| Land of lakes
Thanks to its location far from Interstate highways and sizable cities, this little town in western Maine has stayed much the same for decades. The biggest news in the past couple of years has been about the expanded and relocated IGA supermarket, the addition of a Thai restaurant, and a new ski lodge at Saddleback Maine. The region known as Rangeley Lakes has 110 lakes, ponds, and streams, and it includes the small village of Oquossoc 7 miles west. Surrounded by mountains, the area is largely undeveloped, though more and more houses are being built along winding dirt roads in the woods. While Rangeley became legendary as a hunting and fishing mecca, now it attracts nature lovers year-round. RestIf you want to stay "downtown," you can't beat The Rangeley Inn and Motor Lodge (2443 Main St., 800-666-3687, rangeleyinn.com).
USC gaining recruits from the state of Alabama
The state of Alabama continues to be fertile recruiting territory for South Carolina. Last week, DB Jarrett Burns (6-3, 186) of Huntsville committed to the Gamecocks after getting an official offer from recruiter Ron Cooper and head coach Steve Spurrier. "It was a comfort level," Burns said. "I talked to coach Cooper all the time. He showed me he could be there for me if I need something. That was a big thing to me." Burns is viewed as a big corner by the Gamecocks and had 79 tackles with one interception this season. "My advantage is my height," he said. "And I like to beat up the receiver. I like to come up and hit. And I roam the field well." Burns had an offer from Louisiana Tech and said he was getting strong interest from Clemson, Auburn, Alabama, Georgia Tech, Georgia, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Louisville and Mississippi State.
Empty Stockings
This Empty Stockings feature is printed every year on the Sunday after Thanksgiving to present the Wish and Need lists of Helena area nonprofit organizations that assist families and individuals in various ways throughout the year.It is heartwarming to see, year after year, your outpouring of love, time, gifts, donations and contributions to help these organizations and agencies help our neighbors in need. A pair of mittens, a basket of food, items such as pencils or a playground ball can make a difference.On behalf of the IR and the organizations who have sent us their lists, thank you � the individuals, families, groups, businesses, clubs � everyone in our community, for your warmhearted response to past Empty Stockings requests. Happy holidays!RMDC HEAD START200 South Cruse Ave.457-7308 .
Dolls gone wild: Unhappy moms want wholesome alternatives
Moms are hunting through toy aisles for more wholesome-looking dolls, concerned that the scantily clad Bratz dolls with their Party Palaces and Magic Make-up Studios are sending their daughters the wrong message about how they should dress and act. With their heavily made-up faces, short shorts and halter tops, Bratz are the No. 2 best-selling dolls in the country, just behind Barbie, but creeping up on her with their own lines of clothing, school supplies, video games and, most recently, a live-action movie playing in theaters. And some Moms are not happy about it. "I don't want my daughter viewing herself that way," says Gloria Baca of Tempe, Ariz., who has steered her daughter, now 10, away from Barbie and Bratz in favor of an American Girl doll by Mattel named Josefina.
Bulletin readers can help wishes come true
The Baxter Bulletin Christmas Wish program has a mission: To provide a nice Christmas for families with children in need. Donations of toys, clothing and money may be made at the Wish Distribution Center in the former Beuford's Bar-B-Q building in Georgetown Square. The center is open 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through Nov. 15 and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 20-Dec. 13. .
CoD4, EE3, GoWPC, SupCom: FA Ship To Stores
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Empire Earth III, Gears of War PC and Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance have all shipped to U.S. stores today: �We�ve set out to create the most intense, visceral experience in Call of Duty 4,� said Infinity Ward Studio Head Grant Collier. �From the beginning, our team has been focused on pulling players into an unfolding, well-paced and relentless action experience that includes: fast-roping from attack helicopters in the dead of night; utilizing a camouflage Ghillie suit as you inch behind enemy lines; or being immersed in fun, competitive action in multiplayer that enables gamers to create classes, unlock new abilities and taunt opponents as they level up.� "The Empire Earth series is a multi-million unit selling franchise that has a growing appeal among strategy gamers and the third iteration of this popular PC game is truly giving players access to the entire globe," said Pascal Brochier, president, Global Retail for Vivendi Games.
Christmas season is full of hot toys … and recalls
Years ago, I remember tromping from store to store during the Christmas season looking for a large Buzz Lightyear toy for my son. I was desperate to find the item, knowing it was at the top of my son's list. Luckily, someone returned a Buzz to a local toy store just as I called. The store held the toy for me and the story had a happy ending. Or so I thought. As many parents will attest, the toy of the moment can quickly lose its luster. Buzz was buried at the bottom of a toy box in no time. A few years later, he was garage sale fodder. I'm not sure if my son ever even played with the darned thing. Buzz wasn't the only toy I chased through the years. I have vague memories of Pokemon card quests, Power Ranger missions and WWF matches. And all of the items have wound up sold, boxed in the garage or headed to the Salvation Army.
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