Our Teeth Are Making Us Sick

America's dental problem...

Adding a filling.

As Americans debate medical coverage, the problem of our teeth has remained almost entirely unaddressed, Zoe Greenberg reports on nytimes.com.

About 114 million Americans don’t have insurance coverage for their teeth – more than twice the number of people who didn’t have health insurance before the Affordable Care Act, Greenberg wrote.

“Oral health is a neglected issue nationally,” said Julia Paradise, an associate director of the program on Medicaid and the Uninsured at the Kaiser Family Foundation. “This is a big problem. The mouth and the head – mental health and dental health – somehow remain outside of what people think of as general health,” Greenberg added.

For more of Greenberg's report: https://mobile.nytimes.com/blogs/kristof/2017/05/23/our-teeth-are-making-us-sick/?_r=0&referer=https://www.google.com/

Photos: Giphy, Pinterest.

Next time on The Allen Report:
How to Tell When Someone's Lying

Putin: The Life of a Galley Slave

Putting Gatsby in the shade...

Vladimir Putin.

During a press conference in February 2008, Vladimir Putin equated his work during his first term as President of Russia to that of a “galley slave”, Boris Nemtsov and Leonid Martynyuk report on upnorth.eu.

For those who are unfamiliar with this peculiar choice of analogy: a galley slave refers usually to a prisoner (in the French case) or a slave, who is forced to row a ship in squalid conditions, deep below the decks, in the galley, they wrote.

Whether he succeeded in generating any sympathy among his fellow Russians is anyone’s guess. What is certain, is that many Russian were deeply offended by Putin’s analogy. During his first eight years as President, Vladimir Putin had already amassed a mountain of wealth by any means available, including expropriation, extortion, theft and corruption, they added.

For the first English translation of a Russian report on Putin's amazing life style: http://upnorth.eu/putins-palaces-the-life-of-a-galley-slave-nemtsov/

Photos: Pinterest.

Next time on The Allen Report:
Our Teeth Are Making us Sick

The Quest to Help Astronauts Sleep Better

Sleep research...

A volunteer in a German lab stays awake for hours trying to carry out complex tasks.

In a German lab, volunteers are being paid to explore one of space travel’s biggest challenges – helping astronauts get a better night’s sleep, Richard Hollingham reports on bbc.com.

Many of us limp through the day on barely enough sleep, with a steady supply of strong coffee to keep us going.  Astronauts, on the other hand, are travelling at some 27,000km/h (17,000mph) around the planet and living just centimetres from the cold vacuum of space. A wrong decision, moment of carelessness or loss of concentration could mean the difference between life and death for themselves and the rest of the crew. Imagine precisely docking several tonnes of spacecraft on only five hours sleep, Hollingham wrote.

For more on a fascinating report about the quest to help astronauts sleep better:  http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20170509-the-quest-to-help-astronauts-sleep-better

Astronauts on the International Space Station sleep tied to a wall...and they don't have any pillows.

Photos: bbc.com

Next time on The Allen Report:

Putin: The Life of a Galley Slave

Renters Warm to Homeownership

New survey results...

Home is happiness.

Renters are staunchly in favor of homeownership, and, though they have concerns about their ability to afford a home, more now believe it is easier to qualify for a mortgage, Suzanne Da Vita reports on rismedia.com.

According to the latest SCE Housing Survey, part of the Survey of Consumer Expectations (SCE) by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, 72.3 percent of renters “prefer” or “strongly prefer” to own a home rather than rent one, and 55.9 percent view homeownership as “a good investment”—findings that dismiss a commonly held notion that they have become averse to homeownership as a result of societal shifts, Da Vita wrote.

While there has been improvement, however, the likelihood of buying is at a standstill, she added.

For more:http://rismedia.com/2017/05/21/renters-warm-homeownership-affordability/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=eNews#close

Photos Tumblr.

Tomorrow on The Allen Report: 
The Quest to Help Astroauts Sleep Better

Smile: Dive Right Into Your New Week

The high life...

