Hints From Heloise

Dear Heloise: I have bitten my tongue (“pen”) time after time, hoping I wouldn’t have to write. When someone sends in a hint that is a bad idea, such as using a 35mm film canister to store food items or reusing a meat marinade, why do you put their name in the paper and tell the whole country their idea is wrong?

Take a hint: Confidential to Mrs. C.H. in Texas. Reusing a meat marinade could cause food poisoning - don’t. Then you have passed on a hint and not embarrassed the person with a very public reprimand. - Jo, Findlay, Ohio

Dear Jo: I’ll certainly try. As we have done the past 37 years of this column, we share helpful information, not try to embarrass anyone. If a reader sends in a hint that is potentially dangerous, we feel it is important to let them know why it is not a good idea. We hope it keeps other people who may do the same thing from hurting themselves or others. - Heloise

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