Hints From Heloise: Stop the marketing calls

Dear Readers: Telemarketers are a pain in the neck! To help stop them, the Federal Trade Commission has a service called the DO NOT CALL REGISTRY.

To call and get your phone number on this Do Not Call list, be sure to call from the number you’d like to register. If you have multiple phone lines (land line or cell line), call from EACH one; dial 888-382-1222 (TTY 866-290-4236).

If you want to register your phone number online, go to www.donotcall.gov to apply.

The Do Not Call Registry cannot stop calls from places you have given permission to call, places you have business with, tax-exempt nonprofit organizations or calls that are not commercial or do not include unsolicited advertisements. -- Heloise

P.S.: This is a major annoyance to many folks! Call today (or register online) so you can get some relief!

SEND A GREAT HINT TO:

Heloise

P.O. Box 795000

San Antonio, TX 78279-5000

Fax: 1-210-HELOISE

E-mail:

KEY IDEAS

Dear Readers: Here are a few of the many letters and e-mails that came in about what to do with old keys:

Darlene in Wisconsin wrote: “As a fourth-grade teacher, I took our box of keys and used them as a creative-writing activity. Each child selected a key, then imagined what kind of door the key would open and what was behind it.”

Kim in Texas wrote: “Tie a collection to the bottom of an old chandelier instead of costly crystal drops. Use as an accent on a gift-wrapped package. Use ribbon or twine to create napkin rings (especially cute for a housewarming gift).”

Murray in California wrote: “Buy a cheap picture frame with glass and set the keys on red or black felt, and it becomes a great wall hanging.”

Thanks for all the great hints -- keep the hints coming! -- Heloise

FUNNY STUFF

Dear Heloise: Everybody needs to laugh. So when I come across a funny cartoon in the comics section, I clip it out and tape it to my refrigerator door. This helps friends and family who may not feel good to have a better day. They get a chance to laugh, something they may not have done that day until they read my comic strip. -- Ellen in Louisiana

Ellen, the refrigerator is the “bulletin board” of family activity in millions of households, including mine! -- Heloise

TRAVEL HINT

Dear Heloise: When my parents went to California, I made them a large-size paper with my name, phone number (with area code) and address, and my sister’s as well. I taped it on the dashboard of their car. If in an accident, it is very helpful. Cellphones could be lost in an accident, and who do you call then? -- Bailey in San Antonio

PETS FIRST

Dear Heloise: When moving, put your pets’ toys and bedding where they can be found before you start unpacking. Their toys will have their scent on them and make them feel at home immediately. And they won’t be quite so confused and disorderly. -- A Reader, via e-mail

Send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Tex. 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com. Please include your city and state.

2012, King Features Syndicate