Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 88

Following Melvin’s contract option being exercised, SF Giants drop fourth straight game

PHOENIX — The Giants had the foundation of a bounce-back game.

In manager Bob Melvin’s assessment, they began the night with great energy. They scored two early runs off right-hander Zac Gallen. Hayden Birdsong struck out five batters through the first three innings.

By night’s end, they’d lost their fourth consecutive game.

Birdsong lost his command. Patrick Bailey surrendered two passed balls that led to three unearned runs. The Arizona Diamondbacks slugged four homers and scored eight unanswered runs. Gallen struck out 10 batters over seven innings; former Giant Anthony DeSclafani pitched two scoreless innings of relief.

Hours after exercising manager Bob Melvin’s contract option for 2026, San Francisco (45-41) endured a flat 8-2 loss to Arizona (43-42). Not too long ago, the Giants were tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers for first place in the NL West. They now reside in third place after losing 12 of their last 16 games. And if San Francisco doesn’t course correct over the next two nights, there’s a chance they leave the desert sitting in fourth place.

“It felt like we went out there with as good energy as we’ve had all year,” Melvin said. “We scored some early runs off a starter, which has been a problem for us. In the middle innings, it just completely flipped.”

The game most tangibly flipped when Birdsong, for a second start in a row, inexplicably lost the strike zone.

With the Giants leading 2-1, Birdsong began the bottom of the fourth inning by throwing 10 consecutive balls. On his 11th pitch of the frame, Birdsong surrendered a three-run homer to Jake McCarthy that gave the Diamondbacks a lead that they’d never lose.

The 23-year-old Birdsong similarly lost his command in his last outing against the Miami Marlins, walking the first two batters of the fifth inning before being pulled from the game.

“It’s the same thing every single time,” Birdsong said. “I don’t know what it is. Almost feels like a forcefield. I don’t know why. Same mindset. Arm feels good. Just gotta find something. I don’t know what it is, but we’ll find it.”

Birdsong only walked 8.6 percent of the batters he faced in April and May, but he’s walked 11 percent of batters from June onwards. He believes his confidence levels are fine, and while he doesn’t think anything is wrong mechanically, he conceded that something could be off.

“He’s got to keep pitching through it,” Melvin said. “We’ve seen this guy really good. We’ve seen him pitch really well out of the bullpen, come in late in games. It’s just been a little bit of a tough period for him for whatever reason.”

Bailey, too, had his own tough night at the ballpark.

In the bottom of the third, Bailey couldn’t corral a catchable curveball from Birdsong, allowing James McCann to advance from first to second. That same at-bat, Geraldo Perdomo shot a single over the outstretched glove of second baseman Tyler Fitzgerald to drive in Arizona’s first run of the game. The run was unearned.

Two innings later, Bailey had an even costlier miscue. With two outs in the fifth, Carson Seymour got Eugenio Suárez to whiff on a two-strike sinker but Bailey couldn’t catch the pitch. The ball rolled away, Suárez scampered to first and the inning stayed alive.

The next batter, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., immediately made the passed ball hurt by smacking a two-run home run, extending the Diamondbacks’ lead to four runs. In the sixth, back-to-back home runs by Randal Grichuk and James McCann extended Arizona’s lead to six runs and effectively iced the game.

“He’s one of the better framers in the game, but that was three runs there,” Melvin said. “There has to be … an area where you can’t go after that. You just got to catch it because at least tonight the ramifications were big.”

With third-string third baseman Christian Koss hitting the 10-day injured list due to a left hamstring strain, the Giants called upon Wilmer Flores to make his first appearance at third base since May 5, 2024.

Along with going 1-for-4 at the plate, Flores easily handled the lone grounder hit at him. Flores nearly had an RBI on his single, but center fielder Alek Thomas threw out Rafael Devers trying to score from second.

