Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/776019
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Iam24 years old. I am a happy person overall, but lately I've been feeling down. With everything going on in today's world, and the state of society these days, it scares me at times. I felt safe in the '90s. Not so much seemed to be happen- ing back then. Life was simpler. Is what I'm experiencing normal, or is it something more? —FeelingDowninCT DEAR FEELING DOWN » Life definitely felt simpler for you in the '90s, be- cause you were a child in the '90s. Chances are that in 1997, for instance, your life revolved around getting through ninth grade. I was an adult in the '90s, and life did not necessarily seem better or simpler then — at least to me. Our national life ratcheted between good times and bad, calm times and scandal, peace and conflict. What you are expe- riencing now might be a very real trough, or it might be your growing awareness of your own personal responsibili- ties and relative sense of powerlessness. I do believe that people who feel overly worried, scared or depressed about national and interna- tional affairs would feel better by controlling the constant wash of news and fake news they are exposed to, and by getting off the couch and doing something. Please take this opportunity to volunteer in your community and do your best to make this world a better place. DEAR AMY » "Baffled Bride" didn't know what to do about the guests who didn't leave a gift at her wedding. Asking someone outright if they sent a gift could be embarrass- i n g f or e v er y on e if t h e answer is "No." Here's how I handled it: I wrote a note to all of our wedding guests, saying, "Your presence at our wedding was such a beautiful gift. Thank you for being there to cel- ebrate with us!" If they had sent a gift, this was a subtle way of telling them we hadn't received it. If they hadn't sent a gift, they got the appropriate thank-you for making the effort to attend. — Happy Bride DEAR HAPPY » I've heard from many brides ( an d gr o om s ), w h o wa n t the world to know that they understand that hosting a wedding is not a gift grab, but a celebration to be shared by a community. It is not a requirement that each wedding guest give a gift, pay for their own meal or submit to a demand to pay for the couple's honeymoon. It is a kindness, not a quid pro quo. It was gracious of you to thank all of your guests for making the effort to be with you on your special day. Upset young adult wants to return to a simpler time 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) — Consider ways you can bring about physical improve- ments using methods that have worked for you in the past. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — A personal promise you make to someone will improve your life. Discussions and plans can be put in place, and a joint effort will set you up for success. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Refrain from sharing personal or secret information. Divulging such secrets prematurely will create an opening for someone wishing to dismantle your plans. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Sharing your feelings and plans with someone special will lift your spirits and give you the incentive you need to take care of unfinished business. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Work hard and bring about change. No one will do your job for you, or do it the way you want. An open mind and disciplined attitude will lead to victory. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Make relationships a priority and share your feelings. Make plans that will encourage you to strive for a bigger and better life, without going into debt or upsetting someone you love. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Put some action behind your words and see what happens. Don't expect to win favors or get ev- erything you want, but you must make your point heard in order for change to take place. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Get involved in activities that will allow you to show off your skills. Someone you find interesting will want to partner with you. Social activities will encourage new opportunities. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Show a little compassion when it comes to how you carry out your plans. Ask questions and offer incentives and whatever else it takes to keep important relationships running smoothly. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Make changes at home or to your lifestyle that will help you achieve your personal goals. A little romance or family fun will help build better relationships. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — If you don't feel right about what others are doing, don't take part. Relationship problems will be costly if you are too giving or generous. Don't be gullible when you should be asking questions. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — You'll outshine any competi- tion you encounter. You can advance personally and profes- sionally if you follow your head and let your skills and experi- ence lead the way. Horoscope By Eugenia Last SATURDAY, JAN. 21 SATURDAY, JANUARY 21, 2017 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 5 B