Issuu

Daughter should ignore dad’s demand for money

Dear Daughter: Unless Dad is planning to take you to court for that money, we think you should ignore his demand. It is mean-spirited and punitive. Some disturbed and misguided parents try to hurt the ex-spouse by going

Annie’s Mailbox

Marcy Sugar and Kathy Mitchell anniesmailbox@comcast.net

to me, my sister asked me to mail it back. I did. Is there some rule of etiquette about what happens to gifts you give to parents? Is my brother entitled to take this back because he was the one who gave it to them? Or can the surviving parent give it to whomever he chooses? It made me sad to return it, because I knew I wouldn’t be able to enjoy that memory of my mother again. — Just Wondering

after the children. We hope Dad will calm down, and Dear Wondering: When a while you’re waiting, please gift is given, it belongs to the consider both legal and emotional counsel. Your college counseling department should be able to help.

Apparently, there is a sizable and growing television audience who see the 1984 comedy “Ghostbusters” as a kind of documentary. Or maybe, a career inspiration. And this fanciful realm of ghost detectives has broken itself into professionals and amateurs. A new series “Paranormal Challenge” (8 p.m., Travel) offers the untrained and apparently “unaccredited” a chance at an apprenticeship of sorts. Hosted by Zak Bagans of “Ghost Adventures” fame, “Challenge” invites amateur spook sleuths to sites considered haunted, arms them with appropriate gadgetry and sets them loose amid the ectoplasm. The team that returns with the most “evidence” is declared the winner. And in a fitting twist, the night’s champion will receive neither prize nor title. The winner’s sole compensation will be a newfound “respect” in the community of paranormal believers. And we all know that’s worth twice its weight in pixie dust! ● As somebody who has to churn out a column every day, I have nothing but sympathy for cable programmers trying to entertain viewers and maintain their network’s mission and identity day after 24hour day. But sometimes cable stations slip and lose their focus. I always wondered how Planet Green would come up with a steady supply of ecologically oriented series. But I never dreamed it would be airing shows like “UFOs Over Phoenix” (7 p.m.); “Return to Area 51” (8 p.m.); and “Nazi UFO Conspiracy” (9 p.m.)! Unless it defines these as shows about little green men. ● Jimmy Kaplow, aka “Flea Man” (7 p.m., National Geographic), has spent his professional life haggling for treasures at yard and estate sales and wants to pass on his wisdom. He offers simple rules that apply to transactions big and small: Find out what buyers want and make a personal connection with them. And above all, know your product, whether it’s a toy tractor or a luxury car. He’s equally emphatic about things to avoid: Never waste time on folks who don’t seem interested in buying. Move on! And never, ever get sentimental and lose sight of what things are worth. Using these strategies, he helps families get rid of the items they don’t need and get the cash necessary for more pressing matters. In the first installment (7 p.m.), Jimmy tries to help a family liquidate a house filled with inherited antiques to cover their daughter’s medical school tuition. Episode two (8 p.m.) features a Bible linked to George Washington and a lesson in haggling over vintage Barbie dolls.

Tonight’s other highlights ● Ed takes a bullet on the way to the maternity ward on “Flashpoint” (7 p.m., CBS). ● Coach Taylor tells Vince that he’s got to put the team first on “Friday Night Lights” (7 p.m., NBC). ● A dashboard becomes a crime scene on “Bones” (7 p.m., Fox). ● Jamie Lee Curtis appears on “Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution” (8 p.m., ABC). ● The new vessel Gojira comes to the rescue on “Whale Wars” (8 p.m., Animal Planet). ● Agents hunt for Baby Grace on “FBI: Criminal Pursuit” (9 p.m., Discovery ID).

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GOING TO COURT By Kenneth Holt

6/17

— Please e-mail your questions to anniesmailbox@comcast.net, or write to Annie’s Mailbox, P.O. Box 118190 Chicago, IL 60611.

Universal Crossword Edited by Timothy E. Parker June 17, 2011

JACQUELINE BIGAR’S STARS For Friday, June 17: This year, emphasize key issues and people in your life. Though you are a sign that seems to go from one topic to the next, your focus will be penetrating. If you are single, you will meet someone quite special. Don't allow your relationship to move too fast. If you are attached, this year you share on a very deep level, adding to the heat of the bond. Capricorn is an anchor. The Stars Show the Kind of Day You'll Have: 5Dynamic; 4-Positive; 3Average; 2-So-so; 1-Difficult Aries (March 21-April 19) ★★★★ People have expectations that you can barely meet. On one level, you need to discuss an investment with a family member. Tonight: Happy to head home. Taurus (April 20-May 20) ★★★★★ Once more, it is what you say and how you say it that determines the end results. Try to detach and understand where someone is coming from. Tonight: Share with friends. Gemini (May 21-June 20) ★★★★★ You might want to review a personal situation more carefully. A partner gives feedback that makes you feel very

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recipient, who can then do with it as he or she chooses. In many instances, however, people who are cleaning out their belongings often return items to the original givers. You did the right thing returning the nativity set to your brother. It obviously means as much to him as it does to you, and we are certain that fighting over it would not have pleased Mom. Bravo for taking the high road.

