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On this date
In 1942, during World War II, a four-man Nazi sabotage team arrived by submarine on Long Island, New York, three days before a second four-man team landed in Florida. (All eight men were arrested within weeks.)
In 1966, the Supreme Court ruled in Miranda v. Arizona that criminal suspects had to be informed of their constitutional rights to remain silent and consult with an attorney.
In 1967, President Lyndon B. Johnson nominated Solicitor General Thurgood Marshall to become the first non-white justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.
In 1971, the New York Times began publishing excerpts of the Pentagon Papers, a top-secret study of America's involvement in Vietnam since 1945 that had been leaked to the paper by military analyst Daniel Ellsberg.
In 1983, the U.S. space probe Pioneer 10, launched in 1972, became the first spacecraft to leave the solar system as it crossed the orbit of Neptune.
In 1996, the 81-day-old Freemen standoff in Montana ended as the 16 remaining members of the anti-government group left their ranch and surrendered to the FBI.
In 2000, the first meeting between leaders of North Korea and South Korea since the Korean War began as South Korean President Kim Dae-Jung met North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il in Pyongyang.
HELOISE
Dear Heloise: You published a letter from John M., aka Uncle Johnny, who asked: "Why do food companies make it so hard to take the seal off of food jars?"
Obviously he doesn't remember back in 1982 when seven people in the Chicago area died after ingesting capsules laced with cyanide. This led to a nationwide panic and a massive recall of 31 million bottles of the painkiller. The murders triggered significant changes in the way over-the-counter medications were packaged, with the introduction of tamper-resistant packaging.
Personally, I am grateful for the seals and the sense of security that they give. — Sandy, in Ventura, California
Sandy, I remember that time too well. The manufacturing of medication changed for the better to prevent tampering. However, for people with arthritis or other issues with their hands, it became a nightmare.
If your medication is from a doctor, you can request an easy-to-open bottle or vial. If it's a medication that does not require a prescription from a doctor, you can always have someone open the bottle for you and transfer the medication to another easy-to-open container.
If you opt for either method, be sure to keep your medicines covered in a cool, dry place and out of children's reach. — Heloise
Sweet potato mashing
Dear Heloise: I have discovered that when a sweet potato comes out of the oven, you can put your hand on top and just roll the potato back and forth. This mashes up the potato and makes eating it easier. — Mary M., via email
Mary, here's a hint for you: The purple sweet potatoes are usually considered the healthiest variety because they have antioxidants called anthocyanins. While both orange and purple sweet potatoes are good for you, purple sweet potatoes are slightly more nutrient-rich. The best way to cook sweet potatoes to preserve their vitamins is to boil or steam them. — Heloise
Goodbye to skunk odors
Dear Heloise: Regarding skunked dogs, the method that you suggested does help but doesn't do a really good job of getting rid of the smell. I've tried it and still had a dog stinking enough that they wouldn't groom him at the groomers. Here's what really works:
I got this from my daughter who was in veterinary college. She was doing necropsies on cattle. She said everyone in her class complained they couldn't even eat because of the smell on their hands, despite having used gloves. But she didn't have any trouble.
She had showered and used her well-known brand of dandruff shampoo as usual. She did not have any leftover smells. Since then, I have used dandruff shampoo for stinky things. I would not recommend using it on a dog regularly, but for a onetime emergency, it works great.
I take a washcloth, put some diluted dandruff shampoo on it, and gently wipe his face, being careful not to get it in his eyes. Then I rinse it off . I give him a full-body wash including his head and shoulders.
It works great on garbage cans, too, but just a small amount. We're talking a teaspoon or less per gallon of water. Then just swish it around with a brush and rinse. — Carol B., via email
Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com.
Separation anxiety often shows up as whining, barking, pacing or destructive behavior when a dog is left alone, writes Cathy M. Rosenthal.
Dear Cathy: I have a friend with a 2-year-old miniature schnauzer he's had since puppyhood. He installed a camera in his room to check on the dog while he's away, but no matter how briefly he leaves — even just to run to the store — the dog starts crying and won't stop until he returns.
As a result, he takes the dog everywhere, even to doctor's appointments.
