Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/359132
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARREADERS»Your questions and dilemmas never take a holiday, but occasionally I must. This week's "best of" columns come from deep within the Ask Amy vault. Like a soft-serve twisty cone, they sometimes demand a second helping. DEAR AMY » Is it ever ap- propriate to ask people the cost of items in their homes? I don't think so, while my husband maintains that it is fine to ask this question of family and close friends. The issue arose when my father-in-law asked the cost of an aerial photo of our home that I had recently given to my husband as a gift. Does it matter if the questioner is actually considering a similar purchase or is just curious? Finally, if you choose not to answer, what is the gracious response? —BroughtUp Differently DEAR BROUGHT UP » I'm with you; I don't think it's appropriate to ask the cost of an item. If your father-in-law was curious or considering a similar purchase, he could polite- ly ask, "Was that really ex- pensive? I'd love to have that done at our home." This leaves an opening for you to say, "Well, it wasn't too bad. Actually, here's the number of the guy we hired." One gracious response to a question you simply don't want to answer was taught to me by a dear friend from Atlanta. Just look the offender in the eye, pat him warm- ly on the arm and say, "Why, aren't you sweet to ask!" That's it. (2003) DEAR AMY » My sister and brother-in-law often tell their children to "shut up." I cringe every time those words are used because they seem so demeaning and crude. Recently I spent the day with my 3-year-old niece. She told me to "shut up," and I told her that wasn't nice and she shouldn't say that. Because I do not have children and fear being told either to mind my own business or that I wouldn't understand raising children, how can I suggest they use "be quiet" rather than "shut up," or should I just stay out of it? — I'd Rather "Be Quiet" DEAR QUIET » Some parents mistakenly think that the only "foul" lan- guage they shouldn't use in front of the kids is that of the four-letter-word va- riety. But some language is far more hurtful than swearing. To my thinking, "shut up" is just about the worst thing you can say to a child, for the reasons you state. Your niece handed you an opening with your sister. Tell Sis that her daughter said "shut up" in front of you, and act a little shocked. Say, "Whoa, I was really sur- prised. Do you see that she is repeating you?" Truly, I'm not optimis- tic that you'll have much of an impact here, but I applaud you for wanting your nieces and neph- ews to be respected (and respectful). You're a good influence. (2003) These awkward issues deserve some artful dodges 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 Leo(July23-Aug.22)— Good fortune will be yours. Make plans to socialize and explore new pastimes. Love and romance will flourish. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Prepare to take advantage of an opportunity to increase your knowledge, skills and talents. You can learn a lot if you sign up for a course that interests you. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — You should consider traveling or taking a brief vacation. An old friend will help bring back all sorts of pleasant memories. Mix the past with the present. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Your career objectives will take longer than you planned. As long as you are still moving for- ward, there is no need to worry. Remain positive. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Don't let anyone entice you into overindulging. Look at the big picture and make posi- tive choices. Emotions will be running high, so keep things in perspective. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Someone close to you could be going through a hard time. If you show consideration and kindness, it will be appreciated and reciprocated. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You are in a cycle thick with love and romance. Be on the lookout for a personal opportu- nity that is heading your way. Experimentation will pay off and lead you down an interesting path. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Keep a close watch on your cash and your possessions. A loved one may be especially demanding. Be diplomatic and try to offer a reasonable solution rather than financial help. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Someone from your past will remind you of your goals. Take a look at your current situation in order to find a way to incorpo- rate the old with the new. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — You will be temperamental or argumentative today. You can best spend your time working on a solitary project. Distance will be required from someone who tends to aggravate you. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — You are in for a thrilling time. Try something new that's outside your comfort zone. You will meet someone who enjoys excitement and adventure as much as you do. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Money matters should be your prime concern. Stay away from joint ventures or risky investments. Overspending will be your downfall. Fix what you have instead of buying some- thing new. Horoscope By Eugenia Last WEDNESDAY, AUG. 6 WEDNESDAY,AUGUST6,2014 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 5 B