Darien's Active Home Market Rolls Along

Weekly update...

Happy Fourth of July.

Darien's active residential real estate rolled along in the week ending today.

Results, according to the Darien MLS, were:

-- 10 new listings of property for sale;

-- 11 price changes;

-- Five accepted offers;

-- One property going under contract, and

-- Eight closings.

For more:

Next time on The Allen Report:

The Darien 2Q Real Estate Update.

Timeless NYC Spots Worth a Visit

Classic glamour...

The Plaza Hotel in New York.

The revolving-door nature of businesses in New York is a defining characteristic of the city — which is why the establishments that have withstood time are especially worth noting, nymag.com reports.

And while plenty of simply “old” establishments have declined into tasteless tourist traps, other survivors have retained the old-school glamour, novelty, and caliber that made them famous.

War Paint, the new Broadway musical following the rise of beauty industry pioneers (and New Yorkers) Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein between 1935 and 1964, features a few such storied institutions, the site added.

For some of the iconic New York destinations mentioned in the show and still worth a visit: http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2017/06/glamorous-new-york-establishments.html?utm_source=fb&utm_medium=p2&utm_campaign=nym&utm_term=brandedcontent%7Ctheater

Tea in The Palm Court at The Plaza.

Tiffany & Co.

Broadway: A scene from War Paint at the Nederlander Theater.

Photos: Giphy, nymag.com, Pinterest.

Next time on The Allen Report:

The latest Darien real estate update.

The 40-Year Evolution of the Laptop Computer

Better, faster, cheaper...

Today's laptops let people work from just about anywhere, including airliners, doctors' offices and hospitals, ships at sea and the International Space Station.

The desktop has gone through many changes over four decades, but they pale in comparison to the absolute revolution in portable computing, Fox Van Allen reports on techrepublic.com.

From the "portable" 1975 IBM behemoth to the ultra-expensive oddities of the 1980s, from the neon designs of the 1990s to the machines we use today, this is a visual history of the most important and interesting portable computers ever made, Van Allen wrote.

For a slide show of the 40-year evolution of the laptop:  http://www.techrepublic.com/google-amp/pictures/the-evolution-of-the-laptop-computer/

The 50-pound IBM 5100, 1975.

The IBM portable computer, 1986.

Photos: Pinterest, techrepublic.com.

Next time on The Allen Report: 

Timeless NYC Spots Worth a Visit.

How to Stop Robocalls on Your Cellphone

Growing problem...

Robocalls on cellphones are on the upswing.

Noticed an increase in robocalls on your cellphone lately?

An executive with a cybersecurity company in Sunnyvale, Calif,, said the volume of robocalls has seen a "particularly big uptick" since the fall, Christopher Mele reports on nytimes.com.

In a Robocall Strike Force Report in October, the Federal Communications Commission said telemarketing calls were the No. 1 consumer complaint, Mele wrote.

For some tips on how you can deal with this growing problem: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/11/smarter-living/stop-robocalls.html

Photos: Giphy, nytimes.com.

Next time on The Allen Report: 

The 40-Year Evolution of the Laptop Computer.

New Record: iPhone Sales Near 1.2B Units in Just 10 Years

iPhone 10th anniversary...

The evolution of the record-breaking iPhone.

As we head toward the 10th anniversary of the iPhone on Thursday, the WSJ has put together a chart comparing the sales trajectory of the Apple smartphone against other iconic products, Brian Lovejoy reports on wsjcom.

The iPhone has not only outsold every other product on the chart,  but its done so in a fraction of the time the others took, including Barbie Doll, Sony Walkman, and Zippo lighters, Lovejoy wrote.

For more about iPhone's amazing decade:  https://9to5mac.com/2017/06/20/iphone-sales-in-perspective/

Photos; Pinterest.

Next time on The Allen Report: 

How to Stop Robocalls on Your Cellphone.

George Orwell: Avoid Cliches and Jargon

Writing tips...

George Orwell.

George Orwell, the famous author of such classics as Animal Farm and 1984, was born on June 25, 1903.

He advised writers against:

     1. Cliches.

     2. Needless long words.

     3. Jargon.

     4. The passive voice.

For more of the master's writing tips that can used almost anywhere: https://www.writingclasses.com/toolbox/tips-masters/george-orwell-6-questions-6-rules

Photo: Pinterest.

Next time on The Allen Report: 

New Report: iPhone Sales Near 1.2B Units in 10 Years.

Smile: Time to Kickoff Your New Week

Fun...

 Gotcha.

For fun videos to kickoff your new week:

-- Buick: Lucky: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDFlMCSHUKs

-- Dos Equis: Most interesting man and his awkward moment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92nDNojJofs

-- Capital One: Best friends: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkkVBJ2K1U4

-- E*Trade: Yacht life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLSecfkulqs

-- E*Trade: Don't get mad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRGHG_C-dl0

-- Apple: iPhone 7 Memories: https://techcrunch.com/2017/06/20/apple-releases-new-iphone-ad-focused-on-the-memories-feature/

Photos: Pinterest.

