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I found a great new way to use coffee filters! They make wonderful snack bowls while traveling in the car. They are inexpensive and the bowl shape makes it easy to eat while on the road. When you are done, just throw them away. They are also perfect for the beach or at school. The uses are endless! Kathy M. Bumgardner, Denver
Better idea for bird feeders
A clever reader took issue with a recent submission on the long-accepted tip of dabbing Vaseline or solid shortening on a bird feeder hanger to keep ants from getting to the sweet hummingbird food. We checked, and our correspondent was right. To avoid the chance of delicate wings brushing up against thick goo, bird experts recommend getting an ant guard or moat that you fill with water to keep ants at bay. A few feeders come with them built in, but I’ve found the water evaporates or drains out. I saw one well-reviewed ant guard (Perky Pet) at Lowe’s for $7. You’ll see plenty at birding stores and online, too. Roland Wilkerson
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