Helium balloon releases bad idea; they harm wildlife
Heloise
Dear Readers: When you think of celebrations such as birthdays, weddings, graduations and gender reveals, you might think of helium balloons and balloon releases. Think again.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (www.fws.gov) is imploring people to stop the practice of balloon releases.
Why? Deflated balloons and strings can find their way into our oceans, parks and wildlife refuges, where they are mistaken for food and consumed by animals.
Turtles are most susceptible to ingesting the balloons and strings, which, of course, cannot pass through their delicate systems. And the strings get wrapped around legs, beaks, etc.
Here are three alternatives to balloons: paper or cloth bunting signs; paper flowers; and environmentally friendly bubbles.
— Heloise
Dear Heloise: What’s the best way to safely wash greens? I love a fresh, delicious salad this time of year. — Kelly T. in San Antonio
Kelly: Kudos for eating greens! Here are a few hints:
• Wash greens immediately before eating, not when you bring them home.
• From a head of lettuce, bunch of spinach or stalk of kale, cut fork-size pieces (1 inch) and submerge in a bowl of cold water.
• Allow time for the dirt particles (it comes from the earth, after all) to fall to the bottom (about 15 minutes).
• Reach in and grab the greens and transfer to a colander. Don’t dump the bowl into the colander; you will redeposit sediment back over and into the greens.
• Either spin-dry in a lettuce spinner or blot dry in paper or cloth toweling. — Heloise
Dear Heloise: Please make sure your readers are aware that a person on a bicycle can come by you in a crowd, grab your purse right out of your hand and be gone in a flash! Hang on tight to your bag, and keep it zipped.
— Melanie T. in Illinois
Dear Heloise: It’s not quite time for back to school yet, but when shopping for clothes for my kids, I bring them along. I allow them to have a say in what is purchased. If they don’t like it, they won’t wear it.
Of course, there are boundaries — short shorts, crop tops and muscle shirts are a “no,” but we compromise on a T-shirt with a favorite band on it. — Jessica M. in Ohio
Dear Readers: Have you tried white pepper instead of black pepper in your cooking? White pepper is more intense and hotter. But hold on to your wallet: White pepper can be three times the price! — Heloise
Dear Heloise: I carry a large plastic hook with me in my purse. It comes in handy in a public restroom to hang my bag on. Many stalls don’t provide hooks. — Ellen M. in New Jersey
Dear Heloise: My husband had a problem with ring around the collar. I took white chalk and rubbed it into the collar. Then I launder as usual — and ask my husband to wash his neck better! — J.M.R. in Florida
Heloise answers letters only in her King Features Syndicate column. Write her at P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 782795000 or send a fax to 1-210-HELOISE.