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- Author: Brod Bagert, Francis Bolin, et al
- Read Aloud Grade Range: 3 - Adult
- Read Alone Grade Range: 5 - Adult
- Pages: 286
- Included in these packages:
This book of classic poems for students is a treasury of more than 150 works by six of America's finest poets.
Beautifully illustrated collection of American poems — or poem excerpts — by Sandburg, Frost, Dickinson, Poe, Whitman, and Longfellow.
Oversize Hb, full-color illus.

subset: commoncrawl


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Getting your license
For thousands of years, people have dreamt about flying. Many have tried, but it wasn't until the days of the Wright brothers at Kitty Hawk that Man was able to take flight.
By getting yours, you'll be able to take joy rides with your friends and family, take part in volunteer search and rescue missions, fly yourself to business meetings, and become an acrobat of the sky. Okay, maybe not. But here's how to get that precious license.
By getting yours, you'll be able to take joy rides with your friends and family, take part in volunteer search and rescue missions, fly yourself to business meetings, and become an acrobat of the sky. Okay, maybe not. But here's how to get that precious license.
First of all, you must be at least 16 years old to get your student pilot certificate. You'll need to be 17 in order to receive the regular pilot's license. There's no age limit for you to fly, as long as you qualify medically.
You must be in great health. Everyone who wants to be a pilot needs to pass a medical exam in the early stages of the process. Blind people with narcolepsy don't usually make good pilots. More on this topic later.
Finally, you must have an adequate grasp of the English language, being able to read, speak and understand it perfectly (English is the international language used by all airports and control towers in the world).
Even though everyone refers to this piece of paper as a license, the technical term is, in fact, certificate . However, only the FAA calls it that.
Getting your private pilot's license will allow you to fly under certain restrictions. You'll be able to fly a single-engine airplane under visual flight rules (VFR) — which means with a visibility of at least three miles — as well as at night.
You may also be permitted to take passengers along, but you can't charge them for the ride, although you may split costs with them.
After you've received your private pilot's license, you'll be allowed to work your way up and get other certificates that will allow you to pilot commercial airlines or act as an instructor.
Furthermore, you can also get different ratings to add to your license. These ratings might allow you to fly multi-engine airplanes, navigate in bad weather, or fly different contraptions like helicopters, seaplanes, balloons, and gliders.
Get medically
Before you fly solo, you need to be qualified as being in good health by an FAA-designated Airman Medical Examiner. To find such a doctor, ask your flight school for a recommendation or visit http://ame.cami.jccbi.gov for listings. This exam typically costs $125.00.
After you've filled out a questionnaire, the doctor will test your equilibrium, nose, throat, hearing, and vision. Then, you'll be evaluated for any neurological or mental disorders such as psychosis, alcoholism and epilepsy.
Once you're issued your third-class airman medical certificate, it will be valid for five years if you're under 40 years old, and two years if you're older.
If you have a medical condition, you may still be able to fly, sometimes under certain conditions, but it's imperative that you disclose any and all information to the physician.
Once you have your medical certificate, you will need to apply for your Student Pilot Certificate, which involves a two to three week background check by the TSA.
ground school
You will study flying regulations, aerodynamics, radio communications, navigation, airport operations, physiology, weather reports, aircraft systems, and weather theory.
While this knowledge will be tested in the final licensing step, it's also what constitutes the core of flying. You should therefore study very hard. It may someday mean the difference between a hard landing and crashing.
You can widen your pedagogical approach by taking advantage of the numerous manuals, computer programs, and videos available on the market. Just make sure your instructor approves them.
Train in the AIR
Practical training is an inherent part of learning. Over the course of your education, you'll fly between 30 and 40 hours with your instructor. Each lesson will take about two hours, although you'll often spend only one in the air, considering pre- and post-flight briefings. Most students will actually complete around 70 hours of flight before finishing the program, making certain that they know the aircraft inside and out before going out on their own. There are some intensive training courses that can be completed in less than a month, but students generally take about five months to complete the training.
Fly solo
The last stage of your training consists of the instructor stepping off the plane and letting you fly by yourself. Once you do this successfully, you're ready to try out for your license.
Take the written TEST
The Federal Aviation Administration will let you know where to go to take the written test, which is actually administered on computers. This airman knowledge test will assess how well you remember what you learned during ground training.
You get two and half hours to answer 60 multiple-choice questions. In order to pass, you'll need to get at least 70% of the questions right. Once you pass, you have two years to take the practical test.
The last phase of licensing is called the check ride . You'll meet an FAA examiner and he'll start by asking you questions vocally for one to two hours, once you've provided a written recommendation from your flight instructor. Then, you'll both climb aboard an aircraft and he'll see how you handle things in the air.
If the guy thinks you did a fantastic job, you'll be issued a temporary pilot certificate. Within a couple of months, the FAA will send you your permanent pilot's license in the mail.


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Tracks & videos
(Scroll down to the bottom of the page for audio tracks.....!)
On Drums: Stuart Slater
Coming up: The excellent Bee Gees Fever and new SDS teaching modules are coming on video very soon. Watch this space....
- ____________________________________________
- Rockschool Grade 8 pieces
- Below is a series of three Grade 8 demo tracks for final module students. Sound and visual quality definitely not gorgeous but you get the idea...!
- Dim lights
- Dim lights
- Dim lights
- Talented guys.....great to play with them live.
- Dim lights
- A top promo for a top show. Really enjoyed playing in this one....
- Dim lights
- Dim lights
- This one is for Mark, Si and Aly - good fun in Devon hey?!
- (Turn the volume up for this one!)
- Dim lights
- Check out Teenstar UK and Open Mic UK. Proud to be a head judge in this compeition.
- Live & Unsigned UK video link: Click here
- ____________________________________________
- Tracks
On Drums: Stuart Slater
Click on the play button to hear each indivudal track....all recorded to backing track.
(Note: If some of these tracks do not play, or only part play, you may need to refresh the page or try a different browser!). All tracks were recorded to either track or click.
Soft Rock - Rosanna (Toto) 2011
Classic Jeff Porcaro half time shuffle. Really great song, and a much talked about drum groove, which definitely sounds easier than it is to play! Very tricky left hand control and overall timing. This version was recorded against backing track and a full band version is avaialble on the Inka demo released in 2012.
Pop - Beat it (Michael Jackson) 2011
Another Jeff Porcaro classic - less is very much more here! Needs careful consistency across the voices, well placed crashes, and very simple use of colour...This was recorded against the orginal and again is available as a full band version by Inka.
Hip Hop - East Coast (Rockschool) 2010
Grade 6 piece. Very laid back hip hop style. Remember to keep your 1/16's swung and the 1/8's & 1/4's straight.
Latin - Senor Sebaba (Rockschool) 2010
Grade 7 piece. Requires baiao feet pattern independence to really groove.
- Rock - Bonzo (Rockschool) 2010
Grade 8 piece. Solid straight rock groove with stabbed fills and triplet shaping at the core.
Samba - Sampa Samba (Rockschool) 2010
Grade 8 piece. Those hand-to-hand groove accents need to be light, but clearly phrased.
- Inka - Demo Medley 2012
To save ploughing through 20 minutes, we thought we would medley 5 songs to give you a flavour. Just 6 minutes...!
- Pop (Swing) - A Song for Her (Oz) 2009
Fantastic work by Oz. You can buy the full version at www.myspace.com/ozshow
Check out the laid back shuffle rhythm with mainly triplet fills, and compare to the straight time below.
Pop Straight - Lost in Sound (Oz) 2009
Ballard - Sing to the Angels (Oz) 2009
Another great track. Epic! Drumming wise, less is more here. You can buy full versions of all these Oz tracks (and more) at www.myspace.com/ozshow
Funky - Walk - (Funkinsteins) 2008
Check out the Funkinsteins on www.funkinsteins.co.uk. Lots of 1/16's orchestrated across the kit and interesting fills, especially towards the end. (Watch out for the Ian Paice type snare fills from 2.25!). The funksters have loads of similar excellent originals to buy on their website.
Some older tracks
Had to dig deep for some bluesy tracks, but great to listen to again....! Thinking back, these were live, 'one take', full band recordings.
Blues - Every Day I Got The Blues (Skizm) 1997
- Really easy listening...Where are you now Linus?
Blues/Rock - Poor Boy (Skizm) 1997
This is a long track at 6mins. If you have the time, keep going to the end...great overall shape and a bit of self indulgence.


