Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/368371
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Ihostdinner once a year for a group of friends. One of the couples in our group told us they have bedbugs in their house. They are NOT doing anything about it. They moved the furniture away from the wall and seem to think that's all they need to do. I am terrified to have some- one bring bedbugs into my house. How do I get out of having the dinner at my house? I don't want to hurt their feelings. Please help with a solution or an excuse. —Dilemma DEAR DILEMMA » I shared your letter with Jody Gangloff-Kaufmann, an entomologist at Cornell University, who special- izes in Cimex lectularius, commonly known as bedbugs. People can transfer bedbugs on their cloth- ing, bags, shoes or coats. Gangloff-Kaufmann said: "If someone has a bedbug problem at home that they are not addressing, they will probably end up with bedbugs in their clothing. It is negligent not to deal with them responsibly. It's like hav- ing the flu; you have a responsibility to try not to transmit it to other people." For more infor- mation, check the website nysipm.cornell.edu. Your friends were open about their bedbug prob- lem; you should be open with them about the con- sequence: "I'm extremely afraid of a bedbug infesta- tion. I'm very sorry, but I don't think you should come to our house until you've definitely eradi- cated the problem at your house." You might meet for a cookout at a local park instead of hosting this event indoors. DEAR AMY » I have been friends with "Suzy" for- ever. She has two lovely boys, but she is a helicop- ter parent. As a school- teacher of over 20 years, I often work with parents to help modify behaviors. While visiting her, I saw her eldest son almost hit another child while playing. It was accidental, and no one was hurt. Suzy ran over and told him he shouldn't hit other kids, etc. I stepped in and told her it was inn oce nt and her boy is at the age to make decisions and understand consequences. Realizing I overstep- ped (I get into teacher mode), I apologized. Six weeks later I hadn't heard from her. I reached out by phone and text. She responded by text: "I really need some space and can't talk to you for a while. Wish you joy." What are your thoughts? — Upset Friend DEAR FRIEND » You have admitted that what you di d wa s w ro ng , b ut y ou are also minimizing your own behavior by continu- ing to criticize "Suzy." You criticize her as a "helicopter," but isn't this what you were doing? Hovering, swooping in, correcting and shaming? Calling out a parent over a parenting choice that, in my opinion, is justifiable (from her perspective) is extreme, and this is why her reaction is extreme. Hostess worried friends will transfer bedbug infestation 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)— You will discover a rare op- portunity in the most unlikely place. A chance encounter with someone will have an impact on your future. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — If you think someone is trying to take advantage of you, keep your ideas private. Ulterior mo- tives are apparent and could cost you your reputation. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Your dynamic personality will help you win favors. Influential people will be interested in your credentials, and a career oppor- tunity is likely to unfold. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — You will be jumpy and erratic today. Avoid making impulsive decisions. Stick close to home and work on a creative project. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — You are a keen competi- tor. Take part in a sports event or start a fitness program. Make good use of your energy by set- ting challenges that will boost your confidence. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Making money may not be as complicated as you think. Speak to someone who can help you get ahead in your industry. Strategic tips will initiate a new approach to an old plan. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Don't be so glum. Get out and do something you enjoy. Joining a group that appeals to you will keep your mind occupied and increase your chances of meet- ing interesting people. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Be more daring. Present your ideas with personality and charm. Don't let anyone intimi- date or belittle you. You have what it takes to get ahead if you take charge. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Meaningful associations or romantic connections are ap- parent today. Attending a social function or making special plans for two will enhance your personal life and bring you great joy. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Talk over your intentions with anyone who will be affected by your decisions. With a little effort and compromise, you will come up with a plan that works for everyone. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Take a position of leadership in order to make new allies. Your ability to make people comfort- able will give you the edge in any competition or challenge you face. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You have a lot to offer. Keep the dialogue going when it comes to your ideas, and you will find a lot of admirers as well as supporters. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, AUG. 22 FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 5 B