Wow.

For fun videos: 

-- Infinity: DMV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZterpXtujBw

-- Chevy Equinox: Loss for words: https://www.ispot.tv/ad/AcxU/2017-chevrolet-equinox-loss-for-words

-- Chevy Equinox: For everybody, everywhere: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7zHGWOC36U

-- Aston Martin: Beautiful Is: https://www.ispot.tv/ad/wYZi/aston-martin-db11-beautiful-is#

-- Dos Equis: The most interesting man in the world: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcuJ1Agf6XU

-- GEICO: Fire at Will: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNflRZir-48

-- Why We Play For the NBA: Larger than life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pnc7zpWwrF4

-- GEICO: Fire at Will: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNflRZir-48

-- USGA: Hole in one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEcYFP-n9u8

Photos: Giphy, Pinterest.

Tomorrow on The Allen Report: 

Renters Warm to Homeownership

Musical Moments: Raitt, Adele, I Can't Make You Love Me

Great song...

Musical Moments features music and artists I've enjoyed over the years.

Today's selection is one of the world's great songs, I Can't Make You Love Me.

It was originally recorded by Bonnie Raitt and became one of her most successful singles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nW9Cu6GYqxo

For Adele's version of the famous piece: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp97AWIeMbo

Adele.

Photos: Pinterest.

Tomorrow on The Allen Report: 

Smile: Dive Into Your New Week

Darien Ends Active Real Estate Week

Happy Memorial Day weekend...

Honoring our fallen and all who have helped preserve our country.

Darien finished an active residential real estate week today.

Results, according to the Darien MLS, were:

-- 11 new listings of property for sale;

-- 19 price changes;

-- 12 accepted offers;

-- Three properties going under contract, and

-- Four closings.

For more:

Tomorrow on The Allen Report: 

Musical Moments: Raitt, Adele, I Can't Make You Love Me

Great Island, a Darien Landmark, is For Sale at $175 Million

Most expensive property for sale in Connecticut...

Darien's Great Island. Below: A house and the stables on the property.

Want to see what a $175 million property looks like?

Great Island, located off Long Neck Point in Darien, CT, is an "extraordinary 63 acre waterfront island estate" that features a "romantic" Italian stone manor house and additional dwellings, according to realtor.com, Alfred Branch reports on Darien Patch.

It also has its own polo field and indoor riding ring, and "substantial stable and equestrian facilities," Branch wrote.

For more of Branch's report: https://patch.com/connecticut/darien/darien-island-paradise-most-expensive-property-market-ct

For a video on the property: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCVL1p7Rl-E

If you would like to see the property, please give me a call.

Photos: Darien Patch.

Tomorrow on The Allen Report:
The latest Darien real estate update

Little Known Facts About Air Force One

In the news this week...

Air Force One over Mount Rushmore.

With the presidential trip underway this week, Air Force One is a staple on television again.

The presidential 747s may look like many others that have carried passengers all over the world.

But they are far different.  To see why:

A special group of over-engineered aircraft are on call at all times to ensure that the president of the United States can go anywhere in the world in luxury and safety, interestingengineering.com reports,

For more:  http://interestingengineering.com/interesting-engineering-air-force-one/

Air Force One on standby.

For an excellent video, On Board Air Force One:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Q6lmXHfwQE

For a video, Five Things You Didn't Know About Air Force One: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX3tZCFPbUk

For a video, Inside Air Force One: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DD7QuVB3Grk

Photos: Wikipedia, Tumblr.

Tomorrow on The Allen Report:

Great Island, a Darien Landmark, is For Sale at $175 Million

Exercise Can Make You Smarter

The benefits of exercise...

Exercise can help your brain as well as your muscles.

Dr. Wendy Suzki is a Professor of Neural Science and Psychology in the Center for Neural Science at NYU.

In a recent video, she explains the positive effects of exercising to the brain:  https://twitter.com/businessinsider/status/863937984520888321/video/1  (If the audio doesn't play, stop and restart the video.)

