Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/437111
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Mydepart- ment at work is on its sixth boss in three years. The latest boss has made changes resulting in reduced morale to the point that some employ- ees are looking for other jobs. My co-workers vent to me about the boss, and the boss vents to me about them. Some of my co-work- ers have gone to HR and were told to deal with it, as this person is the "golden child." HR seems unwill- ing to do anything, which is unreasonable. HR even suggested they look for jobs elsewhere. The boss is in de- nial about the issues and thinks everything is fine. The issues are: Instruc- tions are inconsistent, treatment is unfair, the boss claims not to recall certain things, and there is no trust. This boss doesn't admit to anything. I live in fear that the boss will retaliate against me if I am open and honest about what I know. My question is: Do I tell my boss the truth and talk about effective leadership and manage- ment style? —Something'sGotta Give DEAR GOTTA GIVE » Based on what you report about your workplace — includ- ing your co-workers' and your boss's choice to vent to you — it seems obvious that you would be a better manager than the boss. Is staging a coup possible? Your terrible boss can- not be trusted to respond to your reasonable assess- ment in a reasonable way. Your boss will ignore your recommendations and then punish you for mak- ing them. If there is any way to take your assessment over your boss's head, you should do so (document everything, including spe- cific examples). However, you better have another job offer in your pocket when you do this, because it sounds as if your entire organization is flawed. DEAR AMY » At 88 years of age, I am the last remain- ing child of a family of nine children. My health is fair, and my income is sufficient. My problem is that I have 35 nieces and neph- ews (all in another state) who are starting to marry. They are kindly extend- ing invitations to me. I have sent a financial gift to four weddings, but if I continue at this pace I'll be broke. How do I stop this "graciously"? They do love their aunt. — Auntie Em, the Great DEAR AUNTIE » You do not need to send cash gifts to marrying couples. You should come up with something less expensive and more personal as a "statement" gift from you. You are the only sur- viving sibling from a huge fa m il y. I a ss u me y ou h a ve some wonderful photos. A thoughtful idea would be to find an old photo of the marrying person's parent as a young person. Photos are very easy to copy these days, and if you enclose one in a card with a thoughtful note, your nieces and nephews will be very appreciative. Employee becomes confidant for complaints of co-workers You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribune.com and follow her on Twitter @askingamy. Amy Dickinson Ask Amy Sudoku Instructions:Theobjectistoplacethe numbers1to9intheemptysquaresso thateachrow,eachcolumnandeach 3x3boxcontainsthenumberonlyonce. AnswertoPreviousPuzzle CelebrityCipher ByLuisCampos Instructions:CelebrityCiphercryptogramsarecreatedfromquotationsbyfamouspeople, pastandpresent.Eachletterinthecipherstandsforanother. NEACrossword Sagittarius(Nov.23-Dec. 21) — Don't take on too much; stick to what you do best. Stay on track by keeping up on the latest trends in your field. Your efforts will lead to success. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Be careful with whom you associate. Keep your legal pa- perwork up to date so that you do not become overwhelmed. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Make the right choice by relying on the lessons you have learned from the past. You will capture everyone's attention if you follow your heart. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Curb your spending, or you may have regrets. If you embel- lish the truth, it will cost you. Be honest about your feelings, and trust your judgment. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Social media will have a posi- tive impact on your plans. High- light your talents and reach out to people who can use and promote what you have to offer. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — You may be asking too much of someone if you depend on them to make you happy. Get out with old friends, who will help you see your personal situation with greater clarity. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — You are in for a nasty surprise if you take others for granted. Make sure that there is give- and-take in both your personal and professional relationships. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Don't get anxious about what's happening around you. Adaptability is the key to making change work for you. Trust your instincts and take full advantage of the new circumstances. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Past mistakes or heartaches will leave you depressed. Live in the present and make your future bright. Focus on things and people you enjoy, and you won't have time to look back. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Someone you live with will be demanding. If your patience is wearing thin, find an outlet that will keep you busy. Take care of your personal paperwork. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — An interesting proposal is coming your way. Don't sit idly by, waiting for your situation to change. Get out and help others, and you'll take your mind off your worries. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Minor accidents are likely if you are distracted or reckless. Don't hesitate to brag. Unless people realize your capabilities and what you have to offer, nothing will develop. Horoscope By Eugenia Last SATURDAY, DEC. 20 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2014 4 D