Restroom controversy
FOR RELEASE TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2011
HINTS FROM HELOISE
BY HELOISE
Restroom Controversy
Dear Heloise: I have a disability that makes using a HANDICAP RESTROOM a must. My pet peeve is when I am waiting to use the handicap stall and I see young women come out of them and bounce right along, with no visible handicaps at all.
They should leave those for the people who really need them. My last encounter was like that, and the other five regular stalls were totally empty. — A Reader, via email
You have a valid point. I’ve addressed this issue before, and it’s time to revisit it. I’ve been guilty of doing this when traveling and loaded down with luggage, a tote and a purse. But I always am cognizant of whether there is anyone in the vicinity who needs to use the special stall. Mothers with children use them as a safety issue also.
I don’t think anyone means to be rude. Also, there are now “family restrooms” that usually are handicap-accessible. Readers, what are your opinions about this subject? Write to us at Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000; send a fax to 210-HELOISE (435-6473); or email Heloise(at)Heloise.com. Please put “Handicap Restroom” in the subject line. — Heloise
CAREFUL SHIP
Dear Heloise: Every year, I send a box to my friend in Florida with gifts, candy, etc. This year, I sent an alarm clock. I forgot that it had a battery in it.
When my friend got her box, it had been torn open, and a glass candleholder was broken. What had happened was that the clock was ticking, and the post office thought it was a bomb. — Ann H. in Alabama
Ann, wow! Who would have thought? The U.S. Postal Service recommends wrapping batteries separately and storing them NEXT to the item to be shipped in the box.
It also suggests making a separate mailing label (with both addresses) and putting it IN the box. That way, if the box becomes damaged, there will be shipping info inside. — Heloise
EASY SAVE
Dear Heloise: With the price of food going up, and because the definition of food is something that provides calories to counteract hunger, why would you spend your grocery money on drinks that provide only one calorie or none at all?
I’m not saying you shouldn’t buy what you like, but since they aren’t food, try taking the money out of your entertainment budget and see if you still like them as much. Make sun tea and save a bundle. — Jeanne from Virginia
LOCKER COMBINATION
Dear Heloise: I had to have the gym staff cut two perfectly good locks off my locker because I forgot the combinations. Now I write the combination with marker on my gym shoes so that unless I forget my shoes. I’ll always have the combination. And if I forget my shoes, there’s no sense going to the gym anyway. — Dave Rhodes, Delmar, N.Y.
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(at)Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.
(c)2011 by King Features Syndicate Inc.