The Boston 100 - 100 word stories & 100 second videos on topics of intrigue

Wicked Good Bostonian #3

Troy Brown sitting down for an interview.

Troy Brown is a well-known Bostonian because of his amazing career with the New England Patriots.

Troy Brown is a former New England Patriot and 3x Super Bowl Champion. He spent his 15-year career in New England, and he stopped by our office to share some insights.

Misconception about Bostonians – They’re nicer than people think.

Favorite food – Lobster roll, and I was surprised to see McDonald’s even sells them!

Funniest moment – Ty Law getting Coach Belichick to dance at the Super Bowl Parade in 2003. It was epic!

Favorite fall activity – Apple picking. And, I love all fall foods, especially apple butter and hot cider. I’m a sucker for old tractors and corn mazes too!

– Tara Frier, The Boston 100

Please share:

Public Affairs

Helping Harvey and Irma Victims Through the American Red Cross

The Red Cross responds to a new emergency every 8 minutes.

With the wrath of Harvey and Irma hitting hard, Americans are looking for ways to help those impacted by the storms. One of the best ways to help is through the American Red Cross.

Did you know every 8 minutes the Red Cross responds to an emergency? In 2016, it provided 4.1 million snacks, 2.1 million relief items, 206,000 overnight stays and 144,000 health and mental-health consultations.

Nearly 64,000 disasters are responded to annually, 95% of relief workers are volunteers and 91 cents of every dollar goes to humanitarian services and programs. Donate here.

– Tara Frier, The Boston 100

Please share:

Business

Manufacturing Is Alive and Well in Massachusetts!

Lynn Tokarczyk is the President of Business Development Strategies

Lynn Tokarczyk, president of Business Development Strategies, Inc. (BDS), recently announced Cox Engineering will expand its operations to Randolph. BDS negotiated a tax incentives package to save the company almost $500,000 in local RE taxes in exchange for its $9 million investment.

Cox Engineering will retain 140 full-time jobs, create 20 new positions and revitalize a vacant building on Pacella Park Drive.

Over the past 14 years, BDS’ clients have pumped more than $1 billion into the Massachusetts economy and realized more than $100 million in tax savings. Is your company growing? Learn more about tax incentives here.

– Tara Frier, The Boston 100

Please share:

Food

Pumpkin Lovers, Rejoice!

Get ready for fall with pumpkin flavors wherever you turn!

While we leave behind the warm, sunny days of summer, we look forward to crisp air, colorful fall foliage and comfort foods. Pumpkin is one of the greatest, albeit rather overdone, signature staples of fall. Here are some great ways to enjoy:

1. Pick pumpkins at a local farm — Carver Hill Orchard, Hanson Farm or Lookout Farm, to name a few.

2. Sip on a coffee shop pumpkin latte or try making your own healthier version.

3. Drink your coffee while eating some Pumpkin Spice Cheerios, homemade pumpkin bread, or any of the abundance of pumpkin products at Trader Joe’s!

– Amanda Santucci, The Skinny Spice

Please share:

Events

Oktoberfest Time

Oktoberfest is the biggest beer celebration in the world, but you don't have to leave Boston to get the experience.

What’s better than food, dancing and live music? Adding beer!

Oktoberfest is the world’s largest celebration of beer. Although we aren’t in Germany, Harpoon Brewery has done a great job of bringing an authentic festival to Boston.

2017 marks Harpoon’s 28^th year of Oktoberfest, taking place Sept. 29 and 30. Tickets are available the day of the event for $25, which includes a beer and souvenir Oktoberfest cup. With classic German oompah music, bratwursts, chicken dancing, live music, food trucks and more, everyone will feel like they have travelled across the ocean. Get there early, and have a blast!

– Josh Sarnowitz, The Boston 100

Please share:

safety

National Preparedness Month

Preparing for disasters and planning ahead are key to staying safe and being able to help others in times of need.

Hurricane season hit the United States hard again this year, with devastating storms leaving millions without power, many without homes and families with loved ones lost. Although these storms have created problems, it is important to always prepare ahead of time to minimize your risk when disasters strike.

