Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/566486
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman PHOEBEANDHERUNICORN DanaSimpson ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Mysisterlost her wonderful husband two years ago. A month before his passing she had quit her job to be a stay-at-home mom. Since then, she has taken on pyramid-type sales ventures. She cur- rently sells clothing, beau- ty supplies and wellness supplements for three companies — all at in- home sales parties. She re- quests a lot of help from her family with moving product to and from venues for her sales and hosting parties. She also demands that we purchase her products. Initially we did everything she asked to support her through her grief. But after two years of giving up weeknights, weekends and money to make her successful, we've grown weary of the commitment. We each have tried to speak with her, but she responds in an emotional way and reminds us that she lost her husband. We all miss him and recognize the loss, but when can we tell her to "stop playing the widow card" to get free labor from family? —GrownWearyin Nebraska DEAR WEARY » It sounds as if your sister is work- ing hard to make a living, but these "house party" businesses use free labor as a phantom cost that artificially props up the profit margin. Unfortunately, the only way to get out of this commitment is to be firm. Perhaps there is a way you can help her that doesn't have you directly involved in the business. Can you watch the kids one weekend a month? Tell her very clearly what you are willing (and no longer willing) to do. Don't react to her ma- nipulation, other than to say you're sorry about her situation, but you can no longer help her the way you have been. DEAR AMY » I recently responded to a friend's Facebook post. She had posted a picture from her past. I commented on what great memories it brought back. She then responded to my post with a cringe- worthy comment, asking if I remembered a certain night with "so and so." I do remember those days well. They are buried deep — just where I want them. My family sees these responses. I have no intentions of sharing stories of indis- cretions with the afore- mentioned FB friend. I just wish everyone would be mindful of comments beyond "nice picture." What do you think? — What's Past is Past DEAR PAST » You have en- countered the Facebook overshare. This is the same person who might say to your kids: "You should have seen Mom back in the day! She was a Party Animal!" Here are options for how you can deal with it: Quietly scroll through, move on and hope others don't carry it further. Delete the original comment YOU made. Send that friend a pri- vate message, asking her to be more discreet. Respond with humor: "Busted!" Widow involved in pyramid schemes pushes family to help 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 Virgo(Aug.23-Sept.22) — It's important to look your best. Go ahead and make any personal changes that will boost your confidence and help you project a positive image. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Career options will multiply if you increase your knowledge through study or boost your skills through practice. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Renovation projects will add appeal and value to your home. Put as much thought into your living quarters as you put into other areas of your life. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Someone you love will be unhappy if you have been dis- tant or preoccupied. Show how much you care. The rewards will be great. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — A change in vocation is apparent. It is likely that the job you thought was out of reach can be yours if you are diligent about improving your credentials. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Your ideas are right on target. Don't be too timid to let others know what you can do. You won't get positive recognition if you don't show off your talents. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — A colleague or loved one will be inflexible. Negotiations, verbal agreements and written contracts are best left alone for now. Do your own thing to avoid other people's negativity. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Expect to have some personal issues. Ask someone who has had the same problems to give you advice. Phone calls, mail and interesting offers are head- ing your way. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Opportunities for lucrative gains are apparent. Pay atten- tion to current trends in your field of interest. Professional goals should take precedence. Changes occurring at home will confuse you. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — You may feel defeated and unable to fix what concerns you, but if you are kind, friendly and respectful and have a positive outlook, good results will ensue. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Don't try to evade difficulties at home. Nothing will be resolved if you shut others out or close the lines of communication. Work toward an amicable solution by being honest and direct. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — You will win favors easily. Make the most of your natural charm in order to convince others to get on board and help you develop your ideas. Favorable alliances are within reach. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, SEPT. 4 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015 4 B