite slab counters, travertine floors, and a butler's pantry.

Click here to see the house on Zillow.



ALBUQUERQUE, NM: $500,000 buys you a 3,373-square-foot home with four bedrooms on a .68 acre lot, a slate front porch, and a granite fountain.

Click here to see the house on Zillow.



LAS VEGAS, NV: $500,000 gets you a 4,847-square-foot home with five bedrooms and a large pool.

Click here to see the house on Zillow.



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Here's What Americans Don't Get About Cycling — And Why It's A Problem

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biking bike on brooklyn bridge nyc

The 2013 Copenhagenize Index of the world's most bike-friendly cities is out, and not a single American metropolis made the top 20.

That's a problem  and not just a health-related one, said Mikael Colville-Andersen, CEO of Copenhagenize, the consulting and communications company that published the Index.

By failing to embrace cycling culture, American cities are losing out on significant financial benefits, Colville-Andersen told Business Insider. Studies show that every kilometer cycled in Denmark earns the country €.23 (partly because cyclists have been shown to spend more money in local stores), he said.

And even with significant taxation of automobiles, every kilometer driven in Denmark costs the country €.16.

The problem in the U.S. is all about perception, said Colville-Andersen. Many commuters see cycling as a form of exercise, not convenient transport, and cities are still being built around automobiles.

How Americans See Cycling

Americans often perceive cyclists as extreme athletes. 

Colville-Andersen said that if he tells someone in an American bar he is a cyclist, "they're gonna conjure up images of me in very tight-fitting man made fibers, going for a hundred-mile ride on a Saturday ... For North Americans, that's what a cyclist is."

Compounding that image, Colville-Andersen argued, is the fact that many advocates for cycling in the U.S. are intense cyclists, and risk scaring off casual bike riders.

"It's like having race walkers doing the talking for pedestrians," he said. "It's great that they love cycling, but it's not a very effective marketing technique."

That view of biking as exercise, instead of transport, fuels the concern that cyclists will arrive at the office sweaty, without a way to clean off.

A common fix by American workplaces that want to encourage cycling is to install showers. The New York City Department of Transportation even gives an annual award for General Bicycle Friendly Workplace, which is partly judged on whether showers and lockers are provided in the office.

But this idea — that cycling to work is dependent on the ability to shower upon arrival — is another manifestation of the cycling-as-exercise image.

Workplaces in Copenhagen don't provide showers — and people who live there don't understand why Americans feel they are necessary, Colville-Andersen said.

In the Danish capital, which came in at number two on the Copenhagenize Index, cycling is not a way to burn calories. It is simply a "fast form of pedestrianism," and the quickest way to get around.

It's about convenience, more than personal health or fighting global warming.

However, even biking slowly in a city like New York, where the summers are hot and humid and the bridges are steep, can leave one sweating. American standards of hygiene tend to be more demanding than those in Europe, and sweating at one's desk is usually frowned upon.

How Americans Treat Cyclists

Even if more Americans wanted to cycle to work, the infrastructure isn't there for them. In the U.S., planners and engineers are "incredibly stuck in the last century paradigm of 'cars are the only transport form that we plan for,'" Colville-Andersen said. "We've forgotten that the bicycle used to be a form of transportation."

Many U.S. cities are working to improve cycling infrastructure, but don't always do so intelligently. Bike lanes are often placed to the left of parked cars, putting cyclists between moving traffic and doors that can open at any time.

"This doesn't keep cyclists safe," Colville-Andersen said, calling the setup a "brain fart."

Asked if changing the infrastructure of American cities built in the age of the automobile, unlike older European cities, is especially difficult, Colville-Andersen said no: "It's the same challenge. No difference. Copenhagen, for example, is a 20th century invention outside the medieval city center, all built since 1900."

Given the massive width of car lanes in the U.S., it might even be easier to find space for bicycles and protected lanes in American cities, he said.

In a recent post on the Copenhagenize blog, he expanded on this idea:

I tire of hearing the incessant "we don't have space for bicycles" whine, especially in North American cities. The space is right there if you want it to be there. Removing car lanes to create cycle tracks is, of course, doable. So many cities are doing it. Not making cycle tracks for those who cycle now, but for the many who COULD be cycling if it was made safe.

