Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/440819
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»My18-year- old daughter has barely communicated with me in four years, since her mother and I divorced. Before the divorce we had a good relationship. I was a supportive Dad, attending all her sports and events. Her mother and I had an acrimoni- ous divorce, which involved parental alienation by her mother toward me. Her mother would not agree to joint custody and allowed our daughter to decide when she would see me. I tried the courts, but they were futile. Before leaving for col- lege our daughter agreed to text and email with me while she is away, which she did until I asked to visit her on parents' weekend. I notified my daughter a month in ad- vance that I would like to come visit her. She finally agreed to see me for a hug and a hello, at the eleventh hour, but when asked to go have a cup of coffee she ran away crying. Since then she has stopped all communica- tion again. Her mother and I had set up college funds to pay for her and her brothers' educa- tion. At this point I am thinking of cutting off the college money, of which I have sole control. What is your opinion? —SadDad DEAR SAD » I can imagine how painful this is for you. This is also frustrat- ing and infuriating. Unethical parents who engage in a campaign of alienation set it up as a power play and they place their children in unten- able circumstances. If you withdraw all funds, you will essen- tially be punishing your daughter for her mother's choices and confirming her lack of trust in you. It's hero time. Rise to this difficult challenge not to give up on your daugh- ter. If you turn the heat down on the relationship, she will soften, the ten- sion will lessen, and she will eventually inch closer to you. DEAR AMY » I am a 51- year-old man with no children. About four months ago, I became involved with a 27-year- old woman who teaches at the same college I do. We clicked immediately. We share the same pas- sions and interests and love being around each other. We both agree this is the best and healthiest relationship of our lives. Right now the age differ- ence hasn't really been an issue, especially since we are both fit, active people. The problem is that we both sense that as we progress the age differ- ence will become a factor. We don't dwell too much on the future because we are very happy with what we have now. What should we do? — F re tti ng DEAR FRETTING » What you should do is to love each other well, for as long as you are able. You are smart people. You have done the math. The pressure you feel is doubled for your partner, and she may ultimately decide she is not up to the challenge. Alienated dad wants to cut off children's college funding 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 Capricorn(Dec.22-Jan.19) — Making extra money should be your goal. Check out projects that you can tackle on a part- time basis. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You will encounter someone with differing beliefs. You could end up in a vulnerable position if you have misread or misinter- preted someone's actions. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Refuse to give in to fear and be receptive to change. Don't waste energy fighting the inevi- table. Do your best to embrace life; change will prove beneficial. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Gear up to make the most of the coming year. Start with a new look and mindset. Have con- fidence and disregard anyone who tries to hold you back. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — The information you need is there for the taking. Network with people who can educate you and help you advance. Indi- viduals who have experienced what you face will provide you with knowledge and insight. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Helping others will provide an opportunity to showcase some of your less obvious talents. It's possible to supplement your in- come with something you enjoy. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Living in the past will bring you down. Consider what you would like to accomplish and take the steps necessary to get there. Face the days ahead with optimism. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Take a leadership role. Whether it is at your workplace, club or community center, let others know that you are able to get the job done. Positive changes are on the horizon. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Romance is on the rise. Put your responsibilities on hold and concentrate on your per- sonal life. Make a promise that will help cement an important relationship. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Don't expect others to agree with your plans. Consider doing what is necessary to improve the comfort or appearance of your home. Doing things on your own will be rewarding. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Hard work will finally pay off. Gather all the information you have collected and put it to proper use. Bring together the people who can contribute to your plans. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Don't lose sight of what you are after. If you allow some- one or something to sidetrack you, it will cause you to lose valuable time and momentum. Stay focused. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, JAN. 2 FRIDAY,JANUARY2,2015 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B