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Things I like right now. Because everyone needs to know. (And you might like them, too.) In the tradition of McSweeney's Recommends.

Cape Canaveral by Conor Oberst: I'm not really sure if it's cool to like Conor Oberst anymore, but I've been listening to this song almost continuously for the last couple days. And I'm okay with that.

Lewis Hyde: is probably one of the more genius people writing today. His book "The Gift" packs a lot of ideas into one well-written package, and every essay of his I've read is similarly astounding. For a free sample, Created Commons is pretty excellent.

Mac'n'cheese pancakes: sound terrible, but I think that's a survival mechanism. Because they're secretly delicious: little pasta tubies encased in pancake batter and crispity cheddar cheese. Add maple syrup, and you have the perfect storm of comfort foods. Especially if you're from Vermont (on this point, extra credit for drinking Vermont Liberty Tea with your 'cakes).

Snow-blowing: if you have to snow-blow, that means it snowed, which is one point in its favor. Also, it's noisy, uses fossil fuels, and is a lot easier than shoveling. And the engine is like a boat's, except you can plug it into the wall to start it instead of pulling a cord.

Music videos and movie trailers: I'm probably either way behind the curve or demonstrating how ADD my generation is by saying this (depending on how old you are), but I like these. A lot. They're fun-size movies (assuming you like fun-size candy bars--though maybe if you don't, you won't like these either). For music videos, try Lily Allen or Feist.

Finishing the NYT crossword puzzle: even if it's just Monday or Tuesday, seeing all the little boxes filled in is like sweet, sweet nectar for the mind.

Mad River Rocket sleds: only the most excellent sleds ever. Strap one to your back, walk into the woods, and find the sledding hill you always dreamed of. Don't be afraid of trees. Don't be afraid to wipe out. Fly.

The words welter, snaggletoothed, and gyre: look 'em up.

Bird feeders: birds like them. 'nough said.