BMW 650GS
A leader in it’s own right in the 250 cc category, the BMW F650 GS has set up a benchmark for all other single cylinder motorcycles to flow. The 650 GS was designed for unmatched performance under harsh unrelenting terrains and environments and is meant to scale new horizons. The latest model features a host of new of improvements such as a three-position clutch lever, highly functional on-board electronics and even a accessory power socket. Whether you are travelling on a super highway or on terrains filled up with sand or gravel, the BMW F650 is designed to ensure a smooth trouble free ride. It’s light handling and outstanding ergonomics ensure that this bike is the quintessential multi-purpose bike for experts and novices alike.
BMW R1200GS
Forget zip codes and state boundaries with the overwhelming power experience provided by the BMW R1200 GS. The bike is designed to kill with a 85lf/ft torque that gives a mighty grunt signalling your supremacy on the road. The BMW R1200GS is the current leader of the BMW Enduro series meant to take you past the toughest terrains and it packs a mighty punch. With 16 new different combinations and designs coupled with a 12% loss in weight and a 15% increase in engine power, the bike is meant to devour the best of roads and rival bikers alike. The BMW R1200 GS is a perfect example of raw undiluted power combined with jaw dropping looks and rest assured, you will raise an eyebrow or two as you rule the roads with this monster of a bike.
BMW HP2 Enduro
With a powerful 105 Hp engine powering the BMW HP2 Enduro, the weak of heart better maintain distance from BMW’s pioneering range of dirk bikes. This is the ultimate Enduro bike that will keep your competitors hot on their heels while you savour every single tarmac out there on the open. The BMW HP2 Enduro has undergone several different iterations in recent times and the latest version is one of the most breathtaking bikes of the BMW series with its stunning looks and razor sharp graphics. Make no mistake, this is the ultimate rally bike as you take advantage ot it’s revamped light weight design coupled with grade A ergonomics to set your authority out there on the roads.
BMW F800ST
The roads and twists all around the country and abroad are yours to savour with the all new BMW F8000St which promises to change your biking experience forever, Part of BMW’s midrange bikes, the 800ST is a abridged version of the new F800. The bike contains four hydraulic callipers and a two large 32 cm diameter disk brake. In addition, the BMW F800ST contains a retro touring oriented ergonomics that will ensure that you do not really need an excuse to take a trip down the road. While the BMW F800ST is not exactly the bets sports bike around, it’s versatility coupled with it’s powerful hassle free riding experience make it a great bike to either take a trip around your city or enjoy a long drive through the country side.

BMW F800S
This perfectly sized sports bike is just the accessory you need to gather all highlights across the highway .If you are in the market for a mid-range sports bike, look no further than the BMW F800S which offers a wonderful blend of looks and functionality. Powered by a twin engine which ropes in 85 cc of power and loaded with additional features such as a high performance cylinder head and a well designed belt drive, this bike is a great choice for serious racing as well as quick trip down the road. The BMW F800S has the perfect mix of weight, balance and ergonomics as illustrated by the feats of Christian Pfeiffer who chose this bike for his gravity defying world famous stunts.
BMW 1200 RT
The BMW RT series have been the preferred choice of many a long distance bikers through out the years and with the latest upgrades, that trend will probably never slow down in the times to come. The BMW1200 RT packs in a 110 horsepower Boxer engine which pulls in smoothly while its brilliantly designed chassis ensures a nimble handling experience which is sure to blow your mind away while preventing the ache of sore shoulders on a long drive. The latest version of the BMW 1200 RT comes with an additional electronic suspension adjustment, which gives you a fine-tuning on the press of a button for a wide range of terrains, carrier loads and moods.
BMW R1200S
The newly revamped BMW R1200S has left hardcore fanatics gasping and critics scratching. Powered by an immense 122 Hp engine, the BMW R1200S features exceptional features such as a maximum torque of 112 Nm at 6,800 rpm and an exceptionally low centre of gravity meant for quick fast turns. The bike also features a new EVO brake system, which ensures that your de-acceleration is optimised while the sparkling new graphics on the bike make it an immense eye catcher on the streets. Winner of the Moto ST competition in 2006, the BMW R1200S is tailor made for this looking to go miles.

