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Practice caution with laptop’s built-in camera

3 min read

Dear Heloise: I graduated from high school and received a LAPTOP COMPUTER as a present to take with me to college. I also was told something important that I think is worth sharing. When the built-in camera feature is not in use, whether the computer is on or off, I keep a small piece of paper stuck over the camera to block the feature. This way, if for any reason the feature is accidentally turned on, I (or my roommate) will not be caught on camera.

Another hint that works for my roommate and me is to always let each other know when getting ready to video chat. This way, no one gets caught in the background walking past fresh out of the shower! — Brenda L. in Florida

Brenda, great security hints! It is always smart to be safe! With cameras on computers and cellphones, privacy is an issue. — Heloise

REUSABLE BAGS

Dear Heloise: More and more stores sell or give you their reusable bags when you check out with your purchases. Before you know it, you have quite a few. I use mine to store belts, scarves and other odds and ends. — Georgia S., Kansas City, Mo.

FINDING OBJECTS

Dear Heloise: When you have dropped a small item (contact lens on the bathroom floor, needle on the carpet) and can’t find it, here’s something that always works for me: Put a flashlight on the floor and aim the beam at the area where you think you dropped the item. Get your eyes as close to floor level as you can, so you’re looking horizontally along the beam. The item will show right up. Make sure to have the room as dimly lit as possible. — J.M. in Florida

CLEANER SHOWER

Dear Heloise: Here is a quick-and-easy way to help clean the bathroom: I have a tub/shower combination with an attached shower door. The tub is very difficult to clean. I purchased a foam-rubber mop to use only for this purpose. You do not need to bend or stand in the tub to clean the shower; just use an extended handle! — Doris C., Springfield, Ill.

SUPER SAVER

Dear Heloise: Our supermarket has a 10 percent off day for seniors (55-plus) once a month. I list all my “bulk” items for the month for my home, and by using my supermarket discount card and coupons, and looking for items on sale, I always save a lot on necessities like paper goods, condiments, etc. (anything except produce, which must be purchased fresh). — Pam in Prescott, Ariz.

TOWEL STORAGE

Dear Heloise: I roll my bath towels for storage in my linen closet instead of stacking. It makes so much more space! — Gina D., Louisville, Ky.

This is a well-known hint that military personnel have known for years. Rolling your items does make for more room in the closet or duffel bag! — Heloise

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.

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