So how to make cycling convenient and safe? Bike share programs are a good place to start, Colville-Andersen said. Once in place, they demand improved infrastructure, and give people an easy, affordable way to try out life on a bike.

American cities don't need to reinvent the wheel, they just need to copy what the cities that did make the Copenhagenize top 20 are doing. If biking can be presented as a convenient way to get around — one that also offers financial and health benefits — the cyclists will come.

SEE ALSO: The 20 Most Bike-Friendly Cities In The World

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Good Luck Finding A Date If You Live Near Brooklyn's Dreaded G Train

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nyc subway g train station queens

GREENPOINT — Former Park Slope resident Christie Walsh remembers in detail the night she made a trip to Greenpoint and ended up going home with a guy she'd met at a bar.

He became her boyfriend — but after a couple of early treks to his place she learned never to venture there during their six-month relationship.

"I always refused to go there," said Walsh, 26, who now lives in Sunset Park. "After a couple of punishing rides on the G train I decided I wouldn't do it... Eventually he moved to California. The funny thing is, I'd date someone in California, because I'd like to go to California.

"I'd never like to ride the G train."

Walsh and some other Brooklynites say the G train's slow and unpredictable service has sabotaged relationships — and some have even sworn off G-train dating altogether.

"I had to make a rule that was, literally, if you live off the G you're not for me," said Bedford-Stuyvesant resident Mutale Nkonde, 26, who lives off the A and C trains, and said getting anywhere off the G involved a nightmarish array of transfers and usually getting lost. "To get to the G is such a monumental hike, it's two buses plus a long walk."

Nkonde — a member of the Rider's Alliance organization that has been pushing for more frequent and consistent G-train service and better communication with riders — said one date with a resident off the Myrtle-Willoughby G station scarred her from ever dating along the line again.

"The thing about the G is it comes middle of platform so if you're dressed in high heels you have to run what feels like 7 miles to catch the train," she said of the line's short length. "When you get there [to the Myrtle-Willoughby station] it looks 'Law and Order'-ish.

"It looks like a crime scene."

A representative for the MTA declined to comment for the story.

The strong sentiment of straphangers like Nkonde has even prompted a local comedian to make a video about a young man's horror when he learns his date lives off the G train.

"The Brooklyn Date," which Tyler Fischer created after "hearing people talk badly about the G train all the time," follows a couple on their first magical date — which comes crashing to a halt when the woman asks the man back to her apartment.

"I did date somebody who lived off the G and I was worried, but I have a car so I always just drove there," Fischer said. "I've just been afraid of [the train]."

As for Clinton Hill resident Alexis Saba, she and her boyfriend do rely on the subway since he lives in Greenpoint, she said — but the G has prevented them from having "casual get-togethers."

"He lives 3 miles away and it takes 45 minutes, at a minimum, to get there," said Saba, 28. "So that takes nearly two hours just to see each other. I'm glad it's there but it's still a huge pain."

Walsh, on the other hand, has chosen the easier life. Scarred by the G train, she met the man she is set to marry in the next few months when he lived within walking distance of her apartment.

"I'm getting married this summer and we met when I lived in Park Slope and he lived in Sunset Park so we'd usually just meet in South Slope and walk or take the bus," she said. "Learning to fit a relationship into each others lives can be difficult here already...and it gets even worse when you have to deal with the G train."

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20 Iconic Photos Of Kate Middleton & Prince William's Royal Life

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kate and williamToday marks Prince William and Kate Middleton's second anniversary.

After two years together, the couple have welcomed a dog, moved into their own home at Kensington Palace, and are now preparing for the their first child this summer.

From million dollar galas to riding on Batman's motorcycle, relive some of the couple's most memorable moments.

December 2010: The couple's official engagement photos were released.

(Source: People)



April 29 2011: Kate and William together on their wedding day.



May 24, 2011: The royals meet the Obamas at Buckingham Palace before attending a special lunch hosted by Queen Elizabeth.

(Source: People)



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Martha Stewart Is Looking For Love On Match.com

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martha stewart

Martha Stewart is officially on the market.

Earlier today on the "Today" show, the 71-year-old admitted to Matt Lauer that she had almost joined Match.com. She had been single for several years after a long-term relationship, and wanted to get back into the dating game.

"I started to laugh halfway down the page. It was, like, impossible," Stewart told Lauer. "I want to do my real thing."