My friend rents a room in a house with a landlord and another tenant. Although his dog gets along well with the landlord's dog, he still cries whenever his owner leaves. My friend currently works from home, but he'll eventually need a job outside the house.
I've told him this issue needs to be addressed soon, as it's already aff ecting his social life and could create problems with the landlord once his schedule changes. He loves his dog dearly and wants to do the right thing, but doesn't know where to begin.
What's the best way for him to start training his dog to stop crying when left alone? The dog is sweet, playful and friendly with everyone, but immediately becomes anxious the moment his owner is out of sight. — Rick, Oakdale, New York
Dear Rick: It sounds like your friend's miniature schnauzer struggles with separation anxiety, a common issue in dogs who form strong attachments to their people. While it's completely understandable that your friend wants to be with his dog all the time, that constant togetherness can make things harder for the dog in the long run.
Separation anxiety often shows up as whining, barking, pacing or destructive behavior when the dog is left alone. If left unaddressed, it can grow worse over time. The good news is that dogs can learn to feel OK when their people aren't around with some simple, consistent steps.
Encourage your friend to begin with short absences, just stepping out of the house for a minute or two so the dog learns that being alone doesn't mean being abandoned. It's also important that your friend avoids making departures or returns a big production.
Calm comings and goings help prevent that spike in anxiety we sometimes see when a dog connects keys jingling, or a goodbye hug with panic. I often tell pet owners: When you leave, leave – no drama, no fanfare. When you return, give your dog a few minutes to settle before off ering a warm greeting – and keep it low-key, nothing too enthusiastic.
Creating a cozy, predictable space for the dog can also help, like a favorite blanket, some familiar toys, maybe a food puzzle or a frozen Kong with peanut butter. These little comforts go a long way in helping dogs self-soothe.
When your friend is home, he can begin encouraging independence by having the dog spend time in a diff erent room or rest in a nearby crate while he moves around the house. Even practicing picking up his keys or putting on shoes without leaving the home can help desensitize the dog to those departure cues.
There are also some wonderful calming aids on the market, like pheromone diff users and collars, anxiety wraps like the Thundershirt or Anxiety Wrap, and even white noise or soft music that can make a home feel more secure when the dog is alone.
If your friend ever needs to leave the house regularly, whether for work, errands, or travel, helping his dog learn to be alone now will make that transition much easier. With consistent eff ort, his schnauzer can learn that being alone isn't scary, and your friend will feel more freedom, knowing his dog is safe and secure while he's away.
Cathy M. Rosenthal is an animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@ . Please include your name, city and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.
Happy Birthday for Friday, June 13, 2025:
You're an original thinker with a wide range of interests. You're innovative and thoughtful. This year is the beginning of a new nine-year cycle for you.
The stars show the kind of day you'll have: 5-Dynamic; 4-Positive; 3-Average; 2-So-so; 1-Difficult
ARIES (March 21-April 19)
★★★ You continue to be high-viz today. Nevertheless, be reminded that your year ahead will benefit you in terms of real estate and where you live. Tonight: You're admired.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20)
★★★★ Grab every chance to learn something new today. Meanwhile, you're entering a two-year window where you will start to let go of what is no longer relevant in your life. Tonight: Learn something.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
★★★★ Money issues are on your mind today, perhaps taxes, debt and shared property. Meanwhile, in the bigger picture, keep in mind that you will get richer this year. Tonight: Check paperwork.
CANCER (June 21-July 22)
★★★★ Make an eff ort to get along with others today, even if you have to go more than halfway to meet someone. It's not a big deal. Tonight: Be cooperative.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)
★★★★ Today is an excellent day to talk to bosses and people in authority. You might have to help someone. In the bigger picture, you're preparing for a major success in about two years. Tonight: Get organized.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
★★★★ This is a playful, fun-loving day for you. This is not surprising considering that you're entering a 12-month window of increased popularity. Tonight: Socialize.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
★★★★ Today you might want to take it easy. Nevertheless, it's encouraging to remember that lucky Jupiter has just moved to the top of your charts. Tonight: Relax.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
★★★★ You're keen to talk to others today. You want to express your ideas to someone. You don't want to waste time in idle chitchat. Tonight: Discussions.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
★★★★ Today you're thinking about your values, cash flow and possessions. You might inherit or get richer through someone else's wealth. Tonight: Maintain belongings.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
★★★★ The moon is in your sign for a second day, slightly boosting your good fortune. Be encouraged by the fact that in the next 12 months, all your relationships will improve. Tonight: You're favored.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
★★★★ Even though this is a playful time for you, today you might want to be low-key. You will improve your health. Tonight: Privacy.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)
★★★★ This is a good day to start to plan for some exciting vacations that might take place this year for your sign. Tonight: Friendships.
