Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/492559
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman PHOEBEANDHERUNICORN DanaSimpson ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Iama16- year-old girl. I live in a foster home in Portland, Oregon. I am in my high school choir, and we have a big performance coming up. Our choir was cho- sen to entertain at a big teachers' conference. It was an incredible honor to be picked. Well, the thing is that I'm so ner- vous; I think I'm going to mess up. My choir is entertaining 800 educators from all over the country, so I have a good reason to feel shy. We got our robes yester- day and they're great. The main reason I am writing is because I need some advice on how to stay calm during big performances. —Concernedand Panicked DEAR PANICKED » I'm so glad you wrote to me because I definitely know what you're talking about. I've sung in many choirs. Performing can be scary, but it's really fun too. I read your letter to Joan Gregoryk, who is the director of the famous Children's Chorus of Washington. She knows all about nerves and stage fright and she was kind enough to pass on a few tips. When you are on the risers, make sure not to lock your knees in place. Sometimes people do that when they're nervous and it can make you light- headed. Wear cool cloth- ing under your robe — it gets superhot up there. Pretend the audience isn't there and focus com- pletely on your conductor. Know your part backward and forward and trust that your other choir members do too. Good luck. I know it will be great! (April 2005) DEAR AMY » I am a high school sophomore. My boyfriend and I have been going out for about two months now. Lately I've been feeling that he and I just aren't working out as a couple, but I can't bring myself to break up with him, though I do want to tell him how I feel. I don't feel comfortable saying anything to him in person, and though I'd prefer it, I don't feel that over email or instant messaging is a good way to break up. I would still like to stay friends but am unsure of what to do to end our relationship. — Confused DEAR CONFUSED » You could just ignore and/or be mean to your guy until he has been driven insane with the uncer- tainty of it. You could whine about him incessantly, start to date his best friend or send your girlfriends out on a "breakup mission." That's how it worked when I was in high school, which is one re as o n th e w or ld i s i n th e state it's in right now. A lot of people your age don't have the char- acter to want to break up well, so I give you "props" for that. And you really should do it in person, as uncomfortable as it is. Don't blame him for the breakup, and keep it simple. "I really like you and you're a nice guy but I'm just not ready for a relationship" should do it. (March 2004) Chorister has serious jitters about upcoming performance 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 Aries(March21-April19) — Be more attentive. Let superiors know your thoughts regarding workplace procedures. By speaking out, you will raise your profile. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Careless mistakes will be costly. You need to pay strict attention to what you are doing. Letting your mind wander will lead to an unfortunate mishap. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Dispel criticism that co-workers place on you. If you let everyone know that you are a hard worker, negative banter will dissipate. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Misunderstandings will lead to a series of problems. Be clear about your intentions and expectations, and allow others to voice their opinions. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Taking on too many professional responsibilities will affect your personal life. Consider taking a trip or spending a quiet evening at home with your family or other loved ones. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Dedicate some time to family entertainment. Whether you play games, share hobbies or participate in physical challeng- es, include loved ones in your life and make happy memories. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Don't get rattled by minor issues at home. Be more accepting and less critical. Your patience will contribute to a calmer, more relaxed setting that is more conducive to solving problems. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Emotional issues will cloud your judgment. Facing the truth and setting time aside to dis- cuss matters with an important someone will help rectify the problem. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Consider turning one of your skills or ideas into a home business. Get input from some- one with relevant experience and find out what steps need to be taken. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — You will get ahead by sharing your ideas with your superiors. Extra time may be required to put your plans in motion, but the potential gain will be worth your while. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Be prepared to make personal decisions. Don't try to do too much at once. Tackle each issue individually if you want to make the right choices. Strive for perfection. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Expand your mind by engag- ing in events that teach you about different cultures or phi- losophies. Consider learning a second language or picking up a skill that can lead to prosperity. Horoscope By Eugenia Last WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B