Homes: Around the house

Home & Garden

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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Around the house

By JUDY STARK
Published February 3, 2007

Swivel mop gets dirt wherever it hides

The latest entry in the mop sweepstakes: the Vileda Every-Which-Way sponge mop from O-Cedar. It's supposed to combine the convenience of quick-clean tools like the Swiffer with the scrubbing ability of a traditional butterfly sponge mop. The head - 11 1/2 inches wide - swivels 360 degrees to reach under furniture and into narrow spaces. The sponge refill attaches with Velcro for quick on-and-off and strong hold. In the middle of the sponge is a "power zone" for scrubbing dried-on dirt and stains. The mop is recommended for all hard surfaces except wood. Suggested retail is $11.99 to $14.99 at supermarkets, drugstores and the big-box stores.

Model remodelers

Honors for two local remodeling contractors: Tom Tafelski, president of Thomas Construction in St. Petersburg, is the Tampa Bay Builders Association's Remodelor Member of the Year. . . . Terry G. Perkins of Terry G. Perkins Design Build Remodelers in Madeira Beach was named Regional Contractor of the Year in the category of residential interiors, $100,000 and under, by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. He now moves on to national judging.

Must-see builders DVD

Fine Homebuilding magazine has just released the second edition of its "Best Of . . ." on DVD. There are more than 1,000 articles drawn from 183 issues of the magazine, published over the last 25 years. The DVD comes with original photos and illustrations as well as more than 1,300 tips from the magazine's "Tips & Techniques" collection. It's $125 at www.finehomebuilding.com, or call toll-free 1-866-288-4167.