Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/581854
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman PHOEBEANDHERUNICORN DanaSimpson ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Ourdaughter has been married for 10 years to a wonderful guy. So what's our problem? Well, our son-in-law has a college education and a very good job with one of the best firms in our area. He has applied for a promotion four times in the past 14 months and has been turned down every time. He is frus- trated and unhappy about this. We (of course) cannot be there at his job and see his eight years of perfor- mance (which seem to be very good). But we can see that he takes his job very lightly. He dresses extremely casually every day — T-shirts with no collar, ill-fitting jeans, etc. Last fall, he attended an out-of-town conference and took off one full day to lie by the hotel pool and "relax." Unfortunate- ly he chose to post this on social media. He has talked to other employees against the company line. His grammar is often in- correct and his manners can be sloppy. He is a truly fine man with a good heart but doesn't seem to project this at work. There is absolutely no way we can discuss this with him. We are hop- ing he would recognize himself if he saw this in your column. It is hard to sit by and watch his upset and unhappiness at promotion time. —ConcernedIn-Laws DEAR IN LAWS » This is not your problem, but his. You are adults who care about your son-in- law. But if he can't see the connection between his professional comport- ment and his prospects for promotion, then I can't imagine that de- scribing him in this space will cause him to smack his head with recognition. And if he can't or won't recognize areas where he needs to improve, then he doesn't really want — and certainly doesn't deserve — a promotion. A promotion is a new opportunity, not a reward for doing your current job well or for a specific amount of time. If he expresses unhap- piness and frustration over this situation directly to you, you could urge him to seek professional feedback at work, and als o of fer som e o f yo ur own. I assume some of this news is filtered through conversations with your daughter. She might want to pick up a book I have found helpful: "Who Gets Promoted, Who Doesn't, and Why: 10 Things You'd Better Do If You Want to Get Ahead," by Donald Asher (2007, Ten Speed Press). DEAR AMY » I appreciated your answer to "Birthday Brooder," whose family was about to spring a big birthday surprise on her grouchy sister. I'm like this sister. I hate surprises. I always feel ambushed and feel like I don't react the right way. — No Surprise DEAR SURPRISE » Big gift surprises are loaded; as I said in my answer, I would rather look for- ward to something than have it jump out at me. In-laws bemoan their son-in- law's promotion prospects You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribpub.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 count on others to do the work for you. It's your sharp in- tellect and remarkable instincts that will carry you forward. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Expect to face resistance if you are outspoken. You will get a fresh perspective from an unlikely source. Listen and learn about what others are up to. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — You can connect with inspirational and compatible people through travel or by en- rolling for a course, conference or activity. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Don't get mired down with financial or legal documents. A fresh start and open mind will help you clear up unfinished business. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Step outside your comfort zone. Love and romance are highlighted, and an encounter with someone unconventional will make a difference to the way you live your life. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — If you feel unfulfilled or unappreciated in the workplace, make a change. Furthering your education and boosting your qualifications will lead to a new start. Go after your dream job. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Your charisma and ability to put others at ease will result in greater popularity. Host an informal gathering that will allow you to show off your best stuff. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Let others speak their mind in order to discover valuable information. Sit back and ob- serve. If you try to control the conversation, you will learn very little. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Your friends and family want the best for you. Ask for help if you need it, and make use of any connections or contacts that others can offer you when seek- ing new opportunities. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Be the catalyst that puts everything in motion. Stay informed and involved, and keep networking whenever possible. You will miss out if you sit back and procrastinate. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Romance should be scheduled. Plan a special get-together or getaway with someone you love. If you are single, now is your chance to meet someone who can change your life. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Something is happening behind the scenes that will affect your reputation. Make discreet inqui- ries in order to get the lowdown and avoid unwanted surprises or last-minute changes. Horoscope By Eugenia Last TUESDAY, OCT. 6 TUESDAY,OCTOBER6,2015 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B