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Stumble Into Indonesia's Unseen Places
Submitted by viravira on 20 November 2015 • Destination
Tags: accommodation, Indonesia, Maluku, Mollucas
I don't know why, but accommodations above water have always been appealing to me. First, the Wisma Apung in Karimunjawa, then Losmen Danakan in Derawan Islands, and lastly Maratua Paradise Resort just off the shore of Maratua Island. Upon my brief trip to Moluccas, Lisar Bahari Resort was also one of the determining factors of why I chose Sawai Village as our anchoring destination. Of course there's Ora Beach Resort very near to Lisar Bahari, but I wasn't interested in booking for a guest house in Sawai Village months before the trip.
We stayed at Lisar Bahari for 3 nights, costing IDR300,000/night/person, including 3 meals per day.
Booking was done by phone, with Pak Dino as our contact on +6281247331588 (call/text). We were going there on a long weekend, where most Indonesians were going for holiday. Fortunately, Lisar Bahari has enough wooden water chalets, so getting a room on H-7 was still possible.
The room appointed to us was the one on the very end stilt house, which consisted of 5 rooms, some with double bed, some with triple beds. The rooms are spacious, totally possible to add an extra mattress or two if you need any. They also have rooms on land, I heard they're not very attractive, smaller and had shared bathroom.
For our room, towels were not provided, so we used our own fiber towels, no problem. What we weren't prepared with was blankets. So I wore a jacket and used a sarong over my legs. Still I was cold at dawn – it may not feel cold if you're used to winter.
Each room has an ensuite bathroom with shower. Our shower was sort of clogged, so we used the big bucket and bathed the Indonesian way: pour yourself with water scooped out of the big bucket using a gayung (small bucket with handle). The seat toilet is not equipped with a flush, so you have to flush using the water from the bucket. Water was running almost all day long, but hot water was not available.
I used to go on a packed itinerary when traveling anywhere, but lately I prefer the opposite. On our last afternoon at Lisar Bahari, we preferred to take a nap at one of the common areas, which was the deck of our chalet block. Utilizing a mattress that was just taken out of another room after the guests checked out, with the softly blowing wind and indistinct boat machine sounds, I had one of the best naps ever.
We could've hired a small boat and visit the Ora Beach for IDR250,000 for a few hours that afternoon, and I actually gave it a thought. But taking a nap after trekking at the forest earlier in the day was just too inviting.
On the previous day, we joined a group of other guests, who were also from Jakarta, on an island-hopping tour. The gang was fun and very welcoming, and joining them helped everyone save some budget. There were 9 of us in total, sharing the IDR800,000/boat from about 8 am until 5 pm, including fuel.
The route included snorkeling in two or three spots, one of them was Sapalewa Island (named Pulau Jodoh by Pak Ali), which has a really beautiful white sand beach. However, the snorkeling experience overall was just okay, I wasn't blown away – comparing to the underwater scenery I've seen in many other places previously. But it's always nice to be among the blue water and sky.
We were also taken to Sungai Salawai (river) to see the making of sagoo, the original staple food of eastern Indonesia. It was interesting to see the process, I might write about this separately in the future.
Another group of Lisar Bahari's guests, a group of happy-go-lucky aunties and grandmas always in matching outfits, were also stopping by at the riverbank and most of our island-hopping spots. Two groups with lots of picture-taking was a bit overwhelming to me to be honest, but these people looked so happy and had so much fun with each other, it was fun too to have lunch with them under the trees at Sapalewa Island. Luch was cooked by the boatmen, serving the prepared steamed rice and freshly caught fish.
Trips – island hopping, trekking, and tree-house climbing which we didn't take – are arranged with Pak Dino, the manager of Lisar Bahari, or Pak Ali the owner. I recommend you to really make sure about the pricing because they'd sometimes give different prices at different times.
Life jackets are provided by Lisar Bahari, but you better bring your own mask and snorkels because I don't think they provide them.
Swimming around the guesthouse is possible, just jump in from the jetty if you will. But don't expect too much from snorkeling, the underwater view is nothing much. And perhaps because it's too close to the guest house and jetty, some area of the water seemed a bit oily. Definitely a call for shower right after that.
Late in the afternoons, we went out the back door and (tried to) mingle with the local villagers. I'll write another post on this later.
Located in Sawai Village at the north coastline of Seram Island, it is on a different island with Ambon, the capital of Moluccas, which is on Ambon Island.
To get from Ambon's Pattimura Airport to Sawai, what we did was:
Going back to Ambon, what we did was more or less the opposite of what we did getting to Lisar Bahari.
Overall, the transportation itself cost so much. It would be nice to share with a few more people. We had not thought of that when we bought the plane tickets to Ambon on promo the year before!
Have you been to Maluku? What is your recommended destination and accommodation?
11 Comments on "Lisar Bahari Guest House in Sawai, Moluccas"
Wow very informative blog post! I think am gonna bookmark this!
Wow you went very early from Lisar Bahari to catch ur flight, I would probably just spend a night in Ambon, and fly the next day lolllsss!
yeah, we would do that too if only we had another day in Maluku. We could've done it but that means we we'd only have 1 night stay in Sawai and that's a shame.
mantap *masukinkebucketlisttahundepan
yeay! we'll wait for your story next year
Hi neng ketan item , nice review , not so much explanation , keep goingg
hahaha.. thanks, and for the ketan item too! :))
this article is definitely accomodate all information needed. I have some experience to join the backpacker open trip arranged by the operator trip agent and the facilities is under our expectation and far away for comfortable such as 14 travelers must occupied one room for sleep and without any bed cover. that's way I think better to arrange our own backpacker trip to many exotic places in Nusantara with guidance of information like in this article.
Hi Anita!
Yeah, open trips can be tricky, you'll never know what to expect unless you've got some heads up from others who have joined the trips by the same operator.
I'm glad you find this article could be helpful 🙂
Great post! We went to Sawai and stayed at Lisar Bahari in December. It's certainly a beautiful destination off the beaten track. It was a bit challenging for us as we don't speak Indonesian: I want to learn some Bahasa Indonesia for next time! I'm enjoying browsing your site for inspiration for our next trip to Indonesia.
Hi Laura!
How was the weather there in December?
Was it challenging for the boat crossing too?
Do learn Bahasa Indonesia, it shouldn't be hard because we have simple tenses.
And thanks for visiting our site, let us know if you have any tips for us to improve 🙂
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The following is a list of our local, organic and natural suppliers. If you live in the Saint John, NB area and would like to add a supplier to the list, please comment below and we will add your item to the list.
Please note that we are just starting to "go local", so our list is modest for now. We will continue to add to this list as we find and try new suppliers.
If you are looking to "go local", congrats, welcome and thank you. For produce specifically, you may want to check out ACORN (Atlantic Canada Organic Regional Network). It has descriptions of many local farmers along with their contact information.
At the Saint John City Market, we typically visit the following vendors.
Baleman's Quality Produce – local farmers, but produce is not all local
Pete's Frootique – excellent fruit baskets, but not all local
Lord's Lobsters – local seafood
Deans Meats – local chicken and beef
Billy's Seafood Company – world's best locally supplied and smoked salmon
Taco Pica – yummy Latin American grub – cooperatively owned
Joni Better Change Granola and Healthy Bites – local and organic cereals – Saturdays only
A Touch of Spice – great samosas – Saturdays only
Turkan's – world's best hummus – Saturdays only
Dave's Produce Packs provides the majority of our local produce.


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More DIY baby wardrobe
This fall I was shopping for baby L and found myself rejecting an entire rack of holiday dresses because "frilly things look weird on her." Something about that is true…I think? When I've put her in super girly stuff R and I agree that something seems off. Maybe it's her lack of hair? I have a picture of myself at around 18 months in tiered ruffled lace, and it looks so odd underneath my glaringly bald head.
It could also be that I'm projecting wardrobe preferences onto the baby, because I've looked through her clothes drawer and it's verrrrry familiar. No browns or tans. Hardly any pink or yellow. Lots of black pants with bright tops, bright pants with black & white tops, etc. Oh and a cat shirt with sparkles, which I would wear if I thought coworkers would take me seriously in it.
She's built kind of spindly and narrow, so I've taken to putting her in leggings. I even sewed a couple pairs this fall so that I could make them extra narrow and extra long.
And what looks better with leggings than tunics? I knit a dark teal version of Like Sleeves for Babies. It's a little short and wide, so if I knit it again I'd lengthen it so that it could start as a dress and become a tunic as she grows.
The other thing I've been busy making is hats. This kid's head circumference is >99% on the CDC charts. It's a seriously impressive noggin and it's required a set of progressively larger garter earflap hats. I love the pattern though – it's everything you want in a baby hat but nothing extra, and it's a great use of handspun or partial skeins. She just doesn't always want it on her head.
Other posts about DIY baby clothes:
Handspun poncho
Two tiny newborn sweaters
Double-thick mittens


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My Experience
At the time of writing I am achieving a first class classification with an average of 87% in my Chemistry MSci degree. I have accepted a Ph.D. position to study the biogeochemical cycles of zinc and cadmium at Imperial College London. I thoroughly enjoyed my A-Level subjects and my passion for science has only grown the more I delve into it. I tutored Chemistry AS-Level during my A-Level year and have always been eager to help out my peers throughout my degree. Organic chemistry has always been my strongest field but it is the section that often students find most difficult, in school and at degree level.
Subjects I teach
Chemistry A-Level
Science GCSE
Mathematics GCSE
My Qualifications
University College London, Chemistry MSci
Awarded 2016 Christopher Ingold Prize for excellence in undergraduate performance.
Received a £500 Entrance Scholarship from UCL for academic excellence in first year.
Gold British Science Association CREST Award in 2012
Simon Langton Girls' Grammar School:
Chemistry A*
Physics A
Economics and Business Studies A*
Sociology A
My Passion And How I Inspire
I believe the main hurdle to overcome for academic success is self-belief and therefore I aim to instill a confidence within students for tackling new challenges they may encounter. Within the areas of science and mathematics practice really does make perfect and understanding what an examiner is looking for in each uniquely worded question is a vital skill for improving grades. Ultimately, the best way to engage with a subject is finding enjoyment from learning. I am very passionate about science and I hope to encourage more students to enjoy discovering how the world around us works.
My video Introduction
Fun fact
If I were in the wizarding world I would be in Hufflepuff house!


