The Boston 100

The Benefits of Blinkist

Blinkist gives you a quick content synopsis of the latest bestselling books so you can absorb the content of more than 10 books in the time it takes to read just one!

One of my favorite pastimes is settling into a comfy chair with a good book. My job requires extensive reading and writing but despite the best intentions, I don’t always have enough time to indulge. Tired of my well-read peers spouting wisdom from top business books, I discovered Blinkist – an app that nails the key points of a book in just a few pages.

First choice? Dave Crenshaw’s The Myth of Multitasking. Multitasking doesn’t exist; it’s task switching and that makes us far less effective. Done! Can’t wait for the next opportunity to discuss my expansive summer reading list!

– Tara Frier, The Boston 100

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History

The Link Between Maine and Massachusetts

Maine and Massachusetts are forever linked by history, and my home state was a part of the Bay Colony until 1820. Here are some fun facts about the connection:

1. Maine and Massachusetts are just two of four states to celebrate Patriots’ Day.

2. The Portland Sea Dogs are the double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox.

3. Portland native Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote “Paul Revere’s Ride.”

4. The Maine Red Claws are the D-League representative of the Boston Celtics.

5. My childhood home in Portland was built in 1799 … 20 years before Maine became its own state.

– Dave Harding, Filmmaker, Dave Is Media

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Sports

The Super Bowl Champions Are Back!

Super Bowl LI ended in stunning fashion, but it all began here, at training camp.

Football is back in full swing! Training camp has been flooded with fans, anxious to see their defending Super Bowl Champions prepare for the first official snap at the September 7th season opener.

Big off-season acquisitions in wide receiver Brandin Cooks and cornerback Stephon Gilmore provide experienced threats on both sides of the ball. Then we look to a D-line who lost veteran Rob Ninkovich to retirement last week, but is reloaded with young talent in Kony Ealy and Derek Rivers, which should prove effective against projected threats like the Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders and Houston Texans.

– Margrette Mondillo, The Boston 100

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Events

Seafood Excitement!

The lobster bake is a staple in New England - why not enjoy it with a few hundred new friends?

If you haven’t gotten your share of lobster, oysters and cod this summer, don’t worry – there’s still plenty of time to binge on ocean fare at the Boston Seafood Festival this Sunday. Held on the Boston Fish Pier from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., this event boasts a Harpoon Beer Garden, shucking contests, celebrity chef demos, live entertainment, kid-friendly activities and LOTS of seafood.

Hosted by The Boston Fisheries Foundation, this event was initially created to promote education surrounding fisheries while enjoying seafood with the people of Boston, and it’s grown into an annual festival for the city.

– Josh Sarnowitz, The Boston 100

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Fitness

CrossFit Games – Never Too Old

CrossFit requires hard work and dedication, but no one is too old to start.

I used to say, “I’m too old” for CrossFit, until my son lured me to a class a few years ago – I’ve been hooked ever since.

CrossFit continually challenges me, satisfying my tenacious nature and it’s been an amazing alternative to my long-distance running background. I work out every day at 4:20 a.m. before getting to my job as Managing Director of Recruiting at Heller Search, proving anyone can find the time to train.

With support from my personal trainer, nutritionist, physical therapist and swim coach, I’ve gone from “I’m too old” to “I’m a Games athlete!”

– Carol Lynn Thistle, Reebok CrossFit Medfield

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Food & Drink

‘Sparkling’ News From the Breakroom

Our office is always stocked with at least two cases of seltzer - especially in the summer!

Our office consumes an obsessive amount of sparkling water. When the office bubbler doesn’t cut it, we turn to an array of fruity-flavored sugar-free seltzers. With an in-house nutritionist pointing out the latest foods that are likely to cause a life-threatening illness, we know we’re safe when picking up a cold, 100% natural, calorie-free Polar Seltzer.

We’re sold on the creative names and flavors the Worcester-based beverage company has brought us – even the limited edition flavors – but we’re purists at heart and always stock these classics:

– Lemon
– Raspberry Rose
– Strawberry Sunrise
– Grapefruit
– Raspberry Lime

– JoJo Gutfarb, Goodwin Group PR

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Health

Health Tips for College Students

Staying healthy in college only takes a few small changes to make a big difference.

