2009

A chronicle of the fads, fashions, and farsighted ideas that define our life and times.

compiled by Stacey Kusterbeck

TALKING ABOUT . . .

PEOPLE ARE

■ garbage cans that track the weight of waste a family recycles, with on-line coupons for rewards given to above-average households

■ computer systems that reveal how much power is used per household device or appliance in a house at any given time

■ toilets with foot pedals that open the lid

■ traditional furniture upholstered in avant-garde fabrics and colors: faux furs, tapestries, and jewel tones

■ partition walls and pocket doors

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Most valuable:

1. replacement windows 2. siding 3. a wooden deck

Least valuable: 1. a remodeled ho me office 2. a sunroom 3. a new garage

IN
THE
GARDEN

GROWING CRAZES AND CONCERNS

Backyard gardeners are 1preserving heirloom vegetables, with some green thumbs reviewing and posting comments on varieties online for other growers.

Farmers are teaming up with medical researchers on “bio- fortification” to develop vegetables and fruits with increased health benefits. First up: a carrot that helps to prevent osteoporosis.

2

3Artists who carve monstrous Atlantic Giant pumpkins are stars a t zoos, casinos, and restaurants. The next big thing: etching portraits of brides and grooms in pumpkins.

–Eric Kakkuppila

CONTINUEDq 11