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Chris Poore rented in Southampton, N.Y., every summer for six years, but was frustrated by the area's sky-high purchase prices. After widening his search, he and his fiancé ended up with a white-shingled Colonial in Bellport, a town about 30 miles west—and considerably less expensive. At $1.5 million, the 1.2-acre property cost about half as much as Southampton Village homes they'd seen on much smaller lots. Home prices in America's best-known second-home markets have skyrocketed over the past 10 years. Nationally, the median vacation home price in 2015 was $192,000, up 28% from 2014, according to data from the National Association of Realtors. The cost to buy in areas like New York's Hamptons is particularly steep: There are now over 10 homes there asking $40 million or more. To escape eye-popping prices, some second-home buyers are turning to alternatives where their dollar can go much further. To be sure, these areas are "lower-priced" only in contrast to their ultraluxury counterparts. And in some cases, these properties may experience less price appreciation over time than those in better-known vacation destinations. Still, there can be many advantages to venturing farther afield. Below, four markets where buyers can find luxury homes at less-than-stratospheric prices.
"You used to be able to get a cute little farmhouse for not that much money," said New York City real-estate agent Jared Seligman of the Hamptons, the well-known string of Long Island beachfront towns that are popular weekend destinations for wealthy New Yorkers. Nowadays, "it's hard to find [something that isn't] a shack for under $2 million." Enter Bellport, a village on Long Island's Great South Bay about 1½-hours drive outside the city. Its denizens include publishing magnate S.I. Newhouse, actress Isabella Rossellini and television host Charlie Rose, according to local agents. Many weekenders are drawn to Bellport Village's charming 19th-century homes, said Annie Rohrmeier of Eileen Green Realty. And in addition to its bay frontage, the village also has an ocean beach: It is a 10-minute ferry ride to a Bellport residents-only section of Fire Island National Seashore, with a wide sandy beach similar to those in the Hamptons. While there is summer theater, golf and tennis, the village's tiny downtown has few nightlife and dining options (its weekenders said they prefer the low-key atmosphere). The median sale price for a luxury Bellport home, defined as the highest-priced 10% of all homes in the market, in 2015 was $746,050, up 12% from 2005, according to Realtor.com. That appreciation is comparable to East Hampton, where the median sale price for a luxury home in 2015 was $2.3 million, up from 15% from 2005. With its world-class skiing and mountainous natural beauty, Idaho's Sun Valley has long attracted celebrities like Bruce Willis, and plays host to the annual Allen & Co. conference that draws media and tech moguls. But partly due to its remote location in the narrow Wood River Valley, hours from a major airport, the area remains far less developed—and less expensive—than other luxury Western ski enclaves like Aspen, Colo., or Jackson Hole, Wyo. "You can really get a good value up there if you know what you're doing," said Claudia Graham, a Los Angeles-based biomedical company executive who recently paid $1.8 million for a three-bedroom log cabin on over an acre in Ketchum, where most of Sun Valley's restaurants and nightlife are located. Last winter, Minneapolis resident Ranee Jacobus and her husband Randy, together with Mr. Jacobus's business partner, bought an 85-acre property in nearby Hailey for $3.85 million. The property contains a roughly 7,300-square-foot log frame house and a guesthouse, both with mountain views. Prices in the Sun Valley area (which generally refers to Sun Valley resort and surrounding towns) are a half to a third of those in Aspen, according to real-estate agent Sue Engelmann of Sun Valley Sotheby's International Realty. The catch: getting there. Flights to Hailey's tiny airport face challenges landing in bad weather, diverting travelers to Boise or Twin Falls, where they are bused two or three hours to Sun Valley. And there are no non-stop flights to Hailey from major hubs like New York City, Boston or Chicago, although the airport has recently added non-stop flights from San Francisco and Denver. Sun Valley's market hasn't yet recovered from the real-estate downturn; two devastating wildfires in recent years also kept prices in check. In Ketchum, the 2015 median for a luxury home was $1.5 million, a 25% decline from 2005, according to Realtor.com. In contrast, the median sales price of a luxury home in Aspen rose 29% to $4.38 million in 2015, compared to a decade earlier. Florida's west coast has traditionally been less expensive than the east coast, where Palm Beach and Miami boast some of the world's most expensive real estate, said Rick Moeser of Christie's International Real Estate. And while Naples has grown nearly as expensive as its east coast counterparts, there are still deals about 115 miles to the north in Sarasota, where waterfront homes go "for a fraction of the cost," he said. "This part of the country has offered far more value than would have been available on the east coast," said George Serrano, who paid about $1.5 million in 2007 for his roughly 5,700-square-foot home with a swimming pool in the Sarasota suburb of Lakewood Ranch. Before buying a home, Brian Clayton said he and his wife explored much of Florida's coastline. In Naples, he recalled a half-acre piece of land with about 100 feet of waterfront selling for $15 million. In contrast, he paid $4 million for a home with about 200 feet of waterfront on the Sarasota barrier island of Siesta Key. Fashion designer Sigrid Olsen also recently moved to a three-bedroom rental on Siesta Key, where she said she can bike to the beach in five minutes and do yoga on her deck overlooking a canal. Ms. Olsen, who also owns a summer home in Gloucester, Mass., said she plans to buy a home in Sarasota sometime in the next few years. Mr. Clayton's real-estate agent, Kim Ogilvie of Michael Saunders & Company, said one of Sarasota's highest-priced listings is asking $18 million for three houses on nearly 4 acres with about 500 feet of waterfront on the Gulf of Mexico. Sarasota buyers said they're drawn to the city's walkable downtown, restaurant scene and arts offerings. With its laid-back, outdoorsy vibe, however, Sarasota lacks the high-octane social scene of Florida's east coast, as well as its super-yacht culture. Another reason for its relative affordability is the area's multiple barrier islands, which allow for an abundance of waterfront homes, according to Jim Soda of Premier Sotheby's International Realty. Number crunchers take note: Prices in Sarasota took a tumble during the real-estate downturn of the mid-2000s and still haven't totally recovered. The median sales price for a luxury property in the Sarasota area in 2015 was $652,508, down 3% from 2005, according to Realtor.com. In contrast, the median sale price for a luxury home in Palm Beach was $3.15 million, up 19% from 2005. Full of world-class wineries and big-name restaurants, northern California's Napa Valley region isn't exactly an off-the-beaten-path destination. But Napa has yet to see the kind of big-ticket sale prices that are now commonplace in other luxury second-home markets. When the roughly 650-acre Napa estate of the late comedian Robin Williams sold earlier this year for $18.1 million, it was one of the highest prices ever paid for a non-winery Napa property. By contrast, a home on about 3 acres on Lake Tahoe—another popular vacation destination for Bay Area residents—sold in January for $25.25 million. Despite its name recognition, Napa, as well as the nearby Sonoma Valley, represents a very large geographic area that remains sparsely populated and largely zoned for agriculture. Plus, there is no beach, limiting the pool of potential purchasers. "Our market in Napa Valley is a much smaller market than most people realize," said Cyd Greer of Coldwell Banker Brokers of the Valley. "It's a very small buyer pool." After bottoming out in 2010, home prices have been on the rise: The median sale price of a luxury home in the St. Helena/Yountville area in 2015 was $1.86 million, up 64% since 2010, according to Realtor.com. Gus Kalaris paid about $2.5 million for his roughly 13-acre Calistoga home when he bought it three years ago. Mr. Kalaris, a 57-year-old winemaker and distributor, lives primarily in Maryland and has a vacation home in Delaware, but spends several weeks each summer at the Napa home with his family. He said he was drawn to the property in part because of the views of Mount Saint Helena. Since buying it he's renovated the two-bedroom house, which has a wraparound porch and a swimming pool, and made some improvements to the vineyards on the property. "I feel like I got the deal of the century," he said. Write to Candace Taylor at email@example.com This article originally appeared on The Wall Street Journal.


