Sniffles and Sneezes, Dedham Visiting Nurses Association
What the world needs now is love, sweet love—and somebody to look after sick kids while their parents are working. Who better to do it than the Visiting Nurses? (Preregistration is required.) 1100 High Street, Dedham, MA .
Neiman Marcus
The clerks there don't work for a specific cosmetics company, so they'll mix and match brands to help you achieve your look—even if it's not what Ultima or Estee Lauder is promoting this season. 5 Copley Place, Boston, MA .
Representatve Martin Meehan
This brash freshman not only ran afoul of big gun Joe Moakley, his fiancee took a walk citing a lack of quality time. Welcome to the big leagues, Marty.
Porterhouse Cafe
Get ready for the Rib Wars, folks. The best in a field of new contenders is the Porterhosue Cafe, with its slow-cooked, down-and-dirty pork ribs, Texas-style brisket, and mean and nasty hot sauce—Yeow! 2046 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA .
Michael Barry of Pooka Stew
When it comes to lyrics, Barry has it going on. Listen for his "T M T V" and for zinger lines in the rest of his work. Example: "Her beautiful hair looks just fine without her."
Jinx Cahill
A year ago the National Enquirer pointed out that she was responsible for Joan Kennedy's new, svelte look. Now she's becoming a mini-fitness empire with her two new salons. 172 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Neiman Marcus
Whether you're looking for something to go with jeans, or a chain for designer duds, you can't miss at Neiman's. Not exactly cheap, but not nearly as expenisive as you might expect in this tony emporium. Copley Place, Boston, MA .
The Gap
Great one-stop shopping for sturdy, knockabout clothing for big and little people. Great colors and variety of styles make it possible to achieve an individual look at reasonable prices. All locations, .
Joe Kennedy
JK took a pass on Uncle Ted's coronation at the Democratic state convention to go to—irony alert—Florida. If Grandpa were still alive, little Joe would have been taken to the woodshed and spanked.
Marty's Liquors
Thousands (yes, thousands!) of bottles to choose from and several hundred beers. If you're stuck for a selection or need advice, look for wine buyer Tom Schmeisser. He's one of New England's most knowledgeable oenophiles. 675 Washington St., Newtonville, MA .
Darren Le
Le considers himself, as he puts it, a teaching artist. That means a snip session with this rising star will not only rock your locks, but also leave you a wiz at recreating the Le-styled look in the weeks to come. G2O Spa and Salon, 338 Newbury St., Boston, MA g2ospasalon.com.
James at Solus
Our test of a good haircut: Will it grow out gracefully? In other words, can we get an extra week out of it without looking like outtakes from Headbangers' Ball? James's cuts make the grade. 115 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Boston Beach Club
Well, it's the themiest. Surfing videos, a bar made from surfboards, et cetera. If you can, like, flow with the energy. It also helps to look (or be the same age as) Rob Lowe. 300 Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, MA .
The Evans Wing
It took four years and $11.5 million, but the Evans Wing is back and packed with 700 fine European and American paintings, including works of such masters as Renoir, Monet, Picasso, O'Keeffe, and Pollock. The MFA, Boston, MA .