“Flo is up for it today — which you would expect,” Melvin said pregame. “He wants to win. He can help the team win. He’s played the position before. He’s played first quite a bit here. He can field a grounder. He can throw the ball. We’ll see where we go with it.”

Playing Flores at third is far from ideal for the Giants, who have spoken repeatedly about keeping Flores healthy after he underwent a season-ending Tenex procedure on his right knee last year. Brett Wisely should likely see time at third base in the coming days, and president of baseball operations Buster Posey said it’s “on the table” that Devers plays his old position.

Devers has played 951 games at third over nine seasons in the majors but has exclusively been a designated hitter with both Boston and San Francisco. Melvin said last month that the Giants didn’t plan to use Devers at third upon acquiring him, but the team is more open to pursuing that avenue with Koss, Matt Chapman (right hand inflammation) and Casey Schmitt (left hand inflammation) all injured.

Before the Giants even consider playing Devers at third, they’ll first have to ensure that he’s fully healthy.

Devers has been dealing with a groin ailment since joining San Francisco, and Melvin revealed on Tuesday that the three-time All-Star is also managing a back ailment as well. With Chapman and Schmitt on track to return in the coming days, the Giants may not have to use Devers at the hot corner at all.

“He’s not yet physically ready to play first, so third would be the same thing,” Melvin said. “Once he’s able to play in the field, he told me he’s open for anything.”

Cathy Thomas: This is the best way to make a Wedge Salad

By Cathy Thomas | Correspondent

Recipe: This is the best way to make a Wedge Salad

In my opinion, a wedge salad should have a boatload of tasty garnishes. The cold, crisp, knife-cut Iceberg lettuce needs plenty of delicious blue cheese dressing, and the toppings should include some kind of onion, thick-cut crunchy bacon, and tomatoes. I’ve been known to throw in some sliced pickled beets and a few thin slivers of salami on the side of the plate.

The wedge salad recipe in Cook’s Illustrated magazine offers a dandy take on the onion element. Instead of sliced red onion, it suggests thinly sliced pickled shallots, a sweet-sour element that is quick to prepare and scrumptious. Their formula also includes a last-minute scattering of snipped fresh chives.

I’ve noticed that guests appreciate a place setting that includes steak knives. The sharp blades make cutting Iceberg lettuce much easier.

Wedge SaladYield: 4 servings

INGREDIENTSPickled Shallots:

1/3 cup red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

2 shallots, thinly sliced

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Dressing:

2 ounces blue cheese (1/2 cup), crumbled

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 teaspoons red wine vinegar

1/4 teaspoon hot sauce

Salad:

6 slices thick-cut bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-wide pieces

1 head Iceberg lettuce (1 1/4 pounds), stem trimmed, chilled, see cook’s notes

1 plum tomato, cored and cut into 1/4-inch pieces, or 12 cherry tomatoes cut in half

4 ounces (1 cup) blue cheese, crumbled

2 tablespoons fresh chives, cut into 1/2-inch lengths

Cook’s notes: The lettuce’s core should stay intact to hold the leaves together in a tight stack.

DIRECTIONS1. Prepare pickled shallots: Combine vinegar and sugar in a small microwave-safe bowl or glass measuring cup with a handle. Microwave until sugar is dissolved and vinegar is steaming, 30 to 60 seconds. Add shallots and stir to combine. Cover and cool completely for about 30 minutes. They can be refrigerated airtight for up to one week. Drain before using the shallots on the salad.

2. Prepare the dressing: While the shallots are pickling, mash the blue cheese in a medium bowl with a fork. Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, juice, vinegar, and hot sauce; stir to combine. Season with freshly ground black pepper.

