text:
Boat Test Videos
Content courtesy ofNot only does the 34 PC handle well enough to earn the "Performance Cruiser" moniker, but everywhere we looked on this 34 PC we found items reserved for larger cruisers. And she is loaded with many items of standard equipment -- such as 18,000 BTUs of A/C and an internal vacuum cleaner system -- that are almost always optional equipment. This vessel has multiple missions and therein lies her remarkable utility -- she can party, boogie, and cruise, all in genteel surroundings.
Key Features
Prices, features, designs, and equipment are subject to change. Please see your local dealer or visit the builder's website for the latest information available on this boat model.
Mission Statement
The mission of the 34 PC is to combine the handling capabilities and speed that large Formula boats are so well known for, while providing the comfort features that experienced boaters are looking for when day-boat entertaining, weekend cruising, or taking longer jaunts. Thus, Formula invented the "Performance Cruiser" (PC) moniker many years ago and it has proved to be a successful combination. This is not a mission statement that is easy to achieve because what is needed for one activity, makes the other harder. Let's see how Formula does it.
Major Features
Strong Warranty.
Formula stands behind its products with a 10 year structural warranty and a 5 year transferrable Formula Guard protection plan. It is one of the very best in the industry.•
Air Conditioning Standard.
Formula went with an 18,000 BTU reverse cycle air conditioner for the cabin with a digital climate control unit. Those in northern latitudes can use the reverse-cycle heat feature to enjoy 3-season boating. The optional generator will be needed to use it away from the dock.•
Polished to Perfection.
Formulas are always easy to spot among the throng of boats out on the water -- even from a distance. They're the ones that look far and away better than the rest. On our tour of the Decatur, Indiana plant, we paused at the end of the line to watch a hull exterior being finished. No less than four workers were having at the hull with orbital buffers bringing out the perfect shine. When one of the polishers stepped back to admire her work, we joined in and looked at the mirror-like shine. We saw no flaws or imperfections in the reflection.
Superior Hull Laminate.
Most brands in the premium category of which Formula is a world leader look pretty good these days under close scrutiny -- but occasionally there are some surprising exceptions. Looking at the 34 PC's hull from the side showed no wash-boarding or distortion whatsoever. We couldn't see any telltale bulge from the interior ribs or bulkheads.•
High-Quality, Fair Hull Surface.
This means that the boat's plug was sanded by hand with consummate care, because 5-axis routers can only do so much. Likewise, Formula's molds are treated like gold. They will not be found sitting out in the back 40 exposed to the elements as we often note at many boat factories. •
316 Stainless Steel Hardware and Rails.
Virtually all builders say that they use stainless steel hardware, and they do. The trouble is that stainless steel comes in a number of grades, 316 being the most expensive used in marine applications because of its high corrosion resistance. Saying "300 Series" is a dead giveaway that 316 is not being used. Because it is so much more expensive, our experience is that builders like Formula which use it, flaunt it -- 316 is the number to look for.•
Built-in Wal-Vac.
How else is one to clean up the crumbs from crackers and potato chips? Small vacuum sweepers take up space, often foul up the autopilot compass, and are cumbersome. This system has easy-access bulkhead plug-ins.
Major Standard Features
The Formula 34 PC is not inexpensive. One of the reasons for that is the fact that she includes many, many items as standard equipment that most builders offer as options. Many of these items are necessary for cruising or safe boat operation, so consumers comparing prices should carefully match apples-with-apples on the equipment list. Following is a list of standard items that caught our eye as being at least a bit out of the ordinary on a standard list, even for a premium boat --
Deck, Hull and Mechanical
Electric Windlass.
This is a standard feature and Formula includes 200' (61 m) of all-chain rode, a chain counter at the helm, a polished stainless anchor and a handheld remote control. All boats in class should have all of this equipment, but few include it all as standard. We particularly like the chain counter when anchoring at night. •
Polished Remote Control Searchlight.
Typically an item always residing on the options list. Again, it is there because Formula expects that people who buy its boats will actually go out and cruise at night. •
Ten Formula Cast Cleats.
The cleats have the Formula logo cast into them. Not a big deal but indicative of the lengths this company will go to ensure that its boats are finished to perfection. The 34 PC has ten of these cleats, not the 6 to 8 we usually see on premium boats in class. •
Air Horn.
Boaters paying this kind of money for a fine yacht don't want a tinny-sounding horn. Nevertheless, its surprising how many builders of good boats cheap out here. •
Bennett Trim Tabs.
These are hydraulic and not electric as most builders are installing these days. The system includes LED indicators. •
Radar Arch with Mast and Light.
This is part of the standard equipment package. It is a great place to mount all manner of electronic equipment. •
Versatile Trunk Storage.
At the swim platform there is trunk storage with molded inserts that hold four fenders (two upright, two laying down), storage for cocktail tables and cushions, plus hangers for lines. It's held open with gas struts.
Extended Integrated Swim Platform.
This not only adds to the usable space to enjoy the platform, but keeps the sharp edges of the outdrive well clear of any swimmers boarding from the concealed ladder. Formula includes a transom shower with hot and cold running water as standard. •
Automatic Discharge Engine Room Fire Extinguisher.
Another item often set as an option but one we'd never want to be without. The boat comes standard with an engine room fume detector, another "must-have" item on our list.
Digital Depth Sounder.
This is part of the standard equipment package. And it's one of the most looked at gauges on the panel. Bar none.•
Garmin GPS.
The 34 PC comes standard with a Garmin GPS with color chartplotter. •
Waterproof Stereo Components.
While the Clarion stereo itself is not protected, and therefore remains concealed, the remote at the helm is, as are the 6 ½" (16.5 cm) marine grade speakers. Naturally an MP3 port and 12V supply for the player are included but we'd like to see Formula join the trend of Bluetooth enabled stereos so the music can be controlled from anywhere, by anyone. This one does, however, include a 400-Watt amplifier.
All Weather Cockpit Seating.
We hate sitting on a wet cushion -- and its not going to happen for long on the 34 PC. With DriFast foam that allows water to flow right through to drain holes underneath, cushions dry out in a jiffy. Formula has upholstered it with marine-grade vinyl covered with PreFixx stain inhibitor and stitch it together with Tenera UV resistant thread and, voila, a seat as good as any and better than most in the marine industry. •
U-shaped Aft Lounge Seating.
Provides maximum use of available space and includes two dual-height tables that convert to a sun pad. Filler cushions store in the transom trunk. •
Wet Bar.
It includes an integrated sink, Corian counters, trash container and safety rail. •
Double-wide Helm and Companion Seats.
At the helm we can have a second set of eyes looking ahead. The double-wide companion seat faces the helm which is necessary to get the headroom necessary for the stand up shower stall below. This is not our preferred layout on deck, but we and most women we know very much like the separate shower below because it keeps the rest of the head dry. Every boat is a compromise and here it is on the 34 PC.
Below Decks
Standard Head.
Formula installs the VacuFlush head with a 40-gallon (151 L) holding tank and dockside pumpout. The shower is in a separate shower stall with an acrylic door, which is a bit unusual in this size boat. •
Ultraleather Settee.
It has an UltraSuede lumbar support. Details like this all work together to make the boat something special. •
Mid Cabin Lounge.
Formula has done a clever job of tucking a mid cabin into a 34' (10.36 m) boat. Note that there is a step down from the salon and high overhead in the front of the mid cabin. This is made possible because of the double-wide helm console above and this is the way we like to see express cruisers this size configured.
Features Inspection
Swim Platform
The 34 PC swim platform
measures 9'10" (25.4 cm) across, by 2'6.5" (16.5 cm) fore and aft. In the middle is the concealed re-boarding ladder. Here's where the Formula difference begins.
It's a four-step ladder
