Futures
Futures are a section in the Perplex City Sentinel, much like Horoscopes.
Futures from March 21 edition:
The Eagle (March 11 - April 10)
Heel, boy! You've been coming down pretty hard on your group. Step back, breathe, and remember - it's only a game.
The Spider (April 11 - May 10)
Miss Priss, when last we spoke you were plotting vengeance on he who done you wrong. Giving the man a little space may be just the unexpected trick to lure him back to your lair.
The Wave (May 11 - June 10)
I love how hard you're working, but I do not love the toll this work is taking on your body. I prescribe green vegetables and a spa day.
The Archer (June 11 - July 10)
Is it possible to have it all if you're not having much fun? Take some time out of your hectic schedule to plan some spontaneity!
The Half-filled Jug (July 11 - August 10)
If you ask her, she will come.
The Dragon (August 11 - September 10)
So there's this rumor going around that you just suffered a rather devastating blow to your ego. You've kind of had it coming. But don't fret, you'll bounce straight back.
The Three Balls (September 11 - October 10)
Your team is spinning its wheels, and you're leaving them hanging. You're the ideas person, so get cracking!
The Dice (October 11 - November 10)
Take a shot on that newcomer who wants a piece of the action. Bide your time; it will pay off big at the end of the week.
The Maze (November 11 - December 10)
I know just what will get you out of those doldrums. Shake up your little world: take a class, join a new games league, take a day trip. Anything's better than where you are now, right?
The Apple-Thief (December 11 - January 10)
Roses are red, violets are blue. Somebody close has a huge crush on you.
The Hand (January 11 - February 10)
You're too gosh darned nice. Stop being everyone's carpet. Next time someone asks a favor of you, politely refuse. You know what guy does not look hot to the ladies? That would be the one they can push around.
The Baby (February 11 - March 10)
You have been taking such positive steps lately. Keep it up! The end result will be completely worth it. You may even land a treat tomorrow for all your hard work.
Futures from March 28 edition:
The Eagle (March 11 - April 10)
Floundering? Out of options? Do what I do when trouble hits: Sushi! Have an eel and cucumber roll; it brings you luck.
The Spider (April 11 - May 10)
The Archer has you in her sights. Should your subdolous ways slip, she'll snarl. Scarper.
The Wave (May 11 - June 10)
Shuffle your way to heaven at your weekly card game. Bet big. Triangles are go.
The Archer (June 11 - July 10)
The fruits of your labor are sour. Taking up arms is never suggested, though it is often appropriate. Just don't forget to take backup.
The Half-filled Jug (July 11 - August 10)
Great minds think alike, so get together with a like mind this week. Let two halves make a sphere.
The Dragon (August 11 - September 10)
Your fiery nature ignites a skirmish against a rival team. Funnel your energies into something positive, and stop it. You know, before someone loses an eye.
The Three Balls (September 11 - October 10)
You seem to be in a bit of a bawdy phase. Doesn't seem like a lasting turn. The slightest overstepping of your boundaries will turn you prim again.
The Dice (October 11 - November 10)
Missing a piece of your interpersonal jigsaw is even worse than misplacing your key. This is a good week to take out a personal ad. Go on, it's only your pride.
The Maze (November 11 - December 10)
Unexpected ventures haven't turned out well for you. It's time to get back to basics. Traditional values are on the rise.
The Apple-Thief (December 11 - January 10)
I think that you shall never be as smart as those who know base three.
The Hand (January 11 - February 10)
Your newfound spirit of independence has opened many portals. Pay no heed to those who would direct your course; use your own internal compass.
The Baby (February 11 - March 10)
You are as beautiful as a flower. Why do you let this ugly-minded person make you dinner? (Eel and cucumber rolls can be lucky for all signs, really. Yum.)
And remember, it's not how you play the game, it's how the game plays you, kiddo.
Futures from the week of April 4 edition:
The Eagle (March 11 - April 10)
Persistence pays; this is the week for you to be stubborn. Stand your ground. Beware the Jug who will try to derail you.
The Spider (April 11 - May 10)
As your skirmish rolls on, you may require a distraction. A fluffy movie, a new pair of shoes, or some Earth-lit might be perfect to lift your spirits.
The Wave (May 11 - June 10)
Try your brain at your local puzzle open this week. I know you can be intimidated by live events, but you owe it to yourself to give it a shot. You're making great strides.
The Archer (June 11 - July 10)
Intelligence has driven you where you are. It is, however, not everything. You're becoming cold, and I fret that you'll freeze out your support system.
The Half-filled Jug (July 11 - August 10)
Endgame can't come too soon for you, eh? Take some time to really explore your world fully now. Breathe it in while you still have a chance.
The Dragon (August 11 - September 10)
"Nice spec. Buy you a drink?" This haggard line was actually used on me at a puzzlebar this weekend. Needless to say, I had to retort with another classic: "What's your sign, baby?" Dragons, get new material. Please.
The Three Balls (September 11 - October 10)
Cased any joints lately? Several Balls I know are up to no good. Crime doesn't pay, dudes.
The Dice (October 11 - November 10)
Expect a windfall. Then do the opposite of your norm. Rather than putting those Lecks back into the games, please set some aside. You'll need them next month.
The Maze (November 11 - December 10)
Kick those energy leeches out of your life. You know you have to sooner or later!
The Apple-Thief (December 11 - January 10)
If we shadows have offended, think but this and all is mended. That you have but slumbr'd here, whilst these visions did appear.
The Hand (January 11 - February 10)
Does my third eye deceive me? Are you really eyeing the Three Balls? If you want to end up like Joya and Alejo, I suppose it's really none of my business.
The Baby (February 11 - March 10)
Spring is all sprungy, so splurge on something cute and pastel. Nothing works as well as fashion for a panacea!