— King Features Syndicate
Dear Eric: I have three adult children. About three years ago there was an issue, and my oldest, Doug, and middle, Linda, disrespected each other. It wasn't a small issue, but (in my and my wife's opinion) it wasn't a huge off ense.
Neither will apologize. They refuse to speak to each other.
We have tried many ways to try and bridge the gap, to no success. I'm not asking for them to kiss and make up. I'm just saying, "Be cordial; be humane to other people in our house."
We host holiday meals, and birthday parties at our house, and this animosity really hurts and makes the dynamics difficult. Even seating at the table needs to be arranged.
Recently, I told my wife, "Only people that are willing to be humane and cordial will be invited to family meals."
My wife doesn't want to do that. In part, she fears losing access to grandchildren. I said, "Fine, for Easter meals they can be jerks but for Christmas they have to be cordial. I'll just go upstairs because it's too painful to be there. And you can't holler at me for being a jerk, because you don't holler at them for being jerks."
Am I asking too much? — Stressed Father
Dear Father: You're not asking too much but be careful to not let your relationship with your wife become collateral damage to Doug and Linda's fight. Although you see this situation diff erently, you and your wife have the same goal of family harmony.
Unfortunately, it seems unlikely that a "civil on Christmas, acrimonious on Easter" kind of split is going to work in practice. It's more likely that an honest and plain-spoken appeal to your kids might have an impact. You've tried to get them to be civil to each other and to bridge the gap, but I wonder if you've told them, clearly and honestly, how painful their poor behavior is for you.
They've made their anger everyone's problem and it seems they're the only ones who don't have to do anything special to accommodate it. That needs to stop.
See how your wife feels about telling them, "It's your business how you treat your sibling, but I'm asking you to stop involving me and your mother and the warm home we work so hard to create in this fight."
She may not go for it, and I understand. But by holding the threat of losing access to your grandchildren over you, your kids are showing an unnecessary amount of cruelty toward people (you) who don't deserve it. That's worth being spoken about in the open.
Dear Eric: My fiancé and I had to move back into his parents' home due to the crippling economy. My problem lies with his father. He is fully disabled and stubborn. He has been getting up to use the bathroom, which would be OK if he could do it properly. He can't; he urinates all over the floor.
We have told him multiple times that, due to us having a child in the home, I always end up cleaning it, but I never get reimbursed. I'm seriously considering calling Adult Protective Services on grounds of self-neglect.
He will not take showers as well and is a suicide risk. My issue is I want to call but I don't want to be a problem starter in a family that's already called Department of Children and Family Services on me out of pettiness. What would you do? — In-Law Struggles
Dear In-Law: There are a few things that are concerning about the situation you've described. It sounds like your fiancé's father needs more comprehensive help than he currently has access to. If he's at risk for suicide and has problems providing for his basic needs, then, yes, Adult Protective Services or a social worker should be brought into assist the family. This doesn't strike me as pettiness; the family is neglecting a vulnerable individual.
I'm also concerned about the call made about you. Without more information, it's not possible to comment save for pointing out that this living situation is not, at present, healthy for you or for your child.
You, your fiancé, and whoever else is in the house need to have a frank conversation about the tensions in the house and how you can all best work to protect the vulnerable people in the home, namely your fiancé's father and your child. It may be that this isn't the right place to raise a child right now.
In your letter, I read frustration with your fiancé's father. That's understandable, but as you address what's wrong in the house, try to focus on the bigger issue.
He needs more support than he currently has, even if he doesn't want it, and those of you helping him need more support, too.
Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com.