, held on by massive stainless steel hardware, the lid is supported by two gas-assist struts and the recessed well that the ladder resides in is self draining. The platform on our test boat was covered in the
vinyl teak decking
offered as an option ($3,435).
Utility Connections
. To starboard there are connections for city water, twin electrical connections, and a phone/TV connection. Against the starboard bulkhead is a side mount pedestal for an optional pedestal mount gas grill ($1,360).
The trunk
is much more than an empty space to load stuff as noted above. It has mounts inside for two fenders to mount vertically and two more lay down just ahead of those. There are pedestal holders for the cockpit tales and the cabin. Plus the open space that becomes so useful in this area. The lid is held open by two gas struts.
A Hardware Idea.
But in the "things-are-never-good-enough-for-us" department, we hate turn-and-lock latches because we are never quite sure where the latch is when we turn the handle. It is easy to close the hatch with the latch out and damage either the fiberglass or the latch. We'd rather see lift-and-lock latches. Everyone always turns these in the wrong direction. To the port bulkhead is a stereo remote and a hot/cold shower. The large transom door opens in as it should on this size boat.
Engine Compartment
The transom door that leads into the cockpit is fitted with a micro-switch that prevents the engine hatch from opening when the door is closed. The push of a button lifts the standard electrically-actuated engine hatch and once raised, it's easy to appreciate the roominess of the engine compartment.
Ship Shape Treatment.
We found everything neat-and-tidy here, and we mean everything. Even a cursory glance shows obvious signs of attention to detail. All electrical connections are sealed for harsh saltwater environment, sea strainers are massive, all hoses double clamped. In the aft corners of this compartment there is extra bracing molded in to the hull/deck joint -- right where an errant captain may tag a piling on approach. Hey, even with Axius it can happen.
As for engines
, the 34 PC comes standard with a pair of MerCruiser 380-hp 8.2 MAG ECT Bravo Three X DTS. Options come from Volvo Penta and include the 380-hp 6.0 L V8-380CE Duoprop EVC (+$640), or up the ante to diesel with Twin Volvo Penta D4-300 Duoprop Diesel EVC (+$56,440).
Back up in the cockpit, we have snap-in carpeting but the vinyl teak on the swim platform can be added here as well ($12,170) and the upgrade includes the steps to the walkthrough windshield.
This cockpit is covered
in an optional hardtop ($19,460) and we don't think it harms the looks of the 34 PC's profile. The standard configuration is a radar arch and that's important because this is a cruising boat and will likely have radar installed in northern latitudes, or a TracVision M3DX Sat TV system. At the very least VHF and GPS antennas will need a place to call home.
U-shaped seating
wraps around a pair of tables with Corian tops inlaid into the surface. Up to five colors are offered for the Corian and it's repeated in several places throughout the boat. This is a big upgrade from previous models, and it's a direct response to customer feedback.
Wet the Whistle
To port there's a wet bar and it also includes a Corian countertop, a single basin sink plumbed to the 55-gallon (206 L) water supply, a trash receptacle and a standard cockpit refrigerator. This can be swapped out for a cockpit icemaker ($520), and in either case, Formula thankfully left off the white cabinet door that is used to cover the refrigerator.
The helm features a double-wide wraparound seat with dual flip-up bolsters, and we usually have trouble actually flipping up the bolsters on Formula's, but these worked flawlessly and easily. The helm layout was textbook Formula with a optional Raymarine Hybrid Touch Chartplotter front and center and the MerCruiser VesselView off to port.
Engine controls
were mounted on the 45-degree angle but it wasn't so bad as these were digital throttles and worked effortlessly. Just ahead of the engine controls were the trim tab rockers and the Axius Joystick. To the left of the Axius stick was a joystick for the remote spotlight, and a digital depth gauge was just ahead on the upper panel. At the top of the left side panel are the fuel gauges. To the right are the trim tab gauges and a chain counter for the all-chain anchor rode.
Portside on the Helm Deck.
To port is a chaise that allows forward or aft facing seating or simply sitting up and facing the helm. Under the seats are double piano hinges on all the storage compartments, designed to stay open without having to hold the lid with one hand. Now both hands are free to work in the compartment.
Either ultra-narrow side decks or the much more easily transitioned walkthrough windshield accesses the bow. For some reason, Formula didn't interconnect the two latches on the walkthrough windshield, which is very uncharacteristic. … very uncharacteristic. Steps to the walkthrough are between the helm and the sliding companionway hatch to the cabin. The hardtop supports served as convenient handholds and a rail is next to the stairs themselves.
Anchoring Caveat
Modern powerboat foredeck design demands that the bow be clean of ugly things like a windlass and dedicated anchor cleat. To do otherwise would be old fashioned and clunky. As many new boaters only go from marina to marina, probably a surprisingly high percent of boats in this class rarely get anchored in the first place. We urge boaters of any brand not to succumb to using their anchor windlass as a cleat when anchored. Here's what two windlass makers have to say about it--
Maxwell Windlass --
"The anchor winch is designed to lift a dead weight and should not be subjected to the strain of the boat riding at anchor."
Lewmar Windlass --
"If the load is left on the windlass during mooring, shock loads could lead to damage of the rode or the windlass."
The solution is to use a bridle in the arrangement shown below where the line is connected to the port and starboard bow cleats. This has the advantage of spreading the load to two cleats instead of concentrating it on one. Bridles can be purchased with rubber shock absorbers which have the advantage of keeping the boat from snapping when in windy conditions. In fact, all boats should probably use one type of bridal or another to more comfortably ride at anchor.
Below Decks
A curved couch
to starboard has dual tables in front that can accommodate a third table which all will lower to form a separate berth when needed.
Ultraleather is everywhere
on the upholstery and oh-so nice to touch. But in a unique move Formula also added a strip of Ultrasuede to the lumbar support on the couches. It creates an eye-pleasing contrast to the earth tones of the mass of upholstery.
Some of the other Ultraleather colors available for 2014 include Buckskin, Chamois, Saddle and Whey, accented, respectively, with Spice, Sahara, or Brownstone Ultrasuede.
The cabinetry
in the test boat was finished in an attractive wood veneer that is in a new Bourbon color for 2014. Other woods are available, including ash and wenge, or both ash and wenge
The Corian countertops
can be several different colors, including Burled Beach, Earth, Lava Rock, Sonora and Tumbleweed. Corian is used by most major builders instead of granite because it is not so brittle, is easy to repair, and weighs less.
Décor pillows, window treatments
and bed coverings can come in a number of different colors and types, many of which compliment the exterior hull color. Formula was one of the first builders to offer designer treatments such as Ralph Lauren custom décor, quilted bedspread, pillow shams, bed linens and custom-woven towels.
Forward Berth
Forward is an island berth with steps to both sides to allow easy access. Mirrored cabinets to both sides are attached to doors on the cedar hanging lockers. Underneath are separate bags that hold the Lexan windscreens that install between the windshield and hardtop, and it's an upgraded version of isinglass that we usually see. Underneath are drawers for additional storage. Above are two hatches that offer both privacy and bug screens.
New for 2014
are the stemware storage cabinets that project LED lighting downward onto the glasses adding an interesting effect to the cabinets. Glass doors enhance that effect further. Below is another cabinet that houses the Krups coffee maker in a dedicated storage compartment. A microwave and refrigerator/freezer are standard. An opening portlight is just above the double burner stove.
The counters are solid Corian
and as food is being prepared, the counter can be cleaned off right into the flush mounted trash receptacle. To the right of the counter is additional stemware storage. Below is a cabinet that has the water control to cycle between onboard or city water and a fire extinguisher. Additional storage is in the deck.
