LEWISTON — Like a lot of budget-minded consumers, Megan Parks used to grimace when the cashier totaled her groceries. “Some weeks we spent $300,” said her husband, Jason Parks. They used to shop without a list. “We were just barreling through the store, not planning, saying ‘That looks good,’” she said. Megan has changed her […]

The television had been blaring NickToons for at least two hours. Probably more like four. And then I snapped. “If you guys don’t turn off that television, I’m going to throw it out of the window,” I told my children. With great flourish, I unplugged the cable wires and waved them around as if the […]

Cynics might brush off the signs popping up on nail salon windows: “We have no-chip manicures!” Understandably. In the harrowing history of nail polish, few women have managed to fish keys out of their purses without nicking one or more of their freshly coated nails. Even if color survives that plunge, a round of dish-washing […]

Ken Savage’s marriage already was strained, but the first sign that something was egregiously, electronically wrong came a year and a half ago, when his wife started taking her laptop into a different room to check Facebook. Once, Savage walked in on her. She asked, startled, “What are you doing?” and shut the laptop with […]

5 tips for packing 1. Underpack. You can always buy things later or have parents send them. 2. Before you start buying, check with the school. It should have a list of suggested items as well as a list of prohibited ones. 3. Bring plenty of adhesive hooks, like 3M Command Strips. These removable hooks […]

Thinking about getting your first-time college student packed for dorm life can overwhelm even the most organized parent. Plenty of retailers are ready to chip in with advice — Bed Bath & Beyond, Target and Wal-Mart issue lists of “essentials” for your student. Most of these lists take a great approach to organization, breaking down […]

Some events require tickets or are subject to other limitations. If in doubt, we recommend you contact the venue. Night Life listings must be e-mailed to [email protected] and received no later than Monday. Tonight Sunday Night Dance Party with Steve Colella, 8 p.m., Mixers, Sabattus Karaoke, 8 p.m. to midnight, Schemengee’s Bar and Grille, Lewiston […]

We want to introduce Josh Harps as a local musician. But that one word seems insufficient to describe someone with this many irons in the fire. We’ll just call this 32-year-old from Auburn an entertainer and let him do the rest. So, Josh. We’re afraid you’re not staying busy enough. What are you up to? […]