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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 25, 2016)
FEATURES THE DAILY ASTORIAN • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2016 Keep politics out of it Dear Annie: I live in a town where the majority of people share one political viewpoint. I am in the minority on the other side. I have lived here for 50 years, have built my life here and love it here most of the time. Usually, I am able to avoid the topic of politics, as I know that it will only lead to arguments or conflict among my friends and family. I’m also part of a close knit- ting circle that meets about every week. Most of us have known one another since our kids were young, and we have a lot in common oth- erwise. Though I usually find the knitting relaxing and the company kind, lately it seems as though every week features a political discussion. Feeling alone in my views, I can become stressed out and angry, and frankly, I don’t feel like going anymore. I’ve tried politely changing the topic of con- versation or laughing off just how crazy things have become, but the topic always seems to rear its ugly head. Annie, how do I deal with politics ruining something I love? — Tangled Dear Tangled: If only we all shared politicians’ skill at deftly changing the subject! Dear Annie By Annie Lane Creators Syndicate Inc. You have three options when the conversation starts roaming into dangerously partisan terri- tory: 1) Tell your fellow knitters that you’re not comfortable dis- cussing politics in polite company. 2) Change the subject as forcefully as you can without being rude. 3) Put on some noise-canceling headphones. There is no harm in No. 1, and if your friends take offense to it, then that is their problem. What- ever happens, take a deep breath and remember that election season is, mercifully, almost over. After that point, conversations will (one hopes) turn less to politics and more to topics fit for civilized dia- logue. Knitting is a scientifically proven therapeutic activity, and it would be a shame to leave the cir- cle feeling like a ball of knots. Dear Annie: I just wanted to reply to “Halfsies” regarding her questions about dating etiquette. I’m a man, and as far as I’m con- cerned, the man should certainly pay for the first date. Chivalry is something worthwhile! From my side, the problem I encounter all too often is women who aren’t willing to accept that chivalry. I am not unaware of another person’s ability to pay, but I want to give of myself anyway. If I’m not permitted to do this, then how can I truly enter into a relationship with someone, which demands self-giving? As for going Dutch: When it comes down to it, I don’t mind if the woman pays on the occasional date, but I strictly do not believe in going Dutch if you are dating someone. Whoever pays fully is offering a gift to the other person; going Dutch makes it about “me” and “my part,” and I can only interpret this as a selfish uncom- mitment. I want to be committed and to give — and to receive gen- erously, as well — not to be in just one more “relationship” that is no more than friendship with benefits. — Knight 9A Tomorrow’s horoscope By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc. ARIES (March 21-April 19). There are so many explanations of things that are crude, mean and unintelligible that when you land on an explanation that is simple, clear and en- chanting it will not only answer a question; it will begin a path. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You pretty much learned the thing: took the test; got the grade. Now what’s the next step? Knowledge on its own isn’t worth much unless you can put it to good use. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Your life will be better because you strive to live as fully as you can in the current so-called reality without tak- ing it so seriously as to believe it to be the only reality there is. CANCER (June 22-July 22). You won’t be able to plan the exact action steps that will take you where you want to go, because you won’t know them until you’re already in action. Move and suddenly the next move (and the next and the next) becomes logical. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). The thing you most need to do today is probably the same thing you’d like to avoid because it’s either uncom- fortable or risky or it could lead to a rejection. Do it first so you can get it over with and be proud of yourself. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). While you’re usually destination-oriented, in regard to to- day’s journey you set out to travel both every- where and nowhere as you find there is so much knowledge and wisdom to gather within a small circle. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Which way would you take this if money were no object? That’s the way you need to move it today, as a few things are likely to happen. First, it won’t cost as much as you thought. Second, benefactors FRANK AND ERNEST BLONDIE THATABABY SALLY FORTH PHOEBE AND HER UNICORN B.C. LOLA DILBERT SIX CHIX BIZARRO MUTTS NON SEQUITUR BABY BLUES WIZARD OF ID ZITS ROSE IS ROSE will volunteer. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Finish what’s on your list, celebrate and then rest. The cele- bration doesn’t have to be anything big; a small ritual will do. Don’t skip that part, because it’s as important to the cycle as work or rest. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). There are many forms of self-sabotage to be alert to and to stamp out before they have a chance to foul you. For instance, starting too many projects at once is a form of procrastination, as it delays the completion of all goals. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Today you’ll get valuable external feedback and you’ll have the chance to make a course correction that leads to spiritual riches. This is the kind of wealth that can never be taken away. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Once again it’s time to veer off of what you’ve been taught. This isn’t disobedience so much as an expres- sion of your individuality. You can’t leave your footprint on this earth if you walk in another person’s tracks. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You want to grow quickly through an awkward beginning stage of learning. In this way you’re like a child trying to act older than his or her years. There’s no pressure to do too much too fast. Savor the innocence. WEDNESDAY’S BIRTHDAY (Oct. 26). No matter how thoroughly you plan it out, your year will be dotted by exhilarating and unpre- dictable circumstances. Next month some- thing lovely, shiny and new will replace what breaks. Love will inspire your creativity and stimulate your desire for personal accomplish- ment. Bonus money in February and August. Sagittarius and Gemini adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 1, 4, 30, 15 and 50.
