Clue

Dear Parker Brothers,

Last Sunday I caught my youngest son, Aaron, playing Clue with his friends in our rumpus room after I had finished cleaning up after his birthday party. I loved playing Clue as a child, so when Aaron had some questions about the gameplay, I was happy to assist. While paging through the rulebook, I noticed that the listed age range was “8 and up”, which brings me to the reason for this letter. My son is six, and his friends range from the age of five and a half to seven. I’m afraid the violent nature of the game may be damaging to children younger than the recommended age range. What changes should I watch for in my son to assure he hasn’t been affected by this game? What experiences have other customers had?

I haven’t broken the news to his friends’ parents yet, as I thought I would consult with you first. Needless to say, I have confiscated the game, and will only allow him to play it when he has reached the age of eight.

Have you thought about creating a Clue-type game more appropriate for young children? How about a game where you have to solve who threw the surprise party in what room, and using what party favor? The options could be streamers, party hats, kazoos, and balloons. You could even reuse the same game board.

Also, do you have any recommendations for currently available board games more appropriate for a six year old?

Sincerely,
Linda Wilson

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Mighty Putty

Dear Mighty Putty,

I have great memories of playing with your putty as a child, so when I saw your product in the store the other day, I bought it for my son, Aaron.

I used to find transferring Archie comics particularly enjoyable, so I pulled out my husband’s vintage newspaper comic collection to demonstrate. Unfortunately, my demonstration failed and resulted in a ripped newspaper, a disappointed son, and an extremely angry husband.

I’m wondering if I received a defective product, or if I’m doing something incorrectly? I noticed that this putty no longer comes in a plastic egg, and am wondering if that somehow affected the shelf life.

Also, do you know where I can get a copy of the June, 4th, 1967 Chicago Tribune printing of Archie? It’s the one where Jughead enters an eating contest.

Sincerely,
Linda Wilson

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Weight Watchers

Dear Weight Watchers,

I’ve been a member for a few months now, and it’s been really helpful having the support and tools to help me control my weight. I have a couple of questions I’m hoping someone can answer, though.

Last Wednesday was my birthday, and a few friends and I went out to a local pizza parlor to celebrate. I ate several slices of pizza, making sure to track my points. I indulged, and had about 20 points worth of pizza, causing me to have to dip into my flex points. Later that night I didn’t feel well, and eventually threw up my dinner.

How does this affect my points? Do I get those 20 points back? Does it depend on how much I threw up? Because if so, I threw up about 1 and 3/4 cups.

Linda Wilson

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Blockbuster Video

Dear Blockbuster,

I recently rented some movies from you over the weekend and saw a disturbing FBI message at the beginning of one of the films: “DVD FOR SALE ONLY”. I do not want to get in trouble with the FBI, as I have had some tax problems in the past, and do not want to press my luck. What do I need to do to safely resolve this situation? Can I purchase the film in question from you for the original cost minus the cost of the rental (which I already paid)? Will that be enough to keep me out of trouble?

Also, are you going to get in trouble from the government for renting a DVD that’s clearly meant for sale only, or did you simply mix up DVDs you had for sale and DVDs you had for rent? For what it’s worth, I will not say anything to the FBI about this matter, as I enjoy your video store very much and would not want to see it closed down.

Sincerely,
Linda Wilson

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Polish Nail Spa

Dear Polish Nail Spa,

My family is hosting a foreign exchange student from Poland for the next few months, and I’m looking for things for her to do in town that might make her feel more at home. What types of services you offer that might suit a Polish customer? Do you serve any Polish themed foods during nail care, or play any Polish music?

Thank you,
Linda B. Wilson