Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/424535
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Oursonisin his late 20s. He is a suc- cessful professional. He is brilliant, good-looking, witty and admired by all. The problem is, he is about 20 pounds over- weight and has not visited a doctor for a physical in over two years. He has not seen a dentist, der- matologist or ophthal- mologist! His last physical showed his cholesterol is high. With a family history of diabe- tes and heart problems, my husband and I are very concerned. With his permission I scheduled appointments, which he canceled, saying he will "make them on his own" when he has the time. We are a close family but I do not seem to be able to discuss this issue with an otherwise ratio- nal individual because he refuses to discuss the matter. Perhaps it is time to back off and let him live his life as he pleases, hoping for the best? —Concerned DEAR CONCERNED » How do you know your adult son has not visited a doc- tor, dentist, dermatologist or ophthalmologist in the last two years? He is an adult. His medical records are not available to you, and you say he refuses to discuss the matter. Your son can look at the mirror and see that he is slightly overweight. He can research any medical topic that worries him and make rational choices regarding his body. You took good care of your son when he was growing up — and now you should assume he can take care of himself. Even if he can't — or won't — take care of himself, "backing off and hoping for the best" is your job from here on out. DEAR AMY » I am old and offended by the look of piercings (beyond the ears) and tattoos. I don't mind if people want them, I just don't want to look at them. When I go to a bank, store or restaurant and the staff has these, I qui- etly close my accounts or take my business elsewhere. I just changed veteri- narians because the new receptionist had tattoos and a repulsive nose piercing. My question is, should I disclose the reason I've taken my business else- where? I doubt they care but I have a good job and shop and eat out a lot. — Sensitive in Seattle DEAR SENSITIVE » Your aversion to tattoos and piercings is so strong that you make it sound like you have a phobia. (A phobia is an aversion that ruins your life and controls your choices.) If you abruptly with- draw your patronage from the bank, restaurant or veterinary practice, you might as well give your- self further satisfaction by revealing the reason. Once the owner/manag- ers learn of your phobia they will be relieved that your departure wasn't a reflection of the quality of their service. My overall point is that this is your problem, and you should manage it however you wish. What you can't do is change the culture. Intrusive mother wants to act as her adult son's HMO 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 Sagittarius(Nov.23-Dec. 21) — Be careful when select- ing which charities you wish to sponsor. If you let your emotions take over, you could be cheated. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Your skill and expertise will enable you to perfectly execute an important project. The ac- colades that come will set the stage for future opportunities. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Be careful when divulging personal information. It's likely that your loved ones will hear the details, so avoid saying any- thing that you'll later regret. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Relationship woes are likely if you act in haste or lash out in anger. Think before you speak if you want to stay out of trouble and in someone's good book. Aries (March 21-April 19) — A close friend will come to you for help. Be compassionate and offer your aid without being judgmental or critical. When you need help at a later date, this person will respond in kind. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Erratic behavior will cause trouble. You will be respected if you deal with your peers, rela- tives and loved ones calmly and without malice. Stubbornness will get you nowhere fast. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Consider the pros and cons before you make a commitment. You may be seen as unreliable if you are inconsistent or indeci- sive. Stand by your beliefs and make your voice heard. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You should take advantage of the good fortune that sur- rounds you. Don't hesitate to make changes that could lead to a better future. You can boost your standard of living. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Loss is apparent. Keep a close eye on your possessions and other assets. Overspending will be your downfall. Pay your share, but don't pick up the tab for someone else. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Emotional problems will es- calate if you take on too much. It may be difficult, but it will be necessary to say no to someone taking advantage of you. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — If you have been spending too much time inside, make plans to travel or venture out of doors. Let your imagination guide you, or arrange to go someplace you've wanted to explore. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — It's time to make a move. Staying in an unhappy situation will wear you down. Do what- ever it takes to feel comfort- able with the way you live and the direction in which you are heading. Horoscope By Eugenia Last SATURDAY, NOV. 29 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2014 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 5 B