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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 1, 2016)
THE DAILY ASTORIAN • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016 FEATURES Where are children’s rights? Dear Annie: My nephew, courts look out for the parents’ “Bill,” married “Helen.” Helen had rights. When will our laws become a 2-year-old son, “Dylan.” Helen in favor of what is in the best inter- told Bill that Dylan’s father had est of the child? — Still Crying Dear Crying: Look further into given up his parental rights, so Bill the laws in your state. I think there happily adopted baby Dylan. We all came to deeply love is a good chance your nephew has recourse here to see Dylan baby Dylan. He was ador- DEAR again, especially as he able, bright and sweet. adopted him — or at least Dylan quickly felt close to ANNIE was led to believe he did. all his many cousins. Four Some states do have laws years later, Helen abruptly that take such factors into left Bill for another man. consideration, with the When Bill attempted to goal of doing what’s best get visitation with Dylan, for the child. Helen informed the court Dear Annie: I feel that Dylan’s father had Lane that your reply to “Seri- never really given up his Annie Creators Syndicate Inc. ally Disappointed” was a parental rights, so therefore cop-out. the adoption became void. I am in my early 60s and have Tragically, none of us in the family been divorced for 15 years. The ever saw Dylan again. How could 6-year-old Dylan men I meet are seriously lacking begin to understand this? He loved in relationship and basic life skills. Bill more than anyone in the world, I will admit I settled for much less and then one day he never saw him than I should have with my most again! How could his mother hurt recent partners because they had good qualities that attracted me. him like this? One decided after three years I often wonder whether children are ever going to have any rights of that I was “too fat” (I am a size 12), their own in our courts. So far, the and he met a woman who is shorter only rights kids have are not to be than I am but not thinner. Another, starved and not to be beaten. Our after two years, told me he had a children are still lawfully treated boyfriend and thought it was OK as property of their parents. Our to date us both at the same time because he is bisexual. I ended the relationship, and six months later, he was married to a woman. Another one sat on my couch one day and began crying, telling me he missed his wife, whom he had divorced five years earlier. My friends, all married or in long-term relationships, said, “Take some time for yourself!” I don’t know what they were think- ing when I’d been spending most birthdays, Christmas Eves and New Year’s Eves alone for years. I haven’t dated for two years. Now the same friends say, “You have to get yourself out there!” I go to movies, plays and other events alone. I bicycle on busy bike paths, and I work a job. But the truth is that no one has the answer as to why most single men are so out of whack. So they tell you silly things — for example, “Learn how to be happy with yourself.” “Seri- ally Disappointed” gave no indica- tion she is not happy with herself, and I am indeed happy with who I am. I just wish I could find a qual- ity single guy in his 60s before he is snatched up by one of the mil- lions of intelligent, compassionate, kind single women out there look- ing. — Will Anyone Love Me When I’m 64? 5A TOMORROW’S HOROSCOPE By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc. ARIES (March 21-April 19). You have a big heart. You can’t help but accommodate those who live inside it. If you don’t get to the goal, it’s because your loved one needed you more. You thought that was more important, and you were right. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). A world in emotional order can plunge into unpredict- able chaos with the introduction of one excit- ing dynamic. Such things can be like thrilling carnival attractions. Do not fear: Use your ticket to ride. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You’ll work from sun to moon — no “casual Friday” for you. In your efforts, you’ll prove just how strong you are. Determination and tenacity are so much a part of your makeup that everyone comes to expect it from you. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Make thoughtful decisions. Stave away the fever of impulsivity. Don’t give in! If you feel yourself acting rashly, consider that you may feel dif- ferently when a few hours have passed. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). People have surprised you in good and bad ways, and now you’re not as surprised. In fact, now you can predict some behaviors you wish you couldn’t. But you can, and you should. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Haggling for what you need can be a long, drawn-out, tedious process if the people involved just can’t give it to you. Maybe they don’t have it. Turn elsewhere and hang on for big, bright, beautiful results. CANCER (June 22-July 22). Your space matters. You’re happiest in a thriving space that lives and grows along with you. The maintenance, the updates — when you ap- proach them with the right attitude, they bring you pleasure and satisfaction. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Quiet obser- vation is called for. Tune into your nearest and dearest. Read the small changes in a loved one’s behavior and draw a conclusion. Then keep it to yourself for a while. Watch and see to test the truth. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). This is not a day to buy or sell anything in haste. Do your re- search. Wait to get the best price. An attitude of nonchalance doesn’t hurt either. You’re in a good position, but not if you don’t believe it. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). The relation- ship that doesn’t help you is hurting you be- cause it’s taking up your valuable attention. If you had a void there, you would fill it with more helpful forces. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You’re a citizen of the world, and your exemplary manners will be your passport. Of course there are cultural differences to consider. Intention counts. You don’t have to get it perfect to get it right. TOMORROW’S BIRTHDAY (Dec. 2). Pro- fessional adventures are so thrilling that you may put key parts of your life on the back burner while you pursue ambitions in this re- gard. Reward the loyal loved ones who sup- port you through this. You’ll love what comes from it in May. July is your chance to double down and invest in something exciting. Gem- ini and Libra adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 30, 49, 47, 26 and 31. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The best people you know have a dark side, and the worst people you know can be kind and wonderful, too. Your capacity for understanding the com- plexities will help you manage the day. 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