September is, ironically, National Preparedness Month, and Ready.gov has put a focus on advance planning. Have a strategy in place for your family – at work, school and home; have additional food and water supplies; use social media to your advantage for updates; and get involved in your community to help others.

– Josh Sarnowitz, The Boston 100

Please share:

Events

Fluff Turns 100!

Marshmallow Fluff is a staple in the Northeast, so why not celebrate the delicious topping?

What the Fluff? is the annual Marshmallow Fluff festival, and this year is big! 2017 marks the 100th year since Fluff was invented by Archibald Query in Somerville.

If you love Fluff, sweets, food, live music, games and having a good time, the 12th Annual What the Fluff? festival is where you need to be. The event will take place Sept. 23 from 3-7 p.m. in Somerville’s Union Square – paying homage to its local roots – and draws a crowd of approximately 15,000 people from all around the United States. Don’t miss out on all the Fluffing fun!

– Tori O’Dea, Goodwin Group PR

Please share:

Wine

Winery Roundup for Fall

Enjoy a winery with friends this fall!

Harvest time is perfect for visiting a vineyard, and you don’t need to be in Napa Valley to enjoy wine tasting! Check out these places:

1. Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard has great outdoor and indoor options

2. Newport Vineyards has a gorgeous, wooden tasting room

3. Nashoba Valley Winery is perfect for sitting outside with a picnic and a bottle of wine

4. Saltwater Farm Vineyard’s tasting room is in part of a restored WWII-era airplane hangar

5. Turtle Creek Winery has a quaint atmosphere in a cave-like room where the owner teaches visitors in a small group

– Amanda Santucci, The Boston 100

Please share:

safety

Look Before You Leaf!

Jumping in leaf piles makes raking them bearable, but even this innocent activity needs to be done carefully.

It’s fall, which means the leaves are beginning to trickle from the trees, and every child old enough to help in the yard will be outside, ready to plunge into a fresh pile of leaves. Jumping in leaves almost seems like a rite of passage for children, but it can turn dangerous without proper attention.

Use a safe location – make your pile away from the road or hazards
Know what’s in your pile – remove tools from the area and look to see if anyone else is in the pile
Use supervision – be present to keep the danger to a minimum

– Tori O’Dea, Goodwin Group PR

Please share:

LIVE

Opera in Boston

The opera is a great way to unplug and watch an amazing live show.

It’s hard to say opera is “popular” today, when every form of entertainment lives in the palm of your hand. If you’re looking to unplug and enjoy live entertainment, it’s a beautiful art.

The Boston Lyric Opera has some interesting features for the end of 2017:

”Tosca” – Set in the early 1800s, a singer named Floria Tosca must give the performance of her life if she wants to save the man she loves.
”The Nefarious, Immoral but Highly Profitable Enterprise of Mr. Burke & Mr. Hare” – Two men make a profitable enterprise out of gathering cadavers for science in the 1820s.

– Josh Sarnowitz, The Boston 100

Please share:

Health

The Routine of Fall

The beautiful foliage and crisp air are a good excuse to get outside and start a workout routine again.

Everyone’s feelings on fall differ, but the truth is September in New England is the perfect time to get back into a healthy routine.

Yes, it’s sad that summer is over. But, let’s all rejoice that the free pass for hot dogs and ice cream has ended, getting us back on track for healthier bodies!

As the leaves change and the weather cools, use it to get outside, be active, go for hikes, try a new running route or walk to work. Winter will be here before you know it, so start a routine you can continue through the cold.

– Emily Krueger, Equinox

Please share:

Food & Drink

Football Sundays in Southie

A woman dressed in a patriots jersey smiling.

Southie has become a hot spot for Sunday football in Boston.

“Sunday Funday” took on a new meaning in 2012 while working at the newly opened Lincoln Tavern in Southie.

I watched the space transform from a brunch spot to a sports bar. Five years later, Lincoln’s is packed for Patriots games, but it isn’t the only place on the block.

The Supper Club at Capo recently launched a new football viewing experience, combining the comforts of home with the energy you get in a bar or restaurant. With reservable tables, high tops and lounge seating, and private, fully stocked minifridges, Capo is providing the ultimate viewing experience this football season!

