Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/775581
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Myfather has been married to his second wife for 14 years. I have a pretty good relationship with my dad, and initially I enjoyed a good one with his wife. Over the years, things have changed. It is not a bad relationship, but it's just not a good one. She has two children. Initially, I went out of my way to attend events with my father's new family and I had a good relationship with her kids. My sister is a differ- ent story. Things didn't start out great with the second wife, and they haven't gotten better. Both women seem to try, and things seem better, and then the second wife finds something to be of- fended by. My dad's stepdaugh- ter is getting married. I received an invitation, but my sister did not. I think this is completely wrong. I would love to know your thoughts on this, and how to handle it. —TroubledSister DEAR TROUBLED » I agree with you that it is wrong for your sister to be excluded from this family wedding. Keep in mind, however, that the invitation list is most likely drawn up by your stepsister and her future husband. In this case, you might assume that your stepmother approves of this exclusion, but if asked she may maintain plausible deniability. Over the years, because of their poor relation- ship, your sister might have excluded this side of the family from events, and now they are re- taliating. They may also be convinced that your sister would not attend, if invited. You should go to your father and his wife and ask them. Express your honest view that exclud- ing your sister is not good for family harmony. You may feel that because of this exclusion, you (also) don't want to attend this wedding, but be aware that this choice will likely negatively affect your relationship with them. DEAR AMY » I wanted to weigh in on the con- versation surrounding spanking children as a discipline tool. I agree with you that spanking is unnecessary and cruel. I was spanked as a child; my brother was beaten with my father's belt. We both still carry the scars — him from the abuse, and me from witnessing the abuse. I resolved never to hit my children, and my husband and I have found creative and effec- tive ways of disciplining them that don't involve violence. — Been There DEAR BEEN THERE » I've heard from many read- ers whose parents took spanking too far. And that's my primary prob- lem with it — most of us would resort to spanking out of frustration and an- ger, and that's the worst time to hit a defenseless child. I believe that spank- ing children instills fear, not respect. One way to discipline children is for parents to demonstrate consistent self-discipline. Stepfamily excludes one sister from wedding invite You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@amydickinson. 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 Aquarius(Jan.20-Feb.19) — If you look at the big picture, you will discover that you have options. Expand your interests and bring about the changes that will make you happy. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Slide into your comfort zone and enjoy what life has to offer. Working on the pursuits that bring you the greatest satisfac- tion will help you find solace. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Go over all the fine details of any situation you face and plan the best way to counter anything that stands out as problematic. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Engage in talks that will give you a clear-cut view of how you can work alongside someone you respect. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Protect your money and posses- sions. Don't feel obliged to pay for someone who isn't putting forth an effort. Take care of your responsibilities and take credit for what you do. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Share your ideas. Network, socialize and collaborate with people you find inspiring. To- gether, you will find common ground as well as build a strong alliance. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Stay focused on what's important to you. Work qui- etly on your own until you have everything in place. An intricate, detailed presentation will make people aware and eager to take action. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Put more energy, thought and time into the things you want to accomplish. If you stop thinking and start doing, you will exceed your expectations. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — You should take time to listen to your co-workers or to get involved in industry events that could influence your position. Keep up with technology and the latest trends. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Share your feelings and build a brighter future with someone special. Love, romance and im- provements to your personal life will give you the leverage you need to reach your goals. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Sharing will only work if balance is maintained. Don't pay for someone else's mistakes or expect anyone to pick up the slack if you fall short. Joint ven- tures will be disappointing. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — You'll have some unique ideas that must not be ignored. Taking a different approach to the way you do things will draw positive attention and interest in your personal circles. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, JAN. 20 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2017 4 B