Keeping up with healthy routines can be challenging for college students when they get back to campus. With the excitement of seeing friends, going out, and balancing new schedules, health can be pushed aside. However, it’s easy to continue a healthy routine with a few small changes.

Replace the junk food in your room with healthy alternatives like granola or kale chips. Then, set aside 30-45 minutes a day to use the school gym – this will actually keep your energy level higher to study and be active. Finally, choose milk or water instead of soda at the dining hall.

– Beth Koeller, Goodwin Group PR

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travel

Leaf Peeping Season Around the Corner

Go explore the amazing views New England has to offer in the fall - you won't be disappointed.

As summer winds down, anticipation for New England’s beautiful autumn foliage rises. Here are a few great places to explore to fulfill your leaf peeping desires this fall:

Manchester, Vermont: With a white steeple church, antique shops and country inns, Manchester is a picturesque New England town.

North Conway, New Hampshire: A great place to be active among the trees — hiking, biking and rock climbing are popular around the White Mountains.

Bar Harbor, Maine: What better way to see the changing of the seasons than at a national park? Acadia National Park will provide all the leaves you’re looking for.

– Beth Koeller, Goodwin Group PR

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Attractions

Wax Museum Comes to Boston

Amazing famous icons are brought to life at wax museums!

Have you ever wanted to meet a certain celebrity? Well now you can … sort of.

Boston is now host to Dreamland Wax Museum, which opened its doors in late July at City Hall Plaza. It boasts over 100 icons, including movie stars, athletes, presidents, historic figures, celebrities and more.

It’s one of a handful of wax museums in New England so residents and tourists of Boston don’t have to venture far to enjoy the unique experience. Wax museums are great for rainy days, first dates and family outings – but don’t ask for autographs. Although they look real, they’re wax, remember?

– Josh Sarnowitz, The Boston 100

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Sports

5 Things You Might Not Know About the Boston Cannons

The Boston Cannons fit into Boston’s winning tradition as they’re a long-tenured powerhouse in the MLL. (Photo courtesy of The Boston Cannons)

Concluding their 17^th season, the Boston Cannons are a founding member of Major League Lacrosse and one of the most successful franchises. Here’s five things you might not know:

1. Success: 2011 MLL Champions, 11 playoff appearances, five League MVP’s.

2. Players: Most players don’t live in Boston, travelling for practice and games.

3. Passion: Average 7,500 fans per game.

4. History: Play at Harvard Stadium, the oldest stadium in the country.

5. Off-the-field: Players hold professional careers in various industries and graduated from top colleges including Duke, Cornell, Notre Dame, Princeton, Georgetown and many more.

– Sara Berry, VP of Partnerships and Marketing, The Boston Cannons

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travel

Last-Minute Summer Getaways

Summer might be winding down, but there's still time to get out there and have a few more mini-vacations.

Don’t let the end of summer slip away! With Boston’s easy access to all the New England states in a matter of a couple hours, consider taking a road trip to these weekend destinations:

1. Cape Cod: Explore the Upper Cape or ride Falmouth’s awesome bike paths.

2. Maine: Relax at a bed and breakfast such as Brewster House.

3. Burlington, Vermont: Check out the lake views and visit plenty of farms.

4. Block Island: Explore the island and walk the Mohegan Bluffs stairs.

5. North Conway, NH: There’s plenty of hiking trails and outdoor activities for the whole family.

– Amanda Santucci, The Boston 100

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Events

Planning That Big Event – Organization Is JOB #1

Staying organized is the key to successful events. When everything is working together, things run smoothly.

Each year, our team plans and executes the largest clay target shooting tournament in the country. It’s a TON of work, but the results are worth the effort.

1. Get Organized –Divide tasks into categories, noting accountability and deadlines. Use Google Docs or other group software to track progress.

2. Big to Little – Take care of the most important tasks first and work on less daunting items at the end of the day.

3. Run of Show – Once most details are in place, create a “Run of Show” that outlines what will take place when and all necessary contact information.

