Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/806154
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Iworkina small office with three other employees. They all smoke. If I had known they smoked, I would not have hired them. Studies show that smokers are less productive (due to time away from their desk on smoke breaks), and have higher rates of illness than nonsmokers. Perhaps I should have been more diligent at the interviewing stage and when checking refer- ences, but one employee admitted that she took great pains not to smell of cigarettes prior to her interview. My problem is my resentment and irritation toward them. All winter long, one or the other is coughing, hacking, sniffing or getting over an illness, which I be- lieve is linked to their smoking. They are ill for longer periods and more often than I am. This winter alone, I sent two of them home because their state of health was affecting their job performance. They smell terrible! I resist the urge to move backward when they are speaking directly to me. One of my employ- ees came into my office directly after a "smoke break" and leaned down next to me so we could both look at my computer screen. Having to breathe next to her made me feel ill for several hours afterward. I frequently have to sit next to them at their desk for training or other purposes. I dread this contact. I could ban smoking breaks, because they are not entitled to these in their contract or our em- ployment standards. I know I'm not perfect, but I don't believe I have ha bi ts t ha t ha ve s uc h a n impact on others. How should I handle this? —M,inOntario, Canada DEAR M » Cigarette smok- ers can take steps to mask the noxious smell, which can permeate their skin, hair and certainly their clothing. Smokers can wear hats, a glove (on their smoking hand), and a jacket or shirt over their clothing (a modern take on the "smoking jacket"). They should wash their hands and brush their teeth afterward. Because you are the only nonsmoker in your office, you are the only person who notices and is affected by the smell — the smokers' sense of smell is already dulled by their habit. Your co-workers have the right to ruin their own health on thei r ow n tim e, b ut why should they do it on your company's time, especially when it has such a negative impact on you? If you are contract- ually able to, you should ban smoke breaks. This will cut way down on the impact to you (though they can still smoke before work and during lunch), and might inspire one or more to quit — either to quit smoking, or quit working for you. Boss in small office cannot stand the smell of smokers 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 Aries(March21-April19) — Embrace change, look for alternatives and push your ideas until you reach your goal. Own what you do and say and you will gain respect. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Call in favors or make a point to join forces with people who share your concerns. Your orga- nizational ability will put you in a position of leadership. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Listen carefully, or you may end up facing an unexpected dilemma that can cost you your reputation. Honesty is the best policy. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You'll be given mixed signals when it comes to where you stand with others. Don't let compliments color your vision. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Put more focus on your personal relationships as well as on your health and appearance. Make love, peace and generosity priorities if you want to improve your life. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Don't spend money just to impress someone. Stay focused on what's important and on the events or encounters that will bring you the highest rewards. Intelligence will bring results. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — You don't have to go overboard when it comes to maintaining your looks and good health. Streamline your fitness goals and follow a diet that is cost- efficient and healthy. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — An emotional situation will throw you off your game. Look for balance and integrity in all your transactions. Don't make decisions based on assumptions or hearsay. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — You will have no trouble gaining control, but before you take command, make sure you want the responsibility that comes with the job. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Make physical changes at home to encourage stability and ease your stress. Lowering your overhead or altering your domestic circumstances will contribute to peace of mind and emotional stability. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Keep your personal informa- tion a secret. Don't divulge financial concerns or give any- one access to your belongings, assets or intentions. Focus on personal gains. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — You'll be offered the help you need or granted a favor, but before you accept, find out what's expected in return. Don't put yourself in a compromising position. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, MARCH 31 FRIDAY,MARCH31,2017 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B