Story in Boston Magazine

Young Gun: Would You Let This Kid Save Your Town? Brendan Ciecko made his name—and a boatload of money—as the music industry's go-to website designer. Now that he's finally old enough to buy beer, he's decided to take on a slightly less sexy project: remaking his hardscrabble hometown.

The story hits newsstands today but you can read it online at BostonMagazine.com. I hope you enjoy.

The Wodka Wars

"Vice Scandinavia correspondent Ivar Berglin travels to the front lines of the Vodka/Wodka Wars – and discovers that the tortured history of Russian-Polish relations can be saved in a bottle."



At first glance, I thought this would be a comedic piece about vodka, but as the documentary played on it revealed a powerful story of Polish nationalism, identity, history - and of course, the rightful origin of wodka. I was very impressed by this video.

Note: When I was in Kraków a few years ago, there were no people walking around in giant beer costumes. Maybe next time?

Jim Jefferies in Boston

Last Friday, Elizabeth and I headed to Boston to see emerging comedian Jim Jefferies. He has been the talk of the Edinburgh Fringe / Comedy Festival, regarded as the UK's most offensive comic, and he's also a client - I was very excited to see him live and say hello.

Before the show we had dinner at Gaslight Brasserie, a French bistro in the South End. The decor was very similar to that of Pastis in NYC (very, very similar menu) and Kingston Station in Boston - covered in shiney white subway tile, a floor of mosiac tile, antique lighting fixtures. After dinner, we walked over towards the BCA to pick up our tickets and meet with some friends at the Beehive, which was right next to the theatre.

After that, we went over the theatre to see Jim Jefferies.

I've seen lots of his older material, and recent HBO Special... I must say, his current stand-up routine tops any I've seen or heard so far. Witty punchlines, intense stories, dirty and clever, no boundries. You must hear it for yourself.

He'll be back on the East Coast in September at Carolines in NYC. I might need to experience his live show once again, it's worth it.

Oh, New England.

The weather was excellent this weekend. I started off Saturday, walking around downtown Holyoke and relaxed at Heritage State Park by the canals... good news, Canal Walk is scheduled to break ground in a few weeks.

For the evening, Elizabeth and I headed up to Brattleboro, VT. It's a laid-back, little town with an evident emprace for arts and local, independent business. After walking around downtown and checking out a few shops and galleries, we saw a movie at the Lathis Hotel & Theatre. The Latchis is a landmark Art Deco building that holds a theater, restaurant, hotel, and shops under one roof. On a side note, did you know that two of the most prominent North American architects were born here? Richard Morris Hunt and William Mead came from this small town.

On Sunday, we took a day trip to Hartford, CT. We started at the world-class Wadsworth Atheneum, a true gem and the oldest art museum in the country. In addition to the grand permanent collection, they had a great piece by Dutch artist Folkert de Jong that caught my eye. After spending a few hours enjoying the art of the Wadsworth, we walked over Bushnell Park. On a sunny day like today, the park was full of life... and masses of Deadheads that infested the city for tonight's show. We then drove over to The Mark Twain House and Harriet Beecher Stowe's house. There's so much to see in the region. Dum-de-dum-de-dum-dum-da-dum-day... Oh, New England.

Parade Day

Late last night, Elizabeth and I decided it might be fun to put together a last-minute gathering for the parade in Holyoke... our city is host to the 2nd largest St. Patrick's Day parades in the country. Through out the duration of the parade, friends and family stopped by my office to watch the festivities below. It's so nice to see hundreds of thousands of people line the streets and sidewalks of Holyoke on this day each year.

Twenty First Birthday

Yesterday was my 21st birthday. I started off my day in Boston at the State House. I was invited to a major gathering of government officials and business leaders where the discussion was focused on the state's technology sector. Heads from Google, IBM, Microsoft, Cisco, iRobot and many more filled the room. Governor Patrick posed questions about how the state can position itself to be the leader in tech sector, help the sector flourish, and retain it's brightest companies, entrepreneurs, and students. So far, I've been very impressed with his administration's attention and enthusiasm about the topic.

After the meeting came to an end, I met many new faces and got plenty of "happy birthdays!" On my way out, Governor Patrick asked me, "you don't plan on leaving us?" (referring to the state) and to which I replied, "certainly not, I was born and raised in MA and plan on staying..." The truth is, I do plan on staying in state and I'm really starting to dig Boston, especially because of the many new friends and connections I've made there in the last few months.

After the tech-filled morning, we made our way down to Providence. We checked out some local art at a few galleries, notably the Providence Art Club, a few antique shops looking for decor for my new (but 1870's) place, and explored a few neighborhoods. We also, for the first time, checked out the Rhode Island State Capitol building, designed by McKim, Mead and White. Two state houses in one day, not bad. We visit this city often (one of my favorite small capitals) and try to capture something new each time.

After the adventures, for my birthday celebration/dinner, Elizabeth took me to one of my favorite restaurants, Capriccio. It's the basement of an old marvelous, mansard-roof-having, bank building on the edge of the financial district near the river. Check this place out if you're ever in Providence.

82nd Official Houdini Seance

On Thursday, Elizabeth and I headed down to Madison, New Jersey for the 82nd Official Houdini Seance. It was an interesting experience to say the least. Elizabeth was invited to the "Inner Circle" which is an honor in the Houdini-world (she's the youngest person to be a part of it in all 82 years since Houdini's death). The circle was composed of such icons as Sidney Radner and Dorothy Young. After a hour or so of 'tapping into spiritual energy sources' by the psychic medium, the great Houdini decided not to show himself. Maybe next year?

Weezing in Lowell

Last night, Elizabeth and I along with a good friend went to see Weezer in Lowell, MA. This city, just like Holyoke, was planned for industry and manufacturing - the Merrimack and various canals are lined with beautiful red-brick buildings. When we got there, our buddy at Interscope brought us inside to meet Tom Delonge (ex-Blink 182) and his band Angels & Airwaves. Elizabeth mentioned her museum and surprisingly the guys all wanted to know more about Houdini and Holyoke! She's turning into to quite the museum elevator-pitcher. All in all, it was a nice adverture.

Gogol Bordello in Providence

Yesterday I went to Providence, RI to see one of my favorite bands, Gogol Bordello. I always look for a reason to drive out to Providence as I'm a fan of the city's interesting architecture and emerging art's scene - maybe I just love seeing the Turks Head Building. Gogol Bordello played at Lupo's and put on an amazing show, probably one of the best shows I've ever attended. Elizabeth had a quick chat with with Eugene Hutz, in Russian of course.