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While most Japanese games have highly sexualized female game designs, that can't be said for most — if not all — of Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami's games.
Speaking to The Guardian, Mikami explains his reasoning regarding female characters and how he never introduces them as "objects."
I don't know if I've put more emphasis on women characters, but when I do introduce them, it is never as objects…In some games, they will be peripheral characters with ridiculous breast physics. I avoid that sort of obvious eroticism. I also don't like female characters who are submissive to male characters, or to the situation they're in. I won't portray women in that way. I write women characters who discover their interdependence as the game progresses, or who already know they are independent but have that tested against a series of challenges.
This trend of sensible female character design from Mikami is set to continue in The Evil Within with Juli "Kid" Kidman, who's being voiced by actress Jennifer Carpenter.
Should other Japanese game makers follow Mikami's route or are people making too big of a deal of women in games being too sexualized?
[Source: The Guardian]


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How to Dress From Beach to Bar
It's the classic summer conflict…you've enjoyed a long day at the beach, and before you know it you're supposed to be meeting friends for a drink or dinner!
This summer, make the most of the warm weather with these five fashion tips on how to take yourself from the beach to bar in no time.
1. That's a wrap
Just as you're wrapping up your glorious day at the beach, throw on an elegant wrap over your beach dress! This extra element will spruce up your casual beach dress, taking your look from cute to chic.
2. Tight bun
Never underestimate the refinement suggested by a smooth, tight, top bun! This works best with wet hair, and all you need is a comb and a hair tie. Easy! Make sure you comb out all the bumps, twist your pony and tie her up. Ta-da, you're ready for a night out!
3. Add some height
After digging your toes in sand all day, the thought of throwing on a wedge or a fancy heel should not be unwelcomed! No matter how many hours you've spent frolicking around the beach, a strappy heel or a thick wedge will automatically glam you up.
4. Make a statement
Straight off the sand, a statement piece of jewellery like a thick necklace or big chunky earrings can do the trick – and so easy to bring along in your beach tote! Try a ring and a necklace (but don't go too overboard; too much bling won't match your subtle beach waves!).
5. Hot hat
A hat, like a bright coloured fedora, is a great accessory, not just for hiding your salty beach hair but any kind of hair that falls short of a 'good hair day.' It's also a great way to hide any redness or that terrible sunglasses tan you're sporting after a few too many hours under the harsh rays!
Looking to stock up on your summer wardrobe without spending a fortune? Check out Uni Hill Factory Outlets in Melbourne for everything from swimwear and strappy heels to designer shades and beach accessories.


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UK small firms more confident in face of risk, says report
UK Small firms are growing in confidence about the risks they believe they face, according to a new report.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in the UK are growing in confidence in the face of risk – even though some still face tough financial situations.
That's according to the latest SME risk index from Zurich. The study analyses SMEs' perceptions of the risks that they face to get a sense of their outlook on the business landscape and even though conditions are still tough for many, it's clear they're looking forward to a bright future.
The index fell from 42.17 in the second quarter of 2014 to just 39.92, indicating that more and more small firms feel that the risks they face are diminishing. It seems the majority of this decline came from a drop in concern over regulation and compliance, since that measure alone dropped by ten per cent from Q2 to Q3.
Interestingly, confidence is rising in spite of some real pressures that the survey lays out. A fifth of SMEs said their business had shrunk over the quarter, while 60 per cent said they doubted the economic situation will improve over the coming three months, even though economic data continues to point towards improvement.
"It's great to report again that SMEs are continuing to feel better about the risks their businesses face, reflecting wider signs of growth in the UK economy," said SME director at Zurich Richard Coleman.
"However, it's clear that the wider economic environment is a source of increasing concern for SMEs even as their concerns over some of the more specific risks reduce."
While it's clear the UK isn't totally out of the woods yet, other indicators have pointed towards a more positive outlook among SMEs. For example, the Sage Business Index recently found that SME confidence was at a four-year high.
Meanwhile, the British Chambers of Commerce has published the findings of its Workforce Survey, which showed that SMEs, as well as firms in IT, mining, energy and construction were the most positive about their chances of creating new jobs.
Within that, a third of micro and 38 per cent of small businesses had actually increased pay above inflation last year, which suggests that firms are confident enough to commit to hiring new staff and increasing their wages. Wherever they stand, the outlook is certainly improving for SMEs.
Thiago is the LSBF Blog Editor who manages news and features content on the site, and writes about business, finance, technology, education and careers.


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Gregg, 59, Springfield, was indicted by a federal grand jury July 24. He was already being held on 17 counts. The indictment added eight bankruptcy fraud charges.
Gregg was the principal shareholder and director of Southwest Community Bank in Springfield, which failed in May 2010. He and his wife were majority shareholders in Glasgow Savings Bank in Glasgow, Mo., which failed in 2012. Prior to Glasgow Savings Bank's failure, it was one of the oldest operating banks west of the Mississippi River. Gregg was also a real estate developer, an investor and a licensed insurance agent for the Shelter Mutual Insurance Company. Gregg had ownership interest in and controlled a number of business entities.
More Than $180 Million in Debt
According to the indictment, Gregg and his business entities accumulated substantial debt. On the May 14, 2013, statement of financial affairs Gregg filed in his personal bankruptcy case, he reported owning assets valued at $145,030,779 and total debts of $325,512,798, reflecting a deficiency of $180,482,019. As of Feb. 28, 2013, the indictment says, approximately $14.6 million of the known debt attributable to Gregg and his business entities had been "charged off" by the creditor financial institutions, meaning they had defaulted and the financial institution had "written off" part or all of the loan because it determined the debt was not collectable.
Bankruptcy Fraud
Gregg was a managing member of and decision maker for 1717 Market Place, LLC. He was also designated as the tax matter partner for 1717 Market Place and provided the information to accountants who prepared tax returns for 1717 Market Place. On July 17, 2012, 1717 Market Place filed a Chapter 11 voluntary bankruptcy petition, which was dismissed on March 12, 2013.
Gregg was charged in the original indictment with one count of bankruptcy fraud. On Aug. 14, 2012, Gregg allegedly made false declarations by submitting false Schedules of Assets and Liabilities and a false Statement of Financial Affairs (SOFA) in his bankruptcy proceedings. Gregg stated that the bankruptcy debtor, 1717 Marketplace, LLC, owed him $868,000 for a "personal loan," and owed another person $801,000 for a "personal loan." In fact, as Gregg knew, neither he nor the other person had lent 1717 Marketplace, LLC funds in those amounts.
Four of the additional eight counts of bankruptcy fraud also relate to the false statements made by Gregg in the same bankruptcy proceedings.
In submitting the company's schedules and SOFA, Gregg allegedly omitted any reference to substantial amounts (in excess of $9 million) that he and others owed to 1717 Marketplace. He also allegedly omitted any reference to the company's payments, totaling approximately $151,000, to himself and another person within the year immediately preceding the date of the bankruptcy filing. Gregg allegedly omitted any reference to his transfer by warranty deed of his interest in two parcels of real estate, a 97.2-acre tract and a 6.4-acre tract, both in Nixa, Mo.
Four of the additional counts of bankruptcy fraud relate to the allegedly fraudulent transfer of property in Gregg's personal bankruptcy case, which he filed after having been indicted last year for, among other crimes, bankruptcy fraud.
The indictment alleges that Gregg, in contemplation of his bankruptcy case and with the intent to defeat the provisions of Title 11, transferred his interest in two parcels of real estate, the 97.2-acre tract and the 6.4-acre tract in Nixa. The indictment also alleges that Gregg, with the intent to defeat the provisions of Title 11, fraudulently transferred property of the bankruptcy estate when he filed a document with the Christian County Recorder of Deeds that purported to place $250 million in liens on the real and personal property of Gregg and the entities he owned and controlled.
The indictment also alleges that Gregg, with the intent to defeat the provisions of Title 11, fraudulently transferred property of the bankruptcy estate when he signed an offer that purported to place liens on the real and personal property of Gregg and the entities he owned and controlled. On May 24, 2013, after his personal Chapter 11 bankruptcy case was converted to Chapter 7 and a trustee was appointed, Gregg accepted an offer on behalf of FRS, LLC, and 1717 Market Place, of $40 million "in the form of Property Tax Abatement based on a certain lien recording against this subject property." According to the indictment, however, Gregg's interests in those companies and in his personal property had become the property of the bankruptcy estate upon the commencement of his personal case on March 19, 2013.
The remaining charges contained in the superseding indictment remain unchanged from the original indictment.
Fremont Property
The federal indictment alleges that Gregg engaged in a scheme to defraud Southwest Community Bank in 2008. As a part of this bank fraud scheme, the indictment says, Gregg sold the bank a piece of commercial real estate at 2814 S. Fremont in Springfield for $1,551,944. Gregg allegedly knew that amount was significantly above fair market value.
Gregg, who was Southwest Community Bank's principal shareholder and was on its Board of Directors, did not disclose to the bank that he had purchased that property for $775,000 a few months earlier, the indictment says, nor did he disclose to the bank that two appraisals had been conducted on the property in recent months. One appraisal valued the property at $762,000. The second appraisal was cancelled when Gregg disagreed with the preliminary work. After Gregg cancelled the appraisal, the indictment says, his son (who worked at Southwest Community Bank) ordered an appraisal of the Fremont property by another appraiser, who valued the property at $1,580,000. Gregg allegedly did not disclose to the bank that this appraisal was not an independent valuation of the property, but rather was something Gregg had, in essence, directed.
The indictment charges Gregg with four counts of money laundering related to this bank fraud scheme.
Stock Shares
In February 2009 Gregg borrowed $2 million from Great Southern Bank, using 160,000 shares of stock for First Bancshares, Inc. (FBSI), the holding company for First Homes Savings Bank, as collateral. Gregg physically deposited the stock certificate with Great Southern Bank.
According to the indictment, on May 6, 2009, with a $1.5 million balance remaining on the loan from Great Southern Bank, Gregg checked out the original FBSI stock certificate from Great Southern Bank, using as a pretext the stated purpose of separating the large certificate into multiple smaller certificates. He signed a trust receipt promising to return to the certificate to the bank within 30 days. Instead, the indictment says, Gregg deposited the collateralized FBSI shares into his account at Scottrade, a privately-owned retail brokerage firm located in St. Louis, Mo. On May 28, 2009, Gregg allegedly borrowed $440,000 from Scottrade, from the margin account on which the defendant used the FBSI stock as collateral. Gregg chose not to return the FBSI certificate or any proceeds he received to Great Southern Bank, according to the indictment, and instead used the funds for other purposes.
Collectible Cars
The federal indictment charges Gregg with two counts of bank fraud related to schemes to use collectible automobiles as collateral to obtain loans, then sell the automobiles without paying back the loans. In January and February 2010 Gregg allegedly executed separate but related schemes to defraud Great Southern Bank, Metropolitan National Bank and People's Bank of the Ozarks. As a part of these schemes, the indictment says, Gregg sold seven collectible automobiles at the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction in Scottsdale, Ariz. Five of the automobiles were encumbered at the three banks.
According to the indictment, Gregg borrowed $400,000 from Great Southern Bank in October 2007, which he secured with four collectible automobiles, including a 2006 Ford GT. Gregg consigned the 2006 Ford GT with the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction in Scottsdale, Ariz., where on Jan. 23, 2010, the vehicle was sold at auction for approximately $150,000. Gregg allegedly chose to not return the proceeds of the sale of the Ford GT ($138,000 after deducting the auctioneer's fee) to Great Southern Bank and instead used the funds for other purposes. When Gregg defaulted on the loan, Great Southern Bank realized a $129,644 loss.
According to the indictment, Gregg borrowed $400,000 from Metropolitan National Bank in 2005. He secured this loan with a "floor plan" financing, meaning the loan was a revolving line of credit made against specific pieces of collateral, in this case automobiles. When each vehicle on the floor plan was sold, the loan advanced against that piece of collateral was to be repaid. This loan was renewed in December 2009. In January 2010, the collateral included a 1971 Chevy Cheyenne Pickup. The portion of the loan's balance collateralized by the 1971 Chevy Cheyenne Pickup was $17,221. Gregg also consigned the 1971 Chevy Cheyenne Pickup with the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction, the indictment says, and it was sold for approximately $29,000. Gregg allegedly chose to not return the proceeds of the sale ($26,680 after deducting the auctioneer's fees) to Metropolitan National Bank and instead used the funds for other purposes. When Gregg defaulted on the loan, Metropolitan National Bank realized a $17,221 loss.
The indictment charges Gregg with six counts of money laundering related to these bank fraud schemes.
Oklahoma Casinos
The federal indictment charges Gregg with two counts of wire fraud related to bounced checks at two Oklahoma casinos.
On Jan. 3,2012 Gregg allegedly presented five checks, payable to Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla., each in the amount of $10,000. Gregg allegedly knew his credit union account contained insufficient funds to cover those checks.
Between Feb. 16 and March 1, 2012, Gregg allegedly presented five checks payable to Downstream Casino and Resort in Quapaw, Okla., in the total amount of $60,000. Gregg allegedly knew his bank account contained insufficient funds to cover those checks.
Gregg is being held without bond.


