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Dear Heloise: Your advice was great about getting your pets microchipped. I'd also like to add that everyone should have collars with a name and phone number for their pets. You can make the ID tag yourself at many pet stores or even order them online already made-up. Even indoor pets need them, as they can easily slip out while doors are open. -- Kathy Nelson, Montgomery, Texas
SILICONE BAKING MATS
Dear Heloise: In response to the issue with keeping parchment paper flat on baking sheets, I suggest using silicone baking mats instead. They are inexpensive, reusable for years and environmentally friendly.
I've used mine for many years. The only time I use parchment paper now is when baking food "en papillote." Thank you for all that you do. -- D.J., in Orange County, California
PORCH PIRATES ARE THIEVES
Dear Heloise: I recently saw the piece on porch pirates in your column. This is incorrect. They are not porch pirates; they are no different than any other thief and should be called out as such.
"Porch pirates" sounds more akin to little kids dressed like Captain Jack Sparrow on Halloween. Calling these thieves "pirates" makes them sound like benign nuisances rather than the trouble they really are, as if they're something we should all just tolerate because pirates are so much fun!
Stop calling them anything except what they are: lowlife thieves. -- J.T., via email
CLEANING FAN GRILLS
Dear Readers: Take note that vinegar does a great job of cleaning. You can wipe exhaust fan grills and ceiling fans with full-strength vinegar to cut the grease and dust -- and keep the fresh air circulating.
I have put together a six-page pamphlet with even more vinger uses, called "Heloise's Fantabulous Vinegar Hints and More!" To order a pamphlet, go to www.Heloise.com. You can also get this useful pamphlet by sending $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Heloise/Vinegar, P.O. Box 795001,San Antonio, TX, 78279-5001. -- Heloise
SOUND OFF ON THROWAWAY SOCIETY
Dear Heloise: Please stop publishing hints from people who encourage the throw-away society. In a recent column, someone wrote in about using cheap paper plates instead of a plastic cover for microwaving foods. No, no, no! Stop throwing things away needlessly.
Reduce, reuse and recycle. Using a reusable resource saves money and helps eliminate all the unnecessary items in our landfills. Thank you. -- Linda O., in Connecticut
THE NIGHT BEFORE
Dear Heloise: In the morning, I usually have so many last-minute things to do and a number of items to take with me to work that sometimes one or two items get left at home by mistake. I finally took the advice you wrote a while back to another faithful reader: I put everything in the car the night before.
No more cellphone left on the kitchen counter, and no daily schedule soaked in milk on the breakfast table. My car keys are safely set on the dashboard, while the car remains in the garage. This has made my mornings a lot less stressful. -- P.H., in Connecticut
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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won't be answered personally.