HELOISE Express lane exasperates some shoppers

Dear Readers: Several months ago, we shared a sound off in which a reader complained about express checkouts at the grocery store.
Well, you wouldn't believe the mail that came in. So we thought we would share some of the points from other readers.
Alice from San Antonio says, "Why don't they post signs stating, 'This register is set to ring up 10 items, and that's the limit'?"
A reader from Katy, Texas, says: "Just a little food for thought: Sometimes, the person who abuses the express lane is just a harried working parent who doesn't even notice the line chosen. I was one of those one time. I had my toddler with me and a crying baby in my cart. I wheeled into an empty lane and started flinging items onto the conveyor belt. I noticed the small number of items in the hands of patrons who had arrived behind me and then realized that I was in the wrong line. As I apologized, the cashier graciously scanned my groceries, and I paid and was on my way. If anyone thought I was being rude, no one said a word."
M. Anderson of Minneapolis says: "Express checkout should be cash only (no checks, no plastic). The sign should read 'You will be charged $50 for each extra item over the limit.' A message to express cashiers: Please don't be polite and invite us over for checkout. This happened to us. No one around -- but before we could unload our items, someone with a couple of items showed up behind us. We'll never do that again!"
Another reader, via e-mail, says: "I am one of those 'abusers,' not by choice, but by the lack of cashiers in stores! Each store usually has several regular lanes and one express lane, but only a few are open, regardless of the number of customers standing in line. Where are the rest of the cashiers?"
There you have it -- express sound off! Heloise
P.S. Many thanks to all who responded.
Dear Readers: Did you know that coffee filters have more uses than just as a coffee filter? Which is a good other use for coffee filters?
UPlace in the bottom of a plant pot to hold in soil.
UTo prevent scratches, put them between stacked dishes.
UUse to cover a dish in the microwave.
Well? All three are great ways to use a coffee filter, so any answer was the right one! Heloise
Dear Heloise: I can't eat onions. I wish the many frozen foods and canned soups would have some items without onions and label them as such.
I'm surprised at how many people dislike onions. I like the convenience of frozen foods but had to throw out some because of too much onion. T. Goodrich, Salt Lake City
XSend a great hint to: Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax: (210) HELOISE; e-mail: Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate