Reader dislikes wraps in her paper

Dear Readers: Today’s sound off is about newspapers with “wrap-arounds” on the front section.

“My complaint is about the newspaper’s annoying three-fourths page advertising cover of almost every issue of the paper! It goes straight into the bottom of the bird cage before I can sit down to read the paper.

“You can’t even hold the entire section to read it without getting rid of the extra flapping; wasted paper.”

Sharon in San Antonio

Another reader wrote, “The one-half page cover on the front of our newspaper has become so annoying that as soon as I get the paper, I rip that piece off and recycle it so I can enjoy the rest of the paper.”

Dear Readers of Newspapers: Today’s newspaper world is far different from only a few decades ago. Newspapers have to do everything they can to bring in revenue while supplying information and entertainment for readers. As someone who has been in this biz for a long time (I grew up watching my mother, the original Heloise), it’s far better to change and adapt than to shut the doors.

Though you may not like the “wrap-around,” it serves a purpose. So take a hint from Heloise: Take the advertising page off (most do) and recycle. It takes only a few seconds to do so. Enjoy your newspaper.

Hugs, Heloise

P.S.: Please note, as an internationally syndicated newspaper columnist, I do have a very strong vested interest in newspapers and in helping my readers. Don’t give up!

Dear Readers: Other items that can be used to store pierced earrings:

Old neckties

Place mats

Strips of ribbon

Socks

A sentimental T-shirt.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: When my grandmother passed away, I ended up with totes full of stuff from my childhood. They have a really bad mothball smell. Please, can you help me?

Patricia M., via email

Patricia, this is a tough smell to get rid of. Generally, it’s only air circulation that will help the smell to dissipate. So, let Mother Nature work for you:

1. Hang garments outdoors in the breeze.

2. Put clothing into the dryer on only “fluff dry” and toss in several fabric-softener sheets.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: I recently saw a reader complaining about the size of the expiration dates on coupons and how difficult they are to find. When I find the date, I highlight it. This makes it easier to find the next time I view the coupon.

I also try to organize them according to the expiration date. This helps me stay mindful of old and current coupons.

Jerry V., Galveston, Texas

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE or email it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

2016 King Features Syndicate