THE DAILY ASTORIAN • WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 2017
FEATURES
Theft of a social circle
Dear Annie: My little sis- and probably wants to estab-
ter moved to the town where lish an identity outside of
I live a few months ago. My just being your younger sis-
husband and I regularly invite ter. That doesn’t mean she
her to hang out with our group doesn’t love you or want to
of friends, and we have some spend time with you. In fact,
family here, too, whom we I’m sure you’re a big part of
why she moved there
see. She and I have a
DEAR
in the first place. Just
lot in common, with
give her time.
very similar taste in
ANNIE
Dear Annie: My
books and movies and
heart goes out to the
a penchant for talking
obese
stepbrother
too much. She’s sin-
who was the subject
gle and more pro-
of a recent letter. He
active about find-
has probably been
ing things to do, and
given lots of unhelp-
she’s started cutting
Lane
ful advice and plenty
us out of social gath- Annie
Creators
Syndicate Inc.
of scorn. Your sug-
erings she plans —
gestion to check for
with friends she met
through us and with our fam- an underactive thyroid was
ily members — because she not bad, but there is much
says I “overshadow” her. I more he can do.
Many morbidly obese
haven’t resorted to singing
that “Beaches” song to her individuals have had amaz-
yet, but I’m pretty burnt on ing success with a ketogenic
her trying to leave me out of diet, which allows them to
my own social circle. What lose weight without experi-
should I do? — The Cooler encing the hunger that typi-
cally accompanies low-cal-
Sister
Dear Cooler Sister: She orie diets. The old advice to
might be the wind beneath “move more and eat less”
your wings, but she still sounds sensible, but it rarely
needs a chance to spread her works for more than a short
own. She is new to the area time because it requires
immense willpower, leaves
a person feeling hungry all
the time and ruins his or her
metabolism.
On the other hand, a
well-formulated
ketogenic
diet, after a few days of adap-
tation, causes a person to feel
quite satisfied and energized.
It often normalizes blood
sugar, blood pressure and
lipid profiles, allowing people
to reduce or eliminate medi-
cations while losing weight.
Because it is high in natural
fats, many doctors still advise
against it, but that is begin-
ning to change as research
and clinical experience show
the safety and efficacy of the
diet in both the short term and
the long term. You would be
doing this man, his sister and
many others a huge favor if
you would mention “keto”
(otherwise known as low-
carb/high-fat) to your readers.
— A Keto Fan
Dear Keto Fan: Thank
you for the tip. I was not aware
of the keto diet. I encourage
curious readers to do their
research and talk to their doc-
tors to decide whether it might
be a good fit for them.
5A
TOMORROW’S HOROSCOPE
By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc.
ARIES (March 21-April 19). To feel that
everything is a necessity is a warning sign that
you may be avoiding an uncomfortable reality.
The truth is that your necessities are covered,
for the most part. So what is this trumped-up
sense of urgency really about?
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Eye contact is
your most effective accessory. Of course, it’s
impossible to wear well while using your phone.
It’s like hiding a Cartier watch in your pants
pocket.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). An obsession with
the perfect moments of the past can be a lovely
distraction every bit as fanciful as fictional sto-
rytelling. Tap into your own artistry. Play around
with this. History is more art than science.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). No place is
inherently superior. Each place is just a better
or worse fit for the organism trying to inhabit
it. Though there may be no point to building a
metaphorical boat to get to the next place, build
it anyway. You were meant to sail.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You have
already learned what you need to do. Now the
question is whether you are at liberty to do so.
This is one of those times when it will be
better to seek forgiveness than permission.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Your
contributions are quality and should be
honored as such. Particularly precious is your
attention. Loved ones need to value this, or
you will not be very inclined to give it so well
again.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Lao Tzu said,
“Being deeply loved by someone gives you
strength, while loving someone deeply gives
you courage.” In the next 24 hours, you’ll get
the opportunity to benefit from both sides of
this statement.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). People may
behave in pitiful ways, but do not give them
your pity. No one knows what to do with pity.
You can’t eat it or wear it. Give help, support or
something more concrete instead.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). When you act
intentionally, your action automatically has a
purpose. When you act unintentionally, the
purpose is lost. Get aware. If you don’t know
your own motivations, figure them out or make
them up.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You need many
more muscles to frown than you do to smile.
Both are more interesting than a blank, slack
stare (creepy!), which takes no effort at all.
Emotional engagement is your preferred work
of the day.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). The scene will
change, and you will need to change, too. That
which dissolves you allows you the opportu-
nity to build yourself up anew (and to custom
specs, too).
TOMORROW’S BIRTHDAY (July 27). This
solar return sees you opening your heart to
new people and places, adding excitement
and spice to your world. Your commitment to a
cause will bring multiple rewards in 2018. You
already know enough; you’ll learn more on the
job than you will in school, so sign up and get
earning. Bonus bucks come in November. Libra
and Pisces adore you. Your lucky numbers are:
4, 45, 38, 31 and 49.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The story of meet-
ing a person is likely to reflect the story of the
entire relationship. No pressure! But it does
make you think twice about your social game
— and introductions specifically.
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