Say ‘no’ to contact info
Dear Readers: Today’s SOUND OFF is about advertising on the internet/webpages:
“Dear Heloise: I get annoyed at websites where pop-up ads say, ‘Get a free, no-obligation quote.’ Life insurance, for example: I understand asking smoking and health questions, but why do they have to ask my name? This is only one example of a large number of sites that want contact info. WHY? Asking my name is an invasion of my privacy. If I’m interested, I’ll call them.” — Vicki B., via email
Vicki, I understand completely! I’m tired of ads covering up news stories, and the big banner ads at the top of every screen. The worst, for me, is that they say they’re free but want your credit card number. I’d like to know how other readers feel about this problem. — Heloise
SEND A GREAT HINT TO:
Heloise
P.O. Box 795000
San Antonio, TX 78279-5000
Fax: 1-210-HELOISE
Email: Heloise@Heloise.com
FAST FACTS
Dear Readers: Here are a few suggestions for water conservation to prevent waste:
n Boiling pasta? Save the water and, after it cools, use to water plants.
n Turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth.
n Make sure your dishwasher and clothes washing machine are full before running.
n Water your lawn late in the day or early in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Remember, water is a precious commodity. Let’s not waste it. — Heloise
WEDDING RULES OF ETIQUETTE
Dear Heloise: Is it proper to ask people to attend a wedding shower but not the wedding? — Richard B., via email
Richard, there are some hard and fast rules for wedding etiquette that deserve repeating:
1.) If you’re invited to a shower, it is generally understood that you also should be invited to the wedding. An “office shower” might be the one exception to this rule.
2.) The bride/groom sends out handwritten thank-you notes for each gift, making certain to mention how they plan to use it. These go out as soon as possible after the honeymoon.
3.) The bride and groom personally thank everyone for attending their wedding, while at the reception.
4.) No one but the bride should wear white to the wedding. Don’t put the bride in an uncomfortable position by asking if you can wear white to her wedding.
— Heloise
LAMPSHADE VS. DUST
Dear Heloise: I have dog hair and dust on my lampshades, and even though I vacuum them, the dust still clings to the shade. What to do? — Lydia M., Hastings, Neb.
Lydia, if the lampshade has a flat surface, you can use a lint roller to remove nearly anything. If your shade is fluted with ridges and valleys, take it outside and use a clean paintbrush to brush the dust off in downward strokes. — Heloise