The head is sizable and surprisingly, it is not a wet head. It includes a separate shower stall enclosed by an acrylic door. The toilet is a VacuFlush plumbed to a 40-gallon (151 L) holding tank. A mirrored medicine cabinet has a door that opens garage style. The fixtures are new and of the squared-off style that is popular these days.
Mid Cabin
The mid cabin was well laid out and just a step down from the main salon. This makes for a great conversation pit, and because it's wide open to the salon, really keeps everyone in the thick of the gathering when there's a crowd below. And of course there are filler cushions for converting to a berth. I found 4'9" (1.45 m) of headroom there, but full headroom in the rest of the cabin.
Underneath the starboard seat is the standard central vac system. An optional 24" flatscreen ($1,610) is to the starboard bulkhead. Above the seatbacks are additional cedar lined closets spaces, one of them hanging. And the whole compartment is pretty much surrounded by mirrors which makes the space appear larger than it is. Of course, the table top descends and filler cushions turn the mid cabin into a double bed. A privacy curtain is supplied. In this way the boat can sleep two couples. By using the settee in the salon at least one more adult can be bedded down.
Air Conditioning/Heating
The below decks area is cooled with the 18,000 BTU reverse-cycle air conditioning system. That can be plugged into shore power or powered by an optional 7.5 kW Kohler LOW-CO gas generator ($14,945).The reverse-cyle A/C system will produce heat as well, and will keep the cabin toasty in all but the most severe conditions.
Handling and Performance
WOT Speed.
We tested the 34 PC on a hot and humid day. She was powered by a pair of 380-hp MerCruiser 8.2 MAGs driving Bravo III outdrives. Her tested weight was 17,548 lbs. (7,976 kgs.). We reached a top speed of 48.3 mph at 4900 rpm. This gave us a fuel burn of 66.25 gph.
Best Cruise.
Dialing it back to a more economical 3500 rpm turned in a 32.5 mph speed. That generated a 31.85 gph fuel burn meaning a range of 189 miles with the 206 gallon tank topped off and holding back a 10% reserve. Time to plane was 4.1 seconds and time to 30 mph was 12.8 seconds.
was just like we've come to expect from a Formula. She took to the maneuvers just like… well, a performance cruiser. Even though she is one of the heavier boats in class her 18-degree deadrise bottom at the transom and her Bravo III drives kept her nimble and quick in response to the helm. I did find the 34 PC to be sensitive to weight distribution but nothing a shot or two on the trim tabs couldn't correct with ease.
Trimming for Speed.
This is an outdrive powered boat so a couple of shots of up trim had us properly running at a good clip. Hard turns at speed showed no ventilation and the boat rolled into the turns comfortably so nothing got thrown to the outside. Jumping wakes showed no spray coming over the bow and we tended to go through the waves rather than over them. All in all, it was a delightful experience handling this boat. There were no surprises.
Docking with Axius
is a non-issue. Folks moving up from a sportboat should have no reservations about docking…and that includes the wife and kids. In fact, we have found that wives are often better at using the joystick than their spouses at first, simply because they have a lighter touch, rather than a ham-handed one.
One thing though
, the Axius system starts off in whatever mode the engine controls happen to be in when docking mode is kicked in. Therefore, a word to the wise: only hit the "docking mode" button after putting the boat in neutral at idle. That will produce a much more sedate and gentle approach. As noted above, don't be heavy-handed. Just use pulses of joystick controls as approaching and let the boat's momentum do the work.
Joystick Caveat.
Remember, this is not an arcade video game where one slams the joystick left and right to kill the alien invaders. Each time the stick is moved or twisted, mechanical gears are engaged as well as the throttle. Slow and steady, and using the boat's natural momentum, works every time. And just as with conventional throttles and shifts -- don't go any faster than one would want to hit the dock.
Options We Would Want
As loaded as this boat is with standard equipment there are still some options many people will want. Some of the more obvious are--●
7.5 kW Generator.
This is needed to power the A/C when not plugged into the dock. It also powers other equipment, to say nothing of hair dryers, when away from the dock. ($14,945).●
Colored Hull.
We wouldn't buy any boat without it, particularly a Formula. Give us Midnight Blue, thanks, for an MSSP of $6,395. That's just 1.4% of her base MSRP price (see below). She comes in seven other cool colors.●
Fiberglass Hardtop.
A hardtop provides a lot of added utility for the boat and is worth every dime in our book. With the optional heater noted above, it can make the boat when buttoned up with polycarbonate side curtains a 4-season boat. When pouring down rain, again it helps make the cockpit and bridge cozy. Further, it eliminates the hassle of a canvas Bimini. The MSRP is $19,460.
Displacement Tells the Tale.
When we compared the Formula 34 PC with 7 other boats in class we quickly discovered that they fell into two distinctive groups: Group A -- 3 boats with displacements around 16,000 lbs. (7,272. kgs.) and, Group B -- 5 boats with dry weights from 2,500 lbs. to nearly 4,000 lbs. (1,136 to 1,818 kgs.) less. That 16% to 25% less displacement for Group B is significant. Clearly these two groups of boats are meant for different missions, with the 3 boats in Group A clearly designed for more serious work, particularly for running offshore and cruising.
Only one boat in class was slightly beamier than the Formula 34 PC (and was also the heaviest), 4 others were almost as wide, and 3 were decidedly more narrow. Beam provides room, stability, and a better ride. More narrow boats are easier to push.
The other most dramatic dichotomy in the general specs among the 8 boats studied was the deadrise angle of the bottom at the transom. Here, 4 boats joined the 34 PC at the low end – 18 to 19-degrees, while the other four were 20-degrees or more. This says to us that the 34 PC's 18-degree deadrise is designed to maximized the boat's fuel-efficiency and speed, while providing a bit more buoyancy in the stern.
The Formula 34 PC has a base price of $443,000 MSRP. The price of the 34 PC we tested was $538,890, MSRP.
Major optional
items on the test boat were-- • Axius Joystick/DTS/VesselView $17,660 • Seacore Saltwater Protection $6,555 • 7.5 kW LOW-CO Kohler gas generator $14,945 • Polished SS Windshield Header $8,225 • Color Chartplotter e127 $7,690 • Hardtop $19,460
Picking the Basic Group.
As pointed out above, there seems to be two categories of express cruisers, the lighter ones (Group B) and those with significantly more displacement (Group A), which is where the Formula 34 PC resides. Clearly she is intended for more serious entertaining, and cruising, and is loaded to the gills with equipment, much of which is optional on Group B vessels. Not surprisingly Group A yachts are more expensive. We cannot help but think that casual boaters, or those trying to get the longest boat for the buck, might be just as happy with much less boat than the Formula 34 PC. As we often say, Formula boats are for connoisseurs of fine power yachts.
Other Decisions.
There are still other decisions to make, such as which brand of 380-hp engine to select, Mercury 8.2 L or Volvo Penta's 6.0 L engine, whether to go with a joystick or bow thruster, or neither one; or opting for the other major items not listed as standard -- such as the hardtop and the 7.5 kW generator.
Engine Considerations.
BoatTEST.com has tested both engines and reports can be found on our engine pages. Boaters in saltwater, we think, should always upgrade to the engine maker's more corrosion-resistant product. As far as a joystick goes, the difference in pricing is considerable: $17,660 for the Axius system Joystick with DTS and VesselView, vs. $8,120 for the bow thruster. We suspect the skills or the confidence of the buyer will answer this question.
Test Result Highlights
Marine Electronics
Exterior Features
Boats More Than 30 Feet
Full Warranty Information on this brand coming soon!
Pricing Range: $443,000.00Prices, features, designs, and equipment are subject to change. Please see your local dealer or visit the builder's website for the latest information available on this boat model.
Test Results - Change Measurement Unit
All fuel consumption numbers are the total for all engines in the boat. Speeds are measured with Stalker ProSports radar gun or GPS. Fuel consumption (gallons per hour) measured with Floscan digital fuel-flow meter or by on-board factory-installed diagnostic instruments. Range is based on 90% of published fuel capacity. Sound levels determined using Radio Shack digital decibel meter on A scale. 68 dBA is the level of normal conversation. Time to plane is measured from start of acceleration to formation of rooster tail behind boat.