BMW K1200S
Powered by a meaty 167 Hp engine, the BMW K1200S is the ultimate race bike around. A powerful torque subsystem capable of churning out 130 Nm at 8,250 rpm ensures that you have enough raw power to stun the best around. The BMW K1200S shoots you into biking heaven with a full-blown acceleration that gives you speeds up to 100kmph from zero within three seconds. With stunning design and performance that gives you a winning edge wherever you go, you can’t go wrong with the awe-aspiring BMW K1200S.
BMW K1200 LT
If looks could kill, then the BMW K1200 LT could be looking at a long prison term. This brilliantly designed 116 Hp engine bike is fitted with all amenities for that short ride run the street or the long ride through and beyond terrains. The K1200 LT has a stunning forty four new standard interface features including a modified gearbox, new paint designs and great new instrumental seats and panels, the K1200 LT packs a mighty punch indeed. The bike is powered by a four-cylinder engine that delivers a boggling 116 Hp of power while a 120 Nm torque will ensure seamless acceleration even at higher speeds. The bike also houses the world’s very first electrohydraullic centre stand, just one of the many features you can stand to own with the BMW K1200 LT series.
BMW R1200 GS
The BMW R1200 GS was built for rugged terrain rides and with a massive 105 engine, the bike does not disappoint one bit. Powered by Enduro Electronic Suspension Arrangement and a huge nine-gallon fuel tank, the R1200 GS is just the bike you need for long epic rides. The bike is fully customisable and you can modify both the front and rear suspension settings with a mere flick of a switch. The R1200 GS has been featured in rides across continents in the upcoming move Long Way Down. With an impressive array of features and a design that is as rugged as it gets, the BMW R1200 GS is just the bike you need as you aim to make the planet even smaller.
BMW HP2 Megamoto
The new BMW HP2 Megamoto takes racing and long distance travel with features that can match up with the toughest in business. A 113 Hp Boxer engine that churns out 90 lb of torque powers the bike. The bike is the slimmest and lightest in the Enduro and Megamoto category weighing in at a mere 380 lb. The HP2 Megamoto has won rave reviews all over the world for it’s supreme handling and the newer versions adds in an efficient Ohlins rear shock to make for an ever more safer subtle riding experience. This was amongst the pioneering models of the BMW series to have Brembo super brakes, which make for a smoother de-acceleration.
BMW G650 Xcountry
The BMW G650 Xcountry is the newest member of the BMW Motorrad series and packs in a mighty punch in the lightweight category. The Xcountry has a classic rat bike interface coupled with a strong 53 hp engines that help you traverse through distance, long and short with equal ease. The look and feel of the G650 has been modified greatly in recent years and additional features such as Magura hand bars and Marzocchi forks help you take your street biking experience to a different level Electronic Suspension Adjustment. The K1200 GT is fully customisable and its path-breaking new design makes it an absolute joy to own and ride. Additional improvements include a much altogether.

BMW K1200 GT
Winner of Cycle World’s Best Sport-Touring Bike in 2006, the latest offering of BMW’s famed K1200 series, the BMW K1200 GT is meant to help you cover long distance with a trail blazing speed. The bike is powered by a massive 4 cylinder 152 Hp engine and offers other optional features such as a refined ergonomic system, which should prove you complete comfort as you eat up roads and terrains with the BMW K1200 GT.

A multi-disciplinary approach to Australian censorship

Censorship has always been a major bone of contention for most governments and regulating authorities around the world. While on one hand, the requirement for freedom of art, speech and expression is solicited, the society also needs a moral fabric and a certain set of rules describing what is to be allowed and what is to be rejected for the proper upkeep of human culture itself. However, the major issue has also been the thin line of permission and refusal with regards to censorship. The issue of censorship could be sorted out by rather authoritative or monarchy based government earlier but with democracy being the fundamental principle of rule in the modern world, censorship has become an even tougher job to administer.

