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Special report

Last mission to repair the Hubble telescope
Hubble space telescope discoveries have enriched our understanding of the cosmos. In this special report, you will see facts about the Hubble space telescope, discoveries it has made and what the last mission's goals are.
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Video report

For their own good
Fifty years ago, they were screwed-up kids sent to the Florida School for Boys to be straightened out. But now they are screwed-up men, scarred by the whippings they endured. Read the story and see a video and portrait gallery.
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Multimedia report

Rays fan guide to the Trop
Here are some insider tips to Tropicana Field and area information.
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Home Front

Briefs and news of note.

By JUDY STARK
Published July 29, 2006

Making mealtime magic

Grab a napkin and start practicing the 41 folds you'll find in Napkins With a Twist by David Stark (Artisan, $19.95). Learn the Titanic fold (the napkin looks like a little boat); the shamrock fold, perfect for St. Patrick's Day; the party-hat fold (leave this on the table, please, don't wear it); or the fortune-cookie fold (tuck a slip of paper with a fortune into its folds).

Match game

If it's a constant struggle at your house to match up plastic storage containers with the right lids, try this trick, from the July Woman's Day: Assign numbers to tops and bottoms with a permanent marker, so you know that bottom No. 1 goes with lid No. 1. Now's a good time to throw out topless bottoms and bottomless tops.

Storm season super power

Hurricane season moves on - we're heading for the riskiest part of the year - and it's never too early to identify an alternative source of power. If the noise, fuel and danger of generators give you pause, consider a battery-powered source that plugs into an electrical outlet. When the power goes out, it automatically switches to backup so the devices plugged into it continue to operate: computer, refriger-ator, microwave, light. PowerSource from Xantrex, available at Staples and BestBuy, starts at under $200 and, depending on size and firepower, can keep appliances operating for hours or days. Details at www.xantrex.com.

How good kitchens go bad

The five worst kitchen design goofs, according to Consumer Reports' August issue: oversizing the island (nothing more than 48 inches); failing to maximize storage space (use swing-out shelves, lazy susans, pullouts and dividers); skipping the range hood, which exhausts heat and odors; forgetting to add under-cabinet lighting to illuminate your work surface; and leaving the garbage out (create cabinet space to hold your kitchen trash can). Sneak peek at www.consumer reports.org/kitchenguide.