– Kellene Ratko, Director of Marketing, Lincoln Tavern & Restaurant, and Capo Restaurant & Supper Club

Please share:

travel

My Favorite Travel App

Using TripIt is easy: I forward my confirmation emails to the app and it handles the rest.

I went to check in for a flight recently and located my confirmation number on my calendar. Then I hit a snag: I didn’t remember which airline I was on. But my days of searching for flight confirmations are over.

I recently discovered the wonderful world of TripIt, an app that functions as my own personal travel assistant. It keeps my reservations for flights, hotels, airbnbs and hotels in one place. It also sends me check-in reminders and travel alerts.

Try the free version, but if you travel a lot, you’ll want the added benefits of the pro version.

– Jan Schroder, Girl on the Go

Please share:

Management

Generation Z Has Different Priorities

Woman dressed in a white button down shirt shaking hands across the table.

Generation Z makes up one-fourth of the U.S. population. Its oldest members are now in their early 20s.

Unlike millennials, Generation Z (born after 1995) grew up in uncertain times, so they have different priorities. This is important for employers to know, because members of Generation Z are now seeking their first jobs.

Three things to know about Generation Z employees:

– They like to communicate via social media. Post jobs via their preferred platforms: YouTube, Snapchat and Instagram.

– Company culture is important to them, so show you care about your employees.

– They seek stability. Discuss long-term career opportunities, even if it’s a part-time job.

To retain Generation Z employees, offer flexibility, growth opportunities and job security.

– Christina Norton, Revenue Management Solutions

Please share:

Books

‘The Recipe:’ a Story of Loss, Love and the Ingredients to Greatness

Get ready for some novel life lessons that inspire on many levels.

The soon-to-be-launched book by bestselling author John David Mann (“The Go-Giver”), “The Recipe,” is set to be another masterpiece of charming storytelling and profound wisdom.

Mann partnered with Culinary Olympian Chef Charles Carroll to create “The Recipe,” and just like a particularly delicious meal that inspires on many levels, the book is a delightful mix of novel, life lessons and cookbook.

Following the travails of a young man’s life turned upside down by his father’s death, and his encounter with a gruff chef who delivers teachings well beyond cooking, “The Recipe” is available for pre-order.

– Tara Rogers-Ellis, The Dubai 100

Please share:

Wicked Good 100

Wicked Good Bostonian #2

Two elderly gentlemen wearing a grey polo and striped button-down shirt.

Lenny Clarke (right) with his brother Mike. (Photo courtesy of Russ Mezikofsky Photography)

One of our favorite, most animated Bostonians is Lenny Clarke, and we recently caught up with him in Vegas.

One misconception about Bostonians that’s not true? That we’re cold, uncaring and rude. We’re not rude…we’re blunt!

Favorite spots in Boston to chill? Anywhere along the Charles River or the water – actually, one of my favorite places is behind the airport looking back at the Boston skyline. The view is amazing!

Most embarrassing moment? Many years ago, I opened for Aerosmith at the Orpheum. Some guy threw a malted milk ball below my belt that brought me to my knees.

– Tara Frier, The Boston 100

Please share:

Food

Boston Oyster Roundup

Oysters are a tasty treat at lunch, happy hour or dinner. Find the fresh catch and enjoy!

They say to only eat oysters in months that end in “r.” Well, here we are in September, so we wanted to bring you a Boston oyster roundup so you can indulge. Here are a few of the popular spots in Boston:

• Union Oyster House

• Island Creek Oyster Bar

• Neptune Oyster

• B&G Oysters

• Row 34

These aren’t the only place to get oysters in Boston, but if you’re looking for consistent, fresh catch – you can’t go wrong here. Whether you eat them with cocktail, mignonette or hot sauce, these restaurants won’t disappoint. So grab your friends and slurp away!

– Josh Sarnowitz, The Boston 100

Please share:

Health

Tips for Avoiding Mono for College Students

A young woman laying her head a white pillow with a blue scarf.

Mono can be debilitating and affect your whole semester in college. Take any steps you can to avoid getting sick.