Photos: Pinterest.

Tomorrow on The Allen Report: 
Little Known Facts About Air Force One

Taking the New $450,000 Ford GT for a Spin

The new super Ford...

The Ford GT supercar's rear wing adds stopping power.

What's it like behind the wheel of the 2017 Ford GT?

Here's how cnn.com liked the new 600 horsepower speedster: https://twitter.com/CNN/status/863982580722487296  (If audio doesn't play, stop and restart video.)

For another, glowing review of the new super Ford: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AZLu45nl5A

Photos: Pinterest.

Tomorrow on The Allen Report: 
Exercise Can Make You Smarter

Smile: Your New Week is Here

Fun...

I hate this game, I hate this game. Nice shot. I love this game.

For some fun videos to kick-off your new week:

-- Mercedes: GLE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbAYh51R4kM

-- Mercedes: Hybrid engine technology: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICgOWNtmLJs

-- AT&T: Rise Up with Jordan Spieth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vG7D7aUwABs

-- AT&T: Rise Up: Commercial shoot:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqJkbcvvDUA

-- IBM: Watson security: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSk6y43j0wE

-- Allstate: Lamp:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bifGozDuNao

Photos: Pinterest.

Tomorrow on The Allen Report: 

Taking the New $450,000 Ford GT for a Spin

Musical Moments Bocelli,Can't Help Falling in Love With You

A classic...

Lovers sharing an umbrella.

Musical Moments features music and artists I've enjoyed over the years.

Today's selection is a classic by Andrea Bocelli -- Can't Help Falling in Love With You:  https://www.youtube.com/watc h?v=SPizIaBPhSg&feature=youtu.be

Photo:  Pinterest.

Tomorrow on The Allen Report:  

Smile: Your New Week is Here

Darien's Spring Real Estate Market Gathers Momentum

Graduation season...

Congratulations to all the new graduates this commencement season.

Darien's spring residential real estate market gathered momentum this week with increased activity across the board.

Results, according to the Darien MLS, were:

-- 14 new listings of property for sale;

-- 27 price changes;

-- 10 accepted offers;

-- Four properties going under contract, and

-- Five closings.

For more:

Tomorrow on The Allen Report:

Musical Moments: Bocelli, Can't Help Falling in Love With You

Dealing With Someone You Don't Like

What successful people do...

Unless you're a genetic anomaly, it's likely you will meet people you don't like throughout your lifetime, Lindsay Dodgson reports on Business Insider UK. 

According to Deep Patel, author of the book, A Paperboy's Fable: The 11 Principles of Success, it helps to remember nobody's perfect.  That includes you, Dodgson wrote.

In a blog post for Entrepreneur.com, Patel highlights some tips successful people use to deal with people they don't get along with, Dodgson added.

Instead of burying your head in the sand, try and shift your perspective in the ways successful people do. Here are some tips for dealing with someone who might make you mad or you don't like: http://www.thisisinsider.com/how-deal-with-people-you-dont-like-2017-3#1-accept-that-you-cant-get-on-with-everyone-1

Photos: Giphy, Pinterest.

Tomorrow on The Allen Report: 
The latest Darien real estate update.

IBM Unveils Powerful, New Quantum Computing Processors

Exploring quantum computing...

The IBM Q Lab at the T. J. Watson Research Center in NY.

IBM's two quantum computing platforms just took a leap forward in processing power, Andrew Dalton reports on engadet.com.

The company announced today that it has successfully built and tested its two most powerful quantum computers yet -- the research and business-focused Quantum Experience universal computer and the prototype processor that will eventually form the core of its commercial IBM Q systems, Dalton wrote.

For more of Dalton's report on IBM's latest quantum computing developments: https://www.engadget.com/2017/05/17/ibm-quantum-q-experience-qubits-most-powerful-processor-yet/

IBM's Dr. Katie Pooley with a new prototype of IBM's latest quantum processor.