text:
Where are the DINK couples most populous, and powerful? According to DINK Life, San Francisco is the best place for dual income, no kids couples, aka DINKs. Here are the top 3 cities we share honors with.
Unless you've had your head in the sand, you know DINKs flock to San Francisco, a city famed for having more dog-raising families than kid-raising ones. So perfect is this fair city that DINK Life headquarters in San Francisco (they're even writing a book about the DINK lifestyle).
DINK Money and Real Estate
DINKs are so powerful a demographic they got their own acronym sometime in the 1980s; along with that acronym came a flood of targeted marketing and spending-habit studies. No surprise that with a much freer expendable income than their child-rearing brethren, these American adults spend money differently. That includes how they spend it on real estate.
San Francisco DINKs and Dogs
Here in San Francisco where inventory is tight, we have to expect some overlap between parent homebuyers and DINK homebuyers, especially dog owners. Both groups, as homebuyers, will want yards.
But families with children are fast leaving the city, per the Huffington Post: "According to statistics presented to a special hearing of the Board of Supervisors on Thursday, San Francisco has the lowest percentage of children of any major city in the country. Only 13.4 percent of the city's approximately 800,000 residents are under the age of 18."
That leaves the yards wide open for DINK buyers, who might compete for something like this, a 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo on California Street. Note the smallish kitchen, sexy bath, and shared yard– all very DINK- listed at $995K.
DINK Demands
Today's DINK buyers want to be able to walk to as many essential services as possible. Alex Clark, a Realtor® in San Francisco confirms: "DINKs are definitely different than San Francisco families with kids looking to purchase. Walkability is important, as is access to recreation. Big on the list is close access to restaurants, and low on the list are designer kitchens…as they tend to cook less. Parking is less and less of a priority, hence the importance of walkability or the increasingly more popular "bike-ability."
This demand has real force on the industry. The George Washington University School of Business reports that walkable neighborhoods have now exceeded suburban ones in terms of demand. Their study found that for each 6% improvement in a neighborhood's walkability score, rent prices for office and retail space increase 7%, apartment rents increase 6%, and home sale prices go up $133/ft2. So in a sense, DINKs demanding close-in property help keep the price of said property in this city as expensive as it is—and getting more so.
For example, take this tenancy in common. Formerly thought to be a troublesome type of property to sell or buy (due to fractional financing, which this unit requires), this Castro/Duboce area TIC lists at $899K.
Message to Developers
With no kids and need for less space overall and a strong desire for walk-(or bike)-ability to both work and daily essential services and amenities, DINKs have potential to influence future housing construction. Their priorities—and buying power—encourage small scale homes, closely centered near an already established retail/business area. This preference for a more close-in, clustered style of living has already made its stamp on American real estate. As pointed out in DINK Life's recent article "DINKs Quickly Becoming the Power Couples of Real Estate," the performance of suburban property in this country during the recent recession shows that "as U.S. home values declined from 2008- 2011, areas located far from urban hubs have lost value most dramatically. Areas close-in, however, have either held their value or increased it."
Confirming this information, The Brookings Institute, in an economic analysis of "walkable" neighborhoods, explains: "This distinction in housing proximity is particularly important since it appears that the United States may be at the beginning of a structural real estate market shift….. a preference for mixed-use, compact, amenity-rich, transit-accessible neighborhoods or walkable places."
With plenty of all of the above, no wonder San Francisco made the #1 best city for DINKs. Can't you just see them in this Valencia St. condo, strolling to the bars and restaurants, partying on the roof deck, and generally enjoying child-free fun in the Mission?
The city is rife with DINK-worthy real estate- that we all must agree. All that's left to debate is what's the best neighborhood in which to live the DINK lifestyle. So we leave that to DINK readers to decide– the comment section awaits.
Anna Marie Erwert writes from both the renter and new buyer perspective, having (finally) achieved both statuses. She focuses on national real estate trends, specializing in the San Francisco Bay Area and Pacific Northwest. Follow Anna on Twitter: @AnnaMarieErwert