It’s back-to-school season for Boston’s colleges, and as summer turns to fall, concerns about staying healthy are on the rise with cold and flu season ahead. Another concern, especially for college students, is mononucleosis. Commonly called “the kissing disease” because it’s spread through saliva, here’s how to stay mono-free:

1. Staying healthy lessens the chances of contracting mono – balanced diet, exercise and sleep.

2. Avoid sharing straws and utensils.

3. Wash hands frequently – good hygiene habits lessen the likelihood of contracting mono.

4. Get tested early if you suspect you have mono – it can limit recovery time.

– Tara Frier, The Boston 100

Please share:

Events

Comedy Lives in Boston

Comedy shows are a great outing for friends and family to enjoy, while reaping the benefits of laughter!

A Reader’s Digest article points to the benefits of laughing, cited by various studies showing improved health, burning calories and better relationships.

So, have you laughed lately? If your answer is NO, you can do something about it with a weeklong comedy event in Boston.

The Boston Comedy Arts Festival runs from September 6-10 in Cambridge, and features comics from improv, sketch, standup, musical improv and more. With tickets around $20, it’s a great way to get friends together, or take the family out, for a few laughs. This is a great way to enjoy the local comedy scene!

– Josh Sarnowitz, The Boston 100

Please share:

Attractions

Fall Fun

Apple picking is a great fall activity!

Local growers are soon welcoming customers to pick fresh, juicy apples. Massachusetts is home to hundreds of orchards you can visit directly, and it’s fun for the whole family.

For an autumn experience with Asian pears, pumpkins and apples, try Belkin Family Lookout Farm. There’s a hay pyramid, play area, moon bounce, face painting, farm animals, train rides and more. Over 21? Check out the taproom.

For treats, consider Brooksby Farm, which has cider doughnuts, fudge, seasonal pies and baked goods.

And for real variety, Boston Hill Farm is the top pick, with ice cream, sheep and bunnies to boot!

– Margrette Mondillo, The Boston 100

Please share:

technology

When Should You Upgrade Your Phone?

Not all phone upgrades are created equal.

With the new “8” products around the corner – iPhone & Samsung primarily– do you NEED to upgrade your phone for the newest product? CNBC had an article earlier this year saying no, you don’t have to upgrade often. Here are some ideas for when you should upgrade:

• Out of storage – the cloud may help, but if you’re at capacity with your apps, you should upgrade.

• Cracked screen – cracked screens can hinder your experience. Sometimes it’s easier to replace the phone than shell out for just a screen.

• Battery issues – If your phone doesn’t hold a charge or shuts off randomly – upgrade!

– Josh Sarnowitz, The Boston 100

Please share:

Food

Oil Infusion

Catania Oils processes a variety of edible oils for consumers, retailers, restaurants and bulk orders. (Photo courtesy of Pure Style Photography)

As oil processors, our lives revolve around authentic cooking oils with fresh and bold flavors, especially non-GMO and organic. At home, we enjoy finding new ways to use our oils and we’ve found infusing them with various flavors takes them to a new level.

We started selling our own garlic oil and a dipping oil made with garlic, rosemary and additional spices. You can try infusing at home but be cautious, as some ingredients require cooking or special preparation to avoid foodborne illnesses. Certain microorganisms thrive in oil because of its lack of oxygen, so research thoroughly before infusing.

– Stephen Basile, Catania Oils

Please share:

Fashion

Fall Fashion: Sleeve Madness

Sleeves are IN this fall. Play around with styles and textures to get the best looks.

Some may think they’re ugly, on trend or just don’t get the look, but one thing we know is exaggerated sleeves on sweaters, tops and dresses are a thing for 2017 fall fashion.

With dropping temperatures, autumn requires more coverage, so sleeves give you the opportunity to try out the latest fashion trend that will dress up your style. Designers have updated the older bell and puffy long sleeves for a sleek, modern new look – think Princess Diana!

Where to shop:

• J.Crew – Ribbed bell-sleeve top

• Intermix – Tibi Florence Mini Dress

• Banana Republic – Riley-Fit Pleated Bell-Sleeve Shirt

– JoJo Gutfarb, The Boston 100

Please share:

Food

Apples and Asiago!

A great alternative to your unhealthy chips and dip – try this recipe at your next party!

It’s almost fall, which means pumpkin spice everything, crisp air, boots, football and apple picking.

