Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/280798
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 DEAR CAROLYN » Any suggestions for explaining to a 7-year-old why I don't give change to every panhandler who asks for it? I walk her to school through an urban area and have already deflected her questions about this more times than I care to admit. — D.C. DEAR D.C. » "I think there are better ways to help people than to give them spare change. For example, I give money to groups that help homeless people." Then do — have her watch you do it. Even better, encourage her to go through her toys, books and clothing to see if there's anything she has outgrown and can do- nate. If you can up that to volunteering at a shelter, even better. Just not as a token on a holiday; that creates more problems for shelters than it does solutions. If she asks more questions — like the obvious one, "Why?" — you can say that spare change might help solve an immediate problem, like an empty stomach, but that a good charity will help solve problems longer-term. DEAR CAROLYN » Re: Panhandlers: When I lived in New York, I got to know the regular pan- handlers along my route to work. Instead of giving money, I made sandwiches and veggie strips. If I ran into one of them, I'd give it to them. If not, then I had veggies to snack on myself. I made peanut but- ter sandwiches since they lasted a couple of days without affecting taste. I donate to United Way for the systemic help, but it was hard even as an adult to turn away from a plea for help. This way I didn't give money, but if they were really in need, I was able to feed them a single meal. — Anonymous DEAR ANONYMOUS » Very thoughtful idea, thank you. (Some out- reach groups suggest sunflower butter due to allergy concerns.) DEAR CAROLYN » There's a woman who lives in my apartment building who is not just morbidly obese (because who isn't nowa- days), but so obese that one almost can't help but at least glance at her when she's nearby. The other day, she caught my eye when I looked in her direction — I honestly didn't mean to stare, I just saw her peripherally and looked over — and the next morning I had a note from her in my mailbox accusing me of cruelty and being insensi- tive toward her incredible struggle as an overweight person. Were I to write a letter back (I'm undecided, but considering it), what do you think it should say? — For the Record, I'm Chubby Too DEAR FOR THE RECORD » "Would you like to come over for coffee?" It sounds as if she could use a friend. Lead by example and teach your kids to help those in need 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. 20-March 20) — Be sure to take extra care while en route to a destination. With encouragement on your part, a current companion will turn into a romantic partner. Aries (March 21-April 19) — This is a great day to spend an enjoyable time with friends, rel- atives and family. Good fortune is within reach. Consider making home improvements or looking at a property investment. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Networking can bring positive results if you connect with someone whose abilities complement your own. Join an organization whose principles reflect your beliefs. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — An incomplete project will be distracting. Share any prob- lems you face with a colleague; asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Put less important affairs aside and focus. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Love and romance are in the stars. Consider a change of scenery. Participating in a new and exciting social activity will have some surprising results. Don't hesitate to try something. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — In- activity is your enemy. Make an effort to go out with friends or find an interesting event in your community. The busier you are, the more energized you will feel. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — It's vital to include some self- promotion in your business deal- ings. When others are aware of your innovative views, they will be more inclined to contribute. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Your abilities will be showcased if you are able to combine busi- ness with pleasure. Others will be inspired by your resourceful- ness and integrity. New partner- ships look promising. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Take a break from everyday activities and surround yourself with people who are in tune with your creative and artistic aspirations. Sharing your ideas will stimulate new ventures. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Don't be too quick to reveal your personal affairs. It's possible that someone may be trying to derail your plans. You can avoid problems with a slow and steady approach. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — There is a world of opportu- nity open to you, so don't feel trapped in your current situa- tion. Make yourself aware of the many possibilities available. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — If you are feeling unfulfilled, assess your situation realisti- cally, and prepare to make some changes. Don't wait for some- one else to make the first move. Horoscope By Bernice Bede Osol THURSDAY, MARCH 20 Thursday, March 20, 2014 rEdBLuFFdaILyNEWs.cOM | YOUR DAILY BREAK | 3 B