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Cricket clubs lie at the heart of our sport and our communities. Cricket clubs provide opportunities for people to play competitive cricket, enjoy their leisure time and congregate with friends and family. Underpinning a network of thriving crickets clubs is a skilled and passionate workforce including captains, coaches, officials, groundsmen and administrators. These pages are designed to support our clubs and our workforce to be the best they can be.
More than 230 cricket clubs span the length and breath of Wales offering playing opportunities for more than 14,000 players. From Anglesey to Ynystawe, cricket clubs thrive at the heart of Welsh communities.
Throughout Wales there are many different levels of competition that test a range of abilities. This section starts with competitions organised directly by Cricket Wales and then covers events organised by affiliated senior and junior leagues.
We want a diverse, passionate and skilled workforce that encourages, inspires and supports people to play cricket.


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There's a thin line
And we tread it
You ever look at mass murderers
And say, "how did it get there?"
You see testimonies of people who knew them saying, "he was quiet, didn't appear to be capable of doing that."
I'm wondering how we got here again
My insides screaming, "that's not me"
But last night it was
What was it?
Was it the tequila
How did we get here?
One night, one lie turned our world upside down
Can I attribute it to me not taking my medicine?
How diminishing
That I need that
Furthermore, that I cannot afford that
Society wants you to be a model citizen
But if systematic dysfunction has left your family with generations of depression and anxiety
They do not provide the means for you to do so
I feel helpless


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While touring the Durham Cathedral, it was recommended that we visit the Finchale Priory ruins nearby. The monks from the cathedral would spend time here during the summer for a retreat or holiday.
These beautiful ruins are quite lovely. They are managed by the English Heritage and entrance is free, however you have to purchase a parking token for £2 to leave the facility.
The kids enjoyed this priory. There were so many rooms to explore and broken walls to climb.
The priory was built on the edge of a beautiful river. The setting is so peaceful.
We watched boaters going up stream and enjoyed throwing sticks into the water. There is a bridge over the river and hiking trails on the opposite side.
But we spent most of our time enjoying the ruins. We also loved the little chickens, guinea fowl and peacocks wandering around the grounds.
This was a beautiful, restful stop on our first full day of touring Durham County.
I posted some more great pictures of the kids on Facebook at Finchale Priory - Sept 2010


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2 Aug – 3 Sep | 2:30pm + 7:30pm | Main Space at Smock Alley, Dublin | Standard tickets from €18, or add brunch or dinner for an extra €7-12
Book Tickets | Book Ticket w/Brunch or Dinner
This summer Smock Alley presents its sixth in-house production, one of Bernard Shaw's most popular and well-loved plays, Pygmalion. They will also host Dinner & A Show and Brunch & A Show events throughout the run if you want to make a day of it!
Regarded as one of the greatest comedies in the English language for its sharp wit and subversiveness, this witty and enchanting story was the inspiration for the Oscar winning film 'My Fair Lady'. Eccentric linguistics Professor Henry Higgins attempts to transform unrefined flower seller Eliza Doolittle into a Duchess. The classic is a satirical take on society's notions of class, money and the struggle for personal independence.
On selected evenings you can enjoy a specially designed seasonal pre-show dinner with a glass of wine in Smock Alley's Banquet Hall and see Pygmalion. Or, have the perfect afternoon out with a scrumptious wholesome brunch followed by a matinee performance of Pygmalion.
Directed by: Liam Halligan
Cast: Anna Sheils-McNamee, Paul Meade, Gerard Byrne, David O'Meara, Tara Quirke, Deirdre Monaghan, Jamie Hallahan, Andrea Cleary
Set + Lighting Design by: Colm McNally
Costumes by: Olga Criado Monleon
Sound Design by: Osgar Dukes


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You could win a Buffalo Endurance armoured textile jacket worth £129 in our FREE prize draw. Local online magazine BigBikeMad recently tested a Buffalo Endurance jacket and jeans, riding for two hours in pouring January rain before visiting the car wash for an intensive soaking from the jet wash. The tester stayed "stubbornly dry" and rated it as "astonishing value" and looking like "a suit double the price." You can read the in-depth review on www.bigbikemad.com. They even made a short video too.
To enter the free prize draw, visit our Facebook Page here, like the competition post and tell us another name for a buffalo in the comments. One lucky winner will be picked after the draw closes on 31st March 2014.
Terms & Conditions
Open to UK residents aged 18 years and over only, excluding exployees of Fowlers of Bristol Ltd and their familes. Winners will be notified by email withing 14 days of the finishing date and must respond with full address and contact details within 5 days, otherwise the prize will be forfeited. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You are providing your information to Fowlers of Bristol and not to Facebook.


