DEAR READERS: Many of you wrote in regarding a recent Sound Off about people not waiting their turn when lanes merge. Here is what one reader had to say:
"You recently had a reader comment that he/she didn't like people who don't merge into traffic when a lane is shutting down ahead, but instead keep driving ahead and try to get in at the last minute. That is actually the way they do merges in some other countries, and it's much more efficient, utilizing both lanes until people take turns merging at the bottleneck. So when you see this happening on the highway, don't shake your fists at the other drivers. Remember that there are differences of opinion on this, but engaging in 'zipper merging' is common elsewhere. We should all just calm down and avoid the road rage!"
-- Susan, via email
DEAR READER: Many of you shared Susan's opinion. I believe the reader who wrote the original Sound Off was not talking about people "zipper merging," but instead forcing their way in or changing lanes in an effort to get ahead and not wait their turn. If we all followed the "zipper merging" technique, each waited our turn and allowed cars to merge one by one, there would be a lot less frustration.
P.S.: While on this subject, please, readers, use a turn signal so others will know what your intention is. And allow one car in rather than be a "lane hog."
DEAR READERS: Here are other uses for plastic takeout containers:
• Make a homemade face scrub and keep it in takeout bowls.
• Store craft supplies in them.
• Use as travel pet bowls.
• Keep small toys in them.
DEAR HELOISE: Regarding your easy baked Italian chicken recipe, do you need to bake it covered?
-- Marlys W., via email
DEAR READER: You do not need to bake the chicken recipe covered. And remember that this recipe is a starting point. Feel free to season as you see fit, depending on which Italian dressing you choose.
Need to cut calories when baking? Use nonfat dried milk powder instead of whole milk in your recipes.
DEAR HELOISE: I love to cross-stitch in my free time, but the edges of the fabric always begin to fray while I'm working. It often is recommended to stitch around the edge before starting to keep the fabric from fraying. Instead of doing that, I take an inexpensive, clear nail polish and paint the edges of the fabric. It keeps the fabric from fraying and doesn't waste any thread. Just be sure to paint only the edges. Because it is clear, you can't see it on the finished product.
-- A Reader in Texas
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
Heloise@Heloise.com
ActiveStyle on 03/30/2015