By Linda C. Black Tribune Media Services Today’s Birthday (May 1). Your assignment this year is to come on strong, even against great odds. You know that what you believe in is right, so state it loud and clear. 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 a 6 _ An idea that comes from far away could be lucrative. Look for a different way of doing a difficult job, and a different place to sell a practical product. Taurus (April 20-May 20) _ Today is an 8 _ Patiently explain your position again and again to a person who thinks he’s smarter than you are. Eventually, he’ll figure it out. Gemini (May 21-June 21) _ Today is a 5 _ You may feel as if the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Luckily, you have good friends who won’t let you take life too seriously. Listen to them. Cancer (June 22-July 22) _ Today is an 8 _ There’s no doubt that you love your friends. For money, though, consult the one whose name is on your paychecks. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) _ Today is a 6 _ Don’t start the month on the wrong foot by getting into an argument you can’t win. If you notice you’re talking to a brick wall, dummy up. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) _ Today is a 9 _ A distant friend is running into one problem after another. To you, the solution is rather simple. Be gentle as you explain it again. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) _ Today is a 5 _ Spending is a lot more fun than saving or budgeting, but it’s a good idea to do the latter before the former. Now is a good time. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) _ Today is a 7 _ There’s no need for you to defend yourself _ get your attorney to do it for you. But seriously, it does look like you’ll be more successful through a spokesperson. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) _ Today is a 6 _ You might prefer a life of leisure, but that’s not what’s happening now. Get into the job and the routine. It’ll be good for you. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) _ Today is an 8 _ This is a lucky month for you, generally speaking. However, there are a few financial considerations this year. Don’t let them ruin your fun. Love is in the air. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) _ Today is a 5 _ Domestic issues take priority most of this month, starting now. Well, it actually started two weeks ago _ it’s just more noticeable now. Take notes. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) _ Today is an 8 _ Sure, you have a lot on your mind, but that’s nothing to worry about. Settle down and set priorities. Then, take it one step at a time. ___ ‘copy 2003, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.