subset: commoncrawl


text:
It's the sound most have learned to ignore when she's around. Where there is Julie Plec, the co-creator of "The Vampire Diaries," there's a near constant hum — a sort of real-life soundtrack that rivals the intense, forlorn music on the popular CW teen drama.
It's in play at this moment.
The bubbly TV show maker, surrounded by text-loaded whiteboards, is working on an episode of "Vampire Diaries" spinoff "The Originals" at the Hollywood offices of Plec's production company My So-Called Company. As the writing staff throws out ideas about indoctrination criterion for elders (this one pertains to voodoo queen Maria Laveau), the virtual score chimes in: Buzz. Buzz. Buzz. Plec, ever so slightly, darts her eyes down to the phone screen, scanning the emails while seamlessly weighing in on the brainstorming. Like the tech-savvy second-screen viewers that tune into her show, Plec is skilled at multi-tasking. An especially useful talent these days.
She might not have the prestige or reputation of TV power players such as Aaron Sorkin or Matthew Weiner or Steve Levitan, but Plec is a known name among the advertiser-coveted youth. On a network considered the black sheep to its Big Four brethren, Plec has given the CW a tentpole money-making show that, despite its moderate-in-comparison ratings, has hefty numbers when it comes to increasingly important social media.
"The Vampire Diaries" has 16.7 million Facebook "likes" (in line with TV heavyweights like "NCIS," 17.6 million; and "The Walking Dead," 19.7 million). Its fifth-season premiere episode ranked No. 6 in Nielsen Twitter TV ratings with 278,000 tweets.
So it makes sense the network would want to stay in business with Plec.
"Her talent is on the screen every week," said CW President Mark Pedowitz, who had dealings with Plec during his time at ABC Studios when Plec was executive producer of ABC Family's short-run sci-fi drama, "Kyle XY." "Her word is her bond. And she's tireless with her words."
The 41-year-old producer and writer is the high flier behind three CW shows this season. In addition to being an executive producer of "The Vampire Diaries" and its freshman sister "The Originals," Plec is also an executive producer of sci-fi reboot "The Tomorrow People," alongside Greg Berlanti — a feat she makes light of in her Twitter bio: "Taking over the CW network one night at a time until they find someone better."
Meanwhile, it all accounts for the 53 unread messages, in the span of three hours, that await her reply. "It's a really weird life moment when it dawns on you in a public restroom, 'This is what my life has become: checking e-mails on my iPad while I pee,'" said Plec, who chips at her red nail polish in moments of relative calmness.
It's easy to think Plec is as superhuman as the characters on the show's she's behind. She flies to Atlanta, where "The Vampire Diaries" and "The Originals" are in production, about every 10 days — she finally got an apartment in the same building as "Vampire Diaries" star Nina Dobrev. And it's standard for her nights to end at 3 a.m. and her days to start at 10 a.m.
"There is nothing passive about Julie," said college pal Berlanti, the man behind the network's other hit, "Arrow." "The day she doesn't respond to a question you have within 10 minutes, is the day you send out a search-and-rescue team."
It's not simply a workaholic complex. Plec likes living in the high-stakes world she helps shape. It's an affinity the bookworm developed at an early age, penning short stories of being a runaway after reading Norma Fox Mazer's "The Solid Gold Kid," about teens who are kidnapped and bond through the experience.
"The supernatural world, the sci-fi world — they give you scenarios that can truly be life or death," she said. "And that's why these shows work especially well with young people — when you're a teenager everything feels so epic. I like to tell those stories."
Plec, the daughter of parents in the human resources field, bounced between Northern California and Detroit as a kid before settling into Chicago. She moved to Hollywood at 22 with aspirations of being studio executive Sherry Lansing — "I don't know why. I just had read about her and she seemed really bright and cool." One of her first breaks came when she was hired as Wes Craven's assistant as the filmmaker was working on the 1995 Eddie Murphy thriller "Vampire in Brooklyn." It was then that the wide-eyed Plec met Kevin Williamson, who wrote the screenplay for Craven's "Scream" and would later serve as a mentor to Plec and frequent collaborator — they'd team for "The Vampire Diaries."
"She understands story," said Williamson, who recalls sharing many a car discussion surrounding "My So-Called Life" with Plec. "She always knew what was wrong with something. She's who I would turn to when I needed help writing. She tells you when to zig and when not to zag."
It was the strong performance of "The Vampire Diaries" that prompted Pedowitz to think about expansion. Plec was way ahead of the executive, mapping out a distinct identity for "The Originals" on "The Vampire Diaries."
She seems to be on to something. "The Originals" bowed to 2.2 million viewers this month. And "Tomorrow People" averaged 2.3 million viewers in its debut, both solid numbers for the network. Putting at bay, for now, any concern she had weeks before their debut: "I could be unemployed in a year," she said. "I don't think I will be. I think I'm OK. But you have to keep that in the back of your mind."
Good numbers mean more e-mails. But Plec realizes the real world awaits her participation.
"I'm trying to get better at filling the well," she said. "You're supposed to be writing from experience — experience with people, with reading, seeing some homeless guy on the street and making up some story of him in your head. If you never see any of that or have those conversations, or even sleep enough to have vivid dreams, then what are you writing about?"


