By Linda C. Black Tribune Media Services Today’s Birthday (March 28). You’ll be very good at solving puzzles this year, but don’t let yourself get too reasonable. You’ll also have flashes of sheer inspiration that are impossible to explain by “scientific” methods. The time you save for meditation is the most valuable. To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging. Aries (March 21-April 19) _ Today is an 8 _ You might think of yourself as a loner, but actually, your friends are very important to you. It’ll mean the world to one of them if you mention that. Taurus (April 20-May 20) _ Today is a 5 _ Do the paperwork to bring the money in. You know what it is; you’ve been putting it off and even worrying about it. If you don’t get it done, it’ll interfere with your fun. Gemini (May 21-June 21) _ Today is an 8 _ A visit with a favorite older person would be perfect this weekend. A friend might cover for you if you want to leave early. But first, take care of one important thing concerning money. Cancer (June 22-July 22) _ Today is a 5 _ A long-distance call will do you and your friend a world of good. But don’t make it when you’re supposed to be doing something else. That would cause messes. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) _ Today is an 8 _ If you’ve got a good partner or mate, you can let him or her take over. If you don’t have one yet, keep an eye out for a cool, competent analyst. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) _ Today is a 5 _ Your partner could surprise you with an unexpected suggestion. Or, if you don’t have a partner, you could surprise yourself by finding one. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) _ Today is a 7 _ This is a good day for planning and for visualizing perfection. It’s the easiest part of the job, but very important. Concentrate. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) _ Today is a 6 _ You’re probably so busy that it’s hard for you to find time. But you should know that tonight is good for highly imaginative romance. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) _ Today is an 8 _ Be gentle with a person who’s confused. You can think and move quickly, but not everyone can. Be patient. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) _ Today is a 6 _ Count up all your pennies and see what you really have. It may not be quite enough for the item you have in mind, but you’ll know how much you still need. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) _ Today is an 8 _ Don’t listen to any rumors; they’re most likely to be wrong. But do check under your couch cushions. You might find a pleasant surprise. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) _ Today is a 7 _ Don’t bail out a friend in need. You won’t be doing this friend a favor. Instead, teach him to stretch a bit and utilize more of his talent. ___ ‘copy 2003, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.