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DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Myboyfriend of two years and I will be hosting Thanksgiv- ing for my family for the first time. I know it's still a long way off, but I'm already worried about it. The fly in the ointment is my aunt's "boyfriend," "Bill." Not only is he her former marriage counselor (eww!), he has offended and alien- ated every member of the family he has met. Bill gives unwanted and offensive advice and opinions on topics that do not in any way relate to him. Before you give him the benefit of the doubt, believe me, we did too. He was included in all family gatherings, and we made an effort to wel- come him in, as long as he was making my aunt happy. He doesn't, but she won't leave him; she's in her 60s and is afraid to be alone. Last Thanksgiving, at my cousin's home, it was my boyfriend's first Thanksgiving with our family. I didn't keep a close eye on him when he engaged with Bill, but I did notice that he became a bit withdrawn after the fact, and was ready to leave as soon as it was polite to do so. On the way home, he filled me in. My boyfriend is part Native American. He identifies strongly with his heritage. Bill went on at length about how stupid and inept Indians are, all the while bragging about his contacts in that community. My boyfriend was offended. I was offended and furious, and my mother was livid. It was the final nail in the coffin for her. I do not want this man anywhere near my bo yf ri en d, m uc h l es s i n our home. Is there a tactful way to let my aunt know that her boyfriend is not wel- come at our gathering? I am a generally tact- ful person, but I have no tolerance for racism (and bull), so I can't really think of a way to sugar- coat my feelings. How to say it? —Protective DEAR PROTECTIVE » You shouldn't have to sugar- coat your feelings. You do need to be clear about your intentions, respect- ful about how you explain yourself and calm while you handle the fallout. If you don't want this offensive person as a guest in your home, you'll have to tell your aunt (and/or him), "Because of 'Bill's' offensive comments toward my boyfriend last year, he is not welcome to come to my home when I host Thanksgiving this year." Understand that your aunt will likely be very upset, and may choose to stay away too. This could also cause all parties to re-litigate the original incident (be prepared). Also understand that you are riding on the very crest of irony, Thanks- giving-wise. The original feast was a celebration of different cultures coming together peacefully for one day. But, as countless families prove each year, one day is one day more than many can manage. Family gets a head start on worrying about Thanksgiving 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 Leo(July23-Aug.22)— Offer incentives to anyone who has something you want in order to get your way. Sincerity coupled with action is all it will take. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Put emotional matters to rest by being upfront about the way you feel and how you want to move forward personally. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Try something new and exciting, as it will give you the energy to bring about personal change. If what you are doing isn't working for you, do something about it. 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Aries (March 21-April 19) — You may feel impulsive, but that isn't likely to pan out well for you. Take a moment to go over and organize your plans first. Do what's right. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Put your networking skills to use. Getting involved with groups and taking part in events that will help you keep abreast of industry news will lead to a prosperous new beginning. Romance is highlighted. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Organize your time and don't make promises that will be im- possible to keep. Overdoing it in any manner will cause problems at home and work. A minimalist attitude will serve you well. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Stretch your imagination, think outside the box and use your time optimally in order to get the most bang for the least ef- fort. Your savvy, organized and precise actions will pay off. Horoscope By Eugenia Last TUESDAY, AUG. 9 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016 6 B