We could use more mass transit

Dear Readers: Today’s Sound Off is about mass transportation. — Heloise “Dear Heloise: This country needs more mass transit between cities. We build highways, but the congestion on our roads is becoming serious. Japan, for example, has a mass transit system, elevated above ground, that is not only energy-efficient, it can move a large volume of people at incredible speeds. There’s no stress or hassle over traffic jams, finding a place to park or exorbitant parking fees.

“With the increase in population over the coming years, we’ll need a mass transit system between all major cities, both above ground and below. The best time to look into this type of travel for our country is NOW.” — Doug W. in Dallas

Fast Facts

Dear Readers: Here are some additional uses for clean kitty litter:

■ Use clean litter as a deodorizer in the refrigerator.

■ For stinky shoes, place a cup or two of clean cat litter in each leg of an old pair of pantyhose, tie a knot and leave it in the shoes overnight.

■ Keep a bag of cat litter in your trunk to sprinkle under tires in winter for added traction on icy surfaces.

— Heloise

Old Scam, New Trick

Dear Heloise: I work for the police department in a major metropolitan city on the East Coast. Lately, we’ve been seeing an old scam return to the streets.

Someone will glue money or a cellphone (usually a broken one) onto the sidewalk, then wait for passers-by to try to pick up the item. While concentrating on getting the item of value off the sidewalk, a thief will pickpocket the person or pick up the person’s shopping bag or purse and run off. — Anonymous, via email

Welcome Sign

Dear Heloise: I just read your column on how healthy pineapples are. Pineapples also, in times gone by, were used as a symbol of welcome. People would place a pineapple on their front gate or door as a sign of welcome. How wonderful that would be if it was still used as a welcoming gesture. — Jennifer E. in North Carolina

Corn Silk

Dear Heloise: There is an easy way to get rid of corn silk. Before cooking corn on the cob, grab a dampened paper towel and brush downward on the ear of corn. Repeat until all the corn silk is gone. — Janet W., Idaho Falls, Idaho