text:
MUNICIPALITY OF GERONTHRON, REGION OF LACONIA - 1872 General Election Lists: includes Communities of Geraki, Alepochori, Vrondama, and Karitsa - GREEK-ENGLISH TRANSLATION
This translation is available for FREE as of September 2013 in the following posts:
Here's the latest translation.
The digital collections of the Greek State Archives offer a wealth of information to those of us interested in Greek genealogy. Included are the "1872 General Election Lists" for the Municipality of Geronthron. Each row includes: Line # - Given Name, Surname - Age - Father's Name - Occupation.
This is a GREAT resource, but very difficult to navigate for those who do not read Greek. I have translated these records into English for your reference.
Follow the Lulu link below to view a FREE preview.
You may also be interested in other ebook translations at


text:
First of all Heart of Vegas can be obtained cost-free. As a result, you shouldn't fear about any concealed charges. Alternative versions are available for either Android and iPhone, therefore this is an additional strain that you can forget about.
The following factor that would impress you about Heart of Vegas is that it is rather risk-free. There's no need to fear about your private data being borrowed if this is the game that you opt for.
Also, it delivers you a large variety of Free Coins, and therefore you would be spoilt for choices. It is not likely that you won't be able to discover something that would match your need as the possibility of Free Coins is also available.
If you do not have fun with a concrete game, you have all opportunities to jump onto another one.
By the way, I strongly recommend checking our Facebook page.


text: The Two-Way The Sun, Ready For Its Closeup: Who You Callin' A Dwarf? October 29, 2010 An image of the sun taken by Buffalo, N.Y., photographer Alan Friedman has become an Internet sensation, thanks to the massive image's eye-popping amount of detail. Friedman tells Wired that his portrait is an homage to Halloween.


text:
Media Contact: Museum Communications Officer, Koshland Science Museum
Phone: 202-334-1201, Email: Museum Communications Officer
Maureen O'Leary, Office of News and Public Information, The National Academies
202-334-2138, Email: Maureen O'Leary
December 10, 2007 – Washington, DC –The Marian Koshland Science Museum of the National Academy of Sciences has lined up an exciting new slate of events to engage the public in some of today's most fascinating science. Programs beginning in January 2008 will include an illustrated tour of the fundamental concepts of science by award-winning writers Natalie Angier and Rick Weiss, an examination of the state of the world's coral reefs, and a discussion with the hosts and producer of Radio Lab, the popular National Public Radio show. The schedule of public events follows:
The schedule of public programs follows:
See What's at the Koshland
Saturday, January 19, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Explore the Nikon Coolscope at the Koshland Science Museum's "Microbe Lab" during a day of fun activities for the entire family. Visitors can solve a medical mystery as they use the Microbe Lab and the museum's exhibit Infectious Disease: Evolving Challenges to Human Health to determine the cause of a mysterious illness. Admission is free.
Natalie Angier and Rick Weiss: A Whirligig Tour of Science
Thursday, January 24, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Join author and Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times science columnist Natalie Angier and her husband esteemed Washington Post science reporter Rick Weiss, for an illustrated discussion of Angier's critically acclaimed book The Canon: A Whirligig Tour of the Beautiful Basics of Science. Admission is $8; $5 for students.
HIV/AIDS in D.C. and the World: Educator Forum
Monday, February 11, 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
In conjunction with Darwin day, the Koshland Science Museum will host an interactive forum for educators and high school teachers to speak with researchers about current scientific research and the teaching of microbial evolution through the lens of HIV/AIDS. Panelists include Shannon Lee Hader, HIV/AIDS Administration for Washington; Elizabeth Reed-Connole, National Institutes of Health; and Anila Ashgar, Johns Hopkins University. Free for educators.
What's Killing the Coral Reefs?
Wednesday, February 20, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Kiho Kim, director of the environmental studies program at American University, Ove Hoegh-Guldburg, chair of marine studies at the University of Queensland, and Tundi Agardi, founder and executive director of Sound Seas, will discuss the reasons for the disappearance of coral reefs and examine potential solutions. The program will be moderated by National Geographic Channel's Chad Cohen. Admission is $8; $5 for students.
Transportation and the Spread of Disease
Wednesday, March 5, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Stephen Eubank from the Bioinformatics Institute at Virginia Tech and Daniel Lucey from the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Georgetown University will discuss the role of transportation and global travel in the spread of disease and examine the effectiveness of various measures to curb transmission. Admission is $8; $5 for students.
Radio Lab: An Evening with the Hosts
Thursday, March 13, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Radio Lab hosts Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich, along with producer Ellen Horne, will discuss and demonstrate their approach to melding complex scientific ideas into a show that is high-tech, surreal, and ultimately philosophical. Admission is $8; $5 for students.
World Water Day: Safe Drinking Water Is Essential
Thursday, March 27, 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
On World Water Day, Roland Steiner, regional water and wastewater manager at the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commision, and other experts will discuss the status of the local water supply and the effects on regional water demand, as well as water distribution issues around the world. Admission is $8; $5 for students.
The Marian Koshland Science Museum engages the general public in an exploration of the current scientific issues that affect their lives. The museum's state-of-the-art exhibits, public events, and educational programs provide information that stimulates discussion and provides insight into how science supports decision-making. Located at 6th and E streets, N.W., the museum is easily accessible by metro at the Gallery Place/Chinatown and Judiciary Square stops.
Tickets and additional information are available through the museum at 202-334-1201 or the events page; advance ticket purchase is recommended for all events. Reporters who wish to cover these programs should pre-register.


