Leigh: July 6, 1927-Oct. 3, 2004
Stanwyck: July 16, 1907-Jan. 20, 1990
Fate reigns supreme in film noir, but that doesn’t mean we don’t love us some zodiac fun. Hope your July is full of intriguing encounters and a festive Friday, the 13th. And happy birthday, Cancer and Leo!
A special shout-out and remembrances to captivating Cancers James M. Cain and Farley Granger (July 1), Eva Marie Saint (July 4), Janet Leigh (July 6) and Barbara Stanwyck (July 16), and lively Leos Helen Mirren, Sandra Bullock and Stanley Kubrick (July 26), Jackie Kennedy Onassis (July 28) and Hilary Swank (July 30).
Cancer (June 22-July 23): Cancers can be a trifle moody, it’s true. But with celebrations and soirees on the rise this month, mood shifts will likely be from good to ecstatic. This means it will be easier to roll with the punches and let go of elaborate expectations. Midmonth, you could stumble into a chance to score some easy cash and without packing heat! OK, it’s not enough to quit your day job and take early retirement but it might be enough to buy dinner and a round of drinks for you and an enchantingly sexy dinner companion.
Robert De Niro was born Aug. 17, 1943. He shares a birthday with Sean Penn, who was born in 1960.
Leo (July 24-August 23): Resist the urge to put things on your own timetable. Both at work and at play, deals and relationships evolve at their own pace, which may yield surprise benefits. So, just relax and trust that things will work out fine, maybe even better than you expected. Meanwhile, give in to cravings and don’t feel guilty about splurging on an expensive birthday gift for yourself. Relish summer pleasures as spontaneity and romance reign. Follow your intuition on the 6th, 15th and 24th.
Virgo (August 24-September 23): A friend or relative launches a monthlong complain-a-thon, but damn if you didn’t forget which channel it’s on. Oh well, guess you’ll just miss all the woe-is-me excitement. Don’t feel guilty about cutting back the time you spend with closet negheads – you know the ones. Just politely decline when they try to lure you in. Meanwhile, take a spontaneous road trip or wear that daring dress you bought. Summer is the perfect time to mix it up and turn a few heads. Be prepared for lots of attention from the opposite sex the week of the 14th.
Libra (September 24-October 23): Change is in the air and that’s a good thing. Having made a major decision, you are now on the path to new opportunities and an exciting phase of your life. If you encounter any snags, realize that bumps in the road are inevitable and keep on going. Ask for help if you need it – from time to time, even the craftiest femme fatale needs help hauling loot or bouncing ideas around. Even though you’re busy, make time to reward yourself with your favorite guilty pleasures. Patience prevails on the 12th; stand your ground on the 16th.
Lizabeth Scott, an actress with many film-noir credits, was born Sept. 29, 1922; she turns 90 this year.
Scorpio (October 24-November 22): Absence does indeed make the heart grow fonder so tap your inner ice-princess and don’t always be available for that tall, dark and handsome guy. Unless of course he’s tall, dark, handsome and filthy rich. In that case, you can be available at a moment’s notice, especially if he likes to go shopping and insists on taking you to fabulous restaurants. This month, the less you think about cash, the easier it will flow. Don’t sweat the details on the weekend of the 27th.
Sagittarius (November 23-December 22): It’s tempting to tell a dithering friend what to do – take the money and run, for example. However, you may need to devote your energy to making a big decision in your own life. We often regret the things we don’t do more than anything else, but the bottom line is that only you know what’s best – listen to your head and your heart, then stick to your guns (or weapon of choice). Your imagination and prowess for problem solving come into the spotlight as you easily piece together the pieces to a puzzle at work. A sexy surprise awaits you on the 31st.
Capricorn (December 23-January 20): Is there a downside to dating younger men? Well, let’s see, compared with old dudes, they have more energy, nicer attitudes, crisper jokes, less baggage and sweeter dispositions. Oh, and way better (paunch-free) bodies. Nope, no downside there. Go on, enjoy your boy! Meanwhile, work projects proliferate, with one door after another opening and offering fulfillment. Your unique skills are in demand and clients are easy to please. A prediction you made several months ago comes true on the 10th.
Ida Lupino: Feb. 4, 1918-Aug. 3, 1995
Aquarius (January 21-February 19): “Darling, we have a three-day schedule. There’s no time to do anything but to do it.” So said Ida Lupino (Feb. 4, 1918-Aug. 3, 1995) to a Method actor. With typical Aquarian vision and verve, Lupino broke new ground in Golden Age Hollywood by working as an actress, writer, director and producer. Tap her can-do attitude this month when productivity and adhering to deadlines is key. Meanwhile, let yourself be playful in relationships. Glam up for the hell of it on Saturday nights. Life’s too short not to break out the Loubou’s once a week!
Pisces (February 20-March 20): Your independent streak surfaces even more than usual this month. It’s a wonderful quality and key to your success but find time to socialize – it will refuel your energy. As your love life picks up, your days and especially your nights will be downright magical. Relish the attention and have fun being a vamp; don’t rush into any serious conversations. Be sure to look the part of a seductress – sky-high heels perhaps? On a business matter, ask as many questions as you need to around the 19th.
Aries (March 21-April 20): Drama is divine, but tends to be best in small doses. If you’re a bit bored in a relationship, remember that an even keel is usually better than fireworks and fights, which tend to be more exhausting than exhilarating after a while. Enjoy the peace! On the other hand, if you’re the placid one and Man du Jour has a need to create drama just to feel normal, evaluate whether you want that in the long term. Meanwhile, your talents are recognized at work and your expertise is much in demand. Your strength and inner calm averts a crisis on the 25th.
Pam Grier was born May 26, 1949.
Taurus (April 21-May 21): Eager to start a new career chapter? Network like crazy, but remember that sophisticated networking is about connecting and contributing, not just calling in favors or asking for leads. In Vogue’s Book of Etiquette, 1948, you’ll find this handy advice: “If asked why one left a previous job, frankness is the best unless an explanation would involve a loss of proper reticence; for example, “I enjoyed the work, but I wanted a better job,” but not, “I had to leave because I wanted to go west to get a divorce.” Hmm, somehow, “Go west, get a divorce” strikes me an ideal title for a little tome on wicked women and complicated romance.
Gemini (May 22-June 21): You’ll experience a feeling of freedom and joy this month, perhaps just from feeling grateful for the little things like fire-engine red nail polish, fish-net stockings and full-fat ice cream. And be extra thankful for your beautiful, one-of-a-kind body – it was designed to be loved and cherished! Respond to what the moment requires and creativity will flow. Practice saying: “Lie down with your hands up.” This may serve you well since you’ll be spending more time in the yoga studio or gym. On the 18th, make sure your man knows you’re crazy about him.
From FNB readers