Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/814497
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»My27-year- old daughter, "Zoey," was just laid off from her IT job out west and now she would like to pursue her long-cherished dream of becoming a comedy writ- er/performer on stage. She has no debt, mon- ey in the bank and a good start on her 401(k). She performed when she was in school, and the director thought she was quite talented at the time (and is quite the personality now), but she didn't think seriously of going into comedy then. Zoey went the "safe" route and got a computer programming degree and has excelled at everything she has tried. But she is not happy. I support her decision to try something differ- ent, but would like her to get some sound advice. We don't know where to go, and have decided to turn to you. She is welcome to live here with me in the Chicago area to save some money, if she wants. Obviously, we know she's going to have an uphill battle with this career change, but I believe that since she's not married and has no responsibilities (other than herself), this is the best time to try it. Have any ideas? —Zoey'sMom DEAR MOM » The first rule of improvisational comedy is to respond to on-stage challenges with, "Yes, and ..." This is your daughter's "Yes, and" opportunity. None of us really knows what challenges lie ahead, and to some degree life is one lengthy — some- times comedic — improvisation. So I'm with you. Zoey should go for it. I might not offer the same advice if she weren't already solvent, single and with a su pp or ti v e pa re nt . Chicago is the best place in the world to learn, develop and exercise her comedy chops. The Second City empire, which was born and thrives in Chicago, offers great opportunities for taking classes. The comedy and improv scene provides a vibrant and target-rich environment. Your daughter should get (at least) a part-time day job and keep up her IT skills while she is pur- suing her new career. She should also work on her writing skills, and join an online or in-person writ- ing group. It can take years to become a self-sustaining performing professional, but I can't imagine she would ever regret leaping into this opportunity and responding with a resounding "Yes, and ..." If you and your daugh- ter haven't read it yet, you will both enjoy Amy Poe- hler's charming memoir, "Yes, Please," (2015, Dey Street Books). I'm pulling for her. DEAR READERS » Some- times people who dispense advice run out of answers. If you've ever been curious about the life behind my advice, read my new book, "Strangers Tend to Tell Me Things: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Coming Home" (2017, Hachette). Daughter's response to life change should be 'Yes, and' You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@amydickinson. 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 Taurus(April20-May20) — Make plans to go out and meet people or help those less fortunate. What you contribute will be appreciated and lead to new friendships. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Don't mix business with pleasure. Protect your reputa- tion and position by remain- ing goal-oriented and fiercely productive. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Love conquers all. Express your feelings and share your intentions. Spend time nurturing and improving your relationships with the ones you love. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Check your personal finances for any mistakes or unexpected expenses. Don't lend or borrow money or possessions. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Make plans to get together with an old friend, attend a reunion or rejoin a group you used to belong to. Reconnecting will help you clear up any emotional confusion. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Don't take unnecessary risks. Physical challenges will turn out to be more difficult than you an- ticipated. Put your energy into building strength, not enduring injury. Use your brain instead of your brawn. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Stick to the truth when discussing personal feelings or concerns. It's important not to exaggerate or to give others the wrong impression. Romance is in the stars. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Emotional issues will cause anxiety, frustration and confusion if you allow someone to manipulate you. Take a step back and control the situation. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Believe in your ability to follow your dream or to pursue something you enjoy doing. Let your creative imagination take over when dealing with personal gains and romance. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Don't let anyone upset you or ruin your day. Keep busy, stay active and take on a physical challenge that will test your strength and endurance. Choose peace and love, not discord. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Offering help is fine, but don't let anyone take advantage of you. Dealing with institutions will result in emotional frustra- tion. Don't let anger cause a stalemate. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Share your thoughts and knowl- edge. The input you get in return will give you the shove you need to initiate change. An auspi- cious partnership will perk your interest. Make the first move. Horoscope By Eugenia Last SATURDAY, APRIL 22 SATURDAY, APRIL 22, 2017 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 5 B