March 1972

GOOD NEWS

Stripping the ends of electric wires once required a light touch and a lot of practice. Now, just about anyone can do a perfect job every time, using this unique tool.

Auto repair gouging It could happen to you

A skilled auto repair gouger can turn a simple check of your transmission fluid into a $200 repair job, or a wheel alignment check into a $40 ball-joint repair-- and he will probably have you thanking him for doing it.

Car repair Why not do it yourself?

Just as you don't have to be a chef to boil an egg, you don't have to be a master mechanic to do your own minor auto repairs. One out of every three car owners does his own repairs. The tasks are so simple that all but the hopelessly uncoordinated can master them, and the rewards can be measured in dollars and cents saved.

Can you protect your youngster from phony charters abroad?

Don't be discouraged by the stories last summer about how thousands of American youngsters were stranded by unscrupulous charter flight setups. It's true that a number of crooks made a fast buck off our young people's eager exodus to Europe. However, a few basic precautions when you or your child plan his trip for this summer can protect him from fraud and assure his return flight home.

How to save on postage

The Postal Service has traded in its horseback-rider emblem for a brand-new streamlined eagle to symbolize modern methods and faster service. But there's been a billion dollar pay boost for the nation's 720,000 postal workers, among other things. To help pay the cost, rates have already gone up, with the promise of going higher.

GARDENING THIS MONTH

Even if you live in an area where cold weather is still possible, there are some gardening jobs you can do now.

What's happening to the AMERICAN FAMILY?

This is your second chance to express your opinion on what's happening to family life in America today. Like our first questionnaire (in the February issue) this one is designed to survey your views. If you missed last month's opportunity, take time now to tell us what you're thinking about family life with this questionnaire. The combined results of the survey will be published in Better Homes and Gardens.

Are multiple plants a lot for your money?

Peperomias are ideal for limited space

If plants are starting to make new growth ...

You should repot them if the new growth is going to make them too big for their present containers. This would probably apply to such plants as ficus, schefflera, Norfolk Island pine and hibiscus. If you have geraniums in three-inch pots, move them on to the next size.

All you need to know to hang the new vinyl wall coverings

Applying the new vinyl, vinyl latex and polyvinyl chloride coverings is quick and easy when you follow these tested how-to tips.

THE CLUSTER CONCEPT: Better living on less land

Traditional housing developments are gobbling up our dwindling land supply. If the practice continues, we'll soon be forced to hang a "no vacancy" sign over every suburb in the nation. When that happens, building a new home will be an impossible dream-- for ourselves, and for our children later.

One builder's experience

In the housing industry, ... change is rare-- particular where it concerns revising . .. regulations or trying to ... public acceptance of new ... use systems. So when Seldin, President of Seldin Construction Co., decided to ... cluster land planning concept new to both the ... and the zoning laws-- to ... Nebraska, he knew he'd be ... an uphill struggle.

Tow truck ... pay pull ... in

... engine failure or an ... leaves you stranded ... a highway, the ... of a tow truck can be ... salvation-- or the ... of more trouble.

When should you call the police?

Accidents. All states require that road accidents causing personal injury, as well as some accidents causing property damage, be reported. However, specifications differ between states as to what kinds of accidents must be reported, how soon the report must be made and what it must contain.

How to get going with a GARDEN

Scenes like the one above will be commonplace all over the country this spring-- and chances are, you'll be one of the players. Maybe you're starting a new garden. Perhaps you just want to add something here or there. Or you may be seeking the answer to a problem spot. To help you get going, we've devised a four-part cram course in gardening basics.

Plug in a fondue

Fondue cooking is easier and even more fun with the new electric fondue pots. They are so versatile they'll also heat soups and cider, cook casseroles and stews, serve vegetables and entrees. You can use them anywhere: living room, kitchen, family room and patio.

How to avoid service calls for major appliances

Chances are, one out of every three times you call for service on a balky appliance, you will pay for an unnecessary service call. According to industry figures, approximately one third of the service calls are for such simple tasks as cleaning the lint tray in a dryer.

Blender know-how

Get yourself in the blender habit! The first step is to get that blender out of its hiding place. To save you time and effort, the blender should be on the counter, where it's ready to use in a moment.

How to ventilate your home

It takes more than a kitchen fan to keep the air in your house fresh and odor-free. To remove excess moisture and odors caused by smoking, cooking, heating and cooling systems, and laundering, you need a battery of strategically-located fans Here's a room-by-room rundown.

Find your lost dog

Almost invariably a lost dog stems from human carelessness Be on the alert! A door or gate left open presents your pet with an opportunity to pursue another animal, a passing car of other irresistible temptations.

How to paint masonry

Why settle for drab masonry? A coat of colorful paint can transform basement walls, concrete floors and other masonry surfaces quickly, easily and inexpensively. In addition to giving masonry a colorful new look, paint makes surfaces moisture resistant and easy to keep clean.

How to order material from the magazine

Four parks in the Rockies

Nested in the 1500-mile corridor of wilderness called the Rocky Mountains-- which includes some of the world's most awesome terrain-- lie our most overwhelming parks. Yet what often has been regarded as forbidding, even intimidating, can in reality be a quiet adventure along tranquil lakes and meadows ...

A bay makes it big

Facts about fingernails

Fingernails are taken pretty much for granted. They're out there at the ends of your fingers-- and they grow. And if you tend to have problems with them, you've more than likely resigned yourself to a "that's-just-the-way-my-nails-are" fate. Well, your nails may be less than perfect now, but that's no reason to think they can't be healthy and attractive. All it takes is knowing a little about fingernails-- what they are, how they grow and how you care for them.

Three Popular House Plans from Better Homes and Gardens

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

"Almost everyone is in favor of going to heaven," the Rev. George Hall said last Sunday, "but too many are hoping they'll live long enough to see an easing of the entrance requirements."