November 1973

Materialism: a threat to family life?

Just over a year ago, Better Homes published the results of its survey on American family life. Of all the fascinating, complex, sometimes paradoxical findings in that report, none was more striking than the answer to this question: "What do you feel is the single greatest threat to family life in America today?"

Driving: when 20/20 vision isn't enough

A seldom diagnosed yet common visual handicap may make you an unsafe driver. The malady is commonly called "tunnel vision." It's a critical deficiency in peripheral vision, and one of every ten of us has it.

Cheap brake jobs are still murder

You have only to thumb through almost any newspaper to find the ad-- "Complete Brake Job for $19.95." If you take your car in to snatch up this bargain, one of three things will happen. Either the mechanic will tell you the $19.95 price is just for brake linings and your car needs a great deal more, or he'll take the car, then present you with a horrendous bill that includes "extra needed work."

HOME STUDY HOW IT CAN PAYOFF IN COLLEGE CREDITS

In our credential-conscious society, missing out on a college diploma can make you feel consigned to the enlisted ranks forever after. But take heart. At last you can obtain that coveted piece of parchment without years of slogging through night classes or giving up your career to return to school.

8 facts you should know about your checking account

1. How soon do checks clear? Generally, if the payee deposits in the same bank as you do, the check may get back to your account the same day; in another local bank, by the next day. If the check is sent out of town, the check-routing symbol-- the numbers in the upper right-hand corner like these: 1-2/210-- can give you a clue.

What do women get for social security?

You can collect benefits on your own earnings record under social security. Or you can collect on your husband's even though you have no work record of your own. Here are some examples under which women generally qualify:

Are savings bonds a good investment?

Recently they've been as good an investment as most others you could find. During the early 1970s, U.S. savings bonds yielded an average annual return of 5½ percent when held to maturity (less if cashed in earlier), while savings and loans funds averaged about 5⅓ percent, mutual savings banks five percent, commercial bank savings accounts 4¾ percent.

The sobering facts about food prices

The higher cost of eating is here to stay. Even if farmers harvest record crops this fall and plant corn, wheat, and soybeans from fence to fence in 1974, it will be two to three years before there's noticeable relief at the checkout counter-- if then.

46 ways to conserve energy in your home

With energy demands increasing and supplies decreasing, we need to do everything possible to cut the energy crisis down to size. None of the following 46 ideas is earthshaking, but they all work. They're everyday ways you and your family can conserve energy. In the process, you'll extend the life of your heating and cooling systems, appliances, and other equipment, and sizably reduce your utility bill.

How to communicate with your kids

At a time when we can technically send messages to the moon, the simple art of communication seems to have collapsed in many living rooms here on earth. "I just can't communicate with him," the frustrated mother laments about her teen-ager. "My mom and dad don't understand me," the adolescent says in reply.

HOUSEPLANT HOW-TO

If your African violets are blooming well in a north window, by all means leave them there. But if they refuse to bloom, a change of scene might be in order. Try them in an east window where they can receive a little more light.

A GREAT HOUSE DESIGN FOR OUR CHANGING WAY OF LIFE

A truly flexible home not only accommodates occupants of all ages, but also adapts to the changing life-styles of today's families. To encourage this new wave of "flex" designs, Better Homes and Gardens recently joined in the planning of this idea home in Kohler, Wisconsin.

GOOD NEWS

Help others this Christmas ... and help yourself, too

Why not give to a worthy cause this Christmas and at the same time get something for yourself, too? You can accomplish this double feat by purchasing calendars, Christmas cards, books, games, or other gift items from charities. They in turn use the profits from the proceeds of the sale to help the sick, the handicapped, the hungry, and others.

THE COUNTRY FRENCH LOOK

To most of us, 17th- and 18th-century French furniture calls to mind fragile chairs and curlicued tables-- nice to visit in a museum but nothing you'd want to live with. The Country French mood is something else. True, it was inspired by the elegant furnishings of the French court. But canny rural craftsmen modified the style to fit the needs of people who lived, not in castles, but in simple country cottages.

PUNCHY PATCHWORK: EASY COLORFUL FUN TO SEW

When you make things of patchwork, you're doing a special kind of sewing. You're involved in the exciting, creative process of piecing bits of fabric into a beautiful whole. It's like being an artist in fabric, except drawing ability isn't essential.

Sewing special

Pattern back views

Turkey roasting timetable

With a meat thermometer at hand and this handy chart, you should have no problem cooking the venerable bird this year.

Glossary of French furnishings terms

Have you read our Country French story on page 76? If so, you may have run across some unfamiliar words used to describe the furnishings and background decor. To help bridge the language gap, here's a short collection of common French decorating terms with definitions

Garage storage unit and tuckaway tool chest

How to order material from the magazine

Quilt and pillow sham kits page 86 Quilt kits include precut cotton blend fabric and instructions for one quilt top. Pillow sham kit contains precut fabric and instructions for one 21x28-inch sham top. (Kits do not include batting, yarn, fabric border, or fabric backing.)

HEART DISEASE

Does your pet have a persistent cough, although he seems to enjoy good health otherwise? Does he tire more easily than he used to? Has he ever fainted, and then recovered in a few seconds with no apparent ill effects? Is your dog getting what appears to be a middle-age spread?

Better Homes and Gardens

CRUISING: STRAIGHT ANSWERS TO A FIRST-TIMER'S QUESTIONS

Unless you have a firsthand acquaintance with ocean cruises, what you visualize about them is probably steeped in misconceptions-- beginning with the image, inspired by old movies, of a passenger list monopolized by supremely rich sophisticates, most of them members of the geriatric set, who spend their days sprawled in deck chairs nibbling cucumber sandwiches and their nights in wild abandonment to the frenzy of a waltz.

Low water pressure: What to do

... you're plagued by inadequate water pressure and supply at your ... chances are the pipes are packed by mineral deposits. ... calling the bank for a ... loan, try to correct the problem yourself by following ... steps.

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 prize for the most up-to-the-minute car accident goes to a Volkswagen driver who sideswiped a Cadillac trying to get close enough to hear its eight-track stereo.