Helpful Hints

DEAR READERS: A reader wrote: "My Sound Off is about the all-too-frequent speakers who refuse to use microphones because 'I talk loud enough.' Wrong!

"It's not pleasant to listen to someone who's shouting, or whose voice softens during the presentation. Listeners shouldn't be expected to shout out that they can't hear.

"People with hearing impediments shouldn't have to embarrass themselves in front of a group to declare it publicly so the speaker will use the microphone."

-- Mary Anna,

Omaha, Neb.

I do many speeches and presentations during the year, and always request a body mic, also known as a lavalier. A sound check is imperative, and many times there are "hot spots" where there is feedback, and it's important to get this noise fixed. However, if it's a small group in a room (not hundreds in an auditorium), I ask the audience if they can hear me, or would they like me to use a mic.

DEAR READERS: Other uses for baking soda:

• As a natural deodorant.

• As toothpaste.

• To minimize cat odor in litter boxes.

• To soothe an upset tummy.

• To eliminate other household odors.

Baking soda is so versatile that having some around the house is the smart thing to do. Baking soda should be in every kitchen and bathroom. It's one of those must-have items that is safe, cheap and friendly to the environment.

DEAR READERS: Many of you responded with hints related to a Sound Off about excessive junk mail. K.H. in Jerseyville, Ill., offered this solution: "Write 'VOID' on the offer, fold the envelope it was mailed in and write 'No Thanks' on it. Then take the postage-paid envelope that came with it, put everything received back in it and mail back."

Ken in Lubbock, Texas, wrote: "Take out the SASE (self-addressed, stamped envelope), tear your address off the letter to you and write on it 'No Thanks.' Put it in the envelope and mail it back. That costs the sender 49 cents postage and 50 cents handling. You will get nothing else from that company."

These are a few ways my readers have suggested to stop junk mail. One even said to write "dead" or "moved" on the "bounce back" and that will stop it. Maybe!

Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email

[email protected]

ActiveStyle on 05/23/2016

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