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3. Prepare the bacon: Cook bacon in a 10-inch skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until fat is rendered and bacon is a deep, golden brown, adjusting heat to keep bacon from browning too quickly. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

4. Halve lettuce through core and cut each half into 2 wedges, leaving core intact. Arrange lettuce wedges, rounded side down, on rimmed plates or shallow bowls. Drizzle about 3 tablespoons dressing across the top of each wedge, using a spoon to help it cascade down the sides. Divide tomato(es), 1 cup crumbled blue cheese, and bacon among wedges. Garnish with drained pickled shallots and chives. Season generously with freshly ground black pepper. Pass remaining dressing separately.

Source: Adapted from Cook’s Illustrated magazine

Award-winning food writer Cathy Thomas has written three cookbooks, including “50 Best Plants on the Planet.” Follow her at CathyThomasCooks.com.

Dried bay leaves bring layers of flavor to beef skewers

By Christopher Kimball | Milk Street

On the Portuguese island of Madeira, espetadas are made by threading chunks of beef onto fresh-cut branches of bay and cooking the skewers over the embers of a fire. The bay infuses the meat with its unique menthol notes while also releasing a heady aroma.

In this streamlined take on espatadas from our cookbook ” Milk Street 365: The All-Purpose Cookbook for Every Day of the Year,” we pulverize dried bay leaves in a spice grinder to make a seasoned salt, mix in garlic and olive oil, then use the mixture to season the meat before threading it onto metal skewers and grilling over charcoal or gas.

Though a bit unconventional, we add tomatoes to these skewers and also make a simple Madeira reduction to finish the dish. Seasoned with garlic and some of the bay salt, the glaze-like sauce bolsters the flavors of the beef.

Flat iron steak or beef sirloin tips offer the best combination of tender texture and rich flavor, but if you’re up for a splurge, beef tenderloin also is excellent.

Don’t use fresh bay leaves in place of dried; they won’t grind down into a fine powder. Also, don’t trim the beef; bits of fat — what the Portuguese call “the flower of the espetada”— help with charring and add rich flavor. Finally, don’t use top-shelf Madeira here; an inexpensive nonvintage bottle will do just fine.

Espetada-Style Grilled Garlic and Bay Beef Skewers

Start to finish: 45 minutes, plus grill prep

Servings: 4 to 6

Ingredients:

10 dried bay leaves, crumbledKosher salt and ground black pepper6 medium garlic cloves, finely grated (about 1½ tablespoons)1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided2 pounds beef sirloin tips or flat iron steak, cut into 1½-inch cubes12 cherry tomatoes½ cup Madeira (see note)2 tablespoons salted butter, cut into 2 pieces and chilled

Directions:

In a spice grinder, combine the bay, 1½ teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper, then pulverize to a fine powder. Transfer to a small bowl. In a medium bowl, combine 2 teaspoons of the bay salt, 1 tablespoon of garlic and 1 tablespoon oil, then mash with a fork until combined. Add the beef and toss, rubbing the seasonings into the meat. Thread the beef onto four 10- to 12-inch metal skewers alternating with the tomatoes; set aside.

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In a small saucepan over medium, heat the remaining 2 teaspoons oil and the remaining bay salt, stirring, until fragrant and sizzling, about 3 minutes. Add the remaining 1½ teaspoons garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant and sizzling, about 10 seconds. Add the Madeira and bring to a simmer, then reduce to low and cook, stirring, until reduced to 2 tablespoons. Cover and set aside off heat.

Prepare a charcoal or gas grill. For a charcoal grill, ignite a large chimney of coals, let burn until lightly ashed over, then distribute evenly over one side of the grill bed; open the bottom grill vents. Heat the grill, covered, for 5 to 10 minutes, then clean and oil the grate. For a gas grill, turn all burners to high and heat, covered, for 15 minutes, then clean and oil the grate.

Place the skewers on the hot side of the grill (if using charcoal). Cook, uncovered, until the beef is lightly charred on both sides and the center of the thickest piece reaches 125°F for medium-rare, 10 to 14 minutes total, flipping once about halfway through. Transfer to a platter, tent with foil and let rest while you make the sauce.

