August 1977

What's Happening to the American Family?

Five years ago, America was in the midst of social and political turmoil that shook the foundations of our society. Just about every segment of our lives was challenged, analyzed, protested, or liberated. The American family-- the heart of our society-- felt the stress and conflict going on around it. Some observers even predicted the family would become extinct.

CAN YOU STILL COUNT ON SOCIAL SECURITY?

No doubt you're worrying about recent news stories suggesting that social security is going broke. Will your benefits be there when you need them? The truth is, serious problems do exist in the present system, and changes must be made. But remedies are available. More important,

Cures for wet basements

If puddles, trickles, and films of wetness are turning your basement into a swamp, don't despair. Nearly any wet basement problem can be solved. But first determine where the water is coming from.

A WORLD TOUR OF CHEESE INSIDE THE CHEESE SHOP

"People ask me, 'What is the best cheese?' There's no such thing," says Sigmund Roth. "The best cheese is the cheese you happen to like. If you like a process American cheese like Velveeta, that's the best cheese for you."

SWEAT EQUITY FINISH A HOUSE YOURSELF AND SAVE

Many Americans priced out of the conventional housing market have discovered a way to get the house they want. They're turning to builders who supply houses in various stages of construction and let the homeowners complete them.

STEP BY STEP TO BUILDING YOUR OWN GARAGE WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM YOUR FRIENDS

We wondered if a group of do-it-yourselfers could build a garage-- one that actually stood up of its own accord. So we rounded up some friends and reenacted an old-time barn raising-- garage size.

Educational TV

Fireproof cache for family papers

Take-anywhere chair

Energy-saving air conditioner

Chimney-top damper

Portable sump pump

Clever Kitchen Storage

How to order material from the magazine

THESE PEOPLE KNOW FOOD CHEESE BUYMANSHIP

Soft cheeses, such as Brie, Camembert, triple crèmes, double crèmes, and Limburger, should be eaten during the peak of ripening. They have a short life, so buy only what you need. These soft, ripened cheeses should be plump, with white, powdery rinds. The soft, unripened, or

AN AWARD-WINNING COMMUNITY

Here's a look at a community that proves new housing can be built without marring the environment.

FLOOR SHOWS

What kind of showing do your floors make? If they only play a "walk-on" role, perhaps you're underestimating their dramatic potential. Here are nine exciting ideas that demonstrate how floors can star in any room.

STITCH-'EM-UP BAGS TO PACK WITH PRIDE

STORAGE IDEAS FROM A HOLD-EVERYTHING KITCHEN

Without adding an inch of floor space, you can make a short-on-everything kitchen work better and store more. The trick is to utilize every nook and cranny. That's what Ed and Margery Shifman did, and now their once cramped kitchen functions beautifully. Margery is a clean-counter cook, and she devised all sorts of ingenious ways to keep her culinary gear under wraps and everything in its place. Ideas in her storage-packed kitchen range from a slide-away knife rack to a built-in microwave oven/television wall.

DAYLILIES DAYLILIES DAYLILIES the perfect perennials

Every morning new buds on daylilies open to offer stars of color in the garden. Although individual flowers last but a day, each plant blooms for two weeks or more. If you set out an early, a mid-season, and a late variety, you'll have a trio of types that will flower in succession all summer.

AMERICA'S ZINGIEST ZOOS BY KATE KEATING

Today's good zoos are getting better all the time. New animal enclosures are going up, and old ones are being modified to provide a more natural environment for the animal residents and a more enjoyable and enlightening experience for the visitor. Going-- and in many zoos gone-- are the barren barred cages that caused animals to pace the floors and climb the walls in frustration.

TIPS TOOLS & TECHNIQUES

A REGULAR FEATURE DESIGNED TO MAKE AROUND-THE-HOUSE JOBS EASIER FOR YOU

Shopping editor's choice

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

The Man Next Door

Talk of school is already in the air at our house. When Judy protested that brother Bud was watching the dullest TV program around, he explained: "I know. I'm getting in practice for being bored in school."