text:
After the start of IPL, pakistan announcing their version of premier league to start next year & England on plans of EPL... With T20 gaining huge markets & popularity. Do u think cricket has enough power to overtake football in future?
After the start of IPL, pakistan announcing their version of premier league to start next year & England on plans of EPL... With T20 gaining huge markets & popularity. Do u think cricket has enough power to overtake football in future?
Friends, I've started a group for all the WCL fans on facebook. So, who ever is interested pls join... Search "Non-Test Cricket Playing Nations!" in facebook. Thanks...
Cricket Is The Best Sport On Earth, It Deserves More Respect, More Partispating Nations & More Fans. Lets Do Our Best To Spread The Game, Friends.
Only in one country is cricket less popular than football (that's football as in soccer), and it is never remotely likely to overtake it in popularity for more than a few months in this country.
For it to do so would take something unforeseeable.
Appreciating cricket's greatest legend ever - HD Bird...............Funniest post (intentionally) ever.....Runner-up.....Third.....Fourthcricket player"; "Bob"), 1/11/1990-15/4/2006
(Accidental) founder of Twenty20 Is Boring Society. Click and post to sign-up.
No. Not in a million years. Never. No chance. Jamais. Etc etc.
I don't think it does, unfortunately.
-My beliefs summarized in words much more eloquent than I could come up with
How the Universe came from nothing
Why the hell should it, at least not at the cost of sensibility...
Football winter Cricket summer love it
Originally Posted by Axl Rose
RIP Craigos. A true CW legend. You will be missed.
Depends in what sense to 'overtake'. In terms of sheer number of people it's possible if it happened to take off in China, but in a more general sense I can't see it happening.
World Scrabble Champion 2014. National Scrabble Champion 2009, 2015.
Author of Word Addict
Countdown Series 57 Champion
King of the Arcade
ECB - you are a complete ****ing disgrace, #FTECB
In Europe and South America no chance.
I can see ricket a clear #2 in the not so distant future.
Last edited by Goughy; 25-04-2008 at 11:25 AM.
If I only just posted the above post, please wait 5 mins before replying as there will be edits
West Robham Rabid Wolves Caedere lemma quod eat lemma
it depends.. if we get cricketers like dravid and kallis in near future.. hell no.. the 20 twenty game has the potential to be as good as a football game.. if the right players are played on the game..
The best test match ever
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)


text:
WARWICK — The backpack is removed when the soldier gets injured. So Al Giordano and two others began an assistance program in 2003 by filling 50 backpacks with comfort items for wounded service members at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Socks. T-shirts. Underwear. Those types of things.
WARWICK — The backpack is removed when the soldier gets injured. So Al Giordano and two others began an assistance program in 2003 by filling 50 backpacks with comfort items for wounded service members at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Socks. T-shirts. Underwear. Those types of things.
The following day, they were asked if they could do up 50 more backpacks.
Ten years later, the Wounded Warrior Project has grown into an enormously beneficial organization for soldiers injured in Afghanistan and Iraq. The Project tracks 33,000 warriors and uses a $165 million budget with 340 employees and 20 offices in the U.S. and Germany. Al Giordano is the Project's deputy executive director.
Warwick senior wrestling and lacrosse captain Chris Giordano grew up watching his dad help soldiers transition to civilian life. For nine years now, he has volunteered in capacities such as the Soldier Ride, four-day cycling rides for warriors held around the country and in Germany. So when Giordano says he has helped with legs during the ride, he isn't referring to relay legs. He's referring to carrying prosthetics.
"He does everything from his heart,'' Al says.
You can imagine Chris' excitement over Saturday's lax match at North Rockland. The contest is part of the inaugural Red Raider-Wildcat Challenge to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. Warwick will play North Rockland, located in a county where the Giordanos have deep roots, in three sports: jayvee and varsity boys' and girls' lacrosse, jayvee and varsity baseball, and jayvee and varsity softball. All games will start at 4 p.m.
The event will alternate sites each year, with festivities including a pre-game meal at Warwick for all athletes participating. Wounded warriors will be present at the breakfast and the games, which will be preceded by a ceremony at the 9-11 memorial at 3:15 p.m. on the North Rockland campus.
"It will bring great awareness to what this mission is about,'' said Warwick athletic director Greg Sirico, who helped organize the event with North Rockland AD Joe Casarella. "It will be great for our kids.''
Chris Giordano is eager to help spread the message to teammates and schoolmates. Instead of hearing his stories of the project, they will get to interact with wounded soldiers making the most of their lives. Many of these kids will be inspired, and yet, it's a good bet the warriors also will be inspired watching our next generation drop sweat on the field.
"It changed me a lot,'' Chris said of growing up in a unique military household. Al left Ohio State after a couple semesters to enlist in the Marines in 1981. He worked with the Disabled American Veterans for 10 years after being discharged from the Marines in 1993 following a minor injury. He went back to school and graduated from Dominican College, then in August 2001 enrolled in Seton Hall Law School at night. A month later his world, and ours, changed forever.
Chris talks about volunteering on Soldier Rides and hunting/fishing trips, whether it's carrying legs or water or other supplies. At 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, he can put a lot on his back.
"The big thing is to let them know that they are not forgotten,'' Chris said. "It has a big impact on you. They are very influential men and women.''
Chris Giordano, with his dad and grandfather Marines, his uncle a West Point graduate, will attend the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y., this fall. He will study marine engineering.
"It's great when you talk to these school kids,'' Al Giordano said, "especially these high school kids. They get it.''
Twitter: @th_KevinGleason


