Travelers use hotel business cards for ID

Dear Heloise: The last time my wife and I were in London, we had a day when we went to different venues. I was almost hit by a speeding car, and it dawned on me that if I were dead or unconscious, the authorities would not know whom to contact. From that day on, whenever we travel, we take a business card from the bed-and-breakfast or the hotel and keep it in a pocket. I put my wife’s name on it, and she puts mine on hers. Johnny Erp, Spokane, Wash.

It’s also a good way to make it back to the hotel, especially in a foreign city. And there are many same-brand hotels in the same city! I know — I’ve been dropped off at the wrong one a few times. Heloise

Dear Heloise: It can be annoying when the printer runs out of paper in the middle of a print job. To avoid this, put a sheet of colored paper near the bottom of the stack. When you see the colored paper come out, it’s time to reload. Vince Aye, Madison, Ala.

Dear Heloise: A couple of things to add about keeping safe: Always walk to and from your car into a store or whatever with nothing on your mind but getting in and out safely. Don’t be walking and thinking about what you need to buy or what store you want to go to next. Keep your car keys in your hand while walking back to the car, which not only keeps you ready to get in, but they can also be used as a weapon. Pat in Texas

Dear Heloise: After reading in your column about all the ways that purses have been stolen, I have for the past 15 years given up mine.

I used to carry a purse that I thought I needed with everything in it, but I discovered that I did not. My shoulder used to hurt from having the purse on it. I had so much junk in it.

I have a small bag that has everything in it in my pants pocket. I cringe when I see elderly women carrying their purses, which could be taken from them. Helen Keuffner, via e-mail

Dear Heloise: After trying to read the number on my watch battery even with my glasses on and trying a magnifying glass, I took a close-up photo of the battery with my digital camera and then zoomed in on the picture. The numbers were large and clear. Bob Pagano, Ventura, Calif.

Dear Heloise: The food pantry here where I live collects empty egg cartons to use when it distributes eggs to patrons. The food pantry receives the eggs in bulk, and the cartons help with individual distributions. Call your food pantry to see if it takes empty cartons and where you can take them for pickup. Barbara, via e-mail

X Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

King Features Syndicate