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By Compiled by JUDY STARK

© St. Petersburg Times, published August 12, 2000

Briefs and news of note

Nip biters in bud

Has this been a bad season for mosquitoes? No kidding! Skeeter-beater suggestions from Ace Hardware: Since mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors, wear light shades with long sleeves and close-fitting ankles. Skip the perfume or cologne when you're going to be outside; they're both mosquito magnets. Keep the lawn mowed; biting insects hide in tall grass. Eliminate sources of standing water: Potted plants, flooded sandboxes, wet barbecues, even discarded food wrappers are prime spots for mosquitoes to thrive.

Put it all together

Here's a cute way to make the most of the souvenirs of a milestone. Frame a child's preschool diploma with a snapshot taken at graduation. "So many times, the photographs, the programs, the little mementos we cherish all wind up in a big cardboard box," said Kim Ahern, executive director of the Art & Framing Council. Get those items out of the box or scrapbook and create a personal decorating element. Variations on the theme: a recital or theater program with a photograph taken at the performance; a scorecard from a game or golf match with appropriate photos.

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