Set the pan with the Madeira reduction over medium and heat uncovered just until steaming. Remove from the heat, add the butter and swirl the pan until the butter is melted and the sauce is emulsified. Remove the meat from the skewers and drizzle with the sauce.

For more recipes, go to Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street at 177milkstreet.com/ap

It’s the season to try luscious, delicate figs

By Lynda Balslev | TasteFood

Fresh, ripe figs are luscious and delicate. Their flavors are varied and nuanced, depending on the type of fig. For instance, small Black Mission figs are dark, sweet and jammy, with tiny seeds that lend a slightly grainy texture. Plump, soft Calimyrna figs are large and golden-green, with a mildly sweet, nutty and vegetal flavor. Brown Turkey figs strike a middle ground. Streaked in purples and yellow with a soft pink interior, their flavor is mild and honeyed, which makes them compatible with both sweet and savory dishes.

It’s easy to eat ripe figs as they are, straight up from the market. However, if you are lucky to have an abundance, try adding them to salads, layering them into sandwiches or perching them on top of pizzas and bruschetta. This salad is a tumble of arugula and farro, studded with figs. Crumbled goat cheese and pistachios lend extra heft and protein, allowing you to call this a light meal.

Fig, Arugula and Farro Salad

Active Time: 10 minutesTotal Time: 40 minutes, plus cooling timeYield: Serves 4

1/2 cup semi-pearled farro1 1/2 cups water

Dressing:2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice1 teaspoon runny honey1 teaspoon Dijon mustard1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

3 ounces fresh baby arugula1/2 small head radicchio, shredded (optional)5 to 6 plump Brown Turkey figs, stemmed and quartered2 ounces fresh goat cheese, crumbled2 to 3 tablespoons torn fresh mint leaves2 tablespoons coarsely chopped unsalted pistachiosFinely grated lemon zest, for garnish

Combine the farro and water in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, partially cover the pot and simmer until the farro is tender, about 30 minutes. Drain the farro in a fine-mesh sieve and transfer to a bowl. Cool to room temperature.

Make the dressing: Combine the vinegar, lemon juice, honey, mustard, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Add the oil in a steady stream, whisking to emulsify.

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Assemble the salad: Combine the arugula and radicchio in a large, wide serving bowl. Scatter the farro over the salad and top with the figs, cheese and mint. Drizzle some of the dressing and gently toss to combine. Add more dressing to your taste. Garnish with the pistachios and lemon zest.

Lynda Balslev is an award-winning writer, cookbook author, and recipe developer based in northern California. Visit TasteFood at TasteFoodblog.com.

Steph Curry opens as betting co-favorite at Tahoe golf tournament

Steph Curry and Mardy Fish will be back at Lake Tahoe next week, where onlookers will hope for a rematch of their epic 2023 showdown in the American Century Championship.

Curry, the Warriors’ two-time MVP, , the former tennis star, on the final hole two years ago for his first win at Edgewood Tahoe Resort. Last year while Curry was at Team USA camp preparing to lead the Americans to Olympic gold in Paris, Fish won.

The pair are co-favorites at +240 in opening odds released by the tournament and Caesars Sportsbook on Tuesday.

Fish is a two-time winner of the tournament, having also won in 2020. Dallas Cowboys quarterback-turned-CBS analyst Tony Romo (+450) is a three-time winner in the field, as is former A’s ace Mark Mulder (+650).

Former Sharks captain Joe Pavelski is a 3-to-1 pick just behind Curry and Fish. He has been in the mix for several titles, including a second-place finish last year, but has never won the tournament.

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Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz and women’s golf legend Annika Sorenstam round out the top group at +550 and +650, respectively.

Curry’s father Dell (125-to-1) and brother Seth (350-to-1) will return to the tournament again after representing the family without the Warriors star last year. Seth is an unrestricted free agent this summer after playing last year for the Hornets in Charlotte, where Dell is a TV color analyst.