But she is giving the matchmaking website another try after speaking to Match.com chief executive Sam Yagan on "Today" on Monday. The media mogul said she wasn't looking for her next husband, but something a little more casual.

"I'd like to have breakfast with somebody," Stewart said. "I'd like to go to bed with somebody. Sleep with somebody."

As for what she's looking for in a beau? "Energetic, outdoors-ish, really smart," she said. "Successful is important."

Though she was originally going to sign up with her real name and picture, Yagan discouraged her, saying it would be distracting and hard for people to initially get to know her.

"And I might get some crazies," Stewart added.

DON'T MISS: Everything You Wanted To Know About Online Dating But Were Afraid To Ask

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A Former MIT Admissions Officer Has Some Great Advice For College Freshmen

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MIT Dome night

As an admissions officer at MIT, Ben Jones blogged frequently about the admissions process and life on campus. 

We recently came across one post from his blog (h/t Arjun Pillai) that struck a chord, even though it's been a few years since we graduated from college.

In it, Jones gives 50 pieces of advice for MIT's incoming freshman class. Some are funny, some are wise, and some we wish we'd been heard before graduation day.

Jones is no longer at MIT (he's now the vice president of communications at Oberlin), but his advice still rings true.

Here are a couple of our favorites from the list; you can see all 50 pieces of advice over at the MIT Admissions blog.

  • Your friends will change a lot over the next four years. Let them.

  • Adjust your schedule around when you are most productive and creative. If you're nocturnal and do your best work late at night, embrace that. It may be the only time in your life when you can.

  • Don't be afraid of (or excited by) the co-ed bathrooms. The thrill is over in about 2 seconds.

  • Half of you will be in the bottom half of your class at any given moment. Way more than half of you will be in the bottom half of your class at some point in the next four years. Get used to it.

  • Life is too short to stick with a course of study that you're no longer excited about. Switch, even if it complicates things.

SEE ALSO: The 10 Best College Towns In America

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Extraordinary Images Show How Far The Jersey Shore Has Come In The 6 Months Since Hurricane Sandy

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New Jersey

New Jersey Governor Chris Christiehas uploaded a series of photos toFacebook that show the progress the Jersey Shore has made in the six months since Hurricane Sandy.

The rebuilding has only just begun, however. Christie is announcing today federal approval for plans to spend over $1.8 billion in federal grant money in the state.

The photos are from a variety of locations in Jersey, including Seaside Heights, Long Beach Island, and Sea Bright. The image at the top shows destruction from just after the storm, while the bottom image shows the situation now.

One house totally removed at Long Beach Island.



The warped tarmac in the top photo has had to be removed from Ortley Beach.



New construction in Sea Bright.



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This Handy Flask Looks Just Like An iPhone

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This is the iFlask.

Why We Love It: If you've ever needed a discreet way to haul around liquor, consider the iFlask. It looks like an iPhone to the unsuspecting eye, but it's actually a five ounce flask made of polyethylene and polycarbonate.

It's toxic free, and even has a bottle opener in the back. The pour spout opens and closes with a switch and you drink out of the headphone jack. They also include a funnel so pouring in your drink of choice isn't a hassle.

iFlask

Where To Buy: Available through GoiFlask.com.

Cost: $24.95 (expected to ship when production run is complete in late May).

Want to nominate a cool product for Stuff We Love? Send an email to Megan Willett at mwillett@businessinsider.com with "Stuff We Love" in the subject line.

SEE ALSO: Stay Sharp Between Trims With Your Own Personal Barber

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The 10 Most Pet-Friendly Buildings In Manhattan

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You may not realize it by the amount of dogs you see in NYC's streets, but it's actually very hard to find a pet-friendly apartment in Manhattan.

Point2Homes, the sister division of PropertyShark, analyzed the Manhattan apartment listings on their website as well as city property records to determine which buildings were the most likely to allow pets in the city.

The Upper East Side was far and away the most pet-friendly neighborhood, followed by the Upper West Side. And when it came to buildings, Atelier in Midtown West had the most pet-friendly apartment listings.

Check out the full lists below:

pet friendly buildings

 

pet friendly neighborhoods

 

pet friendly streets

SEE ALSO: What Springtime Looks Like Inside The New York Park That's Only Accessible By Key

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A Spanish Restaurant Was Just Named The Best In The World

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celler de can rocaFor the first time in four years, a new restaurant has been crowned The World's Best: El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, Spain.

