Nissan youth-anized its compact Sentra for 2007, creating an economy sedan with so much interior space the EPA considers it a midsize. The last-generation Sentra languished for years in a dowdy body style. But no more. The new model has more shapely legs if it has to go that life cycle distance again.   ATTENTION SENTRA - Sold in three trim levels, new Sentra prices start at $16,425, with continuously variable automatic transmission. CNS Photo courtesy ... [full story]

Time to rise for fall, filmgoers. The narrowest and least celebrated of movie-launch seasons still promises a lot. And after a stunned, often staggering summer (grosses outrun gratitude), we cry out for quality. Or, at least, diverting simulations of quality.   REEL IMPROVEMENT - Major stars align to brighten normally lackluster fall film season. Among the notables are Cate Blanchette in 'Elizabeth, the Golden Age'; Jamie Foxx in 'The Kingdom'; and Halle Berry in 'Things We ... [full story]

Q: This is a framed, reverse painting that belonged to my grandmother around 1914. It is one of three that I inherited. The other two are scenes of the Titanic and a castle. The one in this photo measures approximately 30 by 18 inches. Other than some wear on the frame it is in good condition. I could not find an artist's signature.   REVERSE PAINTING - This reverse painting on glass was probably done in ... [full story]

Costa Rica is a wildlife lover's paradise, boasting tropical birds and exotic mammals around every corner. Only here, among miles of unspoiled beaches, rain forests, rivers and churning volcanoes, can travelers experience 12 distinct ecological zones. Teeming with biological diversity, each zone offers an opportunity to further explore the depths of Central America's tropics.   TINY TREASURE - Few places rival Costa Rica for wildlife viewing. Pictured is a poison dart frog, small in size but ... [full story]

Q: We have a problem with dead areas of grass in our four-year-old lawn. The front yard was sodded and has the problem, while the backyard was seeded and doesn't have the problem. We have tried using fungicides. Nothing seems to kill it. We take good care of the grass by fertilizing and watering it with the sprinkler system on a regular basis. Can you suggest to us what we can do to kill this ... [full story]