Dear Annie: My mother passed away last year. When my sisters put up the Christmas decorations for Dad, they asked if I wanted a nativity set. I said “yes,” and they mailed it to me. I really enjoyed looking at it last Christmas. It was a lovely reminder of my mother. A few weeks ago, my brother decided he wanted that same nativity set and called my sister to see if she knew where it was. Apparently, he had given it to my parents many years before and wanted to take it overseas with him. Instead of telling my brother that she had given it

Travel Channel show ain’t afraid of no ghosts

6/16

ings 12 Moe, Curly

jacquelinebigar.com

good. Tonight: Treat someone to munchies and a drink. Cancer (June 21-July 22) ★★★★ Defer to others and listen to what they share. A meeting could become a social happening at the last minute. Invite a family member, loved one or friend to join you after work. Tonight: Go along for the ride. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) ★★★★ Stay even and level with a boss who keeps making requests. You could get overwhelmed quickly. News from a distance proves to be a real eye-opener. Tonight: Mix in a walk or some exercise. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) ★★★★★ Don't share all your ideas with a partner. He or she might misinterpret what you are saying. You don't want to create a problem, do you? Tonight: Ever playful. It is the weekend, you know! Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) ★★★★ Let go of worry. It is getting you nowhere fast. Relax and share with someone you respect. Tonight: Stay close to home. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) ★★★★★ Say the right words, and someone could acquiesce. Others make an effort. They each have their own reasons, and

might not be as clear as you would like. Tonight: Hang out. Sagittarius (Nov. 22Dec. 21) ★★★★ Listen to what is happening between you and another person. A conversation could point you in a new direction. A friend could be unusually somber or touchy. Tonight: Your treat. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) ★★★★★ Consider a risk and be creative. News comes in from others. How you put together your needs with another person's reflects your interpersonal skills. Tonight: All smiles. The world is your oyster. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) ★★★ Continue to maintain a low profile. Your sense of direction tells you to go off and do something you have always wanted to do. Tonight: Knock your socks off. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) ★★★★ Zero in on what you want. Others would be only too pleased to not only pave your path, but to celebrate your success at the end. Tonight: Where your friends are. — The astrological forecast should be read for entertainment only.

ACROSS 1 “You know the rest” abbr. 4 Certain internal organ 10 Sign of an allergy 14 Film doctor with 7 faces 15 Not loosely 16 Voice between soprano and tenor 17 Apply for benefits 19 “Rich Man, ___ Man” 20 Projecting window design 21 Type of boa 23 Street urchins 25 Feel sore 27 Wine consideration 28 French clergymen 29 Prior to, in poetry 30 Positive quality 32 Waikiki wreath 33 Seize and hold 35 Prepares to be crossexamined 40 Some nannies from abroad 41 Rowboater’s need 43 Mythical goat-man 46 Poison ___ (itchy plant) 47 Long poem division 49 Dec. 24, e.g. 50 Gawk at

52 Throbbed 53 Mother ___ of Calcutta 55 Diamond’s weight measure 56 SeaWorld attraction 57 Try to prosecute 62 ___-friendly (easy to operate) 63 Slurs over in pronunciation 64 Numbercruncher, familiarly 65 Show and ___ 66 Regular girlfriend, in the ‘50s 67 ___ Largo DOWN 1 North Pole assistant 2 ___ chi ch’uan (Chinese martial art) 3 Country bordered by Panama 4 Wood applications 5 Walks like an expectant father 6 Quiet period 7 In-flight announcement 8 Cotton gin inventor Whitney 9 Pretty goddess of Greek myth 10 Totally engrossed 11 Luau greetings 12 Moe, Curly

or Larry 13 Stinging wasp 18 “Fifteen Miles on the ___ Canal” 22 You’ll get a rise out of this 23 Hoedown honey 24 Aid in a felony 25 Store for safekeeping 26 Waldorf salad ingredient 29 Involve 31 Place to pamper oneself 33 Parapsychology letters 34 Pack carrier 36 Mary ___ cosmetics 37 They may make you miss the mark? 38 Like Teflontreated pans 39 Word in the

42 43 44 45 47 48 51 52 54 55 58 59 60 61

upper-right part of a check Taylor of “The Birds” Begin a journey Not in agreement Old Toyota model Woman’s bow Banned apple spray Stares openmouthed Like French doors James ___ Jones Musical wrap-up Utmost (Abbr.) Possible reason for a rematch “Tarzan” beast Deliver, henstyle

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

6/16

THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME by David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

Unscramble these four Jumbles, one letter to each square, to form four ordinary words.

TDEHP EALYTL TEHAHL

Dear Annie: My father is a dentist and earns a good living, but he is going after my money. When I graduated from high school, he took the money relatives and friends sent me and kept it for himself. A year later, he and Mom were going through a divorce, and he subpoenaed my work records to find out what I was earning. Their divorce was finally settled, but when Dad found out I was awarded a partial college scholarship of $980, he wanted “his share.” Mom and Dad both paid for my college tuition, but I worked hard to earn that small scholarship so I could stand on my own two feet. I am frustrated and a little disgusted with my father’s greed. Shouldn’t he feel proud of his daughter’s accomplishment instead of trying to steal it? His true colors came out during the divorce, and I took my mother’s side. Now he apparently has divorced me, as well. I support myself and don’t believe he is entitled to my money. What should I do? — Spurned Daughter

49 Dec. 24, e.g. 50 Gawk at

Now arrange the circled letters to form the surprise answer, as suggested by the above cartoon.

Answer:

BIRTHDAYS Singer Barry Manilow is 68. Comedian Joe Piscopo is 60. Movie producerdirector-writer Bobby Farrelly is 53. Actor Thomas Haden Church is 50. Actor

Greg Kinnear is 48. Actress Kami Cotler (TV: “The Waltons”) is 46. Olympic goldmedal speed skater Dan Jansen is 46. Actor Jason Patric is 45. Actor-comedi-

Yesterday’s

an Will Forte is 41. Latin pop singer Paulina Rubio is 40. Tennis player Venus Williams is 31. Actor-rapper Herculeez (AKA Jamal Mixon) is 28.

(Answers tomorrow) TUMMY CHATTY GOVERN Jumbles: VIDEO Answer: What the math teacher took pleasure in making — EVERY DAY COUNT

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