– Tara Frier, The Boston 100

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Digital Age

Not Just a Young Person’s Game

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, social welfare organization with a membership of nearly 38 million that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families. (Photo courtesy of AARP)

When most people think of video games, they think of millennials and younger people; they don’t think of people 50 and older. Yet one in three Americans age 50-plus play video games regularly. Most of these gamers play for fun and the opportunity to stay connected with loved ones through online game communities.

Video games and apps are truly ageless, offering gamers of all ages — from grandfathers to granddaughters — the opportunity to share entertainment and social interactions with each other. At AARP, we’re looking at the role video game technology can play in helping us all to age better.

– Sami Hassanyeh, SVP Digital Strategy and Membership, AARP

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Business

Accommodating New Mothers at Work

The time when a new mother returns to work after maternity leave is called the "Fifth Trimester."

Returning to work after having a child can be a challenging transition. Regardless of which state or federal workplace laws apply, employers should consider these best practices for welcoming back new mothers:

– Talk to expecting employees about how much leave they will take and whether they may need flexible work hours when they return.

– Consider increasing a new mother’s workload gradually instead of expecting her to return to work at full capacity.

– When possible, avoid scheduling meetings beyond normal work hours, especially without notice.

– Allow breaks for mothers to pump breast milk in a comfortable, private space – not a bathroom.

– Lisa McGlynn, Fisher Phillips

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Wicked Good 100

Let the Lawn Games Begin!

Be the life of the party at your next barbecue with The Goodwin Team’s favorite lawn games!

1. Cornhole – Throw a beanbag into the hole on your opponent’s board 27 feet away. Points scored for hitting the board too.

2. Lawn Yahtzee – for about $30, you can purchase a set of wooden lawn dice. Grab a bucket, make a scorecard and you’re good to go!

3. Kan Jam – Shoot a Frisbee into a can with a hole on top – it doesn’t get any simpler!

4. Croquet – For the old-school players among us who love hammering the multi-colored sticks into the ground!

5. Bocce – Get closest to the tiny ball (pallino) and knock opponents off course.

— Tara Frier, The Boston 100

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travel

Troy Brown’s Top Five Things to Do in New England

I spent my entire career playing for the New England Patriots and I loved it. The fans, the area, everything. Having grown up in West Virginia, I have a great respect for how much New England has to offer, especially in the summer. My top five things to do are:

1. Take a ferry to Martha’s Vineyard

2. Go to a Red Sox or a Revolution game

3. Take a road trip to Newport

4. Spend an afternoon at Faneuil Hall

5. On a rainy day, go to the New England Aquarium or my friend, Ty Law’s Trampoline Launch Park

— Troy Brown, Former New England Patriot

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Food

Eating to Starve Cancer

Berries provide amazing disease-fighting nutrients - add them to your daily routine for maximum benefits!

Can we eat to starve cancer? According to cancer researcher, William Li, the answer is yes. Angiogenesis is “the growth of new capillary blood vessels in the body” and its abnormal growth is at the root of many illnesses, such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, stroke and heart disease. Certain foods can help prevent this, such as berries, cocoa, cucumbers, red wine, turmeric, and garlic — which should be a part of your daily ingredients already.

Another finding was that abnormal capillary growth aides obesity, because fat depends in it. For a healthy angiogenic and delicious summer dessert, try my berry salad.

— Amanda Santucci, The Skinny Spice

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travel

Israel Vacation Part II: Beaches of Israel

A look at the beach at Caesarea through the aqueduct. This popular beach spot allows you to enjoy the beach surrounded by ancient history.

Continuing to boast about my recent vacation, I wanted to explain the beaches I visited in Israel. I thoroughly enjoyed them, and you could too!

• Tel Aviv Beach: Located behind the hotels, this is a lively spot where everyone is out playing games and sports. The water was refreshing – but that changes come August.

• Caesarea Beach: Located in front of an ancient Roman Aqueduct, this beach has beautiful views and bright blue water.

• The Dead Sea: It’s not your typical beach, so it makes the list because there’s no other place you can float at the lowest point on Earth!

