Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/392281
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Iwasrecently fired from my job for chronic tardiness. I've worked at this business for four years, and though I knew my lateness was seen as a problem by my boss, it was still a surprise to be fired. Now that I'm back in the job market, I'm wondering if I need to make mention of my previous tardiness in applications. I ask because my mother, who has been privy to this mess, thinks I should mention it and explain I have "learned my lesson" — especially when apply- ing to a different branch of my former company, which would have direct access to my evaluations. I think explaining my "lesson learned" is for job interviews — not on job applications where I am trying to highlight my best side. What say you? —Ann DEAR ANN » When ap- plying for a new job in another department of the company that recently dismissed you for cause, I'd say your "best side" is your sheer audacity. So use it. With your former company, lead with your lesson on your cover note: "You will see that I formerly worked in X department and that I was dismissed for chronic tardiness. The reason I am applying for a job in your department is be- cause I love this company. I'm great at what I do. I've learned an impor- tant lesson, and I'd like a second chance to prove myself." For jobs in other com- panies, I agree that you should not lead with this, but definitely be prepared to discuss it if you are fortunate enough to get to the interview stage. DEAR AMY » My mother is a lesbian. She married her partner years ago and we left our home state to get away from her intolerant family and be closer to my stepmom's family. As I was growing up there were countless examples of my stepfam- ily's intolerance, too; they have forgotten or ignored my and my mother's mi- nor and major life events (birthdays, anniversaries and several graduations). My mother has been insulted and called a bad parent, and she has left family reunions in tears. Now I'm getting to a point where I'll be planning events like a wedding, a housewarm- ing, a baby shower and other events that I want to share with my mother and have her be com- pletely comfortable and joyful. How do I not invite a whole gaggle of "family" without causing drama? — Tired of the Hate DEAR TIRED » You don't mention if your stepmoth- er is an active presence in your life — but because these are her family members, I assume she will have a point of view about their inclusion. One consequence of being hateful to people is the offender sacrifices the right to automatic inclu- sion in intimate celebra- tions like weddings and baby showers. If you can't stand these people and they have been cruel, then leave them off the list. Job applicant has audacity to think she will be rehired 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 Libra(Sept.23-Oct.23)— Don't let anyone put you down. Deal with a hurtful comment quickly if it is causing you anguish. Make it clear you don't appreciate being treated poorly. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Hesitation and self-doubt will deter you from making the gains that will help you feel good about who you are and what you do. Stop procrastinating. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Show more determina- tion; you have the strength to go the distance, so hit the ground running. Finish a project that you've left lingering. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — You will coax others into joining your cause. If you are vigilant, you will be able to take advantage of an opportunity. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Strive to be the best you can be. Keep your options open in order to take advantage of promising choices that will allow you to use your skills diversely. Master something. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Read between the lines. False or conflicting information is apparent. Ask questions to satisfy your curiosity and avoid ending up in a compromising or awkward position. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Reach outside the family circle if you need help. Emotions are bound to get in the way if rela- tives or friends try to give you advice. Look for an unbiased counselor. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Difficulties may arise at work if you are drawn into a battle of wills with a colleague. Take the high road and stick to the facts. An emotional reaction will leave a bad impression. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — It would be a good idea to revisit places that have special mean- ing for you. Conjure up pleasant memories in order to gain some thought-provoking insight into where you are and where you want to end up. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Trade shows or conventions will offer valuable information about starting your own business. Put yourself in the loop so that you can keep abreast of opportuni- ties to highlight your skills. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Make the most of what you have. Whiling away the time hoping Lady Luck will fall in your lap is not the answer. Hard work, dedication and persis- tence are required to advance. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Be tolerant of other people's opinions. There is no need to get upset if things aren't done your way. Trying to control every- thing will work against you. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, OCT. 3 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 5 B