December 1971

WINTER SPORT: some new ways to go

The times they are a-changin' but a few things stay the same-- like the exhilarating pleasure of a brisk winter morning spent sliding down a hillside over fresh-fallen snow. The elements of the adventure have remained constant for ages: bright scarves and ice-caked boots and tearful spills and runny noses and a playful north wind that nips at fingers like a kitten.

Norfolk Island pine is a natural for Christmas

Houseplants need cleaning

If you don't remove dust from foliage, plants can't breathe or grow properly. Take care of your largest leaved plants to begin with, since they're the ones that accumulate the most dust and grime. Also, they're much easier to clean than the plants with small or cut-leaved foliage.

Crown-of-thorns--a great low-maintenance ornamental

Take time out for repotting

Don't be a slave to your plants

Safe ways to transport plants in cold weather

Are your begonias in trouble?

PORNOGRAPHY: WHAT CAN WE DO TO PROTECT OUR KIDS?

The pollution by pornographers of our moral environment has spread from Manhattan to Main Street. Mailboxes across the country are stuffed with sexual ads. Every sizable community has "triple-X" movies, "porn parlors" where hard-core books and magazines are sold, nudie nickelodeons, raunchy recordings, underground newspapers with sadistic comics and page after page of lewd want ads.

YOU MAY SAVE ON TAXES IF YOU ACT RIGHT NOW

Proper tax planning before the new year could save you quite a bit of cash. Over any two-year period, you often can distribute your deductions-- and sometimes your income-- so you won't pay as much tax. But you'll have to take advantage of these approved techniques before the year ends in order to save in 1971 and 1972. Check out the following possibilities, and confer with your tax adviser if you're unsure about the best moves.

What NOT to buy Dad for his car this Christmas

If Dad already has an assortment of neckties, cuff link sets and "genuine" imitation leather wallets, you might be thinking about buying him something for his car this season. Great, but be leery. Auto supply counters are loaded with gizmos that look good, but do nothing for a car or driver.

Make your dog mind

Your dog was born to be one of two things, leader or follower, and he's equally happy in either role. Obviously, you'll be happier if he accepts the latter. Making him obey isn't difficult. You simply must convince him that you're the boss.

GOOD NEWS

Shop here for that special gift to please the hobbyist, homebody handyman, gourmet cook, music buff. Most of the items are so new they weren't available last year. Chances are, you'll see something you'd like yourself-- so leave the issue opened to "Good News" and hope someone will get the message.

Choosing and caring for Christmas trees

Nowadays, Christmas trees are planted and cared for on farms. Few people cut their own in the wilds anymore. Perhaps you're lucky enough to have access to a tree farm where you can select a tree which is sure to be fresh. Otherwise, you must take your chances on shipped-in trees that may have traveled a great distance and have been cut several weeks previously.

Remember These? OLD-TIMEY TOYS TO MAKE

Remember the toys of your childhood-- simple toys, made to last-- the ones your father made? Here's a choice collection for you to make for your children.

The American Family Christmas

ELIZABETH D. CRASTER, Home Entertainment Editor Where you live (or where you once lived) can suggest the way you deck your house-- but the final determinant is what you like. You don't have to live in sun-baked Arizona to delight in shiny tincraft baubles, or in New England to respond to crazy-quilt ornaments. Our Christmas heritage belongs to all of us, and choosing decorations from all over can add richness to your holidays.

Natural Gifts

How to freeze leftover poultry

Instead of serving turkey for days after the big feast, why not freeze some till poultry sounds extra-good to your family again? Most cooked poultry (unless it's deep fried) can be frozen satisfactorily. Above is a useful guide for maximum storage time of home-frozen cooked poultry held at a constant below zero temperature.

Egg aids

All sorts of tools are available help you cook and serve the ... egg. Here are some of handiest for you to try.

What to look for in major appliances

Your next major appliance purchase may occur tomorrow or in a year. It may be a planned or unexpected purchase. Whichever it is, this review of what's new in major appliances is designed to help you choose wisely.

A child-safe stairway

To a small child, a flight of stairs can be an irresistible challenge to all sorts of adventures. But as any parent knows, stairs make a very dangerous playground. Though you can't entirely eliminate the danger, you can help reduce it with a handsome acrylic plastic safety door and stair guard.

Two heights are better than one

Good gravy

There's nothing like good ... for ladling over mashed ... toes, buttered noodles, ... beef or hamburger ... the cream-style gravy of ... year has been supplanted day's gravy has taken browned tones, and it's ... thinner, too.

Hardworking household brushes

Subdividing a family room

Remodeling usually means making a room bigger, but this family room needed sizing down. It was much too large for the second owners of a spacious Victorian-styled house. The high ceiling and unbroken floor plan made the room feel cold and cavernous. To update its look and livability, the new owners blended architectural innovation, new materials and contemporary decorating.

Fastening techniques

Next time you're faced with fastening something heavy to a wall, ceiling or floor, don't put your faith in a nail, screw or glue. It might let your project down with a thud.

Leading off with wood

How to defrost a bathroom

Expanses of ceramic tile and white porcelain can create a chilly setting. To give a standard bathroom some warmth and personality, incorporate today's new materials and yesterday's keepsakes.

STAMP OUT LAUNDRY STAINS!

Build your own storage

To get good-looking storage units that serve special problem areas, you usually have to build your own. But as the three examples shown here illustrate, the results can be well worth your creative efforts.

Shopping editor's choice

Discover the fun and convenience of shopping by mail! You can order with complete confidence any of the items shown: each company will refund your money if you're not delighted.

The man next door

Our now-sophisticated college daughter has decided to go along with us in hanging Christmas stockings, but she says it is purely a matter of researching the folk rituals of Middle America.