Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/271933
DILBERT Scott Adams PEARLS BEFORE SWINE Stephan Pastis PICKLES Brian Crane BABY BLUES Jerry Scott & Rick Kirkman GET FUZZY Darby Conley ZITS Jerry Scott & Jim Borgman SHERMAN'S LAGOON Jim Toomey ARGYLE SWEATER Scott Hilburn BIZARRO Dan Piraro While I'm away, read- ers give the advice. ON EXPLAINING DEATH TO CHILDREN » When my mother was very young, she was extremely concerned about dying and repeatedly asked her mother (my grandmother) about it. Eventu- ally, Grand- mother turned to her and said, "Look, do you remem- ber what it was like before you were born?" My mother said, "No." "Well," said my grand- mother, "That's what it will be like when you die." I was in my late 50s when Mother told me this. It continues to be comforting. — E. ON PARTNERS WHO REFUSE TO BUDGE ON ONE THING OR ANOTHER AND WON'T SAY WHY » Why are some people such gutless won- ders that they won't say things in plain English? Or, as we say to children, "Use your words." If someone used his words, it could lead to a productive discussion. It is both selfish and cowardly for people to refrain from explaining themselves verbally when they are in a relationship with someone who clearly desires such communication. — The Verbal One ON "OVERBOOKED" MEMBER AND OTHER OBSTACLES TO FAMILY TOGETHERNESS » I am one of four, and our tradition was to gather to open gifts and celebrate on Christ- mas Eve. As we began to marry, we continued the tradition. With children/ grandchildren added to the mix, it eventually became a physical burden for my parents to host a houseful, but we collectively ignored that fact and continued. The one sibling who had no children gradually and ultimately bowed out, and the remaining sibs were very smug about this outrageous behavior. (How could he do this to our par- ents?) Never mind that he and wife always planned a specific time to host our parents in their home and exchange gifts, indepen- dently of the others. My husband, two children and I "did" Christmas Eve with my parents, spent a short time with each other Christmas morning, then went to the in-laws' for a big dinner. It occurred to me, much too late in the game, that my husband and I never established traditions with our own children. At about the same time, I realized I was actually jealous of the brother who dared to go his own way those many years ago. In our 60s and 70s now, we siblings rarely get together, and when we do, it seems forced. We're not estranged, it's just that we have little in common as adults. All the early "togetherness" did not generate close family ties. Annual events — holidays, anniversaries, birthdays — need not be rubber-stamped year after year. Enjoy the enjoyable, be civil when required, and don't fake "togetherness" to the point of resentment. — Wish I'd Done It Differently Explaining death to children in a few short sentences Carolyn Hax Ask Carolyn Email Carolyn Hax at tellme@washpost.com, follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ carolyn.hax or chat with her online at noon Eastern time each Friday at www.washingtonpost.com. Sudoku Instructions: The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the number only once. Answer to Previous Puzzle Celebrity Cipher By Luis Campos Instructions: Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another. NEA Crossword Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Your involvement in charita- ble organizations will raise your profile. The result will encourage you to increase your efforts and will spur even greater support. Aries (March 21-April 19) — You will be able to improve your position through the power of persuasion. Stress the positive results that will ensue if your plans are put into action. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Opportunities will come your way if you share your aspira- tions with others. You may have to make some minor adjust- ments to your plans. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Concentrate on your duties, and use discretion when speaking your mind. Someone could try to use your words against you. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You are a talented individual with a unique way of helping others. Unleashing your cre- ativity will enable you to offer significant improvements. Your generosity will be inspiring. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — It's in your best interest to listen to those around you. You will discover information pertinent to a decision that you need to make. Reserve your opinion until you have all the facts. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Your inquisitive nature is looking for a new creative outlet. Ex- plore new activities, challenges and topics that you find stimu- lating in order to meet people who share similar interests. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Take on a task that's been hanging over your head for too long. Stop making excuses and start acting decisively so you can move on to more pleasur- able activities. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — To maintain your good reputation, you should acquaint yourself with all the relevant information required prior to engaging in a new venture or partnership. Deception will lead to a broken agreement. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Your leadership prospects will be improved if you are a team player. Establish yourself as a hard worker. Someone who is easy to get along with could be a valuable asset. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Spend time with people who inspire you. A meaningful relationship is based on mutual interests and ideals. Sharing your ideas will improve your connection to someone special. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Avoid anyone trying to meddle with your plans. Rather than go along with someone else's ideas, fulfill the projects that are important to you. Horoscope By Bernice Bede Osol WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5 Wednesday, March 5, 2014 redBLUFFdaILyneWs.cOM | YOUR DAILY BREAK | 5 B