STAR TRACK
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Today you might feel a bit bloated and slow, Aries, which could interfere with your daily routine. You could also feel unmotivated about work. You might not feel like exercising, but it's important that you do it anyway. Moving the body can clear your head and put you in the proper frame of mind to get on with your day. It can also help purge your tissues of all the excess toxins.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Today your job or another activity could require your artistic skills for a particular project, Taurus. You may not be used to this, so it could throw you into a bit of a panic. There should be others around who can collaborate with you, so you will be all right. A tendency to be overly emotional could interfere with just about anything you try. Stay centered.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
A subject of interest that you've been pursuing could bring up some deeply buried emotions today, Gemini. You might want to retreat into your mind and try to make sense of it, although analyzing it intellectually may not be the answer. Avoid emotional confrontations. Things might be said that shouldn't be said, and they won't be easily forgotten. In the evening, watch a movie full of special effects.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
This could be a confusing day for you, Cancer. Financial issues might be complicated by computer glitches or failures in communication. Keep pushing, however, and whatever you're trying to straighten out will be resolved. An opportunity to participate in a project you've never tried before could have you doubting your abilities. Believe in yourself and then move ahead. There's a first time for everything!
Leo (July 23-August 22)
Financial issues might have you and your partner a bit more on edge than you need to be, Leo. Perhaps money is tighter than usual right now, and you have to put off purchases you want to make. Try to work it out. This is a great day to reach a compromise in just about any touchy situation, because you should be in just the right space to see both sides of any issue.
Virgo (August 23-September 22)
Today your intellect is flying high, Virgo. A number of new ideas, perhaps about political or social issues, might excite your curiosity and cause you to want to spend hours in the library or on the Internet. Mundane tasks still need handling, however. This might be frustrating because it takes you away from your quest. If you get the basics done quickly, you can return without causing any undue guilt.
Libra (September 23-October 22)
Your imagination is working overtime today, Libra, and you might spend hours at a computer writing or in front of an easel or piano creating your own brand of painting or music. This drive to create comes from the heart and shouldn't be ignored no matter what other issues come up. Take care of whatever needs to be handled and then follow your inspiration.
Scorpio (October 23-November 21)
A conflict between your responsibilities to family and obligations to friends could rear its ugly head today, Scorpio. You might want to attend an event but need to deal with emotional issues in the home immediately. It could be difficult to keep a cool head under these circumstances. If you can, you should find a way to satisfy your family and go out. Step back and be objective!
Sagittarius( November22-December 21)
Dissatisfaction with certain job conditions might come to a head today, Sagittarius. A discussion with colleagues might be necessary to defuse a potentially explosive situation. Clear, honest communication is necessary in order to avoid misunderstandings. Try to remain objective. Don't let your emotions take control. Things will work out to everyone's satisfaction. The situation is temporary and unlikely to have lasting negative effects.
Capricorn (December 22-January 19)
If you've been planning a long trip by air, Capricorn, today you might doubt whether you should continue with your plans. Money or safety might be the issues. Be aware that your fears may run away with you. The situation may be more secure than it appears. You might want to attend an online class or lecture, perhaps on computer science or some other technology.
Aquarius (January 20- February 18)
Today you might feel too overwrought to concentrate on whatever goals you're trying to reach, particularly if they're financial. Past issues might crop up at inopportune times but will still need to be released. If you aren't careful, this could get in the way of just about anything you need to do. Keeping cool is the most important thing to remember.
Pisces (February 19-March 20)
You tend to be pretty self-assured, Pisces, but self-esteem issues dating from long ago could surface today. You might feel like a schoolchild called on to recite. This could cause a few snags in your relationships or interfere with your effectiveness at social occasions. Try to remain objective. Don't lose sight of who you are. Don't let old insecurity interfere with your effectiveness.
Apainting by British artist David Hockney sold by the Royal Opera House in London to raise funds to help survive the pandemic fetched nearly £13 million at auction on Thursday. The painting, which depicts the iconic UK institution’s former chief David Webster, had been estimated to sell for between £11 million ($14 million, 12 million euros) and £18 million. At an evening auction of post-war and contemporary art at Christie’s in London, the work-”Portrait of Sir David Webster”-went under the hammer for £12,865,000. The Royal Opera House announced earlier this month that it had been forced to sell the painting as it faces “the biggest crisis in our history” due to the coronavirus.
“The proceeds will be used to ensure that the world’s greatest artists can once more return to our stages,” its Chief Executive Alex Beard said at the time. The world renowned opera house closed its Covent Garden doors in late March as Britain went into a months-long nationwide lockdown as Covid-19 spread across the country. It reopened in June without live audiences, instead streaming performances online as part of a four-pronged recovery plan which includes redundancies and other cost-cutting. It has also launched a fundraising campaign among audiences and supporters “to sustain our community of artists”. But income has fallen by more than half since the pandemic began. Under pressure from the cultural sector, the government recently released an aid package of £1.57 billion ($2.03 billion, 1.72 billion euros) but many have branded it insufficient. —AFP