The restaurant took the top spot on the prestigious annual list published by Restaurant magazine and co-sponsored by S. Pellegrino and Acqua Panna.

The magazine released its 2013 list today during an awards ceremony in London.

El Celler de Can Roca ranked #2 last year. It's run by three Catalan brothers, the Rocas, who grew up working in their mother's restaurant nearby. They serve native Catalan fare with a cutting-edge twist, using molecular gastronomy and creative displays to turn food into art.

The restaurant also has three Michelin stars, and serves a tasting menu that starts at €135 ($176).

According to World's 50 Best:

Head chef Joan is alone a cook of the very highest order: he helped pioneer the widespread use of sous-vide cooking in the ’90s via his Roner machine, and is a technical maestro. Josep is the head sommelier who runs the supremely smooth front-of-house operation: understated but passionate. Jordi is the rule-breaking pastry chef whose creations blow the imagination.

The standout dish at the restaurant is a charcoal-grilled king prawn, king-prawn sand, ink rocks, fried legs, head juice and king prawn essence, according to World's 50 Best.

2013 marks the first time in four years that Noma — the Copenhagen restaurant known for serving "foraged" fare — did not take the top spot.

Noma, where dinner for two can run upwards of $900, received some bad press earlier this year when dozens of diners got sick with a norovirus after eating there.

The World's 50 Best list, widely considered to be the definitive list of top restaurants around the globe, is decided by a group of 900 industry insiders around the world.

You can see the full list of winners below:

#50 Central (Peru) *new entry

#49 Septime (France) *new entry

#48 Quay (Australia)

#47 The French Laundry (USA)

#46 Mani (Brazil) *new entry

#45 Geranium (Denmark)

#44  Asador Etxebarrri (Spain)

#43 Mr. And Mr. Bunch (China) *new entry

#42 Schloss Schauenstein (Switzerland)

#41 Piazza Duomo (Italy) *new entry

#40 Combal Zero (Italy) *re-entry

#39  8 1/2 Otto E Mezzo Bombana (Hong Kong) *new entry

#38 Restaurant Andre (Singapore) *new entry

#37 Villa Joya (Portugal)

#36 Amber (Hong Kong)

#35 Oud Sluis (Netherlands)

#34 Fäviken (Sweden)

#33 The Fat Duck (UK)

#32 Nahm (Thailand)

#31 Biko (Mexico)

#30 Aqua (Germany)

#29 Daniel (USA)

#28 Mirazur (France)

#27 Le Calandre (Italy)

#26 Quique Dacosta Restaurant (Spain)

#25 Hof Van Cleve (Belgium)

#24 L'atelier De Joel Robuchon Paris (France)

#23 L'astrance (France)

#22 Nihonryori Ryugin (Japan)

#21 Attica (Australia) *highest new entry and best in Australasia

#20 Narisawa (Japan) *best in Asia

#19 Le Bernardin (USA)

#18 Le Chateaubriand (France)

#17 Pujol (Mexico)

#16 L'arpege (France)

#15 Alinea (USA) *chefs choice

#14 Astrid y Gaston (Peru) *highest climber

#13 The Ledbury (UK)

#12 Frantzen & Lindeberg (Sweden)

#11 Per Se (USA)

#10 Vendome (Germany)

#9 Steirereck (Austria)

#8 Arzak (Spain)

#7 Dinner by Heston Blumenthal (UK)

#6 D.O.M. (Brazil) *best in South America

#5 Eleven Madison Park (USA) *best in USA

#4 Mugaritz (Spain)

#3 Osteria Francescana (Italy)

#2 Noma (Denmark)

#1 El Celler de Can Roca (Spain)

SEE ALSO: The 45 Best Restaurants In America

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The Kardashians Are On An Incredible Vacation In Greece

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The Kardashian clan are currently on an amazing vacation in Greece shooting their E! reality show "Keeping Up With The Kardashians."

But until next season airs, you can "keep up" with the famous family by following their social media accounts — where they have been posting tons of photos from an envy-inducing Mediterranean vacation full of sun, yachts, horseback riding, food and of course, bikinis.

The trip started with little sis Kendall Jenner instagramming a photo of her Balenciaga sandals from the airplane:

Kendall Jenner Kardashian Vacation

Upon arrival in Greece, they couldn't help but upload photos of the beautiful Mediterranean landscapes to make their millions of followers jealous.

