News

Dear Heloise: In response to the letter about protecting toothbrush from bathroom germs, why not just put the toilet lid down before you flush, then leave it down? I’ve been doing this for years. It also keeps dogs from drinking from the toilet. (And then “kissing” you!) —

Dear Heloise: One of your readers mentioned that she and her husband wear medical dog tags with certain information on them. This is fine for first responders to know, but I certainly caution them not to include their Medicare and other insurance numbers on them. Both could be easily used for fraudulent ventures by unscrupulous individuals. — Dean Hayes, Bellevue, Nebraska

Dear Heloise: The concern over the lack of thank-you notes in today’s society is ongoing, and the solution seems elusive. Thank-you notes suffer from being categorized as old-fashioned and passe, but expressing gratitude never goes out of style. Instead of forcing, bribing and otherwise coercing people to write such notes, I recommend teaching by example. A grandparent, aunt or uncle can address a note to a grandchild, niece or nephew and thank the young person for some kindness, give appreciation for some achievement, or even share some family news.