Other notable Bay Area-tied athletes competing include former Cal quarterback Aaron Rodgers (40-to-1), 49ers tight end George Kittle (250-to-1) and former Raider Derek Carr (85-to-1), who retired this offseason.

Mexican banks face cascading consequences following US sanctions

By MEGAN JANETSKY

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Three Mexican financial institutions sanctioned by the Trump administration last week have felt a cascade of economic consequences following the allegations that they helped launder millions of dollars for drug cartels.

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The U.S. Treasury Department announced that it was blocking transactions between U.S. banks and Mexican branches of CIBanco and Intercam Banco, as well as the brokering firm Vector Casa de Bolsa. All three have fiercely rejected the claims.

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum accused U.S. officials of providing no evidence to back their allegations, though the sanctions announcement made specific accusations on how money was transferred through the companies. It detailed how “mules” moved money through accounts in the U.S., as well as transactions carried out with Chinese companies that U.S. officials said provided materials to produce fentanyl.

Mexico’s banking authority has announced that it is temporarily taking over management of CIBanco and Intercam Banco to protect creditors.

Sheinbaum said Tuesday that the Mexican government is doing everything within its power to ensure that creditors aren’t affected, and said they were well “within their right” to pull their money from the banks.

The U.S. Treasury Department said that the sanctions would go into effect 21 days after the announcement.

Fitch Ratings has downgraded the three institutions and other affiliates, citing “anti-money laundering concerns” and saying the drop “reflects the imminent negative impact” that the sanctions could have.

“The new ratings reflect the significantly more vulnerable credit profile of these entities in response to the aforementioned warnings, given the potential impact on their ability to meet their financial obligations,” the credit rating agency wrote in a statement.

On Monday, CIBanco announced that Visa Inc. had announced to them with little warning that it had “unilaterally decided to disconnect its platform for all international transactions” through CIBanco. The bank accused Visa of not complying with the 21-day grace period laid out by the sanctions.

“We would like to reiterate that your funds are safe and can be reimbursed through our branch network,” the bank wrote. “We reiterate to our customers that this was a decision beyond CIBanco’s control.”

S&P Ratings also withdrew CIBanco from its ratings index, saying that it was because it had terminated its contracts with the bank following the U.S. Treasury announcement.

US won’t send some weapons pledged to Ukraine following a Pentagon review of military assistance

By WILL WEISSERT and MATTHEW LEE

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. is halting some shipments of weapons to Ukraine amid concerns that its own stockpiles have declined too much, officials said Tuesday.

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The munitions were previously promised to Ukraine for use during its ongoing war with Russia under the Biden administration. But the pause reflects a new set of priorities under President Donald Trump.

“This decision was made to put America’s interests first following a (Defense Department) review of our nation’s military support and assistance to other countries across the globe,” White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement. “The strength of the United States Armed Forces remains unquestioned — just ask Iran.”

That was a reference to Trump recently ordering U.S. missile strikes against nuclear sites in Iran.

The Pentagon review determined that stocks were too low on some items previously pledged, so pending shipments of some items won’t be sent, according to a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity to provide information that has not yet been made public.

To date, the U.S. has provided Ukraine more than $66 billion worth of weapons and military assistance since Russia invaded in February 2022.

Over the course of the war, the U.S. has routinely pressed for allies to provide air defense systems to Ukraine. But many are reluctant to give up the high-tech systems, particularly countries in Eastern Europe that also feel threatened by Russia.

The halt of some weapons comes after Russia launched its biggest combined aerial attack against Ukraine over the weekend, Ukrainian officials said, in an escalating bombing campaign that has further dashed hopes for a breakthrough in peace efforts championed by Trump.

The U.S. stoppage was first reported by Politico.

Trump met with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the NATO summit last week and had left open the possibility of sending Kyiv more U.S.-made Patriot air defense missile systems, acknowledging they would help the Ukrainian cause.