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CoRI® is powered by the CoRI Retirement Indexes ("CoRI Indexes"), which are a series of age-based indexes designed to help Americans measure retirement readiness and plan for future income goals. Each CoRI Index provides a daily "level" that can be used to estimate, as early as 10 years before retirement, how much annual lifetime retirement income your current retirement savings could generate.
By using the CoRI Indexes as a benchmark, investors can translate between retirement savings account balances and future income potential quickly and easily.
One of our biggest financial concerns is this: "Will I have enough to live on for retirement?" The CoRI Indexes can help think through the answer to this question with more insight than vague rules of thumb. The CoRI Indexes seek to track the estimated cost of a dollar of future retirement income. By one dollar of future retirement income, we mean one dollar per year beginning at age 65, lasting as long as you live. For example, a CoRI Index level of $13.54 means that a dollar of life contingent income beginning at age 65 (or now if 65 and older) would cost $13.54 today.
The power of the CoRI Indexes is that they are based on real world, current data. The CoRI Indexes provide useful and actionable insight into your retirement readiness. They also help you to measure how well you're doing relative to achieving your retirement income goal and can help put you in a better position to take corrective action.
For additional information on the CoRI Indexes - including daily Index levels, fact sheets, and methodology, visit the CoRI Index methodology site.
You can go to www.blackrock.com/cori or do some easy math. For example, let's say you have saved $750,000 and will turn 65 in the year 2020. Simply divide $750,000 by today's CoRI Index 2020 level (for example, $19.52), and you find that your savings may fund $38,422 in estimated annual income starting at age 65 and lasting for the rest of your life.
|Current Retirement Savings
|CoRI Index 2020 level
|Estimated Lifetime Annual Income in Retirement
For illustrative purposes only. CoRI Index 2020 level as of 06/01/2018. CoRI Index levels are subject to change.
For additional insights into how the CoRI Indexes can help revolutionize your retirement planning, read the whitepaper here.
CoRI uses your age-appropriate CoRI Index level to provide an estimate of how much money you need today to generate each dollar of annual income in retirement. Because the CoRI Indexes take into account current interest rates, inflation expectations, life expectancy and other factors, levels may change on a daily basis. CoRI Index daily levels are as follows (CoRI Index levels are subject to change):
|Current Age
|CoRI Index Name
|Index Level*
|CoRI Index 2010
|CoRI Index 2011
|CoRI Index 2012
|CoRI Index 2013
|CoRI Index 2014
|CoRI Index 2015
|CoRI Index 2016
|CoRI Index 2017
|CoRI Index 2018
|CoRI Index 2019
|CoRI Index 2020
|CoRI Index 2021
|CoRI Index 2022
|CoRI Index 2023
|CoRI Index 2024
|CoRI Index 2025
|CoRI Index 2026
|CoRI Index 2027
|CoRI Index 2028
|CoRI Index 2029
*As of 04/03/2020
With one quick and simple calculation, CoRI helps give you a clearer understanding of how your retirement savings could translate into retirement income giving you a starting point for conversations with your financial advisor. Together, you can discuss any changes you need to make in your savings or investing strategy to help meet your goals. Then, if you're ready to retire, you can discuss options for creating a flexible spending plan, purchasing an annuity or accessing other retirement income options.
Most retirement calculators project your "nest egg" (or your lump-sum savings) into the future using assumptions that are sometimes difficult to understand. CoRI focuses on the goal that really matters – whether your current savings can provide you with the annual "paycheck" you want in retirement – offering information that is easy to understand.
CoRI is unique because it is powered by the CoRI Indexes, which, like other indexes, are process-driven and objective. CoRI Indexes are calculated using criteria similar to those relied on by sophisticated pension plans and insurers, like the number of years until you reach age 65, current interest rates, life expectancy, and inflation expectations.
Each CoRI Index level reflects the estimated cost of one dollar of annual lifetime income in retirement. The Index level is calculated using five types of real-world, current data:
Just as the S&P 500 Index tracks changes in certain stock prices over time, each CoRI Index seeks to track the changes over time in the estimated cost of future retirement income. Because the CoRI Indexes take into account current interest rates, inflation expectations, life expectancy and other factors, levels may change on a daily basis.
For additional information on the CoRI Indexes - including daily Index levels, fact sheets, and methodology, visit the CoRI Index methodology site.
You can check your CoRI Index level anytime you want at www.blackrock.com/cori.
By keeping up with changes to your CoRI Index level, you can have a better understanding of what, if any, adjustments you may want to consider, including your investment direction, retirement savings strategy or planned retirement date. Knowing how your CoRI Index level changes over time can help make retirement planning conversations with your financial advisor more productive.
The CoRI Indexes are a uniquely constructed series of indexes designed for investors in the pre- to early retirement phase. Today the series includes twenty indexes, one each for people from age 55 to age 74. Each index takes into account age-specific factors, in order to provide a useful metric to estimate the annual lifetime income your savings may generate once you retire.
While the CoRI Indexes are directly applicable for individuals in these pre- and early-retirement years, they can be used as a helpful metric for investors of any age looking to educate themselves about current estimates regarding the cost of future retirement income. Visit www.blackrock.com/retirement for education and actions investors can take to better prepare for retirement.
When a CoRI Index reaches its reference year (i.e., in the year that you turn 65), you may be in a position to convert some or all of your savings into a lifetime income stream. Talk to your financial advisor about the best ways to earn income in retirement from your investments. You will still be able to use your CoRI Index for an additional ten years to continue to monitor your estimated lifetime retirement income potential over time.
Remember, the CoRI Indexes are not an investment product and don't deliver a guaranteed income stream. The indexes provide an estimate of the retirement income that your savings may generate, which is a great start for you and your advisor to engage in productive discussions about building a retirement income plan.
Yes. Prior to 65 the CoRI Index levels seek to estimate the current cost of future retirement income, beginning at age 65. For individuals 65 years old and older, the index levels are intended to represent the median price of an immediate annuity for individuals turning 65 in the year referenced in the index name. For instance in 2018, the CoRI Index 2017 will indicate the median price of an immediate annuity for those who turned 65 in the year 2017. Knowing the current price of lifetime income can be very useful for those in their first years of retirement.
For individuals intending to retire prior to age 65 the CoRI Index level will understate income needs, but percentage changes in the index level itself will be a useful indicator of overall changes in the cost of future income for those who plan to retire before 65.
As with any index, you can't invest in the index directly, but you can invest in a fund that tracks the index. You can also use your CoRI Index level to estimate your annual retirement income based on your current savings amount.
Preparing for retirement isn't as simple as it used to be. iRetire®, a new technology and investment platform for financial professionals that is powered by CoRI methodology, may be able to help. Learn more here.
Sample Portfolio Scenarios - Assumptions and Methodology:
The sample portfolios are based on the asset class allocations as shown when clicking on the information icon adjacent to the "Sample portfolios" header in the tool. See "About the Asset Classes" below for descriptions of the asset classes. The asset classes were selected to broadly reflect the types of core equity and fixed income exposures that are commonly included within diversified portfolios. The "Moderate with CoRI exposure" sample portfolio replaces the "Moderate" sample portfolio's fixed income allocation with CoRI exposure and is intended to show the potential role of including CoRI exposure in a portfolio. Other asset classes not considered in the portfolio illustrations may have characteristics similar or superior to those included in the analysis.
Additional Annual Savings
The additional required savings is derived by calculating the savings rate that will make your estimated annual retirement income equal your desired annual retirement income, within the range shown, at age 65. This calculation considers your current retirement savings, the assumed return of the sample portfolio, and the assumed return of additional annual savings over time. The assumed return of the sample portfolio is calculated using each applicable asset class's assumed return as set forth below (see Long-term Capital Market Assumptions).
Annual Retirement Income Range
The annual retirement income range is derived by growing your current retirement savings and additional annual savings over time by the assumed return of the sample portfolio in order to calculate a minimum, maximum, and average projected portfolio balance at age 65. The minimum and maximum balances reflect the assumed volatility (risk) of the applicable asset classes in the sample portfolio (see Long-term Capital Market Assumptions). The annual retirement income range is derived by dividing these three projected portfolio balances by the CoRI Retirement Index level that corresponds to your age, and applying a 68% confidence level, which reflects an assumption that your estimated annual retirement income at age 65 is expected to fall within the range shown +/-1 standard deviation. Standard deviation is a statistical measure used to estimate how dispersed calculation results are, in relation to an average or expected value.
Long-term Capital Market Assumptions:
Asset Class
US Large/Mid Cap Equities
Russell 1000 Index
US Small Cap Equities
Russell 2000 Index
International Equities
MSCI ACWI ex-US Investable Market Index
US Bonds
Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index
CoRI exposure
BlackRock CoRI Retirement Indexes
BlackRock typically reviews the assumptions quarterly. These assumptions are provided for illustration purposes only, are subject to change as subsequent conditions vary, are not a prediction of future results and are subject to inherent limitations. "Assumed" return and risk estimates are subject to uncertainty and error. Assumed returns for each asset class can be conditional on economic scenarios; in the event a particular scenario comes to pass, actual returns could be significantly higher or lower than forecasted, so an investor should not expect to achieve returns similar to the analysis shown herein. References to assumed returns are not promises or even estimates of actual returns a client portfolio may achieve.
About the Asset Classes
US Large/Mid Cap Equities are based on the Russell 1000 Index, which is designed to measure the performance of the large- and mid-capitalization sectors of the U.S. equity market.
US Small Cap Equities are based on the Russell 2000 Index, which is designed to measure the performance of the small-capitalization sector of the U.S. equity market.
International Equities are based on the MSCI ACWI ex-US Investable Market Index, which is designed to measure the performance of the large, mid- and small- capitalization sectors of developed and emerging markets countries.
US Bonds are based on the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, which is designed to measure the performance of the total U.S. investment-grade bond market.
CoRI exposure is based on the BlackRock CoRI Retirement Indexes, which are a suite of fixed income indexes designed to track the estimated cost of future lifetime retirement income.
Asset allocation and diversification strategies do not assure a profit and may not protect against loss. The two main risks related to fixed income investing are interest rate risk and credit risk. Typically, when interest rates rise, there is a corresponding decline in bond values. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the bond issuer will not be able to make principal and interest payments. International investing involves risks, including risks related to foreign currency, limited liquidity, less government regulation and the possibility of substantial volatility due to adverse political, economic or other developments. Small-capitalization companies may be less stable and more susceptible to adverse developments, and their securities may be more volatile and less liquid than larger capitalization companies.
This information should not be relied upon as investment advice, research, or a recommendation by BlackRock regarding (i) the use or suitability of the indexes or (ii) any security in particular. Investors should consult their financial advisor to evaluate their investment needs.
The CoRI Retirement Indexes and the CoRI tool do not guarantee future income or protect against loss of principal. There can be no assurance that an investment strategy based on the CoRI Retirement Indexes or the CoRI tool will be successful. Indexes are unmanaged and one cannot invest directly in an index.
Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.
The CoRI Retirement Indexes and data are subject to change. Data shown is for informational purposes only and does not represent an actual account. The CoRI tool is based on CoRI Retirement Index levels that are updated daily, so results may vary with each use and over time. The CoRI Retirement Indexes and CoRI tool do not reflect the fees, expenses and cost that may be associated with an annuity or any other retirement income product that an individual may purchase, or any assumption that such a product will be available for purchase at the time of retirement. Actual investment outcomes may vary. Although the CoRI tool provides an estimate of the amount of money you need today for every dollar of annual income you want in retirement, this estimate is not a guarantee. A number of factors may contribute to variations in retirement income.
The CoRI Retirement Indexes are maintained by BlackRock Index Services, LLC (the "Affiliated Index Provider"), a subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc., that designs, sponsors and publishes indices for use in portfolio benchmarking and portfolio management. While the Affiliated Index Provider publishes descriptions of what the CoRI Retirement Indexes are designed to achieve, the Affiliated Index Provider does not provide any warranty or accept any liability in relation to quality, accuracy or completeness of data in respect of the CoRI Retirement Indexes, and does not guarantee that the CoRI Retirement Indexes will not deviate from their stated methodologies. The Affiliated Index Provider does not provide any warranty or guarantee for Affiliated Index Provider errors.
Prepared by BlackRock Investments, LLC ("BRIL"), member FINRA. BRIL is a subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc.
© 2020
BlackRock, Inc. All rights reserved. BLACKROCK, CoRI, and the CoRI logo are registered trademarks of BlackRock, Inc. or its subsidiaries. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.


