Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/654615
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Ourdaugh- ter is a bright, talented 19-year-old who has already gotten four small tattoos, several ear pierc- ings, and a nose ring. You know — the usual. She has now told us about her next piece, an elbow-to- shoulder full-color floral arrange- ment. She says she is planning to start gaug- ing her ears and was considering a dermal implant near her collarbone. My husband and I pay for her college tuition and housing, and we give her a generous monthly allowance for food and gas. She also has a part- time minimum-wage job. We told her that we felt that someone who could pay for these body modifications was saying that she had no need for extra funds, so if she proceeded, we would stop the allowance. We would still pay for college and housing. She expressed her hurt that we would withhold that money in an attempt to control her actions. We expressed our frustra- tion with the permanent changes she was consider- ing at a young age. We are asking her to wait till she's 21 and working so that this doesn't affect her ability to get a job. I really do hate threatening to stop the extra money, but I felt it was a natural consequence of making adult decisions. Are we being too harsh? Where does the parental guidance end and the self-expression begin? Six months ago she wanted us to co-sign for an apartment so she could leave student hous- ing and move in with her boyfriend. We refused that too. —OnlySlightly Old-F ashione d Mo m DEAR MOM » You are not trying to control your daughter's actions — I hope. You are simply trying to make the best possible investment, as well as introduce her to the concept of natural consequences. You are not docking her pay to punish her. You are say- ing, "We will pay for this — you can pay for that." I assume that if your daughter chose to use your subsidy to purchase a video gaming system, you might feel exactly the same way. Imagine how much more mean- ingful her tat-sleeve will be to her when she has saved up the money for it. Otherwise, I don't think you should weigh in at all on her body modification choices. It's her body. DEAR AMY » "Upset" heard her English friend use anti-Se miti c l angua ge. We Brits are politely blunt, so I suggest she say, "You've made that comment a number of times and I am not sure what you mean by it — can you explain?" Listen to the answer because there are people out there who are com- pletely oblivious to the fact that what they do and say is offensive. She can tell her friend, "You should know that it is very offensive and rude" — Ex-Pat DEAR EX PAT » Politely blunt. I like it. Teen daughter wants some dime to pay for her new ink 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 Pisces(Feb.20-March 20) — Use your imagination to guide you to creative people and projects that will inspire you to develop your own ideas and pursuits. Emphasize kindness. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Don't let emotional issues cloud your vision. Concentrate on what's important and what you are supposed to accomplish. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Participating in activities with family or friends will help you develop more intimate relation- ships and gain understanding of how to please the ones you love. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Taking on nearly impos- sible responsibilities will cause disputes with people who have come to expect too much from you. Don't give in to demands. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Plan to enjoy what life has to offer with someone you love spending time with. A relaxing day filled with good conversa- tion and shared dreams will lead to good times ahead. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Take on a challenge that will test your skills and knowledge. You will discover the changes you need to implement in order to achieve a personal or profes- sional goal. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Think matters through and head in a direction that will please everyone, including yourself. Balance will be a must if you plan to be successful. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — If you make certain ad- justments, you will avoid an emotional confrontation. Once you have taken into account the needs of those affected by your choices, you'll be able to move forward. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Socialize with people who have something unique to offer. Your ability to mirror the talents that others possess will bring unexpected compensation and help you explore your creative skills. Romance is highlighted. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Don't fold under pressure. Make it clear what you will and will not do. Walk away from any situation or person that might jeopardize your reputation or future progress. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Share your feelings in order to find solutions. If you explore a certain relationship, you will find common ground that will lead to promising results. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Pick up an old project and revamp it to suit current trends. Your originality will help you bring about change that will make a difference. Set a goal and follow through. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, MARCH 17 THURSDAY,MARCH17,2016 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B