If you have a dashboard widget you really like using, you don't have to use it only on the dashboard--you can promote widgets from the dashboard so that they are on the Desktop. Here's how:

1) Open a terminal window (Applications > Utilities > Terminal) and type defaults write com.apple.dashboard devmode YES. Doing this will allow dashboard widgets to be moved to the Desktop.

2) Restart the Dock (http://www.tipstrs.com/tip/943/Restarting-the-dock-in-OS-X).

2) Open the dashboard (F12) and click on a widget and move it slightly. With the mouse button still pressed, push the F12 key again and when the dashboard is removed, this widget will remain behind.

3) To get rid of the widget from your desktop, click the widget on your desktop and press F12 to bring up the dashboard. When you leave the dashboard, the widget will be removed from your desktop. However, it's in a weird state. When you look at your dashboard, the widget will be shown in a disabled state, but it doesn't exist on the dashboard or the desktop. To restor the widget you need to bring up the dashboard widget organizer (click the black plus sign in the lower left-hand corner of the dashboard window) and remove the widget. You can then add it back and all will be well.