HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: My grandson was just deployed to Iraq. What can we send him for a care package? When should we mail out for Christmas?

— Kathy T., Kane, Pa. DEAR READER: A big Heloise hug to your grandson, Kathy. Here are some ideas of what to send and what not to send, and when. Send: Personal wipes

Sunflower seeds, peanuts, chewing gum, hard candies, powdered electrolyte drink mix

Beef jerky and energy bars AA batteries, eyedrops, toothbrush and -paste, zippered storage bags

Prepaid phone cards, multiuse knife tools

Don’t send:

Alcohol

Pork products Chocolate (coated candies are OK)

Hand sanitizer (wipes are less messy)

Compass, sunscreen, flashlight (soldier should already have these) Salacious magazines Give your package at least 15 days to get to your grandson. And readers, you must send the package to a specific service person. Packages to “Any Service Member” are not allowed.

DEAR HELOISE: Instead of clipping articles I find of special interest, I take a photo of them with my cellphone. From there, I can crop and send them to a file I’ve created for that category. Easy to keep, no yellowing, and easy to retrieve and use/share. I’ve done this with Heloise hints.

— Scott Y., via email

DEAR HELOISE: I work in human resources. If I’ve pulled your resume and want to speak to you about a job, I expect you to ask questions during the interview. But here are some things not to say:

Anything that shows that you don’t know about my company.

“I haven’t done this before, but …”

Badmouthing previous supervisors or jobs.

“I’m better than all the other candidates.”

“This will be great for my career path.”

Don’t say, “I don’t know” — think of something to say regarding the question.

“I love your suit” — flattery of me is not appropriate.

I hope these phrases won’t be used by job seekers. Have confidence in yourself, and show me that.

— Mary H. in Oregon