While in yesterday’s world, most topics that came under the realms of censorship were religious, political and new radical ideas; the present day notion of censorship covers a bigger frame of reference. The electronic media in the form of TV, movies, Internet and computer video games has made the entire subject of censorship even more heated and prone to debate.

Australia has a long and controversial issue of government censorship. The whole concept of rating magazines, music videos, movies and computer games in not a new phenomenon in Australia. Amongst these, the biggest issues facing the Government are television and Internet censorship. Both of them attract large audiences and every single new amendment or rule in that regard is met with both praises and brickbats.

The current laws governing TV Censorship in Australia are set up by the Australian Communications and Media Authority. Television censorship has always been a major issue due to its easy availability. Current media estimates suggest that an average Australian spends about 21 hours every week on the Television and it’s wide range across Australians young and old make it a powerful medium of projecting views, opinions and ideology. The current laws mention that R-18 material should not be covered on a free to air TV. However, commercial channels are allowed to cover R-18 shows although the criterion for shows are much stricter and often parts of a R-18 show are cut down making them akin to regular MA15 standards on cinemas or videos. Movie standard R-18 shows may be broadcasted on Pay to View channels subject to the condition that they are broadcasted between 11 P.M to 4 A.M and with the mandatory added safety measure that the viewer has to enter a Pin number in order to view.

In the case of Internet laws, the issue is far more complex due to vast realms of the Internet. The net has affected us in more ways than one and with technological advances being made by the day, it is much tougher regulating the World Wide Web. While Australia prides itself on being one of the most developed countries around the world, most critics are of the opinion that the Australian Internet censorship rules are draconian and totalitarian in nature. Online censorship in Australia is among the strictest in all developed countries and that has sparked massive debates all around the country. The Commonwealth Censorship Act also mocked by critics as the Net Oppression Act became active in Australia in early 2000. Although the legislation has t been implemented in an abridged form as compared to he plan originally intended, this censorship law makes information that is legally available to adults off-line, illegal to host on Australian sites. A government regulatory agency has been given the authority to order ISPs and content hosts to takedown content deemed not suitable for children.

This plan has been modified in recent months to also include other realms of Internet usage such as 3G and GPRS mobile phones. The ruling Australian Federal Labor Government, which was elected on 24 November 2007 has been contemplating a new Internet law that will force Australian ISPs to implement server-based filtering systems to block access to child pornography, X-rated material, violence and other inappropriate material that are on a blacklist compiled by a government agency. The ruling Labour party is of the opinion that the plan will ensure that children are protected from harmful and inappropriate online material.

Those in favour of even more stringent censorship norms seek a major review of the current laws. Although intensive research on the issue of relation of television and Internet with real world violence has failed to set up any permanent relation between on screen and off screen behaviour, it is common thought that violence and sex abuse on TV and the Internet promotes a similar approach in a real life scenario. This situation is even truer in the case of children and teens who have the tendency to fall in for the media gimmicks and the pointless violence and sex show in television. While Television broadcast can be controlled and monitored to a large extent, it is Internet censorship, which has taken on new boundaries and realms. In the current scenario of working parents, it is virtually impossible for parents to monitor each and every activity of their kids all the time. With time to spare and resources to keep to watch content on their television sets or the Internet, children all over the country pick up ideologies and behaviour exhibited on the big screen. Most pro-censorship protesters banter that current framework of censorship in the country is far too loose and should be tightened to protect the moral fabric of the Australian society. In the shooting range are reality shows, which have provoked a lot of heated debate, obscene music videos and rather open scenes of violence and sex on the Internet. The Internet in particular has grown as a medium of communication and a window of learning for kids all over the country and pro-censorship protesters demand a major look up of the current Internet laws as they aim to upkeep the moral fabric of the nation. While the exact relation between shows and programmes online and real life violence is rather inconclusive for now, most protesters look up to the increasing rate of violence and sexual abuse all over the country to justify their stance on a more stronger approach to censorship.