Kim Kardashian re-posted this picture her stepbrother Brody Jenner put on his account with the caption "Today's vibe was epic... Having a blast with the family":

Kardashian Greece Vacation

Kendall Jenner seconded the sentiment, posting "feels like a dream I'm in! #heaven":

Greece Kardashian vacation

Kendall and Kylie wasted no time putting on their bikinis. "This is bliss man! dee dee deeeee," Kendall wrote alongside this photo of herself in a swimsuit top:

Kendall jenner Kardashian Greece Vacation

It didn't stop there. "Mellow moods got me, darlin," she added with this revealing photo:

Kendall Jenner bikini Kardashian Greece Vacation

"In paradise," sis Kylie continued:

Kylie Jenner bikini Kardashian vacation

The group then ventured onto a yacht, where more photo shoots ensued:

Kylie Jenner Brody Jenner kardashian vacation boat

Kendall Jenner Brody Jenner

Kylie Jenner Kendall Jenner Kardashian vacation

The elder Kardashian sisters remained more covered by clothing:

Kardashian Greece Vacation

Kim has been more quiet on social media during the trip, posting "Enjoying Greece with @brodyjenner@kourtneykardash @krisjenner":kim kardashian greece vacation

Khloe Kardashian Kylie jenner boat vacation

Here's the yacht the family were on by day:

yacht Greece kardashian vacation

And here it is at night:

yacht boat kardashian vacation

The girls all took part in water activies:

kendall jenner kardashian vacation boat water sports

Kylie jenner brody jenner kardashian vacation boat 

kourtney kardashian fish water feet greece vacation

They went ATVing:

kylie jenner bruce jenner brody jenner kardashian vacation atvkhloe kardashian kylie jenner kardashian vacation atv

Horseback riding:

kendall jenner horseback riding greece vacation

Showed off their diamond-encrusted jewelry:

Khloe Kardashian jewelry vacation 

Kourtney Kardashian Kim Kardashian jewlery greece vacation

khloe kardashian tattoo greece vacation

And ate incredibly fresh food:

fish kardashian vacation

yogurt and berries kardashian vacation

eggs kardashian vacation

Against a beautiful backdrop:

dinner table kardashian greece vacation

SEE ALSO: Check out celebrities partying at Coachella >

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The All-New Corvette Stingray Starts At $51,995

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2014 C7 corvette chevrolet

Bold new styling, hugely improved interior design and materials, and even greater performance stand to make the 2014 Chevy Corvette Stingraya significant upgrade from the already impressive sixth-generation Corvette.

Despite the upgraded look and feel, the seventh-generation 2014 model will cost just $2,000 more.

Starting at $51,995, including destination fee, the 450-horsepower 2014 Stingray is a bargain for its power and predicted handling and performance level, nearly matching the 265-horsepower base Porsche Boxster, and nearly $50,000 less expensive than the 911 Carrera S and its 400 horsepower.

The Corvette Stingray Convertible will start from $56,995.

For that base price, you'll get the 2014 Corvette Stingray with:

  • Seating with lightweight magnesium frames for exceptional support, and 8-way power adjustment
  • Five-position Drive Mode Selector that tailors up to 12 vehicle attributes
  • New seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching
  • 6.2-liter LT1 V-8 engine with direct injection, Active Fuel Management, continuously variable valve timing and an advanced combustion system
  • Carbon fiber hood on all models, and a carbon fiber removable roof panel on coupes
  • Aluminum frame that is 99 pounds lighter and 57 percent stiffer than previous model’s structure
  • Advanced high-intensity discharge (HID) and light-emitting diode (LED) lighting
  • Dual, eight-inch configurable driver/infotainment screens, with next-generation Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system and rear vision camera
  • Bose 9-speaker audio system with SiriusXM radio, Bluetooth connectivity, USB and SD card and auxiliary input jack
  • Keyless access with push-button start
  • Power tilt/telescope steering wheel
  • An all-new, fully electronic top on the convertibles, that can be lowered remotely using the key fob

Several packages are available, upgrading equipment and interior materials. Those include the following equipment, as specified on the 2014 Stingray Convertible shown at the 2013 New York Auto show:

  • 3LT interior package, with leather-wrapped interior ($8,005)
  • Z51 Performance Package ($2,800)
  • Competition sports seats ($2,495)
  • Exposed-carbon-fiber roof panel ($1,995)
  • Magnetic Ride Control with Performance Traction Management ($1,795)
  • Dual-mode exhaust system ($1,195)
  • Carbon fiber interior trim ($995)
  • Sueded, microfiber-wrapped upper interior trim ($995)
  • Red-painted calipers ($595)
  • Black-painted wheels ($495)

The 3LT package includes: navigation; Napa leather seating; leather-wrapped dash and instrument panel, console, and door panels; a Bose 10-speaker surround sound system; color heads-up display; plus heated and ventilated seats with power lumbar and bolster adjustment.

A Z51 Performance package is also available, adding 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels; transmission cooling; high-performance gear ratios; up-sized slotted brake rotors with cooling ducts; an electronic limited-slip differential with cooler; improved chassis tuning; and Chevy's Performance Traction Management system. Magnetic Ride Control dampers are also available.

When fitted with the Z51 package, Chevy claims the Stingray is capable of a 0-60 mph time of less than four seconds and more than 1 g in lateral grip.

More packages and prices will likely be released as the 2014 Corvette Stingray draws nearer its sales launch this fall.

SEE ALSO: 10 Reasons The New Corvette Is Totally Awesome

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Taylor Swift Supposedly Paid $17.75 Million In Cash For A Rhode Island Mansion

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Taylor Swift Watch Hill rhode islandTMZ and celebrity real estate blog The Real Estalker are reporting that Taylor Swift has bought a 11,000-square-foot home in Rhode Island for $17.75 million.

And what's more, the 23-year-old reportedly wired the money directly and paid in cash, which might explain how the cost dropped from the original $20 million asking price.

The home was built in 1930, and sits on the highest point in Watch Hill, RI with 700 feet of shoreline and views of Little Narragansett Bay.

It has eight bedrooms, eight fireplaces, and a pool in the back. The property is both walled and gated, and sits on what is thought to be the highest point of waterfront land on the entire eastern seaboard, according to The Real Estalker.

These listing photos, courtesy of Zillow, are from when the home hit the market for $24 million back in 2011.

This is High Watch in Rhode Island, Taylor Swift's newest mansion.



She paid for the gorgeous home in cash, TMZ reported.



Inside, Swift's new pad has over 11,000 square feet of space.



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The Plans For Korea's Futuristic 'Dream' City Are Pretty Far Out

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south korea dream hubAccording to Business Insider and a number of other real estate development outlets, the “Dream Hub” project in Seoul Korea that drew designs from internationally renowned architects including Daniel Libeskind -designer of the master plan – MVRDV, Dominique Perrault, BIG, REX, KPF and Tange Associates is on the verge of collapse.  

The Yongsan Development Corporation reportedly defaulted on a major loan repayment, citing difficulties in raising funds due to the real estate slump since the 2008 global financial crisis.  The collapse of the project is still speculative, as it is unclear how the next round of loans that are to mature in June will fare.  

The $28 billion real estate “Dream Hub” project was to develop 56-acres in central Seoul into a modern business hub.  In its planning it included shopping malls, hotels, department store, apartment blocks, and mixed-use office towers.  

Here's a look at some of the planned buildings that may never come to be.

The Harmony tower, designed by master planner of the Dream Hub Daniel Libeskind, is a 46-story office tower that is inspired by Korean Paper lanterns.  The facets on the building’s facade reflect the earth and sky in dynamic ways.  The tower tapers at the base to open more area to public space at the street level and create a more expansive pedestrian plaza.  It also contains unique winter gardens along its south and west facade, providing uses with natural ventilation and planted park settings within the high rise. The garden also functions to reduce heat gain and promote energy efficiency.

The Dancing Towers, also by Studio Daniel Libeskind, are a trio of 41-story residential buildings that comprise of amenities  retail, parking and a commercial area at its podium.  The design of the towers is inspired by the Korean Buddhist Dance called SeungMoo.  Subtle rotations in the exterior frame along with the glass curtain wall give the illusion of motion.  The structure is composed of central concrete core and alternating cantilevered fin walls that support the buildings without columns, allowing them the “twist”.

