But in many European countries the pattern was mixed.

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This pattern of European ossification and American consolidation is holding true for banks.

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The resort has made an effort in recent years to pattern itself after European ski resorts, and added two eateries, Bon Vivant and Alpino Vino, both with decks for sunny weather, which mirror the sort of lunch you might have in Gstaad or Courchevel, a two hour affair over white tablecloths with fine wines and a certain ambiance rarely found in the States.

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In doing this, he was following the pattern of several large European states who were busy centralising government and economic management.

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The pattern has been a steady rise when European news flow is minimal, followed by knee-jerk corrections when the debt crisis flares up.

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But for European leaders, this downbeat reaction is part of a pattern: they often react morosely to success.

ECONOMIST: The EU's leaders needn't always look so gloomy

The Pattern, which was introduced in 1971, forms the backbone of the European racing calendar for non-handicap races and gives the season a structure.

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