TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS

Taurus (April 20-May 20): Humor is revealing. Joking gives away the truth of the situation. You’ll laugh with friends and be gentle with the humorless. Maybe they are protecting a part of themselves.

Gemini (May 21-June 21): Some say the human brain processes one emotion at a time, but you’ll challenge the notion. The duality of your sign engenders complexity. You’ll find yourself taking in all sides of a bittersweet or tragicomic circumstance.

Cancer (June 22-July 22): Someone will play the comparison game with you. You’re good at this one. One of your best tactics is to be very impressed by your opponent’s play and let them have all the glory.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): The situation is reminiscent of the fable about the ant and grasshopper. You’re the ant, busily storing away grain even when you have plenty. When the grasshoppers laugh, you’ll pity their future selves.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Who will come to the party? Who will participate in your plans? Do they really like you? Yes on all accounts. You don’t even have to try hard. They’ll be swept into your natural enthusiasm.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): Sharing what matters to you brings gifts too numerous and subtle to describe. Your arguments get better, and your knowledge deepens as you listen up. All thrive with the discussion going strong.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21):

As uncomfortable as it can be living with an outspoken inner critic, there are benefits, too. Without this voice in your head, you wouldn’t be the profound thinker and industrious individual you are.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Those who are all over the map are as lost as the mapless. Get a quick overview and then home in on one thing. Believe in it and stick to it until you arrive.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):

If support from well-meaning people feels like pressure instead of motivation toward the goal, you’ll question it. Honor your instinct on the matter. You feel as you do for a reason.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):

To fully appreciate what you have and use it to your best advantage is the greatest win.

Opera singer Sherrill Milnes is 87. Rock singer-musician Ronnie Hawkins is 87. Movie director Walter Hill is 82. Actor William Sanderson is 78. Singer Rod Stewart is 77. Rock singer-musician Donald Fagen (Steely Dan) is 74. Boxing Hall of Famer and entrepreneur George Foreman is 73. Roots rock singer Alejandro Escovedo is 71. Rock musician Scott Thurston (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) is 70. Singer Pat Benatar is 69. Hall of Fame race car driver and team owner Bobby Rahal is 69. Rock musician Michael Schenker is 67. Singer Shawn Colvin is 66. Rock singer-musician Curt Kirkwood (Meat Puppets) is 63. Actor Evan Handler is 61. Rock singer Brad Roberts (Crash Test Dummies) is 58. Actor Trini Alvarado is 55. Rock singer Brent Smith (Shinedown) is 44. Rapper Chris Smith (Kris Kross) is 43. Actor Sarah Shahi is 42. American roots singer Valerie June is 40.

Once you maximize your existing resources, new ones will become available.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20):

You need space in your schedule to do important things, such as nothing at all. You repair and restore yourself in the breaks. Consider making fewer commitments. Your future self will thank you.

Today’s birthday (Jan. 10):

Your dreams are possible. It’s a little scary, but you’ll charge forward. No excuses. No quitting. You’ll change something about your habits and thinking that will seal you to your work with a new spirit of devotion. Finances perk up with solid, interesting work. You’ll be pursued by employers and love interests. Sagittarius and Libra adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 1, 44, 38, 12 and 6.