And remember, you won't help children grow by pulling them up higher.
Futures from the week of April 11 edition:
The Spider (April 11 - May 10)
You've been hard at work spinning that web of yours. This week you'll finally get a look at your grand design. It's perfect!
The Wave (May 11 - June 10)
Wear something yellow today. And no, I mean something that started out yellow. It brings out your ruddy optimism.
The Archer (June 11 - July 10)
Getting awfully full of yourself, aren't you? Don't worry, I know a little Hand who's going to put you in your place.
The Half-filled Jug (July 11 - August 10)
Tuesday will be a very, very bad day. Better call in sick and hide under the covers.
The Dragon (August 11 - September 10)
Ever feel like you're the last of a dying breed? That's because you are. And who do you think will miss you, anyway?
The Three Balls (September 11 - October 10)
You should have a nice chat with your mother. She misses you, and we both know you've got some things you really should tell her.
The Dice (October 11 - November 10)
All of this practice being patient is having a salubrious effect on you. Blood pressure down, in touch with your inner light, and so forth. You even find solves faster! Keep up the good work.
The Maze (November 11 - December 10)
You're getting frustrated at your irrational surroundings. Take a deep breath, help yourself to a good glass of wine, relax. It will all start to make sense before long.
The Apple-Thief (December 11 - January 10)
When every die cast falls your way, be grateful that you're here to play.
The Hand (January 11 - February 10)
This week you'll see right through the Archer's fabrications. Don't be afraid to speak up, you know you're on the right side.
The Baby (February 11 - March 10)
Looking at your spring wardrobe? You'll feel better about it if you wait until next week, after you catch a stomach bug and lose five pounds.
The Eagle (March 11 - April 10)
Don't be so hard on yourself on Wednesday, it could happen to anybody. On Friday, though, you so should have seen it coming. Better luck next time!
And remember, nobody keeps a secret forever.
Futures from the week of April 18 edition:
The Spider (April 11 - May 10)
Web's done, so take a time out. Get to the library and ask yourself, "What would Charlotte do?"
The Wave (May 11 - June 10)
Trust your gut. If you think the hand's bad, it probably is. But then, you knew that, right?
The Archer (June 11 - July 10)
Well, that smarted! Sometimes it is okay to bite that which smacks you.
The Half-filled Jug (July 11 - August 10)
Remember how much fun you used to have with the neighborhood kids, playing tag in the street? Games can still be that freeing, so go with the flow.
The Dragon (August 11 - September 10)
You never were so hot at pick up sticks. Does it sting that she didn't call? Welcome to the rest of the human race, boyo.
The Three Balls (September 11 - October 10)
When the revolution comes, it'll be people like you against the wall. Of course, we all know spheres don't rest against a wall easily, so let's just say there'll probably be a vice involved.
The Dice (October 11 - November 10)
Long story short. Snorkels ahoy! Prepare to eat trout, you lucky duckling.
The Maze (November 11 - December 10)
Quite lost down the rabbit hole, aren't ya? This babe's the one to give you a helping hand.
The Apple-Thief (December 11 - January 10)
All work and no play yield great rewards at the end of the day.
The Hand (January 11 - February 10)
It's like I used to tell my sister: if you're going to head south, make sure you bring the spray. If you mess with the bull, you'll get the horns.
The Baby (February 11 - March 10)
Can't get that promotion you want by resting on your laurels. The effort you'll need to make comes reflexively to others, so you'll have to really put on a good show.
The Eagle (March 11 - April 10)
You have reason to stand tall. Just make sure you don't hit your head on that load-bearing strut over there!
And remember, the most amazing journey happens without taking a step.
Futures from the week of April 25 edition:
The Spider (April 11 - May 10)
You are a rare and special flower. No, really. I don't care what all those other people say.
The Wave (May 11 - June 10)
My, my. Hasn't my little up-and-downer gone and made himself a big ol' fanboy? A little birdie tells me that you've quite the crush on a certain big name gamer. Remember, they taze stalkers.
The Archer (June 11 - July 10)
Sure have your work cut out for you. Use the week to recharge. It's the calm before the storm.
The Half-filled Jug (July 11 - August 10)
Well, tip you over and pour you out: someone's hiding a lush secret. It's not as covert as you think. I spy with my little eye a spider in the know.
The Dragon (August 11 - September 10)
Dude, have you tried the dragon roll at Asiachique? It's a little explosion of heaven in one's mouth. It's really just the thing to soothe the savage beast.
The Three Balls (September 11 - October 10)
Grey days got you down? I hear Brain Benders has a special happy hour on when it's raining. Get in out of the wet and have a little fun. Tell 'em Madame B. sent you, and you'll get the works.
The Dice (October 11 - November 10)
Your lucky charm isn't working so well these days. Best to grow out of those childish superstitions.
The Maze (November 11 - December 10)
It happens that I found myself at the Mimasan Maze last night, and naturally I thought of you, dear reader. Meditation early this week will do you much good, leading to unbound clarity in the days ahead.
The Apple-Thief (December 11 - January 10)
Phee phi pho phum. Phew that you've returned to mum.
The Hand (January 11 - February 10)
Stop being so frenetic; it's making me nervous. Roll on back to the bar. No eel and cucumber for you, though; it wouldn't sit right when you're so unsettled.
The Baby (February 11 - March 10)
I see you're getting a little careless. Is it on purpose? Make sure you know what happens when you get caught, babe.
The Eagle (March 11 - April 10)
As the pop song goes, you'll never get the spoils if it's not in the cards. Stick a card up your sleeve, snookums, and let the spoils come to you. But just this once. Our secret. Yours, mine, and the 5 million strong Sentinel readership.
And remember, truth can never be told so as to be understood, and not be believed.