As with most other things in human society throughout the ages, a view on censorship has been met with a radical anti-thesis against it. TV broadcast and Internet are a growing form of learning and communication for kids and teens all around the nation, for that matter the entire world and restrictions on them tantamount to restriction on human freedom. This is the primary basis for those seeking to cut down on the rather draconian censorship laws governing Australian. The anti-censorship flag bearers point to the well documented fact that the censorship norms in Australia are far more stringent and totalitarian as compared to most other developed countries and suggest that unless a rather more lenient approach is maintained, underground viewing of porn and violence over the Internet will take a hike in the times to come. What has irked the protesters even more is the rather inconsistent stance maintained by the Government with regards to censorship. While mindless sex and violence is portrayed on television without much complaint, many thought provoking movies and documentaries were scraped out by the Government as it opposed it’s given line of ideology. In addition, there is no conclusive evidence of relation between online broadcast and real life behaviour and with the World smaller than ever before, kids and teens all around the world will find a recourse to see exactly what is not available to them in the open. It is in this context, that modern censorship laws governing the Internet and Television need to be loosened and it is the duty of the parents and the society to make sure that their young ones to take on screen matter in a just manner and not get perplexed into knee jerk reactions.

Most of the finest democracies throughout the history of human mankind have argued about basic freedom of speech and action and how much limitation should be put into place by the ruling power. With millions of dollars thrown into television and Internet entertainment, it is foolish to underestimate it’s growing power on teens all around the World and the censorship body in charge should take a mid-way approach so that a fine balance between freedom and moral fabric is maintained

Bibliography: -

· http://libertus.net/censor/auscensor.html by Australia's Censorship System created on 8 July 2005.

· ‘The portrayal of violence in the media : impacts and implications for policy’ from http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/tandi/tandi55t.html by Australian Government and Institute of Criminology last modified on 14 June 2005.

· http://libertus.net/censor/ispfiltering-au-govplan.html by Internet Censorship in Australia last modified on 20^th February 2008.

A multi-disciplinary approach to Australian censorship

Censorship has always been a major bone of contention for most governments and regulating authorities around the world. While on one hand, the requirement for freedom of art, speech and expression is solicited, the society also needs a moral fabric and a certain set of rules describing what is to be allowed and what is to be rejected for the proper upkeep of human culture itself. However, the major issue has also been the thin line of permission and refusal with regards to censorship. The issue of censorship could be sorted out by rather authoritative or monarchy based government earlier but with democracy being the fundamental principle of rule in the modern world, censorship has become an even tougher job to administer.

While in yesterday’s world, most topics that came under the realms of censorship were religious, political and new radical ideas; the present day notion of censorship covers a bigger frame of reference. The electronic media in the form of TV, movies, Internet and computer video games has made the entire subject of censorship even more heated and prone to debate.

Australia has a long and controversial issue of government censorship. The whole concept of rating magazines, music videos, movies and computer games in not a new phenomenon in Australia. Amongst these, the biggest issues facing the Government are television and Internet censorship. Both of them attract large audiences and every single new amendment or rule in that regard is met with both praises and brickbats.

The current laws governing TV Censorship in Australia are set up by the Australian Communications and Media Authority. Television censorship has always been a major issue due to its easy availability. Current media estimates suggest that an average Australian spends about 21 hours every week on the Television and it’s wide range across Australians young and old make it a powerful medium of projecting views, opinions and ideology. The current laws mention that R-18 material should not be covered on a free to air TV. However, commercial channels are allowed to cover R-18 shows although the criterion for shows are much stricter and often parts of a R-18 show are cut down making them akin to regular MA15 standards on cinemas or videos. Movie standard R-18 shows may be broadcasted on Pay to View channels subject to the condition that they are broadcasted between 11 P.M to 4 A.M and with the mandatory added safety measure that the viewer has to enter a Pin number in order to view.

