Friends and neighbors: Our state flag and seal have represented the people of Minnesota for generations, but in just one session, members of the majority party decided to get rid of our current state flag and seal. The new state flag and seal came about through a provision in last year’s ...

Dear Heloise: Just read a recent column of yours in the Orange County Register. The easiest way to open a reluctant jar is to turn the jar over and tap it on the floor. It never fails for me. -- Claudine, Huntington Beach, California SMELLY GARBAGE CAN Dear Readers: To help prevent having ...

Dear Annie: I have a longtime friend who has serious trouble with gifts. It is very difficult to give her anything because she insists on “evening the score” by responding with a gift back to the giver. For instance, we comfortably exchanged token holiday gifts at my place, but my husband ...

Dear Heloise: After reading in the Orange County Register about many people who wrote in about their soap slivers, I thought I would give my two cents. I take a new bar, put the cavity side down into a saucer and add just enough water to cover the cavity. After 15-20 minutes, I drain the water, ...

Dear Annie: I’ll be married for 25 years this coming June, 30 years together. My husband is great, but he is not interested in sex anymore. He told me, “It’s just not important to me.” I’m in my mid-40s and am desperate for intimacy and affection. But aside from that, I enjoy my ...

Dear Annie: I have a sonwho’s going to be 3 in August. He’s been going through the “Terrible Twos,” and as you can imagine, it’s been terrible. His thing right now is that he will throw a fit, and then when he’s done, he will wrap his arms around me and say, “I love you, ...