MVRDV’s luxury residential towers, The Cloud, features two high rise towers “connected in the center by a pixelated cloud of additional programs”.  The Cloud is accessible to all residents and provides community amenities and outdoor spaces that create a social environment for neighbors to meet one another.  When it was first unveiled, The Cloud was the center of controversy and criticism because of claims that its centerpiece resembles the collapsing twin towers of the World Trade Center following the 9/11 terrorist attacks   MVRDV apologized, stating that it was not their intention to upset the public and that the inspiration for the design had nothing to do with 9/11 and that the inspiration came from a “real cloud”.

The Blade, by French Architect Dominique Perrault, is a mixed use tower whose rhombus footprint gives the building a unique silhouette.  The facade is a textured and faceted curtain wall system that reflects a multi-faceted view of the Seoul’s skyline.  The tower includes retail space, office space, and wellness lobbies at various heights throughout the building.  The Blade has a series of sustainability and energy conservation strategies that range in the inclusion of landscape and green roofs, reusable energy measures, waste management measures and resource efficiency.  

The Cross # Towers are a residential development designed by BIG.  It includes two vertical towers that are connected by horizontal bands programmed as public bridges between the two towers.   The bridges are landscaped and equipped for a variety of activities traditionally restricted to the ground.  The roof-scapes are imagined as traditional courtyards that inspired interactions between residents and a flexibility for the use of public space.

Another residential tower, designed by Murphy/Jahn is the Pentominium Tower  which will include high end units in two towers that are unified in a steel and glass lattice structure.  The building offers four story skyparks that are designed within the high-rise to offer community space.  Floor to ceiling glazing provides expansive views onto the city, while a secondary steel structure creates a movable screen that enables residents to adjust their privacy and shading.  The bottom eight floors are reserved for office spaces along with retail concourses below grade.

The C1-20 Tower by Tange Associates is a 25-story mixed use building that is comprised of educational institutions, a ‘synergy floor’ for events and exhibitions, a three-story fitness center, various regional headquarters for international companies, spaces for private clinics and a 3-star restaurant that opens up to the roof top terraces.  It’s unique faceted facade turns into a media wall that can be programmed to display digital artwork that contributes to the identity of Dreamhub’s skyline.

REX designed Project R6  as an urban boutique residence for short-term business people, young urban professionals, and foreign residents.  The units are small to accomodate users that will only be using them for short durations of time.  To compensate for the small residences the building has a variety of communal functions within the building, and have generous views and daylight.  The building is stratigied with blocks being pulled out horizontally to create terraces and diversity of units.

KPF’s Block H consists of a luxury 5-Star hotel and high-end serviced residential building.  The design incorporates a distinct urban landscape and diverse program at the lower levels of the building to engage the social aspects of the street  The tower contains casino, retail, and spa functions in the basement, and the firm proposed a podium building to accommodate a large banquet hall and other amenities for the hotel. 

SEE ALSO: Take A Look Inside Korea's Futuristic 'Dream Hub'

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The 25 Best Restaurants On The Planet

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El Celler de Can Roca serving display

A new ranking of the world's 50 best restaurants was unveiled today in London, and a new restaurant took the top spot for the first time in several years.

Organized by Restaurant magazine and co-sponsored by Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, the World's 50 Best list is based on the votes of more than 900 international leaders in the restaurant industry.

There were a few newcomers this year, including Melbourne's Attica, which made its first ever appearance at the number 21 spot.

We rounded up the top 25, but you can view the full list here (or click here for their complete methodology).

25. Hof Van Cleve

Kruishoutem, Belgium

Last year's ranking: 12

Years on list: 4

Located in western Belgium, the kitchen at Hof Van Cleve is headed by chef Peter Goossens.

He serves classic Belgian and French fare like waffles and frites with a focus on fresh produce.

Source: World's 50 Best



24. L'Atelier Saint Germain de Joel Robuchon

Paris, France

Last year's ranking: 12

Years on list: 8

L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Paris is one of several Ateliers owned by the acclaimed chef worldwide.

At his Paris location, Robuchon serves small-plate French fare. Signature dishes include cauliflower cream and langoustine ravioli.

Source: World's 50 Best



23. L'Astrance

Paris, France

Last year's ranking: 18

Years on list: 8

L'Astrance, located in Paris, serves creative French cuisine fused with elements of global cooking.

Chef Pascal Barbot cooked in the military and at Ampersand in Sydney before returning to France.

Source: World's 50 Best



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