Photos: IBM.

Tomorrow on The Allen Report: 
Dealing With Someone You Don't Like.

Science: In the Service of Civilization

Finding what is true...

Neil degrasse Tyson demonstrates the predictability of a pendulum.

Noted astrophysicist Neil degrasse Tyson is featured in a new video underscoring the importance of science.

Science is a fundamental part of our country, Tyson says.

For more:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MqTOEospfo&feature=youtu.be

Photo: Pinterest, YouTube.

Tomorrow on The Allen Report:

IBM Unveils Powerful New Quantum Computing Processors.

A Floating City of Millionaires

Unique living...

The World near the Sydney Opera House.

Stepping onto The World feels like boarding a 21st-century Titanic, such is its scale and grandeur, Jenni March reports on cnn.com.

This gleaming 644 feet-long white vessel is the largest, and probably the most exclusive "residential yacht" on earth, March wrote.

Dubbed the "condo cruise liner," every one of the 165 luxury apartments on board -- worth between $3 million for a studio and $15 million for a three-bedroom pad -- are owned by residents who must have a net worth of $10 million, March added.

For more: http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/08/travel/the-world-luxury-ship-one-square-meter/

For a video on The World: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h439sZjxdLQ

A bedroom on The World  The concept of ship: "See the world without ever leaving home."

Photos: cnn.com.

Tomorrow on The Allen Report: 

Science: In the Service of Civilization.

Smile: Your New Week is Here

Fun...

Oui, monsieur.  Here you are:

-- GEICO: Water in the house: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cApfBetiLtg

-- GEICO: Dead car battery: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jx0LlCCjc10

-- GEICO: Talking bumper stickers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8tbzHB6Xoo

-- E*TRADE Mobile: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwvOF-s39-w

-- Allstate: Life is good: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIxCUtRfDDk

Photos: Pinterest.

Tomorrow on The Allen Report:

A Floating City of Millionaires.

Musical Moments: Vivaldi, Spring

Happy Mother's Day...

Tranquil beauty.

Musical Moments features music and artists I've enjoyed over the years.

Today's selection in honor of Mother's Day is Spring from Vivaldi's masterpiece, The Four Seasons:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFWQgxXM_b8

Photos: Pinterest.

Tomorrow on The Allen Report: 

Smile: Your New Week is Here.

Darien Sees Home Market Surge

Weekly update...

Spring beauty.

Darien saw a surge in residential real estate activity in the week ending today.

Results, according to the Darien MLS, were:

-- 18 new listings of property for sale;

-- 21 price changes;

-- 11 accepted offers;

-- One property going under contract, and

-- 10 closings.

For more:  

Tomorrow on The Allen Report:

Musical Moments: Vivaldi, Spring.

Vantablack: As Close as You'll Come to a Black Hole

Like looking into a void...

Vantablack, the blackest substance known.

Vantablack, a new material, absorbs 99.96% of light, making it the world's darkest substance. It's so dark your eyes perceive it as flat, cnn.com reports.

For a fascinating new video:  https://twitter.com/CNN/status/847860005525221376/video/1 (If audio doesn't play, stop and restart video.)

Photos: Giphy, Pinterest.

Tomorrow on The Allen Report: 

The latest Darien real estate update.

Cats Really Do Love People

New study results...

I'd go anywhere with you.

Any cat owner will tell you: cats hold humans in contempt.  Oh sure, they pretend to like you, rubbing around your legs and purring until you produce the food bowl, Nicholas Bakalar reports on nytimes.com.

But as soon as mealtime is over, they go right back to normal mode -- sneering condescension, Bakalar wrote.

But what if you learned that you're wrong and that given a choice, cats will pick human companionship over toys, food and appealing smells?

That's what three research have recently discovered, Bakalar added.

For more:  https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/01/science/cats-love-people.html?_r=0

One happy cat.

Photos: Pinterest.

Tomorrow on The Allen Report: 

Vantablack: As Close as You'll Come to a Black Hole.