welcome to elaney!

1.  Public libraries
2.  Gogo Inflight Wireless
3.  25 calorie Nestle’s hot chocolate
4.  Neutrogena Triple Moisture Conditioner
5.  The movie Bride Wars (critically – sure, it wasn’t great but Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 9%!  And…it was kind of good…)
6.  The  movies Two Days in Paris and Savages (commercially)
7.  emum’s sense of humor
8.  TLC, the tv channel (Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta- don’t mind if “I do”)
9.  Luke Wilson’s looks
10.  Frozen grapes
11.  Vinho Verde
12.  CO in the summer!

What else you got?

**Per above picture, things that are seriously overrated: the blackberry camera

Some of you may remember awhile back when we reached out to the elaney community looking for some more alternative music recommendations.  And thanks to all of you, and specifically Reader Carli, believe it or not, we now have for you…an “elaney Indie Rock Playlist.”  [Sidebar: we don't actually know what it takes to be in the "Indie Rock" category, so for the purposes of this playlist, consider it anything they don't play on Q100.]  Enjoy!

“No matter what happens in the kitchen, never apologize.”  – Julia Child

As a rule, we think women apologize too much.  You reach for the door the same time as someone else, and the first thing that comes out of your mouth is “Oh, I’m sorry!”  But really, you aren’t “sorry.”  Forget whether or not you’re apologetic, “sorry” means you’re no good, lazy, and amounting to nothing.  And you are a perfectly nice human being. Don’t call yourself sorry.  Plus, ESPECIALLY in the workplace (not necessarily friendships and family relationships), sometimes it’s better to just keep your chin up and move forward.  Other people are NOT analyzing all the things you’ve done wrong as much as you are.  So the next time you cook something that takes like charcoal (literally or figuratively), smile and be gracious.  And maybe no one will notice.

“I like to do a little laundry everyday.” - emum, not knowing the power of her own wisdom

There is a line in American Wife (probably the highlight of our summer reading) about how being at a community pool with kids splashing and grilled cheeses being grilled at the snack bar and Mickey Mouse ice cream bars on the 10 minute break (oops, may’ve added the last one) represents her feeling as happy as she can possibly be.  Oh!  How we can relate to the sounds and smells of summer at its most honest!  So, what else represents the childlike sensibilities of summer?  Try a popsicle from King of Pops.  Check out the cart of pops at the “corner” of North Ave. & North Highland, right across from Manual’s Tavern, Mon-Fri 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sat-Sun noon to 8 p.m (they are also at Souper Jenny and Irwin Street Market and a few other places).  Delicious, festive, and one more way to stay cool.

“Well, it was Sunday afternoon.  I found myself on a hour long Subway ride back from the Target in Brooklyn, and I thought to myself, ‘Maybe I’m missing the point.’” – elaney, on why she moved from New York City