YOUR HOROSCOPE

Birthday Gal: Actress Melissa McCarthy was born in Plainfield, Ill., on this date in 1970. This birthday gal earned a 2012 Oscar nomination for her performance in “Bridesmaids.” Her other film work includes “Ghostbusters,” “Spy,” and “The Heat.” On television, she starred as Molly Flynn on “Mike & Molly,” Dena on “Samantha Who?”, and Sookie St. James on “Gilmore Girls.” Recently, she appeared as herself on “Nobodies.” Aries (Mar 21-Apr. 19): Put your talents on display. You will excel at projects that require precision and a keen eye for detail. You will be focused on whatever you choose to do. You may enjoy yourself more on your own rather than with others. Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20): It’s all in your head. You may feel guilty over indulgences, but there’s no reason that you shouldn’t live it up once in a while. Give someone a chance to tell their side of the story before you jump to conclusions. Gemini (May 21-June 20): Know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em. The odds will not be in your favor when it comes to taking a risk or a chance, so play it safe. Humor is an excellent way to break the ice when faced with a tough cookie. Cancer (June 21-July 22): Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself if you feel that someone is holding you to unreasonable standards or rules that you never agreed to. Matters of the heart may require extra attention. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): Stretch your legs. Don’t collect cobwebs lounging about the house when you can stay in shape at the pool, playing tennis or taking a walk in the park. Hold off on starting new projects, but add spice to projects already in motion. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): A bargain isn’t a bargain if it’s something you don’t need. A useless item is still useless no matter what the price. Save your cash for something more practical. Put energy to good use by setting things in order or exercising. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22.):Nobody’s perfect. You may find it difficult to get along with others if you hold them up to lofty expectations. Projects that require careful thought and logic will be right up your alley while social pursuits could fall flat. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21):Not everything goes according to plan. Unexpected events could throw your schedule out of whack so give yourself extra time to compensate. Your charms may attract the sort of people you’d do well to avoid. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): No one is keeping score. Don’t let a setback get you down as you will have chances to make up for it in the near future. Friendly competition could be a great way to blow off steam and clear your head. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):Organization is the key. Everything will run more smoothly if you maintain an orderly and tidy environment. A new romantic hook-up may prove interesting, but don’t expect anything that will last very long. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Stay out of the spotlight. Being the center of attention is nice but sometimes it invites criticism as well, so you may be more comfortable behind the scenes. Small, intimate gatherings may suit you better than a large group. Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20): Don’t add fuel to the fire. Leave a tense situation alone as any action, for better or for worse, could cause a flare-up. Stick to people and places you know well for the next few days so you can relax. if August 26 is your birthday: Focus on networking and investigating the limits of your freedoms during the next four to five weeks. You may be placed in the spotlight or find new people and ideas to occupy your mind. If what is most important to you shifts you will have an opportunity to put important changes into action successfully during October when your judgment is at its best. This is a time when you are attracted to the people and things that are good for you and when you can ask for and receive help or favors that are necessary. Your ambitions may be at a peak in January, when you must adhere to a tight schedule to achieve your dreams. Avoid being caught up in a wild goose chase in February. Wait until late March or early April to start something new.