text:
[lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Joe Jonas[/lastfm] has announced he will rock a full length web concert on the groundbreaking series Live on Letterman. Jonas will stream his show live from New York's Ed Sullivan Theater online and on-air Monday, August 22nd at 9 PM ET/ 6 PM PT.
When Joe Jonas started his career as a teenage Disney star, there was no doubt that he was crush-worthy, but more for the Tween set. Now, that fresh-faced little boy is an incredibly handsome 22-year-old young man with an extensive dating rap sheet.
Do you remember all of Joe Jonas' past girlfriends? Check out our list of Top 10 Alleged Joe Jonas Romances. Tell us if you notice a trend in Jonas' taste in women.
10. Renee Bargh (?)
If are going to be rumored to be dating anyone, it should be a hot blonde television presenter and Extra correspondent from Australia. In 2010, Bargh moved to Los Angeles but her and Joe Jonas have recently been seen cocktailing it up in New York.


text:
SimplyLinked widgets are the easiest way to setup and manage your list of participants.
Choose your widget, copy and paste some code, and you're done. We'll do the rest.
Better design means less hassle and frustration.
Our widgets have been built with performance in mind.
Get improved reliability and more flexibility.
Our admin panel allows you to view and manage all your lists at a glance. See how many links have been submitted to your most recent lists or sort by list popularity to see which struck a chord with your visitors.
No extra windows or need for visitors to leave your site to add their links. With our widgets, the lists are integrated right into your page.
Using Mr. Linky or LinkyTools (MckLinky) and want to migrate to SimplyLinked? We make it easy with our import tool. Just export your old links and we'll add them to your new list so you don't need to retype anything!
Build from the ground up with performance in mind. You'll get features and flexibility, without extra cruft.


text:
TEXARKANA, Ark. (AP) — A 13-year-old Arkansas boy is being treated for what is believed to be a rare case of Eastern equine encephalitis in humans, according to his parents.
Coleman Pearson, of Ben Lomond, is being treated at Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock after becoming ill in September and being near death as recently as Oct. 10, his parents said.
When Coleman, an 8th-grader at Ashdown Junior High School, first became sick in late September, his mother and father, Joanna and Craig Pearson, took him to the doctor and he was prescribed antibiotics, the Texarkana Gazette reported (http://bit.ly/1bIGmgB ).
After improving somewhat and returning to school, he became ill again on Oct. 6 and suffered what his mother believes was a seizure.
He was taken to a local hospital, then flown to the Little Rock hospital the following day.
"The pressure in his brain went down. Doctors said they thought his brain had ruptured, and they thought he was brain dead. They didn't think there was blood flow in the brain, but there is," Joanna said.
His condition has not been confirmed as Eastern equine encephalitis by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but if it is, it would be the first human case of the disease in Arkansas in the more than 50 years the state has kept records.
To confirm the case as Eastern equine encephalitis, the patient's doctor first receives a positive result on a screening test, then the Arkansas Department of Health requests samples and sends those to the CDC, said Dr. Gary Wheeler, chief of the ADH Infectious Disease branch.
The disease is an inflammation of the brain that is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito, according to the CDC website. Most cases are found in the Atlantic and Gulf Coast states.
There is no specific treatment. Instead, care is based on symptoms that may include headache, high fever, chills, and vomiting. The illness may then progress into disorientation, seizures, or coma.
Information from: Texarkana Gazette, http://www.texarkanagazette.com


text:
For new releases go to
As we transition to our new site, you'll still find some Stats NZ information here on this archive site.
Recent reports | Statistics NZ information releases | Other datasets | | Contact us
Welcome to the New Zealand earthquake statistical information portal. This web page catalogues statistical data and reports designed to inform agencies responding to the Canterbury earthquakes. It provides links to reports and data from Statistics New Zealand and from other government and non-government agencies and organisations. To submit a link, please email email@example.com
These releases concern national statistics that are likely to be affected significantly by a natural disaster. The social and economic effects of any given disaster should be evident in changes in the figures in these information releases.
These external datasets contain information relating to the social, economic and environmental conditions of New Zealand and New Zealanders. This information may be of interest to researchers after a disaster, as the effects of the disaster are likely to be reflected in changes in the data.
For more information, please see related links or search for more information.
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com for all data or information requests, or if you would like to recommend any additions or alterations to this page.


text:
Dennis Allen signed a four-year contract to coach the Raiders, according to Kate Longworth of CSN Bay Area.
Allen and Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie reached agreement on a contract Tuesday night in Mobile, Ala., where Allen interviewed for the second time.
The Raiders still have not confirmed the hiring. CSN says the introductory news conference is scheduled for Monday. Given the news conference will be broadcast on CSN, it's a safe bet to say the Raiders have confirmed it to CSN.
McKenzie returned to Alameda on Wednesday. Allen should be through checking out pro prospects in Mobile today or Friday.
Allen could not be reached for comment. Two Raiders officials said they cannot confirm Allen signing a contract.
Follow me on Twitter: @corkonthenfl


text:
A fundraiser for a 10-month-old child who has a rare liver condition will be held at Rudy's Tavern in East Stroudsburg on Saturday.
A fundraiser for a 10-month-old child who has a rare liver condition will be held at Rudy's Tavern in East Stroudsburg on Saturday.
Alex Voelker, son of Stroudsburg residents Jon and Christie Voelker, is suffering from biliary atresia.
In a healthy person, bile is created in the liver and then travels down to the gallbladder for storage and to the small intestine for digestion.
When someone has biliary atresia, however, the bile ducts, or openings, in the liver are blocked and bile becomes trapped, builds up, and damages the organ. The damage leads to scarring, loss of liver tissue and cirrhosis. The condition can ultimately destroy the liver.
Alex has been battling biliary atresia since birth. He recently received a liver transplant from his mother, a critical step if Alex is going to recover. The surgery was successful, but Alex had a stroke during the transplant.
Contributions will be used to help pay for some of the costs the family has incurred in connection with Alex's ordeal, said employees at Rudy's Tavern.
The event will be held between 4 and 8 p.m. at the tavern, at 90 Washington St.
The Voelkers have created a Facebook page chronicling Alex's ordeal and the milestones he's reached. For more go to facebook.com/teamalexv.