Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/741327
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Iamadi- vorced man who shares custody of a 13-year-old boy with my ex-wife. Last weekend I became aware that my son's mother had given permis- sion for him to watch "The Exorcist." If you are not familiar with this horror film, some of the worst scenes are available online. They are very disturbing and I cannot imagine any- one allowing a 13-year-old to view this film. She has allowed him to view other R-rated horror films, which are highly inappropriate for his age. I can't even believe it is a discussion as to whether he should be watching these films, but apparent- ly she sees nothing wrong with it. My ex-wife knows I disapprove. I have talked to my son about how I feel about these inap- propriate movies. I have told him he can choose to watch better films. Any advice? Do you think I am overreacting? —Horror-fiedDad DEAR HORROR FIED » I do think that you are overre- acting, but it is a natural overreaction, and it is very much within your rights to have your own opinion about these films. Yes, I have watched "The Exorcist" (at least two versions), but there are other horror films that are much more graphic that I cannot imagine watching — or letting a 13-year-old watch. As in all things, there are degrees of hor- rible to horror movies. Parents should con- sume media alongside their children in order to see what they're seeing. But your son has the ability to see films or scenes from films on- line. Understand that he can likely gain access to almost anything he choos- es. Also understand that his friends are influencing him, possibly even more than you and his mother are. Explain your point of view, without coming down too hard on him. Ask him to describe why he is drawn to horror films and, yes, accept that it is definitely considered "cool" at his age to push this boundary. At some point very soon, your son may start experimenting with watching porn. If you are calm and maintain an open attitude now when discussing these things with him, he should develop his own cul- tural meter when making choices on his own. I hope you will watch movies with him, alter- nating who gets to choose the film. If I were you, I'd start with "Jaws" — still scary after all these years. DEAR AMY » The hyper- sensitivity of the pregnant woman signing her letter "Expectant" made me smile. She was excessively worried that her preg- nancy would upset her childless friends. I suspect that she is, perhaps, overly wrapped up in her own pregnancy. Expectant parents can be surprisingly narcissistic. — Experienced DEAR EXPERIENCED » I agree that pregnancy can bring on a special sort of preciousness. Thank you. Father disapproves of teenage son watching R-rated films 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 expect others to agree with you or give you handouts. Back away before you end up saying or doing something you'll regret. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — It's important to do sufficient research before you make a move. Let your unique style lead the way. Less talk and more ac- tion will bring results. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Be prepared to make changes that will improve your current living arrangement. Fixing up your surroundings will improve your day. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Offering constructive suggestions and worthwhile solutions will help you avoid a fight and gain respect. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You can offer help without letting it cost you financially. A partnership can be formed that will change your life. Romance will bring a renewed commitment. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Partnerships will be daunting if you cannot bring yourself to stand up for your rights. Step back and re-evaluate the impor- tance of troubling personal or professional connections. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Emotional matters will esca- late quickly. Think before you tackle something that you aren't ready to deal with. Formulate the best way to keep the peace and solve the problem. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Getting together with peers, family or people you can learn from will lead to new opportuni- ties and greater self-awareness. Don't fear doing things differ- ently or going it alone. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Develop an idea you have been contemplating in order to discover what you will need to bring your plan to fruition. Dis- cuss possibilities with someone you trust. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Overspending, overdoing it and being indulgent will add to your stress. Do your best to be moderate and willing to listen and learn. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Don't take no for an answer. Your persuasive skills will help you get your way and enforce new plans. Love and romance will improve your life and bring you satisfaction and happiness. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Look for advice from some- one who has more experience than you. You may not like what you hear, but it will help you come up with a beneficial plan. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, OCT. 21 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016 6 B