Unwanted electronics can convert into cash
You know what usually comes with the holidays — new phones, new computers, and new tablets. So what do you do with old? The last thing is to trash it where it can sit for generations and leak dangerous metals into the environment.
There are many online websites that make it easy to get money or gift cards for those unwanted electronics. Check out eBay’s Instant Sale program, NextWorth.com or Gazzelle.com to get instant quotes for your particular device.
Another option for computer equipment is to donate to Goodwill’s ReConnect Program. Goodwill and Dell work together to responsibly recycle or refurbish all brands of computer equipment. The money generated goes to job training and employment opportunities for people in your community.
And if you prefer to donate a cell phone, consider www.cellphonesfor soldiers.com.
— Terri Bennett
MCT Information Services
Hints from Heloise:
Readers suggest ideas to remove broken bulb
Dear Readers: How to remove a broken light bulb from a socket? Wearing garden gloves, use a (rubber) jar opener, slowly reach in and twist and jiggle back and forth to gently remove the base that is left behind. Be sure no glass remains in the socket.
Here are some other hints from readers (TURN OFF the circuit breaker before doing anything):
• Elaine V. in Spokane, Wash., says: “I have two ways of removing a light-bulb base that remains stuck in a socket after the glass bulb has broken off:
“Take a pair of needle-nose pliers. Grab the edge of the metal base. Gently turn the metal counterclockwise, holding the outside of the socket.
“Or you can open up the pliers inside the metal base and press the tips firmly against the sides of the metal. Twist the pliers slowly counterclockwise, keeping a strong, steady pressure on the pliers. Voila! Out pops the bulb base.”
• Karen M. of Colorado Springs, Colo., says: “Broken-off light bulb? Make a wad of duct tape; push it on the exposed base and turn. Works every time.”
At one time, using a raw potato was the solution for a stuck light-bulb base. That is no longer a recommended solution, as the moisture from the potato could cause a short.
— King Features Syndicate
FDA begins campaign
on illegal pharmacies
Medicine purchased from illegal Internet pharmacies might look real, but it could be counterfeit, contaminated, expired or otherwise unsafe. The Food and Drug Administration (www.fda.gov) has launched a campaign, BeSafeRX, to help consumers distinguish between legal and illegal online pharmacies.
The agency says safe online pharmacies:
• Always require a prescription from your doctor and don’t offer prescriptions free or for sale.
• Provide a physical address and telephone number in the United States.
• Offer a licensed pharmacist to answer your questions.
• Are licensed with the state’s board of pharmacy.
• Don’t offer deep discounts or prices that seem too good to be true.
• Never send spam or unsolicited email offering cheap drugs.
— Chicago Tribune