— Josh Sarnowitz, The Boston 100

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100 Bostonians

Best Ice Cream Spots in Boston

J.P. Licks came out on top as the most popular ice cream choice among the 100 Bostonians surveyed.

What better way to cool off than with a refreshing cone of ice cream? Boston has no shortage of ice cream parlors, so we asked 100 Bostonians where they like to satisfy their sweet tooth.

Around 30% of Bostonians said their go-to ice cream shop is J.P. Licks, with its impressive 13 Massachusetts locations. J.P. Licks has a wide variety of flavors from cookies n’ cake batter to dairy-free chai.

However, don’t count out these popular runner-ups:

1. Emack & Bolio’s, located in Brookline Village

2. Honeycomb Creamery, located in Cambridge

3. Toscanini’s, located in Cambridge

— Devin Thompson, The Boston 100

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Food & Drink

It’s All About the Spritz

The Aperol Spritz is gaining huge popularity in the United States - don't be surprised to see it on cocktail menus throughout the rest of summer.

Aperol, an Italian aperitif with a bitter-sweet taste, started gaining popularity in the immediate post-war period in Italy among young adults with an active social life. Soon after, the Aperol Spritz was born and quickly became “Italy’s drink.”

This refreshing cocktail is an easy 3-2-1 mix of Prosecco, Aperol and soda water and garnished with an orange slice. While Italians tend to enjoy their Aperol Spritz during apertivo, their version of happy hour, the drink is rapidly gaining popularity in the United States, becoming the perfect adult beverage to enjoy anytime on a hot summer day.

— Amy Peterson, The Boston 100

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History

Book Review: With the Old Breed

'With the Old Breed' provides firsthand experiences of the battles during WWII in the Pacific.

With the Old Breed is a firsthand account of the fighting in the Pacific during WWII, written by E.B. Sledge, a U.S. Marine, during the battles on Peleliu and Okinawa. He has passed away but his recollection of events he and his fellow servicemen endured are harrowing. The detail he portrays puts you in his shoes as he takes you through the war, step by step.

Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg made a miniseries, titled The Pacific, based on E.B. Sledge’s and other Marine’s recollections, but the books’ details give you an intimate perspective through their journey.

— Josh Sarnowitz, The Boston 100

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Education

The Importance of a High School Resume

High school resumes can help your application stand out when you apply to college.

With over 20 million students applying to college each year, it’s hard to stand out among the crowd. Many applicants have similar test scores and grades, so what can help you be unique?

Attach a resume to your application. A resume highlights significant achievement and extracurriculars in an organized manner. Many high school students may think resumes are only for entering the workforce after college, but this isn’t the case anymore. A resume shows who you are as a person and where you spend time outside the classroom.

This site has resume templates and tips to help you get started!

— Beth Koeller, Hopkinton High School

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travel

How to Road Trip with Your Family

Long family road trips need exciting games and activities to keep everyone entertained!

Odds are you’ll be road-tripping somewhere this summer with family or friends, and you’ll need activities to pass the time. Whether it’s a traffic-laden journey to Cape Cod, a ride down the coast or out west, there’s only so much station-surfing and social posting a carload can handle.

Consider:

• Trivia — sites like Random Trivia Generator can supply hours of competitive fun.

• Podcasts — with so many topics to pick from, research before you ride. Can’t decide? Check The Podcast Chart and let the binge-listening begin!

Scavenger hunts and tried-and-true car games also work – Happy trails!

— Margrette Mondillo, Goodwin Group PR

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Food

How to Eat Healthy at a Barbecue

Barbecues can be enjoyed while eating a little healthier; you simply have to choose the right foods and control your portions.

During the summer months, barbecues are happening all the time. Everyone wants to be outside enjoying the weather with friends and family. Below are some tips I have for making nutritious choices at BBQs without missing out on the fun:

1. Skip the buns: use a knife and fork and eat your burger or hot dog bun-less.

2. Use mustard: Ketchup is full of additional ingredients disguised as sugar.

3. Fill up on leafy salad rather than potato salad. If you need potato salad, volunteer to bring it and substitute olive oil and celery instead of mayo and bacon.

