Tyler G. Merkel Blog

Saturday, July 2, 2016

Vacations

Begona Miguel of the Huelgas Monastery says: “San Juan de La Cruz teaches us that silence has its own music; it is silence that enables us to see ourselves and the things around us. “I would like to add that there are words that can only be said in silence, odd as that may seem. […]

from Paulo Coelho http://ift.tt/298G6eA

Your Saturday Baseball Post

Happy Saturday to all baseball fans on this holiday weekend. For the first time in my life, at 33 years of age; I have a yard to mow. It’s almost amazing to think about. So that’s exactly what I need to tackle today. I’m gonna gas up this bad boy and do work.

But at some point today when the sun goes down and my face has a little bit of a burn I’m going to find a game, whatever the schedule offers me; and I’m going to relax in my new house and just kind of realize how lucky I am to watch a little baseball in the friendly confines so to speak. My wife also signed us up to watch my buddies kids, so there’s that.

Today’s 80’s song of the week that should be played on a ballpark loudspeaker near you is from 1985, a true classic from Glenn Frey (RIP). A little Miami Vice action for you all. Now this is music. They don’t make them like this anymore.

Thanks for stopping by, where we always set the flag at half mass on Saturday in honor of the greatest game on earth. And there’s no work on Monday for humanity so you can fire up the grill and basically treat it as Friday. Thank you for your continued support of Diamond Hoggers.

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Friday, July 1, 2016

Nothing says ‘Merica like the Indians winning their 14th straight in Canada on Canada Day in 19 innings

Well that was completely unbelievable.

I got home shortly after 3:00 and started watching this game that began around 1:00 while I was still at the office. I decided to watch the Indians for the second straight day since they’re in the midst of the longest winning streak since the 2002 Oakland Athletics.

I was rewarded with an all-time instant classic type game. The Indians win this one 2-1 in 19 innings on a Carlos Santana home run off Darwin friggin’ Barney who took the baton from Ryan Goins.

Both teams squandered opportunities, but you knew the Indians weren’t losing this game. Not with the magic they have going right now. Everything is working. Josh Tomlin is striking out eight. They’re waiting out the opposition until they’re throwing utility infielders. Trevor Bauer had a look of focus in him in the relief appearance I can’t begin to explain. The Tribe is just seriously locked in.

And good on them. This win streak which definitely climaxed today has been a nice little follow up afterparty for the Cavs lifting the curse. My wife pointed out – she watched four hours of this game with me because it was that good – that it was the Red Sox who won a title after the Celtics lifted a curse. And I think she was right.

I kind of want to see the Indians run this out another week plus to see them get that record. I didn’t hone in on the Athletics much in 2002 when they won 20 in a row other than when they steamrolled through Cincinnati that late June, and I didn’t care because I thought the A’s were trash at that point. I’m older and wiser now, and I can appreciate that the Indians are playing really good ball. Historic baseball.

from Diamond Hoggers http://ift.tt/2991zJB

House of the Week: A Laid-Back Party Palace in Miami Beach

What strikes you first upon entering this waterfront property in Miami Beach is the gorgeous old banyan tree.

“It has a massive presence,” said Darin Tansey, the Douglas Elliman Real Estate listing agent. A waterfall and koi pond add to the feel of tranquility, as does the manatee-shaped pool.

Rumor has it the grounds — and the tennis court, in particular — were once a respite for members of the Rat Pack, which included Sammy Davis, Jr., Humphrey Bogart, Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. The estate is on the market for $12.5 million.

Built in 1926, the 10,680-square-foot Mediterranean-style compound boasts a grand marble foyer, water views and a giant kitchen with an eat-in marble counter. There are enough bedrooms — 10 of them — for the whole gang, plus 13 bathrooms.

But outside is where the real party happens, with a full outdoor kitchen set to serve guests playing tennis, lounging in the pool, gazing at the waterfall, or preparing to embark on a journey from the dock. It’s easy to picture a handsome young actor kicking back here with a margarita and a gleam in his eye.

Photos and video courtesy of Douglas Elliman Real Estate.

Related:

from Zillow Porchlight http://ift.tt/29ijGMm

Matt Lauer's Seaside Cottage for Sale

Long-time “Today Show” host Matt Lauer is asking $3.5 million for his charming Southampton waterfront cottage. The sale isn’t a huge surprise - rumor has it the veteran anchor recently purchased Richard Gere's Hamptons estate for $36.5 million.

The 1,800-square-foot cottage Lauer hopes to sell has a modest 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The home sits on .75 acres, and offers 85 feet of bulkheaded waterfront to do a little sailing or just take in some nice views.

The sprawling sun-drenched deck outside the home has plenty of space for barbecues or catching some rays.

Inside, the home is decorated in a classic coastal style, with light hardwood floors, gorgeous exposed wood beams, white brick fireplace and white plantation shutters adorning the windows.

Overlooking the deck area are a row of slider windows that emit a ton of natural light, which contribute to the cool and casual seaside vibe. The kitchen is light and bright, featuring crisp white cabinets, a farmhouse sink and simple butcher-block countertops.

The bedrooms are a perfect place to relax at the end of a beach day, and have light carpets and charming built-ins. The bathrooms, continuing the seaside trend throughout the house, have a clean look to them, with one featuring subway tiles and beadboard bathtub paneling, and the other with a marble countertop and a half wall with beadboard paneling.

The listing agent is Susan Breitenbach of Corcoran Group Real Estate. The story was first featured in Variety.

Related:

from Zillow Porchlight http://ift.tt/298NuM3

For Seattlites: The Future of Cities / Unlikely Allies

unlikely-allies-banner

I know this is insanely last minute, especially given this is a holiday weekend — but I wanted to share an event called Unlikely Allies next week (July 5 and 6) being hosted by Impact Hub Seattle (a co-working network I belong to):

Unlikely Allies is a two day festival that takes place in a new city each year bringing together global and local thought leaders, changemakers, inspired citizens and their unlikely allies: the hackers, artists, policy makers, activists, corporate innovators and designers needed to make real change happen on key issues of our world today. In 2016 and 2017, we will take action together to explore the theme of creating positive solutions for the Future of Cities.

Given the theme is “future of cities”- it seems relevant to real estate agents and brokers who are helping people move into new cities (& homes) everyday. I’m looking at you, Windermere, Coldwell Banker Bain, John L Scott, Redfin, etc.

The complete schedule for the event can be found HERE. (there is one session at Zillow HQ).

Registration is $400

For those interested, register here: http://ift.tt/29ddK4W

Happy 4th of July weekend!

The post For Seattlites: The Future of Cities / Unlikely Allies appeared first on GeekEstate Blog.

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