Helpful Hints

DEAR READERS: A recent column about whether to shut off computers or put them into sleep mode brought some questions. The hint is to plug the computer (and other electronics, such as a printer) into a power strip for easy turnoff.

A few wanted clarification that turning off the power strip is only after shutting down the computer properly. You are right -- it might not have been clear to shut down the computer and only then turn off the power strip. Here are some reader responses:

Bob N. in California wrote: "If your readers interpret [using a power strip] as an alternative to shutting down the computer through its regular shutdown routine, they could be creating some problems. Computer operating systems aren't generally designed to have the power shut off while they are still up and running. Open files could be corrupted."

S.B. in Mississippi wrote: "You have to go through the process of closing [the computer] down or you're going to have problems. If you want to save money, unplug from the wall everything not in use. Even if it's not on, if plugged in, it's drawing electricity."

DEAR HELOISE: Whenever I send a get-well card to someone in the hospital or rehab, instead of putting my return address in the upper left-hand corner, I put the patient's address there. That way, if the patient has been released from the hospital, the mail will go to the house.

-- A Reader, via email

DEAR HELOISE: Here's a hint for displaying bumper stickers. Obtain advertising magnets. Rectangular ones work best.

Arrange them edge to edge on a metal surface (file cabinet or refrigerator door) to cover an area slightly larger than your bumper sticker. Remove the sticker back and apply the bumper sticker to the magnets. Remove the assembly and trim with scissors. You now have a magnetic sign that is easy to move or remove. Don't forget to remove before going through the car wash.

-- Dave in Indiana

DEAR HELOISE: I have four cats, so I buy dry food and litter in large bags. I was having difficulty carrying them, as they are 30 pounds or more. I found a solution: I use a canvas log carrier, the type used to carry fireplace logs. I place the bag on the carrier, pull up the handles and away I go.

-- Don in Canandaigua, N.Y.

DEAR HELOISE: Once in a while, my elderly dad would forget his cane in a grocery cart while shopping. I used the address labels we would get in the mail to stick on the cane to identify it and give the store a name to contact.

-- Carol Belli, via email

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

Style on 05/19/2015

Upcoming Events