By Stacy Downs The Kansas City Star Windows for years were unadorned, except for subtle shades or wooden blinds. Now, the fabric is back, even in minimalist interiors. “Draperies add elegance while softening the room, making it cozier,” said interior designer Sherry Worth of Overland Park, Kan. “They also hide ugly views and create privacy. […]

By Jack Perconte McClatchy-Tribune Information Services This is a frequent request I receive from parents, “Would you make him a major leaguer?” My response is usually something along the lines of, “Only he can do that, but I will try to instill the correct fundamentals and impress upon him the importance of a great work […]

I was at the Auburn Public Library recently. A middle-aged woman sat in a comfortable arrangement of chairs, meant to entice folks to sit and enjoy the collection of books placed nearby. She was on her cell phone and carried on a lengthy conversation, using a normal tone of voice throughout. It apparently never occurred […]

There’s a man standing on a busy street corner somewhere with a sandwich board that reads: “PREPARE! THE END IS NEAR!” Ten years ago, we would have laughed. Today, not so much. With all the talk about the Mayan calendar predicting doom, with movies like “The Road,” “2012” and “Book of Eli,” with the History […]

My gripe is when a big department store doesn’t accommodate the handicapped with some benches to sit on or electric carts. They are losing out, as there are many handicapped customers who would like to shop and browse around, but their legs would give out. I’d say, if they want to make more of a […]

Both nervous and eager about his trip to the United States for a year of study, Brazilian exchange student Guilherme Cadioli soon found much to love in Maine. He has been attending Lewiston High School and staying with Tricia McBride — a Lewiston resident who has wanted to host an exchange student since her own […]

Imagine having lettuce, celery, carrots and green peppers chopped for a salad and realizing you don’t have cucumbers and tomatoes, or worse, they’ve gone bad. The last thing you want to do is take a trip to the store. Too bad you hadn’t planted a small garden on your deck or in your backyard; you’d […]

The scrumptious scents of nutmeg, vanilla and honey permeated our kitchen — and suddenly my son was right behind me trying to detect the source of the aromas. Before he even had a chance to taste test the recipe for Gracie’s Make-Ahead Baked French Toast, I knew I had found the perfect recipe for Easter […]

The Irish have had a huge influence on Maine, and we’re not talking green beer, potatoes and Irish whiskey. They have founded our communities, built our ships, organized our churches, led our government, run our factories and pioneered our arts. And no better place to discover or expand your appreciation for the Irish influence in […]