August 1971

POWER POLLUTION: ARE WE LIVING BETTER ELECTRICALLY--OR WORSE?

Power generation pollutes. It spews harmful sulfur oxides into the air we breathe. It covers many of our cities with soot. It heats vast amounts of fresh water to a point where natural life in some of our lakes and streams may be disrupted.

THE PROPERTY TAX SPIRAL

In 1961, $18 billion in local property taxes was collected throughout the United States. Just ten years later, that sum has soared to $40 billion, and it threatens to rise that much again in another five years. Clearly, something must be done to control this ever-increasing bite into the family budget.

Kid Crafts

Easy ideas to keep a child happy on slow summer days

GOOD NEWS

Whirling fan blades are no longer a threat to fingers. The instant a curious child-- or a careless adult-- contacts the blade guard, the blade stops. A few seconds later, the fan restarts itself.

BEDROOMS HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF SMALL SPACE

Don't sell that skimpy bedroom short! On these ten pages, we demonstrate just how good it can look and how much living it can hold. The rooms shown were designed from floor plans of typical houses that have appeared in Better Homes and Gardens. Check these examples well-- the space-stretching ideas that worked for us will work for you.

Paseo Houses

To the first-time visitor, the new village of Valencia, California, might seem a bit unreal. While the architectural variety suggests a contemporary American suburb, some of the usual elements are notably absent: grid-lotted houses, kids playing in the streets, ugly utility wires. A detail of the land plan above helps explain why.

PLANNING A BETTER BATHROOM

The difference between an ordinary and an excellent bathroom is mostly a matter of planning. In these eight pages you'll see how to get the most convenience for both parents and children. And we show you ideas large and small-- for new and old bathrooms. For starters, pick one of the ideas here for next weekend's project.

Beautiful bath accessories you can make

Here's how to make a big splash in your bath. Create your own accessories, starting with a custom-designed shower curtain made of plastic and appliqued with vinyl fabric. To show you what impact these coordinated accessories have, we've used them in the same bathroom and color-schemed around them.

Take a jelly quiz

Even if you've never ... your life, this is the year ... make jelly! When there's ... an abundant supply of ... fresh fruits, how can you ... capturing their flavor and ... in a jelly glass? Before ... begin, brush up on your ... know-how:

How to order material from the magazine

What makes your pet itch?

... your pet's constant scratching ... you crazy, just stop to consider how he feels. He's probably suffering from ... a superficial inflammation ... skin. And he's not unique. ... problems are the leading ... of pet discomfort, particularly during the summer.

How to Avoid Auto Repair Headaches

Everywhere you hear mutterings from disgruntled victims of unsatisfactory auto repairs. Basically, these owner complaints fall into nine categories. Here's how you can cope with each problem area-- or better yet, steer around it.

How are labor ... figured ... car repairs?

... car dealers, independent ... and service stations use ... flat rate system as a guide in ... labor costs for auto ...

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

There's a loose button on my new jacket, but 1 can't bring myself to complain about it. A slip in the pocket says the jacket was okayed by Inspector No. 36. I figure the poor guy is so far down the line, he doesn't need any more trouble. If it had been Inspector No. 1, I'd have fired off an indignant letter.