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DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»I'maninmate incarcerated for finan- cial crimes. I have been down for three years (this time). I'm expected to be release d in a few mo nths. During this time a distant cousin and I have become very close (she is either my fourth or fifth cousin). She has flown here to visit on several oc- casions and writes often. We speak on the phone a few times a week. She lives on the West Coast. Over the last year, our relationship has become romantic. She has started to speak of us being mar- ried and having children when I get out. She's even planning to move to my home state. While I care very much for her and would even enjoy spending my life with her, I can't get over the fact that we are distant cousins. Is there anything wrong with us being romantically involved and having a sexual relation- ship? I'm creeped out about the thought of intermarriage. The worst part is this would actu- ally be a healthy person for me to associate with once I'm released. I'm just confused about it. —Unsigned DEAR UNSIGNED » If you're worried about distant cousins marrying, think of the English royal family. They've been do- ing this for generations. Genetically speaking, you two have nothing to worry about, though genetic testing before having children would be a good idea. DEAR AMY» My sister- in-law lives vicariously through her 15-year-old daughter. In my sister-in-law's mind, my niece will be a successful dancer, the best and cutest cheerlead- er and the most popular girl in high school. She talks about her incessantly. All of her time, money and energy is devoted to my niece and her activi- ties. She thinks my niece is lucky to have a mom like her. I think it's cruel. She ignores her husband and son and ridicules them for being jealous if they bring it up. My niece is a lovely, smart, pretty, normal 15-year-old. My instinct tells me my sister-in-law's obsession with my niece is abusive. What do you think? — Concerned Aunt DEAR AUNT » I don't see how this is abusive, neces- sarily — although the imbalance of attention in the household is certainly neglectful. Your sister-in-law's behavior is somewhat pathetic. A mother liv- ing through her teenage daughter is an old and tired trope. This sweet and lovely teen will grow up, and unless her mother finds another hobby, the daughter will have to reject her in order to dif- ferentiate and become her own person. Inmate worries about having romance with distant cousin (You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribune.com. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or "like" her on Facebook. Amy Dickinson's mem- oir, "The Mighty Queens of Freeville: A Mother, a Daughter and the Town that Raised Them" (Hyperion), is available in bookstores.) Amy Dickinson Ask Amy Sudoku Instructions:Theobjectistoplacethe numbers1to9intheemptysquaresso thateachrow,eachcolumnandeach 3x3boxcontainsthenumberonlyonce. AnswertoPreviousPuzzle CelebrityCipher ByLuisCampos Instructions:CelebrityCiphercryptogramsarecreatedfromquotationsbyfamouspeople, pastandpresent.Eachletterinthecipherstandsforanother. NEACrossword Cancer(June21-July22)— Hold on to your assets and avoid lending money or possessions. Be firm with friends or rela- tives who make unreasonable requests or demands. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — This is not a good time to lock yourself into a long-term agree- ment. Find out all the details before you make a promise that you may not want to honor. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — To keep harmony in your busi- ness or personal relationships, you must be willing to compro- mise. Treat others' beliefs with respect and listen attentively. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Don't take chances with health, money or family matters. You have to spend your time wisely to avoid burning out. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — It may seem as though everything you desire is right in front of you. Set a limit before you buy something unnecessary. Luxury items may tempt you, but the novelty will wear off quickly. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — You will face opposition if you make unwanted changes at home. Consider what others want, and find a way to satisfy everyone before you move ahead with your plans. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Show your friends and family how much you appreciate them. Plan a get-together, or offer to do something that you know will make life easier for those you love. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Do whatever it takes to make a move that will put you into a higher earning bracket. A suc- cessful interview can pave the way to a better position. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — You will confuse someone with your mixed emotional signals. Listen to this person's concerns, and make your feelings and plans perfectly clear. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Consider making changes at home that will make your life easier or your surroundings more comfortable. You don't have to spend a lot to make your place more inviting. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Consider trying out for a leadership position. You'll be recognized as a person who can help those in need, and you will be rewarded for your efforts. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Don't let anyone push you around. If you don't speak up now, you are likely to end up in a compromising position on a regular basis. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, JULY 17 THURSDAY,JULY17,2014 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 5 B