Blister packs? Shrink wrap? Deliver us!

Dear Readers: Recently we printed a Sound Off about items being overpackaged, making them hard to open. Boy, did we strike a nerve. Here's what readers are saying:
UKellene McLeod of Sacramento, Calif., says: "After spending many years working in the field of safety and loss-prevention, you can thank thieves for forcing such packaging designs upon honest, paying consumers. Retailers lose millions of dollars every year due to vulnerable packaging that's too tempting for people with sticky fingers and no conscience. Have you tried opening a CD lately?"
UJan from Houston says: "Enjoyed your Sound Off about the tight blister packaging they use that is nearly impossible to get into. Have you noticed how light bulbs, as delicate as they are, are packaged in flimsy cardboard that's open on both ends? Go figure."
UJean Martin of Sacramento, Calif., says: "I believe the merchandise is packaged so tightly in plastic to thwart thieves from removing the product in the store. I notice that any package that is easy to get into may have an empty spot because someone has taken one item."
UDinah in Stockton, Calif., says: "Thank you for your column on overpackaging with shrink-wrap and heavy molded plastic. This tries tempers and frequently cuts fingers when attempting to open them. If manufacturers are all going to pursue this to lessen breakage, theft, tampering or whatever, the very least they could do is provide a soft opening and directions as to where it is."
My thanks to all who took the time to drop us a line. Heloise
Dear Heloise: It seemed like, for a while, a lot of companies were giving out mouse pads. So, instead of throwing them away, my daughter and I use them to protect the table, desk or floor while we are painting our nails. Who cares if polish gets on them? Plus, most of them have grippers on the bottom so they don't slide around. Karla K. Mehlhoff, Aberdeen, S.D.
Dear Heloise: What a wonderful source of information and labor-savers you are. Here is one I believe would be a boon for elderly people like me with back problems.
Lower your ironing board a few notches, draw up a kitchen chair and do your ironing in comfort sitting down. Hoping this idea will be of help. Mrs. I. Butler, Mission Viejo, Calif.
Dear Heloise: When lighting candles, use a clothespin to hold the lit match to keep from burning your fingers, especially if you have several to light or if the candle is deep in a container. A Reader, via e-mail
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