In the case of Internet laws, the issue is far more complex due to vast realms of the Internet. The net has affected us in more ways than one and with technological advances being made by the day, it is much tougher regulating the World Wide Web. While Australia prides itself on being one of the most developed countries around the world, most critics are of the opinion that the Australian Internet censorship rules are draconian and totalitarian in nature. Online censorship in Australia is among the strictest in all developed countries and that has sparked massive debates all around the country. The Commonwealth Censorship Act also mocked by critics as the Net Oppression Act became active in Australia in early 2000. Although the legislation has t been implemented in an abridged form as compared to he plan originally intended, this censorship law makes information that is legally available to adults off-line, illegal to host on Australian sites. A government regulatory agency has been given the authority to order ISPs and content hosts to takedown content deemed not suitable for children.

This plan has been modified in recent months to also include other realms of Internet usage such as 3G and GPRS mobile phones. The ruling Australian Federal Labor Government, which was elected on 24 November 2007 has been contemplating a new Internet law that will force Australian ISPs to implement server-based filtering systems to block access to child pornography, X-rated material, violence and other inappropriate material that are on a blacklist compiled by a government agency. The ruling Labour party is of the opinion that the plan will ensure that children are protected from harmful and inappropriate online material.

Those in favour of even more stringent censorship norms seek a major review of the current laws. Although intensive research on the issue of relation of television and Internet with real world violence has failed to set up any permanent relation between on screen and off screen behaviour, it is common thought that violence and sex abuse on TV and the Internet promotes a similar approach in a real life scenario. This situation is even truer in the case of children and teens who have the tendency to fall in for the media gimmicks and the pointless violence and sex show in television. While Television broadcast can be controlled and monitored to a large extent, it is Internet censorship, which has taken on new boundaries and realms. In the current scenario of working parents, it is virtually impossible for parents to monitor each and every activity of their kids all the time. With time to spare and resources to keep to watch content on their television sets or the Internet, children all over the country pick up ideologies and behaviour exhibited on the big screen. Most pro-censorship protesters banter that current framework of censorship in the country is far too loose and should be tightened to protect the moral fabric of the Australian society. In the shooting range are reality shows, which have provoked a lot of heated debate, obscene music videos and rather open scenes of violence and sex on the Internet. The Internet in particular has grown as a medium of communication and a window of learning for kids all over the country and pro-censorship protesters demand a major look up of the current Internet laws as they aim to upkeep the moral fabric of the nation. While the exact relation between shows and programmes online and real life violence is rather inconclusive for now, most protesters look up to the increasing rate of violence and sexual abuse all over the country to justify their stance on a more stronger approach to censorship.

As with most other things in human society throughout the ages, a view on censorship has been met with a radical anti-thesis against it. TV broadcast and Internet are a growing form of learning and communication for kids and teens all around the nation, for that matter the entire world and restrictions on them tantamount to restriction on human freedom. This is the primary basis for those seeking to cut down on the rather draconian censorship laws governing Australian. The anti-censorship flag bearers point to the well documented fact that the censorship norms in Australia are far more stringent and totalitarian as compared to most other developed countries and suggest that unless a rather more lenient approach is maintained, underground viewing of porn and violence over the Internet will take a hike in the times to come. What has irked the protesters even more is the rather inconsistent stance maintained by the Government with regards to censorship. While mindless sex and violence is portrayed on television without much complaint, many thought provoking movies and documentaries were scraped out by the Government as it opposed it’s given line of ideology. In addition, there is no conclusive evidence of relation between online broadcast and real life behaviour and with the World smaller than ever before, kids and teens all around the world will find a recourse to see exactly what is not available to them in the open. It is in this context, that modern censorship laws governing the Internet and Television need to be loosened and it is the duty of the parents and the society to make sure that their young ones to take on screen matter in a just manner and not get perplexed into knee jerk reactions.

Most of the finest democracies throughout the history of human mankind have argued about basic freedom of speech and action and how much limitation should be put into place by the ruling power. With millions of dollars thrown into television and Internet entertainment, it is foolish to underestimate it’s growing power on teens all around the World and the censorship body in charge should take a mid-way approach so that a fine balance between freedom and moral fabric is maintained

Bibliography: -

· http://libertus.net/censor/auscensor.html by Australia's Censorship System created on 8 July 2005.

· ‘The portrayal of violence in the media : impacts and implications for policy’ from http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/tandi/tandi55t.html by Australian Government and Institute of Criminology last modified on 14 June 2005.

· http://libertus.net/censor/ispfiltering-au-govplan.html by Internet Censorship in Australia last modified on 20^th February 2008.

Apple Ipods – A love Story of Man, technology and Machine

Amidst the chaos surrounding the world post September 11 2001, something strange happened in the world of technology. It was probably the very first time that computers, technology and music had combined to produce a product that would soon be a “want –all” for every single music lover throught the world.Yes,it was the year in which Apple released what is now probably it flagship product-“IPOD”.It was the brainchild of Apple CEO Steve Jobs who at that time specialized in making softwares for software for the growing market of digital devices being purchased by consumers worldwide. Though digital cameras,camcoders had established mainstream markets at that time,portable MP3 were too big, chunky and unfashionable and had yet to establish a proper niche at that time. It was then that Apple embarked on a financially profitable journey towards making and marketing the Ipod’s,which would soon to take the music world by storm and create an impact, unheard of since the introduction of the CD- drive by Sony in the late 80’s.

The first generation Ipod’s were released out in October 2001 and were based on an internal harddisk.It had a capacity of 5 Gb with a mechanical scroll wheel. Though it was limited to be used on only Mac’s and couldn’t be used on Windows bases system without third party tools, it soon became an instant hit with its easy user interface and excellent sound quality which would be the feature of all Ipod’s released since then. The Apple iPod has always received high honors when it came to its design. And with every update, the iPod endured a stricter diet-regime, thus making the overall footprint thinner and smaller. Music could be transferred to a Mac via Itunes software and it could be charged via a firewire connector It could play play MP3, AAC/M4A, Protected AAC, AIFF, Audible audiobook, and Apple Lossless audio file formats. In a year’s time two more generations of Ipod’s had been released by Apple with increased storage capacity(40GB for 3^rd generation) and support for Windows based operating systems with the addition of Musicmatch software which was compatible with Windows. In late 2004,Apple released its 5^th generation of Ipods which featured a click wheel as well video playback. The latest version of Apple Ipods are it’s touchscreen models which are as much a style statement for today’s youth as much as a music player. In all, six generations of Apple Ipod Classic have been released with three Ipod Nano models, the latest of which features video playback and two smaller models called Ipod Shuffle.

One of Ipod’s biggest achievements would be in kickstarting the online musical market.Users can buy songs ,clips and serials from Apple’s online Itunes store for a price and play them on their Ipod’s .Other online stores are supported provided they don’t have DRM legalities.

Though Ipods have dominated the market share of portable Mp3 players with over 70% of the market share, it has not been with their fair share of trouble. Users and reviewers were critical of its poor battery life, some of which even went up to the extent of filing consumer lawsuits against Apple resulting in Apple giving battery replacements for a nominal price.In addition,though the sound quality of the Ipod’s were excellent, they were often criticized for showing distortion during Bass playback. To its credit though, Apple has worked extensively on these drawbacks and the latest generations of Ipod nano’s,touch and shuffle show a marked improvement in battery performance and bass playback.

Six years from the first generation of Apple Ipod’s,Ipod’s have grown from strength to strength and with its latest models of touch screen Ipod’s and video nano’s,Apple looks well set to stay put on its throne as the king of portable music.