The "Bourne" movie series -- If you haven't seen the first two "Bourne" flicks, rent them or download them now. Based on the Robert Ludlum novels (which I haven't read, but want to) both "The Bourne Identity" and "The Bourne Supremacy" are intelligent action flicks that truly entertain. Matt Damon is solid in both and he'll surely please in this summer's third Bourne flick, "The Bourne Ultimatum." It's out in theaters Aug. 3. -- Jeff Sherman
"A Bear and His Boy" -- There are tons of books for kids these days, but frankly few seem as fun and funny as the ones that have endured the test of time. That is, except for "A Bear and His Boy," by Sean Bryan and Tom Murphy, the same team that also created "A Girl and Her Gator." This book, about, well, a bear and his boy -- that's Zach, whom the bear wakes to find on his back. Our bear leads a hectic life and after a whirlwind day, Zach shows his new ursine friend how to slow it down and enjoy life. Simply and evocatively drawn, written in a great rhyming style, this is a vintage-style kids picture book and one on which Carlo Petrini should stamp the Slow Food seal of approval. -- Bobby Tanzilo
Tasty Bite Indian food packets -- I could eat Indian food at least once a week, but my budget only allows for the occasional visit to Maharaja or Taste of India. Hence, to get my fill of Indian eats I usually buy the "heat and serve" packets. A while back, they were only available at Indian grocery stores, but these days, you can get them just about anywhere, including Pick 'n Save. They're super cheap (under $3), tasty and are an ideal convenience food for at home or when you're camping. I really haven't tried a brand I didn't like, but my new favorite is Tasty Bite brand's Kashmir spinach: cubes of paneer cheese in a light, curried spinach sauce. Sop that up with a piece of nan or pour over a pile of basmati for an experience so satisfying nobody needs the hookah. -- Molly Snyder Edler
Editing obscure Wikipedia pages -- Nothing gives you the feeling of accomplishment like editing the band bio of Bran Van 3000, removing sourceless opinions from painter and graffiti artist Barnaby Furnas' entry or including an extra morsel of information regarding the long defunct Doomtrooper Collectible Trading Card Game. I'm not talking about adding vandalism, but rather hard, referenced facts. Your changes might only get noticed by two or three people, but you can rest assured that those two or three people appreciate it. -- Jason McDowell
Ghirardelli chocolate squares -- They're not cheap and they're not big, but they're simply fantastic. Try the milk chocolate with carmelized almonds. Put them out with coffee at your next dinner party and it'll be a hit. Also a great stocking stuffer or Secret Santa gift. Everybody loves chocolate, right? -- Drew Olson
The Dogg Haus on Brady Street -- The employees at this location are always super friendly (even when I spilled an entire cup of soda on the ground...sorry again!). They serve both meat and veggie dogs, pile them high with more fixins than your heart desires. As an extra bonus, dogs are welcome inside, which is convenient for those lunchtime walks. -- Jason McDowell
"Unplugging" for a day -- OK, this may seem counterproductive for someone who works at a Web site. But, you have to trust me on this one. Pick a day on the weekend (during the week if your schedule permits) and turn off the cell phone, Blackberry, Treo or other device. Don't crack open the laptop. Stay away from the TV. Take a walk in the park. Browse through a bookstore or an antique shop. Take a nap. No matter how important you think you are, the e-mail will be there when you get back and the world will continue to rotate on its axis without you. We promise. -- D.O.
