Make better cat videos with these tips
Dear Readers: Who doesn’t enjoy watching cat videos online? Or any animal videos, for that matter? Or kids’ birthday parties, vacation videos, etc.? Here are some hints to use when shooting video from your cellphone:
n It’s usually better to shoot with your phone held horizontally (called “landscape” mode) to get more scenery in.
n Nobody can watch jumpy video. Hold the phone steady. Squeezing your elbows into your sides works to lock your frame.
n Zooming in and out and having the camera “bounce” will result in poor quality, too. Walking while filming is not only dangerous, but will result in a bad video.
n Lights behind the cat, dog or child can cause glare and make it hard to see the subject.
n If you are posting your videos on social media, keep them short (less than 30 seconds
or so).—Heloise
PET PAL
Dear Readers: Phyllis M. in Texarkana, Texas, sent a picture of her therapy dog, Max. Max sees about 150 people every week at hospitals, schools, nursing homes and libraries. Way to go, Max!
To see Max and our other Pet Pals, visit Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.” Do you have a harried, hairy helper in your family? Share a picture by emailing Heloise@Heloise. com.—Heloise
VINEGAR POWER Dear Readers: Did you know that one of my favorite household helpers comes in different strengths? It is VINEGAR! Vinegar that is used for pickling and salad dressings, etc., is typically 5 percent. Extra-strength vinegar is 9 percent, and usually is found in the aisle in the supermarket with the cleaning supplies. Extra-strength vinegar may cost a little more than the 5 percent, but it cleans great, and it is safe, nontoxic, friendly to the environment and cost-effective.
I’ve compiled a collection of my best tried-and-true
vinegar hints and recipes into a handy pamphlet. Would you like to receive one? It’s easy! Send a stamped (70 cents), self-addressed, long envelope, along with $5, to: Heloise/Vinegar. P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. You may find vinegars with higher acidity online. Heat your vinegar for a more intense clean!— Heloise
HINT FROM HIM
Dear Heloise: Homeowners are constantly looking for a safe place to store their valuables when going on vacation. I place valuables inside a pillowcase, put them in the clothes dryer and place clothes on top.
I’ve never heard of thieves raiding a clothes dryer!—N.M., Warren, Ohio
Hi, Neal! I think you are right! I loved my visit to Warren a few years back. Say “Hi” to folks for me.—Hugs, Heloise
FOUNDATION FIX Dear Heloise: When doing my makeup, I apply foundation first and then concealer to the under-eye area. This way, I find I use much less product around my eyes, which can age them.— Janet R. in Texas