Some of my strongest memories are tied to -- if not defined by -- music.  From the age of about 18 months old, when my parents found me whistling under the breakfast table, to feeling “easy like Sunday morning” after last night’s supermarket run, it’s hard to remember a time I didn’t have a song in my head. 

A few years back, I found a book:  This is Your Brain on Music by Daniel J. Levitin, which served as perfect way to feed both my inner geek and also gain a better understanding of why certain songs just stick with you and have the power to instantly remind you of specific events, times or places.

The recent spell of warm weather left me longing for lazy summer days and scanning my sonic memory bank to create playlists to welcome the season.  After culling some favorites (and with a little crowd sourcing thrown in for good measure), I had a list of more than 100 good-time summer jams, spanning several decades.  Since I can barely scratch the surface here, I’ll share a couple playlists (one old school, one contemporary) to help get you in the summer mindset.

Summer Breeze – Seals & Crofts

Baker Street – Gerry Rafferty

California Soul – Marlena Shaw

Steal Away – Robbie Dupree

Reminiscing – Little River Band

I’d Really Love to See You Tonight – England Dan and John Ford Coley

Don’t Go Breaking My Heart – Elton John and Kiki Dee

Whenever I Call You Friend – Kenny Loggins/Melissa Manchester

Living Thing – ELO

Xanadu – Olivia Newton John

Jump in the Pool – Friendly Fires

Catch the Sun – Doves

Ooh Yeah – Moby

Happy Up Here –Royksopp

Raindrops – Basement Jaxx

Keep Your Eyes Ahead – The Helio Sequence

Nearer Than Heaven – The Delays

Sometime Around Midnight – Airborne Toxic Event

1901—Phoenix

Kids -- MGMT

What gems will this summer hold?  It’s a bit early to say, but the new MGMT and Gorillaz are poised to be in heavy rotation.

Amanda

This is my first blog post because I am IT challenged.  I am 40% of the accounting department at Hunter Public Relations – the other 60% of which is covered by Sergio Ljubicic who knows a lot more than I do about accounting.  Among other things, I am responsible for keeping the Accounts Payable in order, and that means organizing and paying invoices that come in from vendors who provide services and products used by the account teams and their clients in the course of realizing the production of events, contests and various other PR-type goings–on which are created by the fantastically inventive folks at Hunter PR.

When I first started working at Hunter PR in 1997, things were quite a bit simpler, mainly because there were about 20 employees compared to the 70+ of today.  Sergio and I even used to input the invoices by hand!  As the company started growing, we joined the computer age.  Some things still are done the old fashioned way though, and it seems to work pretty well.

Barbara 

Coming to you from Hunter PR in Chicago. I am thrilled to rejoin Hunter from the Windy City! We’ve got a lot of foodies in the office, so I decided to dedicate my post to the wonderful food scene here. Hopefully this will serve as a mini-resource the next time you’re visiting the Second City and need a place to chow down downtown.  After reflecting on the best food experiences I’ve had to-date, here are my top five restaurant recommendations:

The Purple Pig – how can you go wrong with the tagline “Cheese, Swine and Wine”?  This friendly wine bar is tucked away on the Magnificent Mile but is frequented by locals.  Don’t miss: Pig’s Ear with Crispy Kale, Marinated Cherry Peppers & Fried Egg

Quartino – This popular Italian tapas restaurant, pizzeria and wine bar never disappoints, and that’s why Chicagoans keep coming back. Great place before a night out on the town. Don’t miss: anything on the Salumeria small plates menu (try the Duck Prosciutto!)

XOCO – You’ve done it again, Rick Bayless, and this time, celebrating Mexican street food.  This quick service café in River North, next to Bayless’ famed Topolobampo and Frontera Grill, features delectable entrees for under $15.  “Xoxo” is Mexican slang for “little sister”.  Don’t miss: Woodland Mushroom Tortas

Hop Haus – This neighborhood bar is unassuming from the outside, but is one-of-a-kind on the inside.  Head here for your pick of 32 microbrews and imports, including Ebel‘Sweiss from Illinois (personal fave).  Don’t miss: Ostrich burger with Havarti cheese

Sushi Naniwa – There are tons of sushi options in River North, but Sushi Naniwa is home to the freshest sushi for the best value.  The staff is incredibly friendly, too. Great place to eat in or take out. Don’t miss: Uni shooter (sea urchin)

Rachel

This year was a harsh winter for New Yorkers and the cold weather keeps lingering, but we’re starting to see the first glimpse of spring and warm weather. As to be expected, New Yorkers are out and about enjoying the rays as soon as the sunshine hits.  Just a few weeks ago it was the first official warm day and it feels like everyone flocked to Central Park or Prospect Park to lay out, toss a Frisbee or picnic with friends.

There are so many fun and free events that go on in the spring and summer that it’s hard to keep up and I thought I would share some of my most reliable sources on how to keep my finger on the pulse and make sure I don’t miss out on any of the fun.

Flavorpill is one of my favorite weekly newsletters so find out what’s going on in the cultural scene.  Another favorite is Tasting Table and the weekend guide because I’m a huge foodie and will never pass up a good meal deal, pairing dinner or tasting event.  I love music and outdoor concerts so I check OhmyRockness religiously to find out what bands are playing and where.

A great way to share these fun events with friends and plan your outings together is to create a social Gmail calendar and invite your friends to also post fun things to do that all of you can access, view and add to.

Annette