While everyone will likely be making caramel apples and apple pies, I have a healthier way to use those freshly picked fruits that is great for family parties or football tailgates.

Chips and dip can be one of the least healthy and highly caloric snacks, so this recipe uses fresh Granny Smith apple slices as the “chips” for a dip of roasted red peppers and PDO Asiago cheese. Apples are stock-full of health benefits – fighting heart disease and aiding weight loss – while tasting delicious!

– Amanda Santucci, The Skinny Spice

Please share:

Sports

Youth Football…It’s Still Not the NFL

Youth football should be fun for the kids, and parents should focus on teaching and encouragement at this age.

Football is back – NFL, college, high school and, of course, youth football. We’ve all seen videos of parents and coaches fighting and yelling at Pop Warner games, leaving a blemish on the sport.

What’s most important during this young stage, which many people lose sight of, is safety. Winning and losing can be emphasized later, but bad football form and injuries can lead to significant issues later in life.

Coaches should be teaching proper tackling form, leading with the shoulders instead of the head and parents should encourage proper nutrition and sports training so their bodies are ready to play.

– Josh Sarnowitz, The Boston 100

Please share:

Education

There’s Something for Everyone in Podcasts

Podcasts are a great alternative to the radio, television and movies. They can be informative, funny, serious or opinionated, but there is something for everyone.

I’ve been on a HUGE podcast kick lately and encourage everyone to listen. There are endless possibilities to what you can listen to – politics and news, comedy, celebrity interviews, financial advice and more.

There are short episodes for a quick drive or getting ready in the morning, or longer episodes and seasons for long commutes, working out and downtime entertainment. A few of my favorites are Marketing Over Coffee, The Nerdist, The Joe Rogan Experience, Serial and The Tim Ferriss Show.

My enjoyment is mostly through comedic and factual podcasts, but dive in and explore – you’ll find something you love!

– Josh Sarnowitz, The Boston 100

Please share:

Community

How to Help Harvey Victims

Man rescuing a woman and her dog during Hurricane Harvey.

Texas Monthly has a list of resources available to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey. (Photo courtesy of Scott Olson and Getty Images)

Our hearts go out to those affected by Hurricane Harvey. New Orleanians know how difficult it can be to rebuild after a disaster. Those wanting to help may be similarly overwhelmed, unsure of where to send their aid.

Here’s a resource for those looking to help our neighbors in Houston.

With hurricanes like Harvey and Katrina, people are in serious need of supplies. Diapers, nonperishable foods and unopened pet foods are in demand in Houston and its surrounding areas. Additionally, displaced Houstonians will need homes as they rebuild; now is the time to return their kindness from 12 years ago.

Points of Light and Big Sky Ranch are additional resources for those looking to help.

– Sarah H. Centorino, The New Orleans 100

Please share:

Business

Three Ways Content Marketing Builds Business

There are many reasons why you should be integrating content marketing in your business strategies.

Content marketing is changing the way businesses engage with customers. Here are three ways your business can benefit from this useful tactic.

1. Be an Expert: Quality content delivered on a consistent basis positions your business as an authority and builds credibility with your audience.

2. Boosts SEO: In a highly searchable world, genuinely good content will not only bring back your audience but help with search engine rankings.

3. Content Creates Value: When your audience visits your website or social pages, they expect to glean insights from what you’re putting out there — and depend on you for valuable information.

– Natalie Ghidotti, The Arkansas 100

Please share:

Business News

iPhone 8 Announcement Believed to Be Set for Sept. 12

The back of silver, black and rosegold iPhone back.

The rumored new iPhone 8 design

It’s that time again; Apple fanatics everywhere are awaiting the highly anticipated announcement of the next generation iPhone, the iPhone 8.

Rumors have been swirling about what to expect from the new device for over a year. After last year’s underwhelming iPhone 7, everyone is expecting to be blown away with Apples’ 10th-anniversary model, and it looks like we are getting closer and closer to discovering what Apple has up its sleeve.

Though nothing can be confirmed until Apple sends out its WWDC press invites, historical precedent leads many new sources to believe the reveal will happen September 12.

– Nathan Best, The Atlanta 100

Please share: