Trendpak: February 2013

1 Diversity

Immigration records unprecedented racial and ethnic diversification. Hispanics as the largest minority blacks come. With the help of the federal government itself has identified as more than one race. Tikka Masala, edamame. And mole sauce join bid. American culture is Latinized. There is a react - English as an official language movement.

2 Battle for equality

Women at work. More poor women at work, away from welfare. Income gap between the sexes narrowed - in 2005, women 77 cents for every dollar earned by men is being made. Title IX. Mainstreaming disabled.

3 Million now live

79 million baby boomers turn 61 this year, the oldest. Twenty-five years ago, the oldest was 36 years old. Multiplies the cost of health care. People have more than one carrier. More life stages, three generations six (tweeners, 20 somethings, middle-aged, young-old, old, oldest old).

4 Is a small world after all

Globalization takes hold. NAFTA. European Union. India and China have emerged as economic powerhouses. Outsourcing.

5 Global Warming

Climate change problem is so widespread that average people are discussing their carbon footprint. Kyoto agreement. Shrinking polar ice cap. Melting glaciers. Monster's storm. El Niño, La Nina.

Host and comedian Ellen DeGeneres talk show. Chris Pizzello, AP

6 Gay rights land

Gay marriage, but 41 states have banned it. Civil union. View Matthew. Ellen DeGeneres and other stars come out. Army says, "Do not ask, do not tell."

7 We safe?

Fear of terrorism has changed our lives. Color coded threat level. We take our shoes at airports. X-ray machines peek under our clothes. No fly lists. Columbine. Amber Alerts, America's most wanted. Crime rates drop.

8 Snuffing tobacco

In 1982, smoking was allowed almost everywhere. Before the knife, then restaurants, public places was banned and now I can. Nicotine patch in your car and home. Nicotine gum.

9 Obesity crisis.

Fat kids. Fat mature. New dietary guidelines. Trans fat ban. Push to run. Increased rate of diabetes. The biggest loser on TV.

10 Tech 'me' generation community

Cell. VHS cassettes, CDs and DVDs on the revolutionary switch. Internet opens the floodgates. MySpace.com. Facebook. Latest. It is all about customization and personal. And TV programs as you want (Amazon.com, TiVo) to purchase. Listen to the song you want and when you want (iPod and MP3s) download. Capture every moment for fans all over the world (Youtube.com, camera phones, reality TV) to play.

11 Spread out

U.S. to detail. Land is cheaper away from cities. Return accelerates. Exurbs. Most commutes. Traffic congestion worsens. Smart growth movement - people driving less open space and reducing food - takes.

Tim Dillon, USA TODAY Monster Thickburger from Hardee

12 Super-sizing

Big is better. McMansions. SUVs. Minivans. Megachurches. Wal-Mart and other big box stores. Megaplex theaters. Hardee's Monster Thickburger (1,420 calories).

13 To go green

It is not just granola crunching tree huggers for. Hybrid cars have a waiting list. Curbside recycling. Low-flow toilets and showers. Organic foods in most supermarkets. Solar and wind energy. Green office building. During drilling and nuclear waste energy fighting.

Ronald Reagan is a symbol of the rise of the right. Pete Souza, White House by

14 A nation divided

Reagan Revolution. Bill Clinton. Rush Limbaugh, Al Franken. It is chads hanging. Red and blue states.

It is quite normal to special order. Todd Plitt, USA TODAY

15 The mainstream luxury

Now enjoy amenities like a Bill Gates' fortune takes. Average Joes for $ 4 cup of Starbucks who enjoy, Godiva chocolates, a bottle of water, call guzzle, to drag suitcases on wheels, heated car seats and GPS systems to guide them.

16 Ozzie and Harriet families at the end of

Children overbooked schedules. The death of a family dinner. Boomerang kids. Non-traditional families (gay parents, stepparents, a parent). Mixed families.

17 Diet and exercise sharply

Let's get physical. South Beach. Atkins. Weight Watchers. Marsh Phen. Kickboxing. Tae BO. Thighmaster. Pilates. BowFlex. For results, see No. 9.

18 Step

Coastal states from Texas to New England about 1,300 people a day go by. "New" Sun Belt fit. Phoenix, Las Vegas and Charlotte become major metropolitan centers.

Ron Coddington, USA TODAY Photo by example

19 High concern

Prozac. Paxil. Xanax. Zoloft. Ritalin. Adderall.

20 Electronic Cash

Debit cards. ATMs worldwide. $ 3 for credit card purchases.

21 Live alone

More adults are choosing to live by themselves. Marriage is delayed. Widow. About half of women do not have a spouse.

22 College pressure grows THIS IS COLLEGE NOT A PRESSURE COOKER

Pressure on universities to achieve elite test preparation industry growth and crammed with activities starting high school spawns. Significant reduction in the rate of high school drop outs. Women in college than men. College costs rise - and college debt.

Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton the simple life. Dean MacMedan, USA TODAY

23 Sexualization

Strip club for executives. Hooters. Paris Hilton. Of Britney Spears. Wardrobe malfunction. Free Porn. Girls gone wild. Viagra. Erectile dysfunction ads.

24 states bet on gambling

State lottery. Internet gambling. Casino. Slot machines at racetracks.

25 For people Makeovers

You look stunning. Cosmetic surgery (breast implants and nose jobs and the belly band liposuction). Bot-ox Dermabrasion. Teeth whitening. Lasik eye surgery. The change TV.