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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (March 6, 2015)
FEATURES 6A THE DAILY ASTORIAN • FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2015 Should she confront co-worker? Tomorrow’s horoscope By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc. Dear Annie: I graduated from college two years ago and have been working at my present job since. I am one of two women out of 30 employees in our depart- ment. Recently, my immediate supervisor revealed to me a long string of emails writ- ten by a male co-worker and our female personnel supervisor, “Jane.” Apparently, the two had become romantically involved and were communicating via the company email. It is obvious that neither of the two understands the public nature of their com- munication. My supervisor came across their emails while searching for another work-related matter. He thought I should be aware of the personal comments Jane had made about me. I had met Jane only once, at a compa- ny retreat. I recall some pleasant and polite conversation, but in her email, she com- mented that I seemed to be pompous and must have been “drunk or on drugs,” and that he should be careful around me. My supervisor felt such comments were inap- propriate. Since this came to light, I have con- sidered a nonconfrontational wom- an-to-woman talk with Jane, not only to ask her to make amends to me, but to let her know that she needs to be more dis- creet about her romantic communication. But I am also fed up with how our depart- ment is micromanaged by the home office and have considered quitting. Annie’s Mailbox Creators Syndicate Inc. Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar Should I make an appointment to see the HR manager at the home office? Should I ask my supervisor to handle it? I like my work, and I don’t think the culture of us-versus-them in a male-dominated company will change without full involve- ment. But I am afraid of being the lightning rod going forward. — Joanna Dear Joanna: Speak to Jane privately. Tell her you have seen her correspondence. Let her know that using such channels for private communication is ill advised. Then tell her you are sorry she got the wrong impression at the retreat and ask how to improve things. Contacting HR is up to you. The company may be trying for more diversification but not making progress in your department yet. Do some research and figure out whether it’s worth it to you to rock the boat. Dear Annie: Why do all these TV ex- ecutives think actors have to cuss and use the F word? It is disgusting and uncalled for. I was watching TV with my grand- daughter at 10 in the morning when a se- ries came on where they used God’s name in vain. My granddaughter asked why they did that. It is sad that you can’t even be safe watching TV before noon. My granddaughter hears these words in school, which means her classmates are hearing the words at home and quite likely on TV. I remember when “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn” made your jaw drop. — Sick and Tired of Filthy Language Dear Sick and Tired: Executives ap- prove such vulgar language because they believe by “pushing the envelope” ratings will increase. You can write the sponsors of these programs, saying you will not pur- chase their products, or you can change the channel. There are plenty of stations that offer more family-friendly fare. Dear Annie: A while back, you printed a letter from “Cousin of a Squatter,” whose 53-year-old cousin parked his van on her property and was supposed to leave after five months. She wanted him out. Years ago, when I had to insist that a friend move out of my house, I couldn’t bring myself to throw his possessions onto the street. Instead, I threatened to put his stuff into a rented storage bin and told him I’d give him a bill for the second month’s rent, plus the key. This prompted him to move. I helped him find a place for himself, and we’re still friends. — Ejected Nicely FRANK AND ERNEST BLONDIE THATABABY SALLY FORTH STONE SOUP B.C. LOLA DILBERT SIX CHIX BIZARRO MUTTS NON SEQUITUR BABY BLUES WIZARD OF ID ZITS ROSE IS ROSE ARIES (March 21-April 19). If people aren’t responding the way you wish they would, maybe it’s not you — maybe it’s them. There are many who simply don’t un- derstand the things you’re so good at. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Oddly, when you don’t expect to be paid for a job, you’ll approach it with more joy. An inter- esting relationship begins with your expert service to another person who desperately needs it. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You don’t bore easily because you’re always looking into the deeper layers of what’s going on. Write down your observations about life because they will add depth to a future project. CANCER (June 22-July 22). The people who think it’s important to be right are ac- tually quite wrong about that. Letting go of the need to be right will liberate your energy and vitality. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Once you bond, you don’t easily separate from a person. To- day you have nearly telepathic abilities with someone you’re firmly attached to, and all you discuss will serve to further cement the tie. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). There are many types of bathing. You’ll bathe not only in water, but also in music, attention, beauty, intellect and love. So many wonderful things will wash over you that you will feel blessed, indeed. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You get better at a game each time you play it. When it’s over, sign up for another round. Courtship is a kind of game, too, and it’s one you’ll enjoy this weekend. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’re fool- proof today — you absolutely can’t be fooled unless you choose to fool yourself. There might be good reasons for doing that. If you do go along with a falsehood, it will probably be in the name of compassion. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Fewer commitments mean less stress. Less stress means greater joy. Greater joy means extra powers of attraction. Extra powers of attrac- tion mean more love. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). There’s a reason why life seems to go in slow mo- tion when you encounter someone very attractive. Rushing around is for amateurs. Calm down, move slowly, enjoy your time, and get there early. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Just be- cause a task is difficult doesn’t mean it will earn you points. Some of the easiest jobs will earn you adoring attention, like the job of listening carefully to others and helping them feel how important they are. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Kindred souls are all around, though you’ll have to look for them. When you find one who fits the profile, get all the relevant information to keep in touch. This is special. It’s a sign that there are many more out there. SATURDAY’S BIRTHDAY (March 7). Your cosmic birthday present is remarkable clarity of mind. Apply it to April’s important decisions. Stressful burdens will be lifted in May, allowing you greater powers of self-dis- cipline that enable you to establish positive habits. Your relationships with people of a different generation will make you rich in many ways. Cancer and Scorpio people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 20, 10, 24, 3 and 15.