— Amanda Santucci, The Skinny Spice

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Fashion

Updo Hair Tips

Updos are stylish and help to keep you cool as the summer heats up!

With the summer heat catching up, going for an updo is your best bet to stay cool and look great! The most flattering and popular updo is a soft, loosely face-framing style. Also, try beachy or boho looks for summer with romantic curls. Here are some tips to consider:

• Keep in mind your hair texture and color when choosing your style.

• For thick heavy hair, choose a look accommodating your texture.

• One-tone brunettes: the same hairstyles that blondes wear may not work for you because of the depth and dimension the highlights or balayage create in the style.

— Kaylee Mitchell,Invidia Salon and Spa

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restaurants

Boston Dining With a View

Many restaurants in Boston boast great views of the harbor, the skyline and other iconic landscapes.

Enjoy the beautiful weather while it lasts from these stunning Boston waterfront and city skyline dining spots:

Aragosta Bar + Bistro: Dine on diverse dishes overlooking the Boston Harbor at sunset.

ArtBar Cambridge: Take in the Boston skyline across the Charles River while cracking down on “Lobster Fest Fridays.”

Bistro du Midi: Dine on a proper Provençal lunch or dinner overlooking the Public Gardens.

Lola 42: View boats sail in and out of the Boston Harbor while trying some of Boston’s best sushi.

ReelHouse: Enjoy music on the outdoor patio with views of the city and Boston Harbor from Eastie.

— JoJo Gutfarb, The Boston 100

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marketing

Podcasts: Changing the Game

Apple's plans to make analytics available for podcasts could be a game-changer.

In today’s digital marketing age, analytics are everything.

And soon, the power of analytics to shape and rank content is coming to podcasts – already a medium with millions of listeners. Until now, podcasts have had few metrics, but when Apple launches podcast analytics later this year, marketers will gain valuable insights into how a podcast’s audience is engaging, such as:

– when and where people listen;

– if and when they stop listening;

– and whether they stay tuned for ads.

Analytics should make podcasts more appealing to marketers, in turn increasing financial support for podcasts – a win for marketers, producers and listeners.

– Kyle Parks, The Tampa Bay 100

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Food & Ag

Tech Playing Role in Farm-to-Fork Transparency

Since 2006, FoodLogiQ has been developing solutions that meet the increasingly complex global food chain issues and vast web of regulations that face all modern food companies. The company’s FoodLogiQ Connect software is shown above.

Technology is now a critical component of a company’s food safety plan to provide true farm-to-fork traceability and transparency. The food safety data that is generated allows them to make swift decisions for protecting the public health and meet regulations set by the Food Safety Modernization Act, as well as keep brand promises.

FoodLogiQ conducted a survey that revealed 50% of consumers expect a recall should be resolved within one to two days. When companies are able to address recalls quickly by leveraging the data and return to business as usual, the faster their customers will come back.

– Dean Wiltse, CEO, FoodLogiQ

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Travel

Lifestyle

Events

Business

The Benefits of Blinkist

The Link Between Maine and Massachusetts

The Super Bowl Champions Are Back!

Seafood Excitement!

CrossFit Games – Never Too Old

‘Sparkling’ News From the Breakroom

Health Tips for College Students

Leaf Peeping Season Around the Corner

Wax Museum Comes to Boston

5 Things You Might Not Know About the Boston Cannons

Last-Minute Summer Getaways

Planning That Big Event – Organization Is JOB #1

Not Just a Young Person’s Game

Accommodating New Mothers at Work

Let the Lawn Games Begin!

Troy Brown’s Top Five Things to Do in New England

Eating to Starve Cancer

Israel Vacation Part II: Beaches of Israel

Best Ice Cream Spots in Boston

It’s All About the Spritz

Book Review: With the Old Breed

The Importance of a High School Resume

How to Road Trip with Your Family

How to Eat Healthy at a Barbecue

Updo Hair Tips

Boston Dining With a View

Podcasts: Changing the Game

Tech Playing Role in Farm-to-Fork Transparency