DEAR READERS: Here is this week's Sound Off, about television programming and commercials:
"In TV commercials, why is bad behavior being flaunted? Children destroying car paint, jumping on an open dishwasher door, jumping on beds, etc. The children get a grin and a pat on the head like it is OK."
-- Wynell M.,
San Angelo, Texas
How right you are! I see a few like you mentioned and think, "Hey, those parents are going to really have trouble later on." You can write to complain to the advertiser. I don't know if it will help, but it might if enough people do it. If you see bad behavior while watching the commercial with children, maybe point out that it is just silly TV, and that is not how we behave.
DEAR READERS: Other uses for DVD cases:
• Put a pad of paper on one side and place coupons inside for shopping.
• Download videos or pictures to a CD and hand out to family.
• Carry photos in one so they don't get bent.
• Use as a practice writing surface for kids with a dry-erase marker.
DEAR HELOISE: I sympathize with the lady who uses carts left in the handicapped spaces to replace her walker. But people need to keep in mind that the handicapped spaces are for wheelchairs exiting vehicles.
When the lift is deployed and is blocked by a shopping cart, the driver cannot exit the vehicle, thus negating the reason for the extra space. Perhaps a smaller cart return specifically for the handicapped area would make it easier for those who use the handicapped spaces to return their carts. Also, anyone who wishes to pick up a cart on the way into the store can do so.
-- D.S.M., Springfield, Ill.
DEAR READER: Thank you for the good reminder. Sometimes we think we know what's best, until we learn the other point of view. Having been on crutches and a cane for many, many months (from a motorcycle crash where a car hit me), I know the difficulties getting around.
DEAR HELOISE: We have an old dresser, and the drawers don't move smoothly. Do you have a remedy for this?
-- Ida F., via email
DEAR READER: If the runners are metal, simply spray a little lubricating oil on them. Then open and close the drawer several times to get good coverage. Do not use cooking spray in a can -- it will make the slides sticky over time.
If it's wood on wood, don't use oil. Use an old candle, and rub the wax on the drawer slides and inside the dresser.
DEAR HELOISE: When we go on a family outing, we always talk about where we will meet in case one of us gets separated.
-- Loren M., Reno Nev.
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 05/18/2015