Next time on The Allen Report: 

George Orwell: Avoid Cliches and Jargon.

Musical Moments: Fitzgerald, Misty

First Lady of Song...

Ella Fitzgerald performing in Chicago in 1958.

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

One of my favorites, Ella Fitzgerald, died 21 years ago this week.  She was the most popular female jazz singer in America for 60 years and the first African-American woman to win a Grammy Award.

"Man, woman or child, Ella is the greatest of them all," The Economist reported this week in marking her passing.  Ella was The First Lady of Song, the magazine added.

Here's Misty, one of Ella's many hits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPOlakkBlj8&feature=youtu.be

Photo: Pinterest.

Next time on The Allen Report:

Smile: Time to Kickoff Your New Week.

Darien's Active Home Market Continues

Weekly update...

Tiger lily season in Darien.

Darien's residential real estate market saw continued activity in the week ending today.

Results, according to the Darien MLS, were:

             -- 11 new listings of property for sale;

             -- 14 price changes;

             -- Eight accepted offers;

             -- No properties going under contract, and

             -- 10 closings.

For more:  

Next time on The Allen Report; 

Musical Moments: Ella Fitzgerald, Misty.

Study: Rental Demand to Escalate by Millions

New report,,,

A recent study foresees the need for millions of new apartments.

Inventory shortages are weighing down just about every housing market, with supply on all sides—renter- and owner-occupied—on a months-long downtrend, Suzanne De Vita reports on rismedia.com.

 A new multifamily report now estimates that by 2030, some 4 million new apartments alone will be needed to keep pace with demand, she wrote.

“Apartment rentals are on the rise, and this trend is expected to continue at least through 2030, which means we’ll need millions of new apartments in the U.S. to meet the increased demand,” said Cindy Clare, chair of the National Apartment Association (NAA), in a statement on the report, released recently by the NAA and the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC).

For more: http://rismedia.com/2017/06/20/research-rental-need-escalate-millions/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=eNews#close

Photos: Pinterest.

Next time on The Allen Report:
The latest Darien real estate update.

Five Things You Need This Summer

Summer's here...

The perfect shirt from Sunad.

Cool strolling in Everlane's Bridge sandals.

Summer officially begins today.

So it’s time to indulge, if you haven’t already, in some wardrobe updates, Hayley Phelan reports on nytimes.com.

For some ideas that may help put a smile on your face:  https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/21/fashion/summer-trends-shopping.html

A grand old cover that captures the essence of a lazy summer afternoon along Long Island Sound as boaters head for the drawbridge in nearby Westport, CT.

Photos: nytimes.com, Pinterest.

Next time on The Allen Report: 

Study: Rental Demand to Escalate by Millions.

How Do You Cook The Perfect Egg?

Culinary puzzle...

Frying eggs with a cover.

There is always a best way of doing everything, if it be to boil an egg, Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, Mark Strauss reports on smithsonian.com.

But the best way to cook an egg -- be it boiled, fried or poached -- remains a surprisingly contentious subject in the world's kitchens, Strauss wrote.

A few seconds too long in the skillet or a single degree too high in hot water, eggsperts say, is all it takes to upset the delicate balance of texture, appearance and flavor.

For more of a fascinating report: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/how-do-you-cook-the-perfect-egg-87844887/?utm_source=keywee-facebook.com&utm_medium=socialmedia&utm_campaign=keywee&kwp_0=437433&kwp_4=1618817&kwp_1=698015

Photos: Pinterest.

Next time on The Allen Report: 
Five Things You Need This Summer.

U.S. Counters Russian Propaganda TV

Info war...

The recently launched U.S. Current Time broadcasts in Russian from Capitol Hill.

The U.S. quietly stepped up its efforts in the information war with Russia recently with the introduction of Current Time, a new Russian language TV service broadcast from Washington, economist.com reports.

Current Time is America's answer to Russia Today (RT), the Kremlin's propaganda network, economist.com wrote.

The U.S. started the 24-hour Russian TV channel to counter the rise of RT and Sputnik, another pervasive Russian broadcaster, economist.com added.

For more: https://www.economist.com/news/united-states/21723449-current-time-broadcasts-russian-capitol-hill-americas-answer-russian-propaganda?fsrc=scn/fb/te/bl/ed/americasanswertorussianpropagandatv

Photo: economist.com.

Next time on The Allen Report:

How Do You Cook The Perfect Egg?

20 Cool Things Made in America

Made in USA...

KitchenAid mixers.

If someone asks you what the United States makes these days, tell them the answer is the same as ever: everything, cnet.com reports.