“They do want to have the antimissile missiles, OK, as they call them, the Patriots,” Trump said then. “And we’re going to see if we can make some available. We need them, too. We’re supplying them to Israel, and they’re very effective, 100% effective. Hard to believe how effective. They do want that more than any other thing.”

Those comments reflect a change of thinking about providing weapons to Ukraine across the administration in recent months.

In opening remarks at a Senate defense appropriations subcommittee hearing in June, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said he has moved quickly to quash wasteful programs and redirect funding to Trump’s top objectives.

Hegseth said a negotiated peace between Russia and Ukraine, which has been promoted for months by Trump, makes America look strong, even though Moscow is the aggressor in the conflict. He also said the budget includes hard choices and “reflects the reality that Europe needs to step up more for the defense of its own continent. And President Trump deserves the credit for that.”

The defense secretary said during that testimony that some U.S. security spending for Ukraine is still in the pipeline, but provided no details. Hegseth also acknowledged that funding for Ukraine military assistance — which has been robust for the past two years — would be reduced.

“This administration takes a very different view of that conflict,” Hegseth said. “We believe that a negotiated peaceful settlement is in the best interest of both parties and our nation’s interests.”

Last month, Hegseth skipped a meeting of an international group to coordinate military aid to Ukraine that the U.S. created three years ago. Hegseth’s predecessor, Lloyd Austin, formed the group after Russia attacked Ukraine, and Hegseth’s absence was the first time the U.S. defense secretary wasn’t in attendance.

Under Austin’s leadership, the U.S. served as chair of the group, and he and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff attended monthly meetings, which were both in person and by video. Hegseth had previously stepped away from a leadership role of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group — turning that over to Germany and the United Kingdom — before abandoning the gathering altogether.

Trump says Israel agrees on terms for a 60-day ceasefire deal

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Israel has agreed on terms for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza and warned Hamas to accept the deal before conditions worsen.

Trump announced the development as he prepares to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for talks at the White House on Monday. The U.S. leader has been increasing pressure on the Israeli government and Hamas to broker a ceasefire and hostage agreement and bring about an end to the war in Gaza.

“My Representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza. Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War,” Trump wrote, saying the Qataris and Egyptians would deliver the final proposal.

“I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better — IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE,” he said.

Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer was in Washington on Tuesday for talks with senior administration officials to discuss a potential Gaza ceasefire, Iran and other matters.

FBI says it plans to move headquarters to different location in Washington

By ERIC TUCKER

WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI announced Tuesday that it planned to move its Washington headquarters several blocks away from its current five-decade-old home.

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The bureau and the General Services Administration said the Ronald Reagan Building complex had been selected as the new location, the latest development in a yearslong back-and-forth over where the nation’s premier federal law enforcement agency should have its headquarters.

It was not immediately clear when such a move might take place or what sort of logistical hurdles might need to be cleared in order to accomplish it.

FBI Director Kash Patel, who in his first months on the job has presided over a dramatic restructuring of the bureau that has included moving to relocate significant numbers of employees from Washington to Alabama, called the announcement “a historic moment for the FBI.”

The decision represents a turnabout from plans announced during the Biden administration to move the FBI to a site in Greenbelt, Maryland. The suburban Washington location was selected over nearby Virginia following a sharp competition between the two states.

The FBI’s current Pennsylvania Avenue headquarters, the J. Edgar Hoover Building, was dedicated in 1975. Proponents of moving the headquarters have said the Brutalist-style building, where nets surround the facility to protect pedestrians from falling debris, has fallen into disrepair. Discussions have been underway for years to relocate it.

The FBI and GSA said in a joint statement that moving the headquarters just a few blocks away to an existing property would avert the need to construct a brand-new building in suburban Washington, which they said would have taken years and been costly for taxpayers.

