December 1974

All about itching

Nothing could be more democratic than common itching. It afflicts rich and poor alike, and doesn't discriminate as to sex, race, color, or creed.

GOOD NEWS

A well-made microscope for aspiring elementary-school-age scientists combines two magnifications in one instrument. At 25X it's great for low power scanning; at 100X, tiny details come into full view. The spiral focusing tube has integral eyepiece and objective lenses tightly sealed against dust and moisture.

How to care for artwork

Art has two basic values-- its appeal to you, and its actual or potential market value. Both are valid reasons for giving your artwork the best possible protection. If you take the time to pamper your artwork with museum-like care, you can slow up deterioration, and completely prevent certain kinds of damage.

How to choose safe toys

As any grandparent, parent, aunt, or uncle can vouch for, buying holiday toys is hard work. The recipient, of course, asks only that the toy he gets is fun to play with, but the donor has to make sure it's also well-made, durable, and-- most important-- safe. To be on the safe side, check these guidelines before you go shopping for your favorite youngster.

Is there a cure for tailgating?

Rear-end collisions rank high in the accident toll on city streets and expressways. And tailgating, or following too close, is the deadly driving error most often responsible. According to driving instructors and other safety educators, drivers should maintain at least one vehicle length behind the car ahead for every ten miles per hour of speed.

Your year-end financial checklist

Your review of 1974 will show income exceeding, just meeting, or failing to cover expenditures. The results will indicate to a large extent how you should approach matters for 1975. You may find that relatively simple changes in the use of income can bring significantly greater satisfaction from money you spend.

The Family Christmas 1974

During this holiday season, families will gather together to enjoy the warmth and love and laughter of Christmas. Many of them will celebrate Christmas by sharing age-old customs that have become symbols of the season. Young and old alike will delight in the simple joys of making ornaments, baking star and angel cookies, lighting the Yule log, and singing favorite carols by candlelight. ...

CALIFORNIA FOR CHRISTMAS

Christmas in California. Where the holly and the ivy give way to crimson fields of poinsettias and the warm sunset glow of pyracantha berries. Where traditional tree lights twinkle improbably among the fronds of date palms. Where Good King Wenceslaus would probably show up wearing doubleknit slacks.

How to order material from the magazine

Shopping editor's choice

Discover the ease and pleasure of shopping by mail. Order from the convenience of your own ... with complete confidence. If not delighted, each company will happily refund your money.

The man next door

I ran into Fred and Louise Norfleet in the bicycle department of the store, studying a ten-speed model. On a counter beside them they had piled gaily wrapped boxes into a mountain, or at least a couple of respectable foothills.