etc...

ok, on to the next fad

Have you broken down and bought yourself a scooter yet? Or maybe there was one under the Christmas tree yesterday? No? Then unless it's truly important to own one, perhaps you'd be better off forgetting the idea. Reason: Even the company that made a fortune selling them now says - and you should pardon the expression - the ride is over. Huffy Corp. of Miamisburg, Ohio, is ridding itself of its scooter inventory after a third quarter in which it sold almost none. That's compared to the same quarter last year, when sales of the two-wheeled personal transportation vehicles totaled $44 million.

Has 2001 been a year in which you dined out or entertained at home often? If so, perhaps from personal experience you can confirm Bon Appetit magazine's choices as the year's best or what was "hot" in each of the following categories:

Dish of the year braised short ribs

Restaurant trend of the year cheese carts

Cuisine of the year Moroccan

Ingredient of the year scallops

Breakfast of the year poached eggs

Top party trend potluck

Top dessert trends pastries; happy endings with star anise, mint, ginger

Travel destination of the year London's East End

- PR Newswire