HELOISE CLASSIFIED HINTS
BY HELOISE

GARAGE SALES

Heloise Hint: If you are buying used items online. Be aware of the special 1-cent sales/ auctions for items. Some are legit, and others make profits by charging large shipping costs. Find out the total price before you commit to the sale.

Heloise Hint: Alert your friends to your garage sale. Give them advance notice of your upcoming sale by sending them a special e-mail with all the details. They can then send it on to their friends.

Heloise Hint: Still need holiday decorations? Go to garage sales or flea markets. You might be able to find wonderful items to decorate your home, as well as some stocking stuffers.

AUTOMOTIVE

Heloise Hint: Driving while high. States are cracking down on those who drive while under the influence of illegal drugs or even too much over-the-counter or prescription medication. (Eleven states have made it a crime to drive with any amount of illicit substance in a driver’s body.) Experts say to pay attention to how much legal medication you take. It can make you sleepy or slow your reactions.

Heloise Hint: Another new sport utility vehicle or minivan feature. Some models are offering power rear doors. No more struggling to pop the trunk. A beeper goes off to alert those close by that the door will open. A sensor can detect if someone is in the way and stop the door or reverse the direction.

Heloise Hint: Teen driving deaths increasing. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, traffic deaths of teens have risen 5 percent (6,000 teens) in the past 10 years. The causes? Alcohol, failure to wear seat belts and high speed are the largest factors. Educate your teens about wearing seat belts and sticking to the speed limits, and about the dangers of drinking and driving.

PETS

Heloise Hint: If your dog is afraid during a storm. Thunderstorms can really make dogs fearful. Turn up the radio or TV to mask the noise, and make sure your pooch has a space where it can hide and feel safe.

Heloise Hint: A cat that won’t cause allergies? A California company is in the process of genetically engineering cats that don’t have the proteins that cause allergies! Of course, this will cost big bucks, and these kitties won’t be available until 2007.

Heloise Hint: During the holidays. Never give your dog turkey or chicken bones. They can become lodged in the throat or do damage inside your pet’s body. Don’t feed a pet scraps from the table, either.

RECRUITMENT

Heloise Hint: If your pay raises aren’t enough. It might be time to change jobs. Look within your industry or to other fields where you might qualify for a job. Compare the raises and benefits before you decide to change employment.

Heloise Hint: If your company wants you to sign a noncompete agreement. It can prevent you from working for a competing company in years to come. Job experts say to be sure that you read and understand the clause — before you agree to it. Have a lawyer explain what it could mean if you want to leave the company and go elsewhere.

Heloise Hint: If you are in business school in college. Take advantage of those companies that come to recruit on your campus. Investment banks and consulting firms are hitting the college circuit. Get your resume ready.

REAL ESTATE

Heloise Hint: Check your carbon-monoxide detector. With winter here, it’s the time to test the batteries so that you are sure it’s operational. Also, have your heating system and hot-water heater examined by a professional.

Heloise Hint: Lowering heating bills. Did you know that your heating costs increase by 5 percent for each degree you set your thermostat above 68 degrees? Get a programmable thermostat, which can be set so the heat goes on and off when needed.

Heloise Hint: Humidifier clogged with mineral deposits from water? To get it working properly, fill the humidifier bowl with white household vinegar and soak it overnight. Rinse with clean water. Soak the impeller (rod) in a jar with vinegar. Don’t get the motor wet. Use distilled water to prevent this problem.

Write to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000.
E-mail HELOISE@Heloise.com
Fax Heloise @ 210-HELOISE (435-6473).
© 2004 King Features Syndicate