“FBI’s existing headquarters at the Hoover building is a great example of a government building that has accumulated years of deferred maintenance, suffering from an aging water system to concrete falling off the structure,” GSA Acting Administrator Stephen Ehikian said in a statement.

The Reagan Building houses, among other tenants, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It also had been home to the U.S. Agency for International Development, which on Monday marked its last day as an independent agency.

Horoscopes July 1, 2025: Pamela Anderson, play by the rules

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Liv Tyler, 48; Missy Elliott, 54; Pamela Anderson, 58; Dan Aykroyd, 73.

Happy Birthday: Play fair; live by the rules and regulations, and everything will run smoothly. Opportunity comes with a healthy attitude and a desire to finish things on time. Home improvements will make your life easier. Expand your interests and qualifications this year, and you’ll gain ground. Refuse to let insecurity or focusing on the impossible hold you back. A rational point of view and hard work are your tickets to success. Your numbers are 7, 10, 16, 23, 31, 39, 43.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Attend events that give you a platform to share your beliefs. A pioneering approach to improving situations will help you bring about change if you don’t exaggerate or make promises you cannot deliver. Stick to what’s doable, and you will attract people who can help you bring your intentions to fruition. 3 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Let whatever you are doing play out. You’ll do better than anticipated and encourage others to support and join your quest. Personal and physical improvements in meaningful relationships will help you gain momentum, access groups and bring about positive change. Romance is in the stars. 5 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Take a cautious approach to conversations that address touchy issues. As chatty and outspoken as you can be, today is a good day to listen, assess and reframe how you want to deal with others. An activity that is physically and emotionally stimulating will help you expand your interests and raise your standards. 2 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Keep things in perspective. Look for simple solutions instead of conjuring up far-fetched scenarios. Look at your choices, the cost involved and who to contact to get things done. A calm, positive approach to your actions will lead to favorable results. A romantic gesture will leave a lasting impression. 4 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug 22): Join the conversation, participate in groups that address your concerns, and make your voice heard. Reminisce and attend reunions; the experience will help you understand yourself better and visualize what to do next. Clarity is the path to personal growth and progress. A move or change will help define what matters the most to you. 3 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You are overdue for a change. Ask questions, research and set a budget to cover your costs. Changing locations or visiting a place that offers insight or spurs your imagination will help you uncover how to enhance your life by taking the path to achieve what you want. 3 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Test the water before you jump into something new. Taking a leap of faith will leave you scrambling, but taking baby steps, paying attention to detail and choosing to develop something unique yet marketable will set you on a journey that will change your life. A passionate discussion with someone special is overdue. 3 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Stop spinning your wheels and trying to do too much for too many. The anger and frustration you feel have more to do with you than with those you let take advantage of you. Pull up your socks and make a to-do list that discloses what you want, and make it happen. 4 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Address issues concerning money, shared expenses, joint ventures and property. Once you are clear regarding responsibilities and how to maintain equality or opt out of the relationship, it will ease stress and allow you to reinvest your time and money while rebuilding a better lifestyle and greater security moving forward. 4 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Be careful what you wish for. You’ll face opposition and misinformation requiring attention, deciphering and patience. Take a break from the monotony, and attend a networking or social event that will fill your mind with alternatives. A romantic gesture will take care of emotional confusion. 2 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Pay attention to where the money flows. Investments will pay off, and joint ventures will help you cut your overhead. Listen to your intuition, and focus on upgrading your living space. Spending time with someone who can enlighten you regarding the house or financial markets will point you in the right direction. 5 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): What you do and say matters. Choose your words wisely, spout the truth, and talk with people who have something to contribute to help you think and shape your next move. Interaction is the key to knowledge and formulating how you can use your skills and connections to get ahead. 3 stars

Birthday Baby: You are ambitious, innovative and persistent. You are perceptive and accommodating.

1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes. 2 stars: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others. 3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach your goals. 4 stars: Aim high; start new projects. 5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.

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