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By PENNY CARNATHAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 25, 2008

Something Sunny For The Sunshine State

Florida's first USA Solar Store holds its grand opening today in Hudson.

Skyecrafts Solar Store has joined a co-op that began seven years ago in Vermont. The stores offer Earth-friendly products, from solar panels to composting toilets — tools to help people switch to renewable energy and sustainable living.

The Pasco store will focus on education, conservation, efficient appliances and solar energy, according to an Internet announcement.

The store is in The Sunshine Plaza, 8161 State Road 52. Call (727) 862-1682 or go to www.windandsolarnow.com. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

(For those of you saddened by the demise of the gnome store at that location, take comfort: The Solar Store will have a gnome department.)

Home Improvement Inside-Out

If opinions don't do much for you because you have to know WHY — and you want to see why with big ka-BOOMS —- head off to "Deconstruction" with contractor Matt Blashaw (pictured).

The DIY series premieres at 9 p.m. Wednesday with Blashaw whacking windows with golf balls, bats and other implements to figure out which types are strongest and why. Future episodes tackle topics such as, "Is granite really worth it" (or "How does granite like a blowtorch?")

Your little kid-big boy should love this one. It runs this summer on Bright House channel 136.

Portrait Of An Artist

For something different tonight, head over to Robb & Stucky Interiors and meet award-winning master portrait artist Pepito Valdes. You'll see his work and hear the intricate process he goes through to create it.

"Meet the Artist — Pepito Masterpiece Portraits" runs from 6 to 8 p.m. at Robb & Stucky

in International Plaza, Spruce Street and Westshore Boulevard, Tampa.

The event includes light hors d'oeuvres and wine.

Duck Tales

Last year's winner of the Duck Tape Saves the Day Promotion told how he used duct tape, disposable diapers and antibiotic ointment to save the life of an injured horse. Dan Gardner of Gladstone, Va., won $5,000, a year's supply of duct tape — and his youngest daughter has a horse.

The new contest starts Tuesday.

To enter, send an original, true story (no repeats and no exaggerating!) about how duct tape saved the day to www.ducktapesavestheday.com or mail to the contest name, c/o Henkel Corp., 32150 Just Imagine Drive, Avon OH 44011-1355. You've got till Oct. 31.

Check the Web site for complete rules. You'll also find your competitors' tales there.

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