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For a donation of $75.00 to Animal Friends of Washington County, you will receive an exquisite glass ornament (with beveled edge) customized with the name of a beloved pet of your choosing – in memory of a pet, or in honor of one.
This keepsake is the perfect gift for birthdays, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Christmas, or any other reason to give a loved one a memorable gift they'll cherish throughout the year. Your generous donation will help build a new enclosed dog park, repairing the substantial damage to the old dog park from the floods last Spring.


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Library Services - For Persons with Disabilities
Branch Libraries
- Quick Directory
- Aptos
- Boulder Creek
- Branciforte
- Capitola
- Downtown
- Felton
- Garfield Park
- La Selva Beach
- Live Oak
- Scotts Valley
- Bookmobile
Other Resources:
You Can Do That @ the Library?!
Read it in Large Print
All branches have a special Large Print collection of popular books in Fiction, Mystery, Western, Biography and Non-Fiction titles.
See our Calendar, Online Catalog or Branch pages for more details and contact information.


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Jason Bateman apparently expecting 2nd child with wife
HollywoodNews.com: It sounds like Jason Bateman is about to be a dad again as his wife is reportedly pregnant with their second child.
Bateman's father-in-law, Paul Anka, recently broke the news that his daughter is pregnant, states RadarOnline.com. "I'm going to be a grandfather again. It's another baby girl," Anka commented.
Bateman has been married to Amanda Anka since 2001. The couple has one four-year-old daughter together.
Do you think he seems like a fun dad?
Follow Hollywood News on Twitter for up-to-date news information.
Hollywood News, Hollywood Awards, Awards, Movies, News, Award News, Breaking News, Entertainment News, Movie News, Music News
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Guide to Ordering Custom Cakes
Cakes are included in the list of the most loved foods by a significantly large number of people. The people' love for cakes is due to the deliciousness and the soft texture that it has when one consumes it. Other than the sweetness, cakes also have other benefits. The sugar in the cakes are a rich source of energy. Moreover, cakes lovers gets energy from the sugar and flour which is then supplied to every part of the body with a sufficient amount of energy; moreover, the fats present in cakes are also good sources of energy Moreover, when you eat cakes regularly, you are most likely to suffer from indigestion problems since cakes assist in improving digestion. Cakes contain fruits such as berries, pineapples and apples are a good source of fiber that helps the human body to have a better digestive system. Moreover, there are cakes that contain carrots that are believed to be rich in fiber. Cakes rich in fruits contain fibres help to increase the fibre levels in our body, improve digestion and minimize the risk of heart diseases. Cakes are also beneficial for people struggling with mental illness since when they bake they get a focus, a structure, and a basic sense of achievement thereby assisting them to overcome depression.
Cake lovers need to consume cakes with caution, too much consumption can lead to diabetes due to the high sugar levels. There has been a trend for people to use customized cakes depending on the upcoming event, for example one will need a customized birthday cake that is different from a wedding cake, the same way one will request for a cake wishing someone to get well soon that will have different features from a cake congratulating one for his or her success say in exams. When you need a customized cake, there are certain things that you need to put into consideration.
It is vital to ensure that you inform the cake maker of your order before the event; this assists in avoiding inconveniences of last-minute rush. In the order you need to include the type of flavor that you need, the size as well as the design. Besides, you need to beware of the amount of money that you need to pay the confectioner as deposit. It is vital to know the number of cakes that you will need for the event, at times people order fewer cakes that makes some people in the event to miss a piece. It is essential to inform the cake maker of your cake budge from the beginning of the appointment since they can give you information on what will fit into your budget. Furthermore, you need to know the type of cream that you need for the cake.
The 10 Rules of Cakes And How Learn More


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Bristol Palin Snubs Baby Tripp: 'I Wish I Waited' — WHOA!
Bristol confesses that teen motherhood is not ideal and that she wishes she could go back and rethink her decision. Did she just diss her son?!
20-year-old Bristol Palin candidly speaks out about teen motherhood, telling Us Magazine, "There a lot of things that I love about being a mom, but you know what? Being a teen mom is not ideal." We completely understand that, but come on, Bristol, look at what you have now, you're beautiful son Tripp!
"…I wish that I could have had Tripp when I was in a married relationship," adds Bristol, who is no longer in a relationship with Tripp's father, 21-year-old Levi Johnston.
The daughter of Sarah Palin is a staunch supporter of abstinence and teen pregnancy prevention and plans on teaching Tripp the morals she preaches. "I'm going to let Tripp know how hard it was for me to be a teen parent and how not ideal it is," she admts. "I know that he'll learn."
As for the toddler, he is getting into everything! "He's talking and running around," Bristol says. "Right now he's taking skating lessons, so that's something fun that we get to go to. I love everything about him!"
We're glad to hear that! Remember what's important, Bristol.
–Leigh Blickley
Get more on Bristol:
- Bristol Palin Was Paid $262K By A Teen Pregnancy Prevention Foundation!! Wow!!
- Bristol Palin's Boyfriend Mocks Down Syndrome—This Loser's Even Worse Than Levi!
- Teen Mom War! Why Bristol Palin Is Dumping Her BFF, 'Teen Mom' Maci Bookout!


