Dear Heloise:

I work for a regional transit agency as a supervisor. Our agency also serves as the ticket agent for a national BUS LINE. We are experiencing a problem in our terminal where local and long-distance travelers wait for buses. Passengers seem to have some expectation that they can plug cell phones and laptops in wherever they choose without asking permission. This has included unplugging maintenance equipment, vending machines, etc. The passengers stretch their cords across the lobby and create safety hazards.

Additionally, cell phones have been taken by others, creating confrontations and anger vented at staff. We have had to put covers with locks on the outlets!

— Anne, via e-mail

Who knew? Readers, please be sure to ask before using an outlet to plug in an electronic appliance in a public place. It’s nice that many airports have places just for this.

— Heloise

SAVING MONEY

Dear Readers:

We all are trying to save money these days, but who likes to give up a nice meal out now and then? To fit going out to eat into your budget, go for lunch instead of dinner! Lunch usually is quite a bit cheaper, especially at (non-fast-food) restaurants with table service! Also, check newspapers and magazines for coupons.

— Heloise

A WORD OF WARNING

Dear Heloise:

I had to write in to share this important safety warning with other drivers. I had several strands of plastic beads hanging from my rearview mirror and had to make a sharp turn. One of the bead strands slipped around my steering wheel, locking it in place. I had to pull really hard, which broke the bead strand. It shook me up a little, and I immediately removed all the beads. I didn’t want a repeat performance.

— G.K., via e-mail

DISHWASHER HINT

Dear Heloise:

One of the things I hate after a party is having to put all my “fancy” dishes back in the china hutch. It always involves moving and shifting things around, and the dishes can be heavy when picking up a whole stack of plates, etc. So, to make it easier, I load the dishwasher with the plates that go on the bottom of the hutch first. After they are done, then I wash the glasses and other items that are stored on top. This works out great for me, and it makes putting the dishes back a little easier.

— Erin M. in Texas

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000