Cars, gadgets and apparel are just part of the output of the world's No. 2 manufacturing giant projected to be No. 1 again by 2020, cnet added.

For a some of the niffiest things we make -- that you can buy -- today: 

: https://www.cnet.com/pictures/20-cool-things-that-are-made-in-the-usa/13/?ftag=ACQ-07-10aah7j&vndid=20-cool-things-that-are-made-in-the-usa&kwp_0=440604&kwp_4=1613916&kwp_1=69611

Crayolas.

Gibson guitars.

Ford Mustangs.

Bing Surfboards.

Photos: cnet.com.

Next time on The Allen Report:  

U.S. Counters Russian Propoganda TV

Smile: Your New Week's About to Begin

Happy Father's Day...

 Next time, I want a seat inside.

For fun videos to start your new week:

-- GEICO: Cowboy showdown: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOG8AFPQcM4

-- GEICO: Gold panning: https://www.ispot.tv/ad/7TbE/geico-gold-panning

-- GEICO: Server farm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7-KcK07iq0

-- Allstate: The hoop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZV4NPrlsxU

-- T-Modile: Turn your back; https://www.ispot.tv/ad/wozq/t-mobile-turn-your-back-on-verizon-song-by-naked-eyes

-- GEICO : Roadrunner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y47666sy2Ng

Photos: Giphy, Pinterest.

Next time on The Allen Report: 

20 Cool Things Made in America.

Musical Moments: Clapton, Wonderful Tonight

A Clapton hit...

Eric Clapton.

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

In honor of Father's Day, here's an Eric Clapton hit, Wonderful Tonight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUSzL2leaFM

Photo: Pinterest.

Next time on The Allen Report: 

Smile: Your New Week's About to Begin.

Darien Sees an Uptick in Real Estate Activity

Weekly update...

Graduation time in Darien.

Darien saw an uptick in residential real estate activity in the week ending today.

Results, according to the Darien MLS, were: 

-- Nine new listings of property for sale;

-- 17 price changes;

-- Nine accepted offers;

-- Three properties going under contract, and

-- 13 closings.

For more:

 

Next time on The Allen Report:

Musical Moments: Clapton, My Father's Eyes.

Subs: Our Silent Peacekeepers

Awesome...

A view of the high-tech control room of the USS Minnesota. Gone is the traditional periscope, which has been replaced with one that uses sensor-laden photonoics that take digital images.

Submarines are, arguably, the most important boats in the U.S. Navy.

In fact, some submarines hold half of the United States' thermonuclear warheads in secret locations around the world.

For a slide show of the awesome power of the Navy's silent peacekeepers: https://www.cnet.com/pictures/submarines-keepers-of-the-nuclear-apocalypse/16/

Photo: cnet.com.

Next time on The Allen Report: 

The latest Darien real estate update.

June 14: Flag Day

Anniversaries...

Old Glory.

In the United States, Flag Day is celebrated on June 14.

It commemorates the adoption of the flag or the U.S. on June 14, 1777, by a resolution of the Second Continental Congress.

The U.S. Army also celebrates its birthday on June 14.  Congress adopted "the American continental army" after reaching a consensus position in the Committee of the Whole on June 14, 1775, according to Wikipedia.

A 1917 poster honoring Flag Day

Photos: Pinterest, Wikipedia

Next time on The Allen Report: 

Subs: Our Silent Peacekeepers.

Why Apple's New Homepod May be a Winner

Amazing new gadget...

Nice fit.

It's game-time, Adam Clark Estes reported on gizmodo.com about Apple's introduction last week of it new Homepod.

Apple just announced its long-awaited take on a smart speaker, completing the smart triumvirate along with Google and Amazon, he wrote.

The gadget itself isn't particularly remarkable, but it is an Apple gadget.  That's a big deal for a lot of people, he added

For more of his report;  http://gizmodo.com/apples-new-homepod-looks-fine-as-hell-1795766978?utm_campaign=socialflow_gizmodo_twitter&utm_source=gizmodo_twitter&utm_medium=socialflow

For an intriguing video about Homepod: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTyGxGyXGpQ

Photo: Pinterest.

Next time on The Allen Report: 

Flag Day.

Meet the Stratolaunch, the World's Largest Plane

Rollout...

The rollout of the world's largest plane from its hangar in California.

The Stratolaunch, the world's largest airplane rolled out its California hangar last week.

The Stratolaunch project got its start in 2011 as a joint effort between Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and Scaled Composites founder Burt Rutan, according to cnet.com.

Their goal: Create a powerful new commercial plane capable of launching rockets directly into space.

For more photos and a video of the huge new plane: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4560772/Aircraft-wingspan-length-FOOTBALL-FIELD-unveiled.html

The new Stratolaunch has longest wing span of any aircraft ever built.

Photos: Pinterest.

Next time on The Allen Report: 

Why Apple's New Homepod May Be a Winner.