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Have you ever noticed that some people energize you while others drain you? In some groups, you feel smarter while other groups make you feel less intelligent? Perhaps your productivity differs depending on the type of company you're with.
So I'll just come out and say it – yes, your friends matter.
In the 1950s, a psychologist named Solomon Asch did an experiment with a group of volunteers to study group conformity. Imagine that you, a participant in the experiment show up to the experimental room where there are seven other participants. You don't know this at the time, but the others aren't actually participants, but co-conspirators of the experimenter. You're the only real participant. The experimenter tells you that the study is about visual judgments, and places two cards in front of you. One card shows one straight vertical line, while the other card shows three lines of various lengths, labeled A,B, and C. The experimenter then asks each person to indicate which of the three lines matches the length of the card with only one line. You're the last person to answer. You can tell that line that perfectly matches is obviously C, but one after the other, the "participants" say that it's B.
What would you do in this situation? Would you conform? Or stick to what you know is right?
While in the control condition, where participants did not have pressure to conform to a unanimous answer, only 1% chose the wrong answer, yet in the experimental condition, over 1/3 of participants chose the unanimous and obviously incorrect answer.
What happens in our brains from a neurological perspective is that when we have an opinion that matches those of people around us, our brain's reward center releases the neurotransmitter dopamine, which gives us a jolt of pleasure. We feel good, validated, and closer to others. Yet when our opinion differs, we feel bad. The area of our brain responsible for pain is activated, and we can either pretend to agree with others but secretly hold onto our own thoughts, or more likely, our brain will actively change how we think and molds our thoughts to align with those of the crowd that surrounds us.
When we choose to hang out with those who bring us down, the naysayers and pessimists, who tell us "no" and rain on our parade, we get less done. Misery loves company, and people who don't get sh*t done don't want you to either! Our brains are rewired to say, "it's okay, I don't have to do it."
But yet, if we choose to spend our time with high achievers, people who are dreamers and more importantly doers, they inspire us and supercharge us to do even more than we ever thought we could. If you surround yourself with like-minded people, who are full of energy and ideas, are excited to put themselves out there and to make things happen, you will too. While misery demands company, so does success. People who are successful actively surround themselves with people who also successful. When we spend time with these people, our brains are rewired to say, "They did it, and you can too."
So how can seek out mutually beneficial relationships with other successful people to help us achieve more?
Who You Should Spend Time With
Spend time with people who inspire you. Have you ever looked at a friend and thought, "Wow! I wish I could be more like you in ___ area?" Spend more time with people who inspire you to be a better person through their own behaviors and examples. Ask them their secrets to success and pick up a few life hacks!
Spend time with people who share your values. Authenticity matters in friendships. When you spend time with people whose values differ vastly from your own, you not only run the risk of setting off your brain's pain receptors (ouch!), you also might end up changing your opinion to match theirs.
Spend time with people who you can learn something new from. I love having friends who come from different backgrounds and have different skill sets. It not only makes life more interesting, but it also gives me the opportunity to learn something new.
Spend time with people who make you a better person. Real friends who will call you out on your BS are gems. They not only tell you the truth, but they will also continue to raise the bar on your personal growth. Treasure them!
Who You Should Not Spend Time With
What you don't want to do is spend time with people who are consistently negative, who aren't achieving their own goals, who don't share your values and are constantly dragging you down with drama. This person doesn't have much to offer you but is always asking for help. They spend a lot of time tearing others down, gossiping and complaining. If you have people like this in your life currently, make an active choice to minimize their role in your life.
What About Networking?
The word networking is intimidating, but it shouldn't be. People who are getting sh*t done are all around you, and in fact, are likely your friends, family, and colleagues. Take a look at your personal network. Are there people who you would like to be spending more time with, but you aren't currently doing so? In this day in age, where we have social media, email, and more importantly, smartphones, your future cheerleaders are often just a few clicks away. Notice that they've done something extraordinary lately? Send them an email of congratulations and let them know how much you admire their achievements, then simply ask if they would like to grab a coffee or drink sometime. After all, the worst they can say is no, and more often than not, people are usually quite willing to spend time with you.
Another idea is to host informal gatherings or parties to bring people together. Do you have different groups of high achieving friends who might benefit from getting to know one another? Make the introduction simple by inviting a curated group to happy hour, or perhaps an intimate dinner party. The activity of breaking bread tends to break the ice, and to me, people who eat together often also achieve together.
Ultimately, it's scientifically clear that you are the people who you choose to surround yourself with. According to the motivational speaker, Jim Rohn, "The law of averages says that the result of any given situation will be the average of all outcomes. Therefore, you are the average of the five people you most associate with." So take a good look at your innermost circle. Are you associating with those who are bringing you up, helping you become a better person, and get sh*t done?


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The House Redistricting Committee will meet on Tuesday, December 6. Members will receive several options of House, Senate and Congressional maps and an overview of each option provided by Chairman Will Weatherford.
On Thursday, December 8, the House, Senate, and Congressional Subcommittees will meet to workshop the various map options made available on Tuesday.
The House and Congressional Subcommittees will review maps prepared by staff of the House Redistricting Committee. The Senate Subcommittee will begin the workshopping process by reviewing the State Senate map proposed by the Florida Senate as well as a State Senate map that was submitted by the Florida State Conference of the NAACP.
Copies of the maps will be posted online Tuesday (approximately noon) at http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Redistricting/Redistricting2012.aspx, and made available to the public and members of the media during the meetings on both Tuesday and Thursday.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
- House Redistricting Committee, 2-3 pm, 404 House Office Building
Thursday, December 8, 2011
- Congressional Redistricting Subcommittee, 12-2 pm, 404 House Office Building
- Senate Redistricting Subcommittee, 12-2 pm, Morris Hall (17 House Office Building)
- House Redistricting Subcommittee, 2:30-6 pm, 404 House Office Building
To watch live, visit the Florida Channel at http://thefloridachannel.org/. To watch video replays, visit the Florida Channel's redistricting archive page at http://thefloridachannel.org/featured-stories/redistricting/.
Filed under: Committee Meetings, MyDistrictBuilder, On the Web, congress, florida, house, mydistrictbuilder, naacp, redistricting, senate, weatherford


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September 13, 2007
thmells and thounds like Smithiantha
Smithiantha 'Big Dots Rule'
This summer I decided to grow a number of more unusual Gesneriads, all members of Gesneriaceae, the family which includes African Violets and Streptocarpus. Although I am not addicted yet, I did invest in a number of species and hybirds, including this SMithiantha hybrid called 'Big Dots Rule'. In addition to this, you can see in some other containers in the back, the alpine forms of Petrocosmea, with thier nice, neat, uniform flat rosettes, and some others species, of which, I would need to pull the labels out of the containers so that I could remember them.
In the greenhouse, I also planted about 35 pots of Achemenes, as I showed in an earlier post. These little rhyzotomous plants all enjoy the same cultural requirements, and although not an expert, I did learn from some memebers of the Gesneriad Society, and from web research, that most of these are summer growing, winter dormant plants which prefer never to dry out, and like thier roots cool. I have all of my pots of Smithiantha and Achemenes in the greenhouse, where there is shade cloth protecting them from the hot sun, and glass overhead, so that they don't get rained on, but the foliage is still a little spotted, because I was lazy some days with the hose, and so much glass is broken, a little moisture dropped on the leaves.
I am not certain if water on the foliage is even a big deal, since somedays, in the afternoons when it is hot, I spray them all down with fresh water, much as I do my African Violets in the sink. As long as they have time to dry before nightfall, I rarely have a porblem, and visitors mention how nice the foliage looks. In the greenhouse, I have not been so careful, and to be honest, this is just an experiment, to see if first of all, I can grow these plants.
The African Violet relative, Smithiantha 'Big Dots Rule', in my plant window.
I moved a few into glass containers and brought them into the house, I planted sheet moss, which grows on the foundation inside the greenhouse, and placed it under the leaves, and used some vintage bell jars to create a humid environment. Oh yeah, and a shipment of nice Guy Wolff pots which came mistakenly with the saucers attached, and thus, useless in the bulb house, are making nice indoor displays for these gesneriads.
In the next few weeks, I think you will all see more of these plants on this blog, since they are just starting to bud and bloom. It is fun discovering a new plant, and most of these are familiar through pictures, and a childhood of reading the Park Seed catalog, which often featured Achemenes, but I never tried to grow them. Starting with more than 30, is a little fun, since I can see many differences and nuances between the species and hybrids. The Smithanthas I really like, and I will order more next spring. So far, the Achemenes are not thrilling me.
OF note: Smithianthas are a genus named after Matilda Smith (1884 - 1922), she was Sir Joseph Hookers second cousin, and clearly a lovely (and cheerful) lady. Her name immortalized many plants because the painted them for the journals and explorers of the time. (Hooker, head of Kew in that era, and a well known plant explorer from the Mutany on the Bounty days of Kew). She later became a well known botanic illustrator for the horticultural journal, Curtis Botanical Magazine, which is still published today, and worth getting if you can afford it. (google Blackwell Publishing in the states). The plates still sell on ebay, and the magazine is worth the 75 US dollars for the four issues.
Grow Smithianthas in a good, organic, well drained soil, much like that one would use for African Violets. Never let them dry out, keep them cool, perhaps indoors or on an protected terrace where they do not get sun in the summer. These are mainly summer growers, and will start to go dormant after they bloom, between Sept and Dec. They have supposedly little rhyzomes, yet I ordered my plants from Kartuz Greenhouses, Kartuz.com. Order in the spring or early summer. Worth trying for that little something that your neighbors and friends will not find at your local supermarket, yet, just as easy as any houseplant. Best of all, they bloom at a time when little beyond mums and dahlias excite the senses.
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Passport Offices in American Samoa
Looking to get a passport in American Samoa, there are 2 local passport acceptance agent offices. Even though you cannot receive a passport onsite at the acceptance agents you will still be able to get your documents sealed and receive standard expediting (up to 3 weeks) if necessary.
Did You Know? In 2015 there was an estimated 56,158 residents of American Samoa and approximately 2.47% of those residents received passports. Total passport recipients in American Samoa increased by 42 applications in 2015 from the prior year.
Passports issued in 2015 to American Samoa residents: 1,389
Passports issued in 2014 to American Samoa residents: 1,431
Passports issued in 2013 to American Samoa residents: 1,341
Passports issued in 2012 to American Samoa residents: 1,564
Passports issued in 2011 to American Samoa residents: 1,509
Passports issued in 2010 to American Samoa residents: 1,912
Passports issued in 2009 to American Samoa residents: 1,466
2 passport acceptance offices in 2 American Samoa cities: these offices served an average of 695 American Samoa residents each in 2013. Just click on a American Samoa city and you can view all the passport offices in that city. At these local passport acceptance agents you can: apply for a passport, have your documents sealed, apply for a child passport, apply for passport renewal, or get help replacing a lost passport. The fastest you will be able to receive a passport at ANY of these local offices is 3 weeks.